Conrad out of lineup, Glaus at third base – updated
Three errors in one game for Brooks Conrad made Braves manager Bobby Cox’s decision pretty simple, but not easy.
He sat the struggling second baseman down for Game 4 Monday, even though it meant turning to Troy Glaus at third base, where he’s played only four major league innings this year. Cox moved Omar Infante from third base to second.
“I talked to Brooksy at length this morning and he needs a day off,” Cox said. “He needs to get away from it for a day. And I told him to hold his head high and maybe pinch hit and win a game for us.”
Conrad endured a Bill Buckner-like night Sunday, misplaying two ground balls and a pop-up that cost the Braves two runs in a 3-2 loss. The last straw came in the ninth inning when he allowed a one-hop grounder from Buster Posey to slip untouched through his legs as the winning run scored.
Not surprisingly, Conrad did some tossing and turning Sunday night.
“I didn’t sleep a whole lot,” he said before Monday’s game. “But the sun came up again today and we’re here in the playoffs playing baseball. You can’t beat that. So I’m excited for today.”
Conrad said it helped to go home to his wife Jessie and two young kids.
“That always puts things out of your mind in a hurry,” said Conrad, who has a daughter Reese 1 ½ and son Jax 3. “They just want you to come home and be a dad. It’s pretty cool.”
Cox used his pre-game press conference Monday afternoon to make a plea to Braves fans to continue to support the spark-plug bench player. He heard his share of boos throughout the game Sunday night.
“Fans have really had his back all season long and I’d like to see them continue that,” Cox said. “He needs that help right now.”
Fans at batting practice Monday afternoon didn’t need the prompting. Conrad received an ovation from fans in outfield, when he went down to warm-up. They did not stop cheering until he acknowledged them with a wave.
“I’ve gotten a lot of nice comments from the fans,” Conrad said. “That’s meant a lot to me.”
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234 comments Add your comment
The Official Skip Caray T-Shirt
October 11th, 2010
3:10 pm
Bruce Conrad?
RonnieFranchise
October 11th, 2010
3:12 pm
What a strange lineup.
Diaz 2nd? Heyward 6th?
oh well – roll it out there and play ball!
Fish Bisch
October 11th, 2010
3:12 pm
First!
wjones
October 11th, 2010
3:14 pm
“The Official Skip Caray T-Shirt
October 11th, 2010
3:10 pm
Bruce Conrad?”
See how error-plagued he is?
Andy
October 11th, 2010
3:14 pm
That’s gotta be tough for Bobby to do, as much as he loves to stick up for his players. I like the Heyward move too, take a little pressure off the kid. As if this mattered, I got moved from 1st to 9th in the order once back in high school and went 3-3 with a double. Maybe J-Hey can pull the big-boy version today.
ShaunC
October 11th, 2010
3:15 pm
Confused about Glaus at 3B when we have other options.
Hope Heyward goes on a tear tonight. 2 HR.
Logic Police
October 11th, 2010
3:15 pm
lol, wjones with the win!!!
TG from CA
October 11th, 2010
3:15 pm
I love it! Just hearing that news has me excited again! Go Braves!
RHR
October 11th, 2010
3:15 pm
Woah. J-Hey batting 6th, Glaus at 3rd. Diaz batting 2nd?
Looks like ‘ol 6 didn’t get a wink of sleep last night.
I like it.
Hope to see Bruce come off the bench with a PH homer late in the game.
Its win or go home…again. Go get ‘em, Braves!
Roy Hobbs
October 11th, 2010
3:15 pm
Way to shake it up Bobby. Let’s get back to SF for a Game 5!
clay
October 11th, 2010
3:15 pm
Love the new look. But it might be a little to late. Should have used the lineup in september. I like J hey in the 6 hole. It will make pitchers pitch to him instead of jamming him on every pitch. I think we score atleast 6 tonight.
Lost on I-285
October 11th, 2010
3:16 pm
wtf with ankiel in there ? put in melky. gonzalez 5th ? did bc draw the lineup out of a hat ?
Lil Red
October 11th, 2010
3:16 pm
Go Braves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Desibrave
October 11th, 2010
3:16 pm
Very interesting lineup..,
I am sure the Giants batting practice today will be only Bunting to 3rd
richham
October 11th, 2010
3:16 pm
What took so long? This is why I will be glad to see bobby cox leave. He is loyal to a fault. Conrad is a horrible third baseman. He is a big part of the reason why we lead the majors in errors after the all star break. It’s better to have someone who is a good fielder and hope our pitching can keep us in it versus someone with some pop who couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn. The guy doesn’t belong on a major league roster, period!
glord1
October 11th, 2010
3:18 pm
I like the line up. Its the best we can put out there tonight IMHO.
JEB
October 11th, 2010
3:18 pm
Good for Bobby!
He wants to win – and you have to shake things up to do that some times!
Really should have played Glaus in there for several games!
I just didn’t get it! Glaus has been healing for over a month how long is it going to take to get his legs back healthy?? Plus, he is more of a threat in the lineup than Brooks – Brooks is better off the bench.
Plus, all this concern for Glaus at 3b and they put him in there for defensive purposes Fri. night.
If they could do it then – why could they not do it for the other games??
Like I said, just did not get it…
Spud Webb
October 11th, 2010
3:20 pm
Good move, heyward is squezzing too tight. Drop him down and let him relax. Should’ve been done last game.
Glaus can’t move, but what he can get to he’ll make the plays. That’s all thats needed.
Win tonight Braves, I’m optomistic!!!
Spud Webb
October 11th, 2010
3:20 pm
JEB, well put!
Gray Dawg
October 11th, 2010
3:20 pm
ShaunC, what other options?
southern hope
October 11th, 2010
3:21 pm
I hate to saw it, but Bruce Conrad will be ideal as our pinch hitter…
Fish Bisch
October 11th, 2010
3:21 pm
My lineup:
1. Hernandez
2. Infante
3. Lee
4. McCann
5. Ankiel
6. Diaz
7. Hinske
8. Lowe
9. Conrad
reno
October 11th, 2010
3:21 pm
Bobby makes some moves! Good for him. We feel for “Bruce” Conrad (is it so bad that you can’t even get his name right a day later?), but it’s time to “shake up” the lineup.
Our “young gun” pitchers (Kimbrel, Dunn in particular) need to learn from the SF pitchers – once you are ahead in count with heat, you DO NOT throw something in the hitting zone. You put every pitch in the dirt or off the plate until you have to come back in with your best pitch – the fast ball. Watch the SF pitchers – Lincecum in particular. He got ahead of batters with heat and then refused to put anything near the hitting zone. McCann insisted on swinging 3-2 after three straight breaking balls in the dirt (and with two outs, first base open, Melky up next) and swung right over a fourth breaking ball in the dirt. Stupid!
Our guys get ahead and then probably because they are young and inexperienced and have been told repeatedly to “throw strikes,” they do! When they don’t have to and shouldn’t. Stupid!
Mattyice
October 11th, 2010
3:22 pm
“Bruce” conrads errors are becoming contagious… Ain’t that right DOB
Bunt single
October 11th, 2010
3:22 pm
I’ll be a recurring factor tonight as SF punishes a nearly crippled Glaus. (Perhaps Bobby will have Troy play 30 feet in front of the bag, wearing a catcher’s mask.)
clay
October 11th, 2010
3:22 pm
Love Diaz in the 2 hole. He is a good OBP guy. Everyone wanted to see glaus out there so looks like bobby is giving the fans what they want. Who is a better option than Glaus? Please dont say Diory either. Get off the blog if you think that.
Bill James
October 11th, 2010
3:22 pm
how can you be stuck with ankiel/mcclouth/melky, who are all horrible vs LHP’s, when you know you are facing sanchez and bumgarner ? joke.
Michael
October 11th, 2010
3:22 pm
Cox didn’t have a choice, but knowing how things have gone for the Braves this year, Glaus or somebody else will probably make another season killing error because that’s just how it has been all year.
joe
October 11th, 2010
3:23 pm
Put a fork in them The Braves are done!
Jason Williams
October 11th, 2010
3:24 pm
I love it, love it, love it! Go Braves!
mike lum
October 11th, 2010
3:24 pm
Glad you had a good game, Andy. Melky looks like Babe Ruth…in the field. Stick with Ankiel while he’s hot. Gonzo can come through in the clutch. All the breaks have been going SF’s way…it’s time for that to change!
Conrad = Buckner
October 11th, 2010
3:24 pm
I like this. Good for you Booby to mix it up. Jason isn’t seeing anything to hit and this lineup will allow him more opportunities. Either way, this lineup is 1000X better without Conrad in there. Go Braves! Win One For Bobby!
williamshakespeare
October 11th, 2010
3:24 pm
Between Conrad, Scott Rolen, Phillips and Utley, I can’t recall a postseason past that featured such high-adventure infield defense.
P-Town Brave ©
October 11th, 2010
3:24 pm
Sad that Bobby is waiting til his last game to make necessary changes…
wjones
October 11th, 2010
3:25 pm
“ShaunC
October 11th, 2010
3:15 pm
Confused about Glaus at 3B when we have other options. ”
??????? Confused about your post. Chipper is on the DL, if you heard, as is Prado. Eddie Mathews is dead. Anxious to hear what other ideas you might have.
SG10
October 11th, 2010
3:26 pm
Seriously, what took so long for this line-up? If Glaus’ defense has been limited by knees, hasn’t he rested enough to recover. We should have tried this lineup in the first game itself to see if Glaus is ready. Conrad making 4 errors in last three 3 games of the regular season was enough to convince he is not ready.
Yes, we will see how Glaus handles bunts towards him..and if he can’t, he can be replaced by Diory. Any hitter bunting towards even the slowest guys has to be really fast to convert that into a hit..If Glaus doesn’t mess up his throw, he will do fine…I expect Giants first batter to bunt over towards Glaus.
Good to see Brooks and maybe Dunn
October 11th, 2010
3:26 pm
not participating.
Maybe they can sing the National Anthem.
VaHiDawg
October 11th, 2010
3:26 pm
my line up
1. Infante-1B
2. Cabrera- LF
3. Diaz- RF
4. Ross- C
5. Glaus- 3B
6. McClouth- CF
7. Hernandez- SS
8. Conrad- 2B
9. Lowe- P
No, I’m not serious.
hdhd
October 11th, 2010
3:26 pm
Brooks is better to have as a PH coming off the bench. And he will. And I bet he will have homerun anger in him.
BuckheadBill
October 11th, 2010
3:26 pm
Heres hoping that Brooks Conrad hits a grand slam in bottom of 9th with 2 out and 2 strikes. Go Brooks !!!!
williamshakespeare
October 11th, 2010
3:26 pm
Hey, Melky and the Babe have something else in common….WS rings
williamshakespeare
October 11th, 2010
3:27 pm
…meanwhile, Javy wasn’t even included on the Yankees’ ALDS active roster…
Dan in West Georgia
October 11th, 2010
3:28 pm
The only other options would be Hinske (a left-hander with *past* 3B experience), or Hernandez, who is a shortstop who can’t hit. You’d have to have Hernandez at 2nd base where he may be rusty, and put Omar back at 3rd when he is a much better 2nd baseman.
williamshakespeare
October 11th, 2010
3:29 pm
Dunn is going to be a good lefty out of the bullpen for the Braves.
Churchy
October 11th, 2010
3:29 pm
Diory isn’t a bad option instead of Conrad. Although Diory would probably be 0-4, at least he wouldn’t give up any runs, which in a low scoring game is huge.
Glaus is the only other option. I don’t really like it but at least there is a chance that he can make a few hits.
Wes
October 11th, 2010
3:29 pm
Good thing Melky isn’t starting… He jogs to balls in the outfield and doesn’t know how to swing the bat… He just kinda slaps at it.
Conrad = Buckner
October 11th, 2010
3:29 pm
I still believe! The atomosphere at Turner Field last night was electric. Havn’t seen that stadium rocking that loud since the 90’s playoff games. Seeing that many tomahawks chopping brought back great memories. Hope the Braves can make some new ones tonight. Got to find a way.
Mr. Enigma
October 11th, 2010
3:29 pm
Glaus has no less mobility than 2010 Chipper Jones did, so this really isn’t much of a problem.
The Abs Man
October 11th, 2010
3:30 pm
Las Vegas just posted Over.Under @ 7 “bunts-attempted” by Giants tonight……
Heavy action on “over.”
Line just moved to 7 1/2…
Wyoming
October 11th, 2010
3:31 pm
Had to be done. You can’t keep running him out there when the guy is making 7 errors in 8 games. I mean Glaus can’t possible be that limited that he will be any worse than Conrad. And maybe this move boosts his confidence when he can come in as a late-inning pinch. That’s what he did all year.
I like the shift in the lineup too. Heyward just looks like he’s showing his age and inexperience out there. Would be nice for him to get at least a hit in his first postseason.
Let’s win this one and make it even more dramatic by going back to SF for game 5.
GO BRAVOS. Nice work DOB.
williamshakespeare
October 11th, 2010
3:31 pm
Hey Wes, Melky doesn’t like you, either.
The Abs Man
October 11th, 2010
3:32 pm
“If every instinct you have is wrong, then the opposite would have to be right.”
- Jerry, to George, in “The Opposite”
Banner tonight when Cox makes bullpen move….
john
October 11th, 2010
3:32 pm
My lord, Glaus??? He’s gotten even fatter over the last few months. Another Conrad nightmare waiting to happen in the field.
mike
October 11th, 2010
3:32 pm
lineup doesn’t even matter anymore without our best two hitters in the lineup. just gotta go out there and make it happen. let’s go braves!!!
bruce mac
October 11th, 2010
3:32 pm
Yea, put Melky in there. Some of these bloggers apparently never have watched a game. Ankiel, remember him. He is the reason we are still playing. Duh!!!!!!!
warrens braves
October 11th, 2010
3:33 pm
this is the lineup they should have run out there last night. good idea to move heyward down, bring up diaz and put glaus in there instead of brooks. now im gonna kick myslef in the ass if this lineup propels this team to a game 5. i think glaus has something left. please win braves!!!!
SadDawg
October 11th, 2010
3:34 pm
Better late than better, Bobby.
Hope Brooks hits the game-winning RBI pinch-hitting.
The Abs Man
October 11th, 2010
3:34 pm
At least have to credit Cox with thinking out of the box…..with Game #4 lineup.
So good for that….but you would have to think SF tonight sets all-time recond for bunts….whew, hurts just thinking about broke-down legs charging in from 3B…
Cale
October 11th, 2010
3:35 pm
Nice lineup Fish Bisch..real smart to lead off a Gwinnett Player that couldn’t even hit .300 in AAA, hope you are kidding.
Tomahawk Holmes
October 11th, 2010
3:35 pm
I hope Bruce Conrad gets stuck on I-285 looking for the TED exit
williamshakespeare
October 11th, 2010
3:35 pm
Yea, put Melky in there. Some of these bloggers apparently never have watched a game. Ankiel, remember him. He is the reason we are still playing. Duh!!!!!!!
====
umm…if Melky doesn’t foul off a hundred pitches and beat out that errant throw to first, there’s no 2nd run and no opportunity to get A-Gon to the plate for the 2-run double.
The Red
October 11th, 2010
3:36 pm
At least I understand why everyone wants Diory in the lineup. Every hit he’s had this year has been a homerun!
Of course, it was also the ONLY hit he’s had this year.
jeff
October 11th, 2010
3:36 pm
If only they were hitting off batting tees.
Dav
October 11th, 2010
3:36 pm
ShaunC was referring to Terry Pendleton
SadDawg
October 11th, 2010
3:36 pm
Andy: “I got moved from 1st to 9th in the order once back in high school and went 3-3 with a double.”
********************************
Play Andy, Bobby!
aland
October 11th, 2010
3:36 pm
Hey Braves Fans:
This should have been done last night,end of story
A Disgruntled Season Ticket Holder
WHATEVER
October 11th, 2010
3:37 pm
If this lineup works, we sure better be seeing it from her on out. But I do imagine Bobby will put his favorite players back in if they advance. And thats a big IF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Andrew
October 11th, 2010
3:37 pm
why not start erik hinske somewhere? can he play anywhere else in the infield besides 1st base? he has the experience. he played in the world series with the red sox a few years back. he should take the place of conrad.
The Abs Man
October 11th, 2010
3:38 pm
Would rather play with 8 men, than use Melk-Dud.
Gen Neyland
October 11th, 2010
3:38 pm
Heyward deseves no better than 6th in the line up. We need the Braves to find their bats. The ones they’re using have too many holes in them. Maybe they could all use Hinske’s…Shoot Glaus full of Go Juice and he has a game at 3rd…When EH let it ride last night I told my wife, “Somebody wants to win this thing..!” That goes for Hudson too.
George W
October 11th, 2010
3:38 pm
LOVE THE LINEUP… PUT BROOKS BACK IN HIS PLACE… COMING OFF THE BENCH… LOVE THE POWER POTENTIAL WE HAVE IN TONIGHTS LINEUP…
Rambunz
October 11th, 2010
3:38 pm
I find it amazing how the Braves have gotten so far with such a weak lineup (other than pitching). I think this may be Bobby’s finest year not withstanding a few bloopers in yesterday’s game.
Terry Pendleton
October 11th, 2010
3:38 pm
Don’t worry ya’ll. I’m gonna tell my boyz not to be swingin’ at balls and takin’ strikes tonight.
Rupert
October 11th, 2010
3:40 pm
I laugh that it has taken this long to try Glaus because of his “defensive liabliites” when he’s made the most critical defensive play in the series, while the man he is replacing has proven, even before the playoffs to be a HUGE defensive liability. He made critical errors that changed 2 of the Phllies games and has committed all these errors in this series. Bottom line, it’s fine to root for him, like some on here do. And I will if and when he pinch hits tonight. BUT this whole feeling sorry for a pro ball player who sad. He has a job, he hasn’t done his job. While baseball is a team game, his indiviual preformance has cost the Braves enormously in this series. When you don’t preform, you sit on the bench. Have a seat Conrad and think about what you have done.
SadDawg
October 11th, 2010
3:40 pm
I’d play Huddy in LF. Hell, he’s got as many hits as the rest of the outfield . . .
Was it over when the German's bombed Pearl Harbor?
October 11th, 2010
3:40 pm
Thanks DOB. These are good moves from Bobby….We have nothing to lose making these changes. Infante has NOT been playing that great at 3rd, so we don’t lose much defensivley there and Conrad’s back on the bench where he’s most comfortable. Troy adds some pop to our line up and Conrad comes off the bench late w/ a key pinch hit. See you in SF. Go Braves!
bruce mac
October 11th, 2010
3:40 pm
WilliamS, did you even watch the game? Melky didn’t beat out nothing. Gung Foo Panda booted it. That is why he isn’t playing anymore. Melky has not done crap in a month. You can have him on your team, I will take Ankiel all day and all night. And I guaranty you so will everyone on this team. Loafer Melky needs to go somewhere else and also add salad to his diet.
Braves One
October 11th, 2010
3:40 pm
At last…the lineup as it should be! Or should I say…the way it should have been for a long time now.
Congrats to Bobby for seeing the wisdom of batting Heyward in an RBI spot and placing a “thinking man’s” hitter like Matty in the 2 hole. Matty is know for timely hits and can lay down a bunt, ideal for #2.
Not sure about Gonzalez protecting McCann, I think Heyward would have been better there, but its a change. It took facing elimination for Bobby to finally change things for the better, but its a much needed change.
I like Brooksy coming off the bench like the “good ole days”.
Troy may want to ‘cheat’ in a bit tonight as the speedsters will be looking to bunt on him. If he can nail the first one that tries he may send a message he can play third again and stymie the strategy.
I’m liking our chances a bit more now.
williamshakespeare
October 11th, 2010
3:41 pm
That’s alright. I have enough love for Melk Man to make up for the lot of you haters.
Why not Diory?
October 11th, 2010
3:41 pm
So why not Alex or Hinske at 3B, Diory SS and Omar 2B? Is this the Latin Bias? No not Len Bias.
That would give some more speed, plus leave Conrad, Alex or Hinske and Glaus as pinch hitters and late subs. I would gamble and go with Nate, Matt D and J Hey as OFs…. using Ankiel, Melky and Freeman as replacements – sub runners, etc.
Either way.. we still run into trouble because no one is really producing except Hinske.
I am afraid to watch tonight… might be a nightmare.
BruceBruce Bruce Bruce
October 11th, 2010
3:42 pm
It’s not really a good alias changing BROOKS to BRUCE.
in all seriousness…is Diory Hernandez a figment of Bobby’s imagination? If dude is on the roster, why doesn’t he EVER play?
Casey Stinkle
October 11th, 2010
3:42 pm
I would just love to see Conrad hit a walk-off homer in the ninth tonight. And if/when he comes to bat in the ninth fans, just remember, he won us more games than McCann, Chipper, and Heyward combined. So try not to boo the guy.
Boonie
October 11th, 2010
3:42 pm
I’m liking that lineup.
PhilliesWin
October 11th, 2010
3:42 pm
Enter your comments here
NO BUNTING!!
October 11th, 2010
3:43 pm
Maybe Stevie will show up and let all the Giants know that bunting will not be allowed in tonight’s game!
The Abs Man
October 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
Overlooked having Glaus at 3B:
If Troy wasn’t so broke-down and clumsy, would Wagner still be healthy?
SadDawg
October 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
It’s always a nightmare when Bobby starts his pullpen abuse . . .
williamshakespeare
October 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
I also find it interesting that there’s a contingent on here slamming J-Hey but apologizing for Conrad. Guess those “fair haired” types get a pass, while a friggin’ ROOKIE, who happens to NOT be a “fair haired” boy has already begun to be dubbed “lazy.” How pathetically predictable. He’s only the future of your franchise, while the guy you’re falling all over yourselves apologizing for is a YUGO who has little business wearing an infielder’s glove.
Any way, Go Braves, reel in Game 4 and we go from there.
CoxLastGame
October 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
Benching conrad? I can see it. In the long run, Phillies will win in 5 regardless of who they play. On a roll.
Andrew
October 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
Hinske can play outfield too, so PH him for ankiel if hes strugling
John Nail
October 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
lets not despair! If we had won last night we would have faced Lincecum tonite and likely lost and gone back to SF anyway. This way we can still win and get to game 5 and have a chance….
Glaus will be a factor tonite and JHey will wakeup in the 6 hole – where he dis most of his April/May damage. Diaz is a serious gamer and “Bruce” will come off the bench as to PH and impact the game.
Let em bunt at Troy and I think they will be surprised that the old dog who has player over 11,000 major league games at 3rd can still play on instinct – as he showed Friday nite – on bad – but well rested knees.
These guys have done everything do or die this year and this is no different!
Go Bravos!!!
PDOG
October 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
My lineup
Infante
McClouth
Lee
McCann
Glaus
Heyward
Diaz
Gonzo
Lowe
I like having Nate in the two hole to either move a runner over and to get some speed injected into the lineup and please just let Kimbrell close the game if it gets that far.
BruceBruce Bruce Bruce
October 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
PhilliesWin: proud of beating the littleRedchokemachine?
Rambunz
October 11th, 2010
3:44 pm
I see another Georgia player was arrested. Go Dawgs! Soon the team will have its own bail bondsman.
The Abs Man
October 11th, 2010
3:45 pm
SadDawg: More than a nightmare. Adventure in terror when Cox mixes and mismanages bullpen.
Unknown Hinson
October 11th, 2010
3:45 pm
Go Braves
BruceBruce Bruce Bruce
October 11th, 2010
3:45 pm
John Nail Glaus will be a factor…yes FrankGlaus at 3rd is a factor alright…this may be the first time ever a team bunts the bases loaded.
SadDawg
October 11th, 2010
3:46 pm
Amen, Casey, we finish 4 games behind the Padres in the wildcard w/o Conrad.
Stanley Crowe
October 11th, 2010
3:47 pm
Interesting, yes. Good — we’ll see. I think the idea of a shakeup is OK, and it might refocus our hitters’ thinking. And — sentimental fool that I am — I like starting the guy without whom we wouldn’t be here: Troy Glaus. I don’t think he’ll do anything stupid tonight. Experience counts for something. Meanwhile, Brooks shouldn’t feel too bad. We rode that horse as far he could take us — which was quite a bit. Who knows — maybe he’ll relax and get a big hit tonight. I think we can win this one, and it would be nice to get some runs early. We’re surely due to do that.
Bobby
October 11th, 2010
3:48 pm
It’s too bad it has to come to this. I feel awful for Conrad, but there’s a reason he’s a 30 year old rookie. I’m not trying to diss on him, because there’s no playoffs without him. He won 6 games for them. However, the reality of the situation is this game was lost when Wagner got hurt. If he was there, it probably would have never come down to that situation. As good as Kimbrel & Dunn have been, they are not closers yet. Pitching in the 8th is alot different than the 9th. To me that’s a bigger loss than Prado, which no one is really discussing. It’s all about Conrad’s errors and Prado’s absence. Wagner’s injury is the turning point of this series.
NO BUNTING!!
October 11th, 2010
3:50 pm
It is not the easiest thing to do. Bunting down the third base line. And it’s not like the Giants have 9 Jose Reye’s out there running the bases. I say let them be down 0-2 every at bat trying to bunt.
Bruce Benedict
October 11th, 2010
3:50 pm
You can’t blame Bobby Cox for any of this, players have to make plays. He’s playing the hand that he was dealt. No matter what happens, these guys played their butts off this year. They had mediocre offensive/defensive talent to begin with and really played way over their heads. If someone told you on April 30 that Chipper, Prado and Wagner were all out due to injury, and Troy Glaus (who was ice cold at the time – and is again) was in the lineup, in October, but they’re playing Game 4 at home with a chance to tie the series in the NLDS would you take it? Yes, yes you would. Go Braves.
Eugene
October 11th, 2010
3:50 pm
Glad there’s a shakeup. I would still bat Gonzalez second and replace Heyward with Hinske. But hey, Cox made changes. Baby steps.
SG10
October 11th, 2010
3:50 pm
For those in need, this article summarizes everything that Conrad has done in the regular season… it is sad to see him become a goat in the post-season.
http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/9112/why-bobby-cox-is-loyal-to-brooks-conrad
poised to win
October 11th, 2010
3:52 pm
Switch the infield with the outfield, except DLEE. Desperate measures for desperate times.
DOne
October 11th, 2010
3:53 pm
Can’t we put Conrad on injured reserve? He IS mentally done for 2010…
Heyward Man Crush
October 11th, 2010
3:53 pm
Even with the errors, I think we win the game if Wagner is still healthy. We just have had the worst luck this year with injuries.
Heyward Man Crush
October 11th, 2010
3:53 pm
Hey DOB how is McCann doing after that little spill last night?
Andrew
October 11th, 2010
3:55 pm
is wagner really done for the season?
SadDawg
October 11th, 2010
3:56 pm
Oh yeah, williamshakespeare, bring up Heyward’s race. Dang, man, he is the most loved player on the Braves. Just because a couple of pencil heads fault him for his 0-fer so far in the playoffs, they don’t like his color?
I’m lilly-white and I love Heyward. He is gonna be one of the greats, on and off the field.
Abnerish
October 11th, 2010
3:57 pm
Andres Torres with a guaranteed bunt attempt in the 1st to test Troy Glaus. He might as well play on the infield grass the whole game. But it’s still better than Brooks. Out of sheer respect for the other 24 men on the roster, Bobby had to make that move. Also like the move with Heyward against the lefty.
J-Smoove
October 11th, 2010
3:58 pm
Feel really bad for Brooks and at the same time wanted to tackle him last night… Braves would not be in the playoffs if it weren’t for him, but Bobby had to make the move. Hope he can bounce back and maybe get a big PH. I’m glad Bobby made some adjustments and maybe the Braves can get the sticks going… GO BRAVOS!!!
SadDawg
October 11th, 2010
3:59 pm
Bruce Benedict,
I’m pretty sure Kimbrell didn’t take himself and his 97 MPH fastball out of the game last night . . .
helmet head
October 11th, 2010
4:00 pm
I just hope someone is paying attention to the pitches being called late in games. Kimbrell throwing a slider to Sanchez is shades of Wohlers serving one up to Leyritz. Don’t throw a slider when you have a 97mph heater and that the batter hadn’t touched.
braves29
October 11th, 2010
4:00 pm
We can’t piss and moan about our injuries! The Phillies have had 6-8 starters on the D-L at one time or another. At this stage of this grueling season, every player is a little nicked up.
Larvell Blanks
October 11th, 2010
4:00 pm
Sad Dawg 3:40 – “I’d play Huddy in LF. Hell, he’s got as many hits as the rest of the outfield . . .”
You jest, but …
SadDawg
October 11th, 2010
4:00 pm
“But hey, Cox made changes.”
*************************
Too bad he waited ’til possibly his last game to make a change!
NO BUNTING!!
October 11th, 2010
4:02 pm
Let’s face it the Braves bats are all cold. I think the only way they can pull this one out is if the Giants starter has a vapor lock and just throws cookies up there.
If he paid attention to Tim and Sanchez then he should just throw sliders in the dirt and watch the braves sssssswwwwiiinnnggggg and miss!!
Harry Kalas
October 11th, 2010
4:03 pm
The Braves are outtta here. See ya bumbs in March.
SadDawg
October 11th, 2010
4:04 pm
I really wasn’t jesting, Larvell. I saw, or read that he shags balls in batting practice on his off days and is a really good outfielder.
I do know he can lay down a bunt . . .
Rufus
October 11th, 2010
4:05 pm
Hate this for Brooks. He’s a big part of the reason the Braves are in the post-season in the first place. With that, I think the change needed to be made for the team. Hope it’s not too late.
n
October 11th, 2010
4:06 pm
Thought maybe Hinske would get the nod at 3rd but I know he didn’t play the infield much this year. Loosing Chipper and Prado who manned it the whole year really hurts.
J-Smoove
October 11th, 2010
4:06 pm
@ braves29… I agree with what you are saying about injuries, however the Phils were banged up in May, June and July. When September and October roll around you need to have your starters in there and the Phils got everyone back around August. The Braves on the other hand lost Prado, Chipper and now Wagner for the year. No excuses though… GO BRAVES!!!
Bravesfan
October 11th, 2010
4:06 pm
Moving Heyward down is the right thing to do, he is killing us in the 2 hole. He is 0-11 in the series. And ABOUT time on putting Glaus at third, Omar at second and putting Conrad on the bench for pinch hitting. No matter HOW BAD Glaus knees and ankles are, anything will be an upgrade to Conrad in the field.
n
October 11th, 2010
4:07 pm
Braves bats are cold?? Umm, did you expect something different in the playoffs against a team with pitching the Giants have. Of course its going to be hard to score runs.
SadDawg
October 11th, 2010
4:07 pm
So, how many Phillies are on the DL now? Big Difference.
Braves One
October 11th, 2010
4:07 pm
Just a note…the Arizona Fall League starts tomorrow. Its worth noting because Freddie Freeman will be playing first base with the Phoenix Desert Dogs. Some young Braves will also be on the roster. The team is being managed by 2011 Dodger manager and Yankee great Don Mattingly.
To follow the AFL you can use the link below…
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/winterleagues/league.jsp?league=afl
NC Bravos fan
October 11th, 2010
4:08 pm
Scary thing happened this morning. Driving down Peachtree Blvd. I was reading the AJC and texting at the same time. Somehow, I veered off the road and almost hit a jogger. Fortunately it was Brooks Conrad and my car rolled harmlessly between his legs. We kid because we care, Brooksie. Here’s hoping the fans give you a standing O when you come up in the 12th inning and rip a bases-clearing double to force Game 5.
Bravesfan
October 11th, 2010
4:09 pm
BTW, it’s not like the Giants are hitting the ball either. They have scored a total of 8 runs and the Braves have scored 7. Our pitching is EVERY bit as good as theirs but unfortunately we have been on the losing end twice because of 1) a BAD call at second during the first game that netted the 1 run SF got, 2) on Poor fielding in game 3 and a stupid pitching change by Cox.
Wifebeater
October 11th, 2010
4:10 pm
Bobbys gonna have a lot of time, and his wifes blood, on his hands after the loss tonight.
sam
October 11th, 2010
4:10 pm
If you’ve ever seriously played a sport you’ve lived through stretches like Brooks Conrad has encountered where you just lose it for a while. Bobby is doing absolutely the right thing taking the fielding pressure off the kid tonight and let him re-group. Wouldn’t surprize me to see him respond with a key pinch hit.
Kerfeld
October 11th, 2010
4:12 pm
This was a mercy decision by Cox.
But Glaus is a sitting duck at third.
n
October 11th, 2010
4:13 pm
I still say this team was built well for the playoffs. You put Prado and Chipper in the lineup and a healthy JJ on the mound would have been one of your top 3 or 4 starters easy and your chances look pretty good. But injuries are still part of it — but its amazing what they have down given everything. So many great memories this year from this team.
Larvell Blanks
October 11th, 2010
4:14 pm
Bruce Benedict – “You can’t blame Bobby Cox for any of this, players have to make plays. He’s playing the hand that he was dealt.”
It’s more like the exact opposite. Anybody can run out a bunch of all-stars and say “Go get ‘em, boys,” but when you’re playing with a marginal lineup, the manager’s role becomes even more important. The manager may not be able to hit for the players, but if by some miracle the players get a 1-run lead going into the ninth, the manager definitely can control who goes out in the field to preserve that fragile lead. And there’s not another manager in the game that would have sent Conrad out for the ninth when there was a viable alternative on the bench. Most managers would have made a defensive substitution just on general principles (”X is a better fielder than Y”), but EVERY other manager would have made the substitution if Y had made two costly errors that very game, and seven errors in seven games, and was clearly snake bit. And a competent manager certainly would have made the switch after bringing in a pitcher (Moylan) whose whole reason for existence is to get ground balls. So sorry, but the “playing the hand he was dealt” card doesn’t fly. It’s the manager’s job (hell, his ONLY job) to make sure that the players are given the best chance to win, and Cox flunked that test big time.
Bushwacker
October 11th, 2010
4:15 pm
Its a shame it took 8 errors and 2 playoff losses and every one from espn to wsb radio news (not sports) but news reporters to see Conrad is not major leaguer before Bobby saw what everyone else has known for months.
Don’t tell me about Glaus being a defeensive liability, you saw what he didd fri nite compred to raw dog.
There is a reason he has spent his entire career in the minors.
Maybe if Bobby was not wearing sunglasses last night when the lights eere on and the sun was down he would have seen it sooner.
What was up with that last night, did he FORGET he had tem on.
Its almost likee a punch drunk fighter who hung around tooong.
Hopefully its not too late but I fear even if we win tonight we have no chance against THE GIRL on weds.
I fear eeven if Glaus plays flawless d and hits SLAM , Bobby will give raw dog another shot weedss.
By the way, why is Hinske not in left field, if he’s such a great pinch hitter, wouldn’t it be better if he got 4-5 at bats instead of one?
Good luck!
Bobby
October 11th, 2010
4:15 pm
Whereas injuries are part of the game and the Phillies had more than their share this season, it’s about timing. They got healthy for the stretch run and the Braves got injured down the stretch. I’m not implying we lost the division because of the injuries, because the Phillies are better and would have won this division regardless of the health status of the Braves. But I challenge the Phillies to lose Chase Utley with one week left, Jayson Werth in August, Madson & Oswalt in mid September and Brad Lidge in the playoffs and see how they do against the Yankees in the World Series.
Dave
October 11th, 2010
4:15 pm
Bobby should have made the move early in last nights game. Once again, he has waited to late
to make a change that other managers would have done earlier
n
October 11th, 2010
4:15 pm
In the playoffs its never over until its over —- and its only game 4 so lets fill the ted and play some ball.
Bravesfan
October 11th, 2010
4:16 pm
Last comment, the Giants aren’t hitting either
Game 1
Braves hits 2
Giants hits 5
Game 2
Braves hits 11
Giants hits 10
Game 3
Braves hits 4
Giants hits 8
Pretty pitifull for both teams.
And Chipper Jones and Prado out of the lineup (especially Chipper) cost us the division, much less being behind 2-1 in this series.
Kerfeld
October 11th, 2010
4:19 pm
Oh, and someone needs to tell J-Hey that he needs to wake up and play defense, too.
Brave Hokie
October 11th, 2010
4:19 pm
But Con-nad was poised to have a “breakout” game…
Jason Hey-would
October 11th, 2010
4:21 pm
Hey guys, don’t criticize me so, I am still young…
{But I will be making some commercials in the off season}!
Birdman
October 11th, 2010
4:21 pm
Honestly maybe I missed his production when I wasn’t watching, but what is the reason for moving Diaz to the 2 hole? Is his obp really worthy? His swing to me is one of those that if you throw the ball at my bat I hit it hard, but I can’t hit to all fields. Too much of a hitch in that swing. I don’t have a problem with getting Heyward out of the 2 hole, but maybe he sees that as a lack of confidence rather than relaxing, so its a gamble with a kid anyway you look at it. And has anyone noticed that if the pitch is below Lee’s belt he misses by a lot? He must still have back problems and cant reach down that far. His bat looks about 28 inches when he swings for those low balls. McCann seems to be the one pressing too much, maybe a drop in the order would have helped him, but then you have no one else in the lineup who you trust other than Infante. And as for Glaus, he will be the hero tonight. I know how much he stunk up the joint after May, and I called for his head so many times, but you just get the sense he is eager to make his mark. That dp he started was a professional 3rd baseman play. He will fight through the pain, get some hits and not embarrass himself at third. He may never step on the field again after that, but I believe he goes out sacrificing his body and making an impact.
Thomas
October 11th, 2010
4:23 pm
Could it be a day late and dollar short?
Bucky Belue hand it to Herschel
October 11th, 2010
4:25 pm
In the big picture it doesnt matter, injurys have decimated the Bravos only real chance even if they beat the Gents they wouldnt stand a chance against the Phils, go get em next year with Booby on the farm & Freddi at the helm, we will have a better shot next year, HAVE to sign either Crawford or Werth in the offseason, our outfield is a JOKE!
Bushwacker
October 11th, 2010
4:27 pm
A friend just told me Troy Glaus was a full time 3rd baseman iin thhe AL, an ALL STAR would led the league in HR’s recently?????
And we have been playing 30 yeaar old CAREER MINOR LEAGUER!!!
ARE YOU SERIOUS??????
n
October 11th, 2010
4:27 pm
Wow – Game 4 of the playoffs and fans want to talk about next year and getting some rookies up here. Will they ever enjoy the run?
Fido
October 11th, 2010
4:27 pm
The real reason Brooksy isn’t playing is because I bit him soon after he found out his wife left him last night.
JR
October 11th, 2010
4:27 pm
Head up Brooks this team still owes you a lot! Everyone has highs and lows, Braves fans are behinds you.
Phillistein
October 11th, 2010
4:28 pm
For obvious reasons I’m pulling for the Bravos in this one. If the Giants then win the next game little Timmy can’t start against the Phils. If the Braves win game 5 we’ll get Hudson. Rather face Hudson then little Timmy.
All in all…..hoping for the Braves. Those West Coast start times are for the birds.
n
October 11th, 2010
4:28 pm
Bushwacker — Yes Glaus was and was the MVP of a WS. But he isn’t as healthy now.
atljacket
October 11th, 2010
4:31 pm
I still love Conrad! ….. just more as a late inning hitter than a fielder…
heywardBLOWS
October 11th, 2010
4:31 pm
Well after this year is over our franchise looks bleak! Freeman is average, Heyward chokes in the playoffs, 5 guys to try and close and fail, and conrad….
But I will be there supporting those losers like I did in the 80’s. maybe we will get some good draft picks or make some trades. Shoot me!
Birdman
October 11th, 2010
4:31 pm
Belue, you are so right man. If they beat the Giants it only means a bigger embarrassment of getting swept by Philly. No disrespect they just dont have a very good team after injuries.
Honestly we need to hope Chipper does not try to make a comeback. His cash balance will make for a couple nice free agents. Maybe with that money, plus what we gain from Wagner retiring and Glaus, Lee, and many other pretty limited pieces coming off the books we could go after Werth and Crawford. But now I am dreaming of the Turner days, no way Liberty Media increases payroll with Bobby gone. Probably get back to rebuilding through the minors, going on the cheap until they can sale the asset.
savannahdawg
October 11th, 2010
4:33 pm
Don’t know if this will work or not but I commend Bobby for shaking things up a little bit. Moving Jason down was a good move and should have been done from the beginning. I like Glaus at third, the guy is a former stud at 3rd and can still play the bag. His mobility I’m sure is not great but he will be fine. We certainly can use his bat in the lineup. I hope this works and the Bravos put up some runs. Good luck and let’s go back to SanFran and kick “The Freak’s” butt!
Tired of losing to a pitcher who looks like he should be on a skate board!!!!!
Bushwacker
October 11th, 2010
4:33 pm
JR if the team owes CONRAD (who no doubt helped in a handful victories) alot, then what do they owe Glaus and Hinske who had over 100 rbi’s between them and helped put them 22 gamees over 500 and in first place at the all start break.
It seems to mee they did much more then raw dog.
datominator
October 11th, 2010
4:35 pm
Bobby’s gotta be betting that Glaus can handle the routine stuff and that his potential to hit will outweigh any risk in the field. I just hope he told Troy that if he feels overmatched at any point defensively to let him know early so he can get Diory in there (and that he told Sea Bass to be ready to range to his right more than he usually would). Here’s hoping Troy looks good, and Brooksy pinch hits another homer to get them to game 5.
The University of Georgia Tech
October 11th, 2010
4:35 pm
my lineup
1-infante 2b 2-gonalez ss 3-lee 1b 4-mccann c 5-heyward rf 6-ankiel cf 7-mclouth-lf 8-glaus 3b 9-lowe p
pitch hit hinskie, melky, & conrad when needed
Bushwacker
October 11th, 2010
4:35 pm
n say glaaus isn’t healthy?
All I know is he saved the game fri nite with his d, and well we all saw what raw dog can do,, .
Glaus caannot do worse that that.
Personally I ‘ll take a injured former ALL STAR and WS MVP over a overmatched 30 year old minor leaguer.
clay
October 11th, 2010
4:36 pm
you know all yall are saying you think everyone is bunting and hitting toward troy. well let them go ahead and do it then. it will force them to swing at everything and pull everything or inside out it. last time i knew that was hard to do on every pitch. they try that lowe will have 15k’s tonight. dont think its going to happen guys. maybe the leadoff hitter but not after that. in troy we trust.
Dominic
October 11th, 2010
4:36 pm
Your team sucks. Heyward – 0 for series. Buster ROY!! End it tonight Giants!
Brave Hokie
October 11th, 2010
4:37 pm
Why all the empathy from the national press for Conrad???
Yea, I blame Bobby for putting him out there, but I don’t have a tremendous amount of empathy for him:
How many minor league guys would give there left nut to have the opportunity he had this postseason??? You know a lesser player CAN step up in situations like these…
just never one with those pitiful letters B R A V E S on his chest.
Wes
October 11th, 2010
4:38 pm
Phillistein – I’m sure every Pennsylvanian transplant living here hope the Braves win the series. That way, they could attend the games without having to fly all the way back to their home state. We have plenty of them here.
Birdman
October 11th, 2010
4:39 pm
This just in, Lincecum questionable for game 5 after crashing doing a Backside 360 Kickflip at Atlanta Skatepark this afternoon. Wasn’t wearing a helmet so his locks would look so cool in the air.
James
October 11th, 2010
4:39 pm
This is how the lineup should have been in the first place. Glaus is going to be the hero in game 4.
Thomas
October 11th, 2010
4:39 pm
I feel little league errors made at MLB level is an unacceptable trait, you must bench him. 8 errors in seven games shows the lack of practice at the position and coupled with intense playoff pressure results in riding the pine.
Dominic
October 11th, 2010
4:41 pm
also, your tickets are oig for $9 on stubhub for tonight’s game. pathetic. Atlanta Braves have the worst fans in baseball. Stole the tomahawk chop from FSU. Try selling out a game.
Lost Cause
October 11th, 2010
4:44 pm
Torres first at bat, bunt down 3rd-base line. Sanchez first at bat. bunt down 3rd base line. Why not Diory at 3rd? At least he can bend over and our pitchers don’t have to try and avoid him and strain their obliques on the host of bunting we will see..
I think we see why Conrad is a good bench player and not an everyday player.
Go Braves!
varoadrunner
October 11th, 2010
4:44 pm
Someone (DOB) keeps removing my posts – I always knew he was a bad sport
Bobby
October 11th, 2010
4:44 pm
I’m hearing alot of pleas for the Braves to try to get Crawford and/or Werth. Forget about Crawford. The Yankees want him, along with Ranger pitcher Cliff Lee. And what the Yankees want, the Yankees get. Werth just switched to Scott Boras who will price him right out of the Braves price range. I would imagine a team like the Mets or Red Sox will get him. The Braves will have to try other avenues for outfielders. Colby Rasmus would look good here.
Bobby
October 11th, 2010
4:46 pm
Dominic, why the attitude? Try some bran in the morning.
DawgDad
October 11th, 2010
4:46 pm
Bobby Cox is walking away after his last game. Me, I put Conrad right back out there on second base. I look him in the eye and tell him “You want to play major league baseball next year, you trot your butt out there and do your job. We have two games to play and no one in here is quitting or hanging their heads in shame”.
FloridaStateinDC
October 11th, 2010
4:48 pm
Watch the braves score 8 runs and win 8-2 tonite….should have used this lineup from the start..glaus is fresh, and i don’t care about his knees…lee has not been an upgrade
Bushwacker
October 11th, 2010
4:49 pm
30 YEAR OLD CAREEE MINOR LEAGUER STARTING
Former ALL STAR,HR CHAMP, WORLD SERIES MVP on the bench.
PRICELESS!!!
Thanks Bobby!
James
October 11th, 2010
4:50 pm
Bobby Cox lost the game for the Braves he left Criag Kimbrel in the game too long Peter Moylan should have pitched to Freddy Sanchez.
Robert Bailey
October 11th, 2010
4:50 pm
I am laughing at all this. Conrad has helped us get to the playoffs. Yes his fielding has sucked and maybe bobby should have switched him out. But Heyward is 0-13 struckout 7 times he hasn’t helped. All year long I have heard rookie of the year for Heyward heck he has the most strikes for the Atlanta Braves he is just behind Derrick Lee.
None of the Braves deserve to be in the playoffs. We have played like crap.
And I laugh at whoever posted only if Chipper was here. He went 3-17 avg .146 in 2005
4-20 avg, 200 in 2004 and in 2003 3-18 avg .167 in the last three times we made to to playoffs
Phillistein
October 11th, 2010
4:50 pm
Wes
October 11th, 2010
4:38 pm
Phillistein – I’m sure every Pennsylvanian transplant living here hope the Braves win the series. That way, they could attend the games without having to fly all the way back to their home state. We have plenty of them here
************************************************************************************************
I hear you Wes
Hey, what’s all this anti-Heyward crap I’m hearing? So, the 21 year old Rookie who carried the Braves all year and is in his first post-season is struggling a bit.
And there are some slamming him?
Damn – what up with that?
Braves aren’t exactly overburdened with superstars. I’d be throwing rose petals at the guy’s feet.
Cut the kid some slack
Bushwacker
October 11th, 2010
4:52 pm
Great point FloridaStateinDC , Lee was not an upgrade, not was Ankiel, or bringing back McLouth.
You only make changes to a FIRST PLACE TEAM if you know you are making the team BETTER.
That did not happen.
Frank Wren should be FIRED for destroying a FIRST PLACE TEAM.
Marie
October 11th, 2010
4:53 pm
GO BRAVES – CHOP CHOP!!!!!!
Mikey
October 11th, 2010
4:53 pm
I’m having trouble with the fact that in Friday’s winning game Conrad came out in the 10th for defensive reasons, with Infante at 2nd & Glaus then Hernandez at 3rd. Turned a nice double play as I remember…….Oh that’s right Bobby got kicked out of the game in the first inning…I guess Chito Catahita gets the credit
tom
October 11th, 2010
4:54 pm
excellent decision
MS. Bully
October 11th, 2010
4:56 pm
Its about time Conrad sits the bench. He single handed helped Bobby Cox get to his retirement a little quicker. Thank goodness for his feet getting in the way or the errors would have looked a lot worse.
Abnerish
October 11th, 2010
4:56 pm
Here’s hoping we don’t play in the bottom of the 9th!!
Bryan
October 11th, 2010
4:56 pm
Im prob the biggest braves fan ever but glaus it 3rd might even be worse I have the baseball package and have watched every game he can’t move his legs are soo bad it might cost us to have him at 3rd.
Do Work
October 11th, 2010
4:57 pm
Hope Diaz gets some hits….wouldn’t mind seeing big Glaus go deep. Lets get a W.
Birdman
October 11th, 2010
4:57 pm
Agreed that Frank Wren pulled all the wrong moves. Ankiel, Lee? Both were throw away parts from Cubs and Cards. Lets try every outcast in hopes one sticks, nice plan. God forbid we give it a real shot for Bobby’s going away. I bet he’d trade that painting, cruise, number 6 retirement and all those bad speeches for a real hitter in this lineup. Phillie gets Oswalt we get Farnworth. Frank Wren has more errors than Conrad.
Realist
October 11th, 2010
4:58 pm
Heyward = Frenchy= BUST! The scouts found the hole in Heyward’s swing in June. Bust him inside with the hard stuff because the first move in his swing carries his upper body into home plate, and thus he can’t get around on inside heat. With two strikes he’s inside conscience, and he’ll swing at every junk breaking ball that starts in the zone and ends up in the dirt. Until he gets that fixed, assuming he can, he’s toast, especially against good left-handers.
JeanE
October 11th, 2010
4:59 pm
This is going to sound nuts: but I like this lineup! Based on what we have to work with, I like it. If Brooks comes up to pinch hit in this game, I only want to hear cheers people!! We still love you, Brooksie and won’t forget all you’ve meant to this team. Win as a team, lose as a team. Kick some a**!! Go Braves!!!
Flo-Ri-Duh!
October 11th, 2010
4:59 pm
It looks like the Braves could call up a decent 3rd baseman from the farm team. It doesn’t make sense that they don’t have someone that is better defensively than an injured Troy Glaus.
Birdman
October 11th, 2010
5:01 pm
I’ll take my chances Heyward figures out an adjustment. As for the rest of the lineup, McCann and Prado are the only 2 that should have guaranteed spot next year. We need atleast 4 new faces in the mix.
mark bradley's 70's fro and mustache
October 11th, 2010
5:02 pm
Bird Man, ankiel hit the HR in game two to win it. In the playoffs you just need wins. It can be from anyone on the team that wins it.
truthspitter
October 11th, 2010
5:02 pm
A day late and a dollar short
DawgDad
October 11th, 2010
5:02 pm
Robert Bailey:
Heyward did not strike out in the ninth last night – he was CALLED out on a pitch six inches or more off the plate. That umpire is either doing his best Eric Gregg imitation or he’s on the take, and I’m not convinced there’s any difference. He was squeezing Hudson all night and giving Sanchez anything with a foot of the plate.
Petro1989
October 11th, 2010
5:03 pm
Braves have no business to still be playing. I feel sorry for Atlanta and Giant fans to have to sit through this backed up toilet of a series.
Phillistein
October 11th, 2010
5:05 pm
ESPN usually gives a percentage pick as to who the favorite is in a game.
Tonight’s game 50/50…..even money
Have never seen that
Robert Bailey
October 11th, 2010
5:05 pm
Heyward went down looking he had been doing it all night. The umpire was calling that strike all night long. Heyward was getting made at every strike.
JeanE
October 11th, 2010
5:07 pm
Who said there was another option at 3rd, there isn’t. Hinske hasn’t played there in forever and is more valuable as a PH off the bench. If anybody struggles and isn’t hitting after a few AB’s they will probably be replaced, it’s all or nothing tonight. And I’m starting to really hate the Freak, he annoys me, get the Giants, Braves!!!
Angel
October 11th, 2010
5:11 pm
Churchy @ 3:29 pm: … and hernandez can bunt too… He can go 0-12 (J-Hey anyone???) No harm, no foul as long as he does not make any errors.
Look at the results of the 2 losses… if we catch, we win…
siskel_god
October 11th, 2010
5:18 pm
Diory must be sleeping with Mrs. Cox.
bigguy
October 11th, 2010
5:23 pm
I hope Conrad can step in and be the hero tonight.
Thomas
October 11th, 2010
5:24 pm
Paul Emmel, was home plate umpire in game 3, 1st base umpire in game 2 and 2nd base umpire in game 1. At every base he’s umpired controversial calls. Replay should be used in playoff series not only to get the call right but also question the integrity of the caller. Paul Emmel could be earning more than just umpires pay.
hooters girl
October 11th, 2010
5:25 pm
Even if we win tonight HOW are we going to beat the “Freak” in game 5? I wish he would have hurt his hand high fiving last night!
scottbravesfan
October 11th, 2010
5:28 pm
Like the new lineup and it should have been implemented once Prado got hurt. Might be too late now. Especially with the 12 year old starting game 5 if necessary.
TORPEDO
October 11th, 2010
5:33 pm
WHY IS HEYWARD NOT BEING BENCED AT LEAST FOR A GAME? HE IS NOT TAKING THE PRESSURE WELL, HE NEEDS A DAY OFF!!!!!!! HE IS 0 FOR 12 WITH 1 WALK AND 7KS!!!I REPEAT 7 K’S HE IS STRIKING OUT 60% OF THE TIME AND FLYING OUT TO LEFT FIELD THE REST….
Teloga
October 11th, 2010
5:34 pm
Glaus at third, you people have been screaming for it. I personally disagree but I hope it works out.
count_schemula
October 11th, 2010
5:40 pm
Glaus is in there for whatever bat he can provide. As far as being hobbled, Conrad was not an option, he’s just too freaked out right now. Diory will be at 3rd by the 7th inning
ray k.
October 11th, 2010
5:45 pm
How about this: Braves down by two with two outs, 9th inning: Glaus hits a dribbler towards the hole that he determinedly beats out on his painful knees in slow motion a la Jake Taylor in Major League, Ankiel walks (bear with me), and then Conrad comes to the plate as a pinch hitter, and on a full count, sends one over the wall in left center…
Darryl Blackberry
October 11th, 2010
5:46 pm
What a bizarre season it’s been. And, if this is indeed the final game the Braves will play in 2010, what a bizarre finish it will have been! Glaus at third, D-Lee at first, Ankiel in center, Kimbrel closing, and Derek Lowe as our ace pitcher — not one of us could have seen this coming. Even fans who have been heartbroken and disappointed in the Braves’ state of play recently have to watch this game for the train-wreck factor, right?
old brave, retired
October 11th, 2010
5:46 pm
My lineup would have Diory Hernandez at third base. All he did was hit .300 at Triple A. The Giants will play small ball down 3rd base all day long with Glaus in there. Whatever, I don’t think we would do much against Phillie but at least we would be there. Makes me sick to lose that game last night. Even though the Falcons, Dogs, and Tech won, a Bravos victory would have been sweet.
Hector Diaz
October 11th, 2010
5:47 pm
I got to Turner at 2:30 pm for the 4:37 start and thought for sure that Glaus was going to be at third. Well Bobby’s excess loyalty might have cost us the series. Conrad is mentally damaged, the error in the first was elementary and mental, the runner slowed to force him to go to second and avoid the double play, his play is to field and then go to second if runner had not crossed him or to first, a tag and to first doesn’t happen in the majors often. The last error in the 9th was also elementary, all he had to do is go down filed it or block it and go to either base, no he stood up and let the ball play him. I feel bad for Conrad, Bobby and us the fans! Hector
Alex The Great
October 11th, 2010
5:50 pm
LOL! Good ole Bobby. Nothing like changing a pitcher a pitch too late or the lineup a game too late.
Can’t wait to see his senile butt outtta here.
Joe
October 11th, 2010
5:52 pm
Just let Kimbrel freaking finish it Cox!!!!
gazebo
October 11th, 2010
5:55 pm
FIRE BOBBY COX!!
Matt
October 11th, 2010
5:58 pm
Hope this shakeup isn’t too late!
GO BRAVES!!!!
Nate McLouth
October 11th, 2010
5:58 pm
Why is Heyward in the lineup? He is worse than me at hitting. That dude sucks! Put me in coach, I’m ready to play, today!
Bravos1
October 11th, 2010
6:01 pm
The hitting has been so poor in the first 3 games I don’t see why it matters where he puts heyward and diaz in their. I say just draw names out of a hat and let them play
Bushwacker
October 11th, 2010
6:04 pm
Dont get me wrong, I dont mean to hate on raw dog.
But honestly , 30 tr old career minor leaguer OR former American League HR champion, former All STAR, not to mention WORLD SERIES MVP????
Come on now,honestly who should playing.
I still love the DOG, and I hope he gets a chance Weds Night to do what he does best, hit a LATE INNING PINCH HIT GRAND SLAM!
fan for life
October 11th, 2010
6:04 pm
@ richham. Check your facts Conrad had made 8 total errors for the entire season.3 of which came in the last couple games. Pretty sure he didn’t make all of those after the all star break. Yes he has had a lot of errors in the last week and a half. But this is actually very uncharacteristic of him. In all of his years in the minors he never made more than 22 errors in a season in which he played everyday. And that was a high for him that season the rest were in the teens which is pretty common for a middle infielder. Just thought you should know.
Bushwacker
October 11th, 2010
6:10 pm
Dont get me wrong, not hating on Raw Gog.
But honestly,
30 yr old career minor leaguer
OR
Former american league HR king, former ALL STAR, former WORLD SERIES MVP?
8 errors
or
game saving 10th inning dp
Honestly, who should be playing?
But I still love the DOG and I hope he gets a chance WEDS NIGHT to do what he does best, hit a LATE INNING GRAND SLAM.
Lets unload A CAN tonight then go spank the little girl Weds.
Honestly
Braves Fan Since "80
October 11th, 2010
6:15 pm
What difference does the lineup make…… 3 hits will not a win make….. Let’s see if Glaus and Gonzales get to anything…. Glaus is “Chipper like” at third great instincts no movement….. Chipper hurt his knee making a routine play but he had to jump to get to the play……..
Braves Fan Since "80
October 11th, 2010
6:19 pm
fan for life …. Conrad did not play very much in the first half….. he played defense in 29 nine games and had 8 errors….. dude is a dud
Bushwacker
October 11th, 2010
6:21 pm
Sorry for the duplicate I had a procedure today.
LAG
October 11th, 2010
6:27 pm
I like the lineup.
Kev Kat
October 11th, 2010
6:27 pm
Glad to hear of move regarding Conrad…but it may have come a game too late.
Lobosolo
October 11th, 2010
6:27 pm
Willing to bet a dollar to a doughnut that not one of you jerk-fans-armchair-managers could hit 80 mph straight fastballs in a batting cage… such experts you all think you are… What is your function, pseudo fans??? why are you here???
C’mon Bravos!!! You’ve OVER-ACHIEVED ALL YEAR LONG!!!! Keep it up and don’t mind the idiots on these threads…
Joe
October 11th, 2010
6:30 pm
OK, play 3 infielders and a short fielder… really….uc ….. them up…. SS -3rd. shortfielder in right, when right handed batter, lefty, 2nd, short fielder in left.., 1st….
secret seminole
October 11th, 2010
6:32 pm
Diaz in the 2 hole will work tonight, plus his wife is hot!
Braves808
October 11th, 2010
6:49 pm
so this should have been done a week ago, and yet we’re doing it on the last day of the season if we don’t win? damn this is irritating.
tha hitting fool
October 11th, 2010
6:51 pm
Go MattE GO !!!!!!
Old Fashioned
October 11th, 2010
6:56 pm
Why isn’t Terry Pendleton able to help Jason deal with the heater on the inside? What good is a hitting coach who can’t help hitters?
jed
October 11th, 2010
7:24 pm
i’d have just played diory at 3b and banked on defense while hoping he could get a walk and/or bunt his way on. i’m a little surprised he’s going with glaus. we’ll see how mobile he is tonight, and that’ll answer a lot of questions concerning bobby’s strategy since prado went down. sure would be nice to see something good happen for conrad tonight.
Larry in SC
October 11th, 2010
7:35 pm
richham …On your 3:16…a big ef u…
Andrew
October 11th, 2010
8:44 pm
wayta go infante…nice hustle…braves on the board!
Eric C.
October 11th, 2010
10:48 pm
DOB, thanks for a great season of covering the Braves…it was really a blast this year, just wish it could have gone a little longer