Just beating Wryn to the punch, two Alabama starters, Prince Hall and Keith Brown, have been suspended for the opener. Since it’s Western Carolina, it hardly matters, and frankly Brown was on the verge of losing his job anyway.
Stu
on August 27, 2007 at 2:55 pm
His real name is David Evans, FWIW. Bono was born as Paul Hewson.
I love U2.
Marc Schneider
on August 27, 2007 at 3:13 pm
re comments from the previous thread–I agree with the comments about Reyes. I think he has a chance to be good and you can’t judge him too much from this year. Of course, you could have said the same about Kyle Davies.
Kyle B.
on August 27, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Agreed Stu.
I don’t know what I’d do without “War” and “Joshua Tree.”
First time I saw U2 was Spring 1982 at the Atlanta Civic Center. “October” was out & they were opening for the J. Geils Band. (“Centerfold” was a big hit then.)
U2 came out & did their U2 thing, Bono climbing all over the light trussing & into the balcony. The J. Geils fans were looking at him like, “That guy better get down from there or he’s gonna get hurt.”
As openers, they were beyond earnest, beyond strident, the set was pretty good (all “Boy” & “October” material), but most of the people didn’t care. In fact, some of the people thought they were kind of clownish to be obviously trying to upstage the headliners.
I’ll always remember Bono introducing the band, finishing with: “And this…this is The Edge!” My friend sitting next to me fell into fits of laughter. “The Edge of what?” he asked between guffaws.
When “War” came out the next year, he was no longer laughing. He was a fan.
Cocky Met fan alert: It’s happening. I tell ’em, “We just need to find a team we can beat & we’re getting one this weekend.”
Dan
on August 27, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Yeah, considering he should be learning how to pitch in AA, getting called up (and down) in a pennant race for the big club and immediately thrown into the fire (jo jo, meet albert pujols), he’s done fine.
Yeah, that strikeout of Pujols (who almost never strikes out) was pretty good.
Davies was better as a 22-year old than Reyes has been, although Davies pitched twice as many innings and already had some ML experience headed into that season.
Imagine that, a website devoted to defending blown saves.
Remy
on August 27, 2007 at 3:45 pm
ububba,
I saw U2 at the old Agora Ballroom on Ponce de Leon (across from The Fabulous Fox) when Boy came out. U2 was so hard-pressed for material that they did “I Will Follow” for an encore–the very song they opened the show with.
disgruntledfan
on August 27, 2007 at 3:45 pm
$28 to join the Official Bob Wickman Fan Club? Are they serious?
Keith the Champ
on August 27, 2007 at 3:53 pm
“After sacrificing the fatted calf, the braves still lose.”
Who’d have guessed that we could possibly find a way to lose without the help of blob wickman?
Marc Schneider
on August 27, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Don’t you have to wonder about the kind of lives of people that have a Bob Wickman Fan Club and expect people to pay to join? I mean, these have got to be people that have never had a date.
I loved that venue. It “burned down,” remember? Saw tons of shows there—from Peter Tosh to The Ramones.
FWIW, the Agora was on Peachtree, about a half-block from Ponce.
Remy
on August 27, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Right you are, ububba. I was thinking of the parking lot. The Agora was a great place. I remember seeing The Nighthawks there, and Jim Thackeray took his wireless Flying V across the street to the Fox’s ticket booth. And you probably remember the three nights The Talking Heads played there?
Remy,
I was in high school in Columbus when the Heads played there. Saw ’em twice at The Fox, though.
My first show at the Agora was Peter Tosh, July, 1981. I had just graduated from HS & had my fake ID (you only had to be 18 then).
My second show there the next month: The Pretenders. Still a Top 10er for me, probably the best gig I ever caught at the Agora.
And there were plenty of times when I went to see a weekend Braves game in the afternoon (the Niekro/Murphy Era) & caught a gig at the Agora later that night. Great memories for sure.
Rob Copenhaver
on August 27, 2007 at 4:24 pm
OK, I’m sure this is something I should know, but when a college football player transfers to another school, does he lose a year of eligible and can’t play until the next year? For those of you who know me, the obvious reason I’m asking is the news that former USC running back Emmanuel Moody transferred to Florida, and I have no idea if I was should be excited even more for this season or not. I mean, Florida with a legitimate every-down back is going to be pretty sweet.
Rob Copenhaver
on August 27, 2007 at 4:25 pm
eligibility*
Stu
on August 27, 2007 at 4:26 pm
He has to sit out a year.
Stu
on August 27, 2007 at 4:27 pm
I’ll tell you what, folks, I am freaking ready for football season.
Rob Copenhaver
on August 27, 2007 at 4:29 pm
Suck. Oh well. I guess Kestahn Moore will have to do.
That Wickman blog is probably run by his momma, at least I hope it is not someone with no affiliation to him and is just really that in love with him.
Stu
on August 27, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Yeah, ububba, SEC football. Is there any other kind?
I’ll be at the Vandy/Richmond game Saturday evening. (And following UT/Cal and UGA/OK St. on the BlackBerry.) I just hope we come out of it with everyone healthy.
Stu
on August 27, 2007 at 5:03 pm
From ever-lovable Kirk Herbstreit:
Players Who Don’t Get Enough Respect
(Don’t Worry Fellas, I’ve Got Your Back)
Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
Um, dude, you list your top 7 WRs in the country earlier in that article, and Earl, who has made most published pre-season All-America teams, is not included.
Stu,
Come college football season, I’m always reminded how off-the-mark NYC area people are. They really don’t follow it very closely. They just take what they’re spoonfed from the Herbstreits & Corsos of the world.
The other day, I had a guy from Queens tell me, “You know, the SEC football teams don’t get enough respect from everyone.”
Me: “What are you talking about?”
Him: “You know, the rankings.”
Me: “Rankings are silly. But, of all the conferences, the SEC has the most players in the NFL, so apparently there are some evaluators of talent who do have an appreciation for the league. That’s a quantifiable number, not a survey of half-baked opinions.”
Him: “C’mon, you know what I mean.”
Me: “Um, not really.”
Rob Copenhaver
on August 27, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Even I’m smarter than that guy. While I think even debating whether or not the SEC is the best conference in football is disrespectful to the SEC, I think they do get enough love. Especially after the Big 10 favorite got smoked out of Arizona by the SEC team everyone cried a river over just being in the game…
if this doesnt wake up bobby and his “lineup” then there’s nothing that can be done.
ryan c
on August 27, 2007 at 6:20 pm
i thought mccann was getting a day off.
Mr Swings @ Everything
on August 27, 2007 at 6:21 pm
According to Van Wieren:
Bobby Cox was planning on playing Corky Miller tonight but because of the importance of getting a win in this game he changed his mind and went with McCann. Why is this so funny to me?
ryan c
on August 27, 2007 at 6:21 pm
attendance at dolphin stadium tonight: 6.
disgruntledfan
on August 27, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Ah, SportSouth. That Diaz/Thorman platoon looking like an even worse idea than I thought.
Mr Swings @ Everything
on August 27, 2007 at 6:23 pm
Skip says that this area is mostly residential. Seems like a great plan to me. Give’em a hundred years and maybe they can be like the Cubs!
beedee
on August 27, 2007 at 6:28 pm
looks like lance wants to make this a ballgame
disgruntledfan
on August 27, 2007 at 6:30 pm
3-1. My word.
Dan
on August 27, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Did anyone see the splits for Lance Cormier’s 2007 season? Right-handers batting well over .400 against him with 10 homeruns and left-handers batting in the .180’s with two homeruns. The reason suggested is Cormier’s cutter that comes into left-handers makes it harder on them.
What do you want to bet Cox would stack the lineup with left-handers if the Braves were to trade Cormier this offseason and face him next season? I call it ‘Mike Remlinger disorder’.
So here’s the thing. I worked this weekend and I always feel lousy after I work the weekend, and my back is bothering me, so I have taken some back pills which will soon make me very loopy, so I will recap in the morning.
braves14
on August 27, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Smoltz going on 3 days rest tomorrow, but Hudson is going on long rest Friday.
wow, when you’ve go it, you’ve really got it…and lance, you don’t got it.
csg
on August 27, 2007 at 7:02 pm
ugly stat for Cormier, this year 39 hits and 13 have been homers…ouch
csg
on August 27, 2007 at 7:05 pm
anyone besides myself really starting to hate the Dr Pepper commercial with everyone yawning in it?
Dan
on August 27, 2007 at 7:05 pm
How can you take Jose Reyes over Hanley Ramirez? Ramirez has a higher OBP and more power than Reyes. The big different is Jose Reyes has all the press and hype.
OK, now I can go to the gym. Surely, we can’t blow this one.
BTW, Wright & Reyes are very good players. “Hype” has nothing to do with it.
Dan
on August 27, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Cormier might finally have enough run support to get his first win of 2007.
Think Jo-Jo Reyes is jealous?
The artist formerly known as Unknown
on August 27, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Dan, Trimmed his beard and got a hair cut.
csg
on August 27, 2007 at 7:19 pm
I think Cormier really has good stuff, dont knwo why he struggles as much as he does
Oceanside Mike
on August 27, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Is Diaz a free agent after this season? I don’t understand why he isn’t the every day left fielder, and if we are going to lose Druw in the off season I would just as soon see him stick around as one of our outfielders. Then again, if he is a free agent, why would he want to stick around and platoon when someone would probably be very happy to let him play every day?
disgruntledfan
on August 27, 2007 at 7:26 pm
The Marlins are horrible.
Mike
on August 27, 2007 at 7:26 pm
So, anyone see that Orr was brought up and Devine was sent down…again? When is this guy gonna get a chance?
csg
on August 27, 2007 at 7:27 pm
Orr? are you serious??? wasnt he hitting like .210 at AAA, why not Prado?
disgruntledfan
on August 27, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Please be kidding. Pete Orr couldn’t even hit minor league pitching. Don’t tell me we now have Miller, Orr, and Woodward on the same team…
Adam M
on August 27, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Yes, I’m all for playing Diaz everyday.
csg
on August 27, 2007 at 7:29 pm
just said that Josh Johnson will be out till 2009 season, that hurts. no way they trade Willis with Johnson also out
Kyle B.
on August 27, 2007 at 7:29 pm
Matt Diaz should legally change his name to “The Edge.”
Kyle B.
on August 27, 2007 at 7:29 pm
#91, you forgot Thorman
jj3bagger
on August 27, 2007 at 7:29 pm
I know Scott Olsen pitched like crap tonight (and for most of this season), but I think the Marlins will trade him in the offseason due to his problems off the field and I think he would flourish in the right environment. I hope the Braves take a chance on him, am I crazy ??
Dan
on August 27, 2007 at 7:29 pm
““Hype” has nothing to do with it.”
Oh no, not at all. Wright and Reyes would both get the same exact amount of talk and buzz, and “the best left side of the infield in the majors” label and, in Reyes’ case, still be called “the most exciting player in baseball” if they both played with the Devil Rays.
ryan c
on August 27, 2007 at 7:31 pm
link? i have not heard that and it makes absolutely no sense. not calling you a liar, but if that’s true then we are the dumbest team in the league. not only do we have the worst nl player (or atleast rotoworld thinks so), but we have to get a duplicate.
Dan
on August 27, 2007 at 7:31 pm
“So, anyone see that Orr was brought up and Devine was sent down…again?”
Good Lord! Orr again?!
Mike
on August 27, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Its on the Braves website now, the latest Braves Notes. I really, really dont understand it. It says the bench is injury ravaged and that Orr will help.
And Orr: The injury-ravaged Atlanta bench got a welcome reinforcement Monday as infielder Pete Orr was recalled from Triple-A Richmond. The 28-year-old went 10-for-56 in 43 games with the Braves earlier this season, appearing primarily as a late-inning substitute. Orr hit .240 with one home run in 42 games with Richmond, where he’s been since July 5.
“We needed more than two on that bench,” Cox said. “And our bullpen has caught up a little bit.”
The casualty of the move was Joey Devine, whom Cox said was tough to send back to Richmond after having tossed a scoreless inning on Sunday. It was the right-hander’s only appearance in his fifth different stint with the Braves this season.
“I apologized to him,” Cox said, “They understand it, but it’s still hard for me to do it.”
david15
on August 27, 2007 at 7:34 pm
The bench isn’t ravaged. It just sucks.
I’m with Dan on Reyes/Wright. Sure, they’re very good, but neither is close to his counterpart in Florida. Wright over Cabrera is particularly insulting.
disgruntledfan
on August 27, 2007 at 7:35 pm
Orr was batting .240 at Richmond. He’s going to help our bench…how?
jj3bagger
on August 27, 2007 at 7:36 pm
As far as Jose Reyes/Hanley Ramirez, there’s no question Reyes gets more “hype” than Ramirez and that’s because he plays in NY, but also because he’s on a first place team. No question I would take Cabrera and Ramirez over Wright and Reyes, but I would say Reyes is far and away the better defensive player than Ramirez, so I would give him the nod, but the gap is not as big as everybody (NY media) seems to make it.
Eric
on August 27, 2007 at 7:39 pm
I don’t think I’ve ever felt as bad for a player as I do for Joey Devine. Is that the fifth time he’s been sent down?
ryan c
on August 27, 2007 at 7:40 pm
that’s just plain dumb. joey devine is going to have some serious issues. so, we take a perfectly serviceable young arm, move him to AAA, and call up a faster woodward. STUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPID!!!!
Adam M
on August 27, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Reyes is definitely the better defensive shortstop, which matters. But Ramirez is having the best season this side of A-Rod, and nobody seems to know it. I mean, he could get 30 homers, 50 doubles and 50 steals, which is ridiculous. You know, I’d take either of them.
jj3bagger
on August 27, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Yesterday, Joe Simpson talked about how Joey needed to build up confidence in the major leagues. This move should clearly help.
I think when/if the Braves fallout of the race, he’ll get a serious run in the bullpen along with Ascanio and Acosta to see what they have for next year. It is quite perplexing as to why Ascanio/Acosta have moved ahead of Devine on the organizational depth chart. It would seem that Devine is/was more “major league ready,” than certainly at least Ascanio, acknowledging that they both have pitched pretty well.
Adam M
on August 27, 2007 at 7:44 pm
Agreed on the Devine thing. We often give Bobby the benefit of the doubt on player management – that he seems to stay loyal to a fault, get guys playing time, etc. – but these types of moves seem to be made like a video game, as if Devine isn’t a human being who isn’t already kind of mentally scarred. Maybe he’s tough, maybe he’ll be fine. But for a team that prides itself on player management, I can’t see messing with a kid for the likes of Pete Orr.
joesteve
on August 27, 2007 at 7:45 pm
if Orr is back, then it’s getting time to put in the girls (Christine and Petunia) and we should even play Lurch (Thor).
jj3bagger
on August 27, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Adam M, the possibility of 30 homers, 50 doubles, 50 steals AND a batting title. It’s that he’s going to play for a last place team, and that’s why the mainstream media hasn’t glorified his season enough.
Eric
on August 27, 2007 at 7:46 pm
It certainly looks like we’re trying to squeeze every loss out of this team as we can
Adam M
on August 27, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Yeah, I forgot about the average. I totally agree with everyone – Ramirez would be getting the same coverage, probably more, if he was in New York. He’s having a season for the ages and nobody is watching.
Eric
on August 27, 2007 at 7:49 pm
If it’s early enough to bring in Woodward for Chipper, why isn’t Corky in for McCann?
mailman93635
on August 27, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Did anyone notice when Chipper was batting left his last time up it looked like he pulled his oblique muscle again. I hope I am wrong. They did put Woodward in to replace him for defense.
Dan
on August 27, 2007 at 7:50 pm
“It’s that he’s going to play for a last place team, and that’s why the mainstream media hasn’t glorified his season enough.”
I disagree. I think it’s mainly because he’s with a Florida team that doesn’t average too many fans per night. I would bet if the Mets sucked and were in a distant last place these past few years, we’d all still be hearing of Jose Reyes being “the most exciting player in baseball”.
disgruntledfan
on August 27, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Cormier quality start. Finally!
Eric
on August 27, 2007 at 7:57 pm
Does it count as a quality start if he gets mowed down next inning (not to send a bad omen or anything)? Or is it automatically a quality start if you get through 6 with 3 runs?
Kyle B.
on August 27, 2007 at 7:59 pm
A Theorum:
The Braves only win when:
1.) John Smoltz pitches, or
2.) Tim Hudson pitches, or
3.) Offensive scores double digit runs
One of those, or a combination, must happen for the Braves to win a baseball game.
disgruntledfan
on August 27, 2007 at 7:59 pm
I think so, Eric. Could be wrong.
mraver
on August 27, 2007 at 8:00 pm
re: quality start
If you give up more than 3 ERs, it’s not a QS, regardless if you go 6 or 16.
david15
on August 27, 2007 at 8:00 pm
well, they do suck at defense.
Kyle B.
on August 27, 2007 at 8:01 pm
#122 – This is Lance Cormier we are talking about. Giving up less than 6 runs in any number of innings is a quality start.
Eric
on August 27, 2007 at 8:01 pm
thanks mraver. let’s hope he doesn’t give up anymore
joesteve
on August 27, 2007 at 8:01 pm
wow, I didn’t think any team could make me feel better about the way the Braves have been playing, but was I ever wrong.
Stu
on August 27, 2007 at 8:02 pm
I’ve been very, very impressed with Cormier in his last 3 starts.
disgruntledfan
on August 27, 2007 at 8:03 pm
Woodward strike out looking. Can I complain when it’s 12-2?
Stu
on August 27, 2007 at 8:04 pm
Let’s score 30.
csg
on August 27, 2007 at 8:04 pm
#116 – nope he’s hurt his shoulder and thats why he was doing that, been hurting him for a while
maybe JS is more worried about how Richmond performs more than Atl. We have Woodward, Orr, and Miller and Richmond has all of their replacements who could make us better, Lillibridge/Prado/Pena…unbelievable, that is the only thing that could ruin a game like tonights
csg
on August 27, 2007 at 8:06 pm
so does anyone know why they flipped Buddy and John in the next two starts? Smoltz on short rest doesnt make sense unless your skipping Carlyle’s start. Joe said it had something to do with splitting up John and Tim on back to back games, yeah I guess I hate two game winning streaks
Rufino Linares
on August 27, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Anyone ever seen a study where a team’s run output after they score a bunch of runs was compared to the next two or three games? Obviously if a team scores 10 one night, they’re unlikely to score 10 the next, but I’m just wondering if anyone has ever found that teams score a statistically significant amount more or less than their seasonal average in the game following an offensive explosion. I doubt that they do, mind you, I am just curious.
Dan
on August 27, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Cormier for complete game?
Rufino Linares
on August 27, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Also, who had Lance Cormier to throw the Braves’ first complete game of the season? Probably not going to happen, but that would be surprising.
csg
on August 27, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Dan, you know that Yates has to pitch tonight
Rufino Linares
on August 27, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Sorry Dan, didn’t see your post.
Dan
on August 27, 2007 at 8:12 pm
“Cormier for complete game?”
Scratch that, I’m sure Cox will find a good excuse for a Pete Orr sighting next time the nine hole spot is due up.
mraver
on August 27, 2007 at 8:12 pm
They moved Smoltz up so he can go again on Sunday. Is that against the Phils or something?
Kyle B.
on August 27, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Diaz with a 1.207 OPS in August.
You’ve got to play Diaz over Harris down the stretch, right?
mraver
on August 27, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Ahh. Mets on Sunday. That makes more sense.
Kyle B.
on August 27, 2007 at 8:13 pm
It’s on TBS?
Frank
on August 27, 2007 at 8:15 pm
Re Orr–I bet Prado couldn’t be brought back because he was just sent down and no one playing a similar position has gone on the DL. Some personnel moves have been mysterious but I assume they’d go with Prado over Orr if the choice were available.
Question of the evening: With the Braves winning by 11 can Cox manage to get through the game without using Yates, Moylan, Soriano, or Mahay? I bet not.
Dan
on August 27, 2007 at 8:16 pm
“Question of the evening: With the Braves winning by 11 can Cox manage to get through the game without using Yates, Moylan, Soriano, or Mahay?”
Mahay warming up in the bullpen.
joesteve
on August 27, 2007 at 8:17 pm
amazing. Mahay coming in?
WHY????????????
Adam M
on August 27, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Sometimes I feel like our bullpen just doesn’t get a chance. It’s nights like these, when the game is over already, that we lose it the next night.
Frank
on August 27, 2007 at 8:18 pm
Nice timing eh Dan?
I’m figuring we’ll also get Yates or Moylan.
Murphy3Ever
on August 27, 2007 at 8:19 pm
yates, moylan, soriano… why not dotel, too?
disgruntledfan
on August 27, 2007 at 8:19 pm
We could get 6 relievers in. Mahay, Moylan and Yates pitch the 8th, and Soriano, Villareal, and Acosta the 9th.
Phillip
on August 27, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Ok, 2 more innings have to be pitched, so who do you bring in? I say you leave Soriano, Mahay, Moylan & any other used & abused arm alone…& put in Ascanio, Acosta, or whoever. I’m sure it’ll be Mahay or Moylan though.
Phillip
on August 27, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Thor sighting
csg
on August 27, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Ascanio 1st and see if he can go two
csg
on August 27, 2007 at 8:23 pm
I miss seeing Wickman throw to Olivo, dont you
Dan
on August 27, 2007 at 8:23 pm
Nice F-bomb there Thorman.
joesteve
on August 27, 2007 at 8:24 pm
Lurch is just terrible. He was great on the Adams’ Family though.
Murphy3Ever
on August 27, 2007 at 8:24 pm
i say put pete orr in to pitch. save the bullpen… please
Kyle B.
on August 27, 2007 at 8:25 pm
There was a time when I thought that it was impossible for Scott Thorman to get any worse at baseball.
I was very, very wrong.
joesteve
on August 27, 2007 at 8:27 pm
well, he was fine playing an 8 foot moron. oh wait, maybe he needs to be told this isn’t a sitcom.
Kyle B.
on August 27, 2007 at 8:38 pm
Woodward might reach Mendoza right here.
Kyle B.
on August 27, 2007 at 8:38 pm
.200 it is.
disgruntledfan
on August 27, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Villareal to pitch the 9th. Using 3 pitchers in a 13-2 game…typical Bobby.
Kyle B.
on August 27, 2007 at 8:40 pm
And now pinch hitter Jo-Jo Reyes.
Kyle B.
on August 27, 2007 at 8:47 pm
BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN!
SomeYahoo
on August 27, 2007 at 8:52 pm
Who’s to say it’s impossible the Braves win 7 in a row here and find themselves a battling the Phils next week for the WC and stand tied with the Metropolitans? (Absolutely ridiculous notion, I know, but what the hell, I’m rooting for a Phillies’ sweep to make this series this weekend a surprisingly nervous one for the Mets).
If Chuck can get back to some kind of form, and Cormier keeps pitching modestly decent games, we might have a shot here! Maybe . . . Possibly . . I’m pretty much drunk from winning 13-2 over the worst team in the NL right now. Don’t listen to me.
Eh, I’ll take any win. I just hope and pray that this series doesn’t turn out like the last two series. 😉
Frank
on August 27, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Here’s an odd bit of managing–I just flipped to the Tigers/Yankees game. Tigers are leading 16-0 but the Tigers still have Pudge Rodriguez behind the plate. The Tigers probably carry only two catchers; nonetheless Pudge should not be playing in this sort of blowout.
I live in New York. Met fans know all about Cabrera & Ramirez, but I promise you that they wouldn’t trade their 2 guys for them.
And, as good as they are, I’m not sure I would either. They seem to be doing fine with their left side of the infield.
And I don’t know if you ever actually read the New York sports press, but I guarantee you that it can work both ways. Just ask A-Rod.
Kenny
on August 27, 2007 at 10:22 pm
I have to say Ramirez is the second best MLB player. The only player I think is better as much as it pains me to say it is A-Rod.
braves14
on August 27, 2007 at 10:42 pm
They just brought up Orr to prove to us it is, in fact, possible to be worse than Woodward.
In seriousness, it’s a mind-boggling move. He’s awful and should be selling real-estate or something.
I have to give Cormier props, he’s done a good job since the recall.
td
on August 27, 2007 at 11:00 pm
The Braves mlb site is reporting that Cox is moving Smoltz up in the rotation so he can split him and Hudson by a day. I asked Mac the question about doing this, but I didn’t expect it would happen. Good move Bobby – maybe Cox reads our posts after all. If you’re reading this now Bobby, please get rid of Woodward!
beedee
on August 27, 2007 at 11:03 pm
i make the motion for “gloria” in celebration of our scarce VICTORY!
urlhix
on August 27, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Cormier has been a pleasant surprise. He had a nice curve working tonight. Didn’t have total control of it, but even when he missed it was still pretty unhittable. If he keeps this up I’m going to have to stop calling him a weasel.
Use code “Journal” for a 5% discount.
did Garner get fired?
“I Will Follow.”
Perfect.
Yep, looks like Garner is gone: http://www.crawfishboxes.com/story/2007/8/27/143625/567
Well, at least this guy should be very happy:
http://philgarner.isfullofcrap.com/
I’ve never seen The Edge without a hat of some sort.
I have trouble referring to a grown man as “The Edge”
Just beating Wryn to the punch, two Alabama starters, Prince Hall and Keith Brown, have been suspended for the opener. Since it’s Western Carolina, it hardly matters, and frankly Brown was on the verge of losing his job anyway.
His real name is David Evans, FWIW. Bono was born as Paul Hewson.
I love U2.
re comments from the previous thread–I agree with the comments about Reyes. I think he has a chance to be good and you can’t judge him too much from this year. Of course, you could have said the same about Kyle Davies.
Agreed Stu.
I don’t know what I’d do without “War” and “Joshua Tree.”
U2 Story:
First time I saw U2 was Spring 1982 at the Atlanta Civic Center. “October” was out & they were opening for the J. Geils Band. (“Centerfold” was a big hit then.)
U2 came out & did their U2 thing, Bono climbing all over the light trussing & into the balcony. The J. Geils fans were looking at him like, “That guy better get down from there or he’s gonna get hurt.”
As openers, they were beyond earnest, beyond strident, the set was pretty good (all “Boy” & “October” material), but most of the people didn’t care. In fact, some of the people thought they were kind of clownish to be obviously trying to upstage the headliners.
I’ll always remember Bono introducing the band, finishing with: “And this…this is The Edge!” My friend sitting next to me fell into fits of laughter. “The Edge of what?” he asked between guffaws.
When “War” came out the next year, he was no longer laughing. He was a fan.
Cocky Met fan alert: It’s happening. I tell ’em, “We just need to find a team we can beat & we’re getting one this weekend.”
Yeah, considering he should be learning how to pitch in AA, getting called up (and down) in a pennant race for the big club and immediately thrown into the fire (jo jo, meet albert pujols), he’s done fine.
Yeah, that strikeout of Pujols (who almost never strikes out) was pretty good.
Reyes (2007)
Age: 22
ERA: 8.31
WHIP: 1.88
K/9: 4.2
K/BB: 0.7
HR/9: 2.4
Davies (2006)
Age: 22
ERA: 8.38
WHIP: 1.88
K/9: 7.2
K/BB: 1.5
HR/9: 1.1
Davies was better as a 22-year old than Reyes has been, although Davies pitched twice as many innings and already had some ML experience headed into that season.
That WHIP for Davies should be *1.94*
http://www.wickmanswarriors.com/hudloss1.jpg
Seems a little bitter, huh?
Imagine that, a website devoted to defending blown saves.
ububba,
I saw U2 at the old Agora Ballroom on Ponce de Leon (across from The Fabulous Fox) when Boy came out. U2 was so hard-pressed for material that they did “I Will Follow” for an encore–the very song they opened the show with.
$28 to join the Official Bob Wickman Fan Club? Are they serious?
“After sacrificing the fatted calf, the braves still lose.”
Who’d have guessed that we could possibly find a way to lose without the help of blob wickman?
Don’t you have to wonder about the kind of lives of people that have a Bob Wickman Fan Club and expect people to pay to join? I mean, these have got to be people that have never had a date.
Remy,
I loved that venue. It “burned down,” remember? Saw tons of shows there—from Peter Tosh to The Ramones.
FWIW, the Agora was on Peachtree, about a half-block from Ponce.
Right you are, ububba. I was thinking of the parking lot. The Agora was a great place. I remember seeing The Nighthawks there, and Jim Thackeray took his wireless Flying V across the street to the Fox’s ticket booth. And you probably remember the three nights The Talking Heads played there?
Remy,
I was in high school in Columbus when the Heads played there. Saw ’em twice at The Fox, though.
My first show at the Agora was Peter Tosh, July, 1981. I had just graduated from HS & had my fake ID (you only had to be 18 then).
My second show there the next month: The Pretenders. Still a Top 10er for me, probably the best gig I ever caught at the Agora.
And there were plenty of times when I went to see a weekend Braves game in the afternoon (the Niekro/Murphy Era) & caught a gig at the Agora later that night. Great memories for sure.
OK, I’m sure this is something I should know, but when a college football player transfers to another school, does he lose a year of eligible and can’t play until the next year? For those of you who know me, the obvious reason I’m asking is the news that former USC running back Emmanuel Moody transferred to Florida, and I have no idea if I was should be excited even more for this season or not. I mean, Florida with a legitimate every-down back is going to be pretty sweet.
eligibility*
He has to sit out a year.
I’ll tell you what, folks, I am freaking ready for football season.
Suck. Oh well. I guess Kestahn Moore will have to do.
SEC football? Bring it on.
Oklahoma St. @ Georgia, ESPN2, 6:45 pm.
I’m all over that one.
That Wickman blog is probably run by his momma, at least I hope it is not someone with no affiliation to him and is just really that in love with him.
Yeah, ububba, SEC football. Is there any other kind?
I’ll be at the Vandy/Richmond game Saturday evening. (And following UT/Cal and UGA/OK St. on the BlackBerry.) I just hope we come out of it with everyone healthy.
From ever-lovable Kirk Herbstreit:
Players Who Don’t Get Enough Respect
(Don’t Worry Fellas, I’ve Got Your Back)
Earl Bennett, WR, Vanderbilt
Um, dude, you list your top 7 WRs in the country earlier in that article, and Earl, who has made most published pre-season All-America teams, is not included.
Who’s showing no respect?
Stu,
Come college football season, I’m always reminded how off-the-mark NYC area people are. They really don’t follow it very closely. They just take what they’re spoonfed from the Herbstreits & Corsos of the world.
The other day, I had a guy from Queens tell me, “You know, the SEC football teams don’t get enough respect from everyone.”
Me: “What are you talking about?”
Him: “You know, the rankings.”
Me: “Rankings are silly. But, of all the conferences, the SEC has the most players in the NFL, so apparently there are some evaluators of talent who do have an appreciation for the league. That’s a quantifiable number, not a survey of half-baked opinions.”
Him: “C’mon, you know what I mean.”
Me: “Um, not really.”
Even I’m smarter than that guy. While I think even debating whether or not the SEC is the best conference in football is disrespectful to the SEC, I think they do get enough love. Especially after the Big 10 favorite got smoked out of Arizona by the SEC team everyone cried a river over just being in the game…
Hey Mac, you don’t have a link for my blog?
Diaz!
Anybody got a lineup?
Game’s already started…
Escobar
Diaz
Chipper
Teix
Francoeur
Andruw
McCann
KJ
if this doesnt wake up bobby and his “lineup” then there’s nothing that can be done.
i thought mccann was getting a day off.
According to Van Wieren:
Bobby Cox was planning on playing Corky Miller tonight but because of the importance of getting a win in this game he changed his mind and went with McCann. Why is this so funny to me?
attendance at dolphin stadium tonight: 6.
Ah, SportSouth. That Diaz/Thorman platoon looking like an even worse idea than I thought.
http://fishatbat.com/post/2007/08/21/um-leaving-orange-bowl/
Skip says that this area is mostly residential. Seems like a great plan to me. Give’em a hundred years and maybe they can be like the Cubs!
looks like lance wants to make this a ballgame
3-1. My word.
Did anyone see the splits for Lance Cormier’s 2007 season? Right-handers batting well over .400 against him with 10 homeruns and left-handers batting in the .180’s with two homeruns. The reason suggested is Cormier’s cutter that comes into left-handers makes it harder on them.
What do you want to bet Cox would stack the lineup with left-handers if the Braves were to trade Cormier this offseason and face him next season? I call it ‘Mike Remlinger disorder’.
that will go as “unearned”.
Best working Irish band = The Frames.
Matt Diaz is my new hero.
Keep it up, boys. More doubles, please.
So here’s the thing. I worked this weekend and I always feel lousy after I work the weekend, and my back is bothering me, so I have taken some back pills which will soon make me very loopy, so I will recap in the morning.
Smoltz going on 3 days rest tomorrow, but Hudson is going on long rest Friday.
Recap loopy–that’d be fun!
Feel better, Mac.
Hope you wake up to some good news.
Uggla is a beast, i think we need more runs
wow, when you’ve go it, you’ve really got it…and lance, you don’t got it.
ugly stat for Cormier, this year 39 hits and 13 have been homers…ouch
anyone besides myself really starting to hate the Dr Pepper commercial with everyone yawning in it?
How can you take Jose Reyes over Hanley Ramirez? Ramirez has a higher OBP and more power than Reyes. The big different is Jose Reyes has all the press and hype.
Well, if I recap loopy my fingers tend to slip on the keyboard and it looks something like this:
framcoeru swumg and missseed at a pitcj a fppt off teh plare
And we can’t have that. I am now just slightly loopy, loopy enough to celebrate Cormier getting his ERA below nine! Whee!
Diaz for president.
(And I meant difference in #59.)
At least we got to see the HR before the feed cut out.
@#59
Dan,
The same argument could be made for Miguel Cabrera over David Wright.
diaz, where have you been all season?
Diaz is a freakin beast
SportSouth is loopy too.
#64 – riding the pine
In Montgomery, we got the feed for a second, now they’re playing a Mongomery Ford and Don’t Boat Under the Influence ads over Chipper’s AB.
Oh, I see. Tech difficulties over Chipper and Tex.
it’s just like a mini… mall
Why does it seem like the entire Marlins defense is playing out of position?
joey, the play a post-modern defense
they*
McCann looks different. Did he shave his beard or something?
Grandslam!
SLAM!
GS for McCann!!!!!
good thing they didnt sit him tonight
That looked nice. You could tell it was out coming off the bat.
I love Brian McCann.
give that man the rest of the night off!
wait until Cormier gets through 5, then give him the night off
OK, now I can go to the gym. Surely, we can’t blow this one.
BTW, Wright & Reyes are very good players. “Hype” has nothing to do with it.
Cormier might finally have enough run support to get his first win of 2007.
Think Jo-Jo Reyes is jealous?
Dan, Trimmed his beard and got a hair cut.
I think Cormier really has good stuff, dont knwo why he struggles as much as he does
Is Diaz a free agent after this season? I don’t understand why he isn’t the every day left fielder, and if we are going to lose Druw in the off season I would just as soon see him stick around as one of our outfielders. Then again, if he is a free agent, why would he want to stick around and platoon when someone would probably be very happy to let him play every day?
The Marlins are horrible.
So, anyone see that Orr was brought up and Devine was sent down…again? When is this guy gonna get a chance?
Orr? are you serious??? wasnt he hitting like .210 at AAA, why not Prado?
Please be kidding. Pete Orr couldn’t even hit minor league pitching. Don’t tell me we now have Miller, Orr, and Woodward on the same team…
Yes, I’m all for playing Diaz everyday.
just said that Josh Johnson will be out till 2009 season, that hurts. no way they trade Willis with Johnson also out
Matt Diaz should legally change his name to “The Edge.”
#91, you forgot Thorman
I know Scott Olsen pitched like crap tonight (and for most of this season), but I think the Marlins will trade him in the offseason due to his problems off the field and I think he would flourish in the right environment. I hope the Braves take a chance on him, am I crazy ??
““Hype” has nothing to do with it.”
Oh no, not at all. Wright and Reyes would both get the same exact amount of talk and buzz, and “the best left side of the infield in the majors” label and, in Reyes’ case, still be called “the most exciting player in baseball” if they both played with the Devil Rays.
link? i have not heard that and it makes absolutely no sense. not calling you a liar, but if that’s true then we are the dumbest team in the league. not only do we have the worst nl player (or atleast rotoworld thinks so), but we have to get a duplicate.
“So, anyone see that Orr was brought up and Devine was sent down…again?”
Good Lord! Orr again?!
Its on the Braves website now, the latest Braves Notes. I really, really dont understand it. It says the bench is injury ravaged and that Orr will help.
Here’s the Orr/Devine link:
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070827&content_id=2173584&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
And Orr: The injury-ravaged Atlanta bench got a welcome reinforcement Monday as infielder Pete Orr was recalled from Triple-A Richmond. The 28-year-old went 10-for-56 in 43 games with the Braves earlier this season, appearing primarily as a late-inning substitute. Orr hit .240 with one home run in 42 games with Richmond, where he’s been since July 5.
“We needed more than two on that bench,” Cox said. “And our bullpen has caught up a little bit.”
The casualty of the move was Joey Devine, whom Cox said was tough to send back to Richmond after having tossed a scoreless inning on Sunday. It was the right-hander’s only appearance in his fifth different stint with the Braves this season.
“I apologized to him,” Cox said, “They understand it, but it’s still hard for me to do it.”
The bench isn’t ravaged. It just sucks.
I’m with Dan on Reyes/Wright. Sure, they’re very good, but neither is close to his counterpart in Florida. Wright over Cabrera is particularly insulting.
Orr was batting .240 at Richmond. He’s going to help our bench…how?
As far as Jose Reyes/Hanley Ramirez, there’s no question Reyes gets more “hype” than Ramirez and that’s because he plays in NY, but also because he’s on a first place team. No question I would take Cabrera and Ramirez over Wright and Reyes, but I would say Reyes is far and away the better defensive player than Ramirez, so I would give him the nod, but the gap is not as big as everybody (NY media) seems to make it.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt as bad for a player as I do for Joey Devine. Is that the fifth time he’s been sent down?
that’s just plain dumb. joey devine is going to have some serious issues. so, we take a perfectly serviceable young arm, move him to AAA, and call up a faster woodward. STUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPID!!!!
Reyes is definitely the better defensive shortstop, which matters. But Ramirez is having the best season this side of A-Rod, and nobody seems to know it. I mean, he could get 30 homers, 50 doubles and 50 steals, which is ridiculous. You know, I’d take either of them.
Yesterday, Joe Simpson talked about how Joey needed to build up confidence in the major leagues. This move should clearly help.
I think when/if the Braves fallout of the race, he’ll get a serious run in the bullpen along with Ascanio and Acosta to see what they have for next year. It is quite perplexing as to why Ascanio/Acosta have moved ahead of Devine on the organizational depth chart. It would seem that Devine is/was more “major league ready,” than certainly at least Ascanio, acknowledging that they both have pitched pretty well.
Agreed on the Devine thing. We often give Bobby the benefit of the doubt on player management – that he seems to stay loyal to a fault, get guys playing time, etc. – but these types of moves seem to be made like a video game, as if Devine isn’t a human being who isn’t already kind of mentally scarred. Maybe he’s tough, maybe he’ll be fine. But for a team that prides itself on player management, I can’t see messing with a kid for the likes of Pete Orr.
if Orr is back, then it’s getting time to put in the girls (Christine and Petunia) and we should even play Lurch (Thor).
Adam M, the possibility of 30 homers, 50 doubles, 50 steals AND a batting title. It’s that he’s going to play for a last place team, and that’s why the mainstream media hasn’t glorified his season enough.
It certainly looks like we’re trying to squeeze every loss out of this team as we can
Yeah, I forgot about the average. I totally agree with everyone – Ramirez would be getting the same coverage, probably more, if he was in New York. He’s having a season for the ages and nobody is watching.
If it’s early enough to bring in Woodward for Chipper, why isn’t Corky in for McCann?
Did anyone notice when Chipper was batting left his last time up it looked like he pulled his oblique muscle again. I hope I am wrong. They did put Woodward in to replace him for defense.
“It’s that he’s going to play for a last place team, and that’s why the mainstream media hasn’t glorified his season enough.”
I disagree. I think it’s mainly because he’s with a Florida team that doesn’t average too many fans per night. I would bet if the Mets sucked and were in a distant last place these past few years, we’d all still be hearing of Jose Reyes being “the most exciting player in baseball”.
Cormier quality start. Finally!
Does it count as a quality start if he gets mowed down next inning (not to send a bad omen or anything)? Or is it automatically a quality start if you get through 6 with 3 runs?
A Theorum:
The Braves only win when:
1.) John Smoltz pitches, or
2.) Tim Hudson pitches, or
3.) Offensive scores double digit runs
One of those, or a combination, must happen for the Braves to win a baseball game.
I think so, Eric. Could be wrong.
re: quality start
If you give up more than 3 ERs, it’s not a QS, regardless if you go 6 or 16.
well, they do suck at defense.
#122 – This is Lance Cormier we are talking about. Giving up less than 6 runs in any number of innings is a quality start.
thanks mraver. let’s hope he doesn’t give up anymore
wow, I didn’t think any team could make me feel better about the way the Braves have been playing, but was I ever wrong.
I’ve been very, very impressed with Cormier in his last 3 starts.
Woodward strike out looking. Can I complain when it’s 12-2?
Let’s score 30.
#116 – nope he’s hurt his shoulder and thats why he was doing that, been hurting him for a while
maybe JS is more worried about how Richmond performs more than Atl. We have Woodward, Orr, and Miller and Richmond has all of their replacements who could make us better, Lillibridge/Prado/Pena…unbelievable, that is the only thing that could ruin a game like tonights
so does anyone know why they flipped Buddy and John in the next two starts? Smoltz on short rest doesnt make sense unless your skipping Carlyle’s start. Joe said it had something to do with splitting up John and Tim on back to back games, yeah I guess I hate two game winning streaks
Anyone ever seen a study where a team’s run output after they score a bunch of runs was compared to the next two or three games? Obviously if a team scores 10 one night, they’re unlikely to score 10 the next, but I’m just wondering if anyone has ever found that teams score a statistically significant amount more or less than their seasonal average in the game following an offensive explosion. I doubt that they do, mind you, I am just curious.
Cormier for complete game?
Also, who had Lance Cormier to throw the Braves’ first complete game of the season? Probably not going to happen, but that would be surprising.
Dan, you know that Yates has to pitch tonight
Sorry Dan, didn’t see your post.
“Cormier for complete game?”
Scratch that, I’m sure Cox will find a good excuse for a Pete Orr sighting next time the nine hole spot is due up.
They moved Smoltz up so he can go again on Sunday. Is that against the Phils or something?
Diaz with a 1.207 OPS in August.
You’ve got to play Diaz over Harris down the stretch, right?
Ahh. Mets on Sunday. That makes more sense.
It’s on TBS?
Re Orr–I bet Prado couldn’t be brought back because he was just sent down and no one playing a similar position has gone on the DL. Some personnel moves have been mysterious but I assume they’d go with Prado over Orr if the choice were available.
Question of the evening: With the Braves winning by 11 can Cox manage to get through the game without using Yates, Moylan, Soriano, or Mahay? I bet not.
“Question of the evening: With the Braves winning by 11 can Cox manage to get through the game without using Yates, Moylan, Soriano, or Mahay?”
Mahay warming up in the bullpen.
amazing. Mahay coming in?
WHY????????????
Sometimes I feel like our bullpen just doesn’t get a chance. It’s nights like these, when the game is over already, that we lose it the next night.
Nice timing eh Dan?
I’m figuring we’ll also get Yates or Moylan.
yates, moylan, soriano… why not dotel, too?
We could get 6 relievers in. Mahay, Moylan and Yates pitch the 8th, and Soriano, Villareal, and Acosta the 9th.
Ok, 2 more innings have to be pitched, so who do you bring in? I say you leave Soriano, Mahay, Moylan & any other used & abused arm alone…& put in Ascanio, Acosta, or whoever. I’m sure it’ll be Mahay or Moylan though.
Thor sighting
Ascanio 1st and see if he can go two
I miss seeing Wickman throw to Olivo, dont you
Nice F-bomb there Thorman.
Lurch is just terrible. He was great on the Adams’ Family though.
i say put pete orr in to pitch. save the bullpen… please
There was a time when I thought that it was impossible for Scott Thorman to get any worse at baseball.
I was very, very wrong.
well, he was fine playing an 8 foot moron. oh wait, maybe he needs to be told this isn’t a sitcom.
Woodward might reach Mendoza right here.
.200 it is.
Villareal to pitch the 9th. Using 3 pitchers in a 13-2 game…typical Bobby.
And now pinch hitter Jo-Jo Reyes.
BRAVES WIN! BRAVES WIN!
Who’s to say it’s impossible the Braves win 7 in a row here and find themselves a battling the Phils next week for the WC and stand tied with the Metropolitans? (Absolutely ridiculous notion, I know, but what the hell, I’m rooting for a Phillies’ sweep to make this series this weekend a surprisingly nervous one for the Mets).
If Chuck can get back to some kind of form, and Cormier keeps pitching modestly decent games, we might have a shot here! Maybe . . . Possibly . . I’m pretty much drunk from winning 13-2 over the worst team in the NL right now. Don’t listen to me.
Tomorrow’s video:
“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”
Eh, I’ll take any win. I just hope and pray that this series doesn’t turn out like the last two series. 😉
Here’s an odd bit of managing–I just flipped to the Tigers/Yankees game. Tigers are leading 16-0 but the Tigers still have Pudge Rodriguez behind the plate. The Tigers probably carry only two catchers; nonetheless Pudge should not be playing in this sort of blowout.
Re: Reyes/Wright
Dan,
I live in New York. Met fans know all about Cabrera & Ramirez, but I promise you that they wouldn’t trade their 2 guys for them.
And, as good as they are, I’m not sure I would either. They seem to be doing fine with their left side of the infield.
And I don’t know if you ever actually read the New York sports press, but I guarantee you that it can work both ways. Just ask A-Rod.
I have to say Ramirez is the second best MLB player. The only player I think is better as much as it pains me to say it is A-Rod.
They just brought up Orr to prove to us it is, in fact, possible to be worse than Woodward.
In seriousness, it’s a mind-boggling move. He’s awful and should be selling real-estate or something.
I have to give Cormier props, he’s done a good job since the recall.
The Braves mlb site is reporting that Cox is moving Smoltz up in the rotation so he can split him and Hudson by a day. I asked Mac the question about doing this, but I didn’t expect it would happen. Good move Bobby – maybe Cox reads our posts after all. If you’re reading this now Bobby, please get rid of Woodward!
i make the motion for “gloria” in celebration of our scarce VICTORY!
Cormier has been a pleasant surprise. He had a nice curve working tonight. Didn’t have total control of it, but even when he missed it was still pretty unhittable. If he keeps this up I’m going to have to stop calling him a weasel.
Kenny,
Ramirez might be having the 2nd best season, but I’d hold off awhile before I call him better than someone like Albert Pujols.