Braves’ comments after Friday’s win against Mets
BOBBY COX
“Omar and Melky had great nights. Tommy Hanson had a good night too. I thought he pitched good. He got two sliders for the RBIs, middle-in to righties. He didn’t get it away from them. But I thought he threw the ball excellent.”
“And the bullpen again – O’Flaherty got a huge out, Venters was 1-2-3, Saito gave up one hit, and Billy Wagner’s just like a machine right now.”
Omar’s defensive play:
“Yeah, to choke off the bunt. That was huge.”
On Omar’s overall game
“That’s why he’s on the All-Star team. I don’t see how anybody could second-guess that one, to be honest with you. That’s what the commissioner wanted, and they got a great one. Can play center, right, left, second, short and third.
On Glaus, who got hit near wrist by Francoeur when Escobar’s throw pulled Glaus off first base: “He’s OK.”
On winning opener and assuring first-place at break:
“It’s another series and we want to win it. We’re off to a good start.”
On R.A. Dickey:
“Dickey was tough. I don’t think we hit a ball hard until we hit the home runs. He’s legit. And he knows where the fastball is going every time. It’s in or out, never down the middle.”
“The guy’s pitching great baseball.”
TOMMY HANSON
“I felt good with all my pitches, and I had good command of my fastball.”
On his past two strong starts, after the two poor ones before that
“I think it’s just trying to be aggressive, going back to what got me to this point, going out and being aggressive instead of trying to put a pitch to a perfect spot. Just trust my stuff and throw strikes.”
On winning tonight, assure first place:
“This game’s huge. Go out and win tonight, take the first one. It’s always a good feeling.”
On Omar Infante
“He’s an unbelievable player. That bunt play, turning and getting the guy at third. And then what he did at the plate. He’s an unbelievable player. And he’s great to have around, too.”
More on the bunt play
“Everybody came to the mound. We were saying we were going to try to get him out at third. Escobar was saying that. It worked out perfectly. He bunted it right to O, and he turned and threw to Esco at third. That was huge for us right there.”
More on Hanson’s performance
“Pitcher got me two times, scored both runs. That’s a little frustrating, but I felt really good. That’s kind of the way baseball is sometimes. You go out and throw the ball really well, it just so happens they score a couple of runs. The pitcher scoring twice, it’s not the best feeling in the world. But it happens sometimes. You’ve just got to keep going.”
On his first half
“Just a couple of bad outings, but I think I learned from it. Just don’t every change my approach, just go out and keep doing everything I’ve been doing that got me to this point. With that being said, I’m happy with the first half. And I learned something to, to never do that again. So I’m happy with it.”
On how he feels physically at the break
“I feel fresh, my body feels good. It feels fine. These last couple of games, all my pitches felt good, and my fastball command actually feels better now than it has all year. Everything feels really good right now. I kind of wish we didn’t have a break, just keep on pitching.”
BRIAN McCANN
On Hanson: “He got into a jam and was able to get out it. He made his pitches.”
On Infante: “That was awesome. Won us the game. Big performance, 4-for-4 – he was the difference-maker tonight.”
CHIPPER JONES (scratched from lineup because of back spasms)
“It’s hurting pretty good, but I’m hoping to be in there tomorrow. I’ll sleep on the floor tonight. These freakin’ beds kill me, every year.”
“When Huddy pinch-hit, I was going to go in there. But I don’t know if I’d have swung the bat, to be honest with you.”
“Hopefully if I get some more improvement tonight, I’ll be able to strap it on tomorrow.”
“When Huddy pinch-hit he could have used me, but he didn’t want to risk losing me for tomorrow.”
NOTE: Unfortunately, I couldn’t wait any longer to interview Omar Infante or Melky Cabrera. Had an 11:15 p.m. deadline for write-through and at 10:50 I had to pull the plug on waiting and get upstairs to the pressbox, which can be a tedious task here since for some reason they turn off one or both of the two elevators that are nearest the clubhouses.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2012 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
88 comments Add your comment
bruce
July 9th, 2010
11:45 pm
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOmar
RJB in DC
July 9th, 2010
11:45 pm
Hitting on all cylinders at the moment. Bonus points for spanking the Mutts to start as well.
Billy
July 9th, 2010
11:48 pm
Is there any way that you can give us some info on what Melky and Omar said? Like maybe get it from some other blogger… thanks
bruce
July 9th, 2010
11:49 pm
Get Chipper a back board… crazy to let this happen in NY…
bruce
July 9th, 2010
11:51 pm
great to hear Tommy Hanson’s confidence… bodes very well for the second half.
bruce
July 9th, 2010
11:51 pm
thanks Dave! appreciate the quotes very much. Bruce
mclOUTh
July 9th, 2010
11:53 pm
Chipper gets hurt with a knuckle baller throwing. Hmmmmmm. Omar comes through in a BIG way. And Blanco with another bunt single. Bobby is an IDIOT if he puts Nate back in this lineup and sends Blanco down. That would be the DUMBEST of moves.
RJB in DC
July 9th, 2010
11:56 pm
Ten minutes until ESPN Baseball tonight. Buster will no doubt spend the first ten minutes whining about why Lee signed with the Rangers as opposed to his prediction which was the Mets. This would be the same Buster who slagged for three days as to how his Charlie Manuel dissed his favorite stars to select Omar Infante to the All-Star team. They probably won’t show Infante’s homerun, but will show Esco’s gaff.
alphadawg
July 9th, 2010
11:57 pm
Way to Hang the Mets out to dry!! Kudos to O-mah on the 4 for 4 to start the game, and its great to hear Tommy talk about being fresh at the break. lets sweep ‘em…..
Bubba G
July 9th, 2010
11:58 pm
@DOB, Did Nate play at triple A tonight? If so, do you know his stats?
mclOUTh
July 10th, 2010
12:02 am
I am hoping that while Heyward was in Gwinnett taking BP he lined one off of Nate’s noggin. We don’t need him back anytime soon.
sreve nj
July 10th, 2010
12:04 am
Esco is beating up him self and i wonder does he want to stay in atlanta. Other teams seem interested in him. Does not look like esco from last year… hope he turns it around soon… still in his corner.
Bubba G
July 10th, 2010
12:12 am
what about that Clevlen guy the Braves has on the bench? Is he still hurt? It’s been like forever since he played.
Bubba G
July 10th, 2010
12:13 am
have
mclOUTh
July 10th, 2010
12:16 am
Escobar almost cost us our 1st baseman tonight with his non-chalant crap! He needs to get his act together or we can play Omar at short. I am tired of people touting his defense here…he has looked very average lately.
idfan
July 10th, 2010
12:16 am
bubba g nate went 1-3 it was a single
Bubba G
July 10th, 2010
12:18 am
Thanks idfan. GO Braves
RJB in DC
July 10th, 2010
12:20 am
Fifteen minutes in….ESPN showed Omar’s shot. No mention of him as an All-Star. But plenty about how Philly’s comeback win could be the spark that propels them back to the playoffs. Bravos just getting no respect.
mclOUTh
July 10th, 2010
12:26 am
If we sweep, and Cincy can win one of 2….Philly will be 6.5 back with about 70 to go…and they won’t have Utley til September. I am not as worried about them as I was 3 weeks ago.
mclOUTh
July 10th, 2010
12:27 am
Can we start a poll for Brave we want to see the LEAST of the rest of the year. All for McLouth say AYE!
Daybed Wagmoe
July 10th, 2010
12:31 am
Great quotes DOB — thanks for the hard work once again! It’s great to have these night after night.
Cannon
July 10th, 2010
12:35 am
I’ll give you a soft AYE. Don’t forget that JoJo Reyes pitched on this team in April
jeffro
July 10th, 2010
12:37 am
@mcOUTh: I hear ya about Escobar. He had a horrible defensive game tonight, which is about the only thing he has going for himself this season. Almost cost us both the game and our first baseman. I always give him the benefit of the doubt but am getting sick of it. Looks like a punk out there some nights. He better be careful or he’ll be gone come August. Bobby won’t stand for that crap.
TXDawg
July 10th, 2010
12:39 am
mclOUTh – “…he has looked very average lately.”
Have you even watched any Braves games lately. Esco’s defense has been solid lately, aside from tonight. He’s made several deep short plays and throw outs. As for the offense, you don’t just give up on a guy when he’s having a string of bad luck. Scream at TP if you have issues about why Esco isn’t hitting. What has TP done to help get him back on track?
RJB in DC
July 10th, 2010
12:43 am
Anyone know off hand how many options Blanco has left? Not that I would vote to send him down, but management’s choices here may be limited.
FitzBrave
July 10th, 2010
12:47 am
Does it look to you guys that esco pouts after he makes a bad play? Cause he certainly looked like it after that notch and then his kid attitude almost cost us our first basemen. I’ve always liked esco but he doesn’t look to be on the same page as everyone else. Sure hope he gets his act together
RJB in DC
July 10th, 2010
12:52 am
TXDawg- Agree on Esco defensively. I personally hope he is a big part of this team for a number of years to come. I am getting comfortable with the thought of a retired Chipper Jones and Omar Infante anchoring third. I am not sure that I have that same feeling with Diory Hernandez sliding in to replace Escobar. I am not sure why so many people think there is bad feelings between Escobar and Bobby Cox. With few exceptions, Bobby is loyal to a fault (and beyond) to his players.
Roy Hobbs
July 10th, 2010
1:10 am
Great game. Always love to see the Mets loose. Infante just keeps getting better.
Boatdoc
July 10th, 2010
1:41 am
There has been much loud national complaining about Omar’s selection as an All-Star and, admit it, weren’t YOU surprised when you first heard it as well, and didn’t you think “he’s GOOD… but he’s not even a starter for the Braves”? (And it does still seem odd that a player who doesn’t even have enough at-bats to qualify for the batting race – yet – could be selected.)
But isn’t a better question: “WHY is the guy who is so good that he was selected to the All-Star team as a utility player – who plays six positions well and is hitting .321 – NOT a starter?”
Big Bravos Fan
July 10th, 2010
1:58 am
mclOUTh, get a life. we are the best team in the NL and we have different guys stepping up every night.
why do you bad mouth everybody? must be a sad home life.
this team is playing with heart and talent and we’re spanking pretty much everybody.
when mclouth gets healthy, he might be able to help this team. but to ask people to vote on who you least want to see play again is just bitter. why not start one positive post in your life?
it’s too bad Escobar doesn’t smile enough for you. his defense is pretty stellar but i doubt you’ve ever had any baseball skills to understand what a good shortstop can do.
try to be positive once in your life. it might do you some good.
Jo-Bu
July 10th, 2010
3:08 am
Have you even watched any Braves games lately. Esco’s defense has been solid lately, aside from tonight. He’s made several deep short plays and throw outs. As for the offense, you don’t just give up on a guy when he’s having a string of bad luck. Scream at TP if you have issues about why Esco isn’t hitting. What has TP done to help get him back on track?
Oh please with the excuses for Escobar. Did you see him NOT run out a ball he hit into a 4-3 put out tonight? As soon as the ball was caught by the 1st baseman Esco just rounded his trot toward the dugout without even touching the bag!
When I played ball, they taught us to run hard all the way through 1st base no matter if the ball beats you there or not!
Fans have the right to be angry and/or disappointed with Yunel’s lazy @$$. He doesn’t play the game the right way and I hope when they trade him, they issue a statement that says his play was, unbecoming of an Atlanta Brave. Andruw Jones had this problem and we got rid of him.
And yes, it doesn’t help his case any that he’s not hitting. He does make awesome play over there at SS but that doesn’t entitle him to anything but to play harder or find somewhere else, perhaps a team that is not a contender and that would put up with his lazy crap.
square leg
July 10th, 2010
4:01 am
You can count me in the “tired of Esco’s crap” column. It is now getting to be a distraction and I don’t blame Bobby at all for getting pissed tonight. The team chemistry is what is at stake here, as well as the health of your first baseman.
I mean just look at the quotes from teammates, they don’t seem to say much at all about Yunel,…… like how Hanson said that Omar is great just to have around the clubhouse. Go get Drew. clean it up
bill
July 10th, 2010
6:51 am
How long are the Braves going to put up with Yunel’s indifference to playing in the Majors. He never hits in the clutch and his brain is not always on but is often in standby mode.
bill
July 10th, 2010
6:55 am
As for McClouth… he was traded to us for some reason. He has been a bust but he is a cheap bust and the other moves have worked well. The Braves are in first and I am a happy fan. As opposed to many people I still staid true to the Braves when they had their down seasons too. Then I was an unhappy fan.
wallypip
July 10th, 2010
7:07 am
It’s easy to kick a guy– McClouth — when he’s down. I think he’ll have a big second half and everyone here will be singing his praises. He’s too talented to be so ineffectual all season. And you know Bobby’s not going to give him a shot. Bobby stands by his guys. Remember in April when everyone was ready to string up Troy Glaus? Bobby stuck with him.
Notso Fast
July 10th, 2010
7:16 am
I think the Braves have put together a club that all 25 men like each other. Watching the TV shots of the dugout seems to indicate that they really pull for each other. This attitude may not win games but it can’t hurt.
TROTTINGHOME
July 10th, 2010
7:19 am
I haven’t waych ESPN in over a year. Baseball tonight gets very little respect from me. Boycott and they will change.Keep watching and hey will shove it down your throat.
joe
July 10th, 2010
7:27 am
Escobar has let the fact that he hasn’t hit a home run in almost a year get in his head so it looks like he’s trying to pull everything. When he is most effective he is keeping his hands in and going opposite field(Jeter). He makes great deffensive plays some nights and then has a night like last night(concentration?)
Hooter Girl
July 10th, 2010
7:51 am
Chipper had knucklelballitis, he will be better today. Time for the team to make the big trade. McClouth is untradeable so Diaz or Melkey along with a pitching prospect and possibly even Lazy Escy in a package deal for a quality player. It wouldn’t suprise me if they put together a package including Blanco. Wren has a tough call here with so many outfielders available.
collegeballfan
July 10th, 2010
7:56 am
I continue to be amazed at how the Brave bench has contributed. Here are the batting averages and the on base % for the bench:
Infante ….321 – .349
Hinski…….273 – .337
Conrad….250 – .308
Blanco….327 – .412
Ross…….279 – .395
With two starters out for the past few weeks, and Chipper in & out, one can make the case that the bench, offensively, has carried this team.
Do the Braves need another player before the trade deadline? We get Heyward back. We get McClouth back. Diaz just got back. The starters are better than OK. The bullpen is better than OK.
If you get someone in a trade who do you send down? Release?
Any thoughts on this O’Brien?
Fan since 1977
July 10th, 2010
8:10 am
mclOUTh , I would not wish misfortune on anyone. I feel bad for Nate. I hope he has a very long rehab stint in Gwinnett so he can get his swing back. And the other poster is right, there is no need to get negative – this team is playing well and has really gelled. I can see this team winning the NL.
That said – I do not want to see McLouth on the 25 man roster. When Heyward gets activated I hope we send down Hicks, not Blanco. Infante can back up at short. Heck, where can’t he play? Does he pitch?
However, I must agree with mclOUTh about Escobar. He almost got his first baseman hurt with his cavalier attitude – just throw the damn ball, man. And don’t call off everyone on a pop up unless you actually see the baseball, especially with Blanco behind you. World of talent, but I wonder what’s between the ears. And where has his power gone? I can’t believe he doesn’t have one dinger this year. Something ain’t right.
Hey, DOB, maybe they turned off the elevators just to the visiting press box. It’s a conspiracy — just like making sure Chipper always gets a bad mattress when he comes to town. Gotta watch those NYC mattresses, they are so much different from the rest of the country’s.
Little Brave
July 10th, 2010
8:26 am
I like this team as it is . . . why change anything when all is going so well? Even Bobby is doing a better job this year, doing things he never would do before (stealing bases, suicide squeeze etc.) I wonder if he is really still the manager or just acting it out. Whatever, maybe he got smart over the off season. As it now stands, he has his best team playing smart baseball. Why mess with it. If and when he wants to use McLouth off the bench in late innings, just to see if he’s learned to hit by watching from afar. Blanco can get more infield hits because he CAN and will bunt for a hit and he also chokes up on the bat for better bat control–not trying to hit homers but just make contact. It works much better than the free swinging uppercuts of the other guy.
JMAYNE
July 10th, 2010
8:30 am
Infante heard those rumors about Yunel, i suppose. “Put me in coach…im ready to play…..today!” Still need right-handed bat for the tough lefties relievers in the playoffs. Hopefully Corey Hart. Lets go bravos. Get todays game and go after Santana and the sweep on sunday. Beating Pelfrey will send the mets a messege they wont like.
Gene
July 10th, 2010
8:45 am
Diaz is going to surprise us in the second half in a good way. Cox has put together a team of second stringers who are beating the big boys, like the Phillies. This team looks a lot like the ‘ 91 team, which is my all-time favorite. They are doing pretty well without Chipper. Imagine how they would look with Andrus at short.
Fan since 1977
July 10th, 2010
8:51 am
Collegeballfan -
Our productivity is not consistent on the left side of the infield; otherwise I see no weaknesses with this team and no trade that has to be made. When we won in ‘95 it was due to starting pitching and depth – super-sub Mike Devereaux won the NLCS MVP. Omar is this year’s Devereaux. This team has starting pitching, depth (now that Ross is healthy) and great chemistry. Don’t underestimate the importance of that last one. Regardless of stats, we have the best catcher in the NL.
But Bobby needs to use everyone correctly. Glaus needs more nights off against righties, I sense he is tired. Remember, he has not played a full season in a while. Hinske needs to spell him more at 1st. Or Prado, for that matter, since Infante can play 2nd. When Heyward comes back and his thumb has actually improved, we have great outfield depth, gives us tons of options. Diaz can play left or right, Melky can play anywhere, and I do not want Blanco sent down. Send down Hicks. When the old fella has to sit we got 3 guys who can play third (Omar, Conrad, Prado), and spelling Chipper even when he’s not attacked by New York mattresses is not a bad idea.
A trade at short sounds great won’t fix anything – there is nobody out there, anyway. Don’t even want Hanley Ramirez. Tutlowitski would be great when he’s off the shelf, but the Rockies would want too much for him, and no, KK and McLouth would not be enough. Escobar just needs to play up to his full capability at the plate and in the field.
The 800 lb gorillas in the room are McLouth and Kawakami. Gotta dump those contracts. We can’t just release those guys and still pay full freight for them. I have no problem with Nate being on the 40 man roster in September, and he may need a rehab stint that long to get his stick back. The DL lets him save face, which is good because he a former all-star and a veteran and should be treated with respect. I cannot envision a situation where Bobby goes to KK out of the pen unless one of the starters gets knocked out of the box in the 1st or 2nd inning like Hanson did twice this year.
We have never had a pen this good – Wags, Venters, O’Flaherty, Moylan, and although he scares me at times, Saito. Chavez is a mop up man, which we could use KK for, send Chavez down, and fill up a roster spot.
This should be our lineup against lefties assuming all are healthy:
2B Prado
RF Heyward
3B Chipper
1B Glaus
C McCann
LF Diaz
CF Melky
SS Escobar
and against righties:
2B Prado
LF Melky
3B Chipper
C McCann
RF Heyward
1B Hinske
SS Escobar
CF Blanco
And how nice is it to know you can plug Omar in there just about anywhere.
Go Braves!
Mr Charlie
July 10th, 2010
8:52 am
The key is Diaz for sure, if he gets hot and bats about .440 over the next 30 games like only he can, and we get a quality start every night, with an occastional gem, toss in Heyward coming back, and we will have the division locked up by mid August.
Mr Charlie
July 10th, 2010
8:56 am
I don’t worry about KK, he has pitched much better than his record. A mid 4 ERA is fine for a long relief guy, and with this rotation, we don’t need much long relief. He is good insurance to have around.
Nate is gone, he is going down to Gwinnet and might not come back until we expand the rosters.
heartofdarkness
July 10th, 2010
8:59 am
The Braves play thus far justifies the job Frank Wren did in assembling this team. Every player is contributing and Bobby Cox is doing his usual masterful job of putting his players in a position to succeed. As is often the case, if you can keep a team together when the breaks aren’t going your way, once things begin to balance out, the team competes really well.
Navigator
July 10th, 2010
9:13 am
If they say anything other than they need another big bat, they’re fooling themselves.
Gatorman
July 10th, 2010
9:15 am
On a lighter note, the Mets will fade, but Philadelphia will not. The Braves need to understand who will be their competition in the second half.
Feeanch
July 10th, 2010
9:21 am
GET RID OF ESCOBAR! He had 2 classic Esky plays last night that epitomize his lazy and apathetic actions on the field. Bobby should send a message by benching him today. He did almost cost Glaus his season with that lolligag throw to first. Play Infante @ SS every day. Time to dump the chump.
mclOUTh
July 10th, 2010
9:24 am
Yes, Escobar makes the great play, but he dogs it often on the routine. That is what is so frustrating. And it carries over to his plate performance. I don’t want him gone, I want him right!
As for McLouth, it is July and when he got hurt he was hitting .176 and dropping fast. He does NOT need to be in our lineup. Blanco has come up, played great defense, used his speed for hits (and people ALWAYS say that speed doesn’t slump) and been a great teammate. He has EARNED his spot…he should have the right to LOSE it not just have it given away because some FORMER All-Star for a last place team got healthy. Healthy does not equal productive!
Fan since 1977
July 10th, 2010
9:25 am
Last 2 posts –
Agreed, a healthy Philly is more dangerous.
What mercenary big bat is out there that is not in a pennant race and/or would not cost us a productive player? Reynolds? They’ll want a ransom, and he strikes out too much. Dunn? Same. Fielder? Same. White Sox won’t give up any of their sticks, they’re in a race. No one on Pittsburgh or Baltimore is worth a crap. Let’s rest Glaus and Chipper as needed and make sure Heyward stops being stoic, because we do need his power stroke. If the thumb still hurts and he can’t hit 15 HR’s in the 2nd half then we got issues. And let’s not forget we have a shortstop who is capable of hitting 10 HR’s in the second half — whether he does, I don’t know.
I think we acquired a big bat when Diaz got the splinter out of his hand.
NC BRAVES FAN
July 10th, 2010
9:30 am
Changing gears from the Escobar bashing (by the way…bench and trade him)…I cannot stand Ron Gant as an announcer! Slightly worse than Smoltz…Did anyone catch what he said about Prado last night? “Prado is always going to give you a good at bat…even when he strikes out he puts the ball in play.” I miss John Schambi.
mclOUTh
July 10th, 2010
9:33 am
Our announcers for the MOST part are difficult to listen to. I can’t stand Jim Powell on the radio. I like Don Sutton and Joe Simpson ok…but probably just because they are a link to our past with Pete and Skip…..Chip is ok. I do get tired of our announcers NEVER calling anybody on the carpet. They should have been all over Escobar for that lazy throw to first last night. Our season was in TROUBLE if Glaus gets hurt.
BillyTheKid
July 10th, 2010
9:50 am
Same old BS. The bloggers giving ESCO a hard time just like they did Milkey, Nate and 2 or 3 more a month ago and now look at Milkey and Braves in 1st.
Frank Wren and Bobby know and see whats going on with different players. They will take care of the problem. Bet on it.
Look for Wren to make a trade after All-Star game. It could be big!
robdawg08
July 10th, 2010
9:58 am
Braves need a power OF bat in LF or CF. Why not start Infante at SS and bench Escobar ? Do you want 4 for 4 with hustle or 0 for 4 with slacking ? McLouth should not even be a consideration.
joe
July 10th, 2010
10:02 am
mcIOUth. Get a life. The announcers are doing a great job. What good does it do to throw your own players under the bus. Man your wife must give you hell and U take it out on Braves. Man U bad A@@. Look at good side BRAVES ARE IN #1 …wake up!
mclOUTh
July 10th, 2010
10:06 am
Somebody else commented on announcers and I gave my 2 cents worth. I am not a fan of Powell primarily. I can bearly listen on the radio when he is doing play by play. This is a good team and I am glued nightly…but I want them to keep improving and getting ready for a post season run. I don’t want Esco traded….I WANT Chipper to pin him to the wall and get in his face and tell him to WAKE UP because we have a chance for something special! And I want McLouth to stay in Gwinnet and help them make a push for the AAA title! Is that asking too much??
1eyedJack
July 10th, 2010
10:07 am
Dave, we was just wondering if the AJC has any openings for a headline writer? Here’s a sample of my work:
“Braves knock Met’s Dickey in the dirt!”
How much would something like that pay?
Braves123
July 10th, 2010
10:59 am
Anyone who knocks Escobar is a fool. The dude plays stellar defense (sans last night). I think he’s really frustrated with his offensive play. I think he really wants to contribute to this team and is pressing because of it. I think the break is going to do him well and he’ll hopefully come back to his all star self in the second half. And anyone who is saying trade him I ask only one question, for who? You’re not going to get a better SS without giving up a lot and truthfully Esco is one of the best when he’s on his game. Also instead of calling the guy out, why not pick him and support the guy? He’s made some bone head moves but he’s still our SS and we’re just angry cause we want him to do well.
bucky oneil
July 10th, 2010
11:32 am
mclOUTh – I have to disagree with you on Powell. I think he does a good job. Not great, but good. Sounds like a younger Uker, no surprise since he worked with him in Milwaukee. I certainly like him better than the Boog character we had for couple of years. I listened to Ron Gant last night on TV and he is truly terrible. Glavine was in the booth last week, he hardly said anything.
Skip Jr. is awful. The only time he is remotely entertaining is when he imitates Skip Sr.
Simpson is great but he is paired with Skip Jr. most of the time.
Sutton is also great.
My personal favorite broadcast team for this year has been the Ernie Jr./John Smoltz combo. Ernie Jr. and Simpson are also great.
Choppin' Chief
July 10th, 2010
11:34 am
Glaus is the key. Since his brief slump the Braves have still been winning but not dominating or overwhelming teams with constant inning to inning “men on the bases” pressure like they did in May and early June. If Glaus can get hot again and be hot at the right time we can win it all.
Feel bad for McCouth because he seems like a terrific guy and is certainly a difference maker when in center field, but his offensive woes didn’t just begin this year. Last year was horrendous as well. I hope he can find out what the issue is but not at the expense of the team. Sounds like a vision problem similar to McCann. Also reminds me of ole 3B Nick Esasky who killed the Braves as a Red then once he became a Brave his career ended with vertigo issues(thank God for Chipper).
Choppin' Chief
July 10th, 2010
11:37 am
Simpson and Smoltz. (except for Smoltz’s jokes) They work well together. Smoltz has great insight that we haven’t had in the booth…ever.
TommyJack
July 10th, 2010
11:57 am
Esco is a huge tiddy baby. Ship him out.
Bob Sullivan
July 10th, 2010
11:59 am
I am in NY visiting family and plan to attend today’s game. I live several hours from Citi. If the game is rained out today (50-60% chance of rain), do you think they will play a double header tomorrow? Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Bob Sullivan
Let's Go
July 10th, 2010
12:23 pm
We will find out in a few hours if Bobby is ticked off at Esco or not. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Brooks starting at 3rd (if Chipper can’t go) and Omar starting at SS.
Gwinnett Braves Bible.com
July 10th, 2010
12:58 pm
Wow, another game that Escobar decides to take the night off. This has happen at least twice this season, and it hapeened last year and the season before that.
I will stick by my opinion that Escobar needs to go for, and the Braves will be better off when they do.
I’m don’t care that Escobar is having a bad season with the bat, my opinion is based on Escobar’s ATTITUDE, OR LACK OF IT.
To those fans who still suport Escobar, I guess you don’t have any problems with Braves players who have lousy attitudes, and play indifferently at times.
There’s an old saying about how some people can brighten a room by entering it, Escobar does the same by leaving it.
It’s great to be a “homer” and root for all Braves players no matter what because they are Braves, but I try to based my opinion on facts and be objective.
I have a poll up if Braves fans think the Braves should trade Escobar.
http://gwinnettbravesbible.com/
P.S.- I watched McLouth last night at Gwinnett. Nate was 1-3 with a single.
mclOUTh
July 10th, 2010
1:03 pm
I think Nate makes a terrific addition to the G-Braves. Hopefully he will be a big part of your run to a AAA title!
Steverino
July 10th, 2010
1:05 pm
NC fan-Where IS John Schambi? Oh, you’re mistaken about Smoltz.
He is insightful, and what’s nice, current with knowledge about the players and the game, having retired just last year. Gant reminds me of Lemke-master of the obvious.
mclOUTh
July 10th, 2010
1:08 pm
J. Schambi went to work for FOX Sports if I am not mistaken
It's a shame what he did to that dog.
July 10th, 2010
1:29 pm
I think the Braves really need to go out and grab a big bat.
bobby
July 10th, 2010
1:44 pm
I don’t know if BC is frustrated with Escobar or not but the players are. Did you notice them in the dugout after one of his bonehead plays last night?
Jimmy Dugan
July 10th, 2010
1:47 pm
escobar is leading the national league and actually mlb in…..being a whiny b@#ch. For all you supporters, I have no problem with your opinions on him, but be warned, he will let you down.
Ross
July 10th, 2010
1:49 pm
This is absurd – this page has not one reference to the Braves, and only one to Atlanta, the game link.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/default.htm
It’s ridiculous how the Internets and Cables completely ignore the best team in the NL. Why is that? I’m in no way a homer or provincial – lived all over the country – but that’s just stupid. People like Mike Gray, Stuart Scott, Tony Kornheiser – they are all complete tools.
Feeanch
July 10th, 2010
1:53 pm
DOB–can you get some perspective from Bobby on Escobar’s 2 bonehead plays and continued ? Just saw you post the lineup. Since Esky’s in, I’m guessing Bobby doesn’t think his antics are troublesome? I know Bobby would never publicly diss one of his guys, but if there’s a creative way to ask him what he thinks of his effort, attitude, etc, that would be interesting to read…thx.
Feeanch
July 10th, 2010
1:59 pm
I think Smoltzie in the booth is the best move they’ve made in a while. He is extremely insightful and it’s cool to hear very specific feedback and how and why he would pitch to each player. I love Sutton and Joe Simpson too. Powell is my big beef. Don’t know why, I just don’t like his voice. If I’m not mistaken, Boog went to ESPN, not Fox. He was with FSS previously…
Ross
July 10th, 2010
2:01 pm
I think Cox is leaving it to the other Latin players. Infante doesn’t speak English either but I’ll bet he expresses himself just fine to Escobar in Spanish. Escobar’s arm and range are not things you can just quit on.
Ross
July 10th, 2010
2:02 pm
Smoltz is awesome, he takes you into the pitcher’s head – and he’s funny in his corny Midwestern way. He sounds great as well.
Big Bravos Fan
July 10th, 2010
2:02 pm
Boog is not with Fox. He signed a contract with ESPN and is doing a lot of baseball on radio and college basketball on TV.
Mitchell
July 10th, 2010
2:06 pm
RJB in DC
July 10th, 2010
12:20 am
Fifteen minutes in….ESPN showed Omar’s shot. No mention of him as an All-Star. But plenty about how Philly’s comeback win could be the spark that propels them back to the playoffs. Bravos just getting no respect.
Yeah. It’s pathetic. The Phillies bullpen is still probably ten times worse than the Reds was last night. They can say what they want and feel good about themselves for one night but try to keep up when you can’t get the 27th out.
That series was a watershed moment. A paradigm shift if you will. Hmm, what other highfalutin phrase can I come up with?
The Braves don’t have to beat the Phillies anymore. That’s the change. That has all changed.
The Phillies have to prove they can beat us. They’re not in charge anymore. If they want to win the division, they have to come to Atlanta.
They can hit all the little cheap, first row, bloop homeruns they want. It’s not gonna be enough.
I’m a believer baby. That’s all there is to it.
Cannon
July 10th, 2010
2:10 pm
J. Schambi is with ESPN. He calls all the Sunday/Wednesday Night baseball games on espn radio. He also does NCAA basketball games for espn.
jim
July 10th, 2010
2:11 pm
Did anyone find out what happened to Escobar on the missed pop up? Did he lose it in the lights? Did he not yell or jesture for help when he lost it? If that had been Chipper Jones who lost the pop up would the reaction be the same? Chipper has butchered his share of popups over the past year and 1/2 but he doesn’t receive the same criticism. McCann’s base running blunder cost us an opportunity for a bigger inning, and if he were a faster runner, might have cost us the run if the out occurred before the run scored. There were 3 wild pitches — one of which cost us a run. Lost in the furror over Escobar’s defense last night were some pretty good signs regarding his offense. He had a line drive hit to right and a sharp line out to the first baseman. He needs to be going more to the middle and right and not be so pull happy.
jim
July 10th, 2010
2:21 pm
Answer to question about how many options Blanco has left.
Options are based on years on the 40-man roster, not number of times a player goes up and down during a year. If he were to be sent down when McLouth is activated, it does not change the number of options (probably 1) that Blanco has.
HTOWNBRAVESFAN
July 10th, 2010
2:58 pm
As far as McLouth getting back into the lineup when he’s healthy, I think that would be a major mistake. The chemistry is great, Cabrera is starting to swing the bat, and Blanco brings an energy factor that can’t be replaced at this time. McLouth is the odd man out at this point. If he hit right-handed he may stand a chance, but we all know Diaz will start hitting and that position is his.
OedipusTax
July 10th, 2010
3:00 pm
I love Jeff Francoeur, I really do. However, I got so frustrated watching him last season that the trade to the Mets provided a relief. I still watch his box score almost every game, because I wish him well.
Yesterday he made four outs on six pitches. Last year for the Braves, he set a record of sorts, I think, by making four outs on six pitches with a strike out, meaning that HE SWUNG AT EVERY PITCH THROWN and either missed it, fouled it, or made an out.
He seems prone to even swing when the pitcher throws to first base. That’s how big either his strike zone or his ego is when he’s at the plate.
Football player or whatever, if he’s going to play that way, I’m glad as can be that he’s with the Mets. I’ll still wish him well.
williamshakespeare
July 10th, 2010
3:59 pm
Big Bravos Fan: you’re a good soul, man. Keep trying to change negativity. They’ll come round at their own rate, but you keep giving that reasoned push.
Hanson is the Man. We have to realize young pitchers go through trials. He has a great arm and I knew he’d rebound.
M.J. Pippins made great pizza
July 10th, 2010
4:35 pm
Some real quality posts there folks. Guess the underage crowd went wild on the old MIB blog.