Show #74: Looking to Continue the Winning Ways
The Nats and Phillies series. Soriano’s woes. What to do with Hudson? And reveling in the new look lineup.
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August 17th, 2009 at 3:31 am
I’ll hear the podcast first thing after I get up. Before I go to sleep though I just want to say that I hope Ruben Amaro had the courtesy to give Jon Miller, Joe Morgan, & Steve Phillips a towel after they gave Philadelphia such a good ‘service.’ I HATE ESPN. I don’t care if the Braves are playing on ESPN now and then…I won’t tune in. I’d rather follow the ballgame via the ‘Gameday’ feature through mlb.com. They can all kiss my @$$, to hell with ‘em.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:10 am
Sitting at breakfast in the SF east bay attempting to read the Chronicle praying that my mom will shut up and go water her garden or something…I say, “Oh. The Braves lost. Stupid Phillies.” She hauls out with: “I taught Jermaine Dye, you know.” I’m like…whaaaaaaaaaaaaa??? No way. Yes, way. Get the frak outta town. Mom is full of surprises. I haven’t had a chance to full-on google the possibility, but he hails from about an hour north, so maybe he did spend some childhood time in Oakland learning something from my mom. Trust me, she didn’t teach him to catch. She probably taught him to run, though…
August 17th, 2009 at 11:57 am
I’m a little encouraged after the podcast but sooo down after last night’s loss. I know Javy pitched well with the exception of two high fast balls served up to RH but the bases loaded/nothing doing inning crushed me! Chipper needs to heal and “Big Mac” needs to rest. I’m curious where your hope meter is after losing the rubber match. I’m with Hammy…I think Huddy needs to go to the bullpen for a stint. Bub, where are you? We need a laugh!
August 17th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
What if the Braves tried a scenario where when Hudson comes back where they make the 5th starters spot a hybrid “Hudson/Kawakami” spot. Let Hudston start the game, and keep his innings lower, maybe 4-5 and then bring in Kawakami to finish the game if possible. This could help the bullpen get an extra day’s rest and get us out of Sept. until we can possibly make a trade move to straighten out rotation situation. This would also keep Hudson’s innings low as he comes back from TJ surgery. I’m not sure if anyone has tried this approach, but I think it has some merits that should be explored.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
Leah, I told Steve when that game was concluding that I was a 2. No shocker coming from me, but if I am a Phillies fan right now I’m pissed that we gave away game 2. Bobby was talking today that the Braves could have won all 3. Coulda, shoulda. They were lucky to win 1. They gotta keep plowing ahead. Get to 10 games over and you give yourself a chance.
Taylor, I was thinking about the same thing. A hybrid deal like that. I just think it sends a bad signal to KK that he is demoted when he has not been that bad.
On another note, Braves pretty much announced that they are not going after Smoltz. The Rangers and Cards are two teams mentioned most prominently.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
Anne – that is crazy cool.
Leah – I was down last night as well (but not as much as Friday night, somehow). It’s not how it was supposed to go, no doubt. And 4 games out instead of 6 would feel much more possible. But I take solace in the fact that there’s no great meaning to be taken from this 2 of 3. Friday night was a hard fought game. We kept pressure on Saturday and it payed off. And Sunday our best pitcher got beat by one of the best hitters in the game. And, would it be absolutely inconceivable if we gained 2 or 3 games by the end of the month in time for our next Phillies series. I say no. There’s lots and lots of baseball to be played. Things could look a lot brighter and different in a matter of days. But I’m worried about us not showing up for this afternoon’s game. We need this one.
Taylor – welcome to the board. My issue with the splitting the game in 2 approach is that if the starter is cruising, the last thing you want to do is to take him out. And if he’s getting crushed and KK, for example, is your new long man in the bullpen, he’s going to come in anyway. I prefer the 6 man rotation. I realize no one does it and baseball players are psychotic creatures of habit. But I feel like the extra rest would be good for everyone.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Taylor, Don Zimmer did a similar type of thing when he managed the Red Sox in the ’70′s, although in his case he was trying to use relief pitchers to fill a hole in his starting rotation.
I don’t like the idea of demoting KK. If we really need to find out what Hudson has in order to better plan for 2010, then it can easily be done by giving him Acosta’s role. There will be a number of opportunities over the next six weeks to pitch in situations where we’re ahead or behind by several runs. He can eat up innings. He’s coming off of surgery and will be inconsistent at best. You don’t replace a perfectly good starter with that while you’re contending for the post season.
Besides, yanking around KK isn’t going to help us gain new recruits from Japan. It’s not fair to him to be the mop up man. He’s pitched well and won big games.
Making a 6-man rotation simply reduces the quality of the staff. Hudson is not going to be Hudson of old. Gonzo is still recovering, and he’s six months ahead.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
Moylan, the same way.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Yeah, and Ballpark Frank: where was your boy G.A. last night?? 3-0 … harumph!Matty came to win. Your boy, not so much. (I’m sure I’ll stop gloating in a day or two)
August 17th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
You asked for comments….so you shall receive….Your podcast took me some time to warm up to over the past few months, but I am a creature of habit, and since I began listening on Mon/Tues every week, the Braves have been clicking. (Don’t mess with a streak!)
For me, two key points I agree with . . . the remaking of the team during the season with over 1/3 of the order shipped out or to the bench shows that Bobby has become more “flexible” which I never thought would happen, and I appreciated that loyalty for many years since it seemed to work with a “generation” of players, but has needed a tweaking over the past 4-5. Everyone can say “change/adapt/whatever” is a wonderful thing, but it’s a good man to actually do it. Kudos to Bobby and Frank for at least giving it a go.
Second, this 3-gamer with PHL was the microcosm of the “win 1/3, lose 1/3 and see what happens in the last 1/3″. Problem is, which category do you place Sat and Sun? No issue with losing last night, great win on Sat., but it seems the Fri game was the one to me that October ballclubs find a way to win, and PHL did that and we could not overcome it.
Enjoyed it this week . . .
August 17th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Thanks for the welcome. Long time Braves fan, started following the podcasts for about 2 months ago. Love the show, I look forward to it every weekend. Anyone know how the weather is looking in Atlanta right now? Weather.com showing rain around 6.
August 17th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
McLouth just put on the 15-day DL.
August 17th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Patrick! Way to make an appearance. Welcome.
August 17th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Curt, a 2 puts the earth back on it’s axis. Maybe I’m a bad fan deserving of death but I’m having a hard time being optimistic…at all. Especially with McLouth on the DL. Steve’s right…lots of baseball left and it’s so much more fun watching them play this year than in years past. I guess Bub had a point after all in last show’s comments. Hopefully a win today will be a “pick me up”.
I find it amusing that it took Patrick a couple months to warm up to you guys. You must be three cold hearted sons of guns.
August 17th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I’m not watching TV, I’m watching Gameday on the Web. MIKE GONZALEZ, WTF??????? If this game becomes 9-8 with 2 outs in the top of the 9th, I’m hopping on a plane, flying back to Atlanta early, and keying Gonzo’s motorcycle.
August 17th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Jeez. I absolutely hate hate hate it when Gonzo raises our collective blood pressure. Well, I should probably speak for myself, but…for god’s sake. Thank you, baseball gods.
August 17th, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Leah, Patrick knows me if that provides an excuse for his reluctance. His kid and my kid are in school together. Hence, Emma’s Dad.
August 17th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
That clears everything up. I thought that was ballsy at least. Now I get it. I’ve been meaning to mention how fun it is for you dudes to give us chicks the time of day. I don’t know about Anne but I get lots of flack for passionately cheering for my favorite team and it’s liberating to state my opinions with as much vigor as I feel.
August 17th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Leah, they don’t REALLY give us the time of day…they have no choice. It’s their lot, after all…
August 17th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Anne and Leah, it is now 7:20 pm.
August 17th, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Uh… somewhere.
August 17th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Oh, Bub. Are there more of you at home??
August 17th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Sox fans are furious with Smoltzie for refusing to go down to the minors to prepare to pitch in the pen. They think he should show gratitude for the massive contract that Theo gave him. They should just be glad that he has yet to blast the team for disrespecting him.
August 17th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Patrick – welcome to the board. And I know that “took me some time to warm up to” is just code for “I don’t like Hammy.” It’s cool.
Great win today. Needed it. Today felt like a classic trap game. And the Bravos don’t need to and can’t afford to lose a lot of 2 in a rows at this point. Also, I know I’ve been very positive – but, for the love of God, batting Kelly in the lead off spot?!?!?!?! It’s like Bobby’s punishing us for speaking positively about him last night. Unbelievable.
August 17th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Add one more day to my “KJ leads the team in number of times as the leadoff batter” tally.
August 17th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I’m totally with Hammy about not moving KK to the pen. He’s adjusting to a new size baseball, a new culture, a new league, and he’s getting better. It’d be nuts to shake him up. He’s a long term investment. He’s shaping up to be the best #5 in the league.
Hudson can be evaluated from the pen. He’s a big boy.
Anne, none of me at home but myself. Actually, I’m not here either.
August 17th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Amen, Bub.
August 17th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
True story: I’m so intoxicated that I just put on some microwave popcorn, instantly forgot I had done it, and when it started popping I thought somebody was shooting fireworks outside.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Ah, Monday.
August 17th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Cold, Curt. Ice cold.
August 18th, 2009 at 9:12 am
C in B – I love the story about the Sox fans and their anger toward Smoltz. It will be interesting to see if Smoltz blasts the Sox over the coming days. The Braves was one thing. Coming off his 2 – 5, 8+ERA tenure with the Sox would be an entirely new level of diva-osity.
Curt – that was VERY funny.
August 18th, 2009 at 9:48 am
I was remembering this time last year and the woes of the rotation. Huddy, Smoltz, and Glavine were either out or needing surgery. Jo-jo was called up as a starter. Campillo and Carlisle were starting. I don’t remember who else but my point is while I think Huddy should go to the pen for a while I’ll just be happy to have him and so glad it’s not last year. Go Braves! Let’s sweep the Mets. I’ll try not to cry everytime I see Frenchy in that nasty uniform.
August 18th, 2009 at 11:51 am
Peanut butter and chocolate. Sonny and Cher. McCartney and Lennon. Frenchy and a Mets uniform.
August 18th, 2009 at 11:53 am
Ugh. Two of those pairs split up.
Anecdote Fail.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Speaking of Frenchy and a Mets uniform – does anyone know what the deal was with those uniforms the Mets were wearing on Sunday (with the big N and Y on either side? Are they a one time thing or here to stay as some alternate Home uni?
August 18th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Now who’s cold, Bub.
August 18th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
Ummm…Prado. Thoughts?
August 18th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Steve thinks he has vertigo. If he does……very, very bad.
August 18th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Bobby’s butt is glued to the bench again.
August 18th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Bobby, ever the Grandfatherly figure was just waiting until he was sure that Lowe had learned his lesson..
August 18th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
I picked a good day to miss a game. Goodness. Did Bobby really leave him in for all eight? Or did a reliever let some of those score? How in the world … the METS???
August 18th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Oh Yeah Bub…all 8. The 9th run was scored by none other than the great Frenchy after being pegged in the back by Chipper J. I’m a zero. If I have no hope I won’t end up in the fetal position after such a horrible blowout.
August 18th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Wow, that’s pitiful.
For what it’s worth, my fellow ABT sufferers, I did some hack research last week on NL East starting pitchers giving up 5 or more runs, or getting pulled before finishing 5 innings (a stat I officially named “Laying an Egg”). And Atlanta has by far the fewest laid eggs in the last 50 games (I used that Last Ten Appearances chart that MLB.com provides). So I guess we were due.
Atlanta, at the time I looked it up, had only four laid eggs in the past fifty starts. Two by KK, one by Lowe, and… I forget the other. Jair? Maybe?
Mets had 16, including 3 from Santana. Phillies had nine. I can’t remember the fish, but it was high, owing mostly to their #5. I spared the Nats and didn’t look them up.
Anyway, these starts do happen. And they happen less often to Atlanta than most. If we had a big bat, it wouldn’t hurt so bad.
Hope meter, first official entry: 5. And I get some kind of mad positivity credit for entering a 5 on a loss day.
Leah, come on, don’t be a zero. Be brave. Slap that “1″ up there at least.
August 18th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
Yikes. I see on Gameday that Bobby let Lowe give up NINE HITS in the inning before getting him.
I’ll stay by my five, but if you gave me the choice right now between making the first round of the post season and NOT EXTENDING Bobby Cox another year, I would take Door #2.
What in the WORLD??
August 18th, 2009 at 11:01 pm
Fine Bub…I’m a 1 *curls into fetal position to save time and energy later*. Wish Frenchy hadn’t played so well and Church had gotten a hit.
August 18th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
It’s just inexplicable, how Bobby left him in for so long. And Jeff Porter was working on a blister on Lowe’s hand in the 3rd. How does Bobby leave him in like that? I realize that the season’s been over 50 times or more already the past few months and all the hyperbole can get pretty thick but … damn. This one is brutal. And now Prado’s headed back to Atlanta for more tests. And Mac is slumping. And Chipper’s losing his ability to hit the fastball and, and, and. Dammit – I was so upbeat Sunday night.
August 18th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
In other spectacular news … Philly, Florida, Colorado, and SF all won tonight.
August 18th, 2009 at 11:15 pm
“And now Prado’s headed back to Atlanta for more tests. And Mac is slumping. And Chipper’s losing his ability to hit the fastball”
Oh.
My “5″ is the dumbest thing I’ve ever posted I think. I also just saw the Phillies AND the Rockies AND the Giants AND the Marlins ALL won.
You all will have to forgive my fickleness once again. I retract my “5″. I’m in the fetal position with Leah. Well, not WITH Leah…
August 18th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
lol, weird overlap, Steve. This is what we all get for getting so ridiculously excited going into the Philly series.
At least Heyward is coming back down to earth.
Sigh upon everlasting sigh.
August 18th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Ugh, also retract my uncomfortable post re: the preacher’s wife.
Spiraling, spiraling…
August 19th, 2009 at 7:08 am
It’s ok Bub. I’m not a typical preacher’s wife and your comments make me laugh. I think you might need some advil today along with LOTS of water.
August 19th, 2009 at 7:29 am
I was just having a flashback of the podcast a few weeks ago. Someone said they would be more optimistic re: Braves and the post season if Bobby wasn’t so capable of screwing it up. I can’t remember which of the triad said that but it sounds like Curt (before he got crazy throwing 5′s around).
August 19th, 2009 at 10:08 am
0
August 19th, 2009 at 10:50 am
“This implosion brings Lowe’s season earned run average to 4.45. That ranks 13th on the Braves’ staff and sixth among pitchers who’ve started at least three games — behind even Kenshin Kawakami (4.13) and Kris Medlen (4.20).”
August 19th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Why didn’t manager Bobby Cox replace him sooner?
“I left him in to get a ground ball,” Cox explained. “He got a ground ball; it looked like a perfect double play. But [Angel] Pagan beat it out. Then [Luis] Castillo hit another ground ball past [second baseman Omar] Infante’s glove.”
It must be noted: Cox was referring to the 10th and 11th batters of the inning.
August 19th, 2009 at 11:15 am
Sorry, but these quotes keep getting worse……
Cox said he didn’t think Lowe necessarily struggled.
“You live by the ground ball, [and] you die by it,” Cox, referring to a handful of hits that Lowe gave up that skipped through the infield.
FIRE HIM IMMEDIATELY!
August 19th, 2009 at 11:33 am
On the Prado front, any time you deal with some mysterious “heat issue” or extreme dehydration, it can take a week or more to get back to normal again under optimal conditions. Probably best to shut him down completely for a few days. We had a family friend become severely dehydrated last summer and the doctors thought he had cancer or something he was so sick. Hopefully the tests come back negative on Prad. I would hate for him to pull a Nick Esasky!
August 19th, 2009 at 11:44 am
“Cox said he didn’t think Lowe necessarily struggled.”
You’re right, Bobby. It wasn’t necessary.
Wren, please do the right thing.
August 19th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Maybe Bobby’s suffering from severe deydration. Either that or he wanted to see Frenchy bat twice in one inning. Maybe his Frenchy love had him in a swoon and he snapped out of it 10 batters later.
August 19th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Leah, I remember an old joke from when Frenchy was with us:
What do you call Frenchy coming up twice in one inning? Out one and out three.
August 19th, 2009 at 12:05 pm
How did Hammy’s go? What’s a French Kiss? When you miss the girl’s lips and lick her face. Still the funniest comment…EVER!
August 19th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
Had Frenchy had two at bats in one inning in Atlanta he’d have hit into two double plays. Sound impossible? He could have done it. If it seems like I’m commenting a lot today it’s cause I’m clipping coupons…very bored.
August 19th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
On a lighter note, Angel Pagan is one of the greatest names in the history of names. i understand it isn’t pronounced a certain way to make it genuinely perfect, but Angel Pagan? I’m naming my next kid Jumbo Shrimp.
August 19th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I love the theory that it’s Bobby who’s actually dehydrated. Fantastic!
Here’s my favorite snippet about the game: “I left him in to get a ground ball,” Cox explained. “He got a ground ball; it looked like a perfect double play. But [Angel] Pagan beat it out. Then [Luis] Castillo hit another ground ball past [second baseman Omar] Infante’s glove.” It must be noted: Cox was referring to the 10th and 11th batters of the inning.
August 19th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
Bobby Cox reacts to:
The Titanic Sinking: “Yeah, that’s a tough one, Lemmer, but they’ll come out of it alright. The water up that way is chilly, that’s for sure, but it’s not like most adults can’t swim. I’m looking forward to seeing all those passengers at whatever beach they can get to. They’ll be a little wet, that’s for sure.”
The Recession: “Well, I tell ya, the country’s in great shape, Mark. I’d rest it a day or two and we’re gonna be just fine. I mean, banks closing is nothing new. My bank closes every day at 5:00. It’s just the way the game goes.”
Hitler Invades Poland: “Yeah, Adolf’s been struggling a little bit with his composure out there, but I think it was just two days ago he gave the okay for some new Spam rations in one of his ghettos, so we’ll have to keep an eye one him, but I look for him to do very well. He’s got lots of potential, that’s for sure. He loves people, so…”
August 19th, 2009 at 5:21 pm
Bub, ROFL (I’m already there in the fetal position lest you get the big head). Seriously, the horrendous loss was almost worth that last comment. GO BRAVES! Let’s have a good game tonight, or even mediocre would be an improvement, and kick some NY ass!
August 19th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
You guys catch the pre-game show? Bobby said that with a little luck, Lowe would have been out of that mess only giving up six runs.
Sometimes I can’t believe my ears.
August 19th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
…and kick some NY ass!”
Wow, they heard you! Good start, Bravos, to say the least.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Pretty sure they follow this podcast. Bobby is a faithful listener. Prado does not have vertigo said Joe what’s his toes. Are the Cards really going to let Smoltz start?
August 19th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Couldn’t have drawn up a better game to follow last night’s debacle. Even the beautiful symmetry of putting up an 8 run inning of our own tonight. Bub – priceless stuff. Leah – way to pump up the board with some foul language. And what did Joe say that Prado is suffering from?
August 19th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Reportedly, Smoltz getting some starts was a big part of why we went to St. Louis. He has no desire to go be part of anyone’s set-up crew, even if that’s what they need. The team is billing it as “he’ll start some, and maybe pitch some from the pen.” But you can rest assured that he believes he views the pen as a demotion and will make things hard on the Cardinals if they want to go that way.
The ultimate team player. I’ve never been so disgusted with an athlete in my life as I am with Sir John.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
I know how you guys count on my foul language to keep the comment feed colorful. I’m here for ya. Joe said he saw the doc today and they should know something tomorrow. Hopefully just dehydration like Taylor said.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Ugh. “He believes he views” = he views. I guess I was so indignant I was doubling up the verbage…
August 19th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Every time I peek at Gameday, Florida’s loaded the bases, or has two on. Marlins are getting on my nerves. Houston leads 4 – 2, until two seconds after I hit “Submit Comment.”
Washington’s trying to make a game of it with Colorado. 4 to 3 Rockies, Nats are threatening.
Reds and Giants scoreless in the 7th.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
And if anybody’s watching Philly’s scores anymore, de. ni. al.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Steve, also, 3 hits & an RBI for Church. None for Frenchy, two k’s.
Symmetry is the right word.
August 19th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
time to bring in Soriano
August 19th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Post of the Evening, there, Curt. Hilarious.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Oh my God.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
And Soriano looked really pissed and bored out there. More than usual. And, even in this 15 – 2 blow out, he looked like he was laboring between pitches. I don’t have a big conclusion other than he looks really uncomfortable. At least his pitch speed is still at 95.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
I had turned off the game feed and was listening to music when Curt wrote that, and I swear I thought it was a joke.
August 19th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
I should leave town more often. The closest I’m getting to actual baseball is the Reno Aces triple A team for the Diamondbacks. Remind me never to gamble again. Go Braves!!
August 20th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
Anne – did you get to the ballpark in SF?
August 20th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Anne what Steve means to ask is were you able to carry out our evil plan and leave live chickens carrying The Swine Flu virus in the locker room?
August 20th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
HA. No, sadly, breaking away from mom on a week’s visit is like escaping Alcatraz. If you actually succeed, your body won’t be found. She’s not so much into the baseball. Gambling in Tahoe is over…back to trying to find TBS on her wacky cable system. Maybe next time… Go Braves!
August 20th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Ooooooooomar is my hero!
August 20th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Is anyone else watching the bottom of the 8th? I’m feeling very alone and scared. Oh look, Bobby remembered what a pitching change looks like. That’s right, walk to the mound and bring the pitcher back to the dugout. Very good. Tomorrow we’ll cover what RH and LH means and how to read Ryan Howard’s stats.
August 20th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Hey, Soriano! And he’s all rested up, too!
*waiting for disaster*
August 20th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Awww, I was hoping Frenchy would come up.
Yay Braves!!! Very, very nice, beating Santana.
Kawakami, bless you, my underrated friend.
August 20th, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Is it just me or was Frenchy out at 1st? I know Adam came off the bag but I thought he came back.
August 20th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Leah, I’m listening on the radio. Doctor says I have to stop looking at Bobby’s face.
August 20th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Giants lost & Marlins losing late. A profitable day those brave Braves. Hope meter made a squeak.
August 20th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
Easy Bub…careful…
August 20th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
*stomps squeaking hope meter, puts hands in pockets and whistles “Everybody Plays the Fool.”*
August 20th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Giant’s Rockies playing against eachother and we play the Marlins. Damn hope meter. Who invited him anyway. I believe his name is Steve.
August 20th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Enjoyed watching the series. Go KK!! That’s my boy! Sorry for the cross comments @ ESPN. But I now truly despise their biased baseball coverage. Great podcast this week guys, I enjoyed it!!
GO BRAVES!!
I’m joining Steve on the Hope Meter bandwagon. It’s official…
August 21st, 2009 at 12:05 am
Seems harder n harder to see kk in pen
August 21st, 2009 at 9:32 am
Leah – the camera work was a little goofy, but I agree. It really looked like LaRoche kept his foot on the bag and that Frenchy was out.
What a great, great game. We put up runs against their ace. KK looks shaky but then buckles down and pitches a great game. And the bullpen did what they should. Great game. Bring on the Fish. It’s time to exert our will against them (for the first freaking time this season).
Any of you watching the TV broadcast last night, did you notice how annoyed Joe was getting with KK and anyone else on the Braves who was not performing during the game. I’d say Joe really wants to get to the post-season, too.
August 21st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
“We’re having FISH tonight!” Betcha can’t name that movie.
August 21st, 2009 at 4:16 pm
Finding Nemo
August 21st, 2009 at 6:38 pm
Excellent! I think Brett Favre and John Smoltz should start a charity or something. It appears they hate free time.
August 21st, 2009 at 7:14 pm
Favre & Smoltz should start a fertilizer company. They could just talk to your dirt…
What do Favre, Smoltz, and Cyndi Lauper have in common? They’re all Pre-Madonna.
*crickets*
August 21st, 2009 at 10:00 pm
How about Adam freaking LaRoche?!?!?! The Braves of the last few years strike out and weakly ground out after going down 5-0. C’mon, boys! Two more innings to do it.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:32 pm
And raining……..
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:02 am
We had our chance . . . . . . LETS GET EM TONIGT BOYS
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:02 am
TONIGHT!*
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:37 am
I thought I looked at my phone in the middle of the night and they had won 3-6. I guess it was just a dream. Resuming fetal position. Let’s take two! Always fun to watch Tommy Jr. Pitch.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:55 am
What’s with Vazquez giving up all these homers all of a sudden? Troubling.
August 22nd, 2009 at 11:57 am
Flying home today … and can I say that seeing football preseason stuff always makes me sad because it means baseball season doesn’t have far to go. As wise men say on my favorite podcast, “Boooooooooooo!”
August 22nd, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Curt, Vazquez’s nemeses (right? that’s the plural of nemesis?) have always been: High Pressure, Big Inning, Homeruns.
I think he is making improvements here in Atlanta, but I expect that when most any player fails, it will usually be in the way that they typically struggle.
In other words, even if Schafer becomes a good player, his slumps will always involve striking out, etc, etc. When those weaknesses rear their heads, it isn’t always a sign the player is going to fall completely to them. In fact, it’s less troubling than when they struggle in a new way, because the adjustments required are ones that have already been made before.
All the same, I’m putting my hope meter in the yard sale box if these guys don’t win this game. It’s a little comforting that they lost the first games of the series to LA, Philly, and the Mets, but won two of those series, going 9 – 4 during that stretch when you throw in the Arizona & Nats “sweep.”
Go Braves.
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:33 pm
I am psychotically worried about tonight’s game. Luckily, I won’t have to watch it as I’m taking my 9 year old to his first concert – the Jonas Brothers. He and I will both share dubious first concert experiences. Mine: Shaun Cassidy.
August 22nd, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Dubious is the right word. You’re a good man, though, Charlie Brown.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:36 pm
I’m having this dream where Gonzo threw a clean inning. It’s so weird.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Good job in the 8th Gonzo, save the drama for yo mama.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:41 pm
End of 8th…hanging on. Gonzo looking good…Can I just say that ABT fans who are sitting behind the plate during the game know not to play the game “talk on my cellphone to somebody at home and pat my head whenever I am on TV”. I almost called in a Predator strike to take them out…if not for the (very innocent looking) cute girls they would be gone. What about a trap door and a 1-800 number that fans can dial to activate it? We could raise the payroll by 20 million a year…No wonder atlanta fans get a bad rap…
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:46 pm
*hangs up cell phone*
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:56 pm
they totally calmed down in the 9th….are they reading the posts? maybe I shouldnt be such a curmudgeon – at least they were showing some signs of life…
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:57 pm
Soriano is livin’ on the edge with the letter-high’s.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Hey hey hey!
Way to go, Bravos!!!! Great win.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Sweet.
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Damn it. Colorado raining on our parade. Can we have ONE night that’s totally productive in the race?
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:22 pm
22-13 since the ASB. @ .628 if my scribble math is good.
Earn your money, Mr. Lowe. We need ya.
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Thank god we don’t play in Philly or Houston. Uggla’s shot would have certainly been gone. Good win. 1 more.
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Back! Speaking of backs…what up with the outfield?? Matty D needs to watch his back, literally. How’s Gorecki doing out there, those of you who have been watching & listening this past week…
August 23rd, 2009 at 10:27 am
I’ll let the professionals answer about the outfield. But your man Matty D. has been awesome at the plate. Somebody has to get better so Omar can get back to the infield.
August 23rd, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Mac getting us on the board. HUGE, HUGE, HUGE game today.
Leah – what movie was your quote from?
August 23rd, 2009 at 2:58 pm
This game is making me sick.
Not happy with Mr. Johnson.
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:15 pm
Bases loaded, one out.
We’re going to score zero out of this.
Nothing, nada, doughnut.
I can feel it. A big fat bowl of soul-punch soup.
Coming right up.
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:18 pm
C’mon, Bub. I’m enjoying the hell out of this game. It’s nice when both teams want something and keep fighting. (Mr. Johnson aside. That guy…)
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:19 pm
..and that’s why I’m still a 3.
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:19 pm
$#%& @!#$ *&$% ##$@ ^%&* $##$!!!!!!!!
…%$#@!&^%$!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Anne, the hell out of this game is definitely what there is to enjoy…
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:23 pm
Okay, Medlen is in. I feel a smidge better about our chances.
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Can’t wait to watch Bobby “Who-Is-Prado?” Cox next year letting Medlen rot in middle relief…
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
… while the veteran Lowe nortons up the rotation.
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:33 pm
HA! Nortons-up. Nice.
August 23rd, 2009 at 3:59 pm
Hecky, hecky, Reid Gorecki!
(That umpire is blind, though. Those first two pitches to the rook were strikes. Umps owe us a Marlins game, though.)
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:05 pm
AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH,
Escobar, I LOVE YOU!!!!!
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Well, that was huge. Not that I ever doubted them.
August 23rd, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Hope meter = 100000000000!!!
(wait, “bi-polar” is, like, when two girl bears like each other, right?)
August 23rd, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Ok…I was being Mrs. Rev. all afternoon and missed the game. I tried to watch it without seeing the score but my paper slipped and I saw the score anyway. But I’m still going to watch it in it’s entirety because, well, that’s just how I roll. Can’t wait. Also can’t wait for the podcast since my iPhone is about to explode with all the scrolling down to get past the 140 comments!
Steve, Taylor pegged it…Finding Nemo. “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming…” If you know that song it will be in your head for the rest of the evening. And your welcome!
What a fun week on the ABT feed…thanks guys…and girl…s…if Taylor’s a chick. If not, my apologies.
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Taylor’s a guy, but its cool, name could work for either. Luckily I don’t mind because…BRAVES WIN!!!
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:21 pm
surprised nobody gotten to this yet…but Mets trying to rally against Phils in 9th with 2 men on and nobody out and who hits into a TRIPLE PLAY?
yup – Frenchy.
Still killing us.
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Awww…Frenchy. Dude needs to see a therapist. The bigger the need for clutch the bigger the fails. Sorry Taylor…threw me off with your steller Disney movie knowledge. “I feel sheepish”.
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Leah, I’ve got all the Pixars… and no kids. Impressed?
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:05 pm
I have steller movie knowledge of all genres….I have remedied the problem. (See above)
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
You ‘da man! Bub…very, very impressed! My favorite is UP. I cried three times. Have you seen it? Oh you know you cried.
I’m watching the second inning and I’m thinking D. Lowe missed “learning to back up the catcher day” at bball camp. Maybe he’s trying to cut back on his meds.
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Three times, Leah? Okay, I get 1. When she dies, and 2. When he flips through the scrap book after finding it isn’t empty after all…
But when else? (NO, I didn’t cry either of those times… but IF I was gonna…)
Speaking of missing stuff, did I see Infante score today and then not turn around to give the runner behind him the “slide” or “don’t slide”?
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Oh, wait… that’s the on-deck batter’s resp. isn’t it? Nevermind.
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:44 pm
Liar liar pants on fire. 3rd time was when the kid god his grape soda badge. And…dude…you bawled like a baby.
Haven’t gotten there buy will watch for it. So far Infante hasn’t gotten on base. When my husband tries to have me committed for my addiction to Braves Baseball will someone break me out?
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Didn’t I say something about needing Omar back in the in field? Booo KJ.
August 23rd, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Oh, yeah, the Ellie Badge … *sniffle*
Well … not like a baby…
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:05 pm
lol, Frenchy’s triple play is on the front page of Yahoo.
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Hilarious. Bub, you’re selling but I’m not buying.
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Pshh… I haven’t heard those words since San Francisco.
*OH SNAP!*
Eh… time for a new show, and quick!
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:29 pm
You haven’t heard those words or said those word. Ditto on the new show and quick!
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Eh… yeah…. so anyway, did I tell you all about me taking that girl out in my big ol’truck to see that big ol’ action movie? Anyways, I stepped on her with my big ol’ cowboy boots and dang near lost my wad of chew laughin’ at her.
Go Braves!!! Straight to the playoffs! Straight up! Damn Straight!! Straight straight!!
sigh. I’m officially leaving now until the new podcast comment section is up, where I’ll be assuming a new name and style of writing…
August 23rd, 2009 at 9:47 pm
We would still know it was you and you’re still freakin hilarious. Lol hilarious.
I’m glad I didn’t watch this game live. I would NOT have enjoyed it. Medlin rocks…so far.