Aug 2007
Doug Eddings decides the Marlins should win (now with video)
28/08/07 23:02 Filed in: Game Recap
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.
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.
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New Toys for Brave Cave!
28/08/07 04:55 Filed in: Announcement
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!
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
27/08/07 01:02 Filed in: Editorial
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 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...
25/08/07 14:54 Filed in: Editorial
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.
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.
DBacks/Braves Recap August 19, 2007
20/08/07 02:15 Filed in: Game Recap
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
16/08/07 16:09 Filed in: News
Giants/Braves Recap August 14, 2007
15/08/07 18:26 Filed in: Game Recap
Think that ball was inside? (Cox's record setting ejection)
15/08/07 18:05 Filed in: News
Idiots (Skip Bayless and Jemele Hill) on ESPN's "First and 10"
15/08/07 17:25 Filed in: Editorial
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.
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
13/08/07 14:18 Filed in: Game Recap
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 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?
13/08/07 12:38 Filed in: Editorial
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.
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
10/08/07 23:21 Filed in: Game Recap
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.
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
10/08/07 19:37 Filed in: News
Opening Day
10/08/07 03:16 Filed in: Announcement
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.
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.