Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
2,335 comments Add your comment
jeffrey d
June 29th, 2011
9:55 pm
Why all the surprise? The Phillies have proved for about 4 years now that they’re the team to beat.
jeffrey d
June 29th, 2011
9:56 pm
I certainly would not be here without him.
Didn’t Gene Siskel die about 15 years ago?
Rex Reed
June 29th, 2011
9:56 pm
I second what Gene said even though I’m now dead.
Roger Ebert
June 29th, 2011
9:57 pm
I think you are right. Was Gene the tall one?
unbelievable
June 29th, 2011
10:00 pm
Had he already warmed up today, is that why you went ahead and used him in 5-1 game?
“What was it, 5-1? A 5-1 game and you had those left-handers coming up. We had Linebrink going just in case we popped another one [in the top of the eighth], and give Linebrink an inning. We didn’t and it was a 5-1 game, so go ahead and run Jonny out there.” – FREDI
Oh dear, he’s shockingly really this dumb isnt he? So he’s basically saying he doesnt trust any other reliever with a 4 run lead and the bases empty. I thought Dusty Baker could destroy some arms. He’s a moron.
Bubba Phillips
June 29th, 2011
10:00 pm
If this turns into a reunion of movie critics it will be more boring than a Nolie-Lew recitation of Kubla Khan.
David O'Brien
June 29th, 2011
10:00 pm
Link to GAME STORY
http://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-braves/braves-sweep-mariners-lowe-992592.html
Tom O'Hawke
June 29th, 2011
10:01 pm
Why don’t we just appreciate Earl or Lou or whoever he goes by and just be thankful he injects some much needed humor into this blog. I certainly would not be here without him.
I just, recently, said that!!! Doesn’t anyone read my posts?
jeffrey d
June 29th, 2011
10:02 pm
I know I enjoy a good Tom O’Hawke post
Woodie Held
June 29th, 2011
10:02 pm
See, now I think that Bubba Phillips is Earl.
TnBrian
June 29th, 2011
10:02 pm
All the whining about our offense, I can be in that group too, some of us forget that we’re almost at 50 wins already. Only Philly can claim they’re better at this point.
Earl Williams
June 29th, 2011
10:04 pm
Tom–That’s why I said it.I love your wisdom.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 29th, 2011
10:05 pm
Thanks again, DOB
jeffrey d
June 29th, 2011
10:05 pm
I thought you left, Earl
phil
June 29th, 2011
10:05 pm
Dumbfound – didn’t say they were THAT keen on us! Enough to suit me….actually, i don’t care what they think…i care about winning games and playoff series. 12 years now…that’s long enough for me!
Louie Brandeis
June 29th, 2011
10:06 pm
You guys/girls never need worry about Lou/Earl/Archbishop of Canterbury/Mark Richt stealing names. He views that as a cheap shortcut.
Tom O'Hawke
June 29th, 2011
10:07 pm
Tom–That’s why I said it.I love your wisdom.
Even though that’s insincere, and probably self-serving in some way, I’m vain enough to say … really? Thank you, buddy.
phil
June 29th, 2011
10:08 pm
Glad to see Lowe have a good outing and get a W…
Frankie Wren
June 29th, 2011
10:08 pm
Look at all the offense today. Twins win 1-0, Angels blow out the Nats 1-0, and the Cubbies drilling the Giants 1-0 going into the 9th. Braves aren’t the only ones not putting up crooked numbers these days. I’ll take a 5 spot anyday.
Mike
June 29th, 2011
10:11 pm
Sorry if ist been said already, but we cant even rely on the Red Sox to beat Vance Worley….who? You have got to be kidding me. What a joke.
phil
June 29th, 2011
10:11 pm
FW – i just can’t excuse the ofensive woes because others have struggled too…we control us…the futilities of others don’t…
We’re showing signs of breaking out of some of it….maybe?
David O'Brien
June 29th, 2011
10:11 pm
McFann: Roof was open today, and it was gorgeous out. In fact, still is. Sunny, cool, low-60s, big clouds out over the Puget Sound, but not over us on land.
dogsbrekky
June 29th, 2011
10:12 pm
Anyone see the radar gun on Jonny rock n roll today.. I am very worried about the kid… He could be the best weapon since Mariano and we are going to burn him, not slow cooked like a nice pig, I mean basically TORCHED like a bush pig in a bushfire !
Good effort by McCann and Fab 5 again this series
Tom O'Hawke
June 29th, 2011
10:14 pm
I know I enjoy a good Tom O’Hawke post
I think I would too, jeffrey. Do you know where I could find one?
phil
June 29th, 2011
10:15 pm
You do have to wonder what FG is thinking with Venters….is he this dumb?
tiger297
June 29th, 2011
10:17 pm
brekky – think he was hitting 95 today so maybe a touch slower…either way he wants the ball every day and the manager has to be a little smarter than that
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 29th, 2011
10:17 pm
A 4-2 road trip and the B & M goes on and on and on . . . .
phil
June 29th, 2011
10:19 pm
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 29th, 2011
10:17 pm
A 4-2 road trip and the B & M goes on and on and on . . . .
Go read a book…
Mudge
June 29th, 2011
10:20 pm
Venters (and O’Flaherty and Kimbrel) are being overused. Note that Worley (rookie) and Stutes (rookie) and Bastardo (rookie) beat the Red Sox. One earned run. The Philles have 3 closers on the DL and still have the ability to beat the best hitting team in baseball. Mirrors.
TnBrian
June 29th, 2011
10:21 pm
Venters was at his usual 93-96 mph today. Problem was location, which they say goes when you get tired, not necessarily velocity.
brian
June 29th, 2011
10:23 pm
although I try to support Fredi, I do have to question his thinking on using an overworked Venters in the 8th inning of a 5-1 game, especially with an off day tomorrow that would help give him a few days rest in a row. Judging by the post-game comments seems he is aware of the appearances (and if he and McDowell are not aware then we have big problems) so what was accomplished today? Trying to get a tired reliever back to form? Give him rest and then let him work off the rust.
TexasBrave
June 29th, 2011
10:23 pm
No way Jonny should have been brought in today with the Braves up by 4 at the time. Fredi G really needs to do a better job of spreading the inning out.
If he doesn’t throw today then he gets two days off and is fresh starting the Baltimore series. Eric, Jonny and Kimbrel should never be used when the Braves are up by more than 3 runs.
brian
June 29th, 2011
10:24 pm
what is the over/under for the amount of times trading for Adam Jones will be posted during the Orioles series?
TnBrian
June 29th, 2011
10:24 pm
I think maybe Wren goes and gets a RP and hitter in one trade again like last season. If he does, hopefully these guys can help a little more than Farnworth and Ankiel did.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 29th, 2011
10:24 pm
Phil – Gee, thanks for the advice! What would I do without that?!
Rice and LSU Pitching Coaches
June 29th, 2011
10:24 pm
What did you guys think of moronic South Carolina coach having his closer throw 98 pitches?
David O'Brien
June 29th, 2011
10:25 pm
Kawakami in Double-A Mississippi start today at Hunstville: 2 IP, 6 H, 7 R (7 ER), 2 BB, 1 K, 30 strikes in 53 pitches
Mudge
June 29th, 2011
10:25 pm
There can never be too many times suggesting a trade for Adam Jones.
TnBrian
June 29th, 2011
10:27 pm
Many things on here people harp on are very annoying, but Fredi’s misuse of Venters should be harped on to no end. Now if he starts using him only when he should than it should be buried and covered and it probably will.
TexasBrave
June 29th, 2011
10:28 pm
Does anyone know what is going on with Jason’s right hand or wrist. I noticed that he had it wrapped during the last two days. Hope it is not effecting his swing.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 29th, 2011
10:28 pm
KK should have agreed to the sale back to his former league. I understand the pride issue. There were times when he looked really good here, but this is just going to end badly, and I feel badly about that.
David O'Brien
June 29th, 2011
10:28 pm
Do some of you realize the Braves have won eight of their past 10 games, and just swept a series by beating Bedard, Pineda and King Felix? Just making sure.
TexasBrave
June 29th, 2011
10:32 pm
Did you all notice that even though Uggla has one of the worst OBP in the league, that he is still second in runs scored on the team behind Prado? How is that possible?
cabravesfan
June 29th, 2011
10:33 pm
TexasBrave-
he’s also 2nd on the team in home runs, only 2 behind Mac if I remember correctly
Mudge
June 29th, 2011
10:35 pm
DOB. The Braves are playing great baseball right now, 8-2 in the last 10. The Phillies are 7-3 so the Braves picked up one game. They are 3 up in the wild card race, but many here are frustrated by their inability to make up much ground on the Phillies. The Braves are a good team, but to some it is annoying they are not good enough.
Martin Elginbrod
June 29th, 2011
10:36 pm
TexasBrave, that’s easy to account for. Any pitcher sorry enough to let Uggla get on base is gonna have a hard time pitching to the next guy.
TexasBrave
June 29th, 2011
10:37 pm
Dave please don’t mistaken our gripping about Venters being over used as us being unhappy with how the Braves are doing. But the past couple of appearances could be a sign of things to come if Fredi doesn’t start using his bullpen more wisely. I still love the position the Braves are in right now, just want Venters to be sharp for the second half and a run into the post season.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 29th, 2011
10:39 pm
Mudge – what = “good enough”? And for what, exactly? Making the playoffs?! The only thing that really matters is at the end of the season. If they get into the post-season, their pitching actually might make them “good enough”!
Soph
June 29th, 2011
10:40 pm
Yikes on KK’s line.
TnBrian
June 29th, 2011
10:40 pm
I think DOB gets a kick out of posting Kawakami’s struggles. Man that guy is soooo washed up and a BUST if I’ve ever seen one. WOW! Can’t even get AA hitters out. Almost sad really. Whether he’s rich or not, everybody has some pride I would think.
TexasBrave
June 29th, 2011
10:40 pm
cabravesfan that would account for 12 runs, but with his OBP so poor he would have to score just about every time he gets on base.
Martin Elginbrod LOL!!! So true!
cabravesfan
June 29th, 2011
10:42 pm
TexasBrave-
I was merely pointing out another oddity in his stats
Tom O'Hawke
June 29th, 2011
10:44 pm
Do some of you realize the Braves have won eight of their past 10 games, and just swept a series by beating Bedard, Pineda and King Felix? Just making sure. — DOB
I do. I’ve been silly all evening. I’ve also been grinning like a jackass eating cracked corn through a barbed wire fence.
David O'Brien
June 29th, 2011
10:46 pm
Mudge, the Phillies are just about everyone’s pick as the best team in baseball. To be 4-1/2 games behind them at the midpoint of the season is no shame.
phil
June 29th, 2011
10:47 pm
No, DOB…we’re too stupid out here to realize that. We’re not writers, like you.
phil
June 29th, 2011
10:48 pm
KK ’s struggles are hardly surprising….sad at this point.
Tom O'Hawke
June 29th, 2011
10:49 pm
Yikes on KK’s line.
Soph, did you see Murph’s prediction, two days in a row (rainout yesterday)?
David O'Brien
June 29th, 2011
10:49 pm
Braves’ 47-35 record is third-best in majors behind Phillies (51-30) and Yankees (47-31), and ahead of Red Sox (45-34) and Giants (46-35).
And yes, I agree it doesn’t seem possible. Just that kind of season in the majors. Lot of parity.
N8
June 29th, 2011
10:51 pm
“No, DOB…we’re too stupid out here to realize that. We’re not writers, like you.” Phil
LOL. What a jerk. Besides…. it’s RIGHTERS, not “writers”….. What and idiot!!!!
phil
June 29th, 2011
10:52 pm
Amazing where we are with the lack of offense…encouraging.
tiger297
June 29th, 2011
10:53 pm
n8 – I’m confused I thought all writers were lefters not righters
phil
June 29th, 2011
10:54 pm
Yes, i can be a jerk and so can many of you, as can DOB….not the end of the world.
Mudge
June 29th, 2011
10:56 pm
Certainly there is no shame being 4.5 games behind the Phillies, and the Braves are a very good team, they have excellent pitching, but some focus on the Phillies too much. Patience is a virtue in a long baseball season.
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 29th, 2011
11:00 pm
I’m calling it a night. I wish everyone well.
Tom O'Hawke
June 29th, 2011
11:03 pm
Good night, MIBravesFFFFFan, see you soon.
Linebrink for Cy
June 29th, 2011
11:08 pm
i think it’s pretty safe to say that KK will never again see major league action with the Braves (and we can also call his signing a Busted Deal)
nolee
June 29th, 2011
11:10 pm
perhaps it would be a lot easier to appreciate the humor that Lou brings to the board if it were actually funny
Yunel's Frosted Tips
June 29th, 2011
11:15 pm
OK…………..Venters needs to sit this weekend………….I really hope he don’t make the all star game because it would be a blessing in disguise to get a few days off………..Fredi’s like an alcoholic with beer in the fridge in his overuse of Johnny. If you can’t trust some of the other guys with a 4 run lead then you got the wrong guys down there IMHO.
Yunel's Frosted Tips
June 29th, 2011
11:16 pm
So do we demote KK to Single A Rome after that performance?
Soph
June 29th, 2011
11:16 pm
Nope, Tom – I missed the prediction. What was it?
uga-brave
June 29th, 2011
11:17 pm
any thoughts on maybe stretching out our starters a little more to protect the pen. fredo seems to be stuck on that 100 pitch limit.
as far as bullpen help goes, carlos marmol might be an interesting get.
Tom O'Hawke
June 29th, 2011
11:21 pm
Soph
“KK will not go 5, and will give up no less than 5″
I hope I got that right, Murph.
uga-brave
June 29th, 2011
11:21 pm
if people are going to criticize parrish they better start praising roger for the job he has done with the entire staff.
cabravesfan
June 29th, 2011
11:21 pm
uga-brave
Have you seen Marmol’s contract? he’s signed through 2013 and scheduled to make $7M next year and $9.8M in 2013…not exactly what you would pay a middle relief guy, which is what he would be on the Braves…
Trey
June 29th, 2011
11:21 pm
Yunel, too bad we can’t demote KK any lower. It’s sad that he has no future.
Blob Horner
June 29th, 2011
11:21 pm
If McCann’s the DH, and you pinch hit for Ross(or he gets hurt, thrown out of the game…) then move Mac to Catcher on defense and pinch hitter or someone else(Hudson?) becomes your DH. It’s American league strategy, not that complicated.
Also, Chipper has genetically bad connective tissue compounded by a period of steroid use and a disinterest in increasing his flexability. He’s toast. We lost two superstars early due to the same issues.
nolee
June 29th, 2011
11:22 pm
WTG Roger!
Can I rip Parrish now????
nolee
June 29th, 2011
11:23 pm
compounded by a period of steroid use Blob
never been any serious connection of Chipper to steroids.
Sue him Chipper!!!
cabravesfan
June 29th, 2011
11:23 pm
Blob-
I believe if you put your DH in the field, you lose the DH and the pitcher has to hit.
uga-brave
June 29th, 2011
11:25 pm
cab, did not know the contract. strike that idea.
nolee
June 29th, 2011
11:26 pm
yes I believe that you lose the DH cab and the pitcher must bat
cabravesfan
June 29th, 2011
11:34 pm
uga-brave
I hadn’t either, was shocked by it
Bigwheel
June 29th, 2011
11:34 pm
DOB- Do you think the braves release KK this weekend with 3.3 Million left on his deal? What a shame that line is. I defended him last season, and all off season that he wasn’t getting treated right, guess there was a reason.
nolee
June 29th, 2011
11:39 pm
I knew Wild Thing was too good a pitcher to be true in Major League, Charlie Sheen admitted using steroids during the filming
NEW YORK — Turns out Wild Thing’s fastball had a little extra juice.
Actor Charlie Sheen tells Sports Illustrated in its latest issue that he took steroids “for like six or eight weeks” while filming the 1989 movie “Major League.”
He adds that the performance-enhancing drugs helped his fastball go from 79 mph to 85 mph.
Sheen played fireballing relief pitcher Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn, whose wayward pitches were often “jussst a bit outside,” as Bob Uecker’s character, radio broadcaster Harry Doyle, sarcastically announced during the hit comedy.
Sheen, who has made recent headlines for erratic behavior and his firing from the show “Two and a Half Men,” says it was the only time he took steroids and they made him a bit more irritable than normal
Bravo Nam
June 29th, 2011
11:41 pm
That line of KK’s is downright scary. Looks like the Bravos are going to have little chance of trading him this year and freeing up some money. I can’t believe FG is saying that “we’ve” got to do a better job of managing Venters- that should read “I’ve”! Just unbelievable that he brought Venters out in a 5-1 ballgame when the guy is exhausted. Why not give the dude some rest and bring him in only when we really need him- he was brought in coz FG doesn’t trust the other pitchers enough, and if not, the solution is find other pitchers, but don’t burn out one of your most valuable assets.
Anyway, on a positive, I think it’s remarkable that the Bravos swept those 3 pitchers- I thought if we could beat one, we’d be doing well. I think it’s a stunning effort. Seems to me the blog is good at berating the boys when they lose or make a mistake, but not so good at praising them and recognising their good work… bit sad, that.
With Chipper, I’d be giving the old man a few days off to allow his pain to properly subside. Then, bring him back for the last few games before the break, incl the Series with the Phillies… he’s not playing well now as it is given the injury, so better to have a more effective Chipper back.
Bravo Nam
June 29th, 2011
11:43 pm
DOB
Over the course of this year, is it possible that the Braves have a better winning record against winning than losing pitchers? Sounds crazy, but just a gut feel.
Also, what’s the latest info on a possible return date by Medlen?
Tom O'Hawke
June 29th, 2011
11:49 pm
I read the post-game quotes, and DOB tries to get the answer we all want to hear from the players. But even after asking the same question, worded differently, still no answer.
I swear these ballplayers are taught by the same ones that teach politicians. Say something and nothing at the same time.
Venice Jim
June 30th, 2011
12:02 am
Looks like Tom broke the blog…
nolee
June 30th, 2011
12:06 am
everything is always Tom’s fault
Earl Williams
June 30th, 2011
12:07 am
Nolie, How many hours for you tonight??I would have added “Big Guy or Big Girl” but who in the Hell knows and in reality, at a group sponsored event of the Blog, who would even care?
Very salient point about naming guys you think used steroids.That is really stupid. Most people in baseball already know who used steroids and who didn’t. Nobody thinks Chipper EVER used steroids. I give him much credit for that.his consistency has been great and he is one of the 5 greatest switch hitters of all time and a First ballot HOF’er.
Phil,Freddy is that dumb. And to any reasonably sane person it sounds as if you all appreciate the Braves position but also hope they stay there.AND one way to have them stay there is not to have a Godfather caricature blow out Venters’ elbow from over use. Fredo,even though you can’t tell from that glazed expression, manages in a panic. He has it in his mind the entire game that Venters will be used unless something really dramatic occurs. Something like a 7 run lead or 7 runs behind.Fredi would have been a riot as a college coach with no oversight from a front office.He would go through arms as if he had a referral service with Dr. Andrews.
Anyway, understand perfectly your appreciation for the Braves’ great, admirable and unexpected play.Also understand your knowledge that Venters is a large part of that continuing forward. Don’t be dissuaded in expressing yourself by authority figures or people who will be on here for the next 5 hours with the lives of a Polar Bear on a detached piece of ice.
abeeeewright
June 30th, 2011
12:19 am
Something of note…Braves have started to get healthy again (Heyward, McLouth, Beachy, Hanson all back) and they’ve gone back to winning at a pretty fair clip, instead of the anemic .500 team they were with Mather, Young, Minor, and Delgado.
When Prado comes back (and who knows? do they swap Chipper and Prado on the DL?) Braves might be back to full strength.
Tom O'Hawke
June 30th, 2011
12:19 am
nolee
Rumor has it that you like the blues. I’m currently listening to something you might already be familiar with.
“Stormy Monday”, done by Clapton in 2001. Yeah, there are many versions of this song, but this is my favorite.
Not only do I love the music, but the video is good, too. You can actually watch the artists perform, instead of the producers trying to give you “effect”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiNUZTyukC4
abeeeewright
June 30th, 2011
12:22 am
As long as the Braves stay close to the Phils in other games, they have enough head-to-head games to catch them. Hopefully the Braves will eke a little closer before the head-to-head match-ups.
I look for a long summer as the Braves bob from 2-7 games back.
Tom O'Hawke
June 30th, 2011
12:26 am
Hey VJ. How’s the new job, so far?
Oh, tell the female you live with, no, not Nala, the other one, that I sent her an email. She doesn’t need to respond, but I just would like her to see it.
Don’t you be peeking at it now, very personal stuff.
Venice Jim
June 30th, 2011
12:30 am
Tom – so far, so good. I also picked up a GRE class that’s Tu-Th from 7-10 for 3 1/2 weeks, which is keeping me a bit busier than I expected. Definitely looking forward to some rest this weekend…
nolee
June 30th, 2011
12:37 am
How many hours for you tonight?? Lou
on the blog? very little time at all today.
I work on on-line data acquisition and manipulation for a few companies so I am on the web 8-12 hours a day.
Depending on how much time I have to spend waiting on programs I might be here 6 or more hours, today maybe an hour and a half all day. Drop in make a comment or two and leave for awhile.
You won’t find many posts from me even if you were interested which I’m sure you’re not.
Tom O'Hawke
June 30th, 2011
12:41 am
VJ, I hope you enjoy the new place & job better (besides the pay).
It always makes life much better when you don’t hate Monday mornings, you know?
That, and a Braves’ winning streak, a little booze, and a good woman. It’s like a slice of heaven.
nolee
June 30th, 2011
12:41 am
Thank you Tom. I have some time to spare so I listened to that version. Very good.
Clapton really shines whenever he plays the Blues.
cabravesfan
June 30th, 2011
12:45 am
Tom-
you have mail
nolee
June 30th, 2011
12:45 am
http://youtubedownload.altervista.org/
not a bad little program to download YouTube video