Greg Fiume - Getty Images
The Braves offense was horrible tonight besides Jason Heyward.
That was a wild game.
The Braves were no-hit through 7 1/3 innings by lefty Scott Olsen, but David Ross broke the no-hit bid with a single to left field. Talking Chop was fully responsible for the hit with their "HITS HITS HITS!!!!" movement in the Game Thread, so we'll take credit for that in all of the national post game write-ups and recaps. Sound good? I thought so too.
After Ross' single in the 8th, Melky Cabrera reached first on a throwing error from Ryan Zimmerman. Nate McLouth delivered with a single to RF to load the bases up for the Braves. Jason Heyward was on deck.
Scott Olsen was then removed from the game and received a standing ovation from the Nationals crowd of 83 people. Tyler Clippard came into the game and was greeted rudely by the 20-year old phenom. After getting ahead in the count 1-2, Jason Heyward roped a ball into left field that scored David Ross and Melky Cabrera. The Braves, after being no hit through 7 1/3 innings, had tied the ball game. And the Jay Hey kid had struck again.
The Natinals were set down 1-2-3 in the 8th and the Braves came to the plate with all the momentum. Chipper Jones walked and Troy Glaus showed off his singles POWAH to get 2 runners on base for the Braves with only 1 out. Matt Diaz drew a walk to load the bases for David Ross. After probably swinging at balls 2 and 3, Ross (predictably) hit into an easy 6-4-3 double play to end the inning without a runner scoring for the Braves. Why wasn't Brian McCann hitting here? I know he's been struggling, but still. I would have preferred McCann, but you all can discuss that in the comments.
Eric O'Flaherty surprisingly came back to the mound in the 9th inning to face Adam Kennedy, who he promptly walked to lead off the inning for the Nationals. The struggling Peter Moylan was then called in from the pen and gave up a double to Nats 3B Ryan Zimmerman. After an intentional walk to Cristian Guzman to load the bases, former Brave Willie Harris drove in the winning run with a RBI single up the middle.
Natinals win 3-2.
The Braves deserve a ton of credit for coming back, but the loss still stings.
Game MVP(s): Tim Hudson and Jason Heyward
Game LVP(s): The Braves offense besides Jason Heyward.
Upcoming Game:
The Braves will pack their bags and make the short flight to Philadelphia take the train up to Philadelphia to kick off a 3-game series with the Phillies. Everyone's favorite $60MM ace Derek Lowe will be on the mound for the Braves and 94-year old Jamie Moyer will pitch for the Phillies. First pitch is at 7:05 EST.
Open Threads Comment Count: 1,902
Go Braves.
0 recs | 158 comments
out of all the losses the braves have had this season
this one stings the most, for me
atl192485 - May 6, 2010
hard to watch?
turn off the tv- i’m pretty sure this is what the braves are bringin’ this year.
etidd - May 7, 2010
Pssst
Don’t look now, but the game didn’t go into extras.
rhinoskin - May 6, 2010
thanks
fixed.
Scott Coleman - May 6, 2010
I've said it before, and I'll say it again.
We need Adrian Gonzalez. I would be willing to give up any four prospects besides Teheran to get him.
GouldisGold - May 6, 2010
We also need Albert Pujols, Marco Polo, George Washington, and Samuel L. Jackson. Let’s make it happen.
BraveSaluki - May 6, 2010
Marco Polo can rake!
bighop - May 6, 2010
And Washington wins all those presidents races at Nats Park.
TheLetter2 - May 6, 2010
Speed doesn’t slump!
BullManUGA - May 7, 2010
Well, Sam would at least be fun.
“Strikeout one more time! I dare ya! I double dog dare ya!”
Sam Jethroe - May 6, 2010
Sam Jackson for hitting coach!
EricGreggWasPaidOff - May 7, 2010
To what end?
So we can finish 3rd this year, keep Gonzales for maybe half of next year, give him up for a can of Sprite, then watch those young guys help turn the Padres around like our guys did the Rangers?
No, thanks. Not interested.
Sam Jethroe - May 6, 2010
The Pads already looked turned around too. If we can’t sign A-Gon or any other big bat the Braves might get, I say screw it.
FitzFan - May 6, 2010
They're on the upswing
That’s what happens when you develop young, talented, hungry players and don’t give them away or surround them with guys who are past their expiration dates.
Sam Jethroe - May 6, 2010
I say it's worth it.
…As long as we are able to agree upon an extension with him before a trade is made. Similar to the Santana and Halladay trades.
GouldisGold - May 6, 2010
There is no way he's going to do that
And the Pads aren’t going to give him up, anyway. This is all moot.
Sam Jethroe - May 6, 2010
BraveSaluki - May 6, 2010
lol
Even the lesser South Park eps are quotable. Such a great show.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 6, 2010
You honestly think that this team could even afford to give AGon the long term $20+ MM a year extension that he’s going to want?
Lennox - May 7, 2010
no we don’t
Braves Biceps - May 6, 2010
David Ross GIDPing in the eighth really didn’t sit well with me.
TonyAlmeyda - May 6, 2010
Infante in the 8th, Ross in the 9th
BraveSaluki - May 6, 2010
Me, either.
A K would’ve been preferable. I don’t care how McCann’s been trending, unless he was completely unable to go, he should have hit there. I know Ross broke up the no hitter but that was a serious failure and it pretty well sealed the team’s fate.
Sam Jethroe - May 6, 2010
YES! Because Ross is such a bad hitter and all…
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
The masses have to pick on someone after a loss. Looks like Ross won that right. Since you know, he hits so much during the week and all.
Pavy848 - May 7, 2010
Ross batting average is 261, Mac is at 243,
so yes it makes all the sense in the world to bat Mac over Ross. lol
HEYJUDE - May 7, 2010
As a Nationals fan,
I will say this is the kind of game that I’m glad to win but reminds me about why I think come seasons end the Braves may very well be ahead of the Nationals in the standings. Scott Olsen is not a sustainable ace. Hudson is. Clippard is probably not a sustainable lockdown setup man. Moylan is a legit Roogy and must be just unnerved by Zim in particular.
I feel the Braves starters will get on a run where they throw up two to three turns through the rotation of quality starts and if there offense produces like it’s capable of, they will end up ahead of the Nats.
Looking like this is going to be a fun division to watch with the margin of error so slight for all of the teams.
souldrummer - May 6, 2010
tough division indeed
Everyone had the Phillies as a lock to win the division at the start of the season but if their bullpen doesn’t shape up the Mets, Braves, or even the scrappy Nats will give them a run for their money. I agree, it will be a fun division to watch, maybe not as talented as the AL East or Central, but it may be the tightest of any division in the Majors. Even if the Nats do fall behind the Braves, they certainly seem to heading in the right direction, and if the Braves can’t win the division, then i’d much rather see the Nats get it over the Mets or Phillies.
Shoert - May 6, 2010
The scariest thing for me about the Phillies was Cole Hamels start two days ago
If they go one two with Halladay and Hamels as legitimate aces, they will really only need to find two relievers because the Phillies will score and their weak relievers won’t have to pitch 2 out of every 5 games. The Phillies are a scary operation and the NL East will be hurt by the unbalanced schedule come wildcard time with no rest for the weary among the rest of the division.
souldrummer - May 7, 2010
braves have reserved the bottom seat in the division
my hypothesis is that they will stay there.
etidd - May 7, 2010
welcome always nice to have a well spoken and knowledgeable member of another fan base drop by and give us your point of view.
For this year Olsen may be your ace (and even that is questionable with John Lannon, although he is by no means a ace either), but thats not gonna be the case for too long with Zimmerman on the road back from TJ and that other pitcher that was drafted relatively high and everyone seems to think he is good or something.
Swo12bv - May 6, 2010
At least this team is fun to watch...
…after wins now they always make the player of the game wear the Silver Elvis wig. Watching the MLB highlights the studio guys were cracking up and had no idea what’s going on. I was originally against cutting Elijah Dukes, but I can see how his image (no off field problems, but not the most likable guy) didn’t jibe with this kind of clubhouse.
Posted for laughs…not trying to troll. You’ll probably see me around some the rest of the year because as you all frequently reminded me here there just aren’t that many Nats fan because the team hasn’t deserved them, has a transient population, and has to win over fans of other baseball teams to have a true fanbase or convert people new to baseball.
souldrummer - May 7, 2010
patriotic bullshit!
etidd - May 7, 2010
haha...
saw that on espn. this idea is hilarious… he kept a straight face throughout the entire conference.
brndn - May 7, 2010
No Mccann?? Couldn't believe it either
Moylan ain’t pitching well either…WTF anyway…i know we have injuries but did cocks just mail that one into tonight or what the f$ck? Big series coming up in hostile territory….already 5 gms back….and i know everone chringed at the pitching match-ups…..especially Sunday’s (joking….but notreally)
Nova Scotia Steve - May 6, 2010 via mobile
mccann sucks and can't swing a bat.
trade him.
etidd - May 7, 2010
Sweet post.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
TheBravestWay To Block A Decent Prospect - May 6, 2010
"If TP becomes the manager next year, so help us, WE'LL QUIT!!!!"
lol. What else can it say here? “We want Moylan’s head on a pike!!!” ??? Nah.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 6, 2010
Damn it, Moylan
I can honestly say that I ALMOST despise the Nats as much as I do Phillie.
David Ross….David Ross……David Ross……….
Avoids the no-hit, and hits into a bases loaded, one out, double play. That’s just fucking awesome.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 6, 2010
the reason, presumably, that McCann doesnt pinch hit for Ross there, is because it would leave us without a bench catcher. If the game goes to extras and McCann gets hurt then we have no one to catch (this is the benefit of carrying three Cs). It is kinda of a ridiculous excuse because that odds of those Ifs playing out are unlikely,but it needs to be planned for nonetheless.
Its a good enough reason, and its something Bobby has always done in order to protect against that scenario and it shouldn’t come as a surprise. That said it would have been nice if Ross had not grounded into a tailored made double play.
Swo12bv - May 6, 2010
That and McCann would have had an ugly strike-out.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 6, 2010
Really?
The dreaded No Emergency Catcher In The 14th Inning Scenario was more pressing than getting a guy who could lift the ball there?
Sam Jethroe - May 6, 2010
well generally I prefer to not make arguments based on past occurrences, but in this case, where Bobby has a very definable trend, i think its a pretty safe assumption.
And for the record, if you are looking for a guy to “life the ball” you can’t do much worse than a guy with a lifetime GB/FB rate of .71 (thats Ross, fyi). And McCann has more GDP than Ross assuming similar ABs in a season. Now I realize that McCann is the better hitter generally, but that’s not what you said.
ANd finally, I am not advocating that mitigation against the risk of no backup catcher is a viable excuse for not using McCann there. I’m just saying no way should be that dissappointed it didnt happen given the track record Bobby has.
Swo12bv - May 6, 2010
I agree with some of that...
It’s entirely in character for Cox to do something like this, even though he often worships at the altar of righty/lefty matchups and I sort of hoped that would win out in his mind.
As for disappointment, I’ve been getting that from Bobby for a long, long time but I still hope for the best.
Sam Jethroe - May 6, 2010
What happened to Diaz being the emergency catcher?
Smoltz's Beard - May 7, 2010
really tough to watch…
Bravely going forward - May 6, 2010
Trade the entire Rome Braves (team, stadium, ect.)
for Albert Puljols
TheBravestWay To Block A Decent Prospect - May 6, 2010
maybe throw in Lazer Baker as well, just in case the Cards want a little more for him
Shoert - May 6, 2010
Our entire offense (sans Heyward) has turned into Kelly Johnson [.....streaky....]
Well, ……Kelly Johnson on the Braves, anyway.
I mean, of course TP isn’t to blame, he just couldn’t be; but what to make of this?
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 6, 2010
It's my fault actually
I started posting around the imfamous loss streak then quit during the Stros series and just started game thread posting again tonight.
TheBravestWay To Block A Decent Prospect - May 6, 2010
It’s Willie Harris’ fault. He’s all about bumping the Bravos. If anybody was going to make it work there, it was Willie.
I would have taken Moylan out after he almost hit Harris. Further fuel to Harris’ flame.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 6, 2010
that's enough for me to know
this team isn’t nearly as good as I thought they were going to be coming into this season. the offense is well below average.
jerryclore - May 6, 2010
Pinch hitting for Ross
Didn’t even cross my mind. You can’t pinch hit for the catcher in the ninth inning of a tied ball game…especially with McCann mired in a slump and Ross having just broken up the no hitter.
Any why wouldn’t you want EOF to face the left-handed Kennedy? Cox didn’t make the wrong choices, his players just failed to execute.
Anyway, not trying to nitpick. This one stung.
Weldon - May 6, 2010
I don’t think people are upset with the matchup of EOF vs Kennedy…but the fact that Cox left him in for more than an inning, which seems to bite us in the ass quite frequently.
Smoltz's Beard - May 7, 2010
My thing with EOF is this: he is a LOOGY, not a middle-relief guy.
He already had an inning under his belt. Time for someone else.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
EOF is better than a LOOGY
But not by a lot. But i certainly don’t understand why Bobby left him in against Kennedy, because his RH splits are much better than his LF splits, and Bobby’s not one to pitch to a guy’s stronger side, unless he’s that concerned about BP use.
royhobbs - May 7, 2010
Yeah. I was hoping to see Kimbrel come out for the 9th – even if he would have blown the game, I could have lived with that more than running out EOF for a 4th hitter.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
I agree
Kimbrel might have been scared out of his pants, but he would have the distinct advantage that nobody has seen him before, and 98mph is still 98mph. Zimmerman has pretty much owned Peter Moylan since 2008, and I would be hesitant to make that matchup happen again in the future, if there are other RHRPs available instead.
royhobbs - May 7, 2010
Maybe Bobby is scared due to the last young fire-ball reliever we had that got thrown right into the fire.
Or, maybe he really wanted EOF to pitch against Kennedy.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
Honestly
One of those “old school” theories I come up with every now and then – if Olsen were still pitching his no-no, it would be a great time to debut Kimbrel. Everyone’s so focused on the pressure that Olsen’s facing, nobody would pay any attention to Kimbrel doing his thing.
But you’re likely right, Bobby seems to only like to debut relief pitchers in mop-up duties instead of cauldrons.
royhobbs - May 7, 2010
We always struggle with pitchers we’ve never seen before, so maybe it would have been a better chance to take than allowing Zimmerman who has no fear of Moylan to face him again.
NCChopper - May 7, 2010
This.
Smoltz's Beard - May 7, 2010
I'll take my first string guy in a slump
Over my backup, even if he just got a hit, especially with their respective track records.
Sam Jethroe - May 6, 2010
Respective track records?
Guys, it was David F-ing Ross, not Corky F-ing MIller.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
Four time All Star vs career backup.
I really don’t care what their curtrent BA’s are.
Also, it takes real chutzpah to defend a choice that turned out so disastrously even after the fact. My wanting McCann in wasn’t a second guess, it’s what I thought at the time. Maybe he would have hit into a DP as well, but we’ll never know, now.
You and this other guy can insult me and call me a lemming all you want but I’m hardly alone in this opinion. I know you style yourself as some sort of fearless visionary iconoclast, so I don’t take any of this personally, but you’re still off base.
Sam Jethroe - May 7, 2010
Ok, Dennis Miller.
Ross is one of the best hitters on the team. McCann happens to be a bit better. You don’t PH one of your best hitters for one who is better. You PH for one of your not best hitters.
McCann can’t even see baseballs, and you would rather have him hit? That defies all logic and is, as you so eloquently put it, off base.
It takes a real chutzpah to want someone who can’t see to hit in a critical situation, rather than someone who has been hitting and can see just fine.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
And if I were Kreskin, rather than Dennis Miller...
I would have known last night that McCann was having serious vision problems.
All in all, I still would’ve preferred to take my chances with him.
Look, insult me and call me a follower all you want but “Dennis Miller”? That’s really below the belt.
Sam Jethroe - May 7, 2010
It was the oratory. He is the only person that I know of that talks like that.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
technically u were referring to his diction, he wasnt speaking, he was writing, so it cant be “oratory”
Swo12bv - May 8, 2010
Yes, use Mac, because his batting average is not that much Less than Ross, geez peeps ;(
HEYJUDE - May 7, 2010
awesome...
lets be honest, if were losing 2 of 3 to the nationals, this team has no hope of finishing with a winning record. melky sucks, mclouth cant seem to get on a streak, escobar hurt, KK sucks, saito is pathetic, JJ hurt, glaus’s double plays…..how many more games can i say “well, theres always tomorrow”….our season is quickly coming to an end, and the only thing were gonna be questioning is whether or not we finish 15 or 10 games out of first….its gonna be a long season…..sigh
MarkDuce - May 6, 2010
Great work
Rec’d
Scott Coleman - May 6, 2010 via mobile
Anti-rec.
Whats the opposite of green?
!Vive la Francoeur! - May 7, 2010
Kind of a big series this weekend
If we sweep Phillie, we’re the shit.
If we win 2/3, there’s hope.
If we get swept, ………[insert “we’re fucked” here] BECAUSE THE PHILLIES ARE GOING TO KEEP ON WINNING, for all you people living off in the clouds.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 6, 2010
And honestly,
I’m really not that worried about the Nats. Now that they’ve moved on to another team besides the Braves, they’ll start losing again.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 6, 2010
The key is
That the Braves need to start thinking long term and stop trying for quick fixes. We need to be looking forward a bit.
Yes, the Phills are the cocks of the walk right now (insult intended) but they don’t have a big window of opportunity here. I think they’re going to run out of gas relatively soon and when they hit the wall, they’ll hit it hard. They remind me of the Mets from ‘06-’08. Their average age is 29 (oldest in the game) and their farm system is as barren as a Macy’s mannequin.
Sam Jethroe - May 6, 2010
Yeah, but MOST of the guys on their major league club Right Now can seriously hit. And they have no problem hitting regularly, regardless of where they’re playing. And having Halladay in the rotation is as bad as the Yankees payroll, but there is nothing anybody can do about either.
The Braves can be like this as well, but you never know which team is going to show up. Way too inconsistent, AS AN OFFENSE.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 6, 2010
All true
We may have to just eat the fact that they’ve assembled a good team for the present but I don’t think they’ll be able to continue that too far into the future.
My main point is that unless the Braves pull of a truly spectacular series of trades, we’re not likley to compete with the Phills now, but we have every likelihood (barring a series of truly spectacularly bad trades), to be way ahead of them in a couple of years.
Sam Jethroe - May 6, 2010
the phils are going to embarrass atlanta
unfortunately the braves will be used as linens to mop up the floor with. they’re gonna bust our BALLS!
btw, fuck you chipper.
etidd - May 7, 2010
Please stop
Or you’ll just get banned. Your choice.
Scott Coleman - May 7, 2010
Done and done
royhobbs - May 7, 2010
power trip
10-4 - May 7, 2010
Who wants to be my Steve Austin?
royhobbs - May 7, 2010
But seriously
etidd is a fine example of how to get yourself banned real quick. Only shows up when its time to bitch about a loss, never around when the Braves are actually successful.
royhobbs - May 7, 2010
Those are my absolute favorite.
Scott Coleman - May 7, 2010 via mobile
Oh yeah and I got a “People’s Elbow” for the next fool who tries something similar
Scott Coleman - May 7, 2010 via mobile
Only if you precede it with a Rock Bottom.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
lol
Smoltz's Beard - May 7, 2010
so u are claiming to be triple H…
since no one has taken it I’ll be Stone Cold… i enjoy shotgunning 1/4 of a can of beer and spitting the rest amongst a crowd of people
Swo12bv - May 8, 2010
you are misguided.
the braves need to not suck and play well. that’s what needs to happen.
but the home plate ump tonight did suck a fat one.
etidd - May 7, 2010
suck a fat one.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
this is it for me.
if they get blown out of the water, the tv stays off for me.
braves suck a fat one this year.
etidd - May 7, 2010
You will be missed.
BraveSaluki - May 7, 2010
not very much
JFP - May 7, 2010
at all
EricGreggWasPaidOff - May 7, 2010
must’ve been the same guy from the Royal’s minor leagues.
Pavy848 - May 7, 2010
Don't Jump!
Back away from the ledge
bighop - May 6, 2010
If "the ledge" is consuming a carton of ice cream and passing out, then....
(jumps:)
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 6, 2010
I heart the ledge.
Ben and Jerry’s. Steohen Colbert flavor. Imagine chocolate-covered rice crispy treats. Now imagine that, gently hugged by vanilla ice cream. Orgasmic stuff.
!Vive la Francoeur! - May 7, 2010
Especially enjoy the second sentence
Nova Scotia Steve - May 7, 2010
You would.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
Smoltz's Beard - May 7, 2010
+1
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
"long season"
not if you do us and yourself a favor, and turn Off your TV. :)
HEYJUDE - May 7, 2010
Correction
From the Braves Twitter account:
Sounds like fun! I was tempted to fly to DC and pay whatever I had to and get on that train…
Vance in Sacramento - May 7, 2010
That is pretty cool
I’d think a train would be much more comfortable, cheaper and just as fast too.
I’ll change the story when I get a second.
Scott Coleman - May 7, 2010 via mobile
Settle for the 2008 Chipper, Chipper!!!!!
Hell, you may win another batting title. 2008 Chipper was fighting thru nagging injury AND was in the zone.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
This line up needs HR hitters
aside from JHey no one hits HRs. Claus was supposed to, but he has 2…i mean even grandpa chipper has 2. We need someone else with some freaking power. Mac can go yard when he’s on but he’s struggled mightily lately, and after that, our best bet is Chip…he isn’t exactly hitting for much power anymore…We need to be able to get runs without stringing together rallies because lets face it, we suck at rallying.
SouthernPanther - May 7, 2010
power
is overrated. we need people to get on base and to make solid contact before a HR will do us any good
drumzalicious - May 7, 2010
Power may be overrated
but you still need it. We’re currently slugging a spry .351, which is good for 3rd worst in the majors, just above the hapless Astros and Mariners. I value OBP at roughly double SLG, but no power still bad.
soup du jour - May 7, 2010
We are getting on base just fine with all of these walks. We need someone to put wood on the ball.
BullManUGA - May 7, 2010
Timely hitting…it will come.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
GIDP, GIDP, and GIDP.
rhinoskin - May 7, 2010
Extra sac fly practice before today’s game please. Sheesh.
redwards95 - May 7, 2010
That’s all it would have taken. Epic Fail on the Braves part.
I still say mix it up. Do. Something. Get a new hitting coach. All of these losses are because of shitty offense. We need some new perspective, because TP’s isn’t working.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
That’s all it would have taken…to make the Nat’s first run not matter.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
Poop.
Sorry i missed the OT last night, i had a church softball game, which we won 17-7 by the way. Not bragging, i’m just saying. I’m sure ya’ll suffered withdrawals from not getting my daily quota of 3 OT comments.
10-4 - May 7, 2010
Braves with bases loaded:
39 PA, 1 XBH, 24 RBI (surprised it’s that many), .219/.282/.250, 5 GIDP, 3 SF
Jason Heyward with bases loaded:
8 PA, 0 XBH, 7 RBI, .500/.625/.500, 0 GIDP, 0 SF
Smoltz's Beard - May 7, 2010
He’s going to be a bitchin’ pinch hitter in 22 years
royhobbs - May 7, 2010
To those of you who want TP's head
Blame David Ross. I’m sure another no-hitter was TP’s job.
royhobbs - May 7, 2010
Ross was the gift AND the curse of the game. Can’t blame him. In this instance, I blame Bobby for leaving in Moylan.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
You mean leaving in EOF? Or bringing in Moylan? Or did you want Bobby to get Wagner in there after the Zimmerman double? Just curious.
Either way, it’s absolutely inexcusable that our offense isn’t able to loft a ball into the outfield with a runner on 3B and 1 out, against a pitcher who clearly doesn’t have his shit together. They should have taken until they got a strike and then looked for something that they could facilitate at least a fly ball out of. The blame goes on Infante and Ross, and pretty much every else during the first 7 innings…sans Huddy.
Smoltz's Beard - May 7, 2010
Wagner would have gotten us out of the inning. Moylan was going to get lit up by Zimmerman b/c that’s what Zimmerman is capable of in that scenario, and did.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
And yeah,
that’s one of the toughest losses I’ve felt in a while. We should have won the game.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
No we shouldn’t have. We should have been shut out. We got lucky to score any runs.
The Nats deserved to win that game. They were the better team last night, umpiring crew aside.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
I agree with that in full, but I thought we were going to steal a W from under them and have some momentum for Phillie.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
Ditto, I wish Bobby brought in Wagner, we could have come back and won it in extras. Dude is freaking 39 and he throws 99 MPH.
HereComesBream - May 7, 2010 via mobile
I blame...
Jason Heyward for not hitting a grand slam. Stupid rookie, he sucks.
mvandonsel - May 7, 2010
Purely tossing this out there, but didn't we have a man on 3rd with only 1 out more than once in this game?
If so, why does it seem like there is never a scenario where Bobby will attempt a squeeze?
I realize he may not have wanted to get Chipper hurt in that one, but it seems we hardly ever worry defenses when we’re on the bases. It appears they relax, play their usual position and wait on us to comply with a weak ground ball.
Now, I know that pitchers pitch different with a man on 3rd and less than 2 outs, but I’d feel much better about an out if we can’t get a fly ball on a squeeze attempt rather than a weak GIDP again – at least I could say we tried to surprise them. I’m not saying do it all the time, but on occasion it would be nice to see.
NCChopper - May 7, 2010
I love a good squeeze!
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
I hear using 2 hands is key.
NCChopper - May 7, 2010
How could anybody NOT use 2 hands?
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
I could have limitless fun with the many options here of how to squeeze using no hands.
But, said I was going to try and behave. Walking away from the keyboard now….
NCChopper - May 7, 2010
*WINK
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
ooh, la la
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
*wink
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
It’s like we’re going through the motions. The fire isn’t there. We’re playing uninspired baseball. And if that doesn’t change this weekend, TP might actually start feeling some pressure.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
Did you see our players react to the strike zone last night? Did you see the celebration from them after Heyward’s hit?
Did you see the hustle the few times we were on the basepaths?
DId you see the reaction from the pitcher’s when something went wrong?
How can you honestly say that they are playing without fire or uninspired???
Seriously, I think you guys sometimes make stuff up just to get a rise out of me.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
No, me and you just see through completely different lenses. Fire = winning. Phillie has fire. Not holes everywhere.
Of course they celebrated after Heyward’s hit!!!!!!!! HE IS OUR OFFENSE!!!!!!!!!!
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
Fire /=/ winning.
justincredubil02 - May 7, 2010
Partially true. Hitting with RISP is winning, too. If this is continuously botched, nobody’s winning any games.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
I remember when Pudge hit that solo homer. After he hit it they showed Hudson’s face when the ball was flying out. His face was kinda funny actually. He was like, “awww, noo!”
HereComesBream - May 7, 2010 via mobile
like the idea but
have you seen our team bunt?
bpk228480 - May 7, 2010
reply fail to chopper
bpk228480 - May 7, 2010
Unfortunately, I have. Which is even more the reason defenses can relax and think we’d never try.
I know my wish is illogical and not likely to succeed – but who knows, we might get lucky.
Can’t me much worse than continuing to leave men standing on 3rd base like we do.
NCChopper - May 7, 2010
I'm surprised
That none of you have mentioned Chipper Jones’s more or less, complete inability to field anymore. I counted at least two infield hits that even Chipper from a year ago probably would have made, not to mention the Dunn oppy-field flare that he jumped maybe three inches off the ground for.
royhobbs - May 7, 2010
Yeah…he’s been a nightmare over there all season.
Smoltz's Beard - May 7, 2010
And it's not just this one game
I’m surprised more teams haven’t tried bunting over to third base just to make him charge. Charging Chipper is practically a guaranteed base hit this year. I’m glad his hitting is coming around, and he’s still taking his walks, but he’s slowly become a bigger liability than a benefit, as long as he’s being nagged by his injuries, and I have to wonder if the Braves would be that bad if Prado/Hinske took over 3B duties with Prado/Conrad at 2B while Chipper got some rest.
royhobbs - May 7, 2010
Anybody else at third wouldn’t be a defensive liability, if that’s what you mean.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
Can’t say I disagree with you.
Smoltz's Beard - May 7, 2010
I had a crazy idea to move Glaus back over there and have Hinske play first, except that Glaus has been excellent at first defensively (not Casey Kotchman, but pretty close). Still, Troy’s fielding percentage is the same as Chipper’s and I bet his range is better.
John Holton - May 7, 2010
His defense is a gaping hole.
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
Any time a ball is hit to Chipper, I’m pretty sure I close my eyes. If he was raking at the plate, it wouldn’t be as big of a deal, buuuuuuuuuuut……….
Chief Noc-A-Homa - May 7, 2010
Chipper’s already mourning the retirement of Bobby. His head isn’t in the here and now while in the field.
Pavy848 - May 7, 2010
I have a solution!
Can the Bat Boys hit? Or how about the Braves Girls? They sure can throw those t shirts into the stands at the Ted. C’mon. We’re desperate.
HereComesBream - May 7, 2010 via mobile
Sucks the Braves lost, but I’m awfully pleased with the way they came back. People who have decided the sky has not only fallen but can’t get up seriously need to stay away.
Complaining about every failed attempt doesn’t change what’s happened. It’s just not going to be this bad all year long. It just isn’t.
UMDBHIK - May 7, 2010
"It just isn't"
I agree. Whether it’s a few trades, a promotion or these guys getting their heads out of their arses, we have too good a team to continue losing 4 of 7 games.
I can’t remember the last time Chipper bare-handed a ball and made an out on the play. I’m ready for him to take a break, let Conrad and Hinske play a few games. Part of Chipper’s problem last year came from too few days off during Infante’s DL stint. Now Esco’s out and Chipper needs a day off.
We won’t move Heyward up in the line-up because we don’t want him under too much pressure. How much pressure is it to be 25% of a teams offense?
I’m really looking forward to seeing B-Mac tonight, I hope the day off was what he needed.
bighop - May 7, 2010
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