Live from Braves-Bucs: There’s good and better news
Good news: The Braves are playing really, really well. They’ve won 14 of 18. They’re a whisker out of first place, and not long ago they were last. They’ve raised their team batting average to .253, and a month ago they were under .230.
Better news: They’ve still got one game remaining against Pittsburgh, which isn’t the worst team in baseball but is looking like it.
Best news: They don’t have to face Roy Halladay when Philadelphia arrives this week.
It being (almost) Memorial Day, I’m tempted to make of the (in)famous Bradley milepost predictions: You know, like the one from two years ago where I said the Braves would be in first place by the Fourth and pulling away by Labor Day. I’m not going to do it this time, for a basic reason: I’m not yet sure how good these Braves are.
They had a rugged schedule in April. They had a soft slate for most of May. They look good at the moment. I’d like to wait and see how they look a few weeks hence. In other words, I’m resisting the urge — for maybe the first time ever — to pass judgment.
But certainly you’re free to express your sentiments as we proceed through the day, and I suspect we’ll be here awhile. Rain is surely coming, though the field is uncovered as of 12:55 p.m. (The ground grew is standing in the outfield. Ominous sign.) Still, that’s the beauty of baseball: You can tell me how wrong I am about the Braves — even though I’m kind of fence-sitting at the moment — at length.
As ever, I welcome your company. As ever, I say thanks in advance.
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424 comments Add your comment
RKCola
May 30th, 2010
1:11 pm
First
Reid Adair
May 30th, 2010
1:18 pm
The offensive lineup isn’t nearly strong enough to keep this pace, and they can’t put it all on the pitching staff – especially when Kenshin Kawakami comes up in the rotation.
May was a great month, but unfortunately that success won’t last. No matter how much Frank Wren wants everyone to believe that Melky Cabrera, Troy Glaus and Eric Hinske were significant improvements to the offense.
jeffrey d
May 30th, 2010
1:20 pm
Thanks Mark…I don’t always comment but I love reading your blogs and responses
Dayman
May 30th, 2010
1:20 pm
Don’t be lazy…vote Heyward and Prado into the all-star game.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:22 pm
Kudos, RKCola. And thanks, jeffrey d.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:22 pm
Still not raining. And Kenshin Kawakami got the OK to warm up.
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
1:25 pm
Time to trade Chipper to Texas, so he can have a new nickname, one befitting the one true offensive skill he seems to have left.
Walker, Texas Ranger.
Dayman
May 30th, 2010
1:25 pm
@Ried Adair
I would love to hear your reasoning as to why Hinske and Glaus have not been good signings? Outside of Heyward and Prado they have been our best hitters.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:25 pm
I predict Kawakami will win a game in 2010.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:26 pm
Hey, Today’s first bad pun: Chipper is all the way up to 18 RBIs and is batting .237. He’s coming around.
chip caray's eyebrows
May 30th, 2010
1:28 pm
I think with JJ coming back in the rotation at some point, that will be a huge boost. HOPEFULLY that will allow kawakami to move to the pen and maybe become more effective. As far as the offense, I am on the fence as well Mr. Bradley. I am getting close to sold on Glaus. He hit in 2008, was hurt last year, his healthy this year, and his is now hitting. His is not going to hit .300, and will strike out some, but he still has some popand breaks up the lefty dominated lineup. I don’t think Cabrera or Hinske, though both (especially Hinske) have played well of late, are the answer in left, IF you have McLouth hitting .188 in center. A platoon is fine, but there needs to be an upgrade at either left or center, in which case the platoon is fine. I don’t know what to do with Diaz when he comes back. I feel like we missed the boat not trading him awhile back when he had far better numbers. The pen is very solid. Saito scares me at times, but gets it done most nights. Wagner is is still Wagner most nights, and far more dependable than anything the Braves have had since Smoltz. The bench is really deep as well, which is great. If you add a bat in the outfield (said that a million times over the years) and add JJ in the rotation, I think they win the East. If they don’t, then it’s more of a game of hope, which is never good. All in all, very satisfied with where we are. Didn’t even mention chipper and escobar haven’t hit yet. wow.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:29 pm
Sun’s out now. Hooray!
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
1:30 pm
Well Mark, he’s been hanging his hat on the fact he’s seeing the ball well, as evidenced by his walks. The pun was too strong to resist though.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:30 pm
Not arguing with the quality of the pun. It was All-Star caliber.
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
1:32 pm
Thank you, Mark.
sc ace
May 30th, 2010
1:32 pm
Who has the betterf aVerage, chipper or hudson?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:35 pm
Tim Hudson is hitting .280, sc ace.
NRBQ
May 30th, 2010
1:36 pm
Hope they get this one in, if only to see the McDunnah Thundah hit from the three-hole, where he belongs.
I thought 2 weeks into the season he should be moved up, but of course I was schooled otherwise by the resident DOB baseball experts.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:37 pm
Speaking of Chipper: He’s not playing today.
Prado, 2B; Infante, 3B; Heyward, RF; Glaus, 1B; Escobar, SS; Cabrera, LF; Ross, C; McLouth, CF; Kawakami, P.
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
1:37 pm
Yes, but I bet Chipper has a better OBP than Hudson!
Flappy the Wounded Hawk!
May 30th, 2010
1:38 pm
Medlen had better stay in the rotation. He is better than Kamakazi. Thank goodness for the weak schedule in May. Maybe they can beat the Phillies for once. The west coast trip is coming up too.
Dayman
May 30th, 2010
1:38 pm
@NRBQ
Heyward and the Braves have been very successful with J-Hey in the two spot….just saying.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:39 pm
Chipper leads Hudson in OBP .395 to .280.
GA Tech BELIEVER
May 30th, 2010
1:39 pm
I’d say by the All-Star break we’ll be able to gauge them. We still need to see consistency from the offense, and the pitching. I’d like to think Kawakami will be able to win 5 games this season, but that’s really not something I’m looking to put money on right now.
The Real UT
May 30th, 2010
1:39 pm
Radio guys just said it’s been a year and 8 days since KK won in ATL. WOW! Not a good stat if you play for Atl.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:40 pm
Kawakami retires the first two Bucs. Groundout and flyout.
The Real UT
May 30th, 2010
1:40 pm
17 starts since a win.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:40 pm
Clean inning for Kenshin.
NRBQ
May 30th, 2010
1:42 pm
Dayman:
I was referring to weeks he was stuck batting 7th or 6th.
He appears to be a perfect #3 hitter, imo. Patience, power, and speed.
Not bashing Jones, but so far he’s shown one of those qualities.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
1:43 pm
J-hey in the 3 spot. The future is now.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
1:44 pm
I like this lineup with the Venezuelan Dynamic Duo at the top and MANBEAST batting 3rd.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
1:44 pm
Not to look a head, but to look ahead, road trip might tell the tale.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:45 pm
I know Prado makes the occasional out, but I never seem to see one.
JMayne
May 30th, 2010
1:45 pm
Good job by bobby to give a few guys the day off. Espically with the upcoming run of games coming up. McCann doesnt need to be healthy vs. the pirates. Just get him and chipper ready for the series against the phils and get two out of three. Prado just got another hit, this guy is amazing. He just hits. Vote him and J-Hey for the ASG. Hell, vote Yunel and Chipper so we dont have to see 6 phils in the starting lineup.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:45 pm
Road trip is long and important, Chef Tim. But you said as much yourself.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
1:46 pm
Dayman, is your name a reference to It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. If so, well done my friend.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:47 pm
The Braves also play three afternoon games in four days, JMayne. That takes a toll on older players. We old guys need to sleep late.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
1:48 pm
Say what you will about KK, but you have to admit, he’s really glued together well.
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
1:49 pm
JMayne, I don’t think even Prado and J-Hey can fix the Atlanta Spirit Group
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
1:49 pm
Could it be as Prado goes, so do the Braves?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:49 pm
It’s the same with Jason Heyward. I never see him make an out.
He just doubled off McCutchen’s glove. Braves on the flanks.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:50 pm
Glaus with a sacrifice fly. Braves ahead.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
1:50 pm
Spirit Group fix? Addition by subtraction.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:51 pm
Prado’s so good he belongs in a museum. (That’s a joke. I believe there’s a museum named the Prado.)
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
1:51 pm
And now for something completely different: Esco and his tips…
Tweets that mention Live from Braves-Bucs: There's good news and better news | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
May 30th, 2010
1:52 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by AJC , Mark Bradley. Mark Bradley said: Live from Braves-Bucs: There’s good and better news http://bit.ly/cLyYRC [...]
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
1:52 pm
I’ve actually been there Mark and can confirm it’s existance.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
1:52 pm
MANBEAST appearing to be somewhat human…
Perspective
May 30th, 2010
1:53 pm
GO AND VOTE FOR HEYWARD IN THE ALL-STAR BALLOTING – YOU CAN VOTE UP TO 25 TIMES AND IT IS REAL EASY TO DO REPEAT VOTING – YOUR PRIOR BALLOT IS SAVED EACH TIME YOU VOTE AGAIN
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
1:53 pm
And while there, I was looked at funny by most.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:54 pm
In Madrid, I believe.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
1:55 pm
“Chef” Tim Dix, when I first saw Esky’s frosted tips, I thought it was an awful style decision on his part, and maybe his teammates, the Spanish-speaking ones, would razz him enough to make him shave it off. I was wrong…
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:55 pm
The Pirates have a hit. I mention this because they don’t get many. They’re next-to-last in the league in team batting.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:55 pm
They are, however, good at hitting into double plays. Like that.
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
1:56 pm
In Madrid indeed Mark
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:56 pm
I believe this is the day Kawakami gets his W.
Greg
May 30th, 2010
1:57 pm
Yeah, I can see how playing 3 afternoon games in four days would tax the older players. Getting up by 10AM, sitting on a bench and running the equivalent of 200 yards in intermittent sprints over the course of a 3 hour game puts an incredible strain on the human body. It’s particularly difficult when you’re only making tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of dollars per game. Poor guys…oh well, they can always go back in the clubhouse and take a nap during the game….
Real UT
May 30th, 2010
1:57 pm
I live in TB and have to listen to radio online for Braves games. I listen to a Montgomery station, and they still rip Kiffin in their sound bit advertising, lol. Worst. Hire. Ever. If it weren’t Bruce Pearl, then Mike Hamilton would be out of a job.
Real UT
May 30th, 2010
1:57 pm
Greg, AWESOME!
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:58 pm
Lane Kiffin is kind of yesterday’s news in this part of the country, isn’t he?
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
1:58 pm
Maybe the Pirates need to remove the eye patch. Whatever they gain in intimidation, doesn’t seem worth the trade off of trying to bat with one eye on the ball.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
1:59 pm
That’s another good one, today’s fbp.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:00 pm
BEAST: up close and personal to his bone-headed plays I’ll bet Chipper has said a thing or to…”
That said, nice BH by El Frosto.
Real UT
May 30th, 2010
2:00 pm
That’s what I thought too Mark, but apparently he’s not in Alabama. Some of the guys who write for Knoxville News Sentinel are still bitter and depressed, too. I don’t see why, but they are.
Bluedawg
May 30th, 2010
2:00 pm
I think that when Jurrjens comes back that Kawakami should go into the bullpen and give that 5th rotation spot to Medlen. Medlen has been consistently better than Kawakami.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:01 pm
Even Melky Cabrera is hitting. Is it possible Frank Wren actually knows what he’s doing?
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:01 pm
Could Ross be “Hoss” ver.2.0?
Real UT
May 30th, 2010
2:02 pm
Way to go Melky!
Ross
May 30th, 2010
2:03 pm
After Schultzie’s last blog bummer I was going to hang myself. Now I think I will just act out.
Real UT
May 30th, 2010
2:03 pm
Bluedawg, the Braves might have to make a KK/Medlen decision soon because they have to call Resop up.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:03 pm
It will be a tough call with Kawakami and Medlen. To his credit, Kenshin isn’t walking as many guys this season, which means he might have value as a reliever.
Real UT
May 30th, 2010
2:04 pm
The radio guys are acting as if we need a hit from Ross because we essentially have 2 pitchers at the bottom of the order. They might be onto something.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:05 pm
In April, Braves wouldn’t score in this situation.
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
2:05 pm
Mark I wasn’t sure I had my A game today, so I went with Today’s fbp
Meanwhile…the game continues
Real UT
May 30th, 2010
2:06 pm
Wasn’t KK pretty good out of the pen towards the end of last year?
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:08 pm
Jordan S. could have struck out there to in my line up.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:10 pm
McLouth strikes out swinging.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:11 pm
KK strikes out. But Prado will hang a masterpiece on the wall. (Still doing the museum bit.)
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:11 pm
Here’s that guy again…
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:12 pm
Well, I stand corrected. And I have seen Prado make an actual out.
Greg
May 30th, 2010
2:12 pm
Typical Braves. Bases loaded, no outs. No runs
SRF
May 30th, 2010
2:12 pm
WASTE !
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:12 pm
Hopefully Prado doesn’t cut his ear off, but KK might.
Real UT
May 30th, 2010
2:13 pm
Bases loaded. No Outs. No Runs. Unacceptable.
Adam Hose
May 30th, 2010
2:13 pm
McClouth is BRUTAL
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:14 pm
Ha. I laughed, Chef.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:15 pm
You know, watching McLouth and watching the Bucs, I can almost see why he stood out on that club.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:15 pm
Just staying with the theme, boss.
Adam
May 30th, 2010
2:16 pm
No surprise that the Bucs let him go.
barryrules99
May 30th, 2010
2:16 pm
How, on God’s green earth, is McLouth still playing in the major leagues, much less for the Braves?
tell it like it is
May 30th, 2010
2:16 pm
gotta do something with McClOUTt!
Real UT
May 30th, 2010
2:17 pm
I can see why they traded McLouth, all 3 of their current outfielders are better. Even at the time of the trade, when Morgan was still on the Pirates, that was probably true.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:17 pm
More good news: The Braves’ No. 8 hitter is outhitting Pittsburgh’s No. 8 man.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:17 pm
Should have been a double play. Escobar couldn’t get the ball out of his glove.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:18 pm
Bobby’s last act as manager, kicking Esco’s ass.
Dayman
May 30th, 2010
2:18 pm
@22=Manbeast
Indeed it is.
Joey
May 30th, 2010
2:18 pm
PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE sit McLouth’s butt on the bench and keep it there. We can’t have two automatic outs in the lineup at the same time. Inning killer, rally killer, insert your favorite perjorative here….
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:19 pm
The Braves misplayed that bunt but Prado managed to get the out.
Marty
May 30th, 2010
2:19 pm
McLouth is a piece of crap. In mhy opinion, we really need to trade for an upgrade in center. I think left will be fine but McLouth is becoming an automatic out these days. If they are wanting to send Bobby out on a bang, then they need to act like it and complete our team. Mark, have you heard of any trade rumors for the Braves?
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
2:20 pm
Dayman, I’ve had that song stuck in my head since that post, lol.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:20 pm
I think the Braves are waiting to do any sort of deal. They’re playing well, guys are getting healthy … and there’s still Schafer as a fallback.
SRF
May 30th, 2010
2:20 pm
Let’s see – Escobar botches an easy play, while Prado goes all out and
makes the tough play. Clear to me who the real ball player is….
Adam
May 30th, 2010
2:20 pm
Mets have bases loaded nobody out in the 1st. Let’s see how they handle it.
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
2:21 pm
Future post game press conference:
AJC: Why did you bat McClouth 8th?
Cox: Because the umpire wouldn’t let me bat him 12th.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:21 pm
Kawakami strikes out McCutchen. The resistible force might have found a movable object today.
Adam
May 30th, 2010
2:22 pm
It’s not really a PUN. Just a bad joke.
SRF
May 30th, 2010
2:22 pm
Why is Hinske sitting watching McLousy play ?
Joey
May 30th, 2010
2:22 pm
McLouth has no trade value….none. How much longer are the Braves on the hook for his contract/salary?
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:22 pm
Bobby to Esco: I knew Aundrew Jones and you sir are no Aundrew Jones…
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
2:23 pm
Marty, there’s an interview with Wren where he says he’ll make a move if struggling players continue to struggle.
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
2:23 pm
The original one was a pun, hence the name. The rest are just bad jokes.
Dayman
May 30th, 2010
2:23 pm
I switch to my alter ego Nightman sometimes. It’s an epic internal battle, i try and fight him but sometimes he still comes inside me.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
2:24 pm
TFBP, NICE!
gcs
May 30th, 2010
2:25 pm
Mark,
Will you please ask Bobby why he keeps starting McLouth? He is tied for third with Heyward at 43. Only Prado & Glaus have more.
Melky can play center and Infante & Hinske (both hitting over .300) can play left.
.
SK
May 30th, 2010
2:26 pm
Gonna start raining there in about 40 minutes.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:26 pm
That’s the thing, Joey. One of the reasons the Braves traded for McLouth is that he’s under contract through 2011, with a team option for 2012.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:27 pm
Glaus with a homer.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:27 pm
Troy = POW!
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
2:27 pm
Mark, I’ve sent your last post to the Department of Redundancy Department for further review.
SRF
May 30th, 2010
2:27 pm
GLAUS !!!
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
2:28 pm
For a moment we had three guys in the lineup all hitting over .300…
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:28 pm
Maybe it’ll be an official game by the time the rain gets here.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
2:28 pm
GLAUSSY! The radio feed must be a little behind.
Adam
May 30th, 2010
2:28 pm
And Yunel is 2 for 2!
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
2:29 pm
And as you can see, they removed the post. Which of course allowed Glaus the peace of mind to go yard.
Funny how these things work out.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:29 pm
There’s a significant lag on both Internet and satellite radio, I’ve noticed.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
2:30 pm
Yunel, 2 pitches, 2 hits. I guess whatever works. Yunel’s approach to hitting is the exact opposite of Julio Franco’s.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:30 pm
Escobar two hits. Melky two hits.
With rain coming, they need to start making outs. Good news, though. Guess who’ll be next to hit?
Joey
May 30th, 2010
2:31 pm
He’ll be a Brave through 2011 then and out of professional baseball in 2012. His hitting mechanics are awful and apparently it’s mostly mental with him these days at the plate.
SRF
May 30th, 2010
2:31 pm
McLousy looming to end the inning…
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
2:32 pm
Maybe this weekend was Bobby’s audition for CF between Melky and McOut. I hope so.
Adam
May 30th, 2010
2:32 pm
By the way, the METS got one run on a David Wright sac fly off of their bases-loaded-no-outs in the first.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
2:32 pm
On the internet feeds David Ross is still batting…
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:33 pm
In real life he just walked.
Adam
May 30th, 2010
2:34 pm
Bases loaded for McClouth AGAIN!?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:35 pm
McLouth gets fooled. Makes an out.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
2:35 pm
Hah, I see. Maybe not that behind after all. Do you he is pitching around Ross to get to our pitchers?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:35 pm
I did get that impression, #22 = MANBEAST.
SRF
May 30th, 2010
2:35 pm
No way I would challenge Ross with 2 outs following
Adam
May 30th, 2010
2:36 pm
At lease it wasn’t a K
MitchC
May 30th, 2010
2:36 pm
I’m very proud of the way the Braves are playing lately. After looking like the Bad News Bears during much of their long losing streak, this team actually looks like a good major league baseball team again.
After this homestand, as we know, the Braves have another long, tough road trip, not only to the West Coast, but also to Minnesota. Hopefully they will hold their own.
My prediction will remain the same as it has been since day one. I don’t know if the Braves will win the NL East, but I do think they can and will snare the wild card. They will win close to 90 games, and appear in October for the first time in five years.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:36 pm
The Pirates might be awful, but they can pitch around people with the best of them.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
2:36 pm
According to Jim on the radio, McOut is now 6 for 32 with RISP… Right around his batting average, huh.
DZ
May 30th, 2010
2:36 pm
Why does Bobby fall in love with terrible players? I thought we got rid of Greg Norton but he is playing centerfield.
.
Adam
May 30th, 2010
2:37 pm
Of course I am not watching…because I live in NY and all we get id the damn Yankees and Mets…so he might have looked just as bad as a strikeout.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:37 pm
I’m not sure Cox is infatuated with McLouth. I’m just not sure what the options are.
Joey
May 30th, 2010
2:38 pm
McLouth swinging at everything offered…..tell tale sign of a hitter that is desperate and/or has no clue which end is up. He looks totally lost.
Cornfuzed
May 30th, 2010
2:40 pm
I don’t understand why McLout is playing and Hinske is sitting- especially after he’s already sat most of this week. They are both hit left, and Melky could play CF today with Hinske in LF. Basically Bobby is leaving his best hitter (for average) on the bench and playing an automatic out (and not even a productive out).
SRF
May 30th, 2010
2:41 pm
Cornfuzed – I am wondering the same thing…
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
2:41 pm
Joey, Sutton was saying last night that it appears McOut has no idea where the inside and outside corners of the strike zone are, which doesn’t sound like a good predicament for a hitter.
Cornfuzed
May 30th, 2010
2:41 pm
I would even rather have Infante play LF and let Conrad play 3B on days Chipper needs an off day.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:41 pm
One reason, Cornfuzed, is that the Pirates started a lefthander. I haven’t seen Cox start Hinske against many of those.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:42 pm
Generally it’s not a good sign if a hitter is unclear on the zone.
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
2:43 pm
What the heck is Bobby reading on the bench? Field and Stream?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:43 pm
“War and Peace.”
Joey
May 30th, 2010
2:44 pm
What’s the ETA for the rain heading that way?
Cornfuzed
May 30th, 2010
2:44 pm
Mark- I’m just saying- McOut is a lefty too, and he is an automatic out no matter which arm the opposing pitcher uses.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
2:45 pm
What can Ross and KK possibly be talking about, lol?
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
2:45 pm
Whatever it was, he was really into it, as they showed two separate camera shots of him reading it.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:47 pm
Maybe that’s the solution: McLouth should try batting righty.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
2:47 pm
The Pirates are in town, so Bobby is getting a head start on his Summer reading list. Chipper walked out the lineup card, so maybe he’s spot managing today.
Adam
May 30th, 2010
2:47 pm
KK is forcing the pitch count up!
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
2:47 pm
glad to have the bloggin fool back, hope you are well MB.
if Glaus keeps hitting and driving in runs Mark, are you going to retire the greatest picture of all time (the one of Wren.Bobby, Glaus)?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:48 pm
I might have to retire it, nola. But it would be a real loss, don’t you believe?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:49 pm
Three more outs and it’s official.
gabuldawg
May 30th, 2010
2:50 pm
Just like I said when the Braves were playing awful during that 9 game losing streak, we need to be patient. It’s a long season. Mclouth will break out of it soon. It wasn’t long ago that everyone wanted to hang Glaus too…
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
2:50 pm
the expression on Bobby’s face. Absolute classic moment in ATL sports. seems like bobby is thinking… “i have to run this guy out there every day at 1st. does he still play. and this idiot Wren already traded away my #1 starter”
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:51 pm
A strange thing just happened: Joe Simpson and Chip Caray just yelled at me and waved. I have no clue why.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:51 pm
BTW, thanks for your service, VETS.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
2:51 pm
not sure of the order of events actually, had Wren pulled off the Melky for Javier caper yet?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:51 pm
And the expression on Wren’s face was classic, I must confess.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:52 pm
Do you owe them money Mark?
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
2:52 pm
Ditto “Chef”
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:54 pm
I don’t believe so, Chef. And TV guys are fabulously wealthy, as we know.
kurula
May 30th, 2010
2:54 pm
what’d i miss everyone? is mclouth 3-3 with 2 homers and a triple?
Nick Esasky
May 30th, 2010
2:54 pm
Can Bobby possibly think that McLouth is better against lefties than Hinske? He couldn’t think that, could he? Oh, wait, this is the same man who kept Prado on the bench for the first half of the year while Kelly Johnson did…about as good as McLouth is doing. Amazing.
I like McLouth…I think he’s a good guy. But enough is enough.
LF – Hinske CF- Cabrera RF – J Hey
We’ll see how long it takes Bobby.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:55 pm
Quick story: Next door neighbor is a WWII vet, served in the Pacific. Told me a story one time of intercepting scores from the 44 WS and then making correct wagers. I smiled, remembering that happening on an episode of MASH.
Nick Esasky
May 30th, 2010
2:55 pm
* I meant to say kept Prado on the bench for the 1st half of LAST year…
Go Braves!
Adam
May 30th, 2010
2:56 pm
Screw you CEDENO! Strike out already!
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:57 pm
One out to go. To official status.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:57 pm
Philly is trailing, FYI.
kurula
May 30th, 2010
2:57 pm
nick-maybe bobby saw the untapped power potential that he brought to arizona?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:57 pm
OK, we’re official.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
2:57 pm
for the few on here who might be bradley novices, here is a blog featuring the aforementioned “great photo in ATL sports history”. Look at that grin on Wren’s face… maybe he knew all along, “ok, this guy will strike out 10 times in April with the bases loaded, but will rake in May folks”
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2010/03/30/still-another-sunny-braves-forecast-bah-humbug-i-say/
Adam
May 30th, 2010
2:58 pm
That will work too. Thank You! Jeez!
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
2:58 pm
Put it in the books.
gabuldawg
May 30th, 2010
2:58 pm
Mark, I’m over in Iraq right now. What’s the latest on JJ on when he’s coming back?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
2:59 pm
Thanks, nola. I should have done a link myself, but I’m getting lazy.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:00 pm
Bobby looks like he’s thinking, “You called me in for this?”
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:00 pm
gabuldawg: You my friend are the MAN!
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:01 pm
must say it was like a walk down memory lane to find that post. flipped past Hawks debacle, G-day, NFL draft, Hayword mania begginning, etc…. “like sands through an hourglass….”
gabuldawg
May 30th, 2010
3:01 pm
Thanks Chef. Do you know the status on JJ and when he’s coming back?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:01 pm
Not for a while, gabuldawg. The Braves want him to go through a series of rehab starts. I wouldn’t think we’d see him before the end of June.
Best wishes to you over there.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:02 pm
Can’t wait for the rhubarb Troy is involved in.
Nick Esasky
May 30th, 2010
3:02 pm
kurula – Good point. But how long do you wait to discover the untapped potential in McLouth? He’s been here since last summer, and hasn’t done much yet.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:03 pm
gabudawg, God bless and be careful. You’re a brave soul.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:03 pm
get hayward back in the #2 hole quick… maybe there is something about hitting 3rd (seeing how well Larry is doing this year)
gabuldawg
May 30th, 2010
3:03 pm
Thanks for the update. Hard to get info over here sometimes.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:03 pm
Though I must say that esteemed colleague Chris Vivlamore reported yesterday that Jair Jurrjens had a nice bullpen session. So he’s again throwing off the mound.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:04 pm
Even less than…Nick Esasky.
kurula
May 30th, 2010
3:04 pm
nick- i think that mclouth’s potential has not only been tapped, but tapped out.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:05 pm
Escobar is 3-for-3.
gabuldawg
May 30th, 2010
3:05 pm
Manbeast, this is my fifth time over here. I’m starting to think I border more on brain dead that brave. I keep coming back…
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:05 pm
stay safe gabuldawg. i think JJ might be the x-factor in the braves hanging around. if he can come back in July and pitch like he has the past 2 years, things could get real interesting. as great as the braves are playing now, I am with Mark. I just don’t know yet.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:06 pm
gabuldawg, you fall in the category of MANBEAST as well.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:06 pm
Does Esco’s flashes out weigh his lapses of udder stupity?
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:07 pm
and the bravest of Braves fans.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:07 pm
somewhere in heaven skip is saying, “a little insurance wouldn’t hurt here” – postscript, i am going with the shortened game theory of one mark bradley
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:08 pm
Five tours? Wow. You are indeed a brave man.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:08 pm
Sutton upset with Bottom Feeders headline and Chipper’s comments.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:08 pm
Will he pitch around Rossy again?
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:08 pm
I’ll proudly second that MANBEAST!
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:09 pm
be careful Schultie, you don’t want a man in his 60s with a jheri curl mad at you (and yes that is how you spell it, i googed it)
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:10 pm
Fittingly enough, the Braves are honoring a hometown hero from the military. This is always a nice moment.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:11 pm
Always a high spot at the Ted, honoring a home town hero.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:12 pm
And I’d tell you the serviceman’s name, but they always neglect to put it on the message board. I wish they would.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:13 pm
BTW, KK’s a rollin…
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:13 pm
Kawakami with a nifty fielding play to get the lead man on a sacrifice. (Which turned out not to be one.)
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:13 pm
nola, lol. well played sir. He did go onto say he likes Schultz’s work. He didn’t like it because he thought it might provide the Pirates with bulletin board material. I don’t know if there is enough bulletin board material in the world to make the Buccos not play like the Buccos. 18 straight losing seasons. YIKES!
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:14 pm
Two on. This is probably the inning that determines whether Kenshin is the winner.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:14 pm
why do i have a feeling this the dreaded inning that comes once a game for KK? a couple hits, walks, next thing you know the little run support he has gotten is gone and we trail?
btw- radar attached below. still in the clear.
http://www.weather.com/weather/map/interactive/USGA0028?zoom=8&interactiveMapLayer=radar&from=today_media_map
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:14 pm
AND, his Masseratti does 185…
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:15 pm
I hope for Pirates fans sake they don’t trade McCutchen… unless it’s to the Braves.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:15 pm
BUT, he’s gassed.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:16 pm
bulletin board material in late may for teams that won’t play again until 2011, sorry Don, your are reaching my man
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:19 pm
Getting the Phillies with no Rollins, no Polanco, and no Halladay is incredibly lucky. Hopefully the Braves will take advantage. KK with a K. I like it.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:20 pm
Tool race!
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:20 pm
Do you think Bobby will pich hit for our pitchers next inning?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:20 pm
The Hammer wins.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:20 pm
*pinch hit
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:21 pm
Nobody warming up yet, #22=MANBEAST. I’m thinking he might give Kawakami one more.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:21 pm
Thanks Mark, for a second I thought McOut and Yunel were randomly having a foot race.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:22 pm
Kenshin hits for himself. That’s a pretty strong indicator.
I think Kenshin is around 80 pitches.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:22 pm
Heh, heh. I laughed again.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:23 pm
Kawakami left in for his hitting, obviously. Doubles to left-center.
kurula
May 30th, 2010
3:23 pm
oh mclouth….you are the worst.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:24 pm
KK asserting his will.
Marty
May 30th, 2010
3:24 pm
Once again, what a pice of crap we have in center. Wooosa, wooosa, please make it end, Bobby. Do we have to wait until he is batting under .100?
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:24 pm
Disregard my “He’s gassed” post earlier.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:24 pm
Lowe, Huddy, and KK have all been better at the plate than McOut this week. Geez, Sutton tried to will that ball out for KK. Pretty awesome, though, because he almost called a KK homer before it happened.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:25 pm
Prado with a single. But Kenshin waits to see if the ball falls and doesn’t score. Not the greatest baserunning.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:26 pm
KK w/ 77 pitches and 1 more hit that McOut (love that one #22). hey can we move to the NL central so we can play the Bucs and Brewers more?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:26 pm
Clouding up. Daggone.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:27 pm
Another multi hit game for Marteeeeen. What is that, like 4 or 5 multi hit games in a row? Has he had a non multi hit game this week?
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:27 pm
Chip dropping names or even more with the Timothy Leary trip reference.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:28 pm
Lefty readying for the Braves. Can’t tell if it’s O’Flaherty or Venters.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:28 pm
Radar says its a go Mark.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:29 pm
glen burns just tweeted you are going to be ok Mark, rain staying east of you for now
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:30 pm
safety squeeze if I’m managing…
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:31 pm
ouch… pick em up Jason…
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:31 pm
Wren mentioned that Venters might be starting in the future, which means the Braves future rotations have a lot of potential starters. I think he would be wise to hang onto most of them because you never know how these guys in A and AA are gonna pan out. The trio of Teheran, Delgado, and Vizcaino in A ball is pretty exciting, though. Masters is having a good year in A ball, too. That said, it is A ball. Sutton just said it’s EOF warming up.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:32 pm
stranded 10 thru 6.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:32 pm
MANBEAST appearing human again.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:32 pm
The home side has left about 70 men on. Which is statistically impossible over six innings.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:33 pm
raining here @ Chef’s Manor.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:34 pm
Pouring in TB. Little ways away from you guys, though.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:34 pm
Phillies being shut out .. in the 8th. They have scored 7 runs total in the past 8 games. wow. not sure if that is a great thing though heading into tomorrow. they have to start hitting at some point (see Bravos April to May transformation)
Marty
May 30th, 2010
3:35 pm
Our lack of getting runners home with less than 2 outs is getting a little concerning.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:35 pm
Kawakami stays on the hill.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:35 pm
He has thrown 77 pitches through six innings.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:36 pm
nola, I think it has a lot to do with Rollins and Polanco both being out. Those guys usually hit 1 and 2 when they play. Imagine the Braves offense if Prado and Heyward were out. Not to say that the Phillies first 2 hitters are better than the Braves because they’re not.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:36 pm
nola: Just thinking of the punchless Phillies coming to town is sweet.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:37 pm
Ross thought he caught the foul tip. Plate umpire agree. Third base umpire overruled. Cox to complain.
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#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:37 pm
Here comes #6.
Marty
May 30th, 2010
3:37 pm
Come on Marlins, get us three more outs.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:38 pm
The ball was trapped. Good call. (By the third base umpire, who’s Chris Guccione.)
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:38 pm
Ump #6 showing Bobby no love.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:38 pm
agree on both counts chef and #22, just figure even with backups they will start to hit at some point, they do have a guy who hits braves pitching fairly well in Howard. Just hope that hitting starts after Wed.
kurula
May 30th, 2010
3:39 pm
careful what you wish for, chef. puchless phils are perfectly capable of turning a pitching staff into a punching bag fairly easily.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:39 pm
Kawakami walks the leadoff hitter and slaps himself on the thigh.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:40 pm
Tie game.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:40 pm
is the hook coming?
kurula
May 30th, 2010
3:40 pm
kenshin shouldn’t have come back in this inning. he was scuffling last inning and that baserunning must have taken it out of him…
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:40 pm
Jeff Clement with a homer on the first pitch. He was hitting .205. Could almost feel it coming the way Kawakami responded to the walk.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:40 pm
Dude behind the Hanook sign in front row on Braves dugout side must be raping Suntrust in the all you can eat seats…
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:41 pm
Unbelievable… KK will never get a win with 2 runs worth of support.
Marty
May 30th, 2010
3:41 pm
Now the lack of getting runners home is biting us in the rear.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:41 pm
Kenshin stays in. Not sure why. The Braves had two men ready.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:41 pm
Philadelphia lost 1-0.
KK
May 30th, 2010
3:41 pm
So sorry! So sorry!
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:41 pm
Is KK cursed or what this year. if lowe is pitching the braves would have knocked in at least half of those 70 men left on base
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:42 pm
Mark, double switch coming up.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:42 pm
I know the Braves haven’t scored a bunch today, but Kawakami had a two-run lead against a lousy team in the seventh inning and walked the leadoff man. He can’t blame that on his offense.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:43 pm
This is when McOut leaving 6 guys on base really hurts.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:43 pm
Indeed, here’s the pitching change. Kawakami does not win.
kurula
May 30th, 2010
3:44 pm
why have leave him in if not to finish the inning? if he gets through it, he is at least in line for the win.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:44 pm
ok, i see how this is going down. bradley is at the game… it needs to be tied, hayward will need to be batting in the 9th, etc, etc, etc…
(or maybe it will be our new fav Mr. Glaus this time)
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:44 pm
Good point Mark. Usually when Braves pitchers have done that it’s cost them run(s). Bobby pulled him before he got a chance to pitch to a guy hitting .174. OUCH!
kurula
May 30th, 2010
3:45 pm
having mclouth really hurts period, manbeast.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:45 pm
O’Flaherty to pitch. To Iwamura. Who’s hitting .174. That could be construed as overkill.
We_Run_This_Country
May 30th, 2010
3:45 pm
MB,
J-Hey looks a little lost on most of his swings against Maholm this game (save for the single). Is Maholm pitching him any different than most lefties pitch him? Thanks!
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:46 pm
Good point nola, I forgot about the late inning heroics when MB’s around the park.
Geezer
May 30th, 2010
3:46 pm
Kawakami stinks up the place again…..send him back to Japan and open up his spot for someone who can pitch!
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:46 pm
O’Flaherty strikes out Iwamura.
Flappy the Wounded Hawk!
May 30th, 2010
3:47 pm
Garrett Jones should have been out. He didn’t tip the ball. He swung and missed. Didn’t matter if the ball hit the dirt. Tag him and he is out. Should be 2-1.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
3:47 pm
mark – if Glaus hits a game winner you have to run the photo one more time in a blog tomorrow before retiring to the ATL photo hall of fame wall (filled with pictures of Koncak, Bruce Sutter, Andre Bruce…
Walker, Texas Ranger
May 30th, 2010
3:47 pm
Guy would have to throw a perfect game for Philly these days to get a win. Bet they start hitting when they get on the plane for Atlanta
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:47 pm
Geezer, was that supposed to be funny or just dumb?
jake
May 30th, 2010
3:48 pm
Cox is up to his old tricks. This time he’s trying to kill O’Flaherty the same way he overused relievers like Moylan, Remlinger, etc.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:49 pm
I don’t know about Maholm, we run this country. Hayward hit the double very hard. I think he has seen more breaking balls since.
But Maholm is out now.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:49 pm
That “God Bless America” was Awesome! I’m glad radio let us here it. Is that the same guy who sang on opening day? That is one gifted individual!
STRETCH
May 30th, 2010
3:50 pm
Classic Bobby Cox! Why do you leave a pitcher thats struggling the way this guy has been in a game like this? Pitchers like this, sometimes you have to save them from themselves before they get hurt. The Braves really need this game cause the Phillies are going to come to town P.ssed! Like i said, classic Bobby Cox.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:51 pm
I believe that tenor — he’s from the Atlanta Opera — is the go-to “God Bless America” singer at Turner Field.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:52 pm
The leave-him-in/take-him-out is the easiest second-guess there is. That said … I might have pulled Kawakami after the base on balls. I wouldn’t have let him face the tying run.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:52 pm
Timothy Miller is his name
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:53 pm
Thanks, #22.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:53 pm
Did this guy used to be on the Natinals.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:54 pm
thunder at the Manor = dog in my lap.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:56 pm
Yes, Joel Hanrahan was a National. Traded to the Bucs last year. Rarely is a trade away from Washington a step down.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:57 pm
That was as they say, “in short order”.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:57 pm
Takashi Saito in.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:58 pm
Bucko’s with just 4 hits.
todd grantham
May 30th, 2010
3:58 pm
i’m afraid kawakami might not ring up a win all year.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
3:58 pm
It’s Sammy time!
todd grantham
May 30th, 2010
3:59 pm
but his effort today will keep him in the starting rotation, for better or worse.
Senor24
May 30th, 2010
3:59 pm
Not feeling good about this game right now. When you blow as many scoring chances as the Braves have done today, the baseball gods have a way of making you pay.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
3:59 pm
You’d have to think today was about as a good a chance as he’ll have, Coach TG.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
3:59 pm
In Pro Wrestling, Mr. Saito would throw salt in your eyes. I’m guess that’s not an option in baseball.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
4:00 pm
Todd, he does seem doomed. The Braves have score over six runs every day except Tuesday and Sunday. Guess who pitched Tuesday? I’ll give you a hint.. His name rhymes with Salami…
Sonny Clusters
May 30th, 2010
4:01 pm
Sure could use a big walk right about now.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:01 pm
Going back to the trapped tipped ball … Ross himself showed the plate umpire his glove, as if to say, “I caught it.” Ross didn’t argue that Garrett had missed the pitch entirely.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:01 pm
Attendance: 31,070.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
4:01 pm
*every day this week, that is…
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:02 pm
Two K’s for Saito. (But no W for KK.)
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:02 pm
31,078 today’s attendence. Can still hear Marshall Mann repeat those numbers.
Greg
May 30th, 2010
4:03 pm
That 2nd inning will cause the braves to lose.
Then it will be a sweep by the phillies and 4 losses in a row.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:03 pm
I recall Mr. Mann myself, Chef TD.
kurula
May 30th, 2010
4:03 pm
here we go! it’s time for mclouth to put the braves ahead!
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:04 pm
Greg wins today’s Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm competition.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:05 pm
He and his family were dear friends.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:05 pm
Hinske to pinch-hit. But not for McLouth. For Cabrera.
Senor24
May 30th, 2010
4:05 pm
If Franceour hadn’t messed up his head, and Schafer hadn’t messed up his wrist, imagine the outfield the Braves could now have.
todd grantham
May 30th, 2010
4:05 pm
you gotta believe the world has come a long way in 65 years with 2 of today’s Braves hurlers being of Japanese ancestry on the day before Memorial Day.
todd grantham
May 30th, 2010
4:06 pm
Senor 24, and if Kelly Johnson could only hit with a Braves uniform on..
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:06 pm
Hinske’s nickname is “Ski,” by the way. And Bobby Cox didn’t dub him that.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
4:07 pm
i don’t even get your ultra-educated reference mark (wait, actually didn’t you go to school in KY, nevermind), but it made me laugh. i guess that award goes to the daily optimist?
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
4:08 pm
and if grandma had balls she’d be grandpa…. c’mon guys, get over it.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:08 pm
Yes, nola. I believe “Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm” was both a book and a movie. (Though I didn’t read or see it.)
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:09 pm
“Specs” on deck…
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:09 pm
McLouth draws a base on balls. And McCann pinch-hits.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:10 pm
You have to let McLouth run here, do you not?
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:10 pm
Chipper grabbing a helmet
todd grantham
May 30th, 2010
4:10 pm
if Bobby had dubbed him that, he would be Ski-Ski
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:10 pm
Pittsburgh thinks so. A throw-over and a pitchout already.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
4:10 pm
McOut miraculously reaches base.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
4:11 pm
rookie catcher caught stealing is 32%
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:11 pm
McLouth steals the base. Got the jump, and the catcher had a bad pitch to handle.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:11 pm
Good call Mark
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:12 pm
Can’t walk McCann. Not to face Prado.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
4:12 pm
McOut moves ahead of Chipper with a 4th SB.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:12 pm
Send him again?
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
4:13 pm
Don Sutton makes a good point that a pitch-out with a guy who has trouble throwing strikes is a poor decision.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:14 pm
Although McCann does draw the BB.
Prado up, Chipper in the on-deck circle.
todd grantham
May 30th, 2010
4:14 pm
Dont get your hopes up Mark. the rain is coming and the score is tied.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:15 pm
I wouldn’t send McLouth to third, Chef. You’ve already got what you want.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:16 pm
Prado called out by the first-base umpire on a check. I thought he held it.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:16 pm
On replay he swung. On replay they always swing.
Marty
May 30th, 2010
4:17 pm
Why not run Mclouth again?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:17 pm
Chipper dunks an RBI single into left. Braves lead.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
4:18 pm
cmon chipper
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
4:18 pm
Attaboy Hoss, Chipper owns the bloop single lately.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
4:18 pm
thank you Hoss… the greatest sigles hitting switch hitter in braves history
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:18 pm
I wouldn’t have sent McLouth to third because you don’t want to run yourself out of an inning in which you’ve got the National League’s second-leading hitter and a first-ballot Hall of Famer due up.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:19 pm
A Ric Flair to left. Joe getting in on my act.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
4:19 pm
John Russell going lefty/lefty for MANBEAST.
Marty
May 30th, 2010
4:19 pm
Ok I was wrong. Great hit Chipper.
todd grantham
May 30th, 2010
4:19 pm
a hit is a hit, but Chipper was totally overmatched in that at bat
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
4:20 pm
actually hate giving chipper grief. been a great brave for a long time. just hate that he has lost the power stroke. watching him post up on a fast ball hitting lefty was one of the best sights in baseball. have we seen that all year? nevermind, atta boy w/ the RBI
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:20 pm
The key in the inning was getting McLouth to second, not third.
And a pretty nice job of hitting by Chipper. Swung through the first pitch, put the next one in play. Didn’t hit it hard or far. Just went with it.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:21 pm
Mark, understand why you would not send him but with control issues and a potentail sac fly to score him, passed ball, wild pitch etc…Not Bobby ball but…
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:21 pm
A pitcher from Japan is in line to win the game, but not Kenshin Kawakami.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:22 pm
Heyward with another double. Game’s over. (Figuratively, if not officially.)
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
4:22 pm
still pouring along the east side of 285, but rain avoiding the Ted for now. Get Wags out there fast
Sonny Clusters
May 30th, 2010
4:22 pm
The torch has been passed.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
4:23 pm
MANBEAST, “I gotcha Lefty right here John Russell!”
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:23 pm
something tells me this kid from “Mac Donna” might just stick.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:23 pm
Yes, we need a quick out from Glaus. Tell him to remember what he was doing last month.
Senor24
May 30th, 2010
4:24 pm
I’m feeling a lot better about this game right now. Maybe the baseball gods were resting on Sunday.
Pirate's Catcher
May 30th, 2010
4:24 pm
!@#$%^&*()(*&^%$$#@!
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:25 pm
The Braves gave themselves a chance to blow this one, Senor24, but they didn’t quite. (At least not yet.)
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
4:25 pm
updated stats – Prado leading NL in hitting and J-Hey now 3rd in RBI. who would have guessed that in March?
David C
May 30th, 2010
4:25 pm
that hit put Heywards obps+ to over 1000
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
4:26 pm
A Ric Flair to left? And I thought I was bad.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
4:26 pm
How many live last at bat wins will this be for you now, Mark?
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:26 pm
bringeth on Wags.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:26 pm
So you’re saying Heyward is hitting 1.000, David C? I was just saying a while earlier that he never seems to make an out.
todd grantham
May 30th, 2010
4:27 pm
Mark, huge thunderstorm cell is almost at the stadium.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:27 pm
I am aware of the climate.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:28 pm
I think four this season, if this holds. Thanks for asking, #22.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
4:28 pm
way ahead of yourself stat of the day – if the braves hold on they will be tied for the wild card lead.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:28 pm
TFBP: when an infielder “Ole’s” a ball is that a ‘Tito Santana’?
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
4:29 pm
am i the only one that misses bob wickman?
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:30 pm
Yes, you are.
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
4:30 pm
What are the odds on three consecutive 9th inning rain delays?
Climate vs. Weather
May 30th, 2010
4:30 pm
Climate is long term Mark; weather is day to day conditions.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:30 pm
Wags with the get out of here move…NICE!
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:30 pm
There’s a scoring notation not often seen: Pop foul to 1.
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
4:31 pm
ok, good. such a good feeling w/ wagner in the game. was racking my brain for worst braves closer in the past 5ish years. That fatso came to mind…
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:31 pm
Sorry. Climate vs. Weather. But I’m pulling for both.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:31 pm
Gonna beat the rain Mark.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
4:32 pm
Ballgame. Rain all you want now.
todd grantham
May 30th, 2010
4:32 pm
I dont think you’ll get out of the stadium without a rain delay.
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
4:32 pm
TFBP: when an infielder “Ole’s” a ball is that a ‘Tito Santana’?
Indeed.
"Chef" Tim Dix
May 30th, 2010
4:32 pm
Enjoyed it folks!
nola braves fan
May 30th, 2010
4:33 pm
nice work as always Bradley
todd grantham
May 30th, 2010
4:33 pm
Shouldnt You have been capitalized?
David C
May 30th, 2010
4:33 pm
Mark, what are the chances Heyward gets in the home run derby in Anaheim? I know he’ll be there on that Tuesday. Would love to see him hit a Bonds shot (without being juiced)
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
4:33 pm
One win closer to 2,500 for Bobby Cox
#22=MANBEAST
May 30th, 2010
4:34 pm
SWEEP! 1/2 game out!
todd grantham
May 30th, 2010
4:34 pm
ok Mark. will the Braves be in 1st on July 4 and pulling away?
Today's first bad pun
May 30th, 2010
4:34 pm
Nooooooo! God forbid he wins the Home Run Derby otherwise known as The Destroyer of Baseball Swings.
Ree Roe
May 30th, 2010
4:35 pm
1/2 game out of first. We winnin, we eatin, we cakin!
-REEsolution for Roe!!
Marty
May 30th, 2010
4:35 pm
Nola, how about Dan Kolb? I think he was the abesolute worst.
Hall of Fame announcer Chip Caray
May 30th, 2010
4:39 pm
“Chipper looking for his first homerun left handed and he just may have it…..short flare to left”
Nice call Chip, I see why TBS fired you!
Frank Wren
May 30th, 2010
4:41 pm
Mark, let’s call the wives and tell ‘em the game’s in overtime.
We can go paint the town red.
Peter Moylan
May 30th, 2010
4:42 pm
19-8 in May. When was the last time the Braves had a 20 win month?
Sherwin-Williams
May 30th, 2010
4:42 pm
Frank can’t we find a mascot and paint his @ss white while we are painting the town red?
Vegas
May 30th, 2010
4:44 pm
What’s the over/under on the number of minutes until Mark’s post game column appears online?
NRBQ
May 30th, 2010
4:50 pm
The only thing missing today was a visit from Sonny Clusters.
Fun blog, MB.
Old devil
May 30th, 2010
5:02 pm
I know KK pitched great today, but he is just snakebit. Another no decision. Maybe we should move him to the pen for awhile and relieve some pressure. If more pitchers go down, we will need him to be ready to start again in Sept. and Oct. In the post-season you just can’t have enough arms. That’s right, I said the post-season! That is where I expect this team to be this year. Five years is long enough.
Tallcarl
May 30th, 2010
5:36 pm
Mark, I went to the Prado yesterday and it is considered by many to be one of the finest in the world…Why does everyone keep ignore the elephant in the corner (Escobar) and gripe about the other players. Not only can he not hit above the Mendoza line he continues to make bonehead plays.Just saying maybe a package deal with him and one of the center fielders.
Mark Bradley
May 30th, 2010
7:05 pm
Actually, I believe Mr. Clusters ducked in and out. And thank you, NRBQ.
NRBQ
May 30th, 2010
8:05 pm
Ah, I see.
But a couple of quick comments do not a Clusterism make.