08 Oct
Division Series Game Thread: Game Three, Braves at Astros
The Braves have no chance. I mean, Jorge Sosa versus Roy Oswalt? This must be one of the biggest mismatches in postseason history.
(Still working the reverse jinx.)
Braves News (Official)- Braves News (AJC)
- Atlanta Braves: Suspended games, white bears, Freddie Free
- Atlanta Braves: After perfect homestand, Braves aim for road improvement
- Atlanta Braves: Braves have become TJ-surgery regulars
- Atlanta Braves: J-Up's presence can cover deficiencies
- Atlanta Braves: All things considered, Braves pleased with position
If they win tonight, I’m buying tickets for game 5 just to insure it never gets played.
October 8th, 2005 at 6:30 pmWay to go Mac, reverse jinx all the way!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 6:33 pmTonight’s lineup…no surprises
Furcal – SS
October 8th, 2005 at 6:41 pmGiles – 2B
Chipper – 3B
Andruw – RF
LaRoche – 1B
Frenchy – RF
Langerhans – LF
McCann – C
Sosa – P
Braves will win.If Sosa can pitch like he can we will win the game and win on sunday
October 8th, 2005 at 6:42 pmYes! Furcal, Giles, Jones, Jones, LaRoche, Francoeur, Langerhans, McCann, Sosa. Gotta love that line-up! No one in a slump! All starters at least .250. A. Jones .571; Laroche 1.000. Wow!
October 8th, 2005 at 6:44 pmGotta go with the hot bat in the playoff, I think Estrada and Jordan will understand for sure.
October 8th, 2005 at 6:48 pmWho was the new talking head on the Fox studio pregame show? I gathered from the conversation he was a recently retired player, but I didn’t recognize him.
October 8th, 2005 at 6:59 pmTodd Zeile
October 8th, 2005 at 7:00 pmKirk: It was Todd Ziele(sp?)
Anyway, my hope is a big top of the 1st, I’ll relax if we can score 9 or 10 runs, and coast from there.
OK, I’m going away from the computer just in case. Here’s to a good game.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:02 pmWith so much pregame, I expected some intricate cheesy promotional bit a la Monday Night Football. I’m surprised they didn’t have the cast of “Prison Break” inside a federal penitentiary screaming “ARE YOU READY FOR SOME BASEBALL?”
October 8th, 2005 at 7:06 pmGO BRAVES!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:06 pmOne of our biggest advantages will be the fact that the Astros really haven’t seen Sosa.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:06 pmBy the time he’s pulled, Oswalt will be in tears. These guys will destroy him.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:07 pmAbsolutely, Mark.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:07 pmSo what happened to the 7:30 PM ET start?
October 8th, 2005 at 7:08 pmFOX is a bunch of liars on their start times because God Forbid we shouldn’t have 30 minutes of Kevin Kenndy.
By the way….HOW ABOUT THEM DAWGS!!!! Fat Fulmer looked befuddled and pissed…so much fun.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:12 pmAt least Chipper’s making him throw some pitches.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:12 pmOk, Sosa, take a deep breath and throw your game.And yes, Alex, how ’bout those Dawgs. That sure was a joy to watch.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:15 pmPesky Biggio!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:17 pmGod…Sosa’s pitch count is already up & Oswalt looked nasty. Yikes.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:19 pmYeah, Oswalt looks on tonight. That might be a big problem.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:21 pmOkay, guys, let’s turn two.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:22 pmTime for a DP
October 8th, 2005 at 7:22 pmJust said to my friend…I almost wonder if Sosa hit him deliberately instead of wasting 3 more pitches to walk him…but again, why do we keep wanting to FACE Morgan Ensberg…does Cox not get yet that he can kill us?
October 8th, 2005 at 7:22 pmWhat is he up to…25 pitches? Geez.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:23 pmIs it that strenuous to walk a guy?
October 8th, 2005 at 7:24 pmGod dammit.
It’s WEDNESDAY all over again. F-ng Ensberg and f-ng Cox for avoiding Berkman.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:25 pmIf it hits the roof, and you catch it, it should be an out.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:26 pmAlex, they tried to pitch to Berkman, remember? He got hit by a pitch. Listen, the Astros scored first in both games, and the Braves came right back. If Sosa can limit the Astros to one run, the Braves snuff the rally.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:27 pmMake that two runs.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:28 pmBy the way, since there’s no way Sosa can pitch again until the Cardinals series, we should use him over 100 pitches tonight if he settles down after this inning.
this inning SUCKS by the way and I HATE Houston.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:28 pmGood damage control, it will be another comeback win, UNLIKE the last two years!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:29 pm2 runs ain’t gonna win this game. It’s a blow, but not irrecoverable one.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:30 pmI know we can comeback but Oswalt looked REALLY sharp in the 1st. REALLY SHARP.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:30 pmWow – a balk.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:35 pmHe didn’t balk. Braves got one tonight to make up for the three blown calls against them last night.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:35 pmIsn’t it a different crew, JoeyT?
October 8th, 2005 at 7:36 pmI would actually ocnsider bunting here
October 8th, 2005 at 7:36 pmIt was ball 4 anyway so no harm.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:37 pmtoo late now…double play? we could have just started Jordan if we wanted one of those.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:37 pmMcCann, GO FOR ANOTHER
October 8th, 2005 at 7:38 pmHey McCann…just PRETEND it’s Roger Clemens on the mound.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:38 pmNice hitting McCann!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:40 pmThere’s a bloop!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:40 pmMCCANN IS THE NEW DEREK JETER
October 8th, 2005 at 7:40 pmYes—-McCann!!!!!!!!!!!111
October 8th, 2005 at 7:40 pmWell done, rookie.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:40 pm2-1!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:40 pmStill think Oswalt is “extra sharp”?
October 8th, 2005 at 7:41 pmIt’s a different Oswalt this inning, Alex. His concentration’s broken.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:41 pmWow…I am shocked…Oswalt looked sharp in inning 1 and like a different pitcher in inning 2. Huh.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:41 pmHey, everyone…I agree…different Oswalt and the Braves need to capilaize in the 3rd inning.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:42 pmWay to go Sosa!!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:43 pmYes!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:43 pmJorge!!!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:43 pmSosa..on a full count
October 8th, 2005 at 7:43 pmSweet!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:43 pmUnfortunately, Furcal will try to homer here … and hit a weak ground out instead.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:44 pmWow…I don’t think the Braves appreciate all the 1st inning scoring by Houston. Good for them and SCREW Houston.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:44 pmGive us a lead Raffy…
October 8th, 2005 at 7:44 pmThis now looks like the Roy Oswalt we faced back in May. Hmmmm.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:45 pmAwesome comeback inning!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:45 pmTwo good things about that inning: (1) the Braves got inside Oswalt’s head, breaking his concentration and (2) the Braves proved that, once again, they can score with two outs. Oswalt’s thrown more than forty pitches already.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:46 pmYes…and as a Georgia & Alabama fan, I am THRILLED to now see Penn State beating the always overrated Ohio State on ESPNHD. This is good for 2 reasons.
One, it lessens the ONE good win the overrated Texas Longhorns will have all year and two, the ‘unbteane’ Penn State will eventually lose anyway so they will soon be eliminated. Go Penn State (for tonight).
The Big 12 is FREAKING JOKE.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:47 pmYes, David, two more runs scored with two outs, I like that A LOT!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:47 pmF* Steve Lyons.
He won’t give the ump an inch on that call…I think you guys are right that Lyons seems to really love Houston.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:50 pmWhat is the deal with Fox? The balk didn’t matter! It was ball four!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:50 pmBiggio ownz Sosa.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:51 pmLyons is obssessed with the balk call as he is with pastels.
F* Craig Biggio.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:51 pmwho the hell hypnotized Biggio into thinking it was 1995?
October 8th, 2005 at 7:51 pmIt was a bad call, but Mac’s right. The call had ZERO effect on the game. It just didn’t matter.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:52 pmspike – I don’t know, but I like 1995
.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:52 pmWay to have an ‘easier’ inning, Jorge. WHEW.
Still 14-3 Penn State…Go Nittany Bitches.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:52 pmThat’s exactly what the Braves need, an easy inning. Hey Mac, your game one fun Astros fact is still killing the Braves!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:53 pmMy favorite fun Astros fact:
The Braves CLOSED down the Astrodome by beating Houston in a previous Playoff series in 2001.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:54 pmruns would be nice here
October 8th, 2005 at 7:54 pmAlright, which one of you guys spiked the Houston Gatorade?
October 8th, 2005 at 7:55 pmOhio State fans are the most obnoxious people.
Just heard on ESPN that Ohio State fans sent their wide receiver DEATH THREATS because he dropped a pass against Texas. The Big 10 SUCKS.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:56 pmFour pitches, two outs. That’s not going to cut it, especially after the Braves had Oswalt on the ropes last inning. Why help him regain his confidence?
Yes, I know he’s throwing strikes, but still.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:57 pmRoachy needs another hit.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:57 pmNo, the most obnoxious people are these Fox announcers NOT SHUTTING UP about the balk.
They’re like Ron Gant when Bobby gets smart and elects not to bunt once a game.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:57 pmJust missed a home run in the bandbox.
And Mac, you are right, why is PASTEL BOY CONTINUALLY TALKING ABOUT THE FREAKING MEANINGLESS BALK?
SHUT THE HELL UP LYONS YOU FREAKING TWIT.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:58 pmTHE BALK LED TO NO RUNS
IT WAS BALL FOUR IF THE BALK WASN’T CALLED
EVERYBODY ASSOCIATED WITH ANY FOX NETWORK IS A MORON
October 8th, 2005 at 7:58 pmCan Steve Lyons just shut up?!
October 8th, 2005 at 7:59 pmI feel like taking one of Andruw’s bats and smacking Lyons in the mouth. He makes me miss Jeff Brantley…God he sucks.
October 8th, 2005 at 7:59 pmWell, it’s a good thing nobody was on base when Oswalt fell down, or the announcers would have had a field day with that.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:00 pmWe should all write to FOX collectively and get Lyons out of the booth.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:00 pmI am surprised ‘West Hollywood’ Lyons didn’t say that Oswalt fell because of the balk. what a MORON.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:01 pmIt’s like a collective chicken impersonation.
LYONS: BALK BALK BALK BALK BALK!
October 8th, 2005 at 8:02 pmPBP GUY: BALK BALK BALK!
MYERS: BALK!
LYONS: BALK BALK BALK! BALK BALK BALK! BALK BALK BALK!
Beautiful K of Berkman.
Gee…maybe we should pitch to Berkman over Ensberg more often? CRAZY notion, I know. I mean, Ensberg only had an MVP calibre season.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:03 pmLyons after the Game:
“Hey, can someone can me a tape of that BALK? It may come in handy the rest of the series.”
ps–Mike Lamb?
C’MON SOSA. Dammit.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:05 pmIt’s Steve Lyons fault. I think even Sosa is distracted by all this BALK talk.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:05 pmLyons wants a copy of the BALK tape for those late nights alone in his hotel room.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:06 pmIt’s probably a hotel room far away from the one where Gammons is pleasuring himself to the “Fever Pitch” DVD.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:07 pmCan’t blame him. I mean, if you had a bunch of chickens cackling at you all the way from the press box, wouldn’t you be distracted?
October 8th, 2005 at 8:07 pmSince Sosa evidently bears down with men on base (it’s evident in the splits) I wonder if he also bears down against elite hitters — and thus is a little more vulnerable to the guys behind them.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:07 pmAlong with the rule books as the pillows.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:07 pmGood observation, Mac. I remember you saying that Sosa pitches like an old-timer, but can you think of anyone whom you can compare him to?
October 8th, 2005 at 8:09 pmSosa is still throwing quality pitches. They just got a hold of one there.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:09 pmLSU only has 9 points in the 3rd quarter against Vandy?
I guess they are still SHELL shocked by the Tennessee game.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:09 pmFrancouer cannot hit Oswalt’s curve.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:10 pmGreat, the first inning Oswalt is back. Dammit.
cmon McCann.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:11 pmThe Oswalt who started the game is back on the mound. Are the Braves taking good swings? (I only have a radio.) They don’t seem to be too patient.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:12 pmDavid, you just heard a Frenchy at bat, so, NO, they are not taking good swings.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:13 pmYes, they are taking good swings. Francouer took three good swings. All we need is some people on base in front of Andruw.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:15 pmWhoever is in the Fox production truck is so slow. How may pitches have they cut back to in mid pitch and then they just missed that cut on the throw to first. Where is the A team for postseason baseball?
October 8th, 2005 at 8:18 pmWhere is the A team for postseason baseball?
Why in New York, silly
October 8th, 2005 at 8:20 pmWow – needed that
October 8th, 2005 at 8:21 pmWhy in New York, silly
Funny cause it’s true.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:22 pmUnlike Garner to have the pitcher swing there. Glad we won’t be seeing Biggio until the next inning.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:22 pmSosa should have just walking the first guy of each inning, that will make him a better pitcher.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:22 pmJESUS! WILL YOU SHUT UP ABOUT THE BALK ALREADY?!?!?!?!??
October 8th, 2005 at 8:24 pmYeah, it is funny and sad at the same time. But I would hope that they would at least have competent people in the truck. But I forget, we’re watching Fox.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:25 pmMac, do you not get radio where you live? I can’t be bothered with FOX announcers.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:26 pmThe radio stations here go all-football Friday through Sunday pretty much.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:29 pmUh, nice positioning chip.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:32 pmDid Chipper completely misjudge that ball, giving up on it because he thought it would go foul?
October 8th, 2005 at 8:32 pmDiving would have definitely helped, but backing up w/ two strikes would have made it irrelevant.
ps – nice K Sosa
October 8th, 2005 at 8:34 pmGot to get Ensberg here
October 8th, 2005 at 8:34 pmSosa’s looking really tired out there.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:35 pmAnyone got the pitch counts?
October 8th, 2005 at 8:37 pmYeah, but at least he’s still throwing strikes. I’d stick with him for another inning at least.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:38 pmThat ball was hit very deep. Chip Carey would have called it gone.
I don’t know if Sosa makes it another inning.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:38 pmSosa’s around 80
October 8th, 2005 at 8:38 pmWhew, that was close. If he had pulled that even a little it would have been gone.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:38 pmSosa was somewhere in the seventy-pitch range, but Don said that he’s usually in the ninety-something range by the fifth, so no big deal.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:39 pmHeart of the order is coming up. This would be a good time to score.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:39 pm79 for Sosa, 73 for Oswalt. We’re only going to get one more out of Sosa most likely.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:40 pmJoeyT, didn’t you predicted six innings and three runs allowed by Sosa?!
October 8th, 2005 at 8:40 pmActually, that was Pete and Joe, who point out that Oswalt’s working more off his fastball.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:41 pmDidn’t like that strike 2 swing from Andruw
October 8th, 2005 at 8:42 pmYeah, kc, and I also predicted he’d get the win.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:43 pmMaybe Frenchy can straghten one out here. He can definitely hit Oswalt’s fastball.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:43 pmWell, it’s as good a time as any to get some runs.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:45 pmLang looks just like Glavike, it’s kind of freaky.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:47 pmAt least we made Oswalt work a little. He’s up to 91 pitches, maybe we can get him out after 7.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:48 pmThis game will be a comeback win for the Braves!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 8:49 pmHave they announced tomorrows starters yet?
October 8th, 2005 at 8:53 pmIf Bobby puts HR out there tomorrow, I’ll jump from a bridge.
I’d be fine with Thomson or Hudson. HR, though, is unacceptable.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:54 pmBobby said in the pregame show that he would wait until after tonight’s game. He wants to talk to his pitcher first.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:54 pmNow it’s time to make JoeyT’s prediction comes true!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 8:55 pmDevine up in the pen
October 8th, 2005 at 8:55 pmI think Steve Lyons is right for once. I think Hudson will definitely go tomorrow. Either the Braves nail it down tomorrow, or the Braves need to win game four before getting to game five.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:56 pmI think Cox is going to wait until after the game to announce it. It will either be Thomson or Hudson. HR will not sniff a start. Looks like they had Devine warming up. Sosa is up 2nd, so he’s out. He did about what you would expect. Let’s see some offense now.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:56 pmGetting late, guys.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:57 pmGood news: Hollandsworth isn’t on the team to pinch hit here.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:57 pmBad news: KJ got just as out as Hollandsworth would have.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:58 pmWe’re not making Oswalt work here. We could have to face him in the 8th at this rate.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:59 pmI hope Oswalt nuts out over these missed calls. I want to watch him self-destruct.
October 8th, 2005 at 8:59 pmVery poor offensive inning. Oswalt is at 99 pitches, probably comes out to start the 8th with Wheeler warming up in case of trouble.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:01 pmWell, JoeyT didn’t get the Sosa win right, but the Braves will still win.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:02 pmSomewhat surprise to see Reitsma here. Is Bobby going to try to get 2 out of him?
October 8th, 2005 at 9:05 pmBiggio’s killing us.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:05 pmWhat is Reitsma doing in there again???
On cue…
October 8th, 2005 at 9:05 pmIs Bobby going to try to get 2 out of him?
No but Biggio is.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:06 pmLooks like Reitsma is primed for another disastrous inning. Hopefully Bobby will be fast with the hook.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:06 pmNo, I just think Reitsma is no longer the setup guy.
I fear it is … Brower.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:06 pmUnfortunately, this is typical Reitsma. Bad things just happen when he’s on the mound.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:08 pmAnd now the defense is collapsing…
October 8th, 2005 at 9:08 pmPlease don’t leave Foster in for more than one batter!
October 8th, 2005 at 9:09 pmAnother freaking cheap hit….
October 8th, 2005 at 9:09 pmThe Astros would be crazy to take Oswalt out. He’s killing us. I don’t think 99 pitches in 7 innings is terribly stressful.
By the way, Berkman’s coming up. I hope McBride’s coming in so we can make Berkman bat right-handed
October 8th, 2005 at 9:09 pmPlease bring in McBride here, not Foster.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:09 pmWhy are people talking Tavares for Rookie of the Year? He sucks. He’s horrible. He can’t do anything right. Dumb luck is the only getting his sorry ass on base.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:10 pmYeah, McBride. For this inning. And the next.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:10 pmWe want K-McBride!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 9:11 pmActually, this situation is critical enough that I’d bring in Farnsworth.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:11 pmI agree that Taveras is nothing special. His average is way inflated because of dink-o hits like that one.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:11 pmOur top 3 hitters today: 0 for 10.
Astros top 3 hitters: 5 for 10.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:11 pmTavares has a bunch of infield hits, just like the one he got a few minutes ago. Something like 70+.
Foster.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:11 pmDammit, don’t they realize that Foster sucks?
October 8th, 2005 at 9:12 pmBurn in hell, Foster…
October 8th, 2005 at 9:12 pmI….hate…..this…..
October 8th, 2005 at 9:12 pmMake that 6 for 10.
Good point, JoeyT, but I don’t remember the last time Bobby brought his closer in to pitch in the 7th inning, even in the postseason.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:13 pmIs there anyone here that can honestly say they DID NOT expect Foster to give up a hit? I mean seriously…
Major damage control needed here. 2 runs is about as much as I want to make up in 2 innings, especially if one of them is against Lidge.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:14 pmWell, I can only remember Gainer using Lidge in the seventh inning last year as the only example…and that’s with a lead…
October 8th, 2005 at 9:14 pmDevine vs. Ensberg with 2 on.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:15 pmThis is bad…… oh man this is bad.
Crap! Damnit! Joey Devine? Reitsma has too have the worst luck of any pitcher alive.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:15 pmHudson vs. Backe tomorrow?
October 8th, 2005 at 9:15 pmWell, it’s been fun, guys.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:16 pmUgghh
October 8th, 2005 at 9:16 pmDoubling us to death. Not good.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:16 pmIt sounds like Cox is still going with Thomson tomorrow but thats a mistake. It SHOULD be Hudson. Last chance, we need our money pitchers.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:17 pmThis just in — our bullpen freakin sucks.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:17 pmMan, we are making them look like an offensive juggernaut. Devine is being asked to do too much too soon.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:17 pmWould people stop talking abnout Reitsma’s LUCK?
That piece of crap needs to be carted off in a box and never wear a Braves uniform EVER again. I am sick to death of Reitsma.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:18 pmHouston has got us by the throat.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:19 pmI think Bud Selig, by the way, should be beaten with pogo sticks for putting a playoff game tonight, on a Saturday no less, at 11 pm eastern. Selig sucks.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:19 pmWell, that oughta do it.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:20 pmAlex, you don’t even like Hudson. I do, but Thomson’s been pretty good in recent starts. I don’t know which way I’d go.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:20 pmI can’t remember the exact figures, but I remember the folks at BP did a study on pitchers who come back on 3 days’ rest, and the conclusion was basically that it’s not a good idea.
I just lit myself on fire. We’re actually making this pathetic offense look decent.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:20 pmI hope our guys remember tonight that Houston is rubbing salt in the wound. I also hope Houston uses up all their offensive good fortune tonight.
Last chances of the season: Hudson Sunday and Smoltz Monday. F.U. Houston. I HATE THE ASTROS….HATE HATE HATE THEM.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:21 pmWell, everyone was right about our bullpen being our undoing. This is terrible. Both this game and Game 1 were close when the bullpen got the ball, and both times, complete disaster. Let’s let LaRoche pitch.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:21 pmIt has to be Hudson tomorrow night. Who wouldn’t rather have a short-rested Hudson than a well-rested Thomson? Tomorrow night is elimination night, Hudson HAS to go. It’s what we’re paying him for.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:22 pmI think if we go with Thomson tomorrow vs. Backe and LOSE, then we will feel like crap.
If we go with Hudson, then we can honestly say we gave it every best bullet we have.
If our 4th starter wasn’t such a mediocre alternative.
Also, Sosa, should have stayed in for 1 more inning to keep it close.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:23 pmUnfortunately, it would appear that Brower needs to be the first righty out of the pen. He has been the most effective lately, which is a sad state of affairs indeed. Reitsma and Foster need to stay nailed to the bench for the next two games.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:23 pmMaybe put some more faith in McBride?
October 8th, 2005 at 9:24 pmWell, on Reitsma, it’s obvious that nobody hit him hard except for Biggio, but the guy is cursed and I have given up hope on him. Just go with on hot hand Bobby, and that’s not Reitsma, Devine, or Foster…
October 8th, 2005 at 9:24 pmWhy not? What have you got to lose? Foster’s done.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:24 pmI have a better idea. Let’s put Farnsworth in strictly for beaning purposes, and have him start a bench-clearing brawl. Then he can go after Berkman and Ensberg and body slam them the way he did Paul Wilson.
Sigh.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:25 pmTennessee Brave,
I WISH tomorrow was a NIGHT game.
Tomorrow, unfortunately, is a 1 pm game to further screw the Braves at this point.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:25 pmI would prefer a rested Thomson to Hudson on 3 days rest. I like our chances throwing anyone out there against Backe.
Also, Alex, I think Bobby made the right move taking Sosa out for a pinch hitter when he did. It’s not his fault the bullpen is the worst assembled in our 14-year run.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:27 pmAlex, you’re right, that’s the most retarded start time for a playoff game. 11 PM Eastern? What is that crap? Good thing I don’t really feel like watching any more baseball tonight.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:27 pmYes, I am CURIOUS as to WHY Bobby didn’t use Mcbride over Foster?
October 8th, 2005 at 9:27 pmWow, that was some play by Brower.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:27 pmYeah, taking that Sprint Gamebreak was a lot more interesting that showing a replay of the double play.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:28 pmI agree with turning to Hudson tomorrow. I can’t believe I am saying this either, but it’s obvious that Brower deserves a better role based on his performance recently…boy do we miss Boyer.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:28 pmYes, I don’t care about the Cards game tonight either but an 11 pm easter time start is asinine? why not move that game to the afternoon? Especially with Boston being done and the Yankees rained out. I mean, what kind of lack of flexibility is THAT SH–?
October 8th, 2005 at 9:29 pmAlex R, we have been asking this question for the past two months…
October 8th, 2005 at 9:29 pmOswalt sat on the bench for awhile. Make him work. Don’t press. The Braves can still scratch out some runs.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:30 pmSeriously, I don’t think there’s any way Smoltz pitches Game 5. So, if Hudson wins in Game 4, we’re left with Thomson against Pettitte in Game 5, which I don’t like one bit. I think our overall chances of making it to the next round are greater with Thomson on the mound against Backe in Game 4. It’s worth taking a risk with him against Backe when you measure it against the virtual certainty of a loss if he’s matched up with Pettitte.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:31 pmWay to go Marcus. One more baserunner gets Oswalt out.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:31 pmIt’d be really nice to see Chipper put a charge into one here. He’s looked terrible today.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:31 pmWork the count, Chipper.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:32 pmStu,
You are smoking crack. If we make a Game 5, Smoltz is pitching. Why wouldn’t he? He’s done 3 days rest before!!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 9:32 pmIs there any need for Houston to throw Pettitte out there on 3 days’ rest? I’d think they’d go with Backe. Only threw 7 pitches in an inning’s work Thursday.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:34 pmRegardless of who starts tomorrow, I would hope Bobby would use Smoltz on 3 days rest. There is such a gigantic gap between him and the any other pitcher on the team that short rest won’t make anyone else a better option.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:34 pmI’m with Stu. Run Thomson out there and see what happens. But, again, who pitches long relief? Ramirez? I don’t think so. I don’t think Hudson can go on three days’ rest, though it might help his sinker.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:35 pmHe’s done 3 days rest, but did you see how much his shoulder was bothering him? After about 4 innings, it was really bothering him. He even hinted that it was in the post-game interview. I do not think it would be wise to risk serious injury in that situation. If that means I’m smoking crack, so be it.
PS: I thought typing sporadically and unpredictably in all caps was an indicator of drug abuse…am I wrong?
October 8th, 2005 at 9:35 pmAlex R, there is a consideration that Bobby wouldn’t risk Smoltz on the three day rest. I have read somewhere that the best Smoltz can do is pitching out of the bullpen in Game 5 if needed. Stu is correct in one sense, but I would still go with Hudson tomorrow. It can be argue either way.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:35 pmIf we had JUST LEFT sOSA IN, instead of bringing in that bag of crap, Reitsma, it’s 3-3.
dammit. dammit.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:37 pmI think Thomson tomorrow, then Hudson with Smoltz on call might be the best combination. I don’t know. Hudson pitched well on three days’ rest earlier this year, I believe.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:37 pmOk….have I traveled to candyland and visiting with the crazy folks here? How is going with Thomson over either Hudson or Smoltz a good idea…ever? If we are going to be eliminated and have our season end, Bobby is going to do it with our best pitchers standing on the mound. Bottom line.
We are 1 game from being eliminated so you cannot start JOHN FREAKING THOMSON.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:39 pmYeah, I think Hudson has pitched well on his only one three-day rest start, and we have heard a lot of time that it’s better for sinker ball pitcher to pitch on a short rest. I believe the choice between Thomson and Hudson tomorrow can be argue either way, and I would put Bobby at fault for using either one.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:40 pmMac,
we are down 2-1 or are about to be down 2-1…there’s no way in hell, no way in hell, we use John Freaking Thomson.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:40 pmHey, some hope. One big, lucky swing here, and it’s 7-6.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:41 pmThe problem with pitching Thomson tomorrow is what David alluded to. If he has to be pulled early, HR is about the only alternative other than Hudson. If Hudson thinks he can go, you probably let him go, then use a combination of Smoltz, Thomson, and/or HR to try to muddle through game 5.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:41 pmAlexR, I think we are all speaking on an assumption that Smoltz can’t start Game 5. If both Hudson and Smoltz are available for the last two games, I don’t think anyone can argue with you.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:41 pmJordan?!?!??!?!
October 8th, 2005 at 9:42 pmDaniel, the Braves seems to be doing better when we are not paying attention, let’s continue to talk about tomorrow!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 9:42 pmThank God for my GEORGIA BULLDOGS winning today so Saturday isn’t a total loss. But this is depressing. I hate Houston.
BRIAN JORDAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHY, GOD WHY?
WHY NOT BETEMIT?
WHY NOT FRANCO?
WHY, GOD WHY????
October 8th, 2005 at 9:43 pmThere’s a short fence in left.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:43 pmAnother stupid move by Bobby.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:44 pmWay to go Bobby.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:44 pmGod I hate Bobby Cox more then Brian Jordan right now.
Peter Orr, Julio Franco, Wilson Betemit….ALL FUCKING AVAILABLE.
WHY THE FUCK DID WE JUST USE BRIAN JORDAN? WHY DID HE DO THAT? WHY WHY WHY WHY????????????
October 8th, 2005 at 9:44 pmThat was predictable from Jordan. Sigh.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:44 pmI think Bobby’s given up. He used Brian Jordan in a somewhat meaningful at-bat right now. Sweet.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:44 pmUm, “curious” tactical move there.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:45 pmOh man. Kill me now. What. The. Hell. Was. That.
BRIAN FUCKING JORDAN?
October 8th, 2005 at 9:45 pmAgain, we have illustrated for us the problem with having Jordan on the roster. He actually gets used. IMO we don’t really need to PH there, but if we do, then what are we saving Franco for?
October 8th, 2005 at 9:45 pmI have given up hope in understanding Bobby a long time ago.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:46 pmBobby Cox is an a-hole. why did that senile bastard just use Jordan and kill our last chance for a rally. hell, even if we ccouild have gotten the game to 7-5, we had a shot. I hate you Cox, you senile bastard. this is just disgusting, digusting managing on the part of senile Cox.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:46 pmI’d hoped and prayed we’d never have to see Brian Jordan in left field again. There is no god. There is no god.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:47 pmIf Lidge is pitching the ninth, there is no point in saving Franco.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:47 pmWhy couldn’t Bobby be happy with
Langerhans – Walk
McCann – Slammy
To tie the game
Instead we get
Jordan – dribbler to second
October 8th, 2005 at 9:47 pmBetemit’s a good contact hitter. He would have been a much better choice.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:47 pmPlease, all Bobby Cox defenders please feel free to defend this bastard old man.
Joe Paterno seems less senile because his team at least won tonight.
When you have Peter Orr, Julio & Betemit ALL available, how in God’s name did Brian Jordan get used?
October 8th, 2005 at 9:48 pmLet’s try to be a little more upbeat. At least Raul Mondesi isn’t in right field, right?
October 8th, 2005 at 9:49 pmI am so angry right now I actually just threw my remote across the room. I woke my wife up & scared my friend.
I hate you Cox. I hate you, I hate you, I hate you.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:50 pmWell, Alex, doncha know he hit a home run in Houston six years ago. He’s due, baby, he’s due!GGGGAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 9:50 pmBecause he is pinching for Langerhans and will be able to stay in the game to play leftfield. I bat he would have pinch hit McCann with Estrada if Jordan reached.
Boy, Brower is hot!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 9:50 pmAt least Brower looked good.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:51 pmBobby’s use of bullpen and bench in the postseason continues to be his biggest weakness.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:52 pmAt least Raul Mondesi isn’t in right field, right?
So you’d rather go to the gas chamber than be electrocuted?
October 8th, 2005 at 9:52 pmWilson Betemit, .300 hitter
Cox you bastard.
Now I have ESPN on and Lou Holtz’s face makes me want to commit a homicide.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:53 pmFollowing kc’s theory…..
Have you guys seen that new Burger King commercial for the “BK Joe.” Frightening. Absolutely frightening.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:53 pmCox is going to go with a veteran to PH in that spot, that’s just his nature. But using Jordan over Franco? I don’t get it. Brower must have learned something in Richmond. He’s sure looked better since he returned. He, McBride, and Farnz are the only relievers that should be allowed to see the light of day the rest of this series.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:53 pmChecking in with a few “points”:
1)I’ve had it with Reitsma. Just had it. This is not bad luck. He waffles around with hitters, gets consistently behind in the count, and then has to throw something hittable. Lo and behold, they hit it. It’s not luck. It happens WAY too often and I am sick to death of it.
2)Using Brian Jordan as a pinch-hitter was beyond stupid and I’m still fuming. Now we lose our best defensive LF for possibly the worst bat on the bench. WTF?
3)I hate watching Sosa pitch. He gives me fits. I’ve been on edge since the game started.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:53 pmYou are right kc. Bobby would have subbed Estrada for McCann. When do we get Ned Yost?
October 8th, 2005 at 9:53 pmHate to break up the party here, but Cox didn’t lose this game.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:54 pmLou Holtz, if anyone just heard him commentate or heard him any week, is the most evil, hateable little troll in all of sports.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:54 pmCouldn’t Julio at least have thrown that bat at Lidge?/only half kidding.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:55 pmJenny,
Watching Sosa pitch…I have been on edge since JUNE.
Watching Cox manage the post season? I have been on EDGE since 1991.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:56 pmSee who gets it done Bobby? FRANCO!
October 8th, 2005 at 9:57 pmOh, my Julio gets a hit off Lidge…wow, you mean that wasn’t BRIAN JORDAN?
Vindication. Bobby is such a freaking senile, awful, awful post season manager.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:57 pmGreat. All we need is for Marcus and Chipper to get on base, then for Andruw to hit a home run … then, TIE BALLGAME, BABY
October 8th, 2005 at 9:58 pmOh, and Furcal had another first pitch swinging. Sign elsewhere you drunk little bastard. He’s been swinging at the first pitch ALL night.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:58 pmWell, Grst, his usage of bullpen and bench certainly didn’t help the team to win a game.
Jenny, Sosa gave up three runs, he did a great job tonight. Too bad he couldn’t go another inning.
October 8th, 2005 at 9:59 pmkc,
he could have gone one more inning. Damn you, Cox, damn you.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:00 pmAll right, forget it. I’m going to go watch MAD TV and try to calm down. I’m disgusted.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:00 pmMy local Fox affiliate actually broke into Marcus’ at bat to show the Powerball drawing live (the game was minaturized with no sound). Just awful.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:01 pmI’m starting to jump on the “Bobby Cox can’t manage a postseason game” bandwagon. And I really like the guy.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:01 pmI don’t know AlexR, his velocity was down to around 90 when he pitched to Oswalt (the last man he faced in the sixth). We are on the same page with Cox though.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:01 pmGO WITH THE HOT ARM AND THE HOT BAT AND DAMN THE ROLE THING YOU PREACH IN REGULAR SEASON BOBBY!!!
October 8th, 2005 at 10:03 pmGameday hasn’t updated in about six months. What did Marcus do?
October 8th, 2005 at 10:03 pmNever mind.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:04 pmwell…whatcha think mac?
This should be a great game recap!! Just let it all out, take no prisoners!
October 8th, 2005 at 10:05 pmYes, you have to pitch Hudson tomorrow and hope for the best. He needs to take one for the team after game one and there better be a throw-down between the veteran players and the bullpen. Seriously. Those guys pitch like pussies and I can say that because they get PAID to do it. You now, it always amazes me that in all the years I’ve been watching the Braves that they still haven’t resolved the bullpen issue. Doesn’t Schuerholz get it? You can’t win games if you can’t effectively finish them with solid pitching. WTF? Over the long haul the Braves have gotten by because of their knack for timely hitting and their almost preternatural ability to come-from-behind but in the microcosm of the post-season it does not pay!!! The youngsters have played well which is refreshing. As has Andruw. We need more than that, though. Sometimes I think I must have done somebody wrong to have the Astros work us in this manner (ABB reference). Jeebus Christmas, I’m gonna puke!
Brian
October 8th, 2005 at 10:09 pmRe: Sosa, he pitched his normal six, which is all you can expect. Besides, he needed to be PH for in the 7th (he was up 2nd; if Cox had not PH for him, we’d all have been going WTF). In the 8th, Cox should have let Langerhans hit since he hasn’t been bad against lefties. As kc pointed out, if he did PH with someone other than Jordan, he has to burn two bench players since he would have to put Jordan in the field anyway. So the bad decision was favoring Jordan over Langerhans (just as Cox did in game 1), not using Jordan over Franco or Betemit. So Cox was not completely irrational or senile, he just has this veteran fetish that is going to do us in.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:10 pmIt’s official: Hudson gets the start tomorrow.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:11 pmThe Braves had an excellent bullpen in–what?–2002, but couldn’t hit. That year they had Karsay, Remlinger, that lefty with the low ERA, Lightenburg, Spooneybarger, and someone else. That guy who pitched in Colorado, R-something.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:14 pmKirk, I’d be willing to bet Orr or Betemit would be able to play LF. And, besides, so what if he uses Franco and then subs BJ in the field, we were down by 4. It’s not like we had anything to lose. Bobby played this like a regular season game, but it wasn’t.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:19 pmI guess Lights Out Lidge showed up instead of Load Em Up Lidge.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:24 pmurlhix, Kirk isn’t saying Bobby is right, we are just saying that’s what Bobby has in mind.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:25 pmI don’t think there is any way Cox is going to put Orr or Betemit out there in the 8th inning of a playoff game. Maybe in the 13th. And he’s not going to burn two players in that situation. There was no compelling reason to PH for Langerhans. You have to let him hit.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:26 pmOk, can someone PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE explain to me why Bobby is suddenly against Langerhans hitting against lefties? He hit .293 against them and Brian Jordan SUCKS. Why is this is f-ng difficult for Cox to figure out? God I HATE Cox.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:26 pmThe actual key to the game: using Foster and Devine ahead of McBride and Brower. That’s what costed us this game.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:27 pmkc-
FULLY agree with you, once again.
Why why does Foster go ahead of McBride when we ALL witnessed McBride shut down Delgado and Abreu the last few weeks of the season?
October 8th, 2005 at 10:29 pmkc’s right: the bullpen lost this game. Furcal and Giles aren’t getting on either, and that’s not helping.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:30 pmI’m with Steffen–I like Cox–but it’s like he’s managing for extra innings when the Braves aren’t even close to tying the game. What gives?
October 8th, 2005 at 10:32 pmkc, I agree that what goes through Bobby’s mind is crap.
Kirk, yes, Langerhans should have stayed in. But if Bobby is going to put a veteran in there why not put Franco in, who can hit, and then have BJ play LF? We were down by 4. With Lidge coming up you have to lay all the cards on the table. Forgive me if I want to see some creativity from the old fool. It is not the time to play baseball by the numbers. I apologise in advance because I am so pissed off at the crappy managing I could just spit.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:33 pmCox’s thinking in bringing in Reitsma was probably “the top of the order is coming up, Reitsma’s my 2nd best reliever, so I might as well bring him in now rather than saving him for the 8th; if I’m lucky he might go two”. At least he only left him in for two batters. But choosing Foster over McBride isn’t very sensible.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:39 pmWell, I’m no Jordan fan, but pinch-hitting him with 2 down in the 8th trailing by 4 hardly lost this game for us. I suppose you can call it bad managing, but if Langerhans does anything, it’s 7-4 and we’re looking at Lidge.
Jeez folks. Get creative.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:42 pmCox thinks Jordan still has something to offer. If he didn’t he wouldn’t be on the roster, and he wouldn’t have started him in game 1. I’m not defending this decision, I think it was a bad one. But given the givens, Cox’s decision was rational. And, as kc has also pointed out, the failures of Reitsma/Foster/Devine are the real culprits of this debacle.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:43 pmI’d rather have 2 on, 2 out and Langerhans or Franco hitting any day no matter the score than BJ. And it doesn’t take a creative mind to see that.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:45 pmAnd yes, Cox is an old fool for thinking that Jordan still has something to offer. Just because he can justify something like Jordan playing internally doesn’t make it rational. I’ve been a fan of his for a long time but I really think he has lost the ability to have a coherent strategy in the postseason.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:49 pmPlus, Cox is an old fool for thinking that Foster or Devine had a chance in there. Reitsma I can forgive, although Sosa should have stayed in.Again, my apologies for the venting.
October 8th, 2005 at 10:52 pmYeah…I have to agree. It’s very simplistic for people to come on here and make statements like Jordan hitting didn’t really lose the game. Maybe. Yes we were down by 4 runs but with 2 runners
October 8th, 2005 at 10:57 pm