This Braves’ comeback was season’s greatest miracle of all
Rick Ankiel knew as soon as he connected with Ramon Ramirez' fastball in the 11th that the ball was gone.
SAN FRANCISCO – One night after swinging and missing at everything except humiliation, the Braves fielded another lineup Friday night with seemingly too many malnourished batting averages.
Believing is commendable. But at some point, doesn’t the reality of a lineup card including consecutive averages of .260, .269, .255, .250, .250 and .232 crush hopes, egos and craniums?
Maybe not.
There is no way to explain what happened in Game 2 of the National League Division Series, at least no way that doesn’t involve crystals or chanting or Santeria. Seemingly flat-lined in the game and the series, the Braves rallied from a 4-0 deficit with one run in the sixth inning and three in the eighth. Then they won it 5-4 in the 11th on a solo home run — by Rick Ankiel.
After what happened against Tim Lincecum in game one of the NLDS — 14 strikeouts, two hits, three base runners — postseason Fantasyland appeared to be over. But even Disney writers couldn’t have scripted this.
A Brooks Conrad grand slam in a seven-run ninth inning just became the second most improbable story of this season. Will the stories ever end?
“They’re all the same story,” Jason Heyward said. “One crazy story.”
The NLDS is now tied at one win each, with the series shifting back to Turner Field for the next two games. For the first 14 innings of this series, just getting to Game 4 looked like a fantasy.
♦ Rick Ankiel, he of the .232 average, homers in the 10th off Ramon Ramirez.
♦ Troy Glaus, shot knees and all, was inserted into the game at third base in the 10th. He later admitted he couldn’t ever recall being inserted into the game late as a defensive replacement. We saw why. With bad knees, he stumbled and crumbled to the ground when attempting to field a leadoff bunt by Edgar Renteria. Later in the inning, the Giants had the bases loaded with one out but Buster Posey sent a sharp grounder to Glaus to start a 5-4-3 double play.
(Glaus didn’t throw home for the force out. Better to have more drama.)
♦ The winning pitcher? Kyle Farnsworth, who has been dreadful for the Braves since coming off with Ankiel in a late-season deal with Kansas City. He was in the game only because of Billy Wagner suffered an oblique strain (and unfortunately his season and career may be over).
Ankiel. Glaus. Farnsworth.
Folks, you just can’t make this stuff up.
Anybody got the lottery numbers for this week?
When the Giants’ Pat Burrell crushed a three-run homer off of Braves starter Tommy Hanson in the first inning, the initial thought was, “Good night.”
When Giants pitcher Matt Cain singled in a run in the second inning to make it 4-0, the scariest statistic of the postseason was that a San Francisco pitcher had one more RBI than anybody on the Braves’ roster.
Through 14 innings of this series, the Braves had not scored a run, had only six hits and struck out 20 times. Then, it was as if there was some collision of planets.
In the sixth, Derrek Lee singled to left, advanced to second on a fielding error by Burrell and scored on a single by Brian McCann. The 4-1 deficit still seemed insurmountable. But aesthetically, at least things looked better.
Then in the eighth, the ever-present, blindsiding Braves’ mojo struck again.
Lee and McCann singled off reliever Sergio Romo. Giants manager Bruce Boche surprisingly decided to bring in closer Brian Wilson, hoping he would get the final six outs, or at least end the Braves’ rally. The move backfired. Melky Cabrera reached base on third baseman Pablo Sandoval’s throwing error, Lee scoring to make it 4-2.
No. Really? They were going to do this again?
Yes. Really. Conrad sacrificed and advanced both runners into scoring position. Alex Gonzalez, who also had been struggling offensively for several weeks, followed with a two-run double to left, tying the game at 4-4.
It was so quiet at AT&T Park, you could hear a pennant drop.
The inning ended there but the Braves showed something that they hadn’t to that point of the series: life.
The next four Braves relievers shut down the Giants, striking out eight in five shutout innings. But the fantasy appeared certain to crumble in the 10th.
With the Braves about out of bodies, Glaus entered the game in the third. Renteria, the ex-Brave, immediately laid down a bunt. Glaus had no chance. Andres Torres sacrificed Renteria to second. The worst part of the play for the Braves was an injury to Wagner, who appeared to pull a muscle in his side and was helped off the field.
In came Farnsworth. He hit second baseman Freddy Sanchez on the hand. Then he walked Aubrey Huff, loading the bases with one out. Game over? Not quite. Buster Posey grounded to Glaus, who risked a the game-winning run scoring by deciding to throw to second. No problem. He started a 5-4-3 double play.
The skies opened. Again.
In the 11th with one out, Ankiel crushed Ramirez’ pitch out of the stadium and into the Bay. He knew immediately, raising his hands in the air.
Farnsworth closed it out in the bottom of the inning.
Don’t try to explain it. Just go with it.
Somehow, they’re still alive. The season’s greatest miracle of all.
♦
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304 comments Add your comment
LizDawg
October 9th, 2010
1:40 am
First
Ankiel. Glaus. Farnsworth.
You said it all Shultzie! That was worth staying up for!
Buzz29
October 9th, 2010
1:40 am
What a magical night.
Go Braves!
Go Jackets!
ATLBOUND2010
October 9th, 2010
1:41 am
Yay! What an ending!
Jas
October 9th, 2010
1:42 am
Wow. Just Wow.
phoenix falcon
October 9th, 2010
1:42 am
1st
omar
October 9th, 2010
1:42 am
Go Braves!
Go Falcons!
Lester
October 9th, 2010
1:42 am
Did you really type “Santeria”? Realy?
Michael
October 9th, 2010
1:42 am
Unbelievable. I hate to see Wagner out but I think we found another great one in Kimbrel tonight. Hopefully Wags will be ok and we can keep the Turner Field magic going….
phoenix falcon
October 9th, 2010
1:42 am
oh
JSS
October 9th, 2010
1:43 am
“By the way, Bobby Cox had been ejected back in the second inning.”
In the courtroom they say: “Asked and answered!”
phoenix falcon
October 9th, 2010
1:43 am
6th
JTH
October 9th, 2010
1:43 am
What a great win!
chris
October 9th, 2010
1:45 am
i thought i was gonna have a heart attack…fransworth scares me!!
JSS
October 9th, 2010
1:45 am
“Asked and answered” a prayer!
wes
October 9th, 2010
1:45 am
Amen.
mike
October 9th, 2010
1:45 am
there’s no way this club can get past the Phils – not with this many injuries. but they CAN beat these Giants – who have pitching and not much else. maybe NOW the national media will give the Braves their due for refusing to quit and being a worthy opponent for a San Francisco team that benefited from EVERY dubious call by the umps and STILL couldn’t hold serve against the worst road team in the playoffs.
Atlanta is tied 1-1 and coming home. San Fran has already pitched their ace, the Braves haven’t.
Fightin Gobbler
October 9th, 2010
1:46 am
I hope the Braves capitalize on this unbelievable win and take the series but even if they don’t, this was one for the ages. If you didn’t stay up late enough to watch you missed an all-timer…
Let’s Go Bravos! Clap Clap Clap-Clap-Clap
YEAH BABY!!!
October 9th, 2010
1:46 am
#### Yeah!
MayIhaveanother
October 9th, 2010
1:47 am
This kind of stuff is unhealthy. Why do we torture ourselves each night? Because there is some magic with these Braves. As maligned as Wren’s moves have been, look at who made the plays needed to win this game tonight. Let’s keep the momentum and win this thing on Monday.
Dawggie
October 9th, 2010
1:47 am
I told my friends before the game started….. “Ankiel is going deep tonight!!” “Ankiel is touching McCovey Cove”…….
They laughed…..
Now I laugh!!!!!
|> /> |> /> |> /> |> /> GO BRAVES!!!!!
NorCal Brave
October 9th, 2010
1:48 am
It is a miracle. Jeff, can’t recall if it was you or Mark who called tonight’s starting lineup the equivalent of a “B” team in a preseason split squad game, but I must confess I went today from being a Braves apologist to an admirer of the way they fought in the 8th to a a dumbfounded believer that in baseball anything can happen. Ankiel and Farnsworth the heroes? Wouldn’t have bet on it in a million years. Let’s see what we can do back home!
John
October 9th, 2010
1:48 am
The grit and determination that these men showed today will love on for hundreds of years. Is there any way to cancel the series so we can get them inducted into the HOF by next week? This Braves team is obviously one of the greatest teams in the history of MLB and probably in the top 5 teams in the history of all sports.
Goofus
October 9th, 2010
1:48 am
Enter your comments here
o-me
October 9th, 2010
1:49 am
Enter your comments here
Goofus
October 9th, 2010
1:49 am
I think its the Spirit of Nokahoma! Go Braves!
observor
October 9th, 2010
1:49 am
I had forgotten how stressful and intense post season baseball is. As much as I love football, post season baseball is like a cardiac arrest on each and every pitch.
This was an amazing win. Hopefully Huddy can follow it up by shutting down these bums on Sunday.
Chief Knockahoma X
October 9th, 2010
1:50 am
Way to go, Troy, huge turning of the double play.Braves Win. Braves, win. Chop! Chop!
Bob in SF
October 9th, 2010
1:50 am
We have splash down.
LittleRockBravesFan
October 9th, 2010
1:50 am
Woohoo!!!!! The “Cardiac Kids” of 2010 have done it again! I’m so happy I probably won’t be able fall asleep tonight for hours!!!
Dan Shaw
October 9th, 2010
1:51 am
The most unlikely of all wins. Iam so happy for Ankiel… And Farnsworth… when I saw him come in I knew we were done… When Glaus fell down on the bunt… it was laughable… but he turned the huge double play…. Way to go guys…
chem
October 9th, 2010
1:51 am
I can’t believe he threw to 2nd. Glaus, that’s the point of bringing the infield in!
miXED
October 9th, 2010
1:52 am
Nice job Braves.
DRAMATICS!!!!!!!!!!
ajc pariah
October 9th, 2010
1:52 am
Kiss my grits.No after the first inning homer, I was resigned to an early exit. Shame the Reds are looking like ‘uh toast.
observor
October 9th, 2010
1:52 am
No kidding LittleRock, I’m all jacked up from that finish…
Jason
October 9th, 2010
1:52 am
The homer was in the 11th, Jeff. You should know since you were there.
poorbrave
October 9th, 2010
1:52 am
Said it yesterday, This team don’t quit. Great job Men. Now kick A@@ Sunday.
Thanks Jeff, great job.
Dawggie
October 9th, 2010
1:52 am
Anybody think before the game started tonight that Glaus, Ankiel and Farnsworth would be considered the “Good Guys” tomorrow morning???
WOW!!!! This is all of a sudden FUN!!!
walk
October 9th, 2010
1:52 am
the game we need to win is game 4.
Dirty Dawg
October 9th, 2010
1:53 am
Well it’s about time Bobby followed my instructions – I mean how many times have I said that Ankiel, Gonzales and Farnsworth are ‘money’ ballplayers and his confidence in playing them will be rewarded…heh, heh, heh…that was a joke folk. Whodathunkit?
Professor Dan
October 9th, 2010
1:53 am
Jeff, thank you for getting it exactly right, so quickly. This was a Disney-esque night. When does the movie come out? Poor John Updike isn’t around to essay on this, but your quick take is the beginning of a what I hope will be a long piece on this evening. The story lines of redemption and resilience are too many to ignore.
Frank Wren
October 9th, 2010
1:54 am
Perhaps you ingrates will actually recognize the job I did this year. This win was a pure function of every player I brought in this year. Gonzales hits the two run double, Lee has another big game with hits and runs, Ankiel hits the game winning HR, and Farnsworth finishes the game.
Vino Fino
October 9th, 2010
1:55 am
Well, a seemingly meaningless deadline deal suddenly became huge! Ankiel and Farnsworth the heroes. Go figure! Unbeleivable comeback.
By the way, Kimbrel is absolutely nasty. Hope he doesn’t have to take Wagner’s place, but I think we’re in pretty good hands if he does.
poorbrave
October 9th, 2010
1:55 am
agree dawggie, The three that need it the most came thru.
Believe!
October 9th, 2010
1:55 am
RICK RACKED!
Best view of the Bay EVER!
“It was so quiet at AT&T Park, you could hear a pennant drop.” – Excellent line.
Joshua
October 9th, 2010
1:56 am
That was one of the most exciting games in a while. You can feel the momentum swinging now.
Mitchell
October 9th, 2010
1:57 am
Frank Wren came in his pants at the end of that game.
miXED
October 9th, 2010
1:57 am
Braves should call for a WHITE OUT or BLUE OUT(umm,…RED out on SUNDAY?) (we have enough red in the NLDS this year.)
Dig out those tomahawks at the game!!!
Peter
October 9th, 2010
1:58 am
This game has only one rival…… the Walt Weiss game in Houston in 1999. I was speechless after that game and im speechless now. Unbelievable!
Joshua
October 9th, 2010
1:59 am
“It was so quiet at AT&T Park, you could hear a pennant drop.”
=D
Joshua
October 9th, 2010
2:00 am
“Frank Wren came in his pants at the end of that game.”
lol
GA 57 Native
October 9th, 2010
2:00 am
Almost as good as when Sid Slid!!!! Go Braves
Mitchell
October 9th, 2010
2:01 am
I cannot f***ing believe we won that game.
I even said before the series started that Rick was the one guy I thought who could put one in the cove out there.
He just has that swing.
I mean, maybe I got a little bit ahead of myself after Sunday but if you were there you had to feel like the Braves could score some runs in this series.
Turns out they did. It just took a while.
I’m not trying to say I called the home run but it definitely played out in my head. He’s just the one guy who if he gets it right over the plate can drive it out there.
That was one of the most majestic home runs ever hit in the history of baseball.
dawg149
October 9th, 2010
2:01 am
Told you guys a while back Troy boy was gonna make a difference……Gonzo, CLUTCH, we’ve been waiting, and now ypu’re coming thru…..Ankiel, you the man……bullpen, steady as always….lets do it guys and get this thing over……
Sonny D
October 9th, 2010
2:02 am
“I don’t practice santeria, I ain’t got no crystal ball” is running through my head. … LOL What an incredible victory in a year full of ‘em. I thought they were done (at 4-0 and when SF loaded the bases). Now they’ve got a legit shot at least to get to Philly. Awesome!
LuisG
October 9th, 2010
2:03 am
When Infante singled to start the game my brother (a Cardinals fan) told me “Braves lose tonight”, remembering me Infante hitting a double to leadoff Game 1. I told him “If we don’t move him at least to second base, then we’ll lose again”. Infante later went to second as McCann walked.
Looks like Chino Cadahia has more ba11s than Bobby. I mean, putting Glaus to play defense (at third base)!!! Could’ve cost us the game. He looked awful on Renteria’s bunt (probably distracted by Wagner) but he made a really good play on Posey’s grounder (replays showed Glaus telling Infante he’d go to second on an eventually groundball).
Good to see Ankiel “splashing” one, and Farnsworth… we were lucky tonight with him.
Oh, and Gonzalez, he shut my mouth with that 2-run double. I didn’t know he can actually make contact, specially making contact on a fastball.
Now let’s win at the Ted!
P. Bull Terrier
October 9th, 2010
2:03 am
If Wagner is out, can we bring Greg Norton back to take his place on the playoff roster? If Ankiel, Glaus & Farnsworth can come through like this, just imagine the damage Norton could do. (OK, maybe damage isn’t the right word, but you get the idea.)
Oregon Brave
October 9th, 2010
2:03 am
And don’t forget Melky was involved in another double play. This time with his arm. What a game. What a team. Wasn’t it about “a quarter after one” when Ankiel did the deed? Somebody should get Lady A to sing the Anthem or the 7th inning stretch Sunday. Speaking of which, we need fifty K screaming fans Sunday at Turner waving green towels. Green towels? Yup! This team is MONEY. Go Braves.
SandyB
October 9th, 2010
2:03 am
to watch this game after the HS team wins in overtime by 1…..I don’t know how much more the old heart can take. What a SUPER game!!! Congratulations Rick, Alex, and Troy…and the entire bullpen. WE STILL BELIEVE!!!!!
Matt the Brave
October 9th, 2010
2:03 am
What a wonderful play by Troy Glaus to have the wherewithall to know to try for the double play. Wonder if he’ll come back and be our backup 1st and 3rd baseman next season…
CO Nick
October 9th, 2010
2:04 am
It’s like we woke up the echos of the 1990’s Braves tonight! Now if the Dawgs get a victory over the Vols tomorrow, and with Huddy on the mound Sunday and the Falcons lookin’ good, could be a good weekend in the making!
Kim
October 9th, 2010
2:04 am
For all those people saying we fanatics were delusional to think the Braves could pull this off…kiss our arses! We aren’t delusional, just die-hard.
I believe we WILL pull this off. The players couldn’t have any better inspiration than to send Bobby out with another championship.
GO BRAVES!!!
dawg149
October 9th, 2010
2:04 am
Find Troy Boy a place in the lineup, hem it up behind Huddy, and we’ll be REALLY celebrating Monday night!!!!!
Eric C.
October 9th, 2010
2:04 am
My apologies for not having faith earlier…just incredible. I REALLY hate it for Wagner…thanks for an awesome season. I guess that is the Braves this year…everyone getting hurt but guys like Ankiel and Farnsworth coming through in the end. Wow. If the Braves are fortunate enough to have another save situation this post season, maybe Farnsworth turned a corner tonight?
Buzz
October 9th, 2010
2:05 am
This one game save Wrens reputation.
Mitchell
October 9th, 2010
2:05 am
I remember thinking all I wanted was to win one playoff game.
If that was it, it was pretty freakin’ good.
Brian Wilson is in his room.
I wonder if he shaves the beard.
SickandTired
October 9th, 2010
2:05 am
Jeff you should have this story mounted and put on your wall. This is the best writing of yours I’ve ever had the pleasure to read. Up late watching a playoff game. I’m 58 and it brought back so many memories of when we were in the freaking Western Division and watching a ton of games on the West Coast. This Braves team is my favorite of all the teams of the last 20 years. They just have something you can’t explain and as you said, you can’t make this stuff up. Bring it home and get those fingers ready to type the rest of the story of this improbable season. What a game!
Frank Wren
October 9th, 2010
2:06 am
I was perfectly composed. I’m a baseball man and knew you ingrates would finally realize that our front office actually has a grasp on things. You all can come early on Sunday on kneel down before me to express your blatant blasphemy.
bulldog bubba
October 9th, 2010
2:07 am
There IS Hope!!
Tweets that mention Braves come back in season's greatest miracle of all | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
October 9th, 2010
2:08 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ajc sports editor, Patty Rasmussen, Josh Slagter, Ruth Malhotra, Mikeal and others. Mikeal said: RT @JeffSchultzAJC: This Braves’ comeback was season’s greatest miracle of all http://bit.ly/9xUN71 [...]
Buzz
October 9th, 2010
2:08 am
Uh Bobby COX put Glausy at 3RD. Hello, Do ya’ll think the manager goes home when they are thron out?
Chino does what Cox tells him to.
Kim
October 9th, 2010
2:08 am
Lius.. I would bet the magic tonight was created by Bobby. The musical chairs tonight were classic Cox postseason. I think there was some managing coming out of the clubhouse.
Seriously, if he had gotten caught, what could they have done? Suspend him at the beginning of next season? =)
scottbravesfan
October 9th, 2010
2:09 am
I’m just happy I survived. Thought I was going to have a heart attack watching this game. GO BRAVES!!!!
Buzz
October 9th, 2010
2:11 am
Yes. Congrats to Braves and Bobby.
Dawggie
October 9th, 2010
2:16 am
{{{{{30-24}}}}}
OOPS!!! Wrong blog, again.
Frank Wren
October 9th, 2010
2:16 am
Just go ahead and admit it. I won this game tonight.
Mitchell
October 9th, 2010
2:16 am
Surreal.
If Huddy can get through the first on Sunday with no trouble and we get some runs early, you gotta like our chances.
We have to win this series.
We won three of four in August and should have swept.
Win two more games and celebrate one last time.
No way we’re beating the Phillies.
Frank Wren
October 9th, 2010
2:19 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iol0B-clFFM
Nevada Roy
October 9th, 2010
2:27 am
If the Braves can keep the enthusiasum going like they had in the dugout after the Glaus initiated double-play and Ankiel’s home-run, they can advance.
Buzz
October 9th, 2010
2:28 am
Enter your comments here
Super Happy Cat
October 9th, 2010
2:29 am
Go Braves!
Shock the World
Braves Beat
October 9th, 2010
2:32 am
If our braves SOME HOW win 2 more games in ATL, watch out Phillies .. you cannot stop the miracle express !!!! I hope Christmas will come early
jph08
October 9th, 2010
2:35 am
Will Paul Emmel be behind the plate for Game 3? It appears the rotation has landed on him. He should get a “warm” Atlanta welcome.
Tez
October 9th, 2010
2:41 am
Dang…. I turned it off thinking it was over… Shucks! I hate I missed it!
From Texas
Boatdoc
October 9th, 2010
2:44 am
With the weight of the season on the same creaky knees that had just collapsed on Renteria’s bunt, Troy Glaus had already decided on a hard-hit ball to try to get the double play and out of the inning. Without a moment of hesitation he got exactly the former and perfectly executed the latter. Rick Ankiel’s last memory of the post-season was as a pitcher, giving up record-breaking numbers of walks and wild pitches on his way to no longer being a pitcher before ripping a a home run so far into McCovey Cove that Right Fielder Nate Schierholtz didn’t even move.
It ain’t over ’til it’s over, and it ain’t over.
jc_dawgs
October 9th, 2010
2:44 am
I’m especially glad for Farnsworth. Remember back in the 2005 nlds vs Houston…Braves were down 2 games to 1…with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th braves were up by 1 run with noboday on and Farnsworth gave up a HR that tied the game. Houston then went on to win in 18 innings. Farnworth was gone the next season only to return a few months ago.
I’m glad he won this one for us this time! Go Braves!
Darryl Blackberry
October 9th, 2010
2:44 am
Oh, c’mon, you can do better than that, Bravos. Let’s make it REALLY interesting and have a few more regulars go down with injuries, then win the LDS to prove a point. Yeesh.
This is Kimbrel’s time to shine, I hope. He’s been filthy.
Can Diory Hernandez play third? Bobby’s got to try something different.
Brian O'Blivion
October 9th, 2010
2:49 am
Farnsworth served up some fat pitches in that ninth inning…and the Giants were so homer-hungry that they completely overswung on them. The Braves are lucky this game isn’t still going on, with Beachy having to pitch into the 15th inning.
Reid Adair
October 9th, 2010
2:49 am
Fantastic post, Jeff. You are absolutely right. There is no rational way to explain it. The only one goes back to what Bobby Cox said about this team and how they may be the hardest-working bunch he’s ever managed.
You’ve looked at the batting averages. You’ve mentioned the worn-out knees (Glaus) and the rough seasons (Farnsworth). It’s a rag-tag bunch that Frank Wren gave Cox in his final season, but they’ve worked hard. They’ve never given up.
Who knows where they go from here? You have to like Tim Hudson vs. Jonathan Sanchez in Game 3. Win that one, and who knows? Maybe momentum takes over and Lowe beats Lincecum at Turner Field.
Time will tell.
slugger
October 9th, 2010
2:51 am
Montecristo Churchill cigar and whiskey to celebrate the win. Great finiish to a great niight!
ABNER DOUBLEDAY
October 9th, 2010
2:52 am
Rick Ankiel knocked it out of the ballpark and Farnsworth closed it out for the Braves in a win over the S.F. Giants? Sheeeeet. Put down that crack pipe son and get back to work.
Tweets that mention Braves come back in season's greatest miracle of all | Jeff Schultz -- Topsy.com
October 9th, 2010
2:56 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Planet Project and GKBuckland, NelliesBravesUpdates. NelliesBravesUpdates said: http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2010/10/09/this-braves-comeback-was-seasons-greatest-miracle-of-all/ [...]
JASon
October 9th, 2010
3:00 am
By the end of the fifth, all the fans in the stadium were probably feeling a little sorry for the braves. Like, wow, these guys can’t get a run home to save their lives. Imagine, for a second, how. shocked. they must have been…and they look back at innings 6-9 like dang, how exactly did this happen?
The drama in this game was unbelievable. When Farnsworth came in, we thought-we knew-there was no way the braves were winning that game. Just, wow.
JASon
October 9th, 2010
3:02 am
6-11 rather
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
3:03 am
JEFF I TOLD EVERYBODY TO HAVE FAITH!
2010 WORLD SERIES CHAMPS (BRAVES)!
wxwax
October 9th, 2010
3:05 am
That lineup has no business being in the playoffs, let alone winning a game.
Unbelievable.
And people say Bobby Cox can’t manage. Imagine.
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
3:06 am
START TROY GLAUS AT 3RD BASE BOOBY
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
3:07 am
AND WE WON BECAUSE BOOBY GOT THROWN OUTTA THE GAME,GO FIGURE!
REAL Braves fan
October 9th, 2010
3:11 am
y’all have said about all there is to say about the game, so I wanna talk about something else… isn’t that brian wilson guy about the faggyest looking guy you’ve seen? that beard isn’t even the color of the rest of his hair. It looks like he painted it with a sharpie, or maybe mascara. It doesn’t even look as real as the fake beards the faggy fans were wearing…
bravos
October 9th, 2010
3:11 am
Braves win! Now Bobby Cox and the Braves have Georgia On Their Mind. Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s time to get on board that Midnight Train to Georgia. Alright Braves Fans. Let’s show the media and world what Braves Country is all about. I’m sick of the media saying that Braves fans don’t show up. As Chipper Jones says it, let’s get that “Tomahawk Chop going.” Best home record in the Majors. Let’s get the Ted rockin and create a crazy atmosphere.
gobravos
October 9th, 2010
3:16 am
“It was so quiet at AT&T Park, you could hear a pennant drop.”
Very nice….it was looking bleak for a while. Glad to see the bravos win one late again!
Gwinnett Fred
October 9th, 2010
3:17 am
Well, just back from the game – REALLY.
Out here on business, bought a SRO ticket ($90) and stood with some other Braves fans out nesar the Coke bottle and WHAT A FANTASTIC GAME.
We knew we had a chance once Bobby went out there and got tossed. He wasn’t out there to argue, he was out there to get thrown out.
Tell you what, those obnoxious Philly fans have NOTHING on these boozed up a$$holes. We caught a bunch of flack all game long, but for some reason the mock Tomahawk Chops seemed to stop around the 8th inning!
GO BRAVES – thanks for making my first game at AT&T Park one to remember!!!!
Braves 5, Giants 4, 11 Innings: Rick Ankiel, Troy Glaus Emerge As Heroes In … - SB Nation | TrendTopix
October 9th, 2010
3:22 am
[...] new life, but Wagner injury hurtsUSA TodayLet me know when you figure it out …ESPN (blog)This Braves' comeback was season's greatest miracle of allAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)San Francisco Chronicle (blog) -MiamiHerald.comall 245 news [...]
Rick Ankiel Is A Hot Topic Today
October 9th, 2010
3:27 am
[...] Braves new life, but Wagner injury hurtsUSA TodayLet me know when you figure it out …ESPN (blog)This Braves' comeback was season's greatest miracle of allAtlanta Journal Constitution (blog)San Francisco Chronicle (blog) -MiamiHerald.comall 240 news [...]
Holy Crap!
October 9th, 2010
3:41 am
I had to go back and read that again.
…and I quote, “Buster Posey grounded to Glaus, who risked the game-winning run scoring by deciding to throw to second. No problem. He started a 5-4-3 double play.”
Every reference to Glaus being in this game has said he hadn’t played 3rd base in forever, but when we went to see the Gwinnett Braves late in the season, Glaus was playing 3rd there throwing to Freddie Freeman on first to get guys out. Not that Bobby was planning on that.
Still, it’s almost “inconceivable”(see “The Princess Bride” for proper emphasis on that word) that he would risk letting the winning run score. Somehow it worked out.
And you’re right, it looked like it was over when Farnsworth came in, hit a guy and walked the next guy. Again, “inconceivable!”
And yet, it happened.
Well, no sense in leaving out the drama I guess.
We wouldn’t however, be against the Braves scoring 8 and throwing a shut-out for the next 2 games. Just sayin’. Well, gotta go take my blood pressure medication.
Bravesfaninnash
October 9th, 2010
3:43 am
That had to be the sweetest way to win a game,getting that
double play ball to squash the Giants rally and then getting
Ankiel to win it with a Smash,Braves have a lot of fans
up here in Nashville.GO Braves and win both games in the
ATL and Smash the Phillies next!!!!
Whopper Dawg
October 9th, 2010
3:47 am
Reminds me of ‘91, against all odds.
BBUA
October 9th, 2010
3:50 am
Three headlines I thought I would never see:
Troy Glaus made great defensive play to stop Giants rally.
Rick Ankiel hits monster homerun to give Braves lead in 11 th inning.
Kyle Farnsworth holds Giants scoreless and gets win.
This goes to show that miracles do happen. Let’s hope it continues for 10 more wins.
SimmerDownNow
October 9th, 2010
3:51 am
You folks talking about Philly, don’t even give that series a thought.
No use wasting time or energy on that round while there’s still 2 games to win in this one.
john
October 9th, 2010
4:00 am
Bout time. Nice read Shultz. Them Braves.
john
October 9th, 2010
4:02 am
Enter your comments here
john
October 9th, 2010
4:13 am
At times: it just comes togetheer.
john
October 9th, 2010
4:14 am
Cox is a genious!
dean
October 9th, 2010
4:18 am
What a wake up surprise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hail yes!!
mike tankersley
October 9th, 2010
4:35 am
For those who did not hear, the ESPN sportscenter co-anchor had a great line overnight, if he didn’t steal it from the wires. Essentially, he said, last time we saw Ankiel in the postseason, he couldn’t throw it in the ocean. Tonight, he hit one there. Without trying to be over-dramatic, considering everything, this very well may be Bobby Cox’ s greatest managing job, what he’s done for most of the season, moving whatever parts he has to wherever he has to play them (which explains a lot of our terrible defense, easily the worst in Cox’s tenure). Admit it everyone: At the end, there were band-aids all over the field for the Braves. Been watching the Braves since 1967…I am very proud tonight.
johnny 99
October 9th, 2010
4:41 am
Thanks for the story, mate… However, how can you say “…they won it in the 11th on a home run by…Ankiel,” then 5 sentences later post “Ankiel homers in the 10th”? I guess that seems nitpicky, but those keys aren’t close to each other.
Hello, copy editor? Is anyone awake?
j99
mike tankersley
October 9th, 2010
4:46 am
It’s called writing on a MAJOR deadline. Dramatic extra-inning win on the West Coast rushed into print and onto the web site. C’mon. Cut the guys a little slack.
George M.
October 9th, 2010
5:01 am
Well done, and good night!
carlchamblee
October 9th, 2010
5:09 am
Mr. Schultz, please accept my humblest apologies. I have repeatedly mocked your praising of the Ankiel/Farnsworth trade, both on this blog and in my private utterances. But now I bow to your superior knowledge and foresight, as you obviously divined that one would blast a playoff-game winning HR and the other would collect the victory on the mound.
I repent in dust and ashes and promise in the name of Buddy Biancalana to never question your insight again.
Boatdoc
October 9th, 2010
5:28 am
Right now the greatest Sports story playing in America isn’t the one about the Big Red Horse.
The team with the longest odds in the post-season was the only longshot to tie their series. With two All-Stars out for the rest of the season and a bench full of rookies, journeymen and castoffs, Hall of Fame Manager Bobby Cox is guiding the Atlanta Braves toward the biggest baseball Cinderella story since Kirk Gibson took the Eck deep in ’88.
Game two winning pitcher Kyle Farnsworth was last seen in a Braves uniform blowing their last post-season appearance five years ago. Homer hero Rick Ankiel quit being a promising pitcher when he suddenly was wilder than Nuke Laloosh with orders to “hit the bull”, and it took ten years before he gained post-season redemption for issuing eleven walks and nine wild pitches in four innings of the playoffs ten years ago. Tony LaRussa said in “Four Nights In August” that putting Ankiel into that position as a 20 year old was his greatest regret in baseball.
Hopefully LaRussa can sleep well now.
Come see the offense that couldn’t hit their way out of a wet paper bag and the pitchers who absolutely will not give in fight and claw their way through the post-season.
Right now there is no way to tell how this will end. But Bobby Cox’s team has already made Atlanta proud.
Nocahomas' Wigwam
October 9th, 2010
5:39 am
Best background noise from the TBS broadcast: “Hey, Hey, we want some Po-sey!”
Bobby=MORON
October 9th, 2010
6:13 am
Cant believe I fell asleep in botom of the 7th. If Bobby doesn’t get kicked out we don’t bunt runners over to set up Gonzo for tying hit. Thank goodness for that bad call at 1st!!!! I’ll be there Sunday and lets try to be LOUD people.
Jesse Stone
October 9th, 2010
6:22 am
(Bobby=Moron) = MORON. Do you really think Chino is calling the shots when Bobby gets kicked out? Do you think Bobby is in the clubhouse watching reruns of The Streets of San Francisco? Bobby calls the shots, dipwad.
LJ
October 9th, 2010
7:01 am
I thought when Cox got kicked out,they hogtied,blindfolded,gagged and locked him in a closet.
Holy Cow !!!
October 9th, 2010
7:03 am
I crashed when Heyward struck out to end the top of the 7th and I wake up to see the Braves won 5-4?!? Holy $### ! These Braves are miracle workers. It’s going to be a great weekend. Can’t wait for Sunday. Go Braves!!!
Snake Doc
October 9th, 2010
7:16 am
I’ve bashed this team for the last 3 months…. I still don’t think they’re a very good team overall. Great pitching, weak, weak lineup…
Having said that… I do want to say its been a great season for this team of over achievers… Its a dream come true for these players and allot of fans!
Congratulations on a great win, and great season!
urban redneck
October 9th, 2010
7:27 am
I’ll just go ahead and admit it. I had company and we were down by 4………….I turned the radio off.
Insert expletive here.
Nativebird
October 9th, 2010
7:30 am
And another key Brave (Wagner) goes down with a preventble injury. At this point, one has to start asking the question, “who is the Braves conditioning coach, and what is he doing (or not doing?”. This organizaitons problems all starts with management and coaching…always has.
ATLfan15
October 9th, 2010
7:31 am
What a GREAT ending!! All this late-inning drama…the big hits….the clutch DP….wow! Can’t wait for Sunday…let me borrow from an earlier post and start the chant:
Let’s Go Bravos!! CLAP, CLAP, CLAP-CLAP-CLAP
Satchmo
October 9th, 2010
7:32 am
I cashed in when Fransworth replaced Wags, as didn’t just couldn’t see anything positive coming our way. Waking up and seeing the the result, my day is made. Go Braves, Hubby should be a win, and from there win one of the other two, and do you believe in miracles ?
Paddy
October 9th, 2010
7:42 am
Jeff, your story made me feel like I was at the ole ball park. Great work!
J Clay
October 9th, 2010
7:58 am
Glaus made the play that Infante or Conrad would have either a) thrown home or b) thrown the ball into right field game over….And A was not a good option, I mean does anyone want Farnsworth pitching to one extra batter? I get his knees are weak, but I also get he carried this team for a month and a half…The karma or whatever you want to call it is better to this team when Glaus is playing…please let him start the next game….And even though I think the trade was terrible and that Ankiel and Farnsworth stink – even I have to admit they caught lightning in a bottle last night…Also helped that Bobby actually played some small ball sacrificing runners over in the big 3 run 8th…Time to sell out nad win this series, Huddy tomorrow and I would definitely come back with Lower in game 4 to try and get it done….Don’t worry about Phillies match ups yet, they don’t matter if you don’t get there…Plus why waste Lowe in game 1 against Halladay – throw Beachy out there and hope for the best…
Phil in TN
October 9th, 2010
8:01 am
Dang! Went to bed 8th inning and missed it. All night long I woke up wanting to check to see who won; but I already knew there was NO WAY they’d pull this one out. Glad I didn’t check because I’d have never gone back to sleep. Go Braves and finish this out at the Ted…. and let’s see another miracle today as the Vols beat the dawgs. Go Big Orange!!
Reb Martin
October 9th, 2010
8:02 am
Enough, now its’ time to move on!
SadDawg
October 9th, 2010
8:03 am
Who’s next for the “season ending injury?” When has a team ever made the playoffs, much less one a game in the playoffs with so many injuries?
Whatever. Win or lose, this team has been an inspiration, and if this bunch advances, every bit of pressure will be on the obviously better team.
preacher man
October 9th, 2010
8:05 am
Great article sir!!!
SadDawg
October 9th, 2010
8:07 am
I agree, J Clay, that Glaus should start at third. The hitters in front of him would see better pitches because of his big bat.
keith
October 9th, 2010
8:16 am
I don’t believe what I just saw. I don’t believe what I just saw!!!!
It was my fiancee’s birthday and we had a night out. I was so mad from Game 1 that I vowed I was not going to watch Game 2, especially after I saw on my phone it was 4-0. Then a buddy of mine called. I figured he was calling to vent, but his VM said, “I know you’re not sleeping. Call me.” I checked my phone. 4-4 in the 8th. :O What the hell?!!!!
Me and my fiancee stayed up to watch the finish. This was unbelieveably improbable, especially when Wags goes down and our worse reliever (with us anyway) comes in with Farns. I told her when it was bases loaded, they were going to win with a flyout walk-off and I didn’t want to see it. DP started by Glaus. No way!!
Then Ankiel, are you freakin’ kidding me????????
GO BRAVES!!!
Steve-o
October 9th, 2010
8:17 am
From ESPN:
“In the final moments of the most important game of the season, the contest that would most likely determine whether legendary manager Bobby Cox’s career would still have a chance to extend past the first round of the playoffs, the Atlanta Braves’ infield featured the third-string third baseman, the second-string second baseman and the team’s seventh-best reliever.”
Pretty much says it all!
Smiling Jack
October 9th, 2010
8:24 am
Bad me, Sad me….I put my Cpap machine on after the 6th and went to sleep! But, I’m extremely GLAD for this Braves come back win…..Amazing and astounding….Go Braves!
southside dawg
October 9th, 2010
8:24 am
This could not be made up on HBO. Walking wounded, castoffs, trade bait, leading player on the bench and still in the playoffs. 1-1 on the road is what is shot for. Who know what can happen now.
Dash_Riprock
October 9th, 2010
8:27 am
Yo Schultz..I think you need to edit a couple of things in your story.. Ankiel homered in the 10th?..Glaus entered the game in the third?..I thought Ainkiel homered in the 11th and Glaus entered the game in the 10th..Kinda confusing for anyone that didn’t watch the game.
kaminari
October 9th, 2010
8:32 am
We did it. Now we just need to go 10-7 the rest of the way!!
Smiling Jack
October 9th, 2010
8:36 am
What do you mean “preventable injury?” The only way to prevent an injury is to not play the game. Injuries are a part of any game. What kind of stupid is that? Congratulations to management for the outstanding job they did in putting together a team that has given fans an outstanding year of competition. We’ve been saddened and exasperated, but we have been thrilled beyond imagination. Way to go Braves!
Big Dawg
October 9th, 2010
8:37 am
One of your best pieces of writing ever, Jeff. You really captured the miraculous moment. Great work!
Gene
October 9th, 2010
8:37 am
Like probably half of the viewing audience, I gave up after the sixth inning. Sometimes my throwing in of the towel causes a Braves’ rally. The Phillies will eat them alive. Again. But the NLCS is within grasp.
Claudio
October 9th, 2010
8:41 am
I can’t believe I missed it! O M God! I turned the tv off after the 5th inning!! GO BRAVES!!
Old Dawg Fan
October 9th, 2010
8:42 am
How in the world??? I be Damn!!!!! Wow!!!!!!
JacketFan
October 9th, 2010
8:46 am
And here I was thinking Shultzie had gone to sleep on us …
GT
October 9th, 2010
8:49 am
That is how you write baseball, something is bringing out the best in all of us.
Darrin "The Vent King"
October 9th, 2010
8:53 am
I swear these Braves are going to give someone a stroke sooner or later. It seems when everyone is watching and cheering there heads off 4 these guys they can’t hit the side of the Varsity with a pickup truck but when everyone has given up hope and gone to bed they do the most improbable things with the most impossible lineups and situations. Bad knees Glaus? Forever disappointing Farnsworth? Your batting avg makes me sick Rick Ankiel? Martin Scorscese couldn’t write this crazy stuff….GO BRAVES!
Katherine
October 9th, 2010
8:54 am
I have a sore throat from screaming and am extremely tired from staying up so late…but it was well worth it….omg i’m still so excited
Big Dawg
October 9th, 2010
8:55 am
One of your best pieces of writing, Jeff. Outstanding story to go along with the miraculous moment. Great work! “And you could have heard a pennant drop” is classic.
Eight57
October 9th, 2010
8:56 am
“It was so quiet in AT&T park, you could hear a pennent drop”, what a great line!!!! I laughed out loud..
Tom
October 9th, 2010
8:56 am
Unbelievable comeback. And all that after losing Wagner. How many more players have to go down? Jeesh
Michael Smith
October 9th, 2010
8:57 am
Mr. Schultz, that was a fantastic column. Great writing. This fan thanks you for it.
idot
October 9th, 2010
8:58 am
I look for the Braves to win the next 2 games.
Then, they will defeat the Phillies in four, for a sweep, and take the NL Pennant.
Tom
October 9th, 2010
8:59 am
Kimbrel is looking good too.
jw
October 9th, 2010
9:00 am
my movie idea from another post is looking good – never figured I would need to cast a Rick Ankiel and Kyle Farnsworth character in The Bobby Cox story. Wow! Great chance for the Braves to move on – and don’t give the Phillies the title belt, just yet – they looked “normal” yesterday.
LC
October 9th, 2010
9:00 am
Hey Jeff, this win almost certainly means you’ll be out there in SF again. LOL
And having to ride on that crummy airline. LOL
idot
October 9th, 2010
9:01 am
It looks like Wren’s trades worked out pretty good, last night.
Brad
October 9th, 2010
9:03 am
I can explain what happened. The 3 other series saw 2 game sweeps. The odds that all 4 would be 2-0 sweeps is not good. So the baseball law of averages just stepped in and did what they do. Put some mojo in the braves bats and pulled out the inevitable.
atlantanole
October 9th, 2010
9:03 am
Cant wait until Sunday’s game. What a great atmosphere that will be. Memories of 1991. Yes will Philly out there this may all be for naught, but what a ride. Loved to see Bobby get fired up at that piece of crap umpire, you think he wants to walk away yet???
idot
October 9th, 2010
9:04 am
There will not be any need to go back to Frisco.
Bob
October 9th, 2010
9:04 am
We are loaded with “Gene Tenaces”
Gatorman
October 9th, 2010
9:05 am
I take nothing away from Ankiel’s effort and the big home run. However, unless he continues to get hit, it only proves the “blind hog sometimes finds the acorns”.
idot
October 9th, 2010
9:06 am
I wonder if that umpire will get booed Sunday, when he is announced at home plate?
idot
October 9th, 2010
9:08 am
It was a pretty good time for Ankiel to find the acorns.
Big Dawg
October 9th, 2010
9:08 am
One of your best pieces ever, Jeff. Outstanding storyline to go with the miraculous moment. Great work! “And you could have heard a pennant drop” is classic.
chris
October 9th, 2010
9:09 am
The Braves can only survive so many injuries, HOWEVER you have to feel good coming back to Turner Field where you have played your best baseball and you have your ACE on the mound. All you wanted was a chance to close it out at home and now its there for the taking. The Braves have no chance against the Phillies but perhaps they can steal the NLDS.
Kimbrell….Hope your ready to become the closer a little earlier than expected!!!!!!
mississippi brave
October 9th, 2010
9:09 am
Did you hear the sound of that HR? Whack!…Sweet music.
Steve
October 9th, 2010
9:11 am
Great win and wow what a comeback but we should be used to this by now?We will be David against the Goliath Phillies but you know what I like our chances with this team. A team that never gives up and goes out there and has fun. They are definitely a TEAM and I have enjoyed watching these guys play no matter how the season ends! GO BRAVES!!!!!!
fieldofdreams
October 9th, 2010
9:12 am
Faith is the evidence of things not seen.
Gatorman
October 9th, 2010
9:14 am
I feel good for Ankiel, that he finally did something spectacular for the team. But unless he continues, it only shows the age old expression: “sometimes the blind hog finds the acorns”.
Brad
October 9th, 2010
9:16 am
i really hope the reds can win one game to make roy have to pitch against them again
YJ07
October 9th, 2010
9:16 am
I know its been said already, but what a GREAT game. I know we have our ups and downs but this team plays with heart and passion. Now, lets bring it home and play for the win at Turner Field.
Did we ever figure out what happened to Billy?
I hope he is alright – He’s had too good of a career to end like that. I would not wish that on anyone.
Go BRAVES!
Erik
October 9th, 2010
9:17 am
U GOTTA BELIEVE! GO BRAVES!
idot
October 9th, 2010
9:18 am
How many times are you going to use that acorns bit?
E-6
October 9th, 2010
9:21 am
Well the guy who had to throw six outs in an inning in Houston to get three a few years back hopefully has atoned for his “sin.” And at the same time saved Bobby Cox from another embarrassing strategic move of putting a statue at third base in Troy Glaus that practically cost us the game and definitely cost us an elite closer as we move forward.
K Brave
October 9th, 2010
9:22 am
For all you ignorant Bobby haters, if you knew anything at all about the game you would know that Bobby is still calling every shot from the tunnel when he gets tossed. And he got tossed on purpose. Reference game one and that same boneheaded ump. Please if you don’t know anything at all about baseball, stay off the baseball blogs. Looking for some intelligent input here. It is a tribute to Bobby, this entire staff and this entire team that they are this far. This team has more heart than I have ever seen. That kind of heart and determination comes from the top down.
Robert
October 9th, 2010
9:23 am
Excellent read Jeff. Your best article EVER! Let the novel continue on Sunday. Go Braves!
idot
October 9th, 2010
9:25 am
E6…….Did you watch the end of the game last night?
K Brave
October 9th, 2010
9:27 am
E-6, you truely do not have a clue, do you? That would have happpened no matter who was there. That as Glaus’s ball. And anybody else that we have for 3rd would not have turned the DP that saved the game.
lombardi
October 9th, 2010
9:28 am
You know Schultzie, you’re fun to read.
KatMomFan
October 9th, 2010
9:28 am
Unbelievable–but so believable given the year this team has had! I absolutely hate it for Billy Wags given the year he’s given us and all the heart he’s had. But just like we did after Chipper and Martin went down, this team will pick itself up, dust itself off and win because we are the Braves. It warmed my heart to see the pure joy on Ankiel’s face the moment he hit that one in the 11th. It is a privilege to watch you guys–really.
Monstarust
October 9th, 2010
9:31 am
DAWGS
FALCONS
BRAVES
DO WORK GEORGIA!!
vafalconfan
October 9th, 2010
9:33 am
It was so quiet at AT&T Park, you could hear a pennant drop.
Jeff- it’s lines like this that make you one of the elite sports writers in the country.
GaCracker
October 9th, 2010
9:35 am
When Bobby gets ejected early the Braves always have a comeback chance. I hope he is ejected every game. Adios Bobby. You’ve had enough talent (thanks to Sherhotlz) in the past to win over 162 games despite yourself. But in short series where you need to manufacture a few runs YOU STINK!
Snakes
October 9th, 2010
9:37 am
Do you read this stuff before you publish it? THis is the most poorly written post I’ve ever seen!
idot
October 9th, 2010
9:39 am
The replays showed that Wagner had hurt himself prior to the pitch, that was bunted.
Also, Glaus fell down on the bunt by Renteria, to avoid running into Wagner.
Also, Brooks Robinson, could not have made a play on the Renteria bunt.
idot
October 9th, 2010
9:41 am
GaCracke……..Do you really think that Cox was not running that game?
Aubrey
October 9th, 2010
9:41 am
Be at Turner Field Sunday!
Go Braves !!
BA
October 9th, 2010
9:45 am
Lester, did you really not know how to spell really
DawgNation
October 9th, 2010
9:46 am
Quote of the season, “It was so quiet at AT&T Park, you could hear a pennant drop”. I am still laughing at that Jeff. Classic write up from the start to the finish.
K Brave
October 9th, 2010
9:46 am
GaCracker, if you know that little about baseball you should not be posting on a baseball blog. Maybe you could find a nice horseshoe throwing blog.
Sandy Springs Nervous Nellie
October 9th, 2010
9:47 am
Schultz couldn’t have said it better. After seeing the score at 4-1, I had to turn off the game and watch a movie. The Braves have worked my nerves all season. I haven’t been able to watch since the last few weeks of the regular season. I had to check the box score this morning and low and behold, one of those miracle come backs! I guess I have no choice but to watch tomorrow. Anything could happen. Who’s our closer now??? I need some valium!
K Brave
October 9th, 2010
9:50 am
Sandy Springs, you just gotta believe. This team has to much heart for you to not believe in them.
just shoot me
October 9th, 2010
9:50 am
somebody just shoot me. after a long day travelling, I went to bed in the 7th…..why would i do that. error on the alpharetta goofball on the sofa.
K Brave
October 9th, 2010
9:50 am
Just sit back and enjoy the ride.
DawgNation
October 9th, 2010
9:52 am
I as well wanted to turn it off at 4-1 and not watch another anemic team get beat but something told me to hang on. Glad I did but I do need to get more blood pressure medicine. I am paying the price now of staying up so late as I can hardly keep my eyes open here at work.
Schultz is cool!
October 9th, 2010
9:52 am
What long strange trip its been..
http://thegeorgiasportsreport.com/
papadawg
October 9th, 2010
9:54 am
Just keep making me eat my words, oh me of little faith. Go Braves
William
October 9th, 2010
9:56 am
Just a quick note to say I’m happy about the outcome of last night’s game with the Giants but to also add that I’m a fan of Rick Ankiel. He has struggled at times this season but his hustle and attitude are extremely admirable. He gives his all in every situation.
There are others who have the same attributes on the Braves’ team but I couldn’t behappier for Rick to hit the game-winning home run last night. Good things seem to always happen to those who give 100% effort.
Lake Burton
October 9th, 2010
9:57 am
Great column Jeff! One of your best. Classic line in “Could hear a pennant drop.” Keep up the good work.
Love the Braves in NC
October 9th, 2010
9:59 am
Excellent article, Jeff…very well written. I am a die-hard Braves fan and could kick myself for falling asleep in the 7th. But what a way to wake up!
Brookhaven Braves Fan
October 9th, 2010
10:05 am
Good article. Captures the feeling of the game nicely. After all the injuries the Braves have had to endure this year, losing Wags was the last straw. It’s getting to the point where we could field an impressive team just using the people we lost on the IR list. Hard to believe this is the same Braves team that appeared headed to the division title in August.
David
October 9th, 2010
10:06 am
This is why you start Troy at third and leave Conrad on the bench. EXPERIENCE over EXPERIMENT. This is not the time to experiment. An experienced third baseman makes that throw to second for the DP every time because he knows he can get them out.
We need to start a twitter trend, people. #STARTTROYGLAUS
GhostMatheson
October 9th, 2010
10:07 am
WOW! what an incredible win. I’m so glad I stayed up to see the finish. It was unbelievable. The Giants have just awakened a sleeping giant in the atlanta braves. What will happen to the phillies if the Braves suddenly get smoking hot all of a sudden. It will be GAME OVER and as I predicted earlier, BOBBY COX will ride off into the sunset or onto that baseball diamond in the sky as he watches his team win the second world series under his zany guidance.
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
10:07 am
BOOBY PLEASE GET THROWN OUT AGAIN!
jc_atl
October 9th, 2010
10:08 am
Can’t believe I watched the whole thing – GO BRAVES!
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
10:09 am
HERE COME THE BANDWAGON JEFF!
WHERE HAVE YOU FAIRWEATHERED FANS BEEN?
Lobosolo
October 9th, 2010
10:11 am
Jeff, you’re such a bandwagon kind of guy ( and still as bad a sportswriter as you were 10 years ago) just like the rest of the jerks on here who change their opinions with every at-bat or pitch… The constant whiners and yourself should have your own blog and have at it with each other, and leave the cheering to the real fans and the writing to Dave O’Brien… You and these poseurs just plain don’t deserve to follow these remarkable Braves…
David
October 9th, 2010
10:11 am
#STARTTROYGLAUS
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
10:12 am
NOW WE NEED MY MAIN MAN HEYWARD TO COME THRU!
GO BRAVES!
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
10:14 am
I SAID START TROY GLAUS FOR THE REST OF THE SERIES AT 3RD BASE!
BUT WATCH BOOBY DO SOMETHING STUPID,REMEMBER THE AST MANAGER PUT TROY AT 3RD,BOOBY WAS IN THE LOCKER ROOM!
papadawg
October 9th, 2010
10:14 am
Ok I’m done, I’m not watching the game until the 8th ining
K Brave
October 9th, 2010
10:14 am
Curse of David Justice, if you knew anything at all about baseball, you would know that it is a tribute to Bobby Cox that this under-manned team has made it this far. The type of grit, determination and heart this team continues to show, that sort of thing starts at the top. It doesn’t just happen.
Also Ashley
October 9th, 2010
10:15 am
Great writing, Jeff!
K Brave
October 9th, 2010
10:17 am
And again, if you knew anything at all you would know BOBBY WAS CALLING THE SHOTS FROM THE TUNNEL. And he got tossed on purpose, reference gme one and that same boneheaded ump that made the call at second. Last night he was at first. You don’t get out much, do you?
dave cullen
October 9th, 2010
10:19 am
Long time Braves fan, but after Hanson threw a first pitch fastball to Burrell (3-0) I said what the H—–! Never watched a full inning of the game after that, and only found out in the AM that I had missed so many fireworks. Congrats!!! Really stinks about Wagner though. Who throws in Game 4??
ShempHoward
October 9th, 2010
10:19 am
Did ya’ll see Santa Glaus’s DOUBLE PLAY? Thank you Troy or I should say thank you Santa for the greatest christmas present ever given!
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
10:20 am
Sunday’s lineup should be the same except w/Diaz in LF.
McLouth came though with a pinch hit way ta go but I still can’t believe some people think he is better than Ankiel.
Dontavius Supremo
October 9th, 2010
10:21 am
When I’m wrong, I’m wrong. It won’t be “3 and out.” But, I am still not optimistic. Maybe I’m a fatalist at heart? GO BRAVES!!!
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
10:23 am
Did anyone hear how far Ankiel’s homer was? I’m guessing 475 ft.
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
10:23 am
BOOBY GOT TOSSED IN THE 2ND AND THE BRAVES WON IN THE 11TH!
Top Recruit
October 9th, 2010
10:26 am
Was that fun to watch! Great plays and clutch hitting. This is what playoff baseball is all about. Why you buy a ticket and get your butt in the stands!
Braves you have a look right now. The dugout was in everyplay. Every player was in every at bat, swing of the bat, ptich, and play. Damn was that great to watch and be a part of .
Play with confidence Braves!
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
10:26 am
So Beachy is starting Monday night (according to ESPN). I guess that’s the best move.
Hunter the Umpire
October 9th, 2010
10:28 am
We the umpires do not make mistakes,we thought we did one time,mistaken thought! You know it all sport fans need to worry about your sorry teams not the umpires because we are perfect!
THE CURSE OF DAVID JUSTICE WILL BE BROKEN THIS YEAR
October 9th, 2010
10:29 am
K-BRAVE IM THE ONE THAT’S BEEN SAYING THAT WE ARE GOING TO WIN THE WORLD SERIES,BOOBY COACHING IS MOST OF THE TIME STUPID,WATCH AND SEE BOOBY CONTINUE TO SIT TROY GLAUS ON THE BENCH INSTEAD OF PUTTING HIM AT 3RD BASE!
I’VE BEEN SAYIING FOR WEEKS THAT WE WILL WIN THE 2010 WORLD SERIES TITLE!
bruce mac
October 9th, 2010
10:29 am
I am telling you those obnoxious Giant fans jinxed Posey and their team with that classless chant about Heyward. I feel a bomb coming from Mr. Heyward Sunday just to finish the job. Never ever ever mess with the baseball Gods. Cheer your team and leave it at that.
F Troop
October 9th, 2010
10:31 am
An unreal game. The only way you could not like that game is if you don’t like baseball. The Braves? Continue to pray for them. That’s the only way they’re getting this thing done, cause it just doesn’t make sense on paper. The numbers, the bodies, the look – just isn’t adding up. But whaddya know. Tied 1-1 coming home. PRAY!!!!!
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
10:33 am
I feel a bomb coming from Heyward too.
Dawgcatcher
October 9th, 2010
10:34 am
i. It was a goodbye blast from Bobby Cox, combined with the spirit of the legs of Sid Breem, the spirit of the miraculous hit of Francisco Cabrera and the unbelievable homerun spirit of David Justice in game 6 of the 1995 World Series( with the teams tied 0-0 in the 9th.) GO BRAVES may the dawgs rest in peace
MarkRicht
October 9th, 2010
10:37 am
Whatever they are smoking, I need for my dead dawgs
Francisco Cabrera
October 9th, 2010
10:39 am
I can’t believe they haven’t called me and Sid Breem back for the playoffs
Sports Blog Atlanta
October 9th, 2010
10:41 am
Why is it a surprise that Wilson came in for a two inning save? He had twelve of them this season! The surprise is that Wilson had 48 saves this season. He has one pitch and he throws it in one location (fastball away). A patient team – like the one the Braves can be – should expose him easily.
drowningboy
October 9th, 2010
10:42 am
Gnats are toast. See why:
http://slumwords.wordpress.com/2010/10/09/put-the-pom-poms-away-the-partys-over/
Connie Holcombe
October 9th, 2010
10:50 am
Jeff, your article said it all just as I was feeling when watching it!! Who knew and what a great game for sure! Now lets hope they can carry the magic home for a some wins. Great job and Go Braves!
EricT
October 9th, 2010
10:51 am
Hey guys don’t forget about Clutch Conrad’s bunt to move the guys over in the eighth inning! That was huge!
GO BRAVES! Lets WIN the WORLD SERIES for BOBBY!
Flatsdawg1
October 9th, 2010
10:51 am
I think this is the best win EVER for the franchise. It says, we can win against anyone, anytime, no matter who’s playing or not playing.They totally deflated the Giants in this game. We have the momentum now. Congrats on an unbelievable win. I haven’t felt like this since Sid Bream slid into home plate.
EricT
October 9th, 2010
10:53 am
Oh yeah like some one else said PRAY!
htownbravesfan
October 9th, 2010
10:53 am
As much as I loved Glaus’ play last night, the Braves cannot take a chance on playing him at third base and give a struggling Giants offense a weak point to attack (they could bunt us silly). Conrad looks shaky in the field, and his pitch selection is highly questionable at the plate. With a lefty going for the Giants tomorrow, I wouldn’t be shocked to see Hernandez at third or second. Finally, there’s no way Melky Cabrera should see the field in a starting capacity again. His bat looks as slow as he is fat. How on earth did this guy hit twenty plus home runs last year? Short porch or not in Yankee Stadium down the lines, you still have to pull the ball to hit it out!
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
10:54 am
Come on Reds, at least win 2 at home.
htownbravesfan
October 9th, 2010
10:59 am
By the way, people can rag on the game of baseball all they want, but there is absolutely NOTHING better than playoff baseball. For a fan the tension on every pitch is unreal. The Super Bowl, March Madness, The Masters, and any other you can think of do not match the intensity of October.
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
11:00 am
Melky hit 13 last year and that was because of new Yankee stadium. Everybody was hitting them out.
ijudgenot
October 9th, 2010
11:01 am
Great come back by the Braves.
Did everyone catch the confirmation by the dugout announcer that it was Cox who was behind the Escobar trade and not Wren. He said Cox did not think Escobar was a right fit for the clubhouse. We all thought that but were not sure. Escobar has a ton of talent but he wanted out of Atlanta and let his play reflect that. Whether it was Cox’s subborness or his immaturrity it was time for a change.
SaganRand
October 9th, 2010
11:04 am
Phillies fan here: can you all feel it, way down low in your gut? That feeling, that ‘knowing’, no matter what you do to scratch out a win or two against an inferior overrated west div team, eventually your old friends will be rested and waiting for you at Citizens Bank Park. Lol, enjoy your silly little endeavors against the feared Giants and we’ll see you in a week or so when you finish up with them.
P Rose
October 9th, 2010
11:11 am
“It was so quiet at AT&T Park, you could hear a pennant drop.” Best line ever, Schultz!
double
October 9th, 2010
11:13 am
Just proud Glaus could hobble for the failed out, with the bunt,then begin and be part of a great play outs.
Seriously??
October 9th, 2010
11:16 am
A miracle?? Baseball teams come back from 4 runs down all the time. It’s a bit over dramatic, don’t you think?
Ted M
October 9th, 2010
11:20 am
Holy Cow – The Reds made 4 errors yesterday. Is it possible someone is worse with the glove then the Braves?
Eric C.
October 9th, 2010
11:29 am
@seriously?? you missed the point, look at the line-up and the Giants pitching…we aren’t talking about the Reds and Phillies
jc_dawgs
October 9th, 2010
11:29 am
No Prado…no Chipper…no Medlin…no JJ…no Wagner….
and this team just keeps finding a way to get it done.
Incredible!
heartofdarkness
October 9th, 2010
11:43 am
This Braves season is like one of those Robert Rodriquez movies, with Danny Trejo hitting the home runs.
Wonderdawg
October 9th, 2010
11:44 am
“It was so quiet at AT&T Park, you could hear a pennant drop.”
Best line ever.
Sid
October 9th, 2010
11:45 am
Come on home boys, great job…………!!!
SEC FAN>
October 9th, 2010
11:56 am
This is the worst-best team I can remember:) Our lineup is so weak they are fun to watch..GO Bravos’
Supes
October 9th, 2010
11:57 am
Trash from a Phillies fan? Really? You are LUCKY to be going up 2-0 u TROLL, the Reds gift wrapped it for you with their 4 errors in the game. They pretty much SPANKED you in that game and you enjoy your GIFT victory. Go ahead, underestimate the Reds…it’ll be great when they take u to game 5.
Also, Braves aren’t going Beachy in game 4, going Lowe on 3 days rest. Book it. Lowe’s been excellent and has the experience, Bobby isn’t going to a rookie in that situation and Lowe’s been lobbying for the start as well.
Lets pack the Ted for games 3 and 4 and show everyone we are BRAVES COUNTRY!
Hunter the Umpire
October 9th, 2010
12:01 pm
We umpires never make mistake,if you disagree I will throw you out! Your sorry team is to blame,we have God status on the ball field and we exercise our authority!
BeerDawg
October 9th, 2010
12:03 pm
SaganRand, you’re right. IF the Braves beat the Giants, the Phillies will be heavily favored (as they should be with that lineup). For that reason, the Braves are playing with house money with NOTHING TO LOSE…..If the Phillies lose against the Braves, the Red Sea will part. Just remember, 17-0 New England lost to the Giants. Anything is possible, especially with these Braves…..
N
October 9th, 2010
12:05 pm
Umm — they are much more then alive…they are in the drivers seat with home field advantage now.
walt kovacs
October 9th, 2010
12:05 pm
long suffering giants fan here
what bochy did last night was not surprising…we have been forced to watch his incompetence for 3 years now.
bobby cox is the manager he is because he really knows his teams…and gets the best out of them
bruce bochy is the manager he is (0 series wins…losing overall record) because he kicks back and waits for things to happen…and when they dont, goes into panic mode
the giants are a small ball team, that dont know how to play small ball
they got by this season, by having one of the best rotations in the majors..a solid pen and good d
yet, in the biggest game of their season bochy feared using his pen…and the d fell apart.
the latter did not have to happen…sandoval should not have played last night…and at the least, should have been lifted for fontenot when nate was inserted in right.
oh wait…bochy did remove pablo…when it was too late..in a double switch…and then took out fontenot a half inning later for edgar to ph….thereby making sure that the only guy left on the bench was whiteside
never mind that in his entire career….wilson has never gotten a 6 out save….never gotten a save started in the 8th with men on and no out….dont care how rested he is….dont care how much confidence the skip has in him….there is an entire rested pen…with 4 other guys who are better at inducing ground ball dps
and what farnsworth and glaus did was no miracle…posey was playing with bruised ribs…thanks to fat panda not calling him off in the first, leading to the collision….he could not elevate the ball…and the giants are the slowest team in the majors
for any other team…that isnt a dp…run scores…game over
no miracles last nite…just poor management and play by the giants
BeerDawg
October 9th, 2010
12:07 pm
Just so damned proud of this team, to win 91 games with THAT lineup!!! With all the adversity this team has gone thru, this year has been a tremendous success, no matter what happens the rest of the playoffs.
For all you Wren haters, Lee, Glaus, Gonzalez, Ankiel…..they won you last nights game
TOMAHAWK!
October 9th, 2010
12:07 pm
Smoltz announces some of the playoff games on TBS. Too bad he’s probably not allowed to announce the Braves postseason games. He would have been awesome to listen to last night….he would have been jumping up and down, screaming like all of us on national television.
That game was unbelievable. I was on the verge of heart failure! And to go from feeling so down and really wanting to give up on them, the kind of miracle we all dream of REALLY happened! WOW!!!
Barkin'Dog
October 9th, 2010
12:10 pm
Gatorman
October 9th, 2010 9:05 am
I take nothing away from Ankiel’s effort and the big home run. However, unless he continues to get hit, it only proves the “blind hog sometimes finds the acorns”.
Leave it to a gator fan to get this famous phrase wrong… and I’ve seen it more than twice the last 2 days. It’s “Blind Squirrel,” you nimwit!
Now why don’t you Braves antagonists “make like a tree and hit the road.”
Bob
October 9th, 2010
12:12 pm
This was a good article, thank you Jeff.
Barkin'Dog
October 9th, 2010
12:18 pm
walt kovacs – quit raining on our parade! Come back to read out blogs when the Braves get behind again… you’ll take delight in all of the bile and venom most posters write about anything and everything Cox or Wren, or whoever’s playing. It’s so repulsive, comical. But, today, they’re all here glowing and proud – lot’s of 2-faced people in this sports town.
That being said, I’m happy to be celebrating another improbable win – especially the way it happened. Welcome back to ‘The Ted’ Bravos…congrats for the big finish last night. Now… let’s win this series!
Barkin'Dog
October 9th, 2010
12:20 pm
SaganRand – go choke on a cheesesteak!
beachcomber
October 9th, 2010
12:24 pm
Some statistics say we have the second or third best pen in the majors. But a whole season of watching our guys says otherwise. Great job! .
Connie
October 9th, 2010
12:27 pm
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David
October 9th, 2010
12:39 pm
“It was so quiet at AT&T Park, you could hear a pennant drop.”
- Nice one Jeff.
Jamie G.
October 9th, 2010
12:45 pm
“It was so quiet at AT&T Park, you could hear a pennant drop.”
JEFF SCHULTZ!
::hug::
Mongoose
October 9th, 2010
12:47 pm
I’ve got the perfect nickname for the 2010 Braves. Not only does it fit them, it fits October and the Halloween season, too.
THE ZOMBIES
You think they’re dead, and then suddenly they rise up from their graves and BITE you!
GO BRAVES!
Thumbody Thed That's Thupid!
October 9th, 2010
1:41 pm
Watching replay on MLB now, after only 4 hrs. sleep last night, and just noticed something. In the 8th when Gonzalez hit that double, it sure looks like that ball would have gone into the stands if it had not hit that fans glove just slightly. Don’t know if both runs would have been allowed or not. Whatever, that evens it up for the bad call in the first game. It’s just as sweet watching it now. The looks on the fans faces? PRICELESS!!
Buck Shaffer
October 9th, 2010
1:44 pm
How does Bobby get this message? Start Glaus at third. Start Omar at second. Play Hinske. You have enough bench to substitute for defense late in the game. Give these guys an opportunity to hit.
Sweet old Buck
Ghost of Gil Garrido
October 9th, 2010
1:44 pm
“It was so quiet at AT&T Park, you could hear a pennant drop.”
A CLASSIC line. Congrats.
Bill Donohoo
October 9th, 2010
1:58 pm
Wife is in NY, son in Birmingham-we are texting back and forth, daughter in DC, wakes up to see Ankiel’s HR. What a night.
Nice for Ankiel and Farnsworth.
Dan
October 9th, 2010
2:17 pm
One of your best columns yet! “You could hear a pennant drop” is priceless. I’ll remember that for a long long time.
miranda007
October 9th, 2010
2:23 pm
lets go braves!!! THE PHILS ARE ROOTIN 4 YA!!! COULDNT IMAGINE AN EASIER OPPONENT IN THE NLCS ESPECIALLY AFTER FACING REALLY GOOD DODGER TEAMS THE LAST 2 YEARS
Ken Stallings
October 9th, 2010
2:23 pm
Last night the Braves did to the Giants what so often other teams did to a favored Braves team in postseason.
It was without question the most satisfying Braves postseason victory except for the Game 6 win against the Indians! And in terms of drama, was even better than that one!
The Braves have a real chance now to meet the Phillies in the NLCS.
miranda007
October 9th, 2010
2:28 pm
the mmouths on you braves fans are horrible…EVEN AFTER THE PHILS SPANK YOU OVER AND OVER YOU ACT UP AND DISRESPECT THE PHILS…DISGUSTING!!
miranda007
October 9th, 2010
2:29 pm
What defines “real chance” to beat the phils??? just being on the same field??? cuz thats bout it…. the phils smashed you 6 games in a row and we didnt even care bout the last 3 games
JeanE
October 9th, 2010
2:34 pm
I stayed up to the very end, but I thought when Farnsy loaded the bases, it’s over. Here we go. Wrong! I absolutely love this team, they somehow pull off miracles when by all rights, they shouldn’t. A wonderful group of guys that are a pleasure to root for (now that Yunel is gone) and a joy to watch when they win. Congratulations Braves, now come home to your fans and keep winning!!!
JeanE
October 9th, 2010
2:41 pm
This Braves team has no real superstars right now: Chipper is out, Jason is a star in the making but hasn’t been hitting lately, others were stars but considered “past their prime” but that’s what makes a miracle win like last night’s so special! However, I think Bobby was still calling the shots from behind the scenes, wasn’t he? Although it was strange for him to all of a sudden put Troy in for defense when he hasn’t previously. I loved it! Troy stumbled because the grass was wet…Go Braves, we love you guys!!!
gcs
October 9th, 2010
3:00 pm
Giants were Rick Roll’d!
Anyone know how far Ankiel’s homerun went?
.
BaseballBuff
October 9th, 2010
3:21 pm
This is what it is all about. Way to go Bravos. By losing our closer, though, the road ahead has become even harder to navigate.
Antonio Gramsci
October 9th, 2010
3:35 pm
Young phenom pitcher gets sidetracked, comes back a decade later with a key playoff homerun as an outfielder…
That crap only happens in the movies, right?
para brave
October 9th, 2010
3:42 pm
Ankiel, Farnsworth and Glaus Oh My!
joseph
October 9th, 2010
3:48 pm
I have been a Braves fan for 30 years, and I’ve NEVER been more proud of a team than this! I would like to name this team the “Rocky Balboias of the MLB. Go Braves!
H2O
October 9th, 2010
3:53 pm
Nice win. Hope to see you in Philly!
boots
October 9th, 2010
3:54 pm
Playoffs make unlikely heros. If Glaus doesn’t turn the DP and the run scores, we scream about him not throwing home. But he does turn it, the door is open for Ankiel, and he delivers. Magical baseball moment. The loss of Wagner hurts big, but it sets the table for someone else to step out of the shadows and make believers of us again.
Bobby Colton
October 9th, 2010
4:18 pm
Great article! Great double play. That is perhaps the biggest double play in Braves history. So happy for this team and for Braves Country!!!!!!!!!!
vermont 39
October 9th, 2010
4:56 pm
Nothing will stop us when we get to the NLCS…when destiny is on your side … all you have to do is your part…no more no less…the Phils do NOT want to face us…I hope one of those smarmy knuckleheads reads this…GO BRAVES
Aaronfan
October 9th, 2010
5:08 pm
Miranda007: You are so right. The Phillies did not even care about the last three regular games. In fact, they tried everything they could do to “give” the last game to the Braves and almost succeeded even when they didn’t want to succeed. But just wait: Let the Braves fans feel good now because BC is going to do the same thing he has been doing for 20 years: He will snatch defeat from the jaws of victory! I remember the Padres vs Braves championship series when Greg Maddux was put in as a closer. Everyone was so excited and wasn’t Cox smart to use Maddux as the closer in order to win? The Braves won that night and the game came back to Atlanta for the final game. And what does Cox do? He puts in his second team so the guys who were hitting in San Diego could rest. Or was it a righty/lefty pitching thingy? Who knows why Cox blunders so much? Of course the Padres won. He’s considered one of the best managers because he really is a motivational speaker or a father figure and the players want to make him proud of them. Chipper said as much last week: “I’ve been trying to make you proud of me for 20 years.” A baseball coach, he is not. Cox could have “hollered” about Buster Posey being out Thursday night, yet, the manager who has been ejected more than any other manager, was silent. Why?
Nonetheless, I am happy for Ankiel, Glaus and Farnsworth. They needed to do good because they have messed up so much and so bad. But now, they can be happy, and I am glad for them. However, I would really like to know where are the HRs that Heyward used to make in Spring Training when he was breaking everybody’s car windshields and mirrors. Haven’t seen any of that lately.
Hunter the Umpire
October 9th, 2010
5:45 pm
You fans get so excited and we will take the game and series from you! SO chill!
Bob
October 9th, 2010
6:07 pm
As a life long Braves fan, I cannot recall a team with more determination that this years team. As good as all of the teams were when the Braves won the division titles, and they were great teams, I don’t know if that they had the same grit – never quit – attitude as this years team. If they had, I think they would have won a lot more World Series championships. There are not too many teams that could have lost as many key players as the Braves did down the stretch and still make the playoffs. No matter what they do the rest of the way…….it’s been a great year of baseball for the Braves. This is a team with a lot of youth and promise so this could just the beginning of the Braves being back on top!!!! GO BRAVES!!!!!
nashvillewill
October 9th, 2010
6:27 pm
Last night was a near miracle. Moving forward: I am concerned, though less so now, about Heyward’s approach at the plate, his preparedness, his lunging; I remain concerned, though less so now, about the fielding at 3B and 2B and LF and C. The overall defense saved game 2 and cost game 1. Lee is outstanding at 1B and saves many errors from the other IF’s. I am not overly concerned about Wagner’s loss. Kimbrel is unhittable; Venters seems to be regaining mid-season form, though appears tired; Dunn is solid. Farnsworth may even be ok. If we hit we’ll be ok.
dawg4u
October 9th, 2010
6:30 pm
It is amazing how similar the Braves and Giants are. They both need two or three more bats in the lineup and rely on starting pitching. The Giants do have better defense but maybe not quite as good of a bullpen. Their defense is much better than ours plus their starters are slightly better also. Our problem is that we have both the worst offense and defense of any team in the playoffs – not a good combination. The Braves need to win the next two in ATL because if it goes back to SF, then I don’t like our chances at all. Who else is going to get hurt on this team. Whoever wins this series will be short work for the Phillies. Go Bravos!
Katherine
October 9th, 2010
8:27 pm
miranda007
October 9th, 2010
2:28 pm
the mmouths on you braves fans are horrible…EVEN AFTER THE PHILS SPANK YOU OVER AND OVER YOU ACT UP AND DISRESPECT THE PHILS…DISGUSTING!!
That is rich coming from you miranda the guy…you did nothing but bad mouth the braves and their fans the entire game friday night……..you are the one who is disgusting…why should braves fans be respectful of philly fans who vomit on people, throw batteries at people, and are just gross?
jc_dawgs
October 10th, 2010
1:47 am
Miranda007…I sure hope for your sake…the Phils do well. Because if they dont…your going to have so much crow to eat that the minute you take a big ole dump…your stools will be sprouting wings and flying off!
NYC Already Planning Yankees World Series Parade [Video] | MMC-NEWS
October 10th, 2010
5:12 am
[...] • Remember when Rick Ankiel got paid to throw like Florida Gov. Charlie Crist? Or, did an 11th inning playoff homer, which ostensibly saved the Braves’ season, clear the slate? [Atlanta Journal Constitution] [...]
LarryHoward
October 10th, 2010
9:14 am
After watching the miracle on 57th street (Braves win), we have come up with a 3-step formula for their success. #1:Bobby Cox gets thrown out; #2:allow the other team to build up a big lead; #3:bring in the Glass Slipper (Troy Glaus) late in the game for defensive purposes. Then when your relief pitcher comes in (Farnsworth) have him either hit batsman or walk batters to load the basses before turning into defensive junkies, sweeping up the runners by getting double and triple plays to close out the game. WOW — WHAT A WINNING FORMULA
There’s no reason to believe Braves’ journey will end soon | Jeff Schultz
October 10th, 2010
4:17 pm
[...] ♦ This Braves’ comeback was season’s greatest miracle of all [...]
NYC Already Planning Yankees World Series Parade [Video] | MMC-NEWS
October 11th, 2010
12:03 am
[...] • Remember when Rick Ankiel got paid to throw like Florida Gov. Charlie Crist? Or, did an 11th inning playoff homer, that evidently saved a Braves’ season, transparent a slate? [Atlanta Journal Constitution] [...]
pcb mike
October 14th, 2010
11:09 am
Good luck Freddy, the right man for the job. If the Braves ownership will kick in some money to get us a couple of power hitters, (they can afford it, we have the second richest owner in baseball), we can be a top contender next season.