Atlanta Braves: What impressed you most about extra innings comeback win over the Chicago Cubs?
Can’t top the way our own Carroll Rogers put it in her game story from Tuesday’s dramatic Braves comeback victory over the visiting Cubs:
“From the throes of being no-hit by Chicago Cubs, the Braves came up with the most remarkable thing — a five-run rally in the late innings, a two-out, two-run game-tying home run by Jeff Francoeur and a win. The Braves used the two runs he drove in to prolong what looked like a loss into a 12th-inning win when Chipper Jones singled in Yunel Escobar for a 6-5 Braves victory.”
YOU TELL US: In a night of thrills at The Ted, what strikes you as the most important move made by the Braves to get the rally going? Or did the Cubs blow it? Share your thoughts on what made Tuesday’s Cubs Comebacker extra special.
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135 comments Add your comment
Braint
June 3rd, 2009
2:48 pm
Reminds me of the comeback against the Orioles a few years back. Down 8-3 and Vinny Castilla began the rally with a homerun and the team rallied for a major comeback. It completely turned their season around.
Casey Stinkle
June 3rd, 2009
2:49 pm
I agree with Bob Horner! Out with Chip Caray. His Grand Dad was a legend, and to a lesser extent so with his father. But this guy is the worst baseball announcer I have ever seen/heard. I never thought I would look forward to games called by John Sciambi or whatever his name is. I will watch the Chicago station tonight.
yogi2
June 3rd, 2009
2:58 pm
Chip and Boog are a disgrace. THe other night Shaffers and Franquer both hit into double plays as usual and these idiots said they had good atbats No Wonder Braves stink
steve
June 3rd, 2009
3:04 pm
PK – I want Anderson here. The guy is proven hitter. Yes, he is aging, but my guess is that he will be a .280 to .300 hitter with 20 HRs before the season is over.
As for those saying he looks like he does not want to be here, have you ever watched him in his career with the Angels? He is not nor ever has been a “Rah! Rah!” guy. He has always had a very calm professional demeanor. It is just his personality, not a sign of a lack of passion or hustle.
steve
June 3rd, 2009
3:08 pm
I do agree with the comments about Chip Carey. I hate to say it because Skip is my all-time favorite announcer. But Chip is just the master of overstatement. Very annoying. I remember when Chipper hit a routine fly to end the game. If you had your eyes closed and were listening to Chip Carey, you would have thought Chipper hit it into the next county. Chip also just makes tons of factual mistakes when he is calling the game. When Chip was calling playoff games, a writer in another town made a list of all of the blatent factual mistakes Chip made during the game. It was simply amazing.
Marc
June 3rd, 2009
3:09 pm
GA’s career numbers are almost identical to Chipper’s…. If you believe Chipper can maintain a good swing all season there really isn’t any reason to believe GA can’t. He’s been smiling a little more lately and getting more into it. I think he was hurt, out of place, and upset about performance. Once he gets rolling I think he’ll be as important to this line-up as anyone else.
timthebrave
June 3rd, 2009
3:17 pm
Good move of the night was yunel steal of 2nd. If you criticize Bobby Cox you have to give him credit. The big play has to be the Francouer homerun. Without that it is just a 5-3 loss. I thought he was going to hit a hr but I ALWAYS think that and it rarely happens. Garrett Anderson regaining his swing. I think that injury in spring led to the slow start. Seems to be really hitting the ball last 2 weeks and especially last 2 games. Go Braves!
leggomyego
June 3rd, 2009
3:19 pm
On the whole ‘FAN’ thing… It’s your dime. Root for which ever team you choose. Buy the tickets, wear your gear to our games, whatever. If the ATL fans don’t like it, let em buy the seats and fill them with their own Braves-lovin’ butts, just as long as we sell tickets and can keep our teams firmly entrenched in our home city, it’s all good. Just don’t get upset if I seem happy when you look all misty eyed watching Chipper scald one into left and send ya home a loser.
Lets Do this
June 3rd, 2009
3:27 pm
I was at the game last night. It was the most exciting game I have seen in person since Ted Simmons hit a grand slam against the Pirates to win the game in the Mid 80’s. One thing about the game troubled me as it troubles about all of our Atlanta Sports team. The Chant of “Let’s go Cubbies” drowned out the stadium a couple of times. I understand that the Cubs are an extremly popular team and always has and always be but come on people of the State of Georgia. Let’s get behind our Pro teams. It kills me to go to a Braves or Hawks or Thrashers game and have the opposing team fans be more supportive than our own home team. Let’s remember the passion we had when Sid rounded third or when Za Za got up in Garnetts face. Dude, let’s get fired up. If you were at that game last night you know what I’m talkin about.
CW
feel gold
June 3rd, 2009
3:29 pm
The look on the faces of those Cubs fans was sooooooo sweet. A few years ago I was at a playoff game and there were truly thousands of Cubs fans in the stands. The ones in front of us were really obnoxious, leaning over the seats to taunt us Braves fans sitting close by. When the Braves got runners in scoring position, they left their seats (before we actually scored) and didn’t return for two or three innings until the Cubs regained the lead. Sure can dish it but they so can’t take it.
tommy hanson fan
June 3rd, 2009
3:58 pm
This game reminded me of the game against the Nats when Green and Drew went back to back to win the game..after that game the Braves went on a nice run.
Paul Lentz
June 3rd, 2009
4:29 pm
I’m glad the Braves won the game. If Franceour homer was a TRUE indication of his consistent ability to DRIVE the ball and consistently come through in the clutch, then I would be all for keeping him. However I feel that the home run was an ABERRATION. Hitting a home run off a hanging pitch from a struggling reliever does not make me FORGET all the strikeouts, double plays, and runners stranded that Franceour CONSISTENTLY produced over the past year and a half. What concerns me is that Braves management will use that home run as an “excuse” to keep plugging Franceour out there, even as he quickly reverts back to his normal, easy out, unproductive self. Which means that for the most part, Matt Diaz’s bat will continue to sit on the bench. What a shame.
The only small “slither” of hope I have concerning Franceour is not the home run he hit last night, but his willingness to bunt the runner over last night in extra innings in his next at bat after that homer. I was totally surprised that he “tried” to lay down that sacrifice. I was expecting him to swing for the fences like he always does. To me, if Franceour is somehow able to TRULY overcome his year and a half struggles and starts producing at the “superstar” level many of you think he is capable of doing, then he has to be willing to successfully move runs over when the situation calls for it. Last night, in he 12th, Chipper was up with a runner on 2nd and 2 outs. He didnt try to hit a home run. All he needed was a single and Escobar would score. He did exactly that.and the Braves won. Sure, some of you will say that Chipper grounded out with the bases loaded in the 8th with the Braves down 5-3. However, Chipper has consistently proven that he can deliver the big hit when the Braves need it. Franceour has to show that he can do this more than once every 6 weeks for me to be convinced that he has “turned the corner”. A lot more. Put the Braves on your shoulders like Chipper and McCann does. Then the Braves wont have to overpay to get a right handed power bat. However, I seriously doubt that Franceour has it in him to do that.
Some of you will say “man, just enjoy the victory”. However, as a true Braves fan, I dont just want to savor one victory. I want to win the division and make the play-offs. Which means that the Braves are going to need much more than “one 9th inning home run” from Jeff Franceour if he is to fulfill the Braves need for a right handed power bat. I’m looking at the big picture. Unlike just last night’s game for Franceour, Garrett Anderson has been hitting the ball pretty good over the past 2 weeks. Even before the home run on Sunday and yesterday, he was hitting doubles and moving that average up. In other words, Garrett showed “signs” of being able to produce before Sunday’s and last night’s home runs. To me, his home runs were a continuation of his production, and a clear sign of him heating up and being able to produce up to his capabilities. If Franceour can show that he can put together a string of 2 for 4, 3 for 5 games with a mixture of doubles and home runs in that, then get back with me. Until then, one home run does not “do it for me”.
Bravos33
June 3rd, 2009
4:31 pm
“Great camera shots last night and probably the best crowd in some time. This point might seem trivial, but when fans are encouraging a hitter who’s ahead in the count, it’s better to have raw noise than to have everyone doing the war chant. The acoustics individual shouldn’t have encouraged the latter by turning that particular piece on at that time. Horrible decision.”
-I have to disagree. The Tomahawk Chop is part of our tradition and setting. IF you can get the fans involved with it again and have THEM chanting, it creates an eerie atmosphere unlike any other I have experienced at a sporting event. During some of those games back in the old stadium, the chill bumps rose on my neck when the crowd chanted in unison after the organ music started the “Chop!” I hope fans will re embrace the Chop if we get into the thick of a late season pennant race!
ABravesFan
June 3rd, 2009
4:42 pm
Great to see Francoeur hit that dinger in the 9th (granted, it was a mistake pitch). Hopefully that’ll give him some much needed confidence.
After Chipper’s single to break up the no hitter, I loved that the Braves were able to take advantage of all the little things that the Cubs gave them. Even the Blanco and Diaz’s almost game winning hits were encouraging.
Wes
June 3rd, 2009
4:42 pm
JFreak: We’re “wiping egg off of our face” why? Because Francoeur is 1 for the-last-3-years?
Let’s not anoynt him king of the castle just yet. He’s lucky he didn’t wear that fly ball of his forehead in the 10th.
Wes
June 3rd, 2009
4:44 pm
What made me the happiest last night wasn’t French’s HR. It wasn’t Chipper breaking up the no no. It wasn’t even the walk off. It was that beautiful look on every Cub Fan in attendance!!!!
And to add more to Francoeur: if KJ wasn’t out there to step in, is there any doubt that retard Francoeur would have tackled Chipper (bad toe and all)?
Jeff Francoeur
June 3rd, 2009
4:50 pm
I have one hit that matters in 2009. Don’t talk me up too much yet.
bravesgrl4life
June 3rd, 2009
4:57 pm
With regard to the “home team” issue: I grew up in central FL long before the Marlins or Rays were even an idea. When cable TV got going and the Braves were America’s team on TBS, being the aunt of baseball playing nephews, I became a HUGE Braves fan. I moved to the Atlanta area when I was 20 and was so excited ’cause it would finally mean I could actually go SEE my team. When the Marlins came into existence, my bro-in-law in FL tried to get excited, bought the hat etc., but in the end, he is still an ATL Braves fan. Now, Florida will always be home, and in the AL, I root for the Tampa team (closest to where I grew up). But, if it came down to Rays v. Braves, I am in the Braves’ corner all the way. If I move back to FL, which is a good possibility, I will still be bravesgrl4life. Doesn’t matter where I live, my heart is with the Atlanta Braves. ‘Nuff said.
bravesgrl4life
June 3rd, 2009
4:59 pm
And, my sister-in-law lives in Chicago. Sent me a text when Chipper hit that single to end the game. Sent her one back with a little bit of gloating. I do have to say for her, though, she is one that adopts the “home” team of where she is living. Grew up in Florida, has lived in Denver and loved the Rockies, now lives on north side of Chicago and is a Cubs fan. We treat it as a friendly family feud
Braves Fan
June 3rd, 2009
5:14 pm
Chipper running to save his life after the hit LOL. I love this team!!
BeachGaBulldog
June 3rd, 2009
5:14 pm
I have the MLB package, and I watched every second of the game. Jesus, to go from a no hitter by Wells to the 7th, be down 5-0, and then score 6 in 2 innings, FRENCHY tying up the game(I honestly thought he would strike out as our last hope, after he did the same against Arizona the other night), and then Chipper(who else) winning it! The guys chasing Chip to the pitchers mound after the hit was priceless!
Ray
June 3rd, 2009
5:31 pm
That game may have done the opposite for the Braves what Kelly Johnson’s dropped pop-up in the 9th against the Phillies did last season…that completely buried the Braves and their confidence.
The talent is on this team…but there needs to be one more bat CF (and someone needs to be there to push Frenchy in right). As a ballplayer myself I know what something like last night can do for a guy, such as Franceour’s confidence. Sure it was “just one home run”, but that’s a HUGE monkey off his back. If you’ve ever played the game before, you know how much more mental this game is than any other…not just for Frenchy, but for the team too!
PS
And for the love of God…SOMEBODY other than Chipper (and ESPECIALLY KJ, if he’s going to lead off), needs to learn how to work a freakin’ count.
Joshhh...
June 3rd, 2009
5:37 pm
hmmm let me think…seeing all those ticked off Cubs fans crying after talking trash ALL game!
alvin
June 3rd, 2009
5:47 pm
anyone with insight as to why Glavine was released?
raiderguy
June 3rd, 2009
5:48 pm
Foxs Sports say Braves release Glavine? Guess no room for Tommy.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9642590/Sources:-Braves-release-future-Hall-lock-Glavine
Max McGonigle
June 3rd, 2009
6:03 pm
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Braves have released Tom Glavine, which can only mean Tommy Hanson is on his way up and soon.
mike pa
June 3rd, 2009
6:06 pm
espn says glavine ws released. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4228623 here comes tommy hanson
BJ Gotch
June 3rd, 2009
6:13 pm
If this is true and the Braves released Glavine after rehabbing his way back to make the team, I’m going to have a hard time rooting for them as long as Wren is in control. I live in Nebraska and have been a Braves fan since I was 11 when they made the run from worst to first and lost to the Twins in the World Series.
It makes me sick to see how the Braves treat their own. I have defended Wren up to this point, but I’ll be at the top of the list calling for his job if this is true. Two Braves legends gone unceremoniously within months of each other. Watch out Chipper, you’re next…
What a way to ruin the momentum of a great comeback win vs. the hated Cubs and their cry-baby fans…
Mv
June 3rd, 2009
7:03 pm
Frenchy got lucky.
Paul Lentz
June 3rd, 2009
7:10 pm
Wow, I just heard about Tom Glavine being released. Damn, maybe my constant postings about letting Glavine go did some good. Maybe someone from Braves management read my postings, lol. I’ve been a Braves fan since 1982. I appreciate all that Glavine did for the Braves. However it was time to move on. I’m not saying that he cant help another team win. However, Medlen has to ability to pitch the 5th spot in the rotation, at a much cheaper price than Glavine. And if anyone falters or gets hurt, Tommy Hanson can step in.
To be honest, I’m surprised that Frank Wren released Glavine. After still sticking with Franceour, I figured that the Braves would cave in to popular sentiment and give Glavine a few starts. Way to go Mr. Wren. Doing the right thing, especially when it goes against popular sentiment, isnt an easy thing to do. However, he did.
Now if the Braves can get someone to take Jeff Franceour off our hands, then maybe Braves management can use the money saved to acquire a legit right handed power bat.
I am so pleased. Thank you Frank Wren.
Paul Lentz
June 3rd, 2009
7:22 pm
BJ Gotch, you are just another example of a so-called “Braves fan” who places loyalty to the player over the team. I’m a Braves fan first. Not signing Smoltz was the absolute right thing to do. While I didnt agree with the Braves signing Glavine, all it cost to use him as “insurance” was $1 million. If someone had faltered or gotten hurt, then of course the Braves would have added Glavine to the rotation. However that didnt happen so releasing him was the right thing to do.
I could care less about “giving playing time and throwing good money at past their prime players”. I want the Braves to spend money on players who will actually help us win now. Now the Braves wont be wasting $3.5 mil on a pitcher, when they can pay a younger, more durable pitcher less than $400k.
I’m anxious to see what the Braves are going to do next. Damn the Braves just acquired Nate McClouth from the Pirates. Damn. I need time to process the move. BRB
Paul Lentz
June 3rd, 2009
7:37 pm
OMG, Nate McClouth is only 27, has 2 more years after this year before he is eligible for free agency. He’s only making $2.5 mil this year. He can hit for power (9 homers, 34 RBI’s), has speed (7 stolen bases) and has a good strikeout to walk ratio (21 walks, 29 strikeouts).
I guess this means that Jordan Schafer will be staying in Triple A until the September call-ups. Also, I think that this means that Jeff Franceour is staying in right field for the time being. However, I’m hoping that Cox will eventually put Diaz in there. Or maybe he is waiting for Omar Infante to come back at the All-Star break. Still, I do “understand” why the Braves are still giving Franceour a chance. They are holding out hope that he will be the right handed power bat that we need. While I do hope that the Braves are still looking for a deal for a right handed power bat, the McClouth trade does help the offense while not sacrificing defense.
I see no problem with who the Braves gave up. Charlie Morton, at best, will be a 4th or 5th starter. Giving up Gorkys Hernandez, no better than a utility outfielder, late inning defensive replacement. And the other guy, I havent heard much on. Now this trade reminds me of the days that the Braves used to fleece teams. Remember the bums the Braves gave up to get Fred McGriff? This could end up being that kind of trade.
Releasing Glavine, trading for a bonifide centerfielder with power, without paying an arm and a leg and not busting the payroll…..what a day.
Frank Wren and company…..WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Meanwhile, Jeff Franceour….another weak popout to right field. Looks like he is back to his normal ways.
Paul Lentz
June 3rd, 2009
7:47 pm
Also, Tommy Hanson gets called up and Kris Medlen goes to the bullpen. Interesting timing. I wasnt quite expecting that to happen. My thinking is that the Braves want to give Hanson 4-5 starts and see how he pitches at the big league level. If he can pitch well, and the other starters do not get hurt, then perhaps Frank Wren has a plan of action that includes trading a starting pitcher (Vazquez the most likely candidate) for a big right handed bat. If Vazquez is traded, then the Braves can put Medlen in his spot. I’m just speculating, but that is the only rational reason I can think of the Braves calling up Hanson right now. If Medlen had faltered on Saturday, then I could see bringing up Hanson. The timing leads me to believe that Frank Wren has the workings of another trade, but it all depends on how Hanson pitches this month at the big league level. Just a guess.
Ideally, if the Braves feel the need to get rid of a starter for a power right handed bat, then Kawakami would be the ideal candidate to get rid of. However I dont see any team falling for that.
Paul Lentz
June 3rd, 2009
7:58 pm
More good news. Nate McClouth has a very team friendly contract. His 3 year-$15.75 mil contract began this year. $2.5 mil this year, $4.5 mil in 2010, $7.75 mil in 2011, and $9.4 mil “team option” for 2012. Man the Braves made out big time on this deal. A bonifide Major League centerfielder with a very team friendly contract. This actually frees up big money for the Braves to either acquire a big right handed bat before the trade deadline….or…..go after someone in free agency. Remember, Garret’s $2.5 mil, Tim Hudson’s $11 mil ($12 mil option minus the $1 mil buyout), and if the Braves do not tender Franceour (another $.3.75 mil savings) all could come off the books at the end of the year. That is big time money to use to go after that elusive right handed power bat.
This trade gives the Braves big time flexibility.
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[...] diehard fans who stayed until the end of the game saw a great finish in the 12th inning. As the AJC put it: “From the throes of being no-hit by Chicago Cubs, the Braves came up with the most [...]