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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,146 comments Add your comment
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 31st, 2009
9:05 am
Besides NOrton, we can point out that last night both CHipper and Escobar came to the plate with RISP and took the big K. Throw that in the mix with the miscues AND NORTON and, well, it is what it is.
DOB's Luggage on a flight to the caribbean
August 31st, 2009
9:19 am
$7.90 infield box seats for the 9/2 game.
http://www.790theticket.com/infieldbox2.aspx
Mid Town Joe
August 31st, 2009
9:19 am
So what if the Braves make the playoffs by some mere fluke of all the teams in front of them collapsing (remember, the Mets are already behind them). What reasonable expectation do they have of performing in a post-season series?
RHR
August 31st, 2009
9:28 am
lol oops…forgot to change my name from what I was logged in at work Friday. That’s me at 9:19
Ben
August 31st, 2009
9:31 am
DOB, I think a better lyric is warranted for these current Braves.
From “Why Henry Drinks”:
“The future’s closing in quicker than you think
and hanging with you I know why Henry drinks”
Ben
August 31st, 2009
9:31 am
Sorry, didn’t specify that another TRUCKERS lyric was called for.
BL
August 31st, 2009
9:37 am
GA’s “Loafness” makes Chipper look like he is 21 again
O'Brien
August 31st, 2009
9:38 am
So Bobby Cox likes Gorecki because of his defense, and he has hit some balls hard. You can always depend on Bobby to say “Somebody’s hitting the ball hard, and thats a good thing” or “He hit it good, but he hit it right at somebody”.
No wonders players love playing for Bobby. He leaves them alone, and gives them every opportunity to succeed. Unfortunately for Bobby, it’s like he doesnt know when to pull the plug.
richbrave
August 31st, 2009
9:41 am
Well I’ll be dadgum. Hey, ROCK ON whaz’ zup dude. Long time no post. How’s RE in dooin’ in RICHMOND? We won’t get to the promised lans in ‘09 without another boost like LaROCHE IMO. ANDERSON, NORTON and KJ = Ghosts of former BRAVES in ‘10.
Jeff R
August 31st, 2009
9:45 am
Geez, what happened to the “unstoppable” Rockies? Five losses in a row. This wasn’t supposed to happen. The Rockies are the Team of Destiny.
Pity the Braves are proving to be very stoppable. They could have been breathing down the Rockies/Dodgers’ necks.
JayDubu
August 31st, 2009
9:55 am
The Braves need better production from their 3 & 4 batters in big series.
In the 3 games against the Phillies, Chipper was 2 for 12, and Mac was 1 for 12. Chipper did have 4 rbi in the series.
richbrave
August 31st, 2009
9:57 am
Jeff R:
Have you seen the schedule for the BRAVES, GIANTS and ROCKIES through September? The ROCKS have none left to break. It’s clear sailing for them based upon the current standings. Course the PADRES could rise up like they did against us. We better hustle if we want into the dance. I can’t see it myself. 86 wins was my prediction way back in June and I’m sticking to it. O.K. BRAVOS make me a lier.
DAP
August 31st, 2009
10:00 am
jeff r, it goes to show you that all the predictos about how many games it will take to win the wild card are just guesses, since no one can assume the rockies will continue to win like they have.
the loss last night, and losing the series to the padres really hurts…but the braves can still do this if they right the ship. all the injuries that braves have had havent helped one bit…but hopefully when everyone gets back strong we can make a big push in september.
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 31st, 2009
10:02 am
N8….forgot to comment last night on a late post (I think after midnight but fell asleep) where you actually tried to validate moving both Hudson and Vazquez or just Vazquez for a stop gap big bat. First, not sure what big bat would come to Atlanta that would justify losing a solid potential 20-game winner who eats over 200 innings.
Also let’s not put Hudson in a Brave uni just yet. He has a lot of auditioning to do before any option at 12 mil will be picked up. It will take a solid Sept. for that to happen and keeping a post-TJ Hudson versus a never-been-on-DL Vazquez for the same money might just be a huge gamble regardless of past performance.
Also with Guillen calling out Vazquez it just shows what AND IDIOT Guillen is. The man just doesn’t have much credibility and is one of the worst at his profession or was so mentioned of late. Don’t think I would mention Guillen as fodder for moving Vazquez. For the record, as of today, I would keep Vazquez and let Hudson ride. That tune may change but it will take a big Sept. for Hudson for me to change my mind. Again as I have mentioned many times I would like the Braves to keep both and trade KK possibly coupled with KJ to get a solid bat. Gonna let Wren figure that one out. At least he takes his cues from me on this fine blog.
Ebenezer Snerdberg
August 31st, 2009
10:07 am
Brave should be sent to the Philippines. Call them the Manila Folders!
Ebenezer Snerdberg
August 31st, 2009
10:16 am
Good Morning fellow sufferers! FIRE BLOBBY CLUX NOW!
Jeff R
August 31st, 2009
10:17 am
RichBrave… Rockies do have a better schedule, for certain.
I’m with you. I think the Bravos are likely to win in the mid eighties. Maybe finish second.
Joe Fan
August 31st, 2009
10:20 am
Saw where Mike Hanpton is again injured, shoulder and knees, will be out another 12 months. Major league teams are crazy for throwing money at these athletes especially as they get older. I imagine the Braves are really sorry they tossed a 3 year extension at Chipper, questioning why they signed Lowe for 4 years and very happy they haven’t said yes to Hudson’s option for next season. It truly is insanity when teams toss outrageous sums at fading stars hoping to catch lightening in a bottle and all they do is get bruned.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
August 31st, 2009
10:21 am
Mid Town Joe,
If the Braves somehow make the postseason, they should be in good shape because of the pitching. Vazquez, Hanson, Soriano, and Gonzalez can miss bats. Power pitching tends to win in October.
Rock On......the denizen formerly known as Dadgum
August 31st, 2009
10:21 am
Speaking of DBT lyrics…I couldn’t resist. Ya’ll have a nice day and GO BRAVES!
“Got an old manager that passes a bunch of gas,
got a team in the hunt that’s fading fast.”
“Got some players and reporters that don’t fight too much,
got a few hundred fans that keep in touch”
“I don’t know Wren but I fear his wrath,
I’m just trying to stay on The Playoff Path”.
Ebenezer Snerdberg
August 31st, 2009
10:23 am
For tonite. I thought we were suposed to miss Johnson. Can you say ‘good ole fashion cawntry butt wuppin’?”
Jeff R
August 31st, 2009
10:24 am
DAP… you’re right; Bravos are still in it. They just can’t let mistakes kill them.
I mentioned the Rockies losing five in a row because some bloggers were making it out that the Rockies were all but in the post season. Well, a five game losing streak proves otherwise.
Mid Town Joe
August 31st, 2009
10:24 am
Had to laugh of the night when they started promoting playoff tickets during the telecast.
dmack2027
August 31st, 2009
10:25 am
My personal opinion. The Braves should have bunted with B-Mac in the 8th inning with runners at first and second, down one run. If he is able to advance them, all it takes is a fly ball to tie the game.
I know people say you dont bunt with your best hitter, but I really believe that, in this instance, it was important to try to tie the game.
That said, kudos to the giants for bringing the Rockies back to earth. We have ourselvse a playoff race (for the wildcard).
Jeff R
August 31st, 2009
10:25 am
Let me add, that the Bravos are still in it, but my gut says a second place finish and mid eighties in victories. I hope I’m wrong.
Mid Town Joe
August 31st, 2009
10:25 am
sorry ’bout the grammar. Snerberg on my mind.
blazon
August 31st, 2009
10:29 am
morning…need help in identifying new phenom in A ball…J. Edgar(Hoover) struck out 11 in 7 yesterday with NO WALKS!!
WHO HE? WHERE DID HE COME FROM?
McFann Ô
August 31st, 2009
10:30 am
Doc H. Mc = he is the All Star catcher………..he is just so clutch……(just trying to fit on this blog and make some of you guys happy).
That didn’t make me happy.
Jake W Mac being a cather and having struggles right now isn’t that surprising. He’s a good player, I just think he’s counted on to do to much.
I agree…and I’m one of the ones doing the counting…
Mid Town Joe
August 31st, 2009
10:32 am
Enter your comments here
McFann Ô
August 31st, 2009
10:33 am
.352 OBP…Yee-haw! That’s the lowest it’s been since May 8th, the day he came off the DL! Yay!
Ah yes, and now a 4 game series against the Marlins with Josh Johnson to start the first game. It just keeps getting better…
Mid Town Joe
August 31st, 2009
10:33 am
(Retread)
Was reading the Braves yearbook this AM. All the players responded to a series of questions, including What is your dream vacation. Most of the answers were what you might expect, except Chipper’s. Chipper said his dream vacation is retirement.
Easy to make this statement after you’ve signed a 3 year contract.
Bring back Luman Harris...
August 31st, 2009
10:40 am
No worries boys…just like ‘69. We will get it done.
We will scratch out 22 wins between now and October 5th and win the Wild Card by 1 game!
Would be nice if our no. 3 & 4 hitters would cooperate though!!
Thank you.
GboroBravo
August 31st, 2009
10:41 am
The double play situation could have been missed if Prado had gone to third on the throw to home when Diaz scored. The Braves should tie the game up after that.
Mid Town Joe
August 31st, 2009
10:43 am
Also from the Braves Yearbook – Tom Glavine’s Best Friend – John Smoltz
MFin04
August 31st, 2009
10:43 am
Just FYI, the Nate McLouth story has his name misspelled wrong like 50% of the time, in the headings, and various areas. It is also spelled right in the article as well….
Lew
August 31st, 2009
10:43 am
Dadgum-I find it interesting that the Braves decided not to activate Hudson until tomorrow. By doing so, he is not eligible for post season play (unless I’m sadly mistaken). This could indicate that they don’t feel he is going to be a significant contributor. Does it also indicate they may not exercise his option?
Maybe not, but seems to me they could easily have activated him and taken the bench hit for the day and not have been in any worse shape than they had been in recent days. They were afraid of Gorecki not being available for ten days? Permit me to doubt. With Blanco and Brandon JOnes available tomorrow, I just can’t see that Gorecki is all that important.
McFann Ô
August 31st, 2009
10:45 am
Fun facts, folks!
BMac hasn’t gotten a hit off Josh Johnson since hitting a solo HR off him in the fourth inning of the July 26th, 2006 game against the Marlins at Turner Field. Since then, he is 0-13 with 3 K’s.
Due……???
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
August 31st, 2009
10:45 am
DOB,
Thanks for doing the comparison stats on cleanup hitters. Somewhat to my surprise, Heap’s doing fine, and when you consider that LaRoche is the only other guy on this roster you’d put at that spot in the lineup, it could be much worse.
Game of inches last night. If we had a LF with decent range, if Heap hits the ball somewhere else (Diaz was robbed in the first inning, too), we may have a whole ‘nother ball game.
Tough loss.
MFin04
August 31st, 2009
10:45 am
Actually I think it’s whoever put the title in of the page, the page title and the link title is spelled wrong, DOB got his name right all the times I could see….
Anders
August 31st, 2009
10:45 am
Jurrjens walked Raul Ibanez to start the seventh, before Jones fielded a surprise drag bunt by Pedro Feliz. (DOB’s game story)
Pet peeve of mine. Can you have a drag bunt down the 3rd base line? I always thought the “drag” implied the hitter was lefty and dragged the ball down the 1st base line with him while running there? Keith Hernandez calls the bunt right down the 3rd base line a drag bunt too.
Thoughts? Opinions?
Bring back Luman Harris...
August 31st, 2009
10:46 am
I hear Mike Lum may clear waivers today…that ol’ happy hawaiin can sure hit ‘em. Lefty though…even at age 63…can outhit Norton.
Daslied
August 31st, 2009
10:47 am
Lew, I believe Hudson is postseason-eligible because he was on the 60-day DL.
Bring back Luman Harris...
August 31st, 2009
10:48 am
If your a righty…drag goes to third and if your a lefty…drag goes to first. At least that is the way we did it with the Crackers.
brent a.
August 31st, 2009
10:48 am
Watching Greg Norton get sliced up by Brad Lidge to end the game last night, reminded me of Bill Pecota ending the ‘93 NLCS with a hapless attempt against Mitch Williams.
Hopeless.
Anders
August 31st, 2009
10:48 am
Lew- Can’t guys who are on the 40 man but are on the dl become eligible for post season somehow? I thought there was a way but I could be mistaken. There’s a first for everything. {:
Lew
August 31st, 2009
10:49 am
Anders-This is one time I agree with you. You drag it down the 1B line.
Was I right about the Wilpon/Madoff implications? I hate to say I told you so (really), but I didn’t see there was anyway that losing that much $$$$$ could NOT have an adverse affect. Aren’t you glad you got that money for naming the stadium? Y’all will need every penny of it.
MFin04
August 31st, 2009
10:49 am
If you’re going to have to pinch run for Greg Norton anyway…why not “pinch hit” for him too?
Daslied
August 31st, 2009
10:49 am
Anders – I’m with you on the drag bunt. I suppose the meaning has been altered over the years to include any bunt where the hitter has started running while making contact. I guess?
McFann Ô
August 31st, 2009
10:50 am
I still can’t believe GA’s error was changed to a double…if it had been a Braves’ player that hit it, they would have kept it an error.
Lew
August 31st, 2009
10:50 am
Anders-He’s been on the 60 day DL and didn’t take up a spot on the 40 man-at least that’s my understanding. I think he would have been added to the 40 man to activate him.
BL
August 31st, 2009
10:52 am
I took a big Greg Norton this morning
Lew
August 31st, 2009
10:52 am
Daslied-I admit that I could have a misconception on the eligibility thing.Maybe DOB or a knowledgeable denizen could pull out the appropriate rules governing the situation.
Anders
August 31st, 2009
10:54 am
Lew- Yes , I mentioned the Madoff thing on Saturday morning. Assuming the reports are correct (keep in mind the Wilpons have vehemmently denied them) you certainly had a good read on this.
I was saying on Saturday that if they have to sell I hope Mark Cuban buys them. I know he’s nuts and a meddler but it sure would be fun. The Nutty Professor Selig and his cronies would do everything in their power to keep Cuban out. These guys are making way too much money and the last thing they want is a rebel.
DAP
August 31st, 2009
10:57 am
jeff r, right you are. good observation. there is a lot of baseball left. the braves just lost 4 out of 6 and gained a game. hey, its progress….
MFin04
August 31st, 2009
10:57 am
How is dropping a ball that is in your glove, not an error? Whatever happened to the if you can touch it, you can catch it, old football philosophy?
Certainly if you can get it in the webbing of your glove, and then you drop it, it is an error.
Either way, tough game last night, the offense just is missing some key pieces. Like a centerfielder, and an average Chipper Jones. Hope they both get “healthy” soon.
Daslied
August 31st, 2009
10:57 am
Lew – I’m not all that clear about it either, but it’s been posted on here a few times recently. Surely someone can verify?
RHR
August 31st, 2009
10:58 am
They were afraid of Gorecki not being available for ten days?
Bobby thinks he has excellent D and can hit the ball hard so, no. They absolutely can NOT make it without him for 10 days during this critical stretch of the WC race.
Damn Lew, I thought you were one of the smart ones.
Baba O'Riley
August 31st, 2009
10:59 am
I don’t think a right-handed batter can drag bunt. “Drag” implies pulling it with you> Unless we’re playing beer softball like we did in college, (where you run the bases in inverted order and drink a beer at each base)it’s impossible for a righty to drag bunt.
Lew
August 31st, 2009
11:00 am
Anders-Wilpon claimed he wasn’t wanting to sell the team -I guess time will tell. As for Cuban-good luck on that. I don’t think MLB even wants him in the ranks of ownership.
Even were they to put the Mets up for sale, though, it would be a bare minimum of a year before they could even pull it off. I know DelGado’s contract expires this winter and they probably won’t (I sure wouldn’t) try to re-sign him. Who els comes off the books and how cheap do you think they will go for replacements, under the circumstances?
Mid Town Joe
August 31st, 2009
11:00 am
Forecast – Greg Norton is traded to Nats for player to be named later, and is voted by fans for 1st All-Star appearance, and is game’s MVP.
Eddie (Chipper could not hold my jock) Mathews...nor my drink(s)
August 31st, 2009
11:00 am
I got 22 wins for you right here.
Marlins 3
Reds 3
Astros 2
Cardinals 1
Mets 2,
Phillies 2,
Mets 2,
Nationals 2
Marlins 2
Nationals 3
16 home / 16 away
easy as hittin’ em out of Old Tiger Stadium…where I retired after winning the ‘68 World Series!
BL
August 31st, 2009
11:01 am
MFin04
The MLB has a “team mom” approach to scoring.
Lew
August 31st, 2009
11:04 am
RHR-I have nothing against Gorecki, but I haven’t seen any Andruw-like play from him no matter where he plays. I find this comment by Bobby somewhat surprising when we have Blanco and Brandon Jones available tomorrow. I chalk it up to Bobby putting the most positive spin on his players. Hey, he hit it on the nose but hit it right at the outfielder, right? Didn’t he claim that Smoltz and Glavine looked like their old selves this spring?
Lew
August 31st, 2009
11:05 am
Just Bobby being Bobby.
"You all are Cox apologists"
August 31st, 2009
11:06 am
Enter your comments here
Mike Lum
August 31st, 2009
11:06 am
If I can pinch hit for Hank Aaron…(which I was the only player to ever do so)…I think I could pinch hit for Greg Norton. Even as social security is knocking on my door, I can still rake ‘em with the best of them!
McFann Ô
August 31st, 2009
11:06 am
MFin04 How is dropping a ball that is in your glove, not an error?
Dunno. But apparently if the ball goes under your glove–even though you never touched the ball–it’s an error for you…
Not wait…zillions of players do that and it’s called a hit. Hmm…I stink at this scoring thing…
BL
August 31st, 2009
11:07 am
Another favorite of Bobby and the Braves…
“Just gotta tip your cap to the Phillies last night”
Anders
August 31st, 2009
11:09 am
Lew – Delgado and Wagner are about $23 mil by themselves. There was another $ 10-$13 mil coming off that I recall, but I think a some of that will be eaten up by raises to Wright, Reyes etc..
I was watching a NY sports weekly where they felt if the Mets keep their payroll where it’s aout they would have about $25- $28 mil to spend. I didn’t vet the numbers myself.
I think they sit pretty tight and try and add an starting pitcher and either catcher or first baseman. Probably first base. Not enough money to do all 3 with high quality. I think they may use Fernando Martinez in CF next year and move Beltran to left. They could flip that but why put the wear and tear on Beltrans legs?
If they have serious financial issues than who knows? There’s no way to gage until the off season starts.
DAP
August 31st, 2009
11:10 am
anders, im not sure, but i think you can call it a drag bunt any time you “pull” a bunt. in other words, a right hitting it to third, or a lefty hitting it to first. im not positive, though.
"You all are Cox apologists"
August 31st, 2009
11:11 am
SOMETHING HAS GOT TO BE DONE,
About Bobby Cox and the complete LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY surrounding him. He is NEVER questioned by the MEDIA for ANY mistakes and he gets a free pass. OK, I get it. Sure, winning 14 straight division titles was great and it may not be done again. That being said, Cox is 1 for 15 PEOPLE. 1 FOR Freaking 15! And guess what, we haven’t made the playoffs since 2005, the last year Leo MAZZONE was with the Braves. I find it sickening and gutless that no one, I mean NO ONE in the Braves upper management has done anything about Cox. I sure hope he isn’t re-extended. A BLIND MAN can see that it’s just time for a clubhouse cleaning from Cox on down. It just is.
Anders
August 31st, 2009
11:11 am
BTW- After a tough sweep at the hands of the Giants Jim Tracy just picked up his schedule and read who’s next into town.
He then slept like a baby.
Bob Aspromonte
August 31st, 2009
11:14 am
What is it with this Braves team and the lack of grand slams? Zero in 2009…(That is a home run with all the bases occupied…for the misinformed!)
Hell, all you have to do is ask a player to do it. A little boy in Arkansas asked me to do it twice…and I did…both times. You could look it up…as they say.
So next time, bases are drunk…just ask the batter to hit it out for your sick child, wife, girlfriend, etc…and your wish shall come true!!!
Might come in handy over the next 32 games…
Doc Holiday
August 31st, 2009
11:14 am
Five teams have 18 or fewer total homers from the cleanup position: Dodgers (11), Mets (11), Marlins (14), Astros (17) and Pirates (18).
Seven teams have 83 or fewer RBIs from the cleanup spot: Pirates (64), Giants (79), Padres (80), Rockies (81), Mets (82), D’backs (82) and Astros (83).
DOB.
——————————————————————————————–
Really?, is that the best you could do? Pirates? Padres? Giants? DBacks? Muts? Come on pal, what are we talking here?
Dont give me that collective RBI and HR total………I was asking for a McCann bunt, not for a collective cleanup hitter bunt.
Oh and thanks for the research, all I can see in your research output is that McCann is 6 HR off the pace for the average cleanup hitter in HR and 18 RBI off the pace also. We are talking like TP type numbers………..was he the cleanup hitter?
Check what you are saying…………check the teams your research throws up. What it means is that 80% of the teams that are in our condition are already out of it and those that are not (LAD) were looking for a cleanup hitter, just couldnt get it. Rockies dont have that problem since most of their guys have power (7th in the majors in SLG).
LAD, Marlins, Padres, SF, Astros, mets and pirates (teams you are mentioning) all have lower SLG than the Braves………..so I guess they are in deep trouble as well.
"You all are Cox apologists"
August 31st, 2009
11:16 am
I know all of the IDIOT HOMERS will continue blaming everyone except Cox (Norton, Frenchy, and KJ) for the Braves problems, in which, they’re probably right. The MAIN PROBLEM with this team is that they’re too inconsistent and they play down to their competition, a complete sign of lack of motivation and focus. What manager in their right mind would keep Norton on the team? No manager would. Cox is stubborn and it’s time for him to GO. Thanks Cox for everything but now your ruining a talented roster with your dumb decisions. FIRE COX TODAY!!
BL
August 31st, 2009
11:17 am
Louisville Slugger is coming out with a new bat in honor of Greg Norton, it’s called: “Canoe Paddle GDP/SO”
McFann Ô
August 31st, 2009
11:19 am
This thing REALLY must like the number 1,968…
Hillbilly
August 31st, 2009
11:21 am
DOB,
You’ve posted Kawakami, Hudson, Vazquez, and Lowe as the starters for the Marlins series. Is Hanson being shifted back? I think his normal turn is between Vazquez and Lowe. I’m not trying to be the correction police. Just curious, because I’m going to the Saturday and Sunday games, and I was trying to figure out who I’m going to get to see.
Dennis Menke
August 31st, 2009
11:21 am
My favorite manager of all time is still waiting by the phone…and even though he is 75 years young…I think he could pull the strings better than what I have seen lately out of this team.
Give him a call. George Anderson is his name. Lives out in California now. But he’s still got it.
But at the ballpark…they call him Mr. “Sparky”.
BL
August 31st, 2009
11:22 am
I wonder how long Norton would last on the Chi White Sox under Ozzie.
Lew
August 31st, 2009
11:23 am
Anders-Considering that I heard the Mets were closing down their Fall operations for this year, I question whether or not they really have anywhere near $25 mil to spend this off season. Y’all could be in for some pretty brutal years . Y’all have some serious bucks tied up in Wright and Reyes (though they DO have club friiendly deals), Beltran, Santana and Rodriguez. Lots of money for just a few players and several returning from serious injuries..
Seems that didn’t work well for the Braves-having to sign a really cheap supporting cast.
ncscoots
August 31st, 2009
11:26 am
I was asking for a McCann bunt, not for a collective cleanup hitter bunt.
How, exactly, does that make the notion any less clueless? Even if he were some out-making machine hitting 8, bunting to tie on the road, and in a bandbox, to boot, is just about Dentzian in its “Huh?” factor.
Lew
August 31st, 2009
11:26 am
I think it’s The You Are All Cox Apologist’s fault. He’s been conspiring with Norton and Francoeur.
Anders
August 31st, 2009
11:29 am
Dennis Menke- I had the pleasure of meeting Sparky Anderson by chance at the Waldorf Astoria in NY a couple of years back. He was there for some baseball event and I was there on other business. But I saw this contingent of people surrounding this guy with shockingly white hair in the lobby. He was signing stuff, smiling profusely (deserves mentioning these days) and just making small talk with all. I shook his hand and told him I respected his work as a manager. He thanked me and said he was lucky to have the “dedicated” players he had. A telling choice of a word I thought. He was moving all over the lobby and he moved like a much younger man than his years. I really came away thinking he had some energy for a 70 something year old guy. He really, really seemed to enjoy talking with the people. BTW- He was just passing through the lobby, that wasn’t the event.
Mid Town Joe
August 31st, 2009
11:30 am
Michigan football in trouble……………..
Shamus Thacker
August 31st, 2009
11:30 am
BL: Louisville Slugger is coming out with a new bat in honor of Greg Norton, it’s called: “Canoe Paddle GDP/SO”
Hopefully it’s better than the “Swiss Cheese” model he’s been using.
TnBrian
August 31st, 2009
11:30 am
Lew, now let me get this straight… activating Hudson tomorrow instead of today means he DOESN’T pitch in the postseason if we were to make it? If so, I’m blown away. Really?
bravofan`
August 31st, 2009
11:32 am
we must beat the fish tonight and we can pick up a half game on the giants and the rockies tonight since there both idle tonight
Chuck Tanner
August 31st, 2009
11:32 am
People. Listen up…I told you I would bring you a world championship to Atlanta (even though I was long gone when it arrived)…but just like my ‘79 Pirates…we are family!
Gotta believe…the ‘09 Braves can do what we did back in ‘57 (yes, I played on that team…) and the ‘95 team did. Just rally around the troops and it will all work out. Let Bobby and Frank do what they do…and pray like hell Chipper gets his act together! Gotta believe…
DAP
August 31st, 2009
11:33 am
i could be wrong, but the fact that hudson is on the 60 day DL might meaning that he can be on the postseason roster, even if he isnt activated until well into september. there is a special provision for injured players, i think. i believe you can even add a guy to the postseason roster from the minors if one of your guys gets hurt.
Doc Holiday
August 31st, 2009
11:36 am
ncscoots
August 31st, 2009
11:26 am
I was asking for a McCann bunt, not for a collective cleanup hitter bunt.
How, exactly, does that make the notion any less clueless? Even if he were some out-making machine hitting 8, bunting to tie on the road, and in a bandbox, to boot, is just about Dentzian in its “Huh?” factor.
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Who was asking to bunt for a tie? helloooooooooo. The score was 3-2 at the time, with runners at 1-2. I didnt know 2+2 equaled 3. Isnt 2+2=4???
Anders
August 31st, 2009
11:37 am
Anders-Considering that I heard the Mets were closing down their Fall operations for this year, I question whether or not they really have anywhere near $25 mil to spend this off season. (Lew)
I hadn’t heard this. If it’s true then yes they have big problems on their hands. There’s no quick way to go from $140 mil payroll to $100 mil when you have 4 or 5 key guys signed. I would think their creditors would balk at this and give them some financial help. It’s in all of their interests to keep them profitable.
Otherwise they either get minority investors with an infusion of cash or sell very quickly. Again, who know’s, but I don’t think the creditors or the MLB for that matter are going to let the Mets go on austerity.
Daslied
August 31st, 2009
11:39 am
Doc – DOB’s stats are pretty good, I think. You can look at it two ways:
1. Two of the teams are ahead in the WC race, so it must not be that big of a deal.
2. The other 5 are not in any race. At all. So maybe it is a big deal, and the Braves are still very much in it in spite of that.
So, there are two possible impact scenarios of cleanup hitters, and they’re completely opposite of each other. My conclusion is that it doesn’t matter all that much, as long as others are contributing. Our #4 hitter is no Ryan Howard. But then again, our #7 hitter is no Pedro Feliz. McCann will never be Ryan Howard, but who else do we have? There aren’t any prototypical cleanup guys on this team. LaRoche is the closest, I suppose, but historically he’s a lot worse in the cleanup position. #7 is his best, career-wise.
Lew
August 31st, 2009
11:52 am
TnBrian-It has always been my understanding that in order to compete in the post season, a player must be on the active roster prior to September 1. Now as DAP and a few others have stated, maybe the fact he was on the 60 day DL before being activated might mitigate the rule in some manner. I just don’t know.
Anders-I heard a New York writer (don’t remember who it was) speaking on XM Home Plate this weekend about the Mets’ financial situation. The outlook sounded bleak in the extreme. He was the one who mentioned shutting dowen fall operations and the way he said it, I was of the impression that it was a fait accompli.
Lew
August 31st, 2009
11:56 am
Anders-I doubt we’ll ever see a New York team operating like the Pirates, but even if they can’t replace their current salary this offseason, they may have some problems-especially if Beltran and Reyes are less than full strength. I don’t see them as having the $$$$ to adequately replace DelGado and they may have to go cheap on the role players and back ups. I don’t see them as being serious divisional threats if this turns out to be the case. I’m sure you look forward to a return to pre 2006 levels.
Anders
August 31st, 2009
11:57 am
Lew- having seen the things that have happened to our economy etc over the last year or so, I can’t absolutely dispute any claims made these days.
Can you imagine what it must be like if you’re Fred or Jeff Wilpon lying your head down at night knowing Madoff stole maybe as much as $700 mil from you? That’s an incredible number, even for billionaires.
Lew
August 31st, 2009
11:59 am
Anders-No doubt, Dude. It’s not right-even if they are mega rich to begin with. I don’t see Madoff as fitting through the eye of the needle any more than the camel, do you?
Philliephanphorliphe
August 31st, 2009
12:00 pm
Did any of you guys hear that flushing sound last night? That was the Braves’ post season chances going down the toilet. That makes two series in a row where we have beat you. We have definately seperated the men from the boys in the NL East.
Daslied
August 31st, 2009
12:05 pm
Okay, found a summation of MLB rule 40(a):
MLB Rule 40(a)- As long as the player is on the DL, bereavement or suspended list on Aug. 31, they are post-season eligible.
RemoW
August 31st, 2009
12:13 pm
In DOB article Chipper kind of indicated that he felt Prado could have caught that ball. The replays on ESPN sucked. So what is the general consensus, could Prado have made that play?