I lay this loss squarely at the feet off Bobby. Those of you who visit the Forum know well that I am one of Bobby’s staunchest defenders, but in this case, I am at a loss. How in the world could Acosta been left in that long? It was a bad idea on so many different levels, four walks in 2 innings, we need our closer not to be exhausted, he had already throw too many pitches. It was just a horrible decision. But, I guess the choice was someone else from the pen and that is not good either. Oh, and we cannot forget, this is ANOTHER one run loss.

ESPN - Braves vs. Nationals - Box Score - April 30, 2008

Last night didn’t seem to prove that these off days are helping too much and we have one tomorrow and another on Monday. Why is that when they play the Nats, they seem to forget every fundamental ability to that they’ve learned? Maybe the Nats’ bad luck rubs off on us, but then lasts for a few games after, unfortunately. It seems to be the same thing over and over again. The starting pitching is giving us quality starts and the offense, defense, and bullpen seem to keep letting us down in some way or another, ending in a loss. I know it’s too early to panic, but something has got to give somewhere. The same guys are having to produce because the rest of the offense is not doing their part, especially with men on base and RISP.

I think that the Braves should sign a little person. I mean, really little, tiny strike zone. Lead him off in every road game, and when he walks, run Kotsay for him. I think this could work. Lord knows we need baserunners. I know that some will say that this is a mockery of the game, but to these people I ask: have you seen Chris Resop pitch?

I think that the Braves should sign a little person. I mean, really little, tiny strike zone. Lead him off in every road game, and when he walks, run Kotsay for him. I think this could work. Lord knows we need baserunners. I know that some will say that this is a mockery of the game, but to these people I ask: have you seen Chris Resop pitch?

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What can you say? When it rains, it pours. The Braves can’t catch a break. We can’t win the close ones, we can’t keep the close ones close. Who could have known when the season started exactly how devastated by injuries this team would be? Glavine, Smoltz, Hampton have all spent time on the DL. That’s 3/5 of the starting rotation. Chuck James missed most of spring training. We lost Soriano and Moylan, closer and setup man. Chipper and Escobar rush back from injuries because the team needed them. Sprinkle in a lead off hitter who is approaching Andruw type numbers. It is not a recipe for success.

ESPN - Braves vs. Nationals - Box Score - April 29, 2008

I didn’t want it to come to this, but the Braves leave me no choice. Until they prove to me that they can win a close game, I will show nothing but Phil Collins and Phil Collins-era Genesis music videos! There is seemingly an infinite supply.

I figured I would switch it up today. Instead of boring, old athletes, I’m going to enlighten you on the different stadiums the Braves played in (even though the “Braves” did not play in all of them). Every Braves fan knows that Turner Field is the Home of the Braves today, and more knowledgeable fans know that Fulton County Stadium was the stadium before that. Before scrolling down, go ahead and guess the name of the stadium before that. If you got it, I’m thoroughly impressed. Well, as promised, here are the stadiums of the Braves.

This has to be the third time we’ve been in Washington D.C. already. At least we won’t see them at all in May that I remember seeing. Tom Glavine will be activated from the DL to face Tim Redding, who we’ve seen before, in tonight’s game. The game starts at 7:10 pm on SportSouth. Hopefully having an off day, and with Chipper and Escobar hopefully returning to the lineup, we’ll get a win tonight.

This schedule was apparently made by monkeys. And not an infinite number, either. 3, 4 of them tops.

No Chipper, no Escobar, no Huddy and now no Smoltz. If there are 4 pieces we need four us to be successful, it would be those four. Hopefully tomorrow’s off day will give our walking wounded enough rest to get back in the game, because Prado and Lillibridge just aren’t the same as Chipper and Escobar. Signs are good Chipper will be back soon, Escobar may be a little longer. As far as starters go, hopefully Hampton will be able to give us some innings soon and Glavine is on his way back.

ESPN - Braves vs. Mets - Box Score - April 27, 2008

I thought that instead of a music video we could watch a TV show.

Today didn’t go as the Braves hoped. Chipper sidelined with back spasms. Escobar’s finger still giving him trouble. Lillibridge as an emergency call up. Huddy unimpressive. None of these things really indicated that we were going to have a good day.

ESPN - Braves vs. Mets - Box Score - April 26, 2008

So, where do I go from here?

All’s well that ends well, I guess? This game was on the brink of getting out of hand. The ump had shrunk the zone down to nothing (seriously, nothing) on Jurrjens, four walks in a row, brings in three runs, Bobby tossed, Jair looked to be on the edge of losing his composure. But, a chat with Tex, Roger, and McCann gets Jair back in control and he goes on to pitch three more great innings and Bobby did what Bobby does best, gets himself tossed to save a player.

ESPN - Braves vs. Mets - Box Score - April 25, 2008

As you’ve probably noticed, I rarely make a post on Friday’s because it’s my day to sleep in. Well, I thought I’d make a post today because I received an invitation to the Longball Cellars Wine Tasting & Presentation for the charity wines that are being sold for McCann, Chipper, and Glavine. The “private party” I was invited to is on May 19th from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, RVSP date is the 13th. The only thing is, I’ll be in school that day, though not all day, but the main reason I probably won’t go is because I won’t be 21 until October and I would have to go alone most likely. Plus, I’d have to drive over two and half hours to get there from where I live, which stinks.

Well, we’re three weeks into the baseball season, and so far, it’s been an interesting one for the Braves and their fans. The first week and half was a struggle. The next week saw a torrid five-game winning streak. Now, we’re settling back down again. What can we ascertain from this? Not much. It’s still early, but things are taking shape. For the next month, patience will be necessary, so don’t start lighting up chat rooms with anger/joy over the week’s games. Relax. Take a breath. Enjoy the ride. It’s baseball season, so enjoy the ride for the next five (hopefully six) months.

Clearly, the entire future of civilization depends upon this game.

Little different format for the recap tonight.

First, the good. A lot of good happened tonight, of course, the Braves won. The biggest “good” has to go to the birthday boy, Chipper. He went 3 for 3 with a walk and a home run. For his career Chipper is batting over .400 on his birthday. Wow. Also good tonight was Acosta. With the injuries to the starting staff, the pen has been called upon to carry more of the load. For that, Bobby seems to have changed the way he uses them a bit. Relievers are being asked to go 2 innings more often, so other relievers can have the night off (or maybe its because Bobby doesn’t trust the pen?). Tonight was Acosta’s night to go two and he got the save. Campy was also called upon to go two, he only allowed one hit. Of course the comedy of the night was provided by McCann, his head first slide into third!

ESPN - Marlins vs. Braves - Box Score - April 24, 2008

On Tuesday John Smoltz became the 16th member of the 3,000 K club in baseball history. Here are some Smoltz K facts:
Only Phil Niekro reached it at an older age.
6th fastest to reach it in terms of innings pitched.
Only Bob Gibson and Walter Johnson also recorded all 3,000 K’s with the same team.
 
David Wright with 19 K’s vs Smoltz leads active players.
Craig Biggio leads all players with 26 K’s vs Smoltzie 
 

I like this song, I’m just saying that there weren’t a whole lot of options here.

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