[Program Update] Monday May 5th's episode, entitled "Braves Seeing Red: Braves sweep the Reds but injuries are still an issue in the pitching rotation, and Pat and Bert break down Snoltz's possible return to the pen and all the latest news and notes," is now available.
Go Braves!
posted by Patrick on Sunday, April 20, 2008
The Braves have now won 4 games in a row and seem to have solved some of the problems of the first few weeks of the season. The bats have started to come alive and the pitching seems to be more intact but everything is not in great shape. The injuries are now starting to pile up with key pitchers Glavine, Soriano, Moylan and Hampton on the injured list.
In today's ball game Chipper reaggravated his quad muscle and will be further evaluated after the ball game but was again pulled early. If the Braves want to make a playoff run in '08 they have to get healthy quick. The injuries to Hampton and Chipper are to be expected because of their history but filling the gap for the other guys is a major issue. Still, the Braves have the youth in the minors to bring up quality players to fill in. Hopefully this will be what keeps them in the race all season long!
Bert's Trivia of the Week
Last Week
What was the first year for the hall of fame? Who was in and with the most votes?
Answer
1936; Ty Cobb 222, Walter Johnson 189,Christy Mathewson 205, Babe Ruth 215,Honus Wagner 215
This Week
Who was the 1996 HR leader for the Braves?
posted by Patrick on Sunday, April 6, 2008
John Smoltz pitched a gem while on the mound Sunday afternoon. Smoltz pitched shut out baseball in his first start of the year but left the game after completing the 5th inning. At the very beginning of the season the bullpen struggled slightly but was also over used. The win over the Mets allows Atlanta to get back at the top of the East standings after one week of play.
This will also be the first time the Braves fans will get to see Hudson, Smoltz, and Glavine in three consecutive starts. With Hudson, and Smoltz getting the job done over the weekend it will now be up to Tom Glavine to carry the momentum over to the weekend. This week that should also see the 2008 debut of Chuck James. We are also expecting to get a late week update on the Mike Hampton injury. Hampton will hopefully be able to head to the minors and make a few starts before giving it another go in Atlanta. Well this first week is in the bag now and seen a couple of games get away. Will it cost the Braves late in the season and will the bullpen hold up all season long? Give us your thoughts by e-mail at hosts@bravescast.com or call the v-mail at 678-08-2721
Bert's Trivia
What Atlanta Braves led the Braves in runs scored in 1991?
posted by Patrick on Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Braves have announced there opening day roster for the 2008 season. The unusual thing about this year's roster is that it will have a totally different look as soon as later this week. Both John Smoltz and Chuck James are officially on the DL this week and can be set to return in time to be inserted in the 6th spots in the rotation. This basically means that they will have to clear room for two more pitchers after James and Smoltz are back. My guess is that they would remove 1 starter and 1 reliever. The question still remains...who?
Bobby Cox has elected to go with 12 pitchers, 6 infielders, 3 catchers, and 4 outfielders. Bryan Pena will serve as the backup for Teixeria at first and will also back up the other two catchers (Brian McCann and Corky Miller). The last and final outfield spot went to Gregor Blanco. This is the only move that the Bravescast crew has not agreed with. Bert and I both would have gone with Josh Anderson as the backup. We feel he has more big league experience and is a faster runner who can play slightly better defense. So with all that being said here is the 2008 Opening Day roster:
Pitchers (12)
Tim Hudson (RH)
Tom Glavine (LH)
Mike Hampton (LH)
Jair Jurrjens (RH)
Jeff Bennett (RH)
Manny Acosta (RH)
Blaine Boyer (RH)
Will Ohman (LH)
Chris Resop (RH)
Royce Ring (LH)
Peter Moylan (RH)
Rafael Soriano (RH)
Catchers (3)
Brian McCann
Corky Miller
Brayan Pena
Infielders(6)
Chipper Jones
Yunel Escobar
Kelly Johnson
Mark Teixeira
Ruben Gotay
Martin Prado
Outfielders (4)
Matt Diaz
Jeff Francoeur
Mark Kotsay
Gregor Blanco
posted by Patrick on Sunday, March 23, 2008
Every year the Braves and other MLB organizations invite way more kids than will every fit on even a 40- man roster. By opening day it is at 25. The 25-man roster is unusually not as important as it is made out to be. By the end of the year normally we see most of the protected 40-man guys anyway due to injury, trades, or lack of production.
This year the Braves are faced with a few guys who are out of contract options. Players like Thorman and Pena may see their Atlanta careers come to an end at the end of this week. For some guys they will make the final jump into the majors and never look back. This weeks show breaks down all the moves that took place this week.
Next week we will each pick out our 25. We want your help to do so. Let us know which one of those bubble guys are going to make it and why. To do so just e-mail us at hosts@bravescast,com or call the voice mail line at 678-698-2721. We welcome your opinion as always.
We will debut our new rosters the middle of this week and will have the final one this upcoming Sunday "sounds good to say" for opening day! This weeks Pat's Pet Peeve covered "OPTIONS" in contracts and how guys always get put on the final roster not because of their ability or potential but just because they are out of options.
Bert's Trivia
Who wrote the baseball poem "Spahn and Sain and pray for rain?"
posted by Robert on Monday, March 17, 2008
It certainly can, which is what the Braves are hoping and many fans are ready to believe. There are a few slots that have to be worked out before opening day and many players have shown up. It is like a job. Three openings and six hundred applicants show up. Well, not that many but you see where I am going. The interview process has been a good one for Bobby and the gang...maybe too good.
Only one or two spots in the rotation need to be filled but four pitchers have had great starts. One centerfield spot and a backup in left are also up for grabs. Five have come out and staked a claim. What to do? Keep playing. Kotsay or Shaffer? Don't forget Anderson. Diaz and who? Anderson? What about Jones? That is just a small problem in the field that I bet Bobby is glad to have.
Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine, fourth and fifth spot. Hampton already with a small injury, Jurrjens, great spring, James is late on spring but going strong. Can we really forget about Bennet and Carlyle? We can all remember the things they did for us in '07.
Just about two weeks left to go and it seems like we have too many players. Stay tuned to see what happens next. We may find out we don't have enough. Who will be eliminated next week on.....? This isn't a reality game show, but it's as close as it could be. I'm just glad Jeff Probst isn't managing the Braves.
posted by Patrick on Monday, March 3, 2008
After suffering without baseball for months we can now get our first glimpse of what things will be like for the '08 season. Week one has almost concluded and most things are right on target. Hampton made a nice opening return and Glavine looked as great as I remember him. There a few players who are being cautious -- one of those is Chipper Jones. Jones suffered a hamstring injury and is day to day for the Braves. It should not be anything major but is one of those nagging reoccurring injuries.
Josh Anderson is impressive in the outfield with not only his defensive play but also his speed. He is showing just why the Braves traded for him in the offseason. Javy Lopez is trimmed down and looks great and should be a good addition to the team. He has also been working hard on defense and should step in well when McCann needs some off time. It will not be long and the Braves will be making their return to beautiful Turner Field. I passed by yesterday and thought to myself, "It's been too long and won't be much longer now."
I can't wait and I know you can't either. I want to thank our two correspondents from spring training, Braves Insider Grant McAuley and also Baseball Paul who will be doing some updates soon. If you are headed to spring training and want to call-in an update feel free to leave us your update on our "hit or miss" voicemail line at 678-608-2721 or e-mail us at hosts@bravescast.com.
Bert's Trivia of the Week
Name five all time baseball commissioners
posted by Patrick on Thursday, February 14, 2008
On a day that is meant to celebrate love, I could think of no better day for the return of MLB baseball. Most years February 14 is the "Day of Love", but this year it has much more meaning because it is also the return of pitchers and catchers to spring training. Soon we will have daily video and coverage to question we need answers to.
Questions like:
With 4 television networks covering the Braves spring you will have 11 chances to see the games on TV and other selected games on the Braves Radio flagship stations. Also, soon we will debut a spring training video special to air on YouTube. This will detail some of those matchups and things to look for this spring.
Some other things to note will be the play of the new Braves players. Kotsay, Anderson, Infante and others. Coming up in our next show we will speak with Dan Gordon, the author of the book Haunted Baseball. He will surprise you with many supernatural stories from players and other team members. This includes many comments made from current and former major league players and coaches. For more information on the book go to www.hauntedbasball.com.
Bert's Trivia of the Week
Name all the home venues the Braves franchise has played in all time.
posted by Patrick on Monday, January 21, 2008
One of the reason I love baseball more than any other sport is the diversity. From the players, coaches, fans, and even the umpires, baseball is a very diverse sport. We get in a variety of fans from many different states and even countries. Our interactive listener map shows people care about Braves baseball around the world! On our latest episode we are proud to announce we had our first female Bravescast caller Rue call in to the show. She is not only a huge Braves fan, but also an aspiring sports writer. I am sure she can also spell much better than me as well. We strive to not only be the one site that bridges the gap between the majors and minors but also to be the one place that any, yes any Braves fan can interact. We are the place for diehard braves fans.
In upcoming shows we will have a fan that doesn't care for Bobby Cox as a manager as well as perspectives from more women and even the opposition (like Philly sports writer Patrick Gordon who picked the Phils to win the East on our show). In our last episode we also debuted a new segment called "Pats Pet Peeves". This is where I examine comments "usually negative" made by so-called Braves fans. Things that really make me shake my head. One of my biggest pet peeves: this week we called out the fans online who have been saying Atlanta needs to add an American league team. The closest thing we will ever get to that will the AAA team moving to Gwinnett in '09. To submit a comment or subject for "Pat's Pet Peeves" e-mail us hosts@bravescast.com or call our Voicemail line at 678 608-2721.
Bert's Question Trivia of the Week
What is the number of season that Hank Aaron led the league in total bases?
posted by Patrick on Tuesday, January 15, 2008
This has been a very eventful week for the Atlanta Braves organization. As Fan Fest was starting on Saturday and people were filling up the convention center, rumors were swirling that the Braves were in talks to acquire Mark Kotsay from Oakland. By the time Fan Fest ended on Sunday, the deal was done and more news was just around the corner.
On Monday the announcements had been made that the Braves were planning on moving their AAA team from Richmond to Gwinnett. Words can not describe how I felt when the announcement was officially confirmed. Gwinnett has been the perfect place for a minor league baseball team for years now. This also puts them on the map as a nice minor league city. Gwinnett already has a hockey (Gladiators), arena football (Force), and ABA basketball (Vision) team. This completes it for them. The news that the stadium can be started and finished by the start of the '09 season is incredible.
I am a very big minor league fan and it allows me to not only travel to nearby Rome, Georgia but now also Gwinnett. Players can be called up and sent down in a moments notice and rehab assignments will get a lot easier in 09. What a week for the Braves. Many fans are weighing in on their thoughts of Fan Fest. The move to the convention center made the event much bigger...but was it better? I want to know your thoughts on that and also the repercussions from the Kotasy trade. Was this the deal that puts us over the top? E-mail or call in you thoughts: hosts@bravescast.com or 678-608-2721 We will return with a new show to discuss all the news on Thursday. Feel free to join us!
posted by Robert on Tuesday, January 15, 2008
This time of year holds a special place in my heart. I know it is only January and the season is a few months away but it is time for Fan Fest. I attended the 2008 Fan Fest with great delight. For the first time it was held indoors and for the first time I went to the Georgia World Congress Center. Both of those firsts provided a great and memorable experience.
A ton of fans showed up with great anticipation of how it would all play out. Three stages were set up for autographs and other great events took place. A field was set up for home run derby and another area was set up for kids to crank one over the fence. My favorite was the memorabilia booths in the back. Personally I cannot wait until it return next year. Go Braves!
posted by Patrick on Sunday, January 6, 2008
The voters have finalized their votes and the numbers are in. These are the 2007 Bravescast Awards & 2008 Predictions:
We will start off with 2007. Hitter of the Year goes to Chipper Jones. Pitcher of the Year goes to John Smoltz. Surprise player of the year goes to Yunel Escobar. The 2007 Bravescast Atlanta Braves MVP goes to Chipper Jones.
We also analyzed who we thought would win these awards in 2008 and here is what we came up with:
Predicted Pitcher of the Year: Tim Hudson. Hitter of the Year will be Jeff Francoeur. Surprise Player for '08 is Josh Anderson. The 2008 Atlanta Braves MVP will be Mark Teixeira.
A special thanks to the "Braves Insider" Grant McAuley for his assistance in our latest show. Check out his work at www.mlb.com or the Braves radio network sites. We will be recording live audio from fanfest this weekend Jan 12th and 13th.
Bert's Trivia
Last Weeks Question:
Q: Who was the World Series MVP in 2002?
A: Paul Molitor
This Weeks Question:
Who stole the most total bases in the decade of the 1990's?
To answer the question or for more information on the show e-mail us at hosts@bravescast.com or call our voicemail line at 678-608-2721
posted by Patrick on Monday, December 17, 2007
With '07 now officially behind us it is now time to look ahead to 2008. Before I do that though, I will say that '07 was once again a year of changes for the braves. The past few seasons we have scene some major changes. '07 was the final Braves telecast for TBS and also the last of the AOL/Time Warner ownership group. If that wasn't enough, they also changed general manager and multiple players. '07 marked the end for longtime Atlanta Brave Andrew Jones and an all star caliber short stop in Edgar Renteria.
Indeed a lot has and will continue to change before the start of the '08 season. We will see some familiar faces in Braves uniforms come spring training. Former battery mates Tom Glavine and Javy Lopez will return in a Braves uniform for the '08 season. The Braves will no doubt be able to continue to do what they have done best over the last decade plus and that is bring up young incredible talent. I am interested to see how the former prospects of McCann, Francouer, K Johnson, and Chuck James perform. These guys will soon be into the star of the "prime" years. Down on the farm, there are also guys like Jordan Shafer, Brandon Jones, and Joey Devine among others that will be battling for those final spots on the big league roster. This spring will be one unlike others that I have seen in a while. I will not only be interested in seeing the starters but also all those young guys who will fill the lst 6 innings of long 9 inning spring training games. Who will be this year's surprise player, or diamond in rough kind of guy? Who will be this year's Braves MVP? The next two weeks we will try to answer those questions and more and we want your help to determine those answers. This week's upcoming show will answer the best of 2007 and the following show will be a special fan prediction show.
We want to know some of the following 2007 Bravescast Award Winners: 2007 MVP, biggest surprise player, Pitcher of the year, hitter of the year, biggest impact from the minor leagues in '07. To cast your vote for you favorite e-mail us at hosts@bravescast.com or call the voicemail line at 678-608-2721. We will announce the winner early next week (probably Monday Jan, 7th).
Bert's Trivia Question of the Week
Who was the World Series MVP in 1992?
posted by Patrick on Monday, December 17, 2007
It is Christmas time and I hope you got everything you wanted...I also hope the Atlanta Braves got what they wanted. Far be it from me to know what they asked Santa for, but I'd guess it's solid play in 2008 by some of our young talent.
After they traded Edgar the Braves had a real solid backup in Yunel and we all saw what he did in the chances he had. If you are like me you hope he can do it all year. They did not sign Andruw and that was not a surprise. What remains a surprise is how they are going to replace him. The consensus here at Bravescast was that they're going to do so by seeing which rookie sensation performs best in spring training. That is, until they traded for a center fielder from Houston, Josh Anderson. He has the speed and a little experience in the majors but is that the way they are going to go? It remains to be seen.
Left field is another weak spot in the lineup. Matt Diaz did great until the season wore on and the at-bats started piling up. Brandon Jones also got some time up in Atlanta but I'm not sure that's enough to help his case.
It is a short Christmas list for the Braves but it is one nonetheless. Now it's a waiting game to see how things work out. In my mind that could be the worst part, but some might say that's just some coal in the stocking.
posted by Patrick on Monday, December 17, 2007
The Braves over the past couple of decades have taken pride perhaps maybe more than any other professional club around the youth of their organization. It is no surprise that the Braves are now loaded again at a couple positions on the diamond. This year's focus will be the outfield.
With the departure of Andruw Jones there is at the very least a backup role open for the Atlanta Braves outfield. Will Matt Diaz be able to handle the playing everyday? What happens if we have an injury? Be relieved that there are definitely some options out there; the future of the Braves outfield is in good hands. Possibly the hands of Jeff Fancouer, Josh Anderson, Brandon Jones, Jordan Schafer, and Matt Esquivel, Gregor Blanco, all of whom are upcoming stars.
With all these players still struggling to make it into their mid-twenties, the Braves have to feel confident that they will have one of the best outfields in baseball soon. So who makes it and why? A few things always come into play other than just pure stats and estimated potential. In this case however, it is really does appear to be an even playing field. I think it will come down to experience in the minors and option years for the players. It is obvious that everyone is not going to make it on the big club with Atlanta. The guys that don't may be involved in trades or have setbacks in the majors. If you looking for speed, Josh Anderson, Jordan Schafer, and Brandon Jones are good candidates. If you're looking for power then Matt Esquivel or Brandon Jones has plenty of potential there. What it all ultimately may come down to be defense, though. I give my nod to Josh Anderson and Jordan Schafer. Schafer is regarded as the best outfielder in the organization. Check out one reason why -- his blazing speed (YouTube clip).
With his prowess and the others' potential, I don't think there will be a veteran signing in the outfield. Josh Anderson with both exceptional speed and major league experience is the going to more than likely make the team and we will see him in center field. The main battle will be between young stars in Brandon Jones and Jordan Schafer. Jones has the experience but Schaffer has the better numbers (though at a different level). Brandon Jones has had some clutch hits in the minors and seems to really be putting it all together the last few seasons. Jordan Schafer is a speedster that can be multi dimensional at the plate. This will be extremely fun to watch this spring. Many fans of baseball think spring is boring after the starters get pulled, but this will give any true fan some inspiration to watch the game all the way through. The future depends on it!
Let me know who your pick is by e-mailing hosts@bravescast.com or via our call in line at 678-608-2721. Go Braves!
posted by Patrick on Monday, December 10, 2007
The Braves' front office likely left this year's meetings in Nashville thinking they took care of most of their offseason moves that need to be addressed. We want to know how you feel, though, during the post-winter meetings aftermath. Sometimes winter meetings are as much about the deals that you don't make just as much as the deals that you do. For instance, one rumor floating around was a trade for Chuck James for a quality outfielder for a year or two. The deal eventually did not go down but how would the pitching staff look without James?
The Braves organization is still seeking a veteran catcher for the upcoming season. We have plenty of youth at the catcher spot but the back up role usually goes to a catcher that is good defensively and can handle the pitching staff adequately. Otherwise Clint Sammons would be the backup catcher of the future, something that just does not exist.
With the trade of right handed reliever Jose Ascanio for left handed reliever Will Ohman and infielder Omar Infante the Braves were able to fill two additional needs. Thus I feel that we had a successful winter meetings. I look at the addition of Josh Anderson from the Tigers as a positive change in CF. The club has lacked speed for years now and if this guy is half the outfield Andruw Jones was the Braves will be alright. We did not make a "blockbuster" trade or change the nucleus of the team but what we did do is assure another winning season for the Braves.
I can't wait until spring training...it seems the same as Christmas morning with a bunch of presents. We have no clue what's in them but we know it's going to be a lot of fun finding out! E-mail us anytime at hosts@bravescast.com or call us at 679-608-2721.
Roberts Trivia
Last Weeks Question
Who was the last Atlanta Braves pitcher to lose 20 games in one season?
Answer: Phil Neikro in 1977
This Weeks Question
Which 4 Atlanta Braves players have won the rookie of the year? To answer email us at hosts@bravescast.com or leave a voicemail at 679-608-2721.posted by Robert on Sunday, December 9, 2007
Over two million fans went to Turner Field last year to watch the Atlanta Braves finish third in the N.L. East for the second year in a row. The Braves have already did something this year as they did last year even before the first pitch of the season has been thrown...they raised ticket prices. Could this be the start of a new tradition?
A look a what they did is awful for the average fan but really bad for those out there who won't go to a game because of higher prices. The change will not affect my game day but it might hurt the other fans, such as fans with kids that want the good seats and food and all the other memories that they demand. For those who enjoyed the Lexus Level you may wonder what is new...well, that contract is up and it is in the air of an extension or a new suitor for naming rights. Remember it is about the money and benefits for all involved.
New construction is under way to put new luxury seats behind home plate also with a new suite down below holding the Sun Trust name for that. Don't get too excited as the tickets start at over two hundred a game. Not bad you say? The seats are sold on a yearly contract. Eighty-one home games -- you do the math. Other fans willing to pay a little less for dugout seats or seats behind the plate get ready to pay twenty percent more. The all-you-can-eat seats have been moved but what a deal that is in itself. No real complaint on that part but just brace yourself on the new ballpark experience next year. All that I say is don't stay at home just because the prices are up two to ten bucks. Instead make a change and just sit somewhere else. I am just happy that this team is making improvements on the field and to the field. It is now December so you have just over two months to save save save for that perfect seat.
posted by Patrick on Sunday, December 2, 2007
Major League Baseball's winter meetings are coming up this week and I've been thinking a lot lately about what should be on this year's wish list for the Braves. Realistically the Braves are going to the meeting probably only looking seriously at a left-handed pitcher. With the addition of Josh Anderson, a young extremely speedy center fielder the Braves may have found the center fielder of the future -- now. Anderson is by no means a proven veteran player. They would be taken a risk with him as a starter but, he is a leadoff hitter and also a very solid outfielder. There will not be a need for this guy to have a certain average or runs batted in. Just get on base any way possible, steal bases, and put pressure on the opposing defense.
With that being said, there are the occasional "Blockbuster" trades that take place at these meetings. There is still a lot to offer in Atlanta's farm system. The minor league system is full of talent that other teams will love to have. There is always the possibility of trading a young player similar to the Salty deal last year. I hope personally that the lineup stays somewhat the same as it is penciled in now. We have pitching, defense, speed and enough power to get by. I am more concerned about signing our young players to long term deals. I hope that Francouer can be locked up this winter and Kelly Johnson and Escobar should not be far behind if not this season defiantly next. I look forward to seeing Escobar drop to the two spot and the power guys come up to bat with guys on base in front of them.
Francouer, Chipper and Texeria should all have huge numbers this year if healthy. On top of my wish list is a speedy off season. I am so ready for some more baseball. Just thing after the holidays come and go we will only be a matter of weeks till catcher and pitchers report to spring training. Hope everone has a happy holiday and feel free to contact us to talk baseball at any time.
Robert's Trivia
Last weeks Q & A
Who led the National League in losses in 1988?
Answer: Tom Glavine
This Weeks Question
Who was the last Atlanta Braves pitcher to lose 20 games in one season?
Ways to answer, e-mail hosts@bravescast.com or voicemail 678-608-2721
posted by Patrick on Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Each Thanksgiving brings each and every person something new to be thankful for every year. Baseball is no different. Each year the Braves evaluate where they are as an organization and which areas to improve upon as a club. With Thanksgiving coming up I though it would be nice to discuss what the Braves have to be thankful for this year. First and foremost is us, the fans. Although Atlanta fans get a bad wrap, we are usually loyal when it comes to the Braves. I guess a decade and a half if winning will do that for you. Since the Braves have been out of the playoffs the last few years it seems that fans are now more involved and outspoken, more than ever! The fans realize that there is a new crop of Braves that need the encouragement from the fans.
The Braves can be very thankful for the youth and ongoing talent in their minor league system. Every year the team produces several players that are ready to compete at the major league level and 2008 will be no different. Fans now know the names of recent minor-turned major league stars like Francouer and McCann. But what about Brandon Jones and Joey Devine and all the others that will play a significant part of the upcoming 2008 season? The Braves over the years (in my opinion) have produced the best young talent of any team in baseball. The hardest part is finding a place for all the talent to play.
The Braves cab definitely be thankful to have a great front office staff as well. Frank Wren's loyalty paid off in landing a premier general manager job in the Majors. Having Hank Aaron as such a big part of the club for years now has been a big plus, too. The Braves can always be thankful for having the very best "player's manger" in all of baseball in Bobby Cox. The all-time leader in ejections also happens to be one of the most respected managers in all of professional sports. He manages not only the on the field action well, but also everything else off the field that managers have to deal with.
Things are still good for the Braves organization and in a time to really pay tribute to things in your life to be thankful for I would like to say that I am thankful that I have somewhere to go for six months out of the year that I can take my son, friends, family, co workers, or anyone else and have a great time. The Braves are the ultimate in clean family entertainment and I will always be thankful to have them as a part of my life.
Robert's Trivia Question of the Week
What pitcher lead the National League in losses in 1988?
Last Weeks Q & A
How many years has Bobby Cox managed the Braves? A:22
posted by Robert on Friday, September 21, 2007
With the Braves current success that will eventually end up too little too late, the Braves fans have to be asking themselves, "Is this what could have been?" That is...if we had consistency in the back end of the rotation. Or if the offense would have showed up every night. Or if the players played like the season was on the line a few weeks earlier.
Next year the Braves rotation should have a different feel to it. My guess is that we will see a trade in the offseason to pick up a third starter. Chuck James will be moved to four and the Braves will see what (if anything) Mike Hampton still has left in the tank. Buddy Carlyle will be a fifth starter/insurance policy and there will be no Andruw Jones. The heart of the Braves lineup will remain intact other than Andruw.
Do you disagree? If so let me know what you predictions are. E-mail us at hosts@bravescast.com.
Are you willing to part ways with Andruw, Thorman, Diaz, or Harris. Where you upset when they traded away Salty? Something big will happen this off season. Let us know your ideas for the club. Reality or not, we want to hear it!
posted by Bravescast on Tuesday, August 14, 2007
As promised, we now have a call-in line for the show! Our goal is to make Bravescast as interactive as possible, and now you can have your comments and questions played 'on the air!' Just dial in and press 1 to leave a message...it's that easy. The number to call is (678) 608-2721.
Look for more updates and website features to be rolled out over the next two weeks as we gear up for the stretch run.
In the meantime, Go Braves!
posted by Patrick on Sunday, August 12, 2007
The Braves finish their series with both the Mets and Phillies with a .500 record at 3-3. Looking back on these series it should have been all Braves. The Braves had several leads in all games but could not always hold it. They were fortunate to get a win in extra innings in New York after blowing an early lead. The Phillies series was a battle to the end but the Braves had leads in all three games. The offense looks to be very consistent and should remain one of the most productive in the NL. What will it take to get some consistency in the bullpen, though? This is the million-dollar question that not only can I not answer, but also no one in the Braves organization can, either. Do you have a solution? If so, feel free to let us know at hosts@bravescast.com.
The bullpen was a never-ending struggle through last season. The Braves organization worked so hard in the offseason to fix it. So far we have seen Bob Wickman constantly hurt, Soriano over pitched and slumping, and our trade deadline pick up Dotel is already injured after only a few appearances. Peter Moylan has single handedly carried the bullpen all season long. Time is running out in the season and losses late in ballgames hurt a lot more than your occasional blowout.
All that said, the march is still on to the playoffs. The Braves don't play the Mets again till the last day of the month. Then we have the Phils right after that. This may be the series that ultimately decides the season. In Major League Baseball there is an insurance policy called the wild card and if Atlanta doesn't watch out they will be out of contention in that race. We can count on a couple of things, though. The offense looks great, starting pitching is solid, and the Mets and Phils still have a few series left against each other. It will no doubt be a tight race down to the wire!The Braves can use you help on this next home stand. Let's show up strong and get a sweep over the Giants.
Go Braves!!!
posted by Patrick on Thursday, August 2, 2007
Everyone in Atlanta is pumped about the new trades that bring both Mark Texeria and Octovial Dotel to the Braves. For the average fans it seems great on the outside. We acquire a power and average hitting, proven switch-hitting gold glove first baseman and experienced arm in the bullpen who is capable of being a closer for most teams in baseball. It all looks good right?
Take a step back and ask yourself is there a down side to the trade. All trades have a dark side and this is no exception. The Braves gave up maybe the only average, power and switch-hitting catcher who can also play a secondary position in the majors. We also gave up a starting pitcher who is in his mid twenties and has shown previous signs of being a dominant pitcher in the majors. The Braves also gave up some guys in the farm system that is among the top prospects not only for the Braves but all of baseball.
The Braves have officially entered the "WIN NOW" era in Atlanta. Teams do it all the time. The marlins have won two World Series with this strategy. Do the Braves have enough to get them to the World Series? Are we still a starting pitcher short? We have had a door open up for us that we don't get much in Atlanta. In a weeks time, we have went from being a pretty good team with some question marks and hales to fill to a team that is now the favorite to win the national league east and go on the world series. Some experts say we have now the best lineup in the National League. We have 10 quality starters in 8 everyday positions. We are the deepest, the youngest and maybe now the most motivated team in this year's playoffs run.
The door is open and will be shutting after next season. Chipper and John Smoltz are getting older, their might not be any Andruw Jones, Edgar Renteria, or Tim Hudson or Bobby Cox, This in my eyes is really a make or break year for the Braves. The remainder of the season is going to be something special in Atlanta. Come be a part of the Bravescast. Your feelings are always welcome here. We are the only show for the fans and by the fans. Contact us anytime at Hosts@bravescast.com
posted by Bravescast on Thursday, August 2, 2007
We encourage all Bravescast listeners to visit our brand new Bravescast profile on MySpace. Add yourself as a friend to stay up to date on all the latest Bravescast news and events, and post a comment or send hosts Pat and Robert a message if you have a question or comment that you'd like read 'on the air.'
Go Braves!
posted by Robert on Thursday, July 26, 2007
It is that time of year again. The time that every baseball fan knows more than the team owners and the beloved general manager. Every at-home wizard of baseball knowledge already has made more than enough trades in their heads to get their team into the playoffs. Maybe you have too, but is your trade feasible and will it work for both teams?
The July 31st trading deadline comes at an opportune time for teams to make a final push for a spot in the postseason (or for some to get young talent and offload some big salary obligations). It's an opportune time for the teams getting young talent to improve without ponying up the big bucks for signing upcoming free agents on their team.
Other than baseball's deadline the big day (or month) for teams is the draft. Well, baseball's draft is almost impossible to predict the outcome of until a player has three years in the minors and you don't see him until his fourth year with the club, and that is if he is only good. Impact players are almost always drafted, but since the jury is out for such a long time the baseball world focuses on this month's trading deadline. Luckily a trade shows big (or small) results usually very quickly.
So with this in mind it is fans like you (and fans like us) that hold the last day in July as so important compared to our playoff chances. Come and join us Sunday to talk about the possibilities of a good deadline or just another wasted deadline for the Braves in particular.
posted by Bravescast on Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Gone are the days when the All Star break signified being half way to another division crown. The best thing that could ever have happened to the team is to get a reality check in 2007. The Braves have seen many players come and go over the great run they had but 2 things remained consistent, Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz. The two have managed to rebuild year after year in an era when that thing just doesn't happen anymore.
The current Braves are one if not the youngest teams in baseball. The roster is filled with numerous 20 something year old players who were brought up and expected to carry on the great tradition of the Atlanta Braves name. Just when people think the streak has ended the "Baby Braves" are ready for a new one to begin.
Every time we see a new player come up from the major we say wow he is the next great thing. Some end up staying and some end up going. One thing is for sure, for the ones that stay they will be part of a franchise that does things the right way. 2007 is a rebuilding year for the Braves that features surprises such as Kelly Johnson at second base, Willie Harris in the outfield and Buddy Carlyle starting. Not to mention the arrivals of Jarrod Saltlamacchia and Yunel Escobar from the minors. A third season for Francoeur and McCann results in an all star appearance for our young catcher and already a world baseball classic selection for Francoeur. Not bad for a Braves rebuilding year!
Many people say what will the Braves do with out Andrew Jones next year if he doesn't resign? Same thing we they have done for the past 15 years replace him with someone who from the farm system who already knows what it's like to be a Brave. Look down at the farm on any given day at any given year and you will see that talent that is yet to be displayed. That's why we will continue to dominate the East and hopefully the rest of baseball for years to come. Come and be a part of the passion that is Atlanta Braves baseball.
Bravescast is the 24 hour place to express you feelings and bring the emotions. We are the place for die-hard Atlanta Braves fans. E-mail us at hosts@bravescast.com to be a part of things. Go Braves!!!
posted by Bravescast on Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Bravescast is now available (for free!) in Apple iTunes! It's the best way (and a totally free way) to tune in to die-hard Braves fans just like yourself talking about your favorite team.
Please subscribe to our show in iTunes to receive new episodes as they're released. We've got a bunch of new features we'll be adding to the website in the upcoming weeks, so stayed tuned for more info on that as well. Go Braves!
posted by Bravescast on Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Starting today, if you sign up in the box below, you can have an e-mail notification sent to you whenever a new episode of Bravescast is available. It's an easy way to keep up with the latest from Bravescast hosts Patrick Glory and Robert Slay.
posted by Bravescast on Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The Atlanta Sportscast Network is happy to announce the debut of our brand new Atlanta Braves podcast, Bravescast, hosted by Patrick Glory and Robert Slay. For the rest of the 2007 season and beyond, Bravescast will bring you fresh, free commentary from die-hard Braves fans up to 3 times a week.
Stay tuned for all the latest on the Braves' attempt to take the NL East crown from the perspective of lifelong, die-hard fans.
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