Braves at Phils: Everyone wear a rubber game
by gondeee on May 15, 2008 8:53 AM EDT
in Open Threads
108 comments
Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies, May 15, 2008 7:05 PM EDT
Tom Glavine did his best Chuck James impersonation last night -- breeze through the lineup a couple of times then completely lose the ability to throw strikes while whittling away a seemingly unsurmountable lead. But hey, he still got the win, but man was that a nervous game, especially at the end. Boyer looked like a true closer -- making it closer than it needed to be.
The afore mentioned Chuck James is on the hill tonight. Let's see if we can break the longball out for him while he does his best to keep his longball pitch neatly tucked away.
I'm becoming a fan of hitting Kelly Johnson in the seventh hole, and I can't believe I'm about to say that Kotsay seems to fit really well in the two-hole.
0 recs |
108 comments
Email
Print
Comments
Chuck James
At Citizens Bank….hope our offense shows up!
1- 35,667
2- Chipper
3- 15+ runs scored (both teams)
by WienerDog on May 15, 2008 9:17 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks, no pic
1. 42,194
2. Chippa
3. Chuck James 8 ERs but still gets a W.
Sorry I missed the game last night, I’ll be away for a few days so carry on at TC with out me. Helluva game last night! And I say that not endearingly because anytime you are up 8-0 and the winning run comes to the plate…
Lets beat Camels tonight!
by jug on May 15, 2008 9:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks.
Never realized this before, but Kotsay has compiled more PAs from the #2 hole than any other spot in the lineup for his career. He has a career .754 OPS but in over 2000 PAs as the #2 hitter it is raised slightly to .766 OPS. We’ve already discussed KJ at length this season, and in his short stint of career 116 PAs in the #7 hole he has a 1.097 OPS! While that’s tremendous, it’s inflated by a BABIP of .446!? That will certainly cool off. Yunel also performs better as a #1 hitter than a #2 hitter. In 181 PAs as the leadoff hitter he has a .876 OPS, as opposed to an .809 OPS in the #2 slot. It’s safe to say that Kotsay is the guy who makes these lineup moves work. He shouldn’t struggle, seeing as how he’s hitting in front of the hottest hitter in baseball (besides that goofy looking guy in Houston).
1. 39,990
2. Francoeur
3. Kotsay has more attempts than Kelly.
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 9:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Here’s to tonight’s game being a little less nerve-wracking than last night. Freakin’ a.
1. 38,111
2. Kotsay
3. Combined 5 HRs minimum for both teams
It worked last night, so I’m doing a haiku again:
Boyer equals nerves
Our boys break out the big bats
two of three we hope
by VegasAces on May 15, 2008 9:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Deja Vu Night
1. 38,211
2. Matt Diaz
3. A dragon awaits
Chuck James pitch, says fat man
E-S-P-N sucks
In other words… Braves will strike early against Cole Hamels, and Chuck James will give it right back. Chris Berman will orgasm on Baseball Tonight because he gets to use his “Chuck James, PITCH” line for every homer Chuck gives up. But the Braves will convert some clutch tonight, and SLAYETH THE DRAGON known as Cole Hamels in the end.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 9:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 34,872
2. SK
3. Game is close until the 6th when the Braves blow it open. Win by 5.
by musicman on May 15, 2008 9:54 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks
1. 37,948
2. Killa
3. Frenchy hits into a 1-4-3 DP
by traphicg on May 15, 2008 9:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks.
1. 39,245
2. KJ
3. Chuck has a QS and goes at least five innings striking out at least three and walks only two.
Catcher's Blog - Braves blog by a huge Braves fan.
by mccannfan on May 15, 2008 10:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
make that...
2. McCann instead.
Catcher's Blog - Braves blog by a huge Braves fan.
by mccannfan on May 15, 2008 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
picks
1. 36,386
2. Chipper
3. Diaz has 2 hits
by 10-4 on May 15, 2008 10:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Our Outfield Should Play Deep...
1. 36,513
2. Diaz
3. The Phillies will leave more runners on base than the Braves! <—That’s Bold
by pett-man on May 15, 2008 10:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 44,101
2. Chipper Jones
3. Chuck gets a no-decision
-RETIRE, BOBBY COX!-
by sdp on May 15, 2008 10:30 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 40430
2. Jeff Francouer
3. Jeff has his first homerun since that 2 homer game, braves still lose due to Chuck on the hill
by SeligSucks on May 15, 2008 10:41 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks
1. 41,748
2. chipper
3. francoeur throws a runner out at home
by jc25 on May 15, 2008 10:59 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mine
1. 34,249
2. Yunel
3. Chipper 4-4
by secondbass on May 15, 2008 11:23 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks
1) 38,951
2) Chipper
3) Hamels lasts longer than Chuck
Chuck and fucking suck
How is this guy on a team?
Should be Triple A
by bigjoe on May 15, 2008 11:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Did you know...
...in games where Royce Ring comes in to face 1 batter, not only has he not allowed a run…he has not even allowed a hit. There was one instance where he came in to face Ryan Church and walked him, but then got Delgado to pop out. In his other 3.2 IP of LOOGY work he has faced 11 batters with 7 strikeouts and 0 hits or walks. 0.00 ERA.
The reason his ERA is thought the roof is when Bobby puts him in to face more than 1 batter. There are 3 instances where he faced more than 1 batter (other than the one mentioned above):
April 5 vs Mets – 1 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 5 batters faced.
April 15 vs Marlins – 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 batters faced.
May 14 vs Phillies – 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 HR, 3 batters faced.
Ohman has been very good as the lefty who can throw an entire inning. What do you guys think happens if Gonzo comes back and is pitching like he was before he left?
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 11:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
When Gonzo comes back, someone’s gone from the current pen – I’m guessing Ring, since Ohman could probably take the duties of LOOGY, and be as effective. When Soriano and Smoltz come back, that probably means DFA for I’m guessing Towel and probably Buddy.
A ‘pen of Bennett, Acosta, Boyer, Campillo, Ohman (LOOGY), Gonzalez, Soriano, Smoltz sounds pretty good to me. Glavine wouldn’t have to make a QS every time, and has something to lean back onto if he keeps running into these late-inning walls. And it gives the JoJos and Jurrjens something to fall back onto as well.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You would be correct, good sir...
...in soley the games were Ohman faced 1 batter his line is:
2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 3 K, 6 batters faced
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are underestimating the
power of Ring’s beard, which is taking on deep and philosophical dimensions, and appears to have the potential to conquer and annex his entire face.
by Hot Cup Joe on May 15, 2008 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't Ring's beard also...
Hide his third arm, that is the one that throws that mean curveball of his to lefties?
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You could be right
There’s definitely something lurking under that cheek bulge….
by Hot Cup Joe on May 15, 2008 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
I could’ve sworn that when Ring was with the Padres that he was a giant fatass. I remember discussing with a friend that the only real difference between Royce Ring and Heath Bell was the arm they threw with, because when either came jogging down from the ‘pen, I couldn’t tell them apart. Kinda like Macay McBBride and Chad Paronto.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t want to bring it up and sound like a broken record, but this is 100% factual. It’s a toss up between him and McCann, but Ring’s is all over the place. The picture does not do is justice.
The team just hasn’t been the same since Smoltzs decided to go with the goatee. Sigh...
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Minus the “s”...Smoltz….I’m stupid…
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll tell you when the team wasn't the same
It’s when Adam LaRoche decided to attempt to grow the fu manchu and got Marcus Giles, Francoeur to join in, and Chipper had the face pubes, and Andruw had the goofy razored up sideburns to match the increasing amount of ink he’d been getting all over himself.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
did you notice
he went down right after that? I think.
by sddbaker on May 15, 2008 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not that I mind the goatee...
but I blame the reappearance of it on Kotsay, at least partially. Smoltz grew the beard back in after spring training, but when Kotsay joined the team and grew his goatee into a beard, Smoltz went back to the goat.
by Lizziebeth on May 15, 2008 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
BGID!!!!
anyone know what I’m talking about??
by sddbaker on May 15, 2008 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm
I would have to say the best BGID would have to be either McCann when he went all lumberjack for a little while. That was always amusing. In baseball altogether, I nominate last year’s Dmitri Young. Now that is a freaky scary BGID.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so
you are a member of the Claynation?
by sddbaker on May 15, 2008 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Um
Not that I know of. I hope you and I have the same meaning for BGID.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's what I heard
Have no idea what the Claynation is, though
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
here
is the portal: http://www.sportsline.com/columns/writers/travis
by sddbaker on May 15, 2008 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right....
I heard the term from another board a year ago. We were discussing the rebirth of Dmitri Young, and how it had to do with his BGID that looked like he cut himself with a pair of rusted kindergarten safety scissors.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I say...
carry three lefties. Why not? Gonzo is a former closer, which implies that he is equally effective against LH and RH hitters (I don’t have time to look it up).
by VegasAces on May 15, 2008 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, got it.
Gonzalez’ career stats presented in BA/OBP/SLG format:
vs RH:.216/.310/.310
vs LH: .197/.289/.266
Obviously a little better against LH but that’s to be expected, but not terrible against RH by any means. Also his sample size against RH (490 PA) is alot greater than against LH (233 PA).
by VegasAces on May 15, 2008 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 40.040
2. Chipper
3. Chipper’s digging the long ball – hits another
by OntheGo on May 15, 2008 12:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 37,987
2. Yunel
3. More runs cross the plate via homerun than any other method.
by Perrinbar on May 15, 2008 1:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks
1. 35,297
2. Frenchy
3. James goes 6 inn and allows 3 runs
by KC Braves on May 15, 2008 1:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
picks
1. 38,088
2. Yunel
3. James gives up 0 runs in 6 innings, gives up 2HR in the seventh, get the W.
by ghos on May 15, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I love
Willie Harris….have you seen the play today against the Mets? I’ll try to get a link.
by sddbaker on May 15, 2008 3:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No…hell of an end to that game, though. 1-0 Bottom of the 9th, Beltran on 3rd with 1 out. Delgado hits a line drive, 1B snags it and doubles up Beltran.
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nick Johnson
Is fielding worthy of the Gold Glove. Too bad hardly anyone knows who he is, and probably won’t win it.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
See…I did not write Nick b/c I thought I heard last night on the news that he was injured. Sure enough, it appears as though Aaron Boone made the play.
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep…torn tendon in his wrist. Out 4-6 weeks. Broken leg last year, and now this. Tough luck.
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dear Pujols
And he was playing so well prior to that. What’s even sadder is that Dmitri Young got so out of shape that he can’t even replace the player he’s supposed to replace while out on injury. But there would’ve been no way that Dmitri could have made the same play Boone did.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
here
is a link to the wrap of the game….
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2008_05_15_wasmlb_nynmlb_1&mode=wrap
by sddbaker on May 15, 2008 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
picks
1. 40,000
2. Escobar
3. Braves hit 2 HRS
by brndn on May 15, 2008 4:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1. 38, 121
2. Chipper
3. Three Homers by the Braves.
by Euruproktos on May 15, 2008 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Chipper Out
Chipper out of lineup, that little groin tweak wasn’t little. Chuck better pitch a shutout.
by 10-4 on May 15, 2008 4:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Does Infante shift over to 3B with Thumbs back at 2B?
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Norton at 3B and Infante still at 2B, leaving KJ to pinch hit and get his grand slam (he’s due for another)?
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
dang it...
I was afraid of this after the last AB last night…
by sddbaker on May 15, 2008 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pick-e-hoo
1. 35,212
2. Heap
3. Chuckie lasts at least 4 innings, Chipper gets another RBI
You guys are much better at the haiku stuff than me, but in honor of the Main Man’s bday:
Happy Birthday Smoltz
Get healthy, come back and close
Our Brave Superman
by Lizziebeth on May 15, 2008 5:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
my pick and poem
1. 37,352
2. Scooter
3. Frenchy hits for 3/4 of the cycle. (might as well go for it!)
Forty-one years now
You’ve given half to the Braves
You are The Man!
by sddbaker on May 15, 2008 5:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Smoltz Haiku
Smoltz Smoltz Smoltz Smoltz Smoltz
Smoltz Smoltz Smoltz Smoltz Smoltz Smoltz Smoltz
Smoltz Smoltz Smoltz Smoltz rules
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 5:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
pik
1. 37,000
2. hmmm now that i cant pick chipper? ..... Heap
3. heap homers
by chance13ga on May 15, 2008 5:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Picks
1- 38,333
2- Tex
3- Chuck James gets a hit
by Murphy03 on May 15, 2008 5:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Chipper interview
on the espn baseball today podcast – downloadable from itunes store….
by Hot Cup Joe on May 15, 2008 5:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Chipper out = loss.
That’s for sure. Maybe not, but yeah, who am I kidding?
by Perrinbar on May 15, 2008 7:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well at least he took a...
oh nevermind.
by Perrinbar on May 15, 2008 7:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Damn it all
We better not be starting this super-aggressive crap again today
by VegasAces on May 15, 2008 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cheap hit...
...but I’ll take it. Come on FYF!
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 7:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pathetic half inning...
...2 1-pitch outs, a bloop hit for Infante, and a horrific K by Tex.
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 7:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Pathetic indeed
Time for me to run some errands before I get wicked pissed again tonight.
by VegasAces on May 15, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
But of course I’ll listen in the car
by VegasAces on May 15, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Man.
I don’t even want to listen now, I’d rather just read about how disappointing it was. Also anyone hear how bad the groin is with Chipper?
by Perrinbar on May 15, 2008 7:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
A Vidro off of Utley's bat would be nice.
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 7:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this is going to be one of those games…
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is already one of those games
chuck and suck on the mound with no larry wayne? why are we even watching anymore. I wish radiohead was TONIGHT instead.
by traphicg on May 15, 2008 7:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
radiohead
wait wait – are you in st louis “zwillis” ???
by traphicg on May 15, 2008 7:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It's the middle of the 3rd inning...
..and I’m still trying to figure out why Bobby would start Ruben Gotay (with a career .582 OPS against LH) instead of Kelly (with a career .739 OPS against LH).
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 7:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well...
...this is twice now that James has given up a bomb by missing his location and then walked the following hitter.
Time for some GTA4.
by Smoltz's Beard on May 15, 2008 7:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hell yeah...
... go get the $70 dollar service from a prostitute and then get your money back by blowing her away with a pump-action shot gun. Or, go on an insane killing spree and see how long you can outrun the cops.
-RETIRE, BOBBY COX!-
by sdp on May 15, 2008 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just started, so I’m still a small timer. Running shit for Lil’ Jacob, ya heard!
by Smoltz's Beard on May 16, 2008 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
well i just chuck jamesd in my mouth a little
by chance13ga on May 15, 2008 7:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Checkin' in
I’m glad I was listening to the first two innings. Because if I saw as many balls as the hitters have been seeing, I’d be beginning to feel a little gay.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 7:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Honestly
3-0, it sure feels like it should be 9-0 by now. I’m quite amazed as it is.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 8:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Is everyone already defeated?
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 8:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, I guess so.
Chris Berman is rubbing his hands as we speak because he can’t wait to use his favorite line ever.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 8:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I have watched Berman in a long time...
what is his favorite line?
by sddbaker on May 15, 2008 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
On Baseball Tonight...
He loves it when Chuck James gives up homers, so he can mimick the Dave Chappelle comedy sketch… the annoying one where he goes “I’m Rick James, BITCH”, but he changes all the words to “Watch, Chuck James, PITCH!!”
Considering how many dingers Chuckie gave up tonight, Berman’s going to be in heaven.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
GO MATTY!
He is so much better then Blanco.
by musicman on May 15, 2008 8:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Attendance
34,120
That is, if anyone’s still watching/caring/paying attention.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 8:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, we've all been waiting for it
Bobby just threw in the Towel.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 9:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And he gave up a base hit
To a pitcher with over 100 pitches on his arm.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 9:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mr Chuck E James
You really blow massive dick
Hope we trade you for spare parts
by bigjoe on May 15, 2008 9:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, that was ...
I can’t say painful, because it was slow, miserable, and I have a high threshold for pain.
Hats off to Cole Hamels who completely obliterated us tonight.
I can’t remember sitting and watching game that felt this defeated, this dead, this … pitiful. Clearly the lack of Chipper in the lineup was more than enough to scare lots of fans off, and if not them, then knowing the inconsistent Chuck James pitching against a napalm lineup was more than enough to make someone just not want to watch. Most of us, not being just pessimistic, knew this game was over before the first pitch was even thrown.
Can there be anything positive taken from this humbling loss? Not really. Matty had a good outfield assist. Campillo did some good work and dropped his ERA. The Towel was used, so we don’t have to see him for another 12 days.
(The) Chuck James (Experiment) – I’m clear-headed when I say this, I’m not really mad, since we lost to the Phillies’ ace pitcher. But James – the ride’s gotta be over. Showing AAAA qualities, and I don’t think he’ll ever be better than his rookie campaign. I don’t think he’s got that great stuff, and more importantly, he’s just not smart enough to be a reliable pitcher. The rookie year was all cute and effective with his ambivalence and not knowing who guys like Todd Helton were, but his 11-4 record has to be attributed to nobody really knowing who he was either.
Well, that’s all I’ve got to say about it – games like this really make me wonder if I want to go to any of the games this weekend, but we are good at home. But Oakland, Mets, Dbacks for the next like 9-10 days – this is going to be rough.
real men, don't wear small.
by royhobbs on May 15, 2008 9:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Who the hell bats Jeff Francoeur in the third spot?
Insane!
-RETIRE, BOBBY COX!-
by sdp on May 15, 2008 10:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Report: Rangers' Ron Washingon tested positive for cocaine in '09
- Nationals release Elijah Dukes, though nobody's quite sure why
- Westmoreland enters 'difficult' recovery period after brain surgery
- Desert Drive: Cubs chilling out as spring training wears on
- Nats GM 'leaning toward' sending Stephen Strasburg to minors
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
