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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,168 comments Add your comment
Soph
August 26th, 2009
6:38 pm
Props to Steve for giving me props for giving him props!
Whoa. You almost lost me on that one McFann, almost. Props to me for getting it though.
Kurdt Kobain
August 26th, 2009
6:39 pm
For what its worth, I was glad to read that JJ was mad about losing last night. Told it like it was.
Jeff R
August 26th, 2009
6:42 pm
Chipper slumping. It’s too bad. But let’s face it, Chipper’s not used to playing a full season. To his credit (or good luck), he hasn’t missed a boatload of games this season. He even admits that he’s tired.
Second, he is 37 years old. Ball players often start to slide when they hit their late 30s. Diet and fitness programs are great, but not the be-all and end-all.
I Watch When I'm Bored
August 26th, 2009
6:42 pm
Braves aren’t really that hard to watch right now. It’s been much better since I’ve accepted the fact that they aren’t a real playoff team.
You might say, “But what about winning all those series lately, having one of the best records in the NL since the break…..and on and on…” It’s the key games that are the tipoff. Like last night. Playing a last place team, a chance to make a statement to themselves, a chance to put another W up there and make a charge. They haven’t done it all year.
This is a decent team, but not a playoff team. Don’t get your hopes up and you won’t be disappointed when they play to their actual ability.
McFann Ô
August 26th, 2009
6:43 pm
Dan Kolb’s Mom you dont win friends with salad.
Unless it’s that chicken salad with celery and shredded cheddar cheese…Hmm!
The pasta salad we’re having for dinner tonight is pretty amazing stuff as well…
Soph–
Yes! Props to you for properly processing my post about Steve’s props!
Mitchell
August 26th, 2009
6:43 pm
I can’t believe we’re actually talking about this guy going tomorrow for the Padres.
Did we not beat Tim Lincecum in convincing fashion last month? Didn’t we just beat Santana for the second time in three chances this year?
We didn’t exactly knock Roy Halladay around but he did get outpitched.
I just don’t get these cycles the Braves get into where they can’t hit anything and start worrying about some wanna be.
How they can go from scoring seven runs one day to one the next I can’t understand.
They just need to execute. They get down by a run and you could see them all with that look like “I have to hit a homerun… I have to hit a homerun… no, I have to hit a homerun…”
Mental toughness and patience last night was in short supply.
Supes
August 26th, 2009
6:44 pm
I’m probably the biggest Chipper Jones fan around, but he needs to step up and tell Bobby to drop him down in the order if this keeps up (his lack of production).
It seems like all he’s good for is walks. I believe he’ll get it straightened out at some point, but every game counts and we can’t afford to have him hittin 3rd when struggling horribly like he is right now.
This just in….Bobby Cox still can’t put together a lineup based on logic, numbers, stats, and projections.
Jeff R
August 26th, 2009
6:44 pm
With more run support, Jurrjens and Vazquez would be in the hunt for the Cy Young. Overall, both have been outstanding.
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2009
6:44 pm
Steve from OH
August 26th, 2009
6:21 pm
And the kindergarden class says, What.
Dan Kolb's Mom
August 26th, 2009
6:45 pm
Mcfann- that sounds delicious. but “you dont win friends with salad” was a simpsons reference
I thought you people understood me!!!
/cries
Jeff R
August 26th, 2009
6:46 pm
Chipper should get his second wind in September. Generally better weather (less humidity, typically) usually helps players.
Bravesfan54
August 26th, 2009
6:47 pm
I read the BC quote of yesterday on Chipper taking a day off. Something very close to “if you sign on, you play”. Well, that’s one way of looking at it. Another (more rational way) is to see a very tired, slumping, 37 year old, who’s always played hard and is worn down. Bobby doesn’t see that man, Bobby misses a lot. I wish Bobby would go away for all of his excellence, he is not “the man for all seasons” – they came and went, now he’s gone, too.
RJB in DC
August 26th, 2009
6:48 pm
The only thing that bugs me a bit on the whole J. Schafer deal is the judgment issue. As he admitted, he injured his wrist on day one of the season. And didn’t share that fact with anyone over time as the injury, and his performance, became progressively worst. Sure, he is young and didn’t want to somehow jeapordize his status as a major leaguer. But instead, he cost his team. Once opposing pitchers figured out which pitches he had no chance of handeling (in part due to the injury), they exploited that. Further, maybe instead of season ending surgery, he does a month on the DL and comes back and performs and contributes enough so that management doesn’t have to fill a huge whole in center and maybe can focus on another weakness coming up to the trade deadline.
Soph
August 26th, 2009
6:48 pm
Loafy! I see you in a whole new light now.
Kurdt Kobain
August 26th, 2009
6:49 pm
Shouldn’t we set up every series that we can where KK faces the other teams ace? Then we ensure the pitching advantage in every game.
Pete
August 26th, 2009
6:49 pm
Paul Lentz: “However with the double play being a possibility, Bobby should have pinch ran for Garret.”
I can certainly understand the arguement that Bobby should have PR for Garrett, but not for the reason you state. Keep in mind probably 75+% of the time a DP is unsuccessful is due to the batter beating out the relay throw (or a mishandling while throwing to 1st), and not the runner going to 2nd beating the throw. The first part of a DP is the easy one; making a smooth turn and throwing to 1st is the tough part.
So even if Cox had PR for Garrett and Esco had hit a ground ball, most likely the out at 2nd would have been made anyway, regardless of who was running. Now if Deion Sanders were on the bench its a different story, but the Braves didnt have that kind of speed available.
Kurdt Kobain
August 26th, 2009
6:50 pm
Chipper misses Shea Stadium.
McFann Ô
August 26th, 2009
6:50 pm
Dan Kolb’s Mom–
Oh, it’s one of the better foods in life…after pizza, of course. (But doesn’t everything come after pizza?)
but “you dont win friends with salad” was a simpsons reference
Oh! I thought it was just a saying…never watched the Simpsons…
Ed
August 26th, 2009
6:50 pm
Last night was the final nail in the coffin. I would think that a heralded manager should be able to pep these guys up for perhaps the most important series of the year. But, alas, they are what they are. Double A league players.
Jeff R
August 26th, 2009
6:51 pm
Keep in mind that it was Wren (the front office) who signed Chipper to a new multiyear contract, and, by Braves standards, for serious money.
Management isn’t apt to sit Chipper down, given the investment. Might be wise to spell him, but I’m guessing that management thinks that Chipper will play his way out of the slump.
Vinings Jim
August 26th, 2009
6:51 pm
MFIKY on TV!
McFann Ô
August 26th, 2009
6:51 pm
Soph Loafy! I see you in a whole new light now.
Did you watch his “Know Your Braves” thing?
Soph
August 26th, 2009
6:51 pm
MFIKY’s on TV ya’ll! Talking too!
Shamus Thacker
August 26th, 2009
6:52 pm
McFann: The pasta salad we’re having for dinner tonight is pretty amazing stuff as well…”"
Throw in some Q and it’ll be amazingly amazing stuff~!
Soph
August 26th, 2009
6:53 pm
Did you watch his “Know Your Braves” thing? – McFann
Yup, that’s why I see him in a whole new light now. He’s super cool.
18 Wheels of Love
August 26th, 2009
6:55 pm
I’m blaming Chipper.
Vinings Jim
August 26th, 2009
6:55 pm
There is thunder going on here (12 miles northwest of stadium)
I Watch When I'm Bored
August 26th, 2009
6:55 pm
Damn…… Soriano can talk!
Shamus Thacker
August 26th, 2009
6:55 pm
It’s weird seeing Loaf smile. He should try that more often…
Nova Scotia Steve
August 26th, 2009
6:56 pm
Gotta little Metallica goin…yeahhhhh baby
SouthernBelleBrave
August 26th, 2009
6:56 pm
It all comes down to the Braves needing to be taken back to simplistic, fundamental baseball. They’ve lost it. As an example, in yesterday’s game, with the bases loaded and a chance to score, Bobby decided to make their hottest hitter, Diaz, bunt with 2 outs! WTH?!? Add to that how sad it is when you can have bases loaded in two different innings and still can’t produce the runs you need to put you ahead.
I think there needs to be some major changes within the Braves organization in the off-season. Otherwise, it’ll end up being the same old story, year after year. And frankly, that gets kinda old, kwim?
Shamus Thacker
August 26th, 2009
6:57 pm
Damn…… Soriano can talk!”"
How else could he communicate MFIKY?
Soph
August 26th, 2009
6:57 pm
I hope RHR got to see MFIKY talk.
Bravesfan54
August 26th, 2009
6:58 pm
Anders – so all of Chipper’s errors and his, what, .938 fielding average (ok, that was 2 weeks ago, are negotiated within that reduced range. My first disagreement with you, dude, but it is slowed reflexes, not reduced range, causing the errors. Balls o/s of his new, shall we say, more limited, range, don’t show up anywhere. Chipper is not stellar in the field at this point in his career. (As Yogi says, “you could look it up!”)
CaliChopper
August 26th, 2009
6:58 pm
MFIKY speaks? I always figured that he just glared or had his valet Gonzo speak for him….
Soph
August 26th, 2009
6:59 pm
refresh, por favor.
Shamus Thacker
August 26th, 2009
7:00 pm
I didn’t realize Gonzo was his Brayan Pena..
Mixxo
August 26th, 2009
7:01 pm
Braves aren’t really that hard to watch right now. It’s been much better since I’ve accepted the fact that they aren’t a real playoff team….. – I Watch When I’m Bored
Pretty much feel ya there. I felt an uncomfortable comfortable “ease” after last night’s debacle.
….and woke up today with this song in my head.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KKIRrQWVa4&feature=related
Coincidence? Maybe.
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2009
7:01 pm
SouthernBelleBrave, Diaz bunted on his on initiative.
NO MORE BOBBY
August 26th, 2009
7:02 pm
Jeff – With more run support, Jurrjens and Vazquez would be in the hunt for the Cy Young. Overall, both have been outstanding.
With a better manager this team would be in the hunt for a World Series appearance.
NO MORE BOBBY
August 26th, 2009
7:04 pm
Someone check with Las Vegas because this lineup tonight only proves that Bobby is trying to lose.
Makes no sense.
Kurdt Kobain
August 26th, 2009
7:04 pm
Technically, this team IS in the hunt for a World Series appearance.
metsmania
August 26th, 2009
7:05 pm
THe Braves are finished, you just like the Mets will be watching other teams play to October glory. I bet the Pads sweep you and finish you off but good. The Braves never play well against pitchers they haven’t seen before and I bet Stauffer and Richard wipe the floor with your pathetic offense just like Latos did last night!!!
Cheers!!
Luke H.
August 26th, 2009
7:05 pm
sorry about my long absence from the blog.
any word on the official attendance?
CharlieAlphaBravo
August 26th, 2009
7:06 pm
Paul,
You keep insisting that Cox should have put in a pinch runner for Loaf, but you’re neglecting a pretty significant detail… Who should he have used?? Vazquez? Ross? Gorecki had already been used for McCann, so Bobby’s options were pretty severely limited. Besides, none of the guys available would’ve scored from first anyway.
NO MORE BOBBY
August 26th, 2009
7:06 pm
Kurdt Kobain – Chipper misses Shea Stadium.
Braves miss Chipper.
keylargo
August 26th, 2009
7:06 pm
SouthernBelleBrave
Leave Cox out of Diaz’s bunt attempt. He did that on his own.
NO MORE BOBBY
August 26th, 2009
7:07 pm
Hey DOB – Adventureland came out on DVD yesterday.
Chop Chop
August 26th, 2009
7:07 pm
Chipper’s got one o’ them ol’ -16.9 UZR/150s this season.
I don’t really buy into the Fangraphs “Dollars” projection, but if this year’s number is to be believed, he’s following up a $34.4 million number in ‘08 with a $9.7 million number so far in 2009.
Kurdt Kobain
August 26th, 2009
7:08 pm
“Braves miss Chipper.”
Nice! and true…
McFann Ô
August 26th, 2009
7:08 pm
Shamus–
Huh?
Soph–
That’s what I figured. Yeah, his was one of their best ones!
Kurdt Kobain
August 26th, 2009
7:09 pm
or should I say “props”…
NO MORE BOBBY
August 26th, 2009
7:09 pm
Have a good night everyone. Im out!
Fred – My apologies for crossing the line. First time I did that for a post but it was out of line. Even for me. My bad man but you still suck for defending Bobby. Ha!
Roman Gal
August 26th, 2009
7:09 pm
I think I just had a dream where I saw Soriano smile. But here’s the thing, he wasn’t killing anyone…it had to have been a dream, right? Right?!
Couch Tater
August 26th, 2009
7:09 pm
Mixxo,
This song has been in my head.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc6ry_Puchs
Steve from OH
August 26th, 2009
7:09 pm
Zeke Spruill has returned from the abyss of the GCL to start for Rome tonight.
ray k.
August 26th, 2009
7:12 pm
These pitchers deserve better than what the Braves provide. I feel bad for JJ.
Ben Hill's Own
August 26th, 2009
7:12 pm
Hate to be the sour apple but ask Jason Giambi, Slammin’ Sammy, Big Papi, A-Fraud, and Manny why Chipper can’t hit all of a sudden. It’s called being off the “cycle,” new to the PED lexicon after Manny got caught. It’s simple. Start your “regimen” again, and your average jumps .40 points. All is well. Stop your “cycle,” for whatever reason, and you become your true self. A .270-.280 hitter with poor and varying swing mechanics to make up for your signifigantly slower bat through the zone, becoming a fairly easy out for pitchers who know what you’re all about. About 2 years ago, I saw this guy hit a 410-footer WITH ONE HAND!!!! You know, the kind of shot that Barry would casually slug, and the announcers pause and look at each other. I was convinced then. How else does effortless bombs with the flick of a wrist that fly over Ted’s center field wall all of a sudden turn into pop-outs and embarrassing swinging strikeouts? The same way Andruw Jones hit 51 homers to carry us to the postseason and increase his contract value, only to have the Dodgers beg him to play for his Little League National Team.
I don’t dislike nor like Chipper. I have always been indifferent towards him because while putting up unprecedented numbers for a switcher, he never struck me as a 5-tool player (the players I value most), nor is he the most charismatic fellow.
A batting average dip like the one Chipper is experiencing from last year to this one shouldn’t be a big mystery, and cannot be explained or excused by what he says. Do you really believe a guy with over a decade of professional service who hit .360 for most of last year all of a sudden is second-guessing himself and blaming his age and injuries on his .80 point drop-off? He thinks we all are morons, and I resent that fact. Trust me, people. The bomb is coming sooner than later.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 26th, 2009
7:12 pm
I’d like to put a sushi ball in this guys ear
CrimeDog
August 26th, 2009
7:12 pm
Steve-
What do you know about Spruill? He pitched at the same high school that I played at (after I left) and I saw him pitch a couple times in high school. He wasn’t very impressive. Has that changed? It would be cool to see him rise through the ranks.
Herschel Talker
August 26th, 2009
7:13 pm
Bobby Cox sucks
Roman Gal
August 26th, 2009
7:13 pm
Tim Timmons. I’d hate to have the initials TT…kids can be cruel. I should know, I was!
Kurdt Kobain
August 26th, 2009
7:14 pm
I think a more likely reason Chipper’s declining is that he’s 37.
Roman Gal
August 26th, 2009
7:15 pm
I think it’s funny that they still had Spruill’s promotions airing at the Rome Braves games even while he was gone.
Nova Scotia Steve
August 26th, 2009
7:15 pm
uhhhh oohhhhh
Ballgame
August 26th, 2009
7:15 pm
1st?
Steve from OH
August 26th, 2009
7:16 pm
Crimedog–don’t know much about him, but maybe this will help you?
http://www.baseball-intellect.com/scouting-ezekiel-spruill/
O'Brien
August 26th, 2009
7:16 pm
DOB,
I also think Chipper should be dropped in the order (and given a day off too). The problem is Bobby Cox. How long did he bat Andruw Jones in the same spot when he was struggling mightily (and should have moved down in the order)?
How many games did Bobby Cox let Corky Miller play when he sucked? What about Chris Woodward (sp?). Bobby was slow in dropping Frenchy in the order too.
My point is, Bobby Cox has a habit of leaving guys in a certain spot in the batting lineup, regardless of what their current play dictates. And thats why he’s a players’ manager. He gives you every opportunity to succeed. Unfortunately for the Braves, we dont have the talent that works with Bobby’s style of managing (in my opinion).
ray k.
August 26th, 2009
7:16 pm
These pitchers deserve better than what the Braves provide.
And Matt Diaz bunting reminded me of some of Nate McClouth’s bunt attempts with RISP a few weeks back–the ones that drew the criticism of John Kruk on ESPN when he screamed “They got you to hit homers! Not bunt!”
DOB a question: Is Bobby, the venerable manager, able to just put in place an embargo on bunting until he says it’s warranted?
This team’s approach is head scratchingly strange at times.
http://tomahawktake.com/
Mixxo
August 26th, 2009
7:16 pm
Couch Tater -
Trut so pure!
Lubs me some JJ Cale too.
…and on the game…..here. we. go. again.
My Gawd!
Nova Scotia Steve
August 26th, 2009
7:17 pm
living dangerous
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2009
7:17 pm
Ben Hill’s Own
August 26th, 2009
7:12 pm
You are a moron. Ever heard of a guy named Eddie Mathews.
VaBraveFan
August 26th, 2009
7:17 pm
Ben Hills Own
Yeah right man……. compared to all the people who have used roids or banned substances
Chipper’s power numbers dont look like any of there’s. Roids dont help you get singles……
Mixxo
August 26th, 2009
7:17 pm
A-gon was trying to make it 3-0 there.
Mitchell
August 26th, 2009
7:17 pm
Get him KK.
Kurdt Kobain
August 26th, 2009
7:17 pm
Good to see KK going after people. Not falling behind. Just unlucky here in the 1st.
Vinings Jim
August 26th, 2009
7:17 pm
Light rain out here to the near northwest
CrimeDog
August 26th, 2009
7:17 pm
Steve-
Thanks man. That was a cool link.
Kurdt Kobain
August 26th, 2009
7:18 pm
Ok, that was bad
VaBraveFan
August 26th, 2009
7:18 pm
come on battle back KK!!!
Nova Scotia Steve
August 26th, 2009
7:18 pm
Could be an aweful long night here…walk em?
Paul Lentz
August 26th, 2009
7:18 pm
nolie……….scoring 1 run in 12 innings against a bad pitching staff isnt indicative of a team trying to win every game.
is the offense calling it a night after scoring 4 early runs off a wild Oliver Perez. The last 6 innings of that Mets game didnt indicate that the Braves offense wanted to win that game.
I’m not saying that the Braves players are trying to lose games. I’m saying that one’s mental approach, the sense of urgency that is needed this time of year…….is lacking in some games with this Braves team. It shows on the scoreboard in games we should win.
VaBraveFan
August 26th, 2009
7:19 pm
geez KK…… get Medlen up
Ballgame
August 26th, 2009
7:19 pm
Confirmed?
pryguy
August 26th, 2009
7:19 pm
this could get ugly fast here.
VaBraveFan
August 26th, 2009
7:20 pm
A double play home to first would be great right now!!!
CrimeDog
August 26th, 2009
7:20 pm
Where’s Frenchy when you need him? (For the triple play, I mean).
Mitchell
August 26th, 2009
7:20 pm
metsmania
you’re being mean.
SouthernBelleBrave
August 26th, 2009
7:21 pm
My bad…I didn’t mean that Bobby MADE Diaz bunt. Basically, that it came at the wrong time.
Please don’t jump down my throat. Geez.
Mitchell
August 26th, 2009
7:21 pm
I’m not going to like this ump.
Where was that?
Kurdt Kobain
August 26th, 2009
7:21 pm
ok, that was strike 3
Luke H.
August 26th, 2009
7:21 pm
eeeeeeeeeep
VaBraveFan
August 26th, 2009
7:21 pm
wow that pitch was freakin close for strike 3 come on!
Chris
August 26th, 2009
7:22 pm
this is gonna get bad real quick…
Nova Scotia Steve
August 26th, 2009
7:22 pm
There’s one…thank David DeJesus
Ballgame
August 26th, 2009
7:22 pm
I think I just heard the crowd.
VaBraveFan
August 26th, 2009
7:22 pm
good job get the ground ball here!! get out of this mess
ChurchMan
August 26th, 2009
7:22 pm
KK pitching against the Padres is not exactly a big game situation (for him anyways) so I don’t expect him to do well, 3-4 earned w/ 5-6 innings
*Church is back and yet Chipper is playing over Infante today (Bobby: Slump, what slump? This is the best hitting I’ve seen out of Chipper in a long time)
munz
August 26th, 2009
7:23 pm
KK gets out of this, Braves make the playoffs
Jeff321
August 26th, 2009
7:23 pm
Ha, that boy didn’t run on G-Anderson? He must not be in the KNOW!