Talking Chop

J-Hey knows clutch.

J-Hey knows long ball.

Jason Heyward wins at baseball.

Very this.

Holy shit, another .429? I’m at a loss for words.

Up over 2 WPA now if I'm not mistaken

Which is just ridiculous. That’s a pretty good season total.

It's completely different from WAR

But, in essence, you could say that he’s been worth 2 wins already. Who still has reservations about letting him start on Opening Day?

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/all_star/y2010/ballot.html

Glaus WPA for his HR was only .03

Not the best way to judge impact… Regardless, JHey is the runaway leader at this point, which means that A. He has lived up to the hype, and B. He is the NL MVP two weeks in. Anybody else have a wet dream starring a 6’5" 240 lb, 20 year old black dude with a really big stick last night, or is that weird???

The Real Me - April 21, 2010 reply

ballot up for the 2010 all-star game!!

vote mccann! vote heyward!! vote all the braves!

including Jo-Jo?

isnt' he in gwinnett?

DL’ed. Hopefully never to return to the Ted.

I’ll second this.

Sparhawk - April 21, 2010 reply

You know when Heyward stepped up to bat something special was going to happen.

Here’s hoping clutch homers by Glaus and McLouth break their ‘slumps’.

this

+2

I think this win might break alot of slumps..

aka, who feels a winning streak? Yes, I’m aware Halladay pitches tomorrow, but will he do as well as Kendrick did tonight?

bwellnjonesco - April 20, 2010 reply

I think Glaus’ first HR broke his slump.

justincredubil02 - April 21, 2010 reply

Once they brought in Jose Contreras I knew we had a chance, but definitely didn’t expect immediately results. PLEASE…let this be what it takes to help Glaus and McLouth get on the right track.

and.....

the other guys who are struggling

Shoert - April 20, 2010 reply

I'm so happy...

I can’t even feel my arms!!!

BraveSaluki - April 20, 2010 reply

HAHAHAHAHAHA!

Pic of the week! Hands down!!!

UGARedcoat13 - April 20, 2010 reply

That’s beautiful.

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

From what I know of Bubb Rubb

I bet he and rainbow llama already ARE very good friends.

Great! Love it :)

omg

This is brilliant

Someone needs to change the subtitle under Bubb Rubb

from “Whistle Fan” to “Braves Fan”

and photoshop his raiders skullcap to braves

you’re the expert, get to it!

Someone needs to start another photoshop thread for some Jason Heyward pics

super rec

LOL

Any one without inside knowledge would see that pic and go….WTF!?!?

Talking Chop FTW!

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

This

i swear im going to meet my next exwife here

Xzibit line, very nice

I’m two-thirds lost.

+1

Hey guys...

I’ve been having to watch most of the games on DVR so haven’t been on any game threads. I remember Bubb Rubb from last year; I know the pup (hope he’s feeling better!) but what’s with the crazy rainbow llama?

sddbaker - April 20, 2010 reply

No explanation to it. Just a celebratory random rainbow llama.

eavchuck - April 21, 2010 reply

I guess that's my fault

He premeired after the second game of the Padres series, so he’s been a part of the wins in the 5 of the last 6 (the no-no is the only game this season I didn’t follow live). People seem to enjoy him.

As for where he came from… my guess is it’s the product of the love baby of a leprechaun and Pegasus blessed by the bat of Heyward

BraveSaluki - April 21, 2010 reply

Fantastic.

Right when I thought "Troy Glaus gets a bit of redemption, but it doesn't really matter at this point"

Jason Heyward makes me feel like an asshole. I’ll take it.

UGARedcoat13 - April 20, 2010 reply

We broke the TC comment record tonight:

2,440 as of right now.

Troy Glaus, Jason Heyward and Nate McLouth bring THE POWAH!

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

I still can't explain

The love I have for your puppy. Tell her/him that I said she/he is the greatest dog in the world.

UGARedcoat13 - April 20, 2010 reply

Haha I’ll tell him now! I gotta go feed the lil fella

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

How’s he doing? Update? I might’ve missed it I missed the whole first thread…

He’s home and doing a ton better than he was last night. It’s amazing what medicine can do.

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

That’s really good to hear! Tell him he’s awesome and his WPA is Heyward-esque.

Make sure you indulge him tonight. Like 56 treats or whatever.

This

is a helluvalotta posts.

Braves with 6 come from behind Victories!

Unbelievable. That will catch up with us eventually.

-1 for negative nellieism

New Heywardism of the night:

Jason Heyward is so good, his mother has “son” tattooed on her arm.

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

noooo man haha that’s in the commercial

Haha I heard that earlier and the Heywardism came into my head within seconds.

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

Ohh yeah me too when i saw it but I can’t let anyone take credit cus that’s so funny itself just for the commercial haha

Those commercials are gold. And it was just on again!

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

they should be played non stop throughout the day.

Plus it would be better if Bobby got a tattoo that says “player”

I like Heyward can slam a revolving door

So far, that’s my favorite.

NCChopper - April 20, 2010 reply

Braves are now 8-5 on the year...

… and they’re STILL not really hitting.
Diaz is still on the interstate (.194)
Chipper (.242)
Glaus == Mendoza
Escobar (barely boiling at .212)
Nate (.167)
Melky…. never mind.
Pitiful — obviously the pitching is keeping things close, and Heyward is bailing late. On the flip side, if the hitting consistency ever picks up, then they oughta really go on a tear.

MLB Tonight is shortly gonna show The Comeback.

We're on now!

I left to go running, frustrated as hell, and came back to like five ESPN update text messages, my eyes got bigger and bigger reading each one until I finally exploded with joy. SOMEONE PLEASE SHOW ME VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS ASAP!!!

foxrobe - April 20, 2010 reply

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2010_04_20_phimlb_atlmlb_1&mode=gameday

videos on the left

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2010_04_20_phimlb_atlmlb_1&mode=gameday

Click “at-bat”

TonyAlmeyda - April 20, 2010 reply

So what exactly was the silent treatment for Nate?

As soon as he rounded first, the dugout was sucked into the clubhouse. He was Alone!

After he hit the HR all the guys ran down the stairs and towards the clubhouse. Nate “air chest bumped” himself and ran down and got pounded by everyone

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

Haha sounds fantastic.

The camera man followed him into the dugout and everyone was waiting for him going crazy. It was great.

Check out this GREAT photo

Caption:

Atlanta Braves’ Chipper Jones, left, and Brian McCann, center, celebrate and urge teammates to go into the clubhouse even before Nate McLouth can touch home plate …

No. 16 of 19, here

Just felt like saying this

Baseball’s a funny game. For the first eight innings, the Phillies didn’t hit the ball very hard-the best shot was a warning track drive by Howard. They kept dropping balls right along the foul lines to get baserunners, and squeaking a few singles through holes. The Braves were making much better contact against Kendrick, but were finding a lot of gloves. Hot shots on the infield, some fly balls right at the outfielders.

That 9th inning was one hell of a karmic correction.

That’s why it’s the best game.

I don’t know if I’ve ever seen three home runs like that to end a game.

TonyAlmeyda - April 20, 2010 reply

2 hr in 4 batters and <10 pitches.

seriously, one of the craziest games I’ve ever seen

Mitch Williams is giving all the credit of JHey’s HR to Madson’s inability and said if Kendrick stayed in nothing like that would have happened.

Yeah, Mitch is wrong – he said he was sitting on the changeup…. yeah, it was hittable, but it wasn’t middle of the plate… it was on the low corner.

Yeah, this guy was a jerk!

Didn’t know his name….

Wild Thing Mitch Williams? The Pitcher?

Yes!

Yes. The former Phillies closer who gave up the gamewinning homerun to Joe Carter to lose the world series. That Mitch Williams. Chastising a Phillies closer for giving up a clutch homerun.

But Joe Carter is da shiiiiii!!! yo!

Brilliant analysis....

He said Madson’s pitches were too good, and since Heyward is a rookie, he could have thrown the rosin bag up there in the dirt and Heyward would have been swinging. Idiot.

Unfortunately he’s a complete idiot. It’d be nice it MLBN employed intelligent folks, but it ain’t gonna happen. Missed you in the OT, btw.

Verducci, Costas, Vasgersian, and Victor whats-his-face aren’t bad at all, and Casey is growing on me. It’s Mitch, Leiter, and Reynolds that drive me nuts. Anyone else hear Reynolds squeal “AN A-BOMB FROM A-ROD?!?!?” tonight like a ten year old girl? Pass…

The funny thing is that as early as two years ago I thought Reynolds was a somewhat intelligent informant. Man, was I wrong.

The only guys I really put any faith into are Verducci and Costtas. That’s just me, though.

The Ghost of Mike Honcho - April 21, 2010 reply

I thought he was making fun of that awful Yankees announcer.

Thanks...

I miss being there as well. Most days after work I have a lot of care-taking to do for my elderly Dad and my brother who is single and has a bad heart condition…. So, I usually record the games and watch later in the evening. I really enjoy reading the threads later though!

Hope they are both feeling good tonight, after such a great game!

“Touch ‘em all Joe! You’ll NEVER hit a bigger homerun in your life.” best call ever

15ks - April 21, 2010 reply

From the Good Phight:

i was just looking over the 5 questions answered on "Talking Chop", and for this game thread alone, they had 1200 comments, then an overflow of another 1100. I wonder if that’s why they won.
by layout ultimate on Apr 20, 2010 10:50 PM EDT

Yes, it is
by jemagee on Apr 20, 2010 10:51 PM EDT

Hahaha

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

This is great!

Who is this Jerk on MLBN? Geez

Is it the white guy with the glasses? If so, he always thinks he’s hot shit.

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

Yes!

An ex-Phillie closer. All you need to know.

who is it

i’m not watching?

Mitch Williams

TonyAlmeyda - April 20, 2010 reply

Mitch Williams

haha I hate him

I do now, ugh

deliciously sour grapes

Mitch Williams’ last professional pitch ended the 1993 World Series…when Joe Carter hit a monster shot to win it for the Blue Jays.

Way to go Carter!

Sweet comeback...

Long time reader but good time for a first post. What a win!

jbeachbum24 - April 20, 2010 reply

welcome

Join us again!

you picked a great time to post!

This is the greatest sports blog EVAAAAAHHH.
it is beyond reprehensible for you to post regularly.
thanks!

correction: Not
… for you to not post regularly

Just in case it was missed before, here's a new ism..

The meaning of Life learned Jason Heyward.

+1

GT Braves - April 20, 2010 reply

Shane Victorino wears Jason Heyward pajamas.

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

LOL!

hahaha

actually made me laugh out loud

2,470 & counting comments on the GTs tonight.

Way to hang in there y’all with us until the end. Great WIN

NCChopper - April 20, 2010 reply

Great!

It’s been fun! See y’all tomorrow:)

I hope you don’t mind, but I save a lot of your graphics to post on my facebook page after Braves games.

Don’t mind at all. :-)
(as long as it’s not direct linking to my image hosting acct.)

I’m out everyone… ENJOY THE NIGHT and Go Braves!

I’ve watched that McLouth home run replay a few times and I could watch that swing all night. I know its produces alot of swings and misses but man is it pretty when it launches one. Its like he is catching the ball with his bat and throwing it over the wall.

doesn’t hurt that it’s an offspeed 80mph pitch over the plate

True, but if you hit mistakes for homers you are still going to hit quite a few.

Fucking waited on that pitch perfectly.

Oh and just in case you thought Philly fans were classy...

Fuck Madson. Fuck the racist-ass Braves. And fuck Sarah Palin.

Don't worry

I didn’t

neither did I

Isn’t Heyward black… or did I miss something?

They trip on the native American aspect of the “Braves”. I’m 1/8 and not offended. So phuck ’em.

here here

As am I. No problem here.

Yeah, if a team called themselves the Blitzkrieg, Germans, Teutons, or something like that I would be honored, not offended.

If a team wanted to call themselves

The message-board nerds, I wouldn’t be offended.

Don’t even try to explain mental illness.

I guess 3HRs from the other team in about 10 minutes will do that to you.

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

yeah, I would be dropping f-bombs too…or maybe just ph-bombs

bwellnjonesco - April 20, 2010 reply

Just look back in the Giants thread weeks ago. We were sick when Renty hit that HR.

I’d love to photoshop a pic of Palin in a Braves uni and post it on the Good Phight right about now, but I won’t for two reasons; that wouldn’t be classy and I don’t know how to do it. Mainly due to the latter.

MatM - April 20, 2010 reply

You ought to make her black, too.

Go for the trifecta.

Or put her in a headdress

MatM - April 21, 2010 reply

I can do that, but I won’t post it over there on the Phillies blog.

TonyAlmeyda - April 21, 2010 reply

I didn’t either.

TonyAlmeyda - April 21, 2010 reply

(brushes dust off shoulder)

Holy shit, tho. That was nuts.

I’ve been waiting to see the old McLouth. That was the old McLouth.

I REALLY hope he comes out to play this year.

Who hates Troy Glaus now?

Being at the game, I cant believe how the fans were treating him. Booing him like crazy after his third AB. This girl was actually screaming “Get a hit! It’s your job loser!” right before he crushed that homer. Anyways it was great game and I’m glad I was one of the few to stay to the end.

maybe she’s the one that made him man up. lol. Go Troy!

He takes some ugly swings, but when he makes contact…..adios, amigos.

I hate classless fans like that!

Me too.

Its not like he’s FUGA.

IMO, you should never boo your team.

Why kick them when they are down, but that’s just me.

The only time I've ever booed a player

was LaRoche’s boner. That play was just stupid. Aside from events like that—completely preventable mental errors—yes. You should never boo a player just for not being successful. That’d be like if you were taking the SAT and someone started booing you after you missed 4 or 5 questions. In other words, not classy.

I’m not going to lie… I had my share of cracks I was yelling at FUGA. I don’t think I ever booed him but from what I was saying, booing would have been no different, maybe even a little bit better ;)

Gage23 - April 21, 2010 reply

I booked the FUCK out of Dan Kolb every time he came into a game. God he sucked.

Also, I booed him. Mainly after I booked him for my kid’s birthday party and he showed up drunk.

THIS

times a million.

Obviously

he heard her. So why are you upset? lol Look, Glaus was even beginning to piss off his supporters. It seems feast or famine for him so far. I hope for more feast.

Look, Glaus was even beginning to piss off his supporters.

Says you.

THIS

I was talking to this guy next to me about it and you at least have to give him a chance. I mean he crushed his first homer, why couldn’t he do it again? So what if he hit into that DP earlier in the game. That was just one AB.

I’m just still hoping his Spring hitting gets found by Delta before May.

There will always be fair weather fans who do that shit. Don’t pay it no mind.

That REALLY pissed me off. Give the man a chance. Most Braves fans that come to games don’t even care about the Braves, they just come to get drunk and act pissed off. But they pay the payroll so keep on coming out! haha

There's a difference between...

bitching about a booted play, a fail with RISP etc. by voicing disappointment at the time
- and –
being disrespectful to a player with your team’s jersey on.

I don’t think there is any justification for booing a player of your team in the stands at the game.
There really is nothing good that can come from it.

Exactly

Rollercoaster

So frustrated for 8 2/3rds….even after the 2-run shot from Glaus. I was like too little too late. But Lowe and behold…Heyward comes through…Wagner mows em down and McLouth ate his wheaties this morning! You never know…but i wouldn’t expect too many of our guys break out of their slumps tomorrow against Doc…..Esco, Glaus, Diaz, McLouth, Cabrera – others are border line – Chipper, BMac….i mean…its crazy we have a winning record.

Nova Scotia Steve - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

It’s weird though, I had the feeling the whole time that shit would go down in the 9th again. And when Glaus delivered, I knew Heyward would tie, somehow.

same here

it was destiny =P!

I did too, no kidding:)

Absolutely.

Jason Heyward does not make the last out in the game. It’s undignified.

+1

Still one of the best moments I can remember in quite some time.

It sounds cliche

But seriously, Jason Heyward has captured the magic and imagination that all players and fans alike dream for, in just 13 games. Opening Day homer, game-winning hit, late-game changing homer . . . what’s next?

EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 20, 2010 reply

Come from behind, game winning, walk-off grand slam HR in the bottom of the 9th of game 7 in the World Series against the Twins, earning World Series MVP.

That’s what I call wishful thinking. Man I really don’t like the Twins. I hate Kirby Puckett.

Uhh....

It’s a little late for that….

I think we’ll see Braves / Twins in the Series as well

Next he presents Osama Bin Laden to the NYPD at the foot of Freedom Tower.

this

lol

I’m gonna sound super gay for this, but Heyward has reminded me what it’s like to love baseball as a 14 year old kid again.

If you’re super gay, we are a legion of super gay

BraveSaluki - April 20, 2010 reply

Is it just me, or does he vaguely resemble Roy Halladay?

MO'toole - April 21, 2010 reply

If that's gay,

then I’m the lovechild of Ricky Martin and Clay Aiken.

Haha!

LOWE and behold?

Freudian slip much?

If any teams steal our walkoff silent treatment celebration

I’m gonna be pissed.

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

agreed

that one needs to be retired for a while

It was pimp, is what it was.

this

that oughta be a ten best play on sportscenter 2nite.

You would think, but the Red Sox won in the 9th and are now 5-9, so…..

Who's the one organizing that?

Was it Chipper tonight? After having it happen to him?

There is an absolutely fabulously awesome pix of Chipper and Heap – obviously, the ringleaders of the treatment – at the AJC website and on page 1 of today’s Sports section. I linked it, above.

Shout out to the Bullpen for keeping the Braves in the Game!

Not sure if anybody has said this already.

It was near the end of the game thread..

but bears repeating.

Bullpen play so far this year, needs a permanent +1 (aside from Renteria/Pujols getting to Wags)

ESPN NOW

anyone have a link?

must have been a quick blurb…..lol

Sorry – it was all I could do to get that out as it was starting up.

thanks for the heads up

caught the tail end of it

I watched the game on Peachtree and Joe Simpson and Smoltz were announcing, I like Smoltz in the booth. The Homer by Nate was even more awesome than J Hay’s, or I should say more unexpected, but just as well received.

I expect ’em from Nate too, though. He looked like Pirates Nate tonite. Which had been sorely missed.

Smoltz is awesome up there..I mean, I love the guy!

bwellnjonesco - April 20, 2010 reply

Heyward was talking to the ball as he was running to first, telling it to get it out. The ball listened, and complied. Do you still doubt his powers?

nope

If he told you to get out...

would you stay in?

No.

Especially not after he hit me with a bat.

I like how he ran around the bases. He was super excited about that home run.

Joe said it only took him 18 seconds.

What a comparison

I just heard Jason Heyward compared to Lebron James on Baseball Tonight. Seems like a pretty big compliment for Lebron.

Huntington31 - April 20, 2010 reply

this

lol

ESPN was just showing the starts of Heyward vs. Ted Williams (1939)

(and JHey had him by a tick!)

All I ever see on ESPN is basketball……and football….and hockey. Oh my! Fuckers.

Who's Lebron James?

This

He play for some off-the-map team or something? Oakland, maybe?

Any relation to Chuck James? He sounds like a pitcher.

haha

LOL – +1.
and REC’D

18,032 for attendance....

yuck, bad weather maybe, but still yuck

Doing a brewery tour tomorrow, but I’ll be at the game on Thursday, for DLW

+1

me too! But i’ve seen you enough for awhile.

That's just the physical attendance.

If they counted game thread posts we’d be tops.

Looked less than that.

I hope it was the weather and the attendance increases the next few games

…….sigh. I’ll bet the players do, too.

Its pretty embarrassing

Big game with Hanson on the mound and thats all we could get.

Probably around 15K there

Another rather late-arriving crowd.

Yeah

Weather scared off several.

Also

You have to assume that 70% of turner field began filing out once the first out registered in the 9th inning, if not sooner. So the most highlight clips anyone sees of this game is showing a park where most people had already thrown in the towel

Late-arriving crowd

And lots of early leavers, like me. FML.

EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 20, 2010 reply

You should be ashamed...

I dont understand leaving

There wasn’t going to be that bad of traffic with Hawks game done way before.

-1

Smoltz said in the booth that quite a few peple caught the end of the game on their car radios.

of course with the grand finale...

50,000 will claim they were there all the way through

Hawks playoff game tonight

Made the choice of going to that and then getting back as fast as possible to see tail-end of Braves…just got back as Chipper got on base with that 9th inning walk…after that….well, that was nuts.

There were two highlight factories in Atlanta tonight.

award6 - April 21, 2010 reply

Who still wants J-Hey Kid back in the minors?

Not me. Sure we are going broke in like a few years. He has totally earn like 2 or 3 WAR so far. Gawd just thinking about having an OF of McLouth, Diaz, and Melky would have hurt worst than it already does.

So yeah, fantastic Braves win + listening to The National’s new album for the first time = best night in quite some time.

The Nats quit MLB and became a rock band?

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

Somehow

That’s somewhat believable.

no

that’s the ‘Natinals’

-1

If you haven’t been listening to The Nation I pity you. I hope you’re just making a joke…right? RIGHT?

Yes yes yes

Just a joke. I’ve heard of ‘em but never really listened…i’m guessing you like them?

- infinite fail

It’s going to take like a million Riley pics to drag you out of this hole

They are literally

my favorite band. Do yourself a favor and get their last album, Boxer. And their next album when it comes out next month.

“Bloodbuzz Ohio” is sooooooooo good.

Man

I cannot wait to hear that album. But I don’t do the illegal stuff (anymore). I like the anticipation anyway.

I couldn’t wait…it’s shitty quality, so I don’t feel bad because I’m going to buy the real thing when it comes out, but I’ve been listening to it for over and hour and have not made it past song 5. SOOOOOOOO good. Please listen to this if you have not already (if you have, please forgive my drunken posts): link

Don't forget they count season tickets even if they aren't there, like me.

Do they really?

I did not know this.

Yep, they sure do....

I would love to go support the braves in person.

But I live 250 miles away. I make it to about 6 games a year. Once a month or so is about all I can handle. But will be taking my daughter to her first game this year. So keep up this winning stuff, guys.

Btw took my girlfriend to her 1st game this year. Opening day. How’s that for a first game? I’m afraid to take her to any more.

I live in Asheville NC and I bought season tix. Of course I can go whenever I feel like as I'm retired

If things work out right, I may have to contact you later in the year (I’m in N. Alabama).

Haha, lemme know if/when you plan on going. Carpool and save some money. I’m in Huntsville.

Very cool – I work there. Trying to get the family moved in from NC.

Well I usually go on weekends and take my Grandson and his friends, I can stay at my son's house in Marrietta so no motel. I take my son and my daughter and son-in-law plus the exwife from time to time, I have lots of friends willing to share parking fees

!Vive la Francoeur! - April 21, 2010 reply

Yeah, just let me know if y’all feel like getting a group to head over to Atl. Thea easiest way to get ahold of me is through facebook, Just friend me. facebook.com/gregory.hicks2

Heap and Chipper telling everyone to get to the dugout

That’s LOL funny – it’s looks like they’re trying to warn people about a bomb or something!

haha

they were....

the Mclouth bomb!!!

Shoert - April 21, 2010 reply

also....

Its good to see chipper enjoying himself again, havent seen him this excited in 5 years

Shoert - April 21, 2010 reply

seriously…god, what a great game baseball is.

Is there a larger shot if this?!?!

Doh!

The whole chemistry of this teams seems great. I loved seeing them in the tunnel together.

Those 2 would set that whole thing up.

Scott Coleman - April 20, 2010 via mobile reply

Wow, that is an instant classic. Heyward in the background looks ecstatic.

nice

do you have a higher-rez picture?

well

I got it form here:
http://projects.ajc.com/gallery/view/sports/braves/phillies-photos-braves/

pic 16/19

*from

thanks

atl192485 - April 21, 2010 reply

Pic 13 of 19: Could he look anymore un-enthused?

Nice. Lethal Weapon-type vibe..

Haha

I was wondering how that happened.

That is so awesome

These guys are having an absolute blast. I love that so much. It’s early, but this team has a special gleam in its eye. I wouldn’t be surprised if they turn out to be my favorite Braves team ever.

+1

……I almost said, “They already are,” but instead I’ll say, “They’re right up there.”

+1

+1 meelion

I mean we all love the Braves and all, but I’m finding it so easy to fall more in love with this team than so many previous ones. This team is showing the grit, enthusiasm and looseness that hasn’t been seen in ages, and I can’t help but say that if this were the last two years’ squads, we’d probably be 4-9 instead of 8-5. They legitimately look like they’re having fun, and when they’re having fun, it’s fun for us too.

royhobbs - April 21, 2010 reply

That picture...

is so great!

Get to Za Choppah!!!

LOL

runnnnnn, get to tha choppa!

jjb5574 - April 21, 2010 reply

Bronn's thunder.

You stoled it.

Man oh Man, I love this pic

I don't want to leave

But my netbook is dying and I want to watch the walkoff again and again before I go to bed. later compatriots.

So which one of you created Human_Glaus?

BullManUGA - April 20, 2010 reply

Quote of the Night From Heyward.

Heyward, who came into the game hitting .302, spoke with veteran savvy on his homer.

“Troy went in and had a great at-bat before, and all you have in mind when you go up to the plate, is what the pitcher has. It’s not about trying to do too much, just trying to get on and extend the game,” he said of his mindset at the plate.

If this is not legit then I don’t know what is.

romone_braves91 - April 21, 2010 reply

I can’t wait to get my tattoo, it’s gonna be a 3 headed dragon with BMAC/JJ/and Heyward(i like JJ more than Red) and they are gonna be t-bagging Johan Santana, Ryan Howard, and Youkalis(my least fovorite player)…it’s gonna be SWEET

atlantalove - April 21, 2010 reply

I’ve never met you, but I would pay for that tattoo if you were willing to do it.

eavchuck - April 21, 2010 reply

Speaking of Youkilis

I wish people would remember him getting rolled by that skinny little pitcher more.

Skyagusta - April 21, 2010 reply

Mitch from MLBN was saying how he was able to take down his teammate last night (after a walk off, I’m assuming), but he couldn’t take down that pitcher. Haha

Gage23 - April 21, 2010 reply

Per DOB

“Jason Heyward is 1-for-17 (.059) with two RBIs in the Braves’ five losses.

Jason Heyward is 13-for-30 (.433) with 14 RBIs in the Braves’ eight wins."

schlagdawg - April 21, 2010 reply

So...

He’s already the new Chipper?

http://www.talkingchop.com/2010/4/20/1433709/open-thread-4-20-phillies-at#35320167

It sucks that I was flying today. I was really looking forward to watching this one. I was following it on my blackberry though, and when I saw Glaus and Jason go deep, I almost crapped my pants!

justincredubil02 - April 21, 2010 reply

you pooped you pants? Odd...cause I peed mine.

Yeah...

That was a legendary “if x then I’m going to y”

FalconUdean - April 21, 2010 reply

"Nate McLouth is 11-for-29 with 11 RBIs in his last nine games. "

Is this true? He doesn’t seem like he has been this hot to me…(btw stat posted on ESPN)

SouthernPanther - April 21, 2010 reply

Can't be right, he's only got 2 RBIs on the season.

Might be true of Heyward.

Confirmed

That’s definitely Heyward they’re talking about.

HAHAHAHA

Um, no. No, he isn’t. Try 3-21 with 1 RBI.

yeah

i was about to say…there is not freaking way this is right.

SouthernPanther - April 21, 2010 reply

I thought maybe since nate has had a few games off

this streak reached back to last season…and maybe he had a monster game that I was just not remembering at the end of the season.

SouthernPanther - April 21, 2010 reply

Nate hasn't had a few games off....

He’s had a hell of a lot of off games though. He earned some love back tonight. Glaus too. Wanted bad things to happen to him before the blast

Unbelievable win!!

Am I a bad person for enjoying the Phils thread so much? Havn’t laughed that hard in a while. If I was Madsen, Id stay out of local bars.

If he visits an Atlanta bar

Someone may buy him a drink.

I’d buy him the bar…screw a drink.

I used to work for a finance company…had his personal cell phone and address in South Jersey….if only I wouldn’t be imprisoned for releasing it

bpk228480 - April 21, 2010 reply

It really wasn’t that bad. As fans they’re much more “with-it” than Mets fans. NYM meltdown threads are the best.

But them making cracks about Chipper’s bastard kids was lowdown.

FitzFan - April 21, 2010 reply

These are the same Phillies phans that are notorious assholes…..vomiting on children, shining lasers in Pujols eyes, sucking at life, etc.

This

I think beating the Phillies tonight

was probably my favorite Philly win since we scored 8 runs in the bottom of the 9th against the them back in 2008.

So, I just read through the game-thread, and find it interesting that Smoltz’ Beard and I got called out 2 or 3 times about defending Troy Glaus.

Let’s just say I Procto-bombed that thread with some responses.

justincredubil02 - April 21, 2010 reply

speaking of….where had he been????

bpk228480 - April 21, 2010 reply

has*

bpk228480 - April 21, 2010 reply

unbelievable right? Well,maybe not…considering this fucking blog.

To be fair, he did hit into another rally-killing double play. As much as he had to do with taking the game to extras, he also had a lot to do with it being a shutout as long as it was.

Weldon - April 21, 2010 reply

I was watching the game, I know.

Hey now

Let’s try to keep this classy, shithead.

haha

don’t forget me!

Would someone please tell me....

Why the hell Heyward isn’t batting cleanup? Whats the difference between having runners in scoring position, whether your in the 4 or 7 spot. How does where you are in the lineup, add pressure to a situation?

cause he's only 20 and a rookie

Jason already has enough pressure on him. He doesn’t need the added pressure of hitting 4th.

don’t worry…as soon as Grandpa Jones retires we’ll have Jay Hey in the 3 hole for years to come. his time will come.

I get that he's young

Just seems to me that 2 on, 2 out, down 1, bottom of the ninth. How does a lower spot in the order help you relax? I just day dream about how many runs Prado would have with a hot bat behind him.

I know

but it’s what Bobby thinks is best for the Braves. The man has all those wins for a reason.

You look at a guy like Ryan Braun who was a rookie and hit #3 all year and never looked back. But then you look a guy like Delmon Young who hit either 4th or 5th and it probably ruined him.

As long as we keep winning, I think JHey will continue to hit 6th or 7th, which is fine with me.

If it aint broke don't fix it.... I guess

He’s definatly getting his ribbies from that spot.

super this

did they really compare him to Ted Williams on ESPN tonight? My buddy texted me and said they did.

EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 21, 2010 reply

Yes.

Apparently Heyward is barely edging out Ted Williams, through the same number of games…

He’ll be batting clean-up in October.

Can't Wait

It sucks that I don’t live in ATL to go to all these games and witness this in person. However I will enjoy the fact that I live in St. Louis and will be watching a 4 game set at Busch next week screaming at the top of my lungs “Albert your days numbered!!!” while the locals tell me as politely as possible (they really are nice fans) to f*&$ off

foxrobe - April 21, 2010 reply

They are nice fans

I saw my first big league game in the old Busch stadium. Don’t remember the year. Terry Pendleton still played for the cards. The last year before he came to the Braves.

Well that would be 1990 then

since we signed him before the worst-to-first season

Ha ha

I knew I could count on one of you guys to get me the year. Thanks. If one of you stat ninjas could tell me the date I’d appreciate it. Jose Oquendo extended his hit streak to 23 that day

Oquendo's 23-game hit streak happened in 1989.

The last game in the streak (the 23rd) was a 4-2 loss to the Cubs on 25 July, 1989.

Here’s the box score, if you’re interested:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN198907250.shtml

kidnarcolepsy - April 21, 2010 reply

are you in downtown St. Louis or a suburb? I have family in the St. Charles area and I lived in Columbia for a long time growing up. Love Missouri. And if you like Mizzou football we’re BFFs

The Devil Wears Prado - April 21, 2010 reply

Yeah we're BFF

I’m in U City which is, besides from being the home of Nelly, a suburb that is literally right next to the city. And being a recent Mizzou grad yes I am obsessed with Tiger football, and really even more so basketball, M-I-Z…GO BRAVES…and yeah we’re BFF

foxrobe - April 21, 2010 reply

Z-O-U!!!!!!!!

Blaine Gabbert is gonna make it rain next year. And Mike Anderson is probably the most underrated coach in the country. I go to Arizona and they’re my #1 bball team, but what Anderson is doing at Mizzou is great.

Scott Coleman - April 21, 2010 via mobile reply

I will be there TOO

I live in St louis and will also be at all 4 games. GOO BRAVOS

Is that "song" they play for HRs on the internet anywhere??

jjhova12 - April 21, 2010 reply

it's disturbing that people don't know this song, but here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIDrtVE5zUY

Weldon - April 21, 2010 reply

and here are the 2 songs they play for Heyward when he walks to the plate (someone was asking earlier)

T.I. – What You Know

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxHd3tuovgI

Drake – Over

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOWlOy-K1dk

I read that Heyward also had Ludacris’ “Welcome To Atlanta” as a song, but I haven’t heard it played yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_FKNCph5tc&feature=related

I like this version...

This is the best version.

The original is...

Sugar Hill Gang – Apache (Jump On It)

mvandonsel - April 21, 2010 reply

No place like first place

Just looked at the standings. Atlanta at the top ( thank you alphabitical order). Damn I miss that. Took it for granted for so long.

Now if only we can stay that way for the next 149 games, right?

Gotta start strong

The bats will heat up. Just can’t be 10 games out when they do. Don’t want to see them chase like they did last year.

Tim Hudson was the one with the idea for the silent treatment

It sounds like Huddy came up with it during Spring Training 2009, but never got to do it cause…well, we never had a walkoff HR.

Scott Coleman - April 21, 2010 via mobile reply

Damndest thing I ever saw

I didn’t know what the hell was going on. Funny, but I hope the don’t make a habit of it. Kind of anticlimatic to not see the celebration at home plate

My favorite disgruntled phillies fan quote of the night

“Jesus could descend from heaven on a giant robot bear tomorrow, and I’m sure all we’d hear about on most major news outlets would be JASON HEYWARD HIT A HOME RUN OH MY GOD GET YOUR HALL OF FAME BALLOTS OUT”
Jealous anyone? Priceless

haha, robot bear…

Dude, Jesus just got a ton of bonus points in my book. Robot bears are AWESOME.

cant believe i missed it

I went to bed early…sucks for me

Doghnut - April 21, 2010 reply

To all teh peeps that “cut the game off,” or, “left the game early,” this is beyond my comprehension. It was a 3 RUN GAME.

I mean, the Padres blowout……HELL yes I cut that game off. But 3 RUNS!?!?! I guess some peeps have to learn the hard way.

Got nothing to do with the game

more to do with sleep and the job the next day. Paying the rent > the braves.

Doghnut - April 21, 2010 reply

Hopefully this is a catalyst

for moving mclouth back to leadoff. The fact that Diaz is leading off and Mclouth is batting in the 8 spot, in addition to Glaus still being in the 5 spot, has got me a little sour on Bobby right now.

He gave up way too early on Mclouth (he may not be the prototypical leadoff guy, but he’s our best) and he’s sticking with Glaus too long. Just flip Heyward and Glaus and people would be more patient with Troy’s slow start when he’s doing it in the 7 spot.

pharmongsu - April 21, 2010 reply

As wrong as I can be, and I realize I can be pretty damn wrong sometimes, but the thought of Heyward and McCann batting back-to-back makes me real nervous. It seems so easy to bring in a lefty reliever and neutralize them. The “plan” was Glaus between Chipper and McCann, Escobar between McCann and Heyward. Not all plans work out immediately, I think this one will work out eventually. When this offense gets playing to it’s normal ability, it will be very tough to beat. Putting Heyward in the 4 or 5 hole next to McCann might take away their bats late in games.

bighop - April 21, 2010 reply

Heap is serviceable against LH, and Heyward has shown the ability to work the count so I wouldn’t get too worried about it.

Heyward blows my mind with his ability to adjust, take pitches then pounce. You’re right of course about McCann as well. Part of my issue is thinking that splitting them up in the order might use up the opposing teams bullpen from time to time. Maybe, maybe not.

bighop - April 21, 2010 reply

Yeah, Heyward has done nothing but impress at this point in the season. I’m still trying to figure out how he pulled that low and outside pitch in the 9th.

THE HEYWARD LEGEND

Wow! According to Mark Bradley (print version of today’s paper – no link):

Heyward’s game-winning single against the Rockies on Sunday marked the first time the Braves managed a two-out walk-off hit with the bases loaded since …
Francisco Cabrera, Game 7, 1992 NLCS.

man, that's cool

Cracker! - April 21, 2010 reply

Wow I wonder if MB is going to change his prediction about us finishing third in the NL East. Actually he is terrible at predicting things so hopefully he doesn’t jinx the Braves by picking them to win.

GwinnettBraves - April 21, 2010 via mobile reply

Can’t believe I missed that. I turned the game after the 2nd out in the bottom of the 9th.

WTF!!!?

I guess I can say I was the bad luck, and by me turning the channel, I single-handedly caused the Braves to mount a comeback. I’m awesome!

Sparhawk - April 21, 2010 reply

Don't you ever watch another game.

We’ll go 149-0 the rest of the way.

Dish Network Feed tuned over at 10pm to the Lakers and Thunder Playoff Game

It was the top of the 9th, 2 out and Victorino was up. Since the ALT feed I was watching changed over, I disgruntly went to bed thinking, this is a stinker of a game. 10 minutes and a pile of text messages later, I realize I missed one of the best late game comebacks in recent memory.

DAMN YOU DISH NETWORK

Cracker! - April 21, 2010 reply

I was at work

Had good wi-fi Thru the 9th till Chippers walk. Then my relief picked me up and I lost reception for an hour. I remember asking my ride the question, “does Troy Glause know that he’s a douche bag, or is he like one of those douches who thinks he’s cool.” An hour later I got into good reception and checked the box score to see if they scraped one run across. Bout shit myself when I saw the final score. Thanks Troy. Best foot in my mouth I’ve ever tasted.