We’re live from Braves’ miracle watch (day 21)
Javier Vazquez is be pitching for own future, as well as Braves.
Frank Wren went into the off-season last a year ago knowing he would need to add starting pitching. He will go into the off-season this year realizing he needs to subtract.
One obvious conclusion: “It will probably be a little less stressful this winter,” the Braves general manager said.
Somewhat. But a significant issue has been hanging over the Braves all season, and the core of that issue was on the mound Wednesday night. Javier Vazquez, the same pitcher whose heart and big-game ability was questioned last season by the Chicago White Sox’ turbo-lipped manager, Ozzie Guillen, has been Atlanta’s best starter this season. He went into the Florida game with a 15-9 record and 2.83 ERA (4-0, 1.93 in this improbable September).
There’s also a chance he was starting his final game as a Brave.
“I’m not going to get into our decision-making, and I don’t know, quite frankly, what we’re going to do,” Wren said. “We’ll sit down and look at all of our options. It just depends how we configure our ballclub. At the end of the day, it’s how do we put the best team on the field and what 25 players allow us to do that.”
This topic has been debated ad nauseam. The problem is that the season is about to expire, and we’re no closer to clarity. The Braves have six starting pitchers and one has to go – not just to the bullpen, but to another team. Payroll says this. Logic screams it.
The thought of dealing Vazquez seems ludicrous, even with a poor outing Wednesday. Imagine what the top of the rotation would look like next season with these three starters and their respective ERAs: Vazquez (2.83), Tommy Hanson (2.98) and Jair Jurrjens (2.61). But the only thing we know for certain is Hanson and Jurrjens will be here. We also know Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami probably will be here because they carry bloated contracts that don’t nearly match their production. It’s likely no other team would touch them even in a normal economic climate, let alone amid today’s global budget-shrinkage.
That leaves Vazquez and Tim Hudson. Hudson has a $12 million option for next season. He has looked pretty good since coming off Tommy John surgery, Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to Florida notwithstanding. If you’re the Braves, can you just let him walk?
The answer should be yes. Hudson hasn’t been the dominant top-of-the-rotation starter the Braves hoped for when they acquired him. Now is not the time to assume he’s going to turn into that. If it’s really about keeping the best guys, Vazquez stays and Hudson goes.
Here’s Wren on Hudson at his non-committal best before the game: “He’s come back and he’s shown us that he’s healthy and he’s able to pitch at this level. When we get to the appropriate time, we’ll announce our decision on how we’ll move forward.”
I’m guessing he would’ve given the same answer if I asked, “What do you think? Plums or peaches next week at Kroger?”
It was clear Vazquez did not have his best stuff Wednesday. Through three innings, he had already allowed three runs (though only one earned), five hits, a wild pitch, a hit batter and a ground ball through the legs of Chipper Jones. Then came a two-run homer in the fifth. That said, he has had a career-best season. It’s odd, given the Braves are his fifth team in the past seven seasons, and he was ripped by Guillen late last season for not coming through in the clutch.
Wren obviously disagrees. Consider what Vazquez has done in September and on the road this season:10-2, 2.80. (Strangely, he has struggled on the road.)
“Knowing Javy from afar, and now seeing him up close, I think he’s as solid as a rock,” Wren said. “We thought we were getting a real good starting pitcher. He had a history of durability and going to the post. He’s lived up to it.”
Maybe not Wednesday. But he’s a better option than Hudson.
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461 comments Add your comment
P C
September 30th, 2009
5:52 pm
Vasquez needs to stay. End of story.
Geoff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
5:55 pm
Tommy Hudson is a stud.
MSC
September 30th, 2009
6:02 pm
Isn’t it Tommy Hanson?
Dawgmess
September 30th, 2009
6:02 pm
…. and the elder statesman’s stock didn’t go up much last night in the bottom of the ninth
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
6:05 pm
Alright, today i actually feel comfortable about the game lets go out there and get em’. Still dont understand why we have our coldest hitter batting leadoff
midnite
September 30th, 2009
6:09 pm
Jeff why didn’t you tell us we picked up Tommy Hudson? Who did we give up for him? We are definately in the playoffs now.
Alan
September 30th, 2009
6:10 pm
Vasquez one of the few shining lights on the team this season. JJ also. How many games did this team lose from Bobby C staying with his starters for far too long? It’s a shame this guy can’t do something so obvious. All you need to know about Bobby C is one world series in 14 attempts. He is the epitome of futility. So good luck tonight Braves. There’s a reason why the odds makers put your chances at 14% before yesterday’s game. When you get swept by the reds at home, you etched your fate in stone. Tonight will be full of more swinging strikeouts near the eyes by McClouth, Golf swing strikeouts by Lachoke..he sure looks like he wants to hit a 7 iron when he swings. And pop ups by McCann. Better hope Diaz or Prado or someone off the bench delivers cause these batters are pathetic.
Enjoy the offseason chokeaholics.
midnite
September 30th, 2009
6:14 pm
@Alan-”Bitter, party of one, your table is ready”.
Joseph
September 30th, 2009
6:20 pm
vasqy, JJ, tommy, and a 4th pitcher, maybe huddy but only as a 4th pitcher…kami started to pitch well and then after being benched has lost it. medy was a stud in triple AAA……choices choices.
coach k
September 30th, 2009
6:20 pm
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease start Infante over Mclouth for the last 5 and get him out of here.
Marc from FL
September 30th, 2009
6:21 pm
Last night just sucked cause we had like 5 chances to win it. These Rockies aren’t as good as their record indicates, but the Dodgers are stinking it up right now too, so our chances aren’t looking so good.
Charlie Morton threw a complete game shutout… Good for him I think.
midnite
September 30th, 2009
6:21 pm
Ah, nothing like Fall baseball when your team is still in in the hunt. Cool fresh air, brats on the grill, ice cold beverages, big screen standing by.
Larry
September 30th, 2009
6:23 pm
I doubt we will make the playoffs, but I am ok with that. I am proud of this team and what they have accomplished. Other than Hanson, this is essentially the same group of guys that pissed away games and blew leads all through the 1st half of the season, but they have learned to keep it together and fight until the last out. They have given me high hopes for next season, and for that I am grateful. Enjoy the last few, and LETS GO GET’EM BRAVES
Bring Me the Head of Deforest Kelley
September 30th, 2009
6:26 pm
Hudson’s starts have progressively gotten worse since he’s come off the DL. Meanwhile, Vasquez continues to somehow get even better.
I wasn’t a fan of the Vasquez signing last winter, but I’m glad to admit my would-be mistake, and easily see him as the team’s MVP. While Prado, Escobar, Diaz and LaRoche have all made solid contributions, no one has been as dependable as Vasquez this season every time he’s gone out.
To me, it doesn’t make any sense at all to entertain the idea of re-signing Hudson (with his ERA over 4.00) for $12M next year, while at the same time trading Vasquez (2.80 ERA, and averages 1 more inning per start than Hudson).
Its clear the Braves need more consistent offense if they are to improve next year. But comprimising the starting pitching to get that extra bat by trading Vasquez seems to count on extreme overestimation of the abilities of Lowe, Kawakami and Hudson. Do you think the Braves will be able to sustain a strong late-season run next year with 3/5 of their rotation with ERAs over 4.00? Because that’s where they’re headed if they deal Vasquez.
Also, what kind of bat could the Braves realistically expect in exchange for Vasquez? Would we get someone of legitimately higher caliber than we could hope to sign on the free agent market? And – maybe more importantly – do the Braves really need a top-caliber addition to the offense? Or perhaps just a younger, more-consistent, outfielder with some extra pop? Seems to me like this could be had for the $12M the Braves have on the table for Hudson without having trade Vasquez.
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
6:31 pm
If you look at the probable pitchers for the Dodgers
Wolf 3.22 era
Kershaw 2.89 era
Koruda 3.76
Dodgers should take 2, hopefully brewers can take 1. WE STILL GOT A SHOT
sidslid
September 30th, 2009
6:32 pm
Going back to his Oakland days, I never thought of Hudson as a gamer. He would come into the postseason with some 16-6, 3ish ERA and just get hammered in the first round, usually by the Red Sox.
Easy to say now, but when the week started, I thought last night was our one loss and that we would need 6-1 and Colorado at 3-3. Let’s see what happens
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
6:34 pm
lets just get some rhythm back and win
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
6:34 pm
Sorry guys. Had “Hudson” on the Brave. Hanson’s back on the team.
Braves=Believe — Because he has speed and the rest is up to prayer. Question: who would you put as leadoff right now?
Guys — You can go at each other all you want but cut the profanity. I’m going to delete some posts.
midnite
September 30th, 2009
6:35 pm
I hope Braves management will “pull out all the stops” for 2010 with the “Bobby Cox Farewell Tour”. Spend a little more dough and try to win one more title. It would be nice to keep Hudson, but if it comes down to one or the other then JV is the arm to keep.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
6:36 pm
Alright Jeff! The soothsayer is back and I hoped you dressed appropriately. It’s going to be a cold night at Turner Field!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
6:37 pm
For leadoff, I would go with Omar Infante or Martin Prado. Nate isn’t cutting it at that spot.
midnite
September 30th, 2009
6:38 pm
Get that bar of Ivory out and start washing out mouths.
midnite
September 30th, 2009
6:44 pm
Shultz, what are you and Knockahoma smoking over there? Pass it around bro.
Toots
September 30th, 2009
6:46 pm
How come the ‘enter your comments’ line doesn’t automatically disappear any more? I miss those days.
Kerfeld
September 30th, 2009
6:49 pm
It’s a no-brainer. Say bye to Hudson.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
6:49 pm
If the Braves can somehow get the lead down to 1 game by Friday, I’ll go to the game. However, I’m not going to waste money if they are 2, 3, or 4 games out of it come Friday.
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
6:50 pm
Schultz
Rgith now i would put Diaz, with his .400 OBP. You cant have Mclouth leading off when he is cold
NCBravesFan
September 30th, 2009
6:50 pm
Are the Braves dead again? No.
Do they need to win out? Obviously.
Can Colorado lose three out of five? Remains to be seen. Losing one against MIL would be a huge help toward that end.
MightyQuinn
September 30th, 2009
6:51 pm
Just wondering how Bobby Cox can get hammered here for both leaving the starters in too long AND overworking the bullpen? Nothing like bi-polar bloggers!
Max Sizemore
September 30th, 2009
6:53 pm
Find a way to keep all six starters. You can never have too much pitching, as they say. Start Lowe in the bullpen (yes, that’s an expensive slot), but when one of the five goes down with an injury you won’t have to bring someone in. One of the former pitchers on ESPN a few weeks ago (I don’t recall who) said that Hanson, with his delivery, is an elbow injury waiting to happen. This might work well if (when) the Braves don’t re-sign Gonzalez and/or Soriano.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
6:54 pm
Guys! There is no way in the world Colorado is winning tonight. Milwaukee is mad after last night.
TN Jeff
September 30th, 2009
6:56 pm
The Braves consistently let the fans down at just the moment folks start believing they may be capable of doing something special. Last night was a microcosm of this. They’re dead – Diaz hits a 3 run homer and we fans think, maybe we’re gonna win this. Then give up lead & lose the game when the #3 hitter (who has NO business batting there) strikes out and trumps that later by hitting into a double play.
How do you spell Braves? CHOKE
Jerry
September 30th, 2009
6:58 pm
Some way must be found to keep Vazquez on the team. His innings pitched is worth the salary of a relief pitcher. Same with Jennsen.
So the Braves have 6 starters. Need another 100 rbi man in the lineup.
And McCann needs to be batting 5 or 6 not 4. Need a trade.
Vazquez, Jurrjens & Hanson are untouchable (JJ & TH because of $$).
One of the other 3 gets traded as part of a deal for the 100 rbi guy.
How far is Schaefer from being ready? Is he playing in Arizona Fall?
OldTimer
September 30th, 2009
7:04 pm
Chipper Jones has got to go. He never could hit in the clutch.
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
7:11 pm
First pitch: 7:10.
Temperature: 71 degrees.
Crowd: 127.
NCBravesFan
September 30th, 2009
7:14 pm
Jeff: I think you may have missed the family of five in Section 127, Row R.
Chipster
September 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
Hey, give me a break, I strained by Kadipulator tendon taking a dip of snuff…is it huntin’ season yet?
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
Bobby — I brought a sweater tonight, thank you very much.
Midnite — I don’t inhale.
Toots — I’ll get right on that. Damn, you’re high maintenance.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
7:15 pm
Haha! Love the sense of humor Jeff. Braves fans just disgust me. Braves have some of the most affordable seats in baseball. I’d go to more games, but I live 90 minutes from Turner Field. However, I’d go to way more games if I lived in Atlanta.
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
7:16 pm
NCBravesfans — Oh yeah. No wait. There’s only two there. The other three didn’t use their tickets.
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
7:18 pm
That was pretty weak by McLouth.
rocknthebeergut (formerly southbeachdietfreak)
September 30th, 2009
7:18 pm
While I can’t understand why these guys couldn’t play this way the whole year, I’m quite proud of the fact they didn’t give up. These guys honestly have the ability to beat anybody in the league (won 3 of 4 in LA, swept the Cards in STL). These are the two best teams in the league! If the season were 170 games, they’d probably be in the playoffs.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
7:19 pm
Don’t look now, but it’s 1-0 HOU TOP 1STR with Astros still batting.
sidslid
September 30th, 2009
7:21 pm
Nolasco looks sharp
rocknthebeergut (formerly southbeachdietfreak)
September 30th, 2009
7:21 pm
I do think the Braves need to see what they can get for Hudson. He’s still a decent pitcher, but I think the rotation can get along without him.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
7:23 pm
Prince Fielder is ready in Milwaukee!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
7:23 pm
in Denver*
Marc from FL
September 30th, 2009
7:24 pm
I miss the seasons, and fall baseball… The Braves need to win out so I’ll have an excuse to take time off work and head to ATL for a couple October games.
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
7:25 pm
Schultz
Speed only matters if you can make contact. have you Seen mclouth in the past week. He looks like an idiot swinging at the ball that is at his eyes. that is literally 1 inch away from his face. That would scare me i wouldnt swing at that.
rocknthebeergut (formerly southbeachdietfreak)
September 30th, 2009
7:25 pm
For awhile I was beginning to wonder if the Braves would catch the Phils’
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
7:26 pm
Chipper i can say really is not a #3 hitter anymore he is a decent 5-6 hitter at best right now.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
7:26 pm
I hope Jim Tracy gets ejected tonight. Haha!
Marc from FL
September 30th, 2009
7:27 pm
Prince Fielder
.283/.379/.548 43/137 135 SO
.995 fielding % (7 errors)
Adam Laroche
.282/.360/.500 25/81 134 SO
.999 fielding % (2 errors)
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
7:27 pm
Braves need to open there eyes. They want fans to show up, but maybe the fans have learned that they always turn them down.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
7:28 pm
I wish the Braves would go ahead and wrap this Wild Card thing up. I need to be studying for mid-terms. Nice grab Nate!
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
7:28 pm
I went to one game this year. I live in Louisiana. Rented a car and drove the 8 hour trek to see us lose the Saturday game during the 5 game skid and sweep at the hands of the Reds. I got their early and caught a ball Adam one hopped over the left field wall. Matt Diaz came out to get a ball that landed between the fence and seats to give it to whichever kid claimed to not have a ball yet lol It was hot that day and my 3 year old and I found some more shaded seats, wasn’t hard given all the empty ones :/
I haven’t lived in Atlanta since ‘97 and even then I felt the crowds weren’t as “into” the games as I thought they should have been lol Seeing all the empty seats last night was sad. If I lived there I’d be at these games.
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
7:29 pm
Rocknthebeergut — Agreed. They’ve shown a lot this past month, regardless what happens from this point forward.
Braves = Believe — Yeah, but did you see how fast McLouth moved to the dugout after the strikeout? Seriously I know what you’re saying. The problem is there’s just not a lot of candidates to lead off on this roster, and how long have we said that around here?
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
7:29 pm
1-1 in PHIL END 1ST
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
7:30 pm
PHI*
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
7:30 pm
There not chasing
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
7:31 pm
Braves=Believe… I doubt they’re trying to let you down. Cubs fans are there year after year. If you love baseball you love baseball. They’ve played great in the second half and deserve to have more support from the hometown crowd.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
7:35 pm
2-1 HOU TOP 2ND
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
7:35 pm
Heck yes! Out of the JAM!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
7:36 pm
Pedro getting rocked in Philly! Haha. Go Astros!
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
7:37 pm
Jeff Schultz
Diaz batting leadoff
41 ab
.439 avg.
.531 obp
1.116 ops
james
September 30th, 2009
7:37 pm
A double, an error, and a walk, and the bases are full of Braves. Bream carries the winning run. Two balls one strike, what tension. The runners lead. There’s a lot of room in right center, if he hits one there we can dance in the street, the 2-1…
Swung, line drive left field! One run is in! Here comes Bream! Here’s the throw to the plate! He is…safe! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win! Braves win!…Braves win!
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
7:37 pm
That 2 – 1 call was BIG…
midnite
September 30th, 2009
7:39 pm
Since Rafael Furcal, so at least 4 years.
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
7:40 pm
hard breaking balls are tough to hit,
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
7:42 pm
Braves cant handle pressure
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
7:46 pm
Braves=Believe — I know. Impressive. I just don’t see Matt Diaz and think, “Leadoff” guy. I realize that’s not a real scientific answer.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
7:47 pm
Will the Phillies and Rockies be able to handle pressure tonight?
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
7:47 pm
Midnite — yes, not since Fooky. That’s part of the reason why him NOT coming back here this season was such a big story.
Dawgfan
September 30th, 2009
7:49 pm
Is it me or do all the Fish look like they are on steroids (including the old manager Clint Hurdle)?
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
7:50 pm
OK. That wasn’t good.
TN Jeff
September 30th, 2009
7:51 pm
James,
Thanks for the reminder – to me, the greatest moment in Braves history! I still get goose bumps when I hear/recall that monumental victory.
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
7:52 pm
Chipper can u atleast field a ball cleanly since you cant even produce any offense
TN Jeff
September 30th, 2009
7:53 pm
Jeff,
On Facebook you can BLOCK certain people you do NOT want to hear from. Is that possible on this blog deal?
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
7:53 pm
Loss tonight we are officially out
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
7:54 pm
This inning is all on Chipper, inning should have been over
TN Jeff
September 30th, 2009
7:55 pm
McCann – got to throw down. Ugh
Braves=Believe
September 30th, 2009
7:57 pm
WTF
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
7:57 pm
ugly inning
Ross
September 30th, 2009
7:58 pm
CJ, emptier of stadiums, dasher of hopes, owner of 9000 acres. Too special to get in front of a DP ball.
I quit – why is Diaz batting 8th? Why is Hudson suddenly back blowing games? Why is Kawakami, who was clutch all year, in the bull pen? Why is Jone, a broken down surly loafer, in the game?
Next year we’re stuck with $30 million of Lowe and Jones again. You know what, I think I’m finished with this stupid game. Sayonara baseball. It was sometimes fun. I’ve had enough.
-drl
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
7:58 pm
This isn’t Vazquez’ best night so far, obviously. Doesn’t quite work with the column I’m writing about how great he is, but, oh well.
Ronald Millsaps
September 30th, 2009
7:58 pm
The Braves’ offense needs to get with it.
You can’t expect to beat the Marlins with this stale “back into three runs, and let the pitching and defense win it for you” approach.
Javier Vazquez is facing the best offense in baseball tonight. I expect the Marlins to score, just like I expect them to score every other night; Atlanta’s offense needs to counter strongly.
I’m infuriated by the goings-on in Colorado this past Sunday. The Rockies and their fans are annoying enough, but the Cardinals’ lackluster performance and the horrible play of Albert Pujols were very frustrating, and the INEPT umpiring in the ninth inning (two HORRIBLE calls) and the likewise base-running by Pujols and Julio Lugo just really ticked me off.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
7:59 pm
Braves will score in the bottom half of the inning.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:00 pm
Yay! Now the Braves can go 3 and out. Go FISH! Haha!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:01 pm
Washington Nationals: 2010 World Champions!!!
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
8:01 pm
game over and wild card hopes are gone people.. with last nights waste of a chance and now we are down 3-0 to pathetic florida. of course coghlan we cant get out and a huge costly error and mistake. well tonights game is the braves season.. so they have 21 outs to get 4 or more runs..
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:02 pm
Game over? I thought it was in the 3rd inning?
dave
September 30th, 2009
8:03 pm
It looks like they’ve already quit. Please, let me be wrong!
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
8:03 pm
Third game in a row Braves pitchers haven’t been able to keep the ball down in the zone. JJ got lucky the first game of this series with the Marlins missing some pitches and walking 11 people. Why are we so bad at home?
ashley
September 30th, 2009
8:04 pm
Even if the Braves don’t make the playoffs, they didn’t give up on September 1, when people started discussing the post season. They made September exciting: playing with heart and no fear.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
8:04 pm
4 k’s in 7 outs? wow way to show up tonight guys…
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:04 pm
Jim Tracy for NL Manager of the Year!
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
8:06 pm
have u seen anything tonight that resembles a team that wants it?.. now 5 k’s yea thats it.. wow sad…
Chipster
September 30th, 2009
8:07 pm
Ooops. But you should still pay money to watch me play like this, heh
Ronald Millsaps
September 30th, 2009
8:07 pm
Someone on this blog recently said the Marlins didn’t have any superstars aside from Hanley Ramirez. Folks, you don’t need multiple superstars to win. They have something better than superstars: chemistry.
Besides, these non-superstars all have pop. They can blast the ball out of any park. Last year, their 1-8 hitters each had 20-plus home runs. Not bad.
We need to win this game… badly. Javier Vazquez needs to shake off his start and focus on the present and future. If he can hold their offense and bay from here out, that would be great.
Our offense needs to get going.
Buck Martinez and TBS give good coverage but inconsistent commentary. Honestly, some of the observations from Ripken, Eckersley, etc. the other day were just wrong, and Martinez just likes to argue, it seems.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
8:08 pm
6 out of 9 outs are k’s … yea thats a playoff team for you good grief..
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
8:08 pm
*6 k’s in 9 outs
pretty “punk” indeed Joe Simpson
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:08 pm
Haha! Strikeout, yes!!! Go Marlins!
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
8:09 pm
7 strikeouts in 9 ABs. That ain’t answering the bell, fellas.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:10 pm
Will the Braves be one hit tonight? Find out on SportSouth in Sparkling HD!
MightyQuinn
September 30th, 2009
8:10 pm
Ok, I’m not a constant Cox basher on any of these blogs, but tonight points to a perpetual problem I have with Bobby. When they showed on tv that JV’s ERA to the Fish was over 5, and he was 0-2 against this year, assuming the Braves know this, why wouldn’t BC work the rotation to give KK a start and hold Vasquez for the Nats?
Ronald Millsaps
September 30th, 2009
8:11 pm
at*
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:11 pm
Will the Braves be one hit tonight? Find out tonight on SportSouth in sparkling HD!
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
8:12 pm
Not that it matters tonite because no one wants to touch the ball, but why isn’t Diaz still hitting leadoff after tearing the cover off of the ball up there, and why in heavens name is GA still hitting 5th? The guy isn’t even hitting his weight in September. Wouldn’t LaRoche fit better there?
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:14 pm
Every swing and a miss. Every choke. Every out. Every flyout. Every weak groundout. Every error. This is your choked team. SportSouth.
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
8:16 pm
Just read the boxscore a minute ago, 22ND error of the year for Chipper. Ouch.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:17 pm
Nate has got to do something here. Walk, hit, hit by pitch, something.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:19 pm
And Nate strikes out. Muhahahahahahaha!
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
8:19 pm
IowaBrave — Yes, Chipper leads the team. Updated: Chipper 22, Escobar 13, McCann 12, Kelly Johnson 10
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
8:20 pm
7 k’s in 2 1/4 innings not gonna do it..
My Braves
September 30th, 2009
8:20 pm
Get something started, Martin!!!!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:20 pm
We need new commentators. John and Joe are boring. Yawn.
Chris
September 30th, 2009
8:20 pm
How bad of an E on Chipper, tough play, or did he just blow it?
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:21 pm
Haha! Heck yes. Marlins rock. Go FISH! Keep striking out these sorry Braves.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
8:21 pm
8 k’s out of the 11 outs not even 3 innings old? game over shesshhh…
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
8:22 pm
Come on Braves, 5 more non K outs and we won’t end up with 20!
MightyQuinn
September 30th, 2009
8:22 pm
To expand on my 8:10 post, Bobby has almost always managed the postseason exactly like the regular season. And for all practical purposes we are already in the postseason. Sometimes the status quo doesn’t hold. Sometimes you play the stats and the stats said JV shouldn’t have gotten the call tonight, especially since our strength is an over abundance of starting pitching. Ditto McClouth leading off. Bobby always manages like the regular season because there is always tomorrow. Now there IS NO tomorrow! Of course, it also looks like our offense has decided to dissapear again, so it doesn’t really matter anyway. As I’m typing this, the Braves record their 8th strike out. Oh well. It was a fun September.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:22 pm
Haha! I’m loving this. Braves strike out in order. GO FISH!!!!!
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
8:23 pm
Chipper… lol
wow
MightyQuinn
September 30th, 2009
8:23 pm
Six consecutive K’s, nine overall.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
8:23 pm
9 k’s not one has put the ball in play? wow
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:23 pm
This is great stuff. Go Rockies and Phillies and Fish!!!!!
Ronald Millsaps
September 30th, 2009
8:24 pm
“colton”–You’re contradicting yourself, buddy.
“Iowa…”– I’ve wondered, myself, why Bobby doesn’t analyze and strategize the lineup properly. He generally gets a lineup in spring training and uses it for 90% of the season. I don’t think he looks specifically enough at who should bat where, and I think he uses excessively-sizable case samples or excessively-small ones when making certain evaluations. He doesn’t go with the hot hand enough, and he puts too much emphasis on R-L matchups.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:24 pm
I’m hungry. Chick-Fil-A anyone?
Chipster
September 30th, 2009
8:25 pm
So much for making up for my error with my bat…
Ross
September 30th, 2009
8:26 pm
Chris – there are two rules in baseball – run it out, and get in front of it.
Chipper did not even bother to get in front of the ball. New glove, old attitude.
*9* strikeouts! Nine!!
Navigator
September 30th, 2009
8:26 pm
After the stupid move by Cox last night to bring in a demoted pitcher in a must win situation, and why didn’t he go to a four man pitching staff in Atlanta, and have a chance last night. Anyway, next year more Cox boners. I hope I live to see the Braves play for manager other than “We won a World Series, didn’t We?” Cox.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:26 pm
Atlanta Braves. We didn’t invent the out. Just the strikeout.
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
8:26 pm
This is macabreish (if that is a word). How do you strike out 9 out of 12 times in such a big game vs such a average hurler?
Tyler
September 30th, 2009
8:27 pm
This certainly does remind me of the playoffs for the Braves in the past. Whenever this team finds itself in big, meaningful games, they go completely dormant (and now utterly embarrassing) on the offensive end.
Hillbilly Deluxe
September 30th, 2009
8:28 pm
No way would I trade Vasquez but then again, nobody in baseball ever asks my advice anyway.
Dawgfan
September 30th, 2009
8:28 pm
Braves played loose during the recent 15/18 now that they are in must win situation they are pressing. Marlins are the ones playing loose. Come on Bravos still time loosen up.
My Braves
September 30th, 2009
8:28 pm
Don’t give up so easily! This is baseball. Anything can happen.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:29 pm
I hope I can order my Phillies division shirt tonight so I can wear it in time for the weekend.
MightyQuinn
September 30th, 2009
8:29 pm
I have hated the Marlins since the ‘97 NLCS. Hated!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:30 pm
Who’s ready for the Honky Tonk concert in November?
Hillbilly Deluxe
September 30th, 2009
8:30 pm
This is macabreish (if that is a word).
If it isn’t a word, it should be.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
8:30 pm
GAME OVER… SEASON DONE..
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:30 pm
Haha! 5-0. GO FISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:31 pm
Gload is the man!
MightyQuinn
September 30th, 2009
8:31 pm
HATED! 5-0
Ross
September 30th, 2009
8:31 pm
It’s not a matter of giving up. It’s like fighting a battle with Pauly Shore leading the charge. You just can’t imagine what a cancer Jones is – he’s the utter wreckage of all baseball effort.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:31 pm
Haha. Why is it so quiet at Turner Field?
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
8:31 pm
definitely, definitely gone… Joe “Rainman” Simpson
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:32 pm
Phillies tie it up. Heck yes!
PJ
September 30th, 2009
8:32 pm
Counting down the days until opening day……………2011.
Ronald Millsaps
September 30th, 2009
8:32 pm
Matt Diaz batted nearly .500 at leadoff. Why NOT put him back there?
Nate McLouth is a strong leadoff hitter, but he also has some pop. Maybe we should move him to “three”, and Chipper to “five.” I’m serious.
This team has a strong roster, but the ownership is downright awful. Heck, it’s too cheap to provide a decent payroll. (We could’ve used Gregor Blanco as a pinch-runner last night, but we didn’t have him on the bench. Why not? Money.)
Actually, scratch that answer. Not “money”; not “lack of money”… apathy.
Javier Vazquez seems to have settled down. Now we need Atlanta’s offense to get going. You have to show patience and not press. You’ve got to play with poise and a sense of urgency. You can’t do what the TBS studio guys suggested the other day and make adjustments for the sake of making adjustments. You also should not make adjustments solely by the scoreboard, even if it’s your own. The game is more complex than that.
candler willis
September 30th, 2009
8:33 pm
Well once again javier cant when the big game game!!! Thats why chicago gave him too us he pitches good when we just need a win but he is not a smolts maddux or glavin he cant when when it all rides on him GOOD YEAR thOUGH BRAVES
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:33 pm
3 more strikeouts in the bottom of the 5th is what’ll be cooking at Carabba’s Italian Grill. Haha!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:33 pm
Counting down the days to postseason baseball 2009. Go Phillies!
Tyler
September 30th, 2009
8:33 pm
If the Braves were ever curious, this is why no one has shown up for these final games, It is much easier to be disappointed via the TV than it is live at Turner Field. Also, much less expensive!
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
8:34 pm
and frank wren is an idiot. Im sorry why in the world did u sign bobby cox for another yr.. are we not in the playoff chase?. he sure isnt managing like it.. it will be the same old crap next yr.. and tonight u are letting vasquez just go out there and let the marlins score at will.. man I have more respect for jim tracy than this joke of bobby cox.. because tracy takes chances and cox just sits on his fat butt and picks his nose and doesnt manage a ball game..
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
8:36 pm
OK, so now that I’ve recast the blog lead screaming about Javier Vazquez’ greatness for an EARLY print column for the nether regions, it’s time to completely rewrite for nearing the last shovel of dirt ending this playoff race. Barring a comeback, of course.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:36 pm
Come on Anderson. Strike out already.
Tyler
September 30th, 2009
8:36 pm
10K now, how many will there be at the end? Guesses anyone?
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:37 pm
Heck yes. Strike out for Anderson. Muhahahahahahhaha!
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
8:37 pm
8 in a row and 11 k’s ur season is over .. thank Goodness for Hockey Season…
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
8:37 pm
This is getting hard to watch… at least GA ran, good hustle Mac
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:38 pm
Strike out Yunel Escobar!
Tyler
September 30th, 2009
8:39 pm
EMBARRASSING
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:39 pm
Haha! I so love this.
Phillies take the lead and the Braves are choking. Early Christmas gift to me.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
8:39 pm
12 outs now out of 15. lets go for 20 while were at it. set a major league record..
PJ
September 30th, 2009
8:39 pm
Tyler, spot on!!!! This whole decade has been one of disappointment for Braves fans.
Don
September 30th, 2009
8:40 pm
Who’s worse with good talent. Bobby cox or willie martinez?
I knew this team would fall apart. And the morons were saying hey go to the game. No thanks. I’d rather watch reruns of Seinfeld. I feel sorry for anyone suckered into going to this game.
1 in 14 Bobby. Nice percentage. The law of averages says you should get 3.
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
8:40 pm
Season on the line and we’re trying to have the record for strikeouts in a game set on us… I’m not looking forward to watching all the highlight shows who have been hyping us up the last two days laugh at our effort tonight. This is just pathetic… and I’m by NO means a fair weather fan.
Rico Carty
September 30th, 2009
8:40 pm
We have got to get Greg Norton in this game to give us some kind of spark.
NCBravesFan
September 30th, 2009
8:41 pm
I blame Bobby for all those strikeouts. The dry weather in the desert, drops that spot your dishes in the dishwasher, the Hindenburg Disaster and perhaps the Titanic as well can also be laid at his feet.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:41 pm
New decade = CHOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:42 pm
Dangit Flordia. Quit striking out already!
Kevin
September 30th, 2009
8:42 pm
down 5-0 we done rockies win wild card and phillies win east…bye bye cox n TP and tell chipper his wonderful i don’t care showed yesterday lost 2 on 1out what those the wonderfull not a hall of fame did ground into double play we lose rocks win. So chipper did when the Hall of shame for his great Non- Leadership role.The fork is in we done! Its wait till 2011 now since i remember Bobby cox is comin back to pick his nose again n i bet TP be here to….
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:43 pm
Hahah! 2011.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:44 pm
Nolasco for NL Cy Young!
the Truth...
September 30th, 2009
8:44 pm
What is the Braves’ win-loss for the season with Chipper playing and without Chipper playing?
Seems to me that stats like that go a long way to revealing some of our problems this year…
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:45 pm
Make sure to have your heating or cooling systems professionally checked!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:45 pm
Homerun Coghlan!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE.
Kevin
September 30th, 2009
8:45 pm
Candy color clown they call the bobby cox go to sleep its over its over!!
Zach
September 30th, 2009
8:45 pm
Jeff,
How many players are going to swing a balls when they strike out? McClouth is the worst, ball are almost hitting and he’s swinging at them.
We have no energy, looks like they’ve given up after last night.
NCBravesFan
September 30th, 2009
8:45 pm
Chris Coghlan batting for the 743rd time in this series …
Ronald Millsaps
September 30th, 2009
8:46 pm
“my”– I’m not giving up, but how many times have we seen the Braves respond this way in this situation? Look at Game 6 of the 1998 NLCS, for example: After trailing, 3-0, and winning the next two games, Atlanta returns home and loses, 5-0.
the Truth...
September 30th, 2009
8:47 pm
Yep, the toast is done…going to stop switching between O’Reilly and the Bravos and just watch the rest of O’Reilly….
Zach
September 30th, 2009
8:47 pm
NCBravesFan: just be glad you’re not watching the marlins broadcast. They can’t talk about anything but Coghlan. It is HORRIBLE!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:48 pm
Come on Coghlan. Step your game up and make this 7-0.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:48 pm
Thanks a lot Coghlan. You suck.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:49 pm
Brewers fail to score in the first. Heck yes!
NCBravesFan
September 30th, 2009
8:49 pm
Zach: I feel your pain!
Zach
September 30th, 2009
8:50 pm
“Coghlan just missed that one, McCann must of pushed him a little to distract him. Thats why the ball didn’t go over the fence, because Coghlan is God!” -Marlins Announcers
Kevin
September 30th, 2009
8:50 pm
Your wish will come true and remember …..No more bread n butter no more toast n jam that what Bobby cox made us swear again
WisePatH2Follow
September 30th, 2009
8:50 pm
There’s your answer to last night’s question, “Where’s the crowds?” You get a much larger crowd tonight and the Braves are playing like Zombies. I gave up on then when they quit late night vs the Marlins on August 21. Joe Simpson knows what I’m talking about.
Josh Mac
September 30th, 2009
8:51 pm
Bobby, will the Phillies’ division title be a little bittersweet since you won’t have any friend to celebrate with?
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:51 pm
Dangit! This is not good. Go Fish!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:52 pm
No. My entire family and friends are diehard Phillies fans like me.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:52 pm
Hey Braves fans. Your MVP is on deck in the form of Norton.
MightyQuinn
September 30th, 2009
8:52 pm
With every Braves strike out, I am having increasingly vivid flashbacks to the ‘97 NLCS and Eric Gregg’s wider than his substantial arse strike zone for Livan “Tub of Goo” Hernandez. What was that, 15 Ks that game?
Eddy
September 30th, 2009
8:52 pm
I use to go to Braves games. When it was convientent. I use to live in Brookhaven. I never took Marta. What I did do was walk to Jocks n Jills. They had a free shuttle bus that would take you there and drive you back. Of course you would leave a couple of bucks for the driver. Cheaper than marta. And they would drop you off right at the gate. But then they closed and I moved shortly after. taking marta is a joke. First the miscrients that ride on it. Second, the fact it doesn’t even go to TF. Real nice. In my mid 20s’ and beyond, there were several times I was out in butthead having a drink after work. Often I would talk to people and we would have loved to have been able to jump on marta in downtown bh to go to the game. Again, impossible. They finally built marta there but even then, it was a hike from the bar district on either side and of course marta came no where near TF. So thank the city of atlanta for their greed in not wanting marta to go near fulton cty stad. they cared more about their parking tax. so now i go to maybe 1 game a year. and that’s why atlanta doesn’t go. sure for a few years when we finally had a team that made it to the playoffs we went. but over time you realize it ain’t worth it. and when you put a crap product out there that underachieves primarily because of the coach, well i could care less. phillips and the dome are much more convienent. going to u2 next week and taking marta.
Kevin
September 30th, 2009
8:54 pm
what bobby cox goin say when the Phillies repeat as world series champs again….he say as he picks his nose it way baseball is the ball go n do crazy things for u blah blah and so forth…what he really sayin..I choke why u think i left Toronto in 1985…i do same here in atlanta later!
Zach
September 30th, 2009
8:54 pm
Norton has only ten more hits than I do, and I’m sitting on my couch
Kevin
September 30th, 2009
8:55 pm
Norton is playin oh great he best workin in sewers then a MLB player
NCBravesFan
September 30th, 2009
8:56 pm
Well Braves – in the immortal words of Andy Dufresne, “Get busy living, or get busy dying.”
Tyler
September 30th, 2009
8:56 pm
What is wrong with Cox… Greg Norton, again!
Zach
September 30th, 2009
8:57 pm
what a freaking surprise…norton strikes out at ball in the dirt
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
8:58 pm
And the MVP strikes out!
Kevin
September 30th, 2009
8:58 pm
Of course Greg Norton that is illegal son he had many years ago…he wants him to strike out so we can throw coke at him
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
8:58 pm
thats one reason why bobby cox is a moron and should of never been signed again. greg norton is 6-60 this yr and u put him in now to of course strike out.. wow
Tyler
September 30th, 2009
8:59 pm
That right there, plus his handling of the bullpen, is sole reason that I will not be sad to see Cox retire.
Max
September 30th, 2009
8:59 pm
Schultz must be bored out of his mind. Not much commentary tonight. He sure was a believer yesterday.
Kevin
September 30th, 2009
9:00 pm
well greg Norton Must have fought was Greg Norman the golfer n forgot where at….and we goin have Bobby cox n friend back they say 2010 be better i afraid its 2011…after the cox era is done
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:00 pm
Haha! GO FISH!
Terry
September 30th, 2009
9:01 pm
Hawaii LA Tech is more exciting than the braves. LOL
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:01 pm
Hey Jeff! Do you still believe? Haha!
Kevin
September 30th, 2009
9:02 pm
why yes Bobby Colton he believes in peter pan n tinker bell will make them win…..lol
rabiddawg
September 30th, 2009
9:03 pm
Damn these braves… Two weeks ago I wrote this team off and was ok with the fact that the playoffs were out of the question. I told myself as well as friends that I was done with this baseball season unless the braves closed within 2 games which they did. I became very interested again only to get let down. Well 2010 looks good.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:04 pm
Hey Jeff! What is your favorite food to eat at Turner Field?
Ethel Mertz
September 30th, 2009
9:04 pm
What is it with these two clowns on TV? They aren’t saying a word. Maybe they are choked up but isn’t it their job to give us some sort of narrative and analysis? When the Braves are doing well they never shut their yaps.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:04 pm
way to goo.. goodnight and see ya next yr.. we shall see this team needs a new everything. bobby cox should have been told he is not coming back yet we sign him to a one yr deal again. he manages like a fat slob.. 4 yrs of garbage baseball and hes rewarded for managing like this. who cares if ur over 500.. there are huge issues frank wren needs to deal with and one is gettin rid of bobby cox..
Preston Hannatized
September 30th, 2009
9:05 pm
What an indictment of the senile old man in the corner of the dugout. “Let’s go Nort!” With the team facing perhaps a last gasp rally, who does he send up but Greg Norton? Who promptly fans. In sports, you fail publicly and it’s cruel but Norton sucks. Bonus points for Boog and Joe saying basically WTF is Norton doing up in this situation. When Kelly Johnson appears to be the better alternative, Mr. Norton, it is time for a career change. That was sad but typical of “old Bobby.” Players love him. And how’s that McLouth deal looking now, Mr. Wren. Would you like to wreconsider?
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:06 pm
Haha! GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:06 pm
GO KANSAS CITY ROYALS!
Scott
September 30th, 2009
9:07 pm
Bobby Cox and Bobby Bowden. Both need to get the heck out of coaching. So sick of this crap.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:07 pm
nope 13 k’s and 2 hits and gettin spanked by florida and if colorado wins tonight its all over..
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:07 pm
9 OUTS AND THEN I CAN CELEBRATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Preston Hannatized
September 30th, 2009
9:08 pm
By the way, Thrashers GM Don Waddell says Frank Wren is doing a great job and building a winner here in Atlanta.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:08 pm
Hey Scott. Who is your favorite Braves player?
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:08 pm
If yoru happy and you know it, type 1!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:09 pm
you’re*
Dumbfound
September 30th, 2009
9:09 pm
Jeff, Can you block the man that Bobby Colton away from this blog ?! He was no respect for anybody here trying to cheer the Braves on.
Kevin
September 30th, 2009
9:09 pm
well no the magic number be 1 if we lose n rockies win…..with for to go…..since the nats are comin we be so happy to see them we will roll out the carpet n lose 3 out of 4 to a team who has lost over 103 Games this year!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:09 pm
1
Scott
September 30th, 2009
9:09 pm
Bob Horner is my all time. Currently I don’t have one. I liked Smoltz and Maddux before they were let go.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:10 pm
Alright. It’s rally time for the Braves. We got the big hitters coming up.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:10 pm
scott I cant disagree with u more.. both guys should be told there coachin and managerial duties are done. for florida state my team as well to lose to miami the way they did. horrible management of a football game and then lose to South florida at home? uhh just go home and retire both of u.. time for new life and a new style..
NCBravesFan
September 30th, 2009
9:12 pm
I think I see Jeff Schultz in the crowd buying beer and pretzels for the entire second deck! That’ll set him back at least $30.
Preston Hannatized
September 30th, 2009
9:12 pm
Schultz has gone to top up his resume for ESPN Atlanta.
Kevin
September 30th, 2009
9:12 pm
So remember like us The cubs Mire in 2nd are 1st are out like us…however they have empty seats more i guess when u choke like braves do it like a fever!
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
9:12 pm
Down 5 and 1st pitch swinging by the Chip. Guess you gotta get those good huntin’ spots early.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:13 pm
My favorite Phillie is Jason Werth!
Scott
September 30th, 2009
9:13 pm
Jeff…is your last name Bowden? haha j/k. And what is even more disturbing with fsu is jimbo. I don’t feel any better with him and he’s due what, 5 million if we back out. Such a mess in Tally. Sorry for the ot fsu rant. I will leave now.
FlaReptile
September 30th, 2009
9:13 pm
Can’t blame the fans. They braves have choked the last three or four years when they have a chance to get close in the race. The bad thing is not that they lose, it’s that they get blown out. The braves will never win another title as long as they dont add the element of speed to the lineup. Everyone sees that except the front office, that is what frustrates the fans, same team different year.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:13 pm
Haha. I love MLB Gameday…it says Brian McCann grounds out SOFTLY…..haha!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:14 pm
Omg. I just had a heart attack as the Braves just got a hit.
Dumbfound
September 30th, 2009
9:14 pm
These are not real baseball players. Can’t win under pressure no wonder people don’t get behind these Braves. It just don’t make any sense !!!!
Danny G
September 30th, 2009
9:14 pm
Turn out the lights! The Party’s over.
Dan
September 30th, 2009
9:15 pm
One, if not the most important game of the year and the braves decide to have the worst offensive showing of the season. Ricky Nolazco. Are you kidding me? A mediocre third tier pitcher carving up the Braves hitters. Chipper Jones, calling out the fans, what a joke!!!
I definitely thought that the Braves would show more heart tonight. Great run, but like always, all for nothing.
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
9:15 pm
Brewers lead 2-1 in second inning.
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
9:15 pm
Hey, Brew Crew is up 2-1, though.
Preston Hannatized
September 30th, 2009
9:15 pm
Frank Wren = Rick McKay – they look good in a suit and at a news conference but when it comes to W’s and L’s, they’re in over their pompadours.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:15 pm
Dangit Florida!!!!! Field the dang ball.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:15 pm
Ok. This is scary. LaRoche at the plate who can make it 5-2 or 5-3 with one swing of the bat.
elviskl
September 30th, 2009
9:16 pm
I watched batting practice today and i saw a totally uninspired bunch of players for the braves. I left after the second inning and i just knew they were going to get destroyed…….why in the hell is norton batting in these ball games the last two nights when we have other players available? these players for the most part dont hustle out ground balls and just dont give a damn……..i say fire bobby cox……good riddince to him……..
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:16 pm
its over are u kidding milwaukee has horrible pitching except of course trevor hoffman..
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:16 pm
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We’re on the board. 2 out rally comes out of nowhere. Do you pull Ricky now?
Dr. Henry/Augusta
September 30th, 2009
9:16 pm
Ricky Nolasco has struck out 13…We get runners on to lead off the 6th and who does Bobby send up to pinch hit….6 for 60 – bat.avg 100 – Greg Norton….unbelievable….in this spot….The entire season is on the line here….Get a couple of runs and you still have a chance…maybe get into their bullpen…Even Joe and Boog were at a loss for words when Norton came up….Surely with an expanded roster there was someone else????? Go Detroit Tigers!!!!! P.S. Norton promptly became # 14..
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:17 pm
Ricky at 100 pitches.
Dumbfound
September 30th, 2009
9:17 pm
Bobby ! I know your are that same Nationals fan. God don’t like ugly !! You will get your in the end !!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin
September 30th, 2009
9:18 pm
Oh chipper tryed pull a david Justice act huh….figures maybe we should call him out on his captain role. where was Mr chipper Jones when frenchy was crap no where heard! Now frenchy is a Met n will be back as a met for 4 year deal n belt more Hr n rbi next year…and who we have to thank for his battin better Howard Johnson of the Ny Mets!
Preston Hannatized
September 30th, 2009
9:18 pm
Whoever called Larry Wayne a surly blowhard gets a +1. As one who has had media dealings with him, he’s a Hall of Fame a-hole.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:19 pm
and of course the rockies tie it right back up because suppan and there pitching sucks. and thats all they get tonight..
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
9:19 pm
Alot of bashing of Frank Wren on here. For what? Guy retooled the starting staff into one of the best in baseball this year, had the guts to tell Smoltz & Glavine to take a hike, and then made some pretty good moves to improve the lineup midseason. I think he has done a pretty good job. He does have a budget to work with, can’t get every big dollar guy out there. He could have given us a better bench, but to be fair, Norton was suppoesed to be better than this. Not his fault BC keeps running him out there.
Victor
September 30th, 2009
9:19 pm
Nice at bat Diaz. Putz.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:20 pm
Haha! Phillies on the verge, Rockies too.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:20 pm
Does anyone know if Jeff is ok at Turner Field?
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:21 pm
dr henry and who of course made that idiotic and moronic move BOBBY COX.. all yr ive been saying we need to get rid of him and here we are with a complete example of why he needs to go..
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:21 pm
Georgia Lottery hitting the jackpot: Braves choking again! Haha.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:22 pm
Who’s ready for some exciting games down the stretch?
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:22 pm
Who’s going to hit leadoff next inning? I wish it could be Norton again. Haha!
Coach (2010- Mr. Overrated retires)
September 30th, 2009
9:23 pm
Put up the “believe” sign and the wheels come off…….go figure.
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
9:23 pm
Rocks tied it up on a wild pitch.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:23 pm
Chopper to Chippy!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:24 pm
Flyer to Garry!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:25 pm
Omar to leadoff 8th
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:25 pm
They’re underway in Seattle. Go A’s!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:26 pm
I BELIEVE ALRIGHT. The Braves will win the game.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:30 pm
16 k’s for ricky nolasco are u kidding me thats tells u the braves are not relaxed and comfy and just swinging at everything.. and not the way a playoff team works.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:31 pm
Walk for Nate!
welikebaseball2
September 30th, 2009
9:32 pm
Our leadoff hitter gets on base!
tmac
September 30th, 2009
9:32 pm
Okay, so the team is getting smoked and we have a chance to really get back in it with 2 on and 0 out… i look up and Bobby Cox has Greg Norton hitting. Now, i don’t know if he was in the lineup (doubt it) or pinch hitting, but I about blew a gasket! of course he k’s.
When does the idiotic move to keep sending your worst hitter to the plate in big situation after big situation begin to reflect on the manager? The end of next year can not come soon enough!!!!!!!!!!!
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
9:34 pm
The reason Bobby sent Greg up is because he doesn’t want to use him at the end of the game to make the final out. Just sayin.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:35 pm
I think Cox is the greatest manager of all time and should coach FOREVER!
Randy Waltrip
September 30th, 2009
9:35 pm
Lowe must go. Lowe must go.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:35 pm
Does Chipper hit one out right here?
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:36 pm
Hnason needs to be traded!
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:37 pm
3 more outs till we are done..
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
9:37 pm
Tulowitzki 2 run dinger for Rocks, put em up 4-2
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
9:38 pm
Todd Helton hits a two run shot. 4-2 Rockies in the 3rd.
Randy Waltrip
September 30th, 2009
9:38 pm
Well, it was fun while it lasted.
tmac
September 30th, 2009
9:38 pm
How bout not using him at all? Hey there’s a thought.
I’d rather Norton be the last player on the bench and not used because he is the emergency catcher… and i really don’t care if he’s ever caught before in his life. Anything else is moronic!
(the dust) if you actually believe what you posted, than you will excuse anything BC does. right?
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
9:39 pm
Sorry, Helton with the dinger.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:39 pm
and colorado is up 4-2
NCBravesFan
September 30th, 2009
9:40 pm
So who wants to file a missing person’s report on Schultz?
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:41 pm
season over folks. if colorado wins tonight and one of the next 4 its over. vasquez cox and norton all goats for tonight along with chipper.
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
9:43 pm
Hell no TMac. I’ve been tired of Cox since 1999. Overrated is an understatement. I just know why he made the move he did. Bobby knows he sucks and is an automatic out. Meaning you shouldn’t be mad at Cox, you should be mad at Wren who re-signed him to a $1 million contract. That contract is the only reason he is used at all.
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
9:43 pm
5-2 Rockies. Starting to get ugly in Denver.
Victor
September 30th, 2009
9:43 pm
Some insurance by the marlins would be nice. haha
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:44 pm
its all over and the marlins do it again to a postseason team that wants in..
Raleigh Dog
September 30th, 2009
9:46 pm
Isn’t this supposed to have responses and comments from Schultz? False advertising it seems.
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
9:47 pm
I blame Chip Carey. The Braves are 1-4 for the post season with him on the team. Brought the bad luck from Chicago with him. Damn goat!
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
9:48 pm
Accosta?! WHAT THE ****
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
9:48 pm
Mike Cameron a homer. 5-3 Rockies in the 4th.
Sam M
September 30th, 2009
9:49 pm
The biggest joke on bobby i suck at coaching cox is the fact fla, which came to be a team when? 93, has 2 world series titles and the braves 1. Bobby cox is the worst manager with talent ever in the history of sports.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:49 pm
the most important game of the yr and we get embarrassed by ricky nolasco and his 16k’s .. yea frank wren signing cox again sure doesnt look good now. huh. count how many games he alone with moronic managerial decisions cost them this year. i count and remember more than 5. just tonight greg norton and oflaherty and now acosta. we have many issues to address .. get a true leadoff hitter/base stealer.. get a powerbat in left field.whos ur firstbaseman, soriano and gonzalez are u signing him.. are u signing hudson and vasquez u have a lot of work to do..
Sam M
September 30th, 2009
9:49 pm
Bases loaded fla. This is too funny.
Sam M
September 30th, 2009
9:49 pm
Way to lay out Mccann you lazy turd.
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
9:50 pm
Need to hold it at 3 runs and we get…Manny Acosta? Really? Bobby Cox helped build the Braves into a great organization, but come on. There is no excuse for that at all.
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
9:52 pm
The Braves bullpen sucks. Gonzo, Soriano and Moylan have been overworked because we have 0 middle relief.
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
9:52 pm
And no, I don’t care that it worked. You all know 8 out of 10 times, Acosta give it up there.
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
9:52 pm
Guys – sorry had to check out … working on a complete rewrite for the game column… but a few quickies.
FYI on Nolasco—this is the same guy who allowed 10 runs to Houston in 3.1 innings last month. Yikes. I think they nsaid the 16 Ks was some kind of Florida record.
Bobby Colton – gotta go with the Bison dog.
Dumbfound – I ban only for profanity, not team (or fellow commenter) bashing.
NCBravesFan – I wish.
Preston – No comment.
Scott – If my last name is Bowden, my first name better not be Tommy. Or Terry. Or Bobby.
tmac
September 30th, 2009
9:55 pm
Ok whatever (the dust).
I am just fed up with Bobby Cox. I’ve never agreed with his managerial style, but while the team prospered… what can you say.
Now that this is year 4 of no playoffs, I am pi$$ed off and want the blame to fall directly on who it should. This year was BC worst year by far. I hoped that he might realize it and step down, but that was just to much to ask from the manager of men… i guess.
Now the question is (like it has been the last 3 offseason’s) is next year the season we get back to the post season? I say no because of the man pushing the buttons in the dugout.
Bobby, it’s time to go!
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
9:56 pm
Mac just swung at two ball fours… didn’t he do that TWICE last night?
Peter
September 30th, 2009
9:57 pm
I wouldn’t go to a game this weekend if someone came and drove me there, gave me free tickets and gave me $100 to spend at the ted.
If Torre was here throughout, we would have won at least 3 world series. Bobby Cox, the worst manager EVER! And we got another year with him. WTF????
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
9:59 pm
If Yunel gets traded or leaves the team by any factor other than him not wanting to stay… I will cease being a Braves fan.
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:00 pm
That was a strike Laroche.
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:00 pm
It would be funny to get it to 5-4 like yesterday and lose!
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:02 pm
Yay out best player is an ex brave. helms mvp
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
10:02 pm
Marlins are losing the game… we’re not staging any sort of a come back here.
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
10:02 pm
This is why Norton was used earlier. Omar. 2 out. Winning run. 9th inning.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
10:02 pm
Hanson*
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:03 pm
Enter your comments over yonder in the bush
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:03 pm
Should have saved Norton for now. That would be hysterical
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:04 pm
It will be a groundout like every other batter this inning
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:04 pm
Like i said, 5-4 final.
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
10:04 pm
Teases to the last breath
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:05 pm
Nate up. LOL. Sure out
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:06 pm
He’s afraid to swing.
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
10:06 pm
Be nice to have Blanco on 2nd right now
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:07 pm
Where did everyone go? To bed i guess.
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
10:07 pm
Going ahead run in scoring position
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
10:07 pm
DO YOU BELIEVE??????
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
10:07 pm
Braves will win 6-5!
Jon P
September 30th, 2009
10:08 pm
Jeff,
Why don’t you stay away from all sporting events? I noticed that you have been at UGA and GA Tech where they haven’t played well and now you are jinxing the Braves. On behalf of UGA, Tech and Braves fans, stay away!
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:08 pm
Going ahead? It’s the winning run
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
10:08 pm
Only reason we’ve had a chance in this series is Marlins errors and walks… Washington basically handed us that series… Marlins are trying to hand us this one.
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:09 pm
Believe. I believe the braves will lose like usual
me
September 30th, 2009
10:09 pm
so close!
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:09 pm
I wish chipper was up to choke again.
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:10 pm
ROFL. matt you idiot. What a friggin moron.
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
10:10 pm
lol
tmac
September 30th, 2009
10:11 pm
Wow, that’s a new way to end it.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
10:12 pm
told ya stupid plays and big mistakes cost them this yr.. season is over….
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
10:12 pm
man… lol… that was horrible
Peter
September 30th, 2009
10:12 pm
Yay for matt don’t pronounce my last name right. IDIOT. what a crap player. hey i swing for the fence every time like francouer. typical stupid braves. hate this team. good bye.enjoy your offseason losers.
me
September 30th, 2009
10:12 pm
what happened??? not in front of tv..
philly fan doc
September 30th, 2009
10:13 pm
Enter your comments here
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
10:14 pm
IN BASEBALL IF U HESITATE YOU DONT GO AND GET BACK.. yea there u go great coaching and awareness of the situation.. if he goes as soon as the ball is behind the catcher he scores. and when mclouth was up why didnt cox and snitker have diaz try to steal 2nd.. he scores on infante’s hit.. again mismanaging of the game..
A-ville Ranger
September 30th, 2009
10:14 pm
That was on Prado.He held Diaz up, if he’d waved him home the game would be tied.
philly fan doc
September 30th, 2009
10:14 pm
Ladies and Gentleman……… Your National League East Champion’s……..
The Philadelphia Phillies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
10:15 pm
Un-BELIEVABLE! That sums it up. Matt Diaz (a Cox boy) needs to go.
nmd
September 30th, 2009
10:15 pm
please tell me that was not the only pickoff this year of a brave runner at 3rd base….what a terrible time for that mistake.
Jethro
September 30th, 2009
10:15 pm
This aint the 90’s, no miracle here. Sad fact- Florida Marlins- 2 World Titles, Atlanta Braves- 1 World Title. Scary
tmac
September 30th, 2009
10:15 pm
me-
bases loaded, 2 out. ball get’s away from the catcher… matt diaz starts toward home, stops and then tries to get back to 3rd… catcher recovers and throws him out at 3rd to end the game. Diaz was the tieing run… most likely would have scored if he continues to go home all the way…
game over. season over.
Tyler
September 30th, 2009
10:15 pm
Well… typical.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
10:15 pm
SEASON IS OVER…
VaBraveFan
September 30th, 2009
10:16 pm
Wow, what a way to end, doesnt even give the hitter a chance….. very sad way to go out, wasted effort
ExecutiveStinger
September 30th, 2009
10:16 pm
What the hell was Diaz doing???????????????????
Typical way to end it.
What!?
September 30th, 2009
10:16 pm
Incredible. That’s it. Unbelievable mistake. End of playoff run.
Jim
September 30th, 2009
10:17 pm
Another hapless nite for the loveable losers…da braves…hahaha
Trigg
September 30th, 2009
10:17 pm
I really hope the rockies lose tonight to make matt the idiot diaz look even more retarded. He would have scored easily had he run home. The pitcher was no where near home plate.
Mark
September 30th, 2009
10:17 pm
Once again a Bobby Cox’s team choking because of a lack of fundamentals. This is what use to happen in the playoffs. A Bobby Cox team winning just enough to get us interested and then when they play a good team they CHOKE!!
me
September 30th, 2009
10:18 pm
Thanks Tmac
LL
September 30th, 2009
10:19 pm
the braves and their redneck fanbase will have a chance to make the post-season in 2015.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASSIEST FRANCHISE IN BASEBALL. . YOUR 3RD STRAIGHT NL EAST DIVISION CHAMPION:
PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES ! ! !
VaBraveFan
September 30th, 2009
10:19 pm
atleast they finished strong, picked off with bases loaded and last night hitting into double play in 9th seems like they didnt want to continue the hot streak. OUr we mathmatically still alive or are we done?
What!?
September 30th, 2009
10:19 pm
That’s just about as painful as it gets. Passed ball. Tie game and Prado still batting with runners in scoring position. Miracle win! Oops…no, never mind. End of season.
DHD
September 30th, 2009
10:20 pm
That’s a classic, Mark…blaming it on Bobby Cox. thanks for making it an entertaining night!! Funny stuff.
Trigg
September 30th, 2009
10:20 pm
Imagine if this happened to any other team. Diaz would be hounded. He’d never play again for that team. But bobby will rub his tummy and tell him it’s okay. Good riddance braves. No more money spent on this crap product.
4williec
September 30th, 2009
10:20 pm
A-ville Ranger nails it….Diaz would most likely have scored it Prado hadn’t waved him off….
Dr. R
September 30th, 2009
10:21 pm
Guy doesn’t score from third on a wild pitchand somebody still finds a way to blame Cox. That’s all on Diaz. Not Prado, not Cox, not Wren, not John Mullen, not anyone. The guy’s gotta make up his mind with two outs that he’s going if it gets away. But I guess Bobby called the wrong play, right Bulldog fans? Buncha idiots. This city doesn’t deserve a playoff team because its fans don’t know the game.
Trigg
September 30th, 2009
10:21 pm
It is basic fundamentals. When you see the ball that far away, and he saw it, you run and don’t go back. That’s taught in high school. I’ve never liked Diaz. His fielding sucks too.
Dr. Henry/Augusta
September 30th, 2009
10:22 pm
I believe he would have been out anyway whether he stopped or not – the ball just didnt roll far enough away from the catcher….I can’t remember a season where we lost so many games we should have won – tonight and last night were the worst though!!!!
BravesFanNboston
September 30th, 2009
10:22 pm
I can’t do this anymore, Schultz. I’m just an ol’ Braves fan. Kinda like ol’ Yeller. Just take me in the backyard and shoot me. If not, tell me it’s all going to be o.k.
tmac
September 30th, 2009
10:22 pm
Np me.
Tough play…hard to knock Diaz on that. very tough play…
Nobody wanted the Braves to win more than me…but i’m not gonna blast Diaz. i’m sure he’s more upset than anyone.
To big a hole to come back from… but, i agree with the TV guys = heartbreaking.
DHD
September 30th, 2009
10:22 pm
If Chipper doesn’t blow the double play chance, we don’t get to that point, but Chipper’s everybody’s boy.
Alan
September 30th, 2009
10:23 pm
Oh well. Pitchers and catchers report in 4 months. LOL
Reid Adair
September 30th, 2009
10:23 pm
I believe Wren will get rid of Tim Hudson AND Javier Vasquez. That is the wrong thing entirely, but he’ll do it.
The worst part will be that he won’t improve the offense (which has been the primary problem in 2009) at all with either of those moves.
What!?
September 30th, 2009
10:23 pm
LL…Classy, you’ve got to be kidding! Philadelphia, classy? Get real, dude. You guys spit on your own players.
LL
September 30th, 2009
10:23 pm
CONGRATULATIONS PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES ! ! !
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
10:23 pm
WOW just sickning .. yet we sign cox to another deal. so it will be the same next yr as well people 4 games to play for what? NOTHING. WHY BOTHER goin to a ball game this week. its football and hockey season. ANOTHER bobby cox run team not in the post season.
coach smith
September 30th, 2009
10:24 pm
Lonnie Smith anybody????????
This is why people don’t go out to the games…the Braves have a history of CHOKING
I love my Braves but they always find ways to lose and break your heart
Joe King
September 30th, 2009
10:24 pm
BELIEVE, yea right , I believe that they’ll find a way to choke. They did it last night and now again tonight. I have one word “pathetic” pretty much sums it up.
Steve
September 30th, 2009
10:26 pm
Can we let Frank go? keep a great pitching staff? maybe add a power hitter? here is an Idea move Bobby to Franks job, let him rebuild the farm system, tell Chipper to move to hitting coach since he is helping out the batters anyway, hire Ned Yost, Where has Frank ever beena GM and the Team succeded at winning? If they trade J.V. then they are a bunch of fools. on and TP time to retire from coaching. great player does not equals a great coach.
Braves Fan
September 30th, 2009
10:27 pm
The pitchers actually pitched good all year. The hitters are the ones who need to be run off. Get some hitters for God’s sake. Please don’t trade Vasquez you fools!
woodie
September 30th, 2009
10:27 pm
Thanks Braves for a solid year if not a playoff year. Where would we be if we wouldn’t have stuck with Francouer, Schafer and Johnson for so long ?
LL
September 30th, 2009
10:28 pm
CONGRATULATIONS PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES !!
Eat dirt rednecks. . .go slap your sisters in the back of your pickup trucks. . .
gayle
September 30th, 2009
10:29 pm
I believe, I believe in the bandwagon that are the Braves fans.
Like so many other crucial games, the Braves make a so-so pitcher look like a Cy Young winner. Nolasco spent a couple of months in the minors this year and he strikes out 15? That’s clutch Braves fans.
And now after making the final out at third base, I can’t think of a more fitting way to drive the final nail in the coffin of this pretender.
Save your faith until 2011 when there will be a new manager and new ownership.
All you fans who got sucked into this run, I’m sorry. This team will never contend until the house is cleaned and the stink removed from the dugout.
Dr. R
September 30th, 2009
10:29 pm
Yeah, that’s four straight years with no playoffs for Cox. Never mind the 14 straight before that. Fair weather, thy name is Atlanta. And as soon as the team loses, you just go find something else to do. In real baseball towns, they sacrifice their oldest child and spent months wandering in the wilderness. You guys just go watch hockey. OK then. Good to see you bounce back this quickly. If the Braves were my team tonight (mine’s already in the playoffs, thank you), I’d be howling at the moon in my boxers after that.
tmac
September 30th, 2009
10:29 pm
Typical Bobby Cox in the post game calling Matt Diaz “our best baserunner on the team” (twice). Give me a break. Whether he is or isn’t doesn’t mean jack… quit trying to protect your player, that’s called “spin.”
SH
September 30th, 2009
10:29 pm
You could hit me in the nuts 10 times with a hammer and it would hurt less than that loss.
Greg
September 30th, 2009
10:30 pm
Come on. It’s ALL on diaz. Would you rather make the last out at third or home. You don’t go halfway and then stop. Bonehead play. If he’s back next year, I’m not going to a game. And he would have scored had he kept going no doubt. The ball was at least 15 feet away from the catcher.
Skeezix
September 30th, 2009
10:32 pm
They were deffinitely feeling the pressure tonight, you could see it in their faces and stiff at bats. Javy picked a bad night to be slightly off, but Chipper’s error didn’t help Javy and I haven’t a clue what could have been going through Diaz’s mind on that last play to end it. Stay on third or go home but you can’t stay halfway between third and home—that usually gets one picked off.
crap man
September 30th, 2009
10:34 pm
Enter your comments here I haven’t commented all year, but WTF?!? Read this blog more than most, but that was your Atlanta Braves. Play Just good enough to make me second guess my opinion of Bobby, the whole crappola?!?….. and what happens…….go braves……rrrriiiiiiiiiigggghhhhtttttt !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a relief. Now I can sleep with good conscience. Psst..did we really (believe)?
The Truth Hurts
September 30th, 2009
10:34 pm
Um….go Falcons.
Dr. R
September 30th, 2009
10:34 pm
But though as a fan you hate Bobby defending players when they screw up, put yourself in their shoes: Wouldn’t you want to play for a guy like that? That’s his secret, guys. No, he’s not a tactical genius, never has been. But his people skills are off the charts. If any of you mouth-breathers manage people in your day jobs (those who have one), you understand how important that is. You don’t manage numbers or stats, you manage people. That’s Bobby’s strength. It’s why he’s going to Cooperstown, whatever y’all think of it, and it’s why REAL baseball people respect him. They understand that getting players to play hard for you for 162 games is the real challenge to being a skipper, not picking which pinch-hitter to use or when to bunt.
MarlinsForever
September 30th, 2009
10:34 pm
Want something to believe in? Try 16 strikeouts and a Rockies lead in the 6th! Suck it, Braves!
Joe
September 30th, 2009
10:36 pm
This is why people in Atlanta have lost interest in The Braves over the years they always choke when something is on the line. I don’t know what it is in the origination it’s like they have lost their true identity they are not even the favorites every year to win the NL East like they use to be I don’t know if it’s managing or what but something needs to change next year we need to be in the playoffs.
Greg
September 30th, 2009
10:36 pm
Just saw the replay. Prado was telling Diaz to come home. Not stay. He wasn’t even looking at Prado. It’s all on Diaz. What a sorry dumb player.
woodie
September 30th, 2009
10:36 pm
Time to enjoy the Falcons, Bulldogs and Yellow Jackets.
SH
September 30th, 2009
10:38 pm
Diaz may be the smartest player on the team. Greg is a dumb poster.
alwaysbeencarl
September 30th, 2009
10:38 pm
I watched it over and over like the Zapruder film. He who hesitates is lost. Diaz hesitated. Twice. Prado didn’t help holding him up but Matty has gotta go with instinct there. It looked like Snitker was doing nothing as the third base coach except watching with his hands on his knees. And Greg Norton was on the grassy knoll…
4williec
September 30th, 2009
10:39 pm
Oh yeah…it’s all on Diaz….brilliant baseball minds here. Never mind all the runs Vazquez gives up…the hits we didnt get, errors, etc…..yeah, it’s all on Matt and that one play…jeeze.
tmac
September 30th, 2009
10:39 pm
Hindsight is 20/20… it wasn’t for sure that he would score… even if it looked like he would make it. It would have been better to decide and go either home or 3rd and no hesitation… that’s the hard part.
Props to Matty for talking and explaining his thoughts. It’s respectable for a player owning up to it after the game.
Greg
September 30th, 2009
10:39 pm
And SH your moniker stands for Stupid Homer.
Diaz smart. Haha. Smart at being a bonehead idiot. He made a cardinal sin in baseball. NEVER EVER go halfway. Ever. It’s taught in little league.
John Scherdohltz
September 30th, 2009
10:39 pm
ONCE YOU COMMIT…………….RUN YOU STUPID JERK……….YOU JUST CAUSED ME TO BREAK MY DAMN 52″ LCD FLAT PANEL…………I HATE YOU MATT DIAZ, I HATE YOU
Huh?
September 30th, 2009
10:40 pm
“Javier Vazquez is be pitching for own future, as well as Braves.”
Jeff, lay off the drugs, man.
Henry D.
September 30th, 2009
10:40 pm
People say you can’t blame Cox for Diaz’ idiot move. I disagree. This ream is horrible regarding fundamentals. They are the worst base running team in baseball, their fielding is bad most of the time, their situational hitting is bad, and other than Vasquez they can’t bunt to save their lives
That’s coaching folks, and that’s Bonbby Cox’s job. Maybe a little less golfing spring training and a little more coaching might help.
Skeezix
September 30th, 2009
10:41 pm
As big an embarrassment as the Diaz play is that our offense, once again the achilles heel of this team, gets totally shut down by Nolasco.
Betty Diaz
September 30th, 2009
10:41 pm
Leave my boy alone…………..He just doesn’t have it all upstairs.
Felix
September 30th, 2009
10:42 pm
Pitchers and catchers report in 4 months! I can’t wait!!
alwaysbeencarl
September 30th, 2009
10:43 pm
Nice try Dr. R. But please don’t get anywhere near managing at ANY level if you think strategy is not important. You want a cheerleader? Grab some pom poms and put on a miniskirt.
As far as Cox loyalty, pleeeease. It extends to certain poor players like Kelly Johnson or Greg Norton, but somehow isn’t there for others.
Jalb3rt
September 30th, 2009
10:43 pm
I have always DISLIKED that stupid Matt Diaz. I dont care how many opposite field HRs he hits, he just plain sucks. Swinging at everything out of the strike zone with RISP, striking out on important ABs and now this… I have always hated that guy, even his ridiculous batting stance.
Marquis Grissom
September 30th, 2009
10:43 pm
I would have run home and scored.
Henry Aaron
September 30th, 2009
10:43 pm
Damn Matt…Run……………I want to hit you with my 715 bat !
Biff Pocaroba
September 30th, 2009
10:44 pm
Me too!
Bull Butter
September 30th, 2009
10:44 pm
Diaz did’t lose this game.
Eggs Benedict
September 30th, 2009
10:44 pm
I could have crawled home and scored on that play.
Claudell Washington
September 30th, 2009
10:45 pm
I would have stayed at third because I like reaching 3rd base.
Bill Buckner
September 30th, 2009
10:45 pm
I thought it was cool watching Matt talk to his helmet after he made that bonehead play !
Ray
September 30th, 2009
10:46 pm
No matter what happens these last few games, if you’re not excited about the immediate future of this team.. well I don’t know what to say. This team has played playoff quality baseball ever since the All-Star break, with one of the best records (if not the best) in the game during the second half. Even if the Braves won this one, it still came down to the Brewers and Dodgers beating the Rockies. It is a very tough loss,but it has been a fun season.
alwaysbeencarl
September 30th, 2009
10:46 pm
Matty D just got a congratulatory call from Lonnie Smith.
Rick Mahler
September 30th, 2009
10:46 pm
I would have run out of breath if I was on third. But I would have mowed over that catcher.
crap man
September 30th, 2009
10:47 pm
Frustration, thy name is “Diaz”……..
Zane Smith
September 30th, 2009
10:47 pm
I would have run home and kissed my wife.
stendec
September 30th, 2009
10:48 pm
Hey Bull Butter: Matt Diaz SURE AS HELL ended it! Jerk.
VaBraveFan
September 30th, 2009
10:48 pm
I’m not worried about anything… I know one thing the Phillies, Mets, Fish , Nats hell prolly any team in any sport will ever win 14 consecutive division titles. Winning cant last forever, but no one will win for as long as the Atlanta Braves
Brad Komminsk
September 30th, 2009
10:48 pm
I would have been able to get back to third. I am fast.
Skeezix
September 30th, 2009
10:49 pm
I wonder if Frank Wren has figured out yet that his “big time” trade for Nate McLouth hasn’t helped this offense. Count on Frank to spend millions for a .250 hitter and think he is improving his offense. Why Bobby keeps him at lead off I haven’t a clue.
tmac
September 30th, 2009
10:49 pm
Dr. R-
while i respect your opinion and agree with it as a philosophy, I gotta call BS on the last part. The greatest managers are judged on wins and losses. It’s only when there is a flaw or a “small town” does the people skills become a priority. It is the decisions like who to pinch hit and when, pitching moves, double moves and all the like that fans call out managers.
Players want to play for a manager like BC because he is loyal to a fault and that is completely understandable. It is the jobe of the organization and the media to decide and point out when that becomes a problem instead of a postitive. And that has been very obvious this year whether you want to admit that or not.
Darryl Evans
September 30th, 2009
10:49 pm
I would have definitely scored.
Dr. R
September 30th, 2009
10:49 pm
Henry, coaching is football; managing is baseball. You’re on the wrong blog. Or I guess I am, actually.
Carl, I’ve managed folks for years, and I’m proud to say that many of them would take a bullet for me. That’s what leadership is, not throwing guys under the bus because they screw up. Diaz screwed up. A real fan doesn’t trash his team, or a player, over that. You suffer the loss with them. Fans with with their team and lose with them. But fair weather Braves fans just sit back at a distance and toss insults because they don’t really have buy-in. They are CASUAL fans only, which is what our city is famous for. You want passion, you go to Cincy, St. Louis, Boston, Philly, etc. Atlanta is for the drive-bys. You guys prove it with every blog entry.
Phil Neikro
September 30th, 2009
10:50 pm
Even my old bones would have made it home with my walking cane.
Dale Murphy
September 30th, 2009
10:50 pm
Me and my 7 sons all would have scored with that amount of time
Lance
September 30th, 2009
10:50 pm
games like this are why i learned a long time ago to never put too much hope in the Braves. I grew up loving them and i’ll always love them, but this franchise is cursed with failure.
Jalb3rt
September 30th, 2009
10:51 pm
I have never liked Matt Diaz, he $ucks. Always screwing up, striking out with pitches out of the strikezone on key situations. swinging at the first pitch a la Francoeur. And now this $h!t! I hate Matt Diaz and his stupid batting stance!
It's the time, of the see-ee-son for...
September 30th, 2009
10:51 pm
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!
Ironically enough, I’m going to Thrashers opening night on Saturday, and then Braves closing night on Sunday…
Otis Nixon
September 30th, 2009
10:51 pm
I would have followed that white chalky stuff all the way home!
Dick
September 30th, 2009
10:52 pm
I wonder if Fox will move Sat’s game back to night. LOLOLOLOL
fork
September 30th, 2009
10:52 pm
Stick me in the 2009 Atlanta Braves season.
Bobby got an extension?
Stick me in the 2010 Atlanta Braves season as well.
Suckers.
gayle
September 30th, 2009
10:53 pm
Imagine how good Fredi Gonzalez feels right now. He left the Braves to manage the Marlins because he knew he would never get a chance here.
And now Fredi knocks the “master” out of the playoffs. It must feel so good. Fourth straight year, Braves nation!
Jim
September 30th, 2009
10:53 pm
Didn’t take long to get the braves off the front page of ajc.com…haha
Dr. R
September 30th, 2009
10:53 pm
If it’s about wins and losses, then 2,000-plus, fourth most all-time, should count for something. And if this team can’t field, hit, run the bases or do anything right but still win 86 games and stay in it until the last week, then somebody in that dugout must be a genius.
I’ve made my points, so I’ll leave you boys be. Enjoy the carnage, since that’s all that seems to count here.
Legend of Len Barker
September 30th, 2009
10:53 pm
I’m not excited about the team because we continue to have Chipper and Cox. Chipper is currently our albatross. He’s increasingly a defensive liability, is constantly injured, can’t run, and channeled Mario Mendoza at the plate for the second half of the year.
Cox overworks his pitchers and refuses to subscribe to a game built around our offense. Hello? Bobby? Do you see any power hitters on this roster?
Cox also seems to be unable to relate to some of the players. He’s lucky that Escobar hasn’t gone Jimmy Piersall with the way he’s singled him out when the rest of the roster is just as bad or worse.
This is a team who refuses to adjust at the plate, is impatient, shows no energy, and has zero personality.
Yeah, I’m so looking forward to next year.
Dick
September 30th, 2009
10:53 pm
Good night Matt D. I hope you sleep well jerk.
alwaysbeencarl
September 30th, 2009
10:54 pm
Ray you are correct there is the possibility of a bright immediate future. and the team has made it esciting lately. But the improvement was strictly due to quality starting pitching. Other things have to be added and/or changed before next season. Unfortunately Norton’s #1 fan will still be managing. Chipper will get to play third again with his swiss cheese glove, and bat third though in serious decline.
Sid Bream
September 30th, 2009
10:54 pm
BRAVES LOSE!!!
BRAVES LOSE!!!
Bob Horner
September 30th, 2009
10:54 pm
Our Season…By Bob Horner…Lil Matty Diaz stood at the hot corner waiting to make a play. Along came a pitch, that flew past the dish and Matt flew for home and a big payday. But halfway there, he caught a lil scare and changed his mind from going home. He got thrown out, I am going to pout , and spend the rest of my days watching the Falcons at the dome !!!
The end
Sid Bream
September 30th, 2009
10:55 pm
Oh, and I would have scored, sliding into every base.
MarlinsForever
September 30th, 2009
10:56 pm
Hey VA–division wins mean NOTHING–under the expert guidance of your senile manager, how many World Series have the Braves won since 1995? ZERO. NONE. NADA. BUPKIS. Compare that with TWO for the Fish and one for the Phils.
Jalb3rt
September 30th, 2009
10:58 pm
Lance… you’re right on man! You hit the nail on the head! This franchise is cursed with failure and will stay that way until theres no more Chipper ”feels good to ground into a 9th inning double play with a runner on first, no outs and down by one run in such an important game”Jones, and the stupid Bobby ”tips cap to everyone who beats him” Cox.
tmac
September 30th, 2009
11:02 pm
Sorry Dr. R you can’t see what most everyone else has seen this year especially, but also that last 3 years. It has been a big decline in talent and coaching going on… big time.
I do believe the Braves are on the right track with their moves this seaon. Still need to add power for 2010 and beyond.
By your philosophy there would never be a coaching change by any good team… ever, because of success in the past. That’s just crazy.
blazerdawg
September 30th, 2009
11:03 pm
anyplace but chicago….that town stinks
crap man
September 30th, 2009
11:04 pm
I, for one, am glad to have matt d make what i think was a great play. now we can all forget the braves, like we’ve been trying to do all year. they play just good enough to disappoint and thats all they’ve done all year. glad matt d finally saw to put an end to the madness cox has called a season. probably more of the same next year (or more) as long as we have a, and i uses the term loosely, manager, like BC. there were a few great games but a ho-hum year. i will continue to root for the braves next year but i hope someone in this organization wakes to the fact that we could have been contenders (again) and not the perennial pretenders.
BravesFanNboston
September 30th, 2009
11:04 pm
Back again…forgot to mention this last night…SHUT THE HECK UP KIM HUDSON. NO ONE WANTS TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR CHARITY WHEN UR HUSBAND IS BLOWING OUR SEASON. FOR PETE VAN WIEREN SAKE!
Sage of Blueland
September 30th, 2009
11:05 pm
Did all the sheep in Bwaves Nation have fun at the ball park tonight?
Did they hand out wittle “believe” flags at the gate too? How cute!!
Felix Millan
September 30th, 2009
11:06 pm
Bazeball was good to me when I play the game. I also very quick baserunner who probably score from third tonight.
BravesFanNboston
September 30th, 2009
11:07 pm
Bud…granted. But geez, Skip is rolling ova in da grave!
Jeff Schultz
September 30th, 2009
11:11 pm
Folks — if you want to shift your venting to a new post, the game column is now up.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2009/09/30/suddenly-braves-see-everything-go-wrong/
booty inspector
September 30th, 2009
11:11 pm
So does Kim Hudson. ZING!!!
Kevin
October 1st, 2009
7:19 am
Hey good news wait till 2012 now and we be a contender as we watch the fightin phills win another word series in 2009…i hope cox is watchin how inpotent he feels that the phillies mananger win 2 WS titles in his 4 year n him Just One….and jeff Schultz why should we oh wait i want see AJC ask why cox let norton PH n chipper not pulled for his lousy playin this year!
Braves' outfield needs overhauling (again) | Jeff Schultz
October 1st, 2009
10:34 am
[...] Wren didn’t divulge much when I spoke to him for an early column Wednesday about the Braves’ plans for their pitching rotati…this off-season. But given the general manager won’t have to add any starters this year, he [...]
Ramblin Wrecker
October 1st, 2009
2:22 pm
I disagree with the universally (at least in Atlanta) held notion that Kenshin Kawakami is untradeable. Says who? The guy has a sub 4.00 ERA (3.98) and had some of the more clutch dominating performances beating Roy Halladay, Johan Santana, Dice K and Clayton Kershaw. He makes about $7 million next season and again in 2011. You can’t tell me that this is an untradeable commodity. Will the Braves get an uberprospect in return? No, but the idea is to pare down to 5 starters and get some payroll flexibility. There are only a handful of teams (like the Braves) who couldn’t use KK. I mean, every team does not have 5 starters with sub 4.00 ERA’s and the capability to beat a Halladay or Santana on a given day. If they put him out there, someone will bite and the Braves wouldn’t have to eat a dollar of that contract.
Countdown swaps: Braves, Falcons, D-Hall and Marge | Jeff Schultz
October 20th, 2009
3:58 pm
[...] or the Labrador runs through through the room and knocks everything over. Wren probably was correct when he speculated last winter’s quest to remake the starting rotation caused more stress than this one will. But this off-season tips one way or the other very easily. [...]