Troy Glaus: The unlikely linchpin of an unlikely Braves team
Troy Glaus hit this two-run double in June, but not many since. (AJC photo by Curtis Compton)
Troy Glaus was awful in April, and so was his team. Troy Glaus was terrific in May, and the Braves were likewise. He was OK in June, and the Braves made do. He has been bad again in July, and that’s a troubling sign.
Glaus in April: Nine RBIs, two home runs and a batting average of .194.
Glaus in May: Twenty-eight RBIs, six home runs and a batting average of .330.
Glaus in June: Nineteen RBIs, six home runs and a batting average of .237.
Glaus in July: Five RBIs, no home runs and a batting average of .200.
He was the reason the Braves sprang from fifth place to first in the space of two May weeks. Bobby Cox redid his batting order to get the four men with the best on-base percentage batting first through fourth, and Glaus brought them home. Just when we’d decided he was the worst acquisition of Frank Wren’s tenure, Glaus went out and became the National League’s player of the month.
But now it’s two months later, and Glaus bears scant resemblance to the colossus of May. He has four extra-base hits (all doubles) in July, with more strikeouts (14) than hits (13). From May 1 through June 19 he had 16 multiple-RBI games; he has had none since.
For this offense to hold up over the final 62 games, Glaus has to hold up his end. It’s unfair in a way: Nobody (except maybe Wren and Cox) expected great things from Glaus, and suddenly he became the linchpin of a surprisingly efficient offense. Generally speaking, your linchpin isn’t a 33-year-old coming off shoulder surgery signed at a bargain-basement rate, but that’s the way this careening season evolved.
Glaus wasn’t supposed to be The Man but, with Chipper Jones and Brian McCann off to slow starts, that’s what he became. To stay ahead of the Phillies, the Braves will need more of the Glaus of May. Otherwise opponents will pitch around Chipper and McCann and, as happened in April, nothing much will happen.
Troy Glaus had, we must all agree, one of the greatest months in Braves’ annals. But for this season to extend into October, he has to show he wasn’t just a one-month wonder. He has to get hot again, and soon.
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317 comments Add your comment
Section243
July 29th, 2010
7:37 am
A sure out in the middle of the lineup is not good. He is the out-Glaus
DARNELL
July 29th, 2010
7:41 am
THIS ARTICLE MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMACH TO HAVE TO READ ABOUT LINCHING AND LINCHPINS IN THE SPORTS PAGES OF AJC. SOMEBODY NEEDS TO CALL AND FILE A LAW SUIT ABOUT THIS. THIS WHOLE ENTIRE TOWN IS NOTHING BUT HATERS AND IT IS NO WONDER NO GOOD ATHLETES LIKE LEBRON THE KING WANT TO PLAY HERE. YOU ALL KNOW THAT IS RIGHT TO.
Justafan
July 29th, 2010
7:42 am
You get what you pay for. Good luck Braves!
Coach Cool
July 29th, 2010
7:44 am
The issue is his legs or knees.
He looks very uncomfortable at the plate and like the Dancing Bear @ 1st base.
Ripcord
July 29th, 2010
7:44 am
Randell people like U are whats wrong with this country. U need to stop smoking that stuff snd get a life..
TommyP
July 29th, 2010
7:47 am
And this is what I’ve been saying for quite some time now.
3/4 of the infield? There are questions. 2/3 of the OF? More questions.
DeepDiver
July 29th, 2010
7:49 am
Good stuff Darnell. Keep it coming.
WDE
July 29th, 2010
7:50 am
Mark- any rumors or hints about the Brave’s trade-deadline plans? A reliever or a power-hitting outfielder? I think McClouth just hit into another double-play…
robdawg08
July 29th, 2010
7:52 am
Linchpin ? Maybe a clothespin trying to hold a rag-tag bunch together…
The solution is playing Hinske at first and benching Glaus. Why not see what Freeman can do ? Rookies like Justice,Andruw,etc. were successful early. Still need a power OF bat to hold off Phillies.
robdawg08
July 29th, 2010
7:54 am
Heard on the radio yesstiday that Wren was hoping to get a good player thru the waiver-wire after trade deadline passes. That’s very encouraging and optimistic…Not.
H9
July 29th, 2010
7:54 am
Agree ripcord…………..
Elmer
July 29th, 2010
7:55 am
Sadly, it looks now like the Phillies will win. Our Braves have slipped back to ordinary.
houseman
July 29th, 2010
7:55 am
12th!
robdawg08
July 29th, 2010
7:55 am
Nobody named Randell even posted. You are replying to names you ain’t even used yet…
Angus
July 29th, 2010
7:56 am
He did turn a fabulous and key DP last night – and had a single.
If his health and conditioning are in question, what do you do? I say put him on the 15-day DL, but then you risk his timing being worse.
sunny purdue
July 29th, 2010
7:56 am
Let’s not forget about this great prediction http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2010/01/27/bobby-cox-on-the-2010-braves-we-can-do-some-damage/
H9
July 29th, 2010
7:57 am
Waiver wire is a joke. Other teams cut you off. Don’t work 90% of the time.
82Dawg
July 29th, 2010
7:59 am
Wonder how long he will stay for?
robdawg08
July 29th, 2010
7:59 am
They reported that the Braves had room to make a trade and take on salary. They said not many other teams can do that financially. Also reported that Braves had scouts all over MLB looking at other teams OF’s. What are you waiting on Wren ?
BoroBall3
July 29th, 2010
8:01 am
all great points Mark, but I really think a lot more emphasis should be made on how he really SAVED the Braves season from disaster. For a guy making “only” 1.5 million this season, he’s earned every penny. And we know that all it will take it take is a 3-rbi game from him for him to heat up again.
robdawg08
July 29th, 2010
8:02 am
They were saying that other teams won’t block the Braves waiver moves because the other teams couldn’t afford it. Best way is to just make a trade and eliminate that possibilty altogether…
"Chef" Tim Dix
July 29th, 2010
8:05 am
If you follow MB’s monthly tracker, August will be his month.
I hope.
Ripcord
July 29th, 2010
8:06 am
Sorry , Darnell instead of Randell. I was talking to Randell on phone. My Bad.
lefty fielder
July 29th, 2010
8:10 am
Darnell . . . are you the one who’s married to Joy on My Name is Earl? Whasssup, Crabman?
robdawg08
July 29th, 2010
8:15 am
Right now is the time for every player to step up. If any hitter slumps a few days then replace him and see if another guy can do better. The Phillies are coming fast and we can’t have 0 for 30’s up and down the line-up every week and still win the division. Let the hot hitters play. You know the old common sense approach ?
Mitchell
July 29th, 2010
8:16 am
The biggest move the Braves could make down the stretch would be to drop-kick Terry Pendleton’s @$$ out of town.
Get a new hitting coach and a lot of these problems will be solved. I truly believe that.
I still can’t believe how offended people got about the Phillies firing their batting coach. Baseball is a business and with every business, results are important. The Phillies weren’t hitting s***. Bye bye hitting coach. Hello seven game win streak.
Clearly, it has had some effect and even if it is only temporary, it’s still the right move.
If the Braves would just fire Terry Pendleton, it would have lasting benefits.
The Doktor
July 29th, 2010
8:16 am
Not gonna happen – WYSIWYG with this guy… pedestrian offense & defense at best, with an occasional bat that gets ‘hot’. Keeping in mind there’s plenty of major league players that get ‘hot’ for a stint, I’d doubt that’s what any team wants to have in place for their offensive lynchpin tho. IMHO, he’s an American League designated hitter anymore, and that’s a stretch for most AL GM’s – an a skill level that doesn’t cut it for NL teams because he’s not taking runs off the scoreboard on the defensive side. Add the fact that when he actually does get on base, he’s about as mobile as a vending machine. I personally didn’t like the move for this guy when the Braves made it and quite surprised by his May production – but here we are, and reality has set back in. Better get some seat time for somebody over there, cause if you think this guy is worn out now – September has all the earmarks of being downright UGLY… I’m just sayin’
Dave
July 29th, 2010
8:16 am
linchpin (noun)
1. Essential element. Somebody or something that is an essential elemtent in the success of something such as a team or a plan.
2. Pin to stop a wheel coming off. A pin placed crosswise through an axle to prevent a wheel from coming off.
Racist? Really? Try learning the language.
Nosepicking Future Hall of Famer
July 29th, 2010
8:21 am
FYI, DARNELL.
lynchpin … Definition: [noun] a central cohesive source of support and stability
You’re welcome.
robdawg08
July 29th, 2010
8:21 am
I think Glaus resembles the second definition instead of the first one… Pretty sad to PIN your hopes on a reclamation project like Troy Glaus. It shows just how far the Braves have fallen…
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
July 29th, 2010
8:22 am
he needs some DL time, obviously the knee/leg is still bothering him. move hinske to 1B and play diaz/infante in LF for the time being.
Linchpin
July 29th, 2010
8:24 am
•a pin inserted through holes at the end of an axle, so as to secure a wheel; a central cohesive source of stability and security; a person or thing that is critical to a system or organization
en.wiktionary.org/wiki/linchpin
Seriously?...
July 29th, 2010
8:29 am
You guys, there is a thing called “sarcasm.” I believe that was Darnell’s intent. You guys need to take a chill pill with this sky is falling stuff.
Mike S
July 29th, 2010
8:30 am
What we are seeing is clasic Troy Glaus. he has been and always will be a STREAK player. He has horrible cold streaks (April/July) followed by unbelievable hot streaks (May).
His bat will come back around, rest assured as it is the nature of the beast known as Troy Glaus.
He has been this way his entire career, maddeningly inconsistent – but so great when he is hot that you cannoy justify pulling him from the lineup during the cold spells. The braves just need to weather this stretch of BAD GLAUS, because history says that BEAST GLAUS will emerge again soon.
Donny Corleone
July 29th, 2010
8:30 am
Replying too an idiot just makes you crazy and validates his opinion (in said idiot’s mind).
Donny Corleone
July 29th, 2010
8:32 am
to.
Don
July 29th, 2010
8:32 am
wow you write this and just a week ago you wrote this. you’re like the phoney scum stock broker who recommends to buy a stock and a week later, he’s bearish on it and says to sell.
8 reasons why these Braves will NOT squander this lead
They’d suffered a bad loss late Wednesday, and now the Braves had to play an afternoon game against the team with the National League’s best record on a sweltering day. (Heat index: 106.) They won so easily as to make you believe there’s no way the final 10 1/2 weeks of this regular season hold any danger for this dauntless band. The reasons why:
1. They can pitch. It never changes. As long as you can pitch, you can win. The Braves won breezing Thursday — actually, they did some sweating, too — because Tim Hudson never gave the Padres a chance. He worked seven innings and yielded six baserunners, one of whom was erased by a double play. This isn’t a team apt to lose five in a row because the rotation won’t let that happen. Jair Jurrjens looks hale and hearty, and even if Tommy Hanson and Derek Lowe haven’t been dominant they’re fine as Nos. 3 and 4 starters.
2. They’re buoyant. Not 15 hours after a sobering loss, the Braves had taken a lasting lead in the decisive game of a three-game set against an opponent they might well see in October. Said Billy Wagner, who blew a save Wednesday night: “Good teams are resilient. The heat out there today was awful; I guarantee you the Padres had never felt anything like that. We jumped on them early and kept them out there a long time.”
3. They’re daring. The key play of the first inning was the rookie Jason Heyward going first-to-third on Chipper Jones’ single to left field, which isn’t easy to do. (Heyward scored the only run the Braves would need on Troy Glaus’ sacrifice fly.) Said Bobby Cox of Heyward: “His instincts are off the chart, and he’s got some larceny in him. He’s not afraid to take a base.”
4. They’re clever. The 20-year-old right fielder is wise in the ways of older men, and there are a bunch of older guys to backstop him. Back to Heyward taking third: “You’d be surprised how many [left fielders] at this level can’t make that throw,” Jones said. “We’re a smart team. We steal bases at a very high percentage [69.5 percent, to be precise]. We’re very good at taking the extra base.” Then this: “We’ve got ballplayers. We’ve got guys with great instincts.”
5. They have a dependable shortstop. Alex Gonzalez, nicknamed Sea Bass, had four hits Thursday and made another series of deft defensive swoops. Said Cox: “Watching him play shortstop these past few days has really been special.” Jones likened A-Gonz to Ozzie Smith and Omar Vizquel, saying: “It’s that he’s having a great offensive year, but what I want out of a shortstop is defense — to know that 99 percent of the time he gets his mitt on something he’s going to make the play.”
6. They have a healthier Heyward. He was hitting .251 at the All-Star break, but this is in no way a .251 hitter. He carried this team when nobody else could do a thing in April, and he’s capable of more heavy lifting. He hit .321 over the seven-game homestand. He will do even better very soon.
7. They have a working lead but they’re not impressed by it. Said Wagner: “We play as a team. Chipper has said it a million times, but it’s not one person keeping us going. It’s someone new, a new face in the bullpen, helping us win a game. And we worry about one game at a time, and that comes from the manager.”
8. They have it going in a way that makes you believe they’ll keep it going. They didn’t panic when they lost nine consecutive games in April. They didn’t wring their hands over the lost lead Wednesday night. They press on. They’ve won or halved 20 of their past 21 series. Said Gonzalez, on board only a week: “When you watch the way they play ball every day, you think, ‘This is a great team.’ ”
“Great” overstates. This is a good team that has come to maximize every resource. It isn’t without flaws, but after 95 games it holds the best record in its league. Gonzalez again: “We play hard. We do the little things you have to do. We want to put ourselves in position and see what happens at the end of the year.”
What will happen: The Braves will play beyond the 162nd game for the first time since 2005.
Don
July 29th, 2010
8:34 am
Wow a week ago you wrote this MB.
8 reasons why these Braves will NOT squander this lead
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2010/07/22/8-reasons-why-these-braves-will-not-squander-this-lead/
You are like a stock promoter who says to buy and hold a stock and a week later is bearish and says to sell.
Donny Corleone
July 29th, 2010
8:35 am
That being said and correcting typo, Glaus looks like he’s not the answer at first. His streaky hitting ways are not conducive to a solid contribution from him. It is beyond my comprehension how someone can just forget how to hit (barring injury which may be the problem here).
mowreck
July 29th, 2010
8:39 am
Don’t think we will see Freeman this year, or if we do it will be for a short time only. It is probably why we don’t see ANY of our rookie talent. Haywood was exception, because he was, well Haywood. Read an article yesterday telling why the Phillies haven’t called up their minor league “star”, D. Brown. This was even quoted by his minor league coach, I think. Phillies said they didn’t want to start his “clock” yet. In others words they would have to pay him a major league salary to quickly because of artitration and free agency stuff. Sadly, this is hurting a lots of ball clubs except the rich ones (yankees). So if you are a tight financial club, you won’t see such “minor league stars” as quickly as Chipper, Lopez, etc. This is really sad, because of the fans. By the way, D. Brown was called up to the majors yesterday because someone was put on DHL. But, as the story goes, probably for only a short time.
Bmc
July 29th, 2010
8:41 am
How’s Big Freddie doing,in AAA.Not that Bobby would let Troy rest a game or two, a week.
F-105 Thunderchief
July 29th, 2010
8:41 am
Why not make a trade with Arizona for LaRoche, whom they should have signed to a 2-3 year deal in the first place? Glaus is a good player and I’m thankful for what he’s done, but with his bad feet, he needs some rest.
urm
July 29th, 2010
8:45 am
The Astros have reportedly agreed to trade Roy Oswalt to the Phillies…….
Angus
July 29th, 2010
8:46 am
Glaus did start a very key and very good DP last night – and had a single.
I’m baffled as to why he’s not sitting some games. Prado or Hinske can play 1st and Omar needs some ABs.
(Pardon me if both of my posts show up – the first one got caught in the filter for some reason)
juice sourcer
July 29th, 2010
8:48 am
There is just no doubt about it…what you are saying is dead on. Pulling for you Troy…hope you have another streak in you…but it will need to be for more than a month…doesn’t have to be like May..just .250 which will create a lot of RBI’s and maybe a few homers.
Donny Corleone
July 29th, 2010
8:49 am
Troy: “Yeah, get LaRoche. He can rub my feet. Chipper’s too.”
Hankie Aron
July 29th, 2010
8:50 am
It should be required to pass a sports aptitude test before you are allowed to blog about sports. Just my humble opinion
Donny Corleone
July 29th, 2010
8:51 am
Yeah. Just like they do on ESPN.
rekingball
July 29th, 2010
8:53 am
Mike S,Chef Tim, BoroBall…..are right, the Braves are in 1st now, due in large part to Troy.
Troy was hitting good in spring training, cold in Apr., hot in May, warm in June, cold in July.
Maybe he will stay cold into the first couple of weeks in Aug., then hit his hot streak the rest of the way, to the end of the year.
The Braves might have a chance to get into the playoff then.
Adam LaRoche
July 29th, 2010
8:53 am
I do in the offseason anyway. Might as well do it in the clubhouse and pick up a few starts along the way. By the by, did you know my brother is a third baseman? Bring us both in.
Al
July 29th, 2010
8:54 am
Just a 260 average per month, 4-5 home runs and 12-15 rbis would be enough. One home run a week and 3-4 rbis per week isn’t asking much. shoot one home run could be 2-3 rbi’s with runners on.
rekingball
July 29th, 2010
8:58 am
Did anyone see the double play that Troy made last night?
t
July 29th, 2010
8:58 am
All players are streaky hitters! And so are teams. (Phillies) It amazes me how people jump on and off the band wagon so quick. Everyone wanted to run Glaus out of town after a week and then he got hot. He’s been hitting bad for a month now so he’s due to start up again.
rekingball
July 29th, 2010
8:59 am
Enter your comments here
George Stein
July 29th, 2010
9:02 am
Who cares how many RBI he has. It’s a completely meaningless statistic.
The larger issue is Chipper and Glaus have an OPS under .800, which is a problem for your middle of the order guys. They both are getting on base at a fairly high rate but not hitting for much power. I don’t see that changing though unless they go get Prince Fielder, which is a pipe dream.
The Braves can, and should, still win the division but playoff success seems unlikely for a team so dependent upon walks.
Coach (2011 or Bust)
July 29th, 2010
9:03 am
Enter your comments hereSpeaking of picking up a bat…..
Reading the circumstances behind the Dodgers acquisition of Scott Podsednik, the trade went down in less than 24 hours from start to finish. Meaning the Braves had ample opportunity to add the Podfather.
They did not. Meaning Frank Wren had better pull the proverbial rabbit out of his butt in the next 24 hours, lest this fan lose all faith in our GM.
Regular ole Brave fan
July 29th, 2010
9:07 am
Roachy is one of the main reasons the Braves were so damn boring the past few years. No thanks.
We are what we are.
I think Scott Pod…. was our last free agent/OF chance for some proven real pop. Now he’s a Dodger.
Bautista is left but who knows. After Toronto got the Ball Bustin Yunel Escobar(yeah I know–where was he for the Braves, when we needed him?), that might be our best option.
Everybody wants bats.
Freddie Freeman
July 29th, 2010
9:18 am
Don’t worry I am tearing it up and will be there soon to save the day!!!!!
meh
July 29th, 2010
9:19 am
need to start Hinske a 1B a little more so Glaus can rest his knees.
Regular ole Brave fan
July 29th, 2010
9:19 am
bring it Fred! bring it!
George Stein
July 29th, 2010
9:19 am
Coach, Atlanta does rank 5th in runs. Further, Cincy, Philly, and Colorado are ahead (as well as Milwaukee) and they play in ridiculous parks.
The offense is not really a major issue right now. They are currently on pace to win about 94 games which will likely get them into the playoffs. The larger issue is, as you mentioned, the offense’s dependence upon walks. I see problems for this team in the playoffs because pitchers don’t issue a lot of walks then. But we should still get there.
Joey
July 29th, 2010
9:20 am
I was just looking at MLB team salaries and it’s amazing the Braves are even competing (much less leading) with the Phillies and Mets while our payroll is $54M and $45M less respectively.
The Phillies are about to sign Oswalt, it seems, even though I read yesterday that he had ruled them out.
Wren’s done a good job, considering his budget. You just can’t blame him for McLouth’s meltdown – he put up some really good numbers the two years prior to coming to the Braves: 42 dingers and 164 RBI. Man if he was putting up those stats this season, we’d have a 10 game lead right now. Unbelievable.
Hope Wren pulls the string on getting us a speedy, .300 hitting outfielder.
TheAntiMe
July 29th, 2010
9:24 am
The fact is – barring injury – we will be seeing Glaus in the middle of the line-up for most games for the remainder of the season. It’s possible, though unlikely, that Freddie Freeman could play some in September but the Braves probably would be hesitant to call him up before the beginning of 2011, although the way he is hitting right now at Gwinnett, you never know.
It would be great if Glaus were to get hot again but all the Braves really need from him is to be more consistent the rest of the way. They can get by without him being Player of the Month but they cannot afford for his bat to stay A.W.O.L. for months, or even weeks at a time.
The best hope is to get some production from Braves outfielders not named Jason Heyward. It’s just not realistic to expect the pitching staff to hold opponents to 1 run or even 2 runs every single game.
It would be awesome if Frank Wren could pull an outfielder out of his hat but that seems very unlikely with the salaries of Kenshin Kawakami and Nate McLouth on the books for 2010.
The Bravos can and I believe will make due but will have to start getting a bit better with RISP. The Phillies streak is just a mirage as their schedule can’t continue to have them play against the dregs of baseball indefinitely.
j
July 29th, 2010
9:25 am
The guy is hurt right now.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
9:28 am
Good article by John Wawrow about Chan Gailey in the print edition. I like Gailey’s approach. I’ll be rooting for him in Buffalo.
Hawk n the Ham
July 29th, 2010
9:30 am
Troy Glaus, a double A player, and a draft pick for Adam Dunn.
JMF
July 29th, 2010
9:31 am
I am concerned that Infante, the leading hitter on the team, an all star has been sitting. The same thing happened with prado last year. We had a .167 batter in the line up with a .327 batter sitting. We have Glaus in the lineup who is in a TWO month slump. I can only hope that Infante is not too cold. He was hot when he was playing. We do not need a trade as much as we need Infante in the lineup. To make matters worse he can play anywhere.
Joey
July 29th, 2010
9:32 am
Run, Joshua, Eric Holder is coming for you!
Ralph
July 29th, 2010
9:33 am
Best thing Braves could would be to offer up a package of Infante and Minor for someone like Hart or Crawford that would give us the big bat we need and if they cant get one of those then try and trade for Niger Morgan who could lead off and make things happen.
Regular ole Brave fan
July 29th, 2010
9:33 am
Glaus you are hurt? Ok. Fine. But take yourself out. Tell Bobby you can’t go. It would force Cox to get Infante in the lineup somewhere.
JeanE
July 29th, 2010
9:35 am
I’ve been saying Troy the man-tree looks like his knees are really bothering him, he does the painful looking Chipper walk but he did get a hit last night and made an excellent play at 1st, his defense has been very good even more considering it’s not his natural position. I like Troy but don’t understand why Bobby won’t insert Hinske at 1st which is what Hinske was supposed to do when he was signed. Troy is a veteran with bad knees who could use a rest once a week like the Chipster.
‘
Bruce Mac
July 29th, 2010
9:38 am
The Braves have several good (not great) pitching prospects that could be used for the sake of a rental player that possibly puts Braves in playoffs. Once in the playoffs the Braves are going nowhere. If Frank trades Minor, Tehran, Medlin, or Kimbrell for a rental player he is an idiot. I think he has learned his lesson on giving away all star pitchers. I would rather see him do nothing than trade away another all star pitcher. I can see the Braves winning it all in 2012 with the talent coming added to what is here. Lets be smart and actually use patience.
braveshoo
July 29th, 2010
9:39 am
I agree with Coach and “regular ol braves fan”. We missed our chance to get Scott Posednic. He would have been a big upgrade to CF and the top of the order. Would have let Prado hit 2d and move Heyward to an rbi position at 3d, 4th or 5th in the batting order.
extremus
July 29th, 2010
9:41 am
I tell you MLB’s system of free agency and player salaries is absolutely broken when a team in a heated pennant race has to pause to determine whether to bring up a promising (and currently red hot) young prospect to avoid starting “the countdown”. Freddie Freeman by all rights should be our starting first baseman RIGHT NOW, if it was based purely on performance alone; Glaus simply cannot be depended on for any type of positive consistency.
I sincerely hope the Braves do the right thing and bring up Freeman and perhaps land a solid everyday-caliber outfielder (nobody except Heyward truly fits that description right now). With baseball’s labor talks just a couple of years away, I have a distinct feeling we’re going to see a major shutdown of the entire sport as a ton of small and medium-market teams and ownerships fight tooth and nail to somehow bring the sport back to a semblance of economic parity. Until then, let’s play to WIN, because we don’t know when another chance like this will come again.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
9:42 am
If we get there, Oswalt and the Phillies will probably shoot us down now, perhaps Gluas will bring his May game to the World Series. He’s done it before.
myra
July 29th, 2010
9:43 am
ha ha. Roy has to go to the fillwees. The team he said he did not want to go to.
Joel K
July 29th, 2010
9:44 am
The Braves coiuld call up half of team Gwinnett and do as well as they are doing right now. Was really ahppy to see Daiz back in the batting order. He is a winner.
Bulldawg1444
July 29th, 2010
9:47 am
Please let’s get rid of Glauss.Maybe say trade for Adam Dunn.Nat’s will dump his salary,we get him,get him signed. Dunn and Heyward hitting in same lineup would be like Mantle and maris
myra
July 29th, 2010
9:55 am
Bulldawgy: wow. really?
wow.
Dr. Phil
July 29th, 2010
9:55 am
Bring Freeman up now! The Phillies are coming on strong.
Tweets that mention Troy Glaus: The unlikely linchpin of an unlikely Braves' team | Mark Bradley -- Topsy.com
July 29th, 2010
9:57 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Mark Bradley, Sport Fanatic. Sport Fanatic said: RT @MarkBradleyAJC: #Braves' Troy Glaus: The unlikely linchpin of an unlikely team http://bit.ly/albP8p [...]
ChippersLoveChild
July 29th, 2010
9:59 am
It’s not so much a troubling sign as one that happens every year… Glaus is the opposite of Laroche, he cools down after the break.. look at his numbers, do some research before writing and you’d see that too.
Kelly Johnson Fan Club
July 29th, 2010
10:00 am
Glaus ain’t going to hit .330 again. He strikes out too much and hits too many fly balls to sustain that sort of batting average.
That’s OK, hitting for average isn’t what the Braves signed up for when they brought him aboard. They signed up for walks, strikeouts, and extra-base hits. He’s still walking a lot, which is good, but he hasn’t been hitting many XBH lately. Probably the nagging injuries have something to do with that. But it’s also the nature of players like this. XBH happen less often than singles, and as a result players whose production is primarily dependent on XBH will appear to be ’streaky’, just because it’s easier to go 10 games without a homer than 10 games without a single.
I think he’ll be OK, and the Braves will too.
Eric
July 29th, 2010
10:01 am
I think its time to trade for Prince Fielder. Money won’t be too much of an issue next year because Chipper is about done. Give up Freeman and a pitching prospect and get something the braves havd not had since Andres Galaraga, somebody at first who can hit.
Herschel Talker
July 29th, 2010
10:02 am
MB:
We need a bat badly. We will not win with this lineup. Who is your preferred choice right now? We also need a new middle reliever to replace Chavez. We can’t put that guy in anymore games.
HT
Feddie Freeman
July 29th, 2010
10:02 am
I already have a apartment in Midtown………….calling me up wouldn’t be a hassle, I promise
Bobby's Cox
July 29th, 2010
10:03 am
Q: What does the name Darnell mean?
A: The boy’s(albeit a dumb one) name Darnell ,also girl’s name Darnell, is pronounced dar-NEL. It is of Old English origin,means”the hidden spot”.”MORE”
Isn’t it time for you head back to your hidden spot in the corner of the Civil Self-Righteous. I am really surprised that you had enough credits in the pokie to send out this text message. Must have cost you several packs of smokes..
Darrrr-Nell the last time that I checked the ugly history regarding lynching, they didn’t use pins..Just saying…
Are lynch-pins something new that we have all missed??? Educate us Ye of Old English name origin. How are these new-fangled gizmos used?? Personally, I haven’t seen too many Bubbas in line at the local Wal-MArt saying-We runnin’ low on dem pins, Fred you best head back to Sportin’ Goods an get at least another six-pack..
Keith
July 29th, 2010
10:04 am
How about Glaus for Laroche straight up?
Laroche always has hot 2nd halves and was a nice fit here in the ATL.
Or even Glaus in a deal for Dunn. They probably won’t do that as they want 2 prospects.
Bring Freeman up, or at least put GLaus DOWN in the lineup….maybe give him some motivation to play well again.
dap01
July 29th, 2010
10:06 am
It is bad when you speak out about something and then realize, “Boy I sound ignorant”.
Keith
July 29th, 2010
10:06 am
Ohhhh, I forgot to say….
What’s the harm in giving Glaus 3 days off in a row, Bobby???? We’ve got an AS on the bench that hasn’t been used lately…
Mark Bradley
July 29th, 2010
10:07 am
I’m not sure you want to call up a rookie and insert him in the lineup during a pennant race. Pretty sure you don’t, truth to tell.
Turtsnap
July 29th, 2010
10:11 am
J-Hey needs to get the HR pop back in his bat too.
Bobby's Cox
July 29th, 2010
10:14 am
Troy “Lip Gloss” definitely has bum wheels. i definitely give him credit for trying to play through the pain. Does not appear to be driving the ball with any real authority. At this point what is the harm in platooning him with Hinske or Infante? The Braves are in a precarious position with 1B. 3B, LF and CF spots. All are in platoon situations or borderline platoon situations. Not the most ideal situation to be in while you are in the middle of a pennant race…The Braves look old and tired on the corners in the infield.
George Stein
July 29th, 2010
10:17 am
Kelly Johnson Fan Club, I think you’re exactly right. The Phillies are not going to go 60-0 the rest of the way. If they play .600 ball (which would equal 100 wins over the course of the season), they’ll win about 91 games. If the Braves continue to play at their current rate, they’ll win about 94 or 95. Furthermore, the Braves just lost only their 2nd series since May. I think the Braves will struggle in the playoffs but they should get there.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
10:19 am
Glaus is hitting .321 in day games and .215 in night games. Glaus goes 2 for 5 today w/homer
Let's Go
July 29th, 2010
10:22 am
It’s funny that a couple months ago a whole bunch of people on this blog wanted the Braves to sign Glaus long term or were slamming Frank Wren for not signing him to a 2 year deal. I personally think Troy’s back, and maybe his knees, is bad and maybe it’s time for the Braves to 15 day DL him to see what a couple of days rest will do for him. You could call up Freeman but to keep from flip floping him back and forth you could use Hinske and Prado at first.
The Grinch
July 29th, 2010
10:23 am
It’s genuinely astounding that Bobby won’t even give the man an occasional day off when even fans in the cheap seats can see he’s hurting. That’s the sole reason Hinske was signed, because they knew Glaus was a question mark. And sitting Infante this much is asinine; he’s one of our best hitters. Yet another instance of Bobby and Frank not being on the same page (and Frank’s page is the correct one). I know Bobby likes to let players hit their way out of a slump, but if the slump’s obviously caused by him needing a rest that kind of defeats the point, doesn’t it?
The Grinch
July 29th, 2010
10:25 am
The post I just wrote that didn’t show up was not offensive in any way, shape or form. What’s the deal?
bob
July 29th, 2010
10:25 am
The problem in not just Glaus.
The problem is that CJ is not hitting with any power these days.
CJ and Glaus are both hurting and need a rest. Let the other guys carry the team for a week.
The other problem is that there are two spots….KK and Nate….which are not producing at all. Eat the money or trade for a couple of single or double A guys to clear space.
Do not panic and pick up another guy who averages 270 and hits 20 home runs a year.
Braves need speed at the top of the order. Look at what Jay Hey has done with his speed. Just think of what the Braves would look like with a guy who can swipe 30 bases. Where is josh anderson these days.
September will decide this division and the Braves need to play at least 500 ball to stay close for the Sept push when the teams are expanded.
hmmmmmm
July 29th, 2010
10:35 am
Mark Bradley
July 29th, 2010
10:07 am
I’m not sure you want to call up a rookie and insert him in the lineup during a pennant race. Pretty sure you don’t, truth to tell.
REALLY? Short memory huh. Without the “Baby Braves” a few years back this team would have fell apart? Bringing up a couple of guys to help will not spell gloom and doom. Younger, fresher legs would give the Braves a boost right now. That is an OLD lineup and they are getting tired.
Bill Stanfill
July 29th, 2010
10:36 am
As someone commented awhile back–the Glaus has been half-empty.
bfred
July 29th, 2010
10:37 am
The most amazing thing I’ve heard about the Oswalt trade is that Houston may eat some of his salary. Why on God’s green earth would they do that? Your trading partner is a second-place team trying to run down a playoff spot (and spending boatloads to do it) and a rebuilding team is willing to compensate them to take the best pitcher on the market? No wonder Houston sucks.
Atlanta Sports fan...
July 29th, 2010
10:38 am
You actually wrote an article that I agree with. Wow! A little late to write the obvious, but Troy has become a liability with the bat. The big boy still flashes some leather.
I have never met Troy but he seems like a great guy. I really hope that he would hit again. I don’t think that it is going to happen though.
I say trade for Adam Dunn or bring up Freeman. Give Medlen, Blanco, Resop and another minor league pitcher.
I might even consider throw in Freeman. Sorry, but you ain’t gonna win too much without a valid 4-5-6 hitter.
Dunn or another 4 hitter would be a good start.
Carolina fan for Atlanta
July 29th, 2010
10:39 am
Inconsistency is tough for fans to take. Will the Glaus August be like the Glaus May? If it is, which Glaus do we get in September when needed the most during the stretch run? I hope Freeman is ready next season so we don’t have to go through another year of this.
TheAntiMe
July 29th, 2010
10:40 am
I really doubt that Prince Fielder is the long term answer to any NL team’s (teams without the DH) needs. Prince is doing okay for now, but like his father before him, Prince is in serious danger of eating himself out of a fine MLB career.
It’s actually pretty sad but unless Prince decides to play Nose Tackle for an NFL team in the near future I think he will be out of sports and will be showing a serious drop-off in his baseball skills due to his pronounced lack of physical fitness.
Joey
July 29th, 2010
10:41 am
bob: “Do not panic and pick up another guy who averages 270 and hits 20 home runs a year.”
***********************************************
bob, do we have anybody right now who does that?
myra
July 29th, 2010
10:43 am
Mark B. or others,
No sarcasm here..
Why wouldn’t the Braves bring up Freeman to help the club. I understand he’s a rookie. I understand he’s not on 40man roster.
Would it be because he would miss the hoopla
of “the Rookie Season”? Or he would be freaked by live MLB pitching? Just askin..
Bobby's Cox
July 29th, 2010
10:44 am
Any Hot Fuzz movie fans out there??? This Braves message is for you…Spot a bother at Turner Field, ole Man Cox is starting players that don’t belong in there…That’s All….Braves, wilting in the heat, Ed Mangun and his grounds crew have a cure for that…Cheers
Andy
July 29th, 2010
10:45 am
We just need Glaus to get hot in September and hopefully October. It looks as though Freeman will be ready next season to take over so there is very little chance that he will be back next season. By the way, it is too soon for Freeman. You can’t call him up in a pennant race as a rookie and expect him to perform. Can’t do it.
TOMY FOURNIER
July 29th, 2010
10:48 am
IF…AND I SAY…”IF” ATLANTA WANT TO DANCE IN THE LAST PARTY…HAVE TO MAKE A “MOVE”…RIGHT NOW AND THE BEST “MOVE”…GET ADAM DUNN TO PLAY RIGHT FIELD AND CALL FREEMAN TO PLAY FIRST AND GLAUD WITH OLD “JONES” TO THIRD….THAT THE BEST CHOICE TO DO…IF NOT…IN TWO WEEK…ATLANTA THIRD OR FOUR…FOR SURE…YOU BET!!!!!
don
July 29th, 2010
10:52 am
Looks like Phillies will get Oswalt. If history repeats itself, it is time for the management of the Braves to make a panic move. they always react rather than act and, with rare exceptions, the reaction results in a longterm disaster.
Sam
July 29th, 2010
10:55 am
We need to trade for Prince Fielder… Brewers will surely want to deal him at this stage of the season..
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
10:56 am
The Braves acquired second baseman Michael Noboa from the Diamondbacks for a player to be named later or cash, MLBTR has learned.
Turtsnap
July 29th, 2010
10:57 am
If we trade for Fielder, we should put his locker next to Venters…… I hear they are great friends.
heymmered
July 29th, 2010
11:01 am
who the hell is Michael Noboa
bvillebaron
July 29th, 2010
11:04 am
Bruce Mac:
I agree with you 100% about not trading Teheran, Delgado, Vizcaino or possibly even Minor for a “rental player”. This smacks of the stupidity of the Texeira deal all over. On the other hand, I heard that Tampa was kicking the tires on whether Greinke might be available. If he is (and if the Phillies get Oswalt), I would trade Medlen and perhaps any of those 3 except Teheran in a hearbeat to get Greinke. The kid is nasty, has already won a Cy Young in the AL, doesn’t turn 27 until October and should pitch even better in the NL.
P.S. In anticipation of those who will complain about his 4.01 ERA that is the product of two things: (1) absolutely no run support when he pitches; and (2) 2 bad outings.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
11:05 am
never heard of him
Chief Nock A Homa
July 29th, 2010
11:06 am
You know… Noboa is the our big bat pickup for the stretch run!
heymmered
July 29th, 2010
11:07 am
Anyone know why Sea Bass was scratched from the lineup?
Chief Nock A Homa
July 29th, 2010
11:08 am
bvillebaron
How is a 4.01 ERA the result of “absolutely no run support??”
Did I miss something – did they change the rules that if your team scores more runs, your runs given up go down???
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:10 am
They need to get out there and make a move happen. If they just sit there and watch the Phillies acquire what they need and do nothing they will undo every bit of what the have accomplished this year as far as looking like they can keep up with the big boys, we were America’s team again, the team to beat, if philly gets Oswalt and we do nothing we will be the little team that could and who gave a valiant effort. Frank needs to forget the Texiera deal and get out there and get Kemp, Spilboroghs, or Willingham. The only two prospects that should be off limits to the point of not being discussed are Mike Minor and Freddie Freeman, period. Put it on the table and compete. I am so freakin tired of the same ol crap since the Texiera trade of this team learning its lesson and building for a future that never seems to get here, how about this why dont you just focus on winning some baseball games THIS YEAR. I could be dead by next season, i dont care about next season and i care even less about any season after that.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
11:12 am
Mark tell us something about Noboa. I’ve never heard of him and I’m pretty sure none of your readers have either.
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:15 am
We have waited 5 years for our first taste of post season baseball. I had so much faith in this team I have put all fall football travel plans on hold until i see the Braves post season schedule, but I am quickly losing faith. I guess i’ll go ahead and see what rooms in Jacksonville are running.
Roberta
July 29th, 2010
11:15 am
The biggest trouble with Glaus is that his feet and knees need some rest. He is in pain, and it shows, but he goes out there every day if his name is on the lineup sheet. He has not complained about it once. He simply needs a few days off and we have a couple of guys who can play first base if Bobby would just use them.
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:15 am
sorry our “next” taste of post season baseball
WTF
July 29th, 2010
11:16 am
Never heard of Noboa. Maybe he will be part of trade for a bat. Hopefully, Wrenn will do something now that it looks likely the Phils will get Oswalt. Too bad the Braves couldn’t trade Lowe. I have a feeling a loss is order for today.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
11:17 am
Michael Noboa appears to be a nobody minor leaguer. only 6 ABs in 2010
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
11:18 am
I wonder why the Braves are messin around with this instead of viable help?
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:18 am
No reason for the Lowe bashing. I have come to feel better when he is on the mound this year than say the golden boy and mr. hyde Tommy Hanson. I even felt better about Lowe than Jurjens early in the season. The only pitchers who have been more solid than Lowe are Hudson and Medlen. Lowe’s game in that day game to clinch the series sweep of the phillies was nothing short of an ace performance.
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:19 am
Noboa- .196 career BA and .336 career OBP. No career HR
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
11:19 am
I think the Brave could have traded Lowe if they shopped him. It seems they don’t want to.
TommyJack
July 29th, 2010
11:20 am
Baseball posting fans are the least knowledgeable of any sport. If you don’t know the game, stay the hell off.
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:20 am
No reason to shop Lowe. You are in a penant race do you really want to depend on Kawakami or an unknown Mike Minor?
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:21 am
Those are the kind of minor league numbers that have you filling out applications at State Farm.
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:22 am
Thanks Tommy Jack, but hey you better go, i think someone is at the drive-thru. Take their order then you can go back to expressing your angst towards humanity.
bvillebaron
July 29th, 2010
11:25 am
Chief Nock A Homa:
I didn’t realize you were still around; would like to see you out in the teepee in left field but we both knew that is not possible these days.
You chose to selectively read my comments. I also said that Greinke’s inflated ERA was the product of a couple bad outings, including his most recent one when he gave up 8 earned in 4 innings (before that it was 3.58 in the AL which, based on the general rule of thumb equates to an ERA of slightly over 3.00 in the NL). Perhaps you might have heard about this long standing bromide that even the best pitchers struggle when they don’t get run support; you know, try to be perfect with every pitch, fall behind and then give up key hits. FWIW there was a stretch of 4 or 5 games this season when the Royals scored exactly ZERO (that’s right gooseegg) runs while Greinke was still in the game pitching.
I realize that I am not as smart as you, but why don’t we conduct a poll of major league general managers and see how many of them would love to have a not yet 27 year old Greinke on their team despite his season so far, not only for this year, but the next 5 years or more. How many favorable votes do you think we would get? Better yet why don’t you tell me if there would be any negative votes?
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:27 am
bville baron- Yes, we would all love to have Greinke, but did a double-take on the ERA-run support thing. It is not rare to see a starter have a poor record, yet a good ERA.
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:30 am
The Dodgers say they aren’t trading Kemp, I dont believe it especially with the addition of Podsednik. Id say with our excess of outfielders and elite pitching prospects you could put something together that looks good to them. I mean what does Frank think he is going to do with all these pitchers? The future of the Braves rotation is Hanson, Jurjens, Medlen and Minor. Huddy will be around a few more years and there will be no room for these other guys, besides if they are as good as advertised this team can’t afford 5 ace quality starters later on anyway. Decide which ones will be your future core and use the rest to fill other needs.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
11:34 am
Hanson and Jurjens have Scott Boras as an agent we won’t have them very long probably just a couple more years.
southga brave
July 29th, 2010
11:37 am
Wow everyone missed the BIG trade, Frank made a trade with Diamondbacks for minor league second baseman! He has no speed as he has more caught stealing than successful ones. No power as he has no hr’s but his average most be great huh? NOOOO! He hasn’t hit over 230 in his entire minor league career! Yea it was for a player to be named or cash. That should put the Braves in the WS!
So Mark have you heard what the plans are for McLouth now that he was demoted? I am sure no team will jump on a chance at him. They can’t afford to pay him his money to play AAA. I hope we dont see him back anytime soon. I will not miss his non-throws to the plate on plays at home!
One other question Mark, why wasn’t Blanco called up to play cf?
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:39 am
You must stay down for 10 days before you are recalled.
Chief Nock A Homa
July 29th, 2010
11:39 am
bvillebaron
Wow – nice reply….
Don’t think I mentioned anything about not wanting a Greinke… Quite the opposite – would love to have him… Don’t think we really need a starting pitcher though, do we???
Maybe you have some insight that none of us are aware of though… By all means, please feel free to enlighten us…
And, no I didn’t selectively read your post… You mentioned, and I quote, “P.S. In anticipation of those who will complain about his 4.01 ERA that is the product of two things: (1) absolutely no run support when he pitches; and (2) 2 bad outings.”
That is the product of two things specifically speaks to your concern about complaints about his 4.01 era – does it not… Did it get read wrong???
BTW – how did you realize so quickly that you are not as smart as me?? I have to give you more credit than I did before…
Navigator
July 29th, 2010
11:39 am
Better look at his whole season, very slow start, very hot for a month, and now back to slow production again. The Braves had a chance to keep Adam LaRoche, who’s history always is slow start hot summer and good finisher. However, Chipper didn’t like Adam and neither did the ancient one BCox. Hopefully, both of these guys will be gone next year and the Braves can properly evaluate talent and bring in/keep the best available. Philly is signing Oswalt and the Braves are, well a, playing for the wild card (maybe) or another season like last, promise but that’s all.
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:40 am
If we cant getting a starting caliber corner outfielder then here is my question…why not Andruw? he is a better answer than what we have in center…his power and melky’s contact hitting make for a perfect platoon. The only that will make the end to this year more special would be Andruw Jones.
Puppet Please!!
July 29th, 2010
11:40 am
The problem is we need Infante to play CF, LF and 3rd at the same time. That would solve the Glaus problem. We could put Hinske in there and let Troy have some rest and let the Say-Ouch kid (chippa) run down his team mates from the whirlpool. How is that clone technology coming along anyway? Do you think we might be able to get a couple of good working Infante’s by the 2nd week of August?
BuckheadBrave
July 29th, 2010
11:41 am
uhhh check your facts Navigator Chipper and Adam are best friends, they own a ranch together.
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:44 am
navigator- Chipper and laRoche are very close. To say Chipper doesn’t like him is false.
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:45 am
They are even mentioned together in one of Smoltzie’s dry jokes.
fieldofdreams
July 29th, 2010
11:45 am
Braves can’t win the division unless the big guy gets going again. His knee looks gimp. Give him a 15 day to rehab. He ain’t doing nothing right now. Need him for the stretch run.
CSpin
July 29th, 2010
11:49 am
Wasn’t A. Gonzalez supposed to be the “bat” we needed?
And what’s up w/ his injury that’s got him out today? Any updates there MB?
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
11:49 am
The Angels are shopping Bobby Abreu
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:50 am
No, he’s not the bat we needed. He’s the teammate and steady effort player we needed.
bvillebaron
July 29th, 2010
11:52 am
Chief Nock A Homa:
Well I for one think that you can never have enough pitching; others of course disagree. The predicate for my comments also was that I think this would be a great idea IF the Phils get Oswalt and if the Royals were willing to deal Greinke. The former may well happen and the latter is probably only a pipe dream on my part. No bigger Braves’ fan than me, but I think that the Braves would could use more starting pitching for the stretch run if the Phils can march out Halladay, Hamels and Oswalt 3 out of every 5 days for the rest of the season, irrespective of what “bat” the Braves may acquire (hopefully not as a result of another Texeira “rental” fiasco).
P.S. to Navigator: Kind of hard to believe that Chipper doesn’t like LaRoche when they go hunting togeher every off season.
jeff
July 29th, 2010
11:53 am
What is up with this?
The Braves acquired second baseman Michael Noboa from the Diamondbacks for a player to be named later or cash, MLBTR has learned.
Michael Jordan
July 29th, 2010
11:54 am
If the Braves want to win the World Series they need to come talk to me. I can hit a curve ball now.
Jesse Stone
July 29th, 2010
11:55 am
MJ- No chance. MLB has proven that they feel very strongly about habitual gamblers in the game of baseball
CSpin
July 29th, 2010
11:57 am
Well said, Jesse Stone. I’ll agree w/ that. Should and could be both though.
Navigator
July 29th, 2010
11:59 am
Darnell: Not only are you showing your ignorance, but you also should have learned something in school other than hate. Linchpin has nothing to do with lynching, and Mark Bradley used the correct word which describes leadership and anchoring of a social group.
droopydawg
July 29th, 2010
12:00 pm
I love the woe-is-me posts we get here. The Phils win 6 in a row, the Braves lose 3 of 4, and all of a sudden we have a terrible team and the Phils are an unstoppable force. I seem to remember this team righting the ship after losing 9 in a row, which was also during the time the Mets and Phils were ascendant. Lets cool off a bit and wait to sulk at least until we lose first place. I also seem to remember that after a bad season last year (all year, not just April and late July like this year) that we almost ended up in the playoffs because of a great September.
Relax, people. Only children have a hard time putting things like this in perspective without throwing a temper tantrum.
droopydawg
July 29th, 2010
12:01 pm
Navigator: pretty sure DARNELL was a troll post.
droopydawg
July 29th, 2010
12:01 pm
Is gullible still in the dictionary? If so, you probably should have learned that in school.
Phils sign Oswalt to one year deal
July 29th, 2010
12:02 pm
Here come the Phils.
ChippersLoveChild
July 29th, 2010
12:08 pm
“I really doubt that Prince Fielder is the long term answer to any NL team’s (teams without the DH) needs. Prince is doing okay for now, but like his father before him, Prince is in serious danger of eating himself out of a fine MLB career.
It’s actually pretty sad but unless Prince decides to play Nose Tackle for an NFL team in the near future I think he will be out of sports and will be showing a serious drop-off in his baseball skills due to his pronounced lack of physical fitness.”
The only people that make comments like this are guys that haven’t seen Fielder play consistently. The guy is a horse and has played in 300 plus straight games… If he were “eating himself out of a career” his durability would be an issue already. Get a clue.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
12:10 pm
droopydawg it’s not a woe is me thing, it’s just that there are only 52 hours left for the Braves to make a trade. Its now or never and even tho the Braves are a good team there are a lot of holes in their lineup.
Shane
July 29th, 2010
12:11 pm
All this hand wringing is comical.
And for all those demanding a trade or move be made you’ll be the same ones criticizing the move if even one prospect is traded away.
Shane
July 29th, 2010
12:12 pm
The only people that make comments like this are guys that haven’t seen Fielder play consistently. The guy is a horse and has played in 300 plus straight games… If he were “eating himself out of a career” his durability would be an issue already. Get a clue.
Fielder is a fat slob who will eat himself out of the league and end up broke and penniless. Just like his daddy.
Ben There
July 29th, 2010
12:13 pm
BuckheadBrave
Totally agree with your 11:10 post.
Gotta win now.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
12:13 pm
I don’t think we should seel the farm either but the Dodgers just Scott Podsednik cheap…real cheap.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
12:14 pm
so what if he’s a lefty
Shane
July 29th, 2010
12:15 pm
Here come the Phils.
So what? They have to catch us. Im not scared of them one bit. So they got Oswalt. He is no better than Hudson or JJ.
We are still up 3.5 games ( 4 in the loss column )
The Phils have been hot and we haven’t. That could turn around just as quick and the lead is right back out to 7 games.
ChippersLoveChild
July 29th, 2010
12:17 pm
“Fielder is a fat slob who will eat himself out of the league and end up broke and penniless. Just like his daddy.”
Well Boras is his agent, so he won’t end up broke… Angry because he got Venters suspended? Don’t throw at him and there won’t be an issue.
Fred
July 29th, 2010
12:17 pm
I said before the All Star Break that Glaus was going to fizzle. Now he has. I hope the will bring Freeman up. As a friend/roommate with Jason Hayward I don’t think we need to worry about the young man’s ability to handle the pressure of a penant race. Besides, we need to get on with the next generation at BOTH corners.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
12:17 pm
ha “seel” sell
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
12:18 pm
Glaus will get hot again. It won’t be as dominate as May but hot nonetheless.
Ted M
July 29th, 2010
12:22 pm
Mark are you in Washington knocking back beers as you wait for the game to start.
Joshua
July 29th, 2010
12:28 pm
I have to agree with bvillebaron that acquiring Grienke would be excellent. I have been secretly wishing that the Braves would swoop in and snatch up Roy Oswalt. The reason I say this is two-fold. Yes, we have solid starting pitching and a great bull-pen, but other than Hudson we really don’t have that top shelf dominating starter. During the course of the regular season when we are on a 5 day rotation, more often than not we get to see favorable pitching match ups. But what happens when we get to the post season and have to win long series against elite teams that have the formidable front end starters types that always seem to dominate the Braves? Secondly, without Oswalt, I don’t believe the Phillies can catch the Braves. If he plays for the Braves (which he obviously would prefer) then how do the Phillies hope to catch us? Then we have an incredible staff that is probably the best starting rotation in the league to go along with the best bullpen in the league, and the Phillies have no chance at winning the division and likely not a wild card either. Ahh wishful thinking.
K with a K
July 29th, 2010
12:32 pm
What about Chris Young from the D-Backs…is he an option for the Braves? Righthanded,pop,centerfielder,always hits well in Atlanta,speed??? I am not sure if he is in the D-Backs long term plans.
RJB in DC
July 29th, 2010
12:38 pm
For everyone dreaming about Dunn, I wouldn’t hold out much hope for that. The Nats are not under pressure to dump salary. So if they elect to trade him, they are going to want serious pitching talent–as well as someone who can immediately start at first base.
bvillebaron
July 29th, 2010
12:42 pm
Thanks Joshua
bvillebaron
July 29th, 2010
12:44 pm
Atlanta Sports Fan:
Guess you thought the Texeira trade was a good move at the time too, huh?
POAD
July 29th, 2010
12:56 pm
WOW MARK I had no idea how much Glaus’ game has made the Brave good or bad. Those are some crazy stats. Still not worried that the Braves will fall apart. I would love to have a back and forth race to the pennant. Like back in 90 & 91.
Keith
July 29th, 2010
1:01 pm
Well, the blame game is started in ATL. Glaus is the just the first of many that the city and team will blame for a lack luster season. Let’s face it, the Phils and Mets will both pass the Bravoes very soon. The Bravoes are back to ordinary with no real gusto. There pitching is above ordinary, but the offense has cooled off! Bye Bye season and bye bye Bobby Cox finally. Maybe they can find a good manager and build a true winning team in the future.
Jack G.
July 29th, 2010
1:01 pm
Mark, You are right on.
However, could Glaus be having some nagging injury thast is slowing him down. I seem to remember his having to sit out a couple of games with a bum knee. Maybe it is effedting his swing.
As for not wanting to bring up Freeman in a penant race, it might be a good move to let glaus rest up.
Freddi Gonzo
July 29th, 2010
1:02 pm
Oswalt is scary for sure, but he isn’t the same guy as before. He has had back problems and some pretty terrible outings this year….. Maybe it’s not as bad as we all think if the Phills get him.
Freddi
Cracker Jacket
July 29th, 2010
1:05 pm
TP needs to do more than eat sunflower seeds in the dugout! If they make him mad …he would walk off just like he did as a player!
Kyle
July 29th, 2010
1:08 pm
Today needs to be the last day Troy, Melky, and Nate wear a Braves uniform no matter what you might get in return for them.
frank james
July 29th, 2010
1:15 pm
His front side is flying open and his bat is dragging bad. Just an observation. I don’t see how we can keep Infante on the bench.
Glory Glory
July 29th, 2010
1:15 pm
Trade Him
WTF
July 29th, 2010
1:23 pm
Lowe needs to go
Feddie Freeman
July 29th, 2010
1:29 pm
Call me up I tell you…………
frank james
July 29th, 2010
1:35 pm
Play Diaz everyday. He is a hitting machine right now!
Phils sign Oswalt to one year deal
July 29th, 2010
1:36 pm
Diaz hits a two run shot. Game tied.
WTF
July 29th, 2010
1:37 pm
Diaz bails out Lowe for now
Phils sign Oswalt to one year deal
July 29th, 2010
1:38 pm
“So what? They have to catch us. Im not scared of them one bit. So they got Oswalt. He is no better than Hudson or JJ.
We are still up 3.5 games ( 4 in the loss column )
The Phils have been hot and we haven’t. That could turn around just as quick and the lead is right back out to 7 games.So what? They have to catch us. Im not scared of them one bit. So they got Oswalt. He is no better than Hudson or JJ.
We are still up 3.5 games ( 4 in the loss column )
The Phils have been hot and we haven’t. That could turn around just as quick and the lead is right back out to 7 games.’
All I did was post about the Phillies getting Oswalt. You’re the one making a stink about it. Grow up.
Phils sign Oswalt to one year deal
July 29th, 2010
1:39 pm
“Diaz bails out Lowe for now”
Lowe’s only given up 2 runs. If you can give up less runs, by all means run out on the field and prove it.
Crickets….crickets……chirp……..
FromtheBARstool
July 29th, 2010
1:44 pm
Braves tie it up and no errors so far.
FromtheBARstool
July 29th, 2010
1:45 pm
Just win Braves.
Still@theBAR
July 29th, 2010
1:46 pm
Go Braves tied the game.
POAD
July 29th, 2010
1:47 pm
Great the Braves Tied it up and no errors so far. Just win Braves Just WIN.
WTF
July 29th, 2010
1:52 pm
Lowe gives up two more
jeff
July 29th, 2010
1:55 pm
Freddie you are staying down until you can hit 30HRs’ and 100 RBIS
POAD
July 29th, 2010
2:01 pm
Braves tie it then give up 2 and then an easy top of the 5th. Braves got to get people on base. Come on LOW get them out and Brave Bats get some hit and people on base. Ari @ the Phillies we need this win only up by 3 1/2 gms.
POAD
July 29th, 2010
2:10 pm
Diaz with a rope and Omar with a hit and Diaz scores now down by 1. Maybe a pitching change.
MyPatooti
July 29th, 2010
2:17 pm
Braves are not, I REPEAT NOT, a playoff team right now. There’s a couple of pieces missing. They are struggling with the last place team, who has the exact opposite record of ATL. They should have gone into Washington and swept them with no problem, yet they are struggling with them. If the Braves cannot take advantage of their very favorable schedule in August and put some distance between them, the Phils, and Mets, then you can forget it. Their Aug. schedule has them only off 2 days, but they have 19 home games and only 10 games away. At the end of August the Braves should be at least 10 games ahead.
DawgDad
July 29th, 2010
2:21 pm
“Wasn’t supposed to be the Man”? Who are you kidding here. Was he expected to be .200 hitter with virtually no power, which is essentially what he’s been for almost 3/4 of the season to this point? If Wren passed on LaRoche at $7 million for expectations of no production from Glaus at $1 million then Wren should be fired. That’s not the case, though. Glaus is a first baseman, and he’s expected to produce at least at the level of an average starting first baseman. He’d be the first to tell you that.
Braves have been hampered by not having Hinske available to platoon with Troy because Hinske has to platoon in left field, because – - – our esteemed GM did not acquire a corner outfielder capable of starting and producing against RHP.
This team as presently constituted will struggle mightily to hang on to the Division lead, and quite frankly I don’t believe they can. That extra $6 million for LaRoche is looking like it would have been quite the bargain at this point.
The Braves have the wherewithall to shore up this lineup without completely selling out the future. A decision on Glaus should come very soon (this weekend). Two glaring holes need to be filled: center field and first base/left field. There is plenty of room to be creative; for example, you could pick up a second baseman and move Prado to first, a left fielder and move Hinske to first in a platoon. Need a real center fielder to play center, though. Me, I’d focus on trading for a center fielder and bring up Freeman when Blanco comes up. All Freeman needs to do is hit .250, drive in some runs, and not embarass us in the field. I suspect he can handle that, and I also suspect Glaus might start hitting better with a reduced work load.
James
July 29th, 2010
2:24 pm
Braves should trade for Andruw Jones and Jeff Francoeur. I would like to see these guys come back so they can be apart of the final braves season with Bobby Cox.
POAD
July 29th, 2010
2:32 pm
Rain delay and they just showed Gene Garber striking out Rose to end Roes’ hitting Streak. I got got the Braves ended that HoF deserving record of Pete’s.
Roger
July 29th, 2010
2:40 pm
Truth is he is hurt and he is not telling anyone. Not that I know for sure or anything, but isn’t that always the pattern, someone does well, mysteriously tanks and then AFTER the season admits they were hurt. This is his last real shot a sizable contract next year so he is going to keep playing through the injury. Trade him.
papadawg
July 29th, 2010
2:49 pm
I think this team peaked before all star break and I don’t really see to many of the current players who can boost them up for a playoff run
chippers daddy
July 29th, 2010
2:51 pm
I wonder if Freeman is ready:
http://ijpb.blogspot.com/
DawgDad
July 29th, 2010
2:53 pm
Glaus doesn’t have to tell anyone he’s hurt, all they have to do is watch him limp down to first base. This isn’t an attack on Troy, he appears to be a good teammate, but he sure looks like he needs help at first base and not run out there every day in the heat of summer.
Omar Infante is NOT the answer. He’s a very good (All Star!) utility player and a substandard every day player at a large number of positions. Not a good enough glove man to start up the middle, and not powerful enough to play the corners every day. Defensive difference between him and Gonzalez might cost the Braves the game today.
For those adamant on Freeman not coming up now, how do you explain McCann and Francoeur? If you want to see if he can be the every day first baseman on a Division winning team, plug him into a Division leading lineup and find out. I agree the experts need to decide if he can handle MLB pitching acceptably but if they are worried about his character then TRADE HIM NOW.
jfreak13713
July 29th, 2010
3:07 pm
Oh how quickly we forget! The Phillies have a very good team and if they get Oswalt they will be even better. Maybe better than our Braves over the course of the entire season? However, I don’t expect this team to just throw in the towel because Glaus has stopped hitting! Give the guy a break he saved our season! I could probably use a day off a little more but I think he’ll heat up again.
Wren will try to make a move but I can’t see giving up a Top Prospect at this point unless we are getting a STAR player in return and that doesn’t appear on the horizon. For the most part this is our team and we are in first place so relax and enjoy it!
captain Midnight.
July 29th, 2010
3:18 pm
Mark this team “will not” win the division unless they get another good power hitter. Glaus had one good month and ran out of gas. Chipper is a bare shadow of what he used to be. They need to think about some one else at 3rd base but I notice you and the announcers keep dodging this issue. The announcers keep saying if we can get one or two on that Chipper is coming up. Quite frankly I get worried when he comes up as you can pretty well predict the results. He has been great and is a hall of famer but his day in the sun is over. I don’t claim to be an expert but I have folled this team since 1966 and have learned a little about the game as well as playing when I was younger.
James
July 29th, 2010
3:20 pm
Bring back Jeff Francoeur.
http://www2.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Atlanta+Braves+Photo+Day+FHQe5z1ZZR6l.jpg
POAD
July 29th, 2010
3:26 pm
Francoeur is old news right now. We don’t need him.
Please rain delay get over I want some more baseball. I am in need of my afternoon fix.
StingerSplash
July 29th, 2010
3:31 pm
Mark,
Don’t know if calling Glaus a linchpin means that much when, in the midst of his horrid July, the Braves are still in first place. It could get a little tight before the weekend. But Glaus’ bad month — and it’s been bad of epic proportions — hasn’t caused that much damage, thanks to Prado, McCann, Diaz, Jurrjens and Hudson.
As far as inserting a rookie into the lineup in the heat of a pennant race … sure hasn’t bothered one Posey, Buster, of Lee County.
bob
July 29th, 2010
3:33 pm
July
Jones and Glaus batting average: 235
Jones and Glaus rbi 15
Jones and Glaus hr 2
Enough said. The dance is over unless these guys sit or these guys produce.
H9
July 29th, 2010
3:48 pm
Kyle why U ripping Milkey…He’s only hit 298 since May 10th and Braves started winning after losing 9. U don’t know what your talking about. Switch hitter, great arm, plays all three positions, good D, what more U want. lol!
Howard Ray
July 29th, 2010
3:50 pm
James why don’t you just become a Mets fan if you love Frenchy so much. We don’t want him back, period.
JoeFan
July 29th, 2010
4:04 pm
Glaus to the DL and Freeman to 1B. It adds more offense and improves the defense. The Braves have enough to win the wildcard. Its not necessary to mortgage the future in order to beat the Phillies.
Howard Ray
July 29th, 2010
4:09 pm
Braves down 4-3 in bottom of 7th. here we go again…Go Braves.
The Doktor
July 29th, 2010
4:13 pm
Bring the kid up (Freeman), plug him in and see what happens. It’s already a known-given what they’re getting now out the dinosaur that’s currently holding the position…
BTW, on top of it all, the Phils just officially picked up Oswalt to raise the stakes…
nique
July 29th, 2010
4:20 pm
What about Prado? He’s probably my favorite player on the team, but his struggles at the plate seem to coincide with increased HRs. As the leadoff man I think he needs to revert to his prior approach.
Fan since 1977
July 29th, 2010
4:22 pm
Roy Oswalt officially accepted his proposed trade to the Philadelphia Phillies.
After considering his options and speaking with friends familiar with the Phillies’ situation, including former teammate Brad Lidge, the Houston Astros’ staff ace waived his no-trade clause Thursday in order to be dealt to Philadelphia for left-handed starter J.A. Happ and two prospects, the Phillies said in announcing the trade.
“I’m glad it worked out for both of us. I wanted to go to a contender, and Houston gets some good prospects in return who will hopefully allow them to build a winning team,” Oswalt told ESPN.com’s Amy K. Nelson.
“The hardest part about it is cleaning out my locker. I’ve been in the same place for 10 years and having to say goodbye and clean out the locker is the toughest part,” he said.
Oswalt, who was previously scheduled to start Friday against the Brewers, said he will fly to Washington on Thursday night and start for the Phillies on Friday against the Nationals. Coincidentally, Happ was scheduled to start Friday for the Phillies.
The Phillies, who had won seven straight and were 3½ games behind the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves entering Thursday’s games, get one of baseball’s best right-handers and a pitcher with playoff experience.
Oswalt said his goal was to land with a contender with a chance at playing in October.
“I’m at a point in my career where I just want a chance to get back to the World Series like I did in ‘05 with Houston,” he said. “I’m excited to be going to Philly. I love watching Roy Halladay pitch and I think with him and [Cole] Hamels the three of us can feed off each other.”
Decade of Dominance
Since breaking into the big leagues in 2001, Roy Oswalt has 143 victories — 28 more than any other NL pitcher. And his 1,593 strikeouts are the most for any NL pitcher with 100 starts since 2001.
Category Oswalt NL Rank
Wins 143 1st
ERA 3.24 5th
Strikeouts 1,593 1st
Innings 1,958 2/3 2nd
The Astros will pay $11 million of the approximately $23 million that the 32-year-old right-hander is guaranteed through 2011, sources said.
Oswalt did not demand that his 2012 mutual option for $16 million be picked up by the Phillies, a baseball source told Nelson. Instead, if either he or the Phillies chose not to pick it up, his $1 million buyout will increase to $2 million.
If Oswalt or the Phillies decline to exercise the option, then the pitcher will make $18 million next season. But both Oswalt and the Phillies must agree on the option for 2012 for him to stay with the team that season, the source told Nelson.
“I didn’t want [the option] to be a deal breaker. It wasn’t about the money, it was about getting a chance to go somewhere and win,” Oswalt said. “I was confident that we could always find a way to overcome that.”
He said his conversation with Lidge made him confident that he’d chosen the right destination.
“We played together for seven years and I trust his opinion. He told me that the clubhouse was great that I was going to love it over there. His opinion means a lot to me,” Oswalt said.
Although the Phillies prospects have not been publicly identified, sources said the Astros will receive outfielder Anthony Gose as part of the deal and then send him to the Toronto Blue Jays. Gose is currently at Class A Clearwater in the Florida State League, where he was batting .263 with a team-high 110 hits.
Sources said the Astros pressed hard for first baseman Jonathan Singleton, considered the team’s best minor league hitting prospect. Singleton is currently at Class A Lakewood in the South Atlantic League, where he was hitting .312 with 18 doubles and 12 home runs as of Thursday.
The Astros were off to a National League-worst 14-27 start when Oswalt asked for a trade May 22. As of Thursday, he was 6-12 with a 3.42 ERA.
A baseball source told ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick that the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres both made late efforts to land Oswalt, but got involved too late.
For his career, Oswalt is 143-82 with a 3.24 ERA.
Fan since 1977
July 29th, 2010
4:25 pm
Mark, don’t write another thing about the Braves the rest of the year, you jinked us.
And yes, Oswalt deal finally confirmed:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=5420095
Matt
July 29th, 2010
4:25 pm
Another series loss. This team is in trouble. Of course some writer for the ajc gave 8 reasons why they weren’t. Wonder who that was.
tommyonestick
July 29th, 2010
4:27 pm
Maybe, but for you to have any credibility, you would’ve called out chipper, and melky who have done absolutely nothing this season.
Christopher Chance
July 29th, 2010
4:43 pm
We scored 7 runs in 3 games against a last place team. If the Phillies win tonight, they’ll be 2 1/2 games behind the Braves. We play our next 3 games in the 1st place Reds, while the Phillies host these same Nationals.
Christopher Chance
July 29th, 2010
4:43 pm
We scored 7 runs in 3 games against a last place team.
Christopher Chance
July 29th, 2010
4:44 pm
If the Phillies win tonight, they’ll be 2 1/2 games behind the Braves. We play our next 3 games in Cincinnati, while the Phillies host the Nationals.
Christopher Chance
July 29th, 2010
4:46 pm
We could wake up Monday morning in 2nd place.
dawginDC
July 29th, 2010
4:51 pm
mark, you wrote just last week that the braves would not squander this lead..looks like another one of your genius predictions are going down the tubes…LOL
Peter
July 29th, 2010
4:54 pm
Question Mark……why all of a sudden Chipper Jones lack of production is not the real issue ?
Chipper is batting in the 3 hole, isn’t that the place for a teams most productive hitter ?
Is it now he gets a big pass ? Yes Glaus carried the team for a month and 1/2……. but when is our most expensive hitter going to do the job he is paid to do ?
Peter
July 29th, 2010
4:57 pm
Looking at today’s Box score……. Chipper is a real problem……blaming Glaus is really silly Mark !
All aboard the Hey-Train
July 29th, 2010
4:58 pm
Go get an OF. Now that we know Heyward is comfortable in Center, a corner will do. Get a 1st Basemen. If you can’t get one, try Freeman. He can’t possibly be worse than Glaus and even if he is, we can put Prado there and have Infante and Brooks platoon at 2nd or put Hinske at 1st and just keep a platoon in left. Glaus doesn’t look like he really cares at this point. I’m tired of watching him hit. Hit very, very, very lightly used. Oh by the way, if you don’t know what a linchpin is (Darnell) don’t talk. Lynching is bad linchpins are good.
kurula
July 29th, 2010
5:03 pm
hey, since troy is hitting like it’s april, maybe that bodes well for august and september. all i know is that i am gonna break out the glaus-isms again. it seemed to work last time. there is no glausing over the fact that he is terrible. his glausome average over the last month proves it. he had a pretty month of june, but he has been glauful for the rest of the season. i hope they aren’t thinking about signing him to an extension. that would be a glaustastophy. i admit, i thought that i was premature in jumping on him in july. when he was hitting in june, it was like he was santa glaus and the gifts kept giving. now, it think he’s looking more like the glaus who stole post season. …. okay, that’s all i’ve got for now. maybe that will work. it seemed to last time.
Freddi Gonzo
July 29th, 2010
5:10 pm
Glaus is a streaky hitter, he always has been. But it seems like he is really struggling with an injury, I think a 15 day stint could serve him and the team well. Hinske can play there if they don’t want to bring Freeman up(which I understand). We probably wouldn’t be where we are now without Glaus’ torrid 1.5 months. Give the dude some credit(those that are bashing him).
Chipper needs to move out of the 3 hole, down to 6th or so. I am a huge Chipper defender, but this is getting rediculous for even me. It may be good if he hit the DL too, with a pinky cut or a chafed taint or whatever little injury he can come up with this week.
I hope at least Wren gets us another piece in the Pen. Or can pull off a solid OF trade, something that no one is talking about….
Infante needs to see more playing time.
JCH
July 29th, 2010
5:14 pm
Gonzalez at shorstop has been a major Plus for Braves Defense & Offense, Glaus will improve, but Wren waiting on Waiver-Wire ????? Gimme a Break, how many above avg players are going to be availalble via Waiver-wire???? That’s a move for a Team 10 games out in front, with No immediate Needs….. This does not apply to the Braves !!! Wake Up Frank !!! You’re wearing out those power Naps.
T_Plunk
July 29th, 2010
5:16 pm
Glaus may be the ‘colossus of May’ but i swear after seeing Freeman i know who the ‘colossus of 2011′ will be.
JCH
July 29th, 2010
5:21 pm
7 runs inonly games against a lst place team ??? Wow.. maybe against the Philles we might manage 3 runs in 7 games ???? And how many earned runs are Avg per Game… That has to factor in as well. my point is where is the real issue….. not to give up more than 3 runs per game is what most teams expect/
Robert
July 29th, 2010
5:30 pm
Darnell, you poor man. A “linchpin” has nothing to do with lynching therefore there is no need to get offended by anything more than your ignorance of the English language. Since you obviously can’t read and therefore cannot look up the definition I will provide it to you.
Linchpin>A person or thing regarded as essential or coordinating element.
I know that there are several big words in that definition so I’ll break it down further. Glaus was important to the team’s success (w i n n i n g).
atlbaseball11
July 29th, 2010
5:34 pm
i got two things to say about the braves….
One, the braves are not going to go much farther with the corner of infield of chipper and glaus. sorry chipper fans but he cannot continue to hit third if the braves expect to go anywhere after the regular season. and glaus is too streaky and he seems to be the main bat in the lineup which is not a good sign.
Two, for all you fans who are saying be patient and all that other crap, we have the 2 time national league champions getting really hot. and the braves just lost 2 straight series against the bottom two teams in the NL east. it is time to worry as far as im concerned. frank needs to go out and try to get a decent center fielder(and by decent i dont mean cody ross). i would love to see him work on getting a chris young or matt kemp but im not holding my breath.
The Doktor
July 29th, 2010
5:35 pm
Beaten 4 out of 6 by two teams, in their division no less, that they should just flat out put away! Good baseball teams beat the teams they’re SUPPOSED to beat. You cannot say that about the Braves at this point in time, or is it that they’re not supposed to beat the Fish/Nats? Sad, either way ya slice it…
However, I would NOT trade any of their kids for a rental (or for anyone else that’s out there and available), there’s no sense in mortgaging the next 5-10 years so this current group can TRY to win something at the party they’re not even guaranteed to attend. Most of these guys are gonna be around next year anyway – they’re too close to re-establishing themselves as the dominant team in the East with their kids…
All aboard the Hey-Train
July 29th, 2010
5:36 pm
JCH how can you sit there and tell me that we can sit back and wait on Glaus to improve? He might, he just might, but we in no fathamable way can we take such a HUGE, GIGANTIC, MONUMENTAL, chance on that! Glaus can’t make plays on D either. We can go get an Adam Dunn or get an OF and move Hinske or Prado who we know, for a fact, can hit when we need it, or we can place our bets and hopes on a player who has 5 RBI in July and risk EVERYTHING in 2010. What are you thinking now? I do agree that Wren said all the wrong things with the Waiver-Wire, but I’m going to give him the benefit of the doubt and say that he’s changed his mind on that.
bobby's little helper
July 29th, 2010
5:38 pm
Diaz in left, Blanco in center,Hinske on first, Infante resting Chipper,Alex,and Martin
but playing every day somewhere. and keep up with who’s hot and bat them in
the order where they can drive in runs. It seems every time we get people on base
up comes the guy who’s hitting 180. Now pay me for my good work…..
Braves Fan
July 29th, 2010
5:45 pm
At times lately when Lowe, Hanson and Jurrgens have been pitching. I am wondering if I am not watching batting practice, instead of a game. They too often underperform against whoever their pitching opponent is for that day. Too often don’t match the other pitchers effort. Blaming defense and run produstion cannot be a continual excuse this fan wants to hear. Hudson is not in the same class with the Phillies Hammels or Holiday, but has overachieved this year thank goodness and has had fewer batting practice games. Hudson has been about the only consistent starter, which is scary considering the Phillies big two starters are now getting help from their other starters. Based on performance and compensation Venters is the Braves best pitcher. Too bad he’s not a starter, but he’s the most trustworthy picher out of the pen.
Double plays, sloppy defense, etc. are game killers on every team but good starting pitching seems to have the law of averages on its side from season’s start to finish. The Phillies have recently, before the seven game win streak, gone through a time when nothing seemed to go right for them. To their credit they seem to have righted the ship and conceivably may be in first soon. That will depend only if the Braves can overchieve with less talent in the regular season, and then worry about their history of 1 out of 5 series wins. The facts are the Phillies are a talented team, and are defending world series champs. The Braves organization needs to decide this year whether they will be champs or chumps. Even winning the National Leaque title, or Division title would make them champs of something.
funWhileItLasted
July 29th, 2010
5:51 pm
The lead over the Phillies has disappeared in about 1 week. Nothing from the middle of the lineup….Game over.
Dumbass Darnell
July 29th, 2010
6:01 pm
What makes you think we would want someone like lebron, the dude bailed on his hometown, you think he is going to have loyalty to another. The only reason racism is still alive is because people like you keep it alive.
Peter
July 29th, 2010
6:31 pm
Mark gives Chipper Jones a pass….. he is the problem in general….. Good luck to this team as they face the division the rest of the way.
No way they have what it takes to win in the playoffs.
Peter
July 29th, 2010
6:46 pm
Hey Mark here you go………
Chipper Jones 251 avg 7 Hr 41 Rbi 387 slg $14 million a year
Troy Glaus 250 avg 14 Hr 61 Rbi 421 slg $1.75 million a year
Are you and Chipper big pals ?
Time to call out the right guy !
Please give me a break here…. Troy is now our leader and they guy that is suppose to carry us ?
HA HA HA HA HA HA…….. Chipper has been great in the past…..but it is NOW !
Chip Shot
July 29th, 2010
6:48 pm
i have a bunch of friends that go to the G-Braves games all the time and they ALL say that Freeman is 100% ready for the bigs and will make a huge impact much like Heyward did.
Bobby's Cox
July 29th, 2010
6:54 pm
Can’t fix old (Chipper and Troy’s wheels) and stupid (poor ole’ Bobby Cox)..Oh how Bobby yearns for the days of his hard hits-hush woman and heavy drinkin’ in the 90’s. At least they were winning big time back then..Obviously, winning in the 90’s had nothing to do with Smoltz, Glavine, Avery and Maddux. It had to be Bobby Cox and his magic bottles..I blame this recent string of series losses on the bullpen coach. Time to replace Eddie Perez..
All aboard the Hey-Train
July 29th, 2010
7:32 pm
Bobby’s Cox, you want to fire Perez? The guy who caught Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Avery, etc.? I’m pretty sure Perez picked up a few things on what good pitchers do. Wagner lost the game Friday to the Marlins. Do you think he had/needs any pitching tips at this point in his career. Chavez blew a game. Perez has had 4 months to teach him. That is absolutely no time whatsoever. Hanson gave up all 3 runse(1 earned by the way). Bullpen: nill. Lowe gave up 4 today. We scored 3. Stop trying to pretend to know what you’re talking about because you obviously don’t. Eddie had absolutely nothing to do w/ any of the losses from the previous 2 series. Just don’t talk and we won’t have to openly mock you.
POAD
July 29th, 2010
7:39 pm
damn Braves we need to win the close games.
Delbert D.
July 29th, 2010
7:42 pm
“Clothespin” would have sounded effeminate.
robdawg08
July 29th, 2010
7:52 pm
Phillies get Oswalt, they needed starting pitching. Braves get nobody, they needed a power OF bat. Can you tell which organization is dedicated to winning ?
Buck
July 29th, 2010
7:54 pm
Darnell, Buy a dictionary. Linch is not lynch. Unbelievable…….
joe
July 29th, 2010
8:04 pm
Its funny how I can tell someones race and sex just by the way they are speaking(typing)… “please don’t say linchpin because I think I am owed something because of my race.” Linchpin isn’t a racist word at all, the world doesn’t owe you anything. Get an education. Get a job. Get the respect you deserve. Its up to you. And, Its up to Glaus to earn his paycheck if he expects to play. Same went for McLousy, and the same needs to go for Derek Choke, I mean, Lowe.
meetmeingradeschoolmark
July 29th, 2010
8:54 pm
mark – st. anthony’s has an opening on the elementary school paper – there’s still time to enroll. bring your bad news, your mea culpa and your voo-doo doll, though. there *is* competition, after all.
gcs
July 29th, 2010
9:52 pm
If the Braves can only win 1 of 3 versus lowly Washington, they will lose the next three in Cincinnati.
.
Reid Adair
July 29th, 2010
10:07 pm
May is starting to show as the exception rather than the proverbial rule with Troy Glaus. You have to look at the entire year, not one month. I fear those of us who said this was another one of Frank Wren’s mistakes will be proven right.
Greg Mendel
July 29th, 2010
10:29 pm
At this rate, the 2010 season will finish exactly like the 2009 season. A little behind, with a collapse at the end.
In my opinion, the problem isn’t management. It’s money.
All aboard the Hey-Train
July 29th, 2010
10:49 pm
If you’re just on here to say the Braves are done and Bobby sucks and Phillies are unstoppable now, shut up. Just shut up. Take your pecimism elsewhere. I’m tired of it. They have hit a snag and the Phillies are clicking. You think this is the way it’ll be for the rest of the year? Don’t be stupid. We had a 9-game losing streak and now look at what happened. We’re still in first. We have Medlen, JJ, and Hanson next. Wren is talking and is going to get a deal done. He’s talked about bringing up Freeman. Glaus will be out of the lineup. If we only manage one next series we’ll still be in first and will be playing 14 home and 3 road for the next 17. We struggle on the road and are all but dominant at home. We are in far less trouble than people make us out to be. Last year we needed so much help just to get a wild card and it was “Believe! Believe! Believe!”. Now we’re in first and basically control our own destiny and your ready to write the season off? That amazes me. I can’t wrap my mind around it. Just go away please.
All aboard the Hey-Train
July 29th, 2010
10:52 pm
Oh by the way, those three road games during the 17 game stretch I mentioned, they’re against Houston.
rJohnson
July 29th, 2010
11:22 pm
General rule: When one hitter struggles then the blame points to that player and it’s on him to figure out what’s wrong. When almost the whole team is having trouble hitting then you’ve got a coaching/scouting (TP) problem. Couple this with the fact that the Braves always struggle with rookie pitchers or pitchers that just got called up that day, it tells me that we need to follow the Phillies lead and make some changes.
Peter
July 29th, 2010
11:22 pm
Folks…..Please understand the Money concept….. Corporations are showing Great Earning currently……why ? They are firing folks at a serious rate…… Great for the bottom line.
The Braves are CORPORATE owned…. this si not about winning….this is about the bottom line……
Thus Mark writes about a guy making 1.75 Million a year.as if he is going to carry the load, and so when he implodes so does the Braves ?
Come on folks……. the Brave want to win……… But really the bottom line is more important.
Peter
July 29th, 2010
11:29 pm
Hey there……..All aboard the Hey-Train…………you are correct we hold destiny in our own hands…..
When is Chipper going to show up and lead ?
Christopher Chance
July 30th, 2010
12:20 am
Is it realistic to believe that our lead wont shrink even further after this weekend?
Reggie
July 30th, 2010
12:27 am
Folks, this team will continue to frustrate braves fans until new ownership comes along.It appears Liberty Media is just like Time Warner when it comes to spending money to get quality players.Wren can only get bargain basement players because that how Liberty has budgeted the braves.Who in there right mind would trade your ace pitcher for a bench player.I hope but doubt they will get a quality hitter down the strecth.Remeber how we got but giving up Wainwright,Andros and Feliz to rent a player with no intention of being able to sign him.I am referring to JD Drew and Mark Texeria.
James
July 30th, 2010
1:10 am
The Braves don’t have the money that these other teams have so they can’t go out and get big name people like the Phiilies, Mets, Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs etc. The Braves would have won more championships when they had Maddux, Glavine and Smolz anchoring the pitching staff when they were pitching for the Braves by helping them out by getting some good hitters.
Christopher Chance
July 30th, 2010
4:23 am
I’d rather see the Braves just try and make a go of it with their current roster (and keep our top prospects who will be cheap on the payrolls for years to come)……then mortgage the future on the slim chance that we can win the World Series with expensive players who probably wont make a difference.
Frank Wren should just work the youngsters in the next two years…..and wait until after 2012 to go after any high priced free agents or through a trade. That’s when Chipper’s and Lowe’s contracts come off the books. With the raises due Jurrjens and Prado in arbitration………the Braves have to be careful with payroll, considering they have $41.17 mil tied up in Chipper, Lowe, Kawakami and McLouth in 2011 alone. That’s almost half of this year’s payroll for 4 players who arent productive players. I dont see how the Braves can afford to add to the payroll by acquiring a player via trade this year.
scottc
July 30th, 2010
6:47 am
Darnell, that riff on linch/lynch was the funniest thing-snorted my cornflakes out my nose, thanks.
Glaus has a bad knee and is not talking about it. If Bobby could shut him down for 2 weeks on the DL it would help a lot, i think, but that won’t happen. Sigh. Wait and see.
Don
July 30th, 2010
8:07 am
The only team to lose in the NL east yesterday.
Cincy will sweep this lousy team, philly, a good team, will at least win 2/3 against wash and the lead will be a half game into next week. Some idiot said there was 8 reasons why they wouldn’t lose their lead. What a moron.
reason
July 30th, 2010
8:08 am
One who watches the Braves can tell when the players want to play and when then don’t.
It’s the same old story with this organization, they try to improve the team when it’s to late.
Glaus, is not a realiable run producer, strikes out way to many time, so does Heyward, but Heyward produces, he in must of the big inning and delivers. No matter what the Brave are on their way down, if they keep gloofing around.
Howard Ray
July 30th, 2010
8:25 am
Braves will not spend the money for DUNN. He wants a three year deal so forget it we are to cheap!
ben
July 30th, 2010
8:33 am
The Braves were doing great before the All-Star break…they trade Escobar…and now the team struggles. Coincidence? Not likely. You move one player out, put somebody else in…somehow, it doesn’t work as well anymore.
Howard Ray
July 30th, 2010
8:34 am
The thrill is gone!
Tommy Caesar
July 30th, 2010
8:51 am
we dont really want lebron the so called “king” to play here!
ben
July 30th, 2010
9:22 am
However, I can sense the Braves season slipping away. I just never felt as strongly about a trade as this one (Escobar-Gonzalez). If Chipper Jones hits 40 HR and has 120 RBI, then if he wants Escobar out, then fine. But Chipper is a shell of his former self. In fact, for the money he gets ($14 million in 2010; .251 BA, 7 HR, 41 RBI), we could have got 2-3 good players. And the Braves didn’t want to pay Adam LaRoche $6 million/year. Are you freakin kidding me?
And Bobby Cox will be gone after this year (so no reason to jeopardize our future for his sake).
I also wonder about the anonymous quotes about Escobar: “Bobby hates Escobar” and “Escobar doesn’t have a lot of friends in the clubhouse.”
It makes me think these quotes come from only 1 player (probably Chipper Jones). I’m happy for Escobar; from Sportscenter highlights, I see it is all smiles and he is on an offensive tear in Toronto.
And it’s not because I don’t like Gonzalez (he’s had a fine career; seems to be a good teammate), it’s just I’ve see what Escobar can do. Trading him away reeked of panic from the Braves management.
Bottom line: Escobar is a Chevy Corvette (not 100% reliable, but still a high performance vehicle); and Gonzalez is a Cadillac Cimaaron (looks like a Cadillac, but just really a Chevy Cavalier with leather seats).
droopydawg
July 30th, 2010
9:42 am
TedM: You make a fair point, I was not directing that at you. I think the Braves making a move before the deadline would probably be beneficial. I was making a point about the commenters who seem to think the Braves should just pack it up and go home after one bad week combined with a good week for the Phils
Larry
July 30th, 2010
11:22 am
you suck Bradley
Stanley Crowe
July 30th, 2010
11:34 am
I’m still not ready to panic, but my wife’s getting nervous. If you look at the stats for NL-East teams, you see how tight it is for ALL of them — Marlins and Nats included. I don’t think Philly can count on sweeping the Nats, and the Braves play pretty well against the Central. If we can handle the Reds like the Mets handled the Cards, I think we’ll be fine — then we’ll get the Mets at home. As for Troy, I hope he can pick it up again. Let’s face it — we wouldn’t be where we are without him. I’m happy with his play at first. As I’ve said before, let’s get Gregor Blanco up again. Lowe seems to be struggling — getting out good hitters and giving stuff up to people he should be handling with ease. Yes, I know it was brutally hot yesterday, but Derek seems to have lapses of concentration that you don’t see with Tim Hudson or JJ. I’m intrigued by trhe Medlen-Cueto matchup tonight — I really like Medlen. He’s a little bulldog, and I don’t think he’ll let us down. Over to you, offense!
Tomahawk
July 30th, 2010
2:05 pm
I’m going to go ahead and call it: Braves are working on a deal for Torii Hunter. He was held out of the game two days ago without reason (and they had an off day yesterday). He’d be an absolute perfect fit, has said in the past that he’d love to play in ATL, and I’m sure the Angels would be interested in the Braves pitching prospects. It makes waaay too much sense for it not to happen.
Tomahawk
July 30th, 2010
2:07 pm
If the Braves pull off a Hunter deal, and add one more bullpen piece, I can honestly say the Phrillies would seriously have reason to worry, even with Oswalt.
krefro dolla
July 30th, 2010
3:03 pm
“THIS ARTICLE MAKES ME SICK TO MY STOMACH TO HAVE TO READ ABOUT LINCHING AND LINCHPINS IN THE SPORTS PAGES OF AJC. SOMEBODY NEEDS TO CALL AND FILE A LAW SUIT ABOUT THIS. THIS WHOLE ENTIRE TOWN IS NOTHING BUT HATERS AND IT IS NO WONDER NO GOOD ATHLETES LIKE LEBRON THE KING WANT TO PLAY HERE. YOU ALL KNOW THAT IS RIGHT TO.”
hahahahahahaha. wow.
Christopher Chance
July 30th, 2010
5:20 pm
Tomahawk……….as much as I would love to see Tori Hunter in a Braves uniform (he not only fulfills the need in center, but he’s a right handed power bat as well)…………..I just dont see the Angels trading him. Trading Hunter would create a huge gap in their offense.
Tomahawk
July 30th, 2010
5:58 pm
“Trading Hunter would create a huge gap in their offense.”
Agreed… but in a year in which they likely wont make the playoffs, two years of Hunter could definitely bring in some young power arms that the team could build around to compete with TX’s young core… It’s just a thought.
Christopher Chance
July 30th, 2010
6:54 pm
Tomahawk……………Dont get me wrong. I would love to see the Braves make a serious play at Hunter. He would be someone that would be worth the Braves giving up a top prospect or 2 for.
However the big problem is Hunter’s salary. I just dont see the Braves adding his salary to the payroll.
Christopher Chance
July 30th, 2010
7:02 pm
Tomahawk………how are you hanging on the “other blog”? Are they still defending Bobby Cox, staying loyal to Chipper Jones, or better yet……..coming up with the blog favored “Kelly Johnson, JoJo Reyes and Jeff Francoeur for Adam Dunn” type proposals?
Tomahawk
July 30th, 2010
7:13 pm
Which blog or you referring to?
Tomahawk
July 30th, 2010
7:13 pm
are*
sorry, i’m multi-tasking
Christopher Chance
July 30th, 2010
7:20 pm
Tomahawk…………the “Dumb Old Bums” blog (a.k.a. D.O.B blog). I surfed through a few pages of the garbage that’s being posted over there. It never ceases to amaze me the number of “lets trade our garbage for another team’s gold”, type proposals that many over there really believe is going to happen. No one ever challenges that stuff over there.
Christopher Chance
July 30th, 2010
7:25 pm
Tomahawk……..I remember over the winter how I was one of the few who kept saying that there was NO WAY that the Braves were going to be able to trade Derek Lowe WITHOUT having to eat a SIGNIFICANT part of his contract. DOB actually said that the Yankees would have no problem with absorbing Lowe’s contract. Dude has no clue.
My favorite was when the blog blew up with the Braves trading Lowe (and his contract) to the Angels for Juan Rivera, lol.
Or that the Braves were going to offer Kelly Johnson arbitration, lol.
People have the right to post what they want. However, if you’re man enough to post your opinions, then be man enough to defend them…….instead of getting all hurt when someone has the nerve to question the sanity of your post.
Tomahawk
July 30th, 2010
7:55 pm
Gotcha. Yea, I know what you mean. There’s a lot of people on several blogs that just want to rant and don’t want to simply have speculative conversation. Kind of defeats the purpose, doesn’t it? I’m just glad I don’t have to read much of the Lowe-related lunacy anymore. Ideally it’d be nice to see them eat most (and I mean MOST) of that salary, clear room for Minor, and save a few million to put towards something else, but at this point it’s not even worth discussing.
I find it very hard to believe the Braves haven’t at least inquired on Hunter… although I do realize it’s not as likely as I’d prefer that they would get something done. Still, I’m going to check on the Angels game when it comes on to see if he’s held out of the lineup again. The Braves always conduct business very quietly, and they have a lot of trade chips in the minors…
Christopher Chance
July 30th, 2010
8:16 pm
Tomahawk……….I have a feeling that we’re going to get swept this weekend. The offense just doesnt have what it takes to put a big inning together. Whereas the Reds just finished with some 2 out damage.
Tomahawk
July 30th, 2010
8:37 pm
I will be one very unhappy Braves fan if that happens. Regardless, your point remains: they definitely need more offense. I’d be worried about how this current lineup would stack up in a best-of-three series in October.
Tomahawk
July 30th, 2010
9:01 pm
best-of-five*
Christopher Chance
July 30th, 2010
9:29 pm
It’s nice to be wrong about my eerie feeling about being in 2nd place come Monday. The Phillies are laying an egg in Washington tonight.
We need to win this game tonight. 8 outs to go.
Christopher Chance
July 30th, 2010
9:30 pm
At least the offense battled back in the 6th.
Christopher Chance
July 30th, 2010
9:31 pm
It’s nice to be wrong about my feeling about being in second place come Monday. The Phillies are laying an egg in Washington tonight.
We need to win this game tonight. Eight outs to go.
Christopher Chance
July 30th, 2010
9:31 pm
Regardless of what happens with the Braves tonight, come Monday morning, we’ll still be in first place.
Tomahawk
July 30th, 2010
9:51 pm
ESPN reports that the Braves are making one last hard push to get Ross… smells like they’re going to overpay for a guy that’s been only marginally better than Melky.
Chief Hittabatta
July 30th, 2010
10:00 pm
Welcome back, Venters!!!
*sigh*
Heavy Bat
July 30th, 2010
10:33 pm
It is time for Chipper to swallow pride and go to a lighter bat so he can be quicker thru the swing.
Tomahawk
July 30th, 2010
10:41 pm
Oh, god. Prado hurt his hand.
Christopher Chance
July 31st, 2010
12:17 am
It feels good to be wrong. Oswalt gets rocked, our offense comes through in the clutch. Let’s see how the next 2 games go.
Chief Pitchanono
July 31st, 2010
11:26 am
Glaus will catch fire again hopefully just in time for the stretch run, but his streakyness and the possiblility of an injury too our more reliable guys on offense is the reason the Braves need to add another bat today. Hopefully Wren is able to do that, but if not it will be a dog fight to the finish with Philly and the Braves will have to have Lady luck on their side as far as injuries go for the rest of the season to hold off Pilly.
Christopher Chance
July 31st, 2010
4:21 pm
Not surprised that the Braves didnt make any deal by the deadline (other than the Gonzalez-Escobar trade after the All Star Break). The Braves dont have the payroll flexibility to add significantly to the payroll. And there’s NO WAY that the other teams were going to take our garbage contracts (Lowe, Kawakami, McLouth………I’m not going to mention Chipper because the Braves would never consider trading him, lol).
WOW. As I type this out, lol, I just found out that the Braves just traded for Rick Ankiel and Kyle Farnsworth from the Royals. Not sure on who we gave up.
Christopher Chance
July 31st, 2010
4:25 pm
Mark Bradley………..what’s your take on the Rick Ankiel/Kyle Farnsworth trade?
Christopher Chance
July 31st, 2010
4:49 pm
I’m reading the other blog (aka “Dumb Old Blog”……aka DOB) and cant help but laugh at how ignorant some of the posters are.
Ankiel not only can play center field and has some speed……….but he has a GREAT THROWING ARM………which will help prevent runners from taking that extra base that our previous noodle arm center fielders were powerless to prevent.
Christopher Chance
July 31st, 2010
10:21 pm
Ryan Zimmerman just teed off on Brad Lidge to hit a BOMB of a walk off homer to dead centerfield.
Braves still 3 1/2 up on Philly.
Merrill Guice
August 1st, 2010
10:21 am
I like Troy Glaus. It makes my knees hurt to watch him run bases. Give the man a break, Bobby, don’t keep pulling on that pin until it breaks (like you do to every starting pitcher).
vermont 39
August 1st, 2010
11:22 am
Troy and Chipper have fading in the sunset written all over them…both need to rest…they aren’t the STUDS they were…BUT can revive with rest as seen in spurts. Glaus is coming off a total repair job…he actually may be the better of the 2 in the long run. Chipper has been dismal power wise…just dreadful as a 3 hole POPPER!!!
We have the personnel to rest these guys…BC needs to sit down and make that clear to both of them. Because since they are gamers, they won’t cry uncle. We have made some tweaks to our bench…Let’s use it…also..start using the bullpen more…our starters tend to gas out at 6.2..we have RELIEF this year!!!
Christopher Chance
August 1st, 2010
3:30 pm
Bobby Cox just used Chipper Jones as a pinch hitter against a left hander……….yet uses Troy Glaus to play 1st? Why not just use Glaus as a pinch hitter instead of Chipper? Chipper would still be available to pinch hit.
I dont understand the 2 for 1 decision that Bobby made in the top of the 7th. Maybe someone can help me on this.
robert james
August 2nd, 2010
10:30 am
bobby cox is the problem he let his pitchers stay on the mound to long he should have pulled jair jurrens in the 7th inning and brought in peter moylan.
Tim
August 3rd, 2010
10:25 pm
Troy Glause giveth(May, June) and Troy Glause taketh away(July plus)
Tim
August 3rd, 2010
10:32 pm
Troy Glaus and Billy Wagner, Kyle Farnsworth, Alex Gonzales. Have any trades worked