We’re live, and Braves are alive: Do you think it’s for real?
Jason Heyward has a team leading 29 RBI after a game-winning double against Cincinnati Wednesday night. (Curtis Compton/AJC)
So are you feeling a little more comfortable today, or are you still nervous about this Braves’ team?
I’ll be heading out to the stadium later for the finale of a seven-game home stand that has seen the Braves go 4-2. They are back to .500 (20-20) after a nine-game losing streak had dropped them to 8-14 and general manager Frank Wren had angry torch-carrying villagers climbing the hill to his front gates.
If we divide the season into 10-game increments — and yes, I know the season is 162 games, not 160 — here’s how things break down:
♦ Games 1-10: 6-4 record, 56 runs scored, 47 against (plus-9)
♦ Games 11-20: 2-8 record, 21 scored, 38 against (minus-17)
♦ Games 21-30: 5-5 record, 41 scored, 43 against (minus-2)
♦ Games 30-40: 7-3 record, 61 scored, 38 against (plus-23)
What jumps out obviously are the runs scored. The Braves scored 40 more runs in the last 10 games than they did in the second 10. That’s pretty remarkable when you consider three key members of their lineup — Chipper Jones (.234), Yunel Escobar (.198) and Brian McCann (.261) — are still miles from their average levels of production. Nobody expected the top four RBI men in the lineup to this point of the season would be Jason Heyward (29), Troy Glaus (27), Martin Prado (18) and Eric Hinske (18).
Heyward (29) has driven in nearly as many runs as Jones (11), Escobar (8) and McCann (14) combined (33).
About Prado. I love stories like this. Kid spends most of seven years in the minors and developmental leagues (going back to 2001) and he eventually wins the starting second base job because he just keeps getting better — and also Kelly Johnson implodes. He’s hitting .321 this season and his career major league average is now .309.
It doesn’t matter where Bobby Cox sticks him in the order: Prado is hitting .381 (8 for 21) as a leadoff hitter, .309 (42 for 136) second and .400 (2 for 5) third.
Prado vs. lefthanders: .313.
Prado vs. righthanders: .325.
OK, I’m going to hit the road here. When I get to the park, I’ll check back in and then blog live during the game against Cincinnati. Are you feeling comfortable, nervous or somewhere in between?
♦
Earlier post
Fredi Gonzalez should top Braves’ list to replace Cox
♦
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354 comments Add your comment
Danny O
May 20th, 2010
9:51 am
When has Heyward not come thru in the clutch?
Brian
May 20th, 2010
10:02 am
Cautiously optimistic. Even Nate McClouth has looked better recently.
Dr. Phil
May 20th, 2010
10:03 am
The Braves are capable of playing pretty good baseball but not championship baseball. They would be a better team without Chipper and Escobar and Wren, for that matter.
Bravos33
May 20th, 2010
10:06 am
I am still nervous, but I am very optimistic. the race is likely not for the East however, it will be for the Wildcard. Which is fine by me, how many times in the past was our Division Champion club outshined in October by a Wildcard contender? Hopefully we can put together a prolonged stretch (30-40 games) of solid baseball that shows we are capable of playing consistently. That would go a long ways to convincing people in Atlanta that the Braves are legitimate this season.
EW
May 20th, 2010
10:14 am
Jeff, some things still concern me..take the last two wins for example…we can’t execute a bunt and get bailed out by Wright’s throwing error and Saito/Wagner blow a 4 run lead late…yes we won…but let’s not ignore the red flags..I don’t think our newfound offensive prowess is with us to stay…call me negative but the Braves hitters have done little to prove otherwise..
bali
May 20th, 2010
10:14 am
hope the game is as good as last night s game. Have you ever seen a rookie perform like Heyward has so far this season
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May 20th, 2010
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Fire Frank Wren
May 20th, 2010
10:18 am
The Atlanta Orioles are 4 and 10 in their division. As soon as they start playing real teams again they will start losing again. The Atlanta Orioles are going nowhere but Heyward is the MAN!
Realistic
May 20th, 2010
10:19 am
Let’s be real here folks. This team is not going to win much of anything. We MIGHT squeak in to a wild card situation but it’s doubtful. You all are really delusional if you think this is a playoff caliber team.
Dayman
May 20th, 2010
10:19 am
Yeah its going to be tough to beat the Phillies for the East. The only chance they have is if the Phils bullpen stays in shambles all year and jamie moyer starts pitching like a 47 year old. That still may not be enough with the Phis 1thru8 lineup. I’ll put the braves in the wildcard mix though, watch out for the Rockies they’ll get it going, the Marlins always hang around and the Gaints with that great rotation. I would say look for the Reds, Padres, Mets and Nats to fade.
fred g
May 20th, 2010
10:20 am
I think they are what they are now, a 500 team. We will see ups and downs all year.
THE TONE
May 20th, 2010
10:20 am
nervous as a restaurant attendant on all you can eat chile day !
Clay
May 20th, 2010
10:21 am
Where’s that moron who three weeks ago kept squealing that Kelly Johnson was a better 2nd baseman than Prado, and that Wren shoulda kept LaRoche instead of getting Glaus?……? (Crickets chirping…..) ??
DV
May 20th, 2010
10:24 am
I said 88 wins at the beginning of the season and I’m sticking with that.
Mark
May 20th, 2010
10:25 am
Have to agree with you EW. As a baseball coach myself you take the wins when you can get him but you aren’t going to win many games the way the BRaves did the last 2 nights. They have to hope that McCann, JOnes, Escobar, and McClouth continue to claw their way out of their slumps to have any chance this year.
Mr Charlie
May 20th, 2010
10:37 am
Are they for real? It is a Bobby Cox team, of course they are for real. You detractors might think differently, but I assure you, the Marlins, Mets, and Nats know Bobby Cox teams are for real, Think, after 40 years, a 9 game losing streak early in the last season, this team could have packed it in right there. This team has won 7 of 20 games in the last inning, that is the type of magic that spells “for real”.
Sonny Clusters
May 20th, 2010
10:38 am
We could bunt. The Braves can’t. In the Spring, Coach would teach us how to bunt and he would have us do it until we could do it right. We was wondering why the Braves can’t bunt since most National League teams know how to get a runner on, move the runner over, and score the run. Watching McCann die on second base last night after a leadoff double reminded us that Bobby’s teams play for the three run homer. We was always wanting to hit a homerun, too, but if it looked to Coach like we was swinging for one with runners on base instead of trying to hit the ball hard somewhere Coach would wear us out running steps the next day. We was state championship.
Mr Charlie
May 20th, 2010
10:39 am
They have the pitching, I know Mc, Chipper, and Yunal will come around. Glaus looks like a 30/100 guy once he knocked off the rust. Hinske is playing to prove something. It is early, but how many of you thought they would be .500 by the 1/4 way point after the 9 game streak?
Jake
May 20th, 2010
10:43 am
Not persuaded. McCann is adequate at best defensively and at times is a liability. Cox still overworks his relievers and, worse, is still wooden and robotic in his “feel” for the game, still sits back and waits for the three-run homer rather than playing aggressive “small ball.” Jones is undependable at 3rd and not a dynamic leader in the clubhouse/dugout. McLouth is struggling for the second year in a row. Escobar seems to have regressed. And it was shocking to read that Lowe was just using one side of the plate, and that it took him so long to figure out what wasn’t working. Isn’t that watch pitching coaches are for?
The good: Prado was last year’s MVP, and is brilliant again. Heyward is exciting, and the hope is he doesn’t get pulled down by the environment created by Cox/Pendleton/McDowell/Jones. Hinske is a great pickup, on and off the field. Glaus looks pretty good so far, but it’s a long season. And Medlen’s go-at-’em fire is refreshing.
Conclusion: it’s going to be interesting to see if they guys with a sense of passion and purpose (Prado, Heyward, Hinske, Medlen, maybe McCann) can overcome the stale, business-as-usual passivity that has set in over the past few years.
Mr Charlie
May 20th, 2010
10:44 am
We do have to show that we can beat the Phil’s to have any hope of winning the division. However, I do believe in any BC team.
MitchC
May 20th, 2010
10:46 am
Jeff, the only really bad stretch the Braves had this year was the nine game losing streak, and the 2-8 record. Besides that, they have played okay.
JJ being gone will hurt, but, if Medlen can fill in, KK can pitch like he did last night, and Hanson, Hudson, and Lowe continue to win, we will be fine. I have no illusions of catching the Phillies. They are too strong, and we probably would not have caught them, even if we had all our people healthy..
My call remains what it had been since pre season. 85 to 90 wins, a fight for the wild card, and maybe we will snare the wild card. We don;t match up to the Phillies, but, there is no reason we cannot compete for, and hopefully win, the wild card, if everyone is healthy, and playing up to potential.
Mr Charlie
May 20th, 2010
10:48 am
Throw out the 9 game steak, we are 20-11 which would be the best winning % in baseball.
meh
May 20th, 2010
10:49 am
I think the Braves could make the playoffs. Heyward and Prado are gonna hit all year. Chipper,McCann, and Escobar will get it going. If Glaus can keep it going and McLouth gets it going the Braves will have a pretty good 1-8. And the pitching is pretty solid. So it depends on how cosistent the offense is but I think the Braves have a good shot at the playoffs.
Mr Charlie
May 20th, 2010
10:50 am
If we stay healthy, we will be in the hunt in September, that is all I ask for, a reason to watch.
C. Tampa Ironworse
May 20th, 2010
10:52 am
I think Chipper’s power is toast. But if he can have guys on base when he gets to the plate…he can still slap hit. Santa Glaus and Nate McLousy are actually playing well and if we can get Jimmy Cater to take Escobar back to Cuba next time he goes, the Bravos might have a chance.
clay
May 20th, 2010
10:54 am
Everyone quit calling Jason the “J-Hey Kid” he is not a kid anymore he is a man THE MAN on top of that. His new nickname-”The Hey-maker” because he gives that deadly blow late in games that puts the teams away and give us the win.
King James
May 20th, 2010
10:55 am
I believe this team gives me a reason to watch. Are they perfect? By no means, but they continue to give me a reason to watch and want to go to the Ted on occasion. The reason this group gives hope is because of their early struggles and their fight to overcome them. The past couple years we have seen Braves teams realize that the Phillies are simply in a different realm than they are. There wasn’t much fight or grit. We see that grittiness this year. With addition of Hinkse, Glaus and obviously Heyward, this team will fight through games and even bad stretches.
I’m predicting playoffs too. Not a 100 win-blow-through-the-division-like-the-90’s kind of season- but a tough team doing what it takes to make it happen.
Just glad I’m along for the ride….
Mr Charlie
May 20th, 2010
10:55 am
I agree Chipper has lost his mojo. Yunal will be fine, he will get on a tear at some point. I do worry about Mclousy, kind of reminds me of KJ.
F-105 Thunderchief
May 20th, 2010
10:56 am
I was one of those torch carrying villagers. And, I don’t promise not to become on again if another nine-game losing streak presents itself. Glad to see Glaus having such a good rebound. Hinske, Prado and of course Heyward have given us plenty to cheer about. Looking ahead, I hope we have a closer who is close to being able to step up. I like and hope the best for Wagner, but I think a younger option getting some chances this season would be a good thing.
Mr Charlie
May 20th, 2010
10:59 am
The fact is, every season you look back and see games you shoulda coulda, and you see games that you stole. So far, the braves have stole more games than they have blown, a departure for last year. That bodes well.
Tim
May 20th, 2010
11:00 am
Not quite sure how you think they would be a better team without Wren. The only bright spots in this line up have been people he acquired this off season. And Heyward- Wren made the call for him to start opening day with the effect of losing a year of before arbitration. I would almost say they would be better without Cox. He started Melky 2 nights ago because he “hadn’t hit in a while”, at the same time benching our hottest hitter at the time, Hinske.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
11:06 am
Brian — Right about McLouth. That would be huge, given problems at leadoff.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
11:09 am
EW — I agree that at times Braves still lack in fundamentals, which is mindboggling — or “mindbottling,” as Chazz Michael Michaels (Will Ferrell) said in Blades of Glory — when you get up to this level.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
11:09 am
DV — seems like a safe projection.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
11:13 am
Mitch C — Well, yeah, but to say the Braves’ only bad stretches are 2-8 and a 9-game losing streak are significant when you’ve played only 40 games. If they only had a 2-8 stretch and 9-game losing streak after 100 games, that would be a lot different, don’t you think?
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
11:13 am
Mr Charlie — Throw out Georgia’s four SEC losses last year and they’re 8-0.
Phil
May 20th, 2010
11:26 am
With Cox in the dugout, not a chance. When that clown is gone next year, I think we can contend for a playoff spot.
collegeballfan
May 20th, 2010
11:33 am
It is about time to make predictions on the Braves season. Although it is still a few days early, I will go with a season of about 90 wins. Not good enough for a division title & probably not good enough for a wild card.
Poorbrave
May 20th, 2010
11:37 am
The Fans need to get behind Prado & J-Hey and VOTE,VOTE,VOTE for them to make All_Stars.
What decisions Wren makes at trade deadline will determine where the Braves finish….as of now I’d say 3rd, maybe 4th.
Ramblin Wrecker
May 20th, 2010
11:37 am
What’s different about this Braves team now as opposed to early on:
1) Bobby finally put the best hitters in this lineup back to back…J-Hey & Prado. They get on base at a .406 & .370 clip respectively. When you put guys who hit and get on base a lot together in the lineup, scoring in bunches is bound to happen. Especially when one of those guys is a beast with runners on and in scoring position.
2) The hard hit balls by Troy Glaus finally started to even out and find holes. He also has slugged it better, adding HR’s.
3) Cox finally saw the writing on the wall that Eric Hinske was a WAY better hitter than Melky or an injured Matt Diaz.
4) McCann put his glasses back on.
5) McLouth is no longer an automatic out. He’s not tearing it up, but at least he’s not worse than the pitcher anymore.
Navy SealDawg
May 20th, 2010
11:38 am
I hope Bobby goes out a winner
cattle dawg
May 20th, 2010
11:39 am
Wagner worries me the most, followed by McCann.
Phil
May 20th, 2010
11:44 am
What’s different about this Braves team now as opposed to 10 years ago:
Nothing, we still have the same idiot manager.
Ross
May 20th, 2010
11:46 am
I have no idea why everyone was bailing – we hit a bad patch – better that it come early in the season. This is a competitive team – it would be more so without Jones in the regular lineup.
Blackberry Cobbler
May 20th, 2010
11:47 am
Heyward saved Booby Cocks last night. The game would have been over and the bottom of the 9th unnecessary if Booby has tried to get that run in the 9th. McCann on 2nd with no outs and Booby chooses to do nothing to try to get that run in.
But, what they hell do we dumb-@$$ fans know right? Booby’s a HOF coach, right? He’s a moron is what he is.
majorpayne
May 20th, 2010
11:50 am
Replace Escobar with Infante and we have a chance.
Driver 8
May 20th, 2010
11:52 am
The Braves’ pitching should have been good enough to prevent anything close to a 9 game losing streak but the hitting was unbelievably bad for a major league team. Still tons of holes in the lineup. If they come around we should be in good shape.
That said, we haven’t proved we can beat the Phils when the we really have to. Last year we won the season series but lost the must-win games down the stretch (3-6 August-September). This year we had a miraculous comeback to avoid a sweep at home.
The Braves are decent entertainment again and capable of playing and winning close, well-played games. They will keep me tuned in but I’m not expecting any post-season glory.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
11:55 am
Major Payne — I think it’s too early to give up on Escobar. And, yes, I know, I said the same thing about Francoeur.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
11:57 am
You all may have seen this already on Carroll Rogers’ blog, but the lineup is: Prado (4), Heyward (9), Chipper (5), McCann (2), Glaus (3), Hinske (7), Escobar (6), McLouth (8), Hanson (1)
NC Braves Fan
May 20th, 2010
11:59 am
I’m gonna sit on the fence for a while longer before making a prediction. I think the Braves need to make a move or two in the next several weeks involving the OF, and I think they need to give some serious thought to leaving Kris Medlen in the rotation once JJJ comes back.
I feel better overall than I did a week ago, but this does not appear to be one of the four best teams in the NL to me.
Steve
May 20th, 2010
12:05 pm
Jeff,
Based on what you have seen so far this season, what would be your predictions in the NL as far as division winners, the wild card winner, and the NL champion?
C. Tampa Ironworse
May 20th, 2010
12:08 pm
Escobar needs to GO, JS! Frenchy simply didn’t have the skill at this level. Escobar is different. He doesn’t get it or even CARES to get it. He’s in that mold of Hanley and Reyes. Super talented Latin players that just don’t get the MLB way of doing things. They play a brash style to get the attention of scouts and that’s awesome when it works…but is the WROST when it goes wrong. Because is not a talent issue, it’s a “look at me” issue.
Real UT
May 20th, 2010
12:10 pm
I’m staying cautiously optimistic with all my teams, especially the Braves. The Braves June schedule is BRUTAL. They need to be crushing teams these last 2 weeks of May while they have an easier schedule. They shouldn’t lose a series before June. I know the Marlins are heating up and the Reds are hot right now, but in June we play the Twins, Rays, Tigers, Phillies, Dodgers, and white Sox. I don’t know that we have an easy series until the all-Star break after Pittsburgh. Time to heat up!
Blackberry Cobbler
May 20th, 2010
12:11 pm
Braves are going nowhere as long as Booby Cox is the manager. Bottom of the 8th last night is just the latest case in point. Regardless of player talent or the lack of it, the Braves will be better off when Booby is gone.
mike @ calibre lake
May 20th, 2010
12:11 pm
excited. i’ve been a braves fan for as long as i can remember but the fact of the matter is will they eventually break my heart? Over the past few seasons that has been the case…build us up to knock us down. Forbes magazine got it right.
BravesAreDone
May 20th, 2010
12:12 pm
Hate to admit it but yes they’d be better without Chipper.
Steve
May 20th, 2010
12:13 pm
“Blackberry Cobbler” you must be a moron. The Braves are going nowhere with him? Who was the manager when they won 14 division titles in a row? I am sure you would do a MUCH better job then Bobby right? The Braves have been on a tear since that 9 game losing streak. A few nights ago Bobby decided to play Melky instead of red hot Hinsky. Bad move right? Did you see who got the winning hit?
Steve
May 20th, 2010
12:15 pm
Hinske, typo.
Keith
May 20th, 2010
12:17 pm
Great game last night! But realistically, Reds have a better team overall than the braves. Offense for bravos is sadly lacking even though they will win alot of games this year. In september, they will be in third or probably fourth place. Reason-everybody else in division has improved more than the bravos. Sorry.
C. Tampa Ironworse
May 20th, 2010
12:20 pm
Steve…the Braves won games with Phil Niekro and Dale Murphy. Wanna bring them back? Chipper’s getting OLD, bro! It has noting to do with the titles in the past.
wawel78
May 20th, 2010
12:22 pm
I think they’re a 500 team. so far this year they soundly beat sub-par 500 teams and lose heavily to the above 500 teams.
Yunel will be fine. If you watch him rather than looking at stats, he’s hitting ropes. They just happen to be right at people. he will be fine.
Casey
May 20th, 2010
12:22 pm
I like Heyward and Chipper being right beside one another in the line-up at 2 and 3. Plus, it helps my fantasy team seeing as I have both of them and gather all their RBI’s and Runs together. They accent each other very well and have a lot of pop in their bats, so anything can happen with that top part of the line-up. Prado as a lead off seems to be a wonderful answer as well. Throw your best three out there and see what they can do. I like moving Hinske up to 5th and McCann back to 6th. Just my thoughts.
DCBrave
May 20th, 2010
12:23 pm
I feel good about the team. Chipper may end up a .250 or .260 guy this year, but he’ll keep the OBP at .400….McCann is coming around. I am hoping he can play today, even though it is a day game after a night game. He sees better during the day and he seems to be on the verge of really getting hot. D Lowe has looked better…the first part of fixing a problem is admitting you have one, and he seems to have turned that corner.
wawel78
May 20th, 2010
12:24 pm
I don’t have an issue with Chipper either. His swing is coming around and his OBP is great. One thing I am optimistic about is we have had about the worst hitting starting out a season I have ever seen and we are staring at 500.
Steve
May 20th, 2010
12:25 pm
C. Tampa where did I say anything about Chipper? He has been hot lately and I still like him in the line0up but think he is retiring after this year. I don’t see him playing for another manager.
TommyJack
May 20th, 2010
12:25 pm
Wasting a ton of good starting pitching. Need more knocks.
AlternateReality
May 20th, 2010
12:26 pm
FYI to the Escobar bashers, TP was on 680 this morning talking about how hard he (Escobar) has been working in batting practice, how he’s actually had to tell him to ease up a little.
Blackberry Cobbler
May 20th, 2010
12:28 pm
Yea Steve, I do. Anybody could.
Last night, McCann doubles. Man on 2nd with no outs. Does Booby try to get that run in? Nope.
Get than run in and the Braves have a 2 run lead going to the 9th.
A 20-yr old rookie baled Booby out with a winning hit in the bottom of the 9th.
He’s a moron, plain and simple. Yea, 14 division titles but only 1 WC to show for it. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then, Steve.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
12:28 pm
Steve — Division winners: Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers (not sure on that one). Wild card: Close race between 4-5 teams but Braves get it (not sure on that one either). … Pennant: Phillies.
Phil
May 20th, 2010
12:29 pm
“A few nights ago Bobby decided to play Melky instead of red hot Hinsky. Bad move right? Did you see who got the winning hit?”
This is funny. You talking about that rope of an infield chopper to 3rd base and the bad throw to 1st? Yea, that was brilliant.
You people kill me defending that clown.
robdawg08
May 20th, 2010
12:31 pm
I can’t understand why CF is not addressed. i mean Nate is above average defensively but can’t hit at all. Either call up Schafer and see what he can do or trade for a CF that can hit and play defense.
Chipper & mcCann were expected to provide the power (hr’s) in the offense and have a mere 6 combined so far. Amazing what coming off HGH can do to players…
Steve
May 20th, 2010
12:32 pm
Phil I bet you could do a much better job.
.
May 20th, 2010
12:35 pm
Wait till next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
myra
May 20th, 2010
12:35 pm
food for thought: just got done voting for all stars at mlb.com. they have made it very easy to use a repeat ballot and to revote 25 times. hope u all do same .J-Hey,Prad,and others deserve our votes and should not get left out. (how many fans know of Prado outside atl?). took me maybe 10mins.
chop chop!
robdawg08
May 20th, 2010
12:36 pm
Jeff, Giants,Reds,and Nats all have a better shot than Braves at Wild Card. Remember last year when 5 teams were battling for the Wild Card ? Braves finished 5th of the 5 as expected. We fans only want the Braves to win and for the best players to be on the field. Infante should be at SS starting,Schafer should be in CF. Everything else looks pretty good to me if Chipper & McCann can contribute a lot more on offense. i mean why keep guys struggling hitting 3rd & 4th ? Move Glaus and Hinske in to 3 & 4 holes. Go with who is hot. Leave reputations out of it. Reputations lose games and hot players win games…
Hubert
May 20th, 2010
12:40 pm
“Throw out the 9-game losing streak”??? That’s like saying “Throw out the fact that he killed his wife, and O.J. is actually a quality human being.” The 9-game losing streak is very much a part of who this team is. Expect more of the same.
Phil
May 20th, 2010
12:41 pm
Yes I could Steve.
I wouldn’t pull Hanson out of a 1 hitter like he did against Houston last year and bring in Soriano. That had disaster written all over it, and sure enough he loses the game.
Or when he left Lowe in against the Mets last year in that 10 run innning.
Or when he kept using Norton over and over and over again last year in critical situations.
And it continues this year with Melky, leaving Chipper in the 3rd spot, etc..
The list is so long, this blog couldn’t hold it.
The man is a buffoon.
Space Monkey
May 20th, 2010
12:43 pm
I’m just hoping last night wasn’t just a case of bad pitching by the Reds.
Fire Frank Wren
May 20th, 2010
12:45 pm
So the Braves don’t play good fundemental baseball and they are paying $23 Million to two starters on pace to lose 40 games (they have lost 10 games as of now). At the end of the day no team can overcome these two things not to mention any other short comings. They do not make the playoffs which makes it five years in a row.
Casey
May 20th, 2010
12:50 pm
Phil, you’re a complete moron. Bobby Cox is twice the baseball mind you are. That’s why his head will be enshrined in bronze for all sports fans now and future to see, while yours is probably stuck in the toilet at some cheap peep show joint. How many games have you won? How many has Bobby Cox won? Sure, you can pick a few here and there that were botched, but remember that coaching is part of the game, that precision and execution are the other parts. Precision and execution is responsibility of the players, which are well known for their abilities to be major league athletes, except Mike Gonzalez who sucks.
Steve
May 20th, 2010
12:51 pm
I love all of the negativity on a team who has won 7 of 9 games, is 2 1/2 out of the wild card spot and 4 1/2 out of first place. Also doing that without Jair. I am sure Kenshin will be moved to the bullpen when Jair comes back and Medlen will take Kenshin’s spot. Pretty darn good rotation.
Josh
May 20th, 2010
12:54 pm
Jeff, do you worry that Heyward’s rapid ascension is problematic? At the beginning of the season, he was a phenom, and everyone said he was the future of Atlanta. Now, he’s not the future. He’s being asked to be the present. At some point, doesn’t it have to get in his head, “I’m 20, but I’m much better than these other guys. Not in the future. Right now.” Or even if that is the case, is that not a problem?
Phil
May 20th, 2010
12:56 pm
Casey,
My points will be made next year, without Cox we will be a much improved team and probably back in the playoffs.
Dr. Warren
May 20th, 2010
12:59 pm
Josh–the great ones don’t think too much. The just do it. Ask Nike.
Casey
May 20th, 2010
12:59 pm
Ok, we’ll just look forward to next year then. Throwing the book in on this year. Hope you’re right Phil.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
1:03 pm
Josh — There’s nothing problematic about Heyward’s rapid ascension for this reason: When he goes into a slump — and trust me, he will go into a slump because everybody does — he’ll handle it well. Anybody who has spent time with the the kid knows how stable and mature he is. He’ll ride things out. My bigger concern is not Heyward but rather the Braves DEPENDING on Heyward. To a large degree, he’s carrying things right now from a run-producing standpoint and that’s a dangerous game.
Tweets that mention We're live, and Braves are alive: Do you think it's for real? | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
May 20th, 2010
1:03 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AJC , Joel Kight. Joel Kight said: RT @ajc: When I'm named Bobby Cox's successor next season, my first decision will be to play J-Hey. Pure genius. http://bit.ly/aNbUG9 [...]
THE TONE
May 20th, 2010
1:04 pm
The braves have me nervouse but i think they will take the wild card and then get hot and sweep the saints in the world series or something like that saints or yankees not much of a difference .
Sandy Lyle
May 20th, 2010
1:04 pm
How can anyone sit there and call a man with more division titles than anyone in the history of the game a “clown”?
Look at all the managers who have had tons of talent and never done anything with it. Bobby Cox (with help from JS – and the minor-league director; i forget his name) turned this franchise from the laughingstock of baseball into a model that all teams wanted to follow.
You want to disagree with specific decisions, fine, but show some respect.
Steve
May 20th, 2010
1:05 pm
Jeff,
How is the crowd on this beautiful afternoon? Sure does suck to be behind a desk.
Phil
May 20th, 2010
1:09 pm
“How can anyone sit there and call a man with more division titles than anyone in the history of the game a “clown”?”
You talking about the same man who has LOST more post season games than any other manager in history?
Sandy Lyle
May 20th, 2010
1:09 pm
Yo, Phil — you ever hear of protecting a young pitcher? you want him to be dusty baker and let him ruin people like he did kerry wood?
Sure, they lost that game. Ten years from now when Hanson’s still pitching, somneone needs to remember to thank bobby.
You, sir, are a moron.
KM
May 20th, 2010
1:10 pm
Steve, Casey, and all other BC defenders – you call other morons but you are the ones who need to wise up. You are correct that BC will be enshrined and he does have a high number of career wins. But let’s face facts – his real success came when he managed a team loaded with talent (and still managed to fall short at crunch time) and his stats are also helped by simply having managed for years and years under ownership that was too timid to replace him. When BC is replaced after this season with a skilled, experienced manager who can effectively manage a team without top-tier talent and is a better in-game tactician, the Braves will improve. Not sure if we will be the elite of the league again but, at least, we as fans will know that the maximum results are being extracted from whatever team the GM puts together.
Sandy Lyle
May 20th, 2010
1:10 pm
Well, duh — he’s lost more because he’s been there more than anyone else.
He’s also in the top 5 for post season wins.
get a clue, dr. phil
Steve
May 20th, 2010
1:11 pm
Phil, why are you here? Why are you a Braves fan? We don’t need people like you. Now go outside and play in the sandbox or something.
GTSteve
May 20th, 2010
1:11 pm
Can’t we all just get along
BravesWin!
May 20th, 2010
1:13 pm
I hesitate to say that all my fears about run production are allayed because of one good stretch…but I feel a lot better now than I did two weeks ago. It is obvious that, top to bottom, we are not as good a team as the Phillies…but this is a wild card team if everyone stays healthy and performs to historical standards…and, of course, if Heyward remains on course for ROY. Chipper looks very un-Chipper-like of late however, and we need his bat badly…
THE TONE
May 20th, 2010
1:14 pm
I agree with Bobby cox being a great manager a hall of famer and all that but people can get away with complaining bout his lack of world series wins 1 is great but the number should have been closer to 4 . still I wouldn’t trade all those winning years in a row for anything
oh yeah and Bobby goes out with his second world championship this year
its going to happen
J dubb
May 20th, 2010
1:15 pm
Schultzie,
I think we’re going to make a good run here…..maybe win one lose two, sweep a few series and go 20-10 over the next 30. But only IF KK, Medlen and Lowe can keep us in games without having the big inning against. I think with Glaus and Chipper heating up, and Bobby finally playing Hinske in stead of Melky, our lineup has some serious pop. Just hoping Prado or Heyward don’t go into an extended slump before McCann and Esco can hit like they’re expected to.
It really baffles me that Mac has vision problems again DURING the season. Can you not hit simulated pitching in the offseason to make sure you don’t still have blurry vision??? Its ‘mindbottling’ to think this only crops up when each season starts….wtf?
Go Hanson!
dude
May 20th, 2010
1:20 pm
i hate it when my mind gets bottled
just a terrible thing to happen
Phil
May 20th, 2010
1:21 pm
“Yo, Phil — you ever hear of protecting a young pitcher? you want him to be dusty baker and let him ruin people like he did kerry wood?
Sure, they lost that game. Ten years from now when Hanson’s still pitching, somneone needs to remember to thank bobby.
You, sir, are a moron.”
So 1 more inning and his arm would have fallen off? So if Hanson is pitching a no-hitter Cox should protect him and not let him pitch the 9th? He would probably would do that now that I think of it.
Phil
May 20th, 2010
1:24 pm
Good thing Bobby wasn’t managing those teams that threw 2 no-hitters against us this year, he would have pulled the pitchers to protect them, right Sandy??
Snowman
May 20th, 2010
1:25 pm
Jeff, what do you think the chances are of Medlen staying in the rotation if he keeps pitching like he has when starting?
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
1:26 pm
Steve … It’s another partial sellout. (20,000 maybe). And it is a gorgeous day.
Hmm
May 20th, 2010
1:28 pm
So what kind of statistics would we need our various lineup stalwarts/question marks to put up to make the playoffs? I’d say if Mclouth gets over .250 with .340 OBP (still weakest link, if Hinske keeps producing in left), Escobar does .275/.340 OBP, and Mccann and Chipper both get over .275 with 20 or so HR, then with the kind of years Prado, Glaus, and Heyward are putting up, we should be strong enough at least for the lineup not to be a liability. Oh, and we need to get Medlen in the rotation and move Kawakami to the bullpen.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
1:30 pm
J-Dubb — 6 of next 9 vs. Pirates. That’s the good news. But also big series coming up vs. Marlins, Phillies and Dodgers.
papadawg
May 20th, 2010
1:31 pm
The Braves can beat the lower half of the teams but I don’t see them even close to Philly
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
1:33 pm
Snowman — well, if everybody’s healthy, it all gets back to who are you bumping down to the pen? Not Hanson, Jurrjens, Hudson. So it has to be Lowe (5-4, 5.47) or Kawakami (0-6, 4.98). More likely Kawakami.
myra
May 20th, 2010
1:35 pm
cmon big red
Phil
May 20th, 2010
1:35 pm
KM,
Youre making way too much sense.
Steve and Sandy will call you a moron because of that.
Colin
May 20th, 2010
1:36 pm
lets leave the bases loaded here please..I came inside from doing wood and find this out..utoh.
myra
May 20th, 2010
1:36 pm
0-2 dont let em off
myra
May 20th, 2010
1:36 pm
i quit
Colin
May 20th, 2010
1:37 pm
of flippen course..Hanson is not a closer, he always fails when it comes to strike 3..
J dubb
May 20th, 2010
1:37 pm
I like Hanson to win the Cy and Heyward to win ROY. How effin cool would that be?
But i guess we would have to make the playoffs (as the wildcard) for Hanson to win the CY?
Chipper retires with Bobby, Fredi G manages and Chipper is batting coach. TP is sent out to be new Bullpen coach!
Colin
May 20th, 2010
1:39 pm
J-Dubb, Hanson cant win the ROY..maybe you mean Heyward.
myra
May 20th, 2010
1:39 pm
w t h?
Colin
May 20th, 2010
1:39 pm
well it was nice being at .500 for a day.
TruthSeeker
May 20th, 2010
1:39 pm
Ouch. Gonna be a long day. I don’t see us touching Leake.
steve whitmire
May 20th, 2010
1:40 pm
won’t have to worry about Hanson pitching a no hitter today, Reds grand slam, 5-0, bummer
Kane337
May 20th, 2010
1:41 pm
Hanson has been sucking lately.
myra
May 20th, 2010
1:41 pm
big red is/has been suffrin. jeez
Marcus
May 20th, 2010
1:42 pm
yeesh. ajc live blog = bad ju-ju.
Braves #5
May 20th, 2010
1:43 pm
we need Josh Hamilton to play center !
Colin
May 20th, 2010
1:43 pm
this is kind of sad now, he can’t throw a strike.
FDB
May 20th, 2010
1:43 pm
Yep, 12-8 over 20 games at their hottest. This team has significant flaws. I hope Wagner ain’t among them or we are in big trouble. But I think we finish 78-84 ish UNLESS we get a consistent above-average production at the plate out of (1) Jordan Schaefer, (2) Troy Glaus and (3) a LF(Hinske or Diaz, I guess). That is a lot to ask.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
1:43 pm
OK … Tommy Hanson: Not good… Grand salami by Joey Vitto (his first career) gives Reds a 5-0 lead in second. Still batting. Two men on. Ouchie.
myra
May 20th, 2010
1:43 pm
lol
it was fun being .500
oh well time for gardening.
Phil
May 20th, 2010
1:44 pm
Pull Hanson Bobby!!! Protect him!!!! He will thank you in 10 years!!!
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
1:44 pm
Ramon Hernandez is 10th Red to come to the plate. He started the inning six hours ago with a single.
Colin
May 20th, 2010
1:45 pm
Hanson is like a 10 year old little leaguer, all smiles when everything is going good..once 1 thing goes bad, well the game is over.
Braves #5
May 20th, 2010
1:45 pm
Release # 53 ,24,11 , 23 ! ASAP !!! Sign J.Dye ! And trade for Hamilton! Bring #29 out of the booth!
kurula
May 20th, 2010
1:45 pm
what is going on with tommy? is he hiding an injury?
THE TONE
May 20th, 2010
1:46 pm
is it really 5-0 already dad gum it , I finally have a game i can follow at work here at the huddle house and it turns out to be a no hit blowout for the other team ,
Colin
May 20th, 2010
1:47 pm
whatever I am out, Ill go find something better to do with my time, Hanson is a joke.
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
1:47 pm
where can I listen braves-reds game live beside mlb.tv?
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
1:47 pm
RBI single by Hernandez, 2 run double by Nix — makes it 8-0. Somebody get Hanson out of there….
TruthSeeker
May 20th, 2010
1:47 pm
Welp, that’ll dent that ol’ ERA.
GTSteve
May 20th, 2010
1:48 pm
Looks like we can get some work done today
Kane337
May 20th, 2010
1:49 pm
Way to show up for work Hanson. You should have called in sick.
Tech Sucks
May 20th, 2010
1:49 pm
Wow, glad I forgot this game was on today. Freaking awful….
Chris
May 20th, 2010
1:49 pm
Oh no, we suck again!
Turtsnap
May 20th, 2010
1:50 pm
So much for ending the home stand on a positive note. At least I can get back to work now!
Phil
May 20th, 2010
1:50 pm
Hey Sandy and Steve,
Rememeber when I was saying Cox left Lowe in and gave up 10 runs in an inning last year to the Mets? Looks like he’s doing the same to Hanson. And you guys wonder why we’re sick of him.
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
1:50 pm
Braves are down like a stock market today. Will they survive?
GTSteve
May 20th, 2010
1:51 pm
Drive home safely
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
1:52 pm
WHERE CAN I LISTEN BRAVES-REDS GAME ONLINE? LINK LINK PLEASE…
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
May 20th, 2010
1:53 pm
Have many fans left yet ?
StingerSplash
May 20th, 2010
1:54 pm
Well, that was awful.
steve whitmire
May 20th, 2010
1:55 pm
oh well, can’t blame this one on Frank Wren
Casey
May 20th, 2010
1:55 pm
KM,
Execution is on the players hands. Bobby Cox managed them to those playoff series, so you’re the moron. He can’t hit, pitch, and field for them. He can only put them in the best position to win, hence all of the Division Titles, and Pennants. And since he was loaded with talent, you figure the talent would do what they were supposed to and WIN, not go cold during crunch time. You need to wise up dumbass. Go hide somewhere.
PR_Raider
May 20th, 2010
1:56 pm
I hate when BC waits until the game is out of hand to take the pitcher out in this type of games. You know the pitcher is struggling, what are you waiting for? If you let them score 8, it will definitely be a blowout… If you take him out, you give yourself a chance to come back. But then again, with the Bravos offense, it was probably out of reach right after the grand salami…
Steve
May 20th, 2010
1:57 pm
Chip Caray just said after that hit by Glaus, “and there goes the no hit bid.” What a loser. It’s the 2nd inning.
Stratman
May 20th, 2010
1:57 pm
Why does Joe Simpson simply stop talking when things aren’t going well for the Braves? Is he pouting or throwing up somewhere? You can’t shut him up when something good is happening.
kurula
May 20th, 2010
1:58 pm
i gotta admit, i was expecting this yesterday not today.
Mitchell
May 20th, 2010
1:59 pm
Do you think it’s for real?
No.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:01 pm
Marcus — maybe I need to sacrifice a chicken or something.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:03 pm
Stating what you probably figured — That was Hanson’s worst and shortest career start. I was here for his previous worst one, so maybe it’s my fault: first career start last year, allowed 3 HRs, 7 runs (6 ER) in 8-7 loss to Milwaukee…. Last 2 starts, Hanson has allowed 13 ER and 15 hits in 8 2/3
Casey
May 20th, 2010
2:04 pm
I think the Braves took the “blow off work day” seriously.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:04 pm
South Ga Dawg Fan: It’s great weather and they’re still serving beer, so no — not many fans have left.
kurula
May 20th, 2010
2:07 pm
they need to serve more than beer….
SOUTH GA DAWG FAN
May 20th, 2010
2:07 pm
nah jeff its because i tried to keep up with the braves today if i hadn’t logged in they would have won by 20 and hanson would have pitched a perfect game
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:09 pm
Casey — Funny line. I may steal that. If I do, email your address and I’ll send you $1.50.
Casey
May 20th, 2010
2:09 pm
Pretty cute how you can’t talk in a civil manner, but attempt to portray me. Keep it coming.
Fire Frank Wren
May 20th, 2010
2:09 pm
How do you like me now?
Tucker T
May 20th, 2010
2:10 pm
Wow Jeff. What a great day for you to decide to blog from a home game. I won’t blame you if you want to leave early. No reason to stick around.
Haha
May 20th, 2010
2:10 pm
Keep pumping this crappy team schultz. good teams don’t lose 9 in a row. Do you see this happen to the phillies or cards? Nope. 8-0 now. Vintage braves. Enjoy another rout and 4 game losing streak.
Phil
May 20th, 2010
2:10 pm
Well Steve,
Can you defend Cox for leaving Hanson in and giving up 8 runs? The game is completely out of reach now. These are the types of decisions I was trying to point out earlier. Hanson is normally a stud but he didn’t have it today. You can’t let the game get this far out of reach, you have to stop the bleeding.
These are the types of decisons Cox makes that will cost you 10 games or more per year. Might be the difference in getting that wild card spot or not.
Now who is the moron.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:11 pm
Tucker T — yeah, except I need a print column for tomorrow. But thanks for the offer.
Scott
May 20th, 2010
2:11 pm
I get off work early and come home to this. Ugh this team is sooo inconsistent.
BoroBall3
May 20th, 2010
2:12 pm
Do you think that Hanson’s lack of a third pitch is starting to show? Beign in the league a full year now has enabled some hitters to guess his stuff of late.
Rich
May 20th, 2010
2:12 pm
Heyward kicked the ball after the pitcher dropped it. It was accidental but I thought they would call it dead.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:12 pm
They scored! Unearned run. Mike Leake drops ball at first base, allows Prado to come around to score. … 8 to only 1.
Tucker T
May 20th, 2010
2:13 pm
Why do they even play day games during the week anymore? Especially before school is out for the summer. Attendance is always going to be much less. That’s a tradition that needs to die.
Mooseberg
May 20th, 2010
2:13 pm
The Braves coaching staff have been slowly but surely taking the “Nasty” out of Hanson to make him a “better” pitcher. He needs to get his nasty back.
Todd
May 20th, 2010
2:14 pm
What a surprise. Chipper strikes out. QUIT. YOU SUCK. Just go back to your ranch in texas and chew dip and quit screwing this team. Bring back Brooks.
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
2:15 pm
Listen gamee live at http://www.freebaseballradio.com/AtlantaMay.html
Tucker T
May 20th, 2010
2:16 pm
Understood Jeff. You can write all about Tommy’s meltdown and speculate about a possible injury. Good reading.
Blackberry Cobbler
May 20th, 2010
2:16 pm
I.m with you Phil. Steve and Booby Cox are both morons.
No, Cox can’t throw the pitches for Hanson……… BUT, he can determine HOW MANY pitches he throws. And this game is just another in a long, long line of examples why Booby Cox will be the dumbest manager to ever make the HOF.
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
2:16 pm
Jesse Chavez already in game? Ugh!
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:17 pm
Jesse Chavez is a machine!!!
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
2:19 pm
Jesse Chavez is a machine? You must be joking.
Phil
May 20th, 2010
2:20 pm
Sandy, where are you??? Steve needs help defending Booby Cox!!
Big Guy
May 20th, 2010
2:21 pm
8 of their last 12 wins since they were 8-14 have come against Dregs of the National League right now. Six of those wins against the Awful Astros and Brewers. Anybody who feels good about the Braves being 20-20 right now is deluding themselves. The Braves went 3-5 Vs NL East and had error that aided their win over the Mets and had to go to 10th inning to beat the Nats 7-6. Five of the six losses have come against sub-500 teams and they’re trailing 8-0 to the Reds today. IMO, getting a strectch that included 9 games Vs sub .500 Diamondback, Astros and Brewers (mired in 9 game losing streak) are the only reason this team is .500 right now.
kurula
May 20th, 2010
2:23 pm
i will say this about chavez…he hasn’t given up 8 runs yet.
Big Guy
May 20th, 2010
2:23 pm
five of six losses have come to above .500 teams
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:24 pm
Reds may try to give this one away … Bruce drops McCann flyball for 2-base error. Glaus singles.
Chris
May 20th, 2010
2:24 pm
Doesn’t matter if you win on an error, it still shows up in the standings columns the same as a 16-3 win.
I don’t care if we lose 35-1 today, as long as we go out and win tomorrow.
Marc in FL
May 20th, 2010
2:25 pm
We can still win this, I know that sounds crazy, but it’s early enough into the game we could jump on this rookie pitcher and put another 5-6 spot on the board before you know it. We’re not out of it yet.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:26 pm
Escobar — 6-4-3 … Don’t know what’s going on with that guy.
BoroBall3
May 20th, 2010
2:27 pm
Yunel having a season
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:28 pm
Kashi — Hey, this game he has been: He’s retired 7 straight since coming in.
Colin
May 20th, 2010
2:28 pm
Hey Infante keep warming the pine your good at that, Yunel has got this SS job covered…what a joke.
Oh! I just fired up the AJC Sports section....
May 20th, 2010
2:28 pm
“So are you feeling a little more comfortable today, or are you still nervous about this Braves’ team?”
I was, until I sat down for lunch at my desk and linked to AJC sports Braves online.
8-1. Rats.
Phil
May 20th, 2010
2:29 pm
Casey,
What about you? Since you seem to understand Cox’s decisions, can you explain the strategy of leaving Hanson in and giving up 8 runs and making the game completely out of reach?
Please explain that to us morons.
steve whitmire
May 20th, 2010
2:30 pm
JEFF: down 9-1, Chipper and Escobar stinkin’ it up, why not bring in Conrad for Chipper and Infante for Cuba Libre?, just askin’
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:30 pm
Jesse Chavez is back! Allows solo ding-dong to Laynce Nix after retiring 8 straight.
kurula
May 20th, 2010
2:31 pm
jesse chavez is a run producing machine!
Ashley
May 20th, 2010
2:32 pm
Can someone please explain the insanity of Escobar continuing to play over Infante? Seems like more often than not this year, Escobar can be counted on to consistently hit into double plays. It’s hard to want to cut him slack when you consider his obnoxious, lazy attitude.
Escobar – .196 B.A. and .291 OBP.
Infante – .310 B.A. and .344 OBP.
Phil
May 20th, 2010
2:34 pm
“Can someone please explain the insanity of Escobar continuing to play over Infante?’
Bobby Cox.
Chief Nock A Homa
May 20th, 2010
2:36 pm
How about an Escobar and prospect(s) for Hanley Ramirez? If Fredi is going to be the next coach, I’m sure he wouldn’t mind putting in the good word to pull the trigger now…
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:37 pm
Chavez is do up in the inning. I have a hunch they’re not going to let him bat.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:38 pm
Chief Nock A Homa — interesting, a swap of head-cases?
kurula
May 20th, 2010
2:38 pm
by the time escobar remembers how to hit the rest of the team will be hitting .200 again.
Chief Nock A Homa
May 20th, 2010
2:41 pm
Can’t hurt – or, can it??….
kurula
May 20th, 2010
2:42 pm
escobar’s trade value isn’t high right now…although mcclouth’s, coming off his 2 hit game, is at an all time high. you may be able to get more than a bag of baseballs for him.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:43 pm
Bases loaded for Heyward. If he hits one here, well, it cuts it to 9-5.
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
2:43 pm
Bases loaded – none out, J-Hey on plate. Are you seeing 4 runs
homer?
Chief Nock A Homa
May 20th, 2010
2:44 pm
In all seriousness, wouldn’t be a bad swap, don’t you think?? We all know Escobar can rake, just having a prolonged slump of sorts, but still has incredible upside, as well… Marlins aren’t thrilled with Ramirez and the antics… Braves could use the MVP stats added…
Could be a great match…
Interdivision swap too much to make it happen????
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:46 pm
ANOTHER error (that’s 3) by Reds … dropped ball at second for would-be force allows 2 runs to score … 9-3. 2 on.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:46 pm
Chipper now 0-for-3 (2 Ks) after that strikeout.
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
2:46 pm
Dang Chipper…0 for 3, 1 out 2 on.
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
2:47 pm
Rally killed. Double by BMac
Fire Frank Wren
May 20th, 2010
2:47 pm
We don’t need no stinking .320 hitter in this lineup. It is solid just like it is. We also don’t need to know how to bunt or hit the cutoff man or throw to the proper base or tag up on fly balls or run hard on the bases or any of that stuff. We have a Hall of Fame Manager, didn’t you know?
space monkey
May 20th, 2010
2:47 pm
To answer your question, Mr. Schultz, no.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:47 pm
McCann — doubleplay .. ends that threat.
kurula
May 20th, 2010
2:48 pm
i just think that ramirez’s upside is better than escobar’s. i just don’t see the marlins making that trade.
BoroBall3
May 20th, 2010
2:49 pm
wow…. the inning had the potential to go on forever, until our most feared 3 and 4 hitters arrived
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
2:50 pm
Kurula — Yeah, I don’t see that trade happening either. Ramirez is a knucklehead but Marlins need a star before they move into their new stadium.
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
2:59 pm
what the heck is going on with Hinskey? 0 for 6
Peter
May 20th, 2010
3:10 pm
These guys are just not that sound as a team…….I would say over all, they lack fundamentals.
Bobby Cox way too laid back with his players, and it will cost the Braves another year of lack luster baseball. Please let Terry go as the hitting instructor.
So he is a Hall of Famer, Bobby that is…….. with all the talent he has had……he really has been bad over all.
The reality is what he has done with the lack luster clubs and that hasn’t been much.
They play like a corporate team….show up collect check…..go on vacation.
Sonny Clusters
May 20th, 2010
3:11 pm
If Pujols can get moved out of the 3rd spot in the order so can Chipper.
Robz747
May 20th, 2010
3:17 pm
Jeff,
Where is Edward Salcedo and how’s he doing??
Ben Roethlisberger
May 20th, 2010
3:18 pm
Is there a college bar near by?
Paul H
May 20th, 2010
3:20 pm
What is wrong with all of our traditional best hitters?
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
3:26 pm
Robz747 — Last I read had not arrive in Rome yet (Georgia, not Italy).
Paul H
May 20th, 2010
3:26 pm
At least we have the Pirates this weekend. Then again I said that last year at this time and we tanked it in Pittsburgh. Of course we didn’t have Heyward and Prado but I digress…
papadawg
May 20th, 2010
3:29 pm
Sorry I checked the score
Peter
May 20th, 2010
3:33 pm
What is wrong with all of our traditional best hitters?
Chipper is bulked up, and can’t swing, along with being old, McCann can’t see, has vision problems again, Yunel got hurt, and is starting over.
Pendelton can’t coach.
Peter
May 20th, 2010
3:34 pm
Paul H…..we have the ability to loose to anyone these days with our lousy run production, along with so so pitching.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
3:35 pm
Peter — They could try to switch things around: Put Pendleton at third and Chipper on the bench.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
3:36 pm
It’s 9-3. For those looking ahead to the ninth, the Braves have coming up . . . . No, I can’t do it.
OleOleOleOle
May 20th, 2010
3:39 pm
A 4-3 homestand against the D-backs, Mets, and Reds is highly disappointing. Today’s game knocked me right back to reality. Can’t wait to watch us drop two of three in Pittsburgh.
Fire Frank Wren
May 20th, 2010
3:43 pm
I hope Infante gets to pinch hit, that will really be helpful.
Colin
May 20th, 2010
3:46 pm
Infante should hit sometime I would hope
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
3:47 pm
Bases loaded, none out…lets go Braves!
Steve
May 20th, 2010
3:48 pm
This would be amazing. Still 4 runs to go!
DawgDad
May 20th, 2010
3:49 pm
The Braves have too many holes and overcommitments to veterans at this point to be considered a viable playoff contender. They COULD contend, but is this team really BETTER than last year’s team? No signs yet they are.
Worst thing that can happen is they hover around or just above .500 and get locked into a cycle of mediocrity, always thinking they have a realistic chance when they don’t and thus pass up opportunities to convert vets to prospects. They do have some young assets to build around, and more pitching on the way. They have to fix the everyday lineup to be a real contender; they lack power and speed and several veterans need to get their act together quickly or move on.
I’d say they have about a 25% chance of being in wild card contention the last week of the season.
The Lemmer
May 20th, 2010
3:49 pm
No! We got smoked today, were just an average team thats why were at .500! Duh Schultz you know nothing ya ninkompooop Chop chop, I think NOT! Marlins will win the wild card with Fredi G. a real skipper
Colin
May 20th, 2010
3:49 pm
get Heyward up..thats all we need.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
3:50 pm
Should I stop writing my Tommy Hanson column now? … 9-5, 2 on in the ninth and still nobody out. Nick Masset coming in to face David Ross.
Steve
May 20th, 2010
3:50 pm
Jeff are you pulling a Bob Uecker from Major League with a bottle of Jack?
DawgDad
May 20th, 2010
3:52 pm
If Ross homers you may be writing about that Escobar DP earlier in the game.
Peter
May 20th, 2010
3:52 pm
Hey Jeff…Comedy is needed while watching the Braves the past few years……
How about start Infante, and use Chipper for pitch hitting ? It id sad to have a real great player past his prime still in there, and frustrating as a fan watching the team in general.
Bobby is past his prime as well, and this year I will be amazed if we are over .500 come season’s end.
We need new owners……
Hey Jeff…… at least you get to go to the games for FREE.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
3:53 pm
Bases loaded. Words I never thought I’d type: Tying run comes to the plate.
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
3:53 pm
Bases Loaded AGAIN, none out. J-Hey on deck. Woo Woo
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
3:56 pm
Yowza… Prado groundball to third… Cairo fumbled ball. … 9-6…bases still loaded.
Nick
May 20th, 2010
3:57 pm
Heyward couldn’t do it again could he?
Peter
May 20th, 2010
3:57 pm
Well at least the fans are getting a show …….. home run !!!!!!!
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
3:58 pm
O man ……….. none out, Bases Loaded J-Hey on batting. Score 9-6. Sky is clear #22 >>>>>>>>>>>>
Steve
May 20th, 2010
3:59 pm
This is crazy!!! Can’t believe how bad the Reds defense is.
Shawn
May 20th, 2010
3:59 pm
How awesome would it be for Jason to call his shot and end the game. Make your legacy right here Jason. Point to center and hit it out!
Nick
May 20th, 2010
4:00 pm
unintentional intentional walk to get to Chipper…are you serious? How much respect does that show for Heyward?
Steve
May 20th, 2010
4:00 pm
This needs to be on the front page of the AJC if the Braves win. I bet this has never happened before in the 9th down by this many.
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
4:01 pm
Dam…J-Hay!
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
4:02 pm
Cordero to face Brooks Conrad.
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
4:03 pm
This is it. We had our chance but slipped away!
Colin
May 20th, 2010
4:03 pm
awesome, Brooks Conrad.
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
4:06 pm
Gone Gone Gone…walk of grand SLAM.
DawgDad
May 20th, 2010
4:06 pm
Unbelievable
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
4:07 pm
Lets go party! dammmmmmit
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
4:07 pm
OK… I can retire now.
NC Braves Fan
May 20th, 2010
4:07 pm
OMGWTFLOL!!!!!!!
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
4:08 pm
I can’t believe this. I wish I was in tuner field.
Hollywould
May 20th, 2010
4:09 pm
Holy Cow!!!!
um
May 20th, 2010
4:09 pm
Are u kidding me!
Mike
May 20th, 2010
4:09 pm
Speechless…..
Angus
May 20th, 2010
4:10 pm
“awesome, Brooks Conrad” – best quote of the day?
Kashi
May 20th, 2010
4:10 pm
Now…Bobby haterrrrr. Do you blame him for double switch? It would be Chipper not Brooks Conrad batting, hitting walk off grand slam. Braves win Braves win 10-9
Colin
May 20th, 2010
4:10 pm
OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 7 IN THE 9TH
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am sorry for saying Brooks Conrad, awesome.
bravedav
May 20th, 2010
4:10 pm
BOOM! The kind of win to get it rolling!!! Go Bravos!!!!!!
Tucker T
May 20th, 2010
4:10 pm
Good thing you didn’t leave Jeff!
Peter
May 20th, 2010
4:10 pm
Ok folks who called IT !
Bryan G.
May 20th, 2010
4:10 pm
No freaking way.
Steve
May 20th, 2010
4:11 pm
DID THAT JUST HAPPEN???????????/ FRONT PAGE OF THE AJC TOMORROW JEFF! Happy retirement!
Matt
May 20th, 2010
4:11 pm
Are they going to replay the game on TV tonight? At work and missed one of the biggest comebacks of all time! Thanks
Casey
May 20th, 2010
4:11 pm
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA, I love it. Braves pulling it out yet again. Guess Bobby Cox knew who he wanted up there to hit. Lucky comeback, but I am so glad to throw it in the faces of the naysaying losers who were running their mouths earlier.
docsbro
May 20th, 2010
4:11 pm
WOW what a finish!!
Walk Off Crew
May 20th, 2010
4:11 pm
The Cardiac Bravos do it again!
Tom
May 20th, 2010
4:11 pm
That was amazing. A Walk Off Grand Slam off the outfielders glove.
Traver
May 20th, 2010
4:11 pm
OMG!!!! OMG!!!! This is 1991 again. I think the BRaves did this against San Diego in May that year. I think Justice tied it at 10 and they wond 11-10. Something like that. Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nick
May 20th, 2010
4:11 pm
Guess your print story is going to change a little bit for tomorrow…
DanWoods
May 20th, 2010
4:12 pm
‘Its 9-3 and for those looking ahead to the ninth…”
(INSERT EDIT HERE)
Southern Football
May 20th, 2010
4:12 pm
Walk off grandslam…. simply stunning.
jackets77
May 20th, 2010
4:13 pm
you know your season is headed in the right direction when Brooks f’n Conrad hits a walk off grand slam!
Smoltzie Fan
May 20th, 2010
4:13 pm
WALK OFF GRAND SALAMMMMIII!!!!
Get your official J-Hey Fever shirts at http://www.thejheykid.com
http://jasonheywardfacts.com
Southern Football
May 20th, 2010
4:13 pm
Also, Jeff… Need a replacement?? I would be glad to cover the Heyward era…
Heyward Bound
May 20th, 2010
4:13 pm
Walk-off Grand Slam! Congrats Conrad!
Ph.D.
May 20th, 2010
4:13 pm
You better believe NOW in them Bravos!
WarEagleBrave
May 20th, 2010
4:14 pm
That was the most amazing ninth inning I have ever seen! I am so glad that I was one of the probably lucky few to change the channel back just in time to see Brooks Conrad round the bases!!!
tampadawg86
May 20th, 2010
4:16 pm
WALK OFF HOMER WALK OFF HOMER BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN!! BRAVES WINNN!!!!!! Boy what a ball club we have. Never know what to expect!!! Can’t score any runs the whole game and put up 7 in the bottom of the 9th to win the Game!! How bout them Bravos baby!
steve whitmire
May 20th, 2010
4:17 pm
IT’S FOR REAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Now, let’s start Conrad at third and give Chipper some bench time, also, Infante at shortstop
mountain_jim
May 20th, 2010
4:17 pm
I came in after mowing and saw the score, glad I had not watched this game, but I saw the 9th!
KornDawg
May 20th, 2010
4:18 pm
I’ve seen a lot of stuff in my life but….that…was…AWESOME!!!!!
Phil
May 20th, 2010
4:19 pm
Casey,
The Braves win in spite of that buffoon getting us in a 8 run hole. This win belongs to the players not giving up, Cox should not take credit for this win. My hats off to the players.
Boner Brad
May 20th, 2010
4:19 pm
I have a boner, go braves!
nolarw
May 20th, 2010
4:19 pm
Bobby Cox owes Conrad a steak dinner now !!!
daBraves860
May 20th, 2010
4:19 pm
OMG unreal!!! i’m at work and i’m trying not to yell! lol love this game! love this team! 2010 baby!
majorpayne
May 20th, 2010
4:20 pm
Simply stunned!!!!!!!! Brooks is the Natural!
NY Frenchy
May 20th, 2010
4:21 pm
OK, How bout them Bravos! Listen up Booby, bench Larry & start Brooksie at 3rd, bench Escobar & start Infante at short, leave Hinske in left to play everyday,that is our best lineup like it or not!
Colin
May 20th, 2010
4:21 pm
I am naming my first born Jason Brooks Conrad.
daBraves860
May 20th, 2010
4:21 pm
Phil which bafoon are you talking about? the pitchers that gave up the runs? or the manager that put the pitcher out there? don’t be an jerk, especially after this magical win. take it easy bro.
supa
May 20th, 2010
4:21 pm
Chipper told the skipper he’s willing to hit anywhere in the order. What about the bench? Brooks deserves to start. This reminds me of Prado-Johnson last year. At some point, Bobby has to give him more playing time.
a
May 20th, 2010
4:22 pm
can’t believe i didn’t see that.
Hollywould
May 20th, 2010
4:22 pm
Did it really go off outfielders glove?
Phil
May 20th, 2010
4:23 pm
daBraves860,
The manager, who else. The players didn’t give up, they gave it their all.
gobraves
May 20th, 2010
4:24 pm
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Casey
May 20th, 2010
4:24 pm
Phillis,
Bobby is the one who doesn’t allow them to give up. Hanley Ramirez would have been showering in the clubhouse had it been him before this past week. The players made it happen, but once again, THE COACH PUT THE PLAYERS IN POSITION TO WIN. It was his decision to go to Conrad, and the other players throughout the game. You never would have pulled Tommy Hanson, and one hit gave four of those runs up, so it’s not like they were nailing triples and such. Can’t pull a pitcher too much earlier than 1.2 innings work dude. Learn the game of baseball and get back to me if you don’t believe that.
gobraves
May 20th, 2010
4:24 pm
yes off the tip of the glove he thought he caught the ball
Temporary Milledgeville Resident
May 20th, 2010
4:24 pm
And we will see you in October! The Braves are for real, and only someone who has no baseball sense whatsoever would predict that they won’t win the World Series this year! I have never witnessed such hitting, such pitching, such team chemistry, and, dare I say it, such managing. I don’t know if they’ll challenge the 1998 Yankees for most wins, but I wouldn’t bet against it. Oh, the Glory!
meh
May 20th, 2010
4:25 pm
brooks conrad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sid Bream
May 20th, 2010
4:25 pm
That a boy Brooks! You the man.
where
May 20th, 2010
4:26 pm
is it on youtube yet anybody know ??
gobraves
May 20th, 2010
4:26 pm
what radio station can i hear the post game?
WOW
May 20th, 2010
4:26 pm
I’m here jumping around the living room like the braves won the world series and my 9 yr old daughter’s looking at me like i’m nuts lol
gobraves
May 20th, 2010
4:27 pm
680 the fan? they have been on commercial for more than 10 minutes
myra
May 20th, 2010
4:27 pm
I went out after the third and mowed lawn. i finished and came inside to cool off. i turned on the tv to see if the game was still on. it was just starting the bottom of the ninth………
that may have been the most luckiest and stunning defeat in regular play!!!!!!!!!!
I dont know what happened to TOM BOMB but the rest of the Bravos are SMOKIN BAY- BE!!!!!!!!
This team is goin to make the neighbors call the cops to my house……cause im SCREAMING SO LOUD!
Thank u Braves.
(and reds)
Bend Over Rover
May 20th, 2010
4:27 pm
If Booby doesnt play Brooksie he should be put to sleep!
Phil
May 20th, 2010
4:28 pm
OK thanks Casey,
I’m glad you explained that strategy of going 8 runs down. Yes you can pull a pitcher less than that, if the game is getting out of reach. Hanson didn’t have it, it happens sometimes. The players bailed Cox out today.
gobraves
May 20th, 2010
4:29 pm
im at at work and cannot stop smiling and everyone is wondering what the hell i am so happy about
Luv 2 Hate Me
May 20th, 2010
4:30 pm
Working from home and caught the 9th inning. Man if you didn’t believe -now is the time.
Its Not Frank its Bobby
May 20th, 2010
4:32 pm
Great win…and I hope I’m wrong but as long as Bobby hangs with “his guys” we aren’t dong anything. Chipper needs to quit or sit and Infante needs to be in there for Escobar until he gets his hunger back. Playing Hinske turned out good for Bobby but something tells me that the more that National League pitchers get to see of him, the worse he will do. He’s been a bench guy his whole career for a reason. BUT if Glaus keeps it up and if McCann turns it around we have a chance. Prado, Heyward and Glaus are fueling this surge and the Braves will only go as far as those guys take them. The pitching is there…today not withstanding…we just need some bats to show up regularly. If we had the Reds lineup we’d be in first pi$$ing on the Phils
BravesFanLostInOhio
May 20th, 2010
4:32 pm
I’m here jumping around the living room like the braves won the world series and my 9 yr old daughter’s looking at me like i’m nuts
That’s how teach ‘em it matters
Bravo Indy
May 20th, 2010
4:34 pm
Is there going to be a replay tonight? A lot of the times the day game will be replayed at 7 or 8 that night. If not then they should.
Hollywould
May 20th, 2010
4:34 pm
I will say it again HOLY COW
bravedav
May 20th, 2010
4:35 pm
If I recall correctly, the Braves were floundering under .500 back in 2004 until a comeback against the Orioles that was almost identical to this one catapulted them to another NL East championship by 10 games.
Keep the momentum going, Braves! Great win!!
C. Tampa Ironworse
May 20th, 2010
4:36 pm
I hope Conrad gets some palying time…oh, wait….we just traded for Kelly Johnson and BC is looking for some great things from him. Brooks Conrad has been shipped to Mississippi.
DC Bravesfan
May 20th, 2010
4:36 pm
The Braves are playing the 9th inning like they have god mode on…
C. Tampa Ironworse
May 20th, 2010
4:38 pm
Also…I think Glaus is really getting overlooked. He’s the bat we needed at 1st and he’s actually playing well in the field too. FW may have gotten a steal with him.
Casey
May 20th, 2010
4:39 pm
Gotta explain something to try and get through to that thick skull and mushed up brain of yours. In any sport, the athletes are the ones that make the plays. Their motivation, signs, and ultimate decisions come from the skipper. Go on down to the players locker room and run your rant by 6′5 Jason Heyward, or 6′4 Chipper Jones, or even 5′10 Martin Prado and see if you leave out of there in anything but a stretcher.
Blackberry Cobbler
May 20th, 2010
4:40 pm
Let’s see if Booby Cox now has enough sense to sit Chipper and Escy on the pine and start Conrad and Infante next game. You know it ain’t gonna happen.
gobraves
May 20th, 2010
4:42 pm
does anyone know the post game radio station
Rex
May 20th, 2010
4:46 pm
Bravedav….
I remember that game against the Orioles well…. On a Sunday afternoon in June 2004. I had just got done playing a round of golf.
Observor
May 20th, 2010
4:54 pm
This comeback was eerily similar to a comeback with against the Reds in 19991. The braves came back from a huge deficit to win 10-9 against the Reds on August 22, 1991, which was fueled by a Cabrerra 3-Run HR to tie and a David Justice double for the win. Here is an article from the LA Times about that game in case you are interested:
National League Roundup
Braves Come Back to Beat Reds, 10-9
August 22, 1991|DAN HAFNER
A team that finishes in last place one season is rarely a contender the following season.
That is why several teams, including the Dodgers, have not really taken the Atlanta Braves seriously.
ns→Sports
National League Roundup
Braves Come Back to Beat Reds, 10-9
August 22, 1991|DAN HAFNER
A team that finishes in last place one season is rarely a contender the following season.
That is why several teams, including the Dodgers, have not really taken the Atlanta Braves seriously.
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It’s time to get serious.
Faced with the prospect of dropping 3 1/2 games behind the Dodgers Wednesday night at Cincinnati, the Braves rallied dramatically.
With two outs and the Reds leading, 9-6, in the ninth inning, Atlanta’s Francisco Cabrera tagged bullpen ace Rob Dibble for a three-run home run.
Then, in the 13th inning, David Justice doubled home a run to give the Braves a 10-9 victory.
Atlanta is 2 1/2 games out of first place, and the Reds have dropped to 9 1/2 back.
Cabrera started the comeback for the Braves, who trailed, 9-5, with a home run in the seventh.
His home run in the ninth was only the third off Dibble and marked the second time in 26 chances that he failed to get a save.
Even with Justice out for almost two months, the Braves stayed in the race. He went four for seven, driving in three runs and indicating he will be a big help in the stretch.
In the Atlanta 13th, Greg Olson was walked by Randy Myers (5-10), the Reds’ seventh pitcher. Terry Pendleton followed with his fourth single. With one out, Justice delivered.
http://articles.latimes.com/1991-08-22/sports/sp-1042_1_beat-reds
Bravesfan79
May 20th, 2010
4:55 pm
Thankfully they are reshowing the game late tonight! I didnt bother turning on my tv when i saw the score midway thru the game, wow did i miss out!
Ryan
May 20th, 2010
4:56 pm
This was bigger than 04 – that happened in the 8th, though it was on the road. Still doesn’t have the same excitement as a walkoff grand slam. This is a perfect example of why you stay the whole game – I would be so furious if I was there today and left in the 7th thinking the game was over. Only to miss something so incredible.
Ryan
May 20th, 2010
4:58 pm
BTW I know our attendance is up from last year, but we really need to get more fans in the stands. This team has had a number of exciting wins already and are starting to look like a team that the city can rally around.
NRBQ
May 20th, 2010
4:58 pm
Hard to believe three wins in a row like this.
It must be pointed out, though, that the winning run against the Mets was unearned Tuesday. Three runs in the ninth were unearned today.
You can’t count on the gifts to continue.
Observor
May 20th, 2010
4:58 pm
The braves also had another huge comeback win that same year (1991) against the Reds on October 1, and once again, Dave Justice had the game winning hit, except it was a 2-run home run this time. This was one of the most memorable regular season moments in braves history IMO, as I remember going crazy when this happened because we were neck and neck with the Dodgers trying to win the division, and literally, every win mattered. It seems like we have a long history of huge come back victories versus the reds.
Heres the NY Times article about that game as well for your nostalgia and reading enjoyment:
http://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/02/sports/baseball-justice-s-homer-in-ninth-caps-comeback-for-braves.html
Observor
May 20th, 2010
5:01 pm
I had a previous post that is awaiting moderation for some strange reason. Anyways, here’s the post that my last post was building on:
This comeback was eerily similar to a comeback with against the Reds in 1991. The braves came back from a huge deficit to win 10-9 against the Reds on August 22, 1991, which was fueled by a Cabrerra 3-Run HR to tie and a David Justice double for the win. Here is an article from the LA Times about that game in case you are interested:
http://articles.latimes.com/1991-08-22/sports/sp-1042_1_beat-reds
Ryan
May 20th, 2010
5:05 pm
Thanks observor – I was only 9 at the time, so it’s good to read about things like this. So now my question is – have the Braves (since moving to Atlanta) ever had a bigger comeback in the ninth inning than this one?
Pescizete
May 20th, 2010
5:11 pm
just got into Hilton Head for a wedding this weekend and missed the whole game. I’m considering divorcing college football and trying to get my 1st love, the braves, to marry me again.
Ryan
May 20th, 2010
5:15 pm
According to this article this ties the biggest bottom of the ninth comback win since 1957. Notice the Braves scored 7 in the bottom of the ninth in May of 1994 to tie the Phils. They went on to win in 15 innings.
http://blogs.wsj.com/numbersguy/baseballs-biggest-ninth-inning-comebacks-385/
Sand Napper
May 20th, 2010
5:16 pm
suck it, a-rod!
robdawg08
May 20th, 2010
5:20 pm
Great comeback but pretty pathetic getting down 8-0 in the first place.
Don’t worry Braves fans I’m delivering 3 bottles of HGH to Pittsburgh to hand deliver to Chipper,McCann,and Escobar so they can get their power back ! Hey Jeff, you gonna do a story on the decrease in homeruns in MLB being likely tied to stricter steroids testing ?
robdawg08
May 20th, 2010
5:21 pm
Chipper is typical of a former steroid user, injuries,lack of power all of a sudden.
robdawg08
May 20th, 2010
5:22 pm
Can we get Infante at SS,Schafer in CF,and Conrad at 3B and win this division please ?
Blue Skies
May 20th, 2010
5:32 pm
The Oct. 1 game in 1991 immediately came to mind. I was only 12 at the time but I’ll never forget Skip Carey’s call “I hate to borrow it from you dad, but HOLY COW!”. By the way, I remember the Reds went up off a Hal Morris grand slam, in the first i believe.
KnightInATL
May 20th, 2010
5:37 pm
It must have sucked to have left early if ya went to today’s game.
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
May 20th, 2010
7:02 pm
great game, had my doubts earlier in the game but my lord….what an ending. hopefully this trend will continue on the road.
Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
7:06 pm
Hi folks — Needless to say, I, um, had to rewrite. Brooks Conrad is a great story. I hope I did it justice but it wasn’t easy. The column is now posted, as is the YouTube clip of his home run. Wow, I’ve seen a lot of amazing things in sports but this one definitely cracks the top 10.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/05/20/brooks-conrad-has-his-career-moment-wins-it-for-braves/
Brooks Conrad has his career moment, wins it for Braves | Jeff Schultz
May 20th, 2010
10:25 pm
[...] We’re live, and Braves are alive: Do you think it’s for real? [...]
Chief Pitchanono
May 20th, 2010
11:48 pm
My only concern are injuries and Derek Lowe & Escobar. Going so long without Jar Jar hurts and which Derek Lowe will prevail for most of the season. Hopefully he’s getting it figured out but its too early to tell. Medlen has been amazing and should be a starter, no other team could have lost a guy like J.J. for an extended period and not even seemed to have missed a beat. Thats it – if they can stay healthy and keep getting good pitching this is a playoff team. People need to give chipper a break his bat will come around, no I don’t think he’s gonna be a power guy anymore and maybe he should come out of the three hole, but fact is he is on base allot and that does help the team the hits will come, look at Glaus. Escobar, however is a concern, hope I’m wrong but I see this playing out like the kelly johnson/prado deal did last year. Maybe Escobar is just haveing a slow start, but nothing he’s doing with the bat right now looks good unless you love double plays. Infante is ready and has looked really good but the concern is how long will Bobby allow it to go on before he gets infante in there. Last year he waited way too long to make the move with prado and it may have cost us the playoffs.
Are Braves playing dangerous game or can magic continue? | Jeff Schultz
May 21st, 2010
11:54 am
[...] We’re live, and Braves are alive: Do you think it’s for real? [...]