September 27, 2009

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.

 

 

172 Responses to “Show #81: We Sit Down with David O’Brien of the AJC”

  1. 1
    BluesMan Says:

    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

  2. 2
    Leah Says:

    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.

  3. 3
    Chris in Boston Says:

    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.

  4. 4
    Curt Says:

    Leah, not sure what you mean.

  5. 5
    Leah Says:

    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?

  6. 6
    Anne Says:

    Go Brewers. Go Cardinals. Go Braves!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  7. 7
    Curt Says:

    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.

  8. 8
    Leah Says:

    I was hoping for more than two from that first inning.

  9. 9
    Anne Says:

    Agreed, Leah. It could have been soooooooo much more damage.

  10. 10
    Bubdylan Says:

    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.

  11. 11
    Will Says:

    Laaaary. If he and Brian get hot this gets very interesting

  12. 12
    Will Says:

    Oh… Forgot yesterday to say my hope meter goes to 11.

  13. 13
    Bubdylan Says:

    Yeah, but… why not just make you hope meter louder and…

  14. 14
    Bubdylan Says:

    … nice.

  15. 15
    Bubdylan Says:

    Joe West, eat my shorts.

  16. 16
    Tcc Says:

    Let’s load ‘em up!!

  17. 17
    Bubdylan Says:

    Awwwwwwwww…

    Shucks. Allllllllllllllllllmost.

  18. 18
    Bubdylan Says:

    Man… we would’a had 8 runs on 4 hits if that ball went a few more feet.

  19. 19
    Curt Says:

    1 down. 6 to go.

  20. 20
    Chris in Boston Says:

    Go Brewers.

  21. 21
    Tcc Says:

    16 games over .500, 2 games out. Who’da thunk it??

  22. 22
    Leah Says:

    Love the shut out. I cannot believe we are 2 out.

  23. 23
    Hammy Says:

    We can do this, we can do this, we can do this!!!!!! WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

  24. 24
    Tcc Says:

    Believe!

  25. 25
    Steve Says:

    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.

  26. 26
    Taylor -The Man Says:

    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.

  27. 27
    Will Says:

    I take some credit since I stopped wearing underwear….

  28. 28
    Wiley Says:

    Does this remind anybody of the 07 wild card chase? Ehhhhh?

  29. 29
    Bubdylan Says:

    I take some credit since I stopped wearing pants.

  30. 30
    Leah Says:

    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.

  31. 31
    Steve Says:

    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!

  32. 32
    Bubdylan Says:

    Steve, that’s hilarious.

    Just don’t aim low with the t-shirt cannon… aye…

  33. 33
    Bubdylan Says:

    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.)

  34. 34
    Curt Says:

    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.

  35. 35
    Wiley Says:

    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?

  36. 36
    Leah Says:

    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.”

  37. 37
    Curt Says:

    Tell him that there are more people watching my son’s soccer games than catch their home games.

  38. 38
    Tcc Says:

    Time to put Huddy to bed…

  39. 39
    Steve Says:

    Oh, the pain! McCann!!!!!!!!!

  40. 40
    Tcc Says:

    My favorite all time Atlanta Brave: Garrett Anderson (sp)

  41. 41
    Tcc Says:

    My all time favorite Atlanta Brave: Yunel Escobar!

  42. 42
    Tcc Says:

    MY ALL TIME FAVORITE ATLANTA BRAVE: Matty Diaz!!!!

  43. 43
    Steve Says:

    YES, YES, YES!!!! Matty D. Oh, that was so good. And now KK can still pitch. So, so good.

  44. 44
    Curt Says:

    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.

  45. 45
    Hammy Says:

    I BELIEVE!!!!!!!!

  46. 46
    Steve Says:

    Don’t leave Greg Norton out of all that lovin’. His walk was huge!

  47. 47
    Hammy Says:

    If I was cynical, I would say there’s a first for everything, but not tonight.

    I love you, Greg Norton.

  48. 48
    Tcc Says:

    Greg Norton’s appearance signaled Huddy’s exit. That was huge…and Damn the Marlins!

  49. 49
    Hammy Says:

    f-word.

  50. 50
    Leah Says:

    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.

  51. 51
    Tcc Says:

    All right everybody! Let’s get Nekkid for the 8th!

  52. 52
    Tcc Says:

    Make it double Nekkid, Rockies are “behind”!

  53. 53
    Bubdylan Says:

    That’s too funny. I really did just strip naked.

    Go Braves. *turns the fan off…*

  54. 54
    Leah Says:

    What’s funny Bub is I believe you. No doubt whatsoever that you are telling the complete and whole truth.

  55. 55
    Bubdylan Says:

    Well… I didn’t REALLY turn the fan off…

  56. 56
    Leah Says:

    Hubby thinks I should follow Bub’s lead. I told him not until I’ve had as many beers

  57. 57
    Bubdylan Says:

    So… let me get this straight… he wants you to get naked with me?

    Neat.

  58. 58
    Bubdylan Says:

    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.

  59. 59
    Tcc Says:

    Omar Infante: My all time favorite Atlanta Brave!

  60. 60
    Bubdylan Says:

    Ugh, think Wren can get us about 7 big bats this off season?

  61. 61
    Hammy Says:

    ahhhhrrrrrgggghhhhhhhhhhh. C’mon Nate!

    Alright, onto the 9th.

  62. 62
    Bubdylan Says:

    [Insert obligatory neurotic recantation #17 of inappropriate remark to Leah]

    Sigh.

  63. 63
    Bubdylan Says:

    Rockies just tied it up. They ain’t waitin’…

  64. 64
    Bubdylan Says:

    lol, Bobby waits until the most important game of the season to take it easy on Sori’s arm…

  65. 65
    Bubdylan Says:

    I BELIEVE… that I’m puttin’ my clothes back on.

    :(

  66. 66
    Bubdylan Says:

    Now the Rockies have 1st & 3rd, none out. 2-2.

    Blast.

  67. 67
    Leah Says:

    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…

  68. 68
    Leah Says:

    I freakin LOVE MEADOW!

  69. 69
    Bubdylan Says:

    Ugh, bases loaded, no outs for Colorado.

  70. 70
    Bubdylan Says:

    (Thanks for the kindness, Leah.)

  71. 71
    Leah Says:

    Nooooooooooooooooo!

  72. 72
    Bubdylan Says:

    3-2 Colorado. One out now. 1st and 3rd still…

  73. 73
    Leah Says:

    Bub, I take all the kindness back if you aren’t naked!

  74. 74
    Bubdylan Says:

    Leah, still naked, still with the fan… “hope meter” is shrinking…

  75. 75
    Hammy Says:

    wow- things went downhill pretty quickly. No worries, I still believe.

    Now everyone put their clothes back on.

  76. 76
    Humbled Fan Says:

    So sad….

  77. 77
    Leah Says:

    that was me…stupid laptop

  78. 78
    Leah Says:

    next season I’m coming up with a fun name. Like “Lotsamoxie”.

  79. 79
    Bubdylan Says:

    Me, too. Using my real name is getting old…

  80. 80
    Hammy Says:

    Leah, I think “BubLover” would be more suitable. Just saying.

  81. 81
    Bubdylan Says:

    That’s not quite fair, Hammy. She’s been good.

    I’m out.

    Go Braves.

  82. 82
    Leah Says:

    It’s ok Bub…Hammy’s just jealous.

  83. 83
    Leah Says:

    Ok…damage control…Hamilton, you’re funny. Really, really funny. LMAO, ROFL funny. Better?

  84. 84
    Hammy Says:

    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).

  85. 85
    Leah Says:

    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.

  86. 86
    Leah Says:

    Brewers/ Rockies are tied. Crap…now I really can’t sleep. Double blast!

  87. 87
    Curt Says:

    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.

  88. 88
    Leah Says:

    Why does 2 games sound doable and 3 doesn’t? Curt, is 2 doable? Please tell me no so I can go to sleep?

  89. 89
    Curt Says:

    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.

  90. 90
    Steve Says:

    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.

  91. 91
    Leah Says:

    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.

  92. 92
    Chris in Boston Says:

    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.

  93. 93
    Tcc Says:

    I’m with you Chris, it’s called the “Hope Meter” not the “Doom and Gloom” meter..
    GO BRAVES!!!

  94. 94
    Leah Says:

    Ummmm…not good. We have to get hits to win.

  95. 95
    Tcc Says:

    That’s more than just a theory…it’s actually been proven outside the laboratory.

  96. 96
    Leah Says:

    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?

  97. 97
    Leah Says:

    Norton? Are you kidding?

  98. 98
    Leah Says:

    Please boooo him!

  99. 99
    Tcc Says:

    Leah, my diagnosis is a moderate case of the “yips”. Non fatal, yet crippling.

  100. 100
    Leah Says:

    I hate baseball.

  101. 101
    Tcc Says:

    Well, you should try being a Clemson fan..I’m still hopeful..

  102. 102
    Curt Says:

    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.

  103. 103
    Tcc Says:

    Deja vu, all over again???

  104. 104
    Leah Says:

    Somebody remind me why next year’s gonna be awesome.

  105. 105
    Tcc Says:

    Because we are gonna have a Big Bat who will give the Stinkin’ Fish an A$$ whuppin”

  106. 106
    Leah Says:

    And where will Greg Norton be?

  107. 107
    Tcc Says:

    He will be serving out mush in a food line.

  108. 108
    Leah Says:

    And Brooks Conrad?

  109. 109
    Tcc Says:

    “Bless his heart”

  110. 110
    Tcc Says:

    Brooks C. Minor leagues kinda guy.

  111. 111
    Tcc Says:

    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.

  112. 112
    Leah Says:

    Where is Omar? Why hasn’t he pinch hit?

  113. 113
    Tcc Says:

    That’s the Braves season: Just out of reach.

  114. 114
    Tcc Says:

    Omar is in “Consessions” now, serving “Coolaid” to the few remaining fans…Sad..dammit.

  115. 115
    Leah Says:

    Acosta…lovely.

  116. 116
    Tcc Says:

    I’m going to read some Cormac McCarthy to get cheered up.

  117. 117
    Leah Says:

    It’s a good thing Cantu has lots of money…

  118. 118
    Tcc Says:

    Hope?

  119. 119
    Tcc Says:

    Yuney Esco..

  120. 120
    Tcc Says:

    Safe!!

  121. 121
    Leah Says:

    There’s Omar! They pulled him from concessions.

  122. 122
    Tcc Says:

    Leah, your dream comes true!

  123. 123
    Leah Says:

    Come on boys!!!!!! WIN THIS AND I’LL BELIEVE!!!!!!

  124. 124
    Leah Says:

    Oh Freddie…leave him…it’ll be fun!

  125. 125
    Chris in Boston Says:

    Brutal

  126. 126
    Leah Says:

    I am now dead. Mattie D. just killed me.

  127. 127
    Leah Says:

    My tombstone reads “Braves broke her heart”.

  128. 128
    Tcc Says:

    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.

  129. 129
    Chris in Boston Says:

    That’s right, Tcc. Go Braves. Go Matt Diaz.

  130. 130
    Tcc Says:

    Leah, take a deep breath in, let it out slowly and then say “Jason Heyward”!!!

  131. 131
    Leah Says:

    Literally crying…in my heart…and a little in my eyes.

  132. 132
    Chris in Boston Says:

    Oy.

  133. 133
    Leah Says:

    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.

  134. 134
    Tcc Says:

    Leah, acushla, be Brave!

  135. 135
    Leah Says:

    Thanks Tcc. I feel like I witnessed a car crash. Matt, we still love you. Don’t fight the suicide watch.

  136. 136
    Leah Says:

    Anyone there?

  137. 137
    Tcc Says:

    We need a run for Tommy!

  138. 138
    Curt Says:

    Gotta sweep them to get to 90 wins. Still a huge thing to work for. And for Hanson to get ROY

  139. 139
    Curt Says:

    Bummer. Please, can we not go out in a flaming ball of ineptitude.

  140. 140
    Tcc Says:

    Well, maybe 89.

  141. 141
    Leah Says:

    Detox is boring.

  142. 142
    Curt Says:

    The wind seems to have come out of the sails a bit

  143. 143
    Hammy Says:

    I hate that now is the time to say this, but wait til next year!!! Oh well.

    (sad face)

  144. 144
    Chris in Boston Says:

    It’s been a good year, people.

  145. 145
    Leah Says:

    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!

  146. 146
    Steve Says:

    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.

  147. 147
    Chris in Boston Says:

    In case anyone here hasn’t read this, here it is.

    http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/joe_posnanski/09/30/atlanta.braves/#

  148. 148
    Will Says:

    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.

  149. 149
    Tcc Says:

    Yes, Chris, great article, thanks for that. Leah, we’ve got a great comeback coming!

  150. 150
    Tcc Says:

    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!

  151. 151
    Chris in Boston Says:

    Next year, Francouer starts the season playing for the Mets. That’s got to be worth 5-7 games right there.

  152. 152
    Tcc Says:

    That will put us close to 100 wins…cool!!!

  153. 153
    Tcc Says:

    Have a night, Martin!

  154. 154
    Curt Says:

    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.

  155. 155
    Tcc Says:

    Couldn’t we just give DL to ESPN and keep the Boog??

  156. 156
    Tcc Says:

    The good news is that Joe Simpson + anyone else is way above average. Who will take Sciambi’s place?

  157. 157
    Curt Says:

    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.

  158. 158
    Tcc Says:

    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.

  159. 159
    Leah Says:

    Thinking about all you Dawg lovers…can they hold the Tigers?

  160. 160
    Tcc Says:

    Oh, no…does this mean Bobby brings GN back next year??

  161. 161
    Leah Says:

    Sad…

  162. 162
    . Says:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdhVlbUyvNQ&feature=related

  163. 163
    Bublover Says:

    BUB! Your back!

  164. 164
    . Says:

    I am only a little dot.

  165. 165
    Bublover Says:

    Yeah, I know the feeling. I’m less than a dot. I’m a smudge on the paper beside the dot.

  166. 166
    . Says:

    Well… at least someone is beside me…

    (awwwwwwwwwww.)

  167. 167
    Smudge Says:

    Misery loves company

  168. 168
    Smudge Says:

    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.

  169. 169
    . Says:

    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.

  170. 170
    Curt Says:

    You two……at least something positive came of the season.

  171. 171
    Smudge Says:

    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.

  172. 172
    mulberry bayswater bags Says:

    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.

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