Somehow the Braves are still in the Wild Card lead by a half game, this time over San Francisco, not San Diego. I'm currently in full "I can't believe this" mode. I don't even want to talk about the somewhat tougher schedules that San Fran and San Diego have for the remaining week and half of the season. They play some tough teams and then they finish with each other. The Braves still have to win or risk missing out on the Wild Card.
Yes the Wild Card. Last night's game pretty much sealed our fate to that avenue as the only path to the postseason. The Braves are lined up for the Washington series with their veteran ace starters facing young pitchers, so hopefully we can do what Philly did to us and beat up on the new guys.
Really, the only silver lining is that the Diamondbacks have cooled the Rockies. I was really concerned about the Rocks, but they seem to be (hopefully) fading.
Braves playoff chances dropped to 73 percent. I've whipped up a chart with the playoff odds for both the Braves and the Phillies as they fluctuated throughout the month of September:
The gray line on the 8th represents when the Phillies took over first place from the Braves. We are clearly headed in the wrong direction right now. Playoffs? You kidding me?
0 recs | 128 comments
At least when we go to DC this weekend...
…we don’t have to watch Chase Utley lean in and intentionally get hit by pitches again. Dude should see some chin music for that crap (“Lean into that one, biatch!”)
cavebird - September 23, 2010
so your plan to teach the guy who keeps getting hit by pitches...
…is to hit him with a pitch? Why the heck aren’t you managing this team, Cavebird?
Dr. Teeth - September 23, 2010
There’s a slight difference in him leaning into a breaking ball, and getting drilled between the numbers by a heater with a little extra behind it.
Rhyno18 - September 23, 2010
Actually, I am saying...
…up and in with a little extra. Not head hunting, just high and tight fastball—-lean into that with your jaw if you like Mr. Utley.
cavebird - September 23, 2010
What ever happened...
to the “you have to try to avoid the pitch” part of the rule? I actually saw that called in a game this year.
sddbaker - September 23, 2010
I hate that rule. You throw the ball into the batter’s box, and he’s supposed to move out of the way? It’s the batter’s box, it’s his box. If you don’t have enough control to throw it over the plate, that’s your problem. And I have no issue with a guy leaning into one. If you’ve ever been hit with a ball moving 90 miles an hour you know it sucks, so if a guy has the guts to go out of the way to let it happen, he deserves first base.
cbwilk - September 23, 2010
Barry Bonds used to get hit all the time because he was halfway over the plate with his armor.
BullManUGA - September 23, 2010
Barry Bonds used to get hit all the time because he was halfway over the plate with his
armormassive, steroid-enlarged noggin.FTFY.
Yakker - September 23, 2010
That is one caveat I’ll make, if you’re using all that armor you’re not allowed to lean into one. You should get rewarded for having guts, not for having equipment.
cbwilk - September 23, 2010
Sorry, I don't buy that.
If you say that is fine, guys like Utley can lean into any pitch just the slightest bit inside and get a base. That prevents pitchers from using the inside corner unless they have Madduxian accuracy. It is one thing to not enforce the rule when the ball is well into the batter’s box (like the second Utley HBP last night), it is another thing when the pitch is just off the inside corner and it is a clear lean in (like Utley’s first HBP last night).
cavebird - September 23, 2010
Regardless of all the "what ifs" and "should bes,"
the current rule is the the batter is supposed to make an attempt to avoid being hit, regardless if the ball is over the plate or over the batters box.
Like sddbaker, I remember this rule being invoked once, though I’m not sure now it if it was this year or not. You rarely see it though.
Old Braves' Fan - September 23, 2010
What about when the pitch has the plate.
FitzFan - September 23, 2010
Should be a strike if it hits him over the plate.
cbwilk - September 24, 2010
Well...It is the rule.
If you’re not going to enforce it, then get rid of it. It’s especially ridiculous to have the rule, not enforce it, and then not do anything when someone not only doesn’t follow the rule (by trying to avoid the pitch) by actually tries to get hit.
sddbaker - September 23, 2010
essentially...
If the Braves go 6-3 over the next three series the Giants would have to go 8-2 to pass us. The Giants are tied with us in the loss column and have one more game to play. We really need to sweep the nationals.
mdhenshaw - September 23, 2010
I know its supposed to be exciting that we still have a chance to be in the playoffs, but at our current pace of attempting to back into the postseason, color me non excited. Maybe my morning mountain dew will perk me up, because i’m down man, way down.
-Buzz Killington signing out
10-4 - September 23, 2010
Just pretend for a few minutes...
that you are a Mets fan.
You should feel better.
sddbaker - September 23, 2010
Its the constant teasing that makes it worse. At least Met fans know they’re not going anywhere.
10-4 - September 23, 2010
I stopped reading at constant teasing ;-)
(there’s an inside joke there, believe it or not)
.
NCChopper - September 23, 2010
In my opinion that sucked
What’s that? Playoffs? Don’t talk about playoffs! You kidding me? Playoffs? I just hope we can win a game
/Don’t Stop Believin’
BraveSaluki - September 23, 2010
win or stay home
If the Braves are a team worthy of making the playoffs, they should be able to win 6 of 9 from the Nats (a last place, terrible team) on the road then the Marlins and Phillies at home (where the Braves are the best in baseball). If even doing that is beyond them, then they can stay home in October and console themselves with what could have been if Chipper, Medlen, Prado, Glaus, and Jurrjens hadn’t been injured.
redwards95 - September 23, 2010
15...
Number of Phillies who hit the DL at some point during the season.
92-61 Phillies record.
You can chalk it up to injuries, or just not having heart (which the Braves should be playing with, seeing as it’s Cox’s last year).
SuburbanElite - September 23, 2010
Who exactly did Philly lose for the year? Absolutely no one. At least not anyone who plays a significant role. We lost the most experienced guy on our team and one of our best pitchers. That makes a difference.
sleezer1788 - September 23, 2010 via mobile
I don't believe they lost anyone for the year
But they a lot of their big guys missed a lot of games. Rollins is injured, Howard was on the DL, Lidge was out at the beginning of the year, Utley was also injured for a good portion of the year. No, they didn’t have an season-ending injury like we did in Medlen and Chipper, but I’m really tired of the “injury war” between teams. Yes, injuries play a part in how the team plays but the reality is you have to do with the cards you’re dealt. They have, we haven’t.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010
The Phillies' injuries...
…did hurt them, at least the injuries to Howard and Utley. And when they got everyone back and added a third ace, they caught fire. Yes, Rollins is hurt again, but he really isn’t that good anyway. The injuries did to the Phillies what you would expect. Our injuries were not as significant, but they came at the wrong time and two of them were out for the year injuries.
cavebird - September 23, 2010
Winning on the road is anything but guaranteed for the Braves. Their Home/Away split is quiet staggering.
BaySlugga - September 23, 2010
I grant you that. It doesn’t really matter whether the Braves go 3, 2, 1 (wins per series) or 1, 3, 2 or 1, 2, 3. Whatever gets them the wild card is fine. With the western teams beating each other up, the Braves might even get in with fewer wins than 6 in their remaining games. But I wouldn’t count on it.
redwards95 - September 23, 2010
As it turns out...
CHIPPER was IRREPLACEABLE.
I guess I always knew it…but tried to convince myself otherwise.
HalleyGator - September 23, 2010
THIS
Yakker - September 23, 2010
I'm Ron Burgundy?
10-4 - September 23, 2010
Rec'd.
McGriff the Crime Dog - September 23, 2010
Good Morning
Great game last night with Roy Oswalt being slightly better than Tommy Hanson, and the Phillies bullpen being slightly better than the Braves. Don’t fret, the Braves are still a good team but the Phillies are just better.
BaySlugga - September 23, 2010
Get Bent
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 23, 2010
One of the posters asked me to come back today and talk about the game, so here I am. Hanson was very impressive… if that helps any?
BaySlugga - September 23, 2010
Get Bent again
HansonManCrush - September 23, 2010 via mobile
Look
It’s cool that you’re civil, fully capable of coherent debating, and taking a very careful passive-aggressive agitating approach, and normally, I don’t really mind other-teamers, but given the circumstances, your word selection isn’t exactly, well, welcome right now.
royhobbs - September 23, 2010
“and the Phillies bullpen being slightly better than the Braves” Only last night.
“Don’t fret, the Braves are still a good team but the Phillies are just better”
Isn’t that kind of rub-it-in-your-face-ish?
MBL1 - September 23, 2010 via mobile
Yes it is
Frankly the guys the past few days that have been taking the passive and condescending approach pisses me of WAY more than the guys that just say “Braves suck” or whatever. Last night the Howard is Better than Pujols guy tried to tell us how to root for our team. Give me an F’n break. We wouldn’t be here if that were the case…
BravesDawg16 - September 23, 2010
The Phillies used all of TWO relievers in the three games. That HARDLY constitutes their bullpen being better.
TonyAlmeyda - September 23, 2010
Just remember...
Next year, when a fist-full of Braves fans piss sunshine all over your blog when you’re in second place.
I think Braves fans from this blog, as a whole, were fairly classy in leaving their thoughts to themselves rather than gloating on your blog throughout our successful portion of the season.
Not next year, when your team is another year longer in the tooth, cash-strapped from its numerous bloated contracts and without Werth.
What you’re doing right now is easy. It’s simple to cross over the fence and “discuss” the state of the division, when you’re in the lead. We, as a whole, chose not to do that. You, however, have now opened it up for the future.
So, rest assured, you’ll get your comeuppance.
-C
cthabeerman - September 23, 2010
Please
Stop pretending to be a Phillies fan. You don’t post over at TGP and you’re makeing us all come off as dousche bags. Yes the Phillies just sweept a 3 game series, yes the Phillies outplayed the Braves by 13 games in 2 months, yes the Phillies have almost locked up the best record in the NL but, guess what…. all of that meens nothing in October. This is a very young very talented Braves team that will more than likely be in the postseason this year and meny years to come.
sowhatifitisasportste - September 23, 2010
kiss ass
Boundforbeach - September 23, 2010
I concur w/ the get bent statements. The PH's bullpen is not better than the Braves.
FitzFan - September 23, 2010
I can’t even bear to watch this team any more.
telemakhos - September 23, 2010
Anybody notice?
When the “I believe” crap starts, the Braves quit winning.
Braves will win the WC and 1st round of playoffs, after that, who knows. But the Braves are a good team, have been all year. We threw 2 very green rookie pitchers at the Phillies and were not overwhelmed. We lost the games, but any luck at all and we could have won the series.
bighop - September 23, 2010
Win the WC and 1st round?
Right now the only team these guys have been able to beat is the Mets (aka New York’s AAAA team)
HansonManCrush - September 23, 2010 via mobile
I guess I’ll be derided for being “negative” but who cares about the WC? We’ll lose the first round if we have to play on the road.
Almost time to drag out my “24” and “World at War” DVD’s…
WienerDog - September 23, 2010
Thanks
I thought I was the only person watching “World at War”. Hang in there….I’ll take
the Wild Card in a “rebuilding year”. I agree we may lose in the first round but
I’d rather have a chance (even slim) than no chance. It shows we are moving in the
right direction.
Mullett - September 23, 2010
Me.
So go join a TV blog.
sddbaker - September 23, 2010
I like how
Some on this site makes it seem like winning 6 of 9 against the Nats, Marlins, and Phillies will be easy…
Historically, we don’t play well at Washington (2-4 this season; 7-8 overall against them this year), we don’t play well against the Marlins (8-7 this season), and look at what the Phillies (7-8 this season but they have won 4 of the last 6, including the sweep) just did to our anemic offense. We’re looking at 5-4…Maybe.
Even if we limp our way into the playoffs, I don’t see this tired, injured team doing much, especially at the plate. I love the optimism around here, but even that is fading quickly.
Before I get called a fairweather fan, let me point out that realistic observations =/= lack of support. I will be rooting like heck for these boys. They are just worn-out and tired from playing above their collective heads all season. Just call me Debbie Downer…
Jman781 - September 23, 2010
Give Credit where Credit is due
Phillies are showing why they have been to the World Series the last two years in a row.
Their good play during September has allowed them to setup their pitching staff against us and we just got beat.
Cheer up Debbie…..Now the rotation favors us in Washington and I predict at least 2 out of 3 for a 5-4 road trip. Then we come home and if we can win 4 of 6 should claim the Wild Card while San Fran and San Diego beat each other up.
Mullett - September 23, 2010
Just get to the playoffs...
… and anything can happen.
In 2006, the Cardinals limped into the playoffs, needing a Braves sweep of the Astros to win the Central after being swept themselves during the last weekend. Three weeks later, they were World Champions.
The Braves won the season series against potential first-round competitors Padres, Giants, and Reds. This includes a trip to San Francisco and San Diego in April, when the Braves were playing even more poorly than they are now. Kenshin Kawakami even outpitched Tim Lincecum at one point.
Even after getting swept, the Braves are still tied with for the second best record in the National League.
What’s important is that the Braves get back to winning like they did in New York, and losing in Philadelphia won’t matter
BraveSaluki - September 23, 2010
After reading...
The posts from the Phillies fans, but spirit has been lifted. I find it odd that we didn’t get any Philly trolls until now. They weren’t beating their chests while they were injured and banged up…
Now we’re without Chipper and Medlen, Prado, Lee, Saito, JJ and others are playing hurt, and Huddy is in a rough patch…that’s when the Phillies fans start posting…Makes sense.
I still feel the Phils are the better team, but I think that is based on health more than talent…And talent-wise, it’s closer than the Phillies would like to admit…
Jman781 - September 23, 2010
You are right +1000000
Not sure I’d like to go into the playoffs with Lidge as my closer…..Maybe they should stock up on some Pepto-Bismol!
Mullett - September 23, 2010
That closer sure made easy work of your line up this series. Not to mention he’s be ridiculously good since the end of July.
SuburbanElite - September 23, 2010
Keep the bucket handy….that is all I’m saying!
Mullett - September 23, 2010
thanks for chiming in
alxn - September 23, 2010
you know Lidge is liable to blow at any moment. Stop fronting.
Making quick work of the Braves at the moment isn’t telling at all.
FitzFan - September 23, 2010
2 rookies and a 2nd year guy sure made easy work of “your” lineup this series too.
What does that say about the Phailly offense at home?
Sir Veza - September 23, 2010
Not sure why any fan of another team cares what we say at this point
The sweep has been completed, yet that’s now three fans here telling us how to “deal with” the sweep. Talk about condesending and annoying.
Jim Powell tweeted last night that the Braves train to DC was delayed because of a tree on the track. He then went onto say that the delay caused the “rookie hazing to get out of hand.”
Draw what you want from this, but first off, a tree falling on the tracks and potentially derailing the train seems like an eerie metaphor for the Braves month of September.
But, it’s hard for me to think about rookie hazing and clubhouse camaraderie at a time like this after we were just swept. I imagined the players dead quiet on the train, going to bed early and thinking of what could have been. And yet, here they are partaking in an age old tradition with fun and excitement. At the very least, it let’s me know the spirit of the team isn’t broken and that they’re trying to put the last three days behind them. It will make things a lot easier of we go into DC and sweep.
E-Lizz - September 23, 2010 via mobile
I'm really glad...
to read this; I’m glad they aren’t getting down.
sddbaker - September 23, 2010
Same here.
And I appreciate your eternal optimism and bright outlook, sddbaker.
Sure, it’s disappointing even to me that the Braves have gone from being 7 games in first place, to 6 games in second place, in about two months. Highly disappointing, to say the least. But the Braves are the team I watch and root for. I’ve rooted for them since I can remember, which is before most the TC members were probably born. I remember the terrible seasons like the ones the Nationals and and Pirates are having. Just to even be a factor, to have even a slim chance at the playoffs, is a positive note and exciting.
Hell, as has already been noted in these comments, and probably known already to most, the Braves are still tied for the second best record in the NL. Is that where they’ll be after the regular season? Who knows? Sure will be fun, yet agonizing, to find out…
Old Braves' Fan - September 23, 2010
The problem is
their record is good on paper but their on a losing streak. Braves seem to always be either screaming hot or screaming cold. If they want a post season chance they need to break the losing consciousness NOW.
BravesFTW - September 23, 2010
I believe I covered the obvious, myself,
in the part where I discussed the disparity in the Braves’ records between the middle of July and now.
But if currently being in contention for a playoff spot on paper is a “problem” to you, not to mention having a winning season (as opposed to the previously noted terrible years), then you’re one of the fans that I can’t understand. I don’t know if you/we are spoiled by the success earlier this summer and/or the fourteen year post season streak, or what?
I’m certainly not going to be presumptious enough to tell anybody else what to do, but I am going to enjoy at least being a factor this late in the season.
Old Braves' Fan - September 23, 2010
I do hope they snap out of it
I’m just making the point that their record by itself doesn’t tell the whole story.
There’s momentum and it can be going up OR down.
BravesFTW - September 23, 2010
Glass half full/half empty.
The funny thing is, in “real life” matters that are much important, I’m usually the “glass half empty” type of person.
But this is a child’s game played by grown men (at a hefty pay rate!) for our enjoyment. So I choose to enjoy it. Especially after all the years of truly horrendous records (and momentum), both real and on paper, that I had to endure. Otherwise, what’s the point?
Old Braves' Fan - September 23, 2010
for me that's not enough
Sorry but this team has immense talent and potential. I don’t accept that they are playing at 80% of that. It’s great they are doing better than last year but so what?
BravesFTW - September 23, 2010
Okay, you win.
You’re right. This team is terrible. They suck. I’m through with them. I’m through for the season. And everything else, too.
Old Braves' Fan - September 23, 2010
they are not terrible
But they aren’t playing as good as they should. If you are happy with mediocre then that’s your choice.
BravesFTW - September 23, 2010
It was sarcasm.
And what you’re happy with is relative, as I’ve been attempting to point out to you all along.
Old Braves' Fan - September 23, 2010
Being happy that the Braves still have a great chance to be in the playoffs does not equal being happy "mediocre"
You’re upset about winning team in the playoffs if the season ended now.
FitzFan - September 23, 2010
Why is it?
We get warned about trolling other SBN sites, permanent banning if we disrupt other sites. But these Philly trolls have been here for days with no recourse? We need some trashy Philly fans shown the door. I thought this was a Braves site.
bighop - September 23, 2010
all good questions….
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 23, 2010
No kidding.
CLEAN THIS SHIT UP.
gramsey712 - September 23, 2010
It’s like Optimus Prime taking on a bunch of Decepticons in here.
lol
Chief Noc-A-Homa - September 23, 2010
I should have said please. Seriously.
But those jackasses have really pissed me off.
gramsey712 - September 23, 2010
I'm working on it.
But seriously, this shit is really sad for all parties involved.
royhobbs - September 23, 2010
Thank you man.
Really.
gramsey712 - September 23, 2010
Rainbow Llamasaurus needs wins!
I know he only shows up when we win but this shit is getting old! Time to win!
musicman - September 23, 2010
I love it i love it
We NEED WINS!!!!
HansonManCrush - September 23, 2010 via mobile
if we make it to playoffs
we will beat the phillies and eliminate them, this is something i have forseen in my spice dreams…
fizzbot - September 23, 2010
Now that you mention it...
I see lots of Harkonnen looking people at CBP.
It all begins to make some sense, now…
Sam Jethroe - September 23, 2010
Also pictured in graph:
Atlanta Braves Fan Confidence vs. Phillies Fan Confidence
KoKo the Monkey (T-Bone) - September 23, 2010
BEHOLD I AM PAUL OF DUNE THE CHOSEN ONE I FORSEE OUR PLAYOFF DOMINATION
if we make the playoffs
fizzbot - September 23, 2010
Hate getting swept
Man, i always hate getting sweep….especially when the games were close like they were in that series. It’s funny, I always used to say, “i enjoy close ball games,” but now i know it’s only when the BRAVES win these close games.
What i liked: I was glad to see our young pitchers pitch well. not to mention, imagine how these kids must feel now, knowing the team, and bobby cox, have full confidence to let them pitch in this situation. it can only build confidence, for them, getting a chance to start. this has to be a huge boost going into the final turn and straight away of this post season race.
-also liked: we were able to get hits off these great pitchers (minus last night)
What i didn’t like: we (yes, i’ll just included myself as part of the organization) couldnt quite string together hits to score consistently. I know we went against great 1-2-3 (or all number 1) pitchers in a very good rotation, but i really wanted to see someone step up, and start to carry this team. be the spark to start this Atlanta fire storm (enter picture of “Gone With the Wind” – only im not good enough to trick out my post with pictures, sorry new to this internet thing).
yes, we miss chipper. couldn’t he bat with only 1 leg, i mean roy hobbs pitched with blood dripping from a bullet wound in “the natural”, same thing….right?
Anyway, i’m excited for these last few series, and am trying to get tix for the DC series, since i live Richmond (and yes i miss the R-Braves). these series are going to be great, if we win of course
Cheers and happy Thursday! LET’S GO BRAVES!
WuWilson3A.I. - September 23, 2010
Ummm, as for Chipper...
…even if he theoretically could hit on one leg, we put him on the 60-day DL to clear room on the 40-man roster, making him ineligible to play.
cavebird - September 23, 2010
Okay.
Incredible how deleting two threads has wiped out over 60 comments. Apologies if anyone had anything worthwhile reading in those, but sometimes, you have to cut your losses.
royhobbs - September 23, 2010
WTF is that? Zack Morris?
BullManUGA - September 23, 2010
Yep
Reprised the role for just one night on the JImmy Kimmel show in order to plug some law show on TNT, and talk about a SBTB reunion.
royhobbs - September 23, 2010
I need to see a link to this.
BullManUGA - September 23, 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVGkFYqHmAA
royhobbs - September 23, 2010
Awesome.
BullManUGA - September 23, 2010
Wow. Is there anything you don’t know?
Yakker - September 23, 2010
Refresh the page, everyone
Otherwise there are going to be some weird comments popping up in a few
royhobbs - September 23, 2010
As much as it sucks right now...
Hanson’s performance last nite, as well as guys like Kimbrel and Venters and of course the core of Prado, Heyward, Infante, Freeman, McCann has me feeling really good about the future… That being said… Let’s get some damn wins and send Bobby out in style!
HansonManCrush - September 23, 2010 via mobile
It wouldn’t hurt to hire a witch doctor to cast some voodoo hex on the Phillies.
TonyAlmeyda - September 23, 2010
The Phils will get theirs...
Their core is getting older, their farm system depleted and Oswalt won’t resign with them after next season… He wants to go back to Houston after one more playoff run
HansonManCrush - September 23, 2010 via mobile
Smart Phillie fans...
…all eleven of them, know that.
Sam Jethroe - September 23, 2010
we just need one more capable outfielder. Watching our LF and CF play all season has been painful.
mdhenshaw - September 23, 2010
I agree
If we can cast off Ankiel and Melky, get a big hitter in LF or CF and have Diaz back up an OF of Heyward/McLouth/big Bat i’ll be happy. I say Diaz over Melky because this year Diaz was hurt by his hand, but historically he puts up better numbers I think and is great in a back up role
HansonManCrush - September 23, 2010 via mobile
Everytime I hear the name “Ankiel” in the starting line up I think Bobby really doesn’t want to win. The guy can’t hit, strikes out on pitches that are unhittable. I dont know why Conrad isn’t at third, he has proven capable, Infante in CF, and put Prado back at second.
HeyMikey - September 23, 2010
Since the Rays have indicated they’ll slash payroll after this year, does that mean the Braves would actively pursue Carl Crawford if he’s not retained?
TonyAlmeyda - September 23, 2010
playoffs video
sums it up perfectly
lingsched - September 23, 2010
if we make playoffs
we will beat philly, i garuntee it
fizzbot - September 23, 2010
Can you NEVER post the postseason percentage odds ever again? I place the blame for all of your troubles squarely on that.
BullManUGA - September 23, 2010
Our troubles, not your troubles. Although, your troubles are ours as well, in the realm of baseball.
BullManUGA - September 23, 2010
Trolls
Why are they being allowed to stay here? Braves fans were warned of bannings if they went to other SBN boards and “trolled” or instigated. Philly trolls are infesting every Braves site on the internet, I thought Talking Chop would do something about it, I’ve been wrong about that for a few days now.
bighop - September 23, 2010
Alot of their trolling last night got deleted when the overflow thread went away.
BullManUGA - September 23, 2010
Good
It’s tough enough being a Braves fan right now without smartass Philly fans telling us how great they are and how lost the Braves are.
bighop - September 23, 2010
I told you, we're working on it.
If you haven’t noticed, this thread is now 60+ comments thinner than it was this morning.
People who really want to embrace the art of trolling aren’t doing it in the old fashion way, where they come in, guns blazing, saying all our players suck, we suck, and so forth, because that makes is supremely easy to dispatch them right away.
What a lot of (euphemism for male genitalia) are doing nowadays are being more cerebral, passive-aggressive, and taking advantage of the environment we’re trying to usher, with the welcoming of all fans, as long as civility is maintained. Naturally, these type are attempting to be well-spoken, articulate, and have obvious intelligence, but when their goals are achieved, the pretenses are dropped, the bait is thrown, and they’re hoping to piss off a lot of Braves fans in the end, regardless. This makes it more difficult to police, because they’re still being civil before flipping the dick switch on.
Not to say that ALL Phillies fans posting here are all pricks, because there have been quite a few good Phillies fans who bring a level-headed, cautious fan’s approach here, and I can respect those types. But it’s still also our goal to not bite the baiting or even acknowledge arrogance and trollish behavior, because that’s what motivates them.
royhobbs - September 23, 2010
THATS NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
10-4 - September 23, 2010
There’s no consistency in except for inconsistency in Bobby Cox’s managing style.
Seems to me most everyone is missing the point. Look at the lineup last night, how many times except for the past two games have you seen Rick Ankiel in center and Nate McWaste in left? There’s no consistency in except for inconsistency in Bobby Cox’s managing style. If I were on that team and saw a player who’s hitting well below the Mendosa line starting I’d be disheartened and furious. You have players on the bench who have World Series experience, Hinske, a switch hitter Cabrera, not to mention Diaz and that’s the outfield you put out there? Oh that’s right Cox will use the 1960-70’s percentage platoon style of managing. The team is playing with no drive, why? Except for when some is injured or needs a rest there should be a steady lineup on the field considering the critical time of year. Some players due need a night or two off, Prado for one. You have Brooks Conrad who while maybe not the hitter Prado is would do a great job filling in. Freddie Freeman pinch its? I could fill a page but I’ll get to the point; it’s my opinion that if Bobby Cox were not retiring and on any other team he’d be looking for a job. Hall of Fame manager or not I think his management style the last couple of years is outdated and does more harm than good. "Oh the players love playing for him; he’s a player’s manager." Maybe it’s time the Atlanta Braves got a fans manager one who can light a fire under his players through inspiration and drive. At least for me the playoffs and World Series won’t be a total loss; I grew up just across the river from Philadelphia.
2Short2Play - September 23, 2010
Agree
If this team misses the playoffs, Bobby will be largely to blame.
fylr71 - September 23, 2010
I have to disagree on your main point here.
Yes, McLouth and Ankiel have not hit well, but McLouth has been much better recently, and Diaz, Melky, and Hinske haven’t exactly been tearing it up. The McLouth-Ankiel pairing is also by far our best defensive choice.
cavebird - September 23, 2010
Sometimes too many options can be a bad thing with Bobby Cox at the helm. That is a scientific fact. I asked last night in the GT, “whatever happened to Captain Clutch?” Either i’m missing it, or Brooks Conrad has fallen into Kawakami land, never to be heard from again. Sure, its nice to see Freddie get some AB’s, but part of what made this team go was Brook’s late game pinch hits, and now Bobby has about 5 or 6 options before he gets to Brooks.
10-4 - September 23, 2010
this
I’ve noticed as well that Conrad has pretty much fallen off the face of the earth. He was one of the contributors to the Braves early success. I miss that, no batting gloves, tobacco chewing, catch the ball in your shirt son of a gun.
adc62 - September 23, 2010
me too
sddbaker - September 23, 2010
Where is the division standings? lol
The Phils haven’t clinched the division. Anything can happen.
Braves24 - September 23, 2010
Well Damn so much for that !
So much for the divisonal race and if we screw around against the Nats and Marlins we are out of this thing before Philly visits ATL to end the year. Anyways Phillies are still a better team not by much maybe just a player or two better. ATL needs to keep getting younger and dump these aging vet’s that have officially run out of gas with about a mth or so left in the season a’la Glaus, and Saito. Braves need to seriously get a lead off hitter this offseason and after seeing Werth ATL should imediately jump on him in free agency this offseason. Werth is a killer when it is on the line and a team player for sure.
However the rest of this season is still up in the air, we must sweep the Nats and win 2 out of 3 against the Fish to try and keep our smallest of leads in the wildcard. The Braves still have three glaring needs as a team that have killed us for the past five or so seasons during this playoffs drought which is hopefully almost over.
1.) No speed / leadoff hitter – Prado served great as a leadoff hitter but he is a much better choice as a #2 or #3 guy. ATL has not had any speed since the Grissom / Furcal days and that is what we need again a CF that can hit leadoff and cover some ground which is what Nate McClouth was supposed to bring but he is nothing more than a #5 OF anymore and a very expensive one at that so both he an Ankiel definately should be getting their walking papers after this season in ATL.
2.) 1 year fixes in CF/LF
One year fixes of bridging of gap type players is all the Braves have went out and tried to get minus McClouth during this playoff drought. G. Anderson, Ankiel – playoff boost um not, Hinkse, and the list continues. Granted I would resign Hinkse today and in my mind he and Conrad plus Ross(already signed extentsion) have earned new deals. Melky is trash and should just go and join KC – BRaves LOL b/c both he and Diaz have not impressed this season and being due a hefty raise regardless of stats is another interesting decision to be made by ATL front office. You cannot win with one year fixes in the MLB anymore. We need to build young and keep your top talent during their prime which is something ATL rarely does.
3.) Money -
Payroll, over spending on medicore talent or aging talent such as D. Lowe nothing more than a #3 starter anymore and KK which is trash and was from day one. Wagner has been clutch but I am glad he is leaving to pave the way for Kimbrel who is a younger, cheaper RH – Wagner like pitcher and plus he is cheap a key cog in the ATL way of signing/ dealing with talent. Chipper Jones is vastly overpaided and given his recent comments posted he on one fanspot he cares about coming back b/c of the money, don’t give me that crap of coming back for the team or to prove yourself. The fact is Chipper is embrassing himself plain and simple and in typical ATL fashion they will expect him to come back strong next year at what the age of 38’ 39’ or something and hit 30 homers . He will not evevn hit 20,, best thing to happen for ATL is what is happening a new manager, new direction, and a younger wave of cheaper talent crop so we can dump some aging vet’s and get a Jayson Werth or someone similar. ATL also will more than likely have no starting backup plan for Jones on the roster or at the minor league level once Jones retires during spring training b/c I have my doubts that he can come back at all.
Still hope we get the wildcard, we have earned that at-least.
Holty_Panthers_Fan - September 23, 2010
War
and Peace
BullManUGA - September 23, 2010
Really
Fan Post-worthy, if ever there was one…
Old Braves' Fan - September 23, 2010
OT / How about a little levity . . . :-D
HeHeHeHe – - – > Don’t Drink and Drive – anything
NCChopper - September 23, 2010
I didn't see the overflow thread last night
Before it apparently went to be with Jimmy Hoffa, and no one else has mentioned this anywhere that I’ve seen, so, I’ll just ask here: did anybody else think Ruiz chopped the ball out of Prado’s glove on that play at third? Like ARod and Arroyo in the ALCS, just a bit more artfully?
Sam Jethroe - September 23, 2010
That
made me so mad — it seemed pretty obvious to me.
sddbaker - September 24, 2010
Actually, I had thought that was the case when the play was live, but actually, on the replay it was pretty clear it just came loose on its own during the tag attempt.
philsandthrills - September 24, 2010
I've said it before...
…and i will say it again…until they tell the Braves that they are no longer allowed to play i will believe in this team. we will play inspired baseball these last 9 games and capture the wild card. i don’t look at a season in sample sizes. we are and have been one of the best teams in baseball for nearly the entire season. i don’t want to hear about “luck” and playing “over our heads” and all the other bullshit people associate with the good stretch we had. the fact is we won a lot of games this season and have had some key injuries that have contributed to a recent rough patch. we will get it together and make the wild card. And you know what the best part is? we will go into the postseason with no one giving us a chance to win at all. i love being the underdog and wouldn’t want it any other way.
ledge2 - September 23, 2010
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