Gamethread: Pirates @ Braves, June 10, 2009 (58/162) LOSS

[sdp]

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/7545/71239534.png
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Pittsburgh Pirates (26-32) vs. Atlanta Braves (29-28)
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Series Matchups (Braves lead, 2-0)
> Monday: Braves 7, Pirates 6 (W: Medlen; L: Karstens) - Recap (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=4947565&c_id=atl) | Box Score (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2009_06_08_pitmlb_atlmlb_1) | Gamethread (http://www.chopnation.com/boards/showthread.php?t=14)
> Tuesday: Braves 4, Pirates 3 (W: Lowe; L: Burnett; S: Soriano) - Recap (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=4968301&c_id=atl) | Box Score (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2009_06_09_pitmlb_atlmlb_1) | Gamethread (http://chopnation.com/boards/showthread.php?t=29)
> TONIGHT: Charlie Morton vs. Jair Jurrjens, 7:05 PM EDT on PTV
> Thursday: Paul Maholm vs. Javier Vazquez, 1:05 PM EDT on SPSO

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Projected Lineup
Nate McLouth, CF
Yunel Escobar, SS
Chipper Jones, 3B
Brian McCann, C
Garret Anderson, LF
Greg Norton, 1B
Jeff Francoeur, RF
Kelly Johnson, 2B
Jair Jurrjens, RHP

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Link Roundup
Pirates-Braves Preview (http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/preview?gid=290610115) (Giornalista, STATS)
Is Jair Jurrjens the Braves’ real ace? (http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/stories/2009/06/09/jurrjens_braves.html) (Vivlamore, AJC)
Turner Field turning homer happy (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090609&content_id=5226820&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl) (Rosenberg, MLB.com)
Braves draft left-handed pitcher Minor in first round (http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2009/06/09/braves_draft_minor.html) (Rogers, AJC)
Braves to look for sleepers late in Draft (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090609&content_id=5234580&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl) (Bowman, MLB.com)
Cox honored for 2,000th win (http://www.ajc.com/sports/content/sports/braves/stories/2009/06/09/braves_bobby_cox.html) (O'Brien, AJC)

"The last three games have been a step in the right direction." - Derek Lowe

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Upcoming @ Baltimore
> Friday, June 12th: Tommy Hanson vs. Jason Berken, 7:05 PM EDT on SPSO
> Saturday, June 13th: Kenshin Kawakami vs. Rich Hill, 7:05 PM EDT on SPSO
> Sunday, June 14th: Derek Lowe vs. Brad Bergensen, 1:35 PM EDT on FSS
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June 16th-18th: Braves @ Reds; June 19th-21st: Braves @ Red Sox
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Go Braves!

[Andy G.]

I wouldn't be surprised of Blanco got the start in left today. He probably won't, but I wish he would. Anderson let a guy, I think it was Sanchez, get a tripple to the left center gap the other day because he was so slow getting to the ball. Then Blanco's play to start the relay that gunned that guy out at home in extra innings was a big key to us winning last night. Anderson wouldn't have gotten to the ball in time to make that play. I hate watching him out there in left field. I'm hoping we'll cut Anderson and make a trade for a new left fielder very soon. It would be sweet if it happened before the dreaded 12 game stretch everybody is talking about.

[slowride]

I can't tell if Anderson is "Sid Bream" slow, loafing, or a combination of the two. But you're right his defense is a detriment. (Unlike Frenchy!!!! Shoutout!)

He also has that "I don't give a crap" look on his face at all times.

Atleast Andruw Jones would smile.....

I really wish I could watch this game; especially as it will be against Morton. Darn Volleyball.....

[Hobbes]

If ever there was a player who looked like he was just going through the motions to get a paycheck, it's Anderson.

[Middle Man]

I don't watch every game, but there have been several times this season where he has clearly cost us runs with his defense. I'm not talking about errors, but situations where he is just very slow to get to a ball or to get the throw to the relay guy.

If he was hitting like crazy, then you'd just have to tolerate it. But he's basically a singles-hitter at this point - a very slow single-hitter. I'm not holding my breath waiting for him to be dropped, but the 2 corner outfield spots are just killing us.

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

Agreed on Anderson...Another Killer is that when we go North to play the O's and BoSox we are almost forced to DH Anderson(if Bobby's smart), but those 6 games would be a great chance to keep Chipper's bat in the lineup, but have to have play defense and give him a little break for his feet...hopefully Bobby lets Diaz play vs LH's and lets Chipper get a chance to DH...

[Lauren T.]

I can't tell if Anderson is "Sid Bream" slow, loafing, or a combination of the two. But you're right his defense is a detriment. (Unlike Frenchy!!!! Shoutout!)

He also has that "I don't give a crap" look on his face at all times.

Atleast Andruw Jones would smile.....
Yeah, but people gave Andruw so much crap about smiling after a strikeout. You can't have it both ways! :D

[HaRdCoReBrAvEsFaN]

McLouth needs to spark us to day with lead off homer vs Morton...

[Devil Wears Prado]

I can't tell if Anderson is "Sid Bream" slow, loafing, or a combination of the two. But you're right his defense is a detriment. (Unlike Frenchy!!!! Shoutout!)

He also has that "I don't give a crap" look on his face at all times.

Atleast Andruw Jones would smile.....

I really wish I could watch this game; especially as it will be against Morton. Darn Volleyball.....

Andruw is still be getting paid the money even when he strikes out... I would be smiling too. :p

[Andy G.]

I loved Andruw's smile. I also loved how he'd appeal to the fist base umpire when he checked his swing. I was the perfect age to idolize Andruw Jones when he came up. I remember seeing him at 19 and thinking we had our very own Griffey, who(whom?) every kid in the 90's idolized. I miss Andruw.

[bravos4evr]

i just looked up Andruw's stats from this year and I find it surprising that with a near .900 OPS, he has only played in 29 games.....

I hate to say it, but I wish he was in LF for us!

[BraveFan]

An Anderson/Diaz platoon would be fine if they were hitting 7th or 8th but the fact that Kelly and Jeff have been worse makes the LF situation even worse because they have to bat higher in the order.

[Agent-X-]

I loved Andruw's smile. I also loved how he'd appeal to the fist base umpire when he checked his swing. I was the perfect age to idolize Andruw Jones when he came up. I remember seeing him at 19 and thinking we had our very own Griffey, who(whom?) every kid in the 90's idolized. I miss Andruw.

I miss him too. Those first few years of his career, watching him play was surreal. His potential seemed to be out of this world.

Looking back, now, it seems like that reality has been totally turned upside down with some of the young players we've had who have totally tanked in recent years (ie. Andruw Jones, Marcus Giles). I never would have imagined that this would be their future.

[Hillbilly]

I miss him too. Those first few years of his career, watching him play was surreal. His potential seemed to be out of this world.

Looking back, now, it seems like that reality has been totally turned upside down with some of the young players we've had who have totally tanked in recent years (ie. Andruw Jones, Marcus Giles). I never would have imagined that this would be their future.


Considering the degree of suckiness he put forth in '07-'08, it's easy to forget just how freaking incredible he was in center field for all of those years. I enjoyed watching that more than I did watching the big offensive numbers he put up. I can remember several conversations debating whether he or Mays was the greatest defensive center fielder of all time.

[BigWorm]

The Braves were obviously fooled by the "New" Francoeur. They could've had Andruw for peanuts. But who knows, if he wasn't working with Rudy in Texas, he might not have turned his ship around. But for the minimum, I think he was worth a look.

[sdp]

1. McLouth
2. Escobar
3. Chipper
4. McCann
5. Anderson
6. Norton
7. Francoeur
8. Johnson
9. Jurrjens

[JanShan12]

Not a bad lineup. Not a great one either. With our choices, I don't mind it. My lineup would be...

McLouth
Escobar
Chipper
McCann
Johnson
Anderson
Norton
Francoeur

and when Kotchman returns, I would add him after McCann.

[KB 34]

I still don't like the Braves 5th best bat hitting 8th. Let's see Blanco and Jones in the outfield like that guy Dream keeps bringing up says. New lineup:
Blanco CF
Kotchman 1B
Chipper 3B
McCann C
McClouth LF
Escobar ss
KJ 2B
Jones RF

As much as I don't like KJ batting that low he deserves it.

[Johndeerebrave]

I still don't like the Braves 5th best bat hitting 8th. Let's see Blanco and Jones in the outfield like that guy Dream keeps bringing up says. New lineup:
Blanco CF
Kotchman 1B
Chipper 3B
McCann C
McClouth LF
Escobar ss
KJ 2B
Jones RF

As much as I don't like KJ batting that low he deserves it.

I definitely don't agree with Blanco batting leadoff and McLouth 5th.

[BraveFan]

Escobar has been our best clutch hitter late in games and needs to stay in the two hole.

[KB 34]

The reason I'd bat McLouth later in the fact that he's about the closest thing the Braves have to a power hitter right now. With Escobar it's purely a break up a billion lefties situation. The Braves have a million poor to excellent contact hitters and unfortunately since Teix was traded the power has really disappeared.

[Agent-X-]

Really, no one comes here to talk about the game as it's happening anymore. Is there some new-fangled way to discuss the game??

[ATL2123]

Morton's apparently out of the game with stomach issues?

[nuke_laloosh]

Morton's apparently out of the game with stomach issues?

They are now saying it's a pulled/tight hamstring

[chocolatesquirrel]

Heh, heh. I'd make the trainer tell everyone it was my hamstring, too. I'd bet money Morton was begging them not to tell everyone that he had to leave the game with the green apple quicksteps.

[nuke_laloosh]

1-0 Pirates, Adam Laroche with RBI groundout

[the eternAl optimist]

any idea what Norton was thinking cutting off that throw??

[Hobbes]

McLouth seems to have a good swing for that drive to the opposite field gap.

[Andy G.]

any idea what Norton was thinking cutting off that throw??
I guess McCann didn't think the the throw would make it on time and wanted to make sure the runner didn't get to second. It was pretty close, though.

I don't really care much about batting lineup, but I agree with the one Jan suggested.:)

[-Dr. Brave-]

Really, no one comes here to talk about the game as it's happening anymore. Is there some new-fangled way to discuss the game??

I guess everyone is looking for us on Twitter or Tweetybird or whatever they call it. :rolleyes:

[Andy G.]

O'Flaherty is in the game now. I like him a lot, even if he did just hit Monroe with his first pitch.

[Andy G.]

It seems like Escobar's made more bad plays this year than he did in the previous two years combined.

[BigWorm]

Escobar falls asleep in the infield giving the Pirates another run. 3-1 going into the bottom of the seventh. Time to make a late game push. Let's go Braves.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Is it too late to return Greg Norton for a full refund?

[BigWorm]

Garrett Anderson's new nickname is Poo Poo.

He looks like my 10 month old baby girl when she poops her pants.

[Andy G.]

Garrett Anderson's new nickname is Poo Poo.

He looks like my 10 month old baby girl when she poops her pants.
Freakin' hilarious. Congrats on the fairly new baby, btw.

My brother calls Anderson 'The Dinosaur'. I like Poo Poo more.

[Hobbes]

Moylan once again.

[-Dr. Brave-]

He looks like my 10 month old baby girl when she poops her pants.

Who does she look like the rest of the time?

[Hobbes]

I think Chip Caray just had an orgasm while calling that throw by McCann.

[-Dr. Brave-]

I think Chip Caray just had an orgasm while calling that throw by McCann.

No, that was just a warm fuzzy. He saves his orgasms for those times when the opposition makes a nice play.

[BigWorm]

Who does she look like the rest of the time?

A beautiful baby girl. But hey, everybody poops.

[JanShan12]

Come on, Chipper! Start the inning off right!

[-Dr. Brave-]

Nice grab of Chipper's liner by Morgan.

Maybe the Braves should try this "speed" thing the Pirates are doing.

[JanShan12]

Wow! Great hit! But a better catch.

[BigWorm]

WTG Poo Poo

[Hobbes]

The human mannequin gets a homer

[-Dr. Brave-]

Barney launches one!

Norton is Atlanta's last hope. Bobby doesn't want to take out that 0.2% chance that he will hit a homer.

[Hobbes]

...and the Braves lose.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Sigh.

[JanShan12]

Anderson with a pointless homer. Shame he doesn't do that when people are on base. The past few games still have me feeling positive and hopeful that this team can make a run.

[-Dr. Brave-]

The Braves still haven't won more than three straight this year.

[sdp]

Back at .500 again...

http://www.hasdeu.bz.edu.ro/softuri/fizica/mariana/Mecanica/Pendul_1/sinus.gif

This team would make Newton proud.

[Chris_Moderato]

Uh...I was under the impression that this was going to be a "no visual aides" fan site.

[KB 34]

Newton would drop a few players and see if they fell at the same speed. It would be one of the highlights of the season for them.

[slowride]

Volleyball got rained out tonight due to "tornadoes" and "thunderstorms." Bah...Anyways, The electricity came back on in my apt to watch the bottom of the 9th.

If Chip had taken roids he'd have 550 HRs by now.

[Devil Wears Prado]

Can we go ahead and stop asking for Norton now? I don't think he's got much left in him after seeing his performance tonight. Shows how desperate we are to get someoen in here... or at least bring someone else up?

[bravos4evr]

Can we go ahead and stop asking for Norton now? I don't think he's got much left in him after seeing his performance tonight. Shows how desperate we are to get someoen in here... or at least bring someone else up?

Barbaro Canizarez deserves a shot IMO. The guy can rake. He may be a butcher at first, but I
d rather have him pinch hitting and spelling Kotchman at first than Norton.

[BraveFan]

The offense is starting to come together and while we didn't hit tonight that happens to every team once in a while. Problem is after McCann in the order there is no real threat, heck Anderson is the only one that can put a decent swing on the ball from the 5th to 8th spots. Frenchy and Johnson suck hard.

When everyone is healthy I'd like this.

1 McLouth
2 Escobar
3 Jones
4 McCann
5 RH RF (trade for a power hitting Right handed hitting RF, doesn't need to be a superstar just somebody that can get the job done)
6 Kotchman
7 Anderson/Diaz (neither is great but in the 7th spot they are fine)
8 Johnson/Prado/Infante (just play whoever is hot)

[Dreamscape]

Norton was great last year and has been badly misused this year. He's better than this and after just two starts, I'm not ready to give up. Hell, he actually has pop in his bat. I know this team's not used to that idea, but give the guy some regular at-bats to try to get his timing down before getting rid of him.

[luvdembravos]

Problem is after McCann in the order there is no real threat, heck Anderson is the only one that can put a decent swing on the ball from the 5th to 8th spots. Frenchy and Johnson suck hard.

Suck is right. Some OBP stats:

KJ .300
GA .288
Francoeur .272

:(

[Lauren T.]

If Chip had taken roids he'd have 550 HRs by now.
He's too busy eating greenies. You think he's lethargic now, you should see him without them. :p

I only saw the first inning this morning before work (was out last night) -- poor Charlie's "hamstring". Maybe a bottle of Pepto will help it.

[Agent-X-]

Suck is right. Some OBP stats:

KJ .300
GA .288
Francoeur .272

:(

What I find incredibly hard to believe is that as poorly as Anderson is playing, he's still more productive than Francoeur. Talk about careers nearing their end... I wonder if Jeff has started putting in job applications yet.

[Hobbes]

What I find incredibly hard to believe is that as poorly as Anderson is playing, he's still more productive than Francoeur. Talk about careers nearing their end... I wonder if Jeff has started putting in job applications yet.
Chuck James can probably get him a job installing windows for Lowes.