Atlanta Braves Game/Discussion Thread

[AUFootball24]

http://www.sportsexcitement.com/baseball/images/atlanta-braves-logo.jpg

I know there are quite a few Braves fans out there. I figured it'd be a good idea to start a thread where we could all talk some baseball as there hasn't been much of that going on here. If you're watching a game and want to discuss it, or just have something to say, post it here.

The Braves currently trail the Mets by 3 games with the surging Phillies down only 6. It hurts losing Gonzo, and if we're going to compete for this division we need the back end of our rotation to step it up big time.

Kelly Johnson has been a great surprise this year. Francoeur and McCann have been coming through, Chipper has been great when healthy. The only real disappointment so far is Andruw Jones. Hopefully Pendalton can get his swing corrected and balance his weight more evenly, and AJ can get rolling.

I think by the AS break we'll be 5-7 games behind the Mets; but no worries. The Braves have an extremely tough schedule until then and the second half is looking much easier.

Anything can happen. Go Braves!

[OldManNoPants]

http://www.sportsexcitement.com/baseball/images/atlanta-braves-logo.jpg

I know there are quite a few Braves fans out there. I figured it'd be a good idea to start a thread where we could all talk some baseball as there hasn't been much of that going on here. If you're watching a game and want to discuss it, or just have something to say, post it here.

The Braves currently trail the Mets by 3 games with the surging Phillies down only 6. It hurts losing Gonzo, and if we're going to compete for this division we need the back end of our rotation to step it up big time.

Kelly Johnson has been a great surprise this year. Francoeur and McCann have been coming through, Chipper has been great when healthy. The only real disappointment so far is Andruw Jones. Hopefully Pendalton can get his swing corrected and balance his weight more evenly, and AJ can get rolling.

I think by the AS break we'll be 5-7 games behind the Mets; but no worries. The Braves have an extremely tough schedule until then and the second half is looking much easier.

Anything can happen. Go Braves!

Props for making the thread AU24. I had a frantic slip-shod job of a thread started just below this one mainly focusing on the news about Gonzo, but I'll start throwing it all in here.

[Seppeh]

Andruw Jones has pretty much sealed his fate. He wont be in Atlanta in 2008.

[AUFootball24]

Props for making the thread AU24. I had a frantic slip-shod job of a thread started just below this one mainly focusing on the news about Gonzo, but I'll start throwing it all in here.

I'll give you props, your thread inspired this one. I had no idea how many braves fans there were on here. Hopefully this thread gets rolling nicely.

We've got one more against Philly tomorrow before we travel to Milwakee, then at the Cubs, home vs. Florida and Chicago again, then to Minnesota and Cleveland before coming home to face Boston and Detroit.

What a fun time to be a Braves fan, what a fun bunch of series' coming up.

[AUFootball24]

Andruw Jones has pretty much sealed his fate. He wont be in Atlanta in 2008.

I disagree and think his struggles are increasing the chances of him returning as a Brave next season. With Liberty Mutual promising to raise the payroll $10 Million next year, and AJ driving his own price down, I now think we have a legitimate shot to resign him.

[Seppeh]

But why would we want to resign him when he is struggling. And especially with Jayson Stark's new book. Really exposes him for what he is.

[Seppeh]

Woo Shawn Green is injured!

Too bad it couldnt have been like David or Jose or Carlos (either one).

But I'll take it!

[AUFootball24]

Woo Shawn Green is injured!

Too bad it couldnt have been like David or Jose or Carlos (either one).

But I'll take it!

Yep, Green broke his foot. He had been playing very well, too.

[thethrill]

Andruw doesn't seem to take to coaching too much. He still tries to pull everything and can't hit a curveball. But he saves alot of runs with his play on defense, it would be smart to hang on to him.

[Seppeh]

Is John Smoltz a first ballot HOF'er?

I think so. You?

[AUFootball24]

Is John Smoltz a first ballot HOF'er?

I think so. You?

Upwards of 200 wins, 154 saves, top 10 all time in K's, and a career ERA at 3.25

I think he's a lock. While it shouldn't be a factor, it is, and Smotlz being a great person and humanitarian will help his case also.

I think Smoltz will be in for sure, but what about Chipper? Think he deserves a spot?

[Seppeh]

Hmm I really have never though about Chipper before. I'd have to research his numbers a little more closely before I said.

Also 15 post-season wins for Smoltzy. Man he got way-overshadowed by Tom and Greg.

[Kevhugh]

Smoltz is a no brainer for me at this point. Chipper on the other hand, not so much. Other than his one MVP year and his killing the Mets regularly, he can't stay healthy enough to finish strong.

[AUFootball24]

Smoltz is a no brainer for me at this point. Chipper on the other hand, not so much. Other than his one MVP year and his killing the Mets regularly, he can't stay healthy enough to finish strong.

Chipper leads or is in the top 3 for virtually every all-time switch hitting record, usually only trailing Mantle. That is worth mentioning.

[Seppeh]

And where did you find that out?

[AUFootball24]

And where did you find that out?

Shoot, that comes from stuff I've heard over the years. I wouldn't know where to find a stat filter that has a switch hitting category.

[Seppeh]

Yeah thats why I asked cause I've never seen any switch hitting category either. That is pretty impressive though.

[OldManNoPants]

Chipper leads or is in the top 3 for virtually every all-time switch hitting record, usually only trailing Mantle. That is worth mentioning.

Exactly what I was going to mention! Chipper still has several years left in him (off the top of my head barring injury, I'd say 6 easy) and is in the top three in switch hitter HR's I know, I'm not sure about average/rbi/etc.

Skip Caray said it himself in a discussion on this very topic during a broadcast. He said Chip has a "much better than average" shot at making it into the HOF.

Smoltz will have 250 wins 150 saves by the time he's done. He's a no doubt shoo-in. And I'll be the first to go on record saying that he'll be a first ballot.

[Seppeh]

50 more wins? That is like the rest of this year plus 2-3 more.

[OldManNoPants]

50 more wins? That is like the rest of this year plus 2-3 more.

He's already signed a contract extension through what is it..2009 maybe? Look at Maddux / Glavine, exact ages are beyond me right this second, but I think they've got a couple years on Smoltz. I know Greg does anyway.

Smoltz still has the stuff and doesn't look to be slowing down. He'll win at least 15 this year. 250 is completely feasible in my opinion. He's already at number 7, and we've got a good bit of time before the All-Star break.

[Kevhugh]

It's days like today that make me turn the game off in the 2nd inning and have a life. So I guess I should say thank you to the Braves for this egg their laying (13-3 at this point with a beautiful 7 run 5th).

[AUFootball24]

It doesn't get any easier with Milwakee, Boston, Cleveland, Minnesota, Detroit, and New York all coming up...

[Seppeh]

2nd half is when we are gonna make our comeback, no doubt.

If we can just stay somewhat close til the ASG, we will be good.

[OldManNoPants]

It's days like today that make me turn the game off in the 2nd inning and have a life. So I guess I should say thank you to the Braves for this egg their laying (13-3 at this point with a beautiful 7 run 5th).

I'm with you..I actually turned that junk off after the bottom of the first inning. Swept by the Phillies..sheesh we need 3 pitchers who can get some bloody outs. Batting comes and goes, we're not always going to be red hot (such as right now), but when we're getting blown out for 3 and 4 runs per inning there's not a chance our bats can keep us in it.

[volimhtown]

Exactly what I was going to mention! Chipper still has several years left in him (off the top of my head barring injury, I'd say 6 easy) and is in the top three in switch hitter HR's I know, I'm not sure about average/rbi/etc.

Skip Caray said it himself in a discussion on this very topic during a broadcast. He said Chip has a "much better than average" shot at making it into the HOF.

Smoltz will have 250 wins 150 saves by the time he's done. He's a no doubt shoo-in. And I'll be the first to go on record saying that he'll be a first ballot.

Granted, as a big Astros fan, to say I dislike the Braves would be a huge under-statement. That said, Smoltz is a no-brainer HOFer.

Chipper on the other hand.... I'd say a resounding NO! I know that ever year the Baseball Hall of Fame lessens the prestige of itself by letting so many in and lowering the bar, but at some point it's GOT to stop. If you are going to use historical numbers alone, it is said that 30% or more of today's active players will be hall-of-famers should they stay healthy in their career based on that rationale. Chipper's a very good player and has put up some nice numbers, but he's done it in the era of the juiced ball and short porches. I just don't consider Chipper one of the Elite players of his time and all else being irrelevant, I think that alone disqualifies him. JMHO

[OldManNoPants]

Granted, as a big Astros fan, to say I dislike the Braves would be a huge under-statement. That said, Smoltz is a no-brainer HOFer.

Chipper on the other hand.... I'd say a resounding NO! I know that ever year the Baseball Hall of Fame lessens the prestige of itself by letting so many in and lowering the bar, but at some point it's GOT to stop. If you are going to use historical numbers alone, it is said that 30% or more of today's active players will be hall-of-famers should they stay healthy in their career based on that rationale. Chipper's a very good player and has put up some nice numbers, but he's done it in the era of the juiced ball and short porches. I just don't consider Chipper one of the Elite players of his time and all else being irrelevant, I think that alone disqualifies him. JMHO

I respect your opinion, but the guy's career isn't over yet. If it were today, then no, he wouldn't make it by a long shot. As far as the era of juiced baseball goes, nothing upsets me more in regard to baseball. I'd just assume see Barry Bonds hit by a truck than hit another homerun. :brick:

[Gator2753]

Is John Smoltz a first ballot HOF'er?

I think so. You?

Smoltz is a HOF'er with his closer or starter stats alone. Combine them and I think you have the most unique HOF'er in baseball:thumpsup:

[Seppeh]

200 wins and 154 saves seperatley, you think that gets a player in?

Im not so sure.

[Williams-Brice]

Scott Thorman was drafted as a 3rd baseman. If he continues to develop offensively, then we could move him to 3rd and maybe get even more years out of Chipper by moving him to 1st. Thoughts?

Not to mention the farm system is still absolutely stocked.

[Gator2753]

200 wins and 154 saves seperatley, you think that gets a player in?

Im not so sure.
Look at his strikeouts and where he ranks all time. NTM he keeps on moving up that list each additional season he pitches.

[lacene]

Scott Thorman was drafted as a 3rd baseman. If he continues to develop offensively, then we could move him to 3rd and maybe get even more years out of Chipper by moving him to 1st. Thoughts?

Not to mention the farm system is still absolutely stocked.

I would agree with that. You can get a lot of players with the quickness and fielding skills to cover 3rd base, but you can't find offensive skills like Chipper has. When he's healthy, he can still produce HR's, RBI's and R's with the best of them, and his walks and OBP will always be league leaders, but his legs and feet seem to have turned to glass in recent years, and he's not holding up too well.

He might agree to the move, if it means adding a few more years to his career. As it's going, he may not make it to HOF levels due to his injuries....

[OldManNoPants]

200 wins and 154 saves seperatley, you think that gets a player in?

Im not so sure.

Seppeh, obviously you don't know that much about baseball. No offense of course. Not to mention that NO OTHER pitcher has ever claimed 200 wins with 150+ saves, he is still going to be adding to the 200 wins for at least 2 more seasons. You want other stats? How about he is has the MOST post season wins of any pitcher in history. Still more? How about he is among leaders in strikeouts in the history of baseball (top 20 to be exact).

If this isn't convincing enough, then your hall of fame is going to be quite a sad place.

[Gator2753]

Seppeh, obviously you don't know that much about baseball. No offense of course. Not to mention that NO OTHER pitcher has ever claimed 200 wins with 150+ saves, he is still going to be adding to the 200 wins for at least 2 more seasons. You want other stats? How about he is has the MOST post season wins of any pitcher in history. Still more? How about he is among leaders in strikeouts in the history of baseball.

If this isn't convincing enough, then your hall of fame is going to be quite a sad place.

Agreed. As I said, he will be the most unique pitcher in the HOF IMO.
Tonight he goes against Sheets. That should be a good matchup.

[OldManNoPants]

Agreed. As I said, he will be the most unique pitcher in the HOF IMO.
Tonight he goes against Sheets. That should be a good matchup.

+Rep! And definately will be a good matchup tonight. I'm ready for Chipper to be back.

[Gator2753]

+Rep! And definately will be a good matchup tonight. I'm ready for Chipper to be back.

Yeah I like their record when Chipper plays. I think when we get him back in the lineup things will pick up.
Also things will get better when Andrew stops trying to pull every pitch over the left field fence.
Were only 4 games back anf the biggest difference between us and the Mets is us playing the red sox for a weekend while the Mets played the struggling Yanks.
I think Atl will be a wildcard team at worst.

[Seppeh]

Seppeh, obviously you don't know that much about baseball. No offense of course. Not to mention that NO OTHER pitcher has ever claimed 200 wins with 150+ saves, he is still going to be adding to the 200 wins for at least 2 more seasons. You want other stats? How about he is has the MOST post season wins of any pitcher in history. Still more? How about he is among leaders in strikeouts in the history of baseball (top 20 to be exact).

If this isn't convincing enough, then your hall of fame is going to be quite a sad place.

Go look up the list of pitchers with 200+ wins or 154+ saves. Im sure they're both qutie long.

At some point you have to draw the line and say enough is enough we already have two dozen players with your same statistics.

[OldManNoPants]

Go look up the list of pitchers with 200+ wins or 154+ saves. Im sure they're both qutie long.

At some point you have to draw the line and say enough is enough we already have two dozen players with your same statistics.

You're missing the point. Of that "long" list, who do you see that has 200+ wins AND 150+ saves. That quite a feat for a single pitcher. It's never been done. And to scoff at the fact that he is the winningest pitcher in post season history is a little ridiculous.

Sure, at some point you do have to limit the members. But someone who has done something no one else has accomplished is not "two dozen plays with the same statistic".

[Seppeh]

Um yeah, 200 wins/154 saves is quite remarkable. But he was saying, that if he had just one of those stats, he'd still get in.

[OldManNoPants]

Um yeah, 200 wins/154 saves is quite remarkable. But he was saying, that if he had just one of those stats, he'd still get in.

Ahh, well be that is may, you sound skeptical of his admittance. That's why I was going stat crazy.

[Seppeh]

Id be skeptical if he had just one of those stats. Both of them, he is a lock.

[OldManNoPants]

Id be skeptical if he had just one of those stats. Both of them, he is a lock.

That's a big 10-4

[vandyfan84]

Go look up the list of pitchers with 200+ wins or 154+ saves. Im sure they're both qutie long.

At some point you have to draw the line and say enough is enough we already have two dozen players with your same statistics.

wow!!! YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!

no other player has done what Smoltz has, go look it up moron!

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

wow!!! YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!

no other player has done what Smoltz has, go look it up moron!
I'm not sure you understood his post. He's not saying Smoltz doesn't deserve the HOF. On the contrary. He's saying that INDEPENDENTLY 200+ wins OR 154+ saves doesn't deserve the HOF. The combination of both should get Smoltz into the HOF (easily IMO....and I think Seppeh agrees based on a previous post he made).

By the way, you probably should watch the personal attacks......if you disagree with someone, it's best to make your point without resorting to personal attacks.

[Seppeh]

wow!!! YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!

no other player has done what Smoltz has, go look it up moron!

Please read a thread before you make idiotic comments like these.

Thanks.

[AUFootball24]

wow!!! YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!

no other player has done what Smoltz has, go look it up moron!

He said 200 wins or 154 saves, and he is 100% correct...:wacko:

[Seppeh]

New York Mets Last Three Games

Sun. 3 Arizona L 4-1
Tue. 5 Philadelphia L 4-2
Wed. 6 Philadelphia L 4-2

:thumpsup:

[OldManNoPants]

Very true, but they won last night (the Mets) and I don't even want to discuss the Braves' record over the past few games.

We need Chipper back, asap. <--(Thank you Captain Obvious)

I'm not saying everything will magically fall back into place once Chipper returns, but he promotes an air of confidence and patience with our young hitters. Patience at the plate is key. Thorman needs to get his crap together and stop swinging for the bleachers. Christ, if Andruw Jones can adjust his swing he damn well better be able to.

John Smoltz seems to be in a bit of a funk, but he always recovers.

Tim Hudson is still pitching great ball, but he hasn't gotten jack for run support his past few outings.

Chuck James is pitching GREAT for a young starter. I mean GREAT. However, just like with Hudson, he is utterly lacking in run support on any given start that he has.

[Seppeh]

Last nights game was pathetic.

Soriano's first three at bats, he saw 5 pitches, made contact on them all, hit 3 HR's.

[Seppeh]

MINNEAPOLIS -- Johan Santana was frustrated yet again by Minnesota's missing offense as well as his removal after seven strong innings. After the ninth inning, he was smiling.

Mike Redmond's RBI single capped a three-run rally in the ninth inning against Atlanta closer Bob Wickman, ruining Tim Hudson's strong start and lifting the Twins to a 3-2 victory over the Braves on Thursday night.

ESPN - Redmond's clutch hit caps Twins' stunning win over Braves - MLB (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=270614109)

Good thing the Mets are struggling. Cause we aren't doing jack squat either.

[AUFootball24]

AJ homered tonight. Hopefully he's snapped out of this slump, but I'm not counting on it.

[Seppeh]

Ha, please, I highly doubt it.

[lacene]

Andruw is the most streaky power hitter I've ever seen - he can bat .180 for 30 games, then go .350 with 12 HR's and 30 RBI for 20 games - but he's in the biggest slump I've ever seen him in.

Chipper has become a paper tissue man, and always is on the DL, or is playing, but playing hurt & hobbled. McCann is having his worst season yet at the plate. Johnson has come hurtling back down to Earth, and Francoeur has cooled off lately. The only players that are hitting consistently are Renteria, Diaz and Harris.

For the month of June, here are how the main Braves offensive producers are hitting (BA - HR - RBI - R - OBP):

A. Jones: .126 - 3 - 6 - 6 - .200
J. Francoeur: .231 - 1 - 8 - 4 - .263
B. McCann: .212 - 3 - 14 - 5 - .243
K. Johnson: .228 - 1 - 8 - 6 - .319
S. Thorman: .222 - 3 - 5 - 9 - .253

If Chipper can get into games, he always produces. But he has a hard time staying on the field. Some good numbers for June:

C. Jones: .415 - 1 - 1 - 5 - .467
E. Renteria: .309 - 3 - 9 - 12 - .378
W. Harris: .375 - 0 - 3 - 6 - .407
M. Diaz: .326 - 0 - 3 - 3 - .354
J. Saltalamacchia: .326 - 1 - 3 - 3 - .326

good numbers, but not much power numbers, despite Salty's 2-HR performance last (Tuesday) night.

[Gator2753]

JS needs to make some trade moves asap. We could probably land a good #3 starter but we would likely have to give up Salty. :brick:

[Seppeh]

JS needs to make some trade moves asap. We could probably land a good #3 starter but we would likely have to give up Salty. :brick:

How 'bout not? :thumbsdow

[Gator2753]

How 'bout not? :thumbsdow

Unfortunately its not up to you and me & we have a GM who wont spend the money we need to land big time players.
According to XM's mlb radio yesterday, the Braves are close to landing Mark Teixeira. Salty is on the table along with a top minor league prospect.

[Seppeh]

So where does this leave Thorman?

[Seppeh]

ATLANTA -- John Smoltz passed Phil Niekro to become the Braves' strikeout leader on Sunday, fanning Arizona's Mark Reynolds in the third inning for his 2,913th career strikeout.

Smoltz began the day four behind the mark Niekro set with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves. He struck out Reynolds in the first inning, Justin Upton and pitcher Yusmeiro Petit in the second and Conor Jackson in the third to tie the mark.


ESPN - Smoltz passes Niekro to become Braves K's leader - MLB (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2981520)

The record, Teix went deep twice, and the win.

Good day.

[Kevhugh]

Despite the struggles recently I think if we can slip past Philly the Wild Card will be ours for the taking.

[lacene]

We still have 6 games left with the Mets, don't we? And the Mets still have to play the Phillies......we have a chance....

[TitanFan10]

If we are going to make a run, we need to do it right now before it is to late.