Show #81: We Sit Down with David O’Brien of the AJC
DOB talks Bobby, Lowe and the latest run. While we give our own take on Bobby’s final year and, of course, the Post Season Hope Meter.
DOB talks Bobby, Lowe and the latest run. While we give our own take on Bobby’s final year and, of course, the Post Season Hope Meter.
September 28th, 2009 at 1:22 am
Great show guys!! I’ve been quiet about my enthusiasm for our Bravos because when I’ve shared my faith in them on here, they’ve done a 180. Concerning next year…I would take advantage of Huddy’s being willing to re-tool his contract for a ‘hometown deal.’ Which to me is somewhere between 7-9 mil/yr. Lowe once had the tools of a $15-million/yr. pitcher…clearly he has some mechanics to work out. I feel that he’ll be traded if he has a better year in ’10. He has thrown some great games, & I know he can do better. Norton shouldn’t be re-signed, & neither should KJ, Brooks Conrad (IMO) is a better option for a backup 2B then KJ. I don’t believe Soriano will be resigned. If Moylan can be re-signed for an extension, then now is the time. I think Gonzo will be our CL next year, & Moylan will be our SU guy. I don’t want Ryan Church & Garret Anderson will stick around, but I have a feeling that one of them might. Not that I don’t like them as players, but with having McClouth, Diaz, as viable starters for our OF next year…plus the probability of our ‘big bat’ we get in the off-season being an outfielder. I think our bullpen will be our biggest concern in planning for next year. This is who I think we’ll have not including any trades or acquisitions that might come in the winter:
CL: Mike Gonzalez
SU: Peter Moylan
MR: Eric O’Flaherty
LR: Kris Medlen, Jorge Campillo
September 28th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Such a great show! I want Dave O’Brien’s job. I distinctly remember Eeyore being a strong 5 at one point. Curt, you must learn the art of checking your phone under the table or pretending to get an important call and walking away so you won’t be rude. Exciting week. I’m doubling up on my acid reflux meds.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Thinks about the moves that didn’t happen in the offseason. I think it’s safe to say the season would have been long over by now had the Peavy trade gone through or had we signed Burnett or Furcal.
September 28th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Leah, not sure what you mean.
September 28th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
You know…at dinner so your wife doesn’t see that you’re checking scores. Or pretending to take a call…again to sneak off and check scores. Wait a minute…were you being sarcastic?
September 28th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Go Brewers. Go Cardinals. Go Braves!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 28th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Ah, sorry. Brain cloud. No, all that was true. Subtlety has never been my strong suit, but I will work on something for this week. That’s for sure.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
I was hoping for more than two from that first inning.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Agreed, Leah. It could have been soooooooo much more damage.
September 28th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
Yeah, like maybe a hit? Good grief. Can’t understand why McCann forced the issue after all those balls in a row, but I guess it was a decent time to take a chance at cashing in.
Steve, finally listened, just now, to the Murphy interview all the way through. Great job for sure.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Laaaary. If he and Brian get hot this gets very interesting
September 28th, 2009 at 8:12 pm
Oh… Forgot yesterday to say my hope meter goes to 11.
September 28th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Yeah, but… why not just make you hope meter louder and…
September 28th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
… nice.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
Joe West, eat my shorts.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Let’s load ‘em up!!
September 28th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Awwwwwwwww…
Shucks. Allllllllllllllllllmost.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Man… we would’a had 8 runs on 4 hits if that ball went a few more feet.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
1 down. 6 to go.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Go Brewers.
September 28th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
16 games over .500, 2 games out. Who’da thunk it??
September 28th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Love the shut out. I cannot believe we are 2 out.
September 28th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
We can do this, we can do this, we can do this!!!!!! WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
September 28th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Believe!
September 28th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
Bub – thanks. Glad you liked it.
I know the lack of hits was a little frustrating, but I’m glad that we’re winning games in all kinds of fashions during the unbelievable run. The Believe signs (in Braves script, complete with tomahawk) are pretty damn cool, by the way. And how about JJ getting out of that 1st and 3rd, no out jam. 2 back. Only 2 back.
September 28th, 2009 at 11:24 pm
I take full credit for this miraculous run so far…I stopped watching the games during a tough time in grad school…and then bam! this happened…you’re all welcome
that is all.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:45 am
I take some credit since I stopped wearing underwear….
September 29th, 2009 at 6:48 am
Does this remind anybody of the 07 wild card chase? Ehhhhh?
September 29th, 2009 at 11:07 am
I take some credit since I stopped wearing pants.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Well, I guess you can all blame me if they lose because I’m unwilling to give up any and/or all items of clothing…even for the Braves. Ok…maybe not all. I’ll give my socks.
September 29th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I’m walking around the office today with a t-shirt cannon slung over my shoulder and nothing else. I know it’s helping.
At lunch today (La Parilla on Howell Mill – so good) I saw ESPN do a solid three minutes on this run. Scenes from games. Stats on the winning streak. ERA of the starters, etc. I love the national pub!
September 29th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Steve, that’s hilarious.
Just don’t aim low with the t-shirt cannon… aye…
September 29th, 2009 at 4:23 pm
The Braves are back for sure, whether it comes to full fruition this year or next. Losing Sorionzo is gonna sting, if they both go, but this club is starting to find itself mentally. And, to me, that’s bigger, even than two closers. Especially if we add offense.
Stinking Spanish is gonna cost me any hope of taking in tonight’s game. Don’t let ‘em lose! (Flu-riddled players scare me. Seems like they always get some eerie second gear from the sickness.)
September 29th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Check out the news on Barmes’ miracle catch to double off Pujols to end that CO/St.L game on Sunday. Pictures out showing the ball clearly on the ground. Not that it matters in the big picture or anything.
September 29th, 2009 at 4:57 pm
Wow Curt I will check that out. But a long story short, I just found out I will be sitting in the Suntrust Club tonight. I think even behind home plate. So you all can count on me heckling all the fish tonight. Especially Baker. Any advice or Ideas?
September 29th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Wiley! So jealous! Tell Cantu he’s beautiful. He’s never heard it before and will be so confused he won’t “know whether to scratch his watch or wind his butt.”
September 29th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Tell him that there are more people watching my son’s soccer games than catch their home games.
September 29th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Time to put Huddy to bed…
September 29th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Oh, the pain! McCann!!!!!!!!!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
My favorite all time Atlanta Brave: Garrett Anderson (sp)
September 29th, 2009 at 9:12 pm
My all time favorite Atlanta Brave: Yunel Escobar!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
MY ALL TIME FAVORITE ATLANTA BRAVE: Matty Diaz!!!!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
YES, YES, YES!!!! Matty D. Oh, that was so good. And now KK can still pitch. So, so good.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
You know, if I hadn’t pissed him off during my interview with him at the beginning of the year, he wouldn’t have hit that homer.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
I BELIEVE!!!!!!!!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Don’t leave Greg Norton out of all that lovin’. His walk was huge!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
If I was cynical, I would say there’s a first for everything, but not tonight.
I love you, Greg Norton.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Greg Norton’s appearance signaled Huddy’s exit. That was huge…and Damn the Marlins!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
f-word.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Hey guys! Ya’ll are chatty tonight. I just returned from Bible Study (no I’m not kidding) and I turn on the tied game only to watch the Marlins score. So glad BC took KK out. Should I turn off the game since I’m apparently a big jinx. Oh…of course…my socks! Gone. Now we’ll win.
September 29th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
All right everybody! Let’s get Nekkid for the 8th!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Make it double Nekkid, Rockies are “behind”!
September 29th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
That’s too funny. I really did just strip naked.
Go Braves. *turns the fan off…*
September 29th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
What’s funny Bub is I believe you. No doubt whatsoever that you are telling the complete and whole truth.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Well… I didn’t REALLY turn the fan off…
September 29th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Hubby thinks I should follow Bub’s lead. I told him not until I’ve had as many beers
September 29th, 2009 at 10:11 pm
So… let me get this straight… he wants you to get naked with me?
Neat.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Of course you all know… if we win, the Rockies will see the scoreboard and proceed to freeze up and lose.
Or if we lose… the opposite.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Omar Infante: My all time favorite Atlanta Brave!
September 29th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Ugh, think Wren can get us about 7 big bats this off season?
September 29th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
ahhhhrrrrrgggghhhhhhhhhhh. C’mon Nate!
Alright, onto the 9th.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:16 pm
[Insert obligatory neurotic recantation #17 of inappropriate remark to Leah]
Sigh.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Rockies just tied it up. They ain’t waitin’…
September 29th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
lol, Bobby waits until the most important game of the season to take it easy on Sori’s arm…
September 29th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I BELIEVE… that I’m puttin’ my clothes back on.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Now the Rockies have 1st & 3rd, none out. 2-2.
Blast.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
NO BUB! Not yet. Take a little chill for the team. If you knew the hilarious comments I think of but my southern gentility won’t allow a lady to make…
September 29th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
I freakin LOVE MEADOW!
September 29th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Ugh, bases loaded, no outs for Colorado.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
(Thanks for the kindness, Leah.)
September 29th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
Nooooooooooooooooo!
September 29th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
3-2 Colorado. One out now. 1st and 3rd still…
September 29th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
Bub, I take all the kindness back if you aren’t naked!
September 29th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Leah, still naked, still with the fan… “hope meter” is shrinking…
September 29th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
wow- things went downhill pretty quickly. No worries, I still believe.
Now everyone put their clothes back on.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:32 pm
So sad….
September 29th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
that was me…stupid laptop
September 29th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
next season I’m coming up with a fun name. Like “Lotsamoxie”.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Me, too. Using my real name is getting old…
September 29th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Leah, I think “BubLover” would be more suitable. Just saying.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
That’s not quite fair, Hammy. She’s been good.
I’m out.
Go Braves.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
It’s ok Bub…Hammy’s just jealous.
September 29th, 2009 at 10:57 pm
Ok…damage control…Hamilton, you’re funny. Really, really funny. LMAO, ROFL funny. Better?
September 29th, 2009 at 11:28 pm
I love the BubLove, Leah – don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t a jealousy play; it was total admiration (with maybe just a tinge of longing).
September 29th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
Oh good. I’m not easily offended or Bub would have run me off long ago. However, if you guys start limiting your fantastic humor due to my being a chick? That will piss me off. I like to think I can hang with the dudes (figuratively speaking of course).
Can’t sleep…Rockies will win and 3 sounds like too little too late.
September 29th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Brewers/ Rockies are tied. Crap…now I really can’t sleep. Double blast!
September 29th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Kill me sitting here tracking the Rockies game online. Jason Kendall hasn’t gotten a hit like that ever. Come on Brewers. We love Milwaukee.
September 29th, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Why does 2 games sound doable and 3 doesn’t? Curt, is 2 doable? Please tell me no so I can go to sleep?
September 30th, 2009 at 8:47 am
Leah, 3 will be a tall task. I genuinely believe the Braves can win out, but that also requires the Rockies to lose 3 of their last 5 games. Who knows what the Brewers can do for 2, hopefully win one, and then you just have to pray that LA is still fighting for homefield and have something to play for. So root for Philly and St Louis to keep winning.
The Dodgers look awful right now, just for a soothing companion to all of that.
Go Braves.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:50 am
A tall task indeed. I really put a lot of meaning into Diaz’s homer last night. This is the moment that propels us into the playoffs, this is the moment where the fans start coming out to the Ted, this plus the non-catch in Sunday’s COL/STL game will result in a huge karma shift, etc., etc. Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuudge!
Got to knock it down to one game by the end of Friday night. C’mon Braves. There’s still time.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Oh how I wish I was at all optimistic. I’m afraid the Rockies are being propelled by their big win last night. They had a must win game and we had a must win game. They won theirs we lost ours. Wow…I sound like Curt.
September 30th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
If the team isn’t giving up hope, then I’m not either. The Dodger could well take 2 out of 3, and so long as the Brewers don’t get swept, we have a great chance.
September 30th, 2009 at 7:08 pm
I’m with you Chris, it’s called the “Hope Meter” not the “Doom and Gloom” meter..
GO BRAVES!!!
September 30th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
Ummmm…not good. We have to get hits to win.
September 30th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
That’s more than just a theory…it’s actually been proven outside the laboratory.
September 30th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Well Tcc, it shows you just how brilliant I am. What the heck happened to Javy? I just tuned in during the last inning. Why is he struggling so?
September 30th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Norton? Are you kidding?
September 30th, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Please boooo him!
September 30th, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Leah, my diagnosis is a moderate case of the “yips”. Non fatal, yet crippling.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
I hate baseball.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Well, you should try being a Clemson fan..I’m still hopeful..
September 30th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
I guess it is silly, at this point, to be shocked when Norton appears in a game and subsequently strikes out in a critical situation. And yet, here I sit, shocked, by that exact event.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Deja vu, all over again???
September 30th, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Somebody remind me why next year’s gonna be awesome.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Because we are gonna have a Big Bat who will give the Stinkin’ Fish an A$$ whuppin”
September 30th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
And where will Greg Norton be?
September 30th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
He will be serving out mush in a food line.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
And Brooks Conrad?
September 30th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
“Bless his heart”
September 30th, 2009 at 9:32 pm
Brooks C. Minor leagues kinda guy.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:37 pm
I think the Mets and Phillies can come and go, but the Braves will not win the NL East until they can figure out how to beat the Marlins.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Where is Omar? Why hasn’t he pinch hit?
September 30th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
That’s the Braves season: Just out of reach.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Omar is in “Consessions” now, serving “Coolaid” to the few remaining fans…Sad..dammit.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Acosta…lovely.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
I’m going to read some Cormac McCarthy to get cheered up.
September 30th, 2009 at 9:53 pm
It’s a good thing Cantu has lots of money…
September 30th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Hope?
September 30th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Yuney Esco..
September 30th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Safe!!
September 30th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
There’s Omar! They pulled him from concessions.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Leah, your dream comes true!
September 30th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Come on boys!!!!!! WIN THIS AND I’LL BELIEVE!!!!!!
September 30th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Oh Freddie…leave him…it’ll be fun!
September 30th, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Brutal
September 30th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I am now dead. Mattie D. just killed me.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
My tombstone reads “Braves broke her heart”.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
A good lesson in how to appreciate the intensity of the playoffs. It’s over, though not quite. I think this team will remember these last and next few games and be better prepared for a run next year. GO BRAVES.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
That’s right, Tcc. Go Braves. Go Matt Diaz.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Leah, take a deep breath in, let it out slowly and then say “Jason Heyward”!!!
September 30th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Literally crying…in my heart…and a little in my eyes.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Oy.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Going to go listen to The Avett Brother’s new album “I and Love and You”. Farewell ABT friends. It’s been real and for a few minutes fun.
September 30th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Leah, acushla, be Brave!
September 30th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Thanks Tcc. I feel like I witnessed a car crash. Matt, we still love you. Don’t fight the suicide watch.
October 1st, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Anyone there?
October 1st, 2009 at 9:16 pm
We need a run for Tommy!
October 1st, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Gotta sweep them to get to 90 wins. Still a huge thing to work for. And for Hanson to get ROY
October 1st, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Bummer. Please, can we not go out in a flaming ball of ineptitude.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Well, maybe 89.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:06 pm
Detox is boring.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:28 pm
The wind seems to have come out of the sails a bit
October 1st, 2009 at 10:51 pm
I hate that now is the time to say this, but wait til next year!!! Oh well.
(sad face)
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:59 am
It’s been a good year, people.
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:32 pm
True C in B, very true. My problem is I approach a Braves baseball game as I would a Disney movie. I expect a happy ending. I KNOW the Braves will win. If they start to lose I think, “Oh this is going to be good. Their gonna pull it off in dramatic fashion at the end.”. It’s frustrating but I love this team to a fault and I can’t wait until next year. Go Braves!
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
C in B – I agree, essentially. There were clearly strategic errors at the start of the year (CF, RF, 2nd), but once the pieces were put in place at mid-season, it’s really been a hell of a year. We fell short. I’m not in the camp of “there go the Braves again, figuring out ways to screw it up.” They played very well this 2nd half. And they missed some opportunities, took advantage of others and made some that weren’t there (those last three games in LA, the sweep of STL, etc.)
And Leah – all of that said, I am completely with you. I still expect the playoffs every year and am brutally disappointed when it doesn’t come to pass. And this year, especially. I really wanted to see what this team could do.
October 2nd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
In case anyone here hasn’t read this, here it is.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/09/30/atlanta.braves/#
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
great article! thanks Chris
I live up to my boasts, so Curt please tell me somewhere to donate $100 bucks…and well send it. we gave at the office to the Curt Gill Foundation for Wayward Optimists. They do good work.
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Yes, Chris, great article, thanks for that. Leah, we’ve got a great comeback coming!
October 2nd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Looking back, if the Braves had won just one more game in each of the last 6 months, guess where they would be? Especially if 2 of those wins were against Colorado who we split with 4-4. I’m not wringing my hands and crying oh, what if??? I’m saying that in spite of the injuries, questionable line ups and other missed opportunities, we were THAT FREAKIN’ CLOSE! Hope meter for next year is a 10!
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Next year, Francouer starts the season playing for the Mets. That’s got to be worth 5-7 games right there.
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:23 pm
That will put us close to 100 wins…cool!!!
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Have a night, Martin!
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Really disappointed with Derek Lowe and the way he will close the season. Not the way he should head into the off season. I’m wondering if we can get anything for him without eating $10 mill in the process.
And sad news that Boog Sciambi is leaving the Braves to go to ESPN of all places. I really enjoyed his work with Joe the past few seasons.
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Couldn’t we just give DL to ESPN and keep the Boog??
October 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 pm
The good news is that Joe Simpson + anyone else is way above average. Who will take Sciambi’s place?
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:14 pm
We were just talking about that in our pre-show meeting. I’m betting on Chip Caray just taking over. No sense in hiring someone new when you have someone in house. Or move some of the radio guys over.
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Chip Caray has the energy and lineage in his favor..but he is such a “yes man” I can barely stand to hear him talk. Maybe it’s Braves Blasphemy, but that acorn didn’t fall far from the tree.
October 3rd, 2009 at 6:52 pm
Thinking about all you Dawg lovers…can they hold the Tigers?
October 3rd, 2009 at 7:11 pm
Oh, no…does this mean Bobby brings GN back next year??
October 4th, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Sad…
October 4th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdhVlbUyvNQ&feature=related
October 4th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
BUB! Your back!
October 4th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
I am only a little dot.
October 4th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Yeah, I know the feeling. I’m less than a dot. I’m a smudge on the paper beside the dot.
October 4th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
Well… at least someone is beside me…
(awwwwwwwwwww.)
October 4th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Misery loves company
October 4th, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Swept by the Nats to end the season. Didn’t see that comin’. What am I going to do until March? I guess there’s Christmas, so that takes care of one day.
October 4th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
There’s always football. Your hubby’s team bounced into the top 25 this week.
Wrenta Claus better bring me Dan Uggla for Christmas.
G’night, Smudge.
October 4th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
You two……at least something positive came of the season.
October 4th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Curt…that was the nicest comment of the year. ABT made my season 100% more enjoyable. Oh…and War Damn Eagle. Still looking for a good book to read and detox still sucks.
November 7th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Funny funny stuff. I think I actually laughed out loud like 4 times. And I mean laughed out loud. not that gay ‘lol’ we all know that’s just an internet conversational filler. I am certain I will read your blog regularly.