Chipper’s best player I ever covered, best I dealt with
Chipper Jones’ first full season in the majors was 1995, which was also my first as a major league beat writer. I covered the Marlins for The Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel back then. So I saw plenty of the Braves’ Golden Boy, who made girls swoon and boys want to be him in every city in the National League. Damn kid had it all.
He was young, a switch-hitter with power and a sweet swing from both sides. Able to run fast, despite the major knee surgery that sidelined him the entire previous season.
I was young and able to run all night too, closing down bars in every city, staggering home or back to my hotel, waking the next day to crank out stories and do it again. That had at least as much to do with the fact that this was the pre-blog, pre-Twitter era for newspapers and still a few years before we started posting stories on our papers’ websites during daylight. A beat writer could sleep it off till 10-11 a.m. with impunity.
Chipper’s Braves won 90 games in that truncated 154-game season — it started late because of the strike — a pace that would’ve yielded 101 wins in 162 games. The Marlins? They won 67 games, finished fourth ahead of Montreal. After the strike ended they had signed a couple of aging veterans who would become two of my favorite players to cover, Andre Dawson and Terry Pendleton, the 1991 NL MVP and captain of the Brave’s worst-to-first ship, whose old third-base job in Atlanta now belonged to a rookie named Chipper. But I digress.
Things changed radically for us ink-stained wretches as years passed and the 24/7 news cycle came to newspapers. But things didn’t change much through the late ‘90s for the Braves and the kid who was becoming the most prominent Braves position player since Dale Murphy. Eventually he would be the best Brave since Hank Aaron and most accomplished Atlanta Brave, period. And the Braves would win the NL East title year after year.
What I remember most about young Chipper was that he was always in the lineup and did everything well. Hit, field, run. People tend to forget, because he was hurt so much during the second half of his career, but for a decade Chipper was one of the most durable players in the majors. And one of the most productive.
Eight consecutive 100-RBI seasons from 1996 through 2003. Fourteen consecutive seasons with more than 20 homers, including six with 30 or more. Eight seasons with at least 90 walks and eleven seasons with more walks than strikeouts, a rarity these days, particularly for power hitters.
He has a career average/OBP/slugging percentage slash line of .304/.401/.530, with 468 home runs and 1,622 RBIs — it’s likely that’d be good enough for first-ballot Hall of Fame selection even if he weren’t a switch-hitter and 1999 MVP.
In his first seven full seasons — not including the shortened ’95 season — he played 157 or more games six times. He played 156 in the other season in that seven-year stretch, a period in which he never finished lower than 11th in MVP balloting.
Chipper was a legit five-tool player and had an air about him that said, “I’m really good.” Watching from the other side, I admired it. That smirk. There’s something about the way great players carry themselves that separates them at first glance, whether it’s an arrogance or cockiness or in some cases detachment, as if they are operating on another plane.
With Chipper, it was the cockiness you noticed. That and enormous talent. For opponents, or opposing fans, he was a classic example of the guy you hated from a rival team, but would love to have on your team. Gary Sheffield was another player I covered who was like that, though for different reasons. Gary exuded sheer menace in the batter’s box, his bat twitching, sending a message that he intended to do harm.
Chipper also had a presence in the batter’s box. But quieter, not much movement. With him, it’s the eyes. He stares through a pitcher. The look says, “Gimme your best pitch, because you and I know there’s a real good chance I’m going to hit it real hard.”
There’s something else about Chipper that separates him. In 18 years of covering major league baseball and 25 years of covering big-time college or professional sports, he’s the best I’ve ever dealt with as a reporter. That’s saying plenty, because I’ve covered teams that had some great, quotable guys with senses of humor, like Dawson and Jeff Conine, Bobby Bonilla and Mark Kotsay, Mark DeRosa and Adam LaRoche, Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, and the current team dotted with good dudes who make my job easier.
But from a reporter’s perspective, Chipper is the total package. Great player. Approachable. Always available to the media. And the most quotable star in the game today.
Not only does he have a wealth of experience and knowledge, he’s a savant when it comes to remembering pitch counts and situations from games a decade or more ago. And to go with gravitas, he answers questions with such honesty and candor that it’s sometimes shocking in a world of cliché-spewing superstars.
You’ve been lucky, Braves fans. He’s made your summers more fun and interesting for nearly two decades. But we in the media have been at least as fortunate. He’s the best baseball player I’ve ever covered and the best athlete I’ve dealt with as a reporter. I know there won’t be another like him for me, not while I’m still tapping these keys.
• Regarding attendance and payroll: Of the six teams with the majors’ best records today, three (Yankees, Rangers, Giants) rank second through fourth in the majors in attendance, behind Philadelphia. The other three teams (Nationals, Braves, Reds) occupy the exact middle of the majors in attendance, ranking 14th through 16th respectively.
Not coincidentally, the top four teams in MLB attendance also ranked among the top eight in USA Today’s Opening Day payroll rankings, led by the Yankees ($198 million) and Phillies ($174 million) with the two highest payrolls and two highest home-attendance averages, the Phillies at 44,021 and Yankees at 43,691.
The Rangers were sixth in payroll at $120 million and are third in attendance at 42,548, and the Giants were eighth in Opening Day payroll at $118 million and are fourth in attendance at 41,695, which is 99.5 percent of capacity at their ballpark, third in the majors behind the Red Sox (101.4 percent of capacity) and Phillies (100.8 percent).
Meanwhile, the Braves were 18th in Opening Day payroll at about $83 million, although they moved up two spots with Derek Lowe $10 million payout added to the total. The Reds were 17th at roughly $82 million, and the Nationals 20th at about $81 million.
And the home attendance of those three NL teams? Washington is 14th with an average of 29,799, Atlanta is 15th at 29,093, and Cincinnati 16th at 28,978. The 17th and 18th spots are occupied by the Mets (28,035) and Marlins (27,347).
In terms of percentage of capacity at their ballpark, the Braves’ attendance ranks 22nd at 58.5 percent, while 11 teams are at 83 percent or higher.
Braves attendance will get a bump this weekend from huge crowds for Chipper’s last regular-season series. But even if 50,000 showed up for all three games, it would still leave attendance below 30,000 for the year and right around Washington’s average in the middle of the pack.
I’m never one to tell people they should spend their money on this or that, and I’ll be the first to say I can’t stand Atlanta’s gridlock traffic (thanks again for turning down the MARTA spur when the ballpark was built so you could reap parking fees, you astute leaders with such grand vision).
But those who moan about the size of the Braves’ middle-of-the-pack payroll, keep in mind, not only are the Braves locked into a poorly conceived long-term TV contract that will soon be far below the average value of deals other major league teams have signed or will in the next several years, they also rake in lower ticket revenues than almost every team with a payroll as large or larger than theirs.
Can’t just expect a sugar daddy like Ted Turner to buy the team again and bankroll a disproportionately sized payroll simply because he likes to win (damn the profits or losses) and/or fill airtime on a cable TV station. Those cats don’t come along very often in all of sports, much less twice in one town.
• What time will the Wild Card game start? I’d be lying if I said we’ve been asked 100 times in the past week what time the Oct. 5 Wild Card game will start. It’s been at least 250 times.
And the answer is the same: We have no idea. I talked to a TBS official yesterday, and he said off the record he couldn’t even tell me if the two Wild Card games (NL and AL) would begin at 1 and 4, or 1 and 8ish, or 4ish and 7, or 4 and 9 … nothing. The reason being, there are so many variables still potentially at play here.
For instance, if one or more of the potential wild-card teams has to play a tiebreaker the day after the regular season ends, to determine a division title winner (and perhaps a wild-card winner). And what if that game is on the West Coast? Then it wouldn’t be fair to ask that team to play at 1 or 4 the next day a couple or three time zones away.
Or bringing it closer to home, what if the Braves tied the Nats and had to play them in a tiebreaker on Oct. 4 at Washington? Then what if the Braves lost that game and became the wild card team? Wouldn’t be fair to ask them to play the Wild Card game in Atlanta the next day at 1 p.m., would it?
And we all know that if the Yankees are an AL wild-card team, TBS is going to put the Yankees in prime time on Oct. 5, unless it’s impossible due to the NL teams’ scheduling, travel, etc.
This is all an unfortunate byproduct of trying to schedule two Wild Card games with the advent of the new format that added another wild-card team to each league. Most years, it’s probably going to be like this and they won’t be able to set the times until a few days or so before the games.
So fans have to buy tickets not knowing whether they’ll need to take off a half-day of work, or really closer to a whole day if the game were in the early afternoon. Again, this is where I don’t envy fans. It’ll be a terrific time at the ballpark, likely in beautiful early-fall weather. But having to make arrangements is easier for some folks than others, particularly those driving in from outside of town or those who have important matters at work that day, or kids to pick up from school, or whatever.
TV/money runs most of these decisions, and has for a long time. But in this particular case, there are also several other factors, as noted above.
The good news is, by Monday or Tuesday we could have a lot better idea of who’s in the games and what time they’re likely to start.
Until then, here’s what I can tell you about the Wild Card games: They will be shown on TBS and the broadcast team carrying the NL Wild Card game will have a Braves flavor. That’s because veteran Braves analyst Joe Simpson has been assigned to one of the three-man teams, and former Braves pitcher John Smoltz will be an analyst alongside Cal Ripken and play-by-play man Ernie Johnson in the other.
• Chipper’s last series: Seems fitting that the last regular-season home series of Chipper’s career would be against the Mets.
He needs one homer against the Mets to give him 50 and break his personal-best tie for homers against one team. He has 49 homers in 242 games (848 at-bats) against the Mets, and 49 homers in 245 games (846 at-bats) against the Phillies.
By the way, Battle Axe has given the home fans plenty to remember this season, including the two walk-off homers against Philly, a two-homer game on his bobblehead night, and a 5-for-5 game against the Cubs on the day he was named to the All-Star team. And if it seems like Chipper’s been particularly good at home this season, it’s because he has been.
In 56 home games this season, he’s hit .320 with 10 homers, 37 RBIs, a .405 OBP and .557 slugging percentage. His career slash line in home games is .314/.414/.559, compared to a .293/.389/.501 career slash line in road games.
He talked about some great memories from his career and named his top five moments this season in this interview with Carroll Rogers.
• Tonight’s matchup: On Chipper Jones Night at Turner Field, Tim Hudson will face Mets lefty Jonathon Niese.
Niese is 4-3 with a 2.51 ERA in his past seven starts, all quality starts of six innings or more and three earned runs or fewer. He’s 5-3 with a 3.15 ERA in 11 career starts against the Braves, including 4-1 in his past six and 1-1 with a 1.29 ERA and .216 opponents’ average in two starts against the Bravos in the past two months.
Against Niese, Jason Heyward is 7-for-17 with two homers and eight RBIs; David Ross is 6-for-15 with a homer and eight RBIs; Freddie Freeman is 5-for-16 with a homer; Reed Johnson and Jeff Baker are each 6-for-12, and Michael Bourn is 6-for-16. And by the way, it seemed like, from talking to Bourn yesterday, that he might get one more day off today to rest his sore left thumb.
Chipper is 4-for-20 with a homer against Niese, and Brian McCann is 1-for-10. Fredi sounded yesterday as if he’d already decided that Ross would start today against Niese, giving McCann consecutive days to rest his sore knee and shoulder. Given the stats of the two hitters against Niese, that would make sense.
Hudson is 5-2 with a 3.22 ERA in his past eight starts, with 23 strikeouts and 13 walks in 50-1/3 innings. Against the Mets, he’s 15-9 with a 3.59 ERA in 26 starts, including 2-3 with a 4.32 ERA in six during the past two seasons. He got no decision in his only start against the Mets this season, allowing eight hits and four runs in four innings of a July 13 Braves win at Turner Field.
Against Hudson, Ruben Tejada is 8-for-14, Jason Bay is 7-for-23 with a homer, and David Wright is 15-for-65 (.231) with two homers.
• Etc.
The Braves are 10-5 vs. Mets entering this series. After losing their first four games against them this season, the Braves are 10-1 with a a 3.18 ERA, .290 batting average, 79 runs and 16 homers in their past 11 against the Metropolitans….
Martin Prado has hit .305 with 23 extra-base hits, 27 RBIs, a .356 OBP and .812 OPS in his past 59 games, including .403 (25-for-62) with a .448 OBP and .980 OPS in his past 16 games.
The Mets hit .213 while losing 11 of 12 games through Sept. 20, but they are 6-1 with a .267 average and 11 homers (and a 3.43 ERA) in their past seven games.
• Let’s close with one of the saddest, most beautiful songs recorded by one of the finest bands there ever lived, the mighty Replacements, from the album “Tim.” You can hear the song by clicking here. Please do. I think there’ll be some folks feeling this way watching Braves games in bars across the South this weekend as No. 10 winds it down. Raise one for the old switch-hitter.
“HERE COMES A REGULAR” by The Replacements
Well a person can work up a mean mean thirst
after a hard day of nothin’ much at all
Summer’s passed, it’s too late to cut the grass
There ain’t much to rake anyway in the fall
And sometimes I just ain’t in the mood
to take my place in back with the loudmouths
You’re like a picture on the fridge that’s never stocked with food
I used to live at home, now I stay at the house
And everybody wants to be special here
They call your name out loud and clear
Here comes a regular
Call out your name
Here comes a regular
Am I the only one here today?
Well a drinkin’ buddy that’s bound to another town
Once the police made you go away
And even if you’re in the arms of someone’s baby now
I’ll take a great big whiskey to ya anyway
Everybody wants to be someone’s here
Someone’s gonna show up, never fear
’cause here comes a regular
Call out your name
Here comes a regular
Am I the only one who feels ashamed?
Kneeling alongside old Sad Eyes
He says opportunity knocks once then the door slams shut
All I know is I’m sick of everything that my money can buy
The fool who wastes his life, God rest his guts
First the lights, then the collar goes up, and the wind begins to blow
Turn your back on a pay-you-back, last call
First the glass, then the leaves that pass, then comes the snow
Ain’t much to rake anyway in the fall
– David O’Brien, Braves/MIB blog
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915 comments Add your comment
bruce
September 28th, 2012
1:34 pm
fabulous lead dr. o’brien
Venice Jim
September 28th, 2012
1:36 pm
Thanks, DOB!!! Enjoy the night!
Venice Jim
September 28th, 2012
1:37 pm
US has won first 3 holes of the afternoon…
Brian from SC
September 28th, 2012
1:41 pm
Great
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
1:45 pm
Tiger has gained a few pounds, you know…
Tiger? I remember seeing Tiger and Duval back when they were fighting it out for number one in the world. I was a little surprised by how lean they both were in person. I haven’t noticed Duval in a while but I seem to recall he’s sorta fat.
Miami Dave
September 28th, 2012
1:45 pm
Thanks for sharing DOB. We are really going to miss him in the years to come.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
1:46 pm
Thanks DOB
Weaseal
September 28th, 2012
1:49 pm
Were going to have a great October Braves fans!!!
TennesseePaul
September 28th, 2012
1:49 pm
Thanks for the work DOB.
GO BRAVES!
GO CHIPPER!!
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
1:49 pm
Mark Bowman @mlbbowman
Tonight’s pregame ceremony to honor Chipper will air live on both http://MLB.com and http://braves.com at 7pm ET
Jerry Crasnick @jcrasnick
Tim Hudson on Kris Medlen and wild card play-in game: “He would be my choice.” #braves
Craig
September 28th, 2012
1:51 pm
Enter your comments
Wonderful, professional journalistic piece of writing, DOB, this is why you are considered one of the best MLB beat writers out there!!
Craig
September 28th, 2012
1:51 pm
Enter your comments
Wonderful, professional journalistic piece of writing, DOB, this is why you are considered one of the best MLB beat writers out there!!
Jaime
September 28th, 2012
1:55 pm
Great post! You really captured the essence of Chipper and why people have followed him for his entire career. I stumbled across the Braves on TBS as a 10 year old and have been a fan ever since. It will be odd not seeing Chipper take the field next year.
Jaime
September 28th, 2012
1:55 pm
Great post! You really captured the essence of Chipper and why people have followed him for his entire career. I stumbled across the Braves on TBS as a 10 year old and have been a fan ever since. It will be odd not seeing Chipper take the field next year.
bruce
September 28th, 2012
1:58 pm
Carroll’s interview with Chipper is great and well demonstrates Dave’s point about Chipper being a fab interview. I could read answers to those type of questions for hours…
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
2:04 pm
Thanks much, DOB.
Venice Jim
September 28th, 2012
2:04 pm
Mike (San Diego)
So in the “boring” league it looks like St. Louis is going to Atlanta for the wild card game. I’m very interested to see who Matheny uses as his starter. If it was up to you, who would YOU throw out there?
Jayson Stark
Looks like they’re lining it up to have Lohse pitch that game. He’s been their best, most consistent and most dependable starter all year. So I think he’s earned that. But boy, I’d sure be tempted to run Carpenter out there. He seems to enjoy those winner-take-all games, right?
aFan
September 28th, 2012
2:04 pm
I was just wondering If anyone knew what time the Wild Card game on Oct 5 will be.
Thakns
Felix Millan
September 28th, 2012
2:05 pm
Maybe your best, most heart- felt work of the season, DOB. It’s going to be a misty- eyed kind of day. And you got it started. Thanks.And Thanks to Hoss. I know I’ll miss him.
SteveinFXBG
September 28th, 2012
2:05 pm
Great work DOB! Thank you!
Venice Jim
September 28th, 2012
2:07 pm
First time ever, Tiger wins the first hole of a Ryder Cup Match on a birdie with his own ball…
Phil/Keegan win first 3 holes
Felix Millan
September 28th, 2012
2:10 pm
thanks VJ.
Ken Stallings
September 28th, 2012
2:11 pm
I think all of us will miss him. Some more fully than others already appreciate the difference he brings. Again, for me, the single most impressive fact is Chipper did all this without using PED’s. Of all he’s done in his career, I respect him the most for that.
Murph
September 28th, 2012
2:13 pm
I haven’t been all that sad about Chipper leaving… until now. The closer it gets, the harder a time I’m having realizing that this is it for him. He’s down to a handful of games left and then… gone.
I’m glad my kids got to see him play. The 4 year old especially took to Chipper, and has even started swinging a bat from both sides of the plate to be like him.
DS1
September 28th, 2012
2:17 pm
Great read DOB. Thanks. Hoss will be greatly missed by many fans and sportswriters too!
Bo Graves!!
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
2:21 pm
Great read DOB
BTBUS
September 28th, 2012
2:23 pm
aFan, read the article.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
2:23 pm
Things are getting close. DOB’s beginnng the writer’s exit stratagy
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
2:25 pm
“I was talking to Freddie [Freeman] about it and I was like, ‘You don’t swing harder. You swing easier because the easier you swing, the quicker your swing is going to be. The harder you swing, the later you’re going to be…”
I was talking to someone the other day, trying to explain this. Mainly in the context of Kimbrel. There’s a physiological reaction to seeing the ball come at you even faster than normal, and part of that reaction is to swing harder, which just slows down the bat. Kimbrel gets it going from both the mound and the box, LOL, that can’t be fair, can it?
Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Snipers and hitters, they’re all the same.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
2:26 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
2:27 pm
that wasn’t meant at scoots
but rather the post above his.
reckingball
September 28th, 2012
2:29 pm
wax on, wax off
Dave Wilmot
September 28th, 2012
2:30 pm
Great story Mr. O’Brien. We are ALL lucky to have had Chipper on the Braves!!!
DS1
September 28th, 2012
2:30 pm
If I’m Matheny, I’d be tempted to run Carpenter out for the play in game.
extremus
September 28th, 2012
2:35 pm
Awesome career by a player I think we’re all going to miss after this season. Hopefully the Braves will be able to bookend his career with World Series championships. That would be fitting.
Venice Jim
September 28th, 2012
2:36 pm
Saying dumb things twice makes me really want to believe them…
Efrim
September 28th, 2012
2:38 pm
As long as the Cardinals don’t throw Jaime Garcia, I could care less which of the 4 other RHP’s they come at us with.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
2:40 pm
“stuck with him” Should have drafted van Poppel
Can you go away as well? Don’t want to be stuck with such stupidity…
DAP
September 28th, 2012
2:41 pm
efrim As long as the Cardinals don’t throw Jaime Garcia, I could care less which of the 4 other RHP’s they come at us with
yup. and i wonder what their game plan against medlen is going to be? you have to know the cardinal hitters will be studying him hard.
nolie
September 28th, 2012
2:42 pm
abhor the DH rule, I believe Bud and his Buds will prevail, and implement the DH rule universally,.. raleigh
on a recent interview Bud said there are no plans at all to bring the DL to the NL
nolie
September 28th, 2012
2:42 pm
I will miss Chipper terribly
reckingball
September 28th, 2012
2:43 pm
The WC playoff game, is a playoff game.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
2:44 pm
welcome back, noles
MiaBchBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
2:45 pm
(YAWN!) Still another great blog (I kid, I kid, I kid…)
Methinks it would be absolutely appropriate if the Braves would return the favor at the close of the home regular season, and sweep the Mutts the same way they swept us to open the season.
That Chipper will get as many chances as his health allows this weekend to do something (dare I say) grand, I am sure of. I am also sure that he will do something awesome this wekend.
That train will not be late.
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
2:45 pm
nolie…..good to see you. Hope you’re off the DL soon
Man Bubba and Web are on fire!
phil
September 28th, 2012
2:45 pm
Nolie polie…..
Glad to see you back here.
I’ve been missing Chipper all season in anticipation of the real thing. It’s awful. I hate when my sports heroes have to retire. He’s basically the last one.
MiaBchBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
2:46 pm
nolie, welcome back! Hope you are hale, hearty, and very well.
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
2:47 pm
Hey, nolie.
Good to see you, hope things are under control.
MiaBchBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
2:48 pm
Here’s hoping 14-16 years from now, we can say the same about Heyward, Freeman, and Medlen, phil.
Jeff R
September 28th, 2012
2:49 pm
Thank you, DOB…
ncgary
September 28th, 2012
2:50 pm
good afternoon bravos
go braves
Efrim
September 28th, 2012
2:50 pm
nolie, welcome back sir. Happy to see your comments!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 28th, 2012
2:50 pm
Hi, nolie!!! How ya doing?…
nolie
September 28th, 2012
2:50 pm
Thanx guys. I was inspired by DOB’s song title : Here Comes A Regular…
and a great piece of writing David
CB
September 28th, 2012
2:50 pm
My 1st time doubling up, do you get a special reward for that/
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
2:51 pm
Paste eating window licker
ncgary
September 28th, 2012
2:52 pm
welcome back nolie
BravePack(FreeFan)
September 28th, 2012
2:52 pm
Great work DOB! One of your best yet…very heart-felt and sincere.
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
2:52 pm
not you CB
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
2:52 pm
nolie! Hi
Efrim
September 28th, 2012
2:52 pm
Cardinals have a very good lineup: Jay, Beltran, Holliday, Craig, Molina, Freese, Schumaker, Kozma.
Medlen is going to have his work cut out for him. Should be a good game and I’m excited for it. Just wish it didn’t exist…..
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
2:52 pm
But I guess you knew that
MiaBchBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
2:53 pm
Salt life: I GOTTA use that line!
CB
September 28th, 2012
2:53 pm
Salt life
Efrim
September 28th, 2012
2:55 pm
Peavy’s uncertain future in Chicago
The White Sox hold a $22 million option for 2013 on Peavy; presumably, the team will decline that. Peavy has had a bounce-back season, but that kind of salary would represent about 20-25 percent of the team’s payroll, and it wouldn’t be good business for the team to pay him at that rate.
But Peavy is going to get paid this winter, nicely, whether it’s a renegotiated deal with the White Sox or as a free agent, because he is one of the relatively small group of second-tier pitchers ready to hit the market.
Zack Greinke is going to be the highest-paid free-agent pitcher, the only pitcher who might land a nine-figure deal. Behind him are Kyle Lohse, who turns 34 next week and is coming off a strong season with the Cardinals, Edwin Jackson, Ryan Dempster, Shaun Marcum, Francisco Liriano, Anibal Sanchez, Brandon McCarthy and Dan Haren, whose $15 million option with the Los Angeles Angels may well be declined. – Buster Olney
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
2:56 pm
Paste eating window licker?
Never heard that one. I like it, Salt.
PMC
September 28th, 2012
2:57 pm
“I’m never one to tell people they should spend their money on this or that, and I’ll be the first to say I can’t stand Atlanta’s gridlock traffic (thanks again for turning down the MARTA spur when the ballpark was built so you could reap parking fees, you astute leaders with such grand vision).”
Requoted, for Emphasis. These people were dropped on thier heads while eating paint chips as children.
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
2:57 pm
Mia…….it paints a picture.
phil
September 28th, 2012
2:58 pm
The thought of the game next Friday is just disheartening to me….
They bust their butts for 6 months, only to risk elimination in ONE game? Too many random possibilities poised to get us.
That said, if it’s played in the afternoon, like so many of our playoff games were early in the last decade, I think I’ll just cry. That used to upset me terribly because I could never watch it.
Hopefully we can overcome this and get a crack at the 5 game deal. The baseball gods kinda owe us that…
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
2:59 pm
Bat…it’s my favorite. I find mouth breathing knuckle dragger is over used
phil
September 28th, 2012
2:59 pm
I just licked my window….
Very dirty. Bad idea. Tastes pretty lousy too.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
3:02 pm
Atlanta Braves @Braves
Tonight’s lineup vs. NYM (7:35, PTV/680AM/BRN): Johnson 8 Prado 7 Heyward 9 Jones 5 Freeman 3 Uggla 4 Ross 2 Simmons 6 Hudson 1
Johnson and Ross in…. Fredi must be checking the stats. However, would’ve liked to see Baker in, he’s done well against Niese.
Reid in EAV
September 28th, 2012
3:02 pm
Pitch perfect dedication, David. Snif.
Efrim
September 28th, 2012
3:04 pm
Atlanta Braves @Braves
Tonight’s lineup vs. NYM (7:35, PTV/680AM/BRN): Johnson 8 Prado 7 Heyward 9 Jones 5 Freeman 3 Uggla 4 Ross 2 Simmons 6 Hudson 1
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
3:04 pm
I remember one night, on here, when mouth breather had to be explained.
George_George
September 28th, 2012
3:05 pm
Repost from old blog
*********************
George_George
September 28th, 2012
2:57 pm
nolie
September 28th, 2012
2:23 pm
abhor the DH rule, I believe Bud and his Buds will prevail, and implement the DH rule universally,.. raleigh
on a recent interview Bud said there are no plans at all to bring the DL to the NL
*************
Good day all
Hope it never happens. Welcome back nolie, hope all is well with you now. IT IS CHIPPER DAY, Pray no rain.
CB
September 28th, 2012
3:08 pm
Someone needs to put a water hose on Bubba and Webb. They are on fire!
MiaBchBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
3:09 pm
I use “drooling basset hound” and “troglodyte” quite often, Salt.
MiaBchBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
3:10 pm
Bat, on that night, didya haveta bust out the crayons?
Venice Jim
September 28th, 2012
3:11 pm
CB – four pretty good tee shots on that hole…
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
3:11 pm
Braves hitters against Niese–
Johnson- .500/.538/.500/1.038 6 for 12, 2 RBI
Prado- .222/.300/.444/.744 6 for 27, 4 doubles and a triple
Heyward- .412/.474/.882/1.356 7 for 17, 2 doubles, 2 HR, 8 RBI
Jones- .200/.190/.450/.640 4 for 20, 2 doubles, 1 HR, 4 RBI
Freeman- .313/.313/.563/.875 5 for 16, 1 double, 1 HR, 2 RBI
Uggla- .250/.300/.357/.657 7 for 28, 3 doubles, 8 RBI
Ross- .400/.438/.800/1.238 6 for 15, 1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, 8 RBI
Simmons- Never faced Niese
Hudson- Never faced Niese
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
3:12 pm
Mia…nose picking unibrow is another I like.
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
3:13 pm
That match could be over just after the turn
MiaBchBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
3:13 pm
Maybe with a little rain, and one far away lightning strike, The Natural Hoss will blast one into the upper pavillion.
George_George
September 28th, 2012
3:13 pm
With 91 wins and counting, even if he blows the play-in game it will be difficult to FIRE FREDI. WHAT A SHAME.
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
3:15 pm
It was just funny, Salt. Someone broke out mouth breathing and someone else had never heard it.
Had to post some links to convence them it was a fairly common insult.
MiaBchBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
3:17 pm
Bat, the “someone else” was probably twangin’ on a banjo while daydreaming about Ned Beatty’s booty.
Venice Jim
September 28th, 2012
3:17 pm
If only we had the 84 wins you had been hoping for…
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
3:19 pm
Gotta love Bubba….encouraging the crowd to cheer during his tee shot on 1….posing after his tee shot on 8….he’s strutting around like a Bantam (bantee as grandma used to say) rooster
DAP
September 28th, 2012
3:19 pm
the onlybravesfan You wouldn’t care at all?
im just not worried about it. the braves hit righties well, and kris medlen is on the mound for us. im feeling good.
George_George
September 28th, 2012
3:19 pm
MiaBchBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
3:13 pm
Maybe with a little rain, and one far away lightning strike, The Natural Hoss will blast one into the upper pavillion.
****************************************************
That would be great just like the movie but the press box might catch on fire and DOB would have to run.
TennesseePaul
September 28th, 2012
3:21 pm
Last 9 Starts of the Starting 9
_________AVG__OBP__SLG___OPS_wOBA_L9S9+
Reed___ .257 .257 .286 0.543 .267 ___59
Prado__ .424 .486 .636 1.123 .476 __225
Heyward .206 .263 .324 0.587 .282 ___70
Chipper .241 .395 .310 0.705 .316 __111
Freeman .212 .270 .394 0.664 .266 ___91
Uggla__ .258 .333 .452 0.785 .363 __127
Ross___ .212 .229 .364 0.592 .250 ___69
Simmons .276 .333 .310 0.644 .295 ___90
Hudson_ .263 .263 .368 0.632 .235 ___82
MiaBchBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
3:23 pm
When are pre-game festivities slated to start? Gonna go to a local watering hole to get the feed. Is the MLB Network carrying any of it?
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
3:23 pm
I’ll miss that frickin’ swing, and that’s a fact. Sweeter than Tupelo Honey.
Venice Jim
September 28th, 2012
3:23 pm
And Webb nails another one…
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
3:23 pm
Squeal like a pig.
Yikes!
Shaun
September 28th, 2012
3:27 pm
Shaun, while I agree that the heart of an order can show up in the 7th or 8th, the ninth is the end. Hitters adjust, go to the opposite field, do whatever it takes to stave off eventual loss. In a close game, that matters. Even in the 7th, a hitter is apt to think that there are still AB chances, and will stay within himself to get on or hit a dinger.
But there may be better hitters coming up in an earlier hitters. So you would want to get your best run-preventer on the mound when the best hitters are coming up. The 9th inning or the last inning doesn’t turn the weaker hitters into the best hitters. You attack the best part of their lineup with your best reliever, late in a close game, no matter if it’s the last inning or not.
all things being equal, maybe. but the 7th inning is different form the 9th. the 9th is the end. what happens in the 9th has a bigger impact on the game, because afterwards…theres no more game.
Yes, but the point of using one of if not your best reliever earlier than the last inning is so that the 9th inning is relevant. The last inning doesn’t matter if an inferior reliever blows the game in the 7th inning because you asked him to face the other team’s toughest hitters.
You couldn’t possibly know this. In the seventh inning you have no idea of what the 9th may hold. All you do know is that, barring a hurricane, there will be a 9th inning. Put another way…”it seems to me that if a teams best three hitters are up in the 7th inning of a close game, it’s possible that the team sends enough hitters up in the 8th to permit bringing the big hitters up again in the 9th making the situation in the 9th even more difficult than previously assumed.”
Yes, it’s possible. But you shouldn’t always play for what may happen in the 9th when the game is on the line earlier. If a team’s best hitters are up in an earlier inning, you could blow the game there and the 9th inning could be irrelevant. You shouldn’t save your best reliever for the 9th, if the other team’s best are coming up in the 7th or 8th, because of the possibility that those hitters come back around again in the 9th.
You go with your best reliever as soon as the situation call for it, whether it be the 6th, 7th, 8th or 9th, because if you wait until the last inning due to the possibility that the best hitters will come up, then the game may be blown by then.
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
3:28 pm
Oh well, only another 12 or 13 years until I can see Chipper’s son is throwing lumber, I guess.
phil
September 28th, 2012
3:30 pm
I see Bourn continues to have thumb issues….just as well for now. Maybe he’ll get over his funk.
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
3:31 pm
It’s gonna be weird, no doubt about it.
CB
September 28th, 2012
3:32 pm
scoots, I see you need to slow Dabo down.
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
3:35 pm
You attack the best part of their lineup with your best reliever, late in a close game, no matter if it’s the last inning or not.
Because most ML pitchers, most of the time, can get three outs in the 9th, correct?
You never follow this to its logical conclusion, though. If the above statement is true, then is it not also true for a different inning, say the 7th, or 8th, or whenever you think you should be using the “best reliever”? And, if so, then, because one does not know if a further high-leverage moment will occur, does it not become logical to save the better reliever for use when fewer outs are left to recover from failure, if indeed such situations occur?
Well, of course, it does.
Brian from SC
September 28th, 2012
3:35 pm
With a lefty on the mound, you stand a better chance at the plate with Reed Johnson, even if Bourn is about 100%. Good place to give him an extra day. Hope he’s healthy for the postseason.
Joe in SoCal
September 28th, 2012
3:36 pm
SPAM is a delicacy in Hawaii. Great story Dave. I have Chippers Rookie card, as well a Mad Dog’s, which will be well preserved for the Grand kid’s someday. I remember seeing him blow his knee out going to first and thinking “man we just lost out on a good one”. Thank God for medical advances! Chipper is one-of-a-kind in this day and age. A real ballplayer. True Grit meets The Natural. Here’s hoping for a story book ending. ONE TIME! For the Chipper!
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
3:37 pm
I see you need to slow Dabo down
Can’t be done. Dude grew up drinking the same water as Medlen, I think.
And a high-five to nolie and the Criminoles. We flat could not stop them sumbees last week.
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
3:39 pm
Does anyone I a link to the creative loafing article? I forgot which blog it is on.
monty
September 28th, 2012
3:39 pm
Teams of destiny just keep overcoming all obstacles. Each game is just another step closer to the ultimate prize and greatness. 10 teams are in it(I think) and only one gets it. This is why we play. Only booby prizes for the rest.
kenhotlanta
September 28th, 2012
3:39 pm
Thanks, DOB, for the great tribute to Chipper.
nolie: welcome back, my friend, hope things are much better for you.
Animus
September 28th, 2012
3:40 pm
http://clatl.com/gyrobase/chipper-jones-an-oral-history/Content?oid=6473900&showFullText=true
Creative Loaf article
CB
September 28th, 2012
3:42 pm
scoots,I hope we are talking about same thing. He got a speeding ticket from a trooper who was a SC fan. Trooper claims he was fired for it. LOL
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
3:42 pm
Thanks, Animus.
Sopheee
September 28th, 2012
3:43 pm
Not sure if someone already posted this but rare Chipper photos from SI -
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/1204/chipper.jones.rare.photos/content.1.html
Can’t believe this is almost it.
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
3:43 pm
scoots……saw a bumper sticker after national championship. “Clemson may be number 1 but they smell like number 2″.
FYI….I like Clemson
kenhotlanta
September 28th, 2012
3:43 pm
If you folks aren’t watching “Caught Looking”, you’re missing one of the best inside Basball shows ever. It’s an outstanding recap of the previous week with tons of quotes and miked players. It’s really well done.
Cracker
September 28th, 2012
3:45 pm
DOB, I hope it feels good to do your best work when it really matters, much like Chipper himself.
3trees
September 28th, 2012
3:46 pm
Very nice piece, David and a GREAT song selection. Said it before when you featured their material, but probably the best R&R band of the 80’s.
Thanks to you and Chipper
Nowhere man
September 28th, 2012
3:46 pm
only O’brien would make the story about himself on a day of tribute to Chipper.
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
3:48 pm
Trooper claims he was fired for it.
Now, that I had not heard. Dabo going fast is old news, though. He’s always behind schedule (I hear), and probably 90% of his weekday business is out of town, so he’s always driving somewhere. Speed limits are just suggestions, LOL.
ncbravesfan90
September 28th, 2012
3:48 pm
Per Rotoworld:
Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Kyle Lohse is expected to start a potential Wild Card game against the Braves.
Just as the Braves are doing by choosing Kris Medlen over Tim Hudson, the Cardinals are choosing their hottest pitcher rather than the one with more of a track record in Adam Wainwright. Lohse has had a terrific year, going 16-3 while posting a 2.77 ERA, and he’s allowed two or fewer earned runs in 16 of his last 18 outings. Wainwright would surely get the ball in Game 1 of the NLDS if the Cards can get past the Braves.
Related: Adam Wainwright
Source: Joe Strauss on Twitter
Sopheee
September 28th, 2012
3:49 pm
Great blog, DOB. Thanks as usual.
phil
September 28th, 2012
3:50 pm
Nowhere man
September 28th, 2012
3:46 pm
only O’brien would make the story about himself on a day of tribute to Chipper.
*************
That’s not nice, George George….
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
3:51 pm
saw a bumper sticker after national championship
Oh, man, I was cleaning out some stuff from one of the kitchen cabinets at my parents’ house, and came across a bottle of Nehi Orange soda (unopend) that was tributed to the 81 team. Couldn’t believe that my father had kept that thing all those years.
TennesseePaul
September 28th, 2012
3:54 pm
You shouldn’t save your best reliever for the 9th, if the other team’s best are coming up in the 7th or 8th, because of the possibility that those hitters come back around again in the 9th.
You realize you are stating that you shouldn’t make a move based on a future possibility, while arguing for making moves based on future possibilities, right?
CB
September 28th, 2012
3:54 pm
scoots,read it on SI college football site. Yes,I’m sure a lot of them are out speeding to the next recruit.
TennesseePaul
September 28th, 2012
3:54 pm
Can’t believe this is almost it.
I can’t believe that sofa.
Sopheee
September 28th, 2012
3:56 pm
Apparently, plaid was happenin’ in ‘93.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
3:58 pm
Honoring Chipper tonight and idiots still abound… sigh
Would it be wrong for a teen male and baseball player to cry tonight? Cuz I’m thinking that’s gonna happen…
phil
September 28th, 2012
3:58 pm
The SI picture of Bobby and Chipper laying into that umpire just became my screen saver…..
Terrific shot.
MFin04
September 28th, 2012
3:59 pm
“Lohse has had a terrific year, going 16-3 while posting a 2.77 ERA, and he’s allowed two or fewer earned runs in 16 of his last 18 outings.”
Well the Braves aren’t gonna try to score more than 2 runs anyways so this works to our advantage!
Met R Best
September 28th, 2012
4:02 pm
Beware Braves fans!!! The Mighty Metropolitans and the great David Wright are on a roll. We just whipped up on two opponents; the Miami Marlins, who we swept and the Pittsburg Pirates who we just took 3 out of 4 from. Why the great play? Because the Mighty Mets have transformed into an offensive machine. They are capable of taking any team down. Any team. I just hope the umpires will call a fair game this series, not like the last series at Turner field when the Mets got ripped off by bad calls.
..Watch out Braves fans and be afraid because the Mighty Mets are in town and they aim to spoil Atlanta’s party.
Tremble Braves fans, tremble.
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
4:04 pm
Thanks for the link, Soph.
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
4:05 pm
Met R Best…..we’ll take our chances
RC
September 28th, 2012
4:06 pm
We just whipped up on two opponents; the Miami Marlins, who we swept
I’m fairly sure that the East Cobb All-Stars could sweep the Miami Marlins at this point in the season.
phil
September 28th, 2012
4:06 pm
Met R Best….
One of the truly dependable morons from other teams that we can count on to make a regular appearance to enlighten us with some kind of lunacy.
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
4:09 pm
Soph….those pictures were amazing…..Jeff Blauser an all star! Will wonders never cease?
I must have blocked that memory from my mind
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
4:09 pm
Tremble Braves fans, tremble.
Nice, thanks
MFin04
September 28th, 2012
4:11 pm
Do you think an umpire is actually gonna call a 3rd strike on Chipper in these last however many games? I doubt it.
Shaun
September 28th, 2012
4:14 pm
Because most ML pitchers, most of the time, can get three outs in the 9th, correct?
You never follow this to its logical conclusion, though. If the above statement is true, then is it not also true for a different inning, say the 7th, or 8th, or whenever you think you should be using the “best reliever”? And, if so, then, because one does not know if a further high-leverage moment will occur, does it not become logical to save the better reliever for use when fewer outs are left to recover from failure, if indeed such situations occur?
Yes, many perhaps most major league pitchers can get three outs in the 9th to preserve a 1-3 run lead. But don’t you want your best reliever pitching when you are most desperate to prevent a run? Say the game is tied in the 7th or 8th with absolute beasts coming up. Probably a lot more important to use your best run-preventer there than to save him in hopes that he can get a save in the 9th. Or maybe it doesn’t matter if you give up runs there because wishing and hoping that that reliever can get a save is much more important than whether your team blows the game in the 7th or 8th.
phil
September 28th, 2012
4:15 pm
The umps will show little favor….they want those cush postseason gigs calling foul balls down the lines….
You know…the ones an ape couldn’t screw up, yet somehow it does seem to happen now and then.
phil
September 28th, 2012
4:15 pm
The save statistic is by far the most important number in all of baseball….
No close second.
Nowhere man
September 28th, 2012
4:22 pm
Will Chipper’s ex wives and Hooter GF be on the stage tonight? They have been a part of this too.
Shaun
September 28th, 2012
4:22 pm
You realize you are stating that you shouldn’t make a move based on a future possibility, while arguing for making moves based on future possibilities, right?
You make all moves based on future possibilities. What I’m arguing against is any team tying it’s best reliever down to pitching the 9th inning or the last inning, mostly with a 1-3-run lead. Would a team save it’s best pinch-hitter for a certain inning and only when the team is up by 1-3 runs? No. Because their is not a stat or a rule based around it.
StingerSplash
September 28th, 2012
4:24 pm
Ahh … the great Redrunkments … a mighty fine band indeed. Very nice call, DOB. Very nice call.
Thanks for the insight on what it’s been like to cover Chipper, whose had his own personal yet public foibles because of the stage he’s on.
So where do you stand on Paul Westerberg’s solo stuff?
RC
September 28th, 2012
4:25 pm
The save statistic is by far the most important number in all of baseball….
No close second.
phil, I honestly cannot tell if you are saying this as a serious statement, or with extreme sarcasm. You have made statements before that I’ve agreed with, as well as a few that I have not. Unsure which category this will fall into.
Sopheee
September 28th, 2012
4:26 pm
Should’ve done and over/under on how many twitterers would ask DOB what time the Chipper ceremony would start.
George_George
September 28th, 2012
4:27 pm
Main blog today is a excellent personal tribute to CHIPPER. Well done DAVID. I just got off phone with AJC,ordered Sundays paper mailed to me[ cost$8.70] for CHIPPER hard copy insert.
RC
September 28th, 2012
4:28 pm
Should’ve done and over/under on how many twitterers would ask DOB what time the Chipper ceremony would start.
30 minutes before the seats are filled?
Badum-dum!
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
4:28 pm
Nice piece Dave.
MLBTV’s Rundown also having a great piece on Chipper’s career.
TennesseePaul
September 28th, 2012
4:28 pm
many perhaps most major league pitchers can get three outs in the 9th to preserve a 1-3 run lead. But don’t you want your best reliever pitching when you are most desperate to prevent a run?
Many, perhaps most, major league pitchers can get three outs in an innings, as you agreed. So logically it would follow that the most desperate time to prevent runs comes at a time when there is zero chance of future opportunities.
phil
September 28th, 2012
4:28 pm
Come on, RC….you know – lol
and Nowhere man, can’t you come up with something, anything better than the stupid Hooters reference? Honestly….
RC
September 28th, 2012
4:29 pm
Come on, RC….you know – lol
Ok, good to hear. Worried me there for a second…..
George_George
September 28th, 2012
4:31 pm
I see the CHIPPER haters can’t stay away, but bet they would not spend money to come to ballpark to boo him. LET CHIPPER HAVE HIS WEEKEND, GET LOST JERKS.
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
4:31 pm
than whether your team blows the game in the 7th or 8th.
Blow the lead there, and you still have 3 or 6 outs to regain it. Blow it in the 9th, and you have none.
It has nothing to do with the “statistic”, which is where you always run off the rails. It has to do with managing risk, which is optimus prime for bullpen management.
RC
September 28th, 2012
4:33 pm
Many, perhaps most, major league pitchers can get three outs in an innings, as you agreed. So logically it would follow that the most desperate time to prevent runs comes at a time when there is zero chance of future opportunities.
Which would mean you WOULD use your closer in a tie-game in the 9th on the road, right?
That’s sort of where I fall out…while I understand Shaun’s point that no inning is more “special” than the next, I do think that there is a human element that plays in here and pitchers view the 9th differently, which in effect causes it to BE different. So I’ve got no problem having a guy who’s “role” is the 9th inning.
HOWEVER, I don’t get why managers refuse to use the closer in the 9th inning of a tie game on the road. At that point you are not sure to have ANY future innings if you don’t stop run scoring RIGHT NOW, so it makes logical sense to use the person most likely to not give up a run.
TennesseePaul
September 28th, 2012
4:33 pm
Would a team save it’s best pinch-hitter for a certain inning and only when the team is up by 1-3 runs?
Actually, you’re on the wrong side of the ball with that example. To be apt, it would be stated: “Would a team save it’s best pinch-hitter for a certain inning and only when the team is down by 1-3 runs?”
And with that I would think so. Teams don’t pinch hit in the 3rd, 4th or try not to in the fifth. But, if the pitcher they are pinch hitting for is getting shellacked early, they aren’t using their best pinch hitter in the 2nd, even if they are down. They still aim to save that guy for the later innings.
Lane Kiffin
September 28th, 2012
4:34 pm
I thought this place would be buzzing today. Not so much. Go Chipper.
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
4:34 pm
I had the pleasure of meeting Chipper one on one before the ‘99 season. He was very cordial, extended his hand for a shake and I wished him a good year.
He wound up winning the MVP. I like to think it was because of my best wishes.
phil
September 28th, 2012
4:34 pm
The most important number is actually holds…
Shaun
September 28th, 2012
4:35 pm
TennesseePaul, many, perhaps most, major league pitchers can get 3 outs in an inning, most of the time, before a team scores 1-3 runs. That’s more of a reason to use your best reliever in perhaps a tied game in the 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th inning with the other team’s best hitters due up, and let a lesser reliever pitch the 9th when you have a lead (i.e., in a save situation).
Most relievers can pitch well enough in a majority of save situations to not blow a save. But not all relievers are equally skilled at doing things to increase the chances of preventing runs.
phil
September 28th, 2012
4:37 pm
Get down to the stadium, Mixxo, and shake his hand again, for crying out loud….
kenhotlanta
September 28th, 2012
4:38 pm
scoots: I searched eBay and some other sites for that Nehi bottle and didn’t find anything. A few Nehi commemorative bottles were $5-10, but a Baseball collectible could and should bring more.
boondawg
September 28th, 2012
4:39 pm
Dave, I bet this one was hard to write. I know as a 37 year old fan, that there is going to be elements of Chipper’s last few games that are going to be difficult to watch. Life passes by. This will mark another chapter for me that has ended.
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
4:39 pm
Lane Kiffin -
I’m buzzin’ Laney (au naturalle that is.) OK, I’m jacked up on caffeine, getting prepped for the celebration tonight.
Gonna be a tall order for a W against Niese, but I think the magic is happening down this stretch.
Sopheee
September 28th, 2012
4:39 pm
While you’re there scope out Hanson too. Give him a firm handshake and a kick in the behind from me.
TennesseePaul
September 28th, 2012
4:39 pm
That’s more of a reason to use your best reliever in perhaps a tied game in the 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th inning with the other team’s best hitters due up, and let a lesser reliever pitch the 9th when you have a lead
That is the assumption then, that you gain the lead prior to the 9th. However, for some reason you implied it is not proper to assume as much earlier.
I still assert that know one could possibly know the future, and as such it cannot merely be assumed that the “absolute beasts” will not be appearing at a future time, when all one has left is a lesser pitcher and no more offensive opportunities.
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
4:40 pm
Most relievers can pitch well enough in a majority of save situations
Define “majority”. Exactly how many blown saves would you be willing to suffer to implement your “best reliever” strategy? Or a percentage, whatever. Keeping in mind that the “best relievers” are blowing a very, very few oppportunities (if they’re blowing more, then they obviously are not the “best reliever”).
RC
September 28th, 2012
4:40 pm
TennesseePaul, many, perhaps most, major league pitchers can get 3 outs in an inning, most of the time, before a team scores 1-3 runs. That’s more of a reason to use your best reliever in perhaps a tied game in the 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th inning with the other team’s best hitters due up, and let a lesser reliever pitch the 9th when you have a lead (i.e., in a save situation).
Most relievers can pitch well enough in a majority of save situations to not blow a save. But not all relievers are equally skilled at doing things to increase the chances of preventing runs.
Shaun, that being said, isn’t is POSSIBLE that there is a psychological element, however irrational, that could cause some pitchers to not perform as well in the 9th inning as others. If most pitchers can get 3 outs most of the time anyway, then we are talking very marginal improvements with your plan anyway, and if there IS any psychological element, then it’s possible it would outweigh the marginal improvements gained on paper anyway.
For the record, yes, I am attempting to argue both sides of this argument
RC
September 28th, 2012
4:41 pm
Define “majority”. Exactly how many blown saves would you be willing to suffer to implement your “best reliever” strategy?
Wouldn’t you still have these blown saves if you were using a lesser reliever in the 7th? You’d just have a blown save in the 7th or 8th instead of the 9th….either way, you lose.
George_George
September 28th, 2012
4:41 pm
HOWEVER, I don’t get why managers refuse to use the closer in the 9th inning of a tie game on the road. At that point you are not sure to have ANY future innings if you don’t stop run scoring RIGHT NOW, so it makes logical sense to use the person most likely to not give up a run.
***********************************************************************
I have been saying the above all year,it is a good example that FREDI does not use his bullpen well. He may have 91 wins but is still mentally slow.
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
4:42 pm
but a Baseball collectible could and should bring more.
ken, we were discussing the Clemson national championship in football. The bottle commemorated that, not baseball. Unless I missed part of a discussion somewhere, LOL.
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
4:43 pm
While you’re there scope out Hanson too. Give him a firm handshake and a kick in the behind from me. – Sopheee
lol
I’d probably break his hand….the wuss.
Wish I could go Soph, but already had plans tonight and gotta show to do tomorrow.
ChipperIsGod
September 28th, 2012
4:43 pm
DOB, that was a beautiful article, also listening to the song you posted and I love it. Never heard this one, thank you.
Also, just wanted to say ever since I’ve been reading this blog starting two years back, I’ve absolutely loved every single story you and Carroll have posted. It’s a pleasure reading it and offers some great insight into my favorite team ever. Thank you.
Thinking about Chipper and listening to this song is getting me misty eyed as I’m working right now. It’s a shame about attendance, I’d go to every game if I could. I’ve been to around 10 or 11 this year, but being a student at SCAD, I just don’t have the money or time to go to as many games as I want to. Atlanta traffic just blows and the way the city is set up doesn’t help things, especially in relation to where the Ted is. Funny how the Nats, Reds and Braves are in the middle of the pack when they have such good teams this year.
I can’t wait to see #10 on Sunday. Wish I could go tonight and tomorrow, but I’ve got too much work to do. Chipper has meant so much to me. I literally don’t remember a time when Chipper wasn’t in my life as I have watched the Braves. Being only 22, I can’t remember anything about 91 or 92 (even though my parents took me to games then as a baby), but I always have remembered Chipper.
Whenever I think of the Braves I always think of Chipper. Every game I’ve gone to this year (where he’s played, which has thankfully been most of them) he’s always done something special. Bobblehead night, the night we swept the Nationals, hitting a jack against the Mets and so many others. I remember doing the tomohawk chop after Chipper laced that pitch of Gio for an RBI and I was just on the verge of tears. I can’t believe it’s all coming to an end. It makes me incredibly sad, but I think this is the perfect time for Chipper to leave the game. He wants to spend more time with his family, and sadly can’t play as much as he used to. This is also the best team we’ve had since I’d say 2003. I think we have a legitimate shot and nothing would make me happier to see Chipper go out on top. I know it’s somewhat of a long shot, but man, that’d be the perfect ending.
Regardless, Chipper will always be in my thoughts, my heart and with me until the day I die. He gave everything he had to this organization, this city and the fans.
WIN FOR THE CHIPPER! NEVER SAY DIE! GO BRAVES!!!
RC
September 28th, 2012
4:45 pm
I have been saying the above all year,it is a good example that FREDI does not use his bullpen well. He may have 91 wins but is still mentally slow.
I don’t know that he’s mentally slow…I think he’s afraid to go away from the “accepted” way to use a bullpen. He actually made some strides in this area late in the year…using Kimbrel in a tie game on the road once, and bringing him in to get the last out of the 8th once with men on base. I disagree with Fredi as much as anything, and if he bats Constanza leadoff again or has Prado show bunt prior to the 7th inning I may lose my mind, but he has at least shown some promise of improving. That’s more than can be said for about half the managers in MLB.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
4:45 pm
George_George:
Slow? The pot calling the kett;le black.
So you’ve mot noticed any change in FREDDI’s approach to team management over the past two seasons, especially the last half of this one……..right?
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
4:46 pm
You’d just have a blown save in the 7th or 8th instead of the 9th….either way, you lose.
Only if the team were unable to regain the lead after the blown save, utilizing the outs remaining to it to produce runs. Cough it up when your team has no more outs left, and you’re a dead certain loser.
kenhotlanta
September 28th, 2012
4:46 pm
scoots: My bad. I didn’t see any of them either. I have a ton of UGA bottles (mostly Coke) and they ain’t worth diddlysquat. I’m tired of lugging them around.
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
4:48 pm
For the record, yes, I am attempting to argue both sides of this argument
This is why I love you, man.
George_George
September 28th, 2012
4:48 pm
I am so hyped for tonight. Outta here have a good one.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
4:48 pm
George_George:
I take you to task young man where FREDI is concerned……recently anyhow..
Shaun
September 28th, 2012
4:48 pm
RC, perhaps there is a human element to be considered regarding the 9th inning being different than other innings. I would argue, however, that that doesn’t necessarily mean your best reliever needs to be your closer.
Blow the lead there, and you still have 3 or 6 outs to regain it. Blow it in the 9th, and you have none.
It has nothing to do with the “statistic”, which is where you always run off the rails. It has to do with managing risk, which is optimus prime for bullpen management.
Well, if it’s about risk management, the 9th inning is not the highest-leverage inning in a typical game, according to folks who have looked in to this in detail.
Also, I’ll take the risk that some lesser reliever can convert a save and use my best reliever when the other team is most likely to score the run that wins the game, whether it be in the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, whenever.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 28th, 2012
4:48 pm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/early-lead/wp/2012/09/28/kohls-apologizes-for-displaying-nationals-nl-east-champion-shirts-prematurely/
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
4:49 pm
George_George:
Oh no, you don’t skip out now. Us FREDI sycophants are taking you to task on his behalf.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
4:51 pm
Shaun:
Ala, last game.
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
4:52 pm
Well, if it’s about risk management, the 9th inning is not the highest-leverage inning in a typical game, according to folks who have looked in to this in detail.
You’re confusing risk with leverage, fercrissake. In this context, they aren’t even close to the same thing. Geez louise.
Do you have life insurance? If so, do you remember why you bought it?
phil
September 28th, 2012
4:52 pm
ChipperIsGod – Very well said…..
MFin04
September 28th, 2012
4:52 pm
If Kimbrel can win the Cy Young, doesn’t that mean Kris Medlen SHOULD win the Cy Young? He was relatively as good out of the bullpen and has been even better as a starter.
11 starts with a 1.04 ERA while going 8-0.
Shaun
September 28th, 2012
4:53 pm
I have been saying the above all year,it is a good example that FREDI does not use his bullpen well. He may have 91 wins but is still mentally slow.
Nah. Fredi is a good, conventional manager. The problem is not with Fredi, it’s with baseball conventions.
Last year, he was worse. This year he’s over-managing less, which is good. I’d prefer someone who makes the moves that make sense over someone who is conventional. But a manager who goes as far as he can and still be a conventional manager, like Fredi this year, is the next best thing.
Murph
September 28th, 2012
4:53 pm
PT is at the game tonight… and he just got engaged. If anyone is at the game go find him and shake his hand… or ask him what in the holy heck he was thinking.
ncscoots
September 28th, 2012
4:54 pm
Honestly, people, I apologize. I don’t know why I even get into this reliever conversation, anymore. I’m sure it bores the ever-lovin’ bleep out of most folks. Sometimes, I just can’t stop myself from doing things that I know will end badly. I still go out with redheads, too, so there you go.
MFin04
September 28th, 2012
4:54 pm
In a week or so I wouldn’t mind buying one of those Nationals’ shirts for $50 or so.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
4:55 pm
Enter your comments here
O.M.G.
September 28th, 2012
4:58 pm
Ghost, how is the wife doing?
phil
September 28th, 2012
4:59 pm
Play on, Chipper Jones…..
I’ve said it all year, after a sweet hit of some kind.
Soon, he’ll only play in our memories, like Dale Murphy, Maddux, Smoltz, Glavine, Kniekro, even Bob Horner, maybe a comical sort like Bruce Benedict or Rufino Linares.
Man do i hate to see him go. Wish we could send him out with a title. Just too much to ask for, isn’t it?
George_George
September 28th, 2012
5:00 pm
richbrave 4:49
I did not know yopu were such a great FREDI supporter. Kimbrel lost that last game last year because he was dead tired FREDI wore him and others out, almost ruined VENTERS forever. FREDI cannot manage a bullpen.
doug
September 28th, 2012
5:01 pm
No Shaun, you don’t want to use the closer in 6th or 7th. If you use him in the 6th against the opponents bad boys, then those same guys WILL hit again, and if you use him in the 7th, you are just a walk and a bloop away from those same bad dudes hitting again in a far more dangerous spot, with less time to recover from it.
George_George
September 28th, 2012
5:04 pm
Now outta here, it is going to be a great night, but oh my how we will miss CHIPPER next year.
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
5:05 pm
scoots “still go out with red heads”
Ha! I married one.
Anxious to to see the hour long tribute to Chipper on Fox South at 6
MFin04
September 28th, 2012
5:07 pm
“Wish we could send him out with a title. Just too much to ask for, isn’t it?”
I’ve said all year long they have a shot at winning the World Series. They have 3 starting pitchers. Best bullpen in the league. Pretty deep lineup. Speed. Best defensive outfield in the league. Best defensive SS in the league. And a guy on his retirement tour. If Dan Uggla and/or Brian McCann can get going and Michael Bourn comes back rested they have a shot. Gotta win the division or the stupid play-in game, but after that they have a shot.
Shaun
September 28th, 2012
5:07 pm
George_George, I’m not so sure it was a mistake for Fredi to use those relievers so much last season. They missed the playoffs by a game. We could just as easily blame that on injuries to Hanson and Jurrjens and key position players, like Prado and Heyward, dealing with injury issues for a huge chunk of the season. In some ways I think we can credit Fredi for going all out and trying to win close games by throwing his best relievers. He probably could have picked his spots better but I’m not sure that’s one of the top few reasons the Braves didn’t make the playoffs.
I do think he deserves credit for picking his spots this year, which is in many ways unrelated to what went on last year. It’s a new season with new scenarios.
StingerSplash
September 28th, 2012
5:07 pm
DOB, your retrospect on what it was like when you were a younger beat writer made me think about the times I’ve been in certain establishments, such as one Spring Street, and the DJ booms out “(Name of Cy Young winner goes here) is in the house!” or sitting at a well known spot on Dale Mabry Blvd and a Hall of Famer whose nickname rhymes with Hister Mocktober sits next to me and proceeds to enjoy the company of a young lady for $35 a song. Yeah, can’t get away with that behavior in the digital social media age.
Stumpknocker
September 28th, 2012
5:09 pm
The pitcher; VanPoppel was suppose to the the Braves top pick………He snubbed them, not wanting to play for a looser organization. Chipper became the top pick and a perfect fit………..the rest is history. VanPoppel went on to be an oft-injured nobody, while Chipper is a future HOF. Lots of luck and happiness in your retirement Chipper………we’re certainly going to miss you.
George_George
September 28th, 2012
5:09 pm
sunday paper, at newsstands tomorrow. “@Cameron_bLAKE8: @ajcbraves Is there anywhere I can get a copy of todays Chipper tribute paper” 32 mins ago
*********************
Call AJC, They will mail it to you for $8.70.
ChipperIsGod
September 28th, 2012
5:09 pm
Thanks Phil, I hope we can. I think we’re too wound up emotionally too lose early, everyone is going to be playing at another level. Chipper’s not going down without a fight. If the offense plays up to its POTENTIAL and the pitching remains as good as it has been, sans Tommy Hanson, then who knows. It’s very possible I think. The big key remains the offense’s consistency and inability to consistently hit LHP.
I do worry that the Cards will throw Jaime Garcia, but if they throw a righty we’ll be fine. I think we can play with the Reds even though they kicked our butts this year. Five righties and Chipper wasn’t playing when we played them. The Giants I think we can run with and the Nats we just proved we can beat if our pitching is great and the offense comes to play. I think we could win the NL, but we must remain consistent and have no let down or get like deer in headlights in October like so many previous teams since 02 have done.
We can do it though. This team has a different feel to it. A feel that when we’re down by a few runs, we know we’re not out of it. A feel that if we have a lead going into the seventh, we’ll be fine. A feel that if Kris Medlen gets the ball, it’s automatically game over. It’s all on the offense, if we make the adjustments to LHP and do not choke in RISP scenarios, we can do this. Call me an optimist, I don’t care. Call me crazy, but I do believe these things can ACTUALLY HAPPEN, and it’s a lot more fun to have a good disposition, than a negative one. This team has something magical about it. I can just feel it.
Shaun
September 28th, 2012
5:10 pm
No Shaun, you don’t want to use the closer in 6th or 7th. If you use him in the 6th against the opponents bad boys, then those same guys WILL hit again, and if you use him in the 7th, you are just a walk and a bloop away from those same bad dudes hitting again in a far more dangerous spot, with less time to recover from it.
It depends on the score and other factors. If it’s a tight game in the 6th, the studs are due up and the bullpen match-ups favor my hitters for the rest of the game, I wouldn’t hesitate to use my best reliever in the 6th.
George_George
September 28th, 2012
5:12 pm
@Cameron_bLAKE8: @ajcbraves Is there anywhere I can get a copy of todays Chipper tribute paper” 36 mins ago
****************************************
Call AJC, they will mail it to you for $8.70.
dean
September 28th, 2012
5:16 pm
Would it be stupid of me to get on my 1/2 a hawg, ride up tomorrow-with no ticket, hang out across from the players’ lot, give Chipper a wave on his way out after the game, find a place to sleep, get up at 5am Sunday, then drag azzz back to the Golden Isles to honor a noon commitment?
Would that be stupid, dumb, or a worthy tribute to one of the best, if not the best, Braves ever? (I bet there are other people doing dumb things to get to at least one of these 3 games.)
count_schemula
September 28th, 2012
5:20 pm
Saving the best for last? One of the best DOBs of the year, right down to the Replacements.
phil
September 28th, 2012
5:24 pm
Go Dean….Scalp a ticket and enjoy it. Just don’t crash that thing….
Bay Area Steve
September 28th, 2012
5:25 pm
“stupid, dumb, or a worthy tribute”
I’m voting all three. I don’t think this helps you, but there it is.
phil
September 28th, 2012
5:25 pm
Anyone know if the 7 tribute show will be replayed?
I have to go to dinner, I just found out….
DS1
September 28th, 2012
5:25 pm
That 1 game play in is gonna give me a frickin ulcer…………
phil
September 28th, 2012
5:28 pm
Oh yes….
I’m already flippin over the game on the 5th……arrrghhhh
Fire someone!!
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
5:29 pm
sitting at a well known spot on Dale Mabry Blvd and a Hall of Famer whose nickname rhymes with Hister Mocktober sits next to me and proceeds to enjoy the company of a young lady for $35 a song. Yeah, can’t get away with that behavior in the digital social media age. _ StingerSplash
Ha, I ran into several Braves players at a joint in Tampa in 1983. Not the Mons, though, I want to say Tattle Tales but I’m not sure. The Mons was my favorite back in the day.
count_schemula
September 28th, 2012
5:31 pm
“I bet there are other people doing dumb things to get to at least one of these 3 games.”
Of course the tribute thing is tonight, but when the season started I bought dugout seats for the last game, so… Chipper, I hope you got one more Sunday day game left in ya.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
5:36 pm
Never seen quite so many folks stream into the ballpark at once as today. Since those gates opened at 5 p.m., it’s been a crush of people streaming in from center-field plaza area that we can see from pressbox.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
5:44 pm
If last game at Pittsburgh on Wednesday isn’t important, if Braves spot already settled (which is likely), Braves will probably rest Hudson and pitch the youngsters, Delgado and Teheran.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
5:46 pm
Thanks to all for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it.
ChipperIsGod
September 28th, 2012
5:46 pm
One would hope. No reason to pitch Huddy then. I’d say even if we’re only like a game back, you don’t pitch him. I don’t know, would not want to be in Fredi’s shoes right now. Unless we’re magically ahead by a game, or we’re tied with those pesky Nats, Huddy should not pitch that day.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
5:47 pm
Welcome back, nolie. Just in time to watch old Hoss’ tribute night.
Steve McP
September 28th, 2012
5:49 pm
David O’Brien
September 28th, 2012
5:36 pm
Never seen quite so many folks stream into the ballpark at once as today. Since those gates opened at 5 p.m., it’s been a crush of people streaming in from center-field plaza area that we can see from pressbox.
You’d think that there was something special going on!
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
5:52 pm
No. 10 painted in center field at Turner Field
http://twitter.yfrog.com/od3yldej
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
5:54 pm
Fredi also mentioned possibly using Sheets for a couple of innings in that Wednesday game.
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
5:54 pm
Bat….always enjoyed Mons…..you know, a long time ago (ahem)
southern hope
September 28th, 2012
5:54 pm
I’m getting very very sad. ….chipper on his last stand….and baseball’s end in sight….and DOB’s columns….well, he still writes them in the off-season but they can’t top these great ones when we’re in the hunt…..sigh.
Salt life
September 28th, 2012
5:56 pm
I hope Chip at least gets an at bat in Pitt on Wednesday….got good seats next Braves dugout
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
6:01 pm
Provided Braves don’t play a tiebreaker after season, just the Wild Card game, Hudson would start Div. Series opener and Minor or Maholm would start Game 2. I asked Fredi today.
northbeach Scott
September 28th, 2012
6:01 pm
Bat, I believe you mean either The Tanga Lounge on the Courtney Campbell Causeway (since demolished due to r/w expansion or the 2001 Odessey across from the Mons Venus on Dale Mabry. Always a happy ending.
LuisG
September 28th, 2012
6:02 pm
Is there a way to watch Chipper’s tribute online?
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
6:04 pm
LuisG: mlb.com or braves.com
Atlanta Braves @Braves
If you can’t come to Turner Field you can watch the Chipper ceremony on FS South, http://braves.com and http://mlb.com . #chipper
ChipperIsGod
September 28th, 2012
6:05 pm
Luis G I think MLB.com and Fox Sports South are showing it on their websites.
I hope that Minor goes next and then Maholm. Especially if we lose that first game, Minor I think could get us a split. While Paul is pitching better, Minor has been nearly untouchable lately.
LuisG
September 28th, 2012
6:14 pm
to ‘TheOnlyBravesFan’: thank you!
What about FSS’s special. I don’t live in the US and I thought they had some kind of live webcast or something like that. If don’t watch it tonight I’m going to do whatever I can to watch it either on Sat. or Sun.
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
6:16 pm
Salt, yeah you have good taste.
Bat, I believe you mean either The Tanga Lounge on the Courtney Campbell Causeway _ northbeach Scott
nbS_
That’s the one. It’s been awhile and I may have been drinking heavily.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
6:21 pm
Braves have one more win than the Yankees, with a payroll about $110 million lower.
cricket
September 28th, 2012
6:24 pm
Adam Dunn has the very worst OBP ever, among all players to lead either league in walks. Incredibly, the second worst OBP is from this year too, from Dan Uggla. Who knew we were witnessing double-history, every time these guys manage to go 0 for 4 with one BB?!
http://southsideshowdown.com/2012/09/28/adam-dunn-dan-uggla-and-baseball-history/
Kevlar
September 28th, 2012
6:30 pm
DOB, I hope the Braves slap a “C” on Chipper’s chest this weekend and give him the honor of being named team captain. It would be fitting and the Braves are a historic enough franchise to warrant the title. If not Chipper, who? It’s the right thing to do. The Red Sox did it with Varitek and it was quite moving and could be a playoff boost. Thoughts?
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
6:36 pm
Okay, what time does the tribute start online? Thanks
boo
September 28th, 2012
6:36 pm
Enter your comments here
Couch Tater
September 28th, 2012
6:37 pm
DOB –
Wow. The end of an era, eh? Time of reflection. Memories galore. Like a fastball. Zip. Zip. Zip. And he’s out.
A lot of different faces watched Chipper’s games with me. Live. On TV. And, through the Blog.
Thanks for the blog and the bloggers.
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
6:41 pm
Time flies, Tater.
I, too, have enjoyed the last few years of Chipper, and the Braves, here on the blog.
Chop Chop
September 28th, 2012
6:44 pm
The only Braves player I’ve ever really, really liked was Smoltz. Maddux was my second favorite. (Glavine’s in third.) As good as Chipper has been, he was never part of the Old Guard in my mind. Funny how an eleven-year-old kid with some of the child-like wonder left in him latched onto a few great pitchers and Chipper, well…Chipper didn’t come along until I was fifteen and already a cynical old cuss.
Anyway, here’s to Chipper.
Let others idolize the guy and feel what they feel. I’m just honoring a great ballplayer who happened to help us get a ring one time and will be battling with everything he’s got to help us get another. Good luck to all of us on that, Hoss.
cricket
September 28th, 2012
6:45 pm
Bat – at 7 on mlb.com – link is active now
cricket
September 28th, 2012
6:50 pm
Since Atlanta clinched a playoff spot so early, Gonzalez had the luxury of mapping out his pitching plans before Showalter, Melvin et al. But he is still a world removed from former Braves manager Bobby Cox, whose postseason planning sessions with Mazzone were brief, to put it mildly. Nothing simplifies October decision-making more than a rotation fronted by three future Hall of Famers.
“I’ll give you a great ending to a story,” Mazzone said. “One time we were getting ready to start the postseason, and I said, ‘Bobby, who do you want to start in the first game — Maddux, Glavine or Smoltz?’ And he said, ‘Whose turn is it?’”
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8432217/one-game-mlb-playoff-starts
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
6:50 pm
cricket_
Thanks.
Joe in SoCal
September 28th, 2012
6:51 pm
Jayson Starks at ESPN has a great “Farewell Chipper” article if anyone hasn’t already mentioned it. A real “eye weller” if you know what I mean. Really excellent to see the outpouring of gratitude and love for a true “ballplayer”.
boo
September 28th, 2012
6:53 pm
DOB-
Thank you for all your work here over the years. i am a huge fan.Love your writing,that you are a biker,a college basketball fan, and your taste in music.
“Chipper’s Braves won 90 games in that truncated 154-game season-it started late because of the strike- in pace that would’ve yielded 101 wins in the 162 games.”
Perhaps you better check with Carroll,The Duke Grad, before you do your next mathematical calculation.Of course if you had used 144 games,the actual number played the numbers would have worked.(Of course the Dukie would have been better at editing as well).
My departed mother’s favorite Birthday present in 87 years was a Chipper Jones signed baseball.
Thanks again.
boo
September 28th, 2012
6:53 pm
DOB-
Thank you for all your work here over the years. i am a huge fan.Love your writing,that you are a biker,a college basketball fan, and your taste in music.
“Chipper’s Braves won 90 games in that truncated 154-game season-it started late because of the strike- in pace that would’ve yielded 101 wins in the 162 games.”
Perhaps you better check with Carroll,The Duke Grad, before you do your next mathematical calculation.Of course if you had used 144 games,the actual number played the numbers would have worked.(Of course the Dukie would have been better at editing as well).
My departed mother’s favorite Birthday present in 87 years was a Chipper Jones signed baseball.
Thanks again.
MIBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
6:53 pm
Great blog, DOB. Thanks much.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 28th, 2012
6:59 pm
start the tears a-flowing…..
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
7:00 pm
Cut hand doesn’t keep Uggla out of #Braves lineup
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/09/28/cut-hand-cant-keep-uggla-out-of-braves-lineup/
enrique cordero
September 28th, 2012
7:01 pm
Enter your comments here
Sopheee
September 28th, 2012
7:01 pm
DOB just FYI, the old blog is still linked as the main blog on the AJC Braves page.
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
7:01 pm
I have read most of the articles this week on CJ, but the best, IMHO, is the one by Jay Busbee on Yahoo Sports. Just go on Yahoo Sports and it’s right there on the right hand side. Held my attention from start to finish, and well-written.
LuisG
September 28th, 2012
7:02 pm
let’s enjoy it guys!
enrique cordero
September 28th, 2012
7:03 pm
best 3rd baseman in mlb hitory
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
7:04 pm
The tears will come soon…
Kat
September 28th, 2012
7:04 pm
Wish I could join along in the Chipper festivities online, but I’m stuck at work trying to figure out how to explain my agencies $1Billion 10 yr capital plan. Pshhh Liberty Media has it easy lol. But I can’t lie, I have to stay late since I’m taking Tues/Wed off to go to Pittsburgh to see 2 games, so not all is lost.
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
7:06 pm
Wonder if the movie “Trouble with the Curve” out now is based partly on Paul Snyder’s association with the Braves? Have to go see that movie. Two local players from Warner Robins GA are in that movie. They just got lucky in auditions. One is the coach of the “INTIMIDATORS” (team in the movie) and one is the pitcher.
cricket
September 28th, 2012
7:06 pm
thanks for the link Dum-Bass
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
7:08 pm
Somebody take this lump from my throat!
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
7:11 pm
Folks getting a little “misty” as Chipper says, as video plays showing retirement announcement this spring, then highlights from 1st MLB hit on.
Steve from OH
September 28th, 2012
7:15 pm
Awesome piece DOB, one of your best.
Couch Tater
September 28th, 2012
7:19 pm
I didn’t figure “retiring as a life long Brave” would mean that much to me.
It does.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
7:21 pm
Selig said we’ll see you in Cooperstown.
Bobby Cox got huge ovation, urged Jones to “keep that rope in your mouth” and keep pulling Braves and Fredi to “12 more wins” (WC and postseason thru World Series).
McCann spoke and presented pool table to Chipper from Braves players.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
7:22 pm
Schuerholz to Chipper: “You lit up our organization.”
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
7:23 pm
Jeff Schultz @JeffSchultzAJC
John Schuerholz introduces Hank Aaron as “the true major league home run champion.” Bam!
Yeah!
Brava
September 28th, 2012
7:24 pm
Thanks for a great blog DOB. I have to admit this one got me a bit emotional. You’re right, those of us who’ve been privileged to watch Chipper play have been lucky indeed.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
7:25 pm
Schuerholz just introduced Hank Aaron as “the true Major League Baseball home run champion.” Yep.
Also announced Braves will refurbish 10 youth fields in Atlanta area in his name.
Braves giving him several gifts including his actual locker from the clubhouse, and a trip to Hawaii for his family.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
7:29 pm
Chipper at the podium
http://twitter.yfrog.com/h31uxcjxj
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
7:32 pm
Just occurred to me if this was one of the Yankees, such as Derek Jeter, it would be live on ESPN right now. It should even be live on the MLB channel but it’s not. They are all hypocrites, and there’s a double standard.
George_George
September 28th, 2012
7:34 pm
WOW That was good.
cricket
September 28th, 2012
7:34 pm
very well done, chipper
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
7:35 pm
That was great… now get us a win boys!
Ken Stallings
September 28th, 2012
7:36 pm
It was sad and hard to watch how difficult it was for Henry Aaron to stand up from his chair. He is getting old doggonit! I know it happens to all of us, but I truly wish it had not happened to him!
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
7:36 pm
Braves are all wearing “nerdlenecks” under their uniform tops tonight in honor of the 40-year-old 3B who’s worn them just about forever. (That’s what his teammates call the mock turtlenecks he favors regardless of weather.)
George_George
September 28th, 2012
7:36 pm
Kevlar
September 28th, 2012
6:30 pm
DOB, I hope the Braves slap a “C” on Chipper’s chest this weekend and give him the honor of being named team captain. It would be fitting and the Braves are a historic enough franchise to warrant the title. If not Chipper, who? It’s the right thing to do. The Red Sox did it with Varitek and it was quite moving and could be a playoff boost. Thoughts?
********************************************************************
The above is a truely wonderful idea.
Cracker
September 28th, 2012
7:38 pm
Now that was pure class. The poor sports who don’t understand you should honor a quality opponent just saw something that should shame them. It’s hard to imagine the team without Chipper. Next year will be one long period of adjustment.
LuisG
September 28th, 2012
7:38 pm
We will miss him, no doubt. Thanks Chipper.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
7:43 pm
Ken Stallings:
Didn’t you used to play pro football?
Cracker
September 28th, 2012
7:43 pm
You think Huddy might be motivated to win this game?
Skeezix
September 28th, 2012
7:44 pm
Hey Chipper: There is no crying in baseball.
Thanks for all the great memories! It has been a pleasure to watch you. Now go beat the Mutts.
It was great to see Pete, Hank, J.S. and Bobby “the Master” Cox.
George_George
September 28th, 2012
7:44 pm
WOW That was nice to, his comming out by himself. Good of the BRAVES players to do that.
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
7:45 pm
That was a great way to start!
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
7:46 pm
O.M.G. asked about my wife. No improvement I’m sorry to say, and now she really does have a staph infection from one of the deep tissue biopsies they took two weeks ago. Talk about hospital IV’s for the infection if this antibiotic doesn’t work. Meanwhile MRA and other major tests next week. Really, things are not improving at all. But thanx for asking.
CB
September 28th, 2012
7:47 pm
Every time a great Braves player retires I feel my youth slipping away. Wait a minute, I’m old!
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
7:47 pm
Great start, Huddy.
Venice Jim
September 28th, 2012
7:47 pm
Excellent inning, Tim!
MIBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
7:47 pm
Great start to the game, Huddy!
George_George
September 28th, 2012
7:48 pm
CHIPPERS first AB should be something to see.
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
7:49 pm
I’m sorry to hear all that, rich. Continued best wishes.
Ken Stallings
September 28th, 2012
7:49 pm
No! The only thing I did professionally was fly airplanes for the USAF! I played high school football and baseball and I wonder how many who went to my high school would even remember that I did! I was also a competitive swimmer in the North Carolina AAU circuit on the city team in Rocky Mount.
JC Brave
September 28th, 2012
7:49 pm
Great start for Huddy.
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
7:50 pm
There’s a 7 game difference right now between the Braves and the Cards and it looks like it will be St. Louis. Could be as much as 8 games when it’s said and done. That seems so “screwy” to have to play a one game “do or die” with a team that far behind you. That system has to go after this year!
MPJ
September 28th, 2012
7:52 pm
Does anybody else remember a particular homerun Chipper hit against the Mets back during the Bobby Valentine era? It was late in the game, and the Mets were trying to intentionally walk Chipper. But the pitcher let one pitch get too close to the plate, and Chipper hit it out of the park.
The TV broadcast kept showing Bobby Valentine in the dugout. He was pissed!!!
George_George
September 28th, 2012
7:52 pm
Best wishes to you and your family richbrave.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
7:53 pm
HR from Chipper, maybe?
Cracker
September 28th, 2012
7:54 pm
Kevlar
Great idea. He’s been de facto captain for a long time. They should make it official.
Kat
September 28th, 2012
7:55 pm
Yehh! Get to leave work.. so what’s the score? Where we at?
ChattTownBrian
September 28th, 2012
7:55 pm
The whole CJ thing was awesome. Nothing phony at all. I think McCann was real nervous standing there talking in front of all the poeple. I know I’d have been too.
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
7:56 pm
Kat
Top of the second coming up, no score
ChattTownBrian
September 28th, 2012
7:57 pm
I had a nightmare – Braves lost to the Cardinals 12-8 in the game ahead. Man I was feeling so many emotions in my dream I guess because I woke up in a little sweat. Please don’t let this come true. PLEASE!
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
7:58 pm
Ken Stallings:
ROCKY MOUNT. We had our bed made at COLT’s furniture in DORTCHES.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
7:59 pm
Anyone interested in purchasing a copy of the Chipper special section in the AJC, please send email requests to: readercare@ajc.com
velva kennedy
September 28th, 2012
7:59 pm
Chipper you are my very favorite ball player. I have to watch you every night.I hope you have a great retirement. Enjoy all you do. I will miss you.good luck on all you do.
George_George
September 28th, 2012
7:59 pm
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
7:50 pm
There’s a 7 game difference right now between the Braves and the Cards and it looks like it will be St. Louis. Could be as much as 8 games when it’s said and done. That seems so “screwy” to have to play a one game “do or die” with a team that far behind you. That system has to go after this year!
******************
AGREED If BUD is going to insist on two WC TEAMS the owners should insist it be 2 out of 3 series. BUD set up this silly two WC thing only days before start of season. The owners should vote to get rid of him.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:00 pm
Thanx to all for the thoughts regarding my wife.
This will be a protracted struggle of months or even years for longevity, but we’re both pretty optomistic she’ll ultimately pull through.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:03 pm
ChatTownBrien:
You won’t need that dream if we sweep out the season, and the NATS lose five of six.
Slim yes, and BTW he’s packing the car to leave town, but hasn’t started the engine yet.
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
8:06 pm
I wanted to hear Chipper say, “Hey, Adam Wainright, shut your mouth you little bitch. We are going to destroy you.”
I guess that wouldn’t go over well.
It would be nice to hear one Brave say something remotely positive about the wild card playoff.
If they all think it’s stupid, maybe they should have won more games.
Not really giving fans a lot to be confident about with that attitude.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
8:06 pm
Give it a rest, idiot.
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
8:07 pm
Come on.
BobbyDawg
September 28th, 2012
8:09 pm
I don’t know why the wild card playoff isn’t a 3 of 5 series. It’s not like they don’t make money on these games, so I guess we just let Medlen mow em down.
kenhotlanta
September 28th, 2012
8:10 pm
Ghost of Chipper Jones: Prayers still going up for your wife and hoping for her recovery.
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
8:13 pm
Double in the corner Simba c’mon!
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
8:13 pm
@kenhotlanta
How you doing guy? How’s commerce vis-a-vis E-bay treating you
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
8:14 pm
Good hustle!
Rick C
September 28th, 2012
8:14 pm
What the hell? That’s twice now Fox Sports Braves has switched to commercials in the middle of an AB.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
8:14 pm
Good hustle Simba…. let’s go Huddy!
George_George
September 28th, 2012
8:14 pm
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
8:06 pm
Mitchell, do you really think it is fair if we have to play a single game against a team we are more than 7 games better than they are just to get into playoffs? We have earned the WC already even if I don’t like FREDI.
Cracker
September 28th, 2012
8:14 pm
I’m in that prayer group, Ghost.
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
8:14 pm
Hi everyone! Here we go!!!!!
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
8:16 pm
The A’s and Orioles are competitive teams that deserve a shot to get to the post-season.
They’re right there within reach of the Rangers and Yankees, playing at a level nobody expected.
If you’re ten games back in your division and eight to ten back of the top wild card team at the end of the season, you should be disqualified.
The Cardinals are freeloaders at this point.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:18 pm
Thanx folks, really.
ChattTownBrian
September 28th, 2012
8:21 pm
Another part of that dream was that I came on here and said “I told you so”, on losing to STL.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
8:21 pm
Braves notes: Teheran, Delgado, Sheets could pitch finale; Bourn misses 5th start since thumb injury
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/09/28/teheran-delgado-could-pitch-braves-season-finale/
George_George
September 28th, 2012
8:23 pm
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
8:16 pm
The A’s and Orioles are competitive teams that deserve a shot to get to the post-season.
They’re right there within reach of the Rangers and Yankees, playing at a level nobody expected.
If you’re ten games back in your division and eight to ten back of the top wild card team at the end of the season, you should be disqualified.
The Cardinals are freeloaders at this point.
*****************************************
Then you AGREE with me, good
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
8:24 pm
Thanks, gary
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
8:24 pm
Someone needs to come over and make me dinner
Cracker
September 28th, 2012
8:25 pm
Speaking of the O’s, I’m happy for McClouth.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:26 pm
Trey:
My man. Made a woeful word play on your occupation a few days back. My apologies. I haven’t been myself lately . Sorry………
Trey
September 28th, 2012
8:26 pm
Ghost of Chipper Jones, what was the word play? I didn’t see it.
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
8:26 pm
Lets go Reed…..heat up.
JJBantam
September 28th, 2012
8:27 pm
Why do the Braves announcers keep talking like there is some sort of division race going on? Chip just mentioned all Braves fans will be Cardinals fans tonight. Uh…no most of us older than 8th grade realize we will be in the wild card play-in game.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
8:28 pm
Kevin McAlpin @KevinMcAlpin
Fans in the Upper Deck at Turner Field holding a sign that says “Thank You Todd Van Poppel” #Braves
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
8:29 pm
JJBantam-
Because officially, there IS a division race still going on.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:29 pm
We all missed you because you haven’t been posting regularly lately, and unfortunately, i said you were prolly ‘buried’ in your work. Really do apologize.
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
8:30 pm
Way to hang Reed!
Trey
September 28th, 2012
8:31 pm
Ah, no worries, Ghost of Chipper. I’ve been extremely tired after work.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:31 pm
JJBANTAM:
Still a mathmatical chance. One roughly the size of your namesake.
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
8:32 pm
@cabravesfan……Hi, how are you–exceptionally hungry, I understand?
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:33 pm
Trey:
Graciousness incarnate. Thank you.
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
8:33 pm
rich_
Well it was funny. Dark humor is still humor.
BravesFan1984
September 28th, 2012
8:33 pm
DOB, how much will the chipper article cost?
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:33 pm
BAT:
My man.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
8:34 pm
Capt.Mudd-
Not yet. Just lazy and tired
And VJ is working until after 8
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
8:34 pm
Jason chased, but that was a nasty pitch. Still another K, sigh.
Trey
September 28th, 2012
8:35 pm
Heh, I don’t get offended that easily Ghost of Chipper.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:35 pm
So he can kick sand in the METS collective faces. Heh!
Trey
September 28th, 2012
8:35 pm
That comment doesn’t even sound too bad.
BobbyDawg
September 28th, 2012
8:35 pm
Enter your comments here
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:36 pm
I haven’t see IVAN around lately either. Just got more oysters, hopefully sans pearls.
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
8:39 pm
@”Ghost”……….God’s speed to you and your wife! May the very best of outcomes find you all!
Animus
September 28th, 2012
8:39 pm
Bases loaded w/nobody out for StL – 2 runs in already in the bottom of the 1st. I’m rooting for them this weekend.
George_George
September 28th, 2012
8:39 pm
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
8:29 pm
JJBantam-
Because officially, there IS a division race still going on.
*********************************************************
One final word. YUPPERS cab “it isn’t over till its over”
Trey
September 28th, 2012
8:40 pm
A guy who hates Chipper is jealous of a legend, and would hate the likes of Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, and Roger Maris. It’s all jealousy. He knows he could never get to where they have, and the best years of his life passed after high school, granted he made it that far.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:40 pm
Thanx CAPT M
Fredo
September 28th, 2012
8:40 pm
Edwin Jackson still hasn’t got an out, Cards already scored 3 and still have bases loaded
Chopdawg
September 28th, 2012
8:41 pm
Great stuff, DOB.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
8:42 pm
someone should have used the whole damn tree on you
Animus
September 28th, 2012
8:42 pm
Free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
8:42 pm
Freeman! 6 more RBI to 100
MIBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
8:43 pm
Way to go, Freddie!!!!
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
8:43 pm
FREDDIEEEEEEEE!!!
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
8:43 pm
Attaboy Freddie!!!!!!
Animus
September 28th, 2012
8:43 pm
Braves lead – gNats down 4-1 in the bottom of the 1st already.
Trey
September 28th, 2012
8:43 pm
Ghost of Chipper Jones, I don’t know what’s going on with you and your wife, but I wish y’all the best.
With that being said, WAY TO GO FREEMAN!
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
8:43 pm
That’s the 23rd of the season for “Freddie Free” as Chipper calls the 23-yr-old 1B
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
8:43 pm
Yes sir, Freddie
Brava
September 28th, 2012
8:44 pm
Freddie with da BOMB!!!
Kat
September 28th, 2012
8:44 pm
Nice homer Freddie!
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
8:44 pm
Danno!!
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
8:46 pm
Somebody help Freddie open his seeds up!
Animus
September 28th, 2012
8:46 pm
Cards have batted around in the 1st, 5-1 over Wash.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:48 pm
Man, what kind of drugs is the home-plate umpire on? Pitch after pitch inside the pitch-tracker rectangle called a ball. He must have a real blue-veiner where the METS are concerned. WOW!
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:50 pm
Trey:
Thanx man. I’ll explain it some other time. Let’s win this game.
Trey
September 28th, 2012
8:51 pm
You’re welcome.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
8:52 pm
Trey-
Aren’t jokes supposed to at least be funny?
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
8:53 pm
Hank Aaron said on videoboard: “Chipper, I’m happy to be knowing you…and I hope your plaque is next to mine [in Cooperstown].”
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
8:53 pm
Trey:
You know I switched my handle from richbrave until the season’s done.
Kat
September 28th, 2012
8:54 pm
DOB @ 7:59 pm
Thanks for posting that, will def pay for one to be sent to NY.
Trey
September 28th, 2012
8:54 pm
Yes, they are, cab.
Trey
September 28th, 2012
8:54 pm
Now, I do, Ghost.
MIBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
8:55 pm
Nice throw, Ross!
Animus
September 28th, 2012
8:55 pm
WHAT A THROW by Rossi – WOW.
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
8:55 pm
Wow! What a throw!!
Nice Rossy!
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
8:55 pm
Place is absolutely packed now. Don’t think I’ve ever seen this many people at Turner Field. Even standing-room only areas filled.
keyLargo
September 28th, 2012
9:00 pm
Ross sure as hell isn’t the backup anymore.
Fredo
September 28th, 2012
9:01 pm
Homer Bailey’s perfect game bid ends but no hitter still intact, 6 outs to go
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
9:02 pm
CAPT. D’s. Sounds like that $15.00 special I had at OUTBACK day before yesterday. Three shrimp, two scallops and my MAHI was the size of one fish-stick, I kid you not.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
9:05 pm
O.K. Sixth inning, big boost for HUDDY. 51 pitches thru five. Come on TIMMY, no rest for the weary.
Couch Tater
September 28th, 2012
9:06 pm
April 13, 2002|By David O’Brien Staff Writer
Josh Beckett and Atlanta’s Chipper Jones own Texas ranches a few miles from each other an hour from the Mexican border. They didn’t realize it until they bumped into each other this winter at a restaurant in nearby Carrizo Springs, Texas, where Jones bought the kid a beer.
Jones wasn’t as hospitable when they bumped into each other again Friday night at Pro Player Stadium, where the Braves’ left fielder hit a two-run first-inning home run on a first-pitch fastball from the rookie pitcher, all the offense that Greg Maddux and the Atlanta bullpen would need in a 2-0 victory on the worst night of Kevin Millar’s career
and the rest…
http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2002-04-13/sports/0204130075_1_marlins-josh-beckett-eighth-inning
Venice Jim
September 28th, 2012
9:09 pm
Adam Kilgore @AdamKilgoreWP
Not getting any better for Edwin Jackson. Double, wild pitch, walk to start the second.
ChattTownBrian
September 28th, 2012
9:09 pm
That May ‘95 clip Chipper walked off homer and his team just barely jogged or walked to home plate like it was nothing. They won it all that year, but it does show they got spoiled and probably a little cocky which might’ve caused one or two more championships. Ya never know.
This 2012 team is opposite of that.
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
9:10 pm
Lookin’ good Huddy.
Brava
September 28th, 2012
9:12 pm
Ghost, sad to hear Mrs. Ghost isn’t doing better. Sure hope that changes soon. I’ll be praying for her quick recovery.
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
9:13 pm
Hoss is saving his best for last AB.
reagan
September 28th, 2012
9:15 pm
Bailey of the Reds has a no-hitter going on through 7……
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
9:16 pm
Thanx Brava. I think this is going to be a long-drawn out thing, however.
Trey
September 28th, 2012
9:16 pm
What a dilemma it would be, if one of Chipper’s sons played for the Braves and the other for the Mets.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
9:17 pm
Ah, I feel so much cleaner after purging the blog of any recent mention of the banned one’s latest alias.
Kat
September 28th, 2012
9:17 pm
” @MLB THREE OUTS AWAY! @Reds RHP Homer Bailey takes his no-hitter into the 9th vs @Pirates. Watch LIVE: http://atmlb.com/R176hM “
Brava
September 28th, 2012
9:18 pm
I’m sorry to hear that, Ghost.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
9:18 pm
DOB:
Great to hear that CHIPPER and the team are playing to a packed house!
Trey
September 28th, 2012
9:19 pm
Wow, my 8:23 is awaiting moderation, when all I said was
“iggy’s IQ is lower than the Houston Astros win record.”
Brava
September 28th, 2012
9:19 pm
Thank you for the clean up, DOB. Much appreciated.
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
9:19 pm
So Homer Bailey has a no-hitter through 8 innings. Would be a safe bet to say no pitcher named Homer has ever pitched a no-hitter before!
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
9:20 pm
And SHEA not being the MET
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:20 pm
HEYWARD!!!!!!
MIBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:20 pm
Great catch, JHey!
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
9:21 pm
Trey-
That comment posted
MIBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:21 pm
Please don’t be hurt!
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
9:21 pm
No, Trey, I saw it earlier. Must be an error on your end.
Brava
September 28th, 2012
9:21 pm
Great catch by Jason! Awesome.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:21 pm
Happened to me too, Trey. Wasn’t under moderation before though…. glad he’s gone
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
9:21 pm
Trey:
Is it against MLB and AJC rules to tell the truth?
reagan
September 28th, 2012
9:22 pm
Bailry of Reds now has no-hitter through 8…….
Trey
September 28th, 2012
9:22 pm
Well, now it says
Trey Your comment is awaiting moderation.
September 28th, 2012
8:23 pm
reagan
September 28th, 2012
9:22 pm
Bailey!…..
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
9:24 pm
Well the AJC had some extra hits out of it at least.
Trey
September 28th, 2012
9:24 pm
Ghost, I think it is against the rules of any media outlet to tell the truth, now and days.
Trey
September 28th, 2012
9:24 pm
Eh, just a glitch in the system, I believe.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
9:24 pm
Trey:
Chuckle! And THAT’s the truth!
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
9:25 pm
Trey-
Possibly because the poster has since been banned? Maybe…
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
9:25 pm
98.6, maintain BRAVOS
Trey
September 28th, 2012
9:26 pm
Quite a possibility, cab.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:26 pm
Trey: your post, and mine that are being moderated all have iggy’s name in it… I’d guess that’s the reason why. I just hope no ones blames me for getting him banned…. I don’t have that power!
Couch Tater
September 28th, 2012
9:26 pm
and from Adam Rubin of The New York Daily News…
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
PORT ST. LUCIE – Todd Van Poppel’s seventh major-league team could be the Mets. The righthander has agreed to a minor-league contract and will begin competing for a roster spot when pitchers and catchers report tomorrow.
Van Poppel, 33, had a 4-6 record and 6.09 ERA in 48 appearances (11 starts) last season with the Reds. A former first-round pick of the A’s in 1990 (14th overall), he was given a record three-year, $1.2 million contract at the time, but Van Poppel managed only an 18-29 record and 5.75 ERA with Oakland before being waived.
MIBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:26 pm
Nice K, Huddy!
Brava
September 28th, 2012
9:26 pm
WTG, Tim!!
Trey
September 28th, 2012
9:27 pm
Lol, I think they will praise you, TOBF, rather than blame.
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
9:28 pm
One run in seven innings against the Mets.
Come on.
Braves pitchers are too good. They shouldn’t have to throw shut-outs to win games.
No way is this team going to beat the Nationals with this offense.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
9:28 pm
Cards up 9-1 in the 3rd
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
9:29 pm
I hope this ends well.
Trey
September 28th, 2012
9:29 pm
I was hoping to come to GA, for Chipper’s last home game, but I won’t be making it. Although, I am three hours away from Atlanta, I don’t feel like driving down after work, tomorrow. I am going in, just to help someone out, which allowed me today off.
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
9:30 pm
I really do.
Kat
September 28th, 2012
9:30 pm
By the way David, great personal DOB blog today, finally able to sit and read it. Loved the tie of your life and cover Chipper over the years. Very cool.
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
9:32 pm
Oh these nailbiters!
Trey
September 28th, 2012
9:32 pm
iggy, since you love Chipper, here is a song for you. I know you are still reading.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=erHoQ9teSiM
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:32 pm
Dammit
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
9:32 pm
Duda, you’re killin’ me.
Fredo
September 28th, 2012
9:32 pm
dang
MIBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:32 pm
Damn it!
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
9:32 pm
Well, that’s that.
Brava
September 28th, 2012
9:33 pm
oh man.
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
9:33 pm
I f’ing knew that was going to happen.
One GD run, Braves.
Unbelievable.
JC Brave
September 28th, 2012
9:34 pm
Man, I had a feeling that was coming…
njbraves
September 28th, 2012
9:34 pm
That sucked.
Cracker
September 28th, 2012
9:34 pm
Wow! That’s a shame.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
9:34 pm
Duda’s homer to the RF seats quieted the overflow crowd, came on full count, 9th pitch of the AB
Kat
September 28th, 2012
9:34 pm
So that was pretty much worst case scenario there. Thankfully we have a few more innings…
ChattTownBrian
September 28th, 2012
9:35 pm
I think Huddy might have tweaked his ankle during that Duda at bat. Could be why he got so off on his pitches. I saw hi shaking his foot around. Damn!
ChattTownBrian
September 28th, 2012
9:35 pm
I think Huddy might have tweaked his ankle during that Duda at bat. Could be why he got so off on his pitches. I saw hi shaking his foot around. Damn!
Cracker
September 28th, 2012
9:36 pm
Okay. It’s time for the offense to pick up Huddy.
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
9:36 pm
Tough to swallow alright….just gotta go to work and scratch a few out.
Disgusted
September 28th, 2012
9:36 pm
Another time when Hudson cannot come up with that one big pitch and this costs the Braves a game.
Very BUMB effort by Hudson tonight — He deserves to be Booed.
For all guys to get beat by — journey man scrub Lucas Duda — Not good.
That is why I do not trust Hudson in a big game. He is a BUMB. Worst pitcher in the game.
This is a disgrace its terrible. Why he grooves that pitch in there I do not know but Hudson deserves to be Booed off the mound.
Fredo
September 28th, 2012
9:36 pm
“One GD run, Braves”
lefties are “fun”
Cracker
September 28th, 2012
9:37 pm
Bailey no hitter is complete.
Disgusted
September 28th, 2012
9:37 pm
The submit comment button deserves to be Booed.
I was in a good mood but not now. Very BUMB game tonight. They are Loosing. BOOO!!!!!
Half Empty
September 28th, 2012
9:37 pm
should have walked him
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:37 pm
Rev sighting…. I’d like a double
Disgusted
September 28th, 2012
9:38 pm
Why did you mess up Hudson?????
WHY WHY WHY. This is bad
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:38 pm
3 ER, 7 IP? Not really cause for booing. That’s a quality start. You have a hard chance to win when you score just 1 run.
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
9:38 pm
Top of the order needs to start producing.
reagan
September 28th, 2012
9:39 pm
Homer Bailey GETS his no-hitter………………
T-Dawg
September 28th, 2012
9:39 pm
Foreshadowing of our one game playoff.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:39 pm
I really had a feeling that Huddy should’ve been replaced before Duda, but I mean, he battled with him before allowing the HR. He did okay. We need to score some runs.
BTW, the Mets bullpen has a 4.71 ERA across 441 innings of work. We need to get Niese out. He’s been great for the last 2-3 months.
Fredo
September 28th, 2012
9:40 pm
I thought you were a lefty specialist Reed? What’s this 0-4 nonsense?
Disgusted
September 28th, 2012
9:40 pm
Hudson would have been better off walking Duda.
They way he was fouling off pitches, I was worried about that AB and my pessimissim came to truth.
It is unacceptable. And this offensive offense is unacceptable.
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
9:40 pm
It’s a Homer-less and hitless game for the kid named Homer. Medlen is next, maybe against the Cards.
ChattTownBrian
September 28th, 2012
9:41 pm
We aren’t catching WSH anyways. They aren’t losing that many of their remaining games even if we win all ours. That’d shock me, but what do I know.
Disgusted
September 28th, 2012
9:42 pm
“3 ER, 7 IP? Not really cause for booing. That’s a quality start. You have a hard chance to win when you score just 1 run.”
TOBF — I am just mad at Hudson for giving up that one pitch. Real mad. All he needed to do is get one more pitch for a strike and he is out of it.
Hudson is on my you know what list for now.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:43 pm
It really would sukk to lose on Chipper Jones night, but it sukks even more because the Nats are losing….
But, we do need to lose at some point, better to do it before we get to the 1gm playoff, and I’d rather not lose the last 3 regular season games
Trey
September 28th, 2012
9:44 pm
A touching Chipper tribute, from last year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuUyPiYmg0w
jason
September 28th, 2012
9:44 pm
This game is on the manager. He didn’t have to use venters for the second inning yesterday up by four runs.
Hudson was clearly running out of gas in the seventh and if he had only used venters for one inning yesterday he could have brought him on to face duda.
Then you could have gone to o’flaherty and kimbrel with the bottom of their lineup for the eighth and kimbrel for the ninth.
That home run was so easy to call as Hudson was gassed and missing location and to leave him in against a lefty that could hit it out made no sense.
Nats could gets swept this weekend as the cards look to clinch but gonzalez couldn’t take advantage of it.
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
9:45 pm
One run of support for your best pitcher against the fourth place team in National League East.
What kind of f*ing offense consistently leaves it’s best starters out to dry against some of the worst competition in the game?
This stuff makes me want to sell my playoff tickets.
Who in their right mind would pick the Braves to win a single game off the Nats, Reds or Giants?
Unf’ingbelievable.
Disgusted
September 28th, 2012
9:45 pm
I guess I would rather lose a couple before the one game playoff and go undefeated in the post season.
I will still be mad at Hudson for that one pitch.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:46 pm
Get ready quickly Gearrin! CMart makes me very nervous… barely throwing strikes now!
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
9:46 pm
Crowd of 51,910 is largest of season and seventh-largest in Turner Field history.
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
9:47 pm
At least we have Lyle Overbay.
jason
September 28th, 2012
9:47 pm
Hudson didn’t have to groove one to duda. You had baxter on deck who is coming off a major shoulder injury.
Hudson gets gassed and instead of walking someone grooves a pitch.
Half Empty
September 28th, 2012
9:48 pm
its a shame that it happened on Chipper’s day if we do lose, but I did not want them to run out anyway
WTFredi?
September 28th, 2012
9:48 pm
Please pull Martinez. Why does he pitch in close games? GET HIM OUT NOW!!!1
Half Empty
September 28th, 2012
9:48 pm
did I say that I do not trust Martinez? If not, I should have
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
9:50 pm
Great job Christian. Boy oh boy.
T-Dawg
September 28th, 2012
9:50 pm
Sure wish we had more pitchers that would walk hitters.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:51 pm
That was bad….don’t use CMart in a close game please! Ever!
JC Brave
September 28th, 2012
9:51 pm
Chipper’s night goes down the toilet…
TBbravesfan
September 28th, 2012
9:52 pm
largest crowd of season big night for chipper and the braves are losing that don’t surprise you ?
MIBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:52 pm
Yeah!!
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:52 pm
Batista’s warming up. Oh my. I would have liked to see Avilan pitch to Duda last inning… and not have CMart start this inning.
Gearrin just saved his butt. Great job, my man!!! Put him in the ‘pen next year. Love this guy,
Brava
September 28th, 2012
9:52 pm
YES!!!!!
WTFredi?
September 28th, 2012
9:52 pm
T-Dawg playing sarcastiball.
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
9:52 pm
And how many people showed up to watch them play the Marlins the past three nights?
65,000-70,000?
I thought big crowds brought the best out of the Braves.
Can we officially say that myth is busted once and for all?
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
9:52 pm
Attababy Hoss!
Cracker
September 28th, 2012
9:53 pm
CHIPPER!!!
Couch Tater
September 28th, 2012
9:53 pm
Set up nicely for a Chipper 3 run homer.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
9:53 pm
How the hell did that tool get back?
Bat Masterson
September 28th, 2012
9:53 pm
Sweet double play. Now get some runs
HooRah
September 28th, 2012
9:54 pm
no but we can officially say that Mitcher is a know nothing nincompoon once and for all
Cardinal
September 28th, 2012
9:54 pm
Medlen wins Sunday sets record then loses to Cardnals as Braves get shutout and we watch Cards go on and beat Nats.
Rick C
September 28th, 2012
9:54 pm
jason, Hudson had been cruising and hadn’t even thrown 90 pitches. No indication that he was gassed.
SR
September 28th, 2012
9:55 pm
Great, great story DOB- reads like 3 dot Journalism. Good stuff man.
phil
September 28th, 2012
9:56 pm
Biggest crowd of the year typically = a big loss
We do this all the time.
phil
September 28th, 2012
9:57 pm
4 hits…..
Yep. Ready for next Friday. That’s 3 games this week with 4 hits?
Half Empty
September 28th, 2012
9:57 pm
probably a smart move
WTFredi?
September 28th, 2012
10:00 pm
phil. True. Thought the Falcons might have broken a curse on MNF, but the Braves are carrying the torch.
Atlanta teams play so well under pressure. I should bet my life savings on any Atlanta team playing a big game.
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:00 pm
Homer Bailey….sigh
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
10:02 pm
Jason is going to strike out.
T-Dawg
September 28th, 2012
10:02 pm
Wow.
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
10:02 pm
Know nothing?
Perhaps not.
Matt
September 28th, 2012
10:03 pm
This sucks. The Mets look determined to stick it to the Braves tonight.
Cracker
September 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
How come pessimists/whiners always think they’re prophets? Must be a miserable way to live.
Half Empty
September 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
I think Chipper is tired. He has slacked off some and has been playing a little more often. He usually rises to the occasional in games like this but not tonight
TBbravesfan
September 28th, 2012
10:04 pm
somebody forgot to tell the team it was chippers night.
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
10:05 pm
Gnats are getting stomped tonight and the Braves can’t beat the Mets. Wow, just wow! Why do I even bother? If the Cards are smart they will just throw an unknown lefty out there and be done with it.
JC Brave
September 28th, 2012
10:05 pm
Nats down 9-1 in 5th, bound for a loss…
The Braves wouldn’t want to gain any more ground now, would they?
A packed house watching a loss in the making.
What a shame
Half Empty
September 28th, 2012
10:05 pm
Perhaps not Mitchell
definitely so
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:05 pm
Chipper deserves to be booed……
Well, maybe not.
Hate to see him depart slumping, but then, with our offense, no surprise i guess.
John Leonard
September 28th, 2012
10:06 pm
With the Braves offense,a quality start for Braves pitchers,is 0 runs in 9 innings.
Half Empty
September 28th, 2012
10:06 pm
one of those so typical games, missed opportunities early lead to a late loss. Seems to be their favorite way to lose
ncgary
September 28th, 2012
10:06 pm
go braves
T-Dawg
September 28th, 2012
10:08 pm
Even when there’s no pressure this team struggles to hit. Maybe we should fire the hitting coach again. Maybe we should blame the fans for not showing up and supporting the team.
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:09 pm
Amen, gary…
Matt
September 28th, 2012
10:10 pm
Maybe after this game they will admit they have a problem hitting lefties and stop trying to blame a lack of support in the stands.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
10:10 pm
Gearrin is a treasure right now…. say yes to him on PS roster, no to CMart
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
10:10 pm
Unbelievable.
Four gd hits.
The Mets have played a starring role in securing a division title for the Washington Nationals.
If you lose a game 9-1 and and are able to walk away without any damage done to your place in the standings, you’ve got no reason to look at the Braves a threat of any kind to your playoff hopes.
Brava
September 28th, 2012
10:10 pm
Good work by Gearrin.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
10:12 pm
Need a win if we plan on having a decent shot in the division race…
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:12 pm
The crowd knows that no matter how loudly, how passionately they cheer, it will do no good as we lose yet another big home game…..
Fredo
September 28th, 2012
10:12 pm
back to back to back homers would be a nice way to win
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
10:13 pm
Well–either way Chipper….you are well thought of in our household—Good Luck always!
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
10:13 pm
I hope the Braves can shut me up in the 9th.
Nowhere man
September 28th, 2012
10:15 pm
What happened to the Hooters girls
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
10:15 pm
I really really hope that the Cards don’t throw Garcia in that playoff…
WTFredi?
September 28th, 2012
10:15 pm
Sports gods are toying with Atlanta. Waiting for the inevitable Georgia and Falcons choke. What was Freddie swinging at
Fredo
September 28th, 2012
10:16 pm
4 back with a magic number of 2? Yep, that dream is over
usnavyvolfaninva
September 28th, 2012
10:16 pm
Mitchell,
NOTHING will EVER be able to shut you up.
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:16 pm
A preview of the demise to come one week from now…..
Just lay down and die.
Brava
September 28th, 2012
10:16 pm
WTG Braves, the Nats thank you.
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
10:16 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
10:12 pm
Need a win if we plan on having a decent shot in the division race…
What division race?
I have no idea what you’re talking about.
JC Brave
September 28th, 2012
10:16 pm
Great game Braves, you’re all bound to win the Division… sure…
Now go cry in the showers.
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
10:17 pm
Crap….this crowd is so ready for a rally–but, I guess this is a dud offensively…tomorrow guys.
Nowhere man
September 28th, 2012
10:17 pm
Another chance to pick up ground on the nats lost.
Nowhere man
September 28th, 2012
10:17 pm
Another chance to pick up ground on the nats lost.
nolie
September 28th, 2012
10:17 pm
after all the years that Chipper beat up on the Mets, they get a bit of payback by spoiling his night
Fredo
September 28th, 2012
10:18 pm
“I really really hope that the Cards don’t throw Garcia in that playoff…”
They’re trying to setup Kyle Lohse for that game
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
10:18 pm
usnavyvolfaninva, you’re welcome.
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
10:19 pm
So much for getting inspired and rejuvenated when you see the Gnats losing 9-1. The Braves went into their “zombie-like” mode tonight. That sealed it for Washington and put the Braves into a one game “do or die” situation.
nolie
September 28th, 2012
10:19 pm
poor lil Mitchell got disappointed tonight I see, Whah……..
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
10:19 pm
Bummer
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
10:19 pm
coulda been 3 back with 5 to play… 4back with 5 to play is almost impossible
nolie
September 28th, 2012
10:20 pm
Cry Me A River
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
10:20 pm
The “younger brothers” did not impress!
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
10:22 pm
@Nolieee……Hope you’re feeling ok.
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:22 pm
How in the name of Skip Caray did we actually WIN one in 1995?
It did happen, right?
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
10:22 pm
One f’ing run.
That is not a performance indicative of a serious playoff contender.
Where would this team even be without the starting pitching and bullpen?
Nowhere near where they are.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
10:22 pm
these guys are such bums, they lost… need to send them to a fiery place.
Bright side, Huddy has had 2 straight quality starts, and he gave 6-7 innings of scoreless ball in each. That will be welcome come playoff time. Fredi will likely have a short hook anyway, but if Tim can give us 6 strong, I’ll take it.
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
10:23 pm
I almost wish the Nats would have won–we then maybe would have had chance tonite.
Animus
September 28th, 2012
10:24 pm
So Niese went 3-1 against the Braves this year, gave up a total of 6 earned runs. Not the guy the Braves wanted to face today. Well, it just got a lot tougher to do anything about the division, all the team can do is try to win out.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
10:24 pm
Phils eliminated tonight, Pirates lost their 81st
WTFredi?
September 28th, 2012
10:24 pm
This team has zero professional hitters outside of Chipper, and he’s pressing right now, cannot catch up to pitches.
Martin, you say? Mr. two-strike and slap the ball to right? Can’t remember the last time he had a clutch hit. And I really like Martin, but all the two strike hits just says that he either fall behind taking pitches and/or can’t hit the pitches he gets in hitter’s counts.
But the biggest problem is that these guys cannot adjust to situations. They all try to hit a three run bomb with nobody on base. I don’t know whose fault that is, but the pitching deserves better.
Lakewood
September 28th, 2012
10:25 pm
Time to concentrate on baseball again Bravos. Unacceptable loss tonight. In front of a sellout nonetheless. Come on, man.
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
10:25 pm
Braves artifice Phil!
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:25 pm
Quality start? Bull.
Hate that term. Hudson got smoked at the worst possible moment. It’s what we do.
I blame someone….
WTFredi?
September 28th, 2012
10:26 pm
phil. Cleveland. Somebody had to win, and God hates Cleveland more than Atlanta.
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:27 pm
And here come the Nats…..
Only down 9-2 now.
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
10:27 pm
astonishingly inaccurate analysis….but compensation is rendered for such.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
10:27 pm
Those dang SnozzWangers!
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:29 pm
God bless Glavine and Wohlers for their efforts in that long ago game six……
nolie
September 28th, 2012
10:30 pm
Got a request from the audience tonight folks. This one goes out to Mitchell, phil and the rest sitting arounf that table:
Born To Lose, I lived my life in vain
Every dream has only caused me pain
All my Like I’ve always been so blue
Born To Lose , and now the Braves are too…..
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 28th, 2012
10:30 pm
Niese continues his 2nd half dominance, which he turned up since August… nothing to be ashamed about losing to him. I would have liked to see some more offense, but he’s a good pitcher. It’s very very hard to win when you only score 1.
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
10:30 pm
nolie, if you can watch a game like that and find another blogger’s comments more upsetting than the outcome of the game itself, you are not a fan.
You and the “sky is falling” crowd have embarrassed yourselves more over the past three years than I ever could to myself.
How could that game be described as anything but disappointing, nolie?
Jesus.
Guess it’s no big deal to you though.
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:31 pm
Now that the celebrating is over, if we DFA Chipper, what can we get for him?
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
10:31 pm
All I ask is a tall ship and a star to sail it by
nolie
September 28th, 2012
10:34 pm
Mitchell you are full of crap, every day you post the same negative bull no matter if they win or lose. I have no anger about it like you claim, I think you are ridiculously funny day in and day out.
Perhaps if you weren’t such a CONSTANT crybaby I could gather some empathy, but as it is no way sweetie. The world does not begin or end over one freakin’ baseball game
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:36 pm
I like that song, nolie….
Surely DOB will use it soon as his obscure, never heard of tune of the day.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
10:36 pm
There’s no earthly way of knowing
Which direction we are going
There’s no knowing where we’re rowing
Or which way the river’s flowing
Is it raining?
Is it snowing?
Is a hurricane a-blowing?
Not a speck of light is showing
So the danger must be growing
Are the fires of hell a-glowing?
Is the grisly reaper mowing?
Yes, the danger must be growing
‘Cause the rowers keep on rowing
And they’re certainly not showing
Any signs that they are slowing!
WTFredi?
September 28th, 2012
10:37 pm
No. Nothing to be ashamed of when you lost…. to the 4th place team in your division….In a pennant race… In front of a sellout crowd…. When the first place team is losing 9-1… On the night the team honors arguably the 2nd greatest player to wear an Atlanta Braves uniform…Nope, nothing to be ashamed about.
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:37 pm
Tall ships tend to be top heavy and capsize…..
Maybe.
nolie
September 28th, 2012
10:38 pm
I liked it too back in my days of Wine and Melancholy, phil
Ray Charles did a killer version B4 your time I guess
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:39 pm
Is Cab into the liquor cabinet again?
Mixxo
September 28th, 2012
10:39 pm
Cab getting ethereal on us.
nolie
September 28th, 2012
10:40 pm
“ashamed of”, means you have a lot more invested in a sports team than is healthy. whether they win or lose does not reflect on you one way or the other. You ain’t worse when they lose or better when they win.
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:40 pm
We looked like ray charles trying to hit tonight…..
Mets R Best
September 28th, 2012
10:40 pm
Tried to warn you Braves fans……. Duda, Duda.
nolie
September 28th, 2012
10:41 pm
cab with the Willie Wonka. good gal
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:42 pm
Atlanta loses because we are all losers….
Makes sense.
Nowhere man
September 28th, 2012
10:43 pm
Ironic. Chipper talking about his parents being married forty two years.
nolie
September 28th, 2012
10:43 pm
look like Ray too often phil, we need a RHed bat desperately
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
10:44 pm
Candy is dandy but liquor is quicker!
(nolie wins the prize!!
)
nolie
September 28th, 2012
10:44 pm
whats da matter nowhere, Chipper stick his tongue out at you once?
WTFredi?
September 28th, 2012
10:48 pm
Uh, a poster said the Braves had “nothing to be ashamed of” losing tonight to Niese. I disagreed, sarcastically. 51,000 people paid good money tonight to see the Braves win on Chipper’s night and they got four hits and lost a pressure-filled game in true Atlanta fashion.
so noile, when a team you are a fan of wins, you don’t feel joy? Why do you follow sports?
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
10:49 pm
Chipper said it was most nervous and emotionally overwhelmed he’d been on a field since his big-league debut.
“I was an emotional wreck all night,” he said. “I think I had a tear planted in the corner of my eye all night. It’s pretty tough to hit when you’re misty like that. Tough to see the spin [of the pitched ball].”
Moe Berg
September 28th, 2012
10:49 pm
nolie, how are you doing?
Bill
September 28th, 2012
10:49 pm
In the picture Prado throwning dirt sucks..In 1st grade we got our butts beat for that. How stupid.
Love Chipper Jones..Thanks for 20 good years.
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
10:49 pm
Once again, “die hard” Braves fan nolie completely indifferent to the distinct possibility of Chipper Jones’ career coming to an end a week from tonight.
Oh well.
Can’t win ‘em all.
No point in makin’ a stink about it like some know it all wanna be big shots.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
10:50 pm
51,000 people paid good money tonight to see the Braves win on Chipper’s night and they got four hits and lost a pressure-filled game in true Atlanta fashion
No. They paid good money to see Chipper honored. Nobody was guaranteed a win.
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
10:51 pm
Chipper said it was terrific, all the love he felt from crowd, but said he’s glad the night is over so he and the Braves can focus on the job at hand.
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:52 pm
Yep, way too lefty heavy at the plate…
My parents celebrate number 50 tomorrow. It can be done.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
10:53 pm
My parents just celebrated #41 this year. Brother #11. Yes, it can be done. But the life of a pro athlete is hard on a marriage
ncgary
September 28th, 2012
10:54 pm
my grandparents were married for over 70 years , when
my grandmother died , he didn’t eat again and died 3 and a half months later
nolie
September 28th, 2012
10:54 pm
sure joy or disappointment. they are not the same thing as shame. and I don’t have to cry like a baby or swear like a seadog when we lose.
The thing is that most of the folks who go off claim they are better fans than folks who contain their disappointment which is entirely untrue. Neither is a better or worse fan, they just have different learned responses of how to handle it.
when I rag on someone about it, it is usually someone like Mitchell who is negative no matter what happens.
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:55 pm
I’m close to 16…..
Been anything but easy…a lot.
But still well worth it.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
10:55 pm
Grandparents were married 50+ years before my grandfather passed. Grandma still going strong 15 years later (at 93 years old)
ncgary
September 28th, 2012
10:56 pm
heres a link of what im up against if any one cares
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amyotrophic_lateral_sclerosis#Disease_progression_and_spread
WTFredi?
September 28th, 2012
10:56 pm
cabravesfan, what a ridiculous comment. If they paid good money only to see Chipper honored the place would have been half empty by the end of the first inning.
It’s okay, keep bustin out the willy wonka songs on a sports blog, cause that’s what people want to read.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
10:56 pm
We are the music makers. And we are the dreamers of dreams
nolie
September 28th, 2012
10:57 pm
Once again, “die hard” Braves fan nolie completely indifferent to the distinct possibility of Chipper Jones’ career coming to an end a week from tonight.
Mitchell, telling lies about other here really does not get you anything but pity and disdain. There is not a long term poster here who does not know that I am very unhappy about Chipper leaving. Just said so again a little while ago. Most folks have little if any respect for a liar
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:57 pm
70 years……goodness.
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
10:58 pm
@Nolieee….Are you back to full-speed yet?
ncgary
September 28th, 2012
10:58 pm
i’ve had a lot of miracles to make it to 50 years of age
hopeing for another huge one this time
bravofan
September 28th, 2012
10:59 pm
When is the ajcs special braves section ?
usnavyvolfaninva
September 28th, 2012
10:59 pm
Wish I coulda been there, win or lose. Can’t say much more that hasn’t already been said about Chipper. Gonna miss him in a Braves uniform… Go get ‘em tomorrow Braves.
phil
September 28th, 2012
10:59 pm
Cabs grandma was relieved…..
No, i’m kidding of course!! Congrats on still havin her.
ncgary
September 28th, 2012
11:00 pm
yeah phil they were born in the 1880’s and married young
both were 85 when they passed
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
11:00 pm
Nats losing 12-2 in bottom of eighth against St. Louis. This will be Cards’ 9th win in 11 games.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
11:00 pm
WTFredi?-
Sorry, where was it guaranteed that the Braves would win tonight? Or any night? If you only buy tickets to games you assume the Braves will win, you should probably never go to a game.
Also, this:
We talk baseball, other sports, music, movies, BBQ and whatever (except politics or religion)
So I will keep posting whatever I want and people can read or not read. Don’t much care. Scroll by if you want. Doesn’t matter to me. In fact, please do.
nolie
September 28th, 2012
11:00 pm
not quite Capt. I will have to spend a long while hooked up to an IV every day. but things are pretty good.
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
11:00 pm
@cabravesfan…..Like “Dreamweavers?”
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
11:01 pm
Just a wee bit late to be trying to “focus” now. Three or four more wins during the year would have made all the difference right now. Are you listening FG?
nolie
September 28th, 2012
11:01 pm
Gary Pete passed on the bad news to me a few days ago. You have all my sympathy and prayers daily. God Bless you and keep you.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
11:02 pm
phil-
She’s got her health concerns, but at 93, who wouldn’t? It is nice to still have her around (and not that far away)
ncgary
September 28th, 2012
11:02 pm
shoot i’d enjoy another year of chipper
but even the homerist braves fan can see how
much that bat has slowed the last month
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
11:02 pm
Oh yeah….the Antibiotics…I trust. You got the ‘fight’ to get through and, well, the blog was amiss without you.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
11:02 pm
Capt.Mudd-
That’s one of my favorite lines from the movie
ncgary
September 28th, 2012
11:03 pm
thanks nolie
heres wishing you the best too
phil
September 28th, 2012
11:03 pm
Gary, we all care, or at least the ones with sense….
I know the road is bleak.
But I told you I know of a few alive many, many yrs later. It’s possible and is at least something to hold on to.
And of course if you’re a christian, you know the deal.
It’s wierd knowing but not knowing you at the same time, but i think of you often now, pray for you and hope that you’re as well as can be
bravofan
September 28th, 2012
11:03 pm
When is the special chipper section?
ncgary
September 28th, 2012
11:04 pm
i still believe in prayer
but this time i think
i may have a new mission
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
11:05 pm
@cabravesfan….If you could…would you like to be an Actor?
ncgary
September 28th, 2012
11:06 pm
i still feel good phil but docs tell me it could come at any time now
he said as bad as my lungs are he didnt see how i ever came off the ventilator in the hospital
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
11:07 pm
Capt.Mudd-
Dear God, no. I have a few friends in the business and it is not nearly as glamorous as it appears – the number of stars is minuscule compared to the number of struggling people that need to have multiple day jobs to make ends meet as they try to make it…
Mitchell
September 28th, 2012
11:08 pm
Regardless of how genuinely irritating persistent negative or critical comments are, they pale in comparison to the guttural pain of watching easily winnable games pile up in the loss column season after season and the razor thin wire that has separated the Braves from just good enough to truly great.
If I wasn’t utterly convinced that they could do better I wouldn’t care.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
11:08 pm
ncgary-
My (and VJ’s) thoughts and prayers to you.
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
11:08 pm
Has anyone here gone to see “Trouble with the Curve” with Clint Eastwood, about the Braves scout? Is it worth spending the money for? Trailers look interesting.
ncgary
September 28th, 2012
11:09 pm
nite all and lets run the table for all of us braves fans who might not make it baclk to spring training
nolie
September 28th, 2012
11:10 pm
they pale in comparison to the guttural pain of watching easily winnable games pile up in the loss column season after season and the razor thin wire that has separated the Braves from just good enough to truly great….Mitchell
you must have had an incredibly easy life so far
ncgary
September 28th, 2012
11:10 pm
thanks cab and vj
David O'Brien
September 28th, 2012
11:11 pm
Hudson on the Duda homer:
“It’s just frustrating that one pitch put pretty much a damper on the night. I didn’t make a very good pitch right there. One pitch cost us the game. It’s probably the one pitch the whole at-bat that I didn’t feel like I made. You’ve got to tip your hat to him. It sucks on my part, but he done his job. Sucks it was a homer. If it’s a single, we might still be playing.”
Michael Carvell
September 28th, 2012
11:11 pm
Great read as always DOB
Capt.Mudd
September 28th, 2012
11:16 pm
@ncgary….I have a brother named Gary….great name. I have seen you post and had missed where information pertaining to your current health status could have been rendered.
Often, we are miles apart physically–but always close enough to offer our thoughts and prayers–I am planning on including you to my daily list and trust that God’s love will surround you always.
phil
September 28th, 2012
11:17 pm
Well, gary, I expect to see you here a yr from now, but if something sudden happens, then it happens I guess.
Can I say that and make it sound right?
Take this for what it’s worth…..God will hold you and keep you and has a plan for you. Keep your faith firmly in him. I’m no preacher and don’t often say stuff like this to people, but despite how I act here a lot, I believe firmly in him and have every confidence that he will look after you, as he has already been doing. It’s all gonna be good, one way or another.
brian
September 28th, 2012
11:19 pm
You couldn’t have said it any better in the lead in blog DOB
phil
September 28th, 2012
11:20 pm
Nite gary….sleep well, friend.
We’ll whup em tomorrow.
Powderfinger
September 28th, 2012
11:21 pm
ncgary—I don’t think I can express it any better than phil did above. Without trying to sound too Zen, just take a little time every now and then to close your eyes and feel the embrace of those thinking about you. It just might help a little; it certainly can’t hurt.
John Leonard
September 28th, 2012
11:23 pm
Cards plan to go into the stands oct.5 and ask if anybody throws lefthanded.That will be there pitcher for the game.
phil
September 28th, 2012
11:24 pm
I just closed my eyes and felt the wrath of VJ overwhelm me…..
Good nite all.
E Harmony keeps matching me with fat chicks
September 28th, 2012
11:24 pm
OK…..This is the most unusual way of coming out of the closet…….Still, way to go Mr O’Brien
Powderfinger
September 28th, 2012
11:24 pm
phil—You’re a bad, bad man. Sleep tight…
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
11:25 pm
The wrath of VJ won’t be home for another 20 minutes
nolie
September 28th, 2012
11:25 pm
maybe we can find a righty hitter the same way John
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
11:26 pm
We have so much time and so little to do!
phil
September 28th, 2012
11:28 pm
Lol……nite folks.
Powderfinger
September 28th, 2012
11:28 pm
nolie—I think righty hitters are supposed to grow on trees; it’s the lefty ones that should be hard to find. Correct?
John Leonard
September 28th, 2012
11:28 pm
Never thought of that nolie,hope your feeling better.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
11:29 pm
Don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted…
kenhotlanta
September 28th, 2012
11:30 pm
ncgary: Daily prayers still going up for you.
Powderfinger
September 28th, 2012
11:30 pm
cab—Are you referring to VJ?
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
11:31 pm
Cards have a lefty, named Garcia who has been doing OK lately. They would be stupid not to start him. He may be their only lefty starter right now as they are RH heavy on pitchers.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
11:34 pm
Powderfinger-
I was not, but I had better be everything he as ever wanted
kenhotlanta
September 28th, 2012
11:34 pm
Capt.Mudd: I missed your earlier comment, I don’t usually stick around for the in-game BS, I just scroll through for DOB or Carroll’s comments.
Good to hear from you, eBay is still slow as molasses and killing me. I’m hoping it picks up for the holidays.
cabravesfan
September 28th, 2012
11:35 pm
*has…
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 28th, 2012
11:45 pm
Slim finished packing and is warming the car……..he’s coming over to say good-bye. Stiff upper lip.
Yogi Berra
September 28th, 2012
11:49 pm
NCgary I just got out of hospital from having my right lung (Cancer)removed.. You will be in my Prayers and I’m putting you on my prayer list. Don’t give up we’ll fight together buddy.
Thats the reason I’ve been gone last 4 weeks. Good to see Braves playing well and Chipper is the Man.
MIBravesFan
September 29th, 2012
12:00 am
rich/GCJ, ncgary, and Yogi – my prayers are with you (and your wife, rich).
I have this baseball schedule sitting here by the computer and it strikes me how fast the past 6 months have gone by, but how slowly the 6 weeks from any New Year’s to the date when pitchers and catchers report seems to go. The 6 months flying by seems to have gone particularly fast this season. The last day this season is going to be particularly hard. A magical celebration would make it easier and delay the inevitable, but it will still be an ending to something great.
keyLargo
September 29th, 2012
12:06 am
Has anyone here gone to see “Trouble with the Curve” with Clint Eastwood, about the Braves scout? Is it worth spending the money for?
Not that it’s funny but you ask if a $12 movie ticket is worth the money while assuming that a $125 pair of tickets, parking, and inflated concessions is worth it. I guess you just get used to it after awhile.
David O'Brien
September 29th, 2012
12:09 am
Updated, much longer game story with quotes
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/09/28/duda-hr-spoils-chipper-jones-night-braves-beat-mets-3-1/
Venice Jim
September 29th, 2012
12:10 am
Blog regulars and wives of blog regulars in major discomfort – glad to see Mitchell can maintain his sense of perspective on the horrendous pain and torment he feels when the Braves lose…
UKUGA
September 29th, 2012
12:24 am
DOB,
Thanks for the info about the game times for next Friday.
Braves blew a golden chance tonight.
Still hope we win the next 2 and the Nats do no better than split, so that we can at least force the Nats to head into their last series without having clinched the division.
UKUGA
September 29th, 2012
12:26 am
ncGary,
Very sorry to hear that you have ALS.
You will be in my prayers that God will comfort you.
Use your time wisely.
The Blogger Formerly Known as Billy
September 29th, 2012
12:34 am
anyone with a link to that carrol interview with chipper that DOB linked a day or so ago….the video?
bravofan
September 29th, 2012
12:39 am
hey so im sure everyone has seen fans try to lower something down between the seats and outfield wall to try to grab a baseball that was dropped by someone in batting practice. I have seen it done with a glove and didn’t really like that. Does anyone know how to make it using PVC pipe or duct tape? I would greatly appreciate it.
By the way in two separate occasions I saw people fighting each other for baseballs with their own little contraptions.
The Blogger Formerly Known as Billy
September 29th, 2012
12:41 am
Found it:
http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/jones-career-by-the-moments/nSNMJ/
kenhotlanta
September 29th, 2012
12:49 am
Yogi, Prayers going out for you, too. My, there are a lot of folks on the blog with health issues, including myself, and it’s comforting that most of these folks on here sincerely care.
I call my utilities to tell them my payment will be a few days late, and they get indignant and don’t want to listen or offer an extension. They could care less what my problems are and disregard the fact that I have already paid them a healthy deposit.
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
1:05 am
pretty great atmosphere in the Ted tonight if you could actually get there.
i go to twenty plus a season, only a handful on Fridays because i know the drill.
The city of Atlanta and the braves have never been chummy.
go back to the the City mandate that the marta shuttle require every braves fan to walk through Undergound Atlanta.
sidebar, underground Atlanta was funded by municipal bonds.
the mayors office actually pimped out the braves.
the city council attempted to make sure in order to go to the braves game using marta you had to exit the train walk close to 3/8 of a mile through underground atlanta in order to get on a bus to go to the game.
sounds simple when written like that but man if you are a senior or someone that aint exactly quick of brain from maybe somewhere not around here it was good luck.
for objectivity, i have never ridden Marta to a braves game.
but i have take public transit in at least seven other major league cities.
we are at or near the worst.
kenhotlanta
September 29th, 2012
1:17 am
There is no excuse for Marta not fully servicing the stadium. Petty politics, I guess.
Good night, good folks.
GATA tomorrow for the Dawgs and Braves.
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
1:26 am
ken,
GATA.
chipontheroad
September 29th, 2012
1:29 am
I
chipontheroad
September 29th, 2012
1:33 am
I pull hard for Bravos every year to get to the seriesc and win it all we did once but it shure would be a good year to do it again bookends for Chipper what say you baseball dieities?
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
1:35 am
nice wind down bottle of Pretense.
Pettite Syrah.
actually i dont know crap about the wine from Solano county.
all i know the wife orders cases it shows up on the doorstep i store it downstairs an eventually drink it.
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
1:40 am
oh by the way Boogie nights now on HBO is top 40 quality.
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
1:51 am
man, back to ’scent of the woman”.
anything with seymour hoffman is usually good.
ChattTownBrian
September 29th, 2012
2:01 am
Hate to read things like that from ncgary and nolie, but ya know it’s part of this strange life sometimes. I know when we lost our boy my outlook has changed.Any one of us can go at any time and some never even get a chance. But ya know what, God has a plan, a reason. I am comfortable with that, even if I’m confused by it. That’s okay though.
ChattTownBrian
September 29th, 2012
2:04 am
Again, I’m with Uggla and Fredi on the one game elimination – it’s very scary. They said that a few weeks back. Just an awful idea. Make it a 3 game series and even that’s way better. One game? Really?
nolie
September 29th, 2012
2:37 am
Meh on Scent Of A Woman
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
2:50 am
nolie, this place would not be right without you. i mean that.
John Leonard
September 29th, 2012
2:51 am
Nolie: Do you know what cross-site scripting is?and if so how to stop it.my norton seems to be working.
tony austin
September 29th, 2012
2:52 am
It’s just frustrating that one pitch put pretty much a damper on the night. I didn’t make a very good pitch right there. One pitch cost us the game (Hudson) – DOB
No Huddy, it’s not that one pitch that cost the team the game, it was the ineptitude of this offense to once again not do anything against a LHP. You shouldn’t have to throw a shut out to win the game.
If I were Matheny, a LHP is starting the coin flip game for STL.
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
2:53 am
well we let the troy glauss going to his right.
i pretty much love lefthanders doing that.
John Leonard
September 29th, 2012
2:55 am
Tony: I think thats why a lot of us are more scared of the one gamer then we should be.
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
2:57 am
i hope they throw lohse. that is our best case scenario.
John Leonard
September 29th, 2012
3:00 am
Uga:Anyone that throws righty at least we have a chance.
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
3:00 am
wayne, we are doomed.
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
3:14 am
well we have close to 450 employees. should i tell one that there healthcare benefits exceed their value/
nolie
September 29th, 2012
3:15 am
its a vulnerability in your browser and you often find it at places like FaceBook , Twitter, etc. If you use Mozilla 4 browser I think they have instituted a precedure to cut down on it and I think that Chrome is about to have a similar content, I am certainly no expert on it
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
3:16 am
or the other that is about to go into maternity care?
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
3:22 am
group health care sucks. from the numbers we run. i t is plan that knocks out small business guys.
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
3:26 am
do you guys realize how much it costs to insure an employee?
and we are about to be taxxed more.
uga-brave
September 29th, 2012
4:35 am
,234. since the all star break.
that is 15 out of 16.
and you guys hate roger.
cowdogit
September 29th, 2012
4:46 am
If pressure is applied pitchers will make mistakes – With their speed Bourn, Heyward and Constanza are the stress factors. The braves have a great winning record when all three are in the line-up. Simple solutions are the hardest to comprehend.
VaBravesFan
September 29th, 2012
7:36 am
Good morning everyone, hope everyone is doing well. I haven’t been on in over a week cause I started a new job.
Fly OnThe Wall
September 29th, 2012
7:38 am
Great salute to Chipper last night…wish the game had gone better, but we were due to lose one and the Mets are hot. Lets hope we don’t start another bad streak. We weren’t going to catch the Nats anyway. Now it’s time to start resting and healing for the big game next Friday…that means Prado too…he looks like he could use day off.
Love ya Larry Wayne Jones…thanks for all the great memories including my personal favorite…. the time you almost fell out of the dugout laughing so hard… when Bmac belly flopped into 3rd.
1991 braves
September 29th, 2012
7:40 am
Hopefully Larry Jones takes Hudson with him when he finally leaves. The 20 million the braves are paying these 2 would help bring in a power hitting outfielder to help replace Bourn. Hudson wins against inferior competition, and he has blown more leads than any braves pitcher other than the wonderboy Hanson. Braves need to trade Hudson and Hanson while they can get something in return. Bring up the young arms and prepare for the future.
Trey
September 29th, 2012
7:50 am
Okay, I am officially sick of Mitchell and his bitching. He is now starting to piss me off.
Brian from SC
September 29th, 2012
8:25 am
Today is the first day this season that Washington can clinch the NL East, which they would do with a win and a Braves loss. Texas missed out on clinching a playoff spot last night, so they will try it again tonight by beating the Angels. The Yankees can also clinch a playoff spot with a win and a loss by the Angels.
Here are the updated magic numbers:
NL East – Washington – 2
NL Central – Cincinnati – clinched
NL West – San Francisco – clinched
NL Playoffs (relative to Los Angeles)
Washington – clinched
Cincinnati – clinched
San Francisco – clinched
Atlanta – clinched
St. Louis – 3
NL #1 seed – Washington – 5 (hold tiebreaker over Cincinnati)
NL #1 wild card – Atlanta – clinched
AL East – New York – 5
AL Central – Detroit – 5
AL West – Texas – 3
AL Playoffs (relative to Los Angeles)
Texas – 1
New York – 2
Baltimore – 3
Oakland – 4
Detroit – 5 (relative to Chicago for division)
AL #1 seed – Texas – 5
AL #1 wild card – Baltimore – 5
Brian from SC
September 29th, 2012
8:28 am
With the Cardinals’ win last night, the Phillies and Diamondbacks were both eliminated from the postseason. Next on the chopping block is Milwaukee, who would be eliminated today with a loss or with a Cardinals win.
Over in the AL, with the A’s win last night, the White Sox were officially eliminated from wild card contention, and can only hope to win the AL Central. The same will be true for Detroit if they lose today, or if the A’s win.
Here are the updated elimination numbers:
NL Playoffs (relative to St. Louis)
Milwaukee – 1
Los Angeles – 3
AL Playoffs (relative to Oakland)
Tampa Bay – 3
Los Angeles – 4
Chicago – 5 (relative to Detroit for division)
Brian from SC
September 29th, 2012
8:30 am
I should also say that Tampa Bay would be eliminated from contention in the AL East with a loss or Yankees win. And Los Angeles would be eliminated from the AL West race with a loss to Texas.
ChippersGirl
September 29th, 2012
8:39 am
Thanks DOB. I couldn’t agree more on everything you said about Chipper. Your columns are always fantastic!
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 29th, 2012
8:57 am
let’s get ‘um tonight guys.
phil
September 29th, 2012
9:10 am
Let’s rest all the regulars tonight…..just because.
It’ll throw em off….
Lew
September 29th, 2012
9:15 am
1/4 of the regulars haven’t been playing anyway.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 29th, 2012
9:29 am
5 games to go….4 back of the Nats. Maybe tonight Overbay and (oh my) Hinske get a start? Rev at 2b?
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 29th, 2012
9:44 am
The difference between being a division winner and a wild card team is so large now that you have to put your best players on the field until you’re mathematically out of it.
Jeff R
September 29th, 2012
10:20 am
Well, I think the Braves are the top-seed WC team now, even if they haven’t been mathematically eliminated from the division crown. I’d start resting more of the front line players.
And what about the Cards? Finishing strong, too.
David O'Brien
September 29th, 2012
10:22 am
Some of you guys would whine if we took the WS in 5 games vs 4 games….good grief! — Fly On The Wall
Yes, but by now it’s humorous, don’t you think? I mean, you can’t take seriously the group of folks here who never, ever comment on anything the Braves do well during a five-game winning streak that improved their record to one game better than the $200 million Yankees, but then jump in like there’s free money being shot in the air so they can bitch and whine — and I do mean whine — when the Braves lose 3-1 to a team and a pitcher (Niese) who’ve been doing quite well lately.
The Braves had won 10 of their last 11 games against the Mets before Friday. The Mets had won six of their past seven games before Friday. Niese, a lefty, had a 2.51 ERA in his past seven starts before Friday. Nevertheless this — how shall we say it, less than savvy? — segment of our blog readership would have you believe none of that matters and that the Braves should just sweep another team just like they did the Marlins. Damn the recent records, the odds, the opposing pitcher and anything else.
David O'Brien
September 29th, 2012
10:27 am
This one is on Freddie…he knows it…we all know it.
So if Fredi had removed Hudson with the Braves ahead 1-0 and and brought in a reliever to face Duda, who up to that point was 5-for-19 with no homers in his career against Hudson, and that reliever gave up a hit or homer to Duda, I’m sure you and Fredi haters on the blog would not have criticized the move one bit, right? You wouldn’t have asked why he didn’t leave in Hudson when he was pitching a shutout and had thrown about 80 pitches?
David O'Brien
September 29th, 2012
10:33 am
Most could tell that Duda was centering the ball. He fouled off about 4 pitches and all were belt high. — lee maye
Very true. Said the same thing to Schultz when we were downstairs waiting to be let in the clubhouse. He was fouling those pitches straight back and you just got a sense that it was coming.
Nevertheless, I stand by what I said about the second-guessing that would have ensued had Fredi taken out Hudson at that point — I mean, he’s obviously not going to do it in the middle of an at-bat — and had a reliever face Duda with Hudson having allowed no runs and thrown about 80 pitches.
David O'Brien
September 29th, 2012
10:34 am
Most could tell that Duda was centering the ball. He fouled off about 4 pitches and all were belt high. — lee maye
Very true. Said the same thing to Schultz when we were downstairs waiting to be let in the clubhouse. He was fouling those pitches straight back and you just got a sense that it was coming.
Nevertheless, I stand by what I said about the second-guessing that would have ensued had Fredi taken out Hudson at that point — I mean, he’s obviously not going to do it in the middle of an at-bat — and had a reliever face Duda with Hudson having allowed no runs and thrown about 80 pitches.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 29th, 2012
10:38 am
I don’t believe that being the “top seed” wc team is comparable to being the “bottom seed” division winner. But if you’ve got a yen to see bench players strike out, boot balls, etc…
Trader Jack
September 29th, 2012
10:42 am
Latest Vegas odds for winning WS:
Rangers 4/1
Reds 5/1
Nats 5/1
Yanks 6/1
Giants 6/1
Tigers 10/1
BRAVES 12/1
O’s 12/1
White Sox 14/1
A’s 18/1
Cards 20/1
brian
September 29th, 2012
10:49 am
Good response to the Monday morning QBs. No way Hudson should have been pulled for Duda. Duda had the big hit of the game. It happens. Earl weaver would have been thrilled.
I do think one could question pitch selection and location if a hitter seems to be zeroing in on the pitcher
Jeff R
September 29th, 2012
10:49 am
Hugo, you honestly think the Braves are going to grab the division at this point? Ecstatic if they do, but long odds.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 29th, 2012
10:54 am
Jeff R, there’s no way I’d put money on the Braves winning the east now.But I think the reward of being division winner far outweighs whatever nebulous value you get from resting Uggla, Freeman, or whoever for a game or two.
CB
September 29th, 2012
10:55 am
Jeff R, there is a dog still in the show.
Jeff R
September 29th, 2012
10:56 am
Nevertheless this — how shall we say it, less than savvy? — segment of our blog readership would have you believe none of that matters and that the Braves should just sweep another team just like they did the Marlins. Damn the recent records, the odds, the opposing pitcher and anything else.
Yeah, well, I was banking on the Braves going 162-0. When it became apparent after Game 1 of the regular season that my hopes were crushed, I lowered my expectations. I thought 161-1 was doable… until the second game of the season.
I’ve kept making adjustments to accommodate reality because reality’s out there. I’m happier now and sleep better at night.
Jeff R
September 29th, 2012
10:57 am
Hugo, CB – All right. You guys win.
northbeach Scott
September 29th, 2012
11:07 am
@Brian from SC, thank you for your standings updates. I look forward to them.
Do the blog retards not understand that all baseball teams that play 162 games lose at least 50 of them? This is not football with a do or die game once a week, it is a marathon. I do not like losing and I am not a Fredi fan, nevertheless Huddy threw a good game, Niese threw a better game, and the timely hits did not happen for the Braves, last night. Let’s go get them tonight and get Mike Minor some early run support.
Complain all you want about the WC one game play-in game. I am sure the Braves would have enjoyed that option in 2011, had it existed.
The fact is shy of a miracle, the Braves host the Cards next Friday and they are positioned to have their best pitcher Kris Medlen going. Bourn should be reasonably healthy, Heap will be as rested and healed as he can be for this stage of the seaon, and we have Andrelton Simmons back, healthy and hitting from the DL thanks to great work by Jannish (i.e. Simmons recovery was not rushed).
This season has been enjoyable for so many reasons including Chipper’s stellar swansong, the emergence of a dominating Kris Medlen, the growth of Mike Minor, the play of remarkable rookie Andrelton Simmons, Craig Kembrel establishing himself as a CY contender, some good bench support from Jannish, Francisco, and Rossy, remarkable flexibilty and success of Martin Prado, strong sophomore season from Freddie and bounce back year from Heyward.
What is not to like?
Couch Tater
September 29th, 2012
11:13 am
I think Cholly is a good manager. I hope the Phillies can him.
“Listen to Joe Torre, Bobby Cox, and [Tony] La Russa talk,” Manuel said. “They talk about how hard it is to repeat. Joe Torre used to tell me how [the Yankees] won three straight World Series, that he thought that would never happen. After they won the first one, he saw the change in his team. Unless you were there and really know what you were dealing with, [people] wouldn’t understand that at all.”
Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20120927_Phillies_future_filled_with_questions.html#ixzz27s6dNCQr
Watch sports videos you won’t find anywhere else
Venice Jim
September 29th, 2012
11:15 am
Wow, Phil…
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
11:16 am
I hope that Micheal Bourn’s thumb stops feelig so BUMB.
We need him to be the hot Bourn again. Not the slumping bumb hitter he has been.
His thumb deserves to be Booed.
Couch Tater
September 29th, 2012
11:16 am
Brian from SC – Ditto on the standings update. Two gloves up.
David O'Brien
September 29th, 2012
11:35 am
northbeach Scott: Let’s face it, we’ve got quite a few people who try to apply their football mentality to baseball, and either can’t grasp or just won’t acknowledge the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the sport that plays a 16-game schedule and the one that follows a 162-game schedule.
These are the folks who treat every loss as if it’s tragic or something that someone, anyone — but usually the manager — has to be “held accountable for,” and that there must be blame assigned dammit! It’s almost comical. I’ve come to believe it’s usually a case of these particular people coming at things from the perspective of a different generation, the short-attention-span, immediate-satisfaction, often overly stimulated generation of the past couple of decades. That, or they are folks who didn’t grow up following baseball closely, even if they played the sport at the Little League or high school level.
That’s the best I can figure. And unfortunately, with some I do believe it’s hopeless, in terms of trying to explain that baseball is a cerebral game best followed by patient folks, and that knee-jerk reactions and broiling emotions aren’t ideal — for fans or participants — in a sport where teams play 6-7 days a week for 6-7 months.
Oh, well.
George_George
September 29th, 2012
11:46 am
Good morning all
A tough loss after a fine tribute to CHIPPER. How could HUDDY give up a HR to ZIPPITY-DO-DA-DAY? I was sick when that ball went to RF, we could have gotten a game closer to NATS. It seems the FREDI led [led?] BRAVES always let us down when a important game is played. We can’t trust FREDI to win a single game play-in even with MEDS pitching, FREDI will pull him at the wrong time. FREDI cannot manage under pressure. When has he EVER won a big game?
Venice Jim
September 29th, 2012
11:57 am
All the great comedians have impeccable timing…
northbeach Scott
September 29th, 2012
12:08 pm
My final word before I head out. All this goodness, despite the fact that the Brave’s best two players (at least two of the highest paid) have endured their most bleak seasons in Heap and Uggla.
Imagine if I told you in March 2012 that McCann would have a slash line of .227/.297/.399 and only catch about 110 games and Uggla would have a slash line of .218/.346/.389. The Brave’s top starter and NL ERA leader Brandon Beachy would be lost to TJ surgery and only start 13 games. The SS experiment with Pastonicky would fail after May 29th, and that his replacement, Simmons, would win NL Rookie of the month and NL Defensive Player of the month for June and then would be out until mid-Sept.
This has been a remarkable season, the Braves have overcome a great deal of obstacles, have had so many key contributions virtually across the board, won some “lost” game with late innings heroics. Darn it, they did not win 162, but they made this one of may favorite seasons and we have playoff baseball to enjoy, even if it is one game.
Enjoy this folks. Pirate fans have waited 20 years for a winning record, much less a playoff and yet our simpering, sniveling, ignorant fans cry about why we did not win, last night. In the words of blog favorite, McFann, “Sheeeeh!”
northbeach Scott
September 29th, 2012
12:10 pm
or “Sheeeesh!” as she does this better than I can.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 29th, 2012
12:13 pm
northbeach Scott—
Nah, you do it fine!…;)
George_George
September 29th, 2012
12:14 pm
It seems the larger the crowd at THE TED, the worse the BRAVES play.
Powderfinger
September 29th, 2012
12:14 pm
VJ – Excellent point. We couldn’t have asked for a better illustration of DOB’s line of thinking. I think some people just, oh never mind…
Powderfinger
September 29th, 2012
12:16 pm
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô: Hey girl, how are you holding up?
CB
September 29th, 2012
12:19 pm
I believe George became twice as dumb when he changed his name. I didn’t think that was possible.
chipontheroad
September 29th, 2012
12:23 pm
Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh indeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed
GO BRAVOS
George_George
September 29th, 2012
12:26 pm
CB
September 29th, 2012
12:19 pm
Hey CB, Did you enjoy the loss last night? Sounds like you did, you call me dumb because I do not like to lose and and say so.
Lane Kiffin
September 29th, 2012
12:33 pm
Once again someone blasted for having an opinion that isn’t consistent with the regulars. Is that really what people want on this blog is for everyone to come on and say the exact same thing.
Over on the JS blog someone named Chipper’s canker sore said that Chipper was a twice divorced uneducated white male and we should be ashamed for the hero worship we are giving him when we are losing real heroes everyday in Iraq. Do I agree with this comment. NO but I wouldn’t want this guy banned or go off and tell him how stupid he is. I just disagree and go on to the next comment.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
12:33 pm
Last night’s loss is not the end of the world but it would have been cool to see Hudson get that one more strike and get his 17th W.
I love the Braves and Huddy but I am still mad at him for that pitch to Duda. It was a heck of an AB for Duda but its better to lose one or two now tha lose the one vs the Cards comming up.
Duda has done nearly nothing since June and he beats us. Oh well.
I am not going to forget that one pitch to Lucas Duda anytime soon. It was BUMB.
Huddy has been a great Brave, pitched well last night but made one BUMB pitch. I am still mad at him.
varoadrunner
September 29th, 2012
12:37 pm
I’m a huge Mickey Mantle fan……and there are many comparisons between Chipper and the Mick worst of which was they were both injury prone…BUT boy could they play BASEBALL. Chipper is among the best to ever play the game. Mick’s in the HOF and Chipper will follow in, (what is it, 5 years?) FIVE YEARS. First ballot inductee! Thanks for the memories Chipper.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
12:38 pm
Lane Kiffin — I don’t want to see people banned for stupid comments either, but the one attacking Chipper’s personal life is really uncalled for, that one was quite eggregious.
I don’t want the poster banned for that but that particular comment could be removed. Its too much of an unnecessary personal attack on a ball player who is nearly universally beloved and respected by all Braves fans.
BFChris28
September 29th, 2012
12:42 pm
I am 28 today
Venice Jim
September 29th, 2012
12:43 pm
Lane – I am a huge supporter of people saying anything they like (within relatively loose bounds of propriety), pro or con, and that includes commenting on others. I have certainly been ridiculed on many occasions (and don’t always respond as well as I should). This is simply not a place to post something which you do not wish to have rebutted or ridiculed or debated or showered with praise, or some combination thereof…
Venice Jim
September 29th, 2012
12:44 pm
Disgusted – you should be proud of cab – she is booing me for complimenting Sergio on a good putt…at least she did not call me a BUMB…
Venice Jim
September 29th, 2012
12:45 pm
Happy birthday, BFChris!
BFChris28
September 29th, 2012
12:48 pm
Thanks
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 29th, 2012
12:52 pm
Powderfinger—
Not too badly, thanks. But if you’re referring to baseball stuff, I could be slightly better…:)
Happy BDay, BFChris28!
BFChris28
September 29th, 2012
12:53 pm
Thanks
Couch Tater
September 29th, 2012
12:55 pm
I thought they may retire Chipper’s number, last night.
..but when I thought more, they wanted another event to boost attendance.
Should’ve done it, last night. It would have been a cool unexpected gift.
Powderfinger
September 29th, 2012
12:57 pm
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô: My schedule hasn’t allowed me to closely follow your man’s daily aches and pains, but it sounds like he is really beat up right now. Here’s hoping he has another month left in him…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 29th, 2012
1:04 pm
Powderfinger—
He sure is…
Here’s hoping he has another month left in him…
For sure. Better he has to sit out now than in the month ahead…
Capt.Mudd
September 29th, 2012
1:07 pm
I am glad I stayed the duration of the season….participating in this blog is a choice of mine; This season I have read some very interesting items about baseball, music and life…”playball” equates to playing with PC, exercising my brain and cheering for the Braves.
In addition, this activity is a priviledge……I don’t find hose who complain a lot an irritation; they are who they are. And, for the most part, I feel free speech is good–as long as respect is afforded to others when pushing the ’submit’ button.
162 Games….there’s many an opportunity to flub up–it’s just what we do!
Fats
September 29th, 2012
1:11 pm
Can not believe DOB snubbed the great Hank Aaron,who was by far the greatest Atlanta Brave and never sat down . Aaron was a machine that never stopped. 755 homeruns says it all
David O'Brien
September 29th, 2012
1:17 pm
Can not believe DOB snubbed the great Hank Aaron,who was by far the greatest Atlanta Brave and never sat down . Aaron was a machine that never stopped. 755 homeruns says it all. — Fats
How, pray tell, did I “snub” Hank Aaron? He’s the greatest Brave, period. But Hank only played 9 of his 23 seasons in Atlanta. Chipper played 19, all in Atlanta. That’s only reason I said the greatest ATLANTA Brave. I think my point was pretty clear to most people.
DS1
September 29th, 2012
1:18 pm
DOB summing it up very well on the negativity of some. They really don’t get it. In their own way, they are fans, but they just don’t get it.
Happy Anniversary of your Birth Chris! Hope it’s a great day for ya!!. (got ya by 29 years and 6 days……..)
Now, as I merrily go out to work on a leaking irrigation system and a damp basement bedroom, please wish me luck and happy digging today!
Not exactly the way I was hoping to spend my Saturday!
Bo Graves!
Venice Jim
September 29th, 2012
1:19 pm
Dig sensitively!
David O'Brien
September 29th, 2012
1:20 pm
Once again someone blasted for having an opinion that isn’t consistent with the regulars. Is that really what people want on this blog is for everyone to come on and say the exact same thing. – Lane Kiffin
It’s a tough world, ain’t it? Poor guy.
DS1
September 29th, 2012
1:22 pm
Back in 1966 as a young 11 year old fan, I really had no clue the enormity of what I was following with Hank’s career. He was truly one of the 5 best of all time.
DS1
September 29th, 2012
1:23 pm
You got it VJ. Very sensitively! Don’t wanna make things worse than they already are. This 35 year old irrigation system is going to be the death of me………….
DS1
September 29th, 2012
1:25 pm
DOB
He was dropped on his head when he was a baby. He can’t help it. (Lane and the others…)
Couch Tater
September 29th, 2012
1:33 pm
Fats – Write yourself a letter.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZZRAU3DeOo&feature=related
George_George
September 29th, 2012
1:41 pm
Lane Kiffin
September 29th, 2012
12:33 pm
Once again someone blasted for having an opinion that isn’t consistent with the regulars. Is that really what people want on this blog is for everyone to come on and say the exact same thing.
*******************************************
Thank you Lane. A voice of reason.
raleighbravefan
September 29th, 2012
1:45 pm
True irony – DOB @11:35 followed by George @11:46. Priceless.
And the clueless continue to yammer.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 29th, 2012
1:45 pm
Only about 20 more ABs that can be gotten for Rev, Hinske, and Overbay. I’m not saying that those guys should start all the remaining games, but maybe at least 1 of those guys needs to get a start nightly. We need to find out who can be the lefty off the bench. Both guys have stunk it up this month, give those guys a start or 2 and see who looks better in their ABs. Rev is the backup SS. Give him some ABs, and maybe let him get 1 start at SS.
While there is a chance for the division, it’s fading fast. It can be gone tonight. We’re already “resting” Mac and Bourn, why not Uggla and Freeman?
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 29th, 2012
1:48 pm
Once again someone blasted for having an opinion that isn’t consistent with the regulars. Is that really what people want on this blog is for everyone to come on and say the exact same thing.
I’m not a regular…. but I will say this. I don’t mind if your opinion differs from mine. Just please be able to back it up. Factually.
George_George
September 29th, 2012
1:48 pm
Some people on here make others feel very unwelcome. A while back I published my “best bloggers” list, maybe I should publish my “worst bloggers” list. Of corse the funny thing is some of my biggest critics are on my best list. Oh well.
raleighbravefan
September 29th, 2012
1:53 pm
George – DOB (and others) were not saying that you should be happy about a loss…BTW, the rest of us are not either. Fine to be mad, rant , pout, whine, whatever.
What he was saying, is that there are many here…which may even include you…who have a poor understanding of how the game of baseball works. It’s a very long season…the best teams lose 60+ games a year…many of those games to teams that they “should have beaten”. Sub .500 teams beat the best teams frequently. Great pitchers have bad nights. Great hitters can go 0-5. A .100 hitter gets a hit once in a while. Very ordinary pitchers can have a great night…even throw a no hitter.It isn’t football.
That’s what DOB, and many of us understand. That’s what you whiners, who feel so picked on, either don’t understand, or ignore. I guess it’s more fun to whine and moan and blame someone.
chipontheroad
September 29th, 2012
1:54 pm
Oh well ….deep subject for shallow minds
raleighbravefan
September 29th, 2012
1:54 pm
Some of you keep talking about others being banned here. I believe the only one who has been actually banned is PL. A few have been warned, and some comments have been removed. Get over it.
raleighbravefan
September 29th, 2012
1:56 pm
TOBF – How can you say you are not a regular? You are almost always in top 5 contributers.
George_George
September 29th, 2012
1:59 pm
I think DOB said he took out “iggy” last night, but did not name him.
raleighbravefan
September 29th, 2012
2:02 pm
George – In most cases, it’s not so much about what is being said, but HOW it is being said. I welcome a good discusion, including opposing views. It’s the animus and vitriol that gets me riled up.
I understand your frustration, and resulting criticism. THAT’S FINE. What I object to is the personal attacks (and you are not nearly as bad as some here). Some may be “piling on”…but it mostly feels that way because the majority disagrees.
UKUGA
September 29th, 2012
2:03 pm
Today is the first day of the season in which WAS enters play with a chance to clinch the division.
Here’s holding out hope that St. Louis keeps the pressure on (expected) and the Braves can take the next 2 against New York.
Would love for WAS to have to get on that plane home Sunday night not yet able to celebrate.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 29th, 2012
2:03 pm
I’m always in top 5 contributors… that’s a problem I’m trying to fix. I don’t really consider myself a regular because compared to most of you guys, I haven’t been here that long. I’m the new kid.
raleighbravefan
September 29th, 2012
2:05 pm
iggy deserved it. I didn’t follow last night, but have been offended by him before.
raleighbravefan
September 29th, 2012
2:06 pm
Difference between being a “regular” and being a “long-timer”.
George_George
September 29th, 2012
2:12 pm
I did not like at all iggys remarks about CHIPPER last night and stated I wished he would stop. However I believe the only reson somene should be banned is for useing obsenitys, not banned on the whim of DOB or because bloggers ask him to ban a person.
CB
September 29th, 2012
2:14 pm
TOBF,you are a very nice young man who has plenty to offer here. Glad you are aboard and don’t let others discourage you. Including me.
Lew
September 29th, 2012
2:16 pm
There’s a weird middle ground between placid acceptance of total freaking idiocy and having the utterer banned for said utterances – but don’t be wurprised when someone gives you crap for it and calls you a moron.
Lew
September 29th, 2012
2:17 pm
Surprised. No Wurprizes at the moment other than Murph’s.
Couch Tater
September 29th, 2012
2:17 pm
Fire CB!
CB
September 29th, 2012
2:22 pm
I do need to go. Ban CB!
Fats
September 29th, 2012
2:26 pm
Couch Tater
September 29th, 2012
1:33 pm
LOL Worth a listen…………………..:)
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 29th, 2012
2:26 pm
That’s true RBF…
CB: Thanks for the nice words.
George_George
September 29th, 2012
2:27 pm
George_George Repost from last night because I think it is important.
September 28th, 2012
7:59 pm
Dum-Bass
September 28th, 2012
7:50 pm
There’s a 7 game difference right now between the Braves and the Cards and it looks like it will be St. Louis. Could be as much as 8 games when it’s said and done. That seems so “screwy” to have to play a one game “do or die” with a team that far behind you. That system has to go after this year!
******************
AGREED If BUD is going to insist on two WC TEAMS the owners should insist it be 2 out of 3 series. BUD set up this silly two WC thing only days before start of season. The owners should vote to get rid of him.
raleighbravefan
September 29th, 2012
2:32 pm
George @2:27 – Agree.
cricket
September 29th, 2012
2:36 pm
BUD set up this silly two WC thing only days before start of season. The owners should vote to get rid of him.
didn’t know owners are employed by Bud. learn something new here every month..
George_George
September 29th, 2012
2:36 pm
Thank you raleigh, outta here for a bit. Hope to be back before gamestart. Y’all have a good one.
DS1
September 29th, 2012
2:38 pm
It is what it is (the play in system). No complaining or whining on fans or teams will change it. Bud and the boys have decided that this will make it more interesting, and will make the division more important; which I agree with the second part.
Let’s just hope Little Man Meds is on his game next Friday night.
And if for some reason we do not advance, it’s going to be hell around here for a LONG time. During which time I will humbly bow out.
cricket
September 29th, 2012
2:39 pm
yep, MLB is in as great shape as ever under Bud, so completely logical that owners will get rid of him. just a matter of time now.
George_George
September 29th, 2012
2:39 pm
cricket
September 29th, 2012
2:36 pm
The owners should get rid of BUD. I never could understand how he could be commisiner when his daughter owned a part of MIL.
Couch Tater
September 29th, 2012
2:42 pm
No Wurprizes at the moment
Lew – A Wurprize is kinda like an organ donor.
“It ain’t that moving, but it’s all we got…”
cricket
September 29th, 2012
2:43 pm
i don’t think anyone other than scoots likes this play-in game but it is an experiment for a year. it may be gone next year, may continue next year and beyond, or there may be some other changes coming up. anyone thinking that Bud did it without owners’ approval is astounding to me.
like him or not, baseball is in great shape under him and no way owners fire him.
Lew
September 29th, 2012
2:59 pm
George-George – The Daughter only owns it because Bud gave it to her when he became Commish – He used to own the Brewers.
nolie
September 29th, 2012
3:04 pm
It’s a tough world, ain’t it? Poor guy….DOB
yup. life’s a bitch, and then you die
Russell Bell
September 29th, 2012
3:06 pm
Once again someone blasted for having an opinion that isn’t consistent with the regulars. Is that really what people want on this blog is for everyone to come on and say the exact same thing.
How about having some backbone, sticking to a a carefully considered position, backed up with evidence, and accepting that the mainstream will often disagree with you?
This ain’t church – different ways of thinking are allowed.
Dum-Bass
September 29th, 2012
3:07 pm
Mark it down, it’s going to be St. Louis playing the Braves in the WILDCARD PLAY-IN GAME. Now, the Cardinals would be totally stupid and off their rocker not to start a lefthander. I think they only have one frontline lefty starter and that’s Garcia. He has been doing pretty good lately. Why do I say they would be crazy not to start a LH? Here’s why: The Braves have scored 448 runs vs RH’s this year and only 238 against LH’s per a noted baseball stats site(am assuming it’s correct). That’s reason enough right there, as that is ridiculous. I was looking for their W-L record against LH’s but never found it. Will keep trying as I know it’s there somewhere.
Dum-Bass
September 29th, 2012
3:09 pm
You’re wrong, nolie. It goes like this: “Life’s a bitch, you pay taxes, and then you die!”
Venice Jim
September 29th, 2012
3:14 pm
Atlanta Braves @Braves
Tonight’s lineup vs. NYM (7:10, PTV/680AM/BRN): Constanza 8 Prado 7 Heyward 9 Jones 5 Freeman 3 Uggla 4 McCann 2 Simmons 6 Minor 1
nolie
September 29th, 2012
3:16 pm
hmmm, never heard it that way, and taxes are part of it being a bitch
nolie
September 29th, 2012
3:19 pm
baseball or any other endeavor, some folks can only deal with disappointment by getting angry and shifting the blame to someone else.
John Leonard
September 29th, 2012
3:20 pm
I must be one of the whiners,because I must of missed all those hits we have been getting with runners in scoring position,and stupid me thinks all those wins are because of the best pitching staff in baseball.And of course I whine thinking about giving a leadoff hitter who will strike out over 150 times a season 18 million a year for 5 or 6 years.And my biggest fault believing people have a right to an opion.
Russell Bell
September 29th, 2012
3:21 pm
Good to see you back on the forum Nolie.
I’d wager that even the haters missed ya
nolie
September 29th, 2012
3:25 pm
thats bulloney John. you have your right to your opinion and someone else has the right to disagree
in general it is the guys who are negative and insulting all the time who catch hell on here not someone who reasonably posts an opinion and backs it up with facts
UKUGA
September 29th, 2012
3:26 pm
The play-in game isn’t going away folks.
I like it, just not necessarily how it’s determined who plays in the game.
But, it’s not going anywhere. The players like it and want it. Players have been clamoring for an extra wild card (including a one game play-off) for years now.
Over time, it could get expanded to a best of 3. Who knows? But, the number of play-off teams will not be reduced. Expansion equals money and more teams in the tourney.
The 1 game play-off will be fun. If the Braves lose, we are going to complain. But, if you are #5, it’s a great opportunity.
nolie
September 29th, 2012
3:26 pm
doubt that Stringer, but thanx
DS1
September 29th, 2012
3:28 pm
I have several names for the phenomenon around here:
First, it can be called the SEC syndrome. (as DOB has some eloquently explained)
Second, I call it “Fantasy Baseball Fans” Folks that treat each game, inning and at bat as a significant event.
And most of us are OK with folks getting frustrated, but it’s the idiots that somehow think that every game should be won and even if we pull out a squeaker, they find some reason to be negative about it.
Except for the Astros, every team wins 60 and loses 60. It’s what they do with the other 40 that really matters. That’s why most of us don’t get worked up into a tizzy when we lose a game or two.
Dum-Bass
September 29th, 2012
3:30 pm
UKUGA says, “the players like it and want it”. CJ just said this week, “It’s STUPID” so would think lots of them think that.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
3:31 pm
The thing about the play-in game is that a one-game series should NEVER decide anything in baseball. I am not against having 2 WC’s, but if folks like us can figure it out, why can’t the baseball powers that be see this? Just frustrating.
nolie
September 29th, 2012
3:33 pm
as I have said a dozen times and can be easily proven by visiting, all the blogs are alike, the same things are said about the managers and players, and other posters too, that are said here.
Even between winning and losing teams, the percentages of such comments are usually not even all that different.It is more about human nature and our learned responses than it is about the subject
DS1
September 29th, 2012
3:33 pm
Dum-Bass
I’d venture a guess that only 1 team in baseball right now is negative about the 1 game play in. The Braves. The teams winning divisions don’t care, and things are so close in the AL for the last 2 slots, that teams just want to be a part of it.
So truly, only the Braves qualify as a team that wouldn’t like the play in game.
Dum-Bass
September 29th, 2012
3:34 pm
USNAVY, I agree and equate that convoluted thought process to what goes on in the US Congress and White House. It’s called “no common sense and logic” which a lot of highly intelligent people do not possess.
nolie
September 29th, 2012
3:34 pm
but last season we would have loved it Wayne
Russell Bell
September 29th, 2012
3:37 pm
Agreed Nolie. I spend a lot of time on music-related forums, and in the past, video game forums.
Its the same stuff everywhere. Reasonable people, who might complain from time to time, mixed in with those who seemingly want nothing more than to criticize for the pure enjoyment of it, with nothing more than ‘gut’ feelings and other nonsense to back up their verbal diarrhea.
DS1
September 29th, 2012
3:38 pm
nolie
Again, you are correct!
We can be a fickle bunch, can’t we!
Dum-Bass
September 29th, 2012
3:39 pm
The ones who dislike it are saying they don’t like the “one game deal”. If it were 2 out of 3 I don’t think even CJ would have a problem with it. I know I wouldn’t.
DS1
September 29th, 2012
3:41 pm
As tough as it would be to win the division at this point in the season, it would also prove to be really difficult on the team what with pitching matchups and travel. Maybe the Braves should just use these last 5 games to go in as prepped as possible; though never conceding defeat.
nolie
September 29th, 2012
3:42 pm
the Braves should just use these last 5 games to go in as prepped as possible; though never conceding defeat….DS1
I think that is the approach being taken
DS1
September 29th, 2012
3:43 pm
nolie
I’ve been MIA on the blog for a majority of the past 10 days or so. Am I reading that you are overcoming some health issues? If so, here’s hoping things are looking up for ya. God knows you deserve some good fortune!
jeffrey d
September 29th, 2012
4:04 pm
Geeze, way to go, Wayne
The Blogger Formerly Known as Billy
September 29th, 2012
4:18 pm
DOB on fire this AM….
Jeff R
September 29th, 2012
4:23 pm
Lane Kiffin
Once again someone blasted for having an opinion that isn’t consistent with the regulars. Is that really what people want on this blog is for everyone to come on and say the exact same thing.
Thank you Lane. A voice of reason.
Jorge_Jorge, you wouldn’t know reason if it came up and smacked you in the puss.
Jeff R
September 29th, 2012
4:28 pm
Lane Kiffin — I don’t want to see people banned for stupid comments either, but the one attacking Chipper’s personal life is really uncalled for, that one was quite eggregious.
Disgusted has every right to be disgusted with – who is the “Lane Kiffin,” by the way? He seems to be Jorge_Jorge’s (”The Obsessed One”) new pal in idiocy.
First ACE, and now Lane. You’ve got to do a better job picking your buds, Jorge_Jorge.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
4:37 pm
The one game WC system for now might not be perfect and could be changed to a best two out of three but its an experiment and we will see how it works.
Bud Selig > then Dictator Roger Goddell anyday. Overall in his tenure I think Selig has been a decent MLB commissioner (some good, some not so good decisions) but overall given the times and circumstances, not so bad.
At least this game now has had some labor peace.
I cannot stand Goddell who acts above the game. I like the NFL, prefer the way MLB is run anyday.
I don’t blame the NFL players for not trusting the league and its hired henchman Goddell. Protect the shield my tail. The rules in the NFL about uniforms and someof the other silly stuff is crap.
Baseball > Football. And this is from a football fan.
Dawgs not doing bad today at all.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
4:42 pm
I really am happy getting the 1st WC seeding & I’d just assume the Braves use these next 5 games to get their post season rotation set, and use the time to get some guys righted for the post season.
Uggla is looking like he is getting more and more straightened out.
Now, may we PLEASE have the good Mikey Bourn again. Hope the BUMB thumb heals up in the next couple days — no sense if forcing it right this minute. Be ready Friday the 5th.
And we need the hot Chipper again — a little rest will not hurt. Might do him some good.
Another TD run by the Dawgs — Gurley a long run — WOW. Marshall and Gurley have done it with the highlight film today.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
4:44 pm
Gurley and Marshall have made the GA Dawgs a complete team this yr.
We have the finesse, the defense and now the running game to punsh folks. That is a great thing.
keyLargo
September 29th, 2012
4:45 pm
Remember the GA kicker is going to cost us a game this year. The guy has a worse hook than Charles Barkley.
David O'Brien
September 29th, 2012
4:53 pm
Braves lineup: Constanza cf, PRado lf, Heyward rf, Chipper 3b, Freeman 1b, Uggla 2b, McCann c, Simmons ss, Minor p
Fredi G said maybe tomorrow on Bourn, again said Braves just being cautious because don’t want a setback this close to WC game and postseason. When they bring him back, want to be sure he’s healed.
nolie
September 29th, 2012
4:54 pm
I see Chipper got a pool table. I will have to go shine up to him and get him to play some 9Ball, see if I caint get some of that 100 some million that he made
ChattTownBrian
September 29th, 2012
4:55 pm
Imagine how nerve wracked we’ll be Oct 5. Thinking that one wrong play, or a bad hop here or there and we’re finished until April next year. No more Chipper … nothing!
nolie
September 29th, 2012
4:56 pm
no way I am on here during the play-in game
ChattTownBrian
September 29th, 2012
5:01 pm
I don’t drink, but I might Friday.
northbeach Scott
September 29th, 2012
5:19 pm
Thank you for your graciousness, McFann. Your past frequent analyses and perspective were always a breath of fresh air on the blog. I think many of the blog regulars (and regular readers) feel the same way. Life gets in the way of blogging as it probably should, but just wanted you to know you were and are appreciated. You are a very thoughtful bright, young lady. Hope you end up going to Ga Tech as it will help you take the next big steps in your life–it did for me.
David O'Brien
September 29th, 2012
5:29 pm
Chipper in the gift he just got from Mizuno, his equipment company throughout his career.
http://twitter.yfrog.com/h8slqghdj
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 29th, 2012
5:32 pm
Well, thank you, northbeach Scott, I appreciate that.:)
Go Tech!!
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
5:33 pm
Wow! Heck of a game so far! Thought UGA had it in the bag when they went up 27-10.
northbeach Scott
September 29th, 2012
5:34 pm
Sweet ride there for Chipper and nice gift by Mizuno. I expect we will see that vehicle again on future “Buck Commander” episodes.
chipontheroad
September 29th, 2012
5:37 pm
usnavyvolfaninva tour team came to play ball as a Dawg fan all I can say is it’s on now
chipontheroad
September 29th, 2012
5:38 pm
your team lol
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
5:45 pm
I’d just love to see our guys play 60 min of football…win or lose, keep it close.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
5:55 pm
Arena football, SEC style.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
5:58 pm
I am counting this GA-Tenn game as a loss — these guys are a bunch of overrated stiffs on D this team has no lineman, so secondary and no heart and deserve to be Booed.
I don;t care how many four or five star athletes you have if they are unable to stop anybody as a unit.
This defense is a joke, the worst in the SEC and this second quarter has finished this season.
Overrated — Overrated and Overrated. You do not give that many points in a half and gie a lead away if you are a good team. This is a terrible GA football team.
nolie
September 29th, 2012
5:59 pm
They obviously deserved to be booed, Disguster
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:00 pm
My days of being a Dawg fan are over — I am switching to Alabama. Or LSU.
This GA team does nothing but disappoint you yr after yr — for the talented players we bring in they find a way to underachieve.
This team is not gonna win another game this yr and next yr and next. 50 game L streak.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
6:00 pm
Disgusted,
You DO know that UT has YEt to beat a ranked team under Dooley.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:00 pm
That is correct — they desreve to be Booed for the next thousand yrs.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:02 pm
US NAVY — I am mad at the Dogs right now — that second quarter was inexcusable.
We should not have this much trouble vs Tennessee.
I am real mad about quarter 2 that is all — the Dogs really should come out and take over this game and why did that happen –
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
6:03 pm
OK, disgusted, now I KNOW you’re not being serious.
ChattTownBrian
September 29th, 2012
6:04 pm
It’s obviously nice to be Chipper.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:04 pm
I am seriously mad at the defense US Navy, they do have ability — now show it.
They should tuck in in on this drive but can we play D today.
Come on D — Play up to your hype.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:06 pm
Murray to Bennett — Now that is more like it.
The O is not the problem today though Murray threw one dum dum pick six that was unnecssary.
It would have been nice had Murray not thrown that dunce dunce. He deserves to have a dunce cap on his helmet.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:07 pm
I retract that statement about not being a Dog fan — even if I am mad at em — well the d anyway.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
6:08 pm
The pick 6 by Murray was off a tipped pass. Not much you can do about that one.
jeffrey d
September 29th, 2012
6:10 pm
Good to see Disgusted’s dramatic hyperbole isn’t limited to just the Braves
nolie
September 29th, 2012
6:10 pm
looks like West Virginia and Baylor played a bouncyball game today, 70-63
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:11 pm
It was a costly bad break for Murray but Murray has made enough plays to distinguish himself today.
Frustrating though and we need a play by the D — stop em now cause GA is a better team than the Vols & need to take over this game now.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
6:11 pm
LOL…yeah, I can’t belive I’m encouraging a fan of the opposing team… pretty sad, if you ask me.
jeffrey d
September 29th, 2012
6:12 pm
Disgusted – do you complain about 3 day weekends too?
chipontheroad
September 29th, 2012
6:13 pm
woof woof
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:13 pm
AHH now that is more like it Special Teams. Number 23 is the man of the moment.
He should run for Governor in the future. Or, mayor of Athens anyway. Great moment and play.
Now lets punch it in and take over this one.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
6:13 pm
Wow…Tyler Bray just not living up to his billing this year.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
6:14 pm
Feeling better yet, disgusted?
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:15 pm
3 day weekends are great. No complaint about that jeffery d.
Only complain when things are not going good — the Dawgs are not BUMBS anymore if they take over the game and play like this.
Momentum our way now — this is good, now, take it over and finish a W.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:16 pm
I am feeling great now US Navy.
Total mood change — I love winning and good play.
jeffrey d
September 29th, 2012
6:16 pm
Only complain when things are not going good
Oh really? I hadn’t noticed.
nolie
September 29th, 2012
6:18 pm
his definition of not going good = totally blowing out the other team
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:18 pm
Now, this is more like it.
Its our way now — lets focus and keep it –
That XP team has alot of work to do — that is the nicest thing I can say about that unit. Alot of work.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
6:20 pm
Jeffery d,
+1!
ESPN is betting the farm that Bobby V is getting fired at the end of the season. I could care less personally, but it’d almost be worth it to see the BoSox keep him for another year just to see the egg all over ESPN’s face.
jeffrey d
September 29th, 2012
6:21 pm
My days of being a Dawg fan are over
He should run for Governor
I mean, your hyperbole is so bipolar you’re turning yourself into a caricature.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:21 pm
What was that Nolie — blowing out the other team is going good.
Dog fans should hope that whan happened in quarter 2 gets cleaned up — if we are going to finish it up and run the table.
This team does have a chance but some things need cleaning up.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:24 pm
Whatever — Just having a little fun on the blog that is all.
Hey, they woke up after I balsted em a bit so it was worth being a carcature. So long as they win.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
6:25 pm
Nice run by CP!
jeffrey d
September 29th, 2012
6:26 pm
if we are going to finish it up and run the table.
This team does have a chance
This team does have a chance…this team does have a chance??? Here’s what you said about 25 minutes ago.
the worst in the SEC and this second quarter has finished this season.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:26 pm
This is ridiculous — there is no way that this defense should allow this.
They might be talented athletes but this needs cleaning up. Today the defense did unerachieve. That is factual. This defense has embarrassed this University today.
We might have been better off not getting some of these guys back — they suck.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:27 pm
I hate this defense. These guys are worthless.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:28 pm
This team did not want it today and was unable to focus once they got good leads.
I will not be surprised if the Dogs choke this one away.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:29 pm
Well, at least we can score — but no lead is safe today.
cricket
September 29th, 2012
6:30 pm
watching GA-TN game and reading these comments – really entertaining
chipontheroad
September 29th, 2012
6:33 pm
lot of talent on the field between the hedges today on both sqads
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
6:35 pm
Well, we ain’t dead yet.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
6:35 pm
Well, we ain’t dead yet.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
6:38 pm
chip,
I think even with the forced fumbles, UT has the worst defense in the nation. Maybe transitioning into the 3-4 wasn’t such a great idea.
cricket
September 29th, 2012
6:38 pm
Richt celebrating that missed FG so much and congratulating his players (who had nothing to do with the miss) somehow doesn’t look very good
chipontheroad
September 29th, 2012
6:42 pm
It takes awhile just tweet Grantham he’ll tell ya
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 29th, 2012
6:43 pm
Dawgs need Mike Nolan as D Coordinator today!
Grantham has done a good job, this is just an off-day it seems. The offense showed up though, so the better team is winning
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:43 pm
UT has some work to do — Dooley thinks his team is not that far away but they have to clean up some things.
They might be around where we were for the majority of the Ray Goof ehh Goff era. We got to a bad level under Ray Goof. He never coached again to my knowledge.
Wonder what he did after coaching — I do remember him being in sports talk radio for abrief time in ATL but that was in the late 90’s. He must have just gone away quietly to South Georgia and faded from the public eye.
chipontheroad
September 29th, 2012
6:44 pm
Maybe not cricket but I bet it felt good
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
6:44 pm
Not sure about the call by Richt right there. They way he’s been running it down our throats, really surprised he didn’t go for it.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:48 pm
Grantham is not a bad coach but I put this one on the players today.
We have too many head cases on the defensive side who get themselves in trouble and get suspended.
I will give Grantham the benefit of the doubt over some of the charachters on the field. Are they talented athletes? Yes.
Are they able to be focused and disciplined as a unit and play fundamental defense vs the very best????
I don’t know — Come on guys prove me wrong. Its your career and its up to you to live up to your talent and maybe even play on Sunday. Its your future guys, now go for it.
cricket
September 29th, 2012
6:51 pm
about braves’ owner -
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/meet-the-largest-landowner-in-america.html
Couch Tater
September 29th, 2012
6:53 pm
uga – Dooley and Jose Maria have the same look in their eyes.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:57 pm
UT is not out of this game with our untrustworthy D.
Life could be worse — could be a Tech fan — Wow!!!! That is a mess in midtown now.
Not a big Paul Johnson fan and there is a good reason why the triple option is not commonly used. Its not an offense for today in big time CF.
I would rather have the personality of Mark Richt handling my program over Paul Johnson anyday, not to mention what a hole PJ is with some of the media. Seems like a jerky guy.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
6:58 pm
Once again the D lets us down. This is an arena football game today.
There are guys on this D who are either unfoucsed or just plain lazy. I do not know which but the coaches will find out.
George_George
September 29th, 2012
6:59 pm
Once again someone blasted for having an opinion that isn’t consistent with the regulars. Is that really what people want on this blog is for everyone to come on and say the exact same thing.
***********************************************
Well said.
beachcomber
September 29th, 2012
7:00 pm
DOB – Thanks for what may be your best post ever. Delightful insights into Chipper and the other guys you covered over the years plus your own misspent youth which reminds me of my early radio career albeit about 30 years earlier.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 29th, 2012
7:01 pm
cricket,
I guess that beats having hotels on Boardwalk and Park Place, huh?
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 29th, 2012
7:01 pm
Georgia seriously does not need to be upset. Time to pull away.
George_George
September 29th, 2012
7:02 pm
TENN @ GEORGIA high scoreing wild game, but DAWGS will pervale.
abeeeewright
September 29th, 2012
7:02 pm
Tyler Flowers batting for the Sox against the Rays. Strikes out.
nolie
September 29th, 2012
7:06 pm
FSU is really sluggish against a mediocre team
ChattTownBrian
September 29th, 2012
7:06 pm
Chipper is 2 for his last 22 at bats.
George_George
September 29th, 2012
7:07 pm
Repost from bottom of last page. I want to make sure Lane gets credit for a good post.
*************************************************************George_George
September 29th, 2012
6:59 pm
Once again someone blasted for having an opinion that isn’t consistent with the regulars. Is that really what people want on this blog is for everyone to come on and say the exact same thing.
***********************************************
Well said.
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
7:07 pm
Tennessee is going to tie the game on this drive.
This past drive Murray and the receivers looked like a deer in headlights — totally clueless with no concept of commnication.
This is an unsatisfying game win or lose — not with the garbage we have seen from the D in this game. The D clearly cannot stop anybody.
And Murray has been less than perfec today too. That last drive is a worry.
ChattTownBrian
September 29th, 2012
7:08 pm
I really don’t have any football team I hate because I’m not a big football fan to begin with, but the Seminoles would be my most hated if I had a choice.
David O'Brien
September 29th, 2012
7:08 pm
Surprise: New BLOGGAGE for the people
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/09/29/auto-pilot-to-the-postseason-is-not-the-way-to-go/
George_George
September 29th, 2012
7:10 pm
Big crowd at THE TED?
Disgusted
September 29th, 2012
7:11 pm
Well, the D finally made a play ———- its about time (sarcasim)
Good INT by Commings but finally we get a stop with our Arena league D.
Now can we keep these guys off the field and not look like deer in headlights again. No excuse not to put this game away. Frustrating game win or lose.
Must get points and take time off the clock.
Quack Quack
September 29th, 2012
7:15 pm
Hey DOB, Great article. I, for sure, have enjoyed Chipper all these years. I came to ATL, from Orlando, in Nov. 1990. I became an on fire Braves fan in the historical 1991 season. I didn’t realize, but you and I were former Tribune Company employees, as I worked at Orlando Sentinel for 14 years until 1984. Imagine that!!
GO BRAVES!!!
dean
September 30th, 2012
3:21 am
I was coming to ATL to just hang out at the stadium. I made it. But not for the game. Cherish your loved ones. They can be gone in a second as my family found out today.
Braveone
October 1st, 2012
6:34 pm
From the previous blog which had 767 comments, Bay Area Steve led the way with 54 posts. There were 111 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 Bay Area Steve 54
2 Animus 44
3 cabravesfan 42
4 Venice Jim 38
5 uga-brave 33
6 TheOnlyBravesFan 24
7 MFin04 21
8 Bat Masterson 19
9 Lew 18
10 Mixxo 18
11 Tomahawk Mafia 18
12 raleighbravefan 18
13 Brian from SC 17
14 Braveheart 16
15 Ghost of Chipper Jones 16
16 David O’Brien 15
17 Shaun 15
18 Cracker 14
19 Efrim 14
20 Hugo Z Hackenbush 13
21 Capt.Mudd 12
22 DS1 11
23 T-Dawg 11
24 ncgary 11
25 Brava 10
icon downloads
October 8th, 2012
9:51 am
Hardly I can believe that.