Glaus! Heyward! McLouth! Folks, this is really getting good
How's that for your first extra-base hit of 2010, Mr. McLouth? Pretty sweet, you say? (AJC photo by Jason Getz)
An amazing thing has happened. A 20-year-old has become the rising tide that is lifting all boats. The Braves beat the reigning National League champs 4-3 on Tuesday on a night when they had no runs and surely no hope after 26 outs.
To recap: They were one out from being blanked on a night when the Phillies’ starting pitcher was Kyle Kendrick, he of the 17.47 ERA. But Kendrick had done as bad pitchers too often have done to the Braves: He made them look timid. He worked eight scoreless innings and left the game to Ryan Madson, who’s not really a closer but who’s trying to bridge the gap until Brad Lidge gets healthy.
Madson walked Chipper Jones with one out. Then he retired Brian McCann, and then you saw who was coming up next and you thought, “Good night, Irene.” Because it was Troy Glaus, the latest incarnation of the All-American out. Put it this way: When last did you hear a guy coming up with two out in the ninth being booed by the home crowd?
It had been, sorry to say, a Glaussian night. He had misplayed a grounder by Ryan Howard into an RBI single in the top of the fourth inning, and in the bottom he had hit into a 5-4-3 double play. Some pitchers have Tommy John surgery. Was it possible the operation Troy Glaus underwent last summer was Greg Norton surgery?
But then, just as you were about to throw a shoe at the TV, Glaus did the darnedest thing. He hit a home run. And suddenly the Braves had hope. They were still down a run, but the No. 6 hitter was due to bat. And it wasn’t the usual No. 6 hitter. No, on this night Bobby Cox had bumped up Jason Heyward, who had been batting in the 7-hole, ahead of Yunel Escobar. Talk about genius managing.
So: Here was Joltin’ Jason with a chance to tie it. And just as you were thinking, “Nah — he can’t do it again,” he did it again.
Home run. Tie game. Unbelievable.
We pause here to note that Heyward’s game-winning single against the Rockies on Sunday mirrored a fairly famous precedent: Bases loaded, two out, the Braves a run down and then walk-off winners. Anybody recall Francisco Cabrera, Game 7, 1992 NLCS?
These are the sort of touchstone wonders Heyward has already wrought, and Tuesday’s astonishment was the most astonishing yet. Because he was the middle man in a most unlikely group of homer heroes: Glaus you didn’t expect; Heyward maybe you did, but then …
Nate McLouth? Who hadn’t had an extra-base hit this season? Whose flailings had prompted this typist to note during Tuesday’s live online chat: “You can’t spell McLouth without O-U-T”? That Nate McLouth?
Yep. Led off the 10th. Hit a home run. Won the wildest game we had seen since … well, since Sunday afternoon.
I’ve said it before, and I say it again: Something’s happening here. The Braves are believing in a way they haven’t believed since the run of division titles was broken in 2006. They’re believing because they’ve got a difference-maker on their side now, a difference-maker who isn’t yet old enough to take a legal sip of champagne. But he will be come October. You might want to file that away.
There was no reason for the Braves to win Sunday, but they did because the rookie took four pitches before finding one to his liking. There was less reason for them to prevail Tuesday, but they did because Glaus, of all people, kept it going for Heyward and because McLouth, of all people, caught the contagion.
Before the game, Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel was asked if a transcendent young player — like the Phillies’ Howard was back in 2005, or like Heyward is today — can energize an entire franchise. “A guy like that can bring excitement and bring energy,” Manuel said. “He can bring a whole lot to a team and to a clubhouse.”
We Atlantans are seeing it on a daily basis. Barely two weeks on the job, Jason Heyward hasn’t just stamped himself as the Next Big Thing. He’s making a big thing out of the team around him. He’s making us think it’s 1991 all over again. And maybe it is.
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239 comments Add your comment
We_Run_This_Country
April 20th, 2010
11:03 pm
where’s my feature article?!?
We_Run_This_Country
April 20th, 2010
11:05 pm
I was Mark Bradley-esque tonight.
Nesbitt for Heisman!
April 20th, 2010
11:07 pm
2nd
Doug
April 20th, 2010
11:07 pm
Aren’t the Bravos undefeated when you are live-blogging, Mark?
(Crap, I just jinxed you!)
Not Don Waddell
April 20th, 2010
11:07 pm
I would still go with Hinske at 1B tomorrow against the righty.
Chris Barrett
April 20th, 2010
11:08 pm
Wow what a game. Wish I could have been there. Heyward shines! Enough said!
heywood...
April 20th, 2010
11:09 pm
unreal.
Mark Bradley
April 20th, 2010
11:10 pm
Yes, Doug. They’re 4-0. With three last at-bat wins. (Consider them well and truly jinxed.)
Bobby
April 20th, 2010
11:11 pm
SWEET WIN! HAWKS WIN AND ALL IS GOOD IN THE ATL TONIGHT…
SHO-NUFF
April 20th, 2010
11:15 pm
Man it’s nice to be coming out on top of the 1 run games. Mighty fine!
wxwax
April 20th, 2010
11:16 pm
Exciting times. It’s been a long time since the Braves have felt this way.
SmoltzFAN
April 20th, 2010
11:16 pm
Heyward is sensational! But this team can’t win consistently until the rest of the lineup learns hit consistently…There’s just no way they could keep up this miraculous pace. Another high note the bullpen is fantastic!Please somebody show up to watch this team!
SHO-NUFF
April 20th, 2010
11:17 pm
I loves it when a plan comes together!
Tyler
April 20th, 2010
11:17 pm
Great piece Mark. I am also cautiously optimistic, but listening to those last 2 innings on the radio during the drive home, well it brought back shades of the 90’s for sure.
Jamaaliver
April 20th, 2010
11:17 pm
Any other young studs in the minors who might be able to provide some more ooomph! to our lineup? Any word on how Freeman is faring in AAA?
Mark Bradley
April 20th, 2010
11:18 pm
It was pretty cool, Tyler. I won’t lie.
Youngerthan Thatnow
April 20th, 2010
11:19 pm
MB… you sell yourself short on this one. Nice piece!!
Mark Bradley
April 20th, 2010
11:19 pm
Freeman is hitting .190, last I checked, Jamaaliver.
And with that, I’m headed home. Anybody want anything from Taco Bell?
GovClintonTyree
April 20th, 2010
11:20 pm
Did y’all see the Braves clear out of the dugout as McLouth rounded the bases so he came back to an empty dugout? Hilarious!
bravesfan
April 20th, 2010
11:22 pm
Good thing we didn’t do the smart thing and leave Heyward in the minors for the first few weeks of the season
ATLiens
April 20th, 2010
11:22 pm
great article mark… you eloquently captured everything that was right and wrong about tonight. go braves. keep’em coming
Youngerthan Thatnow
April 20th, 2010
11:23 pm
Friday night… seven runs in the second… and I watch at home.
Sunday afternoon… Braves win it with a walk off 2 rbi hit by JHey… and I watch at home.
Tuesday night… Braves win it in 10 with two HR’s in the 9th and a walk off in the 10th… and I watch at home.
Saturday night… Braves get no hit against the Rox… and I’m there to see it all.
The moral to this story… I’ll just stay home.
Tailgate Approved
April 20th, 2010
11:23 pm
Glaus’s homer is No. 2 all-time on the list of unexpected Braves’ blasts. No. 1? Rick Camp vs. Mets in that 5th of July marathon in ‘86 was it?
BG
April 20th, 2010
11:24 pm
Happened to catch the game on XM while flying to Tampa tonight. Of course we landed just about the time Heyward tied it in the 9th so I had to rely on a co-worker to fill me in on the McLouth HR. Let’s not forget Wagner, he’s been mighty impressive. Great to see the ‘never give up’ attitude that has been missing for a long time. Go Braves!
SHO-NUFF
April 20th, 2010
11:26 pm
With the team the Braves have in ATL and the players they have on the farm, on their way up, I would have to say the future looks very bright or maybe even brilliant for the organization. Maybe Frand W. has a little more smarts than the Pi$$ and Moaners give him credit for.
luvthosedawgs68
April 20th, 2010
11:26 pm
Mark, Great point on Bobby’s decision to switch Yunel and J-Hey in the lineup. The manager has taken his lumps by fans lately, but he’s looking like a genius right now. Also, can;t say enough about the bullpen early in this season. 6 1/3 innings, and only 1 run. They’re the reason the boppers had the chance to excite us so much.
Tailgate Approved
April 20th, 2010
11:27 pm
As the old Miller Lite commercial announcer says when a dog catches a touchdown pass yo win a game: “I have officially seen everything!”
Youngerthan Thatnow
April 20th, 2010
11:27 pm
Friday night… Braves score 7 in the 2nd… and I watch it at home.
Sunday afternoon… Braves win it in the last with JHey driving in 2 with 2 out… and I watch it at home.
Tuesday night… Braves win it in 10th with a HR with two HR’s in the 9th to tie it… and I watch it at home.
Saturday night… Braves get no hits against the Rox… and I’m there at Turner Field to see it all.
The moral to this story… I’ll just watch the rest at home.
SHO-NUFF
April 20th, 2010
11:30 pm
Tailgate, you’re going to see a lot more this season. The Braves are just getting started.
Hank Still The King
April 20th, 2010
11:32 pm
Joltin’ Jason…
Yes. Gettin’ better…
PlusSizeModel
April 20th, 2010
11:32 pm
“No, on this night Bobby Cox had bumped up Jason Heyward, who had been batting in the 7-hole, ahead of Yunel Escobar. Talk about genius managing.”
This is sarcasm, right? Heyward should’ve been in the five hole a week ago, if not the four. Inexplicable. As is having three HOF pitchers on your staff with one title to show for it.
count_schemula
April 20th, 2010
11:33 pm
The kid for ROY and MVP, not to put any more pressure on him or anything. And Glaus is still in my dog house for the misplayed ball the helped contribute to Hanson’s downfall and the double play. I have not given up on Glaus, but he needs to be batting, like 7th.
PlusSizeModel
April 20th, 2010
11:33 pm
“No, on this night Bobby Cox had bumped up Jason Heyward, who had been batting in the 7-hole, ahead of Yunel Escobar. Talk about genius managing.”
This is sarcasm, right?
Barkin'Dog
April 20th, 2010
11:33 pm
Absolutely perfect post game report, Mark. Brilliantly written, I say!
I was checking in on the blog, but didn’t post… too depressing. Most of the blowhard prophets spewed more venum and vomit than I can remember, with no consideration of all 27 outs (28 in the 10th). This is a special team in a special year (Bobby’s last). I did not count on J-Hey doing what he’s done, but did feel a Post Season was in the offing. And what about those who, after all he’s done for this franchise, still bash Bobby’s managing… I wish they’d just, for one last season, STHU. You said is wonderfully… on this night Bobby Cox had bumped up Jason Heyward (to the 6-spot), who had been batting in the 7-hole, ahead of Yunel Escobar. Talk about genius managing.
Thanks for putting this moment, especially following the Sunday heroics, into exotic euphoria for us. This was a great night, and a start to a magical season. Go Braves! Let’s get Bobby another Series ring for retirement!!
Jo
April 20th, 2010
11:34 pm
well……….can we score runs early in the game before we have to go all dramatic and give everyone heart attacks??!!!
David Smith
April 20th, 2010
11:35 pm
Great win tonight guys!!!! When Chipper drew a walk and I saw Glaus coming up to bat like many other fans I felt if that the game would soon be over (especially since Glaus grounded out with the bases loaded earlier). When Glaus (Improbable), Heyward (Legendary), and then McLouth????(Speechless) hammering three nails into the Phillies coffin for an improbable win I was ecstatic!!. I’m very proud of the fight in this team and both Glaus and McLouth deserve a big hand for toughing it out after respective slow starts (J-Hey is a BEAST!!!). GO BRAVES!!!
count_schemula
April 20th, 2010
11:36 pm
6th come behind win this year. That’s the magic it takes to get to the postseason.
Dougie Fresh
April 20th, 2010
11:36 pm
Buffalo Springfield – For What It’s Worth…anthem for your article
kjb
April 20th, 2010
11:37 pm
bump Heyward up one more spot (5th spot)!!!!! Go Braves!!!!
tree rollins
April 20th, 2010
11:39 pm
Didn’t we say all this about Jeff Francoeur before? Oh yeah, he is a great hitter after all – just not for our team. But that’s Ok – we got Ryan Church for him so it all worked out in the wash. Hope Frank Wren’s not around when Jason comes off contract.
MLH
April 20th, 2010
11:40 pm
Now if we can get some fans to show up at Turner Field….
count_schemula
April 20th, 2010
11:43 pm
We’ve been over the Francoeur thing. He came out of high school a football player and was rushed to the majors from AA. Frenchy never developed and believed in the fundamentals. Heyward has ONLY played baseball his whole life. He’s an actual baseball player, you can see it in everything he does on the baseball field.
Mitchell
April 20th, 2010
11:44 pm
I said it yesterday, I’m saying it again… I, uh, said before the season started that I thought Jason could be the first guy to win both Rookie of the Year and MVP since Ichiro.
I didn’t scream it from the hilltops but I did say it and now that other people are starting to say it I can’t help get a little obsessive about it.
I’ll let it go, but I did say it… on one of the blogs, sometime, in March.
I swear. Let’s face it, he’s already got Rookie of the Year. You can forget about that Strassburg.
Orlando's Cepeda
April 20th, 2010
11:47 pm
So Glaus homers.WTF! I guess Jo Jo Reyes will pitch
a no hitter next. HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!
Reid Adair
April 20th, 2010
11:49 pm
Troy Glaus had a big home run tonight, but I still think that was a bad signing by Frank Wren. Over the long haul, Glaus’ numbers will be disappointing. Maybe he’ll prove me wrong, but I doubt it.
Mitchell
April 20th, 2010
11:49 pm
I’m still pissed though. When Heyward hit that homerun I felt like a Red Sox fan after Game 4 of the ALCS against the Yankees.
I was ready to be put out of my misery but then, out of nowhere, they were back in it.
Sunday, I was totally in the “believe” mode. I knew it wasn’t over. I was believin’ but tonight I just wanted it to be over.
Damn it Braves! Damn it Me!
That was early ’90s stuff.
mtnjacket
April 20th, 2010
11:52 pm
There seems to be a good chemistry developing with this team. They seem to be having fun–note the cold shoulder given to Chipper a few days ago after a hr, and then the dugout cleared for Mclouth tonight.
They’re loose, they’re having fun. Good signs. Hope it continues.
Truth Speaker
April 21st, 2010
12:03 am
Jason Heyward > Ryan Howard
Mark Bradley > Jeff Schultz
Bradford
April 21st, 2010
12:04 am
I think the most important thing we saw tonight as Braves fans was players having fun. A team to create a new walk off routine (clearing the dugout on a walk off HR) is not only a team expecting to win but also a team that is having fun playing together. Both things are huge and great to see in this team. Exciting to say the least!
GO BRAVES!!
MaddenKing
April 21st, 2010
12:05 am
Jason Heyward is remiding me of Albert Pujols when he came up his rookie year, guys we are watching a future HOF and he’s doing this at twenty, this guy is so patient at the plate, he is getting pitches that only great players who are veterans get and is setting the pitcher up to fail cause he has to throw an actual pitch and he’s taking advantage of his oppurtunites every single time, this guy is going to be in the running of MVP this yr, mark my words.
Monger
April 21st, 2010
12:08 am
The Greg Norton Surgery and “the darndest thing happened, Glaus hit a home run” had me ROFL Bradley, thats why you are one of the funniest, knowledgable, and creative sports writer… Keep those zingers coming…
oh and it wouldnt be a Glaussian night without an error at first and a double play in a huge situation, right on with that one…
SHO-NUFF
April 21st, 2010
12:09 am
tree r. and Orlando’s C, gives us a break on the negative vibes, hey the Braves won, can’t you just be a little happy about it.
Mark Bradley
April 21st, 2010
12:13 am
Thanks, Monger. Thanks, Barkin’ Dawg. I’m obliged.
Monger
April 21st, 2010
12:14 am
that greg norton surgery line was the greatest comedic sports zinger I’ve heard in months, nice one bradley- you are the man….
this is starting to feel like the 90s again- good pitching, amazing comebacks, etc. If only we could get Deion to pour champagne over some reporter’s head (hmmm), you down for that role MB if we take the pennant?
Growler
April 21st, 2010
12:15 am
Mark:
Yeah it was amazing… I mean Heyward seems like the second coming of [name your Hall-of-Famer here!]. But…. it’s still very very early.
Try not to get too caught up in tonight, or even Sunday. Glaus is still 0-fer with the bases loaded and batting like .200 RISP. The offense is mostly anemic. Excellent starting pitching keeps them close.
With the Braves, like last year, it will come down to mainly whether the bullpen can hold leads in low-scoring games.. and also keep 1-run deficits from becoming 2 or 3-run deficits late (something that doesn’t show up in the stats but happened all the time last year), so they can come back.
Heyward aside, it’s still a pretty fragile formula for success. That said, I hope for the city, fans, newspaper, your blog and yes — even Bobby — it works.
Kane337
April 21st, 2010
12:16 am
Wow, what an ending to that game. The Braves looked hopeless for 8 and 2/3’s of that game. Heyward is something else. WOW!
Mark Bradley
April 21st, 2010
12:16 am
Thanks, Youngerthan. Thanks, ATLiens. (I’m just now catching up after the Taco Bell stop.)
Mark Bradley
April 21st, 2010
12:18 am
Deion Sanders might make a comeback just to dump water on me, Monger. We didn’t part on the best of terms.
Orlando's Cepeda
April 21st, 2010
12:18 am
ShO-NUFF / I’M SO HAPPY ABOUT THIS WIN IT’S 12:17 AM
AND I CAN’T WIND DOWN.
and the J-Hey Legend Grows...STILL
April 21st, 2010
12:20 am
J Hey is just unbelievable! I was definitely thinking home run from him the SECOND after Glaus homered…and he came thru on the 1st pitch!! MAN I love watching this kid play/bat!! Hope the backs can wake up tomorrow a little earlier than the 9th. GO BRAVES..and yes go hawks!
Mark Bradley
April 21st, 2010
12:21 am
I know, Growler. I was thinking driving home, “It’s a long season. Keep things in perspective.”
That said, here’s how the Braves have done their last three games: Gotten no-hit; won despite trailing when the final pitch was made, and won 4-3 after trailing 3-0 with one out remaining. It’s hard not to something remarkable in that parlay.
mike
April 21st, 2010
12:23 am
I dozed off with 2 outs in the 9th ( I guess about 7 seconds too early)…woke up to see the final score flash across the screen….DVR’s are the bomb
Mark Bradley
April 21st, 2010
12:26 am
I’m going to try to doze off now, Mike. Not sure I’ll be able to fall asleep for a while.
Thanks to everyone for hanging in with me these past seven hours. It was a night I’ll remember for a while.
Coach (I Believe)
April 21st, 2010
12:31 am
I know. Watching Troy Glaus walk to the plate and thinking this game is over, then the improbable followed by the impossible happened…..again.
Stunned is all I can say. But what is even more impressive concerning Heyward’s HR is that he wasn’t even trying to hit it out. J-hey was just trying to drive the ball and it went over the wall anyway. The natural resides in RF in a Braves uniform. I mean, Jeff who????
McLouth’s HR was inspiring to say the least and funny as hell to watch him round first base as the dugout emptied down the tunnel. As Smoltz said, I to have never seen such a thing happen on a walk off. It was planned and I would like to know who came up with the idea?
Atlien052
April 21st, 2010
12:34 am
“We pause here to note that Heyward’s game-winning single against the Rockies on Sunday marked the first time a Brave had managed a two-out walk-off hit with his team behind and the bases loaded since …
Francisco Cabrera, Game 7, 1992 NLCS.”
Baseball either has the greatest statistics ever or too much time on their hand.
Any idea on what Heyward hits with one out, runners in scoring position, during a night game with the score tied or down by one, versus the defending National League champion, under a waxing moon, when the pitcher hails from somewhere in the upper Mid-west, the temperature is above 50 degrees, and a barometric pressure reading of 52?
Got to love baseball stats!
choozer
April 21st, 2010
12:44 am
Excellent writing! I feel like I was there, or at least watching on TV, yet I was neither.
SHO-NUFF
April 21st, 2010
12:47 am
GO BRAVES! Yeah Man! Yeeee Haw!!
BATMAN
April 21st, 2010
12:53 am
ARE WE GOING TO LOSE ANOTHER WORLD SERIES COME THE FALL?
urm...
April 21st, 2010
12:58 am
hellz to the yeah
chem
April 21st, 2010
1:29 am
I mean what idiot manager would would send Francisco Cabrera to the plate in that spot?
BravesFanLostinOhio
April 21st, 2010
1:35 am
What a game! Too bad it was me and 18,000 people who actually saw it in person. Come on, Atlanta! Get your butts in those seats!
checkagain
April 21st, 2010
1:37 am
We pause here to note that Heyward’s game-winning single against the Rockies on Sunday marked the first time a Brave had managed a two-out walk-off hit with his team behind and the bases loaded since…
Francisco Cabrera, Game 7, 1992 NLCS.
9/5/07 Diaz’s two-out, three-run double in ninth caps key victory
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070905&content_id=2191154&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
GT BOYZ
April 21st, 2010
1:38 am
what? no Melky… no problem….
MB, again….
‘We pause here to note that Heyward’s game-winning single against the Rockies on Sunday marked the first time a Brave had managed a two-out walk-off hit with his team behind and the bases loaded since …
Francisco Cabrera, Game 7, 1992 NLCS.’
This sounds incorrect. 18 years, not one hit with the bases loaded in the ninth from behind? not one? not so sure…
GT BOYZ
April 21st, 2010
1:39 am
with two out. geezus.. 2 out, buddy… Not so sure about your memory. Doesn’t sound accurate.
Shane
April 21st, 2010
1:41 am
Unreal. Just Unreal. Cant wait for tomorrow
carlchamblee
April 21st, 2010
1:44 am
“As Smoltz said, I too have never seen such a thing happen on a walk off. It was planned and I would like to know who came up with the idea?”
Coach, I’d like to know how anyone would even THINK to plan that with McLouth coming up to bat!
Seriously, I’m so glad I was at the game tonight. And I’m glad all the fans who left after the 8th in a 3-0 game missed the magic. Tonight really summed up the beauty of baseball -it’s unpredictability. The game was disappointing and frustrating right up until the surreal Glaus blast. Then when J-Hey homered it was like a dream. McLouth finishing it off, well, it just didn’t happen. Couldn’t have.
As my friend at the game (a Yankeee fan – boo) said, a win like this can define the season. Don’t know about that but it certainly is a shot in the arm to an offense that other than Hey and Prado has been lifeless.
Mark – good article tonight. I take issue with so much of what you say re: baseball but tonight after such a victory it’s all sunshine and lollipops! I do have to say I guess your “informant” was sandbagging you about keeping Heyward in the 7 hole
carlchamblee
April 21st, 2010
2:04 am
Enter your comments here
Mark Bradley
April 21st, 2010
2:18 am
I’ve rewritten the part about Francisco Cabrera until I can check further. In the heat of the moment, I might well have misheard a snippet of information. Or misinformation, as the case may be.
Shane
April 21st, 2010
3:36 am
I guess that would make the Phillies the Dodgers and Ryan Howard is Darryl Strawberry.
I mean if its 1991 and all
Shane
April 21st, 2010
3:46 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgqQFWJ66SI
MitchC
April 21st, 2010
6:24 am
Mark, Tuesday’s game was great, no doubt about that. As I said on your other page last night., I’m guilty of giving up on the game in the seventh inning, when we were down. Then, I turned the TV back on, and saw 3-3, and said. “Holy..”. I definitely saw Mclouth’s shot. That was a thing of beauty.
You mentioned Jason Heyward being a difference maker, and filing it away come “”October”. Is that Bradley predicting the future, saying he thinks the Braves are going to make the playoffs? The same Bradley who before opening day said “Ba Humbug.. 85 wins and third place”.
We can’t say that two awesome wins in April necessarially mean that this team will be celebrating a World Series title come this fall, but I will still go with my belief. If we are healthy, and everyone produces as they should, even if Chipper is injured for his usual amount of games, I believe we will make the playoffs, even as the wild card.
Abother thing: Billy Wagner has looked pretty darned good this season so far. His fastball has been electric.
Okay, now, we can stop gushing. Back to business tonight. We need to win at least one more game in this series, to send the message to the Phillies, and make sure they receive it.
MitchC
April 21st, 2010
6:30 am
Once again my comment didn’t go up the first time, so I’ll try again.
Mark, you mentioned Heyward being the difference maker come “October”. Are you saying that you now think this team has a chance to make the playoffs? Is this the same Mark Bradley who at the start of the season said, and I quote: “Ba Humbug, 85 wins and third place”?
One win in April does not make a season, but it does send a message to the Phillies. Psychologically, we need to win at least one of the next two games to take the series.
Yes, I know it’s only April, but I’m telling you, Mark, if this team performs as it should, they will make the playoffs. I’m not saying we will win the National League East, but, there is absolutely no reason that we shouldnt at least make the wild card.
TheAntiMe
April 21st, 2010
6:38 am
And what about those who, after all he’s done for this franchise, still bash Bobby’s managing… I wish they’d just, for one last season, STHU. You said is wonderfully… on this night Bobby Cox had bumped up Jason Heyward (to the 6-spot), who had been batting in the 7-hole, ahead of Yunel Escobar. Talk about genius managing. - Barkin’Dog
I totally agree. It’s really incredible how some of these so-called Braves fans can constantly hate on Bobby Cox the way they do. No matter how many games the Braves win, there is nothing he can do right in the eyes of these wannabe managers. The man is going into the HoF as the 4th winningest manager in baseball history, so he must be doing something right.
It’s one thing to criticize, but the venom that is constantly spewed by the Bobby haters is really beyond belief. I have watched the opposing broadcast feeds on MLB.com for years now and there is no one around the league who has anything but great things to say about Bobby Cox. Only here, in his own town, do these unclassy people continue to bash him. They really need to get a life and get a clue.
UGASlobberknocker
April 21st, 2010
6:43 am
Glaus had Greg Nortion surgery?.
Mark, that’s your best line so far this season.
TheAntiMe
April 21st, 2010
6:44 am
And what about those who, after all he’s done for this franchise, still bash Bobby’s managing… I wish they’d just, for one last season, STHU. You said is wonderfully… on this night Bobby Cox had bumped up Jason Heyward (to the 6-spot), who had been batting in the 7-hole, ahead of Yunel Escobar. Talk about genius managing. - Barkin’Dog
I totally agree. It’s really incredible how some of these so-called Braves fans can constantly hate on Bobby Cox the way they do. No matter how many games the Braves win, there is nothing he can do right in the eyes of these wannabe managers. The man is going into the HoF as the 4th winningest manager in baseball history, so he must be doing something right.
It’s one thing to criticize, but the venom that is constantly spewed by the Bobby haters is really beyond belief. I have watched the opposing broadcast feeds on MLB.com for years now and there is no one around the league who has anything but great things to say about Bobby Cox. Only here, in his own town do these unclassy people continue to bash him. They really need to get a life and get a clue.
UGASlobberknocker
April 21st, 2010
6:47 am
Im with Mitch C in wondering why about half the time I try to post something, It doesnt go, then if you try to resend it, I get a comment “Looks like youve already said that”.
Maybe the AJC should get Heyward over to take a look at it..he could probably fix it. With his bat.
TheAntiMe
April 21st, 2010
6:52 am
We have some technical problems, my posts aren’t making it through either.
Bunch o' Braves
April 21st, 2010
6:52 am
Wait, wait, wait! GLAUS???
Jesse Stone
April 21st, 2010
6:57 am
I compared Melky to Ryan Church this offseason. I’m sorry Ryan.
WIlly
April 21st, 2010
6:58 am
The Braves have already been no-hit once, shut out twice and been beaten 17-2 by the Padres. Yet they’re 8-5 and tied for first place – I’d say that makes them resilient.
TheAntiMe
April 21st, 2010
6:58 am
Game Summary – Phillies vs. Braves – April 20, 2010
9th inning:
Troy Glaus – Big
Jason Heyward – Bigger
10th inning:
Nate McLouth Biggest
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 21st, 2010
7:00 am
sure it was a great way to salvage the game and hopefully get into the phillies’ heads. i’m still a little concerned about this offense- i mean if we struggle against kendrick with @17.00 ERA, what is Halladay going to do to us tonight? Heyward is awesome, but a 20yr old shouldn’t carry all the weight for the offense- time for the other players to step up
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
April 21st, 2010
7:04 am
if we struggle like that against kendrick with his 17.00 ERA, what to do you think Halladay is going to do? its time for the other players to STEP IT UP!!! A 20yr kid should not being carrying to the entire team on his shoulders for offense.
DoninAcworth
April 21st, 2010
7:08 am
My, my, my, what a game…sitting there and watching 8 innings of allful and then
MAGIC! So, my, my, my, well I never! Go Huddie!
Jordan's Almonds
April 21st, 2010
7:12 am
Something tells me Matty Diaz was behind the team disappearing into the tunnel on McLouth’s walk-off. The guy is our resident four leaf clover and the tie that binds.
LininInAL
April 21st, 2010
7:17 am
Let’s not be too critical of Glaus and McLouth’s recent performances. They are in good company with Teixeira who has one homer and is battng 167. So better days are ahead for the Braves!
sugarfoot
April 21st, 2010
7:18 am
Wow! It was nice to wake up this morning and see that they came back and won. I went to bed when I saw it was 3-0. I did not think they stood a chance. I am starting to think Heyward may be for real.
Braves Fan in Dawg Country
April 21st, 2010
7:18 am
Gee… the decision to start Heyward in the majors instead of sending him down for the first two weeks to save a year of arbitration looks pretty good right now. Where would they be right now if they had done that. I must admit, at the beginning of spring training, I thought that sounded like a smart plan, give up two weeks now to save a year later. Something tells me the Braves will sign him long term before they have to worry about that…
(He does remind me of Fred McGriff at the plate … and is having the same impact on these Braves!)
Ross
April 21st, 2010
7:22 am
T. Pendleton D. Drabek Double to RF (Line Drive to Deep RF Line)
D. Justice D. Drabek Reached on E4 (Ground Ball); Pendleton to 3B
S. Bream D. Drabek Walk; Justice to 2B
R. Gant S. Belinda Lineout: LF/Sacrifice Fly (Deep LF Line); Pendleton Scores
D. Berryhill S. Belinda Walk; Justice to 3B; Bream to 2B
F. Cabrera S. Belinda Single to LF (Line Drive to Short LF); Justice Scores/unER; Bream Scores/unER; Berryhill to 2B
Pirates 2, Braves 3.
Ross
April 21st, 2010
7:23 am
Best baseball comment in some time – “What, did Glaus have Greg Norton surgery?”
Ross
April 21st, 2010
7:27 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st6Er8UphqA
uberVU - social comments
April 21st, 2010
7:27 am
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by tracygoodwin1: Glaus! Heyward! McLouth! Folks, this is really getting good: Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog)… eight scoreles… http://bit.ly/b4Rsrk…
Required Reading | Hard Knox Sports
April 21st, 2010
7:28 am
[...] Braves win in dramatic fashion over Phillies [AJC] [...]
UGASlobberknocker
April 21st, 2010
7:33 am
My girlfriend doesnt like to watch the Braves games. Dang, Im gonna miss her.
Meatlake
April 21st, 2010
7:34 am
Fine stuff Mr. Bradley. At least that should shut up the Glaus booers for a little while. Kinda funny the techie, “Nesbitt for…”went out his way to post 2nd!!!(huuuge accomplishment btw). First off, he was 3rd(can’t count maybe or just missed the timing on the enter button…gotta sting). Either way, his claim to internet AJC starblogdom was a measly 2ND. Secondly, I guess that you’ve got to grab onto what you can get and with UGA being the State’s flagship institution he’s just so used to being 2nd. My recommendation is the he get used to it(although it seems he’s at least half, if not fully there already) cause it’s gonna be for a long time coming in both basketball and football. Mark, sorry to stir the pot regarding my GT brethren on your Braves blog but I just couldn’t resist. That one little 2nd was just sitting there taunting me into this longwinded diatribe. I blame it on clean, old fashioned hatred. Anyway, big ups to Los Bravos and their rook phenom, Mr Heyward. So far, so good and it’s gotta beat last years April already. Oh yeah, and anyone who was booing Glaus(and thusly our Bravos)I have 2 words. HA HA.
Disclaimer: I do not truly actually hate my GT brethren in such a literal since, but they make it too easy sometimes.(If anyone’s been to a half empty GT game and seen the halftime “entertainment” consisting flagboy, you’ll know what I mean) Being a native Atlantan, I have both family and close friends who attended GT and have actually been known to root for them on occasion. So long as they’re not playing the beloved Dawgs, of course. Anyway, Go Braves, Go T.Dimitroff and Hunker Down You Hairy Dawgs…
heartofdarkness
April 21st, 2010
7:37 am
Troy Glaus = quiet out, no more [my bad]. Great coverage of a great comeback.
Donny Corleone
April 21st, 2010
7:51 am
To quote Harvey Kietel in Pulp Fiction “Now let’s don’t go blankin each others blanks just yet.”
Ross
April 21st, 2010
8:02 am
Turns out the dugout clearing on Nate’s walk-off was a joke prepared by Hudson in case of a walk-off homer.
Ezekiel
April 21st, 2010
8:07 am
Mark.. THIS IS BRAVES COUNTRY, BABY!!
trionbd
April 21st, 2010
8:08 am
Do we all remember when there was speculation that Heyward wouldn’t be brought up until after the first 2 weeks of the season to delay his arbitration eligibility? That would have been uber stupid.
Thomas
April 21st, 2010
8:08 am
So we are on our way to the playoffs, remember last year without homeruns was terrible and till the 9th inning of this game it was looking much like last years return. GO BRAVES!!!
robdawg08
April 21st, 2010
8:23 am
Lucky win last night. It still doesn’t make up for getting baffled by Kendrick for 7 innings with his 17.00 era. The Braves won’t be winning many games down 3-0 in the 9th. Maybe this game will at least get McClouth and Glaus bats finally going ? I truly think one of could have done as bad as McClouth has so far like going 3 for 50 ?
Heyward needs to be hitting 3rd.
Lineup should be :
Prado
Chipper
Heyward
McCann
Glaus
Escobar
Diaz
McClouth/Melky/Anybody
Jesse Stone
April 21st, 2010
8:41 am
I live out of state, and watched the game on mlb.tv. My mom lives down in Vidalia and told me that whatever network the game was on (I lose track) left the Braves game in the 9th inning and switched to a basketball game. Can anyone confirm?
RJ
April 21st, 2010
8:42 am
Very funny piece and an entertaining follow up to an entertaining finish! Braves, Hawks, Falcons and just maybe the Thrashers all may be headed in the right direction and perhaps get people interested again, even those carpetbaggers!
P.S Love the jolin reference but he may at some point deserve his own nick name..trying to come up with one…maybe simply “KID CLUTCH”
PMC
April 21st, 2010
8:45 am
The reason they win 90+ this year…. the way they won the last 2.
Gary
April 21st, 2010
8:45 am
How about “Boy wonder”?
PMC
April 21st, 2010
8:46 am
HEY WOW 22!
Jesse Stone
April 21st, 2010
8:46 am
Enter your comments here
PMC
April 21st, 2010
8:54 am
The schedule with the Phillies is sort of set up to have an epic division battle at the end like they did with “Beat LA” in 1991.
NC Braves Fan
April 21st, 2010
8:55 am
Entering the ninth inning last night, it was our very own “Brad” who cautioned that the game was not over yet. I hope you had a third cheesy gordita to celebrate afterwards! Nice call!
NC Braves Fan
April 21st, 2010
8:57 am
Entering the ninth inning last night, it was our very own “Brad” who cautioned that the game was not over yet. Nice call! I hope you had a third cheesy gordita to celebrate!
dean
April 21st, 2010
8:58 am
“Do you recall Francisco Cabrera in 1992?”
Hail yes! I had the good fortune of being there. I drove 250 miles after getting a call and asked, “Can you get off early today? I have an extra ticket to the game tonight if you can get here.” Ahh, what a night, and next day (what I remember)!
Love the Braves in NC
April 21st, 2010
8:59 am
Excellent article, Mark! Described the feeling perfectly! I am still riding high this morning from watching that game last night!
extremus
April 21st, 2010
9:07 am
Last night’s game was like watching a boxing match where a top-ranked veteran dominates the match all night against a slower, apparently less capable opponent, racking up the hit count. Then, in the final round, the other guy suddenly lands a three-hit combo that puts the champ flat on his back for the count. In that sense, these Braves have at times been like watching the early Rocky movies. Could they be a contender? Guess that’s why they play the games (and I couldn’t resist using one more boxing movie reference).
Blackberry Cobbler
April 21st, 2010
9:15 am
Luck happens. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every now and then.
Glaus, McLouth, and Cabrera are still dragging this team down with their sub-200 batting average.
Sit ‘em all down. PLAY HINSKE AND INFANTE!!
Smack
April 21st, 2010
9:19 am
Nice to see you are coming around Doubting Mark!
Braves fans suck
April 21st, 2010
9:23 am
Just a few days ago “Braves” fans were calling for Cox to be fired etc……
Morons.
Braves fans suck
April 21st, 2010
9:24 am
Prediction
Braves will lose today. Mark Bradley and Braves fans will be looking at next year.
Morons
linzo
April 21st, 2010
9:25 am
Great finish. But am I the only one who is annoyed by the moniker “J-Hey Kid”? Does he require a nickname?
siskel_god
April 21st, 2010
9:27 am
“Some pitchers have Tommy John surgery. Was it possible the operation Troy Glaus underwent last summer was Greg Norton surgery?”
Mark Bradley you sir owe me a new laptop. I was not expecting you to ever write anything remotely funny so I was sipping my coffee normally. As I stumbled upon this journlistic nugget, I spat my beverage all over my computer. Kudos Mr. Bradley. But in all seriousness, you had my feelings pegged precisely, I was headed to the bed when Glaus came up then, bam! I thought surely there is no way that Jason can do it again then, bam! He’s like a mix of Hanson and KK at the plate, steady like Hanson was as a rookie, seemingly unflappable and like KK, he seems to shine in the toughest spots. This team has alot of magic on its side right now and if Tarheel Troy can get going a bit and Nate and Chipper can get hot then hey, we could very easily be like the Rox last year.
DawgNation
April 21st, 2010
9:29 am
LET’S GO BRAVOS!!!!
NC Braves Fan
April 21st, 2010
9:30 am
Entering the ninth, our very own “Brad” cautioned that the game was not over yet. Great call! I hope you had a third Burrito Supreme to celebrate!
meh
April 21st, 2010
9:39 am
Greg Norton surgery! thats a good one. Go Braves!
Fillin' up @ Juniors
April 21st, 2010
9:41 am
MARK, MARK PLEASE do an article on how genious Bobby has been this season so far. This game was won because J-Hey was in the right spot…Sunday we won because he pitch ran conrad for glaus at second, allowing a faster player to score on J-heys single, troubles at the top of the order, and sunday he put Diaz and my man hit 3-4. Bobby has gotten everyone in the game, gotten though some slumps and has this team clicking even with some obvious holes which he has been correcting. This has been a great start because bobby is makin’ his moves well.
rebeldawg
April 21st, 2010
9:44 am
It’s early in the season and all, but I does anyone remember the Atlanta Braves record for most final at bat wins in a season? From memory I believe it was 1995 and that was not a bad year.
will
April 21st, 2010
9:47 am
great story telling
MikeB
April 21st, 2010
9:49 am
Mark, you’ve got to be kidding..saying “of all people” ….Glaus can crush a baseball when he connects. So why is it so surprising? I would think “of all people” would be more suited for players that don’t even have WTP (warning track power) or who have had 6000 at bats in their career, but only have 3 homeruns. I know you’re just trying to be funny, but Glaus has hit several “at em” balls so far in this early season and has struggled at times, but so do a lot of power hitters at the start. Factor in that he is coming off a year where hardly played, give the man a sporting chance before you keep making negative comments concerning his hitting ability. I’ve been fortunate to attend several MLB games in the past few years and I’ve seen Glaus hit some mammoth homeruns…and he will do it again…so don’t be so surprised next time and find someone else to pick on or at least wait one more month to check his avg and slugging pct. I’m sure you would for Adam LaRoche.
LeROY Hobbs
April 21st, 2010
9:50 am
The highlight of the 2010 sports year was last night when Jason Heyward sprinted around the bases for his home run. It was as though the enthusiasm of a 12-year-old was embodied in this 6′5″ frame that’s strong as an ox and can run like a gazelle. I haven’t seen that type of hustle on a home run since Pete Rose used to sprint around the bases after his occasional long ball. Every dad should get a copy of that home run sprint and show it to the kids to let them know how ballplayers who love the game do it. Just a tremendous moment!
Bravissimo
April 21st, 2010
9:52 am
Jesse…I live about 1/2 hour from vidalia and I watched the game to the end (Peachtree tv via direct tv).
I think they get the feed from comcast, they might be the culprit in your moms case?
Sleepy Dwarf
April 21st, 2010
9:52 am
I went to sleep after the 6th
NC Braves Fan
April 21st, 2010
9:57 am
Sorry for the multiple posts on gorditas – the blog site was apparently having breakfast there for a while.
Mark Bradley
April 21st, 2010
9:57 am
Thanks, Love the Braves. Thanks, siskel god. (I’m running a bit late this morning.)
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
April 21st, 2010
10:01 am
What a game, what an article!
Thanks so much Mark.
Jesus
April 21st, 2010
10:02 am
Mark, I know all is not forgiven with Glaus but is that the type of hit he needs to get some confidence? Same with McLouth.
McDawg
April 21st, 2010
10:03 am
I had already thrown my shoe at the tube and turned it off after one out in the 9th-oh yee of little faith
JRM
April 21st, 2010
10:06 am
MB, looked kind of weird for the Braves to run into the clubhouse after the win versus the mob on the field after Sunday’s game. Any insight?
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
April 21st, 2010
10:06 am
“”(I’m running a bit late this morning.)”"
Midnight Taco Bell can have that effect, or the opposite. lol
JRM
April 21st, 2010
10:10 am
nm, per espn
McLouth, expecting a group hug at home plate, already had his helmet off, so he said he went ahead and threw it to the ground while standing alone.
“I didn’t know what to do,” he said, still smiling. “I looked around for a second and everybody was gone. They were waiting for me in the tunnel.”
Atlanta’s players surrounded McLouth for a team celebration in the tunnel area, with all the players jumping up and down.
Mr. Turnip-Green Jeans
April 21st, 2010
10:11 am
“(I’m running a bit late this morning.)”
Midnight Taco Bell usually has the opposite effect. lol
Mark Bradley
April 21st, 2010
10:17 am
From what I gathered, that was a planned thing, JRM. Just throwing the change-up, as it were.
mary
April 21st, 2010
10:17 am
I live in Appleton WI….used to live in Milwaukee, where we attended many Braves games, until
they left town ! I used to get a lot of the games on TBS..but since the changes, I don’t get to see them a lot..but….I will see them tonight..on espn and again on Sunday ! and yes…I do recall that
game in 1992…and the hit by Cabrera.We were watching !! Go Braves !!!!!
Phoot
April 21st, 2010
10:17 am
Mark, I want a bean burrito with extra jalapenos if you are running to the Border.
If Glaus and McLouth start hitting then WOW!
Roto Rooter
April 21st, 2010
10:19 am
Braves Magic Number – 146!
Buzzed
April 21st, 2010
10:21 am
Me loves the “empty dugout treatment”. . . .
Phoot
April 21st, 2010
10:26 am
Yes Linzo J-Hey needs a nickname.
By the way – what is a Linzo?
W/E
April 21st, 2010
10:28 am
Is it me, or have we seen more late-inning success already this year, than the last 2 combined? That was ridiculous last night. Glaus salvaged his job for another week and how ridiculous is it that when you see Heyward step-up in a pressure situation, we already expect this kid to deliver and he has in almost every pressure spot so far. Nate also impressed me. I feel like Nate will be alright, I’m still waiting to pass judgement on Troy, but last night definitely made me go WOW.
Iceman
April 21st, 2010
10:30 am
“Hello Phillies, my name is Jason Heyward.”
Go Braves!
Kenny J
April 21st, 2010
10:30 am
No cred as a reporter/blogger Bradley. All winter you avoided it, and you’re still avoiding it. Our number 3 hitter is hitting .242 with 4 RBIs. You arrogantly pick on everyone but Chipper because your lips are firmly attached to his buttocks. If he’s that kind of multi million dollar number 3 hitter – this team is severely restricted. Why don’t you write with the same dour nastiness about him that you do the others you’re so pejorative about? At least then you’d be an honest reporter we might come to believe in.
JEZ
April 21st, 2010
10:31 am
Yea after the bottom of hte 8th I turned the tv off and said to my wife, I can’t watch anymore of this horrible game! Then first thing I see when I come in is another come from behind win! What an awesome way to start the morning! Aside from having to be at work and all…
The Truth
April 21st, 2010
10:33 am
And how about those fans! Wow! 18,000 (announced) shoe-horned into Turner Field! They love these guys!
Paddy O
April 21st, 2010
10:34 am
Mitchell: I am a Red Sox fan, since 1975. As a rep of Bosox Nation, after game 4, we were all saying, we got 1, we have a chance for 2. Now, after game 3, I was mad as hell – we had a great team in 04, much better than the 03 team, and we didn’t have Grady Little, so we had a good chance of winning. But if we had gotten swept by the Yanks, that would have been a disaster. As it is, after two extra inning games, we kicked those crummy dam Yankee butts. I have never been happier.
coach joe
April 21st, 2010
10:36 am
what a great win…man.. you haters try to enjoy it.
go braves…
Paddy O
April 21st, 2010
10:36 am
Kenny – you have no connection to loyalty, do you? Chipper his over 350 2 years ago – you let him do his thing. Also, if you are Braves fan, and still think the Jeff Francoer trade was a good move, I don’t feel any hesitancy at all to call those Braves fans that think that MORONS!
Paddy O
April 21st, 2010
10:39 am
MikeB – I agree with you. If Glaus is healthy, he should hit 20 HR & maybe 85-95 RBI. But McLouth & Cabrera, you could trade them off. However, if I was the Braves, I would have resigned LaRoche.
Algenis
April 21st, 2010
10:39 am
Loved the article but I think we are getting a little bit ahead of ourselfs. October baseball? Not so fast.
Yesterday was a great win. Just as I was planning my plot for this Friday as the Braves visit the Mets, I was planning to some how steal Troy Glaus’s bats, gloves and maybe arrange a pick up and have the driver drive him to all the way to Canada! As far away from the field but after the two run shot I hung up the phone,.
JRW7
April 21st, 2010
10:47 am
GO BRAVES!! But I do not like the no on field celebration, it robs the fans of some of the excitment of a walkoff homr run win celebration. That was stupid.
Glaus Rally Cap
April 21st, 2010
10:48 am
Kenny, you don’t understand baseball. Chipper makes things happen no matter what his average is. He walked to setup the Glaus two run HR, Heyward is the difference THIS year though.
I was at the game and made a cameo in the Glaus HR, in 25+ years of going to Braves games, the greatest ending I’ve ever witnessed. Heyward is something very rare and special in baseball, I can’t wait for tonight!
DawgDad
April 21st, 2010
10:51 am
Last night was like a lighting strike on a sunny day. About as unexpected as it could possibly be. You have to think watching a bullpen meltdown like that will take a toll in the Phillie clubhouse; they really don’t have anyone they can count on. My only caution would be it might be easier for the Phillies to plug a gap in their bullpen than it will be for the Braves to plug gaps left by aging and underproducing players in their lineup. In the long run Chipper, Glaus, and McCann have to stay healthy and produce, and we need a leadoff hitter.
Jesse Stone
April 21st, 2010
10:52 am
What kind of pitch did Glaus hit?
How2fish
April 21st, 2010
10:52 am
Very nice article MB its early and we will have some rough patches but so far I have to say..this is FUN!
BuckheadBrave
April 21st, 2010
10:53 am
well Paddy O given the fact Jason Heyward now mans Right Field, and Francoeur did go 0-7 two nights ago, plenty, if not all of us think the Francoeur trade was good. Jeff has given us no reason to think he will come back to haunt the Braves and if you are using a 2 week sample size against the entirety of a FIVE YEAR career to say he is back then you obviously don’t know how stats work. Its like the Vazquez trade why on gods green earth with all the data he has provided over t he years would you EVER the Javy could pitch like that 2 years in a row, it defies logic, as does thinking Francoeur won’t at some point go two or three months swinging at ever curveball within a mile of him.
Lt Col
April 21st, 2010
10:53 am
Think a whole lot of people in Atlanta owe Troy Glaus one Hell of a public apology and Jason Heyward and Nate McClouth a loud round of applause!
And it should all start with YOU—Mark Bradley.
Too tough 44
April 21st, 2010
10:54 am
THE BRAVES SHOULD BRING ON THE STEREOMONSTER ( COLUMBUS GA ) SONG BLOOD AS THEIR NEW RALLY SONG GO BRAVES!!!! GO BRAVES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
cleve
April 21st, 2010
10:54 am
great win yesterday i just wish more people showed up to see it
Jesse Stone
April 21st, 2010
10:55 am
Apologize to Glaus for what? I still think he’s a sub-par power hitter. Sure he came through last night but he has a long way to go to be average.
NC Braves Fan
April 21st, 2010
10:57 am
Jesse Stone: the pitch to Glaus looked like a fastball with too much plate and not enough movement. The pitch to Heyward was a bit better location wise, but had too much plate and didn’t tail away enough to miss Jason’s bat.
Phils are missing Lidge about now.
lazydawg
April 21st, 2010
10:58 am
Get on the bandwagon Mark!!! This could be special….
Gary
April 21st, 2010
10:58 am
Just traded Madson in my fantasy league for Jeff Niemann
BuckheadBrave
April 21st, 2010
10:59 am
Paddy O,
Plenty if not most Braves fans still think the Francoeur trade was a good one. Thanks for the insult but if you are using a two week sampling against a FIVE YEAR career to say he is better, than you are a moron who doesn’t understand statistics. Its just like the Javy Vazquez trade, given the huge sample size you have to look at there is no logical reasoning in saying he can have that type of year or even close to it consistently, where as Derek Lowe has shown he can, sure age comes into play but you have to play the numbers, you cant be a rogue GM wheelin and dealin on gut feeling. Its the same thing with Jeff if you go back to 2006 especially starting the end of 2006 there is no reason that doesnt defy logic to think he won’t go through a two or three month stretch swinging at every curveball thrown within a mile of him.
BuckheadBrave
April 21st, 2010
10:59 am
sorry thought the first one didnt post
Mark Bradley
April 21st, 2010
11:01 am
Madson reminds me of Kyle Farnsworth, FWIW. Throws hard but never works a clean inning.
BuckheadBrave
April 21st, 2010
11:02 am
I just can’t stand people trying to defend Francoeur baseball skills. He is a local guy and a good person, but don’t confuse that with being a good ball player. I agree with Heyward bringing back flashes of the 1992 Fransisco Cabrera single, but up until the HR Glaus was giving me scary flashbacks to Jeff Francoeur with all the bases loaded double plays he was hitting into.
Too tough 44
April 21st, 2010
11:03 am
MARK CK THAT SONG OUT ! IT HAS A A FUN PART WHERE THE CROWD GETS INVOLVED…….
papadawg
April 21st, 2010
11:11 am
I’m still trying to hold excitement down on Heyward but he keeps doing it against two weeks of pretty good pitching. Love his patience, doesn’t mimnd two strikes waiting on His pitch.
74 Dawg
April 21st, 2010
11:15 am
Make mine 4 original crunchy,Mark. And a couple early runs tonite to put the wind at Huddy’s back.
is30303
April 21st, 2010
11:23 am
looked the typical braves lost last night. around the seventh i had that sick feeling in my gut as usual. watching the braves loss to a sub-par pitcher (no disrespect but look at the career record). Kendrick was making the point that any pitcher in the majors has the ability to shut down any team on any night, regardless of records and stats.
its wins like this that make baseball great. thanks guys.
BuckheadBrave
April 21st, 2010
11:24 am
If Freeman continues to hit below .200 for a good period of time, and Glaus can’t prove he can do this consistently what do you think odds are the Braves will be looking for a Major League first baseman at the deadline, that they can keep around for awhile. Maybe Adrian Gonzalez? Wishful thinking I know.
Paddy O
April 21st, 2010
11:46 am
Buckhead – as indicated, MORON. Either Heyward or Frenchy would play a outfield position called LEFT. Or, don’t you want two great corner OF’s with cannon arms? Watch Francoer throw a guy out at home, the throw never touched the ground. Saved the Mets a run. In your GM world, one 0-7 gets a guy traded who is hitting over 350? BRILLIANT!
Paddy O
April 21st, 2010
11:47 am
It’s called coaching – constantly reminding him to lay off the late count breaking ball – something the Mets coaching staff seems to be able to do. If the insult shoe fits, wear it.
ShortBravesFan
April 21st, 2010
11:48 am
Although I did go to the Hawks playoff game last night, (and it was incredible-Go Hawks!) I heard about the end to the Braves game last night. I hope this gives Braves more confidence because really thats all they need right now.
If they keep hacking away, I think we will do fine. Again, its still just April. Lets just focus on one series at at a time! Lets win another one BRAVES!!!!
Paddy O
April 21st, 2010
11:48 am
Also, if the guy go thru 3 months bad, but still drive in 100 and hits 280, that makes you trade him for a guy you release less than a year later? MORE BRILLIANCE!
Paddy O
April 21st, 2010
11:52 am
Buckhead – you the personification of bad Atlanta sports fan. Local guys you support till they retire – especially if they are charismatic, excited to play, perform well – hit 25+ HR, 100 RBI, play good defense and have a cannon arm. I don’t think you can more accurately depict “fair weather” than what you just stated.
Dog The Man
April 21st, 2010
12:03 pm
WHEN WILL BOBBY COX MOVE HEYWARD UP IN THE BATTING ORDER???????
J-Hey Fever
April 21st, 2010
12:07 pm
Best investment advice this season is to buy one of these J-Hey shirts now at http://jasonheywardfacts.com
Go Bravos!
Blewitt agian
April 21st, 2010
12:12 pm
Greg Norton surgery is the line of the year! That was great.
Chip Shot
April 21st, 2010
12:15 pm
hey Mark, im sure you’ve heard this before…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8NzrySCcVE
Chip Shot
April 21st, 2010
12:16 pm
woops its this one lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5M_Ttstbgs
Mark Bradley
April 21st, 2010
12:19 pm
I actually thought of “For What It’s Worth” when I wrote that “something’s happening here” line a couple of weeks ago, Chip Shot. Check out the first two lines of that little submission.
ShortBravesFan
April 21st, 2010
12:20 pm
Thought I went to the Hawks game last night, (incredible game might I add-Go HAWKS) I heard about the end of the Braves game and I hope this gives them more confidence. Everyone is coming around on that team so we will do just fine!
Again, its still just April. Lets just take it one game at a time. Lets kick some more Philly butt! Go Braves!
Atlanta: Come show your support!!!
Phil
April 21st, 2010
12:24 pm
“But he will be come October. You might want to file that away.”
Ok, I will file that away along side “The Braves will be be in first place by July 4th and pulling away in September”.
I do agree that Heyward is special, but on the other hand we have Cox
who generally blows 10-20 games per year based on poor decisions. Just getting to October will be a challenge.
Tim Tebow's Tears
April 21st, 2010
12:27 pm
Wow, Give me some Kool-Aid I’m aboard
jay
April 21st, 2010
12:30 pm
as a relocated braves fan, its no longer possible for me to attend games. Which is why it breaks my heart to see the disgraceful showing by atlanta sports fans at these games. there were maybe 8000 people there last night. its shameful, and people outside of atlanta don’t take our team seriously b/c they assume nobody in atl cares. and sadly – theyre right. i don’t know if fault lies more with the fans or the organization (prices), but either way – its the elephant in the room nobody’s talking about.
BuckheadBrave
April 21st, 2010
12:45 pm
Paddy O I will take a team with Matt Diaz in left over Francoeur any day of the week. First Francoeur has had 100 RBIs only twice in 5 years that was in his first 2 years in the league, the next two years he got progressively worse, are you saying you stick with a downward trend? I said i think Francoeur is a good guy but how do you figure he was the saint you are portraying, are you his dad or something??? How good could he be when the team was glad to see him go. He complained when Brian McCann was called up in 2005 until he was promoted as well, he complained incessantly and sealed his fate with Bobby Cox when he was demoted in 2008, do you see Heyward throwing a temper tantrum if he got sent down, i sure don’t. He may love to play, i love to play the game, that isn’t enough to make me Mickey Mantle. However good Jeff Francoeur really is he will always think he is better and that is not a recipe for success. Also, for the record as bad as a hitting coach as people think he is through two years of horrendous, disgusting, unwatchable plate appearances I am pretty freakin sure Terry Pendleton said lay off the dang curve balls in the dirt. He had a reputation from everyone as being uncoachable, Chipper called him out by name individually in public, it was that bad.
Skeezix
April 21st, 2010
12:45 pm
Mark: Most fun I’ve had watching the Braves for years. I had been lamenting the lack of run support for the pitchers and almost dozed off— but then Glaus, the goat of the game up to that point, quickly became one of its heroes…..then Jason, a hero again, then surprise of all surprises–strugggling Nate McLouth drives one way over the wall. So far this season has had several of those “electric” moments that only baseball can create. The Phillies are very good and now they are probably really mad, so hang tough tonight Bravos.
Gary
April 21st, 2010
12:48 pm
“Cox generally blows 10-20 games per year based on poor decisions”. DOOFUS ALERT!!! So…you are saying this team should win 110 games per year? I’m sorry if Bobby turned down your autograph request years ago, but Phil….let it go!
steve h
April 21st, 2010
12:50 pm
The kid for ROY and MVP, not to put any more pressure on him or anything.
You kiddin’??? This kid seeks out and thrives under pressure. That’s what makes him the “great one.”
BuckheadBrave
April 21st, 2010
12:53 pm
ok not sure what the heck is wrong with this posting system BUT here we ago again. Jeff drove in over 100 runs TWICE in FIVE years, not horrible but when you look it was his first 2 full seasons from that point on he got progressively worse, would you stick with a downward trend? Also i can’t help but think you are somehow related to Jeff or perhaps know him personally since nobody associated with the Braves seems to share your view on his beaming personality. He complained his way to the majors after McCann and Kyle Davies were called up, he complained his way into Bobby’s dog house when he was demoted in 2008, only staying in AA for 2 days and not adjusting anything at the plate. He has been called out publicly by the likes of Chipper Jones for being uncoachable, and however good Jeff may be he thinks he is better and that is never a recipe for success. Also Pendleton may or may not be a horrible hitting coach but after two years of double plays and strike outs in key situations do you not think he mentioned don’t swing at curveballs in the dirt? Get over it, he is a Met I don’t wish him ill but if you honestly will pull for the success of a new york met over the Braves no matter where he was born perhaps you should look in the mirror and see a real “fair weather” Atlanta fan. Please do us all a favor and move up north with your boy Failcouer, I hear the real estate has gotten very affordable.
girlzgotgame
April 21st, 2010
1:17 pm
WOW! Simply amazing!!!
Random
April 21st, 2010
1:18 pm
Mark Bradley –
“I’ve said it before, and I say it again: Something’s happening here. The Braves are believing in a way they haven’t believed since the run of division titles was broken in 2006. They’re believing because they’ve got a difference-maker on their side now, a difference-maker who isn’t yet old enough to take a legal sip of champagne. . . . There was less reason for them to prevail Tuesday, but they did because Glaus, of all people, kept it going for Heyward and because McLouth, of all people, caught the contagion.”
You are so full of it.
The Braves did not (and will not) win because they believe.
They believe because they won. (Which may or may not continue, depending on a plethora of variables, none of which is spelled b-e-l-i-e-v-e, and only ONE of which is spelled H-e-y-w-a-r-d.)
Fools like you cannot tell the difference.
Be Brave
April 21st, 2010
1:23 pm
This seems too good to be true. But I will believe it while it lasts. Whether that is 15 more days or 15 more years; I will believe.
Random
April 21st, 2010
1:24 pm
@BuckheadBrave — Well said.
Someone
April 21st, 2010
1:30 pm
Mcclouth’s homer was No.2 on Sportscenter. Glaus’s and Heyward’s were number 5. But you had to see what No. 1 was to believe it. Almost better than the Braves’ rally.
90s are over
April 21st, 2010
1:32 pm
I hope its not the 90s again!!! All of the deep runs in the playoffs and only 1 title to show for it?!!! Are we the Buffalo Bills of Major League Baseball? Just getting there is not enough.
Its time for an increasingly irrelevant franchise to go after a relevant manager. Bobby is the Marv Leavy of baseball. The lack of pitching and inability to hit on a consistently reinforces how the 90s are a thing of the past, and will be until Bobby is gone…
nique
April 21st, 2010
1:43 pm
I obviously love that we didn’t give up and that we came back and won, but I, like some of the other bloggers, am pretty disappointed that we keep getting shut down by average pitchers. Pretty nervous about the offense this year. I mean, someone check this stat, but we probably have the most guys who have started a game this year with sub-.200 avgs. TP?
Freddie G
April 21st, 2010
1:51 pm
Are you all believing now that something special is happening and something new is about to happen come October, which is the Braves winning the NL and in the series. I truly believe after the end of last season that had Prado been playing earlier and Big Red on the opening day roster, they could have been in the playoffs. Also consider how many games we lost due to lack of run support and leads blown by the Bullpen. I truly believe the Glaus will start hitting more consistently by 1st week of May. It takes time to shed the rust and get the timing back after not facing live pitching all of last year. We need Chipper, Yunel, McLouth and Melky to get going and all will be well.
Despite Glaus heroics last night I would still like to see Bobby move Glaus to the 7th spot and Yunel to the 5th spot just until Glaus gets his swing back on a consistent basis. I believe a period of two weeks with this change can be beneficial.
GLuck
April 21st, 2010
2:04 pm
Unbelievable. Unknown fun stat on our phenom rookie. Since being in the bigs, Jason Heyward has never been the last out to lose a game for the Braves. 2 chances thus far and here is how he faired when placed in that position……April 11 vs. SF, 2 outs, top 9th, down 6-2, no one on…….Homerun.(We eventually lost). Last night, bottom 9, two outs, down 3-2, no one one………homerun.(we know the outcome to this one). Early trend of clutch hitting???? Either way, it’s the first month but I will follow this stat as long as it lasts.
Go Braves.
Henry County Boys
April 21st, 2010
2:07 pm
J-Hey reppin Henry County hard! Its nice to see something good coming out of this county!
GLuck
April 21st, 2010
2:07 pm
Hey “90s are Over”,
FYI, the Bills never won a championship. Move back to Buffalo and root for your Sabres! We don’t want you in Atlanta but you have no choice because Buffalo has no opportunities.
HistoryJoe
April 21st, 2010
2:22 pm
This is my favorite column in a *long* time. Great game but thanks for making me smile today
Gary
April 21st, 2010
2:39 pm
90’s are over- Marv Levy is a Hall of Famer. Bobby will be and he has won a championship. Poor analogy.
LFP6
April 21st, 2010
3:03 pm
221st!
I will admit that I was cussing up a storm when I turned on the telly and saw we were down 2-0 in the 7th, and didnt turn on the tv til the next morning.
I put on ESPN news, then i glanced at the ticker, and I saw something strange there, so i had to rewind the dvr.
And then I saw it.
Phi 3, Atl 4 F/10
“THEY WON IT IN 10????”
Hot damn.
Rick
April 21st, 2010
3:12 pm
Come on. He’s a rookie making his first loop through the league. It will get tougher in the second half, when there will be meaningful scouting reports on him. It’s not reasonable to lay so much on this kid. There’s a ton of reasons why the Braves are going nowhere this year, no matter how Heyward performs. He’s a good one – but not a savior.
chop
April 21st, 2010
3:25 pm
Greg Norton surgery comment = solid gold.
BELIEVE BRAVES 2010
April 21st, 2010
4:01 pm
BELIEVE BRAVES 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HAVE BEEN SAYING THAT SINCE SPRING TRAINING, and NOW IT IS FINALLY HERE!
BUT DONT WORRY I HAVE ALL YOUR BELIEVE EQUIPTMENT!!!!!!!!!!
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A BELIEVE BRAVES T SHIRT CHECK IT OUT ON EBAY, OR EmAIL ME AT believebraves2010@yahoo.com!!!!!!!! ALSO HAVE SILICON BRACLETS RED AND BLUE! SHOOT ME AN EMAIL!
Also if you were at this fantastic game last night you saw the BELIEVE 2010 teeshirts, because I was wearing one when I played the seat upgrade of the game, game with Mark on the jumbo tron! SO CHECK IT OUT!
BELIEVE BRAVES 2010
April 21st, 2010
4:04 pm
Believe Braves merchandise,
BRACELETS – SHIRTS ALL COLORS PLEASE EMAIL believebraves2010@yahoo.com
GO BRAVES BELIEVE 2010!
rebman76
April 21st, 2010
4:04 pm
Tonight is crucial. I think it’s Lowe vs Halladay on the mound. The Braves needto take 2 out of 3 from the Phils and go sweep the Mets this weekend. that would send a message big time.
rebman76
April 21st, 2010
4:06 pm
Gotta take 2 of 3 from the Phils and sweep the Mets. I think Halladay pitches tonight for Philly against Lowe. Should be a good pitching matchup. Heyward is progressing just fine and will be a great player for a long time to come.
LFP6
April 21st, 2010
4:29 pm
Rick…
Nowhere but up! HA!
26-Year Braves Fan
April 21st, 2010
4:53 pm
Tuesday evening attendance was freaky .. Should have been 35,000 .. Box score said about 18,000 and folks who were there say, no way, not close to 18,000 .. What’s that all about?
Paddy O
April 21st, 2010
5:26 pm
Buckhead – you are actually a woman, right? Or someone who just can’t debate. There is no reason to dislike Francoeur, unless you expect your sports heros to be pansy asses. The 14 straight division title Braves pitching was confident, arrogant even. Ask the 72 – 74 A’s, 75-76 Reds Yanks of 76-78 whether or not being arrogant helped them steam roll the opponent – guess what, being polite and sweet and timid is worthless in a pro sporting contest. The fact remains that Frenchy is fine ball player that stupid, moron and shallow Braves fans were glad to see go. If the shoe fits it, it fits it. As a Red Sox fan, I root for every ex-Red Sox management made a mistake giving way – Fisk, Lynn, Boggs, Clemens (you remember him from the WS don’t you?), etc. Wren made a Steve Philips error in trading Francoeur, and I will root for him as long as he plays. Also, he plays with excitement – a good commodity.
Skeezix
April 21st, 2010
5:28 pm
I don’t understand the constant bashing of future hall of famer Bobby Cox . This Braves fan feels very fortunate to have watched the Master and great motivator, Bobby Cox, coach the Braves all these years. If he was a chess player he would be a grand master. The man doesn’t miss anything that is going on di=uring a game, nothing. The Braves have lost a lot over the last few years, but that has usually been due to the opponents having more talent, rarely due to being out coached. The question I ask is how bad it just might have been over the last few years had Bobby Cox not been the coach. The problems of the last few years are a direct result of constraints of corporate ownership and several trade decisions that were borderline incompetent.
Freddie G
April 21st, 2010
5:46 pm
Yu’all don’t get too crazy around here, the Phillies are still the King and it will be hard to dethrone them. I believe it will be a dog fight all season if Chipper, Yunel, Glaus and Nate starts hitting. Prado, BMac and the Rook have been doing the job on a consistent basis, but they are so far apart in the lineup so we are not able to string the hits together to produce the runs. Please Bobby look at the lineup and make the necessary changes.
Larry Platt
April 21st, 2010
6:40 pm
The braves are gunna have a challenge facing Doc. Good thing we won 4-3 yesterday! Doc is an amazing pitcher hopefully Timmy can bring his “A” game! Let’s go braves and remember PANTS ON THE GROUND!
Youngerthan Thatnow
April 21st, 2010
7:46 pm
“I don’t understand the constant bashing of future hall of famer Bobby Cox . This Braves fan feels very fortunate to have watched the Master and great motivator, Bobby Cox, coach the Braves all these years…” Skeezix
Thanks Skeezix… I’ve been saying the same thing for a couple of years now and I still don’t understand it. For the past two, now three seasons, I’ve had the MLB package on DirecTV and I watch a lot of games, or at least parts of a lot of games of the other teams in MLB and I hear a lot of the other voices around the league making comments about #6 and I’ve never, NEVER, heard anything but praise for him and most agree that he might be the best of all time, considering some of the players that he’s had to work with and the results that he got from them. Reminds me of a HS coach I had… we would absolutely run thru a brick wall for him… gladly. 99.9% of every player that’s ever played for Cox would do the same. There are exceptions… Lofton, Boone, etc., but if you’ll remember, they didn’t stick around very long.
He is the one constant going back to the ‘91 season, Schuerholz included, and will forget more about this game today than most here will ever know. I’m mighty glad to have had the pleasure of watching the man in action.
This isn’t a popular sentiment here, but I’ll stick to it and take my chances.
Paddy O
April 21st, 2010
7:52 pm
Cox has been successful. But with the staff he had, that is not surprising. The Braves never had a great, or even good, closer through that stretch. I do remember him playing Ozzie Guillen in a WS, and that backfired pretty good. All in all, Cox was a great – a lot like Marv Levy.
Paddy O
April 21st, 2010
8:01 pm
Hey, Bucky beaver: The five years includes his rookie year, when he only appeared in 70 games. So actually, 50% of the time he had over 100 RBI; his only really bad year was 08; in 09 he hit 280. If he plays 18 years (he is only 26 now), and has 9 100 RBI seasons, he most likely is headed for the HOF. IF you were glad he was traded for a guy you released, you really, truly are an ignoramous moron. If you were glad he was traded to a team in your division, your talent scouts would be terminated and many would probably reprimand the GM for something so blatantly redneck stupid.
mike
April 22nd, 2010
8:43 am
I remember everybody getting excited like this about Francouer, too. And remember how that played out.
Paddy O
April 22nd, 2010
10:23 am
Mike: You may be prescient. Nothing more popular in GA during the honeymoon than a new restaurant. Once that sucker gets old, ship it out if its not perfect (a remnant of Plantation Days).
Random
April 22nd, 2010
10:47 am
“If the shoe fits it, it fits it.” — Paddy O
Classic idiocy.