Braves’ quotes after Friday win vs. Mets
BOBBY COX
“A come-from-behind win is always good. You never want to get three runs down, but we did tonight real quick. And we came right back. They booted one ball and we started hitting the heck out of the ball after that.
“Tommy bent a little bit, but he didn’t break. He kept firing and got them out. And of course when you bring in Venters and Saito and Wagner, generally it’s shutout innings, it has been almost all year long.”
On Saito
“I’m not sure. He had to leave the game, so that’s never good. We’ll get him evaluated, whatever we have to do, and hopefully he can pitch at some point in time soon. We’ll have to see.”
“It was not in the back where the rotator cuff is, or the labrum in the front. It’s on the side. An odd place.”
“The name of the game is picking each other up. We have a bullpen that has depth, but he’s a big key for our season. He has been all season.”
On Omar and Jason continuing to do it
“Yes they did. And Jason’s ball got out of there real quick.
“We played a great game. Gonzalez had a nice game at short. We played very well. Didn’t do a lot of hitting, but got some big hits.”
On Hanson
“He had a rough second inning. Two hits weren’t hit good, but the other ones were hit hard. He did well the rest of the way.”
TOMMY HANSON
On coming back from the rough inning
“It was good. It was one of those days where I didn’t have my best stuff and just kind of went out there and battled, and did the best I could to keep us in the game.
“I had the bad inning, then the 2-0 pitch to Duda that hurt me. But other than that, I just tried to battle through it, and it worked out, we got the win.”
On the lead
“It’s good to get those runs. The offense picked me up, and the defense made some good plays, too. Mac did a great job behind the plate.”
On the players-only meeting, were guys more determined or focusd tonight?
“I think so. We’ve got a pretty close team and there’s a bunch of great guys. We’re always pulling for each other, and I think that meeting was good that we had today. It was just a good reminder to go out there, take it one pitch at a time, take it one at-bat at a time, whatever position you’re in.
“It was good to have that meeting, and it worked out for us today. Hopefully we can keep it going.”
TAKASHI SAITO
“It was the last two pitches, and I am concerned because I still don’t know what’s wrong yet.”
“It’s not on the outside, it’s more inside [the shoulder], so I can’t really say if it’s the front or the back. It’s inside.”
“The pain isn’t the same [as before this seaon], but it might be related.”
Around All-Star break it hurt?
“That was the first time, and there was another time, I can’t remember the exact date.”
“People said [in past] that not just my shoulder but my elbow was bad, but it didn’t really concern me.”
“When they did the exam I didn’t feel any pain. I couldn’t feel the same pain I felt on the mound, so it feels strange.”
CHIPPER JONES
“Pitchers make every pitch with a purpose, and hitters, don’t give away one single at-bat. And the guys went out and delivered. We really had one bad inning pitching-wise, but we made up for it with one great inning offensively. That’s how you get wins.”
On what Jason is showing down stretch
“How much of a stud he is. I was talking to Schuerholz before the game, we were watching BP and I said, man, it sure is nice the see the ball jumping off his bat the way it was in spring training and early in the season before he got hurt. You see the ball come off his bat and you’re like, wow. And for a couple of months we didn’t see that.
“Quite obviously he was hurting, and it’s good to have him healthy and swinging the bat well. He’s a guy that, if he gets hot he has the talent to be able to carry you. And that’s what you need this time of year.”
JASON HEYWARD
On getting Tommy a lead after he gave up three runs in second
“It’s huge, man, to be able to give him some room to make a bad pitch every now and then. Eventually that’s going to happen, from a pitcher’s standpoint, so it’s great to give him some breathing room.”
On the team bouncing back after being down
“It’s great to be able to bounce back after being down 3-nothing. Niese had it going pretty well there in the first few innings, and we had to put up one big inning. That’s all it took. It says a lot about our team, we were patient and hung in there and got something done.”
Not feeling pressure?
“It’s still baseball. You’ve got to go out there and want to get a job done. You’ve got to focus. That’s the fun intensity, that’s the fun pressure, that’s what this game is all about – play to win.”
Taking advantage after Niese walked Hanson
“You’ve got to be able to take advantage of every opportunity. Are you always going to? No, but it’s great to be able to get it done, to be able to come through when you’re in a situation to win the game. That’s all you can ask for every night, to be in a situation to win the game.”
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63 comments Add your comment
chief Knockahoma
September 17th, 2010
11:39 pm
First-hiya-ho-ya iya-hoya
Johnny3Steps
September 17th, 2010
11:42 pm
Just WIN BABBE JUST WIN……………..AH……….WHO CARES?
elvisaintdead
September 17th, 2010
11:55 pm
Playing for the wild card is playing to lose – or place 3rd.
Not a Bandwagon Fan
September 18th, 2010
12:05 am
Dear fair weather fans: Stop posting, go to the phillies websites and bash the braves there…
MJ
September 18th, 2010
12:07 am
This team is a joke, be happy for a win that Wright gave to you. As for Cox, I cannot understand the hype over him retiring! Goodbye, you should have been gone a long time ago. The only reason you won 14 straight NL East titles was because of 3 hall of fame starting pitchers. When it came playoff time, you were out coached everytime and won just 1 WS title and it was against a very weak Indians team.
wallypip
September 18th, 2010
12:12 am
Bravos need some harmonic convergence. JaHay’s locked in. I keep thinking DLee is just one good game from getting on a hot streak. He hit a couple of hard balls tonight, but he’s not lifting them yet. But you can see he’s close. Prado and McCann look tired. I think Prado’s played every game since he came back, He’s a warrior but he’s got good reason to be weary. McCann, too, Catching in the Atlanta heat is an extra burden, But if those guys can keep their focus and catch their second- or third winds, things could turn around quickly. I still think the Braves can get hot and finish strong, It’s far from over! Gotta believe!
Dale in NC
September 18th, 2010
12:18 am
@MJ
“A very weak Indians team.”? You are a moron.
double
September 18th, 2010
12:19 am
Thank you Mr Bobby Cox for 14 division wins.
Michael
September 18th, 2010
12:20 am
MJ,
I’m laughing so hard right now at your ridiculous statement, you clearly no nothing about the game of baseball.
The Abs Man
September 18th, 2010
12:22 am
How ’bout Saturday bench slumping rat Alex Gonzalez and move Omar over, play hustling make-things-happen Conrad at 2B…
And though Melky got lucky RBI bllop single when Beltran got bad break, was his strike out/HBP not knowing to run, then laughing about it like a moron embarrassing enough for everyone? Does it kind of explain how stupid he must be? Plus how dumb it is to keep him starting?
Froto
September 18th, 2010
12:22 am
MJ doesn’t understand that one of the qualities of a long baseball season is that factors such as (a) “Wright giving away a game” or (b) the Phillies getting a win against the Marlins on a blown boundary call, or (c) the Braves securing a win KK’s first (and only?) with the benefit of the worst thing I’ve ever seen called a strike — all these things kind of even themselves out over 162 games, and a team is going to get into the playoffs or not based on their record, not a throwing error by an all-star third baseman.
Like Paul Johnson says, “you are what your record says you are.”
Froto
September 18th, 2010
12:24 am
P.S. That weak Indians team had the best offense in MLB that year.
AJ
September 18th, 2010
12:31 am
Fair weather fans are idiots. Shut the hell up and cheer for the Braves in the middle of a playoff run. This is why Atlanta gets a bad rap as far as fans go. They are idiots!!
Michael
September 18th, 2010
12:31 am
MJ, here’s some numbers for you:
14 STRAIGHT divsion titles ( will never be done again)
2,497 wins (4th all time)
4 time manager of the year
5 National League pennants
More ejections than any other manager in the history of the game
Hell of a career if you ask me
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
September 18th, 2010
12:43 am
Michael – and let me add something to your comment…
HOF manager for the O’s Earl Weaver only had 1 WS championship..and the O’s had the same type of quality with Palmer, Cuellar(sp), plus two others HOF pitchers…as the Braves had with Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddux…..and I bet Weaver doesn’t get NEAR the bad rap Bobby Cox does.
Brian O'Blivion
September 18th, 2010
12:44 am
I guess all those folks in the baseball world who are going to vote Bobby into the HOF with their first ballot are morons, eh, MJ?
This Gets Old!
September 18th, 2010
12:46 am
The only reason you won 14 straight NL East titles was because of 3 hall of fame starting pitchers
I don’t know how old you are but the Braves were retched before Bobby Cox came back. And for the record Bobby drafted two of those pitchers, revamped the way that the Braves tutored their farm system and managed them to their Hall of Fame careers. Atlanta was blessed to have him.
Braves Fan in Illinois
September 18th, 2010
2:27 am
Bobby’s a stud. End of story. Bitter haters can step out in front of highway traffic. Please.
ABravesFan
September 18th, 2010
2:56 am
Great win, great to capitalize on the Mets’ mistake. Now we just need to create our own opportunity better and cash in on those. Hopefully, Huddy will get back to form tomorrow (Saturday).
Lobosolo
September 18th, 2010
2:58 am
No kidding, Illinois… the fair-weather (non)fans do need to go play in traffic. Why do they even watch? They seems to want to project their own miserable failures on a HOF manager of a GAME that they don’t understand at all, just like the stupid jerks that watch “their” teams in football… Go root for someone else, LOSERS… At this moment there are but 4 or 5 teams in all of major-league baseball with a better record than the Braves, all with more talent from top to bottom… These Braves have overachieved all year long, in no small part due to the guidance of the skipper, who has had one of his best years ever, considering the talent he has to work with… What a bunch of jackasses…
pete
September 18th, 2010
3:04 am
Here’s a new name for those speculating about who will take Bobby Cox’ place. Joe Torre
john w
September 18th, 2010
4:06 am
this gets old I don’t know how old you are but Bobby did not draft two of those pitchers. Smoltz was traded for and Maddox was signed as a free agent. One WS title in 15 tries is not a very good post season record!!!
Bubba Joe
September 18th, 2010
5:23 am
Does anyone else think Tommy Hanson shows hitters too much of the ball? He needs to change his delivery.
Jesse Stone
September 18th, 2010
5:47 am
That pitch that Melky swung at was horrendous. I don’t even know why Chino came out of the dugout on that one. Maybe he was asking Hohn to eject Melky for stupidity.
Mutts
September 18th, 2010
6:31 am
Fellow bloggers, please don’t be mad at MJ (12:07 post). He was probably under a lot of pressure, with it being past midnight and his mommy yelling at him to go to bed, or he would not be taken to McDonald’s for a Happy Meal on Saturday.
Mutts
September 18th, 2010
6:41 am
It’s obvious that there are some insecure and disrespectul punks on the Braves’ blogs that take joy in deriding Bobby Cox, a future Hall of Famer. Bobby is in the top 5 for most games won – what have his detractors done that gives them the right to be so abusive on these blogs? If you want to be taken seriously, you should present your “arguments” intelligently. If you just want attention, try setting the record for holding your breath the longest.
Let's Go
September 18th, 2010
7:24 am
I believe MJ must of hit the juice hard last night. He probably got shot down by some girl who’s last name was Cox so he decided to take it out on Bobby.
What is it about the 2nd inning with the Braves pitchers? In the last 3 games they have given up 10 runs in the 2nd inning.
vermont 39
September 18th, 2010
8:29 am
BC woo ho…
GO BRAVES!!!
Name one player in MLB who wouldn’t want to go to the playoffs 14 straight years!!!
WonderDawg
September 18th, 2010
8:40 am
“Stat of the Day: Stat of the day: Heyward .412, 6 HRs in 25 gms”
***********************
Shouldn’t he be batting 3rd?
Sam
September 18th, 2010
8:43 am
Thumbs up to MJ. Cox is very fortunate to have had the Smoltz trade pan out and an owner willing to lay out the $$ for Maddux. Those simple two moves made it possible for the 14 division titles, not Cox managing. Half the managers in baseball in the 90’s would have had the same success, if not even more WS titles. Those lineups were just loaded with talent and chemistry. Too much credit is given to Cox.
Mutts
September 18th, 2010
9:23 am
Sounds like Sam wants MJ to share his Happy Meal with him.
Steve-o
September 18th, 2010
9:38 am
Good ol’ Bobby sure knows how to handle a hot player. McLouth has been really smacking the ball lately, so of course Bobby benched him and played the useless Melky instead. Later he put in Ankiel to pinch hit – it was a minor success since he grounded out instead of striking out.
Well, the team won. Thank you Heyward!
glen0626
September 18th, 2010
9:39 am
TO MJ WHO MADE A POST AT 12:07AM dude what in the hell are you talking about !! That Indians team won a 100 games in a shortened season and is considered one of the best offensive teams in the last 30 -40 yrs. A team that had Manny Ramirez, Albert Belle, Lofton, Baerga, Thome. If you take a look they were in first in nearly every offensive category. Its true Mike Hargrove isnt and never was a good manager, but please give credit where credit is due. The Braves beat a great Indians team that year. That World Series was also a living example that great pitching will always , always beat great hitting.
Andy
September 18th, 2010
9:55 am
MJ, you are an idiot.
That “weak” Indians team had three guys who have 500 home runs in their career, and none of them led the team that year (Albert Belle hit 50). They had the scariest man on the bases since Rickey (Kenny Lofton), the best defensive player ever (Vizquel), seven starters who hit over .300, two frontline SPs who had great seasons (Hershiser and Dennis Martinez), and one of the best bullpens from the 1990s.
Next time you’re going to make a ridiculous claim, do a little research.
David O'Brien
September 18th, 2010
10:00 am
Thumbs up to MJ. Cox is very fortunate to have had the Smoltz trade pan out and an owner willing to lay out the $$ for Maddux. Those simple two moves made it possible for the 14 division titles, not Cox managing. Half the managers in baseball in the 90’s would have had the same success, if not even more WS titles. Those lineups were just loaded with talent and chemistry. Too much credit is given to Cox. — Sam
Sam, I’m just wondering: Why should we put more stock in your opinion of this subject than the opinion of all the players we’ve talked to who were actual members of the teams?
GB
September 18th, 2010
10:05 am
You guys leave MJ alone. It takes special talent to be that stupid.
David O'Brien
September 18th, 2010
10:06 am
“Stat of the Day: Stat of the day: Heyward .412, 6 HRs in 25 gms”
***********************
Shouldn’t he be batting 3rd? — WonderDawg
Yes, in my opinion. I’d have made that move at least a couple of weeks ago.
stew
September 18th, 2010
10:11 am
Stat of the day: Both SD and SF lost last night we gained a game on both of them in wild card. Get into playoffs and then win WS.
omg, BUT LET'S BE REAL
September 18th, 2010
10:21 am
Ok, we bash MJ and Sam. Fine. But I do think all of us here have been befuddled at Bobby Cox for some of his moves. What % would you think the Master has in choosing right? Maybe 3 of every 10? If so, then the man is batting .300 which we would all love for our hitters.
So layoff. I have criticized him and yelled at the TV or from the stands, but the man does seem to get his team to play well for a season. I do wish he could “motivate” better at crunch time, but then again… should your manager be motivating you to serve the fries faster, stock the shelves better or write a column better or close more sales faster?
No. You should motivate yourself. These players are paid big bucks to perform, so yell at them. Cox isnt swinging or botching a routine grounder.
BC is a HOF manager and deserves. The Braves deserved more than 1 WS championship. Who’s fault is it?
omg, BUT LET'S BE REAL
September 18th, 2010
10:22 am
Fries ans shelves comment above is for MJ and Sam. Writing better is for DOB.
rc35
September 18th, 2010
10:23 am
The grad school I attended required a B- average to complete Ph.D. studies. There was a joke: “What do you call a guy who makes a B-? ‘Doctor!’” I’d say the same thing for baseball, with adjustments. Although I’d prefer to stomp the Phillies and win the East, what do you call the team that gets in as a Wild Card? “A playoff team!” However you get there, Go Braves!
p.s. I don’t think they made the Marlins give back their WS title when they went in as a Wild Card.
EDIT omg, BUT LET'S BE REAL
September 18th, 2010
10:24 am
Yes I know who’s should have been whose. Damn English and spelling.
Why does ESPN hate the Braves?
September 18th, 2010
10:27 am
Someone out there much smarter than I am please explain how on Sportscenter last night, their scroll of what is coming next said :Cox ejected, then Phillies add to lead.
Does ESPN not watch the whole game? Do they simply love the Phillies so much that they think they can sway everyone to just know the Phillies will win the East no matter the real record?
I want the Braves to win the Division just to shut ESPN up.
bronkelliott
September 18th, 2010
10:47 am
I have to admit it was hard watching the game last nite! I live in the NY metro area and turned the game off in the second inning. It was a nice comeback win but they didn’t make it easy on themselves.. I think Alex G is really stressing out at shortstop and hurting the team right now. I wish Bobby would let Diory play some shortstop and let some of the younger guys play more. He is very old fashioned and not very flexible. I am honesty grateful he will be retiring. I am envisioning a team of speed and power. Not Bobby’s traits! I am appreciative of many years of winning but honestly am looking forward to new coaching with some fire and passion.. I am jealous that the Dodger’s got Mattingly. I think he would have been great with the Braves…
Goat and Hero
September 18th, 2010
11:09 am
Bobby is both goat and hero as we all are. He, like all of us, plays many roles and is successful at times and not other times. He makes good decisions and horrible decisions.
Americans want a John Wayne or Superman or Spiderman but that is not reality.
Bobby is an Atlanta legend who is the most incompetent manager that I had ever witnessed and the best manager that I have ever watched in baseball, sometimes on the same day.
Bobby’s natural role is as a father.
I wil miss him, he is the Atlanta Braves.
Mj
September 18th, 2010
11:22 am
Sorry guys, I actually am a 65 year old Met fan that hasn’t had sex in 14 years (odd its the same as the Braves run). I apologize for my statement, I sure wish women would like me again. If I don’t write back I’ve probably committed suicide.
Sam
September 18th, 2010
11:25 am
Really Mj?? Me too! Do you think they just aren’t attracted to us because we are losers or do you think its the ugly neon colors on the Met jerseys?
Chase
September 18th, 2010
11:30 am
@ Frank from ks, r u stupid? maybe the reason he doesnt get the rep of bobby was because he didnt have 14 consecutinve divison pennants dumb ass
Mosqq
September 18th, 2010
11:35 am
I get shot down every time I say this, but I feel Chipper Jones coming as manager, maybe player manager.
JT
September 18th, 2010
11:39 am
I love you guys. In one breath you heap praise on the future HOF manager and in the next breath you question his sanity in not letting Heyward bat third. As Goat and Hero said, the glass is always half full for some of you and half empty for the rest. Such is the fate of a baseball manager.
richbrave
September 18th, 2010
11:54 am
“Tommy bent a little bit, but he didn’t break. He kept firing and got them out. And of course when you bring in Venters and Saito and Wagner, generally it’s shutout innings, it has been almost all year long.”
TOMMY, JAIR, and MIKE have got to stop bending, or breaking……….NOW, or this season is over. The starters are killing our season. It’s all about ‘tude and will to win. Take lessons from CHIPPER, DEREK and BILLY.
With 14 to go, I don’t see any realistic chance against the PHIILLIES at this point. THEIR starters are NOT bending, and their hitting overcomes any bull-pen lapses. Let’s go get the wild-card, it’s up for grabs.
We’ve GOT to sweep one series, probably this one, 3-3 the PHILLIES, 2-1 the GNATS in D.C., and 2-1 the FISH in ATLANTA. 9-5 minimum. .500 ball from here on out lets the PADRES or ROCKIES into the play-offs.
richbrave
September 18th, 2010
11:58 am
Mj
September 18th, 2010
11:22 am
Sorry guys, I actually am a 65 year old Met fan that hasn’t had sex in 14 years (odd its the same as the Braves run). I apologize for my statement, I sure wish women would like me again. If I don’t write back I’ve probably committed suicide.
Funny, I could have sworn you were in CHARLOTTE as Part-Owner and GM of an NBA franchise.
Trey
September 18th, 2010
11:59 am
Wow, I can not believe I read that comment by MJ.
richbrave
September 18th, 2010
12:01 pm
I want the Braves to win the Division just to shut ESPN up………” WHY……?
Ain’t happenin’ this year.
Rolly
September 18th, 2010
12:07 pm
Is there another starter on a playoff contending team that sucks worse than Derrek Lee? What a bust. That has to be one of the worst trades ever made. He will keep this team from making the playoffs.
Trey
September 18th, 2010
12:08 pm
He thinks the Indians were weak.
Melky Way
September 18th, 2010
1:39 pm
Rolly please give it a rest,they won the game,get positive.
Bill M.
September 18th, 2010
2:07 pm
What happened to McCann? It looks like he was put through a sausage grinder. His face is a mess.
zenman
September 18th, 2010
2:37 pm
Why do some people insist on proving how dumb they are? Cox blows, Braves are a joke, weak Indians team. I have a feeling that you constant complainers have a life of little substance and value. Get your act together than concern yourselves with the Braves. Saw Tom Petty Thursday in Tampa. Great show. In my opinion, Jeter is a cheaterl. If not as a ball player, than as a man. A-Rod was K’ed in the 9th last night. Great race in the AL east. Go Rays. Maddon would look good in Atlanta. Let’s make it two in a row. Go Pack. I want to wish everyone a good weekend.
bja
September 18th, 2010
3:47 pm
over 2400 wins,if Bobby Cox did not win them,then who in the world did?One of the three or four best managers who ever lived.
bja
September 18th, 2010
3:50 pm
sure he makes mistakes.who in the world dosen’t?the three or four managers ahead of him all made their share of mistakes.
FranchiseMarketingSystems
September 19th, 2010
1:10 am
What will become of the Braves without Bobby Cox? It’s going to be an interesting 5-10 years in Atlanta.
BravesFanLostInOhio
September 19th, 2010
8:45 am
Sorry guys, I actually am a 65 year old Met fan that hasn’t had sex in 14 years (odd its the same as the Braves run). I apologize for my statement, I sure wish women would like me again. If I don’t write back I’ve probably committed suicide.
MJ, please go as quickly as you can to a counselor, pastor, or a doctor. If you are seriously considering suicide, you should call 911 right now.
There are lots of places to find help, but an ajc blog on the braves is not one of them.
Grace and Peace, Rob