Open Thread and NAHWAL: Andruw Jones at Braves
by gondeee on Apr 18, 2008 8:58 AM EDT
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PrintLos Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves, Apr 18, 2008 7:35 PM EDT
The prodigal son returns in the form of Andruw Jones, and it is an all too recently-familiar Andruw Jones who is hitting a pitiful .157 and has twice as many strikeouts (16) as hits (8). Will he get booed or will he get cheered -- I really don't know about this one. I think there will be a smattering of both, but more cheers than boos. People in the stands tend to remember the good times with Andruw and most of us probably don't mind that he left. A comparison of our old and new center fielders:
Kotsay hasn't blown anyone's socks off, but he's certainly doing better than the struggling Jones.
Last night John Smoltz was once again the tonic that cures what ails the Braves, and Chipper decided to take the offense and put it on his back. We needed that win, but what we need more than that is the kind of consistent hitting and hitting with runners in scoring position that we saw last night. To that end, Mark Teixeira is still mired in his early season struggle mode. When he emerges from that we should see a completely different and more confident offense.
Tonight we get the bullpen starting. Jeff Bennett is the scheduled starter, but he pitched an inning in a game on Wednesday, so there's no telling how long he'll be able to go. There's also no telling which Jeff Bennett we'll see on the mound. He's allowed at least one run in every appearance where he's gone an inning or longer. I'm guessing we'll see the new Jorge Sosa Campillo at some point in the game -- did you know that he hasn't given up a hit or a walk yet in five innings pitched!
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Picks to get the Home Stand Started Right
1, 37,111
2. Chipper
3. A combined effort by 6 pitchers results in a Braves win – but it’s not credited to the starter.
Picks
1. 38,668
2. Mark Kotsay
3. Buddy is effective enough to qualify for a win, but the bullpen will blow the save, but the Braves will regain the lead in late innings.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
Picks
1. 34,672
2. Yunel
3. Andruw is Struck out by three different Braves pitchers
Picks.
1. 35,111.
2. Off the ole’ block.
3. Andruw brings the patented “swing-and-a-miss-while-I fall-to-my-knee” back to the ATL.
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 18, 2008 10:14 AM EDT reply actions
NAHWAL
1. 36,985
2. Escobar
3. Frenchy gets an outfield assist
Tricky Pick
1.) 38,000
2.) Tex
3.) Androo goes 3-4 at the plate, including a homer and 3 RBIs. Having kept his end of the bargain, Satan collects his soul sometime in the year 2069.
picks
Hey, Mark Kotsay has blown my socks off. I know he’s blown the socks off some of the guys on the team, too. I could not be more pleased to date.
Also, Andruw will get a huge ovation. Fans in the ATL tend to be really classy about that kind of thing, especially since we haven’t had that NL West rivalry with the Dodgers in 15 years.
1. 31,392
2. Tex
3. Braves score 4 with 0 HRs.
Section 435 - A Braves blog. From the upper deck at Turner Field.
by 6stringbeliever on Apr 18, 2008 11:04 AM EDT reply actions
Picks
1. 32,863
2. Matty
3. Matty breaks out and goes 3-4 with 3 RBIs. Less than 4 calls to the pen by Bobby.
picks
1. 31,748
2. Chipper
3. Andruw robs Chipper with a diving catch; Chip returns the favor with a backhand stab.
Pickage
1. 35,353
2. Chipper (duh)
3A. Matt Diaz remembers he’s playing because he can hit…3-for-5
3B. 2 Andruw corkscrew strike outs
Pickin'
1. 35,348
2. Chippa
3. New school Bravos (Yunel and Kotsay) will have more hits than Old school Bravos (Furcal and Jonesy)
Picks
1. 33,506
2. Chipper
3. In a stunning turn of events the Dodgers pen will pitch more innings than the Braves pen, not counting Jeff Bennett of course ;P.
picks
1. 34,789
2. Tex (I’ll keep picking until its true)
3. Andruw goes 0/4 with 4 Ks. (going with the crowd here)
picks
1. 37,373
2. Frenchy
3. KJ scores 2 runs
Bustins
Picks
1. 37,950
2. Jeffy
3. Braves finally win a 1-run game
Picks
1. 36,469
2. Tex
3. Andruw hits into at least two double plays
I remember '95
Picks
1. 34.556
2. Chipper
3. Carlyle surprises and goes 6 innings,giving up 2 ER and shattering 7 hits….
Picks
1. 34,310
2. Chipper
3. Kotsay has a better night with the bat than Andruw
Pick
1. 33,285
2. Tex.
3. Kotsay picks up 2 hits with one being an XBH
No jeff.
Don’t hit people please. Don’t do that.
I have no audio as well, but not sure if its related…
I have Bright House cable, and since we don’t get Peachtree TV normally, the broadcast the feed for Braves games. When I say feed, that is exactly what it is, almost like a PPV game—no commercials, etc. Usually it has sound, but not tonight. So, I have the radio on and dealing with a 20-30 s lag.
AJ
People cheered AJ… Guess that is good…
Also good for me that he struck-out. 3 more to go so I get my AAB!!!
Glad to hear the crowd appreciate AJ.
Also, glad to see we didn’t sign him, because the wheels have fallen off completely.
Oh man we better get some runs ASAP
I don’t want to think about us coming from behind.
That a way Heap!
He’s a good one. I’ve always said.
Frenchy!
Another good one. Maybe now Kotsay can show up AJ with a bomb.
I'm confused.
The breaks are going our way. Did I get stuck in a Twilight Zone episode or something?
Hell if we get 5 out of Bennett.
I’ll be ecstatic. Especially if they are scoreless.
You know...
I’d gladly take a mere $400,000 to strike out every plate appearance for the Dodgers. I’d be a huge monetary upgrade.
Maybe that would fix...
Diaz, cuz right now he’s not the Diaz we signed up for.
sweet.
Way to successfully be aggressive for once.
Yeah
If he keeps this season up, he’s going to be all over the hall of fame.
Well.
I was pretty unsure last year, lots of people had him on the bubble. But this year people seem to be saying he’s a lock, which is bizarre. I think if he gets say 3 more productive seasons, and that means nothing like what he’s doing now, he will hit a bunch of milestones that put him in. If he keeps playing like this, shoot it won’t be even a little question.
I think he’s in no matter what. Maybe not first ballot. It is hard for me though, because I’m obviously biased. He is a decent player above all, but given that he is one of the best switch-hitters, and been such an integral part of the Braves, I think he has a good chance.
I was thinking about that yesterday. Is Smoltz a HOF? Is Glavine? Maddux? I think they all are, but I’m biased beyond belief.
Those three...
Are locks. Maddux is easily one of the best pitchers ever, Glavine has 300 wins and has been good for a long time. Smoltz is the only pitcher with 200+ wins and 150+ saves, plus he’ll hit 3000 Ks this year, which only 16 others have done, all but one of whom are in the HOF.
Yeah, he could reach...
400 HR, and will this season.
1500 RBI
500 doubles
a .300+ average as a switch hitter
a .400+ OBP
and a .530+ Slugging %.
Those are pretty damn good numbers.
I also think he has the intangibles. I am a big intangible kind of guy. I don’t think anybody is questioning whether he used ‘roids. I think everybody appreciates his dedication to one team, and his ability to perform in the clutch. I think that goes a long way in the voting beyond numbers, which are important. That is why I think people like Craig Biggio might have a shot, despite putting up numbers that were only good, not super-good.
Convincing numbers...
but he sure deserved the Gold Glove last year…and at age 35 to might have tipped the scales for lots of folks. He’s playing great defense again this year (particularly with the hurting wheels).
It's kind of funny...
His stated personal goal for the season was to play 150 games…he’s producing like a couple of games/night. And it is beautiful to watch!
Man
I was going to call that too. I should have written it, but no!!!
If Tex can please stand up now.
I’d appreciate that. If he can back up Chipper this lineup is going to be devastating.
What are the odds
That the two ex-Braves run into each other. Also, running into AJ right now must be like getting run over by a bull.
BC
So, how huge was Bobby’s team meeting yesterday? Think it made a difference or just coincidence that we’re playing better (putting it all together, defense, hitting pitching)?
Cubs
Anybody hear the Reds announcer rip the Cubs’ fans yesterday?
I am not a Cubs fan, but I am a sympathizer. I like to see them do well. I also do not think their fans are that bad. I’ve been to Wrigley and know some fans. Sure, they are the Red Sox of the NL, but I don’t think they’re that obnoxious. However, throwing crap onto the field is pretty inexcusable.
Holy shit...
...WHY CAN I NOT WATCH THIS GAME, DAMN YOU EXTRA INNINGS!
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 18, 2008 10:05 PM EDT reply actions
Majestic
is the way I’d describe Chipper’s 2nd shot to right tonight from the left side…the first was the classic drive to left center from the left side.
Chipper's left-handed swing...
...might be my favorite part of the baseball season. Just…perfect.
My buddy is a Red Sox fan and has Chipper in our big money fantasy baseball league. But I’ve got Big Papi who isn’t doing too shabby tonight either.
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 18, 2008 10:17 PM EDT up reply actions
And of course...
...we’re going head-to-head this week, so there is trash talking a-plenty.
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 18, 2008 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Tex
looks like he is starting to warm up…and seems genuinely to be enjoying congratulating Chipper night at-bat after at-bat
Andruw's lack of welcome...
I was disappointed by the Braves fans and their need to not give Andruw his due respect. At the beginning when they announced the starters, there may have been 15K in their seats and he received a smattering of applause.
When he came up to bat the first time, he receive a little ovation but nothing that I would label as stupendous. Look you sorry-@$$ Braves fans… it isn’t Andruw’s fault he is not back with the team. They chose not to tender him an offer to remain with the team. For a guy who put in a decade plus of his life to being an Atlanta Brave, that was the best we could put together?
Then, in his 2nd/3rd/4th AB’s, the chorus of boos got ever louder with each plate appearance. Andruw should have been honored for his time there. Was he going to beat us with a 9th inning homer? NO… So why not cheer the man and let him know that no matter what, he can always call Atlanta home.
Crosby The Anti-Gondeee
I would understand...
... the boos if the Braves had negotiated for weeks with Andruw and he turned down the Braves best offer and went out trashing the organization. But, it was entirely the opposite. Andruw has always been gracious in his words to the organization. The Braves had different plans for the future, Andruw wasn’t in them, and so he went a separate way. Why boo him for that? I was totally disappointed with the large portion of Braves fans who were booing him. Pete and Skip were amazed at the booing on radio. I was, too.
Personally, because of his decline at the plate, I’m glad Andruw isn’t a Brave anymore, but I wouldn’t have booed him for anything. He did some incredible things while in the Braves organization and every person in that stadium tonight should have been on his or her feet applauding his service to Braves organization.
I think most average fans just don’t follow the real news or care for the facts. They just hear in passing that Andruw left the Braves and automatically chalk it up to greed. The Braves probably could have ironed out something with him if they had really wanted to—but I don’t think they really wanted to.
-sdp-
Response from the game
The boos got progressively worse with each Andruw appearance, but the moment he doubled off of Acosta in the 9th, the place erupted with cheers for him. Strange, but they were booing him until he actually did something good. I, among many others were standing for the guy.
one more time ... for sting!! a sports blog written by two opinionated males
NAHWAL Results
Attendance for the game was 38,250. With a guess of 38,242, mccannfan gets two points. We’ve been getting some ridiculously close guesses for attendance this year.
The pick to click was Blanco, getting the start, worth one point, but no one picked him.
Oh, and that Larry guy did pretty good again, two points each to:
VegasAces
jack_d
sdp
jc25
OntheGo
morri029
Perrinbar
Welby24
hbkbraves
jess7
chance13ga
AAB picks, one point each to:
sdp
bigjoe
Gondee...
...my pick to click was Chipper.
by Smoltz's Beard on Apr 19, 2008 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Ah-ha
Now I get it. I was reading that as “ole,” as in what you yell at a bull fight. I’ll add the points to your total.
Totals through Friday's game for Week 3 of NAHWAL
morri029 6
hbkbraves 5
jc25 5
mccannfan 4
sdp 4
VegasAces 4
welby24 4
chance13ga 3
jack_d 3
jess7 3
NickATL 3
OntheGo 3
Perrinbar 3
WienerDog 3
rearnold 2
royhobbs 2
secondbass 2
Stook 2
pett-man 2
traphicg 2
10-4 1
Bama_Ben 1
bigjoe 1
brndn 1
hippybustins 1
jug 1
Lizziebeth 1
Murphy03 1
mycr0ft 1
Rain Delay 1
Smoltz’s Beard 1
supesk6 1
Chopaholic 1
JDMaker1 1
dannycco 1
NAHWAL Season Totals through Friday's game
hbkbraves 14
VegasAces 12
jc25 11
mccannfan 10
sdp 10
chance13ga 10
jess7 10
mycr0ft 10
jug 9
Smoltz’s Beard 9
jack_d 8
secondbass 8
bigjoe 8
brndn 8
morri029 7
supesk6 7
torchy 7
welby24 6
OntheGo 6
Perrinbar 6
Lizziebeth 6
Rain Delay 6
Euruproktos 6
rearnold 5
Stook 5
Murphy03 5
bACEballstud 5
ejruiz 5
yondaime4 5
NickATL 4
WienerDog 4
royhobbs 4
10-4 4
ghos 4
godawgs 4
gondeee 4
gopherbroke 4
GRABtheMIC 4
Bama_Ben 3
17843 3
755aaron 3
RandyRocks 3
pett-man 2
traphicg 2
hippybustins 2
6stringbeliever 2
A49erFan77 2
deepinmetsterritory 2
Gmills 2
jcarp11 2
mvandonsel 2
Something Profound 2
Stephen Webb 2
theangelicdoctor 2
woodywoodsaver 2
zest 2
Chopaholic 1
JDMaker1 1
dannycco 1
atl14yearsschaffer 1
epati 1
JBinATL 1
pcongnu 1
rawleigh 1
RonGantFan 1
Samson 1
subwindow 1
whunt13 1
woogidy 1
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