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2,408 comments Add your comment
DAP
October 1st, 2010
12:05 pm
yall, im not saying i think freeman is like thorman. the comparision is only being made because thorman was the
rob from sc And Thorman WAS NEVER seen as a top prospect in baseball…Freeman won the AAA MVP for a newcomer
yeah, and top prospects never struggle in the majors, right? right?
yall, im not saying i think freeman is like thorman. the comparison is only being made because thorman was the last homegrown 1st baseman the braves tried out.
and IF it doesnt work out (i hope it will, and think it will) it will be a shame, because a good hitting 1st baseman is one of the most plentiful thing in baseball. for a team that is hurting for offense, a dud at 1st base is an avoidable problem.
i hope freeman does awesome, and i am looking forward to him starting next season. all im saying is that IF it doesnt work out, its going to be a real shame.
Tommy T
October 1st, 2010
12:06 pm
P-Town,
A Jurrjens trade is plausible, especially if you remember that Javy Vazquez will be a FA that the Braves could buy low (again) on. My question is why would you sell low on Jurrjens? His value is below his talent level right now.
BBraves
October 1st, 2010
12:10 pm
Jurrjens will be traded next year I expect not this year. Next year the at least one of the big three minor league pitching options with be ready and also will have Medlen back from Tommy John. KK will be dumped this offseason. Braves also have some pretty good minor league LH starting pitchers coming up that might be good trade bait.
ncscoots
October 1st, 2010
12:12 pm
A Jurrjens trade is plausible, especially if you remember that Javy Vazquez will be a FA that the Braves could buy low (again) on
That would be an even worse misallocation of funds than signing Jayson Werth.
Frankie Wren
October 1st, 2010
12:12 pm
Tough call on rotation. I was a little surprise on how well TH pitched in Philly and he has risen to the occasion during this stretch run. D Lowe obviously a big game pitcher and with this bullpen, just need 6 innings from him.
MiaBchBravesFan
October 1st, 2010
12:13 pm
The Perfect Scenario Tonight: Braves & Giants Win!
The Braves get two days of rest, no stress. Travel to SF on Monday.
The whole team could use the relaxation Saturday & Sunday, like spring training games.
Lots of Diory at SS, Conrad at 2B, Glaus at 3B, Freeman at 1B, Ross & Boscan at C, and OF time for McLouth, Cabrera, Diaz, and Ankiel.
Lots of Martinez, Proctor, Farnsworth, JJ, Saito, EOF (if health allows), Minor (Sat.), and KK (Sun.).
Frankie Wren
October 1st, 2010
12:16 pm
With you on that MiaBch. I’m sure with the madness on Saturday, Bobby is more likely to be able to deal with all the attention if the game doesn’t take center stage.
David O'Brien
October 1st, 2010
12:17 pm
O.J., yes, I think Cox would rest the Braves regulars some this weekend in if they clinched tonight (with Braves win and Padres loss).
Let's think clearly
October 1st, 2010
12:20 pm
We need a lead off man with speed that can get on base and cause havoc. We need a power guy for LF.That is about it. DON’T sell the farm…..
CraZyTraDeMaN
October 1st, 2010
12:20 pm
MiaBch
Sounds good!! I hope it happens tonight but, a SD loss tonight a Braves loss tonight sets up perfect for the Baseball Gods to give their gift to Bobby on Bobby Cox day Saturday……..Just sayin!!!!
David O'Brien
October 1st, 2010
12:20 pm
Murph, as we’ve written in several places, Cox said D-Lowe is tentatively scheduled to pitch first game in division series.
Owl Hunter
October 1st, 2010
12:21 pm
Let’s think
Don’t trade prospects, but fill the holes in the outfield. How? Don’t say “sign Werth.”
David O'Brien
October 1st, 2010
12:24 pm
Lowe is one of six finalist for September Clutch Performer of the Month award, along with Tulowitzki, Oswalt, Ray’s Price, A-Rod and Twins’ Danny Valencia.
It’s a fan-voting thing to determine winner, and you can vote at: pepsiclutch.mlb.com.
Nova Scotia Steve
October 1st, 2010
12:25 pm
Be awful tough for Lowe to win that over Tulo
Frankie Wren
October 1st, 2010
12:26 pm
Crazy-
Think the baseball Gods have gifted us already this week. Cubs taking care of the Padres and the Marlins not having Josh Johnson and Nolasco pitching this week and shut down.
Murph
October 1st, 2010
12:26 pm
DOB, you’re so snippy with me. Where’s the love?
That’s great news. Glad to see Lowe going game 1… he’s the man.
MiaBchBravesFan
October 1st, 2010
12:27 pm
T for Texas: With all due respect, tonight is The Perfect Storm for the Braves. The Gints have tremendous incentive to win tonight. While the Pahds lead the season series, the Gints have had their way in their most recent series. The want to rest too, and not tax their starters.
The Phils, on the other hand, have a slew of bumps and bruises they want to tend to – and rest is the only cure. Yeah, Howard and Utley will have their token at-bats, but Manuel will make sure that Utley does not screw up his thumb this weekend, or Howard tweeks an ankle.
The Braves would do well to shoot their whole wad tonight. I really feel that the Gints winning their division tonight is a lead pipe clinch. The Pahds are really reeling, and they know even less about hitting than we do.
The Great Uncertain is if we can finish our business tonight. However, if we do, the Braves get a 48 hour weekend pass of collective rest and decompression.
DAP
October 1st, 2010
12:29 pm
rob from sc And Thorman WAS NEVER seen as a top prospect in baseball…Freeman won the AAA MVP for a newcomer
yeah, and top prospects never struggle in the majors, right? right?
yall, im not saying i think freeman is like thorman. the comparision is only being made because thorman was the last homegrown 1st baseman the braves tried out.
and IF it doesnt work out (i hope it will, and think it will) it will be a shame, because a good hitting 1st baseman is one of the most plentiful thing in baeball. for a team that is hurting for offense, a dud at 1st base is an avoidable problem.
i want to see what freeman can do next year. i dont want to trade him or something. just saying it will be a shame if it doesnt work out, because there are alot of good 1st baseman out there.
ncscoots
October 1st, 2010
12:29 pm
We need a lead off man with speed that can get on base and cause havoc.
…so he can sprint to the dugout from 2B instead of 1B, LOL?
Frankly, give me McLouth and a return to form with his OBP, and I’d be satisfied. Gotta concentrate on where the actual problems are, not the peripheral issues.
richbrave
October 1st, 2010
12:29 pm
DAP
October 1st, 2010
12:05 pm
yall, im not saying i think freeman is like thorman. the comparision is only being made because thorman was the
rob from sc And Thorman WAS NEVER seen as a top prospect in baseball…Freeman won the AAA MVP for a newcomer
yeah, and top prospects never struggle in the majors, right? right?
yall, im not saying i think freeman is like thorman. the comparison is only being made because thorman was the last homegrown 1st baseman the braves tried out.
and IF it doesnt work out (i hope it will, and think it will) it will be a shame, because a good hitting 1st baseman is one of the most plentiful thing in baseball. for a team that is hurting for offense, a dud at 1st base is an avoidable problem.
DAP:
I’m seeing trouble in FF’s swing. Once again, I saw him dipping his shoulder as he starts his swing. This delays his bat speed, and lengthens his time to strike the ball unnecessarily. He needs to work that out of his mechanics. He obviously has been able get away with it up to now, but he’s going to find very few pitchers that slow to the plate.
I also noted when the slow-motion camera was put on his swing, that his body had already started to open up before the bat was through the strike zone. He actually had to keep his eye on the ball by looking out of the corner of his eye as his face and body were already turned toward the pitcher at that point.
This is not good. A few minutes later, the slow-mo was on JH, and he had a picture perfect swing. I think until FREEMAN gets out of the dropped shoulder habit, and staying closed on the ball, he will struggle in the majors. If not corrected, I don’t think he can stay up with ATLANTA, and assume the first-base role on a regular basis next season.
MiaBchBravesFan
October 1st, 2010
12:31 pm
Crazy Trade: Believe me, Bobby wants Saturday to be a free and easy day, loose as can be, so the whole Braves family – especially the team – can enjoy the festivities, without any pressure on the game at hand.
TennesseePaul
October 1st, 2010
12:31 pm
That would be an even worse misallocation of funds than signing Jayson Werth.
FA is a means to acquire the talent needed without thinning out the farm. So I don’t have problems with FA signings. I know many, many, many bloggers complain “Don’t sign player “X” because he is likely not going to be worth what you are paying for him.” Tough luck. The way the system is set up, the way teams guard their prospects, FA players tend to be like new cars. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and sign one.
Now that I’m finished with that point, scoots, you are 100% correct. Signing Vazquez would be a waste of money. Just tossing it in the trash. I’d rather see Werth or Crawford than Javy. This team needs an outfielder. It potentially has the entire infield locked up (Chipper, Gonzalez, Martin, Freeman, McCann). It needs an outfielder. And a good outfielder at that.
DAP
October 1st, 2010
12:34 pm
whoops. sorry about that.
richbrave
October 1st, 2010
12:35 pm
We’re in the cat-bird’s seast at this point. Win one of three and we’re in. Worse case, we lose three, and the PADRES win three, become west pennant-winners, and the GIANTS become the wild-card. Every other scenerio favors the BRAVES. I like our odds at this point. Better than losing the last six as any hope of post-season play goes away ala last season.
ncscoots
October 1st, 2010
12:37 pm
So I don’t have problems with FA signings.
Oh, me, either. Not at all. FA signing are almost always inefficient, but, as you said, sometimes it’s about raw performance, not just bang-for-the-buck. If you want go-fast, you can’t be concerned about MPG all the time.
CB
October 1st, 2010
12:37 pm
Hunter Pence would be a good candidate for what we need in the outfield, I have always liked his ability.
Sopheeee
October 1st, 2010
12:39 pm
CraZy – we should be able to watch the game today! We still have Fox Sports South (channel 437) and the game’s on it tonight. Woo hoo.
No Fox Sports Net though (420) so we’ll see about Sunday…
abwright
October 1st, 2010
12:42 pm
For teams like the Cubs, Marlins, and Nats, the games they play against contenders that can be knocked out of the playoffs are their 2010 playoff games. The Cubbies could play all four games against San Diego as if they were game 7 of the WS. Watch the last few games for the Cubs and see whether they play with the same intensity or whether they play flat and drained.
Teams like the Phillies who have clinched will play respectably, but I doubt that they bring playoff intensity to the series in Atlanta. Braves are playing a playoff game tonight. I expect that they bring it. I wouldn’t be surprised if the playoff atmosphere in Atlanta gets Philly pumped up, though.
The first game of the series between San Francisco and San Diego will be a game to watch. That’s the last real mano a mano 2010 series where the winner takes all the chips.
If the Phillies meet the Braves in the NLCS, the last three games could have huge significance. If the Braves sweep the Phillies going into the post-season, it could build their confidence and undermine the Phillies. Halladay’s never been to the post-season and it’s been a while for Oswalt.
Braves have a better duo (for post-season experience) in Huddy and Lowe than anything on the other contenders in the NL.
T for Texas
October 1st, 2010
12:43 pm
MiaBch, I was only saying that to expect to take 2 of 3 from Phillies just because they have already secured a playoff berth is some serious chicken counting when all we have is a nest full of eggs at this point. Although with it only taking a single Baves win and a single Padres loss, I do believe I can hear the cracking of shells and the peeping of chicks.
Gary O
October 1st, 2010
12:44 pm
Murph,
I think Lowe is tentatively scheduled to pitch game 1 of the NLDS because Huddy is scheduled to pitch on Sunday.
My guess is, if the Braves clinch by Saturday, Bobby will skip Huddy on Sunday and have him start game 1 instead of Lowe.
Shaun
October 1st, 2010
12:44 pm
CB, Hunter Pence? The guy with a .337 career on-base, a .328 on-base in his age 27 season?
Gary O
October 1st, 2010
12:45 pm
3 years ago, we needed a LF, but did not have the money (and we needed pitching badly), so we passed on Dunn, Ilbanez, and Abreu, and went with Garrett Anderson.
Here we are, 3 years later, and we are still looking for a LF, and we still don’t have the money for a big bat.
Last year, we struggled in CF and LF, and this year, we struggled in LF and CF. At some point, Wren has to figure out a way to imporve our OF tremendously, and I hope this is the year.
CraZyTraDeMaN
October 1st, 2010
12:45 pm
Sopheeee
is 420 or 437 covering the Bobby tribute saturday???
richbrave
October 1st, 2010
12:45 pm
WOW, sweep the ‘chopped liver’ PHILLIES? I’m up for that. What are the odds of that happening? MR. VEGAS? What say you?
Shaun
October 1st, 2010
12:46 pm
abwright, I seriously doubt a Braves sweep would affect the Phillies’ confidence in the playoffs one iota, especially considering the Phillies will likely rest several of their key players.
MiaBeachyBravesFan
October 1st, 2010
12:48 pm
TN Paul-
“This team needs an outfielder. It potentially has the entire infield locked up (Chipper, Gonzalez, Martin, Freeman, McCann). It needs an outfielder. And a good outfielder at that.”
I do not see the glaring hole in CF as a “peripheral issue”. The Braves need a legitimate power-hitting LF, and a CF that is at least quick, with a top-notch OBP. These past four years have been hope-and-pray years; I am tired of that BS approach. Schafer is a done deal. McLouth will not snap out of it; he will lapse into the same stupidly stubborn habits that will have him talking to himself in two years about “what happened”.
CF is a seriously legitimate concern, it is NOT on the periphery. We will be lucky to have Gonzalez hit .250 next year. Chipper is OLD and battered. McCann CANNOT catch over 125 games and still be effective (someone above was CRAZY enough to have McCann batting cleanup next year – YIKES!). Freeman will not be the rookie Heyward has been this season.
Yeah, I’d say a NEW CF solution is pretty damn important next year.
CB
October 1st, 2010
12:49 pm
Shaun,no. The guy who has hit 25hrs 3yrs in a row. The good defense,good speed guy. That guy.
DAP
October 1st, 2010
12:49 pm
CB, there is a lot to like about pence as a player…he is kinda what francouer would hope to be at his best…low OBP, good power, defense, and uses his speed well.
MikeInFl
October 1st, 2010
12:50 pm
I just can’t see trading JJJ (especially if he’s healthy) this offseason. He wont’ make big money for three more years, when Hudson and Lowe are gone, and we can afford him if we want to keep him.
If you trade him now, then you push Lowe up to #3 (behind Hanson and Hudson). Lowe is a workhorse, and has a knack for winning (Braves are 39-28 in his 67 starts over 2 years).
But he’s certainly not a #1 or 2, and probably not a valid #3 (statistically speaking).
If the Braves can afford the luxury of throwing him at #4, that’s a winning matchup more often than not. And they can, thanks to the affordable front-line trio of Hudson, Hanson and Jurrjens.
I think between Beachy, Minor, Kawakami, maybe Medlen late in the year, and possibly even Delgado or Teheran in May or June, we’ll be fine at the #5 spot. And who knows who else might distinguish themselves at Mississippi/Rome next spring; did anyone see Beachy coming this fast?
This team has won 90 games this year on the strength of pitching. I’d stick to that formula. Offense will take care of itself.
Sopheeee
October 1st, 2010
12:53 pm
CraZy – I don’t think either is covering Bobby’s tribute on Saturday because big Fox has the game. Read on here a few days ago that MLB Network is going to show it though. Grrrr!
CB
October 1st, 2010
12:55 pm
Sports South is carrying the Bobby tribute,Soph.
rammerjammer
October 1st, 2010
12:56 pm
Considering our pitching depth (for trades) and a thin FA pool of affordable, impact RH-hitting outfielders, the idea of moving Prado to leftfield should get more consideration.
That Prado can do it is clear. BC once said it was an option, so it is. The question is whether Infante is the next Prado…utilityman turned regular.
Is he? If he is, I have far less LF anxiety for 2011.
Nowhere has anyone seen where Liberty is going to increase payroll. It’s back to the bargain bin for Frank, but he may already have his merchandise. Just in a different aisle.
Sopheeee
October 1st, 2010
1:00 pm
CB – blah, that’s the channel we don’t have. I wonder if braves.com will stream it live. Hope so.
Arkansas Transplant
October 1st, 2010
1:01 pm
I’m hoping for a Braves swept and San Diego swept. Let them battle it out in the 163rd game. That’s only good news to the team that would meet them in the playoffs.
Sopheeee
October 1st, 2010
1:02 pm
Wait, nevermind – we do have Sportsouth. I’m confoozing my Fox networks. Yay, then.
Owl Hunter
October 1st, 2010
1:02 pm
I like Prado at second.. We need to have less guys playing out of position. We need outfielders, not catchers/2bs/1bs converting to outfielders. Prospects are just as much help now by being traded as they are 3 years down the line.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
October 1st, 2010
1:03 pm
Soph – MLB Gamecast is AT least three times as thrilling as TV…You got a computer?
MiaBeachyBravesFan
October 1st, 2010
1:04 pm
rammerjammer: if you put Prado in LF (provided he can play it competently) and Infante at 2B, yeah, you solve the problem cheaply.
You also do not have a 30 / .300 / 100 bat in your lineup. Where is your power gonna come from? Your clutch impact bat is where? Another season of LOB’s? You want poor run production in late July, August, and September – AGAIN? Power from Chipper? McCann? Gonzalez? Prado? Infante? Freeman? McLouth or Schafer?
Watch ‘em pitch around Heyward in that scenario all season long.
Ma-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-n…
tommy
October 1st, 2010
1:06 pm
MiaBch
The Braves would do well to shoot their whole wad tonight. Guns at the ball park?
I play youth league never seen that before
Sopheeee
October 1st, 2010
1:07 pm
Ease – yes, I do. Edumacate me on Gamecast, please!
MiaBeachyBravesFan
October 1st, 2010
1:08 pm
Tommy, I take it yer the literal type?
Jes a figger o’ speech, big feller.
Shaun
October 1st, 2010
1:09 pm
TennesseePaul, I agree with your basic stance on free agency. But I do think it’s more complicated than your post. Just because the Braves need an outfielder doesn’t mean they should go out and overpay to extreme proportions. Yes, overpaying is fine to a certain degree, no matter a team’s budget, but the degree to which a team should overpay is related to budget and also to how good the player is likely to be.
This is essentially the problem I have with signing Crawford: He will likely command a contract like a top 5-10 outfielder but he’s likely to be a slightly above average leftfielder. Yes, Crawford is overrated mostly because of speed and batting average. He doesn’t get on base enough and doesn’t have enough power to be considered a superstar as he approaches his 30’s. Crawford is fine if he commands a contract like that of a top 15-20 outfielder. I’m fine with the Braves overpaying a little for Crawford. But I don’t think they should make him one of the 5-10 highest-paid outfielders in the game.
Shaun
October 1st, 2010
1:11 pm
CB, how often does he get on base? Is his power really all that impressive? The answer to both questions: No.
rammerjammer
October 1st, 2010
1:13 pm
MiaBeachyBravesFan,
I think what you saw this year is what you can expect next year and for years to come, unless new ownership opens a vault.
Braves aren’t going to bludgeon anyone. It’s gonna be lots of pitching and just enough offense. Chipper, Heyward, McCann. That’s the middle of the order. Prado and Infante setting the table. Freeman, Gonzalez and McLouth at the back.
Hey, I’m in favor of a knuckle-dragging, bone-crushing offense. But like I tell my kids…LOL…how you gonna pay for it?
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
October 1st, 2010
1:13 pm
Soph – Braves.com
It’s really cool cause you just get a text version of the game. For example…Prado “in play (runs)” and so on…Leaves a lot to the imagination. A single can be a blooper or a line drive off the Reapers face or something.
Oh hell, who am I kidding…Just go to the game!
T for Texas
October 1st, 2010
1:15 pm
You got a computer?
Ease, you didn’t just ask that question to someone who is blogging, did you?
Sopheeee
October 1st, 2010
1:17 pm
Ease –
I don’t have much of an imagination. Those little yellow dots on Yahoo Sports annoy the heck out of me when I’m trying to keep up with a game I can’t watch so I’m going to stay away from stuff like that during this most important series. Otherwise, you may witness (as T’hawkin likes to say) a B/F from me.
DAP
October 1st, 2010
1:17 pm
shaun, how often does he get on base? Is his power really all that impressive? The answer to both questions: No.
your answer to “how often does he get one base?” is “no”?
you need some communication classes or something.
CB
October 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
I know you love your OBP,Shaun. I like good,solid ML players who contribute in all ways. I know he is not Ryan Braun,but is a good fit for the Braves.
Sopheeee
October 1st, 2010
1:18 pm
Hope all you bloggers that are going this weekend have fun! Especially the Saturday crew.
DAP
October 1st, 2010
1:20 pm
shaun, hunter pence has a career OPS well over .800 and plays excellent outfield defense. hes a pretty good player.
T for Texas
October 1st, 2010
1:20 pm
Congrats to Shane Victorino on having a baby yesterday. Take the day off today Shane.
N8
October 1st, 2010
1:21 pm
Seems to me, the logical thing to do is just let D-Lowe pitch game one. If we’re facing the Giants (likely), he’s perfect for that big park and their “as weak” as ours lineup. Even if the Brave clinch sooner, I wouldn’t go Hudson in game one. Lowe is hot as hell right now, ride that hand and give him his normal rest.
If they clinch sooner, Cox could go with anybody on Sunday. Minor or even start Martinez and then give everybody that’s going to be on the playoff roster (bullpen wise) and inning of work (especially guys that don’t pitch on Friday but especially Saturday), and go from there. Leaving Hudson for game 2 in SF.
Putting Tommy Hanson in position to pitch game 3 in Atlanta.
In a perfect world, the Braves roll over SF in 3 games. (Yeah… I know, funny, right?), and JJJ wouldn’t be needed (if he’s even on the NLDS roster), and he’ll have had plenty of rest to be ready to go (as the 4th starter) in the NLCS.
But I guess we should get in first, before determining 25 man playoff roster and pitching rotation, huh?
I’m not that concerned about who starts game 1, 2 or 3. Hanson, Hudson and Lowe all looked very good in their last starts, and pitching in SF against that lineup, all three are capable of pitching well. As has been the case all year, how our lineup does against Cain and Lincecum in games 1 and 2 will dictate winning or losing.
The order in which Cox lines up his rotation is a mute
point.
Dadgu
October 1st, 2010
1:22 pm
Hopefully Sat & Sun will be meaningless games. Would be great to have Hudson start in San Fran followed by Hanson then Lowe. If Hudson pitches Sunday then he just flip flops with Lowe.
I agree Scoots that we could use Vazquez on the cheap. Medlen won’t be back. JJ could easily be traded ditto KK. While Beach and Minor are serviceable neither are ready for prime time but could do well as a 5th starter. Putting Javy in the 4th starter spot would be great and I think you get a 4.00 era or less from him with about 15-16 wins. Again get him cheaper than we are paying Huddy and I can see that.
abwright
October 1st, 2010
1:22 pm
Shaun, I meant that a sweep would help the Braves confidence. I agree that the Phils are going to be cocky SOB’s until someone proves otherwise.
Wayne in Utah
October 1st, 2010
1:24 pm
I think it was scoots earlier that was saying that the possibility of getting a .900 OPS guy for LF would be tough. Agreed. I think at this point we try for someone close.
CB I like Pence too. Not sure he is available though.
Kenshin Kawakami
Folk who are still talking about shedding Lowe’s salary are probably going to be disappointed. We have 8 legit or potential major league ready starters: Lowe, Hudson, Hanson all in good shape (we hope). And Medlen in 2012. Jurrjens is very good when healthy. Kawakami is average at best, when not snake bitten. Then there is Minor and Beachy, with around 10 major league starts between them.
I contend that if we try to unload Kawakami, we will not get anything of value for him. Might even have to send some money along. Or, we release him and eat ALL his salary.
Instead, why not take him to spring training with the thought that he will be our 5th guy. Give him every opportunity to shine (or not). If he doesn’t, release him. Nothing lost. If he actually pitches decently, he might come in handy with our team.
As we have seen this year, sometimes it is nice to have 1 more arm available. It would be nice to get Beachy and/or Minor some more seasoning, and who knows which of our big 4 will need some time off in 2011?
I just don’t realistically think we will be able to get somebody to take KK off our hands without sending cash. He is a pretty good 3-5 million dollar insurance policy.
AND hey, if they ALL do well in the spring, then deal him when his value is high.
DAP
October 1st, 2010
1:24 pm
t for texas Congrats to Shane Victorino on having a baby yesterday. Take the day off today Shane.
woah…why is that not bigger news? he may need a little more than a day…
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
October 1st, 2010
1:27 pm
T for Texas – Sorry, you are correct. I was juiced this morning by a Dot-Don post and McBanned myself for it. I should have stayed away.
T for Texas
October 1st, 2010
1:29 pm
woah…why is that not bigger news?
In standard fashion, it was actually Mrs. Victorino that had the baby. Shane just attended.
Wayne in Utah
October 1st, 2010
1:29 pm
DAP
So now the Flyin’ Hawaiian has a little Cryin’ Hawaiian?
Hope he kept daddy up late last night!!!
Wayne in Utah
October 1st, 2010
1:31 pm
T for Texas
As all of us dad’s know, you are sooooooooo correct. Us guys are just the supporting staff when it comes to the birthing process……….
David O'Brien
October 1st, 2010
1:32 pm
Braves lineup: 1. Infante 2B, 2. Heyward RF, 3. McCann C, 4. Lee 1B, 5. Cabrera LF, 6. McLouth CF, 7. Gonzalez SS, 8. Conrad 3B, 9. Beachy RH
abwright
October 1st, 2010
1:33 pm
Wayne … re Kawakami …
There was something funny this year with Bobby putting KK in the dumpster for the second half of the season. KK didn’t pitch well, but he didn’t pitch so poorly that the Braves could afford that decision.
I cannot imagine the Braves being able to trade KK at this point. I doubt they release him either.
Hopefully, a new manager and a good Spring will get KK back to where he was at the end of 2009.
Also, what’s up with Beachy over Minor tonight? Beachy didn’t pitch so well and Minor didn’t pitch so poorly that Beachy should have moved up in the pecking order over Minor.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
October 1st, 2010
1:33 pm
This is hilarious…
http://i550.photobucket.com/albums/ii426/kensai808/Memories%20Of%20Kevin%20Malone/OzzieGuillenDavidOrtizWheels.gif
T for Texas
October 1st, 2010
1:34 pm
Ease, no problem. I read the .Don “Summary of All Things I B*tch About” epic post this morning as well. McBanning yourself was probably a wise move as, like exposure to some paint fumes, reading that post makes the brain synapses fire all funny.
David O'Brien
October 1st, 2010
1:34 pm
If Braves don’t make playoffs, are you all (or more of you) going to be part of the jinx that brought them down? I think we need clarification from the authorities on the subject, RHR and TnBrian. (smile)
Shaun
October 1st, 2010
1:34 pm
CB, OBP is how often a hitter contributes. Other stats give you insight into how but OBP is how often a player contributes. A hitter with a low OBP doesn’t contribute much. It’s as simple as that.
DAP, Hunter is an okay player. Don’t know about “pretty good.” I guess you could say that. I would say he’s a nice little player, useful, etc. I suppose he’s a lot like Matt Diaz, although Diaz is probably more valuable because his ability to get on-base. Plus even though Pence and Diaz have similar stats, Pence has played his home games in a favorable park for hitters.
abwright
October 1st, 2010
1:35 pm
Re: Braves lineup …
Looks like the Braves might have to wait til Saturday to clinch the play-in game against the Padres.
mcbravesgrl4lifeeeeeeeee
October 1st, 2010
1:35 pm
Okay, now I am totally pizzed off about this Dish Network and Fox crap
Hubby confirmed this morning that we’ve lost it. And now they are saying that allFox programming may be going away 11/1. That includeds Fox News, Business and the local Fox channel. Do they, both DISH and FOX not realize that they are going to anger a lot of sports fans with this crap? Unbelievable 
T for Texas
October 1st, 2010
1:35 pm
Cryin’ Hawaiian….nice Wayne.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
October 1st, 2010
1:37 pm
Hey, McLouth and Ankiel are NOT in the lineup together…Is this a Bobby lineup? Does it count if Ankiel enters the game later with McLouth still in there? So many questions, yet not to be answered until Monday…
DAP
October 1st, 2010
1:37 pm
wayne, As all of us dad’s know, you are sooooooooo correct. Us guys are just the supporting staff when it comes to the birthing process…
ive got no kids yet, but i am super thankful for that fact. we do our part waaaay before that.
i wonder what the little reaper looks like? his mrs victorino white? anyways, congrats the shane and co.
Shaun
October 1st, 2010
1:39 pm
abwright, I don’t know. I think most teams and players are pretty confident, even if they are in last place. A guy doesn’t reach the big leagues without confidence. I don’t think a playoff series between the Braves and Phillies or any two teams will be decided by confidence (or chemistry or any of that other stuff). Games, series and seasons are decided by talent, health and the way the ball bounces.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
October 1st, 2010
1:39 pm
DOB – If the Braves don’t indeed make the playoffs, there will have been no jinx involved whatsoever. It will have been ALL Bobby’s fault…refer to Dot-Don’s morning post. It summarizes it pretty well.
Bobby's chaffeur
October 1st, 2010
1:40 pm
five six and seven in the order will do the damage tonight. they will be the heroes. From the most unlikely spots will the sun shine. Save this post and remind me I was right.
Ben
October 1st, 2010
1:43 pm
Great news from Philly. Halladay and Oswalt will be rested, Hamels to pitch limited innings.
O.J.
October 1st, 2010
1:43 pm
Bobby’s chaffeur, you are wrong my friend, all damage will be done by the number 8 hitter.
DAP
October 1st, 2010
1:44 pm
shaun OBP is how often a hitter contributes.
thats a pretty simplistic view of a baseball player.
CB
October 1st, 2010
1:45 pm
Thanks for the OBP lesson,Shaun.
Snotboogie
October 1st, 2010
1:45 pm
DOB
I agree about those tributes. They are a really nice read – especially hearing from some people who arent players and how Bobby seems to have a positive impression on everyone (except some bloggers). Sopme of the stuff from Pete Van Wieren was pretty good too. I wonder if some of the Bobby haters read these things, they would be feel at least a little differently towards him.
Bobby's chaffeur
October 1st, 2010
1:47 pm
you would like to believe that (so would I) but not tonight. Dirt will come close to contributing, however his contribution tonight will be getting the team fired up. not so much on the scoreboard.. Now tomorrow’s game different story.
ncscoots
October 1st, 2010
1:48 pm
If Braves don’t make playoffs, are you all (or more of you) going to be part of the jinx that brought them down?
Scroom. I not only have already counted that chicken, I’ve already plucked her for the pot. Game over.
T for Texas
October 1st, 2010
1:49 pm
Man…Contemplatng Braves in the playoffs while Johnny Cash belts out “Spiritual” off the Unchained album. Things got heavy there for a minute. Too much good stuff all at once.
Shaun
October 1st, 2010
1:50 pm
DAP, sometimes people want to complicate the game more than it needs to be (only look at hits in non-walk, non-sac plate appearances, for example).
Wayne in Utah
October 1st, 2010
1:52 pm
A player with an OBP of 360 contributes 10% more than a player with an OBP of 330 (rough numbers, don’t go correcting the exact percentage).
While I agree that a higher OBP is a big plus, sometimes we get bogged down on 1 number.
I don’t think the Astros would trade Pence straight up for Matt Diaz, as much as I love Matt.
OBP is just one part of the equation, albeit an important part.
Singles hitter who has an OBP of .380, or a 25 homer guy with an OBP of .325???
I’d take the banger.
Murph
October 1st, 2010
1:53 pm
Melky’s back in the 5 slot again… interesting. We’ll just have to sit back and see what happens.
Someone wake Snitker up and let him know that McCann is hitting third tonight. He needs time to practice. Arms up… and down. Arms up… and down. Arms up… go go go!
lexbrave
October 1st, 2010
1:53 pm
bad news for the braves, the mets will not be bringing back manuel or manaya next season. with them gone the mets could very well become relevant again.
ncscoots
October 1st, 2010
1:53 pm
I wonder if some of the Bobby haters read these things, they would be feel at least a little differently towards him.
At least, better informed by reading the comments of guys who have actually sat in the clubhouse. Bobby’s a kindly old grandpa? Read Tom Glavine. Bobby makes lineups without thinking? Read Fredi Gonzalez.
Ah, who am I kidding? People who think ill of the man, whatever the reason, aren’t going to be swayed by such things. At all.
Wayne in Utah
October 1st, 2010
1:54 pm
SB
Most Bobby haters have poor reading abilities……..
Wayne in Utah
October 1st, 2010
1:56 pm
lexbrave
I think the Mets would do well to lure Joe Torre back to NYC.