Braves’ quotes after Friday’s loss to Brewers
BOBBY COX
On Hanson
“He got hit pretty good in the second and third innings. He got hit just below the knee with that line drive. He said it wasn’t bothering him, but it had to a little bit.”
“Just one of those nights, he wasn’t real consistent.”
On Randy Wolf
“He was tough. He threw a ton of strikes, and threw a ton of balls to the warning tracks. He came right after you.”
One of few home games Braves haven’t been in
“It’s one of the few games we haven’t been in, period. We haven’t had many of them. We’re in almost all of them, and that’s why Kawakami and Chavez haven’t pitched in a month, because we’ve had good pitching. And the rust showed a little bit.”
On Chipper
“He pulled a hamstring swinging at a pitch with the bases loaded. [He's] day-to-day.”
CHIPPER JONES
On his left hamstring injury
“Nothing major. I did it on the first swing of the at-bat, and each swing after that didn’t do many any good. So right now I’d say day-to-day. We’ll see how it feels tomorrow and the next day. If I’ve still got pain, I’ll sit out. If I feel like I can go out there, I’ll play.”
Possibly play tomorrow?
“50-50.”
“It was right in the middle of the swing. I came out of my shoes on that first swing. Just bit me, right in the middle of the hamstring.”
On Randy Wolf
“He kept the guys off-balance. I tell you what he was, he was [Dave] Bush from the left side.” [The Braves got two runs in six innings against Bush on Thursday.]
“He threw 60-some mile-an-hour curveballs, but those guys know what they’re doing with it. Just goes to show, you don’t have to throw 95 to be effective in this league, as long as you change speeds and locate.
“You thought with a tight zone like Joe West’s, maybe we could get to him. But unfortunately we didn’t get to him until the seventh inning. And unfortunately for us, they got to Tommy.”
On Hanson’s inconsistency
“I don’t know. For the first three or four innings they were swinging like they knew what was coming, though.
“It’s probably a product of experience, or lack thereof. We get one or two good outings [from him], and one or two bad ones. We need him to solidify things and keep us in the game until the offense can get kick-started.
“But we didn’t do anything tonight. When you don’t pitch, and you don’t play D, and you don’t hit at all, it’s a good formula to get taken out behind the woodshed.”
TOMMY HANSON
On the line drive off his knee in second inning
“I felt it a little bit at first, but it was fine. It never got tight or anything like that. Just put some ice on it, it should be fine.”
“Inside of my left knee, hit me right on my kneecap. It stung for a second, but after that it was fine. I didn’t feel it.”
On his repeated early innings struggles
“The biggest thing today was, I was just inconsistent with all my pitches. The second inning, just getting behind too many guys kind of got me in trouble there. And I left that pitch up to Braun [in the third], got me there, too.
“Just a little bit inconsistent. I felt a little bit better in the fourth and a lot better in the fifth. I felt good in that fifth inning. I wish I could have found it sooner, and gave us a better change to stay in the ballgame, not give them that lead early.”
Is it about repeating arm slot, release point?
“Yeah, just finding my release point on my pitches. I felt like I was trying to feel for my release point, and just didn’t find it soon enough. Once I found it, I was fine. But just those early innings, I couldn’t quite find my release point. That’s what caused me to get behind [in counts]. I made pitches here and there, but I was just inconsistent.”
On Braun’s homer, third in 11 at-bats vs. Hanson
“Every time he’s hit me hard, that’s the pitch right there. [Fastball] outer third, up a little bit. He extends his arms and drives it. That’s the pitch he always hurts me with. I knew that, too. Watching film, I knew that’s the ball he drives off me. I was trying to get it down, but just left it up a little bit, and he crushed it. That’s his power zone right there.”
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58 comments Add your comment
J
July 17th, 2010
12:01 am
hi
J
July 17th, 2010
12:01 am
KK suckz
J
July 17th, 2010
12:02 am
DOB stop flooding my Twitter thingy
hAL
July 17th, 2010
12:02 am
you throw 89mph fastballs over the middle guys like braun crush them meat lol
Dumbfound
July 17th, 2010
12:04 am
1st !
J
July 17th, 2010
12:04 am
Mike Dunn is a beast,
NYC_Brave
July 17th, 2010
12:11 am
I hope Tommy and Chip take the time they need to get healthy. Let’s do it boys! Get us to the postseason again!!
J
July 17th, 2010
12:16 am
Someone get Smoltz to take Chip Caray’s place on Sports South and Charles Barkley to take Joe Simpson’s place on PTV.
Road Dog
July 17th, 2010
12:38 am
Guess I am as “dumb as the come” — but I’ve got a 16 year old who hasn’t thrown the ball belt high over the middle of the plate in his entire life! It’s always down and away — or down and in. How simple can the damn game get?? Why can’t a Major League pitcher do what they were taught in Little League?? I am totally perplexed here. If you do not know EXACTLY where the ball is going to go when it leaves your hand — YOU ARE NOT A PITCHER! You are a thrower. Just chunk something up there and see what happens next. Hanson’s delivery is atrocious. He holds it there — in plain view — beside his right ear — more like a catcher making a snap throw to 2nd on a steal. Pitching is a science. Pretty cerebreal! Perhaps young men can learn. I sure hope so….
beauvighn
July 17th, 2010
12:49 am
I thought Tommy threw too many breaking balls…I would have like to see him challenge the hitters more with his fastball…he has got great stuff , he just needs to have confidence in it and not try to fool hitters…
billy
July 17th, 2010
1:14 am
Man…some stupid comments tonight except 12:11 and 12:49.
Braves will be back to form tomorrow. Go Braves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JT on the Beach
July 17th, 2010
1:27 am
No worries about tonight’s game. Thanks to the Blog from earlier, I spent most of the game thinking about seedy, sweat-dreanched Friday nights at the Clermont. DOB, thanks for the reminder. I’d love nothing more than a post or two dedicated to the myth and legend that is the Clermont Lounge
peter nincompop
July 17th, 2010
2:18 am
Chipper has been layin it down for a while . Same complaints about Escobar have been prevalent since BC decided to make Chipper his son in law.
willie g really hates bill shanks
July 17th, 2010
2:32 am
THE BRAVES WILL GET IT HANDED TO THEM IN THE PLAYOFFS WHEN THE CARDS SWEEP THE SORRY TEAM THEY ARE.
willie g really hates bill shanks
July 17th, 2010
2:35 am
the braves have lost 4of 9 recent home games so much for home field advantage brian mccann the brewers will win one of the next 2 games and lord and behold the PADRES COME TO TOWN NEXT , SO MUCH FOR your big lead
J-Hey
July 17th, 2010
4:23 am
willie wtf are you doing on here if your a cards fan? probably a disgruntled fan who didnt get an autograph. go talk sh*t to reds fan, or better yet get a life.
Robert
July 17th, 2010
6:36 am
Hanson is not working off of the fastball. That’s why he’s been hit hard lately. Not sure why he’s throwing so many off speed pitches, especially the first pitch. Is this McCann’s call or is Tommy shaking him off? This is little league knowledge. The man throws 95 mph and tosses up a a slider or curve on the first pitch and falls behind the count out of the gate. Not to bash Mc but maybe Cox should let Ross catch him a few games. Couldn’t hurt.
Let's Go
July 17th, 2010
6:36 am
The Braves have all of the sudden forgot how to hit with RISP. Look at the last 5 games – 4, 4, 0, 2, 3 runs socred and have left 48 runners on base during this period. This is a better team then that.
turkeycaller
July 17th, 2010
7:01 am
How professional of Larry Jones to spew criticism of Hanson when Jones popped up with the bases loaded. Who cares what Jones thinks. He is washed up.
Futureteller
July 17th, 2010
7:13 am
Leaving tons of men on base….Deja vu is repeating itself again.
Picky Picky
July 17th, 2010
7:24 am
As I said last season, Hanson is and will be an average major league pitcher hovering around or slightly above a .500 W/L record in his career. He simply doesn’t have the great fastball as advertised, has a very predictable delivery, and just doesn’t have a knack for pitch selection. Nice guy, but a 4th or 5th starter on a good team.
As for Chipper, he just may be the most out of shape player on the Braves team. When a player can run, bat, field or even walk from his car to the clubhouse without constantly tweaking this or pulling that he clearly is not taking care of himself and this is most unacceptable for a highly compensated professional athlete. He should have more pride and respect for the fans and his fellow players.
As for the Braves, They will be lucky to hold on to this lead, and should they manage to do so, will likley not make it past the rirst round with this starting pitching. They have several above average, one good (Hudson) pitchers but not one that evokes fear into the competition like a Smoltz or Maddux once did.
jo d
July 17th, 2010
7:25 am
Well, I know one thing is for certain, Larry can’t hide behind Escobar anymore… Jones is just a lazy bum with a bad attitude.
jo d
July 17th, 2010
7:30 am
Oh, and another thing, our new short stop was supposed to better than Escobar? That joker gave up a couple of runs on d with his awsome defense (sarcasm).
john d
July 17th, 2010
7:33 am
Replace Chip with Smoltz and Simpson with Barkley? Are you kidding? Smoltz is the worst I”ve ever seen and Joe is one of the best!! Someone please wake up Bobby and tell him to get Infante in the line up every day.
crymeariver
July 17th, 2010
7:50 am
The level of stupidity on this and most of the AJC sports blogs is overwhelming.
The percentage on this particular one is below average however, with just slightly above 50% of the comments being made so far, being completly dumbarse remarks.
Marvin Mangrum
July 17th, 2010
7:56 am
Been a Brave since Koufax in 66. Chipper Jones pulls a hamstring swinging at a pitch! Chipper needs to go to work at Wal Mart.
hAL
July 17th, 2010
8:36 am
if hanson throws 95 the stadium spped guns in major need of repair cause it had most of his pitches ayt 88,89 a few at 93 and at 93 its straight as a die if hes our best were in deep do do but hes not huddy could out pitch him after being in a coma for a month lolspeaking of commas that better club house everyonew mewntioned with out esco sure seems to have rejuvinated chipper haha ha why would wallmart want that slacker i guess he could be a greater hes been a spin doctore his whole braves carrier lol
scott
July 17th, 2010
8:43 am
It seems like in this town that when we lose a game everyone starts freaking out and bashing players……. Hey guys reality check there is 162 games and playes will have bad outings and injuries and when players are traded to another team doesnt mean they will start crushing the ball…. Get real people they are still in first and one bad game does not take away from that….. Heck even the Yankees have bad games!
Ralph
July 17th, 2010
8:58 am
Tommy needs to go to the bullpin and throw four innings before the game starts or pitch batting pratice, seems it usually takes him that long to get in the grove.
tom
July 17th, 2010
9:08 am
chipper get injured, leaves game, this is not a recording.
the truth...
July 17th, 2010
9:18 am
From the bulk of the comments here you’d think the Braves were in last place. Obviously no teamt wins them all…and last night they stunk…
Comments that are true and matter:
Chipper is old, plays old and is fragile…nothing new there…
Bring on Infante and let Chipper compet for the utilty slot…ha, ha, ha
Kawakami is a disaster and the only place he could pitch is for Bobby Cox or one of the Little League teams at Williamsport.
Escobar is in Toronto because he has an attitude problem…simple..good riddance…
Infante could play short just fine…
Brooks Conrad can replace Chipper at third just fine…
McLouth is a weak armed, fast, mediocre hitting AAA outfielder…leave him at Gwinnett.
Bobby Cox is great; he is too loyal; the players love him; and he has won a ton of games.
Braves are in first place…
Today’s a new day…
Most of the posters here are morons…
someguy
July 17th, 2010
9:29 am
The O’Brien Bog Curse strikes again!!!
Great bullpen = give up 5 runs.
turkeycaller
July 17th, 2010
9:30 am
No more Kawakami or Jones in the three hole.
doug markham
July 17th, 2010
9:38 am
The truth hurts.
coach smith
July 17th, 2010
9:51 am
Here many of you MORONS go again….One freaking loss and the sky is falling……..The Braves are 5-2 in their last 7 games over all including a run of 4 straight against the Philthies and the Muts and everyone goes into panic mode over ONE LOSS….THIS IS NOT FOOTBALL, YOU CAN’T WIN EVERY GAME!
NickGranite
July 17th, 2010
9:51 am
Roaddog, I was thinking the same thing. If Braun keeps launching them on you with the same pitch, maybe it’s time to locate it somewhere else.
Chris from the Rock
July 17th, 2010
9:55 am
J, that idea is terrible, just terrible. You cuckoo bird, you knucklehead.
Mr. Melancholy
July 17th, 2010
10:42 am
Chipper is to fragile to even DH. During the past week, he’s been hurt swinging the bat and sleeping on a hotel bed. Fortunately the Braves are a better team with Omar at 3rd base. Let Chipper sit on the bench and enjoy his sunflower seeds.
braveshoo
July 17th, 2010
10:49 am
Contrary to the majority on here, I think the Braves are going to miss Escobar’s defense. His arm was one of the best in baseball. I think he makes the play on that slow roller that ended up a hit that was important to their early lead. And it looked like Glauss couldnt adjust to the difference in throws from SS. The Braves should win or lose with what they have and not mortgage the future with any more trades.
Bob Horners Broken Wrist
July 17th, 2010
10:55 am
Larry Wayne, please go on the DL and shut your mouth. I’m sick of watching you dog it at 3rd and tweak and strain muscles doing your primary duty, which is swing the bat with some authoirity!! The nerve that you have calling out Escobar is funny beyond belief!! Do us a favor, go home and count your money so that Frank will feel compelled to bring in a bat to replace you.
And while we are talking trades…IF…IF…IF, you can get a big time bat we can sign long term, say with Larry’s money after he hopefully retires….I say trade..wait for it….Hanson. I know many of you will howl, but Hanson as enormous trade value becaus of his salary and potential and in case you haven’t noticed we have glaring holes that need to be filled now and in the next two years. Hansons delivery also projects that he will have a shoulder injury sooner than later and he seems to be struggling with the mental aspect of the game…..that and he does not have a DOMINATING fastball. Its very good but not dominating, like it was last year…thats not a good sign. He should be getting better, not worse. Now I’m not dogging Hanson just pointing out why he is the guy to trade if you EXPECT to heap huge rewards, which the Braves need. There are many teams that would literally give you their farm for Hanson, they need pitching so bad. I have not trade possibilities because I think trading Hanson offers up the ability to get what previously may not have been available.
If I’m Frank Wren and have an old broken down 3rd basemen as my 3 hole guy and great arms in the minors, I make a Texiera deal that benefits US for once.
Bill in VA
July 17th, 2010
11:10 am
“the Truth…” GOOD comments, man! You hit the nails on the head!! Comment more often, with those thoughtful bits.
jesse james
July 17th, 2010
12:25 pm
I would sure like to see Medlen remain in the starting rotation. He just competes so well. And I believe he is a winner.
Turtsnap
July 17th, 2010
12:29 pm
Esco feels he was misunderstood here…… wonder how long before he will be misunderstood in Toronto too.
Tater the Bobby Hater
July 17th, 2010
12:41 pm
How many more times will Bobby have to put Kawakami in and watch him get lit up before he realizes that he’s not such a good pitcher after all?
His boy Elroy
July 17th, 2010
12:43 pm
Did anyone else just change the channel when KK came in?
Tater the Bobby Hater
July 17th, 2010
12:43 pm
Maybe KK is Bobby’s white flag.
Braves Fan Since "80
July 17th, 2010
12:46 pm
Medlin is in the rotation but with the Break and schedule the 5 hole starter misses a turn to keep everyone else on track… plus he needs less innings and sharpness out of the pen should we reach playoffs
billy
July 17th, 2010
1:50 pm
Please everyone don’t “shoot yourself”. The Braves are not dead and Wren is still looking for that “special outfielder”.
the cox man
July 17th, 2010
1:56 pm
Tim Collins 5 ks in 2 ind. for Memphis last night. love this guy.
old timer
July 17th, 2010
2:00 pm
Did the Braves replace the bats of the last few weeks with the kind they started the season with?
Bob Horners Broken Wrist
July 17th, 2010
2:19 pm
The Braves are in 1st but they are also the team that lost nine in a row this year, this team is extremely fallible and whats not happening now that HAD been happening is Glaus clearing the bases when he comes up. If you haven’t noticed his average and run production dropped off dramatically 3 weeks ago. With Larry Wayne Von Strain and Glaus not producing, we are in trouble. Prado has also cooled off and Heyward isn;t producing either. I’m not worried yet, but this team looks like they are headed for a less than average July.
al
July 17th, 2010
2:34 pm
When all is said and done, medlin will probably have a better career than Hanson.
al
July 17th, 2010
2:41 pm
I agree with you braveshoo, Esco makes that slow roller play. Time will tell if more plays aren’t made that Esco makes.
The Abs Man
July 17th, 2010
2:56 pm
Agree with you Bob Horners Broken Wrist about Chipper….the lame, tired excuses about dings and dents gettin’ real old, real quick.
The bed was too soft, my leg hurts, my toe was snubbed, gums bleed too much with over-flossing.
Get in shape to play. hustle your ass off a little more than 50-50 before you pop off again.
Your great resume is one thing.
Being productive here and now is what this is all about.
Beef Pocoroba
July 17th, 2010
3:11 pm
reading the comments on this blog, you’d think the braves were in last place and headed for 95 losses. Relax, folks. Take a few deep breaths and repeat to yourself “We have a five game, a healthy rotation, and a home-heavy schedule.” Best record in the NL folks. a trio of starting pitchers under the age of 25. Jason Heyward.
Deep breaths.
Beef Pocoroba
July 17th, 2010
3:18 pm
willie g said “the braves have lost 4of 9 recent home games so much for home field”
You do realize that means they’ve won 5 of 9, right? Which is a .556 winning percentage? if they did that for the whole year, they’d win 45 at home – not great, but if that projection is based on your worst stretch of home play, you’re in pretty good dang good shape.
Beef Pocoroba
July 17th, 2010
3:23 pm
Road Dog said – “I’ve got a 16 year old who hasn’t thrown the ball belt high over the middle of the plate in his entire life! Why can’t a Major League pitcher do what they were taught in Little League?? I am totally perplexed here. If you do not know EXACTLY where the ball is going to go when it leaves your hand — YOU ARE NOT A PITCHER!”
Hey, when your kid starts his major league career with a 19-10 record and a 3.49 ERA in his first 40 game, get back to me. Hanson’s a pitcher. He’s 23. He’s learning. Simmer down.
BC,not Booby
July 17th, 2010
5:35 pm
It seems,that if”anyone” besides the “pitching staff” would miss Escubar,it would be the “Chip/onmyshoulder”, third baseman, with the lack of range that will only be more exposed now that Yunel is gone.