tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-153428592011-04-21T19:29:12.010-04:00FOUNDED BY TWO LIFELONG BRAVES FANS, THE OFFICE SERVES AS A SANCTUARY FOR THOSE WHO LOATHE STAT WORSHIP AND MINDLESS BRAVO BASHING.CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.comBlogger6811100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149898568694707822006-06-09T20:13:00.000-04:002006-06-09T20:16:08.990-04:00

Check out our new and improved home at --http://rowlandsoffice.typepad.com/All future posts will be stored at our new locale.

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149819447320263032006-06-08T22:15:00.000-04:002006-06-08T22:17:27.346-04:00

As inconsistent this season as late-career Woody Allen, the Braves recently have been utterly predictable in one sense – when a critical pitch or set of pitches is at hand, the home team is going to fail and the other team is going to come through like the ’27 Yankees crossed with the early ’70s A’s.It’s amazing how many games, even some that end up lopsided, turn on a few pitches. Take tonight.

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149778929160879032006-06-08T10:58:00.000-04:002006-06-08T11:04:50.506-04:00

Where have we seen this hackneyed storyline? Team gets solid starting pitching, scratches out a run here and there to stay close entering the spooky late innings. Mediocre reliever X comes in, quickly populates the bases. Mediocre reliever Y jogs in, surrenders extra base hit and close game becomes much less close. The only relief is for the opposing closer, who heaves huge sigh of same. No need

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149648411966466672006-06-06T22:35:00.000-04:002006-06-06T22:50:28.906-04:00

I'm already a big fan of the Bravos' first round draft pick: There was no question about which major league team Cody Johnson wanted to be drafted by Tuesday."I grew up watching the Braves on TV," the left-handed hitting outfielder from Mosley High School in Panama City, Fla., said. "It's the only team I've ever really rooted for and it's the one place I've always wanted to play."Braves Scouting

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149647248071968562006-06-06T22:18:00.000-04:002006-06-06T22:35:25.980-04:00

Very encouraging win tonight. First, Ken Ray showed that he might just be able to handle the closer's role. Even more impressively, Horacio posted his third consecutive quality start, battling through eight innings in a MUST-win game. Frankly, I had pretty much counted Ramirez out, but Smoltzie told me in an interview this offseason to expect "Ho" to make a big comeback this season. On a recent

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149555348237376552006-06-05T20:36:00.000-04:002006-06-05T23:46:04.213-04:00

In no way do I intend to belittle the passing of former umpire Eric Gregg, but it's hard to ignore the coincidence that, on the night of his death, Livan Hernandez is pitching against the Braves. Gregg, you'll remember, framed a strike zone almost as large as his belly while working behind the plate during Livan's 15 K performance against the home team in Game 5 of the 1997 NLCS. Hernandez was

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149483368941106822006-06-05T00:39:00.000-04:002006-06-05T01:01:50.836-04:00

With Atlanta's pitching scuffling mightily, expect to see some new imports boarding the Richmond shuffle in the weeks ahead. Two possible candidates:*Phil Stockman -- The former D'Backs prospect is dominating Triple A hitters, compiling a stingy 1.09 ERA in 24.2 IP, with only 7 HA and 34 K's. The only negative is his control (10 walks).*Kevin Barry -- Considered a journeyman type before this

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149482033068796882006-06-05T00:16:00.000-04:002006-06-05T00:36:22.866-04:00

Not really, but this as close as he gets -- "That's probably the worst series we've ever had here," the Atlanta manager said after the Arizona Diamondbacks completed their domination of the Braves with a 9-3 rout Sunday at Turner Field.I was in the Braves' clubhouse yesterday, and while it's been a bleak weekend I didn't sense much pessimism from the local 25. Fans may be panicking, and rightly

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149457550176431722006-06-04T17:24:00.000-04:002006-06-05T01:01:35.686-04:00

I'm still not sold on the Diamondbacks, despite their dominance over the Bravos the past few weeks. However, I am bully on the boys in blue, so much so that I rate the Dodgers as the team to beat in the Senior Circuit.Better than the Cards? Sure, I'm always shortchanging Tony LaRussa's club, mainly because of Tony LaRussa. But regardless of the severity of Albert Pujols' injury, I'm becoming

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149456172511723232006-06-04T17:19:00.000-04:002006-06-04T17:22:52.570-04:00

Since last we met, the Braves have lost thrice, not won, made Damion Easley and Tony Clark, a pair of utility players, look like Ruth and Gehrig and further solidified themselves as a boom-and-bust team.Jeff Francoeur, who has a paltry .260 on base percentage but is on pace to hit about 30 homers and knock in 110, personifies this club. The 06 Bravos are so far a whiff or longball club: 10-14 in

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149282903967733692006-06-02T17:14:00.000-04:002006-06-03T09:56:03.956-04:00

Wednesday night the crowd did the wave in the third inning. No half inning passes in silence: Cartoon tools and water heaters hop around bases or pitch and hit on the vast center field screen. Hot chicks in Braves shirts and little shorts exhort fans while a fat blond guy with a butt cut asks people from Florida or North Carolina or Stockbridge trivia questions. There’s an endless assault of

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149260905358423172006-06-02T11:06:00.000-04:002006-06-02T18:37:36.396-04:00

It’s right there in this blog’s tagline – we are no fans of blind devotion to statistics, especially obscure creations like PECOTA. Why trust something with the same name as a mediocre utility man? I must confess, though, that I’m a sucker for the occasional numerical nugget that makes some sense.Here’s one. We all know the home team has a dismal record in one-run games -- 10-14. The Bravos have

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149253952653995422006-06-02T09:12:00.000-04:002006-06-02T10:11:08.650-04:00

JS said this morning that he hopes Joey Devine returns to Atlanta this season. Hoping and doing are different, but I had not heard even this much about the young righty from anyone of authority. Schuerholz was doing a radio interview on Atlanta's 680 The Fan, during which he also gave his usual response to questions about the bullpen: We’re hunting answers inside and outside the organization.

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149225753712998262006-06-02T01:10:00.000-04:002006-06-02T01:24:43.336-04:00

Babe Ruth and Al Jolson grew up in the same Baltimore orphanage? Overheard that last night on the "Charlie Rose" show -- guest hosted by columnist and author Frank Deford, who had former baseball commissioner Fay Vincent on as a guest. Vincent went on to relay a story I had never heard before about legendary owner (and promoter) Bill Veeck, who in 1943 had acquired the backing to purchase the

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149217643873946122006-06-01T22:57:00.000-04:002006-06-01T23:08:25.943-04:00

As you ponder the putrid state of the Atlanta bullpen, consider this: Newly reactivated Dodger Eric Gagne has 160 saves in 166 career opportunities. That encompasses more than three full seasons as the L.A. closer. Meanwhile, Braves relievers have blown 12 saves so far this year. --CB

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149215819193493672006-06-01T21:45:00.000-04:002006-06-01T22:45:30.346-04:00

I'd rather see Pete Orr come in to face a lefty than Mike Remlinger. We try not to question Bobby around here, but the evidence is in: Remlinger is virtually useless against lefthanded batters. This year they have 11 hits in 34 AB's against him, following a recent pattern; since 2003, lefties have hit .284 against Re-malinger-er, while righties have managed only a .215 average. So why does

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149209517354524572006-06-01T20:35:00.000-04:002006-06-01T20:51:59.593-04:00

Who knew the notorious "fat tub of goo" -- getting his second Office mention in as many nights -- had so much in common with Babe Ruth?Besides being a portly lefthander, Terry Forster was a helluva hitter, compiling a lifetime .397 BA (with an .886 OPS). That includes a .526 mark (10-for-19) for the '72 White Sox, the last year pitchers hit in the AL. Like Ruth, Forster ended his career with a

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149196040894090152006-06-01T16:54:00.000-04:002006-06-02T21:29:04.106-04:00

I gave up my usual perch in Section 407 for Wednesday night’s game for a chance to sit amongst the fortunate sons and other recipients of corporate graft in Section 102. Here’s a rundown of the evening’s sights and sounds:Pregame – Not sure who was this night’s VP of Marketing designated to throw out the first pitch, but he drills it in the dirt about 8 feet in front of the plate. Brayan Pena

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149188978223022612006-06-01T15:06:00.000-04:002006-06-01T15:10:00.786-04:00

Looks like Dayton Moore has his work cut out for him. I wonder if this came with a ringing endorsement from Fred McGriff?JGraham

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149172447313560092006-06-01T10:25:00.000-04:002006-06-01T10:34:07.360-04:00

Yeah, it could be a bad sign that Dayton Moore’s bolting. But it will be grim news indeed if ownership does not jump on Smoltzie’s 2007 option. At $8 million, that’s a bargain for an elite starter who’s also the most popular player on the team and its undisputed leader. Oh yeah, and he wants to come back, he told the local organ.Think of it this way – the Bravos can re-up No. 29 for about a third

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149133359060801442006-05-31T23:38:00.000-04:002006-05-31T23:43:15.536-04:00

Directed towards the league's most overpaid mop-up man, portly former Bravo Odalis Perez -- "Hey Odalis, what's Spanish for fat tub of goo?"Not even a titter, save from CD. Have Braves fans already forgotten Terry Forster? Actually, we could use him right about now. --CB

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149104372118219572006-05-31T15:37:00.000-04:002006-05-31T15:43:00.033-04:00

Looks like JS lieutenant Dayton Moore is KC-bound to become GM of the moribund Royals.As paranoid Braves loyalists, our first thought is that Moore might be bailing before Liberty Media comes in and ruins everything. There could be a sliver of substance to that conspiracy theory. But according to the Kansas City Star, Moore will have final say on all baseball decisions as part of a five-year

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149097768835820872006-05-31T13:42:00.000-04:002006-05-31T17:37:44.383-04:00

There’s a baseball axiom that says you have to pole ax the bad teams and hold steady against the good ones. We’re great on the first half of that; we need work on the second. The Bravos are a sterling 12-3 against teams with losing records. However, against .500 or better clubs, the home team’s just 15-22, a .405 winning percentage. Play .405 ball for a season and you’re 66-96. We’ve only played

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149049761819538792006-05-31T00:20:00.000-04:002006-05-31T09:38:39.020-04:00

So at first glance the Tyler Yates experiment appears a failure. We'll give him some more time, but might Will Startup be the Bravos' next bullpen reinforcement? The former UGA closer, who started the season in Myrtle Beach, has been promoted to Richmond after torching Double A hitters. Besides being a decent prospect, Startup is lefthanded, making him even more attractive to the home team. At

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149042510710477542006-05-30T22:14:00.000-04:002006-05-31T00:16:22.266-04:00

Revised trade scenario -- Earlier I floated the idea of a Betemit for Scot Shields swap. Maybe we could get away with this instead: LaRoche and Reitsma for Shields and back-up IF Macier Izturis. The Angels are getting nothing from their first basemen (Darrin Erstad is on the DL, again, and heralded prospect Casey Kotchman is hitting .152 in 79 ABs), and while Adam has been considered somewhat of

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149037542676026582006-05-30T20:56:00.000-04:002006-05-30T21:10:57.636-04:00

Can't resist a Don Ho reference, probably the last you'll ever read on the Office. I mention the island icon because the Braves have imported a new retread for the bullpen, native Hawaiian Tyler Kali Yates.Yates, 28, missed last year following rotator cuff surgery and was released by the Baltimore organization a month into this season. Feeling that his shoulder was almost all the back back,

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149035400361108742006-05-30T20:15:00.000-04:002006-05-30T20:47:17.846-04:00

Newsday, not the most reliable source, is reporting that Roger Clemens has decided to return to the Astros. As much as I loathe the Evil Empire, I'd rather the Rocket head north (actually, Boston or Texas would be my preferences). Why not Houston? Blame the Mets. With New York's other team a definite playoff contender, we have to consider the rest of the National League's elite as rivals. Right

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149005330807953602006-05-30T12:03:00.000-04:002006-05-30T14:52:52.160-04:00

With the Dodgers in town, it seems an apt time to compare Braves shortstops past and present. Yeah, they flogged us yesterday, they’re a half game back and we’re 4-and-a-half out. But the shortstop transition is so far in our favor. Furcal had a couple hits and runs scored yesterday, is hitting .324 in May and has 10 steals. He’s heating up after a .198 April and is at .266 for the season. On

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1149002800092114612006-05-30T11:21:00.000-04:002006-05-30T11:26:40.180-04:00

More kudos to the local organ’s Jeff Schultz. He’s got a column online that includes the first comments I’ve seen from JS acknowledging that the bullpen is a mess and that he is trying to make a deal. Schultz:“The situation with the bullpen now, even as early as it is, we’re far enough into the season where the body of evidence is there,” said Schuerholz.Schuerholz doesn’t divulge a whole lot.

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148866025259542692006-05-28T21:23:00.000-04:002006-05-28T21:28:31.660-04:00

The official Brave site lends some insight into Dayton Moore's decision-making process as he ponders a move to Kansas City -- But recently there have been some thoughts developing that Braves general manager John Schuerholz may remain in his position even after his contract expires after the 2007 season. With Moore's children nearing high school, he would like to ensure himself a GM job within

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148864329401384332006-05-28T20:51:00.000-04:002006-05-29T17:35:40.486-04:00

Bonds made history Sunday, and no one cares. AJC columnist Jeff Schultz sums it up well: Barry Bonds hit his 715th home run Sunday. But every overblown ESPN news break-in couldn’t drown out the sad reality of the moment. It was as awkward as it was historical. Some wanted to watch. Most wanted to cover their eyes.This wasn’t a player punctuating greatness. This was the most vilified sports star

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148863728245524972006-05-28T20:45:00.000-04:002006-05-28T20:48:48.270-04:00

Thanks to Office reader Jeff for reminding us that today is the one year anniversary of Raul Mondesi's release. And I'd just about forgotten he ever played here.I was bully on Raul when the Braves signed him, predicting a .260, 20 HR, 80 RBI campaign. As is so often the case, I was dead wrong. Wonder where Francoeur would be right now if Mondesi had met my unrealistic expectations?--CB

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148860264696510112006-05-28T19:43:00.000-04:002006-05-28T19:52:21.576-04:00

It's Kenny Ray's job now. Perhaps Bobby will play match-ups here and there, but this much we can assume: Next time there's a save opportunity, Chris Reitsma won't get it. It's a shame -- Chris is a helluva guy, proven by the way his teammates, and Bobby, have stuck behind him. But he's no closer, as evidenced once again Sunday afternoon.And Ken Ray is? He looks more than capable so far, but it's

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148790365648905862006-05-28T00:06:00.000-04:002006-05-28T00:53:53.323-04:00

About a decade ago, while logging some freelance work with an Atlanta Falcons publication, I was contracted to do a piece on Craig "Ironhead" Heyward. I was immediately intimidated, considering my subject was a guy nicknamed "Ironhead." Right away he recognized my trepidation, calling me out in front of a gaggle of reporters camped at his locker. If I felt I could've rescued a shred of dignity

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148765575131165422006-05-27T17:08:00.000-04:002006-05-27T18:34:07.966-04:00

He turned down the Red Sox last winter, so why is Dayton Moore -- the consensus heir apparent to JS -- considering an offer from the Kansas City Royals to become that team's new general manager?My neurotic instincts tell me he's getting out because Liberty's getting in (to the baseball business). But there's no proof of that. So why take on baseball's worst franchise when he could have been in

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148758879268844382006-05-27T15:39:00.000-04:002006-05-27T15:41:19.326-04:00

During today’s Fox broadcast, Tim McCarver said he had seen a “great stat” showing that during the Braves’ 14-year run of titles the Cubs had outdrawn the home team by 6,000 fans a game.Judging from the context McCarver seemed to mention this more as a sign of how powerful a draw Wrigley Field itself is, as opposed to the Cubs team, and not as a shot at Atlanta fans.The problem: It’s not true.

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148667999074206802006-05-26T14:20:00.000-04:002006-05-26T14:29:45.496-04:00

Reacting to local radio rants by aging hack Beau Bock is like analyzing the politics of a LaRouche candidate – pointless, beyond a waste of time. But I can’t resist. Bock’s latest “commentary” chastised the local media for, A, not ripping JS for being “snookered” by the Yankees when they overpaid for Kyle Farnsworth, and B, referring to Bobby as a future Hall of Famer, which he most certainly is.

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148659943795415582006-05-26T11:21:00.000-04:002006-05-26T12:27:58.170-04:00

In 1989, when he was still the Braves' GM (and Russ Nixon was in the dugout), Bobby backed out of a blockbuster deal that might've revitalized the franchise a year before the '91 miracle.From a 1990 column by Mark Bradley, courtesy of the AJC archives: What if the Braves had pulled the trigger on Murphy-to-the-Mets? Doesn't the idea of having a .400 hitter (Lenny Dykstra) and a 30-homer man (

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148610370353450422006-05-25T22:18:00.000-04:002006-05-26T10:14:13.373-04:00

Rob Neyer has a new book out called Big Book of Baseball Blunders in which he chronicles some of the most egregious front office blunders in baseball history. For instance, he relays the story of how Babe Ruth became a Boston Brave. I always just assumed that it was a sentimental move to let The Babe finish his career in Beantown without having to face the Yankees. Nothing could be further

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148607927188843382006-05-25T21:24:00.000-04:002006-05-25T22:03:52.020-04:00

Sam Bass got me thinking as well, and he's directed my sights toward Scot Shields (no relation to ex-Brave hurler Steve Shields) of the struggling O.C. Angels. He's not a closer, but he's as durable a reliever as there is in baseball, accumulating 198 innings out of the pen from 2004-05. Yet he's never spent time on the DL, and this season he's off to a stellar start, with a 1.03 ERA through

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148588078978995412006-05-25T16:04:00.000-04:002006-05-25T16:18:55.903-04:00

Sam Bass over at the Brave-O-Matic blog raises interesting possibilities regarding new closers. He suggests that the home team should explore raiding the Cubs pen, which is loaded with relatively expensive set-up men who are little use to a floundering team.Specifically, Bass mentions Scott Williamson, Scott Eyre and Bobby Howry as possible targets for JS. Intriguing. All three guys are pitching

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148567271172096562006-05-25T10:26:00.000-04:002006-05-25T10:32:09.276-04:00

Yeah, it’s maddeningly inconsistent. Yet for all the bitching and moaning – including some from this blog -- and even after an anemic series in Arizona and first two games in San Diego, the Braves’ offense is fourth in the National League in runs scored. They trail only the Dodgers, Reds and Diamondbacks, in order. The Bravos are averaging 5.2 runs a game, which should generally be enough to win.

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148529927028651452006-05-24T23:56:00.000-04:002006-05-25T10:31:07.170-04:00

LaRoche has received considerable grief this season, much of it warranted, but consider that he's on pace for around 95 RBI and 45 doubles. I wouldn't bet Adam meets those projections, but if he gets close we'll all be satisfied. --CB

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148528050429706312006-05-24T23:20:00.000-04:002006-05-24T23:37:14.153-04:00

And sometimes, so are comparisons. I hate to be right on this, and no doubt the jury remains sequestered, but lately whenever I see Marcus Giles at bat I'm reminded of Bret Boone, circa 1999. The swing is just way too long, more from his heels than his center. This from a guy we assumed would be a perennial 20 HR, 45 doubles producer. So far Marcus has only 10 doubles and one homer. I don't think

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148526413839227982006-05-24T22:54:00.000-04:002006-05-25T10:46:19.703-04:00

Matt Diaz is on an incredible run, the likes of which we've rarely, if ever, seen from a Braves hitter. Again, that's 19 hits in his last 30 AB's. I don't know how he does it, but I'm convinced, and the Office staff offers its apologies for our early season doubts (long live the agricultural shot!) In addition, Diaz is competent in left and is a minor threat on the bases. He's earned the right to

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148486820130044992006-05-24T12:04:00.000-04:002006-05-24T12:08:28.963-04:00

Nothing makes me want to sling a monitor across a room like reading online comments from imbeciles blasting Bobby Cox. I become especially enraged when they write things like one did on ajc.com the other day about how “astute baseball fans” realize Bobby’s a bad manager because of the Braves postseason losses. Funny how astute baseball fans like Peter Gammons and countless other people inside the

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148486346294086022006-05-24T11:53:00.000-04:002006-05-24T21:34:50.030-04:00

Add Padres pitcher Jake Peavy to the Office’s list of favorite non-Braves. As a native of Lower Alabama, I’m naturally partial to guys from that area. But the native Mobilian Peavy took a further step in my book of good guys with a gesture during a Padres’ salute to the Negro Leagues this month. From the San Diego Union-Tribune:For his first pitch to Cubs leadoff hitter Juan Pierre, Peavy went to

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148445615681467762006-05-24T00:03:00.000-04:002006-05-24T00:41:12.596-04:00

Cheering for a team so thin on talent, Braves fans are forced to focus on the positives, regardless of the outcome. So here it is: Jorge approached dominance once again, perhaps postponing the debut of Chuck James, starter. Meanwhile, Paronto and Remlinger were stalwart in relief, betrayed by a Chipper miscue.As losses go, this one wasn't that bad. Still, the Bravos, as presently constructed,

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148395635005538802006-05-23T10:46:00.000-04:002006-05-23T12:49:02.473-04:00

This is Howard Cosell speaking of sports. This reporter has never censored himself on the topic of what in our superficial culture passes for sports journalism. This reporter does not plan to begin doing so now. For truth and candor are more important than ever.For all its ballyhooed power to democratize the media, to bring a “voice” to “the people,” the rise of the Internet has as far as I can

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148360398209058522006-05-23T00:34:00.000-04:002006-05-23T15:25:21.380-04:00

Yeah, put Kenny Ray in the 8th. He's our solution. We asked, and Bobby delivered. KR, meanwhile, barely survived. At least there was some good news out of the late innings, as Reitsma bounced back impressively from an abysmal weekend. Right now, outside of McBride -- a big if -- he's the Bravos' only option at closer. Meanwhile, I hate to keep slaughtering this poor horse, but can RathGant get

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148354636625283082006-05-22T23:16:00.000-04:002006-05-23T09:49:46.896-04:00

PITCHINGStarters -- Hudson and Smoltz have been aces, and Thomson solid, but no one could've expected Jorge to be so bad. Maybe Horacio can return to 2004 form. Maybe Sosa can return to 2005 form. Maybe Chuck James can become a competent fourth starter. Maybe Kyle Davies can heal quickly. That's one too many maybes for a playoff caliber rotationGrade: B-Relievers -- Not much more to say. If you

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148323650610835172006-05-22T14:46:00.000-04:002006-05-22T14:47:30.633-04:00

We in the Office have acknowledged our mood swings. We know it’s unwise to make sweeping pronouncements amid the glee of winning streaks or the gloom of blowouts and bullpen collapses.Nevertheless, if you make a clear-eyed assessment right now it seems inescapable: If JS does not strengthen the bullpen there is no way the Bravos finish ahead of the Mets, and probably not the Phillies. Even if a

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148313380644067452006-05-22T11:48:00.000-04:002006-05-22T13:47:12.490-04:00

I’ve never heard JS flatly say it, but his history makes it clear that he is not a believer in spending heavily on the bullpen. Sometimes, like now, it shows.To be fair, he has budgetary constraints and has chosen to spend the bulk of his limited money on starters and everyday players. And it's difficult to quibble with his results the past 15 years. But even in the freer spending Ted era, the

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148239528962059212006-05-21T14:56:00.000-04:002006-05-22T11:14:34.586-04:00

Time for the Office's periodic check-up on the minor leagues, with some hopeful news from the Richmond pitching staff :*Veteran minor leaguer Kevin Barry has been a revelation since moving into the rotation. He's 2-2 with a 2.33 ERA; his secondary numbers are even more promising -- 45 K's in 46 innings, with only 35 hits and 18 walks allowed. Fast-rising bullpen prospect Manny Acosta was just

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148179636283035772006-05-20T22:43:00.000-04:002006-05-22T10:41:38.553-04:00

No celebration of Barry Bonds' 714th home run here at the Office. Those who consider Steroid 3000 a better player than Babe Ruth should note one record Barry will never break:(I think this qualifies as our stat of the night, compliments of prepubescent ESPN analyst Tim Kurkjian):Babe Ruth has more career shutouts than Pedro Martinez. I think that closes the case. ---CBThis is nitpicking and

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148179353265724132006-05-20T22:35:00.000-04:002006-05-20T22:54:48.673-04:00

Seeing McCann leave the field hobbling scares the bejeezus out of me. It looks bad, and we don't have a Wilson Betemit to step in behind the plate. Moments like these make you realize how valuable certain players are. Not a knock on Chipper, but you lose less with Wilson at third than you do with Pratt at catcher. Let's pray it's not serious. If so ... will we see Salty by summer? I'd assume not,

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148148137789478452006-05-20T13:50:00.000-04:002006-05-20T14:02:17.823-04:00

Usually watching the Yankees stumble around the field -- as they did in the first inning against the Mets Saturday, with two errors on top of two misplayed fly balls -- brings me great pleasure. But with the Metropolitans re-emerging as our chief rival, I find myself doing the unthinkable: cheering on the Bronx Bombers. It's not unprecedented, however. Back when I first became aware of baseball,

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1148131719697179142006-05-20T09:16:00.000-04:002006-05-20T09:28:39.740-04:00

Fortunately, I feel asleep before the end of last night's debacle in the desert. While it was heartening to see Adam LaRoche get some redemption, we can't deny the obvious any longer: the Braves don't have a closer.Let me get one thing out of the way. I've been reluctant to pile on Reitsma, as I spent some time with him up in his native Calgary this winter for a Chop Talk profile. You won't find

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147983289260444972006-05-18T16:08:00.000-04:002006-05-18T17:37:12.563-04:00

It's a good dayJorge had no walks and 8KsWe nicknamed him Fat JFrenchy keeps hitting like Willie MaysAnd the Mets are in a thick hazeNational League EastTeam W.... L....... Pct.....GB.... Last 10 Mets .. 24.....16..... .600... - ..... 3-7Phillies 22.... 17..... .564... 1½..... 6-4 Atlanta 21.... 20..... .512... 3½..... 8-2 * In an unrelated side note, I believe

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147982164842552582006-05-18T15:41:00.000-04:002006-05-18T16:12:26.073-04:00

This time three weeks ago, your Office proprietors speculated that Frenchy would be in Richmond by this point. Instead, he leads the team in homers, and he's on a pace for about 140 RBI. I still think he's got a ways to go -- frankly, I'm not sure how he's done this well with his erratic place discipline -- but the Lilburn flash is providing something we might dismiss, but can't ignore: star

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147971763550489682006-05-18T12:55:00.000-04:002006-05-18T13:02:43.640-04:00

It might be asking a lot, but it doesn’t seem unrealistic to gain four games on the Sheasters in the next two to three weeks. Do that and we’re a workable four games out.On May 8, we pondered the possibility of pulling within four games of the Mets over the following two or three weeks. It’s almost happened in just 10 days, as we enter today’s afternoon tilts just 4.5 back. The home team, Mets

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147918929433866422006-05-17T20:48:00.000-04:002006-05-17T23:16:38.803-04:00

With Kyle Davies requiring surgery on his injured groin, I'm going to repeat a familiar refrain. Our biggest need, more than bullpen help, is another starter. And before the season began, when I begun my call for rotation reinforcement, I didn't expect Jorge Eichelberger to be so bad. Now I'm really concerned. We have two aces, and a solid third starter. Then, nothing. I think we saw Horacio's

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147902309334827452006-05-17T17:34:00.000-04:002006-05-17T17:45:09.366-04:00

Tonight is Game 40. The one quarter mark seems as good a time as any for our first best and worst list of the 06 season. If this dissolves into a rant, my apologies. Things I’m digging: Watching John Smoltz, stellar and classy as always. May he retire and enter Cooperstown as an Atlanta Brave. Jeff Francoeur busting out of his funk and hitting two 9th-inning homers in four days. Brian

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147897927901852522006-05-17T16:22:00.000-04:002006-05-18T09:22:19.483-04:00

The Office is trying to cobble together an all-time team of heavyweights, including players from the modern era (post 1970s, hence no Babe Ruth). Several Bravos on the list, but CD and I are having trouble coming up with portly middle infielders. Your nominees are welcome. So far, we have -- C: Hector Villanueva1B: Cecil Fielder, Boog Powell, John Kruk 2B: Carlos Baerga (thanks Sam Bass) 3B: Bob

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147881729989072672006-05-17T12:01:00.000-04:002006-05-17T12:02:10.026-04:00

Just caught part of a good interview with Chipper by Chris Dimino on local sports yap station 790 the Zone. Most interesting comment: Chipper said he’s never been on a team that has had to work as hard as this one to win day in and day out.After noting that the home team has invested the bulk of its payroll in the rotation and everyday lineup, Chipper said the Mets and Phillies are better than

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147873898168641732006-05-17T09:42:00.000-04:002006-05-17T12:03:28.553-04:00

I hung out in the Braves Vision control room at the Ted for a while before last night’s game. Impressive. The place looks like NASA – banks of high-definition screens, lots of keyboards and PCs. It’s where they operate the scoreboards and the huge video screen in center field. I was there doing a freelance piece for ChopTalk. I rode the elevator up with JS, who chatted amiably with a guy who'd

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147835238560673522006-05-16T22:52:00.000-04:002006-05-17T00:09:59.880-04:00

CD and I have both made sport of Matt Diaz, but no more. Despite having the ugliest swing since Rick Camp, Matty makes it work ... just like JS and his team of scouts. While his major trades get all the attention, JS' under the radar deals have been just as effective (such as acquiring Reitsma for two minor league journeymen). THE GM sent unheralded pitcher Ricardo F. Rodriguez to Kansas City for

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147804906582718042006-05-16T14:37:00.000-04:002006-05-16T14:41:46.620-04:00

With Davies headed to the DL and Jorge’s ERA headed toward double digits, the Braves’ farm doesn’t offer much in the way of big league-ready starting pitchers.According to the team site, old friend Travis Smith, who at 33 defines the term minor league journeyman, appears the most likely player to be called up until Horacio is ready to return. For perspective, Smith is older than Andruw Jones, Tim

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147799443209996932006-05-16T13:09:00.000-04:002006-05-16T13:10:43.243-04:00

Here’s a nugget from The New York Times (registration required) about how injuries to the back end of the rotation are wearing on the Mets’ bullpen. Their pen has been a strength. Our pen already has enough problems, so let’s hope it doesn’t get worse with Davies out.Lima, González and Steve Trachsel must go deeper into games to ease the burden on the Mets' bullpen, which has thrown the

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147791877208457832006-05-16T10:59:00.000-04:002006-05-16T11:04:37.263-04:00

It looks like nothing is going to come easy for the Bravos of 06. Just when the team is gathering a little steam, we’re down to three-fifths of a rotation.So much for my theory of having a core of our best pitchers pitch most of the innings. Truth be told, even before Davies left last night’s game for a long stay on the DL, we already only had three-fifths of a major league rotation. Outside of

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147736293025833082006-05-15T19:28:00.000-04:002006-05-15T19:49:21.493-04:00

So what happened to Jeff Torborg? Anyone heard? I actually liked him as an analyst, but soon after the management change at Turner South he disappeared from the telecasts, replaced with someone closer in ability to Broadcastron 3000.If I fell for conspiracy theories I'd assume this was some sort of fiendish plot by Rupert Murdoch, saddling "Ted Turner's team" with the worst set of announcers

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147703971481375612006-05-15T10:36:00.000-04:002006-05-15T10:42:02.690-04:00

LaRoche's benching reminds of a similiar incident featuring a much better player some eight years ago. From the AJC (July 22, 1998):And what's worse is Andruw Jones has fallen back into the Cox doghouse. In the eighth he failed to hustle in on a ball hit in front of him and was immediately replaced by Gerald Williams. Jones came off and met a furious Cox in the dugout tunnel. Afterward, Cox was

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147702784069881092006-05-15T10:10:00.000-04:002006-05-15T10:35:09.710-04:00

Adam LaRoche will be watching from the bench tonight as the Bravos open up a series with the Fish. And not because the Marlins have a lefty on the mound. It may be time for Chipper to break in a first baseman's glove ... or Wilson. I think Chipper at first and Betemit at third base makes for a stronger defense, but there's some disagreement about that here in the Office. Either way, Wilson's

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147652666085271432006-05-14T20:18:00.000-04:002006-05-14T20:24:26.110-04:00

I missed a lot of today's game. But I saw a replay of the key play. One thought: Bobby needs to wobble over to Adam LaLoaf and give him a swift kick in the ass. Come on, dude. If you're going to hit .230 and strike out every 3 times at bat, you need to hustle on defense. Make that play and it's a different ball game. I had flashbacks of his NLDS jog around the bases in Houston last year. -- CD

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147622581451645142006-05-14T12:02:00.000-04:002006-05-14T12:41:11.643-04:00

As Jorge fidgeted, walked around the mound and generally acted like a Dominican Dan Kolb, CB and I had to agree with our companions that the game was indeed trudging along. Pitching changes, deep counts, brow wiping, resin bag juggling – we had only covered six-plus innings by the 2-and-a-half-hour mark.But among the subtle beauties of baseball are the moments. Consider Jorge last night. He had

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147584730965865702006-05-14T01:18:00.000-04:002006-05-14T01:39:14.046-04:00

My apologies, Jeff Francoeur. Just keep doing what you're doing, considering you're on a pace for about 140 RBI. Other notes from Saturday's game, attended by the Office founders: *Show Rowland some respect. If you're going to put his name up on the giant board, run a spellcheck. It's not ROLAND. The man has the second longest hitting steak in Bravos history ... get it right; *Jorge's exhaused

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147539936588973202006-05-13T12:56:00.000-04:002006-05-13T13:05:43.050-04:00

After Smoltzie’s gem last night, the Bravos have pitched 5 complete games, three more than any other team in the majors. Given a shaky bullpen, Bobby is wise to let his starters pitch as much as possible, as long as he’s not risking injuries. Right now, the Braves bullpen has pitched less than all but two others in the National League – St. Louis and San Francisco. The Cardinals pen has pitched

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147441764753293462006-05-12T09:45:00.000-04:002006-05-12T10:44:24.716-04:00

Give this Braves team this – they’ve saved their biggest cans of whoop ass for the two games they needed most this year, pole axing Dontrelle and the Fish 9-1 last night and thumping the Mets 13-3 in that Sunday game at Shea.Getting swept at New York or simply losing a series to the AAA Marlins would have both been borderline disastrous. But Hudson and a passel of hitters like my man Matt Diaz

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147402911904783752006-05-11T23:01:00.000-04:002006-05-11T23:01:51.956-04:00

The Bravos might not have a dependable closer, but it appears they have a solid set-up man. I've been fooled before, as recently as last year when Adam Bernero strung together a few solid outings in a row. Then there was Will Cunnane ... I could go on. But Ken Ray appears to be the real thing. Outside of one bad outing, he's been dominant, throwing strikes and keeping things close. If the Bravos

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147397324226378222006-05-11T21:25:00.000-04:002006-05-11T21:28:44.250-04:00

During last night's telecast, Pete said Bobby was very impressed with Chad Paronto in Spring Training, saying he reminded him of Kevin Grycrapski, er, Gryboski. Geez, how encouraging. Kind of like comparing a young actor to Keanu Reeves. --CB

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147357584348343062006-05-11T10:24:00.000-04:002006-05-11T13:26:00.020-04:00

Maybe it’s the same no matter your team. For me, being a Braves fan is like being bipolar: a strange mix of pure pessimism and blind optimism – Davies’ll win 15, Boyer and Devine will save the bullpen, Bobby will fix everything, he always does. After an abysmal shellacking by a team that belongs in the International League, I’m swinging toward the former. Davies turned in yet another wobbly

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147315737045607362006-05-10T22:38:00.000-04:002006-05-11T13:25:32.146-04:00

Imagine where the Bravos would be if then-Mets GM Duquette had not traded Scott Kazmir for Victor Zambrano (probably 12 games out). Kazmir is developing into the ace most predicted he would become, posting a 5-2 record this year with a 2.94 ERA, striking out more than a batter per inning. Meanwhile, Zambrano -- the second coming of Jaime Navarro -- is out for the year, which may not be such a

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147314843929904152006-05-10T22:27:00.000-04:002006-05-11T13:22:06.096-04:00

Listening to Ron Gant and Bob Rathbun broadcasting from the moribund setting of Dolphins Stadium brings back unwelcome memories of Billy Sample calling games from Fulco in the mid-80s. We appreciate Ronnie here at the Office, but he manned third base better than he analyzes a game. Strangely, I find myself missing Darrel Chaney. --CB

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147295673782005962006-05-10T17:12:00.000-04:002006-05-10T17:16:27.216-04:00

Not a lot of talk lately about how much the Braves miss Leo and what an incompetent Roger McDowell is. That's because the Braves are 10th in baseball, and 7th in the National League, in team ERA, at 4.29, and the Orioles are next to last, 5.71. Only Minnesota is worse, 5.72. Leo preaches fist-pitch strikes and control over velocity. Apparently the Baltimore pitchers have not caught on. They have

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147283860649914942006-05-10T13:55:00.000-04:002006-05-11T13:23:36.623-04:00

Leading off last night’s game, Giles grounded out to shortstop in a full count after swinging at one bad pitch. Don’t swing at that low, outside pitch and he walks. Renteria followed with a double.Now, of course if he walks Renteria might get different pitches and might not double. But chances are, if Giles is on base the Braves score in the first and perhaps start the blowout early.Ultimately,

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147276830964541802006-05-10T11:53:00.000-04:002006-05-10T13:20:12.643-04:00

All things being equal, the Bravos need Brian Jordan in the line-up. Right now, all things aren't equal, making the decision that much easier. So far Jordan has been more productive than either Ryan Langerhans or Adam LaRoche, looking as healthy as he did in his first Atlanta tour. More importantly he adds intangibles needed on this young squad. So while I'm still bully on Langy's future (and

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147226428446029502006-05-09T21:33:00.000-04:002006-05-10T09:50:55.640-04:00

"I’m less interested in getting redeemed out in a cash-rich with a set of assets that we may or may not have interest in or have much growth potential." That was Liberty Media headhoncho John Malone's position last year when speculation was rampant that Malone and Liberty would use their favorite tax loophole, the Section 355 tax spin-off, as a maneuver to redeem their increased stake in News

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147199863217809922006-05-09T14:35:00.000-04:002006-05-09T14:46:14.760-04:00

"The Red Sox were able to acquire one of the top two or three prospects in the whole game in Andy Marte." -- Theo Epstein on Boston radio "A National League scout on Boston third-base prospect Andy Marte, whom the Indians have hotly pursued in a deal for [Coco] Crisp: 'He's the best prospect I've scouted in 10 years, hands down. He reminds me of a young Manny Ramirez, but with a steadier

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147195766127159422006-05-09T13:27:00.000-04:002006-05-09T13:29:26.153-04:00

It was unlikely anyway, but it appears we can forget about the idea of Tom Glavine returning to Atlanta to win his 300th. He and the Mets have reworked his contract to include an option for next season. If the 40-year-old lefty keeps pitching well, it looks like he's almost certain to be back in Flushing next season. I hope Tommy wins 300 and the Mets completely collapse around him. -- CD

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147189619682920172006-05-09T11:44:00.000-04:002006-05-09T12:07:27.100-04:00

JS said today he doesn’t know how the Time Warner-Liberty Media talks are progressing nor how a deal would affect his ability to make trades. On a local sports radio station this morning, 790 the Zone, the GM insisted, as he always does, that he has operated the same under Ted’s individual ownership and TW’s corporate stewardship. JS is obviously being politic, as he has to be. Chipper doesn’t

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147143405353945372006-05-08T22:32:00.000-04:002006-05-08T23:06:03.253-04:00

No doubt the Bravos need bullpen help, and as CD just pointed out we're not likely to get it from the minors. And neither the Royals or Marlins have much to offer in the way of closers. Who might be available? Here's some potential possibilities:*Keith Foulke -- Not impressed? No one was with Foulke's performance last year, but don't forget he was a key member of Boston's 2004 championship team.

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147140149053995622006-05-08T21:52:00.000-04:002006-05-08T22:28:44.453-04:00

If JS is going to fortify the bullpen any time soon, help will likely have to come from outside the organization. There don’t appear to be many intriguing major league-ready relievers at AAA Richmond or AA Mississippi. One reliever on the rise, though, is lefty Will Startup, 21, who is blistering the AA Southern League. He’s 3-0 with 3 saves, a 1.06 ERA, 21 strikeouts and only 3 walks and eight

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147113333039407062006-05-08T14:31:00.000-04:002006-05-08T14:36:03.003-04:00

Since an off-day usually means zero Braves coverage by the local media (it would take ink away from another story on the Falcons picking a local favorite in the 7th round of the recent draft), here’s something the local media should be ruminating over, courtesy of my favorite gumshoe:A. The Lerner group, which includes Stan Kasten as the organization’s president, has been picked by Bug Selig to

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147098209807998832006-05-08T10:18:00.000-04:002006-05-08T11:47:47.860-04:00

Hard to criticize Frenchy after a big day at the plate, but he still doesn't seem to get it:"I'm not going to worry about not taking enough pitches," Francoeur said. "That was what was messing me up. I have to be aggressive. That is the kind of hitter I am."Sounds like something Dave Kingman might say.--CBCB has been slapping Francoeur around like most NL pitchers lately. The Lilburn Flash has

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147096972520092532006-05-08T09:57:00.000-04:002006-05-08T10:07:13.970-04:00

Having played nine times in three weeks, the Bravos and Mets will play just nine more times the rest of the season. We won’t see them again for almost three months. But the next couple of weeks could be critical. The Mets, who to their credit have won 10 of 12 games against NL dregs Florida, Washington and Pittsburgh, are entering a punishing 15-game stretch with the already ragged back of their

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147087030195073122006-05-08T07:13:00.000-04:002006-05-08T07:17:10.240-04:00

Always outspoken, Chipper is again ripping Time Warner’s ownership. Specifically, the New York Times quoted him on Sunday blaming the bullpen problems on its discount price tag compared to the Mets’costlier relief corps. Jones cited the relief corps as an example of where he felt the lack of spending had undermined the Braves."We've got a lot of people down in that bullpen who are making the

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147059791965183312006-05-07T23:39:00.000-04:002006-05-07T23:45:20.326-04:00

Buster Olney lazily notes in his ESPN blog (full blog is premium content): “The folks at ESPN Research checked and found this: Since the start of the 1991 season, the Braves have never been more than 4½ games out of first on May 7.” Olney goes on to note that he’s learned from history never to count out the Braves, but the insinuation is that the Braves have never been more than 4½ games out

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147050682419677652006-05-07T21:04:00.000-04:002006-05-07T21:19:00.400-04:00

Despite a seven-game winning streak (soon to be eight, it appears), I'm still not that worried about the Phils. While their line-up is fearsome, their pitching -- namely their starting pitching -- is quite weak. For the sake of context, consider this: John Thomson would be their number two starter right now, and they have no one approaching the likes of Hudson or Smoltz in their rotation. But

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147036747147747042006-05-07T17:13:00.000-04:002006-05-07T17:20:15.003-04:00

Let's not give up on our respective crusades -- Keep the complaints flooding in to FOX for their demotions of Pete, Skip and the rest, and don't forget to let Feckless Ass Clown, aka the Commissioner, know just how you feel about the potential Liberty takeover of the Braves at: The Office of the Commissioner of BaseballAllan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner245 Park Avenue, 31st FloorNew York, NY

CDavidson-CBoonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08050295937348627603noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15342859.post-1147030532063103352006-05-07T15:31:00.000-04:002006-05-08T06:40:41.430-04:00

God we needed this one. Tim Hudson may be the number one starter, but John Smoltz is our ace, the pitcher you most want out there in a must-win game. **Frenchy must've read the Office in between innings. I suggest he be moved down in the order, and he responds with four RBI. Still, I'm not convinced he's "back," seeing those last two hits came off of Bartolome Fortunato. But a promising sign

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