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am I one of the few who thinks the Kawakami deal is actually a decent one? I dont think we overpaid on him. Take away his horrid april starts and he’s been very good
April 4GS 7.06ERA 1.62WHIP .286BAA
May 5GS 3.03ERA 1.42WHIP .265BAA
June 6GS 3.33ERA 1.04WHIP .208BAA
July 3GS 3.71ERA 1.41WHIP .242BAA
Id say we can probably expect a 3.75ERA from Kenshin and for the price, I dont think thats overpaying. I think the month of April was his adjusting to the league
CSG, I’m glad you pointed that out. It was easy to feel really nervous about the awful April, but he’s been really solid of late, and basically the guy I hoped we were getting: a solid mid-rotation starter.
Independant of the money spent on Kawakami (and it sure looks like he is a decent signing), isn’t one of the advantages of signing guys from Japan that you don’t lose any draft picks? Lowe cost us money, and a second round pick; Kawakami just cost us the money. I wonder if MLB will try and fix this, as it creates more value for people outside the system.
I think we’re better off trying to make the playoffs with the lineup we’ve got, and then outpitch our opponents in the playoffs. We’ve got an excellent pitching staff right now, one that matches up with any other team. Adding a bat may help us get to the playoffs, but I think we can already get there on our current roster. I think once we make the playoffs, we’re better off with a rotation that has Vazquez in it. He’s our game 1 starter for any playoff series in my opinion. Don’t trade him. The goal is a World Series, not an NLDS showing.
Our lineup is hot right now, but this isn’t their baseline level of production. They’ll cool off, but the quality pitching should likely continue. Hot streak or no, the team as it currently is comprised is MUCH better than it was in the first half of the season.
I expect Prado to come back down to Earth, but I also expect KJ to pick himself up off the mat. The two combined, plus the impending return of Infante, gives us a nice middle infield set up.
If Hudson comes back with anything at all, we’ve got a vastly better team than we started the season with. We don’t need a big shake up, we need to see what this team can do.
In fairness, we’re also minus Infante and plus Norton, but otherwise I’m right there with you. Much much better in a whole lot of places. Plus, Yunel’s hitting like he’s as good as he thinks he is.
I couldn’t resist this from Mets Blog. You almost have to feel sorry for them.
Joe Bacci says:
July 22, 2009 at 2:17 pm
i feel like this team is trying to lose me. I feel like i want to just up and root for another team but i can’t. I bleed blue and orange and players like D. Wright keep me hanging on.
But i need a support group…
“My name is Joe Bacci, and i’m a Mets Fan.”
Alex,
I am not attacking you personally. I simply do not understand why you obsess so much over what ESPN says or does not say about the Braves.
Speaking of the Mets, here’s more from Tony Bernazard, Omar Minaya’s right-hand man, who recently ripped off his shirt and challenged an entire AA team to fight:
Mets New York Mets All-Star closer Frankie Rodriguez confirmed this afternoon that he exchanged words on the team bus last week in Atlanta with Bernazard, the club’s embattled vice president of player development.
“Yeah [it happened], but I’m not going to talk about that,” Rodriguez told The Post before tonight’s game here with the Nationals. “Not going to get into it.”
Another player, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Post today: “That guy [Bernazard] is crazy. No one like[s] him.”
I LIKE what Alex brings to the forum and am glad he’s BACK. Sometimes I wonder about his RANDOM capitalization and wish he could TAKE things a little lighter THOUGH.
I also got lost in the switch to the new thread. From earlier:
Dix and AR, I’m a bit on the fence as I said before. But I just don’t see this team catching the Phils (esp. if they add impact players). We have a chance to make the WC, just a chance, but have several teams bunched around — any of which could go on a 10 game tear and win the WC. I completely agree that we should not trade SP for a bat mid-season, but would love to see Wren pick up the bat in a salary dump. That may not be realistic, of course, since I have no way of knowing if Libery Media will give Wren the money to do it.
That said, I’d not be surprised at all if Wren did nothing. The streak gives him comfort/cover in sitting tight.
It’s my right, Marc…but you pissed me off because you said I said something I didn’t say which was that the Braves are upset over it. Of course they don’t care. They’re professionals.
As a Braves fan, I have every God given right to call it those phony a–holes at the 4-letter for completely biased coverage.
And I am not the only person on Bravesjournal who feels as such.
Look, I do it for effect, the caps thing. I take plenty lightly and I am overall happier about the Braves in comparison to how I’ve been the last 3, depressing seasons.
That being said, I am not going to come in here and not speak my mind. It’s just not in my nature.
So a bit off topic, but … BoSox trade Lugo. Why is it that a team that does nearly everything right can’t find a decent shortstop? It’s not like they haven’t been willing to look in-house and pay for outside talent. Very strange.
I’d be in favor of trading Vazquez for a bat, but it would have to be a HUGE bat. We’re talking about our ace, #1 starter, top strikeout guy. I’d trade him for Prince Fielder and be satisfied. That would drastically improve our lineup.
I’d take the gamble that Huddy will come back, and with his production, the loss of Vazquez will be much smaller than the gain of Fielder.
That’s the best part…I’d rather be arguing with Marc Schneider than not, because it means we actually have a reason to care again and the team is actually in it.
@17 – Well, sure, I’d also trade Vazquez (or anybody else who has ever played baseball) for Pujols. But implicit in my posts is the assumption that the Cards aren’t trading Pujols and the Brewers aren’t trading Fielder.
Trading Vazquez would be dumb. What big bat is out there? We don’t really know what Hudson will do when he gets back, so I think we need to relax on the trading Vazquez talk.
I think we all (meaning us, and the Braves) have to get over Scott Boras. He’s the most influential agent in the game, and represents its best players. Cowering from Boras is not conducive to winning.
While I agree that Boras makes a player less desirable, in this case I don’t think it matters. I wouldn’t want to resign Fielder after 2010.
I’ve been a big proponent of keeping our financial flexibility for the summer after the 2010 season. Fielder won’t age well, and will command a massive contract. I would rather spend that money on replacements for Vazquez/Huddy, and plug a minor leaguer into the 1B spot. 1B is not a hard position to develop a power hitter at. Just about any power hitter can play there.
@20 I didn’t mention Pujols anywhere, because quite obviously, he’s not available. I disagree with you about the Brewers not trading Fielder though.
Like I said, I’d stand pat. But if Vazquez fetches us a bat like Fielder, I’d be willing to risk it.
19—It wasn’t me, Alex. I’ve been the one saying it doesn’t matter that he’s a Boras client since he’s signed through 2010 and we likely wouldn’t want him after that, anyway.
I don’t think the Braves brass cowers from Boras. I think by-and-large they view most Boras clients as too expensive in the long run. Lowe was an exception — and by the way, might turn out to be too expensive in the long run.
No, it’s just that the Sox have TRIED to have All Star SSs and have made a large number of repeat contract mistakes. Even Epstein has said that they’ve made big mistakes. I guess I’m just suprised that a team that otherwise is very well run keeps screwing this one up.
Any word on the lineup today? I’m assuming McCann’s getting the day off. If Chipper is as well does that mean Kelly’s jumping right back in to start at 2nd? (Prado at 3rd.)
Zito’s a lefty so I figure that means Garrett in left and Diaz in right.
Olney offers 8 reasons why the Phillies should go ahead and acquire Doc. I’m no longer an insider. What does he say about the possibilities of the Braves catching them without adding a great arm?
I think the problem with Boras is he has good players, but they usually wind up getting overpaid. That doesn’t mean you have to stay away, but that does mean that you should be smart enough to stick to your guns on the price.
Teams who have Boras clients are rich teams, because they’re the only ones with the financial resources to swallow a possible disappointment. Think over the last few years: how many huge Boras contracts have teams honestly been glad they paid out, after the last year of the deal?
I agree that Boras drives up the prices of his players, and that the Braves aren’t a team that can afford any bad contracts, let alone expensive, long term bad contracts.
Honestly, Chipper’s contract is not that good right now, and Derek Lowe’s is probably on the negative side of neutral, but the remainder of the finances are allocated extremely well. Any bad values are on short term deals.
I want us to have a lot of money in the next few years because I want us to be able to afford to lock up Escobar and Jurrjens, before worrying about anything else.
@47 – but which positions do these anonymous players play? on which team with what needs? how much are they paid? what are their projections? does one of them have THE PHOTOS?
As messed up as [the Mets] organization is right now, someone in charge really needs to step in and tell Minaya to start thinking about 2010 and beyond. At the absolute least, Minaya should consult the writings of our greatest modern philosopher …
If you ever drop your keys into a river of molten lava,
let ‘em go, because, man, they’re gone.
In Omar’s defense, the Mets do have a lot of things they need. Like, a decent player at every position except third base, most of a bullpen, three or four starting pitchers and at least a shred of hope and dignity. They could probably use a manager, a GM, and a VP of Player Development that isn’t bat@!$%# crazy too.
The problem in expectations versus reality with free agents is not just with Boras clients, but with substantially all free agents for a good reason. You are the highest bidder.
Think about it. there are 30 teams. Except when a player takes a lesser contract for a better team or better situation (Maddux in 1993 and that is rare)the “winning team” has valued the player higher than the other 29 teams. And, the collective wisdom of 29 teams is stronger and more accurate than the outlier.
Look at Boston getting J. D. Drew. Drew is a good player, sometimes great, who has injury problems. Everybody knew that. When you look at his disappointing streaks and his injury days, you wonder if that deal has been good for them. And, Boston has a good front office that generally evaluates well. But functionally, the high bidder has to “overpay” (WS compared to cost, say, not compared to revenue) to get a free agent player.
Even cheap free agents look like bad signings more often than expensive ones. I think it was Neyer who did a table last year and determined that the worst free agent signings were not the long term deals, but rather the 1 year contracts. The best deals (WS relatie to cost) were 4 to 5 year contracts. The “really long” deals were bad (Zito, Hampton). But the short term ones were almost universally horrific.
What you don’t see in that picture is that the man who is throwing the ball was a “mysterious, bald man from Alabama, wearing a Braves hat…”
#39
csg, that comment is equally true and sad. hence the economic disparity in Baseball.
Which brings the discussion back to Boras. The bottomline is we’re a middling financial team so we can always afford a few expensive Boras players, but unlike the Red Sox, Mets, Yankees and Dodgers, we can’t fill half our roster with those guys.
Thankfully, their are some talented and classy players who are really good and actually choosing other agents these days.
As I said a couple of days ago, Norton was told he’s here until Infante gets back as long as he wants to be. My source is solid. Not that one party couldn’t change their mind but I didn’t buy the norton getting released for Kelly thing.
I just want to throw more red meat out there for Sam Hutcheson. I need to brighten his day.
Yesterday somebody son this board wrote that they “had it from a reliable source” that Norton had been told that he would be released when Infante was activated. I think the post said by Cox, but not sure.
In any event, Norton was not released at the earlier KJ activation time. Does anybody here reasonably think swithchitter Norton can outdo switchhitter Conrad? Norton certainly is not as important defensively and cannot be a pinch runner. And, I may be wrong, but I just don’t see Wren as letting any sentiment for Norton hold him on the roster.
So, I propose Bobby made Norton a promise and is going to keep it, whether or not it was smart to make it (the real criticism I have with any possible promise) and whether or not it is good for the team to keep the promise (I give Cox or whoever more slack on this because, yes, your word is supposed to be worth something).
And, whoever promised Norton how long he could stay, probably is wondering if Infante may not make it back by September 1 (not hoping that he doesn’t, just thinking that might happen) and then they can hang on to ol’ buddy Norton through the rest of the year.
edit: [It was Dusty!!! Can you, Dusty, tell who made the promise / statement to Norton?}
Absent this recent hot streak, history makes one think this would be Bobby’s last year. In previous years, his contract for the next year was already in place at the beginning of the current spring.
# signed extension through 2007 with Atlanta 3/06
# signed extension through 2008 with Atlanta 4/07 (salary of about $3M)
# signed extension through 2009 with Atlanta 5/23/08 (salary of about $3M)
You would think if they wanted him (or he wanted to stay) it would have happened by now.
Not sure if it was Cox or Wren that told him this, but that was my thinking as well that he’s kind of around in case Infante has a setback. Also think he may retire if released.
I got criticized on here a couple of months ago for looking at financial effects with respect to who is called up to fill the back end of the bullpen and bench (I think I was comparing why not bring up Charlie Morton versus Medlen). But, I still think $400,000 here and there is enough to be significant.
Conrad was on a minor league contract. Once he was activated he gets the Major League minimum prorated (I think by “season days”, not by games) for the number of days he is on the 25 man roster. Then, if he is optioned (has to be eligible for options which he apprently was) he gets a bonus in that his minor league salary for the remainder of this year (and all of next year if he is able to be held under option and is not released) rises to $150,000, again prorated.
Until Infante comes back, he is our only line of defense at shortstop.
And, today is a perfect day for Ross to play as he is a 3 year average 860 or so ops against all lefties. Cox needs to be “semi platooning” here and “looking for lefties” as part of scheduling off days for BMac.
I really hope this is it and Bobby hands the reigns already to a younger manager.
I maintain what I’ve said previously about Terry Pendleton: I think he would be a solid Manager and a fine replacement for Cox – and he would be a better manager in comparison to him as a hitting coach.
I like the idea of an even keeled guy like TP in that “overseer” role vs. being in charge of our offense where he’s shown overall to be below average.
I wasn’t commenting on your understanding of sunk cost. This team obviously has no qualms about fabricating injuries in order to send guys to the minor leagues. Why not give Norton another fake injury if he is just being held for insurance? No hit, no glove players are a dime a dozen, though. Could we really not find any more of this commodity if Infante does have a set back?
Norton is on the roster over sentiment and feelings. It has nothing to do with his production, Conrad’s production, or the ability to replace Norton internally or externally.
I won’t criticize that part of Cox’ judgment. I don’t think he should still be the manager. But I do believe when you get past the “positive Bobby” bs (and sometimes that is hard to do) he does have good instincts and skills in evaluating managers and coaches. His “old fashionedness” needs to be balanced out, but otherwise, he has a good perspective there.
Practically everyone on this blog thinks that Snitker is terrible.
Pendleton is not particularly highly regarded as batting coach.
How does that reflect well on Bobby’s judgement with respect to coaching ability?
In case you missed it in yesterday’s game thread: Yunel Fluff piece.
I like this for two reasons. First, maybe Yunel is growing up. Second, stories about Good-Guy Yunel means that the organization likes him and isn’t looking to get rid of him for personality reasons. Good times.
To take that one step further, Ned Yost was run out of town in September with his team leading the pennant race in the Central. I’d just as soon put Ted Turner in the dugout than anyone that Bobby selects.
I can’t believe today, of all days, Anderson gets the day off. He has 70 PA against Zito, enough so the head-to-head isn’t silly to reference, with an .875 OPS. He’s the only guy on the roster who has a good track record against the guy, and it’s enough data in his case to make the claim that he hits the guy well.
I would ordinarily love seeing Church/Diaz/McLouth, as I think it’s usually our best outfield, but not today.
#85, because “ACHE” has a better ring to it than AFPHE (Anderson Fifth Place Hitter Extraordinaire) and also captures the essence of Anderson’s play in the outfield well.
Keep watching Chipper in the dugout. He is getting on the job training to become a coach or manager. He knows he only has a couple/few more years left, so he is learning from the best.
They just said Anderson woke up this morning with a stiff hip, so Bobby just gave him the day off. But don’t worry, I’m sure the real reason is still that Bobby is incapable of reading a matchup sheet. Never mind that he keeps one in his pocket every game.
Speaking of ACHE, I was at the dentist the other day and started thumbing through an older copy of Men’s Health. Well low and behold, there’s ACHE in there doing offseason training at some fitness institute Boras set up for his clients. It was a little surprising, as ACHE doesn’t strike me as the workout warrior type, but hey, at least he was trying. The other player featured in that article was Matt Holiday.
OK, somebody explain the Sandoval Doubles to Shortstop Escobar in gameday? Huh? How did somebody score from first AND he “doubled” to the shortstop and no error was involved?
Sandoval ripped a basehit grounder off of the thirdbase line…
…the ball then banked off of the wall and then the ballboy, who was trying to get out of the way, and kicked back into shallow left field, where Escobar ran out and retrieved it. It seemed like it probably should have been some kind of dead ball, with the runners stopped at 3rd and 2nd. Bobby came out of the dugout briefly after the play, as it wasn’t clear if the Umps noticed the ball hit the ball boy.
Yunel, BTW, is third among major league shortstops in RC/27. Actually, he’s behind Hanley and Jeter, so he’s first among people who can actually play shortstop.
According to the smart people, Hanley can actually play shortstop this year. When they brought him up, he was so bad he was clearly out of position, but right now he’s acceptably below-average. Yunel’s clearly way better in the field, but Hanley isn’t killing his team up the middle like he used to be.
110—You were right on the money, Tony. And before you, it was Robert who was. I have probably been this wrong about lots of players, but I’ve never been so happy to be so wrong. Yunel is an absolute stud.
I don’t think, by the way, that it’s a surprise that someone coming from Cuba would add muscle upon entering the First World. Not an opening for political discussion.
Molina is fatter than Sandoval. Like I said in the first game thread of the series, I think Sandoval-Molina is the fattest 3-4 combination I’ve ever seen. Usually you see the really fat guy teamed with an athlete, like Ruth with Gehrig or Fielder with Gibson or Fryman.
Kawakami is only going to last about 5 innings, given his pitch count already. I hope he has an easy 4th and 5th, so we can at least get 6 out of him today.
Hadn’t realized Andruw was doing as well as he is for the Rangers (knew he started off hot, but saw his average drop at some point). He’s got as many HRs as McLouth and in 29 less games. Better OPS too. AJ only has a .227 avg, but OPS is .857. It’s not Andruw of old numbers, but it’s nice to see him not “done”.
The first rule of the hitting streak is not to make fun of the hitting streak. Do not taunt WWHS. If WWHS causes blurry vision, hair loss, sweaty palms, or the condition known as Hot Dog Fingers, discontinue use of WWHS.
As if there was a need to “prove” hibernation mode. I just looked up team stats and we lead the NL in BA/Hits in innings 1-6, but are below average in 7+.
KK would have probably been lit up today by a team that can hit. The Gnats popped up a lot of pitches over the heart of the plate. Thank goodness he escaped a couple of dangerous situations. Church has been huge in RF today…really impressive defensively.
So apparently the first rule of History’s Worst Hitting Streak is you do not talk about the hitting streak. I’m assuming that the second rule of History’s Worst Hitting Streak is that you do not talk about the hitting streak.
One reason the Giants didn’t hit for Zito is that their bullpen is primarily righthanded. Their only lefty is Affeldt, who pitched last night and would be saved for a situation. If you bring in a righty, you unleash McCann/ACHE/KJ.
neither. zito’s patented curve ball was thrown around shoulder high and the ump rings escobar up. however, he didnt even signal a strike 3 call and prado was toast at 2nd. really weird play and bobby should have gotten tossed, which hd did. earlier, escobar had a reaction on an obvious ball 4 so it could be a personal vendetta against esco.
so, we are not getting any calls including 2 that have taken us out of potential runs. as i’m typing 2nd base umpire just missed a pickoff, his 2nd blown call of the day.
Yeesh, a couple bad calls. Awful strike three call followed by what appeared to be a missed call on the pickoff attempt. It looked like Medlen had Winn on the super slow motion of the DVR.
Prado and Chipper can’t play short. Conrad can’t really play short all that well, either, apparently.
Chipper was drafted 19 years ago. He should not be considered an option at short, especially considering his injury history. We were lucky he played today.
Mac – is Diory really that bad? He’s seemed decent to me when I’ve seen him play. Looked like a good arm, too.
If Chipper played short, he will out for the next 10 days. So no Chipper can’t play short anymore. Like Jeter and Ripken before, his shortstop days are over.
Mac, nobody was arguing the Diory should be here. But it is the plain truth that he is the only one on the team right now that can backup shortstop defensively – at least until Infante returns. But Diory really should have no place an ANY major league roster.
There’s a reason the man plays first. He has that same weird throwing motion when he throws back to the pitcher. I don’t know if there’s something wrong with his arm or if he just throws like a girl, but it’s an issue.
Diory got off to a terrible start, usually someone like him gets sent back down, works on his mistakes, and comes back stronger (hopefully). Diory is having to sit on the bench and not get ABs. Let’s not bury his career just yet.
When Infante gets back then Diory goes down. Then Conrad needs to come back up and take Norton’s place, and Norton goes home to retire.
I think “being able to play a position” is vastly overrated. Is it worth carrying an absolute zero for an extended period of time so that in case of an emergency we will have a semi comptent back up fielder to bring in? I would say there is more to be gained from carrying a hitter that can stand around at SS for one game if necessary than to carry an otherwise complete waste of a player just because he is an official SS. Any player deemed acceptable at 2B/3B is probably sufficiently good at fielding to play SS in an emergency situation.
I just watched a slow motion replay of interference, but there’s no outs, and a run scored on the play, so I have no idea what happened. I can’t have the sound on.
Gonzo came in, got hit on his forearm by a hard line drive. That man reached and Gonzo had to leave. Logan came in and Kotchman misplayed a bunt attempt. Two men on.
Logan was pulled, Moylan in. Giants tried to bunt the men over but Moylan hit the runner and the guy scored from second. KJ looked inept covering first, but the runner (Uribe?) should have been called out on interference.
gonzo hit by a line drive on the wrist. gonzo out, logan in.
kotchman fielded a bunt attempt, thought about going to 2nd, then lobs one to first….runner safe. logan out, moylan.
moylan fielded a bunt attempt, thought about going to 3rd, throws off his back foot to first into the runner that was inside the line (although it shouldnt have factored in).
moylan k’s two. hit to right run scores, short hops chipper and another run scores. terrible defense on what has been a good defensive team of late.
This is still a playoff team. A lot of really weird stuff happened in one half-inning, much of which I still don’t understand. How was that not interference? Did Chipper misplay a ball or was it the throw?
@276: Said scrub bullpen member just coaxed a 4-6-3. Just not our day. It was evident with the horrendously inconsistent strike zone. This one just felt wrong from about the third inning onward … so let’s take a three-of-four win from a fellow wild-card contender and try and get two of three this weekend. Today doesn’t change the fact that this team is playing generally good ball and is in decent position to snatch the wild card.
Well the Phillies play San Diego tonight in Philly…
The Giants gain a game back from the Braves. The Braves lose a half game to the Cubs, Marlins, Astros, Rockies and Brewers.
So no they really needed to finish off the Giants. I swear everytime they have had little streak going, Gonzo/Moylan have been the ones to help end it.
Looks like Affeldt has yet to surrender a lead this year. Brian Wilson is doing pretty well also, not a great save %, but nice enough numbers. Not really the part of the bullpen that you wait for to start scoring.
Haven’t watched Wilson, but he’s striking out over a man per inning, BAA is pretty low, as is the WHIP. Sure, that’s basic, but he’s been a lot better than last year.
No, Moylan threw to first. He had to hurry his throw because he looked at third. The throw hit Uribe in the neck and KJ was too slow getting to the ball to keep the guy who was advancing to third from scoring.
If we won’t release Norton, can’t we put him on the DL again? A 30 day stint will almost get him to September with expanded rosters. Not that I’m implying that we would ever DL someone for less than stellar reasons!
Send down Conrad, replace with the guy who was part of the problem when the team was sucking, and this is the type of game you get. Have a laugh Conrad.
Is anyone worried about McClouth slumping and Chipper BA. 286, now lower than Garrett Anderson’s .287? Just asking…
I just hope Prado doesn’t feel any undo pressure with bad vibe KJ back.
http://thesportshernia.typepad.com/blog/2009/07/vengeful-baseball-zeros-in-on-jeff-francoeur.html
Good times.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:06 ammy post from the last thread…
am I one of the few who thinks the Kawakami deal is actually a decent one? I dont think we overpaid on him. Take away his horrid april starts and he’s been very good
April 4GS 7.06ERA 1.62WHIP .286BAA
May 5GS 3.03ERA 1.42WHIP .265BAA
June 6GS 3.33ERA 1.04WHIP .208BAA
July 3GS 3.71ERA 1.41WHIP .242BAA
Id say we can probably expect a 3.75ERA from Kenshin and for the price, I dont think thats overpaying. I think the month of April was his adjusting to the league
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:08 amCurrent joke among Mets fans: “If catching the ball is so important, why don’t they show it on the scoreboard?”
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:09 amCSG, I’m glad you pointed that out. It was easy to feel really nervous about the awful April, but he’s been really solid of late, and basically the guy I hoped we were getting: a solid mid-rotation starter.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:10 amIndependant of the money spent on Kawakami (and it sure looks like he is a decent signing), isn’t one of the advantages of signing guys from Japan that you don’t lose any draft picks? Lowe cost us money, and a second round pick; Kawakami just cost us the money. I wonder if MLB will try and fix this, as it creates more value for people outside the system.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:12 amgot JC’d writing my novel.
I think we’re better off trying to make the playoffs with the lineup we’ve got, and then outpitch our opponents in the playoffs. We’ve got an excellent pitching staff right now, one that matches up with any other team. Adding a bat may help us get to the playoffs, but I think we can already get there on our current roster. I think once we make the playoffs, we’re better off with a rotation that has Vazquez in it. He’s our game 1 starter for any playoff series in my opinion. Don’t trade him. The goal is a World Series, not an NLDS showing.
Our lineup is hot right now, but this isn’t their baseline level of production. They’ll cool off, but the quality pitching should likely continue. Hot streak or no, the team as it currently is comprised is MUCH better than it was in the first half of the season.
-Schaffer + McClouth
-Francoeur + Church
- Horrible ACHE + Better ACHE
- Blind McCann + Sighted McCann
-Slumping KJ + Streaking Prado
+Hanson
I expect Prado to come back down to Earth, but I also expect KJ to pick himself up off the mat. The two combined, plus the impending return of Infante, gives us a nice middle infield set up.
If Hudson comes back with anything at all, we’ve got a vastly better team than we started the season with. We don’t need a big shake up, we need to see what this team can do.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:14 amIn fairness, we’re also minus Infante and plus Norton, but otherwise I’m right there with you. Much much better in a whole lot of places. Plus, Yunel’s hitting like he’s as good as he thinks he is.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:30 amI couldn’t resist this from Mets Blog. You almost have to feel sorry for them.
Joe Bacci says:
July 22, 2009 at 2:17 pm
i feel like this team is trying to lose me. I feel like i want to just up and root for another team but i can’t. I bleed blue and orange and players like D. Wright keep me hanging on.
But i need a support group…
“My name is Joe Bacci, and i’m a Mets Fan.”
Alex,
I am not attacking you personally. I simply do not understand why you obsess so much over what ESPN says or does not say about the Braves.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:31 amcsg,
I was joking with the whole “you heard it here first” bit.
AAR,
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:46 amThat’s hilarious.
Speaking of the Mets, here’s more from Tony Bernazard, Omar Minaya’s right-hand man, who recently ripped off his shirt and challenged an entire AA team to fight:
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:47 amI LIKE what Alex brings to the forum and am glad he’s BACK. Sometimes I wonder about his RANDOM capitalization and wish he could TAKE things a little lighter THOUGH.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:48 amI also got lost in the switch to the new thread. From earlier:
Dix and AR, I’m a bit on the fence as I said before. But I just don’t see this team catching the Phils (esp. if they add impact players). We have a chance to make the WC, just a chance, but have several teams bunched around — any of which could go on a 10 game tear and win the WC. I completely agree that we should not trade SP for a bat mid-season, but would love to see Wren pick up the bat in a salary dump. That may not be realistic, of course, since I have no way of knowing if Libery Media will give Wren the money to do it.
That said, I’d not be surprised at all if Wren did nothing. The streak gives him comfort/cover in sitting tight.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:50 amI’m rediscovering the fun of caring about Braves’ scores in late July. Keep up the good work men!
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:56 amIt’s my right, Marc…but you pissed me off because you said I said something I didn’t say which was that the Braves are upset over it. Of course they don’t care. They’re professionals.
As a Braves fan, I have every God given right to call it those phony a–holes at the 4-letter for completely biased coverage.
And I am not the only person on Bravesjournal who feels as such.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:03 amSpike,
Look, I do it for effect, the caps thing. I take plenty lightly and I am overall happier about the Braves in comparison to how I’ve been the last 3, depressing seasons.
That being said, I am not going to come in here and not speak my mind. It’s just not in my nature.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:04 amSo a bit off topic, but … BoSox trade Lugo. Why is it that a team that does nearly everything right can’t find a decent shortstop? It’s not like they haven’t been willing to look in-house and pay for outside talent. Very strange.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:05 am@12,
I’d be in favor of trading Vazquez for a bat, but it would have to be a HUGE bat. We’re talking about our ace, #1 starter, top strikeout guy. I’d trade him for Prince Fielder and be satisfied. That would drastically improve our lineup.
I’d take the gamble that Huddy will come back, and with his production, the loss of Vazquez will be much smaller than the gain of Fielder.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:06 am#13
That’s the best part…I’d rather be arguing with Marc Schneider than not, because it means we actually have a reason to care again and the team is actually in it.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:07 am#17
But as Stu point out the other day (I think it was Stu?), Fielder is a BorA$S client.
Now, we got a deal done with Lowe and we’ve worked with Borass, however, that makes Fielder less appealing than other middle of the order boppers.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:08 am@17 – Well, sure, I’d also trade Vazquez (or anybody else who has ever played baseball) for Pujols. But implicit in my posts is the assumption that the Cards aren’t trading Pujols and the Brewers aren’t trading Fielder.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:13 amTrading Vazquez would be dumb. What big bat is out there? We don’t really know what Hudson will do when he gets back, so I think we need to relax on the trading Vazquez talk.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:14 amFielder is signed through 2010 (same as Vazquez). It is assumed/hoped that FF will be ready by 2011
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:15 amFor Albert Pujols, YES, 1000 TIMES YES (sorry Spike for the caps) I’d trade Vazquez for Pujols.
He’s by far the best hitter in Baseball. In would throw in Hudson and the top 3 prospects in the organization to get Pujols.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:15 amI think we all (meaning us, and the Braves) have to get over Scott Boras. He’s the most influential agent in the game, and represents its best players. Cowering from Boras is not conducive to winning.
While I agree that Boras makes a player less desirable, in this case I don’t think it matters. I wouldn’t want to resign Fielder after 2010.
I’ve been a big proponent of keeping our financial flexibility for the summer after the 2010 season. Fielder won’t age well, and will command a massive contract. I would rather spend that money on replacements for Vazquez/Huddy, and plug a minor leaguer into the 1B spot. 1B is not a hard position to develop a power hitter at. Just about any power hitter can play there.
@20 I didn’t mention Pujols anywhere, because quite obviously, he’s not available. I disagree with you about the Brewers not trading Fielder though.
Like I said, I’d stand pat. But if Vazquez fetches us a bat like Fielder, I’d be willing to risk it.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:16 amConrad optioned. Kelly activated.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:18 am16—Lowrie’s their shortstop; he’s just been hurt.
19—It wasn’t me, Alex. I’ve been the one saying it doesn’t matter that he’s a Boras client since he’s signed through 2010 and we likely wouldn’t want him after that, anyway.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:19 amSweet Jesus, Norton is immortal. I think he has videotape.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:19 amI don’t think the Braves brass cowers from Boras. I think by-and-large they view most Boras clients as too expensive in the long run. Lowe was an exception — and by the way, might turn out to be too expensive in the long run.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:19 amI said he was a Boras client.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:19 amWhere did you read that PWHjort? I checked all my “sources” and none have that yet.
Edit: Nevermind. I found it on DOB after it took 5 minutes to load
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2009/07/22/hot-braves-jurrjens-vs-the-freak-lincecum/comment-page-17/#comment-215984
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:21 amStu, yeah I know Lowrie’s their SS, but I mean whay can’t they find a DECENT SS? (Kudos to AR for lessening the stigma of ALL CAPS.)
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:23 amDOB: Kelly activated, Conrad optioned back to Gwinnett.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:24 amLowrie is a good player. You think they should have All-Stars everywhere?
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:25 amJust because he’s a Boras client doesn’t mean we have to negotiate with him. He’s signed through 2010 and I doubt we’d extend Fielder.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:26 amNo, it’s just that the Sox have TRIED to have All Star SSs and have made a large number of repeat contract mistakes. Even Epstein has said that they’ve made big mistakes. I guess I’m just suprised that a team that otherwise is very well run keeps screwing this one up.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:27 amNorton and Diory are better than Conrad? really?
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:29 amHas to be a frustrating day for Conrad.
Any word on the lineup today? I’m assuming McCann’s getting the day off. If Chipper is as well does that mean Kelly’s jumping right back in to start at 2nd? (Prado at 3rd.)
Zito’s a lefty so I figure that means Garrett in left and Diaz in right.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:30 amWell, allegedly, Diory can play SS and Conrad can’t. The Norton thing is mistifying.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:30 amRed Sox will get Hanley back in a few years
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:30 am@36 – Surpises me too, unless Norton/Diory are minor players in a trade discussion?
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:31 amOlney offers 8 reasons why the Phillies should go ahead and acquire Doc. I’m no longer an insider. What does he say about the possibilities of the Braves catching them without adding a great arm?
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:31 amI think the problem with Boras is he has good players, but they usually wind up getting overpaid. That doesn’t mean you have to stay away, but that does mean that you should be smart enough to stick to your guns on the price.
Teams who have Boras clients are rich teams, because they’re the only ones with the financial resources to swallow a possible disappointment. Think over the last few years: how many huge Boras contracts have teams honestly been glad they paid out, after the last year of the deal?
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:31 amANyone see this picture?
http://withleather.uproxx.com/2009/07/bees-not-the-bees#comments
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:33 amSo, I’m confused. Did Frenchy flinch because of bees?
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:36 amI agree that Boras drives up the prices of his players, and that the Braves aren’t a team that can afford any bad contracts, let alone expensive, long term bad contracts.
Honestly, Chipper’s contract is not that good right now, and Derek Lowe’s is probably on the negative side of neutral, but the remainder of the finances are allocated extremely well. Any bad values are on short term deals.
I want us to have a lot of money in the next few years because I want us to be able to afford to lock up Escobar and Jurrjens, before worrying about anything else.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:37 am#41, I do not care what Olney says. He is dumb. I don’t use that adjective lightly. I don’t know why anyone would seek out that opinion.
Also, if we were to add “a great arm,” where would we put it? We need bats, not arms. We have more arms than Shiva.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:39 amRoster construction: you make the call
Player 1: Has hit in limited playing time and can play the field albeit not very well
Player2: Has not hit in limited playing time and can not play the field at all.
Unless player 2 is really good in the clubhouse (wink, wink, nudge, nudge saynomore) I’d probably have to pick player 1.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:40 amIf this team could ever get into the post-season, the rotation looks pretty stout.
So, I’m not crazy about dealing Vazquez. He’s been awesome.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:41 am@47 – but which positions do these anonymous players play? on which team with what needs? how much are they paid? what are their projections? does one of them have THE PHOTOS?
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:43 am“We have more arms than Shiva.”
That made me laugh out loud.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:44 amI don’t know why people keep talking about trading our ace. Unless we hit a six game losing streak, that’s not going to happen.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:44 amHaha. I thought this from Sweetspot was funny.
And this from Circling the Bases:
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:47 amAAR,
The problem in expectations versus reality with free agents is not just with Boras clients, but with substantially all free agents for a good reason. You are the highest bidder.
Think about it. there are 30 teams. Except when a player takes a lesser contract for a better team or better situation (Maddux in 1993 and that is rare)the “winning team” has valued the player higher than the other 29 teams. And, the collective wisdom of 29 teams is stronger and more accurate than the outlier.
Look at Boston getting J. D. Drew. Drew is a good player, sometimes great, who has injury problems. Everybody knew that. When you look at his disappointing streaks and his injury days, you wonder if that deal has been good for them. And, Boston has a good front office that generally evaluates well. But functionally, the high bidder has to “overpay” (WS compared to cost, say, not compared to revenue) to get a free agent player.
Even cheap free agents look like bad signings more often than expensive ones. I think it was Neyer who did a table last year and determined that the worst free agent signings were not the long term deals, but rather the 1 year contracts. The best deals (WS relatie to cost) were 4 to 5 year contracts. The “really long” deals were bad (Zito, Hampton). But the short term ones were almost universally horrific.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:50 am@49
Player 1: IF, major league min., decent backup IF with some power but below average glove
Player 2: DH (in the NL), $800K, fail
On an unrelated note, Coxy is making $3M this year.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:52 am#43
What you don’t see in that picture is that the man who is throwing the ball was a “mysterious, bald man from Alabama, wearing a Braves hat…”
#39
csg, that comment is equally true and sad. hence the economic disparity in Baseball.
Which brings the discussion back to Boras. The bottomline is we’re a middling financial team so we can always afford a few expensive Boras players, but unlike the Red Sox, Mets, Yankees and Dodgers, we can’t fill half our roster with those guys.
Thankfully, their are some talented and classy players who are really good and actually choosing other agents these days.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:52 amAs I said a couple of days ago, Norton was told he’s here until Infante gets back as long as he wants to be. My source is solid. Not that one party couldn’t change their mind but I didn’t buy the norton getting released for Kelly thing.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:55 am@53 – Well, that’s easy! Player 2 is trade-bait.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:59 amThat’s so weird. The most obvious way to improve the team would be to swap out Norton for Conrad or Barbaro.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:59 amOnce a player breaks into the majors does he get the league minimum or does he get the league minimum * (Days on roster / 162)?
If that is true, that makes sense for sending someone other than Norton down, since he signed a ML contract and will make the $800K regardless.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:05 am46—Olney’s hardly dumb. Agree that he’s not worth reading for scoops or predictions, though.
And I’m pretty sure c. shorter meant if the Phillies don’t add a great arm.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:06 amI just want to throw more red meat out there for Sam Hutcheson. I need to brighten his day.
Yesterday somebody son this board wrote that they “had it from a reliable source” that Norton had been told that he would be released when Infante was activated. I think the post said by Cox, but not sure.
In any event, Norton was not released at the earlier KJ activation time. Does anybody here reasonably think swithchitter Norton can outdo switchhitter Conrad? Norton certainly is not as important defensively and cannot be a pinch runner. And, I may be wrong, but I just don’t see Wren as letting any sentiment for Norton hold him on the roster.
So, I propose Bobby made Norton a promise and is going to keep it, whether or not it was smart to make it (the real criticism I have with any possible promise) and whether or not it is good for the team to keep the promise (I give Cox or whoever more slack on this because, yes, your word is supposed to be worth something).
And, whoever promised Norton how long he could stay, probably is wondering if Infante may not make it back by September 1 (not hoping that he doesn’t, just thinking that might happen) and then they can hang on to ol’ buddy Norton through the rest of the year.
edit: [It was Dusty!!! Can you, Dusty, tell who made the promise / statement to Norton?}
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:10 amAbsent this recent hot streak, history makes one think this would be Bobby’s last year. In previous years, his contract for the next year was already in place at the beginning of the current spring.
# signed extension through 2007 with Atlanta 3/06
# signed extension through 2008 with Atlanta 4/07 (salary of about $3M)
# signed extension through 2009 with Atlanta 5/23/08 (salary of about $3M)
You would think if they wanted him (or he wanted to stay) it would have happened by now.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:11 amI suspect Norton’s $800K salary has more to do with his prolonged presence than anything.
61—Didn’t they already announce that Bobby would be back next year? Or am I confusing that with last year’s announcement about 2009?
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:12 amWow…Norton stays? Really feel bad for Conrad, however at least he can work on his 2nd base defense.
So when Infante comes back, if will be KJ, Diaz, Ross, Infante and …..
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:13 amNot sure if it was Cox or Wren that told him this, but that was my thinking as well that he’s kind of around in case Infante has a setback. Also think he may retire if released.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:21 amBecause that makes so much sense: “We are paying this guy $800K so we may as well let him drag the team down”
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:24 amDaniel,
I got criticized on here a couple of months ago for looking at financial effects with respect to who is called up to fill the back end of the bullpen and bench (I think I was comparing why not bring up Charlie Morton versus Medlen). But, I still think $400,000 here and there is enough to be significant.
Conrad was on a minor league contract. Once he was activated he gets the Major League minimum prorated (I think by “season days”, not by games) for the number of days he is on the 25 man roster. Then, if he is optioned (has to be eligible for options which he apprently was) he gets a bonus in that his minor league salary for the remainder of this year (and all of next year if he is able to be held under option and is not released) rises to $150,000, again prorated.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:24 am65—I didn’t say it made sense; I just said I suspect it’s a big factor. I understand sunk costs. (I’m sure Frank Wren does, too, FWIW.)
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:27 amI got 2 tix to today’s game. Anyone with a Lexus wanna come pick me up?
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:29 amand as to holding Diory,
Until Infante comes back, he is our only line of defense at shortstop.
And, today is a perfect day for Ross to play as he is a 3 year average 860 or so ops against all lefties. Cox needs to be “semi platooning” here and “looking for lefties” as part of scheduling off days for BMac.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:29 am#62
I really hope this is it and Bobby hands the reigns already to a younger manager.
I maintain what I’ve said previously about Terry Pendleton: I think he would be a solid Manager and a fine replacement for Cox – and he would be a better manager in comparison to him as a hitting coach.
I like the idea of an even keeled guy like TP in that “overseer” role vs. being in charge of our offense where he’s shown overall to be below average.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:31 amPrado to SS, KJ to 2B, Diory to Gwinnett
911: Chipper to SS, Prado to 3B, KJ to 2B, Diory still in Gwinnett
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:31 amI would also like the Braves to double Rudy Jaramillo’s Rangers’ salary and hire him as the next hitting coach here.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:32 am@67
I wasn’t commenting on your understanding of sunk cost. This team obviously has no qualms about fabricating injuries in order to send guys to the minor leagues. Why not give Norton another fake injury if he is just being held for insurance? No hit, no glove players are a dime a dozen, though. Could we really not find any more of this commodity if Infante does have a set back?
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:33 amThe fact that Bobby Cox thinks that Pendleton would make a good manager is enough to convince me otherwise.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:35 amNorton is on the roster over sentiment and feelings. It has nothing to do with his production, Conrad’s production, or the ability to replace Norton internally or externally.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:38 amDon’t know how accurate Gameday is but its giving this lineup:
McLouth CF
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:39 amPrado 2nd
Chipper 3rd
Yunel SS
Diaz LF
Ross C
Kotchman 1st
Church RF
Kawakami P
Mr. Swinga at 74,
I won’t criticize that part of Cox’ judgment. I don’t think he should still be the manager. But I do believe when you get past the “positive Bobby” bs (and sometimes that is hard to do) he does have good instincts and skills in evaluating managers and coaches. His “old fashionedness” needs to be balanced out, but otherwise, he has a good perspective there.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:40 amInteresting, ACHE getting a day off.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:42 amPractically everyone on this blog thinks that Snitker is terrible.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:47 amPendleton is not particularly highly regarded as batting coach.
How does that reflect well on Bobby’s judgement with respect to coaching ability?
In case you missed it in yesterday’s game thread: Yunel Fluff piece.
I like this for two reasons. First, maybe Yunel is growing up. Second, stories about Good-Guy Yunel means that the organization likes him and isn’t looking to get rid of him for personality reasons. Good times.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:51 amHey now. Snitker has an awesome uneven mustache.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:51 amUgh… no more free MLB Extra Innings…
Online stream anyone?
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:53 amTo take that one step further, Ned Yost was run out of town in September with his team leading the pennant race in the Central. I’d just as soon put Ted Turner in the dugout than anyone that Bobby selects.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:54 amI can’t believe today, of all days, Anderson gets the day off. He has 70 PA against Zito, enough so the head-to-head isn’t silly to reference, with an .875 OPS. He’s the only guy on the roster who has a good track record against the guy, and it’s enough data in his case to make the claim that he hits the guy well.
I would ordinarily love seeing Church/Diaz/McLouth, as I think it’s usually our best outfield, but not today.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:56 amGood point @79.
Why are people still calling Garrett Anderson “ACHE”? It seems very disrespectful and dated now.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:57 amThe channelsurfing.net one is dead, looks like it was part of the Extra Innings deal.
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:57 am#85, because “ACHE” has a better ring to it than AFPHE (Anderson Fifth Place Hitter Extraordinaire) and also captures the essence of Anderson’s play in the outfield well.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:02 pm@85 – Once you get a nickname around here, it seems to be permanent.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:03 pmKeep watching Chipper in the dugout. He is getting on the job training to become a coach or manager. He knows he only has a couple/few more years left, so he is learning from the best.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:13 pmIt no longer applies (and was outvoted in favor of an inferior option at the time), but I liked Gary Tanderson and Joe Shanderson.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:15 pmThanks for the responses @87, @88.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:15 pmAt least somebody does.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:16 pmThey just said Anderson woke up this morning with a stiff hip, so Bobby just gave him the day off. But don’t worry, I’m sure the real reason is still that Bobby is incapable of reading a matchup sheet. Never mind that he keeps one in his pocket every game.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:17 pmSpeaking of ACHE, I was at the dentist the other day and started thumbing through an older copy of Men’s Health. Well low and behold, there’s ACHE in there doing offseason training at some fitness institute Boras set up for his clients. It was a little surprising, as ACHE doesn’t strike me as the workout warrior type, but hey, at least he was trying. The other player featured in that article was Matt Holiday.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:17 pm@93
I’m sorry, Nick, but the knee has already jerked.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:20 pmOK, somebody explain the Sandoval Doubles to Shortstop Escobar in gameday? Huh? How did somebody score from first AND he “doubled” to the shortstop and no error was involved?
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:22 pmI was wondering myself how you double to the shortstop.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:25 pmSandoval ripped a basehit grounder off of the thirdbase line…
…the ball then banked off of the wall and then the ballboy, who was trying to get out of the way, and kicked back into shallow left field, where Escobar ran out and retrieved it. It seemed like it probably should have been some kind of dead ball, with the runners stopped at 3rd and 2nd. Bobby came out of the dugout briefly after the play, as it wasn’t clear if the Umps noticed the ball hit the ball boy.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:27 pmhmm..that Explains it perfectly.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:29 pmNeyer compliments the Braves!
Nine pitches. Way to make him work, guys.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:29 pmAt first I thought Douglass was joking and now I’m not sure…
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:31 pmDouglass got it right, would have been a hit and rbi regardless of it hitting the ball boy.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:33 pmWay to let their only decent hitter beat you, too.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:34 pm100 — Neyer with something good to say. Sounds good.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:38 pmYUNEL!
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:38 pmEscobar is pretty good at baseball.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:39 pmEscobomb!
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:39 pmZito!
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:39 pmYunel doesn’t have to worry about base-running blunders if he keeps hitting the ball out of the park.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:40 pmMan I have never been so right about player than I was 2 years ago when we were having those heated Yunel vs. KJ arguments.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:40 pmTeam leader in RBI, tied for the lead in homers. Better trade him soon!
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:40 pmMVP!MVP!
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:41 pmWe’re not the Pirates Mac.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:41 pmYunel, BTW, is third among major league shortstops in RC/27. Actually, he’s behind Hanley and Jeter, so he’s first among people who can actually play shortstop.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:43 pmYea but have you seen his hair? It’s worse than Jeter’s!
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:44 pmTony, I gotta admit, you were right about Yunel. I didn’t see anything in his minor league stats to suggest he had this kind of power.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:45 pmI’m not in front of my TV, so I’ll ask — why was Diaz running?
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:46 pmOne could argue this is why there was no minor league indication:
http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2008/03/24/brinfield_0325.html
“After adding 15 pounds of muscle…”
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:48 pmI was right in wanting to get Yunel signed to a long term deal this past offseason.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:48 pmAccording to the smart people, Hanley can actually play shortstop this year. When they brought him up, he was so bad he was clearly out of position, but right now he’s acceptably below-average. Yunel’s clearly way better in the field, but Hanley isn’t killing his team up the middle like he used to be.
Obviously, I’m with you on Cap’n Jetes.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:48 pm@116:
I’m going to assume it’s because Cox wanted to get him in scoring position to take advantage of Kotchman’s one single he’s allotted each game.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:49 pmDiaz was very safe on that steal attempt.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:51 pm110—You were right on the money, Tony. And before you, it was Robert who was. I have probably been this wrong about lots of players, but I’ve never been so happy to be so wrong. Yunel is an absolute stud.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:52 pmThanks AAR and Stu, at least you were man enough to admit you were inaccurate.
Is anyone concern with McClouth’s recent slide?
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:56 pmKK seems to be getting away with some meatballs to this light hitting Giants team. He’d better start finding some more corners.
Also, is Sandoval the reigning fattest player in MLB?
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:56 pm@116 – Wouldn’t be too upset, Mac. Diaz was 4 for 4 in steal attempts, and he was actually safe on that one too.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:56 pmI don’t think, by the way, that it’s a surprise that someone coming from Cuba would add muscle upon entering the First World. Not an opening for political discussion.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:57 pmSandoval is only 5’11 so he looks huge at 245. CC is 290 but 6’7
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:58 pmOK, people, I’ve refrained from comment (on this subject) long enough.
M-c-L-o-u-t-h. There is no second “c” in Nate’s last name.
And, for the record, there’s only one “t” at the end of ACHE’s first name.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:58 pmMolina is fatter than Sandoval. Like I said in the first game thread of the series, I think Sandoval-Molina is the fattest 3-4 combination I’ve ever seen. Usually you see the really fat guy teamed with an athlete, like Ruth with Gehrig or Fielder with Gibson or Fryman.
July 23rd, 2009 at 12:58 pmKawakami is only going to last about 5 innings, given his pitch count already. I hope he has an easy 4th and 5th, so we can at least get 6 out of him today.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:01 pmAre we going to let Barry Zito stop us from getting a sweep?
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:04 pmThis should make Sam (a little bit) happy –
http://www.newsday.com/blogs/sports/watchdog-1.812020/espn-bans-new-york-post-staffers-from-its-outlets-1.1319242
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:06 pmHadn’t realized Andruw was doing as well as he is for the Rangers (knew he started off hot, but saw his average drop at some point). He’s got as many HRs as McLouth and in 29 less games. Better OPS too. AJ only has a .227 avg, but OPS is .857. It’s not Andruw of old numbers, but it’s nice to see him not “done”.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:07 pmWhy is Travis Ishikawa Albert Pujols against us and Albert Hall against everyone else?
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:09 pmIt seems like Ishikawa, Winn and Lewis get about 50% of their yearly hits against the Braves.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:11 pmBraves at work is better than work at work.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:22 pmThe last 2 called strikeouts have been out of the zone according to gameday (Chipper and Diaz)
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:23 pm3 walks in the inning. Got to make them pay.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:23 pmTime for the Kotchman hit of the day!
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:24 pmThis would be a good time to extend History’s Worst Hitting Streak.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:24 pmI was about to say it’s a perfect time for the WWHS to be extended.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:25 pmor, ya know, not.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:25 pmI prefer Fat Ichiro for Sandoval
http://bloggingaboutbaseball.com/2009/06/17/kung-fu-panda-or-fat-ichiro/
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:26 pmOh well, there’s always the 7th, with 2 out and nobody on…..
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:27 pmI think that happened because we’ve been making fun of the hitting streak.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:27 pmThe first rule of the hitting streak is not to make fun of the hitting streak. Do not taunt WWHS. If WWHS causes blurry vision, hair loss, sweaty palms, or the condition known as Hot Dog Fingers, discontinue use of WWHS.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:29 pmDo not anger the streak
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:29 pmSandoval is only 23. I swear when I first saw him that he was older. Dude can hit.
#123 slumping but still getting on base and defending well.
Take a close look at Andruw’s splits. Texas Stadium or whatever they call it these days is Coors AL version.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:30 pmDo not stare directly at the WWHS.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:30 pmDo not taunt happy fun streak.
Two on and nobody out … I smell triple play!
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:32 pmThe WWHS is composed of an unknown glowing substance which fell to Earth, presumably from outer space.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:33 pmAs if there was a need to “prove” hibernation mode. I just looked up team stats and we lead the NL in BA/Hits in innings 1-6, but are below average in 7+.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:33 pmThis whole inning is an elaborate scheme to keep Zito out in the sun and make him run really hard.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:37 pmHang on Kenny!
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:37 pmWhew.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:38 pmWhew, thank goodness we got out of that mess. Who’s warming up in the bullpen?
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:38 pmHow close was that to a HR?
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:38 pmwould’ve hit the wall if Church didn’t catch it
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:41 pmKK would have probably been lit up today by a team that can hit. The Gnats popped up a lot of pitches over the heart of the plate. Thank goodness he escaped a couple of dangerous situations. Church has been huge in RF today…really impressive defensively.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:41 pmGo Diory.
To Gwinnett.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:42 pmnice AB Diory. KK coulda done that.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:43 pmPhenomenal hitting
KK is almost at a sub-4.00 ERA, though
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:44 pmDisgusting. Why did Conrad go back before Diory?
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:49 pm@163 – nobody else can play shortstop…
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:50 pmDid O’Flaherty hurt his back or something?
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:52 pmsdp- Somebody has to back up Yunel at short. The real question is why Diory pinch hit before Norton or KJ.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:54 pmWhew 2.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:57 pmMedlen comes in and strikes out two. (One was Zito, but still it’s a strikeout.)
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:57 pmPrado/Chipper can backup shortstop
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:59 pmThis game is annoying. Let’s break it open.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:59 pmI’m kind of surprised they let Zito bat there. Oh well, no complaints.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:59 pmHa! On the MLB Gamecast from the 4 letter people Prado’s Ball 4 was shown as being right down the middle.
July 23rd, 2009 at 1:59 pm171—He’s only at 82 pitches as I type this.
EDIT: Never mind. For some reason, I read that as surprise that he’s still pitching. Yeah, I would have hit for him, too.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:01 pmSo apparently the first rule of History’s Worst Hitting Streak is you do not talk about the hitting streak. I’m assuming that the second rule of History’s Worst Hitting Streak is that you do not talk about the hitting streak.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:01 pmPrado walks with 4 pitches, and chipper swings at the first one he sees?, wtf?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:02 pmOne reason the Giants didn’t hit for Zito is that their bullpen is primarily righthanded. Their only lefty is Affeldt, who pitched last night and would be saved for a situation. If you bring in a righty, you unleash McCann/ACHE/KJ.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:03 pmWhat just happened?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:04 pmterrible call. cox will be tossed. f’n insane strikezone.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:04 pmCaught stealing or botched hit-and-run?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:05 pmThe strike zone given to Zito was far different than the one afforded Kawakami today. Perfectly understandable complaint and ejection.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:06 pmDeleted
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:07 pmShoulda been a walk, runners on first & second with one out.
Instead, it’s a strike ‘em out/throw ‘em out inning-ending DP.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:08 pmneither. zito’s patented curve ball was thrown around shoulder high and the ump rings escobar up. however, he didnt even signal a strike 3 call and prado was toast at 2nd. really weird play and bobby should have gotten tossed, which hd did. earlier, escobar had a reaction on an obvious ball 4 so it could be a personal vendetta against esco.
so, we are not getting any calls including 2 that have taken us out of potential runs. as i’m typing 2nd base umpire just missed a pickoff, his 2nd blown call of the day.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:09 pmNice job, Medlen.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:11 pmIts time to end Hibernation Mode….
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:11 pmYeah, Medlen gets out of a jam easily.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:11 pmYeesh, a couple bad calls. Awful strike three call followed by what appeared to be a missed call on the pickoff attempt. It looked like Medlen had Winn on the super slow motion of the DVR.
Prado and Chipper can’t play short. Conrad can’t really play short all that well, either, apparently.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:12 pmDiory can’t either. He also can’t play second, can’t run, and can’t hit.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:14 pm#183, yeah, that botched tag call was weird. MLB umps are usually spot-on with those.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:14 pmChipper began as a shortstop. He can manage a few innings until Diory is called up to help an injured Escobar.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:15 pmIt looks like the umps feel a little sorry for the Giants and are trying to give them this game.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:16 pmWill Prado play at 1st against lefthanders when Infante gets back?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:16 pmthis umpire is the fail
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:17 pmWhich umpire is behind the plate today?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:17 pmrough day for this umpiring crew. Plate ump has been all over the place, and the 2B has missed 2 calls.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:17 pmuh-oh. THE STREAK IS IN DANGER.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:18 pmChipper was drafted 19 years ago. He should not be considered an option at short, especially considering his injury history. We were lucky he played today.
Mac – is Diory really that bad? He’s seemed decent to me when I’ve seen him play. Looked like a good arm, too.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:19 pmIf Chipper played short, he will out for the next 10 days. So no Chipper can’t play short anymore. Like Jeter and Ripken before, his shortstop days are over.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:19 pmI really hoped this offense wouldn’t be back for awhile. I expected this against Lincecum.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:19 pmthis is like cy young zito & not wonderfully crappy Zito
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:22 pmThis ump has an Eric Greggian strike zone
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:22 pmStu – I think it’s Jeff Kellogg.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:22 pmBarry Zito? Really?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:22 pmThanks, Weldon.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:23 pmSo Bobby Cox HAS been tossed?
Is that correct?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:23 pmGonzo coming in to pitch again?
Sheesh.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:24 pmI don’t think we should blame our offense here. Zito is getting an amazing strike zone.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:24 pmGonzo is going to pitch again??????
He makes me nervous everytime out now….
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:25 pmBobby got tossed during the commercial break after the strike em out throw em out.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:26 pmThat Gonzo is in right here is evidence that he’s still managing from the clubhouse, though!
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:27 pmGonzo hurt by line drive???
Says injury delay, right after Gonzalez deflected a ball to Kotchman.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:27 pm…And he gives up a hit, then leaves the game. Oh, boy.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:27 pmWho’s injured? (Its saying injury delay)
Never mind it has to be Gonzalez. What happened?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:28 pmThanks Weldon.
So how bad did Gonzo get hit?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:28 pmGonzo got hit somewhere on his left arm. Either the hand or the elbow. Didn’t look as bad as Mark Prior’s a few years back or anything like that.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:28 pmMac, nobody was arguing the Diory should be here. But it is the plain truth that he is the only one on the team right now that can backup shortstop defensively – at least until Infante returns. But Diory really should have no place an ANY major league roster.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:28 pmKotch, sheeeesh.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:32 pmwow….
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:32 pmHe should get an error for that. Pathetic.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:32 pmPrado out for KJ…so it begins
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:33 pmWhat the hell is going on?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:33 pmThere’s a reason the man plays first. He has that same weird throwing motion when he throws back to the pitcher. I don’t know if there’s something wrong with his arm or if he just throws like a girl, but it’s an issue.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:34 pmdamnit!
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:34 pmDiory got off to a terrible start, usually someone like him gets sent back down, works on his mistakes, and comes back stronger (hopefully). Diory is having to sit on the bench and not get ABs. Let’s not bury his career just yet.
When Infante gets back then Diory goes down. Then Conrad needs to come back up and take Norton’s place, and Norton goes home to retire.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:35 pmanyone else see those metaphoracal dark clouds rolling in?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:35 pmJesus christ. Mac, they just scored a run on three infield hits.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:35 pmOh for fecks sake, what the hell are you doing, guys.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:36 pmKJ already sucking
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:36 pmWas Ross not telling Moylan where to go with the ball there?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pmI say three infield hits, but it was an infield hit and two bunt attempts.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pmGamecast is all mucked up. Can someone enlighten us as to what happened?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pmprado out? stupid.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pmI think “being able to play a position” is vastly overrated. Is it worth carrying an absolute zero for an extended period of time so that in case of an emergency we will have a semi comptent back up fielder to bring in? I would say there is more to be gained from carrying a hitter that can stand around at SS for one game if necessary than to carry an otherwise complete waste of a player just because he is an official SS. Any player deemed acceptable at 2B/3B is probably sufficiently good at fielding to play SS in an emergency situation.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:37 pmThis game has really pissed me off.
FWIW, Kotchman was taken out and Prado was moved to first when KJ was brought in on the double-switch.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:38 pmAnd why in the hell did he double-switch out Prado? That makes no sense. If you’re double-switching, you take out Church and move Diaz to right.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:38 pmI just watched a slow motion replay of interference, but there’s no outs, and a run scored on the play, so I have no idea what happened. I can’t have the sound on.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:39 pmWe need another bullpen arm. Who’s got people available? Hm. I wish we could get Green from the Mets.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:39 pm#235
Unless Bobby was benching Kotchman for making a mental error on the throw to first base?
Also, KJ now leads off the next inning.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:39 pmOr use Medlin more.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:39 pmthis is a very Francourian inning
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:40 pmGonzo came in, got hit on his forearm by a hard line drive. That man reached and Gonzo had to leave. Logan came in and Kotchman misplayed a bunt attempt. Two men on.
Logan was pulled, Moylan in. Giants tried to bunt the men over but Moylan hit the runner and the guy scored from second. KJ looked inept covering first, but the runner (Uribe?) should have been called out on interference.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:41 pmgonzo hit by a line drive on the wrist. gonzo out, logan in.
kotchman fielded a bunt attempt, thought about going to 2nd, then lobs one to first….runner safe. logan out, moylan.
moylan fielded a bunt attempt, thought about going to 3rd, throws off his back foot to first into the runner that was inside the line (although it shouldnt have factored in).
moylan k’s two. hit to right run scores, short hops chipper and another run scores. terrible defense on what has been a good defensive team of late.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:41 pmApparently, whatever Uribe did is so complicated that Gameday can’t describe it. They have been stuck on “in play, run(s)” for 6 minutes.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:42 pmMLB Gameday says Prado is at first and History’s Worst Hitting Streak is over.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:42 pmThis just got horrible.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:42 pmwow…the May braves are back today
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:42 pmFull-on meltdown inning.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:42 pmYep, the wheels have come off the wagon.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:43 pmOh, man, it was Chipper. He missed. This sucks.
5-1 for those with broken gameday.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:44 pmthanks for the play-by-play.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:44 pmThree straight Giants have tried to drop sacrifice bunts. That’s gotta be a record of some sort.
Of course, given how that worked out, maybe Cox will decide the Braves offense needs “MORE BUNTING!”
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:44 pmHere’s the synopsis for those who aren’t watching:
the Giants have hit 1 ball hard, but the Braves kicking it all over the place have allowed them to score 4 times.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:44 pmHard to make this many misplays in an inning.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:45 pmI effin hate Randy Winn.
Why can’t we get that hippie out?
Oh well, 3 outta 4 from the Giants is nice.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:45 pmAcosta warming up.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:45 pmWhatever else happens after this game, I think the Braves seriously need to run some PFP.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:46 pmMy mother said there’d be days like this.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:46 pmOh, NOW the 2B ump gets the close one right. Great.
Horrible inning. Glad it’s over.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:46 pmOh well, these things happen. Let’s get them all out of our system in one game and start a new winning streak tomorrow.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:46 pmPrado still in game…
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:46 pmI’m glad I slept through most of this game.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:47 pm261—See 235.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:47 pmAny talk of this team being a playoff team should stop.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:47 pmI’ve brought back “Take the out, stupid” as the tagline. Seemed appropriate.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:48 pmMoylan and Kotchman the only goats today?
Who else?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:49 pm@255. Not really, since the Giants swept the Braves is San Francisco.
Welcome back KJ and his bad vibes.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:49 pmDefense has killed us this inning.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:49 pmSomehow, all those runs were “earned”. Have I mentioned how stupid that rule is?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:49 pmkj… good start.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm264—Would you be saying the same thing if we’d lost to Lincecum and won today? Chill out. It’s one bad game.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:50 pmNo, not “defense”. Stupidity has killed us this inning.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:50 pmNo, Moylan is awesome…remember?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:50 pmThis is still a playoff team. A lot of really weird stuff happened in one half-inning, much of which I still don’t understand. How was that not interference? Did Chipper misplay a ball or was it the throw?
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:50 pm#265
You might add…”and don’t throw a change up over to first”
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:50 pmThere are two innings left, naysayers. One of which we get to face a scrub bullpen member
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:51 pm#274
Church was charged with an error.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:51 pmTony…3/4 suits me fine. Baseball ain’t about revenge…just winning series, man.
Braves playing well…I’m not going to let a Bad News Bears inning ruin how much I’ve enjoyed seeing somewhat of a resurgence.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:52 pmnate…not so great.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:52 pmSorry, the last run was “unearned”. That being the only guy who both reached and scored on clean hits.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:53 pmI’m glad the Braves play like bafoons during day games
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:53 pmso I don’t have to witness it.
geez, Moylan is awful. If this team makes a playoff push they need a couple more arms. This is opening the door for Huddy to the bullpen.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:54 pm@276: Said scrub bullpen member just coaxed a 4-6-3. Just not our day. It was evident with the horrendously inconsistent strike zone. This one just felt wrong from about the third inning onward … so let’s take a three-of-four win from a fellow wild-card contender and try and get two of three this weekend. Today doesn’t change the fact that this team is playing generally good ball and is in decent position to snatch the wild card.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:54 pm5 hits 2 errors…atleast we won the series..lets get ready for the next one
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:55 pmC’mon, this game isn’t over yet. Affeldt plus Wilson isn’t exactly Eck + Rivera, and we’ve been good at crooked numbers recently.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:56 pmI’m telling you guys, CBS Sports Gamecenter blows GameDay away. Go to the mlb link and find the scores and then press the “Live” link. Here’s the link.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:56 pmhttp://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gamecenter/live/MLB_20090723_SF@ATL
Well the Phillies play San Diego tonight in Philly…
The Giants gain a game back from the Braves. The Braves lose a half game to the Cubs, Marlins, Astros, Rockies and Brewers.
So no they really needed to finish off the Giants. I swear everytime they have had little streak going, Gonzo/Moylan have been the ones to help end it.
Welcome back KJ….
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:57 pmLooks like Affeldt has yet to surrender a lead this year. Brian Wilson is doing pretty well also, not a great save %, but nice enough numbers. Not really the part of the bullpen that you wait for to start scoring.
July 23rd, 2009 at 2:58 pmBrian Wilson is terrible. He’ll do everything he can to let the opposing team win, you just have to let him.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:00 pmOkay, I’m looking at the ESPN play-by-play now.
So on the weird play at first, it’s an error charged to Moylan, not interference. That’s the “unearned” run.
On the throw to third, Church was charged an error, but the error only allowed Winn to advance to second. Uribe’s trip to home was “earned.”
There’s no way to understand what a ridiculous inning that was from text on the internet.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:00 pmAs soon as I say that about Gameday, Gamecenter goes haywire. Still, having both links to keep up with the game on your computer is helpful.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:00 pm264 – Chief!
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:00 pmNice double play. That was tight.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:01 pmWell I’m just going to blame everything on KJ and leave it at that.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:02 pmThe game is bad enough–but listening to Chip Caray it getting to me….
#284–Lets hope that the Braves can learn what it is to have a killer instinct….
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:03 pmHaven’t watched Wilson, but he’s striking out over a man per inning, BAA is pretty low, as is the WHIP. Sure, that’s basic, but he’s been a lot better than last year.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:05 pmNORTON!?
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:07 pmMark Beurhle is two outs from a perfect game and it’s on ESPN right now.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:09 pmConrad would have homered.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:09 pmOne out left.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:10 pmThanks, Nick.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:10 pmSHUN THE NON-BELIEVERS
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:10 pmPerfect game completed
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:11 pmPerfect game by Buehrle.. wow
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:11 pmQuick question: did Moylan throw the ball into left field on the error?
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:11 pmHe threw it off of the batter/runner’s head and it ricocheted toward second.
Apparently Dwayne Wise took away a home run for the first out of the ninth inning on that perfect game.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:14 pmNo, Moylan threw to first. He had to hurry his throw because he looked at third. The throw hit Uribe in the neck and KJ was too slow getting to the ball to keep the guy who was advancing to third from scoring.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:15 pmIf we won’t release Norton, can’t we put him on the DL again? A 30 day stint will almost get him to September with expanded rosters. Not that I’m implying that we would ever DL someone for less than stellar reasons!
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:22 pmFunny note. Buehrle’s #1 similarity on baseball-reference.com is Tom Browning, another perfect game thrower. No joke.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:22 pmstoopid neyer curse
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:23 pmUnusually baroque recap is up.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:24 pmKarma…
Send down Conrad, replace with the guy who was part of the problem when the team was sucking, and this is the type of game you get. Have a laugh Conrad.
Is anyone worried about McClouth slumping and Chipper BA. 286, now lower than Garrett Anderson’s .287? Just asking…
I just hope Prado doesn’t feel any undo pressure with bad vibe KJ back.
July 23rd, 2009 at 3:31 pm