Chipper Jones on loss in his finale: ‘Ultimately I’m to blame’
Chipper Jones never imagined an error in his final game would cost his team a playoff game. (AP photo)
Bunting hanging from the rafters. Red tomahawks. An actual sellout for a postseason game (but then, it’s new again).
Ted Turner. Jimmy Carter. Bobby Cox (except in the stands, not in cleats).
Also, there was Chipper Jones. He was a 23-year-old rookie in 1995 when the Braves won the World Series. He was a 40-year-old, 19-year veteran when he was making his way from his home to Turner Field Friday for a playoff game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Perfect weather. Perfect backdrop. Perfect emotions.
“I told my dad, ‘This is why I know I’m ready to go. I’m not even nervous,” Jones said earlier Friday.
It wasn’t the perfect ending. No walk-off homer. No catching the final out. No fairly tale.
More like Stephen King.
Of all the endings Larry “Chipper” Jones envisioned for the final game of his career . . .
“This wasn’t one of them,” he said, completing a question.
A broken bat single in the ninth in five at-bats (at least he wasn’t the final out of the game). Three runners stranded on base. Worst of all, a throwing error on a potential double-play ball that opened the door to a three-run Cardinals’ fourth, signaling the beginning of a Braves’ meltdown.
The Braves lost their one-and-done wild card “round” to the St. Louis Cardinals, 6-3.
That didn’t take long. Thanks for coming.
Afterward, there were debates about one of the worst calls in baseball history: heretofore to be known as, “The Shallow Left Field Fly Rule,” which helped damper a potential Atlanta rally in the eighth. There was the questionable safety squeeze bunt by Andrelton Simmons in the fourth, in which he was called out for running inside the baseline (smothering another inning). There were two other errors that led to unearned runs.
But Jones, looking back on the final game of his career, wouldn’t hear any of it.
“There are a lot of guys in [the clubhouse] laying blame,” he said. “But I kept my mouth shut because ultimately I’m to blame. That ball was tailor-made for a double play.”
It was Jones’ first postseason game since 2005. He didn’t play in the 2010 divisional series because of a torn knee ligament. He decided against retirement because he felt he could still play, wanted one more chance to win another World Series and, “I don’t want the fans’ final image of me to be one of me hurt on the field.”
Nor did he want this image.
In the second inning, he struck out. In the third, he grounded to second. In the sixth, he popped to second.
In the seventh, with a chance to amend for all previous wrongs — two men in scoring position, two outs, a Jones-esque moment if there ever was one — he hit a meek first-pitch groundout to second.
But the biggest pratfall came in the field. In the fourth inning, with the Braves leading 2-0, the Cardinals’ Matt Holliday hit a potential double play ball to third. Jones fielded it but threw it over Dan Uggla’s head at second and into right field. Allen Craig followed with a run-scoring double.
“I made a good pick[up], got a two-seam grip and it sailed on me,” he said.
By the time the inning ended, St. Louis had scored three runs (two unearned). Four of the Cardinals’ six runs were unearned.
Did left field umpire Sam Holbrook botch the infield fly call, preventing the Braves from having the bases loaded? Clearly. But Jones wasn’t going there.
“Ultimately when we look back at this loss, we need to look in the mirror,” he said. That [infield fly] call is in kind of a gray area. I’m not willing to say that call caught us the ball game. Three errors cost us the ball game, mine being the biggest.
“It just seems that play turned everything around, and that’s what I’m most disappointed in,” he said. “Walking out of my last game, I certainly didn’t want to go [1 for 5] and make a play that losses a season. But that’s something I’ll have to deal with in the days to come.”
It doesn’t change his career or his path to the Hall of Fame. It doesn’t change all of the games the Braves won because of him. But it wasn’t the final scene he imagined.
By Jeff Schultz
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228 comments Add your comment
JSS
October 5th, 2012
10:21 pm
Let the Clusters vindication tour begin!!!
Baker
October 5th, 2012
10:23 pm
Bummer indeed.
He Hate Me
October 5th, 2012
10:23 pm
Trade Heyward NOW
Matty Bravo
October 5th, 2012
10:24 pm
It still hurts. We made 3 errors and had 12 LOB. Not all Chipper’s fault, not all the blown call’s fault. Fault goes everywhere. Sad way to end a career and a season.
JSS
October 5th, 2012
10:27 pm
And the shame that rained down upon the city and this state by the behavior at Turner Field will follow this town like that of people who are in those grainy b/w film clips on the wrong side of history! See, the same lack of control demonstrated in these blogs, there it was manifested for the whole nation to see!!!
Matt
October 5th, 2012
10:29 pm
Can’t spend any more money on MLB after this. No way.
CAC
October 5th, 2012
10:31 pm
Good on Chipper for accepting the blame. His error was the difference in momentum early on.
That’s said, this Braves team was resilient in late innings this year. They were good in close ball games. And they got cheated at precisely the time they were rallying. No denying that.
If that’s an infield fly, that means the umpire judges it a routine play. By definition, a routine play is a play that is easily made. The ss missed it. They means it’s not a routine play by any measure. It’s an error. Without that call, it’s bases loaded for Mac with one out.
Home plate umpire was terrible, too. Called several important strikes for Cards that he didn’t call for the Braves.
All that said, our defense was good all year. And it let us down today. Meds pitched well enough to win. And they threw away the game, literally and figuratively. Should never have been in that 8th inning situation to begin with.
Sad end to an amazing career.
Will
October 5th, 2012
10:31 pm
Of all the miscues, and there were plenty, there is no denying chippers error was where the game turned. There was no other feeling for long time braves fans after that error then “well, here we go again…”
Will
October 5th, 2012
10:32 pm
R u retarded? Heyward had a great season he is going to be one of the best players in the MLB in a few years
CAC
October 5th, 2012
10:34 pm
JSS- disagree that it’s embarrassing for the fans. They were frustrated, as well they should be. That was a horrific call. They protested the only way a crowd really can.
People get on the fans for not being passionate all the time. They were certainly passionate tonight.
tmcj
October 5th, 2012
10:36 pm
Another horseshiot call by an umpire in the post season against the Braves. I don’t agree with the fans throwing things on the field, but if you’ve followed this team for any length of time… you understand the frustation level.
Did tYhe Braves play well enough to win this game? No.
But how many horrible calls is it going to take to use replay in MLB?
If MLB is going to shove this 1-game playoff down the throats of every team, the replay should be manditory!
And don’t give me these ex-umpire’s on ESP-freaking-N saying it was the correct call and all that BS.
It
BobDawg
October 5th, 2012
10:37 pm
The Game was electric and the fans were willing the Bravos to win… I was there and it still hurts… I’m one of the fans that threw stuff on the field and while I’m sorry for doing it… There was passion in the stands that I had not seen in the ATL for a long time…
You can call us whatever you want but tonight there was passion in Atlanta…..
Ed
October 5th, 2012
10:41 pm
Yeah we’ll, the Braves made the playoffs…… and it was business as usual now time to prepare for the Falcons to do the same thing make the playoffs and flop!!!!!!!!
CSP
October 5th, 2012
10:42 pm
The Fans graduated into the big leagues tonight. There is shame on MLB to have such antiquated BS system relying on the most pompous humans on the planet to maybe, i dunno, DO WHATS RIGHT ONCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (That damn ball dropped right in front of me and my mom and pop as we tried celebrate Mom’s 74th)
Answer this
October 5th, 2012
10:42 pm
Yes Chipper you let us down! Its hard to beat you down after 20 years but this one hurts….looks like the crowd got out of hand but I am sure with stuff like that call it would have went on anywhere else in pro sports on a home teams field. Does not excuse it…nor does it excuse the call but very poor taste on both sides! Errors and lack of hitting and bad managing killed the season! Sad! Well guess what I can still say this through gritted teeth……wait until next year!
I will be here, a fan, I wont quit, I will hurt, but I wont quit because that’s not what a fan does! See you during the winter meetings……let’s reload and make another run for it……
Kris
October 5th, 2012
10:42 pm
It’s going to be an interesting offseason that’s for sure. One might think the Braves would opt to go into rebuilding mode. Chipper’s gone, both Bourne and McCann are likely gone, Hanson is probably gone. Hudson still has a year on his contract, but if they decide to rebuild he could probably fetch a couple of decent prospects. Our rotation next year should be Medlen, Minor, Teheran, Delgado and maybe Maholm if he is still around (at least until Beachy is ready to return). Find a couple of stop-gap OF’s, move Prado to third and there’s your team. I’d say trade Uggs, but who would want him? I think we’re just gonna have to eat that contract.
Mister Frisky
October 5th, 2012
10:46 pm
The song remains the same.Same old story same old song and dance.The more things change the more they stay the same.Chipper great regular season player.Just another player in 93 post season games.Not a clutch gene in any of these guys.
CSP
October 5th, 2012
10:46 pm
Kris, no way they don’t pick up McCann’s option.
Typical Postseason Braves
October 5th, 2012
10:47 pm
Braves play poorly every postseason. That’s why they only won 1 WS title in 5 tries and haven’t won a postseason series since 2001. They are who we thought they were and anyone thinking different was fooling themselves.
CSP
October 5th, 2012
10:48 pm
& No damn stop gap in LF. They need to get a guy in there who rakes. .310, 30, 125. With all the freed up capitol that’s their biggest off season get.
foxnellie
October 5th, 2012
10:49 pm
its fitting that the Braves lose the first ever wild card game
The Mighty Quinn
October 5th, 2012
10:51 pm
Can you imagine the riot that would have ensued if that call had been in New York, Chicago, or, God forbid, Phila-freakin’-delphia and against the home team? The umps were lucky only garbage was left on the field and not their heads.
Bob
October 5th, 2012
10:52 pm
The Braves lost the game due to poor fielding and anemic batting when they needed it. A horrible call in the 8th stopped any potential of making a comeback.
I was thoroughly embarrassed by the fan reaction. Standing in the 755 Club, I was amazed at the idiots who were throwing mustard and ketchup bottles down on the field. This was a sad day for Atlanta sports!
JWOOD
October 5th, 2012
10:53 pm
Fault goes to MLB for deciding to enact a 1 game playoff. It’s been said all year. Anything can happen in one game. It’s why you have 3, 5 and 7 game series. Baseball isn’t designed for 1 game.
JSS
October 5th, 2012
10:53 pm
That is not “passion,” that recklessness is cowardliness! What would have happened if one of those half filled missiles hit someone in the head? You dodged a bullet, and set a horrible example for the thousands of kids in attendance… No impulse control might appeal on a blog, but in “real life” it can cost if the most lethal ways!
Answer this
October 5th, 2012
10:53 pm
Very true Quinn…..and the fans would have been showing their passion…..not embrassing themselves
CSP
October 5th, 2012
10:55 pm
Bob it was a great day for atlanta sports. Maybe we won’t be mocked incessantly for sucking as fans for once. Maybe you need to step out of the 755 club once in a while…
Ken
October 5th, 2012
10:55 pm
Funny that no one is mentioning the late call on Ross’ timeout that led to a 2-run HR…
Never
October 5th, 2012
10:55 pm
Never could feel the love for Chipper. And stop with all the crap, he made millions and that was his primary motivation.
Phil's Fan in ATL
October 5th, 2012
10:55 pm
Gotta give the Braves all the kudos they deserve. The biggest choke franchise in all of pro sports gags up another one. Yes, horrible call in the infield fly – hey, MLB was lucky that didn’t happen in Philly – but it is amazing how the Braves make 3 errors, leave 12 on base & go 1-7 with RISP. Btw, I totally support the apathy of the fans. Seriously, the franchise may deserve respect for those 14 division titles, but in the end, in this society, you have to win it all every now & then. This is one snakebit sports city. Oh, and also, I’m even harder on the Philly home teams, so you don’t need to remind me of whateva about Philly. Yep, the Eagles suck & the Philthies choke ‘em up, too. But we’re not 1 for 14 & the Eagles have been a better team than the Falcons, even if both have no Super Bowl trophy. Hey, maybe the Falcons can end that this season!
CSP
October 5th, 2012
10:56 pm
Although they wouldnt stop throwing the mustard bottles…
Answer this
October 5th, 2012
10:58 pm
What happened if I hit the lottery yesterday! What happened if Chipped don’t make the error?! Bottle did not hit anyone so no need for what happen scenarios! Fans were angry had a right to be did not exhibit it in the correct way but maybe they should have just booed like good little Atlanta fans? Continued with the status quo so all the badgers nationwide could continue to bash the bad fan base here. Can’t have it both ways! Not a good way to show anger but we did it no one was hurt but the fans for having to sit hrough that forcrap call!
Kris
October 5th, 2012
10:58 pm
Ken – it was a bad call, but it doesn’t factor into the end result so who cares?
LakeDawg
October 5th, 2012
10:59 pm
Time to turn the page from playoff chokes. 17 years is too long.
LakeDawg
October 5th, 2012
11:00 pm
Chipper lost the game.
kreedham
October 5th, 2012
11:02 pm
Not that it helps now but MLB can correct it and not have a 2nd wild card next year!
CSP
October 5th, 2012
11:02 pm
@ Answer this. A woman got hit with a full water bottle in section 128, in front of me.
cp
October 5th, 2012
11:04 pm
Listen…as far as the fans go…if this was NY, Boston or Chicago the trashing of the field would have been celebrated as what passion these New Yorkers…Yankees, Red Sox..Phillies..Cubs etc etc fans have. Save the hypocritical garbage. Atl fans are far and away the smatest and classiest fans in the MLB
Phil's Fan in ATL
October 5th, 2012
11:09 pm
@never. Amazing to me how you got the Chipper thing so wrong. He could have made more by leaving here, and he gets paid huge money to entertain & do something you and I, and countless others, cannot do. Stop p*ssing & moaning because someone makes a lot of money. If you make $42k a year, respect yourself & deal, and don’t be a little whining girl – and be so inarguably wrong in your 4th grade assessment of a guy you do not know. I’m a Philly fan & know the guy is a first ballot HoFamer, maybe unanimously. Too bad some of his class didn’t rub off on you.
Chipmunk
October 5th, 2012
11:11 pm
No excuse for a veteran of Chipper’s experience to make such a horrible error – that was the decisive turning point in the game, and the Brave’s slide.
Answer this
October 5th, 2012
11:11 pm
@CAP
She should have ducked!
Orange Brave
October 5th, 2012
11:13 pm
i hate bud selig. this entire process was flawd. ridiculous infield fly rule is only icing on the cake. only.
really, a one game playoff. ?D?D?FD?/eere
Answer this
October 5th, 2012
11:13 pm
Agreed CP!
@CAP
I got two of the lottery numbers correct…still did not win!
Was she hurt, was there blood?
She will live!
Never
October 5th, 2012
11:14 pm
Hey idiot (Phil’s fan), the owners love clowns like you. You just keep right on buying what they’re shoveling.
W T Freak could Chipper have done to make a fraction of what he was paid. Please, tell me.
Sonny B. Layne
October 5th, 2012
11:15 pm
Can’t a few of you on several Blogs give Chipper a break? Look at everyone’s batting average on the team & see where he placed. I doubt the Stud we get to replace him does that well next year, unless they move Prado(Who the Braves did everything they could to get rid of) to 3rd. He’s 40 yrs. old & has been wounded many times. And yes, he missed games, but he is a 1st round HOF. I don’t know about all you guys, but I don’t do my best work through a very emotional period. What do you think that Chipper has been going through the last couple of weeks?
JSS
October 5th, 2012
11:18 pm
Philly has a special police precinct and court in the stadiums… In NYC, their butts would in holding cell at Rikers by now… In Chicago, ask anybody whose seen the checkerboards come through Wrigleyville or the bleachers at US Cellular what happens to a fool caught throwing stuff on the field since 2002… You dodged a bullet, stop making excuses for idiots!
Sonny B. Layne
October 5th, 2012
11:18 pm
And Chipper took the blame for the lost. Actually he had a lot of help.
Gritsfalcon
October 5th, 2012
11:24 pm
The comedy of errors are an embarrasment! And the fans,…….oh my gosh!
eric thomas
October 5th, 2012
11:24 pm
I was forced to leave the game with my two kids because of beer bottles raining down on us from the upper decks. It was a terrible call but throwing stuff toward the field when people can get hurt is worse. It does not prove we have passion it only shows stupidity. And because of others stupidity we missed Chippers last at bat.
Mitchell
October 5th, 2012
11:24 pm
Has he never won a game in which he made a costly error?
I believe he has.
We lost the game because of the umps.
Period. End of f*ing sentence.
Everybody knows I’m as cynical as it can possibly get but 6-3 is not an insurmountable deficit.
We all know Martin Prado.
Give Martin Prado a chance to swing the bat in the 8th inning of that game with the bases loaded… two outs or no outs… he’s going to win the gd game.
Martin Prado would have won that game.
One swing of the bat it would have been 7-6 Braves.
Period.
The umpires didn’t allow that to happen.
Gritsfalcon
October 5th, 2012
11:25 pm
@Eric Thomas glad everybody is okay!!!!
CamiloAtlanta
October 5th, 2012
11:28 pm
Well, at least the Braves are consistent in their collapses. I had hope, but in
the end the Cards were the better team. Now let’s spend Chipper’s pay on
some decent bats.
Gumby
October 5th, 2012
11:28 pm
Well they can’t say Braves fans aren’t passionate anymore and I don’t blame them. I wou;dn’t have done it (I don’t think) but I don’t blame them. This ranks up there with the 1992 WS call against Ron Gant when he was thrown off the bag and called out. Instant replay on all calls in MLB now with a ump in the booth. Of course if the protest had been allowed it would have ruined MLBs schedule which is sooooo much more important than getting a call right.
Texas Pete
October 5th, 2012
11:28 pm
The call was terrible. I was at the game and the reaction was spontaneous in every section of the stadium from top to bottom.We all saw how wrong it was. Then the stadium announcer said: “Please refrain from impeding the game by throwing objects on to the field. Continued obstruction will cause the game to be forfeited. Please let the players decide the game.” I wish Holbrooke had gotten that message. A Little League umpire could have gotten that call right. The umps took the game away from the players. If you make a wrong call is it impossible to reverse it? I’m all for using instant replay during playoff games. Bases loaded with one out in 8th … that’s a rally waiting to happen.
Arrecho
October 5th, 2012
11:29 pm
Chipper error
Simmons not being able to tie the game with a fly ball with 1 out (wtf Freddie, safety squeeze?)
Uggla’s error
Simmons error
Can’t hit at all
That’s ur ball game… Same old braves
Answer this
October 5th, 2012
11:31 pm
@eric thomas
Glad your children are ok
with regards to Chippers last bat…..you did not miss anything trust me.
Fredo
October 5th, 2012
11:36 pm
they played 1 more game than the worst teams in baseball, that counts for something right? Between going out like this and not even going? Not much of a difference ……. at least last year you saw the collapse coming 10 miles away. The Braves forgetting simple fielding drills? You couldn’t see that coming (the runners left in scoring position being a difference in the game? The men left on base? yeah, you could see that coming 10 miles … that stat already sucked coming into this game and they weren’t going to all of a sudden start scoring a lot of runs per game, it was going to kill them eventually and the baseball gods made sure it was their very first game).
Basically I’d just rather forget this game ever existed. I’m going to MIB myself into thinking the Cards were the 90+ win team who won the wild card without having to play some weird play in game.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 5th, 2012
11:36 pm
Even the best of hitters can have an 0 for 4 game at any time (part of the reason why a 1 game playoff is a stupid idea) but I think it’s fair to expect your #1 ranked defensive team not to make three errors. And let’s be honest, Chipper’s error was the most costly of all of them. Without that error, there’s a good chance Medlen gets out of that inning unscathed and still holding a lead.
eric thomas
October 5th, 2012
11:37 pm
Thanks Gritsfalcon. Yeah we all needed showers but we were all ok. Not everyone was. On our way out we saw a lady with a busted head being transported to first aide. So these idiots saying no one was hurt are dead wrong. People were hurt by the actions of others at that game.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 5th, 2012
11:38 pm
And I have no problem with fans throwing sh-t on the field. After years of being clowned by the national media for being indifferent and not caring, we finally have some hard evidence to show that we do care, and we’d care a lot more often if we had teams in this city who didn’t choke in the playoffs. With that said, don’t throw things if your arm is too weak to get the object you are throwing onto the field.
Lars
October 5th, 2012
11:39 pm
Braves blow it as usual, was there ever any doubt how the game would turn out? Finaly the Braves can boot Mccant and Dan “couldnt hit the ball off a Tee” Uggla to another team or to Burger King. And take the sorry excuse for a coachy with em!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mace224
October 5th, 2012
11:40 pm
They still left garbage on the field. The umps were still there.
Mister Frisky
October 5th, 2012
11:41 pm
These losers have found every way imaginable way to loose in the post season for 20 years.
SR
October 5th, 2012
11:42 pm
Same ol, same ol, inventing new and embarassing ways to win each and every year since 1995. What a brand, what a disgrace, what a predictable result. Seriously.
Najeh Davenpoop
October 5th, 2012
11:42 pm
“Finaly the Braves can boot Mccant and Dan “couldnt hit the ball off a Tee” Uggla to another team or to Burger King.”
I am with you 100% on Uggla. Below average fielder, below average hitter. Just because a guy looks like Popeye doesn’t mean he is a good baseball player. Should have kept Infante. Ship his ass out, play Pastornicky at 2B and use the money to keep Bourn and McCann.
SR
October 5th, 2012
11:43 pm
Same ol, same ol, inventing new and embarassing ways to LOSE each and every year since 1995. What a brand, what a disgrace, what a predictable result. Seriously. I was hoping anyway.
Dr. Phil
October 5th, 2012
11:44 pm
I was at the game, and I thought there were at least two bad calls. I couldn’t figure out why Simmons was out at first when the ball bounced off of his helmet. I haven’t seen that replay. The dropped pop up was a worse call than the Seattle touchdown. It was the worst call I have seen in 50 years of attending ML Baseball games. The beer bottles were spontaneous. I don’t throw beer bottles, and I don’t agree with it, but it was no worse than the call itself. The Braves were in a position to win the game at that point.
kreedham
October 5th, 2012
11:44 pm
MLB would be wise to take the ump out of the rest of this years playoffs and also never ump another Atlanta home game!
Caseyatthebat
October 5th, 2012
11:45 pm
Something is wrong with the psyche of this organization. Something’s missing. They remind me of the little kid sitting at the table in front of a bowl of candy. Mommy said not to take any so he keeps running his finger around the rim of the bowl. Suddenly little brother comes in and sees the candy and grabs a handfull and pops them into his mouth. There will be repercussions for him……….but, HE GOT THE CANDY! The Braves aren’t willing to TAKE what’s in front of them. The whole mindset of the team, the sports writers, et. al. In this town is happiness running their finger around the rim of the bowl.
Mister Frisky
October 5th, 2012
11:46 pm
Hey Schultzie,I know you liked the stand pat team.But once again the failure of the offense is to blame for another October flameout.They add ONE REAL HITTER this off season,they win the east and Wash is in this turd of a play in game.You get what you pay for in life.
Bronkelliott
October 5th, 2012
11:46 pm
Have to admit I am glad to see Chipper retire. Enough already. The future of the Braves can be bright with some nice young pitchers and some good bats. I for one am glad to see the Bobby Cox & chipper era end for the Braves. Every year it is the same heartbreak just different excuses. Either out managed or out played. Chipper was awful tonight. The Cardinals didn’t fold the Braves did. Yes it was a bad call but let’s face it Chipper had nothing in the tank for the last month of the season. Loved him as a player but feel it is time to move on. Don’t lose heart Braves revenge will be yours in the future. I am done with baseball for the year. Tired of Cardinals, Yankees and Rangers. Hope someone else wins it all.
afan
October 5th, 2012
11:47 pm
Fans were not just mad at umps call but 17 years of frustration from this team and organization.
This was not a play-off, BS to Bud and MLB for a stupid one game called play off. BLM don’t give a damn for nothing but money..to hell with the little fans as long as you buy the tickets. Even Braves don’t care same BS every year.
Wren needs to go! Stop the Bobby Cox God stuff..we need new blood. We were only one game better than the Royals.
Answer this
October 5th, 2012
11:48 pm
Lol @Najeh
“Don’t throw things if your arm is to weak and can’t get it to the field” hahahahahha. Thanks for making me feel better!
@ eric thomas …….sounds like that lady should have ducked! Or perhaps she was hit in the head by a Cardinal fan who was throwing bottles just to chime in? Or perhaps she slipped and fell trying to get out the way of a bottle or perhaps she had to much to drink and hit her head or perhaps she should have just ducked!
Mister Frisky
October 5th, 2012
11:50 pm
Agree,Thank God the 7 month Chipper farewell tour has ended.Time to let our young power pitchers into rotation,and most importantly go get some WOOD Wren.
Answer this
October 5th, 2012
11:51 pm
This was not a one game play off
this was for MOB to have a one game pay off…..about the money and the product just went bad tonight with that horsespit call.
StLD
October 5th, 2012
11:52 pm
Enough with the complaints about ‘the call’. It will be completely forgotten by Sunday. Even assuming it was a bad call, all it did was cost the braves an opportunity…with a .230 hitter coming up. Give me a break. They lost that game with some of the worst defense that’s ever been played in the post-season. And laying eggs with runners on base. And then the worst fans in baseball earn their stripes again – stay home for the entire regular season, then embarrass yourselves in the one game you show up for. Pathetic.
Dawg4life
October 5th, 2012
11:52 pm
The season should not have ended like this. Got to give the Cards credit for taking advantage of yet another error-filled playoff game. But the season should not have ended like this. This was a painful excuse for a way to introduce the playoffs. There is no redemption, there is no next time, there is no way to make this comedy of errors correct.
I’m upset that the team played poorly (once again) on the big stage. But I am probaly more unhappy that there is no way this team can redeem itself.
I hope Bud Selig is happy with these results. They’re pretty crappy to me.
Answer this
October 5th, 2012
11:52 pm
MOB should be MLB
Hillbilly D
October 5th, 2012
11:54 pm
Ultimately when we look back at this loss, we need to look in the mirror,” he said. That [infield fly] call is in kind of a gray area. I’m not willing to say that call caught us the ball game. Three errors cost us the ball game, mine being the biggest.
Shouldn’t that say “cost us the ball game”, JS?
Answer this
October 5th, 2012
11:56 pm
@StLD
Question for you, if the Braves were lucky enough to win 2 -1, would you have complained about the time out call going from strikeout to two run homer. That takes alot of guts to answer with truth!
Hillbilly D
October 5th, 2012
11:56 pm
I was at the game, and I thought there were at least two bad calls. I couldn’t figure out why Simmons was out at first when the ball bounced off of his helmet. I haven’t seen that replay.
The umps got that one right. Simmons was clearly running in the grass and not in the box. That’s interference.
JSS
October 5th, 2012
11:57 pm
Liberty Media will use the excuse of the lawsuits that will cost them big to stand pat, you knuckleheads cut off your noses to spite your face!!! Ha ha, unintended irony hits again!!!
boots
October 5th, 2012
11:58 pm
I am left with a very bad taste for MLB. The umpire crew was the WORST in the history of baseball. They decided the game, and no one in their right mind thinks this was justice. The ESPN poll shows about 88% of the nation voting it was a bad call. Their state-by-state breakdown even shows the state of MO voting it was a bad call. Honestly, you left thinking it was a crooked crew and that the Braves got screwed. I could care less what happens in baseball for the next few years. I’m done.
afan
October 5th, 2012
11:59 pm
Balt O’s beat Texas and go to play NNY..happy for O’s
Answer this
October 5th, 2012
11:59 pm
If they want to sign someone…they will. Reaching a little on that one….
SR
October 6th, 2012
12:01 am
Isn’t this the 9th straight playoff (sort of) game they’ve lost AT HOME!!!! Really, who else does that?
Exactly. This organization needs to cleanse itself for it is cursed as surely as the other cursed teams are.
Ax
October 6th, 2012
12:01 am
I’m a life long Cardinals fan. While I’m happy they won, I understand why Braves fans are upset, I would be too over a botched call. I watched the Cards lose the 85 World Series that way. Altlanta fans now have the St. Louis version of Don Denkinger.
Don’t be too hard on Chipper, nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes once in a while, even great ball players like Chipper.
afan
October 6th, 2012
12:03 am
Hadn’t won a playoff game since 2001
Answer this
October 6th, 2012
12:03 am
@Ax
Thanks for giving some good perspective from a Cards fan. All these Judy do goods maybe will take a clue now.
afan
October 6th, 2012
12:04 am
Hope Braves sign FA David Wright
afan
October 6th, 2012
12:06 am
Ax, I respect the Cards and their organization very highly more than Braves. They make the moves the need and Braves don’t.
Answer this
October 6th, 2012
12:07 am
Got a third baseman don’t need Wright…..IMO, he would just make it worse for Fransisco to get on the field..and he has proved he needs to play more.
You Never Know
October 6th, 2012
12:09 am
The thing about baseball is you never know. You can have the matchups you want, the hitters in just the right order and every other detail worked out to the last detail. And then, you never know. Loss is rough. It sucks, no getting around it. But that’s baseball…and that’s life. The script doesn’t really matter in the end. In the words of the late great Skip Carey, when asked the umpteenth time about who was going to win whatever game was about to be player, “Don’t know. That’s why they play the games.”
Losing hurts. Losing in life hurts. Without that, however, we’d never know how good it feels to win. And how as good as it feels to win, hopefully, there’s still another sunrise to see.
Answer this
October 6th, 2012
12:11 am
Its all good Braves fans.
Wait until next year….I don’t, wont, can’t quit…I am a fan….good or bad times….I will see you guys at the Winter Meetings….
I am gone! Alright
Alright
Allright
Cardsgal
October 6th, 2012
12:12 am
I’m a Cardinals fan, and frankly, I’ve never really been a fan of Chipper’s. But I really admire the way he’s handled himself this evening after a really brutal final night at the ballpark. Classy.
moboman
October 6th, 2012
12:16 am
Defense blew the game, but that call has to be reversed right then and there, for the integrity of the game. Let the Brave lose the game if that is what happens, but dont let the umps decide the outcome with a horrible call.
Nokahomas Wigwam
October 6th, 2012
12:17 am
Just an absolute gut-wrenching way to end this way as so many postseasons have been since ‘96. I can’t believe it’s over. Thank you Chipper for all the years of entertainment. Also, to you fans who littered the field: THANK YOU FOR FINALLY SHOWING SOME PASSION. Dan Uggla, I’d say try to reinvent yourself in the winter but I think your too dumb/stubborn to do so. You would be dominant in my softball league so give it some thought. Keep your chins up everyone, the future is bright for this team….
Pete
October 6th, 2012
12:19 am
I don’t think the call was that terrible. Kozma is clearly under the ball. Had he put a glove on the ball then dropped it on purpose to double up the Braves’ runners, people would have been screaming for the infield fly rule. The Cardinals could be equally mad that even though Lohse was into his motion the umpire called time and strike three was negated. The next pitch resulted in a two run homer for the Braves. Bottom line, the umps did not cost the Braves this game. Poor fielding and terrible clutch hitting did.
chris
October 6th, 2012
12:19 am
Fredi Gonzales calls for a Safety Squeeze with two on, one out and the Pitcher on Deck? He she be fired for that move alone.
moboman
October 6th, 2012
12:20 am
And those of us watching on TV saw repeated pitches by Medlin that were strikes and not called. No mention of that. One batter had a 3-2 count and the foxtrac showed that every single pitch was entirely in the strike box. Homeplate umpire missed his share as well.
moboman
October 6th, 2012
12:23 am
Time to allow a set number of pitch appeals using the tracker. Just like they do in tennis.
StLD
October 6th, 2012
12:23 am
@Answer This – I had a Braves fan buddy of mine tell me he thought we got screwed on that, and I told him I really didn’t think so. Tough break, but not a bad call, and throwing a gofer ball on the next pitch is what did the damage.
I do think the Braves got a raw deal with this new system, and I kind of think it won’t last. Too much on the line for one game, and not much upside for the league.
moboman
October 6th, 2012
12:25 am
Pete,
Kozma never got to the ball, and the ump has to make that call much much sooner. Those are the rules of the game.
gy6
October 6th, 2012
12:29 am
told you.
LakeDawg
October 6th, 2012
12:30 am
The “Cox culture” lives. The Braves choke once again in the playoffs. Thank God. I don’t want baseball cluttering up the sports page during football season.
moboman
October 6th, 2012
12:30 am
Agreed StLD.
The Braves threw away this game in the infield. But they finished what — 7 games ahead of the Cards? This is not a good system. Why play 162 and finish as high as they did only to have one game eliminate them? Whats the point of the regular season?
Fire Freddi
October 6th, 2012
12:32 am
This game and the management of it showed that FREDDI needs to find a new job. Let him go help the Twins.
gy6
October 6th, 2012
12:34 am
good riddance, larry.
Olde Fan
October 6th, 2012
12:36 am
well, we had a good season with a lot of really great comebacks and wins, and some great players coming into their own (Medlin, Kimbrel, Heyward, Prado). Tonight was just – I don’t know how to describe all those foolish throwing errors and Simmon’s running (!!!) error. Just stupid and not like what these guys do.
Throwing trash on the field of play is inexcuseable in any sport, anywhere. I appreciate the passion; heck, at home, I felt the same way – but we all know this was wrong and embarrassing. I feel bad for Chipper to go out on this note. I feel bad for the rest of the team – they were so hopeful just a couple of days ago. Maybe next year, as the saying goes…
SilentCC
October 6th, 2012
12:36 am
Finally realized: The Braves are the Southern version of the Cubs.
Scoop
October 6th, 2012
12:42 am
One outlet reports that Joe Torre was the MLB rep to deny the protest. Said is was not reviewable since it was a judgment call. Setting aside the curious fact that an outfield umpire call the infield fly (when the infielder was deferring to the outfielder because the ball was so far out in the OUTfield): The issue, Joe, was not the admittedly bad judgment of the umpire who will live on in infamy. The is was very contestable since it involved the misapplication of the requirements we place on umpires who make that call. Specifically, notice and timeliness. Should have granted the protest.
Big difference between one out bases loaded and two out two on, especially for a team whose ability to come back has been proven. I’m sick.
People will move on from professional sports if they don’t find it legitimate. With the lingerie refs and tonight’s debacle, …and this stupid one game play in …. I’m not hopeful.
Okay, guilt caught me. Can’t sign off without tipping my cap to a great BRAVE. Thanks Chipper. You are a class act.
SilentCC
October 6th, 2012
12:45 am
It took a while, but it became acceptable to get in as a wildcard team. Last year the Cards showed the good of it. Now, NO ONE wants to be a wildcard with the crappy 1 game elimination. It’s not so much a play-in game as much as a dreaded crap-shoot play-out game.
In golf they tweaked the FedEx cup for several years until it played correctly. They better do that in baseball. No less than a best of 3 games for the wildcard.
JRW7
October 6th, 2012
12:58 am
MLB should be ashamed of that call by the umpire, infield fly rule my a??!!!!!
I was there
October 6th, 2012
1:08 am
Worst call I have ever seen and im glad we got the field covered with bottles. Im ashamed that MLB let that go. This one game playoff is an embarrasment to the game.
ha
October 6th, 2012
1:19 am
Chipper goes out like the beotch he is. HAHAHAHAHA!!! Buck the Fraves.
choker city
October 6th, 2012
1:25 am
a total choke—3 errors, no clutch hitting by the “stars” — more of the same.
Bulldog at the Ted
October 6th, 2012
1:27 am
Chipper has been great for the Braves for most of his time in the majors, and it was nice to see that he remains a stand up guy admitting that his error was a big one, and that as well as the two others resulted in 5 of the 6 runs.
It would be interesting to know what has been Chippers average in the post season, and how many RBI’s he has in post season play.
Driver 8
October 6th, 2012
1:32 am
Braves lost this one on their own. They lost because they scored 3 runs on 12 hits. They had the tying run up in each of the last three innings and couldn’t get 1 hit! They GAVE the cards 3-4 runs with slapstick errors. They lost because they choked-they always choke.
The infield-fly call was an absolute joke. If it had not been called, would anyone have said, hey, the infield fly rule should have been in effect? Of course not. Under this interpretation, any fly ball hit anywhere in the park with runners on 1st and 2nd is subject to the infield fly rule.
Also ridiculous; all the fake outrage over trashing the field. BFD, plastic bottles and paper cups- WOW, real danger there. Joe Simpson seemed eager to blame all of the fans. What a sanctimonious gasbag. I hope he is done in Atlanta. I never want to hear him again.
If you want 10 playoff teams, shorten the damn season and have real series. You don’t need to play 6 months to decide home field advantage for a 1 game playoff. Hell, why play at all, why not just have coin flip in Selig’s office.
After 94 wins over a 6 month marathon, baseball is suddenly in a hurry? WTF. This wasn’t a playoff game. This was a play-in game.
bulldogbubba
October 6th, 2012
1:48 am
@Stinger2 – How does it feel? Did Chipper give his best today?When they needed him most he was as human as you and I. What a dissapointment for the end but when you have little offense thats what you get. See you next yearHope Mr. Clusters will come back also.
I'm not buying it
October 6th, 2012
1:58 am
Okay, Chipper cost us three runs…in the fourth inning, not even halfway through the game. It was not a good throw, big inning, yada yada yada.
It’s three runs in the fourth inning, not the eight or ninth where you only have a few outs to give to try to get back in the game, it’s the fourth, twenty-four outs left to get back in the game.
Good season, sorry it ended the way it did. Bright spots? Minor, Medlen and don’t forget next year, probably late May or so, we get Beachy back. Three emerging stud pitchers. Get some offense, and we’re in business. Get a left fielder and figure out if Uggs is in the plan or not. Those are the two big jobs for Wren this offseason.
I'm not buying it
October 6th, 2012
2:00 am
One more thing….as long as Selig the Clueless remains in the Commissioners office, we’ll continue to have ridiculous ideas such as all season interleague play, All Star winner determining home field in the Series…and a one game ‘playoff’.
SR
October 6th, 2012
2:01 am
Things can be equally true, e.g., yeah, it was a terrible call, we can all agree on that and yeah, this format sucks, we can all (at least most of us) agree on that BUT, this team just cannot win in the postseason AT HOME, when they have to!!! Somehow, they invent ways to lose, almost as if they just have bad karma hanging over them. The names may change but the results remain the same and there is no arguing that fact.
oldfart
October 6th, 2012
2:11 am
Even though the umpire’s arm does not rise until it is clear that the ball is going to fall between the fielders Joe Torre determined it a judgement call and a protest could therefore not be upheld. Wren dropped the protest after the game, and Braves president John Schuerholz issued an apology for the actions of the crowd.
I shall issue my own apology at this time.
I’m sorry that I didn’t know the fix was in and I’m also sorry that baseball has fallen into a sorry sack of Selig.
Ben A
October 6th, 2012
2:18 am
To all the people blaming Chipper, the Umps:
Who’s fault was it, that the Braves played themselves into THIS Wildcard Game?
Answer me that.
IMO, the TEAM played “just enough” to get to Wildcard, but not “well enough” to an ACTUAL PLAYOFF SPOT.
That’s where the blame falls; not this “one and done gamw” rather, the actions taken (or not taken) that led the team to this particular situation.
Get your theory right folks.
Now, about that Instant Replay……
The Bear
October 6th, 2012
3:03 am
Watching the end of the game at home and sitting here reading this make me ashamed not to be a braves fan,but to be counted among some of you. Saying that New York,Chicago or Philadelphia do,may do it or usually do it,does not justify what happened last night. We lost and it stunk and was it a bad call? I dont know,im not knowledgeable of the rule and im big enough to admit it. I dont think some of you would be. Last night was not the city of Atlanta or the team, that city is not any of the above metioned cities. I kinda hope it would be better,I always thought it was. That city and we as fans could have done like other cities and rioted when we won the world series in ‘95 but we didnt,I always like to think the braves fans were better. So you have “passion” and love our team? Some of that crap you threw could have hurt players on our team physically. It could have hurt some kids or other fans and I guess it did. Of course,thats nothing to worry about when your just a face in the crowd or words on the computer and typing somewhere in front of a screen. Love or hate him,we wouldnt have gotten to many post seasons without Chipper and he did stick around. Gee, I wonder why he did not stick around for a curtain call. Oh I know, Hes a worthless overpriced ballplayer and he knows it…….then agggggain??? You know a lot of you sit here and complain and im sure you love the braves but you act like you we are entitled to wins and winning,we’re not. Having emotion is fine but calling People names like Hey-worthless is just a joke. Its funny, those of you who where calling for freddi to be hired when he really didnt have that great of success in FLA(he has proved me wrong though),im sure are calliing for his head now. Fair-weathered??? Experince or not,how many are perhaps thinking a certain first base coach would be a better choice now??? When things are going bad,you call for their heads,when things going right,you support them,you ALWAYS had and YOU just KNEW theyd do fine. If you think you can do better job than any of them,jump in! I think they could use the break. Braves fans,classy?? Some.. Others….they need to ask themselves. A look in the mirror,wouldnt hurt either.
Chip
October 6th, 2012
4:42 am
Ultimately, I can deal with a blown call. I can forgive players who are human and make costly mistakes at the wrong time. I cannot write off the bottle tossing as passion and enthusiasm. That no one was badly hurt in that mayhem is a blessing. That ugliness has no place at the Ted! You can’t take your kids to an event where there’s a decent chance they might get hit in the head with a pocket bottle of Jack Daniel’s! Do you have any idea how many of those projectiles fell short and landed in the lower levels? And it went on for almost 20 minutes! In all that time, I never saw any ushers or security personnel step up to provide any kind of enforcement efforts. I didn’t see a single person tossed out or arrested! I didn’t see anyone disciplined because I didn’t see anyone in law enforcement or stadium operations even looking to confront those idiots throwing bottles and full cans, just the grounds crew cleaning up after them. Am I seriously to believe that the Braves organization cannot identify and prosecute even ONE of the perpetrators? That’s a joke… and we’re lucky it’s not a child with a concussion and a huge lawsuit. When you’re a baseball fan, you sign up for some heartbreak. It’s part of the deal. What’s not in that contract is getting a black eye or having a loved one get their skull split open because no one in authority is willing to reign in the drunk hotheads!
[Gets Off Soapbox]
On a side note, if the hardest working group at the Ted tonight was the grounds crew, then the second-hardest-working was definitely the front office. I love the “withdrawal of the unsuccessful protest!” It’s brilliant, pure PR spun gold: Joe Torre steps before the cameras, overrules the Braves and immediately determine Atlanta’s complaint unsuccessful and without merit. We didn’t LOSE the protest, y’all. We simply WITHDREW it after it was deemed unsuccessful! It’s all in how you look at the situation: Braves didn’t LOSE to the Cards; we simply WITHHELD the victory… In other news, Frank Wren also announced that having been eliminated from the next round of the playoffs, the Braves have withdrawn the right to continue into the Division Series this weekend…
Dews Hbag
October 6th, 2012
4:53 am
Redneck fans off to watch the Dawgs.
Paul May
October 6th, 2012
5:05 am
Somebody wins, somebody loses. This was not about an umpiring call. It was about the Braves once again failing to live up to expectations. Same problem all year: inability to his with risp. The fan reaction to the umpiring call was embarrassing and on national TV. Exactly why America perceives the south as rednecks.
jlmdra
October 6th, 2012
5:11 am
Typical Braves postseason.
BubbaDaBaller
October 6th, 2012
6:47 am
I commend the ATL faithful for putting down their Smart Phones & Lattes and showing some passion!
The shower of debris was harmless to those on the field…Ron “Ding-Dong Darling” made too much of the act…
bill
October 6th, 2012
6:59 am
will somebody plesas fire joe simpson. He is the most disloyal announcer in the game. He critcized the fans during the player strike and again last night without mentioning the frustration of all those underachieving years. The Braves fans showed up and rocked the house. Th Braves looked like Obama at the debate. They looked like they did not want to be there.
bill
October 6th, 2012
7:05 am
Chipper back handed that ball and I remember at least two other critical playofff games where Chipper was as ieve at third. Sorry to see his career end that way. Unfortunately it is probably how I will remeber himm. Oleing the ball at third. not hitting a game winner.
bill
October 6th, 2012
7:06 am
Remember a couple of years ago when Chipper lost a grounder to third in the lights? Playoff game there too as I remember.
tony
October 6th, 2012
7:09 am
He hate me if you trade haywood you have no team. This victory lap year with Chipper cost the braves. Money would have been better spent on getti third baseman this season. A 15millon dollar victory lap and what do you get a throwing error to start the excuses for all. Go Braves as always. Home that is.
CT
October 6th, 2012
7:35 am
Sad way to end a good season, it was a team collapse. But I did not like the idea of and still don’t, of a one and done wild card playoff. All othe playoff series in baseball are multiple games and I feel the wild card should have the same standard; make it a best of 3 series.
Larry
October 6th, 2012
7:40 am
Indeed the “infield fly rule” was unjustly called. But not for a moment can we know that this cost the Braves the game, especially the way this team hits with RISP. And the Cardinals had amassed six runs prior to this, anyway!
Why did they lose? Fredi Gonzalez, Chipper Jones, Dan Uggla and Andrelton Simmons.
The players made human mistakes, but Chipper’s lack of interest in the game last night and the last several seasons was in full form with that job to first in his last at bat. It was as if he wanted it all to end so he could be on a deer stand this morning. I, for one, am so glad he has retired; I believe he emotionally retired 3-4 years ago. And you want to see passion from a great Atlanta Player (far better than Chipper Jones)? The tune in tomorrow at 1:00 PM and watch Matt Ryan.
But this manager? What a complete dolt! Calling a safety squeeze with one out, the pitcher up next, with the slow afoot Freeman on 3rd? Then you have the 3rd inning after Ross’ 2 run homer the inning before. Bourne leads off with a single and he doesn’t have Prado bunt him to second to pursue a precious 3 run lead?
The man is just like Bobby Cox and this is why we’ll never see his team celebrate on the pitcher’s mound after the last out of a season.
Dave Kopitzke
October 6th, 2012
7:44 am
From Detroit: Atlanta Fans – Do not beat yourselves up. There is no way any team should forced to play a team they beat out by 6 games. The AL was saved this travesty only because of the identical records of Texas and Baltimore.
eazye
October 6th, 2012
7:44 am
can some one please tell me why chipper always wears that turtle neck shirt…???? that has always bugged me..
Bill Payer
October 6th, 2012
7:45 am
Is there anyone out there that doesn’t know in his heart that McCann would have hit into a DP if the bases were loaded and only one out. Real question is, why have Braves been so bad in post season?Fourteen post season appearances with Chipper, one championship. Don’t know, but seems like that would be some kind of record. Also, when will baseball join the rest of us in this century? Replay is available, if not perfect, to review these plays. They did get the call wrong in Seattle. As far as not reviewing “judgement calls” aren’t all calls “judgement” calls? Safe or out, fair all foul, ball or strike, they’re all called based on the umpires judgement.
1991 braves
October 6th, 2012
7:49 am
Typical Larry Jones defense this year. His lack of range and his terrible defense have cost the braves all year, yet because it is Larry Jones and it his last season, he gets to continue to hurt the team. The Braves are only franchise in baseball that allow a player to decide when he will quit, and the braves are only franchise that pays 40 year old over the hill players $15 million to quit under his terms This franchise and this team got what it deserved tonight. A loss because the manager, and the G.M. have no balls, and they allow players to dictate the outcome of games and the outcome of the season. Larry Jones should not have been allowed to play this year under his terms, and he should not have been allowed to play when he felt like it. When the manager has to ask a player if he wants to play or if he feels like playing, then you have a huge problem. And that is what the braves have now. A manager and a G.M. with no leadership or authority, and thank GOD Larry Jones and his whinny ass is finally gone. Should have rode out of town with his real father Bobby Cox. The nightmare will continue however, because he didn’t take Fredi and Frank with him, nor did he take Uggly with him, another one of Wren’s wonderful deals. Take away Uggly and Larry Jones and the braves would still be playing, and they would have had $27 million to spend on an outfielder with power. Bye Bye crybaby Larry, and i hope you take the memories of your last game with you
Call It Like It Is
October 6th, 2012
7:55 am
People, fans were not throwing debris on the field because of the bad call, they were doing because once again you could see that the Braves were going to choke away another one. This is the most apathetic team in MLB history. 1 ring and 14 division wins. You take any other coach and give him the talent the Braves have had in the past 2 decades and you get 4 to 5 rings. This game wasn’t lost by this one call, please. Braves fans will continue to once again wallow in despair, while these guys are more than likely already on the golf course laughing their butts off.
Janice Cook
October 6th, 2012
7:57 am
Chipper: You said it best, when you immediately accepted your role in the Braves’ defeat last night. But more importantly, you showed great wisdom for a young man, when you said, that “In the end, you brought it every time”. I wholeheartedly agree. God bless you, your sons, and your supportive parents.
Game Changer
October 6th, 2012
7:58 am
Please tell now that Uggla will be out of Atlanta forever.
Uggla is a cancer and hopefully he will take Gonzalez with him.
GreatATLGuy
October 6th, 2012
8:01 am
Who gives a d—n, it’s just a stupid baseball game that matters nothing in the end… get a life, mainly redneck idiots who care about such trival nonsense!
Ray Brant
October 6th, 2012
8:01 am
Go Braves and take the Hawks with you!!!
Joey
October 6th, 2012
8:12 am
Well, not a minute of Texas deer season will be missed . . .
Larry
October 6th, 2012
8:18 am
GreatATLGuy,
Then why are you posting?
Jo Jo
October 6th, 2012
8:21 am
How do you like MLB’s new “Outfield Fly Rule”?
sam
October 6th, 2012
8:24 am
Best comment on the reaction of the Atlanta fans was from my brother-in-law in New York. He said “hell if that happened up here there would have been a riot!”. If you’ve ever been to Yankee Stadium you’d have to agree.
Stinger2
October 6th, 2012
8:27 am
bulldogbubba: To answer your question: Niether you not I know if Chipper gave his best. Only he knows. That question answered, here is one for you: Why do you think he would not give it his best?
Also, I don`t know why you and Joey have been so critical of me. I have never said anything negative about either of you.
GreatATLGuy
October 6th, 2012
8:29 am
@Larry, you are a cliche’ (look it up)
Big Al
October 6th, 2012
8:32 am
LMAO!!!! The Braves are just the Braves, but Bobby Cox is the greatest manager ever. Casey Stengel would roll over in his grave laughing.
Carroll
October 6th, 2012
8:52 am
Another bad call that nobody is talking about…the guy who hit the ball to Uggla where he made the bad throw and opened the door to 3 unearned runs…that guy was CLEARLY struck out on the pitch before he hit that grounder. Balls and strikes were shaky all day. Still no excuse for the way the Braves played. What happens to them in October that they lose their freaking minds and forget how to play? It happens every stinkin time.
evil empire
October 6th, 2012
8:54 am
some gotta win, some gotta lose….goodtime charlie’s got the blues…
pete
October 6th, 2012
9:01 am
Enter your comments here
kreedham
October 6th, 2012
9:15 am
Well if Prado’s moving to 3rd we’ve got to get an outfielder and 2 if we don’t keep Bourn.
What might have been-I think we would have caught Wash if Beachy hadn’t gone down.
Joe Torre overturned protest because you can overturn a judgment call. He should have said, the protest is denied but it was the wrong call!
Buzzer
October 6th, 2012
9:16 am
The fan reactions, and this game in general is all appropo:
16 years of futility & counting.
I don’t blame the fans. That was a long time in coming.
The game…..same ole same ole.
We are cursed.
Jimmy
October 6th, 2012
9:16 am
Braves have been choking for 20 years. Thank goodness Cleveland choked more than we did in 1996. That being said, I am sick and tired of watching sports where the refs/umps/officials have too much control. Until baseball goes to instant replay and a computerized strike zone, it’s goodbye baseball until then. I’d left pro basketball long time ago with the crooked refs and the hip hop…pro football is next as the real refs have showed they aren’t that much better. Thank goodness for golf where 99.99% of the time the effort of the athlete translates to the ultimate result! .
stl
October 6th, 2012
9:20 am
stung by the cards again
Shouldn't have done all that acid in the 70's
October 6th, 2012
9:23 am
I for one am delighted with the fans reaction. Screw all you policitally correct wimps saying you are ashamed. for ONCE Atlanta showed it’s anger instead of sitting quietly on our colective hands awaiting the pool boy to bring us more refills for our mint julips. That being said…….In the final analysis the Braves suck. I only surfed in once or twice because I bloody well KNEW what would happen. Is that predjudice? You are wrong. I wasn’t prejudging anything. IT’s called post-judice which means you KNOW what’s going to happen and ain’t juding squat. That call was ridiculous but it didn’t cause the loss. Lousy fielding, wimpy batting, stupid play, the EXTREMELY USUAL suspects that have haunted this post-season franchise from 1991 ad infinitum. I hope and pray that the gushy 680 The Fan folks will finally spit out the teet and admit they are a truly lost cause. “NUF SED.
Buzzer
October 6th, 2012
9:23 am
we stung ourselves meat
JSS
October 6th, 2012
9:25 am
“There’s got to be a morning after!”
Ha ha ha ha!!! Cluster’s Vindication Tour Day 2!!!
Bill Stanfill
October 6th, 2012
9:38 am
Saw on ESPN that the “infield” fly was estimated to have landed 278 feet from home plate. Under no sensible application of the rule is that an infield fly. Terrible, terrible call.
fans hurt us big time
October 6th, 2012
9:46 am
while i was not happy about the calls and the errors and the way chipper played….. we had our chances.
i am thinking that had the fans not tossed trash we would have been in a situation with 2 men on. 2 outs. momentum on our side. adrenalin coursing threw the braves. and a wild HITTABLE pitcher facing our batters.
the trash tossing helped the cardinals because they removed their wild pitcherr AND it gave their close plenty of time to warm up properly.
the trash tossing hurt big time.
only a matter of time
October 6th, 2012
9:57 am
everyone assumes the Braves would have won if the call wasn’t made. let’s assume they did win. you’d be looking at a drubbing at the hands of a much more potent and hungry Nationals team. Braves suck in the post season point blank. this is just another sad chapter. only difference is this time you can blame the umps instead of Lonnie Smith or Mark Wohlers for hanging a curve. get over it. chipper, who never had a big post season anyway, peace out and good luck in retirement. holler at you in 5 years when you get inducted and now atlanta can have someone in the hall so Braves fans can quit crying about that.
The Bear
October 6th, 2012
9:59 am
Unreal, so because of a comment from someone in new york and because the way things went,that makes the fans actions last night ok? Unreal Like I said,we are not entitled winners on the field or even to get to the postseason.The Braves could have lost 100+ plus. Of course,you could npw say,well that would have gotten rid any of the previous metioned. Remember,without of any of these players past or present,we would have never gotten to the post season in the first place.
I dont know why this happens(post season failures), but at least they got this far. Choking is possible, i dont know. But I value them even trying. I remember 1988-1990 and Im sure some others here do too. Again,I dont understand the rule enough to comment but its time maybe for the umpires to be held accountable and not allowed to be judge and jury on the field. Teams should automatically be allowed to asked for instant replay if needed.
Chris Sanchez
October 6th, 2012
10:01 am
Jones calls it like he sees it even in his last game…the ATL will miss him on the field. Now, how about we figure out how to win in the postseason?
Supermanshirt
October 6th, 2012
10:13 am
Sam Holbrook is probably on the take. Dan Uggla should have caught the throw from Chipper. He might be on the take too. If I want to watch a fake baseball game outcome that was rigged, I might as well watch WWE!
Logical Dad
October 6th, 2012
10:15 am
I am REALLY enjoying these umpire apologists on ESPN trying say it was the correct call. At least Jim Joyce had the courage to admit he blew the call at first that cost Galarraga his perfect game 2+ years ago. This arrogant no-talent Holbrook insists he was correct. In his fantasy world, waiting 5.4 seconds after contact (and .6 second before the ball landed in the outfield) constitutes “immediate.” He was wrong and the Turner Field fans were right. Simply no question about it. Holbrook’s blown call did not cost the Braves the game, though. They lost fair and square.
Ted M
October 6th, 2012
10:16 am
Instant replay wasn’t needed to over turn that bad call. Six umps could not have all seen that as an infield fly rule play.
Technically speaking could the umps have over turned that call? Jeff anyone!
B. Thenet
October 6th, 2012
10:17 am
A fitting ending for his career. He was a fantastic regular season player, a raging mediocrity when it really counted.
Ted M
October 6th, 2012
10:18 am
Uggla could not have caught Chippers throw his momentum was taking towards the bag and away from the ball.
JSS
October 6th, 2012
10:19 am
“Rigged?” Ha ha, dudes played defensive baseball like strippers at the Clermont trying to remember their younger days… They lost, the phantom call in the 8th was just twisting your heart for overkill!
soullrenaissance
October 6th, 2012
10:25 am
Well Chip My Bones, Chipper choked again. He will go down as perennial meltdown king. And he did not win the World Series for us in 95[, he just went along for the ride.
Dr. Phil
October 6th, 2012
10:25 am
I have thought about this experience overnight, trying to grasp what happened. There was confusion on the field for several minutes while Fredi argued. I could not imagine what he was arguing as I saw the white ball hit the green outfield grass. Then the out went up on the board. The amazing thing was how quickly the air was filled with aluminum cans from all directions, many spewing beer like sky rockets. They came from all directions and the umpires and players gathered around the pitcher’s mound, out of range of the angry projectiles. The crowd began chanting “bullsh-t” to the point the entire stadium began to pulse. The game was within reach to that point, and the umps stole it, and everyone knew it. It was not bad sportsmanship or soccer hooliganism. It was pure rebellion, directed at the umpires and not the St. Louis players. I have never seen anything like it in 50 years of attending Major League Baseball and hope I never do again.
follow the money
October 6th, 2012
10:31 am
HORRIBLE CALL! Quite possibly the worst that I have ever seen considering that an outfield ump (one that doesn’t exist in the reg season) called an infield fly. It should not be in his jurisdiction. He shouldn’t be there. If MLB feels that a 4 ump crew is not sufficient, then how can we make it through 162 games fairly? Next you will see the left field ump calling a player out on a pickoff to first because he has a better angle.
Can someone tell me when a protest has ever accomplished anything?
The fans were right. MLB was wrong with this one. The fans get gouged at every turn (tickets, drinks, hotdogs, and on and on) so I think it is fair for them to expect a top notch product. Instead, they get little league umpiring, a stupid one-game play in to the playoff and then are chastised for their behavior. Give me a break! IMO, the fans should be entitled to a class action lawsuit. If GM sells a knowingly defective product, they are liable. MLB is more defective than ever and only getting worse.
Thank God for golf! I think it is the only sport remaining where an “impartial” referee making a judgement call doesn’t skew the results. It is one man and his ability put to the test.
Metfan Lou
October 6th, 2012
10:36 am
First of all the Braves got a gift in Ross’ two run homer. He called time so late the pitch was on its way and he struck out. he got an extra pitch and boom two runs up. Second when the fans threw garbage on the field and they refuse to stop after the warning the baseball should have been stopped and the game awarded to the visiting. team. This is perfectly legal and within the rules. Even when the infield fly rule was called it did not end the inning. Yes a bad call but a lot of games have bas calls. You play through them. Third for the past two weeks Chipper because of all the hoopla surrounding his farwell was in an awful slump and should have been on the bench to come in to be a pinch hitter if needed. He would have been rested and refreshed. He never should have been at third. Prado should have been there. I could go on but except for their outstanding pitching the Braves have a lot of holes and this was a predictable outcome.
Supermanshirt
October 6th, 2012
10:40 am
I tip my hat to the skipper for keeping his cool and not getting tossed. The only possible help he could provide, he did with an official protest. Getting tossed from the game would’ve only hurt our chances. Bobby Cox would have been tossed. Great job Fredi.
Uggla couldve caught the ball. He might not have gotten an out, but he could’ve caught the ball. I was surprised the error was charged to Chipper.
ULVER
October 6th, 2012
10:51 am
Like this matters…
soxman
October 6th, 2012
10:51 am
Same ol’ Braves- turn the calendar to October and….CHOOOOOOOOOOKE!! Freddy really DID learn everything from Bobby!
Bill Payer
October 6th, 2012
10:59 am
Maybe it’s time the Braves changed their nickname to something else. (”Post season chokers” springs to mind, but that’s really not helpful). Perhaps the “native American” mascot is bringing bad karma? What Indian themed team has won anything recently, Cleveland Indians, Washington Redskins, Kansas City chiefs, only Chicago Blackhawks a couple years ago? And at least Blackhawks is a tribal name. Ladies and gentlemen, your Atlanta Sparrows! Titmouses! Hummingbirds! Vultures! Carrion Eaters! Road Kill! Traffic Jams! Panhandlers! Buellers!
Dirty Dawg
October 6th, 2012
11:03 am
Don’t know if anybody has made this observation, but clearly Chipper took something off his throw to second…something that resulted in a rainbow throw and the beginning of the end. My question is why? Haven’t watched any replays to confirm but my guess is that he – Chipper – turned and saw that Uggla wasn’t yet at the bag and had to adjust his throw which did what it did to his timing. Don’t know what’ll be possible, but I think it’s time to figure out how to cut Uggla loose. Chaulk it up to ‘it seemed like a good idea at the time.’…and move on. Prado’s best position, both offensively and defensively, is second base. Make a place for him and get some reliable power at third and left.
JimmyG
October 6th, 2012
11:05 am
Are the Braves going to have a circle on the field from now on to mark the worlds record for the infield fly rule. It would serve to remind the arrogant umpires and MLB to figure out how to get the calls right. It might also help to have a sign up to explain what “immediately” means.
David
October 6th, 2012
11:06 am
Why is nobody talking about Chipper jogging to first base on the LAST OUT of the Braves season, and what could’ve been the last out of his career?? To me that sums up the Braves during Chipper’s time. Lack of heart, lack of passion. That’s why they always choke in the playoffs.
StlCardsFan4Life
October 6th, 2012
11:06 am
I’ve been reading the posts on the AJC website. The umpires didn’t lose the game for the Braves. The upper-dect rowdies lost the game for the Braves, whether Atlanta fans like it or not. However, one thing that the unruly fans did do was inspire the team, unfortunately it was the wrong one. Anyone who saw the looks on the Cardinals faces in the dugout while debris rained down on Atlanta fans who were unfortunate enough to be seated in the lower sections from the morons above them (whose accuracy was not very good I might add) told the viewer that the party was over turn out the lights. Not only did it signal that the fans gave up on the Braves (e.g. ‘here we go again’), but it incited the Cardinals to say, in effect, if they (the upper ‘deckers’ fans) think this is over so let’s give them their wish. Didn’t anyone ever use the phrase in Atlanta ‘Let a sleeping dog lie.’ Guess not. Thanks upper-deck hooligans (don’t forget your English Soccer League team scarfs next season), you sealed the deal, the umps didn’t; the Braves players didn’t; the manager didn’t; but you sure did.
Dirty Dawg
October 6th, 2012
11:06 am
Hey bill payer…Thrashers is available. Has the added value of describing how we played yesterday…as in ‘thrashing around’.
flagger
October 6th, 2012
11:09 am
Thanks Chipper for 19 years of entertainment…Best wishes in whatever you decide to pursue in the future.
BRObiwan Kenobi
October 6th, 2012
11:14 am
Life long fan of the birds on the bat. I’m tired of the “way to be classy” BS from everyone. ATL fans protested the only effective way a fan can outside of normal booing. Nobody was killed and nothing was destroyed.We did the same thing in 1998 when the same ump tossed McGwire against…Atlanta. This country was built on people witnessing something unjust and taking action. And while I’m truly grateful for the win and excited about October, the fact remains that we shouldn’t have been there. The Braves took care of business in the reg season to get there, we didn’t. That’s gotta be tough. One game is no way to decide playoff fate. Bud Selig is trying to replecate something that naturally occured on the 2011 season’s final night, but the fact it happened naturally is what made it great.
Jayne
October 6th, 2012
11:43 am
I feel like I lost one of my best friends.
Jayne
October 6th, 2012
11:50 am
We’ve got some cheap pitching now…can’t Cox & friends buy some hitters?
You have got to be able to score. We have never been able to score runs under Cox & Sherholtz.
Maybe U boys need to retire.
The think tank @ the TED has run dry.
Pitching and defense DON”T win.
Its insane to keep doing things the same way.
How many more wait till next year
October 6th, 2012
11:51 am
I love Chipper and thank him for 19 years…but he was not into the game. looked like he was in another world just going through the motion. Ump even gave him the last call for respect. (he didn’t even run to 1st )
Braves never fail to let the fans down at playoff time_- 17 years of frustration not just umps call was cause for fan reaction.
Braves need to make some changes in front office and clean the BC ghost out of clubhouse and let Fredi be Fredi and stop the good ole boy crap.
Wren needs to go, Mac, Uggla and the slow fat guys on bench also.
On Fredi..I wish he was gone because he tries to be BC..and BC looking over his shoulder. This needs to stop. If not Fredi needs to go.
I’ve been a fan since 66 and its still the same BS.
How many more wait till next year
October 6th, 2012
11:56 am
Braves have not won a play-off game since 2001..lol
Put That in your pipe and smoke it Mr. Wren.
OC Brave
October 6th, 2012
12:01 pm
Tough loss. No point dwelling on it. There is a lot to focus on this off-season. Bourn and McCann need to be signed to new deals. This team really can’t address left field until they ink Bourn and McCann. A few pitchers need to be examined. Do you bring back Hanson? Do they cut all ties with Jurrjens?
How many more wait till next year
October 6th, 2012
12:14 pm
Bourn will be gone, Braves will not pay his agents value on him $$$. McCann has a 13 million option which he is not worth, period. Hanson is a joke trade him. Jurrjens is already gone free agent.
How many more wait till next year
October 6th, 2012
12:17 pm
Trade Uggla and put Prado back on 2B. Sign David Wright free agent for 3B.
NCDawg
October 6th, 2012
12:27 pm
Sour grapes or not, the Braves got screwed… just like 1991.
Bravesfan63
October 6th, 2012
12:28 pm
CAC,
Are you saying that the only way fans can protest is by throwing trash on the field? Chipper Jones demonstrated class. It is too bad hundreds of fans chose to act like savages.
Milo
October 6th, 2012
12:39 pm
Uggla is the great big hole. We are payin and he can’t hit. Now we have aging/injury prone catcher, no centerfielder,no 3rd base, and a .200 hitter at 2nd.
These issues gotta b fixed. Hanson could be lived with if we had some f……. runs.
Harpie
October 6th, 2012
12:46 pm
Dirty Dawg – that was hilarious the way you blamed Uggla for Chipper’s error, you prick
Dirty Dawg
October 6th, 2012
12:52 pm
Hey harpie…interesting that your name-calling wasn’t blocked…and too bad I don’t know where to find you…SFB.
ragnar danneskjold
October 6th, 2012
12:57 pm
“Class” is most easily discovered when winning big, and when losing painfully. Chipper never rubbed it in when his big hits won, and he gracefully acknowledged his pivotal role in what is surely one of the most dispiriting losses of his career.
Unrelated, the “infield fly” call was obviously error. Anyone who understands the history of the rule realizes that it was put in place to prevent a devious fielder from obtaining a cheap double play by intentionally missing a fly. There was no potential-practical double play in the outfield call.
atlfalconsfan0125
October 6th, 2012
1:00 pm
The braves buried themselves. But who know what would have happened if the call wasnt made.
RefundOurMoney
October 6th, 2012
1:24 pm
Game was fixed. People keep saying “but the Braves had 3 errors.”
True. But the Cardinals had at least 2 errors.
The difference? The Cards errors were somehow reported by ONE of the Umps as “outs.” Not just any outs. Outs that took runs off the board and killed the 2 BIGGEST INNINGS for the Braves.
The fix was in on this one. This game was predetermined yesterday by Umpire Holbrook. Everyone at that game should receive a refund.
This wasn’t baseball…this was WWF Wrasslin’.
What a joke. Major League Baseball may never recover from this black eye. This ranks right up there with the Black Sox.
Steve
October 6th, 2012
1:31 pm
“How many more wait till next year ” says the Braves have not won a playoff GAME since 2001. Hmmm, pretty sure the won one in 2010.
johnny
October 6th, 2012
2:03 pm
win lose or draw i’m a braves fan.whether we win world series or finish last at some point it always becomes “wait till next year”.Chipper had a bad game in 19 years we can’t say that many times.I own 1 baseball card it’s a Chipper Jones rookie card.I hope to see him back in a braves uniform as a coach one day.Today sucks as a brave fan,but as soon as pitchers and catchers report next year the eternal optimist returns in me and all is well….until we lose our first game!
phil
October 6th, 2012
2:13 pm
JSS
October 5th, 2012
10:27 pm
And the shame that rained down upon the city and this state by the behavior at Turner Field will follow this town like that of people who are in those grainy b/w film clips on the wrong side of history! See, the same lack of control demonstrated in these blogs, there it was manifested for the whole nation to see!!!
********
nah, few were watching…..they, like us, knew the outcome before the first pitch.
It’s what we do, remember?
phil
October 6th, 2012
2:15 pm
RefundOurMoney – don’t be an idiot. We botched three plays and four if you include idiot simmons running out of the baseline. We beat ourselves, doofus.
The umps just helped end a great potential comeback.
Supermanshirt
October 6th, 2012
2:31 pm
RefundOurMoney, I’m right there with you. WWE. Phil, did you watch the same game? Were you at the game? I was high in the upper deck myself. Concerned someone was going to get hurt, I couldn’t help but wonder if I would be able to trust the game and their umpires enough for me to return. An errant throw that should have been caught by an athletic 2nd baseman did cause problems, but even in the ninth inning we were trying to come back. I believe the umpiring crew the( former Cardinal Manager) head of MLB, Joe Torre, and possibly Dan Uggla is on the take. The simple ground ball he bobbled and then threw 30 feet away from the firstbaseman was a lot of the evidence that supports this.
The fans should not have thrown the trash on the field(coming from the upper and lower decks btw), but the umpires had total control for overturning a mistake call on the field…. except it wasn’t a mistake. It was their plan.
K Conway
October 6th, 2012
2:50 pm
Back to last place! No superstar in sight now!
USMC
October 6th, 2012
3:18 pm
“Chipper Jones on loss in his finale: ‘Ultimately I’m to blame’”–Schultzy
He is right. Chipper is a great player who will end up in the Hall of Fame.
HOWEVER, we Native Atlantans know that Chipper has ALWAYS choked in clutch situations; playoffs and World Series… ALWAYS.
Mister Frisky
October 6th, 2012
3:21 pm
Hey Larry,Maybe you should have been nervous.
Jason
October 6th, 2012
3:24 pm
Glad Chipper tried to refocus the blame. He blamed himself and he should. Yes it was a bad call but the ball should of been caught anyways. Fact remains the Braves fans were a disgrace. I don’t appreciate either the person on this forum talking about the Braves fans aren’t real fans. Maybe I am not. I am 40 years old with three kids a wife and career. I neither the time or the money to spend going to the ball park when I am not entertained and have to sit around a bunch of ignorant fans. I imagine the “real braves fan” is single with no kids and nothing else to spend money on.
Wilbo
October 6th, 2012
3:47 pm
Chipper is and has always been a TERRIBLE post season fielder. He is directly responsible for the Braves playoff washout against the Cardinals in 2000. Two or 3 throws over first base into the stands nearly carbon copies of that errant toss last night. 2002 against the Giants, Chipper playing soccer with the baseball in leftfield led directly to the loss of that Division Series as well. And that’s not to mention the October baserunning booboos that were part of Chipper’s early act. That stupid call had ZERO bearing on the final result: Chipper the Dipper and the Bumbling Bravos had choked away the game (and their season) long before the leftfield umpire had his brain freeze.
Steve G
October 6th, 2012
3:50 pm
One post – think from Philly Fan in ATL – commented on the post season melt down typical of ATL teams. Obviously great in the regular season, post season disappear. The Braves were the best defensive team in the NL but lose to Cards primarily because of 3 flubs? Oy!!
As for Fredi (aka Bobby Jr.) – let me say that w/ Francona available, if I’m an owner serious about winning it all, there’s no hesitation to make the switch.
Chipper – we’re all gonna miss you.
USMC
October 6th, 2012
3:58 pm
JASON@3:24
LOL! That was spot on.
RaleighDawg
October 6th, 2012
4:16 pm
Folks go on and on about how Chipper is a “first round HOF’er”. At his BEST he was a very good hitter (not great), average fielder, and subpar leader. But even at his best attribute (hitting) Chipper only won the Silver Slugger (MLB’s award for the BEST offensive player at each position) twice in his carreer. Heck Vinnie Castillia won it three times and Ryan Zimmerman has won it twice for third baseman and I’ve never hear anyone mention them as HOF’ers…Tom Glavine has twice as many with four…nice career for Chipper but far from Hall of Fame worthy.
RaleighDawg
October 6th, 2012
4:19 pm
Does anybody besides me wonder if Joe Simpson’s head was about to explode last night when the other two TBS announcers kept going on and on about “Chipper’s error” ? I just know he had to be thinking “shhh…guys we CAN’T say that on the air !”….
Speedy Gonzalez
October 6th, 2012
4:25 pm
Chipper is correct, his error did cost us the game, but he is not correct about bringing it every night, I saw him trot to first in his last at bat, conceding the out, then when the fielder threw wildly he was still out as the 1st baseman touched the bag before Chipper did, & they gave him a hit probably to justify the other call, a poor game from a supposed hall of famer, they played like the Bad News Braves & dont deserve to go anywhere but home!!!!!!!!!!!
RaleighDawg
October 6th, 2012
4:34 pm
@Speedy – Chipper’s ‘trot to first’ is just part of why I judge him to be a subpar leader…and for those that doubt me and Speedy, even SportsCenter called him out for his “trot to first”…
Speedy Gonzalez
October 6th, 2012
4:47 pm
Let Bourn walk, & the Braves will surely pick up McCanns option for next year to see if hes able to come back. Were stuck with Uggly, & Simmons will be fine with more experience. Need to look for a 3rd baseman, Francisco is not the answer, keep Johnson & give Constanza a chance to play. Have to add either a big time outfielder or 3rd baseman, cannot stand pat with this roster. Freeman, Heyward, & Prado are the foundation of the squad, Ross is awesome. Hinske, Wilson, Diaz, Janish, all gotta go!
chris
October 6th, 2012
4:48 pm
MLB needs 2/3 format for the two wildcards with team with best record hosting series…these one game nightmares like yesterday are a great reason why. Having said that this year it was a one game elimination and we simply choked…typical Atlanta Braves post season baseball…it was like watching a completely different team than the one which won 94 games this year…sick feeling inside today…interesting to see where the team goes from here. More than likely losing Bourn, and maybe some more in some surprise trades coming this winter. Need some players. Look at the “A’s”…lowest payroll in baseball but they PLAYED baseball and overcome to win their division last day of season with players, not just guys with big names on their backs. Braves just lack focus when it comes to October..not sure what has to be done to change that.
just sayin
October 6th, 2012
5:15 pm
Only fans in the lower levels should be allowed to throw things on the field, thus reducing the risk of injuries.
Steve G
October 6th, 2012
6:27 pm
chris @4:48 Agreed – and will miss Bourn. Need proven major league manager, (not blaming WC loss on Fredi but after 2 yrs., not seeing any real fire yet in Bobby Jr.).
Ken Stallings
October 6th, 2012
6:37 pm
If that’s the way the “infield fly rule” is now going to be enforced, then every manager in baseball should teach and require the following:
When a team has base runners with less than two outs, you put your shortstop and second baseman barely in the infield. Then, on any fly ball hit to the outfield, you have the nearest infielder sprint to the spot the ball comes down, then when under it, turn and hold open his hands like he has the catch. The outfielder can stand to the side vice call off the infielder.
Presto! “Infield fly rule” is invoked and the out automatically recorded! No need to worry about actually catching the ball.
Now, let’s see MLB have the guts to let that destruction of the integrity of the game endure! Because that’s exactly what one unpire did last night!
It is entirely possible, and indeed quite honest, to blame Chipper and Uggla for unforced throwing errors, but also fully blame the umpires for losing all control of the game.
[MLB短評]First game, last game – ナショナルリーグ・ワイルドカード « そのさきへ -Deep Sky Blue version-
October 6th, 2012
9:09 pm
[...] Call of the Wild: Cards earn berth in NLDS – MLB.com (2012/10/5) Infield fly ruling disrupts Cardinals-Braves Wild Card game | MLB.com: News (2012/10/6) Bodley: Disruption caused by infield fly ruling will leave lasting impression | MLB.com: News(2012/10/6) Chipper Jones on loss in his finale: ‘Ultimately I’m to blame’ | Jeff Schultz (201… [...]
Don
October 7th, 2012
8:47 am
As for the “bad call”. The umpire got it right. Blame the rule, which allows such a decision, not the guy that calls it.
CGD..
October 7th, 2012
10:31 am
“Also, there was Chipper Jones. He was a 23-year-old rookie in 1995 when the Braves won the World Series.”
Kiss David Justice RING Choke Jones!!!!
David>Choke Jones all day everyday. One is Clutch in the money game the other one melts down again and again and again…Yea it hurts….
CGD..
October 7th, 2012
10:34 am
RaleighDawg
October 6th, 2012
4:34 pm
“@Speedy – Chipper’s ‘trot to first’ is just part of why I judge him to be a subpar leader…and for those that doubt me and Speedy, even SportsCenter called him out for his “trot to first”…”
17 years later these [lump on a logs] still don’t recognize he aint the one GRASSHOPPER!