Playing loosey goosey
(Staff writer Carroll Rogers is filling in for David O’Brien today.)
Not only did Adam LaRoche turn every pitch he swung on last night into gold – minus the one terribly wasted in that one ball he fouled off, aha – he has some great nuggets in the postgame.
LaRoche boiled down this five-game winning streak (six of seven) into the simplest terms: “I think it’s there absolutely nothing to lose right now,” LaRoche said. “There’s zero pressure on us. We’re in a bad position, and everybody’s going out and doing their thing.”
You have to figure it’s too little, too late. The Phillies keep winning and the Braves are still 7 ½ back in the East. The Rockies are giving the Braves a little hope, having lost four in a row to narrow the Braves’ deficit to five games in the wild card. But the Braves have the Rockies, Giants and Marlins all still ahead of them in the wild card, which makes things three times as hard. And of those three teams, the Braves face only the Marlins in their last 18 games – a three-game series Sept. 28-30.
But it’s a marvel to watch this starting rotation really strut its stuff. I can’t remember the last time I wrote that the bullpen was worn down, and that’s saying something.
LaRoche made a great point last night, about how it’s this rotation that’ll make the Braves want to kick themselves for not getting into the postseason, if and when they don’t.
“I feel like we could go a long way in the postseason, a long way,” LaRoche said. “And it’s going to be a shame if we don’t get that chance.”
Roll out Javier Vazquez, Jair Jurrjens and Tommy Hanson right now in any order against any playoff team, and you’re onto something. Scratching together a few runs might not be as simple, but you’d have to like the pitching matchups.
Tonight
Meantime the Braves face Bobby Parnell tonight, another arm in the hodge-podge Mets starting rotation. The Braves hammered him the last time they saw him, nine runs in three innings.
I’d be surprised if Chipper Jones is ready to get back in there tonight, based out how his groin injury was feeling yesterday. But the Braves seem to be doing fine without him. They are 14-11 this season in games he doesn’t start. This is after they went 17-26 last year in games he didn’t start.
Speaking of Chipper, little random tidbit for you. I know you guys couldn’t have been especially excited to see the Kansas City Royals on the schedule next year, but Chipper was…thinking he might have a chance to play in the one major league city he’s never played in, interestingly enough. But no, actually, the Royals are coming here, June 18-20.
NL rookie of the year
Tommy Hanson is going to make this NL rookie of the year thing interesting. For most of the season, I figured J.A. Happ would have a great shot at it. But now, with this late charge, Hanson might muddle that picture. After last night, Hanson matched Happ in wins and moved ahead of him in ERA.
(And I’m sticking with apples to apples here; Chris Coghlan, Garrett Jones and Dexter Fowler bring even more to the mix as every day players.)
Let’s compare:
Hanson 10-3, 2.65, 18 games, 18 starts, 108.2 IP, .224 OBA
Happ 10-4, 2.77, 31 games, 19 starts, 149.2 IP, .231 OBA
The “wild card” stats: Happ is pitching for a division-leading team in the Phillies. That carries a lot of weight, especially when you consider he’s been doing it all year, in the heat of pennant pressure. Happ has three complete games, including two shutouts. Hanson has none (yes painful reminder of his last start in Houston).
What’s working for Hanson: Hanson has allowed only 9 homers while Happ has given up 17 (Citizens Bank Park doing him no favors.) Hanson has 7.7 Ks/9 while Happ has 6.23 Ks/9. And if Hanson had the innings to qualify, he’d be fifth right now in the National League in ERA.
Hanson should have three more starts unless the Braves decide to pull the plug and let him rest, which they might if they fall well out of contention here. But for now, he’ll take the mound Sunday against the Phillies. Great opportunity for him there.
Happ has been out of action since Sept. 2 because of a “strained intercostal muscle.” After a 55-pitch bullpen session yesterday, Happ thinks he could be ready to pitch on Friday in Atlanta. So we can keep an eye on this thing up close.
Ernie Harwell, a true Southern gent Just reading this morning about the special night the Detroit Tigers are putting on for their beloved former announcer Ernie Harwell. At 91, Harwell, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and advised against surgery. This is a farewell speech, he’ll be delivering in the third inning tonight, and it makes the hair on my arms stand up just thinking about it.
Harwell has been a baseball broadcaster for 55 years, including 42 with the Tigers. He called “It’s gone” on Bobby Thomson’s “shot heard round the world.” But believe me Atlanta, when I tell you we can call him our own. Harwell was born in Washington, GA and grew up in Atlanta.
Harwell was a batboy for the Atlanta Crackers. He graduated from Emory. He started his career as a copy editor and sports writer for our Atlanta Constitution. He was very proud of his roots, and he never lost his Southern grace.
Visiting media don’t always mix and mingle in the press box. You get wrapped up in your day-to-day business, all the work you have to do, and unless you make the effort, you might just go on about your business hardly aware of writers and broadcasters from other teams. But Harwell is different, a true gentleman. I’ll always remember him approaching a young and nervous beat writer in the Lakeland press box in spring training and making her feel welcome.
My thoughts tonight go out to Ernie.
More from the ballpark this afternoon.
We tip our caps to Ernie.
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1,149 comments Add your comment
Firearm
September 16th, 2009
12:37 pm
…First?
Tiger Woods
September 16th, 2009
12:37 pm
Bobby Cox quotes on ESPN. Pretty sweet to see the Braves talked about on ESPN. THanks Carroll!
Randy J.
September 16th, 2009
12:38 pm
Uno
Pete
September 16th, 2009
12:41 pm
Think of how much better chance Hanson would potentially have if Cox had left him in to finish the game in Houston, after pitching 8 shutout innings. What a shame.
indianabravesfan
September 16th, 2009
12:41 pm
I have an idea lets wait until this season is over with before we start talking about next season.
Ok, I can’t wait. I say we sign Chone Figgins who can play almost anywhere with his .300 batting average and .400 OBP and play him at 2nd. That would leave Prado and Infante as the utility guys which is what they should be doing. Then we have Diaz, McLouth and Heyward (in June) for the OF.
I know this does not address the SP and BP but that is another day!!!
bravesgrl4life
September 16th, 2009
12:42 pm
Lew RE: your September 16th, 2009 12:21 pm post on the old blog:
Dude, your art is awesome! I sent you an email re the McCann pic.
Gotta go do some work now but will check back with you guys and gals later.
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
12:44 pm
Tiger Woods, ESPN picked up Jeff Schultz’s story on Cox. It was all Jeff.
ncscoots
September 16th, 2009
12:50 pm
Think of how much better chance Hanson would potentially have if Cox had left him in to finish the game in Houston, after pitching 8 shutout innings.
In other words, 11-3 gets him ROY, 10-3 doesn’t, LOL? Wow. Those BBWAA guys are a hard room.
Maybe Hanson would have a better chance if he hadn’t gotten torched for 7 runs in his first start. What a shame.
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
12:51 pm
J. A. Crapp – let’s light him up like a pinball machine this weekend and give him one hell of a whooping..
ROY – I would go with the Jones guy from Pitts then Hanson/Happ unless Tommy wins another 2-3
wjones
September 16th, 2009
12:51 pm
“Matters not one iota whether player and/or agent is peeved or upset about past salaries when it comes to arbitration. The arb panel couldn’t give a rat’s behind about their feelings or about past slights — perceived or actual — when it comes to salary.”
Maybe I was unclear, DOB, but you totally missed the point I was trying to make. Of course a player-team relationship has no bearing in an arbitration hearing. That is, as you say, “not that hard”. What that does have a bearing on is whether a player/agent wants to deal with a team in the future, i.e., do they want to come to the table and try to work out a deal that bypasses the arb process, give up future arb/free agency years, work together for a mutually satisfying deal, or has the relationship gotten to the point where the player and/or agent just wants to fleece the team and go see if the grass is greener. In other words, one could see how a team “nickel-and-diming” a player when the team has complete control could sour a player’s feelings toward the team.
Just to be theoretical for a moment, suppose the Braves go to JJ or Escobar after the season and offer them a miminum contract, with no raise. Completely within their rights to do so. The player and agent can scream until blue in the face, demanding a trade, etc. But the Braves don’t have to even respond, just mail the contract to them. But you can’t tell me that this won’t come back to haunt them in future negotiations. The Braves have not historically, if memory serves me correctly, been a team that enjoyed going through the arb process, prefering to settle “out of court”, so to speak. And that scenario would be more likely if the team and the player/agent had a decent history coming into the negotiations.
That was my original point. Sorry if I took everyone on a wrong turn. And I posted this on the old blog, having no idea that we would have a new one so early.
drdebug
September 16th, 2009
12:53 pm
Thanks Carroll for the nice retrospective on Ernie Harwell. Long-timers like him are among baseball’s treasures, and it’ll be a sad day when he passes. Seems like we’re losing too many of them in recent years.
Zach
September 16th, 2009
12:55 pm
Carroll, percentage wise what’s your guess on the braves making the playoffs?
Gustopher
September 16th, 2009
12:57 pm
Great blog CR. I remember Ernie when I lived in Michigan. Is there anywhere we could send a card or an email?
Tell It Like It Is
September 16th, 2009
12:57 pm
Indianabravesfan,
What is it with all the love for Diaz? Prado and Infante have more upside. They can play several positions(better than Diaz can play right field)and they can hit just as good over the long haul(not streak hitters). It IS What It IS.
wjones
September 16th, 2009
1:00 pm
“What is it with all the love for Diaz? Prado and Infante have more upside. They can play several positions(better than Diaz can play right field)and they can hit just as good over the long haul(not streak hitters). It IS What It IS.”
Is it?
glove51
September 16th, 2009
1:03 pm
Hanson has more “pressure” to win than Happ. The Phillies have practically sewn up the NL East title, while the Braves are currently still fighting for the playoff lives.
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
1:04 pm
Daslied Can you imagine Chipper hitting cleanup with the year he’s having, considering he’s always been statistically better as the #3?
Haha! So it’s either that or BMac hitting cleanup with the year he’s having, considering he’s always been statistically better as the #5?
Taking one for the team for sure…
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
1:06 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Ms. Rogers!
Tell It Like It Is
September 16th, 2009
1:06 pm
wjones
September 16th, 2009
12:51 pm
That was my point also. It seems that arbitration only breeds distrust down the road. No wonder Scott Boras and his ilk do so well. I that a salary cap would solve this problem. Baseball may soon price itself out of existence.
The Braves have some very good players that are at risk. Why not do for them as was done for McCann and Frenchy? This will be interesting to watch. It IS What It IS.
glove51
September 16th, 2009
1:08 pm
Figgins: Pass
Tell It Like It Is
September 16th, 2009
1:08 pm
wjones
September 16th, 2009
1:00 pm
IT IS!!!!!
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried
September 16th, 2009
1:09 pm
Just Keep Winning….4 games (loss column) behind Rockies…
David O'Brien
September 16th, 2009
1:12 pm
wjones: That line about arb process being “not that hard” to understand, that was in the summary I cut-and-pasted. I didn’t add that. Don’t want anyone thinking that I added that, since it sounds condescending (I do that enough myself). I didn’t add anything except the italics to the two graphs above it.
Rodney Derrick
September 16th, 2009
1:17 pm
Carroll– Lovely tribute to the great Ernie Harwell, who was also Editor of the student paper at Emory, The Emory Wheel. Ernie was also the only sportscaster in history traded for a baseball player; from memory, I believe he was traded by the Atlanta Crackers.
Brian
September 16th, 2009
1:18 pm
Let’s keep in mind that Jurrjens and Hanson have never pitched in the playoffs. You could argue that neither have really pitched in a truly meaningful game in their career. Vazquez’s career postseason ERA: 10.34.
It’s not like the other playoff contenders don’t also have a strong front of the rotation, especially the Giants and Cardinals.
AndyC
September 16th, 2009
1:18 pm
Carroll,
I really like what you said about Harwell. Great stuff.
Brian
September 16th, 2009
1:20 pm
Figgins will likely rise out of our price range.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
1:21 pm
The arbitration panel is 3 attorneys? That’s pretty boring. They need to do it reality TV style. Tommy Lasorda, Ray King, and Donald Trump.
Pete
September 16th, 2009
1:32 pm
NCSCOOTS: “In other words, 11-3 gets him ROY, 10-3 doesn’t, LOL? Wow. Those BBWAA guys are a hard room.”
Guess you dont realize that a complete game and shutout (assuming that happened) has a very positive impact, as well as an extra win. Now you know.
Daslied
September 16th, 2009
1:33 pm
Gustopher, I found this:
http://www.fanmail.biz/103523.html
Not sure how accurate it is (info from 2007), but someone sending mail to that address received a response from Ernie.
Space Monkey
September 16th, 2009
1:34 pm
Yes, it would be great to see the Braves in postseason with Javy, Tommy, and JJ as the big three. Except even if we made it, Bobby has never believed in going with his best pitcher in the first game of a postseason series. He would start Lowe, Javy, and JJ. They’d be swept in three. A cat as old as Bobby doesn’t change his ways. Think about it, if he had just let Hanson pitch the ninth in Houston or pinch hit Conrad instead of Norton, we might have a shot at this thing. Believe me, Bobby would start Lowe in game one. It’s what he does. It’s why we only have one ring. Bobby has never understood that every game counts and winning–not keeping veteran players happy–is the object of the game.
Rob from SC
September 16th, 2009
1:35 pm
Space Monkey
He would start Lowe
coach joe
September 16th, 2009
1:39 pm
nice info on Mr. harwell.. He seems like a real gem.
go Braves. run the table
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried
September 16th, 2009
1:39 pm
Need Lowe to step up tonight…take this series…go for the sweep tomorrow.
We have solid pitching matchups against the Phillies…and hopefully we can roll out 8 or 9 in a row.
Mike McDonald
September 16th, 2009
1:40 pm
Carroll Rogers is the most refreshing AJC baseball writer that I have read in 46 years of living in Atlanta. She has good baseball instincts and insights and she is a very gifted writer. Reminds me of the galaxy of star baseball writers that that I grew up with in NYC in the forties and fifties. I hope management appreciates her as much as I.
Rob from SC
September 16th, 2009
1:42 pm
Carroll also brings the team good luck
ncscoots
September 16th, 2009
1:46 pm
Guess you dont realize that a complete game and shutout (assuming that happened) has a very positive impact, as well as an extra win. Now you know.
You mean, as opposed to his ERA, K rate, WHIP, and all the other factors that go into deciding his worth as a ROY candidate? Guess you didn’t realize that it’s not the single inning he DIDN’T pitch that’s going to make or break his chances, but, rather, the ones he did. Now you know.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried
September 16th, 2009
1:50 pm
We’ve gained three games in three days against Colorado…pretty good…
If we can get it down to 3 games by the end of this week…We totally have a shot.
The Phillies is the toughest series we have left to play…If we can somehow…win that series…by taking the first two games…I think it could be exciting.
We then go on to play the Mets/Nationals…Could be another 4 or 5 game winning streak…then see where we’re at the last week of the season.
What happens if we go on a major roll????…14-4 or 13-5 down the stretch…could get real interesting!
Wes
September 16th, 2009
1:54 pm
I think the Braves perceive Derek Lowe as their “ace” because of his contract. Out of all the starting pitchers for the Braves, he has the longest contract and biggest paycheck… thus, Bobby Cox is going to start him the first game of any playoff series (if they make it). He’s a decent pitcher, but certainly not an “ace.”
The Braves’ real ace is Vazquez and they better NOT trade him.
DAP
September 16th, 2009
1:54 pm
i hadnt even thought about chone figgins in a while…but i think if the braves are going to spend money on free agents, they wont bother with a guy like figgins. im not sure, but i think the braves would rather have a guy who has a higher slg% than OBP.
DAP
September 16th, 2009
1:57 pm
brianYou could argue that neither have really pitched in a truly meaningful game in their career.
and you would probably lose that argument.
Brian
September 16th, 2009
1:59 pm
To all the people that sound like they would have a heart attack if Derek Lowe started a postseason game, he has a 3.33 career postseason ERA. Vazquez’s is 10.34. Yet these are the same people that complain that Bobby started Maddux and Glavine ahead of Smoltz based on their regular season performance.
Just goes to show that some people will complain about anything and disagree with whatever Cox decides to do.
David O'Brien
September 16th, 2009
1:59 pm
Just looking back at the last 2-3 weeks, it really is uncanny what the Braves have done against three guys who are highly decorated and/or the hottest pitchers in baseball when the Braves beat them badly: Cliff Lee, Roy Oswalt, Chris Carpenter. It’s often guys who are struggling, like tonight’s pitcher, who seem to give them more trouble.
Spark
September 16th, 2009
1:59 pm
PEPPERMINT!
Pete
September 16th, 2009
2:01 pm
ncscoots: “You mean, as opposed to his ERA, K rate, WHIP, and all the other factors that go into deciding his worth as a ROY candidate?”
Why would it be opposed to all that?? Thats weird….it would be in addition to, obviously. Check out other ROY pitcher candidates to see how many complete games and shutouts they have, and you will understand (I think lol)
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried
September 16th, 2009
2:03 pm
Who the hell is ROY????
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried
September 16th, 2009
2:04 pm
(joke)
Rob from SC
September 16th, 2009
2:04 pm
go read mlbtraderumors. an agent says 21 mil a year for Bay = no thanks
nycbravesfan
September 16th, 2009
2:08 pm
I like the blog as well. great insight into ROY race that hasn’t touched Atlanta since…
2000- Rafael Furcal
1997- Scott Rolen beat out Andruw Jones (andruw had a horrible 1st yr.)
1995- Nomo beat out Chipper Jones ( horrible)
1990- David Justice
1978- Bob Horner
1971- Earl Williams
David O'Brien
September 16th, 2009
2:09 pm
Rob from SC: What gives with the “luck” comment? I thought the Braves fared well on the six-game trip I just covered.
Tom
September 16th, 2009
2:09 pm
Carroll, come back to the GT beat. Roberson blows.
All the 'Fire Bobby Cox's' Combined
September 16th, 2009
2:09 pm
Please fire him so we can all scream “fire Ned Yost” one week into the 2010 regular season.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Delusional
September 16th, 2009
2:10 pm
The Braves can still make the playoffs! I beeeeeeeeeeeeeeelieeeeeevvvvve!
bravesgrl4life
September 16th, 2009
2:21 pm
DOB, was that some type of reverse pysch there in your 1:59 p.m. post? I sure hope so.
BossLady
September 16th, 2009
2:21 pm
Good Luck? Well, how did the Braves sweep the best team this weekend?
nycbravesfan
September 16th, 2009
2:24 pm
If the Braves go 13-5 (14-4) (15-3)then other teams must..
Colorado 7-9 (8-8)(9-7)
San Fran 10-7(11-6)(12-5)
Marlins 11-5(12-4)(13-3)
HMMMMMMMM………..
Phil
September 16th, 2009
2:25 pm
Vazquez, JJ and Hanson. You’re right, pretty good combination. So was Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux. Only a buffoon like Cox could screw it up.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried
September 16th, 2009
2:26 pm
Marlins 3-0 over St. Louis
indianabravesfan
September 16th, 2009
2:26 pm
Marlins up 3-0 aganist Piniero and the Cards
RC
September 16th, 2009
2:32 pm
“If the Braves go 13-5 (14-4) (15-3)then other teams must..
Colorado 7-9 (8-8)(9-7)
San Fran 10-7(11-6)(12-5)
Marlins 11-5(12-4)(13-3)”
Not unreasonable at all, although I am a bit concerned about needing the Rockies to play around .500 from here out….just doesn’t seem likely.
GregNorton
September 16th, 2009
2:34 pm
Is it I-85 or I-285? I get so confused.
nycbravesfan
September 16th, 2009
2:36 pm
Greg Norton, your looking for the I-85 out of town !!!!
Rico (just call me...The Beeg Boy...) Carty
September 16th, 2009
2:36 pm
Where has all the power gone? Had the Braves just had one true power hitter outfielder (like me)…for the entire year where would this team be? Only as a team have 136 home runs…10th in the NL. Veery baad I saay. I hiit 109 home ruuns in 2,746 AB’s during my stretch with the Braves. That’s 1 home ruun every 25.19 AB’s. When was the last time the Braves had production from an outfielder like that? Beeen a verry long time ago?
As DOB said earlier, Braves hit well (and win) against the better starting pitchers…so what will they do tonight? If you want to be a pretender…theey wiil lose. If you waant to be a contender…theey wiil wiin!
14 – 4 is doable…the Rockies did it before. Just may fall short, though. Rather contend and fall short than never to contend at all…
Beeg Boy is gone!
tjhook
September 16th, 2009
2:37 pm
Enjoyed your column, Carrol. I worked as a stringer when you were at the Macon Telegraph. I wanted to know what happened to Kevin, Ivan, Kelly, etc. If you don’t remember me, I was the other black guy that attended Mercer (not James Mays). Anthony
tjhook
September 16th, 2009
2:38 pm
I also did some stringer work for Augusta with Michael Carvell. Is he doing any work for the AJC this year?
GregNorton
September 16th, 2009
2:38 pm
What? Frenchy was traded? When did that happen?
ncscoots
September 16th, 2009
2:39 pm
Yeah, but, Pete, you wild man, LOL, your initial post made it sound as if Bobby’s lifting of Hanson in a one game were enough to cost the kid a shot at the title.
My rambling point was that having one complete game shutout wouldn’t appreciably enhance his chances, and having none would likewise not detract from them.
tjhook
September 16th, 2009
2:40 pm
By the way, this year is probrably one of my favorite years to watch the Braves. I think Wren deserves to be recognized as Executive of the Year the way he has patched this roster together before the season and during. And I thanked the heaven above when we reacquired Laroche. He’s a glue player for the Braves’ organization.
jconservative
September 16th, 2009
2:41 pm
Carroll – really nice comment on Ernie Harwell. Really well written.
And yeah, Vazquez, Jurrjens & Hanson as starters in a playoff series?
How does it look to sign Vazquez for next year? Slim?
He will go over 200 IP again this year. That carries a lot of weight with me.
And I just noticed, Jurrjens has a shot at 200 IP.
GregNorton
September 16th, 2009
2:42 pm
Alright guys. Who’s hiding my bats?
Bravos are Dead
September 16th, 2009
2:46 pm
It’s not the 90’s and the braves need to wake up and realize that. A great offense and decent pitching is the only way to succeed. What good does a good rotation do you when you cant even put up 3 runs in a game? D. Lowe and Kawabunga cost the braves 23 million a year. Hell you could get texeira for that and he plays EVERY game. The braves have the 11th highest payroll and they’re not even better than the marlins who spend a third of the money and have about the same team. FIRE WREN AND BOBBY COX!! AND NORTON!! /
GregNorton
September 16th, 2009
2:48 pm
Hey, this weather isn’t bad for August. Who we playing?
DAP
September 16th, 2009
2:48 pm
rob from sc no way bay or holliday get $21mil perseason. notice in the same sentence on MLBTraderumors, its says a GM predicted those guys would get closer to $15mil. and i think a 5 year $80mil deal for holliday (which was also cited in the same paragraph as being likely) is a decent price tag. i would actually think about that if i were wren.
RHR
September 16th, 2009
2:49 pm
Thanks Carroll, good stuff on Harwell. It is amazing how a friendly word or a kind gesture can leave a lasting impression of a person. Requires very little effort and costs nothing…
RC
September 16th, 2009
2:52 pm
tjhook,
Completely agree with your 2:40 post. In my mind the ONLY thing that could have been done better was calling up Hanson a bit earlier to avoid having to let Jo-Jo pitch every 5th day, but I understand the reasoning for that decision and think it probably is better for the future.
Ed-Covington
September 16th, 2009
2:52 pm
I won’t place any blame, but has a team with this good a pitching staff ever missed the post-season? Seems a shame the effort will go for naught because it will be hard to duplicate next year.
Pete
September 16th, 2009
3:00 pm
NCSCOOTS I just think if its a tight race, the added win, shutout and complete game (in addition to his already stellar stats) could push him over the top. Thats what I meant….maybe I didnt word it clearly. So IF the voting is really close, then yes, I do believe his removal from that game MAY cost him. Position players have far outnumbered pitchers in winning the ROY so to me, every extra win, etc. (especially since he didnt pitch until June) is important. We shall see…
Your “WILD MAN” lol
DAP
September 16th, 2009
3:01 pm
ed-covington, the giants have a pretty good pitching staff to, and may not make it. id say it hard to not at least contend when you have a great rotation, but not impossible to miss the playoffs.
mudcat
September 16th, 2009
3:04 pm
In 1961, just before a Detroit-K.C. Athletics game, my dad and I met Ernie Harwell and George Kell. They were both real gentlemen. Mr. Harwell had just replaced Van Patrick as the voice of the Tigers. Remember their voices to this day.
Hillbilly
September 16th, 2009
3:07 pm
Is it I-85 or I-285? I get so confused.
Greg, I believe it’s .085, but I could be wrong.
atlwolf
September 16th, 2009
3:07 pm
If JJ and Vazquez had just gotten proper run support, they would each likely have 17-20 wins and would be in the Cy Young mix with Wainwright.
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
3:09 pm
It’s going to happen. Baseball = law of averages. Norton will get 3 huge hits in the 6th or 7th inning during the Braves 17 – 1 streak. The Phightens will get so tight, you won’t be able to drive a needle up their arse with a sledge hammer. Martinez 138 pitches, Lee 129 pitches (Charlie is already scared, no faith in the pen 1964 all over for Phillies fans) Blanton will get his brains beat in tonight and Livan will trick Rollins and Howard. The Rockies pitching has left the station, 9 runs last night. The Giants play LA 3 more times and Arizona ain’t a walk. Hanson goes Sunday for the sweep!
IlliniBrave
September 16th, 2009
3:12 pm
Carroll:
Great story about Ernie Harwell. Always enjoy reading human interest pieces like this – especially when they are about such a great guy.
One question, re. your comment “makesthe hair on my arms stand up just thinking about it.”
Uh…. how hairy are your arms?
Daslied
September 16th, 2009
3:14 pm
Ed-covington:
These teams are in the top 10 in team ERA, and they’re either not going to the playoffs or aren’t likely to: SF, ATL, CHIC, SEA, CHIW.
RHR
September 16th, 2009
3:18 pm
I hope Random and I aren’t the only two former fjm readers here….I may need to reevaluate my life if so.
Anyway. retro day on deadspin is living up to expectations.
http://deadspin.com/5360398/in-a-time-of-mourning-our-nation-turns-its-eyes-to-jair-jurrjens
Ed-Covington
September 16th, 2009
3:22 pm
I’ll take this staff over SF’s any day. Compare the stats, not just the hype you hear on ESPN.
Norton haters:
He STILL has a higher OBP (.330?) than GA & others; and that’s not a slight to GA. OBP IS more inportant than BA.
detroitchris
September 16th, 2009
3:26 pm
DOB,
Posted this on a earlier blog that i dunno if you got a chance to check out?
Huge news….
http://www.exclaim.ca/articles/generalarticlesynopsfullart.aspx?csid1=115&csid2=844&fid1=41078
Your thoughts?
Barney Frank
September 16th, 2009
3:26 pm
Hanson, Braves beat Mets to keep slim playoff hopes alive
Hanson, Braves beat Mets to keep non-existent playoff hopes alive
bruce
September 16th, 2009
3:27 pm
has anyone else noticed the no hope yes hope survey on the braves ajc page… the have hope folks have creeped up a bit each day, so each day more are saying they have hope. the have hope folks are still very low, but climbing. Just hope the bats take care of business tonight
RHR
September 16th, 2009
3:32 pm
Scoots, hope you see this lol
http://deadspin.com/5360379/the-utterance-of-this-word-should-be-punishable-by-death
Frank Robinson (Rockmart)
September 16th, 2009
3:32 pm
Carroll
Did you have to get permission from A-Rod or his agent to use “loosey-goosey” in the title of this blog? Just want to make sure you don’t have to deal with any copyright issues.
Frank Robinson (Rockmart)
September 16th, 2009
3:34 pm
RHR,
Big fan of FJM here.
Orlando (Cha - Cha) Cepeda
September 16th, 2009
3:34 pm
Power numbers. I may have only hit 74 home runs while playing for the Braves (19.92% of my career)…my numbers were better than the “Beeg Boy”. 1 HR per 19.92 AB’s…and now look at Adam LaRoche. His numbers with the Braves (both stints)…beat mine! 1 HR per 18.38 AB’s. He hits better than this “Baby Bull”.
Re-sign this guy. He wants to play here. Hell, take some money Chipper to pay him.
Now go out and beat a pitcher who is not in contention for the Cy Young award tonight!!!
Cha Cha…
Greg Norton
September 16th, 2009
3:35 pm
Who took my batting gloves?
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
3:35 pm
All the speculation on the 2010 Braves, all the superfluous listings of potential payrolls for next year. Get real fans, these are our 2009 players who have not been eliminated. This is why they play 162 games. Come on, get behind these players. Has anyone checked out the team portraits at Turner Field? Mike Devereaux – anything can happen and will happen.
Al (Hungo) Hrabosky...
September 16th, 2009
3:39 pm
Barney Frank…
Keep “screwing” with the economy and let us worry about the playoff chances. We know you like to play with boy’s…didn’t know you like to follow the games they play as well.
“Hungo” out…(Barney, I know you would like that…)
Nate from NCState
September 16th, 2009
3:39 pm
Ya know I’ve really tried to figure out how the Braves are going to manage their pitching rotation next year with 6 potential starters going into the year. Obviously they are not going to trade Hanson or JJ so that leaves Javy, Lowe, KK, and Hudson left.
Hudson has been the ace before and I think he could be again, unless Hanson fills that role. Either way, he’s a front of the rotation guy, and great in the clubhouse as mentioned before.
Javy has been the most dominant starter of everyone on the team, and I just don’t see how trading him makes a lot of sense, especially since he loves pitching in the NL it seems.
So it comes down to KK and Lowe and my question is why not trade Lowe? I know he is a work horse, and he has done well in the playoffs before, but he’s going to cost as much as any of the other guys, if not more. And I think they could get more in return for him instead of KK.
Thoughts?
Random
September 16th, 2009
3:39 pm
RHR (September 16th, 2009 3:18 pm): “I hope Random and I aren’t the only two former fjm readers here….I may need to reevaluate my life if so.
“Anyway. retro day on deadspin is living up to expectations.”
And here I was getting ready to remind YOU.
Thanks.
(There’s over half a dozen “FJM Reunion” articles at http://deadspin.com/. Y’all should check ‘em out!)
Brian
September 16th, 2009
3:45 pm
Nate from NC State, what you’re not taking into account is the other team’s perspective in a trade. The reason we’re not going to trade Lowe is because no team is going to trade for Lowe. Seriously, if we called every team in baseball and literally gave them Derek Lowe, didn’t even request anything back, not a single team would take him. Now, if we paid almost all the 45 million dollars left on his contract, we would have a few takers (probably with a return of a couple of mid-level prospects), but why would we want to do that?
There probably would be some takers for Kawakami, but the return wouldn’t be enough to make a difference. We’d either get a middling prospect or two or an average major leaguer in return. Trading Vazquez would be the only option that would provide a difference-making return. Isn’t that what we want?
Keep in mind that the pitchers’ value to other teams is the same as the value to us. So if you would most like to trade Lowe, that means other teams would LEAST like to trade for Lowe.
Biff (Can you believe I stuck around for 10 years in the Big Leagues?) Pocoroba...
September 16th, 2009
3:49 pm
Don’t worry about the Marlins with their lead in the win column…beating Cards again today. Still tied with the Braves in the loss column. Yea. We need to watch them…along with the Giants, Rockies and Cubs. Fun stuff.
Still have 6 games with the Phillies and 3 with the Braves…among others. Good team…especially with that payroll…less than $36million!
Maybe Fredi will come to our rescue…
BELIEVE
"Chef" Tim Dix
September 16th, 2009
3:52 pm
Carroll, great piece on Ernie. You are so right, we’re extremely proud to call him ours. Baseball broadcasting royalty and you’d never know it.
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
3:54 pm
No Chipper in the lineup posted again today:
1. McLouth CF
2. Prado 3B
3. Anderson LF
4. McCann C
5. Escobar SS
6. LaRoche 1B
7. Infante 2B
8. Church RF
9. Lowe P
pinkygonzales
September 16th, 2009
3:55 pm
new blog
acasualfan.com
check it out
RC
September 16th, 2009
3:55 pm
“Seriously, if we called every team in baseball and literally gave them Derek Lowe, didn’t even request anything back, not a single team would take him.” – Brian
I agree that Lowe is not very tradable, but the hyperbole some are throwing out here is just ridiculous. Below are my list of teams that would take Derek Lowe if we didn’t request anything back:
Yankees
Red Sox
Dodgers
Angels
Mets
Rangers
Philly
Cubs
There’s also a decent chance any other team outside of the Padres or Marlins would take him.
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
3:57 pm
Thanks for lineup, Ms. Rogers.
PopeVanIII
September 16th, 2009
3:57 pm
Seriously, why does Anderson keep batting so high in the order with LaRoche so low? There’s absolutely no good reason for it.
Get 10.5 Million from Malik Zongo's Secret Account
September 16th, 2009
3:58 pm
new blog
acasualfan.com
check it out
SPAM!
RHR
September 16th, 2009
3:58 pm
Don’t worry about the Marlins with their lead in the win column…beating Cards again today. Still tied with the Braves in the loss column. Yea. We need to watch them…along with the Giants, Rockies and Cubs. Fun stuff.
Still have 6 games with the Phillies and 3 with the Braves…among others. Good team…especially with that payroll…less than $36million!
Maybe Fredi will come to our rescue…
BELIEVE
Oh hey pee guy, I gotta tell ya…I’m not feelin’ the new name.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
3:58 pm
What’s FJM?
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
3:59 pm
Biff,
I’m with you Dude.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
3:59 pm
Female Journal of Medicine?
Bobby(HOF)Cox
September 16th, 2009
4:00 pm
ARGGGGGGGGG….. I bat Garret 3rd because he’s a professional hitter! ARGGGGGGGGG….. Roachy is a great number 6 or 7 hitter….. ARGGGGGGGG!
Daslied
September 16th, 2009
4:00 pm
RHR – the Michael Jackson article was HILARIOUS. Off to read the other one…Thanks.
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
4:01 pm
Oh yeah, it kinda irritates me when GA bats third…he’s deprived BMac of some RBI this year.
Bobby(HOF)Cox
September 16th, 2009
4:03 pm
PopeVanIII,
Shutup! I’m the manager and know Garret is better suited for the 3rd spot than Roachy. ARGGGGGGGGG….. I’m campaigning for a Garret resigning because I like the way he goes about his business…. all professional-like. ARGGGGGGGGGGGG!!
Soph
September 16th, 2009
4:04 pm
Funny stuff –
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/ModernTube-Young-Phillies-fan-rejects-dad-s-fou?urn=mlb,189941
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
4:05 pm
Awesome, Kelly’s not playing again. We’re even facing a righty today. *sigh…*
Ed-Covington
September 16th, 2009
4:06 pm
RHR:
Thanks for the DEADSPIN link; funniest thing I have ever read, especially the comments! Great stuff!
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
4:06 pm
Bobby’s Cox,
You are one cynical Pr!ck
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
4:07 pm
Yeah I saw that little Phillie’s girl. That was pretty funny, as was the reactions of everyone around them
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
4:08 pm
Sorry I misplaced my exclaimation point!
Soph
September 16th, 2009
4:08 pm
Yeah, it was sweet of the dad to not get mad. Great reaction by him.
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
4:09 pm
Tommy Hanson is going to make this NL rookie of the year thing interesting. For most of the season, I figured J.A. Happ would have a great shot at it.
The following is in no way directed at Carroll Rogers: F J.A. Happ.
Hey, at least I’m not cursing Bobby Cox.
Tommy might be the best pitcher in this rotation. That may not be saying a lot as opposed to saying the best in baseball but I think he is.
Javy I think is the best all around athlete on the team but Tommy is the one true talent on the Braves next to Brian McCann.
And F Joe Mauer by the way. Don’t tell me he’s the best cather in the game. That’s a bunch of bulls***.
I’m feeling good today.
RHR
September 16th, 2009
4:10 pm
Daslied – I can’t pick which one I like more, The Jeter one or the mlb reacts to MJ’s death one. And they just put up some new ones..
RHR
September 16th, 2009
4:12 pm
I LOVE Jair’s quote in the MJ one lol. baseball players….its a good thing they can play baseball.
P. W. Hjort
September 16th, 2009
4:12 pm
Questionable line-up.
sri
September 16th, 2009
4:16 pm
RHR, the 3:32pm link is hilarious..
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
4:17 pm
Well that’s pretty much assumed P.W. Hjort
Ed-Covington
September 16th, 2009
4:17 pm
Especially the comment about the Yanks-Jays “Roadhouse” reenactment as a tribute to Patrick Swayze!
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
4:17 pm
Soph – you missed another shot-down singalong attempt last night. Thanks.
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
4:20 pm
P.W. Hjort,
I guess Kelly should be in the lineup. I think he deserves more like 5 million next year.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
4:21 pm
I saw that jeffrey. You started 10 minutes too late. I gave up and went to bed when I saw I had two posts in a row. That’s usually a sign that everyone’s gone. Maybe, tonight?
dcp
September 16th, 2009
4:22 pm
Mitchell
A little harsh. Happ kept the Phillies alive while their original starters collapsed – Park, Myers, Moyer. In fact, if you throw in Hamels and his subpar year, Happ really was their only good starter for a few months. You can’t discount that. Hanson deserves the Award – he is finishing strong – no one is going to hold his first start against him – let’s see what happens – both of them are solid starters and will be pitching for years to come.
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
4:22 pm
Cant we do something like what colorado did 2 years ago………21 out of 22 to sneak into the playoffs?
P. W. Hjort
September 16th, 2009
4:23 pm
I guess Kelly should be in the lineup. I think he deserves more like 5 million next year.
Troll harder, sh!thead.
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
4:25 pm
Keep KJ on the bench even if Francouer is pitching.
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
4:31 pm
P.W. Hjort,
I’m sorry, but I thought you had him @ 3.75 million in 2010. Were you serious?, and don’t give me the corporate matrix argument.
richbrave
September 16th, 2009
4:34 pm
Hey, if the BRAVOS keep this up, they might exceed my 86 win prognostication. If they don’t, well….lets dream a little longer shall we? And on that note, here’s hoping JOHN MALONE and LIBERTY MEDIA see the wisdom of investing another 15 mill or so in a franchise to get the key players necessary to make them bona-fide WORLD SERIES contenders. After all, if they want to bail on their professional flyer into MLB, they need some reason to raise the price in the event they want to sell in two years or so. Besides, a true winner might grow on them. They all like success, especially MALONE.
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
4:39 pm
richbrave,
they are Ws contenders right now. theseason is 162 games long.
Escobar for Supreme Court
September 16th, 2009
4:42 pm
P.W. Hjort-
Do you enjoy watching the braves lose? Do you enjoying b*tching about the braves more on blogs then seeing them win? KJ at under 4 million would get you fired as a GM in any club and you would not recover…Look at Steve Phillips. This is one of the strongest line ups we have fielded all year and if it was from the start like this we would be in first. The only way it gets stronger is Heyward in RF and the Diaz/Church combo moving to LF. With what we have its as good as its getting and we should be able to beat Muts.
abwright
September 16th, 2009
4:42 pm
If the Braves pull off a September miracle (neeeeigh), I would expect BC to pitch either Lowe or Vazquez in the first game. The third pitcher would probably Hudson (unless he flops or reinjures), due to freshness. Then JJ. Then KK.
If Hanson pitches the innings to get the Braves to the playoffs, it would be a very bad decision to extend him to the many extra innings necessary to get through the playoffs (see Cole Hamels this year after pitching waaaay too many innings last year).
richbrave
September 16th, 2009
4:46 pm
WBC:
Wha-a-a? And on the subject of LIBERTY, surely MALONE owns a bank in that conglomerate of his. What’s he doing with that TARP money anyway? Everyone else can cook their books. Why can’t he lend some to a worthy franchise.
Daslied
September 16th, 2009
4:46 pm
RHR – Agree that both articles are fantastic. The JJ line and Uggla thing in the first one – the whole setup was great. And the Figgins part of the other one was awesome.
Escobar for Supreme Court
September 16th, 2009
4:46 pm
abwright-
I think it will be Lowe Javy JJ Hanson Hudson. I agree with you that we cant over use Hanson cause it did tear up Hamels
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
4:50 pm
abwright,
Disagree, Nobody in the league throws 4 major league pitches with the ease Hansen does right now. Ask any scout, the kid has the confidence. If you watched last nights game, he threw maybe 3 pitches @ 94. His curve and slider were soooooo good, he didn’t need a fastball. And by the way, he is starting the Sweep game Sunday.
Braves Fan since 2006
September 16th, 2009
4:51 pm
abwright,
Playoffs? What exactly is that?
Bobby(HOF)Cox
September 16th, 2009
4:53 pm
Nobody is excited that I’m blogging here?
RC
September 16th, 2009
4:54 pm
abwright,
My guess at playoff rotation would be this:
1. Vazquez
2. JJ
3. Hudson
4. Hanson
ncscoots
September 16th, 2009
4:55 pm
Pete, re your 3:00, roger that. I’d give you props, if I had any left. But I don’t, because…
I’m giving every last mother-loving one I got to the guy who wrote the article referenced in RHR’s 3:18, LOL. End of story. I’m prop-less the rest of the day. RHR, thanks, that sucker made my day.
RC
September 16th, 2009
4:58 pm
Btw, my guess on the offseason is that we keep all 6 pitchers, trade KJ for a relief pitcher with a similar salary, and resign LaRoche. Assuming Hudson signs a new deal and defers some money so that he only makes $10 mil next year, and LaRoache signs for around $10 mil annually, that would put the Braves payroll at $95 million, with essentially the same team that has been one of the top 3 in the NL in the 2nd half of 2009. The one MAJOR assumption I’m making here is that Heyward is starting in RF to begin the year.
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
4:58 pm
Bobby’s Cox,
You are correct sir.
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
4:59 pm
RC,
Still talking payroll for 2010?
Chipper the coach
September 16th, 2009
5:00 pm
Bobby is going to retire and the end of the year, so will I was a player. I will however be coaching with the braves MLB club.
Rob from SC
September 16th, 2009
5:09 pm
DOB
I meant we need luck winning at the TED
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
5:14 pm
forecast is bad for start, so i hear. could be in for a long one.
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
5:18 pm
Get into the Mutts pen early, Staet Kawakami.
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
5:19 pm
Get into the Mutts pen early, Start Kawakami.
Daslied
September 16th, 2009
5:20 pm
The FJM Adrian Peterson and Jeter (the steroids one) articles were great as well. Not enough time in the day…
From out of Left Field
September 16th, 2009
5:25 pm
With the Braves pitching being so good..do you credit Roger McDowell..If so then what does that say of the transition of Mazzone to McDowell. If that is doing well..if McDowell can come from out AAA Las Vegas and replace a great pitching coach then why do some think that any manager taking over after Bobby leaves will cause the team to implode? They lost a great pitching coach and look at the staff today. Who’s to say that a new manager wouldnt make just as smooth a transition? Frank Wren still has a job to do and he isnt going to let this team fall apart just because its gotten a new manager should Bobby leave.
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
5:29 pm
This is what this Blog has become after that reds series:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFvHEXMxrrA&feature=related
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
5:33 pm
“You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows”
ozzie
September 16th, 2009
5:33 pm
McCann should not be battling clean up over LaRoche but that is Bobby in a nutshell. Mac struggles all summer and then has a few good games so you can bet Mac will bat 4th from now until Sept 30 even if he hits .140.
LaRoche is hotter still and his is MIA from the middle of the line up.
Bobby has got to go. I like the guy and what he has meant to the franchise is beyond measure (consider the Braves circa 1989) but he is Mr. Groundhog day if there ever was one.
He will ride his fixed style of mgt right into the ground rather than change.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried
September 16th, 2009
5:40 pm
That was pretty funny Doc…
I knew it was something along those lines or a dust ball rolling down an empty street.
prattvillenolzfan
September 16th, 2009
5:40 pm
ozzie……
which is, unfortunately, why we’ll NEVER make the playoffs as long as he is allowed to be manager.
fastasballs
September 16th, 2009
5:43 pm
I hope this isn’t one of those nights where they play two innings & then sit through a 2 hour rain delay.
JD
September 16th, 2009
5:47 pm
Bet your bottom dollar that Cox would start Derek Lowe in the first playoff game.
Shamus Thacker
September 16th, 2009
5:53 pm
Y’all moved me so much on the day of my friend’s accident that I couldn’t respond. The niceness of most of you folks is beyond words. I grasped for things to say, but nothing was worthy of what I’d received. I decided to respond on my return from the hospital. Well, I just returned.
Your prayers for Mike got the job done! The respirator was removed yesterday. He’s talking and joking, though still in lots of pain.
He’s quite a guy, and y’all are quite a bunch. Thank you all, SO much…
Vinings Jim
September 16th, 2009
5:58 pm
It has been pouring here in lovely almost-Vinings for an hour and a half – thunder, lightning, floods, famines, locusts… well, some of those, at least
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
5:59 pm
Bobby(HOF)Cox
September 16th, 2009
4:53 pm
Nobody is excited that I’m blogging here?
I’m on fire….Skip. Please don’t start Lowe in our first playoff tilt.
CB
September 16th, 2009
6:01 pm
Shamus, you made us happy today.
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
6:02 pm
JD – he would start Javy game 1 and Lowe game 2 and based on Lowe’s playoff experience I would do the same with JJ ready to takeover if Lowe sputters…
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
6:03 pm
jeffrey d., FJM (RIP) was (and still is) one of the best sports sites ever created. I encourage you to go to it and read every single article they’ve ever written. Linkage!: http://www.firejoemorgan.com
Random FJM article o’ the day!: http://www.firejoemorgan.com/2008/08/bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuce.html
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
6:04 pm
Shamus – that is truly wonderful “real” news… we sometimes forget the real world as ee hash over baseball themes
P. W. Hjort
September 16th, 2009
6:07 pm
This was my favorite FJM Deadspin quote of the day, from their relatively short goodbye (#2):
And as Steve Phillips might say: [Incomprehensible nonsense.]
http://deadspin.com/5360516/
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
6:09 pm
FJM fans may also enjoy FSP. Here’s a taste.
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
6:10 pm
Pwhjort – a mate sent me this today (apologies if everyone has seen it)… it carcked me up
http://www.break.com/index/tom-cruise-is-a-cock-block-part-2.html
Shamus Thacker
September 16th, 2009
6:10 pm
Thanks, CB
Thanks, dogsbrekky
bruce
September 16th, 2009
6:13 pm
Check this out… a nice story about a nice Philly fan… (not kidding!!)
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,550802,00.html?test=latestnews
wow… you know it is special/unusual if it makes news headlines like this.
Shamus Thacker
September 16th, 2009
6:14 pm
Is Tommy Hanson awesome or what?
If we could somehow get into the playoffs, with the three-man staff we could roll out there, we could bat .230 and go all the way…
nolie
September 16th, 2009
6:14 pm
I see that the Tigers are honoring Ernie Harwehh tonight. He was an awful good announcer forever and a great guy too. in person. I got to talk to him many times when I was with Detroit early on. He will be missed no doubt. You know he was a Georgia boy who graduated from Emory, and don’t forget he was the only announcer ever to be traded for a player. Branch Rickey traded a player to the Atlanta Crackers to have them break his contract, he filled in for Red Barber who was sick.. Vaya con Dios Ernie!
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
6:15 pm
Another random FJM article for yer viewing pleasure.
nolie
September 16th, 2009
6:17 pm
Harwehh =Harwell
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
6:20 pm
I love these little quotes from scouts over at BP:
“Braves left fielder Garret Anderson: “He’s had a solid career, but I can’t imagine anyone is going to give him a chance to be a regular next season. He’s reached that stage of his career where he gets exposed when he plays too much.”
•Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson: “Everyone knows this kid has great stuff but I don’t think people give him enough credit for knowing how to use it. He’s a really smart pitcher and he makes adjustments very quickly.”
Phillies reliever Brad Lidge: “If the Phillies are serious about trying to repeat as World Series champs, there is no way they can use him as the closer in the postseason. It’s too late in the season to think you’re going to straighten him out now.”
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
6:20 pm
Shamus Thacker,
We are 4th in batting and are not going anywhere………..you think .230 would get us anywhere? I doubt it.
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
6:23 pm
That was a really nice thing to say, Mike McDonald. Are you sure you’re not my dad writing with an alias? I appreciate it.
RHR, that’s a good point about how little time and effort it can take to be nice and how far it can go. I could stand to learn a lot from Ernie.
And speaking of special days, I also heard today is the day they’ll honor my esteemed colleague Hal McCoy in Cincinnati. I’ll have a toast to him before the week is out (or this night, depending on how bad the rain is!!!)
Not sure which way the braves are thinking as far as Javy is concerned, but I know he really likes it here and would prefer to stay. I think his value on the trade market will be sky high though.
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
6:25 pm
We are 4th in batting and are not going anywhere
That’s disingenuous. Batting average doesn’t tell us much about anything so trying to correlate it with run scoring isn’t smart (and has been proven, btw). What would be better would be to say that we’re 8th in OPS, which is probably a better reason why we’re 7th in runs. Or that we have a slightly below-average .255(ish) team EqA, which explains our average-ish run scoring.
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
6:27 pm
Steve from OH,
Im not saying BA tells you how good an offense is……….I was making a comment regarding Shamus tracker comment before. Nothing else.
bruce
September 16th, 2009
6:31 pm
What about Diaz why is he not in lineup?
Diaz BA: 10days: 313, 30days: 387, season: 320
Garrett BA: 10days: 200, 30days: 253, season: 275
Church BA: 10days: 200, 30days: 277, season: 274
must be really need left handers for this pitcher and flip flop them at lower end of lineup to deal with early relief pitcher.
bwash21
September 16th, 2009
6:31 pm
Let’s see.
1. Our starting pitching is 2nd in the NL in ERA.
2. Our team pitching is 3rd in the NL in ERA.
3. We now have one 9 inning complete game.
4. Our bullpen has 3 of the top 7 leaders in appearances.
5. Our batting average is better than all playoff contenders except Florida if you consider them a contender still.
How does that not translate to wins? BOBBY COX
I along with alot of other people checked out when Hanson was taken out of the game with 98 pitches, leading 1-0.
IF we got into the playoffs with a rotation of Vasquez, JJ, and Hanson, Bobby would screw it up anyway and find a way to make it a 5 man rotation still and get Kawakami in there.
He’d also start KJ for at least a game and can you imagine a World Series game when Greg Norton is our DH. You know that would happen.
I can’t take anymore of it.
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
6:37 pm
No braves fans around anymore……….theyll get here before sunday, once we get back to 2.5 games by then.
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
6:37 pm
I hope Bobby manages 10 more years and causes 50 loses each year. This board is so much fun when that happens.
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
6:39 pm
Shamus–that’s awesome news! Glad to hear it!
Doc–my bad. Wasn’t really directing it at you, anyway. Just gave me a good prompt to start pontificating, LOL!
bravesgrl4life
September 16th, 2009
6:45 pm
Well, bloggers, I have an HOA Board meeting tonight that promises to be a lively one. May not get to watch or blog tonight. GO BRAVES!
tybee island bob
September 16th, 2009
6:46 pm
what can you tell us carroll about the start time? I’m 15 mins. away, don’t want to head over unless or until a likley start time….thanks
61 year Braves Fan
September 16th, 2009
6:46 pm
Ernie Harwell, Bob Prince, Mel Allen, Red Barber, Russ Hodges, Ken Coleman, Byrum Saam (not sure of the spelling) . The great voices of baseball on radio. I will never forget them.
Keith
September 16th, 2009
6:47 pm
Over/Under on fans in the seats tonight, if they play, is 5,000. Go!
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
6:50 pm
Just saw a huge bolt of lightning flash, just as the guys were getting ready to pull off the tarp. ….There seems to be a break in the rain, plenty of gray clouds behind left field. But they are taking the tarp off. At first I thought it was to dump the water off, but they haven’t stopped there.
cabravesfan
September 16th, 2009
6:52 pm
Shamus-
Really glad to hear your friend is doing better
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
6:52 pm
tybee island, haven’t heard a time announced. that’s a lot of pressure to put on a beat gal….ok just heard a crack of thunder. and they haven’t rolled the tarp up yet, it’s laying there in right field as they work on the infield dirt.
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
6:55 pm
SNY here are interviewing JJ, great to see some attention for our Bravos in the big apple…
Tell It Like It Is
September 16th, 2009
6:58 pm
The 1998 Braves won the world series with a total annual salary of $45.2 million. They had such great players as Gant,Grissom and Justice in the outfield along with Maddux,Smoltz and Glavine on the mound. The 2008 Braves have a total annual salary of $96,7 million. They have an outfield of Anderson, McLouth, Diaz/Church and a pitching staff of Jurrgens,Lowe, KK and Hanson. They also have seven players who collectively earn $69 million. The salaries do not match performance. Time for a change. Let all the long time players with inflated salaries go and bring up and pay the young talent like the Marlins do. It IS What It IS.
jtb
September 16th, 2009
7:02 pm
Tell It Like It Is
The Braves didn’t win the World Series in 1998. They won in 1995. In 1998, the Yankees swept the Padres in the World Series.
Pepe (1 HR in 9 seasons) Frias...
September 16th, 2009
7:02 pm
I’m hooked on a feeling, I’m high on believing…(Blue Swede best version)
Get ready, cause here I come…(like the Rare Earth version better)
Hey now, if I can only hit 1 HR in 9 seasons (to be fair…only 1,346 AB’s though…) then the Braves can finish like the Rockies did a couple years ago…
BELIEVE…and dreams can come true.
(OK…sweep doubleheader tomorrow…do not think we can get it in tonight…Rockies lose tonight…we are still alive people!)
Trapper
September 16th, 2009
7:05 pm
I remember that 1998 world series. That was awesome, almost as cool as the 95 series.
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
7:06 pm
Tell It Like It Is – about the only thing on the Braves that was as low as $45M in 1998 were the jewels Ted Turner gave to “Hanoi Jane”
Tell It Like It Is
September 16th, 2009
7:13 pm
JTB,
You are correct. That was a typo. I was there the night when Justice hit one out to beat the Indians and fulfill a promise. The 1998 Braves had a total annual salary of $59.5 million. My point remains the same.
Tiger Woods
September 16th, 2009
7:14 pm
Damn Rain!!! Just think if we would have swept the Reds instead of them sweeping us……..
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
7:15 pm
ozzie McCann should not be battling clean up over LaRoche but that is Bobby in a nutshell. Mac struggles all summer and then has a few good games so you can bet Mac will bat 4th from now until Sept 30 even if he hits .140.
I wouldn’t say he’s struggled all Summer…he had a fairly rotten August–batted .228 with 5 homers, 3 doubles, 18 strikeouts, and 6 walks, though he did have 20 RBI–and started September lousy…
But he had a close-to-great May–hit .394…only had 3 homers, 3 doubles, and 11 RBI, though. He walked (11) more times than he K’d (7), the only month he’s done so besides April (7 walks, 5 K’s).
His June was pretty good–.295 with 3 homers, 8 doubles, a triple, and 13 RBI–but that’s when the K’s started to be a problem–he K’d 15 times and walked 8 times.
In July, he hit .287 with 4 homers, a season-high 13 doubles, a season-high 21 RBI, 18 K’s, and 7 walks.
But still, I do not think he should be batting cleanup…ESPECIALLY against lefties (tonight’s starter is a righty, though).
OK, cann we start this game already?
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
7:23 pm
I mean, this is ridiculous…a rain delay while they’re on PTV? Now they won’t be showing Spotlight!
The Dingo
September 16th, 2009
7:24 pm
I was feeling kinda HUNGRY
I had a real cravin’
I went to Ayers Rock
and ate Azaria Chamberlin
signed the Dingo
Carl (1970 ROY) Morton...
September 16th, 2009
7:26 pm
Really enjoyed Atlanta between 1973 – 1976…4 seasons with the Braves. Once pitched a 10 hit shutout at old Atlanta Stadium on 9/17/73…(yes that was the name back then…none of this BS Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium crap anymore)…
Are the Braves going to ever pitch a complete game – shutout…with Bobby Cox calling the shots?
Bobby, ever heard “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers? Take a clue from the best part of the song…
“You got to know when to hold em, know when to fold em,
Know when to walk away and know when to run.
You never count your money when youre sittin at the table.
Therell be time enough for countin when the dealins done.”
Work the starters smarter Bobby…do not always go by that damn pitch count…have a gut feeling every once in a while…(and no…not when to play Kelly Johnson or to use that PH specialist…Greg Norton…)
Remember this…
“Said, if youre gonna play the game, boy, ya gotta learn to play it right.”
These Braves are not done Bobby…let em’ play…and you too…can get back to the post season?
Lew
September 16th, 2009
7:26 pm
Tell It Like It Is-Are you still ranting about the salary structure? Gas used to be .25 a gallon and a Snickers Bar used to be a nickel. They’re not anymore. A cup of coffee won’t be a dime again and most teams will not have $39- $59 million salaries again, either. Since you won’t get the players to agree to salary caps and as long as baseball is making $$$$ in the billions of dollars each year, I don’t see it happening. The only recourse is to quit watching baseball or become a Pirates” fan.
David O'Brien
September 16th, 2009
7:30 pm
detroitchris: That super-group of sorts sounds like it could be incredible. That’s first I’ve heard of it, that article you linked to. I’ll be interested to see first reports of what it sounds like, how good it is.
By the way, you got Nas’ untitled CD, didn’t you? The most recent one, that was going to have the controversial title before he changed it? Man, the more I play that, the more I think it’s the best album from the genre in many years. Love that CD.
On a different music bent, someone sent me the new Drivin N Cryin CD that’s coming out in a couple weeks. Just got it in mail, so haven’t played it yet. Anybody heard it yet?
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
7:35 pm
Bowman just told me he saw a tweet that Hal McCoy did threw out the first pitch tonight as part of the festivites in his honor in Cincy tonight. he bounced it, but hey, he’s legally blind, what do you expect. And apparently Aaron Boone, who was in town with the Astros, is the one who caught him. That’s so awesome. Because Boone, a former Red, is the one who sat Hal down in a chair in the clubhouse one day and talked Hal out of retiring, something Hal had considered when his eyes failed. Now it’s a shame he’s basically forced into retirement now. Oh, keep reading folks, please!
Tiger Woods
September 16th, 2009
7:35 pm
The fact of the matter is, is that the Braves will be in the playoffs next year. Our starting pitchers are only going to give up 162 earned runs, with 162 complete games. We will never have to go the bullpen so that we can make bloggers happy. It will be amazing!!!! So just throw everything out the window and lets pitch our way to the world series!!!! 2010 World Series Champs= ATLANTA BRAVES
18 Wheels of Love
September 16th, 2009
7:36 pm
Hard to beat early Drivin’ n’ Cryin. Mystery Road and Whispers Tame the Lion were part of my early foray into ‘alternative music’….and of course REM.
All I know is I am jazzed for the new Alice in Chains coming out in a few weeks. Downloaded the new single today and it sounds pretty damn good.
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
7:36 pm
tarp is back on. We’re moving in the wrong direction.
18 Wheels of Love
September 16th, 2009
7:38 pm
Put it on HBO, my favorite movie is on!
The Dingo
September 16th, 2009
7:41 pm
and that movie is 18 Wheels ??
CameronC
September 16th, 2009
7:42 pm
looks like a big opening behind the weather in atlanta right now, maybe this weather wll be out soon and we can get this game in.
http://www.weather.com/outlook/events/sports/map/interactive/USGA0028?from=36hr_maps&zoom=8&interactiveMapLayer=radar
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
7:42 pm
Can we start the game… otherwise I have to watch this sad ass sheet on SNY
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
7:43 pm
My favorite movie is “The Great Escape”,
almost “Fight Club”
18 Wheels of Love
September 16th, 2009
7:43 pm
The Secret Life of Bees
K Johnson
September 16th, 2009
7:45 pm
It’s cool to have directv and watch the game uninterrupted. I can see them roll the tarp on and off the field and I don’t have to watch commercials. If only they would do a scan of the crowd during normal commercials.
Tiger Woods
September 16th, 2009
7:47 pm
I can’t believe it the Red Sox are on ESPN tonight. No one likes them it makes no sense!?!?!?!?!
unbelievable
September 16th, 2009
7:48 pm
still watching a tarp here on Peachtree, looks like a ghost town. Is this a Marlins game?
THE BEAR
September 16th, 2009
7:48 pm
I don’t see what’s the big deal about these FJM fellows — they’re just a rip-off of Random’s style, with some swear words tossed in.
I get enough of Random here. Too much.
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
7:50 pm
Yeah, I mean, start the game! Sheesh…they’re on PTV, for cryin’ out loud! It’s not like they cann show Spotlight…
Tiger Woods
September 16th, 2009
7:53 pm
LaRoche would have made the play that Kotchman just had and didn’t make. Frank Wren = Genius.
The Fan
September 16th, 2009
7:53 pm
I’m watching the Harwell tribute now. I have the Royals feed on Extra Innings but they stayed with the game to show it.
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
7:54 pm
dcp
September 16th, 2009
4:22 pm
Mitchell
A little harsh. Happ kept the Phillies alive while their original starters collapsed – Park, Myers, Moyer. In fact, if you throw in Hamels and his subpar year, Happ really was their only good starter for a few months. You can’t discount that. Hanson deserves the Award – he is finishing strong – no one is going to hold his first start against him – let’s see what happens – both of them are solid starters and will be pitching for years to come.
Somebody named dcp was expecting me to be impartial and fair minded in my view of who should win the Rookie of the Year award.
Not gonna happen.
K Johnson
September 16th, 2009
7:55 pm
Carroll,
Do I have time to drive from Brunswick to make the game? I believe I could call balls and strikes right behind the plate and everyone could hear my calls.
Tiger Woods
September 16th, 2009
7:59 pm
http://www.sporcle.com/games/
Something to pass the time if you need it. Kind of fun to do really. Test your knowledge. Carroll, I’m sure you don’t have much to do you can play some games!!! lol just kidding.
Tiger Woods
September 16th, 2009
8:03 pm
Kotchman base hit!!! Steve Phillips “It’s been a tough run for Kotchman since coming over from the Braves.” He has a .196 average since going to the Red Sox that’s not too bad…….
Rodney Derrick
September 16th, 2009
8:03 pm
Almost 92, in the third inning, Ernie Harwell strode briskly to the pitcher’s mound and looked and sounded incredible. He spoke strongly and without a script, beginning with the thought that he did not want to delay the game. Ernie has clearly taken good care of his physical fitness to look so good at his age and with incurable cancer. He told Tiger fans and citizens of Michigan that they were the greatest. Where are you, Tom Selleck and John Smoltz, two of the biggest Tiger fans?
HoCo Loco
September 16th, 2009
8:11 pm
Asked thoughts about Tommy Hanson, Jeff Francoeur said, “He’ll look good in (Yankee) pinstripes in six years.”
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
8:12 pm
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
6:55 pm
SNY here are interviewing JJ, great to see some attention for our Bravos in the big apple…
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thats because there are no muts fans healthy enough to answer questions on an interview.
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
8:14 pm
HoCo Loco –
Ya know what?
He’s right too.
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
8:14 pm
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
6:55 pm
SNY here are interviewing JJ, great to see some attention for our Bravos in the big apple…
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thats because there are no muts players healthy enough to answer questions on an interview.
The Envoy
September 16th, 2009
8:20 pm
Caroll,
Are they goning to play? If so, I’m headed down to the Ted.
eyeball kid
September 16th, 2009
8:22 pm
Caroll,
Are they goning to play?
Soph
September 16th, 2009
8:23 pm
No, he would look ugly in pinstripes. Really ugly.
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
8:23 pm
HoCo, did Francoeur really say that?
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
8:29 pm
Doc – is there an echo in here
echooooooooooooooooo
god now I am watching re-runs of Top Chef but with Padma rather than that hot lil Katie-Lee
RHR
September 16th, 2009
8:32 pm
Hey Shamus, that is great news! I’ve been wondering how it was going for you. Glad you’re both back.
fastasballs
September 16th, 2009
8:32 pm
Jeff Francoeur said, “He’ll look good in (Yankee) pinstripes in six years.”
God I can’t wait until Francoeur gets to feel the wrath of the NY media next season when he flops on his face. He thinks it’s so great up there because the Mets sucked when he arrived & their season was long over so there was zero pressure on him to perform. There were no expectations of him then, but next season when he’s hauling in 4-5 million after arbitration the media & fans won’t be forgiving. It will be even worse if the Mets are dumb enough to give him an extended contract this offseason.
In six years he could be celebrating his 3rd or 4th year out of baseball.
HoCo Loco
September 16th, 2009
8:33 pm
TnBrian got the quote from Bowman on twitter. So, I guess so.
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
8:35 pm
TnBrian did Francoeur really say that?
According to Bowmen.
I know I was kind of disgusted…
RHR–
What’s the news from Shamus?
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
8:36 pm
Fo the record, I didn’t see the quote on Twitter…it’s also in the comments in his latest blog.
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
8:37 pm
dogsbrekky,
The 1st message was mistyped, in case you didnt notice.
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
8:38 pm
Frenchie’s hitting .308 as a Mutt.
Jus’ sayin’
Shane
September 16th, 2009
8:39 pm
we gonna play tonight?
RHR
September 16th, 2009
8:40 pm
McFann – he commented on the last page about his friend.
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
8:40 pm
Caroll,
Should I go to the Ted or simply head straight for the Cleremont Lounge?
unbelievable
September 16th, 2009
8:40 pm
Jeff Francouer is not a good baseball player
Soph
September 16th, 2009
8:41 pm
Glad he’s doing better, Shamus!
Paul Lentz
September 16th, 2009
8:41 pm
Why cant the FoxSportsSouth or PeachtreeTV have rain delay programming like the Mets? The Mets tv people are televising their broadcasters going out to NY bars and asking drunk patron sports related trivia for cash. I’d rather see bar patrons trying to win money………..than seeing “Spotlight: Brian McCann, Bobby Cox, Bobby Dews, or John Schuerholtz” for the 1000th time.
Maybe times are tough at the Atlanta tv stations.
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
8:42 pm
tarp is coming off, scheduled first pitch is 9:05 p.m.
Dunwoodybrave
September 16th, 2009
8:44 pm
Does Francoeur understand the degree to which he’s building enmity among the Braves fans? I just want to punch the guy. Braves patiently waited two years for him to hit, let him get away with a two-game stint in the minors and…for this.
Gov Clinton Tyree
September 16th, 2009
8:45 pm
Frenchie can suck my left testicle.
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
8:45 pm
What the…..????
My Peachtree TV channel is now Coxmedia, showing some shopping crap. Hope this changes at 9:05.
Paul Lentz
September 16th, 2009
8:46 pm
fastasballs…..you are underestimating what Francoeur is going to get awarded in salary arbitration with the Mets. He will easily get $7-8 mil. You have to remember that Francoeur got a raise of 4 times his 2008 salary during his first year of arbitration (even though he SUCKED A$$ in 2008).
Because Francoeur “rebounded” during his time with the Mets, how hard is it to imagine that he wont at least double his 2009 salary? Arbitrators factor in a players pre-arbitration years. Plus Francoeur’s agents will point out his 2007 Gold Glove and the assists he gets in right field.
When he gets off to a slow starting while pulling down $8 mil next year…..he’ll get a taste of the NY media.
GregNorton
September 16th, 2009
8:48 pm
My cup. Where’s my cup? O’brien, are you wearing my cup again?
Keith
September 16th, 2009
8:49 pm
Can’t wait to see how many fans are in the stands.
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
8:50 pm
GregNorton –
DOH!
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
8:50 pm
RHR–
OK, thanks! I’ll go back and look for it…
Random
September 16th, 2009
8:50 pm
COMING SOON!!!
One amazingly effortless, low-cost comment.
18 Wheels of Love
September 16th, 2009
8:51 pm
It’s funny Frenchy thinks Hanson will bolt for the big dollars of the NE…..he obviously has a short memory about himself turning down 2 multi-year contract offers from the Braves. We pay to keep our talent around. Notice I said talent.
HoCo Loco
September 16th, 2009
8:51 pm
Mixxo it’ll come back on.
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
8:51 pm
Doc – bugger, I have run out of red wine and it is 1st pitch in 15 minutes, but I am 10 minutes from the nearest pub/liquor store
oh the pain of what to do, plus I have no food and that store is 5 minutes the other way
God, why do I chose to live at the end of the earth….
Solution….. pizza delivery and Sam Adams………… woo hoooooooooo
White Blood Cells
September 16th, 2009
8:52 pm
Paul Lentz,
The Mets will offer the arbitration rule of 10% below present salary (the maximum reduction in arb rulings). If he doesn’t take that before the hearing, he will be non-tendered.
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
8:52 pm
Shamus–
That’s GREAT news! I’m so happy to hear he’s doing better!
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
8:52 pm
fielder is 0-1 so far……….I’m good!
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
8:53 pm
HoCo Loco —
RHR
September 16th, 2009
8:53 pm
lol Mcfann, sorry, I’m doing about 6 things right here or I would go back and get the link for you
Random
September 16th, 2009
8:54 pm
RHR (September 16th, 2009 2:49 pm): “It is amazing how a friendly word or a kind gesture can leave a lasting impression of a person. Requires very little effort and costs nothing…”
I’m guessing you read that in a book or something.
GregNorton
September 16th, 2009
8:54 pm
OK guys. Who stole all my uniforms?
A-ville Ranger
September 16th, 2009
8:55 pm
Laroche’s comment about playing with nothing to lose was a tell he didn’t intend to tell…in my opinion.In the day The Braves thrived on pressure.They.played best when the chips were on the table.This team and those of resent years are/were just the opposite.Take meaning out of the equation and they’re heros.
Francoeur is an idiot
September 16th, 2009
8:55 pm
What a fool. It’ll be fun to crush him through the next few years.
A-ville Ranger
September 16th, 2009
8:58 pm
Hey RHR here’s a quote for you.
”You can get more with a kind word and a gun, than with a kind word alone”
Jack Handy.
Calvin
September 16th, 2009
8:58 pm
What did Frenchy say?
JEB
September 16th, 2009
9:00 pm
Carroll,
Thanks for the update on Ernie Harwell!
I grew up in Detroit listening to Tiger Baseball with Ernie in the evening. The days before air conditioning was a norm in the home, sat out on the porch swing (trying to stay cool) listening on a transistor radio. I celebrated in the streets when the 68′ Tigers beat St. Louis (one of the most memorable series ever!).
Ernie was one of the best ever! Ernie, Skip & Pete are my all time favorites. Each provided great memories!
Thanks for the update – and for stirring up the memories! Good Times!
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
9:00 pm
Francoeur is irrelevant.
By the way, he is complimenting Hanson with that statement.
David O'Brien
September 16th, 2009
9:00 pm
Lew, good points at 7:26 p.m.
18 Wheels, I didn’t know about Alice In Chains coming out with a new one. How’d I miss that? Better question: How do you have AIC without Layne Staley? (But you said it sounds good, huh? To me, his voice was integral to the band, although having said that, Whale and Wasp was one of my favorite Alice songs, and it’s instrumental, so…. Jerry Cantrell’s still in the band, right?)
Oh, and speaking of instrumental and AIC, check out this dude. I have no idea who he is, but he’s a pretty amazing guitar player:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NveKaqI80uo
Woogidy
September 16th, 2009
9:01 pm
Let’s play some dang ball. Go Giants!! 4 back hopefully at the end of the night. We can do this!
Soph
September 16th, 2009
9:03 pm
Thank youuuu. Let’s play.
brian
September 16th, 2009
9:04 pm
DOB – please let us know how the new Drivin’ n’ Cryin’ CD is. I was always partial to Honeysuckle Blue
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
9:05 pm
Well, wouldn’t you be bitter to if you know you’ll probably be playing for a crap team for years to come like Frenchy?
I was reading a magazine earlier and it had a Heyward article in it. Chipper says this kid is much better than he was at 19/20 years old and he compared him to McGriff and thinks he’ll develope Howard type power. He, unlike Frenchy, seems to have mental toughness. Talking about regrouping after his injury and how to minimize bad stretches. Already sounds like a vet.
Salamander
September 16th, 2009
9:05 pm
A-ville Ranger
I think that you’re over simplifying the situation as the Braves have played well in some clutch series this year (against tough opponents). However, in theory – you are on the money. It does seem that when the pressure was on this season (i.e. sports media types announced that a Braves hot streak was forthcoming) that the team would subsequently slide for a week. Then, when it looks like they’re dead… they at least keep the playoffs conversation alive.
Just good enough to break hearts.
Woogidy
September 16th, 2009
9:07 pm
You wanna see the best guitar player in the world? His name is Andy Wood. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEc72vmCofk
HoCo Loco
September 16th, 2009
9:08 pm
Mixxo are you still stuck with the shopping channel? i am :/
18 Wheels of Love
September 16th, 2009
9:09 pm
DOB,
Check out their Wiki page.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice_in_Chains
IMO, AIC was the band of the 90’s. I hope this next record brings them back. The new lead singer William Duvall is from Atlanta and evidently has some roots in some older punk bands. AND he sounds eerily similar to Layne Staley. The new single is tremendous and you can just feel that Cantrell influence. Jerry sand on most songs along with Layne but I imagine he carried a lot of weight and influence in the AIC sound.
Agree on Layne’s voice being integral, but Jerry did sing on a lot of tunes. Jar of Flies is up there among my best albums of all time.
http://www.aliceincains.com
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
9:09 pm
RHR–
No prob! I found it pretty quickly with the “find tool”. Very good news for sure!
Keith
September 16th, 2009
9:10 pm
The best guitar player ever would be Zac Brown when playing Devil Went Down To Georgia or Chicken Fried.
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
9:10 pm
So is this Josh Thole prepping to be another thorn in my side, eh?
18 Wheels of Love
September 16th, 2009
9:10 pm
DoggsB,
Go pick up a bottle of Goats Do Roam 2007. South African red….
ChurchMan
September 16th, 2009
9:11 pm
I hate Cox cable, if the game is in a delay to start with good luck in getting the game back on …..
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
9:12 pm
some kind of creepy, green flying insect just landed on my screen. perhaps in an attempt to blog. See how popular you guys are?
And my thanks to official scorekeeper and friend Jack Wilkinson who kindly came down to my row and waved away my new, um, friend.
Salamander
September 16th, 2009
9:13 pm
AIC was the band of the 90’s
Eep. I love Alice in Chains (at least the old band line up), but best of the 90’s? Dangerous territory.
Best guitarist? There can be such a thing (i.e. only one) given the number of talented rock musicians over the past 50 years or so?
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
9:13 pm
HoCo Loco
September 16th, 2009
9:08 pm
Mixxo are you still stuck with the shopping channel? i am :/
Yeah man. This isn’t good.
GregNorton
September 16th, 2009
9:14 pm
Come on guys, I only need 10 hits in my next 11 at bats to bring my average to .250! Besides, Bobby likes me just the way I am. Can I now get my uniforms, bats, gloves, locker and cup back now?
Preston (Braves really wasted their 1st round pick on me - 1972) Hanna...
September 16th, 2009
9:14 pm
If the Braves get this one in tonight…Lowe needs to pick himself up and burn up some innings…hopefully more effective than usual. Out of 30 starts…The $15 million dollar man has only pitched 8 innings…twice! Yikes. Lotta money for 177 innings…averaging just under 6 innings per start. Mr. Lowe…needs to step it up these last few starts. 14 wins is nice…but he gets a helluva lot more run support than J.J. and Javy ever see! Lowe gets 5.12 runs per start…and with that much run support…Lowe could be going for win number 20 tonight…instead of win number 15…
Just some thoughts…and yes I was a officially ruled a bust…yet my career ERA is about the same as Lowe’s this year…4.61 mine to 4.47 for old Derek…and I never made 1/4 the money he made this year as I did in 8 seasons…
Soph
September 16th, 2009
9:14 pm
Ugh, Lowe messing with his fingers again.
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
9:16 pm
Ms. Rogers some kind of creepy, green flying insect just landed on my screen. perhaps in an attempt to blog. See how popular you guys are?
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
9:16 pm
HoCo Loco –
I’ll give ‘em 5 more minutes to get the game on…..then I’m calling somebody!
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
9:16 pm
Ugh…does Joe hafta put such emphasis on it–”Brian McCann in the cleanup spot”…
creepy, green flying insect
September 16th, 2009
9:17 pm
BZZZZZZZZZZZZZ….. I’m heading down to chill on Bobby’s belly– bye bloggers. BZZZZZzzzzzz
A-ville Ranger
September 16th, 2009
9:18 pm
I word on that 98 WS team.I’d been farting around reviewing some of those 90s teams.Looking at season stats for starting pitching. I came to wonder if there had ever been a better group than that one.
I did some Google searching and found several experts who listed them as the #1 group in history.The same site had 3 of those 90s teams in the top 10…ALL TIME. I’m left wobdering how any team could have swept them.
Another thing,The often repeated idea that Mad Dog and Glavine under performed in post season during that period.In 98 they shared the record for most consecutive post season starts of pitching at least 7 innings, while giving up 2 or fewer…how did they not win more titles ?
HoCo Loco
September 16th, 2009
9:19 pm
Mixxo I’ve been tempted to call in and make a purchase
Claudell (still looking for that white line...found it most of the time!) Washington
September 16th, 2009
9:20 pm
I would let Matty (ice) Diaz play. Bobby your killing me…Oh, well…time to break out ‘whitey’…
creepy, green flying insect now hiding inside Norton's batting glove
September 16th, 2009
9:21 pm
They’ll never find me in here!
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
9:25 pm
Quite the “cleanup hitter”, that Mac.
McFann :Ô:
September 16th, 2009
9:25 pm
Hey! Earth to McCann! The guy throws nothing but balls! WHY ARE YOU FREAKING SWINGING AT EVERYTHING??
DANGIT!!!
A-ville Ranger
September 16th, 2009
9:26 pm
Oh, the record Mad Dog and Glavine shared was, 8 straight post season games of going at least 7 innings while giving up 2 or fewer earned runs.
McCann
September 16th, 2009
9:29 pm
Oh hey earth, just slugging it out you know. Maybe I can get Frenchy to teach me some hitting tricks in the off season. Heh. Heh. Heh.
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
9:29 pm
HoCo Loco –
Tried calling Cox, absolutely NO help whatsoever with their automated deal. Guess I have to watch the Red Sox. Can’t find a radio feed either for some reason.
Must be a sign.
Oh well, gues it’s “just a sign.
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
9:29 pm
dang computer!
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
9:30 pm
Oh brother…
HoCo Loco
September 16th, 2009
9:31 pm
you tried f.m. 1055? they should be on there Mixxo.
Jeff Francoeur on an iphone from 2B
September 16th, 2009
9:31 pm
Maybe I can give him some catching tips too!
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
9:32 pm
18 Wheels – yes I am familiar with that animal and S African wine in general as the ex missus’ family were 1/2 South African, they make some good meritage type wines… but I am stuck here cause I have been drinking…, oh well tomorrow
Jim N.
September 16th, 2009
9:32 pm
I’m frankly sick and tired of all the morans on this blog wanting to fire Bobby Cox.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
9:32 pm
“Slugging” what out? You’ve got 70 freaking K’s!
5 more and it’s a new career-high…
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
9:33 pm
nice touch on the song for Francoeur by Matthew the organist. Obladi, Oblada, life goes on….
A Cardinals fan with a mullet
September 16th, 2009
9:33 pm
Yeah…GET A BRAIN MORANS!
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
9:34 pm
Catcher’s interference? When did this happen?
Cursed Gameday…
Paul Lentz
September 16th, 2009
9:34 pm
White Blood Cells………before the trade was made, I would agree with your 8:52pm posting. However, given the fact that Francoeur has played better with the Mets, I just dont see them low-balling Francoeur. However, unless the Mets non-tender Francoeur, he will get awarded at least $7-8 mil in arbitration. Just watch.
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
9:35 pm
ELEVEN errors on McCann? But…he’s a…..catcher. HUH? I’m confused.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
9:36 pm
McFann -
It was a few batters ago. I think his glove was out too far and when the batter swung, the bat hit his glove. Blah.
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
9:37 pm
Laborin’ Lowe back at it. Surpised that name hasn’t caught on with this guy.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
9:37 pm
Dammit! WTF?
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
9:37 pm
I hate this game…
ChurchMan
September 16th, 2009
9:37 pm
Lowe is a very frustrating, expensive #1 starter
The blister that appears on Lowe's finger whenever he pitches to the Mets
September 16th, 2009
9:38 pm
Hey guys! Remember me!? I’m making an appearance early tonight in case it starts to rain again.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
9:38 pm
Soph–
Hmm. Thanks. Least it didn’t hit his finger.
A FAN
September 16th, 2009
9:38 pm
derek freakin lowe!!!!
RIP 2009 Atlanta Braves
September 16th, 2009
9:38 pm
Oh well.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
9:38 pm
What the heck is his problem??
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
9:39 pm
HoCo Loco
September 16th, 2009
9:31 pm
you tried f.m. 1055? they should be on there Mixxo.
Got it there ….thanks a lot!
Soph
September 16th, 2009
9:39 pm
This is frustrating.
McFann – yeah, the bat hit his glove knocking it off. I don’t think it caught any part of him though.
ChurchMan
September 16th, 2009
9:39 pm
.. and some people want to trade JJ and Vazquez? I say eat some money and ship em!
Paul Lentz
September 16th, 2009
9:40 pm
I just dont understand what McCann was doing on that play. He hesistated too long to throw to throw. And then he just holds the ball on the single by Wright.
One physical error (catcher’s interference)…..and 2 mental errors on 2 different throws home.
Brian McCann is not helping Derek Lowe any. Yet many of you want to see McCann remain a catcher.
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
9:40 pm
How many times in his damn career is this guy gonna get charged with catchers interference? Enough is enough, careless idiot.
The blister that appears on Lowe's finger whenever he pitches to the Mets
September 16th, 2009
9:40 pm
See ya next inning!
Rob from SC - AKA Derek Lowe Sucks
September 16th, 2009
9:40 pm
Lowe
Stop trying to blame you hands/fingers. Your giving up runs because you suck
Chris
September 16th, 2009
9:40 pm
Leave it to the ace to blow the winning streak. Who is Thole? A name to remember perhaps.
Mr. Enigma
September 16th, 2009
9:40 pm
I thought Derek Lowe was one of those guys that was supposed to be durable all year? He’s been a pile of crap since June.
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
9:41 pm
Thought this would be as good a time as any to post this article . . .
http://mvn.com/aroundthemajors/2009/08/derek-lowes-contract-is-just-fine.html
Ambrose
September 16th, 2009
9:41 pm
So ah’ wuz listenin’ t’de rain delay show on de transista’ while dey wuz takin’ calls. Dese people are some uh de dumbest fans ah’ gots’ eva’ heard; yet I’ve neva’ heard o’ met one in real life.
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
9:42 pm
Yes. So happy we have crappy, horribly overpaid, time to retire Lowe on the mound with the better pitcher Kawakami in the bullpen.
6-4-3
September 16th, 2009
9:42 pm
Lowe is pitching like a very expensive 5th starter, or middle reliever, at best.
kirkinga
September 16th, 2009
9:42 pm
I’d like to see them skip Lowe’s next start and let Kawakami pitch.
fastasballs
September 16th, 2009
9:43 pm
I’m hoping Kawakami is going to get warmed up shortly. This looks like the same game we watched a month ago.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
9:43 pm
Brian McCann is not helping Derek Lowe any. Yet many of you want to see McCann remain a catcher.
Lowe’s not helping himself any either. He got smoked that inning – and walking Castillo after he had two strikes on him? Not helping yourself.
Brian McCann's glasses
September 16th, 2009
9:43 pm
Hey “fans” lay off how about it? He’s only human. Plus, I like this gig better than being Drew Caray’s glasses. Barkers Beauties ain’t got nothing on baseball groupies.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
9:44 pm
Soph–
OK, I gotcha…thanks.
My pride hurts…
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
9:44 pm
Medlen is up in the bullpen
Ambrose
September 16th, 2009
9:44 pm
Anyone tired uh Joe Simpson’s constant barrage uh spin, apologizin’ and ’suse-makin’ fo’ Martin Prado? It’s becomin’ likes wid Francoeur all ova’ again. “Oh Prado be tired, had ‘headaches and neva’ played some full season and dat be why he be battin’ .203 dis past month”….oh boo hoo!
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
9:44 pm
Paul Lentz — ” …Yet many of you want to see McCann remain a catcher.”
I KNOW you’re not talking about me. He can go…and take Lowe with him for all I care.
He’s a nice guy.
Horrible catcher though.
Kelly's Johnson
September 16th, 2009
9:45 pm
Sorry..been away for a few days…Paul ??…Are you suggesting the Braves should play McCann somewhere other than catcher ??….Just curious….
Tommy (another 1st round bust...but blame Texas, not Atlanta) Boggs...
September 16th, 2009
9:45 pm
Think Mr. Lowe must be on something…
Looks totally lost…and it is start number 31…not start number 1…
Injury?…who cares…just win baby!
And Ryan Church…they teach hitting the cut-off man in Little League!
Soph
September 16th, 2009
9:45 pm
Churchy!
Paul Lentz
September 16th, 2009
9:45 pm
Soph……….Castillo should have never been up at the plate in the 2nd. McCann’s catcher’s interference gave the Mets an extra out. All those runs are unearned.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
9:46 pm
Paul–
Don’t Give Up On Mac
Paul Lentz
September 16th, 2009
9:46 pm
Inning over. Norton’s up.
fastasballs
September 16th, 2009
9:46 pm
There’s one run back
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
9:46 pm
McCann is making $15 million like Lowe and has carried us at parts of the season. I forgive him. Derek Lowe was a HUGE mistake
And to keep Lowe we have to get rid of a huge success story in 2010, Vazquez. So Lowe hurts us twice.
Derek Lowe
September 16th, 2009
9:46 pm
My blister is bothering me. This game is meaningless to me. I know that the Braves are going to pay me regardless. Remember I am the #1 pitcher for this team. Well, I get paid like the #1 pitcher. Oh yeah, Norton is batting for me. I am out!!!! Good luck Braves.
fastasballs
September 16th, 2009
9:46 pm
Norton is going deep
kirkinga
September 16th, 2009
9:47 pm
Never thought I’d say it, but “good to see Norton” at bat here!
Soph
September 16th, 2009
9:47 pm
Oh geez…
I have a feeling I’m gonna get to read some funny posts in a few minutes.
Paul Lentz
September 16th, 2009
9:47 pm
McFann Ô……….I’m not giving up on McCann “the hitter”. I’m giving up McCann “the catcher”.
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
9:47 pm
Anyone tired uh Joe Simpson’s constant barrage uh spin, apologizin’ and ’suse-makin’ fo’ Martin Prado? (Amb)
nope but I’m getting damn tired of your stupid posts in whatever vernacular that is supposed to be.
The blister that appears on Lowe's finger whenever he pitches to the Mets
September 16th, 2009
9:47 pm
Hey where do I sign up for direct deposit? I’m not sure I can fill in the deposit slip for my paycheck with this hand.
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
9:48 pm
Phew! At least Lowe is outta here!
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
9:48 pm
Of course I meant that McCann ISN’T making 15 million like Lowe.
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
9:48 pm
“Atlanta Braves right-hander Derek Lowe had one of the worst innings and outings of his career last night, prompting team beat reporter David O’Brien to write the following:
Get this: After Lowe gave up a career-high eight runs in the excruciating fourth inning of the Mets’ 9-4 win last night (he was finally pulled with two outs after the ninth hit of the inning), it made it the fourth time since the 2007 All-Star break that Lowe has given up at least 10 hits and eight runs while failing to make it out of the fourth inning of a starter.
O’Brien was spot-on here regarding Lowe:
Is he a bonafide ace? No. He’s a durable guy who you can count on to make every start and give you a lot of innings, and when his sinkerball is on he can shut a team down. But last night’s game served as a bit of a reminder that there’s three years and $45 mill remaining on Lowe’s contract after this season.
And a reminder that when you’re not a strikeout pitcher, it’s tough to stop the bleeding sometimes. Particularly if you’re left in to get that elusive groundball out even as things — meaning the game — are caving around you.
True, Lowe is not a great pitcher. This should come as a shock to no one–not even Atlanta general manager Frank Wren. Wren didn’t sign Lowe to a four-year, $60 million deal to be a great pitcher, though. He signed him to be a guy who would give the Braves 200-plus average-to-decent innings over four seasons.
FanGraphs provides a great resource for assessing player value, listing what a player would receive on the open market based on his performance. Lowe, it is worth pointing out, has outperformed his actual salary the last three years. This season he’s been worth $12.5 million, which is somewhat close to his current average annual salary of $15 million.
Clearly, Lowe’s value lies in the fact that he’s not likely to be below average in a season and he’s going to give the Braves 200-plus innings. That’s not as valuable to a team as what a CC Sabathia or Johan Santana will give, but a) those type of pitchers are obviously much more expensive and b) Tommy Hanson could be one of the 15 best pitchers in the National League within the next four years at millions less than the going rate for one of the 15 best.
All things considered, the Braves are in fine shape on a starting rotation front. Anyone who expected Lowe to be, or thinks he should be, a Cy Young contender simply because of his contract needs to do their research.”
http://mvn.com/aroundthemajors/2009/08/derek-lowes-contract-is-just-fine.html
Soph
September 16th, 2009
9:48 pm
At least he connected.
Paul Lentz
September 16th, 2009
9:49 pm
Glad to see the fly ball instead of double play by Norton.
Gov Clinton Tyree
September 16th, 2009
9:49 pm
Nice job Norton.
ChurchMan
September 16th, 2009
9:49 pm
well the good thing is that Norton was used early on so we dont have to see him again
fastasballs
September 16th, 2009
9:49 pm
Another 150 feet & this game would have been tied up.
Kelly's Johnson
September 16th, 2009
9:49 pm
Paul ??..So..I assume…you think McCann should be converted to 1B…for the Braves??
The Seven Words You Can Never Say On Braves Broadcast
September 16th, 2009
9:49 pm
It is time to fire Bobby Cox.
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
9:50 pm
Some photos and info about Hal McCoy night with the Reds. Pretty cool!
http://redsintern.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/09/hal_mccoy_night.html
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
9:51 pm
McFann and Carroll – if it is a GREEN BUG eat it, they are tasty… just stay away from those lil black bastards
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
9:51 pm
“well the good thing is that Norton was used early on so we dont have to see him again”
What? No double-switch?
Ambrose
September 16th, 2009
9:51 pm
Need t’get da damn jolliesoff.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
9:52 pm
Soph……….Castillo should have never been up at the plate in the 2nd.
I know and I agree but the whole inning can’t be put on that in my opinion. They hit the ball hard and like I said before, walking Castillo hurt too. Stuff happens, gotta keep your cool and work your way through it. Just my opinion though.
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
9:52 pm
Hey has anyone mentioned how bad Norton is? If not, it’s worth mentioning
Roja
September 16th, 2009
9:53 pm
How often do you see a pinch hitter hitting 43 points LOWER than the pitcher he’s hitting for (and I use the term “hitting” very loosely)??
Roja
September 16th, 2009
9:54 pm
Has anyone mentioned the pictures that Norton has of Bobby with the chickens?
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
9:54 pm
Lowe had to leave with a blister on his right ring finger
sully
September 16th, 2009
9:54 pm
Paul Lentz…
2 of the 3 runs were earned…check the box scores.
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
9:54 pm
I have been banned from eating carbs
of eff it, I am fighting back and
DRiNKING LOTS OF CARBS
fastasballs
September 16th, 2009
9:55 pm
Why not bring in Kawakami? Medlen isn’t going to go but 3 innings max.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
9:55 pm
Let’s go Med! Get back on track.
Roja
September 16th, 2009
9:55 pm
And I paid mlb.com $19.95 to see this???
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
9:55 pm
I cannot defend Lowe anymore. Blister me this, blister me that… he hasn’t been what a $15m a year pitcher should be since his first few starts way back in April.
Roja
September 16th, 2009
9:56 pm
Bet you Lowe can sac bunt better with a blister than Norton can “hit”!
JayDubu
September 16th, 2009
9:56 pm
I would love to see KK come in and pitch 6 innings of relief. Even though Cox hasn’t used Nedlen since the Florida misuse, he’s not going to pitch more than 2 innings.
Manolo
September 16th, 2009
9:56 pm
Some people say we have to trade Vazquez, or move Hudson, when they both want to stay here. If hudson and Vazquez rework their contracts to 9 million each, saving 3 millions from Hudson and 1.5 from Javy, can’t we trade Lowe with us picking up $4.5 million of his salary? Someone may like him at 10.5 million. people that think Vazquez will bring us a good deal back forget he’s a free agent after 2010, and not many teams will give you a lot for a one year rental.
brian
September 16th, 2009
9:57 pm
if someone would take Lowe’s contract the Braves would trade him for Chris Woodward
Roja
September 16th, 2009
9:57 pm
Maybe he forgot his Ritilan?
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
9:57 pm
Paul–
Whatever.
Nate from NCState
September 16th, 2009
9:57 pm
My vagina hurts, And I miss Jeff Francoeurs really tight butt cheeks and man clevage alot.
derek lowe's vagina
September 16th, 2009
9:58 pm
i am already sick of lowe. he’s gonna be our next mike hampton, only without the good pitching on occasion.
i have a blister. waaaaaaah. i need to come out. waaaaaaah.
play the game sally pink panties.
Greg Norton's Finger
September 16th, 2009
9:58 pm
I’ve had a blister on me all year long….( yeah…that’s the ticket !! )
Roja
September 16th, 2009
9:58 pm
Braves pitching even make Frenchy look great.
Jim N.
September 16th, 2009
9:59 pm
Still waiting to see the non-crap from Medlan…
Mike Hampton's Vajayjay
September 16th, 2009
10:00 pm
9:58: agreed.
Mets conspiracy
September 16th, 2009
10:01 pm
We shoulda let Muts sign Lowe. Keep KK and throw away Lowsre. Trick or treat, Boras just screwed us for years. If he keeps us from signing Hudson, I will punch someone.
richbrave
September 16th, 2009
10:01 pm
Pitchers who can’t go six minimum need to disappear.
Kenshin Kawakami
September 16th, 2009
10:01 pm
どうして誰もまめを私に日本の治療に頼まないか。
Kelly's Johnson
September 16th, 2009
10:01 pm
OK…(if you guyz are buyin’ it)…I’ve had a blister on me all year long too…
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
10:03 pm
Good play on the bunt BMac.
Jeff Francoeur
September 16th, 2009
10:03 pm
I too had a blister when I was with the Braves.
fastasballs
September 16th, 2009
10:03 pm
Good job by Medlen getting out of his own mess. Lets get some runs!
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:04 pm
Too bad we can’t pitch Hanson, Vazquez, Jurrjens, Hanson, Vazquez, Jurrjens, Hanson, Vazquez, Jurrjens……………..
Mets conspiracy
September 16th, 2009
10:04 pm
I have a blister between my butt cheeks, what’s the big deal?
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
10:04 pm
Don’t worry folks, Little Krissy is always a little nervous at first. He should settle down.
richbrave
September 16th, 2009
10:05 pm
That “sizzling” rotation has bec ome “sizzle-lean”.
Martin Prado
September 16th, 2009
10:05 pm
i’ve been sporting a blister since after the all-star break.
RHR
September 16th, 2009
10:05 pm
Guess what I’m gonna say here….
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
10:05 pm
I only have frozen snaggers left in the fridge to eat.. bugger, no food
that is worse than a Lowe blister any day
18 Wheels of Love
September 16th, 2009
10:06 pm
Maybe get a blister on your little finger
Maybe get a blister on your thumb
Nate from NCState
September 16th, 2009
10:06 pm
I have Man Cramps. and my doctor told me to use Morning Mist on those days. it has a vinegar base and is good on salads too. When my husband wants dinner during my Man PMS, i SAY…aM i Hazel
RHR
September 16th, 2009
10:06 pm
Mama, there goes that Marteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnn
Mr. Taggart
September 16th, 2009
10:06 pm
Let’s work up a Number 6 on ‘em!
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:07 pm
If Medlen can pitch a couple more scoreless innings, he’ll have a lower era than Lowe for about $10 mill less $$$
MrNeutral
September 16th, 2009
10:07 pm
Lowe has 14 wins and 180 innings, pitching #1 in the rotation. That means he faces other teams aces often. Those who are whining about him are exposing yourselves as the ones who didn’t play past little league and have sat on the sidelines criticizing everyone since – because you’re bitter you weren’t good enough to play.
And Roja, do you Really think the pictures thing is funny? I hope you aren’t that stupid.
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
10:07 pm
well so far that has been the Lowe point of my day. Hope it picks back up
Soph
September 16th, 2009
10:08 pm
Mac made Francoeur look baaaaaaaaaad.
Marteeeeeeeeeen too.
RHR
September 16th, 2009
10:08 pm
I like how a guy who looks like he was driving a bus last season and who probably makes like 40 cents a pitch outpitched Lowe who makes like 40,000 per pitch.
LOL JEFF
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
10:08 pm
I’m sorry, but I just laughed my ass off at Frenchy there.
Rufino (love my name) Linares...
September 16th, 2009
10:08 pm
OK Braves…time to pick yourself up and get the job done. Really cannot afford to lose to these guys. And Chip Caray wears me out listening to his drivel…God save us from this wanker! Turning TV sound off and listening to Radio…
McFann makes Frenchy fall down…can you spell irony?
BELIEVE
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
10:09 pm
RHR — ummmm…”Does this look infected?”
BMac
September 16th, 2009
10:09 pm
What now, McFann?
keylargo
September 16th, 2009
10:09 pm
It’s going to be a new game soon. Why don’t you whiners get your jammies on and get ready for bed?
Tiger Woods
September 16th, 2009
10:09 pm
EAT DIRT JEFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
10:09 pm
Haha…BMac’s working to make for…whatever that was he did in the first…
derek lowe's vagina
September 16th, 2009
10:10 pm
“blister on ring finger” is lowe-slang for “really bad yeast infection”
give him some vagisil and season 3 of sex and the city on dvd, send him home, and maybe he will be ok in a few weeks
but….but..but…my finger hurts…..waaaaaaaaaaah
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
10:10 pm
keylarho Why don’t you whiners get your jammies on and get ready for bed?
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:10 pm
Having watched the Cards Cy Young candidates pitch against the Braves and the Fish, they must not play any decent teams all year.
Kelly's Johnson
September 16th, 2009
10:12 pm
I wouldn’t think it would be humanly possible… for Mac to pull a hammy….while running THAT slowly…
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
10:12 pm
Damn, WTF
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:12 pm
I do think that either the pictures thing is true or Bobby forgot his Aricept and Nimenda for the past few months.
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
10:13 pm
MrNeutral, Lowe is paid Ace money to be an… wait for it… ACE. He’s having his worst year in a decade and at his age I’m worried this isn’t gong to be anything but the norm for the next 3 years.
And if you think he’s worth it I hope you are a GM for another team because I promise you he’s available!
Ruffino (love my name) Linares...
September 16th, 2009
10:13 pm
Why did only 200 of my Mexican nationals invade the U.S. during the Spanish-American War…Only two cars were available..We really pack them in. My ancestors took years finally getting into a legitamate business..Through the roof!!
N8
September 16th, 2009
10:13 pm
Love Powell’s sarcasm on radio. He just stated that if perhaps LaRoche would have had 6 or 7 XBH last night, then he might get to bat higher than 6th.
Even the announcers are taking backhanded, sly shots at Bobby.
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
10:14 pm
Come on, let’s get this guy.
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:14 pm
And I see Mr Neutral is still playing in the bigs.
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
10:14 pm
man Escobar has been CRAP lately. and some body actually whined cause he wasn’t batting third? needs to be hitting 10th
keylargo
September 16th, 2009
10:15 pm
McFann
keylarHO huH? I’ll get even
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
10:17 pm
How many teams have their 7th hitter intentionally walked? Hilarious.
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
10:17 pm
There we go.
I’ll take it.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
10:17 pm
Yay! Go Omar!
fastasballs
September 16th, 2009
10:17 pm
Nice!
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
10:17 pm
Infante is now 5 for his last 6. His three hits last night were lost a little with all LaRoche’s fireworks.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
10:18 pm
Hoo-hoo! BMac showing off the wheels…
Nice going, Omar!!
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
10:18 pm
Omar = $$$
Hate on that haterz!
Kelly's Johnson
September 16th, 2009
10:18 pm
Parnell…MUST….have a blister too
Ruffino (love my name) Linares...
September 16th, 2009
10:18 pm
My tight butt really has warts all over it, we are out of the playoffs and my blow up doll is late coming back from repairs. I need some waffles.
Bobby Parnell
September 16th, 2009
10:19 pm
Kelly Johnson! Oh my god! Take me out, coach, take me out! Please!
Roman Gal
September 16th, 2009
10:20 pm
So, I just timed the time between the last 2 pitches to Infante, and the time was 39.5 seconds. Can you believe that?!
Yeesh!
MrNeutral
September 16th, 2009
10:20 pm
Broncs
Aces make in the $18 M range. Lowe has never been an ace, he’s just in the position because we have no one else. And he is getting no love for taking one for the team, at least from the blog.
What if he wins 16 games and pitches 200 innings at the top of the rotation. I’d say he earned his money.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
10:20 pm
“Keylarho?” Seriously? Sorry ’bout that…
Gimme a break, though…I was quite shaken after that first inning. Diagnosis is a severely bruised pride. But the remedy is starting to kick in…
TNJeff
September 16th, 2009
10:21 pm
Why is Derek Lowe still in the starting pitching rotation? Surely KK is/was pitching better and is better suited to start than to pitch from the bullpen.
Derek (fingers & hand...) Lowe...
September 16th, 2009
10:22 pm
I know it. I suck. But I still gladly accept that big fat paycheck. Thank you. OK. Really just want to see if the pen can carry some of the load tonight. I will be better next time. Promise!~
BELIEVE
Goldenglove002
September 16th, 2009
10:22 pm
man I hate it when the blog is hidden from me. Oh well.
Dissapointed that Derek Lowe is still doing so badly. Atleast this time it appears he has a valid excuse.
GregNorton
September 16th, 2009
10:22 pm
Anybody see my good luck charm. It’s a green, creepy looking thin. Can’t find her anywhere.
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
10:23 pm
God my dead Nanna could get a hit in this game
13 hits for 18 outs… woo hoooo
McFann – I would trade McCann for a big bat, defensive catcher and a bag of spuds
Roman Gal
September 16th, 2009
10:23 pm
I used to be a Blow Up doll until my last owner took me to an acupuncturist. That Hurts!!
One of Derek Lowe's bank accounts
September 16th, 2009
10:23 pm
Why is Derek Lowe still in the starting pitching rotation?
I can think of about 15 million reasons…
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
10:24 pm
We have no one else? What on Earth are you talking about MrNeutral? We have 5 pitchers BETTER than him. Maybe 6 if you count Medlin. He should be the one in the bullpen but Kawakami was put there because he makes less money.
He makes $15 million dollars… if your point is that Aces make $18 million (huh?) and he ONLY makes $15… that’s kinda a weak argument. And clearly with his horrible ERA he’s benefited from some serious run support if he wins 16 games.
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
10:24 pm
Best guitarist? There can be such a thing (i.e. only one) given the number of talented rock musicians over the past 50 years or so?
No, I don’t think anyone can pick a “best” guitarist. I don’t even think I could nail down a top-10 list…
18 Wheels–nice Dire Straits quote…
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:24 pm
Maybe we’ll see Kawakami vs Takahashi next inning??
Rufino (love my name) Linares...
September 16th, 2009
10:25 pm
Heyy Mann…I from San Pedro de Macoris, DR…shortstop capital to the WORLD.
BELIEVE
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:27 pm
At least the offense took Lowe off the hook. Can’t have our “ace” losing another one.
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
10:27 pm
Derek Lowe’s pitching opponents in 2009
B Myers,
S Martis,
A Miller,
J Zimmerman,
B Arroyo,
M Hampton,
G Taylor,
J Santana,
J Marquis,
C Janssen
D Haren,
T Lilly,
R Ohlendorf,
J Beckett,
A Pettitte,
J Blanton,
S Olsen,
U Jimenez,
O Perez,
R Sadowski,
B Looper,
R Wolf,
R Wolf,
C Stammen,
O Perez,
R Nolasco,
C Lee,
B Arroyo,
R Oswalt,
B Parnell
Yeah, Lowe sure has to face a lot of aces
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
10:28 pm
Crap, Medlin is up and they are going to pull him. This sucks. It’s a tie game, leave him in. Don’t destroy the bullpen for a (probably) meaningless pitch hit at bad. I think out best chance involves another 2 innings from Medlin who is a starter and can handle it easily.
Roman Gal
September 16th, 2009
10:28 pm
Roman Gal @ 10:23-
Clever name. Did you think of that all by yourself?
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
10:29 pm
dogsbrekky McFann – I would trade McCann for a big bat, defensive catcher and a bag of spuds
Hmm…I like potatoes as much as the next guy, but I don’t think I’d pull the trigger on that deal.
Roman Gal
September 16th, 2009
10:29 pm
Brent, you are a total moron.
Inya
September 16th, 2009
10:29 pm
Dear Mr. Mets conspiracy. (10:04 p.m.) That little thing down there is not a blister. It’s your manhood. Or in your case, your boyhood.
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
10:29 pm
Roja, will you give up the “Lowe=ace” crap? He’s not an ace and isn’t paid like one. Wasn’t brought in to be the ace. What you heard Wren say was PR spin. Give it up.
ChurchMan
September 16th, 2009
10:30 pm
I thought Medlen was a long inning guy … why is (once again) he only going 2 innings ……
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:30 pm
Medlen’s looking more like an ace than our “ace”
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
10:30 pm
Does Bobby drink during these games? Taking Medlen out when he’s pitching this good?
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
10:31 pm
scratch what i was saying about maple bats being safer….that shard that just flew into the stands, what was left of Kelly Johnson’s bat, could have hurt someone if there were more people at this game.
Kelly Johnson stats guy
September 16th, 2009
10:31 pm
See?! He hits the ball, its just right at people.
Rick (The Trion man...look good in stripes) Camp...
September 16th, 2009
10:31 pm
Maybe I can come pinch hit…better than Norton (imo). I did hit a big home run against the Mets early one morning…July 5th…about 4AM…Was 20th in MVP voting in 1981…yea, I still can’t believe it…
Go Braves…
BELIEVE
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
10:32 pm
Besides, the stats say he should be better, but you probably don’t care, right? Got your opinion and you’ll stick with it till the end…
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
10:32 pm
There you go. Medlin is out of the game. Freakin’ A Bobby Cox… were you waiting for him to go 1-2-3 before you pulled him? Had Medlin struggled last inning would you have left him in???
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
10:32 pm
Roman Gal, Please share why.
I was simply responding to a statement someone made that because Lowe was the #1 starter, he often had to face the other team’s aces?
Why is it moronic to show his opponents this season? It takes all of 5 minutes to look this stuff upon the internet?
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
10:34 pm
Prado look like he’s back.
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:34 pm
Bobby shoulda saved Norton to make that out for Medlen then he coulda used KJ to make an out for Moylan or whoever is next….
Paul (can't believe I hit only 4 HR's in 8 seasons...) Runge
September 16th, 2009
10:35 pm
Chipper Jones is going to win this game…Long ball…
Believe
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
10:35 pm
I agree Brent a. It was a very appropriate response and I appreciated you doing it. Though he has faced a lot of aces in that list… but then again, who hasn’t?
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:36 pm
Rick Camp, didn’t you hit TWO homers in that game???
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
10:36 pm
It appears, at least when we face crummy pitchers, that we know have enough offense that Chipper’s protection is no longer required.
Still hope he gets healthy and gets his swing figured out; but, it’s nice to see that we are no longer at the mercy of having his bat in the line-up in order to get decent offensive production.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
10:36 pm
Oh brother…NOT A LEFTY!!
N Nine
September 16th, 2009
10:36 pm
McFann KeylarHo? That could be acceptable….along with our favorites such as Keyfago, Keyfargo, KeyLoco, Keylardo, Keycuckoo, Keyflunkee, Keycreepo, Keyunabombo, Keyschizzo, Keykooky,or Keywhacko. If you have any other inputs we can revise this list..
Good day, 9.
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
10:37 pm
Broncs, You’ve got it nailed.
Everyone in the rotation faces aces. It’s the nature of the beast. After Game 1, it’s basically up in the air who a pitcher will face.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
10:37 pm
“Roll Tide”
Another reason not to like JJ
Herschel Talker
September 16th, 2009
10:38 pm
How is it possible that a guy “worth” $15MM cannot get his kinks worked out for this long? How can this guy be so consistently bad? I BLAME BOOBY THE DONKEY!!! FIRE HIS SORRY A$$!!!
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
10:38 pm
“the stats say he should be better, ”
Steve, can you elaborate on that?
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:39 pm
Who’s warming up for the Bravos??
Mr.Neutral
September 16th, 2009
10:39 pm
Brett A
Are you not aware of the concept of your ace pitching against the other teams ace opening day and on the sixth day, if the other team is playing their sixth game, it’s your ace against their ace? Such elementary stuff is argued here.
And as far as run support, Lowe has benefitted from it. And he has won 14 games. Why is that hard to understand? No one else has won as many on the Braves. Kawakami has the least run support and it shows.
And if you don’t think Lowe was paid lower money than other aces for a reason, you don’t understand how contracts are negotiated. If Lowe was an Ace, he would have been slotted in the $18 or so million other pitchers in the #1 slot of the rotation make. And don’t try to tell me about the Marlins or Pirates starters.
And the Braves are winning despite all you whiners.
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
10:39 pm
Professional take by GA there…
dogsbrekky
September 16th, 2009
10:40 pm
c’mon McFann – tasty double fried (as they should be) spuds are well worth 1 catcher yes ?????
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
10:41 pm
“Negatory”
Another reason not to like Chip.
Herschel Talker
September 16th, 2009
10:41 pm
Where is Vinings Jim?
keylargo
September 16th, 2009
10:42 pm
Herschel Talker
You remind me of Paul Lentz only without the occasional intelligent comments.
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:42 pm
Oh, I see, Lowe (our ace) started tonight against Bobby Parnell (the Mets Ace) I get it
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
10:42 pm
“Are you not aware of the concept of your ace pitching against the other teams ace opening day and on the sixth day, if the other team is playing their sixth game, it’s your ace against their ace? Such elementary stuff is argued here.”
Mr. Neutral,
Are you not aware of the reality that team’s schedule’s typically do not line-up very much at all, after the first few games?
cabravesfan
September 16th, 2009
10:43 pm
Herschel-
Vinings Jim is on his way home- he’s been working
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
10:43 pm
Notice McCann will have at least one very bad at bat per night. This is a trend for the last few months with him.
Inya
September 16th, 2009
10:43 pm
Can’t believe Garrett is 37 years old. He’s gotta be at least 60.
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
10:43 pm
Looks like Prado had a better nigh than Johnson. But Johnson had 5 out of 6 hits, just 50 at bats ago or so. So complicated
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
10:44 pm
There you go with that made up $18 million dollar number again. You sure like that number! He was paid a fortune dude. $15 million a year puts him in the stop 5% of pitchers in baseball and the highest paid pitcher on the Braves.
Lowe was paid to be the #1 pitcher… ace… of this staff. And he has failed miserably. Run support has saved his record.
And his first opponents in 2009? Mike Myers and Shairon Martis. So your Day 1 and Day 6 argument holds no water… those guys are as bad as Lowe this year.
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:44 pm
And before Lowe vs Parnell, Kawakami pitched against Johan Santana earlier in the season. I guess Santana was the Mets number 4 or 5 man???
The Dingo
September 16th, 2009
10:44 pm
Herschel – you were OVERRATED as a pro and you are a little biatch as a blogger, eat that HOMEY
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
10:45 pm
TnBrian when’s the last time Medlen pitched more than two innings? And Bobby’s got plenty of fresh arms down there after seven games of just sitting around, basically. And he had the pitcher’s spot up.
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:45 pm
Mac will be OK again after he gets the Lasik correction next month.
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
10:46 pm
“And don’t try to tell me about the Marlins . . . starters”
Don’t try to tell you about Josh Johnson, the Marlins “ace”? A guy who Lowe has yet to be paired up with despite 3 starts against Florida this season?
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
10:47 pm
Biatch? Is this 1998?
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
10:48 pm
I think it’s funny that the three pitchers pitching today: Lowe, Kawakami and Medlin… are the 3 guys that would be fighting for the #5 rotation spot next year if the pitching staff stayed together and making $15 million a year didn’t mean you are automatically guaranteed a spot in the starting rotation.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
10:48 pm
Roja Mac will be OK again after he gets the Lasik correction next month.
You don’t know that.
dogsbrekky–
Yeah, well…um…hmm. Can’t think of a snappy comeback at the moment…still in too much “pain”…
Oh, go away, Francoeur!!
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:48 pm
Did we call up anybody in the roster expansion that has a better batting average than Mr Norton? My stock broker says past performance is no guarante of future performance but I guess Bobby has a different philosophy when it comes to using guys to pinch hit.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
10:48 pm
jeffrey, I appreciate you questioning the insertion of Omar in the lineup yesterday. It really got him going.
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
10:48 pm
I wish francoeur was in pinstripes right now
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:49 pm
I know he won’t be “worse”.
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
10:49 pm
Block the plate!
Soph
September 16th, 2009
10:49 pm
That was quick. Geez.
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
10:49 pm
brent a., absolutely.
His FIP is 3.78. His tRA is 4.33 (on an ERA scale it’s in the 3.90’s). But why is his ERA so much higher? For one, he’s not striking out a lot of batters. However, he’s not walking a lot of batters either. His WHIP is below average a 1.47. So if he’s walking less batters than the league, why is his WHIP so high? Luck. His BA against is about 30 points higher than his career average because his BABIP is…about 30 (ish) points above the league average (it currently stands at .327). BABIP explains a lot of why his ERA is so high.
That’s not to say that there’s not negatives. He’s striking out less batters than he usually does, which I attribute to his slider–it’s been 7 runs below average this year (as opposed to an astronomical 29 RAA last year and about 5 the preceding two). His sinker has actually been more effective this year than in either 2008 or 2007. So I don’t know what you attribute the slider to–a lack of skill or just a down year, and whether or not you think it’ll return. I think it does, just because I’m a glass-half-full kinda guy.
But yeah, uncommonly bad slider and below-average luck=average-ish results. Still, fangraphs has him worth 14MM, so if I told you that the Braves were gonna overpay on a FA pitcher by 1MM last offseason, I daresay I’d get less vitriol then than I’m seeing now.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
10:49 pm
Oh shut up Soph
Manolo
September 16th, 2009
10:50 pm
Can someone explain me why we pitch Jeff f. inside?? Did’nt we see how much he struck out on outside pitches?? With Kawakami being new here, is this Mc Ann’s decision???
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
10:50 pm
Looks like Cox is finally using his head.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
10:50 pm
I also questioned it today
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:50 pm
Ooooh, ooooh Kawakami vs Takahashi coming up………..
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
10:50 pm
Carroll, so what that Medlin hasn’t pitched more than 2 innings? Are you saying that a young kid that is a starter can’t pitch more than 2 innings right now?? Please.
And so what that his spot in the batting order was up? Odds are the pitch hitter gets out… and you leave your starter in all the time to hit when he’s up in the order.
And now Kawakami is in and gives up a run. Who didn’t see this coming? Sigh Bobby Cox.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
10:51 pm
I’m serious! You really hurt his feelings.
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
10:51 pm
Ah, I see you’re going to continue with the Lowe/ace stuff, Roja. Smart move
Tiger Woods
September 16th, 2009
10:51 pm
We are the only team that doesn’t make Francouer chase. This is how I know Bobby must go. Or TP needs to go becuase Francouer now does not chase. Or both you guys decide.
ChurchMan
September 16th, 2009
10:51 pm
those “fresh arms” won’t be that way for very long at this pace
dogsbrekky's border collie
September 16th, 2009
10:51 pm
Herschel alker – you have half the iq of a 5 yr old border collie, less class and can’t catch a frisbee as well
but party on Wayne
Soph
September 16th, 2009
10:52 pm
Loafy. Wow.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
10:52 pm
Get that man an IV!
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:52 pm
As of that at bat, Frenchy has a higher batting average than any outfielder in our lineup tonight.
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:53 pm
Crap, they pinch hit for Takahashi
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
10:53 pm
Soph – I tried to respond earlier but my wireless was on the fritz – I noted that when I had two posts in a row late at night, I didn’t quit like you did. I tried to start a singalong to inspire some cheer.
But after being shot down 2 days in a row, I’m done.
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
10:54 pm
Steve, thanks for the info.
What will fangraphs say he is worth in 2010, 2011, 2012?
Heck, what will fangraphs say he is worth (in 2009) tomorrow?
I think folks would’ve liked to have seen him “underpaid” in 2009, to help off-set the likely “overpayment” in the latter years of his contract.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
10:55 pm
You know the Braves would be ahead 10-1 if KJ was starting
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:55 pm
Anderson looked like a young Andruw out there.
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
10:55 pm
Man oh man that Francouer is a great hitter. Didn’t we used to have him??
Soph
September 16th, 2009
10:56 pm
Well, I didn’t feel like talking to myself! If you had told me you were going to start a sing-a-long, I wouldn’t have left. Besides, you obviously don’t do it right if no one joins in. You’ve failed two nights in a row now.
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
10:57 pm
Getting rid of Francoeur was a great move even if he goes on to be a Hall of Famer for Mets. He just wasn’t going to succeed here with our current coaching staff.
If Lowe is overpaid when he’s 36 (and he is!), its going to get ugly 37-39.
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
10:57 pm
So far KK has been less than impressive as a reliever, even with that “closer mentality” someone was saying he had. Maybe not??
Roja
September 16th, 2009
10:57 pm
OK Bravos, get that run back!!
Roman Gal
September 16th, 2009
10:58 pm
Roman Gal, Please share why.
Uh…what?
Gemini
September 16th, 2009
10:58 pm
Here is proof positive that we are not a smart team. We’re dumb enough to throw Frenchy something he can hit with 2 strikes. Every other team knows to throw the ball in the dirt or above his head because he’ll swing at anything.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
10:58 pm
I don’t think it was quite the singalong crowd. I would’ve told you, except I wasn’t really planning it. It was just spur of the moment, like in musicals.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
10:58 pm
…except I was the only one singing and dancing.
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
10:59 pm
What will fangraphs say he is worth in 2010, 2011, 2012?
Well, that depends on what he does in 2010, 2011, and 2012…
Keep in mind that that is an estimate. How they go about doing it is fine (they look at every free agent’s WAR and see how much was paid per WAR–and that’s how much you’re worth based on your WAR. Simple!), but it’s based on how they value a win. So if the Braves have a different WAR calculation (for example), their value of Lowe may differ. But fangraphs is evaluting all the players on the same scale, so player-by-player ya can’t really complain. In addition, I’ve read the argument that teams pay for wins on a curve (i.e. if 1 WAR=1MM, a 4 WAR is worth MORE than 4MM) and that teams will pay more per WAR the higher their win total gets. Makes sense, because going from 72 to 80 wins doesn’t get you anywhere. But going from 91 to 92 or 93 wins can make all the difference in the world. So, if we make the playoffs by one game, Lowe’s value becomes higher. Most of this is economics-jibberish to me, so see this as a re-hasing of others’ arguments, not my own please!
Herschel Talker
September 16th, 2009
10:59 pm
Kenshin Kawakami has resumed the status of a tomato can. This guy is a joke. Between him and Lowe, we have $20+ million sunk into pure and utter garbage. Maybe we should also bring Mike Hampton back to complete the trifecta. Great job, Frank Wreck!
FRANK WRECK IS ANOTHER BOZO WHO NEEDS TO GO!!! CLEAN HOUSE AND GET RID OF ALL OF THEM!!! FIRE WRECK THE BOZO!!! CAN BOOBY THE DONKEY!!! TERRY PENDLETON NEEDS TO BE JETTISONED ASAP!!! WE NEED TO CLEAN HOUSE!!!
Count Chocula
September 16th, 2009
11:00 pm
Nice job Bobby. It’s not like Medlen was cruising or anything. …It’s got to suck being a starter your whole life, then suddenly having to pitch out of the pen once every two weeks.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:00 pm
You know the Braves would be ahead 10-1 if KJ was starting
FYI – I literally rolled my eyes at that one, jeffrey.
…except I was the only one singing and dancing.
Yeah, that’s not very much fun. Next time, I’m there.
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
11:00 pm
btw, since Fangraphs seems to be the “holy grail” of baseball info,
it valued Lowe’s 2008 season at $22.4 million. So, he’s dropped (before tonight) $8.5 million in one season.
But, last year was sort of an anomaly. He was only valued at $13.6 million in 2007 and $9.3 million in 2005?
Wait, is this good, or bad?
Roja
September 16th, 2009
11:01 pm
Medlen and Lowe 4.53 ERA each
18 Wheels of Love
September 16th, 2009
11:01 pm
For DOB….AIC album samper. Lots of Cantrell’s vocals. Sounds good!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAgPrEqqU8w
Roja
September 16th, 2009
11:01 pm
C’mon EOF 1-2-3 inning
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:02 pm
I take it you’re not a card carrying member of the Kelly Johnson fan club Soph?
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
11:02 pm
And to get the RAR calculations for the individual pitch types, they use Gameday’s pitch f/x for that. Using that they can isolate every FB/CB/whatever that Lowe throws and see the outcome–really no doubt in the initial data. Even if you don’t agree about the conversion to “runs,” like I said before, they’re all being evaluated on the same scale, so if he’s 7 RAR, you know he’s above average, whether or not you think it’s actually 7 runs…
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
11:02 pm
I saw bring back Bobby Cox but he’s not allowed to fill out line-up cards or make bullpen decisions. Wait, that’s everything that a manager does during a game.
Crap, maybe it IS time for him to go
And I really like Cox.
err that last statement doesn’t sound right.
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
11:04 pm
brent–he’s in line with 06 and 07. Look at his FIP and ERA numbers in those seasons. All under 4.00. This year’s FIP is again under 4.00–the only difference this year is ERA and BABIP.
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
11:05 pm
matt cain hasn’t won at home since July 6.
trails 1-0 in the 4th
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:05 pm
err that last statement doesn’t sound right.
There’s someone here with the username “Coxlover” and I don’t think it’s an intentional gross joke.
Mr.Neutral
September 16th, 2009
11:05 pm
As far as aces salaries are concerned, you can’t use any ace. It would have to be an ace who signed a free agent contract. Yes, Josh Johnson is an ace, but my point is that he is not eligible for free agency for three more years. What do you think he’ll sign for then (2012)?
And no, there are no guarantees that #1’s will meet #1’s but the odds are more favorable they will meet #1’s than any other number.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:05 pm
You couldn’t tell from my Marteeeeeeen’s?
Nah, I like Kelly but I’m not a card carrying member of his fan club. Sorry.
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
11:06 pm
Beltran homer?
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:06 pm
Do we want to win this game?
Come on KK.
Herschel Talker
September 16th, 2009
11:07 pm
keylargo likes men
The Dingo likes men
Two stupid packers
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:08 pm
Great play, KK!
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:08 pm
Wow.
There we go.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
11:08 pm
Good play.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:09 pm
Hey it’s okay. I’ve got a KJ fan club hooded sweatshirt
Broncs
September 16th, 2009
11:10 pm
Mr.Neutral, whether or not your odds are accurate or not is open for debate. But the fact is for whatever reason Lowe started the season playing against scrubs, NOT #1s. After that any meeting he has had with another team’s ace has been purely by chance.
I agree that some top pitchers have singed bigger free agent contracts than Lowe, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t signed to be the #1 starter for the Braves. He was. And now he’s the 6th best starter on the team.
Danga
September 16th, 2009
11:10 pm
Really wish I had bought one of those Failcoeur T-shirts.
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
11:13 pm
moylan up in the pen now
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:13 pm
New York has someone named Broadway?
The Mets
September 16th, 2009
11:13 pm
Brooks Conrad! OMG! NO!
BALLGAME!
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:14 pm
What happened to Lowe?
dogsbrekky's border collie
September 16th, 2009
11:14 pm
Herschel – “not that there is anything wrong with that” but I will match my missus against your fat donkey’s ass anytime
but one suspects that you have no clue at all, no idea, you are just a miserable swine with no life and a lot of hate, must be tough that, no love pal
Party on Wayne
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:15 pm
Great at-bat.
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:16 pm
Bobby, we can hear you.
Let’s go Brooks.
The Dingo
September 16th, 2009
11:16 pm
Herschel – you win, you win……….. you win
are you the faggy cast member of “The Real Bushpigs of Atlanta”
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:16 pm
jeffrey – he had a blister.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:17 pm
Now Brooks Conrad has some good walk up music. It’s supposed to be intimidating or pump-you-up-ish. Some of the Braves’ music makes me want to go vegan or adopt a puppy
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:18 pm
Did Feliciano kill that guy behind him??
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
11:18 pm
i’ve yet to be given a reason not to hate the Red Sox
The Catholic Church
September 16th, 2009
11:19 pm
Hello? Someone just informed us of a miracle at turner field. They said Brooks Conrad flied out. I don’t believe it. Can someone confirm before we send our people to the scene at this late hour?
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
11:19 pm
Herschel Talker likes to eat feces. doesn’t have to be human, but he likes that best
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:21 pm
Come on Braves.
WTF
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
11:21 pm
oh yes! we really needed Conrad back, he has been so much help.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:21 pm
I don’t know if I’m going to make it through the whole game.
Peachtree TV
September 16th, 2009
11:22 pm
Attention to whoever the hell is the audio engineer for the Peachtree TV broadcasts.
Limiting, Compression and Leveling are your friends! Use them sometimes! Geez!
I’m not talking about when the feed from Peachtree goes to CSS and the commercials blast you into next week or even the next commercial when you wonder if the audio on your TV has cut out….
I’m talking about when Joe and Chip are talking in conversational tones and you increase the volume on the TV to hear what they say…. then a ball is put into play and Chip screams into the microphone and rattles the china! Geez Mr. Engineer….. your job is to send a managable signal out from your broadcast and into my home whose wavelength doesn’t look like the peaks and valleys of a rollercoaster.
Yes it’s a Peachtree problem because the Sportsouth and Fox broadcasts don’t suffer from the same audio malpractice. And Yes, this has been going on all season, not just tonight. I’m ranting tonight because it would be nice for them to figure this out before the entire season is gone!
RHR
September 16th, 2009
11:23 pm
I’m barely hanging in, Soph. Just trying to entertain myself to stay awake lol.
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
11:23 pm
Ratfink Prado, he has his nerve making an out this game. Free Conrad.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
11:24 pm
Me
September 16th, 2009
10:48 pm
Roja Mac will be OK again after he gets the Lasik correction next month.
You don’t know that.
Obviously what I meant by that was…”what if the Lasik is messed up again?” Not goin’ all PL on y’all…
RHR
September 16th, 2009
11:24 pm
Is there anything sadder than people who have to hold up their arm to do the chop?
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:25 pm
See, Moylan knows how to pitch to Francoeur.
RHR
September 16th, 2009
11:25 pm
Thank god we have one pitcher who remembers Frenchy.
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:25 pm
God I miss that guy.
No I don’t.
Gemini
September 16th, 2009
11:25 pm
Moylan understands. Just throw the ball 2 feet outside of the zone to strike out Francouer.
RHR
September 16th, 2009
11:26 pm
McFann! Does your mama know you’re still up?
lexbrave
September 16th, 2009
11:26 pm
i think i see why the red sox win so many games.. their fans apparently extend to the umpire crew. nick green actually struck out twice before walking in the tying run in the bottom of the 9th.
Count Chocula
September 16th, 2009
11:26 pm
RHR,
Yes…people who do “the wave”..
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
11:26 pm
Is there anything sadder than people who have to hold up their arm to do the chop? RHR
you would probably have to include KeyLargo,Scoots & nolie in that group.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:27 pm
I don’t know if I’m going to make it through the whole game.
I was shooting for a 10:00 bedtime…
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:28 pm
I’m starting to think that Peter Moylan is bionic.
I don’t actually know what that means but it sounds good.
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:29 pm
Too high, too high.
Kelly's Johnson
September 16th, 2009
11:30 pm
On a serious note…Was nice to see that KJ, with all his struggles at the plate…STILL… took a 3-1 cripple pitch fastball… right down Peachtree…when leading off the inning a while ago…99% of the Braves woulda swung at that one…and probably nobody… except an astute baseball fan….would have even noticed. I promise you KJ would have preferred to have swung at that “cripple’ EXCEPT for the fact he was trying to play winning baseball.. And yes…before you ask…IF you are trying to win this game…you SHOULD take that 3-1 pitch leading off the inning in that situation.
RHR
September 16th, 2009
11:30 pm
REHIRE LOAF!
Vinings Jim
September 16th, 2009
11:30 pm
Nice of the Braves to take forever tonight so I’d get home in time to watch almost half the game (if I manage to stay awake)
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:31 pm
VJ – Herschel’s looking for you
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:31 pm
I was going for 11:30 but I’ve delayed it to midnight now.
Score some runs! If the Braves score 7 runs in this inning, I’m going to bed.
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
11:32 pm
nd yes…before you ask…IF you are trying to win this game…you SHOULD take that 3-1 pitch leading off the inning in that situation.
what a load
RHR
September 16th, 2009
11:32 pm
Kelly Johnson has more fans than any average baseball player who ever played the game.
StingerSplash
September 16th, 2009
11:32 pm
Looking a couple of things up…
Loaf’s contract is for $2.5 million this year. Don’t know for how long. It’s less than what Ryan Church makes and twice as much as what Matt Diaz is earning. Loaf made $12M last year for the Angels.
So, for $2.5 million, are the Braves getting their money’s worth from the 37-year-old left fielder? Should they dig deep and sign a younger, more productive outfielder, Jason Bay, perhaps? I say maybe to the first and most definitely to the second question.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:33 pm
If you’d delayed it to midnight the past 2 days, we’d still be reenacting “The Sound of Music”
RHR
September 16th, 2009
11:33 pm
Bobby’s asleep! Yunel got hit by a pitch and I’m sure Lowe sweated 3 gallons before he delivered the 3rd pitch of the game. This would’ve been a great night for bingo.
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:33 pm
I love GA’s picture. He looks like the players on Madden.
Kelly's Johnson
September 16th, 2009
11:33 pm
Derek Jeter would NOT have swung at that 3-1 pitch…if you don’t understand that…I just can’t help you…
A Crying Shame
September 16th, 2009
11:34 pm
Kelly Johnson made more money than Loaf this year?
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
11:34 pm
but he-KF- has so much potential
Herschel Talker
September 16th, 2009
11:34 pm
I’m not looking for Vinings Jim. I was just wondering why his name wasn’t anywhere to be found.
dogsbrekky-The Dingo-JolliesOff enjoy the Lucky Pierre, in that order usually.
FIRE BOOBY THE MORON!!!
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:34 pm
Let’s get some damn runs Braves.
Steve from OH
September 16th, 2009
11:35 pm
I say maybe to the first and most definitely to the second question.
I agree.
RHR
September 16th, 2009
11:35 pm
So you’re comparing KJ to Jeter now? Way to prove my point.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:35 pm
Ugh, musicals? I don’t do musicals.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:35 pm
A professional walk by Garret. His last one wasn’t professional at all. He just got lucky.
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
11:35 pm
KF=KJ
Fire Herschel Talker
Vinings Jim
September 16th, 2009
11:36 pm
jeffrey d – so I heard – I gave cabravesfan the okay to let him know I was on the way, which I saw she did
Kelly's Johnson
September 16th, 2009
11:36 pm
Obviously…ONLY the “take” of the 3-1 pitch….is this REALLY so hard to understand ??
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:36 pm
One of my dreams in life is to be a part of a group of people who suddenly simultaneously bust out into song and dance in a normal public setting.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
11:36 pm
Dangit…almost beat that out.
it could be worse
September 16th, 2009
11:37 pm
anyone else watching on CSS and only have audio
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:37 pm
Great play both ways I must admit.
Thank God he didn’t catch it.
I’d pinch run for The Thinker there at second base Bobby. No?
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
11:38 pm
Anybody else’s channel blackout? Can hear it, just see nothing. Damn PTTV. Hate this channel with a passion.
RHR
September 16th, 2009
11:38 pm
Oh no no I get it. You’re totally right! Kelly Johnson. Greatest mediocre player alive! I’m on board, yes sir. I’m even in that one poster from out in L.A.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
11:38 pm
RHR–
Yes.
And I bet my father, who is trying to sleep, knows I’m still up, too…
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:38 pm
Great job Adam.
WTF was that.
Katie
September 16th, 2009
11:39 pm
“You’re still my hero, Adam” dontcha love when the stadium is so empty you get to hear all the fans
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
11:39 pm
Oh yes, small ball. I love it so much, especially when the cleanup hitter does it. So exciting!!
Kelly's Johnson
September 16th, 2009
11:39 pm
Actually…The Roach…. is currently the ONLY player on the Braves…that should swing at a 3-1 pitch in that situation….and EVEN that is debatable….anybody else is an obvious no-brainer to NOT swing….ASSUMING …you are actually trying to win the game…
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
11:40 pm
TnBrian Can hear it, just see nothing.
That’s torture.
Now if it was the other way around…
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:40 pm
I bet if McCann ran out that bunt McFann’s neighbors would know she’s still up too.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
11:41 pm
Oh yes, small ball. I love it so much, especially when the cleanup hitter does it. So exciting!!
Better than a double-play or a K, you gotta admit that…
kirkinga
September 16th, 2009
11:41 pm
Well that’s the other side of LaRoche we’ve kind of forgotten lately. Mystifying.
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:42 pm
How about a homerun Omar?
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
11:42 pm
LaRoche sux, I want Thor back with all his power potential.
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
11:42 pm
jeffrey d–
Totally.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:42 pm
Quick jeffrey, say something bad about Omar!
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:42 pm
A hit would be nice Omar.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:43 pm
Omar Infante is terrible and picks his nose!
Herschel Talker
September 16th, 2009
11:43 pm
“Oh yes, small ball. I love it so much”
There is the proof that JolliesOff likes men.
Tonight ESPN classic reaired the Top 5 Reasons You Can’t Blame Booby the Idiot for the Braves not winning more World Series. Although they shockingly made some decent points (e.g., Lonnie Smith, Mark Wohlers), they missed the big picture, of course, that Booby managed in the playoffs like it was a 162-game marathon, not a 7-game sprint. That is because, of course, he is a moron.
Kelly's Johnson
September 16th, 2009
11:43 pm
Just to make it simple for SOME that can’t seem to understand:
1. Kelly Johnson sux
2. Kelly Johnson “taking” the 3-1 “cripple”….does NOT suck
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
11:43 pm
Come on McFann, you got to have more faith in your guy than that.
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
11:43 pm
Wow this muts team is so awful………..It would be amazing if we find a way to lose this game.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:44 pm
Told you. Now go pick your nose, Omar.
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:44 pm
GD WTF!
Are we playing the f***ing Reds? We’re going to lose this f***ing game GD it.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:44 pm
It didn’t work because you didn’t say it from your heart. You have to mean it!
it could be worse
September 16th, 2009
11:45 pm
the comercials work but not the game thanks pttv I am in Chattanooga I wonder if it is a comcast issue
ChurchMan
September 16th, 2009
11:45 pm
Omar and Adam both fail. Keep the mets scoreless and you have a chance though
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
11:46 pm
The Bravos are really trying hard to kickstart the Braves/Muts rivalry tonight. They have missed it a lot this year.
Manolo
September 16th, 2009
11:46 pm
Jerry Manuel giving Cox a class on how you manage with urgency to win, switching lefty, righty, almost in every key situation. sense of urgency that we need, now more than ever.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:46 pm
Sorry Soph….his 5 or 6 hits since last night have caused me to doubt a little.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:46 pm
Hmm, my PTV is working fine. Sound/video and all – it sounds like a Comcast issue for you guys.
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:47 pm
Come on Gonzo.
ChurchMan
September 16th, 2009
11:47 pm
Gonzo about to liven things up in this game, don’t know if that’s good or bad though
McFann Ô
September 16th, 2009
11:47 pm
Come on McFann, you got to have more faith in your guy than that.
I do…but it was a lefty pitching, and he hasn’t exactly dazzled at the plate tonight…he did hit that double, though, which was good. But 2 swinging K’s? Gyah…I up to here (hand over head) in K’s…fed up with them. Can’t take any more of them…70 is plenty…
I gotta put my Lovey to bed…and he’s in the computer room, so that means the computer goes off…
Night, all.
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
11:47 pm
GONZO = BALLGAME!!!
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:48 pm
I know jeffrey and he has you to thank for it.
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:49 pm
How did I know.
I knew it.
The Dingo
September 16th, 2009
11:49 pm
Hershie – here little boy, here boy, oh what a stupid dog, what is that with you, oh your wife, you poor sonofabitch… here Herschel….
ChurchMan
September 16th, 2009
11:49 pm
… it’d be a bad thing
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:49 pm
Chip Caray probably caused the signal to blow in some areas.
Wonder how long until this HR is blamed on Bobby.
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
11:49 pm
What else is new? Nothing easy with this guy, EVER!
Kelly's Johnson
September 16th, 2009
11:49 pm
Gonzo MUST… have a blister
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:49 pm
Dammit. And, he’s hurt?
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
11:49 pm
LOL
Mike Gonzalez!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
it is not a secret…………..you are a L O S E R
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
11:50 pm
Ballgame!
See y’all!
RHR
September 16th, 2009
11:50 pm
Will Joe never learn? lol
JolliesOff
September 16th, 2009
11:50 pm
TOLDJA!!!
Mixxo
September 16th, 2009
11:50 pm
Gonzo’s a JOKE!
Mitchell
September 16th, 2009
11:50 pm
Thanks a lot Derek.
Great work tonight.
Oh, Manny Acosta! Bobby has fully committed himself to losing this game. Well done.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:50 pm
jeffrey, weren’t you asking about Acosta the other day? Your wish has come true.
curtis jones
September 16th, 2009
11:51 pm
But…Cox’s “overuse” of Gonzo has not affected his pitching. I know this is true because AJC writer Jeff Schultz wrote it. And he is a personal friend of a certain HOF manager. So it must be true.
RHR
September 16th, 2009
11:51 pm
I mean as Joe as talking about all the clutch HRs the guy has hit…its like DOB, but older, and with a microphone.
ChurchMan
September 16th, 2009
11:52 pm
those mets are infecting our pitchers with their injuries!!!!
TnBrian
September 16th, 2009
11:53 pm
I don’t want either Gonzo or Soriano back. Gonzo IF his price is within reason, but he isn’t worth closer money because, well, he isn’t a closer. Moylan deserves the job in 2010.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:53 pm
Soph – I wasn’t “asking” for Acosta. I had just noticed he hadn’t been used since August 26th. Until I got bombarded with a bunch of “he went to Gwinnett, STEWPID!”s
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
11:53 pm
Cox……thats what you get for pitching him on a 5-0 game yesterday..
Ron in Mobile
September 16th, 2009
11:53 pm
RHR
My heart sank when i heard the august stats aswell
Manolo
September 16th, 2009
11:54 pm
Manuel again showing Cox how to do it. catcher was 2 for 3, but bring a righty against the lefty and bang. Cox will have never substituded a guy that was 2 for 3. NEVER…PURE LOYALTY.
RHR
September 16th, 2009
11:55 pm
Because getting a hit off Acosta is hard…
Bad Scooter
September 16th, 2009
11:55 pm
well, that wasnt long before this game turned out to be bobbys fault
The A Bomb
September 16th, 2009
11:55 pm
Time to mow the lawn.
ChurchMan
September 16th, 2009
11:55 pm
don’t worry guys, it’s just Manny being Manny
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:56 pm
Argh. Manny is so frustrating to watch.
Doc Holiday
September 16th, 2009
11:56 pm
Cox is still wondering whats wrong…………..
LOL
We are the Braves Bobby————isnt that enough for you to get it?
curtis jones
September 16th, 2009
11:56 pm
Acosta can’t even throw an intentional walk properly.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:57 pm
At least when the other Manny is being Manny, he’s good.
Manolo
September 16th, 2009
11:57 pm
And now the leftties are up, so let’s just give it away, by bringing the righty Manny. Giftwrap the game…
Chris
September 16th, 2009
11:57 pm
What did Gonz hurt? I hope he is alright hate to see it.
Carroll Rogers
September 16th, 2009
11:57 pm
stiff back for Gonzalez. He’s day-to-day.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:58 pm
I’m extending bedtime to 12:15. It better be worth it.
jeffrey d
September 16th, 2009
11:58 pm
Wow, Carroll’s good. She responded to Chris before the minute was over.
Kelly's Johnson
September 16th, 2009
11:58 pm
Stiff back….??….More like a stiff neck….from watchin’ another tater shot…. leaving the park ….
brent a.
September 16th, 2009
11:59 pm
“But…Cox’s “overuse” of Gonzo has not affected his pitching. I know this is true because AJC writer Jeff Schultz wrote it. And he is a personal friend of a certain HOF manager. So it must be true.”
I rarely click on Schultz’s tripe. And that article illustrated why. Next time he gets a scoop, I’ll wait for it to make it to ESPN.com.
Ron in Mobile
September 16th, 2009
11:59 pm
Some things never change…thanks jeff
David..(Athens, AL)
September 16th, 2009
11:59 pm
thanks Frency
curtis jones
September 16th, 2009
11:59 pm
I say we give the rest of the season off to our sick and shut-ins: Chipper and his delicate muscles, Derek “The Ace” Lowe and his sensitive skin, and Greg Norton and his comatose bat.
Soph
September 16th, 2009
11:59 pm
Whew.
Score some runs!!
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:00 am
No prob Ron
Hugh Jazz
September 17th, 2009
12:00 am
Lowe is such a waste of money. I just hope some team will take him off our hands even if we have to eat $15 mil. What a horrible contract.
Chris
September 17th, 2009
12:00 am
Thanks Carroll, glad it is not his arm.
ChurchMan
September 17th, 2009
12:00 am
Jeff killing rallies with the bases loaded, less than 1 out … some things never change
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:00 am
12:15? pshh….my bedtime went out the window.
I’m sure my work LOVES me coming in tired every morning.
kirkinga
September 17th, 2009
12:00 am
Good job of getting out of his own mess by Acosta. I really wish the Braves could find some way to harness his abilities because he has very good stuff.
Manolo
September 17th, 2009
12:01 am
watch, if we put any threat in the 8th, KRod will be in.
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:01 am
An insurmountable defecit it would seem.
Can they do it? Probably not. It’s the Mets after all.
Sons of Saban
September 17th, 2009
12:01 am
Well fellow Bravos…at least we STILL have BAMA football to look forward to.
bulldog bubba
September 17th, 2009
12:01 am
When do we quit going to Kawakami and Acosta in tight games? I thought we were trying to get in the post season. Ridiculous!!!!!
brent a.
September 17th, 2009
12:02 am
I am curious . . . what do those who think Lowe’s contract is “fair” think the Braves could get for him in trade?
ChurchMan
September 17th, 2009
12:02 am
lol @ Curtis. Norton is starting to see the ball well, why shut him down when he’s just about to break out of it? You watch, he’ll carry this team to the playoffs BY … HIM … SELF!
Hugh Jazz
September 17th, 2009
12:02 am
Rockies winning so a loss here will take our playoff chances from 1% to 0%.
ryan
September 17th, 2009
12:03 am
sure hope Gonzalez isnt with us next year. Back should of got stiff after he got theout
Hugh Jazz
September 17th, 2009
12:04 am
If Chipper plays his cards right, he might be the next Jeff Francoeur.
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:05 am
sure hope Gonzalez isnt with us next year. Back should of got stiff after he got theout
Yes, because Gonzo has been TERRIBLE all year. I’d hate to have a reliever with his numbers on my team.
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:05 am
Bring out the haters.
Hugh Jazz
September 17th, 2009
12:06 am
What a loser that Chipper is. I wish he would just retire. I f*cking hate that piece of sh*t.
ChurchMan
September 17th, 2009
12:06 am
Chippers at-bats are starting to resemble Norton’s:
either walks or makes an out
jeffrey hater d
September 17th, 2009
12:06 am
Fire Bobby Cox! Fire Chipper! Greg Norton should’ve been hitting!!!
kirkinga
September 17th, 2009
12:07 am
Seems that pitchers are getting the fastball by Chipper much more than we’ve ever seen before this season.
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:07 am
Overreaction of the very early day goes to Hugh Jazz
Mixxo
September 17th, 2009
12:08 am
This is it folks, we lose this one…………………..it’s over…………for good.
If Chipper, Lowe, Gonzo and Nate are on this team next year……….I’m done. After 30 odd years…….I’m done.
Go Yankees!
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:08 am
It’s really inspiring the way the Braves deal with adversity.
They’re fighters aren’t they?
No.
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:09 am
I never thought I would hear myself say this but… where is Matt Diaz?
Sons of Saban
September 17th, 2009
12:09 am
Great job by Nate….Church swinging at 2-0 pitch leading off ?….NOT so great
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:09 am
Yes, that’s how I want to start my day; with a “Good morning!” from Chip Caray.
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:09 am
Why can we never win more than five games in a row?
It’s pathetic.
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:10 am
Ugh, Mixxo – you make me cringe everytime you say the Y word.
JolliesOff
September 17th, 2009
12:10 am
Weren’t so “loosey-goosey” tonight. Fire Lowe!!
brent a.
September 17th, 2009
12:10 am
does McLouth steal?
Please?
uga-brave
September 17th, 2009
12:10 am
braves have ONE hit since the fourth inning.
HoCo Loco
September 17th, 2009
12:11 am
Really Mixxo? The Yankees?
Manolo
September 17th, 2009
12:13 am
Mitchell, when your offense has 1 hit after the 4th against this pitching, we’ll, you can’t win many games.
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:13 am
Here’s your boy Soph. Get your E’s ready
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:13 am
Come on Martin.
Kelly's Johnson
September 17th, 2009
12:13 am
Go ahead Nate….just as soon have Prado leading off…
Mixxo
September 17th, 2009
12:14 am
Soph –
I dunno, I just like real baseball…..winning baseball.
urgent baseball
professional baseball
passionate baseball
owners that want to win…..baseball
I dunno….
Manolo
September 17th, 2009
12:14 am
told you guys, here’s k rod. got to hand it to Mnauel, he wants this one badly. Unlike cox…
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:14 am
Oh, Martin. No extra e’s for you!
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:14 am
Or maybe your K’s
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:15 am
GF***ingD it.
F.
Bobby Cox is being out-managed by Jerry Manuel. What a joke.
F this S***.
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:16 am
I hate second guessing, but KJ would’ve either homered or tripled in that situation. He also would’ve caught that homerun ball.
N8
September 17th, 2009
12:16 am
I haven’t scrolled the entire blog yet, so if somebody linked this already, I apologize. But if not….
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/the_bonus/09/15/jason.heyward/index.html
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:16 am
Should I stay up for the 9th?
Chris
September 17th, 2009
12:16 am
Late on two 92mph fastballs
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:16 am
Mixxo, I know but it’s just that it’s the Yankees.
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:17 am
jeffrey…
I hate you for your first 12:16.
Hezekiah Sistrunk
September 17th, 2009
12:17 am
Anybody out there been ‘injured”??…Anytime?….Anywhere?….Gimme a call….
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:18 am
Wait, 12:16 – which means it’s past my bedtime again. Extension to 12:30!
Manolo
September 17th, 2009
12:18 am
In the 7th we had laroche up with 2 on. Jerry manuel will had brought Diaz to face feliciano, that’s call managing to win, not to loyalty because Adam had been hot. he does not hit sidearm lefties well at all.
Mixxo
September 17th, 2009
12:18 am
Soph –
:lol
I just live in the south, I’m not from here.
Typical blogger
September 17th, 2009
12:18 am
Since its past midnight Hanson has now had two days rest.
BOBBY COX is so dumb
N8
September 17th, 2009
12:19 am
“Manuel again showing Cox how to do it.”
Do what? Finsh 20 games under .500 & 21.5 games out of first place? I’m not even close to a Bobby homer. But If I had a short list of who I wanted to be my manager, Manuel is going to be lower on that list than Bobby would be.
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
12:19 am
TRADE MCCLOUTH!!!!!!! Hell if we aren’t going to use his speed I’m sure some other team would love to have him stealing for them. What a joke. I haven’t really got pissed about moves by Bobby too much this year, but twice in a few innings McClouth on first with 2 outs and we don’t steal. This my friends is a joke. This is why we will not make the playoffs. Wow.
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:19 am
I hate you for your first 12:16.
Ouch…would it make you feel better if I told you my dad was a Yankee’s fan?
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:21 am
Ok, hate is a strong word. I’ll change it to dislike.
Yankees fan?! What is with all this Yankees stuff on here today? Ewwww.
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:22 am
a big Yankee’s fan
Kelly's Johnson
September 17th, 2009
12:22 am
Eldrick…I’m hopin’ Nate’s not running cos’ of leg “problems”…otherwise…I got NO idea
uga-brave
September 17th, 2009
12:22 am
the mets have 16 hits and have left a small army on base and the braves have one hit since the fourth inning and are down by one run and you guys want to blame bobby?
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:22 am
Alright…a quick walk off and I’ll be able to get 6 hours
ryan
September 17th, 2009
12:23 am
Been to 25 games this year and WILL NOT go next year if Cox is back. He is getting out managed again. Knew we were trouble tonight with Lowe pitching. wish we could trade him but not with that contract.BIG game tonight I DONT THINK HE wanted to pitch just like homerun GONZO.
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:24 am
They’re not going to come back and win this Chip.
The Mets have nothing to worry about.
By the way, when the game ends, every Braves player needs to come out and individually thank all the fans still in attendance. The fact that there are any left at this point is amazing.
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:24 am
Although I’ll probably stay up til 3 only to see the Braves lose in the 22nd when Garrett literally falls asleep in left field
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:25 am
By the way, when the game ends, every Braves player needs to come out and individually thank all the fans still in attendance. The fact that there are any left at this point is amazing.
Well they’re not all like you, Mitch.
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:25 am
If we can’t at least tie it, I will kill somebody.
Come on Brian.
Give me Diaz.
Hugh Jazz
September 17th, 2009
12:25 am
Thats a 3B for anybody else.
Mixxo
September 17th, 2009
12:26 am
Loaf — still a professional hitter!
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:27 am
Come on Brian.
Get him over.
Manolo
September 17th, 2009
12:27 am
N8, strategically, even my high school baseball manager is better than Bobby. Besides, you can’t blame Manuel alone for the Mets loses. If we will had lost chipper, escobar, Mcann, and other top players for most of the season like they did, we will be in the same area.
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:28 am
This is kinda late but yay Loafy!
Be productive Mac.
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:28 am
Come on Brian.
Paul Lentz
September 17th, 2009
12:28 am
The Braves trying to show some heart in from of 750 fans.
Kelly's Johnson
September 17th, 2009
12:30 am
I FEAR…the twin-killin’….Get it up Esco…
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:30 am
Owch.
Esco…it’s all you.
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:30 am
What does it have to take to get those lazy mf-ers to get off their @$$es?
Ron in Mobile
September 17th, 2009
12:30 am
That works
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:32 am
Geez, is he okay?
Good bunt though.
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:32 am
Oh no….I think the only guy left on the bench is Norton.
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:32 am
How about a hit on the first pitch?
Is McCann still at second?
Hugh Jazz
September 17th, 2009
12:32 am
I can see it now. A double play to end the game.
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:33 am
How about a little Luis Gonzalez floater?
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:33 am
Oh, Norton already hit??
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:33 am
No, Ross is pinch running for Mac.
Come on Omar!
Kelly's Johnson
September 17th, 2009
12:34 am
Square to squeeze…3B coach yell “squeeze”…this guy MIGHT throw it to the screen
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:34 am
Dammit Chip, just keep your mouth shut.
brent a.
September 17th, 2009
12:34 am
On your feet!
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:34 am
Geeze, I missed the first part of the game. I had just assumed that Greg Norton wasn’t still our #1 pinch hitter.
Mixxo
September 17th, 2009
12:34 am
Mitchell – Ross is pinch running for him…..thank goodness.
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:34 am
I’ll take that.
Now we can lose in the 11th.
bravesgirlnc
September 17th, 2009
12:34 am
hoping for a looping liner, but that works!
bravesgirlnc
September 17th, 2009
12:34 am
hoping for a looping liner, but that works!
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:35 am
Good job Omar! Come on Churchy – let’s walk off!
Mixxo
September 17th, 2009
12:35 am
My man Omar….does work ya’ll.
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:35 am
Why not Clint Sammons? He has to be faster than Ross?
WTF.
Hugh Jazz
September 17th, 2009
12:36 am
Ryan Church really is worthless.
Ron in Mobile
September 17th, 2009
12:36 am
David Ross is no burner…someone write that down
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:37 am
Why can’t we ever do this at home?
Just get a hit.
TnBrian
September 17th, 2009
12:37 am
WOW!
Hugh Jazz
September 17th, 2009
12:37 am
Un-be-liev-able
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:37 am
Yeahhhhhhhh! We’ll take it!!
Kelly's Johnson
September 17th, 2009
12:37 am
Gotta luv those Mets !!!!!
Katie
September 17th, 2009
12:37 am
bahahhaha..I’ll take it!
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:38 am
ummm……….
Ron in Mobile
September 17th, 2009
12:38 am
Playoffs or bust
brent a.
September 17th, 2009
12:38 am
Wow!
Good night and Go Braves!
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:38 am
Good thing we had Ross’ speed at 3rd
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:38 am
I’m so glad I stayed awake.
Gemini
September 17th, 2009
12:38 am
Thank goodness the Mets are bigger failures than we are.
bravesgirlnc
September 17th, 2009
12:39 am
That. Was. Awesome!
brent a.
September 17th, 2009
12:39 am
And the best news is . . . no more Lowe for 4 games!
N8
September 17th, 2009
12:39 am
Perhaps this has been pointed out. Perhaps it has not. The Braves are 5 out of the wild card race with 14 games to play. In 2007, on this same calendar date, the Rockies were 4.5 games out, with 13 games to play.
The main difference? The Rockies had 11 head-to-head meetings with 2 of the 3 teams that they were chasing. The Dodgers and the Padres. The 3rd team, you ask? That would have been the NY Mets who on that same date (9-16-07), held a 3.5 game on the Phillies.
So, the Rox were trailing 3 teams. One (the Mets) were in the middle of their own dogfight with the Phillies and they choked. The other two teams ahead of them, had to play 11 games against them, and the Rockies pretty much kicked their asses. Rockies finished 13-1, winning ALL 11 GAMES in their head to head matches with SD and LA. The Dodgers finished 7.5 games behind the Rockies in the WC standings after being 2 games up on them, on September the 16th. The Dodgers finished that year on a 3-10 stretch.
Yikes.
So, mathematically, the Braves are still in it. Realistically, and practically?
Not so much.
THAT being said. All the Braves can do is win. And a win like tonight, is the kind of lucky BS that the Rockies pulled off every night in September of 2007. If they keep winning, anything can happen.
HoCo Loco
September 17th, 2009
12:39 am
What Happened?
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:40 am
I don’t think RHR made it.
Mixxo
September 17th, 2009
12:40 am
OMG!!!
Not dead yet!
The ol’ negative mojo works again! Yah baby!
Kelly's Johnson
September 17th, 2009
12:40 am
Murphy would have caught that ball….if he had his glove on his elbow…. instead of his hand….
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:40 am
Ok, jeffrey – I’m ready to sing now.
glove51
September 17th, 2009
12:40 am
Braves Win!!! The uhuhuhuhuhuh Braves WIN!!!
MFin04
September 17th, 2009
12:40 am
David Ross’s speed wins the game right there, lol
Rob in Fayetteville
September 17th, 2009
12:41 am
This can’t be happening, right? Like Skip Caray used to say, “win, win, win…..”
Hey Ron in Mobile…..my old name was Rob in Mobile, until I moved back up here to Georgia. What part of Mobile do you live in? I lived in West Mobile for five years…
bruce
September 17th, 2009
12:41 am
stranger things have happened (again)
Mixxo
September 17th, 2009
12:42 am
MFin04 —
That’s what I was talkin’ about. No way Mac scores on that.
Will
September 17th, 2009
12:42 am
Remember there was only 1 hit that inning and it was by GA so mad props to him for getting it started.
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:43 am
Ready to sing? I’m ready for bed. Fine…
Look at this stuff, isn’t it neat? Wouldn’t you think my collection’s complete?
Mixxo
September 17th, 2009
12:43 am
Bobby Cox is brilliant!
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
12:45 am
Bobby Cox does it again. Bobby with his great managerial moves wins the game for us……..No be seriously I give it to Bobby for bunting with Escobar so many times this year been in that type of situation and haven’t bunted. Look at Rockies here come the Braves!!! well ok maybe not but we win!!!
Soph
September 17th, 2009
12:45 am
I told you, no musicals. I’m going to bed too. I think I’ll be ok on 6.5 hours of sleep.
Night all! Great game!
JolliesOff
September 17th, 2009
12:46 am
FINALLY!! Getting some breaks. I knew they all the time that they would win.
Shane
September 17th, 2009
12:46 am
Once again Bobby Cox proves his brilliance, We would be 20 games worse without him.
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:47 am
chk chk BOOM
Shot down three nights in a row. That’s not a musical, though.
5.9ish hours for me. Night everyone.
N Nine
September 17th, 2009
12:48 am
Murphy playing loosey goosey at first base. Wow, what a gift. SEASON HIGH NINE games over!!!! Season high winning streak!!!!! I love Bobby Cox!!!!!!!
Shane
September 17th, 2009
12:48 am
Only Bobby would bunt with Escobar. He got Ross in scoring position. BRILLIANT
Shane
September 17th, 2009
12:49 am
What a manager. I hope he doesnt retire. We will lose games like these
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
12:50 am
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:24 am
They’re not going to come back and win this Chip.
The Mets have nothing to worry about.
Yo Mitch, you were wrong. Just thought I would let you know……Kelly great point on if Murphy had his glove on his elbow he would have caught it. I lol’d at that one.
TnBrian
September 17th, 2009
12:50 am
Sorry, Braves, you’re still not foolin most of us, but we still enjoy wins even if they’re for nothing.
Shane
September 17th, 2009
12:50 am
WOW. Once again Bobby Cox pulls a rabbit out of the hat.
Amazing. There is a reason he is going into the HOF folks.
braveman
September 17th, 2009
12:51 am
now, we just need to win 15 of the final 17 and we are in!!!!
N8
September 17th, 2009
12:52 am
“Once again Bobby Cox proves his brilliance, We would be 20 games worse without him.” Shane
ROTFLMFAOBYAAI (Rolling on the floor, laughing my frickin’ ass off because you are and idiot)
You sir, are the winner of the dumbest post of the month. Lew, get this guy a painting….. of a horses behind.
Ron in Mobile
September 17th, 2009
12:53 am
Rob
I remember that. I actually live in Theodore on dog river…thats why i round up to mobile. If my handle was Ron in Theodore, well then id sound like a mets fan.
How is Fayetville treatin ya?
Shane
September 17th, 2009
12:54 am
Once again Bobby out manages his opposite manger
WOW
N Nine
September 17th, 2009
12:54 am
now, we just need to win 15 of the final 17 and we are in!!!!
YA Baby! Go crazy folks, go crazy!!! Breaking news– We’re still in it Wahooooo! I love life again!!!!!!!!!
N8
September 17th, 2009
12:54 am
I’m going to watch some tv before shane’s posts suck what little intelligence I have out of my brain.
Porky Lentz
September 17th, 2009
12:55 am
Abbidi Abbidi Abbidi Abbidi Abbidi
You’re still done MORONS and BUMS. Especially you SHANE.
Katie
September 17th, 2009
12:55 am
Shane-
I’m sure it was all part of Bobby’s plan for Murphy to make two misplays at first and give us the game
Shane
September 17th, 2009
12:55 am
I mean the Braves didnt win tonight.
It was Bobby’s moves that won
Right?
Or you do just blame him when we lose?
Shane
September 17th, 2009
12:56 am
But not many managers would have had Escobar bunt
Thats a HOF move right there
jeffrey d
September 17th, 2009
12:56 am
You sir, are the winner of the dumbest post of the month. Lew, get this guy a painting….. of a horses behind
You were being pretty mean (although I’m not sure if he was legitly saying those things) but that was pretty funny.
CameronC
September 17th, 2009
12:56 am
I like how you idiots talk trash and all this bullsh*t about how the braves are gunna lose and when they win, yalls pathetic a$$’s get back onand say “YAY that negative talk made us win”. Get a life, you thought they were gunna lose and they won, so just admit you were wrong, dam. Im tired of all you bandwagon fans who love the team when thier winning, and you trash talk them when they are losin. Thats what atlanta needs, fans to stick with them all year long bad and good. So how about all you bandwagon fans just leave and we will see when they make the post season when they are doing great. Cause no one here wants to hear yalls negativity. And all of yall who are what im talking about will trash me for this. But its true.
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
12:57 am
Wait, what happened?
Did we lose? I missed it.
Yeah right.
Shane
September 17th, 2009
12:57 am
We are lucky to have a baseball man like Cox running the team
Shane
September 17th, 2009
12:58 am
How many managers would have had Escobar bunt?
ZERO
Shane
September 17th, 2009
12:59 am
We are lucky to have Cox. The man is a genius
Shane
September 17th, 2009
12:59 am
He won us this game tonight.
Shane
September 17th, 2009
1:03 am
Cox critics please stand up. I know its late but your ignorance is like vaniila ice cream
its never too late
Katie
September 17th, 2009
1:03 am
Shane- I can’t tell if you’re serious, but if you are, you’re repetitive comments are useless and just as asinine as the “fire bobby” crap that’s here after a loss
Shane
September 17th, 2009
1:03 am
Where are u?
Shane
September 17th, 2009
1:05 am
Katie
It is
Im just giving them a dose of there own medicene
Shane
September 17th, 2009
1:06 am
BTW
Im not serious. Just get tired of all the knee jerk a holes
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
1:06 am
Damn, Tiger. You got me.
How foolish of me to doubt the team that previously had only one come from behind win at home in ‘09.
Funny, I didn’t see you call it though.
N Nine
September 17th, 2009
1:06 am
Colorado in serious trouble…2 scored, 2 on base. zero outs
Katie
September 17th, 2009
1:06 am
dang it. its too late for me to write the correct you’re/your. goodnight
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
1:06 am
We need a homer from Edgar right here.
David..(Athens, AL)
September 17th, 2009
1:07 am
SF is ralling 4-2, with runners at 3rd and 2nd, no outs
Shane
September 17th, 2009
1:07 am
you sound reasonable Katie
Katie
September 17th, 2009
1:07 am
Shane- wow you really showed them
Doc Holiday
September 17th, 2009
1:08 am
OMG…………..giants are coming back………….rockies are melting down in the 9th……….
Shane
September 17th, 2009
1:09 am
Giants are making a rally
NorCal
September 17th, 2009
1:09 am
Edgar is a bum…
Shane
September 17th, 2009
1:09 am
Thanks Katie
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
1:09 am
Come on Edgar. What was that?
Wynn, we need a hit.
N Nine
September 17th, 2009
1:10 am
Need a base hit for a tie!
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
1:10 am
Couldn’t agree more Shane. I do hope Cox retires next year though, because then I can hire him as my caddy. Think about it, Bobby Cox and I as a team. The only word that comes to mind is UNSTOPPABLE.
Huddy's Ligament
September 17th, 2009
1:11 am
C’mon Winn, act like you’re playing the Braves.
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
1:13 am
BELIEVE!
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
1:13 am
We need a miracle here in the city by Bay Area Steve.
N Nine
September 17th, 2009
1:14 am
Screw that. I enjoy Cox picking his nose while rooting for Norton. Did you hear him after that Norton out? Peachtree TV does a great job with the audio. He even gave a fist bump for that semi deep fly ball.
Huddy's Ligament
September 17th, 2009
1:15 am
I’m hoping for a tie – I want to stay up watching baseball all nite.
By the bay…
Huddy's Ligament
September 17th, 2009
1:15 am
Wild pitch!
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
1:16 am
Come on Giants.
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
1:18 am
Poopy.
Mitchell
September 17th, 2009
1:18 am
Ouch.
Shane
September 17th, 2009
1:19 am
Damn
Mitch C
September 17th, 2009
1:26 am
The Braves are really playing well right now. Its a shame they couldnt have done this a few weeks ago. One can say that their competition this month is like little league, save for the games with the Fish and the Phils. That being said, this team has a shot to win close to 90 games, which would have been inconceivable a month or six weeks ago.
I’ve heard its looking likely we will sign Hudson again. Thats probably the right move, since we need an ace, and Lowe hasnt been the ace. I really hope we can find a way to keep Javy Vazquez, and maybe trade KK, and perhaps someone else. I;m uncomfortable with trading Vazquez, even if we keep Hudson, because two of our mainstays in the rotation next year would be in their mid to late 30s. In an ideal world, our rotation next year should be, and I’m not doing this in any order.
Lowe
Hanson
Hudson
Vazquez
Jurrgens.
Thats a darn good one thru five. Yes, all right handed, but five really solid starters.
As much as I’d love to see that, I have a feeling the Braves are going to trade Vazquez, to free up money to re sign Hudson. We will then need to either keep KK and put him in the rotation, or find a cheap FA, or a rookie.
FW is going to have a tough call over the winter, about what to do with the rotation, especially with Vazquez.
Shane
September 17th, 2009
1:29 am
Thank goodness we had Cox. He won us a game tonight by himself.
What a game. What a manager
No wonder he is a shoe in HOF
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
1:39 am
Wow if you see the end of the Angels game Juan Rivera has a chance to make a catch but he looks like Loaf out there. I guess they don’t play guys that can play the outfield just hit. Could have made a dive but just watched it drop at his feet. Another thing, the Red Sox got 2 calls in the ninth inning, so I guess we aren’t the only team that gets screwed in Fenway.
Shane Cox
September 17th, 2009
1:46 am
OK I’ve revealed myself. I’m Bobby’s illegitimate son.
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
1:51 am
Teehee I knew it Shane. Where is everyone? Only you and I wrapping this blog up tonight?
NO MORE BOBBY
September 17th, 2009
1:51 am
Thank you Mets for sucking.
Shane Cox
September 17th, 2009
1:55 am
Me and the old man have reunited. Sort of like Dr. Evil and Scott Evil.
Can’t wait for the holidays at Uncle Greg’s house. Cousin Jeff is coming back from New York!
Carroll Rogers
September 17th, 2009
1:56 am
Hey, here’s my updated game story, since the guys downtown won’t be posting it until the morning. Has health updates and all….
By Carroll Rogers
crogers@ajc.com
The Braves picked a funny time, and a funny way, to come up with their longest winning streak of the year.
Former Met Ryan Church hit a groundball off first baseman Daniel Murphy’s glove to drive in the go-ahead run of a 6-5 win over the Mets in the bottom of the ninth in the wee hours Thursday morning. With that play, in a game that was delayed nearly two hours by rain, the Braves won their season-high sixth game in a row and moved to a season-high nine games over .500.
Two of the three teams ahead of the Braves in the wild card standings won as well, so they are still five games behind the Rockies with 17 to go. But they are making an impression.
“It showed we’re in this for the long haul,” Church said. “Regardless of what happens, we’re going to give everything we’ve got.”
The Braves lost starter Derek Lowe after two innings because of a blister on his right ring finger and then watched Mike Gonzalez depart with a stiff back after giving up the go-ahead home run to pinch hitter Omir Santos. But the Braves rallied back in a wild ninth, with a couple of balls down the first base line.
Garret Anderson started it by doubling down the first baseline, even though Murphy was playing close to the line. It was his first hit in three at-bats against his former Angels teammate, Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez.
“I’m just looking for something over the plate, a mistake to hit, like I do off any other pitcher,” Anderson said.
After Rodriguez hit Brian McCann with a pitch, Yunel Escobar sacrified both runners into scoring position. Rodriguez walked Adam LaRoche intentionally and then gave up the tying run on a sacrifice fly by Omar Infante.
That brought up Church, who played the hero on Murphy’s error.
“(The ball) had a lot of topspin on it going toward the bag,” Church said. “It seemed like something was going to happen. It might have been in-between (hops). As soon as I saw it run up off his arm, into the air, you know (pinch runner) David Ross was running regardless, so touch the bag and hope for the best.”
The Mets continued to bring out the worst in Lowe, who gave up eight runs in one inning against them on Aug. 18. He gave up three runs in two innings Wednesday night in his shortest outing since a playoff tune-up against Baltimore for the Red Sox in 2004.
“I did it warming up,” said Lowe, who is 2-2 with a 6.83 ERA in six starts since that Aug. 18 loss to the Mets. “We put Super Glue on it, but it was hot, and it kept coming off. We just talked – is it worth it to keep going ripping it instead of stopping where we were?”
Lowe still expects to be ready for his next start on Monday in New York.
Then in the seventh, Gonzalez had to leave with a stiff back after giving up the go-ahead home run to pinch hitter Omir Santos.
Gonzalez, who has given up three homers in his past eight appearances, is considered day-to-day. Manager Bobby Cox said Gonzalez had a back spasm a few days earlier.
“We called down there in the fifth, sixth inning to see if we could count on him and he said ‘I’m fine,’” Cox said. “When he got out there he wasn’t fine.”
Chipper Jones did his sore left groin no favors during a pinch hit at-bat in the eighth but he thinks he might be able to return for the series finale Thursday.
“I took 100 swings underneath and I didn’t feel it one time that’s why I didn’t even think about it,” Jones said. “I guess there’s no simulating a game-intensity swing. Going to see how it feels tomorrow and see if I can play. It didn’t feel great, but I might be able to go.”
Jeff Francoeur went 3-for-5 with a double and two runs against his former team, but his strikeout with the bases loaded and one out in the eighth cost the Mets some needed insurance.
jed
September 17th, 2009
1:58 am
Shane at 1:03 am
“Cox critics please stand up. I know its late but your ignorance is like vaniila ice cream
its never too late”
this may well be the greatest non-sequitor ever on this blog. congrats, shane! you’re brilliant. like cardboard eggs.
Braves Nation
September 17th, 2009
1:58 am
“Going to see how it feels tomorrow and see if I can play. It didn’t feel great, but I might be able to go.”
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
1:59 am
Good work today Carroll keep those wins a coming!
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
2:01 am
Shane can you tell your dad to quit playing Norton? Or does he listen to you at all about baseball things??
Shane Cox
September 17th, 2009
2:04 am
Uncle Greg?
Are you criticizing my uncle? And my HOF Dad?
If he could bat him in all 9 spots he would. Tiger, you’re a mean man!
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
2:06 am
Sorry Shane I meant can you tell him to START Greg everyday. Sorry its getting a little late and I wasn’t thinking straight. I forgot that he is a switch hitting veteran. Sorry again for that mean comment Shane.
jed
September 17th, 2009
2:06 am
ryan church was the game’s hero? that’s stretching it a bit for a guy who hit into what should’ve been a typical ground-out. i’d say daniel murphy was the hero.
MattyO
September 17th, 2009
2:07 am
Carroll just wondering why in your piece about Vazquez wanting to stay in Atlanta, that you say we have to trade him or Kawakami. Why no mention of Lowe? I know it would be hard to move him, but don’t you think they would try to? Anyway, keep the wins coming. Go Braves!
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
2:11 am
We would all like to move Lowe but its just not gonna happen for the production he has had this year and his huge contract no one is going to want him. Hopefully though he has a bounce back season next year and is a solid well 5th starter. Not too many teams can say they have that kind of guy as a 5th starter I guess.
jed
September 17th, 2009
2:14 am
mattyO–i was talking about that the other night. certainly harder to find someone to trade for lowe than vazquez, but if we ate 2 mil / per on the 2 years left on lowe’s contract, i think he’s tradeable to a big-market club. what do you think? i’d rather keep JV. also, i think it’d be a mistake to trade KK. he had a lot of adjustments to make this year and has looked great in spots. i’m guessing a 3.5 ERA for him next year. and at 7 mil/per that’s not too bad.
jed
September 17th, 2009
2:16 am
tiger–a 15 million dollar 5th starter? yikes!
carl
September 17th, 2009
2:19 am
This winning streak is a mirage. LaRoche is right – they are winning now because of “no pressure”. When there WAS pressure, these guys folded and Cox soiled his depends as usual. All this streak does is make it harder to do what is needed in the offseason to get better for next year. Remember last September when the Braves were way out of it, Kelly Johnson and Greg norton piled up the stats which led Bobby to go with those guys this whole season with disastrous results.
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
2:20 am
Well we don’t have the money to pay part of his contract and sell him off somewhere either. There is no easy answer. I just really think no matter what else happens he will be in the rotation somewhere. I would rather him the 5th than any where else, but I understand 15 mil is way too much for a 5th starter. I’m just thinking of talent wise he would fit into that spot as of right now. An organization doesn’t like to admit their mistakes and if we got rid of Lowe that’s kind of what they would be doing. Not gonna happen. Wish it would though!
nolie
September 17th, 2009
2:38 am
I was doing the Chop so much there at the end of the game that I had to hold my arm up.
These guys have done pretty good this season coming back and winning some games. I’m pretty happy overall with their play.
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
2:42 am
Nolie how many peeps there?
jed
September 17th, 2009
2:44 am
carl– i agree with yr post. think it’s an illusion too. if anything, it raises questions about this team’s makeup. they’re a hell of a lot better team on paper than on the field. they had an incredible starting rotation this year, yet their perpetual inconsistency and that ridiculous collapse against the reds are what we’ll remember. now that they’ve blown it–now that “the pressure’s off–they’re winning the way they should have won all season. i’m not impressed.
tiger– i think we can afford to eat 2 million per year on lowe’s contract to get rid of the other 13 million we’d be paying to a guy who’s essentially a 3-starter at best–and who’s expendable with hudson’s return. and i do think a team like the yankees would take that deal. certainly, most teams wouldnt, but all you gotta do is find one team that will. plus if you replace him with hudson (estimated 3 year/30 mil), that pays for the 2 mil on lowe you’d be eating.
Alonso
September 17th, 2009
2:49 am
You know what you’re getting with Cox– the dude has changed very little over the years. It’s a philosophy, and a few breaks either way make or break the season/postseason. The same philosophy got us to the playoffs 14 years in a row. The same philosophy won us only one title, though it easily could have been one or two more (Ed Sprague, Kirby Puckett, and Jim Leyritz immediately come to mind). The same philosophy will either make us or break us this year. It’s easy to sit around and say Cox is an idiot, but his philosophy has been pretty successful for a long time. It is also legitimate to say that a different philosophy would get us over the hump, back in the playoffs, and potentially winning more World Series. However, I think many of you people that blindly criticize Cox are ignoring or at least forgetting the success of his philosophy. I am the first to think that there has to be a better option whenever Norton comes to bat or Leibrandt is left in to pitch, but I for one also believe in Bobby Cox and believe that he will do what he can to win the game. If this is his last season, I will treat him with the reverence that he deserves. I hope that we have his talents in the dugout for years to come, including the postseason this year if we get more good breaks like we did tonight and are otherwise blessed enough to get there. We got a good break tonight, but I was damn proud of our team for continuing to fight and winning a must win game tonight, especially knowing that the Rox were in control of their game. GO BRAVES!
bravesfanforever
September 17th, 2009
2:52 am
“f the Braves go 13-5 (14-4) (15-3)then other teams must..
Colorado 7-9 (8-8)(9-7)
San Fran 10-7(11-6)(12-5)
Marlins 11-5(12-4)(13-3)” – RC @2:32 pm
You all need to stop looking at every season as if it is a “race”. It’s not. A race is when everyone is playing each other at the same time. This does not happen in baseball.
The best team wins–usually. If you think it is conceivable that the Braves are a 90+ win team then they may have a chance to get the wild card since they may need to win 13-15 games in the remaining schedule. It is not inconceivable that the Rockies will win 90+ games themselves, but I just don’t think they are that good. So the law of averages says they may go .500 the rest of the way.
Just look at each team’s run scored and runs against. Atlanta and Colorado are similar so they should finish with similar records. It seems odd that Florida has such a good record considering their RS/RA. San Fran just does not strike me as a team that should win anything. They have pitching and zero offense. Atlanta has nearly as good of a pitching staff and a much better offense so they should finish ahead of them. Which I suppose in an ideal world it would happen
Not sure what it is exactly but the Braves seem to be really underperforming this year. Being 5 games behind (no matter who is ahead of them–since I don’t think it matters), is just too difficult to overcome with only a couple of weeks left in the season. The Braves to me seem like an 85 win team, 88 at the most. That may not get them in.
Anyway, not worried much about it. I’d rather seem them lose since it may spark management to take that one extra big step to get a championship team rather than just sitting back thinking “well, they were a playoff team last year!” Almost getting there in this case is better.
I’m certain this team will be much better in 2010. Wren seems to have a solid handle on what is needed to build a championship team. Our only hurdle to me is the ownership who doesn’t seem dedicated to building a great team. It is as if this team is destined to lose out no matter what Wren does since we may come out $1 short.
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t think the richest clubs necessarily win it all every year (they don’t) but they sure as heck have a higher chance of winning it all since they seem to be in the playoffs every year. It is a given that the WS and playoffs are a crapshoot in the current configuration. With the amount of spending the Braves are doing, they have entered the “if we put it all together just this one season we might have a chance” world. This is sad since they used to one of the top 3 teams in spending when Turner was at the helm. Oh well, those were the days.
Here is to 2010 and 2011! GO BRAVES!
jed
September 17th, 2009
2:52 am
blog ate my post again. when will i learn to copy before i post? ugg. i’ll give the reader’s digest version:
carl–i’m with you. i think it’s a mirage too. and being that it’s all happening after they choked away the season against the reds, i think it raises serious questions about the team’s make-up.
tiger– my view is that it’s perfectly reasonable to think you can find a rich team that’ll take lowe. and look at it this way: by eating 2 mil per year on lowe’s contract, and re-signing hudson at an estimated 3 year/ 30 mil contract, the team saves 3 mil per year. so it’s not as crazy or implausible as it may sound. makes sense bidniss-wise.
bravesfanforever
September 17th, 2009
2:58 am
Alonzo…
Good points about Cox… But that’s why it’s generally agreed that Cox is a good in season manager with a veteran club, but when it comes time to win that crucial game we are at a disadvantage since we know he would put in his worst starter in game 1 of any series (Lowe) and he would pinch hit his worst hitter Ed Norton in any 7-9th inning crucial situation. Again, having faith in players is great over the long haul but in a crucial situation, wouldn’t you rather put in your *BEST* rather than your worst???
jed
September 17th, 2009
3:06 am
alonso– there’s a knee-jerk faction on here that yells Fire Cox after every loss, but the majority of us who think cox should probably (unfortunately) go say so because he simply has done a miserable job making decisions this year. i’d estimate he’s easily cost us 10 games this season with poor bullpen management and personnel decisions. personally, i dont want to see cox ridden out of town on a rail. i’d hate that. but no doubt something has got to change. in my best-case scenario, bobby picks his successor who becomes his bench coach and makes all the important game-management decisions. bobby could still do what he does best–manage players and hold the team together. but do i think bobby cox would settle for that? no way. either way, something has got to change. we need someone who has a clue who to put on the field. cox has unfortunately proven this year he doesnt have that capacity anymore.
Alonso
September 17th, 2009
3:24 am
I agree that there is some serious self examination that needs to go on at the end of the year by FW and Bobby, particularly with the decisions that are peripheral to the Cox philosophy (i.e. Norton), but i think we still have one of the best managers in the game, even at his age. Look at the success that the phils, cards, and dodgers are having. the older guys do well, particularly in the national league. i can’t begin to think at this point about who could do better with what he has. give the guy another $20 million to spend on the roster, and we would have been able to get a bat like holliday. If we’d done that, we’d be in first. It’s that simple. Our offense is the only thing that has really held us back. Part of it was people like Chip cooling off significantly when we needed them last week, but the real problem was not having another legitimate bat that could carry us when the other stars hit their inevitable slumps. I hope it’s not too late for the current team to rally, but it sure seems like it is. I’ll be pulling hard for them til Oct. 4th, but I honestly feel like we will have have the team next year to go far. At minimum, having Hanson all year will be a huge boost. If we don’t have Bobby at the helm next year, we will regret it.
Tiger Woods
September 17th, 2009
3:33 am
Yo Alfonso give any manager $20 million more with this team and they make the playoffs. The marlins have less than half the payroll we do and they are ahead of us in the standings. You make no sense really. This team is good enough to win and they aren’t. Blame it on who you want but don’t just say give them another how many ever million when you have teams like the Marlins winning with a marginal payroll.
bravesfanforever
September 17th, 2009
3:38 am
By far the easiest thing to do with this staff in the off season is just not sign Hudson. Doesn’t take much work to say, “no”. It just depends on what you see for the future of this ball club. Is he more valuable next year than Vasquez?
Vasquez would be somewhat difficult to trade because of his contract (no west coast teams and the White Sox are unlikely to take him back!) and the fact that he is really two players. He either puts in a great season or one that makes you shake your head wondering why he doesn’t have a better record because of his talent. What are we going to get next year? Don’t look solely at what he just did in 2009. I’m certain other teams look at this too, but I don’t know, some GMs can only see what’s on the surface so Vasquez might give us the most in return in a trade out of all of our pitchers. But hey, the guy has desire to stay in the NL and he really loves the Braves. That means a lot to me.
Lowe is almost completely untradable except to the Dodgers since he pitched there before, the Yanks because they like the “big names”, possibly the White Sox or Cubs because they will take any overpriced veteran (heh), or Boston but they already have enough pitching (but then they always act like they don’t). Lowe has put forth a pretty mediocre season and at his age and 3 more years on this contract it may be difficult to trade him (but I’ve seen stranger things).
Trading Kawakami may not be a good idea. He is the only Japanese player this club has ever had and it may damage our future with Japanese players. He is somewhat overpaid considering his record and the number of starts he can put in in a season. But I am impressed. I think he has done well considering the circumstances and he may do better next year he becomes even more accustomed to the different baseball, the league, and a new country. He seems to be a big game pitcher which is more than what I can say for many of our other staff members. He really gets a lot of performance from a guy who doesn’t really have a lot of great pitches. He just seems to know how to get the right pitch, in the right location, at the right time. Pretty savvy don’t you think?
Jurrjens is someone that I just would not trade and I think Wren thinks the same way. I mean, unless we are getting Albert Pujols in return, why trade someone who is a bargain at this point and may give us 5 or more years of great starts? This guy could be a Cy Young candidate soon. He has only been in the big leagues for two full seasons and one partial one and he has really impressed. I have seen few young pitchers with the kind of poise that he has—which is almost Tom Glavine like. Not much comparison with the pitches but he just never gets rattled which is exactly what you want in a big game pitcher. You can’t always have your best stuff, but that’s not what you want with a winner. You want someone who is nearly always going to keep you in the game and he has been this way ever since day 1 with the Braves. So I would consider him off the list.
I really don’t even need to bring up Tommy Hanson. He is not going to be traded period. I swear this guy is going to win multiple Cy Young awards and he is going to be the #1 starter in a short amount of time. He is like Jurrjens with the poise but with better stuff. The guy has a crazy high ceiling. 10-3 with a 2.65 ERA in his first year??? Man!
So if I had to guess, and believe me it is only a guess for anyone because you can’t predict the future no matter what friggin’ rumors are out there at the moment, we will not sign Hudson. What else can this team do??? The guy is coming off Tommy John surgery, he has only one year left on his contract and it would be really, really easy to just say, “no”. Done. We have another $11 mil to spend ($1 mil buyout). Don’t get me wrong, I love Tim Hudson but what can you do? This club cannot afford 6 legit starters. Besides, all things being equal, Vasquez is two years younger. Hudson will be 35 next July and he is coming off surgery. Doesn’t always mean anything especially with a full winter to heal but odds are that Vasquez is easier to keep for one more season.
If we keep Adam LaRoche we will need the money to resign him. Then if we dump Johnson, Church, Norton, and Anderson and insert Heyward in RF (Prado is already at 2B) that means we could have $16 mil to spend on a new left fielder. Hah, but then we gotta figure out what to do about Soriano, Gonzo, and Moylan. Gotta keep at least two of them!
Joe (Ted Turner's worst mistake...besides Jane Fonda) Torre
September 17th, 2009
4:03 am
Hello Atlanta…
Where is the love Atlanta? If I had Bobby’s players and payroll…I never would have won all those WS rings with the Yankees. It is a fact. Yankees just had more talent (OK…except in 1996…Braves blew it). Bobby is OK in my book. CAPICE!
Do not give up…yet. Reality is staring the Braves in the face, especially with the Phillies coming in this weekend. Continue winning and you still have a mathematical chance. Lose…and the fat lady is really starting to clear her throat of Chip Caray’s small p@#$s.
Rockies. Need to lose 4 more games than the Braves. That is all you need. Who’s to say…they go to Arizona…and continue to slide? (only been 6 – 4 the last 10 games…) However, they play .600 ball or better …Atlanta needs to start saying some Novenas and cheer on the Falcons. I would not worry about the Giants or the Marlins…they will fade (I already said my Novenas…so they are covered).
That about covers it. Win or else. But why not pull a small miracle and go 23 – 0. HaHaHa. I crack my self up. OK. Settle for 20 – 3 (good start though…going 6 – 0)…with your last 23 played and I will see you in October playing the Dodgers for the NL Pennant and the right to lose to the Yankees.
Lose no more than 3…and you have a prayer of a chance! Never thought the WC winner would get in with having to win 92 + games this year. Good job Jim Tracy. (or Bobby Cox?…)
BELIEVE
Selah…
nolie
September 17th, 2009
5:04 am
you can’t predict the future no matter what friggin’ rumors are out there at the moment, we will not sign Hudson. (BFF)
If he has a few more starts in line with what he has done so far I can practically guarantee you that they will sign him one way or another.
Ronster1947
September 17th, 2009
6:39 am
Dear Mister Wren, regarding next year’s starting rotation, please do not let (the mediocre-performing) Lowe’s contract dictate your thinking. The best five has got to include, Vazquez, Jurrjens, Hanson, Hudson, and Kawakami, in that order. Period.
Rob from SC AKA - Derek Lowe sucks
September 17th, 2009
7:23 am
I really feel bad that I went to bed after Gonzalez gave up the homerun, but I couldn’t keep my eyes open. 18 credit hours is tirin me out.
Great job coming back tonight boys, and way to take advantage of the Mets miscues.
Oh Derek Lowe, do your blisters only develop when you can’t get crappy hitters out? If you are in pain then don’t pitch. I don’t blame the blister because his sinker stopped sinking a long time ago. To me Lowe looks out of shape. He needs to dedicate his offseason to improving his conditioning. When you are getting paid that much money you owe it to the organization to be in the best shape possible.
Great game Omar Infante. You are the reason we won. Meeds pitched well also.
Steve from OH
September 17th, 2009
7:24 am
I have a feeling that the walk-off win last night ruined Hugh Jazz’s day…reading through the in-game comments after I left was hilarious.
Mitchell, take a chill pill bro.
Katie
September 17th, 2009
7:24 am
Morning everybody, Carroll I just read the story on Vazquez- the part on KK imitating braves hitters was hilarious, thanks for sharing!
Braveheart
September 17th, 2009
7:24 am
The Mets hung some new banners at Citi Field:
http://pickmeup.mlblogs.com/bannersfinal.jpg
Katie
September 17th, 2009
7:29 am
very funny, Braveheart
The blister that appears on Lowe's finger whenever he pitches to the Mets
September 17th, 2009
7:30 am
Lowe still expects to be ready for his next start on Monday in New York.
Good luck with that…
richbrave
September 17th, 2009
7:59 am
It was nice to read about FRANCOUER striking out in the eighth with the bases loaded. I don’t care what anyone says, I think he was mad at the BRAVES for not signing him when they locked up McCANN, and it just slowly went downhill in his mind until he figured he’d get out of town by playing his way out. Which of course, he did the last two years he was here.
Danga
September 17th, 2009
8:00 am
Nice one Braveheart.
Danga
September 17th, 2009
8:02 am
Thank God Francoeur wasn’t locked up long term.
bravesgrl4life
September 17th, 2009
8:36 am
So nice to wake up this morning and find that we won the 6th game in a row. It was 3-3 when I went to bed last night. When you have to get up at 5 a.m., it’s really hard to hold out on the rain-delayed games. Sounds like it was a pretty good game. Maybe it was for the best that Lowe left so quickly. I mean, 4th and 6th innings are his rough ones, right?
Well, bloggers, gotta short day and a lot to get done, so I am off. See you all tomorrow
Have a great Thursday!
Pete
September 17th, 2009
8:50 am
richbrave: “I don’t care what anyone says, I think he was mad at the BRAVES for not signing him when they locked up McCANN,…….”
Francouer turned down the offer from the Braves; was his decision. His offer was similar to what McCann accepted, but Jeff got greedy and started believing all the hype, etc.
curtis jones
September 17th, 2009
9:11 am
Great strategy by the HOF manager last night. Who else could have pushed the right buttons? I mean, bringing in an obviously fresh, fit pitcher like Gonzo, who according to Jeff Schultz has not been overworked. Sure, he gave up (another) go-ahead homer, but that’s all part of HOF manager’s plan.
Then, he could take it to the bottom of the 9th, where he had it all mapped out. Hit an inning-ending grounder to the Mets’ alleged first baseman, who would of course, boot it, stumble, bumble, and allow the fleet-footed pinch-runner David Ross to score.
Genius, that Bobby Cox.
Rock On......
September 17th, 2009
9:14 am
Forgot to add that the Braves must sign LaRoche.
doc
September 17th, 2009
9:21 am
yeah richie he thought he was better than his buddy and his ego got in the way on that one iunce hey offered identical contacts almost it was reported by some close to the action.
Rock On......
September 17th, 2009
9:22 am
doc…..agreed in theory, however, he would have only been used as the 5th starter for the first couple of months which didn’t equal a lot of starts if my memory about the Glavine scenario isn’t too foggy. But still, yeah, if we miss the playoffs by a couple of games you could argue that. Wren knew what he was doing and was willing to take that chance for a few missed starts by Hanson. I don’t think he will do that with Heyward if he indeed continues his pace of play through ST. Different situation with an everyday player IMO.
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
9:32 am
Well, BMac’s AVG is still stuck on .281 (course, as long as it’s not going down, I’m cool with that), but his OBP went up a whole point…that HBP put it back up after the bunt made it go down.
And HA! A few weeks ago some of you people were questioning his ability to bunt! Told ya he could do it…
lexbrave
September 17th, 2009
9:32 am
richbrave, the braves offered francoeur the same long term deal they offered mccaan…mccaan accepted it and francoeur made the decision to continue year to year in order to hold out for more money / better deal. so there is no reason that francoeur would be upset with the braves for not signing him long term like they did mccaan. i do think he was very upset (and maybe still is) over the braves demoting him last year.
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
9:36 am
At least I think…wait…do bunts make your OBP go down, or does it just stay the same after a bunt? I know SF make it go down…
Lew–
Not a bad idea…just seems like what they pay Lowe is a heckuva lotta money to pay a closer…But what do I know? I’m not even sure if bunts make a player’s OBP go down. Hey, though, the formula I saw said (H+BB+HBP) / (AB+BB+HBP+SF)…says nothing about SH.
Danga
September 17th, 2009
9:41 am
Seems that both Lowe and Vazquez are having career years but in opposite directions. Vazquez is pitching like an ace this year, but it has been a long time since he showed any evidence of this kind of performance. I would tend towards a sell high strategy with him. Lowe in the bullpen would be interesting, but 15 mil a year is a lot to spend on a relief pitcher.
HoCoJo
September 17th, 2009
9:42 am
What is the deal with the time stamp?
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
9:45 am
Oh brother…now my last posts are out of place, too…
What’s the deal with this thing lately?
HoCoJo
September 17th, 2009
9:47 am
probably some Met blogger has hacked into the system.
HoCoJo
September 17th, 2009
9:50 am
Any day games today? We could be listening to them now.
Tell It Like It Is
September 17th, 2009
9:51 am
David O’Brien
September 16th, 2009
9:00 pm
Lew, good points at 7:26 p.m.
The point of my comments about salaries yesterday is that I personally feel that there are too many over paid players on the Braves team and in baseball in general. Maybe this can be attributed to A-Rod’s salary and TV revenues. Of the seven guys on the Braves making in excess of $5 million, only Vazquez,Chipper and KK are worth the money from an entertainment perspective. As for the minimum salary guys($400,000), I am sure that they will not be Braves once they go to arbitration and beyond.
Your comment advising me to stop watching baseball or becoming a Pirates fan may have more revelance than you think. Have you noticed the attendance figures for the Braves games. High prices and the lack of prime time players that do not bore you for 4 hours is taking it toll. I have never seen a more inept MLB outfield in my life. Maybe you guys are paying too much attention to your love fest for art and music in lieu of baseball. Have a good day. IT IS WHAT IT IS.
timthebrave
September 17th, 2009
9:54 am
Even though Murphy booted away the winning run you need to give credit for the Braves not giving up on the game or the season. They were down 3-0 and 5-4 in the 9th and kept coming back. They tied it off Rodriquez withouth the error which is not easy to do. Just keep winning. Go Braves!
beekay
September 17th, 2009
9:55 am
Just a crazy thought but could D-Lowe go back to the closing role like he did with the BoSox (42 saves)…we could save 10-15 mill by not having to resign Gonzo and Sori so his 15 mill contract won’t seem like it’s way too much for a closer. We can use that 10-15 mill on a big bat and still have one of the top rotations in the league with Hanson, JJ, JV, TImmy, KK
Rock On......
September 17th, 2009
9:56 am
Lew….as I check back in on the time-stamp warp noticed your post. Totally agreed we need to let Gonzo and Soriano go but I would insert Moylan as the closer. Also, IMO, Medlen is not ready as a rotation guy. Not sold on him at all. Agree that either Lowe or KK will not be in the rotation but one will be which pretty much rules out Medlen. Medlen will be fine in the middle-innings or emergency start scenario.
Another scenario that could well play out is if Hudson is offered a big contract elsewhere. He is being heavily scouted and the Braves could lose his services to a higher bidder. Again rendering the Medlen scenario moot.
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
9:56 am
Guess the Blog’s just taking the “Days are getting shorter” thing to a whole new level…
lexbrave–
Only one “a” in McCann…
Soph–
But that’s too funny!
Vinings Jim
September 17th, 2009
9:56 am
Rob – Derek Lowe is a conditioning nut – in ST he was there hours early running the steps in the stadium, and I have heard several players comment how impressed they are with all the work he has done as the season has progressed.
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
9:58 am
Soph–
My post to you is up there somewhere…
Fooey–still gotta go to the dentist.
If there’s one thing I dislike more than K’s…
CB
September 17th, 2009
9:58 am
Lew,I like your ideas but would prefer trading Lowe. Fat chance,huh?
Rock On......
September 17th, 2009
9:59 am
now I post a response to Lew and it is showing the correct time which of course is many posts before his post I was responding to.
Next thing I know I will wake up tomorrow at it will be Groundhog Day…again.
CB
September 17th, 2009
10:00 am
Lets see – I respond to Lew’s post and it appears before his?
Plastikos
September 17th, 2009
10:07 am
I have read that the brewers and toying with the idea of moving Prince for starting pitching. As much as I like Vazquez, what are your thoughts if we could get Prince?
Anders
September 17th, 2009
10:09 am
Two guys sealed their fates with their managers last night. Mike Gonzalez and Daniel Murphy. Gonzalez appeared to have pissed off Cox by claiming he was ok to go when he clearly wasn’t. This isn’t 20/20 hindsight. On that second pitch to Santos at 71 mph that he threw like a rusty gate I assumed his elbow went again and he wasn’t saying anything. I was literally waiting for him to motion to the dugout for the trainer. Then he served up that meatball I could have crushed. I’m sure Cox is none to happy with Gonzo not being honest with him. Hard to come back from that with a guy like Cox. Cox lives and dies on trust with his players.
Mr Murphy on the other hand has shown time and time again he can’t be counted on in big spots defensively. I’ll be stunned if he’s anything more than a utility player for the Mets next year and in that capacity he’s limited. The good news (for me)is that the Mets won’t kid themselves that they can get by with him on first next year. They’ll definetly be shopping for a 1st baseman.
Anders
September 17th, 2009
10:11 am
Braveheart – That 7:24 is funny! I’m stealing it for the locals.
Lew
September 17th, 2009
10:14 am
CB-I wouldn’t count on trading Lowe and I am very loathe to eat salary. He was a successful closer (40+ saves) before and if he could be talked into closing again, it would solve a couple of problems.
Someone mentioned lack of confidence in Medlen. I’m just not concerned about him pitching in the 5th spot. I think much of his difficulty this year has to do with (overall) lack of use and flip flopping to reliever after starting (he never really got a good chance to start on a regular basis and I think he would have improved a good deal)
Besides, with a bona fide power bat and a full season of LaRoche and McLouth, I think any loss in 5th starter quality from KK to Medlen would be greatly minimized.
Rock On......
September 17th, 2009
10:14 am
darn..I missed lunch.
Rock On......
September 17th, 2009
10:21 am
This blog is like Dr. Pepper….10,2, and pretty soon it will be 4.
Brad in MT
September 17th, 2009
10:25 am
As much as trading KK makes the most sense, do you all think its really likely? I just can’t imagine them trading their first Japanese import, it would seem to set a bad precedent going forward for other Japanese players…for me Lowe would be the guy to trade, but I can’t see anyone taking his salary in this market but I guess you never know if some big market team gets desperate…
Anders
September 17th, 2009
10:36 am
Hey Lew – You forgot to add solving the national unemployment problem to your 1:30 post. You know, while Wren’s at it. {:
bobby
September 17th, 2009
10:40 am
I guess Bobby has ruined another pitcher. It was clear to anyone watching that Gonzo had hurt himself Tuesday night yet good ole BC brings him into the game anyway. Ughhhh, his handling of pitchers is giving me an ulcer.
richbrave
September 17th, 2009
10:45 am
“Well, I saw here face, now I’m a believer…” BRAVES season makes that old standard run through my head. GO BRAVES, nothing wrong with a sweep of the METS.
bravesgrl4life
September 17th, 2009
10:45 am
Okay, if it’s 2:33 p.m., wth am I still at work. I was supposed to leave at 1!!!!
N8
September 17th, 2009
10:46 am
Why are times of the posts WAY off? Or did I just really sleep in today?
richbrave
September 17th, 2009
10:47 am
DANGA and PETE:
I roll with that.
fastasballs
September 17th, 2009
10:53 am
Just need to finish 15-2 now, much more realistic than the 21-2 it was to take last week. Yeah right
That makes two games the Braves had no business winning that ended up as a W as compared to probably 10 or more that they should have never lost. The other was when Lidge threw Diaz’s bunt attempt down the first base line.
At least with a win tonight the Braves will gain a 1/2 game on the Giants/Rockies. The Marlins are of no concern because the Braves would have to beat them head-head in order to have any chance at the Rockies anyway.
Anders
September 17th, 2009
11:00 am
Will I appear in AM or PM? And what does it mean?
Rob from SC AKA - Derek Lowe sucks
September 17th, 2009
11:01 am
Vinings Jim
great shape my ass, he has a gut
DAP
September 17th, 2009
11:01 am
N8, hey genius. personally, im still just having fun watching the braves play baseball. i love it. and, im really looking forward to seeing what wren does this offseason, einstein.
Anders
September 17th, 2009
11:02 am
I see what’s going on here. They’ve finally figured a way to bury my posts a page back! Very clever AJC.
Anders
September 17th, 2009
11:04 am
No Matter how hard I try I just can’t get past Old General Lee there in front of me.
Where’s Sherman when I need him?
Anders
September 17th, 2009
11:10 am
I feel like Andy Duphrene locked in the office playing the music over the loud speakers at Shawshank.
Uh oh, here comes DOB to break the window.
Anders
September 17th, 2009
11:12 am
OK, Now I’m back with General Lee. I hope the AJC got a warranty on this thing. It’s clearly sprung a leak.
ChasZee
September 17th, 2009
11:21 am
Vasquez, Jair and Hanson are the reason the Braves are still in this. Surely, surely all will return next season if the Braves have any commitment to winning.
Anders
September 17th, 2009
11:39 am
I’m glad some of these fringe guys on the Mets are struggling like Pagan and Murphy. I don’t want the Mets thinking because these guys produced in meaningless August and September games that they’re part of the solution. Pagan’s a 4th outfielder at this stage of his career (who knows going forward) and Murphy is a bench player.
Now go get a LF and 1st baseman.
Anders
September 17th, 2009
11:40 am
DAP – My last response to you went back to the 11:40 time area. This is challenging to say the least.
David O'Brien
September 17th, 2009
11:47 am
Maybe the torrential rains we’re getting again in Atlanta have soaked the servers and shorted out the clock on our supercomputer… Or maybe I have no idea what I’m talking about.
Katie
September 17th, 2009
11:51 am
“wow, the braves are really stepping up with the postgame concert thing”-DOB
you mean, you’re not excited for the jessie james concert in a couple weeks? (sarcasm)
abwright
September 17th, 2009
11:58 am
I had to go to bed last night with the Braves trailing 5-4. Game had a Twilight Zone feel to it the whole way. Rain delay, Lowe ineffective, Parnell effective, weird bounces, lead changes, KK and Medlen finally getting to pitch again, etc. I could not believe my eyes this morning when I read that the Braves had squeaked this one out.
I’m not sure that this make the Braves a “team of density” or whether the Mets are just finding ways to lose. But, I’ll take it. A win’s a win.
I hope that Bobby gets creative with his bullpen. The spit and sticky tape are starting to unravel. Need to get some guys out there who aren’t injured, worn out, rusty, or named Manny Acosta.
Lez Zeppelin? Go figure. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that.)
Random
September 17th, 2009
12:10 pm
I would hope that this disclaimer is unnecessary, but the crude, defamatory and obscene comment ascribed to “Random” at September 17th, 2009 11:03 am is not mine.
Thrillhouse44
September 17th, 2009
12:11 pm
Wait a minute, Doc. Ah… Are you telling me that you built a time machine… out of a DeLorean?
DirtyDawg
September 17th, 2009
12:21 pm
I haven’t read all the stuff here, and haven’t checked the NY newspaper sites as yet, but have the Mets released that Murphy kid yet today? I mean the poor guy made what should have been charged as three errors in the inning – first on the ball hit by Anderson where he stood there and watched it go right by him and two on the ball hit by Church (how sweet that must have been for him?) allowing our second, or third, slowest runner to score from second.
My thought, and again surely somebody in NY will wear this out, was, ‘hell, even Buckner had better form on the ball he booted ‘back then’. I know this is just one game out of an entirely lost season for the Mets, but it surely does seem like some sort of retribution for the Buckner/Mookie Wilson thing.
jim
September 17th, 2009
12:22 pm
Who is the team MVP this year? On the whole it has probably been McCann, but he has had periods of inconsistency, not hit well against lefties, and has not played stellar defense. A strong case could be made for Escobar, who has hit consistently with runners in scoring position, played good defense, and has kept his average in a narrow range between 290 and 310 for most of the season. LaRoche since the trade would also be a candidate, but he has only been with the Braves for two months. Prado and McClouth would be in the team picture, but not among the prime candidates. Hanson, JJ, and Javy should also get some consideration as well as Peter Moylan for going out there every other night and giving us a chance to win. This will be the first year since 1995 that Chipper is not even in the conversation.
DAP
September 17th, 2009
12:29 pm
did anybody hear bobby cheering on greg norton last night?i laughed thinking about the greg norton comments on here. after norton flied out, you could hear bobby plain as day “good swing, greg!” ive never heard him congratulate a guy who just made an out before.
General Lee
September 17th, 2009
12:32 pm
But if Ted doesn’t hook up with Jane, does he make Gettysburg? I mean, dang, he got Martin Freaking Sheen to play me!
Jeff R
September 17th, 2009
12:49 pm
Management isn’t going to put Lowe in the bullpen. That’s a hefty sum($60 million) for a closer. And why do we think that Lowe is suited to closing? Past bullpen experience, but that was a while ago.
I’d like to see Wren trade Kawakami. I’d certainly take a chance on Hudson, but, as someone else posted earlier, I wouldn’t trade Vazquez. No guarentee that Hudson’s rebuilt arm holds up.
Mark
September 17th, 2009
12:56 pm
jim–J-Hey and Hanson will be the new centerpieces of the team starting next year, but I’ve got to say the entire starting pitching staff has to be the team MVP this year…As dismal and inconsistent as the offense has been for most of the year, the starters have kept the team in just about every game…The future looks bright for the Bravos…
rico43
September 17th, 2009
1:04 pm
DOB: Didn’t I see where Fogerty has actually put together a Blue Ridge Rangers band for a tour to go with the new album? I know he has kept Kenny Aronoff — possibly the best rock drummer still breathing — as part of it.
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
September 17th, 2009
1:04 pm
As they say McFann, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere …
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
September 17th, 2009
1:05 pm
Hey, I have an entire afternoon’s worth of work still to do!
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
September 17th, 2009
1:08 pm
The blog ate two of my best jokes lately … (but I’ll repeat one)
You know what they say, McFann, it’s five o’clock somewhere …
Rock On......
September 17th, 2009
1:09 pm
bravesfanforever….I feel the Braves are willing to gamble that Hudson will return to pre-2007 form coming off TJ surgery. I don’t however feel they are willing to trade Vazquez then gamble on Hudson. If Vazquez puts up numbers similar to this year in 2010 he is relatively cheap. Let’s say, for arguments sake, that Hudson has arm issues in 2010. If they have traded away Vazquez and then lose Hudson for the year or an extended period of time then the pitching is seriously compromised. I am one who feels that no bat acquired by a Vazquez trade will offset losing Vazquez and Hudson (should he develop problems).
Thus, I feel they will eventually have Hudson but not at the expense of losing Vazquez. I agree that the Braves should look first to move Lowe which I have mentioned before. Sure it will be next to impossible but Wren should look first there. We could eat 3 million a year of the contract and pay Hudson and still be at or just below what we were paying Lowe. I remember last year we were high bidder for Lowe to get his services at around 16 million. Would some team take him off our hands at 12+ million. Maybe. Worth a shot in the dark at least.
By the way, I wouldn’t worry about how we would look to the Japanese baseball contingent if we traded KK. Baseball is a business and this year we simply have to move a starter. Just the nature of the business and I don’t think his nationality will induce a minute of thought if the right trade comes along. Not saying they will move KK or he has pitched poorly to warrant a move but I would move him before Vazquez should that be the scenario.
In LaRoche, Heyward, Prado, McClouth you will have 4 that weren’t starting in Atlanta in 2009. Put them with a LF with big bat potential and you have a super-strong offense to go with arguably the best starting staff in baseball. I am assuming McCann and Escobar will stay steady and we get what we normally get with Chipper(better than this year). If my stat reading was correct we have the #3 BA in the NL since the all-star break. We don’t need a lot of additions just one more solid bat (that is assuming Heyward makes it out of ST). Not saying that Heyward won’t need some time to develop but his bat should bring another extra threat we need.
Finally, I still feel if it was between Vazquez and Hudson with no other variables the Braves would take Vazquez and let Hudson walk and pay him a million. Been saying that for quite a while. However, the landscape has changed for Atlanta and I feel the Braves will look to keep both per my first paragraph above. We’ll see.
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
1:10 pm
BTW–I loved the piece about KK doing impressions of different Braves’ players batting.
Good stuff.
Rob from SC AKA - Derek Lowe sucks
September 17th, 2009
1:12 pm
McFann
I think McCann’s defensive issues are fixable, but will take hard work
1. he needs to slide infornt of balls in the dirt. I caught griwung up and was taught don’t catch balls in the dirt with your glove
2. Put his bare hand behind his back
3. block the plate
doc
September 17th, 2009
1:12 pm
have always respected roachie’s game, even when bloggers trashed his “long” swing. said it then, they gave up too much for gonzalez who had injury concerns before he got here. roach would have made a difference over a season of a few games is my guess.
seems economics of course also cost us a chance at a run for the series. BAD decision to “season” hanson this year. sad wren and the financial gurus didnt see the possible rook of the year in camp and the way he has pitched, a possible cy young over a complete year. it isnt about the innings but about the mindset of who controls the money. definitely outsmarted themselves on that one, didnt they?
one other thing if they had spent on an outfielder with punch we might be chasing the phils. all these things haunt but sending roach hurt the system more than folks will ever admit since it set in motion the worst trade in the history of the braves since len barker when to fill that void they blew up their minor league structure in a trade with the rangers.
three huge if’s to capitalize on what could have been a great season. any idea why fans are not at the park? hope the accountants get smarter.
David O'Brien
September 17th, 2009
1:13 pm
Jim, it’s a tough call on team MVP, tougher than I can ever remember it being (well, since I came here in 2002 at least).
I’d have to go Escobar or Vazquez right now.
Rock On......
September 17th, 2009
1:15 pm
what’s up with the posts? They are appearing out of order with afternoon time stamps.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried
September 17th, 2009
1:17 pm
Oh my sweet mother mary 4.5 is starting to sound good!
Its funny what a winning streak can do…We got lucky last night…Now we have to take care of business and sweep these guys out of town.
Please for the love of everything win tonight boys…I think everyone can feel the hope coming back here…
Let’s just focus on tonight and we’ll go from there…
jim
September 17th, 2009
1:18 pm
I would have to concur that Javy would be the MVP(itcher). If we were to make the playoffs, he would be my choice to start game 1, because he would be most likely to go 7+ innings and be able to come back strong for game 4 (if necessary) or game 5. Moylan will have over 80 appearances by the end of the year and his ability to keep us in as many games as he has may account for about as many team wins as any of the starters.
braves4ever
September 17th, 2009
1:19 pm
Are in a time vortex or what ,anybody look at the posting times this morning,we go from 9:11 to 12:30 pm . Does this mean the Braves will have a Rockies type of finish and win say 15 games? way out there
Rock On......
September 17th, 2009
1:24 pm
my response to “doc” is coming three posts before his post. Catch you guys later in the day.
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
1:25 pm
Great win last night!
Nice to beat up on K-Rod…
Mixxo No way Mac scores on that.
Ha! That’s what you think!
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
1:26 pm
Jim–
Javy would be my number 1 in the play-offs, too. Definitely…
Doc Holiday
September 17th, 2009
1:27 pm
What do Chipper and Renteria have in common?
They have both played for the braves
They are both old
They have both gone from unstoppable in the clutch to laughable in the clutch.
They are both on a mission to kill our playoff chances/hopes
Rob from SC AKA - Derek Lowe sucks
September 17th, 2009
1:27 pm
McFann :Ô:
First thing he needs to do is get his eye situtation fixed.
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
1:28 pm
Yeah, hey! What do you know? It’s 1:26 pm–boo-yah! This means my sister and I missed our dentist appointments!
Rock On… Catch you guys later in the day.
Apparently it is later in the day…
Danga
September 17th, 2009
1:29 pm
Rock on…Dude. You must be clairvoyant.
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
1:29 pm
Lew
September 17th, 2009
1:30 pm
If we could talk Lowe into closing next year, you go ahead and keep both Vazquez and Hudson, let Gonzo and Soriano walk, saving $10 mil. Trade Kawakami and save another $7 mil and give Medlen the #5 starter spot. Take the money and re-sign LaRoche for two-three years and spend the rest on a power bat. NL East Championship (at the very least) results. With the rotation of Vazquez, Jurrjens, Hanson, Hudson and Medlen, we go far in the playoffs, too.
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
1:31 pm
Rob from SC First thing he needs to do is get his eye situtation fixed.
Yeah, I know…
Still unsettled about that…
Lew
September 17th, 2009
1:32 pm
And Random-Yes, we realize they will never trade Kawakami, right?
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
1:38 pm
Rob he first thing McCann needs to do is to get his eyes fixed
I did respond to you when you originally posted this…
But yeah, I agree…just unsettles me…A LOT.
Lew
September 17th, 2009
1:43 pm
I just saw that Creedence Clearwater Revisited is laying at a Braves’ game. I’ve seen them before (several years ago in Reno) and they’re OK, but can any band without John Fogerty (even with CCR’s rhythm section) legitimately be called Creedence Clearwater? I’ve got my doubts.
HoCoJo
September 17th, 2009
1:44 pm
I get loosey goosey after eating Mexican food.
HoCoJo
September 17th, 2009
1:45 pm
Must be sun spots!
HoCoJo
September 17th, 2009
1:46 pm
Almost time to get off work!
N8
September 17th, 2009
1:47 pm
London Calling, Sorry. Just assumed the rest of that post (about the haters) was directed as me as well.
Abwright, totally agree with you. But that doesn’t make me any more confident that we’ll get in. Through all the records and trends this season out the door. Common sense tells you that either the Giants or Rockies win the wild card. They are both in position to take it if one or the other fails to take charge.
While the Braves might be playing better ball right now, they HAVE TO have BOTH of those teams collapse (and must continue to win at an incredible rate), to overtake them.
I’ve never stated it’s not possible. Just not probable. Even if they DO end up winning it. I will not have been wrong. It will have been the exception to what common sense said if they win, not the rule.
If they fail to get in by 1 or 2 games, it’s actually just going to pizz me off more, because then you start nit-picking over EVERY close loss and silly decision. But of course, I’m also one that believes that the feeling of winning, is something this core of players needs more than anything. So even if they fall short, having a great September will have some carry over heading into next year.
Soph
September 17th, 2009
1:47 pm
Great win last night! Nice to beat up on K-Rod…
Agreed! I’m glad staying up was worth it.
By the way, McFann – I saw the funniest thing after the game ended and the guys were all celebrating. Mac jumped on Marteeeen’s back when he wasn’t looking and of course Prado almost fell to the floor. I saw it at the end when Peachtree compiles all the highlights of the game right before they sign off. Cracked me up.
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried
September 17th, 2009
1:47 pm
Just Win
Nova Scotia Steve - Is Worried
September 17th, 2009
1:48 pm
Kepp rollin’ boys!
beekay
September 17th, 2009
1:57 pm
Holy crap I just read Lew’s comments and they were very similar to mine. Maybe it’s not sucha crazy idea after all.
Thrillhouse44
September 17th, 2009
1:59 pm
I hate asparagus and how quickly grapes mold.
Lew
September 17th, 2009
2:02 pm
beekay-Great minds, right?
Soph
September 17th, 2009
2:05 pm
I’m so confoozed.
CB
September 17th, 2009
2:07 pm
I should have stood in bed.
DAP
September 17th, 2009
2:10 pm
im not crazy about the idea of making lowe the closer, or with trying to eat part of his contract in order to trade him. i also dont want to lose vazquez OR hudson. trading kawakami seems like the only way to go to me. dang, this is getting interesting.
the braves have a pretty good team, and ive been saying i think they are right on the edge of being the best team in the league. i am very interested to see what wren will do to make this happen.
braves4ever
September 17th, 2009
2:11 pm
This is sure a adventure today, I made a post earlier this morning about the time stamps and it posted at 9:30 then got moved up 4 hours, then its saying we are 3 hours ahead.
DOB can you go ahead and check the game results which should come up soon and we can call Vegas and place bets on the future (tonights game)based on the soon to be posted future comments.
The Matrix is HERE people.
Rock On......
September 17th, 2009
2:14 pm
DAP…agreed, and trading KK & KJ for that oft-discussed LF bat should do the trick.
Daybed Wagmoe
September 17th, 2009
2:14 pm
DOB — Pavement is touring next year!!! They’re playing Central Park in NYC on Sept. 21st.
PJ
September 17th, 2009
2:17 pm
Perhaps it is time for Bobby to go. Thanks for the memories of 1991-1999, and the frustrating postseasons that followed.
http://braves.gearupforsports.com/blog
braves4ever
September 17th, 2009
2:21 pm
DOB can you go ahead and check the game results which should come up soon and we can call Vegas and place bets on the future (tonights game)based on the soon to be posted future comments.
The Matrix has arrived
Gil In Mechanicsville
September 17th, 2009
2:23 pm
I am wondering if anyone is taking into account that the blister on Lowe’s pitching hand has been a problem for some time now? And Gonzo, bad back,,, Okay, knew it was something….
Looks like Peter Moylan has gotten his mojo back.
glove51
September 17th, 2009
2:27 pm
Hey N8, there’s one major thing wrong with your wildcard analysis, genius: the Braves have 17 games left.
pryguy
September 17th, 2009
2:33 pm
still believing…..
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
2:34 pm
nycbravesfan have we heard anything about McCann’s Eye condition?
Not lately…
Random
September 17th, 2009
2:38 pm
Rob from SC (September 17th, 2009 5:31 pm): ” ‘Kawakami will not be trade.’
“Why not.”
For many reasons falling inot two general categories — his performance and the Nippon “pipeline” (someone else’s terminology — tip o’ the hat.)
Kawakami’s good, and getting better. Braves would not be able to replace him for the same or lower salary — Medlen wouldn’t even come close, imo.
Plus, Kawakami’s worth more to the Braves than for his on-field performance. The marketing of Braves merchandise in Japan is worth lots of $$$ (as well as marketing to Japanese ex-pats here). And the Braves DO NOT want to burn their bridge to other quality Japanese players. Remember how ardently they pursued Kawakami and how hard they worked to persude him to come to Atlanta? Well, they’re not just going to throw that high level of effort away on your whim — they have invested a heckuva lot more than $22M in Kawakami and they will not write off that investment lightly.
“who cares about other Japanese players down the road.”
Apparently the Braves do, as indicated above. They went to lengthy extremes to open that door. (And you do realize “down the road” could begin as soon as next year, right?)
“We need the best team possible next year”
Of course.
Imo, retaining Kawakami will help make the rotation the best it can be next year. Too many people here want to gut the rotation to shore up the offense. That’s a zero sum (or worse) proposition. The offense can be and needs to be improved WITHOUT degrading what’s kept the Braves this close this late this year.
N8
September 17th, 2009
2:45 pm
glove51, yeah. I realized it after I posted it. When I was on the standings page for September 16 2007, the Braves had 14 games left. I made a smistake. Sorry. But the same rules apply.
So we have 3 more games left. Unfortunately, we’re 2 games back of the Marlins in the loss column.
Also, nobody seemed intersted in discussing, and Shane was spouting his nonsense. So I went to bed.
Make no mistake, the Braves could win all 17 games, and STILL need 3 teams to lose at a pace that they haven’t lost at in over a month. The six games against the Reds and Padres doomed this season.
In 2007, the Rockies controled their own destiny by way of head to head battles with the teams they were chasing. The Braves need 3 teams to fall apart. And if the Giants and Dodgers are playing anymore head to head (haven’t looked), that might help, but it might hurt if one of them dominates the other.
So, you can mock me and call me genius all you want. But I’m right whether it’s 17, 14, 11, 20 games. The Braves road is damn near impossible, and thats even if we win all 17 games remaining. Do you think we’re going to “win out”? I don’t.
Mid Town Joe
September 17th, 2009
2:45 pm
This blog is loosey goosey today.
It’s raining over here.
Soph
September 17th, 2009
2:47 pm
I give up.
A great day to play 2...
September 17th, 2009
2:52 pm
Rockies have not won anything…yet. They have 15 games left. They could go 7 – 8 or 8 – 7…something like that. Which opens the door for a team that is verry, verry hot the last two weeks. I vote for the Braves to be that team. Cubs, Marlins and Giants will fold. My decision with that. So that leaves the Braves as the team most likely to sizzle down the stretch.
17 games left. What is the number we need to hit? 89,90,91,92,93? I say it needs to be 91. Red Sox will more than likely be over 96 +. (Damn Yankees…). Also, team with the highest run differential will more than likely be the WC winner. Look at AL East. Red Sox already at +127 (and they have 18 games left!)…Can the Braves pass the Rockies with this number? If they do…will they still have an outside chance of getting in! Why the hell not!!! Good stuff watching this race…
BELIEVE
RC
September 17th, 2009
2:53 pm
“Matthew the organist. plays Obladi, Oblada, life goes on…. during Frenchy’s at bats…”
He also played this during Corky Miller’s at-bats, which seemed innocent enough until you remember the character from the show “Life Goes On”.
monty
September 17th, 2009
2:56 pm
The San Francisco crowd last night was awesome! Packed house and everyone up on their feet and loud during the whole ninth inning, maybe before that, but thats all I saw. Kind of reminded me of the early 90’s here. Man I miss those days. I remember going to work at Gayfer’s Dept store and everyone who worked there that night(even the ladies) was intune to the game(Braves-Pirates) had it on the radio in the breakroom, and everyone kept each other posted on the inning and the score! Exciting time to have been a Braves fan.
keylargo
September 17th, 2009
2:57 pm
McFann
What are the age limits of Lasik? Do you think that may have had something to do with his problems – being at the lower end of the age group?
Pete (I played more games than anyone...and gambled too!...) Rose
September 17th, 2009
3:04 pm
Can the Reds do to the Marlins…what they did to the Braves…last week? They open up with a 4 game series in Cincy tonight. Reds win at least 2…and my bookie and I are all over this series!!!
BELIEVE
Anders
September 17th, 2009
3:06 pm
N*’s gonna be riding shot gun for a good three hours at the bottom of the last page on the old blog. That’s certainly gonna be a record.
Anders
September 17th, 2009
3:08 pm
Whoah, just passed N8. (Looking in his cup to see if maybe someone spiked his drink) I’m getting virtual vertigo.
London Calling
September 17th, 2009
3:09 pm
@N8: Unfortunately, we’re 2 games back of the Marlins in the loss column.
No we’re not.
We are level with the Marlins, 1 behind SF, 4 behind the Rocks – who are the problem.
If way play well enough to pass the Rocks, we’ll pass the other two anyway.
It isn’t easy. It isn’t that likely. But it’s certainly possible.
Sorry haters. Despite all your raving since the 3rd game of the season – we’re not out of it yet.
Sonny McGee
September 17th, 2009
3:13 pm
BRAVES52 Carrol, nice article on Ernie Harwell I remember as a 9/10 yr and he did the Atlanta Crackers broadcast and he made me feel like I was at old Ponce De Leon, I have always admired him and felt he was the best
beekay
September 17th, 2009
3:13 pm
Wrens report card
Loaf- B for 3 mill a decent pick up
Ross – A- solid back up catcher light years better than the Corkster
McClouth – A we got a great starter for cheap that adds power and speed and is in prime of career
DLowe- D+ not worth 15 mill but has 14 wins non the less
KK- C+ I like his grit pitched great against the leagues best
Javy – A+ what a season !!! we robbed the Sox big time
Roachie- A+ he has been enfuego wish he had another year on contract
Church- B we got something for Frenchy who had to be moved
Overall grade B+ Great job Mr. Wren lets hope you have continued success in 2010
beekay
September 17th, 2009
3:14 pm
Left out Eric O’Flar…he gets a B+ because he was great against lefties and didn’t cost us anything
Anders
September 17th, 2009
3:16 pm
Hey is that Rock On up there in front of the General?
Hey Rock! What’s going on up there?
DAP
September 17th, 2009
3:23 pm
anders, ive asked you this before, but its been awhile…what is daniel murphy’s future in new york? seems to me he is a good contact hitter with low OBP but decent power…but i dont know what his natural position is. it seems like the mets would probably like to do better both at 1st base and LF than murphy. what do you think?
Capt. Morgan
September 17th, 2009
3:24 pm
Wow
I’m posting 4 hours into the future.
Cool…
Bill Tilley
September 17th, 2009
3:28 pm
Enter your comments hereThe Braves will never win anythhing until Cox is gone. H may have been a great coach but now he stinks. He allows pitchers to self destruct be fore doing anything. The best place for Chipper Jones is on the bench. Use him in place of Norton. Get rid of Nortan. What did Johnson do to cox? He must have pished on his leg. This is a good young player that need to play every day. Cox is doing his thing and causing another player to go down hill. I love the Braves but I do not think they will ever go any where with cox as ooach.
So out with cox and jones. Get a strong new Coach and watch what happens. they will again be in the play offs.
Anders
September 17th, 2009
3:30 pm
DAP- Hard to say on Murphy. He wasn’t ready for the bigs this year and the Mets rushed him. His bats ok but not a lot of power. His only hope on the field is 1st which needs work and I’m not sure his lack of power justifies putting him there.
Overall at best he’s on the Mets bench next year. No way they count on him to start anywhere imo.
DAP
September 17th, 2009
3:32 pm
anders, thats what i figured. maybe a back-up 1st baseman at best. at least next year anyways.
Soph
September 17th, 2009
3:34 pm
Trying to figure out what order the posts go in is pretty entertaining.
David O'Brien
September 17th, 2009
3:40 pm
18 Wheels: That Alice In Chains sampler is encouraging, gotta say. Sounds a lot like the old band, even the vocals on several tunes….
Lew, that CCR thing is just a tribute band, bro. Hence the “Revisited” instead of “Revival” after “Creedence Clearwater.” The ol’ play on words that most tribute bands use, like, uh, Lez Zeppelin. (If you’ve seen them, you understand that play on words.)Lew, nevermind. My bad. I didn’t realize until I looked it up just now that this CCR actually includes members of the original band. My bad. I just assumed it was a tribute band. I’m guessing Fogerty or someone else wouldn’t let them use the original full band name….
Katie
September 17th, 2009
3:41 pm
wow. the blog has gone crazy. if its really 3:30 then I guess I’m done with classes for the day
David O'Brien
September 17th, 2009
3:42 pm
But I should add, I did a doubletake when I first saw Creedence Clearwater Revisited on a poster in the elevator to the pressbox at Turner Field. It was a thing listing all the upcoming promotions and special events, etc., and my first thought was, wow, the Braves are really stepping up with the postgame concert thing….
Hillbilly
September 17th, 2009
3:55 pm
DOB,
CCRevisited is essentially Stu Cook (bass) and Doug Clifford (drums) from the original band. Not really a tribute band. More like a less-than-stellar reincarnation similar to the current Lynyrd Skynyrd line up.
Thrillhouse44
September 17th, 2009
4:00 pm
Is anyone here?
Thrillhouse44
September 17th, 2009
4:02 pm
Is it 4:00 already?
Bill&Ted
September 17th, 2009
4:06 pm
This is a most excellent adventure.
The Record Says it All
September 17th, 2009
4:09 pm
This team is better without Chipper.
Hillbilly
September 17th, 2009
4:09 pm
Is it 4:00 already?
Whoa! It’s quitting time. I’m going home.
DAP
September 17th, 2009
4:09 pm
thrillhouse, youre 4 hours in the future. let us know who wins the game…
Thrillhouse44
September 17th, 2009
4:12 pm
Wait a minute, DOB. Ah… Are you telling me that you built a time machine… out of a DeLorean?
DAP, I’ll tell you as long as everyone promises to not ask for a lineup.
jim
September 17th, 2009
4:13 pm
Enter your comments hereChipper says he will give it a go and try to play in tonight’s game. Please don’t!!! Over the last week the replacements Omar and once KJ have been very productive and have given us a better chance to score than a hurting, slumping Chipper. Last night’s AB did not give confidence that he is ready to make a positive impact upon the line up, especially hitting in the middle of the order, and his recent defense does not make us stronger in the field. Chipper’s PRESENCE in the lineup will only have a positive impact when he is healthy and able to actually contribute!
HAL
September 17th, 2009
4:15 pm
tj hook i cpouldent agree more but bet you get dissed for your support of the wonderful reconstruction of the organization mr wren has done over one year ya see dude this is the jS suuport group blog there still extolling the virtue of his tex trade so that should tell you the baseball IQ of these cox wren haters actual facts have nothing to do with anything on here lol
N8
September 17th, 2009
4:18 pm
“It isn’t easy. It isn’t that likely. But it’s certainly possible. Sorry haters. Despite all your raving since the 3rd game of the season – we’re not out of it yet.” London Calling
Please point out where I stated that. You just repeated what my orignal post last night stated. Which is that we are not mathematically eliminated (not by a long shot), but the probability and reality of us getting in flew away when we allowed the Padres and Reds to man-handle us a couple of weeks ago.
Sorry homers, the reality sucks, doesn’t it?
HAL
September 17th, 2009
4:18 pm
Enter your comments hereatlwolf you just summed up the season in your post above if jj and javy were 17 to 20 game winners the braves and phils would be in a dog fight!!
Doc Holiday
September 17th, 2009
4:24 pm
Can you say 7 in a row?!?!?!?
abwright
September 17th, 2009
4:26 pm
Anders, 10:09 am … “Two guys sealed their fates with their managers last night. Mike Gonzalez and Daniel Murphy. Gonzalez appeared to have pissed off Cox by claiming he was ok to go when he clearly wasn’t. … I’m sure Cox is none to happy with Gonzo not being honest with him. Hard to come back from that with a guy like Cox. Cox lives and dies on trust with his players.”
I think this is the second time this year that Gonzo has answered the call when he was not right … and blown the game. The last time, Gonzo ceased to be the “co-closer.” I agree with you that Gonzo is in Cox’s dog-house.
BravesFan79
September 17th, 2009
4:26 pm
so if DOB can make time go forward, can he go back in time a few hours after a Braves loss and go advise Bobby on what to do?? ; )
Doc Holiday
September 17th, 2009
4:27 pm
Looks like we are not the only mediocre team on this WC race………..Rockies got in trouble last night by playing mediocre baseball and SF couldnt bring the tying run from 2B win no one out in the 9th.
IT looked like it was the braves hosting the braves down in San Francisco.
Doc Holiday
September 17th, 2009
4:31 pm
Can you say 4.5GB?!?!?!?!
London Calling
September 17th, 2009
4:34 pm
N8. I responded to you because you said we are two games back of the Fish in the loss column, when we aren’t.
This time thing is strange. It 5:34 here. You’re catching up!
Marc in FL
September 17th, 2009
4:39 pm
jim, this year’s MVP is Javy in my opinion. Hanson lived up the hype for the portion of the season he’s pitched and JJ had a better-than-expected sophomore year, but Javy came out with a lot of question marks and has really turned into our best overall pitcher this year. Without him breaking out this year this team would be 12+ games behind the Phils.
Escobar is about the only person in our lineup with any consistency at all this year, everyone else has been a big disappointment in 09′.
Baseball has been verry verry good to me...
September 17th, 2009
4:42 pm
Stop worrying about next year. Or at least until we are knocked out / we knock ourselves out…of the race THIS YEAR.
The fat lady is in the bullpen…but she may just have a sore back and will not answer the bell.
BELIEVE…stranger things have happened in the past (like…can you say winning 21 out of your last 22…Colorado)
BELIEVE…(and FAITH…but not in Bobby Cox, Chipper Jones, Greg Norton, Kelly Johnson and a few others…)
Win tonight to make up that 1/2 game with Rockies and get ready for the season to continue or be over after this weekend.
BELIEVE
abwright
September 17th, 2009
4:44 pm
N8, 2:45 pm (or whenever) … “Make no mistake, the Braves could win all 17 games, and STILL need 3 teams to lose at a pace that they haven’t lost at in over a month. The six games against the Reds and Padres doomed this season.”
The only rational counter-argument to this is that the Braves lost at a pace that they hadn’t since the All Star break in those games. All you can really say is that the team that finishes strongest will (probably) win it. If the Rockies or Giants finishes strong, it will not matter what the Braves do. But, predicting that the Braves, Rockies, and Giants will win/lose according to their current season’s winning/losing percentage is fatuous.
N8, 2:45 pm (or whenever) … “The Braves road is damn near impossible, and thats even if we win all 17 games remaining.”
It would be very unlikely for the Braves to make the post-season. However, it is very unlikely that a team has a 13 game win streak to start the season. Yet, it has happened. It is very unlikely that a player pitches a perfect game. Yet, it has happened. Etc.
If the Braves win the next 17 (and I do not expect that they will either), they will finish with 94 wins. With parity in the NL over the last several years, that number of wins makes it highly likely that the Braves would make the post-season. Of course, San Francisco won over 100 back in the 2 division days and did not make the post-season.
Baseball may be the only event where past performance routinely fails to predict future performance. Just got to wait and see what happens.
jim
September 17th, 2009
4:46 pm
Who is the Braves team MVP? On the whole we would have to give a slight nod to McCann, but he has had periods of inconsistency, has not hit lefties very well, and has not played stellar defense. A strong case could be made for Escobar. He has played good defense, hit well in the clutch, and has kept his average consistently between 290 and 310 for most of the year. Since the trade LaRoch would be a prime candidate, but he has only been with the team for 2 months. McLuth and Prado would be in the team picture, but not among the prime candidates. Hanson, JJ, and Javy should also get consideration along with Peter Moylan who has trudged out there every other game this year and kept us in the ball game. Notably, for the first ime since 1995, Chipper is not even in the conversation. He may be back to some semblance of his former self next year, but the team needs to find a new centerpiece.
jim
September 17th, 2009
4:50 pm
Sorry, I seem to have posted my last comments earlier, but it never showed up on my screen. Sorry also about the typos. (McLouth, LaRoche)
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
5:01 pm
Wow…5 o’clock? Where has the time gone?
Piedmont Blues (ex-BFIR)
September 17th, 2009
5:03 pm
Folks,
The Rox may have ended the wild card race last night anyway.
Rob from SC AKA - Derek Lowe sucks
September 17th, 2009
5:04 pm
I don’t see how we can re-sign Gonzalez. He seems brittle. I would be very concerned with another elbow injury. Plus his slider is a homerun waiting to happen. Pitch from the stretch already.
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
5:05 pm
Jim On the whole we would have to give a slight nod to McCann, but he has had periods of inconsistency, has not hit lefties very well, and has not played stellar defense.
Yeah, this year he’s been more inconsistent then he’s ever been…his defense started out much improved, but, especially since the All-Star Break, it’s fallen off. Last night he seemed to miss a lot of balls–wasn’t wearing his specs, though.
No idea what’s with him not hitting lefties.
I would consider Vazquez our MVP.
rico43
September 17th, 2009
5:05 pm
Random time stamps — what a concept. Brings a whole new sense of discontinuity to this thing. I know I am actually posting this at 1:07 Eastern. Wonder what it’ll say.
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
5:11 pm
OK, so that last post of mine shot up near the top of the page.
Oy…
Jake W.
September 17th, 2009
5:16 pm
“I think this is the second time this year that Gonzo has answered the call when he was not right … and blown the game. The last time, Gonzo ceased to be the “co-closer.” I agree with you that Gonzo is in Cox’s dog-house.”
Yeah, because no one else has taken the ball on this team when they clearly didn’t have it or weren’t “right”. I don’t know many relievers who get back over the phone and say Bobby hey i’m warming up and it doesn’t look good. Their manager calls on them and they go out there. Same thing with Medlen in Miami. It’s funny, Hanson who I know is young and a future Ace seems to be getting stronger as the season goes on but they are protecting his arm, yet the relievers who are clearly the tired ones are getting ran out there day in day out and doing what their manager asks and somehow this is their fault that they don’t have much left. I don’t get how this could be pissing bobby off, if anything it should be pissing the relievers who are called seemingly everyday when there are clearly other fresh arms in that pen.
jim
September 17th, 2009
5:20 pm
jim
September 17th, 2009
1:18 pm
I would have to concur that Javy would be the MVP(itcher). If we were to make the playoffs, he would be my choice to start game 1, because he would be most likely to go 7+ innings and be able to come back strong for game 4 (if necessary) or game 5. Moylan will have over 80 appearances by the end of the year and his ability to keep us in as many games as he has may account for about as many team wins as any of the starters.
(I hope this re-post lands in the real sequence)
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
5:25 pm
Piedmont Blues As they say McFann, it’s 5 o’clock somewhere …
Rob from SC–
Oh yeah, they’re totally fixable. And I do believe he will work hard to fix them…
(What’s that? Paul Lentz says BMac will only get worse behind the plate? Oh well, never mind, then…
)
Random
September 17th, 2009
5:29 pm
Lew (September 17th, 2009 1:32 pm): “Yes, we realize they will never trade Kawakami, right?”
Kawakami will not be traded.
Rob from SC AKA - Derek Lowe sucks
September 17th, 2009
5:31 pm
Random
Why not. who cares about other Japanese players down the road. We need the best team possible next year
jim
September 17th, 2009
5:32 pm
Is Kawakami hurting? His velocity seemed down last night and he was getting hit pretty hard. I know Bobby doesn’t want to clutter his duggout with a lot of callups, but Blanco could be useful for late inning pinch running assignments. Ross is faster than McCann and Bobby did not want to chance a pitcher getting hurt running the bases, but he is harldy “Lightning” Boldt. It is questionable if he could have scored from second on a hit to either CF or (especially) RF. If Lowe is unable to go in his next start (or needs to come out after one or two innings) and KK is hurting than it might be useful to have JoJo available for a situation like might have occurred last night if the game had gone into extra innings. The B & B boys (Buddy and Boone) are supposedly residing somewhere down there in the pen, but they seem to be waring a cloak of invisibility. At least with Jo Jo it would be very hard to render him invisible.
Rob from SC AKA - Derek Lowe sucks
September 17th, 2009
5:33 pm
McFann
the first thing McCann needs to do is to get his eyes fixed
Random
September 17th, 2009
5:40 pm
Tell It Like It Is (September 17th, 2009 9:51 am): “Of the seven guys on the Braves making in excess of $5 million, only Vazquez,Chipper and KK are worth the money from an entertainment perspective.”
What is the basis of this assertion?
brent a.
September 17th, 2009
5:45 pm
I hate AT&T.
pryguy
September 17th, 2009
6:02 pm
Is there something wrong with the blog time?
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
6:02 pm
pryguy Is there something wrong with the blog time?
Yes.
pryguy
September 17th, 2009
6:06 pm
OH NO!! What is going on here! My day is so thrown off now.
Trey
September 17th, 2009
6:21 pm
David, why are you the only one to have someone like Carrol Rogers write for you? I never see Jeff Schultz or Mark Bradley have a fill in. What makes you so special?
Trey
September 17th, 2009
6:22 pm
I am just messing with you, David.
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
6:32 pm
This is so totally annoying…
nycbravesfan
September 17th, 2009
6:32 pm
have we heard anything about McCann’s Eye condition?
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
6:36 pm
Ugh…my post appeared on the last page.
nycbravesfan have we heard anything about McCann’s Eye condition?
Not lately…
HoCoJo
September 17th, 2009
6:47 pm
What happened to my 5:14 pm post?
nycbravesfan
September 17th, 2009
6:50 pm
CR….
Matthew the organist. plays Obladi, Oblada, life goes on…. during Frenchy’s at bats…
This is frickin hilarious, Keith Hernandez and Ron Darling sounded a little annoyed with the organist, as they made a few remarks… now i know why? great stuff..
Soph
September 17th, 2009
6:55 pm
Dammit. Ok, blog – you win! Make it stop now!
Ernie (A great day to play 2...) Banks
September 17th, 2009
6:57 pm
Rockies have not won anything…yet. They have 15 games left. They could go 7 – 8 or 8 – 7…something like that. Which opens the door for a team that is verry, verry hot the last two weeks. I vote for the Braves to be that team. Cubs, Marlins and Giants will fold. My decision with that. So that leaves the Braves as the team most likely to sizzle down the stretch.
17 games left. What is the number we need to hit? 89,90,91,92,93? I say it needs to be 91. Red Sox will more than likely be over 96 +. (Damn Yankees…). Also, team with the highest run differential will more than likely be the WC winner. Look at AL East. Red Sox already at +127 (and they have 18 games left!)…Can the Braves pass the Rockies with this number? If they do…will they still have an outside chance of getting in! Why the hell not!!! Good stuff watching this race…
BELIEVE, PRAY AND BELIEVE
McFann :Ô:
September 17th, 2009
6:59 pm
Soph Ok, blog – you win! Make it stop now!
Seriously!!
David O'Brien
September 17th, 2009
7:01 pm
NEW BLOGGAGE
Test
September 17th, 2009
9:01 pm
Test
September 17th, 2009
9:02 pm
;-(
8-(
Hillbilly
September 18th, 2009
11:13 am
So we’ve gone back in time and it’s Thursday again? What is this? A Tarantino movie?
Scott
September 18th, 2009
8:09 pm
Oh great, yank our great defensive SS for the worst guy on the team for that spot.
m
September 18th, 2009
10:04 pm
Best reason the Braves management don’t expect to be in the playoffs —
They pitch to Howard.
brookhaven brave
September 20th, 2009
9:15 am
Enter your comments here Is Bobby Cox an idiot? Once again he brings Soriano into the game in a non save situation and Soriano gets drilled. Now he’s worthless for tonight. The BS about keeping the pitchers in a routine is stupid. It’s pretty well documented that Soriano has a tired arm. Cox has to go before his senility gets worse.
Boo
September 20th, 2009
5:02 pm
Medlan reeks.
Ronald Millsaps
September 20th, 2009
10:52 pm
Interesting weekend, and not in a good way, either. Atlanta should’ve won two of three–at least, and the game they won they nearly lost.
I’m not giving up, and I’m not looking to make excuses for anyone. This team still can make the playoffs; it has a winnable schedule down the stretch, and the Rockies have some difficult teams to face, including the Padres and Dodgers, not to mention the Cardinals–and the Brewers, who have some serious bombers and who can take a few pitches deep in that ballpark, humidor or not.
Yunel Escobar needs to play like a professional. He has rare talent and a rare attitude, with the latter not being good.
On a different note, if anyone who watched the Florida-Oklahoma game and/or yesterday’s Florida game thinks Tim Tebow’s the greatest player in college-football history, that individual officially knows nothing about football. Tebow is overrated–hugely overrated, and for that matter, so is Urban Meyer, though both have many strong points. Tebow isn’t even the best quarterback to come out of Florida in recent memory; Danny Wuerffel has him beaten by a mile, and Shane Matthews has him beaten by half a mile.
The Falcons won today, but they got outplayed.
Ray Lewis is the greatest defensive player in history, period. He also is the greatest leader in football history.
Robert
September 21st, 2009
10:29 am
“Cox has to go before his senility gets worse.”
Bobby Cox is NOT senile. Senile means that a person has lost mental faculties due to brain damage from aging. Cox, on the other hand, had zero mental faculties to lose from birth. It’s a miracle that he can pick his nose, soil his diaper, and breath , all at the same time
KnightInATL
September 23rd, 2009
9:08 pm
Classic. Chipper injures back while tossing the bat to the dugout after a walk.
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October 8th, 2009
2:12 pm
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