Brave Cave Feed

Bonnie Bernstein interviews Chipper Jones

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-07-10T14:01:09-04:00

Bonnie Bernstein on Frenchy's Demotion

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-07-10T13:41:22-04:00

Tony Gwynn on Chipper hitting .400

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-05-25T01:42:30-04:00

Frenchy's Game Winning Home Run and Interview

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-05-24T20:56:43-04:00

The Braves' haven't had a decent sideline reporter since...

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-05-24T20:50:52-04:00

Erin Andrews. For those that miss her...

Kruk on Jones hitting .400

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-05-22T13:05:14-04:00

Even the villagers are Braves' fans

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-05-16T14:04:42-04:00

Happy Birthday John Smoltz

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-05-15T18:13:50-04:00

John is 41 today.

Jim Rome hammers Andruw Jones yet again

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-05-14T11:56:34-04:00

Apparently, Jim Rome is taking the Andruw Jones/Dodgers signing personally.

Jim Rome on Andruw Jones' weight

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-05-13T13:03:00-04:00

Jim Rome on Andruw Jones' poor performance

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-05-12T01:23:52-04:00

Jim Rome rips Andruw about his weight gain, poor performance, and his trying to pull every pitch down the left field line.

In other words, Jim is finally saying what every Brave fan has been screaming about for the past two years.

Kruk punks Prado

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-05-10T17:25:27-04:00

Kruk talks about Prado's poor footwork on relay throws.

PTI discusses Chipper and .350

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-05-09T03:10:02-04:00

Braves finally win a 1 run game.

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-05-08T18:50:20-04:00

If you hadn't noticed, the Braves finally won a one run game.

Diaz is SOOO money in the box!

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-05-08T18:42:12-04:00

Matt Diaz was 0-4 heading into the 9th, but he was right in the middle of the 5-4 win over the Padres.

1) His weakly hit ball to Crabbe in the 6th was booted. The Braves scored 2 runs after the 2 out error.
2) Diaz was batting when Bell threw a wild pitch and Escobar scored.
3) Diaz knocked in the winning run in the 9th.

Brave Cave Exclusive! Chipper Injured?

admin@bravecave.com — 2008-04-12T01:35:50-04:00

Chipper isn't running right. Check out this video.

Look who has a shot at the playoffs...

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-09-25T10:00:38-04:00

I was checking the Brave Cave site this morning and I was shocked. The Bravos are only 3 games out in the wild card with 6 games left to play. The Braves have a really good shot at the wild card.

San Diego has 6 road games left; 3 against the Giants and 3 against the Brewers. San Diego's road record is barely above .500.
Philadelphia has 3 games against the Braves and 3 games against the Nats.
Colorado has 3 games against the Dodgers on the road and 3 at home against the Diamondbacks.

If the Braves can sweep the Phillies, we have a real shot at the playoffs.

Good things happen when a team wins 8 out of 10 games.

If the Braves get into the playoffs, it would be at the perfect time. The Braves seem to be peaking now.

MLB.TV's Harold Reynolds interviews Mark Teixeira

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-09-25T02:16:12-04:00

(Yes, I know the audio is a little out of sync.) :)

Braves/Nationals Recap September 16. 2007

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-09-17T12:32:43-04:00

Braves/Nationals Recap September 14, 2007

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-09-15T03:31:46-04:00

Chuck James on Baseball.tv

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-09-11T17:19:21-04:00

The Braves' 4 run 6 out inning

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-09-09T03:55:50-04:00

Out 1: Chuck James grounds out
Out 2: Chipper Jones flies out to deep center
Out 3: Mark Teixeira strikes out
Outs 4 & 5: Mark Teixeira grounds into a double play
Out 6: Andruw Jones pops up to first

Nationals/Braves Recap September 8, 2007

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-09-09T03:30:00-04:00

The Braves kept the hammer down and buried the Nationals once again.

Nationals/Braves Recap September 7, 2007

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-09-08T02:18:11-04:00

Now this is the type of win the Braves needed. Smoltz absolutely dominated the Nats and the highly vaunted offense delivered.

Chipper Jones had another career game going 3 for 4 while hammering a 3 run homer and plating 3 himself. Smoltz labored with a high pitch count yet had a no-no going into the eighth inning. Peter Moylan and Rafael Soriano arrived in the eighth and ninth innings respectively and closed out the Nats.

Combine this win with the fantastic come from behind win two days ago and the Braves have a bit of momentum going into Saturday's game.

Unbelievable play catches Schuerholz's eye...

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-09-08T02:02:53-04:00

and his ire.

In the first of of Friday's game against the Nats, a ballboy caught a Felipe Lopez foul popup with Willie Harris closing in fast. A major no-no. Smoltz ended up striking out Lopez so no harm no foul. But imagine what would have happened if Lopez had used his second chance to homer?

Phillies/Braves Recap September 5, 2007

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-09-05T18:44:12-04:00

What a win.

Hudson was lit up early but the Braves refused to lose. It was good to see some fight left in them.

I wonder what Diaz has to do to get the full time starting gig. Bobby's reasoning in platooning with Harris was Harris was just too hot to sit on the bench. That was understandable two months ago, but Harris isn't hot now and hasn't been in more than a month. Run Diaz out there full time.

While this may sound like wishful thinking, the Braves aren't out of the race. If they can bust 14 wins out of the last 17 games, we got a shot. Of course, if they could have done that at any point earlier in the year, then we wouldn't be in this position to begin with.

Phillies/Braves Recap September 3, 2007

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-09-03T18:53:58-04:00

Well, the Braves finally win one and move up in the standings.

Lance Cormier went 5 and two-thirds innings and the bullpen went lights out and didn't give up a hit the rest of the game. The Braves scattered 11 hits with Andruw Jones going one for four and, get this, raising his average to a solid .222 for the season. It was a complete win but it may be a little too late for hopes of the playoffs.

Mets/Braves aftermath

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-09-03T12:49:28-04:00

The Braves went into this past weekend's series with the Mets looking to make a statement.

They did.

Doug Eddings decides the Marlins should win (now with video)

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-28T23:02:59-04:00

The night looked hopeless. Smoltz was dealing but he made a couple of mistakes that had the Braves down a couple runs late in the game. The Braves were having a hard time putting hits together (19 strike outs in the game) and when they did hit the ball late in the game it was into two double-plays. Things didn't look good...

Chipper stepped up in the eighth and hit a towering two run homer that bounced off the second level. The score was tied and the Braves were back in the game.

Then, in the eleventh inning, Doug Eddings, the home plate umpire, decided that the Marlins should win the game.

Francoeur, already saddled with four strikeouts, gave a checked swing and Eddings signaled that Frenchy committed. There are two accepted tests of a committed swing; "breaking the wrists" or if the bat passes in front of the plate. Francoeur's checked swing was close to the front of the plate but he didn't break his wrists. To be honest, it could have been called either way; it was close. Frenchy gave an incredulous look, said something as he walked away from home plate, and walked to the dugout. Out of nowhere, Doug Eddings tossed Francoeur.

Throwing Francoeur out of the game, actually any player in the eleventh inning, is an incredible hardship on a team. Most benches are usually depleted by that time with usually only a backup infielder or catcher left. It was that way tonight and Pete Orr was the only one left. Orr was put into left and Diaz was moved to right.

There is an old adage in baseball "The ball will find you" and it was true in this case. The Marlins' Hermida hit a ball to deep left center field. There is another adage in baseball "The center fielder catches everything he can reach" and since Orr doesn't usually play the outfield, Andruw Jones called Orr off the ball, that Orr could have caught, and tried to catch it himself. Andruw couldn't reach the ball so it dropped for a double and moved the runner on first to third. Cox then had Treanor walked to load the bases. De Aza hit a sac fly deep to Diaz and that was the game.

Check it out for yourself.

New Toys for Brave Cave!

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-28T04:55:39-04:00

The biggest addition to the site is the new "Rate the players" section on the right. At anytime you can rate each Brave on a scale of 1 to 6 and see how others have rated them as well. I'll reset the ratings every week so we can see who's hot and who should be riding the bench.

I've also added a poll on the main page and I should be changing that weekly or when a new one is warranted.

Feel free to keep sending in those comments and suggestions. I am seriously considering add a few guest bloggers so let me know if you are interested. My contact info is at the bottom of the page.

Thanks for visiting Brave Cave!

Andruw Jones and the 1999 Miami Dolphins

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-27T01:02:51-04:00

In 1999, the Dolphins were at a crossroads. Dan Marino couldn't effectively play quarterback yet Miami simply couldn't cut him. Jimmy Johnson wanted to cut him but management wouldn't let him. After all, how can a team bench Dan Marino, arguably one of the top five quarterbacks of all time. He was a fan favorite and 80% of Marino is still better than 100% of just about any other quarterback. The Dolphins tried to make the best of it and Marino's career came to a humiliating end when he was replaced in the second half of a 62-7 thrashing by the Jaguars.

I believe Andruw Jones' incredibly low offensive output is killing the Braves. Yes, we have other troubles and starting pitching is easily at the top of the list. Andruw's batting average is .223 and that is going up. His batting average before the All-Star break was .211 and after is only .243. Sure, he has 83 RBIs but just think how many "all or nothing" swings he has taken. Think how many players had to have been on base for Andruw to drive in 83 batting .223. Think how many RBIs someone batting .280 or higher would have produced. Think how many rallies Andruw has singlehandedly stopped. Think of how many times Andruw has struck out in the ninth with the game on the line.

I don't care about his defense anymore. I don't if he does save a run every other game with his defense and that is debatable now more than ever. Ever since Andruw was robbed of his MVP title, he has swung for the fences no matter the inning, situation, or game. Defense are giving Andruw the entire right side of the park and he continually swings for the left corner post. He tries to hook every pitch and major league pitchers are not stupid. They know don't need to throw Andruw a strike. Throw that pitch down, away, and off the plate and Andruw will create an out.

Andruw needs to be benched no matter the public outcry and Cox needs to start an outfielder that will keep the innings moving and the Braves in big innings. I believe we have absolutely no shot at making the playoffs if Andruw stays in our lineup.

The only good thing from this situation is I think it may have "scared straight" Jeff Francoeur. I think Jeff saw himself heading down the same path as Andruw and decided to do something about it.

I have come to praise Wickman, not to bury him...

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-25T14:54:44-04:00

As just about everyone know by now, Wickman was DFA'ed by the Braves Friday. There have been reports that Wickman was unhappy in pitching in anything other than a closing role. The bad news was that lately the Braves haven't needed a closer. Either they blow the other team out by 6 runs or they lose.

Personally, I always thought Wickman was a good guy. He would pitch every day and he always gave 100% on the bump.

Wickman gave the Braves hope at the end of last year and he helps out the Braves next year. Next year you ask?

Don't forget what Big Bob did last year during negotiations

In fact, Wickman was offered a two-year contract by the Braves. Players simply don't turn down additional contract years in normal circumstances, but Wickman did in this case. That decision tells you something about Wickman, who does not put his personal interests before those of the organization.

"I was offered a two-year deal here and I said no to it -- we're just going to go a year at a time," Wickman said. "If something happens with my age [38] and stuff like that, I've never had a track record of getting hurt, other than the Tommy John [elbow ligament replacement] surgery, but if I just don't feel good at the end of the season, I'm not going to go through the embarrassment, letting the organization down after signing a big contract. I felt guilty getting hurt when I had a three-year deal with the Indians. But if I'm healthy, yes, 100 percent, I'll keep playing."

I think the combination of Bob blowing a few saves, the tightness in his arm, the stint on the DL, his age and weight finally caught up with him.

When Bobby called him to tell him the news, did Big Bob throw a fit? Nope. His words 'Sorry I let you down.'

I'm sorry to see him go and I wish the best for him and his family.

Andruw Jones on MTV Cribs

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-22T13:22:11-04:00

DBacks/Braves Recap August 19, 2007

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-20T02:15:19-04:00

What a fantastic win for the Bravos.

Smoltz set the Braves' strikeout record by passing Phil Niekro's club total of 2712 strikeout. Teixeira homered twice and drove in four runs. Escobar homered and showed that he deserves a spot at the major league level. Harris tripled, Kelly doubled, and Wickman loaded the bases but closed the game for his twentieth save of the season.

Atlanta heads off to Cincy with a win under their belt.

MLB.TV's Harold Reynolds on the Braves and Schuerholz interview

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-16T16:09:22-04:00

(Yes, I know the audio is a little out of sync.) :)

Giants/Braves Recap August 14, 2007

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-15T18:26:15-04:00

This was a great win. Escobar was a hitting machine while Chipper showed that he is still dangerous at the plate. Cox set a record and the Braves overcame a tough ninth inning comeback by the Giants.

Think that ball was inside? (Cox's record setting ejection)

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-15T18:05:53-04:00

That ball was so far inside it was almost undescended. To his credit, Chipper didn't argue and we did need him for the game winning hit.

Here is the video.

The best part? Look for McCann's ejection after Cox gets ejected. Brian has that "Oh yeah, there he goes again" look on his face.

Idiots (Skip Bayless and Jemele Hill) on ESPN's "First and 10"

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-15T17:25:19-04:00

I wish, I wish, that I had the video from this but alas, I don't. I was watching ESPN's "First and 10" and Skip Bayless and Jemele Hill were discussing Bobby Cox breaking the all time ejections record.

Everything started out well. Skip said that he had spoken with Bobby before and that he didn't seem the type who was prone to anger. Jemele's first words were "He has had issues with domestic violence before." Skip then rips into Bobby for his anger issues and also suggests that a major reason why was thrown out was (paraphrased) "to inject some passion into his emotionless club." Then both of them go into more anger issues of Cox and how stupid and useless the act of getting thrown out of a game.

It is incredibly obvious that neither of these buffoons have ever seen Cox get thrown out of a game. He never loses his temper. He never shows up the umps. He never acts like an ass; ala Lou Piniella. He gets in his say, he usually protects his player from being tossed, and he leaves. Cox, usually, gets thrown out to protect his players and both of these commentators did him a huge disservice by first, commenting on behavior they had never seen, and second, assuming the worst about a person.

Braves/Phillies Recap August, 12, 2007

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-13T14:18:40-04:00

This was a tough loss for many reasons.

Andruw Jones is simply killing the Braves when he bats. I have zero confidence in him when he is at the plate. In his bid for home run power and free agent cash, Andruw has willingly developed major holes in his swing to generate power. Andruw seems to have forgotten he is in the major leagues where teams pay mucho dinero to scout opposing batters, discover those holes, and exploit them. Most of the time Andruw Corleone seems to be ignoring Pendleton's batting advice. "Just when I thought I was out (of swinging for the fences and collapsing that back leg), they (my stupid swinging for the fences) pull me back in.

About that Braves' double play that didn't get anyone out, that was total BS. The defender usually isn't required to actually touch second base before throwing. There is a very good reason for that; Safety. Escobar stepped slightly over the bag and he even dragged his back foot over the bag. With Rollins coming in with a hard slide, why that umpire was being so incredibly picky escapes me. I thought Cox was going to make 131 history when he ran out of the dugout.

Andruw Langerhans to sit after MRI?

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-13T12:38:58-04:00

Andruw Jones will have a medical examination today. I'm willing to bet he sits a while after today whether there is or isn't any obvious injury. Andruw Langerhans is, and has been the entire year, a rally killer. True, he does have 74 RBIs but think about that number for a second. Andruw has been batting around the Mendoza line the entire year. Think how many runners were on base for him to generate those 74 RBIs with an average @ .210. Now think how many of those runners he left stranded and how many rallies he stopped.

The Braves had another stellar defensive star who was battling Mendoza and they traded him. Langerhans left and our offense immediately kicked up another notch. I think it is time for Andruw to sit a while, heal that elbow (whether it needs it or not), get that swing worked out, and let's see how our offense responds.

Braves/Phillies Recap August 10, 2007

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-10T23:21:18-04:00

This night started so well. You go to a bar and that hot chick you've always eyed is there and she is pounding down the drinks at the beginning of the night. You've never had much success hitting on her but tonight you have that "devil may care" attitude so you saunter over there and surprisingly, things are working out. She is falling for all of your standard lines. Everything is perfect and success is within sight.

Then BAM! After a few minutes, her fat friends return from the ladies room and you're now trying to figure out how to get her alone once again. An hour before closing time, her friends stampede to the bacon wrapped scallops buffet and you see the opening you have been looking for all night.

You make your move and you're in. She walks out to the car and you think it is going to be a great night. She gets in the car, smiles, leans over, gently blows into your ear, and whispers "You know I'm a guy, right?"

Yeah. That is how Friday's game turned out.

Octavio Dotel on the 15 day DL

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-10T19:37:58-04:00

Manny Acosta called up to take his spot.

Braves/Mets Recap August 9, 2007

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-10T14:10:04-04:00

Willie Harris Interview on Baseball Tonight

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-10T12:25:30-04:00

Opening Day

admin@bravecave.com — 2007-08-10T03:16:42-04:00

Welcome to Brave Cave!

I've finally decided to start my own site about the Braves. There will be the standard stuff such as video and witty insight but I'll also be offering a forum and real-time chatting so everyone can join the fun in real time.

Everything is still in a state of disarray so feel free to send comment and suggestions.