Tommy Hanson pitched his heart out tonight, but the Braves offense couldn't muster up anything against Roy Oswalt or the backend of the Phillies bullpen. The Braves ended up with just one hit for the night, a double by Martin Prado.
This was exactly what you wanted out of the pitching staff, but the bats just could not get it done. This was another unfortunate loss, especially since Ibanez's RBI double was a weak hit down the line. Sometimes the breaks just don't go your way and tonight they most certainly didn't.
Hanson lasted six innings, struck out four, and walked three. He allowed just two hits in his outing, but threw a lot of pitches in the fifth and sixth innings. Peter Moylan and Craig Kimbrel, who looked dominant, combined for a scoreless seventh inning. Jonny Venters entered in the eighth.
Venters Chase Utley, who was also hit earlier in the game by Hanson, then forced Ryan Howard to ground out into a double play. He then walked Jayson Werth, and then Raul Ibanez came through with the lone run scoring hit of the evening.
Getting swept by the Phillies was supposed to happen on paper, but the Braves had a chance in every one of these games. They need to step it up and win some ball games over these final nine games.
0 recs | 118 comments
Well that was a pathetic showing.
In this series we had a game in which we had one hit, 6 double plays were grounded into, base running mistakes, players without their heads in the game, an inability to get third outs, two games both decided by Raul Ibanez 2 out RBI doubles off of left handers, more rookie pitchers and pitchers under 25 thrown than runs scored, and a bazillion errors committed. This team needs to get its crap together.
Bob Mackie - September 22, 2010
You know, maybe it had more to do with the fact they faced Hamels, Halladay, and Oswalt. You make it sound like it should be easy to bash all three of them.
You do remember they swept the Mets right before this, right? ….right?
AnEternalEnigma - September 22, 2010
I knew who we were facing,
but it wasn’t just the offense that had issues. Errors, Nate’s rainbow throw, Heywards dropped catch and Minors missed sign. If they want to have any chance to win against Hamels, halladay and Oswalt, or any other team for that matter, they need to stop messing up fundamentals and start playing with a little grit.
Bob Mackie - September 22, 2010
I agree with this
We all knew going into this series that the Phillies had the potential to dominate with the lopsided pitching matchups.
If you had told me Monday morning that we would be swept, I would have figured it was because Hamels, Halladay and Oswalt were absolutely dominant and we would have little chance to do anything. And to be honest, they pitched an incredibly well. (Halladay with the weakest start, ironically). But what I didn’t foresee was that we would actually be given ample amount of chances NOT to get swept. The two walks given up by Halladay we didn’t capitalize on, bad baserunning decisions, a MISSED bunt sign,fiveerrors….
I never thought THOSE would be some of the reasons why we got swept. Very disappointing.
E-Lizz - September 22, 2010
In each game, it’s just ONE thing that dooms the Braves. First, it was Heyward not catching the fly ball. Second, it was letting Dunn pitch to Jayson Werth instead of bringing in Moylan. Third, the Ibanez “hit” that shouldn’t have been.
TonyAlmeyda - September 22, 2010
NO WORDS.
Actually, here are some. Why can’t one good thing happen to us? Something… anything.
tomahawklove - September 22, 2010
Phillies should start sucking again. That would help.
TonyAlmeyda - September 22, 2010
Atlanta had a summer where they could do no wrong
I don’t necessarily believe people are “due” anything (That defies my understanding of statistics and probability, hah) but to say Atlanta has had nothing but rotten luck is not particularly realistic. Atlanta had a stretch where they played above their record, and have recently regressed to their mean.
Team could still get hot, could bottom out entirely, or just keep on keeping. That’s why they play the games.
JamesFromPhilly - September 23, 2010
JamesFromPhilly
While I appreciate your statistical analysis, lets be cognizant of the fact that you’re posting on blog of a team who just got swept, and people are upset. And when people are upset, statistics don’t matter much to them. Tonight I cried over a baseball game for the first time in four years, even though logic told me hey, we’re still in the lead for the WC and we’re facing the Nationals next. That’s how it is when your team does badly.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
A little perspective.
Chipper Jones said this after they got swept in 3 games by the White Sox in June:
“None of us are leaving Chicago with our heads hung low. We fought to keep every game close. We just ran into a hot team at the wrong time on the road.”
That’s exactly what happened here. This was just running into a hot team on the road at the wrong time. Unfortunately, the hot team in question was the Phillies. Sure it pretty much destroyed their chances of winning the NL East, but no matter what the Padres do tonight, the Braves will still have a share in first place in the Wild Card. Even if the Rockies win, they’re still going to be 2 games back with 9 to go.
I know it’s easy to forget, but please remember: the Braves just swept a 3-game series before this one. That performance against the Mets put them in tremendous standing for the Wild Card and allowed them some breathing room even if they got swept by Philly, which unfortunately happened. If they regroup on the off-day, come out and win 2 of 3 from the Nationals (remember, Tim Hudson and Derek Lowe are pitching this series), it’s a winning 5-4 road trip and they go back home likely still in the Wild Card lead (unless the Padres can sweep the Reds) with just 6 games remaining. Unless a total calamity takes place, the Phillies should have the NL East clinched by the time the Braves face them to finish the season, so the Phillies likely won’t be playing with the same killer instinct (or starting pitchers).
AnEternalEnigma - September 22, 2010
Giants lose.
The Giants have already lost, which ensures the Braves will remain alone on top of the Wild Card with 9 games remaining no matter what the Padres do tonight.
As of this writing, the Padres are beating the Dodgers 3-1 in the third inning.
If the Padres win, they will take back over first place in the NL West by a 0.5 game over the Giants. The Giants would then fall into second in the NL Wild Card, a 0.5 game behind the Braves.
Obviously the optimal scenario would be both teams losing and the Braves maintaining a 1.0 game lead over the Padres.
Also the Diamondbacks are pecking away at Ubaldo Jimenez and have made it 4-3 now in the 4th.
AnEternalEnigma - September 22, 2010
The major difference...
That was June. We could afford it. This is now September.
E-Lizz - September 22, 2010
But you have to admit the Braves did provide some padding by sweeping the Mets.
AnEternalEnigma - September 22, 2010
Oh, of course.
I was talking to a friend about that, how bad it would be had we NOT swept the Mets. It could definitely be worse.
E-Lizz - September 22, 2010
Another Thing
Another thing that helps is that the Giants, Padres, and Rockies are all not playing like teams capable of going on a run.
The Rockies petered out after their 10-game winning streak. They’re only 3-4 since the 10th win and losing again tonight.
The Padres are 8-17 of their last 26 games and 2-4 in their last 6 coming in to tonight.
The Giants offense is going dead. They’ve scored a total of 11 runs in their last 4 games. 9 of them came in 1 game. They’ve now lost 3 of their last 5.
The Padres still have it toughest of them all. They play the Reds and the Cubs next. The Cubs are red hot right now. The Reds are the Reds.
AnEternalEnigma - September 22, 2010
Trust me, if you think I've given up
I have not. I am more worried about whether we will bounce back. Even if we get to the playoffs, if we stumble in, and then play a hot team on the road, such as the Reds… I don’t foresee us getting very far.
E-Lizz - September 22, 2010
Personally, I thought it was over when the Nats took 2 of 3 at home. Then they bounced right back and swept the Mets in Citi Field.
In terms of the playoffs, I always remember the 2006 Cardinals. They totally limped into the playoffs and nearly choked an 11-game lead to the Astros with 2 weeks left. They clinched the division, but went 4-13 in their last 17 games.
They won the World Series.
AnEternalEnigma - September 23, 2010
Very true.
Yankees did the same thing in 2000. I think they lost like 13 of their final 15 and still won it all.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
MLB Network
Showed a bunch of replays of the hit by Ibanez. The ball was foul…
Now I’m not making excuses for the loss. The loss was our fault, specifically the offense.
Thank you Tommy for pitching your heart out. He really did all he could to keep us in the game.
Hopefully we can turn it around this weekend and stay in front of the wild card standings.
Go Braves!
dragonhawk26 - September 22, 2010
yes, the ball looked foul to me, as well.
without all the fancy replays
Jareth Cutestory - September 22, 2010
Can I get a picture?
SuperNewb - September 22, 2010
yea it was either foul or hit the line, either way it was foul
bravesfan1047 - September 23, 2010
The real test...
is how this team plays against the Nationals and Marlins. Our last two series against both those two teams has been terrible. We basically have to sweep on of those two series unless we receive a lot of help.
mdhenshaw - September 22, 2010
not to mention last year
drumzalicious - September 22, 2010
Diamondbacks take the lead on the Rockies.
5-4 in the 4th. Jimenez looks terrible. 90 pitches in 4 innings. 6 walks already.
AnEternalEnigma - September 22, 2010
Should Minor's next start be skipped?
Mike Minor’s next start is currently scheduled for Monday, September 27, the first game of a 3-game series against the Marlins at Turner Field.
There is an off-day tomorrow.
If Bobby felt so inclined, he chould choose to skip Minor’s turn and start Hanson on Monday instead. Thanks to the off-day, Hanson would be pitching on regular 4-day rest.
This would also be the first time Minor’s faced a team that’s seen him before. Minor gave up 6 runs in 4 innings against the Marlins in Land Shark Stadium on September 5. He didn’t walk anybody and struck out 5, but he got bashed for 9 hits.
Bobby’s skipped Minor once before. Should he again?
AnEternalEnigma - September 22, 2010
the worst part about this
is I work with a ton of Phillies fans. One of which is the store manager.
drumzalicious - September 22, 2010
Wow. Work must be a hell of a lot of fun for you...
I just wouldn’t show up tomorrow.
E-Lizz - September 22, 2010
lol
I had fun for about 80% of the season so I guess it’s only fair they get to have some fun. Just unfortunately at the wrong time.
drumzalicious - September 22, 2010
Haha! Well don't let them get to you...
Though thats easier said than done. I’d probably just call in sick.
E-Lizz - September 22, 2010
Ibanez's Double
Now obviously we have no idea what happens if the right call is made… and obviously Nate should have hit the cut off man anyway and if he does that Werth is probably out at home…
It’s probably a case where the exception proves the rule. Meaning if the Braves really really deserved to win this game the call wouldn’t have mattered, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t make me angry.
SuperNewb - September 22, 2010
Unless someone has a shot of it head-on, we’ll never definitively know. As long as it touches chalk, any chalk, it’s fair.
MainLion - September 22, 2010
MLB Network had more clear views where it was pretty obvious but I didn’t quite get the DVR in time… I’ll try to get it next time around.
SuperNewb - September 22, 2010
Looking forward to that, only because I watched the play on the MLB highlights page a few times and could not tell. One it looked like dirt on the right side of the line licked, one on the left, and the third time, I gave up.
MainLion - September 23, 2010
I really couldn't tell whether hitting the cut off man would have made a difference
They showed the replay multiple times but who knows if him hitting the cut off man would have mattered. The fact that he lobbed the ball bothered me, but Werth was FLYING around the bases. I don’t know whether it would made a difference.
And it might have hit the line. I’ll have to see it in super slow-mo.
E-Lizz - September 22, 2010
I saw multiple replays: it didn’t hit ANY chalk. It was foul by a good couple of inches.
TonyAlmeyda - September 23, 2010
pathetic
it seems we have more errors than runs or is just my perception
joshant - September 22, 2010
We had 5 errors this series
We had 4 runs.
E-Lizz - September 22, 2010
Despite the lack of hitting
I thought we were in the game tonight (minimal stupid mistakes…McCann’s error didn’t cost us). Now the margin of error is essentially nil (even if the Padres lose…and they are leading) our “1 game” lead over them is really 2 less games by them (and you can never expect someone to lose at this juncture of the season), we just got to start winning games.
After another much needed day off, the Braves need to regroup and take care of business in DC. It’s important to remember that the Braves still control their own destiny in getting into the playoffs, which still makes it a good spot to be in.
We absolutely got to take care of business against the Nats, the Marlins (Josh Johnson -less) at home, and the likely Phillies B-Team in the last series.
LEastCoastBears - September 22, 2010
DBacks Rally, up 5-4 and looking for more.
SuperNewb - September 22, 2010
Yep they beat the Rockies!
HEYJUDE - September 23, 2010
I may get attacked for this, but I have some negative (but maybe constructive) things to say.
First, the positive:
1) Hanson looked amazing. If he can keep this up, watch out.
2) For the most part, we held the Phillies offense in check. Two earned runs in games one and three is nothing to be ashamed about.
3) We could have very easily won games one and three. That would have been a huge victory, considering the youth of our pitchers.
Now, for the venting:
1) Why did Ankiel get so much playing time in this series??? He looks lost at the plate. I know Diaz isn’t great against righties, but I would rather have him in the lineup by far. Ankiel batting 8th is like having two black holes in the lineup.
2) This just doesn’t look at all like a playoff team. We haven’t looked like a playoff team for the past month. Look, I’ve tried very hard to be optimistic every day, but the reality is that the team needs a 180 degree turnaround, starting now. But while I don’t think we look like a playoff team, obviously we still could make it based on the schedules of the west coast teams.
3) I’m still perplexed as to why Cox refuses to shake up the lineup. Why is Prado still batting 3rd? I could understand if we actually scored runs on a consistent basis. Maybe Cox doesn’t want anyone to think he is panicking or acknowledging there is a major problem; who knows.
ryantex - September 22, 2010
I'll comment on your points one by one...
First, the positive:
1) Yes, he did.
2) Considering the lopsided pitching matchup, I think our pitching did alright. Besides Minor, the starting pitching was decent, in Beachy’s case and great, in Hanson’s case.
3) We should have taken one of this series. The five errors, the McCann baserunning blunder, the missed bunt sign… all of these reversed could have contributed to at least one win.
Now, for the venting:
1) At the very least, Diaz would have warded off potential-field charging, spandex-wearing intruders, even if his night at the plate was less than impressive.
2) Lets remember the Phillies at one point this season did not look like a playoff caliber club either. The only difference is, they had their “bad times” at the RIGHT time. Ours is at the wrong time. I do however, wonder where we would be right now had we never lost those nine straight games in April.
3) Thank God for the off-day, because Prado desperately needs it.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
Man, it’s so hard to focus on anything else this month. I have no idea how I just made A’s on both tests I had last week. THE BRAVES ARE MAKING ME CRAZY
tomahawklove - September 23, 2010
Who wants to do my Writing paper for me?
I’ll give you a FREE TC Premium Membership!
I just need 2,500 words (or so) by 9am tomorrow morning. So get typing.
Scott Coleman - September 23, 2010
I'm studying for a geography test
That, my friend, will be a disaster.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
hey me too.....
Urban Geo
Shoert - September 23, 2010
Urban Geog sounds fun
Atmospheric Stability however, is not.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
its ok....
but try Remote sensing, I’m bored to tears in that class
Shoert - September 23, 2010
I'm trying to be patient till I get into my major
But these general ed courses are killing me.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
well......
dont be impulsive like me and rush into your major. I did that and am now at the point of no return
Shoert - September 23, 2010
What's your major?
Scott Coleman - September 23, 2010
Haha... I didn't rush. I waited too long.
I’m trying to get all gen ed courses out of the way. So I will have no easy 1000 courses to take senior year when I am swamped with work. Blah.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
mvhs.........
are you asking me? I’m a GEO major, with a concentraion on urban planning. E-Lizz, have you declared a major yet?
Shoert - September 23, 2010
Yep. History major!
The only thing I’m remotely good at. Baseball and history and my only two topics of conversation really. Gah.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
i know what ya mean.....
I wish there was a baseball major at my school. Weird thing is ,the professor for the class I’m studying for is a Braves fan, and was ranting about our playoff chances the other day. Best lecture ever! History is cool too.
Shoert - September 23, 2010
I need a professor who's a baseball fan
If there was a baseball minor, I would definitely be doing that. I heard about this professor at Tufts University that teaches Sabermetrics 101: The Objective Analysis of Baseball. Makes me want to transfer there just to take that class.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
Please, please, please either get a masters or PhD.
The world is rough for liberal arts majors generally, and history and political science specifically.
MainLion - September 23, 2010
there’s a whole lot of nothing for the time being. Just not sure I can take much more schooling, just not a good student
Shoert - September 23, 2010
and a sabermetrics class would be cool. Not a huge fan of the whole sabermetrics thing, but I’ve always wanted to read moneyball
Shoert - September 23, 2010
Oh definitely
Already have the Grad program picked out. Now I just need to get in.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010 via mobile
Oh gross.
Scott Coleman - September 23, 2010
Hey guys I'm a phillies phan. the screen name is a joke.
But what I want to say is that braves fans seem like a joke. When the Phillies where 7 games back we still believed in them. We knew we would take over the lead and dominate. (sorry please don’t ban me). You guys need to believe in your team that they can win the wild card and sell out some games. Show your team support. A braves phillies nlcs would be awesome. Just believe in your team and support them. I am sorry if I bothered you guys but you know it’s true.
howard is better than pujols - September 23, 2010 via mobile
i mean
that you guys have to go out and support your team…not complain about them
howard is better than pujols - September 23, 2010
We're mainly venting.......
once we right the ship and get the wild card, all will be good. And yes Braves-Phillies nlcs would be fun/intense
Shoert - September 23, 2010
I couldn't take it
if this week was any indication of how intense a Braves-Phillies NLCS
BravesDawg16 - September 23, 2010
I agree with you phillie phan.
HEYJUDE - September 23, 2010
I don’t agree with this. A casual browse of Phillies’ boards from that time (i.e., when one or two over .500) shows many, many whining.
MainLion - September 23, 2010
I remember that....
and I remember even 7 games up, I still wasnt comfortable. Also, I dont like being called a joke, we may not pack the house every night, but we’ve been as invested in this team as any other group of fans. The one’s who complain the most, are generally the ones who care the most
Shoert - September 23, 2010
Well, I have something to say to that
The Good Phight was a wreck during the middle of the season. I specifically remember reading “it’s going to be a long summer in Philadelphia” on at least one of the game recaps by either Camels or Taco_Pal. I remember that because I thought to myself, “If they get healthy, they’ll come back.”
This was also in June or July. There’s now 10 days left in the season. If you’re not playing well in June and July, it’s a whole different story. We’re not playing well right now.
I don’t think anyone has given up on the Wild Card, but what you’re saying about Braves fans not believing isn’t true. I still believe we’re the 2nd best team in the NL. And while the Phillies just swept us, I’d like to see what happens if we pitch Hudson and Lowe/Jurrjens in the series instead of two rookies in Minor and Beachy.
Every fan gets frustrated with their team. I took heat for putting on the front page a week ago that I wasn’t going to watch for a few days because I was sick of the team. Every true fan should get frustrated at times. It’s part of being a fan. You live and die with the team. And right now, Braves fans are just dying a little bit with these tough losses.
But we’ll get better.
Scott Coleman - September 23, 2010
This
its also rich to here from a PHILLY fan advice on how to support a team. Now THAT is funny stuff.
BravesDawg16 - September 23, 2010
Well ...
They average 15,000 more fans a game than us, so, yeah …
Lennox - September 23, 2010
Fun fact:
the Braves had the 4th highest road attendance in baseball from 2000 to 2008. It’s not the Braves’ fault TBS had their backs and made them a team loved by fans all across the country. It’s not that the Braves don’t have fans; it’s that the Braves are in a football-loving part of the country, and have a stadium that’s a pain in the ass to get to.
Scott Coleman - September 23, 2010
So true, so true.
My dislike for football grows bigger every day.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
+1
Werd.
get swoll yunel - September 23, 2010
Those are weak excuses. A stadium that is a ‘pain in the ass to get to?’ Give me a break. Then why is it not so hard for those of us who fly in for weekend games? When I lived in Atlanta, I went to games all of the time (and that’s from 79-99). So don’t give me lame excuses.
Yes, I’ll admit it. I’m a huge Braves fan, and I think I’m better than some others. I’ve always gone to games whether we win 60 or 100. I realize we won’t always sell out if we suck, but there’s no excuse for empty seats this year. I hate the Phillies, but I sure do wish we could fill the seats like they do.
Football town? Come on.
ryantex - September 23, 2010
Football town is a weak excuse.
Philadelphia is a football, baseball, and hockey town. Don’t give me none of that BS
SuburbanElite - September 23, 2010
you're full of crap dude
Every part of American is football loving, watch any show on ESPN, it’s all football.
tkrzy - September 23, 2010
The fact is
they also are notorious for how quickly they turn on their teams/players. Listen, what we bring out to Turner in terms of attendance is not good relatively speaking, but this guy seems to be on a high horse right now and is trying to tell us that Philly fans never gave up. I call shenanigans on that. The condecending tone just bothers me is all. MVHS had it right that the GP was a wreck when they were losing earlier in the year. Fact is, we are having a tough time cause its September, but we still support our team
BravesDawg16 - September 23, 2010
Maybe some people where worried but the lions share of the phans knew, come September we would have a dominant lead
howard is better than pujols - September 23, 2010 via mobile
Easy to say now
Just don’t tell us how to be fans. We wouldn’t be on here at 1:30 in the morning posting if we didn’t still love and support our team so please get off that high horse. Great series for you guys, congrats on the division, but don’t lecture us on how to be a “phan”
BravesDawg16 - September 23, 2010
Don't mean to sound like a dick
just been a rough week
BravesDawg16 - September 23, 2010
You don't sound like a dick.
You were spot on with what you said. I’m tired of people acting like they know “whats best” for our fandom. Sheesh.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
The Phillies have more fans show up to their games
But I don’t think that makes anyone on THIS board, who really, really care about this team at a lower level of “fandom” simply because Atlanta isn’t a baseball city. I know for a fact that there are people on this board that rival any baseball fan in New York, Boston or Philadelphia with the amount of passion they have for their team. Its sad that those people can’t show up to the ballpark every night.
We all know Atlanta will never have the same atmosphere for baseball as places in the Northeast does. But don’t complain to the people on this blog about it, because the people on THIS blog absolutely care about this team, just as much as any Phillies fan cares about their team in the ballpark tonight.
I understand why the northeast looks at our attendance as questionable. But I will NEVER understand why those same people criticize a fan blog for it. WE’RE the ones showing up.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
I’m not sure if you can call Philadelphia a baseball town, though. Eagles football seems to dominate its existence, though I think that organization is doing its best to be despised across the U.S. these days.
MainLion - September 23, 2010
When I see a sell out every night
Its a baseball town to me. And since Philly is in the Northeast, the general passion for baseball is greater than it is in the South, which is dominated by college football.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
the Vet didnt sell out every night….they’ve only been selling out through the 2008 season…No one gave a shit about the phillies until they made the playoffs in 07….I live in SJ… I know….the fans that jumped on the bandwagon is ridiculous…it is a football town first and always will be….the Eagles just haven’t been as good lately.
bpk228480 - September 23, 2010
it would look like that from the out side, but Philly is a baseball town through and through. Don’t let some stupid loud minority fool you. We love our eagles, but out Phillies are on a while different level
howard is better than pujols - September 23, 2010 via mobile
be honest
if it wasn’t for ‘Its always sunny in Philadephia’ no-one outside the US would know who you are.
I know this as I am outside of the US
shearer16 - September 23, 2010
Won’t know who we are? Dude who beat the shit out of the Russians in the heart of the cold war?
SuburbanElite - September 23, 2010
Not Philadelphia
At least not all by itself.
Sam Jethroe - September 23, 2010
Dude I am not saying that the people on this blog are not true fan. Cause I know you are. I am sorry if I offened you guys. I was just saying what i saw. I am sorry if I offend you guys.
howard is better than pujols - September 23, 2010 via mobile
It's fine.
Future reference though: Never judge a team’s level of fandom or their fans in general literally hours after they’ve just been swept. Those recap posts rarely reflect anything positive on a fanbase, since people are upset and angry.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
Well stuff you sorries in a sack!
(I honestly have no idea what that means)
BravesDawg16 - September 23, 2010
we should start keeping track of seinfeld refrences
Shoert - September 23, 2010
until we start winning
Shoert - September 23, 2010
Let's be honest here
If no one here believed in this team and no one supported this team, they wouldn’t be on this blog posting at 1:07am when they have a class at 9am and a test in less than 12 hours (in my case, of course).
The fact that you can come over here and say “Well, WE supported our team when things were bad” and acting as some sort of ra-ra coach is just a bit annoying. People on this blog because they live and die with their team. Because we get angry and emotional after being swept does not make us any less supportive of our team and does not make us less as fans. Please stop the condescending comments and enjoy your team’s sweep. For you, there really is no need to worry about the Braves or their fans.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
Again this
couldn’t have put it any better myself
BravesDawg16 - September 23, 2010
right on.....
I’m still wearing my Braves shirt tomorrow and will take the verbal abuse from Phillies fans, knowing it can be repayed one day (hopefully soon.)
Shoert - September 23, 2010
God willing
We can repay that favor in the NLCS. I will be a happy, happy man if we can do that
BravesDawg16 - September 23, 2010
Some of what you said is right, and some of what you said is wrong.
Some on TGP believed in your team, but many didn’t. I saw it. The same goes for this board. I believe in this team, but I’ve extremely concerned. And when you supposedly ‘believed’ in your team, it was June. It is now September, so there is little margin for error for us. You need to differentiate venting from lack of support.
But I do agree that we should believe in our team. I think that every home game should be a sellout. If it isn’t, then I will be embarrassed. We have a chance for baseball in October for the first time since 05, so if the people of Atlanta do not come out to support the team (and don’t give me the weak ‘football town’ crap), then something is seriously wrong. You won’t convince me otherwise on that one. Braves fans became very, very spoiled in the 90s.
I too would like to see a Braves-Phillies series. You know why? Because I would like to actually see our top three starters go up against yours.
ryantex - September 23, 2010
oh shut up...
Philly fans are like cicadas. They’re both loud and obnoxious and you only hear them every 17 years. The Braves have been one of the top three most popular baseball teams in MLB for two decades. Philadelphia was 18th in 2007 before you all jumped on the bandwagon.
Spare us the advice.
mdhenshaw - September 23, 2010
To this entire Series:
Lennox - September 23, 2010
I want a Victory Cookie instead. :(
Scott Coleman - September 23, 2010
The Funny Thing
The funny thing is everyone was ready to kill themselves after the Nats won 2 out of 3 at home. But they all suddenly got back on the bandwagon after the Mets sweep.
If they go into the Nationals and sweep, that’s a 6-3 road trip and suddenly no one cares about this Phillies series anymore.
AnEternalEnigma - September 23, 2010
thats bold to predict a sweep of the nats in WASH.
we all know the braves play like crap there
SouthernPanther - September 23, 2010
Can somebody repost the .gif of that kid riding in the car and yelling?
Not only is it fitting, I think it may bring us some good luck.
Sam Jethroe - September 23, 2010
I am clinging to positives
It’s hard to see cos we got swept, but if our pitching staff keep it up, our bats will wake up and we can win 6 of the last 9
shearer16 - September 23, 2010
and all of you guys are asleep
cos its 10.20pm here and 6am over there.
shearer16 - September 23, 2010
cue the donkey
Cause I’m all alone. There’s no one here beside me. My problems have all gone, there’s no one to deride me. But you gotta have friends
shearer16 - September 23, 2010
Hmm, this won't be very PC of me, but here goes:
This place looks and reads a bit too much like a Phillies Blog these days for my liking.
Just after being handed another tough loss, instead of a photo of Tommy (who pitched one helluva game) up top, we have to continue to look at Oswalt? Come on Ben, a bit of salt in the wound doncha think?
And, all these Philly fans who of late have decided they like to hang out here, even posting on the game threads – while I don’t mean to be unfriendly, none of these people felt the need to “share” with us back when they were trailing and not playing so well, so I for one don’t really feel like sharing my teams struggles and analyze them now with anyone but fellow Braves fans. I know some do, but I never visit the opponent’s blog and comment (especially if they are losing). Why would I?
Now, I know that may not be very neighborly of me, and I know I don’t speak for most – but I feel my fellow TCers challenge me enough without having to endure the sudden influx of Philly fans and their gloating and feigned “concern” about how much we do or do not support our team.
Here’s a news flash for you Philly fans: You are not the standard by which we measure our worth as fans. Never will be.
Oh, and for the series…
You beat 2 rookie pitchers (one who didn’t even know he would start until 3pm before the first game) and Nate’s pathetic throwing arm.
You didn’t run away with either game and needed your closer in all 3.
I say all things considering, I’m proud of our team for making each game that close and never giving up.
NCChopper - September 23, 2010
After a quick shower, and reflection – that sounds like I had a cup of coffee this morning with a side order of bitter doesn’t it? :-p
This was the main point. I feel it may get overshadowed by the debate the rest of my post may trigger.
NCChopper - September 23, 2010
I stopped reading after shower :)
10-4 - September 23, 2010
just saying
you still lost, all that matters
tkrzy - September 23, 2010
This sweep is Ben’s fault because he did the series preview. :)
The chances of winning the division look bleak right now, but the Phillies haven’t clinched anything yet! Bleak chances are better than none at all.
Braves win eight in a row, Phillies lose eight in a row. Braves clinch division on Bobby Cox Appreciation Night. MAKE IT HAPPEN.
TonyAlmeyda - September 23, 2010
We played close baseball with one of the hottest teams in the MLB for 3 straight games, while our team is slumping horribly. Do I think the Phillies have a better team? Yes. Do I think we can beat them? Absolutely. We are just so damn cold right now. So lets beat the Nats/Fish, and show the Phils we arent done yet…
bravesguy311 - September 23, 2010
Cox, on McOut’s throw....
"I don’t know. I can’t even see in the corner from our dugout."
cool beans
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 23, 2010
The Braves look like they are tired
martin prado looks like he is hurt when he is running the Bases? why don’t Bobby Cox start Diory Hernandez and Freddie Freeman? It can’t be no worse than what i’ve seen hitting in this series?
jayball - September 23, 2010
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