Chipper expects to be back in lineup despite ailing knee
Braves third baseman Chipper Jones acknowledged he’s been playing with lingering soreness in his right knee, and he tweaked it again in the game on Monday, but Jones said he doesn’t plan to let it keep him out of the lineup against the Phillies.
“It’s bugging me,” Jones said. “But you’ve got to go to the post.”
When asked if his knee “bit” him as he hit the third base bag running the bases in the sixth inning, he said: “It bit me all night.”
When he asked if he thought he could play against the Phillies on Tuesday night, Jones said, “probably.”
Jones, 39, had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to repair a torn meniscus on July 9. Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez had been able to rest him here and there through much of July and August, but with a shot at the postseason on the line, Jones has started 18 of the Braves’ past 20 games.
“My right knee has been bugging me for a while,” Jones said before the game. “But I said (at the end of the last home stand) I don’t want to hear, ‘I’m tired.’ I don’t want to hear ‘I’m hurting.’ It’s all hands on deck from now until the end of the season, so no excuses. Just go out and do your job.”
Jones struggled on the Braves’ recent road trip, going 3-for-22 (.136), but he bounced back Monday night, going 2-for-4 with a double, a homer, and one of his patented charging plays at third base, despite playing in pain.
“He tweaked it a little bit, in the (sixth) inning, but he doesn’t want to come out of games,” Gonzalez said. “And he ran down to first base on that double play pretty good (in the eighth), so that’s encouraging to see. We’ll evaluate and see how he comes in tomorrow afternoon.”
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160 comments Add your comment
Bream is safe!
September 27th, 2011
12:29 am
first
Bream is safe!
September 27th, 2011
12:31 am
I know the chipper bashing will be out tonight for being hurt and grounding into a double play…..BUT….he went 2-4 with a double and homer…ill take that all day……great game chip!
Darth Hater
September 27th, 2011
12:31 am
I am fairly certain Brian Snitker would’ve held up Sid Bream at 3rd Base.
Bream is safe!
September 27th, 2011
12:32 am
hahaha yeah i agree
PiersonBrave
September 27th, 2011
12:33 am
Dang. Sure picked a bad time for that knee to act up.
It seems as though time is rapidly running out on our ol’ friend.
Darth Hater
September 27th, 2011
12:33 am
Any chance the Braves could trade for Joe Maddon the way the Marlins just “traded” for Ozzie Guillen?
Bream is safe!
September 27th, 2011
12:35 am
Time for Mccann to step up late in the season
bruce mac
September 27th, 2011
12:56 am
Who gives a crap, this team is pathetic. Chipper, retire. You are old and ineffective. Lowe, same goes for you. ” When the time comes, go to the house”. Gentlemen, the time has friggin come.
bruce mac
September 27th, 2011
12:58 am
McCann aint’ steppin up, he is steppin out. See ya Braves.
shawn
September 27th, 2011
1:14 am
Chipper was great tonight and really showed that he is a true leader. Hope Braves will win tomorrow..
Dirty Dawg
September 27th, 2011
2:23 am
I’m sorry but trying to get McCann back in a groove needs to just stop. Should have started Ross against the left-hander last night and don’t know who the Phils will start Wednesday, but if it’s their other lefty, then we need to see Ross behind the plate.
Rebel Brave
September 27th, 2011
2:27 am
Just have to win! Go Braves! Chipper will have another great game tomorrow! Need the same from Lowe…
hawaiibravefan
September 27th, 2011
3:06 am
The problem with this lineup is that there’s too many automatic outs. With Bourn struggling recently, and Martin Prado and his down season, that’s already almost 2 outs. Mccann looks lost out there, swinging with his shoulders opening everywhere, not swinging with both hands. Those 3 guys needs to step it up.
Younger Than That Now
September 27th, 2011
3:17 am
Bream is safe!… the Chipper bashers would be out if the man went 5 for 5 with 5 grand slams! I’m sick of hearing all of it. Yeah, things haven’t looked good and anything that could have gone wrong just about has, but still the Braves are two wins or two Cardinal losses or a combination of the two from being in the post season. At that point anything can happen, and stranger things than a team who has been beaten in every way possible over the past two weeks advancing is one of them.
Give it all you’ve got guys… that’s all anybody can ask of you… and your real fans are right with you win or lose!
theriddler
September 27th, 2011
3:50 am
Looks to me like McCann is shot. Injured right shoulder I’d guess. He can’t hang on to the bat and is late on every fastball.
clay
September 27th, 2011
4:10 am
Chipper is the meaning of a real ball player. He’s getting out there no matter what, because he knows it’s crunch time. I can’t believe people say he is still playing for the money. He is a lot better at his age then most of these young bucks.
wjones
September 27th, 2011
5:19 am
I hope the best for Chipper, but since he’s doing the MRI today, I’d say the odds are very good that he’s not in the lineup tonight. Hope I’m wrong.
Turtle Man
September 27th, 2011
6:50 am
The curse of Jack Wilson!!
DoninAcworth
September 27th, 2011
6:51 am
The Chipper Jones negative comments are sure not helping. Not sure any of you could carry his strap at age 39. He is and has been his entire career a great player. Laid back… sure but he is a player who has given his best. Now, it’s time for our young players to step-up. Any one of them could have a game worth remembering by hanging tough and showing some leadership. Go Braves!
Bobby's Chauffeur
September 27th, 2011
8:23 am
The experiment with Heyward, “hoping” he would find himself (altho better…but…not good as before) hasn’t worked out so far. I was all for letting Jason play for his big bat potential. However Georgie could have been the spark had he continued to play. Can not look at Georgie’s performance coming off the bench cold and quote stats. Doesn’t work that way with a player of his nature. He has to play everyday, has to be in a rhythm. I would certainly be playing him in place of Prado at this time
terrell
September 27th, 2011
8:27 am
Do the Braves have a hitting coach? His behind is outta here, if they do. And with the way BMac has been swinging, why not give Ross a start or two?
what of it?
September 27th, 2011
8:41 am
Snitker would have held up Bream, and I’m fairly certain that’s the last time a Braves’ baserunner had a close play at the plate.
I guess McCann didn’t get the “no excuses” memo when he took his regularly scheduled every-fourth-day-off on Sunday. In the first half, we always found a way to win. Now our hitters have found just about every way to leave men on base.
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
8:48 am
Fredi should have taken Chipper out after he hurt his leg.
Chipper should have had that ball hit down the 3rd base line even w/his gimpy leg.
Chipper’s defense will probably cost us the game tonight rather then Lowe’s pitching. However, Carlos Sosa & Houston are gonna beat the Cards again tonight.
Danny Ford
September 27th, 2011
8:54 am
brumac, how you been?
Danny Ford
September 27th, 2011
8:55 am
that youngster ‘crappa’ still got a few yeras left.
Ted Abernathy
September 27th, 2011
9:08 am
Yes, Ross needs to catch.
Is McLouth still on the team?
Is Jose Constanza spanish for the forgotten man?
coach
September 27th, 2011
9:10 am
The Braves have to get rid of all former Pirate players except Diaz because he was a Brave before he was a Pirate.
Tom Baynham
September 27th, 2011
9:11 am
Chipper better damn well be in the lineup for the rest of the season; if he ain’t bleeding or dead, his butt needs to play!!
Rufio
September 27th, 2011
9:24 am
I am not sure which would be worse.
1. The Braves losing the wild card.
2. The Braves and the Cards losing the last two games and the Braves getting into the Wild Card by going 2-8 in the last ten games attempting to clinch the wild card.
3. The Braves and Cards in a playoff game to decide who goes.
None of them sound very appealing……..This has to be the worse September by the Braves in at least 21 years………
PMC
September 27th, 2011
9:38 am
They are winning tonight! Snitker is going to go sit in the dugout because there’s no need to hold anyone at 3rd base the rest of the year!
Braves are WINNING THIS THING!!!!!
PMC
September 27th, 2011
9:38 am
Braves win CARDS LOSE TONIGHT!!!
Rick
September 27th, 2011
9:38 am
“Is McLouth still on the team?”
His injury and surgery put in him out for the season.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
September 27th, 2011
9:43 am
I guess McCann didn’t get the “no excuses” memo when he took his regularly scheduled every-fourth-day-off on Sunday.
That was Fredi’s idea, genius…
supa
September 27th, 2011
9:45 am
Looks like I picked the wrong week to quit sniffing glue
coach13
September 27th, 2011
9:52 am
It’s an interesting place to be. They can’t afford to give anybody they night off, bullpen included. It really does have to be all hands on deck. That being said, the Braves won’t win in the playoffs without a healthy Chipper, and an effective Venters and Kimbrel. I know you have to win to get in but if they have nothing left at this point and desperately need some rest…It just doesn’t worth it to limp in (at this point they would be lucky to hang on) only to have them go 3 and out in the first round because everyone is gassed.
Billy
September 27th, 2011
10:07 am
Nate McLouth is still on this team..he just changed his name to J-Hey!!
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
10:11 am
Rufio – 2 & 3 sound appealing to me.
Billy
September 27th, 2011
10:12 am
With two games its hard not to win..if cards don’t win two games u in. If Braves win one game u in..Braves walk in back door.
Put Prado at 3rd tonight and play Constanza in LF.
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
10:12 am
The Cards are gonna lose tonight.
The Braves might win.
Billy
September 27th, 2011
10:14 am
Now that White Sox have fired Ozzie..Braves need to hire GREG WALKER as hitting coach next year…if White Sox don’t make him Manager.
Heisenberg
September 27th, 2011
10:15 am
He should have been taken out after that last AB when he pulled up lame rounding 3rd. After that he was unable to get to 2 balls he normally would have gotten to, including one that cost a run. The GIDP looked like a swing where he used all arms (no legs). A healthy CJ helps team win. A gimpy one needs to relegate himself to pinch hit duties.
bronkelliott
September 27th, 2011
10:20 am
Chipper, y’all know we be paying good baseball and everyone is relaxed putting their feet up and chewing on some hay. McCann, yeah the baseball is coming in on me like slow motion so I’ve slowed my swing to match. Prado, You know man what I am saying ” the bat seems real real heavy right now.”
Bourn, I forgot what game we are playing, is this cricket? Freddi G. Yeah I have been watching a lotta you tube lately with the dog tease and what day is it? Come on guys does anyone even care? why do interviews when you never ask the right questions like, What the hell is wrong with the team right now? Why aren’t none producing players benched? This is like watching old episodes of Hee Haw or Roe & Martin’s Laugh in…..get some fire and play like real men!
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
10:22 am
Ozzie Guillen is gonna be the manager of the Marlins next year. That should be interesting.
Old Blue
September 27th, 2011
10:24 am
All sarcasm aside, I honestly feel that if the Braves can hold the Phillies scoreless in these last two games, they have a reasonably good chance to make it in as the Wild Card team.
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
10:27 am
Ozzie Guillen post game interviews are great. He tells it is (at least the way he thinks it is) you gotta love that even though sometimes he says some crazy stuff.
bravesfaninNashville
September 27th, 2011
10:36 am
DoninAcworth……. I for one agree with you about Chipper’s play still being pretty good for his age. I think where Chipper gets a lot of criticism is that he made the public statement that the Braves can beat the Phillies. We haven’t won a game against them since. That IMO should have been reserved for the locker room and not made known to the Phillies. Also he has taken WAY TOO MANY called third strikes. It makes him look very non competitive to take a ball right down the middle and just walk away with a smirk on his face. Even if you’re fooled on a pitch why not at least try to foul if off and stay in the at bat? It’s very complacent looking and it seems to run through this whole team. You don’t see the Phillies giving up on at bats like that. They fight you tooth and nail on every pitch. Love Chipper, would love to see more fire from Chipper and the rest of the team.
NagoyaBrave
September 27th, 2011
10:37 am
Still can’t believe this team is still leading the wild card and is one win shy of 90. Really remarkable. With only two games left, let’s all take a moment to reflect on what an amazing season this has been. It might very well be the last game we are “winners,” but no matter what, I’m a Brave at heart and hope that there are 50,000 at the game today. I wish I could be there, but I’m in Japan, but I’ll be watching at 8am. How sweet it would be to spank the Phillies and have the Cards lose. Then we could rest our guys on Sunday. How sweet would that be? How sweet?!?!
benchwarmer
September 27th, 2011
10:42 am
Old Blue, it seems as though scoeless is just about what is needed. The Braves ca’t lose if the Phils don’t score. The problem is ,when will the Braves score. Pretty weak looking playoff potential even if they get in.
reckingball
September 27th, 2011
10:44 am
10:24am……Have to agree with that.
benchwarmer
September 27th, 2011
10:45 am
Do ya thing Lowe can hold the Phils scoreless? Really?
Brave New World
September 27th, 2011
10:49 am
Braves are doing pretty good against most of the phillies lineup.., They just falter against Rollins or Victorino and those two come back haunting us on regular basis..,
The mantra for the success the last two games is keep those two off the bases or not allow any dingers to those two.
And Dan Uggla should stop trying to hit the ball out of the park every time he is at bat..,
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
11:00 am
Fredi shoulda left Delgado in the game last night.
Herschel Talker
September 27th, 2011
11:03 am
I tip my cap to Derek Lowe for cashing his $15 million worth of paychecks this year while throwing hot garbage out there on the mound.
darrell starks
September 27th, 2011
11:12 am
Constanza must play now, Fredi have 2 games left to make it happen.
Heyward must sit down it’s emergency time.
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ed
September 27th, 2011
11:14 am
I just wonder what the Braves could get for “pop” McCann, Playdough, , and Hayseed while they are still considered worthwhile. I would rather see a single every night than a homerun once a month.
darrell starks
September 27th, 2011
11:14 am
1. BOURN CF
2. CONSTANZA RF
3. CHIPPER 3B
4. UGGLA 2B
5. FREEMAN 1B
6. PRADO LF
7. MCCANN CATCHER
8. GONZALEZ SS
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!
Tucson AZ
September 27th, 2011
11:15 am
I don’t think Ozzie will stay long in Florida,he’s a no nonsense manager and is not going to take being told how to run the team by management.To bad the Braves can’t get him.
darrell starks
September 27th, 2011
11:18 am
THE BRAVES ARE NOW 8 WINS AND 18 LOSSES SINCE CONSTANZA HAVE BEEN ON THE BENCH, no way Fredi is thay retarted is he ?
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
11:21 am
Florida management has to know that about Ozzie. I think he stays a long while. FL has new stadium to fill, huge Latino fan base to draw from and they’ll love him.
I a few years the Marlins could be our biggest div rival.
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
11:22 am
in a few
Tucson AZ
September 27th, 2011
11:22 am
Bourn CF
Constanza LF
Prado 3B
Uggla 2B
Freeman 1B
Heyward RF
Ross Catcher
Gonzales SS
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
11:24 am
Oswalt is a rightie so Constanza likely gets the start tonight.
Billy
September 27th, 2011
11:25 am
Braves don’t need Ozzie..
Tucson AZ
September 27th, 2011
11:27 am
Billy
The Braves NEED SOMETHING !!!!
never happen
September 27th, 2011
11:28 am
Fredi will not play Constanza..he ’s got his nose up J-Hey #$@..
Billy
September 27th, 2011
11:31 am
I agree, Fire Fredi but Ozzie is not the answer..They’re some pretty good people out there that would do well. get someone from another organization..
Tucson AZ
September 27th, 2011
11:34 am
If we could get Don Baylor from AZ it would take care of two problems,the managing and the hitting.
Billy
September 27th, 2011
11:38 am
Greg Walker from W-sox with Baylor….
Heisenberg
September 27th, 2011
11:38 am
So far today Lowe has held the Phillies scoreless.
Billy
September 27th, 2011
11:39 am
Lol
Tucson AZ
September 27th, 2011
11:40 am
Look what Charlie does for the Phillies hitting.
Tucson AZ
September 27th, 2011
11:42 am
Start Lowe tonight but keep him on a short leash,if he has any problems early pull him right away.
Heisenberg
September 27th, 2011
11:44 am
Could be worse. Braves could be stuck with Bosox rotation and have Lackey on the hill tonight.
chopper71
September 27th, 2011
11:56 am
Here is the difference between a coach trying to win and a coach trying not to lose. With runners on 1st and 2nd last night and berman up, Larussa calls a double steal with albert on 2nd thus staying out of a DP…..if he is caught russa is an idiot but it worked and Berkamn drilled a double to bring in two and tie the the game…..sometimes you have to do the unexpected to win and fredi doesn’t do that….When the Braves were hot we were running and putting runners in scoring position now he just plays station to station hoping for a hit instead of maunufacturing runs….hell the Astros squeezed for the win…..fredi would have been swinging away no matter what!
jonathan Simeone
September 27th, 2011
11:58 am
Chipper did as well as he could have but he just can’t be counted on anymore. Sure he hit that homer but the eighth-inning run Venters gave up resulted because the third baseman had no range. Chipper can’t be counted on to play a full season. When he’s in there he’s not a three-hole hitter anymore. If he won’t retire he should at least take a cut in pay to help the team address other needs.
mpryguy
September 27th, 2011
12:00 pm
This has been a torturing month to be a Braves fan. But in my opinion, at least they’ve given us a season to be excited and run through the gammut of emotions. I know realistically speaking if the Braves do make it into the playoffs, it seems like a waste anyway because of the way they are playing. But we as fans do not know the team and how they will respond to simply just making it. Maybe getting over the hurdle and into October will relax them and they will begin to play more efficiently and more relaxed because they’ve accomplished their goal of making it. Wishful thinking maybe on my part, but these young pitchers can keep us in games, the bullpen has been a strength all year…..and Chipper is ready to lead, he tried his best last night and I think they will hold on and get into October. And when there…..anything can happen.
GO BRAVES
Heyward gets on base now
September 27th, 2011
12:01 pm
Chipper played his heart out yesterday. Gave us the lead and a chance to win.
But, when he’s limping like that, he becomes a defensive liability. A healthy Chipper makes that play at third. I would have pulled him once he wound up lame.
Still that was a great effort by him, I hope the rest of the Braves respond and Derek Lowe somehow shuts out the best line up in the National League. But I doubt it given our recent struggles.
That was a crushing defeat. I hope somehow we win and somehow the Astros close out the Cards.
If we don’t win tonight, I like our chances tomorrow, but I do not want to go to STL to play a play in game. WE’d get socked.
Abnerish
September 27th, 2011
12:11 pm
After watching Chipper hobble around last night, I’d be surprised if he goes today. He could barely walk after he tweaked it running the bases, much less run, hit, or field his position. If he does rest today, I think you put Prado at 3rd and put Constanza in LF and Heyward in RF. Hopefully Ruiz will get the night off so we have a better chance at stealing some bases. Let’s not sit around for the 3-run bomb. Make it happen. Bunt, hit and run, steal bases! You know going in that 2 runs ain’t gonna be enough. So, be aggressive as possible to get as many runners into scoring position as possible. If you lose, at least you lose trying to make it happen, rather than waiting arround for someone to get the big hit (ain’t happening!).
Ted Turner
September 27th, 2011
12:13 pm
Braves will follow in SF Giants footsteps from last year! Get into the playoffs on the last day and win the whole shootin’ match!
Michael Kelly
September 27th, 2011
12:13 pm
How in the h*ll is anyone saying Fire Freddi?
We are one win shy of 90 and still have the WC lead. What is wrong with you people?
Do you not realize that 60+% of our innings thrown in the last month or so have been by a ROOKIE?
I mean come on, this guys has done one heck of a job, get off his *ss!!!!
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!
GO D LOWE, do what we all know you are capable of doing. We need a strong D behind him tonight. If they don’t find the holes then he can do it.
LET’S DO THIS SH*T TONIGHT BABY!!!!!!
MK
SR
September 27th, 2011
12:15 pm
Enter your comments here
Ted Turner
September 27th, 2011
12:16 pm
Michael: Want to manage a couple of games against the Phills? Meet me @ gate 40 @ 5 PM this afternoon!
jim
September 27th, 2011
12:17 pm
I would like to see the Braves get into the playoffs, but it would just be a question of whether the season ends tomorrow or early next week. The bigger concern is the long-term prospects for this team. I think the opinion expressed here that the Braves just need a patch here and there and promotion of the young pitchers to be competetive next year is overly optimistic and very myopic.
SR
September 27th, 2011
12:18 pm
Don’t know if this has been mentioned at all but does anybody else believe McCann’s oblique is still injured? DOB, Carroll, any info in this regard? Dude is too good a hitter and his body of work is solid over the years- something is not right. As for the rest of the team, never seen them in such a tailspin. Somebody better rake these next couple of games or Cards will be tied with Bravos or take lead in no time.
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
12:20 pm
yeah Fredi might not play Constanza as Heyward is a leftie too. However I think Fredi knows he’s gotta shake things up for this crappy offense.
60% chance JC starts tonight.
Ted Turner
September 27th, 2011
12:21 pm
Get your head out of the sand folks! You want to talk tail spin… look at the Red Sox. Now that’ s a tailspin.
Who wants to trade places with them?
Any takers?
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
12:26 pm
if it goes to one game PO w/the Cards Kyle Lohse would be the pitcher we face.
stickman
September 27th, 2011
12:27 pm
Do the braves even deserve 2 go playing like this NO. And they wont win with lowe on the mound r u kidding phillies will feast 2nite. and the braves bats cant hit the ball the other way, they try 2 pull everything around the foul pole. no in game ajustments from these guys. guess hitters. strikes down the middle they take, balls in dirt they swing 4 the fence because the r guessing the next pitch instead of seeing ball hitting ball. such low iq hitters. we need tony gwynn or rod carew 4 a batting coach.
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
12:29 pm
the Red Sox face Zach Britton tonight, this kid is good. The Sox lose tonight.
Abnerish
September 27th, 2011
12:29 pm
I remember two years ago when the Braves were within striking distance the last week of the season and lost the last 5 games of the season. That was worse than this, right now. Now, if we don’t make the playoffs, then this will be worse. But like a lot of other people say, it doesn’t matter how we make it to the playoffs, just get there.
Ted Turner
September 27th, 2011
12:31 pm
I say mix it up BIG TIME and throw fate to the wind!
1. BOURN CF
2. HAYWARD RF
3. PRADO 3B
4. UGGLA 2B
5. FREEMAN 1B
6. CONSTANZA LF
7. GONZALEZ SS
8. LOWE P
9. MCCANN C
YES!!! LOWE # 8 !
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
12:31 pm
I doubt Howard plays tonight.
Heisenberg
September 27th, 2011
12:33 pm
Would just about prefer Carpenter to Lohse. Braves tend to make journeymen pitchers with an ERA around 5 look lke HoF/Cy Young.
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
12:34 pm
YES!!! LOWE # 8 ! the bigger question why McCann 9th. That would never happen even IF you were the manager. You’d come to your senses.
Ted Turner
September 27th, 2011
12:35 pm
Will someone please answer this question…
The Phills have control over if the Braves go to the playoffs. Why would they want the hottest team in baseball possibly facing them in the NLCS? Why not roll over and let the Braves in and wipe them up if they meet later in the playoffs?
Help on this one please!
Ted Turner
September 27th, 2011
12:38 pm
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
12:34 pm
YES!!! LOWE # 8 ! the bigger question why McCann 9th. That would never happen even IF you were the manager. You’d come to your senses.
LOWE CAN BUNT!
Ted M
September 27th, 2011
12:38 pm
TT because the Phillies came into this series losing 9 of 10 games and getting back to winning was more important than who ya face.
Ted Turner
September 27th, 2011
12:39 pm
LOWE CAN BUNT!
joe
September 27th, 2011
12:40 pm
Freddy G needs to have Chris Medlin warming up in the first inning, so when Lowe implodes (and he will), Medlin can come in at the first sign of trouble. And by trouble, I mean if ANY Phils reach 2nd base at any point of the game. Once that happens, PULL HIM!!!
tiger woo
September 27th, 2011
12:41 pm
Doesn’t matter if Lowe bats # 8 – he’ll be out of the game before he has an at bat!
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