Game One Gamethread: Braves at Giants, October 7, 2010

[Dreamscape]

Here we go. Back to October baseball. Don't know if I can make it for the whole game, but I will try. Hopefully, Atlanta will come out early and get Derek Lowe a few runs. Derek Lowe, who ended the season very well - as if he finally found his lethal sinker again - will match up with Tim Lincecum. Surprisingly, Matt Diaz gets the start tonight.

Atlanta Braves
Omar Infante, 3B
Jason Heyward, RF
Derrek Lee, 1B
Brian McCann, C
Alex Gonzalez, SS
Matt Diaz, LF
Brooks Conrad, 2B
Rick Ankiel, CF
Derek Lowe, P

Is it me or does a new Bobby start up once the playoff hits? It's like when he started Brian Jordan randomly. Diaz started just a few times against righties all season and gets the call tonight?

I guess you can't really go wrong/right with the options in LF/CF...

[IkeWagner]

Ankiel should not be starting over McLouth. Ankiel has a better arm, but his range is no better (I think it's actually worse) than Nate's, and Nate has showed a lot of promise at the plate lately. Does anyone have any idea what Bobby is thinking?

[chicagobrave]

Ankiel also had some key hits down the stretch. While his range may not be great he is better at making plays on what he does get to. Nate sometimes seems reluctant to make throws in to home plate. I would guess that Bobby is thinking this is going to be a low scoring game and he started Ankiel because he is not afraid to try to throw out base runners and seems to be more accurate at it.

[IkeWagner]

I would guess that Bobby is thinking this is going to be a low scoring game and he started Ankiel because he is not afraid to try to throw out base runners and seems to be more accurate at it.

That sounds right.

Ankiel also had some key hits down the stretch.

With as many at-bats as he got, it's difficult to not pick up at least a few big hits. Let's not forgot how much he struck out, and how clueless he usually looked doing it.

[chicagobrave]

That sounds right.



With as many at-bats as he got, it's difficult to not pick up at least a few big hits. Let's not forgot how much he struck out, and how clueless he usually looked doing it.


That is true. But Nate has also had limited playing time this season due to his lack of offense. Maybe Bobby feels more comfortable having him available as a pinch hitter.

[Dreamscape]

Homo Farnsworth is on Futurama.

...nope, not kidding.

[chicagobrave]

Good start with the double for Infante. Come on Heyward pick up your first post-season RBI here.

[Chris_Moderato]

Infante with the big lead off double. That's a nice way to kick this thing off.

[Dreamscape]

Come on, Lee. We need you.

[Dreamscape]

Sigh. Just nasty.

Up to McCann.

[chicagobrave]

Come on Mac pick up the game's first RBI here.

[Dreamscape]

I really don't think you want to be overly patient against Lincecum. I think you have to be aggressive and try to beat on him early.

[MississippiBrave91]

I hate these commentators.

[chicagobrave]

Mac what are you swinging at? This is not golf.

[BigWorm]

Come on bobbies

[Dreamscape]

By the way...if you don't know...

Hanson hit a foulball off his eyeball. Yeah, you can't make that up. No word on whether it will impact his ability to take the mound tomorrow.

[Dreamscape]

Nice twin killing to take away that opening single.

[BigWorm]

Nice turn bobbies

[MississippiBrave91]

Nice DP... conrad to gonzo to lee

[chicagobrave]

Good defense leads to a DP.

[BigWorm]

FYI
Bobbies = bobby + babies
Lovable bunch of utility guys ....what can I say we are playing SAN fran.

[BigWorm]

crap i made a bet on bodog that
Heyward would have more runs,hits,rbi's than Sanchez
nevermind i messed up

[chicagobrave]

Ugh Lowe the defense just gave you a double play. Please do not give their offense extra opportunities with a walk.

[HomerTheBrave]

Good defense leads to a DP.

let's not get carried away now, a little league team turns that double play....

[Dreamscape]

Alex Gonzalez = Kit from League of their Own.

[BigWorm]

Despite getting these K's Lincecum doesn't look like he's hitting his spots too well. Let's see if it comes back to haunt him.

[Dreamscape]

Well...this is fun...

NOT!!!

/Wayne's World'd

[HomerTheBrave]

Despite getting these K's Lincecum doesn't look like he's hitting his spots too well. Let's see if it comes back to haunt him.


that would work if these guys would learn how to take a pitch.

[BigWorm]

that thing about the spots.....
he
heh
mmmya

[Dreamscape]

Can we have a do-over?

[BigWorm]

at least they can't score any first inning runs against us

[BigWorm]

I'm padding my post count tonight .... deep thoughts by bigwormhandy

[chicagobrave]

It would be nice if the offense outside of Infante would stop swinging at garbaage and take advantage of Lincicum's mistakes.

[HomerTheBrave]

Well...this is fun...

NOT!!!

/Wayne's World'd


For a sec I thought you were doing Borat.....

KNAAAahhhTTTT!!

[BigWorm]

sometimes i think bobby is senile. then he talks, what a nice guy.

[BigWorm]

i wonder if he uses that soft gee whiz voice at home when his wife is around?

[jlcct]

I don't like that Ankiel is starting either. Come on Atlanta!

[BigWorm]

Derek Lowe spells his first name Gangsta.

[Dreamscape]

Thank you, Lee.

[BigWorm]

Pablo Sandoval was a mexican gangster in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Except he was mexican and five feet tall one hundred pounds. I wonder what this fat guys real name is.

[BigWorm]

Lowe = Power Pitcher KKKKKKK
oh just one? nm

[Dreamscape]

Go away, Kung Fu Panda.

Now, everyone watch Ankiel strike out on two pitches.

[chicagobrave]

Nice to see an inning with no baserunners. Hopefully the offense can settle down now and start taking some pitches if Lincicum continues to miss his spots.

[BigWorm]

mindboggling mathematics

[BigWorm]

just turned radio on....ah Jim Powell is very good.

[BigWorm]

rut roh I'm thinking we are going to need to work some counts tonight and get this guy out of here earlier than usual

[Garydee]

Lowe is going to have a very sharp game in order to win tonight. The offense isn't going to give him much.

[Dreamscape]

I have a sinking feeling in my stomach.

Oh, goody, they informed me on how to compute ERA. I've only known that since I was NINE!

[BigWorm]

Anyone else hate it that TBS sent Smoltzie to Minnesota instead of San Fran?

[Dreamscape]

Anyone else hate it that TBS sent Smoltzie to Minnesota instead of San Fran?
Very much.

[BigWorm]

God darnit Conrad people picking you to be the hero not the goat

[Dreamscape]

That sinking feeling...is getting worse.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Good, Conrad got his daily error out of the way early.

[BigWorm]

crap need a freaking miracle
nice

[Dreamscape]

Well...thanks for running into an out, Cody.

[IkeWagner]

Conrad just lost his starting spot, me thinks.

[chicagobrave]

Wake up and play defense Brooks.

[BigWorm]

come on huff you getting sleepy

[Chris_Moderato]

I have a sinking feeling in my stomach.

Oh, goody, they informed me on how to compute ERA. I've only known that since I was NINE!

Well, while you were studying statistical computations at nine, some of us were actually playing baseball, so...

[Dreamscape]

Keep it up, Lowe!

[BigWorm]

nice pitch there ... unhittable

[Dreamscape]

Well, while you were studying statistical computations at nine, some of us were actually playing baseball, so...
Jokes on you. I didn't get sunburnt like you!

[-Dr. Brave-]

Nice job by Lowe to get out of that one.

[BigWorm]

wow who the hell is this guy?
quick give him 60 million...
what? we already did that? oh good.

[chicagobrave]

Nice job by Lowe to get out of that mess and keep it scoreless.

[Garydee]

Lowe has great movement on his sinker and slider tonight.

[Dreamscape]

Alrighty, Jason. Time to add a little more prestige to your career.

[Dreamscape]

Heyward opens things with a walk. Methinks he's dying to swipe second.

[BigWorm]

Need heyward to score here for personal gambling reasons...

[IkeWagner]

These errors might cost Conrad a spot on the club next year.

[BigWorm]

Let's go bobbies

[chicagobrave]

Nice to see someone finally take some pitches.

[BigWorm]

put Diaz at second what the hell

[IkeWagner]

Lincecum doesn't throw hard anymore.

[BigWorm]

send him bobby

[BigWorm]

just missed a bammajamma

[Dreamscape]

Well, we are past McCann. Our offense is dead.

[chicagobrave]

put Diaz at second what the hell

Has Matty ever played in the in-field before?

[BigWorm]

ah crap guys

[IkeWagner]

Now stepping to the plate is our fearsome 5-hole hitter....Alex Gonzalez.

[HomerTheBrave]

These errors might cost Conrad a spot on the club next year.

he's gonna hit 450 .....i know it......

[BigWorm]

Has Matty ever played in the in-field before?

He's the emergency catcher. I don't think he'd do any worse than lollipop kidz.

[chicagobrave]

Ok time for the offense to figure out how to score when we have base-runners or this is going to be a very long night.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Has Matty ever played in the in-field before?

He played a couple games at first 2 or 3 years ago... and looked really awkward doing it.

[IkeWagner]

Wise as it is to avoid judging rashly, I don't think we have a chance in hell against Lincecum, or the other two. Our lineup is so damn thin. Our arms will have to be almost perfect.

[-Dr. Brave-]

These leadoff baserunners for the Giants are going to score eventually.

[BigWorm]

Sutton just told a funny story about Pat Burrell's quotes.

Giant outfield - Pat Burrell, Andres Torres, and Aubrey Huff
"We are like a wild animal outfield. We've got two water-buffaloes and one gazelle."

[Dreamscape]

I want interference.

[Chris_Moderato]

Well, the replay shows that Posey was actually out, but the TBS guys are only interested in how ugly his slide was.

[Dreamscape]

I don't like Uribe turning on everything he sees.

[Dreamscape]

I do like Uribe striking out, though.

[Dreamscape]

Speaking of liking...I don't really like this move.

[CanadaBravesFan]

Wish we would have gotten that call on Posey at second. Lowe is dealing

[HomerTheBrave]

these friggin commentators are worried about how awkward Posey slid into second....instead of bringing the fact that HE WAS OUT!!

morons...

[Dreamscape]

Postseason Bobby...overthinks everything.

[CanadaBravesFan]

Bobby, why did you walk him? Grrr

[HomerTheBrave]

Bull****!!

[Chris_Moderato]

Wow, our defense really is going to be the death of us. Amazing.

[CanadaBravesFan]

1 run feels like a mountain right now.

[Dreamscape]

It's amazing that I miss Chipper's glove at third.

Jeez...that's just scary.

[chicagobrave]

1 run feels like a mountain right now.

Unfortunately I think you are right. I really hope someone on the offense can figure out how to get some RBI's tonight though.

[Chris_Moderato]

I know I'll enrage our good friends at the "Matt Diaz Can Do No Wrong" club, but I can't wait until he is no longer an option for the Braves. The day he is non-tendered will be a good day.

[CanadaBravesFan]

I dont think that Ankiel can catch up to a 70 mph fastball most days, let alone 92-93

[CanadaBravesFan]

I know I'll enrage our good friends at the "Matt Diaz Can Do No Wrong" club, but I can't wait until he is no longer an option for the Braves. The day he is non-tendered will be a good day.

I just wish we would get an everyday LF that is better. It shouldnt take 3 years to find such a player. :(

[MississippiBrave91]

oh lawd...

[Garydee]

Hey, Ankiel hasn't struck out tonight. Maybe that's a good omen or something.

[HomerTheBrave]

I know I'll enrage our good friends at the "Matt Diaz Can Do No Wrong" club, but I can't wait until he is no longer an option for the Braves. The day he is non-tendered will be a good day.

I admit I'm a Diaz guy, but I have a good excuse, my last name is also Diaz(mine is pronounced the right way,though)

But I'm done with him......

[MississippiBrave91]

nice play in right center by ankiel

[MississippiBrave91]

Hey, Ankiel hasn't struck out tonight. Maybe that's a good omen or something.

Unfortunately, everyone else seems to be picking up his slack

[CanadaBravesFan]

Every ball hit to Brooks Knoblauch, and I am terrified

[MississippiBrave91]

Uhh...did....he just say Aubrey Huff had on a red thong tonight?...:no:

[-Dr. Brave-]

Uhh...did....he just say Aubrey Huff had on a red thong tonight?...:no:

Well, his first name is Aubrey...

[Dreamscape]

A "Posey's Better" chant.

O RLY?

[Garydee]

A "Posey's Better" chant.

O RLY?

We'll see five years from now who has the better stats. SF fans are obviously on crack.

[Dreamscape]

Awful pitch...crappy defense...triple.

[CanadaBravesFan]

Ankiel shows us his Amazing OF talents. Get Glaus in at 3rd, Infante at 2b and McLouth in CF. The D sucks anyways, why not get a better hitting lineup in there?

[Dreamscape]

Awesome pitch there, Lowe. Froze him

[MississippiBrave91]

heeerrrreeeessss Johnny!

[Dreamscape]

Here comes Venters...who has not been that good down the stretch...but Bobby knew a game was being played today so Venters has to get a call.

[Chris_Moderato]

I don't like this move.

[CanadaBravesFan]

Great night from Lowe (Cant win with ZERO runs), here comes Venters.

[chicagobrave]

Pitching change. Venters coming in. Need two quick strike outs from Venters to keep the score where it is.

[BigWorm]

Get a K here kid.

[Garydee]

Lowe's taken out of the game. He deserved a much better fate than this crappy defense gave him.

[Dreamscape]

Oh, God, I hate Kid Rock.

[CanadaBravesFan]

YES

[Chris_Moderato]

Well, that worked out. Thank Christ.

[Dreamscape]

Well, that turned out rather well.

[BigWorm]

I don't like this move.
Good thing Chris Bravesblue Moderato doesn't run the braves.

[CanadaBravesFan]

Lets get some F'N hits

[jlcct]

YEAH JOHNNY!!! YEAH! ...I have missed a few innings so far. What I have seen it didn't seem like Lowe was done and he only threw like 96 pitches or so. Why was he pulled? He seemed fine from what I saw.

[chicagobrave]

Wake up and do your jobs to score some runs NOW guys!!!

[Chris_Moderato]

Good thing Chris Bravesblue Moderato doesn't run the braves.

I'm drunk, just like Bobby.

[Dreamscape]

McCann's going to jack one this inning.

[HomerTheBrave]

what an ugly boxscore......

1 hit......just one god ^&*n hit?

[Dreamscape]

So...Huddy's been moved up to Game Two?

[jlcct]

Lincecum only has 82 pitches so far and he has been all over the place. This is silly.

[Dreamscape]

what an ugly boxscore......

1 hit......just one god ^&*n hit?
You can't say god ^&*n on chopnation!

[jlcct]

We should have 10 walks so far. ....Atta boy Brian!

[Dreamscape]

...homer...double...it was at least something.

[jlcct]

What the hell happened to our patience? apkjsdnoair

[Dreamscape]

Rafael Belliard would be better at the plate right now.

[chicagobrave]

Ok someone needs to tie this game up now.

[CanadaBravesFan]

What has happened to Gonzo?

[Dreamscape]

Hey, cool, a runner on third. That's a first.

[MississippiBrave91]

Come on matty d. we really need this

[chicagobrave]

Well at least he moved Mac to 3rd. Now would be a great time to launch one Matty.

[Chris_Moderato]

Way to work the count, Diaz. Idiot.

[Dreamscape]

Only so many more games before Diaz gets non-tendered. That's a plus.

[CanadaBravesFan]

Diaz, take a pitch. You are not good enough to swing all willy-nilly

[MississippiBrave91]

I honestly don't think it would matter who was pitching to us right now.

[-Dr. Brave-]

YEAH JOHNNY!!! YEAH! ...I have missed a few innings so far. What I have seen it didn't seem like Lowe was done and he only threw like 96 pitches or so. Why was he pulled? He seemed fine from what I saw.

Lowe will probably pitch Monday on short rest. Assuming we get there.

[CanadaBravesFan]

I honestly don't think it would matter who was pitching to us right now.

I agree.

[Dreamscape]

I like the new Farmers commercials.

[HomerTheBrave]

You can't say god ^&*n on chopnation!

I was trying to do a politically correct Harry Doyle impression....


i know,i ain't good at it..:thumbsdown:

[IkeWagner]

Little Timmy out on strikes.

[Chris_Moderato]

Well, luckily our pitchers have been dealing tonight and keeping us in it, so hopefully someone will get their s**t together and deposit a two run homer into the bay.

[Dreamscape]

Those days off did miracles for Venters.

[HomerTheBrave]

What has happened to Gonzo?


Where have you been?

That IS Gonzo.....

[Dreamscape]

I was trying to do a politically correct Harry Doyle impression....


i know,i ain't good at it..:thumbsdown:
lol...I was playing the sidekick who tells him you can't do that on the radio.

[Garydee]

Do you think Terry Pendleton gets canned after this season. I'm betting on it.

[HomerTheBrave]

lol...I was playing the sidekick who tells him you can't do that on the radio.


lol damn....missed that one...

[-Dr. Brave-]

Pretty obvious what the book on Conrad is. Everything up.

[Dreamscape]

Hey, apparently Posey was out earlier. Surprised?

[MississippiBrave91]

These guys are swinging at at an invisible ball tonight... good grief

[HomerTheBrave]

so now these morons finally noticed that Posey was out.....

[Dreamscape]

People still want to bring Ankiel back? Anyone?

Hey, 'ski!

[Chris_Moderato]

What sucks is that our pitching will get overshadowed in the coverage of this game, should we lose, even though they have been spectacular tonight.

[chicagobrave]

Hey, apparently Posey was out earlier. Surprised?

No but apparently the ump was not in good position and could not see the tag.

[Dreamscape]

I still don't get how Hinske can't play third. He played there 13 times last year and 457 times over his career.

[Chris_Moderato]

How the hell are they swinging at all this junk?!

Wait, maybe Tim Lincecum is a good pitcher...

[-Dr. Brave-]

How many times will we chase out of the strike zone before we figure it out?

:banghead:

[HomerTheBrave]

allrighty then.....how many, 13 ks?

so I guess our problem is not just defense.......

[CanadaBravesFan]

Do you think Terry Pendleton gets canned after this season. I'm betting on it.

I wish, but I doubt it. I would do ANYTHING for us to hire Don Baylor if he doesnt get the Jays Managers job

[IkeWagner]

The Braves doing their best Reds impression.

[CanadaBravesFan]

I still don't get how Hinske can't play third. He played there 13 times last year and 457 times over his career.

I agree. He or Glaus would be better. If we are going to die, might as well try to score some runs instead of getting blanked every game

[BigWorm]

Jeff Francoeur had a rbi double in the first texas game. Just to add some frustration to our frustration. Maybe we can resign Ankiel and bring back Jeff. That would be one hell of a 3-4 combo.

[MississippiBrave91]

Can't say enough about the Braves' pitching in this game though... Outstanding....I'm trying to be optimistic here....

[HomerTheBrave]

No but apparently the ump was not in good position and could not see the tag.


Oh, ok....so it's ok then to blow a call because the ump was not DOING HIS JOB AND GETTING THE RIGHT ANGLE FOR A PLAY HE'S ACTUALLY THERE FOR....

I guess it's ok....:banghead:

[Dreamscape]

I'm not sure I wanted to see Dunn this bad.

[Dreamscape]

Playoff Bobby is at it again.

[MississippiBrave91]

Even if we do tie it up and send it to extras we won't have anyone else left to pitch... geez bobby

[chicagobrave]

Oh, ok....so it's ok then to blow a call because the ump was not DOING HIS JOB AND GETTING THE RIGHT ANGLE FOR A PLAY HE'S ACTUALLY THERE FOR....

I guess it's ok....:banghead:

I don't think it's ok for the ump to miss calls like that. In the replay it showed how the ump allowed himself to be screened by the runner.

[BigWorm]

Well we're giving it our best shot next inning. Infante, HeyWOOD (HIT A BOMB SON), and DLee (still waiting for that Fred McGriff moment to become a true Yankee i mean Brave)

[chicagobrave]

I agree. He or Glaus would be better. If we are going to die, might as well try to score some runs instead of getting blanked every game

That would make too much sense. Apparently Bobby thinks they should just sit on the bench in case he needs pinch hitters.

[HomerTheBrave]

I don't think it's ok for the ump to miss calls like that. In the replay it showed how the ump allowed himself to be screened by the runner.


it's hard to show sarcasm on a post, I tried it,though

[Chris_Moderato]

Man, Craig Kimbrel is a monster...

[Chris_Moderato]

Whew! McCann got Huff trying to steal second. Thank god.

[BigWorm]

D Lee HR here calling it

[IkeWagner]

Man, Craig Kimbrel is a monster...

Is he ever.

[Chris_Moderato]

Here we go...

[BigWorm]

The league's best closer is on the bench.

[BigWorm]

That was outside

[BigWorm]

WTF heywood

[Chris_Moderato]

Jesus, man...what's with these ridiculous swings?! I don't understand that in the least...Down to D-Lee.

[Dreamscape]

That changeup...really hurt the at-bat. Should have 3-1.

[-Dr. Brave-]

The Braves' approach at the plate tonight has just sucked.

[MississippiBrave91]

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Dreamscape]

Yeah...best pitch of the at-bat...and don't pull the trigger.

[BigWorm]

Ah crap. Nice game Lincecum. Can't do anything about that.

[Chris_Moderato]

Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic performance tonight by the offense.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Swing at balls and take strikes.

My neck's sore from shaking my head so much. :no:

[-Dr. Brave-]

That blown call at second really hurt us.

[-Dr. Brave-]

Tommy Hanson still scheduled for game 2.

[chicagobrave]

If someone buys me airline tickets I will fly to SF and dump the 2nd base ump into the bay. :banghead::laugh:

[IkeWagner]

That blown call at second really hurt us.

It did hurt, but it's not like we would have ever scored.

[-Dr. Brave-]

It did hurt, but it's not like we would have ever scored.

We might have scored once Lincejizz left the game. But we probably would have run out of pitchers anyway.

[Lauren T.]

Those days off did miracles for Venters.
I've been saying that for about two months - he needed a solid 3 days off. It took the end of the season for him to get it, but at least he got it. :rolleyes:
What sucks is that our pitching will get overshadowed in the coverage of this game, should we lose, even though they have been spectacular tonight.Man, Craig Kimbrel is a monster...
I had a little mini-party at my place tonight, and while I was getting a little excited over the pitching, my friends were really upset over the lack of offense. I love good pitching, so I thought this was a "great" game. Just wish we'd had the one run instead of them, you know?
(http://twitter.com/#%21/mlbbowman/status/26719951025)

Bowman (http://twitter.com/#%21/mlbbowman/status/26719951025) says Hanson will pitch tomorrow. *whew*

[-Dr. Brave-]

Bowman (http://twitter.com/#%21/mlbbowman/status/26719951025) says Hanson will pitch tomorrow. *whew*

Bad link, but we'll take your word for it.

Hudson would really benefit from a little extra rest.

[Braves_fever]

Always frustrating by losing by 1, Lowe seemed to make his job, disappointing for him not to have run support.

I predict more hits and runs for the 2nd game, Bravos have to tie at 1-1.
I saw a stat for ALDS and NLCS that a team losing the two first games have almost no chance to come back.

[quick]

Not to toot my own horn, but my prognostication in the "expectations" thread were dead-on:

Our defense sucked last night; too many extra chances for SF.

When we did have men on, instead of trading bases for outs, we sat and waited. And waited. When Omar led off with the double, we should have had Heywood bunt him to 3d (1 out), go for the sac or the squeeze and get a run (2 outs). Just one flipping run so we have a lead. We must score. SCORE. Manufacture. As poorly as we are hitting now, we need to take extreme measures. I realize this would show Bobby has lost confidence in the offense, but you cannot win if you do not SCORE.

Our hitters swung at balls 18 inches out of the strike zone, I know, and I suspect Pendleton told them to "be aggressive." If the Barves had just not swung at anything I suspect Little Timmy would have walked half a dozen. He was wild, and not by design.

[warefreak]

... I don't know what it is about the playoffs the last couple years. Was there always such HUGE mistakes by the umps or is this just a recent thing? Is it just because it's getting so much media attention that I feel like it's only been the last couple years???

I almost feel like we need to take a close look at these damn umps banking records to make sure they didn't just get an anonymous deposit.

Or maybe we need to drive by the house and make sure nobody is being held hostage...

[Middle Man]

From an early season thread:

...

Defense is going to be an issue this season.

Well, I'm glad I was wrong about that. Defense has been stellar.

Thank gawd for Lee. His hitting has been a disappointment, mostly, but without his glove we might be fielding the worst defensive infield in playoff history. And the outfield ain't winning any awards either.

Let me just say one more negative thing and then I'll stop - when your 3B is Chipper Jones, you had better have a real good plan B. Apparently plan B was that Prado would fill in if needed, but I always thought that was kind of stupid since he was our starter at 2B. I also sort of thought that one reason for getting Hinske was as insurance at 3B. Apparently not. I know that injuries aren't always predictable, but given who our 3B was, this situation is a major FAIL for the team management.

OK, only positive thoughts now. If we can find a way to win tonight, we head back to comfy Turner with a chance to close out the series.

[Chris_Moderato]

I'd really like to see Hinske at third and Infante moved back to second. Why not give it a shot for one game? That pairing can't possibly be any worse than Infante at third and Brooks...well, anywhere.

[Lauren T.]

Bad link, but we'll take your word for it.

Hudson would really benefit from a little extra rest.

Link still works for me this morning. Here's the quote.

@mlbbowman (http://twitter.com/#%21/mlbbowman) Mark Bowman

Tommy Hanson said he will pitch tomorrow. You have to look close to see the mark above his right eye.

11 hours ago (http://twitter.com/#%21/mlbbowman/status/26719951025) via web

[-Dr. Brave-]

Link still works for me this morning. Here's the quote.

That's strange. Still doesn't work for me.

http://www.roanokevalleyweather.com/posted/no_twits.jpg

EDIT: You have extra characters in the URL. This works for me:
http://twitter.com/mlbbowman

[Lauren T.]

Ah, I'm on a beta program - "New Twitter" - that's probably what it is. It's pretty awkward and there's too much information on the page; I don't care for it.

[Middle Man]

Heeeeee's SAFE!!!

http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_mlb_experts__66/ept_sports_mlb_experts-237014830-1286515235.jpg?ymj4D5DDKnsVOW2T

[Dreamscape]

If any Braves fan still thinks instant replay would hurt baseball, you missed yesterday's game.

[The Rap]

I keep rememebering how everyone was clamoring for one or two extra big bats. Well we thought we got one in Derek Lee and the jury is still out on that and we lost Chipper and Prado which is two of the top 3 in our batting order. I felt like I was watching a minor league lineup last night. So it goes.

[Lauren T.]

Personally, I never thought Derrek Lee was a solution to our lineup issues. He was the best available for us, but he was not a solution.

[HomerTheBrave]

Not to toot my own horn, but my prognostication in the "expectations" thread were dead-on:

Our defense sucked last night; too many extra chances for SF.

When we did have men on, instead of trading bases for outs, we sat and waited. And waited. When Omar led off with the double, we should have had Heywood bunt him to 3d (1 out), go for the sac or the squeeze and get a run (2 outs). Just one flipping run so we have a lead. We must score. SCORE. Manufacture. As poorly as we are hitting now, we need to take extreme measures. I realize this would show Bobby has lost confidence in the offense, but you cannot win if you do not SCORE.

Our hitters swung at balls 18 inches out of the strike zone, I know, and I suspect Pendleton told them to "be aggressive." If the Barves had just not swung at anything I suspect Little Timmy would have walked half a dozen. He was wild, and not by design.

about your prediction that our defense was gonna suck was not excactly going out on a limb,you know.

but you are right about that first inning decision for Heyward to hit away instead of moving him over....that's not telling your team that he doesn't trust in them, it's fundamental baseball.
bad move, IMO

about plate discipline, if TP is telling his team to be agressive then he should be fired on the spot, one of the reasons this team came this far was because of the knack to get on base....that knack has been way out the window since Chipper went down.