atlanta, i guess alt-lanta is the home of the bizarro braves
i would kill for spell check
kc
on June 23, 2007 at 11:45 pm
It’s all Andruw’s fault…as always…but this time, even a loyal Andruw fan like me says it’s all his fault.
urlhix
on June 24, 2007 at 1:51 am
urlhix
on June 24, 2007 at 1:53 am
That was…
/grrrrrrrrr
urlhix
on June 24, 2007 at 1:57 am
I see your spell check, beedee, and raise you a preview. Not that it helps…
JoeyT
on June 24, 2007 at 4:07 am
beedee, Firefox 2 spell checks your comments for you. For example, it puts a little red line under “beedee” both times it appears in this post. That was probably the coolest new feature when upgrading to Firefox 2.
Stephen
on June 24, 2007 at 4:15 am
Going back to an earlier thread, I remember the late 70s Braves well–Jeff Burroughs patroled LF, Pepe Frias played SS, Fod Gilbreath was going to develop, Barry Bonnell (‘the next Joe DiMaggio’)was our future and, at one point, Preston Hanna was going to be great starter….
Look, the Braves of 2007 are not nearly as bad–but they are most frustrating to watch. When you watched the Braves in the late 70s you knew that they were bad and would lose–but the 2007 Braves ought to be a pretty good team–a good starting lineup, an uneven rotation, but pretty strong bullpen–yet, they not only lose, but often appear to be dead long the game is over.
Why? Probably many reasons, but I have to concede (like KC I have been somethng of an Andruw fan and I still like him, but what he has failed to do in 2007 is very obvious) that difference between the usual productive Andruw and the 2007 sleep mode Andruw is profound–probably enough of difference to keep the Braves out of first…
Given how badly the Braves have played and their position in the NL East, there are still grounds for optimism.
After Washington the Braves have a long road trip; a poor showing before the All Star Game might end any hope for being a competitive team in 2007….
Maybe yesterday’s ejection of McCann will convince Cox and JS that having Pena on the bench would be more useful than having Orr. Unless, of couse, third string catching is Orr’s heretofore hidden talent …
'Rissa
on June 24, 2007 at 7:06 am
I agree with Frank. Pena should be up, and Salty should get more time at first. DOB added this to his blog before updating the story that timo posted a link to:
Smoltz called me about 10 minutes after I walked in my door, at 10:30 tonight. i added some comments from him to the story, a new version of which should be getting posted at any moment.
He’s adament and insists he didn’t aim his comments at Chipper Friday. (I’m just telling you what the man told me). He says this is a controversy now only because of what Chipper said today, not what John said Friday.
Here’s hoping they act like the veterans they are and talk this out tomorrow. They’re been friends too long, and way too important to the team, to let something this stupid cause a huge rift.
Come out tomorrow, the two of them together, and say “Hey, there’s a lot of frustration from losing and injuries, and we both said some things we regret or that were misintepreted, but we’re moving forward for the good of the team.”
Is that too hard? Does the Man in Black blog need to mediate this thing? Wow, what a mess. Makes me feel mature, by comparison.
Kevin Lee
on June 24, 2007 at 7:34 am
Is it posssible to construct a realistic lineup that puts Escobar, Salty, and Diaz in this game?
Folks, this is the team. The cavalry isn’t coming. I can’t see anybody available that would be worth losing Salty at this point. Do you have any faith that TP or Roger could provide coaching that might turn a “project” around to impact us this year?
I agree wholeheartedly that Pena should be up, freeing Salty to get much more AB’s.
The die is cast for this year. The Braves will be as good as Frenchy, Mc Cann, and Chuck James will make them. This is what JS has made.
The only thing Smoltz and Chipper are fighting about is the load the management has put on them. Who wants to wake up each morning hearing that if he’s injured; his team’s sunk?
“Youth and hustle” doesn’t score many runs, does it? Unless Frenchy and BMac start hitting; it’ll be a long summer.
Kevin, things would be a whole lot better if Andruw is performing to his usual standard. I mean, Frenchy and BMac are only in their third year and still entitle to some ups and downs. This is why every team needs veterans to perform consistently and be the foundation of the lineup which is supported by young guys like BMac and Frenchy. The two are not supposed to carry the load yet. They plus KJ and Salty are the core of the Braves future lineup. However, this team is built on Edgar, Chipper, and Andruw. Without the Jones boys usual production, there is no hope. So, the key of the team’s success should not be BMac and Frenchy; it’s the health of Chipper and a strong second half from Andruw.
Ron
on June 24, 2007 at 8:15 am
Salty needs to be playing catcher or first virtually every day right now. This team isn’t scoring enough runs to be benching a .300 hitting switch-hitter. I’d also like to see Harris and Diaz both in there several times a week to give Andruw and Jeff some needed days off.
stapler
on June 24, 2007 at 8:20 am
Well, we scored a run yesterday so I consider that game to be at least a bit of a moral victory. It’s hard to win when you only score one run, but even harder when you get shut out & blown out.
Here’s to two runs today.
Kevin Lee
on June 24, 2007 at 8:24 am
kc;
Respectfully, I disagree.
When a management team promotes their philosophy of young players, then backs it up by a long-term contract with McCann, I think that points to where the emphasis lies.
If JS had filled the gap of truly talented players between the two “generations”, then we could expect the “other” veterans (those not named Jones) to pull us out of any prolonged slump. But he failed at that with Redmond and Wilson and infielders who can play 3 positions.
Even his good guesses (Diaz/Harris) compete with each other for playing time.
So if you’re gonna play kids, give ’em some coaching and let’em rip. One ugly unmentioned stat is that Salty has KO’d 9 times in his last 25 AB’s. KJ has 12 KO’s in his last 37 AB’s.
But putting the team’s hopes on Chipper and Andruw isn’t realistic: One is too fragile and the other is for all practical purposes already gone.
kc
on June 24, 2007 at 9:23 am
Kevin, it’s always ok to disagree and discuss. I enjoy this kind of conversation. I just think the young kids are pressing right now as much as Andruw is, and they are pressing even more when Chipper is out.
I mean, kids are kids, and they will start pressing when they sense urgency. I don’t think any coaching can change that. This is when veteran experience being the most valuable. However, our veterans are not producing right now, and the Ks you mentioned are the result of the kids pressing.
So, there are two ways of looking at the same thing. I look at it as hoping the veterans will recover to stablize the ship, which will help the kids to relax. You hope the kids to overcome the veteran struggles and take over as the offensive force. Either way, somebody needs to takeover and carry the offense. I think there is no argument between us two on this!
I like the suggestion of promoting Pena, playing Salty full time at first, and keep Thorman on the bench as the lefty off the bench and late-inning defensive replacement for Salty. Salty needs to play, period.
Jeff M.
on June 24, 2007 at 9:27 am
I’ve been a fan of Druw’s for some time now even if my comments don’t always indicate it; I just plain like to see him play defensively. And his offense was always good enough, though certainly frustrating at times. This year, being a fan of his has been nearly impossible as his struggles clearly aren’t the usual hot and cold stuff. He looks genuinely awful at the plate in a way that he just hasn’t in the past. I wonder, thus, how much of this contract business is messing with his head.
BX
on June 24, 2007 at 9:28 am
Listening to the post game show the other night they totally blasted some lady who thought Andruw should be benched. I know they’re employed by the Braves, but seriously, is it a written rule that if you make $15 million you have to start even if you are the anchor dragging this team down? Giving Andruw a week off might not be the worst thing, at least him going hitless for a week wouldn’t hurt us then.
Tom
on June 24, 2007 at 9:30 am
Where’s the “All of them” option in the poll?
Adam
on June 24, 2007 at 9:40 am
Three of Salty’s 9 Ks came against Johan. And he’s hitting .320 in those 25 ABs. I’m not worried. He could produce if we let him play.
It seems like McCann won’t be himself until perhaps after the season, maybe after the All Star Break, unless they decide to do what’s right and let him get back to good health. Andruw…I don’t even know what to say. Francoeur frustrates me more than anyone, though, because for a month there, he got it. What happened? How hard can this be to fix again? It’s sad to say that he’s probably the easiest to fix at this point.
Kevin Lee
on June 24, 2007 at 9:41 am
kc;
Right behind you!
Go Braves!
BX
on June 24, 2007 at 9:48 am
Adam, most of McCann’s power came after the All Star Break last year, didn’t it? Maybe he’ll heat up again this year, but I wouldn’t be against letting Salty start for a few games (consecutive, not once every other week) to give McCann a rest.
Kyle B.
on June 24, 2007 at 10:25 am
I think I agree with the Kev…
Our big move this year was…McBride to the Tigers!
Jeff M.
on June 24, 2007 at 10:36 am
Tom, remember that it is easier to fire a couple of coaches (or a single coach) than to fire the entire team. And every now and then, such a strategy is successful. So, I’m with everyone who wants to fire TP. And yes, we shouldn’t stop there. Orr and Woodward should both be gone too; Yunel does their job better and cheaper (as would Prado). Then, Pena should be brought up so that Salty can play (or play more). The next opening should go to Blanco to spell Druw for a week or so and add a bit of excitement to the lineup. Besides, he has speed so he effectively replaces Orr and he can play a position that we don’t already have three people for. Naturally, he won’t be all that good, so in a week or two he can get on the delenda est list which is fine with me. I’ll jump all over him too.
jeff m,
if we do all of the above we really don’t need blanco, harris could easily fill in for andruw, sparing him from the delenda est list.
Jeff M.
on June 24, 2007 at 11:04 am
Yes, you are right beedee, but I needed someone to fill two slots as I was getting rid of Orr and Woodward. And I’m sick of a bench full of middle infielders, so I chose an outfielder. To be sure, there are others beside Blanco. But that’s the direction I went in my speculation. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter much as I’m not the GM–which is no doubt a good thing.
I’m not sure a lineup featuring Francoeur, Harris, Blanco, Escobar, Salty and Pena is the answer.
Phillip
on June 24, 2007 at 11:36 am
This Smoltz-Chipper thing is lame. It’s pretty much media driven all the way. I agree that Chipper is a little bit of a drama queen about the whole thing; but I’m sure that everyone will kiss and make up. It’ll be talked about in the paper long after it’s an issue. Oh yeah, does anyone want to guess what ESPN will be harping on all night? Besides NY & Boston.
Kyle B.
on June 24, 2007 at 11:42 am
Oh dammit. That means Joe Morgan tonight doesn’t it?
jea
on June 24, 2007 at 11:45 am
Oh yes. Get ready for Joe Morgan-y goodness!
dan
on June 24, 2007 at 11:46 am
Salty needs to play regularly instead of Scott I YELL WHENEVER I STRIKE OUT OR POP OUT OR GROUND OUT Thorman
I Cant Think of A Clever Name
on June 24, 2007 at 11:48 am
I’m not sure a lineup featuring Francoeur, Harris, Blanco, Escobar, Salty and Pena is the answer.
If they can score more than 2 runs a game, they are a better answer than what we’ve been running out there as of late….
The Marlins always seem to win with a bunch of young no names, why cant we?
Dan
on June 24, 2007 at 11:49 am
Who is pitching for the Tigers tonight. Yahoo says Maroth, but the Tigers traded him.
Adam
on June 24, 2007 at 11:49 am
To his defense, I think we all yell whenever Scott Thorman strikes out, pops up or grounds out.
Hey, I understand Andrew Miller’s a lifelong Braves fan. Maybe he’ll spot us a few.
CourtneyC
on June 24, 2007 at 11:50 am
Just so you guys know, my Braves hat has been under a pile of crap in my car for the past month… that might be why we’ve been loosing. But no worries, I will wear it all day today. Even to church. That will turn things around.
I Cant Think of A Clever Name
on June 24, 2007 at 11:53 am
According to MSNBC.COM, the RedSox have emerged at the top suitors for Buerhle, jumping ahead of Atlanta and the Mets. They say the main motivation for the Red Sox is to keep him out of the Yankee’s hands….
Adam
on June 24, 2007 at 11:55 am
I forgot, did Smitty even make it to the game yesterday? I guess not, huh?
This Chipper-Smoltz thing is not “media-driven.” These guys said what they said & it got reported. That’s the way it works.
Attacking the messenger has become popular in recent times, but it’s rarely useful. If you want to blame the media for anything, vitriol is better saved for who-really-cares items like Paris Hilton’s jail stint or Britney Spears’ haircut. Remember: In the grand scheme of things, sports is the toy department.
And for those momentarily depressed about the Braves, I give you…another argument about college football! Bama/UGA peeps & Wearers of Orange take notice.
mlbtraderumors has the pirates inquiring about salty. ian snell sure would look nice in a braves uniform. i also liked zach duke but he seems to have fallen off the past season and a half. also, it says we are a “dark horse” candidate for teixera. salty for teixera anyone? doesnt really solve any of the pitching woes, doesnt make sense payroll wise, but it would be nice to fill that dark hole that has been our first basemen this year.
Dan
on June 24, 2007 at 12:49 pm
Saltalamacchia and Dan Smith for Snell. How about it?
Rob Cope
on June 24, 2007 at 1:04 pm
We have a good team. We are just underperformed. Our team is a lot better than one run in four games; our team is just struggling right now.
I still think JS has done a good job with assembling this team, based on the payroll budget and the way 5 players are taking up 80% of the budget. He kept Hudson, and that’s turned out well. He let Reitsma and Giles walk, and that’s proved to be a good move too. He dumped Wilson and Redman way before he’s dumped players like Jordan and Mondesi, which shows he’s not going to ride with mediocrity for too long.
Our team is full of young players because that’s all we can afford. The following players are basically making the league minimum: Thorman, Johnson, Diaz, Harris, Francouer, Salty, Pena, James, Davies, Carlyle, Paronto, and probably Yates. Overall, those players are playing great considering their age and what their salary is.
I see things like McCann being signed long-term for a reasonable as proof that JS isn’t willing to pull the $15-million-per-year salaries with players. It’s the game you have to play when we’re trying to be competitive with so many big contracts on the books.
We’re better than this, we’ll play better, and right now is not the time to jump off a bridge.
Oh, and I love Firefox 2’s spell check. Lifesaver…
Rob Cope
on June 24, 2007 at 1:05 pm
I should read my posts before I send them. Oh well…
Stephen
on June 24, 2007 at 1:06 pm
No Thanks. Snell is good and going to get better–but I think Salty has an even higher ceiling. Smith and Escobar or even beter Smith and they can have Lillibridge back….
These lyrics remind me of what it’s been like to be a Braves fan the past few months…
Let’s see if we can find some Parklife tonight at the ol’ ballyard.
“Badhead” by Blur
So far I’ve not really stayed in touch
Well, you knew as much; it’s no surprise that today
I get up around two from a lack of anything to do
And I might as well just grin and bear it
Because it’s not worth the trouble of an argument
And you have not really stayed in touch
Well I knew as much; it’s no surprise that today
I get up around two with nothing to do
Except get a touch of flu
And I might as well grin and bear it
Because it’s not worth the trouble of an argument
And in any case I’d rather wear it
It’s like a badhead in the morning
Adam
on June 24, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Bank holiday comes six times a year! Daytime enjoyment to which everyone CHEERS!
Alex R.
on June 24, 2007 at 1:32 pm
I know I always harp on Andruw Jones, but he deserves far more blame over the younger guys. Younger guys struggle, and I agree…they have to be pressing with how bad things are.
But Andruw is a veteran. He is hitting below mendoza and Bobby keeps batting him 4th. There is no question that Andruw is hurting us the most on the team.
Dan
on June 24, 2007 at 1:35 pm
If you offered Dan Smith and Yunel Escobar or Dan Smith and Brent Lillibridge for Ian Snell, Dave Littlefield would laugh in your face,
Same probably goes for Saltalamacchia. The guy has few major league at-bats and the people who said he wasn’t ready when he got called up now think he is too much for IAN SNELL (who’s ERA last I saw was lower than ANY Braves starting pitcher’s ERA). What the heck!? If the Braves can get Snell for Saltalamacchia, do it!
dan
on June 24, 2007 at 2:02 pm
I don’t think Salty is going anywhere. He’s gonna be the regular first baseman in 2008. He’s a switch hitting .300 hitter with power. He’s NOT going anywhere.
jea
on June 24, 2007 at 2:07 pm
I think it’s better to have Salty at first than to trade for Teixiera, at the very least. And who even knows if the Braves actually are interested in him?
Boomer
on June 24, 2007 at 2:25 pm
I’m going to the game. I love the cheap seats.
Rick
on June 24, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Andrew Miller is a lefty. Therefore, I better see Saltalamacchia in the lineup tonight or I am going to be very pissed.
The artist formerly known as Unknown
on June 24, 2007 at 2:32 pm
Rick, Salty will catch tonight.
Rick
on June 24, 2007 at 2:34 pm
has the lineup been posted?
The artist formerly known as Unknown
on June 24, 2007 at 2:37 pm
No
Rick
on June 24, 2007 at 2:42 pm
He may very well catch, however, McCann even though he is struggling, probably hits lefties better than Thorman (he took Santana deep if I remember correctly), so if you are fielding your best lineup Salty plays first tonight. Although, if you are fielding your best lineup, Andruw doesn’t play tonight, but that’s a whole other story.
The artist formerly known as Unknown
on June 24, 2007 at 2:43 pm
No no, McCann needs the day off. Salty is catching tonight. McCann is wore out a little, he’s caught 8-9 games in a row.
Tom L
on June 24, 2007 at 3:14 pm
RIP Rod Beck
Jeff M.
on June 24, 2007 at 3:31 pm
I wouldn’t do a trade for Texieria straight up (Salty for Tex), as Tex would probably leave after his contract ends. But, if there were additional parts thrown in, I might. He’s certainly a proven impact player, while Salty is not yet a proven impact player.
Rob Cope
on June 24, 2007 at 3:33 pm
I’m not willing to trade our best prospect and someone who is making an impact at the major league level for someone who will very well walk at the end of the year. Now, if someone wants to give us their best prospect for Andruw, who will most likely bolt from that team, I will be all for it.
Andruw is a 10/5 guy, though, and has already said he’d veto any trade.
'Rissa
on June 24, 2007 at 3:47 pm
So, do you all think Chipper will be in the lineup tonight? He said he would be in there for every game for the rest of the season, but if he pushed his groin injury too much by playing yesterday (as he was wincing after some swings) and comes in in bad shape today, Bobby might not let him play.
The artist formerly known as Unknown
on June 24, 2007 at 3:48 pm
I’d trade our best prospect if we had a legitimate chance to make the postseason. Anything can happen once your in the playoffs. That being said, I do not see that happening this year.
Rob Cope
on June 24, 2007 at 3:50 pm
I’m willing to bet that a healthy, daily stream of boos from his hometown team and being called out by the team’s best player (Chipper) in recent weeks might make Andruw rescind his “I will not allow a trade” statement earlier this season. And if Andruw rejects a trade where we could get some equal value in talent and it becomes public, Andruw Jones officially becomes the most hated person in Atlanta right now. Let’s see tonight if he can get any worse. .198 is a pretty tough BA to dip under…
Dan
on June 24, 2007 at 3:51 pm
Are the Braves ever going to trade for a good starting pitcher this season?
RobBroad4th
on June 24, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Lots of people say July is the time to go after some of these pitchers. I don’t think JS forgot.
Jake
on June 24, 2007 at 4:04 pm
I’d rather get that pitcher in June and get a couple more starts out of him, especially if he’s a rent-a-player.
RobBroad4th
on June 24, 2007 at 4:15 pm
We’d all rather get him sooner, no doubt. It’s a matter of teams doing worse than us realizing they’re sellers and unloading before the trade deadline. We’re not the only ones having tough years.
Alex R.
on June 24, 2007 at 4:21 pm
On the radio all day, all the ESPN a– kissers keep talking ONLY about Buehrle to the Bosox. Again, it’s as if NO OTHER TEAMS IN BASEBALL EXIST EXCEPT THE RED SOX, YANKEES AND METS.
They referred to “other teams” being interested (i.e. the Braves, etc.) but mention the Red Sox by name.
He was the carrier of some serious mulletude. I’ll always remember him as a big part of the greatest pennant race I’ve ever seen: the 1993 NL West Braves/Giants battle.
RobBroad4th
on June 24, 2007 at 4:23 pm
I saw him play when I lived in CA. Any specifics on his death?
Not really. They found him dead in his apartment in Arizona. There’ll be an autopsy, of course.
The AP story said he’d been in rehab in recent years, but it didn’t say what substance he was trying to escape.
dan
on June 24, 2007 at 4:45 pm
with a mullet like his I’d be surprised if there wasn’t some kuh-kuh-kuh-kuh-co-caine involved
The artist formerly known as Unknown
on June 24, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Y Escobar 2B
M. Diaz LF
E. Renteria SS
C. Jones 3B
J. Francoeur RF
A. Jones CF
J. Saltalamacchia C
C. Woodward 1B
C. James P
ryan c
on June 24, 2007 at 5:20 pm
why? please tell me that’s a joke. i’m glad to see bobby goes with the 2 #9 hitters lineup. also, i really dont like kj ever being out of the lineup.
Jeff M.
on June 24, 2007 at 5:24 pm
Woodward’s veteran leadership wasn’t helping from the bench. I recommend a trip to the DL for Woodward; there, he can safely provide veteran leadership.
Rob Cope
on June 24, 2007 at 5:25 pm
Alex,
I’ve been listening to ESPN Radio’s Baseball Show for an hour or so, and I didn’t hear what you heard. It was that normal host and Steve Phillips. With Steve Phillips, you could expect all the talk being about the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox, but he talked about a lot of stuff around baseball. When they talked about Buerhle, he mentioned by name that Altanta was a pursuing. When they mentioned Griffey, he talked about the Cubs the most. When Bonds came up, he didn’t even mention RS, Y, or M.
For the most part, I agree that they talk about those three, but today it wasn’t the case.
After listening to Steve Phillips for as long as I did, I’m starting to like him. Regardless of his success as GM, the guy stays pretty balanced and impartial about his talk of specific baseball teams. He did say that Reyes was the best lead-off hitter, even over Grady Sizemore (which had me scratching my head), but that’s nearly as homeriffic as most people make him out to be, and that’s not exactly an indefensible opinion either. It’s also cool how he talks about the Braves with so much respect. He knows his role…
'Rissa
on June 24, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Sorry to keep harping on the Smoltz/Chipper thing, but this is too crazy to not point out. The poll at SI.com right now is:
“If the Braves had to trade one or the other, who should it be? Smoltz or Chipper?”
I’m sorry, neither one is going anywhere. That’s ridiculous.
The artist formerly known as Unknown
on June 24, 2007 at 5:50 pm
It will blow over…
Dan
on June 24, 2007 at 6:28 pm
I don’t know when exactly it happened, but one day back in early May Bobby Cox said to himself: “this team needs a spark. I know! More Chris Woodward at-bats!”
Bobby’s fetish is showing too. Kelly Johnson is better against left-handers. Like with Mike Remlinger, I do not expect Cox to ever learn.
Jake
on June 24, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Dan,
KJ is just getting an off day too. It’s been a long couple weeks.
Dan
on June 24, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Against a left-hander, Jake. It ain’t a coincidense.
Dan
on June 24, 2007 at 6:41 pm
*coincidence
I never get that right.
The artist formerly known as Unknown
on June 24, 2007 at 6:49 pm
Johnson isn’t in a platoon. But i was looking at stats and Escobar is 0 for his last 10.
Everyone is sucking!
The artist formerly known as Unknown
on June 24, 2007 at 7:15 pm
Great start! Is it just me or does ESPN have a love fest with Frenchy?
Wally
on June 24, 2007 at 7:19 pm
Rob Cope:
Reyes OBP .406
Sizemore .395
Obviously this isn’t counting the HRs, or batting average difference between the two, but as far as getting on base is concerned, Reyes is “better”. I don’t know why I’m even taking issue with this, since I think Steve Phillips is a dickwad.
Can the Braves trade AJ for GS?
Alex R.
on June 24, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Why is Woodward playing? This is going to snap our offense out of its funk?
Alex R.
on June 24, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Woodward–you SUCK. Go away. Leave. None of us like you.
Alex R.
on June 24, 2007 at 7:40 pm
Joe Morgan must LOVE that our two veterans are snarking at one another. Morgan’s the last guy I want to hear his opinion on this.
I am really uncomfortable with Jon Miller’s questioning of Schuerholz.
Miller, a GIANTS ANNOUNCER, is bullying JS on National TV and this is B.S.
JS–from the Braves fans, thank you for giving us Greg Maddux. Shut up Miller and Morgan.
Alex R.
on June 24, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Speaking of Interleague play, can someone explain to me how we missed the Royals and the White Sox, the 2 worst teams in the central, but managed to get the Twins, Tigers, Indians and Red Sox twice?
Is it any reason our team’s scuffling?
Dustin
on June 24, 2007 at 8:00 pm
Because interleague play sucks.
We have a hard enough time beating teams in our own league.
Dustin
on June 24, 2007 at 8:07 pm
wow, Andruw got a hit.
Trace
on June 24, 2007 at 8:18 pm
The unbalanced interleague schedule is another reason why Bud Selig is a joke.
bruleâ„¢
on June 24, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Miller, only 65 pitches. Oh My!
The artist formerly known as Unknown
on June 24, 2007 at 8:33 pm
when chuck’s wheels come off, they really come off.
Cary
on June 24, 2007 at 8:38 pm
I hate interleague play because we lost this year. Waaaaaaaa!
Please. (with disdain)
There are already imbalanced schedules within leagues. The schedule strengths are different amongst NL East vs. NL Central vs. NL West.
Besides, with the way teams can rise and slump in baseball, your not always getting the same team, so a few games isn’t going to mean much one way or the other.
If you are good enough, it will bear itself out over 162 games. You beat the teams in front of you or you are not worthy in the first place.
Cary
on June 24, 2007 at 8:38 pm
*you’re not always
The artist formerly known as Unknown
on June 24, 2007 at 8:42 pm
Well look on bright side we have six games agianst Nationals and Marlins… oh by the way , anyone hear JS say we need to solify are pitching? Then about five minutes after a runner on the bottom said ChiSox are going to trade Buehrle…kinda weird
Dustin
on June 24, 2007 at 8:57 pm
A Parontosaurus sighting in Atlanta…
Stephen
on June 24, 2007 at 9:01 pm
Just joining the game….I guess I am even happier that Chipper hit a HR last game or this weekend with Detroit would be even harder to take…..
Stephen
on June 24, 2007 at 9:14 pm
I guess the Parontosaurus got the job done…..
Dustin
on June 24, 2007 at 9:14 pm
i didn’t see that, but it was a great play either way.
Dustin
on June 24, 2007 at 9:18 pm
C’mon Salty!
bruleâ„¢
on June 24, 2007 at 9:20 pm
Anyway, impressed Daddy Long Legs, again.
Stephen
on June 24, 2007 at 9:24 pm
Woodward….Where is Thorman?
disgruntledfan
on June 24, 2007 at 9:34 pm
Pretty bad when people are asking for Thorman.
Send help, JS. Going on 2 years without this current team working.
No KJ or Thorman vs the lefty tonight—as if any particular lineup matters right now.
We’re talking exactly one run in the last 44-1/3 innings.
stapler
on June 24, 2007 at 9:38 pm
This has been a brutal stretch. It would be nice to put up a run or two eventually.
disgruntledfan
on June 24, 2007 at 9:40 pm
We’re not any better than last year, it’s just that the Mets aren’t as good either. If they’d been playing like last year, we’d be 10+ games out.
At what point does JS realize that this team doesn’t work?
Stephen
on June 24, 2007 at 9:40 pm
How long (i.e. how many innings?)do you think it will take the Braves to score 4 runs?
Chief Nocahoma
on June 24, 2007 at 9:44 pm
P-i-t-f-u-l.
This is the worst stretch I can remember since the late 80s.
disgruntledfan
on June 24, 2007 at 9:44 pm
1 run every 44 innings? 176 innings to score 4 runs.
The Tigers average 6.1 a game.
bruleâ„¢
on June 24, 2007 at 9:45 pm
Espn poll was: Who is the best team in the AL?
Many fans voted the RedSox. The best team? That beats everything.
Stephen
on June 24, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Yeah–in their own way the Braves are making June 2007 as ugly as June 2006…
Stephen
on June 24, 2007 at 9:48 pm
Wow….a runner in scoring position with nobody out…its been a long time…
Woodward needs to go away and never put on a Braves uniform again. Ever.
Dustin
on June 24, 2007 at 10:12 pm
We officially suck.
bruleâ„¢
on June 24, 2007 at 10:18 pm
Yes, I know but it was an infantile question. “The Best” predicates an ambiguous meaning? I don’t know exactly what the point is about that poll. “Who is your favorite team in th AL?” That’s better. Anyway I’m disappointed with ESPN.
Why not?
Let Saturday be the season’s nadir.
i have visions of altlanta players and fans hand in hand marching towards VICTORY!
(yes, j drama style)
go braves, pull one out from le tigres!
atlanta, i guess alt-lanta is the home of the bizarro braves
i would kill for spell check
It’s all Andruw’s fault…as always…but this time, even a loyal Andruw fan like me says it’s all his fault.
That was…
/grrrrrrrrr
I see your spell check, beedee, and raise you a preview. Not that it helps…
beedee, Firefox 2 spell checks your comments for you. For example, it puts a little red line under “beedee” both times it appears in this post. That was probably the coolest new feature when upgrading to Firefox 2.
Going back to an earlier thread, I remember the late 70s Braves well–Jeff Burroughs patroled LF, Pepe Frias played SS, Fod Gilbreath was going to develop, Barry Bonnell (‘the next Joe DiMaggio’)was our future and, at one point, Preston Hanna was going to be great starter….
Look, the Braves of 2007 are not nearly as bad–but they are most frustrating to watch. When you watched the Braves in the late 70s you knew that they were bad and would lose–but the 2007 Braves ought to be a pretty good team–a good starting lineup, an uneven rotation, but pretty strong bullpen–yet, they not only lose, but often appear to be dead long the game is over.
Why? Probably many reasons, but I have to concede (like KC I have been somethng of an Andruw fan and I still like him, but what he has failed to do in 2007 is very obvious) that difference between the usual productive Andruw and the 2007 sleep mode Andruw is profound–probably enough of difference to keep the Braves out of first…
Given how badly the Braves have played and their position in the NL East, there are still grounds for optimism.
After Washington the Braves have a long road trip; a poor showing before the All Star Game might end any hope for being a competitive team in 2007….
Reading it here http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2007/06/23/0624chipper.html, the Chipper-Smoltz thing is blown totally out of proportion by the media. And Chipper looks a little girlish to me to react this way. Anyway… If this gets things finally started again, fine by me.
FREE SALTY!
Maybe yesterday’s ejection of McCann will convince Cox and JS that having Pena on the bench would be more useful than having Orr. Unless, of couse, third string catching is Orr’s heretofore hidden talent …
I agree with Frank. Pena should be up, and Salty should get more time at first. DOB added this to his blog before updating the story that timo posted a link to:
Smoltz called me about 10 minutes after I walked in my door, at 10:30 tonight. i added some comments from him to the story, a new version of which should be getting posted at any moment.
He’s adament and insists he didn’t aim his comments at Chipper Friday. (I’m just telling you what the man told me). He says this is a controversy now only because of what Chipper said today, not what John said Friday.
Here’s hoping they act like the veterans they are and talk this out tomorrow. They’re been friends too long, and way too important to the team, to let something this stupid cause a huge rift.
Come out tomorrow, the two of them together, and say “Hey, there’s a lot of frustration from losing and injuries, and we both said some things we regret or that were misintepreted, but we’re moving forward for the good of the team.”
Is that too hard? Does the Man in Black blog need to mediate this thing? Wow, what a mess. Makes me feel mature, by comparison.
Is it posssible to construct a realistic lineup that puts Escobar, Salty, and Diaz in this game?
Folks, this is the team. The cavalry isn’t coming. I can’t see anybody available that would be worth losing Salty at this point. Do you have any faith that TP or Roger could provide coaching that might turn a “project” around to impact us this year?
I agree wholeheartedly that Pena should be up, freeing Salty to get much more AB’s.
The die is cast for this year. The Braves will be as good as Frenchy, Mc Cann, and Chuck James will make them. This is what JS has made.
The only thing Smoltz and Chipper are fighting about is the load the management has put on them. Who wants to wake up each morning hearing that if he’s injured; his team’s sunk?
“Youth and hustle” doesn’t score many runs, does it? Unless Frenchy and BMac start hitting; it’ll be a long summer.
well said Kevin…now let’s work on a line up
Kevin, things would be a whole lot better if Andruw is performing to his usual standard. I mean, Frenchy and BMac are only in their third year and still entitle to some ups and downs. This is why every team needs veterans to perform consistently and be the foundation of the lineup which is supported by young guys like BMac and Frenchy. The two are not supposed to carry the load yet. They plus KJ and Salty are the core of the Braves future lineup. However, this team is built on Edgar, Chipper, and Andruw. Without the Jones boys usual production, there is no hope. So, the key of the team’s success should not be BMac and Frenchy; it’s the health of Chipper and a strong second half from Andruw.
Salty needs to be playing catcher or first virtually every day right now. This team isn’t scoring enough runs to be benching a .300 hitting switch-hitter. I’d also like to see Harris and Diaz both in there several times a week to give Andruw and Jeff some needed days off.
Well, we scored a run yesterday so I consider that game to be at least a bit of a moral victory. It’s hard to win when you only score one run, but even harder when you get shut out & blown out.
Here’s to two runs today.
kc;
Respectfully, I disagree.
When a management team promotes their philosophy of young players, then backs it up by a long-term contract with McCann, I think that points to where the emphasis lies.
If JS had filled the gap of truly talented players between the two “generations”, then we could expect the “other” veterans (those not named Jones) to pull us out of any prolonged slump. But he failed at that with Redmond and Wilson and infielders who can play 3 positions.
Even his good guesses (Diaz/Harris) compete with each other for playing time.
So if you’re gonna play kids, give ’em some coaching and let’em rip. One ugly unmentioned stat is that Salty has KO’d 9 times in his last 25 AB’s. KJ has 12 KO’s in his last 37 AB’s.
But putting the team’s hopes on Chipper and Andruw isn’t realistic: One is too fragile and the other is for all practical purposes already gone.
Kevin, it’s always ok to disagree and discuss. I enjoy this kind of conversation. I just think the young kids are pressing right now as much as Andruw is, and they are pressing even more when Chipper is out.
I mean, kids are kids, and they will start pressing when they sense urgency. I don’t think any coaching can change that. This is when veteran experience being the most valuable. However, our veterans are not producing right now, and the Ks you mentioned are the result of the kids pressing.
So, there are two ways of looking at the same thing. I look at it as hoping the veterans will recover to stablize the ship, which will help the kids to relax. You hope the kids to overcome the veteran struggles and take over as the offensive force. Either way, somebody needs to takeover and carry the offense. I think there is no argument between us two on this!
I like the suggestion of promoting Pena, playing Salty full time at first, and keep Thorman on the bench as the lefty off the bench and late-inning defensive replacement for Salty. Salty needs to play, period.
I’ve been a fan of Druw’s for some time now even if my comments don’t always indicate it; I just plain like to see him play defensively. And his offense was always good enough, though certainly frustrating at times. This year, being a fan of his has been nearly impossible as his struggles clearly aren’t the usual hot and cold stuff. He looks genuinely awful at the plate in a way that he just hasn’t in the past. I wonder, thus, how much of this contract business is messing with his head.
Listening to the post game show the other night they totally blasted some lady who thought Andruw should be benched. I know they’re employed by the Braves, but seriously, is it a written rule that if you make $15 million you have to start even if you are the anchor dragging this team down? Giving Andruw a week off might not be the worst thing, at least him going hitless for a week wouldn’t hurt us then.
Where’s the “All of them” option in the poll?
Three of Salty’s 9 Ks came against Johan. And he’s hitting .320 in those 25 ABs. I’m not worried. He could produce if we let him play.
It seems like McCann won’t be himself until perhaps after the season, maybe after the All Star Break, unless they decide to do what’s right and let him get back to good health. Andruw…I don’t even know what to say. Francoeur frustrates me more than anyone, though, because for a month there, he got it. What happened? How hard can this be to fix again? It’s sad to say that he’s probably the easiest to fix at this point.
kc;
Right behind you!
Go Braves!
Adam, most of McCann’s power came after the All Star Break last year, didn’t it? Maybe he’ll heat up again this year, but I wouldn’t be against letting Salty start for a few games (consecutive, not once every other week) to give McCann a rest.
I think I agree with the Kev…
Our big move this year was…McBride to the Tigers!
Tom, remember that it is easier to fire a couple of coaches (or a single coach) than to fire the entire team. And every now and then, such a strategy is successful. So, I’m with everyone who wants to fire TP. And yes, we shouldn’t stop there. Orr and Woodward should both be gone too; Yunel does their job better and cheaper (as would Prado). Then, Pena should be brought up so that Salty can play (or play more). The next opening should go to Blanco to spell Druw for a week or so and add a bit of excitement to the lineup. Besides, he has speed so he effectively replaces Orr and he can play a position that we don’t already have three people for. Naturally, he won’t be all that good, so in a week or two he can get on the delenda est list which is fine with me. I’ll jump all over him too.
jeff m,
if we do all of the above we really don’t need blanco, harris could easily fill in for andruw, sparing him from the delenda est list.
Yes, you are right beedee, but I needed someone to fill two slots as I was getting rid of Orr and Woodward. And I’m sick of a bench full of middle infielders, so I chose an outfielder. To be sure, there are others beside Blanco. But that’s the direction I went in my speculation. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter much as I’m not the GM–which is no doubt a good thing.
who knows jeff, they may be hiring.
I’m not sure a lineup featuring Francoeur, Harris, Blanco, Escobar, Salty and Pena is the answer.
This Smoltz-Chipper thing is lame. It’s pretty much media driven all the way. I agree that Chipper is a little bit of a drama queen about the whole thing; but I’m sure that everyone will kiss and make up. It’ll be talked about in the paper long after it’s an issue. Oh yeah, does anyone want to guess what ESPN will be harping on all night? Besides NY & Boston.
Oh dammit. That means Joe Morgan tonight doesn’t it?
Oh yes. Get ready for Joe Morgan-y goodness!
Salty needs to play regularly instead of Scott I YELL WHENEVER I STRIKE OUT OR POP OUT OR GROUND OUT Thorman
I’m not sure a lineup featuring Francoeur, Harris, Blanco, Escobar, Salty and Pena is the answer.
If they can score more than 2 runs a game, they are a better answer than what we’ve been running out there as of late….
The Marlins always seem to win with a bunch of young no names, why cant we?
Who is pitching for the Tigers tonight. Yahoo says Maroth, but the Tigers traded him.
To his defense, I think we all yell whenever Scott Thorman strikes out, pops up or grounds out.
Hey, I understand Andrew Miller’s a lifelong Braves fan. Maybe he’ll spot us a few.
Just so you guys know, my Braves hat has been under a pile of crap in my car for the past month… that might be why we’ve been loosing. But no worries, I will wear it all day today. Even to church. That will turn things around.
According to MSNBC.COM, the RedSox have emerged at the top suitors for Buerhle, jumping ahead of Atlanta and the Mets. They say the main motivation for the Red Sox is to keep him out of the Yankee’s hands….
I forgot, did Smitty even make it to the game yesterday? I guess not, huh?
This Chipper-Smoltz thing is not “media-driven.” These guys said what they said & it got reported. That’s the way it works.
Attacking the messenger has become popular in recent times, but it’s rarely useful. If you want to blame the media for anything, vitriol is better saved for who-really-cares items like Paris Hilton’s jail stint or Britney Spears’ haircut. Remember: In the grand scheme of things, sports is the toy department.
And for those momentarily depressed about the Braves, I give you…another argument about college football! Bama/UGA peeps & Wearers of Orange take notice.
http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/ajc/sportscolumns/entries/2007/06/23/reading_college.html
mlbtraderumors has the pirates inquiring about salty. ian snell sure would look nice in a braves uniform. i also liked zach duke but he seems to have fallen off the past season and a half. also, it says we are a “dark horse” candidate for teixera. salty for teixera anyone? doesnt really solve any of the pitching woes, doesnt make sense payroll wise, but it would be nice to fill that dark hole that has been our first basemen this year.
Saltalamacchia and Dan Smith for Snell. How about it?
We have a good team. We are just underperformed. Our team is a lot better than one run in four games; our team is just struggling right now.
I still think JS has done a good job with assembling this team, based on the payroll budget and the way 5 players are taking up 80% of the budget. He kept Hudson, and that’s turned out well. He let Reitsma and Giles walk, and that’s proved to be a good move too. He dumped Wilson and Redman way before he’s dumped players like Jordan and Mondesi, which shows he’s not going to ride with mediocrity for too long.
Our team is full of young players because that’s all we can afford. The following players are basically making the league minimum: Thorman, Johnson, Diaz, Harris, Francouer, Salty, Pena, James, Davies, Carlyle, Paronto, and probably Yates. Overall, those players are playing great considering their age and what their salary is.
I see things like McCann being signed long-term for a reasonable as proof that JS isn’t willing to pull the $15-million-per-year salaries with players. It’s the game you have to play when we’re trying to be competitive with so many big contracts on the books.
We’re better than this, we’ll play better, and right now is not the time to jump off a bridge.
Oh, and I love Firefox 2’s spell check. Lifesaver…
I should read my posts before I send them. Oh well…
No Thanks. Snell is good and going to get better–but I think Salty has an even higher ceiling. Smith and Escobar or even beter Smith and they can have Lillibridge back….
These lyrics remind me of what it’s been like to be a Braves fan the past few months…
Let’s see if we can find some Parklife tonight at the ol’ ballyard.
“Badhead” by Blur
Bank holiday comes six times a year! Daytime enjoyment to which everyone CHEERS!
I know I always harp on Andruw Jones, but he deserves far more blame over the younger guys. Younger guys struggle, and I agree…they have to be pressing with how bad things are.
But Andruw is a veteran. He is hitting below mendoza and Bobby keeps batting him 4th. There is no question that Andruw is hurting us the most on the team.
If you offered Dan Smith and Yunel Escobar or Dan Smith and Brent Lillibridge for Ian Snell, Dave Littlefield would laugh in your face,
Same probably goes for Saltalamacchia. The guy has few major league at-bats and the people who said he wasn’t ready when he got called up now think he is too much for IAN SNELL (who’s ERA last I saw was lower than ANY Braves starting pitcher’s ERA). What the heck!? If the Braves can get Snell for Saltalamacchia, do it!
I don’t think Salty is going anywhere. He’s gonna be the regular first baseman in 2008. He’s a switch hitting .300 hitter with power. He’s NOT going anywhere.
I think it’s better to have Salty at first than to trade for Teixiera, at the very least. And who even knows if the Braves actually are interested in him?
I’m going to the game. I love the cheap seats.
Andrew Miller is a lefty. Therefore, I better see Saltalamacchia in the lineup tonight or I am going to be very pissed.
Rick, Salty will catch tonight.
has the lineup been posted?
No
He may very well catch, however, McCann even though he is struggling, probably hits lefties better than Thorman (he took Santana deep if I remember correctly), so if you are fielding your best lineup Salty plays first tonight. Although, if you are fielding your best lineup, Andruw doesn’t play tonight, but that’s a whole other story.
No no, McCann needs the day off. Salty is catching tonight. McCann is wore out a little, he’s caught 8-9 games in a row.
RIP Rod Beck
I wouldn’t do a trade for Texieria straight up (Salty for Tex), as Tex would probably leave after his contract ends. But, if there were additional parts thrown in, I might. He’s certainly a proven impact player, while Salty is not yet a proven impact player.
I’m not willing to trade our best prospect and someone who is making an impact at the major league level for someone who will very well walk at the end of the year. Now, if someone wants to give us their best prospect for Andruw, who will most likely bolt from that team, I will be all for it.
Andruw to Boston for Coco Crisp and… someone.
Andruw is a 10/5 guy, though, and has already said he’d veto any trade.
So, do you all think Chipper will be in the lineup tonight? He said he would be in there for every game for the rest of the season, but if he pushed his groin injury too much by playing yesterday (as he was wincing after some swings) and comes in in bad shape today, Bobby might not let him play.
I’d trade our best prospect if we had a legitimate chance to make the postseason. Anything can happen once your in the playoffs. That being said, I do not see that happening this year.
I’m willing to bet that a healthy, daily stream of boos from his hometown team and being called out by the team’s best player (Chipper) in recent weeks might make Andruw rescind his “I will not allow a trade” statement earlier this season. And if Andruw rejects a trade where we could get some equal value in talent and it becomes public, Andruw Jones officially becomes the most hated person in Atlanta right now. Let’s see tonight if he can get any worse. .198 is a pretty tough BA to dip under…
Are the Braves ever going to trade for a good starting pitcher this season?
Lots of people say July is the time to go after some of these pitchers. I don’t think JS forgot.
I’d rather get that pitcher in June and get a couple more starts out of him, especially if he’s a rent-a-player.
We’d all rather get him sooner, no doubt. It’s a matter of teams doing worse than us realizing they’re sellers and unloading before the trade deadline. We’re not the only ones having tough years.
On the radio all day, all the ESPN a– kissers keep talking ONLY about Buehrle to the Bosox. Again, it’s as if NO OTHER TEAMS IN BASEBALL EXIST EXCEPT THE RED SOX, YANKEES AND METS.
They referred to “other teams” being interested (i.e. the Braves, etc.) but mention the Red Sox by name.
Rod Beck died, huh?
He was the carrier of some serious mulletude. I’ll always remember him as a big part of the greatest pennant race I’ve ever seen: the 1993 NL West Braves/Giants battle.
I saw him play when I lived in CA. Any specifics on his death?
Not really. They found him dead in his apartment in Arizona. There’ll be an autopsy, of course.
The AP story said he’d been in rehab in recent years, but it didn’t say what substance he was trying to escape.
with a mullet like his I’d be surprised if there wasn’t some kuh-kuh-kuh-kuh-co-caine involved
Y Escobar 2B
M. Diaz LF
E. Renteria SS
C. Jones 3B
J. Francoeur RF
A. Jones CF
J. Saltalamacchia C
C. Woodward 1B
C. James P
why? please tell me that’s a joke. i’m glad to see bobby goes with the 2 #9 hitters lineup. also, i really dont like kj ever being out of the lineup.
Woodward’s veteran leadership wasn’t helping from the bench. I recommend a trip to the DL for Woodward; there, he can safely provide veteran leadership.
Alex,
I’ve been listening to ESPN Radio’s Baseball Show for an hour or so, and I didn’t hear what you heard. It was that normal host and Steve Phillips. With Steve Phillips, you could expect all the talk being about the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox, but he talked about a lot of stuff around baseball. When they talked about Buerhle, he mentioned by name that Altanta was a pursuing. When they mentioned Griffey, he talked about the Cubs the most. When Bonds came up, he didn’t even mention RS, Y, or M.
For the most part, I agree that they talk about those three, but today it wasn’t the case.
After listening to Steve Phillips for as long as I did, I’m starting to like him. Regardless of his success as GM, the guy stays pretty balanced and impartial about his talk of specific baseball teams. He did say that Reyes was the best lead-off hitter, even over Grady Sizemore (which had me scratching my head), but that’s nearly as homeriffic as most people make him out to be, and that’s not exactly an indefensible opinion either. It’s also cool how he talks about the Braves with so much respect. He knows his role…
Sorry to keep harping on the Smoltz/Chipper thing, but this is too crazy to not point out. The poll at SI.com right now is:
“If the Braves had to trade one or the other, who should it be? Smoltz or Chipper?”
I’m sorry, neither one is going anywhere. That’s ridiculous.
It will blow over…
I don’t know when exactly it happened, but one day back in early May Bobby Cox said to himself: “this team needs a spark. I know! More Chris Woodward at-bats!”
Bobby’s fetish is showing too. Kelly Johnson is better against left-handers. Like with Mike Remlinger, I do not expect Cox to ever learn.
Dan,
KJ is just getting an off day too. It’s been a long couple weeks.
Against a left-hander, Jake. It ain’t a coincidense.
*coincidence
I never get that right.
Johnson isn’t in a platoon. But i was looking at stats and Escobar is 0 for his last 10.
Everyone is sucking!
Great start! Is it just me or does ESPN have a love fest with Frenchy?
Rob Cope:
Reyes OBP .406
Sizemore .395
Obviously this isn’t counting the HRs, or batting average difference between the two, but as far as getting on base is concerned, Reyes is “better”. I don’t know why I’m even taking issue with this, since I think Steve Phillips is a dickwad.
Can the Braves trade AJ for GS?
Why is Woodward playing? This is going to snap our offense out of its funk?
Woodward–you SUCK. Go away. Leave. None of us like you.
Joe Morgan must LOVE that our two veterans are snarking at one another. Morgan’s the last guy I want to hear his opinion on this.
c’mon braves let’s get one home
I am really uncomfortable with Jon Miller’s questioning of Schuerholz.
Miller, a GIANTS ANNOUNCER, is bullying JS on National TV and this is B.S.
JS–from the Braves fans, thank you for giving us Greg Maddux. Shut up Miller and Morgan.
Speaking of Interleague play, can someone explain to me how we missed the Royals and the White Sox, the 2 worst teams in the central, but managed to get the Twins, Tigers, Indians and Red Sox twice?
Is it any reason our team’s scuffling?
Because interleague play sucks.
We have a hard enough time beating teams in our own league.
wow, Andruw got a hit.
The unbalanced interleague schedule is another reason why Bud Selig is a joke.
Miller, only 65 pitches. Oh My!
Shocker, Chuck James goes 5 innings…
when chuck’s wheels come off, they really come off.
I hate interleague play because we lost this year. Waaaaaaaa!
Please. (with disdain)
There are already imbalanced schedules within leagues. The schedule strengths are different amongst NL East vs. NL Central vs. NL West.
Besides, with the way teams can rise and slump in baseball, your not always getting the same team, so a few games isn’t going to mean much one way or the other.
If you are good enough, it will bear itself out over 162 games. You beat the teams in front of you or you are not worthy in the first place.
*you’re not always
Well look on bright side we have six games agianst Nationals and Marlins… oh by the way , anyone hear JS say we need to solify are pitching? Then about five minutes after a runner on the bottom said ChiSox are going to trade Buehrle…kinda weird
A Parontosaurus sighting in Atlanta…
Just joining the game….I guess I am even happier that Chipper hit a HR last game or this weekend with Detroit would be even harder to take…..
I guess the Parontosaurus got the job done…..
i didn’t see that, but it was a great play either way.
C’mon Salty!
Anyway, impressed Daddy Long Legs, again.
Woodward….Where is Thorman?
Pretty bad when people are asking for Thorman.
Send help, JS. Going on 2 years without this current team working.
No KJ or Thorman vs the lefty tonight—as if any particular lineup matters right now.
We’re talking exactly one run in the last 44-1/3 innings.
This has been a brutal stretch. It would be nice to put up a run or two eventually.
We’re not any better than last year, it’s just that the Mets aren’t as good either. If they’d been playing like last year, we’d be 10+ games out.
At what point does JS realize that this team doesn’t work?
How long (i.e. how many innings?)do you think it will take the Braves to score 4 runs?
P-i-t-f-u-l.
This is the worst stretch I can remember since the late 80s.
1 run every 44 innings? 176 innings to score 4 runs.
The Tigers average 6.1 a game.
Espn poll was:
Who is the best team in the AL?
Many fans voted the RedSox. The best team? That beats everything.
Yeah–in their own way the Braves are making June 2007 as ugly as June 2006…
Wow….a runner in scoring position with nobody out…its been a long time…
Well, that didn’t last long.
no worries…pete orr is in!
brule,
The Red Sox do have the best record.
Bring on the N.L. Least!
Can we squeeze out a run?
Andruw, how ’bout a meaningless solo blast?
I miss the ’89 Braves right now.
I hate this.
This is so painful.
Woodward needs to go away and never put on a Braves uniform again. Ever.
We officially suck.
Yes, I know but it was an infantile question. “The Best” predicates an ambiguous meaning? I don’t know exactly what the point is about that poll. “Who is your favorite team in th AL?” That’s better. Anyway I’m disappointed with ESPN.