Show #107: The Braves’ Bats Wake Up
Chipper and retirement. Firing TP, take two. Lowe’s new pitching approach. And the resurgence of Troy Glaus.
Chipper and retirement. Firing TP, take two. Lowe’s new pitching approach. And the resurgence of Troy Glaus.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:43 am
Good show. Chipper should be PH. Conrad is WAY better fielding at Third and makes plays Chipper just cannot make anymore. He can earn his keep by being the face of the Braves and advisor of the youngsters. It’s like at the family reunion when great grandpa wakes up from his nap and reads, scratch that, tells the kids a story and then goes back to bed. That’s Chipper…he’s grandpa.
I’m excited to see if our bats show up tonight and if Lowedemort can impliment his brilliance into his pitching. GO BRAVES!
May 17th, 2010 at 12:51 pm
I hate that we get to the point with our icons where all we can do is hope they contribute some because moving them down in the order, benching them, or any other logical move is blocked by their 10-ton egos. I couldn’t believe it when it happened with Jamie Moyer last year. The gentlest gentleman of the game, at age 46 (then), stinking up the rotation for the defending world champs, and even he had to pitch a fit about feeling “betrayed” when he was asked to step aside. Honestly, that’s the most I’ve ever been shocked by a player ego.
I understand the temptation to feel you still have it in the face of all the evidence. But how can these guys watch it happen over and over again, and see how foolish it looks with other players, and not resolve themselves to avoid that kind of ending at all costs? They like fame, right? They like the roar of the crowd, don’t they? What about the fame that comes with being revered as classy by your fans? Can you imagine how loved Chipper Jones would be if he was saying, right now, “I’ll play any role that is helpful for the team. Bat me 8th, 9th, off the bench, wherever. The way Conrad is flashing the leather, the team needs him until his bat cools.” It would be off the charts. He’d be on the front of ESPN, S.I. for it. “A Different Kind of Player.” “The Toast of the Town.”
But instead, he’s got to join the uber-long rank and file of every other waning pro baseball player on the planet. Thinks he’s still got more in the tank than he does. Puts the fans and the manager in a tough spot. Just can’t stomach the obvious. A long and brilliant career just isn’t enough to satisfy.
Well, I hope he produces, because he’s obviously going to be in there.
Good show.
May 17th, 2010 at 1:20 pm
I realize I did this a while back, but this time is for real …
ABT Get Together at the Ted is happening!, June 1st (3 weeks and 1 day). It’s a 7:10 start against the Phillies. I know that the Princess, Anne, Curt and I will be attending. Anyone else going to join us? Please send me a note at steve@atlantabaseballtalk.com so that we can finish up all the planning via email. Thanks.
May 17th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
WAHOOO! I’ll be wearing my fantastic ABT t-shirt that I love and everyone should have. If you had one you’d love it too!
I should write commercials.
May 17th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
I think Infante should play 2nd and Prado 3rd. Chipper is now the weak point in our lineup. Escobar should be allowed time to get it together. I think that management really does view Yunel as the starting SS for the next 5 or more years. That, to me, is the reason they dealt Renteria. Yunel is off to a bad start, and he is getting berated by fans because he does play with a lackadaisical approach 50% of the time. To me, he is the ultimate example of Braves coaches not being able to reach a player with a lot of talent. From the first time he started playing, I think it was 2007, I thought he had potential to be a super star. Something has gone wrong. I blame the coaches, not the guy who escaped Cuba on a raft. I don’t know how they expect to develop raw talent like that Salcedo kid they signed over the winter when they have obviously floundered in Escobar’s development. Escobar will be a great player, but it might have to be with another team. He was our best player last year, and now no one seems to want him on the team. Why is that? He is not the only guy making base running errors or other mental errors. Chipper and Infante have both been picked off second to kill innings this year. Melky forgot to throw to the plate. I’m sure we can come up with a laundry list of fundamental baseball mistakes the Braves have made in under 40 games. It just seems like when Yunel does it he gets more criticism. I don’t get it. I think if the Braves make the playoffs Yunel will be a key figure in them getting there. If you get rid of him and start Infante, then the whole team is weaker. Infante needs to be a fill-in guy. Eventually Chipper is going to get hurt, and Infante will be starting again. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see a LF platoon of Hinske/Infante. Melky blows and deserves no more starts. Tim Hudson would be a better option to play OF than Melky. Hudson did play OF at Auburn. Did anyone notice how freely the D’Backs were running on BMac this weekend? They are one of the worst running teams in the league, but they didn’t hesitate to run on the Braves with McCann back there. Nobody got on yesterday, so we don’t know if the same would be true for Ross. When the Rays play the Braves in June, they might set a record for SBs in a game.
May 17th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Yunel didn’t play for like 2 weeks, and I think he still got more hits than Chipper this weekend. Could be wrong on that, but I don’t remember Chipper getting a hit Saturday or Sunday. I don’t care if he hit the ball hard. I’m pretty sure an out is an out. Yunel can get walks too, so can a lot of Major Leaguers other than Chipper Jones. The walk has become the new double for the Braves. No wonder they suck at scoring runs when they don’t play the awful teams. All those walks and singles don’t really amount to much.
May 17th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
“Melky blows and deserves no more starts.” Agreed.
“When the Rays play the Braves in June, they might set a record for SBs in a game.” Unfortunately, agreed as well. I hadn’t thought about it, but it could be really, really ugly.
May 17th, 2010 at 3:56 pm
McOut, in no way am I singling Escobar out more than anyone else. In the past, I have defended him to great length. I think he is pivotal to this whole operation, in fact I think the first question that needs to be asked to anyone they consider hiring for this managerial job is ‘how do you handle Escobar?’ I was amazed that they were talking about trading him in the Peavy deal.
I just think that if he is not producing right now we need to see more of Infante. He should be sat the same as Chipper or any other guy out there not pulling his weight.
May 17th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
Let’s face it – BC is not a fundamentals type of coach. He doesn’t hammer it home and he doesn’t berate. He essentially expects you to show up and do your job, and if you are a major league player, you should know how to do that. That’s why we all found his public “coaching” of the Kid so unsettling a few weeks back. It is just not like him. But, McOut, like you say (and like Curt has been saying for some time), this team is lousy with evidence of the lack of fundamentals. And I don’t think there is anyone on the team that holds everyone to a higher standard. It will be very interesting to see how the regime changes things next year.
May 17th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
I missed the memo on how Diaz got wood in his hand (not…oh you know what I mean). Does anyone know the story? Was that something that happened in the offseason?
May 17th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
Curt, fair enough. I think I got defensive of Yunel in the same way Bub did for McCann last week. Agreed about the new coaching staff next year. I think the Braves should look into hiring a latino head coach, especially given the fact that most of their young prospects are from spanish-speaking countries. Maybe Ozzie Guillen gets fired? He might not be a great fit for a team in a largely-conservative community, but a guy like Ozzie won’t put up with Yunel’s crap. He would also be able to communicate that to Yunel first-hand. Has Omar Vizquel retired yet? I don’t think so, but he’s gotta be close. It doesn’t have to be Omar, but a guy like him would be best. Speaks spanish fluently if not as first language, relatively young, and a guy who is impeccable with fundamentals. IMO, the ability to speak spanish is a must for any major league manager these days. That’s also why I fear Eddie Perez might be the inevitable worst hire in Atlanta sports history, which says a lot.
May 17th, 2010 at 4:15 pm
Congrats to Marteeeen for NL player of the week. You da man Meadow!
May 17th, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Agreed about Bobby, he expects major leaguers to play like major leaguers, but that isn’t necessarily going to happen when most of your players are closer to 25 than 35.
May 17th, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Way to go Marteeeeeeen. Same lineup for Braves.
May 17th, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Bobby obviously doesn’t read blogs if he asked why no one had suggested starting Hinske sooner…. How Bobby didn’t think of it sooner is still the better question, as you guys aptly pointed out in the show. I think it might have been Steve on that one. BTW, great show! I was too busy defending Yunel to say it sooner.
May 17th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Quick question- -I can’t see the newest show on Itunes? Has it not been uploaded yet?
May 17th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Weird (or wierd? neither looks correct)…I cannot pull it up on iTunes either.
May 17th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
Playball! Anybody else watching or am I gonna be talking to myself?
May 17th, 2010 at 7:04 pm
hah…their CF’s BA looks alot like McClouth’s.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Lowedemort strikes again.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
that was quick
May 17th, 2010 at 7:28 pm
Hamburglar: worst FA signing EVER! This guy SUCKS!
May 17th, 2010 at 7:44 pm
O Infante, how we miss you.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Where was that pitching last inning?
May 17th, 2010 at 7:48 pm
I bet McOut is glad Hudson’s not pitching, at least his batting average is higher than our SP’s today.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
That a boy McOut. Make me eat my words.
May 17th, 2010 at 7:52 pm
Come on Kid! NOW!!!!!
May 17th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
darn
May 17th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
MLB is making me very unhappy this season. Sound just quit.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:09 pm
I wish we had like 6 Infantes. That way, when we they start like this, you can just sub 2/3 of the lineup out. It would be like what Calipari does in basketball games when his teams start out struggling. I used to live in Memphis, and that’s the thing I liked most about him. When a team was struggling he would take them all out.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Wake up and smell the Hinske!
May 17th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
That guy should start everyday. I’m glad somebody told BC that.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Agreed Mara. How was he not playing sooner?
May 17th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Escobar looks awful. I feel like a fool for defending him earlier. He appears to have no idea of what he’s going to do when he gets up there. Just hacking. Looks like Melky right now. Escobar needs to turn it around quick!
May 17th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
How long did Curt say we have to wait before asking for him to be benched?
May 17th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
I think he might of said a week. With Infante playing so well before he saw the bench, I don’t know if you can wait that long. We might be tied if Infante were playing today.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:29 pm
I say we WOULD be tied if Infante were starting. Come on Lowedemort!
May 17th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
That stolen base just got them a run.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
I think Chris Carter has Tourettes. He’s very jerky…bless his heart.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
Bubdylan, how do you say, Martin, I may be in love with your manly self? Let’s bring him home!
May 17th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
This Prado guy is pretty good.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:41 pm
Good job Grampa. Did they say why Frenchy’s in the game? Thought he was benched?
May 17th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Third inning in a row the Hamburglar has started 3-0 with the leadoff guy. Third inning in a row the leadoff guy has reached.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Curt, could you please tweet one of the really bad words? Please? Thanks.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
This pitcher can hit…careful…
May 17th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Whew…that was very scary.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
Whew, hopefully that’s it for Hamburglar. Decent outing for Hamburglar-pitching standards.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Hinske a triple short of the cycle….
May 17th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Hinske needs a triple next time up. This feels familiar. O Infante…
May 17th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
I knew that looked familiar.
May 17th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
I don’t care what Curt says…I want Infante back today!
May 17th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Escobar must still think it’s April. They need to do something in the 8th because they’re gonna see K-Rod in the 9th if they’re still losing…
May 17th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
EOF looks like he’s gagging himself when he licks his fingers. Kinda grosses me out.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
K-Rod is easy to crack, but somebody needs to get infante back in. Now.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
here here Jess. Moylan makes me nervous these days. I used to love to see him come out of the pen but now…I don’t know. A little apprehensive these days about Pete. I would be a terrible manager. You don’t play perfectly you’re riding the pine.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
McCann should spend less time playing Call of Duty and more time practicing throwing to 2nd. Just a thought.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Need to score some runs…maybe Infante will pinch hit. So help me if he puts in Cabrera…
May 17th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Oh Melky…please don’t hit into a DP.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Uh-oh Mara, here comes you know who….
May 17th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
That BBBBBBBLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWSSSSSSSSSSS. What is McLouth doing? The infield was playing in.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
That wasn’t how I pictured Prado’s at bat going. Come on Kid!
May 17th, 2010 at 9:25 pm
I have a feeling I’m about to be very mad at Chipper Jones. Come on Chip!!!!
May 17th, 2010 at 9:30 pm
We’re getting swept.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
Unbelievable. Are we really gonna be 0-4 against the Mets?
May 17th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
If this stands we’re like 3-10 against the NL East. Yes I’d say we’ve earned last place in the division. Santana tomorrow. Not good. can’t play Brewers, Astros, and D’Backs every series. These guys have to start hitting good pitching. I don’t think this one is all on Escobar.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
I need cookies.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
I need beer.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Pretty sad when you can’t expect to get anything from your 3 and 4 hitters. Bobby has to move some guys around again. McCann just looks lost. And Escobar is trying to pull everyting. That double play he hit into. He goes the other way and we are tied. Disappointing evening so far.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Steve’s tweeting from the game. Hence all the tame, insightful stuff
May 17th, 2010 at 9:42 pm
Which double play Curt…the first one he hit into or the second? I’ll have to tell Stevie we need swear words when things go terribly wrong. It colors up my Twitter page and makes me feel better.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Curt, the sad thing is that, with Santana being a lefty, the only change we’ll probably see tomorrow is Hinske going to the bench. Maybe it means Infante plays LF, maybe it means Melky plays LF, who knows? The black hole positioned 3rd and 4th in our order is getting really annoying.
May 17th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Ok…so K-Rod’s good but he’s human. Come on T!
May 17th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
The Escobar problem will get fixed by him turning it around or Infante playing. How do you fix the 3,4 problem with Bobby managing?
May 17th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Will we ever see .500?
May 17th, 2010 at 9:52 pm
Did Escobar look gimpy after stealing 2nd?
May 17th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
I know it’s not ALL Escobar’s fault and he was very patient during that last at bat but…really hard to watch him not hit. And McCann…what the heck? Sit him too and play Ross (don’t be mad Bub).
May 17th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
I guess it’s fitting for Hamburglar to finally lose a close, low-scoring game after winning so many blowouts when he gave up 5 or 6. Last place, again….
May 17th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Continually having two of your worst hitters hit 3 and 4 is the driving force to this team not making the playoffs. Wouldn’t you of rather seen Hinske in those situations in the 8th than Chipper and Mac. At least Chipper walked a couple times and got to show-off his warning track power. Yeah, Chipper, that’s what a 3 hitter is supposed to do…
May 17th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
No hits when you needed them. It’s that simple. Your runs were a double and two sack flies and a solo homer. 3 HIDP. That awful 8th. Here you go against the 6th best pitching staff in the NL. And as McOut points out 0-4 against the Mets, 3-10 against the NL East, and we get Santana tomorrow.
Chipper has 0 power. That sac fly he hit, 3 years ago he buries that ball in the stands. It was a fat pitch. He just doesn’t have the power and Bobby really hurts us with Chipper and McCann crippling the middle of our lineup.
May 17th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Reality bites.
May 17th, 2010 at 10:40 pm
Curt, “No hits when you need them. It’s that simple.” Amen, brother. Escobar used to be the guy in those situations last year but not this year. If Hinske isn’t in the lineup tomorrow, then I’m not listening. I live in Tampa, so I can’t watch. It’s sad that it’s May and I’m already looking forward to the offseason when Cox is gone and we maybe sign Carl Crawford or Werth. If I were Frank Wren I would pay Carl Crawford whatever it takes. The guy is a baseball player, and the Braves don’t appear to have many of those.
May 17th, 2010 at 10:52 pm
My first loss at Turner Field this season. And this one hurt. Lots of opportunities in the 8th and 9th. Dammit. We really let that one get away. But, I’ll say, aside from the two run inning when Lowe was taking 5 minutes between pitches and looking really out of sorts, it was a solid start from him. 7 innings, 3 runs. I’ll take it. He and Hinske. Good Lord, the baseball must look like a beach ball to him right now.
First press pass of the season tomorrow. And I just got a note from the PR person saying that Heyward is booked all afternoon with scheduled interviews and will not be available. And, college girls love him.
May 17th, 2010 at 11:09 pm
Tough break Steve, maybe nexttime. Keep trying though cause how cool would that be?
May 17th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
So Pujols asked to be moved from his 3 spot, where he has batted every game since 2003, to help shake up the Cards lineup.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:49 am
In an effort to further push myself into the category of most hated ABT host, I’m afraid I am not going to make it to ABT day at the park. My family is going on summer vacation during the week of Memorial Day and we will be in SC on June 1. I’m really disappointed that I will not be there and I hope that if we can not reschedule, maybe we can reconvene at another game later in the summer. Hope you guys can mange to have fun at the game without me.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:57 am
Curt, where are your priorities? I guess that’s ok however, we will curse your name if the Phillies win. So have fun!
May 18th, 2010 at 10:41 am
From Mark Bradley blog today. Quote from Chipper from Monday afternoon: “As I sit here today, I can’t say [playing two seasons beyond this] is going to happen.”
May 18th, 2010 at 10:49 am
In the face Ham
May 18th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Chipper, I can’t say playing beyond tomorrow should happen.
Braves Best Lineup:
1. Infante 2B
2. Prado 3B
3. Hinske LF
4. Glaus 1B
5. Heyward RF
6. Escobar SS
7. McCan’t C
8. McOut CF
9. P
*Get Hinske more ABs! Get Infante in the lineup! Prado is the bomb! I still think Heyward is best suited for 5 right now. If Escobar continues to suck, then take him out and put Infante at SS, Prado at 2nd, and Conrad at 3rd batting 7 or 8 behind McCan’t. McCan’t cannot keep blowing it in clutch situations if this team is going to win. I would much rather see Hinske and Glaus hit 3 and 4 than Mac and Chipper- If you had told me in Spring Training that I would think that by May, then I would of told you we’re probably going to finish in last place. McCann and Chipper are offensive and defensive liabilities. It is mid-May, I think we have a pretty good sample size of what kind of year it’s going to be…..
May 18th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Kudos to Wren for getting Hinske. Can you imagine how bad we’d be if Hinske wasn’t on the team?
May 18th, 2010 at 12:47 pm
I love how Fredi handled this. http://ow.ly/1MDkJ
Nice lineup McOut.
May 18th, 2010 at 12:54 pm
Hanley’s effort makes Yunel look like Brooks Conrad. I watched parts of the Mets vs Marlins on Saturday and Sunday. Hanley hit a double in one of those games and pretty much walked to 2nd after he got half way around first. It ended up being a relatively close play at 2nd on what should have been a stand up double, which I guess it technically still was. That guy is a total ego-maniac, and my guess is that Yunel suffers from the same disease at times. It has always struck me as being odd when Yunel does this because he’s never hit over 20 HRs, 100 RBIs, or batted .342 in a season like Hanley. Hanley is a great player, but he is obviously a bad mix on that team. I really hope Yunel starts playing more like Prado and less like a poor man’s Hanley Ramirez.
May 18th, 2010 at 1:06 pm
Mara, I agree with you that Infante should start everyday. We need the dynamic Venezuelan duo at the top of the order. I watched a highlight of Prado’s game winner on Friday. His boy Infante hands him the ball in the dugout, but Infante looks so sad after scoring the winning run because I think he knew it would be his last start for a while with Escobar coming back the next day. After seeing his sadness, I am convinced he wants to play more than anyone except Prado, Hinske, and Heyward. That’s why all 4 should never leave the field unless they cannot physically play.
May 18th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
I need to hunt down a clip. I wanna see so I can rejooice in another team’s struggles. If BubDylan wasn’t too busy watching the DEVIL Rays (that’s right, I said it) I’d ask him to do it but…*sigh* such is life.
May 18th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
With the lefty Santana going tonight, does Bobby sit Hinske in favor of Melky? I think it’s a real possiblity. A line up with no Hinske or Infante. I hope I’m wrong. And who’d of thought, by the way, that we’d be so vigorously clamoring for Hinske and Infante on a regular basis.
May 18th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=8077975
How refreshing would this managing style be?
Steve, please say it isn’t so. BC can’t sit Hinske.
May 18th, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Double dog damn:
Braves Tonight’s lineup: Prado, 4; Heyward, 9; Chipper, 5; Glaus, 3; McCann, 2; Escobar, 6; Cabrera, 7; McLouth, 8; Medlen,
I’m not watching.
May 18th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
If you WERE watching, “Mara,” I will be wearing green. …but I’ll be in sunglasses incognito-like until the sun goes down. 1st base side, Plaza Level above the Braves logo “A” on top of the dugout. AND I’m bringing the boyfriend. (The REAL one, Steve & Ballpark Frank) This is the last thing he wants to do for our anniversary, but I’m bribing him with beer & bratwurst. Who wouldn’t love me?? Oh, and I don’t want to watch, either, but the tickets are paid for. So…GO BRAVES!!
May 18th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Of course I’ll watch…I can’t not. I’ll look for you AND the real boyfriend. Have fun and Happy Anniversary. Bratwurst=yum…mexidog=gag me.
May 18th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
“Braves Tonight’s lineup: Prado, 4; Heyward, 9; Chipper, 5; Glaus, 3; McCann, 2; Escobar, 6; Cabrera, 7; McLouth, 8; Medlen,”
Please leave, Bobby Cox. Please go. Get out. Move on. Hit the bricks. Sail on down the line. Split. Beat feet. Take the leap. Jump ship. Blast off. Skip the light fantastic. Go do something else.
May 18th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
Bub – seeing your name reminds me. Am a month behind in listening to Bob Edwards Weekend podcasts…just heard one with Jakob Dylan today. Your “son” is pretty great. Is it blasphemy to say I like him more than his dad? His real dad…not you.
May 18th, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Anne, Jakob’s got a better voice. And a more pleasing persona (sp?). Dylan’s the Master of the Songwriting Universe, but most ladies don’t care for him. Besides the voice, he’s a jerk. I wrote a paper calling “Like a Rolling Stone” the most hateful #1 song of all time. (I know it isn’t obvious at first glance, but take my word for it. I’m a genius.) But guys forgive Dylan’s arsehole side quicker than women, usually.
So, no, you’re not blaspheming to like him more. If you call him a better songwriter, I’ll be sending out some prayers of pity for the fellow beside the woman in green.
May 18th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Y’all have seen the bad news about our line up. Frenchy is batting 8th for the Mets tonight.
May 18th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
The linup is Prado, Heyward, Jones, Glaus, McCan’t, Hinske, Yusmell, McOut, Meds. DOB posted it a little while ago. There was a nightmare lineup post earlier on ajc. I like Medlen’s chances tonight against the Mets. The Braves somehow always manage to get Santana.
May 18th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Steve, can you give us a teaser about the Hinske interview?
May 18th, 2010 at 5:58 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHV0-Zp3eTA&feature=related
I’m getting the Ken Burns DVD set in a week. Anybody have it/seen it? I’m pretty excited.
May 18th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
With New York (19-20) mired in a five-game losing streak, Wilpon met with manager Jerry Manuel, general manager Omar Minaya and assistant general manager John Ricco prior to the opener of this two-game set. Manuel said it was “a good baseball meeting” to discuss “our plan going forward.”
“I didn’t come here to fire anybody, guys. Sorry,” Wilpon said.
The Mets went on to win for the second time in nine games, beating the Braves 3-2 on Monday night. New York moved out of last place in the NL East, a half-game ahead of Atlanta (18-20).
May 18th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
Can he fire Bobby Cox?
May 18th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
I wish I could go to the ABT game.
May 18th, 2010 at 7:01 pm
I saw Omar speaking to Frank Wren, so who knows?
May 18th, 2010 at 7:02 pm
JJ – I wish you could join us, too.
Mara – We talk about him hitting like crazy here and then about his past life on different teams.
May 18th, 2010 at 7:13 pm
The line up I saw on AJC is a fake. How is Melky playing ahead of Hinske and Infante? I just don’t get it.
May 18th, 2010 at 7:14 pm
A nice 11 pitch first inning for Medlen.
May 18th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
I’m going against my original plan and listening. I still can’t believe Melky is paying in front of Infante and Hinske. For some reason the Braves manager thinks it’s a good idea to bench 2 of his 3 hitters who are hitting over .300. Maybe he’s on to something. I’m confused.
May 18th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
The organist got lots of thumbs up throughout the press box for playing Charlie’s Angels theme when Angel Pagan came up. Pretty funny scene in here. An unusual display of emotion.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
Troy absolutely crushed that ball. It got out of here in a hurry.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:01 pm
GLAUS!
May 18th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Unfortunately, Melky has to come up …
May 18th, 2010 at 8:05 pm
Me too McOut…Can’t believe there’s a crooked number on the board!
May 18th, 2010 at 8:07 pm
66 pitches for Johan through 3 innings.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Hinske would have leaned in and gotten hit by that pitch or hit a single with the next one. Mad. Mad. Mad.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:11 pm
Super cool link Bub. Bub? BUUUUUUUUUB!
May 18th, 2010 at 8:13 pm
I’m here. Suffering under Lemke play by play. Brutal. Bru. Tull.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Me too Bub. Me too. He has a deep nerd-like voice. He sounds like my freshman biology teacher doing play by play. Never liked the guy after he stiffed me on an autograph.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Medlen looks crazy good! How has he been in the bullpen all this time! I swear I could manage this team. Whose with me?
May 18th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
If someone made a film about the early 90s Braves, the role of Mark Lemke would be played by Rick Moranis.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
I no like Ike.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Nothing could be more disgusting that *that*.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
YIKES!
May 18th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Changed my mind about Medlen.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Frenchy! That really hurts. He just snapped an 0 – 20 with that.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Steve, can you see John and Joe? Just curious.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Nah, Meds is good. Don’t doubt it.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:31 pm
Don’t look now Bub….(in a hushed voice) you believe.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:37 pm
mlb.tv is driving me CRAZY!! I keep having to reload.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
I believe Meds is good.
Sorry, princess. Don’t believe we’re going anywhere this year. Jurrjens, Lowe, KK, McCann, Chipper, Bobby Cox… that’s a ton to overcome. The Wild Card is a tough get, too, with the whole NL East playing around .500, they’ll slug each other the death. The Nats are for real, and about to get better.
Meanwhile the bottom of the central division is so, so awful. The Reds should take the WC, or somebody from the West.
But I do believe Meds is good. And the Braves should be right there next year. Man, I hope we hang on to Ross at all costs.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Yea…I hear ya.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
Bobby Cox sure can put together a terrible 5-8 in a line up. He’s sick of this hitting crap. What a moron.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Who was it last year during an ABT show that said Bobby Cox is a genius when managing a great team but a terrible manager with a mediocre team?
May 18th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Why would you bench a guy, Hinske, who is arguably the hottest hitter in a baseball to play a guy who can’t hit? Unbelievable.
May 18th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
I hope Moylan brings it tonight. Good job Meds. Deserved to get a win.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Yes sir.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
Frency booed LUSTILY at the plate and then cheered WILDLY after hitting into the DP. Pretty great sequence.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:00 pm
He pulled a Frenchy!
May 18th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
Here’s your boy Infante, Mara.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Hopefully that’s it for Santana.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Well, next time buddy.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Future Rotation: Hanson, JJ, Medlen, Minor, Teheran. Pretty sick. Vizcaino and Delgado are pretty good, too. Plus, you got Marek and Dunn as relievers, and Chris Masters and Chris Resop are pitching well, too. The Braves have a lot of good, young pitching.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:16 pm
I still can’t find Anne. Let’s get some runs!!!!
May 18th, 2010 at 9:34 pm
Maybe Hinske can get in now.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Now, THAT hurts.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Oh Mac…
May 18th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
NICE! Crazy inning.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Don’t know if it’s translating on TV, but the stadium is really, really fired up. Place went absolutely nuts on that Wagner strikeout.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:56 pm
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Unbelievable!
May 18th, 2010 at 9:57 pm
Nice situational hitting wins the game. GO BRAVES!
May 18th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
That’s why they’re the METS! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
May 18th, 2010 at 9:58 pm
We’ll take it.
May 18th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
I cannot believe we won with a Cabrera at bat. Crazy ending…good win!
May 18th, 2010 at 10:00 pm
How about Kris Medlen. He needs to stay in the rotation for a while.
May 18th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Melky ≠ LVP!
May 18th, 2010 at 10:03 pm
Phewph.
May 18th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
Bub, did you see (hear) us win? I know we’re not a great team but “IF” McCann and Escobar figure it out it’s possible. I know it’s slim, but it’s possible for us to put together enough wins to at least contend for the WC? You know…if Chipper gets hurt…a lot.
May 18th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
So, the Marlins shutout the D-backs. Played like a bunch of pros after their skipper handled controversy and dissension with honesty… like a grown up.
May 18th, 2010 at 10:14 pm
Dang, I missed it. Friend called. Gonna go check out the highlights.
No, I don’t think it looks good for a wild card run. But a quick inventory of my recent conclusions (coughChippercough) should put your mind at ease.
McCann screaming F*** at the top of his lungs not a favorite moment of the night.
May 18th, 2010 at 10:18 pm
Okay, saw the ending.
Lol, Mets.
May 18th, 2010 at 10:19 pm
He pays dearly in the 9th. I’m sure he screamed way more than F***. It would even make a lady like me cringe.
May 18th, 2010 at 10:45 pm
I like our chances tomorrow against Harang. The Reds are on fire. They had a walk-off win, too. Should be a couple of good games. Hinske should play in both because Harang and Leake are both righties. Absolutely absurd that he didn’t play today. You can play Melky, but you have to sit McOut when you do. That should be a law. Melky’s played a lot of center in his career, and having him and Nate in the lineup is brutal. He puts together these terrible 5-8′s in the order and then we struggle. Those two things are not coincidences. We got lucky. The Mets gave that one away. Can Infante really not play center? He’s pretty fast and generally a solid fielder.
May 18th, 2010 at 11:52 pm
I looked at stats before the game to see Hinske’s splits against lefties vs. Cabrera’s. Because it is Bobby and his stupid ‘book.’ Hinske has 4 ABs against lefties and is 1-4 with 2 Ks. In 39 ABs, Cabrera has 5 hits. That’s .128. So beyond any other argument, and it has been stated over and over, how the hell is Hinske not in there every game? It’s mathematically brutal. Even against lefties he is so much more a viable option than Melky. Screw getting the guy some playing time.
I would just like to add, because I am watching SportsCenter right now, I hate Stewart Scott as much or more than any human being who has ever been on TV. He is cartoonishly awful. A hack of epic proportions. ESPN is apt to have some real tool bags on their network but he takes the cake. And the fact that I have been on the phone with him and he is a raging jerk in person. I just can hardly keep my TV on with him on there. He makes Chris Berman look like Walter Cronkite.
Sorry. He makes me want to punch something.
May 18th, 2010 at 11:59 pm
You were on the phone with Stewart Scott? You think you can just drop that in with no story? Why were you on the phone witt Stewart Scott, sucka?
May 19th, 2010 at 12:10 am
He was a spokesman for this eBay project I managed. It was some college sports memorabilia deal. So he had been hired by eBay to promote this promotion they were having and we were booking him interviews on radio stations across the country. He charged eBay like 100k to do this and then kept switching days he wanted to do it, which the radio stations loved because they were committed to a time and he kept moving it. On top of the fact that no one wanted to talk to him anyway. I mean, it’s Stewart Scott. Who cares? So he finally commits to a day and he is just a tool the whole morning. I’ve been on the phone with plenty of famous people, none as vain as him, except maybe the American Choppers guys. Over the couse of the morning I heard him suggest that when he was doing a piece where he was going through the Jets preseason camps, that he was such a good WR that they contemplated SIGNING HIM. And that he was a peer of Michael Jordan’s. It was truly hysterical. Such a clown.
Great quote from Medlen about Frenchy:
“I struggle with those kind of guys,” Medlen said of Francoeur, who snapped an 0-for-20 skid. “He doesn’t really have, like, an approach. He just goes up there hacking. Like Pablo Sandoval in San Francisco, he swings at everything.”
May 19th, 2010 at 12:55 am
lol @ Stewart Scott. Wow. I’d never hold it together around dudes like that. Cool story, though.
May 19th, 2010 at 8:45 am
“Mara,” just imagine that McCann was actually yelling “Vacuum” for no apparent reason. Does that make it better for your ladylike ears?
May 19th, 2010 at 9:23 am
Lol…it wasn’t exactly the language that made me cringe. It was the obvious “there can’t be a God” kinda pain he was in.
May 19th, 2010 at 10:02 am
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that quote from Medlen about Frenchy. It’s so validating in so many ways.
May 19th, 2010 at 11:49 am
I’m sure everyone has seen this but just in case…could not have hand picked the new face of Braves baseball any better.
If you want to know why folks think Jason Heyward is special, even beyond his swing,watch this (http://bit.ly/ddrqSi).
May 19th, 2010 at 11:50 am
Buster olney’s tweet…gotta give credit.
May 19th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
At least Hinske’s back in the lineup. Maybe YEs will figure things out. Reds have been winning way too much anyway. Time for them to lose for a while. Go Braves!!!
May 19th, 2010 at 2:39 pm
Forgot to paste:)
Tonight’s lineup: Prado, 4; Heyward, 9; Chipper, 5; McCann, 2; Glaus, 3; Hinske, 7; Escobar, 6; McLouth, 8; Kawakami, 1.
May 19th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
Mara – where did you get a lineup at 2:38 in the afternoon?
May 19th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Crap.
May 19th, 2010 at 3:21 pm
This seems to be the line up for us against a righty. If he’s going to platoon Hinske, then it should be Omar playing instead of Melky. Melky should only play to give McLouth rest.
May 19th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
“Mara,” this will be of no help to you…I’m wearing red today which didn’t even hit me until just now, seeing as we’re playing the…gosh darn it! Hopefully the Braves cap will override.
In other news…can we possibly beat dem Reds?? I’m a little scared. (go braves)
May 19th, 2010 at 4:48 pm
Steve – re: Tweet from last night about the organist…that guy goes way out on a limb with some of those tunes, and could go so much farther. “Proud Mary” for Ike Davis, for example…I was really hoping for “I[ke] Can’t Get No (Satisfaction)”
May 19th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Take 3. Twitterverse…@Braves
May 19th, 2010 at 5:37 pm
Finally…I was beginning to think I’d been banned.
May 19th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Go Braves! I like that crooked number. KK must be doing something right.
May 19th, 2010 at 8:22 pm
It’s gotta be the shoes
May 19th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Easy Martin…no fits.
May 19th, 2010 at 8:45 pm
I’m sure this has been discussed on this forum but I can’t remember. Fair or foul…interleague play. Go.
May 19th, 2010 at 8:48 pm
I missed something…what’s wrong with KK’s foot?
May 19th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Mara – KK was getting blisters or something and was trying new shoes. And then didn’t like the ones he wore at the start of the game so he switched to other ones.
May 19th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
The one’s he ended up with looked a little rough. Must be what makes em so comfy.
May 19th, 2010 at 9:19 pm
I KNEW that was going to happen…just had a feeling. In other news…Modern Family is stinking funny!
May 19th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
Nervous in the top of the 8th.
May 19th, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Nothing’s easy with these guys, and we can’t get the leadoff double in.
May 19th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Kitchen Coma Car Keys cannot get a win.
May 19th, 2010 at 9:45 pm
No he isnt
May 19th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
or can’t
May 19th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
JASON
May 19th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
that’s better
May 19th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
I got news for college girls…ALL women love Jason Heyward! WAHOO! That was a great win!
May 19th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Spectacular bottom of the 9th. All with 2 outs, no less. Great, great win.
Mara – you are SO right about Modern Family. Not as funny as Lost, but still good.
May 19th, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Alright people! How can you NOT want to be at the Ted with fantastic people like me on June 1st? Seriously! Such fun to be had…
May 19th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Or June 2 with me?? C’mon people now, smile on your brother. Everybody get together, try and love one another right now!
May 19th, 2010 at 11:05 pm
Ahem…sorry, folks…I tend to drift in and out of 1966. Go Braves!
May 19th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Great, great game…glad I stayed to the end, though Wagner was very Gonzalez-like there… Too bad he can’t give his earned Win to Kawakami.
Best big screen moment: “Hinske’s Hillbillies” group of fellas & gals w/banner, dressed in full Hee-Haw Farmer Hayseed hats, one-shoulder-buckled overalls, fishin’ rods and Virginia Reels non-stop.
May 20th, 2010 at 7:53 am
Cledus…one day. You can’t come to Atlanta one little tiny day early? Wiley, didn’t you say you’d sit by me so I can monitor your beverage intake? Mr. Alicious, what say you?
May 20th, 2010 at 9:33 am
Diaz surgery…whew! “Everything went good,” said Braves manager Bobby Cox prior to Wednesday night’s series opener with the Cincinnati Reds at Turner
Field. “It’s gonna be a while [until he comes back], at least a month.”
Dumb Girl Question…and it’s a two-parter: (1) He was in uniform in the dugout on Tuesday but already on the DL. Why not start the DL time clock the following day? (2) …and if it’s going to be a month, why is he on the 15-day DL, not 30-day?
May 20th, 2010 at 9:43 am
Didn’t get to watch (listen) to the game last night, but I just watched the highlights of Heyward’s double like 900 times. 20. UNBELIEVABLE. Hudson said they needed to take 3 of 4 from Cincy and Mets. Let’s see it.
May 20th, 2010 at 11:38 am
Anne, most of that stuff has to do with bringing guys up and roster spots and all that. It’s a game.
May 20th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
I don’t want to talk about it.
May 20th, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Tommy Hanson is throwing awful today. Two not-so-good starts in a row for Big Red. His control is terrible. He is behind in every count to every hitter. Almost 50 pitches, and we’re not even through the 2nd. Offense is going to have to pick him up today.
May 20th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
I don’t understand why he isn’t more aggressive in the zone like Medlen. He is pitching with a Glavine-like approach without Glavine’s control.
May 20th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Jesse Chavez is warming up… Looks like we’re about to be under .500 again.
May 20th, 2010 at 1:46 pm
He got 2 outs, and now he can’t get anyone out. Unbelievable. What is going on?
May 20th, 2010 at 1:47 pm
Chavez?!?!?! C’mon Bobby, don’t throw in the towel that fast. This is ugly on Gameday. I can’t imagine it on TV or radio. Damn.
May 20th, 2010 at 1:49 pm
8 runs… He is done. Here comes Chavez. Wow. Almost doubled his ERA in two starts. What’s the deal? Hamburglar gets better, but now Hanson catches the suck virus that constantly plagues this team. They really are just a .500 team. If you can only play .500 ball against the Reds and Mets, then next month’s schedule is going to eat the Braves alive.
May 20th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
…not talking…
May 20th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Hopefully they can score some runs on Leake.
May 20th, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Hopefully the offense doesn’t just take the day off now
May 20th, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Not the most encouraging of 2nd innings. Got to chip away. 8 runs. I really fear the “Hanson scheduled for an MRI” article that may be coming.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Maybe the Tommy Gun has some distractions at home……..
May 20th, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Never thought I’d be happy Chavez came into a game. Skip and Joe are struggling to come up with things to talk about.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Steve, that would be awful. His control was Hamburglaresque today, as was the result.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Dear fan in the muscle shirt, Shirts that show armpit hair went out with the 80′s…no matter how bit your muscles are.
Oh good…only 7 to go.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
22 year old Mike Leake just made Grandpa look like a tool. Throwing hard inside and then striking him out. way to be Chipper. way to be.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:14 pm
And if you insist on wearing said muscle shirt don’t tuck it into your denim shorts and cinch your waste with a belt…K? awesome.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Guess I picked the right day to…give my tickets to someone else and stay at work!
May 20th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Thanks Yunel.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Hinske and YEs are making me say very bad words.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Argh! Wish I had skipped this one. That’s it for me. Maybe the Rays will win today.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Yunel’s DP in the 4th. Brutal.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:29 pm
I don’t like that Nix fella.
May 20th, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Despite the homer…I wish Chavez had pitched the 2nd.
May 20th, 2010 at 3:20 pm
McCann’s DP in the 6th. Brutal.
May 20th, 2010 at 3:57 pm
OMG! Look what we have here….
May 20th, 2010 at 4:03 pm
Can not believe this game. J-Hey gave a good effort…good at-bat. “Dum Spiro Spero”!!!!
May 20th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Brooks Conrad Walk Off Grand Slam! OMG! OMG! OMG!
May 20th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
Unbefreakinleavable!!!!!
May 20th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 20th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Amen, Bub. GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 20th, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Bubdylan, you HAVE to tell me you have a tiny spark that believes a little tiny bit!
May 20th, 2010 at 4:16 pm
Don’t tell but I cried a little in my eyes just now. Not on my face but just a little misty. This team has magic.
May 20th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Thank god they pulled Chipper
May 20th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
How many times over the past few years would the Braves have quit after the 2nd inning, down 8 runs. What a game. What unbelievable momentum heading to Pittsburgh now. I’m really speechless. On a side note, there’s a strange thrill watching that kind of thing unfold on Gameday. Seeing the pitch “in play” but then having to wait to see what happened. What a game!
May 20th, 2010 at 4:29 pm
Mara, I looked at the wild card teams ahead of the Braves last night again and there are a lot of teams who have as many question marks (or more) as Atlanta. So, I don’t know if that constitutes a spark or not.
But I couldn’t feel grumpy at the Braves today even if they were the worst team in the majors. That’s a game you keep with you forever. When we remember Conrad, it’ll be for this moment, like other non-greats that we’ll never forget: Willie Harris and his catch, Bream’s slide, Francisco Cabrera for the same play, Otis Nixon’s catch, etc. To be down exactly three in the bottom of the ninth and hit a grand slam: how often does it happen? And after already scoring the three you need to get in position that same inning? Brooks Conrad’s entire scrappy career glorified in one play today. Amazing.
And one of the great things about baseball: in the NBA if you’re down 20 with three minutes to play, it’s over. In football, down 21 with 2 minutes, it’s over. But if you’ve got one of the worst offenses in baseball and you’re down 6 with 3 outs left? Game not over. Good day to be a ballfan.
May 20th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
I love watching J-Hey bear hug Conrad at the end! All you see is his little white bald head. I love how Jason was as excited today with the win as he was yesterday. I freakin love that Chipper was pulled and that Conrad got a scouting report from him before he stepped up to the plate. My phone died when the count was 2-2 and I ran upstairs. By the time I got it plugged in the game had ended and I assumed a DP. Then I saw the score and went beserk. I’ve watched the replay over and over. I guess now I should start supper. Go Braves!!!!
May 20th, 2010 at 4:33 pm
I need to see you say it Bub…”good day to be a BRAVES fan.”
May 20th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
Oh, Mara, Lord help you if you need that from the most neurotic sports fan in the world on a day like this one. But I wouldn’t deny you a warm fuzzy if I can help it: It’s a good day to be a Braves fan.
May 20th, 2010 at 4:59 pm
And that’s why they call me Princess…:).
May 20th, 2010 at 6:37 pm
D’yall catch ole Brooksy on SC? So happy for that guy!
May 20th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
I love how our team is playing. I wish we hadn’t split the series w/ the Mets…but I hate Ohio teams w/ a passion (ALL of them, no exceptions). I LOVED that we walked off BOTH games to take the series! The only one I’m concerned about coming around is Escobar. I’m not so worried about the other guys. Lowe is showing signs of improvement as is KK. Medlen is very dependable. He’ll be in our rotation the next time a full-time spot opens up…he’s earned it. It’s also nice to see Chavez right the ship & stop the bleeding. We gotta remember how well our young pen did for us today too.
IT’S ALWAYS GREAT TO BE A BRAVES FAN!!!!! GO BRAVES!!!
-BluesMan
I finally will be going to my first Braves game since the TED opened in ’96. It will be Bobby Cox night when we face off against the Philthies (I think)…Peace everyone!!!
May 20th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Hmmm…we are above .500 and 2 back in the wildcard race. Those were the name change rules…dare I do it? I’m only superstitious when it comes to baseball and then I’m super dooper superstitious.
May 20th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
Ding dong. Dinger donger. El salami grande… Conrad es de puta madre!
May 20th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
In the immortal words of Bull Durham (since you haven’t seen it) – “Never F*&# with a winning streak”
May 20th, 2010 at 9:38 pm
I’ll see it one day…I promise. So I guess I’m Mara but I’m going to have to find something happy to tack on to it.
May 20th, 2010 at 9:44 pm
That’s just good stuff…
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100520&content_id=10255330&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl&partnerId=rss_atl
May 20th, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Wanna have some fun? Listen to the Reds broadcaster calling the game today. He thought Nix caught the ball and said “He caught the ball…oh I’m sorry. Grandslam home run by the pinch hitter Brooks Conrad.” I would hunt him down were I a Reds fan.
May 20th, 2010 at 10:32 pm
Still can’t believe it. OMG! Brooks Conrad! Three great wins in a row for the team. Keep it up guys. Steve, I agree. Former Braves teams would have called after the 2nd inning. These guys are different. What an exciting home stand, minus Monday and Saturday. I’m glad they were able to pick up Hanson. He deserved it. He’s been nothing short of stellar since he’s been in the big leagues. Today he probably has his worst outing, and the team still won.
May 20th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
“I’ve been to 2 rodeos and 3 goat roapins’, but I’ve never seen anything like that!” Braves Announcer Joe Simpson on Brooks Conrad’s walk-off grand slam.
Kind of makes you wonder what they did after they got the rope around the goat. All I can say is that I’m glad I’m not from Oklahoma.
May 20th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Maybe instead of “wonder” it’s more like fear to think about….
May 20th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
I’m thankful I have to listen to it on radio every time I hear they’re commentary on the highlights. The radio guys get pretty blah at times, but nothing can be as painful as Joe Simpson. That Summer of 2008 was brutal when the team absolutely sucked, and you had to endure Joe, too.
May 21st, 2010 at 12:32 am
Some tool got hold of my bank card number and made three purchases… got caught on the third one. Now, get this: the first two were for 27.99 and 16.99. So I’ve at least temporarily lost 40 something dollars. What a world. At least they didn’t drain my account. What fool risks jail for that kind amount, though?
Be careful out there. I’m withdrawing my money and putting it in a damn jar under the bed. The world’s gone crazy. I am VERY careful with my card. I’m infuriated. I’m way to freaking poor to be robbed.
Go Braves.
May 21st, 2010 at 12:42 am
and if the purchases are for ABT shirt and a coffee mug…gotta be Curtis. Just sayin. He borrowed my Iron Maiden T-shirt in 1987 and I never got it back…my fave one that showed off my muscles and armpits…
May 21st, 2010 at 12:43 am
sorry bub… people just aint no good
May 21st, 2010 at 12:52 am
Thanks, Will. They surely ain’t.
May 21st, 2010 at 7:42 am
Awe Bubalicious…sorry to hear that. That happened to us a few years back. The person spent hundreds at an online leather store. Needless to say, immediate red flag. Hope you get your money back.
Will, sounds like Curt did you a favor.
May 21st, 2010 at 9:31 am
“…at an online leather store. Needless to say, immediate red flag.” Bwah hah hah!! What, you didn’t think maybe the Rev bought you a new Coach bag??
May 21st, 2010 at 9:33 am
BluesMan – I am very worried about Yunel as well. And, it’s such a travesty as well. Think of how much better this offense would be if he was performing as expected.
Bub – that SUCKS about your card. I’m sorry. And you’re right about the small purchases. A lot of risk for small stuff.
May 21st, 2010 at 9:49 am
I still have Will’s t-shirt and wear it proudly. Run to the Hills.
Hope they catch the culprit Bub. We had close to $2k stolen out of our account a few years ago, all on purchases like that. The person went to a grocery store and would buy something and get $50 cash back. They did it 20-30 times in a span of a few hours. I had to ask the back officials why no red flags were raised as this person was stealing all this money. Crazy. People suck.
May 21st, 2010 at 9:52 am
Anyone see the quotes after the game on DOB’s blog? Chipper’s lead off quote was “Great managerial job to get me and Mac out of the game”.
Umm. Wow? And yes, yes it was. Because the May 2010 version of chipper grounds into a weak, game ending DP.
May 21st, 2010 at 10:09 am
Wade, I could not believe that quote! I hope it helps Bobby see Conrad should be starting. Do you guys think Hinske’s slump has anything to do with being benched after hitting like a madman?
Anne, so funny you said that…I’ve been begging for a Coach bag for years. Not that kinda store.
May 21st, 2010 at 11:54 am
YES! http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/photos?gameId=300520115&photoId=636289
Nice new blog about the game from Brave in NY is up.
May 21st, 2010 at 12:11 pm
I loved Conrad’s sprint around the bases after he realized the ball went out. Also really glad we got our home plate celebration this time.
May 21st, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Great blog by BinNY. I hope his boss doesn’t read his blog. This picture made me laugh and cringe at the same time.
http://twitpic.com/1ppxno
May 21st, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Bub, I’ve been there, too, man. It says a lot about our society that like 4 of us on this blog have gone through similar situations. I feel your pain and am sorry man. “Some people just suck,” possibly the best advice my mom ever gave me.
Steve- love the picture of Kimbrel and his backpack. That is hilarious.
May 21st, 2010 at 5:33 pm
Good to see Huddy back in the line up hitting with a higher BA than the 7 and 8 hitter. GO BRAVES!
Would LaRussa bat Hudson 7?
May 21st, 2010 at 6:01 pm
Wouldn’t normally do this, but here’s the INSIDER article on the Grand Slam. Feel free to delete if you think it should be on the site:
*******************************
Brooks Conrad wanted a brief scouting report on Francisco Cordero as he prepared to pinch hit in the ninth inning Thursday. So as the switch-hitter went back to the dugout to get his left-handed equipment after the Reds changed from left-hander Arthur Rhodes to the right-handed Cordero for Conrad’s at-bat, he asked Chipper Jones what to expect.
Jones gave him a little rundown of Cordero’s stuff, and gave him a simple suggestion: Make him throw strikes, Chipper said. Conrad was absorbed by all this, in this moment. Bases loaded, the Braves down three runs, after being down by six to start the bottom of the ninth, and Conrad wanted to move the inning along.
He walked to the plate, and home plate umpire Lance Barksdale dusted off home and said something to Conrad that he didn’t immediately understand. Then Ramon Hernandez chimed in, as well: Conrad had forgotten to change his helmet, to bat left-handed.
“I tossed it over [toward the dugout], and I had to move past that embarrassment,” Conrad said Thursday evening, chuckling over the phone.
Did he ever; what followed was one of those moments that we’ll remember long after the season.
What led up to that has been years of work, years of perseverance. Brooks Conrad was an eighth-round pick of the Houston Astros in 2001, and he would have about 4,000 at-bats in the minors before seeing a pitch in the major leagues. He got to know Round Rock, Texas, very well, probably much more than he would’ve liked — he played Double-A there for the Express in 2004, and remained there after the franchise moved up to Triple-A, for 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Conrad says he never thought about quitting, about finding a new profession. “I love to play the game,” he said. “I wasn’t about to go and do something else. … I never had that attitude.”
What he hoped for was a better opportunity in another organization, and he signed with the Oakland Athletics before the 2008 season — and for the fourth consecutive year, he hit 20-plus homers in the minors. At age 28, Conrad got his first shot in the big leagues, with the Athletics.
He signed a minor league contract with the Braves before the 2009 season. “We liked his versatility, and the fact that he was a switch-hitter with power,” recalled Braves GM Frank Wren, through e-mail. “He’s a gamer with a great attitude.”
As Conrad shifted into a support role for the Braves, he asked questions of others, like Greg Norton, about being a pinch hitter, about how to prepare for a moment that he found himself in on Thursday afternoon, in Turner Field.
Cordero threw a strike, and Conrad dropped the head of his bat, smashing the ball squarely, toward left field. Off the bat, he thought his long drive had a chance to clear the fence in left field … and then saw Reds left fielder Laynce Nix close on the ball, reach out for it.
“I thought he caught it,” Conrad said. “I kind of turned.”
He looked away, and what he did not see was that the ball had glanced off Nix’s glove and bounced over the wall, for a grand slam. Not knowing what had transpired behind him, Conrad lifted his hands over his head with some exasperation — and that was the moment when he saw the fans going crazy, and his teammates running out of the dugout.
And then Conrad went crazy, too. It was the No. 1 moment in Conrad’s career, for sure, he said. “It’s a really cool feeling to get up there in a pinch-hit situation,” he said, “and make the most of an opportunity like that.”
May 21st, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Yikes. “I think we ended the game with no outs… may have had one, I can’t remember” – Bobby talking about yesterday’s ending. How could he forget the Heyward at bat in 24 hours??
Happy Birthday, Bobby. 8)
May 21st, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Great article on Conrad. Thanks for posting it. Of course, I’d be b*+{hen if it weren’t for the fantastic new multi-page format.
May 21st, 2010 at 7:24 pm
hehe…is it just me or did Glaus just head to the wrong dugout.
May 21st, 2010 at 7:48 pm
YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!
JAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!
May 21st, 2010 at 7:50 pm
McCann’s transgressions really piling up this early year.
May 21st, 2010 at 7:51 pm
(I know, I know…)
May 21st, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Glaus’ fit was just for you Bub.
May 21st, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Glaus had another fit? I’m on radio. Put Glaus and Escobar in a pouting contest.
May 21st, 2010 at 7:59 pm
Or in the corner…which ever. Slammed his bat on home plate. These Pirate broadcasters are teeeeeerrible. Does Huddy usually throw this many balls?
May 21st, 2010 at 7:59 pm
None of these balls Huddy and Cox are complaining about are in the strike zone on gameday.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:01 pm
No, Huddy’s scuffling, Mara.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:03 pm
Thank the Sweet Lord for grounders. Gutsy call, throwing a change up when the command is struggling.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Whew…am I crazy or is the visitor’s dugout behind 3rd base? Glaus keeps walking directly toward the 1st base dugout.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:11 pm
uh…I swear I could call this game better than these two yahoos.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:12 pm
The Pittsburgh radio guys? I like them. I mean… they’re not excited, but… it’s the Pirates.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:12 pm
huh…at PNC park visitor’s dugout is 1st base. Is that weird? So Glaus isn’t crazy…I am.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:13 pm
I don’t know if it’s the radio guys but they’re calling it for MLB.tv.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:14 pm
Pradooooooooooooo. I love that man.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Careful Bub…he’s mine. Cracks me up when a pitcher is running the bases. Huddy totally ran out of the base line to avoid any sort of contact with 2nd baseman. Makes sense but looks comical like the tiny kid in little league who doesn’t want to get hurt.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:18 pm
All kinds of rookie love…
May 21st, 2010 at 8:18 pm
Good GRIEF! How good is JASON FREAKING HEYWARD?????!!!!!
It makes my buttocks spasm!
May 21st, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Is that kid for real???? Are we dreaming???
May 21st, 2010 at 8:20 pm
For once we sent the pitcher’s ERA in the other direction. He came in around 3.5 and he’s leaving at 5.30.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:21 pm
Bub, I think you just took a tumble off the curb and landed face down in the middle of TMI Ave.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:21 pm
LOL! Not sure I’ve ever experienced such.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Beat this Pirate bullpen to death and put us in great shape for the series. C’mon, boys, do it up.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Was that guy their ace or do they have something better?
May 21st, 2010 at 8:25 pm
I gotta think of something to tack onto my name. “Mara” is boring.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Mara, Zach Duke is at the top of their depth chart, but he’s not having a great year, and I don’t think we face him in this series.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:27 pm
I do NOT miss Ryan Church.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:27 pm
You could be “Too Mara” or something. Meh, that’s no good.
A man of constant Mara? This is getting ugly.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:29 pm
I wish we had the Brewers and Pirates in the NL East.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:30 pm
“Too Mara” isn’t bad but you’ve done better. I’ll give you time.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:34 pm
Mara the Explara? lol, losing it….
May 21st, 2010 at 8:37 pm
If Yuney doesn’t make something happen this series I’m afraid he never will.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:41 pm
That was a quickie. Yes, I know…
May 21st, 2010 at 8:42 pm
Not sure Yunel is trying that hard. He might be, cuz he doesn’t look it even when he’s doing great, but… right now I don’t understand not giving Infante at least every other start.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:44 pm
I agree…Infante should definitely be starting. Mar a comeback Braves will win this game.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:45 pm
*blank stare*
May 21st, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Wow…nice catch from Mcclutchen.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:47 pm
I spent all my energies on “Print Says Leah,” which I regard as pure brilliance. So, I’m not sure I’m going deep in the well again.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Mara Nara?
May 21st, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Mara Mara, quite Contrara?
May 21st, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Yes to the brilliance, and YES to the “Yer out of here”!!!
May 21st, 2010 at 8:55 pm
I hope Huddy pitches a complete game.
May 21st, 2010 at 8:58 pm
That’s a JACK, MAC!!!!
May 21st, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Boy that’s good to see. Didn’t the Pirates sweep us last year?
May 21st, 2010 at 8:59 pm
McCann with the Night Vision! C YA!
May 21st, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Huddy’s at 90+ pitches? When’d that happen?
May 21st, 2010 at 9:17 pm
A pitch to the Pirates only costs your arm strength half a normal pitch.
May 21st, 2010 at 9:19 pm
0.5p x90p = 45p ok.
May 21st, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Rock On, Huddy!
May 21st, 2010 at 9:33 pm
You can do it Timmy. I love how that guys sweats. He must lose gallons of bodily fluid through his sweat glands each outing.
May 21st, 2010 at 9:34 pm
well poo.
May 21st, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Mara, you and Bub need to clean it up, just a tad. GO BRAVES!!!
May 21st, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Good game. Three more hits for the ROOKIE OF THE UNIVERSE. McCann smashes one. Huddy with the heavy rock.
May 21st, 2010 at 9:45 pm
What? What’d I say? I really mean sweats…I promise! As in dripping from the bill of his hat. Absolutely, completely innocent ABT!!!
May 21st, 2010 at 9:46 pm
Oh, wait, were you talking about poo? I’ll give you #333 that was over the line but the previous comment was to be taken literally.
May 21st, 2010 at 9:48 pm
I’m fairly sure he’s being scarstasmic.
May 21st, 2010 at 9:54 pm
oh my heart…you guys HAVE to give me some kinda signal. I’m the poster child for gullible.
May 21st, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Come on Red Sox…You’re better than this!
May 21st, 2010 at 9:56 pm
lol, no they’re not.
The Twins apparently can play a little bit, though. Sheesh. 13-0 and threatening again.
May 21st, 2010 at 9:58 pm
In other news, the worst team in the NL is beating the best team in the AL. Baseball.
May 21st, 2010 at 10:02 pm
It’s a great night to be a Braves fan, huh?
May 21st, 2010 at 10:04 pm
Pretty profitable, if Baltimore can hold on. Florida losing big, Washington losing, Mets losing.
lol, Pirates. They’ve now scored 108 fewer runs than they’ve allowed. That’s got to be one of the big numbers for first quarter of the season.
May 21st, 2010 at 10:06 pm
lol, the Pirates post game show. They can NOT get over 1992. Every single time I listen to a Braves/Pirates game on Pirates radio, they talk about it for at least 10 minutes. Right now Van Slyke is giving a talk on it right now. Apparently we were the moment that destroyed their entire city.
May 21st, 2010 at 10:07 pm
Right now, I’m going to bed right now.
May 21st, 2010 at 10:08 pm
lol, Van Slyke is going off on how he was telling Bonds to come in a few steps before the Cabrera hit that beat them. Barry wouldn’t listen and the ball dropped in front of him.
May 21st, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Reds won again. They are 7-3 in their last 10. And the Braves are 2 of those 3.
May 21st, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Screw Bonds, figuratively, of course.
May 21st, 2010 at 10:37 pm
Astros beating the Rays…Royals beating the Rockies. Weird.
May 21st, 2010 at 11:27 pm
watching mlb.com….only thru the 1st inning, but Grandpa got an rbi single and speared a hot shot at third base… maybe hes still got it.
loved how Chip at the opening says “the SURGING Braves”…. whood a thought?
The obvious one is Mara Wanna….but as we are trying to keep it clean….how bout
Mara Thong?
May 21st, 2010 at 11:29 pm
OH MAN! How did I miss Mara Wanna????? *takes off Pun Crown and chucks it disgustedly at Will.”
May 21st, 2010 at 11:30 pm
What a pleasure of a game. There hasn’t been this kind of one in a while. I could obsess about Yunel, but I won’t right now. Great, great win.
May 21st, 2010 at 11:41 pm
it is…thanks Will. Keep your crown Bubalicious. You’ll get him next time.
May 22nd, 2010 at 2:55 am
I actually just bought this movie and watched it. This was the WORST movie I have ever seen. So, so bad. If you like that shaking-your-head-and-smiling sensation of a truly awful movie, this might be for you. Starring Debbie Gibson. Yup, THE Debbie Gibson.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fa7ck5mcd1o
May 22nd, 2010 at 12:45 pm
I hope you got a great deal on that flick. Look how far Deborah has come from her scrunchie, side ponytail days.
May 22nd, 2010 at 1:46 pm
Bub, where did you find that movie?
May 22nd, 2010 at 2:52 pm
Bargain bin at Wal Mart. Where I spend far too many hours per week.
May 22nd, 2010 at 3:41 pm
I live Wal-marks.
May 22nd, 2010 at 4:25 pm
Those are the movies that are so bad that you almost have to watch them. I have always loved bad movies. Like really bad. That one might have to be tracked down. The shark jumping out of the ocean biting the aircraft was probably the selling point for me. That movie looks like it makes Lake Placid look like Citizen Cane, if that makes any sense.
May 22nd, 2010 at 4:35 pm
That’s also probably why Roadhouse is one of my favorite movies of all time, and why my dog is thus named Dalton. I tell friends I named him after my mom’s hometown, and they believe me. As if any self-respecting man would name his dog after something like that corny…No, he got his name from a fictional roundhouse-kicking bouncer aptly portrayed by one Patrick Swayze. God bless you Patrick Swayze, wherever you may be. I, for one, will miss you, and all the countless hours of entertainment you gave me. Red Dawn, Point Break, Black Dog, they’re all good. In Point Break you even have the almighty acting trilogy of Swayze, Keanu Reevees, and Gary Busey. Could there be anything in the universe more outstanding than that casting job? There is. Roadhouse. With a script and cast that trumps all B movies. Roadhouse 2 with Jake Busey was nowhere near as good. GO BRAVES!
May 22nd, 2010 at 4:36 pm
“like that corny”… that reads like a line from an after school 80s tv show.
May 22nd, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Has anyone seen Charlie Morton’s ERA and record? Yikes. Does anyone know how Gorkys is doing? If he is struggling, then we might of actually gotten the better half of the McLouth deal.
May 22nd, 2010 at 8:48 pm
What the $%&* is wrong with Es&*^&%bar? I’ve been trying, TRYING, TRYYYING to be patient with him. How long??
May 22nd, 2010 at 8:49 pm
I think Gorkys is doing none too great, McOut.
May 22nd, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Melky!
May 22nd, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Melky! Now who’s going to be our LVP this week?
May 22nd, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Yunel is the best LVP candidate at this point for forcing Infante out of the line up.
May 22nd, 2010 at 9:13 pm
How is it possible for Chipper, McCann, and Escobar to be dragging the others in the line up down? Crazy. So frustrating seeing that A+ one-two punch followed by deflation so often.
May 22nd, 2010 at 9:28 pm
HINSKE SMASH!
May 22nd, 2010 at 9:58 pm
Loooooooowdemort. And we DO get Dukes tomorrow.
May 22nd, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Well, he’s not that great either. Zach Dukes I mean. Be nice to take care of business tonight, though. Normally don’t say we need a sweep, but a 9 game losing streak calls for some serious reversal. Need a sweep. Interleague coming.
No, not Roger. We need Cox. Get him out of there.
May 22nd, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Hinske!
May 22nd, 2010 at 10:31 pm
Don’t have a great feeling about this game right now.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:04 pm
I’m afraid Milledge is about to do something early to old man Saito.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Early? lol. I meant ugly.
Two strikes, though. C’mon, Saito. Don’t take chances on this guy. He’s dangerous.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:16 pm
Wassup, Bub? Good game.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:17 pm
Dud! Hey, man! Yeah, it’s a pretty good game. We should be scoring more of these pitchers, thoug.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:20 pm
You’re right. But, you’re always right. Everything still good with Maggie Gyllenhaal?
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:21 pm
Pretty good. She keeps me kind of tired, but I don’t mind. Uh oh, speaking of… gotta go.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:23 pm
Not getting more off of Charlie is very disappointing. Let’s limp through and pull this one out.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:24 pm
twss
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:24 pm
(ok, that didn’t really work like it did in my head)
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Bobby uses Saito too much for maximum effectiveness. It’s not a disaster, but to me, Saito could be great if he was used about a third less.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:34 pm
Ugh. McCutchen up with 2 on. If the Braves get through this one, it’ll be some good luck.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:36 pm
YES!!
lol, Pirates.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:37 pm
LEAHHHHH!!!!!
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:49 pm
C’mon, Mac. Hit a grand slam.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:51 pm
lol, Pirates.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:53 pm
C’mon, Glaus. Hit a grand slam.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Sigh.
Well, at least we got the strike out for an insurance run. 8)
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:58 pm
Hey Bub…had to take Benedryl and fell asleep. Now I’ll be awake for hours…hooray.
May 22nd, 2010 at 11:59 pm
Whew…that was close.
May 23rd, 2010 at 12:00 am
What is up with WAGS? I agree btw about Saito being used too often. Come on Wags…save the drama for yo mama.
May 23rd, 2010 at 12:05 am
Braves win!!!! Let’s sweep tomorrow! Gotta try to sleep so I’m not too crabby tomorrow morning. Plus right now I feel like I’ve been smoking my namesake. Who knows what craziness I might type. In case you didn’t know…this site has no delete button. Once you submit…too late.
May 23rd, 2010 at 12:06 am
Five in a row. Nice.
May 23rd, 2010 at 12:10 am
Very good win for the Bravos. I saw the lineup and wondered, “what the heck is Cabrera doing in there”? Then he homers..go figure. Bobby is a genius?
May 23rd, 2010 at 12:15 am
“Bobby is a genius?”
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mortoch02.shtml
May 23rd, 2010 at 1:18 am
Click on “Hinske’s Amazing Play” to see my theory that the Braves were on autopilot debunked.
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/search/media.jsp?game_pk=264447
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:15 am
If you had to guess, how many instances of three-days-in-a-row has Bobby used the bullpen? Would you believe that between Moylan, Meds, Wagner, Saito, EOF, and Messy Jesse, he’s only done it twice? Moylan once and Saito once. Saito got blistered in his third straight outing, so hopefully that doesn’t get repeated.
But over all I thought that was pretty good, considering the starters have been leaving the BP plenty of innings to pitch.
May 23rd, 2010 at 10:26 am
What did I miss?
May 23rd, 2010 at 11:34 am
Turns out the one factor in continuing a winning streak I continue to overlook is Bobby. His lineup today seems dubious at best.
Prado-4,
Infante-5,
Heyward-9
Glaus-3,
Escobar-6,
Cabrera-8,
Ross-2,
Clevlen-7,
Medlen-1
May 23rd, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Wow, worst line up possible for Pittsburgh’s ace. Doesn’t make much sense. I know it’s Pittsburgh, but come on. I wonder if Medlen was as disappointed as I was when he saw the line up. I’ve said it before, the man knows how to put together a terrible looking 5-8 in the order. At least no Chipper and BMac, but Yunel and Melky 5 and 6 seems like automatic rally killers. Hinske should play everyday on the Braves but for some reason he doesn’t. Oh wait, there is a reason he doesn’t play everyday. It’s name is Bobby Cox. Go Braves!
May 23rd, 2010 at 1:28 pm
“Pittsburgh’s ace”- is there really such a thing?
May 23rd, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Does anyone know why Heyward was pulled out of the line up?
May 23rd, 2010 at 1:52 pm
I think Melky’s about to get hot. I’m calling it right now.
May 23rd, 2010 at 1:56 pm
Per DOB
Just a day off for Heyward, decided to give him the same two-day rest several others are getting (Braves don’t play Monday)
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:05 pm
Is “Lastings” his real name? Does his mother hate him?
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:09 pm
Now MLB.com saying Heyward has a sore left thumb. Nothing serious. And Bobby wanted to rest some of the starters before a 20 game stretch.
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:12 pm
Whew…that was close…come on Meds.
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:19 pm
The line-up does seem crazy, particularly Clevlen for Hinske. Bobby must feel like he’s playing with house money today.
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Prado and I aren’t on speaking terms until he gets another hit. Just to notify the masses.
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:24 pm
2 DPs from Prado today! It’s Escobarian from our best hitter.
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Nice inning Meds. Why did he not start the year in the bullpen?
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:28 pm
I know…not happy with him right now. There is trouble in paradise.
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Really funny stuff from DOB about the less than stellar lineup. This is my favorite: “This just in from Elias Sports Bureau: Board of directors has met and determined that Kris Medlen will be awarded either two wins or no loss today, depending upon outcome.”
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:38 pm
Meds at 58 pitches…how long can he go?
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:43 pm
I like that Clevlen kid. I was just checking out the Hinske amazing play Bub posted…he really did save yesterday’s game with that play. It seems like Lowedemort can’t right himself once he stumbles and Hinske kept him from falling off the cliff. Awesome play.
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:45 pm
BEEEutiful bunt base hit by our backup catcher.
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:51 pm
We should take bets on who hits .250 first.
a)Melky
b)McOut
c) Escobar
d) none of the above.
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:57 pm
BoSox are giving Halladay a tough time.
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:58 pm
I LOVE THIS TEAM! Time to give Meds some cushion.
May 23rd, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Nice throw from Melky. Couldn’t see it, but it sounded great.
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:00 pm
My #2 kid says hi.
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:02 pm
I think Escobar could get to .250 first just because he didn’t play for a couple weeks and doesn’t have as many bad ABs to make up. Plus, I think he’s the better hitter of the three.
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:04 pm
Boston now up 7-0 on Phils
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:10 pm
WE HAVE to win this game. Ross may have jinxed us trying to hand Crosby the ball after getting whatshistoes out at home. Come on Meds. paint the corners.
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:24 pm
#2 kid: “Why’d Bobby pick Jesse?
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:30 pm
Just found out a friend of mine dated Hinske’s brother. Asked her husband if she can get me an autograph.
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:33 pm
For a little bit I was sitting between my sons watching baseball…every mother’s dream.
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:35 pm
There…maybe that’ll help.
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:38 pm
BUUUUU-UUUUUB…we must plan our schedules better.
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:42 pm
It’s almost as if Bobby just schedules losses into the equation and then if we somehow pull out a win, all the better.
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Come on Johnny! Meds had a good outing…can’t complain about that.
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:47 pm
Alright dammit…stop swinging like a bunch of sissies!
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:50 pm
“Here I come to save the day!”
May 23rd, 2010 at 3:53 pm
My patience is wearing thin for McSloutch.
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Esco, get a double right here or I punch your face off. That is all.
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:11 pm
OWW! Where is face?
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:14 pm
BUUUUB! Where ya been? Nobody’s as chatty as you.
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:17 pm
arg.
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:18 pm
.200, .235, .270, .180, .213, .235, .250. Can’t believe we’re not winning.
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:19 pm
Chip…you ok? Talk to me chip.
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:19 pm
HA YA!
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:21 pm
Seriously…could EOF stick his fingers deeper down his throat?
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:22 pm
EOF under 2 ERA. He’s been used a zillion times, too. That’s great stuff. Who in the world predicted that kid would give us two years of A+ value for them dollars? Not me. Ohman 2.0, I guess.
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:23 pm
Not Prado’s best game.
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Pitch around EVERYBODY till the bases are loaded. C’mon, EOF. Nothing juicy.
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:26 pm
OH.
FLAY.
HER.
TEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:26 pm
whew…now I gotta go. gotta date with my bff. DON’T LET EM LOSE!
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:27 pm
I came late, Mara Mara Quite Bizarra. What’s Prado done that was bad?
No Heyward? Bobby getting tired of success?
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Phhhhht. Have a nice time with your Big Freaky Fernando…
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Walking Chipper to get to Prado? Dotel don’t get internet?
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:40 pm
Haven’t the last two days McCann’s had off been daytime games? Aren’t those the games where his eyes work best? I hope the next manager is… smart and stuff.
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Good game, Bobby. Nice line up. Glad we really wanted this one. Could have gone to 4 games above .500 for the first time all year. Nah, that wouldn’t be that cool.
A very damn unnecessary and frustrating loss to a terrible, TERRIBLE Pirates team.
May 23rd, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Thanks Bobby
May 23rd, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Hey everyone,
I hated losing today’s game & avoiding the sweep, I hope we can keep taking series’ on the road, we seem to be fine at home (except against division rivals). Hopefully now that the offense is clicking more, & apart from Escobar; all seems well. It looks like J-Hey’s got a thumb or finger problem…I’d like to see him light up the Fish’s pitching staff. I look forward to this week’s show…Peace all!
May 23rd, 2010 at 5:37 pm
I’m expecting a good rant from Curt on the podcast about today’s lineup.
May 23rd, 2010 at 6:02 pm
Be nice to my BFF…she could take you.
May 23rd, 2010 at 6:22 pm
Well… somebody needs to.
May 23rd, 2010 at 8:26 pm
Haha…careful what you wish for.
May 23rd, 2010 at 8:30 pm
Had we won today we’d be 1 game back in WC and 2.5 in division. Why couldn’t BC have atleast kept Hinske in after he HIT A FREAKIN HOMER!
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:01 pm
Early show tonight so Ham can watch Lost.
And yes, I dump on Bobby a tad.
Show up soon.
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Smart man that Ham.
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Well, here’s the good news:
We didn’t lose ground on any team in front of us in either race. (Can’t believe I’m discussing this. We’re gonna get killed by Florida, but nevermind, I was saying…) Cincinatti, L.A., and Philly all lost. Kind of weird to think there are only three teams above us between both races.
Teams behind us, namely the Fish, did gain on us, but all in all, any time you lose a game and the sentiment is more “we could have gained” instead of “now the hole is deepening,” it takes a little sting out.
We gonna get destroyed during KK’s game in FLA. MUST win the other two. I’d give anything for the our first game pitcher not to be Ketchup Crap-a-Collie. Florida is feeling pretty great right now. Hard to slam the breaks on that momentum without dominant pitching.
Looking forward to the show.
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Rip him good for all of us Curt. The line up today was like a Spring Training line up, if even that good. What a joke.
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Do we try “Mara Mara Why You Buggin”?
For all you old skool pimps out there.
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:45 pm
I need a translator to understand Curt.
Ham, Will, the Rev says the light at the heart of the island is an iPad and the last 6 years has been a 6 year long Apple advertisement. Funny guy.
May 23rd, 2010 at 10:00 pm
Why are we resting McCann in day games, by the way? He’s batting 70 points higher. I’m sure Bobby has that stat dialed up on his etch-a-sketch.
May 23rd, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Will and Ham are dead to me if they don’t like LOST finale.
May 23rd, 2010 at 11:34 pm
Hmmm…last 15 minutes not as great as the first 2:15.