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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,373 comments Add your comment
MiaBchBravesFan
September 25th, 2009
1:10 pm
At 3.5 games out, how valuable are those three blown saves that Soriano had last month (Marlins, Dodgers, Phillies)? Frankly, for the way they’ve pitched, as it relates to what their asking price is going to be, I’d let Soriano and Hudson go and use that money to exercise the option on Tim Hudson.
Better yet, how about those two games we let the Rockies get away with in Colorado; should’ve been a four-game sweep.
Just so many missed opportunities this season. If the Braves fall short, they will have to find a mirror if they want to blame someone.
Except the starters, of course. They have nothing to feel except pride for their yeoman efforts.
Wayne in Utah
September 25th, 2009
1:11 pm
rammerjammer
Good points on why Braun might be worth the haul, and agree that we need to steer clear of Fielder. Those big guys scare the heck out of me (in more ways than one!).
Lunch time….later.
Rock On......
September 25th, 2009
1:11 pm
N8….to the extent every game is big and has been for quite awhile that St. Louis game was indeed BIG but I agree with you that tonight’s game is HUGE. Bigger (more huge?) than St. Louis by far. With a loss tonight and a Rox win, 4.5 back would probably seal it. I do believe that Vazquez can rise to the occasion and have a solid game tonight.
Will the offense continue to surge or will they lay an egg against inferior pitching? My money says that if the Braves lose it will be because of the offense and not Vazquez.
Shaun
September 25th, 2009
1:12 pm
The players union agreed to the current set up. You can’t really say that if they are getting the standard salary, that the Braves are underpaying them can you?
I guess that depends on what one means by “underpaid.” They are likely underpaid relative to what teams pay for wins on the free agent market. For example, FanGraphs.com estimates Escobar would make $16.3 million this season based on what he’s added in terms of wins and what a player of his value would be worth on the free agent market.
Tell It Like It Is
September 25th, 2009
1:12 pm
Wayne in Utah’
Are you a Moormon? Stupid question… right?? Get a grip my friend and stay away from the tea parties and try not to be so sensitive to the race card. IT IS WHAT IT IS.
keylargo
September 25th, 2009
1:13 pm
Here’s the original post regarding Hudson.
keylargo
September 23rd, 2009
7:04 pm
Tim Hudson is 105 – 2 with a three run or more lead in his career according to the Mets broadcasters.
wjones
September 25th, 2009
1:13 pm
“Tell It Like It Is……anyway we can pay Lowe about 4 million next year?”
Well, I don’t know what he would say, but I do have one scenario in which we could do that. We trade him to another team and agree to pay $4 million of his salary, with the other team picking up half. Teams do it all of the time. Remember the Hampton trade? It was so convoluted, that we took Hampton off Colorado’s hands, and actually got Florida to pay a bulk of the payroll. If that wasn’t a known truth, no one would beleive that scenario at all. Florida? Hampton was probably half of their payroll, and he never even played for them!
Brian the Brain
September 25th, 2009
1:14 pm
The Braves are (by my information) 7-4 this season against the Nationals. The Rockies are 4-0 against St. Louis. Interesting.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 25th, 2009
1:15 pm
What we heard and read from a ton of people, including DOB, when the Braves got Vazquez was that he would choke under pressure and weren’t crazy about the trade. He had a history of it, so they had a right to say that stuff. I’ll give Cox/McDowell a lot of credit for Javy’s success. Guess he’s a guy who needs to feel comfortable to be at his best and they’ve apparantly given him that.
Rob from SC
September 25th, 2009
1:15 pm
Yunel Escobar is going to be the most determined baseball player ever for the next 10 games. If the BRaves win the WS this year Cox might just retire. You know that must be going through my man Escobar’s head.
Jake W.
September 25th, 2009
1:17 pm
“At 3.5 games out, how valuable are those three blown saves that Soriano had last month (Marlins, Dodgers, Phillies)? Frankly, for the way they’ve pitched, as it relates to what their asking price is going to be, I’d let Soriano and Hudson go and use that money to exercise the option on Tim Hudson.”
Not everybody can have the type of season Lidge had last year. Appearantly not even Lidge himself. Trust me, its not those 3 blown saves by Soriano that looms large, even though I don’t think he had a blown save vs Philly. Maybe you meant Houston. No I look back to when our pitching staff gave up 3 or less runs this season and our offense decided to score 2 or less and not against aces but lesser pitchers on a pitching staff. Yep, we have tipped our hat to the opposing pitchers quite a lot this year.
Il Cattivo
September 25th, 2009
1:18 pm
“Caption this: http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk94/bravesjohn155/9%2020%2009%20vs%20Phillies%20RH/GonzoSoriforTC.jpg” – RHR
“Hey, Did I tell you I listen to Miley Cyrus on my verizon wireless Vcast music player?”
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 25th, 2009
1:19 pm
DOB, wasn’t taking a jab at you with that Javy comment. You’ll admit, though, you weren’t crazy about the trade when it happend? I was more pumped about them signing Lowe than Javy, but it’s baseball and things can change fast.
john
September 25th, 2009
1:20 pm
Mr. Time needs get his butt into gear, he is one slow mofo.
Shaun
September 25th, 2009
1:20 pm
Rock On……, you bring up something that I think is important. To major leaguers, every game is important and a “big game.” I firmly believe that generally speaking that if a player flops in a big game, it’s not because of a lack of some kind of “big game skill or ability or talent.”
Players who reach the big leagues generally have had the spotlight on them often times since their preteen years. They are the key players on their little league, high school, college, traveling teams and minor league teams. If they couldn’t handle immense pressure, they would stall out at some point along the way long before they reached probably Triple-A much less the majors.
rammerjammer
September 25th, 2009
1:21 pm
Wayne in Utah,
I doubt the Brewers would do a deal anyway. Braun is their McCann, in a manner of speaking, and I sure don’t see us ever dealing him…for good reason.
I do think Jurrjens is our best trade chip, much as it would pain me to see him go. The other starters not named Hanson have one reason or another to discourage suitors, but Jurrjens is cheap and good. A pitching-starved rotation such as Milwaukee’s would have to be interested…and then THEY can deal with Boras in a few years!
Rock On......
September 25th, 2009
1:22 pm
N8…Remember you lose 80% of the time scoring 3 runs or less. I’ll make a prediction right now that it will take 4+ runs to win tonight and we will all be sweating out Cox’s move to throw it to the bullpen in the 8th. Just sayin……
Efrim
September 25th, 2009
1:22 pm
Baseball America released their Top 20 prospects of the Appy league. Julio Teheran was #1, with three other Braves making the list: Tyler Stovall(#16), Mycal Jones(#17) and Brett Oberholtzer(#20). Here is the scouting report on Teheran:
Teheran’s $850,000 bonus was the largest of any pitcher on the 2007 international market, and Appy League batters witnessed firsthand the explosive nature of the 18-year-old Colombian’s stuff. He made his pro debut at Danville in 2008, but shoulder tendinitis capped his workload at 15 innings. Teheran made just seven starts for Danville this season before the Braves promoted him to low Class A. In his final outing, he struck out 11 Burlington batters over eight innings of two-hit ball.
Teheran’s overwhelming 92-96 mph fastball sits in the mid-90s even late in games, and he already shows a plus 79-82 changeup with late tail and fade. He repeats his three-quarters slot and arm speed, making his changeup that much tougher. Peak separation between Teheran’s fastball and changeup can reach an astounding 15 mph.
While Teheran’s mid-70s curveball shows good depth at times, the consistency of the pitch could stand improvement. His confidence on the mound borders on cockiness, but managers were more impressed with his poise and maturity in his second season in the league. He repeats a herky-jerky, two-part arm swing that features a long, stabbing motion in back, followed by a quick motion in front, which adds deception to his delivery.
Vinings Jim
September 25th, 2009
1:26 pm
CB – definitely second the recommendation on Pierce’s. If you’re in the Merchant’s Square area of Colonial Williamsburg, I am a big fan of sandwiches at the Cheese Shoppe (in fact, if you could send me a batch of their house dressing). I am also a big Busch Gardens fan – Loch Ness Monster still a big favorite, if you can do the coaster thing.
Jake W.
September 25th, 2009
1:27 pm
“I do think Jurrjens is our best trade chip, much as it would pain me to see him go. The other starters not named Hanson have one reason or another to discourage suitors, but Jurrjens is cheap and good. A pitching-starved rotation such as Milwaukee’s would have to be interested…and then THEY can deal with Boras in a few years!”
Sorry, I just can’t agree with this mode of thinking. Sure he’s our best trade chip, but then again Hanley is the Marlins, Albert is the Cards, David Wright is probably the Mets, Kershaw or Eithier the dodgers. Just because other teams want what would be one of your best players and they would bring in the “large haul” doesn’t mean you trade them, Boras client or not. Its not like we have to deal with Boras next year or anytime soon. Take advantage of this cheap, young, and good talent that JJ is giving you now. Worry about Boras when it comes to that time.
Shaun
September 25th, 2009
1:28 pm
Jake W, I think Heyward is our best trade chip. Anyone up for trading him? …Yeah, me neither.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 25th, 2009
1:29 pm
rammerjammer, bad, bad idea. What if the Braves traded one of Glavine or Smoltz when they were 23 years old for a hitter? Jurrjens is too good to give up for offense when Heyward could be as good or better than Braun one day soon. Lets think of the future and from what I see, it looks good.
Braves fan 14
September 25th, 2009
1:31 pm
So in this series against the nats we have the braves current ace (Vazquez) future ace (Hanson) and guy who is being paid ace money (Lowe). I like our chances at a sweep.
Rock On......
September 25th, 2009
1:32 pm
Shaun…..your 1:20 is 110% correct (can you be more than 100% correct? Don’t know.). “Rising” to the occasion didn’t just happen once they entered MLB ranks. Also talent was evident at an early age, very early age. Success depended on determination and how fun the game was. It was extremely rare, if ever, that I saw a kid with no talent to speak of ever become a real accomplished player. Some players just have that extra sense about them to rise up and take on the big challenges more than others because they have been there and succeeded years ago.
RemoW
September 25th, 2009
1:32 pm
Tonight’s game is where Bobby Cox the manager shines. Javey will go out there fully believing that Cox is believing. Unlike Ozzie or Robinson calling him out.
He is not going to be out there sweating bullets. Cox has made sure that won’t happen all season with his atta boys, easy, easy, and “He pitched a great games just had a couple find holes.” or my favorite, “He was dunked to death, not one of those balls was hit hard.” Javey seems to respond well to the Cox style. I think he will be just fine tonight. He know no matter what happens tonight that Cox will not be calling him out in the paper tomorrow.
Rock On......
September 25th, 2009
1:34 pm
agreed on The Cheese Shop in W’Burg. Outstanding comes to mind.
Rob from SC
September 25th, 2009
1:35 pm
Shaun
September 25th, 2009
1:28 pm
Jake W, I think Heyward is our best trade chip. Anyone up for trading him? …Yeah, me neither.
Don’t even joke about that. Schuerholz might read this blog. YOu know what he does to prospects
ncscoots
September 25th, 2009
1:36 pm
JJ and Yunel are great baseball players who are under paid.
They’re paid relative to the market, and the market says that their pay is capped because they are relatively inexperienced and their long-term performance is still in question. It has nothing to do with race, as any non-nitwit would know.
It may be that “it is what it is”, but, the stuff you’re always spouting? Isn’t.
rammerjammer
September 25th, 2009
1:42 pm
Jake W.,
I’m all for cheap, young talent. It helps us afford the expensive, past-their-prime talent! Jurrjens is awfully valuable, but not indispensable, because we have other rotation options. There isn’t a fallback in St. Louis for Albert, NY for Wright, etc., so that reasoning doesn’t hold water.
If we didn’t have other quality pitchers, obviously that changes my thinking. But we do. What we don’t have is the RH power bat in the middle of the order. I mean, a rotation of Vazquez, Hudson, Hanson, Lowe and Kawakami is very good and a lineup with Braun between Chipper and McCann is much better than what we have now. And Braun fills a need for years to come, with a contract even longer than McCann’s!
No other pitcher, save Hanson, brings a Braun-level player in return. And that’s what this team needs…not another one-year Garretesque fix with pedestrian results. The road to October don’t go that way.
CB
September 25th, 2009
1:42 pm
With all these ideas for food, guys I’m looking forward to it now. Thanks VJ,Rock On and Tell it like it is.
Efrim
September 25th, 2009
1:44 pm
Baseball America released their Top 20 prospects of the Appy league. Julio Teheran was ranked #1, with three other Braves making the list: Tyler Stovall(#16), Mycal Jones(#17) and Brett Oberholtzer(#20). Here is the scouting report on Teheran:
Teheran’s $850,000 bonus was the largest of any pitcher on the 2007 international market, and Appy League batters witnessed firsthand the explosive nature of the 18-year-old Colombian’s stuff. He made his pro debut at Danville in 2008, but shoulder tendinitis capped his workload at 15 innings. Teheran made just seven starts for Danville this season before the Braves promoted him to low Class A. In his final outing, he struck out 11 Burlington batters over eight innings of two-hit ball.
Teheran’s overwhelming 92-96 mph fastball sits in the mid-90s even late in games, and he already shows a plus 79-82 changeup with late tail and fade. He repeats his three-quarters slot and arm speed, making his changeup that much tougher. Peak separation between Teheran’s fastball and changeup can reach an astounding 15 mph.
While Teheran’s mid-70s curveball shows good depth at times, the consistency of the pitch could stand improvement. His confidence on the mound borders on cockiness, but managers were more impressed with his poise and maturity in his second season in the league. He repeats a herky-jerky, two-part arm swing that features a long, stabbing motion in back, followed by a quick motion in front, which adds deception to his delivery.
Efrim
September 25th, 2009
1:46 pm
Baseball America released their Top 20 prospects of the Appy league. Julio Teheran was ranked #1, with three other Danville Braves making the list: Tyler Stovall(#16), Mycal Jones(#17) and Brett Oberholtzer(#20). Here is the scouting report on Teheran:
Teheran’s $850,000 bonus was the largest of any pitcher on the 2007 international market, and Appy League batters witnessed firsthand the explosive nature of the 18-year-old Colombian’s stuff. He made his pro debut at Danville in 2008, but shoulder tendinitis capped his workload at 15 innings. Teheran made just seven starts for Danville this season before the Braves promoted him to low Class A. In his final outing, he struck out 11 Burlington batters over eight innings of two-hit ball.
Teheran’s overwhelming 92-96 mph fastball sits in the mid-90s even late in games, and he already shows a plus 79-82 changeup with late tail and fade. He repeats his three-quarters slot and arm speed, making his changeup that much tougher. Peak separation between Teheran’s fastball and changeup can reach an astounding 15 mph.
While Teheran’s mid-70s curveball shows good depth at times, the consistency of the pitch could stand improvement. His confidence on the mound borders on cockiness, but managers were more impressed with his poise and maturity in his second season in the league. He repeats a herky-jerky, two-part arm swing that features a long, stabbing motion in back, followed by a quick motion in front, which adds deception to his delivery.
Shaun
September 25th, 2009
1:48 pm
Don’t even joke about that. Schuerholz might read this blog. YOu know what he does to prospects
That’s unfair. He didn’t trade away Andruw, Chipper, Javy Lopez, Klesko, Avery, Millwood among others.
rammerjammer
September 25th, 2009
1:51 pm
TnBrian,
I’d actually count on Heyward being as good or better than Braun. Now imagine THOSE TWO as your corner outfielders, with McCann, Escobar, LaRoche in the mix and McLouth and Prado setting the table. All in their prime or on their way. Oh, yeah, and the HOF-bound third baseman, too. Fine, fine lineup.
Efrim
September 25th, 2009
1:53 pm
Baseball America released their Top 20 prospects of the Appy league. Julio Teheran was #1, with three other Braves making the list: Tyler Stovall(#16), Mycal Jones(#17) and Brett Oberholtzer(#20). Here is the scouting report on Teheran:
Efrim
September 25th, 2009
1:56 pm
Let me try this one more time:
Teheran’s $850,000 bonus was the largest of any pitcher on the 2007 international market, and Appy League batters witnessed firsthand the explosive nature of the 18-year-old Colombian’s stuff. He made his pro debut at Danville in 2008, but shoulder tendinitis capped his workload at 15 innings. Teheran made just seven starts for Danville this season before the Braves promoted him to low Class A. In his final outing, he struck out 11 Burlington batters over eight innings of two-hit ball.
Teheran’s overwhelming 92-96 mph fastball sits in the mid-90s even late in games, and he already shows a plus 79-82 changeup with late tail and fade. He repeats his three-quarters slot and arm speed, making his changeup that much tougher. Peak separation between Teheran’s fastball and changeup can reach an astounding 15 mph.
While Teheran’s mid-70s curveball shows good depth at times, the consistency of the pitch could stand improvement. His confidence on the mound borders on cockiness, but managers were more impressed with his poise and maturity in his second season in the league. He repeats a herky-jerky, two-part arm swing that features a long, stabbing motion in back, followed by a quick motion in front, which adds deception to his delivery.
Efrim
September 25th, 2009
1:56 pm
Okay, blog is eating my post. I’ll try again later.
ncscoots
September 25th, 2009
1:57 pm
Jurrjens is awfully valuable, but not indispensable, because we have other rotation options.
Except that two of them have a single contract year remaining (as of today) and Jurrjens is under club control for multiple years. To keep the rotation “options” available, Vazquez and Hudson would both need to be extended at probable 8-figure annual salaries, or the team could risk being without all three pitchers. Braun’s contract isn’t club-friendly enough to outweigh the cash outlay or the risk, I don’t think.
If the Braves had another pitcher in the system with the same projectability as Jurrjens, that would be a different story. Today, at least, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
keylargo
September 25th, 2009
1:57 pm
Ryan Braun has a full no trade clause in his contract for the next two years.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 25th, 2009
2:00 pm
rammerjammer, that’s fine, but since the Braves play in a pitcher’s park I’d still bet that trading JJ would come back to bite them in the butt. Finding that good of pitching is harder to get than a hitter, even one as good as Braun.
Hey, look at the Phillies and their offense… probably the most potent lineup in MLB. Their pitching(especially the pen)– not so great. With that offense you’d think they would be at 100 wins by now, but that just shows how important pitching is. Now if Happ didn’t have a good year and they never got Lee, I’ll bet we would tied up or ahead of them right now.
Paul Lentz
September 25th, 2009
2:01 pm
I like the fact that the Braves play a couple of hours earlier than the Rockies. It is imperative that we score early and have the game in hand the Nationals before the Rockies take the field. That will put even more pressure on the Rockies tonight, knowing that if they lose, the Braves will inch one game closer in the loss column.
It’s going to be that way pretty much the rest of the season. The Braves will play their east coast games earlier than the Rockies play their pacific time zone games. If the Braves can continue winning their remaining winnable games, it cant help but put more pressure on the Rockies, knowing that it may “seem” like the Braves arent going to lose again.
I know, chances are, the Braves arent going to win every remaining game. However, our recent play….combined with the fact that we have 7 games left with the worst team in baseball………while the Rockies have a tough 9 games left……..cant help but work in our favor and potentially wear heavily on the Rockies. That is why beating up on the Nationals before the Rockies take the field is important.
Again, I have faith in this Braves team to finish out the season 9-1. Our starting pitching is on fire, our bullpen is relatively rested, and our offense is playing like it has something to play for (I think that the Braves fielding the best players they have……..and not playing “Bobby’s boys”…….is a big factor).
I just hope that if any important pinch hitting situations do come up…..that Bobby WILL NOT use Greg “rally killer” Norton.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 25th, 2009
2:03 pm
Enter your comments here
Efrim
September 25th, 2009
2:04 pm
Comment from the BA chat on the Appy league:
Brian Daniels (Dried out Georgia): Matt, I saw Tehran make his full season debut in Rome, and was concerned with his motion. It reminded me of Juan Cruz in the delivery. Looked really difficult to replicate, and he was tipping pitches. Did any managers mention that in their survey? thanks
Matthew Eddy: Brian, We’ll keep the Juan Cruz comp in mind. Teheran’s motion was a concern, yes, especially in light of shoulder trouble in ‘08. But from what we gathered, he showed an ability to get past his unorthodox arm action and repeat his slot. To cite one example, the Rockies’ Ubaldo Jimenez struggled for years to repeat his arm slot, never really getting over the control hump until he graduated to the big leagues. Not to say Teheran will be that good — just something to keep in mind.
DAP
September 25th, 2009
2:06 pm
efrim, they were speechless, hunh?
Efrim
September 25th, 2009
2:07 pm
If the Braves had another pitcher in the system with the same projectability as Jurrjens, that would be a different story. Today, at least, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
ncscoots, I saw Perrotto(I think it was him) say that they should trade Jurrjens, I thought that he clearly doesn’t know that Hudson and Vazquez are free agents at the end of 2010. He also said that Jurrjens could be used as a trade piece to fill one of the corner outfield spots, and that his actual value was lower than his perceived value. All makes sense, I guess. Just not something that the Braves are in a position to do, as you stated.
Paul Lentz
September 25th, 2009
2:08 pm
Jake W…….I have to disagree with your 1:17pm posting about emphasizing the blown saves that Soriano has had. In the first half of the season, he was pretty much lights out. He basically kept our season alive in a number of low scoring games where he shut the door on the opposing team’s comeback efforts.
If our offense had scored more runs against some of the BUMS that we faced, then Soriano could have been rested more……perhaps saving him from overuse that surely has affected his second half.
By no means am I absolving Soriano of any blame here. I just refuse to point out those blown saves as the reason why the Braves are behind the Rockies. Bobby Cox sticking with 3 easy outs in the bottom of the lineup in the first 2 months of the season (and not benching Kelly Johnson until late June…….and sticking with Francoeur until late July)…..are the things I put MORE BLAME on the Braves place in the standings.
Efrim
September 25th, 2009
2:09 pm
efrim, they were speechless, hunh?
DAP, good one. I swear, it’s good stuff. I just can’t get the thing to post.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
September 25th, 2009
2:09 pm
Paul Lentz, I agree with the time thing you mentioned and how that could play with the Rockies heads a little, but you need to give Cox some credit here. They could’ve easily faded like dust in the wind and he hasn’t let that happen. You can say he has nothing to do with their recent success, but if we say he’s at fault for losing games, then it’s only fair to say that he’s partly responsible for us winning ball games.
HoCoJo
September 25th, 2009
2:09 pm
Is it just me, or is coconut rum and diet coke pretty tasty?
Efrim
September 25th, 2009
2:10 pm
One more time:
Teheran’s $850,000 bonus was the largest of any pitcher on the 2007 international market, and Appy League batters witnessed firsthand the explosive nature of the 18-year-old Colombian’s stuff. He made his pro debut at Danville in 2008, but shoulder tendinitis capped his workload at 15 innings. Teheran made just seven starts for Danville this season before the Braves promoted him to low Class A. In his final outing, he struck out 11 Burlington batters over eight innings of two-hit ball.
Teheran’s overwhelming 92-96 mph fastball sits in the mid-90s even late in games, and he already shows a plus 79-82 changeup with late tail and fade. He repeats his three-quarters slot and arm speed, making his changeup that much tougher. Peak separation between Teheran’s fastball and changeup can reach an astounding 15 mph.
While Teheran’s mid-70s curveball shows good depth at times, the consistency of the pitch could stand improvement. His confidence on the mound borders on cockiness, but managers were more impressed with his poise and maturity in his second season in the league. He repeats a herky-jerky, two-part arm swing that features a long, stabbing motion in back, followed by a quick motion in front, which adds deception to his delivery.
Efrim
September 25th, 2009
2:11 pm
Teheran’s $850,000 bonus was the largest of any pitcher on the 2007 international market, and Appy League batters witnessed firsthand the explosive nature of the 18-year-old Colombian’s stuff. He made his pro debut at Danville in 2008, but shoulder tendinitis capped his workload at 15 innings. Teheran made just seven starts for Danville this season before the Braves promoted him to low Class A. In his final outing, he struck out 11 Burlington batters over eight innings of two-hit ball.
Efrim
September 25th, 2009
2:11 pm
Teheran’s overwhelming 92-96 mph fastball sits in the mid-90s even late in games, and he already shows a plus 79-82 changeup with late tail and fade. He repeats his three-quarters slot and arm speed, making his changeup that much tougher. Peak separation between Teheran’s fastball and changeup can reach an astounding 15 mph.
Paul Lentz
September 25th, 2009
2:13 pm
I asked this last night and would like anyone who can to answer this for me: I keep hearing how Bobby Cox is a great manager. What I would like to know is what has Bobby Cox this year that has kept the Braves in the playoff chase? Other than stick with Peter Moylan and Garret Anderson……..I feel that most of Bobby’s moves have pretty much backfired. The moves that have panned out….were either made by Frank Wren (against the wishes of Bobby Cox)…..or by formerly bench players forcing Bobby’s hand.
I feel that the Braves are still in the chase DESPITE Bobby Cox…..not because of him. The play of our starting pitching has gotten us back in the race.
P. W. Hjort
September 25th, 2009
2:14 pm
If the Braves are going too pay market rate for a closer, I would prefer to have someone other than Soriano or Gonzalez. Just sayin..
ncscoots
September 25th, 2009
2:14 pm
Is it just me, or is coconut rum and diet coke pretty tasty?
Maybe after 7 Jack’s over ice. Maybe. Otherwise, I think I’d rather eat quiche, LOL.
GTSteve
September 25th, 2009
2:15 pm
Even though the Braves are 3 and 1/2 out, I feel like their destiny is in their own hands. If they don’t catch the Rockies, it will be because they cant beat the Nationals consistently like they should.
CB
September 25th, 2009
2:16 pm
Paul, I think it is crime shame what kind of manager Bobby is. What do you think?
rammerjammer
September 25th, 2009
2:16 pm
ncscoots,
I don’t really expect Vazquez and Hudson to both exit after 2010, do you? For sake of discussion, I’ll say one stays and one goes. The one who stays is with us, oh, 2-3 more years along with Hanson, Lowe and KK. That’s four good-to-great arms for at least a few more years. We can win with that. Now are you going to let fifth-starter anxiety keep you from the righthand power outfielder you know we have to have?
keylargo
September 25th, 2009
2:17 pm
(I think that the Braves fielding the best players they have……..and not playing “Bobby’s boys”…….is a big factor).
I just hope that if any important pinch hitting situations do come up…..that Bobby WILL NOT use Greg “rally killer” Norton. PaulLentz
Lentz, I get so tired of hearing the same thing repeated from you time after time. I think your hatred of Greg Norton is exceeded only by your love of Martin Prado.
But Paul, let me tell you something about those two. Greg Norton IS a pinch hitter. His job, more than anything else, is to not make an out. To get on base, to extend rallies and not to make outs. His OBP is .385 while Martin Prado’s OBP since the All Star break is .311. No, Norton is not better than Prado, but he is better at what he is paid to do – PINCH HIT.
Just one of a long list of things you are WRONG about.
Paul Lentz
September 25th, 2009
2:17 pm
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)………..In response to your 2:09pm posting, our starting pitching pitching lights out the past 2 weeks has gotten the Braves back in the race. Bobby Cox is just along for the ride. He still trots out Greg Norton as a pinch hitter (talk about being stubborn). I havent seen Bobby do anything that would separate him for the average manager as far as managing the past couple of weeks.
I will give him credit for one thing……Buddy Carlyle hasnt pitched since September 3rd.
David O'Brien
September 25th, 2009
2:21 pm
NEW BLOGGAGE
Nova Scotia Steve - Don't Stop Believin'
September 25th, 2009
2:22 pm
Ladies and Gentlemen…
All this talk of alcohol needs to stop. I am so freakin hung-over its not fit.
I went on a rampage after the Padres won that ballgame last night. You’d think we just won the World Series or something.
I’m at work and pretty much am ready to do whatever is necessary to get out this situations.
Including a possible coconut rum and diet coke
Nova Scotia Steve - Don't Stop Believin'
September 25th, 2009
2:25 pm
I don’t see the new blog…something wrong?
Shaun
September 25th, 2009
2:26 pm
I asked this last night and would like anyone who can to answer this for me: I keep hearing how Bobby Cox is a great manager. What I would like to know is what has Bobby Cox this year that has kept the Braves in the playoff chase? Other than stick with Peter Moylan and Garret Anderson……..I feel that most of Bobby’s moves have pretty much backfired. The moves that have panned out….were either made by Frank Wren (against the wishes of Bobby Cox)…..or by formerly bench players forcing Bobby’s hand.
I feel that the Braves are still in the chase DESPITE Bobby Cox…..not because of him. The play of our starting pitching has gotten us back in the race.
What clear-cut and obvious thing has any manager of a contending team done that has kept his team in the playoff race? Anyone who thinks a manager is the primary reason a team is either in a playoff race or out of a playoff race is overrating the impact of managers in general.
ncscoots
September 25th, 2009
2:26 pm
Now are you going to let fifth-starter anxiety keep you from the righthand power outfielder you know we have to have?
Nah. You know me, I like to hang ‘em and bang ‘em, LOL. Still…I tend to think of Jurrjens’ ability, low salary, and years of club control as outweighing the pros of a hitter such as Braun. Position players are inherently easier to develop than pitchers inside the system, and I’d say that the next three years offer a better chance of producing an impact hitter than replacing Jurrjens.
Trade a merely good pitcher? I’m OK with that. Trade one who has the potential to be a very good pitcher? I’m probably not so OK. But, I could be overvaluing Jurrjens, too.
Paul Lentz
September 25th, 2009
2:27 pm
CB………..while I am disappointed that Bobby Cox is coming back for 2010……I have hope that Frank Wren will rebuild the offense this winter in a similar fashion that he did the starting pitching last winter……therefore making Bobby Cox’s managerial blunders meaningless for 2010.
The key to this is Frank Wren getting rid of the few remaining Bobby’s boys (Greg Norton, Kelly Johnson) and replacing them with quality reserves. Frank Wren will be dealing from a position of strength (surplus starting pitching and salary flexibility) when it comes to either making trades or signing free agents to improve the offense.
rammerjammer
September 25th, 2009
2:27 pm
TnBrian,
Your 2:00 post made my point for me. The Phillies, cruising to a second straight division title, are an excellent example of what I’d like to see from our Bravos. We don’t need to go to that extreme, with their massive offense and problematic pitching, but imagine what just one power RH bat would mean to our team.
keylargo,
Braun this year openly criticized Brewers management for not doing more to build a contender. Sounds to me like a guy who wants to compete and win and would be glad to waive his no-trade for the right team.
Paul Lentz
September 25th, 2009
2:29 pm
keylargo……..Greg Norton is not a pinch hitter. At best, he’s a PINCH WALKER. Dude couldnt hit his way out of a paper bag.
It would be nice to see our so called “#1 pinch hitter” actually get a key pinch hit once in a while. The only way Norton gets on base or extends a rally is if the opposing pitcher develops amnesia and pitches him too carefully, resulting in a walk.
Paul Lentz
September 25th, 2009
2:34 pm
keylargo……….also, since the All-Star Break, Greg Norton is 6 for 30 (all singles for a .200 average) with 2 RBIs, and 9 walks.
As far as “extending rallies”, he’s scored only 1 freaking run since the All-Star Break. All he seems to do is “pass the buck” when it comes to driving in runs in key situations.
jj
September 25th, 2009
2:38 pm
Just to change the subject,especially about trading JJ.I was thinking when The Braves make it to the playoffs,who will Bobby chose to be our 3 starters?It would tell me a lot about Cox by who he would chose and his reasons for doing it.Who would you go with if you had to make the decision.Me,I would use a 4 man rotation with Huddy,Javy,JJ and Hanson.
Paul Lentz
September 25th, 2009
2:42 pm
Shaun…….your 2:26pm posting misses the point. A manager plays a VERY KEY role in whether a team stays in the playoff race. He sets the starting line-up (Bobby’s refusal to bench Kelly Johnson and Jeff Francoeur) killed rally after rally after the first half of the season. Matt Diaz was benched in the Chicago series before the All-Star Break despite being in a 13 for 26 stretch….just so Francoeur could “get some at-bats” (direct quote from Bobby Cox, in an interview done by David O’Brien).
Bobby sticking with Jeff Bennent cost the Braves a number of first half games. Sending up Greg Norton time after time is a manager’s decision. Norton’s failure to deliver time after time has stalled a number of potential comebacks.
Taking out Tommy Hanson after throwing less than 100 pitches after 8 innings against Houston in a game he was cruising in is a manager’s decision.
A manager making excuses and coddling his players when they make obvious mistakes only gives them little incentive to change. This Braves team is the worst base running and fundamentally defensive team I’ve ever seen. Our dominating starting pitching is the MAIN reason why we are still alive in this race. Dont forget that.
jj
September 25th, 2009
2:42 pm
DOB,have you any thoughts about or have you heard anything about Conrad learning to play thirdbase or first this winter to make him bew able to step into Prado’s shoes as supersub?
Tell It Like It Is
September 25th, 2009
5:07 pm
Based on previous discussions about the value of some of the Brave players, I think that the Braves should trade McLouth, Diaz and Church for a big bopper. Everyone knows what great seasons they are having. Their value will never be higher than it is right now. A team could get a whole outfield with one trade. IT IS WHAT IT IS.