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Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,373 comments Add your comment
Jurrjens4NLCY
September 25th, 2009
1:53 am
Don’t stop believing!!!!!
I see you’ve left with more irony then the former surgeons general…
Hi Yo!
Anyone get that, btw?
fastasballs
September 25th, 2009
1:54 am
It’s a CRIME SHAME, to say the least.
Brandon from Warner Robins
September 25th, 2009
1:54 am
JJ some of the people on there are comical, with their scripted lines.
Paul Lentz
September 25th, 2009
1:56 am
Jurrjens4NLCY…………..I think that marriage only makes sense from a financial standpoint.
I love what Bill Maher said about Dick Cheney marrying his high school sweetheart. He said “what kind of MORON marries the first women who gave him a handjob in the back of his father’s car”? LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jurrjens4NLCY
September 25th, 2009
1:58 am
Definitely,
They are so forced!
OMG! Have you seen the Mosy commercials?
“Life got you down? Are you sick and tired of mowing over your laptop? Or microwaving your laptop?
Or having grand pianos fall on your laptop?”
Jurrjens4NLCY
September 25th, 2009
1:59 am
That was to Brandon
Jurrjens4NLCY
September 25th, 2009
2:00 am
Lentz,
A bit inappropriate, but I’ll take it…
Do you live in IA?
uga-brave
September 25th, 2009
2:00 am
bay area the wife has put together a trip to san fran next year.
the schedule says we open up there next year,
going to the china basin, and then driving south to carmel.
down south to pebble beach, and eventually to sand diego.
my anniversay present.
Brandon from Warner Robins
September 25th, 2009
2:01 am
JJ – ha ha
Paul Lentz
September 25th, 2009
2:02 am
Jurrjens4NLCY…….Nope, I live in San Francisco.
nolie
September 25th, 2009
2:03 am
Tell me it’s OK that I’m voluntarily watching Ronin, a movie I’ve seen, in parts, no less that 67 times (BAS)
Its ok steverino. good movie, one of the best chase set pieces ever filmed. you have my blessing my Ronin
Jurrjens4NLCY
September 25th, 2009
2:04 am
Wait. One more. When we have career day like back in Middle School, my teacher asked what I wanted to be in life, and I said, “a professional driver on a closed course, so I could do it like they do in the commercials,”
Thank you, I’m here all night…
Jurrjens4NLCY
September 25th, 2009
2:05 am
Why didn’t you go to the game tonight?
Bay Area Steve
September 25th, 2009
2:05 am
Nice uga,
I’ll buy lunch, if you can find the time.
I heard somewhere the Braves come to SF in April, nexy year; I’ll be at all three, or four. Lemme know. If your wife brings her sister, I’ll even let y’all supersize.
Brandon from Warner Robins
September 25th, 2009
2:06 am
Question: IF Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao were to fight, who would win?
Jurrjens4NLCY
September 25th, 2009
2:07 am
Indians have lost 11 in a row,
Way to finish strong guys…
nolie
September 25th, 2009
2:07 am
Floyd may weather Manny’s attack
Jurrjens4NLCY
September 25th, 2009
2:08 am
IF Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao were to fight, who would win?
Society.
uga-brave
September 25th, 2009
2:08 am
9-1 we are in. 8-2 maybe.
win the games.
Brandon from Warner Robins
September 25th, 2009
2:08 am
Creative there nolie!
Doc Holiday
September 25th, 2009
2:10 am
oh oh……….this is not good……….the time is about to arrive………apocalypse is about to catch up with us…………… that day when the braves miss the playoffs by just 1 game is about to hit us on our heads………..
What is this blog going to look when that happens?
We will be hearing about this for years to come.
Braves losing about 20 games they shouldnt have this season and yet they manage to overcome their manager and future HOF 3B, yet, playoff spot scape braves paws by a single game…………unheard of.
nolie
September 25th, 2009
2:11 am
Braves losing about 20 games they shouldnt have this season and yet they manage to overcome their manager and future HOF 3B, yet, playoff spot scape braves paws by a single game…………unheard of.
bullcrap
Jurrjens4NLCY
September 25th, 2009
2:13 am
Anyone think Chipper can reach 20 HRs?
Brandon from Warner Robins
September 25th, 2009
2:14 am
Idk if chipper can or not.
uga-brave
September 25th, 2009
2:15 am
bay area i will look you up. the wifes sister is older. though she might be in the forties but she is a major cougar.
think heather locklear. but she is a brunett, beer drinker though.
Doc Holiday
September 25th, 2009
2:15 am
I think The rockies are done, they look tired, unlike the braves they are deflating. Their schedule is tough. Id say we can tie they with 3 games to play. They visiting LAD and we at home against the nats spells playoff…………..
Lets hope we get the help I think we will form the Cards. And we might need 2 of 3 from the fish.
Jay
September 25th, 2009
2:17 am
Jurrjens4NLCY: I think the Cardinals will try to win this weekend because they’re going for home field advantage for the playoffs.
Jurrjens4NLCY
September 25th, 2009
2:18 am
N
Jurrjens4NLCY
September 25th, 2009
2:22 am
Anyone think we should trade for Troy Glaus?
I mean, its a terrible idea, and will never work, but it would send a message, especially if we traded ‘em Chiper…
Wait I’ve got it:
Cardinals
for
Braves…
I think its a perfect trade…
Jurrjens4NLCY
September 25th, 2009
2:23 am
Wait. We want the best team to face the Rockies…
Darn it! That was clearly its only flaw…
Bay Area Steve
September 25th, 2009
2:25 am
Is there any reasoning with the haters?
I mean, no matter what happens, it’s not good enough. One dude said they’d underperformed. Really? You anticipated approaching 90 wins?
You can bet, with everything you have, the following: if the Braves lost 90 games, not good enough. If the Braves lose 80 games, not good enough. If the Braves lose 70 games, sneak into the playoffs, but lose, not good enough. If the Braves get to game 7 of the Series, and Bill Buckner-himself misplays a ball down the line, Bobby Cox should’ve had a different guy in there.
How can any reasonable Braves fan, who’s followed closely enough to post on this blog, believe that the Braves have performed better than expected this year? I don’t see it. All of us here were hoping for 85-87 wins. Yet, we’re there, but Cox has lost us a World Series. As Payne said, can somebody explain it to me?
Brandon from Warner Robins
September 25th, 2009
2:28 am
BAS agreed.
Bay Area Steve
September 25th, 2009
2:31 am
uga, bs’n ’bout the sister.
But, definitely down to meet up at the park. Checked the schedule: second series of the year; bizarre. A weekend series, and even moer bizarre, looks like after they go to San Diego, with a scheduled off-day after Game 1. Don’t believe I’ve ever seen that. Anyways, if you’re around, I’ll buy us a whiskey or two.
Keep in mind, I’ll be myself: an obnoxious drunk with the McCann road-grey. And, I seriously need the Braves to make up for that sweep this year. That series hurt me. I showed up for three nights; the Braves, not so much.
uga-brave
September 25th, 2009
2:31 am
bay area steve,
a voice of reason. damn right on the 87 win thing.
win or lose this was a good ride.
who would of thought we had a chance?
Innocent Bystander
September 25th, 2009
2:38 am
Colorado swept St. Louis in 4 games back in June on the road. That was a different Cardinal team, however.
Immediately following that series, the Rox swept the Brew Crew in Milwaukee.
Thankfully, the Rox are 3-12 against the Dodgers this year.
I can see them dropping 2 of 3 vs. StL, but I don’t see how they couldn’t take 2 of 3 from the Brew Crew. Best case is if they get swept by either StL or LA, and drop 2 of 3 to the other. This would have them go 4-5.
Bay Area Steve
September 25th, 2009
2:40 am
uga,
I love ya, but please don’t ever call me a voice of reason.
It reminds me too much of the real Voice of Reason. And, CL, and jjs, and SG, and Bobj, and SJA, and Berigan, and CK, and Gil, and FBG, and all the rest who’ve left.
Come back, you stubborn bastards. I’ll buy us a whiskey.
uga-brave
September 25th, 2009
2:43 am
bay area steve,
our plan is fly into san fran on friday. go to the game on sunday.
then go south. hit carmel. see pebble beach. might even cough up the money if i get get on, doubtful.
see and drink some great wine and head south to san diego.
salute bobby in padre land and eat some great fish tacos.
the wife put it together. though she factored out the cost of parking the car, i am in.
either way should be a great trip.
a643dp
September 25th, 2009
2:54 am
watch 6:35 to 8:00 min mark greatest movie line ever
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKsLsbiV-bc&feature=related
Bay Area Steve
September 25th, 2009
2:56 am
Sounds incredible, uga.
But, I just checked the SF website, and it’s their home-opening series. Damn, that sucks for me. Usually I go stub-hub, and get behind-the-dish seats for $30 bucks. I’ll be there, but second-deck’s a probability. Either way, we oughta have a drink. We’ll get the wife a bottled water, or something.
And, please, in the future, don’t again refer to me as a voice of reason. First, my drunken behind can’t reason. Second, it reminds me too much of the original Voice of Reason, and CL, and jjs, and SG, and bobj, and Berigan, and Gil, and FBG, and SJA, and the rest of those great folks who’ve left us.
I believe I’ll lift a glass to the stubborn who’ve left us. I still miss ‘em.
Tiger Woods
September 25th, 2009
2:59 am
I have to still play golf tomorrow and I am really drunk tonight….Anyone coming out to watch me tear up the course here in Atlanta??
Tiger Woods
September 25th, 2009
3:02 am
a643dp
Never seen that movie but i just laughed my butt off. Not sure you all knew but the Braves are making the playoffs this year……
scottbravesfan
September 25th, 2009
3:26 am
DOB,
Nice find with the Jane’s video. I saw them open up for Nine Inch Nails a few months ago and they still had it live. They are supposed to record a new record with Reznor doing some production on it so hopefully that comes together.
London Calling
September 25th, 2009
5:22 am
From Robert, a long time ago (time zones, again):
“The wise counsel of our blog experts-you know who you are- or the thousands of players,managers and others who spoke out for Bobby”
“Well. the blog experts here are all Braves fans, while 29 out of 30 of the thousands you mention root for other teams. Ponder that, and then decide.”
Well Robert. On one side you have people who have achieved something in the game and who watch all the teams, and all the managers. They see all the managers bringing in pitchers who give up the winning run. They see all the managers bringing in a pinch-hitter who strikes out. They see all the managers leaving in a starter who then give up a home run. They see all the managers sending a runner who gets caught stealing, using minor players on the end of the bench who the fans don’t like, bringing the closer in a blowout to give him work, etc, etc, etc.
On the other side you have a bunch of screaming hate-filled morons who endlessly nit-pick over one team, and one manager.
I pondered.
I decided.
Your and idiot.
ChasZee
September 25th, 2009
6:04 am
Within 3 and a half. Rockies, who just lost 2 of 3 to padres, face cardinals, brewers and dodgers. Braves have 7 with the nationals. Starting pitching reminds me if the old Braves — just dominate. Chance to win every night. Keys are McCann, Prado, Escobar, LaRoche, but everybody has to do his part. Key moment for me recently was McCann’s sacrifice bunt. Time of year when the little things matter. Go Braves, and thank you!
richbrave
September 25th, 2009
6:06 am
Well, we’re mo-o-ovin’ on up….finally got a piece of the pie-e-e-e!!!!!
richbrave
September 25th, 2009
6:19 am
Paul Lentz
September 24th, 2009
11:12 pm
I know that the Nationals have played us tough in the past. Yet the fact remains that the Nationals SUCK A$$. If the Braves cant mentally play these guys like we are supposed to…….then like I said before, we simply do not deserve a shot at the playoffs.
This time I agree with PAUL. GO BRAVES.
richbrave
September 25th, 2009
6:43 am
For those of you who are just tuning in, last night was the best off night for the BRAVES this season. We finally put SAN FRANCISCO behind us, and moved to within three in the loss column against COLORADO. With 10 to play, last night’s loss by the ROX means we MIGHT be able to lose one game and still tie the ROCKIES IMO. I see them with the potential to lose four between St. LOUIS, MILWAUKEE, and L.A. and finish 5-4.
I know the MARLINS think they’re gonna’ come in to ATLANTA with a chance to grab the WC, so they’re gonna’ be tough. Now they truely do have to run the table being one down to us in the loss column. GO BRAVES. Kick azz in D.C. I FINALLY get to see seven games albeit with the dulcet tones of ROB DRIBBLE in the foreground. But hey, who cares? I’ll be glued to the set. Later.
O.J.
September 25th, 2009
7:26 am
I dont want to get too far ahead of ourselves because the Nats always seem to give us problems, but this is the prime chance this weekend to get really close. We are playing the Nats for 3 while Colorado plays Central leading St Louis, we definitely have the better schedule on paper. So we need to make the most of this opportunity. I never thought we would be this close to a playoff berth a month ago, heck even 2 weeks ago when we got swept by the Reds. But now, look at the team, its still climbing. Its been very exciting the past couple of days.
Steve from OH
September 25th, 2009
7:39 am
Crime Shame? Oh, that’s wonderful. Got a new blog moron phrase, I think.
Mike S–(1:06)–Bravo, dude.
Lentz–your and idiot. And an @sshole.
avocado
September 25th, 2009
8:18 am
Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz. Take another look, Mr. Wren.
glord1
September 25th, 2009
8:22 am
Sorry Mr. Wren did not trade either of those guys.
Voice from the past (VOR)
September 25th, 2009
8:25 am
Yo, Bay Area Steve:
Salute!
CB
September 25th, 2009
8:28 am
London Calling- kudos.
richbrave
September 25th, 2009
8:33 am
Steve, Steve, chill my man PL’s not worth the blood pressure ups. Although I do agree with him on one point. If we can’t get one more sweep through the NATS, we probably don’t deserve to be in the play-offs. Of course like CLINT EASTWOOD said to GENE HACKMAN, “…….deserving’s got nuthin’ to do with it.”
richbrave
September 25th, 2009
8:35 am
(VOR):
I’m the blog police. Identify yourself.
Voice from the past (VOR)
September 25th, 2009
8:43 am
Busted…
CB
September 25th, 2009
8:44 am
BAS at 11:38pm – priceless and oh so true.
Efrim
September 25th, 2009
8:46 am
3 games back in the loss. Carpenter going tonight against the Rockies. Ya never know, right?
Shaun
September 25th, 2009
8:49 am
Some comments about our discussion on Tim Hudson’s record when given a 3-runs-or-more lead:
First of all, I heard that stat about Hudson on the Mets broadcast last night and they certainly thought it was impressive. I guess it means that Hudson is VERY tough when given a multi – run cushion – that he does not implode, give up HR’s with men on base or allow extended rallies. To me it is impressive. To the Mets broadcasters, especially Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez, it was impressive.
It may very well be impressive. But how in the world can we know if we have no basis for comparison? I mean, the Nationals’ record in games in which they score 6 runs or more seems impressive (compared to a typical won-loss record). But It’s the worst record of any team when they score 6 runs or more. Anyone who doesn’t see a 3-runs-or-more lead greatly increases a pitcher’s chances to win, apparently doesn’t know baseball.
A three run lead in the era that Hudson pitched is not a huge margin. I dont know where to pull that stat up but if someone did I bet his record in that instance would be one of the best in baseball
What about the “or more” part (3-runs-OR-MORE)? I’m not so sure it would be one of the best in baseball; well, it may be about the same record as tons of other decent pitchers because again I think if you give a decent pitcher a 3-runs-or-more lead then he’s going to win a vast majority of the time.
Naturally you would figure that any “decent” pitcher’s record is going to be signicantly better when given a 3-run lead. One will never know just what kind of a feat Hudson has obtained unless you have some type of comparison. My guess is that his winning % of 99% (or whatever it figures out to be)when given a 3 run lead is higher than most, how much higher? Who knows, thats a job for the stats nerds. My guess is that the best pitchers that have ever pitched are going to have records approaching Hudson’s, but you’ve got to admit his is darn near perfect!
That’s my point exactly. Who knows if Hudson’s record is all that impressive without comparing it to other pitchers given a 3-runs-or-more lead? We can guess all we want. But we can’t know unless we have some other pitchers’ records in the same situation. But the person who brought this up originally said his record in those situations should come in to play when determining whether to pick up his option. Well, what if Hudson’s record in those situations is not all that impressive compared to other pitchers? We just don’t know without some comparison.
Shaun
September 25th, 2009
9:06 am
Anyone see that Jim Rice isn’t impressed with Zach Grienke? Joe Posnanski had a great response:http://joeposnanski.com/JoeBlog/2009/09/24/what-our-eyes-see/
Here’s the closing paragraphs from that response:
…beyond everything else, I would hope that maybe this would be yet another reminder that our baseball eyesight — no matter how much we love the game, no matter how much we have studied the game, no matter how well we PLAYED the game — is imperfect. Are there things people can see that are not reflected in the numbers? Of course. And it shouldn’t be any other way. Baseball is a game to be watched, to be enjoyed, to be argued about, and people’s observations can be wonderfully accurate
But, observations can also be WILDLY off, especially when you are looking at just a few innings, or just one game, or just one series. I had a discussion with Royals radio announcer Ryan Lefebvre about the defensive statistic Ultimate Zone Rating — he doesn’t like the stat (though he vaguely appreciates the effort) because he thinks defense is not quantifiable, and he cannot tolerate that the people who created the stat were not AT THE GAME. They were NOT WATCHING LIVE. Also Torii Hunter would finish TENTH. What kind of a stat is that? It ranked Torii Hunter TENTH. He simply cannot get over this.
I told him that, look, I understand having difficulties with defensive stats — I’m sure they have plenty of flaws and and absolutely they will get better over time. And maybe UZR was just way off on Torii Hunter. Maybe the stat is way off all the time. But maybe not. It’s important to say that just because a baseball stat does not tell you what you believe does not make it wrong. I might think B.J. Upton is a great young hitter, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s hitting .237. I might think Cole Hamels is fabulous, but his ERA is 4.11 and he’s only throwing quality starts 50% of the time this year. I wasn’t telling Ryan I thought he should believe in UZR so much as he should not write off the possibilities that a well-designed defensive stat could challenge our convictions and perhaps offer a deeper insight into the game. Even if it didn’t rank Torii Hunter exactly where our eyes told us.
After all if Jim Rice can mistake Zack Greinke for Roger Moret after six scoreless innings … well, it’s not a bad idea for anyone to at least look up a few stats. You know. Just to be sure.
CB
September 25th, 2009
9:07 am
Shaun, as you seem to have a fascination and keep bringing this subject up,why don’t you do the research and come back and tell us? The man only repeated what he had heard, he doesn’t have to prove anything to you. Geez
cs95
September 25th, 2009
9:13 am
hey DOB or anyone in the DC area, I am thinking of going up for a game tonight or tomorrow. I see it’s suppose to rain. Anyone know if you it’s suppose to rain non-stop or just showers? thanks
Rock On......
September 25th, 2009
9:14 am
Glad to see the Braves continue to surge and Colorado’s loss last night was huge as the Braves gained a full game in the loss column. Still gotta believe the Braves will get there but must win 6 of the 7 against the Nats with tonight a definite must win. Why? Well two reasons – keep the momentum going and well they would have to win 6 in a row against teh Nats if they lose. Not to mention it is-the Nats.
Tonight the Braves should have the huge upperhand. Vazquez has never faced this Nats team. I had to take a 2nd look at the matchup when I saw that stat. That seriously favors Vazquez just on principle alone let alone the fact, well, he is just damn good. Lannan on the other hand has just been dismal of late with an ERA approaching 5.00 and a 1-4 record. The caveat-he is 1-0 against the Braves in DC. The other caveat-it’s the Braves in DC where Cox has made some of his real weird moves. Never a real good marriage. Will the Braves win on talent or lose on intangibles. I’m betting on talent this time of the season and giving Cox a break.
Of large concern is the weather which calls for a weekend of rain here(80%). Tonight looks OK but Saturday looks to be a washout from reports. Bad news for Atlanta if that is the case. You don’t want a doubleheader and you don’t want the weather messing with your starting pitching with long rain delays. We have had enough of those. Keep your fingers crossed for the weather and intangibles.
Shaun
September 25th, 2009
9:16 am
Shaun, as you seem to have a fascination and keep bringing this subject up,why don’t you do the research and come back and tell us? The man only repeated what he had heard, he doesn’t have to prove anything to you. Geez
If I knew where to find such stats, I would do the research. And the man who repeated it also said that what he repeated should be used to help determine whether the Braves should bring back Hudson. I think if he’s going to say that, he should at least have a good reason for it. I’m simply trying to press him for that reason. I mean, I can make the claim that the Braves should bring back Norton because he has a .500 on-base percentage with runners in scoring position, and that’s impressive. Does that mean everyone should just accept what I’m saying and that the Braves should indeed bring Norton back or that statistic should even enter into the equation when determining whether Norton should be a Brave next season?
Johnny (...lovin' on some Padres & Cubs last night and now some Cardinals...) Schuerholz
September 25th, 2009
9:16 am
BELIEVE…
Faith…Hope…and great starting pitching!
The Colorado Rockies insist they’re not feeling the squeeze as the NL wild-card race tightens around them…(I say bull$#!&…)
“We control our destiny still,” shortstop Troy Tulowitzki…”But we control it. If we win some games, we’re going to win it.”…(But…you will fold…just continue like you have the last 11 games…lost 7 of them…)
The Rockies have lost seven of 11 but Manager JimTracy said he’s not concerned about his team’s trajectory. (Another bull$#@!…)
“The mathematics are totally in our favor,” he said. “If we can win a few baseball games, we’re going to make it.” (I believe that he is referring to the fuzzy math…that they are currently using!!!)
BELEIVE…but only in the Braves!!!
Runnin
September 25th, 2009
9:18 am
It’s impressive because it’s ALREADY been compared to other pitchers. That’s why announcers always bring this stat up when talking about Huddy.
Shaun
September 25th, 2009
9:22 am
It’s impressive because it’s ALREADY been compared to other pitchers. That’s why announcers always bring this stat up when talking about Huddy
Runnin, Has it? Where does Hudson rank in win-loss record when given a 3-runs-or-more lead? The person who posted this originally didn’t say that the announcers gave any insight into how Hudson’s record compares to other pitchers in the same situation.
bravesgrl4life
September 25th, 2009
9:27 am
RE: Roman Gal September 24th, 2009 10:47 pm
Thanks for that link to the hazing pictures. A couple of comments:
(1) Gosh, Tommy H. has some of the longest legs I’ve ever seen. I mean, I new he was tall, but dang!
(2) Matt Diaz just looks HOTT in that suit.
John (I like to take the 69 Train...not the 7 Train...) Rocker
September 25th, 2009
9:33 am
From Denver Post…(hey, At least I know how to read…a little…)
In the role of the pursued for the first time in their 17 years, the Rocks are not playing their best baseball…(Sherlock Holmes…he ain’t…)
Time for the Rocks to right the ship, while they still have a cushion to play with…(after this weekend…that cushion will look like the width of an envelope…)
The Rockies simply can’t handle prosperity…”It’s not like anybody is walking around here with their head down, thinking, ‘We have to win today or it’s the end of the world’ (not the end of the world…just the beginning to the end of the Rockies 2009 season…that’s all…)
BELIEVE…
glord1
September 25th, 2009
9:35 am
Shaun I agree that statistics can be misleading and I also that without comparing that stat to other pitchers you can not make any definative arguements how good the stat is.
Here is what we do know by using a little common sense. If you told me that a closer is 106-2 on converting save situations when he has a three run lead most would say thats pretty good. In 108 chances you would think even the best closer would have 4 or 5 melt downs and blow a lead that big. With Hudson he probably had leads of three runs in the 1st and 2nd innings many times. If he won those games at a rate off over 98% when the other team had 5,6 or 7 innings to come back on him not one inning it is pretty impressive wouldn’t you say. Then again that is just using commons sense.
What it tells me is that Hudson is a tough competitor that when you give him a lead bears down and does not often give it back. That is also in my opinion is a very valuable trait for a pitcher.
richbrave
September 25th, 2009
9:39 am
cs95:
Mini-ATLANTA here today. Been raining constantly since about 10:00 p.m. last night. Typically, this stuff reforms off the coast over a cold water current and gives us a three day rain event. Definitely not just showers.
Shaun
September 25th, 2009
9:50 am
glord1, but how can you use the stat that the Mets’ announcers brought up to make any definitive determination about Hudson? From what I understand the announcers said that Hudson is 106-2 when given a lead of 3 runs or more at any point in the game. How do we know that it is a “very valuable trait” for a starting pitcher to win a vast majority of his games when given that kind of lead at any point in those games? Is it common for starting pitchers to lose that often when their team is leading by 3 runs or more at some point? I suspect it’s pretty difficult for even an average or below average starter to lose a game in which his team leads by 3 runs or more at any point. Obviously the pitcher would have to give up 3 or more runs after the point at which his team had the 3 runs or more lead in order to get a no decision. When you factor in that the odds of blowing that kind of lead are probably less than 50 percent plus the fact that the starting pitcher has to be allowed to stay in the game long enough to give up that kind of lead, I suspect the odds of any pitcher losing after his offense gives him a 3-runs-or-more lead is pretty slim…even if that pitcher is not that good.
I’m not saying Hudson is a bad pitcher or that the Braves shouldn’t pick up his option or try to re-sign him. But I just don’t think his record in games in which he was given a 3-runs-or-more lead tells us much if anything about his value as a pitcher.
Grantland (Furman Bisher and I were born the same year...1880...) Rice
September 25th, 2009
9:51 am
“Outlined against a blue-gray September sky, the Five Horsemen rode again. In dramatic lore their names are Death, Destruction, Pestilence, Famine & Conquest. But those are aliases. Their real names are: Hanson, Jurrjens, Lowe, Hudson and Vazquez. They formed the crest of the Atlanta cyclone before which another fighting National League team was swept over the precipice at Nationals Park this weekend as thousands of spectators peered down upon the bewildering panorama spread out upon the diamond below.”
BELIEVE…
RHR
September 25th, 2009
9:52 am
Got a new blog moron phrase, I think
Would be a crime shame if it doesn’t catch on.
Me Thinks ......
September 25th, 2009
9:56 am
Shaun Payne ain’t much of a conversationalist. He is the Bible beater incapable of having a theological discussion any deeper than a recitation of the Ten Commandments.
CB
September 25th, 2009
9:56 am
RHR, where did this phrase originate? I missed it.
Furman (...I was not born in 1880...it was 1890...) Bisher
September 25th, 2009
9:57 am
Real funny Rice…you old (and I might add..dead…) SOB. How in the hell did you get on this blog. You died in 1954…and Al Gore had not invented the internet yet? That was years later.
BELIEVE…
Shaun
September 25th, 2009
10:00 am
Shaun Payne ain’t much of a conversationalist. He is the Bible beater incapable of having a theological discussion any deeper than a recitation of the Ten Commandments.
Really? Last I checked, I’m the one trying to look beyond one pitcher’s record in limited situations.
glord1
September 25th, 2009
10:03 am
Shaun the problem is no keeps that stat. Why do we know it about Hudson? Because Hudson knows it and put it on his foundation site. Sometime when I have 3 or 4 spare hours I will look up a couple hundred games inning by inning of a comparable all star and we will have a better understanding. My fear is you will come back and say you need a larger sample size.
All I know is this. If you have a three run lead you dont want to lose that game. Unfortunately many pitches do lose many games with a three run lead. Hudson does not so I am guessing that has got to be good right?
John
September 25th, 2009
10:05 am
Im sure that everyone has already noticed this but…………….WERE NOW SECOND IN THE WILD CARD!! To bad we only have 10 games to go
How the HELL did we get swept by the REDS???!!!! If we would have swept the Reds instead of being swept we would be a half game behind the STUPID Rockies.
Grantland Rice...
September 25th, 2009
10:06 am
HA HA…you old Carolina blue loving basterd.
Gee. I remember going down to old Ponce de Leon Park and cover Earl Mann and his Atlanta Crackers. I did in fact write for the now defunct Atlanta Journal…don’t you know. Atlanta Braves now. National League. OK. I will keep an eye out for those boys…and help them along their way…
BELIEVE…
RHR
September 25th, 2009
10:10 am
I hope the baseball gods are listening…
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_13416833
DAP
September 25th, 2009
10:10 am
Hudson is 106-2 when given a lead of 3 runs or more at any point in the game.
i dont think thats the correct stat. its not when given a LEAD of 3, its when his team scores 3 runs.
RHR
September 25th, 2009
10:12 am
RHR, where did this phrase originate? I missed it.
Page 19. Midnight. Hilarious.
David O'Brien
September 25th, 2009
10:13 am
Nice to see the volume of comments again, especially so many quality comments with substance. gonna get some breakfast real quick before i get started on a new blog. had to sleep in a bit today after getting two hours sleep night before.
Rockies are sure doing their part to make this thing real interesting…
Oh, and I can’t believe how highly Jevan Snead and Ole Miss were ranked. Was Snead really on Heisman watch lists a few weeks ago?
Shaun
September 25th, 2009
10:13 am
All I know is this. If you have a three run lead you dont want to lose that game. Unfortunately many pitches do lose many games with a three run lead. Hudson does not so I am guessing that has got to be good right?
Do you really know that? You just admitted you only have Hudson’s stats and not other pitchers, so how can you know that? I suspect most starting pitchers don’t lose games when their team gives them a 3-runs-or-more lead at some point in a start. I’m working on trying to find out if it’s true.
CB
September 25th, 2009
10:18 am
RHR-thanks.
DAP
September 25th, 2009
10:20 am
well, i was wrong. that is the stat given on his website, but ive heard it before and it wasnt worded like that.
RHR
September 25th, 2009
10:21 am
I had no idea Ole Miss was ranked 4. I’m and idiot and I knew better than that.
Hotty Toddy gosh almighty indeed.
Tater – Braveheart? Going to the Arky game? Hope its not upset week for the tide. Would love for them to put on a show.
McFann Ô
September 25th, 2009
10:25 am
ChasZee Key moment for me recently was McCann’s sacrifice bunt.
Yeah…pretty smart move on his part. Since it hurt to swing, might as well help the team with a bunt…
Obviously it didn’t hurt to swing on Wednesday, though.
Rock On......
September 25th, 2009
10:26 am
The Rule of “64″ might seem pie in the sky but apparently it has held up to scrutiny over the years (as I search to find a link). Anyway, it holds that a team scoring 6 or more runs wins 80% of the time and a team scoring less than 4 loses 80% of the time. I have always heard this for many years without ever looking it up but it seems plausible but arguable to be sure. Can’t be every season but taken in total over decades across all teams to arrive at the numbers. It also can’t be an average of runs scored but record of games against those numbers.
While I will find something about it, I looked up the numbers on this year’s Braves Team. Just as I thought, this year the numbers are slightly better than average due to our tremendous pitching. The Brave have played 53 games where they scored 6+ runs with a 47-6 record which is a 88% winning %. They have played 67 games where they have scored 3 or less with a 11-56 record which is a 84% losing %.
My point in all this is to bring some stats to light and corroborate (or not) Shaun’s 8:49 post about Hudson. Over a large sampling of time I am sure my above numbers will validate the “Rule of 64″. On a half-year or couple of year’s basis it can be scattered one way or the other due to good pitching/hitting teams. It would seem a more accurate statement to say Hudson is tough when given a 3 run cushion while his team is scoring more than 3 runs say 4-1 or 5-2. While he is indeed a good pitcher you have to be a phenom to buck the history of “The Rule of 64″. It also corroborates the opinion of many denizens here for the need for an extra BIG BAT to go along with the great pitching. They have been involved in 14 more games where they scored 3 or less runs as opposed to 6+.
Just sayin….
cvbraves
September 25th, 2009
10:28 am
If Braves win the wildcard over the Rockies and Tracy….looks like it will be Bobby Cox, Manager of the Year. How sweet it would be!!!!
Hillbilly
September 25th, 2009
10:30 am
Oh, and I can’t believe how highly Jevan Snead and Ole Miss were ranked. Was Snead really on Heisman watch lists a few weeks ago?
Houston Nutt…”Give me someone with super-star potential, and I’ll show him what mediocrity is all about.”
Not that I’m a bitter Hog fan or anything.
wjones
September 25th, 2009
10:31 am
“The question we should ask is do we really want this team with this manager in the playoffs?”
Yes, we do. Or at least I do.
McFann :Ô:
September 25th, 2009
10:32 am
OK, just found a great stat on Yahoo!:
C Brian McCann’s 20 home runs this season include 14—70 percent—with runners on base. That’s the highest percentage in the majors this season among hitters with at least 15 homers.
Hillbilly
September 25th, 2009
10:35 am
Tater – Braveheart? Going to the Arky game? Hope its not upset week for the tide. Would love for them to put on a show.
RHR, The tide will score 45+ against the Hogs this weekend. Our defense is horrible, especially the secondary. Cancels out our pretty good offense, as witnessed in the Georgia game last Saturday.
Rock On......
September 25th, 2009
10:35 am
Nice stat McFann O…..now can we get him to 30 homers? Ha Ha
monty
September 25th, 2009
10:38 am
OLE MISS the most over-rated team I’ve seen in a while, since GA ranked #1 at the beginning of last year! LOL!
McFann :Ô:
September 25th, 2009
10:38 am
Rock On…–
Hmm…He just has to hit a couple in each game…not impossible.
Haha, besides, if he hits 10 more, he’ll have an even 100 for his career! 
Rock On......
September 25th, 2009
10:39 am
RHR…yep “crime shame” makes the list the list. As in “it’s a crime shame your and idiot”. Not you RHR….just how it could be used….or not.