LIVE: Braves go for sweep; Kawakami will take anything
See the ball. Be the ball. (Photo by Curtis Compton/AJC)
Good afternoon. Happy Father’s Day. It’s Kawakami time.
Of all the things the Braves and manager Bobby Cox have accomplished this season, where would finally getting a win for starting pitcher Kenshin Kawakami (0-9) rank?
Would it rank higher than being in first place for 20 straight days? Higher than not having lost a series since the first week of May?
Is it something that could be eclipsed only by, I dunno, a World Series?
Seriously, this is just too goofy. It’s one thing for a starter to go thr0ugh his first 13 starts (nine losses, four no decisions) without a victory. It’s another to do it for a first-place team that has gone 28-10 since May 10.
It’s precedent setting in major league baseball for a pitcher to have this kind of start for a first-place team. The Braves’ franchise hadn’t had a pitcher start 0-9 in 101 years. The last to do it was Tom Tuckey of the 1909 Boston Doves (seven starts, two relief appearances). Kawakami has suffered from little run support but he also has been banged around in two of his last three starts: 10 runs, 16 hits and six walks in 11 1/3 innings against Los Angeles and Tampa Bay.
The Braves, who have the best home record (23-7) i n the majors, close out a home stand today against Kansas City. They leave town for only a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox, then return home for nine games (Detroit, Washington, Florida).
One last thing before I turn it over to you. It struck me when Cox called for his second successful squeeze play in a week — last Saturday at Minnesota and Friday against Kansas City — that this might be the best managing job he has done in a while.
Some in the clubhouse disagree. They believe Cox is just taking advantage of having better base runners at his disposal than in the past. Either way, there’s no question he is pulling more strings. The Braves are having more hit-and-run plays than in recent memory. I may make that the focus of the column.
Does it seem to you Cox is being more aggressive in his final season?
And here’s the biggest question of all: Will Kawakami finally win a game today?
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303 comments Add your comment
Mike S
June 20th, 2010
12:15 pm
1st
First
June 20th, 2010
12:17 pm
Kawakami gets a W today over Kyle Davies.
Mike S
June 20th, 2010
12:17 pm
Like me KK will get his 1st win today!
First (Actually, Second)
June 20th, 2010
12:17 pm
Dog-gonit
Josh
June 20th, 2010
12:17 pm
He’s doing a good job this season, but If Bobby could manage the bullpen a bit better then I’d say he was doing a great job this season. Hard to complain when you’re first in the NL, though.
chalkdawg
June 20th, 2010
12:18 pm
1st???
chalkdawg
June 20th, 2010
12:20 pm
Not even close. Time to put this 0-9 thing to rest. It’s starting to be like the Falcons back to back winning seasons. A bit of a distraction to this great season. I’m really pulling for him today. Go Braves!!!
Dr. Warren
June 20th, 2010
12:21 pm
Kawakami hasn’t pitched very well, either, frankly. Can’t blame it all on bad luck or poor hitting. We need the guy to shape up if we’re gonna really go far this year.
LizDawg
June 20th, 2010
12:21 pm
3 years, $24 million dollars for Kawakami – what a RIP-OFF!
Go Braves and Dawgs (30-24)!
Ted M
June 20th, 2010
12:22 pm
KK gets the win, perhaps he’ll even provide a key hit.
BC is more aggressive…its about time.
LuisG
June 20th, 2010
12:23 pm
3rd?!
And, by the way, Kawakami wins today by a 7-2 score. Go Braves!
Mike S
June 20th, 2010
12:23 pm
If Kawakami loses today the bullpen will be his next stop with JJ almost ready. Bobby is an idiot if he puts Medlin back in the pen.
mmgtfan
June 20th, 2010
12:26 pm
Please let Kawakami just win once!!!
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
12:29 pm
Cox has done an amazing job throughout the season. Even during the 9 game losing streak when everything was going wrong. He always seems to keep his patient demeanor. Kawakami gives up 4 or 5 through 5 or 6. gets a no-decision and the braes win 8-6, 10-7. The ball should be flying in the heat wave. Not good news for kawakami’s kamakazi balls.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
12:30 pm
First — Some irony there if his first win were to come over Davies, an ex Brave.
Billy O
June 20th, 2010
12:31 pm
Come on Braves, win one for KK…….let’s go!!!
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
12:31 pm
Dr. Warren — Agree completely. It hasn’t all been “bad luck” as his defenders have claimed. Even he would tell you the same thing.
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
12:32 pm
The problem with kk to the bullpen is he probably is gonna stuggle just as bad. Medlin is a much better option in the rotation and the pen. I think the idea would be to package kk and a minor leaguer for a decent prospect or try to add more for a right-handed OF bat. Then Medlin stays in the rotation and can keep Resop in the bullpen as a long arm.
Mike S
June 20th, 2010
12:35 pm
Resop is on the DL?
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
12:39 pm
Chef predicts first win in grand style: Perfect game. Reality compels me to say you couldn’t find odds on that with the hubble telescope.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
12:42 pm
IF Resop is on the DL it’s becuase he pulled Wren’s finger.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
12:44 pm
Pretty cool Braves promotion right now — dads and kids playing catch in the outfield.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
12:45 pm
Mike S — Resop went on DL day after his last (abysmal) appearance: oblique.
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
12:49 pm
Resop should be back about the same time as jj. and saito will be back soon. The braves have to figure out who their 11 or 12 best arms are and settle into their roles. jj, huddy, hanson, lowe, medlen, wags, saito, moylan, o’flaherty, venters have to be locks. That leaves chavez aka manny acosta jr., kimbrel, resop, and kk for two spots. have to figgue kk gets one and maybe kimbrel.
bg3003
June 20th, 2010
12:54 pm
KK has gone up against some pretty tough pitchers, but i expect him to getta win today
turkeycaller
June 20th, 2010
12:58 pm
KK=loss
Bill Stanfill
June 20th, 2010
1:01 pm
Braves have best record in NL. They are 1 game away from having a .600 winning percentage. They are 1.5 games behind the Yankees for the best record in MLB
Questions: Will the Braves trade for an oufielder? Will Jair regain last year’s good form and return to the rotatation–and who will go to the bullpen? Will Escobar find his power stroke? Have pitchers adjusted to Heyward–will he sink down to the .250s? Everyone says the Phillies are a giant who will wake up and go on a tear–I say that’s not a sure thing by an means.
Ben
June 20th, 2010
1:27 pm
Stanfill…. what is a sure thing in life…never mind sports….which team doesn’t have question?…..Go Braves…
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
1:28 pm
mets-yankees on tbs. cc vs. johan. should be good. maybe the bravos can gain another game after cc dominates
Ben
June 20th, 2010
1:33 pm
There are pitchers with a 4+ ERA that have winning records…Can’t totally blame KK if one watchs Braves games often….Lowe won 9, count them, games with a 4.77 ERA…W-L records are so misleading reguarding pitchers…
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
1:37 pm
First pitch 1:36. .. 91 degrees.
AWJ
June 20th, 2010
1:37 pm
Cox is certainly managing more agressive this year. He is finally starting to realize that you can’t win every game with a 3 run bomb, especially at Turner field. It is a shame it took him this long. Still a HOF manager.
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
June 20th, 2010
1:37 pm
Resop went on DL day after his last (abysmal) appearance: oblique.”
Wasn’t the oblique one of Hammy’s favorites?
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
1:38 pm
One down for Kawakami. 26 more to a perfect game.
Ree Roe
June 20th, 2010
1:38 pm
Happy Fathers Day Jeff! Great afternoon for baseball. Let’s get the sweep Bravos!
-REEsurgens is Roe!!!
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
1:40 pm
Mr Turnip Green — The trick is trying to remember what Hampton DIDN’T injure.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
1:41 pm
Thanks Ree Roe.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
1:43 pm
Finally Bobby puts a line-up out there for KK that is not a total embarrassment.
He might as well have had Nate, Melky and Gregor Blanco leading off each game he’s pitched this year.
I mean, I know Melky is not completely as terrible as he was up until recently but anytime you have him and Nate out there, which of course means Hinske is on the bench, you’re just not really going to win. Proof is in the 0-9 pudding.
And what is that I see? Troy Glaus batting clean up? I must be having heat stroke.
It’s about time. I mean, putting Brian ahead of him for like the last three weeks? It’s retarded. If there’s any one spot in the order that should be set in stone, it’s that.
Tweets that mention http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/06/20/braves-go-for-sweep-kawakami-0-9-just-looking-for-a-win/?cxntfid=blogs_jeff_schultz_blog%3Futm_source%3Dpingback -- Topsy.com
June 20th, 2010
1:45 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by . said: [...]
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
1:48 pm
Chipper gives Kawakami a 2-0 lead. The man can still hit. Nice shot inside the bag at first.
Aaron
June 20th, 2010
1:48 pm
There’s 2 runs…
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
1:53 pm
Not a great start for ex-Brave Kyle Davis: walk-walk-double-walk.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
1:54 pm
I wonder what the odds of KK finishing the season with a winning record are?
How do you say “fuhgeddaboudit” in Japanese?
Watch out I don’t smack you in the head. Kyle Davies is a real wise guy. Take the cannoli. Show me the money.
I love lamp.
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
1:54 pm
Now if they can get about 5 more, it should be an easy day for kk. Pick up his win, and the sweep and move onto the white sox who actually, in fact wear black socks.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
1:57 pm
That’s too more. Kawakami has pitched one-half inning and has a 4-0 lead.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
1:58 pm
Great bit of hitting by Infante on that. He’s like Prado before Prado was Prado. (Does that make sense?)
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
1:59 pm
Glaus from first, on a double that didnt even make it to the warning track. Gotta love the hustle on this team. 2 times in one inning a player scores from first on a double. Heyward’s got wheels so its not as surprising, but you gotta love this team.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:00 pm
OK, 4-0 lead for Kawakami. Can he hold this? Declare!
doc
June 20th, 2010
2:02 pm
definitely think cox is managing again, talked with father and brothers about it yesterday.
he didnt hold back the rook and moved him up in the order and has played hinske rather than leave hin to his original role for straters. last year he fell asleep at the wheel and kept kj at second too long among other bad decisions, like to start hanson in the minors. short sighted thinking kept them from a true run at pot season.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:02 pm
JMayne — good observation on Glaus. He was motoring on that. I had to do a double-take to make sure it was Glaus.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:03 pm
There goes the perfect game.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:03 pm
Ruled an error. Justified.
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
2:03 pm
KK will give up 4 or 5 but the braves will continue to get a few more. He should get the win. Lets just hope they dont start banging on him the second time around. Do you have any stats on that Jeff? KK’s avg against the first time around vs. the 2nd and 3rd time around. I dont know if they are that telling but it seems the more teams see him the more they figure out.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:04 pm
And there goes the no-no. … And oh, I just don’t want to think about what happens now . . .
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:07 pm
And there’s one. … By the way, that was Kawakami’s third error in his last 2 starts.
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
2:07 pm
4-1. I feel one of those hanging kamakazi balls coming. Lets just hope its not right now
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:08 pm
If he blows this, he will never win another game in the U.S. There. I said it.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
2:09 pm
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
1:58 pm
Great bit of hitting by Infante on that. He’s like Prado before Prado was Prado. (Does that make sense?)
No, I’m telling you Jeff. If any of my fellow bloggers were cool like me I would have gotten a lot of love for my observation that I’ve made at times.
Prado and Infante are like Side A and Side B.
I mean, come on! That’s good one. That’s T-shirt worthy.
It’s like the Beatles would put out Hey Jude on one side and Revolution on the other. Hey Jude is clearly the more memorable song but Revolution is no worse. They’re interchangeable
Actually, I was going to make a joke that it must be a happy father’s day for Martin and Omar’s dad but now that I think about it, I don’t think either of them have a dad which is kind of a bummer I suppose.
Well done Mitchell. You jerk. If I’ve been keeping up to date with my Chop Talk, I’m pretty sure they were both raised by a single mother. Damn, I was thinking earlier at least one of them had a dad.
But are they not brother’s from another mother?
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
2:10 pm
That was a cool shot from back in right field they just showed.
I enjoyed it.
Marjah Marine
June 20th, 2010
2:10 pm
I have seen enough of KK already, and I haven’t even seen him pitch this year. As much as I was pulling for him to get a win, it seems like he does JUST enough to loose every time. He gets a lead, he blows it. If its a 0-0 game he pitches lights out just so he can loose by 1.
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
2:10 pm
i think kk might have one of those here we go again mentalities. It seems like once he gets into the stretch he starts pressing. by the way, if a pitcher commits the error, i believe the run should still be charged against him.
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
2:15 pm
4-0 yankees on tex’s salami.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:15 pm
Mitchell .. I think I’ll stay away from the whole brother/mother thing. … I like the Hey Jude/Revolution analogy. I’m guessing neither one would get it though.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
2:15 pm
All we need is one more run Braves and we got a W. Let’s get it. Let’s get it. Let’s go.
Long Way Home Brave
June 20th, 2010
2:17 pm
Jeff, where is Escobar today ?
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
2:19 pm
What would a day on the old blog be without at least one faux pas?
The day is young though. There could be a few more coming down the pike.
Tweets that mention LIVE: Braves go for sweep; Kawakami will take anything | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
June 20th, 2010
2:19 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Cheryl Hunt, Jeff Schultz, Jeff Schultz, Jeff Schultz, Jeff Schultz and others. Jeff Schultz said: We're blogging LIVE, as Braves-Royals are under way. Is this the day for Kawakami? http://bit.ly/cBPAuO [...]
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:19 pm
Chipper worked that walk, but that’s already 5 walks dished by Davies.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
2:19 pm
Two cars and dog washed, house vacuumed, groceries bought…And you thought Jeff was the only working!
Now, plenty of C & C, golf and Braves!
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:20 pm
Long Way Home Brave — Just a rest day for Escobar.
Long Way Home Brave
June 20th, 2010
2:20 pm
Escobar gettn the day off Jeff ?
Long Way Home Brave
June 20th, 2010
2:21 pm
thanks buddy, i figured. Didn’t want my favorite brave back in cox’s dog house
Bravissimo
June 20th, 2010
2:22 pm
Our bench rocks. we can plug guys in all over the place.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:23 pm
Bravissimo — that really helps in situations like this, day game after a night game.
Long Way Home Brave
June 20th, 2010
2:23 pm
Come on Glaus, ya bum hahah just kidding, he’s just warming up for the day
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
2:23 pm
Brazil vs ivory coast. kaka vs drogba. tiger vs. the field. kk vs. godzilla. nascar vs. right-handed turns. im so excited. i cant contain myself.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
2:24 pm
You know, I don’t ever really see Martin and Omar being all that close. Hmm, how can I say that so it doesn’t sound gay?
They seem like they would be really good friends but I don’t know. That’s not totally clear just from what you see in the dugout or whatever. I don’t know if it’s the case.
What’s your take on that Mr. Schultz?
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
2:25 pm
KK needs to bean someone, there hanging out over the plate.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:29 pm
RBI single brings out the boos for Kawakami.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:29 pm
And that’s it! Cox pulls him out!
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
2:29 pm
The guy plays the theme from Mr. Belvedere for Butler. That is genius.
The Braves organist should get a Grammy just for that. I don’t know how that would work but whatever.
I love when Homer wins a Grammy in that Beatles inspired episode and then throws it off a balcony and the guy’s like, “Hey, you can’t throw your trash here.”
Gee whiz, somebody’s a Beatles fan.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
2:29 pm
Bobby with a quick hook.
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
2:29 pm
I thought KK couldnt speak english. How is david ross talking to him? Quick hook by bobby’s standards. But it was necessary.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
2:30 pm
KK’s work visa just expired.
ernisTbass
June 20th, 2010
2:31 pm
Time to cut the cord on Milosh, I’d rather see Smoltz or Glavine every 5th day and for a lot less money
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
2:31 pm
High scoring game. I think someone called that at about 12:30 or so. It might have been me. I like 8-6. Sounds good.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
2:32 pm
Hide the knifes in the clubhouse.
Chuck
June 20th, 2010
2:32 pm
If KK is still in the rotation when Jurggens returns, Braves fans will be absolutely furious.
There’s no way that Medlin doesn’t deserve to start over Kawakami right now.
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
2:32 pm
Whats the deal with this martinez guy Jeff? i know nothing about him.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:33 pm
Seriously, you may not see Kawakami start another game. For Cox to be this upset after his pitcher botches a 4-0 lead? He’s toast.
Long Way Home Brave
June 20th, 2010
2:33 pm
Rotation should be Huddy, Lowe, Hanson, JJ and Medlin. Send KK to the pen and let him figure out how to pitch again
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
2:34 pm
agreed Jeff.
GT Alum
June 20th, 2010
2:34 pm
Well, the fact that Bobby pulled KK this early would seem to indicate that Bobby’s seen enough, period. The question is what to do with the guy. Any of the teams that could improve their staff by taking him on have such bad staffs because they aren’t willing to take on salary. Does he just become the back of the bullpen mop up guy?
ernisTbass
June 20th, 2010
2:34 pm
hope you are right at least if he does get another start it should be in a different uni
braves70
June 20th, 2010
2:34 pm
I fear we have just seen the last of KK. With his contract it will be togh to find anyone to take him. We may just exile him to the mop up duty in the bullpen like we did with Albie Lopez one year.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
2:35 pm
KK’s interpreter just posted his resume.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:35 pm
“Chef Tim” — That’s the line of the day. Certificate is in the mail.
ernisTbass
June 20th, 2010
2:35 pm
Milosh could go to Gwinett and throw BP, it seems to be his calling
Chuck
June 20th, 2010
2:35 pm
If he starts again in a Braves uniform, it better be in Gwinnett.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
2:36 pm
I don’t get this Buffalo Wild Wings commercial.
There’s no actual inclement weather. How is that going to work? Those guys are gonna get fired.
It doesn’t make sense. Hey, let’s stay and eat buffalo wings. We’ll get away with it because our waitress is able to communicate with the local weather man who’s reporting a storm is going on.
But there isn’t a storm. How is that going to fool their bosses? It’s sunny outside.
Those guys are screwed.
Marty
June 20th, 2010
2:37 pm
Surely KK is out of the rotation when JJ comes back.
GT Alum
June 20th, 2010
2:38 pm
Mitchell, I’m assuming the guy who said we have to go is supposed to be the boss. But, yeah, it’s a stupid commercial.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
2:38 pm
Thanks boss. You know me, I’ll sling’em till something sticks to the wall.
Oil spill sux
June 20th, 2010
2:38 pm
Soccer is worse. KK takes the cake.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:38 pm
Martinez in the role of Chris Resop.
ernisTbass
June 20th, 2010
2:39 pm
Mitchell they are government employees everything is cool
GT Alum
June 20th, 2010
2:40 pm
Well, at least we took the first two. Sweep would be nice, but at least we have the series win. And the Mutts and Philthies are down in their games too.
braves70
June 20th, 2010
2:41 pm
Plus people believe anything they see on TV over what they see with their own eyes. If the TV says its is storming then it must be storming.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:41 pm
JMayne — Martinez had four appearances before today since coming up from Gwinnett. Entered 0-0, 3.86.
braves70
June 20th, 2010
2:43 pm
We still have hope. It is Kyle Davies that we are hitting against.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:44 pm
By the way, all 5 runs will be charged to Kawakami.
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
2:44 pm
time to get the lead back and put davies back on the ropes.
Tony
June 20th, 2010
2:45 pm
Jeff, I will believe it when I see it. I hope what you say is correct about KK not starting again. Nothing against the guy, but he is an absolute bust. There are much better pitchers on the farm…bring em up for goodness sake. I know what’s next though…they will hope on a prayer that JJ is back to form…hmmm…nothing like having some insurance though.
braves70
June 20th, 2010
2:48 pm
Christian Martinez had a good year at Jacksonville (AA) last year going 9-3 with a 2.94 ERA
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:48 pm
Chef Tim — you are on a roll dude.
Bravissimo
June 20th, 2010
2:50 pm
ok Jeff…u keep me up to date on the game…Ill keep u up to date on the race.
GT Alum
June 20th, 2010
2:50 pm
BTW, I’m not conceding today’s game. I’m just saying, even if we don’t win this one, I think everyone except KK should be able to feel pretty good about what we accomplished over the homestand.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:51 pm
GT Alum — Completely agree. Doesn’t change big picture at all.
Jeff
June 20th, 2010
2:51 pm
Frank Wren shouldn’t get another paycheck until he gets rid of Kawakami and his big contract. What a way to waste $7 mil a year.
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
2:52 pm
Can someone direct me to the world cup blog? Oh…we dont have one. Damn….so how is saito’s rehab coming along jeff?
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
2:52 pm
Imagine how many more wins we’d have if Bobby didn’t have a little Cooperstown shrine in his garage devoted to every one of his players.
You can’t dismiss what KK did for us last year. He certainly did more than Chipper in the second half to help us get to what should have been a playoff appearance. But Bobby certainly deserves a lot of blame for that too.
I’ve defended the guy so many times. He certainly doesn’t deserve the indignity and of being 0-9 and he has Bobby Cox to thank for that at least partially, what with the weak ass line-ups he’s put out there for him at times this season. But enough is enough.
He cannot be in the starting rotation. You would have thought his last start would have been the last straw but that’s Bobby for you. KK is the only thing keeping us from reaching the full potential this team is capable of. You can’t have a guy who’s an automatic in the rotation and expect to stay in first place.
You can’t… I guess I could just leave it at that.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:54 pm
Official line on Kawakami: 2-plus innings, 6 hits, 5 runs (4 earned, but his own error set up the unearned), 1 strikeout. Threw only 36 pitches. Pretty sure it doesn’t qualify as a “quality” start by my good friend, John Lowe.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:55 pm
JMayne — Saito is supposed to make a rehab appearance today at Gwinnett. Will know more after that.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
2:57 pm
KK’s outing has made Wren’s pending decisions much easier…As well as Resop’s pulled Hampton.
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
2:57 pm
GOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLL!!! Fabiano for brazil in the 25th minute. Brazil 1, Ivory coast nil. Know how much you love the real football jeff
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:58 pm
JMayne — That’s “futbol” not football.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
2:58 pm
Hey I wonder if Kawakami can play “futbol”?
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
3:00 pm
just checked on gwinnett. saito started. went an inning, 1 hit, 1 strikeout. the rest zeros.
Outside Observer
June 20th, 2010
3:00 pm
Since no team would ever make any kind of trade proposal for Kawakami, do you think the braves just eat up his contract and declare it a failed experiment?… I’m personally looking forward to the transition of all the young guys on this team becoming the new leaders. Bobby’s successor will inherit a gold mine. Hanson, Jurrjens, Medlen, Heyward, McCann to name a few. The prospects are looking solid. If we get some owners who are willing to spend a little bit of extra cash, we could probably bring back another championship to the city of Atlanta
braves70
June 20th, 2010
3:01 pm
Since Seattle has Nintendo ownership and already have Ichiro and are going nowhere, maybe they would take KK of our hands.
JMAYNE
June 20th, 2010
3:01 pm
haha. he doesnt look much like a “futbol” player does he?
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
3:03 pm
GT Alum
June 20th, 2010
2:38 pm
Mitchell, I’m assuming the guy who said we have to go is supposed to be the boss. But, yeah, it’s a stupid commercial.
It was just one long non sequitur. For no reason.
Just thought it would be humorous to go off course of the obvious topic of conversation.
But then I went there, didn’t I? Laid it on pretty thick too. Probably not even worth the stress and strain put on my little fingers for typing it.
But KK definitely sucks. I said it.
Jeff
June 20th, 2010
3:03 pm
When I read this I don’t know whether to laugh or cry…
Kenshin Kawakami rhp
3 years/$23M (2009-11)
* 3 years/$23M (2009-11)
o signed by Atlanta as a free agent 1/13/09
o $2M signing bonus (paid between 2/09 and 5/09)
o 09:$7.667M, 10:$6.667M, 11:$6.667M
o Kawakami may become a free agent if he and the club do agree to new contract by 10/15/11 or one day after final game of 2011 World Series
o award bonuses: $25,000 for LCS MVP; $50,000 each for Gold Glove, WS MVP, Rolaids award, All Star; $0.1M for Cy Young, $0.1M for Rookie of Year ($50,000 for 2nd place, $25,000 for 3rd)
o perks: interpreter, $25,000 moving expenses, housing and SUV during Spring Training, access to massage therapist, 8 round-trip business- or first-class airline tickets between Tokyo and Atlanta
* 1998 – 2008
o Chunichi Dragons of Japanese Central League
* agent: West Coast Sports Management
* ML service: 1.000
GT Alum
June 20th, 2010
3:06 pm
Mitchell, I’m basically with Bobby on this one. KK didn’t get much offense early in that game and struggled, but there’s nothing that said he couldn’t come out and pitch well. There had only been a few starts where KK had pitched like a 0-10 pitcher.
When your team gives you 4 runs in the first inning, you can’t turn around and give those runs back in the next 2 innings, especially if you’re having trouble getting run support and wins. The only excuse I can think of is that he was “pressing” to get the win after getting those runs. Whatever the problem, I think KK’s worn out everyone, including Bobby’s, patience.
braves70
June 20th, 2010
3:09 pm
It seems to me that KK has had a repeated pattern of giving up runs just after we have scored some. May not be correct but it seems to have happened this year at least.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
3:11 pm
Please do not let Kyle effing Davies suddenly shut you down, Braves.
GD. I don’t care how many wins we have, it’s still not like the old days. You knew we would end up winning a game like this. There was no question about it.
It’s not being greedy. We scored four runs in the first inning. We should win. But I still get that feeling like the Braves can get shut down by the worst of pitchers in a moments notice.
I know I should probably have all the faith in the world that they’ll find a way to win this game but I don’t. And it would most certainly not be a fun one to lose.
The Royals are tough but we cannot lose to Kyle freakin’ Davies.
SCBravesFan
June 20th, 2010
3:12 pm
I don’t want to hear another word about lack of run support for KK…
He was staked to a four run lead and proceeded to go out and give it all back in less than three innings.
I truly hope that the last we see from KK. To the bullpen or to triple A…
Cornfuzed
June 20th, 2010
3:12 pm
I’m all for asking KK to go to Gwinnett to work some things out and transition to the bullpen when JJ is ready to go. If he refuses, I would cut him loose, even if it is a lot of money to eat. Or let him come up with some “injury” like they did Resop. There are plenty of other talented pitchers who can work relief, and we’ll have 5 quality starters and no where to put him when JJ is healthy.
shooter Rutledge
June 20th, 2010
3:12 pm
Nah kk couldn’t play futbol either he’d fall on his arse trying to kick the ball haha
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:13 pm
Jeff — Cry. Definitely, cry.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
3:14 pm
Maybe the Braves will file a claim against KK with BP.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:14 pm
Martinez is pitching nicely since allowing those two RBI hits. Retired 6 straight, 7 of last 8.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
3:15 pm
I still have no clue who this Martinez guy is.
He’s like a new cast memeber on Saturday Night Live. It’s like, “who are you? why are you on my TV?”
braves70
June 20th, 2010
3:17 pm
Martinez was a pretty good prospect with the Marlins. I was surprised to see them give up on him this spring. You can view his minor league stats at: http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/player.cgi?id=martin001cri
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:17 pm
Mitchell — He was claimed off waivers from Florida in April. Last year pitched well in Double A (9-3, 2-94) but not so good in Triple A (1-1, 5.13). Appeared in 12 games for Gwinnett, all relief (1-1, 5.04). 22 Ks in 25 innings.
bubba
June 20th, 2010
3:18 pm
KK does it again. Martinez batted the Braves right out of the inning. Guess Braves will have to win in bottom of ninth.
gatorhater27
June 20th, 2010
3:18 pm
Hey Jeff, can you help start some David DeJesus to Atlanta rumors? The most glaring need on this team right now is a legit centerfielder, and I think he could be a great fit. He is surely a better option than the 4th outfielders we are throwing out there right now.
Tony
June 20th, 2010
3:18 pm
GT,
KK has been pressing for 10 games now. I understand where you were going with the comment but, he is making history…as a loser! Whether he pitches with early run support or not, his job is to pitch effective innings, period. The Atlanta O is going to bring it, but KK is not holding up his end…his butt should feel the itchy confines of the pine the rest of the season!
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:19 pm
This inning probably is it for Davies. He’s over 100 pitches and due up 2nd in the next inning.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
3:19 pm
Jeff, do you ever think of changing your name to Schmultz, so you can be like John Smoltz?
John Smoltz and Jeff Schmultz.
You almost kind of look like him too. Well, not really. At all.
Could be fun though. Think about it.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:20 pm
Well, he won’t even make it through the inning. He’s out after his seventh walk in 4 1/3 innings.
bubba
June 20th, 2010
3:20 pm
Martinez another throw away while Kimbrel sits.
bubba
June 20th, 2010
3:23 pm
Guess Bobby Cox wants to give his ole buddy Yost a going away present. Another gift win for the other team by Bobby Cox.Days like this Bobby just needs to take the day off. He needs to go argue balls and strikes then maybe Braves will have a chance to win.
Green Man
June 20th, 2010
3:24 pm
Despite their current lead, today may be the day the Braves’ streak of scoring 5+ runs and winning comes to an end…
Cornfuzed
June 20th, 2010
3:24 pm
I’m no KK fan- but here’s a stat you can’t ignore: KK is 0-9 with a 4.78 ERA, 1.46 WHIP and 51 strikeouts. Derek Lowe is 9-5 with a 4.77 ERA, 1.42 WHIP and 51 strikeouts. So except for run support (resulting in wins), they are basically identical pitchers. Lowe will make more this season alone ($15 Million) than KK will make this year and next combined (6.67M per season). So Lowe is much more of a bust in my book, not to mention that we couldn’t give him away last offseason.
GT Alum
June 20th, 2010
3:25 pm
Tony, the problem is the offense hasn’t been bringing it. They were saying on the broadcast the Braves scored 1.7 runs per game while KK was pitching. KK had pitched well before the last 2 games, but the offense just wasn’t supporting him.
His start today was pretty much one of those unforgivable sins, though. If you’re having trouble getting run support, you can’t squander 4 1st inning runs, especially in just 2 innings. That just isn’t going to wash.
Andrew T
June 20th, 2010
3:26 pm
Gotta wonder how many starts KK has left with JJ on his way back soon. Maybe only one more if the Braves take advantage if the off day on July 1st and skip him. Braves have been missing a “long relief man” since Kris left the ‘pen and there is now reason Medlen shouldn’t stay in the rotation.
braves70
June 20th, 2010
3:27 pm
Question is does Lowe have the experience in stopping the damage once it is incurred while KK cannot stop the damage and surrenders leads?
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
3:28 pm
It’s funny how all the small ball, stealing bases and aggressive kind of play goes by the wayside. Bobby always seems to stop managing at times like times like this.
But what the hell, we’ve seen it often this year. Two out of three is good enough. Why go for three?
I cannot be convinced at this point that Bobby really cares about the outcome of this game. So many games like this we’ve p***ed away this season.
The final game in Pittsburg immediately comes to mind.
Come on David. Let’s go.
bubba
June 20th, 2010
3:29 pm
Braves are more comfortable with Lowe as their NO. 1 then they are with KK as a starter. It will be completely stupid but expected of the Braves to sit Medlen and keep KK in the rotation once Jurrjens is back
Tony
June 20th, 2010
3:29 pm
KK’s problem is not the Braves hitting. His problem is that he is a bad pitcher. His ERA and other stats has nothing to do with the Braves hitting the ball. He proved today with run support. The score was, hmmm, 4-0. Oh, Braves were leading. I suggest a nice comfy rehab.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:29 pm
Another Brooks Conrad moment?
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:30 pm
Maybe not.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:31 pm
Braves now have been recipients of eight walks and stranded eight runners.
SCBravesFan
June 20th, 2010
3:32 pm
I don’t want to hear another word about lack of run support for KK…
Staked him to a four run lead and he gave it all back in less than three innings.
Send him to the pen or triple A , but do not let him start again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
3:34 pm
bubba
June 20th, 2010
3:23 pm
Guess Bobby Cox wants to give his ole buddy Yost a going away present. Another gift win for the other team by Bobby Cox.Days like this Bobby just needs to take the day off. He needs to go argue balls and strikes then maybe Braves will have a chance to win.
bubba, I’m with you. It’s like the air has been let out of the balloon.
It’s just a feeling you get. Hard to explain really. I’d like to think we can come back and at least tie it but that one run is starting to feel like an unsurmountable deficit.
I can’t believe there are actual Royals fans on this earth. I keep seeing them and unfortunately, hearing them.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:35 pm
Mitchell — Stop managing small ball? What are you talking about? In the third, was Ross supposed to sacrifice for the second out with the pitcher’s spot coming up? In the fifth, he’s got bases loaded and sends up a pinch hitter?
braves70
June 20th, 2010
3:35 pm
Another former Brave at bat: Wilson Betemit
GT Alum
June 20th, 2010
3:36 pm
Tony, I made this argument with Jeff during KK’s last start. At that time, KK’s ERA, WHIP and K/BB ratio were better than Lowe’s so far this season and for the time both of them had spent in a Braves uniform. If he had been getting 4 runs a game from the offense, he’d probably be around .500 right now.
Regardless, I think everyone (myself included) agrees that KK really isn’t an asset to this team now, so arguing at what point that decision should’ve been made is academic at this point.
Dan
June 20th, 2010
3:36 pm
Kawakami sucks! Braves give him four early runs and he can’t work with that?
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
3:37 pm
Great.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:37 pm
Braves70 — It’s like Dayton Moore went up there and took everybody with him.
joe
June 20th, 2010
3:37 pm
It really puts a strain on everything when your starting pitcher can’t at least take you into the sixth inning. send KK away no matter how much you have to eat.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
3:38 pm
O’Flarity pitching his way into a package deal…
braves70
June 20th, 2010
3:39 pm
Yes the Royals have 6 former Braves by my count: Davies, Pena, Betemit, Chen, Farnsworth, and Lerew. I would like to see Dayton back here as the GM in place of Wren.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
3:39 pm
Tiger wearing black sweater with the red shirt underneath…Just in case.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
3:40 pm
Jeff, I just like complaining.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:41 pm
And now: Kyle Farnsworth.
bubba
June 20th, 2010
3:41 pm
Well, when you let your pitcher hit with 2 on and 2 out your going to set the table for a long day.Just like the other day they had the bases loaded and no one out with the pitcher up. Why isn’t scoring runs a priority? Braves have horrible middle relief anyway. At least the ones that keep getting sent out there while the good ones are saved for a feel good moment of a blow out or just a last resort. Resop should have never been used as a reliever. Historically he’s lousy at it,but now we will never know if he can be another spot starter since KK is such a high priority on this team . Braves don’t even televise in Japan anymore ,do they? So, what is the big deal about KK? When has he ever helped the Braves?
TruthSeeker
June 20th, 2010
3:41 pm
Kawakami loses when he doesn’t get run support, and he loses the rare times he does get run support. I’ve never been one to buy into the theory that pitchers “pitch to the scoreboard”, and I’ve always believed that wins were an overrated stat for starters, but there’s something going on here besides just bad luck. Remember, Kawakami only won seven games last year. Lowe won 15 with a similar ERA and WHIP. This year their peripherals are similar again, but Lowe has nine wins to Kawakami’s zero.
As much of a stats guy as I am, maybe this is one of those times where they deceive you. Lowe at least gives us a chance to win most nights. Kawakami, no matter what the circumstances, always seems to find a way to lose.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:43 pm
Mitchell: You major in journalism? (Little press box joke there.)
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
3:43 pm
Kyle looks really good on a bad team, much like Nate M.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
3:44 pm
“Chef” Tim Dix, You may not have meant to spell his name incorrectly but I now thing Eric should definitely change his last name to O’Flarity.
It really would make it so much easier. I honestly cannot even remember how it’s spelled.
O’Fleherty?
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
3:45 pm
Phonics was the death of all in Catholic School.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:46 pm
Chipper Jones just announced he will retire after the 2017 season.
GT Alum
June 20th, 2010
3:47 pm
Wonder what Chipper’s thoughts on retirement are now. Somehow, I think that topic is at the very back of his mind now.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
3:47 pm
And from experience, don’t tee off an Irishman by inquiring on his thoughts on Northern Ireland.
Marty
June 20th, 2010
3:47 pm
If it would only be possible that Seattle would take KK for Cliff Lee. I know it would never happen but I can dream. Then we could keep Medlen as an extremly stron middle and long relief pitcher. Heck, give ‘em O’Flarity as well, and McOut.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
3:48 pm
Jeff, will he play for free for 5 years? LOL
braves70
June 20th, 2010
3:49 pm
Did it take retirement talk to wake Chipper from hi sleep? Was he giving it less than his best these last couple of years until he realized the end was near?
bubba
June 20th, 2010
3:50 pm
KK = BAD KARMA and another possible battled frustrated loss when they need to win to keep some distance from them and good teams before they have to play the good teams. White Sox are hot, Detroit is good and Washington always a challenge. Maybe the Braves would rather see if they go on another slide. Trying to lose ball games sucks but guess that’s why Bobby Cox is here with his insane matchups all the time.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
3:50 pm
Jeff, come on. I’ve already thrown “faux pas” and “non sequitur” at you today.
Correct spelling both times. Did you even see “wayside” for crying out loud? Yeah, one word. Not two.
And you can blame your boy Chief Tim for throwing me off on O’Fleherty.
Why you gotta be hatin’?
Marty
June 20th, 2010
3:51 pm
I see Farnsworth still sucks.
GT Alum
June 20th, 2010
3:52 pm
Father’s day tie…wow, Chip, that’s as bad as any of Smoltz’s material.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:52 pm
Braves tie it 5-5 but they’ve now stranded 10 runners. … Moylan now pitching.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
3:53 pm
Chief? A promotion no one told me of?
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
3:54 pm
Man, Chipper just cannot win with this team.
He’s carrying them on his back and he gets nothin’.
I’m kidding. Nice to see him hit a little. Sure would have like to have seen some patient at-bats there.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
3:54 pm
Mitchell — No hatin’, just funin’. … I had faux pas in a French restaurant once, I think. Passed on the frog legs though.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
3:56 pm
Come on Peter.
This still feels like one of those games from the last couple of years. The thought that we could even lose with four runs in the first is almost unbearable.
braves70
June 20th, 2010
3:56 pm
Doesn’t Faux Pas play midfield for the French in the World Cup?
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
3:57 pm
Jeff, I just saw a cricket riding a tumbleweed.
bubba
June 20th, 2010
3:57 pm
Kinda funny how Infante is batting .300 without fail and has to be benched all the time for spoiled rotten Escobar. Just like Hinske getting benched when he was on fire but Cabrera is batting .260.Doesn’t get any better than that. Take away KK and all the bazaar lineup changes and the Braves are the best team in baseball.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
3:59 pm
bubba: How do you endure the torment? Braves are rolling! Lighten up man!
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
4:01 pm
Gary Coleman’s little brother on first next to Troy.
braves70
June 20th, 2010
4:02 pm
Yayh. Phills lose to the Twins.
GT Alum
June 20th, 2010
4:03 pm
TruthSeeker, the one stat you’re missing is Lowe is one of the league leaders in run support with 6 runs per 9 innings, while, coming into today’s game, KK’s gotten half that. That could explain a good bit of why Lowe is 3rd in the league in wins while KK is winless.
bubba
June 20th, 2010
4:07 pm
Braves are good for two quality starts then its anyones’ ballgame after that. Lowe is a good stopper though after the KK episodes. We will see who will be in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes this year. Look out for the Phillies.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
4:08 pm
Oh my God. Driving and Crying sand God Bless America.
If it was anything like all of their forgettable third rate, poorly produced southern rock albums then it was probably totally awesome.
I’ll never forgive myself for not being there.
Marty
June 20th, 2010
4:10 pm
I would love to see the Braves get Cliff Lee just to keep him from the Phillies and the Muts. Lets get greedy.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
4:11 pm
I’d like to see Kyle Farnsworth get attacked by an escaped, rabid police dog.
And I mean that in a good way.
cattle dawg
June 20th, 2010
4:12 pm
Where did MclOUT go?
Marty
June 20th, 2010
4:12 pm
Jeff, have you heard of any talk around the organization about Cliff Lee? I know we have more important needs, but imagine or rotation with him in it.
Marty
June 20th, 2010
4:13 pm
At least the Mets have lost.
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
4:15 pm
Come on Craig.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
4:16 pm
How valuable is Ross?
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
4:17 pm
Wow. That could not suck more.
cattle dawg
June 20th, 2010
4:18 pm
They have bloop hit us to death.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
4:19 pm
Craig could never qualify for a Gilette anthing.
Bill
June 20th, 2010
4:20 pm
KK needs to go down to Rome to be trained.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
4:21 pm
Marty — If team makes a trade, I guarantee it won’t be for a starting pitcher.
Bill
June 20th, 2010
4:21 pm
The Braves have better pitchers than KK. We need to use them. No wins, 9 loses should be telling the Braves something.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
4:23 pm
Bob Costas is really out of his realm in golf.
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:24 pm
Seriously, why is Kawakami still even in the rotation? This game should not even be close.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
4:24 pm
Bill: doesn’t that = losing 9 in a row? I with you.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
4:25 pm
That’s two. Amazing if he can work out this.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
4:26 pm
Y’all, I’m a terrible typer compounded by Crown Royal.
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:26 pm
Costas may be out of his element, Chef…but Chris Berman is excruciating awful. He absolutely ruined the first two days on ESPN for me.
cattle dawg
June 20th, 2010
4:27 pm
I cant stand Costas.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
4:27 pm
Wow. That’s kind of huge.
Reality Bites
June 20th, 2010
4:28 pm
Ok people…..the over-paid kawasaki wont win once. And imma die hard braves fan. Wren can shop the auctions and garage sales, but keep him AWAY from the big ticket items…please!
cattle dawg
June 20th, 2010
4:28 pm
Thats some clutch pitching!
Marty
June 20th, 2010
4:28 pm
Way to fight your way back Craig.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
4:28 pm
IMO, Berman is / was a joke. Costas on the radio I still enjoy.
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:29 pm
Amazing work by the kid pitching out of that jam. Preferences being what they may, Cattle Dawg, Costas is a consummate professional. Berman is not only painful to listen to, the man is an idiot with his constant little word plays on names and his back, back, back nonsense.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
4:30 pm
Gotta admit Costas and his handlers know baseball, wait, I meant Yankees baseball.
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
4:31 pm
That was a balk.
cattle dawg
June 20th, 2010
4:32 pm
Your dead on about Berman. I wish Berman an Stuart Scott were banned from tv. Whlie Im wishing , I would like Screamin A Smith to lose his voice an Kim Kardashian to be my maid.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
4:33 pm
Old Man Chipper on base four times today: 2 walks, 2 doubles.
cattle dawg
June 20th, 2010
4:34 pm
Im not saying that Costas isnt good at what he does. Im just not a fan.
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:34 pm
We can hate on the Yankees any other weekend but this one. At lease the Bronx Bombers have helped us out with a little breathing room. Now if we can just take care of business and finish this sweep.
Cornfuzed
June 20th, 2010
4:35 pm
I’m waiting for Glaus to charge the mound
cattle dawg
June 20th, 2010
4:36 pm
Who will be the hero today?
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:37 pm
Hinske! Hinske! Hinske!
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:38 pm
Yes!
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:38 pm
Called it! Woo hoo!
cattle dawg
June 20th, 2010
4:39 pm
SWEET
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
4:39 pm
Huge clutch hitting. Been the earmark of this team of late. For what it’s worth Glaus came up limping after he slid into home (which wasn’t necessary since throw didn’t come home).
Marty
June 20th, 2010
4:39 pm
How huge was that?
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:40 pm
Troy’s fine (I hope). He’d better be.
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
4:40 pm
It’s Wags Time.
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:40 pm
That’s what she said, Marty.
Cornfuzed
June 20th, 2010
4:41 pm
Bring out the brooms and sweep away the Royals aka Braves castoffs!
Reid Adair
June 20th, 2010
4:41 pm
Can’t wait to hear the Kenshin Kawakami supporters try and explain this one. He was awful. Thankfully, the bullpen and the offense saved him (at least at this point with an 8-5 lead in the bottom of the eighth).
Marty
June 20th, 2010
4:42 pm
Now lt’s bring Wagner out and get the sweep.
Cornfuzed
June 20th, 2010
4:43 pm
not good to see Glaus limp off the field. Yikes.
GT Trumpet
June 20th, 2010
4:43 pm
Such exciting games! We may not win pretty, but we win in very TV friendly ways!
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:44 pm
Kawakami has been snakebit this season, there’s no doubt about that. But, enough is enough. The Braves on on the verge of having the best record in the game and are playing consistently far too well to continue to have this hole in their rotation.
It’s time to send Kenshin to the pen, or if he declines, show him the door.
Marty
June 20th, 2010
4:44 pm
Oh no, how bad is Glaus? This could be a big problem.
The Difference
June 20th, 2010
4:45 pm
It appears Glaus has a nice “strawberry” after that slide at home….nothing to worry about folks.
The Difference
June 20th, 2010
4:46 pm
It’s time to cut ties with KK and just eat his contract.
He can’t help us in the bullpen or in the starting rotation. He’s definitely not trade bait either.
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:46 pm
If it’s just a strawberry, with the off day tomorrow Troy will be fine come Chicago.
WindyCityDawg
June 20th, 2010
4:47 pm
A gritty, scrappy game with multiple players contributing substantially, fighting their way out of jams, and coming through in the clutch. What a game.
I’ve been a Braves fan since I moved to Atlanta in 1990 (conveniently) and this may go down as one of my favorite teams, regardless of post-season achievements.
The Difference
June 20th, 2010
4:48 pm
Troy was smiling and getting high fives when he went to the dugout after leaving the game…he was rubbing his rearend (where he slid)….it’s not bad.
cattle dawg
June 20th, 2010
4:49 pm
How crazy is it going to be when Stras burg comes to town?
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 20th, 2010
4:50 pm
Off to golf, enjoyed folks!
Ken Stallings
June 20th, 2010
4:50 pm
Seems like 1991 all over again!
I haven’t seen a scrappy group of Braves like this one since then. Now it seems like every hitter in the lineup is a master of situational hitting. Butting runners over, getting timely hits, and getting hits with runners in scoring position.
The main difference is that our pitching is as solid as a rock.
When JJ comes back it is certain that KK is sent to the pen. Perhaps he will flourish there.
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:50 pm
I can’t wait until this lineup gets a shot at Strasburg.
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:52 pm
It gets overlooked, but Martin Prado is just amazing. I’m so glad he finally got his shot last year to play every day. If he’s not on the NL All-Star squad, that would be a grave injustice.
joerochester
June 20th, 2010
4:53 pm
This team has surprised me all season. They are not afraid to fight back. Hinske has been money and for the most part this season. This is especially a great win after losing a 4-run lead, going down by one run, then tying it and ultimately winning it.
cattle dawg
June 20th, 2010
4:54 pm
Prado is awesome. Im becoming a big fan of Infante as well.
Sports Blog Atlanta
June 20th, 2010
4:54 pm
Safe to say that Eric Hinske was a good off season acquisition.
GT Trumpet
June 20th, 2010
4:55 pm
It’s completely astounding what this group of Braves has achieved. Going into the season with little expected of them (go see MB’s blog in April), they are now #1 in the NL and only 1.5 back from having the best record in baseball. I am really looking forward to seeing these Bravos in the playoffs, should they get there. Exciting times!!!
Cornfuzed
June 20th, 2010
4:55 pm
This team is fun to watch. They are never out of a game. In years past if they were trailing in the 7th or later, they would almost always lose. Now it seems that they are constantly finding new ways to claw back and win.
mr charlie
June 20th, 2010
5:00 pm
Kk was aweful today, but his era is still better than lowe.
Joey M
June 20th, 2010
5:02 pm
All is right with the world now. The Braves have a .600 winning percentage. Chipper Jones is hitting as of late. We have a first baseman that can hit anybody. We have a pesky player (Martin Prado) that came out of nowhere to become one of the elite in all of baseball. We have stellar starting pitching. We are undefeated when scoring 5+ runs. We have a closer that doesn’t just close the door, he slams it shut with every outing. We are doing all this without our best pitcher from last year, our best platoon left fielder we have had in years, our All-Star catcher has been sleeping lately, Chipper Jones has not been himself all season long, and our leading hitter with runners on base has been in a slump and hurting. In the second half, we will have a healthy Jurrjens, Diaz, and Escobar. Cabrera has been swinging the stick much much better from the left side so when Diaz is back, we will have a legitimate threat in left. Heyward will adjust and go on another tear. I see only greener pastures for the second half. GO BRAVES!!!!!
Ken Stallings
June 20th, 2010
5:05 pm
Kawakami’s problem is he cannot pitch to the level of his opponent. Lowe will surrender some runs, but he has the ability to shutdown the opponent after being given runs to work with.
KK today coughed up a big lead shockingly fast.
I think his makeup is better suited to the bullpen.
ABravesFan
June 20th, 2010
5:05 pm
KK did some good work out of the bullpen late last year. He probably needs to head there to rebuild some confidence. These last few outings (maybe he has been pressing because of the impending return of JJ?) has been bad.
Glad to see us continue the perfect record when scoring 5 or more runs. I was afraid that I jinxed them (especially after Kimbrel loaded the bases) by thinking that the Braves got the game won when Chipper tied the game (glad that Hinske redeemed his fruitless at bat with runners on 1st and 3rd and only one out).
lin
June 20th, 2010
5:07 pm
well kk did not get the win nor did he due anything good. send him to aaa team for more learning wonder if he needs glasses or has arm trouble not tell. keep team pitchers way they are and jj take kk place on return. go braves
bravos
June 20th, 2010
5:11 pm
KK what’s there to say; he can’t beat any team not even the lowly royals. He lacks confidence, good pitches in key situations and had plenty of run support to earn the win today. KK is overpaid like mcclouth and guess what both of them have in common? THEY SUCK! If the braves are going to keep him pay him a $1 mil salary not a $7 mil where he just buys Maseratis and lives a lavish lifestyle while going 0-9. That’s unacceptable! Once JJ comes back demote KK to Gwinnett! That low life deserves to be there with blow blow if he can’t even beat the royal pains!
Dave In Tampa
June 20th, 2010
5:12 pm
DAWGS GOT WATTS!!!
Dave In Tampa
June 20th, 2010
5:13 pm
Sorry JS, I could not help myself.
bravos
June 20th, 2010
5:17 pm
trade KK and mclouth to ANY TEAM and get some good draft picks or utility players or relief pitchers for them. I’m tired of those losers taking up space in the braves roster. The braves are playing winners baseball why keep 2 losers to set us back! The braves need more relief pitchers in case our grizzled vets get injured in the pen. We got diaz back a hot hitting melky and an improving heyward why do we need mclouth? We can trade kk to the mets so when ever we face those m.e.t.s. we can bash kawakami like the loser he is!!!
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
5:32 pm
Why would you choose to turn things personal, bravos? If you’re a fan of the team, shouldn’t you support it’s players? Your arguments lose all their impetus when you call players “losers” or “lowlifes”. Keep the talk to the game and professional performance…otherwise you simply sound like an uneducated, irrational lunatic.
gcs
June 20th, 2010
5:50 pm
Wagner = 3 saves, 1 win in 4 days
.
Bob Horner could pull anybodys fast ball
June 20th, 2010
5:59 pm
Will ESPN have the Braves #1 in their Power rankings tomorrow..?? I doubt it…
Mitchell
June 20th, 2010
6:07 pm
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
4:26 pm
Costas may be out of his element, Chef…but Chris Berman is excruciating awful. He absolutely ruined the first two days on ESPN for me.
Anybody ever listen to Steve West on the Braves post-game show on 680thefan? That guy sounds like he doesn’t even know how to spell his own name. He’s such an idiot. Impossible to listen to that guy.
I’m actually listening right now because I’m an idiot. He’s talking about what an honor it is to be a part of the Braves in such a memorable season.
Yeah, I’m really sold. He sounds like a beer keg steward at some lame ass frat party. Just hangin’ out by the keg on the patio man.
Beer keg steward. I made that up. You know, like wine steward. Yeah, I’m that good.
Unlike Steve West. It’s amazing some of the people you hear on the radio. If nothing else you’re supposed to have a good voice yet so often that’s not the case. Hard to figure that.
Yukamumbo
June 20th, 2010
6:11 pm
Hard to believe that six weeks ago we stunk, having lost 9 in a row.
Braves flying high, and where are Bobby Cox’s critics now? | Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
6:13 pm
[...] ♦ LIVE: Braves go for sweep; Kawakami will take anything [...]
jacket3
June 20th, 2010
6:21 pm
JS- This is baseball like it is supposed to be played. I still do not understand WHY BC keeps sticking Kamikazi on the mound. Unless it is money. The guy is out of gas. Put him in the pen. Even though the Braves are gutting this out, and they look like the exact same spirited group from 1991…you just can’t keep putting this guy in the game. We were lucky today. And if you look at the stats…..(I think) all of the losses are from KK’s mound antics. When you take his -9 out the Braves are perfect…so what exactly is BC doing with this pitcher??? Even the minor league guys have better stuff right now.
SCBravesFan
June 20th, 2010
6:25 pm
You cannot let KK have another start…
I don’t want to hear about his lack of run support. He was given a four run cushion today and he coughed it up in less than three innings.
To the pen as a mop up guy in blowouts or to triple A, but NO MORE STARTS FOR KK…
bravos
June 20th, 2010
6:26 pm
rocky mountain- mind your own business its my opinion of KK and mclouth just because i’m a braves fan doesn’t mean i have to like or idolize all the players on this team. I’m sorry if the truth stings rocky mountain but as a fan i won’t idolize everyone on the team. It’s all about how they perform and i strongly think KK should be traded. I don’t know what’s personal about criticizing a 0-9 pitcher. Its not like im saying he sucks because he’s asian or japanese. That’s personal. Just mind your own business.
Question
June 20th, 2010
6:28 pm
Under KK’s contract, can he be sent to AAA to work things out?
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
6:36 pm
You do realize that these thoughts you’re cobbling together and typing into your keyboard are being broadcast out over the interwebs, do you not? You put it out there. I’m more than happy to mind my own business. My mistake was trying to help you not to appear to be a ignorant clod.
Carry on, bravos. You’re a shining beacon for all of us.
bravos
June 20th, 2010
6:37 pm
I say things i want about certain players and thats ok with most other people on this blog. Learn to coexist man. I’ll say things if i feel they need to be said. Kawakami sucks 9 out of 10 people would agree. I don’t go around saying racist comments about kk like some people on this blog oh he sucks because he’s a jap or send him back to japan. Coexist rocky and loosen up man i was just kidding about those comments.
Rocky Mountain Brave
June 20th, 2010
6:43 pm
Congratulations, bravos. The fact that you’ve restrained yourself from making racist remarks about Asians really deserves to be commended.
Do you honestly want to compare and contrast yourself with xenophobic rednecks?
bravos
June 20th, 2010
6:48 pm
No malice im not here to diss anyone on this blog. You shouldn’t put your 50 cents in what you think of me. Im sorry to whoever i offended. No malice to anyone ok. Anyways the braves won so yea that’s great we’ve got a 2 1/2 lead over the mets! Let’s go braves! The braves are doing great at least that’s something we can all agree on! Sorry rocky lets be friends ok?
bravos
June 20th, 2010
6:49 pm
When is JJ coming back to the rotation?
bravos
June 20th, 2010
7:08 pm
I think the braves will get 100 wins this season!
bravos
June 20th, 2010
7:10 pm
Vote for Prado (pedro)! He will get 200 hits+ this season i know he will!
Jeff Schultz
June 20th, 2010
7:20 pm
Just an FYI, folks: The game column has been posted. Thanks and I’ll meet you over there later.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/06/20/braves-flying-high-and-where-are-bobby-coxs-critics-now/
Spain vs Honduras Live
June 21st, 2010
7:43 am
Great blog. This really help me a lot.
Does Josh Childress fit into Hawks’ plans? | Jeff Schultz
June 21st, 2010
10:00 am
[...] ♦ LIVE: Braves go for sweep; Kawakami will take anything [...]
Hawks can't afford to slide back (and why not Chris Paul?) | Jeff Schultz
June 22nd, 2010
3:59 pm
[...] ♦ LIVE: Braves go for sweep; Kawakami will take anything [...]