(Staff writer Carroll Rogers is filling in for David O’Brien today.)
Hey I get called up from low Class A to the majors in a matter of 24 hours! OK, maybe not quite the same deal. But I spent the last two days in Rome, visiting some old friends from Macon who now work in Rome – always great to see – and getting to know first round pick Mike Minor.
I think you guys are going to like him. And I’ll get to that in a minute. But first off, I should set up the weekend series with the Florida Marlins in town. The Fish are tied with the Braves in second place in the NL East, 6 ½ games behind the Phillies, and one of several threats in the wildcard.
The Marlins have been swinging some hot bats too. Until their 4-1 loss to the Astros last night, the Marlins had put up double-digit hits in 15 consecutive games. That’s the longest stretch since the St. Louis Browns had one of 15 games in 1937, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The major league record was 18 consecutive games, held by the 1922 St. Louis Browns and the 1925 Cleveland Indians.
I love ol’ baseball stats on things like this. Doesn’t work in football, now does it?
The Marlins went only 9-6 over that stretch of 15 games, despite raising their team batting average from .258 to .267, because of some poor pitching. In those 15 games, the Marlins’ ERA was 5.01.
Just looking at starting pitchers’ ERAs for this series, you’d think the Braves have the advantage, plus the fact that they don’t have to face Josh Johnson.
Anibal Sanchez (who’s coming off shoulder surgery) has a 5.55 ERA, Chris Volstad is at 4.61 ERA, Ricky Nolasco is 5.22 ERA. The only Braves starter in the series with an ERA anywhere close to that is Sunday’s starter Derek Lowe who’s now at 4.45 after the Tuesday night eight-run mess. This will be a big start for Lowe Sunday to try to regroup. No doubt about that.
SMOLTZ REDUX
And this is how my ADD mind works, and I’m free to let it loose while freestylin on the blog. I was talking to John Smoltz the other day for a story about his signing with St. Louis and he told me he watched that Braves game Tuesday night and really felt for Lowe.
“I saw myself in that one inning,” Smoltz said. “He didn’t pitch that bad but didn’t get one out.”
Smoltz said he felt like he just needed a break, something to turn for him. He brought up his 1991 season.
“When I was 2-11, my break was the All-Star break,” said Smoltz who went 2-11 with a 5.16 ERA before the All-Star break that year and 12-2 with a 2.63 ERA after the break. “I think I’m going to do the same thing now, just unfortunately with another club.”
He was excited about joining the Cardinals, but he made a point to say how hard it was for him to turn down Fredi Gonzalez and the Marlins. From what I’ve read on our notes group, the Marlins were interested in Smoltz as a starter, which would have been right up his alley.
But I have to wonder if part of the reason he chose the Cardinals over the Marlins was so he wouldn’t have to deal with the Braves quite so much. Smoltz is making his first start for the Cardinals on Sunday. If he’d done that with the Marlins, he would have been pitching against the Braves. He didn’t want that kind of pressure when he was first coming back with the Red Sox, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want it now. He needs to get his feet underneath him.
He could still face the Braves when they travel to St. Louis on Sept. 11-13, but by then he might be in the bullpen. I think the Cardinals are planning on starting Smoltz two or three times and then might move him into a setup role.
From what the talking heads said about his last game against the Yankees, I figured it was his slider that was off, not breaking like normal, and I asked Smoltz about that. He said no, his biggest problem was location on his fastball, which is still 92-94 mph.
He said his splitter was not as effective but his slider was OK. He’s made an adjustment to correct the heel of his back foot coming off the rubber and thinks that will help with location on all his pitches.
I think most all of us want to see him do well and not remember that long face we saw in the dugout at Yankee Stadium. That’s not the John we know.
By the way, I thought it was very cute how many times Smoltz brought up his new wife Kathryn during our conservation. I had heard Smoltz was very much in love, like a high schooler about his bride, but it was fun to hear for myself. (This is how you might be able to tell DOB is not writing this blog, in case you haven’t figured that out by now. We have some warm fuzzies for the ladies.)
Smoltz said his wife went with him to Georgia Tech for his second bullpen session and he wanted to stay out there long enough to get some things figured out. That wound up being about 150 pitches, including warm-ups. Or in his words, “long enough for my wife to get sunburned.”
MAS MINOR
Gosh, I’ve babbled on a ton, but I have a few things I want to say about left-hander Mike Minor, who looked impressive last night in Rome, facing six batters and retiring them all in his professional debut. He hit 91 mph on the gun with his fastball, about what he was touted to have, and threw first-pitch strikes to each of the six hitters when he hadn’t pitched in a game since June 1. We’d also heard about that control.
He’s a smart kid and seems to take pitching very seriously, from all accounts. He’s been getting pitching lessons since he was 12, his dad told me, and seems to have a good understanding of how to attack hitters, that it’s not all about blowing fastballs by people, that it’s about upsetting timing and being able to locate pitches within the strike zone.
He’s got some confidence to him, don’t get me wrong, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing either. He was telling me about adding a curveball back to his repertoire last summer. He’d thrown one in high school but when he got to Vanderbilt they wanted him to throw a slider. Now he throws both. But I asked if he added that before he faced Cuba and beat them twice for the USA National Team and he said yes, about a week before.
“I threw it a lot because it kept them off-balance,” Minor said. “I threw a lot of those and changeups because they’re a fastball hitting team. 1-0, 2-0 they’re hacking, swinging as hard as they can. Dump an easy curveball in there. They wouldn’t swing at it.”
A couple of other things I didn’t have room for in my story and I just have to mention here: Minor, who grew up in Chapel Hill, Tenn (yes, named for a certain town in NC where some random university is located), population 1000, and played at a high school with about 80 in his graduating class. The competition wasn’t that great, but you have to appreciate this little stat: he gave up one earned run his entire senior season.
But he lost in the state championship game his senior year after giving up something like two unearned runs. And the opposing pitcher was another guy named Drew Hayes, who ended up being his roommate at Vanderbilt after Hayes transferred in as a sophomore.
“I didn’t talk to him for the first month because I was still bitter about it,” Minor said. “Then I finally gave in, and we ended up being like best friends. We still talk almost every day.”
Minor is a naturally gifted athlete who played high school basketball as well. His dad told me he was always just trying to keep up with his older brothers. He’s one of seven kids. (Wow.) His dad told me Minor was on a skateboard at 18 months. Huh? I asked it again, and he said yes, 18 months.
Anyway, Minor has got probably three more starts with Rome – and I doubt he’ll be back, so take him in when you can – and he’s going to the Arizona Fall League. So they’ll be plenty more to see and hear of him in the coming weeks.
SCHAFER UPDATE
I exchanged a few texts with Jordan Schafer this morning and he said his wrist is “good so far.” He got out of his cast last week and started swinging a bat on Monday. He was going to test his wrist swinging for a few days before he decided if it might still need surgery.
He was to get out on the field today and take batting practice with Class AAA Gwinnett. Perhaps a September call-up is still in order. We shall see. More from the park this afternoon.
2,113 comments Add your comment
monty
August 21st, 2009
12:29 pm
I still say the Braves need a decent win streak. Sure we can gain ground steadily by winning 6 or 7 out of 10. But a winstreak of 7-8-9 in a row would surely catapult us up a couple of notches in the standings and intensify and energize the fan base that isn’t that intune right now. I think they have it in them, no time like the present.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
12:29 pm
Thanks for the new blog Carroll! I’m excited about Minor.
bravesgrl4life
August 21st, 2009
12:30 pm
thanks for the new blog, carrol. the old one was getting a bit tedious.
JSS
August 21st, 2009
12:30 pm
ESPN Insider ranked the Braves as having one of the 5 worst drafts of any team in baseball. They said Minor was a huge reach at 7. Is there a reason Atlanta took him instead of a player with more upside, like Tyler Maztek? Maztek only got $1.5M more to sign that Minor. Just seems like the Braves wasted their highest pick in recent memory on a potential 4 or 5 starter if the experts are to be believed. Minor didn’t even dominate college competition and I’d like to know what kind of upside the Braves see in him. This is the exerpt from the article about Atlanta:
The Bottom Five
5. Atlanta Braves
Mike Minor at No. 7 overall was a huge reach, and Atlanta — normally one of the strongest and shrewdest-drafting teams — went ultra-conservative; the Braves didn’t take a player under the age of 21 until the seventh round, and their second pick, David Hale, had lousy results in a bad conference the past two springs despite plus stuff. Atlanta, like the other four teams on this “worst” list, spent under $4 million in the top 10 rounds in a year in which the median figure was around $5 million, and after overpaying Minor, they didn’t give anyone more than Hale’s $405,000.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
12:33 pm
Braves Take 2 of three this series “Bank On It!”…And I have a strong feeling that D-Lo will rebound Sunday. If he struggles the blog will go crazy…
Some are speculating that this is a big series and that Tooner Field will be packed…
I’m calling for there to only be 30-32,000 tonight. Simply put the Marlins have no fan base outside the 305 and they are not a big market team
Other than the playoffs in 1997 the Marlins have never drawn big crowds to the Ted
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
August 21st, 2009
12:33 pm
Thanks for the blog, Carroll.
We’ll see if Steve from OH can contain his enthusiasm after reading this news about Schafer.
(I hope he’s well enough for a look-see in September. Kid deserves another shot this year — if healthy.)
timthebrave
August 21st, 2009
12:33 pm
Carroll, Have you heard anything about Escobar being hurt? He seemed to be grabbing the back of his thigh and limping a little near the end of the game last night
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
12:34 pm
RE: Body found on Chipper’s Ranch
Let’s hope Larry and Adam didn’t mistake the person for a duck.
Ernest
August 21st, 2009
12:34 pm
Looks like the first round pick had a great start. Let’s hope it continues and we see him in the big leagues in 2-3 years.
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
12:34 pm
I didn’t have time to go back and check a history of posts, but it looks like the Hudson contract issue was a topic. As Tomahawkin was mentioning, it would be good to have Huddy in the pen in September, but I really don’t see that happening.
I see the Braves thinking that they will take his option and sign him, but I also see them wanting to see a few starts at the major league level before doing so.
My suggestion (hello Frank, you listening?) would be to put Derek Lowe into the bullpen and give Hudson a shot at starting. Lowe could always be ready in waiting for the first few starts Huddy gets.
I might be all wrong on this one, but the Braves would be foolish to let a potential 15-20 game winner go for nothing. Especially when the price tag is reasonable (12 mil is reasonable for 15+ wins per).
My two cents worth…..
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
12:34 pm
PS
I think we can sweep this series…
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
12:34 pm
Monty
When was the last time the braves won more than than 5 in a row…?
The longest winning streak I saw by a braves team was when they won 15 in a row in 2000
And I think they had several 5 game winning streaks in 2003…
Efrim
August 21st, 2009
12:35 pm
I think the Braves get to have two players from their system fo to the AFL, so I am guessing it’s Minor and Heyward.
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
12:35 pm
Carroll
Thanks for the updates, especially on Minor and Schafer. Do you get any indication that if Schafer is pain free, he will get a callup in September. If he is healthy, I can’t see where it would hurt.
OptimisticInTexas
August 21st, 2009
12:35 pm
Schafer a call-up? And no Heyward? I know, I know…
OptimisticInTexas
August 21st, 2009
12:35 pm
Enter your comments here
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
August 21st, 2009
12:35 pm
JSS,
I’ve not seen other comparisons of team drafts, but a reason the Braves didn’t spend much could be money. I’d hate to think the club is shortchanging the system but the economy’s still far from healthy.
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
12:37 pm
timthebrave
We have quite a few guys gimping around lately: Chipper, Escobar, Loaf, Prado, Church and Soriano. Did I miss any?
OptimisticInTexas
August 21st, 2009
12:38 pm
Wayne, so you saying, with Hudson, that each win is worth about $1 million?
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
12:39 pm
Wayne in UT
You think Huddy’s stuff is good enough to shut down opposing teams? Especially with the added pressure of the WC race?
Also if he does start he will on be a 5 inning pitcher and I would have to be sure that he will not pitch over 90-95 pitches if that…
I think If one of our starters was fatigued or had a nagging injury I’d put Huddy in the 5th spot, but since we have the Luxury of 6 starters already (I’m including Med’s because he can spot-start if need be) I want to see Huddy start in the Pen…
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
12:39 pm
JSS thanks for sharing that ESPN Insider info….I’d say let’s see how Minor does in the Arizona Fall League and going forward and let his work against competition we know and understand best tell us whether the Braves reached or not. I think they put a lot of emphasis on how he pitched against Cuba by the way, not just his college stats…
I know in talking to Rome manager Randy Ingle yesterday he said from what he saw in the bullpen Minor had “Electrifying stuff,” Ingle said. “His fastball jumps with movement. His changeup and slider are outstanding. With his stuff, from what I’ve seen in the pen, I can see why we picked him first.”
You know we’ll just have to see how it plays out. At this point aren’t we all a little surprised the 13 teams ahead of the Braves didn’t take Heyward? Did the experts recognize that at first?
abwright
August 21st, 2009
12:39 pm
Definitely some “girlie” stuff in the blog. Somewhat amusing.
I hope that Smoltzie gets it together, just not against the Braves. He seemed to rush back from a major surgery and start pitching in the heat of a pennant race. I suspect that he will finish this year with a non-contender, but he will have a full off-season to get truly ready for 2010. I think he still has 1-2 years as a starter in him, barring additional injuries.
Braves versus Fish … big series.
Pitching match-ups really favor the Braves. Marlins pitchers may (at last) be reaching the season where their lack of innings in the past finally catches up to them. If so, some tired arms should let the Braves get some good pitches to hit.
Hope Prado is ready to come back from his head-aches. That would be a shot in the arm for the Bravos. McLouth had been scuffling when he went out, so Gorecki/Infante – Church – Diaz doesn’t look like too much of a step down.
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
12:40 pm
Efrim i think it can be more than that. Why do you say two?
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
August 21st, 2009
12:40 pm
timthebrave, Wayne,
Looks like Sept. 1 can’t come soon enough. McLouth will be back around that time, plus you can call up Conrad, Valdez, Brandon Jones, maybe Schafer. Anybody I’m missing?
[Ducks.]
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
12:42 pm
Wayne In UT
“My suggestion (hello Frank, you listening?) would be to put Derek Lowe into the bullpen and give Hudson a shot at starting. Lowe could always be ready in waiting for the first few starts Huddy gets.”
That may not be a bad Idea, especially if MFIKY is hurt more that people are led to believe…Lowe’s next 2 starts will determine that and might add better speculation
Now I see why you want Huddy to start…
abwright
August 21st, 2009
12:45 pm
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR) … 12:40 pm “…, plus you can call up Conrad, Valdez, Brandon Jones, maybe Schafer. Anybody I’m missing?
Hows about Diory Hernandez, Jo Jo Reyes, and Barbaro Canizares?
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
12:45 pm
I am unable to contain my enthusiasm about Schafer! (h/t Piedmont!)
Efrim–we’re required to send at least six players to the AFL, only one of which can be from A/A+ (according to the rules, they must be on the AA roster no later than Aug. 1 to be eligible). If you have one year of ML service time, you’re ineligible for the AFL.
So…Heyward, Freeman, Hicks, Jones, Ortegano, Minor? If we don’t send Minor, perhaps Rohrbough? I don’t really see anyone from AAA worth sending…
http://www.mlb.com/mlb/events/winterleagues/about/?league=afl&id=player_elig
HAL
August 21st, 2009
12:45 pm
scheafer only gets called up if there predicting an unusually warm sept. and the ted need air conditioning lol
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
12:46 pm
Tomahawkin
I agree that Huddy will need to be watched and his pitch count will need to be monitored. BUT, if he is anywhere near his old form, he is better than Lowe. He might suck for a few games, but the Braves will want to know how he looks before looking at his contract.
I don’t think the WC race will add any additional pressure on Hudson. He is a major league pitcher, who has felt pressure before.
Optimistic
Is that new math? 15 starts divided by 12 million is not 1 million per win. So this year, if he gets 2 wins, then it is about 5 million plus per win. I don’t think in those terms. Injuries can shoot that one all to heck.
Kawakami is on track to get a tad less than 1 million per win, but do we hold him responsible for all the times he pitched well and the offense sucks.
Fact is, you just don’t let a guy like Tim Hudson walk, unless you are certain he arm shot (aka Smoltz).
Gotta run…
abwright
August 21st, 2009
12:46 pm
And I forgot (how could I?) Ryan “Spangles” von Furstenburg.
DAP
August 21st, 2009
12:49 pm
JSS, i dont know a ton about the draft, but from what i understand, the braves liked minor because he has good control of his pitches, and isnt really far away from contributing.
yeah, probably a little conservative, since alot of early picks are super toolsy players, but i think the braves were going for more of a sure thing, even if its a little less upside.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
12:49 pm
Maybe they’d send Diamond instead of Hicks or Jones…
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
August 21st, 2009
12:50 pm
abwright,
What about the 19-year-old kid. Right fielder, big guy, lots of potential. Why can’t I think of his name … ?
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
12:50 pm
Carroll–if I remeber correctly, a lot of people were really surprised Heyward lasted that long.
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
12:51 pm
Neil Diamond would be great in Arizona (Hot August nights could be come Hot November Nights)
Baba O'Riley
August 21st, 2009
12:52 pm
Carroll- Is Terry Morgan working with the Rome Braves? He was the eqpt. manager for the Macon Braves and I used to brink him gloves to re-lace. I also miss the old Macon Braves beatwriter and good friend J.J. Cooper. Macon Braves….those were the days.
Baba O'Riley
August 21st, 2009
12:53 pm
bring him gloves…not ‘brink”
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
12:53 pm
Baba O’Riley–JJ Cooper writes for Baseball America now, fwiw.
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
12:54 pm
September call-ups: Schafer, Valdez, Conrad, Reyes and Canizares. Keep Gorecki up too.
If Heyward were coming up this year, it would have happened when McLouth went down.
Baba O'Riley
August 21st, 2009
12:54 pm
Yeah, I know. Macon had no idea how good of a beatwriter we had.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
12:54 pm
Wayne In UT
“He might suck for a few games, but the Braves will want to know how he looks before looking at his contract.”
Good Point…It just sucks that the braves F.O. are gonna use a month of the season as a barometer to determine wheather or not to pick up Huddy’s option, but it is what it is…
KC
August 21st, 2009
12:55 pm
Lew: “Supes-It’s not a matter of whether or not Hudson will ever come back to what he once was, but when that might be. He’s only signed for this option year and if you go back and look at Smoltz’s return from his TJ surgery, he wasn’t effective until June and even then it was as closer.”
Doctors say it takes 18 months to fully recover from TJ surgery. Since Smotlz had his surgery in the spring, he didn’t hit that 18 month mark until the END of his first season back. Hudson will hit the 18-month mark in the spring before the season begins.
Greg in TN
August 21st, 2009
12:55 pm
Afternoon denizens…
And a tip of the cap to Carroll, blogging on in the stead of the Notorious One. Hated that I couldn’t catch Mike Minor’s debut last night, but will be in Rome tonight to see the farmhands take on Charleston before catching Phillip Wellman’s Mississippi bunch in Chattanooga. Got to show love to the kids on the farm when one can, right?
Pivotal series beginning tonight at 755 Hank Aaron drive folks. Braves cannot afford any backward steps from here on out and even at that point, would need some sweeps and a little help now and then.
Nothing like a little New York state of mind for Everybody’s Favorite Catcher. I particularly enjoyed the missiles hit off of Parnell and Santana well into the right field stands on both Wednesday and Thursday. He’s 6 for 19 over the last 5 with 3 homers and 6 RBIs and is one of the reasons (along with LaRoche, Church, et al) why the Braves haven’t sunk into the standings with the recent skid by Chipper. Also happy to see Ryan Church play well on his return to Flushing.
Time for the drive down 75 folks, will check back in later tonight after Rome v Charleston.
Chief
August 21st, 2009
12:56 pm
First? JEFF FRANCOUER HAS JUST BEEN TRADED!!
Baba O'Riley
August 21st, 2009
12:56 pm
Reid Gorecki’s defense should get him more PT in left field.
wjones
August 21st, 2009
12:57 pm
Maybe what the Braves were thinking about with Minor was to get a fast-tracked, low-risk lefty in the rotation, since they don’t have anyone (save Jo-Jo) who fits that bill now. Let’s see how that would work:
Pitches in Rome, then goes to the AFL.
Starts 2010, depending on AFL/ST performance, either in Myrtle or Miss. If Myrtle, gets callup to Miss upon a couple of months of good performance.
Starts 2011 with Gwinnett, barring ppp or injuries. If he succeeds there, maybe a call-up in September, or if needed, a mid-season call.
Possibly ready to start 2012 in rotation. Rotation would already include Hanson and JJ, probably. Possibly Medlen. Lowe’s contract would already be up, so would KK. Who knows IRT Hudson and/or Vazquez, but one would not be there, possibly both. But a good chance that he would be ready to step in at that point, at the age of 24-25, to the MLB rotation, if all goes well.
bravesgrl4life
August 21st, 2009
1:00 pm
Agreed Baba, I really liked him out there last night. Only flub was when he sent that ball sailing back towards home way high.
NYCbravesfan
August 21st, 2009
1:01 pm
7-2 in the next 3 series would prove our playoff potential and leave the braves in prime position
Andy K.
August 21st, 2009
1:02 pm
Remember everyone, that some September call-ups will be delayed if the Gwinnett Braves make the playoffs, as they will still need to have a full roster.
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
1:06 pm
Weird, because I was thinking that Smoltz might turn down the Marlins because it might be too much having to face the Braves and apparantly that might be true. I think the man isn’t confident in himself maybe for the first time in his life. I wouldn’t have minded if we got him for the pen.
Fred
August 21st, 2009
1:06 pm
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR), I would add Clint Sammons to your list of September call-ups because they usually want a third catcher on the roster. I also imagine Buddy Carlyle is headed back to the majors.
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
1:08 pm
!ST
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
1:08 pm
Steve from OH, Minor is definitely going to the AFL. Received his invitation and is going.
OptimisticInTexas
August 21st, 2009
1:08 pm
Wayne, I have never looked at it that way either… but, looks to be working out that way (the money)… but I just don’t know about Hudson.. Is he going to have it? As much as Vazquez? And will he consider staying long term? I know Vazquez will…
timthebrave
August 21st, 2009
1:10 pm
My thoughts on Minor. I saw him pitch in person against Uga. He did a great job of mixing up pitches. I saw some hits were on the outside corner where people can still hammer them with the metal bats but if it goes off the end of a wooden bat it wouldn’t go anywhere. I think he has a lot of potential and I am not willing to say it was a reach just cause a guy can’t throw 98mph
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
1:10 pm
Good stuff, Carroll. Thanks for the heads-up. That means that the other 5 (well, 3) guys will have to be from our AA or AAA teams. Any idea on who the others will be?
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
1:14 pm
Greg in TN, enjoy Rome. You get two-for-one tonight. Game was suspended in the fourth last night because of rain….
wjones
August 21st, 2009
1:15 pm
Add to call-up Clint Sammons. This would definitely be a big potential help to the team, IMHO, because it would allow Sammons to basically rot on the bench waiting for a catcher to get hurt, while Bobby could actually use Ross as a RH power bat off the bench. And of course McCann when Ross plays.
monty
August 21st, 2009
1:15 pm
Tomahawkin
My saying I think this team can win 7-8-9 in a row is certainly not based on their past experience. We certainly have the pitching to accomplish that and if Chipper can be Chipper and Prado can come back and play near what he has been, while not probable, is doable. It may have to come in our last 17 games of the season which to me if we’re only 2-3 games out at that point of either the division or the WC looks pretty promising. We get the Nationals and Mets alot in those games and the Rockies get the Dodgers and Giants alot in their final games and the Marlins and Phils get each other!
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
1:17 pm
That Minor is from Chapel Hill,TN so I’m sure he has some redneck in him, somewhere. We did a job up there once and it’s definitely a very small town… I’ll just say some country folk around there.
Andy K.
August 21st, 2009
1:18 pm
It sounds like the Braves organization really likes Gorecki, judging from Bobby comments on him the other night.
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
1:18 pm
From what I have heard in the local media, Smoltz turned down the Marlins because St. Louis was a better team.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
1:19 pm
Ah, and I now see that the info was in both the blog and the very nice story you wrote on Minor (that I just now read). Nothing to see here people…
Jim
August 21st, 2009
1:19 pm
Sept. call ups will include Carlyle, Conrad and Canizares. The latter would provide a RH bat off the bench, and Conrad deserves the call for the contribution he made during his first appearance plus giving the team a switch-hitter off the bench. Jo Jo will probably also be called up to add another lefty to the pen. I doubt if Schafer will get the call since he has played so little this year and would have no role unless McLouth and Anderson are both unable to play by then. Bobby does not like to add a lot of warm bodies to the dugout unless there is a role that they might play.
PWHjort
August 21st, 2009
1:20 pm
Thanks for the blog, Carrol. It’s a good one.
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
1:20 pm
Steve from OH, i’m checking on that. will let you know if i get a response.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
1:22 pm
Awesome, Carroll. I really appreciate it!
OptimisticInTexas
August 21st, 2009
1:22 pm
Wow! It feels good being this close to the playoffs! I can smell playoffs for the first time since we lost the 18-inning marathon in Houston… And everybody was high-fiving me… Oh, nevermind
Greg in TN
August 21st, 2009
1:22 pm
Carroll: Thanks Carroll! I am sure I will. A little extra baseball is always a good thing.
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
1:23 pm
Greg in TN, when goes Miss. come to Chattanooga, or are you gone for the day? I guess I could check that game out since I’m pretty much right down the road.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
1:23 pm
Jim
I agree Conrad deserves to play up here he will prolly be coming. I think that Shafer if healthy will come to for some outfield depth. Im pretty sure McLouth is on the DL for a little while. I also wouldnt mind seeing Heyward up here and maybe Freeman for a week or two.
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
1:24 pm
Miss Rogers, thanks for the stats on how hot our bats have been. The brave’s pitching is wearing down and becomming tired, while our hitters are just heating up. It’s going to be another magical season in Miami!
Cheese
August 21st, 2009
1:26 pm
As Vandy Alum, I pumped we got Minor…in terms of pitching he’s more of a Glavine and not overpowering but he was always more consistent than David Price. He’s got some great pitches and is already really good at keeping hitters off balance. I’d expect to see him at least in the bullpen next year sometime or maybe a fifth starter if the braves trade Vasquez and Don’t pick up Hudson’s Option
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
1:27 pm
Did anyone else see that Sheffield has demanded to be traded to the Marlins or released? I’m not sure if he understands how the trade process works after Aug. 1…
richbrave
August 21st, 2009
1:27 pm
I’m ready for some MARLIN fishing. GO BRAVES.
Cheese
August 21st, 2009
1:28 pm
I think we bring up Schafer even if for no other reason than he is extremely fast and would be excellent in pinch running situations
BOISESTATEBRONCO
August 21st, 2009
1:29 pm
Sweep the Fish!!
Efrim
August 21st, 2009
1:29 pm
Steve from OH and Carroll Rogers, not sure why I only thought two. For some reason I only thought we were able to send that many. Six sounds right though.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
1:29 pm
Cheese
I agree from what I have heard he has always had more control of his pitches that Price. I dont think he will be starting next year by any means. They cant trade their best pitcher this year. Vazquez could easly have 14 wins right now. As far as hudsons option if he pitches Im pretty sure they will pick it up. He helped this club through some rough times.
JSS
August 21st, 2009
1:29 pm
Carroll, thanks for replying to my post. It’s definitely encouraging to hear that the Rome manager was impressed with Minor’s “stuff”. I realize that the draft is an inexact science, with a lot of great players being drafted well after the first round. But with Atlanta picking 7 I was hoping they would go for a potential homerun and take a pitcher that the experts felt would have a higher upside. Guess we’ll have to sit back and judge Minor on his performance in the years ahead. Hopefully he proves people wrong.
As far as Heyward goes, I believe that the draft writers were surprised that he last until Atlanta’s 14th pick a few years ago. I’m excited to see what he can do once he makes it to the big leagues…
BOISESTATEBRONCO
August 21st, 2009
1:30 pm
What a great start by KK last night!!
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
1:30 pm
Steve from OH
No, but wow…
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
1:32 pm
JSS
Maybe they took Minor at 7 because they knew he would be happy and sign. Wren prolly didnt wanna go through something like the Nats had to.
Frank Wren
August 21st, 2009
1:32 pm
GM of the year baby
jb
August 21st, 2009
1:33 pm
Steve from OH and Carroll Rogers, not sure why I only thought two.
maybe because your’re an idiot?
Steve McP
August 21st, 2009
1:34 pm
Hey just realised that the Braves got a win when they scored 3 runs, breaks the hoodoo!
BOISESTATEBRONCO
August 21st, 2009
1:37 pm
Need a win tonight!!
Jeff R
August 21st, 2009
1:37 pm
Speed gets a pitcher only so far. Control is the name of the game. Greg Maddux never had much velocity, neither did Glavine. Both are going to Cooperstown.
If Minor has this sort of control already, then he’s many steps ahead of his competition.
bravesgrl4life
August 21st, 2009
1:40 pm
I see the Bi*ch is back from Florida. Go Braves, as I said last night, catch ‘em, filet ‘em, and fry them up in the pan. The pan, in this case, being Turner Field
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 21st, 2009
1:42 pm
Frank Wren is not going to roll the dice with Hudson and trade Vazquez. With Hudson (as with Glavine as with Smoltz) it is clearly not what you have done but what will you most likely be able to contribute. We know what Vazquez will give us in 2010 but regardless of how much Hudson will get to pitch (if any) this year I just can’t see the Braves picking up his option at 12 mil.
I do see the Braves trying to rework some contracts to assure we have the best rotation in baseball for 2010. I prefer that over any middle of teh order “big bat” that would be had in a Vazquez trade. It all is about pitching folks first and foremost. Why would you possibly trade a top NL starter that is relatively cheap and run a post TJ pitcher out there in his stead. Makes no sense whatsoever.
I say let Hudson go if a contract can’t be reworked and keep Vazquez.
RHR
August 21st, 2009
1:44 pm
Thanks Carroll, good stuff as always. Happy for Smoltzy and his new wife, hope he does well with STL.
Did anyone else see that Sheffield has demanded to be traded to the Marlins or released?
Really? Why? Whats he mad about?
Jeff321
August 21st, 2009
1:45 pm
So, did we hear the scoop yet on Chipper/Gonzo?
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
1:45 pm
Rock On……the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
Mike Hampton, how many times did we stick with this injury prone player? To many. they like hudson, he has pitched well in his rehab I think they will renew take his option.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
1:46 pm
He wants a contract extension, RHR, and he wants it now!
Somebody should really explain to him that they can’t just trade him to the Marlins…
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
1:52 pm
Have we started a “Let’s Sweep The Fish” Campaign yet???
Soph
August 21st, 2009
1:52 pm
Pschh, do the Marlins even want him?
Colin
August 21st, 2009
1:52 pm
As a freshman, Minor absolutely dominated at the college level. He and David Price were the best one-two starting duo in the nation, easily. His sophomore and junior years, one might say he was a victim of the recently banned composite bats that SEC teams were using to hit HRs at record paces. You won’t find a kid who knows how to pitch like him very often. Learning under one of the best pitching coaches in the world (Derek Johnson) has really turned him into a savvy kid. Look at his stats with team USA, something like 69 total innings and a 1.17 ERA or something absurd like that….went up against international competition using wood bats and he dominated. Expect him to really prove all these critics wrong. I thought the Braves front office knew a thing or two about pitching…..?
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
1:53 pm
The thing about Sheffield to me is that he supposedly found God because of his new wife and that he was a changed man. Someone needs to explain to him that being selfish isn’t part of God’s plans.
Rob from SC
August 21st, 2009
1:54 pm
Is Heyward going to the AFL?
Rob from SC
August 21st, 2009
1:56 pm
From Rotoworld
Javier Vazquez indicated Thursday that he’d like to sign a long-term contract extension with the Braves.
Vazquez has pitched for five teams in seven years and is hoping he can finally settle down with his family in a single location. “I love it here,” Vazquez told AOL FanHouse. “It was always a place that I saw myself playing one day. It never happened until this year, but I’m happy it did.” The 33-year-old boasts a 2.99 ERA, .225 opponents’ batting average and 178 strikeouts in 162 1/3 innings this year. He’ll become a free agent after the 2010 season
Daslied
August 21st, 2009
1:56 pm
RHR, Sheffield is mad at that breath he took when he woke up today. Apparently it disrespected him.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
1:58 pm
Rob from SC
Its gunna get done this off season I bet.
TommyP
August 21st, 2009
1:59 pm
Despite the ERA’s listed in the blog, Nolasco’s is inflated by a horrible first half. He’s been dominant in 5 of his last 6 starts.
Anibal might be fresh off the DL but he’s nasty when healthy. I look for a very competitive series.
nemov
August 21st, 2009
2:00 pm
Is it really a possibility that Schafer could get a call up after missing so much time? It seems like the organization would like to see him play well at AAA and rebuild some confidence first. We should be grooming him for next season.
The Love Child of Dale Murphy and Johnny Cash
August 21st, 2009
2:01 pm
Has anyone thought about the fact that if Keith Law was really that insightful he’d be scouting for a Major League club instead of ESPN?
RHR
August 21st, 2009
2:02 pm
Oh ok…well, good to see some things never change. Bears still go in the woods, the Pope is still Catholic, and Sheff is still crazy.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
2:03 pm
nemov
We are going to need outfield depth at somepoint our guys keep getting banged up out there. The kids got the confidence, I mean he did hit a home run in his first at bat its like a sign from the baseball gods.
bigboi
August 21st, 2009
2:03 pm
you know it’s funny, but I haven’t heard one person mention anything about how well TP has done as a hitting coach lately….. hmmmmm
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
2:04 pm
JJ Hoover finally made Baseball America’s prospect hot sheet…however, notable Braves farmhands Heyward & Freeman made the “not-so-hot” sheet this week.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
2:05 pm
Has anyone thought about the fact that if Keith Law was really that insightful he’d be scouting for a Major League club instead of ESPN
He did work for the Blue Jays for a while…
Why all the hate for Keith Law, anyway? Just because he doesn’t agree with every move the Braves make? Gee, what and idiot, right?
sidslidkid
August 21st, 2009
2:06 pm
bigboi, don’t bring that up know. What are trying to do? Be a positive fan?
DAP
August 21st, 2009
2:07 pm
Have we started a “Let’s Sweep The Fish” Campaign yet?
lets start by winning game 1.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
2:07 pm
Steve from OH
Duhh braves are actually the worlds greatest organization lol
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
2:07 pm
Jeff R: Speed gets a pitcher only so far. Control is the name of the game. Greg Maddux never had much velocity, neither did Glavine. Both are going to Cooperstown. “”
Control AND movement are the names of the game actually…
nemov
August 21st, 2009
2:08 pm
Escobar for Supreme Court
We desperately need a leadoff hitter for the future. I’m not sure it’s worth risking Schafer’s confidence.
Supes
August 21st, 2009
2:08 pm
Steve from OH,
I’m with you on the Keith Law deal…I think he’s pretty darn good at his job and just b/c he may have a conflicting opinion with the majority of bloggers doesn’t discredit his work as a draft/minor league expert.
Eric
August 21st, 2009
2:09 pm
As we all know that this weekend series against Marlins will be very crucial. I just hope we don’t go out and blow this chance
rammerjammer
August 21st, 2009
2:10 pm
Rock On, I am with you on the Hudson thinking. Would just as soon Frank invest that $12 mil on the offense…like maybe locking in our first baseman for a few more years.
People seem to forget that Hudson has been good, but not great, with the Braves. I just don’t see any reason to slobber all over him when we have a 1B situation to square away for 2010 (please don’t tell me Freeman will be ready) and beyond and a pretty good leftfielder who’s cheap and probably won’t be back.
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
2:11 pm
Chipper is right, you need a K pitcher in your rotation and Javy is really the only legit one in the rotation. Hudson and Lowe are too much alike. I know Hudson K’s more guys because he has other pitches to go to when the sinker isn’t working but I just like Javy better for us in the future. JV seems to love being a Brave and I don’t see any way he takes a step back from this year if he signs long term here. Javy over Hudson for me… if that’s what it comes down to.
DAP
August 21st, 2009
2:12 pm
i think there are still alot of people overestimating schafer. i know he was hurt, but he skipped AAA, played poorly in the majors, went back down and played 9 games…also poorly, and now that he just got his cast off, hes ready for a september callup? i dont think so. hopefully he gets to play in the AFL, but i dont even think he should be considered ready to start the 2010 season with the braves. there is no reason for him to start the season up here based on the personnel we have and his recent struggles. i say schafer gets plenty of time in AAA next season.
OptimisticInTexas
August 21st, 2009
2:15 pm
TnBrian, agreed. Javy could go for a cheaper contract. Huddy?
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
2:16 pm
Rammerjammer-
Hudson pitched as well as any pitcher could with the bad offences we put on the field to help him win games. It would be foolish to let him leave. I honestly wouldnt be surprised if Rouchy took a price cut to stay in Atlanta he loves it here. Im not worried about him leaving at all.
DAP-
He was hurt he was in a cast for like two months, obv. he was 100% in his last couple weeks with the Braves. He was a solid part of the offence before the big slump. He was pretty much always on base and had some good gap power and incredible speed.
ncscoots
August 21st, 2009
2:16 pm
We know what Vazquez will give us in 2010
Do you, now? Are you saying that he will duplicate what has been a career year for him, or, that he’ll duplicate what he’s done in the other 10 or 11 years?
You and Lew must attend the same church; you sure sing from the same hymnal.
sidslidkid
August 21st, 2009
2:17 pm
Supes and Steve from OH,
My problem with Law is that it is just too much work and research for one guy to keep up. It’s nearly impossible to be an expert and keep up with one team, much less a 100 minor league teams and the thousands of amateur/college players out there. I just have my doubts about how much scouting/research he can possibly do and how accurate it can be.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
2:17 pm
sidslidkid–it’s not like he does it alone. Like BA and BP, he talks to other scouts on a regular basis.
Cheese
August 21st, 2009
2:19 pm
2010 Outfield Depth- Diaz, McClouth, Schafer, Heyward, Church
As for the Infield: Chipper (though we need to start grooming a replacement), Escobar, Prado, resign LaRoche to 2-3 year deal, Kelly Johnson (maybe look to trade), Infante (Utility/pinch hitter), Freeman (Maybe September call up)
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
2:24 pm
I know he went to see pretty much all of the first-rounders (including Minor) for his draft stuff too…
sidslidkid
August 21st, 2009
2:24 pm
Steve from OH, Understood and I don’t think he is doing it alone. I just don’t think scouts are going to be telling reporters a lot about some talented high school/college kid they want to keep out of the papers and away from other teams. The amount of information he gives us is clearly impressive, but my questions are about the quality of that info.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
2:25 pm
ncscoots, Vazquez has a 106 career ERA+ and averages 200-plus innings a year. You are right that he’s not likely to be this good again–his strikeout, walk and homer rates are the best of his career–but you pretty much know Vazquez is going to at least be better than league average and give his team at least 200 innings.
Vazquez hasn’t had a particularly bad year and hasn’t thrown under 198 innings since he was 22. It’s true he’s not likely to contend for a Cy Young but there something to be said for the certainty you get from Vazquez. Anyone who doesn’t understand that, doesn’t understand pitching beyond ERA, wins and losses.
Jim
August 21st, 2009
2:25 pm
The only way that any of these call ups will get any significant playing time this Sept is if there are multiple injuries or if the Braves fall out of the race. We will see little, if anything, of anyone we bring up. The only exception could be pitchers like Buddy or Jo Jo that would let Cox mix and match from he bullpen more frequently.
nemov
August 21st, 2009
2:26 pm
He was hurt he was in a cast for like two months, obv. he was 100% in his last couple weeks with the Braves. He was a solid part of the offence before the big slump.
Schafer’s slump started after the first series with the Phillies.
sidslidkid
August 21st, 2009
2:26 pm
teve from OH
August 21st, 2009
2:24 pm
I know he went to see pretty much all of the first-rounders (including Minor) for his draft stuff too…
I’m sure he did go see him. How many times though? There are other scouts that have seen him pitch dozens and dozens of times. He reads the media guide on a someone and goes and watches him pitch once and is more of an expert?
Joe Fan
August 21st, 2009
2:27 pm
In the offseason, with their glut of starting pitchers and with Hudson coming back from surgery there is a slim to no chance the Braves will pick up his option, especially a $10 million one, and will most likely trade a starting pitcher to shore up the offense. They have also got to come to grips with who is going to close for them in 2010 and whether they can afford to sign LaRoache rather than waiting for Freeman another season. Lots of questions before next spring training including whether to return Cox as manager.
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
2:27 pm
Gload loves him some Jaivier Vasquez. In 25 at bats he has 10 hits. The braves have 0 chance of winning tonight.
Supes
August 21st, 2009
2:27 pm
There are far too many here on this blog that quickly forget how dominant of a starter Tim Hudson can be when healthy and when he’s on.
You people have short term memory. The guy can shut down a lineup and give you 6-7 innings. He had the 1 “tough” year as a Brave, very similar to what Derek Lowe is doing this year, with a slightly above .500 record but a similar ERA. We are not overly critical of Lowe, but yet when Huddy had that tough “transition” year there were massive outcries here on the blog. Somehow, that season was never forgotten by some of you who wanna get rid of Huddy in the off-season.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
2:28 pm
Is it really a possibility that Schafer could get a call up after missing so much time? It seems like the organization would like to see him play well at AAA and rebuild some confidence first. We should be grooming him for next season.
I would guess they are considering it because they already used up an option year when he made the team out of spring training. Why not bring him up in September as an extra centerfielder off the bench?
Supes
August 21st, 2009
2:28 pm
Where is N8 when you need Hudson’s career stats posted here to give some perspective to the anti-Hudson crowd?
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
2:29 pm
I’m pretty sure he goes to see them multiple times. Keep in mind that he’s not the only one who thinks that, either. Baseball America in particular was not complimentary of the pick. And they talk to lots and lots of scouts who have seen the pitchers a lot.
Supes
August 21st, 2009
2:31 pm
sidslidkid,
What’s your point? You do agree that Keith Law KNOWS more than you and me, correct? It’s obvious that scouts for specific teams did see Minor throw far more than Keith Law did, and it’s obvious that the Braves scout(s) had a higher opinion on Mike Minor (hence why they drafted him when their number 1 guy they wanted Alex Wheeler went to the Giants in the slot before us).
The point is that Keith Law gets a lot of sh*t throw his way around on this blog, but he knows a lot more than you and me and everyone else here that isn’t a working major league scout team director.
Capt Caveman
August 21st, 2009
2:31 pm
YO Joe Fan — there is no “decision” to be made about Cox. He is the manager until he decides to retire. That’s just the fact.
Brian
August 21st, 2009
2:32 pm
Is it really a possibility that Schafer could get a call up after missing so much time? It seems like the organization would like to see him play well at AAA and rebuild some confidence first. We should be grooming him for next season.
Also, the AAA season ends on September 7th, so he’s not going to get much work in there.
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
2:33 pm
Vazquez KNOWS how to retire ML hitters now. He ain’t no sprang chicken, but I think he’s just learned how to pitch. I could see it early in the season, and said so.
Do y’all think his consistency in 2009 is a fluke? Fluke streaks usually contain instances of players reverting to past form from time-to-time. The guy has been too solid, too in command, too confident in his abilities, for that. He knows how to pitch now; you can see it in the way he carries himself.
Call me and idiot if you want! Compliments won’t get you anywhere!
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
2:33 pm
Maybe they’ll just leave Schafer in Gwinnett for the playoffs in order to get more PT. No sense in bringing him up to sit the bench when he’s already missed so much developmental time. Plus, no need to start that service time clock again.
nemov
August 21st, 2009
2:34 pm
Why not bring him up in September as an extra centerfielder off the bench?
Because he needs playing time. He strikes out too much to be a utility bat. He might be a good defense solution for late game situations.
Bob Dole
August 21st, 2009
2:34 pm
I never heard a concrete answer on why Zeke Spruill is in the GCL right now? is he working on something? Was there some type of injury?
sidslidkid
August 21st, 2009
2:34 pm
Supes,
My point is the Braves (and every other team) know more about the players than Keith Law.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
2:34 pm
Supes, I don’t think folks want Hudson’s option to be bought out because they forget what he’s done in the past or because they don’t like him or think he’s a bad pitcher. They just realize the Braves have five quality starters who have proven quite durable in their careers, and the team could use the savings to fill other needs. Hudson is coming off surgery and is 34.
It’s a mistake for a team to pay a player for what he did in the past.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
2:35 pm
My point is the Braves (and every other team) know more about the players than Keith Law.
The Royals and Omar Minaya know more than Keith Law? That’s questionable.
poo to u
August 21st, 2009
2:36 pm
I know I will get blasted for this but here goes.
Trade Lowe and KK we dont need them
2010 rotation is
Hudson, Jurrjens, Hanson, Vazquez and Medlen.
Hudson is cheap and experienced to lead the younger pitchers
Jurrjens, Hanson and Vazquez speak for themselves
Medlen has gotten rid of the jitters and is a true starter. Hes pitching great ball now and is ready to join the rotation.
Use the money you get on Lowe and KK and get a couple of outfielders and a new pen.
Buffalo NY Braves Fan
August 21st, 2009
2:36 pm
Bob Dole,
Someone answered this a while ago about Spruill. He was sent down to work on some things.
Joe Fan
August 21st, 2009
2:37 pm
Caveman: Cox has not has his contract extended and no announcement from the Braves that they intend to do so. Remember he works for the Braves and they can decide to change managers at anytime especially if his body of work is not up to expectations.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
2:37 pm
Because he needs playing time. He strikes out too much to be a utility bat. He might be a good defense solution for late game situations.
Gwinnett’s regular season ends September 7. How is keeping him in the minors going to help get him playing time after the minor league season?
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
2:37 pm
Steve from OH: Baseball America in particular was not complimentary of the pick.”"
But, I was Steve. You failed to mention that….
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
2:37 pm
G GS W L SV BS HLD CG SHO IP H R ER HR BB K ERA
304 303 146 77 0 0 0 22 11 2017.1 1909 857 781 160 619 1372 3.48
WHIP BAA
1.25 .251
Hudson Career stats. They arent going to let a pitcher like him go, hes also home grown you know Georgia loves its own players.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
2:38 pm
My point is the Braves (and every other team) know more about the players than Keith Law.</em.
But Law gets a lot of his info from scouts that work for ML teams, dude. He’s using a lot of the same info they are.
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 21st, 2009
2:38 pm
We are talking post-op Hudson and frankly don’t care about past stats. What we do care about is pitchers not giving us solid innings throughout the year. Vazquez was signed to give us those innings and he has come through in spades. Likes playing here to boot. Don’t get me wrong I have nothing against Hudson but I am not mortgaging the farm and trading away Vazquez to be replaced by Tim Hudson.
NCSCOOTS….if you are talking stats (not the trivial W/L records) you will see that Vazquez for a 10 year period has eaten innings even when playing for crazy Guillen. Again I say find a way to keep Hudson (if he impresses off rehab otherwise let him go) and Vazquez. Sometimes it’s about finding a way to keep what you have as opposed to trading. We’ll see.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
2:38 pm
How could I forget, Shamus? My apologies.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
2:39 pm
Plus, no need to start that service time clock again.
I could be wrong but I think the service time clock started when he made the Opening Day roster. I know that takes away an option year.
timthebrave
August 21st, 2009
2:40 pm
If you don’t remember Hudson has one of the highest winning percentages ever. Except for 2006 when he had the off year he has been a 1b with smoltz being the 1a. It all depends on how he looks in the starts he gets later this month
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
2:40 pm
Hudson Career stats. They arent going to let a pitcher like him go, hes also home grown you know Georgia loves its own players.
What matters is what he’s likely to do in the next 3-5 years. Again, it’s a mistake to give players contracts based on the past. That’s a quick and easy way to lose.
Hey, look at Dale Murphy’s career stats. The Braves should sign him!
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
2:40 pm
Shaun–but Gwinnett is likely to make the IL playoffs, so their season would be extended.
And you don’t get ML service time if you’re not on the 25-man roster.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
2:42 pm
poo to u
I agree with you, from the moment they signed Lowe I was iffy. I never really liked him as a Dodger and he hasn to lived up to what we are paying him. Right now though I dont know if anyone would want to trade for him. Unless he comes back and has a decent two months then that just makes the decision even harder for Wren to do what he needs to do and thats find a 30 HR guy. I like roachy but Im still not sold on him being the guy at first his first halfs are to bad. I personally am sick of the Braves digging them self a whole and having to fight out of it.
sidslidkid
August 21st, 2009
2:42 pm
“But Law gets a lot of his info from scouts that work for ML teams, dude. He’s using a lot of the same info they are.”
I don’t want this to be about me bashing Law. He’s good… I have no problem with him. It’s just that the Braves know more about their picks than he does. Scouts don’t give every bit of info to the media like they do to the teams. If he and the Braves see different things in a pick, then I’m trusting the MLB team.
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
2:42 pm
Bob Dole: I never heard a concrete answer on why Zeke Spruill is in the GCL right now? is he working on something?
I’ve heard he’s working on concrete.
There ya go
timthebrave
August 21st, 2009
2:42 pm
I’m taking the wait and see on Hudson and thinking about how to make playoffs this year and worry about next year later. Important series this weekend. (All series are important with about 1/4 season to go)
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
2:43 pm
Let Schafer play out the Gwinnett season to get in some reps. If he is good to go with the wrist, then there really is NO down side to bringing him up after the G-Braves are through.
Time for a “Fish Fry”!!!
civilized white trash
August 21st, 2009
2:43 pm
I HATE BOISE STATE
Reid in EAV
August 21st, 2009
2:44 pm
Fish Bisch, thanks for joining us here on the Braves/MIB blog. Now that we have both you and “Man Of Teal” here, I do believe we’ve identified both Marlins fans. I hope you bring your friends to the games!
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
2:44 pm
Shaun-
Way to go dude bring someone whos retired and try to make a serious point? No logic at least come up with something that kinda of refutes what I’m trying to say. Past stats are not pointless either your not going to sign a guy with a 5.37 ERA and hope you can turn him around. If stats were pointless then no one would keep them.
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
2:44 pm
Shaun
We have the rights to a potential 15-20 game winner. Why would we give that up without any compensation? I think unless Hudson is a total bomb, he will be kept. We will let next year take care of itself.
ncscoots
August 21st, 2009
2:46 pm
Anyone who doesn’t understand that, doesn’t understand pitching beyond ERA, wins and losses.
Who said I didn’t understand it? Don’t start being a twit, just because you’ve been gone for a while. That smugness won’t fly with those who have watched you post for as long as some have here.
What appears to be not understood is that the possibility exists that Vazquez will not, year in and year out, be the stud that he has been this year. That’s the point I always make and that his career confirms. That possibility makes a choice between Hudson and Vazquez (if it even comes to that) murky, at best. Not the clear-cut and easy decision it’s made out to be by some here.
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
2:47 pm
“”I HATE BOISE STATE”"
So do attendees, alumni, and pretty much everybody else…
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
2:47 pm
Steve from OH, my point was that I believe it makes no difference in terms of financial considerations whether he gets called up because he already was in the big league earlier in the season. Maybe keeping him down would prevent him from becoming a “super two” player or something like that. I’m not sure but I don’t think he would have enough service time to become a super two guy in a couple of years anyway. Also, he’s already used up an option year when he made the big club this spring. But the rules are very complex, so maybe there is incentive to not call him up and I’m missing it.
I do agree that they’ll keep him down until the playoffs are over but I suspect they’ll call him up as soon as that’s over, assuming he’s healthy.
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
2:47 pm
Thanks for your insight on Minor, Colin.
You know I’m going to have to get a feel for whether Schafer would make sense as a September call-up. When i first saw that suggested, I was a little surprised too, but I think it’s at least in Schafer’s mind as a possibility and something he’s shooting for.
sidslidkid
August 21st, 2009
2:48 pm
Reid in EAV, not true. They have 3 fans… Steve Bartman is out there somewhere.
BL
August 21st, 2009
2:48 pm
Hopefully we can call up Shafer in September to steal some bases as a pinch runner.
civilized white trash
August 21st, 2009
2:49 pm
poo to u makes sense?
i agree with you, but i do believe both of them contracts are going to be hard to unload right now i would say that huddy is the odd man out.
i am one that is all for keeping laroche next year. lets be honest when we traded him the first time we probably shouldn’t have. with a depleted farm system there still is a gapping hole at first base if he leaves. sign him to a one or two year deal if freeman is ready to come up before then, then we learned roachy is easy to trade
Bravo Scott
August 21st, 2009
2:50 pm
Did anyone happen to hear on XM radio last night Rob Dibble and Jodie Mac talking about Kawakami? They said that he was one of the worst #5 starters in the NL. I’d love to hear what they have to say after last night.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
2:50 pm
ncscoots-
Maybe Javy just likes Atlanta maybe he has found is niche and will produce here. Keep in mind he didnt pitch for many good teams besides the yankees and the parsk he pitched in were not exactly pitchers parks.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
2:50 pm
Shaun–it very well could be the difference between Super 2 and not, or delaying his free agency by a year, depending on how his career moves forward from here.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
2:54 pm
civilized white trash-
I dont see how you can say Huddy is the odd man out. I am a believer you should never lose your job due to injury unless when you come back you just cant produce. Huddy and JJ were the lone pitchers that got wins in the playoff slump. They are not going to forget this. We wanted pitching this offseason and now we have 1 to many. KK will go before Huddy. Maybe even Gonzo will go with O’Flarety pitching well and move KK to the pen to be a Medlin role.
timthebrave
August 21st, 2009
2:55 pm
With Laroche we should trade him away in the offseason and sign him at the all star break every year. It might be hard on him and his family but it would work for the Braves. I think they will make a modest 2 year offer to Laroche at the end of the year. He definitely has impressed me because I thought it was a bad deal at first but I always thought he had a nice swing. Go Braves
Efrim
August 21st, 2009
2:55 pm
Bravo Scott, don’t listen to Rob Dibble too much. It’ll make your head hurt. I’m not sure he even understands ERA.
BamaBrave
August 21st, 2009
2:56 pm
Let’s say we’ve won the wild card, and the playoffs begin next week…
Despite my deep respect for what Rob Dibble thinks (sarcasm intended), I’d be hard-pressed NOT to send Kawakami out there in Game 1, given his ability to beat the Halladays, Matzuzakas and Santanas of the world. That said, my divisional playoff rotation would be:
Game 1: Kawakami
Game 2: Hanson
Game 3: Vasquez
ncscoots
August 21st, 2009
2:56 pm
Escobar for SC, you get no argument from me on Vazquez’s lights-out year. I’m glad he’s here, brother, LOL. How that all works out with the starters, the need to fill offensive holes, and all that, is a far piece down the road.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
2:56 pm
Way to go dude bring someone whos retired and try to make a serious point? No logic at least come up with something that kinda of refutes what I’m trying to say. Past stats are not pointless either your not going to sign a guy with a 5.37 ERA and hope you can turn him around. If stats were pointless then no one would keep them.
I agree, past stats are not completely pointless. They can help a great deal in trying to give us insight into what a player will do in the future, which is how contracts work in baseball–they sign players through a future date. Something else that should be considered along with past stats are things like age, injury history and the contract a player will command both in terms of years and dollars. So given Hudson’s recent performance, his age, his injury history and the amount owed on his contract (if they pick up the option), it’s probably best that they buy out the option. Players age and players sometimes command more money than their actually worth to a team. Geez, and folks like me are the ones that get accused of only looking at stats!
We have the rights to a potential 15-20 game winner. Why would we give that up without any compensation? I think unless Hudson is a total bomb, he will be kept. We will let next year take care of itself.
The Braves would save money by buying out his option. Again, you can’t just say he’s a potential 15-20 game winner, based on some of his past seasons, and assume they should keep him. Again, you have to look at things like age, injury history, contract he would command in addition to his recent performance.
(And is he really a potential 15-20 game winner? I mean, how many guys are going to win 20 games this season? Maybe 15-plus if everything goes well for him and he’s on the right team.)
Chop Chop
August 21st, 2009
2:58 pm
scoots,
Javier Vazquez is going to fulfill all of our hopes and dreams. Stop trying to ruin all of our hopes and dreams. Thank you.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
3:01 pm
What appears to be not understood is that the possibility exists that Vazquez will not, year in and year out, be the stud that he has been this year. That’s the point I always make and that his career confirms. That possibility makes a choice between Hudson and Vazquez (if it even comes to that) murky, at best. Not the clear-cut and easy decision it’s made out to be by some here.
Do the Braves need Vazquez to be a stud? I don’t really think they do. They need him to give them 200-plus overall decent innings. Also, we need to take into account contract, injury history, age, in addition to ability and recent performance.
The question is not necessarily who is the better or more talented pitcher. The question is which is the better contract and better value. Teams don’t acquire players, they acquire players and their contracts. That’s an important point that casual fans often miss. When evaluating things, you have to evaluate contracts in addition to ability.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
3:01 pm
My hopes and dreams are crushed. Thanks, scoots. I’ll never be able to look at Vazquez the same again…
[sob]
Vinings Jim
August 21st, 2009
3:03 pm
Carroll – watching the Solheim? Your fellow Dookie B Lang had a big win (with the other Brittany L).
civilized white trash
August 21st, 2009
3:04 pm
escobar for SC
i too would like to see huddy pitching in a braves uni next year but i dont think it will happen because his contract is the easiest to get rid of. i think he probably is the best starter in our rotation when healthy. but his mutual option makes his contract/salary easiest to be rid of that is why i think he is the odd man out. not because of performance
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:05 pm
ncscoots-
I agree we have offensive wholes but I think every team in baseball has them. I would be willing to beat that 90% of MLB teams right now are trying to figure out how to get some of the Braves pitching. We have the deepest rotation in the bigs and have a damn good pen to back it up. I am a believer in pitching wins in October and the way we have been pitching I cant see any team taking us more then 4 games.
Shaun-
Hudson is not a power pitcher he pitches to contact and is a placement guy, he still needs the power but for what he needs its there. I believe his fastball was low 90’s in the rehab starts so it will continue to rise as he just gets back into it. I also believe the club house knows how close they are and might settle on $$ for the good of the team.
abwright
August 21st, 2009
3:06 pm
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR) 12:50 pm … “What about the 19-year-old kid. Right fielder, big guy, lots of potential. Why can’t I think of his name … ?”
Wasn’t there some kid … Hayman? Freeward? He can’t be very good if he’s so forgettable.
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
3:06 pm
No fish fry tonight. Just an ole fashioned indian uprising.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
August 21st, 2009
3:06 pm
Folks,
Forgot about Sammons earlier. He would add a lot of flexibility to the roster. (It would be nice to have either Ross or Heap available as a PH, so that Norton isn’t the only “power” bat on the bench.) I suppose JoJo could be available as an emergency starter or long reliever. If he’s on the 40-man anyway, nothing lost. I’ve seen no reason, however, to believe he can pitch effectively out of the pen in a middle man or setup role.
I see no reason to not call up Schafer if he’s healthy when Gwinnett’s season is over. As was pointed out earlier, he can help as a pinch runner or for late-inning defense. At a minimum.
And at this point, after what amounts to nearly two lost seasons, are the Braves all that concerned about his service clock?
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
3:07 pm
Shaun–it very well could be the difference between Super 2 and not, or delaying his free agency by a year, depending on how his career moves forward from here.
From Wikipedia:
A player is eligible for salary arbitration if he:
1. is ineligible for free agency
2. is without a contract
3. cannot agree with his current team on a new contract
4. has been on a major league roster or disabled list for at least three years
“Super Two” exception[3] – A player with at least two years of experience may be eligible for salary arbitration if he:
1. Meets the first three requirements from above
2. Played in the majors for at least 86 days in the previous season
3. Is among the top 17 percent for cumulative playing time in the majors among others with at least 2 years, but less than 3 years experience
It’s all very complex. I doubt a week or two at the end of the season would affect things that much. But I may be wrong.
"You all are Cox apologists"
August 21st, 2009
3:08 pm
On paper, the Braves should sweep this series as we have the upper hand in each pitching matchup in terms of ERA. The Marlins are due to struggle and we lost the last series vs. them. The Braves need a sweep to make up for that debacle of a loss on Tuesday.
Memo to Cox: Please do not pitch Soriano, Gonzalez, and/or Moyland with a lead greater than 5 runs.
"You all are Cox apologists"
August 21st, 2009
3:09 pm
I meant MOYLAN, my bad.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:09 pm
civilized white trash-
All that makes sense to me but Bobby loves sticking with people better or worse. I just dont see them saying bye to Hudson when they were willing to give Glavine a shot. Braves have never been shy of retaining people that have given the club their all. I mean its not like the guy is old imagine this in any perticular order because they could all Ace for another club
1)Javy
2)Hudson
3)Lowe
4)JJ
5)Hanson
We could easly win 100 games. Boast multiple 20 game winners. I think if KK continues to impress people will want him and his contract would then be the easiest to dump.
CLE
August 21st, 2009
3:10 pm
Looks like Tommy Glavine has something to keep him busy. I’m registered to a PR news release site for work, and just got this announcement in my inbox:
“AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., announced today the signing of baseball legend Tom Glavine. The two-time Cy Young Award winner will be featured in radio spots and high-impact billboards across the Atlanta area.”
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
3:11 pm
If he starts the season with Atlanta next year then no, it doesn’t make a bit of difference, but if he doesn’t, then it starts to become more of an issue…
ncscoots
August 21st, 2009
3:14 pm
The question is which is the better contract and better value. Teams don’t acquire players, they acquire players and their contracts.
Good grief. The two pitchers in question are the same age, have the same contract length, and the same dollars.
Casual fans, my azz. What has gotten into you? Have family members been telling you again how smart you are?
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:15 pm
Steve from OH-
If who starts the season with us?
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
3:16 pm
Schafer.
CB
August 21st, 2009
3:18 pm
Uh, could the answer be to keep both and trade someone else?
ncscoots
August 21st, 2009
3:18 pm
Javier Vazquez is going to fulfill all of our hopes and dreams. Stop trying to ruin all of our hopes and dreams. Thank you.
Scroom, LOL. I’m a hopes-and-dreams eradicator and blue-sky eliminator. I’m ugly death on the optimistic, and make the smugly righteous do the hurt dance. You think toes are not to be trifled with? I got a bad attitude and the intentions to with it, LOL.
bravesgrl4life
August 21st, 2009
3:19 pm
There are some of you who need to learn the difference of “and” & “an”. If you are calling some “idiot” the word before it should be “an”, not “and”. And is a joiner and requires a before and after. Just a pet peeve I’ve been picking up on a lot lately. Thanks! I’ll stop my proper English rant now.
Fast Eddie Perez
August 21st, 2009
3:19 pm
Keep Javy, hes the #1 pitcher & should be getting Lowes contract, cant count on Huddy to regain his form yet its too much of an ungiven, if Huddy goes down & KK doesnt come thru, all we have is JJ, Hanson, & Lowe, need the stability with Vazquez in there, & fortunately Javy is one of Boobys boys so Im sure he will vote to resign him long term
RHR
August 21st, 2009
3:20 pm
In other words, scoots is the blog version of MFIKY in his prime.
JayDubu
August 21st, 2009
3:20 pm
Schafer’s ben gone for more than 2 months, and still leads th Braves in strikeouts. But Chipper is a very close 2nd.
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
3:21 pm
Woke-up feeling a tad schizophrenic, decided to teach Ed Norton Voodoo Doll how to hang birdhouses.
Missed nails, birdhouses, EVEN TREES, with errant hammer-strokes. Hammers killed chickadees 50-yards away.
Having lube-job done on Howitzer, BTW.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:21 pm
CB-
And who would you want to trade? Our the people that bring the most interest at Mac and Escobar maybe McLouth but with his .260 BA he is not so hot right now. We cant trade Mac and Escobar or value right now is all in pitching and prospects.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
3:21 pm
Good grief. The two pitchers in question are the same age, have the same contract length, and the same dollars.
One is coming off major surgery and the other is not. The one who is not coming off surgery has a much better strikeout rate, a slightly better walk rate and a better ERA+ over the past three seasons, and would make a half million dollars less next season if the other one’s option is picked up.
Hillbilly
August 21st, 2009
3:25 pm
bravesgrl4life,
You must be new here. “Your and Idiot” is a long-running blog joke.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:26 pm
Shaun-
Tommy John surgery is still major yes but the advances in it over the last ten years are phenominal. I still say he can return to his great form. I have even heard him say his arm feels stronger after the surgery. You cant take into account those stats to much as the braves did not field good teams behind him and gave him very little run support and not so hot defence
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
3:26 pm
bravesgrl: you can’t have an english rant since you can’t even spell girl. you big an indiot.
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 21st, 2009
3:26 pm
Billy Wagner was claimed off waivers. Who do yall think claimed him?
CB
August 21st, 2009
3:27 pm
Escobar- was referring to pitching with keeping both Hudson and Javy. This would mean a trade of Lowe or KK. Lowe’s contract tells me it would be KK,and before someone tells me we can’t trade him I don’t care about the Japanese market.
Hillbilly
August 21st, 2009
3:27 pm
Scoots at 3:18,
If you made that stuff up on your own, you are my new hero. If it came from a song or something, I want to hear it.
Lunatic Fringe
August 21st, 2009
3:27 pm
bravesgrl4life
Your and idiot
At least that is the popular phrase on the blog, and is not intended to be proper English. And no, I did not say that you are and idiot LOL
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:28 pm
Fish Bisch-
Go back to your marlin blog and be smart with the fact she obviously meant to spell it like that.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
3:28 pm
Vazquez since 2006: 112 ERA+, 8.8 SO/9, 2.3 BB/9, 1 HR/9, 197 IP per season (including 2009 which is of course not complete), due to make $11.5 million next season.
Hudson since 2006: 112 ERA+, 5.5 SO/9, 2.6 BB/9, 0.7 HR/9, 194 IP per season, due to make $12 million if his option is picked up, is coming off surgery
And actually Vazquez is a year younger, ncscoots.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 21st, 2009
3:29 pm
I would love to see Derek Lowe in the bullpen, but he is our ace…
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:29 pm
CB-
Yea I would rather retain Lowe then KK and I also dont really care about the Jap market. Its a business not and @ss kissing business.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
3:29 pm
I don’t see how an objective observer could pick Hudson over Vazquez. Yes, it’s somewhat close but I think the choice is pretty obvious when you take everything into account.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 21st, 2009
3:30 pm
Yankees are the only team that can afford Wagner…
civilized white trash
August 21st, 2009
3:30 pm
escobar for SC
i hope you are right. i love to see a rotation with both huddy and vasquez but i still think huddy will get his walking papers
i do hope we can trade KK that would make this process so much better
civilized white trash
August 21st, 2009
3:30 pm
did i mention that I HATE BOISE STATE
PWHjort
August 21st, 2009
3:31 pm
Let’s just keep everyone!
Random
August 21st, 2009
3:31 pm
Tomahawkin (August 20th, 2009 11:48 pm): “I see The blog went on a Chipper bashing spree [last night] saying that he is having an “Off year”
“And yet I called his off year out to the blog during the Phillies series in which he failed to show up [3 games, 4 for 11 (.364), 1 RBI, 1 Run, 1 BB (OBP = .417)] and I got my Ass handed to me, Mainly by one of his biggest supporters and he knows who he is…”
Yes, I know who I am…
(Can’t bring yourself to call my name, huh?)
It’s gratifying to see that you identify yourself with so many of the other ignorant, hateful, whiny, mouthy bottom feeders here (eg, Jeff321, TnBrian, Rob from SC, Braves Fan in SC, Mitchell, P-Town Brave, NO MORE BOBBY. I’ve always considered you to be one of them — the confirmation is welcome.
But now rather than “handing you Yours” once again, I’ll address some of the stupider comments from last night.
Braves Fan in SC (August 20th, 2009 8:36 pm): “I hope to God that Chipper retires after this season. He is killing this team offensively . . . . He has become the worse hitter on the team.”
Chipper has led the team all season in OPS and OPS+.
Rob from SC (August 20th, 2009 9:40 pm): “Chipper just looks like he doesn’t care. You should always show 100% effort.”
What an asinine comment. How could you know? And can you even recognize the difference between giving 100% effort and showing 100% effort?
wow (August 20th, 2009 9:41 pm): “Chipper is not our best hitter this year. I would say B mac or escobar would be the best hitters this year not chipper.”; (August 20th, 2009 9:47 pm): “I belive escobar is our best hitter because of how clutch he has been leading the world in hits with risp and he has power, average, and a good eye.”
Chipper has led the team all season in OPS and OPS+. Through 121 games, Chipper leads the Braves in OPS (.873, to McCann’s .861, Prado’s .830 and Escobar’s .819) and OPS+.
As for Chipper not being “clutch” (pay attention now, Tomahawkin, as you’ve been making this claim also), I looked at 8 top* Braves’ hitters (Jones, Escobar, McCann, Anderson, LaRoche, Diaz, Church and Johnson), and their “situational” hitting performances (with runners on base, with runners in scoring position, with bases loaded and with runners in scoring position with 2 out).
(* For some reason, I omitted Prado. Beats me as to why. I checked just now, though, and he’s nowhere in the running for “clutch”est Brave. See for yourself, here at ESPN, at the bottom of the page. You can similarly check the others.)
Of all those 8 players, only Chipper and Yunel had an OPS over 1.000 in any of those situations (except for Kelly, who OPSed 1.464 with the bases loaded (yay!), .705 (ugh!) with runners on, .561 (oof!) with runners in scoring position and .450 (yikes!) with runners in scoring position and 2 out).
So let’s focus on Chipper (season =.287/.400/.473/.873 ) and Yunel (season = .302/.371/.448/.819 ) in the four following situations through 118 games (note: does not includes Chipper’s dismal performance last night):
With runners on:
Chipper is 46 for 148, with 42 BBs and 45 RBIs, for slash averages of .311/.449/.500/.949 — better than his season’s numbers = “clutch”. Escobar’s even better — 57 for 157, with 13 BBs and 57 RBIs, for slash averages of .363/.424/.592/1.016 = even more “clutch”, when compared to his season’s numbers. Yunel’s OPS in this situation is 67 points higher than Chipper’s.
With runners in scoring position:
Chipper is 28 for 75, with 32 BBs and 40 RBIs, for slash averages of .373/.531/.600/1.131 — better than his season’s numbers = “clutch”. Escobar’s better again — 41 for 98, with 9 BBs and 52 RBIs, for slash averages of .418/.468/.714/1.182 = even more “clutch”, when compared to his season’s numbers. Yunel’s OPS in this situation is 51 points higher than Chipper’s.
With runners in scoring position with 2 out:
Chipper is 10 for 24, with 13 BBs and 17 RBIs, for slash averages of .417/.622/.875/1.497 — much better than his season’s numbers = very “clutch”. Escobar’s nowhere close — 24 for 63, with 1 BB and 29 RBIs, for slash averages of .381/.400/.619/1.019 = still “clutch”, when compared to his season’s numbers. Chipper’s OPS in this situation is 478 points higher than Yunel’s.
With bases loaded (warning: small sample size):
Chipper is 2 for 4, with 1 BB and 5 RBIs, for slash averages of .500/.500/.500/1.000. Escobar’s not quite there — 3 for 8, with 1 BB and 9 RBIs, for slash averages of .375/.364/.500/.864.
There may be some argument as to whether Yunel or Chipper is more “clutch” — I go with Chipper because of his vastly superior performance with RISP/2 out. But there is absolutely no way anyone can say that Chipper has not been “clutch” this year.
(See Braveheart (August 20th, 2009 9:54 pm) and Steve from OH (August 20th, 2009 9:58 pm) for some good comments.)
PS: a couple of amusing comments — were these guys on an even tighter deadline than DOB, “calling” the game so early?
Braves Fan in SC (August 20th, 2009 9:36 pm): “This loss is on Chipper folks.”
NO MORE COX OR CHIPPER! (August 20th, 2009 9:45 pm): “Double Plays & Chipper killed us tonight.”
PPS: So yeah, Tomahawkin, you just go ahead on and make yourself blissfully comfortable with your loser homies listed above. Me, I’ll stick with the likes of Shamus Thacker, Escobar for Supreme Court (?), Steve from OH, No More, No More Bobby (?), cs95, really, yall are crazy, Jimmy D, Kurdt Kobain, JayDubu & Braveheart. (If they’ll have me.)
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
3:31 pm
all this talk about pitching, what’s the big deal? It doesn’t matter when you don’t have a big bopper like we have in Hanley.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:32 pm
Shaun-
Thats not really the issue everyone agrees keep JV. The question is will Hudson be healty and would it be wiser to keep him Lowe or KK. JV is obviously the Ace of our staff as of right now. He is posting one of the best season in all of MLB.
DAP
August 21st, 2009
3:32 pm
shaunI don’t see how an objective observer could pick Hudson over Vazquez. Yes, it’s somewhat close but I think the choice is pretty obvious when you take everything into account.
does that take into account what we could get for vazquez in a trade? that takes some guessing, but what if we factor that in?
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
3:33 pm
Vazquez versus Hudson is somewhat close but I think the injury, the half million dollar difference and to a lesser extent the fact that Vazquez is a year younger makes a pretty significant difference. If you don’t see this, I don’t think you are being too objective about this.
Bravesfan1984
August 21st, 2009
3:33 pm
i wouldn’t be surprised if the marlins put the claim on wagner
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:33 pm
Fish Bisch-
Not many people have a “big bopper” like Hanley. He is irrelevent as long as your Marlins keep trading away everyone one man cant win it all.
CB
August 21st, 2009
3:34 pm
I would actually hope we could trade Lowe if we could get a decent return but doubt any suitors with his contract. Wait, maybe the Yankees.lol
Bay Area Steve
August 21st, 2009
3:34 pm
Hillbilly (formerly Arkansas Hillbilly, right?),
I’m certain he made it up; the guy’s got unreal skills. He makes me want to find a bowl of sad.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 21st, 2009
3:34 pm
all this talk about pitching, what’s the big deal? It doesn’t matter when you don’t have a big bopper like we have in Hanley.
Yes it does, $100 says Hanley has a .270 or below average this series.
mudcat
August 21st, 2009
3:35 pm
Would really like to see a 6 man rotation after Huddy gets back. Keeps our rotation fresh for the playoff push and gives us time to evaluate our future plans for next years starting five.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 21st, 2009
3:35 pm
i wouldn’t be surprised if the marlins put the claim on wagner
They dont have the money, its either the Cubs or Yankees.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:36 pm
Shaun-
Half a million doesnt matter to ball clubs in the sense of who would you rather have. Im sure the year younger does but as far as stats go would people please stop bring up that hudson has slumped the last three years compaird to JV. His over all career stats are much better then JV’s and Hudson for the fourth time played with some really bad Braves teams since coming over from Oakland.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 21st, 2009
3:36 pm
Would really like to see a 6 man rotation after Huddy gets back. Keeps our rotation fresh for the playoff push and gives us time to evaluate our future plans for next years starting five.
That would over work the bullpen.
Hillbilly
August 21st, 2009
3:36 pm
Bay Area Steve, (yeah, that’s ne)
I’ve always thought scoots was one of the best we’ve got, but that post blew my mind.
CB
August 21st, 2009
3:38 pm
Random,good summary.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:38 pm
mudcat-
Yes I would but I dont think that will happen.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
3:40 pm
does that take into account what we could get for vazquez in a trade? that takes some guessing, but what if we factor that in?
That becomes murky. Because if you are going to do that, you have to also take into account how the Braves would spend the extra money that would have gone to Hudson.
Also, I’m fairly convinced Vazquez wouldn’t bring back in a trade as much value as he’s worth. Because I think the only things that may be more valuable than a pitcher that gives you 200+ at least solid innings are Cy Young contender type pitchers or all-star caliber position players. I don’t think the Braves are getting either for Vazquez.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
3:40 pm
Random’s information to be completely ignored in 3…2…1…
woogidy
August 21st, 2009
3:41 pm
If Schafer is healthy, It’s a no-brainer to call him up. He goes in for Nate in the late innings in center to save Nate’s legs. They are equals on defense just about, with Schafer being the slightly better one.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
3:42 pm
I see the game’s on Sh*t-Tree TV tonight…8O
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
3:42 pm
Efrim
August 21st, 2009
3:42 pm
Let’s just keep everyone!
Worst case scenario is dealing Vazquez away for this mystery bat, in my opinion. I think Hudson and Vazquez are close though, much closer than some here are making it out to be. But then again, I can’t understand how some are so quick to dismiss Javy. It’ll sort itself out, perhaps with a Kawakami trade. But for some reason, I’m expecting either Vazquez to get traded, or Hudson to be pitching for someone else next year. Should be an exciting offseason as the Braves try to build a team that can beat those Phils.
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
3:43 pm
DAP
You hit the nail on the head. I don’t think anybody is saying that JV and Hudson aren’t close. Who in their right mind would give us anything for Hudson this winter? But Vazquez, that’s a different story.
The argument that the Braves save 11 million if they buy out his option also doesn’t address the point that the Braves prefer trading for help than signing free agents.
Hudson’s option gets picked up, and somebody gets traded this winter (at least that is the way it looks right now to me).
This discussion might turn into one of those ongoing roundy rounders that might go on till game time.
I think it is time to jump off the merry-go-round.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
3:43 pm
Random…
That may have been the longest post I ever scrolled over in my brief history on this blog.
CB
August 21st, 2009
3:44 pm
I very seldom like to post that one player is better than another without doing research. The best way is to try to let your eyes see or read,your brain to digest and your mouth to stay shut.
civilized white trash
August 21st, 2009
3:45 pm
i have to say I HATE FLORIDA just as much as I HATE BOISE STATE
lebrave
August 21st, 2009
3:46 pm
im sure the phillies are the team claiming wagner…im sure they are hoping he could be more consistent than lidge. sadly, he probably would be
Glen W
August 21st, 2009
3:46 pm
OK, Vazquez is pitching great, to a large degree because he is finally pitching in a park that favors fly ball pitchers… he is very comfortable in Atlanta. I think he wants to be here and that the Braves should want him here, so I hope they get an extension in place.
I also agree that if you get to the post-season, facing likely the best offensive teams in the league (see Philly and LA), you will need a guy that can miss some bats. Compare the post-season accomplishment of Maddux/Glavine versus that of John Smoltz.
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
3:47 pm
civilized
What did I miss on Boise State? Did the football team all disrespect your sister or something?
Besides, what have you got against blue astroturf?
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
3:47 pm
I’m also not one who’s going to bash Chipper. The guy’s done too much for this team/organization to bash.
We will miss him when’s he gone – or at least I will – bank on it.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:48 pm
Efrim-
We are 8 and 4 against those Phils actually and a similiar record against the Dodgers, the two best teams(in some opinions)in the NL. Thats not the problem.
Ultimitly I would like to see KK and or Lowe go.
CB
August 21st, 2009
3:48 pm
NS Steve,I shall now scroll over your posts.
CharlieAlphaBravo
August 21st, 2009
3:48 pm
civilized…
Must be an Oklahoma fan…
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
3:50 pm
Shaun
Maybe you should just say “I believe so and so about this situation, and this is why.”
Where you end up ticking off folks is when you add: “…and if you don’t see it my way, then your not really being objective.”
Just sayin (and if you don’t understand what I am saying, they you have your head …….)
(couldn’t resist)
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
3:50 pm
That’s ok CB…
I usually don’t have many stats/insight/bashing related posts anyway…
Unless its Kawakami and he doesn’t even deserve to be bashed anymore.
Just come on here cause I’m a fan…
Efrim
August 21st, 2009
3:50 pm
Escobar for Supreme Court, I meant just finishing with an overall record better than the Phils. That’s not going to be easy, this year or next.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:50 pm
Glen W-
I agree I said something similar a while back. Also as I just pointed out the Braves play to their opponent we can beat the great teams and struggle agaisnt the bad. Thats pitching and bats. As long as this trend continues we will have trouble regaining the divison although I think we can this very year.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
3:51 pm
Half a million doesnt matter to ball clubs in the sense of who would you rather have. Im sure the year younger does but as far as stats go would people please stop bring up that hudson has slumped the last three years compaird to JV. His over all career stats are much better then JV’s and Hudson for the fourth time played with some really bad Braves teams since coming over from Oakland.
A half million matters at least a little. Throw in the slight age difference and the injury and things start to add up. Plus with Vazquez’s ability to miss bats, there’s more margin for error.
And is Hudson slumping or is that just the typical aging pattern for a pitcher like Hudson? Not that he’s been bad at all, but if your choosing don’t you want the guy who’s a little younger, a little cheaper, who’s pitched at least as well in recent seasons and isn’t coming off major surgery? His career stats don’t matter at this point. What’s he’s likely to do in the near future is what matters.
What does playing on really bad Braves teams have to do with his strikeout rate, his walk rate and his homer rate? What does playing on bad Braves teams have to do with the fact that he would make a half million dollars less next season or that he’s coming off surgery or that he’s a year younger? Also, it’s not like Vazquez has pitched on outstanding teams playing half his games in a pitcher’s park with great defenses behind him. Right after the Braves acquired Vazquez, I said this could be a perfect situation for him because he gets out from in front of one of the worst defensive teams in baseball.
Again, the choice is pretty clear unless you are being subjective about the whole thing.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
3:51 pm
Vazquez, career FIP: 3.85. Career tRA: 4.53 (on an ERA scale that’s 4.22, or thereabouts)
Hudson, career FIP: 3.79. Career tRA: 4.46 (tERA about 4.11)
Javy strikes out more batters and walks less batters. Hudson does a better job of generating batted ball types that are easier to turn into outs (aka, ground balls) while Vazquez has seemingly been victimized by poor luck (BABIP) throughout his career (of note, this year his BABIP has been close to average, and you’re seeing the results).
Basically, you can expect similar results from both going forward. I’m not at all concerned about Hudson’s injury, the recovery rates are very, very good for the surgery, so can we please drop that argument?
The ideal way to go is to keep both of them and trade KK. However, that may not happen. If not…your guess is as good as mine, folks.
Cheese
August 21st, 2009
3:52 pm
Hudson comes back and if he is looking good and I mean IF! He stays in rotation move Lowe into a closer role
RHR
August 21st, 2009
3:52 pm
If it came from a song or something.
Piffle.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:53 pm
Efrim-
Gotcha but as I just said as long as we stumble against the muck teams we wont be doing anything and that usually falls on the bats. I think its they know they should pound them and that gets to them so they choke up.
DAP
August 21st, 2009
3:54 pm
shaun, wayne, yeah its gets murky when you try to figure out who we could trade vazquez for, but that makes me think that you have to at least look into trading vazquez, IF tim hudson looks pretty good coming back. hudson’s salary would probably be used mostly on free agents. there really arent a bunch of them thats are too impressive. if vazquez could be traded in a package for say…lance berkman (go easy, this is just a hypothetical) then it makes it a good idea to trade vazquez.
Thrillhouse44
August 21st, 2009
3:54 pm
Nova Scotia, you may want to scroll back up and read it – Random did a good job.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
3:55 pm
I actually have been reading it….must have taken a while….
Lars Taint
August 21st, 2009
3:55 pm
Wayne and DAP beat me to the punch. Shaun has done a good job disproving his own points. Shaun points out that Vasquez may be slightly better than Hudson, but he must be a “casual fan” because he fails to see that you can get a much better position player in a trade involving Vasquez that you are going to get in free agency with the money you save on Hudson.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
3:55 pm
Wayne in Utah, well I think anyone who wouldn’t take Vazquez over Hudson when looking at the whole picture isn’t being objective. That’s what I believe so I’m going to write it. Wren and the front office will prove it at the end of the season by either letting Hudson walk or buying out the option and trying to sign him to a lesser deal.
Bravesfan1984
August 21st, 2009
3:56 pm
cheese…sorry but i dont think the braves want to have a $15M per year closer…he closed a long time ago but closer needs to have strikeout stuff
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
3:56 pm
Chipper’s old and ineffective = Marlins sweep.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:57 pm
Shaun-
Your not bringing any new points to your argue ment and we as a blog have countered everything you have said. STATS MATTER I’m not really sure how else to put it. There is a lot more to baseball then striking out batters and walk ratios, its poise under pressure and like Steve said hudson generates prolly one of the highest ground ball ratios in the bigs which is excellent when you have Yunel and Prado going into beast mode every night in the infield.
Glen W
August 21st, 2009
3:57 pm
Escoabr for Supreme Court – curious regarding your thoughts on this.
The Braves seem to play up/down to competition now, which is frustrating. But I think I prefer it to what I saw in the 90’s the Braves had a team that could mash mediocre opponents to the tune of 105-ish wins per year. Then they would always struggle to advance in the post-season. In the regular season, the likes of Javy and Andrew would crush mediocre pitching… Maddux and Glavine would toy with less advanced lineups, but in the post-season, you would consistently see them struggle (comparatively) against teams with seemingly less talent.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
3:58 pm
Javy’s tERA should’ve been 4.18…
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
3:58 pm
Shaun at 3:51pm
“Again, the choice is pretty clear unless you are being subjective about the whole thing.”
Shaun, this is the type of stuff that wins friends for you!
rammerjammer
August 21st, 2009
3:58 pm
Glen W,
You said “OK, Vazquez is pitching great, to a large degree because he is finally pitching in a park that favors fly ball pitchers…” Sorry, but wrong. Vazquez’ home-and-away splits are nearly identical. It’s not the park. It’s the manager and the whole professional situation. The guy is with a team that suits his personality. He is money, and Frank would be nuts to trade him.
ncscoots
August 21st, 2009
3:58 pm
In other words, scoots is the blog version of MFIKY in his prime.
Man couldn’t carry my cleats of badness, LOL.
CB
August 21st, 2009
3:59 pm
NS Steve,just kidding but it is ok to read a long blog if it is not a Paul Lentz drivel,Random is good.
DAP
August 21st, 2009
4:00 pm
shaunI think anyone who wouldn’t take Vazquez over Hudson when looking at the whole picture isn’t being objective.
but you dont have all the information, (namely what vazquez could be traded for) so arent you rushing to judgment about what the best choice is?
wjones
August 21st, 2009
4:00 pm
September rotation:
Day 1–Vazquez first three innings; JJ middle three; Lowe last three
Day 2–KK first three innings; Hanson middle three; Huddy final three
Day 3–Use 9 relievers one inning each (Medlen, Carlyle, Boone, Acosta, Parr, O’Flaherty, Moylan, Gonzo, MFIKY).
Rinse and repeat. No one goes more than 3 innings, reducing pitch counts. Everyone gets two-three days in between appearances, eliminating overuse or rustiness. Perfect plan.
What is the chance of it ever happening? Less than zero, I would think.
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
4:01 pm
It is obvious that this situation is NOT clear to a lot of folks. Some are on the fence. Some are in your stable. Some in the opposite stable. In these cases, it is opinion and not right or wrong.
Not like saying that Randy Wolf is almost as good as Johan Santana, although this year, some might want to make that argument. Nobody in their right mind picks Wolf in that scenario. Vaqzuez vs Huddy is not so clear.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:01 pm
Shaun-
Your not being objective your only discount Hudson because of his injury.
Glen W-
What is curious about my statement its true. I mean look at KK and all the big names he has beat recently. Now name me people who he has lost to and I’ll show you ERA’s of above 4.50. I agree I would rather bash on “great” but at the same time why cant we crush bad ones for 7+ runs a game like every other team does?
DAP
August 21st, 2009
4:01 pm
wjones, thats a terrible idea. im sure you werent serious.
McFann ;Ô;
August 21st, 2009
4:02 pm
OK…So what I miss? They found a body on Chipper’s Ranch? Nice…
Anibal Sanchez going tonight, eh? That’s usually a good thing…So glad there’s no Josh Johnson in this series!
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
4:02 pm
Steve from OH, even if you disregard the injury and assume they are likely to perform the exact same there is still the fact that Hudson’s option is a half million more dollars than Vazquez is due to make next season and Hudson’s a year older. Throw in the injury and the choice is fairly obvious.
he fails to see that you can get a much better position player in a trade involving Vasquez that you are going to get in free agency with the money you save on Hudson.
Well, what about using the Hudson money in a trade for a position player not necessarily involving Vazquez? Free agency is not the only way they can use the Hudson money.
Again, I think the only things more valuable than Vazquez are Cy Young contender type pitchers and all-star caliber position players. I don’t think the Braves are getting either of those for Vazquez so why trade him for less value than he brings to the club when you can improve the club without trading him?
Glen W
August 21st, 2009
4:02 pm
RJ – I agree that it sems that the environment seems more comfortable for Vazquez… this sort of goes back to the question of whether success breeds confidence or whether confidence breeds success. He pitches half of his games in a park that is conducive to him… that makes him more comfortable overall… which could also allow him to pitch more successfully on the road. I don’t think that you can look at all of these things in a vacuum. He’s comfortable and I chalk a big part of that up to the ball park being conducive to his pitching style.
Lunatic Fringe
August 21st, 2009
4:03 pm
With all this discussion about which pitcher to keep, everyone needs to remember an important rule about business—You don’t make a decision until you have to make the decision.
There is still way to much time to determine Huddy’s condition, the other pitchers conditions, who might be available in the fall, how much money the Braves have to spend, etc.
While these conversations might be interesting debates, anyone who says they know what will be happenning, is propably the one who does not know what will be happening.
PopeVanIII
August 21st, 2009
4:03 pm
Carroll asked:
Actually, yes. Immediately after the draft, multiple writers were suggesting that the Braves might have managed to grab the steal of the draft, the best hitter in the draft, etc., with the 14th pick.
So, not a great comparison. (I note this as a Vanderbilt graduate and big-time fan of Mikie Minor.)
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:04 pm
Shaun-
JV is a Cy Young contender he is top 3 in the league in a lot of important stats why trade him away for another pitcher who would prolly make more money?
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
4:05 pm
Anibel has owned the braves. He’s no pushover.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
4:05 pm
Really looking forward to this series…especially with SF/Col going head to head.
Here is our best opportunity to make up some games…as long as we take care of business…its a massive series in that regard.
Then Col goes on to play the Dodgers…We’ve got the Padres…
knock knock
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
4:05 pm
Throw in the injury and the choice is fairly obvious
Not really. 1 year in age difference isn’t all that significant for these guys (neither is a half-million dollars), as they’re both durable pitchers with good stuff. Hudson is already back and throwing effectively in AAA. Tommy John is not at all a risky procedure, don’t make it to be as such.
There’s not a clear-cut answer, and don’t pretend like there is. If anything, trading Vazquez is the way to go because you can both control where he goes and get young, cheap, controllable talent in return. Not so for Hudson.
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
4:06 pm
I might end up skinning my knees, but I’m jumping off this merry-go-round. See you all at recess tomorrow.
Glen W
August 21st, 2009
4:06 pm
Escoabr for Supreme Court. I agree with your view. Apologies for the misunderstanding. I was just curious as to whether you found the current trend (playing up/down to competition) more or less frustrating than building a team that is constructed to dominate mediocre opponents across the regular season, then generally not succeeding in the post-season.
As long as playing up/down to competition is not an effort issue (I don’t think the issue here is an effort issue), I find it less frustrating.
ncscoots
August 21st, 2009
4:06 pm
Lunatic Fringe escapes the asylum long enough to hammer out a cogent post that, in a sane world, would cap the whole debate on the two pitchers, LOL. Thank you, my man. Gonna have to change your moniker, if you keep that up.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
4:06 pm
Furthermore, I expect that whichever one they choose to keep will be offered (and accept) a contract extension for a reasonable sum.
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
4:06 pm
Your not being objective your only discount Hudson because of his injury.
First of all I’m not “discounting” Hudson. Hudson would be a fine pickup for several teams, even the Braves for the right price. I’m saying if you compare Hudson and all the things that go into picking up his option to Vazquez and his contract, the choice is pretty clear.
but you dont have all the information, (namely what vazquez could be traded for) so arent you rushing to judgment about what the best choice is?
And you have all the information? Who Vazquez could be traded for and what the Braves can do to improve the team if they buy out Hudson’s option? I’m going by as much info as I have and based on all of that, the choice is clear.
Steve Holt!!! (fists in the air)
August 21st, 2009
4:07 pm
Enter your comments here
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
4:07 pm
Anibal Sanchez is 2-3 with a 5.08 ERA in his career against the Braves. That constitutes owning?
Shaun
August 21st, 2009
4:07 pm
Furthermore, I expect that whichever one they choose to keep will be offered (and accept) a contract extension for a reasonable sum.
Well, Vazquez’s contract runs through next season; no option.
wjones
August 21st, 2009
4:07 pm
“wjones, thats a terrible idea. im sure you werent serious”
Of course I’m not serious. No team would ever do that, because no starting pitcher with any tenure would agree to being used like that. Few relievers would agree to that type of workload. But I don’t necessarily think it’s a terrible idea. Maybe you tweak it a little, because it leaves you with no fallback in case someone gets hurt, it goes extras, or someone is just ineffective. But I think using pitchers for two-three innings every three days would be a great idea, if you had the kind of personnel who didn’t care about quality starts, saves, wins, etc. In other words, a young staff with a few retreads looking for a jumpstart.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:08 pm
Steve from OH-
They wouldnt want young talent that would want a home run threat every time what we thought Mark Suckera would be. They wouldnt trade away JV for someone they have to grow.
GOB Bluth
August 21st, 2009
4:08 pm
Steve Holt(!!!) is here??? Gotta run, folks…
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
4:10 pm
EfSC–why not young talent? Young talent is always a good thing. Besides, not too many folks gonna trade us a young power hitter for one year of Vazquez. Well, at least not the power hitter y’all are envisioning.
Glen W
August 21st, 2009
4:10 pm
OK, I have to say that just maybe…. maybe… everyone who thinks Lowe should be traded knows nothing about running a baseball team. If Frank Wren did that, what do you think that would do to any future efforts to sign a significant free agent?
Efrim
August 21st, 2009
4:10 pm
There’s not a clear-cut answer, and don’t pretend like there is. If anything, trading Vazquez is the way to go because you can both control where he goes and get young, cheap, controllable talent in return. Not so for Hudson.
Yup.
Wren and the front office will prove it at the end of the season by either letting Hudson walk or buying out the option and trying to sign him to a lesser deal.
Shaun, how do you know they might not look to trade Kawakami?
Lars Taint
August 21st, 2009
4:11 pm
Shaun,
Going back to DAP’s hypothetical situation. Would you rather have Hudson and Lance Berkman (or a player of that caliber) or Javy and Matt Holliday. I would take Hudson and Berkman anyday.
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
4:11 pm
lineup:
1. Infante 2B
2. Church CF
3. Jones 3B
4. McCann C
5. LaRoche 1B
6. Escobar SS
7. Diaz RF
8. Gorecki LF
9. Vazquez P
first major league start for Gorecki, I believe
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
4:12 pm
how do you know they might not look to trade Kawakami?
I’d be all over that were I the Braves’ FO (of course, with enough payroll too…). Wren has it in him to make the tough PR decision…
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
4:12 pm
Well interesting line-ups these days folks
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:13 pm
Glen W-
I find it frustrating I hate losing to lesser teams. I hate the Phils and the Dodgers but I repect they are good. It bugs me when we bea them gain ground and then give it back to because we cant close on bad pitchers. Meanwhile the Phils crush bad teams.
Shaun-
You just dont see the bigger picture. JV brings more through trade then does Hudsons money in free agency. If they are going to trade anyone I would not be surprised to see it done around the All-Star game of 2010 when people can see what Hudson is like with games under his belt as well as seeing if JV can continue this upside.
Snyder the Architect
August 21st, 2009
4:14 pm
Carroll…Thx for all the information and the article on Minor…That’s great you got to spend a couple of days around the team in Rome…they seem like a great group of guys who play hard and have a lot of fun…and they’ve been playing very well in Aug…
When you were down there did you hear anything definitive on Devall? His status (surgery, no surgery, waiting, Tommy John, less serious procedure, etc.) seems to be very guarded information and I’ve heard so many different things…
Steve from OH…I would imagine that Kimbrel will playing in the AFL as well…Him and Ortegano were both called up right before the end of July, so I imagine their AFL eligibility for this year was one of the many factors that led to the specific timing of their callup…I agree with you on Hicks also, and obviously Heyward and Freeman…then as you said possibly Jones or Diamond, or even Gunderson…And Carroll confirmed that Minor is definitely taking our A/A+ spot…
Chop Chop
August 21st, 2009
4:14 pm
Since when did Shaun grow this Lentzian ego?
I love it.
Lunatic Fringe
August 21st, 2009
4:14 pm
ncscoots ,
I choose that moniker carefully, after reading posts for a few weeks before wanting to chime in. Posters here are clearly the fringe element. With Braves fans probably in the million, there are probably less than 500 who participate on the blog. And as far as the Lunitic portion, well, it just seemed to be appropriate ( a musical connection as well)
Ben
August 21st, 2009
4:15 pm
Carroll, Great Blog. What’s the latest on Prado?
Efrim
August 21st, 2009
4:16 pm
Steve from OH, I agree and it’d make a lot of sense. While his total contract(two years) is around the value of Hudson’s option year, Kawakami can bring something in return. Perhaps not the hitter to fill the void, but prospects and/or young players that can be used in another trade or just kept.
ncscoots
August 21st, 2009
4:17 pm
I’d just like to thank Reid Gorecki for perhaps stilling the Brooks Conrad bromance, LOL. I think the blog can only focus on one AAA heartthrob at a time. Thank you, Reid…have a night, big fella.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:17 pm
Glen W-
Its a business if someone coming to Atlanta doesnt perform why should we feel the need to keep them. Just because your a big name it makes no difference. People still always dream of coming to play here in the environment. Everyone seems to like it here minus a few who are just head cases. I.E. Sheff.
CB
August 21st, 2009
4:18 pm
Glen W,if you sign a contract that isn’t a no trade contract, do you not understand that you must perform to the level of the contract? Lowe is border line to his performance this year.
Braveheart
August 21st, 2009
4:18 pm
Is it really clear? Vazquez likely will go back to be a league average pitcher or slightly better. Hudson will likely come back as a league average pitcher or slightly better. The results likely won’t be much different. Hudson, however, at the present time, has little trade value. Vazquez has significant trade value.
If you cut Hudson loose, and keep Vazquez, you are left with (1) Vazquez, (2) $12 million to be spent in free agency which is an inefficient way to utilize your money, and/or (3) prospects that must be traded in bulk to use up that $12 million excess in the more efficient trade market.
If you keep Hudson, you trade Vazquez, essentially free up the same $12 million, retain more of your farmhands, and get back better players at a better cost by trading Vazquez than if you traded half the farm and/or spent the money in free agency.
So, no, Shaun, it’s not clear cut at all. In fact, you could say that keeping Hudson, and trading Vazquez is clearly the far more productive, efficient and cost effective utilization of your available time, labor, and monetary resources
njbraves
August 21st, 2009
4:18 pm
Tim Hudson> Javy Vazquez. Always has been, always will be. Too many of you are getting caught up in Javy’s fine season. Yeah, he’s doing a great job this year, but check his last few years. Assuming Huddy’s healthy, he’s the guy to keep. I personally hope they keep them both and run the best rotation in baseball out there next year.
Efrim
August 21st, 2009
4:19 pm
Todd (Chattanooga): Which 4 would you take? Heyward, Hanson, Schafer, & Freeman – or – Stanton, Morrison, West, & Maybin?
J.J. Cooper: I’ll go with the Braves, the big reason being Hanson vs. West. Nothing against West, but he’s not the prospect Hanson is. I’d give Maybin an edge over Schafer, but not enough to balance out West vs. Hanson. With Heyward and Freeman joining Hanson in Atlanta, the Braves are about to get interesting in the next year or so.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:20 pm
Brooks Conrad is hands down better then Norton he had more hits in two weeks then Nortons had all year. So yes I will continue to be a fan boy of Conrad and will always disagree with how Bobby treated him.
I am
August 21st, 2009
4:20 pm
worried about tonight’s game. Way too much “future” talk and not enough about the task at hand.
ncscoots
August 21st, 2009
4:21 pm
Mr. Fringe, excellent powers of observation and a keen eye for the appropriate, is what I’m saying. And even with a gross estimate of half-a-thousand, I’d guess the forum bends under the 20-80 rule: 20% of the posters make 80% of the posts.
That’s a pre-Dentzian estimate, of course, LOL.
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
4:21 pm
that line up is weak! Braves lose.
Glen W
August 21st, 2009
4:23 pm
Esco/CB – what I think you are fogetting is that when free agents sign long term deals, they do things like buy and sell homes and move families. These are people. And when substantial free agents look at situations, very often one important thing they look at is stability.
Frank Wren had to sell Derek Lowe on the stability of the franchise/team after seeing core players being worked off of the team (Glavine, Smoltz, etc.). If you read between the lines in December, what you saw was that Wren sold Lowe on the fact that they had a solid young core group of players with even bg talent that woould reach the major league roster within the life of the contract that was being discussed.
You can;t just say, “oh, he didn’t have a no trade clause.” Players and agents look at track record like that. It’s a big deal.
Efrim
August 21st, 2009
4:23 pm
DaveH (Savannah GA): Has Logan Morrison surpassed Smoak as the top 1B prospect in the game? I realize Smoak is immensely talented, and he frequently gets rave reviews from scouts, but his [power] numbers have not been that impressive. {I do realize he was injured, but so was LoMo}.
J.J. Cooper: If you ask three different scouts about Morrison, Smoak and Freddie Freeman, you may get three different answers. The best answer I have is that all three are excellent prospects, and if healthy, Yonder Alonso isn’t far behind that group either.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:23 pm
njbraves-
We all know of JV’s previous seasons but that is not the concern right now, I dont see this JV goins away it seems like it has finally clicked for him in Atlanta. I said in a previous page that Hudson career stats are a lot better and they are but JV is one of the few if not only power pitcher we have. JJ could be but he perfers to pitch to contact and its working for him so, so be it. JV is our only K guy and I dont see this new found skill going anywhere.
rammerjammer
August 21st, 2009
4:23 pm
This notion of trading Vazquez so we can get young, cheap talent in return slays me. Why stop there…let’s see what we can get for McCann! Aw, shoot, just back up the truck, dump every player WHO WE ALL KNOW WILL NEVER GET ANY BETTER and CONTROL WHERE THEY GO (yippee). We get a bunch of promising prospects that cost next to nothing, AND the sweet satisfaction of enhancing some other team’s playoff chances. Boy that’s good stuff. No wonder everyone’s an Oakland A’s fan.
stynes
August 21st, 2009
4:24 pm
If the lineup scores 4, they win. Speaking of specific scores… has anyone mentioned that the 3-2 Braves win last night was I believe their 1st of the year when scoring exactly 4 runs?
civilized white trash
August 21st, 2009
4:24 pm
I HATE that SMURF TURF too!
Efrim
August 21st, 2009
4:26 pm
Jason Heyward (MS): Can you possibly see me chugging coffee in Atlanta next month?
J.J. Cooper: If they want to give Heyward a taste of what the big leagues are like, sure. But as good as he is, I’d be surprised if he could hold his own at the big league level just yet, and I’d be worried that it’s too much too soon. Heyward is a significantly better prospect than Jeff Francoeur, but the Braves ended up rushing Francoeur when they called him up, and he was a 21-year-old with 450 Double-A at-bats. Heyward is a 19-year-old with 141 Double-A at-bats. A little patience here is a good thing.
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
4:26 pm
jammerrammer that is our blueprint. If it’s not broke don’t fix it.
DAP
August 21st, 2009
4:27 pm
wjones I think using pitchers for two-three innings every three days would be a great idea, …I don’t necessarily think it’s a terrible idea. Maybe you tweak it a little, because it leaves you with no fallback in case someone gets hurt, it goes extras, or someone is just ineffective.
or if someone is dealing you dont want to take them out after just three innings.
but your right, it needs a few tweaks. what if you take the 5 best pitchers, let let them take turns pitching for as long as they are effective, however many innings that is, and then have some guys in reserve you can use for a few innings here and there, or if the game goes in extras?
i cant believe nobody has thought of that yet….
bravesgrl4life
August 21st, 2009
4:27 pm
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
3:26 pm
It was done that way on purpose, Bi*ch
Braveheart
August 21st, 2009
4:28 pm
With that being said, I’d trade the hell out of Kawakami before I traded Vazquez or cut Hudson loose, and I wouldn’t care if I got much in return for Kawakami other than someone taking the rest of his contract off our hands.
bravesgrl4life
August 21st, 2009
4:28 pm
Thanks Escobar re:
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
3:28 pm
Efrim
August 21st, 2009
4:28 pm
Steve (Ohio): Has Freddie Freeman’s lack of power across hi-A and AA concerned you at all this year? I understand he’s way young for his league, but just asking, as I’ve heard from other sources that think that Freeman won’t be much more than a solid regular…
J.J. Cooper: I’ve talked to two different scouts who think Freeman can be a batting champion who hits 20 home runs or so. The swing has some power in it and he has an excellent frame. It will not be Heyward-type power, but he’s only 19 in Double-A, so the fact that he hasn’t produced that kind of power yet isn’t that much of a concern.
Nice, Steve. And don’t you tell me that wasn’t you. How many Braves fans are there in Ohio, who would ask a Freddie Freeman question regarding his power potential on a Baseball America chat?
Jeremy
August 21st, 2009
4:28 pm
Why does Bobby not ever play OMAR INFANTE IN THE OUTFIELD??? This would be a great spot to start Kelly at 2B and put Infante in LF! It’s like he forgot he can play out there!
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:29 pm
ncscoots-
Its not our fault if people who read it dont feel like posting and they just creep, maybe they feel the 20% speaks for the Braves nation.
Glen W-
Look if the guy doesnt perform you cant keep him for his family, he knows this, his wife knows this and his kids if old enough know this. We left go of Glavine and Smoltz because they couldnt pitch anymore. We as a fan base and the Braves as a team want to win not shuffle along and hope to contend for the wild card. If Smoltz and Glavine have quams about why they were let go they are not being realistic. Smoltz wanted way to much money we paid him 14 million last year for 6 starts…Looks like the braves made the right call considering he was like 1-5 with an ERA of 8 with the red sox. Looks like the braves were right with Glavine who appears to be out of the game. Its a business not a frat that keeps you no matter how bad you are.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
August 21st, 2009
4:30 pm
LaRoche hitting 5th? That’s progress.
Lunatic Fringe
August 21st, 2009
4:30 pm
That’s a pre-Dentzian estimate, of course, LOL
There are those outliers that even on this blog can skew the “lunatic” peception
braves4ever
August 21st, 2009
4:30 pm
Carroll, very good blogage , loved the Minor /Smoltz/ Schafer stuff .
Thanks for going all the way up to Rome to get that.
AustinBrave
August 21st, 2009
4:30 pm
Any word on Prado?
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:32 pm
rammerjammer-
Why become the Marlins, they cant win anything past September.
Fish Bisch-
Its very broke dont be blind.
bravesgrl4life-
No problem.
Jeremy-
Kelly sucks at second compaird to Prado please dont ever say things like this again. Prado wins games at 2ed Kelly does not. He was a LF to start and maybe he should be the one going back to the outfield.
dogsbrekky
August 21st, 2009
4:32 pm
Funny about Smoltz, I watched all of his starts and he was NOT throwing his splitter, his fastball is like 90 mph not 92-94 and has no movement and his slider was a joke…. just juicy… hope for his sake he has it worked out
Efrim
August 21st, 2009
4:32 pm
Braveheart, I think Wren could coax another team to take him on and possibly give up a nice prospect or two…..
but that’s probably wishful thinking on my part.
Glen W
August 21st, 2009
4:32 pm
Esco – Smoltz was a free agent Glavine was on a one year deal, Lowe is in the first year of a long term deal. Totally different. If lowe had an ERA of six, that would be totally different. Despite 3 really bad games, Lowe has come to the Braves and largely delivered what was expected… quality innings. You just don;t dump a guy you’ve signed to a long term deal like that without expecting to take a major hit regarding your attractiveness to future free agents.
Braveheart
August 21st, 2009
4:32 pm
rammerjammer, I hear ya on the folks who seem to get off on endlessly trying to prove how smart they are by trading for the younger, cheaper option instead of seeking to get bigger and better and grow the product. But then again, we’re Bama dudes who’ll shamelessly sell our souls and pocketbooks to the likes of Nick Saban ’cause we must always be the best or at least strive to be so
BUZZMEAT
August 21st, 2009
4:33 pm
Kelly ever gonna start with Prado down??? crazy!
njbraves
August 21st, 2009
4:33 pm
Brveheart…couldn’t agree with you more.
Lars Taint
August 21st, 2009
4:33 pm
Braveheart,
Nice post at 4:18.
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
4:34 pm
“That lineup is weak” is posted every single time it’s posted. What, do people expect Wren went out and got Pujols under everybody’s nose? I know it was a Marlins troll this time, but someone here always has the same BS to write.
braves4ever
August 21st, 2009
4:34 pm
Fish Bisch
No fish fry tonight. Just an ole fashioned indian uprising
I was thinking that early this morning and today while out I came across a eatery that had a traditional Friday All You Can Eat Fish fry, not Marlin but very good. So yes we have started a fish fry that will go on all weekend so everyone can come.
BUZZMEAT
August 21st, 2009
4:35 pm
DOB/ Carrol:
Any way we can get pictures from “octane in the outfield” on tomorrows blog?
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
August 21st, 2009
4:35 pm
civilized white trash,
Yep, the ACC wisely dumped that bowl tie-in w/Boise.
Imagine the locker room meeting in late November:
COACH: I’ve got good news, guys. We’re playing in a bowl game. In late December. In Boise. On a blue field.
TEAM: [unprintable]
ncscoots
August 21st, 2009
4:35 pm
Its not our fault if people who read it dont feel like posting and they just creep, maybe they feel the 20% speaks for the Braves nation.
I didn’t mean the 20-80 comment in a bad way, at all. But, heck, I probably post more than most whenever I’m around, and I can guarantee that nobody thinks I speak for THEM!
CB
August 21st, 2009
4:35 pm
Glen W,intelligent players do understand what a no-trade contract means for their stability. Lowe understands he is expected to perform to the contract or possibly suffer the consequences.
wow
August 21st, 2009
4:35 pm
Jeremy
Because Omar Infante doesn’t play good defense in the outfeild lacks speed, and a good arm.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
4:35 pm
Random
“Tomahawkin (August 20th, 2009 11:48 pm): “I see The blog went on a Chipper bashing spree [last night] saying that he is having an “Off year”
“And yet I called his off year out to the blog during the Phillies series in which he failed to show up [3 games, 4 for 11 (.364), 1 RBI, 1 Run, 1 BB (OBP = .417)] and I got my Ass handed to me, Mainly by one of his biggest supporters and he knows who he is…”
Yes, I know who I am…
(Can’t bring yourself to call my name, huh?)
It’s gratifying to see that you identify yourself with so many of the other ignorant, hateful, whiny, mouthy bottom feeders here (eg, Jeff321, TnBrian, Rob from SC, Braves Fan in SC, Mitchell, P-Town Brave, NO MORE BOBBY. I’ve always considered you to be one of them — the confirmation is welcome.
But now rather than “handing you Yours” once again, I’ll address some of the stupider comments from last night.
Braves Fan in SC (August 20th, 2009 8:36 pm): “I hope to God that Chipper retires after this season. He is killing this team offensively . . . . He has become the worse hitter on the team.”
Chipper has led the team all season in OPS and OPS+.
Rob from SC (August 20th, 2009 9:40 pm): “Chipper just looks like he doesn’t care. You should always show 100% effort.”
What an asinine comment. How could you know? And can you even recognize the difference between giving 100% effort and showing 100% effort?
wow (August 20th, 2009 9:41 pm): “Chipper is not our best hitter this year. I would say B mac or escobar would be the best hitters this year not chipper.”; (August 20th, 2009 9:47 pm): “I belive escobar is our best hitter because of how clutch he has been leading the world in hits with risp and he has power, average, and a good eye.”
Chipper has led the team all season in OPS and OPS+. Through 121 games, Chipper leads the Braves in OPS (.873, to McCann’s .861, Prado’s .830 and Escobar’s .819) and OPS+.
As for Chipper not being “clutch” (pay attention now, Tomahawkin, as you’ve been making this claim also), I looked at 8 top* Braves’ hitters (Jones, Escobar, McCann, Anderson, LaRoche, Diaz, Church and Johnson), and their “situational” hitting performances (with runners on base, with runners in scoring position, with bases loaded and with runners in scoring position with 2 out).
(* For some reason, I omitted Prado. Beats me as to why. I checked just now, though, and he’s nowhere in the running for “clutch”est Brave. See for yourself, here at ESPN, at the bottom of the page. You can similarly check the others.)
Of all those 8 players, only Chipper and Yunel had an OPS over 1.000 in any of those situations (except for Kelly, who OPSed 1.464 with the bases loaded (yay!), .705 (ugh!) with runners on, .561 (oof!) with runners in scoring position and .450 (yikes!) with runners in scoring position and 2 out).
So let’s focus on Chipper (season =.287/.400/.473/.873 ) and Yunel (season = .302/.371/.448/.819 ) in the four following situations through 118 games (note: does not includes Chipper’s dismal performance last night):
With runners on:
Chipper is 46 for 148, with 42 BBs and 45 RBIs, for slash averages of .311/.449/.500/.949 — better than his season’s numbers = “clutch”. Escobar’s even better — 57 for 157, with 13 BBs and 57 RBIs, for slash averages of .363/.424/.592/1.016 = even more “clutch”, when compared to his season’s numbers. Yunel’s OPS in this situation is 67 points higher than Chipper’s.
With runners in scoring position:
Chipper is 28 for 75, with 32 BBs and 40 RBIs, for slash averages of .373/.531/.600/1.131 — better than his season’s numbers = “clutch”. Escobar’s better again — 41 for 98, with 9 BBs and 52 RBIs, for slash averages of .418/.468/.714/1.182 = even more “clutch”, when compared to his season’s numbers. Yunel’s OPS in this situation is 51 points higher than Chipper’s.
With runners in scoring position with 2 out:
Chipper is 10 for 24, with 13 BBs and 17 RBIs, for slash averages of .417/.622/.875/1.497 — much better than his season’s numbers = very “clutch”. Escobar’s nowhere close — 24 for 63, with 1 BB and 29 RBIs, for slash averages of .381/.400/.619/1.019 = still “clutch”, when compared to his season’s numbers. Chipper’s OPS in this situation is 478 points higher than Yunel’s.
With bases loaded (warning: small sample size):
Chipper is 2 for 4, with 1 BB and 5 RBIs, for slash averages of .500/.500/.500/1.000. Escobar’s not quite there — 3 for 8, with 1 BB and 9 RBIs, for slash averages of .375/.364/.500/.864.
There may be some argument as to whether Yunel or Chipper is more “clutch” — I go with Chipper because of his vastly superior performance with RISP/2 out. But there is absolutely no way anyone can say that Chipper has not been “clutch” this year.
(See Braveheart (August 20th, 2009 9:54 pm) and Steve from OH (August 20th, 2009 9:58 pm) for some good comments.)
PS: a couple of amusing comments — were these guys on an even tighter deadline than DOB, “calling” the game so early?
Braves Fan in SC (August 20th, 2009 9:36 pm): “This loss is on Chipper folks.”
NO MORE COX OR CHIPPER! (August 20th, 2009 9:45 pm): “Double Plays & Chipper killed us tonight.”
PPS: So yeah, Tomahawkin, you just go ahead on and make yourself blissfully comfortable with your loser homies listed above. Me, I’ll stick with the likes of Shamus Thacker, Escobar for Supreme Court (?), Steve from OH, No More, No More Bobby (?), cs95, really, yall are crazy, Jimmy D, Kurdt Kobain, JayDubu & Braveheart. (If they’ll have me.)
Works for me bro…If you come to the sense that Hurt or not Chipper is having an off year, we’ll call a truce…?
“Loser Homies” LOL You are unreal…
It seems like the Chipper Bashing that was going on over the series in New York was about more people other than the one’s you mentioned catching on that Chipper is having an “off year”…Like I said before I’m not hating on him but he hasn’t stepped up this season and we need him to get hot for a 2-3 week period if this team wants to make it into October and past the first round
And Chipper is the Franchise no doubt about it but he is far from a leader
brian elliott
August 21st, 2009
4:37 pm
Is something wrong with Chipper? He looked awful during the met series and seemed that he should have stayed on the bench for the 3 games. Is there any injury that anyone knows? Any updates on Prado either? Thanks
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:38 pm
Glen W-
Smoltz still wanted to come to the Braves before anyone else and to say so is just wrong. The Red Sox obviously over paid but they can with a payroll of 180 million. What you said does not dis prove my point it only adds to the fact that its a business and you cant hang onto sentiment. Im with you on the Lowe situation but at the same time if the trend continues why would we want his long term deal if he cant produce to whats expected.
RHR
August 21st, 2009
4:38 pm
Chipper’s old and ineffective = Marlins sweep.
You’re young and stupid = Bye.
Braveheart
August 21st, 2009
4:38 pm
Efrim, of course I’d love it if he got something good back in return for Kawakami, but if he didn’t, I’d understand and not care much…… doesn’t mean I don’t think Kawakami isn’t good. Because I think he is good and valuable for what he is. I just think we’d be okay with Vazquez, Lowe, Hanson, Jurrjens, Hudson and Medlen next year and would be glad to have better pitching options than Kawakami plus 8 million freed
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
4:39 pm
I was under the impression Kimbrel came up after Aug 1, but if I’m wrong (I probably am) then I’d think he’d definitely be in the AFL.
So…Heyward, Freeman, Minor, Kimbrel…probably one more pitcher and one position player…Ortegano and Hicks if I had to guess.
dogsbrekky
August 21st, 2009
4:39 pm
Kawakami was good last night apart from that slightly scary 1st (well very scary 1st) and yet he still gets no love… oh well
Nice “sounding” lineup tonight, many an interesting name on the lineup
Was fun at SHeety Field last night. I may be mistaken but since I was last there when the mutts were oer 500, their fans have become suddenly nicer to folks wearing Braves gear. Then again the highlight for them was cheeng that bonehead closer WAGNER whilst maintaining the loss
RHR
August 21st, 2009
4:40 pm
Man couldn’t carry my cleats of badness, LOL.
True. But he was the meanest dude I could think of.
Anders
August 21st, 2009
4:40 pm
OK, I’m not the waiver wire guru many on here are but I assumed that Wagner had cleared waivers before the Mets “showcased” him last night. I mean, why would you let him show the world what he has when they can still claim him? Isn’t he more valuable when you can deal with all after clearing? Please,please tell me I’m missing something here and Minaya didn’t botch this. Shouldn’t they have activated him but nailed to the bench until he cleared?
Now that he was claimed you either let him go for peanuts or you re-up him for $8 mil. I don’t see any middle ground. Again, am I missing something?
Bobby's Belly
August 21st, 2009
4:41 pm
This is a very bad defensive outfield – 3 guys who can’t run or throw – hope we don’t get exposed tonight.
KC
August 21st, 2009
4:41 pm
Kelly Johnson has always been a streaky player. But when he’s hot, he’s as dangerous a hitter as you’ll find. He’s been swinging a good bat since he came off the DL. I think it was absolutely the right call to go with Prado over KJ for the starting 2B job. But Prado’s out, and KJ’s been swinging it as he did late last year.
Can’t Infante play a solid left field???
Why is Bobby choosing R.Gorecki over KJ.??? It makes no sense.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:41 pm
dogsbrekky-
KK is getting a lot of love we just think Hudson is a better pitcher with a proven track record. No doubt KK is turning into a good pitcher. You prolly didnt read the blog last night but we were all saying great job.
Anders
August 21st, 2009
4:41 pm
Tomahawkin – did you just get back from Paul Lentz summer camp? Good lord.
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
4:43 pm
Braveheart, good post that does make sense. But, your first sentence I can’t agree with. Vazquez is pitching better than he ever has in his career right now. He’s a K pitcher that the rotation needs, every rotation needs one, imo. Hudson is coming off major surgery and is more of question mark. Yes, trading Vazquez and maybe a prospect for a hitter and resigning Hudson and keeping your prospects sounds like a no brainer, but I’m just not comfortable with the guy coming off of major surgery and how it might affect him. To me, that’s a bigger gamble.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:43 pm
Bobby’s Belly-
We will lots of gap power in Fla.
KC-
To slow, KJ used to play LF as I said before he makes the logical choice out there.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 21st, 2009
4:43 pm
Fish Bisch –
Maybe if you offered something intelligent, people wouldn’t think to call you off this blog. Nothing you have said has contributed, at all.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 21st, 2009
4:44 pm
Why is Bobby choosing R.Gorecki over KJ.??? It makes no sense.
Because KJ hasn’t played LF in years…
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
4:44 pm
Can we please italicize the text we’re quoting or something to make it a bit more…readable? Jeez…
Hillbilly
August 21st, 2009
4:44 pm
Steve From OH,
Kimbrel’s milb page shows he has played 8 games with Mississippi. The first one being on July 31.
CaliChopper
August 21st, 2009
4:44 pm
That body they found on the ranch wasn’t Gonzo’s was it?
RHR
August 21st, 2009
4:44 pm
After reading that I imagine you glaring at all the bloggers, Jules Winnfield style:
Boom!
Oh I’m sorry, did I break your concentration?
You were saying something about….baseball?
SAY WHAT AGAIN!”
Do they speak English in What?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snW3cM1KipQ
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:45 pm
TnBrian-
If bobby come back next year his clause will be a no trade JV button. He loves the guy and as he should he is a dominate pitcher this year.
Lunatic Fringe
August 21st, 2009
4:45 pm
Anders,
Maybe you overestimated Minaya???
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
4:46 pm
Can’t Infante play a solid left field???
I’m not sure that Infante is an asset defensively anywhere…
He’s an asset because he can do a lot of things ok (like play different positions and be an ok hitter off the bench), not because he can do the things starters do well. If he could, he’d be a starter.
Anders
August 21st, 2009
4:46 pm
Dogsbrekky- Did it ever occur to you that maybe YOUR attitude changed since the last time you went to Citifield? I mean, folks on here are much more tolerant of me now that the Braves are out in front of my Mets. It’s human nature. And we’re all humans. Well except for Lentz. {:
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 21st, 2009
4:46 pm
Can we please italicize the text we’re quoting or something to make it a bit more…readable? Jeez…
Sure.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:46 pm
CaliChopper-
It was his twin Chipper got the wrong guy. He was to busy eating Lime Tostitos with queso to notice.
Glen W
August 21st, 2009
4:47 pm
Esco – you lost me on that last response. Smoltz was a free agent and the Braves offers an incentive-based one year deal. Lowe was offered the third most lucrative contract that a pitcher was offered behind two massive talents in their prime. Not sure how that supports the idea that the Braves could trade Lowe in the offseason with that being similar to letting Smoltz take a better contract with Boston.
I agre with yout that it’s a business. And part of the business, for a Frank Wren, is treating players (especially the well paid ones) in a manner that would make futire star free agents see you as a desirable place to land.
KC
August 21st, 2009
4:47 pm
Escobar for Supreme Court, well… I’m sure KJ could still handle LF just fine. But Infante has played there more recently, and I’m positive that he regularly practices out there.
dogsbrekky
August 21st, 2009
4:47 pm
Escobar – it took me 3.5 hours to drive the 69 miles from my house to Queens last night and then was on the frog and toad on the way back after the game so missed all of the blog action.
FWIW – I really like Citifield but for the mutts I cannot work out why they would name their stadium after losers…anyway, it is a great place to watch ball and I have now been in 4 different areas there
"You all are Cox apologists"
August 21st, 2009
4:47 pm
WE CAN’T KEEP DOING THIS,
The Rockies took care of BUSINESS by sweeping the Nats while we failed to take care of business by NOT sweeping the Muts. Taking 2/3 is fine when you’re actually leading a race, but, when you’re playing catchup with only 41 games left and 3 teams to jump, (Marlins lead season series) you need 3 and 4 game sweeps. The Braves can really gain some vital ground by sweeping the Marlins and the Padres, which they should. 6-0 in our next 6 anyone??? The Rockies have their next 4 against the Giants and then 3 against the Dodgers. If we go 6-0 or even 5-1, we should gain at least 2 games. THE TIME IS NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
Steve from OH-
He could start in the infield for a lot of teams that dont have an infield like we do. Hes just playing behind better players is all.
njbraves
August 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
Anders…did you really expaect any different from your mets?? They screw up everything, thought you’d be used to it by now. For what it’s worth, I think the Cubs claimed him…you should be able to work out a deal there..they’re pretty desperate for a closer.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
Hillbilly–awesome. He’ll benefit greatly from AFL experience.
Jurrjens4NLCY
August 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
That body they found on the ranch wasn’t Gonzo’s was it?
As a Mexican-American I’m severely offended!!
Just kidding, I could not give a fck.
I’m not even Mexican, poor guy though.
dogsbrekky
August 21st, 2009
4:48 pm
anders – nope my attitude is always the same, but I always preferred your ilk to the chardonnay swilling Yanks fans across the river !
KC
August 21st, 2009
4:49 pm
Steve from OH, as I’m sure you know, I was asking that rhetorically. Infante CAN play left field, and can play it well. Heck, the guy was the Braves backup center-fielder to start the season. If the guy can’t glove out there, that never would have been the case.
And I think Infante has been solid defensively wherever they’ve used him. Decent range, soft hands, good and accurate arm.
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
4:50 pm
In the summer when i’m not living in florida i have a condo in Vanderbuilt. I happened to catch a few games were your boy Miner was pitching. He is not as good as people make him out to be. His stuff had no movement and there was no zip on his fast ball. He actually just got lucky on more than one occassion. Why do you think he wasn’t drafted eariler? The braves wasted their pick on him.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:50 pm
Glen W-
I know the general peramiter of the contract. All I was trying to say is that if a guy doesnt perform you shouldnt feel the need to keep them not matter what the contract is like.
KC-
I just think KJ is faster.
dogsbrekky-
I wasnt saying it like a bad thinkg I was just letting you know people were praising him last night. My self included.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
4:50 pm
Please. The only team Infante is a starter on is a bad one.
Glen W
August 21st, 2009
4:51 pm
Kelly is a logical choice to play LF tonight because he used to play LF in the same way that I was an air traffic controller 15 years ago and you would want me working the pattern the next time you fly into Hartsfield.
CaliChopper
August 21st, 2009
4:51 pm
Just wondering if anyone had seen Gonzo since Chipper went up the tunnel between innings is all.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
4:51 pm
Nova Scotia Brave
“I’m also not one who’s going to bash Chipper. The guy’s done too much for this team/organization to bash.
We will miss him when’s he gone – or at least I will – bank on it.”
I will Co-Sign to that last sentence…
Random
August 21st, 2009
4:52 pm
Tomahawkin (August 21st, 2009 4:35 pm): “Works for me bro…If you come to the sense that Hurt or not Chipper is having an off year, we’ll call a truce…?”
Truce, then — I never tried to say that Chipper hasn’t performed as well this year (.287/.400/.473/.873) as he did last year (.364/.470/.574/1.044), or 10 years ago (his MVP year — .319/.441/.633/1.074). That would be insane — he won the frigging Batting title last year.
(But I just can’t let people get away with saying Chipper’s not been clutch this year — I mean, .417/.622/.875/1.497 w/RISP & 2 out? Come on, people.)
“It seems like the Chipper Bashing that was going on over the series in New York was about more people other than the one’s you mentioned catching on that Chipper is having an “off year”…”
I think all the ones I didn’t mention were bashing on Chipper because of his defensive “lapses”– and not even I am prepared to defend his defense this year. That’s why I omitted specific mention of them.
KC
August 21st, 2009
4:52 pm
Dear Major League Baseball, “autoplay” should always be switched “OFF”! I don’t want to be bombarded with a damned Master Card commercial when I visit a team’s official site.
Capt Caveman
August 21st, 2009
4:52 pm
“You all are Cox apologists” — You have no f’n clue do you?? You don’t go 6-0 just b/c you want to. You just have to win at a 65% pace for the rest of the season.
So I guess by you standards if the Braves lose ONCE then it’s over. That’s just stupid.
McFann ;Ô;
August 21st, 2009
4:53 pm
Thanks for the lineup, Ms. Rogers.
KC
August 21st, 2009
4:53 pm
Escobar for Supreme Court, maybe a little, but Infante can run. He’s not slow by any stretch of the imagination.
RHR
August 21st, 2009
4:53 pm
Where is Vanderbuilt?
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
4:54 pm
Anders
I was Quoting Randoms Remarks about Posters on here calling out Chipper
He’ really gets into it…
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:54 pm
Steve from OH-
Please he could start on over have of the NL and prolly even some AL teams. I dont know why people hate this guy he always gets clutch hits and he is better on d then KJ who cant go to his right if there was a double cheeseburger a foot away and he hadn’t eaten in two weeks.
CaliChopper
August 21st, 2009
4:54 pm
RHR – Bottom of the SEC
Breaking News
August 21st, 2009
4:54 pm
MFIKY hides the bodies at the Double Dime …… doesn’t hide them very well though
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
4:54 pm
Chipper is another MLB player collecting a fat pay check on past performance. No wonder these old guys stay past their prime. It’s easy money. Why does everybody bash old guys like Brett Favre? Wouldn’t you play professional ball if someone was going to shower you with millions of dollars for suiting up and drooling all over the field?
Anders
August 21st, 2009
4:55 pm
Tomahawkin – It was meant in fun.
CharlieAlphaBravo
August 21st, 2009
4:55 pm
Anders:
I was thinking the same thing at 4:41… Classic…
braves4ever
August 21st, 2009
4:56 pm
RHR, “Vanderbuilt” is across the river from the NUT HOUSE.
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
4:56 pm
Random, I’m not sure I’d be calling others “losers” when you are always digging up comments from people you don’t like… kinda looks like you have too much time on your hands and nothing going on in your life. That, to me, is a loser. YOU SUCK @#!$!!
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
4:56 pm
KC-
Trust me I like Infante a lot better then I do KJ but I would rather see Omar in the IF.
RHR
August 21st, 2009
4:56 pm
No, that would be Vanderbilt. If thats what he meant I’d think one would know how to spell it. But Vandy is in Nashville so it’s not a city, just wondered where the city of Vanderbuilt was.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
4:56 pm
Infante was the backup CF because we had no one else able to fill the slot. Infante goes have good hands. However, I don’t think he has good range at all. I just don’t think he’ll be an asset at in left…his range will be, at best, average, and do you think he’ll just magically start taking good routes to balls after not playing there since, um, when exactly?
He’s an asset because he can play all of those positions in a pinch, not because he can play any of them well. He’s valuable for his verstatility, not for above-average performance at any position.
Braveheart
August 21st, 2009
4:56 pm
Infante, in his career, has pretty much been an average defender at every position
CharlieAlphaBravo
August 21st, 2009
4:56 pm
Let’s be fair though… That wasn’t nearly tactless or condescending enough to compare to one of Paulie’s posts…
bravesgrl4life
August 21st, 2009
4:57 pm
Can’t believe I am saying this, but Go Mets! We need them to kick some Philthy AZZ
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
4:58 pm
Random,
Cool, Then I never did say that Chipper Sucks or and Of Coarse he won the title last year but he has been somewhat of a non-factor this year…
Gotta run rite quick I will elaborate more in a few…
Daslied
August 21st, 2009
4:59 pm
Escobar for Supreme Court – “Brooks Conrad is hands down better then Norton…”
That’s not at all fair. You’re basing the Conrad thing on 34 PAs this year, and not considering his prior 19 MLB PAs, which resulted in an OPS of .368. Sample size is the key – nobody knows what kind of MLB player Conrad is based on 53 MLB PAs.
Last year Norton had 220 MLB PAs, resulting in an OPS of .811. He was the best pinch-hitter in baseball. Sure, he hasn’t been great this year, but he’s coming around – his OPS has gone up .109 since July.
I’m not at all knocking Conrad – I just don’t get all of the man-crushes. He’s a complete unknown. A lot of new guys can do very well in short MLB stints, but they get exposed rather quickly. You don’t want that in a playoff atmosphere.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
4:59 pm
C’mon, EfSC, really? His career line of .264/.309/.392 with a .305 wOBA screams “starter” to you? That screams “replacement” to me, if anything. In addition, he’s not a plus fielder at any one spot. He’s not a regular.
Braveheart
August 21st, 2009
5:00 pm
It’s astounding to me how many on here supposedly follow baseball so closely, but don’t understand a darn thing about contracts. You hear so often that Kawakami, Lowe, Vazquez, Chipper, Soriano are all overpaid, and none of it is true. It’s like some of you are operating under a 1977 understanding of what salaries a player should get
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
5:01 pm
Braveheart–yup.
Jeff321
August 21st, 2009
5:01 pm
Just say NO to Infante in the outfield!
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
5:02 pm
We think anyone making over the league minimum is just ludicrous!
rammer's car analogy
August 21st, 2009
5:04 pm
I have two cars. Both have performed well, about the same mileage. I like them both. One’s a little faster but the other is more fuel-efficient. The efficient one just had the engine rebuilt.
Mechanic says the efficient one’s doing good driving through the neighborhoods and all, but my other car is sweet on the highway (where I do all my driving), never breaks down and has power. Very reliable.
I can only keep one. Buddy of mine says he’ll take the highway car off my hands for TWO cars he got not too long ago! But I wonder…can they make it on the highway? And how do I know my other car, the one just back from the shop, isn’t going to break down again when I start driving it regularly?
Friends say, “Hey that highway car’s going good now, but how do you know it will last? Better trade it in while you can!” But it just keeps going, better than ever.
McFann ;Ô;
August 21st, 2009
5:05 pm
bravesgrl4life–
Yeah…it’s one of those “I don’t want the Mets to win, I just want the Fillies to lose” kind of deals.
Glen W
August 21st, 2009
5:05 pm
Steve from OH – I am not saying that I want Infante playing 2B every day for me, but when you look at his career numbers I do think you need to factor that he got a ton of those career ABs at the age of 22-23.At 27 years of age, I think he is coming into his own as a hitter. But he needs to be on the right team to play 150 games IMO… and the right team plays on a slow infield.
chilidog75
August 21st, 2009
5:05 pm
Random,
Good numbers on Chipper. Very detailed.
He’s been a good player for the Braves this year. There’s no doubt. He just hasn’t been great.
In fact, it could be argued (and I did actually, with Steve a few weeks ago) that he’s been the least productive No. 3 hitter in the national league this season.
To compare him solely to other Braves, in my opinion, misses the point. OF COURSE he’s one of the best hitters on the team. He’s Chipper F’ing Jones for crying out loud. But he’s not paid to just be one of the best hitters on his own team, he’s paid (and expected, rightly or wrongly) to be one of the best hitters in the national league.
He’s been an ELITE, ELITE hitter for more than a decade. A first-ballot hall of famer. The expectations for those guys are a bit different than the Matt Diaz’s of the world.
At any rate, I think that’s where the frustration comes in for some fans (not counting the idiotic posts that he’s “killing the team” or “needs to retire,” etc.) He just hasn’t been the hitter any of us expected this season. Doesn’t mean he’s terrible. Doesn’t mean he’s washed up. Just means he’s getting older.
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
5:06 pm
Infante was such a great backup to Schafer earlier this season, that I can’t remember a single game where he replaced him (there might have been one) before Schafer was sent down, then Blanco was brought up.
Infante is an emergency outfielder at best. Bad routes and a weak arm.
KJ in left was only marginally better than Infante when he played there. Better arm. Bobby won’t use guys where they haven’t played in a while, unless it becomes an emergency.
KJ is a better second baseman than Infante. KJ and Prado are somewhat equal, with both having areas where they are better than the other.
So, let’s please leave Infante in the infield and let our outfielders roam the big grass.
Sound OK.
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
5:07 pm
Random, where are ya? Come at me with some more BS to show what a coward behing a screen is all about. You bash on people that have done nothing to you because you are the real loser.
TennesseePaul
August 21st, 2009
5:07 pm
That ESPN stuff seems a bit odd. Was it from Keith Law?
I remember heading into the draft all ESPN could talk about other than Strasburge was how weak the draft was. Lines like “Might be the worst draft class in history” were wizzing about like spit balls in an elementary school cafeteria. And now ESPN is saying the Braves were foolish for drafting a lot of college kids and not paying much for them.
I’ll wait and see how the kids turn out. Hanson was a low draft pick if I remember correctly. Just makes me think that for the most part, all this analysis is crap. Let the kids play and then see what becomes of them.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
5:10 pm
Daslied-
Ok well has Norton hit a triple this year? How many RBI’s does Norton have this year?
Nortons line AB-60 R-3 H-9 Doubles-2 HR-0 RBI-6 BB-16 SO-16 AVG-.150 OBP-.338 SLUG-.183…Phenominal
Conrads line AB-32 R-6 H-11 Doubles-1 Triples-2 HR-2 BB-2 SO-6 AVG-.344 OBP-.382 SLUG-.688
So Norton is better NO WAY!
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
5:11 pm
Chilidog
Spot On with that post
“At any rate, I think that’s where the frustration comes in for some fans (not counting the idiotic posts that he’s “killing the team” or “needs to retire,” etc.) He just hasn’t been the hitter any of us expected this season. Doesn’t mean he’s terrible. Doesn’t mean he’s washed up. Just means he’s getting older.”
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
5:11 pm
That’s fair, Glen W. But still, he’s not walking any more now than he was then, and even last year he was only an average hitter, and he was only playing part-time. Like I said, valuable bench player, not-so-valuable regular. He can’t be a below-average bat full-time because he’s not going to make up for it by being a plus defender.
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
5:12 pm
Agreed chillidog75. You can throw season/career stats from a player out the window right now. We’re talking one game at a time in this playoff chase. Not what the guy’s done throught the season. Yes, some people are stupid when they say Chipper hasn’t produced all year, but I’d talk about how he’s doing RIGHT NOW, THIS SECOND, not in the past.
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
5:12 pm
Agreed chillidog75. You can throw season/career stats from a player out the window right now. We’re talking one game at a time in this playoff chase. Not what the guy’s done throught the season. Yes, some people are stupid when they say Chipper hasn’t produced all year, but I’d talk about how he’s doing RIGHT NOW, THIS SECOND, not in the past.
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
5:12 pm
Escobar
But Norton is hitting 1000 with a 1000 OBP the past couple of days!!!
So he is better now!!!
(your logic escapes me. too small of a sample size, my friend)
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
5:13 pm
Steve from OH-
He was young everyone young doesnt come in and be great. He is learning and becoming a very good player.
Chris from the Rock
August 21st, 2009
5:13 pm
Why not put KJ in at 2B and give Infante the start somewhere in the OF?
Fish Bisch
August 21st, 2009
5:14 pm
here we go marlins, here we go! I say 1-0 tonight. Hanley hits for the cycle and Anibel pitches a perfect game.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
5:15 pm
Wayne in Utah-
Yea, he is getting better after some of the worst months for a pinch hiter in history, they guy is old. Why not have someone who had more production in half the at bats who is young get exp. How does that line not show that Conrad is a better player. HE HAD MORE PRODUCTION IN HALF AS MANY AT BATS.
Wayne in Utah
August 21st, 2009
5:15 pm
Chris from the Rock
Your either funny, or not paying attention. If your trying to be funny, put a funny face after your comment so we won’t think your not paying attention.
civilized white trash
August 21st, 2009
5:16 pm
fish bisch is on crack
is it bad if i kinda want some
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
5:16 pm
ChiliDog
“In fact, it could be argued (and I did actually, with Steve a few weeks ago) that he’s been the least productive No. 3 hitter in the national league this season.”
That was kind of where I was getting at last week…At the Same time however Chipper is pitched around more than any #3 hitter in the league with a few exceptions…
I called him out in that series against the phillies because well I felt like watching Chipper in the playoffs…
With that in Mind If Chipper has an Unproductive last 6 weeks of the season there will be many more posters on here who will come out of the cracks and continue bashing Chipper left and right. Believe me these posters will make my criticisms of Chipper seem rather on the light side…
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
5:16 pm
Oh conrad also had 8 RBI’s
CaliChopper
August 21st, 2009
5:17 pm
Because KJ plays second like Roberto Duran boxed, with hands of stone.
Daslied
August 21st, 2009
5:18 pm
Escobar – so a triple is the measure of success? Dude, I wasn’t arguing that Norton is better. I was trying to explain why you can’t say Conrad is better. Understand?
Tomas
August 21st, 2009
5:21 pm
When Tim Hudson comes back, I think the best thing would be to implement a six man rotation. Kawakami isn’t used to such a long season, and being in a 5-man rotation for a complete year. A six man rotation isn’t usual this days, but when you’re sixth starter is Tim Hudson, then I think they should do it, and maybe extend the starters a little bit further. And if you don’t, then who goes to the bulpen? Kawakami isn’t exactly a good fit to the bulpen given his 1st inning issues throwing strikes. Tommy Hanson would be a better fit in the bulpen(kinda of like Joba was with the Yankees), but he is just too good in the rotation to take him out. Jurrjens hasn’t exactly cruised lately, but he is just been great all season long, maybe he is just getting a bit tired. And Vazquez is the team ace.
Maybe move Derek Lowe to the bulpen, his done it before, and his ERA tells us his been the worst starter this season. But you’re paying him 15 million, and his traditionally been a big game pitcher, so you really don’t want to demote him to the bulpen(plus he might not take it so lightly). So why not implement a 6 man rotation, it would seem like the best solution.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
5:22 pm
Daslied-
No I’m sorry I dont understand. If all you saw was the triple you didnt get what that line was supposed to show. It was meant to inform to those people that like Norton is we got better production out of someone with half as many PA’s. To me that shows who the better player is. The only way to truly find out what he would have done would be to have kept him. I respect the year Norton had last year but thats last year. Why would you take away Conrads job? As a manager I personally would have let Conrad keep playing because we was doing well where as Norton was not. At the same time Bobby kept KJ in one of the worst slumps of his career so my point is mute in that if you can play, you wont play.
Glen W
August 21st, 2009
5:23 pm
Does anyone else see Billy wagner as a perfect final piece for the Marlins? I hope that the Braves woud have put a claim in to block that. I think Wagner going to the Marlins would give that team a type of confidence that team hasn’t seen since Pudge was behind the plate for them.
Daslied
August 21st, 2009
5:23 pm
One more thing, Escobar – Jordan Schafer hit 2 home runs in his first 13 PAs. Conrad has 2 in 34 PA, nearly 3 times as many. Is Schafer better? No, you say? He eventually slumped when people figured out how to pitch to him, you say? That couldn’t possibly happen to Conrad! He’s a highly-touted 5-tool prospect! Oh wait. That was Schafer.
"You all are Cox apologists"
August 21st, 2009
5:24 pm
Capt. Caveman,
You are a shining example of the illiteracy and inability to comprehend in Georgia. You MISSED THE POINT. The Braves should have SWEPT the METS and I stand by that, IDIOT. I never said one loss would end the season, but, the Braves can’t be satisfied with just taking 2 of 3. All i was saying was that the Braves would do themselves a big favor by going 6-0 in their next 6, it isn’t impossible. Can you read?????
Daslied
August 21st, 2009
5:24 pm
Look, Conrad is a 29-year-old career minor leaguer for a reason.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
5:25 pm
Tomas-
None of that makes sense. Why would you put a rookie phenom in the pen? hes one of the best pitchers we have, oh wait they are all good. If you demote Hanson to the pen it throws off his stamina to go 7. He is doing fine in the rotation, if it isnt broke dont fix it. A six man rotaion makes sense for the only reaons you listed which is rested arms down the strech and to get KK used to the longer season.
Random
August 21st, 2009
5:26 pm
chilidog75 (August 21st, 2009 5:05 pm) –
Appreciate the perspective.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
5:27 pm
Daslied-
Bringing Schafer into the arguement just threw a wrench into no one was compairing the two, Schafer is 9 years younger and a TOP prospect. Conrad has been a 29 y.o. minor leaguer because no one has given him the chance and when he got the chance in ATL and proved he could it was ripped from him for a vet who did not deserve it at the moment.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
5:28 pm
“You all are Cox apologists”
Yea the braves should have swept but when your “Ace” fumbles like that what do you expect it was the single worst inning all season.
Tomas
August 21st, 2009
5:29 pm
Escobar for Supreme Court, I’m not saying that Hanson should be the one demoted to the bulpen, but he has a lot of succes on 1st innings, and his stuff is just electric. But he is a greater weapon on the STARTING ROTATION. A 6man rotation is the way to go, if you ask me.
CB
August 21st, 2009
5:31 pm
Braveheart, of the five players you named at 5:00pm, who would you say is the worst contract? I think it is Lowe.
lexbrave
August 21st, 2009
5:31 pm
i can’t imagine why any team that’s still in contention (i.e. braves) wouldn’t claim him just to block him from joining one of the teams they are chasing.from getting better.
dogsbrekky
August 21st, 2009
5:32 pm
Fish Bisch – I always thought your surname had a T in it is lieu of an S !
NorCal
August 21st, 2009
5:35 pm
Has anyone seen Jeff Lyman (Mississipppi) pitch ?
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
5:37 pm
Tomas-
Agreed
CB-
Lowe is the over paid one just because he is slumping this season compaired to what we as Braves nation expected from him but if he was pitching to what he was capable we would not be saying this any it might be Chipper who was the over paid one.
Bat Masterson
August 21st, 2009
5:38 pm
RHR
August 21st, 2009
4:53 pm
Where is Vanderbuilt? It’s a new Dutch truck, really big in Belgium.
Mark Twine
August 21st, 2009
5:45 pm
Ms. Rogers, Looks as if we are going to play 2 tomorrow huh?
Brightside
August 21st, 2009
5:45 pm
It is not important what Conrad has done in his last 29 years. It is what he has done for the Atlanta Braves this year.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
5:46 pm
Brightside-
THANK YOU! He obvously outplayed Norton.
Capt Caveman
August 21st, 2009
5:47 pm
“You all are Cox apologists” — NO DUDE , YOU MISSED THE POINT !!!! You expect to win a series, you never expect to sweep one. And of course it would be great if they did but it’s far less of a chance of that then just taking 2-3.
And don’t be talking bad about Georgia, there is a reason why they call getting beatup a “good old fashion Georgia butt kickin !!!!”
We don’t cotton to the likes of you carpetbaggers coming around here and messing things up !!!!! LOL MORON !!!
chilidog75
August 21st, 2009
5:48 pm
Ok, so I’ve broken down some numbers. I was on here a few nights ago when many posters claimed that the Mets WON the Church-Francoeur trade. And it “wasn’t close.” We got hosed. Highway robbery. Whatever people wanted to say.
Here are the numbers from Jeff Francoeur since the trade, and here are the numbers from the Braves’ RF spot (specifically, just the RF spot — this doesn’t even take into account what Church has done in CF, or even the fact that he CAN play centerfield).
Francoeur … 36 games, .297 avg, .329 OBP, .471 SLG …. .800 OPS … 5 HR, 22 RBIs, 16 runs
Braves RF combo …. 35 games, .297 avg, .371 OPB, .508 SLG …. .889 OPS …. 7 HR, 25 RBIs, 25 runs
Yes, Francoeur has played BETTER since he left. But the Braves have still gotten more production out of their RF spot in the lineup. Plus, they acquired a guy that could play CF if we needed him to. Just don’t think it’s fair to judge the trade solely as Francoeur vs. Church … because if Francoeur was still here, Diaz wouldn’t be getting these ABs. So I think the fairest way is Francouer vs. Braves’ rightfielders. Seems sort of obvious who has won the trade so far.
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
5:49 pm
That picture of Minor on the AJC Baseball page made me think of Tom Seaver. Seaver exerted his hair when throwing a pitch. Guy got EVERYTHING into it. Remember the knee-drag?
JeanE
August 21st, 2009
5:50 pm
I also thought Bobby might give KJ the start in Left, I remember the 1st time I ever saw KJ was at a Braves game & I was like, who is that guy in LF?? He finally has made it into the doghouse & apparently, he’s staying there for now. Well, good for Reid, time to show you belong! I think Chipper looks really bad, I can only assume his age in baseball years has caught up to him or his oblique is paining him, whatever, I actually think he’s been a detriment to this team so can’t we rest him? Let Omar play 3rd, KJ at 2nd & Reid in Left. That bases loaded DP about killed me last night! He doesnt’t even look like the same hitter as last year & he was so overmatched against Billy Wagner who looked very sharp. I like Chipper & he’s our guy but let’s face it, he needs to sit down & rest right now!
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
5:51 pm
We won the trade in my mind. Jeff Suckcoeur was a black hole that was on a path to swallow up all of the ted.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
5:53 pm
JeanE-
He is old and in pain but still a better hitter then 90% of everyone whos ever had even one PA in MLB. He just needs rest like you said but with the ailing bench and the playoff push who knows when it will come.
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
5:57 pm
It was like Frenchy reached a point where there was no natural adrenaline for the game of baseball. He got a shot of synthetic adrenaline from the trade. When that wears-off, it’s back to Nortonville.
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
5:58 pm
At least Norton walks.
chilidog75
August 21st, 2009
5:59 pm
Norton is a walking machine.
McFann ;Ô;
August 21st, 2009
6:01 pm
chilidog75 Just don’t think it’s fair to judge the trade solely as Francoeur vs. Church … because if Francoeur was still here, Diaz wouldn’t be getting these ABs.
Exactly. And Diaz has been GREAT lately. Love Matty…
"You all are Cox apologists"
August 21st, 2009
6:01 pm
Capt. Caveman,
You must be 13 right? First of all, I’m from Atlanta, Georgia, born and bread. Secondly, when you’re trying to gain ground in a playoff race, you must expect to sweep series’ sometimes, especially when you are clearly the better team. I didn’t say sweep every series, just the ones when you are clearly the dominant team. Go back to your MOM’S BASEMENT to catch up on your reading comprhension skills, they’re obviously lacking. Plus, you couldn’t whip me, BOY!
Bravissimo
August 21st, 2009
6:02 pm
Fish Bisch and Metsfanforlife…one and the same
McFann ;Ô;
August 21st, 2009
6:02 pm
Meant to add–very good post overall, chilidog.
"You all are Cox apologists"
August 21st, 2009
6:02 pm
Sorry, meant comprehension.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
6:04 pm
Arghhh, Dammit, The game is on Peachtree TV Tonight, So you know what that means…?
Chip Carey will be live and in full effect tonight…
wow
August 21st, 2009
6:05 pm
Bobby’s Belly
August 21st, 2009
4:41 pm
This is a very bad defensive outfield – 3 guys who can’t run or throw hope we don’t get exposed tonight
Do you watch the Braves? Have you ever seen Ryan Church, Im going to say you haven’t. Church has decent speed, plays solid defense, and also has a very strong and very accurate arm. He plays the outfeild to just in case you were wondering, since you say we have noone in the outfield that can feild or throw.
"You all are Cox apologists"
August 21st, 2009
6:06 pm
Capt. IDIOT,
Why can you “never” expect to sweep series’? That’s about the dumbest thing I’ve heard. The object is to win every game and you should expect to win every game. It’s called a WINNING ATTITUDE. I guess all the post-season failures has caused COMPLACENCY amongst the fan base. Look it up in the dictionary, kid!
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
6:07 pm
Escobar for Supreme Court: We won the trade in my mind. Jeff Suckcoeur was a black hole that was on a path to swallow up all of the ted.”"
If we end-up losing this thing by just a hand-fulla games, he definitely swallowed-up our season. If he didn’t single-handedly produce 5-or-6 extra losses (relative to a competent hitter) I’ll kizz your azz…
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
6:09 pm
Tomahawkin-
Thank god I thought me and my friends were the only one who hates him.
Capt Caveman-
If you cant sweep a series how can you ever expect to truly gain ground. At best if you never sweep a series you win 80 games at best.
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
6:10 pm
Prado is feeling better but still not well enough to play. He thinks it might not be Monday until he’s back in there, but we’ll see.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
6:11 pm
Shamus Thacker-
Jeff the F definitly lost us some games in my mind. The best thing he brought to the table was his arm and that was rendered useless when people stopped running on him…two years ago.
Random
August 21st, 2009
6:12 pm
TnBrian, in all his glory:
(August 20th, 2009 8:33 pm): “A guy’s 4th ML at bat and he gets a hit. Chipper at God knows how many at bats grounds into a dp… way to go Dipper.”
(August 20th, 2009 9:18 pm) “Chipper is aging before our eyes. That or he’s just tired because he looks like sh**!”
(August 20th, 2009 9:23 pm): “Hey, good throw Dipper! What a sack of sh** he is right now.”
(August 20th, 2009 9:25 pm): “By the way, how has “Dipper” not caught on? I mean, dude’s got a wad in just about every time you see him…alright I’ll shutup!”
(August 20th, 2009 9:39 pm): “None of us know how Chipper really is, but on the field he just seems like he could give a fu** at times. Now ain’t the time, but no way he doesn’t realize that.
“Chipper vs. Gonzo in a fist fight, who wins?”
“. . . me with some more BS to show what a coward behing a screen is all about.”
LOL.
Btw, I like you fine just the way you are . . . . .
Looser.
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
6:13 pm
Where’s capt. IDIOT!? Love that name!
Heath
August 21st, 2009
6:16 pm
I’m ready for this game… let’s get it on!
O'Brien
August 21st, 2009
6:16 pm
SI.com is reporting that Billy Wagner has been claimed, but they’re not sure which team claimed him. However, somebody has to pay the remaining $2.7 mil he is owed this year.
I wonder what team that might be?
"You all are Cox apologists"
August 21st, 2009
6:18 pm
Thank you Escobar for Supreme Court!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s obvious that no team will ever go 162-0. That still doesn’t mean you shouldn’t expect to win every game.
By Capt. Idiots logic, the Braves should just “hope” instead of “expecting to win”.
I promise that the Patriots w/Brady, Chicago Bulls with Jordan, La Lakers w/ Kobe and Shaq from 2000-2002, and Yankees in the late 90’s didn’t hope to win. They expected to win, the reason why they became a dynasty.
David..(Athens, AL)
August 21st, 2009
6:20 pm
Carol, what is the latest on GA? Thanks.
a643dp
August 21st, 2009
6:21 pm
Obrien- The Cubs guranteed!!!!!!!!!!!
McFann ;Ô;
August 21st, 2009
6:21 pm
Heath–
I’m ready for the game, too! But I sorta wish we were playing somebody besides the Marlins…
a643dp
August 21st, 2009
6:22 pm
Guaranteed
NO MORE BOBBY
August 21st, 2009
6:22 pm
Cmon Braves!! We need three out of four!!
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
6:24 pm
“You all are Cox apologists”-
No problem man, as a pro athlete you have to want to win every game and never waiver from that other wise you cant win any games. You always have to think you are putting the better team out..Perfect example in Brady because I think he is the best QB with Montana and Elway being up there. He knows that he can go out every sunday and win every game. Thats what makes him so good.
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
6:24 pm
“”But Norton is hitting 1000 with a 1000 OBP the past couple of days!!!”"
My constant bashing serving as a reverse jinx, Norton is on a two-at-bat tear!
I’ve been beating the knees and ankles of his Voodoo Doll. Any limps yet?
Vinings Jim
August 21st, 2009
6:25 pm
So -we have KJ and Nawton available – Ross unlikely – Prado and GA even less likely. Let’s see how the manager can screw up the strategery for all the Bobby-haters (and mildly dislikers -all three of you). (hope Medlen took BP
a643dp
August 21st, 2009
6:26 pm
RED SOX got Wagner WTF!
NO MORE BOBBY
August 21st, 2009
6:27 pm
Carroll – I went through what Prado is about two years ago and saw a lot of Atlanta doctors. Finally was diagnosed with silent migraines and take magnesium every morning (250mg). Has made a huge difference. Not sure if his is the same thing but might want to pass this on. You never know.
bruce
August 21st, 2009
6:27 pm
McFann –
Last night Brian was walking in from the bullpen before the game, he was about 30 feet from the dugout and I was in row 7 behind the dugout and hollered “Hey Brian, Nice job rallybuster!”… he looks up sees me, big smile and then a nice wave of acknowledgement with the mitt. That was pretty cool.
monty
August 21st, 2009
6:28 pm
I see Jo-JO as the deal sweetner in any off season trade that gets done. WHether it’s KK or Lowe and throw in Jo-Jo- that team would have a either a solid 3 or 4 depending on who goes and a potential #5 guy. I see us keeping Huddy,JV,JJ, and of course Hanson and either Lowe or KK. Either way it’s solid. Lowe moving frees up more payroll. Lowe by himself harder to move, throw in Jo-Jo and it becomes doable. KK is more of a crapshoot. DOes he get better and more comfortable with a year under his belt and have a breakout season like DIce K his second year or does he just stay about the same? With a little run support next year I don’t see why he couldn’t win 12-14 games.
Innocent Bystander
August 21st, 2009
6:28 pm
Wagner is owed like $2.5M over the next month and a half. I’d be surprised if the Sawx were willing to take on this kind of money, especially since they ate a bunch Roachy’s contract when he headed back here.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
6:29 pm
a643dp-
Ahh the rich get richer. I being born in Boston can no longer claim whatr little fanship I had for them…They have become as bad as the yankees!
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
6:30 pm
Maybe since we’ve mastered the Nats, we’ll master the pseudo-Nats.
woogidy
August 21st, 2009
6:31 pm
It took you guys this long to hate the Red Sox? UGH! I effin hate them more than the Yankees.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
6:31 pm
monty-
Lowe wont get traded unless some ace goes down on an offensive minded team and they are willing to give up a power hitter.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
6:33 pm
woogidy-
As I said I was born there…It’s a great city, I love the Celtics, Pats, and Bruins although I dont really like hockey. Braves have always come first but the W.S. went to their heads.
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
6:33 pm
Vinings Jim-
Interestingly enough, Medlen did take BP today.
Glen W
August 21st, 2009
6:36 pm
Geez, comparing this team to the lakers, Bulls or any football doesn’t make any sense. You can win a basketball game or a football game with sheer physical will and dominance. This is baseball… totally different. I think what some of your detractors are saying is not that a team not expect to win ANY series in a season, just that a baseball team can’t play with a mindset that says that we don’t sweep THIS`series, that we have failed.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
6:37 pm
I really don’t hate the Red Sox…I Hate their Bandwagon fans, and The whole Red Sox Nation Crap that BSPN bestows upon us daily…
Add to the fact that their 04 and 07 WS teams were roided up to the fullest effect
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
6:38 pm
KK has a Mazerati, I have this… My hat’s cool; don’t ya think?
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=311_1250864071
mr baseball
August 21st, 2009
6:38 pm
Cox has evidently made the decision that Infante is strictly an infielder. The best lineup the Braves could field today would have Johnson at 2B and Infante in LF, but once Cox makes a determination, not much is going to shake it.
Johnson is too good a player to waste away on the bench as a second backup IF. But he will. At least until someone reminds Cox that Infante can play the OF.
McFann ;Ô;
August 21st, 2009
6:39 pm
Bruce–
Sweet! That’s really cool! And he hit another rally buster for you in that game!
Did you have you BMac jersey on backwards last night?
Hope he cann continue hitting against the Marlins…only has three hits off them this year (3-21–2 doubles and a 3-run homer…all 3 hits in the same game).
Heath
August 21st, 2009
6:41 pm
McFann -
We have to play ‘em eventually, might as well be now to see if we are contenders or pretenders.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
6:42 pm
The Only way D-lo Gets traded a few years from now is if we eat up some of his Contract.
D-Lo will not get traded anytime within the next year…”Bank On It”
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 21st, 2009
6:42 pm
Hello Blog….
Frankie Knuckles
August 21st, 2009
6:43 pm
This is exactly why I hate the Sox. At least it keeps Wagner and his sick slider away from the Braves.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
6:43 pm
Glen W-
Im sorry thats all you got out of that analogy. What he was trying to say was you have to have the will to dominate other wise you will just be average at best. Also on that note, I played a lot of football in my day. I started at QB for three years, it takes a lot more then just physical ability to win in football and baseketball.
mr baseball-
Infante is a far better second basemen and KJ, KJ started his career in LF it makes sense to me to put infante at 2ed and KJ in LF.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
6:43 pm
Tomahawkin-
Agreed for the worse or for the better.
bruce
August 21st, 2009
6:44 pm
McFann — no, last night I was wearing Diaz shirt backwards, got tons of stares from Mets fans, I think they could see that it was autographed and they were trying to read what it says… Had McCann on backwards Wednesday night.
Wow that place was alive when Billy Wagner came in to pitch and then for the whole inning he pitched… you would have thought it was the ninth and they were ahead… very strange. It could not have been better orchestrated.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
6:44 pm
Tomahawkin’
I can’t stand the “Red Sucks” and their bandwagon jumping fans either.
Before 2004…I couldn’t find a Red Sox fan…now I’m tripping over them in the streets…It makes me want to throw up.
Actually I just did a little in my mouth…I’ll be back in a few minutes
RHR
August 21st, 2009
6:46 pm
Whats the weather like in ATL? Stormy here.
Frankie Knuckles
August 21st, 2009
6:47 pm
D’Lows contract is now 3 years 45 million. If he has a good September there might be a few nibbles. Wait…..what am I talking about. No ones paying 15 mil for a # 2-3. Good news – our aces are still cheap.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
6:47 pm
bruce-
Why did you wear them backwords?
Tomahawkin-
A lot of people were roided up it still doesnt take away from the fact they came back from an 0-3 deficite on a prolly roided up yankees team and took the first for from a very over rated and very lucky Stl. team.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
6:47 pm
Brandon From W. Robbins…?
You must be new on here…? No?
I will take you under my wing…
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
6:48 pm
Frankie Knuckles-
He could easly be an ace if he rights the sinking ship. I havent given up on him yet but that doesnt mean I like him. I want him to do well for the team.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
6:50 pm
N S Steve
I think that Stupid Fever Pitch Movie Turned the Red Faux into Hollywood stars much like the LA Fakers…
I’ve ran into plenty of Chicks who didn’t know a single Red Sox player other than Johnny Damon’s Overrated Ass before he sold out to WhineBrenner and the Yanks…
Dan Kolb's Mom
August 21st, 2009
6:51 pm
Good evening blog buddies. Big game tonight.
Yeah the Bosox get Wagner, but I assure you they were in tight negotiations with my Danny for a while there. It just didnt work out.
Also, Templeton came home last night, so thats good.
Capt Caveman
August 21st, 2009
6:52 pm
YO Escobar — your math skills need some work. 80 wins ?? how do you win most of the series and yet win less than half of the games ?? But thanks for playing anyway.
“You all are Cox apologists” — If you live in Atlanta then why did you make a comment about the level of reading skills down here in Georgia ?? Or are you one of those non-native folks who move here and think you need to “educate” us about life?? And you are obviously new to the blog if you don’t know who I am………. a kid?? Not hardly. OK somebody help this guy out a little bit before I have to embarrass him.
I’ll give you a hint, I used to play a little game we called baseball and actually got a check for doing it, I also make extra cash on the weekends tossing guys like you out on the street at one of the better clubs in Atlanta. So pardon me while I LMFAO … LOLOLOLOLOLOL
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
6:52 pm
Randon, ok, what’s your point? What, that I said today that people write stupid stuff about Chipper not being productive all year when he has? I know he has and I’m just commenting how lathargic he looks on the field RIGHT NOW.
Or, maybe you’re just rubbing in that you can go back and post other people’s comments and mock them, right?
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
6:52 pm
RHR
Sunny And Hot As Balls Here in Henry County…You know I have that Southside “On Deck!”
If there is any rain that rolls into Downtown It will come from the Northwest “Bank On It!” There is a much welcomed cold front coming through…
Hopefully we get a 3-0 lead and get a cheap win after 5 1/2 innings…
Glen W
August 21st, 2009
6:55 pm
By the way, if the Braves had played with the mindset that anything less than a series sweep versus the Mets was a failure, they would have lost the last two games after the tough loss on Friday.
Capt Caveman
August 21st, 2009
6:55 pm
Hey Tomahawkin — I know you must have been to Southside Steve’s. I heard that was the most happening place down there in Henry County.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
6:57 pm
I just heard “Word of Mouf” That Billy Wagner is going to the Marlins…
So which team is he going to…? Red Faux or Fish…?
I don’t think the mets will deal within the division even though they did it earlier in the season…And I don’t think that the Fish can afford Wagner…So Wagner going to Boston makes better sense…
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
6:58 pm
Capt Caveman-
Where do you work, Amsterdam? Im sure it is tough throwing them out. If you never sweep a series how can you expect to finish above .500? You also have to take into account the series you dont win where you go 1-2 or 1-3 and not to mention the splits. 80 wins would put you 2 games under. I may have low balled the number but everyone got the point I was trying to make.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
7:00 pm
Tomahawkin-
I would say he is going to a contender or someone a couple games out of WC or Div. The Red Sox dont make much sense to me. Someone said Cubs earlier that made a lot of sense given their recent closer problems.
bruce
August 21st, 2009
7:01 pm
Escy –
I wear the t- shirt backwards so that I do not have to turn my back to show the player I am wearing their name&number. Primarily,its so the player can see their name and sometimes they put you on TV for doing it, especially if the player hits a homer and you are the only one standing up to cheer (away games). Fans behind you can only boo you and can not say “sit down McCann” or “sit down Diaz” (they pronounce it wrong). And a couple of times I think it has also helped me get balls tossed to me by Brian and by Hubbard.
Heath
August 21st, 2009
7:02 pm
To quote Marvin Gaye:
“Let’s get it on.”
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
7:02 pm
You must be 13 right? First of all, I’m from Atlanta, Georgia, born and bread
Bred. Bred. Bred. “Born and bread” is not the phrase you’re looking for. Sounds like something you’d hear on a cooking show.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
7:02 pm
Capt Caveman
Yea SouthSide Steve’s used to be Off The Chain before it got raided by 5-0. That place got busted for underage drinkers, just like everywhere else in Henry County…
If I go out now You can find me kickin it in Midtown…Mainly Opera, Primal and Flip-Flops…
dogsbrekky
August 21st, 2009
7:03 pm
Wagner – hearing from a FO mate that it may be the Yanks after Wagner, they need another lefty in the pen
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 21st, 2009
7:04 pm
Tomahawkin Ive been around actually, took a little break from the blog following “that” bloggers meltdown. But now I’m back. Enjoy everybody’s posts so keep em coming.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
7:05 pm
bruce-
Thats actually a really good idea. Grats on that.
Steve from OH-
HAHAHA
Erin
August 21st, 2009
7:05 pm
MLBTR says it’s Red Sox for Wagner.
dogsbrekky
August 21st, 2009
7:06 pm
STeve OH – bread , did someone say bread pudding I am up for it
nolie
August 21st, 2009
7:07 pm
At this point aren’t we all a little surprised the 13 teams ahead of the Braves didn’t take Heyward? Did the experts recognize that at first? (Carroll)
yes they did. everyone was amazed that he lasted past the first 8 choices. Miner was cheap -relatively- and safe. he is advanced, has good enough stuff to be pretty certain to get to the bigs and not totally flop, but he lacks in upside over at least 5-6 others they passed over because of cost. You would like to see more from the first draft selection that high in years. Of course he could be the guy who succeeds the best of any of them, you just never know;but the pick was universally panned by analysts. If he makes it big you might say it will be a minor upset.
If I wanted to hear about the Sox and Yanks, I'd watch ESPN
August 21st, 2009
7:07 pm
Why are we discussing a player that may go to a team other than the Braves? Especially the Sox or Yanks? Sheesh.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
7:07 pm
Johnson is too good a player to waste away on the bench as a second backup IF. But he will. At least until someone reminds Cox that Infante can play the OF
Well, I agree with the first half of that, at least…
“Play” is really a subjective term…
AndyC
August 21st, 2009
7:08 pm
RHR
It is clear in the ATL right now but there is a 40% chance of thunderstorms this evening. Lets keep our fingers crossed that we get this one in. Although, it is Carroll covering the game and she does not have a good track record with rain delays.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
7:08 pm
If I wanted to hear about the Sox and Yanks, I’d watch ESPN…That says it all.
Heath
August 21st, 2009
7:08 pm
Big games tonight…getting really excited.
Doc Holiday
August 21st, 2009
7:09 pm
Some amazing fact:
In the last 30 years only 6 pitchers have posted an ERA below 2.00 in the :
1. Clemens 2005 1.87 & 1990 1.93 (HE IS A CHEATER)……….spelling
2. Pedro M. 1997 1.90 & 2000 1.74
3. K. Brown 1996 1.89
4. Maddux 1995 1. 63 & 1994 1.56
5.Gooden 1985 1.53 (Drug addict but maybe clean at the time)
6. Ryan 1981 1.69
So thats 6 guys in 30 years…….9 times between them…….I would erase Clemens data because he is a shame to our sport. That leaves Pedro and Maddux accounting for 4 of the 7 times it has been done in the last 30 seasons………….
Not only that but Maddux did it back to back……..pretty amazing………and he lead the league in ERA 3 times in a row since he had a 2.36 ERA in 1993……. Thats the most dominating span by any pitcher in a 3 consecutive year span since Koufax lead the league in ERA from 1962 to 1966 while dealing 3 sub 2.00 ERA.
AndyC
August 21st, 2009
7:09 pm
I thought maybe it was the Cubs that claimed Wagner given their closer issues.
Frankie Knuckles
August 21st, 2009
7:09 pm
Escobar,
He’s not going to be the Ace on this squad anytime soon, not with the production from Jair and Hanson. He is what he is, and thats a good and expensive numero tres. He really is a good pitcher though. He just explodes every so often, gives up 8 earned in a inning and in turn blows up his ERA. He has been better than his ERA represents this year IMO.
dogsbrekky
August 21st, 2009
7:10 pm
Tommy Hanson – our real gun, was 22 ND ROUND, eff 1st round picks unless they make it
nolie
August 21st, 2009
7:11 pm
September call-ups: Schafer, Valdez, Conrad, Reyes and Canizares. Keep Gorecki up too (Wayne)
as tight as money has seemed to be, I will be surprised if they call up that many players, but hey I’m just usually right, not quite always.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
7:11 pm
Efrim–yeah, that was me on the BA chat. Guilty.
Dogsb–yes, but he signed for 2nd round money. And was a draft-and-follow. Not exactly the same animal.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
7:13 pm
Frankie Knuckles-
Like I said I dont like him, I think it was a price pick up. I hope he does good for the team. I agree but currently I would say or Ace is JV the dude is a robot from the year DOMINATION.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
7:15 pm
nolie-
Heyward is going to get the call up more so then Reyes. We already have to many pitchers to know what to do with. Canizares is pretty old I would be surprised if they call him up even though he made the All Star team. I personally think or call ups will be Heyward Schafer and Conrad. Valdez is iffy. Like you said money is tight so I dont think they will be calling up to many.
nolie
August 21st, 2009
7:18 pm
Has anyone thought about the fact that if Keith Law was really that insightful he’d be scouting for a Major League club instead of ESPN? (Love Child)
he makes more money and gets to be well known this way
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
7:18 pm
Heyward is going to get the call up more so then Reyes
I’ll just go ahead and transition from “Heyward shouldn’t be called up” to “Heyward isn’t going to be called up.” I know, settin’ myself up for some future crow eating, but what the heck. It probably ain’t happening, folks. And for good reason.
And Valdez is “iffy?” He’s more likely than Heyward (barring injury). Perhaps they keep him down for the IL playoffs, but after that I don’t see why they wouldn’t recall him.
Pete
August 21st, 2009
7:19 pm
DOC: “Thats the most dominating span by any pitcher in a 3 consecutive year span since Koufax lead the league in ERA from 1962 to 1966 while dealing 3 sub 2.00 ERA.”
Glad you mentioned THE MAN!! Thats 5 years in a row leading the league in ERA. In ‘65 his ERA was 2.04, just missing 4 in a row sub-2.00. Who knows what would have happened had he not had to retire prematurely after the ‘66 season due to arthritus in his elbow, at the age of 30.
McFann ;Ô;
August 21st, 2009
7:20 pm
Bruce Had McCann on backwards Wednesday night.
That’s right! Hey, but maybe he still recognized you from the other games you’ve been too–you don’t see many fans with their jerseys on backwards!
Bet those Mets fans were just cheesed about the 7 runs Diaz had knocked in during the first two games! Haha, I love it…
Yeah, they did go nutso over the Billy Wagner thing…you could even tell from the TV. It is a big deal to get a guy like that back…woulda been a bigger deal if he’d had a save situation, but I’m sure glad he didn’t!
Heath–
Yeah, I s’pose. I just can’t stand the Marlins for various reasons…
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
Just like JJ Hoover was a 10th rounder last year, but signed for 2nd round money (about 400K, IIRC). Can’t really judge by where they were drafted because in a lot of cases they fall due to bonus demands. Like Matzek going 11th, Zack von Rosenburg going in the 6th (or whatever) round, etc…
Will
August 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
I with Steve on this. I agree that Heyward will be great one day but I don’t think he should be or will be called up.
David..(Athens, AL)
August 21st, 2009
7:21 pm
where is Paul? haven’t seen any comments from him yesterday nor so far today … just wondering
njbraves
August 21st, 2009
7:22 pm
Win-win move by the Red Sox. I think the Yankees had interest in Wagner, so this may have been a block by the Sox, though I’m sure he could actually help their ‘pen.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
7:23 pm
Steve from OH-
Why wouldnt you call him up, get him the big league expierence when you can add players to your roster with out taking away the people that are supposed to be there. We need the outfield depth right now, it makes perfect sense. No pitchers make sense right now we have 6 possible startes when hudson get back and like 6 more relivers. Our arms are going to be rested going to down the stretch esp. when we have Medlin who can come in and pitch 5 innings if need be like vs. the Mets last serier where he went three I believe. Conrad obviously has more upside then Norton. Who would you say there going to call up? Freeman, whos farther from the majors then Heyward, Cody Johnson? No way.
AndyC
August 21st, 2009
7:24 pm
I think it’s kinda funny that Javy wants to sign a long term deal now with the Braves. Of course he does, he is having potential his best season ever and signing a deal now would ensure big bucks before he comes back down to earth next year and has a mediocre season. Not trying to hate on him, I’m just saying. If the Braves are interested in signing him to a long term deal I think they should wait until after next season to see if he can repeat this performance.
njbraves
August 21st, 2009
7:24 pm
Doc Holliday and Pete….Koufax was unreal. I’m not sure enough people realize how dominating he actually was. he’s before my time, but my old man tells me the stories of how surprising it was to even see him give up a run.
Jeff321
August 21st, 2009
7:25 pm
So, what’s the scoop on that Chipper/Gonzo situation from last night? Does anyone have the juicy quotes? Or is this one getting swept under the rug?
njbraves
August 21st, 2009
7:26 pm
Chipper/Gonzo situation??
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
7:26 pm
I haven’t seen Paul Lentz in a few days either…Hope everything’s alright!
Will
August 21st, 2009
7:26 pm
Escobar for SC: I would bet on Bradon Jones getting the call up before Heyward if looking for outfield depth.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
7:27 pm
Chipper/Gonzo situation???? What Chipper/Gonzo situation????
Heath
August 21st, 2009
7:27 pm
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
7:26 pm
I haven’t seen Paul Lentz in a few days either…Hope everything’s alright
shhhh
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
7:27 pm
details please….
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
7:27 pm
We’ve had this discussion (ad nauseum) before, but for several reasons. We delay his free agency by a year by waiting until late April to call him up. We delay his arbitration a year (likely) by calling him up in June. He’s 20. He graduated from HS two years ago. He’s got a month’s (ish) worth of plate appearances above A-ball. That’s not enough. There’s no point in calling him up if he’s not going to play, and if we call him up to play there is absolutely no certainty that he’ll out-produce Diaz/Church right away.
Brandon Jones.
rico43
August 21st, 2009
7:28 pm
Balking Bob D. behind the plate tonight.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
7:28 pm
njbraves-
Koufax also pitched on a five or six inch higher mound which make it a lot easier to dominate batters. Dont mis interpret me the man is a god but the game from a pitcher stand point has evolved a lot and batter have gotten bigger and stronger.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
7:28 pm
I seriously think P-Lentz Got Bozo’d…
Will
August 21st, 2009
7:29 pm
Nova Scotia Steve: Gonzo seemed angry towards Chip about the lazy error that he made in the 8th inning.
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
7:30 pm
latest on Garret is his hip has loosened up a good bit but was guessing still a few days.
rico43
August 21st, 2009
7:30 pm
Sept. callups: I predict Diory, Conrad, Canizares, Carlyle, Valdez, Timmons, Blanco, maybe Barton.
Bat Masterson
August 21st, 2009
7:30 pm
njbraves
August 21st, 2009
7:26 pm
Chipper/Gonzo situation??
Chipper said ” hey you wanna see my ranch” Gonzo said” no”
Soph
August 21st, 2009
7:30 pm
Game time! Let’s do this again Bravos.
lexbrave
August 21st, 2009
7:31 pm
i just don’t get why some team didn’t block the redsox from claiming wagner.. it just makes no sense to sit by and let your competition get better when it costs you nothing to block them from doing so.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
7:31 pm
The Marlins are in for a world of hurt.
AndyC
August 21st, 2009
7:31 pm
Nova Scotia Steve
Gonzo was pissed that Chipper made the error last night. Shot him a dirty look when he was walking off the mound. I’m sure it’s blown over by now, especially since they won. Even if it hasn’t, I’m sure neither of them would talk about it.
Pete
August 21st, 2009
7:31 pm
Steve from OH: “Just like JJ Hoover was a 10th rounder last year, but signed for 2nd round money (about 400K, IIRC). Can’t really judge by where they were drafted because in a lot of cases they fall due to bonus demands.”
Dont forget a good bet for Hall of Fame in a couple years was drafted in the 68th round (thats not a typo….68 and final round). Yep, Mike Piazza drafted by LA as a FAVOR to Piazza’s family, who was very close to Lasorda. Unreal.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
7:31 pm
Steve from OH-
Ok so if jones gets the call up does that make or team better or worse. The only reason he would get called up before Heyward is because he actually played up here. As far as Heyward not playing, if they call up people they plan on getting them in the game in some way, shape or form. Jones is not a better ball player the Heyward just older. As far as age it is not relevant look at Andruw Jones. He was 19!
lexbrave
August 21st, 2009
7:32 pm
of course i guess the sox might have been blocking the yanks who could use a wagner more than they could
Bat Masterson
August 21st, 2009
7:33 pm
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
7:26 pm
I haven’t seen Paul Lentz in a few days either…Hope everything’s alright!
He was arrested for murder, he beat an obvious point to death.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
7:33 pm
Pete–really? Didn’t know that. Nice return on a favor, huh?
Will
August 21st, 2009
7:33 pm
Escobar for SC, I will add another point about this Heyward situation. Remember how overmatched Schafer looked this year? well Jason will only have half the ABs that Schafer had in AA. Not comparing the two because I think Jason is in a world of his own but it also has to put caution in the wind even if Jordan’s wrist lead to some of his problems.
Roman Gal
August 21st, 2009
7:34 pm
Steve from OH-
You’ll be happy to know that I got Adam Milligan’s autograph today.
rico43
August 21st, 2009
7:34 pm
It’s tasteless, so I won’t repeat it, but check Deadspin for a funny/sick headline about the DB on Chipper’s spread.
njbraves
August 21st, 2009
7:34 pm
Gonzo shouldn’t be shooting anyone dirty looks. He has cost the Braves too many games to be calling out others….It’s impossible for him to not put at least one guy an inning on base.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
7:34 pm
If we lose this game I absolutely do not want to see the “Season Over” rants on here…I don’t mind the “Ballgame”/”Game Over” rants but to say season Over in Mid August is way too premature…
glove51
August 21st, 2009
7:35 pm
on Sept. call-ups: Rico, I’m sure there will be more than 2 pitchers. Brandon Jones is probable also.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
7:35 pm
[Bashes head against wall]
And look at what Andruw Jones did in his 1996 and 1997 seasons. Those numbers wouldn’t start in our outfield right now.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
7:35 pm
Gameplan for Javy, Plain and Simple Don’t Let Ramorez and Fuggla Beat you
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
Martin brought up a point today that his doctor said his headaches might be exacerbated by stress. And he’s had some significant off the field stress lately. Both his mother and his brother had to go back to Venezuela on Monday after their six-month visas expired. And because of the economic and political climate it’s not the safest place for them to be.
“I talked to my brother today,” Prado said. “They don’t want me to be worried about them. (But) he said things are pretty bad there. Everything is getting so expensive and no jobs. It’s insecure, there’s a lot of robbing. No law. They rob and they kill, they don’t care. It’s sad but we’ve got to deal with it.”
Prado said his neurologist was considering prescribing him with an anti-depressant but the Braves would need to petition MLB in the event that he tests positive for a banned substance because of it.
Bobby Cox pointed out how unusual it was to see Prado like this, that he’s normally so upbeat. Prado did say he was feeling better and when asked if he had headaches he said “a little bit.” He’s getting treated with anti-inflammatories and hopefully that nips it for him. He’s normally a guy who’ll play through anything, so you know he’s really up against it if he’s not felt good enough to get back in the lineup yet.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
Roman Gal–awesome!
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
Don’t think Braves fans got the memo about this being a big series. There are quite a few empty seats at The Ted. All the intensity of a bake sale.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
LOL…Funny stuff guys/gals…
OK Let’s do this!!!!
nolie
August 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
Do you, now? Are you saying that he will duplicate what has been a career year for him, or, that he’ll duplicate what he’s done in the other 10 or 11 years? (SCOOTS)
I understand what you are saying, but Javy has had a few other years almost as good. I doubt he will have as good a year as he has had so far, but I also think he will be more successful than he used to be. If you really analyze his seasons against the quality of teams he usually played for, he has been a more successful pitcher than most are willing to give him credit for. His worst year was his first one away from the haven of Montreal and in the big bad Big Apple. The year that Ozzieazz ripped him he was pitching very well till he went to a four man rotation and did fall apart. However knowing his personality, i’m certain that Ozzie’s rips did nothing but exacerbate the situation. I would resign him again if it could be done at a reasonable amount and not more than say 3 years. He has never really been a below average pitcher since that one year in NYC. Since then his ERA+ has always been 98 or above, fo while he would likely fall off some it probably wouldn’t be bad.
Louisville brave
August 21st, 2009
7:36 pm
Man that crowd is pathetic
rico43
August 21st, 2009
7:37 pm
But I don’t count Hudson in the callups; Brandon is dealing with a bad knee; not sure how useful he’d be.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
7:37 pm
WOW, What happened to the Big crowd that so many were predicting for Tonight?
I told everyone that the braves don’t draw well when they play the Marlins at home…
I called for 30 to 32000 but It may be way less than that…
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
7:38 pm
Don’t worry…they’ll be more people at “The Ted” they just need to get past all that Jonas Brothers traffic first…8O
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
7:38 pm
rico–is he? I’d been wondering if something had been bothering him; his power has been nonexistent and he hasn’t been playing the field much lately…
Soph
August 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
Poor Martin – it has to be stress-related then.
VaBraveFan
August 21st, 2009
7:39 pm
Big Game tonight !! GO BRAVES!!!
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
7:40 pm
I’m suprised that wasn’t a double…Ramirez stared at that one in the box which was a break for us
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
7:40 pm
Will-
So if they are in a different world then what makes you think Heyward wouldnt do better?
Steve from OH-
And look at what he did in the play offs he was a machine. 2 HR’s against the yankees in one game. They also called up Andruw more for defence. All I am saying is give the kid a couple at bats see how far along he is. Yea Andruw wasnt batting .290 his rookie year but he had 18 HR’s and 70 RBI’s will some of our veterans even do that this year?
TennesseePaul
August 21st, 2009
7:41 pm
That was right over the heart of the plate. Of course Hanely will get a hit off that…
Roman Gal
August 21st, 2009
7:41 pm
Steve-
I also got JJ Hoover’s and Mike Minor’s.
Carroll-
I didn’t know you were at the Rome game last night. You might’ve seen me then because I played one of those in-between inning games on the jumbotron…although, I’m sure you wouldn’t remember that.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
7:41 pm
Vazquez looks like he’s locked in…AGAIN
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
7:42 pm
All I am saying is give the kid a couple at bats see how far along he is.
It’s not worth the financial ramifications to do so. I’d rather get a full season of a fully-developed Heyward in 2016 than a September of struggle in 2009.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
7:43 pm
Milligan AND Hoover? You really cleaned up today…
Why don’t I live in Georgia?
Pete
August 21st, 2009
7:43 pm
njbraves: “Doc Holliday and Pete….Koufax was unreal……….”
Youre “old man” aint lying, believe me. And he wasnt a 6-7 inning pitcher like everyone is today; no sir. Starting in 1963, were talking 20, 15, 27 and 27 complete games! In ‘65 in the Series against a powerful Minnesota Twins team, his ERA was 0.38 in 24 innings pitched. He won Game 7 with a CG Shutout with only 2 DAYS REST after pitching a CG in his previus start.
Ok Ill shut up…..
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 21st, 2009
7:43 pm
Nice pitch from Javy…
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
7:44 pm
Nice K by Javy! had Fuggla on his knees
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
7:45 pm
SIT DOWN UGGLY! Stankin Marlins, I know we’re better, we just got to prove it right now.
Will
August 21st, 2009
7:45 pm
I think he will eventually but it is just too early. I know he can rake, watched it first hand in ST against KK but if he comes up now what will happen if he doesn’t perform well? A lot in baseball is about confidence and bringing players along so they feel confident in their abilities. Can’t just throw him into the fire this early and hope it turns out well.
Roman Gal
August 21st, 2009
7:45 pm
Steve-
I thought it was neat to see Hoover keeping score at the edge of the dugout. He was really nice. Minor just seemed nervous and Milligan
is really good lookinghas a deep voice.McFann :Ô:
August 21st, 2009
7:45 pm
Poor Martin.
Say a prayer for him and his family…
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
7:45 pm
Finally Roachy hitting Fifth…I likes that!
Heath
August 21st, 2009
7:45 pm
let’s score some runs!
Pete
August 21st, 2009
7:46 pm
Escobar for Supreme Court: “njbraves-
Koufax also pitched on a five or six inch higher mound which make it a lot easier to dominate batters.”
Correct, Escobar but also dont forget that a strike had to be over the plate back then, and not 4-5″ outside. Go back and look at films for confirmation.
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
7:46 pm
Roman Gal, i had my head in the computer a lot, but nice to know there was a friendly face around there!
As for Schafer word I’m getting is it’s too soon and there are too many variables to predict a September call-up.
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
7:47 pm
Hey, there’s that catcher that fist bumped that ump. Pick your time and bean that prick.
Doc Holiday
August 21st, 2009
7:47 pm
Pete,
That might explain the arthritis he had…….
bigjohnchopfan
August 21st, 2009
7:48 pm
Vázquez + 川上 + Hanson >> Maddox + Glavine + Smoltz
VaBraveFan
August 21st, 2009
7:48 pm
Man Ramirez is hitting 358.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
7:48 pm
Steve from OH-
No comment..
Will-
The kid is the number one prospect in the country I’m sure he is very confident in what he can do.
Pete-
Calls were as bad back then as they are now dont even act like the old umps never missed calls.
Roman Gal
August 21st, 2009
7:49 pm
I have to admit, I didn’t think Infante would do very well this quickly upon returning. I’m pleasantly surprised.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
7:49 pm
Chipper 0-17 Come On!!!!
Pete
August 21st, 2009
7:50 pm
Steve from OH:
“Piazza was the last player the Dodgers drafted in the 1988 draft. He was their selection in the 62nd round. It is believed that the pick was partly a favor on the part of Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, who is godfather to one of Piazza’s brothers (Tommy, who was named after Lasorda) and, like Piazza, is originally from Norristown. Piazza swore he’d learn to catch if he was drafted. Piazza’s Major League debut came with the Dodgers in 1992, when he appeared in 21 games. He then won the National League MLB Rookie of the Year Award in 1993.” (my mistake I said 68th round)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Piazza
Doc Holiday
August 21st, 2009
7:50 pm
H. Ramirez reminds me a little bit of Victorino………with his attitude……….Yunel might end up like that also if he get better.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
7:51 pm
Gotta get a run here boyz, lets go!!!
Will
August 21st, 2009
7:51 pm
O I’m sure he is but what happens if he comes up and gets 10 ABs a week and can’t find a groove?
Heath
August 21st, 2009
7:51 pm
I wanna see Brian walk and Adam get the first GS….make it happen!!!
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
7:51 pm
B-Macc WTF!!!
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
7:52 pm
MAC! There is the real slump.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
7:52 pm
Ugh, I hate DP’s. With a passion.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
7:52 pm
*SIGH*
JESUS
Doc Holiday
August 21st, 2009
7:52 pm
McCann………………you zuk
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
7:52 pm
RG–that’s…nice?
Heath
August 21st, 2009
7:52 pm
Booooo!!!!!!!
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
7:52 pm
Way to go Brian.
Great way to get it started.
Doc Holiday
August 21st, 2009
7:53 pm
Mc and Chipper have killed the team .
Roman Gal
August 21st, 2009
7:53 pm
Carroll-
That’s alright. I wouldn’t expect you to remember. That’s neat that you were able to be at the game for Minor’s first start, though. I did see your story about him earlier today. Great job with that!
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
7:53 pm
Just gave that wild pitcher a Christmas present.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
7:53 pm
We Just let Isabelle Sanchez off the hook that there, that will cost us…
VaBraveFan
August 21st, 2009
7:53 pm
Wasted Chance there, 2 walks we gotta take advantage of that……
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
7:53 pm
Will-
What happens if he comes up and just starts crushing the ball cause no one knows how to pitch to him? We will never know cause he is not up. We know he will be up at some point next year. Even if he does not stay up this year into october why not see what he has learned. I rememeber when Cox actually wanted to gamble now he just sits there.
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
7:54 pm
Bobby goes in series when/if he switches Mac and LaRoche around in the order. Watch and see.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
7:54 pm
The Braves must want to get this one over with earlier to catch the tail end of the Jonas Brothers concert…
Or maybe for the sake of their wives/girlfriends..
cricket
August 21st, 2009
7:54 pm
Bad AB by Mac, bailed out the pitcher. I know it’s not gonna happen, but would love to see Mac at 5.
Roman Gal
August 21st, 2009
7:54 pm
Steve-
Oh,
heit was!Anonymous Caller
August 21st, 2009
7:55 pm
Seriously McCann..PHACK!
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
7:55 pm
Oh and Prado said he tried to make it possible for his mother and brother to say but immigration would like to see him have a multi-year contract…..hey, maybe the Braves need to lock him up just to ease his mind?!!
He said the earliest his family members could return is in a month
Pete
August 21st, 2009
7:55 pm
Doc, a lot of pitchers (Drysdale, Marichal, Gibson, Seaver, Carlton etc.) pitched a lot of CG’s back then without premature arthritus, so I dont know what caused it.
Esco, like I said go watch the films and you wont see pitches 4-6″ outside called as strikes. Trust me, the home plate umpires enforced the strike zone back then. Its much better now also, but Im referring to the 90’s when that outside pitch was always a strike (just ask Glavine and Maddux).
Roman Gal
August 21st, 2009
7:55 pm
Nova Scotia Steve-
I take it there’s a Jonas Brothers concert in Atlanta?
Soph
August 21st, 2009
7:55 pm
Mitchell – no tennis tonight?
nolie
August 21st, 2009
7:56 pm
My point is the Braves (and every other team) know more about the players than Keith Law. (Sidslid)
have you ever looked at the list of Braves first rounders? It ain’t pretty, and sure does not portray them as the total experts that you are describing.They chose Miner cause he was cheap and safe, not because they knew more than anyone else who scouted him. Let’s hope they get what they think they will;a decent left-handed middle of the rotation starter.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
7:56 pm
The crowd sucks because none of us ever go to the games.
If we all went it would suck slightly less.
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
7:57 pm
Escobar-
What planet do you live on where you think Cox is the one who decides whether or not to bring up Heyward?
Original Jon
August 21st, 2009
7:57 pm
Wonder how many double plays Brian has grounded into lately
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
7:57 pm
No tennis for the time being and aren’t those people lucky?
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
7:57 pm
Oh, so now Mr. fist bump is a martial arts guy? Well, a quick punch to the face will take care of that, maybe.
bruce
August 21st, 2009
7:57 pm
McFann –
I washed both the McCann and Diaz t-shirts and made a game time decision to go with Matty because he has been so hot… probably educated a few Mets fans too about him.
Yea I think Brian recognized me… wore-out the voice the last two nights, close enough to the dugout to be heard,, especially when the crowd was quiet, which was alot (yea)… also before the game last night gave kudos to Jair for his performance Wed night and he tipped his cap and big smile in response.
nolie
August 21st, 2009
7:57 pm
Could we hit into a few more DPs ? I’m getting kinda used to them lately.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
7:57 pm
Carroll – I say it’s a perfect excuse to lock up Prado. I really feel bad for him though. I can understand that he probably goes through the day worrying about his family. It would drive me crazy if I were going through that.
BIOMASS
August 21st, 2009
7:58 pm
If that’s true about Martin’s mother and brother, that’s a real shame. Here’s two people trying to do the immigration thing legally, and they get sent back to Venezuela. If they broke US federal law, and smuggled themselves in, they could live here forever.
What a country.
Will
August 21st, 2009
7:58 pm
Escobar -
I just don’t think its worth the risk especially after the Schafer experiment. I won’t be mad if he is called up I would just error on the side of caution which is what I believe the Braves will do too. Also will be getting Nate back soon so its not like we will have a glaring need that will allow him to get that many ABs
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
7:59 pm
WTF happened on that play…?
Manolo
August 21st, 2009
7:59 pm
How are we expected to win in a pennant race with only 23 players?? someone must be go into the DL.
Jeff321
August 21st, 2009
7:59 pm
Who do ya blame that play on Steve OH?
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
7:59 pm
WTF was that?
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
7:59 pm
Pete-
Im not bashing Koufax I’m just trying to pose the question of; Would he be as dominate today? I agree calls seem really bad lately but people will always make mistakes its human nature. Its hard to say that Koufax never got breaks because I am sure he did.
Anonymous Caller
August 21st, 2009
8:00 pm
Cmon Javy get the DP! Jeez
Roman Gal
August 21st, 2009
8:00 pm
Wow! Our power keeps going out…the storm is BAAAD here!
Soph
August 21st, 2009
8:00 pm
Way to go Chippa!
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
8:00 pm
Nice DP by Hoss there…!
Jeff321
August 21st, 2009
8:00 pm
Well what do ya know! Chipper Jones makes an excellent play.
Vinings Jim
August 21st, 2009
8:00 pm
Damn Chipper’s lackadaisical attitude!
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
8:01 pm
The hitter.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
8:01 pm
Yup, Mitchell they better be thanking their lucky stars you aren’t playing tonight.
Anonymous Caller
August 21st, 2009
8:01 pm
YES!
Richie
August 21st, 2009
8:03 pm
Is there anyone who wants to watch todays game that doesn’t have MLBTV or Extra Innings? Email me at retro923@yahoo.com….
nolie
August 21st, 2009
8:03 pm
could be wrong but I think the service time clock started when he made the Opening Day roster. I know that takes away an option year (SHAUN)
yes on the waiver but this year is still covered. Service time is cumulative while in the bigs. He picked up some and twenty days more after being sent down I believe it is. But its a total days type thing so he isn’t that far along yet. More to the point is how many of these guys do they wanna pay a months worth of MLB salary to in this economy?
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
8:04 pm
CrimeDog-
Planet get a better dis. Cox used to fight for players and dont act like he didnt. Schuerholz also used to gamble on young guys a lot more. I do know Wren is the GM but I wanna see fire coming from the Braves.
Will-
Heyward is also having a really good year down at AA he is batting .348 in 141 AB’s with 28 R’s 12 doubles 3 trips and 7 HR’s more walks then K’s and only one ground into a DP. Thats a pretty damn good line.
McFann :Ô:
August 21st, 2009
8:05 pm
Ugh…I’m sick of our number 5 batter batting leading off…
Bruce–
Matty sure has been hot! BMac, eh-heh…not so much…
Did look better in NYC than he’s looked in a while, but…
wore-out the voice the last two nights, close enough to the dugout to be heard,, especially when the crowd was quiet, which was alot (yea)
Haha! Yeah, after that first game they didn’t have a whole lot to be loud about!
That’s cool that JJ acknowledged you, too! They’re a good buncha guys.
McFann :Ô:
August 21st, 2009
8:05 pm
*Batting lead off.
Heath
August 21st, 2009
8:06 pm
Richie -
I will email you
Will
August 21st, 2009
8:07 pm
Escobar-
Trust me I know he is having a good year. I check the Mississippi box score every night to see how he did. He has a great approach at the plate that leads to the low Ks. I think he will be a superstar one day so just don’t want to rush him and possibly get him off track of being great.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
8:07 pm
Oh 25 RBI’s
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
8:08 pm
I’ll put aside the fact that you have no evidence to back this “Cox used to fight for players” claim, and simply say that Wren is the one who makes those moves. I don’t know what’s wrong with the current outfield production that would require the Braves to pull up Heyward now.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
8:09 pm
Will, Players like him are born great coaching can only help so much and expierence only makes you better. Who better to learn from the Chipper, Mac and Yunel.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
8:09 pm
I’m sure Bobby will blame the no-hitter Sanchez is about to complete on the fans.
He’s out-pitching Javy, that’s for sure.
OptimisticInTexas
August 21st, 2009
8:10 pm
any links?
Shawn
August 21st, 2009
8:10 pm
I don’t see the big deal about McCann, I really don’t. He’s not that great of hitter compared to a Joe Maur or even a Pudge in his prime as far as catchers go anyways. His defense is below average and he just showed in that first inning why he isn’t a cleanup hitter. Now, he’s good, but he won’t carry his team to the postseason. Thanks to him, Sanchez has settled down.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
8:11 pm
Now you’re just mocking me Soph.
I will not be mocked.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
8:11 pm
CrimeDog-
Ok you pretend that and I will pretend you can prove he doesnt fight for people he wants call up. Nothing is wrong with it, nothing is wrong with our team. Sept. calls ups are not to plug holes. It is to get expierence to see what you have in your minors. If calling players up makes a team better why would they not have gotten the call up before the roster expands?
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
8:14 pm
Shawn-
Well Mauer is hitting above .380 its hard for anyone to be better then him at the moment. As far as catchers go there is a reason why everyone calls Mac one of the best in the game I believe players and coaches know what they are talking about. There is also a reason why Smoltz lobbied to have him stay up his rookie year, he calls a great game.
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
8:15 pm
I don’t understand your last sentence so I’ll skip that. I never said I could prove anything about Cox. But I wouldn’t say “LaRoche’s wife wears a pink thong to the ballpark.” Sure, you can’t prove that she doesn’t, but I can’t prove that she does either.
braveman
August 21st, 2009
8:15 pm
the braves may have had a bad draft…
but i like the reasoning behind drafting all the collegiate guys early. they did it in hopes of these guys being able to reach the bigs much more quickly than high schoolers…
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
8:15 pm
Pitch around Hanley…
I’d rather see Fuggla
keylargo
August 21st, 2009
8:16 pm
Escobar for Supreme Court
I really don’t think you understand that if JH comes up in Sept. that his arbitration clock starts. He will be under Braves control for six years from 2011 if the Braves wait until next June to call him up. If he comes in Sept. it will be six years from 2010.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
8:16 pm
Nice K, There we go Javy!
Heath
August 21st, 2009
8:16 pm
Javy is NASTY!!!!
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
8:17 pm
wOBA among catchers, MLB:
Joe Mauer: .458(!)
Brian McCann & Victor Martinez: .369 (nice).
Everyone else:below .346 (AJ Pierzynski)
Fin.
NO MORE COX OR CHIPPER!
August 21st, 2009
8:17 pm
JV showed some balls there.
richbrave
August 21st, 2009
8:17 pm
CRIMEDOG:
Are you insinuating you’d like to?
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
8:17 pm
Insert Mike Napoli in between Mauer and McCann.
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
8:18 pm
richbrave-
That’s neither here nor there. Although I’ve never seen Roachy’s wife. I can only assume she’s fun to look at.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
8:18 pm
I’m not mocking you Mitchell. I’m dead serious.
Will
August 21st, 2009
8:19 pm
Escobar -
That’s true but didn’t we think of Frenchy in the same mold at one point? Look what happened to that and keep in mind I am one of Jeff’s biggest supporters and still am so thats no disrespect.
Space Monkey
August 21st, 2009
8:19 pm
I cannot believe how stupid our team is, and I blame Cox. We had Sanchez dead and buried in the first inning. All we had to do is be patient. BUT NO, McCann shows that he has the brains God gave a dirt clod and hands the guy a one pitch double play. He couldn’t find the plate in the first inning and instead of forcing him to throw some strikes, McCann swings at the first pitch. Cox should have made him take a strike. Heck, I would have made him take 2. A patient team would have chased Sanchez in that first inning. Instead, our idiots took all the pressure off him and gave him back his confidence. The most patient team in baseball is the Yankees. Do you think that might have something to do with why they are the best team in baseball. There’s not an ounce of brains on this team or in the dugout.
NO MORE COX OR CHIPPER!
August 21st, 2009
8:20 pm
The offense looks horrible tonight.
richbrave
August 21st, 2009
8:20 pm
CRIMEDOG:
Then why did you bring it up? I’d lay off personal remarks about the BRAVES family if I were you.
Shawn
August 21st, 2009
8:20 pm
McCann this, McCann that…. please! I watched Justice help carry his team to the postseason his first few years in MLB. I watched Chipper help carry his team to the postseason in his prime. I have yet to McCann do much in this hunt we’re in right now.
Boy, that Gorecki really looks like a keeper. YIKES! You can thank Mac for helping this pitcher settle.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
8:20 pm
CrimeDog-
You make no sense why would you even bring up a pink thong to try and make your point. The only reason you wouldnt be able to understand my last sentence if your illiterate. I will try and re explain it though. In my opinion teams dont call up players in septemeber to add a skill to their team. They call up players so that young guys get expierence and can evolve their game. Unlike you who thinks teams call up people to make their team better. If the players they call up to add skill were so good why would they not do it sooner?
keylargo-
I get that but more then likely he will be up next year anyway. Why not get him some AB’s and let him sit on the expierence in the off season so he knows what to expect in the middle of a clutch part of the season?
nolie
August 21st, 2009
8:21 pm
find it frustrating I hate losing to lesser teams. (EScobar For)
now that’s funny. The best team in baseball loses 60 some games a year and they are all to lesser teams. get used to it dude. It always happens.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
8:21 pm
I officially don’t like Reed Gorecki.
He looked like an idiot, trying to hit a homerun. Is it Reed or Reid?
Shawn
August 21st, 2009
8:22 pm
Steve from OH, you can throw that junk around all you want, but I stated FACTS about our catcher. I like Brian a lot, but he’s WAY overhyped by fans here and some of the media in Atlanta.
Frank Wren
August 21st, 2009
8:22 pm
I have one word for what is between your ears space monkey
space
NO MORE COX OR CHIPPER!
August 21st, 2009
8:22 pm
This is a no hitter waiting to happen.
?
August 21st, 2009
8:22 pm
we are ripping the ball tonight in a huge game
Will
August 21st, 2009
8:23 pm
Reid
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
8:23 pm
Space Monkey: You’ve convinced me. Cox sucks. Thank you for letting me see the light, oh knower of baseball stuff.
ChurchMan
August 21st, 2009
8:23 pm
if they could get a hit off Santana they should at least be able to get one off Sanchez too
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
8:23 pm
We’re gettin’ no-hit!
Nice!
Frank Wren
August 21st, 2009
8:23 pm
Shawn no doubt Brian is struggling. He is still a plus offensive catcher and personally I think he is going to rebound soon
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
8:23 pm
Will-
I understand your point but I think the Frenchy situation was more mental then anything. I think it was hard for him to be in his home state fumbling every momemnt when the guy he grew up beating out as a high school player was doing so much better then him.
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
8:23 pm
Frank Wren? Shouldn’t you be watching the game??
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
8:24 pm
Steve from OH, you can throw that junk around all you want, but I stated FACTS about our catcher.
Oh yeah, right, facts. And what I posted was….?
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
8:25 pm
“A HUNDRED AND TWO AND LOOK AT HIM GO!!!!”
Shut up, Chip
Soph
August 21st, 2009
8:25 pm
Wow, 102 years old? He looks great.
Louisville brave
August 21st, 2009
8:25 pm
Calm yourselves people…can we get a 1-2-3 inning for Vasquez please?
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
8:26 pm
ah, that’s beautiful. there’s a man here named Wesley Carter who’s celebrating his 102nd birthday tonight. They just showed him on the big board, and he stood, waved, tipped his cap and danced a little jig.
Frank Wren
August 21st, 2009
8:26 pm
Geez 102 years old
That means he was 4 years old when the Wright brothers made their flight on Kittyhawk
Impressive Sir
Will
August 21st, 2009
8:26 pm
Escobar-
True but remember that Jason is also from GA. He also has a partner in crime, Freeman but they won’t be called up together as he is further behind in his progression.
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
8:26 pm
I don’t know why you think that I believe September callups are for improving a team. I’m still not sure you understand that calling Heyward up “to see how far he’s come” would cost the team a year of control over him. If having a few game tryout to evaluate a player is worth losing a year on the arbitration clock to you, then by all means go turn in your GM application for the Mets.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
8:26 pm
Mixxo, I missed the last inning of the LLWS game earlier. Did WR win?
McFann :Ô:
August 21st, 2009
8:27 pm
Shawn–
BMac hit .333 with 24 homers, 36 doubles, 93 RBI, 41 BB, and only 54 K’s in his first full Major League season (2006). Made the All-Star Team, won the Silver Slugger.
In ‘07 he had an off-year–hit .270 with 18 homers, 38 doubles, 92 RBI, 35 BB, and 74 K’s. Made the All-Star Team (Mauer did not go that year). Lotta teams would take that from their catcher as a good year…
Last year, he hit .301 with 23 homers, 42 doubles (tying the NL record for doubles in a single season by a catcher), 87 RBI, 57 BB, and 64 K’s. Very solid year for a catcher.
So far this year he’s hitting .285 with 15 homers, 30 doubles, 62 RBI, 38 BB, and 55 K’s. He’s been slumping for close to two months, but overall his numbers aren’t horrid.
Yeah, Mauer hit for a better AVG, but come on–he cann DH, he plays his home games in an air-conditioned stadium. He’s DANG GOOD, don’t get me wrong, but he does have a couple advantages.
BMac’s defense isn’t the greatest around–yeah, leaves a little to be desired, but you always read our pitchers talking about what a great game he calls. And yeah, in his Rookie Year, Smoltz wanted him to be his personal catcher after BMac caught one game for John–I’m pretty sure it was either that game or the next game BMac caught for Smoltz that John pitched a CG.
BMac is good, dude. Get with the program.
Shawn
August 21st, 2009
8:27 pm
Steve from OH, alright smarty pants. Imagine there’s an “also” after the word “FACTS” and you get what I’m saying. Sure, you stated a fact, but I state what I’m seeing with my eyes at the present time. He ain’t that great.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
8:27 pm
nolie-
Ya baseball, right, no one wins it all. Thanks I got that. You could watch the game for a year and understand it. Why are we 8-4 against the Phils but struggle against the teams like Washington San Diego. Its the sign of a weak team. Look at the Phils they clean up against weak teams.
Steve from OH
August 21st, 2009
8:28 pm
Sure, you stated a fact, but I state what I’m seeing with my eyes at the present time.
Ah yes, your eyes. No subjectivity there, right?
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 21st, 2009
8:28 pm
Warner Robins won Soph.
keylargo
August 21st, 2009
8:28 pm
I get that but more then likely he will be up next year anyway. Why not get him some AB’s and let him sit on the expierence in the off season so he knows what to expect in the middle of a clutch part of the season? Esc
obar
No you don’t understand it. If he comes in Sept. , he will be under Braves Control from 2010 until 2015.
If the Braves bring him up, exactly like Hanson, he will be under Braves Control from 2011 until 2016.
You get a potential ALL STAR in 2016 or a 20 year old for a month in Sept 2009.
Anonymous Caller
August 21st, 2009
8:29 pm
I see the offense is skipping tonights game
Shawn
August 21st, 2009
8:29 pm
McFann, I respect what you’re saying. I said he was a good one, just not “great” like Justice and Chipper were in their prime. You are also right on Maur being a DH at times in the AL…. should’ve put that in to account.
Frank Wren
August 21st, 2009
8:30 pm
This blog is like a friend we all have.
When your talking he is thinkg about what he is going to say next instead of listening
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
8:30 pm
Soph –
Yeah we won….11-3. Staten Island tomorrow at 3:00 on ABC.
McFann :Ô:
August 21st, 2009
8:30 pm
Space Monkey–
You’re actually wrong…that was a second-pitch double play.
Wake up, dude.
RHR
August 21st, 2009
8:30 pm
Doesn’t he know he’s supposed to suck?
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
8:30 pm
The “ol man” can still play folks
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
8:31 pm
boy, there are some snap judgments on here….I don’t like Reid Gorecki because he struck out in his first at-bat tonight….yikes, OK? geez.
nolie
August 21st, 2009
8:31 pm
Red Faux (Tomahawkin)
you do know that faux does NOT rhyme with Sox, right? or lox or fox . not even close.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
8:31 pm
Thanks Brandon & Mixxo!
11-3? They must’ve exploded right after I left b/c it was 5-3 when I was watching.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
8:32 pm
CrimeDog-
Yea, I’ll get right on that. Do you or do you not think he will be up here next year? Its not always about control of players for the good of the club, what about for the good of the player? He doesnt look like he can learn to much bashing pitching obviously inferior to his skill. The kid needs a challenge to see what he can do. Im not going to argue about it anymore this is a blog about opinions you have shared yours, as well as your desire for Rouchys wife.
Will-
I know he was from Ga. I also knew Freeman was too but I dont think thats quite the same situation.
Shawn
August 21st, 2009
8:32 pm
Steve, you’re the stat geek, I’m obviously not. I go by what I see, you go by what the percents/wOBA etc. say.
Vinings Jim
August 21st, 2009
8:32 pm
Carroll – another Dukie – Dick Groat is trivia answer!
Soph
August 21st, 2009
8:33 pm
Yeah Mitchell, no more hating on Reid.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
8:33 pm
keylargo-
I get how all this works for the fifth time and to the fifth person please do not tell me about it any more. Whats more important saving money or a players development? I say the development.
nolie
August 21st, 2009
8:34 pm
Where is Vanderbuilt? (RHR)
right where Vander built it I guess
McFann :Ô:
August 21st, 2009
8:34 pm
Shawn–
Thanks…
BMac’s also had eye problems this year. And, huh, I should have pointed out that he led the team in homers and RBI last year…So, yeah, it was totally his fault they missed the play-offs last year.
And in ‘06 the pitching was so crummy, but the offense was near the top of the league, I’m pretty sure. Not really his fault there, is it? Or did he not handle the pitchers right with the new pitching coach and the crummy pitchers?
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
8:34 pm
No Comment!
NO MORE COX OR CHIPPER!
August 21st, 2009
8:34 pm
Please retire Chipper. You can’t hit a fastball anymore.
Will
August 21st, 2009
8:35 pm
Escobar-
Freeman is from CA but I was talking about how him and Jason are close. They have moved up the latter together and every time I saw them at ST they were together. Just showing how just like Jeff had a close friend in BMac that Jason has the same thing going on.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
8:35 pm
You gotta love KK.
I love that thing he did on the line-drive hit back to him. I mean, who does that? I don’t know, but it was awesome.
You can’t get mad at that if you’re an opponent. He’s just putting his little touch on it. He’s an artist, man. It’s deep.
Oh, my favorite band. Let’s go Brian.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
8:35 pm
Let’s just pretend that AB didn’t happen and move on
Original Jon
August 21st, 2009
8:35 pm
Isnt Anibal Sanchez 1-4 with a 5+ ERA??
?
August 21st, 2009
8:35 pm
bats coming up huge
RHR
August 21st, 2009
8:35 pm
Roman Gal – it was like that here about 2 hours ago…didn’t last long tho..but now? it’s orange outside. very odd looking sky @ sunset.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
8:35 pm
Gawd I hate that secondaru shift…!
B-Macc needs to dump a few Ric Flair’s out to left
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
8:36 pm
Freeman isn’t from Georgia.
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
8:36 pm
Geeze….Chipper’s hitting .280 something and you’re calling for him to retire because he’s in a slump?
RHR
August 21st, 2009
8:36 pm
ahh nolie, I should have known you’d know.
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
8:36 pm
Original Jon, in and around two stints on the DL with shoulder problems. Doesn’t look like he’s having any problems tonight. Except for a couple walks in the first inning
Space Monkey
August 21st, 2009
8:36 pm
McFann: Mea Culpa. But that tells you how fast it happened. I missed the first pitch. BTW, it was still dumber than dog sh&&. Sanchez was in a deep hole and McCann gave him a ladder.
As to the comments about the crowd. If I lived in ATL I would be there tonight. But it’s a long commute from Charlotte.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
8:37 pm
So is this Anibal just pitchin well or is it us???
lexbrave
August 21st, 2009
8:37 pm
this braves lineup (1-8) has a .297 combined average. although it doesn’t seem like it tonight.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
8:37 pm
Bash B-Macc All you want but he has some of the best ab’s on the team in terms of making pitchers work
No effing hits! come on!
braveman
August 21st, 2009
8:37 pm
Carrol,
those are the same people who claim the game is over in the first inning of every game. i just ignore those “ballgamers!”.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
8:38 pm
Will-
I miss typed I was looking up someones stats and just had a brain freeze. I think there was this underlying compition that Frenchy had with Mac and ultimitly I think thats what doomed him here in Atlanta. I dont know much about Heyward or Freeman but I hope they dont have the same issue.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
8:38 pm
Is it Anibal or Animal>
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
8:38 pm
Javy’s OK…..Anibel is UNBELIEVABLE!
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
8:38 pm
We had that chance to pound Isabelle Sanchez early and we let him off the hook so far it has cost us…I smell another ND for Javy…
Soph
August 21st, 2009
8:38 pm
McFann, how was the Aquarium?
Anonymous Caller
August 21st, 2009
8:38 pm
Jesus christ is this lookin HORRID!!
ChurchMan
August 21st, 2009
8:39 pm
someone needs to speak up in the dugout and remind everyone they are playing a team they will HAVE to beat if they want to win the wild card.
Shawn
August 21st, 2009
8:39 pm
McFann– hang on a sec. I didn’t say anything about Mac in ‘06-’08, I’m talking right now. I know those teams were pretty bad, but we’re in a playoff hunt and he’s falling short for the most part right now. Needs to step it up because I’m afraid Chipper is injured.
cricket
August 21st, 2009
8:40 pm
Looks like our hitters do have tougher time against pitchers that favor softer stuff. Have to stop swinging at balls against this guy.
Original Jon
August 21st, 2009
8:40 pm
No hit through 4, the longer they go without a hit, the more they will press to try and get one and start swinging at stupid stuff.
?
August 21st, 2009
8:40 pm
OUR OFFENSE ROCKS
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
8:40 pm
Shawn-
Didn’t McCann hit two home runs this weekend?
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
8:41 pm
Anonymous Caller –
Actually ‘nonymous, it’s pretty typical of us after a good game on the road. Our bats go to sleep when we get home, happens every time. I’m about sick of it too!
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
8:41 pm
Get Javy some damn runs!
cabravesfan
August 21st, 2009
8:41 pm
VJ-
You…I…Did you really?? What the…
Speechless! [EXPLETIVE DELETED]
Shawn
August 21st, 2009
8:42 pm
Can Mac not put his hand behind him when he catches, or what?
Vinings Jim
August 21st, 2009
8:43 pm
cabravesfan – you must be hearing things, darling. I was going to point out that hating Bobby and Chipper seemed a certain road to disappointment as a Braves’ fan.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
8:43 pm
Waste Helms hit that off the end of the bat thank gawd!
bravefaninok
August 21st, 2009
8:43 pm
javy just gonna have to keep them in check till somebody gets to annibelle
richbrave
August 21st, 2009
8:44 pm
CHIP’s playing hurt. It’s not a slump in my mind. You’re in a slump when nothing’s physically wrong, but you’re battling at the plate. Chip just can’t hit the higher pitches right now because of the oblique. Call it a slump if you want. I say he’s hitting .320 with 20 HR’s right now if he’s healthy.
Heath
August 21st, 2009
8:44 pm
pitcher’s duel…to the extreme… let’s get some hits.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
8:44 pm
Good inning Javy.
Someone, anyone, get a hit dammit. Start small.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
8:45 pm
richbrave-
+1
Andy
August 21st, 2009
8:45 pm
let’s go offense…..NEED runs
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
8:46 pm
Betcha Loaf is enjoyin the massages from the trainer’s room…musta forgot his balckberry at home
McFann Ô
August 21st, 2009
8:47 pm
Yeah, I forgot to add the All-Star and Silver Slugger in ‘08…
Shawn–
Well, yeah, you kind of did. You said he’s never carried this team to the playoffs. That doesn’t count this year only. And don’t forget ‘05…homer in his first post-season AB.
Soph–
It was fun! Thanks for asking! Since Dad’s a volunteer down there, we got to go on a special behind-the-scenes tour. (He got permission to do so…can’t just have the V’s giving people tours all over the place all the time.) We watched them feed the Belugas “back stage”, and we got to see them do some different tricks. We also saw the top of the Ocean Voyager tank and the Tropical Diver tank and we saw where they’re keeping the penguins while they’re off display.
We saw the other stuff that the “regular people” get to see, too.
Anonymous Caller
August 21st, 2009
8:47 pm
Cmon LaRoche hit one out!
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
8:47 pm
“Braves batting practice expierence” – Not so sure its that eventful after watching the first 4 innings of this game!
McFann Ô
August 21st, 2009
8:48 pm
Cann Shawn not pick on everything BMac does or what?
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
8:49 pm
Gorecki looked like he was trying to hit a homerun. He should have been trying to get on base and have Javy move him over.
It’s nice that he got a hit in a 15 run game in front of his family. He looks like he could be a good hitter, I’m just not thrilled about him starting in a game of this importance but we have some injuries so, here he is.
Sorry. That’s what I meant to say.
I guess Brooks Conrad doesn’t play left field. But hey, you know who does? Greg Norton.
Now I’m confused.
?
August 21st, 2009
8:51 pm
27 YANKS HAVE NOTHING ON US
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
8:51 pm
Getting the feeling…1 run from Florida and this thing’s in jeopardy
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
8:53 pm
Should we get a head start on deciding why Bobby is to blame for the lack of offense? It will save some work later.
JayDubu
August 21st, 2009
8:53 pm
I’m following the game via gamecast on ESPN…Is Sanchez pithing as well as the stats indicate, or are the Braves helping him out?
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
8:53 pm
2 runs – we’re talking double-jeopardy
Andy
August 21st, 2009
8:53 pm
im beginning to think our offense isn’t very good
?
August 21st, 2009
8:53 pm
embarrassing
RHR
August 21st, 2009
8:53 pm
All I know is…my team is getting no hits on a guy named Annaball.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
8:54 pm
This is really all Bobby’s fault…no question about it.
Anonymous Caller
August 21st, 2009
8:55 pm
the dead corpse they found on chipper’s ranch is more useful tonight Batting than these guys! Geez
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
8:55 pm
Poor Javy’s probably thinking, “I’ve seen this movie before”.
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
8:55 pm
Braves hitters are making it too easy for Sanchez. We got to wait for our pitches.
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
8:56 pm
im beginning to think our offense isn’t very good -Andy
Ya think? LOL
The Epitome Of Inconsistency
Loaf Garret on a blackberry in the clubhouse eating a sandwich and watching the Angels game while singing The Way We Were
August 21st, 2009
8:56 pm
Let’s face it, if me and Brooks Conrad was playing tonight we would have some hits and be winning 18-1.
nolie
August 21st, 2009
8:56 pm
No Hitter???
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
8:56 pm
JayDubu-
Its a little of both he has some great pitches but he is also getting some swings on balls that turn into ground balls.
Andy-
We have some key pieces hurt..GA, McLouth, Prado. Three startes out will hurt anyone.
Nova Scotia Steve-
How?
Heath
August 21st, 2009
8:56 pm
So far, neither pitcher deserves to lose. Both pitching well.
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
8:56 pm
At least Matt Ryan looked good tonight against the Rams.
Original Jon
August 21st, 2009
8:57 pm
No hits through 5, seriously?? Isnt this the same team that just beat Johan Santana the day before??? I swear, we better not get no hit by a guy who had a 5+ ERA coming in.
Loaf Garret on a blackberry in the clubhouse eating a sandwich and watching the Angels game while singing The Way We Were
August 21st, 2009
8:57 pm
Let’s fact it, I woulda had that.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
8:57 pm
Escobar for SC…
Its a only a joke…I’m a big supporter of Bobby Cox actually.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
8:58 pm
BE CAREFUL PLEASE
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
8:58 pm
Falcons 14
Rams 3
Heath
August 21st, 2009
8:58 pm
McCann? What was that?
Hakuna Matata
August 21st, 2009
8:58 pm
They can hit a freakin single…But we cant WTF!
Heath
August 21st, 2009
8:58 pm
McCann gives the Marlins their run.
AndyC
August 21st, 2009
8:59 pm
Ballgame?
Jeff321
August 21st, 2009
8:59 pm
Charge that run to McCann.
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
8:59 pm
Had a feeling that the Fish would take advantage of that pass ball
No More, No More Bobby
August 21st, 2009
8:59 pm
why the heck did diaz throw home…
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
8:59 pm
ummmm I’m not going to say it
Louisville brave
August 21st, 2009
8:59 pm
Ballgame
Heath
August 21st, 2009
8:59 pm
Plus…. a mistake for Diaz to throw home…should have went to 2B.
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
8:59 pm
Ballgame
That’s pretty original. You just think of that?
Original Jon
August 21st, 2009
8:59 pm
Thats the game folks.
Chris
August 21st, 2009
9:00 pm
What did McCain do?
fork
August 21st, 2009
9:00 pm
Stick me in Chipper Jones.
?
August 21st, 2009
9:00 pm
game over
No More, No More Bobby
August 21st, 2009
9:00 pm
they score one run, and the tools come out…
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 21st, 2009
9:01 pm
OK, time to quit goofing around. Get serious.
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
9:01 pm
Over!
Thanks heap!
Horrible defensive catcher….yeah, I said it last week and I’m saying it again. HORRIBLE!
…and I like him …..as a person.
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
9:01 pm
What did McCain do?
He lost the election to Obama a few months ago. Haven’t heard much from him since.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:01 pm
Wow! So many people on here calling ballgame…?
It isn’t ballgame til I call It, lol
nolie
August 21st, 2009
9:01 pm
Heyward is going to get the call up more so then Reyes. (Escobar For)
I’ll stick with what I’ve said all year and still say Heyward will not get a call up but be sent to the AFL. I’m willing to be surprised though
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
9:01 pm
Damn why are they still playing? Everyone knows a one-run lead is insurmountable.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:02 pm
Sit Down Fuggla!
Andy
August 21st, 2009
9:02 pm
i was joking in a not funny i want a hit kind of way
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:02 pm
What did McCain do?
Ran for President.
Lost.
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:02 pm
Javy and JJ just always seem to be on the wrong of the 1-0, 2-0, 3-2 ballgames…. oy.
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 21st, 2009
9:02 pm
I believe that passed ball was scored a wild pitch.
Chris
August 21st, 2009
9:02 pm
*McCann, sorry.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
9:02 pm
Why does this always happen in close games?
Tie game, the offense is doing nothing, then one bad play leads a hit and a lone run.
God, I wish KK was pitching tonight.
Louisville brave
August 21st, 2009
9:03 pm
Its when the Braves are trailing that Chip Caray’s annoyingness really shows up
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
9:03 pm
*McCann, sorry.
Too late…we’ve already made fun.
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
9:03 pm
Not Mac’s game tonight.
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
9:03 pm
It was technically a wild pitch, but Mac has to do a better job keeping that in front.
Original Jon
August 21st, 2009
9:03 pm
Yeah CrimeDog, it kinda is insurmountable when the team has been no hit through 5. So you think if they continue to go hitless that they will still win??
Manolo
August 21st, 2009
9:03 pm
This game reminds me of the one in florida where Jair was cruising until our killer Ramirez was pitched with two men on, and almost hit it out. Why can’t we walk him, and look for the DP???
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
9:04 pm
Damn why are they still playing? Everyone knows a one-run lead is insurmountable. – CrimeDog
Haaa haaa…..we’re not the Philadelphia Phillies Boss.
No More, No More Bobby
August 21st, 2009
9:04 pm
where is jeff321, why no hate for mac…
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:04 pm
There we go Javy!!!!
OFFENSE COME ON!!!
Louisville brave
August 21st, 2009
9:05 pm
Does BC pinch-hit for Vasquez this inning?
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:05 pm
Manolo -
I would have called for the ole intentional, unintentional walks to Hanley in that case too. If after 2 pitches it’s obvious he is not swingin’…waggle 4.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
9:05 pm
Bottom of the order coming up…I’m not really expecting anything too out of the ordinary…
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
9:06 pm
You don’t have to be the Phillies to score one run. I mean what result were you guys hoping for? A 0-0 tie? They were going to have to score at some point in order to win the game.
AndyC
August 21st, 2009
9:06 pm
I hate when Chip is laughing and his voice gets kinda high when he is talking. Really annoying.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
9:06 pm
Somebody get a damn hit.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:06 pm
McFann, sounds like you had a lot of fun. I’m waiting for my fav exhibit to come back…the penguins! And, I’m looking forward to the new dolphins exhibit they’re making too.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:06 pm
AWFENSE better do something. Rain is on Deck for Tooner Field in 25 minutes…
braveman
August 21st, 2009
9:07 pm
werent we down against the cubs earlier this year at home and being no-hit through 7…yet we came back and won the game? and we werent down by just one….i think we were down by four. its just one run. we can still win this game….
AndyC
August 21st, 2009
9:07 pm
Our only hope is getting to the Marlins bullpen.
nolie
August 21st, 2009
9:07 pm
One run? Oh well, this ballgame is over!!!
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
9:07 pm
I hate when Chip is laughing and his voice gets kinda high when he is talking. Really annoying.
Can’t STAND that. I would’ve complained about earlier, but I didn’t know how to word it. Good job.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
9:08 pm
Sit down for christ sakes
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:08 pm
You gotta respect the way the Marlins run their organization though. They always field one of the youngest if not the youngest team in MLB. Miguel Cabrera was only 20 when he made his debut.
KnightInATL
August 21st, 2009
9:08 pm
Wow, Gorecki. If that wasn’t a Frenchy style AB, I don’t know what is.
Louisville brave
August 21st, 2009
9:08 pm
Gorecki putting up some AAA at bats
fork
August 21st, 2009
9:08 pm
Stick me in the Braves offense.
richbrave
August 21st, 2009
9:08 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM:
DOMINICAN LEAGUE:
6′ 4″ right-hander LUIS de LUNA continues to dominate. The tall DOMINICAN is currently 9-2 with a 2.08 ERA and 0.81 WHIP in 73.2 IP, 49 H, 17 ER, 11 BB, and 66 SO.
3B EDISON SANCHEZ now has 151 AB’s and after a .294 July average, he’s brought his average up to .306 so far in August. His power numbers have declined since the All-Star break, but his BB’s are on the rise and the SO’s are down dramatically in the second half. Overall the 6′ 4″ VENEZUELAN is hitting .291 for the season with a .930 OPS and 44 H, seven 2B, four 3B, and four HR, nine SB, two CS, 34 BB and 40 SO. BUT fielding is rough with 13 E. They are obviously trying to convert him to the position ala KJ. Pretty good patience at the plate too. .329 with runners on and .381 in scoring position while drawing more walks than SO’s in both situations.
?
August 21st, 2009
9:08 pm
our o sux
Vinings Jim
August 21st, 2009
9:09 pm
When will Javy learn that it’s safest to pitch a shutout?
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:09 pm
I do not understand the Braves. We jump on Santana last night and then we are getting no-hit against a mediocre pitcher.
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 21st, 2009
9:09 pm
Off the disabled list and pitching to a disabled offense.
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
9:09 pm
I like it Mitchell 8:49…
oh javy. no way. break it up
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
9:09 pm
your kidding me right
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:09 pm
They also win they always compete with in the divison and they had a really good team when they won in 03
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:09 pm
Out of all people The Pitcher breaks up the NO NO
Lets Go Awfense!
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
9:09 pm
How do you like that? In a blog filled with more knee-jerk reactions than I can count, does this mean Sanchez should be pulled?
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:09 pm
“Gotta do everything myself!”
Way to go Javy. No, no, no mo’.
Loaf Garret on a blackberry in the clubhouse kicking the couch
August 21st, 2009
9:09 pm
Eff yo no hitter!
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:10 pm
Javy!!!! Sweet!
Louisville brave
August 21st, 2009
9:10 pm
Glad BC didn’t pinch hit for Vasquez
KnightInATL
August 21st, 2009
9:10 pm
I hear you AndyC and jeffreyd…..Chip has been especially annoying tonight.
Vinings Jim
August 21st, 2009
9:10 pm
PINCH HIT, YOU MORON COX – never mind…..
Manolo
August 21st, 2009
9:10 pm
you can’t trade Vazquez, are you kiding? he’s the only hitter we have…
Rodney Derrick
August 21st, 2009
9:10 pm
It takes a Vasquez to end a no-hitter and to build a village
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
9:10 pm
ok so double play here and everything will be back to normal
Greg Watson
August 21st, 2009
9:10 pm
The guy who spends the least amount of time with TP gets our first hit.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:10 pm
very true hes also our best bunter
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
9:11 pm
I knew it. I swear, I knew it.
Sorry to the Reed Gorecki fans out there, he looks clueless.
But I knew Javy would get this guy.
Let’s go Omar.
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:11 pm
Pressure of being no hit tonight, GONE!!
Now let’s start hitting.
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
9:11 pm
Mitchell, I was gonna say that reminded me of when the Cameron Crazies got chastised for saying B— S— to the refs, so they started saying “We beg to differ.”
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:11 pm
What happened there with Infante?
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
9:11 pm
Other things I don’t like about Chip:
-The way he’ll never end a sentence with a preposition (I guess his real proper grammar in general)
-”Rule book double”
-His gargantuan eyebrows
-His lame jokes/puns (”Braves are as cool as that ice cream”)
KnightInATL
August 21st, 2009
9:12 pm
Unbelievable.
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:12 pm
greaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:12 pm
Oh well. At least we broke up the no hitter.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:12 pm
R U Serious another Fckin DP!!!
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:12 pm
Conrad is better than Reid
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 21st, 2009
9:12 pm
Javvy taking it on himself to HIT!
?
August 21st, 2009
9:12 pm
awful
JayDubu
August 21st, 2009
9:12 pm
Church is going to homer!
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 21st, 2009
9:12 pm
wow.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:12 pm
Always gets stats wrong also
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
9:13 pm
You gotta crawl before you walk. We’ll get a runner to second next inning. And the next inning….we score.
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:13 pm
KnightInATL
August 21st, 2009
9:12 pm
Unbelievable.
Really?
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
9:13 pm
Whaddaya know! Another DP!
Good! Lets hurry up and get this debacle over with. yeah babe.
NO MORE COX OR CHIPPER!
August 21st, 2009
9:13 pm
Jeez, the Braves truly are pathetic.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
9:13 pm
Wow, that was sad.
I miss Martin.
It almost feels like we’re tied now though. The funny thing, is that we are not.
Buckle down Javy. 1-2-3.
KnightInATL
August 21st, 2009
9:14 pm
Yeah, Chip tries to be too eloquent with his verbiage. Just call the damn game and we’ll be happy.
Louisville brave
August 21st, 2009
9:14 pm
Why does d-bag Caray have to marvel at the double play turn by Uggla? This a Braves broadcast for god sakes, tone it down goofball
Greg Watson
August 21st, 2009
9:14 pm
Nice offense tonight. Im going to watch my vhs tapes of Fantasy Island.
JayDubu
August 21st, 2009
9:14 pm
This is PO-THETIC!!! This is the 3rd time throught the order. The Braves should have this guy figured out by now!
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:14 pm
I miss Martin.
Me too man, me too.
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
9:15 pm
Unbelievable. The Braves actually took the field to play defense. Someone call mercy rule.
Manolo
August 21st, 2009
9:15 pm
Gorecki might be useful against leftties, but now, there none coming up. He was needed last weekend…
wow
August 21st, 2009
9:15 pm
We sure came out swinging the bats tonight, absolutely awful.
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
9:16 pm
ballgame!
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
9:16 pm
Carroll, I guess I’m just terminally misunderstood.
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
9:16 pm
Oh the carnage! The Braves haven’t scored two runs in a game since Vietnam!
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:16 pm
some more salt in the wound….
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 21st, 2009
9:16 pm
That will probably be enough.
?
August 21st, 2009
9:16 pm
glad the offense decided to take the night off in such a big game.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:16 pm
Game Over!!!
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:16 pm
Dammit, this is one of those effin games.
wow
August 21st, 2009
9:17 pm
and that might do it with this offense thats a helleva lot of runs just a shame to waste such a wonderful start.
SEASON
August 21st, 2009
9:17 pm
That is season folks. Drive home safe.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:17 pm
Double to Waste Helms R U kidding Me!!!
NO MORE COX OR CHIPPER!
August 21st, 2009
9:17 pm
BALLGAME!
?
August 21st, 2009
9:17 pm
the fat lady is singing
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:17 pm
Roger McDowell sighting!
I thought he was on vacation.
Anonymous Caller
August 21st, 2009
9:18 pm
Dare i say the B word…..
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:18 pm
Not really a surprise…the Marlins have been getting into double-digit hit category for a while now.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:18 pm
With the way the Awfense has performed its no wonder why no one shows up to the games…
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:18 pm
lol crime dog
wow
August 21st, 2009
9:18 pm
Vasquez is so frustrated on the run support its taking a toll on his pitching.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:18 pm
That’s how you bunt. Very pretty.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:18 pm
Good Play by Hoss there being obstructed…
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:19 pm
Sanchez can do no wrong…text book bunt to go along with great pitching.
nolie
August 21st, 2009
9:19 pm
the dead corpse (anon)
think how good the live corpse would do
?
August 21st, 2009
9:20 pm
need to get a bat to start next season. braves can still be good next year. this year is over.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
9:20 pm
This is not good.
BL
August 21st, 2009
9:20 pm
Man, Diaz is really tearing it up on defense tonight
wow
August 21st, 2009
9:21 pm
Season
My man its hardly the season get real i mean im pissed off at this performance but season over get real man. This game is not over, much less the season. I know im frustrated myself but to say something like that your an idiot.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
9:21 pm
One more Javy.
We have to win this one.
SEASON
August 21st, 2009
9:22 pm
1 hitter+Chip=torture
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:22 pm
Come On Javy lets get out of this…!
joe
August 21st, 2009
9:22 pm
we’re gonna win this game 4-3. who’s with me??
?
August 21st, 2009
9:22 pm
frenchy with a bomb off of hamels for the mets
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:23 pm
Is there a Braves player out there that can step up and lead a comeback?
Who is going to step up?
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 21st, 2009
9:23 pm
Im with ya Joe..
McFann Ô
August 21st, 2009
9:23 pm
Soph–
We did, thanks. I love the penguins, too! They were so cute in their little home-away-from-home today. Once two of them were in the water and raced around and then jumped out at the same time like they were having a race! Then as we were leaving, all but two got in the water and it looked like they were having a pool party.
Yeah, the dolphins should be cool, too. And I love those beluga whales. Daddy does a lot of stuff with them, the penguins, and the sea otters when he goes in on Tuesdays.
braveman
August 21st, 2009
9:23 pm
you idiots realize that we are so far back now, that every game is a “big game”? more importantly, you idiots that are calling it a season do know that we cant win every game we have left? i dont think you do… you all act is if every game we play is our last and if we lose, we will be eliminated from the playoffs…
this game is by no means over…even if, and i say IF, we do lose, we can still win the series. we lost the first game against the mets and you all called it a season after that loss… yet we won the next two. we have a ton of games against the marlins and phillies left after this series. do we need to win this series? yes. will a loss tonight mean that we will have lost this series? no.
for the 7,453rd time….take a few xanaxes and dont get behind the wheel of a vehicle. its going to be ok. i promise.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:23 pm
I really wish our pitchers would call out our offense, this crap has gone on too long!
Doc Holiday
August 21st, 2009
9:23 pm
Bobby Cox:
Your stinking losers are losing again………arent you gonna do something about it?
Lesson #1………… you dont win a series by scoring 20 runs in one game and none in the others 2 games………..but apparently thats the philosophy on this team. They might think they add the runs and divide them by 3………..
This game is history……….after watching our team last 5 seasons its really easy to say/know, that we are not coming back………sadly against a freaking rookie………….
The size of the crowd says it all………….people is TIRED OF BOBBYS BALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get rid of him.
Vinings Jim
August 21st, 2009
9:23 pm
I was joking when I said Bobby should have pinch hit for Javy – despite his hit, maybe my goofball, idiotic comment was correct…
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:23 pm
Fudge. I can’t stand this.
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 21st, 2009
9:23 pm
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:18 pm
Not really a surprise…the Marlins have been getting into double-digit hit category for a while now.
They had 4 yesterday.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:23 pm
ARRRRGGGHHHH!!!
wow
August 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
Everyone who says the season is over quit watching this team we dont need you people on here. Also if we do make the playoffs the same ones that are saying its over will be the ones saying i told ya so. Get a grip on reality.
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
At least Javy gotta hit!
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
interesting that tonight’s announced crowd of 22,608 is actually smaller than Monday’s announced crowd of 23,668. I cry foul!
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
The end is near! I see a caravan of U-Haul’s coming down Hank Aaron Drive!
AndyC
August 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
Ballgame
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
Oh please Joe, that was nowhere near Yunel.
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
3 more runs and we can take Javy out.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
Fck!!!! I just Turned It off!!!!
JayDubu
August 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
Does anyone else notice a trend with the Braves? They don’t play well against teams that are in front of them, and that they need to beat.
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
Now this is shameful!! Embarassing!!
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
hmmmmm…. now what?
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
Good night folks, thanks for coming.
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
But Bobby…that’s only 5 runs…
Louisville brave
August 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
I think That might do it
Jeff321
August 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
Anyone wanna try and say Cox didn’t leave Javy in too long? Right. Stick a sock in it lovers! See ya tomorrow night.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
*sigh*
Damn, damn, damn. Mitchell, I order you to start ranting. Please?
AndyC
August 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
Definitely Ballgame.
Vinings Jim
August 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
Time to revisit the Lowe-Vazquez debate? Please, NOOOO!!! Tomorrow, maybe.
joe
August 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
WOW. we’re going to win 6-5. who’s with me?? anybody…guess not
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
Chill people. We are only 1 measley grand slam from the lead!
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
Hey Doc, thanks for speaking for us both!
Dan Kolb's Mom
August 21st, 2009
9:25 pm
Man. This is rough. It’s not that we suck, its just painfully obvious that the Marlins are better than us. They will probably make the playoffs. Good team.
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:26 pm
Carroll Rogers
August 21st, 2009
9:24 pm
interesting that tonight’s announced crowd of 22,608 is actually smaller than Monday’s announced crowd of 23,668. I cry foul!
Seems like they quite a few people knew something that we didn’t if you ask me…
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 21st, 2009
9:26 pm
I sense a comeback….
joe
August 21st, 2009
9:26 pm
well, we’ve always had a tough time with the fish, even with Cy rotation
Vinings Jim
August 21st, 2009
9:26 pm
RHR – lol from me (and you-know-who)!
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:26 pm
The Pathetic “Feast or Famine” Awfense lost this game, Not Javy
We Let Isabelle Sanchez off the hook in the first and now we are paying for it!
Doc Holiday
August 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
LOL
LOL
Typical from Cox………….he leaves the pitcher in until the game is out of reach…………..right in the middle of an aug/sept race……………
Only thing that Im glad of is to know that Cox days are almost over…………..1 more year st the most………… 2011 cant get here soon enough.
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
Well, I am glad that I did not spend money on tickets on tonight’s game like I did last Friday against the Phillies. Would have driven off the bridge.
Manolo
August 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
I was wondering why don’t bring a lefty to pitch to Gload, who hits Vazquez well, but why worry? Bobby just enjoying the game again…
?
August 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
next year we will be 4th best team in division
McFann Ô
August 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
This…game…is…really…BORING!!!!!
The Marlins continue to make a strong case for passing the Fillies as the team I despise the most…
N Nine
August 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
Cue N8
Vazquez will now have a losing career record. Overrated?
BL
August 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
Way to mail it in JV. Along with hungover offense, again on a Friday at home to open a series, tonight is “no range night.” Haven’t seen any out of 2nd base OR right field. All or nothing with this Braves bunch from the plate. Oh, and I called it, so let’s try and not spend another whole day talking about front office decisions on the eve of the biggest series. TASK AT HAND
Pete
August 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
Escobar for Supreme Court: “Pete-
Im not bashing Koufax I’m just trying to pose the question of; Would he be as dominate today? I agree calls seem really bad lately but people will always make mistakes its human nature. Its hard to say that Koufax never got breaks because I am sure he did.”
Esco I understand what youre saying and all I can say is unfortunately Im old enough to have watched him throughout most of his career starting in 1963. I would say without question he would dominate today, as he did back then. Dont forget, back then there were only 8 teams in each league, so you had about half the players then as you had today. That means you had the top 200 players then vs. today the top 400 (in each league) that you faced.
Its an interesting debate, and one which unfortunately we will never know the answer.
Original Jon
August 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
this team is fckn pathetic. I mean, there are no words to describe how fckn pathetic it is. This game is definitely over, going to bed.
wow
August 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
That probally is the game but the line for Vasquez is really miscued.
JayDubu
August 21st, 2009
9:27 pm
Interesting how the Marlins adjusted each time through the order, and the Braves remained the same.
groundfog
August 21st, 2009
9:28 pm
Bobby is back to his old ways. It was obvious Javy lost it but make sure there is no shot to come back before you pull him. Cox is horrible. The Marlinsare simply better-better players better manager
?
August 21st, 2009
9:28 pm
san fran beatng colorado as well. just not in the card for the braves to make playoffs this year
lexbrave
August 21st, 2009
9:28 pm
allow me to be the first pessimistic poster to say…
season…
joe
August 21st, 2009
9:28 pm
just remember, we just had a 8 run inning a couple days ago…just sayin
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
9:28 pm
I really wish our pitchers would call out our offense, this crap has gone on too long! – Tomahawkin
There are only two pitchers on this staff that have the nads to do so…..Vazquez & Gonzo…..and they’re outnumbered.
We’ll be lucky to win one game in this series. It’s pretty obvious….the Fish just “want it” more than we do. Sad.
Dan Kolb's Mom
August 21st, 2009
9:28 pm
But I will add that Diaz should have caught that homerun ball. Hell I think Jeffy would have caught that.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:28 pm
1 G-Damn Hit! Pathetic!
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:28 pm
No reason to pitch to Hanley…they do it…and he burns us 2 out 3 times so far. Been doing it all season. Think they’ll learn?
Doc Holiday
August 21st, 2009
9:29 pm
Shamus Thacker,
You are welcome.
JayDubu
August 21st, 2009
9:29 pm
This team does not play well against Florida, and they’re not going to beat the Phillies again. They’ll finish in 3rd, and that’s that.
AndyC
August 21st, 2009
9:29 pm
The rain is coming. Better finish the game quickly.
ChurchMan
August 21st, 2009
9:29 pm
If (rather .. when) they go on to lose this game I won’t be at all surprised if they get swept. The article says the Braves have the pitching advantage but I don’t believe at all.
On tomorrow’s starter: “On April 14 in Atlanta, Volstad gave up one run on three hits in seven innings, collecting the win in his only start vs. the Braves this year”
on Sunday’s (Nolasco) “The 26-year-old on July 28 had a no-decision with Atlanta, giving up two runs in seven innings”. And then there’s Lowe “They were one of the few teams this season to hit Lowe as hard as the Marlins, who tagged him for six runs in five innings on May 6″
They played bad against the Marlins earlier this year and at least by looking at game 1, that hasn’t changed at all.
groundfog
August 21st, 2009
9:29 pm
Marlins own the Braves .You are owned-and where is Chipper? Choking lately?
?
August 21st, 2009
9:29 pm
WE SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CAN’T WIN BIG GAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:29 pm
The sad thing is that we are getting help from the Giants and Mets tonight…and can’t take advantage.
lexbrave
August 21st, 2009
9:30 pm
so if wren decides to finocus on our offense this season, does that mean our pitching will go back to blowing?
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 21st, 2009
9:30 pm
Well, the Fish are back on another 10 hit run.
JayDubu
August 21st, 2009
9:30 pm
No way the Braves are going to score more than 3 runs, if that many. This game is over. Another shutout against the Braves.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
9:30 pm
I love the people with their arms folded. It’s like they are determined not to be swayed by anything that’s happening on the field.
Braves fans suck.
The Marlins suck. They’re a bunch of punks. The Braves just decided to stop playing like a real baseball team. Great timing too.
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
9:30 pm
Girl singing God Bless America took long enough to ice Sanchez’s arm.
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 21st, 2009
9:30 pm
Marlins without two of their better hitters tonight; Braves without two of their better hitters; Braves with their 2009 Ace on the mound; Marlins with a guy coming off the disabled list; Braves down 5 to nothing with ONE hit…and that one hit by the pitcher. This is punishment to my eyes.
BL
August 21st, 2009
9:30 pm
Carroll, good point about the crowd. May want to share with the braintrust that run the AJC that starting the weekend with a front-page article, “traffic is going to be horrible this weekend, don’t leave the house’, is not a good idea.
BL
August 21st, 2009
9:31 pm
they do it every weekend
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:31 pm
Just maybe……….never mind.
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:31 pm
Sanchez smirking up there on the mound now….
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:31 pm
I just turned it off! I’m watching Tony Homo and the Cowboys now…because I know we will not comeback…
I will call a meaningless homer however before the night is done…
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:32 pm
Terrible luck and pitch placement. I think Heyward would have cought the first homer he is 6′5″ and a lot faster. Maybe we can make some adjustments now do some work on their pen.
Pete- Its to bad but I respect Koufax he was great I dont like compairing era’s.
Andy
August 21st, 2009
9:32 pm
on a night where the phillies are losing and either colorado or the giants will lose….damnit
bocabrave
August 21st, 2009
9:32 pm
Truly a team effort tonight.
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:32 pm
This team does not play well against Florida, and they’re not going to beat the Phillies again. They’ll finish in 3rd, and that’s that.
You forgot to preface that with “Let’s face it”
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:32 pm
The game isn’t over you should never give up.
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
9:32 pm
This is the most schizo lineup in history. I’m convinced of that.
One night they’re Robert Conrad, the next night William…
Doc Holiday
August 21st, 2009
9:33 pm
McFann Ô,
The team I despite the most has an A on its hat………..and it aint Anaheim………..I love our boys, but man………..they sure are a bunch of losers………..they just cant get it done………….they sure have the buffalo bills blood.
Why is KJ on the bench? I mean, Im not a KJ fan, but Infante is not hot and KJ was kind of hot. Why not play Ross again? Mc looks pretty tired, thats the only excuse I have for him.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:33 pm
Good start Churchy. Let’s do it – let’s go bananas and score like 23 runs.
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:33 pm
We’ll see if Chipper can make that double count.
Big Chief
August 21st, 2009
9:33 pm
choaking in the big game, that is all they do!!!!!
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:33 pm
Hold up, Freddi. You’re supposed to let us score 8 runs.
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:33 pm
No HOF for you, Freddi.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:33 pm
Geez T’Hawkin, at least watch the Falcons on NBC. The Cowboys? Ew.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
9:33 pm
We’ve done it before.
Let’s do it again.
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:34 pm
At least Chipper cant hit into a double play.
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
Where the Hell is Ed Norton!?
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
Urkel is fat now!
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
Eternal optimist here, we’ve still got three shots at this.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
Soph
I had to see their new Stadium…I’m a stadium Junkie, I hate the Cowboys
Games like tonight where the Awfense failed to show up makes me glad that football is on…
BL
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
Oh and HR Frenchy for all the haters
cricket
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
Monk and Psych on USA
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:34 pm
At least Chipper cant hit into a double play.
That’s the spirit!!!
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
Who cares
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
“Are ya ready for some SEC FOOTBAWL?!” -JJ
Not anymore. Crap you’re annoying.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
I don’t particularly care for JJ.
But that’s just me.
Manolo
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
Seeing F. Gonzalez applying the hook leading 5-0 somehow reminded me that this is an important game that maybe, we need to win. That getting your pitcher shelled is not the best idea…
McFann Ô
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
Doc H.–
Yeah, they’re pretty boring sometimes…
Ugh!!
I agree, Johnson should be at second. And yeah, I guess BMac is tired…he was looking so much better in New York! But leave it to the Marlins…
Louisville brave
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
Francoeur went yard against Hamels…6th HR with the Mets…had 5 with us
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:35 pm
love psych
Mike J
August 21st, 2009
9:36 pm
When this team gets hit hard they curl up like a baby in the fetal position. They have no fight when they are getting blown out. Javy had a bad inning and again Bobby left a starter in too long. No the game is practically out of reach. This team lately just always has our number. And Chipper needs to get on the phone with his dad and figure his stuff out. We really need him to start to be a force in the middle of that line up.
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
9:36 pm
Big Chief -
Look at every “big game” since 1995. We play scared, good teams don’t play scared. I rest my case.
ChurchMan
August 21st, 2009
9:36 pm
Either Fredi is taking a page from Bobby’s book (pitching a two hit shutout) or Sanchez was on a pitch count.
Original Jon
August 21st, 2009
9:36 pm
million bucks that there is a dp here soon
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:36 pm
Atlanta got to Frenchy
Virginia Ranger
August 21st, 2009
9:36 pm
How is Chipper going to hit into a double play? How many outs has he accounted for in his 0 for 18.
It may be me, but Chip must hit very well when I am not watching/game daying the game. He is hitting much like Norton when I listen.
Lets do something different and have a big comeback. I don’t think it is the constition and by-laws of Atalnta Braves baseball to fight back from 5 runs down,
Shamus Thacker
August 21st, 2009
9:37 pm
Oh and HR Frenchy for all the haters”"
Thanks…
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:37 pm
Chipper, can I please ask you to do something productive?
joe
August 21st, 2009
9:37 pm
Needless to say (but ill say it anyway), we need at least a couple runs here!!
Virginia Ranger
August 21st, 2009
9:37 pm
Mixxo I like your observaton.
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:37 pm
Hurt!! DL time
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 21st, 2009
9:38 pm
Uh oh, Chipper’s hurt…will be on the bench tomorrow and the Braves will win the series.
BL
August 21st, 2009
9:38 pm
There is 2 weeks for the finger nail Chipper. all he is thinking about is 8 pointers
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
9:38 pm
Sit down Hoss.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:38 pm
Chipper Is Hurt. Get him out of the game after this inning!!!
joe
August 21st, 2009
9:38 pm
do i hear a chipper chant?
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:38 pm
Chipper is obviously hurt. They need to bite the bullit and sit him before its bad and hes out for a lot longer
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:38 pm
Chipper is obviously hurt. They need to bite the bullit and sit him before its bad and hes out for a lot longer
Virginia Ranger
August 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
You gotta figure at least 17 of those announced in attendance came up from Miami cause they couldn’t get seats at Land Shark Park
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
sorry
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
Thanks Chippa, I certainly appreciate it.
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
That ball was smoked.
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
Hey check swing hit…we’ll take it!
Virginia Ranger
August 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
Powered out of the slump
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
We’ll take ‘em any way we can get ‘em now. NO DP MCCANN!!!! JUST SAY NO!!!!
beachcomber
August 21st, 2009
9:39 pm
We should be beating the hell out of this team. Position for position, rotation versus rotation, pen versus pen, no contest.
On lighter note enjoyed your “random university” comment in your open Ms. Rogers.
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:40 pm
Chipper has become such a great infield singles hitter.
At least it is a hit and got rid of the o-19.
bigdave
August 21st, 2009
9:40 pm
be patient…
Original Jon
August 21st, 2009
9:40 pm
and i am betting its from McCann
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 21st, 2009
9:40 pm
Wow, he breaks up an 0 fer 18 slump with that thing…hope it gets him going, if he’s not on the bench tomorrow that is
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:40 pm
Hey, was New Cars a dentist?
http://www.accessatlanta.com/celebrities-tv/woman-awarded-121220.html?cxntlid=thbz_hm
?
August 21st, 2009
9:40 pm
great after bobby leaves pitcher in too long we will score a couple of runs
lexbrave
August 21st, 2009
9:40 pm
i wonder if i can get an attorney who will represent me in suing the braves for emotional distress this season..
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:40 pm
.200 ba in Aug for McCann… ewwwww
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:41 pm
lazzzerr
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
9:41 pm
I don’t particularly care for JJ.
But that’s just me.
I’m gonna go out on a limb and guess that there’s a lot of people who don’t like a fat guy yelling at us 2-3 times a ballgame.
And has anybody seen the commercials where he’s giving health advice? Yeah….I’m looking to lose weight and I’m gonna listen to JJ.
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:41 pm
…and it just got worse.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:41 pm
Of course. Of freakin course. I hate this.
Virginia Ranger
August 21st, 2009
9:41 pm
I just don’t see Esco on the Supreme Court just yet. Needs to get some Dircuit Court time first. handling cases for Burris and Big Ben R
Damn though they were going to turn three
?
August 21st, 2009
9:41 pm
too bad we can’t win big games
lexbrave
August 21st, 2009
9:42 pm
man the yanks are giving it to the red sox.. 15 runs already and it’s just the 6th
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:42 pm
6 home runs already with the Braves?
TNJeff
August 21st, 2009
9:43 pm
Hey Cox is finally learning. He only sat on his hands while his pitcher gave up 4 runs this time. Who knows, by the time the Braves are eliminated from postseason competition, maybe he’ll be pulling the starter while the Braves still have a chance to win! What an idiot!
Mike J
August 21st, 2009
9:43 pm
Whats up with this shift on McCann? Has it always been this way, or has he developed an inability to hit to all fields, so teams put a shift on him?
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:43 pm
Rafael-I though 7
Virginia Ranger
August 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
Howd ya like to be a member of Red Sox Nation, the wheels have really come off the cart
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
CLUTCH!!
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
ATTA ROACHY!!!!
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
make it 7 home runs!!!
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
Roachy! We still alive!
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
What’s the protocol for calling “unballgame?” I sitll think they should have called it in the sixth.
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
What now, bishes?
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
Roachy!
McFann Ô
August 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
La…Roch…for…CLEANUP!!!!
Should be a one-run game…
Chop It Up All-Stars
August 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
Ladies and gentleman, meet your new clean up hitter, Adam LaRoche!!
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
Thank you Wren for trading Krotchy for LaRoche. Thank you.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
9:44 pm
7th inning baby.
We got a lot of baseball to play.
I’ve never seen a homerun like that.
bigdave
August 21st, 2009
9:45 pm
wow…
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 21st, 2009
9:45 pm
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fat Lady has sat down for the moment.
Virginia Ranger
August 21st, 2009
9:45 pm
La la la la la la la lam ROACHE
Gotta give Wren credit on that one.
As someone said, howd ya like to be a member of Red Sox Nation? Kothcy a nice guy, but they should have La Roache well medicated
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:45 pm
I’m getting tired of Freddi Gonzalez not letting us take the lead before he takes out his pitcher. God. And some of you want him to be our manager.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:45 pm
Heath
Perfect statement
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
Beautiful Swing from Adam. I think its time for Roachy to take the Cleanup spot.
fork
August 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
Stick me in the Braves.
But not yet.
N Nine
August 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
Caught Chip in a lie. He said he hasn’t seen Chipper in a few days.(ya right) A few minutes later, he says Santana didn’t have a great fastball last night. I’m not sure Chip knows what he’s talking about. Cubs did him right, and we got his lousy baggage. OFF WITH HIS HEAD.
Chris K
August 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
By years end, most of you will agree. We could have had Smoltz & Glavine finish their careers in Atlanta on a farewell tour and the stadium would have been 80% full every night & we would have missed the playoffs…………….Or we could keep playing Frank and Bobby ball like we have for the last 4 years and we’ll keep and ‘competitive team’ but still miss the playoffs. Give me the farewell tour this year and start ALL OVER next year.
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
That homerun really is a rally killer though isn’t it?
I mean, I’ll take it especially the three run variety but now you have to start over again.
VaBraveFan
August 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
Roachy!!!!
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
Kothcy a nice guy, but they should have La Roache well medicated
Huh? What does that mean?
BL
August 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
Why you should not mentally check out on batters JV. See: final HR he gave up
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
We still have six weeks of baseball left. I knew we had time but to hear that just sounds different.
LaRoche for cleanup… I don’t know what else to say.
?
August 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
why, why did booby have to let the game get out of hand? how big is not getting out of that inning with 2 outs and a runer on 3rd?
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:46 pm
Falcons, Shockley not looking good. Could he be replace by Bama QB?
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 21st, 2009
9:47 pm
Rox r down 3-1 and Phils down 4-1.
Just win, baby.
bravefaninok
August 21st, 2009
9:47 pm
ADAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMm
Mitchell
August 21st, 2009
9:47 pm
Chis K, interesting points addressed there.
Well done.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:47 pm
Chris K-
Id rather win personally
McFann Ô
August 21st, 2009
9:47 pm
Brandon–
Yeah, no kidding.
BMac had me fooled after that series against the Mets…
Bat Masterson
August 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
All you fat ladies can stop singing.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
Mitchell, you sound like Francoeur. Rally killer?
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
Yunel. Barely…But we’ll take it.
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
Chris K-
You’re out of your mind.
McFann Ô
August 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
DANGIT!! Why couldn’t that stupid guy have missed BMac’s out!!
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:45 pm
Heath
Perfect statement
Bobby makes no sense…they specifically trade for him because of how much power he has and because he is a notorious second-half hitter. And, he is doing exactly, if not more, than what they wanted…and yet, he still has him hitting below McCann. No sense at all.
bigdave
August 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
what a throw…
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:48 pm
So why no supreme court Virginia Ranger?
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:49 pm
Patience, Matty, Patience.
Virginia Ranger
August 21st, 2009
9:49 pm
RHR Roache has some attention deficient issues, you can use Ritalin to overcome that. When you be thinkin clearly you can whack zee baseaball all over the place. Specially if you have a naturally sweet swing like Adma, I mean Adam
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:49 pm
By years end, most of you will agree. We could have had Smoltz & Glavine finish their careers in Atlanta on a farewell tour and the stadium would have been 80% full every night & we would have missed the playoffs…………….Or we could keep playing Frank and Bobby ball like we have for the last 4 years and we’ll keep and ‘competitive team’ but still miss the playoffs. Give me the farewell tour this year and start ALL OVER next year.
So let me get this straight….you’d rather have Smoltz and Glavine than Hanson and Javy or KK, the season be over in June, and the Braves in a race with the Nationals for last place than still in it in September? Let’s face it…you’re and idiot.
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
9:50 pm
I’m getting tired of Freddi Gonzalez not letting us take the lead before he takes out his pitcher. God. And some of you want him to be our manager.
It’s like he’s learned nothing from Bobby Cox.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:50 pm
Heath
I know it doesnt make sense to me either. He’s going to stay there if they come back and win though
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:50 pm
Anibel looks nervous.
Tomahawkin
August 21st, 2009
9:50 pm
Good to see we got back into it thanks to Roachy…Bobby will not bat him 4th til the last week of the season
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
9:50 pm
Please no Norton, please no Norton….
Mixxo
August 21st, 2009
9:51 pm
Matty…..sucker for some high cheese.
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:51 pm
Oh ok…Roachy takes his ADD meds all season long though.
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:51 pm
400 innings of relief thats crazy
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 21st, 2009
9:51 pm
C’mon Reid….
jeffrey d
August 21st, 2009
9:51 pm
oops…forgot about Reid first.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:51 pm
Reid, do something productive.
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 21st, 2009
9:52 pm
Big spot for the kid here.
Heath
August 21st, 2009
9:52 pm
Well….we did get back in the game…though, they did extend the lead in the 7th.
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 21st, 2009
9:52 pm
2 innings to get 2.
Original Jon
August 21st, 2009
9:52 pm
fckn Gorecki, really.
Virginia Ranger
August 21st, 2009
9:53 pm
Esco,or should I say Ricky. My wife thinks you are Ricky Escobar, you are a little young,and wouldn’t you really rather be appointed by a Republican President?
Of course since the SC starts meeting teh first Tuesday in October and Boobie doesn’t like to manage in October, maybe there is hope.
N Nine
August 21st, 2009
9:53 pm
Fire Chip
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:53 pm
Interesting. It might keep me watching for a little longer.
Debate- what a bootleg version of “The Hangover” or watch the end of the game? The wife is getting impatient.
TnBrian
August 21st, 2009
9:53 pm
Wish Bobby had put Moylan in there to face Hanely right about now. Guy’s a great hitter but I would’ve taken my chances with a fresh ground ball pitcher to very tired Javy.
RHR
August 21st, 2009
9:54 pm
I think I need a translator on the blog tonight. I’m having a hard time with my reading comprehension.
Rafael
August 21st, 2009
9:54 pm
spell check- what=watch
Chris K
August 21st, 2009
9:55 pm
Win? With payroll limitations we have? Time for a Tampa Bay……
1. Bring up the kids. All your studs at AA & AAA. Get them used to real baseball for 2 years.
2. Hopefully your competitive the 2nd year with a cheap payroll and you can sign 1 or 2 good ballplayers to complement the kids to play just .500 ball
3. Then win. With a new manager, hopefully 1 not born before 1885 who can relate withthese kids and at the same time show discipline, start a ballclub who will go for the wildcard every year.
Thats all you can do for $ 80 million a year
Escobar for Supreme Court
August 21st, 2009
9:55 pm
Rest of the game Rafael
Its for Yunel Escobar for Supreme Court Varginia.
Soph
August 21st, 2009
9:55 pm
1-2-3 please EOF.
CrimeDog
August 21st, 2009
9:55 pm
SoWeGa-
Don’t you know that no Braves team has ever scored two runs in two innings…ever? The blog proclaimed “ballgame” innings ago. They are just playing the final two innings for TV obligations.
semiballcoach
August 21st, 2009
9:55 pm
carroll/dob
please get the kangaroo court to fine chip for saying “steps on the pillow”
groundfog
August 21st, 2009
9:56 pm
If the braves don’t offer Laroche a contract, screw’em. The rook won’t be even close to ready and he aint Heyward.
Bat Masterson
August 21st, 2009
9:56 pm
Nova Scotia Steve
August 21st, 2009
7:26 pm
Virginia Ranger , I heard Adam L was ADD, not dyslexic.