Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,403 comments Add your comment
Steve from OH
October 4th, 2009
1:10 pm
McCann late&close situation: in 74 AB———– .203 .280 .297 .578 ———- how exactly is that being an offensive leader?
The key, of course, being the 74 AB. Sample size. If you wanted a true picture of B-Mac’s contribution to the team in a clutchy-type vein, look no further than WPA–B-Mac’s being exactly 1.00 (0 being league average). Good for 3rd on the Braves (behind Chipper and Escobar for hitters) and the only qualified NL catcher above 0. Take it elsewhere, please.
Larry
October 4th, 2009
1:13 pm
DOB,
just wanted to say thanks for all the blogs this season. I enjoy your contributions and will miss them in the off-season. Also, thanks to all the blog-nuts who followed this team through thick and then and supported them when few else would. I look forward to reuniting with you guys next season.
2010- the year of the Bobby Cox sendoff Championship. LETS GO GET EM BRAVES
McFann Ô
October 4th, 2009
1:14 pm
Doc H.–
Yeah…And in all his other splits of that kind (with the exception of the 6th and 7th inning) he’s hitting over .250. Did you not look at the stats I posted earlier? Sheesh…
Mauer? I said “league” not “majors”.
I don’t care. Was just pointing out that even the “Mighty Mauer” isn’t perfect.
Larry
October 4th, 2009
1:14 pm
thick and then? really? i am gonna go hit myself in the face with a shovel.
Soph
October 4th, 2009
1:26 pm
Marteen and his little handshakes. Funny stuff.
David O'Brien
October 4th, 2009
1:26 pm
They’re making an on-field presentation to G. Anderson for his 2500th hit, Cox and Wren giving him a jersey with his name and 2500 on back
McFann Ô
October 4th, 2009
1:29 pm
That little slideshow of the year got to me…
Soph
October 4th, 2009
1:30 pm
Yup, those were great clips. I had most of that stuff on the DVR from earlier in the season. Too bad it fried and everything got deleted last month.
Jim
October 4th, 2009
1:31 pm
Once again… being realistic, the Braves have no chance next year. Sure, they might be able to make the playoffs or with luck win the division. But no chance at legitimately making a run for a championship.
Payroll is too much of an issue. Their is only so much they can do. If they keep everybody have now, then its the same team, which is not championship caliber. Maybe playoff caliber but not good enough for a championship. I think the best bet is to shoot for 2011-2012 when hanson and jurgens will be complete studs and when heyward and freeman will be major contributers. By then you can use chippers salery on someone more in their prime. In the meantime, carefully make some trades for people that will help in 2-3 years.
Otherwise, here is what happens… They resign LaRoach. They sign a replacement for anderson who helps them out a little. They contend for a wild card next year. Their season ends a week later than it does this year. Then they are faced with another dilemna… Still are one bat away. Escobar will end up leaving for a big contract, possibly replacing Furcal in LA. Lowe struggles majorly. LaRoach starting to look old. Chipper still missing a lot of games. Finally, after a few years, heyward and freeman are up but they then have a major hole at ss after Escobar leaves and if they finaly have the OF figured out, then they also have holes at 3B where Chipper retired and at 2B where Prado wasn’t the player they thought. Meanwhile, they are one injury away from being worse than they are now.
Rob from SC
October 4th, 2009
1:32 pm
Steve from OH
I AM IN SERIOUS PAIN. You didn’t warn me enough.
Lowe will be traded.
njbraves
October 4th, 2009
1:32 pm
It sucks the way the season ended, but a 16 win improvement from last year is encouraging. This team is closer than many of you believe. They desperately need a RH power bat, as everyone knows. Hopefully they can sure up the pen and get he OF straight. A few tweaks here and there and this team is in the playoffs next year. And please stop bashing Cox over and over again. This season hasn’t even ended yet, and people are complaining that Bobby will ruin next season. Unreal.
Soph
October 4th, 2009
1:33 pm
Poor Rob. I know it’s a long road but hope you feel better soon.
McFann Ô
October 4th, 2009
1:34 pm
Soph I had most of that stuff on the DVR from earlier in the season. Too bad it fried and everything got deleted last month.
It fried? That’s sad…
Yeah, feel better soon, Rob.
bechcomber
October 4th, 2009
1:35 pm
Lew – Enjoyed your post on what Wren did and what he has promised to do. Had serious reservations about the dude but he’s made this a better club. Have a feeling folks might be surprised by the 25 who leave Orlando next March. May be fewer of the present roster than most suspect.
Speaking of Orlando, looking forward to getting together next February.
Steve from OH
October 4th, 2009
1:35 pm
Rob–don’t move around so much then (I’m serious). Find yourself a nice chair with your laptop and stay there.
Rob from SC
October 4th, 2009
1:36 pm
I would consider trding McLouth uif th righ deal came along as well
Rob from SC
October 4th, 2009
1:39 pm
Steve from OH
I took thearm brace off to put on a shirt, I let my arm move a little,and I thought the pain was going to kill me.
Jimmy Joe
October 4th, 2009
1:40 pm
Sign Hudson for 3 years and 27 million.
Steve from OH
October 4th, 2009
1:40 pm
Yeah, you’ve definitely got to have someone help you with that…
Rob from SC
October 4th, 2009
1:40 pm
on MLBrumors says Marlins might fire Fredi G. Gobble him up wren.
Going to take a nap
David O'Brien
October 4th, 2009
1:41 pm
brian, thinking about scalping tix for U2 on Tuesday. But so many good bands playing here in next couple months, gotta pick and choose. I’ve seen U2 a bunch of times, so it’s not crucial anymore, particularly in a football stadium. That just doesn’t do it for me anymore. Arena is bad enough, but a football stadium? But I have heard them pull it off, just as they did back in the Achtung Baby tour when they played a lot of football stadiums.
Metallica is tonight at Philips, and Kings of Leon is Friday, also at Philips. Probably going to see Kings of Leon. Metallica’s getting $50 for cheapest seats. No thanks. Not at this stage of the game.
I like the club shows, the Variety Playhouse, Eddie’s Attic, and Fox Theatre for a bigger venue. Going to see Leonard Cohen at the Fox in a couple weeks. Probably going over to Athens to see James McMurtry at 40-Watt in a few weeks. Bunch of good shows coming to Athens in next month or so.
Tell It Like It Is
October 4th, 2009
1:46 pm
DOB,
Those words in your 12:49 post are too much for my limited vocabulary. How about this pessimistic comment: The make up of this team sucks and they will never make the playoffs with or without Bobby Cox. Thanks for the recognition. IT IS WHAT IT IS.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
October 4th, 2009
1:49 pm
Rob, stop being a puss and go out there and cut that damn grass!
David O'Brien
October 4th, 2009
1:49 pm
If Chipper doesn’t play, he’ll end season on an 0-for-19 skid, and he’s hit .167 with three homers in 138 at-bats in his past 41 games, with more errors (eight) than extra-base hits (seven) in that stretch.
DAP
October 4th, 2009
1:49 pm
shamus thacker nate mclouth is really not too bad for a leadoff hitter. he gets on base at a decent rate and has some speed. as for the things this lineup needs to be better, i think a different leadoff hitter would be last on a short list. what do you want from a leadoff hitter, if i can ask? a .400 OBP? 40+ steals? or both?
nolie if youre around, to continue the convo from last night…diory hernandez might not be the best defender, but dont you think hes good enough to be the 25th man, 4th in line at 3rd base, and 3rd in line at SS and 2B? i do. i see no reason to try and get someone. the braves also have chris burke at AAA they could use for that spot.
what about my idea of carrying three catchers all season…let sammons rot on the bench all season and give david ross norton’s spot. #1 pinch hitter and back up cathcer in one. having another catcher would make it possible to give ross more ABs.
Lew
October 4th, 2009
1:51 pm
To The Many Named Moron who thought our improvement was due to the Mets’ poor play this year-Dude, that is one of the all time really freaking stupid comments. You mean we improved by 14 games over 08 because we went 13-5 against them as opposed to 11-7 last year when we lost 90 games and they came in a very close second to the Phillies.
You mena to tell me that the Braves 14 game improvement had nothing to do with the Braves going 4-14 in 08 against the Division Champ Phillies and 10-8 against them THISD year as they won the Division again? Or the improvement had nothing whatsoever to do with our improving AL record that went from 8-15 in 08 to 7-8 this year?
Yeah, you must be right. The Braves’ fourteen game improvement had to be because we won two more games against the Mets. And some of you think I’m a dreamer? Get real.
Soph
October 4th, 2009
1:51 pm
Kellllllyyyyyyyy. There, I cheered for him.
Soph
October 4th, 2009
1:52 pm
Good inning, Huddy.
Braves Paisan
October 4th, 2009
1:53 pm
Good afternoon, Braves Beat Blog Denizens,
I can’t help but be encouraged by this year, despite the down note of the last week. We have a wonderful set of starting pitchers, the foundation for just about any kind of championship team. We can add power. Has anyone considered the idea of getting Uggla for left field? His 30 homers might come in handy.
A personal shout-out to “Boog” Sciambi. Professional, through and through.
And to my buddy “Diz” who ran Twin Cities in 4:07.
– BP
David O'Brien
October 4th, 2009
1:53 pm
You tell it, Tell It Like It Is! Damn straight. Take no guff and state facts in no uncertain terms. Fight the power.
Mr. Spock
October 4th, 2009
1:54 pm
Note to Joe Simpson and the other Fox Sports “journalists” talking about the importance of finishing second in the division. Even if the Braves win and the Marlins lose today, the Fish have already nailed that down with the tiebreaker used. But I guess that might have taken a little research.
David O'Brien
October 4th, 2009
1:56 pm
Escobar’s at .299 for the season….
Or he was.
TnBrian(Vazquez ace 2010)
October 4th, 2009
1:57 pm
I have my own theory as to why Chipper struggled so much this year. Remember when he said before the season that he was going to try and hit for more power? Well, maybe somewhere in that he screwed his mechanics up so bad & it just snowballed from there. Maybe the mental part of the whole struggle wore him out physically too. He’s creeping in age & his reaction time slowed, but I don’t think that’s the answer to why he was so bad.
Jimmy Joe
October 4th, 2009
2:00 pm
I can’t believe the Marlins are going to win 88 games!
Roja
October 4th, 2009
2:04 pm
2nd in the division, 3rd, 4th, 5th…. Really doesn’t matter…. we are out of the post-season again.
Come November, even 1st in the division doesn’t count for much if you ended up 2nd in the World Series…… unless you are a Cubs fan and then it would just be nice to get TO a World Series after 65 years. At least that is what my Cubby fan next door neighbor says.
Being a Braves fan, ain’t a bad thing!!!! GGGGOOOOOOOO BRAVES!!!!!
Braves Paisan
October 4th, 2009
2:07 pm
Agreed, Jimmy Joe. The Marlins’ perenial success on very small payrolls continues to amaze. Has anyone done an analysis of the “Fish Model” of baseball player acquisition and management? What do they know that the rest of us don’t?
Jake W.
October 4th, 2009
2:09 pm
Well since the announcers are talking about the NLDS I have to say I like the Cards over the Dodgers. That pitching and Pujols. In the Phils/Rockies series I really don’t know. Phillies are struggling and the Rockies are hot. Both have good offenses and both are very good at home. I guess you would give the slight edge to the Phillies but I like the Rockies since they are the hotter team.
keylargo
October 4th, 2009
2:15 pm
Marlins 2 – 0 over Marlins. Braves must win and Marlins lose for Braves to tie for second place.
keylargo
October 4th, 2009
2:15 pm
Marlins 2 – 0 over Phillies
Mitchell
October 4th, 2009
2:16 pm
So McCann and Ross have to practically be carried off the field in gurneys before Clint Sammons gets a start in 2009. That must make him feel good about himself. Bobby always has such confidence in his players; maybe it’s just his memory that’s failing him. Perhaps he forgot he was on the team. That might explain the Conrad/ Norton situation.
You know, I was going to say after the series in D.C last weekend that I was pleased to see that we had finally found a way to beat the Nationals. That was my only real hope at the beginning of the season and for a while there it appeared that indeed we had but now it looks as if they’ve got our number once again.
I don’t suppose it has anything to do with the way the Braves completely gave up on their fans mid-way through the series against the Marlins and decided to throw away their pride in favor of texting it in.
What a disgrace. It’s one thing to choke, that’s certainly nothing new, it’s another thing to throw in the towel like it’s coverd in $***.
They have lost my respect and support. I won’t have any part of the 2010 season.
McFann Ô
October 4th, 2009
2:19 pm
“Name a Met”
Great Trivia Q!
Braves Paisan
October 4th, 2009
2:20 pm
Mitchell, I was at the games Tuesday and yesterday and the Word was all over the stadium: the team was cashing it in just to irritate you.
Jeff321
October 4th, 2009
2:20 pm
Third place again for the ‘ole Coxer, eh?
McFann Ô
October 4th, 2009
2:21 pm
Bullet Bard rubbing that double in my face, I see…
I'm Stumped
October 4th, 2009
2:21 pm
Name a Met? Do I have to?
Mitchell
October 4th, 2009
2:22 pm
Was that the word?
I guess I was right then.
David O'Brien
October 4th, 2009
2:23 pm
If the Marlins owner is actually dumb enough to fire Fredi Gonzalez, he’d be doing the Braves a huge favor. I mean, I can’t think of a better guy to have in waiting to take over for Bobby Cox. He’d be a great choice.
Steve from OH
October 4th, 2009
2:26 pm
I mean, I can’t think of a better guy to have in waiting to take over for Bobby Cox. He’d be a great choice.
What’s the over/under on the “fire Fredi” rants? I’ll say…April 23, 2011. First violator? Robert.
Jeff321
October 4th, 2009
2:28 pm
All those games Coxy waved the “white flag” in are seeming awfully important about right now…
Wait. Sign that HOF’er up for another 5 years!
abwright
October 4th, 2009
2:30 pm
Steve from OH, 2:26 pm … “What’s the over/under on the “fire Fredi” rants? I’ll say…April 23, 2011. First violator? Robert.”
Hasn’t Lou Vales already “pre-ranted” on Fredi? I think he wins the tie-breaker over Robert.
Steve from OH
October 4th, 2009
2:30 pm
Huddy is cruising. His stuff looks pretty good to me right now…
Soph
October 4th, 2009
2:31 pm
I don’t know how accurate this is but apparently the Marlins & Valentine are talking about a position on the team.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4529494
Jeff321
October 4th, 2009
2:31 pm
So, will the Braves honor Chipper Jones after the game for leading the team in errors? It must suck to be the 3rd best defensive third baseman on the team behind Prado & Infante!
Efrim
October 4th, 2009
2:31 pm
It’s early, but it’s looking like a one game playoff on Tuesday night for the AL Central. You’ve gotta be pretty happy if you’re Girardi and the Yanks.
Soph
October 4th, 2009
2:34 pm
Nice throw, Clint!
abwright
October 4th, 2009
2:34 pm
The team that worries me for the future is the Washington Nationals. They should have a pretty good farm system with all those last place finishes giving them good draft picks. Now that they’ve completely cleaned house in their Front Office, they might not mismanage them so badly as they did when under MLB’s direction. Washington should have pretty good revenue streams, plus, if all goes poorly, they can beg for a bail-out from the Govt.
The “Marlins’ Model” for baseball is to be terrible for years, develop your talent, trade your money guys for more talent, then compete (and win) every seven-eight years.
Mitchell
October 4th, 2009
2:34 pm
Clint f***ing Sammons.
What have I been saying?
McFann Ô
October 4th, 2009
2:35 pm
Good throw by Clint.
Mitchell
October 4th, 2009
2:37 pm
Braves Paisan
October 4th, 2009
2:20 pm
Mitchell, I was at the games Tuesday and yesterday and the Word was all over the stadium: the team was cashing it in just to irritate you.
Cashing it in. They’re not cashing in $***. They’re a third place team. You don’t get $*** for third place. They’ll just have to fall back on their paltry salaries to get them through winter.
KC
October 4th, 2009
2:38 pm
This is the funniest thing I’ve seen all year… ROFLMAO!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T1vfsHYiKY
keylargo
October 4th, 2009
2:40 pm
Club officials have made it clear to Andruw Jones that he’s not expected to be back in 2010. Jones, who has been playing some first base lately, said he expects to keep playing for someone, but admits his days as a centerfielder are probably over. Seems like just yesterday that this guy was hitting homers in the World Series and running down everything from gap to gap, doesn’t it?
As mentioned in the blog,Please, please don’t mention signing Andruw Jones
rufues
October 4th, 2009
2:40 pm
The Braves didn’t win for several reasons, manager mistakes being the main reason.
No real leadership.
Never kept a winning line-up, to much moving line-up around.
Lack of team motivation, the different ways they play from day to day, to much inconsistence .
Johnson, kept being in the line-up when he kept on strike out and making errands and cost the team games.
Chipper Jones, hurt the team more then he help, he should have being bench more.
As a team, they were predictable, if they were five runs behind they gave up.
The outfield especially left field was very weak.
First base, has always being a problem, and LaRoche, is not the answer.
As a team, no speed at all.
As a team, no power at all.
As a team, no team work at all.
Relievers, were not bad, nor were they that good.
Positive was the starting pitching. Most of them had no support.
The play of McCain, Prado, Escobar, and a couple of others, were very good.
The Braves don’t need to trade for Dan Uggla, they already have a second baseman.
What the Braves should think about is getting players, not big names, that won’t product, dead weight won’t work, the Braves should know they had a lot of dead weight and mostly a waste of money.
Looking forward to next year, as a baseball fan, not because the Braves are going to be any better of. Football nor Basketball can replace the excitement of Baseball, regardless what is said, it’s still the best game in the world.
Braves Paisan
October 4th, 2009
2:41 pm
Correct me if I am wrong, but don’t the Marlins have twice as many championship rings as our Atlanta Braves?
Soph
October 4th, 2009
2:42 pm
Poor drill.
Braves Paisan
October 4th, 2009
2:43 pm
Man, did you see The Drill get nailed by The Hammer in the Tool Race? Brutal!
Goldenglove002
October 4th, 2009
2:43 pm
Frank Wren in the booth. Time for some rumors (since FW loves to tell us stuff)
Tell It Like It Is
October 4th, 2009
2:44 pm
DOB,
Are you from south Jawja? Judging from your 1:53 post and your musical taste, I would say that you have some distinct characteristics. You have obviously identfied my particular persuasion. Enjoy the game today. In closing, IT IS WHAT IT IS.
McFann Ô
October 4th, 2009
2:44 pm
Or should I have said: Good tag by Johnson!
Soph Poor drill.
Yeah…that was dirty of the hammer.
Goldenglove002
October 4th, 2009
2:46 pm
Kely’s “looking for a new start”, does that mean he is a goner?
Vinings Jim
October 4th, 2009
2:49 pm
NATE!
Goldenglove002
October 4th, 2009
2:49 pm
thank you Nate, helping my fantasy team win a championship!
Soph
October 4th, 2009
2:49 pm
Yeah, and the paint brush always trips over the drill too.
Yay, Nate!
abwright
October 4th, 2009
2:50 pm
There’s your run! Now both teams can really phone it in with no worries of extra innings.
keylargo
October 4th, 2009
2:50 pm
Here is a little (for me anyway) incentive to finish second in the division.
Finishing second in any division means some extra pocket money for every player. Last year it was worth approximately $12,000 per playerMLB.com
abwright
October 4th, 2009
2:50 pm
Best comment from Frank Wren so far, “There’s going to be some new faces next year.”
Braves Paisan
October 4th, 2009
2:50 pm
The regulars in Section 402 (shout-out to our favorite Usher Melvin) were actively debating yesterday whether or not The Drill would be “permitted” to win the Tool Race the last game of the year … now we know …
David O'Brien
October 4th, 2009
2:50 pm
It’s funny, I was just typing a sentence about McLouth in my notebook, about how he was disappointed at not being as consisted as he hoped to be this season, and how his injuries weren’t an excuse (though they clearly affected him).
Steve from OH
October 4th, 2009
2:50 pm
In closing, IT IS WHAT IT IS.
That is neiter as informative or as profound as you think it is.
Mitchell
October 4th, 2009
2:51 pm
rufues,
You said it man. I would disagree with you about our relievers. Although they were misused at times and overworked throughout the back three are or were pretty stellar. It’s a waste though. We had a chance to do damage in the playoffs with those guys but we completely squandered that opportunity.
I wouldn’t like to see Dan Uggla on this team next year any more than I suspect you would but if we got a true second baseman we could move Prado to third in place of Chipper. Unless he can prove himself next year and show some improvement offensively and defensively, I don’t believe he should have any right to be an everyday player any more than Kelly Johnson or Jeff Francoeur did.
Soph
October 4th, 2009
2:52 pm
Marteeeeeeeen.
Soph
October 4th, 2009
2:53 pm
I wish RHR was here so she could do one last Blackberry routine for Loafy.
brent a.
October 4th, 2009
2:54 pm
Sounds like we should hope that the Marlins stink it up next year.
Maybe a good start would to not continually lay down every time they arrive at TF for a big series.
brent a.
October 4th, 2009
2:54 pm
Sounds like we should hope that the Marlins stink it up next year.
Maybe a good start would be to not continually lay down every time they arrive at TF for a big series.
McFann Ô
October 4th, 2009
2:57 pm
Soph Yeah, and the paint brush always trips over the drill too.
Yeah he does.
Mr. Spock
October 4th, 2009
2:57 pm
Hate to burst your very small bubble, Key Largo. But the Marlins own the tie breaker for second–and second place money.
Roja
October 4th, 2009
2:57 pm
Last year David Wright was honored with a Gold Glove even though he mede MORE errors at 3B than Chipper. Maybe a Gold Glove for Chipper this year would be appropriate since he has more errors than David Wright!!
Mixxo
October 4th, 2009
2:58 pm
McFann Ô –
Excellent tag huh? I missed it. I could’ve done w/o the rollyeyes Hon.
KC–
Shagged and teabagged!!
Roja
October 4th, 2009
2:58 pm
However “It is what it is” just happens to be the perfect description for Bobby Cox
keylargo
October 4th, 2009
2:59 pm
Correct me if I am wrong, but don’t the Marlins have twice as many championship rings as our Atlanta Braves?
And they have never won the division.
Tell It Like It Is
October 4th, 2009
3:00 pm
Steve from OH’
I was waiting for you or your friend in Utah to chime in. You need to correct your typo. Now that you have closed the loop, I bid you ado. Remember, IT IS WHAT IT IS and Yes We Can. LOL!!!!
Jimmy Joe
October 4th, 2009
3:00 pm
Who would of thunk third place?
Steve from OH
October 4th, 2009
3:01 pm
You need to correct your typo.
Ditto.
ABravesFan
October 4th, 2009
3:01 pm
Looking forward to next season, where we should have a fairly good shot at returning to the playoffs. Despite all the disappointments, this season is clearly a turn in the correct position for the franchise. With the extra intangible next year, 2010 will hopefully be a memorable season for the Braves.
RemoW
October 4th, 2009
3:02 pm
Which Braves prospects are going to the AZ fall league and what team are they on?
Steve from OH
October 4th, 2009
3:04 pm
Remo–Heyward, Freeman, Hicks, Minor, Lyman, Hyde, and Kimbrel. They’re on the…Peoria Saguaros (sp?).
RemoW
October 4th, 2009
3:06 pm
Thanks Steve. I am in Tucson. I am going to catch some games!!!
I'm Stumped
October 4th, 2009
3:06 pm
Why have the announcers thanked everyone EXCEPT p. lentz?
abwright
October 4th, 2009
3:08 pm
You know the season is grinding to its last stop when the booth guys are thanking all the cameramen. Good job all!
And, good job to Tim Hudson to get out of a jam. I smell extras!
Roja
October 4th, 2009
3:10 pm
Anyone notice that the only Phillies starter in the game today is Werth and they even pulled their starting pitcher after 2 innings?
Soph
October 4th, 2009
3:11 pm
lol I’m gonna miss you, Boog. I was skeptical during your first season but you quickly became one of my favs.