Chipper, Hudson deliver in Braves win over Astros
Vivlamore reporting from Turner Field.
Chipper Jones sure isn’t hitting like this is his final season.
The Braves third baseman had a two-run double in the third inning to spark a 4-1 victory over the Astros on Friday night.
Jones has has hit safely in 27 of the past 31 games. During the stretch, which began June 19, Jones has a .357 average (40-for-112) with 18 runs, 14 doubles, five home runs and 23 RBIs. Jones, who announced this would be his 19th and final season with the Braves, was honored before the game for recently becoming baseball’s all-time leader for RBIs by a third baseman. He added to that total with another key hit.
“I don’t think he’s human. I think he’s a machine,” Braves winning pitcher Tim Hudson said.
With the hit, Jones moved into sole possession of 65th place on the all-time hits list with 2,690.
The victory moved the Braves to a season-high 16 games over .500 (61-45). They have won nine of their past 10 games and 12 of 16.
The Astros dropped their fourth consecutive game and are 3-27 in the past 30 games. That includes a 10-45 road record this season. The Astros were 3-24 in July, with a .111 winning percentage being the fifth worst for a month in baseball history.
Hudson (11-4) continued a string of solid efforts by recording his 100th victory as a Brave. He won his fifth consecutive decision, and the Braves are 6-0 since he started the streak July 6 with a win at the Phillies. The Braves have won 14 of his 18 starts this season.
Hudson struggled with a 25-pitch first inning, allowing runners on first and second with a walk and hit batter. However he struck out J.D. Martinez to end the threat and improved to 5-0 in seven career starts against the Astros. The strikeout started a run where Hudson retired 20 of the next 26 batters until he was relieved with one out in the eighth inning.
Hudson worked 7 1/3 innings and allowed four hits, an unearned run and two walks while striking out three. He threw 116 pitches, 72 for strikes. Craig Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth, all strikeouts, for his 31st save, tying him for the National League lead.
“A lot of my games this year I’ve been pretty efficient,” Hudson said. “There are going to be times when I go five or six innings and have 110 pitches. Tonight was a game where I was able, almost from a conditioning standpoint, to get up there and work and try to make some pitches with a high pitch count for a change. Obviously, I want to have as many low pitch count games as I can but at some point later this year, probably in games that mean something, I’m going to have to make some pitches when I’m tired. That was a good test.”
After failing to score in the first inning, despite loading the bases and forcing Astros starter Armando Galarraga to throw 33 pitches, the Braves struck with a three-run third inning.
Martin Prado began with rally with a one-out double and Jason Heyward followed with a walk. Jones then drove them both in with his 17th double of the season, a shot to right field. Later in the inning, Dan Uggla popped up to shortstop in what figured to be the final out of the inning. However, Marwin Gonzalez lost the ball in the dusk sky allowing Jones to score. Uggla was credited with a double.
Prado, who went 2-for-3 after a day of rest Thursday, drove in a run in the fourth inning with another double, scoring Michael Bourn who reached on a fielder’s choice. Prado exchanged words with Galaragga, who was slow to the plate all night, in the sixth inning. Prado eventually walked to load the bases and Galarraga was replaced with a chorus of boos from the Turner Field crowd.
“It was a misunderstanding,” Prado said. “He was trying to do his thing. I heard something that I probably couldn’t understand because I was so locked in my at-bat. I’m a good friend with him. It is what it is. When we play between those lines we were just battling. He was just trying to get me out. I was trying to get a hit in that situation. Nothing major.”
The Astros managed an unearned run in the sixth inning on a throwing error by Uggla.
The Braves won despite only six hits but added eight walks off Astros pitchers. They left 10 men on base.
“I thought it was one of those crazy games where we kept letting them hang around and hang around,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “I thought it was going to come around and bite us a little bit. … We were patient with [Galarraga. He wiggled out of a few jams himself. We could have used a couple more runs but didn’t get them.”
- Chris Vivlamore
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133 comments Add your comment
Traver
August 3rd, 2012
11:57 pm
Chipper is absolutely sick. I just wish he was healthy enough to play one more year.
gatorsc1
August 3rd, 2012
11:57 pm
yeah
Johnny DangerDawg
August 4th, 2012
12:00 am
Thanks for keeping us entertained, Chipper!
Mo
August 4th, 2012
12:02 am
Yeah, a few more runs would have helped. But a win is a win.
PiersonBrave
August 4th, 2012
12:12 am
We ALL will miss the Ol’ Battleaxe when he’s gone. ( whether some will admit it or not. ) Go Braves!!
Disgusted
August 4th, 2012
12:20 am
You know, Chipper has been worth the $$$$$$$$ he has made this yr, every single penny.
I have said it in the past, the skill level has not declined much, its the wear and tear on the body that is not what it used to be. But he looks healthier now for the stretch, the final run.
And the adrenaline is pumping so this is Chipper’s last stand & it will be a great one health permitting.
Just win the WC game and the rest of this is gravy.
I have defended Chipper in the past, defended the 3 yr extension and glad it was done. He has still been good when he has been healthy.
Disgusted
August 4th, 2012
12:23 am
If Hudson pitches till he is 42 and wins another 75 to 80 games, are you thinking possible Cooperstown.
It would help if he had one more 20 W season and one exceptional playoff run. Say he has one more 20 W yr, wins 260-270 games and carries the team to one WS championship, how can you not think Cooperstown???????
I know, that is a stretch and a way off but??????????
Dan Kolb
August 4th, 2012
12:24 am
Chipper will be in the Hall in 5 years….guaranteed.
Largo
August 4th, 2012
12:24 am
Good win, guys! I see we picked up 1/2 game on the Nationals.
ChipperisGod
August 4th, 2012
12:26 am
Chipper is having the best season he’s had since 08. Just incredible. We need to do a better job of driving in runners in scoring position. We can get away with it with teams like the Astros, but against the Nats, Reds, Pirates and teams of that ilk, we MUST capitalize in those situations more than we are at this moment in time.
Still, a solid win and able to pick up half a game on the Nats. Go Braves!
bfred
August 4th, 2012
12:28 am
I understand reloading but what the Astros have done the last couple of years is criminal. Traded away all their quality players for limited quality prospects and despite the whole “we’re clearing payroll for the new owner” justification, done damage to the franchise that will take a long, long time to overcome. Berkman, Ostwalt, Pence, Bource, Rodriguez, Johnson, Lee…every decent player. I hope Selig is all over the new owner to get things going, or else.
Traver
August 4th, 2012
12:35 am
Chipper = Ball player. Would just be great if he had another year to see how close he could get 500 home runs but the wear and tear is inevitable when you play the game the right way and don’t try to cheat your way into 5 extra years past your prime (Barry and Roger).
Regardless, it has been so much fun to watch this year.
Disgusted
August 4th, 2012
12:49 am
Good point bfred — that is pretty much an expansion team. And the previous owner did field a competitive team during most of his stewardship. The Astros were pretty good from the late 90’s to mid 2000’s.
What do those fans have to look forward to now??????????
They have two good ballplayers in Altuve and J.D. Martinez. Sad. They better not go cheap on signing draft picks or else.
As for Selig, he might be on his way out, so that is a problem for the next commissioner.
At least the sorry Cubs do have a plan though it might take 5 or 6 yrs to matter again.
Rowsdower
August 4th, 2012
12:52 am
Another solid W. Nice to see this team coming together at the right time. The Nats are solid, but I think they’re a year away. The East is there for the taking. Go get it, boys!
Jay
August 4th, 2012
1:21 am
Chipper is the best 3rd baseman ever. Show me another 40 y/o 3rd baseman with those stats!
Disgusted
August 4th, 2012
1:25 am
I don’t think any 40 yr old 3rd baseman ever had those stats.
Brooks Robinson rode the bench as a 40 yr old and Schmidt was long retired. I don’t know if George Brett played till 40.
Rowsdower
August 4th, 2012
1:38 am
He did, but he was bad. Chipper will go down as the 2nd best 3B ever. Schmidt gets the nod unfortunately…
Casey in Idaho
August 4th, 2012
4:00 am
Schmidt was retired at 40 and Brett finished the last few years of his career as a first baseman.
Nick Saban
August 4th, 2012
4:29 am
Chipper Jones aka Professional Hitter
This guy is a freak. I will be at the number retirement ceremony at Turner Field.
Wrecker
August 4th, 2012
5:34 am
Even when Martin gets in a scuffle or argument on the field, he does and says the right thing afterwards. I love this guy!
74bravesjersey
August 4th, 2012
7:19 am
Way to Go Hoss!
bravesgrl4life
August 4th, 2012
7:53 am
Great win Friday night! That makes it 15-2 on Friday nights, IIRC. That day of rest for Martin did the trick! He looked really sharp last night. 2 doubles and 2 walks, I believe. Just like giving Bourn the night off on Wednesday and he rebounded Thursday night. How about Uggla (while I love the guy) gets a night off and see if he comes back th enext day and rakes? Worth a try.
nole girl 93
August 4th, 2012
7:56 am
Chipper is the man. That’s all.
Jeff R
August 4th, 2012
8:01 am
Don’t look now, but Ugs has his average up to .210. I see a trend here.
Seriously, the Braves win and now are but 2 games behind the Nats, who split a doubleheader with the lowly Marlins.
It’s wait and see for the Nats. When the stretch comes, we’ll see what that team is made of (oh, and the Braves, too, but I’m thinking ‘12 is very different for the Bravos than ‘11).
phil
August 4th, 2012
8:04 am
Give Uggla a week off…
Then DFA the guy….
Awful bad.
phil
August 4th, 2012
8:05 am
Chipper really is something….i hope he can keep it up…fingers crossed.
BigAintheBigA
August 4th, 2012
8:13 am
Big Chipper fan. It’s been a good long run. One of the all-time great Bravos. Go Braves!
big as a morse
August 4th, 2012
8:14 am
pretty ugly win nothing sweet about it. still a win and a good night as “the only JJ” deals in washington. like to see a crisper game tonight and put this team away early in the game.
freddi did the right thing getting kimbrell in the other night. he hadn’t pitched much at all, who cares if it takes 25 pitches as long as it doesnt happen in a 1,2 or 3 run game. looksie pretty good last night.
quit being pitching coaches you people
Jeff R
August 4th, 2012
8:15 am
Chipper’s last hurrah. He just needs to stay injury-free. Always better to go out on a high note. Too many star athletes hang on too long and end their careers poorly.
GaryinBham
August 4th, 2012
8:29 am
Bfred, I am with you. As everything in sports now, what money and incompetent money-hungry ownership has done with it leaves the fans out in the cold. I am thrilled to have Michael Bourn, but if they had kept all the people they dumped, they’d probably be contending for the Central right now. Not to mention compromising the integrity of games and pennant races. When teams feast on, essentially, Triple A teams, it raises questions about the Wild Cards. You win your division by beating up others in it, but what if two teams from different divisions are playing for the final spot, and one plays a team before they dump the inventory and the other after?
It’s the way it is, but it stinks.
a fan
August 4th, 2012
8:30 am
Well I see the doom & gloom crew stayed away tonight. how refreshing.
74bravesjersey
August 4th, 2012
8:50 am
Uncle Johnson & his nats still look back, oh it’s only the Braves, we aint overly concerned about ‘em, like the hair & the turtle race, the nats as good as everybody in the world say’s they are, & I too think the’re pretty good, but just like my bravos to keep chugg’n along, inch by inch, closer & closer, the nats feel’em breathin’ down their necks, & this 2012 Bravos are diff’rnt than 2011, because the sept. melt down of last year still fresh on their minds & are using it as motivation. Not to give away clutch games like last year. Struggles are good medicine when used right you hel from them. That sickness was good to learn by.
74bravesjersey
August 4th, 2012
8:52 am
meant to say “you heal from them”.
DoninAcworth
August 4th, 2012
8:53 am
The way I see it is keep Chipper fresh and injury free. Looks like he’s the go to guy for this team and the young guys are learning his style. Nice and easy and don’t try to kill every pitch someone throws. I just bought that awesome 4 game package featuring Chipper… going to be a blast coming down the stretch. Also, here’s a big cheer for all the young players we’ve brought up this year who are doing the job! Chipper for hitting coach!
DoninAcworth
August 4th, 2012
8:55 am
Also…. forgot to mention… we are one of only what 4 or 5 teams with 60 + wins today!
big as a morse
August 4th, 2012
9:00 am
No need to rush our shortstop back. anybody really really miss Simmons that much? He is good and will help down the stretch but Jannish has been a perfect and fits like a glove on this team(fits like a glove, chuckle chuckle
big as a morse
August 4th, 2012
9:01 am
Enter your comments here
Dr. Pepper
August 4th, 2012
9:22 am
Anyone else glad to see Schafer in another uniform? He is a sore loser. Not a team player. Just read his twitter. He must not feel good moving from the 1-hole to the 8-hole. What a waste of talent.
Pippa's hiney
August 4th, 2012
9:23 am
Good report, DOB.
Long-time Braves fan
August 4th, 2012
9:23 am
Any thoughts about Johnny Damon – just released by Cleveland. Say what you want about the age, and the fall-off of production. Damon is a winner. He’s been there. He’s a quality guy. He knows how to get on base. And he knows how to run the bases. Oh, and he’s cheap. I would love to see the Braves pick him up for the home stretch.
BraveFan
August 4th, 2012
9:24 am
Nice win. Chipper’s an animal. Huddy great outing. Kimbrel sick. Keep it up, Go Braves
Kendell Jones
August 4th, 2012
9:31 am
Considering that Chipper is the best third baseman ever is saying a little too much. Chipper is good,, no doubt about it. However, Brooks Robinson was the best third baeman during the time he was playing, and is still the lunchpin for good third basemen. Brooks was the BEST, and it will be along time before we see another that will be his equal. CHIPPER IS GOOD, BUT NOT AN EQUAL TO BROOKS ROBINSON.
Lew
August 4th, 2012
9:38 am
Doubt that they’d even consider Damon now that they already picked up Reed Johnson. If they wanted Damon for more than a September run and wanted him for the playoffs, they’d have to put him on the active roster before Sept.1 and I just don’t see them doing the roster moves necessary to accomplish that.
And they already have Johnson.
Long-time Braves fan
August 4th, 2012
9:39 am
As most fans realize, the Braves’ play the next two weeks will set the tone for the rest of the seasons. The opponents are: Houston (.327), Philadelphia (.443), New York Mets (.486), and San Diego (.417). Thirteen games (start counting yesterday) in a row against sub-.500 teams. On paper, the Braves win all of those games.
During the same time period, the Nationals play the Marlins (.458), the Diamondbacks (.519), the Astros (.327), and the Giants (.538) – a slightly tougher schedule.
Let’s see if the Braves can catch the Nats during these next two weeks.
Lew
August 4th, 2012
9:42 am
Brooks Robinson was the best DEFENSIVE 3B – not even close to best all around with a .267, .322, .401 line. And as for during his own playing time? Offensively, Mathews (some overlap), Ken Boyer, Richie Allen and Ron Santo were better offensively than Brooks.
Couldn’t get a ball past him in the field, though.
Long-time Braves fan
August 4th, 2012
9:45 am
Hi Lew – Thanks for your comments re:Damon. I would send Pastornicky back down. As much as I like the kid’s attitude and skills, I don’t see that he brings that much to the team. Would rather see Prado as back-up SS, if needed. Right now Pastornicky’s being used as a pinch-hitter and a pinch-runner. I’d rather see Damon in both of those roles right now. JMHO.
Lew
August 4th, 2012
9:52 am
LTBF – If we hadn’t already made the deal with the Cubs, I would definitly consider Damon, but with Johnson covering our need for a RH hitter off the bench and Francisco and Hinske covering the LH hitting, I just don’t see them having the interesn Damon.
They won’t use Martin as the back up SS. They just won’t.
Long-time Braves fan
August 4th, 2012
9:52 am
Brooks Robinson – fielder
Chipper Jones – hitter
Mike Schmidt – slugger
I’ve seen them all play. In the bottom of the 9th, with the other team at bat, I’d want Robinson at 3rd. In the bottom of the 9th, with my team at bat, score tied, I’d want Schmidt.
In all other scenarios, I’d take Jones. The fielding is above-average, and in baseball, there’s really no equivalent for the ability to swing the bat, hit the ball, and reach first base before your opponent can retrieve it.
I predict that in the future, baseball fans will be watching Chippers slow-roller bare-handed play from 3rd the way basketball fans now watch Michael Jordan dunk.
Bob the Blogger
August 4th, 2012
9:56 am
Offensively, Chipper is a much better third baseman than Brooks. Overall, offense and defense considered, it’s still Schmidt with all of his gold gloves, three MVPs, etc. Still, Chipper has a better lifetime average, on base percentage, and slugging percentage than Schmidt, and beats Schmidt in almost every offensive category except home runs. Defensively, it’s hard to say anyone is better than Brooks Robinson.
Pippa's hiney
August 4th, 2012
9:57 am
Brooks Robinson was as good as it gets defensively. But to say he’s best all-around 3rd bagger is folly.
Jeff R
August 4th, 2012
10:26 am
Eddie Matthews was a better all-around third baseman than Chipper, but I’ve said that before.
Cobb Dawg
August 4th, 2012
10:35 am
Only 3 out of their last 30! Ouch!!
kenhotlanta
August 4th, 2012
10:36 am
Is this the main blog? Where is everybody?
Lew
August 4th, 2012
10:40 am
Jeff R – Mathews better than Chipper? Don’t think so. Chipper had a higher BA ( .304 – .271), Higher OBP (.402-.376), Higher OPS ( .934-.885), more RBI (1608-1453). Mathews hit more HR (512-464).
In addition, Mathews never won a Batting Championship (Chipper did), never won an MVP (Chipper did), never won a Gold Glovew (neither did Chipper) and both had One Championship year.
Jeff R
August 4th, 2012
10:46 am
Lew, I’m judging all-around performance. Taking nothing away from Chipper offensively. Matthews was no slouch, though. If I’m correct, Matthews’ career was bit shorter than Chipper’s.
I believe Matthews was a better defensive third baseman than Chipper. He was considered one of the best defensive third baseman of his time. So, I’m looking at both players offensively and defensively.
Disgusted
August 4th, 2012
10:46 am
I don’t want to rush Simmons before he is eardy either, now I do miss him but Janish is holding his own and as far as the defensive side of the game we have not missed a beat with Janish in there.
I do want Andrelton to get a few games under his belt before post season (if we are good enough to get there). If September 5th or so is the time that Simmons is healthy so be it, that is a good time.
Janish has been a find & should have a real future with this team for a few yrs.
If he could hit like he did in 2010, he could be an everyday SS. His glove should be a 2 WAR in of itself.
Lew
August 4th, 2012
10:48 am
I’d still rather have Chipper than Mathews. The difference defensively was pretty minimal and Chipper was by far the more rounded andf better offensive player. Mathews had some serious power, though.
BK
August 4th, 2012
10:48 am
GRAET JOB CHIPPER,LETS KEEP IT GOING , GO BRAVES
Disgusted
August 4th, 2012
10:49 am
Unless you are 60 or older its hard to judge Matthews on his defense, have to go by old time scouting reports and accoutns of the game.
Bottom line is that both Chipper and Eddie were great great players.
Chipper continued playing until 40 (and still at a high level) while Matthews was pretty much done after 1965, at age 33 or 34. Had a mediocre 66 here and bounced around a couple of teams till he was retired after 68.
Think he did get a WS ring with that great Tiger team of 68. But he was a bit player for them.
Disgusted
August 4th, 2012
10:51 am
And when you talk best 3rd basemen ever, always have to put both Ken Boyer and Ron Santo in the discussion. Top 10 third basemen of the century for sure.
Lew
August 4th, 2012
10:52 am
I’m older than 60 and saw Mathews play.
Disgusted
August 4th, 2012
10:55 am
For the times, Matthews had a long career and in those days, it was rare for gys 35 and older to keep playing at a high level.
Henry Aaron, who had some of his best yrs from ages 35 to 39 was an exception for that time.
Mantle was done at 36, and while Mays was pretty good in his late 30’s his last great yr was in 66 at age 35.
Duke Snider was petty much at the end in his late 30’s.
Chipper benefited from playing today with today;s sports medical technology and that athletes are so well paid that thier off season job is to work out and stay in shape.
Different times, different era.
Disgusted
August 4th, 2012
10:56 am
And I agree with you Lew thatI would take Chipper over Eddie but …… you win win with either one.
Lew
August 4th, 2012
10:56 am
Boyer was really good, but for a much more limited time period (1958-64) than the others, Before 58 he was somewhat less than stellar and he slid quickly after his MVP season in 64.
Lew
August 4th, 2012
10:57 am
Disgusted – Hank and Mathews togther was quite the one – two punch, wasn’t it?
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 4th, 2012
11:01 am
Huddy a HOF’er? #20 all time in winning percentage, just ahead of some guy named Koufax.
Winning Percentage
All Time Leaders
‘Top 1,000′
Name WP (Raw) Rank
Spud Chandler 0.717 (0.71711) 1
Dave Foutz 0.690 (0.69014) 2
Whitey Ford 0.690 (0.69006) 3
Bob Caruthers 0.688 (0.68770) 4
Pedro Martinez 0.687 (0.68652) 5
Don Gullett 0.686 (0.68553) 6
Lefty Grove 0.680 (0.68027) 7
Babe Ruth 0.671 (0.67143) 8
Joe Wood 0.671 (0.67052) 9
Jay Hughes 0.669 (0.66935) 10
Bill Hoffer 0.667 (0.66667) 11
Vic Raschi 0.667 (0.66667)
Jered Weaver 0.667 (0.66667)
Larry Corcoran 0.665 (0.66541) 14
Christy Mathewson 0.665 (0.66488) 15
Roy Halladay 0.662 (0.66207) 16
Sam Leever 0.660 (0.65986) 17
Roger Clemens 0.658 (0.65799) 18
Sal Maglie 0.657 (0.65746) 19
Tim Hudson 0.655 (0.65529) 20
Sandy Koufax 0.655 (0.65476) 21
Ken Stallings
August 4th, 2012
11:01 am
If Chipper could get a new set of knees, he could play another five years!
His ability to hit at his age is amazing. His bat speed is more than adequate. His eye at the plate is exceptional, and his study of the pitchers and ability to gauge the next pitch is uncanny.
Ted Williams is considered the professor of hitting with Tony Gwinn not far behind. But, I really think Chipper Jones is in the same category. No doubt he will be a highly coveted hitting instructor. I think he can be an outstanding manager also.
Trader Jack
August 4th, 2012
11:02 am
Lew
You can probably relate to watching Mathews break a helluva lot of windows on 20th street
Lew
August 4th, 2012
11:13 am
Trader Jack – Yeah, he did hit pretty well at 21st and Lehigh.
I was at the seventh consecutive loss at the end of 64 – saw Johnny Callison hit three consecutive HRs over that industrial steel RF wall and the Braves still beat the phillies 10-7 on HRs by Hank and Joe Torre. I think Mathews probably had a hit or two in that game as well.
Chiricahua Brave
August 4th, 2012
11:19 am
SoWeGa Fanatic – No
AdirondackDave
August 4th, 2012
11:21 am
Lew nailed it with the 3B discussion. Brooks was the best by far with the glove. The human vacuum cleaner will probably never be equaled. He had a nice bat but not an all star bat by any means. The other Baltimore Robby had the bat. It’s Schmidt and Chipper, Chipper and Schmidt… toss a coin. For 19 years Chipper was Mr. Clutch. At age 40, he’s still the guy I want at the plate when the game’s on the line. I have no trouble voting him #1 of all time at 3B… and like Harry Truman, he’s going to age well.
Trader Jack
August 4th, 2012
11:21 am
Lew
I go back a little earlier than you, watching Hank during his rookie year, with guys like Bruton, Burdette, Crandall and Adcock, not to mention the best lefty Warren Spahn. What a joy it was to watch them play
Chiricahua Brave
August 4th, 2012
11:26 am
No love for George Brett and wade Boggs?
Lew
August 4th, 2012
11:27 am
Dave – How have you been?
Trader Jack – I saw my first game there in 62, but remember watching them on TV in the late 50’s – when they had such stalwarts as Pancho Herrera, Tony Gonzalez and Jack Baldschun.
I remember seeing Pat Corrales and Cookie Rojas play as rookies – used to joke with Pat at Braves’ ST about it.
bravesgirlforever
August 4th, 2012
11:29 am
I just can’t imagine the Braves without Chipper……we won’;t win as many, that’s for sure.
i WOULD love to see us without Uggla who was GIVEN a hit when it should have been a hit.
He brings us down; Chipper takes us up. So goes baseball.
AdirondackDave
August 4th, 2012
11:31 am
Hi Lew- We’ve been healthy and ok. Celebrated out 50th a few weeks ago on the coast of Maine with our sons and other family that came in from around the country. Best vacation ever!
I’ve got a good feeling about this Braves this year.. a little destiny magic maybe. Of course, Nats fans have that same feeling.
Lew
August 4th, 2012
11:34 am
Congratulations Dave. Hope I’m around long enough to celebrate our 50th. We just hit 37.
Trader Jack
August 4th, 2012
11:35 am
Lew
Pat Corrales may be the only manager I know who was fired, and whose team was in first place
Venice Jim
August 4th, 2012
11:38 am
DOB just posted on the most recent blog…
BrandonLee49
August 4th, 2012
11:38 am
Tim Hudson and Martin Prado were very Awesome, this Braves Team would not be anywhere Near First without ether of them. Cal RipkinJr. George Brett, Mike Schmit, Joe Torre! DL Jones is not in exclusive company… he’s at the bottom looking up.
Lew
August 4th, 2012
11:38 am
Trader Jack – and The Indians hired him right away, too.
Venice Jim
August 4th, 2012
11:39 am
David O’Brien
August 4th, 2012
11:36 am
Entering his Braves debut tonight, Maholm is 1-1 with a 1.62 ERA in six starts at Turner Field, his best ERA at any ballpark where he’s pitched more than once.
He’s allowed one homer in 39 innings at Turner Field, with 36 strikeouts and eight walks.
Lew
August 4th, 2012
11:40 am
Brandon Lee – Obviously kicked in the head one too many times.
McKee
August 4th, 2012
11:40 am
With the end of the Phillies reign of being NL East Champs ending at 5 (assuming) it really makes me appreciate the Braves reign of 14 straight. As a Braves fan, the past 5 years have seemed like an eternity while the Phillies were dominatiing. I can just imagine how all the other teams felt for 14 years. One title or not, that is a special record that will NEVER be duplicated.
VoiceOfReason
August 4th, 2012
11:43 am
Eat Mor Chicken! Go Braves!
John Leonard
August 4th, 2012
11:53 am
One thing is being left out about Chipper,he could run way better than any of the other great 3b.
Long time fan
August 4th, 2012
12:00 pm
That is a tough stretch facing the Nats. From a schedule standpoint they havent had a real struggle yet. As for our schedule, Ernie JOhnson always said anybody with a bat in his hand is dangerous and it is team policy to make some pitchers look like Cy Young.
George
August 4th, 2012
12:15 pm
Good day all
Good win last nignt. HUDDY and KIMBREL good as ever. CHIPPER just keeps doing what CHIPPER does best.
George
August 4th, 2012
12:17 pm
Backdoor Slider
August 4th, 2012
7:19 am
FREDI’S NON-COMMENT
When Fredi was asked above if he was trying to talk Chipper into not retiring, did you notice how he dodged the question — and not very ably at that?
I get the distinct impression that Fredi is somewhat intimidated by Chipper.
Fredi may very well sense that the players look more to Chipper for leadership than to him — and undoubtedly have more respect for Chipper as well.
And rightfully so!
Chipper commands respect, while Fredi does not!
———————————————
YES! YES! YES!
James Cassara
August 4th, 2012
12:32 pm
Since I was born in Brooklyn most of my relatives (still in NYC) are Mets fans. In a group they will only trash talk Chipper, but get them one on one and they all admit he is a sure thing first ballot hall of famer. Even the most ardent Mets fan will begrudginly fess up to their admiration for him. I’ve been a Braves fan for 35 years; there have been a lot of great Braves players and he ranks right up with the best.
James Cassara
August 4th, 2012
12:35 pm
I still don’t fathom all the basing of Fredi G. The team is 19 games over .500. They have a below average payroll and only slightly above average talent. Yet under FG they are putting together a very solid year.
Yes, there is a long way to go. But so far I love what I see.
AdirondackDave
August 4th, 2012
12:36 pm
Branden Lee — You’re kidding, right?
Disgusted
August 4th, 2012
12:36 pm
Lew — I just missed Matthews, was a little too young to remember him.
I got into baseball in 1967, it was the popularity of the Red Sox Impossible Dream team that really got me into the game. And since 67 Baseball has been a lifetime additction ever since.
I did like the 69 Braves team, I was really rooting for them to take out that Met team. Being from New England, I always rooted vs NY teams all the time.
Disgusted
August 4th, 2012
12:39 pm
Boyer did not get started till he was 24, he was good for a 10 yr stretch from 55 to 64, but after that MVP season, he aged quickly. I heard it was a chronic back problem.
Think he got traded from the Mets for Tommy Davis, now Davis was another great hitter whom, with better legs could have been a 3,000 hit man.
Brave4life-1995 All over again
August 4th, 2012
12:45 pm
Give Uggla the day off. Put Reed Johnson on LF and Prado at 2b for tonight. I have a lot of faith in Uggla. he just needs a breather.
Ray
August 4th, 2012
12:47 pm
Maybe Fredi has more respect for Chipper than to comment on a non-story. Also keeping a non-story a non-story. Yeah lets have a manager like Bobby V that opens his mouth about everything. Causes drama out of non issues. Yes so Fredi acts in a respectful manner he gets bashed. I guess some have to complain since the team is winning 9 out of 10.
Pippa's hiney
August 4th, 2012
12:52 pm
George: That’s a real reach.
A Caring Man
August 4th, 2012
1:00 pm
Hi , the way that Chipper is playing can the Braves and Chipper consider another season?
VaBravesFan
August 4th, 2012
1:45 pm
Maholm’s numbers are great in Turner Field, hopefully it continues. I could see him being a guy going out there and pitching all year with a ERA under 4 in 2013 if we choose to do the 6.5 million option. Which I think they will.
VaBravesFan
August 4th, 2012
1:46 pm
I’d hate to see Chipper change his mind and come back for another year.