Brooks Conrad
Been up for a few days; as a reserve, I like him more as an occasional starter than as a guy who comes off the bench during the game. He doesn’t profile as a pinch-hitter, as he hasn’t hit for average (career minor league BA .261, career AAA BA .248) but compensates with secondary skills (.343 career OBP, .467 career SLG). Basically, he’s not the guy you want hitting with a runner on second and two out.
Conrad was drafted by the Astros out of Arizona State in 2001. The Astros assigned him to low-A ball, and then regular A the next year; he was really too advanced for the level. He went up the system at the normal rate, generally putting up numbers fitting the profile above — low batting averages combined with power, an unusual combination for a middle infielder. In 2006, he led the minor leagues in extra-base hits, slugging .534 thanks to 40 doubles and 24 homers; the Astros decided they didn’t need any of that and didn’t so much as give him a callup. Nor did they need him in 2007 when their starting second baseman (admittedly a future Hall of Famer) slugged .381, their starting third baseman slugged .384, and their starting shortstop slugged .318.
Anyway, after that Conrad went to where guys whose major league franchises don’t appreciate them go — Oakland. He slugged .508 in AAA, but didn’t hit well in a callup and the A’s let him go. The Braves signed him, and he got off to a hot start in Gwinnett; for awhile, he was the top home run hitter in the organization outside Myrtle Beach. He cooled off a bit, but got the callup anyway when Kelly Johnson went on the DL… Has a bad glove reputation, but I don’t know how justified that is. A player of his offensive type (low-average slugger) will always get a bad defensive rep unless he’s a catcher or really, obviously good. He played a fair amount of shortstop in Gwinnett, and in Sacramento last season, after rarely playing the position before. He has a strong record as a base stealer, 110 successful, 34 caught for his career, 51 and 14 in AAA.
Brooks Conrad Statistics and History – Baseball-Reference.com
Game Thread.
He made a great play the other night on a ball that hit off the mound. No way Prado or KJ makes that play. Plus, his pinch hit homer the other night in might be the biggest hit of the year so far.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:05 pmMac, you forgot to tell us that Francoeur sucks in the writeup.
basically Conrad allows us to send Diory back to AAA if need be
July 9th, 2009 at 3:11 pmIf both the A’s and the Braves think he can handle shortstop, he can’t be that bad of a defensive player. That’s two organizations that put a priority on defense and (in their different ways) measure it pretty well.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:11 pm“Francoeur sucks. It’s possible that Conrad may not. He can hardly suck more.”
July 9th, 2009 at 3:12 pmDiory needs to go back to AAA now. I’ll even volunteer to pick him up at the airport. Diory makes Francoeur look like Willie Mays.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:14 pmContinuing the beer thread…
Everything good that you can possibly say about the Brick Store in Decatur is deserved.
However, I gotta plug The Porter in Little 5 Points. (Full disclosure: it’s founded by a friend of mine.) Without hyperbole, I can say that it’s one of the best beer lists I’ve seen — obviously, high on the pretentious microbrewed stuff that I love, and a high proportion of Belgians among the imports — and the food’s good too.
If Javier Vazquez were a beer, he’d be Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:25 pmDiory Hernandez has a better HR per AB ratio this year than Jeff Francoeur. That doesn’t say much about Diory, but is just one more data point for Frenchie’s suckitude.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:27 pmDiory is not that bad. He obviously had some ability, or he would not be on the team.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:29 pmIf you call anything other than Southpaw the worst beer you’ve ever had…you’ve never had Southpaw.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:33 pmWhat, you young’uns never tried the generic BEER that came in a white can with black letters?
Makes Southpaw look like something brewed by the Sam Adams Co.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:36 pmGood book, though.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:37 pmI’ve tried a lot of bad beer in my life, and I’ll normally tolerate anything that doesn’t have light, dry, or ice attached to it. The only exception I have found is Black Label. When I was in college I picked up a six pack. After a few sips of the first can I just dumped the remainder of the can and the other five cans directly in the trash.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:39 pmSeeing as how I’m a poor recent college grad, I don’t drink much other than Bud Light and the occasional Chianti.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:43 pm@ 6
I forgot about The Porter. It’s new on the scene (at least to me) and I’ve only been there twice. I have weekended at the Brick Store often enough and now Five Seasons west is open within stumbling distance.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:43 pmIf Jeff Francoeur were a beer, he would be a wine cooler, because he couldn’t even get that right.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:43 pmI think the Francoeur as beer has been settled last thread with O’Douls.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:44 pmJeffy would pass for a non-alcoholic pisswater beverage
July 9th, 2009 at 3:46 pmAlso @ 6, Twains in Decatur.
The Brick Store (Decatur)
Twains (Decatur)
The Porter (L5P)
Five Seasons (ATL West, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta)
Where am I missing?
July 9th, 2009 at 3:46 pmTwo other people have voted to LEAVE JEFFY ALONE! but they were “guests” and not logged in like the first person. To my shame, one was at the University of Alabama.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:47 pmIf Francouer were a beer, we would bring back Prohibition.
July 9th, 2009 at 3:49 pm20 — ahahahha
July 9th, 2009 at 3:50 pmGoin to the Mississippi Braves game tonight in B’ham to check out JayHey and Freeman. Dollar beers and quarter wings cuz it’s thirsty thursday…no work tomorrow… 8)
July 9th, 2009 at 3:50 pmSchaefers lite, couldnt even drink it when i was 18 and broke
July 9th, 2009 at 3:53 pmBack in the day (early 80s’), Mickey’s was the beer to drink to get going quick. It had a higher alcohol content than regular beer.
A tall boy Colt .45 would make you puke though, if you didn’t get robbed first. You could only find it in the rougher areas, like the Little Brown Jug in Jax where guys from Skynyrd hung out.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:05 pmWhen I was freshman in college, I was given a warm Miller Lite. Haven’t had a beer since.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:05 pmFranceour is Boone’s Farm Strawberry Hill. Only the girls like it.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:06 pmI’m outraged. Per DOB:
McLouth cf
July 9th, 2009 at 4:19 pmPrado 3b
Anderson lf
McCann c
Escobar ss
Kotchman 1b
Groundhog rf
Conrad 2b
Hanson p
Beyond the Jeff starting what makes no sense that I can’t see is why you would put Garrett in the 3 hole. He’s something like 1- for his last 15. Not that there are a lot of great options with Chipper out but a McLouth, Prado, Escobar, McCann line makes more sense to me.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:24 pmso basically the braves are a .500 team with only 8 guys..if we only had one more think of what we could accomplish
July 9th, 2009 at 4:32 pmbraves 14,
I don’t know if the series has Chianti, but Trader Joe’s has the famous (and pretty damn good) 2 Buck Chuck (in ATL amended to 2 1/2 buck).
Retired wine executive Charles Shaw buys high end surplus grapes from all of the California majors and high quality minors. Then, batches all of the juice (not separating by vintage) and ferments and bottles.
His $2.50 Merlot is about as good as several $16 to $18 bottles.
$30.00 for a case of wine (750 ml bottles). Hard to beat.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:38 pmFrancoeur might actually thrive in Coors Field. He takes those massive swings that go nowhere, but in Coors they might drop singles. BTW, beer people: Coors does suck, right?
July 9th, 2009 at 4:43 pm“I’m outraged. Per DOB:”
Unfriggen believable. .613 OPS; a series in Chicago where he goes 2-9 with 2 infield singles; he has no walks and 1 double in his last 10 games.
#6 does indeed have his back.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:44 pmSam, also for your list:
The Brick Store guys opened up a new bar in Decatur called Leon (as in Ponce de) — I’d imagine it’s good, though I’ve never been.
I gotta give a shoutout to The Vortex, though. My goodness, that place does it right.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:46 pmAlex…good calls with both the Porter and the Vortex. They’re excellent staples of Atlanta.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:57 pmCan’t believe the lack of love for Milwaukee’s Best. I can honestly say it’s the best beer I’ve ever tasted.
July 9th, 2009 at 4:59 pmabsolutely Mac
July 9th, 2009 at 5:00 pmDOB, says he’s going to ask Cox in a creative way Why Matt isnt playing. I’d like to hear that question and see Bobby’s reaction. Anyways, maybe Diaz should complain about the lineups and say that he would like toplay elsewhere, maybe that will get him in the lineup
July 9th, 2009 at 5:01 pmIt’s what Mac said the other day. We’re winning with him in the lineup, so they think he must be why.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:03 pmThe Midway and The Glenwood in East Atlanta (30316 represent!) have very extensive beer lists. The Glenwood also has a nice wine list and reaches quite a bit higher than most places on the menu. It’s good food.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:04 pmYes, Jeffy’s career has deteriorated to the point that he is now basically a mascot.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:05 pmCoors is awful for a variety of reasons, yes.
I’m hearing the Phils are close to signing Pedro Martinez.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:09 pmI’ve actually returned to the days of my youth (’72) and have been drinking Blue Ribbon lately. And enjoying it! Recessionade!
July 9th, 2009 at 5:10 pmIf he’s a mascot, put a costume on him, let him jump up and down on top of the dugout, and let Diaz play RF.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:10 pmI am in Finland right now, and I met one of the 4 people who play baseball here, and although he isn’t super knowledgeable about the MLB, he still knew enough to say “you have a player that keeps on playing and playing even though he sucks, frinköör or something” when I told him I was a Braves fan… His sucktitude is at such a level that even people 12 million miles away from the states know that somewhere in Atlanta, there is a player that should have been sent out 2 years ago !
July 9th, 2009 at 5:25 pmAlex, Leon’s is quite good, as you would expect a Brick Store venture to be. And if you like to talk beer, they’ll bend your ear all night. You can even play bocce outside, which is a nice touch.
And anyplace that would serve an appetizer of bacon with peanut butter has definitely figured out what’s important in life.
I also like Twain’s, Sam. In fact, I’m usually there on Friday afternoons. Well, a little less so these days, as if I spend too much time there I’m no good at all on Saturdays….
July 9th, 2009 at 5:36 pm44 would be hilarious if not for being so sad.
I haven’t been to Leon yet.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:47 pmDo people in Finland laugh? Never been there, but I’ve met some Finns & they were always pretty dour.
Sorry I missed the brew talk. It woulda beat driving down I-95 all day.
Nice beer spot on Long Island: Canterbury Ales in Oyster Bay. Great food, too. As for NYC, I usually go to Irish pubs, with the exception of Rudy’s in Hell’s Kitchen, which is more about the atmosphere than the variety.
I’m also a fan of La Fin Du Monde (some Canadian friends turned me onto it years ago) and a variety of hefeweizens (great beer with a heavy dinner, actually). Blue Moon is cool—my gal digs it, too. The Chimays are good, too, but I gotta be in the mood for a late one.
As someone who basically goes to nightclubs for a living, I can tell you that I’ve had more Heinekens (which I don’t hate) than I’ve ever wanted, last night included. For so many places, it’s the only non-US beer in the house. But I know lotsa folks who hate it & would prefer Bud (or maybe strychnine). And yes, a Heineken on tap in Holland is pretty sweet.
Beer I’ve recently sworn off: Stella. Drinking it’s fine, lotsa clubs have it. But its hangover is worse than PBR & it doesn’t take much.
But if I had to drink only one beer the rest of my life, it would be Guinness poured in Dublin. The very thought brings a tear to my eye.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:54 pmRock Bottom makes some decent beer in ATL neighborhood. It isn’t your traditional pub, by any means, but it’s menu ain’t bad and it’s beer is good.
As for the Mexican beer…in a battle of two evils: Tecate and Del Sol both kick Corona’s ass.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:56 pmTwo other people have voted to LEAVE JEFFY ALONE! but they were “guests” and not logged in like the first person. To my shame, one was at the University of Alabama.
I am shocked!….that the University of Alabama has computers. This on the heels of learning they have textbooks. My head is spinning.
Yes, Jeffy’s career has deteriorated to the point that he is now basically a mascot.
These days I’d say he’s more of a good luck charm. He plays, we win…at least for the last week or so.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:58 pmWatch it, Robert.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:00 pmBoulevard Brewery in Kansas City has completely won me over. Fantastic brew.
I like the Francoeur as O’Douls.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:17 pmPersonally, I don’t like it when we have away games west of the Mississippi due to the starting times.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:34 pmThere’s a really great brewery here in Houston named St. Arnold’s. Anyone ever tried it? All of their brews are really good but the Amber and Summer Pils are great!
July 9th, 2009 at 6:38 pmOn Coors:
July 9th, 2009 at 6:44 pmI do not like Coors light. I do, however, enjoy the Coors regular, Banquet Beer, Coors heavy, whatever you want to call it.
For me, there are two types of beer. Beers to have with dinner, and “get drunk” beers.
I have a variety of dinner beers, but I still go Busch Light to get drunk. Great beer for impressive empty can totals. Granted I’m only a year out of college so this may have something to do with my mindset.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:49 pmDodgers smacking Livan & the Mets 6-1, early.
If nothing else, we should stay ahead of the Mets today.
July 9th, 2009 at 6:51 pmFave bar beer in US – Victory Storm King Chocolate Stout. $6.00/bottle@9%ABV = happy time under $20.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:01 pmDOB, says we are about to hear from Wren. Vasquez may have some kind of injury and has been scratched from Sundays game
says its a groin or ab pull and the Braves dont think its serious
July 9th, 2009 at 7:06 pmCoors Light is like making love in a canoe. It’s fucking close to water.
(told to me at a funeral by my great uncle)
July 9th, 2009 at 7:08 pmAs the Will Rogers of beer, I approach the finicky beers with suspicion.
I mean, really, have you ever had a bad Budweiser? I know it’s not trendy (and I’m old enough to have driven from Kentucky to Oklahoma to come back with a bunch of cases of Coors to pay for the trip), but can’t we all just drink Weidemann and get along?
Oh, yeah, baseball – don’t know about y’all, but Conrad has an “it” quality (at least for a 2nd-baseman) that I appreciate. Toughness? Grit?
BINGO! That’s it! Conrad is Bobby’s kind of player. Which is what drives me crazy about Francouer – he’s the antithesis of what I used to think was “Bobby’s kind of player”.
What happened?
The reason we all loved Bobby was we identified with his thinking. He wasn’t the tactical equivalent of, say, LaRussa but the guys he ran out there every night were gamers.
How the hell can Bobby Cox not start Diaz over Francouer and still be Bobby Cox?
Because he’s not still Bobby Cox. And that’s a damn shame.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:13 pmper DOB
Vazquez strained lower abdominal muscle, flew home and got MRI that showed nothing serious. Braves hope to have him rest over break and move to back of rotation after break, thus avoiding DL stint. But they’ll know more early next week.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:16 pmWhee!
July 9th, 2009 at 7:17 pmWeird item: In completing a suspended game between Washington & Houston today, pitcher Joel Hanrahan got credit for the Nats’ win.
Thing is, he plays for Pittsburgh. He was traded a few weeks ago.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:32 pm@ ububba 47
Yes they do, after a few beers! I’m no beer fan, but people here could name a million brands of beers, and if it exists in the US, my favorite one is “Olvi Sandels”, really good and useful when the Braves bullpen blows a lead at 4 in the morning!
July 9th, 2009 at 7:33 pmfunny that you ask that in the middle of a beer discussion
Cook has a Nen-ish looking delivery…very annoying.
and he left a game due to the wind knocked out of him? Seems kinda weak.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:43 pmFor mass produced ones, IBC’s my favorite for sure. Mug is good. Barq’s is different and good. Not a fan of A&W — a little too creamy. I’ll drink it, though.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:45 pmJC,
I agree completely. Lot of my friends love Coors light, but I think you’re exactly right. Also, it seems a little overly carbonated
July 9th, 2009 at 7:47 pmWatching “Blazing Saddles” on AMC. I find that it complements our lineup, made from the common clay of the New South. You know, morons.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:51 pmEASY BRIAN!!…That’s the last thing this team needs…
July 9th, 2009 at 7:53 pmWide strike zone so far tonight.
How did McCann not take third?
July 9th, 2009 at 7:53 pmAnother bunt….
That’s my man…..just missed a homer.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:54 pmNoooo buuuunnntttt!!!!
July 9th, 2009 at 7:54 pmYeeesssss!!!!
July 9th, 2009 at 7:55 pmWooHoo Escobar!
July 9th, 2009 at 7:57 pmNormally, Jeff would hit into a double play here, but with a runner on third you should expect a strikeout, or possibly a popup.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:58 pmso, how will francoeur fail this time?
July 9th, 2009 at 7:58 pmAnd Escobar is gimpy.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:59 pmIs it OK to root for a run-scoring GIDP here?
July 9th, 2009 at 7:59 pmThat was the best possible outcome — that he would hit a ground ball, and that it would be so pathetic that they couldn’t get the DP.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:59 pmjeff hit it soft enough to stay out of the double play. well, at least there’s one good thing about sucking balls.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:59 pmWell, we could use Mongo’s power…
Frenchy only pawn in game of life. But at least he sucked slightly less than usual.
July 9th, 2009 at 7:59 pmSurprised Jeffrey didn’t fail totally there.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:00 pmStupid Jeffy
July 9th, 2009 at 8:00 pmIf Jeffy was a Mel Brooks movie, he would be “Dracula: Dead and Loving It”.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:00 pmAnd isn’t it convenient that Vazquez misses a Coors Field start?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:03 pm85 — Who are you implicating with your italics, Mac? Javy or those seeking to keep his trade value high?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:07 pm“Surprised Jeffrey didn’t fail totally there.”
Fail? He got himself an RBI there, my man; he is so awesomely clutch-don’tcha just love him?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:08 pmDamn, this ballpark is big
EDIT: Anyone be surprised with a football score tonight?
Garret the glider…
July 9th, 2009 at 8:09 pmWell that lead didn’t last long….
As if on que the Phillies tie the stupid Reds
July 9th, 2009 at 8:10 pmAgreed, Mac. A very well-timed injury.
Dammit, Tommy.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:10 pmWell that’s not what we wanted there.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:11 pmWho doped up ACHE? He’s like running all over the place.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:12 pmNow we get to see if ACHE’s bat is also doped up.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:18 pmYoung Francoeurstein
July 9th, 2009 at 8:18 pmWow…I’m glad I’m not a Reds fan.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:18 pmThey want nothing to do with Brian…
July 9th, 2009 at 8:20 pmNope, just dopey.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:20 pmUgh.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:21 pmDamn, Esco…
July 9th, 2009 at 8:21 pmDamn I turned away and it’s a commercial? WTF happen?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:21 pmDamnit Escobar
You could almost see that coming in slow motion.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:21 pmMan, those are some shades that Lemke is rocking
July 9th, 2009 at 8:24 pmEsco has the brain of a mouse. The guy has all the tools in the world but has crap-for-brains
July 9th, 2009 at 8:24 pmYou know, Lemmer, volunteering that you’re an Elton John fan isn’t going to do anything to squelch the rumors….
July 9th, 2009 at 8:24 pmAnyone else notice that kid with the blue shirt and a face only a mother could love right behind home?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:30 pmi called in on the braves “rain delay” show yesterday during the 20 minute delay pre-game. i was discussing some trade possibilities with our good buddy chip caray (some fairly normal stuff such as kj, francoeur, jo-jo, etc..). chip caray was impressed that i was giving equal trade value of our players to what we would get in return(a “change of scenery” trade with stl of francoeur and kj for ludwick or ankiel). then, he said the most absurd thing. he said we should trade vazquez, jo-jo, and escobar for…..roy halladay and scutaro. i kept my cool, but i wanted to call him a dipshit on his own show. how idiotic can one man be? why would the bluejays trade halladay to pick up vazquez. chip caray, if he doesnt know baseball better than that, should quit his job.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:31 pmJeff Francoeur… Huh?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:34 pmKotchman is so slow….
Finally Francouer…..Finally.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:34 pmCoors Field double. He still sucks.
Kotchman may be hurt, which means Diory at third base and Prado to first, hurting the defense and the offense. Matt Diaz could play first.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:35 pmKotch scored from first on a double. Better check for flying pigs, we might be nearing something apocalyptic.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:35 pmJoe orgasming at Jeffy getting from second to third so… I don’t know, I guess he could score on a wild pitch?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:37 pmYou can’t stop the Prado, you can only hope to contain it.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:40 pmNitram strikes again, again.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:41 pmThat’s my Prado….
Ichiro has 1925 hits in 8.5 mlb seasons. Incredible.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:41 pmMartin! Man, whatever he’s drinking, I want two.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:41 pmWhere would we be if Prado had played all year instead of KJ?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:41 pmGarrett just missed that one…
July 9th, 2009 at 8:42 pmWhere would we be if I was the manager anonymous lurker?
in first place thats where.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:44 pmSo no Yunel or Chipper for the rest of the series??????
July 9th, 2009 at 8:45 pmDiory in at shortstop. This also hurts both the offense and the defense. You can pretty much assume that this is the case whenever he enters the game at any position.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:45 pmI thought chipper would be back tomorrow. Get out there, dude; you have 3 days off, after this series.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:46 pmHanson was single digits on balls out of the strike zone until this inning.
Come on, Tommy. Get your composure.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:48 pmJust got here. What happened with Yunel?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:48 pmNice thinking there on defense, Martin!
July 9th, 2009 at 8:50 pmThanks Tommy.
Good question. Anyone know when the team “leader” will take the field again?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:50 pmBy the way, what did Yesco do to himself?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:50 pm1st 3 innings – 27 strikes, 9 balls.
This inning – 5 strikes, 11 balls.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:52 pmI’m not sure what happened to Escobar. I assume it’ll be the hip again, but my thinking was with Mac in that it was going to be Kotchman who was going out.
In any case, it was nothing obvious with Yunel.
EDIT: I hate this park
July 9th, 2009 at 8:53 pmhigh altitude 270 foot sprint (triple); he just wore himself out?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:53 pmWTF….
July 9th, 2009 at 8:53 pmAccording to Gameday, these pitches are borderline, but Hanson is not getting the calls. Does this check out with the naked eye?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:54 pmThis place is such an effing joke.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:54 pmWas ACHE walking to ball on that one?
July 9th, 2009 at 8:54 pmNo they are not strikes. He was pitching scared and paid for it.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:56 pmIt’s really a good thing we got that double play.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:57 pmVictorino gets the Final Spot? Lame.
Sorry to start up the beer discussion again, but I just got back from golfing, and my friend bought some bud light for the round. I had one, and it reminded me of my dislike for Bud Light. I honestly don’t know how people can chug that stuff.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:58 pm@131
Nothing O’Flahtery vs. Drew appallingly bad, but it seems like the low strike isn’t being called…both inside and out
I’ve noticed several high calls for strikes though…on the black as well
July 9th, 2009 at 8:58 pm1st 3 innings – 27 strikes, 9 balls.
Final count on the 4th inning – 10 strikes, 16 balls.
July 9th, 2009 at 8:58 pmW/O Beltran, Reyes, and no pitching ….the Mets may be done.
Losing 11-2 to the Dodgers at Citi again.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:04 pmDid McLough really range that far into left field to catch Fowler’s fly ball?
July 9th, 2009 at 9:09 pmMan that OF is huge……ridiculous.
C’mon ump….this is not the Astrodome.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:12 pmFrenchy continues to simulate usefulness.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:19 pmFurther evidence re: effing joke.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:19 pmMaybe they can trade Jeffrey to Coors.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:19 pmThey need a dome in Denver….
July 9th, 2009 at 9:20 pmJeffy is a poor man’s Dante Bichette.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:20 pmKinda like how Albie Lopez was a poor man’s John Smoltz?
July 9th, 2009 at 9:24 pmI wonder if Hanson has a quadraphonic blaupunkt.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:24 pmEthan, be nice. Albie may not have had a fast ball or, really, any other pitch, but it’s just not nice to compare any one to the suckitude that is Francouer.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:29 pmNitram with yet another hit.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:30 pmHow did McLouth ground into a fielder’s choice ninety feet past the infield?
July 9th, 2009 at 9:30 pm#1
Is my guess for the number of times that ACHE has forced a pitching change this year
July 9th, 2009 at 9:30 pm@151
Weird play. Nate hit a sinking line drive. Looked like it was caught so Brooks turned around. By the time he realized it wasn’t he was DOA
July 9th, 2009 at 9:32 pmThanks, Ethan
July 9th, 2009 at 9:34 pmWhy are you running at Coors field? I agree with Ken Macha a little about running into outs. If Conrad isn’t running, he probably is safe.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:35 pmokay, why did Hanson hit for himself only to be lifted in the next inning? (I’m watching on Gameday, so I’m not actually watching)
July 9th, 2009 at 9:36 pmThey took Hanson out anyway? So why not just pinch hit for Hanson?
July 9th, 2009 at 9:36 pmBobby wanted to bunt and didn’t want to waste a PH for it.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:38 pmbobby cox is an idiot. the other night, he brings in matt diaz to bunt when there were at least 4 better options on the bench.
tonight, he leaves in hanson, knowing he sucks at bunting, to try and bunt. then, he takes him out anyway.
sam, where are you to enlighten me on the idiocy that is bobby cox? what could he possibly gain from such a bonehead play?
ethan, that doesnt make sense. there are at least 4 options that wouldnt be considering “wasting” a pinch hitter (jurrjens, blanco, lowe, vazquez). just dumb logic.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:38 pmYeah, it was a bunt attempt, just not a very good one; the Braves basically have a two-man bench tonight, Diaz and Blanco, and you can’t waste one on a bunt in the sixth inning.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:38 pmBetter than having Diaz pinch bunt.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:39 pmGood point Ethan…
He only has Ross, Diaz and Blanco left since Hernandez is in the game and Chipper is useless
July 9th, 2009 at 9:40 pmGarrett Anderson is dangerously close to going under a .700 OPS, which would also be pretty much below replacement level.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:41 pmnot true. chipper is available to pinch hit tonight. they have diaz, chipper, blanco, and ross. he could have used an extra pitcher or blanco.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:42 pmI’m not complaining about Anderson, at least his groin isn’t hurting…..
July 9th, 2009 at 9:43 pmPlease sprint to first next time, Mr. Logan.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:43 pmThis would be three days in a row…again, for Gonzo and Soriano.
We really need a ballin effort from Lowe tomorrow
July 9th, 2009 at 9:45 pmSomeone tell me again, why is Subzero here? Saying he can “play” shortstop isn’t an acceptable answer.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:47 pmLowe era is 4.56?? Ouch.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:48 pmNot totally sure about Moylan in Coors… fingers crossed.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:51 pmBobby makes a good move there. He’s still thinking, occasionally.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:51 pm170 — Well, mainly because there aren’t any better options, though Moylan’s been pretty good lately.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:53 pmI think he took a bad angle there.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:58 pm@172
Oh, I’m one of the biggest Moylan fans here probably. I just think he needs a little break on his pitches to get strike outs or ground balls, and I’m always afraid of what happens with that at Coors.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:58 pmHe took a terrible angle and then rushed it.
July 9th, 2009 at 9:59 pm@173
Agreed. Should have slowed down and laid out.
Pete needs to watch third
EDIT: or not
July 9th, 2009 at 10:00 pmOh well….
I guess Tomas fears were realize.
Bad pitch.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:02 pmWell, I knew there was no way they were getting a win for Hanson…
July 9th, 2009 at 10:02 pmwho was it hit to?
July 9th, 2009 at 10:04 pmIt was down the 3rd base line…
July 9th, 2009 at 10:05 pm179 — Conrad.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:05 pmGarrett anderson will be the single reason why we lose this game. A trade for a LF and a RF will be appreciated ASAP Franky Wren
July 9th, 2009 at 10:05 pmEOF with a little giddy-up.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:07 pmAny chance Bobby flips Soriano and Gonzo?
Or gives Medlen an inning?
July 9th, 2009 at 10:09 pmYeah…looked like O’Fla just got pissed and started throwing gas.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:10 pmHave a night Frenchy….
July 9th, 2009 at 10:13 pmCheap doubles. He still sucks.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:13 pmSell high on Jeffrey. Like right now.
Bunt pop-up, g’damn. Brooks, stop sitting next to Jeffrey.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:14 pmThe Groundhog strikes again.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:14 pm3-4 with two doubles. Alright, who’s disguising himself as Jeffy-Boy? I think it’s Old Man Winters. (Yeah, yeah, meddling kids…)
July 9th, 2009 at 10:14 pmHanging offspeed pitches are Jeffy’s bread and butter
C’mon Conrad…sigh
July 9th, 2009 at 10:14 pmWhy run Blanco when you could use Jurrjens?
July 9th, 2009 at 10:15 pmThe Atlanta “Bunting” Braves….
July 9th, 2009 at 10:16 pm@192
Good point.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:16 pmso, what’s the logic now? cox wastes 2 players on a walk and wouldnt waste one on a pinch bunt. he’s an idiot. plain and simple.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:16 pmI like how that will count as a Game Played for Chipper..
July 9th, 2009 at 10:17 pmmaybe jeff gets high on the altitude.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:17 pmThat was a hilariously bad play. Mac, you can probably add “can’t bunt” to the player analysis.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:18 pmChipper running the bases was never an option.
Bullshit high strike on Nate
July 9th, 2009 at 10:18 pmI could also add, “nearly as bald as I am without the excuse”.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:19 pmjurrjens? medlen? c’mon ethan. it’s not rocket science.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:19 pmBad baserunning play that maybe stopped a big inning
Bad angle on defense that cost us a run
Failing to get a bunt down in key situation
Tough night for the career minor leaguer Conrad….
July 9th, 2009 at 10:21 pmThe baserunning problem was with the umpire and not Conrad.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:22 pmNow we’re going to lose.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:24 pmRyan,
Already agreed with that @194. I’d have put Jurrjens in; however, many teams don’t use pitchers to do anything but pitch except as a last resort. It’s not unreasonable.
I’m sure both the Yankees and Chien Ming Wang could give you a pretty decent argument as to why.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:24 pmso, if bobby were to be fair, diaz will start tomorrow. when diaz goes 3-4 and the braves lose, francoeur gets the start the next day.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:25 pmIf I were not a Braves fan, I would hate Gonzo….
July 9th, 2009 at 10:27 pmI would have used Soriano this inning and saved Gonzo for when Helton and Hawpe come up.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:29 pmjurrjens and medlen have both pinch ran this year. it’s not like it’s foreign strategy to bobby cox. sometimes, i honestly think that he doesnt “think”. there have been many creative ways to conserve his bench tonight, but not pulling hanson was dumb, especially if he’s going to turn around and burn 2 players in 1 at-bat.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:30 pmHelton and Hawpe will be up this inning, don’t worry.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:31 pmIf the braves had a 1-2-3 eight and ninth they would not have had to worry about Hawpe and Helton, but…..
July 9th, 2009 at 10:31 pmHe did not try to get out of the way.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:31 pmFor the last GD time.. You have to try to get away from the baseball! This isn’t that difficult! It’s right in the rulebook!
July 9th, 2009 at 10:31 pm203 – Yeah, I would blame the umpire, too. Did anyone see if Conrad got help from Snitker on that play? He might have a share.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:31 pmI wonder how many wins we have this year where either Gonzo or Soriano DIDN’T pitch.
Gotta be less than 5
July 9th, 2009 at 10:34 pmif i were mike gonzalez, i would take my glove off and throw one up there right-handed just to show that my pitching arm is tired.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:35 pmIt was the umpire fault according to Joe and Jon….
We really will not know until after the game.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:35 pmI wonder how many wins we have this year where either Gonzo or Soriano DIDN’T pitch.
Gotta be less than 5
Probably less than 5 we’ve lost in which they haven’t pitched, too. They’re in there every night.
PS: Gonzo sure has killed us this week.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:36 pmThat was inevitable.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:37 pmDamn
July 9th, 2009 at 10:37 pmThat’s what happens when you pitch the same guy EVERY night.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:37 pmmike gonzalez needs REST!
July 9th, 2009 at 10:38 pmAt least Soriano won’t pitch tonight.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:39 pmThis is what happens when you consistently bring those guys in with 4-5 run leads. With that, I will agree that Bobby has been an idiot
July 9th, 2009 at 10:42 pmMaybe if he conserved some of his energy w/o doing that stupid rocking, he would not need rest.
Bobby has really been overmanaging the past few games…maybe he is trying to prove he’s still got it.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:43 pmBobby’s going to put Gonzo over his knee and spank him after the game.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:44 pmMaybe this is what happens when your infield is Kotchman-Conrad-Diory-Prado.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:44 pmBy the way, this home plate umpire is a Rockies fan.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:46 pmgames pitched by nl relievers and ranks:
moylan: 47 (first in games pitched)
gonzalez: 46 (tied for 2nd)
o’flaherty: 44 (tied for 3rd)
bobby is an idiot. these players should sue him for being overworked.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:46 pmHuston IS due to blow one…
July 9th, 2009 at 10:46 pmNow Garrett gets a hit.
He has to learn to time these things better.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:47 pmThis would be the spot for Diaz
EDIT: subzero…doing his thing
July 9th, 2009 at 10:48 pmSubzero is twice as bad as Francoeur.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:49 pmI wish McCann would have took a pitch…
July 9th, 2009 at 10:50 pmSet up for the one-run road loss.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:50 pmIf Diaz had pinch hit, who would have played short in the bottom?
July 9th, 2009 at 10:51 pmHorrible strike call on Kotch
July 9th, 2009 at 10:51 pmThat umpire is a joke….
Thanks for the loss Bobby Cox
July 9th, 2009 at 10:51 pm@236
Who cares? If you don’t make it out of the 9th, you’ve lost anyway.
Outside of Frenchy (excusing this Bizarro night) Hernandez is the surest out on the team.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:52 pmThat’s just dumb.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:53 pmWe’ll lose tomorrow too with Lowe pitching, no Chipper, and no Escobar.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:54 pmIt’s garrett anderson’s fault the guy continues to show you why he’s a complete ass clown. He can’t field worth a tinker’s dam out in LF and he never gets hits when you actually need them
July 9th, 2009 at 10:55 pmHow is that dumb? I’d rather a makeshift infield defense and a tie/lead, than just straight up losing….which is exactly what happened
What is dumb is keeping your best pinch hitter on the bench at the most crucial part of the game and sending a sure out to the plate
July 9th, 2009 at 10:56 pmYeah, it’s Garret Anderson’s fault that Mike Gonzalez suddenly can’t pitch.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:57 pmJon K….
You are calling Garrett Anderson an ass clown? Maybe you need to settle down.
July 9th, 2009 at 10:57 pmthis should help Wren be a seller…
we’ll probably be at least 6 back by the break with a negative run differential and one of the best pitching staffs in baseball
sell Gonzo, Soriano, Lowe/Vasquez, sell them all
July 9th, 2009 at 11:00 pmJon we needed a hit down two in the bottom of the ninth and he delivered
July 9th, 2009 at 11:00 pmNo way they should have pinch hit Diaz there. Aside from leaving you without a shortstop, they might have needed him for the pitcher’s spot.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:01 pmIm tired of watching McCann keep calling for Mike’s hanging breaking balls all the time also. Make someone hit his fastball
July 9th, 2009 at 11:01 pmGarrett Anderson has been worthless the past two weeks.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:03 pmRecap that is mostly a rant about this joke of a ballpark is up.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:04 pmKJ – 2-for-2 with a triple tonight. And 3 walks!
csg – I don’t think we become a seller. Hopefully, just not a buyer.
July 9th, 2009 at 11:04 pm@248
If it gets that far, use Ross.
Again, what kind of odds would you have to be given to bet $20 that Diory gets a hit there?
July 9th, 2009 at 11:06 pm