Talking Chop

i was out tonight

and didn’t get to see the game…but DAMN!!! Things sure look like they are turning around! That was a fun box-score to read!!!

Heyward SB

I would love to see him get the green light to steal nearly every time he is on base. He has the skills, why not use it?

GwinnettBraves - May 12, 2010 via mobile reply

Probably still a little worried about the groin. He’ll steal quite a few though.

especially

if Bobby keeps him hitting in front of Chipper BMac and Glaus. I’d really love to see Prado leading off and The Kid hitting second if Chipper’s back in there on Friday. Bout had to change my shorts after seeing that lineup yesterday afternoon.

I've already heard a quote from Bobby

He’s planning to keep Heyward at the top of the lineup. I doubt he’ll unseat chipper in the three hole. ( even though he should). Fuck chippers ego. Chipper should be in the two spot. Heward batting third. And a red hot Glaus to knock em in

i agree

completely. I would love to see Chipper hitting 2nd. He’s a great contact hitter and draws a ton of walks. And let’s face it; he’s never going to hit 30 HRs again. Why hit him 3rd?

Please

Somebody tackle Bobby if he tries to change this line up drastically. Sure, Ross will start for McCann, Chipper for Conrad and eventually Escobar for Infante. But Hinske in left, Infante somewhere and Heyward at the top/middle of the order works pretty well. It was awesome to have a decent inning, look at who’s coming up to bat the next inning and have a glimmer of hope that they could get it going again.

Cox on Heyward: “Jace had a good night. We’ll keep him up in the front of the order. His on-base percentage is off the charts right now.”

aaand:

Bobby Cox said Chipper would probably not play in Wednesday’s series finale.

-DOB

Thanks

Scared to type this, but Conrad did OK tonight

he seems to be off on his throws from third quite often

Lucky Glaus is an extra large target

Nice Play from 3B

BUT…nnnnnahhh…let’s give him some credit!

Nova Scotia Steve - May 12, 2010 reply

Chipper

Actuallt that’s great, with the off day Thursday he gets a decent rest. Glad he’s staying down.

anyone else

wondering if Infante can play center? Or would that hurt the outfield defense way too much having Hinske and Infante out there?

I believe he has in the past for a few games…

May 20, May 27, May 30 of 2008 he played CF. Possibly other times.

I thought I rememebered Bobby tossing him out there in a pinch. I just hate to lose his bat when Yunel comes back.

He can play it, just not very well.

WOW

watching the highlights…Glaus had himself a night defensively

Glaus had himself a night. End of Sentence.

BraveSaluki - May 12, 2010 reply

true statement

abosolutely

I was hating on Glaus and his Ks, terrible D & DPs as late as last week. But he’s looked so good all around in the last 10 or so games.

Bobby said in postgame interview....

Since his on base percentages are so high, Heyward is likely to remain near the top of the order for now.

Smart Man

I saw an interview with Heyward at the All Star Futures game, he was laughing about being 8th in the order. Said he hadn’t batted 8th since he was in 9th grade. He’ll be real comfortable at the top of the order.

How stacked was the line-up

That he was batting 8th?

Bronn - May 12, 2010 reply

Well, it was an All Star game and he was only 18-19 yrs old

Anyone want to complain about Mr. Glaus?

It was a great game, downright wonderful, too bad about Chipper. JHay was very decent tonight for his 1st time back. As for Troy Glaus what can you say? 2 homers in 2 nights ? What else can you say except the opposing pitching wasn’t bad at all til the 9th. Last year the Braves hit well against mostly pitchers who were off their game. Tonight was not that situation, for the most part the Brewer’s pitchers were pretty good, we beat them, period.

this a good team. we’ll bounce back from that april to forget. Hinske and hewyard= huge upgrade from diaz and melky.

if Diaz doesn’t get it together, I’d just play hinske full time.

Braves Biceps - May 12, 2010 reply

agreed

all hinske does is hit hit hit and drive in runs…the man is awesome

until we face a lefty. MattyD will be in there when we face lefties for at least a little while longer.

Understands his role, said he likes to “mentor” younger players. Can play all over the place, pretty well, and like you say, hits, hits, hits

HE SUCKS DFA NOW RAWR!!!1!11!one!

Best part: “”

Hmmm….silly forum deleted that.

Let’s try it again: ! ! ! 1 ! 1 1 ! one ! <—- for some reason, this gets deleted without the spaces

Fuck you BBTN

the Braves got a whole 10-second highlight tonight. What a joke.

What mare you cussing about and to whom?

ARE not mare

BBTN = Baseball tonight

#2 Webgem = brooks conrad

Okie Dokie

MLB Network consistently treats us better than ESPN.

And I’d much rather get my news and highlights from Hazel Mae than John Kruk.

ESPN has had a hate on for the Bravos since Charley Steiner and that smirking ass Dan Patrick used to dis’ us on the 11:30 Sportscenter every night. It nearly killed them when ’91 happened and they had to STFU.

Sam Jethroe - May 12, 2010 reply

Nothing more annoying than John Kruk

yaggiefresh - May 12, 2010 reply

Hazel Mae…..mmmmmmmm…..

John Holton - May 12, 2010 reply

I didn’t think she was very attractive at first, but the more I see her the more she appeals to me.

Any chick that digs baseball is pretty hot in my book.

Oh, how I miss Marge Schott…

-C

cthabeerman - May 12, 2010 reply

Just look at those beautiful, dead eyes…Margie, we’ll meet again someday with Schotzie and the rest of your family.

-C

cthabeerman - May 12, 2010 reply

This is where you’re stupid. Why are you watching ESPN? BAD MV, BAD! MLBN is the only choice.

BullManUGA - May 12, 2010 reply

I don't think Matty D is finished. He had some good licks tonight as well.

Just a horrible slow start, he’ll get better eventually

Agreed.

Professional hitters never age.

yaggiefresh - May 12, 2010 reply

Garret Anderson would like to have a word with you.

McGriff the Crime Dog - May 12, 2010 reply

made me giggle

I just get the feeling

with how we are playing right now…D Lowe might actually pitch well tomorrow night…

Be careful

That limb is not real fat….but he is due to have a good game

hopefully

they pull the same crap they did tonight. We already know with DLowe on the mound they are gonna have a lot of baserunners. So hopefully he gets those ground ball outs so when he does get into trouble we can turn some vidros.

Braves defense> Brewers defense

Nuff said. Keep it up guys. Even with our backup left side of the infield in.

GwinnettBraves - May 12, 2010 via mobile reply

Left side out***

GwinnettBraves - May 12, 2010 via mobile reply

Good Game

Hudson was pulling out all of his escape acts tonight. 6 Walks??? Good job by the defense backing him up.

Hinske in LF could be the end for Diaz. Melky is more of the generic 4th OF. He can play all spots and adds versatility off the bench as a Switch Hitter. I’m guessing we might see Diaz traded and Hinske as the everyday LF. After trading Diaz they might keep Hicks in a utility role or call up Thurston.

Heyward in the top of the order should do wonders for our offense. The original line up was great with him hitting 2nd. Hopefully batting 2nd Bobby will let him run. Although him batting 3rd and Chip 2nd would be amazing but that won’t happen. At least not this year.

Anyone know what’s going on with Moylan? I’m worried but I hope it gets Kimbrel the call in more high pressure situations.

drumzalicious - May 12, 2010 via mobile reply

i like heyward third

so much power. and with all the walks chip is taking, i like him batting 2nd. he has no speed, but its more people on base for when JHey goes yard.

Moylan is a huge worry. Has he been as bad when starting an inning or has it been more inherited runners?

he is inheriting some runners, but a lot is of his own doing...

…god he pitching like crap lately…good thing the rest of the bullpen has been so damn good

Bobby’s overusing him again. Let Kimbrel have his spots for a couple games, Petey’ll be alright.

Bobby is not over using him. Moylan has had plenty of off days as has the rest of the BP.

I wish there was a stat for relievers that shows their ERA including inherited runners

drumzalicious - May 12, 2010 via mobile reply

Bobby is not over using him. Moylan has had plenty of off days as has the rest of the BP.

I wish there was a stat for relievers that shows their ERA including inherited runners

drumzalicious - May 12, 2010 via mobile reply

Didn’t Joe say last night it was his first appearance in 3 days?

You guys are pretty damn harsh on Moylan

He had that ONE game in Washington where he came in with an inherited runner. He allowed a double to Zimmerman, a DAMN good hitter, then intentionally walked Guzman to try to set up a double play. Then Willie Harris singled.

That was a rough outing, but he game up a mere two hits, two a couple of decent hitters.

Then 1.1 innings against Philadelphia, comes in with inherited runners, and immediately induces a DP. Good for him.

Tonight, sure, he allowed three singles. Three freaking singles, and people are saying he’s pitching like crap. I’d say he’s been fairly average, lately, after being freaking awesome all year.

Bronn - May 12, 2010 reply

EXACTLY

Moylan is an extreme groundball pitcher. So extreme, he hasn’t allowed an HR in over 2 years. All that happened tonight was that 3 balls managed to get through the infield. They weren’t even that hit that hard, Moylan just had the bad luck that there weren’t any Braves in the area to catch them.

He’ll continue to be perfectly fine.

lunatic96 - May 12, 2010 reply

Moylan ERA

2.77. What else needs to be said. Fu*k inherited runners. He’s doing his job

he's not nearly as good as he was at the end of last year

I think he’s lost some velocity, too. He never threw 100 MPH, but I haven’t seen him hit 91 all year. He’ll come around, I’m sure. probably just one of those guys that take a month or two to get really going.

And I would hate to see Kimbrel in Moylan’s spot. Kid is way too wild and walks too many people. Bobby is handling him the right way by keeping him out of those spots. Don’t want him to go Ankiel on us.

Um his ERA doesnt reflect the inherited runners that he has let score

drumzalicious - May 12, 2010 reply

Yeah, the Moylan hate is a little extreme…but that’s what people do here. Focus on a SSS and blow it way the fuck out of proportion.

Exaclty. By TC forum standards, 2/3 of the team should have been DFA’d a week ago. More than a 0.00 ERA? Holy cow you suck, gubbye!

Everyone needs to stop getting ahead of themselves…Hinske is not an everyday player. His career slash stats against LHP are worse than Melky’s.

There's Matty D for that...

but no, Hinske is not an everyday player. You at least got that right.

Mr. Sanchez - May 12, 2010 reply

I was just using Melky as an example b/c he’s terrible. I figured Diaz vs. LHP goes without saying.

i would love

to use a platoon of Diaz and Hinske but i was going with the Versatility thing in choosing who stays

drumzalicious - May 12, 2010 reply

Fuck versatility.

Melky blows, and his “versatility” does nothing to alleviate that. If it’s Hinske/Diaz the rest of the way, I will be one enormously happy camper.

Awesome win!

Everyone contributed tonight(even melky). Hudson pitched a gutsy, if not pretty game. Just awesome. This looked like the braves team I’ve been expecting all year. Let’s get the sweep tomorrow and come home with a winning road trip. Go braves!!!

+1

with how we’ve been playing at home…man this would be a great momentum builder

How far would a win streak go for this team right now. With the injuries, subs, slumps, etc. How about 6 or 8 in a row.

and it would do wonders for our confidence.

Which is exactly what we need and seem to be getting. This shows how potent of a team we are when we swing the bats well cause for the most part, the pitching is there. Lets hope this atleast keeps up till KK’s next start so he can get his first W of the season.

Schedule gets a lot easier on paper. Scedule makers have been brutal too us. Feels like the braves have played 30 straight road games against the ’27 yankees. A win tomorrow, followed by a day off and a homestand should launch us in the right direction.

yup

we’ve had 12 home games against 22 road games. And almost all of those road series were against either good (philly, SF StL) or hot (Nats, NYM) teams. Schedule gets a lot easier this month. We have D-backs, who can’t pitch, then 2 each against the Mets and reds before going to Pittsburgh. We really could go 7-3 over that stretch and be right @ .500

I'm not afraid to go out there and ask for a SWEEP.

Sure would make that plane ride back to ATL a nice one and end our road trip on a positive note for sure.

By The Way

Did anyone hear the postgame and the insight on how Chipper’s working with the players telling them about the Videos of the opposing pitchers and how to hit? Someone’s looking for a hitting coach job, if not ,possibly a manager job. Something I think Chipper is better suited for than any other position. Look at Mike Sciosa, Chipper is in the same class.

He could have a huge impact on a bunch of people. I have wondered about him and Heyward, ever since Frenchy picked them up and drove them to Citi Field a couple of weeks ago. I wonder if mgmt has him hanging with Chipper and McCann.

I didn't catch that, please elaborate.

In NY, McCann called Frenchy, asked for a ride to the stadium. Chipper and Heyward went along with them. Can you imagine that bunch stopping at a drive thru

Hahahahaha.....

Picturing Frenchy in the car with his old pals and their New Best Pal….had to be kinda like driving your ex to the airport and her new boyfriend tags along…..

skymuse - May 12, 2010 reply

great to have him influence heyward

Braves Biceps - May 12, 2010 reply

I don't think there is any doubt

that he has some sort of a job with the Braves when he retires. And apparently, he wants to coach, so there you go. You put up 15 hall of fame years some where and they tend to give you a set of keys to the place.

"Look at Mike Sciosa, Chipper is in the same class"

Except Chipper is not a dirty piece of shit. Otherwise, I agree.

gramsey712 - May 12, 2010 reply

lol

Sam Jethroe - May 12, 2010 reply

MY point was I'm thinking Chipper shoud be the Braves next manager, possibly

I think he wants some time with the kids, but eventually he would be awesome. I don’t think the kids are real young anymore.

You Know What?

I think Chipper would make a great manager. I’m going to give it some sober thought,(not tonight tho) and come up with a fanpost, OK?

I'm not sure I like your idea

of a fanpost.

;)

Hmmm...

No Troy bashing tonight? It’s crazy to think it could take up to a month to get back to playing good ball after a year off. Good for him, and good for us. Hopefully all are slumping guys get a chance to shut people up. Hell, I’m dissapointed in Melkys performance. But I hope he wins the NL MVP this year. Go braves!!

I still don’t get games here in NC, unfortunately but I’m excited to see the team hitting well, and it sounds like they played sound defense as well. I’ve been staying up to watch the highlights, but ESPN and MLB Quick Pitch are disappointing me. Time for bed, I suppose.

coldriver10 - May 12, 2010 reply

Codriver10, Get Directv and their 200 game package if you can afford it ($70 amonth)

MLB online blacks out Braves games in most of NC, if you can’t afford Directv then use a zip code from somewhere else when you sign on for their service. MLB online is $19.95 a month . I get every game on Directv, but cannot get Braves games on MLB online. I live in Burnsville, NC by the way. 30 miles from Asheville. They don’t allow their games to play online in areas where TV has exclusive access. Trust me, I called and asked.

Thanks jimmon. I actually do have DirecTv and don’t get FSS, SS, or Peachtree TV. Maybe I’ll call and ask them why this is the case…

coldriver10 - May 12, 2010 reply

I’m in NC and get all of the ones on Peachtree, FoxSports and Sports South.
I have Time Warner Cable and never have to fear a thunderstorm.

Melky just lost his spot against righties.

what starters will be resting tomorrow?

ATLBRVS_19 - May 12, 2010 reply

My money is on BMac, Chipper and Infante. My guess for tomorrow is:

McLouth
Prado
Heyward
Glaus
Hinske
Ross
Conrad
Hicks

If we win tomorrow with that lineup against Gallardo, I’ll probably cry.

I know it's Gallardo

But if McLouth can get on a couple times, and we get at least one big hit out of Ross, Conrad or by the sweet mercy of God Hicks, we have a chance. But tomorrows game begins and ends with D, Lowe. If he can even give a quality start, I love our chances. So happy Heywards back. I’ve been skeptikal about him from the word go. I’m finally sold now. Jason is havoc out there. Can he really be that good? Seems too good to be true. Hope we can pony up the dough and keep him out of pin stripes.

I'm guessing

the dude never sees arbitration and we get him tied up pretty quick. Maybe after 2011. You know, when Chipper retires. And then you give Tommy Hanosn DLowe money (probably more, actually) after 2012

Wren would be a Steve Phillips-level moron not to lock JayHey up. I’m guessing it gets done in the offseason.

UMDBHIK - May 12, 2010 reply

You were skeptical about Jason Heyward….?

With an off day Thursday, I hope the lineup doesn’t reflect your assumptions. BMac is roping in day games and sat out the last couple of innings last nights game. Why would Infante sit today? I know you are being logical in this assumption, but to break momentum here with a Thursday off day would be unwarranted IMO.

CharlotteChop - May 12, 2010 reply

Melky is a 4th outfielder wasn't supposed to be aything else

That is a good question

Huddy was Glavine-esque tonight.

Lots of bending but no breaks.

“Troy Smash!” seems particularly appropriate lately. When that guy hits a ball it stays hit.

Sam Jethroe - May 12, 2010 reply

Hinske is now tied for third on the team with 12 RBI.

Make of that what you will. Gotta get that guy out there more often. It’s like Bobby finally listened to us tonight when he picked the line up. Hope he keeps letting Hinske get his swings. Soooo glad we have Infante too. Don’t even miss Yunel

I love Bobby Cox

But after hes gone. I hope we get a manager who puts the best guys in every night. I keep hearing that Chipper can’t deal with being dropped from the three spot cuz it would hurt his feelings. What the f is that? Heyward belongs in the three spot and Chipper batting second after Prado. I want a manager who would tell Chipper that if he wants the three hole, he should earn it. Life and work is a now game. I love Chipper and think he’s hall of fame worthy. He’s surpassed my childhood hero Dale Murphy in stats and status. But what have you done lately? Jey Hey is not only the future, he is the now. Put the best players in the best spots now. Forget veteran loyalty

Great lineup, great win

I REALLY hope Heyward stays at #3 regardless of whether Chipper is playing.

ATLandUNC - May 12, 2010 reply

So stoked

about this win. Probably our best offensive game since game 1. And we did it without Chipper and Yunel. Can’t wait til those two guys get back and get going.

Props to Huddy for working out of trouble. that sinker was working pretty good when he really needed it to

Now that’s what I’m talking about! The whole gang showed up to hit while Hudson took care of the pitching portion. If we keep this up, teams better look out.

I’m not too worried about Moylan. We probably need to stop ringing him up for appearances. Man deserves a break.

Walker Wallace - May 12, 2010 reply

I hope you all don't think I've ditched you since we've started picking it up...

because I’m really excited about our recent play! It’s almost as if we have some professional baseball players!

My Internet has been down for about 5 days (new router on the way) and I don’t get SportSouth. Thanks, AT&T & CableOne for sucking so much!

Go Glaus!

This crow is mighty tasty, can I have some more?

Mr. Sanchez - May 12, 2010 reply

hahaha

I’ll keep bringing the plates…

That's Troy's job, not yours

Mr. Sanchez - May 12, 2010 reply

Here's our jump start, lets take advantage of it

southman - May 12, 2010 reply

The march to .500 is on!

Woo woo!

10-4 - May 12, 2010 reply

more like the penant

O.o – did i just say that???

hold your horses

Huddy's "double"

Anybody else think that was out? I was in a bar and couldn’t hear what Chip and Joe were saying about it.

That also means i missed out on Joe mentioning that he hit 15 homers his senior year at Auburn, which is always a nice moment.

AU_Jonesy - May 12, 2010 reply

It was close, but the umpires were definitely correct. It didn’t even warrant an umpire review. The ball bounced off the padding and back into the field of play.

CharlotteChop - May 12, 2010 reply

Yeah

It hit the yellow line and came back. No question it wasn’t a homer. But it sure did look like one off the bat!

Pretty sure Hudson played CF when he wasn’t pitching in college. Hit like .390 too.

I thought he hit .400+

I think you’re right.

He was talking about it a few nights ago. He said he missed the metal bats.

So... just woke up...

1 o’clock yet?

Doh…forgot about the 1pm start time. I better get some work done now!

Work = getting to the next save point of whatever dorky video game SB is currently playing

royhobbs - May 12, 2010 reply

At least I’ve beaten ME2…

Can’t wait for ME3! Also can’t wait for Red Dead Redemption.

dunnytwogloves - May 12, 2010 reply

Yes, RDR is going to be legit. Those multiplayer videos got me even more excited.

Buster Olney tweet about his last column:

Stuff about Ken Griffey Jr., the worst bullpen in baseball, and why Jeff Francoeur called a recent decision BS.

If only I wasn’t poor and could afford ESPN Insider… wonder what Frenchy is bitching about now?

Jerry Manuel: Jeff… you need to cut out this smiling shit you are always doing. Look at me. Do I ever fucking smile? Have you ever once seen me show emotion?

Jeff Francoeur: I call BS!!!

Only the first line is the Buster Olney tweet...

if you’re “special” and needed help figuring that out :) Nothing wrong with being special, mind you.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/mets/2010/05/12/2010-05-12_extra_home_games_for_phillies_upset_new_york_mets_outfielder_jeff_francoeur_ike_.html

He is whining about the Phillies getting three extra home games b/c of the G20 in Toronto. He’s right thought – that is bullshit.

CharlotteChop - May 12, 2010 reply

Hahaha... that picture of Pelfrey on the bike is great.

And this comment by somebody after the post is even better:

Francoeur shouldn’t really be talking about unfair. This is a guy who once played in a co-ed rec softball game in Arizona during his stint in the Arizona Fall League. Clearly, his idea of fair is misguided.

ROFL

That is bullshit of the highest degree. C’mon, Bud, at least go for some semblance of fairness- send the series to a neutral park, like when you sent that Cubs/Stros series to Miller Park after the Armageddicane.