Braves Opening Day: The Fredi G. Era begins
WASHINGTON – Pete Rose once said of Opening Day, “It’s like Christmas, except it’s warmer.”
Pete Rose dove into Opening Day.
And he was right. Except it’s not warmer today here in D.C. It’s about 40 degrees with a light rain as your Bravos prepare to start a new era under manager Fredi Gonzalez.
Fans are pouring into Nationals Park and the red, white and blue bunting is affixed to the facades of each seating deck. It’s cold and miserable, but it’s Opening Day, and that’s all we care about here.
Bobby Cox passed him the baton in October. Today, Fredi Gonzlez runs with it.
It’s the beginning of the long, winding road, the great, uncharitable annual journey that for most of us – you, me, the players, coaches and manager – is the season that everything else revolves around. The baseball season.
By the way, guess who’s not wearing long sleeves? No, not your Crusading Everyman. I’m rocking a sweater and waterproof boots. (Only one scribe forgot we were no longer in Florida, and Mark Bowman concedes his sockless feet are quite chilly in those loafers he’s wearing.)
(Speaking of dressed for the weather, Braves CEO Terry McGuirk, ever the preppy millionaire, is sporting the Maine duck boots, high-top version, with his blazer, overcoat and slacks.)
So did you guess on who’s got the bare arms today? Hint: They are large.
The Green Bay Packer-mentality belongs to the guy you might not suspect, the import from the Florida Marlins, the slugging fireplug second baseman: Dan Uggla. Dude walked past me in the dugout while ago wearing just his short-sleeved Braves batting-practice jersey, while the rest of the squad has got the high-tech undergarments going.
Also, Fredi’s 18-year-old son, Alex Gonzalez, the West Georgia-bound lineman, was wearing a Braves hoodie and shorts down in the dugout earlier. A Braves trainer looked at his bare legs and said, ‘We’ve got to get you some britches. It’s too cold for that.”
I can assure you, this nasty weather has done nothing to dampen – pardon the pun – the excitement of the Braves, who believe to a man that this team is good enough to unseat the Phillies and return to the perch atop the NL East that belonged to the Braves for a decade and a half of the Bobby Cox Era.
And this year, they’re not alone in that thinking. Which could be alarming, for those of you who are like I am with my Jayhawks, and hate it when your team suddenly moves from being picked to win by one writer — Bob Nightengale had them going to the World Series last year — to being the trendy pick by so many in the media to win the division.
Check out the panel of pundits at ESPN.com, and you’ll see the Braves picked by nearly half of them to win the division. And they are not alone. Across the blogosphere and Twitter nation, more and more have jumped on the bandwagon and picked the Braves to unseat the injury-plagued Phillies, who got old quickly.
Lowe will try to win his third consecutive Braves Opening Day start.
Well, I’ll just say that as long as the Phillies keep those four guys atop their rotation healthy, injuries to Chase Utley and Brad Lidge aren’t enough to render that a .500 team. Those Phillies are still going to win 90-plus games if those four aces are healthy.
But so will the Braves, in my opinon. Yes, they led the world in dramatic wins last year, and you might say that’s bound to even out. They also replaced retired Billy Wagner, after one of his finest seasons, with a pair of kids, Jonny Venters and rookie Craig Kimbrel.
Still, you can’t underestimate what it means to add a right-handed 30-homer hitter to a lineup that didn’t have anything that resembled that a year ago. Uggla is a huge addition, and I’ll predict that his defense won’t cost the Braves one-tenth of the number of games his power will help them win.
♣ Without further ado, my picks. Fortunately I wasn’t asked to pick division winners and pennant winners before spring training this year, because there would’ve had a couple of differences in what I have now. So, here’s my bet-the-mortgage picks (seeing that so many mortgages aren’t worth much these days…)
Division winners
NL East: Braves, NL Central: Reds, NL West: Giants. Wild card: Phillies.
AL East: Red Sox, AL Central: White Sox (call me crazy), AL West: Rangers. Wild card: Yankees.
Pennant winners: Braves, Red Sox.
World Series winner: Red Sox.
Yes, BoSox and Bravos in the World Series.
♣ Call from Cox: Speaking of Bobby Cox, his called his friend Fredi G. this morning, and knew exactly when to call, too.
“He was having coffee, and called to wish us and the coaching staff good luck and to have a good season,” Gonzalez said. And he said he’d be watching the game.”
When did Cox call? Gonzalez smiled.
“He knows the schedule, so when he called he said, ‘Are you guys getting out of the cab.’ I said, we’re right around the corner from the stadium. [Fredi laughs]. So we talked for a little bit.”
♣ Congressional proposal: Gonzalez said he thinks there should be a national holiday for Opening Day, and I think he was serious about that part. No school for the day, all that.
Then he smiled and added, “I might go over there tomorrow if Congress is in session, and we’ll try to pass a bill, in the spirit of being in the nation’s capital. You think they’ll let me in, give me five minutes? I don’t even need five minutes.”
♣ Same city, different uni: Fredi’s major league debut as manager also came in D.C., in 2007 when he was with the Marlins. That game was at decrepit old RFK Stadium, where Florida faced the Nationals and manager Manny Acta, the first major league game that featured two managers of Cuban descent.
The Marlins and Dontrelle Willis won that game, 9-2.
♣ Five starters, zero winning records: Glancing at the Nationals’ starting rotation, you may have noticed it’s not very good without Stephen Strasburg, who’s recovering from Tommy John surgery. (It’s not great with him, but it’s really bad without him.)
The Nats’ starting rotation does not include any pitcher with a winning record in 2010. Not that wins and losses are the best measure of a pitcher, but four losing records and a .500 record from the five members of a starting roation? Yikes.
Lefty John Lannan was 8-8 with a 4.65 ERA in 2010, and here’s what the others did: Livan Hernandez (10-12, 3.66), Jason Marquis (2-9, 6.60), Jordan Zimmerman (1-2, 4.94) and lefty Tom Gorzelanny (7-9, 4.09).
♣ He shall be Livan: The Braves get old friend Livan today, who’s pitched a lot better against them lately than he did for most of his career. In fact, he’s pitched against them lately like he once did only in the postseason.
Back when he was a Marlin and then a Giant, Hernandez went 3-0 with a 1.89 ERA in three postseason games (two starts) against the Braves.
After going 3-15 with a 5.52 ERA in his first 25 regular-season games (24 starts) against the Braves, Hernandez is 4-1 with a 2.72 ERA in eight starts against them over the past two seasons.
“You know it’s a tough at-bat, because he’s going to mix pitches, he’s not going to give in,” Gonzalez said of Hernandez, another Cuban who started out in the Marlins system. “If you score four runs early, he’s still going to stay out there seven innings and throw 130 pitches and keep his team in the game. He’s a tough cookie to try to figure out offensively. Fields his position as well as anybody, swings the bat — he does a lot of things to help himself win games.
“He’s not out blowing 98 [mph] fastballs. It’s 85 mph, but he knows how to command it, takes stuff off all his pitches. He may throw you a hard curveball, then a [big, slow] curveball. He’s just tough to figure out. And at the end of the year he’ll have 200-plus innings.
“You score four runs early and figure you’ll know him out of the game, and the next thing you know it’s the eighth inning and he’s still out there.
Braves pitchers won’t have to contend with Adam Dunn anymore in the Nationals lineup. The former Washington Monument-sized first baseman/outfielder has 21 homers and a .536 slugging percentage in 83 games against the Braves. He’s safely tucked away in the other league now, after signing with the White Sox as a free agent.
His replacement is a familiar face, Ol’ Rochy. Yes, Adam LaRoche, the amiable former Braves first baseman, is playing for his fourth or fifth (we lost count) team in three years.
LaRoche is also playing with a tear in the labrum of his left (throwing) shoulder. He had a cortisone shot a week ago and didn’t play for four days until returning to the lineup Tiuesday.
By the way, LaRoche has averaged 25 homers and 87 RBIs over the past six seasons.
Braves Opening Day lineup
- Prado LF
- McLouth CF
- Jones 3B
- McCann C
- Uggla 2B
- Heyward RF
- Gonzalez SS
- Freeman 1B
- Lowe RH
Nationals Opening Day lineup
- Desmond SS
- Werth RF
- Zimmerman 3B
Former Phillies slugger Werth is batting second for Nats.
- LaRoche 1B
- Morse LF
- Ankiel LF
- Espinosa 2B
- Rodriguez C
- Hernandez RHP
♣ Power-sapping Nationals: It hasn’t seemed to matter much lately whom the Nationals have pitched against the Braves, because even some lesser lights have tended to subdue some of the Braves’ best hitters.
Chipper Jones and Brian McCann have been notably powerless against Washington pitching for some time.
In his past 30 games against the Nationals, going back to Sept. 5, 2008, Chipper’s slugging percentage (.381) is the same as his on-base percentage. He has only one homer in 113 at-bats in those games, and the Braves have a 15-15 record in those 30 games (he’s missed nine games against the Nationals in that time, and the Braves were 4-5 in those).
Over that same period, McCann has hit .233 with one homer in 116 at-bats against the Nationals, with a higher OBP (.331) than slugging percentage (.319).
Even Braves newbie Dan Uggla has had a recent power drought against the Nationals, with one homer in 63 at-bats over his past 17 games against them. However, in his previous 64 career games against the Nationals, the ex-Marlin did plenty of damage: 13 homers, .533 slugging percentage and .918 OPS in 244 at-bats.
♣ Baseball art from rocker: Some of you like the Texas rock band Centro-Matic as much as I do. But did you realize band leader Will Johnson is a huge baseball fan? Well, he is. He’s also a painter, and combines those two loves to produce some really cool folk art that features ballplayers, mostly from the ‘70s. Check it out here: http://www.willjohnsonart.com/
Spring-training tuneage: Since we got rained out on that last day in Florida and I didn’t have time to write one last blog from Dark Star, we didn’t get the share the annual list of Best CDs of Spring Training, or “How I Kept My Sanity While Driving Untold Hours Across The Radio Wastelands of Central and South Florida.”
For anyone who cares, it was a list topped by three CDs: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit’s upcoming release Here We Rest (out April 12), Todd Snider’s live album The Storyteller, and Grinderman’s second CD, appropriately named Grinderman II.
The rest of the list, in no particular order: Bad Religion’s The Dissent of Man, Lucinda Williams’ Blessed, Social Distortion’s Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, Bob Dylan’s The Witmark Demos: 1962-1964, Jamey Johnson’s The Guitar Song, Joe Pug’s Nation Of Heat EP (purchased at the Joe Pug/Josh Ritter show in Athens in middle of spring training), Merle Haggard’s remastered Mama Tried/Pride In What I Am, The Coup’s Party Music (one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever recorded), The Twilight Singers’ recent release Dynamite Steps, the Swans’ My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky, The Decemberists The King Is Dead, Middle Brother’s self-titled new release, Elizabeth Cook’s Welder, Big Boi’s Sir Lucious Left Foot, P.J. Harvey’s great new CD Let England Shake, Drive-By Truckers’ Go-Go Boots, Jimi Hendrix’ sensational boxed set West Coast Seattle Boy, No Age’s Everything In Between, Notorious B.I.G.’s Greatest Hits, Johnny Cash’s Bootleg Vol. II: Memphis to Hollywood, The Baseball Project’s second CD, Elvis Presley’s remastered From Elvis In Memphis, and Raekwon’s Shaolin vs. the Wu-Tang.
Whew.
I’m not actually sure if there are radio stations anymore in Central Florida. I didn’t check.
By the way, you heard it here first: My girl Elizabeth Cook will be singing the national anthem before the Braves’ home opener. Tip of the cap to the Braves for making that happen.
OK, let’s wrap this up and post it so you have time to read it prior to the first pitch.
♣ Speaking of the Phillies and their infamous fans (we were speaking of them, right?), check out this tune about one of them many they booed, from Chuck Brodsky, who has a lot of songs about baseball among the many great ones he’s penned. Wish I could’ve seen his show at Eddie Attic in Decatur on Wednesday night. You can hear him sing it on this video.
“LETTERS IN THE DIRT” by Chuck Brodsky
Me & you, we never booed Richie Allen – I never understood why people did
He hit a homer every time he stepped up to the plate – that’s what I remember as a kid
Richie in the field out there by first base – the target of some mighty foul words
With his shoes he’d scrawl between the pitched – “B-O-O” in great big letters in the dirt
Philly fans, they’ve been known to get nasty
When Joe must go, they’ll run him out of town
I saw Santa get hit by a snowball
And then get hit again when he was down
Me & you, we never booed Richie Allen – even if he did sometimes strike out
I was too young to read the papers – to know what all that booing was about
That big collapse of ‘64 was ugly – they blew a lead of 6 & 1/2 games with 12 to play
Some might say their fans were justifiably angry – World Series tickets printed up in vain
Philly fans, they’ve been known to get nasty
When Joe must go, they’ll run him out of town
I saw Santa get hit by a snowball
And then get hit again when he was down
This was before the days of the million dollar contracts – before the days of the artificial grass
He stood a bit outside the lines which made him fair game for those times – Richie Allen never kissed a white man’s a**
Me & you, we never booed Richie Allen – we’d pound our mitts & we’d yell, “We want a hit”
How could they call a guy a bum after he’d just hit a home run? That didn’t make any sense to a kid
Now I’ve since found out all these days later – now I know alot more than I did
And if back then you knew, Daddy, why all those other people booed…
Thanks for letting me have my heroes as a kid
3,332 comments Add your comment
Hillbilly
March 31st, 2011
12:49 pm
I will bring you buckets of mercy…
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
12:51 pm
DOB-
You already pulled a Conrad buddy….you have 2 LF’s in there
Boonie27
March 31st, 2011
12:51 pm
Ahhhh finally baseball season again…..
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
12:51 pm
YES!!!!!!
As Rock would say……
Finally………
Finally………….
Finally, The Season Has Come Back!!!!!!!!!
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
12:52 pm
Jeffrey d-
If anything, Werth has to spear somebody….
If those of you who watch wrestling know what I am talking about, he bears a resemblance to the Rated R Superstar
WV Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
12:52 pm
Hooray for Opening Day. Play ball!
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
12:52 pm
BFC-
FINALLY
THE BRAVES HAVE COME BACK TO BASE-BALL!
Kat
March 31st, 2011
12:53 pm
I must be physic. I’m at work decided to plop over to AJC to see if David posted a new blog posted and whala. That or it’s 10mins away from the first pitch and logically one would be posted.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
12:53 pm
P-Town Brave ©
Werth to Utley is was Edge was to Matt Hardy
tristan
March 31st, 2011
12:54 pm
Did anyone remind the Nats that rain is looming? Get the show on the road
Efrim
March 31st, 2011
12:54 pm
DOB, I don’t think the White Sox pick is crazy at all. Best roster 1-25 in that division, even without Jake Peavy. Great blog and great work as always.
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
12:54 pm
Why does the countdown clock still showing over an hour left until opening day?
tristan
March 31st, 2011
12:55 pm
Call me “out of the loop” but where is Kawakami at for opening day? Not being sarcastic, just didn’t want to google it.
Trey
March 31st, 2011
12:55 pm
Play ball!!!!
Gone Viral
March 31st, 2011
12:55 pm
Let it begin! LET IT BEGIN!!!
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
12:55 pm
5 minutes more and I may run naked on the street. OPENING DAY
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
12:56 pm
WTF…
My MLB app won’t play the Braves audio feed and it says that MLB is doing a .TV preview yet its telling me I need an account…
WTF is going on with the app?!
HornLeg HornFog
March 31st, 2011
12:56 pm
Wow, Jason Werth batting in the #2 spot of the order for the Nationals? I didnt expect to see that.
Meanwhile, Heyward is batting 6th for us, lol.
SWFL Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
12:57 pm
Anybody know if there is anywhere we can listen to the game for free today seeing that it is opening day?
rob from sc
March 31st, 2011
12:57 pm
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
12:49 pm
Rob-
BP bought it and I am considering…
But with Tiger 12 coming out w/ The Masters this year, already getting Mortal Kombat in 3 weeks, and softball fees needing paid in a couple weeks, I may hold off a bit.
I am thinking about buying it too
McFann Ô Ô
March 31st, 2011
12:57 pm
It’s ab-b-bout to start!
tristan
March 31st, 2011
12:57 pm
Directv free MLB for like ten days
jeffrey d
March 31st, 2011
12:57 pm
Thanks for the blog, DOB.
How are all you guys getting to watch the game? Are we not stuck at work?? I have to watch GameTracker
CB
March 31st, 2011
12:58 pm
Life is good. My Braves are back!
Ashlee
March 31st, 2011
12:58 pm
DOB, will you marry me?
Matt
March 31st, 2011
12:58 pm
Happy Opening Day everyone. Glad this appears to be a go as I skipped 2 classes for it!
The beautiful marathon. Grueling and tedious at times. And yet so rewarding for those who stick with it, day after day. I’m not really even talking about the players getting paid big bucks to do this for a living, either.
I mean you all. And me. All of us in the booths, the pressboxes, the box seats and nosebleeds, in front of TVs or listening to radios. This is so much of what we’re about, isn’t it? For better or worse, and I sure like to think for better.
Nothing else compares. No other sport is even remotely similar to the epic nature of baseball. The thick, complex novel that is a baseball season. Sure, it can be enjoyed in bits and pieces, with a good series here or an exciting game there. But being there for every game, turning every page at the pace it was meant to be turned, that’s where baseball gives us the most satisfaction.
And that, of couse, is also why it’s fallen out of favor with a big segment of the population over the last few decades. Because these days, some don’t think it’s worth taking the time to appreciate and enjoy any leisure activity that moves at such a relatively slow pace for nine innings, much less for 162 games of nine innings apiece.
Then again, this isn’t really a leisure activity anyway, right? This is baseball, man. This is for the serious sports fan. The thinking sports fan.
-Our one and only DOB
Thanks for everything Dave, looking forward to the season.
Kane337
March 31st, 2011
12:58 pm
What radio station will the Braves game be on? I’m at work and want to listen in.
rob from sc
March 31st, 2011
12:58 pm
MLB APP is not playing either
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
12:58 pm
Anyone else’s MLB11 App screwing up?!
DHD
March 31st, 2011
12:59 pm
Here we go Braves, here we go!!!
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
12:59 pm
I AM PUMPED!!!!!!!!! LETS GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!
Jay Dubu
March 31st, 2011
12:59 pm
Where can I listen to the game over the internet?
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
1:00 pm
P-T, my mlb.tv is doing just fine.
jeffrey d
March 31st, 2011
1:00 pm
I wonder how many exclamation points will be on the first 2 pages
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
1:00 pm
LET’S GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
1:00 pm
the radio MLB11 app for the iphone is working for me
jeffrey d
March 31st, 2011
1:00 pm
Ron in Vegas
March 31st, 2011
1:00 pm
Found this on-line link for all of us out of towners who would like to listen to the game http://www.ustream.tv/channel/1570-wcle-am-Cleveland,-tennessee
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:01 pm
I have Nats feed, but I’m fine with it, I get to see the game
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:01 pm
The off-season is too damn long.
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:02 pm
“I wonder how many exclamation points will be on the first 2 pages”
You should count ‘em all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bruce
March 31st, 2011
1:02 pm
opening daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, opening blooooooooooooooooooooog
have at it.
tristan
March 31st, 2011
1:02 pm
BF, at least Dibble isn’t there!!
Kane337
March 31st, 2011
1:03 pm
Which local Atlanta radio station is the game on?
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
1:03 pm
If I stop typing, my fingers have frozen.
A Nationals official, in his infinite wisdom, decided to open the pressbox windows. It’s 40 degrees!
Bill
March 31st, 2011
1:03 pm
Opening Day with Fredi and The Braves with All-Star cast…Go Braves.
Great blog DOB.
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
1:03 pm
I am so happy right now. people at work keep asking me why i’m smiling so much today
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:04 pm
How craptastic of them…
There apparently was an update that I did not know about…
It better load fast is all I can say!! And it BETTER work!
Smitty
March 31st, 2011
1:04 pm
Great blog DOB! ANYONE READY FOR SOME BASEBALL???
LETS GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:04 pm
Kane337-
Try 680AM
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:05 pm
What better way to start off a season than with
Marteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen!
LEGO!
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:05 pm
tristan
Touche. I can watch Nats feed in peace this season
sportsmandh
March 31st, 2011
1:06 pm
DOB,
do you like the season starting a little earlier than normal?
A Deployed Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
1:06 pm
I would appreciate a good PBP. They are not showing the game on USS Kearsarge in the Med.
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
1:06 pm
anyone playing beat the streak? my pick is chipper today
RHR
March 31st, 2011
1:07 pm
1 – Christmas Eve
2 – Black Friday
3 – OPENING DAY!!!
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:07 pm
Too bad about Barry Zito. I hope he has a speedy recovery.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/Giants-pitcher-Zito-involved-in-car-crash-033111?GT1=39002
Brandon
March 31st, 2011
1:07 pm
Dang Ron in Vegas i saw your link right after i paid 14.99 for the mlb app on my phone, oh well it will come in handy this season
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:07 pm
DBF-
I can get the PbP to you til 1CT and then someone else will have to take over when I go to lunch…
Thank you for your service!
RHR
March 31st, 2011
1:08 pm
I don’t like the cold weather. Our boys play better when its hot. Opening day should always be held in the warmer cities, like the super bowl.
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
1:08 pm
Hello, everyone. Long time, no comment. Go Braves in 2011.
Josh H
March 31st, 2011
1:08 pm
I was having issues connecting to the MLB.com Iphone app over AT&T 3G. Switching to Wifi got it working.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:08 pm
Shmoe-
This Beat the Streak thing…I’ve heard of it, but can you explain a bit?
laura
March 31st, 2011
1:08 pm
YAY!! Opening Day
LWB
March 31st, 2011
1:09 pm
When are they going to redraw the freakin MLB coverage areas? I live in southern NC and pay for MLBtv and the games in Washington and Baltimore are always blacked out. They aren’t on local tv so…
bravos
March 31st, 2011
1:09 pm
what time is the 1st pitch scheduled?
Brava
March 31st, 2011
1:09 pm
LET’S GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:09 pm
BTW, anyone who has the MLB11 App…FREE this week is MLB.tv so you can watch….and they’re using the Braves feed today
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
1:09 pm
Who’s doing play-by-play today?
Couch Tater
March 31st, 2011
1:09 pm
Go Get’m Braves!
tristan
March 31st, 2011
1:09 pm
RHR- or in domes
Bat Masterson
March 31st, 2011
1:09 pm
SWFL Braves Fan _
Radio link
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/1570-wcle-am-cleveland,-tennessee
DiamondbackMac
March 31st, 2011
1:10 pm
LET’S PLAY BALL!!!!!!!!
WV Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
1:10 pm
Thanks, Ron in Vegas at 1:00. The game is available over the internet (at least here) at:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/1570-wcle-am-cleveland%2C-tennessee
Let’s swat some Nats.
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
1:11 pm
I’m off today and didn’t even ask for it. Amazing.
Seems like the local club is getting hyped by plenty of people, eh? Fredi’s got a lot to live up to. We’ll see if he and his club can make it happen.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:11 pm
wheelz – I can, if needed…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:11 pm
Season has started!!!!!!!
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
1:11 pm
LET’S GO BRAVES!!!
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
1:11 pm
ptown
on mlb.com, if you correctly choose 56 consecutive players to get a hit on 56 consecutive days, you win 5.6million
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:11 pm
1st pitch 1:11 ET
And the baseball season is underway
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:11 pm
Lets go Braves!!!!!!!!!
Mitchie-san
March 31st, 2011
1:11 pm
Im furious. For some reason MLB.tv doesnt Work on my CPU at work anymore! Just a blank screen!!!!
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:12 pm
Prado quickly behind the count 0-2 on 2 called strikes
Jamie
March 31st, 2011
1:12 pm
Whoohooo
http://forums.throughthefencebaseball.com/index.php
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
1:12 pm
nats fans cheerin because this is the best game of their season
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:12 pm
Mitchie-
Try updating your flash player software
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:12 pm
Marteeen bounces slowly to the pitcher on an 2-2 pitch…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:12 pm
An excuse me swing by Prado.
Bat Masterson
March 31st, 2011
1:13 pm
Opening day blog, good work as always, thanks DOB.
Ha Ha Go!!! Braves!!!
High Hopes!!
WooHoo!
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:13 pm
Prado evens the count at 2-2 and then taps an excuse me out in front and is thrown out by Livan easily at 1b
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
1:13 pm
prado ground out 1 down
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:13 pm
Nate flies out to left…
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:13 pm
A pop fly by McLouth.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:13 pm
VJ-
Do you wanna let me have this or do you wanna take over?
AZ Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
1:13 pm
Aaargh! Cox Cable Phoenix BLOWS! I’ve had the Extra Innings package for 4 years now, and EVERY year on opening day there is some sort of “technical” issue. This year, the only MLB channel that isn’t working is, wait for it, the Braves game! Sure, I’ve escalated it. I’m sure they’ll get it fixed about 5pm.
Oh well, I guess there are 161 *other* Braves games to watch….
Go Braves!
abwright
March 31st, 2011
1:13 pm
Prado dribbles to an infielder to make the first out of the Braves 2011 baseball season.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:13 pm
McLouth pops out to Michael Morse.
Smitty
March 31st, 2011
1:13 pm
Nice to see MCLOUTH being aggressive, to bad it results in a fly out
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
1:14 pm
nate flies out 2 down
abwright
March 31st, 2011
1:14 pm
McLouth flies out for the second out.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:14 pm
Would like to see Nate try and hit that one back up the box though…
Fredi's Fu Manchu
March 31st, 2011
1:14 pm
Here we go w/ Nate ……. sheesh.
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
1:14 pm
That’s alright. Let’s go Chipper.
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:15 pm
Too bad the Braves wear the blue away jerseys and not the gray ones.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:15 pm
Livan’s method-
Slow,
Slower,
Slowest
Blah
March 31st, 2011
1:15 pm
what a surprise. nate ez out. time for chipper to strike out too. idiots who think this team will do anything.
phillies win the division by 10
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:15 pm
Chipper laces a double on a full count…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:15 pm
Chipper gets a double!!!!!!!!
tristan
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
I am Mr Pessimist and you guys are bumming ME out, geez
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
Chipper doubles to RF corner on 3-2 pitch with 2 out. No problem legging it out.
Smitty
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
Double to start the year for Chipper!!!
abwright
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
Livan with the weak a– s—. C’mon, bring the heat!
McFann Ô Ô
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
Oh, good—RISP/2 outs right away.
smart dawg
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
Why is dish network blocking the telecast on SPSO #437?
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
Nice.
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
Glad to see Jones back. Great job by McCann!
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
hells yea chipper
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
Mac single – 1-0!!!
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
chipper gets a double.
tristan
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
One zippie!
LWB
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
Nice Chipper
Soph
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
Love it
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
McCann!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Braves 1-0.
Uggla up.
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
for real VJ?
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
YES!!!!!!
Smitty
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
RBI single for MAC
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
MAC!!!!! There’s my boy
LAG
March 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
Great start to the season, boys.
Now I really hate that I have to go to class for the rest of the afternoon…
abwright
March 31st, 2011
1:17 pm
First hit of the season for the Braves and Chipper.
Yo! Chipper is batting 1.000!
Andre
March 31st, 2011
1:17 pm
Good set of base rips from Chipper and McCann.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
1:17 pm
McCann follows with first-pitch RBI single up middle to score Chipper
bravofan
March 31st, 2011
1:17 pm
Awesome start ! !
LWB
March 31st, 2011
1:17 pm
Wow, the MLB audio feed is way behind, lol.
abwright
March 31st, 2011
1:17 pm
First run and lead of the 2011 Baseball season.
Brava
March 31st, 2011
1:17 pm
Chipper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
1:17 pm
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!! it just came through on my iphone in san diego
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
1:17 pm
Here we go!
Brava
March 31st, 2011
1:17 pm
B-Mac!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bobby's Cox
March 31st, 2011
1:18 pm
Happy Opening Day everybody. Go Braves!
tristan
March 31st, 2011
1:18 pm
gets the call on 2-0
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:18 pm
Big Dan deep fly out to Ankiel on a 2-1 pitch…
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
1:18 pm
Uggla flies out to CF warning track to end inning
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:18 pm
Come on Lowe!!!!!
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
1:19 pm
his name is uggggggla!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! almost.
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
1:19 pm
Go Bravos! … 1-0 wtg …and hey to everyone !!
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
1:19 pm
i like that oppo stroke
Brava
March 31st, 2011
1:19 pm
Love the commercial with Chipper!
abwright
March 31st, 2011
1:19 pm
Warning track fly out to Ankiel to end the Braves top of the first.
Lowe coming to the mound with a 1-0 lead.
bravofan
March 31st, 2011
1:19 pm
When Uggla hit that I didn’t think it would carry that much
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
1:19 pm
Ballgame.
MB
March 31st, 2011
1:19 pm
Haha love that commercial with Chipper.
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
1:19 pm
Great start guys!!!
Alright DLowe. Let’s hold the lead.
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
1:19 pm
time for brewski !!!
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
1:20 pm
come on lowe!!!! i have a good feeling about lowe this year. i think he is going to pick up where he left off last year
Brandon
March 31st, 2011
1:20 pm
productivity just became 0 at work… GO BRAVES
Matt
March 31st, 2011
1:20 pm
RHR –
You got it wrong.
1. OPENING DAY
2. any other holiday
Roman Gal
March 31st, 2011
1:20 pm
Gonzalez said he thinks there should be a national holiday for Opening Day, and I think he was serious about that part. No school for the day, all that.
Amen to that!
ray k.
March 31st, 2011
1:20 pm
I know Nate had a good spring overall, but his last week of ST and now today’s first at bat has featured an awful lot of pop ups…
Bill
March 31st, 2011
1:20 pm
Lets go Lowe……….
BravePrediction
March 31st, 2011
1:20 pm
…Chipper Jones scores the first and last run in MLB this season!! The last one on a home run to win the WS!!
iFrech
March 31st, 2011
1:21 pm
what’s your bet for the first “Cut someone” comes along? 4th inning?
MB
March 31st, 2011
1:21 pm
Nice pitch!!!
DC Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
1:21 pm
Braves for the first official run in 2011! Let’s hope they score the last one too.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:21 pm
Nice K by Lowe.
Desmond Ks looking.
Smitty
March 31st, 2011
1:21 pm
ATTA BOY!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:21 pm
Ian Desmond leading off against Lowe – 1-2 pitch – K – caught looking!
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
1:21 pm
Lowe looks a little amped. Painted the black for strike 3 though.
BravePrediction
March 31st, 2011
1:22 pm
If Lowe can look as crisp as he did with that first batter, all year long, we’ll be in good shape. 20+ wins, Cy Young potential.
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
1:22 pm
weird to see jason werth in a nationals uniform. at least i can still hate the guy
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:22 pm
AT-
Double and a run…
Does that mean I lead the league right now
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
1:22 pm
Atta boy D. Lowe
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:23 pm
Werth singles up the middle…
BravePrediction
March 31st, 2011
1:23 pm
there goes the “No-No”
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:24 pm
Seriously?!
I don’t mean to pick but did Nate just throw a ball 25 ft short of the infield grass back in playing shallow?!
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:24 pm
Werth singles.
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
1:24 pm
shoe top hit off nice pitch
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
1:24 pm
By the way, Chipper is 6 doubles from 500
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
1:25 pm
cutters and sinkers from Lowe so far. haven’t seen a slider yet.
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
1:25 pm
DOB chipper will her that today
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:25 pm
Zimmerman singles to right -Werth to third…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:25 pm
Uh oh.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:25 pm
Yeah, where is that good slider from the end of last year?
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
1:25 pm
get not her ooops
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
1:25 pm
How bout of DP right?
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
1:25 pm
Zimmerman singles to RF to put runners on corners with 1 out in 1st. Ol’ Rochy to bat.
Roman Gal
March 31st, 2011
1:25 pm
By the way, Chipper is 6 doubles from 500
BAM! goes the Chipper bat.
Gr
March 31st, 2011
1:26 pm
YEah lets start d lowe! smart move freddi booby
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:26 pm
These DAMN Nats….they always play us tough
RedNeCk BoB
March 31st, 2011
1:26 pm
Dag nabit, come on boy, git thee damn ball down!
Gr
March 31st, 2011
1:26 pm
about to be 3-1
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:26 pm
C’mon! DP Adam….its EARLY in the season remember!
Double by lachoke
March 31st, 2011
1:26 pm
here it comes
RedNeCk BoB
March 31st, 2011
1:27 pm
C’mon, git er done!
tristan
March 31st, 2011
1:27 pm
Roche- Buck Commander
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:27 pm
LaRoche is at bat.
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
1:27 pm
Lowe may be saving the slider for 2nd time through the order. Expected to see one here or there early though.
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
1:27 pm
That ball looks like it’s moving a lot.
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:27 pm
How many pitches has Lowe thrown already?
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:27 pm
Bad lookin out right now…his sinker is just spinning and he’s not keeping the ball down…
Brian
March 31st, 2011
1:28 pm
walk him on. great move pitching lowe
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:28 pm
LaRoche pops to Uggla on a 3-2 pitch…
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
1:28 pm
big out for DLowe
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
1:28 pm
Rochy pops out to Uggla
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:28 pm
Uggla caught it!!!! >_>
Kidding
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
1:28 pm
but, both Nat’s hits came on pretty good pitches. neither ball hit all that hard, both found holes.
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
2 Down.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
Ballsy….a 3-2 changeup
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
and the first slider on a 0-1 pitch to Morse.
groundfog
March 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
Hey everybody! Ready for some Braves baseball.
Soph
March 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
Nice pick, FF.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
Gonzo!!!!!!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
Michael Morse ends the top of the second by grounding to Gonzo – good pick Freeman…
tristan
March 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
what up with the Lowe haters!
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
Morse grounds out to SS, Nationals strand two in 1st
bruce
March 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
good pick Freddie!!!
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
Nice damage control.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
Lawton-
In all fairness, Z’s hit was a sinker that missed location by about a foot and did nothing
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
Phewww was a little antsy there for a moment….
Bill
March 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
freddy can pick it..nice play.
bravofan
March 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
Atta baby D.Lowe ! !
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
niiiiice dig
RHR
March 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
DOB – thanks so much for the PBP on twitter. I know people act like d-bags about it sometimes but it is awesome for those of us on the go.
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
Tristan, I haven’t hated Lowe since close to the end of last season.
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
nice scoop by the rook
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
It’s a good lineup, the nats have. They won’t be easy.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
Nice pick there Freddie!
What exactly is wrong with Alex that he can’t make an accurate throw these days?!
RedNeCk BoB
March 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
Yaa ser. dats what Im talkin bout! Git er done!!!!!
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
1:31 pm
DLowe strands TWO !!!
Go Bravos !
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
1:31 pm
NICE!!!!!!!! lowe got out of that one like a champ… and good defense dare i say
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
1:31 pm
Nice job of getting out of trouble DLowe.
Heyward
Gonzo
Freeman
Due up next inning
keylargo
March 31st, 2011
1:31 pm
I think the Nats need to consider a move to Key West. The weather here today:
Key West (KEYW)
Elevation
10 ft
Visability – unlimited
Now
Clear
82 °F
Feels Like 87 °F
Wind S10 mph
And Freddie makes his first “save on a low throw” from AGon
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
1:31 pm
P-Town Brave:
probably right. not hit all that hard, but not a great pitch either. Zimmerman effectively used the hole created by the runner on first.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
These STUPID side videos on the site now are slowing down my PC
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
Jason starts it UP !
here we go !
micahrap
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
Thank you, DOB, for your words. Stay warm. Enjoy the day.
My 5yr ol sang anthem at Hawks on Sat. And will at the TED in Aug. Take note on how excited and proud she is after her “performance”. Best part!
Great song!
groundfog
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
Outta here!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
Jason leads off the bottom of the second with a long HR!!!!!!
Soph
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
Party at rob’s!
Get it done
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
What sophomore slump?
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
J Hey!!!!!!!!!!
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
BOOM !!
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
HEYWARD!!!!!
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
see ya
tristan
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
SEEEEEEEEEEYAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Crime Dog
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
Bomb squad!
toga party
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
He sure does like the first at bat of the season, doesn’t he?
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
Heyward HOMER in his first at-bat for second season in a row, on 2-1 pitch in 2nd inning
D.J.
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
MAGIC.
Mikeyc588
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
HEYWARD! So much for the thumb! This kid is unreal.
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
Wow, I was thinking that it would be great if Heyward homered in his first at bat of his second season like his first at bat in his first season.
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
*sigh. Another Opening Day, another home run for Jason. How boring…
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
OH!! NICE!!
Woo hoo
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
Nice start
Brava
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
J-Hey with another first at-bat homer on Opening Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RedNeCk BoB
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
De ja vue! YEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAA!!!!!!!
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
heyward the STUDDDDDD!!!!!!!!
J-hey smoked that one
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
Enter your comments here
Roman Gal
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
Make a habit out of it, kid…
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
O WOW!!!
Bill
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
J-Hey looked like Cat on Hot tin roof and Man…Damn way to go…………
Smitty
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
J-Hey is making a tradition of this first at bat homer thing! I like it
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
Joe said he was ready.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE! YOU HAVE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!
Woo hoo
March 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
Imagine if mcout and gonzo can have decent off years.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:34 pm
Gonzo flies to left…
rob from sc
March 31st, 2011
1:34 pm
.Soph
March 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
Party at rob’s!
You are right
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:34 pm
Second career opening day HR for Heyward, lets hope that’s an annual thing
abwright
March 31st, 2011
1:34 pm
Heyward leads off the 2nd with a line-drive home run! If only he’d been hitting second! No wait! Wouldn’t have made any difference.
cbweatherman
March 31st, 2011
1:34 pm
Touch ‘em all, Jason!!!
Happy baseball, everyone.
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
1:34 pm
me thinks Jason likes Opening Day !!!!!!
HornLeg HornFog
March 31st, 2011
1:34 pm
For some reason my internet connection was down during the 1st inning.
While I still insist that The Dipper is going to struggle hitting in the #3 slot….it was nice to see both him and McCann get hits to put us on top 1-0. The Dipper did look decent running the bases.
However, it remains to be seen whether he can stay healthy. That’s the big concern, his body breaking down that prevents him from running the bases, prevents him from turning on the 3-2 fastball that Livan threw him that he hit for a double in his first at-bat.
I wouldnt put too much stock in The Dipper’s first at-bat (just as I wouldnt put too much stock in that dribbler that Prado hit in his first at-bat). Let’s see how the stats look after 100 at-bats…after 200 at-bats.
Yep
March 31st, 2011
1:34 pm
“WELCOME TO THE!!!!………. first game of the season” says carey
mike
March 31st, 2011
1:34 pm
It is great that baseball has finally returned to Atlanta. However is this team going to wind up like last year? Or like the Falcons last year? Or like all the other sport teams do here in this fair city? Always non-winners. At least Marta will get you to the games after they cut service for those local residents who supported Marta over the years. Play ball or try act like you are.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:34 pm
Freddie grounds to Adam…
rob from sc
March 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
MLB AT NO AUDIO
WTF
Ron in Vegas
March 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
Love me some Heyward!
phil
March 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
nice start today! old man, McFann and Hurtward….go get em, boys!
As for Lowe, let’s hope that last spring training start was a mirage….
Bobby's Cox
March 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
Maybe next year they’ll walk the kid in his first PA
keylargo
March 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
Jason – one run produced on offens
Freddy – one run saved on defense.
HornLeg HornFog
March 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
Meanwhile, Heyward jacks one out to give me 6 points in his first at-bat on my espn.com fantasy baseball team, lol. He tomahawked that pitch by Livan.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
Let’s Go Braves!!!! Let’s win this thing!!
roger
March 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
Jhey doing it!!!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:36 pm
DLowe grounds to Livan – 2-0 mid-2nd…
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
1:36 pm
Great start Bravos keep it rolling
Cox Fan
March 31st, 2011
1:36 pm
Is it official that Chipper scored the first run of the 2011 MLB season?
It’s important b/c I am baking him a cake and I need to know what to write on it.
phil
March 31st, 2011
1:36 pm
hornleg actually thinks a lecture is in order about chipper’s first at bat…..no kidding wait til after 100 at bats….
Fols
March 31st, 2011
1:36 pm
Heyward is not thinking slump……….I just don’t see it in that kid!
Bill
March 31st, 2011
1:36 pm
Who said J wouldn’t get any pitches hitting 6th?
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
1:37 pm
FF is going to be a failure this year…. he didn’t hit a homer on his first AB of the year.. lol
Roman Gal
March 31st, 2011
1:37 pm
So, I really like the new Gameday so far…
katherine
March 31st, 2011
1:38 pm
Nice start by the braves so far…..so happy baseball season is here…I love it!
phil
March 31st, 2011
1:38 pm
Hurtward homered off of a fossil…let’s wait til he faces a few live arms before we dance in the streets…
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
1:38 pm
Duh, Winning!
toga party
March 31st, 2011
1:39 pm
Cox Fan, it’s scoreless in NY, so yeah. Chipper scored the first run of the 2011 season.
Trojan
March 31st, 2011
1:39 pm
No Phil, lets dance in the streets, we are up. No use minimizing it. A HR is a HR.
rob from sc
March 31st, 2011
1:39 pm
What is wrong with MLB at BAT
Soph
March 31st, 2011
1:39 pm
Sorry, ankles.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:39 pm
Ankiel long fly out to Jason…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:39 pm
That was scary, Heyward got it tho!!!!!!
keylargo
March 31st, 2011
1:39 pm
CJ – leads MLB in Aver.
Jason – leads MLB in HR
Mac – leads in RBI
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
1:40 pm
yikes keep it down – D. Lowe
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
1:40 pm
Actually, keylargo, Mac & Jaso are tied for the league lead in RBI
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
1:40 pm
keylargo, you forgot Slug leader.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:41 pm
Espinosa single on 15 foot dribbler…
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
1:41 pm
I am late…just tuned in…Happy opening day to all!
BravesFan2011
March 31st, 2011
1:41 pm
Is that former Brave Rafael Belliard I see in the Tigers dugout ?
katherine
March 31st, 2011
1:41 pm
phil
March 31st, 2011
1:38 pm
Hurtward homered off of a fossil…let’s wait til he faces a few live arms before we dance in the streets
Really…being a negative person already? Geez…..
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
1:41 pm
sounds messy VJ …hehe
brian
March 31st, 2011
1:41 pm
How players have homered in their 1st major league at bat then homered again in their first at bat of their second season?
Yep
March 31st, 2011
1:42 pm
Anyone actually going to try to work the rest of the day? I’m officially worthless.
Supes
March 31st, 2011
1:42 pm
McFann…BMac knocking in that first RBI for you…to ease your mind. I predict a breakout year like never before for BMac
Heyward just murdered that baseball…got out of there in less than 2 seconds !
Come on D-Lowe, don’t let us down today!
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
1:42 pm
good pitch bad luck
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:42 pm
6 4 3 here plz.
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
1:42 pm
Bravos 2-0 lead …must B&M …
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
1:43 pm
HornLeg HornFog ……what were you screaming the other day…..no need to admit your were wrong yet……but it’s coming
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:43 pm
Pudge out on tough play by Chipper…
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:43 pm
BF11-
Wouldn’t know…
I’m watching the BRAVES GAME….
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:43 pm
So glad Jones is back.
katherine
March 31st, 2011
1:43 pm
Yep
March 31st, 2011
1:42 pm
Anyone actually going to try to work the rest of the day? I’m officially worthless.
Uh huh…leaving for work now….go braves!
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
1:43 pm
Nice play Chipper!!
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
1:43 pm
@Yep i’m off work today and ‘morrow !!!
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
1:43 pm
nice play chip tricky hop
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:44 pm
Anyone else using the app and watching the video feed?
It seems to be lesser quality than last yaer and that stupid ad at the bottom is annoying for me to have to pay $15 for!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:44 pm
Livan ends the inning on grounder to Lowe… Braves lead 2-0 after 2…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:44 pm
Out of that inning!!!!!!
BravesFan2011
March 31st, 2011
1:45 pm
Why on earth are the Braves off tomorrow ? I don’t ever remember them being off on a Friday.
keylargo
March 31st, 2011
1:45 pm
I truly wish you people were as successful at your jobs as you are at criticizing a fan being happy and who may not have taken the time to be 100% accurate. And AT that is not directed at you.
Felix Millan
March 31st, 2011
1:45 pm
who’s gonna drive in the run this inning?
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
1:45 pm
Hoss will be Comeback POY !!
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:45 pm
Say it for what it is Joe…
GLAUS WAS A STIFF!
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
1:45 pm
lets get some more runs
Cox Fan
March 31st, 2011
1:45 pm
Pudge looks like a 40-year-old who used to do a lot of juice . . .
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:46 pm
key-
Who you beating on buddy?
I must have missed this conversation…
Felix Millan
March 31st, 2011
1:46 pm
they are off tomorrow in case today is rained out.
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
1:46 pm
I’m thinking, Prado starts this inning off right….
Bill
March 31st, 2011
1:46 pm
Rain Tomorrow— fan 2011..they were thinking ahead
TennesseePaul
March 31st, 2011
1:47 pm
New GameDay is pretty nice.
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:47 pm
I won’t care if it gets rained out, as long as we get through five with the lead.
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
1:47 pm
It’s a wrap as far as work today……Between this and the NCAA tournament last week……..So excited for real baseball to be here. Go Braves!
sportsmandh
March 31st, 2011
1:47 pm
Wonder if Livan and Pudge could be the oldest combined age battery combo in the history of opening day? Pudge 39, Livan 36, a combined 75 years old officially. (But I think Livan may be closer to 46 than 36 in reality)
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
1:47 pm
What makes you think I’m not successful at my job? And seriously, relax buddy. Can’t take a little teasing?
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:47 pm
Seriously, I do NOT want to buy a crappy tiny engine Volvo! Quit showing me these ads!!
Cox Fan
March 31st, 2011
1:48 pm
Good rip McLouth! I hope to see a lot more xtra base hits out of him this year.
BravesFan2011
March 31st, 2011
1:48 pm
Bill, but any game can be rained out. They don’t schedule a day off after every game of the season. Why the first game ? The Phillies first game is on Friday and they play on Saturday as well.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:48 pm
Marteeeen leads off the third with a pop to right on a 3-2 count…
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
1:48 pm
Lets cut Prado.. the bum is hitting .000 on the season!
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:48 pm
Livan – 36
Right, and Bob Barker is my uncle!
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
1:49 pm
Lets go Nate
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:49 pm
McLouth takes a called third strike…
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:50 pm
Alright go on….
I know ya’ll wanna blame me for having Martin give me his autograph and its my fault he’s 0 for 2…
Me, I blame who has him in our Fantasy League!
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
1:50 pm
P-Town Brave ©
Hasn’t Livan been 36 for like 4 years now?
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
1:50 pm
ouch.
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:50 pm
McLouth strikes out looking with a pitch on the corner.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
1:50 pm
Livan froze Nate with that big curve that MAY have gotten outside corner
Cox Fan
March 31st, 2011
1:50 pm
Way to go, Chipper! He’s 2 for 2 on the young season.
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
1:50 pm
bad call
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
1:50 pm
McSouth goes down–just like yesterday once more…shuby doo waa dang!
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
1:50 pm
i dont know about that call
CLE
March 31st, 2011
1:50 pm
Thanks so much, guys, for the ustream radio link – listening on my phone at work! Fantastic.
BravesFan2011
March 31st, 2011
1:51 pm
Chipper is 2 for 2 ? I thought he was 1 for 2.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:51 pm
CA-
I think Livan ages in dog years now…
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:51 pm
Chipper deep fly to left…
Couch Tater
March 31st, 2011
1:51 pm
Chip Caray gave a nice stat: “Heyward already tied for 3rd, on the all-time Braves opening day HR list.”
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
1:51 pm
livan’s been 46 for bout 10 yrs
Soph
March 31st, 2011
1:51 pm
Damn, someone’s been cranky lately.
HornLeg HornFog
March 31st, 2011
1:52 pm
The Dipper’s average has dropped .500 points since his 1st at-bat.
Bill
March 31st, 2011
1:52 pm
Fan 2011..you right. I just looked at weather report for tomorrow in Washington and it was 100% rain. Peace.
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
1:52 pm
Soph-
Hi!
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
1:52 pm
Winning!!!
Fols
March 31st, 2011
1:53 pm
Nate needs a good first week of the reg season to erase last year from memory. Spring doesn’t mean anything other than we’re healthy.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:53 pm
VJ-
You need a little help on your definition of “deep fly”….
Don’t make me break out the “you sound like Chip Caray” handbook…
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
1:53 pm
P-T, have you checked your live scoring in the league yet?
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
1:53 pm
I don’t have anyone going yet.
admiral
March 31st, 2011
1:53 pm
nate will get there. needs to get that first hit out of the way.
Soph
March 31st, 2011
1:53 pm
Hi cab. Offending people again?
Cox Fan
March 31st, 2011
1:54 pm
Desmond looked pretty confused on that swing.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:54 pm
D Lowe
jim
March 31st, 2011
1:54 pm
The best thing about the Heyward HR was thathne hit a pitch in a location where he had trouble last year — up and in.
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
1:54 pm
Awesome pitch there Mr. Lowe
DMAN
March 31st, 2011
1:54 pm
Dish sucks,why is it blacked out!
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:54 pm
I don’t get it….
Why isn’t EVERYONE in here happy…?!
WE’RE UP 2-0 PEOPLE!!
I’m goin to lunch….see you in an hour!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:54 pm
5 feet short of the warning track is deep enough to be deep…
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
1:54 pm
nice pitch keep it up D. Lowe
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:54 pm
Nationals broadcaster says “Werth is batting .1000 as a Nat, and so is Zimmerman”, well duh; that’s what happens when you get one hit in your first at bat in the season.
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
1:55 pm
Soph-
Apparently. Not sure how, but…
Marshall
March 31st, 2011
1:55 pm
Cox Fan — you can’t will the Braves to get hits. You’ve incorrectly and pre-maturely posted the results of McLouth and Chipper’s 2nd ABs. What are you doing…?
Bill
March 31st, 2011
1:55 pm
Umps giving both pitchers the corners……
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:55 pm
VJ-
5 feet would’ve had his heel near the edging of the grass at the track….
From my view it looked closer to 20 feet
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
1:55 pm
Hey sportsmandh, it would take me a long time to figure out if it was really the oldest, but 39-year old Terry Leach pitched to 45-year old Carlton Fisk on the 1993 White Sox.
Gil In Mechanicsville
March 31st, 2011
1:55 pm
Sigh, living with the “home feed” being in the Nats’ home market.
Ankiel’s fly ball looked to be gone off the bat, gives you an idea of how hard Heyward must have hit that homer to right field.
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
1:55 pm
jim, it wasn’t up and in, it looked up and away.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:55 pm
I mean it wasn’t a Chip Caray-esque deep fly ball to straightaway center
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:55 pm
Werth follows the Desmond strike out by striking out on a 3-2 pitch…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:56 pm
Nice K on Werth.
Soph
March 31st, 2011
1:56 pm
In honor of T’hawkin -
ho sit down
Trey
March 31st, 2011
1:56 pm
Gil, I am in the same boat as you. I can’t stand the Nationals broadcasters.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
1:56 pm
Man this Ian Desmond guy is gonna kill my fantasy stats…
Good thing I also have DLowe
Felix Millan
March 31st, 2011
1:57 pm
tha whiff
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
1:58 pm
Looks pretty cold there.
HornLeg HornFog
March 31st, 2011
1:58 pm
P-Town Brave ©…are you playing on espn.com fantasy contest?
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
1:58 pm
Zimmerman ends the inning as Lowe strikes out the side on another 3-2 pitch…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
1:58 pm
DAYUMMMMMM
Struck out the side!!!!!!!
Felix Millan
March 31st, 2011
1:58 pm
nice inning D Lowe
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
1:58 pm
zimmerman makes me nervous…glad nobody is on base
Bill
March 31st, 2011
1:58 pm
Z was hot……….
two iron
March 31st, 2011
1:58 pm
oldest combined battery would have been hoyt wilhelm and whoever was catching
Gil In Mechanicsville
March 31st, 2011
1:59 pm
You have to really crush the ball to get one out of the yard today, Ankiel wearing the ski hood. Miserable weather.
An Lowe K’s the side… sweet….
Greta
March 31st, 2011
1:59 pm
D-Lowe!
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
1:59 pm
OK, this has got to be it: Charlie Hough pitching to Carlton Fisk on the ‘92 White Sox on July 5, 1992. Both were 44 years old. In fact, they were born just 10 days apart.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
1:59 pm
Lowe strikes out Zimmerman looking to end 3rd. Lowe struck out the side in the inning
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
1:59 pm
D. Lowe is on a roll moving ball in and out
Mike M
March 31st, 2011
1:59 pm
BravesFan2011: I think it’s a pretty common practice so as not to PO those fans who paid big bucks to be there for opening day and who don’t want to be reimbursed (in case of a rainout) with tickets for a game later in the year.
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
1:59 pm
niiiiiiice
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
1:59 pm
D Lowe stikes out the side!
Let’s put a big spot here for Lowe, Braves!
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
1:59 pm
Don’t think either are batting 1.000 now!
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
1:59 pm
Nice inning by lowe…struck out the side on their best hitters
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
2:00 pm
great inning by Lowe there, to say the least.
Felix Millan
March 31st, 2011
2:00 pm
DOB- have your frozen fingers fallen off yet?
HornLeg HornFog
March 31st, 2011
2:00 pm
Lowe is dealing right now. Then again, it’s the Nationals, lol.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
2:00 pm
Whats sad about this, is that none of you people drafted him…
I got DLowe off waivers
Looking TerrifiKKKKKKKKKKK right now
Gil In Mechanicsville
March 31st, 2011
2:00 pm
oldest combined battery would have been hoyt wilhelm and whoever was catching
Or Satchell Paige…
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:01 pm
Mac grounds out on a ball Dunn would not have caught…
bravesgrl4life
March 31st, 2011
2:01 pm
Went over to one of my regular lunch haunts (a Mex-Mex place in Norcross) for lunch. They had two of the bar TVs on the Stankees game. Asked one of the staff I know if we could put one on the Braves game instead. While she was doing that, a guy comes in wearing a Sunday Red Chipper jersey and asks for the same thing. Watched the first two innings before I had to come back to work. Good thing is, my manager, whose desk I sit right out in front of, is out of the office this afternoon, so I can have the radio up a little louder.
Could not contain the clapping and “Oh Yeahs” when Chipper hit that double and Jason hit that blast
Gil In Mechanicsville
March 31st, 2011
2:02 pm
HornLeg HornFog You must be new to baseball…
PTC Steve
March 31st, 2011
2:03 pm
Satchel Page had to pitch to someone older than dirt.
Bill
March 31st, 2011
2:03 pm
How about Gaylord?
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
2:03 pm
….Uggla suckered
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:03 pm
Uggla strikes out on a big, slow curve…
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:03 pm
Livan struck out Uggla swinging at a big ol’ curve
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
2:03 pm
I think Livan could have run that ball to the plate faster than that pitch.
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
2:03 pm
Uggs wants that one back
DC Brave
March 31st, 2011
2:04 pm
Heyward…wow. My God…a freshman…err, sophomore!!!!!
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
2:04 pm
Satchell Paige pitching at age 58 should be the answer, let’s see how old his catcher was. His catcher was a 26 yeard old Billy Bryan. That is 84.
A little more digging. Knucksie at age 48 pitched to Rick Dempsey at age 38. That’s 86.
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
2:04 pm
When Satchel Paige pitched in his one game at 58 years old, the catcher was 26-year old Billy Bryan, so Hough-Fisk still have the oldest combined age that I’ve seen, at 88.
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
2:04 pm
talk about fast hands.
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
2:05 pm
J-Hey would have hit that 500 feet
DC Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
2:05 pm
Appears Jason is getting pitched on the inner half of the plate.
Caleb
March 31st, 2011
2:05 pm
Heyward strike out
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:06 pm
Jason takes a called third strike on a 3-2 pitch…
phil
March 31st, 2011
2:06 pm
Chipper’s double was wind-aided…just kidding…that’s for you, Katherine….spare me your holier than thou pronouncements on negativity…
Bill
March 31st, 2011
2:06 pm
to close to take..
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
2:06 pm
what ugly pitches
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:07 pm
He looked at the same pitch three time. according to gameday, that is..
phil
March 31st, 2011
2:07 pm
Hurtward pulled an oblique….probably…
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:07 pm
timeS*
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:07 pm
Livo’s still got that nasty hook. Heyward out observing (can’t blame him, either)
LWB
March 31st, 2011
2:07 pm
I see Livan is settling in tossing his junk up there. I dont know what it is about him, but he gives the Braves fits the last couple years.
also ashley
March 31st, 2011
2:07 pm
Another season of baseball is here. I can talk to my elderly father about the games. My son will hear the game Ipad broadcast in our house just like I grew up hearing radio games when I was a kid. And the West Coast games will still be on when I’m doing night feedings with my baby (due in August!)
I love baseball for the family traditions it creates!
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
2:07 pm
Supes BMac knocking in that first RBI for you…to ease your mind. I predict a breakout year like never before for BMac
Yeah!
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:07 pm
Heyward and Freeman are 21. Last time Braves had two under-22 players in Opening Day lineup was 1979 (Bob Horner, Glenn Hubbard)
jim
March 31st, 2011
2:08 pm
Oldest batteries –
Spahn and Berra in 1965 with the Mets, also Carlton and McCarver in their later years with th Phils
RedNeCk BoB
March 31st, 2011
2:08 pm
Daym, daym, daym. Dat der Cuban boy can throw some shor enuf junk.
phil
March 31st, 2011
2:09 pm
that’s neat, also ashley…my best to you with the new one on the way…
Horner and Hubbard….memories of long ago now…
Caleb
March 31st, 2011
2:09 pm
Laroach popout
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:09 pm
LaRoche to Prado on the warning track…
phil
March 31st, 2011
2:10 pm
Exide makes a long-lasting battery too….i know…stupid…couldn’t help it…
phil
March 31st, 2011
2:11 pm
popout? warning track? which is it and why post crap that isn’t true about the actual game?
Hud20
March 31st, 2011
2:11 pm
Am I the only one that thinks Freeman looks like a 21 year old version of Buzz from Home Alone?
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
2:11 pm
…All those wasted seats behind ‘home’…where are all those Wash folk?
Caleb
March 31st, 2011
2:11 pm
Morse…..full count strikeout
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:12 pm
Morse out looking on a 3-2 pitch…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:12 pm
Nice painting by Lowe
admiral
March 31st, 2011
2:12 pm
@ Hud20, I’ll buy that.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:12 pm
Freeman is the 12th different first baseman to start Opening Day for the Braves in 13 years. Only repeater in that span? LaRoche
bravesgrl4life
March 31st, 2011
2:12 pm
So, DLowe is throwing a lot of balls, but it sounds like he’s looking kind of nasty out there today.
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
2:12 pm
he popped it up to the warning track?
seriously, it was a very high fly to the warning track.
rdawg
March 31st, 2011
2:12 pm
anyone have a link to live radio feed?
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
2:12 pm
Let’s hope the umps call ‘em like that all season for Lowe.
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
2:13 pm
jim, neither of those approached Fisk/Hough. I’m pretty confident that’s it. Fisk being 44 is the big reason why…catchers aren’t typically around at that age.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:13 pm
phil – wow – calm down – it was the warning track
Smitty
March 31st, 2011
2:13 pm
LOWE has a MADDUX like sinker going today
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
2:13 pm
Lowe has it today.
PTC Steve
March 31st, 2011
2:13 pm
Once Livan gets in a groove he is pretty solid. Even without Eric Gregg.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:14 pm
Teixeira hit a 3 Run HR for Yankees.
Caleb
March 31st, 2011
2:14 pm
Ainkiel….walk
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:14 pm
Full count again – Lowe walks Ankiel…
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
2:15 pm
Walking Rick Ankiel is actually a difficult thing to do. Impressive.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:15 pm
Lowe at 71 pitches…
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:15 pm
Lowe at 71 pitches already.
Soph
March 31st, 2011
2:15 pm
Go ahead, Mactastic!
Caleb
March 31st, 2011
2:15 pm
Ainkiel thrown out trining to steal 2 nd
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:15 pm
McCann!!!!!!!!!!
Gonzo!!!!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:15 pm
Mac gets Ankiel stealing…
DC Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
2:15 pm
Our bullpen is going to get some work today.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
2:16 pm
BEAUTIFUL throw!!!
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
2:16 pm
Pitch count isn’t a big deal…you’ve got 7 fully rested guys in the bullpen.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:16 pm
BMac!!!
Felix Millan
March 31st, 2011
2:16 pm
Caught Stealing—atta boy Mac! and McFann!
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
2:16 pm
Great throw by Mac! Maybe a little high but got it there in plenty of time
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
2:16 pm
mccannny
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:16 pm
JC – plagiarist…
phil
March 31st, 2011
2:16 pm
venice – i am calm…but a popout means one thing and a long fly to the track another, as you know….i’m not watching it on the tube….if they’re pounding em all to the track, we’re in trouble eventually….a popout, not so much….
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:16 pm
McCann picking up where he left off last year with the improved throws to the bases on attempted steals.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
2:16 pm
Felix—
abwright
March 31st, 2011
2:16 pm
McCann gets his first caught stealing of 2011. Hit, RBI, CS, …
WV Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
2:16 pm
Rdawg at 2:12, try http://www.ustream.tv/channel/1570-wcle-am-cleveland%2C-tennessee.
phil
March 31st, 2011
2:17 pm
the bullpen isn’t that good….just wait and see…
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
2:17 pm
Hush, cab!
Thank you, DOB.
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
2:17 pm
The track is slow and Ankiel’s not a good basestealer. If Mac had screwed that up, he would have been dead to me.
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
2:18 pm
I got Tex on my fantasy team…..
Caleb
March 31st, 2011
2:18 pm
Gonzo……popoutto werth
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
2:18 pm
Lets go Freddy time to bust out the lumber
phil
March 31st, 2011
2:18 pm
two great things about the McCann CS…..one, he made a good throw obviously….two, Ankiel is gone from atlanta….
willy
March 31st, 2011
2:18 pm
i say Derek goes 7 strong, venters and kimbrel are lights out and braves win 4-1
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:18 pm
Gonzo out on a ball hit to Werth…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:19 pm
Nats new broadcaster is actually kind of a pleasure to listen to compared to Dribble.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:19 pm
VJ – Didn’t see your post until after I submitted my comment
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
2:19 pm
McFann-
Didn’t mean it as a negative- just trying to head off any comments
I thought it as a great throw!
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:19 pm
Brewers have some HRs too.
Drew
March 31st, 2011
2:20 pm
WV Fan… dead link
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:20 pm
JC – actually, more a case of great minds thinking alike…
flange1
March 31st, 2011
2:20 pm
Let’s go Freddie!
Caleb
March 31st, 2011
2:20 pm
Freeman….full count popout to ainkiel
phil
March 31st, 2011
2:20 pm
When is McOut due up again? Man, i sure hope that guy hits some this year….we deperately need a decent season from him….has he seen Smoltz’s mental health guy yet?
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:20 pm
Freddie drives it to Ankiel at the edge of the track…
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
2:20 pm
Are we in the 4th or 5th inning?
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
2:21 pm
dang thought he got that one
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
2:21 pm
wheelz007, we are in the top of the 5th.
Everyone ignore phil, and hopefully he’ll go away eventually.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:21 pm
DLowe bounces to second…
phil
March 31st, 2011
2:22 pm
There it is again….popout/drive to the edge of the track? Which is it, he asked nicely with all due respect?
LWB
March 31st, 2011
2:22 pm
12 in a row set down by Livan.
phil
March 31st, 2011
2:23 pm
Brian – what’s your problem with me?
Choppinmama
March 31st, 2011
2:23 pm
Ladies & Gentlemen, meet your 2011 ATLANTA BRAVES!
‘mama says, “I like, I like….”
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
2:23 pm
phil the phillistine? the philthy phil?
rdawg
March 31st, 2011
2:23 pm
WV, thanks for the effort, but that didn’t work
DC Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
2:24 pm
Last inning for D Lowe is my guess.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:24 pm
Bottom of 5th wheelz.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
2:24 pm
I know, cabravesfan! I was just givin’ you the business.
Yeah, it was a great throw…Petey made me miss the live shot, but I saw the replay. 
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
2:24 pm
10-4
Knute Rockne
March 31st, 2011
2:24 pm
The opening day battery of Chicago White Sox pitcher Jerry Reuss and catcher Carlton Fisk in 1989 was the oldest on record: 81 years, 22 days.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
2:24 pm
Hi, Brian from SC!
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:25 pm
Lowe has allowed 3 hits and 1 walk with 5 K’s, headed to bottom of 5th with Braves up 2-0
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:25 pm
Good play D Lowe.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:25 pm
Lowe goes full again – Espinosa grounds to Lowe – nice play to field it quickly…
WV Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
2:26 pm
Thanks for letting me know, Drew. Sorry for the misinformation, everyone; the link is working in West Virginia.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:26 pm
44 strikes, 35 balls.
CLE
March 31st, 2011
2:26 pm
rdawg: Try that link again, but take out the % sign and put a comma in its place:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/1570-wcle-am-Cleveland,-tennessee
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
2:27 pm
Howdy, McFann. I took an off-season from the blog.
Is Don still around? If so, what does he have to complain about now? LOL
PTC Steve
March 31st, 2011
2:27 pm
Agree with you DCfan about last inning for Lowe
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:28 pm
Pudge grounds to Uggla…
Powder Blue (formerly "I Miss Ted Turner")
March 31st, 2011
2:28 pm
Apparently I just paid $120 for MLB.TV and won’t be able to watch the Braves at all. Great. Thanks, MLB.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:28 pm
Livan batting now, BTW he’s retired 12 in a row since the Heyward homer
Choppinmama
March 31st, 2011
2:28 pm
Power at the plate , a little situational hitting, good plate dicipline, crisp defense, masterful pitching (loved the Ankiel spanking)…………so far, very good.
Don’t anyone say “it’s eary”. I know, I’m just enjoying good opening day baseball, and we’re winning too.
And I want to win the first one for the Fredi.
Remember Coach Salizar.
laura
March 31st, 2011
2:28 pm
It is nice to be back on the blog….I missed the regulars….I took the off-season off too!!
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
2:28 pm
If he can get this inning in under 90 pitches, I think he’ll go out for the 6th. It’s not hot, so he shouldn’t be too fatigued. Of course, it is Lowe, so he’s probably still soaking wet.
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
2:29 pm
Uggla thought that was the 3rd out
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
2:29 pm
I’d give Lowe one more.
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
2:29 pm
He’s making too much money not to go six…haha.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:30 pm
Livan ends the fifth inning by striking out – #6 for Dlowe – Braves still on top, 2-0…
CLE
March 31st, 2011
2:30 pm
Powder Blue: If you don’t mind me asking, why not? I was thinking of getting a subscription but I’m not going to bother if it doesn’t work.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:30 pm
Lowe with another K
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
2:30 pm
I agree – DLowe goes 1 more inning.
RedNeCk BoB
March 31st, 2011
2:30 pm
GIT ‘ER DONE!
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
2:30 pm
Hmmm…right at 90 pitches. He’s not showing signs of losing anything so, yeah, send him out there. It’d be different if he was having command issues.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:30 pm
I think Fredi should avoid using Moylan in this game if necessary >_>
abwright
March 31st, 2011
2:31 pm
Official Game!
Greta
March 31st, 2011
2:31 pm
Gotta leave Lowe in to start the 6th.
PTC Steve
March 31st, 2011
2:31 pm
Livan might go 7+ and not give up another run..time for the Bullpen to be solid.
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
2:31 pm
Lets go Nate your on a short leash in the 2 hole
DC Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
2:31 pm
If Lowe does go another inning, would anyone agree that this would be Freddie departing from the Bobby book?
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:31 pm
Livan Hernandez has retired 12 in a row, and Lowe has recorded 14 outs in past 15 batters (inc. a caught stealing)
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:31 pm
Lowe right at 90 now.
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
2:31 pm
Lowe looks great – I say he gets another inning. Be interesting to see how Fredi handles it….
Glad to see some love for Lowe on here…
jim
March 31st, 2011
2:32 pm
Let’s get some runs here!!!
Ray Ray
March 31st, 2011
2:32 pm
DOB= best blog in the biz. No doubt. keep doing what you do. Go Braves.
flange1
March 31st, 2011
2:32 pm
Brian from SC,
Good to see you back from the winter break!
Our friend Don is still here and still as positive as ever. Same complaints though, that hasn’t changed.
Crime Dog
March 31st, 2011
2:32 pm
Werth made that look really easy…
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:32 pm
Marteeen out on a nice catch by Werth…
Choppinmama
March 31st, 2011
2:32 pm
Werth showing off some moves in the field today.
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
2:32 pm
Livan, 7+? I think he’s going to pitch the whole game. I bet he has more CG losses than anyone in baseball the last 10 years.
DC Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
2:32 pm
Anybody up in the bullpen?
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:33 pm
Nate out on grounder to 2nd – nice play by Espinosa…
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
2:34 pm
Brian from SC: Livan, 7+? I think he’s going to pitch the whole game. I bet he has more CG losses than anyone in baseball the last 10 years.
Guess Livan’s gunna pitch tomorrow too.
LWB
March 31st, 2011
2:34 pm
Boy this offense is really flashing the lumber today.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:34 pm
Doug Slaten up in the Nats bullpen…
Chipper grounds to Zimmerman…
Powder Blue (formerly "I Miss Ted Turner")
March 31st, 2011
2:34 pm
CLE,
Apparently because I live in South Mississippi (which is apparently close to Atlanta according to the brains at MLB and the Braves), Braves broadcasts are blacked out. We don’t get games here on TV other than the weekly game on Fox Sports South and nationally televised games. So I figured MLB.TV would be a good way to see more games. I’m not a happy camper.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:34 pm
Hernandez retires side in order again, that’s 15 in a row for the “stocky” old #Nationals pitcher. Levo can still deal. Crafty dude.
Hoosier Aaron
March 31st, 2011
2:34 pm
Good call, NS Steve, I think the biggest difference we’ll see in the styles of Fredi & Bobby is the way they handle the pitching staff. D-Lowe is in mid-season form.
LWB
March 31st, 2011
2:35 pm
15 in a row for Livan now…..unbelievable.
SID
March 31st, 2011
2:35 pm
McLouth…..what a waste.
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
2:35 pm
I just made a bet with my boss on who would have more wins at the end of the year, the Braves or the Yankees…
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
2:35 pm
Checking my own trivia: since 2000, Livan and Doc Halladay both have 12 CG losses, the most in baseball.
PTC Steve
March 31st, 2011
2:36 pm
My thought it is too early in the season to send Lowe out there probably going for too many pitches. He has been impressive though.
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
2:36 pm
Halladay has 56 CG’s in the last ten years. Livan has 31.
Bill
March 31st, 2011
2:36 pm
power blue..you should be able to get MLB..call and see what the problem is.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:36 pm
Ian Desmond grounds out to Chipper to open the 6th…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:37 pm
One down in bottom of 6th.
Mikeyc588
March 31st, 2011
2:37 pm
Fredi had it right on about Livan. Gives up a couple of runs, you think you might chase him early and then you look up, it’s the 8th inning and he’s still out there. Definitely something to be said for knowing how to pitch, and not just throw.
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
2:37 pm
ah, Brian. CG losses. read your post too quickly.
Bill
March 31st, 2011
2:37 pm
to early Sid to start that..
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
2:37 pm
Livan started rolling once he got the ball down and honed in on that wide strike zone. Lowe’s getting so much movement on his pitches that he hasn’t been able to hit the corners as much as he’d like, but that movement has been so effective against the Nats’ hitters that it hasn’t mattered.
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
2:37 pm
chipper looks smooth in the field
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:37 pm
EOF and Moylan up in the ‘pen…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:37 pm
Moylan and O’Flaherty are up.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:37 pm
O’Flaherty and Moylan up in the ‘pen
CLE
March 31st, 2011
2:38 pm
Powder Blue:
Oh, I see. That really sucks. I despise the blackouts that MLB issues. I’m up in NE Ohio, so if I get the subscription, the blackouts should only be a factor in games with the Pirates and Reds.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:38 pm
The Cave Man.
Powder Blue (formerly "I Miss Ted Turner")
March 31st, 2011
2:38 pm
Bill,
Hope you’re right. Otherwise I’m stuck watching 29 teams about which I couldn’t care less.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:39 pm
Werth grounds to Gonzo on a 3-2 pitch…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:39 pm
Gonzo!!!!!!!
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
2:39 pm
the SS making that look easy.
Felix Millan
March 31st, 2011
2:39 pm
love the ground balls D Lowe.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:39 pm
Why’d they have to show the Moylan/Zimmerman clip?
Powder Blue (formerly "I Miss Ted Turner")
March 31st, 2011
2:39 pm
So much for MLB caring about its fans.
RC
March 31st, 2011
2:40 pm
Last inning for Lowe it seems…just went over 100 pitches, and we have an off day tomorrow for the pen to rest up.
Roberto de Knucklehead
March 31st, 2011
2:40 pm
I officially crown myself the fool of opening day, for spending so much time typing to crickets on the other DOB page.
Mea culpa aside, DOB why does Livan Hernandez always pitch so well against the Braves?
Mike in VA
March 31st, 2011
2:40 pm
Powder blue, you need the baseball package from Direct TV.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:41 pm
Zimmrman walks on a 3-2 count (the 8th of the game)…
GTSteve
March 31st, 2011
2:41 pm
Brian, we were wondering where you were
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:41 pm
Here comes EOF…
RC
March 31st, 2011
2:41 pm
Mike in VA,
How much is the Direct TV package?
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:41 pm
Nice job Fredi. This is what I like.
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
2:42 pm
Lowe – 104 pitches.
The horse is working. Great start for Derek.
Pretty happy for the guy. Solid.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:42 pm
Oh no.. not a walk..
Come on D Lowe, finish it!
Matt
March 31st, 2011
2:42 pm
Good game Derek. Lots of pitches but looked great. Let’s go bullpen.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:42 pm
Two-out walk to Zimmeran in the sixth, that’s all for Lowe. Bringing in O’Flaherty to face lefty LaRoche
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
2:42 pm
Brian—
Don? Oh, he still complains about Bobby…
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
2:42 pm
nice work DLowe good job …Go Bravos !
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
2:42 pm
nice job D-Lowe good opening day start
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
2:42 pm
Great opening day effort for Mr. L.
richbrave
March 31st, 2011
2:42 pm
Well through five my analysis of LIVAN and DEREK is holding up although I suspect it’s more luck that the weather that’s the difference. Their blasts have been just short and atom-balls, while our’s have gone the distance or found empty space.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:42 pm
Scratch that…
Eric O, finish it!!
DC Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
2:42 pm
….Staning up clapping for Lowe as he walks off…..
Bill
March 31st, 2011
2:43 pm
agree..Direct is 100% better..I’ve had three different ones.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:43 pm
Here comes Eric “Steak Man” O’Flaherty!!!!!
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
2:44 pm
Let’s go EOF !!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:44 pm
LaRoche falls behind 0-2 on O’Flaherty…
Hillbilly
March 31st, 2011
2:44 pm
Ol’96-er in to face LaRoche.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:44 pm
EOF with 2 quick strikes.
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
2:44 pm
Where was that?????
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
2:45 pm
ugh !
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:45 pm
Adam singles on a 2-2 pitch…
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
2:45 pm
bloop
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
2:45 pm
bloop
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:45 pm
F%#$@
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:45 pm
LaRoche greets O’Flaherty with single to LF, runners at 1st and 2nd with 2 out for M. Morse
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
2:45 pm
Gotta love Joe saying “Where was that?” when the graphic had the pitch low. It looked low to me.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:46 pm
1st and 2nd, 2 out – 0-1 on Morse…
RC
March 31st, 2011
2:46 pm
Not going to the Tony LaRussa school of managing it seems.
I like it.
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
2:46 pm
Easy play for Gonzo.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:46 pm
Gonzo!!!!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:46 pm
Nice backhand Gonzo for FC…
Bill
March 31st, 2011
2:46 pm
Thanks !
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
2:46 pm
2-0 Bravos end of 6
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
2:46 pm
Way to get out of it boys…nice scoop by Alex and EOF lookin good. He should have had the K on Roachy.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:46 pm
Yay!
Get it done
March 31st, 2011
2:46 pm
lets stop crapping on Gonzo
RedNeCk BoB
March 31st, 2011
2:47 pm
Fredi’s giv’en it to da pig pen. Git’er done!
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
2:47 pm
Chop Chop-
According to the strike zone the Nats showed, that pitch clipped the bottom of the zone…
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:47 pm
Nice backhanded stop by Gonzalez to end inning with two on.
Lowe: 5-2/3 innings, 3 hits, no runs, 2 walks, 6 Ks, threw 105 pitches, 59 strikes
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
2:47 pm
heart of the order coming up for the Bravos need to tack on 1 or 2
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
2:48 pm
Time to add another run or two.
MAC
Uggla
Heyward
Coming to the plate!
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:48 pm
McCann!!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:49 pm
Mac singles up the middle…
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
2:49 pm
He is our Gonzo
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
2:49 pm
Yay!!
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
2:49 pm
Mac way to start it
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:49 pm
Uggla safe!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:49 pm
Uggla 5-4 FC – Uggla beats it out…
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:49 pm
BMac!!
Now, Uggla, give me a 2-run Bomb!
PTC Steve
March 31st, 2011
2:49 pm
At least Uggla beat it out.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
2:49 pm
SAFE! Nice job, guys…
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
2:50 pm
argh
Mike S
March 31st, 2011
2:50 pm
Even the Nats announcers said that 1-2 slider away should have been called a strike…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:50 pm
Uggla with the hustle.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:50 pm
Livan out…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
2:50 pm
Good Livan is out of there, but here comes Doug Slaten the lefty.
Mike in VA
March 31st, 2011
2:51 pm
I don’t remeber the exact cost. Somewhere around $175.
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
2:51 pm
J-Hey time to light up their pen
LWB
March 31st, 2011
2:51 pm
Is Uggla the new Teixeira with his “I always start slowly” mantra? God I hope not.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:52 pm
That was good hustle by Uggla to avoid the GIDP
Livan retired 15 in a row before McCann’s single, and now the Braves are into Nats’ bullpen
T for Texas
March 31st, 2011
2:52 pm
Given that Alex Gonzalez hits RHP better than LHP look for many Lefties to be brought in to face Heyward/AGon/Freeman this year.
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
2:52 pm
cmon heyward!
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
2:52 pm
…Carry on my Heyward son…little insurance before we’re done!
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
2:52 pm
Jason …
here we Go !
PTC Steve
March 31st, 2011
2:53 pm
Hit and run if he gets ahead in the count?
Mike S
March 31st, 2011
2:53 pm
Surprised they pulled him, but glad they did. Let’s get that bullpen.
dirtbag blackburn
March 31st, 2011
2:53 pm
I love me some braves baseball I love me some chip mac and hey gettin some ropes and I love me some opening day win and I would really love me some combined shut out for this staff!
Mike in VA
March 31st, 2011
2:54 pm
Only problem with Direct TV is that in VA we are considered in the Nats broadcast area, so when we play the Nats we only get the Nats feed.
phil
March 31st, 2011
2:54 pm
anyone better to face than livan…
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:54 pm
Jason draws a walk from Slaten…
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
2:54 pm
two on 1 out …yup !
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:55 pm
And Slaten is out…
T for Texas
March 31st, 2011
2:55 pm
Riggleman obviously hasn’t looked at AGon’s numbers on B-R.com.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:55 pm
Heyward walks to put runners at 1st and 2nd with Gonzalez batting and 1 out in 7th.
LH Slaten out, Tyler Clippard in
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:55 pm
Tyler Clippard coming in…
smart dawg
March 31st, 2011
2:55 pm
For DISH people who are missing the game–I just talked to them. Guess what? It’s not their fault. It’s FOX. Just like last fall and the missed football games.
phil
March 31st, 2011
2:56 pm
is cox managing the nats?
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
2:56 pm
T for Texas, most managers still put more trust in the tradition than the numbers.
shmoe
March 31st, 2011
2:56 pm
in about 1 minute, clippard will get clipped
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
2:57 pm
Gonzo Time !!!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:57 pm
Gonzo takes ball one…
chilidog
March 31st, 2011
2:58 pm
Isn’t Clippard their set-up guy? Seems like an odd time to use him here. Down 2 in the 7th.
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
2:58 pm
Clippard’s a jack-of-all-trades.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
2:58 pm
Gonzo now falls behind 1-2…
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
2:59 pm
Heyward joins Kaz Matsui (’04, ‘05) as the only players to hit HR on Opening Day in each of 1st two seasons in Majors
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:00 pm
Gonzo takes ball 2 – fouls a ball back…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:00 pm
Gonzo battling.
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:00 pm
Hopefully, for Heyward’s sake, he doesn’t join him as the only MLB player to be placed on the disabled list for “anal fissures.”
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
3:00 pm
Heyward reminds me a lot of Kaz Matsui, both being human beings and all.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:00 pm
Gonzo looks at ball 3 – full count…
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:01 pm
Strike out…
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:01 pm
DFA Gonzalez!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:01 pm
Freddie forces Pudge to call time out…
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:01 pm
Swung at ball 4. But that’s a heck of a 3-2 pitch. At least Freddi didnt send the runners there.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
3:02 pm
We should sign Gonzo long term..
Come on Freeman!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:02 pm
Brooks on deck…
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
3:02 pm
Come on Freeman.
All we need is a single.
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
3:02 pm
I remember that Matsui HR…who was that off of? I know it was against us. Wasn’t it like the first pitch or something?
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:02 pm
Freddie pops to short left…
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
3:02 pm
C’mon Clipboard can’t be that good?
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
3:02 pm
nice…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:03 pm
I wouldn’t be opposed to signing Alex Gonzalez to a 2 or 3 year deal. Perhaps 2 year deal with a 3rd year option.
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:03 pm
I wonder what kind of stories cheryl is telling out in the pen…
MB
March 31st, 2011
3:03 pm
That Matsui homer in 2004 was indeed on the first pitch of the season, off of Russ Ortiz.
TG from CA
March 31st, 2011
3:04 pm
Freeman swung at a ball. That is all he is going to see batting 8th with runners on base. Waste of a batting spot putting a rookie there
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:05 pm
Watching the Nats feed on the MLB package. FP Santangelo may not be any good at this but he’s WORLDS BETTER than Rob F’n Dibble. Good lord is he awful.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:05 pm
EOF still in…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:06 pm
Coffey in the bullpen for Nats.
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:06 pm
TG … in the seventh inning and later he’ll get better pitches to hit. Because the guy on deck will usually be a pinch-hitter.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:06 pm
Ankiel leading off – takes strike 1…
baxter my little gentleman
March 31st, 2011
3:06 pm
get em EOF
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:06 pm
wonder if new hitting coach will make his mark w/ braves….offense kinda stagnant today
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:07 pm
let’s go EOF i want da shutout !!!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:07 pm
1-2 on Ankiel…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:07 pm
chilidog75
FP Santangelo isn’t that bad at all. Not great, but pretty decent. Miles better than Dribble.
Hillbilly
March 31st, 2011
3:07 pm
Clippard is pretty tough. He and Sean Burnett owned the Braves last season out of the Nats pen.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:07 pm
2-2…and Ankiel flies to Prado…
baxter my little gentleman
March 31st, 2011
3:08 pm
dibble is tuuurrrrible
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
3:08 pm
Dr. Noisewater, I don’t think 1 game is enough of a sample to determine that. If they still are scoring two runs a game after TWO games, though, you gotta think about making another change at hitting coach.
PTC Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:08 pm
Whatever happened to Russ Ortiz anyhow?
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
3:08 pm
Plus, F.P. Santangelo is one heck of a name.
bravesgrl4life
March 31st, 2011
3:09 pm
Dang
Shoulda taken Eric O outta there.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:09 pm
Espinosa doubles into the left-center gap…
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
3:09 pm
Espinoso one-out double off
MoylanO’Flaherty in the 7thFish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:09 pm
Bring back TP for hitting coach; opening day last year the Braves scored a dozen runs or so.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:09 pm
I picked Espinosa off waivers for fantasy and have em for one of my utility spots in one of my 3 leagues.
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:09 pm
tying run to the plate …ugh …
baxter my little gentleman
March 31st, 2011
3:09 pm
rutro
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:09 pm
Brian –
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:09 pm
No Moylan here? Seems kind of odd. Figured Moylan would finish out this inning and Venters in the eighth.
baxter my little gentleman
March 31st, 2011
3:10 pm
isnt this why we have pete in the pen?
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:10 pm
DOB
It was off EOF, not Moylan.
TG from CA
March 31st, 2011
3:10 pm
Chillidog,
If the guy on deck is Brooks Conrad, I wouldnt throw Freeman a strike
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
3:10 pm
Arizona signed Ortiz to one of the worst deals of all time before the 2005 season. He was so bad, they finally had to release him during the 2006 season, even though he still had like 20 million left on his contract. He got in a few games last year with the Dodgers, but as far as I can tell, he’s done.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:10 pm
i know it’s only the 1st game, still would like to see some more hits from these guys…plus livan is always tough to hit off of. seems the braves are swinging aggressively today, which is kinda of nice
Ray Ray
March 31st, 2011
3:10 pm
Bring in the Vulcher
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:10 pm
Pudge grounds out 3-1 – 2 out, runner at 3rd…
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:10 pm
i like Freddy @ 1st
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:11 pm
now it is Peter …
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:11 pm
Moylan coming in now.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:11 pm
Here comes Moylan…
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
3:11 pm
We need Bobby back.
PTC Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:12 pm
Need to add an insurance run in the 8th (obviously)..just glad Freeman made the toss to the pitcher with no problems.
baxter my little gentleman
March 31st, 2011
3:12 pm
well played to wait it out
made me nervous tho
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:12 pm
TG … why the hate for Conrad? Dude was arguably THE best pinch-hitter in the game last year … certainly had some of the biggest hits of the season. He’s not an automatic out by any means.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:12 pm
I like Fredi’s approach so far with the bullpen management. Took Lowe out at the right time, left EOF in long enough.
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
3:12 pm
Will Riggleman stay with Hairston? He’s got Matt Stairs…
StingerSplash
March 31st, 2011
3:12 pm
So who plays Rick Ankiel in “The Rick Ankiel Story”? Lou Diamond Phillips or Peter North?
Time to bench Freeman. Guy hasn’t had a hit all season.
Just getting those out of the way.
This Nationals lineup is … is … is … almost as bad as its starting rotation. More retreads than at an overnight truck stop. Wow.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
3:13 pm
Moylan in to replace O’Flaherty with Espinosa at 3rd, 2 out
Pinch-hitting for Nationals: Nix
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:13 pm
Lance Nix.
Rick Ankiel Looks Like A Pornstar
March 31st, 2011
3:13 pm
“We need Bobby back.”
All I can say is wow. Please tell me your joking.
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:13 pm
So he’d rather have Moylan face a lefty pinch hitter than EOF face a righty?
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:13 pm
Brooks says hello Nix
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:14 pm
let’s go aussie, shut’em down!!!
Mike S
March 31st, 2011
3:14 pm
Good to see you back here, Brian from SC
T for Texas
March 31st, 2011
3:14 pm
Brian from SC, you are right about manager’s deference to tradition. Good to see you back on the blog, man.
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
3:14 pm
chili, Moylan could pitch around him and go after Desmond.
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:14 pm
Lance Nix ? …thought he was long gone …hehe
cricket
March 31st, 2011
3:15 pm
he’s WORLDS BETTER than Rob F’n Dibble. Good lord is he awful.
Firing Dibble – best off season move for natinals
Soph
March 31st, 2011
3:15 pm
Go sit down
StingerSplash
March 31st, 2011
3:15 pm
Somebody ask Matt Stairs what it was like playing against Abner Doubleday.
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
3:15 pm
Hey, is Pete using Dave?
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:15 pm
snap son!!
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:15 pm
Moylan gets a K!!!!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:15 pm
Moylan strikes out Nix on a 1-2 count – Braves lead 2-0 after 7…
headl
March 31st, 2011
3:15 pm
All I can say is wow. Please tell me your joking.
Why would he be joking? Cox was one of the top 5 managers of all time.
His time has passed however and its time for a new manager.
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:15 pm
he is now …hehe …
wtg Peter !!
baxter my little gentleman
March 31st, 2011
3:15 pm
lance nix is garbage
dont let this clown beat us
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
3:15 pm
Moylan strikes out left-hitting Nix to end inning with runner at third
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:15 pm
Well that’ll work. Not sure that’s where he wanted that pitch, but we’ll take the result.
So i guess Venters then Kimbrel.
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
3:15 pm
That was a pitch to hit right there. Laynce Nix lives up to the stupid spelling of his first name.
Ballgame.
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
3:16 pm
We’ll get our first look at Conrad here, methinks.
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
3:16 pm
aussie aussie aussie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
baxter my little gentleman
March 31st, 2011
3:16 pm
FRRRGYEA!!!!!!!!!!!!
Greta
March 31st, 2011
3:16 pm
Bet we see Kimbrel in the 8th and Venters when LaRoche bats.
cricket
March 31st, 2011
3:16 pm
So who plays Rick Ankiel in “The Rick Ankiel Story”?
Rick Ankiel
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
3:16 pm
Great changeup by peter. If he can get left handers out effectively this year, no doubt in my mind Braves have the best bullpen in the national league.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
3:16 pm
Good job by Petey!!
Coach13
March 31st, 2011
3:16 pm
Stinger Splash- Definitely Peter North. Actually could be the other way around.
Sidearmer to face the lefty??? Ballsy!
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:17 pm
more runs Please !!
StingerSplash
March 31st, 2011
3:17 pm
How ’bout ya, Moylan.
Talk about quiet — all the preseason talk on the bullpen and there’s been nary a peep on O’Flaherty. But it’s good to see him back and healthy and having another good lefty out the ‘pen can’t hurt, no?
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:17 pm
OMG
Nationals are playing Ultimate Warrior’s Theme
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:17 pm
Todd Coffey in to pitch…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:17 pm
Coffey time.
bravesgrl4life
March 31st, 2011
3:17 pm
Well, at least, so far anyway, the Nats aren’t completely owning the Braves today. Much better than some other games we’ve seen them in.
TG from CA
March 31st, 2011
3:17 pm
Chillidog,
I cant get excited about Brooks. .231 career hitter and even lower this past spring. If Im pitching, I’d pitch around Freeman to get to Conrad anyday. Heinske and Ross I wouldnt, but the others I would
Just think that Freddie should bat 7th and let Alex bat 8th. As for Brooks, he had some highlights last year but I dont think any pitcher fears him
T for Texas
March 31st, 2011
3:17 pm
B from SC, Moylan is throwing the change more this year, he said in interview Weds that he has been working on Dave quite a bit over the off season.
Coach13
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
105 pitches over 5 2/3 innings?? He got the job done but he’s going to have to throw more strikes and be more economical over the long run.
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
Coffee doesn’t spend much time on the treadmill now does he….
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
let’s go EH !!!
Dumbfound
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
@Stinger, Or Kenny Chesney.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
james franco would be a good actor for the Rick Ankiel story, especially after 127 hours
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
ROFL
No wonder. Warrior used to run to the ring, so Coffey picks an appropriate theme.
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
*Coffey
Hillbilly
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
Will Fredi go with Kimbrel in the 8th with 3 right handers coming up? I would.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
Hinske batting…
Chopper
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
Why would you go Venters then Kimbrel when the righty pop is coming up in the 8th for the Nats?
Desmond/Werth/Zimmerman coming up equals Kimbrel in the 8th, and Venters on in the 9th to face LaRoche (or the 8th if Kimbrel gets into trouble).
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
need some runs, boys, before Venters and the other guy start issuing free passes…
PTC Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
We need to get another run..Venters and Kimbrell will give up at least one.
ReddJonn68
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
Where can you watchthe game live on-line
Mike S
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
DAVE!!! Moylo threw 3 of 4 change ups there, and boy did they look good. That Change-heat-change sequence at the end was nasty!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:18 pm
Hinske grounds to short…
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
3:19 pm
interesting to see how Fredi is using his bullpen. Bobby tended to play matchups and frequently used relievers to face just a hitter or two. Fredi didn’t pull EOF the moment a righty came up. The result should be using relievers for longer stints on fewer occasions. Might limit the wear and tear on the bullpen.
Ray Ray
March 31st, 2011
3:19 pm
Hinske me.
Coach13
March 31st, 2011
3:19 pm
Makes more sense for Gonzo to bat 8th and let Freeman hit a little. Gonzo is an established major leaguer and can handle the bat well enough. With runners on and the pitcher behind him Freeman won’t see a strike all year.
Chopper
March 31st, 2011
3:19 pm
Kimbrel is going to gas them
bravesgrl4life
March 31st, 2011
3:19 pm
I’m ready for Marteeeeen to come back. He’s not had a good offensive day today.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:19 pm
Prado pops to LaRoche…
Mike S
March 31st, 2011
3:20 pm
Coffey’s got a set of Mickelsons on him…
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:20 pm
Tight ballgame….
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:20 pm
sigh….c’mon offense…kinda of a let down opening game…4 hits???
Darrell Waltrip
March 31st, 2011
3:20 pm
YAH HAW
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:20 pm
Nate with a 1-1 count, 2 outs…
Hillbilly
March 31st, 2011
3:21 pm
Chip unleashed any of the ridiculous Coffey jokes yet?
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:21 pm
Power coming up for the Nats
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:21 pm
Nate flies out to left – to the bottom of the 8th…
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:21 pm
Jonny next ?
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
3:21 pm
With two starters at the age of 35 or older (and a rook or near rook as the fifth starter), one gets the feeling that Fredi will have to dip into the pen liberally this season.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:21 pm
glad to see mcclouth looks the same as last year…too bad it’s not spring training anymore
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:21 pm
Just wait till McLouth starts hitting. This team is going to take off.
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:21 pm
McOfer strikes again.
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
3:22 pm
everyday johnny?
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:22 pm
Please do not let Moylan pitch this inning. Zimmerman is coming up.
Ray Ray
March 31st, 2011
3:22 pm
I’m shocked MclOUTh is 0-4. Shocked.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
3:22 pm
Venters in to pitch the 8th for Braves
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:22 pm
Prado just had his career year…not likely to ever be repeated….
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:22 pm
Hey guys. Sorry I’m late.
How about Lowe today? Pretty amazing stuff. Very impressive.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
3:22 pm
Hmm…
Good thing the pitching showed up because for the most part today, the hitting has not…
LWB
March 31st, 2011
3:22 pm
4 hits through 8 innings. Wow.
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
3:23 pm
The azaleas are in bloom…as well as the trousers on Hinske.
ray k.
March 31st, 2011
3:23 pm
Well, Nate. You’d have 3 homers if the wall was at 250 ft.
Does he know that a ball on the ground is not an automatic out?
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:23 pm
The Vulture circles
Dumbfound
March 31st, 2011
3:23 pm
Wow, ! Prado, Freeman, Uggla, Mccouth batting 000. !!!!!!!!!!
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:23 pm
All this negativity is very upsetting….Brian from SC, for example, will probably wet himself if you don’t stop it and go away….
baxter my little gentleman
March 31st, 2011
3:23 pm
wait, nate doesnt have 4 hits?
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:24 pm
I’d go Kimbrel here.
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:24 pm
I’m just glad we have the lead…the Nats usually own us.
once and for all
March 31st, 2011
3:24 pm
Same ol Useless turd! MCOUUUUUUUUT!sheesh! this summabitch is worse than Schafer!
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:24 pm
that’s one !
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:24 pm
Ian Desmond grounds to Chipper – one down…
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
3:24 pm
let go everyday!!!!
Jeremiah
March 31st, 2011
3:24 pm
Let’s go Braves!
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:24 pm
Chipper with the range.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:24 pm
phil- prado’s career year was cut short due to injuries…methinks he can do even better this year..although was horrible
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:24 pm
Let’s go Venters.
Every Day all day baby…Every Day all day….
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
You pray we can hit the ball this year….we have the potential you would think….but that word always gets overused….potential, potential….
hit the dang ball!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
Venters falls behind Werth 2-0…
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
P-Town Brave: It’s 40 degrees and drizzling, you expected a lot of hitting today against Livan in those conditions?
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
my bad, today was horrible…good to see 2 outs so far from venters
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
NICE PICK FREDDIE!!!!1
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
Freeman !!!
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
Freeman wow
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
Great pick by Freeman. Wow. Big play.
ray k.
March 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
The Nats announcers just summed up the Braves season: “They need McClouth to be twice as good as he was last year because he was horrible in 2010.”
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
Freeman is sharp. Digging out bad throws like a champ.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
Nice pick Freeman!!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
Werth to Gonzo – nice play by Freddie gets him…
Powder Blue (formerly "I Miss Ted Turner")
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
Very good outing by Lowe.
rico43
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
How many errors has Freeman saved today? Two? Three?
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
The Nats are just mesmerized by the team that nearly half of ESPN.com’s baseball writers picked to win the NL East. The Braves are not underdogs, people. They are the hunted.
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
that’s THREE !
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
The Vulture carves em up. Way to go Johnny
bravesgrl4life
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
The Vulture is back
O.J.
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
Opening Day yet some posters are in mid-season form. Geez, if the Braves win this game, some people will still moan and complain.
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
EVERY DAY ALL DAY!!!!
Great inning Venters and D!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
Zim to Chipper – great inning for Jonny…
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
i love prado but see 270, 280 being more realistic for him…
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
Well I take that back, good job Venters.
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
I think this is a good signal that Kimbrel is more “everyday closer” than Gonzalez has let on. Fine with me.
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
I agree with the Dr, as to Prado. Prado’s 2010 season was not a fluke. No reason he can’t perform at a high level this year.
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
Defense today has been outstanding.
Josh
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
lets get some insurance runs fellas!
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
Well that was an easy enough inning. Good job Johnny. Save that arm.
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
What a nice easy inning that was for Jonny
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
Terrific scoop by Freeman on bounced throw from Gonzo
Jerry Blooger
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
so maybe Fredi got it right with venters in the 8th
Shaun
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
Hmm…
Good thing the pitching showed up because for the most part today, the hitting has not…
…Here we go. Game 1 of 162.
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
No Conrad that may be the reason
bravesgrl4life
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
And Jason Werth looks just as ugly in a Nats uniform as he did in a Phillies uni. Man, that dude just grosses me out.
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
Freddie picks it again he’s gonna save us a bunch a runs over the season
Jeremiah
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
If you are really Dan Kolb’s Mom, that is cool. Was a Kolb fan.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
i agree w/ P-Town Brave….who cares about the weather?? hit the ball at least past the infield and where the opposing players are not. granted i’ll give you the fact that livan is tough
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
O.J.,
Until these guys win a ring, it’s gonna be that way.
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
LOL…the Braves made the playoffs with McLouth last year, and they “need” him to be twice as good this year?
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
No soreness apparent…Chipper moving pain free…nice to see!
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
With a great pick from Freddie as well
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
the rookie closer is going to get thrown in right away. i hope he is ready.
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
There we go.
Let’s go Braves. Need 1 more run for insurance.
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:27 pm
nice job, Venters…i feel better.
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:28 pm
@ O.J. ,,,some people will still moan and complain …
indeed !!
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:28 pm
I wish Diaz was in center. I really liked Matty. But I’m sure Nate will be hitting around .700 by the end of the week.
*coughs, looks away*
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
3:28 pm
Chipper
MAC
Uggla
Heyward….
Coming up next.
Josh Smith For 3
March 31st, 2011
3:28 pm
Yeah let’s just throw in the towel on Nate because he went 0-4. While we’re at it, let’s scrap Prado and Uggla and just start Brooks and Hinske.
One game does not a season make. Let’s see how the late-inning relief pitching does.
ray k.
March 31st, 2011
3:28 pm
Freddie with the glove. He will need a closet full with Lowe, Hudson, and JJ pitching this year. He may also need some knee pads and yoga classes with Uggla and Gonzalez feeding him balls.
Rick Ankiel Looks Like A Pornstar
March 31st, 2011
3:28 pm
Put Brooks Conrad in at 2nd for defense in the 9th!
Jobo
March 31st, 2011
3:28 pm
Hang in there….It’s not over….Braves may still lose… I know you hope so…It’s not fun to complain about Nate, Chipper, Lowe when the Braves win!!
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:28 pm
I don’t like Burnett.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
3:29 pm
Kimbrel warming in Braves’ bullpen
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:29 pm
let’s go Hoss !
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:29 pm
Kimbrel will blow it.
bravesgrl4life
March 31st, 2011
3:29 pm
Chipper!!!
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
3:29 pm
If Prado had a career year in 2010, why were his slash numbers better in 2009?
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:29 pm
Chipper!!!!!!!!!
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:29 pm
yup !!!
groundfog
March 31st, 2011
3:29 pm
Great start for Chipper today…. Nate….not so much
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:29 pm
Chipper single up the middle!!!
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:29 pm
good stuff, keep it going Mac..how about Uggla to HR??
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
3:30 pm
terrible weather for hitting, folks. Cold weather tends to favor the pitchers.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:30 pm
Good to see Fish in a jovial mood today…
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:30 pm
How about googely-eyes in the 7th? Moylan looked awesome.
Ray Ray
March 31st, 2011
3:30 pm
At a boy chip
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
3:30 pm
Please burn this ‘Net…errrr…Nat!
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
3:30 pm
chip looks real good
Mike S
March 31st, 2011
3:30 pm
I agree with that 3:26 Brian. I think Freddie was just protecting them both by talking about the committee approach. Keep the pressure off em…
Powder Blue (formerly "I Miss Ted Turner")
March 31st, 2011
3:30 pm
Old #10 still getting it done.
bravofan
March 31st, 2011
3:31 pm
FB: great positivity
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
3:31 pm
Atta Boy Chipper.
RC
March 31st, 2011
3:31 pm
Why does Gameday think that Brian McCann bats righty?
ramblingman
March 31st, 2011
3:32 pm
Geez, I guess we can expect trolls to P and moan after every single out any Braves batter makes this year, based on this thread.
Trolls – STFU
Go Braves.
Powder Blue (formerly "I Miss Ted Turner")
March 31st, 2011
3:32 pm
Dang.
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:32 pm
oh well …
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:32 pm
BMac fouls off three 1-2 pitches, then hits into a 1-6-3 DP…
Shaun
March 31st, 2011
3:32 pm
the rookie closer is going to get thrown in right away. i hope he is ready.
If he wasn’t ready, he wouldn’t be in the majors. I hope he’s ready to get three outs before he and his team gives up 2 runs!
When is soon enough, if not “right away”? Maybe they should save him for Game 10 or 15 or 20 of the season.
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
3:32 pm
This is the deciding game of the World Series.
All we have to do is get three more outs, folks.
rico43
March 31st, 2011
3:33 pm
Don’t be shocked if Burnett winds up being the Nats’ closer. Nasty stuff this spring.
Josh
March 31st, 2011
3:33 pm
where did Nick go this year? sure do miss his input… SIGH
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
3:33 pm
May we have a double Mr. Uggla?
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
3:33 pm
Aight… let’s go Uggla.
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:33 pm
excuses, excuses…it’s cold….just hit the ball….apparently chipper can manage a few hits in the bitter cold….isn’t he damn near 40? gimme a break on it’s cold….
Mitchell
March 31st, 2011
3:33 pm
You know, I was really starting to worry we hadn’t scored enough runs but I’m thinking now all we ever needed was one.
Not that I would have a problem with BMac jacking one out right here.
But let’s face it, if Kimbrel throws anything like Johnny Venters just did it’s ovah.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
3:33 pm
Chipper and McCann have two hits apiece; Heyward’s homer is only other hit for Braves
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:34 pm
so close Dan
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:34 pm
almost called it
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:34 pm
if kimbrel can get the ball over, it’s over….here’s hoping…
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
3:34 pm
Nice to see you picked my comment out of all of them David
Yeah, I do…its not as though Livan is a world beater…hell, the guy’s career record is just 5 games above .500.
If I can go out and not get paid and do it, they should be able to….yeah, maybe its just not their day though….at least not hitting….
But thats why we have DLowe and the pen we have!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:34 pm
Uggla just misses a double down the left field line…
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:34 pm
Uggla just misses a double down the left field line…
Soph
March 31st, 2011
3:34 pm
Chop Chop being Chop Chop.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:34 pm
But only once…
RC
March 31st, 2011
3:34 pm
Nats have barely over 100 pitches…we sure aren’t making their pitchers work much today.
But it’s still 2-0 Braves, which is all that’s really important right now.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:35 pm
agreed phil
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:35 pm
Uggla has some guns on him !
Soph
March 31st, 2011
3:35 pm
Too bad all those brick walls are on my other computer.
groundfog
March 31st, 2011
3:35 pm
Uggla….. BUST!!……………j/k……I’ll give him a couple of more games to right the ship.
MattyRoss
March 31st, 2011
3:35 pm
Nice rope just foul from Uggly
bravofan
March 31st, 2011
3:35 pm
lets get er done Kimbrel this is big
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:35 pm
Uggla strikes out to end the top of the 9th…
deb
March 31st, 2011
3:35 pm
I’m having all sorts of problems with my Gameday audio today. I’m stuck listening to the Nat’s broadcasters because I can’t get the ATL feed and one of their guys has one of those fake radio voices. I can’t stand it!
Mitchell
March 31st, 2011
3:35 pm
Let’s go Braves.
Shut the door.
Huge
March 31st, 2011
3:35 pm
To be fair, if the weather was 80 degrees the 3 balls hit to the warning track would be homers. It science.
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
3:36 pm
3 more outs…Lets do this Bravos!
MattyRoss
March 31st, 2011
3:36 pm
…and an ugly swing for the third out. Let’s go kid, close ‘em out.
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:36 pm
I hope kimbrel isn’t wild today because of the cold.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
3:36 pm
Kimbrel in to pitch ninth
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
3:36 pm
Soph-
I’d let you borrow mine but it’s already a little dinged up…and it’s currently in use. Sorry
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:36 pm
someone else just called Uggla Ugly…that’s not nice….don’t offend the righteous on here…
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:36 pm
just close it out Craig !!!!
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:36 pm
come on Kimbrel. This closer situation has me worried.
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
With Kimbrel, it’s all about throwing strikes. Just can’t walk guys in the ninth inning.
baxter my little gentleman
March 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
guess we’ll see real quick if this kid can handle it
groundfog
March 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
If the weather was good… Nate would be 4/4 with two homers….Hang in there Nate
RC
March 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
Worth mentioning that batting McLouth 2nd and Heyward 6th is likely to cost the team a Heyward plate apperance this game.
But again, we are winning, so it’s really kind of unimportant right now.
Dumbfound
March 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
Weather like this in the playoffs. You must hit in that kind of weather !
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
his wildness knows no coldness…
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
Come on Kimbrel.
3 outs. All we need.
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
If the Braves don’t win the World Series today, I’m going to
If they do win it, I’m gonna
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
Kimbrel still a rook ?
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
Dan Kolb’s mom is worried about the closer spot?
That’s saying something.
Mitchell
March 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
I have to admit, I’m a little worried.
Come on CK.
bravesgrl4life
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
A serious test here for our new co-closer.
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
no walks. no beanballs. come on kid.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
I really hope Fredi doesn’t keep this whole closer thing open…
I like Venters in the 8th and Kimbrel in the 9th…
bravofan
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
deb: you talking about at bat app??
yall get the update for at bat they added a ballpark section
Shaun
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
RC, maybe someone should keep up with that all season. You know, someone who is “watching the games.”
BigTimeTECHFan
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
What time does the game start?
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
Mix and match,
who are you kidding Freddy? No lefties in the 8th, and you pitched Venters, two lefties in the 9th and it’s Kimbrell.
Not judging I would have don the same thing
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
and we normally don’t hit in the playoffs….fact, not negativity….
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
Hey, I know a little something about lousy closers.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
Kimbrel falls behind LaRoche 3-1…
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
I’m a little nervous….what’s up with that…
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
Plus co-closer is about the dumbest thing since the word “platoon”
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
getting worried now !
Mitchell
March 31st, 2011
3:38 pm
I would have stuck with Johnny.
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:39 pm
chased ball 4 there
Marshall
March 31st, 2011
3:39 pm
Uggla….. BUST!!……………j/k……I’ll give him a couple of more games to right the ship.
Right the ship? It’s still idling in the channel broseph.
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:39 pm
that’s one !!
Josh
March 31st, 2011
3:39 pm
1 down!
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:39 pm
1 Down!!!!!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:39 pm
LaRoche flies to Marteeen!!! One down…
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
whew. now settle in and carve em up
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
Roachy spoiled ball four and paid the price for it.
One out.
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
come on kimbrel
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
1 down
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
LaRoche, Morse, and Ankiel are all high-strikeout guys.
Mitchell
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
Yeah baby!
That’s what I’m talking about.
One more CK. And then one after that.
Hillbilly
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
LaRoche is 0 for 3 with 3 K’s against Jonny Venters for the record.
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
not johnny …it is Jonny !
ReddJonn68
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
Much as I would love to jump on the ” Bash McLouth ” bandwagon… half the lineup has looked like garbage at the plate today!!!!!
RC
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
Shaun,
I’m tempted to. But I’m hoping that it will change by midseason.
Now if Gonzalez bats 2nd on days that Nate is on the bench….I may lose my mind.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
Michael Morse – breaking ball strike one, then ball one…
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
whew….
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
morse’s arm extension at the start of his swing is almost comical
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
3:40 pm
Good start to the 9th ….
Come on CK.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:41 pm
97 mph.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:41 pm
was that 97mph right there????
DawginLex
March 31st, 2011
3:41 pm
97 MPH
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:41 pm
97 mph on strike 2…
now 2-2…
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
3:41 pm
WAY LATE
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:41 pm
97. kid has cheese.
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
3:41 pm
O WOW
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
3:41 pm
come on ring him up
Brad
March 31st, 2011
3:41 pm
2 runs ugh.
another year of superb pitching to win games won’t win titles.
no offense at all.
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
beautiful
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
Nasty Kimbrel……Rookie of the year he is my pick
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
Morse fouls the 2-2 pitch off…
K!!!!!!
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
nice CK, nice
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
a K for 2nd out !!!
Josh
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
wow! gas
David
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
Don’t understand the logic of taking Venters out with 2 of the next 3 batters being lefties. Just sayin…….Hopefully it’ll work out.
Bayou Brave
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
Sweeeeeeet!
DawginLex
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
yeah!!!
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
2 DOWN!!!!!!!!
Greta
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
ONE MORE!
Powder Blue (formerly "I Miss Ted Turner")
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
K
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
One More!!!
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
One more to go…
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
ONE MORE!!!!
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
Kimbrel strikes out Morse for second out in 9th
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
up and in K thats 2
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
2 outs for Ankiel…
Ball one…
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
Stankiel to end the game
Chopper
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
I guess the co-closer thing didn’t make it out of spring training. No reason to pitch Venters in the 8th against Desmond, Werth and Zimmerman if you are going match up style for closers. Kimbrel was the call there if that’s your philosophy. Looks like Fredi is putting Kimbrel in the closer role and Venters in the setup role, regardless of matchups. Or maybe Fredi doesn’t fear Werth/Zimmerman like he does Utley/Howard/Ibanez?
MB
March 31st, 2011
3:42 pm
Welke is squeezing Kimbrel.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
3:43 pm
FORGET THE CURVEBALL RICKY!
GIVE EM THE HEATER!
Brian from SC
March 31st, 2011
3:43 pm
David, I think Kimbrel is the closer, nuff said. He’s the 9th inning guy, regardless of lefty/righty.
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
3:43 pm
Close ‘em with the shutout!
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:43 pm
end it.
DawginLex
March 31st, 2011
3:43 pm
2-2 pitch GUN HIM!!
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:43 pm
Kimbrel shuts da DOOR !!!
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
3:43 pm
Ankiel strikes out on 2-2 pitch…
First-place Braves win 2-0 ! ! !
bravesgrl4life
March 31st, 2011
3:43 pm
BALLGAME!!!!! BRAVES WIN :GRIN:
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:43 pm
1-0 BABY
Powder Blue (formerly "I Miss Ted Turner")
March 31st, 2011
3:43 pm
Braves win!
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:43 pm
BRAVES WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DawginLex
March 31st, 2011
3:43 pm
Yeah, i think we have a closer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
rico43
March 31st, 2011
3:43 pm
Mac might as well just hold the mitt in the middle. Kimbrel’s ball’s going to go where it goes.
BUT THAT’S A NASTY CURVE! BRAVES WIN!
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
Kimbrel strikes out Ankiel to end game, Braves win 2-0
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
That’s a pretty solid debut, Craig.
Well done.
slidezz
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
Winner Winner chicken dinner Great opening day
Josh
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
Braves win!
deb
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
@bravofan, no I just get the Gameday audio for my computer. I thought abouat getting the ap for my phone, but I don’t think my battery will make it through an entire game.
YAY Braves! first game, first win!
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
BRAVES WIN!!!!!!!!
cabravesfan
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
Great way to open the season
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
shutout !!! heck YES !!
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
woot
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
Ankles at bat results in the usual
Brava
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
Awesome game!!!!
Ray Ray
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
162-0!!!!
Bobby Coccyx
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
Boy, these sure are some good kids!
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE ARE WORLD CHAMPEEEEEEEEEEEENS!!!!!
laura
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
1 down….161 more to go!!! BRAVES WIN!!!
Crime Dog
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
Filthy.
Bayou Brave
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
1 – 0.
Suck it, trolls.
BravesQueen
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
BRAVES WIN!!!
Fantastic start to the season, Bravos~!!
bravesgrl4life
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
BRAVES WIN!!!
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
BRAVES WIN!!!
LuisG
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
W!
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
And that’s why Kimbrel should be the closer, no need for defense
David
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
I like it……
groundfog
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
first victory for Kimbrel according to Chip lol
WV Braves Fan
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
Excellent.
Nova Scotia Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
Impressive.
That is all.
Corky Miller's Beer Gut
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BamaDude @ #1CowCollege AL
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
nice Game Bravos !!!
first Place ! …hehe
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
can’t wear venters out in game 1…1 inning is plenty….
Jeremiah
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
Great start! Go Braves!
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
first place. woo hoo!
BravesAC
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
One of many for Kimbrel this year! Go Braves!
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
that was well and good but the offense was horrible today.
groundfog
March 31st, 2011
3:44 pm
Who’s keeping the tab on Chip Caray blunders this year?
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
3:45 pm
Sorry if anyone disagrees but 46 is and should be our closer!
DawginLex
March 31st, 2011
3:45 pm
1st team to 100 wins wins!!!
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
3:45 pm
GREAT pitch to end it!!!
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:45 pm
you can say the offense struggled, but the fact is we played on the road in lousy weather and beat a pitcher that owned us last year. and our defense and pitching was outstanding. fantastic effort today. way to to Braves
bravesgrl4life
March 31st, 2011
3:45 pm
And I guess Chipper showed Foghorn how to shove it right up on in there! Way to go Chipper!!!!
LWB
March 31st, 2011
3:45 pm
Nice job by the pen today
Offense was pretty bad, but the pitching was very good. If Venters and Kimbrel can keep this up, gonna be pretty special. McLouth looks just like he did for most of the past two seasons.
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
3:45 pm
Say hello to your first place Braves!!! Shutout!
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:45 pm
Someone tell chip it was a save and not a win for kimbrel lol
N8
March 31st, 2011
3:45 pm
Yeah. We should all be worried about Kimbrel. (eyes rolling)
O’Flaherty, Moylan, Venters and Kimbrel will make up the best 1-2-3-4 punch of ANY bullpen in baseball.
Period.
DawginLex
March 31st, 2011
3:45 pm
O’flaherty was key in this game too
Jeff R
March 31st, 2011
3:46 pm
Nice pitching today from Lowe thru Kimbrel.
groundfog
March 31st, 2011
3:46 pm
A win is a win…2-0 is as good as 10-0 in the standings
BravesAC
March 31st, 2011
3:46 pm
P-Town Brave
That cracked me up.
Soph
March 31st, 2011
3:46 pm
Nice start. Good job, boys.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
March 31st, 2011
3:46 pm
good game…pitching was phenomenal…offense, not so much…Congrats to Freddi G
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:46 pm
A nice start to the year….Chipper performed as you would expect, Heyward chimed in with a long HR….we’ll see what we’ve got for em in a few days….need McOut to show up….
terrific pitching….
TennesseePaul
March 31st, 2011
3:46 pm
GO BRAVES!!
On the way to 162-0.
Dan Kolb's Mom
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
I remember when my Danny used to close games like that.
Wait, no I dont. He sucked.
billmaier
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
yes sir – wow a new era in atlanta– where are all the doubter and raggers today chipper 2-4 got in going with his double– great use of the bullpen today somehting we did not always see in the past for those who were negative about freddi and whining about bobby being gone– and for those who doubted kimbrel he just showed you waht he would have done last year in the playoffs when he was jerked withtwo outs– fantastic bunch of brave fans going to be aeting crow this year- where are you foghorn- ragging on chipper?
Scuba Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
Kimbril is a bada**. Do any of you remember when Kimbrel came in with nobody on base, walked the bases loaded and then proceeded to strike out the side? I knew then that he was something special.
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
Jermaine Dye is retiring.
GTSteve
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
http://www.ajc.com/braves_alone_in_ first-place
Murph
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
And that my friends is a great way to start a season!
Chipper, McCann, and Heyward all looked great, Lowe was his usual workhorse, and Kimbrel snapping off that ridiculous slider to freeze Ankiel.
1 in the books, team is looking good… it’s Miller time!
Couch Tater
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
First!!!
DAP
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
O’flaherty was key in this game too
yes he was. o’flarety is a very good middle reliever. he could be setting up.
Chopper
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
Well, the 8th and 9th couldn’t have gone better if you scripted it.
Venters: groundout, groundout, groundout
Kimbrel: flyout, strikeout, strikeout
I think Venters will avg 2 groundouts an inning and Kimbrel 2 strikeouts an inning. I’ll take that all day long.
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
I’m worried that the bullpen will be out of gas come July
baxter my little gentleman
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
162-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BravesQueen
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
you can say the offense struggled, but the fact is we played on the road in lousy weather and beat a pitcher that owned us last year. and our defense and pitching was outstanding. fantastic effort today. way to go Braves. —Dan Kolb’s Mom
Right on! 100% agree with you.
RHR
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
BALLGAME!
162-0 – the dream is ALIVE!
Scuba Steve
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
**Kimbrel
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:48 pm
I’m not rolling my eyes about Kimbrel and the worry he’ll be wild…it scares me until he consistently gets em out…today was a fine start for him and it will hopefully continue….
Booby's booger finger
March 31st, 2011
3:48 pm
We hitt’em hard but just right at people.
groundfog
March 31st, 2011
3:48 pm
Need Lowe to get to 7 but it was a decent start
SoWeGa Fanatic
March 31st, 2011
3:48 pm
I love it when a plan comes together!
Jerry Blooger
March 31st, 2011
3:48 pm
Great start Go Bravos
MB
March 31st, 2011
3:48 pm
Great way to start the season!
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
3:48 pm
People are complaining about who pitched the 8th and 9th……This was the plan and it worked to perfection….ENJOY IT…Go Braves!
billmaier
March 31st, 2011
3:48 pm
you noticed no sherrrill or linebrink today great job freddi
Gil In Mechanicsville
March 31st, 2011
3:48 pm
Entertaining ballgame. For the fantasy guys, maybe not so much… No points for good defense, right?
MIdtown
March 31st, 2011
3:49 pm
Yeah, nice job Eric O’!
BravesQueen
March 31st, 2011
3:49 pm
I think it is really cool that Heyward has now hit a HR in both of his Opening Day games. Boy, I’d love him to keep on with that tradition. Just a thought…
James
March 31st, 2011
3:49 pm
I’m back ya’ll, great win for the Bravos. Chipper’s back, Lowe continuing excellence, and bullpen as advertised!!!
RHR
March 31st, 2011
3:50 pm
I would like to thank my local braves radio network for giving ol’ Gasbag (who is usually on the airwaves at lunchtime) the day off in favor of the Braves.
Mitchell
March 31st, 2011
3:50 pm
Had ‘em all the way.
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
3:50 pm
No need for Lowe to go 7 yet. It’s still spring….6 innings and a 100 pitch shutout is just fine
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:50 pm
Chipper hasn’t missed a game all year.
John Adcox
March 31st, 2011
3:50 pm
The magic number is down to 161! Post season, here we come.
billmaier
March 31st, 2011
3:51 pm
FOR ALL YOU WONDERING ABOUT KIMBREL STOP WORRYING NOT ONLY GREAT FASTBALL BUT GREAT CURVE TOO- 97 MILE PER HOUR
Murph
March 31st, 2011
3:51 pm
I’m worried that the bullpen will be out of gas come July
I’m worried that it’s one game into the season and people like you are full of gas about the team already. Hope you run out by July.
Apron Strings at The Ted are one game closer...
March 31st, 2011
3:51 pm
Good call on Elizabeth Cook, there DOB. Nice and Easy on the eyes!
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:51 pm
Lowe is the new Rick Mahler! Minus 80 pounds of blubber of course and with the ability to win 18 games instead of 3….
Matt
March 31st, 2011
3:51 pm
Thursday !!!!!!! why start a Major League Baseball Season on a Dang Thursday. How about Saturday or Monday. Then We Finish up During the Week this year. Who is making these stupid schedules. Braves will have 21.000 folks on the final day of the season because its in the middle of the week.
Mike S
March 31st, 2011
3:52 pm
To all those bashing the offense, you typically don’t get a lot of offense in weather like this, and don’t forget the Nats defense played really well and took away at least 3 hits from us…
BigTimeTECHFan
March 31st, 2011
3:52 pm
How many innings with the Braves go before giving up their 1st runs
I say 24
MB
March 31st, 2011
3:52 pm
No no no no, someone needs to tell Ron Gant and Fred Hickman that Heyward’s homer last year was on a 2-0 pitch, not the first pitch.
Coach (2011 and Fredi G. a GO!)
March 31st, 2011
3:52 pm
Perfect pitching, perfect defense and just enough offense. I’ll take it and by the way, Heyward’s bomb was sweet.
Way to start the Fredi G. Era with a win!
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
3:52 pm
I swear this vow unto you, Baseball Gods:
If we ever lose a game, I will be mad and, of course, I will forget the happiness I felt this day. I will hate certain players along the way. When I hate them, the hate will be permanent until I see a World Series trophy celebration in the Braves’ clubhouse. If that happens, I will forget the hate I felt until pitchers and catchers report. At that point, I will renew my hate until I see another World Series trophy celebration in the Braves’ clubhouse.
This, I vow.
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:53 pm
Was the day off tomorrow requested by Chipper?
billmaier
March 31st, 2011
3:53 pm
FISH BISCH-DONT WORRY ABOUT overuse ofTHE PEN FREDDI IS MANAGING THIS YR NOT bobby
Mike S
March 31st, 2011
3:53 pm
…and we have a day off tomorrow, so Freddie coulda drained the whole bullpen with no consequences. Just enjoy the win, numbletards.
Mike S
March 31st, 2011
3:54 pm
Haha, Chop Chop @ 3:52. So true…
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:54 pm
Some of you guys sure are sensitive to the least little remark someone makes….good grief. find a sense of humor and try it out…
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
3:55 pm
I love winning the first game of the MLB season….The goal is to win the last one
Arkansas Transplant
March 31st, 2011
3:55 pm
What’s up Murph, how’s the RttS coming along? I haven’t given it a go in little over a week. Seems to put me in a bad mood every time I play it with all of the loading and lack of hitting afterwards.
UKUGA
March 31st, 2011
3:56 pm
McLouth is off to a good start toward earning that $1.25 million buyout.
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
3:56 pm
Chop Chop
That was pretty funny…..A lot of people have that same mentality
jim
March 31st, 2011
3:56 pm
Kimbrel was wild when he first came up — the game mentioned earlier a case in point (actually the last guy popped out to end the inning that game), but since he came back in Sept. walks have not been a problem. He was only wild in his first ST game this spring.
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:57 pm
timthebrave – surely not! Win the last game? Why do that? lol…but the point is a good one.
bfred
March 31st, 2011
3:57 pm
Lowe was at 106, it was time. Let the younger arms eat some innings. 3 hits, no runs over 5 2/3 with a stacked bullpen waiting to bring it home? Anything more would have been gravy.
UKUGA
March 31st, 2011
3:57 pm
I bet you Gant & Hickman haven’t watched that at – bat 50+ times like I have.
seminoles
March 31st, 2011
3:57 pm
Would love to know what Lowe said to Gonzalez when he took him out of the game. Everyone was laughing. Probably said “You know Bobby would have left me in”.
phil
March 31st, 2011
3:58 pm
jim – I take you at your word on the lack of wildness and look forward then to many a save…..
UKUGA
March 31st, 2011
3:58 pm
If Kimbrel hadn’t been pulled . . .
oh, nevermind!
Go Braves!
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
3:59 pm
Lowe: “You checked DOB’s blog, didn’t you?”
Fredi: “Yep.”
kk
March 31st, 2011
4:00 pm
The difference between Cox & Fredi is evident right away. Notice how he didn’t leave Lowe in too long? Right. Good riddance!
Mitchell
March 31st, 2011
4:01 pm
There have been a lot of good opening days in recent years and one pretty memorably bad one but I would dare sare that today was even better than last year.
Maybe the best.
Everything seems to be in place. And Martin was even nice enough to put up an 0-fer so Nate wouldn’t feel so bad.
RC
March 31st, 2011
4:02 pm
The difference between Cox & Fredi is evident right away. Notice how he didn’t leave Lowe in too long? Right. Good riddance!
Why doesn’t someone go take a look at how long Bobby left his opening day starter in the past 10 years or so.
You treat starting pitchers differently at the beginning of the season than you do at the end of the season. Just the way it is.
Braveone
March 31st, 2011
4:03 pm
From the previous blog which had 2,300 comments, Tomahawkin led the way with 108 posts. There were 194 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 Tomahawkin 108
2 Venice Jim 99
3 nolie 97
4 Jarryd 89
5 jeffrey d 88
6 McFann Ô Ô 80
7 Tom O’Hawke 74
8 cabravesfan 72
9 Roman Gal 71
10 Trey 71
11 haggard 64
12 BFChris26 61
13 Ward 54
14 Brava 50
15 richbrave 48
16 Soph 39
17 tiger297 38
18 JC from DR! 35
19 Just Pat 35
20 P-Town Brave © 35
21 Salt life 35
22 northbeach Scott 30
23 PTBNL 29
24 HornLeg HornFog 28
25 keylargo 28
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
4:03 pm
Tomorrow our guys are off.
Back again Saturday to beat the Nats again!!
RC
March 31st, 2011
4:03 pm
There have been a lot of good opening days in recent years and one pretty memorably bad one but I would dare sare that today was even better than last year.
Maybe the best.
Sorry, today was not better than last year. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy as can be, but last year was amazing. Not going to beat that one anytime soon.
wheelz007
March 31st, 2011
4:04 pm
Braves won today.
Kudos to Lowe, Chipper, MAC, the bullpen and thanks for the homer Heyward.
Gonzo made a couple of nice plays at SS. Freddie did well at 1B today.
Great job all the way around.
kenhotlanta
March 31st, 2011
4:05 pm
Fish Bisch:
You remind me of Munson and Dooley…their biggest worry of the season was the Vanderbilt punter. ;DD
Braveone
March 31st, 2011
4:05 pm
From all blogs this year which totals 68,126 comments, nolie leds the way with 3,948 posts. There were 1,859 different poster names. Here are the Top 100:
Rank Poster Frequency Percent Cumulative_%
1 nolie 3,948 5.8 5.8
2 cabravesfan 2,952 4.3 10.1
3 jeffrey d 2,532 3.7 13.8
4 Trey 2,323 3.4 17.3
5 Venice Jim 2,219 3.3 20.5
6 Tomahawkin 1,965 2.9 23.4
7 Lew 1,862 2.7 26.1
8 David O’Brien 1,696 2.5 28.6
9 Arkansas Transplant 1,456 2.1 30.8
10 richbrave 1,398 2.1 32.8
11 Tom O’Hawke 1,371 2.0 34.8
12 McFann Ô Ô 1,295 1.9 36.7
13 P-Town Brave © 1,292 1.9 38.6
14 Ward 1,206 1.8 40.4
15 Bat Masterson 1,196 1.8 42.1
16 Soph 1,192 1.7 43.9
17 Murph 860 1.3 45.2
18 haggard 827 1.2 46.4
19 ncscoots 746 1.1 47.5
20 Roman Gal 736 1.1 48.5
21 McFann O O 727 1.1 49.6
22 abwright 710 1.0 50.7
23 tiger297 708 1.0 51.7
24 keylargo 706 1.0 52.7
25 CB 699 1.0 53.8
26 Snotboogie 686 1.0 54.8
27 Brava 677 1.0 55.8
28 BFChris26 673 1.0 56.7
29 MIBravesFan 658 1.0 57.7
30 uga-brave 641 0.9 58.7
31 JC from DR! 632 0.9 59.6
32 DS1 578 0.8 60.4
33 ward 568 0.8 61.3
34 P’cola Brave 505 0.7 62.0
35 DAP 502 0.7 62.7
36 Trey N 477 0.7 63.4
37 Robert 467 0.7 64.1
38 Moe Berg 456 0.7 64.8
39 N8 444 0.7 65.4
40 Mixxo 429 0.6 66.1
41 TennesseePaul 423 0.6 66.7
42 Ease® in Woodstock 414 0.6 67.3
43 Just Pat 389 0.6 67.9
44 BravePack 378 0.6 68.4
45 Shaun 370 0.5 69.0
46 PTBNL 341 0.5 69.5
47 Hillbilly 337 0.5 70.0
48 bravesgrl4life 323 0.5 70.4
49 Bay Area Steve 307 0.5 70.9
50 Danga 304 0.4 71.3
51 Carroll Rogers 269 0.4 71.7
52 LTBF 269 0.4 72.1
53 Sick Tomahawkin 269 0.4 72.5
54 bravofan 267 0.4 72.9
55 VaBravesFan 250 0.4 73.3
56 T for Texas 244 0.4 73.6
57 Mike S 243 0.4 74.0
58 Jerry 219 0.3 74.3
59 Braveheart 218 0.3 74.6
60 Jeff R 218 0.3 75.0
61 timthebrave 218 0.3 75.3
62 GTSteve 213 0.3 75.6
63 Jake W. 205 0.3 75.9
64 Big Nick 203 0.3 76.2
65 wheelz007 199 0.3 76.5
66 CraZyTRaDeMaN 198 0.3 76.8
67 Bravefaninok 194 0.3 77.1
68 Couch Tater 187 0.3 77.3
69 raleighbravefan 187 0.3 77.6
70 Frank from KS(now livin in CO) 184 0.3 77.9
71 baxter my little gentleman 183 0.3 78.1
72 FEAR 179 0.3 78.4
73 Fish Bisch 178 0.3 78.7
74 Kat 178 0.3 78.9
75 rob from sc 172 0.3 79.2
76 MFin04 169 0.2 79.4
77 BravesFanChris26 164 0.2 79.7
78 flange1 161 0.2 79.9
79 Jarryd 160 0.2 80.1
80 Nova Scotia Steve 159 0.2 80.4
81 Mitchie-san 157 0.2 80.6
82 Playoffs!!!! 152 0.2 80.8
83 chris 151 0.2 81.1
84 Braves Paisan 149 0.2 81.3
85 Gil In Mechanicsville 149 0.2 81.5
86 Phillistein 148 0.2 81.7
87 Tomas 147 0.2 81.9
88 The Grinch 145 0.2 82.1
89 Corky Miller’s Beer Gut 144 0.2 82.3
90 ramblingman 138 0.2 82.5
91 Glord1 128 0.2 82.7
92 CraZy 126 0.2 82.9
93 Fredi’s Fu Manchu 126 0.2 83.1
94 RHR 126 0.2 83.3
95 Fargo 122 0.2 83.5
96 Coach (2011 and Fredi G. a GO!) 107 0.2 83.6
97 Steve McP 107 0.2 83.8
98 GT Alum 106 0.2 83.9
99 ncgary 101 0.1 84.1
100 Jimmy 99 0.1 84.2
Top poster by blog post date:
Date Poster Frequency Percent
04JAN2011 nolie 429 8.8
11JAN2011 jeffrey d 510 9.0
20JAN2011 Trey 431 12.7
25JAN2011 nolie 375 9.0
01FEB2011 nolie 298 8.9
08FEB2011 Trey 245 7.5
15FEB2011 Arkansas Transplant 78 7.1
16FEB2011 nolie 59 7.0
17FEB2011 Arkansas Transplant 101 11.5
18FEB2011 nolie 137 9.7
21FEB2011 nolie 97 6.6
23FEB2011 P-Town Brave © 74 5.0
24FEB2011 P-Town Brave © 87 7.2
25FEB2011 Tomahawkin 146 9.8
27FEB2011 nolie 87 6.9
28FEB2011 P-Town Brave © 77 7.6
01MAR2011 P-Town Brave © 107 8.5
02MAR2011 Venice Jim 75 6.6
03MAR2011 P-Town Brave © 130 9.6
04MAR2011 Venice Jim 133 9.7
05MAR2011 Roman Gal 69 6.7
06MAR2011 BFChris26 96 12.1
07MAR2011 abwright 99 11.6
08MAR2011 nolie 56 5.7
09MAR2011 nolie 67 7.1
10MAR2011 Venice Jim 89 7.5
11MAR2011 Venice Jim 127 13.0
13MAR2011 Venice Jim 91 11.5
14MAR2011 abwright 71 7.2
15MAR2011 cabravesfan 103 8.1
16MAR2011 cabravesfan 106 7.2
17MAR2011 JC from DR! 162 14.4
18MAR2011 Brava 59 5.2
19MAR2011 cabravesfan 103 11.3
20MAR2011 Braves Paisan 77 9.5
21MAR2011 Ward 71 5.5
23MAR2011 Venice Jim 81 5.5
24MAR2011 Venice Jim 117 8.3
25MAR2011 Venice Jim 203 15.8
26MAR2011 MIBravesFan 175 12.1
27MAR2011 Roman Gal 103 6.0
29MAR2011 Tomahawkin 108 4.7
Bill
March 31st, 2011
4:05 pm
Fredi doing great inteview..laughing and point out details..big difference in Fredi and BC.
raleighbravefan
March 31st, 2011
4:07 pm
Looks like the Bobby bashing is about over (except for Robert) – Robert v Bobby = Ahab v Moby Dick –
So now we are going with the bash Chipper (especially batting 3rd) obsessions.
Just 1 game, but line-up worked pretty well today. Of course, I know Don…I mean HornLeg or whatever, has a mental defect, and must obsess about something rediculous. All I know is that for now, we are undefeated and in first place with Chipper batting 3rd (.500)
BFChris26
March 31st, 2011
4:07 pm
MLBN isn’t showing Braves highlights. Boooo with the bias against it.
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
4:08 pm
The Braves are getting the short end of the stick again.
I will not rest until the “B” in MLBN stands for “Braves.”
Gil In Mechanicsville
March 31st, 2011
4:08 pm
Mitchell Simply because a player goes 0-4 at the plate does it mean he had bad at bats.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
4:09 pm
McLouth goes hitless in the first game of the season, and he’s being bashed already. Unbelievable. No wonder the Baseball Gods have not been generous with us since ‘95.
Rupert
March 31st, 2011
4:09 pm
Great win today and a great way to start Fredi’s tenure. The pitching was obviously stellar, and the hitting, while not great, was encouraging at times. There is a good feel to this team. Chipper talked about this before, the expectation of winning. Go Braves, 1-0!
Mitchell
March 31st, 2011
4:10 pm
It must really suck to lose opening day.
Especially if you’re Rick Ankiel going from hitting a home run into the bay in October to crappy Washington D.C. with the Nats.
I mean, if you’re the Mets tomorrow is like Game 7 of the World Series.
B Tank
March 31st, 2011
4:11 pm
AAAAHHHHH! Now no Braves until Saturday… what will I do tomorrow?
IHEARTCARROLL
March 31st, 2011
4:11 pm
This morning we were tied for last place. Now we’re in a tie for first place. Ain’t baseball wonderful.
Gil In Mechanicsville
March 31st, 2011
4:12 pm
Did not see Lowe throw a slider today, just two seamers and cutters.
sportsmandh
March 31st, 2011
4:12 pm
The Royals have Melky and Frenchy both starting in their outfield. Yikes, how would you like to have to watch that everyday?
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
4:13 pm
The pitching staff deserves kudos for the win today.
bostonbravo
March 31st, 2011
4:14 pm
GREAT START!
Now quick…GET RID OF NATE!!
DAP
March 31st, 2011
4:15 pm
RC Sorry, today was not better than last year. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy as can be, but last year was amazing. Not going to beat that one anytime soon.
yeah, itll be at least a year.
MitchC
March 31st, 2011
4:16 pm
Dave, that’s now two AJC writers. You, and Jeff Schultz, who think the Braves are going to win the East. I’ve been a Braves fan for 29 years, and try to consider myself “realistic” when it comes to them.
The Phillies staff of Halliday, Hamels, Oswalt, Lee, and Blanton, might be the best since.. Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Millwood, Neagle, et al. Opponents are not going to get many runs off that starting staff.
Not to mention, the Phillies still have some power.
The Braves, except for Tommy Hanson, have an old rotation.
Yes, the Braves are a very good team, one that should win more than 90 games, and might sow up the wild card with a week to go.. but.. I just don’t see our club besting that Cy Young Staff in Philly.
The Braves should make the playoffs, but I really think it will be as the wild card. Philly should win the East, unless they have major injuries, and the Braves play above expectations.
Wow..
March 31st, 2011
4:16 pm
“McLouth is off to a good start toward earning that $1.25 million buyout.”
Yep and Prado and Freeman are off to a good toward being sent back down to the minors and Uggla = bust.
Oh wait, there’s how many games left?
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
4:16 pm
sportsmandh The Royals have Melky and Frenchy both starting in their outfield. Yikes, how would you like to have to watch that everyday…
Watching them play defense….fun
Watching them hit………….almost as fun as grating your head on a cheese grater
Lawton
March 31st, 2011
4:16 pm
Gil: I think I saw a good bit of sliders from Lowe, especially after the 2nd inning.
BravoGurl
March 31st, 2011
4:17 pm
Yippeee! Braves are undefeated for the Season!
Hillbilly
March 31st, 2011
4:17 pm
I don’t know, is this a real sponsor?
I’m gettin stupid loose…
CacaKOW!!!!!!
MOUNTAIN TOP!!!!!
Sonny Jackson
March 31st, 2011
4:17 pm
Does anyone on this blog have a day job?
abwright
March 31st, 2011
4:17 pm
First Braves win for Fredi.
First win of the season.
First shut-out of the season. That was a bit of a surprise.
Chipper, McCann, and Heyward all contribute to the offense.
Got to love that opening day baseball.
MitchC
March 31st, 2011
4:17 pm
An amendment to my post: I know Jair Jurrgens isnt “old”.. but.. we dont know what we will get from him this year, after the disaster of last year, and the fact that he will start the season hurt.
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
4:18 pm
The Braves, except for Tommy Hanson, have an old rotation.
Did not realize JJ and Beachy were old…
raleighbravefan
March 31st, 2011
4:18 pm
That sorry McLouth went hitless today. That proves he is NO GOOD! (sarcasm!) BTW, so did Prado, Uggla, and Freeman, amoung others. I guess we are obviously DOOMED!!!
Sonny Jackson
March 31st, 2011
4:18 pm
Good one, Hillbilly…
Bat Masterson
March 31st, 2011
4:20 pm
Nice start to the season…….
Regular season commenting is underway………….
Commenters bitching ……
Other commenters bitching about commenters bitching …………
Commenters bitching about other commenters bitching about commenters bitching…………..
Crime Dog
March 31st, 2011
4:21 pm
It’s the circle of life, Bat. The Wheel of Fortune, if you will.
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
4:21 pm
Shut up, Bat.
We need to play Whitey-ball. Until Fredi realizes that, we’re done.
DOC
March 31st, 2011
4:21 pm
WHO are we tied with
tiger297
March 31st, 2011
4:23 pm
not the nationals…
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
4:24 pm
Bat, stop bitching about other commenters bitching about commenters bitching
BravesFan in DC
March 31st, 2011
4:25 pm
2 things:
DOB – Can you either confirm nor deny that Nate McLouth get his hair professionally highlighted? I mean damn… Did anyone else see that today (or all spring)? He has nicer locks than most Hollywood legends…
DLowe pitched his ass off… you could tell he wanted to finish the 6th. Great movement, kept the ball down, maybe a few too many balls, but overall a superb effort on opening day.
Go my team!!!
Bat Masterson
March 31st, 2011
4:25 pm
Chop Chop_
I have to say I’m disappointed in you, man. How could you let the Hooters close down, where is the civic pride?
raleighbravefan
March 31st, 2011
4:25 pm
MitchC…. “unless the Braves play above expectations”
Who’s expectations? I expect them to win the East.
nolie
March 31st, 2011
4:26 pm
all we could score against the Nat’s stinky pitching is 2 runs? Gonna be a long summer. Might not score more that 600 runs all year
Bat Masterson
March 31st, 2011
4:26 pm
Not bitching JC, making an observation, that’s all.
Einsteindawg
March 31st, 2011
4:27 pm
Congrats Fredi G. and the Braves…great win today! Are the MLB umps calling a smaller strike zone this season? Both Sabathia and Verlander had over 100 pitches in 6 innings. Good to see MclOUTh already in mid-seasn form…0-4.
nolie
March 31st, 2011
4:27 pm
bitchers are a bitch
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
4:28 pm
JC from DR! stop bitching about bat bitching about other commenters bitching about commenters bitching
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
4:28 pm
And I was joking.
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
4:29 pm
We don’t give a hoot.
cricket
March 31st, 2011
4:29 pm
It’s all Freddy’s fault
Mitchie-san
March 31st, 2011
4:29 pm
Number 81? Not too bad.
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
4:29 pm
DOC , We aren’t tied with anyone……Only other game so far that is completed is Yankees won
BravesFan in DC
March 31st, 2011
4:30 pm
Nolie – The Nats aren’t push-overs and Livan has always given the Braves issues. He’s an annoyingly smart pitcher. Their bullpen was also 4th best in the majors last year. Nice win today. Livan has OWNED the Braves in his career.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
4:30 pm
timthebrave – Let’s all just stop bitching about me bitching about bat bitching about other commenters bitching about commenters bitching.
Bat Masterson
March 31st, 2011
4:30 pm
Crime_
The wheel landed on good fortune today. Braves win and the sun came out.
Not only that but I was told the check is in the mail today, too. Man, what a life.
big j
March 31st, 2011
4:30 pm
Enter your comments here i’m worried fish bisch won’t run out of gas
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
4:30 pm
Einsteindawg,
The strike zone looked nice and wide to me today. Livan figured it out after the Heyward bomb. Lowe got so much movement on his sinkers and sliders today that he couldn’t hit the wide corners most of the time.
Bill Elliott
March 31st, 2011
4:31 pm
This isn’t my brother’s hero at all, this guy is my hero…Glad to see Todd Snider get some love, DOB. Not many people can pull off two live albums in 8 years and pull it off as well as Snider.
And what do you think Fredi’s gameplan throwing Venters out there in the 8th against 3 righties and Kimbrel in the 9th against 2 lefties? Does this mean Kimbrel is going to (unofficially) be the guy?
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
4:32 pm
Fredi Gonzalez had a bottle of Dom Perignon on his desk, a congratulatory gift from Braves staffer who’s worked with him since minor league days at Triple-A Richmond
nolie
March 31st, 2011
4:32 pm
. Livan has OWNED the Braves in his career. DC
I think you need to revisit the stats boards, or the above DOB blog.
Much of Livan’s career we beat the pants off of him
Bat Masterson
March 31st, 2011
4:33 pm
And I was joking.
JC_
As was I, nice to see we’re on the same page. I would post the wink emoticon but just can’t bring myself to do that.
RC
March 31st, 2011
4:33 pm
Pujols just popped up with 1 out and Rasmus on third. Cardinals should cut that bum
bfred
March 31st, 2011
4:33 pm
Chop Chop you may not want to bring up wide strike zones and Hernandez in the same zip code.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
4:34 pm
The Cards’ lineup looks good.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
4:34 pm
Yeah, Livan has only pitched like CY Young against us when a) he received a strike zone from batters box to batters box and then the last couple years…
Mitchell
March 31st, 2011
4:34 pm
RC
March 31st, 2011
4:03 pm
There have been a lot of good opening days in recent years and one pretty memorably bad one but I would dare sare that today was even better than last year.
Maybe the best.
Sorry, today was not better than last year. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy as can be, but last year was amazing. Not going to beat that one anytime soon.
I know, but last year was a fantasy. That was a freak of nature game. It was like some alternate universe exhibition.
In retrospect, it’s amazing they only scored 16 runs. They would have kept scoring but they got bored or so it seemed.
Yunel Escobar had five rbi’s at the end of the day for crying out loud. How many more did he get after that until they finally traded him, like two?
This is the team we expected to see today, that was the outcome we wanted to see and expected and they didn’t disappoint.
No flash, just solid all around performance. And no errors, for once.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
4:34 pm
RC-
Totally…
Danga
March 31st, 2011
4:34 pm
Any ideas on why Venters was brought into face 3 righties and Kimbrel faced 2/3 lefties? Ya’ll think this is a sign that Fredi intends to use Kimbrel as the closer no matter the situation?
headl
March 31st, 2011
4:34 pm
An amendment to my post: I know Jair Jurrgens isnt “old”
Beachy isn’t old either. Neither is Minor. Id say your assessment pretty much sucked.
In fact the Braves have the perfect mix of Veterans ( Hudson Lowe ) and youngsters.
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
4:35 pm
No decision yet on Jurrjens, but sounds like team might DL him and have him pitch for first time in April 8-10 home series vs. PHI
Danga
March 31st, 2011
4:36 pm
Or I could have waited and let Bill ask the question for me.
J-bone
March 31st, 2011
4:36 pm
in tradition with the family plan.
j
March 31st, 2011
4:36 pm
MitchC – Stay off the bandwagon come October. We will beat the Phillies this year.
Einsteindawg
March 31st, 2011
4:37 pm
Thanks Chop!
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
4:38 pm
Good point there…
And it was nice to see the pitching staff set the tone w/ a shutout and complete performance from EVERYONE that pitched….just great stuff…
And reminder, this Nats lineup may no longer have Dunn but adding Werth, LaRoche, and Morse I feel has given them a better lineup than what we’re used to facing…that said, it was nice to not see Nyjer Morgan and Cristian Guzman as those guys were absolute PESTS to us!
BravesFan in DC
March 31st, 2011
4:39 pm
Nolie – Are you a Braves fan? Perhaps you’ve forgotten about game 5 of the 1997 NLCS… You do some research.
cricket
March 31st, 2011
4:39 pm
Much of Livan’s career we beat the pants off of him
That’s impressive, those are some big azz pants ..
David O'Brien
March 31st, 2011
4:39 pm
Despite being called “co-closers” by Fredi G., today’s usage seems to indicate Kimbrel is primary guy
Danga
March 31st, 2011
4:40 pm
today’s usage seems to indicate Kimbrel is primary guy
He certainly looked the part.
Tomas
March 31st, 2011
4:41 pm
Jurrjens felt discomfort?
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
4:41 pm
BravesFan in DC – I think the Ump had something to do with the outcome of that game back in ‘97..
Chop Chop
March 31st, 2011
4:42 pm
If Kimbrel struggles at all this season, we’ll just have to chalk it up to him not being any good. That’s all I’m saying.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
4:43 pm
P-Town Brave © – I agree on Nyjer Morgan, the guy was a real PITA for the Braves.
BravesFan in DC
March 31st, 2011
4:44 pm
JC – Correct. We were absolutely robbed that game, but Umps always have something to do with it. That’s the imperfect beauty of baseball.
BravesFan in DC
March 31st, 2011
4:44 pm
Nyjer Morgan is a clown. So glad he’s out of the division.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
4:45 pm
DOB-
As he should be….while Venters’ stuff is just as good, Kimbrel I believe projects better as a closer and gets more punch outs…
And man was he AMPED!
Murph
March 31st, 2011
4:46 pm
AT, how’s it going? I was up working last night ’til 5am and ended up playing a lot of RttS while waiting for stuff to load…
Didn’t fare too well. My average is now below .250 again after a string of 0-4’s in a row. I am leading the league in HR with 18, 2nd in RBI, but my manager keeps telling me I’m not going anywhere if I don’t start listening or something like that… I dunno, I wasn’t really paying attention to him.
I love the game, when I’m doing well, but when I’m on a streak like I got on last night, I think it’s horrible.
nolie
March 31st, 2011
4:47 pm
Nolie – Are you a Braves fan DC
are you a moron? Is that the only game you can remember?
You said he owned us his entire career. That is so not true as to be a ludicrous statement. Hell DOB just went over it in the blog.
My original comment simply and politely pointed out to you that he did not own us his entire career like you said.
If you can’t stand someone pointing out a mistake in what you say, you need to grow some thicker skin instead of attacking someone who tells you the truth.
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
4:48 pm
DOB,
Did you ask Fredi why Cheryl and linebrink didn’t get any work in today? I thought the Braves paid them big bucks to be middle relievers in the clutch.
BravesFan in DC
March 31st, 2011
4:49 pm
Nolie – Why are you getting so defensive? Easy big guy. Maybe you need to “grow some thicker skin”… we’re on the same side, bud.
N8
March 31st, 2011
4:49 pm
“Sorry, today was not better than last year. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy as can be, but last year was amazing. Not going to beat that one anytime soon.” RC
Why? Because Heyward blew past all the hype and hit the big 3 run BOMB in the first inning?
I’ll admit for Jason Heyward, it was pretty special.
But I’m a fan of pitching and defense and today magnifies exactly how this team is going to win this year….
LIGHTS OUT bullpen. And Freddie Freeman making 2 or 3 plays that saved his infielders. Something we all need to get used to seeing, regardless of what he does with the stick. Derek Lowe looked great.
Like I said. I’ll concede it wasn’t nearly as dramatic. But you know what? I was just as much on the edge of my seat with a 2-0 lead and Kimbrel coming in for the save as I was when Heyward came to the plate last year in the 1st inning of game one.
Kimbrel didn’t disappoint. Just won’t get all the accolades that young Heyward did. But it’s certainly as important as Heyward starting off hot last year.
I can’t explain it enough how if Kimbrel starts the year off saving around 10 games in a row without issue, how that will trigger him to a MONSTER year.
The 8th and 9th inning of today’s game was HUGE (even if it was the Nats), and the rest of the NL was taking notice.
If Kimbrel and Venters do what they did at the end of last year for an entire year? NOBODY is going to want to face this pitching staff.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
4:50 pm
Sherrill.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
4:50 pm
“my manager keeps telling me I’m not going anywhere if I don’t start listening or something like that… I dunno, I wasn’t really paying attention to him” -Murph
FUNNY stuff Murph!
Maybe you oughta start listening…
Found the dumbest thing on the game…you can’t do a Co-op Franchise…something that surely will need to be fixed for 2012.
Murph
March 31st, 2011
4:50 pm
You know who scares me in the NL this year? Milwaukee… their 1-5 hitters have got to be amongst the best in the game. Wouldn’t want to face them in October.
timthebrave
March 31st, 2011
4:52 pm
Fish Bisch, Can you ask yourself why you can’t just enjoy a win?
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
4:52 pm
Yes, Milwaukee will do some damage this year.
tiger297
March 31st, 2011
4:52 pm
nolie – everything ok down your way…hear kissimee/lakeland got lit up pretty good
BravesFan in DC
March 31st, 2011
4:53 pm
Milwaukee… or “The Good Land”… will be a scary team offensively, but Atlanta out-pitches them any day of the weak. I love knowing if one of our guys goes down we have Minor in the wings… we are stacked! Hey, remember Kris Medlen? I would love to see him back in the ‘pen come August.
RC
March 31st, 2011
4:53 pm
N8,
I meant last year was better than last year from a sheer excitement level. Obviously which opening day is “better” is a strictly personal fan experience. Last year I was in the stands at Turner Field for a playoff-like atmosphere with my fiance. This year I was at work and not even able to get radio of the game until the 3rd inning.
Both games count as a win. I’m just happy we started the season off right.
PTBNL
March 31st, 2011
4:53 pm
DC, one game is not his career. nolie’s statement is correct. The original statement was regarding a whole career.
bravesgrl4life
March 31st, 2011
4:54 pm
Last year’s Opening Day was special – we were at home for one thing. And it wasn’t just Jason’s 3-run stadium-turning blast, it was the whole thing. Opening Day, Rookie Phenom jacks one to right field on his first MLB swing, and the last Opening Day for Bobby Cox as Manager of the Atlanta Braves. It really was a beautiful day and a fun day at the Ted. I got to give my Cubs-loving sister-in-law a little family grief about my Braves kicking Cubbie tail that day.
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
4:54 pm
I do agree with N8 that today’s win will be a blueprint for how most of the games this season will be decided, although I think I might need to stock up on heartburn and anxiety medication.
richbrave
March 31st, 2011
4:56 pm
I liked what I saw today…..between screams and diapers that is…..solid pitching and defense. Both timely and sudden hitting.
If this club gets this kind of effort all year we could win 100, which means the others in our division won’t.
Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
4:56 pm
That’s the thing about “special” opening days, people make stuff up about what they thought they witnessed. Heywood hit a homer on a 2-0 pitch not his first swing.
Murph
March 31st, 2011
4:57 pm
PT – Here’s my biggest frustration with The Show. I am a 1B/3B prospect in the Dodgers organization. My manager has given me things to work on, like improving my baserunning. How do I show improvement in baserunning? I only got thrown out stealing once (compared to my usual 10 times in a play session) and the bar didn’t move at all.
Also, if I see the opposition bunt with 2 strikes, nobody on and nobody out in the bottom of the 9th inning again I’m going to punch Ward in the nose.
RC
March 31st, 2011
4:57 pm
That’s the thing about “special” opening days, people make stuff up about what they thought they witnessed. Heywood hit a homer on a 2-0 pitch not his first swing.
Heywood didn’t do anything. Hey-WARD did hit a HR on his first swing. If he had swung before that, he wouldn’t have a 2-0 count (meaning 2 balls….no swings).
BravesFan in DC
March 31st, 2011
4:58 pm
PTBNL – He’s always been pretty good against us. Last year included. For a guy that throws a 62mph slurve and tops out at 83mph he has fared well against Atlanta… but yes, maybe my statement was over-stated. It just seems like when it’s really mattered he’s been very good against us.
Murph
March 31st, 2011
4:59 pm
I liked what I saw today…..between screams and diapers that is
Lew came to visit?
I kid Lew… I kid.
Danga
March 31st, 2011
4:59 pm
I do agree with N8 that today’s win will be a blueprint for how most of the games this season will be decided
I disagree. The pitchers are good. But I think we’ll score some runs this year and be using the heartburn meds following a few errors.
Soph
March 31st, 2011
4:59 pm
Heywood hit a homer on a 2-0 pitch not his first swing.
Ay-yi-yi.
Crime Dog
March 31st, 2011
5:00 pm
That’s the thing about “special” opening days, people make stuff up about what they thought they witnessed. Heywood hit a homer on a 2-0 pitch not his first swing.
That response was pretty “special” alright. I love all those pitches called balls despite the batter swinging.
RC
March 31st, 2011
5:00 pm
Wow….either GameDay is way off, or the umpire in the SD-STL game has just been blinded.
RC
March 31st, 2011
5:01 pm
Rasmus just saw Ball 2 hit the center square of the 9×9 strikezone grid…
Venice Jim
March 31st, 2011
5:02 pm
Pujols just hit into a DP – he is clearly cracking under the strain of the contract year pressure…
RC
March 31st, 2011
5:02 pm
Pujols grounds into a double play in his second AB. Pop up to 3rd and a GIDP…why do they hang onto this guy???
CB
March 31st, 2011
5:03 pm
I agree with N8 that this pitching staff could be special but I also feel this offense will be one of the best in the NL. Chipper is the catalyst if he has a good year,Heyward will give us 25-30 HRS and McCann will have a career year with his support. Don’t let today fool anyone,this is a good hitting team.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
5:04 pm
That Fish Bisch comment should go into the Blog’s HOF.
cricket
March 31st, 2011
5:04 pm
DOB could have avoided this pointless spat only if he had mentioned following in the blog -
The Braves get old friend Livan today, who’s pitched a lot better against them lately than he did for most of his career. In fact, he’s pitched against them lately like he once did only in the postseason.
When he was a Marlins, Hernandez went 3-0 in three postseason games against the Braves.
After going 3-15 with a 5.52 ERA in his first 25 regular-season games (24 starts) against the Braves, Hernandez is 4-1 with a 2.72 ERA in eight starts against them over the past two seasons
N8
March 31st, 2011
5:05 pm
RC, yeah. I suppose actually being at that game makes it considerably more special. I watched both last year’s and this year’s game on TV, and can honestly say that other than the moment leading up to, during and after Heyward’s first AB, this game was just as enjoyable from my living room as that one was.
But yeah… I’m sure experiencing that atmosphere at the Ted was electric to say the least.
Danga I agree. I think we’ll hit more, thus scoring more runs. Along with making plenty of errors, allowing more unearned runs. Either way, it will make for plenty of close games and having Kimbrel and Venters at the end of the pen (along with Moylan and O’Flaherty) will shorten the games and should help us win more than we lose in the close game category.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
5:05 pm
Murph-
I don’t know about the bunting situation, but the other…
Have you tried using your training points to add to your baserunning stats?
Thats generally how you please the manager, unless its an actually numeral tied stat like Collect # total bases in next 3 series…
Get what I’m saying?
CB
March 31st, 2011
5:06 pm
I got to type faster to beat Danga. LOL
nique
March 31st, 2011
5:08 pm
Heyward is a beast!
PTBNL
March 31st, 2011
5:11 pm
DC, it is true that lately he has done well against the Braves. And he did well in the playoffs against the Braves years ago. I can see where one would perceive him to be highly successful because those moments may tend to stick more in memory than his whole career. I don’t think nolie would have any problem with your “corrected” statement either. It is true that he has done well against the Braves at times. But looking over his whole career is a different picture all together.
Rufio
March 31st, 2011
5:11 pm
Wow, What a Game !!!! Jason Heyward is on pace to hit 162 home runs this year!!!!
I always loved that Skip joke! You can only use it on Opening Day though!!
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
5:13 pm
VICTORY IS OURS!
CaptainMudderland
March 31st, 2011
5:17 pm
No rain on this victory parade…but, I am concerned with who I think is this teams weak link: McClouth. I am excited about this team and our chances obviously–however, I am really upset that we have this guy instead of someone good enough to bounce back after a seemingly year-long slump–hope is still there for him but it’s waning fast.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
5:18 pm
Oh dear GOD…
Check out the Brewers/Reds game if you have the MLB package…
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
5:18 pm
Rolen just hit one to McGhee at 3b and he tried to tag Phillips and missed and then didn’t get the runner at 1b on the throw…
Reds have em loaded for Jay Bruce w/ nobody out in the 9th down 6-3.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
5:24 pm
REDS WALK OFF!
3-RUN HR BY RAMON HERNANDEZ!
Reds just have the magic again….
RC
March 31st, 2011
5:24 pm
3-run HR by the Ramon Hernandez. Reds win 8-7.
Runner341
March 31st, 2011
5:25 pm
Fredi has already shown he is a much better manager than Bobby… great decision by him to take Lowe out, saved us the game. Way to go Braves!
RC
March 31st, 2011
5:25 pm
[Enter John Axford getting the "ax" as closer jokes here]
richbrave
March 31st, 2011
5:26 pm
Murph
March 31st, 2011
4:59 pm
I liked what I saw today…..between screams and diapers that is
Lew came to visit?
I kid Lew… I kid.
MURPH:
You be bad dude, bad!
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
5:26 pm
RC-
Hernandez puts the Ax-ford to Opening Day
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
5:27 pm
Man…wish they didn’t have the day off tomorrow!
Runner-
March 31st, 2011
5:27 pm
Let’s hope Martin and Dan find their bats tommorow as well.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
5:29 pm
Skip Schumaker has butter hands/glove.
Doc Holiday
March 31st, 2011
5:30 pm
Im so please we what the organization has accomplished.
What a solid team top to bottom.
Nate looking suspicious once again, but its only one game, Ill stay positive about him.
JHey just showing his colors and Chipper being just Chippa.
Derek very solid against, what is a silently closing the gap, a very good Nats team. I can see them putting up a fight for 3rd place. The only reason that team might end up having a below .500 season is that they will have to face our team, the phillies and a very good fish team too many times.
Mets will start and finish at the cellar.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
5:30 pm
YES! Go HUNDLEY!
nolie
March 31st, 2011
5:31 pm
Why are you getting so defensive? DC
I don’t like having my fandom questioned because I say something that is true.
You gave me an attitude cause I pointed out something you said. You got an attitude back
Gil In Mechanicsville
March 31st, 2011
5:34 pm
N8… Excellent summation of today’s game.
Danga
March 31st, 2011
5:36 pm
I got to type faster to beat Danga
Great minds.
Danga
March 31st, 2011
5:37 pm
Pads flashing the leather.
BravesQueen
March 31st, 2011
5:37 pm
Wow, what’s with all the bitchin’??
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
5:39 pm
^^ Thats what i’m saying
WE WON PEOPLE!! GIVE IT A FRIGGIN REST ALREADY!
Doc Holiday
March 31st, 2011
5:39 pm
I think we are blessed with this John S., Wren, Cox and now Freddy.
This corp has built up a monster of a team in less than 5 years out of nowhere. Pretty amazing and hard to do nowadays . For less than 100 000 $$$.
I really like the idea of having Cox helping around. I hated him as manager, but Im more than sure he has a great eye for talent and still has a lot to offer to this club.
Difference between Cox and Freddy is that Freddy took out Derek at the precise moment it was needed. Cox would have let him in for a HR and a pitch too late come out to take him. Then we would all be b_tch_ng for the rest of the afternoon and some until late at night.
Thank god a new era has begun and than for keep Cox around but not taking game decisions.
nolie
March 31st, 2011
5:41 pm
Difference between Cox and Freddy is that Freddy took out Derek at the precise moment it was needed
what a load of crap
gcs
March 31st, 2011
5:42 pm
McOfer
.
Danga
March 31st, 2011
5:43 pm
Difference between Cox and Freddy is that Freddy took out Derek at the precise moment it was needed
Whatever. At this rate we won’t have a bullpen by the All Star Break none the less for the whole season.
I jest. But seriously.
Give Fredi time. He’ll do something to p*ss us all off before too long.
Bat Masterson
March 31st, 2011
5:44 pm
With the benefit of hindsight I think Freddi made all the right decisions today. The man is a flippin’ genius. Manager of the year, might as well give it to him now, why wait.
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
5:46 pm
SERIOUSLY!
STOP IT!
QUIT THE BITCHING!
WE WON!
ONCE AGAIN, WE WON!!
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
5:47 pm
Yeah, let’s be happy! BMac’s on pace for about 121 RBI, and Heyward is on pace for about 261! What a middle of the order we’ll have!
Doc Holiday
March 31st, 2011
5:47 pm
nolie,
Its not called crap, its just different of what you think.
You know Cox was horrible making pitching decisions………..and if you didnt know, you were not watching
Bat Masterson
March 31st, 2011
5:47 pm
He so damn good I’m giving him an extra d in his name.
McFann ;Ô; ;Ô;
March 31st, 2011
5:48 pm
Not to mention they’re on pace to go 162-0…
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
5:48 pm
Ouch!
Pujols has hit into 2 double plays and popped out to 3b…
Rough start for the marked man!
PTBNL
March 31st, 2011
5:48 pm
nolie, you must have the same bad eyes that I do. I think I need to have my eyes checked. My vision is so bad that I am unable to see the big differences in how pitchers were handled (in ONE game at that) this year. I did notice however that Prado was sneezing in the dugout and his form was a little different from last year.
Phillistein
March 31st, 2011
5:49 pm
Hey – You guys are in 1st Place
Mozoltov
jim
March 31st, 2011
5:50 pm
Enter your comments here
P-Town Brave ©
March 31st, 2011
5:50 pm
Cards have 9 hits, but I guess thats what happens when a guy who’d be 5th in our rotation (if he’s lucky) pitches OD for the Padres…
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
5:51 pm
No, enter your comments here instead
Doc Holiday
March 31st, 2011
5:52 pm
PTBNL,
Got to admit, I have never read a post as funny as yours…………z z z z z
Are you a comedian?
Bat Masterson
March 31st, 2011
5:53 pm
PTBNL _
Don’t you get it! If Fredi had not pulled Lowe when he did something would have happened! Might have been good, might have been bad, but you better believe it would have been something. And Fredi stopped it from happening.
JC from DR!
March 31st, 2011
5:54 pm
Doc Holiday – Go to the previous page on this blog, and check out Fish Bisch’s comment near the bottom of the page. THAT was funny.
Josh
March 31st, 2011
5:55 pm
why is it such doom and gloom here today? we won folks
Tomahawkin
March 31st, 2011
5:56 pm
Bing!-Soldier
(Waving Arm!) “Get Out The WAYYY!!! (Boom!) Pretty Boy Coming Through! (Boom!) Me And My Crew! We Swaggin In The Room! ”
Whats Up All…?
Doc Holiday
March 31st, 2011
5:56 pm
You see……….Bat Masterson has more than one brain cell, he did get the idea…………….congratulations to you, You are above PTBNL level of inteligence.
Now for the grand prize…………how much is 2 + 2?
Couch Tater
March 31st, 2011
5:56 pm
what a load of crap
New season begins!
wjones
March 31st, 2011
5:57 pm
“Fish Bisch
March 31st, 2011
3:47 pm
I’m worried that the bullpen will be out of gas come July”
Good GOD, man, get a grip! Besides, even those players making minimum wage can afford gas, no matter how high the price is in July.
Doc Holiday
March 31st, 2011
5:58 pm
I asked my self the same q.
I guess it has to do with IQ, but I will keep evaluating.
PTBNL
March 31st, 2011
5:58 pm
McFann, what is your formula for rbi pace? If you are going on an avg per game, it seems that they would have the same pace — 162. If you think that they will have the same number of at bats and are using the number of at bats as your formula basis then Heyward is only on pace to hit 242, if McCann is on pace to hit 162. Of course, there could be a number of other criteria and considerations, some that we would fail to even think of until the season plays out (imagine that!) So that is why I was asking about your criteria or formula. I am interested to know what all is included in your formula.
Bat Masterson
March 31st, 2011
5:58 pm
Josh_
Just so you know, not only did the Braves not pitch a no hitter today, they made 27 outs!
JasonInFL
March 31st, 2011
5:59 pm
Great start to the season. The team just seems different, and I think it is because they have that swagger back…as Chipper stated, they expect to win again. That’s a big deal.
If J-Hey stays healthy, he is going to have a big year. I still think he and Mac should switch spots, but oh well.
BravesQueen
March 31st, 2011
5:59 pm
Geez, I can’t wait to see what its like here on the blog when we LOSE! For crissake, we need to make sure we have a suicide/crisis hotline available.
Seriously…chill out. Argue on days we lose. Relish the fact that we won today. Give it a rest.
Murph
March 31st, 2011
6:00 pm
Get it rich? I’m saying Lew is so old he has to wear diap… nevermind
Doc Holiday
March 31st, 2011
6:01 pm
Yeah……….open up champagne………….We WON………..107 wins to go!!!!!!!!!!
PTBNL
March 31st, 2011
6:02 pm
Sorry, my fingers typed 242, but I was thinking 324. Sorry McFann.
Doc Holiday
March 31st, 2011
6:04 pm
Sorry my finger typed 107 I meant 129…………. My condition makes me do that sometimes
Doc Holiday
March 31st, 2011
6:05 pm
FEAR 22
March 31st, 2011
6:06 pm
Nice start to the new era.
PTBNL
March 31st, 2011
6:06 pm
Brava
March 31st, 2011
6:07 pm
Well, I missed most of the 4th through 7th innings because a couple of worthless punks decided to choose Opening Day to break into the house across the street which is up for sale.
The good think is I got to see the expressions on their faces when they came out the front door and were met by 6 cops with weapons drawn and the subsequent take-downs.
Very entertaining stuff, but not as good as the game would have been.
keylargo
March 31st, 2011
6:09 pm
One thing that is real is that the Braves got 2 hits in the last 24 outs. Let me stop though and double check. It could have been only 23 outs and I could provide one of lurkers ammunition to began an attack.
Well, it’s verified – Heyward’s second-inning leadoff homer off Livan Hernandez produced some cushion
I guess that lurker wi
keylargo
March 31st, 2011
6:11 pm
I guess that lurker will have to come up with something original or factual – might be awhile though.
Bat Masterson
March 31st, 2011
6:11 pm
PTBNL _
I am………..
Tomahawkin
March 31st, 2011
6:12 pm
Cheesewhiz A lot of Rookies on the blog today, I will be glad when its just the regulars on the blog 2-3 weeks from now…
Doc Holiday
March 31st, 2011
6:12 pm
Just a bit
Come on in, champagne is already open.
PTBNL
March 31st, 2011
6:13 pm
Bat, I am looking for my sarcasm meter. I need to get some readings on some of your more recent posts.
Couch Tater
March 31st, 2011
6:14 pm
they have that swagger back
Jason – I think so, too. Adding Uggla in the middle of the line-up has made a huge difference in that swag. A good mix of vets and eager young guys should provide a fun season. I think Chipper looks rejuvenated and in great shape, as well.
keylargo
March 31st, 2011
6:16 pm
Well, I missed most of the 4th through 7th innings because a couple of worthless punks decided to choose Opening Day to break into the house across the street which is up for sale.
That’s what happens when you send in the Army Brava. The Marines would have been settled back in by the 5th and we wouldn’t have had to worry about a trial.
Brava
March 31st, 2011
6:16 pm
Me too, Tomahawkin. It was like being in a stifling crowd of people with smelly armpits in here.
JasonInFL
March 31st, 2011
6:17 pm
Agreed on Chipper, Tater. I really think he wants to prove people wrong. Plus, as you say, he does appear to be in pretty good shape. I hope he has a HUGE year!!
I still think Nate is going to have a good year as well, and if he does; they sky is the limit.
Jake W.
March 31st, 2011
6:17 pm
Give Fredi time. He’ll do something to p*ss us all off before too long.
Yes he will, and apparently he’s already pissed off a good portion of fans for batting Jason 6th. Bobby was here over a decade, Fredi has had one game as manager of the braves. Plenty of days left to piss off people.
BravesQueen
March 31st, 2011
6:17 pm
Brava — Way to go, you upstanding citizen!
Tomahawkin’ — Co-Sign your 6:12p post!
BravesQueen
March 31st, 2011
6:18 pm
Brava —
You really wanted to give a thorough picture there, didn’t ya? Smelly armpits…:lol:
Brava
March 31st, 2011
6:19 pm
Ha ha, keylargo. I thought about going over there myself and popping a cap in those punks’ asses for interrupting my game, but decided to let the police take care of my light work.
Tomahawkin
March 31st, 2011
6:20 pm
Braveone
“From the previous blog which had 2,300 comments, Tomahawkin led the way with 108 posts. There were 194 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 Tomahawkin 108″
Yay! I’m Now The 2-Time Blog InterContinential Champion…! Give Me My Belt!
chilidog75
March 31st, 2011
6:20 pm
Nate doesn’t even need to have a good year. He just can’t have a horrible one.
If he’s just competent offensively – above the Francouer Line in OBP and OPS – then everything else is gravy.
I don’t like him at No. 2. But that issue will be addressed in the coming weeks I’m sure.
Tomahawkin
March 31st, 2011
6:21 pm
Brava
“Me too, Tomahawkin. It was like being in a stifling crowd of people with smelly armpits in here.”
LOL, Reminds Me of a Packed MARTA Train after a Braves Sellout game, I’m glad I shave my pits!
Brava
March 31st, 2011
6:21 pm
Thanks, BravesQueen. You HAVE to admit my description was accurate, right?
Bill
March 31st, 2011
6:23 pm
Nate will not last and GO BRAVES>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Doc Holiday
March 31st, 2011
6:24 pm
chilidog75
If Nate stays as bad as last season he could be sent to the 8th spot once freddy shows he can hit behind Uggla so JH can be move to 2nd spot.
Tomahawkin
March 31st, 2011
6:24 pm
I like The Fact That Fredi is gonna Bat B-Macc Cleanup against RH’ers and UGG Cleanup against Lefties…I love Fredi already
Chipper WOW’d the hell out of Me today with his hustle on that double last year and in previos years he would’ve pulled the Roger Dorn role and settled with a single w/ 2 outs…The dude seems to be on a mission to me
Brava
March 31st, 2011
6:24 pm
I haven’t done the Braves’ shuttle, Tomahawkin, but I have ridden MARTA from the airport to Ft. McPherson a few times and it was like that too.
Did you hear they decided to reinstate the Braves shuttle for this season? I remember you mentioning that you rode it.
Doc Holiday
March 31st, 2011
6:25 pm
chilidog75,
Mather might end up as our CF, crazy things can happen.
Jake W.
March 31st, 2011
6:26 pm
I’m a little late with my predictions but in the AL I have Boston in the east, Detroit in the central, Texas in the west, and the White Sox for the wildcard. In the NL I got philly in the East, Cincinnati in the central, San Fran in the West and the Braves for the wildcard.
Wildcard or Division title, I just hope we make the postseason.
jim
March 31st, 2011
6:27 pm
I think Heyward and McCann will switch spots by June. One reason is the example of the DP grounder in the 8th. If Mac hits a grounder to the infield its a near certain DP, with jason there is a much better chance he’d beat a relay and the rally is not killed. The key player on this team is Heyward. As good as Mac is, Heyward has the higher potential, runs the bases better, and has a better OBP. Batting 6th today he only got 3ABs — He will get 1 or 2 ABs a week hitting 6th instead of 4th. If by June it is clear that Heyward is our best player, the switch should be made.
brian
March 31st, 2011
6:28 pm
Doc – I like Heyward in a power spot but you are right he is great in the 2 hole (I would be happy having Heyward hit 2,6,7,8,9 with Prado, Chipper, McCann, and Uggla manning the other spots!). High OBP, speed, and able to fly around the bases on doubles by Chipper and Mac. I am sure Prado would love having Heyward hit behind him
Tomahawkin
March 31st, 2011
6:29 pm
Gotta Give a S/O to eveyone who came and pitched out of the Pen Today
Easy-E
Petey-Pablo
Vennie-Macc
And Kimmie
I was hoping to Gawd that we did see the Sheriff (Sherrill) come in, I’m not sold on him yet
jim
March 31st, 2011
6:30 pm
I meant to say 1 or 2 ABs a week fewer hitting 6th. Also, I am not saying Jason would have beat the relay on a grunder to the pitcher, but on any grounder to the infield he has a much better chance of beating the relay than Mac.
BravesQueen
March 31st, 2011
6:30 pm
Brava, Oh most definitely accurate.
Doc Holiday
March 31st, 2011
6:31 pm
jim,
Jason is out best player, Chipper might be a better hitter but Jason is more complete (of course he has the age advantage now).
JasonInFL
March 31st, 2011
6:32 pm
The primary reason I don’t like J-Hey in the 6-hole is the number of ABs he will lose. As Shaun eloquently states, you want your best hitters getting as many ABs as possible. He got 3 today.
nolie
March 31st, 2011
6:33 pm
..and if you didnt know, you were not watching DH
it’s crap and obviously I’m not the only one who thought so.
Just another outbreak of Bobby hatism. Like one game determines anything.
Funny that nobody actually in baseball