Kevin C. Cox - Getty Images
Not even presidential chutzpah could help the Braves in the final game of the series.
It was a tough one for the Braves, falling in two out of three games against the division leaders. The silver lining, or perhaps the even scarier part, is that without the comeback win in game-1 we might have been swept by Philadelphia. Here is the good and the bad from the series... a lot more bad than good.
The Good
The Bad
Series MVP: This one goes to a non-Braves entity, the Philadelphia starting pitchers. They did their job and shut us down. No one on the Braves is deserving of the MVP title this series.
Series LVP: Braves leadoff hitters Matt Diaz and Nate McLouth. For whatever reason whomever we put in the leadoff spot is failing to get on base. I don't really have an answer for who to put up there, and I know the Braves don't either.
0 recs | 88 comments
Yunel has chutzpah
GoBravesNY - April 23, 2010
I assume you mean that in a not so good way?
CharlotteChop - April 23, 2010
that’s usually what’s meant with chutzpah. Yunel just has a lot of chutzpah.
Do you know what chutzpah means btw?
GoBravesNY - April 23, 2010
I have naches for him, he’s a mensch.
TradeAndruw - April 23, 2010
rec'd
I’m on a bus and i literally LOLd. DIdn’t go well with the other people
GoBravesNY - April 23, 2010
I'm on a bus!!!
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
I missed the bus.
Kris Kros??
Sparhawk - April 23, 2010
You have a lot of chutzpah to do that,
but if you were on the short bus I will be more understanding:)
HEYJUDE - April 23, 2010
it actually has 2 meanings
Audacity in both the good and bad sense.
Do YOU know what it means?
apoxonbothyourhouses - April 23, 2010
Nice Wikipediaing
but they’re wrong. It doesn’t have a positive sense. Never in my life have I ever heard it used as a positive term- it just isn’t.
GoBravesNY - April 23, 2010
Thanks for the dictionary lesson, Webster.
CharlotteChop - April 23, 2010
Definitely
can be positive
sunking1056 - April 23, 2010
really, how? Can I get an example? I’ve never once heard it used as positive (and that would include it being heard in, but not limited to, the following places: Israel, Manhattan, Brooklyn (both Crown Heights and Flatbush), New Jersey (both north and south), Riverdale, Queens, Miami
GoBravesNY - April 23, 2010
I agree,
I couldn’t find anything positive about the definition of this word, for the nerve/chutzpah of them :)
HEYJUDE - April 23, 2010
too much kibbitzing about chutzpah on this blog
traphicg - April 23, 2010
Never once heard it used in a negative context and i’ve lived in New York as well. Just had it confirmed with a new york jew.
sunking1056 - April 23, 2010
I've heard it used positively
and used it positively myself. Though it is more often negative.
Jacob Peterson - April 23, 2010
We’ll all be relieved once the guys who are struggling right now start mashing, but it’s frustrating to watch all these wasted opportunities.
Getting owned by 117 year old Jamie Moyer does not feel good.
UMDBHIK - April 23, 2010
*117,000 year old Jamie Moyer
FTFY
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 23, 2010
Yunel will start getting hot any day now. He’s in his “hitting balls right at people” mode.
Hinske or Infante need to be playing first. Glaus going one for whatever isn’t going to cut it. He looks lost up there. It’s so annoying when guys watch strikes go by and only swing at crap. Melky does the same thing. Too many holes in the line-up.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
Prado staying above .400 should have been included in the good. Dude never makes errors. That was a fluke.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
Seems the Phillies were placed in perfect position cause I saw a lot of hitters hitting the ball sharply, but right at someone. The Braves hitters had some bad luck in this series too. Hopefully those start falling for hits soon. The leadoff spot and cleanup spot have been sorely lacking.
Sparhawk - April 23, 2010
In yesterday's game alone
Three innings ended with line drives hit right at an infielder who didn’t need to move a foot.
royhobbs - April 23, 2010
I did some BABIP research for the last ten Braves’ seasons.
01- 290
02- 290
03 – 302
04 – 309
05 – 298
06 – 304
07- 314
08 – 309
09 – 300
10 – 270 and the last 7 days 210!
Once BABIP comes back to a 10 year normal things should turn brighter.
CharlotteChop - April 23, 2010
Disagree
Glaus is not lost.. if victorino doesnt rob him twice against halladay we are all praising glaus. he has been hitting the ball hard a lot and not getting hits. They will come. His BABIP is probably really low
The Devil Wears Prado - April 23, 2010
love that name. genius.
I don’t think he’s lost either. But he isn’t found.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
and i love your name..
its my fantasy name and ever since prado became the man last year i wanted to make a name for him.. im keeping this one for a while
The Devil Wears Prado - April 23, 2010
It's a definite keeper.
Anybody not calling him freaking Odarp is the man.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
boo hiss Chief. Calling him Odarp makes him the man
GoBravesNY - April 23, 2010
Owned by a 117 year old, owned by a guy who gave up 11 ER in 5 2/3 IP to the Nationals. No-hot(at least Ubaldo is good). Shutout by a perennial CY winner. All in the last 5 games.
Thanks for finally acknowledging this lineup currently has real issues and it’s not a buzzsaw pitching performance every night. Glaus can’t hit a fastball (maybe one right down the middle if his bat finds it). We have no leadoff hitter, though McClouth actually takes walks, unlike the other two. Cabrera is not a ML caliber hitter. Diaz might snap out of it but needs to stick to playing against LHP to ease his mind from not being able to hit RHP.
Yunel is a lock to come around, but he is taking his struggles with him to the field now, so he is costing the team on both ends, but he will snap out of it.
CharlotteChop - April 23, 2010
If Infante was playing first, we would have 2-3 more W’s right now. Fact.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
Glaus needs to be given time to come around, but right now that oak tree he swings it too slow. Get a lighter bat and start hitting some doubles. I love Hinske (I went to Ark and he played while I was there), so I’d love for him to get some regular time. The way he is hitting, he should be more ABs.
CharlotteChop - April 23, 2010
Seriously. So far, with Infante/Hinske/Glaus….Glaus is the freaking weakest link at the plate. I’m not saying to stone the guy, but a few days off could be beneficial.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
Agreed. Glaus’ body language sends off some weak signals also. He’s just not confident and he doesn’t portray it by sloughing around. I get the feeling he is pressing to fit in and it is weighing on him. That coupled with not getting hits and it’s a double whammy. You can tell Hinske is a catalyst for team cohesion, I do not get that from Glaus. They will give him another month or so as the regular, I think – but as long as Hinske is contributing from the bench he will be right on his tail.
CharlotteChop - April 23, 2010
Bobby is...
notorious for abusing the bullpen. However, if our starters were able to get more quality games, Bobby might not feel so telephone happy.
Honestly, I’m still not sure who to point the finger about all of that. Bobby, the starters, or the pen for not succeeding?
XBEARDX - April 23, 2010
Moylan had a fluke roughing up.
Prado had a fluke error.
Heyward had fluke “freeze” at the plate.
You (not like YOU, the informal you) can’t blame Bobby for the loss.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
AND
Mac needs to man up at the plate. We need him. Now.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
instert snide Chief comment about Mac manning up
GoBravesNY - April 23, 2010
already been insterted. lolol.
You going to any games this weekend?
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
I wish
on my way out of town so not going this weekend (and damnit, lumberjack pitches sunday). Althogh this has now guarenteed I go in August
GoBravesNY - April 23, 2010
Fun Series
This was a fun three game series to watch. We have some work to do to get to Phillies level.
homerlanding - April 23, 2010
Honest question
Are you a Braves fan? I know a lot of people like to play the “I’m a realist” card, but it seems like every time I see a comment out of you, it’s always in some regard to how this team’s not good enough, not as good as a previous iteration of the team, or how you refuse to even take part in whimsical support of players on the team by not voting for all-stars. Not that there’s anything wrong with it if you’re not a Braves fan, but you might be better suited to the corresponding team you really like. But if I’m mistaken (your stance on the team is kind of blurry), how about just saying just one thing you like about the Braves? I don’t care if it’s as broad as Hank Aaron’s 716th homer, or you thought it was very nice of Brian McCann to donate one of his spare 60" plasma televisions to Tommy Hanson and Kris Medlen’s bachelor pad, just something at all you like about the Braves.
royhobbs - April 23, 2010
I love the Powder Blue unis from the glory days of the 80's......
I have been a die-hard Braves fan since 1979, the first year that I can remember watching baseball. I live in S. Missouri where everyone around me lives and breathes Cardinal baseball but I have stayed true to the only team that I have ever really cared about. I enjoy the team we have now, I loved the teams of the 90’s but what I remember most fondly are the lovable losers of the 80’s. Murph, Horner, Claudell, Raffy, Mahler, Camp, Bedrock, now that was fun. My favorite all time Braves moment happened on Aug. 12, 1984 (bonus points if you can figure it out). As far as the All-Star vote thing goes, when it comes to the ASG I am a baseball fan first and a Braves fan second, I am what you could call an old-school fan. I want to see the best players from that half-season get together and play a game. I don’t care what team they play for or if I have ever even heard of them before, if they are having a great year thats who I want to see play. Hope that clears it up for you.
homerlanding - April 23, 2010
http://www.askmen.com/top_10/fitness_60/65_fitness_list.html
San Diego Padres vs. Atlanta Braves
August 12, 1984
This one started out ugly and just got worse. It began when Pascual Perez, pitcher for the Braves, threw at the Padres’ leadoff man, Alan Wiggins, on the opening pitch. San Diego responded by throwing at Perez every time he came to bat. The benches were destined to cleared, and they were — twice. When the dust settled, 19 players were ejected and five spectators were arrested for their unruly behavior. Tensions spread to the post-game interviews when the Braves’ manager, Joe Torre, likened the San Diego bench boss, Dick Williams, to a man named Hitler.
Aftermath: Five players and Perez were suspended for three games, while Dick Williams was suspended for 10 days and fined $10, 000.
Mr. Sanchez - April 23, 2010
Very Good
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYZSldEqLWI
How about video to back it up. Classic.
homerlanding - April 23, 2010
Very much so, and it is appreciated
It’s not that I’m challenging your fandom of the Braves, I was just curious to see if you were capable of saying anything positive about the Braves. And now I can’t accuse you of being nothing but a pessimist now.
royhobbs - April 23, 2010
I was a pessimist in ’95 until Marquis caught the ball in CF.
homerlanding - April 23, 2010
Im not sure
What about having Yunel or Prado hit leadoff, taking the pressure off diaz and McClouth and allowing them to hit later in the order? Heyward can cleanup in Yunels spot. I also dont think Glaus should be hitting fifth. Im pretty new to the sport though so im asking for interest sake.
David G. Little - April 23, 2010
Yunel isn’t hitting very well right now, so I’m not sure what the Braves would gain by leading him off. Prado leading off would be a possibility, but Bobby is understandably reluctant to move somebody around in the batting order when he is killing it like Martin is right now in the 2nd spot.
redwards95 - April 23, 2010
Fully understand. Dont fix it if it aint broken right
David G. Little - April 23, 2010
Prado, maybe.
Yunel, no. Just wouldn’t work.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
damn it….I swear I hit the reply button. Chief Fail
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
Why would Yunel be bad there?
David G. Little - April 23, 2010
When he has men on base in front of him, he’s 10x more likely to hit the ball….as crazy as that sounds, it’s true. Wait for May and June.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
It is harder to Vidro is he’s leading off though.
BullManUGA - April 23, 2010
Baseball is so interesting in that sense that guys clearly perform better in different situations. what about having him hit second then, seeing as McClouth and Cabrera and Diaz clearly can handle being the first one up?
David G. Little - April 23, 2010
We are even for the non reply clicking now. Chief fail meet Running No-clicker
David G. Little - April 23, 2010
I would like to see Prado tried at leadoff and maybe even Nate #2 given that he takes walks and hit alot of fly balls. He’s not easy to double up. Nate’s career averages don’t really lend to #2 hitters, but his OBP is high enough IMO. I think it’s worth a shot. Prado is a really good hitter and just getting innings started with a man on base works wonders. His career OBP is 50 points over his career average. I think it’s worth a shot and not really sure why it hasn’t been tried yet. Esco had plenty of opportunity to work it at the 2 spot and consistently failed. He is good where he is.
CharlotteChop - April 23, 2010
I would try this...
Prado
Infante (at first)
Chipper
Mac
Yunel
J Hey
McLouth
Diaz
Win.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
what about Hinske at first even? he has been hitting well and im sure he can improve his fielding
David G. Little - April 23, 2010
or Hinske there, sure.
Wouldn’t be as many holes. And we would have a lead-off guy consistently getting on base.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
2B – Prado
SS – Yunel (he rakes in the 2-hole, look at the career stats there)
3B – Chipper
C – McCann
1B – Glaus (dude is hitting everything solid..that hits WILL come)
RF – Heyward
CF – Nate
LF – Melky
Pitching Spot
bashby20sh - April 23, 2010
that could work too. but this bullshit with Diaz and Nate leading off needs to end.
they can’t do it…..(I’ll be nice)……“consistently.”
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
Is it safe to alter Prado’s routine in any way?
David G. Little - April 23, 2010
Prado is going to give 110% and make it happen wherever he’s hitting.
So why not 1st?
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
lmao
He’s basically our lead-off hitter in the 2 spot AS IS
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
fair enough. What do you think is going to happen though?
David G. Little - April 23, 2010
Bobby will stick with what he’s been doing, thinking it will eventually click for someone. And Prado will remain in the 2 spot, basically as our lead-off hitter there.
Here’s the thing though…..this year, maybe for the first time, Bobby may begin to feel somewhat…..pressed for time.
He needs me as his advisor. lol
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
Sorry
But putting Yunel in the “two hole” is not going to make him “rake” – it’s not the right time for such a move IMO
Nova Scotia Steve - April 23, 2010
Apparently you didn’t watch last year when he “raked” with RISP out of the “two hole.” He statistically hits better out of the 1 or 2 spot in the lineup, that is FACTS. And why isn’t now a good time to make the move? We are 15 games in and hitting pathetic out of the leadoff spot (6-64, .093, 6 R, 7 BB, 12 K, 1 RBI). Can’t let this become a trend.
bashby20sh - April 23, 2010
A picture is worth a thousand words
But the picture that the Braves offense painted this series in worth only one; Pathetic.
I am not going to pull a Mark Bradley and scream that the sky is falling, but this was incredibly frustrating to watch. The Braves got beat by Kyle Kendrick and Jamie Moyer. And beat to the tune of 0 earned runs14 innings.
And for the record, the leadoff batter gets the most at bats of any other player. The Braves should make damn sure that that player can handle the role. Melky and Diaz were sub-optimal options in the first place. I am not surprised at all that they haven’t thrived in the role.
Andy Braves Fan - April 23, 2010
Prado needs to start leading off. The problem would be solved.
He’s a force.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
With a deep starting staff...
not possessing a dominant ace it appears, but more than enough to carry a team to the playoffs, plus what could be the best bullpen in baseball, we’ve got the pieces of a playoff team it seems. If Glaus can come around, and one of the 3 OFs can actually produce as a leadoff hitter, we’ve got a very good team. Just need 1B and a leadoff hitter to emerge from the CF/LF mess. I doubt anything is done at 1B unless Freeman really struggles at AAA, but Wren showed last year if there is a problem in CF/LF he won’t be hesitant to make a move well before late July. I wonder how long he waits (that is IF none of the 3 step up and take the role) before considering something to get what we’ve lacked since Furcal left twon.
Mr. Sanchez - April 23, 2010
Troy Glaus was my LVP
9 guys LOB. A disgrace.
WarEagle86 - April 23, 2010
Even with the heroics in game 1?
crimsonpride19 - April 23, 2010
If it weren't for Troy Glaus,
we’d have been swept. Totally the least valuable, you’re right. It’s not like we had any lack of better candidates.
Jacob Peterson - April 23, 2010
BOOM
Gage23 - April 23, 2010
Also, here's a thought.
Why don’t they come off some change and go out and get a leadoff hitter. Or a true power hitting 1st basmen. Its Bobby Cox’s last year for crying out loud.
WarEagle86 - April 23, 2010
As nice as that would be
The team comes first, always and forever. No sense in making a rash, potentially poor decision that could jeopardize future seasons just to give the skipper a fond farewell.
royhobbs - April 23, 2010
We need a leadoff man, now and going forward...
1B has, hopefully, Freeman ready to take over next year. The leadoff spot though has no heir apparent, and if we could go find us a guy that could fill that role, ideally as a LF or CF although a 2B might work as I think Prado would be fine defensively in LF, I’d make the move in a heartbeat. It’s the one spot we both don’t have, and don’t have coming up soon (I don’t think Schafer has the contact/obp to be a leadoff hitter). If a deal was out there that added that, and not a short fix like Crawford but that could realistically stick around a while, I’d be all for it. Then again, I can’t think of many that would fit the description AND be available (eliminating Bourn, Fowler, Ellsbury, Rajai Davis, etc).
Mr. Sanchez - April 23, 2010
I doubt we make a move for a lead-off hitter until the end of the season. They’re gonna wait to see if Schafer recovers from his injury.
mdhenshaw - April 23, 2010
This
It was let’s win this for Bobby, not Lets go kill the farm system to get (A-gon) for Bobby
GoBravesNY - April 23, 2010 via mobile
This
It was let’s win this for Bobby, not Lets go kill the farm system to get (A-gon) for Bobby
GoBravesNY - April 23, 2010 via mobile
frustrating mobile posting
traphicg - April 23, 2010
I’m NOT all for moving around the order right now. Moving Prado to the 1 hole may fix the problem there, but then who goes in the 2? I don’t think Yunel is a number 2 guy, frankly. So that is basically trading one conundrum for another.
If a deal is out there that makes sense and makes this club better either in May or June, then by all means pull the trigger. If those who are struggling right now pick it up, then perhaps we can just leave well enough alone.
UMDBHIK - April 23, 2010
Prado
Hinske
Chipper
…..I like it. I’d prefer Infante, but Hinske would work fine.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - April 23, 2010
Neither are everyday players at this point.
UMDBHIK - April 23, 2010
Especially not Infante
He’s a utility guy and nothing more. A good one, but let’s not get crazy and pretend he can play first. His career SLG is what, .350? If that? Troy Glaus slugs .350 in his sleep.
Jacob Peterson - April 23, 2010
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