First of all, I found this stat over on Vivaelbirdos.com. Read it and then read it a 2nd time. And then a 3rd time for good measure.
In 2006, the year the Cardinals won the World Series, they had TWO 8-game losing streaks. TWO! I know we're playing badly, but keep this in mind.
On a night that Talking Chop did the ULTIMATE form of "slump breaking", a Nate McLouth silent treatment on the Opening Thread, the Braves' offense and defense fell asleep and the pitching suffered because of it.
In the bottom of the 1st, Kenshin Kawakami had a double play ball hit at Yunel Escobar, but Esco botched the catch and allowed runners to move into scoring position for Albert Pujols. Pujols delivered and drove in the 1st run of the game with a RBI single to CF. The Cardinals struck again via a wild pitch on a Colby Rasmus strikeout. The Cardinals scored again on a wild pitch in the 3rd inninng making it 3-0.
The Cardinals essentially ended the game in the 5th inning, when sophomore phenom Colby Rasmus drove in a runner with a RBI double and was then scored on a 2-RBI single from David Freese.
The Braves threatened to cut into the 6-0 lead in the 8th inning with back-to-back hits from Yunel (double baby!!!!) and Marteeeny Weeeny, but they were stranded after a Chipper flyout and Troy Glaus strikeout (which sadly would've been good for 200 hate comments in the Open Thread.)
That was the ball game. Cardinals win 6-0.
The Good (ha!), Bad and Ugly after the jump.
The Good:
Yunel Escobar - At least he's getting hits and on base from the leadoff spot. He went 1-for-3 tonight with a double and a walk.
Jesse Chavez and Eric O'Flaherty - 2IP 2H 0R
The Bad:
Kenshin Kawakami - The defense and offense certainly didn't help him out, but KK still struggled. This man is truly a professional. I'd probably get into a fist fight with my teammates if they scored for me like they do KK.
4.1IP 5H 4ER/5R 4BB/4K
Matt Diaz - 1-for-4, 3Ks against a lefty. Ugh.
Jonny Venters - 1.2IP 2H 1ER 4BB/1K
The Ugly:
The Braves' offense - 0 runs, 7 hits. Ha. (props to Melky for 2 of them!)
The Braves' defense - 2 more errors. That makes 20 errors in 21 games. Yowza.
Chipper Jones - 0-for-4; why is he still playing hurt? He's obviously not right and now he's playing for his own pride instead of the team. He's been pretty bad since injuring/straining/tweaking his hip in New York and is only hurting the lineup right now. I'd love to see Prado at 3B and Infante at 2B tomorrow.
Upcoming Game:
The Braves and Cardinals finish their 4-game series tomorrow afternoon in St. Louis. Jair Jurrjens will pitch for the Braves and former Brave (*wipes tears) Adam Wainwright will pitch for the Cardinals. First pitch is at 1:40EST.
And just incase you forgot the Stat of the Night:
In 2006, the year the Cardinals won the World Series, they had TWO 8-game losing streaks. TWO! I know we're playing badly, but keep this in mind.
GO BRAVES.
0 recs | 244 comments
The lack of OT didn't seem to help...
Let’s not do that again, ok? Its absence made the game even harder to watch.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
i know. i had to talk to my wife all night. ugh.
10-4 - April 29, 2010
ROFL
You should at least try to convert her to being a Braves fan – I’m working on that with my wife.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 29, 2010
Oh she is, she’s just not a glutton for punishment like me. She’ll go to games and cheer, but as far as sitting for 3 hours watching this current team, well, it ain’t happening. She watched some of the game last night, said “this is pitiful”, and left the room.
10-4 - April 29, 2010
Ya know, I thought the same thing about Chipper tonight. He just doesn’t look right.
heap16 - April 28, 2010 via mobile
That game
was crappy, but we’ll turn it around. But please Scott, don’t take away the OT.. that made it so much worse. I’ll sacrifice NAHWAL for a win
GoBravesNY - April 28, 2010
Chipper's Bats
When did Chipper start using a light bat when hitting right handed? He has always used a black bat hitting right handed and light hitting left.
I hate this losing streak, and I hate it even more the Muts are on a winning streak.
CooperstownChipper - April 28, 2010 via mobile
new thing after slumping last year— he wasn’t getting his hands to the ball, so he opted for the lighter bat for a little more speed and control.
BMacAttack - April 29, 2010
REASONING BEHIND THE NO OPEN THREAD:
A couple members (myself included) of the TC Staff thought it might be a good idea to change the Braves’ luck by not having an OT. I know a lot of you didn’t like it and I’m sorry I didn’t have it up tonight.
Don’t worry though, it’ll be up nice and early for tomorrow’s game.
Again, we were just trying to try something new to break the slump. Sorry to all of the TC faithful who wanted to participate.
Scott Coleman - April 28, 2010
hey on the bright side
at least there’s fans that want the OT in the midst of an 8-game losing streak…. :-\
BravesRaleigh - April 28, 2010
I thought it was a nice idea; I thought that it made the comments and commentators in the OT much more enjoyable than it’s been lately during this slump…
El Soro - April 28, 2010
Don’t worry about it.. it was actually a great idea.. I’m just saying, if it happens again, I’m pleading the 5th and posting a rouge OT (jk)
GoBravesNY - April 28, 2010
Why is your OT going to be red, monsieur?
J-Freak - April 28, 2010
Because, clearly it’ll be on a day that lumberjack pitches. And if you don’t show up than it means you hate lumberjack, and if so, F*ck you.
nice catch though
GoBravesNY - April 28, 2010
I'm a lumberjack, and I'm OK.
I sleep all night and I work all day.
J-Freak - April 28, 2010
I think they should pull a Baltimore and just play in the batting practice jerseys tomorrow.
J-Freak - April 28, 2010
Shirtless....
I vote they play shirtless. Except for the coaches….PLEASE.
sddbaker - April 29, 2010
I sense an ulterior motive...
J-Freak - April 29, 2010
me too, unfortunately
BMacAttack - April 29, 2010
Ok, 'fess up
Who didn’t watch the game naked?
schlagdawg - April 28, 2010
I didn't...
Was I supposed to?
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
lol
damn it! I forgot.
Scott Coleman - April 28, 2010
damnit.. me too. I was too busy watching the Ovies lose
GoBravesNY - April 28, 2010
Started out, but after the first inning I put on something every time we had an error, K’d, didn’t hit or score after a walk or base hit.
I had on 4 layers of clothing (including shoes) by the time it was over. ;-)
NCChopper - April 29, 2010
Ha! Rec’d.
TheLetter2 - April 29, 2010
forgot =/
BMacAttack - April 29, 2010
Positives about tonight's game:
1) The Braves turned 4 double plays
2) Venters managed to pitch out of a bases loaded, no outs situation (albeit he created it) without giving up anymore runs.
3) Prado broke his 0 for 9 mini-slump
I know….I’m grasping at straws here.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
True Story...
Very short straws unfortunately.
XBEARDX - April 29, 2010
Sympathy from a cards fan
You guys will be fine…i sat and watched as the cards had two 8 game losing streaks and one 7 game losing streak, yet still won the world series… but you have too much pitching not to be a playoff team… and if its any consolation, i hear pujols is available… for heyward, hanson, and freeman
thenextgen - April 28, 2010
Class
Very nice to see a classy post from an opposing fan.
bighop - April 28, 2010
We've actually seen a good number of them lately...
It’s much preferable to the typical trolls you’d expect to stop by after their team wins.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
As a rule...
Cards fans tend to be smart and have a sense of history and also one of decorum.
Unlike some other team’s fans I could mention…
Sam Jethroe - April 29, 2010
Like the Phillies?
ZOMG we’ve been good for 3 years and we’re now the #1 franchise in sports!!!
Scott Coleman - April 29, 2010 via mobile
They were one I had in mind.
There are a couple of others.
Sam Jethroe - April 29, 2010
careful, i’ve seen people vomitted on for much (much) less..
BMacAttack - April 29, 2010
:(
but…but…but… i thought i was yout guys favowite :’(
MetsKnicksRutgers - April 29, 2010
Thanks for the sentiment.
TonyAlmeyda - April 28, 2010
Thank you
very nice to see a classy opponent. Plus we get some humor, which is not common around here anymore. Rec’d for being a nice person. Plus your sig also belongs to someone here, so its ironic
GoBravesNY - April 28, 2010
would you guys be interested in Randy Gress?
I’d do him 1-for-1 for Pujols.
Scott Coleman - April 28, 2010
pshhh
why would you undervalue Gress like that?
GoBravesNY - April 28, 2010
We could throw in Jo-Jo, too...
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
Only if they want to eat some of Al’s salary.
!Vive la Francoeur! - April 29, 2010
I’ve always thought that St. Louis had some of the classiest fans. I have made 2 trips there and have never had any trouble with any fans. I was there last year when the Braves swept the Cards in St. Louis and didn’t hear any bad comments about it.
jack dein - April 28, 2010
Never doubt a fanbase that colour coordinated...
El Soro - April 28, 2010
Appreciate your “I feel your pain” post.
Classy fan to match a class ball club.
NCChopper - April 29, 2010
Hits…Escobar, Diaz, Glaus, McLouth and 2 by Cabrera….Prado got 1, but the slumping Braves hitters actually got a few hits
bighop - April 28, 2010
Hinske
Please sit Chipper and play Hinske. Pleasseeeeee.
Pavy848 - April 28, 2010
Because Hinske has hit so well the past few games…
Bob Mackie - April 28, 2010
Well, granted it is difficult to get a hit as a pinch hitter all the time. Odds are some playing time could only help. But yeah, I’m grasping at straws ha ha.
Pavy848 - April 28, 2010
You do know he’s 3 for his last 8, right? That’s .375.
TonyAlmeyda - April 28, 2010
Is Chipper playing hurt?
Braves24 - April 28, 2010
basically, yeah
GoBravesNY - April 28, 2010
Chipper is always playing
deewill23 - April 29, 2010
*hurt*
deewill23 - April 29, 2010
My positive input
At least we didn’t get no-hit like the Gwinnett boys did.
BravesCPO - April 28, 2010 via mobile
Nope, we already took our turn for that nonsense, thank you very much…
J-Freak - April 28, 2010
uh, we did that already
Mighty Healthy - April 28, 2010
At least we didn’t get no-hit again like the Gwinnett boys did.
BravesCPO - April 29, 2010
I remember Skip saying a few years ago on TBS during another gnarly slump...
…“I think at this point Braves fans should avoid all sharp objects.”
El Soro - April 28, 2010
Melky overheard after the game: “Wow, sure was weird to get a hit. I mean, man. Damn. I swung and the ball just went and I ran and I was safe. Gotta call Cano.”
Bob Mackie - April 28, 2010
That actually makes 6 straight for him.
J-Freak - April 28, 2010
I know. Just having fun.
Bob Mackie - April 28, 2010
Don’t get me wrong, I’m certainly not a big pinstripe-boy fan, and lord knows he’s done little to make me think more of him so far this year, but I’m not pigheaded enough to overlook when he’s actually doing well. So, kudos to him I guess, and LET’S FARKING WIN TOMORROW FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!
J-Freak - April 28, 2010
This one was hard to stomach, but that tidbit about the two eight-game losing streaks made my day a little better.
Hinske needs to be starting; Chipper hasn’t been real “chipper” in the field or at the plate lately. Maybe he can start tomorrow?
TonyAlmeyda - April 28, 2010
Like
some others have hinted at I think Chipper is trying to prove Brian Jordan wrong. He probably would have took a few games off after that injury against the Mets if Jordan hadn’t said what he said.
AlabamaTitans2009 - April 28, 2010
Chipper can try and prove all he wants. It’s up to Bobby to sit him, and I think it’s time Bobby play the “I’m the manager card” and sit him for a few.
Pavy848 - April 28, 2010
Bob Mackie - April 28, 2010
Ouuuuuuuuuuuuch.
Little harsh, ain’t it?
J-Freak - April 28, 2010
Probably
I love Chipper and don’t want to seem negative, but was too damn frustrated not to post it. Already kinda regret it…
Bob Mackie - April 28, 2010
As well you should...
sddbaker - April 29, 2010
It is kinda funny though
Mr. Sanchez - April 29, 2010
That’s just wrong & not to mention untrue.
FitzFan - April 29, 2010
Then Brian Jordan should just keep his mouth shut. I lost a little respect for him when he said that.
TonyAlmeyda - April 28, 2010
Chipper’s going to be in the Hall of Fame. Brian Jordan is not. Chipper should just ignore that comment.
Pavy848 - April 28, 2010
Well
the losing streak can’t last forever. I hope we get a win tomorrow. I’m glad we got Jurrjens going for us tomorrow but it will be tough going against Wainwright. Go Braves.
AlabamaTitans2009 - April 28, 2010
No OT was a stupid idea.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
I enjoyed watching the game without the crazy doom posts for a change. Maybe I’m stupid, but I still think this Braves team will be good. I’m looking forward to the OT’s return, but liked not being tempted to keep up with it for a change.
bighop - April 28, 2010
You could always just watch the game without the OT up…some of us enjoy the OT and watching the games “together.”
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
I do too, but a change for 1 game was ok with me
bighop - April 28, 2010
i think it will be
4 or 5 starters batting under .200, only 1 guy near .300, and that guy only has 1 homer and a couple rbis
BravesRaleigh - April 29, 2010
agreed.
I’m in California, I have nobody I can really talk Braves baseball to. OT is a great place to vent, big time. It adds a very enjoyable element to watching the game.
Mighty Healthy - April 28, 2010
Only 12 hours until the next one is up…
Scott Coleman - April 29, 2010 via mobile
My reaction to the “No OT” last night:
1. Initially a sense of “What the Hell?!” and felt very disappointed since I had worked all day outside and was looking forward to the game and celebrating the Braves getting back on the W side of things.
2. Then I laughed. Literally. Thinking what a great example of the unique personalities and mindset of the Mods here at TC and not being afraid to mix things up at times to keep us surprised.
3. I closed the laptop, said a little prayer of “I hope it works” and shared the couch with the hubby and the dog as we watched the game. Like the old days before I found TC.
.
I missed you all and the banter that we enjoy – but I think it was OK to have this little slump-busting experiment.
But don’t EVER do it again you hear!?!
.
NCChopper - April 29, 2010
Very impressive. Highly original. DON’T DO IT AGAIN!!!
J-Freak - April 29, 2010
My sentiments are expressed in song.
10-4 - April 29, 2010
+1
Cinderella is beast.
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
Losing 8 in a row with this team only means that we are going to win 12-14 in a row.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
I’ve been predicting a 22-23 win month
bighop - April 28, 2010
I called that for June.
My reasoning is such: the team normally sucks in June, not in April – this is just opposite year.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
"it all comes out in the wash"
When it does, whoever is playing the Braves is going to lose
bighop - April 28, 2010
I hope we can turn it around this year but I can’t wait for next year. Hopefully with Cox gone we can trim away the fat on this team.
Right now the coaching staff is fine without Pendleton. Glaus, Kawakami, hopefully Lowe, and I’m ready to move Escobar if we get a decent replacement. His immaturity is killing us.
jack dein - April 28, 2010
Glaus has been one of our hottest hitters lately. He is only on a 1 year contract, so you will get your wish, but please, for the love of baseball, stop pretending like he sucks.
“Decent replacement” for Esco is about as likely to happen as the Lowe/Vaz trade.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
Glaus has looked good only because he gets 1 hit a game and everyone else has an 0-fer.
As far as Escobar goes he’s a good player but he has attitude issues and makes to many mental mistakes. When watching other teams play no one makes as many dumb mistakes as he does. I really believe that’s the biggest reason why no long term deal has ever been brought up about him.
jack dein - April 28, 2010
Still a hypothetical 1-4 is .250 plus walks thrown in. I’m fine with Glaus. We all knew he struck out and hit low avg but is a great ball player. He’ll be fine.
Pavy848 - April 28, 2010
Right...
And .250 is close to Glaus’ career BA.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
Glaus has 4 hits and 5 walks in his past 4 games with a slash line of .364 .563 .455 1.017
that is more than just a hit a game. He isn’t just “looking” good in a mirage sort of way. He IS good in a glad he is on our team sort of way.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
except for that K… but acceptable. I really don’t understand why everyone is down on Glaus
GoBravesNY - April 28, 2010
That K was ridiculous. It was worse when Heyward K’d backwards on the EXACT same pitch.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
I was only gamedaying.. and it was riduculous
GoBravesNY - April 28, 2010
He's been making good contact on a lot of outs from the way Sutton makes it sound on the radio...
El Soro - April 28, 2010
Fowler robbed him of extra bases, Victorino robbed him of a HR and Polanco robbed him of a double down the 3rd base line.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
dont forget
the wall robbed him of another double down the line, only got a single cuz it bounced back right to holliday
BravesRaleigh - April 29, 2010
He sure fouls a heck of a lot of pitches off.
Pavy848 - April 28, 2010
Not to mention the Braves are only paying 1.75 mil.
Seriously, even if all he did was pinch hit that would be cheap.
DogDaysofSummer - April 29, 2010
I don’t get all the Escobar hate. Sure, he makes mental errors, but he is a top 10 shortstop. Hard to find a better package of offense and defense for so cheap at a middle infield position
Bob Mackie - April 28, 2010
Agreed….he just needs to find that offense again.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
Top 10?
I’d say top 5….if not top 3. And I don’t think that’s fan bias.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
Top 3 is a stretch, but top 5 isn’t too far off. I think I have him somewhere around 6 on my personal list.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
well, NL only
Hanley
Tulo
J-Roll
Esco
I could see him top 3 at the end of this year
GoBravesNY - April 28, 2010
I’d put him above J-Roll, but an argument can easily be made for J-Roll above him.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
I agree on Rollins.
I think he’s headed downhill.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
gotta say Hanley, Tulowitzki, Jeter, Drew, Bartlett, Alcides Escobar is climbing, Reyes, Rollins.
jack dein - April 28, 2010
Alcides>Esco? no way
GoBravesNY - April 28, 2010
he’s not better yet but he’s getting close. Andrus is moving up the list to.
jack dein - April 28, 2010
You can't say someone is better because he MIGHT be better SOMEDAY.
You have to go with performance by players at the position RIGHT NOW.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
he’s right with him. Defense is a push plus he’s off to a solid start this year.
jack dein - April 29, 2010
SSS much?
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
Of that list, you can cross off Drew, Bartlett, and A Escobar.
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
Jeter?
Really? Maybe a few years ago… Jeter isn’t the player he used to be.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
he’s lost range on defense but he’s still a very good hitter.
jack dein - April 28, 2010
Offensively, Jeter is better. Defensively, it isn’t even close – Yunel by miles.
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
We need a guy like Jeter on this team though. We have nobody on this team that wants to win as badly as Jeter does. A lot of people talk negatively about him, but I’d take him on my team in a heartbeat. Even playing SS.
dunnytwogloves - April 29, 2010
Jeter’s calm eyes and big heart make the rest of his team play better.
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
clear eyes, full hearts
CANT LOSE!
BravesRaleigh - April 29, 2010
then my list is
hanley, salcedo, ernie banks, honus wagner, jeter, alcides, reyes, ripken, yunel
BravesRaleigh - April 29, 2010
Reyes>who??
10-4 - April 29, 2010
I think Reyes got mentioned because hair was one of his deciding categories
BMacAttack - April 29, 2010
I think it may be the hair.
TheLetter2 - April 29, 2010
If the game starts at 1:30, what time should the OT for the animal sacrifice start??
/just curious, so I can work it into tomorrow’s schedule…
El Soro - April 28, 2010
You probably want to get the animal sacrifices out of the way during the AM hours....
That way you have time to clean up all the blood before the game.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
I thought you were supposed to wear the blood from the sacrifice during the game?
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
Hrmmm.....
Maybe I’ve been doing it wrong. So THAT’S why the team keeps losing!
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
Helpful hint: Baking soda’s great for getting those pesky blood stains out of the sofa before the neighbors come over to watch the game.
TheLetter2 - April 29, 2010
This is gonna make work very awkward.
10-4 - April 29, 2010
I’ve been wearing goat blood all day, WTF IS OT?!
BMacAttack - April 29, 2010
Chipper probably shouldn't be in the 3-hole anymore
He gets on-base, but he’s almost no power threat at all, and he really hasn’t been for the past 2 seasons (even his batting title season). Troy Glaus shouldn’t hit clean up either.
The sad thing is, we really have no alternative for either of those spots…
Mighty Healthy - April 28, 2010
Chipper is just fine as a 3 hitter. He OPSd just fine – even in his slump year.
Chipper will not hit 30+ HRs, but he will hit 20+. I am fine with that from him, provided he still has an OBP of .400.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
you think Chipper will even hit 20 hr’s this season?
Mighty Healthy - April 28, 2010
Yes.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
He didn’t even hit 20 last year.. and he barely hit 22 in 2006, so i dunno
Mighty Healthy - April 28, 2010
I think we should be happy if he stays healthy enough to hit 15 this year. He has looked good in some games, but just downright terrible in most.
bashby20sh - April 28, 2010
He hit 19, so let’s not act like he wasn’t close. He also had one of the worst averages of his career last year.
Why did you skip 2 seasons to find another season in which he had a lower HR total? Picking stats that support your argument much?
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
my bad brosive, but i'm still right
2010: Chipper has 2 hr’s
2009: Chipper hit 18 hr’s
2008: Chipper hit 22 hr’s
Mighty Healthy - April 29, 2010
in 1997, he hit 21 HRs. I still fail to see your point.
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
My point: He’s not going to hit 20 hr’s THIS SEASON. With his #‘s, he would be a superb #2 hitter. I don’t think he’s driving the ball or even a striking fear in pitchers anymore to be a #3 hitter anymore.. but, we don’t have an alternative or anything better to supplant Chipper.
Mighty Healthy - April 29, 2010
I’ve long been an advocate of Chipper in the 2 hole, but he is still a fantastic hitter – probably the best on the team – and that is exactly where you put your best hitter – in the 3 hole.
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
Do you think Chipper is currently the best hitter on the team?
Mighty Healthy - April 29, 2010
Yes.
Does he have the most power? No.
Does he have the highest average? No.
Does he have the best plate discipline? No.
Is he the most complete hitter on the team? Yes.
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
This.
Chipper is the most well rounded hitter, and the one likely to be the most consistent (when not hurt). He’s the “professional hitter” that FUGA could only dream of being.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 29, 2010
I agree
Mighty Healthy - April 29, 2010
I think he’ll hit at least 18 HRs.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
At his current rate, he won’t even break 15.
TonyAlmeyda - April 28, 2010
Actually, at this current rate, he will hit 15.4 HRs.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
And you think that’s ok for the 3 hole? Not on a Bobby Cox managed team, Bobby sits around waiting for the 3-run HR. The thing is, nobody on this team can do that at a high enough rate.
I don’t see anyone, except Heyward, and probably Heap hitting 20 hr’s this season. That’s a problem. And NOBODY will steal 20 bases.
Mighty Healthy - April 29, 2010
Possible 20 HR hitters on this team, in no particular order:
Heyward
Glaus
Chipper
Heap
Nate
Possible 15 HR hitters:
Prado
Yunel
Hinske
Diaz
Just because nobody has hit one in a while, doesn’t mean they can’t.
The offense will come around. The law of averages say that we shuold be in for a fantastic ride at some point this season.
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
You beat me to it...
I was typing up almost that exact same reply when yours went through.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 29, 2010
To wit:
El Soro - April 29, 2010
Failed....again....
El Soro - April 29, 2010
So wait…Chipper and Glaus are going to hit 20 homers (presumably playing the whole season) AND Hinske is going to hit 15 homers (presumably off the bench). Dude, you’re drinking the kool aid man.
We are a team that tries to play for the long ball, with no legitimate big time power threats.
dunnytwogloves - April 29, 2010
Um…no I am not. Why do you think these numbers are impossible to achieve?
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
How is Hinske going to get the necessary at-bats to hit 15 homeruns, if Chipper and Glaus are getting the at-bats to hit 20?
Also, this team is last in slugging % in the league. We’ve hit 12 homeruns on the season (and 3 of them came within 10 pitches in our last win). We love to talk about the “potential” of this team…but potential doesn’t win games.
dunnytwogloves - April 29, 2010
By getting spot starts at 1B, 3B and in LF or RF and by being the #1 bat off the bench.
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
The last time Hinkse had over 15 homeruns was 2008 when he did in fact hit 20. He did that in 432 plate appearances. So he averaged 21.60 plate appearances per homerun. His career rate is one homerun per every 31.37 plate appearances. So let’s split the difference and say it will take 25 plate appearances per homerun.
He’ll need 375 plate appearances to get to 15 homeruns. He’s got 24 through the first 21 games. He’s on pace for 185 plate appearances right now (and that’s with Chipper having missed a few games and they moved Prado over). He’s not going to get the necessary at-bats to make it happen.
dunnytwogloves - April 29, 2010
I’d be willing to bet McLouth will.
Pavy848 - April 29, 2010
Yeah, I agree. And hopefully he will hit his fair share of doubles.
Bob Mackie - April 29, 2010
He already has 4, which is on pace to blow his previous 2 seasons out of the water.
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
Troy Glaus doesn't usually hit clean up....
McCann does.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 28, 2010
I love Heap, but I don’t think he would be a cleanup hitter on ANY playoff team.
Mighty Healthy - April 28, 2010
Chipper will be and should be our #3 hitter.
But…
I believe he hurts us more than helps us when he insists on playing when he’s obviously struggling physically.
I’d rather Chipper sit out a few games and get himself healthy rather than weaken our already struggling team by not being able to give 100% either at the plate or defensively. No matter what Brian Jordan says in the media.
I love the guy, but it hurts me watching him play hurt.
NCChopper - April 29, 2010
This losing streak....
…should actually be longer (I know, I’m sorry for cursing like this!). Without the comeback wins against Colorado and Philly with 2 outs in the 9th, we are looking at the last solid win we had was the opening game of the Colorado series, which would have made this a 11 game losing streak. Houston can’t come soon enough (even though they now currently have a better record…..)
bashby20sh - April 28, 2010
No “shoulds” in baseball. We won fair and square…
Bob Mackie - April 28, 2010
agreed, if you take all of those game-breaks away from us.. you should take them away from the other teams like philly with their home-run robbing, check-swing doubling, impossible catching lineup.
BMacAttack - April 29, 2010
one thing to remember about the 2006 cardinals.
they were in an awful division and were able to win it with only 83 victories
muidomi84 - April 28, 2010
This.
TradeAndruw - April 29, 2010
So that means we can only have one 8 game losing streak.
10-4 - April 29, 2010
zing
BMacAttack - April 29, 2010
the 2009 colorado rockies were 12 games below .500 (20-32) on june 3rd. they did win the wild card. people (fair weather braves fans) need to stop pissing their pants bc of a bad april.
dc_allday - April 28, 2010
im not beong mean
but like 4 of my friends who “follow” the braves just bailed. like i lol so hard at them
dc_allday - April 28, 2010
why bail on the braves?
the Hawks. Now there’s a team to bail on… sigh
schlagdawg - April 28, 2010
I am not a fair weather Braves fan at all, and by NO means am I happy with the way we have played baseball over the last two weeks of the season. I understand there is a whole hell of alot of baseball left to the season, but this is definatly not the way you want to start the season off.
bashby20sh - April 28, 2010
Except the braves nearly ALWAYS start off bad in April.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
Hoping to avoid the usual June slide too.
Pavy848 - April 28, 2010
Maybe 2 year ago....?
They started off with a very good April, 16-9 if I recall right. They then promptly followed it up with a dreadful May…lol
bashby20sh - April 29, 2010
I think most fans can see the big picture and know the season is just beginning, but it is still frustrating to be in a losing streak.
Bob Mackie - April 28, 2010
OT: Kelly Johnson went yard (again) today
Mighty Healthy - April 28, 2010
8 so far – leading the league! None of them were cheapies either.
justincredubil02 - April 28, 2010
Yeah, but what are you gonna do?
Bob Mackie - April 28, 2010
I've kinda always wished they kept him in the OF after he came back from TJ
El Soro - April 28, 2010
yessir.. Minus Jason Heyward, KJ has more homers than our whole team… combined!
Mighty Healthy - April 28, 2010
reply fail, btw
Mighty Healthy - April 28, 2010
Manana’s NAHWAL thread is up.. see everyone later
GoBravesNY - April 28, 2010
LOLanta braves
missed the game at work so can’t comment….that is all
bpk228480 - April 28, 2010
Favorite part of the game: Bases loaded, no outs, Pujols and Holliday up, and…no runs score. It was a nice small victory in the game. I felt really bad for Venters though. Must of been an awful feeling before he got the outs.
Bob Mackie - April 29, 2010
That was my favorite part of the game, too!
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 29, 2010
Least favorite part of the game(besides the losing part): All the IBB. I hate intentional walks, especially when the next batter gets a hit…
Bob Mackie - April 29, 2010
Once again, in case you missed it:
A couple members (myself included) of the TC Staff thought it might be a good idea to change the Braves’ luck by not having an OT. I know a lot of you didn’t like it and I’m sorry I didn’t have it up tonight.
Don’t worry though, it’ll be up nice and early for tomorrow’s game.
Again, we were just trying to try something new to break the slump. Sorry to all of the TC faithful who wanted to participate.
Scott Coleman - April 29, 2010
That was well played Mau…Scott
GoBravesNY - April 29, 2010 via mobile
I’m not even allowed in Mexico.
Scott Coleman - April 29, 2010
Then how did I get…this?
TheLetter2 - April 29, 2010
Don’t be afraid to experiment. I can’t think of any demonstrable correlation between what happens here and the team’s performance, of course, but the value of this effort could be measured in how it made the fans watch the game differently. So even if it made no difference in the dugout, perhaps it got us to look at the game a little more closely…you kow, without all the Shift-A’ing.
TheLetter2 - April 29, 2010
I'm impressed
152 comments and I haven’t had to warn/ban anyone yet. Good job, everyone.
royhobbs - April 29, 2010
where are the rules postings?
etidd - April 29, 2010
hobbs can explain more than I could/will spend my time doing, but basically don’t be a jackass, remember it’s a long season and don’t say something to someone you wouldn’t say if you were in the same room as they are.
Scott Coleman - April 29, 2010
Community Guidelines
http://www.talkingchop.com/pages/talking-chop-community-guidelines
It’s a little dated, but the bottom line is attempting to hijack another subject’s thread in order to bitch about the happenings of the game was not welcome.
royhobbs - April 29, 2010
You should ban/warn me
TheBravestWay To Block A Decent Prospect - April 29, 2010
where's the frustration?
is it just me, or does this braves squad have too good of a poise? where’s the aggravation after 8 damn losses??
etidd - April 29, 2010
go check out some of Chipper’s, Bobby’s and the rest of the team’s quotes after tonight’s game. They’re starting to get pissed. I feel bad for whichever teams gets all this anger unleashed on them
Scott Coleman - April 29, 2010
Yeah. They’ll score 4 runs on those bastards! :)
dunnytwogloves - April 29, 2010
Honestly
I want to see Bobby Cox unleash the anger of 50 Talking Chops unto the umpires and get ejected so magnanimously that it finally wakes the Braves up. I hate seeing other managers do such against the Braves, and for their teams to wake up and respond. Like last year, the Yankees were kind of floating around, and they were reeling after getting shut down by Tommy Hanson in game 1, but then Joe Girardi blows up in game 2, and then the Yankees wake up, take the next two from the Braves and go on to win like 10 straight.
royhobbs - April 29, 2010
I kinda think Bobby was trying to do that Tuesday night when they called Pujols safe at 3rd base. You think so too? Bobby kept on going and going and going and dropped the f bomb at least 5 times.
Scott Coleman - April 29, 2010
Damn umps
Especially the flux of rookie umps. They all don’t want to be the guy that tosses Bobby in his last season. Bobby needs to step it up, big time.
royhobbs - April 29, 2010
+492881
BMacAttack - April 29, 2010
this would be beautiful..
BMacAttack - April 29, 2010
At least nobody died tonight…
BullManUGA - April 29, 2010
well
it is the anniversary of the day Jimmy V passed away :(
BravesRaleigh - April 29, 2010
Tonight was a hockey night for me...
That ended very, very poorly…
Between the Caps dropping three straight in the playoffs and being beat in game seven… and the braves losing eight straight… I’m thinking me and sports may need a bit of a break.
SuperNewb - April 29, 2010
Frank Wren
I think Wren is going to have to make some moves to shake up this ball club. We can’t count on the always injured Chipper, our OF sucks (besides Heyward), Glaus is trash, Escobar hits nothing but ground balls and our SP isn’t as good as it was last year. Im to the point were I wouldn’t mind seeing R. Delgado, C. Betancourt or A. Vizcaino traded for a big bat like Gonzo, because we desperately need a couple.
deewill23 - April 29, 2010
Sweet post.
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
lol
Bravely going forward - April 29, 2010
Engh...
I like Gonzo, but that would put the block on Freeman. It’s really just a matter of time before everything strikes at the same time. Now, I could maybe see some other trades down the line, but we shall all see.
XBEARDX - April 29, 2010
I've seen that movie (trade a bunch of stud prospects for a first baseman with one foot out the door.)
Sam Jethroe - April 29, 2010
Signs of life from the OF??
I know Diaz had 3 K’s, but our OFs were a combined 4 for 11. Not All-Star material, but at least it’s a start.
tampa bay braves fan - April 29, 2010
4 for 11 is a .363 BA....
Sounds like All-Star material to me!
On paper….but, I’m not serious.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - April 29, 2010
No more complaining about losses from me. Just wake me when the losing streak is over.
Sparhawk - April 29, 2010
So if no the silent treatment made the braves regress
Does that mean for today’s OT everyone should be hyper critical to the point of absurdity?
“WHAT? YOU ONLY CAUGHT THE BALL? YOU SUUUUUUUUXXXXXXXXXXX!”
DogDaysofSummer - April 29, 2010
WHY DID I WRITE "NO"
I SSSSSUUUUUUUUUXXXXXXXXXX
DogDaysofSummer - April 29, 2010
How about we start yelling on every post in the OT thread using Caps lock?
Walker Wallace - April 29, 2010
I’M DOWN!!! ALTHOUGH I THINK WE MIGHT GO DEAF AND BLIND!
10-4 - April 29, 2010
LOUD NOISES!
DogDaysofSummer - April 29, 2010
I DON’T KNOW WHAT WE’RE YELLING ABOUT!
bashby20sh - April 29, 2010
I STABBED A GUY IN THE HEART WITH A TRIDENT!
justincredubil02 - April 29, 2010
I just read the recap on the Braves website
And this is what Chipper had to say… “I thought we played well to keep it to 6-0,” Jones said. Seriously? Turning a few doulbe plays doesn’t constitute “playing well”
Chapel420 - April 29, 2010
10-4 - April 29, 2010
anybody?
10-4 - April 29, 2010
8 is enough?
bpk228480 - April 29, 2010
there you go.
10-4 - April 29, 2010
I was surprised that wasn’t the title fr the game recap, to be honest.
BullManUGA - April 29, 2010
Do you think April is too early?
For a roger dorn night?
Qtips - April 29, 2010
So help me Dorn,
If you EVER tank another ball like you did tonight, I’m gonna cut your nuts off and shove ’em down your throat.
J-Freak - April 29, 2010
It’s never too early for that!
dunnytwogloves - April 29, 2010
Get serious.
BMacAttack - April 29, 2010
Could Hiroshi Kamikaze Tanaka solve our outfield woes?
Qtips - April 29, 2010
Maybe Lowe could try that jalapeno thing?
If someone suggests a nude cardboard cutout of Wren…
Sam Jethroe - April 29, 2010
SCREAM THERAPY!!!!
Walker Wallace - April 29, 2010
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