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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
968 comments Add your comment
Quisp
October 2nd, 2009
1:23 pm
The Marlins series only proves that Bobby Cox can not win games when they matter.
Piedmont Blues
October 2nd, 2009
1:27 pm
PWH,
The player Wren whiffed on was Abreu. The con-wiz was that he was a butcher in the field, but by all accounts he did OK in Anaheim. Having Abreu rather than GA in the OF should have been enough to put the Braves in the postseason.
AndyC
October 2nd, 2009
1:29 pm
McFann / RHR
I was at Pawleys Island, S.C. two or three summers ago and we were walking on the beach and saw some official looking people digging a hole. We stopped and asked what they were doing and they were digging up Sea Turtle eggs that had been laid recently. They said that the location for the eggs was not good so they were going to move them to a better location. This was apparently a volunteer group that monitors that section of the beach for nesting sites. My nieces got to help out by keeping official count of the eggs as they were dug up and there were 100+ eggs. It was pretty cool to see that. If I lived at the beach I would volunteer for a group like that.
Huddy's Ligament
October 2nd, 2009
1:30 pm
What about Milton Bradley?
Yeah, I know he’s a headcase, but problem players typically don’t have their problems in the Cox clubhouse.
Cubs don’t want him and will eat salary.
Huddy's Ligament
October 2nd, 2009
1:33 pm
Two things from the last game against the Marlins:
1. Did Vazquez prove what Ozzie said about him and he’s not a big-game pitcher?
2. Is Matt Diaz an everyday player?
O.J.
October 2nd, 2009
1:35 pm
The Marlins series just proved that they got lucky facing all crap pitchers during that 7 game winning streak. I mean seriously, look at all the pitchers they faced when they won 7 straight, not a single one of them had a winning record and every one of their ERA’s stunk to high heaven. Thats why the Braves won 7 straight, and then boom, they face a pitcher that is actually pretty good and they lose, then another pretty decent pitcher, they lose, the lost the 3rd game in a row because they were already downtrodden so why does it even matter.
Bottom line, they got lucky.
O.J.
October 2nd, 2009
1:37 pm
Huddy’s Ligament, WTF are you smoking, you need to share buddy!!
Daslied
October 2nd, 2009
1:42 pm
Huddy’s Ligament – Kenny Lofton, Gary Sheffield, John Rocker. Rocker was traded while still good, and I don’t believe any effort was made to keep Lofton or Sheffield when their contracts ended.
Anyhoo, Milton makes them all appear sane.
McFann Ô
October 2nd, 2009
1:44 pm
AndyC–
How fun! That’s nice of them to move the eggs.
If I lived at the beach I would volunteer for a group like that.
Me, too.
McFann Ô
October 2nd, 2009
1:46 pm
OJ I mean seriously, look at all the pitchers they faced when they won 7 straight, not a single one of them had a winning record and every one of their ERA’s stunk to high heaven.
It’s actually pretty amazing that they could win against all those “nobodies”. A lot of times the Braves stink against bad pitchers…
Daslied
October 2nd, 2009
1:48 pm
O.J., what are you smoking? During the 16-3 run (9/8 – 9/28), Atlanta beat:
Roy Oswalt (ace)
Joel Pineiro (3.44 ERA)
Chris Carpenter (über-ace)
Pedro Martinez (3.63 ERZ)
John Lannan (ace, technically)
Anibal Sanchez (decent #2/3)
Daslied
October 2nd, 2009
1:49 pm
What the hell is an “ERZ”?
ncscoots
October 2nd, 2009
1:51 pm
I mean seriously, look at all the pitchers they faced when they won 7 straight, not a single one of them had a winning record and every one of their ERA’s stunk to high heaven.
So winning seven straight isn’t good enough, you have to win seven straight against Santana, Lincecum, Halladay, and the like?
Brother, this is one tough room, LOL.
Tomas
October 2nd, 2009
1:53 pm
MFin04, you have to count arbitration eligible players which are almost impossible to predict. They can’t pick up Hudson’s option if they have any sense in their mind.
- Yunel Escobar – Peter Moylan – Matt Diaz – Kelly Johnson – and Ryan Church are ARB eligible. Kelly and Church are making around 3mill so they’re probably going to get either traded or non tendered, I’d paid them 1.5mill each to be on the bench. Moylan and Yunel are 1st year eligible, and by the kind of years their having thay’ll get a huge raise from 500k, guessing around 3.5 million or a little bit less. Diaz made 1.2 mill, he’ll be around 3mill.
McFann Ô
October 2nd, 2009
1:53 pm
Daslied–
Oooo! Thanks for that…nice group of guys they beat! Haha, but who’d guessed they’d beat Anibal Sanchez and not Ricky Nolasco?
What the [heck] is an “ERZ”?
jeffrey d
October 2nd, 2009
1:55 pm
Boog said he would be on Sportscenter.
I didn’t think it was that bad. Certainly not the worst play in all of sports for the past week. I mean, we had a ball that didn’t make it past the mound that scored 2 runs after Pete Orr threw the ball about 4 feet in front of him. Possibly in the same game as that foul ball.
McFann Ô
October 2nd, 2009
1:56 pm
I just hope Bobby doesn’t go all 2007 on us and shut BMac down for the final 3 games.
Y’all are gonna have one crabby denizen on your hands if he does.
bravesgrl4life
October 2nd, 2009
1:56 pm
Regardless of being out of contention, I am going tonight to cheer my Braves for a good season. It was so much more fun than the last 3 or 4. To all of you regulars, I have enjoyed blogging with you this season and look forward to a lively 2010 discussion.
McFann, Soph, you ladies are a trip to hang with on here. McFann, get that Rally Turtle in shape for 2010
And, the decision’s been made – jersey is going to be Sunday Red #16 – knew you’d like that one 
GO BRAVES!
jeffrey d
October 2nd, 2009
1:57 pm
I guess it was the fact that he caused a purse to go flying through the air.
MFin04
October 2nd, 2009
1:57 pm
I think Matt Diaz has shown that he can be an everyday player. He is a decent outfielder and has put up pretty good numbers playing almost everyday now. Yes he will have some horrible at bats, but he also has the ability to heat up and hit .400 for a month or so. And I think the factor that makes him an everyday player is that he hustles on every single play on offense and defense.
He had one really bad night and lost a game for the Braves, but the night before he hit a 3-run shot that very well could have won us the game. Neither of those plays should define Matty D. He’s been pretty good this year, why not give him a shot at being an everyday player. We gave Schafer, Frency and Loaf those opportunities and I think Matty D was better than all those guys this year.
jeffrey d
October 2nd, 2009
1:58 pm
And what about that ump that called a balk Leslie Nielson style? That was HILARIOUS
McFann Ô
October 2nd, 2009
1:58 pm
jeffrey d–
Certainly wasn’t the worst play…but definitely one of the funniest.
But yeah, poor Pete’s thing shoulda been on there. Maybe it made MLB.com’s weekly blooper reel, but I doubt it…there’s like, never any plays involving the Braves on those things. Off hand I cann think of one, and it was only Chipper missing a foul popup.
MFin04
October 2nd, 2009
2:01 pm
McFann I’m still holding out hope that McCann drives in 100. Braves still looking for their first grand slam, that’d get McCann close. He’s going to need a heck of a weekend, and maybe Chipper can get his 2 homers for 20.
Jim
October 2nd, 2009
2:01 pm
Huddy’s Ligament
October 2nd, 2009
1:30 pm
“What about Milton Bradley?
Yeah, I know he’s a headcase, but problem players typically don’t have their problems in the Cox clubhouse.
Cubs don’t want him and will eat salary.”
That is just about the worst post of the season and that is really saying something. Congratulations.
Jeff R
October 2nd, 2009
2:03 pm
DAP… You’re 12:09 post. Yes, Wren will handle the power bat situation. I agree.
McFann Ô
October 2nd, 2009
2:05 pm
bravesgrl4life–
Hope you have fun at the game tonight! Better be an entertaining one…
McFann, Soph, you ladies are a trip to hang with on here.
You, too!
And Rally will be ready for next year, you know that.
Yeah, it hasn’t been a bad year…been quite a ride. In a lot of ways, I’m sorry to see it end. Little worn down emotionally, though, I guess…ya know, what with all the…stuff. But that oughta be gone next year.
Excellent choice for the jersey!
Wear it in good health (for you and BMac, right? 
)
O.J.
October 2nd, 2009
2:05 pm
Daslied, no where did I say anything about a 16-3 run
nscoots, the point i was trying to make is that it would have been more feasible to expect to beat Johnson if we had actually faced some good pitchers during that 7 game winning streak. Those 7 pitchers were like the mini levels you go through before you get to the BIG BOSS at the end of a level.
jeffrey d
October 2nd, 2009
2:07 pm
DAP is not a 12:09 post. The thought of that is absurd.
McFann Ô
October 2nd, 2009
2:09 pm
MFin04–
Hey, he just needs 8 more RBI! And when I think of those 3 times he left the bases loaded this week…I…I just wanna…break down. And when he popped up on Tuesday, you better believe I did break down…
He could use a heckuva a weekend…Chipper, too. Wanna see this all end on a high note.
ncscoots
October 2nd, 2009
2:13 pm
O.J., just for the record, it’s ncscoots, not nscoots. What the hey, any pub is good pub, i guess, LOL.
Re your actual point, I think it’s pretty hard to go 20-over (or thereabouts) without beating some good pitchers along the way. Whether they beat those pitchers during a consecutive-win streak or not is really kind of irrelevant, no?
Mixxo
October 2nd, 2009
2:13 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/10/01/when-braves-strike-out-they-go-for-broke/comment-page-8/#comment-327692
Pfft!
He couldn’t carry Phil Lynott’s strap……bass strap.
McFann Ô
October 2nd, 2009
2:16 pm
Well, gotta run…be back in a few hours. Hope Bobby sticks with the “A-team” tonight.
RC
October 2nd, 2009
2:16 pm
Why not take a gamble on Xaiver Nady? I realize he’s not in the same league as Holliday or Bay, but he does have the potential to be, and is probably going to be really undervalued next year due to his injury this season. A relatively inexpensive player like him would give you a good right-handed bat in the lineup, and allow the Braves to use their surplus of starting pitching to address the real hole they will have next season: relief pitching.
jeffrey d
October 2nd, 2009
2:17 pm
Mr. T would be interesting at cleanup.
DAP
October 2nd, 2009
2:22 pm
RC i agree that nady could be a good option…but its a risk im not sure i want to take, when its well within the braves’ ability to go get more of a sure thing.
Robert
October 2nd, 2009
2:32 pm
“What will you post about?”
Once Cox leaves, it will be perfectly relevent to consider and discuss things like potential roster moves, minor league prospects, and so on, because at that point those kinds of things will potentially affect whether the Braves succeed or not
Therefore, that’s what I will discuss
MFin04
October 2nd, 2009
2:33 pm
McFann – that’s what I’m worried about, that we will go with a lineup of Brooks Conrad, Reid Gorecki, David Ross, Omar Infante, Ryan Church, etc.
Not that it’s bad, in fact I like the idea of giving those guys some full-game playing time, but it’d just be cool to see Chipper get the 20 homers after a rough year, and McCann drive in 100 after being blind and getting his sweet goggles/glasses
Robert
October 2nd, 2009
2:34 pm
“Has there ever been a manager who would make the same mistakes over, and over, and over”
Yes, plenty of them
Now – Has there ever been a manager who would make the same mistakes over, and over, and over and yet still kept his job? No. ONLY in Atlanta is an idiot manager held totally unaccountable
Herschel Talker
October 2nd, 2009
2:46 pm
Robert:
I think people have finally begun to seen the light regarding what a fool Cox is. Unfortunately, we’re stuck with this imbecile for another year. Surely Norton will be our top pinch hitter again, thank you Booby the moron. You can go ahead and flush 2010 down the crapper. I suspect that it will be the most disappointing season of our lives.
Herschel Talker.
Jim
October 2nd, 2009
2:53 pm
There is not much the Braves can do. The only way to win without being a big spender is to have a young team comprised of prospects that have recently been called up and haven’t had that first big contract yet. Add in a few high paid studs and their you have it.
pryguy
October 2nd, 2009
2:54 pm
Disappointing to see the season end as it did. Still have to tip my cap to Bobby and the players putting together a run and giving it an effort. Good to see your favorite team really care so much. Going forward, everyone has to be excited about next year’s chances. We couldn’t have asked for a better pitching staff and it seems as though it will remain in tact…for the most part for next year. Acquiring that big bat will do wonders for this lineup IMO. Chipper will not be expected to carry the load. BMAC can hit 5, Escobar will continue to stroke. As much as it pains me to say it, I’ll miss having Loaf. He is as advertised, a professional hitter. Just not so much fielding. DOB and Carroll THANKS for all that you do during and after the season, excited to continue to read all that may transpire this offseason and it is good to have a place to read all the news from writers like you guys.
ncscoots
October 2nd, 2009
2:56 pm
I suspect that [2010, with Bobby on board] will be the most disappointing season of our lives.
Perhaps…but I rejoice in knowing that, even in that occurrence, you’ll still be here to deliver your frequent rays of sunshine, LOL.
StingerSplash
October 2nd, 2009
2:57 pm
DOB,
You going to U2 on Tuesday or Metallica on Sunday? Or both?
Tomas
October 2nd, 2009
2:58 pm
How about these for an offseason….. Let Tim Hudson leave, and keep Kawakami. Sign Adam Laroche to 3 years 25 million. Call up Jason Heyward, and Luis Valdez. Sign John Grabow, and Fernando Rodney to replace Gonzo and Soriano. Let Norton, and Church walk, sign Kotsay, and Baldelli. Let Carlyle walk.
Vinings Jim
October 2nd, 2009
3:04 pm
Herschel, buddy – how can it be “most disappointing season of our lives” if you’ve already written it off?
ncscoots
October 2nd, 2009
3:09 pm
VJ, re your 3:04, we call that “blogic” around here. Even DOB Math makes more sense, comparatively, LOL.
The Love Child of Dale Murphy and Johnny Cash
October 2nd, 2009
3:10 pm
For those who are calling ‘09 disappointing I would ask that you look up the word realism in the dictionary. The Braves were 72-90 in ‘08 and 34-40 at one point this season. This team will finish at least ten games over .500 and has a very strong base for a championship contender next season. IMO, 2009 has been a very good season for the Braves, in particular Frank Wren. If Wren can turn a surplus of arms into a run producing bat, ‘10 could be special.
MZ
October 2nd, 2009
3:10 pm
DOB ——
If you haven’t gotten Work Progress Administration’s debut album, you should definitely check it out
Soph
October 2nd, 2009
3:17 pm
I guess it was the fact that he caused a purse to go flying through the air.
That and the fact that he fell backwards into the row behind him, popped back up in two seconds and sat back down in his seat like nothing happened. Then, he proceeded to hang the purse back up on the seat next to him.
Huddy's Ligament
October 2nd, 2009
3:20 pm
I’m pretty sure that Frank Wren won’t re-sign Greg Norton.
Soph
October 2nd, 2009
3:20 pm
bravesgrl4life –
It’s definitely been fun! Baseball season always ends too quickly for me. I agree with McFann, good call on the red Mac jersey. Who knows, now that you and McFann have joined forces by having the same jersey, Mac will hit 30 homers, drive in 150 rbi and be named MVP next season. World Series MVP.
Daslied
October 2nd, 2009
3:21 pm
O.J., you said they only won 7 in a row because they were lucky. Winning 16 out of 19 is infinitely more impressive that a 7-game win streak, and they beat some pretty dang good pitchers during those 19 games. Hey, even the Nats won 8 in a row (or close) this season.
You can judge a team’s ability a lot better over 19 games than you can over 7. A 7-game win streak might indeed be lucky, but when it’s in the middle of a brilliant 19-game run you have to give them credit for actually, you know, being a good team. Which they actually are.
DAP
October 2nd, 2009
3:25 pm
Tomas, im not sure why you want to sign baldelli and kotsay, but other than that, seems fine. we need to upgrade the offense, but also keep the bullpen strong.
MLBTraderumors is saying that Buster Onley thinks the Braves will offer mike Gonzalez arbitration, and it makes sense for him to accept. that would be a start…
Herschel Talker
October 2nd, 2009
3:27 pm
Vinings Jim:
Excellent point. It’s all about expectations. I guess what it means is that considering how we finished the year and considering how much talent we should have assuming Frank Wreck gets us a power hitter, it would still be disappointing even if I assume that Booby is going to train wreck it. And realistically, nothing will ever be more disappointing than 1996.
DAP
October 2nd, 2009
3:29 pm
does anyone think its possible that the orioles trade nolan riemold? he seems to be a pretty good player.
CBS Staff Meeting
October 2nd, 2009
3:32 pm
Raise your hand if you’ve had sex with David Letterman. OK, that’s 1,2,3,…………..4,5…………..6,7. Thank you.
Tomas
October 2nd, 2009
3:36 pm
DAP I mean for the bench. Kotsay is a heck of a fielder in first base and the outfield, and a good pinch hitter, plus he loved his stint in Atlanta. And Baldelli would be a perfect platoon guy, he absolutely kills left handed pitching, which could be helpfull given Mclouth struggles at the plate vs the southpaw’s, and if Heyward struggles vs the southpaw Bobby could use Baldelli some games. They’re both cheap options who would be good for the team chem and contribute off the bench.
Tomas
October 2nd, 2009
3:38 pm
They should offer both Gonzo and Soriano arbitration. They’re not likely to accept it because they could get multi year deals, and they’ll both be type A FA’s, and if they do accept arbitration then the Braves don’t have to sign other relievers, so they definitely should do it.
DAP
October 2nd, 2009
3:45 pm
Tomas, i see what your saying about kotsay and baldelli. still not the guys i would choose but thats cool.
the braves cant afford gonzo and soriano to both accept arbitration. soriano will probably make to much in an arbitration hearing, so they probably wont risk it, but gonzo’s salary is about half of soriano’s. i wouldnt be surprised if they offered soriano a contract, but i dont they they offer him arbitration at the risk of him accepting.
Carroll Rogers
October 2nd, 2009
3:51 pm
Friday’s lineup:
1. McLouth CF
2. Prado 2B
3. Jones 3B
4. LaRoche 1B
5. Anderson LF
6. Escobar SS
7. Diaz RF
8. Ross C
9. Lowe P
I believe DOB is posting a new blog here shortly. But I’m covering the game. (Don’t ask, just wacky stuff going on.) But if I don’t get to copy this over on the other blog, will someone?
Thanks, Carroll
David O'Brien
October 2nd, 2009
3:57 pm
NEW BLOGGAGE
scott
October 2nd, 2009
4:13 pm
YES, move Chipper to first base…please.Prado at third, Infante at second.
Not hard to figure that one out.
BobStevens
October 2nd, 2009
4:30 pm
No one should blame Matty Diaz for the Braves season ending prematurely. The Braves making the playoffs was an absolute longshot and it was almost an impossible task to pull off considering how much winning the Braves had to do just to put themselves into a mathematical chance of making the playoffs. THE BRAVES ALMOST HAD TO WIN AT A CLIP OF 90% WINNING BASEBALL, WHICH THEY DID JUST TO GET TO WITHIN 2 GAMES OF THE ROCKIES. I knew they would get tired and it was just too much to overcome. Also there was no margin for error because you knew that as soon as the Braves lost, they would soon get eliminated. The problem was that the Braves were running out of games and they waited too long to make their move for the wild card and start winning at a blistering pace. Had the Braves started playing at a high winning percentage earlier; say two months ago when they got swept by the lowly Cincinnati Reds they would have overtaken the Rockies. Of course we all would have preferred if Diaz hadnt got picked off just to see if the Braves could have kept the streak going and gotten the wild card berth. Unfortunately we will never know and it hurts for the Braves to have lost that ball game and get eliminated from post season play. i know this. Had the Brave gotten into the playoffs; they would have won the world series, because they still have the BEST talent in the league and they would have proved it on the biggest stage:the World Series. There is plenty of blame to go around, but I dont think Matt Diaz should be blamed for the Braves failing to make the playoffs. I think Bobby Cox should get blamed more than Matty Diaz. Diaz was careless at third base, but he still helped to get the Braves in a position of contention. Im still happy with the outcome of the Braves season. Im sure the Braces they surprised everyone and they have a powerful team for the forseeable future; not mention having the BEST prospect in major league baseball in their farm season [Jayson Haywood] who will be coming to the big club next year to add to the incredible talent pool that we have. The future is extemely bright for Braves fans and I know a lot of fans are still disappointed with the Braves being eliminated from the post season.
wjones
October 2nd, 2009
4:45 pm
” Yunel Escobar – Peter Moylan – Matt Diaz – Kelly Johnson – and Ryan Church are ARB eligible. Kelly and Church are making around 3mill so they’re probably going to get either traded or non tendered, I’d paid them 1.5mill each to be on the bench. Moylan and Yunel are 1st year eligible, and by the kind of years their having thay’ll get a huge raise from 500k, guessing around 3.5 million or a little bit less. Diaz made 1.2 mill, he’ll be around 3mill.”
Only correction is that Yunel is not yet arb eligible. The rest are, and I pretty much agree with you that Church and Kelly are probably gone, and they will probably keep Matty and Moylan. The weird thing is that Boone is arb eligible this year. I have absolutely no feel about that one. Can’t see him trying to barter much, can you?
DHD
October 2nd, 2009
8:03 pm
Bob Stevens: Who is Jayson Haywood?
Kevin
October 3rd, 2009
8:41 am
Its amazin we losin to a team with over 100 lost’s and are fearless leader captain chipper jones quits….lowe quit and K johnson quit at start of season…and as for TP he should be fired after season over n get gerald perry here as Hittin coach of course Nose picker Bobby cox will not and Wren should say he go are U go…I love see Wren fire both at end season.
Test
October 6th, 2009
2:01 pm
:q:
:huh:
:wtf:
:huh?:
:wtf?:
Test
October 8th, 2009
4:42 pm
:yay:
:yippee:
:whee:
:woohoo: