Home > Furman Bisher > Archives > 2008 > March > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves hopes hinge on aging arms
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Let’s begin with the presumption that this is a preview from behind home plate. As unbiased as the call of an umpire. It’s open season on pick-‘em, and this is how the Braves may look from the neutral zone, and we’ll start with pitching.
You realize, of course, that two starters are 40 or older. A third hasn’t thrown an official pitch in two years and two months. A fourth was just the sixth-best major-league prospect in the Eastern League before Detroit called him up from Erie. The fifth is sound and solid Tim Hudson, who can be counted on without fear of calamity.
Say this, though, for the bullpen: For the first time in a long time it is sound and solid and seasoned, much more attractive than in the springs when it featured a fat, unathletic wheezer as a closer. This bullpen has left-handed balance, has the highly esteemed Rafael Soriano and the cunning Australian, Peter Moylan. But can this offset any setback that might befall Tom Glavine, John Smoltz or Mike Hampton? Frankly, you hold your breath when any of them starts a game, as it goes with the nay-sayer.
Otherwise, Bobby Cox can fill out a lineup card that gives him a smile as broad as the Nile. And while on the subject, just how much longer will he be filling out the card? Not that the subject of his retirement hasn’t been chopped up and shredded enough already. First, he has no fixed game plan. He smiles a patient smile when the subject is in the air, and he has one conclusion: He’ll manage until he has had enough, which is not in view yet.
“I’m just going to do it until I get ready to quit,” he said. And my guess — which is strictly that — is that he’ll go three more years, then retire when he’s 70. At any rate, when he does go it will be a sad day in Atlanta.
The Braves haven’t had a gold-plated infield like this in this century. Yes, Edgar Renteria is gone, but Yunel Escobar gives them more range and a stronger arm at shortstop, and there will be no attrition at bat. Kelly Johnson improves by the moment at second base, and that is a strong upgrade. Nothing like an efficient midfield to improve every day in the life of a pitcher. At the corners, the main consideration is the extended health of Chipper Jones. He hasn’t had a full season — 150 games or more — since 2003, and his presence and his bat are essential to the health of this team. Cross your fingers. Mark Teixeira, could be MVP material.
You will find, I think, great comfort in the outfield of Matt Diaz, Mark Kotsay and Jeff Francoeur. Diaz is a hitting machine, and has ascended to the role of the everyday left fielder. Francoeur in no time will become an annual candidate for MVP of the year. Kotsay is no Andruw Jones, thank heaven, which means anywhere from 50 to 80 fewer strikeouts, and an improvement over a .222 batting average. He has given an impressive preview of his defensive highlights this spring, but whatever develops with him here will be a revelation to us all.
Pitching, of course, is the key to it all. Presumably, John Smoltz’s personal spring training regimen came off successfully, even though he opens the season on the mend. Glavine is not one who lights up the speed gun, but impresses with location and guile, and something is to be said for not having to commute between here and Flushing. Hampton, well, you hold your breath with every pitch. Presumption is that after all these vacant seasons the Braves should get something for their $13 million. As for Jair Jurrjens, Curaçao’s first pitching missionary to the major leagues, your guess is as good as mine.
Is this team good enough to take out the Mets? With their new American League defector Johan Santana, this is the team the Braves have to beat. But don’t overlook the fact that he lost 13 games last season, so no guarantee comes with him. For that matter, that says it all.
Permalink | Comments (19) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves/MLB
Comments
By THE BEAR
March 30, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Another fine column Furman and I go all the way back to Charlotte. I am in South Florida and have been watching this team all spring. I too see them with an excellent chance to take the division this year. It all depends on pitching and injuries but doesn’t that apply to all teams?
By Murphy
March 30, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Yup, I think this pretty much sums up the excitement and trepidation of Brave’s fans this year.
By Eric from MO
March 30, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
I think if the Braves and Mets stay healthy both teams will win over 95. That is a big “if” though.
By Najeh Davenpoop
March 30, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
It was a great column, until the part when you implied that the career journeyman Mark Kotsay is an improvement over Andruw Jones, which both of us know is 100% false.
One fluke season doesn’t change the fact that Andruw’s been a 30-100 guy and a Gold Glover his entire career. Atlanta fans have a habit of taking unjustified potshots at good players who leave — let’s not continue that idiotic tradition.
By Bob Wickman
March 30, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Bisher, you’re a fat unathletic weezer! At least I know what day it is!
By Furman Bisher
March 30, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Can somebody empty my bedpan for me?
By Eric from MO
March 30, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Najeh Davenpoop I dont know if you know this but Andruw is a career .260 hitter and has always struckout well over a hundred times. It wasnt just a fluke season. Watch him with the Dodgers, he is still falling down everytime he swings. He doesnt have anything left at the plate.
Defensively he is still good, but not great like he once was. If he continues to win gold gloves it will be more on his reputation than what he actually does on the field. Just so you know I am a huge Andruw fan. I supported him all last year even though I knew he was playing horrible. Alot of it has to do with over the years of crashing into the walls. It is taking a toll on his body because of this I dont hold it against him. He played the way you love a player to play. Unfortunely it has taken a toll on him even though he is only 30.
By Paddy
March 30, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Comments; Andrew is what he is, no more no less. You saw it in Atl the last 2 years, expect the same in LA. The season rest on one thing; keeping all major players healthy for 85% of the season. Anything less means a missed playoff. If healthy, a division title.
By Bill ladd Smith
March 30, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Furman, I couldn’t agree with you more. How goes the mound is how go the Braves. The only question in the position players is Kotsay. He may hit, but will it offset his defense? You have to admit that in the spring season he was only average, and after Andrew, that’s being charitable. The answer may be the quick kid with the potent bat. Whatever, it’s GOOD to start the season with expectations of a competitive Braves team.
By Najeh Davenpoop
March 30, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Eric, I know Andruw strikes out a lot and is probably not gonna get his average over .265. I also know he has been a mortal lock for 30 homers, 100 RBIs and a Gold Glove every year in his career until last year. I’m not even saying getting rid of him was a bad move — based on the money involved it was probably the right decision. I just take exception to Furman Bisher trying to tell us that Kotsay is better because he will hit over .222 and strike out less. Conveniently he forgets to mention the huge dropoff in run production from Andruw to Kotsay, even if you assume Andruw’s offense is gonna stay similar to what it was last year. Andruw’s career-low OPS last year is only percentage points off Kotsay’s career OPS. I’m just not a fan of picking and choosing facts to support a weak argument, that’s all.
By Grandpa Simpson
March 30, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
Two starters are 40 or older and combined they still aren’t as old as you. That’s funny! It’s funny that you are so old.
By Mitch
March 31, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
I dont think the aging arms mean anything. These guys can still win. Tonight’s loss was disappointing, but other than the one bad inning, Hudson was great.
Glavine won fifteen two years ago at age forty, and thirteen last year. Smoltz wins at least fifteen every year. Hampton looked great in spring training. If Hudson pitches like he did tonight, he will win a lot of games.
If the Mets are as good as advertised, they will likely be the favorites to win the East. They had a great spring, and if it carries over into the regular season, hats off to them.
The Braves? If everyone stays healthy… 90 wins, and the wild card. I dont know if we can get by the Mets, but this team, has enough to win many games, and probably end the two year playoff drought, with a trip to October.
MitchBy Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
March 31, 2008 2:37 AM | Link to this
Furman my friend, you have probably forgotten more about the game than any ten of us put together and I always enjoy reading your penmanship.
As far as the the two forty year old pitchers being in the Braves rotation comment, need I remind you that the World series winning team from just last season had two of those Geezers in Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield.
This 2008 Braves squad is clearly headed to the playoffs. Whether as the division winner or wild card is yet to be determined and I do believe it they are destined for the post season.
By hop
March 31, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this
GREAT ARTICLE FURMAN! YOU HAVE NOT LOST YOUR TOUCH!
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
By Big Dawg
March 31, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
Right on pitchers and Andrew….keep up the good work Furman. Go Braves.
By Drexel Hill, PA Native
March 31, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Mister Bisher:
Always glean a great deal from most of your thoughts….
In the future please alert the layout & designers of the sports pages that you have more to write —- regarding the Braves preview and final remarks about the New York Metropolitans being the ONLY threat for Atlanta winning the division….
While the DEFENDING National East Division Champion Phillies may have a scary pitching staff after Cole Hamels, one cannot ignore the most dangerous offensive lineup in Major League Baseball….
Here is THAT Line Up Card:
SS — Jimmy Rollins (2007 MVP)
CF — Shane Victorino
2B — Chase Utley (Will Win 2008 MVP)
1B — Ryan Howard (2006 MVP)
LF — Pat Burrell
3B — Pedro Feliz
RF — Geoff Jenkins
C — Carlos Ruiz
SP — Cole Hamels (Cy Young Candidate)….
Make All the Questionable Remarks Desired BUT just remember Victorino & Feliz when they FINALLY get their long-overdue credit….
WHILE Burrell & Jenkins combine for the 60+ homers they are expected to contribute…..
--- #70 ---By ronald
March 31, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
well if their season is depending on their pitcher their in troublem
By Grandpa Simpson
March 31, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
Furman Bisher has also forgotten more about what house he lives in, who the lady who’s feeding him soup is, and whether or not he’s wearing pants than I’ll ever know.
By BA
April 1, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this
The last four in that Philly lineup will strike out more than get on base. Philly is the armpit of the northeast. I’m unimpressed. Didn’t they get swept by the stinking ROCKIES? Philly sucks.