Live from the ballyard: The Braves try to even a big series
The ceremony honoring stars of the Negro Leagues was most moving. (Photo by M. Bradley)
I’m here at the ballyard. About to watch Jair Jurrjens, who hasn’t lost this year, oppose Joe Blanton, who could lose at any moment.
The Braves missed a chance last night. They came from 3-0 down to take a lead against Cole Hamels, only to spit it back. Sunday’s game offers Roy Halladay against Tim Hudson, so that won’t be easy. Today’s the game you figure the Braves should win. But sometimes figuring doesn’t pay.
As I type, the Braves and MLB are honoring former stars of the Negro Leagues. Of the eight, four are in wheelchairs. This is the weekend of the Civil Rights Game, and the Braves will wear replica uniforms of the Atlanta Black Crackers in today’s game; the Phillies will wear replicas of the Philadelphia Stars. And Ludacris and Jermaine Dupri will perform afterward.
And with that — I’m not feeling loquacious just yet — I open the floor for questions, comments and moaning about Dan Uggla. (He’s still hitting under .200.) I can’t predict a Braves victory, but I can predict that I’ll be grateful if you ride along. Thanks in advance.
By Mark Bradley
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109 comments Add your comment
tmc
May 14th, 2011
3:03 pm
WOW!
Throw some leather boys! nice play N8
Lowcountry Bulldawg
May 14th, 2011
3:04 pm
Just how you wanted Howard up, two outs and no one on base!
Lowcountry Bulldawg
May 14th, 2011
3:14 pm
Just did a little research. CJ’s OBP is its lowest since 2008, but his slugging % is its highest since ‘08. Looks like, outside of taking that walk, CJ is making a concerted effort in putting the ball in play with authority.
Perlo
May 14th, 2011
3:14 pm
The Braves announcers should come to work in cheerleader outfits.
How about some honest play-by-play?
They are increasingly intolerable.
GT Alum
May 14th, 2011
3:15 pm
“Scoring opportunities keep finding them”
They’re your 5-6 hitters. If these guys aren’t coming up with RISP, the heart of your lineup isn’t doing its job.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
May 14th, 2011
3:16 pm
Ross has been clutch could be a mistake here.
tmc
May 14th, 2011
3:17 pm
ground hog day….. ugh.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
May 14th, 2011
3:19 pm
…a gift…
Sonny Clusters
May 14th, 2011
3:20 pm
Unselfish baseball will get you some runs.
Mark Bradley
May 14th, 2011
3:21 pm
I wouldn’t have minded a perfect game. I haven’t covered one.
bronkelliott
May 14th, 2011
3:22 pm
Somebody needs to get in Freeman and Uggla’s face on this team. This can not be tolerated. How many more bases loaded and nobody out situation’s can you have and these guys come up and can’t deliver? All the team know that you pitch around Chipper and it’s easy sailing from there. Come on Freddie put some fear in the other teams eyes when your at bat with men on!
Sonny Clusters
May 14th, 2011
3:24 pm
We heard the announcers talking about Dan Kolb and was remembering how exciting he made the games.
tmc
May 14th, 2011
3:27 pm
Stay focused people… we need a “W” in this game.
We can worry about a perfect game another day.
TOMY FOURNIER
May 14th, 2011
3:28 pm
MR. BRADLEY…ARE YOU WAITING FOR A PERFECT GAME…DO YOU???
lanier
May 14th, 2011
3:29 pm
Mark whats Bobby Cox up to. I expected to see him at a few games.
MaSSaHH
May 14th, 2011
3:29 pm
alright! JV comes in and put out the Phillo fire
Sonny Clusters
May 14th, 2011
3:29 pm
We agree with bronkelliott that players need to play smart. The announcers criticize Freddie Freeman and overlook Uggla’s Francoeur-like approach to the at bat. Of course, he’s a notorious slow starter according to the Braves announcers. Dummy. Marcel could hit .199.
G
May 14th, 2011
3:30 pm
The twine is starting to unravel…
Hummon
May 14th, 2011
3:30 pm
These between innings commercials on WPCH are unutterably stupid, the Arby’s and AT & T ads in particular.
G
May 14th, 2011
3:31 pm
Need to get this out here. This team not great with one run leads.
Mark Bradley
May 14th, 2011
3:32 pm
This is kind of falling apart.
Mark Bradley
May 14th, 2011
3:32 pm
Bobby Cox is here as we speak
Mark Bradley
May 14th, 2011
3:33 pm
35,238. Today’s gate.
TOMY FOURNIER
May 14th, 2011
3:33 pm
People…I am in Philadelphia and I viewing the game thru Comcast Sport and for the announcers, Atlantas team is a “”joke” in everything of the games…what about that!!!!
Robert Barron
May 14th, 2011
3:36 pm
They did not ask me but I would like to object to bringing up Teheran up to pitch in his first MLB game last weekend against the Phillies.
When you get a streak going, no one want to be the one to end it.
That places positive peer pressure on the pitchers we have.
I give a spot start to the long reliever or Kimbrel before I rush the AAA star.
I would also rather break him into the majors against a crummier lineup.
We are back to .500 ball.
Nothing relaxes a team like a winning streak.
lanier
May 14th, 2011
3:37 pm
good stay in Phil
MaSSaHH
May 14th, 2011
3:37 pm
comcast announcers are a joke
tmc
May 14th, 2011
3:37 pm
Tomy- does that surprise you? They’re from Philth a delphia.
MitchC
May 14th, 2011
3:37 pm
Glad the Braves got out of that eighth inning. Hopefully if Fredi needs Kimbrel today, Kimbrel can do well. He’s been struggling lately.
Oh btw, welcome back to baseball, Mark. Although its too bad we aren’t waiting for Game 7 in Chicago for the Hawks. Eh, wait til next year.
TOMY FOURNIER
May 14th, 2011
3:37 pm
WHY MARTHER…WHY…PLEASE!!!…YES I KNOW…ANOTHER “MORON” COX!!!!
Joey
May 14th, 2011
3:39 pm
Tomy, to that I say this: Why are you in Philadelphia? Did you lose a bet? Hope you got a tetanus shot.
Robert Barron
May 14th, 2011
3:40 pm
It is easier to say “wait until next year” if u r not a season ticket holder after another failed season.
I’m not.
Just saying.
The Hawks accidentally find their point guard.
If you have been watching them for decades that does not surprise you at all.
Mark Bradley
May 14th, 2011
3:40 pm
I like Philadelphia, by the way. Nice city.
Like Chicago, too. And New York. And Boston. Even Los Angeles. I’m easy to please.
Chop Chop
May 14th, 2011
3:42 pm
Too early for a big series. We’re barely at the quarter pole.
Joey
May 14th, 2011
3:42 pm
Nice city? Are you thinking of Philadelphia, Miss.?
Draftteach
May 14th, 2011
3:44 pm
Time to move Uggla down in the order or play someone else. He is not helping the team. Wonder if Florida will take him back?
Robert Barron
May 14th, 2011
3:46 pm
What is the star rating of the hotels the AJC provides for u?
That can affect the perception of the town.
Mark Bradley
May 14th, 2011
3:46 pm
Kimbrel in to pitch the ninth frame.
TOMY FOURNIER
May 14th, 2011
3:48 pm
JOEY…YES , I KNOW YOU’RE A PHILLYS FAN..BUT I HATE THIS CITY AND PHILYS TEAM..AND LET ME TELL YOU THAT I AM BRAVES FAN FRON BOSTON BRAVES AND MILWAUKEE BRAVES AND NOW ATLANTA BRAVES…ALWAYS A “BRAVES” FAN AND IF THEY MOVE TO OTHER CITY…YOU KNOW…I MOVE WITH THE BRAVES…FOR EVER!!!!
NICE CITY…NICE OF WHAT???..A BROKEN BELL…SH@@##$!!!
tmc
May 14th, 2011
3:49 pm
DO NOT GIVE HIM ANYTHING TO HIT HERE!
make the next guy beat you….PERIOD.
TOMY FOURNIER
May 14th, 2011
3:49 pm
GOOD FOR GONZALEZ…LOKE ALWAYS….BALL GAME,,,
Joey
May 14th, 2011
3:51 pm
How did you get that I’m a Phillies fan out of what I said? I hate Philly. Every aspect of it.
Robert Barron
May 14th, 2011
3:51 pm
Small group today.
I miss the 1 PM Game of the Week on Saturday that Fox took away when they moved the game to after 4 PM.
Few expects the game to start this early anymore.
Robert Barron
May 14th, 2011
3:51 pm
@Tomy.
Representing the AJC, Mark doesn’t have the liberty to go around throwing insults that the rest of us with fake names have.
I’m using my real name today so I might even be on my best behavior too.
Hummon
May 14th, 2011
3:51 pm
That’ll do.
Mark Bradley
May 14th, 2011
3:51 pm
Braves win
TOMY FOURNIER
May 14th, 2011
3:51 pm
GOOD FOR YOU….JOEY
tmc
May 14th, 2011
3:52 pm
Nice! That away Kimbrel.
MaSSaHH
May 14th, 2011
3:53 pm
wohoooo Kimbrel back to being K-Machine
TOMY FOURNIER
May 14th, 2011
3:53 pm
YES,,,THANK FOR TWO HOME RUN…LUCKY DAY!!!