BRAVES LIVE: Chipper to test knee, hopes to avoid surgery
Chipper Jones is hoping to avoid knee surgery, which would lead him to miss road trip.
(UPDATED: Noon.)
The Chipper Jones medical watch begins in earnest today.
Jones is in the lineup for this afternoon’s game against Houston after missing the last two games with a slight tear in the meniscus cartilage in his right knee. Whether he joins the Braves on their seven-game road trip after today depends on how the knee holds up. Manager Fredi Gonzalez didn’t seem overly concerned after batting practice, but the bottom line is that if Jones’ knee bothers him during the game, there’s a chance he’ll skip the road trip and stay home to have arthroscopic surgery.
“From what I know of that type of injury, you can play with it and you can’t hurt it any more,” Gonzalez said.
Jones and Heyward are back in lineup today.
Translation: Even if the small tear turns into a larger tear, the surgery and rehabilitation would be the same.
Is this worry time? Not yet. Jones was limited to 95 games last season after suffering a torn left ACL. This is only a small tear in the other knee. He received a cortisone shot on Sunday, when he was a late scratch in the series finale against Philadelphia, and said it feels a lot better. If the knee flares up in today’s game, he’ll have arthroscopic surgery and likely miss two to three weeks.
Jones said his knee is mostly irritated when he bats right handed, which he would be doing today against the Astros.
“Right handed is what has irritated it up until this point for the past month,” he said. “There’s not a better time to [test] it than now. We have a lefty today. We’ll know today, probably after the game whether I stay home and have the surgery or go on the road with the club.
“I would rather go out there and test it off a lefty than go out on the road on the West Coast and find out it’s not OK and fly all the way back and get surgery. I’d much rather get it out of the way today. I woke up this morning feeling better than I have in a month. Strap it up and find out.”
Jason Heyward also is back in the lineup today. Here’s the lineup: Martin Prado (7), Heyward (9), Jones (5), Dan Uggla (4), Eric Hinske (3), David Ross (2), Alex Gonzalez (8), Nate McLouth (8) and Derek Lowe (1). Brian McCann is being rested. Gonzalez also wanted to keep Hinske’s bat in the lineup.
By Jeff Schultz
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206 comments Add your comment
Bschro3000
May 17th, 2011
11:36 am
First? And … no …
Herschel Talker
May 17th, 2011
11:40 am
FIRE MARK RICHT
Chipper just needs to retire and go hunting with Bobby. We need new, young blood.
PMC
May 17th, 2011
11:41 am
They probably need to just let him rest for a while whether it feels good or not. They need him for the long haul, not out hurting this knee more by numbing it with cortizone. Maybe he could be available for a pinch hit if needed, but playing whole games right now is just not a good idea.
Danny O
May 17th, 2011
11:47 am
Chipper’s health is always a concern, but he and the Braves have done a pretty good job most years of managing it. Even though he rarely tops 500 AB in recent years, I’ll take that when you’re talking about one of the smartest hitters in the game.
Anybody seen The Count?
Chipper Jones / Jones (knee) is in the Braves’ lineup Tuesday against the Astros, | Sporty Twits
May 17th, 2011
11:58 am
[...] Today Chipper Jones to test knee today, surgery still an option Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) Chipper Jones is hoping to avoid knee surgery, which would lead [...]
markie mark
May 17th, 2011
12:01 pm
With Prado available, its good to have options. Prado is an excellent replacement when Chipper is out, but I love having both their hitting and fielding skills on the field at the same time.
markie mark
May 17th, 2011
12:02 pm
Jeff, does Chipper get enough love from the National Media that covers baseball to be a first ballot HOF’er? I know he deserves it with his record, but will he get it?
rc35
May 17th, 2011
12:07 pm
I just voted for the All-Star team, and in checking stats, noted that Chipper is right up there in offensive statistics. He’s also fifth among Braves in AB’s, so I wouldn’t characterize that as a high degree of fragility. I hope he has a great game today, and just wish I could be there to see it.
Bravo Dawg
May 17th, 2011
12:11 pm
FIRE HERSCHEL TALKER
This team needs Chipper… for the long haul. A torn meniscus does not heal itself. Get the knee cleaned up and see you back in two weeks. You are a HOF’er and we will take you when we get you.
Ken Stallings
May 17th, 2011
12:17 pm
From everything I have seen, every member of the baseball media openly says Chipper is a Hall of Fame player, most saying he is a lock for first ballot. He is one of the most respected players in baseball, by the players, managers, fans, and media. This is due not only to his production on the field, but also by his very straightforward manner in answering questions and interacting with the fans.
We aren’t going to know what we are missing with him until we are missing him — and I don’t mean for the few games he is out on DTD or DL basis. But, when we start a season knowing he won’t be there, then we will know what we are missing.
Bottomline assessment: in terms of players who started their playing careers in Atlanta, Chipper Jones is the single best position player in the history of the Braves franchise! He ranks equally with other such Atlanta Braves luminaries as Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine in terms of putting the Braves on the lofty pedestal they earned under Bobby Cox in the 1990’s to 21st century.
Of all the players in the history of the Braves at any time, I would only put Hank Aaron and Warren Spahn ahead of those five players I just mentioned — all of whom will be in the Hall of Fame to join the immortal two who are already there, among the many others who wore the Braves uniform who are also already there.
Chief pitchanono
May 17th, 2011
12:24 pm
Yeah if there is any question get this prodecedure done and over with (while Hinske’s bat is hot!!) We need Chipper most come September/October its keeping him healthy untill then thats the trick. I think he’s been playing too much anyway and needs to pace himself a little more. Go Braves!!
phil
May 17th, 2011
12:27 pm
markie mark
May 17th, 2011
12:02 pm
“Jeff, does Chipper get enough love from the National Media that covers baseball to be a first ballot HOF’er? I know he deserves it with his record, but will he get it?”
Probably not…I’ve brought this up here before. If you listen to the ESPN folks, you often here them express doubt, for whatever incomprehensible reasons, about Chipper….I swear, if he hit 45 hrs this year and knocked in 150 runs, he would still be slighted….
I was hoping he could somehow stay healthy and drive in 100 runs this year, thereby making his case a lot harder for them to all poo poo…..hope won’t get it though….
Aj
May 17th, 2011
12:30 pm
If Chipper can go…so be it— after all who has done more for Braves in last 20 years.
Truth
May 17th, 2011
12:30 pm
Why bash Chipper?
He is 39 years old with bad knees and still is out producing 20s year olds.
i would take Chipper anyday over all the Braves hitters with the exception of Prado
phil
May 17th, 2011
12:31 pm
Ken Stallings – excellent post….hoping you’re right about the good media folks! i agree completely he’s a first ballot inductee, but I do worry that the steroid talk might catch up with him, no matter how unfounded….
o-my
May 17th, 2011
12:35 pm
well said Phil. agree 110%
Steve
May 17th, 2011
12:35 pm
Jeff, is it OK to admit that I am extremely jealous that you get to be at the ballpark on this beautiful day watching the hometown team while I sit in my office cube all day without even a window view?
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
12:37 pm
I thought the plan at the beginning of the year was for Chipper to play a few days and then rest a few days so his body would be healthy for the whole season.
Harris
May 17th, 2011
12:39 pm
chipper is done. he’ll play hurt some but that will not help the offense. you can’t play with bad knees and other ailing parts. just put him on the bench as a pinch hitter
PMC
May 17th, 2011
12:39 pm
He’s one of the top 5 switch hitters of all time. He’s a HOF lock.
clay
May 17th, 2011
12:39 pm
chipper is one of the only ones that was not on steriods during the big steriod era
Steve
May 17th, 2011
12:43 pm
Harris, too bad you don’t know or follow baseball. Chipper is “done” yet leads all NL 3rd basemen in RBI’s?
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
12:48 pm
Steve — Yes, it is fair to be jealous. Every job has good days and bad days. This is one of the good days.
ATLfan15
May 17th, 2011
12:49 pm
@phil, 12:27pm: good comment about ESPN announcers, could also apply to a couple of the MLB guys too. last night, Bobby Valentine said that he has nightmares about Chipper coming to the plate…considering what CJ did to the Mets at Shea all those years, i’d say Bobby’s memory is spot on.
@PMC: Chipper is one of the top THREE switch-hitters of all time. Murray, Mantle…and Chipper!
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
12:49 pm
Markie Mark — (on whether Chipper is first ballot HOFer). I think so. But far be it for me to crawl into minds of some of the HOF voters.
ATLfan15
May 17th, 2011
12:49 pm
what a gorgeous day! i hate not being at the ballpark for the businessfan’s special.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
12:50 pm
Looks like it will be an extremely light crowd. More of you folks need to play hooky.
nique
May 17th, 2011
12:50 pm
Good move to give Freeman a break for Hinske. This might be a crazy question, but if batting right handed is causing the knee to flare up, why not bat left handed until it’s clearly healed up? I get that he’s not used to seeing a lefty pitcher batting left handed but he’s a HOF’er – how bad could he be with that approach?
Branchise
May 17th, 2011
1:00 pm
Ey Steve, is jordan schafer an option if chipper goes down for a while
Phil
May 17th, 2011
1:02 pm
Steroids and injuries go hand in hand!
Branchise
May 17th, 2011
1:03 pm
Ey Jeff, is jordan schafer an option if chipper goes down for a while
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
1:10 pm
Branchise — Prado would come in and play third so I guess it’s possible they’d call up an outfielder and go with Schafer, but not sure if he’d be first choice.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
May 17th, 2011
1:10 pm
Chip Carey with screwup #1 already calling the Red Sox manager Tito. Shouldnt he by now know the names? Its Terry, Skip! LOL!
lanier
May 17th, 2011
1:11 pm
what is it with all these Lastros constantly spittin. even the manager does. they never stop.
if it keeps up at this rate the field is going to become unplayable
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
1:13 pm
Lowcountry — Pretty sure “Tito” is Terry Francona’s nickname.
Todd
May 17th, 2011
1:14 pm
They talk so much about getting chipper and heyward back but watch them get beat today with them. i say rest them until they lose
Dr. Phil
May 17th, 2011
1:14 pm
Tito was the dad who played for the Braves a while back in the 60’s. Tito was pretty good. I wonder what he is doing now.
AdirondackDave
May 17th, 2011
1:21 pm
Ken Stallings — I agree with you on your points about Chipper, what he means to the Braves, and his place in franchise history. I would add this. A week or so ago, I decided to take a look at Chipper’s place among the all-time switch-hitters. Did a pretty thorough, side by side, analysis of Chipper, Mickey Mantle, and Eddie Murray. I don’t have the sheets in front of me to lay them out here but the overall bottom line indicated the Mantle was still number one but Chipper, who still has some numbers to add, is already ahead of Murray as number 2 on the all-time switchhitter list. It is unlikely, but still quite possible if his health holds up, that Chipper could reach or nearly reach Mickey. Eddie Murray, was a very fine, consistent hitter for 20 years who benefited from a long and healthy career. Mickey and Chipper have both been significantly slowed by those problematic pins among other injuries. First ballot HOF for Chipper is a no-brainer when you look at all the comparative numbers.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
1:22 pm
Dr. Phil — My all time favorite Tito is Tito Fuentes. Mostly w/Giants and Padres.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
1:24 pm
Chipper looks strong in field. His at-bat he failed to hold up swing and K’d.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
1:27 pm
After that single, Hinske now 9-22 (/409) on the homestand. I’m no expert, but I think that’s pretty good.
Bill
May 17th, 2011
1:35 pm
RIP Harmon Killebrew…one great player and one great person!
Bill
May 17th, 2011
1:36 pm
On Schafer I think the Braves would go with rh bat..3 other OF doing better in most aspects of game but JS is doing alot better.
RJ in KS
May 17th, 2011
1:37 pm
Jeff, has there been any discussion of balancing the unbalanced schedule? From a fan perspective, I’d like to see a bit more of the rest of the NL rather than the steady diet of the Phils, the Fish, Nats and Mets.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
1:40 pm
Jordan Schafer: 36 games, .254, 1 HR, 19 RBI, .299 OBP. Not good enough to merit a callup.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
1:42 pm
RJ in KS — Fans have always wanted a more balanced schedule, whereas baseball tries to build division rivalries. I’ve heard of no plans to change the current setup. But I’m with you.
Bill
May 17th, 2011
1:45 pm
I didn’t say he didn’t merit callup..Jeff, but have at it… I was looking at hrs. TB and k’s etc and RH hitter. Mather was not that good and was called up…but you the boss.
Tron5000
May 17th, 2011
1:46 pm
Really hope Chip doesn’t have to miss any more time (Jones, not Caray…he can take a break), but I picked up Hinske in my fantasy league just in case. We need all hands on deck.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
1:47 pm
Bill — I’m certainly NOT the boss. … I’m just not sure what their mindset is on Schafer now. I’m guessing they want to get him as many ABs as possible in minors and get his average/confidence up before he’s brought back. Mather can be an up-and-down guy between minors/majors but they’d rather Schafer not be that.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
1:48 pm
There has been a single in five of the six half-innings — and that’s the only semi-interesting thing I have to report so far.
Tron5000
May 17th, 2011
1:52 pm
Make that 6 out of 7, Jeff.
Watkinsville Hound
May 17th, 2011
1:56 pm
Derek Lowe’s got 99 problems, but a pitch ain’t one.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:00 pm
Chipper not looking good at plate so far.
Sarah Palin
May 17th, 2011
2:00 pm
Who are the Braves? Anyway, Donald Trump is my hero.
htownbravesfan
May 17th, 2011
2:03 pm
I’ve said this many times on this site, but this is the last. Anyone who thinks Chipper isn’t a Hall of Famer is an idiot. It’s funny how I hear some of you morons ridicule players when they sit with nagging injuries, but you do the same to Chipper for trying to play through them. I’ve never seen him do anything else but hustle his ass off on every play for this franchise, and I’m sure he’ll do the same until he plays his last play. Enjoy him while you can, because players of his caliber only come along every so often. Who was the last position player the Braves had that put up his numbers? Hank Aaron! And the hammer hasn’t been in his prime for over 40 years! This doesn’t mean you’re no longer my idol, Murph.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:03 pm
Third double play of day … lifeless game offensively so far …. good day to drink beer. Just sayin’.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:08 pm
HtownBravesFan — Well said.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:09 pm
Error Gonzales. Teams all tied at 3 hits and 1 error, for those keeping score at home.
Tron5000
May 17th, 2011
2:10 pm
I like how the Braves wear their sunglasses on the back of their hats so as not to block the team logo.
1991Braves
May 17th, 2011
2:11 pm
Maybe you could write a blog about some of the other braves players. Get so sick of reading about Larry Jones and everyday if he can play or not. This guy needs to retire and free up some of that big salary he is making. Would love to hear about the 3 stud relievers that pitch in the 7th,8th&9th innings. Or maybe write about Prado, and Hinske, to hell with crybaby Larry Jones and his thumbnail, or his upset stomach.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:11 pm
So far only baserunner in game to get to second base was Jason Heyward (single and stolen base in first).
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:13 pm
By the way that was only Gonzalez’ second error in 188 chances.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:16 pm
1991Braves– You probably won’t want to read my column off this game. And for what’s it’s worth, I’ve written about everybody on this team.
phil
May 17th, 2011
2:16 pm
No surprise that we can’t get the ball out of the infield….it’s been our mantra all season with the ocassional exception. Pitching is carrying us, but Lowedown is bound to break down here shortly….
phil
May 17th, 2011
2:18 pm
1991 Braves – What the heck is wrong with you? Go yell at your neighbor…
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:19 pm
It’s time for the Tool Race. This might be first time in a while I pay attention.
phil
May 17th, 2011
2:19 pm
htownbravesfan
May 17th, 2011
2:03 pm
I’ve said this many times on this site, but this is the last. Anyone who thinks Chipper isn’t a Hall of Famer is an idiot. It’s funny how I hear some of you morons ridicule players when they sit with nagging injuries, but you do the same to Chipper for trying to play through them. I’ve never seen him do anything else but hustle his ass off on every play for this franchise, and I’m sure he’ll do the same until he plays his last play. Enjoy him while you can, because players of his caliber only come along every so often. Who was the last position player the Braves had that put up his numbers? Hank Aaron! And the hammer hasn’t been in his prime for over 40 years! This doesn’t mean you’re no longer my idol, Murph.
Well said.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:20 pm
Paint Brush won. But he cheated. Knocked over the drill.
phil
May 17th, 2011
2:21 pm
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:19 pm
“It’s time for the Tool Race. This might be first time in a while I pay attention.”
Sorry you have to be there with the other 200 folks to witness this Braves hitting debacle….I’m sure Uggla and his .200 average will save us….he DOES hit one homer each week….
phil
May 17th, 2011
2:22 pm
Can the paint brush hit a baseball?
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:22 pm
Lowe and top of order coming up for Braves.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:23 pm
Correction on earlier comment: Barmes doubled for Astros in 2nd and therefore obviously reached second.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:26 pm
BASE RUNNER!!!!!! … I don’t know if I can take this.
journalist jimmy smith
May 17th, 2011
2:28 pm
being a journalist is tough business and it is hard to please everybody. jeff is feeling the love today.
jj
May 17th, 2011
2:29 pm
We need Chipper in the lineup everyday because we are a better team with him and he can still swing that bat.He is the leader of this team and if we had not lost him last year we could have gone farther in the playoffs.Chipper just makes us a more complete team and gives us that Swagger.Forget this HOF thing right now and let’s get another Championship for The ATL.GO BRAVES
buckheaddawg
May 17th, 2011
2:30 pm
jeff did you let you kid fill in that line up card? he must go to gwinnett county schools…
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:31 pm
Heyward’s got a new bruise inside his right knee.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:31 pm
Chipper hit. Braves with 2 on for first time.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:34 pm
So much for that threat.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:39 pm
Lowe over 100 pitches now. He’s due up fifth in next inning.
journalist jimmy smith
May 17th, 2011
2:40 pm
jounalism doesn’t happen by chance. jimmy smith became a journalist because of a sick horse. every journalist has a story about becoming ink stained or possibly cheese stained in the clubhouse. journalists consume more cheese per capita than the general population.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:43 pm
Lowe at 107 pitches through 7 innings.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:44 pm
Hinske-Ross-Gonzalez coming up vs. Rodriguez.
journalist jimmy smith
May 17th, 2011
2:47 pm
now baseball . . . freddy freeman must learn to hit with men on base. having men on base is prerequisite. taking a pitch instead of hacking at the first pitch when a pitcher can’t throw strikes is another thing freddy must learn. how many hits does freddy have with men on base?
Wondering
May 17th, 2011
2:48 pm
Why don’t the Braves hitters like Lowe?
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:52 pm
Mather has bat on deck for Lowe
ted
May 17th, 2011
2:57 pm
If Chipper goes down the Braves are in trouble. Once your wheels go that is it. There is no power in the organization. There is not even any good offensive player in the pipeline. Nothing to use as trade bait. Heyward hugely overrated. It is a shame to waste all that good pitching. Good bullpen finally and no offence and only adequate defence.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:57 pm
Sherrill is coming in to pitch. Lowe finished: 1 run (HR), 5 hits, 4 strikeouts. Good outing but he leaves losing.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
2:59 pm
Sherrill greeted by a single by the pitcher, Wandy Rodriguez. Oops.
ijudgenot
May 17th, 2011
2:59 pm
The Braves have a problem. They have put all their eggs in one basket(Uglla) to hit left handed pitching with consistant power. Uggla is a good player but really is a mistake hitter. If a left handed pitcher can hit the outside of the plate for a strike, he will either bounce wekly to short or strikeout. The pitcher has to throw the pitch middle/ in for him to hit with power and consistency. He had Ramirez, Staton and Cantu for the opposing lefty pitcher to worry about in Florida. With Atlanta the lefty only has to worry about Chipper from the rightside and even that is without a big threat for power at this stage of Chipper’s career. Gonzalez is a mirror of Uggla. He will try to pull everything and hit outside strikes weakly to short or second. With Prado’s move to left the Braves have only one spot to play with and that is 1st base. The kid Gomez is still tearing it up at AAA with a .385 ave and 7 homers. Bring him up send Conrad down and platoon him with Freeman.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:01 pm
Goodbye Sherrill. Proctor coming in.
Paul H
May 17th, 2011
3:01 pm
Playing down to our competition as usual.
theriddler
May 17th, 2011
3:03 pm
The ball is dead this year. New dead ball stage, two years in a row now.
KC Frenchy
May 17th, 2011
3:08 pm
When we put Sherill in to pitch, is that the same as waving the white flag that we surrender? He stinks, release him & bring up some young talent, & put Linestink on the same bus
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:09 pm
Mather with a bat again (for pitcher’s spot).
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:10 pm
Nice work by Proctor to get out of jam that Sherrill got Braves into.
Kashi
May 17th, 2011
3:11 pm
Bring JOE MATHER to pinch hit in 8th inning. Cut lose Sherill, Kenshin Kawakami would be much better then Sherill in bullpen.
FACTS
May 17th, 2011
3:11 pm
I just can’t understand how & why Chipper always gets ding up so easily, great player yet highly injury prone. If you didn’t know Chipper played in the MLB & read his injury report you would swear this guy was in the NFL or something. Heyward & Freeman will only get better under Fredi’s tutelage, Uggla will get it together eventually. Got get a guy to groom for 3rd or OF if Prado is Chpper’s eventual replacement.
The Lemmer
May 17th, 2011
3:12 pm
Were gonna need some more offense, who didnt know that. Start looking for an upgrade in the OF, either CF or RF, Nate has been decent but we need a difference maker, Hinske might end up at 1st if Freddie cant handle it, J Hey might not be ready either, so heres hoping Lowe likes the big city, Hello NY!
Kashi
May 17th, 2011
3:15 pm
Oh seems like Frdi is reading this blog. Joe Mather is pinch hitting..wow
Cousin Vicker
May 17th, 2011
3:15 pm
I’m less concerned with Chipper’s injury than I am with the fact this is now the second straight year Heyward has had an injury problem since spring training.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:15 pm
Not quite going to get it done.
Jim Bob
May 17th, 2011
3:18 pm
So who from the bullpen gets sent down tomorrow? Any chance we release Linebrink?
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:18 pm
Great pitch and Chipper knew it.
Tech Tard
May 17th, 2011
3:20 pm
How about a damn score?
dean
May 17th, 2011
3:21 pm
“It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”
ted
May 17th, 2011
3:23 pm
Chipper is good but he is not a hof type. He can’t hold Eddie Mathews jock. And to mentioned him in the same breath with Aaron & Spahn is a joke.
FACTS
May 17th, 2011
3:24 pm
With this lineup I never expected us to just blow by the Phillies…I feel we are cpl of yrs away from something nice….team has handled off field distractions by Lowe & McDowell pretty well & are competing…..gonna have find another bat from somewhere or speed in OF maybe from TB or LA…I don’t know about getting anything from Houston or N.Y. they both look like GARBAGE
MSBRAVESFAN
May 17th, 2011
3:25 pm
Come on, get it shakin’!
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:28 pm
Wandy Rodriguez out. Mark Melancon in to close . . . . a break for the Braves to get Wandy out of there. He threw 113 pitches. 5-hit shutout.
Tom Ram
May 17th, 2011
3:29 pm
Dan Uggla is garbage…………period.
dean
May 17th, 2011
3:30 pm
If Braves at least tie, is it Venter’s game to close?
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:31 pm
Uggla 0-for-4, gets on once by error. So much for breaking out of slump.
The Lemmer
May 17th, 2011
3:31 pm
Braves feeling good! Yeah right, about what? Cant win 2 from the worst team in the league, CMON MAN! Same old story, great pitching but cant score, is it already October?
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:32 pm
Ooooooooooooooohhh.. Catch.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:33 pm
McCann PH as final hope.
dean
May 17th, 2011
3:33 pm
Thank you Brian. Derek.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:34 pm
We’re tied. McCann sends 1-2 pitch over LC wall and I really didn’t think it was going to make it. Kept carrying.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:35 pm
O’Flaherty comes in to pitch.
K.C. Frenchy
May 17th, 2011
3:35 pm
Uggly is below the dreaded Mendoza line, so now we have the Uggly line going, maybe he can get to .150 before they pull him to make him the highest paid pinch hitter in baseball!
MSBRAVESFAN
May 17th, 2011
3:36 pm
Shankin!!!!!!!!!!!
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:36 pm
That was McCann’s second career PH home run.
dean
May 17th, 2011
3:37 pm
Who’s on the hill?
MSBRAVESFAN
May 17th, 2011
3:37 pm
Got excited, shakin baby!
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
3:37 pm
WOW 1 HR and 1 a few inches from a HR. My heart can’t take this stuff.
the truth...
May 17th, 2011
3:37 pm
Thank you Brian McCann…..saved from the shutout by Brian….
This bunch is too much…down to their last strike against the worst team in the National League and miraculously they escape….
So today they squeeze by; will they pull it out? Hope so but….
FACTS
May 17th, 2011
3:37 pm
Not to beat a dead horse….we make cellar dwellers look like contenders on a regular basis!
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:38 pm
Braves are 2-4 in extra inning games this year, Houston 1-0.
dean
May 17th, 2011
3:38 pm
Damm. I love cliche’s: dean
May 17th, 2011
3:21 pm
“It ain’t over ’til it’s over.”
Jimmy Crack
May 17th, 2011
3:38 pm
Keep those alll-star ballots coming for BMAC!!! Clutch Cargo!
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
3:40 pm
Chipper looked good on that play.
FACTS
May 17th, 2011
3:40 pm
McCann is the only thing close too a real ALL-STAR on our team!!!
Tucker T
May 17th, 2011
3:41 pm
Feel kinda bad for Rodriguez. He pitched a heck of a ball game. That’s what you get for playing for the terrible Astros.
NorCal Brave
May 17th, 2011
3:42 pm
Somebody explain this to me. We bring Dan Uggla on board to be our big RH stick. Turns out the guy can’t hit lefties to save his life. Most of the damage he’s done with his .197 average has come againt righthanded pitching. Did Wren, the scouts, ANYBODY do any research on this?
dean
May 17th, 2011
3:46 pm
Come on Nate. End it now.
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
3:46 pm
Good Start Now Brooks needs a WALKOFF HR.
Joey
May 17th, 2011
3:47 pm
FACTS,
You watch the Braves much?
Prado is the best baseball player on the team.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:48 pm
Leadoff man aboard. Conrad pinch hitting.
Cousin Vicker
May 17th, 2011
3:49 pm
Braves do have a habit of turning All-star hitters around. And not in the good way. Mclouth anyone?
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:50 pm
Good bunt.
dean
May 17th, 2011
3:50 pm
Conrad has no homer this year? He’s due.
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
3:50 pm
Good Bunt but that was a good small ball play.
Tucker T
May 17th, 2011
3:50 pm
NorCal Brave
It’s a fair question. He actually hit quite well against lefties last year (.306) but is only a career .245 against lefties. Ugla is never going to hit for a great average. I’m not writing him off yet. Still over 100 games left to play.
Hedley Lamarr
May 17th, 2011
3:50 pm
Maybe Brooks can end it
dean
May 17th, 2011
3:51 pm
I’m a dumbazz. The bunt was definitely n order.
Hedley Lamarr
May 17th, 2011
3:51 pm
Maybe Prado can end it
Chipper is HOF bound
May 17th, 2011
3:51 pm
When Chipper goes, who we gonna get….?
Tucker T
May 17th, 2011
3:51 pm
Does this pitcher still have a manly beard? Not watching TV but the beard in his picture on Yahoo is impressive.
FACTS
May 17th, 2011
3:52 pm
Joey!
Yes I do McCann is absolutely more consistent, just check his number off appearances….Prado is a fine player in his own right
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
3:52 pm
Nice PITCH he will not see another that good.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:52 pm
So Heyward walks and Chipper has chance to be the hero.
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
3:53 pm
Prado will replace Chipper at 3rd.
Hedley Lamarr
May 17th, 2011
3:53 pm
Maybe Heyward can end it
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
3:54 pm
Chipper takes 3 strikes.
FACTS
May 17th, 2011
3:55 pm
Good eye J-Hey…the guy was throwing garbage up there
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
3:55 pm
That was smart. MAYBE. Now Chipper kill it
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
3:56 pm
BAD call on that pitch.
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
3:57 pm
Damnit.
dean
May 17th, 2011
3:57 pm
Crap.
tmc
May 17th, 2011
3:59 pm
Wow! another pitiful AB for Chipper.
I’m sorry, i like the guy but that is absolutely HORRIBLE!
Not even a swing….
FACTS
May 17th, 2011
3:59 pm
Yeah Chipper looked worst than Uggla then
Tom Ram
May 17th, 2011
4:05 pm
I didn’t think it was possible to look worse than Uggla……
dean
May 17th, 2011
4:08 pm
I hate it when works interferes with my weekday day games.
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
4:09 pm
Sacks Drunk with Astros. Damnit.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
4:09 pm
Timely 2nd double play keeps game tied. Uggla-Hinske-McCann coming up.
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
4:09 pm
Way to get out of it. Good Defense.
tmc
May 17th, 2011
4:10 pm
In perfect bad team fashion, the Astros are handing us this game…
Can we take it or just continue to struggle at the plate?
Tom Ram
May 17th, 2011
4:10 pm
Lets hurry up and get Uggla’s strikeout out of the way and then get something going……..
Jim Bob
May 17th, 2011
4:11 pm
FACTS, Prado has a higher average, more HR’s, more RBI’s, higher SLG % and higher OPS that McCann. And 3x as many runs scored. Is that more consistent for you?
Tom Ram
May 17th, 2011
4:12 pm
Dan Uggla = Easy Out
NorCal Brave
May 17th, 2011
4:12 pm
If we somehow win this game, it will be a true gift.
BTW, Tito Francona was Terry’s dad. Played for Indians late 50’s, early 60’s.
dean
May 17th, 2011
4:13 pm
Brian. Run for President.
Jeff Schultz
May 17th, 2011
4:15 pm
Mac with a walk-off jack after he tied it with pinch hit HR.
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
4:15 pm
Thats the way yes thats the way I LIKE it.
dachino860
May 17th, 2011
4:15 pm
MAC!!!!
5150 UOAD
May 17th, 2011
4:16 pm
Mama said KNOCK YOU OUT.
FACTS
May 17th, 2011
4:16 pm
Hey Joey!
Does that answer your question about the bone fide All-Star McCann or Prado…..LOL
Hedley Lamarr
May 17th, 2011
4:16 pm
Unbelievable
tmc
May 17th, 2011
4:18 pm
Thanks B-Mac!
For those who rip McCann on this blog….
I will continue to bring up this game.
We lose if not for B-Mac. Those were two H-U-G-E hr’s.
K.C. Frenchy
May 17th, 2011
4:18 pm
Great for Mac, but sad that we need his heroics to beat the sorry Astros, Go Bravos
NorCal Brave
May 17th, 2011
4:18 pm
Mac was definitely due. GREAT WIN!
FACTS
May 17th, 2011
4:19 pm
Jim Bob
As stated to Joey the consistency over the last 4 years is what I was addressing sir & appearances in All- Star games
FACTS
May 17th, 2011
4:21 pm
Also Brians ability to deal with our pitching staff year in & year out!
ijudgenot
May 17th, 2011
4:21 pm
Its official Brian McCann is now the Braves leader not Chipper Jones!
Kashi
May 17th, 2011
4:22 pm
Lets talk about McCann salary after 2012. Can we keep him in Atlanta? Boston Red Sox will spend $$$$ to grab him from us.
extremus
May 17th, 2011
4:22 pm
Wow, BIG win for the Braves going into a road game-heavy stretch. They needed both of those wins against Houston badly to keep their momentum of late.
dean
May 17th, 2011
4:22 pm
Dammit co-workers. THIS IS BASEBALL! Give me a dadgum break!
Tom Ram
May 17th, 2011
4:22 pm
Why are you guys arguing over McCann and Prado. They are both all-stars. It’s not like they’re sorry players like Dan Uggla is.
Joey
May 17th, 2011
4:24 pm
Hey, FACTS, I’m a Mac fan. He has a knack for clutch hitting, his bases-loaded outs lately notwithstanding. I did say baseball player. Defense is not Mac’s strong suit.
Prado seems to be stellar at D wherever he plays, as seen last night by the lay flat out, throw from the knees play at 3rd.
He also is a clutch hitter IMO.
Great win!
Go Braves!
Oger
May 17th, 2011
4:28 pm
Way to go Mac! But Gonzo turning that dp was huge as well!! Been doing it all year. Uggla will heat up. But if we want to get serious we need Moylan back!
Oger
May 17th, 2011
4:28 pm
Enter your comments here
Herschel Talker
May 17th, 2011
4:29 pm
God bless Brian McCann
FACTS
May 17th, 2011
4:30 pm
Not arguing Tom Ram
Brian may be the NL starter a catcher at the AS game where as Prado may be a reserve even if his stats are better Brian has built up a nice following around the league…as someone just blogged after 2012 the Braves will be hard pressed to keep him…..that is why my first statement was about him being a shoo-in due to consistency
FACTS
May 17th, 2011
4:32 pm
Hey Joey
Completly agree about D B-Mac could improve throwing out runners….all in all he does block balls well & manages his guys on the mound if they worth anything i.e. Kawakami heck Johnny Bench couldn’t help that guy out!!!!
ijudgenot
May 17th, 2011
4:34 pm
Its really not Uggla’s fault, he is what he is a dead pull hitter. Who can hit a mistake center /in a long ways. The Braves knew this when they got him. They should have gotten him some protection from the right side. If you are a left handed pitcher, who from the right side behind Uggla puts fear in your heart? So they don’t mind walking Uglla by throwing everything outside. Uggla is an sggressive hitter so he strikesout a lot trying to pull that outside pitch rather than walking like Glaus did last year.The Glaus of May 2010 behind Uglla this year would be great, but thats a year too late.
Tom Ram
May 17th, 2011
4:35 pm
Sorry Facts…but whats your point ?
Joey
May 17th, 2011
4:38 pm
I’m glad we got em both!
FACTS
May 17th, 2011
4:39 pm
Tom Ram
My point was I think can pencil in B-mac as NL starting catcher for the AS game, Prado may light it up & lead our team in every offensive category & get snuffed from the AS game
Frustrated, Inc.
May 17th, 2011
4:45 pm
On the highlights what was the Astros Manager complaining about immediately following McCann’s walk off?
Joey
May 17th, 2011
4:51 pm
“Prado may light it up & lead our team in every offensive category & get snuffed from the AS game.”
You know what, FACTS?
That’s why I don’t value the All Star designation at all. It’s worse than a beauty pageant, because fans can stuff the ballotsfor players who aren’t even very good anymore (see Derek Jeter).
dean
May 17th, 2011
4:54 pm
Frustrated,
Probably still steamed about this: “…it looked as though the Astros had loaded the bases when Matt Downs was hit on the left elbow. But plate umpire Alfonso Marquez ruled immediately that Downs raised his elbow to let the ball strike him. After a brief argument, Downs returned to the box and struck out.”
phil
May 17th, 2011
5:28 pm
Dean- exactly…had to be that…
Dr. Phil
May 17th, 2011
5:57 pm
These guys are playing like ‘ 91.
Great Dawg
May 21st, 2011
2:14 pm
have the surgery now!
Packer Ed
May 22nd, 2011
9:35 pm
Got my fingers crossed Liberty Media sells the Braves this year. Liberty Media is the problem, not willing to spend the correct amount of money and probably could care less if the Braves win any hardware.
A. Antoci, RN, BS
May 23rd, 2011
10:08 am
I suggest Chipper discuss the use of chicken cartilage injections into his knee. Arthoscopy was averted in my case and I am pain free for as long as one year.