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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,801 comments Add your comment
BuckheadBrave
April 28th, 2010
6:52 pm
@Chucktown
how do you figure no chance Heyward can’t hit a beach ball right now and do you really think with the way Mac has been hitting that Ross is at all a significant down grade. The line up tonight may actually be BETTER than the one we have been sending out there
Glen W
April 28th, 2010
6:52 pm
“Boomerang: Unlock the caps key. I can’t read all caps. Hurts my head.” -DOB
And sober up while you are at it. Geez.
TennesseePaul
April 28th, 2010
6:53 pm
Nathan: What’s the difference? Schafer couldn’t make contactt and had horribly weak swings due to his broken hand (that nobody knew about)…Schafer looked bad for almost a month. To the point of feeling sorry for him, more than being angry. He looked lost.
As I posted earlier. Through the first 81/82 PA of their major league career, spanning “almost a month”
Player__PA_AB_BB_SO__AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS
Schafer 82 66 16 23 .224 .415 .439 .854
Heyward 81 67 13 25 .224 .358 .448 .806
Do you really think Heyward looks lost?
As I pondered last night. This team sucks to watch on paper
I wish I could see him. But alas, NC blocks MLB for some stupid reason. So I see very little of the Braves. I hope he looks better than his box score. But looking at his numbers, he looks worse than Schafer.
Pete
April 28th, 2010
6:53 pm
BillM…..LA down on Kemp? Hes among the leaders in RBI HR’s and runs scored so maybe you have the wrong guy or did I miss another sarcastic comment?
Glen W
April 28th, 2010
6:55 pm
More teams with problems… the Phillies only have one SP with an ERA under 5.00 and he is on pace to throw more than 300 innings.
VaBraveFan
April 28th, 2010
6:55 pm
Look Chippers banged up, strugglin on D and not producing much at he plate, but its hard to drive in Runs with no runners on, (Lead off Hitters are like pitchers hitting) even a hurt and slumping Chipper helps this lineup, teams are still pitching around the slumping and hurt Chipper to face Brain McCann. That explains his good OBP.
Mitchell
April 28th, 2010
6:56 pm
You know, I was going to come on here before I have to leave and say “I can’t believe Bobby is sitting Heyward and not Glaus.”
But then I saw the headline and now I’m having an even harder time comprehending the fact that Braves bloggers are making news.
That is a first, at least in Braves Country.
In case you’d been away awhile and weren’t fully informed regarding Jason Heyward’s popularity in Atlanta and across Braves Nation…
DOB, haven’t you noticed the new logo on the right center field fence at Turner Field? How could you confuse the new Braves marketing campaign so soon? It’s “Braves Country” not “Nation”. See, it’s the south so it’s got to be Country. We’re country folk and we love our Braves.
Git r done, or so the saying goes.
Come on Braves fans, get a win for me. I must be leaving now.
I can’t say I’d be disappointed in you though if you don’t come through what with a line-up sans J-Hey and BMac.
Oh well.
chucktown brave
April 28th, 2010
6:56 pm
To tell you the truth, it doesn’t matter what lineup we put out there. This pitcher is going to shut the entire team down tonight. Braves lose 7-1. At least McCann and Heyward were batting in the .200’s. Ross has played OK, but Diaz sucks (ugliest swing in all of baseball). Ross’ defense will definitely be an upgrade though.
Mitchell
April 28th, 2010
6:56 pm
So long.
richbrave
April 28th, 2010
6:58 pm
Is Don Sutton’s hair for real?
No. it’s memorex.
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
April 28th, 2010
6:58 pm
LC, I feel the same way about the Cox/Heyward thing. That Bobby did it publicly is the prob.
Mixxo
April 28th, 2010
6:58 pm
chucktown brave – My prediction was 6-1, not that it matters. And yeah, Diaz is a joke with that swing.
More Wisdom Pearls From the Blog
April 28th, 2010
6:59 pm
From earlier:
“You can just about throw RBI out the window. They are like wins or saves for pitchers. They are a stat that tells us more about opportunity than ability.”
Uh – I thought they largely measured a hitter’s ability during run – scoring opportunities. I thought that was why certain hitters are referred to as “run – producers” because they display abilities during these opportunities.
This ability seems pretty important to me.
chucktown brave
April 28th, 2010
7:00 pm
Maybe Bobby addressed J Hey privately a couple days ago, but J-Hey is not willing to make the adjustments… so Bobby lit him up in front of the press. Haha, no one really knows. If it helps J-Hey hit better, I am all for it.
gobravos
April 28th, 2010
7:00 pm
TennesseePaul, what about homers, RBIs, and game-winning or saving hits?
chucktown brave
April 28th, 2010
7:00 pm
Hey Mixxo, we will compromise. Braves will lose 7-1 (7th run will be unearned)
Steve
April 28th, 2010
7:02 pm
Mixxo, Diaz sucks? Besides this season, he has been fantastic. Check your stats genius.
VaBraveFan
April 28th, 2010
7:03 pm
well actually giving more AB’s to the players we want gone or on bench (Melky, Glaus) the more they play and the more they do bad quickin’s that action. They wont run Melky and Glaus out there anymore if there hitting under 200. in June would they?? wow lol
gobravos
April 28th, 2010
7:03 pm
Shouldn’t the bigger concern be with the guys who aren’t rookies that are under-performing on a daily basis?
crabapplejoe
April 28th, 2010
7:04 pm
Jay wrote: “(although, obviously Heyward is in a completely different class than Franceour).”
Yep, different class indeed…Heyward’s hitting 50 points below Francoeur and the Mets are on a 7 game winning streak instead of a 7 game losing streak. And did I mention that Francouer has a much better arm.
bravos2249
April 28th, 2010
7:04 pm
I only got 1 thing to say about Bobby’s comments.
We had a player that didn’t take pitches, his name is Jeff Francoeur, he may run like Hayes, but he hits like s***. No matter what he’s done in NY, he’s still got so much messed up with him.
We have a player that takes pitches, his name is Chipper Jones.
Ahem, need I say more. I’d rather Heyward take too many pitches, then see only 4 a game.
Bobby's Cox
April 28th, 2010
7:04 pm
The last time we won, didn’t we have zero batting practice?
Ralph Garr Fan
April 28th, 2010
7:04 pm
DOB – I read the blog daily but this is my first time to post. Please excuse the wordiness I will do better in the future. I believe there are three good reasons for the Braves being where they are in the standings and that they will not be a consistent playoff contender until these items are corrected.
1) Since moving to Atlanta in 1966 the Braves have relied on basically the same formula to win games — pitching, defense, and timely home runs. This has resulted in good teams that reached the post season a high percentage of the time, but only one WS Champion. We all know that pitching and defense are two items you must have to win. However, in the post steroid era the timely home run part of the formula needs to be altered to read two speed demons (CF and either 2B or LF with Prado playing the other) and timely home runs. Currently, the Braves require three singles before three outs most of the time to score. Of course, there is the occasional extra base hit included, but not often enough to be consistent winners. I went to a AA game in Tennessee last weekend and watched a 5’ 7” center fielder that could fly basically win a double header by himself by bunting, slap hitting, stealing bases, and staying in the head of the opposing pitcher and catcher. Bear Bryant used to say that when you throw the football two of the three things that can happen are bad. Well conversely, when you attempt to steal a base two of the three things that can happen are good (safe, out, or defensive error).
2) I have never watched a professional baseball team that is any worse at taking throws and tagging runners at second, third, and home. Prado, Escobar, Hoss, and McCann insist on taking the throw in front of the base and then trying a desperation sweep tag (I suppose to avoid injury). Since little league I have known that the ball travels faster that the hand. Therefore, you should take the throw even with the bag and go straight down for the tag. Again, reaching out for the ball and coming back to the base is very slow and fundamentally unsound. Case in point, last night Pujols was several feet from third when the throw arrived and he was able to avoid the tag because of the Braves technique. Also, McCann seems absolutely terrified to block home plate even with his left foot. He could save us several runs a year by using the tools of ignorance to inflict some pain on the opposition.
3) Lastly, when a pitcher is working low and away and misses his spot it usually results in a ball, single, or maybe a double. When working inside and a pitcher misses his spot is usually results in a home run. I know that a pitcher must come inside some to keep the hitter honest, but I believe that we rely on it way to much. Especially with Lowe and Hudson throwing sinkers that get hammered when they are up or in too much.
Summary, until we add speed to our lineup and manufacture at least some of the necessary runs required to win a game we will continue to struggle. An obvious exception to this would be if Hoss, McCann, and Glaus return to their power hitting ways which seems extremely unlikely. J-Hey is going to be a GREAT player if everyone allows him the necessary time for on the job training. The one thing I would change with him is that I would turn him loose on the bases since he does have some speed. Also, I would go ahead and bring up Freeman (could he be any worse?) and let him get his rookie season out of the way now.
My Lineup:
Schafer or new guy with speed 8
Prado 4 or 7
Heyward 9
Hoss 5
McCann 2
Escobar 6
Freeman 3
New guy with speed 4 or 7
Pitcher 1
TnBrian
April 28th, 2010
7:05 pm
Factual predictions for toinight’s game:
SS/ Escobar 1-4, 1 K, 0 RBI, O BB, 2 LOB
2B/Prado 2-3, 0 K, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 0 LOB
3B/ Jones 1-4, 2 K,. 0 RBI, 0 BB, 2 LOB
1B/ Glaus 0-4, 2 K, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 4 LOB
RF/ Diaz 1-4, 2 K, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 1 LOB
CF/ Cabrera 0-4, 3 K, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 1 LOB
C/ Ross 0-3, 1 K, 0 RBI, 1 BB, 0 LOB
LF/ Infante 1-4, 0 K, 0 RBI, 0 BB, 0 LOB
Braves lose 4-1
gobravos
April 28th, 2010
7:06 pm
Kind of ironic that the Braves are struggling to hit the long ball and KJ is leading the league in homers…
cabravesfan
April 28th, 2010
7:06 pm
Wow- Still an hour away from first pitch and my brain hurts already…not a good sign
Mixxo
April 28th, 2010
7:07 pm
Wheels are coming off for the Giants.
bravos2249
April 28th, 2010
7:08 pm
gobravos
Like he’s gonna lead the league at the end of the season.
New life, new ballpark. Guy plays inside.
Just a few things. KJ could hit, fielding and drastically streaking hitting was his problem. I’d take him over some guys we have now, but not as our 2nd baseman.
Steve
April 28th, 2010
7:09 pm
I love all of you who bash Bobby Cox and say he “sucks.” He is only the 4th most winningest manager of all time and won 14 straight division titles. Oh and how many 100 win seasons does he have? He has no control over the payroll and the players the Braves get. Any one of us could manage the Yankees with the talent they have. Cox has done amazing things with the players he has been dealt to work with. The Braves terrible batting Cox has no control over. He does a better job of any of you would.
chucktown brave
April 28th, 2010
7:10 pm
I think I was the one that said Diaz sucks, Mixxo just agreed that he has an atrocious swing. Yes, I am saying he sucks this year. Haven’t looked at his splits, as to whether he was just feasting on left handed pitchers in previous years… or maybe his stats are so awful because we haven’t played the Marlins yet.
JasonInFL
April 28th, 2010
7:11 pm
lineup looks especially bad which means we will probably score 8 or so…
Mets finished a 9-1 homestand and have WON 7 in a row…depressing days indeed.
VaBraveFan
April 28th, 2010
7:11 pm
Steve
I Agree.
gobravos
April 28th, 2010
7:11 pm
bravos2249, yeah there is absolutely no way he continues that. I’m just amazed is all. When you see his name on top of that list you have to do a double take. I don’t think he should have ever been moved from LF.
Couch Tater
April 28th, 2010
7:11 pm
Anyone else just see Velez of the Giants drop the ball in LF? 7 -5 Phillies bottom 11
McFann Ô
April 28th, 2010
7:13 pm
DOB McCann’s also getting day off.
Murph
April 28th, 2010
7:13 pm
It may sound like giving up, but with the current leadership in the Braves clubhouse, I sure hope they don’t trade away a bunch of prospects for a temporary big bat. It would be better to try and minimize the damage and get through the season… Cox and TP will be gone, and then, and only then, can the Braves really start to rebuild.
I got used to the Braves winning division championships, now I’m used to them not being in contention. They’ll win again someday, just not this year.
Ron
April 28th, 2010
7:14 pm
My statement in 2005 that “Booby should quit now while he’s ahead, and 5 years from now we’ll be talking about how great he was” is looking more and more prescient.
Glen W
April 28th, 2010
7:15 pm
Kelly Johnson homers in the top of the 10th to put the Diamondbacks ahead. Unreal.
Dan in NJ
April 28th, 2010
7:15 pm
Pete, You think Chipper isn’t hitting because maybe B-Mac and Glaus aren’t protecting him right now? If he’s getting on base via the walk, then that means he must not be getting any pitches to hit don’t ya think? I don’t know. Just asking. Besides he was hitting 300+ right before B-mac and company went in to a slump, if I recall correctly.
Just tired of people getting on Chipper for EVERYTHING. He can only do so much right now while everyone (except Prado) are in a season long slump.
BTW…hate seeing Melky batting in front of Nate. Gotta give Nate a lil more time to prove (or not prove) he can become the Nate of 2008.
Bat Masterson
April 28th, 2010
7:16 pm
gobravos
April 28th, 2010
7:11 pm
He was moved because of an arm injury.
drummerdad
April 28th, 2010
7:17 pm
Gayle,
I’ve rooted for the Braves for 44 years. Saw Henry, Eddie Matthews, Joe Torre and all the crowd that came from Milwaukee. Blah, Blah, Blah. I agree that Bobby could have gotten more out of the talent and money he had to work with. Comparing the Bravos with the Cards since the year 2000, the Cardinals have the same number of Div. titles, 1 Wild Card, 2 WS appearances with 1 championship. On top of that, it looks like they’ve done it spending about 6.5 million dollars less per season (on average) than the Braves in that 11 year span.
BUT, That 14 year stretch of Division titles and WS appearances means everything to Atlanta sports history and pride. It’s quite an accomplishment for any organization in any sport, but in Atlanta where fan apathy and fickleness reign on high, it’s HUGE. I dare say it’s why any of us care to say something. I yearned for that kind of Braves prowess since I was a kid. For that reason my hat is off to Bobby and in the same token I have been consistently frustrated since the 2005 playoffs.
Glen W
April 28th, 2010
7:18 pm
An example of a trend that couldn’t possibly continue. Kelly Johnson has 20 hits… 16 of them are extra base hits. 8 doubles, 8 homers.
Its weird sport sometimes folk. Keep watching.
VaBraveFan
April 28th, 2010
7:18 pm
Some players just need a change to succeed, but its not like we gave up on him he lost his own job. If the Braves kept him i’m pretty sure his stats wouldnt be anything to talk about. And we replaced him with Prado who has continued his tear into this year and is our starting 2nd baseman cause he earned it. I’m sure Prado wont hit like this all year, and I’m sure KJ will fade and be a average player, just like Frenchy playing great for the Mets and then returning to his below average form.
JasonInFL
April 28th, 2010
7:19 pm
sign Barry Bonds…(:
I kid, I kid…
Steve
April 28th, 2010
7:19 pm
Maybe it’s TP we should say sucks instead of Cox.
Gil Garrido
April 28th, 2010
7:20 pm
Chipper hitting #2 would be a commendable idea considering his loss of power and his high OBP, but he couldn’t be counted on to hit and run for two reasons, both sadly true: Bobby’s not going to utilize the hit and run very often, and Chipper would miss even more time with pulled muscles from running.
And Roodge Owns
April 28th, 2010
7:20 pm
The guy who was getting the Hewyard Advice about taking so many pitches this time last year… just took over the National League HR lead. KJ’s 8th. Clutch, too.
VaBraveFan
April 28th, 2010
7:21 pm
Dan in NJ
“BTW…hate seeing Melky batting in front of Nate. Gotta give Nate a lil more time to prove (or not prove) he can become the Nate of 2008.”
Hell i think right now we all would be happy with a 2009 McLouth lol.
Heywardville Knockahoma
April 28th, 2010
7:21 pm
DOB,
You see these headlines that you are creating? Major clubhouse drama. I’m sure most of the guys in that clubhouse have seen these blogs. I know you’re trying to stir the pot by getting everyone blogging, but could you pick a better time? Or, maybe try to find a positive? I realize that they are all professional’s and most will simply shrug it off and realize it’s just media, but those guys need positive thoughts running through their minds right now.
Love the coverage, but I’d like to try and find something positive. This is Bobby’s Farewell year…not Bash one of the games greatest manager year.
Damn.
Steve
April 28th, 2010
7:22 pm
Next 6 games are against Houston and Washington. Things could turn back around fast. The Mets won’t keep this up. Same with Washington. Philly’s pitching is terrible. Too early to give up.
Dan in NJ
April 28th, 2010
7:22 pm
I know Kelly Johnson is / was a streaky hitter and all, BUT I really believe that he was never fully healthy and very comfortable. He was being moved around often in the lineup and I believe he had to look over his shoulder if he went into a slump and worry about losing his job (which he did). Last thing is, he couldn’t get in much of a rythem by being benched because of a lefty pitcher, which we know he hit better then rightys. I blame BC if he does turn out to be an above average 2B.
gobravos
April 28th, 2010
7:23 pm
I don’t think anyone is saying we should have kept KJ. I was merely trying to point how crazy it is that he is leading the league in homers while we can’t buy a homer. Yes baseball is weird. Point in fact: Tommy Hanson has one win and a sub- 3.00 ERA and D-Lowe has 3 wins and an ERA approaching 6.00.
Pete
April 28th, 2010
7:24 pm
McFann sad or happy make up your mind cant be both lol
gobravos
April 28th, 2010
7:24 pm
Dan in NJ, KJ’s only 28 and could definitely turn it around. The change of scenery was needed. Same goes for Frenchy.
JasonInFL
April 28th, 2010
7:25 pm
How many runs does KK give up and over/under on innings pitched? does he make it through 6? I think he is going to come up and have a great game. We need it. Need a pitcher to step up and be dominant to stop the skid…that’s how it is done and how we have always done it.
TnBrian
April 28th, 2010
7:26 pm
The way we’re going right now with the bats, I’d have to go with these final numbers at the end of the season:
Prado– .312 9 HR 48 RBI
Escobar– .283 10 HR 52 RBI
Jones– .302 15 HR 78 RBI
Glaus– .246 12 HR 50 RBI
McCann– .284 20 HR 83 RBI
Heyward– .272 15 HR 64 RBI
McLouth– .242 9 HR 45 RBI
Cabrera– .250 4 HR 28 RBI
Diaz– .272 8 HR 37 RBI
Ross– .258 7 HR 26 RBI
Starters:
Lowe– 12-9 5.20 ERA
Jurrjens– 9-6 3.28 ERA
Hanson– 9-7 3.32 ERA
Hudson– 11-9 3.70 ERA
Kawakami– 8-9 4.82 ERA
Wagner won’t get near the 30 saves he’d like, not with the way it’s looking right now. All that can easily change if we start playing better. It’s possible.
Pete
April 28th, 2010
7:26 pm
DAN, good question and Im not really sure the reason. My concern is he is coming off a very poor (for him) 2009 season as well, which makes me more concerned. Im just suggesting that he cant keep the #3 hole the way hes going, dont you agree or no?
chucktown brave
April 28th, 2010
7:27 pm
Steve – Next 6 games against Houston and Washington? Houston is 1/2 game better than us… Washington is 3 games better. What makes you think this will be a time for us to gain some ground. Both of those teams are playing better than we are.
Mixxo
April 28th, 2010
7:28 pm
Couch Tater – Yeah I saw it.
Double :facepalm:
ABravesFan
April 28th, 2010
7:28 pm
Yes, Chipper is having a good season offensively. However, his defensive value so far has probably offset that, unfortunately. RBI is highly dependent on other players. If Chipper bats more often w RISP and still post a similar OBP, than his RBI will naturally go up. Sadly, it’s fairly obvious how Chipper has a ultra-aggressive mode where he try to ambush the first pitch…I need to look up the numbers but I dont’ think his BA on the first pitch is all that great.
chucktown brave
April 28th, 2010
7:30 pm
Over/Under on Kawakami
IP is at 5 2/3
Runs is at 3
Got that feeling
April 28th, 2010
7:30 pm
Braves win tonight. Bats will come out early and KK shows why he is one of the better #5 starters in the league.
I’m telling you……I’m even feeling not 1, but 2 homeruns tonight.
Braves win 7-3.
VaBraveFan
April 28th, 2010
7:30 pm
Steve
I agree again… lol
Those 6 games are crucial. They gotta atleast win 4 of 6 and get back on track against some of the weaker teams. Regardless of how there playin they are weak teams, Our team is considered a wild card contender and its better to have a really bad stretch early than later in season…. they can turn this around, most of our players will get to there norm,
PDub
April 28th, 2010
7:30 pm
DOB All those who point to on-base percentage as being so much more important than batting average and RBI and just about everything else, I’ve got a question. Does Chipper’s .420 OBP indicate he’s having a good season?
Well, a .420 OBP is pretty useful. In fact, in order for it to not be useful, it’d have to be accompanied by nothing else remotely positive.
If a 3B had a .420 OBP, but a 0.000 batting average and a 0.000 slugging average (or, his only offensive contribution is to walk in 42 per cent of his PA’s), and played bad defense (~ 7 runs below average), he’d be a replacement level player. Basically, a .420 OBP is so valuable, it’s worth a roster spot even if it’s the only contribution the player is capable of bringing to the table.
Chipper has brought more to the table. He’s stolen two bases (caught zero times), he’s hit 8 singles, 4 doubles, and 2 homers. Yes. Chipper Jones is having a very good season. He’s got a .865 OBP-heavy OPS. That is WAYYYYYYYYY above average for a 3B.
I see no rational argument Chipper isn’t having a good season.
gayle
April 28th, 2010
7:31 pm
Steve – at last a Cox apologist appears. No one here is claiming to have the skills to manage a major league baseball team – but what kind of defense of this idol is that? “Can you do any better?”
This is just the kind of nonsense that has brought this team to this place – where mediocraty is accepted.
It is naive of you to think that BC has NO influence over what players are chosen to play for this team. If he is the great manager that you and others claim he is, wouldn’t it be wise to call upon his vast experience to help mold a roster? Can you think there were others that wanted Greg Norton to stick around?
I’m not sure that I could even manage the Yankees, but clearly Bobby could not achieve success with the Braves even when he had 3 future HOF’ers in the rotation.
Just for the record, here is what the Great Cox did with the Braves those years the team won 100+ games in the regular season. He got booted in the playoffs every time. One of the worst post season managers in baseball
1993 lost to Phillies in NLCS
1997 lost to Florida in the NLCS
1998 lost to San Diego in the NLCS
1999 swept by the Yankees in the World Series
2002 lost to San Francisco in the NLDS
2003 lost to Chicago in the NLDS
Right, great manager he is.
Steve
April 28th, 2010
7:32 pm
Chucktown, Houston and Washington are nothing like NY and St. Louis. You should know how bad Houston and Washington will end up. I remember last year when Kansas City got off to an amazing start and ended up being terrible. VERY early. Philly is almost at .500, do you think they are that bad?
Pete
April 28th, 2010
7:33 pm
Also will add that the Braves horrific performance from the leadoff spot doesnt help Chipper stats either
Bat Masterson
April 28th, 2010
7:33 pm
JasonInFL,
Maybe if the defense steps up behind him.
curtis jones
April 28th, 2010
7:35 pm
At the beginning of the season, I predicted here that Glaus would finish 2010 with 10 HR, and 75 RBI.
DOB shot back with something like, “Look at Glaus’s history, and you’ll see he’s never had a season like that.” You are so right DOB. And those numbers look like wishful thinking now, huh?
Steve
April 28th, 2010
7:35 pm
Gayle, what manager at least got the Braves to the playoffs those years? Would you rather them just not even go? No excuse for 1998 though. When I said he has no influence I meant regarding the payroll. Do you really thing if he called Wren and said, “Hey Frank, do me a favor and go grab Howard and pay him $25 million a year. Thanks!”
Dan in NJ
April 28th, 2010
7:35 pm
gobravos,
maybe you are right, but I the reason I stated above to why it might’ve affected his game. As for Frenchy? He had all the time and chances anyone could ever ask for to prove himself and failed.
Pete, I do agree to a point, but til others step up and give him some protection we will never know if he can still handle that spot. Plus, who on this team is worthy of that spot right now? Nobody is proving they are worth being in the 3 hole.
Got that feeling again
April 28th, 2010
7:36 pm
You guys going to be bashing the Braves when they go on a 7 game win streak? If the Mets can do it, the Braves can surely do it.
Stop bitching and go to a game and be supportive.
All you bashers need to find a new team. Seriously, you probably don’t go to the game and supoprt them anyhow. Too busy waiting for a new blog to post FIRST.
Losers.
DMBJAMS
April 28th, 2010
7:36 pm
DOB, your superb taste in music is why I’ll never give up on you. There’s plenty of time.
(just kidding, kind of)
curtis jones
April 28th, 2010
7:37 pm
I was searching the TV listings tonight and noticed that Kawakami is pitching for the Braves. My wife said, “I think we’ve seen this show before. Isn’t it the one where Kawakami gives up a run or two in the first couple of innings, then settles down for a while, the Braves tie it, and then Kawakami gets tired in the 6th, Cox waits too long to take him out and the Braves lose?”
I said, “Yes dear, we’ve this one over and over.”
Pete
April 28th, 2010
7:39 pm
PDub, Chipper’s .865 OPS is way below his career average. Other than last year, he hasnt been this low since 2004.
chucktown brave
April 28th, 2010
7:39 pm
Just trying to be objective. How can I honestly say to a Nationals fan, that I can’t wait to play them in a week or so, because we should be able to take 2 of 3. We have the worst record in the National League, (2nd worst in the majors). We can’t base our expectations on our pre-conceived notions about a team. Coming into the season, most talking heads around baseball predicted the Mets to finish last or 4th in our division, and here you are touting that we have an excuse because we just ran into the buzzsaw that is NY and St Louis. We are not very good (right now). Until we show some signs of improvement, I will not expect to win another series.
gobravos
April 28th, 2010
7:40 pm
Gayle, save your energy on the Cox criticism on this blog. These guys just don’t get it. Atl fans are infatuated with Cox, and they’re the only ones. If he managed in any other town he would have been fired years ago for his teams under-performing in the playoffs. It really is that simple. Braves fans will always love him for 1995, and smart Braves fans will always despise him for every other year he managed here. Guy had 3 HOFers on his staff for many years and only got 1 ring? Hmmmm….
Dan in NJ
April 28th, 2010
7:41 pm
I also like the idea of Chipper in the 2 spot, a switch hitting vet that can handle any sitution, such as pulling a ball or going the other way, and moving runners over and so on. Also having the power to hit one out if needed.
David O'Brien
April 28th, 2010
7:41 pm
Heyward’s average is down to .224 with a still-solid .358 on-base percentage, fourth-best among Braves regulars behind Prado (.433), Chipper (.420) and McCann (.405).
Heyward’s four homers and 16 RBIs are only one fewer homer and two fewer RBIs than those three hitters combined.
bravos2249
April 28th, 2010
7:42 pm
I was watching the Twins play on ESPN for a little while. But all this mauer gushing is irking my nerves. About how he gets calls other catchers get, and how the guy on the mound struggled when he didn’t throw to Mauer and how Umpires say they love to be behind the plate when he catches.
That last one had me going WTF. FREAKY
Got that feeling again
April 28th, 2010
7:42 pm
20 F’in games into the season guys. Way to early to give up on this team. Let’s wait until Memorial Day and see where we are at that point.
Losers.
gobravos
April 28th, 2010
7:43 pm
Exactly DOB, but If some of the people on this blog ran our team he would be in Gwinett right now.
VaBraveFan
April 28th, 2010
7:46 pm
PDub
I agree, Chipper’s having a decent year so far. Just being a presence in the lineup helps the team, Health issues and Defense is whats geting him so much crap. even if’s he’s hitting well people still bash him. He cant drive in runs with out runners, and he isnt gonna extend his strike zone trying to get it done he’s gonna take his walks. and give the team a chance with McCann coming up behind him, instead of chasing pitches and pressin leading to lots of outs. He played injured and wants to be in there and play. Remember people he’s 38 he’s not a power guy anymore. He is the Face of the Braves and is still considered the “Guy” we depend on, but he shouldnt be that anymore the team failed to bring in a long term middle of the order hitter over the past few years.
Pete
April 28th, 2010
7:46 pm
Dan: “I also like the idea of Chipper in the 2 spot, a switch hitting vet that can handle any sitution, such as pulling a ball or going the other way, and moving runners over and so on. Also having the power to hit one out if needed.”
We both agree so Ill ask you the same: who goes to the #3 hole? Id give it to Prado if Chipper moved to 2
chucktown brave
April 28th, 2010
7:48 pm
Side note… I am a huge FSU fan. It is uncanny how eerily similar the Braves and FSU football compare. Tremendous success in the 90’s, Should have had more than 1 Title, Rapidly declining in the 2000’s, Fans calling for elderly coach/manager to retire to enable to franchise/program to start fresh, Coach holding on for dear life to his job for one more year thinking this was going to be the year it would all turn around.
Doc Holiday
April 28th, 2010
7:48 pm
Our problem is not our team but the ownership. Just think for a second. How real is their desire to make this team a winner when:
1. You address your OF/power numbers by adding Nate last season and Melky this season, whom has never hit more than 13 HR.
2. The address their clean up hitter problem by adding a guy that since 2003 only once has he driven in 100 or more runs.
3. Are paying 15M to a washed out pitcher like Lowe and 8M to some unproven pitcher from Asia.
4. Are keep Chipper in there as part of heart of the order. A guy that hurts himself by watching teammates warm up.
5. Put their season in high risk by making Saito and Wagner their premier setup and closer respectively.
6. Keep Cox around when it is clear that he has shown that his magic trick was called Maddux/Glavine/Smoltz
Do they really care?
Wheres the help they got to fix our 2009 problems? Glaus? Melky?Well at least Hinske is making them look good, but that was an easy one.
Did they really thought a team could win when their corner IF are plagued with injuries and trying to comeback?
How do you address one of the worse OF in 2009? by adding melky and a rookie? Even if it is JH, he is nothing more than a rookie and playing from day 1 its going to be extremely tough for the kid.
Finally I want to predict that soon this team will win 3 in a row or maybe 5,gain some ground on other teams, just to fall 4 or 5 times in a row next to that. Thats how they have been doing it last 4 seasons………..win 4 lose 5 win 3 lose 2 win 5 lose 4 and so on.
If any of you was counting on October baseball, I sadly inform you that all the October baseball you are gonna get is a boring 3 game series against philly. Boring because philly will already be in and we will already be out of it.
Couch Tater
April 28th, 2010
7:49 pm
TennesseePaul –
Thanks for the numbers on Schafer and Heyward. Although they are frightening, Heyward does appear to be more confident in his approach and not guessing like Schafer seemed to be. We’ll see…
big Jake
April 28th, 2010
7:49 pm
este equipo de béisbol es realmente malo
gayle
April 28th, 2010
7:50 pm
Steve – you make my argument. What is the point of getting to the playoffs when you get spanked every time? You have to shake your head and wonder how a competant – likely HOF – manager could go into a short series with Smoltz, Glavine and Maddux in the rotation – and lose?
He was out-managed – that’s how.
He’s staid, stubborn, loyal and not aggressive. He waits for the 3-run homer and ignores small ball, team speed and patience at the plate. He keeps pitchers in too long and plays percentages when the game dictates quick thinking.
You could write off a year or two that you caught a team that was on fire – but when you bring home a title just once in 14 years?
McFann Ô
April 28th, 2010
7:50 pm
Pete sad or happy make up your mind cant be both lol
Well, I’m happy because that puts at least his slump on hold for one night, but I’m sad ’cause now we have to wait a whole nother day for him to break out of it.
chucktown brave
April 28th, 2010
7:50 pm
Got that feeling again – Let’s just wait until August to evaluate our team. At this pace, we will be 12 games out of 1st by Memorial Day… and we usually suck in June, interleague play?
TnBrian
April 28th, 2010
7:52 pm
Got that feeling … they gotta win one game first. They’re finding ways to lose and it’s some bad luck involved. It really is. But, they’ve shot themselves in the foot more than once on this losing skid that’s made the bad luck they’ve run into not as obvious. But, it’s there. So true that in this game you need some luck and sometimes a lot of it to get where you want to go.
Nothing should surprise anybody anymore after what we’ve all seen just from our team the last few years.
I Hate Liberty Media
April 28th, 2010
7:52 pm
Cox deserves it. As do Liberty Media, Frank Wren, Terry Pendleton, and the players. The fans need to send a message loud and clear that mediocrity is intolerable. Fielding a team of cheap hacks should lead to an empty stadium for home games. Hit ‘em where it hurts – the pocketbook.
McFann Ô
April 28th, 2010
7:52 pm
Doc H. 2. They address their clean up hitter problem by adding a guy that since 2003 only once has he driven in 100 or more runs.
And he’s not even batting cleanup.
Ya know, everything was hunky-dory in Spring Training when Glaus was batting cleanup and BMac was batting fifth. But I know! I know!
VaBraveFan
April 28th, 2010
7:54 pm
Also Schafer batted 8th and was walked alot so his OBP is shouldnt be a factor, also Heyward’s showed game winning heroics, being a run producer and having long good AB’s. why even compare the 2?
Doc Holiday
April 28th, 2010
7:54 pm
I Hate Liberty Media,
I agree……… and send Cox home with the most memorable season he can get………
Pete
April 28th, 2010
7:55 pm
GAYLE (7:50), I could not have said it any better than that!
gobravos
April 28th, 2010
7:56 pm
Doc Holiday, awesome! The line about Cox’s magic trick had me rolling man. I might have been able to manage a team to 100 wins with those three anchoring my staff in their prime. Does anyone care to mention the fact that in half as many games played Heyward has like twice the homers and RBIs as Schafer did in all of 2009. Oh you don’t. That’s probably because that would contradict the Schafer and Heyward are turning out to be the same guy argument.
Doc Holiday
April 28th, 2010
7:56 pm
Hi Mc,
How are you?
We are having the most painful season in a while……….mediocrity is piling up. 5 years and counting.
bravos2249
April 28th, 2010
7:59 pm
JJ better be making some voodoo dolls, that’s his only chance in hell he’s gonna win tomorrow.