Live from the ballyard: A flip-flop explained, A-Rod eyed
It was only a week ago I suggested the Braves’ season could be finished, at least as a vibrant entity, by the Fourth of July. Today I wrote there’s a way they can win the NL East. And now you’re saying, “There Bradley goes again, flip-flopping like a flounder on the dock at Fisherman’s Wharf.”
And I say, in my fishy defense: Things change.
The Braves are playing better. The Phillies lost six in a row. The Mets are hurting. Winning the division seems infinitely more do-able today than it did June 17. But — and you knew there was a “but” coming, didn’t you? — they can’t stop playing.
They’ve split their first four games against the Red Sox and Yankees. They have five to go, and then three against the Phillies. These eight games will determine the course of July and beyond.
Go 5-3 or better and the Braves will have proved something to themselves and the watching world. Go 3-5 or worse and they’ll have given their doubters — which I, on occasion, have obviously been — further evidence. Go 4-4 and they’ve treaded water, which probably isn’t a victory this late in a season.
And I’m delighted to report I’m on-site at Turner Field, ready to report and ruminate on all tomahawk/pinstripe developments. I just took a walk through both clubhouses, and the players seem loose. (That’s a joke. Baseball players always seem loose — they do this every day.)
Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte were watching videotape, presumably of the Braves. (Pettitte starts tomorrow night.) A-Rod and Jeter were nowhere to be seen. (The big Yankees, Jeter especially, are famous for hiding from the media before games, surely because there are so many media types following the Bombers.)
I’ll head back downstairs in a bit to do some more goofing around — er, research — and I’ll keep you appraised. And I’ll be here all night, ready and willing to serve as your online master of ceremonies. So no flipping, y’hear? (Flopping’s OK; flipping’s verboten.)
A word of apology: I had to step away from this blog for 45 minutes. According to esteemed colleague Sekou Smith, the Hawks are about to trade Speedy Claxton and Acie Law to Golden State for Jamal Crawford, which I believe is a tremendous move. But I’m back to baseball now, and I’ll be here throughout the game.
A Yankee update: Hung around the Bombers’ clubhouse. A-Rod finally wandered through and plopped down on the sofa — off-limits interview area, even though it’s in the middle of the room — and chatted with Robinson Cano. Then A-Rod picked up People magazine and read it closely. Then he switched to Entertainment Weekly.
Movie night: For pregame entertainment, the Yankees started off watching “Full Metal Jacket” on DVD. Then they got bored — not enough action, I guess — and switched to “Next Friday.
Hiding as a strategy: Saw Chipper Jones by the cage and said, “You might be a great player, but you can’t hide from the media the way Jeter does.” He laughed. (He and Jeter are pals.) And Chipper said, “I don’t have the same kind of media he does.” And he doesn’t. There were 30 reporters gathered in the dugout for Joe Girardi’s pregame briefing. Bobby Cox gets antsy if he sees a half-dozen of us.
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411 comments Add your comment
Herschel Talker
June 24th, 2009
3:51 pm
Stick a fork in them. They don’t have the lineup to get it done. And I don’t trust Frank Wreck to pull off a good trade for a bat. Surely he’ll give up our best prospects and dampen our future.
Martin
June 24th, 2009
4:03 pm
HEY Mark!
Can you please ask Mr. Wren about Mark DeRosa….We all want him back!! Ask him if there is any shot it acquiring him..Everyday that passes by I get more convinced that Kelly Johnson is not our best option at 2nd base..ASk him please! even give him a trade idea…Johnson, Jo-Jo and Medlen or Bennett for DeRo!!!!
jeffrey d
June 24th, 2009
4:04 pm
Yes, because Frank Wren’s done so much to cripple us right now….your glass, Herschel, half empty is it?
It’d be easy to call you a flip flopper, Mark, but with this Braves team it’s easy to flip flop. The lineup is either Ruthian or Nortonian. They can embarrass Johan Santana or make average pitchers look like Cy Young candidates (ie Aaron Cook). I fully believe that this lineup has a ton of potential, but we only see individual flashes of it from time to time.
Herschel Talker
June 24th, 2009
4:07 pm
Jeffrey d – how’d that Teixeira trade work out? We sent Texas four guys who will be major leaguers. We could have had Elvis Andrus starting instead of Kelly Johnson. You are a clown.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
4:08 pm
I’ll ask Mr. Wren about Mr. DeRosa, but I can tell you right now what he’ll say: “We don’t talk about players on other teams.”
By the way, are you familiar with Mrs. DeRosa?
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
4:10 pm
Mark, I just don’t see how the offense, as inconsistent as it has been, can develop enough consistency for the rest of the way. Maybe they’ll prove me wrong, but I don’t think so.
Maybe A-Rod and Jeter are still at Atlantic Station with Kate Hudson?
Outside Robber
June 24th, 2009
4:11 pm
Isn’t a clubhouse leader still needed? That vocal guy who holds the other folks accountable? THAT guy surfaces in some fashion and I’ll break a leg jumping on the Braves’ bandwagon. Until then, I think we’re seeing a version of fool’s gold playing out.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
4:11 pm
I hear you, Reid, and you’re right to be skeptical — not about Kate Hudson, but about the Braves’ offense. That said, a little more hitting with this pitching could well win a division that nobody has yet claimed.
jeffrey d
June 24th, 2009
4:12 pm
Herschel – That was Scheurholz that traded for Teixeira not Wren.
ouch…
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
4:13 pm
I’m not a huge fan of clubhouse leadership on a baseball team — that’s generally the manager’s job — but I’d have to say the Braves don’t really have a leader among players. Chipper, as I’ve said, is a stoic. And nobody else has the cachet on this club. (And it’s hard, you should know, for a pitcher to be a leader because he doesn’t play every day.)
jeffrey d
June 24th, 2009
4:15 pm
All Wren’s done is build one of the strongest starting rotations in baseball, and trade for an All Star centerfielder who will be in Atlanta for at least 4 more years. All while keeping the farm in tact. Gorkys is a good CF prospect but shouldn’t be as good as McLouth. Tyler Flowers is good, but Javy Vazquez is pitching like one of the best pitchers in the majors.
Martin
June 24th, 2009
4:16 pm
Just mention it Mark…it will probably ring a bell in his head…and say…”yeah! DeRo! why didnt i ever think of that!”
jeffrey d
June 24th, 2009
4:21 pm
And then when DeRo comes back, we can all thank Martin:)
Martin
June 24th, 2009
4:23 pm
WOOO HOOOO!!!! lol
DevilInLaw
June 24th, 2009
4:46 pm
The Braves won’t make any push to the top of the division without getting rid of Francoeur, even if it they simply DFA him. … The man is a menance to Atlanta’s ability to score runs and generate rallies.
Take away his lucky home run against the Cubs on June 2, and he’s got an OPS in June of .560. As it is, his .622 OPS for the month stinks. That damned home run kept him from being DFA’d. But it in no way turned his season around or made him a better hitter.
Put simply, he must go.
So, Mark — when and how can we make that happen? I’m going to hire Jeff Gillooly if Frank Wren doesn’t do it himself in the next few weeks.
Herschel Talker
June 24th, 2009
4:57 pm
Jeffrey d – who gave Kenshin Kawakami $7MM per year? You boob
Shamus Thacker
June 24th, 2009
5:16 pm
Frenchy should walk-on at a Jr College somewhere. If he somehow made the team, he could use the opportunity to further his education.
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
June 24th, 2009
5:16 pm
Mark! You best tell Bobby I got a replica jersey with his number!
Mr. Snarky
June 24th, 2009
5:18 pm
Gotta say that the Braves have been playing like a .500 team for the past couple of months. Two great pitching outings does give one hope, though. If a couple of hitters turn it around, you never know.
jeffrey d
June 24th, 2009
5:19 pm
Wow, $7 million a year? You sure got me there, Herschel. Kawakami’s been the bust of the century.
mista ashraf
June 24th, 2009
5:29 pm
How has Kawakami been a bust? His last couple of starts have been steller. It’s not his fault the offense hasn’t supported him. Frank Wren has done a fine job putting our starting pitching together. He made a tough call to let go of Glavine, which many thought his predecessor couldn’t. In addition, he pulled off a superb trade for Nate McClouth.
MB, I agree with your assessment on this home stand. However, I don’t think we’ll get a definitive answer. This team is really adept at going 4-4 when the fate of the season is in balance.
RAMBLE ON!!!
June 24th, 2009
5:32 pm
Last I check, the season wasn’t even half over and the Braves were just a few games back.
Why are we having this conversation?
Mark, can you hook me up with some Sir Paul McCartney tickets?
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
5:34 pm
Back upstairs, but I need to step away for a moment. The Hawks just traded for Jamal Crawford. Great trade, I say.
Be-little, BeBOLD
June 24th, 2009
6:25 pm
How about asking Chipper what’s wrong . . . he’s been making errors, slumping at the plate and talking less . . . did the article suggesting the Braves trade him upset him that much?
The Grinch
June 24th, 2009
6:50 pm
Wren’s done a fantastic job to this point. Even if KK wasn’t pitching well (which he is), he’s still worth the gamble in increasing the Asian market in Atlanta and boosting revenue (and thus payroll). He’s pitched as well as A.J. Burnett; how’d y’all like it if we were paying HIM three times as much instead?
However, it’s been clear for a while now Francouer must go and if KJ doesn’t pull off one of his patented hot streaks pretty soon he shouldn’t be far behind. He did at least make some good contact last night.
Any of you Glavine lovers still whining about how much better he’d be than Hanson this year? He hasn’t even gotten an offer from the Nats.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
6:50 pm
Nothing upsets Chipper.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
6:55 pm
Just for you, Martin: I saw Frank Wren getting frozen yogurt in the press dining room and made it a point to ask him about Mark DeRosa. And I also told Frank I’d predicted what he’d say: “We don’t talk about other teams’ players.”
He laughed. And said, “That’s exactly what I’d say.”
Do I know my GMs or what? (But hey, I did try.)
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 24th, 2009
6:57 pm
Hey Mark, in the pic above, is A-Roid ” shakin his tush on the cat walk, on the cat walk…?”
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
7:04 pm
A-Rod is the blurry figure almost in the middle looking over his shoulder. And if you’re wondering, folks, my initial tests show the AJC-issued BlackBerry Storm takes better photos than MY NEW IPHONE!
"Chef" Tim Dix
June 24th, 2009
7:04 pm
Mark, after Garret Anderson gave up the double last night to Jeter, and then doubled himself, I figured out why he looks (and is) so slow in the field: A)His glove is toooooooooooooo heavy, or B), the grass in left field slows him down and needs to be removed.
Then there is always C), He’s slower than pond water.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
7:17 pm
Mark have you heard of any hitters the Braves may be looking at
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
7:22 pm
Darrin, I think they’ve made their trade for June. It’ll be a couple of weeks before they get going on another, I’d say. But the usual suspects are out there — Hawpe, Holliday, Dunn, DeRosa.
Greg B
June 24th, 2009
7:24 pm
If you have any voice that can reach the upper management of the Braves, please tell them that Rosenthal wrote today is the way to go. Trade Francour to the Brewers for Hart. Hart is hitting a little bit better, but I am sure he listens plus he does not have the worst swing in baseball. Francour has become the worst hitter in baseball and is too impatient to be highly successful.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
7:31 pm
Why would the Brewers make that trade, Greg?
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
7:33 pm
Kenshin works two 1-2-3 innings, with help from a nice running catch by McLouth on Nick Swisher’s tailing liner. Mark Teixeira, of whom you’ve heard, made a nice diving stop to thwart Chipper Jones in the first.
Bottom of the second now, no baserunners so far.
jph08
June 24th, 2009
7:34 pm
We need this win. We haven’t won a series since sweeping Toronto on May 22-24. That’s a month without winning a series.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
7:36 pm
Anyone think the Orioles ever consider Roberts/Scott for KJ/Frenchy/Kotchman and 1 or 2 mid prospects
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
7:36 pm
There’s a single. McCann pokes a Joba breaking pitch into right.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
7:38 pm
I don’t know of too many teams eager to grab Johnson and Francoeur, each of whom is hitting under .250, in one trade.
Greg B
June 24th, 2009
7:40 pm
Both teams think trading each player (Hart, Francour) would provide a change of scenery, which may be the key. Both players have very similar salaries. I know baseball and I hate to be one of these bloggers playing GM. I have never, ever blogged before but was reading the AJC Braves section and noticed you were blogging Live tonight. Long and short, it is my opinion as a fan that Francour needs to go and no one is really out there taking him. So maybe a switch in similar salaries and another Braves prospect (Jo Jo) will do the trick.
Greg B
June 24th, 2009
7:42 pm
Francour, pop up the pitcher on the 2nd pitch.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
7:43 pm
Francoeur flies to the pitcher’s mound. Give him credit: It was to the deep part of the pitcher’s mound. Onto the third inning, scoreless still.
T - Bone
June 24th, 2009
7:45 pm
Are the Braves willing to give up young pitching in order to get a bat?
Ashley
June 24th, 2009
7:46 pm
I called my elderly father today (a lifelong Braves) and told him there was a lot of news going on today (referring to the SC Governor Sanford drama). My dad’s next question was “Is Franceour still a Brave?”
If it doesn’t involve Turner Field, then it’s not news to my dad.
RHR
June 24th, 2009
7:46 pm
Shamus your jr college comment made me laugh out loud for several seconds. I may use that one sometime.
USAFCCF
June 24th, 2009
7:47 pm
Happiness is watching the Braves win last night on person. Then driving home to Panama City and getting to watch the game on TV. Great crowd and game last night. How about tonight?
Greg B
June 24th, 2009
7:48 pm
Maybe he will pop it up next time past the mound to the 2nd base.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
7:49 pm
Joba Chamberlain, of all people, smashes the ball off Kawakami — off his glove, it looks like from the replay — but is retired 1-6-3. Bottom of the third, scoreless.
USAFCCF
June 24th, 2009
7:51 pm
I’ll bet that hurt! Kawakami looked stunned. He’ll have a bruise from that
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
7:52 pm
Off Kawakami’s collarbone. I stand corrected.
Ted Striker
June 24th, 2009
7:54 pm
Mark: I’m a little jealous you have a new iPhone. Mine is 1st generation, had it 2 years or so. ON THE FLIPSIDE — if this wasn’t the best darned phone I’ve ever owned, I’d upgrade.
Maybe I’ll find a new home for this one (Madonna’s adopted child?) and feel less guilty for going with the new version.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
7:54 pm
Kawakami out of the game despite working three perfect frames. Bad luck, I’d say.
Diory Hernandez pinch-hitting. Kris Medlen warming.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
7:55 pm
Why don’t the Braves bring back Claudell Washington to play RF down the stretch? And while they’re at it, find Hubbard’s glove and put him at second.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
7:57 pm
The more I watch McLouth, the more I like that trade. He is a playa.
USAFCCF
June 24th, 2009
7:57 pm
Did it break the collarbone?
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
7:58 pm
I’ve had MY NEW IPHONE for 23 hours and 45 minutes, not that I’m counting or anything. I like it, but I still haven’t figured out even 10 percent of it.
McLouth with a double to the gap in right. Runner in scoring position, two out.
varodrunner
June 24th, 2009
7:58 pm
I am so glad it’s Medlin, whether or not he does well. It could have been Bennett and we all know what that would mean.
Nick
June 24th, 2009
7:58 pm
Did Kawakami get hurt by that ball Chamberlain hit back to him?
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:00 pm
I would say yes Nick.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:01 pm
I would have used Eddie Miller to pinch hit for Kawakami.
Wayne
June 24th, 2009
8:03 pm
Mark,
Will the Braves ever pay the kind of money needed to keep good offensive players like Mark Teixeira on the team so we can build a better offensive lineup?
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
June 24th, 2009
8:03 pm
More importantly, are you sitting next to or behind an incognito Kate Hudson?
Mrs. Chanandler Bong
June 24th, 2009
8:04 pm
And why was Bobby holding KK’s hand on the way off the mound? No one ever said Bobby didn’t care.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:05 pm
Rick Mahler for long relief.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:05 pm
This team the Yankees have paid almost $200 million to assemble? It hasn’t generated a runner in four innings. Teixeira just whiffed again.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
8:05 pm
Medlen and Hanson the next 1-2 starters for the Braves. They are crazy if they think about trading Medlen which I hope they dont and I cant believe that I have read about people putting him in deals.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:07 pm
Don’t have an update on Kawakami. I’ll let you know when one is forthcoming.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:08 pm
Nick Esasky or Willie Montanez @ 1B.
Kris in NC
June 24th, 2009
8:08 pm
I, for one, like the Nate McLouth trade. Regardless of what the Pirates mgt say, I think it was a salary dump. It was another steal by Frank, the 1st being getting JJ from the Tigers. Two great running catches then a double.
I have the game on ESPN 2 and all these guys are doing is singing the praises of Brian and Nate. Not talking alot about the Yankees. Now ain’t that a shock.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:09 pm
Chipper leads off the fourth with a single through the box.
Kris in NC
June 24th, 2009
8:09 pm
Medlen goes 1-2-3 on the Yankees including striking out Tex. Chipper comes up and gets a single to start out the bottom of the 4th.
RHR
June 24th, 2009
8:10 pm
Is this your first iphone, Mark or is the GS that much different from the 3G?
Ted Striker
June 24th, 2009
8:11 pm
I’m not watching the game. Send me a text if anyone throws a gyroball or something else fun happens.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:11 pm
Biff Pocoroba behind the plate.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:13 pm
Oddly pitiful at-bat by McCann. He waved (literally) at a Joba breaking ball and turned to sit down.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:15 pm
My first new cell phone in four years. My old one didn’t have a camera or anything.
And Garret Anderson flails at Strike Three. Two out, Chipper still on first. So much for ABC baseball.
Jerry Royster
June 24th, 2009
8:15 pm
Don’t forget about me Cro25.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:16 pm
Kotchman grounds to second base — deep second, though — and that’s that. Scoreless still.
Kris in NC
June 24th, 2009
8:16 pm
Now the guys on ESPN 2 are singing the praises of the Braves pitching staff then said JJ is the real deal. Our guys have thrown the least HR’s in the ML, 45.
Turner Field has yielded the least HR’s and the new Yankee Stadium has given up the most. Talk about band box of home run park.
What is going on with these guys? We get a guy on, then we can’t do nothing to bring them around.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:17 pm
I have you on the list Jerry, don’t worry. Where will your first managing gig come from?
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
8:17 pm
Would anyone besides me like to have this line up
c B McCann
1st B Canizares
2nd B Roberts
ss Y Escobar
3rd C Jones
lf L Scott
cf N McClouth
rf G Anderson
Max McGonigle
June 24th, 2009
8:17 pm
What about Willy Mo Pena, we could get him for cheap and he has a lot of pop.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
8:20 pm
This is beautiful hope it keeps going this way
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:21 pm
Roberts just signed long term with Baltimore and it would be tough to pry Scott away from them too.
I would rather keep what we have than to put Pena out there.
Kris in NC
June 24th, 2009
8:24 pm
That pitch was filthy. 83 mph and Swisher swings and misses. Go and get the glove Nick and head to RF.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:24 pm
Yankees have now gone 14 innings without scoring at Turner Field. Still don’t have a runner.
Scoreless going to the bottom of the fifth. Insert Skip Caray joke.
G in Penn
June 24th, 2009
8:25 pm
You are not blogging, just calling the game
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
8:26 pm
can you believe it frenchy
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:27 pm
Kawakami has a contusion (bruise) to the right base of his neck. And while Brad Hainje was making the announcement in the press box, Jeff Francoeur hit a home run. Braves 1-0.
Kawakami is, don’t you know, day to day.
Kris in NC
June 24th, 2009
8:27 pm
Did that actually happen? Frenchy hit a HR. I think I am going to faint.
Braves up 1-0
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:27 pm
I would love to see Jeff turn it around and stay.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
8:29 pm
I understand it would be hard to get them 2 from Baltimore but wouldnt it be nice.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
8:32 pm
I understand it would be hard to get them from Baltimore but wouldnt it be nice to have that line up. I wouldnt hurt to try
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
8:32 pm
Just joined the blog tonight. Why are the Yankees having so much trouble hitting? I think they have won 4 of their last 13. Is this correct?
NCBravesFan
June 24th, 2009
8:32 pm
Mark: OK, so I guess either I need to keep talking the Braves down or you need to keep this flip-flop thing going. If Frenchy can hit one out now, there’s strange voodoo settling in at the Ted.
USAFCCF
June 24th, 2009
8:33 pm
Good for Jeff!
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:33 pm
Lots of Yankee fans here tonight, but not quite a full house. Close, though.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:35 pm
Bob Horner at the hot corner.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:35 pm
Just a guess: The Yankees are having trouble hitting because their fingers are sore from counting all their money.
I have to say I don’t think the Yankees are nearly as good as the Red Sox. Which might explain why the Sox lead the Yanks by five games.
But the perfect game is gone. Brett Gardner walks to lead off the sixth.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:35 pm
Murph in center and Terry Harper in left.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:36 pm
And gets picked off by Medlen. Girardi out to gripe. He looked out to me, though.
Blog Article and Video about Flip and flop: The story of a Braves' blogger's life | Mark Bradley - Kate Hudson
June 24th, 2009
8:37 pm
[...] more hitting with this pitching could well win a division that nobody has yet claimed. … http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2009/06/24/flip-and-flop-the-story-of-a-braves-bloggers-life/... Daily [...]
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:38 pm
Girardi gets tossed by Bill Welke. The manager wanted a balk called, I’m fairly certain. Cry me the Hudson River, I say.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:39 pm
That was the worst looking ejection by an ump that I have ever seen. He did it like a girl.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:39 pm
He was safe.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:39 pm
Bye-bye no-no
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:40 pm
No-hitter gone. Shutout gone. Tie game. Francisco Cervelli hits a 2-2 pitch over the fence in left-center. Francisco Cervelli, not to be confused with Francisco Cabrera.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
8:40 pm
Mark, I think everyone knew that the visitors would have more than their fair share of fans this week. But with how the season has progressed so far, Frank Wren, Terry McGuirk and company should be happy to sell the tickets period.
(Nice job by Kris Medlen to pick off Brent Gardner, by the way).
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
8:42 pm
Same place that the infamous Leyritz home run was hit. It hurts me to think about it.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:43 pm
I didn’t say this earlier because I didn’t want to jinx anything, but I covered a three-man no-hitter here in September 1991. On a weeknight against San Diego. Probably wasn’t a no-hitter, but the official scorer gave Terry Pendleton an error on Tony Gwynn’s hopper in the ninth, a ball TP didn’t touch. The three Braves pitchers were Kent Mercker (six innings), Mark Wohlers (two innings) and Alejandro Pena (one inning).
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:44 pm
I take it back: The Yankees are the greatest team of all time! Consecutive singles by Jeter and Damon. Teixeira up, and he has fanned twice.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:45 pm
Actually, Jim Leyritz’s ball was closer to the foul pole in left. Much closer.
Rachel Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:46 pm
Hey dad, while your at the game get the Braves to bake me a cake for my birthday tomorrow. And why didn’t you go to the soccer game instead. I bet you would have liked it better. lol.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
8:48 pm
Anyone agree with me this game is gone because Jeff Bennett is coming in
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:48 pm
Rachel Bradley, beloved daughter, indeed turns 19 tomorrow. As you might have gathered.
Medlen out after walking Teixeira. Jeff Bennett in now. A-Rod at bat. Cover your heads.
varodrunner
June 24th, 2009
8:49 pm
Oh NOOOOOOOO
Please please please – Mr Bennett, PROVE ME WRONG!
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:49 pm
Was Gardner safe, by the way? I didn’t see a replay.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
8:51 pm
Mark hopes she has a great birthday
varodrunner
June 24th, 2009
8:52 pm
BENNETT DOES IT AGAIN
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
8:52 pm
Like I said this game is gone
varodrunner
June 24th, 2009
8:52 pm
Gardner was safe
no doubt
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:53 pm
I am going to breach the sanctity of the press box just this once. A-Rod singled to right-center to drive in two, and the New York writer beside me slapped the table in disgust. They hate A-Rod.
varodrunner
June 24th, 2009
8:53 pm
Bobby should be shot
Kris in NC
June 24th, 2009
8:53 pm
Yup….He was safe. Girardi had a legit beef with Wilkie. Several looks at the replay showed Gardner was safe. Wilkie blew it big time.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:53 pm
Thanks, Darrin. She’s a wonderful young lady who has overcome having a moron for a dad.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
8:53 pm
Yes he was safe
varodrunner
June 24th, 2009
8:53 pm
You cannot put Bennett into that situationand expect anything different outcome – Bobby is INSANE
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
8:54 pm
Ouch. 0-2 pitch, and A-Rod gets a two-RBI single off of Jeff Bennett to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead. Somewhere out there, Kate Hudson is very happy.
Ross
June 24th, 2009
8:54 pm
Why the FREAKING HELL is Bennett in the GD game??????? What is WRONG WITH COX???
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
8:56 pm
On a separate note, Happy Birthday to Rachel!
I had no idea you baked birthday cakes, Mark.
Kris in NC
June 24th, 2009
8:56 pm
Time to go watch something else. Why in the world do you bring in Bennett? Medlen was doing fine.
Bennett was the same guy who came in and gave up the walk off HR to none other Nick Green on Sunday. Now he gave up a 2 run RBI to A-’roid.
Let’s see if these guys have what it takes to come back on the Yankees.
Greg
June 24th, 2009
8:56 pm
Seriously…why haven’t they demoted bennett yet? there’s got to be SOMEONE else…
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
8:56 pm
I sounds like she has smart and has a wonderful dad that is bring up her birthday and is proud of her in this this blog
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:56 pm
I’m thinking this Jeff Bennett experiment isn’t panning out.
trob
June 24th, 2009
8:57 pm
why would you put jeff bennett in to face arod? bennett always gives up a run, why not o’flaherty?
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
8:58 pm
Aw, shucks, Darrin. Now I’m embarrassed. But I’ve been as lucky as all get-out, family-wise.
A-Rod with a nice play to throw out Escobar. Somewhere Kate Hudson is smiling.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
8:59 pm
sorry about the speliing Mark
Ross
June 24th, 2009
8:59 pm
I think Cox is on meth. He’s talking a blue streak and can’t make a reasonable decision. Joe Simpson – “I don’t get it.”
NORRIS
June 24th, 2009
9:00 pm
How can we put our worst pitcher in the game to pitch against AROD with the bases loaded.
BObby cox is an absolute idiott for that move. Bennett has no business in the majors much less coming in the game in that situation. amazing….
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
9:01 pm
We still have 3 innings dont give up
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:01 pm
Six outs to go before you-know-who toes the slab.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
9:02 pm
I saw the other day that Jeff Bennett has thrown the most pitches of any of the Braves’ relievers so far this season. He has thrown some great ones to Nick Green on Sunday and that 0-2 pitch to A-Rod a few minutes ago.
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:02 pm
Joe Simpson – “0-2 – A-rod can’t get around on fastballs – don’t throw him an off-speed pitch.”
Bennett – off-speed right over the plate, ON OH-FREAKING-TWO. To one of the best hitters in baseball!!
Bennett must go. Reyes must go. Carlyle must go. Cox… must get a clue.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:03 pm
When Joe second-guesses you, you’ve been second-guessed.
But who should Cox have used there? Moylan? Not O’Flaherty — he’s a lefty. And not Acosta — he only pitches when they’re behind. Can’t use Soriano or Gonzalez in the sixth, can you?
R Rob
June 24th, 2009
9:04 pm
Mark, I agree with your column of a few days ago, Bobby’s time has expired here and this team will never see another championship while he is still the Brave’s dugout.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:04 pm
And it gets better and better for Bennett: Swisher homers off the top of the left-field wall.
I’m guessing Jeff doesn’t get a “hold” for this outing.
mark l
June 24th, 2009
9:05 pm
why the hell does jeff bennett keep getting the ball
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:05 pm
Bennett – pitching from the stretch with no one on board – fat pitch – in the stands. What a miserable chump. GONE! GONE! GONE! GET RID OF HIM!!!!
JSizzle
June 24th, 2009
9:05 pm
Bennett keeps getting better and better every appearance
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:05 pm
A good defensive left fielder might have caught that ball.
trob
June 24th, 2009
9:05 pm
why in the hell is jeff bennett still in?????? hr to swisher, bennett you suck
NORRIS
June 24th, 2009
9:05 pm
ok lets look at this. The braves are tied one to one and we are late in the game. We are looking at a chance tonight to win the series. we were looking at a chance to get out of the inning.
BUT NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. we bring in the man who gives up more hits than anybody on the team. the guy whose confidence was destroyed sunday. WE BRING HIM IN TO FACE AROD. AREEEEE YOUUUUU KIDDDDING MEEEE??????????//
SOMEBODY IS OUT OF THEIR FREAKING MIND!!!
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:05 pm
Thanks, R Rob. It was a hard one to write, but it is the way I feel.
Ecooper
June 24th, 2009
9:05 pm
Why is jeff bennett still in the majors? He is the new dan kolb. He’s more than proven his incompetence and inability to pitch in the majors.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
9:05 pm
Good point, Mark. I don’t know that there were many other options at that point. It was too early for either Mike Gonzalez or Rafael Soriano – and Bobby certainly wasn’t putting O’Flaherty or Acosta in the game.
faraway brave
June 24th, 2009
9:06 pm
Can we please get rid of jeff bennett. I’m tired of seeing him pitch like crap!
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:07 pm
I love baseball and I love the team but I’ll be damned if I’m going to suffer this. I was in St. Louis for 6 years with LaRussa and Duncan. I can’t take this crap. This is just crazy.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:08 pm
Tell me, Braves fans. Who should Cox have used against A-Rod? Because I agree Bennett is a bad option. But he’s close to the only option, unless you go to Moylan, who has an ERA — or had an ERA — higher than Bennett’s. You want to bring in a righthander against A-Rod, and Soriano closed on Tuesday and Acosta’s a mop-up man. So who, then?
mark l
June 24th, 2009
9:09 pm
jeff bennett gets better and better each time out better for whoever he’s pitching against
Sean
June 24th, 2009
9:09 pm
Why is Jeff Bennett still on the team? When was the last time he pitched without giving up an earned run and/ or an inherited run. There has to be someone better in Gwinnett.
i hate jeff bennet
June 24th, 2009
9:10 pm
I really could care less who bobby had picked to go up agianst arod, but there is absolutely no reason that scrub should be in the major leagues. Not once have i seen him do something positive
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:11 pm
Obviously Kawakami leaving after three innings stretched the bullpen tonight. But Medlen had gotten the Braves into the sixth.
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:11 pm
Mark – I don’t care – this is big time – sellout crowd, even game – unexpected loss of the starter – I’d put in Lowe early and deal with it tomorrow night. This “by the book” is Cox’s undoing. This was an important game. Maybe we can get 4 maybe not. But Cox pissed this game away.
The Dust
June 24th, 2009
9:12 pm
Sadly, Bennett is the only man to go with in this situation. Moylan is in a good situation mentally. If he gives up runs there, his confidence is shot. Soriano and Acosta are not options. They are late inning guys. Acosta with big leads or blow outs. Soriano in set up and save situations.
trob
June 24th, 2009
9:12 pm
I think anyone would be better than Bennett to face Arod. I dont care if O’Flaherty is a lefty or if we only use Acosta when we’re down but Bennett takes the life out of every Braves fan when he comes to the mound. Its an automatic that hes gonna give up a run or a bunch of hits
R Rob
June 24th, 2009
9:14 pm
The Braves have traded away so many pitching prospects that the barrel is empty.
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
9:14 pm
Too bad for KK looks like that was going to be a good game. This series like the rest is a tease you see signs of hope but at the end you realize the team is just not that good. Its a .500 team.
R Rob
June 24th, 2009
9:16 pm
Enter your comments here
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:16 pm
Mark, you were correct about Leyritz’s home run, I went back and looked at the painful video and re-lived it once again. It was pretty close to the pole. I must be getting old because I thought I remembered it being closer to left center.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
9:16 pm
Wow. When you look at Jeff Bennett’s numbers, it certainly doesn’t match up to all of the “complaints.” He had an ERA under 3.00 before the game Sunday at Boston. He made 10 appearances in April, and nine of them were scoreless.
Coming into tonight, he had a 2.70 ERA against right-handed hitters with 12 strikeouts in 20 innings.
Mark, I have to agree with you. I don’t know that there was a better option for Bobby Cox at that point. I don’t even think he would have considered Kris Medlen if Kawakami had still been in the game.
The Dust
June 24th, 2009
9:18 pm
.500 is what I’ve been saying all along. What can I say? Schultzy and I are smart.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:18 pm
Here’s where not having a home-run hitter gets you: It’s hard to rally against good opposition if you have to string singles in a row.
Although Kelly Johnson just beat out a bunt. Two on now, Prado pinch-hitting for Bennett.
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
9:18 pm
Jeff made the same mistake as Mark Wohlers got beat on your worst pitch.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
9:19 pm
I would have went with Gonzo as said Arod cant hit fastball and i think he could have worked the 7th maybe stupid but thats what i think even though he is a lefty
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:19 pm
You went back and watched the video of that game? Cruel and unusual punishment, I’d say.
zorba
June 24th, 2009
9:19 pm
Bobby and “the choker” Bennett can leave on the same plane. They seem to be joined at the hip in blowing winnable games.
Ecooper
June 24th, 2009
9:19 pm
when is infante coming back to save us from kelly?
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:20 pm
Joba still throwing hard. Scoreboard was 94 mph on that last pitch.
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
9:20 pm
get a hit martin
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:20 pm
Tell me why Acosta is not an option on a night when you lose your starter and have to use your middle guy? Jose Oquenda was once an option.
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:21 pm
This team has a lot of heart, just not in certain suckage pitchers who need to GO!!!
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:21 pm
OK, forget what I said about it being hard to come from behind with singles. Prado just cued one into right field. One in, two on, one out, Joba exiting.
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
9:21 pm
why is prado not playing everyday for KJ
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
9:23 pm
Mark always wanted to get into this field how in the world do you get started doing this
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
9:23 pm
I would be satisfied with the singles approach if we had more batters with a high BA.
Greg
June 24th, 2009
9:24 pm
Oh, yeah…any word on when omar’s going to be ready? Imagine the shot in the arm getting him, then huddy back, near the same time!
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
9:24 pm
Can u think of a way to consistently utilize McCann and Ross in the same game?
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
9:25 pm
Swischer is a terrible outfielder
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:25 pm
That extra Bennett lollipop looks big now!
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
9:25 pm
We will take the sacrifice. Good job Nate!
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:26 pm
Nick Swisher just made a nice catch on McLouth’s drive. The run scored, though. And then Escobar flied to center. Braves down one after seven.
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
9:26 pm
Saving grace Tampa on top of the Phills 2-1
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:26 pm
Bill – yes – McCann is not a good defensive catcher and he’s not improving. He’s Boog Powell but better. 1st base – Kotchman to platoon or trade for a middle guy. I like Casey but the sooner McCann in on 1st the better for the team and for him.
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
9:27 pm
Cmon Mark nice catch is generous Francour would have had that easy.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:27 pm
Darrin, I’d say just find a vehicle and start writing. A vehicle can be a local paper, a blog, anything.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:27 pm
I’ve always considered McCann as an above average defensive catcher, but not a bad one.
The Dust
June 24th, 2009
9:28 pm
I thought Nate “The Great” had it. Oh well.
Greg
June 24th, 2009
9:29 pm
McCann’s a fine defensive catcher, or at least average. What’s more, he calls a hell of a game, is very cerebral, and the pitchers love to throw to him. I doubt they’ll move him.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:29 pm
You’re probably right. But I’m giving Swisher extra credit for his hair. It kind of comes to a point in the center.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:30 pm
O’Flaherty slow to cover first, and Damon is safe. And Tex singles. A bad gaffe.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:31 pm
We are about to hand those 2 runs back to them.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:31 pm
Stellar defense by O’Flaherty and Kotchman.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:31 pm
O’F throws one behind A-Rod. Wild pitch. Second and third, no outs. Yow.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:31 pm
What did I say about McCann’s defense?
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
9:31 pm
Bobby Cox is too loyal to his players when they are doing poorly. You have Prado on the bench hitting .300 and you sit him for KJ hitting .200. Soon we have to ask ourselves are we putting the best team out on the field.
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:32 pm
McCann can’t throw people out – he’s already back on his haunches which is bad news for a catcher. He’s got the problem with his vision. He’s too good a hitter to waste at a defensive position – Ross calls a better game and is a far better natural catcher.
JSizzle
June 24th, 2009
9:32 pm
the wheels are falling off … this one’s gonna get ugly before it’s over
trob
June 24th, 2009
9:32 pm
great job braves great job
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:32 pm
I have to say, I thought Kotchman could have gotten to the bag. I was surprised he didn’t make the attempt.
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
9:32 pm
Would you consider bringing up Mariano Gomez, Juan Perez, Boone Logan, or Francisley Bueno to temporarily replace Jeff Bennett? His WHIP was 1.84 before the game. He only has 2 holds. His ERA is respectable, but he seems to allow other pitchers’ runners to score.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
9:33 pm
Hmmm … anyone still thinking Eric O’Flaherty should have been brought in with the bases loaded in the 6th?
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
9:33 pm
The story of the season, everytime you get close you end up farther and farther away.
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:34 pm
Wow that was prescient what? McCann nails the runner in the back, run scores on what should be a DP.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:34 pm
Rhubarb time. Cano grounds to first. Damon out at the dish. McCann throws up the line trying to turn two, but the ball hits Cano and Tex scores. Cox was out of the dugout before time had been called.
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
9:34 pm
Great day!! The tease has gotten me again. It is hard for the Braves to compile any kind of winning streak.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:35 pm
He was in fair territory…
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:35 pm
Should have been interference..
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:36 pm
That is a tough call to make but it should have been called.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:36 pm
Cano might have been inside the line, in which case he should have been called out. But he wasn’t.
If you remember, the Mets won a World Series game against the Orioles in 1969 on a similar play — a bunt by J.C. Martin, if I recall.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:36 pm
Here Yankees, take the two runs back.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:37 pm
Swisher brings home ARod on a groundout. Three-run lead again. Three outs until Mo Rivera.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
9:37 pm
It looked like Cano was running inside the line to me. Bad break for McCann and the Braves on that one.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:37 pm
The replay shows he was clearly inside the line.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:39 pm
Man you are reaching with the 1969 reference…better memory than me.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
9:39 pm
we can get them still
The Dust
June 24th, 2009
9:39 pm
These Braves find ways to lose. Now, on this board I totally expect people to say we got screwed. It’s pretty simple, you play good baseball Damon is out. 1 out, who knows what happens?
Greg
June 24th, 2009
9:39 pm
is it just me, or has the umpiring this year just been atrocious? not just for the braves, but around baseball in general.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
9:39 pm
If not get them tomorrow i would be happy with 2 out of 3
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:40 pm
Most guys run inside the line, but it doesn’t matter until once in a blue moon you get a play like that. Umps should have called it, though. The plate ump — James Hoye — is standing at home plate with a perfect angle.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
9:40 pm
“The Dust,” that is no justification for the umpire to miss that call.
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
9:40 pm
Watching the Phils Tampa game I wonder if the Braves could make a deal for Carl Crawford. Between he and Mclouth you would have a outfield and with those two at the top of the lineup we can win with speed and pitching like the Dodgers are doing right now.
Barks Madley
June 24th, 2009
9:40 pm
Mark, did the runners foot touch the grass in fair territory as he was hit in the back or what???
The Dust
June 24th, 2009
9:41 pm
Umpires blowing calls happens all the time. It’s apart of the game, just like injuries in football.
godless heathen
June 24th, 2009
9:41 pm
Bad no call on the interference on the 1st base line. This Dave O’BRien on ESPN2 is a real Yankees homer. He thinks it was a great call and a great play.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:41 pm
Crawford is not going anywhere.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:41 pm
It was Game 4, Cro25. Swoboda made a diving catch to save it, and then the Mets won on the weird bunt. They closed out the Orioles the next day. Donn Clendenon and Al Weis hit home runs. Swoboda had the winning double. Cleon Jones caught the final out in left.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:42 pm
It would be nice though.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:43 pm
I am impressed…Are Al and Walt kin?
R Rob
June 24th, 2009
9:43 pm
It is clearly another Little League performance by the Cox led Braves.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:43 pm
When I saw the sentence “Crawford is not going anywhere,” I nearly fell outta my chair. I thought you meant Jamal Crawford, which would mean some hasty rewriting for little ol’ me.
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
9:44 pm
3-1 Rays over Phils 8th inning
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:44 pm
No, they’re not. Spell their names differently. It’s Al Weis and Walt Weiss.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
9:44 pm
That is some memory you’ve got there, Mark.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:44 pm
Yeah, but I can’t remember where I parked my car.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:45 pm
I’m asking for help, folks. What did the TV folks say about the Kotchman/O’Flaherty play?
The Dust
June 24th, 2009
9:45 pm
I would prefer Brian Roberts at 2B.
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:46 pm
You mean “our” Dave’O? Yeah I much prefer Mark.
MDrone12
June 24th, 2009
9:46 pm
Wow. Our defense so shaky.. O’flarety not covering the bag. Kotchman still should have ran to the bag seeing that O’flarety was not going to make it. Not getting that double play on Cano’s weak grounder with the bag loaded.Johnson should have went to the foul side of the bagso mac could have made a better throw..
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:46 pm
Did the Hawks have to swap their first pick in that deal? If not, it looks like a good deal for them. It smells like a salary dump by letting Crawford go.
The Dust
June 24th, 2009
9:46 pm
Color said bad call. The announcer (obviously a Yankee guy) said good call.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:46 pm
Tampa Bay leads 5-1, scoreboard says. Pennant fever!
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:46 pm
Mark – home ump was focused on force at home – didn’t even see the play
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:47 pm
They say that Kotchman should have made the effort to get there and I agree.
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
9:47 pm
7-1 Rays looks like the Braves will stay 4 back in what is turing out to be a very mediocre division. Boy are the Dodgers that good or is the rest of the National League just horribly bad. With a win tonite the Dodgers go 25 above five hundred and will probably have their best year in franchise history when they get Manny back.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
9:47 pm
Mark, going back to your pre-game post, the SOFA in the visitors’ clubhouse is off-limits to the media? Is that a Yankees rule or a MLB rule? Anywhere else unusual that is off-limits?
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:47 pm
No, the Hawks kept their pick.
McCann strikes out on a 95-mph heater from Bruney. Three K’s for B-Mac.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:48 pm
They also noted that Kotchman hesitated to argue the interference play rather than immediately go after the ball.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
9:48 pm
“Cro25,” no picks involved. The Hawks gave up Acie Law and Speedy Claxton. That’s it.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:48 pm
No, I meant the nobody-covering-first-base play. Was Kotchman wrong for not taking it to the bag himself, or was O’F just too tardy?
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:49 pm
McCann must be drunk…very un-McCann like to K 3 times.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:49 pm
Both…once he saw O’F was not going to get there, he should have hustled over, no doubt.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:50 pm
And that is what they said as well. Two different plays he was asleep.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:52 pm
The kid was fast too…no margin for error there. he looked like a young Otis Nixon running down the line.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:52 pm
It’s weird, Reid. The Braves, being the home team, have a players’ lounge where they can hang out, but that’s off-limits. There’s no players’ lounge in the visiting clubhouse, but it’s just common practice not to approach guys when they’re sitting there watching movies or flipping through magazines. Once they get up and go to their lockers, though, we writers pounce.
Phillip
June 24th, 2009
9:52 pm
Mark,
According to Jim and Don, O’Flaherty was late to cover.
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:53 pm
I’m calling Frenchy’s shot!
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:53 pm
OK, people. Guess who’s the tying run at bat. Any hope here?
Barks Madley
June 24th, 2009
9:54 pm
Uh Oh…….I smell first pitch swing here. Come on Frenchy
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:54 pm
I can see it now…Jeff hits his 2nd HR of the night and the slump is over!
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
9:55 pm
A single will suffice for me.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:55 pm
Announcement: “Mariano Rivera up in the Yankee bullpen.”
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:56 pm
He’s having a good AB.
Barks Madley
June 24th, 2009
9:57 pm
Attaboy Jeffrey
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:57 pm
Without the fiasco in the top half we would be tied now.
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:57 pm
Great at bat for no 7!
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:57 pm
I don’t believe … what I just saw! Frenchy takes it up the middle to drive in a run. A great at-bat.
But here comes Mo. A four-out save chance.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
9:58 pm
Not sure which announcement is worse, Mark. That or “Manny Acosta up in the Braves bullpen.”
Of course, it is 6-3.
(Nice RBI single by Francoeur)
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:58 pm
I’m encouraged by Jeff’s AB’s tonite.
Ross
June 24th, 2009
9:58 pm
Damn Mark, he’s Rivera, not Madonna or something.
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
9:58 pm
2 RBI night from Jeff. I will take that!
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:58 pm
Of course, I sat in the left-field seats in Phoenix and watched Rivera lose a World Series back in 2001. It can happen.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:59 pm
Nice Jack Buck reference Mark.
The Dust
June 24th, 2009
9:59 pm
THE HAMMER OF GOD TO THE MOUND vs. KJ. Who you like?
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
9:59 pm
It’s 6-4, to get precise.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
9:59 pm
One of the best if not the best all-time closer.
Bob Horner
June 24th, 2009
9:59 pm
Chip Carey wets himself every time Joba Chamblain throws a strike. Hey Chip, follow him down to the locker room and he might let you sniff his jock after the game.
MUST we listen to this dweeb every time they’re on Peachtree TV? Why not put Don Sutton back in the booth with Joe on those broadcasts? Chip Carey is a BOOB!
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:00 pm
Mariano, Madonna. I get confused.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
10:00 pm
My fault. I was expecting a dribbler back to the pitcher, frankly. I didn’t fix the score before clicking “Submit Comment.”
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:00 pm
Time for Casey to redeem himself.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:00 pm
In a minute ot two…
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:00 pm
He eats up lefties with that cut fastball.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:01 pm
Kelly could use a big hit…
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:01 pm
Not!
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:02 pm
Rivera or Kelly? Uh, I’ll take Kelly.
Four-pitch strikeout. Close to a three-pitch strikeout.
Ross
June 24th, 2009
10:02 pm
Dust – ROFL
Barks Madley
June 24th, 2009
10:02 pm
I know he’s Mo and all, but Kelly is officially lost.
godless heathen
June 24th, 2009
10:02 pm
Bad no call on the interference looks real big now.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:02 pm
Nasty pitch.
The Dust
June 24th, 2009
10:02 pm
Well that was predictable. Best Closer Ever vs. Worst Hitter on the Team. K all day.
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
10:02 pm
KELLY JOHNSON NEEDS TO BE ON THE BENCH BOBBY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
10:04 pm
Thanks for losing the game O’Flahartey
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:04 pm
Manny Acosta to pitch. Bottom of the lineup up. Of course, Francisco Cervelli broke up what was a no-no three innings ago.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:05 pm
So who lost this one — Bennett or O’Flaherty or Cox? (And it’s not lost just yet.)
back again
June 24th, 2009
10:05 pm
why are we still dealing with KJ on the roster?
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:05 pm
How about D – the Home plate umpire? I would say a combo of the 4.
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
10:06 pm
Only 1 pitch truly looked like it was in the strike zone on Johnson’s AB.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:07 pm
That’s the thing about his cut fastball. It moves.
back again
June 24th, 2009
10:07 pm
o’flaherty lost it but Cox kept him there too long. Bad pitch choice by Bennett. Question, did McCann call for the fastball on the o-2 pitch?
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
10:07 pm
i still say and will add a player KJ/FRENCHY/KOTCHMAN/KK an 1 or 2 minor leaguers for BRIAN ROBERTS/LUKE SCOTT
Barks Madley
June 24th, 2009
10:07 pm
Bobby’s job is to put a player on the field to do his job….the player is the only one who can make the play or not.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:08 pm
We need Rusty Staub to PH in the bottom of the ninth.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
10:08 pm
Mark, I’m sure I’ll be in the minority, but my vote goes to O’Flaherty.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:08 pm
Pinch-hit double for Melkey Cabrera. Derek Jeter up.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:08 pm
Does Garrett Anderson ever get in a hurry?
back again
June 24th, 2009
10:08 pm
garrett seems to be a liability at left field with his inability to play decent defense
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:09 pm
Another run in the making.
Barks Madley
June 24th, 2009
10:09 pm
Correct. Bad pitch choice by Bennett or McCann…..not Bobby or Roger.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:09 pm
Wild pitch. Not exactly a pilot film on defensive play this evening.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:09 pm
He looks a lot like Adam Dunn in left.
Ross
June 24th, 2009
10:09 pm
McCann passed another one. Rule 1, keep the ball in front. No that’s rule 2. Rule 1 is hustle. Rule 1 is a retired number.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:10 pm
Garret is a glider, I’d say.
Jack
June 24th, 2009
10:10 pm
Bennett and Johnson need to go. Johnson dosen’t seem to have a clue, Bennett is just not a good pitcher, probably good stuff, but terrible location and knowhow.
The Dust
June 24th, 2009
10:10 pm
This is the start of something special…….a three game losing streak.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
10:10 pm
Anyone agree with me still say and will add a player KJ/FRENCHY/KOTCHMAN/KK an 1 or 2 minor leaguers for BRIAN ROBERTS/LUKE SCOTT
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:10 pm
Good play there.
Chrisw148
June 24th, 2009
10:11 pm
PS We have no middle relief at all
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:11 pm
Another out at the dish. Escobar throws out Cabrera. Sometimes even Jeter can’t get the run home from third.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:11 pm
Orioles ain’t crazy enough to agree to that.
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
10:11 pm
Why did Diaz come in to play RF instead of LF?
back again
June 24th, 2009
10:11 pm
glad to see some defense. it seems like mccann is scared to block the plate. bad throw
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:12 pm
Being Jeter, however, he steals second and moves to third base on McCann’s bad throw. Two errors and three strikeouts for McCann.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:12 pm
Defensive clinic tonite.
back again
June 24th, 2009
10:12 pm
i want to take my comment back about our defense. bad defense after making a play at home for esco
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:13 pm
There, take your run back NY.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:13 pm
And Damon brings him in. Yow.
Yes, Diaz is in right. They double-switched. Diaz will lead off the bottom of the inning.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:13 pm
Where is Steve Bedrosian when you need him?
back again
June 24th, 2009
10:13 pm
defense cost the game tonight. good teams take advantage of bad defensive teams… Braves are an awful defensive team. they get in their own way.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:14 pm
And another…
back again
June 24th, 2009
10:14 pm
ball game. close the curtains
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:14 pm
Nice Acosta…
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:14 pm
Tex doubles to the gap in right. Damon scores. It’s 8-4 and over, I think.
trob
June 24th, 2009
10:14 pm
ok we suck…i give up on this team
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
10:14 pm
Even with McCann’s defensive mistakes, is anyone truly surprised that Manny Acosta gave up a run?
Ross
June 24th, 2009
10:14 pm
Escobar is just an awful shortstop. Given that he started off so good, one wonders about chemicals – e.g. hair color. Or something.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:15 pm
Bring in Craig McMurtry to mop up.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:15 pm
And apparently I’m not alone in my thinking. About 10,000 folks just got up and left.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
10:15 pm
Game over lets just hope for the best tomorrow and I would be happy with 2 out of 3
The Dust
June 24th, 2009
10:15 pm
Defense on this team is terrible. Middle relief is a joke. Offense has too many holes. This is a .500 team at BEST. Forget a division or wild card. Tomorrow Pettitte will own us as usual.
North Ave Trade School Grad
June 24th, 2009
10:16 pm
Man I hate the Yankees like a Jedi hates a Sith.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:16 pm
Don’t give up. Still only four back of the Phils.
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
10:16 pm
5 perfect innings…4 awful innings. I wonder how we would have done if our SP had not gotten hurt.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
10:16 pm
Mark, I’m surprised most of those 10,000 didn’t leave when they saw Manny Acosta coming in from the bullpen to start the ninth.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:16 pm
Looks like Giarardi’s startegy worked out…got them boys fired up and the Braves defense has not hurt them either.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:17 pm
Pettitte vs. Lowe. Good matchup tomorrow.
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
10:17 pm
I expect the Phils to go on a long winning streak. I don’t think the Braves are capable of this. It is great to only be 4 out but realistically can you imagine the Braves winning more than 5 in a row. We have not won more than 3 in a row all season.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:18 pm
I like our chances if we bring our bats…
back again
June 24th, 2009
10:18 pm
hey, at least we had a 2 game winning streak. i am trying to stay more positive about this team, but its hard.
Ross
June 24th, 2009
10:18 pm
I’m not giving up – but clearly something has changed in baseball – no speed, no hustle, no defense, lots of beards, baldys, and bling. Too much fashion, too little action.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:18 pm
You know, the Braves’ bullpen ERAs aren’t awful. Acosta’s is 2.92 as we speak.
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
10:19 pm
This game is not over yet…hopefully the Yanks will get all the runs out of their system tonight.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:19 pm
They just showed the interference play again and the home plate ump wasn’t even looking and the 1B ump was not in position.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:19 pm
Rivera up with sacks jammed. Yankee fans going crazy.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:19 pm
HP ump was looking at the runner scoring.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
10:20 pm
Thank you Mark dont give up what is 4 games this team can do it if we can get into the 8th and 9th innings and we can with the starting pitching we have it was just bad luck tonight with one more bat i think we can do it
Bill (SC)
June 24th, 2009
10:20 pm
Please don’t walk Rivera.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:20 pm
Give Rivera credit. He hit it pretty hard. But McLouth caught it about 200 feet from home plate.
back again
June 24th, 2009
10:20 pm
any one has a live chicken to sacrifice?
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:21 pm
That’s the home ump’s call, not the first-base ump’s. He has to be watching the play at the bag.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:21 pm
Only his 2nd career AB!
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:22 pm
Yeah, I know. But the HP ump didn’t even look that way. I think Cox wanted him to appeal, but neither one saw it.
The Dust
June 24th, 2009
10:22 pm
4 runs. Rivera. 3 outs to play with. What happens?
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:23 pm
Can I say something? I don’t much care for these Yankees, but I like Rivera. I always have. He’s a prince.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:23 pm
I’m a GHSA ump and that is a tough play to call. But hey, they make the big bucks and should have made the call. It was a big play in this game.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:23 pm
Rivera has had a very nice career, no doubt.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:24 pm
He’s also an unbelievable pitcher. He throws the same thing every time, and he’s going to Cooperstown.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:24 pm
Was there anyone between him and Wetteland?
back again
June 24th, 2009
10:24 pm
rivera is money..what does it take to get someone like him on our roster?
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:24 pm
Rivera: Three batters faced, three K’s. One to go.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:25 pm
about 18 million per year.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:25 pm
Nope. Rivera came up as Wetteland’s setup guy and succeeded him as closer in 1997. Twelve years ago. Think about that.
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:26 pm
Wow
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:27 pm
Yankee fans still here and going nuts. Two strikes on Escobar. And there’s … Strike Three!
Cro25
June 24th, 2009
10:27 pm
there have probably been 500 different closers in MLB combined since then.
back again
June 24th, 2009
10:27 pm
rivera makes it look easy. all of the pitches looked excatly the same….cutter
back again
June 24th, 2009
10:28 pm
automatic
The Dust
June 24th, 2009
10:28 pm
Rivera vs. Kelly, PH, Nate and Yunel = 4 Ks. Tip your waitress. He’ll be back tomorrow.
Reid Adair
June 24th, 2009
10:28 pm
Four straight strikeouts by Rivera.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:28 pm
Not an artistic game, but a loud and wild one. The Braves looked good, and then they looked bad. The Yankees looked dead, and then they put up eight runs. With some assistance, I might add.
Going downstairs now for what I’m sure will be a fun-filled night of interviews in the Braves’ clubhouse. I’ll check back momentarily.
darrin sloan
June 24th, 2009
10:28 pm
time to call it a night we will get them tomorrow Mark hope your daughter has a great and happy birthday hope to talk to you tomorrow if your on during the game
trob
June 24th, 2009
10:30 pm
we really need to bounce back tomorrow night and hope the phils fall again. we need some momentum for when the sox come in town. if we can do well and and take down the phils ill be feeling good. atleast moylan, gonzo, and soriano got the night off
Braves Fan in N.Y.
June 24th, 2009
10:44 pm
Kelly Johnson stinks.
How come everyone wants to run Frenchy out of town but no where near the venom for KJ? Overall, Frenchy’s stats are a bit better and he’s way better defensively.
And please, Bobby… no more Bennett in clutch situations. You must have a man crush on this guy–a journeyman pitcher at best. Back of the bullpen maybe but never wwhen the game is on the line.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:50 pm
Back now. According to Bobby Cox, Moylan wasn’t available tonight. (Gonzalez, either.) So it was pretty much Bennett or no one against A-Rod in the sixth.
Going to put up a little video back on the original blog page of Cox. Give me a minute.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
10:50 pm
And thanks again, Darrin, from both Rachel and myself.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
11:07 pm
Video’s back on the original blog page. You might find it edifying.
RHR
June 24th, 2009
11:23 pm
Haha Mark, you instigator. Putting up that video. Is that fresh or recycled? Heh.
Mark Bradley
June 24th, 2009
11:37 pm
Video is farm fresh. I took it myself, as if you couldn’t tell.
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 24th, 2009
11:58 pm
OK. I’m in agreement with Bobby Cox for once. The 0-2 pitch to A-Rod with the bases loaded was absolutely idiotic. The question is, who is the moron who called for Jeff Bennett to groove an 0-2 fastball to A-Rod when they should have wasted a pitch?
I’m betting that idiot is Bobby Cox.
I can’t comment on the rest of the game as I was so angered by that one pitch that I turned the game off. I can’t say that I missed anything during the last three innings.
But I will leave the blog with this last thought.
3.7
That is the average run support per game this month from our offense after the Nate McLouth trade. So how the hell can our Braves be expected to win while scoring an average of less than four runs per game? The answer is obvious. They can’t, they aren’t and they won’t. Turn out the lights the party is over. It’s (2010 or Bust)
francoeuristheman
June 25th, 2009
12:25 am
francoeur looked pretty good tonight, didnt he greg…you freakin idiot… howd that bomb he hit sit for you…. how bout an article about that mark
francoeuristheman
June 25th, 2009
12:29 am
oh yeah howd that frenchy homerun sit for you mark…you seemed more excited to report the popout to the pitchers mound than the homerun…
Mitch C
June 25th, 2009
6:45 am
Bad game last night, Mark. I was impressed with the way KK looked in the first two innings. Too bad he hurt himself.
I dont know if there are any “must” win games in June. Probably not. I’d say that tonight is as close as we can have to that. We need to beat the Yankees tonight, and win this series.
On a side note, tonight is Smoltz’s first start for the Sox. I’ll probably be doing some channel surfing. Will be very interesting to see how he pitches after a year out.
Mitch
Kevin
June 25th, 2009
7:09 am
hey flordia beat the O’s again u know the team atlanta braves double A team could not beat.As for bobby bein praised as a great manager to play for.Oh he is just sit n say hey jeff bennett doin great losin games n stuff.Oh n frenchy n K.Johnson will be fine i have better idea at all star break lets make them finer bye releasein both to cubs for 4 minor league players n M. Bradley ….what a blockbuster trade!
Kevin
June 25th, 2009
7:10 am
that the fellow for cubs now not the sports writer in case u wonder…lol
Be-little, BeBOLD
June 25th, 2009
7:41 am
As soon as someone mentions no base runners, there’s a walk!!! Then the TV announcers say the Yankees haven’t scored in their last 25 innings . . . YEP a HR to begin the onslaught! Please don’t mention those things in a game, it jinxs us!
Be-little, BeBOLD
June 25th, 2009
7:42 am
Cox is a master of bad decisions . . . brings in Bennett with runners in scoring position! You know what happened!!!
Be-little, BeBOLD
June 25th, 2009
7:46 am
And now Frenchy is looking better than Johnson . . . and Cox is still sticking him on second instead of Prado . . .
Larry
June 25th, 2009
8:54 am
Like I said yesterday, if we get shut out pitching we minimize our greatest weakness–Bobby Cox in game decisions! When Bobby has to do anything other than fill out the lineup card and remove a tiring starting pitcher late in the game, we are at an extreme disadvantage.
The winning strategy: shoutout pitching.
The losing strategy: when Bobby has to think.
Blackberry Cobbler
June 25th, 2009
8:58 am
great defense and pitching last night, huh. What a team.
Leslie Chow
June 25th, 2009
9:25 am
Casey Cotsman you cost us game. You sorry. Not only you make bad throw to home on DP but you suck no hustle play on grounder to first.
Pin loss on Cotsman and sorry pitcher who threw crappy 1-2 pitch to Alex. 1-2 off speed pitch over middle of plate. Sorry pitch. He sorry too, cost us game in Boston.
Braves73
June 25th, 2009
9:36 am
Be-little, BeBold…you are absolutely right. I’ve grown used to his stupidity and I am now numb (to it). The first part of it was leaving Medlen in two batters too late. It was clear that the kid was starting to “get hit” and lose control/velocity (he pitched fairly well up until that point). Then, Bobby blunder takes the kid out (with the bases loaded) and brings THE IMPLODER, Jeff Bennett. The other pitchers have to be pissed every time they see this loser enter the game. His era is deceptive because he inherits a lot of runners, gives up the runs/hits, but is not charged. Why in the HE!! does Bobby do this???? That was absolutely the pivotal momemt in the game. You are tied in the bottom of the 6th, with a chance to wiggle out of the inning. Why couldn’t he have brought in Moylan or O’Flaherty (to get one batter)? I just don’t understand Bobby’s logic??
Sonny Cluster
June 25th, 2009
9:40 am
Ted S. was that a 330 BC phone?
Bloggers demand a Braves' change, and Jeff Bennett obliges! | Mark Bradley
June 26th, 2009
10:46 am
[...] think for one moment the ol’ blog is lacking in power. On the live chat from Game 2 of the Yankee series, Jeff Bennett was a source of much conversation/consternation. I’m quoting [...]