Rowland's Office

A pep talk for Cubs fans

I doubt Lou Piniella will be this understanding:

Which Braves series does Cubs massacre remind you of?

The 2000 NLDS vs. the Cards. St. Louis outscored Atlanta 24-10, but it wasn't that close.

The Braves committed five errors -- three in Game One -- and none of their starting pitchers (Maddux Glavine, Millwood) lasted past the fifth.

In one of the more lamentable moments of Atlanta's postseason history, the crowd at Turner Field cheered wildly when Mark McGwire pinch-hit in the 7th inning of Game 3. I wanted to turn off the TV -- I should have.

I would've been spared watching the Cards celebrate on our field. Cubs fans won't have to worry about that, however, as the Dodgers faithful are likely to toast their NLDS victory at Chavez Ravine.

--CB

The night the Braves won the pennant

Number 44 slams a homer to send Milwaukee to their first World Series:

What do C.C. Sabathia, Andres Galaragga, Gary Sheffield and J.D. Drew have in common?

I hate to rag on the big guy, especially after his valiant performance down the stretch. Maybe he was victimized by too many short rests, but tonight's outing -- five runs allowed already -- is typical of his work in October.

In 21 postseason innings with the Indians, Sabathia allowed 27 hits and walked 18 for a 7.17  ERA. Apparently a change of leagues hasn't changed his luck.

Still not as bad as that trio of former Braves (or the Bon Jovi song they keep playing on TBS). Check out these lines, tallied during their time in Atlanta.

The Big Cat: 7-for-48, 1 HR, 5 RBI

Barry Bonds' former BFF: 3-for-30, 1 HR, 2 RBI

Just Disabled: 4-for-20, no extra base hits, 1 RBI

Combined: 14-for-98. That's a BA just a shade above .140, the most revealing stat of all that explains the Bravos' postseason struggles.

--CB

Braves playing in October

Ex-Braves, that is. We'll include Ozzie Guillen, Chicago's manager, who was released just prior to the 2000 season to accommodate Fukey (in the playoffs as a Dodger). The Sox also have DeWayne Wise, who has accounted for all their runs today, Octavio Dotel and Jermaine Dye.

The others:

(Tampa) Willy Aybar and Dan Wheeler

(Boston) Just Disabled, Mark Kotsay and Paul Byrd

(Dodgers) Mad Dog, two players on the DL, Jason Schmidt and Andruw, and manager Joe Torre

(Angels) Tex and, if you count spring training invitees, Gary Matthews Jr.

No former Braves play in Philadelphia or Milwaukee, while the team most of us are rooting against, the Cubs, have four ex-Bravos on the active roster: Daryle Ward, DeRo, Hank White and Jason Marquis, with Chad Fox currently on the DL.

--CB

Dear Doyle ....

Greetings, dear readers. Tell you what, looks like our economy could use some Viagra. Heh, heh. Mrs. Harcavey and I a few years ago put all our savings into my cousin Hoyt's used farm equipment dealership, and danged if it hasn't ourperformed the market, as they say.

Anyhoo, isn't this fall weather invigorating! I just wish our Bravos were playing ball. We do get to hear Smoltzie, and he's doing us proud. That dang Chip Caray's another story, though. If I was the suggestin kind, I'd suggest young Chiperoo take some of that goop out of his hair and not get so worked up over every blasted thing. Calm it down a little, like Ole Diz used to. Worked for him. Who else you know got charcoal named after him?

Moving along, as my old scribe pal used to say, the readers write and they're always right. My old scribe friend was, of course, a bit charitable.

But you all know that. On to the mail bag.

Who's Gonna Win writes: Dear Mr. Harcavey, who's going to win the World Series?

Well, Who's, that reminds me of a time when ole Dank Thanclappin used to run the hardware store in my lillo hometown. Now Dank had a radio in there. He used to feed the pigeons. One day, me and my buddy Hap...Oh, World Series. Right. Well, let's see. I kindly think the Phillies will end up playing the Red Sox and the Red Sox will win. Ain't what I'm rooting for, mind you. But it's what I 'spect could happen.

What Do You Do writes: Dear Doyle, What do you do during the offseason?

Good question, What do you. Of course, my bride and I will make our yearly visit to the North Carolina mountains to look at the wonderful fall foliage. I'll keep musing, obviously, and maybe watch a little football. I like to watch the big boys that play for money, not these college boys. And I'll wait for February when pitchers and catchers report. Truth is, I need to do something about these dadgum bunions, too. Dang they been ailing me. Any of y'all ever had foot problems?

Why, I was heading over to the foot doctor just the other day when I pulled into the drive-through to get me a cup of coffee and a fried pie, and danged if I could make out a word those young fellers were saying.

Offseason Plans writes: Doyle, Proud to ask you a question. (Proud to answer it for you, Offseason Plans.) Here's the question I'm proud to ask: What you think the Braves need to do this offseason, and what do you think they will do? I'll hang up and listen. 

That's what the man -- or gal -- wrote. Hang up and listen. That's funny because people always say it on the radio. But we ain't on the radio. Just sayin. Now, I imagine the Braves need to bring in a couple of starting pitchers that can sling that thing fast. Trading might be the way to do it. My guess is they'll end up taking a chance on somebody with some question marks 'cause Mr. Frank doesn't want to trade off any of his best young prospects. And I think that's smart. Just think where we'd be now if we still had that Brett Butler. Don't get me started. 

Well, friends. You all take care of yourselves. Keep your hand on your wallet. Them politicians are getting restless.

-- Doyle Harcavey   

Aces for sale

Three superior pitching talents may be available this offseason, says Buster Olney (no link; registration required). In order of preference, they rank: Jake Peavy, Zack Greinke and Matt Cain.

Peavy just signed a big deal, though in comparison it's fairly reasonable (four years, $52 mil, with a $22 million option for 2013). Greinke is two years away from free agency, one year closer than Cain, who, GM Brian Sabean insists, is not on the market.

--CB

Another "-itis" for Chipper

But no surgery. If the Braves are to improve offensively in '09, they shouldn't count on Chipper for more than 120 games.

--CB

Think blue

This shouldn't have happened. It's been 100 years. The curse is supposed to be lifted.

It's fun watching entitled Cubs fans sulk. They face a must-win tomorrow, with a struggling ace on the mound and an emboldened Dodgers team sensing an upset.

Changing topics, how the hell did Chip Caray and Buck Martinez become TBS' No. 1 announcing team? Chip -- who broadcasts more like Bob Rathbun's son than Skip's -- is unnecessarily bombastic, while Martinez, aka the Latino Billy Sample, offers nothing.

At least we don't have to endure those Dane Cook playoff commercials, though I do miss the Lasorda ads.

--CB

Braves to increase payroll, says Wren

I was skeptical, but Terry McGuirk and now Frank Wren are on record saying the Braves have $40 to $45 million to play with this offseason. Neither wants to look the fool, so I trust that they are operating under the belief that ownership will provide. Of course, after today's events, nothing is certain.

The Wall Street chaos didn't stop St. Louis from overspending. Kyle Lohse (career ERA: 4.67) re-signed with the Cards today for $41 million over four years. The market for starting pitchers has been set, and already it's way too high.

Derek Lowe is listed as the Braves' primary target, though not by Wren. Others mentioned: Ryan Dempster, A.J. Burnett and Brad Penny, who, if healthy, could provide the best return.

Matt Cain is a possible target, and that raises an intriguing trade possibility, considering the Giants' needs. Frenchy for Cain?

Like our RF, the hard-throwing righty has yet to fulfill his potential, but he's come closer than Francoeur. If Cain is indeed available, Wren should make him priority one. I'd be willing to throw in some lesser talents in such a deal, though the Braves GM says, wisely, that the organization's next wave of prospects -- including Heyward, Hanson, Schafer and Freeman -- are untouchable. .

--CB