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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
160 comments Add your comment
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
12:43 pm
Medlin looked good in his first outing but only went 1 inning. He won’t pitch yet well maybe to face 1 batter.
jim
September 27th, 2011
12:44 pm
What I would like to see the Braaves do is:
1. If Chipper insists on returning, make clear to him that he will be a 90-100 game player batting in the second half of the lineup, and if he is content with this “senior citizen role” give him the option year and spread out the contract over two years to save some salary.
2. Sorry McFann, but I would look to trade Brian McCann. His eyesight is a worry and his offense seems to have peaked. His defense and body type are not assets. His trade value will not be any higher than it is now (especially if the last 6 weeks can be attributed to an oblique injury.)
3. Prado is a man without a position who is approaching free agency. He could share 3B with Chipper next year, but he will be getting about 5 million dollars or more to do it. He is another player one hates to see go, but the Braqvesw would be better off looking to trade him as well.
4. The short and long term health of Hanson and JJ are concerns, but their value is at a low now. The Braves would be best served to have them open the season, show the league they are healthy, and thn make a deal before the trading deadline.
5. We geot all we could out of Hinske and Conrad — don’t try to resign either. (Maybe the Hinske good luck charm is the only reason the Cards can’t quite overcome the Braves’ lead despite our best efforts.)
Get younger. Trade for prospects and young players who show they kinow how to hit — work the count, put the ball in play, use all fields — A player like Murphy of the Mets has no comfortale position in the field, but he is the kind of hitter the Braves should be looking to aquire. This team is not making the playoffs next year, and it has a young core — Freeman, Heyward (yes Heyward), the kid pitchers — to build around but there is not a lot of depth in the minors to fill in around them — this is whast needs to be addressed this winter.
alex
September 27th, 2011
12:45 pm
@ted turner:rearranging deck chairs on the titanic ain’t helping……
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
12:52 pm
I would like to see the Braves sign Matt Kemp in the off season. Yes, I know its a pipe dream w/% chance of happening but that’s my fantasy. Well that and Emmanuelle Chriqui.
@Fredo
September 27th, 2011
12:58 pm
Thanks, DOB. Bloggage. Serious. BBQ. Derek Trucks. Seriously serious.
Mcnuggets Sandwich
September 27th, 2011
1:02 pm
I agree I have no idea why Kenny G took out George Costanza from the lineup. ….(not that theres anything wrong with that)
ijonathan
September 27th, 2011
1:03 pm
Anybody else find it curious that in the biggest series of the year, at home, DOB is MIA? Everything okay with him? Nothing against Carroll.
rico carty
September 27th, 2011
1:07 pm
I am so sick of the Chipper bashers. I saw in a poll recently he is arguably the 2nd or 3rd best third baseman of ALL TIME. When will his own fan base shut up and appreciate his incredible career? He is STILL the player you would most want up in a clutch situation. At 39 he fields his position well (yes I know he didn’t have any range last night), and his batting eye, ability to drive in runs, and presence in the lineup remain terrific. He is the 2nd best Brave of all time and the greatest Atlanta Brave of all time.
People that bash him just don’t get baseball. Probably just jealous of this legendary player, as these bashers probably never made a team in their life.
yogi
September 27th, 2011
1:16 pm
Mccann is washed up. Put him on the DL and go with D ross and a minor leaguer. Lowe and McCann are useless. McCann is not a very good defensive player and now he cant hit
wjones
September 27th, 2011
1:16 pm
One curious thing to me about the Chipper play at third last night was how close he was positioned. Did he do that or was that from the dugout? That close late in the game, why would you not play back to keep the ball in front to prevent the extra base? If Chipper is behind the bag instead of in front, he more than likely catches it. Worst case, his throw is too late and the Hawaiian gets on first; best case he throws him out. Either scenario is better than what happened, though.
nique
September 27th, 2011
1:25 pm
The Braves should switch to a 3 man rotation…..for every Lowe start!!!!!!!
But seriously, they should. Schedule Lowe to pitch 3-4 innings, and schedule Minor/Teheran/Martinez/Medlin to pitch 2-3 innings each through the rest of the game.
bronkelliott
September 27th, 2011
2:11 pm
nique. well said, I like the idea of Lowe going no longer than 3 or 4 innings…
Abnerish
September 27th, 2011
2:16 pm
The Phillies aren’t going to tank these two games because they are professionals and they wouldn’t want to cheapen the game. Plus, they would want the same professional courtesy extended to them if the tables were turned and they were the ones chasing. Besides, what’s to say that it wouldn’t backfire? The Cards are hardly unbeatable and the Braves hitters could get hot. Unlikely, but McCann isn’t a career .190 hitter. Odds are that he breaks out of his slump in a big way at some point. The Phils would feel pretty stupid if they let the Braves win only to lose in the Division Series or to the Braves in the NLCS.
Bobby's Chauffeur
September 27th, 2011
2:28 pm
I really like Prado… ..Feel like he should sit for the next two games except for injury to Chipper..I would let JH bat 2nd and let Jose fill in the 7 slot.
Bobby's Chauffeur
September 27th, 2011
2:30 pm
Forget the lefty righty stuff
jackets77
September 27th, 2011
2:34 pm
Why do I have the feeling Lowe pitches lights out tonight and then Hudson gets hammered tomorrow…oh and ofcourse the Cards win both their games…we’re headed to a 1 game playoff
jackets77
September 27th, 2011
2:37 pm
The braves are actually a slight favorite tonight according to vegas odds…I’m feeling a little better about my Lowe comment now..lol
bobby cerasuolo
September 27th, 2011
2:38 pm
For the love of GOD CHipper please retire
wjones
September 27th, 2011
2:41 pm
“bobby cerasuolo
September 27th, 2011
2:38 pm
For the love of GOD CHipper please retire”
If you were he, would YOU retire? Honestly? Tell the truth.
JeanE
September 27th, 2011
2:43 pm
I really admire Chipper for wanting to be out there but I kind of think he should’ve been pulled last night when it was obvious he was hurting big time. Fredi seems to defer too much to veterans, well of course, they want to stay in but it’s not always the best decision. Hope dies hard, I still have a glimmer of it left. Oswalt is beatable, but don’t know about Lowe. I also would rather have Constanza start than Jason but bet that won’t happen. Time to give it everything you’ve got Braves, the Astros helped us out big time. Now make it count!
Flailing Grade
September 27th, 2011
2:48 pm
Thoughts:
Fredi should never have brought Martinez back after using him for 3 innings on Sunday. If Fredi trusted Varvaro to pitch the 9th, he should have trusted him to pitch the 6th. Of course, if we are going to score two runs or less every night, it makes no difference.
Venters is mopup only. The games you hold and save in May, June and July count just as much but he’s worn out now and his confidence is shot. The whole O’Ventbrel thing was overdone and we’re paying for it now.
Sad to see McCann breaking down but he is. He needs to go to the AL, catch some, and DH, otherwise he’s going to continue a downhill career. Red Sox might see him as an upgrade over Saltalamacchia and that can afford to pick up Mac’s deal.
Frank Wren and Fredi make a good pair. They are inoffensive, semi competent, but will never win a thing.
Derrick Keeter
September 27th, 2011
2:49 pm
All of the Chipper Jones haters are ignorant and know nothing about the game of baseball. He may not be a Gold Glover or a 30/100/.300 player anymore, but at 39 he is still one of the better third basemen in all of major league baseball. And who would the Braves replace him with should he retire?There are no prospects in our system and very few trade possibilities who would be an upgrade over Chipper. He is a Hall of Fame candidate and a Braves legend, Shut up and enjoy watching the man play.
Flailing Grade
September 27th, 2011
2:52 pm
I agree the Chipper-knockers are overdoing it. His annoying drawl notwithstanding, the guy is a player and he did what he could to get the team going with that 1st inning bomb. The DP was disappointing but he busted it down the line with a bad knee, unlike Prado who all but laid down between 1st and 2nd.
Abnerish
September 27th, 2011
2:58 pm
Everyone that wants Constanza to play needs to realize that he has cooled off considerably. His speed does no good when he doesn’t get on base. You only play Constanza if Chipper is not playing or if someone else gets hurt. I guess you could also play him if you have a hunch that he will snap out of his funk, but that kind of managerial decision-making is what got all of the Bobby-haters so upset over the years.
coachx
September 27th, 2011
2:58 pm
Worried sick about McCann’s eyes.
Was I the only one who noticed him squinting when at bat last night. He seems fine physically. He swings look great. However, when your vision is off you can hit a baseball.
Abnerish
September 27th, 2011
3:01 pm
coachx – McCann has ALWAYS done that. Before and after his eye surgery. Not sure why, but he has always done it.
Abnerish
September 27th, 2011
3:05 pm
I think McCann needs to go to a lighter bat. He is consistently late on fastballs and has a tendency to let the bat head sag or drop through the hitting zone, thus all the pop-ups. It’s almost like he’s hitting a golf ball where the hands are out in front of the bat and he’s trying to whip the bat through the zone. But instead it just kinda loops through the zone. I keep waiting every day for McCann to come around and start raking.
Let's Be Rational
September 27th, 2011
3:08 pm
Rationale.
Chipper’s body is wore out. Yet, he motivates the younger players.
When healthy, he is a great player; hitting and fielding. Physically, he can’t hold out for another year.
Summation:
Chipper, retire, while you have the respect you have with the fans.
Suggestion: Hire him as the hitting coach next year. I think he would make a good one. If not retire, make him a part time player and hitting coach. If he is able to play, play him, if not, he would not be playing anyway. If possible, would this enable the Braves to apply part of his salary to coaches and not to his player salary. Bring someone in to play 3rd base in waiting for 2013.
Just saying and thinking.
Mcnuggets Sandwich
September 27th, 2011
3:09 pm
Should we tip our hats to Derek Lowe tonight?
pb
September 27th, 2011
3:17 pm
Yes, if we lose tonight, Fredi will probably say that junk “you have to tip your hats” again. I guess that’s all he can come up with when we keep losing. But do hope the Braves win, even though I doubt it.
jim
September 27th, 2011
3:22 pm
I am not a “Chipper hater” — I don’t think many expressing concerns about his current and future limitations are “haters” Some of the statements by those refusing to see those limitations are just not true —
Is Chipper one of the best 3rd basemen in the league? For which of the following would you take Chipper over a name on this list right now: Zimmerman, A. Ramirez, Wright, Sandoval, Alvarez, Freese, McGauhey, Polanco, Rolen. For a single game you might rather have today’s Chipper over a few of the above, but for a full season? If none of the above, then Chipper would rank 10th out of 16 third basemen. I think of the role Yogi played for the ‘61 Yanks. A good complimentary role, moved to play in left more than catch, and start about 100 games. That team had Maris and Mantle + a whole lot more. Unfortunately this team needs Chipper to be the player he was 12 years ago, and he is not that player anymore.
Philly Phanatic
September 27th, 2011
3:23 pm
Simple Question: What does the Atlanta fanbase think of Homer Smith? I have the MLB package and he is without question the homeyest announcer I’ve ever heard. I’ve read this blog enough to know you’ve critisized evrybody but the batboy but nothing about Smith. I had to look up his career numbers and didn’t uncover anything that would suggest sitting on his every comment as it applies to strategies, batting styles, pitching nuances. I also hate the way he calls everybody on the Braves by their first name. I know in Philly they don’t say ground ball to jimmy, they say Rollins. It’s almost like he’s a Braves groupie and last night it was never more evident his tenor from the double by Gonzalez in the second to the groundout by in his words Jason. Do Atlantans actually like this bozo? One other pet peeve and that’s Redneck Jones. I have a place in Amelia Island and believe me Jacksonville with the exception of the Ponte Vedra area is Redneck city. He also acts above the rest of the team as he sits every other game. If I were a Braves fan I’d love to see the back of Jones as he walks into the sunset at seasons end. You have enough good young talent where you don’t need a second coach.
Chillahill
September 27th, 2011
3:35 pm
Fredi G is a complete Moron: the exact same lineup no changes at all not even a move in the order. Why St. Louis is on our Azz ! Because Russa is willing to try anything. FG tries nothing! He took out the man who just tied the game up knowing that was the time to go for broke. It didnt work for him last night. But it has for the last month! 7 different names in the leadoff spot the other night.
Fredi same old same old. Throw your hat out there. It can manage better than FG! And you will not have to tip it! FG IS AS MUCH AT FAULT as the no hitting catcher; no hitting RF: no hitting LF and this collossal collapse!!! Ill be there tonight with my prediction that Lowe shuts em down.. But if you can only score 2 it doesnt matter !! Do we have this to look forward to, when we do make the playoffs unfortunately yes.. The peter principle: he as risen to his highest level of incompetence!! We have seen enough, Im mad as hell but i still pull for braves! Tonight we enter the playoffs. Go Bravos!!
Datominator
September 27th, 2011
3:38 pm
Somebody get word to Fredi to start Hinske, bat him leadoff, and in his first AB to lean into one and charge the mound to beat the snot out of Oswalt. That’ll get us into their bullpen early enough for some possibilities…
Simon Zinc-Trumpet-Harris
September 27th, 2011
3:43 pm
So, we got Booby LIte/Ozzie Lite, right. Why get the real thing when you can have a real imitation.
betting101
September 27th, 2011
3:48 pm
If you’re a betting man, who do u take tonight? Simple…vegas doesn’t give away money…philly is the underdog right now…who in their right mind would take Lowe??? Meaning…take the Braves and the money!
bulldogbubba
September 27th, 2011
3:49 pm
Don’t know who you are watching Philly,but no Homer Smith here.We do have Chip and Joe.They may be bias in their announcing.So what! Call a player by his first name,So what! If we don’t make the playoffs,So what! Will it give you nowhere to “share” your expertise on baseball anymore.So what! Those players and managers won’t fill you days with pleasure forever.Enjoy it while you can because tomorrow may never come.There you go, heres one more redneck that will make you feel superior over everybody else.GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!
Logan
September 27th, 2011
3:50 pm
Datominator 3:38
Now that’s game planning.
John
September 27th, 2011
4:06 pm
The fans deserve to hear some team quotes after winning a game instead of a steady diet of excuses for losing. They never blame their play for losing and never say simply that they were out played by a better team, even the cellar dwelling ones who feast on the Braves. They show very little pride and professional thinking. Too many burned out young guys and too many high priced over the hill guys.
Texas Braves Fan
September 27th, 2011
4:11 pm
if Fredi starts Lowe tonight and he gets shredded, there is NO question that FG should lose his job. Starting a rookie would at least give us a valid excuse for losing. There will be no excuse if what we all assume will happen tonight, happens…
Mr. October
September 27th, 2011
4:35 pm
What is it about the Atlanta fans? Everyone is all excited about getting into the playoffs. What for? This team is 0-6 in post-season series since 2001. Last year was another first round exit. Even if the standings hold and the Braves make it to the post-season, they will have given a whole new meaning to the term “backing in”.
Vince
September 27th, 2011
4:35 pm
We have been watching the Braves lose and now we get to watch UGA lose. The bluebirds of happiness have flown away.
01HAWK
September 27th, 2011
4:43 pm
A good portion of CARDS FANS want LaRUSSA to go away also.
Simon Zinc-Trumpet-Harris
September 27th, 2011
4:45 pm
“now we get to watch UGA lose. The bluebirds of happiness have flown away.” Uh, no. They just landed.
BRAVESFAN
September 27th, 2011
4:53 pm
Hope to see lots of tomahawks tonight.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGuChxSvuh8
Go Braves!
ijudgenot
September 27th, 2011
4:53 pm
Fredi G’s lineup is the same tonight. That is to be expected. He learned from the master of understatement Bobby Cox. You just keep penciling in the same names in the same positions and if the team loses it is the players fault not the managers. But if they win then you are considered a genius for your longevity at doing the same thing over and over.If he changed it or was for heavens sake, innovative in who hit where then the media would focus on the change and blame him if team lost. So Bobby says to Fredi “son that is the way I did it and I will be going into the HOF in 5 years”. Ya think Fredi is going to change from that. When Cox was managing and gave post game statements, it was like watching that Peter Sellers movie where he played a mentally challenged person who people misstakenly took to be some profound genius when he spoke.
Dalton Dawg
September 27th, 2011
5:17 pm
This team kills me and as we all see Bobby actually got more out of this group then he got credit for. Freddie, I think is to nice of a guy no fire what so ever and the team follows his demeanor. He needs to hold all these overpaid players accountable and needs to rip everyone needing ripped and sit the ones not wanting to play. I agree with the earlier comment about Maddon he’s the best manager in the game and much more succes with far less talent and salaries. He makes the right adjustments and his team feeds off him and I wish we could trade Freddie and half the team for him. I’m a big Braves fan but thier play is awful to say the least.
01HAWK
September 27th, 2011
5:42 pm
I hope we win so that we can SHUT UP those CARDINAL TROLLS
They are almost as bad as the PHILLY TROLLS
Friend of the Braves
September 27th, 2011
5:44 pm
Derek Lowe?
You mean to tell me that with 2 games left in the season, a one game lead in the wild card, and facing the Phillies who have owned us this season, that the best the Braves can send out is Derek Lowe? The 9-16 Derek Lowe with the ERA of nearly 5?
Does the Fredi Gonzeles secretly hate the Braves? Will Wren find a manager with both brains to not do something this stupid AND the balls to put Lowe on the road and not hug him while the ship is sinking?
jasont13
September 27th, 2011
5:46 pm
Ahhh isn’t it refreshing to see so many people who haven’t played the game past high school make comments about being able to manage better than Fredi and the play of McCann and Chipper.
Guess what people there is a reason why you sit on your asses and watch the game on TV. It’s because you had no talent and have no talent to play past high school. If you did your ass would be on the field or in the dugout.
jasont13
September 27th, 2011
5:48 pm
People if you are as big of Braves fans as you say you are then spell the players names correctly and know what is going on with each player.
jasont13
September 27th, 2011
5:49 pm
Texas Brave Fan, since Fredi is starting Lowe, if he does well can you lose your job??
SlickRick
September 27th, 2011
5:51 pm
jason, you mad? It has nothing to do with people’s playing ability. It’s called being a fan. Watching, cheering, and jeering is all part of it. Lighten up Francis.
jasont13
September 27th, 2011
5:56 pm
jim, are you aware that Chipper’s stats are better than all of the third basemen you listed except for 1? Are you also aware that Chipper has only 6 errors compared to A. Ramirez’s 14, McGehee- 20, Rolen- 4 in 63 games, Sandoval- 10, and last but not least Pedro Alvarez- 14. So you tell me you would take all those copared to Chipper?
jasont13
September 27th, 2011
5:58 pm
I will not lighten up. When someone makes take crap about someone because of the way they play the game or if their play is declining. Being a former minor league player we used to laugh at people like you. Bitch and moan about the play on the field, but they couldn’t hold anyone on the fields jock.
Tralfaz
September 27th, 2011
6:02 pm
I have been an admitted “Chipper-Hater” for quite some time…but, I will admit that he has earned his money the last few months. First time in the last 2-3 years I’ve been able to say that
Not Forrest Gump
September 27th, 2011
6:15 pm
Third base jumped up and bit me in the buttocks.
alexcox
September 27th, 2011
7:55 pm
aa
alexcox
September 27th, 2011
7:59 pm
EL unico problema es WREN su puestamente busco las nesesidades y lo q busco es el resultado un equipo sin direccion y sin jugaderes nesesarios y una perdida d dinero. alos due|~os las cosas estan malas y si siguen con este gernte se quedaran sin fanaticos
alexcox
September 27th, 2011
8:09 pm
que desecepsion traeron estos bravos como profesionales a sus fans