Braves 2007 season thread.

[Francoeurstein]

Hey guys, once again this is the thread that follows the 2007 season for the Atlanta Braves. If you do not recognize me the name, "hankaaron86" may sound more familiur.

Gosh.. I can't wait till opening day.

Opening Day Lineups:
Braves

C- Brian McCann
1B- Scott Thorman/Craig Wilson
2B- Kelly Johnson
3B- Chipper Jones
SS- Edgar Renteria
LF- Ryan Langerhans
CF- Andruw Jones
RF- Jeff Francoeur
SP- John Smoltz

Phillies
C- Rod Barajas
1B- Ryan Howard
2B- Chase Utley
3B- Wes Helms
SS- Jimmy Rollins
LF- Pat Burrell
CF- Aaron Rowand
RF- Shane Victorino
SP- Brett Myers

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

I'm ready for the season to start!! I didn't know Wes Helms had the 3rd base job for the Phillies.

[SamtheBravesFan]

I'm ready for the season to start!! I didn't know Wes Helms had the 3rd base job for the Phillies.

ROD BARAJAS :laugh

[Francoeurstein]

GO BRAVES!!!

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

Here it is. We've all been waiting for it and it has finally come: REGULAR SEASON TIME!

Coincidentally the Thrashers clinch a playoff berth on the same day that the official season starts. It's good to be a fan in Atlanta.

Go Bravos!

[jwkfs]

Renteria just hit his second home run of the game (after fouling off two bunts!) to give the braves a 5-3 lead in the 10th. :thumbsup:



Here are some notable stats:

The good:
McCan: 3/4, HR, 2RBI
Renteria: 2/5 2HR, 3RBI

Smoltz: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, BB, 7 K
Gonzalez: 1 IP, H, BB, 2 K
Sorian: 1 IP, BB
Wickman (W): 1 IP, H, (I)BB, K
Paronto (S): 1 IP, K

The bad:

Thorman: 0/4 K
Francoeur: 0/4 2K
Johnson: 0/4 BB 2K
A. Jones: 0/5

[Francoeurstein]

Man, I was out bowling with some friends.. I missed the game! But.. Atleast we won!!! I heard McCann and Renteria had some nice games! I'm so proud of the Brave's :). Tomorrow Tuesday will be Hamels vs. Hudson I think.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Man, I was out bowling with some friends.. I missed the game! But.. Atleast we won!!! I heard McCann and Renteria had some nice games! I'm so proud of the Brave's :). Tomorrow Tuesday will be Hamels vs. Hudson I think.


It'll be Wednesday.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 5, Philadelphia Phillies 3, 10 inn.

W - Bob Wickman (1-0)
L - Ryan Madson (0-1)
S - Chad Paronto (1)
HR - ATL - Brian McCann (1)
Edgar Renteria 2 (2)
PHI - Jimmy Rollins (1)

Three Stars
SS Edgar Renteria - 2-5, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI (1)
C Brian McCann - 3-4, HR, R, 2 RBI (1)
P Brett Myers - 7 2/3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 9 SO

My Blog Post About It (http://samthebravesfan.blogspot.com/)

[Tarheelfan44]

great game yesterday man.

[Francoeurstein]

Kelly Johnson.. thats all I'm going to say :grouchy .


Anyways don't miss the game tonight at 7:00! Go braves.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 3, Philadelphia Phillies 2, 11 inn.

W - Macay McBride (1-0)
L - Ryan Madson (0-2)
S - Bob Wickman (1)
HR - ATL - Brian McCann (2)
Scott Thorman (1)
PHI - Chico Ruiz (1)

Three Stars
P Cole Hamels - 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 SO
P Tim Hudson - 7 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 SO
C Brian McCann - 2-5, HR, R, 2 RBI

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

Flippin' sweet game. I'm a tad concerned that we're scoring all our runs on homers, but we're winning so that's okay for now.

2006 still haunts me from time to time but it's quickly dissolving.

G6H7 (Goodbye '06 Hello '07).

It is a good feeling to know that we have depth and our bullpen secured. Hudson looked very good (some control issues) and I hope he continues.

2-3 ER in 6-7 IP looks to be all we need from our starters this year.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Flippin' sweet game. I'm a tad concerned that we're scoring all our runs on homers, but we're winning so that's okay for now.

2006 still haunts me from time to time but it's quickly dissolving.

G6H7 (Goodbye '06 Hello '07).

It is a good feeling to know that we have depth and our bullpen secured. Hudson looked very good (some control issues) and I hope he continues.

2-3 ER in 6-7 IP looks to be all we need from our starters this year.

The only reason it looks so bad is because half of the team is barely hitting. Johnson and Andruw aren't hitting at all right now, come to think of it. Only McCann and Renteria are hitting like gangbusters out of the gate... and that's why they lead the team in homers. :laugh

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 8, Philadelphia Phillies 4

W - Chuck James (1-0)
L - Adam Eaton (0-1)
S - Rafael Soriano (1)
HR - Kelly Johnson (1)

Three Stars
P Chuck James - 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO
P Clay Condrey - 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 SO
2B Kelly Johnson - 1-5, HR, R, 2 RBI

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

:clapping :clapping I like the way the season has started. The Braves have gotten timely hitting and solid pitching to boost to 3 straight wins. Next up the Mets at Turner Field!

[SamtheBravesFan]

:clapping :clapping I like the way the season has started. The Braves have gotten timely hitting and solid pitching to boost to 3 straight wins. Next up the Mets at Turner Field!

They almost blew it today. Two runs walked in in the bottom of the ninth, bleh.

[SamtheBravesFan]

New York Mets 11, Atlanta Braves 1

W - Oliver Perez (1-0)
L - Mark Redman (0-1)
HR - Jeff Francoeur (1)

Three Stars
SS Jose Reyes - 3-6, 2 3B, 2 R, 4 RBI
P Oliver Perez - 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 SO
3B David Wright - 2-5, 2 2B, R, RBI

The worst home opener loss in Braves franchise history. :eek:

Oh well. These games happen.

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

Good win for the Bravos today. Hopefully we get April Davies vs. the Mets and not September Davies. Here's to him being healthy and our defense/offense helping him out.

Go Braves! Let's take 2/3 and lead the division!

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 5, New York Mets 3

W - John Smoltz (1-0)
L - Tom Glavine (1-1)
S - Bob Wickman (2)
HR - NYM - Paul LoDuca (1)
ATL - Matt Diaz (1)

Three Stars
1B Craig Wilson - 1-2, R, BB; game-winning catch made on Shawn Green line drive
P John Smoltz - 6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 SO, W
RF Shawn Green - 3-5, 2B, RBI

[Dirt Dog]

Caught the games this weekend on TBS. I saw the game on Friday night, worst home opener loss for the Braves. Nice rebound yesterday and pulling out the win today, taking 2 out of 3 from the Mets and being alone in first place.

I see a lot of games so far have been come-from-behind late in the game. I saw a stat that last year the team was 19-33 in one-run games. What a difference a solid bullpen makes.

[Francoeurstein]

Good win today!

BTW

I was at the game Saturday! It was an awesome one. I came on TV around the 4-6th inning i was doing a Michael Jackson dance hahaha! It was fun!

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 3, New York Mets 2

W - Rafael Soriano (1-0)
L - Aaron Heilmann (0-1)
S - Bob Wickman (3)
HR - NYM - Shawn Green (1)
Ramon Castro (1)
ATL - Kelly Johnson (2)

Three Stars
P Orlando Hernandez - 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 SO
P Kyle Davies - 6 2/3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 8 SO
RF Jeff Francoeur - 2-4, 2B, RBI; go-ahead double in 8th.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

That was good win today. Once again the Braves used timely hitting to win, I just hope this winning lasts the whole season.

[SamtheBravesFan]

That was good win today. Once again the Braves used timely hitting to win, I just hope this winning lasts the whole season.

Why wouldn't it? The Mets and Phillies are just as vulnerable as the Braves. As we have seen the past two days, the Mets offense doesn't ALWAYS click.

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

1st Place. :)

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

Why wouldn't it? The Mets and Phillies are just as vulnerable as the Braves. As we have seen the past two days, the Mets offense doesn't ALWAYS click.
Nobody's safe in this division, but the Phillies and the Mets offenses scare me more than most teams in the NL. Once the Braves are down 3+ runs they have a problem coming back.

[AznInvasion]

Phillies offense is struggling with Howard not swinging. Howard did hit a HR today though. I'm currently more scared of the marlins offense than the phillies but that could change later on. No question the mets offense is deadly. I gotta give props to Jeff for his GW AB yesterday.

[jwkfs]

Hudson was awesome today: 7 IP, 3 H, BB, 7 K
Combined with his other start this season, his stats are: 14 IP, 5 H, ER, 5 BB, 12 K, giving him a .071 ERA :)

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 8, Washington Nationals 0

W - Tim Hudson (1-0)
L - Matt Chico (0-1)
HR - Andruw Jones (1)
Jeff Francoeur (2)

Three Stars
Tim Hudson - 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 SO
Jeff Francoeur - 2-5, 2B, HR, 2 R, 5 RBI
Brian McCann - 1-3, 2B, R, 2 BB, RBI

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 8, Washington Nationals 3

W - Chuck James (2-0)
L - Jerome Williams (0-2)
HR - Chipper Jones (1)
Andruw Jones (2)

Three Stars
P Chuck James - 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 SO
3B Chipper Jones - 2-5, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI
CF Andruw Jones - 1-4, HR, R, 3 RBI

[foxxx]

Florida lost twice today and the Mets lost to the Phils. Hopefully the rest of the division just keeps beating each other up while the Braves keep winning.

We're back baby!

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

Not only are the Braves #1 in the NL East, but we they are the best team in baseball!!

[AznInvasion]

Chuck James rocks!!!!

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

Here's to Smoltz leading us to our 2nd sweep of the season and Redman doing well vs. the Marlins on Friday!

[Murphy2Jones]

Florida lost twice today and the Mets lost to the Phils. Hopefully the rest of the division just keeps beating each other up while the Braves keep winning.

We're back baby!

That's exactly what I was thinking this morning while I was getting ready for work. As long as we keep taking at least 2/3 and let the rest of the division beat themselves out of it, we could really get out to a good lead during the month of April. Then just maintain a steady pace until September. At least it sounds easy.

[SamtheBravesFan]

That's exactly what I was thinking this morning while I was getting ready for work. As long as we keep taking at least 2/3 and let the rest of the division beat themselves out of it, we could really get out to a good lead during the month of April. Then just maintain a steady pace until September. At least it sounds easy.

The Mets have their last 12 games against Florida and Washington, so the Braves are going to need all the early wins they can get. Hopefully, they'll be up to play spoiler.

[Henry515]

Hopefully, the Nationals suck again tonight and get hot against the Mets this weekend. That's wishful thinking though.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Incidentally, this may have gone under the radar, but did anyone notice that Kelly Johnson had an absolutely superb defensive game? :)

And I'm not worried about his batting either. It's mostly bad luck:

.179/.324/.464

Just think of what that OBP will be when he gets that average up :D I've been really impressed by his plate discipline. :homeplate:

[Murphy2Jones]

I agree. He will be fine in the leadoff spot. And he is doing a great job defensively. I think he pressed a little bit last night with going to second on that play in the 8th was it. I like that he was aggresive, but I just don't feel that was the time to be. Things were not going very good for Soriano, and had that throw gotten away, the wheels may have come completely off. I just think he needs to learn when to try that play and when to just concede the base and get the out at first. Besides that though he has been as good as anyone could have asked for.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Washington Nationals 2, Atlanta Braves 0

W - Jason Bergmann (1-1)
L - John Smoltz (1-1)
S - Chad Cordero (1)

Three Stars
P Jason Bergmann - 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 8 SO
P John Smoltz - 8 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 SO
2B Ronnie Belliard - 1-5. GW RBI

[AznInvasion]

Washington Nationals 2, Atlanta Braves 0

W - Jason Bergmann (1-1)
L - John Smoltz (1-1)
S - Chad Cordero (1)

Three Stars
P Jason Bergmann - 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 8 SO
P John Smoltz - 8 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 SO
2B Ronnie Belliard - 1-5. GW RBI
This game sucked on so many levels.

[SamtheBravesFan]

This game sucked on so many levels.

No team can escape total offensive crudiness. :P

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

If they can do it to the Braves, they can do it to the Mets.

No biggie.

[Murphy2Jones]

Sometimes an offense needs games like last nights, so that they pull their heads our of their a#!'s. Bergman is not good enough to make hitters look as bad as the Braves looked last night, so I'm going to chalk that one up to over-confidence or something. Maybe they were looking past him and getting geared up for Dontrell tonight.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Sometimes an offense needs games like last nights, so that they pull their heads our of their a#!'s. Bergman is not good enough to make hitters look as bad as the Braves looked last night, so I'm going to chalk that one up to over-confidence or something. Maybe they were looking past him and getting geared up for Dontrell tonight.

Prepare for lots of strikeouts tonight then. Maybe Redman should have started yesterday. :hp

[Murphy2Jones]

yeah no kidding. It was his spot to go. I guess Bobby wanted to keep Smoltz on his rotation. If we don't hit, doesn't matter who is out there.

[SamtheBravesFan]

yeah no kidding. It was his spot to go. I guess Bobby wanted to keep Smoltz on his rotation. If we don't hit, doesn't matter who is out there.

Yep yep. Even Walter Johnson lost a lot of 1-0 games.

[AznInvasion]

Bergman has actually done it to the braves in the past. I think last year he did something similar.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Florida Marlins 11, Atlanta Braves 4

W - Dontrelle Willis (3-0)
L - Mark Redman (0-2)
HR - Chipper Jones (2)
Brayan Pena (1)

Three Stars
P Dontrelle Willis - 7 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 SO
2B Dan Uggla - 2-3, 2 2B, R, BB, 2 RBI
P Oscar Villareal - 2 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 SO

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

I'll sum it up in 4 letters, UGLY.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Redman will be better one of these days; he can't be THIS bad all the time. And he'll be the first to go when Cormier gets back from the DL.

[Francoeurstein]

Redman will be better one of these days; he can't be THIS bad all the time. And he'll be the first to go when Cormier gets back from the DL.

May I get an amen. Sorry for my absense.. I dont know If I've mentioned but I went to the game last Saturday and I got on live Fox television so that was pretty cool.:crazy :laugh :D

Go Braves I hope the delay didnt affect anything.:sorry:

[AznInvasion]

I don't mind it. Hopefully it will give us a chance to regroup and get back on the winning track the next game.

[Eugenious]

Paronto's gone to the DL and McBride, after walking ELEVEN guys in 3 innings, McBride is on his way back to Richmond to work on "Mechanical Problems". The Braves are calling up Moyland and Coyler.

I'm not a huge fan of Moylan, but supposedly he has been extremely dedicated and worked out some issues he had mechanically. His pitches still look like big hittable frisbees to me, but maybe he will blow everyone away. I sure hope so.

Coyler will take the "situational lefty" spot that McBride is vacating.

Hudson, instead of Davies, goes today against Anibal Sanchez. Hopefully the braves will figure out where they left their Bats.

Rock on...

www.bravesoxtalk.com (http://www.bravesoxtalk.com)

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 8, Florida Marlins 4

W - Tim Hudson (2-0)
L - Scott Olsen (2-1)
HR - Chipper Jones (3)
Andruw Jones (3)

Three Stars
P Tim Hudson - 7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 4 SO, W
3B Chipper Jones - 1-3, HR, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 RBI
CF Andruw Jones - 1-3, HR, 1 R, BB, 2 RBI

Moylan stunk. I guess he still throws big hittable frisbees. But he has to be there. The back end of the bullpen is in a desperate situation right now. I hate to say that, but tha'ts what it looks like.

[Henry515]

I think the back end of the bullpen will be fine. We just need to get over a small rough spot. McBride and Paronto will return and be fine. I am confident McBride will get his wildness under control. And Yates and Villarreal will be solid this year.

[Henry515]

And we'll see if Steve Colyer will do anything good.

[SamtheBravesFan]

I think the back end of the bullpen will be fine. We just need to get over a small rough spot. McBride and Paronto will return and be fine. I am confident McBride will get his wildness under control. And Yates and Villarreal will be solid this year.

I don't know about Yates (granted, he did strike out the side today), but I think that Villarreal is solid.

[AznInvasion]

what ever happened to tanyon sturtze lol? We miss Cormier.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

I forgot about Sturtze too. According to the Braves website he is on the 15 day DL, but he isn't on the 25 man roster.

[SamtheBravesFan]

I forgot about Sturtze too. According to the Braves website he is on the 15 day DL, but he isn't on the 25 man roster.

They're having Sturtze take his timee getting better. But from what I know about him, he'll be worse than Mark Redman is right now. I think the Braves signed him when they were desperate about their starting pitching situation.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Washington Nationals 5, Atlanta Braves 1

W - Matt Chico (1-1)
L - Chuck James (2-1)

Three Stars
1B Dimitri Young - 3-4, 2 2B, R, 2 RBI
P Matt Chico - 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 0 SO, W
P Saul Rivera - 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 SO

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 6, Washington Nationals 4

W - John Smoltz (2-1)
L - Jerome Williams (0-2)
S - Bob Wickman (4)
HR - Chipper Jones (4)

Three Stars
P Rafael Soriano - 1 2/3, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 SO
2B Kelly Johnson - 4-5, 2 R
3B Chipper Jones - 2-4, HR, 2 R, BB, RBI

NOTE: I switched Soriano and Johnson. Soriano was the reason the Braves won the game.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

I wish the Braves could provide Smoltz with support everytime he pitches. The numbers show that he wins in most of the games he has 3+ runs to work behind.

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

That game was a lot closer than it should have been. However, I'll take a W any way I can get it.

Respect to the Nats players who wore the VT caps. That was classy and brought some much needed integrity of the game to the spotlight of the media.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 8, Chicago Cubs 6

W - Oscar Villarreal (1-0) <- classic Vulture win
L - Scott Eyre (0-1)
S - Bob Wickman (5)
HR - CHC - Mark DeRosa (4)
ATL - Jeff Francoeur (3)
Scott Thorman (2)

Three Stars
1B Scott Thorman - 2-3, HR, 2 R, BB, RBI, 2 DP
2B Kelly Johnson - 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 DP
1B Derrek Lee - 2-4, 2 2B, 2 R, BB, RBI

I think there could be something wrong with Mike Gonzalez. He last pitched on the 16th. Who did Bobby go to for a lefty? Steve Colyer.

EDIT: Eh, no worries. The game recap (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270418115) says that Bobby was holding back Soriano and Gonzalez. That's fine. We'll need them tonight when Redman pitches.

[jwkfs]

EDIT: Eh, no worries. The game recap (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270418115) says that Bobby was holding back Soriano and Gonzalez. That's fine. We'll need them tonight when Redman pitches.


The AJC is reporting that Gonzalez has been feeling tightness in his elbow and will have an MRI as a precautionary measure. Schuerholz has stressed that it is unrelated to the injury he had last year with Pittsburgh and in a different part of the elbow.

Hope this is nothing serious!

[AznInvasion]

On a different topic, I think we need to give Chipper 1 day of rest per week. I don't want him getting injured or tired. I don't mean to rain on our parade but it almost seems inevitable. We need a lefty PH anyway and this would give some PT for other guys. I think we really should consider this. Willy Aybar has been suspended indefinitely but if he does return I would suggest him as the guy to fill in at 3b.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Aox3WbgmeBGFU58p1SlE3U2FCLcF?slug=ap-braves-aybar&prov=ap&type=lgns

[SamtheBravesFan]

Chicago Cubs 3, Altanta Braves 0

W - Rich Hill (3-0)
L - Mark Redman (0-3)
S - Ryan Dempster (3)
HR - Michael Barrett (2)
Aramis Ramirez (2)

Three Stars
P Rich Hill - 8 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 SO
P Mark Redman - 7 1/3 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO
C Michael Barrett - 2-4, HR, R, RBI

Can't blame Redman for this one.

[AznInvasion]

We can put the blame on our anemic offense.

[SamtheBravesFan]

We can put the blame on our anemic offense.

I don't know... Hill was pitching pretty well.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 7, New York Mets 3

W - Tim Hudson (3-0)
L - Mike Pelfrey (0-1)
HR - ATL - Chipper Jones (5)
NYM - Shawn Green (2)

Three Stars
P Tim Hudson - 8 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 SO
3B Chipper Jones - 1-4, HR, 3 R, BB, 2 RBI
CF Andruw Jones - 1-3, 2B, 2 R, BB

[AznInvasion]

I don't know... Hill was pitching pretty well.

True but I wouldn't give him all the credit either. They didn't do anything after Hill left either.

Great game by Hudson today. Soriano looked a little eratic.

[Francoeurstein]

Good game Chip's always a met's killer.

[SamtheBravesFan]

They didn't do anything after Hill left either.

Great game by Hudson today. Soriano looked a little eratic.

For one inning. With apparently, a new and improved Ryan Dempster. I don't think there was much they could do.

Soriano hadn't pitched in a long while, so that's fine. Just as long as he gets regular work, I suppose.

[SamtheBravesFan]

New York Mets 7, Atlanta Braves 2

W - Oliver Perez (2-1) <- both wins against the Braves
L - Chuck James (2-2)
HR - Ramon Castro (3)
Damion Easley (1)
Jose Reyes (2)

Three Stars
P Oliver Perez - 6 2/3 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 SO
CF Carlos Bletran - 4-5, 2B, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI
SS Jose Reyes - 3-5, 2B, HR, 2 R, RBI

How can everyone else beat Oliver Perez but the Braves can't?

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 9, New York Mets 6

W - Tyler Yates (1-0)
L - Aaron Heilman (1-2)
S - Bob Wickman (6)
HR - ATL - Kelly Johnson 2 (4)
Edgar Renteria (3)
NYM - Shawn Green (3)

Three Stars
2B Kelly Johnson - 3-4, 2 HR, 3 R, BB, 4 RBI
SS Edgar Renteria - 2-5, HR, R, 3 RBI
RF Shawn Green - 3-4, HR, 2 R, BB, RBI

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

What a game, what a game!

Kelly had a great series. He's been an integral part in a lot of our wins this year, bot defensively and offensively (and getting on base).

What a beautiful way to start the week. Go Bros.

[clennon]

I really hope to see Mike Gonzalez back in the 'pen soon. I hope his excuses--having to create his own intensity while pitching in setup/late-game spots instead of closing and the cold weather--were true and his early-season struggles aren't what we will see out of him the rest of the year. Soriano has looked just OK lately...granted he's pitched well in important situations but the guy has given up a bunch of hits, walks and runs, and while Wick has been flawless there was some control problems today that could be scary if they continue. Would be great to have that shut-down LH arm back...

Also, Yates has looked fantastic. Why pull him after only 3 batters? Let him go out for the 8th, in my opinion...I know Bobby was ejected and so didn't make this call but I feel like he has a 1-inning policy most of the time too, which I don't understand. If a guy is pitching lights-out and you don't need to PH for him, let him go back out and face some more batters. Obviously have Soriano warming up just in case, but...

[SamtheBravesFan]

I really hope to see Mike Gonzalez back in the 'pen soon. I hope his excuses--having to create his own intensity while pitching in setup/late-game spots instead of closing and the cold weather--were true and his early-season struggles aren't what we will see out of him the rest of the year. Soriano has looked just OK lately...granted he's pitched well in important situations but the guy has given up a bunch of hits, walks and runs, and while Wick has been flawless there was some control problems today that could be scary if they continue. Would be great to have that shut-down LH arm back...

Also, Yates has looked fantastic. Why pull him after only 3 batters? Let him go out for the 8th, in my opinion...I know Bobby was ejected and so didn't make this call but I feel like he has a 1-inning policy most of the time too, which I don't understand. If a guy is pitching lights-out and you don't need to PH for him, let him go back out and face some more batters. Obviously have Soriano warming up just in case, but...

Yates looking fantastic? It won't last. He is notoriously bad in pressure situations. Gonzalez should be back soon. I wouldn't call his things "excuses"; it makes sense. He doesn't close, so he has to force himself to be pumped.

[clennon]

Yeah, he's been fantastic. Not saying it will necessarily continue, but he's looked really good so far with I think maybe 1 or 2 hiccups, but from what I've seen I like it.

And Gonzalez was giving excuses...he doesn't close, he has to force himself to be pumped, it's cold...those are excuses. Not saying they may not have some truth to them, but they're still excuses.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Yeah, he's been fantastic. Not saying it will necessarily continue, but he's looked really good so far with I think maybe 1 or 2 hiccups, but from what I've seen I like it.

And Gonzalez was giving excuses...he doesn't close, he has to force himself to be pumped, it's cold...those are excuses. Not saying they may not have some truth to them, but they're still excuses.

So... why is he stinking all of a sudden? If it's because he's not the closer, then he is a big whiner.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Florida Marlins 8, Atlanta Braves 7

W - Dontrelle Willis (4-1)
L - Kyle Davies (0-1)
S - Renyel Pinto (1)
HR - ATL - Jeff Francoeur (4)
Chipper Jones (6)
FLA - Miguel Olivo (1)
Dan Uggla (4)

Three Stars
RF Jeff Francoeur - 4-5, 2B, HR, 4 RBI
2B Dan Uggla - 2-5, 2B, HR, R, 3 RBI
C Miguel Olivo - 1-3, HR, R, BB, 3 RBI

Braves were down 8-2, but they did make it close, thankfully. But still, a loss is a loss.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 11, Florida Marlins 6

W - Peter Moylan (1-0)
L - Matt Lindstrom (0-1)
HR - Cody Ross (3)

Three Stars
P Peter Moylan - 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 SO, W
3B Cody Ross - 2-5, 2B, HR, R, 5 RBI
RF Jeff Francoeur - 3-5, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI

Honorable Mention -
2B Kelly Johnson - 1-3, 3 R, 3 BB, RBI

Today was further evidence that Mark Redman is just a filler: he was given a 4-0 lead to start the game, and he promptly coughed it back up. The Braves gave him two more runs, and he gave that back too.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

I was anxious to see your recap so I could vent on the ineffectiveness of Mark Redman. How can you get 4 runs from your offense and then lose the lead in the same inning? I thought he was the answer, but obviously I was wrong. So was Bobby Cox, Roger McDowell, and John Schuerholz. Who do we turn to now?

[SamtheBravesFan]

I was anxious to see your recap so I could vent on the ineffectiveness of Mark Redman. How can you get 4 runs from your offense and then lose the lead in the same inning? I thought he was the answer, but obviously I was wrong. So was Bobby Cox, Roger McDowell, and John Schuerholz. Who do we turn to now?

You know what, I say they're doing fine doing what they are. The last thing I want the Braves to do is to trade a prized prospect for a scrub who is going to suck just as much as Redman. You know it's going to happen. Just watch.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

I'd hate to see them do that too. But, come to think of it when it comes to starting pitching all they do is go after scrubs, reclamation projects, veterans on their last leg. Schuerholz is innovative, there has to be a way he can acquire a lefty that'll get the job done without having to part with a top prospect.

[SamtheBravesFan]

I'd hate to see them do that too. But, come to think of it when it comes to starting pitching all they do is go after scrubs, reclamation projects, veterans on their last leg. Schuerholz is innovative, there has to be a way he can acquire a lefty that'll get the job done without having to part with a top prospect.

I seriously doubt that's possible, because lefties are in such a high demand.

[AznInvasion]

Lance Cormier is gonna have a rehab start soon like Thur. or Fri. He'll most likely be the guy to take over Redman's spot. Moylan was excellent tonight. We need another good one from Hudson tomorrow.

[clennon]

Redman pitches surprisingly well against Lefties...that's why he looked so good against the Cubs, who have an incredibly hard time hitting Lefties.

We seem to love the Platoon thing, maybe we can work out a L/R end of the rotation platoon? ;)

[SamtheBravesFan]

Lance Cormier is gonna have a rehab start soon like Thur. or Fri. He'll most likely be the guy to take over Redman's spot. Moylan was excellent tonight. We need another good one from Hudson tomorrow.

That's what I have always thought: that Redman was just a stopgap for Cormier. We'll have to wait just a little while longer, but I think we can survive. Seriously, if the biggest reason that we lose right now is Mark Redman, just think of how great it will be once Cormier gets back, or when Redman actually pitches well and we get support.

[SamtheBravesFan]

How much you want to bet that Hudson will toss another gem? :D

[AznInvasion]

I'd second that thought. He's been on a roll.

I'm not too thrilled with Langy/Diaz in LF. Langy is downright struggling and Diaz doesn't seem to be doing much either. Can we try Craig in LF?

Also, Did u guys see Pete Orr's AB? lol that was awesome.

[clennon]

It's official...Langerhans' BA is lower than Hudson's ERA :D

[SamtheBravesFan]

Florida Marlins 4, Atlanta Braves 3

W - Henry Owens (1-0)
L - Bob Wickman (1-1)
HR - Kelly Johnson (5)
Chipper Jones (7)
Matt Diaz (2)

This, folks, is a recipe to lose a gem. Pitch into the ninth super, leave the bases loaded with none out, and presto, a double, a walk, a botched pop-up and a wild pitch later, you lose. Pathetic.

Three Stars
P Scott Olsen - 8 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
P Tim Hudson - 8 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 12 K
C Miguel Olivo - 1-4, 2B, R, 2 RBI

EDIT: Decided to give Tim Hudson the silver. Twelve-K games don't happen often in Atlanta.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

There wasn't much Wickman could do. He came in with the bases loaded, I think Tim Hudson should've been pulled after pitching the 8th.

[SamtheBravesFan]

There wasn't much Wickman could do. He came in with the bases loaded, I think Tim Hudson should've been pulled after pitching the 8th.

Therefore, the blame, as usual, rests on Bobby Cox.

And he's our manager through 2008. :P

[SamtheBravesFan]

Oh well. You know what? Things like this happen a lot in baseball. I'm sure the Braves have done it too against other teams. We've still got lots of baseball to play this year. Sulking time's over! Chin up! :)

[AznInvasion]

I think Bobby was overzealous in trying to get the CG for Hudson. He does it alot with Smoltz too.

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

When I saw Hudson pitch in the 9th, I thought to myself "Why?" It wasn't like he had a no-hitter or anything. After two straight hits I expected Hudson to be pulled. I thought to myself "they won't wait until he gives up a run or loads the bases..." Then he loaded up the bases.

It was an opportune time for the Marlins to bust up Hudson's and Wickman's stats in one inning, plus it would be our first series loss of the year. They capitalize and the Marlins win.

Hudson had 108 pitches (I believe) going into the 9th. It was time to call it a day. Cox made a bad decision and it cost us the game.

[SamtheBravesFan]

I think Bobby was overzealous in trying to get the CG for Hudson. He does it alot with Smoltz too.

It's that "player's manager" thing rearing its ugly head again. Again, buck up. I mean, look what happened with San Diego last night. They had one-run lead with Trevor Hoffman coming into the game. Easy, right? Nope, Arizona won.

There's no use crying over spilt milk, and there's no use crying over the fact that we have a REALLY old-school manager who can look like a doddering fool sometimes.

[AznInvasion]

The loss brought back bad memories. I don't understand how he left Hudson out there when the 2nd hittter got on. When the pitch count is around 100, Bobby needs to ask the pitcher how he's feelin. The pitcher could still lie, but then it wouldn't be Bobby's fault if the pitcher gets belted.

[SamtheBravesFan]

The loss brought back bad memories. I don't understand how he left Hudson out there when the 2nd hittter got on. When the pitch count is around 100, Bobby needs to ask the pitcher how he's feelin. The pitcher could still lie, but then it wouldn't be Bobby's fault if the pitcher gets belted.

Don't dwell on it, it'll just make you feel worse. But, you seem to be insistent on keeping this alive, so I will. You're acting like this is indicative of the Braves right now. What would you rather have:

- A terrible pitching situation that we can't do anything about and we'll lose no matter what we do

OR

- A much better pitching situation, so the only way we lose is because of our own ineptitude

Either, or. Go on and pick.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

Don't dwell on it, it'll just make you feel worse. But, you seem to be insistent on keeping this alive, so I will. You're acting like this is indicative of the Braves right now. What would you rather have:

- A terrible pitching situation that we can't do anything about and we'll lose no matter what we do

OR

- A much better pitching situation, so the only way we lose is because of our own ineptitude

Either, or. Go on and pick.
Good point. I'll take a much better situation. There will be nights when the Braves lose games that they should've won. But at least we know there will more good nights than bad ones.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Good point. I'll take a much better situation. There will be nights when the Braves lose games that they should've won. But at least we know there will more good nights than bad ones.

Darn right. EVERY team loses games that they should easily win a few times a year.

[clennon]

It's official...Langerhans' BA is lower than Hudson's ERA :D
Boy did I jinx that one or what? :nosleep:

As for the game...I think everyone's a bit to blame. You know Hudson had to have told Cox he felt good when he really didn't. I wasn't watching the game so I don't know when Wickman started warming, but I would assume after the first hit?

If that's the case, Wickman's not ready to come in for a few minutes, and if I remember correctly, the next two hits came in about 4 pitches. And even still, he looked like he may have been rushed into the game considering he left several pitches up in the zone and looked quite wild to begin with.

So Hudson's to blame for staying longer than he probably knew he should have. Wickman's to blame because he's the closer, and closers don't get to make excuses: you come into the game in pressure situations by definition and it's expected that you'll get the job done. He didn't. And Cox is responsible for not having Wickman warming up going into the 9th.

[AznInvasion]

Don't dwell on it, it'll just make you feel worse. But, you seem to be insistent on keeping this alive, so I will. You're acting like this is indicative of the Braves right now. What would you rather have:

- A terrible pitching situation that we can't do anything about and we'll lose no matter what we do

OR

- A much better pitching situation, so the only way we lose is because of our own ineptitude

Either, or. Go on and pick.

I didn't mean we play like this consistently. I meant that this game was similar to many of last season. I would not prefer last year's team to this one by any stretch of the imagination. We can brush it off to the side like it never happened I guess. That seems to be the approach you want me to take. I just can't stand beating ourselves!

[SamtheBravesFan]

I didn't mean we play like this consistently. I meant that this game was similar to many of last season. I would not prefer last year's team to this one by any stretch of the imagination. We can brush it off to the side like it never happened I guess. That seems to be the approach you want me to take. I just can't stand beating ourselves!

I guess I was frustrated with the supposed attitude you had. Sorry about that. Yes, last night's game reminded me of last year, too. But still, the Braves are going to have less of those games this year. And they do happen to everyone. That's all.

[AznInvasion]

Ya I'm just concerned because ugly games like this can have a "snowball" effect and I don't want to see that happen. We definitely have the tools to prevent these ugly games now. I just wish Wickman wasn't put into that bases loaded 0-out position. He needs a clean slate with no men on. Wickman tends to give up a few hits himself. So he needs breathing room. We need to start to build a rhythm around Smoltz and Hudson.

[cbenson5]

The loss brought back bad memories. I don't understand how he left Hudson out there when the 2nd hittter got on. When the pitch count is around 100, Bobby needs to ask the pitcher how he's feelin. The pitcher could still lie, but then it wouldn't be Bobby's fault if the pitcher gets belted.

He sent Roger McDowell out to the mound after the second hitter got on. Clearly Hudson told him he was capable of continuing. Had Renteria been playing a couple of steps to the left the Braves likely turn a double play on that hit. It was not obvious that Hudson was tired until he faced Aaron Boone and left consecutive pitches up in the zone. Then Mr. Cox pulled him. He hasn't won 2,184 games, 15 divisions titles, and five pennants by being an idiot. Had Bobby taken Hudson out after the eigth and Wickman blown the save, then people would be complaining that he took out a pitcher that was throwing a five hit shutout. It amazes me that all these people critize Mr. Cox. Just think back to the days when we lost a hundred games a year and 2000 people were in attendance. Success sure has spoiled us Braves fans.

[SamtheBravesFan]

He sent Roger McDowell out to the mound after the second hitter got on. Clearly Hudson told him he was capable of continuing. Had Renteria been playing a couple of steps to the left the Braves likely turn a double play on that hit. It was not obvious that Hudson was tired until he faced Aaron Boone and left consecutive pitches up in the zone. Then Mr. Cox pulled him. He hasn't won 2,184 games, 15 divisions titles, and five pennants by being an idiot. Had Bobby taken Hudson out after the eigth and Wickman blown the save, then people would be complaining that he took out a pitcher that was throwing a five hit shutout. It amazes me that all these people critize Mr. Cox. Just think back to the days when we lost a hundred games a year and 2000 people were in attendance. Success sure has spoiled us Braves fans.

Actually, cbenson, this frustration is born out of a fear of a repeat of 2006, not being spoiled.

Everyone has a point, though. You know that Wickman does give up a lot a hits. He was put into the worst possible situation he could have been in: little warming up and put into a bases-loaded, no one out situation. It almost seems like a ripe situation for disaster. In this case, it was.

[cbenson5]

Actually, cbenson, this frustration is born out of a fear of a repeat of 2006, not being spoiled.

Everyone has a point, though. You know that Wickman does give up a lot a hits. He was put into the worst possible situation he could have been in: little warming up and put into a bases-loaded, no one out situation. It almost seems like a ripe situation for disaster. In this case, it was.

I can understand the frustation. I felt the same way watching us lose a game it looked like we would win. However, we won a couple of games against Philadelphia and one against New York that they 'had won'. I think you said it best with: "Darn right. EVERY team loses games that they should easily win a few times a year." I basically just meant this loss is nothing to get upset with, and our manager knows a little bit about baseball. Wickman was certainly put in an uneviable situation, but as the old saying goes "hindsight is 20/20. Hopefully we get back on track tonight in Colorado. By the Way, have ya'll notice number 10 is tied for 2'nd in home runs and slugging percentage, third in OPS, and 2'nd in total bases. He also passed Joe Dimaggio a few nights back in career home runs.

[AznInvasion]

I would much rather Bobby take Hudson out early rather than keep him in late. Hudson would be at risk for injury as well and that's not smart because he's been our best pitcher this year.

[SamtheBravesFan]

I would much rather Bobby take Hudson out early rather than keep him in late. Hudson would be at risk for injury as well and that's not smart because he's been our best pitcher this year.

Now we don't really know that. If Hudson had told McDowell that he could still go and then he gives up a couple of seeing-eye singles in a row, it's sort of his fault. And he was only at just over 100 pitches. Why do you think he's an injury risk? He was healthy all of last season except in confidence.

[AznInvasion]

Everyone's an injury risk. When u combine the chance for injury+ inevitable onset of fatigue= time to get him out.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Everyone's an injury risk. When u combine the chance for injury+ inevitable onset of fatigue= time to get him out.

Well, we're just screaming at a wall, here. I don't want to talk about it anymore.

[Francoeurstein]

Like the game so far( inning 4) lots of hits early in the game and Chuckie's doing decent

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 9, Colorado Rockies 7

W - Chuck James (3-2)
L - Jeff Francis (1-3)
S - Peter Moylan (1)
HR - ATL - Craig Wilson (1)
Andruw Jones (4)
COL - Troy Tulowitski (1)

Three Stars
SS Edgar Renteria - 4-5, R, 2 RBI
2B Kelly Johnson - 2-3, 3 R, 2 BB, RBI
3B Chipper Jones - 2-5, 2 2B, R, 2 RBI

Common Coors game. Scary ending.

[Francoeurstein]

Atlanta Braves 9, Colorado Rockies 7

W - Chuck James (3-2)
L - Jeff Francis (1-3)
S - Peter Moylan (1)
HR - ATL - Craig Wilson (1)
Andruw Jones (4)
COL - Troy Tulowitski (1)

Three Stars
SS Edgar Renteria - 4-5, R, 2 RBI
2B Kelly Johnson - 2-3, 3 R, 2 BB, RBI
3B Chipper Jones - 2-5, 2 2B, R, 2 RBI

Common Coors game. Scary ending.

Wow what a game I'll one of those everyday.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Wow what a game I'll one of those everyday.

Heh heh heh.

If something is wrong with Wickman, that's not really that much of a loss. I think that the other relievers can do the job. Wickman can get better on his own pace.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 6, Colorado Rockies 2

W - John Smoltz (3-1)
L - Jason Hirsh (2-2)
HR - ATL - Jeff Francoeur (5)
Edgar Renteria (4)
COL - Troy Tulowitski (2)

Three Stars
P John Smoltz - 7 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO; 1-1, 2B
SS Edgar Renteria - 1-4, 2 R, BB, RBI
1B Todd Helton - 3-4, 2B

Colorado Rockies 9, Atlanta Braves 7, 12 inn.

W - Denny Bautista (1-0)
L - Steve Colyer (0-1)
HR - ATL - Scott Thorman (3)
COL - Brad Hawpe (1)
Matt Holliday (3)

Three Stars
RF Matt Holliday - 2-6, walk-off HR, R, 3 RBI
1B Scott Thorman - 4-4, 2B, HR, 2 R, BB, 4 RBI
P Peter Moylan - 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 SO

[AznInvasion]

It looked like for sure Thorman would be receiving the gold medal today. Troy Tulowitzki killed us all day with his defense.

[SamtheBravesFan]

It looked like for sure Thorman would be receiving the gold medal today. Troy Tulowitzki killed us all day with his defense.

I usually reserve those for the people who were most important in the outcome of the game. That's why Holliday got it. Any reliever who pitches two or more innings of shutout ball are very important to me, no matter what. I just want you to know what my thought process is here. ;)

[SamtheBravesFan]

GOLD:
Tim Hudson - 3
Edgar Renteria - 2
Chuck James - 2
Craig Wilson - 1
Rafael Soriano - 1
Scott Thorman - 1
Kelly Johnson - 1
Jeff Francoeur - 1
Peter Moylan - 1
John Smoltz - 1

SILVER:
Chipper Jones - 3
Kelly Johnson - 3
Edgar Renteria - 2
Tim Hudson - 2
John Smoltz - 2
Kyle Davies - 1
Jeff Francoeur - 1
Brian McCann - 1
Mark Redman - 1
Scott Thorman - 1

BRONZE:
Andruw Jones - 3
Brian McCann - 2
Jeff Francoeur - 2
Chipper Jones - 2
Kelly Johnson - 1
Oscar Villarreal - 1
Peter Moylan - 1

TOTAL:
Tim Hudson - 5
Chipper Jones - 5
Edgar Renteria - 4
Jeff Francoeur - 4
Kelly Johnson - 3
John Smoltz - 3
Brian McCann - 3
Andruw Jones - 3
Scott Thorman - 2
Peter Moylan - 2
Chuck James - 2
Kelly Johnson - 2
Craig Wilson - 1
Kyle Davies - 1
Rafael Soriano - 1
Oscar Villarreal - 1
Mark Redman - 1

[Dirt Dog]

I saw the end of the 9th inning today. That was some impressive catch that Francoeur made. :applaud:

[AznInvasion]

I usually reserve those for the people who were most important in the outcome of the game. That's why Holliday got it. Any reliever who pitches two or more innings of shutout ball are very important to me, no matter what. I just want you to know what my thought process is here. ;)

I know...I meant it looked like we were gonna win the game and largely because of Thorman. Then the rockies turned it all around on us. I have no problem with the bullpen thing either. It seems you misinterpret alot of my messages lol.

[SamtheBravesFan]

It seems you misinterpret alot of my messages lol.

:laugh Yeah, that's true. I'm not that good reading between the lines. ;)

[AznInvasion]

Where's the game summary tonight?

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 5, Philadelphia Phillies 2

W - Mike Gonzalez (1-0)
L - Antonio Alfonseca (1-1)
HR - Chipper Jones (8)
Andruw Jones (5)

Three Stars
CF Andruw Jones - 2-4, walk-off HR, R, BB, 3 RBI
P Tim Hudson - 8 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO
P Jon Leiber - 7 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 2 SO

Chipper and Andruw homered in the same game for the 58th time.

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

Someone let me know why I watch ESPN. The April recaps were a travesty and basically a NY-ego fest.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Someone let me know why I watch ESPN. The April recaps were a travesty and basically a NY-ego fest.

Which is why when it comes to baseball, ESPN sucks. :)

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

Which is why when it comes to baseball, ESPN sucks. :)

Yep. I just read your latest thread right after I posted.


ESPNY. They need to just call themselves that and get it over with.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Yep. I just read your latest thread right after I posted.


ESPNY. They need to just call themselves that and get it over with.

Heh heh.

The good news is that they don't have Tim McCarver.

The bad news is that they have Joe Morgan.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Today, Mark Redman pitched 1 2/3 innings and allowed 4 runs. Is there any alternative to him? Any quick fix? On top of this, Brian McCann was injured in a catcher's interference play (I don't know how badly). Seems as if the Braves are well on their way to losing this one.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Philadelphia Phillies 6, Atlanta Braves 4

W - Cole Hamels (3-1)
L - Mark Redman (0-4)
S - Tom Gordon (5)
HR - PHI - Rod Barajas (2)
ATL - Chipper Jones 2 (10)

Three Stars
3B Chipper Jones - 2-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
C Rod Barajas - 2-2, HR, 2 R, 2 BB, 1 RBI
P Cole Hamels - 7 1/3 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 SO

Looks like we can blame it on Mark Redman again.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

Yep, Redman hasn't had a quality start the whole season and he has a 10.62 ERA. This will probably end his time as a starter with the Braves. I'm just glad I don't have to see him pitch when I go to the game tonight.

[Murphy2Jones]

Lucky you :clapping I am going down to Atlanta for the games this Saturday and Sunday. Should be Davies and Hudson. This is when Davies is going to turn it around. Last week when I was figuring up the rotation, I didn't account for the day off, so I figured I was going to see Redman on Sunday. :dismay:

It is time for Redman to go. Bring the bat boy up from Richmond. He couldn't do any worse.

[SamtheBravesFan]

It is time for Redman to go. Bring the bat boy up from Richmond. He couldn't do any worse.

We'll see if anything is done within the next few days. Obviously, Villarreal would be in the rotation once (if) Redman is released. I have absolutely no idea who's going to take his roster spot, though.

[clennon]

Why not just swap Villareal and Redman? Redman could serve the purpose that Macay McBride was supposed to be serving; a lefty specialist.

The guy might suck overall but lefties are hitting 125/125/125 against him this season...2 hits in 16 total ABs with 1 RBI, 3 Ks and 0 BB. Let Villareal start and see if Redman can just come in for an inning or even just a batter and get a few lefties out.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Why not just swap Villareal and Redman? Redman could serve the purpose that Macay McBride was supposed to be serving; a lefty specialist.

The guy might suck overall but lefties are hitting 125/125/125 against him this season...2 hits in 16 total ABs with 1 RBI, 3 Ks and 0 BB. Let Villareal start and see if Redman can just come in for an inning or even just a batter and get a few lefties out.

That may be what happens. We'll see.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 4, Philadelphia Phillies 3

W - Chad Paronto (1-0)
L - Freddy Garcia (1-2)
S - Rafael Soriano (2)
HR - Ryan Howard (4)

Three Stars
LF Willie Harris - 2-3, GW RBI
SS Edgar Renteria - 2-4, 2B, 2 R
P Geoff Geary - 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 SO

Jarrod Saltalamacchia made his debut today and went 0-2 with a walk.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

Well, the singles slapping Willie Harris won the game for the Braves!

[jazzychad]

...and the announcers on ESPN didn't even talk about the Y****** that much :) It was definitley a fun game to watch after getting home from work.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 4, Los Angeles Dodgers 0

W - John Smoltz (4-1)
L - Brett Tomko (0-3)

Three Stars
P John Smoltz - 7 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 SO
C Brian McCann - 2-2, 2B, 2 BB, 2 RBI
RF Jeff Francoeur - 1-3, 2B, BB, 2 RBI

This is why John Smoltz still Rocks Atlanta's Socks. ;P

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

Great win by the Braves today. They look solid. The crowd was definitely into it tonight! I was at the 2nd and 3rd game of the Phillies series and I'll admit, the crowd was small and quiet.

Hopefully the weekend crowd will start showing up during the week to support a team competing successfully for first place in the NL East.

Go Braves!

[SamtheBravesFan]

Well, the singles slapping Willie Harris won the game for the Braves!

Hey, I didn't say that was a bad thing. ;) Harris is doing excellent.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

Great win by the Braves today. They look solid. The crowd was definitely into it tonight! I was at the 2nd and 3rd game of the Phillies series and I'll admit, the crowd was small and quiet.

Hopefully the weekend crowd will start showing up during the week to support a team competing successfully for first place in the NL East.

Go Braves!

I wondered the same thing when I went to Game 3 (Phillies and Braves), I was actually bored, because there wasn't any enthusiasm. I had good seats and I still didn't enjoy the game. Where were your seats Tomahawk?


Hey, I didn't say that was a bad thing. ;) Harris is doing excellent.

But, fans (and chicks) dig the long ball!! :laugh He has been clutch for the Braves, I see him playing a role like Dewayne Wise did in 2004. The only difference between the two is Wise had a more power and he only played OF.

[SamtheBravesFan]

I wondered the same thing when I went to Game 3 (Phillies and Braves), I was actually bored, because there wasn't any enthusiasm. I had good seats and I still didn't enjoy the game. Where were your seats Tomahawk?



But, fans (and chicks) dig the long ball!! :laugh He has been clutch for the Braves, I see him playing a role like Dewayne Wise did in 2004. The only difference between the two is Wise had a more power and he only played OF.

Yeah, I guess so. But even then, Wise wasn't too great. I remember wanting Damon Hollins for that roster spot instead.

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

I wondered the same thing when I went to Game 3 (Phillies and Braves), I was actually bored, because there wasn't any enthusiasm. I had good seats and I still didn't enjoy the game. Where were your seats Tomahawk?


I as in the Lexus Level along the first base line. They aren't bad seats for the price so that is usually what I try to get. When I would cheer loud I almost felt like I was bothering other people. That didn't stop me from cheering, of course.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

I as in the Lexus Level along the first base line. They aren't bad seats for the price so that is usually what I try to get. When I would cheer loud I almost felt like I was bothering other people. That didn't stop me from cheering, of course.
I was about 10 rows up from the wall in left field. The people around me were cheering, but I heard people conversating over the "new guy" (Salty) and they couldn't even pronouce his name. Heck, they didn't even know who he was. It's surprising to me that "Braves fans" don't know the team's top minor league prospect.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Los Angeles Dodgers 6, Atlanta Braves 3

W - Derek Lowe (3-3)
L - Tim Hudson (3-1)
HR - Wilson Betemit (1)

Three Stars
P Derek Lowe - 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 SO, W
P Tim Hudson - 8 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO, L
PH Wilson Betemit - 1-1, HR, R, RBI

[Shade]

Bases loaded with 1 out -- it's late in the game, we're one run behind, and Chipper Jones is available to pinch hit. But of course Cox doesn't do it. Let's just let Woodward hit into the double play that anyone could have seen coming.

As much success as the Braves have had these last 15 years, things like this just reinforce my feeling that Bobby Cox is the ultimate Little League manager.

Oh, and hello folks. Long-time reader / lurker.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Bases loaded with 1 out -- it's late in the game, we're one run behind, and Chipper Jones is available to pinch hit. But of course Cox doesn't do it. Let's just let Woodward hit into the double play that anyone could have seen coming.

As much success as the Braves have had these last 15 years, things like this just reinforce my feeling that Bobby Cox is the ultimate Little League manager.

Oh, and hello folks. Long-time reader / lurker.

I know, I complained about that to another friend. I was thinking Chipper was unavailable to pinch-hit.

But, of course, like most baseball complaining, this point is rendered moot because the Braves just took the lead with 5 runs in the seventh. Chipper and Bobby were tossed after Chipper started yelling at Bob Davidson after a check-swing strikeout; that was pretty fun.

About Bobby, we're just going to have to deal with this crud from him. He must do something right, though. Little League managers don't win 2,000+ games in their careers.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 6, Los Angeles Dodgers 4

W - Chad Paronto (2-0)
L - Chin-hui Tsao (0-1)
S - Mike Gonzalez (1)
HR - Wilson Betemit (2)

Three Stars
SS Edgar Renteria - 2-5, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia - 2-4, GA RBI
P Randy Wolf - 5 1/3, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 SO

[clennon]

How about the umpiring crew? They cost us at least one run with that call at home where Salty CLEARLY tagged him out, and possibly more with the strike call on Chipper's OBVIOUS check-swing.

If we had lost that game, the umpires would have been to blame...

[SamtheBravesFan]

How about the umpiring crew? They cost us at least one run with that call at home where Salty CLEARLY tagged him out, and possibly more with the strike call on Chipper's OBVIOUS check-swing.

If we had lost that game, the umpires would have been to blame...

But we didn't. Chin-hui Tsao blew the perfect Dodger bullpen up. :p

Besides, those runners scored anyway. So Bob Davidson was saved there.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Yo, Shade, I just thought of something. There had to be a reason why Bobby went to Woodward first. He couldn't just do it on a whim with Chipper on the bench. He probably asked Chipper if he wanted to pinch-hit right then, and he didn't. That would make sense too, wouldn't it? I'm just sick and tired of people thinking that Bobby Cox is a senile old dunce.

I think it's genius that he doesn't call out his own players in the media, too. That just leads to trouble. If someone is doing terribly, they know it, and Bobby knows it. Sometimes, it does take at-bats to improve. Sometimes all the at-bats in the world don't help at all. That's baseball.

I'm not entirely supportive of all of the choices for Braves players (Chris Woodward, Pete Orr, Tyler Yates and Steve Colyer come to mind. Willie Harris could easily move to that list with a huge slump, but he has been doing quite well so far.). But Bobby does the best with the players he has and knows how to manage batters. He doesn't seem to be entirely keen about the bullpen, but nobody's perfect.

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

It was a beautiful day at the park today. I was the high-fivin' fool in the 7th inning today and I loved every minute of it. Man, I had a gigantic grin on my face when Salty hit the go ahead run.

Sadly there were still some fans that didn't know who he was but that changed today.

Chipper's check swings and the safe call at home were questionable. "Give 'em hell, Bawby" was a familiar phrase being yelled by the crowd when Bobby went out to give the ump a piece of his mind. Of course he was ejected and nears closer to the all-time ejection record.

Great freaking win for our team today. I was stoked and so was everyone else. I actually sat next to an elderly couple who traveled with the Dodgers and had been watching every game both at home and on the road for over 20 years!

We talked about how we both missed the rivalry. It was a great day for baseball and the Braves.

[jpenrod]

Shade and Sam, let me offer you a more practicle reason for Cox not pinch hitting Chipper for Woodward. Woodward was hitting in the 8 spot today which means if you pinch hit for him in that situation and Chipper does not hit into a double play (reaches base safely or makes only one out) Cox is then forced using another pinch hitter in the 9 spot. It just does not make sense to do that. Cox made the right call in that situation and I doubt he even needed to ask Chipper about it. Even if he intended to replace woodward with Chipper, you let woodward hit and then pinch hitter chipper in the 9 spot effectively flipping the pitchers spot in the order.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Shade and Sam, let me offer you a more practicle reason for Cox not pinch hitting Chipper for Woodward. Woodward was hitting in the 8 spot today which means if you pinch hit for him in that situation and Chipper does not hit into a double play (reaches base safely or makes only one out) Cox is then forced using another pinch hitter in the 9 spot. It just does not make sense to do that. Cox made the right call in that situation and I doubt he even needed to ask Chipper about it. Even if he intended to replace woodward with Chipper, you let woodward hit and then pinch hitter chipper in the 9 spot effectively flipping the pitchers spot in the order.

Yeah. :thumbsup: Man, I need to work on arguing.

[SamtheBravesFan]

San Diego Padres 4, Atlanta Braves 2

W - Chris Young (4-2)
L - Chuck James (3-3)
S - Trevor Hoffman (9)
HR - Adrian Gonzalez (9)

Three Stars
P Chris Young - 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 SO
1B Adrian Gonzalez - 2-3, 2B, HR, 2 R, 2 BB, RBI
P Peter Moylan - 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 SO

[clennon]

Killer was Willie getting on second after a single and steal with no outs and Chipper and Andruw unable to even move him over. Time to move Andruw to the 5 or 6 spot in my opinion, let him warm up. He won't like it, but 20 RBIs in the cleanup spot considering our top3 guys have OBP around .400?

He should have at least 30 by this point, and if he were batting anywhere near .280 he could have 40+

[SamtheBravesFan]

Killer was Willie getting on second after a single and steal with no outs and Chipper and Andruw unable to even move him over. Time to move Andruw to the 5 or 6 spot in my opinion, let him warm up. He won't like it, but 20 RBIs in the cleanup spot considering our top3 guys have OBP around .400?

He should have at least 30 by this point, and if he were batting anywhere near .280 he could have 40+

And to think that he's going to get $18 million a year, even while being a free-swinging fancy-pants.

Francoeur's getting all of Andruw's RBIs, I've pretty much just realized that right now. Is it any wonder my top Braves stars this season are two of the top-three batters and the guy who drives them in?

[neil]

I have not been able to find out, but if anyone knows, is NED YOST any relation to ED YOST who played 3rd base for the Washington Senators in the 1950's? Thanx

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 3, San Diego Padres 2

W - Mike Gonzalez (2-0)
L - Heath Bell (0-1)
S - Rafael Soriano (3)
HR - Mike Cameron (1)
Terrmel Sledge (4)

Three Stars
P Anthony Lerew - 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO
CF Andruw Jones - 2-3, 2B, BB, 2 RBI (GW RBI)
P Justin Germano - 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO

Great job of Lerew for keeping the Braves close. :D And great job for the Braves for coming back. I was reallllly worried there for a while, though.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

I have not been able to find out, but if anyone knows, is NED YOST any relation to ED YOST who played 3rd base for the Washington Senators in the 1950's? Thanx

No, his managerial profile from the Brewers website says his dad's name is Ned.

http://milwaukee.brewers.mlb.com/team/coach_staff_bio.jsp?c_id=mil&coachorstaffid=415103143957

[AznInvasion]

Steve Colyer was cut for Lerew. He has 10 days to accept an assignment to minors. Otherwise he's released.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Steve Colyer was cut for Lerew. He has 10 days to accept an assignment to minors. Otherwise he's released.

That's fine with me if he's released. The Braves have plenty of people who can relieve.

[Francoeurstein]

Atlanta Braves 3, San Diego Padres 2

W - Mike Gonzalez (2-0)
L - Heath Bell (0-1)
S - Rafael Soriano (3)
HR - Mike Cameron (1)
Terrmel Sledge (4)

Three Stars
P Anthony Lerew - 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO
CF Andruw Jones - 2-3, 2B, BB, 2 RBI (GW RBI)
P Justin Germano - 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO

Great job of Lerew for keeping the Braves close. :D And great job for the Braves for coming back. I was reallllly worried there for a while, though.


Andruw strikes again! He might break out of his slump from the shows of his 2-3 performance yess!

[SamtheBravesFan]

Andruw strikes again! He might break out of his slump from the shows of his 2-3 performance yess!

Well, let's hope so. But I gaurantee you that he'll be cited as being in a 2-23 (24?) slump by somebody.

[clennon]

I think it'd be 3-24, but that hit to the right field is a VERY promising development...I've been calling for him to be dropped in the order but if he starts hitting to right-field leave him there.

Although his quote in the postgame story isn't too exciting: "I'm a pull hitter, that's just how it is"

[SamtheBravesFan]

Although his quote in the postgame story isn't too exciting: "I'm a pull hitter, that's just how it is"

Stubborness at it's finest. ;)

Also, Bobby said that he's not dropping Andruw in the order, no matter how much he's stinking it up.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Altanta Braves 3, San Diego Padres 2

W - John Smoltz (5-1)
L - Cla Meredith (1-1)
S - Rafael Soriano (4)
HR - Geoff Blum (1)
Adrian Gonzalez (10)

Three Stars
P John Smoltz - 7 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 SO, W
P Greg Maddux - 5 1/3 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO
CF Andruw Jones - 2-4, GW RBI

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 5, San Diego Padres 3

W - Tim Hudson (4-1)
L - David Wells (1-2)
S - Rafael Soriano (5)

Three Stars
P Tim Hudson - 6 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO
2B Kelly Johnson - 1-4, 2B, BB, 3 RBI
RF Jeff Francoeur - 2-4, 2B, RBI; running catch for 2nd out in 9th

Bobby Cox has 2,193 wins, one away from Sparky Anderson for 4th of all-time.

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

10 games over .500. The best we did last year was 4 over .500.

This team is crisp and motoring. We haven't hit homeruns in a while and we're still winning. IF the 2-out hits taper off, we'll start getting 1-out / no-outs hits. Adapt adapt adapt!

I am extremely pleased with this team so far this year!

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 4, Pittsburgh Pirates 1

W - Kyle Davies (1-1)
L - Zach Duke (1-4)
S - Mike Gonzalez (2)
HR - Andruw Jones (6)
Jeff Francoeur (6)

Three Stars
P Kyle Davies - 7 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO
CF Andruw Jones - 1-3, HR, R, BB, 2 RBI
3B Chipper Jones - 3-5, 2 2B, R

Bobby Cox is now tied with Sparky Anderson for fourth on the all-time managerial wins list. :)

[PureBaseballFan]

Nice win and hopefully this is a sign that Kyle is finally coming back to his old form.

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

Nice win and hopefully this is a sign that Kyle is finally coming back to his old form.

I hope he's on the right track again.

As far as Wilson goes... not impressed. I just can't watch another weak swing strikeout or called strike three. Not impressed at all...

[SamtheBravesFan]

I hope he's on the right track again.

As far as Wilson goes... not impressed. I just can't watch another weak swing strikeout or called strike three. Not impressed at all...

Suck it up. Bobby loves his lefty-righty. So Wilson will continue to fail or he'll do better.

[jwkfs]

Chuck James' no-hitter just got broken up with 1 out in the 7th inning.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 9, Pittsburgh Pirates 2

W - Chuck James (4-3)
L - Tony Armas, Jr. (0-3)
HR - Scott Thorman 2 (5)

Three Stars
P Chuck James - 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 SO
1B Scott Thorman - 2-5, 2 HR, 2 R, 5 RBI
LF Willie Harris - 4-5, 2 2B, R, RBI

You'd think a two-homer game or a four-hit day would get the gold star, wouldn't you? Not when James was perfect through five, and had just one hit off him today. Totally dominant performance like the Braves needed. :thumbsup:

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

Suck it up

.....

----------------------------------


Thorman once again shows his power. Both homers were against righties, but I don't care cause he's rockin'. Great outing for James (I was waiting to see his great stuff come back).

Last but not least, congratulations go to Bobby Cox for passing the great Sparky Anderson for 4th on the All-Time Win List for managers.

[SamtheBravesFan]

.....

----------------------------------


Thorman once again shows his power. Both homers were against righties, but I don't care cause he's rockin'. Great outing for James (I was waiting to see his great stuff come back).

Last but not least, congratulations go to Bobby Cox for passing the great Sparky Anderson for 4th on the All-Time Win List for managers.

Right, I said suck it up because I believed that Bobby was going to stick with that lefty-righty thing. Now that Thorman has done this... maybe he'll get more playing time. :P

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

Right, I said suck it up because I believed that Bobby was going to stick with that lefty-righty thing. Now that Thorman has done this... maybe he'll get more playing time. :P

After watching Bobby coach this team for so long, I know he will stick with the righty/lefty match up. He always does and always will; post or regular season, or spring training.

Nothing new.

[SamtheBravesFan]

After watching Bobby coach this team for so long, I know he will stick with the righty/lefty match up. He always does and always will; post or regular season, or spring training.

Nothing new.

That's basically why I said to suck it up, no offense to you personally. I believe that if we know that Bobby loves the lefty-righty matchup, then there is no sense in complaining about it if one half of the matchup isn't very good.

Like I said a million times before, Bobby Cox may frustrate us sometimes, but 2,195 wins say he's doing something right.

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

That's basically why I said to suck it up, no offense to you personally. I believe that if we know that Bobby loves the lefty-righty matchup, then there is no sense in complaining about it if one half of the matchup isn't very good.

Like I said a million times before, Bobby Cox may frustrate us sometimes, but 2,195 wins say he's doing something right.

Yeah I don't really know why you're telling me to "suck it up" period. I think after 25 years of watching this team, I've earned the right to be skeptical at times.

I'm still paying my money and giving my time to the team.

None offense taken. It's my opinion and I'll offer it whenever I want.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Yeah I don't really know why you're telling me to "suck it up" period. I think after 25 years of watching this team, I've earned the right to be skeptical at times.

I'm still paying my money and giving my time to the team.

None offense taken. It's my opinion and I'll offer it whenever I want.

You're right. You're entitled to your own opinion. Everyone is. But the reason I said for you to suck it up is that I'm basically going to an extreme in my opinion. When you say that Craig Wilson is a sorry player, that implies to me that you think Bobby Cox doesn't know what he's doing when he puts him in the lineup. He's the one in control of the lineups, of course, and there has to be a good reason for him to keep playing Wilson. Maybe it's the fact there are 100+ games to go in the season. Maybe he hasn't found his power stroke yet.

Personally, I don't see any reason that would make Wilson just have his slugging disappear. He's only 30 years old and, at the very least, he has never slugged less than .400 in any of his years in baseball.

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

When you say that Craig Wilson is a sorry player, that implies to me that you think Bobby Cox doesn't know what he's doing when he puts him in the lineup.




As far as Wilson goes... not impressed. I just can't watch another weak swing strikeout or called strike three. Not impressed at all...

I said that ^^^

I didn't say anything about Bobby Cox or Wilson being a "sorry player." If a lefty is struggling against left handed pitchers but rocking righties, then I have to scratch my chin when a righty is struggling on both sides.

I did my reading on Craig Wilson when we signed him (and remembered seeing him play briefly). I was under the impression he would be a utility player. Low and behold, it was a platoon.

If memory serves me correctly, Woodward was starting over Johnson at the beginning of the year. Johnson wasn't sick or injured, so I was thinking platoon there as well. However, Johnson has the green light to start every game now. Johnson is a lefty and did awesome against the barrage of southpaws we faced so far.

So the lefty/righty matchup that Bobby holds so dearly is either insignificant because it's not a platoon position, or Bobby really likes Johnson and has faith in him; or both.

All in all, the phrase "suck it up" sounds like something a high school coach would say. I'm a grown man and if anyone said that to me in real life I would probably laugh at them. Tone has to be insinuated in text-based communication, so I assume it's just a phrase and take no real offense to it.

However, I'm not a new fan. I didn't just start watching this team last year, the year before, or when the streak began. Being born and raised in Atlanta, I've been watching this team my whole life. Being a true FANATIC about the team, I live and die Braves baseball.

So having things explained to me in, what appears to me to be a slightly condescending manner, is unnecessary and lame. When I read something that I don't agree with, it becomes a civil debate. I won't tell someone to "suck it up." Perhaps you should do the same.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Fine, I guess I will. We'll all have to suck it up after the pounding the Braves took today. :P

I wasn't trying to be condescending, though. I apologize.

Pittsburgh Pirates 13, Atlanta Braves 2

W - Ian Snell (3-2)
L - Anthony Lerew (0-1)

Three Stars
CF Chris Duffy - 3-4, 2B, 3 R, BB, 3 RBI
LF Jason Bay - 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI
P Ian Snell - 7 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

Well, we did take our beating and I'll have to suck this one up. The Mets got pounded yesterday and the Braves did today. I guess it's an NL East thing. :laugh

[SamtheBravesFan]

Washington Nationals 2, Atlanta Braves 1

W - Jason Bergmann (1-3)
L - John Smoltz (5-2)
S - Jesus Colome (1)
HR - Brian McCann (3)

Three Stars
P Jason Bergmann - 8 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 SO
P John Smoltz - 6 2/3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO, left game in 7th with dislocated pinky finger
SS Cristian Guzman - 2-4, 3B, R

[SamtheBravesFan]

Hopefully, the Braves' offense picks up: after the Notionals, there's the Red Sox and the Mets. Geez.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 6, Washington Nationals 2

W - Tim Hudson (5-1)
L - Jerome Williams (0-5)
HR - Edgar Renteria 2 (6)

Three Stars
SS Edgar Renteria - 3-5, 2 HR, 3 R, 3 RBI
P Tim Hudson - 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO144
LF Willie Harris - 2-5, 2 R

[PureBaseballFan]

Good win but Mike Gonzalez's velocity was in the low 80s and that really worries me I just hope it is nothing serious.
:pray: :pray: :pray:

[jpenrod]

Hopefully, the Braves' offense picks up: after the Notionals, there's the Red Sox and the Mets. Geez.

Watch out what you say, when you start pointing out how tough the schedule is you may get ripped for not being a true fan or else a whiner. :happy:

[SamtheBravesFan]

Watch out what you say, when you start pointing out how tough the schedule is you may get ripped for not being a true fan or else a whiner. :happy:

Okay, I"m sorry. :blush: I don't deny that the schedule is tough, I think we all know that. If this is about me, I mope and whine just like everyone else. Although sometimes, I make a conscious effort not to.

I do have a bit of whining to report, and I'd like people's opinion on it here:

Gonzalez, Braves worried about Mike's loss of velcoity. (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070515&content_id=1967271&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl)

I've already heard from some at Braves Journal: Gonzalez is now Steve Avery and his career is over.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Washington Nationals 6, Atlanta Braves 4

W - Billy Traber (1-0)
L - Kyle Davies (1-2)
S - Jon Rauch (2)
HR - Ryan Zimmerman (3)

Three Stars
3B Ryan Zimmerman - 2-3, 2B, HR, 2 R, BB, 2 RBI
LF Ryan Church - 1-4, 2B, 3 RBI
P Oscar Villarreal - 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 SO

[PureBaseballFan]

Tough Loss with every bad start by Davies, Redmen and Lerew it seems it is only a matter of time till Matt Harrison is up in the big leagues.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Tough Loss with every bad start by Davies, Redmen and Lerew it seems it is only a matter of time till Matt Harrison is up in the big leagues.

I'd say it's a matter of time before Saltalamacchia is traded for an established pitcher.

[jpenrod]

Okay, I"m sorry. :blush: I don't deny that the schedule is tough, I think we all know that. If this is about me, I mope and whine just like everyone else. Although sometimes, I make a conscious effort not to.

No man it was not about me, I was just being silly just ignore me man.

[SamtheBravesFan]

No man it was not about me, I was just being silly just ignore me man.

Okay, I will. ;)

.........................

I just can't! I like ya. :thumbsup: :laugh

[SamtheBravesFan]

Washington Nationals 4, Atlanta Braves 3

W - Matt Chico (3-4)
L - Chad Paronto (2-1)
S - Jon Rauch (3)
HR - Chipper Jones (11)

Three Stars
2B Felipe Lopez - 3-4, 2B, 3B, R, BB, RBI
P Matt Chico - 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 SO
3B Chipper Jones - 1-4, HR, R, 2 RBI

[PureBaseballFan]

I feel like starting a petition to get Paronto sent down to the minors.

[SamtheBravesFan]

I feel like starting a petition to get Paronto sent down to the minors.

Maybe Mark Redman can relieve instead of him: be a lefty specialist, you know. I think that is a job that even he can handle.

[SABR Steve]

I don't know. Redman in relief is handing the Red Sox the game today.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Well, Steve, that's because he obviously faced right-handers. They kill him. What does Mike Lowell bat? Right-handed. Redman needs to be a lefty-specialist, not a full-time reliever. Game 1 was just bad all-around for Atlanta's pitching.

Game 1

Boston Red Sox 13, Atlanta Braves 3

W - Daisuke Matsuzaka (6-2)
L - Anthony Lerew (0-2)
HR - ATL - Jeff Francoeur (7)
BOS - Julio Lugo (3)
Kevin Youkilis (5)
Mike Lowell (GS, 8)
Wily Mo Pena (3)

Three Stars
3B Mike Lowell - 4-5, 2B, GS, 2 R, 5 RBI
P Daisuke Matsuzaka - 8 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 6 SO
DH David Ortiz - 3-3, 2B, 2 R, BB

[SamtheBravesFan]

Game 2

Atlanta Braves 14, Boston Red Sox 0

W - John Smoltz (6-2)
L - Devern Hansack (0-1)
HR - Chipper Jones (12)
Matt Diaz (3)
Kelly Johnson (6)

Three Stars
2B Kelly Johnson - 3-6, 2B, 3B, HR, R, 5 RBI
P John Smoltz - 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 SO
C Brian McCann - 3-6, 3 2B, R, 2 RBI

Revenge is a dish best served with lots of runs garnished on top. :)

[BleedSox]

too bad this series is not fair on both ends. U guys get routed with a rookie pitcher...we get router with a AAA pitcher. and tomorrow we pitch another AAA. This series stinks. I wish we could both have our top of ourrotation. Not just the Braves. Trust me, if it was Beckett vs hudson and Schilling vs Smoltz and Dice k vs james...the series would be a lot more intersting. And since im a Sox fan...I think we have a way better chance of taking it yo you. Better win tom guys. ur best stud vs our least best.

[SamtheBravesFan]

too bad this series is not fair on both ends. U guys get routed with a rookie pitcher...we get router with a AAA pitcher. and tomorrow we pitch another AAA. This series stinks. I wish we could both have our top of ourrotation. Not just the Braves. Trust me, if it was Beckett vs hudson and Schilling vs Smoltz and Dice k vs james...the series would be a lot more intersting. And since im a Sox fan...I think we have a way better chance of taking it yo you. Better win tom guys. ur best stud vs our least best.

The Braves do have a bit of an advantage because of the fact that Soriano or Yates didn't pitch in the double-header. You'll be laughing at the Braves soon if some starter doesn't step up. So don't worry. :P

[PureBaseballFan]

too bad this series is not fair on both ends. U guys get routed with a rookie pitcher...we get router with a AAA pitcher. and tomorrow we pitch another AAA. This series stinks. I wish we could both have our top of ourrotation. Not just the Braves. Trust me, if it was Beckett vs hudson and Schilling vs Smoltz and Dice k vs james...the series would be a lot more intersting. And since im a Sox fan...I think we have a way better chance of taking it yo you. Better win tom guys. ur best stud vs our least best.That is true but nothing can be done. I think Beckett vs. Hudson would be the best match and just a great game to see. I think the Braves would have the advantage in Smoltz vs. Schilling. Dice K would easily have the advantage against James by miles the way James is pitching right now. You can't control injuries or when they happen so I still am having fun with this series considering my father is a Sox fan.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Boston Red Sox 6, Atlanta Braves 3

W - Kason Gabbard (1-0)
L - Tim Hudson (5-2)
HR - Kevin Youkilis (6)

Three Stars
P Kason Gabbard - 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 SO
C Jason Varitek - 2-4, 3B, R, 3 RBI
1B Kevin Youkilis - 3-3, 2B, HR, BB, RBI

Platinum Sombrero -
CF Andruw Jones - 0-5, 5 swinging K

[PureBaseballFan]

The way Andruw is swinging he should be batting behind everyone except Thorman. Maybe we will be able to sign Andruw since no one else might want him. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

On the postives Salty had a very good at bat and Hudson pretty much settled down after the 1st inning.

Another note to Andruw STOP TRYING TO PULL EVERYTHING!!!!!!!
:grouchy :grouchy :grouchy

[SamtheBravesFan]

The way Andruw is swinging he should be batting behind everyone except Thorman. Maybe we will be able to sign Andruw since no one else might want him. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

On the postives Salty had a very good at bat and Hudson pretty much settled down after the 1st inning.

Another note to Andruw STOP TRYING TO PULL EVERYTHING!!!!!!!
:grouchy :grouchy :grouchy

I just want him to leave. I'm utterly sick of his streakiness and I'm utterly sick of his ability to strike out when it's least convenient. I mean that. Let him go get his money somewhere else. I want OTHER teams to pay for this failure, and not Atlanta.

[PureBaseballFan]

Here are the free agents at centerfield this offseason:

Center fielders
Ichiro Suzuki (34)
Andruw Jones (31)
Torii Hunter (32)
Eric Byrnes (32)
Corey Patterson (28)
Milton Bradley (30)
Aaron Rowand (30)
Mike Cameron (35)
Kenny Lofton (41)

Out of those I wouldn't mind Rowand or Cameron. Also the Braves have Gregor Blanco or Brandon Jones. Someone should start a countdown until the Braves are free from Andruw. (I know I am being rash considering that it is may but unless he has a monster 2nd half then he will not be worth the contract he is going to get this offseason)

[Francoeurstein]

Here are the free agents at centerfield this offseason:

Center fielders
Ichiro Suzuki (34)
Andruw Jones (31)
Torii Hunter (32)
Eric Byrnes (32)
Corey Patterson (28)
Milton Bradley (30)
Aaron Rowand (30)
Mike Cameron (35)
Kenny Lofton (41)

Out of those I wouldn't mind Rowand or Cameron. Also the Braves have Gregor Blanco or Brandon Jones. Someone should start a countdown until the Braves are free from Andruw. (I know I am being rash considering that it is may but unless he has a monster 2nd half then he will not be worth the contract he is going to get this offseason)

If Andruw goes we'll need someone to bat cleanup. Or Frenchy can bat 4th, Chipper can stay 3rd, and Big Mac can be 5th. But we need a more then decent bat and glove. Andruw will be TOUGH to replace.

[SamtheBravesFan]

If Andruw goes we'll need someone to bat cleanup. Or Frenchy can bat 4th, Chipper can stay 3rd, and Big Mac can be 5th. But we need a more then decent bat and glove. Andruw will be TOUGH to replace.

No he won't. The nice fielding may be tough to replace, but the power-hitting won't be.

[BleedSox]

Here are the free agents at centerfield this offseason:

Center fielders
Ichiro Suzuki (34)
Andruw Jones (31)
Torii Hunter (32)
Eric Byrnes (32)
Corey Patterson (28)
Milton Bradley (30)
Aaron Rowand (30)
Mike Cameron (35)
Kenny Lofton (41)

Out of those I wouldn't mind Rowand or Cameron. Also the Braves have Gregor Blanco or Brandon Jones. Someone should start a countdown until the Braves are free from Andruw. (I know I am being rash considering that it is may but unless he has a monster 2nd half then he will not be worth the contract he is going to get this offseason)

I think u guys would be best off with torii but he may be re signed. If you cant have him go for Cameran. That guys a stud. If we dont leep coco Ide like to see Mike or Byrnes in our lineup.

[SamtheBravesFan]

I think u guys would be best off with torii but he may be re signed. If you cant have him go for Cameran. That guys a stud. If we dont leep coco Ide like to see Mike or Byrnes in our lineup.

Pssh, Cameron is just as bad as Andruw is right now. THe only advantage is that he'd be a veteran filler until one of the kids is ready.

[winningtheweapon]

Andruw will be TOUGH to replace.

Trade Salty to Boston for Ellsbury in return and your problem will be solved as well as Boston's future catching situation. :thumbsup:

[SamtheBravesFan]

Trade Salty to Boston for Ellsbury in return and your problem will be solved as well as Boston's future catching situation. :thumbsup:

Is Ellsbury REALLY all that? Does he have any power?

[SamtheBravesFan]

Well, the bad news is that the Braves lost a winnable game. The good news is that they're still behind the Mets by just 2 1/2 games.

Of course, now they're going to face the Mets on the "bad" end of the rotation, which may also have a return of Mark Redman to the starting mound, God help us all.

It will take some miracle of God for the Braves to win all the games, but if they do... a 1/2 game lead and the Phillies are next.

[winningtheweapon]

Is Ellsbury REALLY all that? Does he have any power?

He's a leadoff guy, not a middle of the order guy. High average, blazing speed (lots of stolen bases and triples), and stellar defense.

[SamtheBravesFan]

He's a leadoff guy, not a middle of the order guy. High average, blazing speed (lots of stolen bases and triples), and stellar defense.

I suppose that may work, though that would knock down Renteria to sixth or something.

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

Andruw's... last... at... bat... oh... my... god.

Is it me or did it look like he was getting progressively worse as the game went on, with every at bat? I've got that swing in my head and I can't get rid of it.

I'm not taking anything away from Papelbon because he's got sweet stuff, but Andruw...

Man. That last hack was one of the worst swings I've ever seen (and no I am not exaggerating). I try to be PC, but my God: Andruw looked like someone with multiple sclerosis trying to swing a tennis racket on strike three. It was so ugly and so was his "throw the bat at strike two" swing.

Does anyone else think that Andruw looked like he just wanted to get it over with and be done during that last at bat?

I'm positive that he wanted to get a hit but he looked like a guy with zero confidence (despite the smirk) who just knew he wasn't going to get it done.

Lord help us if he keeps throwing the lumber around like some discombobulated stoner.

[AznInvasion]

I think Byrnes, Hunter and Rowand are the best options in order of best to worst. Byrnes could produce while still being relatively cheap. Hunter would probably cost a hefty amount though.

[PureBaseballFan]

Andruw's... last... at... bat... oh... my... god.

Is it me or did it look like he was getting progressively worse as the game went on, with every at bat? I've got that swing in my head and I can't get rid of it.

I'm not taking anything away from Papelbon because he's got sweet stuff, but Andruw...

Man. That last hack was one of the worst swings I've ever seen (and no I am not exaggerating). I try to be PC, but my God: Andruw looked like someone with multiple sclerosis trying to swing a tennis racket on strike three. It was so ugly and so was his "throw the bat at strike two" swing.

Does anyone else think that Andruw looked like he just wanted to get it over with and be done during that last at bat?

I'm positive that he wanted to get a hit but he looked like a guy with zero confidence (despite the smirk) who just knew he wasn't going to get it done.

Lord help us if he keeps throwing the lumber around like some discombobulated stoner.Add on to that the second swing on and much easier pitch to hit he looked liked a 5 year old swinging at a tee ball.

[PureBaseballFan]

If Andruw goes we'll need someone to bat cleanup. Or Frenchy can bat 4th, Chipper can stay 3rd, and Big Mac can be 5th. But we need a more then decent bat and glove. Andruw will be TOUGH to replace.He won't be hard to replace considering that anyone with anything close to a .250 - .280 average batting fourth in this lineup would have 40 RBIs or more right now.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Oh, but we'd miss his defense if he leaves, I've heard from quite a few people. Maybe so, but at this point, I'm willing to pay that price. The Oakland A's had to make that kind of decision too with Johnny Damon.

[PureBaseballFan]

So a few more doubles and singles for the other team a more consistent bat in the order will help a lot more. His defense is great maybe the best but he isn't consistent enough at the plate to be rewarded with a huge contract. If you take Byrnes or Rowands offense and put them in the Atlanta lineup it would be a much bigger upgrade over Andruw. After looking at the stats Cameron is out of my list since he has almost struck out as much as Andruw and Byrnes seems better and will most likely be a cheaper option then most of the other CF.

[clennon]

His defense really isn't that great anymore. It's about league-average. His RAA (Runs Above Average) in CF is -3, meaning the average CF saves about 3 more runs than he does. That may be a bit of an overstatement but if you look at his RAA each year of his career it has gone down by 10 or so runs since his first couple years. His defense is very replaceable.

[SamtheBravesFan]

His defense really isn't that great anymore. It's about league-average. His RAA (Runs Above Average) in CF is -3, meaning the average CF saves about 3 more runs than he does. That may be a bit of an overstatement but if you look at his RAA each year of his career it has gone down by 10 or so runs since his first couple years. His defense is very replaceable.

That's what I say, but few believe me.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

His defense really isn't that great anymore. It's about league-average. His RAA (Runs Above Average) in CF is -3, meaning the average CF saves about 3 more runs than he does. That may be a bit of an overstatement but if you look at his RAA each year of his career it has gone down by 10 or so runs since his first couple years. His defense is very replaceable.


That's what I say, but few believe me.

I remember you telling me that, but I can't always agree with the numbers. Sometimes, Andruw Jones does something that can't be made into a stat. Is there such thing as (BSBOR) Bases saved because of respect? He may not be the defensive player he once was, but baserunners still respect what he can do out in centerfield.

[SamtheBravesFan]

I think The Fielding Bible has tried to quantify something like that, and Andruw DOES regularly score high on these kinds of things. I'm just sure that quite soon, he'll drop a bit more.

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

Really they have a stat for that?? :) I need to check it out.

[PureBaseballFan]

To add to the defense debate of Andruw on Mike and Mike in the Morning Jayson Stark was on talking about his new book about the most overrated and underrated players. Andruw is his most overrated CF and he was mainly talking defense as he looked at fielding stats he said Andruw's putout rates have been down 100 or so for a few years now. Thinking that my be an unfair stat he went to look at an ESPN Zone stat with is the show the percentage of balls hit to your field and how many you turn in to outs Andruw's has been last two out the last three years.

[SamtheBravesFan]

To add to the defense debate of Andruw on Mike and Mike in the Morning Jayson Stark was on talking about his new book about the most overrated and underrated players. Andruw is his most overrated CF and he was mainly talking defense as he looked at fielding stats he said Andruw's putout rates have been down 100 or so for a few years now. Thinking that my be an unfair stat he went to look at an ESPN Zone stat with is the show the percentage of balls hit to your field and how many you turn in to outs Andruw's has been last two out the last three years.

Wow. My suspicions were right after all.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Atlanta Braves 8, New York Mets 1

W - Kyle Davies (2-2)
L - Jorge Sosa (2-1)
HR - Scott Thorman (6)
Kyle Davies (1)

Three Stars
P Kyle Davies - 8 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO; 1-2, HR, 2 R, BB, 3 RBI
2B Kelly Johnson - 2-5, 2B, 3B, R
CF Andruw Jones - 2-3, 2B, R, BB, RBI

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

:dance :dance Boy it feels good to see the Braves shell Jorge Sosa. The next few games are against NL East foes and they mean a lot. The Braves are 1 1/2 games back after the win tonight.

[winningtheweapon]

It looks like Andruw recovered nicely from that 0/5 outing on Sunday.

[SamtheBravesFan]

1. Martin Prado, 2B
2. Edgar Renteria, SS
3. Chipper Jones, 3B
4. Jeff Francoeur, RF
5. Matt Diaz, LF
6. Andruw Jones, CF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Chris Woodward, 1B
9. Chuck James, P

This kind of lineup causes people to think that Bobby Cox is retarded and/or senile.

[PureBaseballFan]

1. Martin Prado, 2B
2. Edgar Renteria, SS
3. Chipper Jones, 3B
4. Jeff Francoeur, RF
5. Matt Diaz, LF
6. Andruw Jones, CF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Chris Woodward, 1B
9. Chuck James, P

This kind of lineup causes people to think that Bobby Cox is retarded and/or senile.Anyone who thinks Cox is retard and/or senile is most likely retard and/or senile. Kelly has played in all but one of the games so far this season.

Thorman's stats vs. lefties haven't been good either.

SPLITS AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB HBP SO SB CS BA OBP SLG OPS

vs. LHP (2007) 24 3 5 2 0 0 1 1 0 5 0 0 .208 .240 .292 .532

Martin Prado is young and has good speed the only other real option for leadoff would be Pete Orr but being a lefty and being able to play most of the infield he is better coming off the bench.

Salty is catching so he can't be the 1st baseman Thorman has the above stats so that leaves Woodward. I see no problem with this lineup even with it possibly being a big game also it is not like our previous lineups had any luck against Perez before so you might as well change it up.

Not trying to attack you but I am a huge Bobby Cox fan and anybody who thinks he is dumb needs to go to Turner and look at the 14 straights Division titles he has helped this team win and then say he is a dumb manager or talk to guys that leave the team and say he is one of the best managers example being Sheffield who has never liked or respected most if any managers other then Bobby.

[SamtheBravesFan]

I don't think he's a bad manager either (except for the bullpen sometimes), but I think the reason some are upset is because they believe that no one in their right mind would start Chris Woodward over Scott Thorman.

[PureBaseballFan]

I understand that but overall Thorman's stats are not nearly good enough to consider somebody dumb for not starting them over someone else. I like Thorman but he is no where near a complete player like Delgado (other then his current streak) who can hit well against lefties. Also his stats against lefties as in my other post have shown he doesn't have much success against them. I know people will say Woodward isn't doing anything special either but like most managers would do with a young lefty 1st baseman they will play matchups until the lefty proves he can be an effective hitter against lefties.

[SamtheBravesFan]

I understand that but overall Thorman's stats are not nearly good enough to consider somebody dumb for not starting them over someone else. I like Thorman but he is no where near a complete player like Delgado (other then his current streak) who can hit well against lefties. Also his stats against lefties as in my other post have shown he doesn't have much success against them. I know people will say Woodward isn't doing anything special either but like most managers would do with a young lefty 1st baseman they will play matchups until the lefty proves he can be an effective hitter against lefties.

Johnson has proven he can hit lefties. And how can people prove they can hit lefties if they don't get many at bats against them?

[SamtheBravesFan]

Posted before the bottom of the 9th inning, because it's obviously going to be the final result

New York Mets 3, Atlanta Braves 0

W - Oliver Perez (6-3)
L - Chuck James (4-4)
S - Billy Wagner (11)

Three Stars
P Oliver Perez - 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 SO
3B David Wright - 1-5, HR, R, RBI
P Peter Moylan - 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 SO

EDIT: ...

And lo and behold, I have seen the future. ;)

[Atlanta Braves Freak]

1. Martin Prado, 2B
2. Edgar Renteria, SS
3. Chipper Jones, 3B
4. Jeff Francoeur, RF
5. Matt Diaz, LF
6. Andruw Jones, CF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Chris Woodward, 1B
9. Chuck James, P

This kind of lineup causes people to think that Bobby Cox is retarded and/or senile.
At times I too think Bobby is senile/retarted, but 98% of the time he proves to be a genius. You don't win 3,905 games being retarted.

[SamtheBravesFan]

At times I too think Bobby is senile/retarted, but 98% of the time he proves to be a genius. You don't win 3,905 games being retarted.

This didn't exactly help him or the Braves today. I'm starting to think that the Braves as a team are psyched out by Perez.

[Tomahawk Dynasty]

Good point: I saw the second game live and will enjoy seeing every game of this series at the stadium.
Bad point: I paid money to watch Chris Woodward play.

[SamtheBravesFan]

Good point: I saw the second game live and will enjoy seeing every game of this series at the stadium.
Bad point: I paid money to watch Chris Woodward play.

Quite frankly, I don't think Scott Thorman would have done anything either.