Live from the ballpark: Are we believing this playoff run?
Even now, an hourly check of the standings is required. Because the first five times you look, you don’t really believe what you find. Two and a half games back with a week to play? The Braves? The Atlanta Braves? The 2009 Atlanta Braves? Pull the other leg, pal.
The 2009 Atlanta Braves are in a playoff drive. We around here had grown accustomed to playoff drives, so the sensation shouldn’t feel new. But this one definitely feels funny. It’s the chase from nowhere. It’s the finish we didn’t see coming and still in many ways refuse to acknowledge. Here’s a team that was 23-21 on Memorial Day, 39-41 on the Fourth and 70-67 on Labor Day, and still it has a real chance.
On the morning of Sept. 10 the Braves were 8 1/2 games back of Colorado in the wild card standings. They also trailed San Francisco, Florida and Chicago. They have lost two games since. They’ve gone 14-2 since Bobby Cox pulled Tommy Hanson after eight shutout innings in Houston and Rafael Soriano lost the game in the ninth. If anybody among us says he saw this coming, that person is a big fat liar.
The old Braves — by old, we mean the teams of last decade — could summon up such streaks on cue. They were never out of any chase. They trailed the Dodgers by 9 1/2 games at the 1991 All-Star break and clinched the West on the season’s penultimate day. They trailed the Giants by 10 games in July 1993 and clinched three hours after beating Colorado in the season’s 162nd game. But the 2009 Braves, as we’ve lamented at high decibel and impassioned length, were not those Braves.
And yet here they are. On Monday night they were to play Florida in a game that could well tip the odds in this final sprint from “possible” to “probable.” Colorado had the day off, which meant the Braves would awake Tuesday either two or three games behind with six to play. You can see the Rockies losing twice. (They lost three times last week, giving the Braves an opening. And the Braves didn’t lose at all.) But three times?
The figure filberts on ESPN.com still afford the Braves only a 15 percent chance of making the playoffs. (Up from 6.4 percent 10 days ago.) But Colorado has to be feeling the hot breath from Hotlanta. If any team knows how hot a team can get in the final furlong, it’s the Rockies. Two years ago they won 13 of their final 14 games to force a one-game playoff with San Diego, in which they trailed by two runs in the bottom of the 13th. Next thing you knew, the Rocks were playing the (Red) Sox in the Series.
At this stage, it’s hard to see the Braves losing even once in four games to Washington, against which the regular season concludes. Granted, this is baseball, and any pitcher is liable to shut down somebody without warning, but still … would you bet against any of the Braves’ pitchers in any game against the worst team in baseball?
The Rockies, by way of contrast, close with three games at Dodger Stadium, and an even better Braves foil was undone there 16 years ago. The 1993 Giants won 103 games but lost on the season’s final day to their nemesis in blue, and the Braves, watching on TV having polished off Colorado — Glavine pitched and Justice hit a homer, a parlay we would see again to dramatic effect in October 1995 — celebrated the most of improbable runs.
Or so we thought. If they pull this off, they’d trump even that wonder. If they pull this off … well, we’d all look a little silly, wouldn’t we? Silly but giddy.
And with that: I conclude my part of the writing for the time being and invite your comments, predictions, movie recommendations. I’m at the ballpark and will be happy to chat until the cows come home, as we say in cow country.
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277 comments Add your comment
Brandon from Warner Robins
September 28th, 2009
7:06 pm
I believe…..JUST WIN!!!!
candler willis
September 28th, 2009
7:08 pm
Do I DO I!!! OF COURSE The Braves can do this and go far in playoffs..But BUT the offense has tio keep hitting and bullpen cant blow 1 run games thats it.We all know what the starters will give us but this will be a reall test vs. the marlins we need 2 out of 3 and a sweep would be GREAT. GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!
Dan A.
September 28th, 2009
7:08 pm
Just win, baby!
Karma Police
September 28th, 2009
7:09 pm
Colorado has one coming from us. Let’s shock the baseball world.
The Dust
September 28th, 2009
7:09 pm
They got a chance. If they did it, I may jump off a building. Contemplating going to see the Dodgers play the Rockies this weekend. GO BRAVES!
Brandon from Warner Robins
September 28th, 2009
7:10 pm
Mark, hows the crows lookin?
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:10 pm
If the Braves win tonight, I think they’ll be playing next week. Either on Monday in a one-game playoff with the Rocks or in the NLDS in Dodger Stadium.
How’s that?
Barkin'Dog
September 28th, 2009
7:10 pm
Nothing like a jolt of excitement in the Fall air! This is not only fun it’s exhilarating… and pretty cool you’re blogging the game Mark. I’ll check in with you from time to time. Go Bravos!
Brandon from Warner Robins
September 28th, 2009
7:11 pm
that shoud say crowd. geez.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:11 pm
Chris Coghlan singles to lead off the game. If you had Chris Coghlan in the no-hit pool, you’re a winner.
Jim Grogan
September 28th, 2009
7:12 pm
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ve been a Braves fan since their first season. In those days the Center Field bleacher seats were a BUCK!! I’m pulling for this team and for Bobby Cox!! Wouldn’t it be something to win a World Series with this team!!!
Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave
September 28th, 2009
7:12 pm
Can’t believe folks aren’t rally around this team….where is everyone at the Ted?
matt-t
September 28th, 2009
7:12 pm
This late season push has been awesome, but being this close makes one wonder what woulda been had Hanson started the year with the club and not Jo Jo ‘automatic loss’ Reyes.
But hopefully after this week that won’t be a worry
NCBravesFan
September 28th, 2009
7:12 pm
Mark: I’m gonna cheer ‘em as long as they are in it, and thank ‘em when it’s over – whether that’s this week or sometime later.
The parallels to the 1990s are so apt here – the Braves pitching this month has really helped to keep the team rolling.
This Florida team really scares me – they’ll be fighting to stay alive and fighting to take the Braves down a notch or three.
Let’s go Braves!
Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave
September 28th, 2009
7:13 pm
That was almost in no man’s land…thank God it wasn’t fair…
Marc from FL
September 28th, 2009
7:13 pm
This blog was just an excuse for MB to go to a company paid ballgame. CAUGHT YOU!
And yes, I believe in this team, I was lost but now I am found, go Braves!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:13 pm
Good crowd on hand. Not.
Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave
September 28th, 2009
7:15 pm
Glad to have you there Mark!
Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave
September 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
Pretty damn quiet there
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
Jurrjens strikes out Jorge Cantu to end the frame. Or the half-frame.
Chris
September 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
I believe in the players but not in cox. Braves had a runner on 3rd yesterday with 1 out late in the game, and who does cox put in the game to pinch hit? Yep, greg norton. I havnt seen that dude hit a ball out of the infield all year. I’ll keep up with the score but I’m not watching the games, cox drives me nuts.
Marc from FL
September 28th, 2009
7:16 pm
I haven’t lived in GA for a while and haven’t been on the Marta in even longer. Does it go by the park? I was in DC a few months ago on vacation and went to a couple Braves games up there – it was pretty stress free with the train going right by the park.
Jim Grogan
September 28th, 2009
7:17 pm
I’m watching the game in Florida and listening to the Marlins announcers. Interestingly they are very high on the Braves, their current spectacular play, and how Jair Jurrgins might well should be the starter in a playoff series. Nice problem to have…choosing from the Braves starters. Interesting how Derek Lowe would be long relief in the bull pen. Looking to the off season, Mark, who’s going to get traded for the big bat??
Marc from FL
September 28th, 2009
7:18 pm
Jim, I have to watch the Marlins/Rays feeds as well, and like the Marlins announcers. They’re a very fair duo and don’t have any annoying accents or anything like all those west-coast guys.
Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave
September 28th, 2009
7:18 pm
Mark…You should take it upon yourself to tear a strip of Atlanta Braves fans….David Justice style.
Chipper Jones even pleaded for the fans too come out after the win in Washington yesterday.
Guess people in ATL are too concerned about the Braves
JM
September 28th, 2009
7:18 pm
Very disappointing crowd. Lord knows I’d be there if I could. Wake up, Atlanta.
Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave
September 28th, 2009
7:19 pm
I would be too JM
brewdawg
September 28th, 2009
7:19 pm
Well Mark, your 7:10 pretty much did it for the Braves. You couldn’t resist a prediction could you? You just couldn’t.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:20 pm
McLouth walks and takes second. The running Braves!
Luke
September 28th, 2009
7:20 pm
Way to start in Nate
Chris
September 28th, 2009
7:21 pm
It’d be cheaper to go to a game if they weren’t burning 15 million a year on lowe and 8 million on kawakami.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
Let the record reflect that yours truly forecast a wild-card berth for this team before the season began. Now, would I have forecast the same a week ago? Heck no.
Traver
September 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
Regardless of what happens, you gotta love the push. They haven’t quit and if they make it they will be a tough out of the playoffs with that pitching staff. If they don’t, the outlook on next year is very good.
I think it will take 6-1 to get in. Rockies will take 2 of 3 from Brewers and lose 2 of 3 to LA
Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave
September 28th, 2009
7:22 pm
You can get good tickets for $10-15 bucks…prolly even cheaper
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:23 pm
Anibal Sanchez: 10 pitches, nine balls.
Traver
September 28th, 2009
7:23 pm
Alll I can say about the crowd is I would be there if I didn’t live 4 hours away. Come one ATL get with it.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:25 pm
Bases loaded. No outs. Sanchez has walked the ballpark.
Marc from FL
September 28th, 2009
7:25 pm
This Annibal guy threw a no-hitter a couple years ago right?
gcs
September 28th, 2009
7:25 pm
Ryan Church has not played much lately. Is he injured?
Traver
September 28th, 2009
7:25 pm
Anybody remember winning 13 straight in 82? Lets do that again!!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:27 pm
1-0 Braves. McCann with a groundout and an RBI. First ball put in play. Perhaps the last.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:27 pm
2-0. Garret Anderson lines out to center. Prado tags and scores.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:29 pm
Sanchez walks three, yields two runs. Not the big inning it might have been, but a good start all the same.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:30 pm
Sanchez threw a no-hitter in 2006. He walked 12 that night. (Kidding.)
Mike B
September 28th, 2009
7:31 pm
Nice to see Jurrjens staked to an early lead. Go Braves!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:31 pm
Ryan Church isn’t hurt. Cox simply prefers Matt Diaz at present.
Traver
September 28th, 2009
7:32 pm
There is your 2 runs Jurrjens. Go get em’
Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave
September 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
uuhh ohhhh…..What’s goin on here
Marc from FL
September 28th, 2009
7:33 pm
Wow, to have two bobbles on that play it ended up being close, it’s ok, JJ means business tonight. *In a Tom Hanks voice* we’re gonna win, We’re Gonna Win!!
Nova Scotia Steve - Fight Like A Brave
September 28th, 2009
7:34 pm
So I’ll be back in 5 minutes….gotta change my underwear
Bob Horner had a sweet compact swing
September 28th, 2009
7:36 pm
Great read Mark……every now and then you impress me…
mainly when you do “homer posts”…GO BRAVES…
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:36 pm
It’s going to be hard to hit one out. Wind’s blowing.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:36 pm
Jurrjens pitches around the error and the single.
Traver
September 28th, 2009
7:38 pm
Thanks for the live blog Mark. Keep the play by play coming. I am sitting in a graduate class and can’t listen or see whats going on. GO BRAVES.
Marc from FL
September 28th, 2009
7:41 pm
They’re hitting the ball on the nose against this guy, he’s going to give up some more runs me thinks
The_Superhoo
September 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
I instantly hate with boundless passion any player that makes a diving catch against the Braves. I swear to god, we are victims to that more than any other club!
gcs
September 28th, 2009
7:42 pm
I’m sorry to bring this up, but did anyone ask Cox about pinch hitting Norton yesterday?
Traver
September 28th, 2009
7:44 pm
I odn’t understand the Norton deal either. Bobby loves him.
Darren Holmes
September 28th, 2009
7:45 pm
Norton is more useless than Chris Woodward was, and that is saying something.
Marc from FL
September 28th, 2009
7:47 pm
Yes, but Jack Wilson was more useless than Chris Woodward, so what are we really implying here? It’s funny you should mention Chris though, my wife had this thing where everytime Woodward came to hit and say “Woodward” in a monotone voice and cover her eyes until his at-bat was over.
Suenah
September 28th, 2009
7:50 pm
Watching all the way from the Netherlands where it’s 2.00 am in the morning: Go Bravos!!!
George
September 28th, 2009
7:50 pm
I sure hope all this falls in place for the Braves. Bobby Cox deserves at least one more shot at a title. But, as Clint Eastwood said in the closing moments of the movie Unforgiven, “deserves’ got nothin’ to do with it.”
ElonBrave
September 28th, 2009
7:53 pm
Evening, all.
MB, what would you guess the attendance is? I’m too poor for cable and can only follow the games on freebaseballradio.com and with gametracker. Be my eyes!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:54 pm
I’m guessing the attendance is 15,000.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:55 pm
Chipper homers off the foul pole in right. 3-love.
Kelly Johnson Fan Club
September 28th, 2009
7:56 pm
This just in: Chipper can still hit baseballs.
My Braves
September 28th, 2009
7:58 pm
2 more homers for Chipper to set the all-time record
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
7:58 pm
That’s about the only way to hit it out. Straight down the line.
Three innings done. Braves lead 3-0.
LoveMyBraves
September 28th, 2009
7:58 pm
WOOT!
Kelly Johnson Fan Club
September 28th, 2009
7:59 pm
As a person present at Turner Field, I can confirm the 15,000 figure. If anything, that’s generous.
Suenah
September 28th, 2009
7:59 pm
Go Chips!!!!
Traver
September 28th, 2009
7:59 pm
Webster’s definition of a ball player – Chipper Jones
Suenah
September 28th, 2009
8:00 pm
Chipper needs to get hot for us to really make a case these last games.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:01 pm
You’re right, KJFC. I might have overclubbed on the crowd.
BravesfaninMD
September 28th, 2009
8:01 pm
I can’t believe the poor fan support…. If I didn’t live 750 miles away I would BE THERE tonight!!!
Go Braves!!!!!
My Braves
September 28th, 2009
8:02 pm
Give the fans a break. A lot of people I know are still cleaning up after the storm. I had to have hot water heater fixed, pull up carpet, etc.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:04 pm
I’m not criticizing anybody. It’s a school night. Money’s tight. The storm took a lot out of a lot of folks. And this team didn’t exactly have the look of a playoff club even a week ago.
My Braves
September 28th, 2009
8:07 pm
‘Zactly. Thanks, Mark.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:08 pm
Something going again. Escobar walks and LaRoche singles. No outs.
NRBQ
September 28th, 2009
8:08 pm
Be warned, fellow Braves die-hards:
If they do make it to the post-season, Bobby will start Lowe in game one, as sure as the sun rises that morning.
Take it from one who’s more or less followed every Atlanta game he’s ever managed.
NCBravesFan
September 28th, 2009
8:09 pm
Matt D is channeling Jeff Francouer with his swings tonight. Yikes!
amicusterrae
September 28th, 2009
8:09 pm
Still, that’s a bummer of a crowd. I’m transplanted in Denver now . . . and, they had hue crowds this weekend. ‘Course a lot of ‘em were Cardinals fans from what I saw on TV. If I was still in Atlanta, I’d be at some of these games!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:10 pm
That strikeout was indeed Frenchy revisited.
Kelly Johnson Fan Club
September 28th, 2009
8:10 pm
Regardless of the crowd, it’s still a great atmosphere. Feels like playoff baseball may be back in Atlanta soon.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:12 pm
There’s a chill in the air and the Braves are playing for something. It does have a familiar feel.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:13 pm
McLouth walks again. That’s six BBs for Sanchez. Bases loaded. Two out.
NCBravesFan
September 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
Allright Braves – gotta make something happen here. Let’s get ‘em Martin!
Jacket3
September 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
Wow to 82 but that was Torre. Maybe BC had a Lombardi talk with them.
Marta put a subway stop at the stadium? Come on that would make too much sense in Atlanta. They talked about in design stages…but worker movers took precedent.
NCBravesFan
September 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
… or not
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
But Martin P. grounds to Ramirez. Still 3-nil. Going to the fifth.
cali bravo
September 28th, 2009
8:14 pm
i dunno, given the situation with what these guys are doing, it should be over 30 k, and it doesn’t look over 30k.
Navigator
September 28th, 2009
8:15 pm
Only as long as they keep winning. When your left to winning out, just to have a chance to beat out the team in front of you, it’s hard to believe a team. You have to wonder if Cox had moved Chipper out of the #3 spot and moved him to #8, if the Braves would be leading the wild card.
JEB
September 28th, 2009
8:15 pm
MB
If the Braves win tonight – watch the crowd grow Tues. night.
If the Braves win Tues. night – watch the crowd grow even more Wed.
If the Braves win Wed. night – it will grow even more for Thurs.
IF the Braves win Thurs. night – PACKED HOUSE Fri. night
If the Braves win Fri. night – OVERFLOW CROWD Saturday!
Sunday (with a bye-week for the Falcons) look out – you will be lucky to have a seat MB!
Watch and see this play out this week!
Bill Heller
September 28th, 2009
8:15 pm
Why does our leading HR hitter bat 7th? Why does our best average hitter bat 8th? Is McLouth (18 HR) or Escobar (.388 with RISP) a better option at 5th than Anderson? I love McCann but should the worst double-play threat on the team bat cleanup? Does this batting order need work or am I way off base here?
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:16 pm
The failure of MARTA to put a spur at the ballpark is, to borrow from the late Skip Caray, unbelievable and unthinkable.
OK Braves Fan
September 28th, 2009
8:16 pm
I’ve never been able to make it to a Braves’ home game myself since I live half the country away (made it to many away games @ HOU, KC, and TEX), but it seems to me (and many a TBS broadcaster has agreed over the years) that the local fans are somewhat spoiled and somewhat aloof, even during the glory days.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:18 pm
There was a real energy in 1991, 1992 and 1993, OK. But the strike in 1994 changed the dynamics. Nothing after that was nearly the same, not even the 1995 World Series.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:19 pm
Jurrjens has retired 11 consecutive. Bottom of the fifth now.
turd fergeson
September 28th, 2009
8:20 pm
12 outs togo
My Braves
September 28th, 2009
8:20 pm
OK Braves Fan – speak for yourself. What about fans who always showed up no matter what? Atlanta just happens to be a town where there is a LOT going on all the time.
Suenah
September 28th, 2009
8:21 pm
I smell 2 games back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
virgilshouse
September 28th, 2009
8:21 pm
whats up M.B.
"Chef" Tim Dix
September 28th, 2009
8:22 pm
Quoting Skip past tense still hard to fathom.
gcs
September 28th, 2009
8:22 pm
I’ve been a long-suffering Braves fan and the post-strike WS win in ‘95 felt really hollow – still does.
OK Braves Fan
September 28th, 2009
8:23 pm
That’s a good point Mark…the strike changed everything for a long time. I’ve always wondered, because I have a distant love for the city based around my fanhood of the Braves, what is the overall sports atmosphere in ATL? Is it drastically skewed toward one sport or another, does it waver with who happens to be good, how does it fare against well respected “sports cities?”
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:23 pm
Yes, it is, Chef. And his son is seated to my right.
"Chef" Tim Dix
September 28th, 2009
8:24 pm
And Mark, if Skip read your “friction” column, he smiled.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:24 pm
Hey, Virgil. What’s up with you?
OK Braves Fan
September 28th, 2009
8:26 pm
My Braves – I was speaking for myself and my admittedly distant observations. I have no doubt that there are dedicated Braves fans in ATL like yourself and perhaps the fans as a whole get a bad rap, but that is the general consensus from the outside looking in it seems.
virgilshouse
September 28th, 2009
8:29 pm
enjoy the game on my porch ,little chill in the air really enjoy your blog MR. Bradley
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:29 pm
Escobar up with runners on the corners, one out. Two more walks.
MacGruber
September 28th, 2009
8:30 pm
Not to get ahead of myself MB…but who pitches a one game playoff if it comes to that? Vazquez or Hanson?
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:31 pm
Yes. Vazquez would start Monday. He’s pitching Wednesday night against Florida.
Stuman
September 28th, 2009
8:31 pm
I will admit, I gave up on the Braves when we got swept by the Reds. I was disgusted, but I am offically back on the bandwagon. I really hope they can keep it up. It is exciting again.
Suenah
September 28th, 2009
8:32 pm
Vazquez
Stuman
September 28th, 2009
8:32 pm
Squandering chances to put this game out of reach.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:32 pm
I hate to say this, but the Braves have missed a chance to have this one in the bag. Two more left on in the fifth. That’s seven total.
Stuman
September 28th, 2009
8:36 pm
Mark, what are the pitching matchups the rest of this series?
Any word if Josh Johnson is going to start tomorrow or not? I heard he didn’t travel with the team and had the flu?
NCBravesFan
September 28th, 2009
8:36 pm
Beware the ides of the sixth …
gcs
September 28th, 2009
8:37 pm
MB, what are the chances Tommy Hanson wins Rookie of the Year?
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:39 pm
You could kind of sense this coming, with all the missed chances. Now Florida has two on and nobody out. Single and walk and Ramirez at the plate.
TimSz
September 28th, 2009
8:39 pm
lets hope jurrjens has his best all night. this offense is struggling to put the ball in play. walks are nice and we are up 3-0 but just cant afford to keep stranding runners.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:40 pm
Josh Johnson isn’t scheduled to pitch in the series. Hudson versus Rick VandenHurk tomorrow, then Vazquez vs. Ricky Nolasco.
I think it’s a toss-up between Tommy Hanson and J.A. Happ for rookie honors.
Chris
September 28th, 2009
8:42 pm
Jurrgens meltdown incoming
SA
September 28th, 2009
8:42 pm
I don’t know if my nerves can take this.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:42 pm
Big out. Jurrjens gets Ramirez on a 3-2 checked swing.
TimSz
September 28th, 2009
8:42 pm
Big strikeout. Man these atlanta braves pitchers are feeling it
NCBravesFan
September 28th, 2009
8:43 pm
WOW! Two more outs to get. Bear down, JJ!
FYI in the hanging by a thread race, the Astros have taken the lead on the Phils – 3-1 in the sixth.
#1 braves fan
September 28th, 2009
8:43 pm
WHY NOT NOW.. BEST TIME TO GET HOT. AS A 53YO FAN I HAVE SEEN IT ALL. ITS TIME CHIPPER TOOK THE TEAM ON HIS SHOULDERS AND RUN WITH IT!
SA
September 28th, 2009
8:44 pm
Out 2!!
Stuman
September 28th, 2009
8:44 pm
I just hope Uggla doesn’t get up with anyone on. Never has a .240 hitter scared me as much as he does for some reason
Steve
September 28th, 2009
8:44 pm
MB, early UGA/LSU prediction? Go Braves!
Suenah
September 28th, 2009
8:47 pm
9 more outs!!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:47 pm
Jurrjens pitches out of it again. Fly to right and grounder to first end the sixth. Still 3-0.
Stuman
September 28th, 2009
8:48 pm
As an Auburn grad I really hope they could both lose, but I see UGA pulling it out. LSU is a phony. I say UGA 31 – 27
Giant Exhale
September 28th, 2009
8:48 pm
NEED I SAY MORE
Your typical relaxed 20+ pitch inning!
9 MORE OUTS!!!
Marc from FL
September 28th, 2009
8:48 pm
Whew, JJ deciding there that we needed some excitement again, it’s been too easy lately, maybe if we get ruffled a bit we’ll start showing up the park again for the adrenaline. That’s what JJ was thinking there…
TimSz
September 28th, 2009
8:49 pm
Houdini!
And bonus blog trivia. Who was the left braves pitcher who was constantly referred to as houdini for working out of jams?
Stuman
September 28th, 2009
8:51 pm
Juan Berenger – Senor Smoke. My favorite Brave’s nickname ever
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:51 pm
I picked LSU before the season, 24-23 as I recall. And I haven’t been wrong about a Georgia game yet. (This season, anyway.)
NCBravesFan
September 28th, 2009
8:53 pm
OK, time for Pedro Cerrano to break out the chicken bones on Matty D’s bat.
RHR
September 28th, 2009
8:53 pm
If the Braves win tonight, I think they’ll be playing next week. Either on Monday in a one-game playoff with the Rocks or in the NLDS in Dodger Stadium.
How’s that?
Oh god not you! You’re a horrible jinx!
Goodbye, wild card.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:53 pm
Three strikeouts for Matt Diaz on the night. Didn’t have a good swing at Sanchez, and now Pinto gets him looking.
JM
September 28th, 2009
8:53 pm
Jorge Sosa, Tim.
Luke
September 28th, 2009
8:54 pm
MARK BRADLEY….are you sure on Josh Johnson not starting tomorrow…I heard Boog earlier mention he was going tomorrow
Wilson
September 28th, 2009
8:57 pm
I BELIEVE!!!!!!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
8:57 pm
Ground rule double for that man Dan Uggla. Good thing he was leading off the inning.
RHR
September 28th, 2009
8:58 pm
Everyone but MB says its Johnson tomorrow.
TimSz
September 28th, 2009
8:59 pm
Jorge sosa. winner winner
man that guy made my heart skip many a beats
Marc from FL
September 28th, 2009
9:00 pm
Come on JJ, you’re the staff leader this season, everyones looking to you to buckle down and end this madness!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:00 pm
Baker singles. Uggla has to stop at third. Carroll up, runners on first and third, no outs. Pinch-hitter is on deck.
gcs
September 28th, 2009
9:01 pm
MB, anyone working in the bullpen?
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:02 pm
Both the Braves’ and the Marlins’ notes say VanderHurk.
But Chip Caray tells me it’s Johnson. So much for reading the notes.
Suenah
September 28th, 2009
9:02 pm
8 more outs!
Marc from FL
September 28th, 2009
9:02 pm
Lol, Matt Francour
96,sc
September 28th, 2009
9:02 pm
BILL HELLER, I would probably change the line up myself but this one is winning. Why change?
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:03 pm
Carroll flies to right but Uggla still doesn’t score. One out, Hermida hitting.
Suenah
September 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
Make that 7 outs
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:04 pm
Hermida strikes out. Actually Jurrjens struck him out twice but didn’t get the call on the first one. (Do I sound like the Braves’ manager?)
Braves theme song
September 28th, 2009
9:06 pm
The Chi Sox had-”Don’t Stop Believing”
The Bravos could be “Heroes” by David Bowie. Very emotional song
Sports teams can relieve the pain in life
WE CAN BE HEROES JUST FOR ONE DAY!!
TimSz
September 28th, 2009
9:06 pm
Anyone else experiencing slow blog loads and mlb.tv skipping? i think braves nation is overloading the servers tonight! Go Braves
BravesFan79
September 28th, 2009
9:07 pm
Lets hope after the Braves win tonight that Florida realizes their season is over and kinda goes into a funk. If we sweep the Marlins… NO WAY we dont at least force a 1 game playoff.
Suenah
September 28th, 2009
9:07 pm
That’s 6
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:07 pm
Coughlan grounds out to end the seventh. Uggla still hasn’t scored. And won’t.
Marc from FL
September 28th, 2009
9:08 pm
JJ is like Superman and Spider-man balled up together. Superman’s stamina plus Spider-man’s instincts!
BravesFan79
September 28th, 2009
9:10 pm
lets hope if the Marlins loose tonight that they realize their season is over and stop giving full effort….aka… start playing defense like the Nationals.
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
9:11 pm
Mark
You need to blog during the games more often…At least you call the team out when they miss chances to blow the game open…
Everyone else (other than Boog and Sometimes Joe) who reports on the braves sugarcoats everything
DW
September 28th, 2009
9:13 pm
Just because I want to speculate about it and I’m not sure if I’ll get the chance after the next couple of days–
So, who would be the starting pitchers in the playoffs for the Bravos? Here are my selections (not taking into account who started which game at the end of the season, because I just don’t want to get too detailed about it right now):
1. Javier Vasquez. The guy has been the clear ace of the staff over the last month or so of the season. He also has hard and dominating stuff, the kind of stuff that can make a postseason hero.
2. Jair Jurjens. A close second to Vasquez and having a terrific year. I still can’t believe the Braves got him in a trade.
3. Tommy Hanson. The rookie has been right up there with Vasquez and Jurjens over the last couple of months. He has dominating stuff– could deliver some Smoltz-like performances.
That leaves Tim Hudson and Derek Lowe in the bullpen in a 5 game series– and immediately makes it a seriously good one. If the Braves were lucky enough to play in a 7 games series… who wants to put Lowe out there right now the way he’s pitched recently? I think it would be Hudson.
And, while I am not a Bobby hater, as some are on this blog, I have to admit I get a bit of a chill thinking that Bobby might stick Hanson in the bullpen and go with either Hudson or Lowe. I have to think he wouldn’t but… I’m just not sure.
Okay, that’s probably the only time I get to do that– although here’s hoping the Braves take it to the Marlins!
NCBravesFan
September 28th, 2009
9:14 pm
Houston now 6-2 over the Phils in the 7th.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:15 pm
Two guys are up in the bullpen. I’m assuming Gonzalez is one.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
Peter Moylan to pitch.
Attendance announced as 25,000 and change. I stand by my 15,000.
Pete
September 28th, 2009
9:16 pm
Mark: “They’ve gone 14-2 since Bobby Cox pulled Tommy Hanson after eight shutout innings in Houston and Rafael Soriano lost the game in the ninth.”
Glad you mentioned that Mark, cause without that boneheaded move by your hero Cox, we’d probably be 1.5 games back right now.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:18 pm
You know, the Braves will be within four games of the Phils if these scores hold. With six left.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:18 pm
Get your second-guesses prepared: Jurrjens leaves after 92 pitches.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:19 pm
You won’t be surprised to learn that Moylan has established a record for appearances in a Braves season. He now has 85.
Joseph Allen McWhorter
September 28th, 2009
9:20 pm
Enter your comments here
I really think the Braves can overtake Colorado for the wild card. The Braves schedule is easier than the rockies this week. I think the Braves have to run the table on their final seven games to have a real chance. One loss right now could seal the deal for the Rockies. It will be an exciting week. I hope it will come down to the final game. That would be cool!
BravesFan86
September 28th, 2009
9:21 pm
Peter Moylan has been a work-a-holic. man just keeps comin out and givin his best and is just amazing since break…4-0, .55 ERA in 33 innings! amazing, and leads MLB in appearances! GO Bravos hope ‘pen keeps doin what its been doin!!
SA
September 28th, 2009
9:24 pm
3 more outs!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:24 pm
Another nice touch by the stadium organist: “Can’t You See” by Marshall Tucker Band as Jorge Cantu steps in to hit. And a Don Henley song — “End of the Innocence” — for Hanley Ramirez.
Double play gets Moylan out of the eighth. The Braves have two hits and are leading 3-0.
NRBQ
September 28th, 2009
9:24 pm
Second-guesser here, Mark!
Guy’s got a .261 ERA, 7 shut-out innings. Bobby yanks him.
Moylan, Soriano, etc may get it done, but why tempt the Baseball Gods?
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
9:25 pm
People stating that the attendance is low
Well….
1) This team is done. Most fans in Atlanta gave up on Atlanta when they got owned by Philly in the second half. What makes people think that the braves can advance past the first round with the mananger and offense that they have…People said years ago (After the 2005 Carlos Blow-tran upset) that they would never be fooled again into thinking that this team can win another W.S. with the Cheap owners of Liberty Media and many have protested
2)It’s The Marlins who have the second worse fanbase next to Atlanta, Nuff said. No one wants to pay to see the Marlins other than Hanley
3) The braves have no star power, in other words they have no one that braves fans would apy money to see other than McCann. Within the last 5 years or so Chipper has mellowed out a lot, Gawd I miss the Young Cocky Chipper
4) The Tooner Field experience is putrid! If it was like goning to a college Football game then The Ted would be off the Chain! Instead The Corporate crowd that attends a majority of the games care more about being seen on TV while on their Blackberry’s than being supportive
5) Falcons are Wayyy Better than they were at the start of this decade, They have an owner who actually cares what the fans think which is a rarity in sports…
Atlanta is purely a football Town
Feel Free to elaborate
Everyone on here knows that Tooner Field will never be the Chop Shop in terms of attendance goes…
I think I’ve seen better better braves crowds down in Disney during the S. Training games
TimSz
September 28th, 2009
9:26 pm
Moylan has given up 2ER in over 2 months of relief now. over 25IP in that span. And lets not forget just yesterday he gave up a lead off TRIPLE and then left him stranded. If he scores, we lose that game.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:26 pm
I would have left Jurrjens in. But Moylan got three outs.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:27 pm
Three hits now. Anderson tops one down the third-base line. Gorecki pinch-runs.
BravesFan79
September 28th, 2009
9:27 pm
Go Braves, Go Brewers!
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
9:27 pm
Yeah Petey-Pablo has been an unsung hero in our pen this year despite Bobby running him out there 2 weeks earlier than he should’ve been on the team in April
My, how that game 3 of the season meltwon loss to the Phillies where they came back from being down 8-3 is really hurting us now….
JASon
September 28th, 2009
9:28 pm
Already got tickets to Wednesday’s game. If not for that great play yesterday by rockies 2nd basemen to end the game (St. Louis would have won the game if that ball would have dropped), we would be about to make it one game out. No big deal though, we can do it.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:31 pm
Matt Diaz up with one out and two on.
jg
September 28th, 2009
9:32 pm
Go Braves!!!
If we can continue to score runs we can make a real impact.
nmdpa3
September 28th, 2009
9:34 pm
Tomahawki –they didn’t get owned by the Phillies…they got owned by Howard and he should have been intentionally walked several times (especially in August when he was on fire) but was not. But hey…if the Bravos can make the playoffs after that…it will rate right up there on my memory list with the press box fire that started the comeback in the 19?? season? I thought they had no chance that year as well.
Denver Braves
September 28th, 2009
9:34 pm
I live in Denver and flew out to the ATL for a couple of games last week. I Was able to see a victory over the Mets and one over the Phillies. While dodging rainstorms. Like the Rockies too, but was rooting for the Cards this weekend. Go Braves!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:35 pm
Bases loaded after Diaz walks. One out.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:36 pm
Infante pops out foul. McLouth up with two down.
TimSz
September 28th, 2009
9:37 pm
i dont want to see Gonzalez or Soriano come in this game tonight. I vote Kawakami!
nmdpa3
September 28th, 2009
9:38 pm
Tomahawkin –with regard to star power, you have to now put Hanson in that category. And as for attendance, did you attend any games in t;he 1989 and 1990 season? The ole Chop shop wasn’t exactly chopping in those years.
TimSz
September 28th, 2009
9:38 pm
I vote kawakami to pitch the 8th and 9th. our closers scare the crap out of me against the marlins
Pete
September 28th, 2009
9:39 pm
Tomahawkin, the Phillies came back from down 10-3 in the 7th, not 8-3. Cox watched it all unfold while never calling on his 2 best relievers, Gonzo and Soriano, with a day off next day. Go figure…..I cant.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:39 pm
McLouth walks. Run scores. 4-0.
Eleven BBs for the Fish pitchers.
Kelly Johnson Fan Club
September 28th, 2009
9:39 pm
Mark Bradley -
Josh Johnson missed his start Sunday with the Flu and will now pitch Tuesday against the Braves. Doesn’t bother me. As well as the Braves are playing right now, I don’t care who pitches. They’ll win.
toga
September 28th, 2009
9:39 pm
big big run 4-0
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:41 pm
Prado just misses a grand slam. Flies to the track in left.
Soriano to pitch the ninth.
Jim Ragan
September 28th, 2009
9:42 pm
I remember ‘93 like it was yesterday-I was stationed in Okinawa Japan and watched Game 162 live early Monday morning at around 3AM local time via satellite. It was exciting watching the Braves win over the Rox and then a while later see the Dodgers whip the Giants, giving Atlanta the-then National League West title.
Hillbilly Deluxe
September 28th, 2009
9:43 pm
Thank Goodness I’ve never heard “Can’t You See” by The Marshall Tucker Band played on a ball park organ. Rest in peace, Toy, Tommy, and George.
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
9:43 pm
Mark Bradley
I read I.J. Rosenberg’s “Encore” (A diary of the 1992 season) book for the first time in about 16 years 2 weeks ago, and you guys are on point about those braves crowds back then
Even the Schools around the area observed that the braves were “Creepin on Ah Come Up”
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:44 pm
That was a neat day in the old stadium, Jim. About 20,000 people stuck around after the Braves game ended to watch the Giants lose on the matrix board, and the Braves celebrated on the field afterward.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:45 pm
Toy and Tommy Caldwell. I remember them well.
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
9:46 pm
Is it really, 4-0, Braves in the 9th inning? Do my eyes deceive me?
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:46 pm
Uggla fans. One out to go.
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
9:46 pm
nmdpa3
Howard did beat the Braves as he always does because moron Bobby still pitches to him when they’re runners on base
But I had a BF that series because the AWFense didn’t show up, it felt like the playoffs
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
9:47 pm
Ballgame. Two games back, six left. Unbelievable.
Headed downstairs now for postgame edification. I’ll be back forthwith.
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
9:48 pm
One strike left. And Soriano closes it out!! How many games back now??
Stuman
September 28th, 2009
9:48 pm
Uggla .239 with 30 hrs and 85 rbi.
Talk about swinging for the fences!
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
9:48 pm
Jim Ragan
I used to have that TBS game on tape in 1993!!!
but my mom stole it and recoreded Soap Operas over it…I haven’t forgave her since, ARRRGGGHHHH!
nmdpa3
September 28th, 2009
9:48 pm
2GB Wildcard, 4GB East
BravesFan79
September 28th, 2009
9:48 pm
Why make Gonzo and Soriano warm up in a non save situation? Without and days off were really gonna need Moylan/ Gonzo/ Soriano for closer games.
Stuman
September 28th, 2009
9:48 pm
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!
Charlie
September 28th, 2009
9:50 pm
Where are the Bobby Bashers? Watch the master and learn.
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
9:51 pm
I really thought this was Bobby Cox’s last season with the Braves, so I wanted ownership to spend big, to get Bobby into the postseason one, last time. He’s re-signed, of course. But even so, I’d be thrilled to see what Cox and the Braves could do, if they could get back to the post season.
Is there a possibility of a “one-game playoff?” Or do the Braves have to outright beat the Rockies?
NRBQ
September 28th, 2009
9:52 pm
That was neat.
Pitching advantage tomorrow to the Fish.
NCBravesFan
September 28th, 2009
9:54 pm
Thanks for keeping us company, Mark! It’s fun when you blog live from the games!
Charlie
September 28th, 2009
9:57 pm
Mark, remember if u wondered if Bobby was the right manager for these players? I think we got our answer.
Tim
September 28th, 2009
9:57 pm
My hat is off to the Braves. They won’t give up! I wish I was in Georgia so I could go to a game and let them know how much I appreciate them! Whether they make the playoffs or not, I proud to be a Braves fan!
JEB
September 28th, 2009
9:57 pm
Two weeks ago I heard the sound of the water going down the toilet
on this season…
In the last few days – we are finding out that someone stopped up the toilet!!
Pete
September 28th, 2009
9:58 pm
Brendan if Braves tie Rockies, then of course there is a 1 game playoff. It would be here in Atlanta next Monday night.
Buzz Capra
September 28th, 2009
9:58 pm
This run is incredible –the Bravos are playing some outstanding and inspired baseball. So I hate to even bring this up with a team that has won 14 of it’s last 16 –but getting swept in Cincinnati a few weeks ago is looming big now. Oh to have taken 2 out of 3 like we should have.
Pete
September 28th, 2009
10:00 pm
Brendan if Braves tie Rockies, there is a 1 game playoff in Atlanta next Monday.
Out of Town
September 28th, 2009
10:01 pm
…really just can’t believe this run. We still haven’t hit a lick but somehow we’re here. We walked 11 times tonight and still only four runs. Heck, just win, baby.
Cheese
September 28th, 2009
10:02 pm
I BELIEVEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!! GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CATCH the Rockies, CATCH the Phillies, BEAT the Dodgers, the CARDINALS, the YANKEES….all the way to a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP…YEAAAAAAAAAAAAH
GO TO THE F'N GAMES!!!
September 28th, 2009
10:02 pm
Get your butts to the stadium people! What’s wrong with you? 2 games back in the wild card and you cant get over 25K there? Pathetic…
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
10:03 pm
Co-Sign
Mark Bradley you need to blog during braves games more often…
I’m still a Bobby Basher, hence the fact I wasn’t at the game…he has cost the braves the playoffs for his boneheaded (I’m putting it lightly) moves this year…
Cheap ol, Liberty media can kiss my keyster as well
Woo Hoo
September 28th, 2009
10:03 pm
Phillies look to lose too. They are only 4 ahead. I was glad to see la lose today. Gives them more reason to beat the rockies to get home field throughout. Go brew crew and go Braves!!
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
10:04 pm
Cool. I was afraid that the Rockies had the better head-to-head matchups for the year.
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
10:04 pm
Oh…and I like boys
Kelly Johnson Fan Club
September 28th, 2009
10:04 pm
Mark Bradley,
Hell of a game. Are you a believer?
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
10:04 pm
JEB
I gave up on the Braves when we got Swept by AAA Cincinnati 2 weeks ago…
the braves will finish 1 game out of the lead for the W-card, “Bank On It!”
Tomahawkin
September 28th, 2009
10:07 pm
Mark Bradley, Can Yo Bozo (kick off) the poster who claims he is me? the same dude follows me from D.O.B’s blog
obviously the dude has no life other than to follow me around the blogs and post juvenile statements
Woo Hoo
September 28th, 2009
10:08 pm
If we can win 5 of the next 6, we get in or tie imo.
that way if the rockies lose 1 of 3 against milw and 2 of 3 in la, we will be tied. that is a likely scenario. of course the rockies could just get swepted in la like they have done before. i just hope the brewers win tomorrow!
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
10:08 pm
If there is a 1-game playoff, I foresee a walk-off HR in the 9th inning to send the Braves onward!! Correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t believe the Braves have ever made the playoffs as a wildcard team before?
NL East Wildcards have a history to going to the World Series. Phillies did it in 1993. The Marlins won the Series in 1997 and 2003. I think the Mets did it in 2000, in that subways series with the Yankees. Could it be the Braves in ‘09???
sidslid
September 28th, 2009
10:09 pm
93 was the last pennant race. Wild card was in by 95
Woo Hoo
September 28th, 2009
10:09 pm
Mark B do you think any team wants to play us in a 5 game series right now?
TP
September 28th, 2009
10:11 pm
I BELIEVE!!!!!!! GO BRAVES!!!!!!
eddie
September 28th, 2009
10:12 pm
Hooooty-hoo, holy guacamole, and god bless the braves. it’s the end of september and it ain’t over!
My Braves
September 28th, 2009
10:12 pm
2009 – a year to remember! And it ain’t over yet. GO BRAVES!
Cheese
September 28th, 2009
10:12 pm
GO Braves
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
10:13 pm
Weren’t the Braves and Phillies in the same division in 1993?
BravesFan86
September 28th, 2009
10:15 pm
I BELIEVE!! GO BRAVOS!! YES WE MCCANN!!
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
10:16 pm
No, Woo Hoo, I don’t.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
10:17 pm
Oh, yes. I’m a believer. I think they’re going to play next week.
Woo Hoo
September 28th, 2009
10:17 pm
How ironic would it be for us to get in this year and make it to the WS and win it with all the years we came so close and only won it all once. I’d love to get revenge on the Yanks!
ChurchMan
September 28th, 2009
10:21 pm
at first glance of the Brewer/Rockies pitching match-ups, nothing jumps out at me that says the Brew Crew are at a disadvantage.
A new guy vs. a struggling Marquis
Suppan, who pitches better on the road, vs. Hammel (close record, kinda high era)
Parra, pitched well against the philles, vs. a recently back from the DL Aaron Cook
add on top of the pressure that Milwaukee has nothing to lose and the Rockies have everything to lose.
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
10:22 pm
Well, the last time Bobby Cox won a game in the World Series, it was Game 2, vs. the Yankees. (Unfortunately, that was 1996.)
Belvedere
September 28th, 2009
10:24 pm
I’m so excited, I just peed myself. I BELIEVE!!! And I believe I will drive down from Greenville for the weekend festivities.
Dave
September 28th, 2009
10:25 pm
Phillies lose, we’re only 4 out of first . . . (please God, let it be 1964 just one more time).
trob
September 28th, 2009
10:26 pm
We need to win out. No one will want to face a team in the playoffs thats won 23 of last 26. I can see the Dodgers shaking in their cleats. I sense another Bobby Cox vs Joe Torre matchup
ChurchMan
September 28th, 2009
10:26 pm
“4 games behind the phillies now… it’s still a long shot, but it’s nice to see how close we are to 1st.”
Kinda sucks that in the last 3 series the Braves played with Philly, Braves won exactly 3 games out of 9. If they had just won 2-3 in each series they’d be 1 game back.
And if you’re lamenting about past losses, the Rox won 4 games during the Braves 5 game losing streak.
Woo Hoo
September 28th, 2009
10:29 pm
I don’t think the phillies have beaten the astros this year. I could be wrong. It would be funny if they lost the next 2, we win and we were only 2 back from them with 3 to play. i don’t see that happening but it would be funny to make them sweat some. and make that loud mouth kincade sweat some too. haha
Brendan
September 28th, 2009
10:29 pm
Joe Torre probably likes that matchup. But ya know what they say? If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again!! Go Braves!!
supa
September 28th, 2009
10:30 pm
Wouldn’t the Dodgers just want to lose to the Rockies, rather than playing the hottest team in baseball in the playoffs?
trob
September 28th, 2009
10:34 pm
very true supa
Woo Hoo
September 28th, 2009
10:34 pm
Supa. Not with home field adv still on the line.
Felix the Cat
September 28th, 2009
10:36 pm
Nice win bravos
ChiTownPete
September 28th, 2009
10:39 pm
MB, I’ve gotta say…I’m stupefied. Your column pretty much summed it all up. I’ve never seen anything like it. Even the Rockies “only” had to win 13 of 14 to force the playoff. Braves are up to 15 of 17 and still going.
Phillies must even be starting to feel some of this heat with the way they are playing.
Arthur Digby Sellers
September 28th, 2009
10:40 pm
Lets go BRAVOS. . . . .Lets go BRAVOS. . . . .Lets go BRAVOS. . . . .
LifelongDawg
September 28th, 2009
10:42 pm
I really enjoyed the running blog on the game. I couldn’t watch. This was as much fun.
BnB
September 28th, 2009
10:43 pm
Enter your comments here
Bradley says he’s a believer and we’ll be playing next week. Yikes. Stick a form in ‘em folks because this is known as the Bradley Kiss of Death.
BnB
September 28th, 2009
10:44 pm
Enter your comments here
fork
Furmanisanidiot
September 28th, 2009
10:47 pm
I am on the road for business this week but will take an early flight home and will be at the ballpark TH-Sunday. Key game is Tues Night, have to beat the Marlins Ace- Johnson….he’s good and will be the biggest test. Cannot fall back to 3 out now, not enough games left.
Mitch C
September 28th, 2009
10:59 pm
Mr Bradley, the Braves played another wonderful game tonight. This team is as smoking hot as I’ve ever seen any team. I really hope they make it. I’m very proud of them.
If the Braves win the wild card, they will likely be playing L.A., unless the Cards or Philly get very hot. One would think L.A, would want to knock Colorado out of the playoffs, because of the whole you cant play your own division wild card team thing. I have a friend whose a long time Dodger fan who thinks Torre will be more concerned this weekend about preparing pitching matchups and resting players for the playoffs, and not about winning games.
What do you think?
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
11:00 pm
Thanks, Lifelong.
And if you’d care to read tomorrow’s print column, which is available free of charge online, you can find it here.
Thanks again to one and all for hanging with me throughout the evening. I do so enjoy these chats.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
11:02 pm
I think Torre will be more concerned about resting guys. But that doesn’t mean the Dodgers will go quietly. They’ve got a lot of guys on the bench.
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
11:03 pm
Oh, and I suppose you all know Saturday’s game has been moved to 4 p.m. Thank the Fox folks.
observor
September 28th, 2009
11:12 pm
Isn’t home field advantage still completely up for grabs? If so, why would any team want to just go through the motions at the end of the season….
Mark Bradley
September 28th, 2009
11:14 pm
Home field doesn’t matter too much in this sport. Managers would rather be rested than be at home.
Bryan
September 28th, 2009
11:20 pm
What makes home field less important in baseball compared to basketball and hockey Mark?
Atl
September 29th, 2009
12:19 am
GO BRAVES!
observor
September 29th, 2009
1:23 am
Bryan, it’s all perception. The fact is, in the NFL the home field advantage is only 56% (winning percentage for home teams). This is nice, but it’s not as significant as most people think it would be. For comparison purposes, the MLB home field advantage is roughly the same at about 54%, but the perception is home field means so much more in football because the crowds are a lot more rowdy then baseball games. There are very many reasons for this, but that’s outside of the scope of this discussion.
The fact is, home field advantage is a slight advantage in all sports due to the fact that the teams are at home and can go through their normal home team routine, which obviously includes the significant yet subtle advantage of sleeping in your bed as opposed to in a hotel room on the road.
Tareabapset
March 5th, 2010
1:01 am
The response level to national disaster is noble but it’s a real shame that so many people take advantage of the sad situations.
I mean everytime there is an earthquake, a flood, an oil spill – there’s always a group of heartless people who rip off tax payers.
This is in response to reading that 4 of Oprah Winfreys “angels” got busted ripping off the system. Shame on them!
http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/08/19/crimesider/entry5251471.shtml