What’s with all the people saying they’re okay with this and that because if it doesn’t work out they’ll replace those people with other people.
Have you folks heard of our manager?
I am fairly disgusted by the Conrad over Thurston decision and fully expect it to drag out Norton-style if Conrad hits another 0-for-twenty-something pinch-hitting streak. But maybe he won’t do that.
lol @ “is that a Bobby Cox double?” = became a homerun. Nice.
You hate Bub? Well…
I rented Hoosiers tonight. (Really). So, I’m doing my part for Butler.
Listening to the show now…if we’re to believe the Braves at-bat announcer, Troy pronounces his name, “Gloss.”
In similar news, I felt very clever theorizing at the game yesterday that the Sox’s JJ Putz probably becomes a real putz if you don’t pronounce his name, “Puts.”
Bub – I just can’t get that wrapped up about the Conrad/Thurston thing. I believe much less about hitting numbers from the Spring than fielding. And Conrad is the better fielder, can play more infield positions, is a switch hitter and the whole 40 man roster is no insignificant piece. All of that said, I think it’s pretty exciting that we’re arguing about the final utility infielder spot. Speaks highly of the team. On an unrelated, I loved your “assassins in the line-up” theory from the last show.
Steve, I agree this is a much better beef to have than “Why are we batting Frenchy #5 already? We should have let Heyward start in RF and used Frenchy’s money to sign Glaus. Mets got a steal on Glaus.
Speaking of… what did they do to deserve this??:
Alex Cora, ss
Luis Castillo, 2b
David Wright, 3b
Mike Jacobs, 1b
Jason Bay, lf
Gary Matthews Jr., cf
Jeff Francoeur, rf
Rod Barajas, c
Remember how pitiful I was saying it was to visit Frenchy’s offseason blog to find it stuffed full of Atlanta references?
Well, check this out. I went to it again just now and the top thing was a link to an article about Jeff enjoying baseball again. And I thought “okay, that’s nice. He’s moving on.”
Then I clicked on it. It’s an Atlanta Journal Constitution article.
I’m obsessed with Frenchy’s obsession with Atlanta. I swear he secretly plans to be a Brave again. You watch. When free agency rolls around:
“Fraaaaank. Jeff’s on line one again.”
“Ugh. Uh, tell him I, uh… tell him he can have a minor league deal if he promises to stop calling. No. No. Don’t tell him that. Tell him there’s an Atlanta tv station that picks up Kansas City games.”
When they started outspending by gobs and gobs (2002?), I was like, well, I guess they’ll just win 100 games a year from now on.
But then they didn’t spend enough on pitching, so they didn’t do that.
Well, now they spend enough on pitching, so I guess they’ll win 100 games a year from now on. Ridiculous. They are the only team for which I would ever celebrate an injury (or five).
Great to have so many shows lately. Tonight, I really enjoyed ABT’s 5 man rotation. More opinions makes for more ideas…and a more equal balance between pos vs neg remarks. Thanks to BPF and Scott.
Steve, where did you come up with the number of 20 for the O/U on Heywards HR’s this year. Sounds like Vegas. I think that is the perfect no. to look at for him. More than 20 would be impressive, but 15-20, I think is more likely and still a good sign that the best is yet to come.
Oh except that sorry #2 guy. Seriously, what does Prado have to do to get the respect he deserves?
Prado: BA .307 OBP.358 SLG .464
Escobar: BA .299 OBP .377 SLG .436
Infante: BA .305 OBP .361 SLB .389
That’s with Prado not being an everyday player for the first half of the season or so. I know Infante wasn’t either but His numbers are not far off Escobar. I also know Prado isn’t AS good defensively as Escobar but He’s getting better the more time he spends there. Last year he was the unsung hero and I think he’s going to break out this year.
Totally unbiased. I can’t help that he has THE cutest grin. I also think Troy Glaus is just getting warmed up. I think he’s going to start hitting the long ball. AND…I wonder if Heyward wouldn’t have chosen 22 even if 24 had been available. That was a really sweet story. Not that Curt didn’t do a fabulous job telling it or that you all don’t know how to use Topeka but here’s the link http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/messages/chrono/20724993.
Crying…literally sitting on my couch watching the kid on the plasma and crying. Will never forget it. Steve, if you did anything less than strip your shirt off and bellydance I’m disappointed.
Leah, we’re all feeling brilliant today, huh? I was at work when Heyward made his historic blast, but if I’d seen it I bet I would have been blubbering too.
I hope Steve or Scott post “I was there!” comments when they get home. Anne were you there? It sounded like the crowd was really into it! I love the Heyward chants. I’M SO EXCITED!!!!!!!
I WAS THERE!!! AND I saw Steve, Scott, and Ballpark Frank before the game. I cannot attest as to whether or not Steve’s belly was dancing…but I bet it was. What a great game…made me forget the godawful exhibition games.
The Cubs were being the Cubs right and left…it’s like they excel at the same dumb stuff every year, no matter who the players are. Cases in point: three guys hovering near each other in the outfield and all of them miss the fly ball…and throwing crazy low or crazy high when they had plenty of time to throw on-the-money. Bizarre…but great.
I was sitting near a ton of Cub fans…best moment for me was when the Cubs on 1st AND 2nd were called out and Pinella came out to argue. I’m yelling, “Sit down, the both of you!” and the Cubs fans giving me dirty looks.
Hang on, Hank Aaron throwing the first pitch to Heyward as his catcher – that was awesome. Wait! McClouth’s awesome outfielding was my favorite. No! Hinske’s triple! Uh, I mean, Heyward’s home run was my favorite. GREAT GAME…GO BRAVES!
Thanks for sharing Anne! What a great experience! I might just watch the whole game over again tomorrow. I damn near cried again reading about it on DOB’s blog.
Watching the replay on SS now. Bub, just got off the phone with a Braves friend who didn’t see the game and I was trying to tell him about JH’s bat speed. Just about a million miles an hour, I figure.
Anne, great to hear about your exciting day, it really must have been something. “JASON…HEYWARD…JASON…HEYWARD!”
It was really amazing. I am still hoarse from all the screaming. The Heyward homerun was the most delirious and excited I’ve ever seen Turner Field. Even more so than McCann’s homer off of Clemens in the playoff game against the Astros (it’s the only I can think that even comes close). And for that bottom of the first to unfold like it did after Lowe’s dreadful start. Just euphoric, really.
And the place actually chanted “Let’s go Heyward” every at bat after his first. It was some magical fandom at the Ted. A place that does not see much fan magic.
And yeah, Leah – Prado had a hell of a game. And very aggressive on the base paths (his taking 3rd early in the game). The whole thing was perfection. And the Moylan/Saito/Wagner combo was damn impressive. I’m just so happy right now.
Steeeeeeve! I love that the fans were so into it. I hope they keep it up all year with the chanting. So….everyone’s dying to know, did you rip off your shirt and belly dance?
Cledus! We’ll never find out if you give him an out!
Btw, Bub, just want to make sure you saw my last comment on the OTR thread. I know how us A.D.D. Types forget about conversations that aren’t right in front of you.
I witnessed IT. I sat in section 134 row 26. I was there!
It simply cannot be described. The scene at the Ted was sheer jubilation. Heyward’s home run: Breathtaking. Every Heyward AB: HeyyyyWarrrrddd. HeyyyyyWarrrrdddd!
I Loved it. The greatest moment of braves baseball i have ever watched live. Simply magical.
I’m going to watch Heyward’s Hizzy Hizzy Homer about thirty more times to wash that terrible, horrible, no good, very bad game out of my brain.
Yankees win the WS and then Duke wins the freaking dance. Oh, the humanity. Is this the price I have to pay for the Crimson Tide’s championship?
Actually, Bama’s last title was snuggled up pretty close to the Braves worst-to-first year. Maybe we’re starting a new run?
With Vizcaino, Teheran, Kimbrel, and Salcedo in the wings, and big money falling off the books in 2013 (Chipper, Lowe, Huddy, right?) – we might be able at least stay as good as we are now for a long time.
This just in…
At the ATL airport and I have already heard numerous random people talking about @MLB and @JasonHeyward. Baseball fever has hit ATL again!
Let’s hope so. Also heard the guy calling the Angels/Twins game on ESPN say that homer gave him chills. Hey, what about that crazy flip between the legs by Buehrle? twss
Curt, looks like you were right about the Braves selling us a bunch of BS on keeping the payroll the same. I guess Schurholz admitted dumping salary to USA today, and there’s a report we’ve dropped 13% of our payroll? Anyway that’s what I’m hearing.
I love the team, but it’s a shame to think we passed on Cameron & Damon in order to lower the money. And why pretend it’s not happening? I’ll never come to terms with the amount of lying that certain positions in our culture have just decided is okay now.
I don’t dig graphs but maybe someone will think this is cool. I don’t agree with his sentiments on Glaus in the field. I did miss the first inning so maybe that’s why. Did anyone else think he was less than desireable yesterday?
Leah, in the first inning, Glaus bobbled about four easy grounders. Lowe barked at him a little and I saw this morning on the DVR what everyone’s talking about with Glaus giving Lowe the finger slyly against his knee when he went back to his crouch. There’s no official word, but DOB says that reading between the lines he gets the feeling we might see Hinske at 1B sooner than later.
Some of Glaus’s not-appreciated comments, “It’ll either come to me or it won’t. I don’t know. I’ve made a lot of money in baseball already. The games been good to me. We’ll just have to see.”
“Overall, the Braves’ patience improved this spring between the natural tendencies of the new additions and encouragement from Pendleton. ” -Carroll Rogers
“SWING AND DRIVE…BELTED RIGHT…WELCOME TO THE SHOW!” Still awesome after 24 hours.
Uck Bub…that’s not what I wanted to hear about Glaus. Although I have to admit, I’ve had days when I wanted to give Lowe the finger too.
“McCann holding at second. Escobar at first. And officially the long awaited beginning of the Jason Heyward Era… is now. Standing ovation at turner field.
Left foot flicking away dirt as he digs a toe hold, and now stands in against Zambrano. Check of the runners and the pitch… *thud* … is a fast ball too high.
One ball and no strikes.
Nate McLouth on deck. 3-3 game in an eventful first inning. Here comes Zambrano *thud* and it’s high and tight. 2 and 0.
Heyward… a torrid early part of March… cooled off a bit later, finished at .305 with one spring homerun and five RBI’s. Carried an on base average over .400, got a very good eye at the plate.
Stretch by Zambrano, here it comes,
*CRACK*
(Powell is screaming from the first syllable)
SWING AND A DRIIIIVE!! HIGH AND DEEP TO RIGHT FIEEEEELD!!! IT IS WAAAAAY GONE!!!!!! JAYYYSON HEYWARD WITH A BOMB INTO THE BRAVES BULLPEN!!! IT’S SIX TO THREE ATLANTA… AND THIS STADIUM IS UPSIDE DOWN!!!”
(let’s the crowd noise tell the story for about ten long seconds.)
“Chipper Jones on the field with a bear hug waiting for Heyward, who is mobbed in the dugout. Pure pandamonium at Turner Field.”
Just for that Bub I’m changing my name every comment. Thanks Will especially if you’re lying. It actually makes no sense now that I think about it since they only scored 3 runs on a homer in the 1st but what can I say. I’m generally a trusting person and take what my friends tell me at face value.
“And now Jason Heyward, the heavily publicized rookie outfielder… left handed batter making his debut right here.
*thud*
Heyward takes a fast ball high.
He’s a huge kid. 6′ 5″, 240. Hits in a bit of a crouch.
Four hits against Zambrano.
Fast ball high. Two and Oh.
And they talk about him being a very disciplined hitter. I mean there’s been a lot of pub. That’s why these fans here have read about it. Uhh… and… I guess in Spring Training, he hit some balls that broke some windows. Car windows.
Here’s the 2-0… drilled in the air. Deep right field. This baaaaallll is gone.
*crowd noise, 15 seconds*
Jason Heyward with a three run homer in his first… big league… at bat. Atlanta leads six to three. A long home run to the bullpen in right center. A drive of about 425 feet. You knew it was gone the minute he hit it. His first major league swing. Boy, oh boy. A roller coaster first inning.”
Don’t pout, princess. You should read the email I sent my best friend on April Fool’s Day. It was a freaking masterpiece, and he NEVER gets got. But I got him.
Highlights: I’ve changed my major to Sports Medicine. I hate English Literature. My English professor even hates English literature. All I want to do the rest of my life is meet famous people. When I shake hands with a famous person, I can feel God.
Thoroughly enjoyed the 100th show & the predictions show…here are my predictions for wins credited to our rotation:
Hanson: 18
Jurrjens:17
Hudson/Lowe: 15
Kawakami: 14
I FREAKIN’ loved yesterday’s game…what a shot by Heyward. He’s gonna be the greatest Braves outfielder since Dale Murphy, and he’ll be what Andruw Jones never was for us. Yup, I said it.
Here’s my prediction for the playoffs this year:
NL West: Rockies
NL Central: Cardinals
NL East: Braves
NL Wild Card: Dodgers
AL West: Angels
AL Central: Twins
AL East: Yankees
AL Wild Card: Red Sox
NLCS: Braves
ALCS: Yankees
World Series: BRAVES
GO BRAVES!!!! FEAR THE CHOP SHOP!!!!
(I’m drunk on Kool-Aid)
Today’s Dan Patrick show, hour #3, minute #12 has some Harold Reynolds on Heyward talk. I tried to post the link but ABT ate it. Or it’s sitting in the corner facing the wall, awaiting moderation.
Heh, I just visited the Orioles’ website to see what they were saying about Mike Gonzo blowing the save tonight. And they had a Jason Heyward thread. Unreal.
Note: That Orioles game that Gonzo blew was against the Rays. Soriano pitched a scoreless inning; two hits and a walk, though. So, through one game, Wagner & Saito > Sori & the Gonz. Oh, and Lance Cormier put in 2/3 of an inning for the Rays. There’s a trip down Memory Lane. We’ve come a long way since Lance Cormier.
Ok, good. I thought we might stop at simply putting the fate of the Braves on Heyward’s shoulders. Luckily we’re pushing forward with this …http://tinyurl.com/yby2fru
So, what do people think about Smoltz’s color with Costas on MLB Network tonight for the Sox/Yanks game? I think he’s pretty boring. No voice inflection at all. It’s all kind of monotone. He knows what he’s talking about, but it’s not much fun to listen to.
i totally bought Bub’s Glaus story and spent about 30 minutes seeing if I could find it on the internet. I was even going to go back and watch the game on MLB.tv when I got home.
Agreed on the Jim Powell call. “This stadium is upside down” is not only a phrase I’ve not heard before, but it really does give me chills.
Fell into some tickets for tonight’s game. Bringing my almost 10 year old who, until about a month ago, did not care at all about baseball. Seriously, I’d be like, “hey, you can stay up late and watch the game with me.” “No, Daddy, I’d rather go to bed.” !?!?!?!?!? Anyway, he’s gotten really pumped about the Braves and playing ball recently and we’ll be going tonight. Pretty damned excited about the whole thing.
Steve, that’s awesome. My 9 year old chose to play soccer this Spring instead of baseball. I’m still not over it. Last season I was taking him to the ballpark and he told me to let his coach tell him what to do. He also told me not to cheer so much. I asked him, “You don’t like it when I cheer for you?”. His response, “Mom, it’s practice.”
Found this post on the Cubs board oddly comforting. Maybe most managers just don’t pay that much attention.
“…Assuming of course that Lou even KNOWS this, which I seriously doubt. He’ll probably do something stupid like start Colvin and sit Fukudome (even though Kosuke’s OBP was 1.000 last game) or start Hill (and his .120 average in ST)”
By the way, play through that game mentally without Heyward in the line-up so that we can control the money better.
Big Z calms down. Lowe uncalms. Cubs win. More confidence for the Cubbies in today’s game? It’s not too much of a stretch, really. And with Lincecum/ Zito looming, how important is this Cubs series?
And without him, the fans are robbed of the most memorable opening day moment in years.
Heyward Starting In the Bigs: 1
Heyward Waiting Two Weeks: 0
I loved B. Mac on 790 The Zone today saying he’d retire if he were Heyward and that yesterday was the best game he’s played in at Turner Field. Also, been thinking about what Curt said in regards to the Phillies Farm lacking crops. At first that excites me and seems huge but is it as catastrophic as I imagine? I mean they have the funds to go out and pilfer from other teams when the crops are harvested…so to speak.
I feel like Leah tracking this through my phone. Stupid beach Internet access. I can’t respond to everything I want to, but I’ve never been so disappointed to be missing braves games.
That, and I hope that as part of the story certain people tell about Jason Heyward being a role model, which I am all for, is that there is a big chunk of that story dedicated to his parents and their hard work, love for their son, and their commitment to education. I know we have gotten all of that here as Braves fans, but I hope the only part of his story being told to kids isn’t all about athletics. To me, he has such a greater purpose with his upbringing, his parents going to Dartmouth, it would be a shame for it all not to be part of the folklore.
Poor Curt. You need faster thumbs. I’m glad you’re enjoying your vacay. Can you stream the game with At Bat and watch on your tiny screen? If you have a video camera and that TV cord thingy you could point the cam at your iPhone screen and Ta-dah!
I’m sorry Steve, were you trying to say something?
All from stupid soccer practice.
I still think I like this lineup even more with Matty Ice in the 8 hole. Just make it where there really us no easy out at this point, and with Diaz getting on allowing our pitchers to move him over and the top of the lineup allowed to knock him in.
Yeah, not crazy about the 8-9-1 being McLouth/Pitcher/Melky. That’s kind of a weak spot.
Beats the heck out of Garret/Kotchman/Frenchy/Pitcher/Kelly, though. With Chipper in a slump and McCann half blind. How did we score at ALL first half last year??
Could Smoltz say one more thing so zealously self-depricating?? I know I’ve said in past that I like him in the booth, but the self-reference, especially in “non-retirement,” is a little tough for me to listen to.
Sorry, but John Smoltz is the second most self-referencial homey this side of Curt Schilling. He is seriously, seriously interested in his own little world and expects we are, too.
How fun is it not to feel that one run is insurmountable? It’s fun to have genuine, realistic faith in your team even when it’s the bottom of the 8th. And then to have confidence in your closer when your only 1 ahead.
Kris Medlen was a great get. Love it, love it, love it. Way to freaking go, Bravos. This was an even better game than the first one if you took out Heyward’s bomb.
I really enjoyed Smoltz’ comments about pitching with “conviction” and about having your third? pitch/change up ready for when you needed it in a pinch. It cost J.J. when he put a fat one over the plate.
The “bear left” joke was lame, but I laughed anyway. I’ll probably pass it on.
i was doing the hands in fingers…lalalalalalala…going into the 8th. couldnt watch. stopped looking at mlb.com and went back to dumping machine tool order data into a spreadsheet…
an hour later, i come up for air….expecting to see the inevitable…a deflating loss. back to reality..etc.
A great game for your man, Princess. The early DP and the hit followed by the hand-clap, firing the team up. You can really sense something about the team. I have my concerns, but if we can catch some breaks, this is gonna be a fun ride.
Baseball is a quirky game, huh? Dempster was the dominant pitcher with 9 strike outs and gave up one run.
J.J. and Medlin are sort of statistically invisible with 4 SO’s, 2 runs, ERA 0.00 while Moylan pitches 1 inning and gets the Win. Wagner “wins” the game and gets a save!
Thanks Tcc – I had a great time. But it was rough going there in the middle innings. When JJ stopped getting the ball over the plate and the offense disappeared. Ugh. It was brutal. And, while I know this is cheap and easy analysis, I’ll say it anyway … this was the kind of game the team lost the last couple of years. Coming out flat after an offensive explosion in the prior game. But they kept at it. Damn, what a satisfying win. And to take it all in, live, with my nine year old, screaming at the tops of lungs when Chipper hit his homer. Very, very special night for me.
I loved watching tonight’s game although it was a nail-biter…I wonder if the umps were trying to make up for Monday’s blunder call in the OF. The old man has still got it, & Wags slammed that door. I’m looking for the broom to come out…GO BRAVES!!!
Steve, I can’t believe you were tweeting…and I missed it! Hamilton, anytime you want to voice appreciation for Prado is fine with the rest of us (completely erasing the bobble he should have had from memory). Even Chipper gave him his due credit.
Just turned down the opportunity to stage-manage a student concert of “Rent.” It rehearses in September and performs 9/30, 10/1 and 10/2. How cool would that be – all these years later, college kids singin’ those songs. BUT! I think the Braves will need me in the stands instead…don’t you?? GO BRAVES. SWEEP SWEEP SWEEP to start the season!!
Jurrjens4NLCY – Understood. But, let’s keep this between you and I. Don’t want to break my son’s heart and all. And hey, what theatre stuff were you talking about on DOB’s blog the other day? Are you an actor (Hammy and I are ex-actors)?
Princess – that was not me defending Prado on DOB’s blog. I save all that for the show in the form of cheap shots at Hammy.
My news is that the 6 year old got up on a bike without training wheels for the first time. Pretty cool. We bribed him. Apparently he has a price, just like his old man, only more expensive. Be home Saturday.
Curt, that’s awesome! Can he come teach my youngest? Bub, very weird, don’t really want to think about that one thankyou very much. Time for my pills and then my nap.
Ok people. We’ve been talking about it and now it’s time to get serious. The date is Tuesday, June 1. 7:10pm game against the Phillies. Are you in? We need to get a head count to then determine how to move forward on securing tickets. Leah, Me, Curt, Anne, Scott, and Ballpark Frank are in. Are you? Send me an email at steve@atlantabaseballtalk.com with your confirmation. Can’t wait to meet everyone!
Yea, I am.
I was talking about how our show went, we did “West Side Story.” And afterwards met a theatre director for a traveling troupe based in La Grange, IL.
Well shucks Tcc. My crew will be there on the 2nd and when I say crew I mean in-laws and everything. I don’t know our schedule or where we are sitting but maybe we can meet long enough to shake hands and put a face with the name. When I say name I mean the real one you tell me and I keep a secret.
Print Says, yes, we will do a face to face with full name disclosure at a location to be named later..Prado carrying the team tonight. Chipper already hurt?!?
Somethings different about Chavez…can’t quite put my finger on it. Oh yea…outs instead of runs =awesome! Really want to win in the 9th. I like how p o’d Glaus was at the end of the 8th. I like to see some passion.
Have you had tornados? We’re trying to decide at what point do we gather our children and head for the bunker. Hoping it passes quickly and quietly. Btw, false alarm…my azaleas are fine. I’m just not very patient.
I was stuck on a work call for most of the game to find a 2 run hole and Chipper leaving with an injury. I take my eyes off the team for just a couple of hours ….
Good signs: EOF, Chavez, Glaus with a couple of hits (we’ll ignore the DP with bases loaded) and Nate with a hit. And Prado is already the team MVP.
It was jarring to see Heyward so overmatched in the 9th. What is wrong with that kid?!?!?!?
That’s not going to get it done. Who’s starting for the Gents tomorrow? Zito? I guess we get Lincecum? Be curious to see the last series we took in SF. Has to be long before we only made one trip out there. Go Braves.
Who is this Prado kid? He seems awesome. Clearly the best Brave on the team. HOW COULD YOU GUYS NOT SEE THAT?
And yes, the Kid looked woefully overmatched in the ninth. Troubling. Also troubling is Chipper’s injury. We should have done an over/under on games played for him. I will set the line at 138 – place your bets.
The Chipper injury is very discouraging this early in the season. Just to see, I went back to his game logs last year. He missed 5 games in April in 2009, for what it’s worth. The fact is, he can’t play more than 130 and be effective. He was top 3 on the team in appearances last year (143) and that clearly did not work out. Maybe this isn’t the worst thing so long as Infante/Hinske can pick up the slack.
haha…the loafing wonder. Maybe I’m naive but I feel that’s the difference in this team. I don’t freak out when Chipper’s day to day. Don’t get me wrong, naive yes but not an idiot. I know we need him and we need him healthy but I have enough confidence in the rest of the line up and the rotation it doesn’t devastate me like last year. Oh the difference I feel when Hinske steps to the plate instead of last year’s pinch hitter…i burst into song every time.
Will, Hammy, this weeks episode was fabulous. The Penny/Desmond story is my favorite. Remember when he made her his constant and he called her from the freighter? Beautiful! MY FAVORITE LOST SCENE! I’m still adjusting to Widmore being the good guy and Locke being satan. I like Locke and he looks just like my father…creeps me out.
Hammy, we not good enough for a few days off and a very short plane ride?
Leah – it’s a very good point about Chipper. And we saw it last year. The offense thrived as Chipper swooned in the second half. The offense is no longer all about Chipper.
The offense is not only not all about Chipper, they had a higher winning % without him last year. Honestly, offensive injuries don’t bother me with this team. The back ups are solid, and we’re not going to be either a powerhouse or punchless by going from Chipper to Infante or from Glaus to Hinske.
Now, if McCann, Escobar, Prado goes down, or if two starting outfielders go down, obviously we’re going to have trouble. But for what the Braves are offensively, our bench has no black hole swingers on it. Diaz, Hinske, Conrad, Infante: 2-3 of these in our every day line up wouldn’t even phase me.
PITCHING injuries are what would kill us. This is very obviously a pitching team first, which I’m fine with. Two of our three first games have been great pitching duels with Jurrjens, Dempster, Hanson, and Wells all being awesome to watch. In the long run, if Wagner stays healthy and Saito performs well, I feel great about an identity as an awesome pitching team: innings 1 through 9 being a pain in the ass for the opposing hitters.
Our offense just has to have enough break-out games to keep Wagner, Moylan, and Meds from being necessary every day. I think we’ll achieve that.
If we can make it to through the end of the first Phillies series, our fifth series overall, without being more than a game or two out of the wild card hunt, I think we can buckle down for a very exciting season.
I would be interested in gauging our wildcard competition sooner rather than later, too. Maybe size it up at the end of that Phils tilt.
DOB’s recent blog has frightened me. Looks like it could be a rough day. However, how awesome if we can take two in SF! We beat the Freak last year…we can do it again!
“black hole swingers” – Bub, I’m not sure what that means, but I’m sure I wouldn’t let my little kids read that post.
Leah – I’m more worried about the overnight flight and only 10 hours to go until game time. The thought of the team coming out flat and all the sudden having three bad offensive performances in a row, going to 2 – 2. The narrative of the short season changes pretty abruptly in the short term. But I am excited about this lineup and seeing Matty D in there.
I would just like to point out that Steve and I posted our early comments before DOB posted his latest blog entry. Pretty sure he gets most of his material from ABT.
I hate the loss, any loss, but Prado was brilliant, Medlen pitched his ass off, extra innings and our guys lost. It’s early, folks, lets don’t give up hope yet.
This might be a tough road trip after this miserable start. But we’ll rebound. Heyward’s spiral doesn’t surprise or worry me. Let the character-building begin.
Ugggggh. Brutal. I know the guys were tired, but c’mon. We had SO MANY chances to put this away, and we couldn’t get it done. I am very disappointed to be 2-2; I really wanted more. I especially hate to waste such a good performance by Huddy.
I know that it is early, but it hurts all the same.
Thoughts on Heyward? Is he just anxious or needing to readjust? Should we go ahead and xray his…well everything and make sure nothing’s broken? I may not be able to wait 48 hours for a new show.
I am not one to really complain about umpires but the noncall on the interference blows. I dont care if Brian went left,right,up,down it doesnt change the fact Rowand put the bat into him.The umpire said i could read his lips you went that way pointing to his left what if Brian threw left handed? it would have not mattered the bat would have still hit him and broke something!Hope MLB does something.There is just no excuse this man can give to justify his noncall.If i remember correctly Rowand does have a long swing but not to that extreme in that at bat!!The umpire blew the call plain and simple!!!!!!!
Painful, painful loss. And a stomach punch particularly given the strong start. Does it all mean that much? I don’t know. Probably not. Still a small sample size, but it’s certainly time to win the next two.
Leah – that Heyward at-bat in game 3 against the Cubs in the 9th inning (striking out on 3 pitches, the SAME 3 pitches) was the exposing of the big hole in Heyward’s swing. He’ll figure it out. He’s not Frenchy. He’s not Schaffer. He’s much smarter than both of them combined.
Interference is batter is out, runner goes back. Bub, you’re right there. Lots to cover in the show. Like Bobby always preaches, take 2 of 3 and you’re fine. So let’s take 2 of 3 and move on to SD.
Rented & viewed “Up in the Air.” Still processing the heartachy stuff, but the moment between Sam Elliot and George Clooney was pretty sublime, just those two on screen together. Some director needs to spot that and team them up for a whole movie.
And I don’t normally drool over movie women, but that Vera Whatzerface (the girl from The Departed) is killing me. KILLING me.
I love the scene in Departed when Leo’s all sad and weak and she runs her fingures through his curls.
To answer your question Bub from last week…certifiable and doesn’t have a tooth in her head. Not a natural one anyway.
Hate to say it, but with Heyward and Melky struggling this bad and the bullpen getting worn down, and the strength of the opponents, my Braves aspirations are in temporary damage control mode:
Get out of the Giants series 3-3 or 4-2.
Emerge from the Padres series 5-4 or 4-5.
Emerge from the Rockies series 6-6
Emerge from the Phillies series 8-7 or 7-8.
2 or 3 games behind in the division.
1 or 2 games behind in the Wild Card.
Take a breath.
Start over.
Teheran was brilliant in his first start in the minors.
I don’t know about all those numbers but I sure want to win tonight. Someone please kick me off my computer at a decent hour! I must not stay up for the whole game. I just can’t.
I had no problem with this when the pitchers were Dempster Wells, and even Sanchez. But Todd FREAKING WELLEMEYER???? Give me a damn break. This hardly seems necessary.
Yeah Bub. gotta make some hay against the Giants when you are getting their 3 and 4 guys. Lincecum looms tomorrow. And you have to figure this is a team that will be in the WC hunt so we need some wins against them, given we will only see them 6 times all year.
My son started little league today. They play 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in the same fast pitch league. Hes just practicing now, game next week. Im petrified. At least three kids were hit by pitches. From 5th graders humming it in. Last week we were playing catch, and he still couldnt catch the ball properly. Even after playing pitching machine bball for two years since he was six. Still couldnt catch a pop-up, couldnt catch a ball thrown to him. Suddenly today, magically, he can catch both. Nearly every time. You have never seen a boy so happy. He says, Dad, you have been throwing it at me for two years, and I couldnt catch it. Now I can. I love this game. I used to hate it. Now I love it. – he really said that. We ended up playing catch for an hour after practice. He says dad, instead of a scientist, do you think I can instead be a professional baseball player? Dats my boy.
Leah, soccer was his favorite until we started playing again this spring. Now he claims he hates it. I am sensing a trend.
Soccer is great for little kids though. I coach my kid’s team, and it really helps in their coordination, helps them to learn working with teammates, etc. And when played properly, it really is an elegant sport.
Whatever… I’m ready to see him pick up a bat again. Are we going to see a game today? Is anyone else having a hard time accessing the website? I can only get to it through google which is fine…I don’t mind. Just making sure it’s not a conspiracy.
April 3rd, 2010 at 10:47 pm
Im callin one nlcs appearance before i listen to the show
April 3rd, 2010 at 11:21 pm
What’s with all the people saying they’re okay with this and that because if it doesn’t work out they’ll replace those people with other people.
Have you folks heard of our manager?
I am fairly disgusted by the Conrad over Thurston decision and fully expect it to drag out Norton-style if Conrad hits another 0-for-twenty-something pinch-hitting streak. But maybe he won’t do that.
lol @ “is that a Bobby Cox double?” = became a homerun. Nice.
You hate Bub? Well…
I rented Hoosiers tonight. (Really). So, I’m doing my part for Butler.
Great show. Love the big cast.
April 3rd, 2010 at 11:39 pm
Top 2 pitchers: Tommy: 21 wins Hudson: 19 wins.
Phillies
Rockies
Cardinals
Braves (Wild Card)
Rays
Twins
Angels
White Sox (Wild Card)
WS = Braves over Twins. Perfect Symmetry.
April 3rd, 2010 at 11:39 pm
You heard me fighting the fight Bub.
You gotta love the Butler kid who looks like the All American boy giving the post-game interview with a fat lip.
April 4th, 2010 at 9:03 am
Listening to the show now…if we’re to believe the Braves at-bat announcer, Troy pronounces his name, “Gloss.”
In similar news, I felt very clever theorizing at the game yesterday that the Sox’s JJ Putz probably becomes a real putz if you don’t pronounce his name, “Puts.”
April 4th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Braves have a shot this year. Nuff sed.
Prediction – Howard knocks up a Hooters girl via immaculate conception.
Bring it on!
April 4th, 2010 at 9:44 am
Heyward that is….duh.
April 4th, 2010 at 9:54 am
Also, Escobar makes the all star team.
April 4th, 2010 at 10:07 am
I love the Escobar all star pick. I concur. My top 2 pitchers are Jurrjens wiht 19 (he’ll get the run support) and Hanson 17.
My Playoffs:
AL East: Yankees
AL Central: Twins
AL West: Angels
AL Wild Card: Rangers
NL East: Phillies
NL Central: Cardinals
NL West: Dodgers
NL Wild Card: BRAVES
World Series Matchup: Angels vs Cardinals (Angels win in 6)
April 4th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Bub – I just can’t get that wrapped up about the Conrad/Thurston thing. I believe much less about hitting numbers from the Spring than fielding. And Conrad is the better fielder, can play more infield positions, is a switch hitter and the whole 40 man roster is no insignificant piece. All of that said, I think it’s pretty exciting that we’re arguing about the final utility infielder spot. Speaks highly of the team. On an unrelated, I loved your “assassins in the line-up” theory from the last show.
April 4th, 2010 at 6:50 pm
Steve, I agree this is a much better beef to have than “Why are we batting Frenchy #5 already? We should have let Heyward start in RF and used Frenchy’s money to sign Glaus. Mets got a steal on Glaus.
Speaking of… what did they do to deserve this??:
Alex Cora, ss
Luis Castillo, 2b
David Wright, 3b
Mike Jacobs, 1b
Jason Bay, lf
Gary Matthews Jr., cf
Jeff Francoeur, rf
Rod Barajas, c
Good luck with Josh Johnson.
April 4th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Remember how pitiful I was saying it was to visit Frenchy’s offseason blog to find it stuffed full of Atlanta references?
Well, check this out. I went to it again just now and the top thing was a link to an article about Jeff enjoying baseball again. And I thought “okay, that’s nice. He’s moving on.”
Then I clicked on it. It’s an Atlanta Journal Constitution article.
I’m obsessed with Frenchy’s obsession with Atlanta. I swear he secretly plans to be a Brave again. You watch. When free agency rolls around:
“Fraaaaank. Jeff’s on line one again.”
“Ugh. Uh, tell him I, uh… tell him he can have a minor league deal if he promises to stop calling. No. No. Don’t tell him that. Tell him there’s an Atlanta tv station that picks up Kansas City games.”
April 4th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
I hate the Yankees.
When they started outspending by gobs and gobs (2002?), I was like, well, I guess they’ll just win 100 games a year from now on.
But then they didn’t spend enough on pitching, so they didn’t do that.
Well, now they spend enough on pitching, so I guess they’ll win 100 games a year from now on. Ridiculous. They are the only team for which I would ever celebrate an injury (or five).
April 4th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Great to have so many shows lately. Tonight, I really enjoyed ABT’s 5 man rotation. More opinions makes for more ideas…and a more equal balance between pos vs neg remarks. Thanks to BPF and Scott.
Steve, where did you come up with the number of 20 for the O/U on Heywards HR’s this year. Sounds like Vegas. I think that is the perfect no. to look at for him. More than 20 would be impressive, but 15-20, I think is more likely and still a good sign that the best is yet to come.
Go Braves.
Tcc
April 4th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Yay, sox. I guess.
April 5th, 2010 at 6:43 am
I predict that Glavine throws out the first pitch this afternoon. Thoughts? Does anyone remember who did last season (I don’t)?
April 5th, 2010 at 7:40 am
re: 1st pitch: was Javy Lopez last year…or was that the year before? I’m stifling my urge to google it.
April 5th, 2010 at 9:40 am
What’s the lineup for today?
Melky
Martin
Chipper
Troy
Brian
Yunel
Jason
Nate (?)
Derek
Is that it? Does Diaz get the start? Has this already been announced?
(By the way, other than the Nate question mark, I really like this lineup.)
I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS SEASON.
April 5th, 2010 at 10:35 am
Oh except that sorry #2 guy. Seriously, what does Prado have to do to get the respect he deserves?
Prado: BA .307 OBP.358 SLG .464
Escobar: BA .299 OBP .377 SLG .436
Infante: BA .305 OBP .361 SLB .389
That’s with Prado not being an everyday player for the first half of the season or so. I know Infante wasn’t either but His numbers are not far off Escobar. I also know Prado isn’t AS good defensively as Escobar but He’s getting better the more time he spends there. Last year he was the unsung hero and I think he’s going to break out this year.
April 5th, 2010 at 11:13 am
Says the unbiased source.
April 5th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Totally unbiased. I can’t help that he has THE cutest grin. I also think Troy Glaus is just getting warmed up. I think he’s going to start hitting the long ball. AND…I wonder if Heyward wouldn’t have chosen 22 even if 24 had been available. That was a really sweet story. Not that Curt didn’t do a fabulous job telling it or that you all don’t know how to use Topeka but here’s the link http://www.cbssports.com/mcc/messages/chrono/20724993.
April 5th, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Crying…literally sitting on my couch watching the kid on the plasma and crying. Will never forget it. Steve, if you did anything less than strip your shirt off and bellydance I’m disappointed.
April 5th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Loved the shot of his parents hugging random fans around them.
April 5th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
The kid has arrived. Hell to the yes. What a start! Let’s see what our revamped bullpen can do. GO BRAVES!
April 5th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Hinske’s a little better than last year’s PH.
April 5th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
Tcc’s prediction: If the Braves get 14 runs a game, they are going to be OK. I mean that.
April 5th, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Tcc is brilliant. I mean that.
April 5th, 2010 at 5:51 pm
Leah, we’re all feeling brilliant today, huh? I was at work when Heyward made his historic blast, but if I’d seen it I bet I would have been blubbering too.
Now 16-5..my, oh, my..
April 5th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
It’s gonna be fun folks? Am I the only one that noticed Prados general fabulousness especially on the base paths?
April 5th, 2010 at 6:03 pm
I mean “fun folks!”
April 5th, 2010 at 6:14 pm
Good Golly!
April 5th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Yes? Bub??
April 5th, 2010 at 7:24 pm
I hope Steve or Scott post “I was there!” comments when they get home. Anne were you there? It sounded like the crowd was really into it! I love the Heyward chants. I’M SO EXCITED!!!!!!!
April 5th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
haha, nice, Miss Molly.
Just watched the homer about 57 times. That bat speed is just silly. No wonder he can be so patient. He can crank up the swing pretty late.
Love that he hit it off Big Z.
April 5th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
Looks like I picked quite a day to drive to the beach.
Go Braves
April 5th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
I WAS THERE!!! AND I saw Steve, Scott, and Ballpark Frank before the game. I cannot attest as to whether or not Steve’s belly was dancing…but I bet it was. What a great game…made me forget the godawful exhibition games.
The Cubs were being the Cubs right and left…it’s like they excel at the same dumb stuff every year, no matter who the players are. Cases in point: three guys hovering near each other in the outfield and all of them miss the fly ball…and throwing crazy low or crazy high when they had plenty of time to throw on-the-money. Bizarre…but great.
I was sitting near a ton of Cub fans…best moment for me was when the Cubs on 1st AND 2nd were called out and Pinella came out to argue. I’m yelling, “Sit down, the both of you!” and the Cubs fans giving me dirty looks.
Hang on, Hank Aaron throwing the first pitch to Heyward as his catcher – that was awesome. Wait! McClouth’s awesome outfielding was my favorite. No! Hinske’s triple! Uh, I mean, Heyward’s home run was my favorite. GREAT GAME…GO BRAVES!
April 5th, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Thanks for sharing Anne! What a great experience! I might just watch the whole game over again tomorrow. I damn near cried again reading about it on DOB’s blog.
April 5th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
There’s no crying in baseball.
April 5th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Butler holding their own so far.
April 5th, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Watching the replay on SS now. Bub, just got off the phone with a Braves friend who didn’t see the game and I was trying to tell him about JH’s bat speed. Just about a million miles an hour, I figure.
Anne, great to hear about your exciting day, it really must have been something. “JASON…HEYWARD…JASON…HEYWARD!”
April 5th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
It was really amazing. I am still hoarse from all the screaming. The Heyward homerun was the most delirious and excited I’ve ever seen Turner Field. Even more so than McCann’s homer off of Clemens in the playoff game against the Astros (it’s the only I can think that even comes close). And for that bottom of the first to unfold like it did after Lowe’s dreadful start. Just euphoric, really.
And the place actually chanted “Let’s go Heyward” every at bat after his first. It was some magical fandom at the Ted. A place that does not see much fan magic.
And yeah, Leah – Prado had a hell of a game. And very aggressive on the base paths (his taking 3rd early in the game). The whole thing was perfection. And the Moylan/Saito/Wagner combo was damn impressive. I’m just so happy right now.
April 5th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Do any of you ever watch A&E’s Intervention? Tonight’s episode was crazy amazing.
April 5th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
BubububuButler!
April 5th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Was there a Braves game?
April 5th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Will, yes, the Braves actually won the World Series tonight in Grand Fashion! Sorry you missed it. It’ll be in the papers tomorrow, no doubt.
April 5th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Steeeeeeve! I love that the fans were so into it. I hope they keep it up all year with the chanting. So….everyone’s dying to know, did you rip off your shirt and belly dance?
April 5th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Maybe a few less than everyone…
April 5th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
Cledus! We’ll never find out if you give him an out!
Btw, Bub, just want to make sure you saw my last comment on the OTR thread. I know how us A.D.D. Types forget about conversations that aren’t right in front of you.
April 5th, 2010 at 9:28 pm
Leah, you’re right. I can’t wait to see Stevie on Youtube, shuckin’ the shirt and “Shakin’ Ma Belly!!”
April 5th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Butler’s coach looks 12.
April 5th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
I witnessed IT. I sat in section 134 row 26. I was there!
It simply cannot be described. The scene at the Ted was sheer jubilation. Heyward’s home run: Breathtaking. Every Heyward AB: HeyyyyWarrrrddd. HeyyyyyWarrrrdddd!
I Loved it. The greatest moment of braves baseball i have ever watched live. Simply magical.
April 5th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
What a title game so far! I thought Duke was going to pull away.
Leah, I saw it. I looked up the songs. Both great.
April 5th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
I haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate Duke.
April 5th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Wiley, that’s awesome. Certainly sounds magical.
April 5th, 2010 at 10:31 pm
13 seconds to go. Butler with the ball. Down by one. Somebody shoot me.
April 5th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
I hate Duke.
April 5th, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Cheer up Bub Braves looked awesome!
April 5th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
I’m going to watch Heyward’s Hizzy Hizzy Homer about thirty more times to wash that terrible, horrible, no good, very bad game out of my brain.
Yankees win the WS and then Duke wins the freaking dance. Oh, the humanity. Is this the price I have to pay for the Crimson Tide’s championship?
Actually, Bama’s last title was snuggled up pretty close to the Braves worst-to-first year. Maybe we’re starting a new run?
With Vizcaino, Teheran, Kimbrel, and Salcedo in the wings, and big money falling off the books in 2013 (Chipper, Lowe, Huddy, right?) – we might be able at least stay as good as we are now for a long time.
April 5th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
And Freeman and Schafer. Gracious. Bad memory.
April 5th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Talking Chop’s coverage of the homer is awesome, if you haven’t seen it. Several fans’ views/ video cameras.
April 5th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
I’m hungry.
April 6th, 2010 at 8:18 am
This just in…
At the ATL airport and I have already heard numerous random people talking about @MLB and @JasonHeyward. Baseball fever has hit ATL again!
Let’s hope so. Also heard the guy calling the Angels/Twins game on ESPN say that homer gave him chills. Hey, what about that crazy flip between the legs by Buehrle? twss
April 6th, 2010 at 8:31 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SLWzZoDmhg
I must have watched this clip 20 times today!
April 6th, 2010 at 9:00 am
Curt, looks like you were right about the Braves selling us a bunch of BS on keeping the payroll the same. I guess Schurholz admitted dumping salary to USA today, and there’s a report we’ve dropped 13% of our payroll? Anyway that’s what I’m hearing.
I love the team, but it’s a shame to think we passed on Cameron & Damon in order to lower the money. And why pretend it’s not happening? I’ll never come to terms with the amount of lying that certain positions in our culture have just decided is okay now.
Go Braves!
April 6th, 2010 at 9:33 am
I was right…I was ri-ight.
April 6th, 2010 at 9:40 am
I don’t dig graphs but maybe someone will think this is cool. I don’t agree with his sentiments on Glaus in the field. I did miss the first inning so maybe that’s why. Did anyone else think he was less than desireable yesterday?
http://braves.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7282459&topic_id=9070354&c_id=atl
April 6th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Dat not graph.
April 6th, 2010 at 10:02 am
Double Blast! Dell the dinosaur doesn’t copy and paste like my hubby’s mac book. Try this…
http://capitolavenueclub.com/?p=2432&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CapitolAvenueClub+%28Capitol+Avenue+Club%29&utm_content=Twitter
April 6th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
Leah, in the first inning, Glaus bobbled about four easy grounders. Lowe barked at him a little and I saw this morning on the DVR what everyone’s talking about with Glaus giving Lowe the finger slyly against his knee when he went back to his crouch. There’s no official word, but DOB says that reading between the lines he gets the feeling we might see Hinske at 1B sooner than later.
Some of Glaus’s not-appreciated comments, “It’ll either come to me or it won’t. I don’t know. I’ve made a lot of money in baseball already. The games been good to me. We’ll just have to see.”
April 6th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
“Overall, the Braves’ patience improved this spring between the natural tendencies of the new additions and encouragement from Pendleton. ” -Carroll Rogers
And I thought MY yarn was a stretch.
April 6th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
“SWING AND DRIVE…BELTED RIGHT…WELCOME TO THE SHOW!” Still awesome after 24 hours.
Uck Bub…that’s not what I wanted to hear about Glaus. Although I have to admit, I’ve had days when I wanted to give Lowe the finger too.
April 6th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Leah, dear, the Glaus bit was made up.
April 6th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Leah…just so you have it handy the next time you fall for Bub’s shenanigans: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gullible
April 6th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
*hands on hips* Here come Mr. angry eyes! Thanks Anne. I’m as gullible as they come.
April 6th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
Jim Powell’s call was better, to me:
“McCann holding at second. Escobar at first. And officially the long awaited beginning of the Jason Heyward Era… is now. Standing ovation at turner field.
Left foot flicking away dirt as he digs a toe hold, and now stands in against Zambrano. Check of the runners and the pitch… *thud* … is a fast ball too high.
One ball and no strikes.
Nate McLouth on deck. 3-3 game in an eventful first inning. Here comes Zambrano *thud* and it’s high and tight. 2 and 0.
Heyward… a torrid early part of March… cooled off a bit later, finished at .305 with one spring homerun and five RBI’s. Carried an on base average over .400, got a very good eye at the plate.
Stretch by Zambrano, here it comes,
*CRACK*
(Powell is screaming from the first syllable)
SWING AND A DRIIIIVE!! HIGH AND DEEP TO RIGHT FIEEEEELD!!! IT IS WAAAAAY GONE!!!!!! JAYYYSON HEYWARD WITH A BOMB INTO THE BRAVES BULLPEN!!! IT’S SIX TO THREE ATLANTA… AND THIS STADIUM IS UPSIDE DOWN!!!”
(let’s the crowd noise tell the story for about ten long seconds.)
“Chipper Jones on the field with a bear hug waiting for Heyward, who is mobbed in the dugout. Pure pandamonium at Turner Field.”
April 6th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
The call on ESPN was
“HE HITS A DEEP DRIVE TO RIGHT! WAAAAY BACK! WELCOME TO THE BIG LEAGUES JASON HEYWARD!”
Then the crowd noise as he rounds the bases.
April 6th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
i totally fell for Bub’s story on Glaus..
April 6th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Just for that Bub I’m changing my name every comment. Thanks Will especially if you’re lying. It actually makes no sense now that I think about it since they only scored 3 runs on a homer in the 1st but what can I say. I’m generally a trusting person and take what my friends tell me at face value.
Here’s a sweet story:
http://www.mdjonline.com/view/full_story/6867372/article-Dreams-do-come-come-true?instance=home_news_left
April 6th, 2010 at 6:15 pm
Just for kicks, here’s the Cubs’ radio call:
“And now Jason Heyward, the heavily publicized rookie outfielder… left handed batter making his debut right here.
*thud*
Heyward takes a fast ball high.
He’s a huge kid. 6′ 5″, 240. Hits in a bit of a crouch.
Four hits against Zambrano.
Fast ball high. Two and Oh.
And they talk about him being a very disciplined hitter. I mean there’s been a lot of pub. That’s why these fans here have read about it. Uhh… and… I guess in Spring Training, he hit some balls that broke some windows. Car windows.
Here’s the 2-0… drilled in the air. Deep right field. This baaaaallll is gone.
*crowd noise, 15 seconds*
Jason Heyward with a three run homer in his first… big league… at bat. Atlanta leads six to three. A long home run to the bullpen in right center. A drive of about 425 feet. You knew it was gone the minute he hit it. His first major league swing. Boy, oh boy. A roller coaster first inning.”
April 6th, 2010 at 6:28 pm
Don’t pout, princess. You should read the email I sent my best friend on April Fool’s Day. It was a freaking masterpiece, and he NEVER gets got. But I got him.
Highlights: I’ve changed my major to Sports Medicine. I hate English Literature. My English professor even hates English literature. All I want to do the rest of my life is meet famous people. When I shake hands with a famous person, I can feel God.
And I made it completely believable.
April 6th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
just heard the orioles announcers on MASN mention Heyward. This kid is gonna be big (I really hope).
April 6th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Heyward is on a pace to hit 162 homers this year. I’m just sayin’.
April 6th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Thoroughly enjoyed the 100th show & the predictions show…here are my predictions for wins credited to our rotation:
Hanson: 18
Jurrjens:17
Hudson/Lowe: 15
Kawakami: 14
I FREAKIN’ loved yesterday’s game…what a shot by Heyward. He’s gonna be the greatest Braves outfielder since Dale Murphy, and he’ll be what Andruw Jones never was for us. Yup, I said it.
Here’s my prediction for the playoffs this year:
NL West: Rockies
NL Central: Cardinals
NL East: Braves
NL Wild Card: Dodgers
AL West: Angels
AL Central: Twins
AL East: Yankees
AL Wild Card: Red Sox
NLCS: Braves
ALCS: Yankees
World Series: BRAVES
GO BRAVES!!!! FEAR THE CHOP SHOP!!!!
(I’m drunk on Kool-Aid)
April 6th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Harold Reynolds on the Dan Patrick show:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/listenlive.player.html?file=http://ht.cdn.turner.com/si/danpatrick/audio/2010/04/06/DP-Hr3_04-06-2010_stream.mp3
If the link works, Heyward discussion at minute 12.
April 6th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Today’s Dan Patrick show, hour #3, minute #12 has some Harold Reynolds on Heyward talk. I tried to post the link but ABT ate it. Or it’s sitting in the corner facing the wall, awaiting moderation.
April 6th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
Heh, I just visited the Orioles’ website to see what they were saying about Mike Gonzo blowing the save tonight. And they had a Jason Heyward thread. Unreal.
April 6th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
Note: That Orioles game that Gonzo blew was against the Rays. Soriano pitched a scoreless inning; two hits and a walk, though. So, through one game, Wagner & Saito > Sori & the Gonz. Oh, and Lance Cormier put in 2/3 of an inning for the Rays. There’s a trip down Memory Lane. We’ve come a long way since Lance Cormier.
April 6th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Did y’all notice Salty and Kotchman both hit game winners yesterday? Happy for both those guys. I like Salty’s curls.
April 6th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
KJ & LaRoche off to rough starts. 0 for 5 each. Kelly looks especially bad at the plate.
April 6th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Steve, why again do we let women post here?
April 6th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Ok, good. I thought we might stop at simply putting the fate of the Braves on Heyward’s shoulders. Luckily we’re pushing forward with this …http://tinyurl.com/yby2fru
April 6th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
http://tinyurl.com/yby2fru (clickable, yo)
See, I’m on record as seeing this coming with the mlb board. And I got roasted for it.
April 6th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
So, what do people think about Smoltz’s color with Costas on MLB Network tonight for the Sox/Yanks game? I think he’s pretty boring. No voice inflection at all. It’s all kind of monotone. He knows what he’s talking about, but it’s not much fun to listen to.
April 6th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Heyward’s color. Smoltz’s color. Settle down, Steve.
(I didn’t hear the Beard’s broadcast.)
April 6th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Again on other message boards! Link please…and when I say please I mean now.
April 6th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
No way. That’s an ugly thread. (not because of me.) Let’s leave that one buried.
This picture is crackin’ me up:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/blog/105441/index.html
April 6th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
i totally bought Bub’s Glaus story and spent about 30 minutes seeing if I could find it on the internet. I was even going to go back and watch the game on MLB.tv when I got home.
What is that G word again?
April 6th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
Here’s the homerun call:
http://twaud.io/6LC
April 7th, 2010 at 6:24 am
You’re right Bub…that is the best call. I will be listening to it over and over. Hey maybe during my run I’ll just put it on repeat.
Hammy, dude can write.
April 7th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Agreed on the Jim Powell call. “This stadium is upside down” is not only a phrase I’ve not heard before, but it really does give me chills.
Fell into some tickets for tonight’s game. Bringing my almost 10 year old who, until about a month ago, did not care at all about baseball. Seriously, I’d be like, “hey, you can stay up late and watch the game with me.” “No, Daddy, I’d rather go to bed.” !?!?!?!?!? Anyway, he’s gotten really pumped about the Braves and playing ball recently and we’ll be going tonight. Pretty damned excited about the whole thing.
April 7th, 2010 at 11:00 am
Steve, that’s awesome. My 9 year old chose to play soccer this Spring instead of baseball. I’m still not over it. Last season I was taking him to the ballpark and he told me to let his coach tell him what to do. He also told me not to cheer so much. I asked him, “You don’t like it when I cheer for you?”. His response, “Mom, it’s practice.”
April 7th, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Found this post on the Cubs board oddly comforting. Maybe most managers just don’t pay that much attention.
“…Assuming of course that Lou even KNOWS this, which I seriously doubt. He’ll probably do something stupid like start Colvin and sit Fukudome (even though Kosuke’s OBP was 1.000 last game) or start Hill (and his .120 average in ST)”
April 7th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Courtesy of Talking Chop:
http://www.clarionledger.com/article/20100407/COL0504/4070355/1287/SPORTS
April 7th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
By the way, play through that game mentally without Heyward in the line-up so that we can control the money better.
Big Z calms down. Lowe uncalms. Cubs win. More confidence for the Cubbies in today’s game? It’s not too much of a stretch, really. And with Lincecum/ Zito looming, how important is this Cubs series?
And without him, the fans are robbed of the most memorable opening day moment in years.
Heyward Starting In the Bigs: 1
Heyward Waiting Two Weeks: 0
April 7th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
I loved B. Mac on 790 The Zone today saying he’d retire if he were Heyward and that yesterday was the best game he’s played in at Turner Field. Also, been thinking about what Curt said in regards to the Phillies Farm lacking crops. At first that excites me and seems huge but is it as catastrophic as I imagine? I mean they have the funds to go out and pilfer from other teams when the crops are harvested…so to speak.
April 7th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
This is my favorite clip of the Heyward’s dinger. Gives me chills – I especially love that everyone is standing up for his at bat, before he unloads.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naAKjOQRSIg&feature=related
April 7th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Yeah, I like that one too. Chills ain’t the half of it. My first game will be June 2 vs the #%*illies…I can’t wait!!!!!
April 7th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
I feel like Leah tracking this through my phone. Stupid beach Internet access. I can’t respond to everything I want to, but I’ve never been so disappointed to be missing braves games.
That, and I hope that as part of the story certain people tell about Jason Heyward being a role model, which I am all for, is that there is a big chunk of that story dedicated to his parents and their hard work, love for their son, and their commitment to education. I know we have gotten all of that here as Braves fans, but I hope the only part of his story being told to kids isn’t all about athletics. To me, he has such a greater purpose with his upbringing, his parents going to Dartmouth, it would be a shame for it all not to be part of the folklore.
April 7th, 2010 at 5:20 pm
Poor Curt. You need faster thumbs. I’m glad you’re enjoying your vacay. Can you stream the game with At Bat and watch on your tiny screen? If you have a video camera and that TV cord thingy you could point the cam at your iPhone screen and Ta-dah!
I’m sorry Steve, were you trying to say something?
All from stupid soccer practice.
April 7th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Curt, great post. Gammons has tried to emphasize that. Hopefully it won’t get lost in the shuffle.
April 7th, 2010 at 5:48 pm
http://sports-ak.espn.go.com/mlb/index
That’s Olney, the guy who first mentioned Heyward would be susceptible to getting jammed inside, saying, basically, “uh… nevermind.”
April 7th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
That link doesn’t take you all the way there. You have to click on the video called “Heyward’s Discipline”
April 7th, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Freakin love the KID! He is NO Jordan Schafer!!!!!
April 7th, 2010 at 6:45 pm
What a swing. That was a curve ball, too. So, that’s three questions answered in two games.
He can hit MLB pitchers (in game).
He can lay off the pitches supposed to jam him in his “weak spot” (Z’s ball 1 and 2)
He can hit the breaking pitch.
Now, hit a lefty and we’re crankin’ up the disco ball.
April 7th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Big wheel keep on turning!
April 7th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
I still think I like this lineup even more with Matty Ice in the 8 hole. Just make it where there really us no easy out at this point, and with Diaz getting on allowing our pitchers to move him over and the top of the lineup allowed to knock him in.
April 7th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
Yeah, not crazy about the 8-9-1 being McLouth/Pitcher/Melky. That’s kind of a weak spot.
Beats the heck out of Garret/Kotchman/Frenchy/Pitcher/Kelly, though. With Chipper in a slump and McCann half blind. How did we score at ALL first half last year??
April 7th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
Back off, Curt. Diaz is mine…lest you forget.
April 7th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
“Avery’s Bane” = No run support for J.J.
April 7th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Yeah, he could go 0-1 with a 0.00 ERA after this game. That’s as bad as run support can get.
April 7th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Could Smoltz say one more thing so zealously self-depricating?? I know I’ve said in past that I like him in the booth, but the self-reference, especially in “non-retirement,” is a little tough for me to listen to.
April 7th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Sorry, but John Smoltz is the second most self-referencial homey this side of Curt Schilling. He is seriously, seriously interested in his own little world and expects we are, too.
April 7th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
My sentence sort of collapsed on itself there, didn’t it…
April 7th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
The lefty carves Heyward up on 3 pitches. Oh well.
April 7th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
JOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 7th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
I went out for dessert with the bff and returned just in time for the bottom of the 8th. Don’t forget the +1 guy on base.
Come on Wags!
April 7th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
WAGS!!! Blowin’ doors off!!
April 7th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
How fun is it not to feel that one run is insurmountable? It’s fun to have genuine, realistic faith in your team even when it’s the bottom of the 8th. And then to have confidence in your closer when your only 1 ahead.
April 7th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Kris Medlen was a great get. Love it, love it, love it. Way to freaking go, Bravos. This was an even better game than the first one if you took out Heyward’s bomb.
GREAT JOB, BOYS!!! Go Braves!!!
April 7th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Damn, I love this stuff! Blow out win, then a close, come from behind win with #427 from Chipper. Great stuff from Wags. Go Braves!!!!!
April 7th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Good to see the old guy can still hit too
April 7th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
I really enjoyed Smoltz’ comments about pitching with “conviction” and about having your third? pitch/change up ready for when you needed it in a pinch. It cost J.J. when he put a fat one over the plate.
The “bear left” joke was lame, but I laughed anyway. I’ll probably pass it on.
April 7th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
this is fun…
i was doing the hands in fingers…lalalalalalala…going into the 8th. couldnt watch. stopped looking at mlb.com and went back to dumping machine tool order data into a spreadsheet…
an hour later, i come up for air….expecting to see the inevitable…a deflating loss. back to reality..etc.
instead…SWEET ACTION.
this is fun.
April 7th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Yes! What a win. I want to change my prediction to 162-0.
NOW, let’s seal the deal tomorrow. We started out hot against the Phils for 2.5 games last year, and then we had the big blow (twss).
I agree Wilbur – this is fun.
April 7th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
A great game for your man, Princess. The early DP and the hit followed by the hand-clap, firing the team up. You can really sense something about the team. I have my concerns, but if we can catch some breaks, this is gonna be a fun ride.
April 7th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Baseball is a quirky game, huh? Dempster was the dominant pitcher with 9 strike outs and gave up one run.
J.J. and Medlin are sort of statistically invisible with 4 SO’s, 2 runs, ERA 0.00 while Moylan pitches 1 inning and gets the Win. Wagner “wins” the game and gets a save!
Just sayin’
Steve, hope you had a great time!
April 7th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Thanks Tcc – I had a great time. But it was rough going there in the middle innings. When JJ stopped getting the ball over the plate and the offense disappeared. Ugh. It was brutal. And, while I know this is cheap and easy analysis, I’ll say it anyway … this was the kind of game the team lost the last couple of years. Coming out flat after an offensive explosion in the prior game. But they kept at it. Damn, what a satisfying win. And to take it all in, live, with my nine year old, screaming at the tops of lungs when Chipper hit his homer. Very, very special night for me.
April 8th, 2010 at 12:47 am
Steve, (try reading with a British accent for added effect.)
It is my sad duty to report that your rally hat did NOT win the game, for it twas mine.
http://twitter.com/Few_Proud_Brave/status/11798628246
There is the proof, again, deeply sorry. Although it must have been a cool moment for your son to see a Chipper Jones HR.
April 8th, 2010 at 1:22 am
I loved watching tonight’s game although it was a nail-biter…I wonder if the umps were trying to make up for Monday’s blunder call in the OF. The old man has still got it, & Wags slammed that door. I’m looking for the broom to come out…GO BRAVES!!!
April 8th, 2010 at 1:40 am
My man KJ went 3 for 3 with two homers tonight. (Cue Ray Stevens: “They call him the streak…”)
April 8th, 2010 at 7:54 am
DON’T LOOK ETHEL! It was too late…
Steve, I can’t believe you were tweeting…and I missed it! Hamilton, anytime you want to voice appreciation for Prado is fine with the rest of us (completely erasing the bobble he should have had from memory). Even Chipper gave him his due credit.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:15 am
Steve, was that you defending Prado on DOB? *wipes away tear of joy*
April 8th, 2010 at 8:23 am
Just turned down the opportunity to stage-manage a student concert of “Rent.” It rehearses in September and performs 9/30, 10/1 and 10/2. How cool would that be – all these years later, college kids singin’ those songs. BUT! I think the Braves will need me in the stands instead…don’t you?? GO BRAVES. SWEEP SWEEP SWEEP to start the season!!
April 8th, 2010 at 9:20 am
Jurrjens4NLCY – Understood. But, let’s keep this between you and I. Don’t want to break my son’s heart and all. And hey, what theatre stuff were you talking about on DOB’s blog the other day? Are you an actor (Hammy and I are ex-actors)?
Princess – that was not me defending Prado on DOB’s blog. I save all that for the show in the form of cheap shots at Hammy.
April 8th, 2010 at 11:05 am
Just to be clear, I’m not the “Wren’s Mistakes” guy or whatever his name was. Cuz I know you will secretly suspect that, my paranoid princess.
April 8th, 2010 at 1:13 pm
Oooo…”paranoid princess”…I like it. I’ll add it to my list.
And I was wondering so thanks for clearing that up.
April 8th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
My news is that the 6 year old got up on a bike without training wheels for the first time. Pretty cool. We bribed him. Apparently he has a price, just like his old man, only more expensive. Be home Saturday.
April 8th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Congrats on young Knievil’s first ride.
April 8th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
Where were you five years ago? Five years ago, Jason Heyward was fifteen. Isn’t that weird?
April 8th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Curt, that’s awesome! Can he come teach my youngest? Bub, very weird, don’t really want to think about that one thankyou very much. Time for my pills and then my nap.
April 8th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
Heyward is 4 years older than I am. Now thats wierd.
April 8th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
ABT BRAVES GAME GET TOGETHER – HEAR YE HEAR YE
Ok people. We’ve been talking about it and now it’s time to get serious. The date is Tuesday, June 1. 7:10pm game against the Phillies. Are you in? We need to get a head count to then determine how to move forward on securing tickets. Leah, Me, Curt, Anne, Scott, and Ballpark Frank are in. Are you? Send me an email at steve@atlantabaseballtalk.com with your confirmation. Can’t wait to meet everyone!
April 8th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Ahhh…I’ll be there the next day, sorry to miss meeting the crew. Don’t buy out all the hot dogs and #22 shirts!
April 8th, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Cledus! Can’t you just go one day early?
April 8th, 2010 at 6:18 pm
I’m thinking about it. When do you need to know by?
April 8th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
Uncle.
April 8th, 2010 at 6:31 pm
I wish, Princess! Maybe there will be another gathering of ABTers later in the season?
April 8th, 2010 at 7:36 pm
Steve,
Yea, I am.
I was talking about how our show went, we did “West Side Story.” And afterwards met a theatre director for a traveling troupe based in La Grange, IL.
April 8th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
Prediction? 91 wins and 2nd place, 1 GB. WC.
April 8th, 2010 at 7:43 pm
Well shucks Tcc. My crew will be there on the 2nd and when I say crew I mean in-laws and everything. I don’t know our schedule or where we are sitting but maybe we can meet long enough to shake hands and put a face with the name. When I say name I mean the real one you tell me and I keep a secret.
April 8th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Love the name, Leah.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:00 pm
My first ever Heywardism:
Jason Heyward robbed a homer with a knee-high catch at the wall.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Ok people! Prado is da bomb!
April 8th, 2010 at 8:12 pm
YES he IS!
April 8th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Bub, if you knew how difficult it is to change one’s name on one’s iphone before each comment you would have at least pretended to be annoyed.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Glaus is not (thus far).
April 8th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Arg…changed computers.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
I call a Nate homer.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
/slash ground out.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
Print Says, yes, we will do a face to face with full name disclosure at a location to be named later..Prado carrying the team tonight. Chipper already hurt?!?
April 8th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Is Wells that good? Can’t figure out what’s wrong with Hanson. Any thoughts?
April 8th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Hey Bub…if our rookie right fielder were offered a trade to Toronto, would he…????
April 8th, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Wait for it….
April 8th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
I miss the beard.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:33 pm
Hasten Jayward???
April 8th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
HAHAAAAAAH! Tcc, you just became my favorite human.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Ok, I quit. Nothing wrong with Hanson, 7 SO’s, 2 runs. Braves bats need to get going.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
“I miss the beard.”
Stop shaving.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Leah, Hanson’s made a couple mistakes. He seems fine. Striking folks out. Just a smudge under his normal gig. He’s given up 3 hits.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:43 pm
Thanks boys…I feel better. So Prado’s not perfect but he is sexy as hell…just sayin.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
well, I feel worse. Tommy’s out of the zone now.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
He didn’t look as confident as normal. I really think it’s the “no beard”. And 178 made me laugh.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
By the way Bub, you never told us about your award.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
I got a lovebubble in my heart and it’s name is Eric O’Flaherty.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Hey, award? Nice put out.
April 8th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
My award?
April 8th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
…boo
April 8th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Omar!
April 8th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Yeah…you know, the one you won a few years ago and are up for again? Your funny guy award.
April 8th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Oh, please do my fragile insides a favor and don’t read my posts on that board.
Good hit, Glaus.
April 8th, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Trouble brewing for Mr. Wells, with Esco & Heyward due up. Anything but a DP, Esco. Come on, guys. Do something beautiful.
April 8th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
#$%&@!!!! #$&*^! %%$^&&%$###$-$$%^^^&%$!!@!!
April 8th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
filth and foul. Tell your inards to chill.
April 8th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Come on JHey…get something started!
April 8th, 2010 at 9:10 pm
I bet they bring in a LHP.
April 8th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Putting McLouth behind Heyward in the line-up guarantees late-inning LHP. No comprende, Bobby.
April 8th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Somethings different about Chavez…can’t quite put my finger on it. Oh yea…outs instead of runs =awesome! Really want to win in the 9th. I like how p o’d Glaus was at the end of the 8th. I like to see some passion.
April 8th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
2 out of 3 from the Cubs…Go Braves!!
April 8th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Bad, sad, no fun, boring game.
April 8th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Well, that stinks.
Nice to see Chavez pitch well, and EOF.
Blah. Get ‘em tomorrow.
April 8th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Oh Cledus…I needed that. Mr. Positive.
April 8th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
That’s what she said.
April 8th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Good night all, I’m switching to the Weather Channel…
April 8th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Have you had tornados? We’re trying to decide at what point do we gather our children and head for the bunker. Hoping it passes quickly and quietly. Btw, false alarm…my azaleas are fine. I’m just not very patient.
Bub, congrats, I’m sure you’ll win.
April 8th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
Just rain here and it’s mostly passed. Have a safe and peaceful night.
April 8th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
I was stuck on a work call for most of the game to find a 2 run hole and Chipper leaving with an injury. I take my eyes off the team for just a couple of hours ….
Good signs: EOF, Chavez, Glaus with a couple of hits (we’ll ignore the DP with bases loaded) and Nate with a hit. And Prado is already the team MVP.
It was jarring to see Heyward so overmatched in the 9th. What is wrong with that kid?!?!?!?
April 8th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
“Prado is already the team MVP.”
Yes indeedy!
April 8th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
That’s not going to get it done. Who’s starting for the Gents tomorrow? Zito? I guess we get Lincecum? Be curious to see the last series we took in SF. Has to be long before we only made one trip out there. Go Braves.
April 8th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Curt cracks me up posting from his iphone.
April 8th, 2010 at 11:01 pm
uck…I don’t like it over there. Staying where I belong.
April 8th, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Me, too. I think I’m done over there.
April 8th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
Maybe Talking Chop will be my new fling.
April 8th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Well don’t let me ruin your fun. They love you over there.
April 9th, 2010 at 3:04 am
Yeah, well, who can brag for that?
April 9th, 2010 at 8:01 am
Who is this Prado kid? He seems awesome. Clearly the best Brave on the team. HOW COULD YOU GUYS NOT SEE THAT?
And yes, the Kid looked woefully overmatched in the ninth. Troubling. Also troubling is Chipper’s injury. We should have done an over/under on games played for him. I will set the line at 138 – place your bets.
April 9th, 2010 at 9:25 am
Ham – at least Lost ruled this week. Just watched it…
April 9th, 2010 at 9:38 am
Indeed, Will-Bob, very, very good. Leah, agree?
April 9th, 2010 at 10:03 am
The Chipper injury is very discouraging this early in the season. Just to see, I went back to his game logs last year. He missed 5 games in April in 2009, for what it’s worth. The fact is, he can’t play more than 130 and be effective. He was top 3 on the team in appearances last year (143) and that clearly did not work out. Maybe this isn’t the worst thing so long as Infante/Hinske can pick up the slack.
April 9th, 2010 at 10:06 am
Check that. Chipper LEAD (!) the team in appearances last year. Followed by McCann, Yunel, and GA.
April 9th, 2010 at 10:40 am
Man I miss GA
April 9th, 2010 at 10:53 am
haha…the loafing wonder. Maybe I’m naive but I feel that’s the difference in this team. I don’t freak out when Chipper’s day to day. Don’t get me wrong, naive yes but not an idiot. I know we need him and we need him healthy but I have enough confidence in the rest of the line up and the rotation it doesn’t devastate me like last year. Oh the difference I feel when Hinske steps to the plate instead of last year’s pinch hitter…i burst into song every time.
Will, Hammy, this weeks episode was fabulous. The Penny/Desmond story is my favorite. Remember when he made her his constant and he called her from the freighter? Beautiful! MY FAVORITE LOST SCENE! I’m still adjusting to Widmore being the good guy and Locke being satan. I like Locke and he looks just like my father…creeps me out.
Hammy, we not good enough for a few days off and a very short plane ride?
April 9th, 2010 at 11:39 am
Leah – it’s a very good point about Chipper. And we saw it last year. The offense thrived as Chipper swooned in the second half. The offense is no longer all about Chipper.
April 9th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
The offense is not only not all about Chipper, they had a higher winning % without him last year. Honestly, offensive injuries don’t bother me with this team. The back ups are solid, and we’re not going to be either a powerhouse or punchless by going from Chipper to Infante or from Glaus to Hinske.
Now, if McCann, Escobar, Prado goes down, or if two starting outfielders go down, obviously we’re going to have trouble. But for what the Braves are offensively, our bench has no black hole swingers on it. Diaz, Hinske, Conrad, Infante: 2-3 of these in our every day line up wouldn’t even phase me.
PITCHING injuries are what would kill us. This is very obviously a pitching team first, which I’m fine with. Two of our three first games have been great pitching duels with Jurrjens, Dempster, Hanson, and Wells all being awesome to watch. In the long run, if Wagner stays healthy and Saito performs well, I feel great about an identity as an awesome pitching team: innings 1 through 9 being a pain in the ass for the opposing hitters.
Our offense just has to have enough break-out games to keep Wagner, Moylan, and Meds from being necessary every day. I think we’ll achieve that.
If we can make it to through the end of the first Phillies series, our fifth series overall, without being more than a game or two out of the wild card hunt, I think we can buckle down for a very exciting season.
I would be interested in gauging our wildcard competition sooner rather than later, too. Maybe size it up at the end of that Phils tilt.
April 9th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
I see the Phils get Houston now, followed by another series with the Nats. Extended Spring Training must be nice.
April 9th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
DOB’s recent blog has frightened me. Looks like it could be a rough day. However, how awesome if we can take two in SF! We beat the Freak last year…we can do it again!
April 9th, 2010 at 2:42 pm
“black hole swingers” – Bub, I’m not sure what that means, but I’m sure I wouldn’t let my little kids read that post.
Leah – I’m more worried about the overnight flight and only 10 hours to go until game time. The thought of the team coming out flat and all the sudden having three bad offensive performances in a row, going to 2 – 2. The narrative of the short season changes pretty abruptly in the short term. But I am excited about this lineup and seeing Matty D in there.
April 9th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
I would just like to point out that Steve and I posted our early comments before DOB posted his latest blog entry. Pretty sure he gets most of his material from ABT.
April 9th, 2010 at 3:19 pm
Absolutely, Leah. It’s kind of embarrassing.
April 9th, 2010 at 3:26 pm
Steve, is there money in the budget for me to have an assistant? I think I need one. Flavored creamer, no sugar.
April 9th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Not only do you need one, you deserve one. I’ll talk to the finance division.
April 9th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
Make sure they know I’m kiiiiiiiiiiind of…a big deal. Come on JHey, show those guys what a real giant does with a baseball!
April 9th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
C’mon, Matty D. It’s your day. Hit ‘em hard.
April 9th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Disappointed
April 9th, 2010 at 8:03 pm
The Trojan has a huge strike zone. Our Braves must be exhausted.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
I heart Medlen.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
I heart games that end.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Ok…question…what would have happened if the Ump had seen the batter interference? Very sad way to lose. Hope they go take all a long nap.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Game #4 = first horrible game of the year.
Horrible.
Horrible.
Horrible.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Have…to…win…tomorrow.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:38 pm
Interference = runner is out.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
I vote for instant replay.
April 9th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
sad
April 9th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Wow what a stomach punch of a game.
April 9th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Uh, I may be wrong about the runner being called out for batter interf. Might be the batter called out and the runner sent back. I can’t remember.
April 9th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
I hate the loss, any loss, but Prado was brilliant, Medlen pitched his ass off, extra innings and our guys lost. It’s early, folks, lets don’t give up hope yet.
April 9th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Good post, Tcc. I just added up our top three pitchers to see how that went:
17.1 innings. 4 earned runs. 10 hits. So, there’s something decent.
This might be a tough road trip after this miserable start. But we’ll rebound. Heyward’s spiral doesn’t surprise or worry me. Let the character-building begin.
Go Braves.
April 9th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
*by top three, I mean Hanson, Hudson, Jurrjens.
April 9th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
Go Braves.
April 9th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Arg.
April 9th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Can. Not. Get. Ov. Er. It.
April 9th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Princess, it’s time to take a deep cleansing breath, let it out slowly….
April 9th, 2010 at 10:04 pm
And maybe re check Prado’s stats!
April 9th, 2010 at 10:11 pm
He is freakin awesome isn’t he. Hammy? I’d like to hear your input on this matter.
April 9th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Ugggggh. Brutal. I know the guys were tired, but c’mon. We had SO MANY chances to put this away, and we couldn’t get it done. I am very disappointed to be 2-2; I really wanted more. I especially hate to waste such a good performance by Huddy.
I know that it is early, but it hurts all the same.
I will touch on el Prado on next week’s show.
April 9th, 2010 at 10:30 pm
I actually didn’t get to watch Wags. What happened there? Ya know, besides the obvious.
April 9th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
He gave up a hit and then a homer.
Vazquez got blistered tonight.
April 9th, 2010 at 10:56 pm
Thoughts on Heyward? Is he just anxious or needing to readjust? Should we go ahead and xray his…well everything and make sure nothing’s broken? I may not be able to wait 48 hours for a new show.
April 9th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
I am not one to really complain about umpires but the noncall on the interference blows. I dont care if Brian went left,right,up,down it doesnt change the fact Rowand put the bat into him.The umpire said i could read his lips you went that way pointing to his left what if Brian threw left handed? it would have not mattered the bat would have still hit him and broke something!Hope MLB does something.There is just no excuse this man can give to justify his noncall.If i remember correctly Rowand does have a long swing but not to that extreme in that at bat!!The umpire blew the call plain and simple!!!!!!!
April 9th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Right! So, BRAVES WIN!! Well, not really. Let’s try again tomorrow…
April 9th, 2010 at 11:31 pm
Painful, painful loss. And a stomach punch particularly given the strong start. Does it all mean that much? I don’t know. Probably not. Still a small sample size, but it’s certainly time to win the next two.
Leah – that Heyward at-bat in game 3 against the Cubs in the 9th inning (striking out on 3 pitches, the SAME 3 pitches) was the exposing of the big hole in Heyward’s swing. He’ll figure it out. He’s not Frenchy. He’s not Schaffer. He’s much smarter than both of them combined.
April 9th, 2010 at 11:32 pm
Interference is batter is out, runner goes back. Bub, you’re right there. Lots to cover in the show. Like Bobby always preaches, take 2 of 3 and you’re fine. So let’s take 2 of 3 and move on to SD.
April 9th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Rented & viewed “Up in the Air.” Still processing the heartachy stuff, but the moment between Sam Elliot and George Clooney was pretty sublime, just those two on screen together. Some director needs to spot that and team them up for a whole movie.
And I don’t normally drool over movie women, but that Vera Whatzerface (the girl from The Departed) is killing me. KILLING me.
April 10th, 2010 at 1:02 pm
I love the scene in Departed when Leo’s all sad and weak and she runs her fingures through his curls.
To answer your question Bub from last week…certifiable and doesn’t have a tooth in her head. Not a natural one anyway.
April 10th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
It would be more polite to send notes about Anne to my email. Just sayin.
April 10th, 2010 at 2:19 pm
Oh my goodness! Funniest comment ever! Anne, I swear I wasn’t referring to you.
April 10th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Hate to say it, but with Heyward and Melky struggling this bad and the bullpen getting worn down, and the strength of the opponents, my Braves aspirations are in temporary damage control mode:
Get out of the Giants series 3-3 or 4-2.
Emerge from the Padres series 5-4 or 4-5.
Emerge from the Rockies series 6-6
Emerge from the Phillies series 8-7 or 7-8.
2 or 3 games behind in the division.
1 or 2 games behind in the Wild Card.
Take a breath.
Start over.
Teheran was brilliant in his first start in the minors.
April 10th, 2010 at 2:54 pm
I just saw we have an odd off day between the 1st and 2nd Padres game. That might save our tails with the BP.
I’ll upgrade to: Emerge from the Phillies series 8-7 or 9-7.
April 10th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
lol, or 9-6, since that’s, you know, possible with math and stuff.
April 10th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
I don’t know about all those numbers but I sure want to win tonight. Someone please kick me off my computer at a decent hour! I must not stay up for the whole game. I just can’t.
April 10th, 2010 at 10:35 pm
What time are we sending you to bed, girly?
April 10th, 2010 at 10:41 pm
I’m about five seconds from deciding this Lowe contract is going to keep us hamstrung until 2013.
April 10th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Midnight…or so. We have a low view of an ace.
April 10th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
He got 3 grounders last inning, so… it might be a long five seconds.
April 10th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
Well hell…
April 10th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
15 million dollars.
4 years.
Yeah.
(at least he got out of it.)
April 10th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
I don’t get this Ump’s strike zone.
April 10th, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Marteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnn…is numero uno!
April 10th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Ah, 2009, why must you continue to plague us. Someone get a hit…..
April 10th, 2010 at 11:22 pm
Back from the beach huh? Seriously, not enjoying he SF series…at all.
April 10th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
I had no problem with this when the pitchers were Dempster Wells, and even Sanchez. But Todd FREAKING WELLEMEYER???? Give me a damn break. This hardly seems necessary.
April 10th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
At least the wind is unbiased. The kid looked better. And there’s Prado but I’m starting to think he’s a god.
April 10th, 2010 at 11:33 pm
Proud!!!!
April 10th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Jason Heyward…Bless his heart!
April 10th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
Walk, single, homer. Good job, rookie.
April 10th, 2010 at 11:40 pm
Just got home from the Clemson Spring Game. Tigers won!!! “D” looking pretty special..
April 10th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
Yeah Bub. gotta make some hay against the Giants when you are getting their 3 and 4 guys. Lincecum looms tomorrow. And you have to figure this is a team that will be in the WC hunt so we need some wins against them, given we will only see them 6 times all year.
Here comes Lowe trying to give it right back.
April 10th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Weather looms tomorrow also…just sayin’
April 10th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
aaaaahhhhh…already developing ulcers. Great play by Escobar and I’m really glad Glaus is so very tall.
April 10th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Tcc, true. Maybe we get lucky and Lincecum gets pulled early after a rain delay
Huge play by Yuni
April 10th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
Maybe I’m biased but I would have let Prado swing away.
April 10th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
Make em pay Glaus!!!!
April 11th, 2010 at 12:01 am
There you go! I knew Glaus could drive in a run.
April 11th, 2010 at 12:03 am
So, seriously. Let’s just win this freaking game tonight. Things would feel much, much better to get a W here tonight.
April 11th, 2010 at 12:04 am
How do you let McLouth and Glaus be the ones to beat you? Thank you Giants.
April 11th, 2010 at 12:04 am
Wait for the Rally, Princess. Then you can sleeeeeeep.
April 11th, 2010 at 12:07 am
Steve, I’m with you…I feel like we HAVE to win. Bub, fading fast…
April 11th, 2010 at 12:08 am
SF defense is ass.
April 11th, 2010 at 12:11 am
Heyward is the real deal people!
April 11th, 2010 at 12:13 am
ok…goodnight ABT. Don’t let em lose!
April 11th, 2010 at 12:13 am
G’night, Princess.
Great job against the lefty, Jason.
April 11th, 2010 at 12:13 am
And the child shall lead them…
April 11th, 2010 at 12:16 am
BTW, how great is it that KK gets Lincecum, in his first start, no less? Damn, let’s keep that big game KK thing alive tomorrow.
April 11th, 2010 at 12:20 am
“Dragon Slayer”
April 11th, 2010 at 12:54 am
“J Hey pickin’ em up and puttin’ em down” Love it!!
April 11th, 2010 at 12:56 am
Omar!!
April 11th, 2010 at 1:13 am
Come on…………………Wagner having to get up in a blow out. Just end it.
Finally. Good win.
April 11th, 2010 at 3:56 am
My son started little league today. They play 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in the same fast pitch league. Hes just practicing now, game next week. Im petrified. At least three kids were hit by pitches. From 5th graders humming it in. Last week we were playing catch, and he still couldnt catch the ball properly. Even after playing pitching machine bball for two years since he was six. Still couldnt catch a pop-up, couldnt catch a ball thrown to him. Suddenly today, magically, he can catch both. Nearly every time. You have never seen a boy so happy. He says, Dad, you have been throwing it at me for two years, and I couldnt catch it. Now I can. I love this game. I used to hate it. Now I love it. – he really said that. We ended up playing catch for an hour after practice. He says dad, instead of a scientist, do you think I can instead be a professional baseball player? Dats my boy.
April 11th, 2010 at 9:49 am
Can we call him Willy Mo Japena?
April 11th, 2010 at 10:52 am
Good stuff Will. The oldest told me that T Ball was his favorite sport. We’ll see if he feels the same way when we are out on the diamond this summer.
April 11th, 2010 at 12:00 pm
So jealous of you both. I hope my kid ditches this soccer stuff next year. Soccer’s silly.
April 11th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Everyone knows he’s awesome now. If only someone had told us last season he was the bomb…
RT @ajcbraves: Prado is MLB batting leader & first Brave to start season w/ 5 straight multi-hit games since … wait for it … Hank Aaron
April 11th, 2010 at 3:37 pm
Leah, soccer was his favorite until we started playing again this spring. Now he claims he hates it. I am sensing a trend.
Soccer is great for little kids though. I coach my kid’s team, and it really helps in their coordination, helps them to learn working with teammates, etc. And when played properly, it really is an elegant sport.
April 11th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Whatever… I’m ready to see him pick up a bat again. Are we going to see a game today? Is anyone else having a hard time accessing the website? I can only get to it through google which is fine…I don’t mind. Just making sure it’s not a conspiracy.
April 11th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
Sorry, guys. I got her stopped where I could. I can’t get around google.
April 11th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Awe Bill…what happened? Didn’t you get my check? Not enough? For the last time…no, my body isn’t an option.
April 11th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Good for Phil and the fact that he cannot stop kissing his wife.
April 11th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
B Mac!
April 11th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Hey Cledus! How’s it going?
April 11th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Beautiful weekend up here in the hills!
April 11th, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Here, here! Dogwoods and azaleas blooming, blue skies, sunshine…
April 11th, 2010 at 9:13 pm
Redbuds looking spectacular! New show tonight?
April 11th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
I think KK’s done how about done! Cabrera! Have a snow cone!
April 11th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
C’mon Omar, C’mon kid!
April 11th, 2010 at 10:02 pm
Bubdylan better show his happy butt in the sandbox soon. I’m not above searching through the kitty litter.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Come on Marteeeeeen.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Oh Glaus…
April 11th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
That hurted.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
OH, Matty.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:20 pm
There he is…whew.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
This game turned out to not be so much fun.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Game one of this series stinging a little more right now.
Just finished the show. Should be up in an hour or so.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:29 pm
yeah..new show! It’s like that spray teachers use when kids get a skinned knee. Makes it hurt a little less…for a second.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Jason gets the lefty.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:33 pm
How fun would it be to come back and win…with all those die hard Giants fans having sat through 4.5 hour rain delay.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Great at bat by J. Hey.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:42 pm
It’s a long season and I’ll feel much better with a win on Monday but … I REALLY wanted this one tonight. Nice performance by KK.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:46 pm
Is it just me or are we playing in a lot of team’s home opener? Is that fair? I highly doubt it.
April 11th, 2010 at 10:51 pm
Should Bobby have put EOF in instead of Medlen? I mean not in a hind sight is 20/20 way but should have known Medlen was tired way.