30 Apr
Eddie Gaedel, pioneer game thread: Braves at Nats April 30
I think that the Braves should sign a little person. I mean, really little, tiny strike zone. Lead him off in every road game, and when he walks, run Kotsay for him. I think this could work. Lord knows we need baserunners. I know that some will say that this is a mockery of the game, but to these people I ask: have you seen Chris Resop pitch?
(Hopeless) Hampton update:
He struck out the side in the first and allowed a walk. Radar gun at 87-88.
Yes, I’m streaming RBraves. Yes, I’m bored.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:25 amWhat happened to Chuck James? I don’t mean physically but literally. I can’t find him listed on the DL or the 40 man on the official site. The official site lists the next for starts as JJ v. Nats, Hudson v. Cincy, JoJo v. Cincy, and Glavine v. Cincy. I realize he had a rough outing last time out and he’s probably going to miss a start or two I’m just wondering if he got sent back to Richmond.
Oh and Mac, I love the Phil Collins videos. For just a unbelievable amount of bad videos I think he tops Journey/Steve Perry and Hall and Oates. If we still had Andruw you’d have to play “I Missed Again” where he air plays every instrument from trumpet to drums to microphone cord.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:26 amSir, I am a little person. Your comments deeply offend me.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:27 amI’m sure he’s on the 40-man. He was sent to Richmond after his recent disaster.
Again, I like Hall & Oates, but they paired good songs with amazingly bad videos. The production values of the Collins videos are much higher, but the taste, and the music, are far worse.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:28 amHall and Oates are solid
Why does Gotay always get the call in PH situations? Is he the best we have on the bench? Just wondering why Blanco didnt get the call before Gotay or Pena? I would like to see Pena get a couple of more opportunities, but I guess he’s odd man out when Infante returns. I dont understand why we would keep Miller around. He has no bat and his defense isnt very good either, I believe he had two passed balls in one game already this year.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:34 ambest of the bad 80’s pop has to go to:
duran duran
their music (most of it) was decent for the time (have you heard Bananaramma recently? christ) and some songs can hold up even now, and their videos were oppulent and fun and mysterious.
shit, they’re named after a character in barbarella with fonda (nice braves connection there, don’t you think?).
collins, however, always struck me as a tool. even in genesis, gabriel was the brains (but collins DEFINITELY has the shiny head…
zing.)
April 30th, 2008 at 9:35 amWe are 4th in the league in OBP. I don’t think that is the problem.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/aggregate?sort=onBasePct&split=0&group=8&season=2008&seasonType=2&statType=batting&type=reg
The problem with the offense is an overemphasis on trying to force a hit and not being willing to take the walk when somebody is giving it. Interestingly, the one player who best takes the walk when it is given, Chipper, hits the best. The second best at, KJ, is frequently roundly criticized.
It is an organizational philosophy problem. Look at our minor league teams. Last night one team (Mississippi?) had 0 walks received in 9 innings. That is pitiful.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:43 am2nd inning — Hampton allowed a double and no other damage. RBraves announcer opines that JoJo was pulled yesterday to rest him for Smoltz’s spot.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:47 ampretty poor 2 IP for Jo Jo yesterday
2IP 4H 2ER 2BB 1K
April 30th, 2008 at 9:50 amAs we proved with Lillibridge, we like calling our minor leaguers up in the middle of their respective slumps.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:52 amFirst Time Caller, Long Time Listener. Could you play “Against All Odds” by Phil Collins? It seems to be the theme for the Braves this season.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:52 amInteresting trivia question during the RBraves game: Hampton is attempting to become the first ML starter in the expansion era (since 1961) to have started over 250 career games, then make even one start after missing two complete seasons. Who was the first?
April 30th, 2008 at 10:00 amWalk and a bleeder single allowed in the third, but no runs and one K. Some deep counts — he’s probably around 60 pitches.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:02 amJosé Rijo?
April 30th, 2008 at 10:02 amSorry. Reread the question.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:11 amRijo, while not the answer given on the radio, appears to be correct as well. Whoever came up with that question will never make it to AFLAC at this rate….
I’ll give it a little more time.
Hampton at 58 pitches going into the 4th, aiming for 75. Chuckie J warming up in the pen.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:11 amIt’s JJ’s turn again already? I was hoping he might get an extra day or two after that high stress Mets outing.
I know they can’t with all the injuries but I wish they could be a little more careful with his arm. It’s nice to have a talented young SP, it’s been a while.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:13 amWhen your talking about Hampton, be careful in using the term “bleeder”.
When Infante returns, I would expect Gotay to get DFA’d. I mean, we didn’t trade anyone to get him and he seems to be living up to his price at this point. After seeing Lillibridge play, I understand why we decided we needed someone else.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:13 amRe: #3. Why is this offensive?
April 30th, 2008 at 10:19 amYou’re not going to believe this. At 72 pitches (3 from his limit), Hampton throws a pitch to Reed Brignac and walks off the mound. Trainer comes out, and Hampton gets pulled in the middle of the count.
Actually, you probably do believe it.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:20 amIt is a surprise. I really thought he’d make it back to Atlanta to hurt himself in warmups again.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:21 amHe must have figured he couldn’t pull that one again (I know, careful when you say “pull” around Hampton), so his only choice was to do it now.
Sadly, I think I’m only half-kidding. I think he’s mental.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:29 amIs it Jim Bouton?
April 30th, 2008 at 10:44 amBouton didn’t have the 250 starts needed.
OK gotta run. It was Dave Stieb (and, evidently, Rijo).
April 30th, 2008 at 10:47 amLittle people and 80’s videos make me think of the Safety Dance by Men Without Hats.
Mac, I enjoyed the paper. Have you already submitted it?
April 30th, 2008 at 10:52 amIt’s only April, but Mike Hampton is already a lock for the 2008 Carl Pavano Award. I’m already starting to be scared the Braves will offer him a low dollar contract for next year after the season.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:04 amPlease. Carl Pavano once won the Mike Hampton award. A little respect would be nice.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:09 amSo I’m sitting here contemplting what could be wrong with Mikey Hampton now and the following thoughts came to mind:
1) He’s not hurt again, just needed to go to the potty.
2) Carl Pavano was in the stands yelling “Mike, you don’t have to pitch to get the money”
3) One of his balls slipped through the vent holes in his protective cup and got pinched. Oh wait, he has no balls.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:11 amHe’s trying to rehab an injury so he can help the Braves this season, and b/c it’s taken longer than you’d like he ‘has no balls’? Please.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:14 amI agree with MGL. Suck it up Mike. What a wuss. By the way Brad he has not pitched since 2005 in case you forgot.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:20 amwhat’s up with the early start times today–the Rome Braves started at 10:30–is it early bird Wednesday or are the Braves trying to do primetime broadcasts to eastern Europe?
April 30th, 2008 at 11:24 amThere are plenty of baseball players who you could say ‘have no balls’, like those who beat their wives or take steroids. Hampton didn’t ask for any of this and he’s rehabbed and worked a lot harder to come back the last few years than a lot of current guys on our team. Say he’s injury-prone, say it’s bad luck or fate or that he’s cursed, fine. But saying he has no balls just doesn’t fly with me. He’s repeatedly said he’s doing everything he can to come back and try and help the team–his body hasn’t allowed it so far. But he’s at the park a lot more than most guys on the team and no one probably knows what all he’s gone through to try and get back.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:26 amA little off topic, but Smoltz might be heading for the bullpen.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3374786
That man is a class act. Willing to do whatever it takes to help his team.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:32 amWait, Smoltz is hurt? On the DL? He obviously has no balls.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:36 am#33 – sounds good.
By the time Smoltz is ready to come off the DL, Blaine Boyer should be ready to go on it. I thought I could smell a burning smell coming from Blaine’s shoulder when he left the mound last night – and I was only watching the game on TV.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:37 amI turned in the paper last night — I was still writing it yesterday afternoon. If I had the scope, I would at least have included something about his clashes with the Elias Bureau, and I originally intended to offer more about the publishing ventures of STATS/BIS, but didn’t have the time to properly research it all.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:38 amI just read the DOB blog, and Smoltz may want to return to the bullpen because he may not be able to pitch 6-7 innings a night as a starter when he returns. That is a better argument than moving Smoltz to the bullpen just because it is struggling.
April 30th, 2008 at 12:02 pmRe: the Richmond game
After Hampton left, James pitched the last 4.2 innings. He allowed just one run, but walked 3 and struck out only 2. I’m concerned about his peripherals, after once being outstanding, lately they’ve been very mediocre.
April 30th, 2008 at 12:06 pmFor the remainder of the season, we might once again have 2 holes in the back of the rotation if James, Bennett, or Reyes can’t stabilize them.
April 30th, 2008 at 12:08 pmHampton update
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080430&content_id=2614611&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl
April 30th, 2008 at 12:08 pmI don’t see the point of moving Smoltz to the bullpen unless he just can’t give the innings anymore. I assume they would use him as the closer–but that hasn’t really been the problem. If anything, they need him as a set up guy but he isn’t going to do that. If he moves to the bullpen, where do they replace his innings. If his shoulder is so bad that he doesn’t think he can start anymore, the Braves are screwed any way you cut it.
I was at the game last night and I don’t think I have ever seen so many poor at bats. They just seem to go up and flail. It’s not like Tim Redding is Bob Gibson but he controlled them (other than Chipper). Does Frenchy EVER take the first pitch? The top of the seventh was just ugly. It’s pretty obvious the team is frustrated and pressing; in close games on the road especially, they seem to expect things to go wrong and they usually do.
It’s very depressing. I don’t think the cavalry is coming over the hill.
April 30th, 2008 at 12:38 pmHampton update. He sucks. Oh I forgot we already know that. Why doesn’t the SOB retire so we can get another starting pitcher that will actually pitch?
April 30th, 2008 at 1:19 pmUm, he’s on the DL, so he’s not costing us a roster spot.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:21 pmHe’s on the 40-man.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:23 pmOh ok. Well then surely after today he’ll be DL’d.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:24 pmHe’s a floor wax AND a dessert topping.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:26 pm#12:
If memory serves me correctly, it was Schoolboy Rowe. I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard his name in conjunction with Hampton’s over the past few months, but I know it’s quite a few.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:27 pmHampton’s trials and tribulations remind me of those of Nick Esasky’s in the early 1980s. I don’t know whose are more frustrating–or more comical.
I’m still hoping Hampton can pull one out (no pun intended).
April 30th, 2008 at 1:47 pmKJ
April 30th, 2008 at 1:50 pmEscobar
Jones
Tex
Mccann
Frenchy
Kotsay
Blanco
He’s already on the DL. Unless insurance is somehow covering it, the Braves still have to pay his expensive salary, so he is in fact costing the Braves a lot.
April 30th, 2008 at 1:51 pm@45—being on the 15 day dl counts as part of the 40-man, but the 60 day dl does not
April 30th, 2008 at 2:18 pmPirates spanking the Mets 13-1 Top of 8th.
April 30th, 2008 at 2:32 pmDefinitive proof Cox is a fool:
“We were counting heavily on him,” said Braves manager Bobby Cox, who had Hampton scheduled for a May 10 start at Pittsburgh …
April 30th, 2008 at 2:36 pmWhy was KJ scratched?
April 30th, 2008 at 2:42 pmPer DOB, he’s sitting with a sore back. Didn’t realize those were contagious.
April 30th, 2008 at 2:44 pmAnother wasted double.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:05 pmwe’re almost at a time where we need to REALLY think about blowing this team up
trade(s):
tex (AA pitcher and HIGH ceiling MIF type (millwaukeee has ALOT of these…but arizona needs his bat more)
smoltz (ugh) for AT LEAST 2 MLB ready arms (hughes and chamberlin would be awesome)
hudson (ugh) (1 MLB ready arm and a AA arm…detroit anyone? porcello would be really nice and one of their AAA arms)
move chipper to 1st.
otherwise, we’re in for a LONG LONG year
April 30th, 2008 at 3:15 pmYou can tell how far back Joe and Boog’s Braves memory goes. Trivia answer is Craig McMurtry….
April 30th, 2008 at 3:19 pmget real–no way the Yanks give Chamberlain and Hughes for Smoltz–they weren’t even willing to part with those two for Santana
April 30th, 2008 at 3:22 pm#47
Rowe is the answer to a different question — maybe he was the only one to win in double figures after missing two years. Anyway, he was before expansion.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:23 pmConner Jackson (Arizona 1B) has a1000+ OPS right now. he may or may not maintain it, but he has improved his OPS every year, and is just 26 this year. I think Arizona is plum out of prospects, any way. Could we now get equivalent value for what we gave upo to get Tex?
April 30th, 2008 at 3:24 pmMaybe we can trade Tex to Texas for Salty and some prospects
April 30th, 2008 at 3:27 pmchris, that’s insane.
(1) Why do we need a middle infield prospect? Seems like a Teix replacement and pitching should be the goals of any trade.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:28 pm(2) Smoltz is damaged goods right now—no way you get two stud pitching prospects in return.
(3) Nobody would give up anything like Rick Porcello+ for Hudson.
(4) You don’t think it would be a LONG LONG year if we traded away all those guys for prospects???
#58, What was the question? I’m stuck with MASN and Bob Carpenter who’s doing his best to convince me to shut down mlb.tv
April 30th, 2008 at 3:33 pmI can’t believe I missed VH1’s “Phil Collins Weekend.”
That’s gold, Jerry. Gold.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:33 pmJair Jurrjens: Ace.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:34 pmOr at least, “staff ace”
April 30th, 2008 at 3:34 pmMcCann and Francoeur: out on 3 total pitches.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:35 pmI’m going to Pittsburgh for two games on the 10th and 11th.
If Mike Hampton pitches, I will streak across the field.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:35 pm7-pitch inning.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:35 pmQuestion…not to be sarcastic or anything, but if Mike Hampton is so worried about re-injuring himself, which is understandable, why doesn’t he just retire?
April 30th, 2008 at 3:37 pm#64
Who holds the Atlanta record for pitching wins as a rookie?
April 30th, 2008 at 3:42 pmGotay; Jurrjens; Blanco…I cannot think of a less imposing group when looking to score runs. here’s for an 8 or 9 pitch inning.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:45 pmGotay actually looks decent at the plate. Got a runner to 3rd with less than 2 outs, which is more than Kelly Johnson seems capable of doing lately.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:46 pmOh snap, don’t know if this has been posted yet, but Smoltzie is coming back as a reliever.
http://tinyurl.com/3lu58d
April 30th, 2008 at 3:48 pm#71 – How dare you bring logic into this?
Mike Hampton must continue to frustrate Atlanta Braves fans with his Total Body Failure.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:50 pmWe just can’t have a lead, can we?
April 30th, 2008 at 3:57 pmIf anyone is out and about in the Atlanta area, I am also going to my first game at Turner Field on May 22 to see a Mets/Braves matchup, and for any Wisconsinites, I am going to see the Brewers/Braves in Milwaukee on the 27th of May.
April 30th, 2008 at 3:58 pmMcCann is a worse defensive catcher than Javy when it comes to catch basestealers. His throws are ridiculous.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:00 pmPersonally, I’m amazed at how well Hampton has taken his years worth of injuries. Most other players wouldn’t even think of trying to make a come back and yet this man still does. He still tries to make a come back even though he’s failing at it. That’s the worst possible situation but it’s life. Hampton not having balls or being wax on the floor is completely ridiculous. Think about how it would be to be him and the anguish he probably goes through every time he takes me mound. I firmly believe he wants to return and pitch at the mlb level. Hampton is no wuss – many other players would have given up and resorted to alcohol or drugs but this man keeps fighting. Even if he doesn’t pitch in the mlb again, what he’s trying to do is still remarkable.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:02 pmMike, thanks for the link. Peanut quotes Smoltz as saying “we’re not going to win with me as a 5 inning pitcher either.” Count me as rather having him for 5 innings and pairing him with Campillo or somebody of the like to get to whoever the setup men are these days. I would rather have that than no Smoltz in the rotation at all.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:02 pmWow, that all but confirms it: Smoltz is the closer when he comes back.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:02 pmI would rather have that than no Smoltz in the rotation at all.
Yeah, but I doubt even the 5-inning version of Smoltz would last very long. I trust Bobby’s and his judgment on this one. Could make for a fierce bullpen.
Now might be the time to try Matt Morris, eh?
April 30th, 2008 at 4:06 pm80–good point–I think it’s fair game to joke/grip about Hampton being injury prone (see 53), but I assume he wants to pitch and is making a genuine attempt to do so. He may be a bum, but I don’t think it’s fair to jump to that conclusion just b/c he’s been repeately injured.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:06 pmgrip, gripe–won’t someone put a spell checker on this d#$n thing
April 30th, 2008 at 4:07 pmOur pitching situation is scary. Who becomes trade bait just to get a quality starter who won’t fall apart on us? Frenchy?
April 30th, 2008 at 4:07 pmum…no.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:09 pmThat would be one hell of a bullpen when/if Soriano and Gonzalez come back. We would just need 6 innings from the starter then the game would be just about over if we had the lead.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:09 pmMeanwhile, I’m beginning to think Escobar is one of the best defensive SS’s in the league.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:10 pm“Look at our minor league teams. Last night one team (Mississippi?) had 0 walks received in 9 innings. That is pitiful.”
Can a minor league city sue the parent club for non-support? Have you all looked at that team or their record? 6-20, or 37-125 for a 162 game schedule. jeez, atlanta, bring hanson up there or something; that is stunningly embarrassing, after they built a new stadium and all.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:11 pmI hope not, I like Frenchy, but our rotation is falling apart.
And another question, if Smoltz goes back to being a closer for this year and next, is he still due the full amount on his contract? $14 million is a deal for a starter of Smoltz’s caliber, but its a big chunk of change for a reliever…
April 30th, 2008 at 4:12 pmWell, they’d have Schafer if not for the pesky HGH thing.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:12 pmIt would be nice if we could score some runs.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:12 pm#90
I hate to sound like a pessimist, but I don’t think there will be a “next year” for Smoltz. And I think he knows it, too.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:13 pmI meant to refer to #91 in my last post.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:14 pmbraves14, that, in theory would be a heck of a bullpen, I will grant you thank. Those three guys include one coming back from TJ, and two others that the name Dr Andrews have mentioned around. Jurrjens in the only pitcher that the Braves have right now that can pitch very often into the sixth. I shutter to think how bad off this rotation would be without him.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:14 pmRichmond, OTOH, is doing well. These things are cyclical.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:16 pmEven if there were, his $12 million option vests at 200 IP, which he ain’t reaching.
(That money sure would help with a Teix signing, wouldn’t it? I’d rather have Smoltz healthy and pitching, but that could be one positive to come out of this.)
April 30th, 2008 at 4:16 pmOh, a single. Let me guess — bunt?
April 30th, 2008 at 4:16 pmJurrjens reminds me of how sound an approach it is to stock up on a bunch of young strong arms, so you have enough when 50% wash out with injury or because they just cannot take the next step to MLB. here is hoping Jo-Jo can take that next step; he has done great in AAA.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:16 pmAhh, common. Let’s leave Jurrjens in for at least 1 more. Kid’s going great!
April 30th, 2008 at 4:17 pmJurrjens in the only pitcher that the Braves have right now that can pitch very often into the sixth.
Glavine, too, although he could lose it at any moment.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:17 pm…
April 30th, 2008 at 4:18 pmDAMN!!! Someone have Cox stop this stupid bunting. Now Jurrjens is out. Fckin great!
April 30th, 2008 at 4:18 pmPlease excuse my language.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:19 pmI don’t mind giving Jurrjens the rest of the night off. No need to risk ruining our only healthy, good, young pitcher.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:20 pmGlavine might be able, but so far I’ve only seen it twice.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:21 pmWorst MLB Headline Ever:
April 30th, 2008 at 4:22 pm“Konerko’s Hot Bat Leads to Sore Hand.”
106
Agreed.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:22 pmGlavine might be able, but so far I’ve only seen it twice.
Yeah, in 4 starts, one of which he was yanked out of in the first inning because of an injury. If you think he’s going to be injured and not pitching, that’s one thing, but I don’t think it’s unreasonable to assume that the guy who’s looked pretty good so far and who was 3rd in the league in QS last year can be counted on to get into the 6th inning with some regularity, when healthy.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:25 pmBoyer…
April 30th, 2008 at 4:26 pmSeriously, Bobby is ruining Blaine’s career. Smoltz will come off the DL just in time to take Boyer’s spot on the 25-man.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:31 pmSorry we couldn’t get you the win, Jair. This is what we do. Ask Tom Glavine.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:32 pmtimoreg,
April 30th, 2008 at 4:35 pmBrian tells me that one was for you.
Absolutely, Stu. I like to be proven wrong like this!
April 30th, 2008 at 4:36 pmOkay, how about this then: No way Chipper hits a HR!
April 30th, 2008 at 4:37 pmOkay, how about this then: No way Chipper hits a HR.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:37 pmJeff: it’s ok to take a pitch. Seriously. Some major league players make the opposing pitcher work, on occasion. Might want to check into how that works.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:42 pmSeriously, we can only get 3 runs in 18 innings off of Nats pitching?!? If the Nats win this one, half of their wins will be against us.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:42 pmI can’t tell what just happened, I was too busy banging my head on my desk.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:42 pmMake that – more than half of their wins will be against us.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:43 pm2 innings for Boyer…Stu’s gonna lose it.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:44 pmIn all fairness, guys, you can’t expect to score a ton of runs against Tim Redding and Shawn Hill.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:44 pm2 innings for Boyer…Stu’s gonna lose it.
So are the Braves.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:45 pmWhat’s sad is that you could make up an opposing pitcher that we’re facing, just throw any 2 names out there, and my gut reaction is ‘uh oh…he’s going to shut us down’.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:46 pmWell, I can’t expect to score many runs against Redding and Hill. Of course, that’s why I’m not a major league hitter.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:48 pmBoyer is on pace to appear in 90 games and pitch 100 innings.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:48 pmI’m not saying that Glavine or Hudson aren’t capable of being six inning guys, a month in, I just haven’t had my socks knocked off from either guy, whether it’s been because of injury or “fatigue,” or whatever. I’m certainly willing to give Tommy the benefit of the doubt, but Hudson does not look right in my opinion.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:49 pmHey, two more HBP and we can all go home!
April 30th, 2008 at 4:49 pm(In real life, he’s on pace to make, like, 2 more appearances and pitch 3.3 more innings for the rest of his career.)
April 30th, 2008 at 4:50 pmNice, Royce. Reliever roulette continues, which will be great if this game goes 17 innings.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:50 pmRoyce Ring, appropriately named.
“Rung his bell?”
April 30th, 2008 at 4:50 pmNice job by Boyer. Putting him back out there today was a good move by Cox — don’t let the bad outing fester….
April 30th, 2008 at 4:51 pmsansho1,
April 30th, 2008 at 4:53 pmIn theory, that’s a good rule of thumb, and it’s Bobby’s M.O. with relievers. In this case, though, he’s just adding a ton of innings to the arm of a guy who already has a re-built shoulder.
Uhm.. what the crap? Jeff Bennett’s nose just starts bleeding on the mound..
April 30th, 2008 at 4:54 pmAnyone watching this? How bad is it? Next thing you know we’re going to catch the plague.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:54 pmJeff Bennett snorts HGH.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:55 pmBaseball isn’t fun to watch anymore.
April 30th, 2008 at 4:55 pmI mean it’s not that bad, but it was steady blood, like a trickle of water, to his mouth.
He’ll stay in/
April 30th, 2008 at 4:55 pmIs Willie Randolph into voodoo or something?
April 30th, 2008 at 4:55 pmfree baseball–yippee
April 30th, 2008 at 4:56 pmNosebleed? lawl
April 30th, 2008 at 4:56 pmWhat’s next? Spontaneous human combustion?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:00 pmHere comes the “power” off the bench – Pena!
April 30th, 2008 at 5:03 pmWe’ve lost the ability to do anything right.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:03 pmOh, common.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:03 pmok, there’s no excuse . . . . nevermind.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:04 pmOkay, what happened? The bloodflow from my forehead is in my eyes now.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:04 pm#138 — I don’t think it is even fun to listen to any more. The sad thing is, if they lose this, it will likely be by 1 run.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:04 pmThe Braves are really bad right now.
I think what is frustrating is that I feel they should not be.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:06 pmOkay. One inning for Acosta, then Carlyle… then it’s Resop Time!
April 30th, 2008 at 5:06 pmHonestly, I’m following on the computer, how the hell do you fly into a 7-3 double play?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:07 pmOf course, Willie Harris should figure into our undoing.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:07 pmGotay was at 2nd for some reason when the ball was caught, and didn’t make it back to first in time. Dumb play.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:07 pmI still like the nickname of Poser for Resop.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:08 pmGotay runs to second on fly caught by Harris; Harris hits relay man who hits Johnson before Gotay retreats to first.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:09 pmJust end the misery.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:09 pmAcosta now 6 BBs in 11.2 IP.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:09 pmSee, 2-0 to Boone, where’s McDowell?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:10 pmThis is so frustrating to watch!!
April 30th, 2008 at 5:11 pmOh, there you are – 2 pitches too late!
April 30th, 2008 at 5:11 pmWhat’s he going to tell him, don’t suck?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:12 pmI can’t make it, but anyone who can get to the game on Friday… I want this chant started:
WE WANT LEO! WE WANT LEO!
April 30th, 2008 at 5:12 pmThis makes me want to cancel MLB.TV, Extra Innings and any other ways in which I pay to watch these exhibitions. I might as well take a piece of paper and make paper cuts between all of my fingers. That would be less painful than watching this slop.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:12 pmNice. That was a very Braves-like thing to do.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:13 pmThis is the worst Braves team since the bad Braves of my childhood.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:13 pmNats suck
April 30th, 2008 at 5:13 pmnice dp but it only drags us along to the inevitable Reslop
April 30th, 2008 at 5:14 pmYeah son!
April 30th, 2008 at 5:14 pmMaybe Roger knew his job was on the line with whatever he said to Manny.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:14 pmHooray! We can sweat it out for another inning!
April 30th, 2008 at 5:14 pmAlso, you’re insane if you think this team is worse than 2006 or (probably) 2007.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:14 pmIn fact, give me a minute…
April 30th, 2008 at 5:14 pmThere. New tagline.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:15 pmYou want Leo. I want..
erm.. Don Baylor.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:18 pmNo way man. Leo is so bad for the clubhouse chemistry! We could never win anything with him in the dugout.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:18 pmAt least this is providing constant action (note I didn’t say entertainment) until Hawks/Celtics at the top of the hour..
April 30th, 2008 at 5:20 pmThe Hawks are more interesting and inspiring than the Braves, FCB? The apocalypse is truly upon us. And I’m not saying you’re wrong.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:21 pm“I hear people say that we can’t win without me as a starter. But we’re not going to win with me as a five-inning starter either.”
– John Smoltz
well put, Smoltzie
April 30th, 2008 at 5:22 pmI have long admired the fact that Smoltzie is a realist.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:24 pmHow about AAA hitting coach Chris Chambliss?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:24 pmI’ve never really wanted a jersey.. but I feel tempted to get a Smoltz t-shirt or something.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:25 pmMaybe if we term him a 5 inning closer it will make him feel better. Just come in in relief in the 4th inning every 5 days. Last time I checked 1 inning < 5 innings.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:26 pmHe could finish Chuck James’ games every 5th day. 2 starters for the price of…two.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:27 pmGameday has stopped. What’s going on now? Did Blanco have a seizure after flying out? Was the stadium attacked by aliens?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:29 pmIf you get some poor sod to give a decent 3 inning start and then have Smoltz follow it up it could be a cheap way to game some wins out of the system. Anything that could further point out the farcical nature of the “win” stat is a good thing in my book.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:30 pmre: post 186. Could he get a win and a save if he comes in with the lead in the 4th and finishes the game?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:30 pmNo, just the win.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:31 pmhe gets the win and a tub of ben-gay for his shoulder
April 30th, 2008 at 5:32 pmSeriously, is anything happening?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:32 pmFrenchy is at bat after Mac grounded to get the pinch runner, Prado to third with one out.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:33 pmTex doubled, Prado in to run for him. 0 outs, heap at the plate
April 30th, 2008 at 5:33 pmTeixeira doubled to lead off the 12th, and McCann grounded out to first to advance pinch-runner Prado to third.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pmPrado on third with one out. Frenchy at bat; run won’t score.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pmfrenchy ground out, prado to third
April 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pmYeah, Francoeur just blew it.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pmsorry.. heap ground out
April 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pmAnd Frenchy fails to get the ball out of the infield. Two outs runner on third.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pm..and Frenchy does nothing.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pmThanks a heap, Frenchy.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:34 pmnow two out; Kotsay at bat; Prado still at third
April 30th, 2008 at 5:35 pmnow frenchy ground out. 2 outs
April 30th, 2008 at 5:35 pmHe just flailed his way out of an easy RBI.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:35 pmAll you have to do is get a runner homw from third with less than two out.
BTW, is Prado that much faster than Tex or did I miss something?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:35 pmBase hit by Kotsay.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:35 pmThank you, Mark.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pmKotsay! Needs to bat above Jeff for awhile.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pmHoly cow, Chipper has zero hits, but Kotsay now has three.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pmPrado scored, btw.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pmYES!!
April 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pmHoly cow, Kotsay!
April 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pmI got it running again. Good work with the pinch-running, Bobby. Not only are we going to lose, but now we’re probably going to lose when Prado drops an inning-ending out at first base.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pmMark Kotsay… hero?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pmYeah, not sure Prado is the “speed” guy we were going for there. Maybe Bobby was getting bored watching all the popups and groundouts and needed to do something.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:37 pmWait… Acosta isn’t hitting here, is he? He’s already thrown two innings.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:38 pmNormally I would have to thrash Chip Caray’s commentary but compared to “the Lemmer” he sounds like Vinny the Skull.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:38 pmAlrighty, Chip has been talking the whole inning about how ABSOLUTELY AWESOME it was that McCann grounded out to first earlier. Are you kidding me? He’s almost acting like it’s the optimal outcome. I understand the notion of making a “productive out”, but for chrissake, it’s still an out!
And now Acosta is going to go three innings…. Yeesh.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:38 pmAcosta going 3 innings? Really?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:38 pmAnd they scored with two outs. I like that.
Could a one-run win be within their grasp?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:38 pm212 — seriously… this isn’t hte first time prado has run for teix in a close game. i’m pretty sure prado isn’t lightning fast (you know, like willie harris was last year for us) and teixiera’s not a catcher.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:38 pmAcosta IS hitting… 0 and 2
April 30th, 2008 at 5:39 pmand now k’d
April 30th, 2008 at 5:39 pm219, with Acosta going out for a third inning, a one-run loss is still within our grasp.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:39 pm@220
April 30th, 2008 at 5:40 pmplus Prado can play first
I’m not sure Tex could have scored from 3rd on that two-out single to right.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:40 pmPrado can’t play defense, period.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:41 pmThis is a dumb move, but I’m not sure who I’d rather have out there.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:41 pmLeadoff walk.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:42 pmSo, that’s four walks for Acosta.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:43 pmAcosta – Now 10 BBs in 13.2 IP.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:43 pmI think I would have gone with Carlyle, but the die is cast.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:44 pm(head exploding)
April 30th, 2008 at 5:44 pmthere’s the Prado boot that we all knew was coming
April 30th, 2008 at 5:45 pmThere’s Prado with a bad play for you Mac.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:45 pmYou called it, Mac. Prado drops what would have been a double-play ball.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:45 pmSo, Bobby, with 3 guys left in the ‘pen, decides to let Acosta, who has already pitched 2 innings, hit for himself with 2 on and 2 out.
…
April 30th, 2008 at 5:45 pmPrado with YET ANOTHER crucial nonerror.
Seriously, this makes me want to cry.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:45 pmAnd this is why Bobby needs to retire. Martin Prado at first in a tight, 2-2, 12th inning tie.
Head shaking.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:46 pmAnd 39 pitches thrown. Maybe Acosta is auditioning for a starting rotation slot.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:46 pmI’m not sure what’s worse — Cox’s decisions this inning or the Nationals color man who can pronounce neither “Prado” nor “Teixeira.”
April 30th, 2008 at 5:46 pmYep, it was ruled a base hit.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:46 pmYep, it’s official — Bobby Cox is senile. Is there really any other explanation?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:46 pmso is prado playing second and not 1st?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:46 pmOh my defense….
And while I find Lemke mostly uninteresting, Chip’s blather makes me want to beat things.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:47 pmI don’t even have a comment.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:48 pmHol-ee crap.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:48 pmYou’re kidding me
April 30th, 2008 at 5:48 pmPrado at first, and a bunt just went through the wickets.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:48 pmSadly, this is an appropriate way to end a lost month.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:48 pmAs Tex, our all-star and gold-glove 1B, watches from the bench. I feel bad for Bobby…it’s just time to move on.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:48 pmi can’t believe this!
April 30th, 2008 at 5:49 pmFocusing on the positive:
Their next two hitters are Ronnie Belliard and Felipe Lopez
April 30th, 2008 at 5:49 pmhaha, i have no idea what’s going on but seeing the sad comments it can’t be good
April 30th, 2008 at 5:49 pmWow. Good thing I don’t run the team, or I’d make the rash decision to fire Bobby immediately after this game. Between Prado and Acosta…I mean…I have no words.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:49 pmso if i understand correctly — the bases are loaded with no outs and the ball hasn’t even left the infield, right?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:49 pmThe decisions this inning are indefensible; the result so far in the bottom of the 12th is a consequence as justified as it is predictable.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:50 pmIn fairness to Cox, Teixeira is almost as slow as McCann, so you almost have to pinch run there. The real issue is how short the bench is.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:50 pmYes, and Acosta is at about 50 pitches with 2 other guys in the bullpen ready.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:50 pmShort version, RehabReject- the Nats haven’t gotten the ball out of the infield, gave us an out, and have the bases loaded with no outs.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:50 pmAt this point it is impossible that Acosta would not walk in a run if the Nats just kept the bats on their shoulders.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:50 pmIt remains unbelievable how Prado can get away with so many misplays not called errors.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:50 pmAh poop.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:51 pmTie game–but not for long.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:51 pmWell, at least it’ll end this inning.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:51 pmThis is going to be the worst loss of the season. Bobby: thanks for what you’ve done, now go play golf.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:51 pmAnd Belliard walks. Everybody headed home for the Cincy series take one step forward. Not so fast, Manny. Or Bobby.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:51 pmSo not pinch hitting for Acosta worked out pretty well, didn’t it ?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:52 pmI really am beginning to think that Bobby’s losing it these last few years.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:52 pmMight as well say it, since it’s a likelihood … 0-9 in one-run games.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:52 pmI usually don’t say this, but I feel this is a managing loss.
The Tex pinch runner.
Letting Acosta pitch forever after he has already walked every other batter he faced.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:52 pmWe haven’t hit anybody this inning. I guess that would be an appropriate way to lose.
What other ways? Passed ball? Grand slam? Sac fly? What’s your call?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:52 pmAcosta did fine in what should have been his TWO innings. Asking him to go three is suicide, as we’ve just found out. Of course, all of us here saw this happening 10 minutes ago…our manager just realized it.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:53 pmCan we say 0-9 in one run games?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:53 pmPlease retire already, Bobby. You obviously have no clue what you are doing anymore. Good grief.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:54 pmgee whiz … a one-run loss
April 30th, 2008 at 5:54 pmWalk-off single.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:54 pmThis may be the most horribly mismanaged game I have ever seen by Bobby. And that’s really saying something.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:54 pm271 … it has to be something that ensures a one-run loss, so not a homer.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:54 pmThis one might be enough to make me stop watching this team for a while. Pathetic.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:54 pmtalk about getting hit in the crotch. We need to remember this one and learn from it.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:54 pmYep, I need a break.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:55 pmWorst loss of the season. No doubt about it.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:55 pmThis is what I would like to call, “rock bottom”. We just got SWEPT by the frakking Nationals, Smoltz is on the DL, Hampton’s back on the DL, we can’t score runs, and Bobby’s making managing moves like he’s Hellen Keller.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:55 pmStupid managing, stupid announcing, stupid scheduling. Does it get any worse than this?
April 30th, 2008 at 5:55 pmI’m not embarrassed to be a Braves fan by this … but I am going to the bathroom to puke now. That’s not making an extreme analogy … I literally feel sick in my stomach after watching that debacle.
April 30th, 2008 at 5:55 pmsit tight for the recap … this one should be good
April 30th, 2008 at 5:56 pmUn-freakin-believable!
April 30th, 2008 at 5:57 pmthis like getting beat by a girl in 4th grade
April 30th, 2008 at 6:00 pmBitter recap is up.
April 30th, 2008 at 6:03 pmI’m just numb to this stuff by now.
Braves waste a brilliant pitching performance and lose by one in extra innings to the Nationals, the team with the worst record in the NL (but watch out Nationals, we might storm your cellar); Mike Hampton trudges off the mound with an injury in a minor league game.
Sounds like Wednesday.
April 30th, 2008 at 6:06 pm