Home > Furman Bisher > Archives > 2008 > April > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves pitchers appear jinxed
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Nobody could have seen this coming through the rose-colored glasses of spring. The Braves finally had it right. Your trusty correspondent even referred to them as “pitcher-rich.” Six starters and only room for five. A bullpen clogged with bodies, armed and ready. A crop ripe and hardy for harvesting. Things hadn’t looked so good in so long. So sound the horn, get at ‘em while they’re hot.
Well, that’s the way it looked then. There was some mention that some of the starters were a little long in the tooth. But what fine trim they were in. Tom Glavine looked lithe enough to do health club commercials. John Smoltz, well, management had such confidence in him they were allowing him to conduct spring training on his own. On a field out of view of the passing public, out where the farmhands are cultivated. He always looks healthy as a stallion. Healthy enough to go golfing with Tiger Woods.
He made one start, and that was it. He was touched up for a few runs, but you know what they say: “It’s just spring training. Ho, hum.”
Tim Hudson and Glavine both looked as lean as “whit-leather,” an old down home kind of term. Their earned-run averages were in midseason form. There was the new kid in from the Tigers in the Edgar Renteria deal, a sort of befuddling name, Jair Jurrjens, the Curacoan with befuddling stuff. Only he has performed like a veteran. And, of course, from behind the curtain, what’s with the mystery man, Mike Hampton? He could be ready, and if he were, he should be good for 15 games, then again…well, you know the rest of that soap opera.
Bullpen? Let’s see, Rafael Soriano, Peter Moylan, Blaine Boyer, Manny Acosta, Royce Ring, and a cast of stars so impressive that they felt comfortable trading Tyler Yates. And did I miss somebody? Oh, yes, Buddy Carlyle and Jeff Bennett, who can go either way. That didn’t include Mike Gonzales, the bullet-slinger who came in the Adam LaRoche deal, and whose surgically-repaired arm should be ready by June. Three cheers and a lusty huzzah!
Well, that was then. Soriano got in four innings before his arm balked. Moylan, the Australian sidearmer, will get a surgically-imposed vacation. Acosta gets an expense-paid trip to Richmond, sponsored by a 6.00-ERA. Boyer has rewarded his bosses, but the star of the outpost has been a 30-year-old Mexican, Jorge Campillo, whose spring training ERA was in double digits. All the others have been inconsistent, even Ring, whose mission is simply dealing with lefthanders. The bottom line is, there is plenty of work for them all.
For the first time in his life, Glavine has been on the disabled list, much to his chagrin. Yeah, Smoltz got his 3,000th strikeout, but in the process swallowed the bitter pill of defeat. Hudson is the puzzler now. Three innings one time, four innings another, and for lack of any other way to put it, just doesn’t look comfortable on the job.
Surely that gold-studded “pitcher-rich” cast of the spring hasn’t misplaced its magic, all at the same time. It hasn’t been the best launching party for Frank Wren, the ascendant to the general managership. The roster he put together looked like a contender in Florida. Baseball Digest, the magazine, projected the Braves no worse than second to the Phillies in the NL East. Yes, the five-star pitching staff of spring is showing effects of age, but it shows only in the box score, not in their physical presence. There’s something about all this that has the cruel mark of a hex, if you believe in such stuff.
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By Bravesbaseball101
April 29, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
1st?
By chemdawg
April 29, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
I recall reading an article about Brian Mccann working in some yoga into his offseason workouts. The response from his teammates was a pretty typical macho athlete response (yoga is for girls). Perhaps, the braves players and trainers should evaluate their training regimen and incorporate more stretching and core strength building. If they dropped their idiotic preconceptions they might be able to avoid all the back and shoulder problems they’ve suffered. just a thought u know who
By tr
April 29, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
But where would we be if we hadn’t started out “pitching rich?” It’s a long season with even more surprises to come. Hopefully they’ll be a bit more positive!
By GT
April 29, 2008 6:28 PM | Link to this
“Braves pitchers appear jinxed” Yeah, some jinx. Its called age (Glavine/Smoltz), injury (Hampton), and an overall lack of talent (James & Reyes).
“Nobody could have seen this coming through the rose-colored glasses of spring.” Well maybe, if Nobody means a lot of people.
How can it really be such a revelation that this year’s rotation has suffered as much as it has?
The Braves went into this season with a ticking timebomb of a rotation, and now it has exploded. To claim it was impossible to see this coming, or its just bad luck is blind. If the Braves upper management bought into the media spin about how great this rotation was going to be in 2008, they’re irresponsible. Resigning Glavine was an incredible waste of money and effort.
You play Russian roulette with your rotation this long, sooner or later the chamber won’t be empty. That’s not a jinx, that’s a bad plan.
By Philliesuk
April 29, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
The injuries are getting ridiculous. There are plenty of older pitchers on other teams who aren’t on the DL. The Braves have just had a string of unbelievably bad luck. Our three best relievers are hurt, and that’s obviously not due to age.
The fact that the Braves are still near .500 is amazing. I can only hope that we will get the injuries behind us by June. If that’s the case and we can stay near .500, we can still be in a great position to win the division.
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 29, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
I was gonna post, but GT said everything I wanted to say. It’s not a jinx, it’s just age, and it’s very predictable. Every other .500 team either makes significant upward moves to become contenders or blows the team up and rebuilds. You can’t just make lateral moves as your key players get older and expect to compete with teams that are bringing in Johan Santana.
By bobby
April 29, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Any way you look at it, the Braves are no better than an average team. As for the injuries, they need a good conditioning coach.
By Philliesuk
April 29, 2008 7:12 PM | Link to this
Ummm…the Braves ARE much better than an average team. That’s why they are at or near the top of the NL in batting average, runs scored, and ERA. They have one of the best offensive lineups in baseball. Their 2-3-4 hitters are among the best in baseball.
The Braves suffer from a lack of timely hitting in April. Also, our pitchers are injured. And again, the relievers who are hurt are NOT old.
Smoltz and Glavine will be back this season. Let’s just be patient for once. And as far as Hampton goes, let’s get him out of the discussion. No one in their right mind counted on him. Those of us with half a brain looked at him as merely a bonus if he even gave us one start this season. I still think we’ll never see him this year.
By scott boras
April 29, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
GLAVINE PITCHING INTO TROUBLE
By cityofdecatur
April 29, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this
That’s the Glavine of old.
By bfan54
April 29, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Bravesbaseball101: Yes, you’re “first” - wow, how impressed I am, loser!
By scott boras
April 29, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
ok diaz is just looking silly lost!!! he needs to platoon with BLANCO!!
By Pop
April 29, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
Furklan, why aren’t you and your hillbilly followers talking about that child molesting Roger Clemens?
If it was Barry bonds you, the ajc and CNN would be nonstop!!
By LuisGuillermo
April 29, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Chipper homers again to tie the game!
($%&#, I can’t stand it. Chipper won’t be April’s NL Player of the Month because Jose Castillo is going to get more votes)
By Rick M
April 29, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure if it is true that that the Braves players laughed about yoga but if so it would just show the ignorance of the over-paid athlete who thinks they know it all OR a crummy athletic conditioning dept for the Braves. Of course, the same McCann who professes the benefits of yoga is putting tremendous pressure on his knees by being overweight and a catcher. I have had to laugh at Cox’s comment about Smoltz’s injury. Though I’m glad he does not have a torn rotator cuff or elbow ligament he’s not far rom it. You don’t get extremely severe biceps tendonitis and rotator cuff issues unless you have underlying elbow and shoulder problems. Believe me. I pitched through it for ever til I tore the elbow ligament and rotator cuff.
By varoadrunner
April 29, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Chipper tie’s it but we still have Blaine. You just know he is going to blow it. Very frustrating!
By Jeff321
April 29, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Great news that Smoltz might be going back to the bullpen. However, Bobby Cox has trotted in that “neverwill” Blaine Reitsma-Kolb and now we’re down 6-2! Too bad he didn’t bring Campillo in the first time he warmed up.
By nelson
April 29, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
we lost again vs nats nice work braves incredible … smoltz now think will be a closer >? long season coming…
By Elayne
April 29, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this
I look forward to next weeks homestand when San Diego comes to town.
Greg Maddux will be trying for a fourth time to get his 350th win.
How fitting
Not by chance
Its his destiny
By harvey
April 29, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this
this team is horrible relieve pitchers pitch great when were losing stink when were tied or winning.cant he ever leave ring in for an inning. took him out again i knew who ever he brought in would give up a hit. do we need a pitching and hitting coach doesnt seam like they are earning there pay.we need a leadoff man tired of hearing about kj sweet swing he only helped us three games when he homered other that not much.does this team ever hit hit a sac fly that means anything. better start playing better or we might have a fire sale come july.
By richbrave
April 29, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
BRAVES pitchers appear OLD. Keep swimmin’ Furman and I’ll see you further upstream.
By DSan
April 29, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
The problem right now come down to the bullpen, especially Blaine Boyer, and the hitting. We I was coming home tonight from work and i heard the score, immediately i say to myself: “Blaine Boyer!” and guess what I was right. I know its not all his fault but he is the main culprit. He needs to to be sent down to the minors or something because he is hurting the team!
By jonathan
April 30, 2008 2:25 AM | Link to this
Early in the season, we arent losing it right now and that is the important thing. As long as we can get healthy the division is ours
By raymond
April 30, 2008 7:08 AM | Link to this
They are not jinxed, they are too old.
By Glenda
April 30, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
Does anyone remember the days of Leo Mazonne when an injured Braves pitcher was a rarity? The days between starts was unusually short yet their arms were always in great shape. This rash of injuries may not be a hex but an epidemic. Should Coach McDowell start looking at Leo’s techniques or should he just start rocking?
By tom
April 30, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this
Glenda just touched on it but you guys had an INCREDIBLE string of good luck with pitcher’s health during the run of division titles. It’s just evening out now, that’s all. Everybody but the aforementioned wearers of the rose-colored glasses saw this coming and the rest of us in the division aren’t shedding any tears, that’s for sure.
By kevin
April 30, 2008 8:49 AM | Link to this
Do the names Niekro, Boggs, Hanna, Mcwilliams, and Mahler bring back any memories?
By Mary Lou Brooks
April 30, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Why has there been no information about the KY Derby in the sports section? It is 3 days away and you have put nothing in there. Please, get a list of the horses,trainers and jockeys so those of us that are interested can see what is going to happen. Thank you. Mary Lou Brooks
By Keeping It Real
April 30, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this
When you get old, your body fails you. How can anyone in their collective baseball mines not know that Hampton, Smoltz, Glavine and Chipper would be subject to injury at their age? We keep giving up all the young talent to win now. Why is it that the Marlins keep dismantling their team and developing young talent year after year and still beat the Braves like a drum? Last I checked they are in first place again.
Tex will be gone next year without bringing the Braves a pennant so why did we let Salty go instead of making him a first baseman? Since the Shafer decided that he needed muscle pills to make him compeititive, centerfield is a bust for the future also. Its a good thing that Druw is smelling up LA or we would really see some second guessing. Oh well, there is always next year.
By James D Feely
April 30, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
Chemdawg has it nailed. The training regemin these days along with the use of various enhancements seem to be what causes these odd ball injuries, not the sport. I can recall in my 71 years stranger and more frequent injury occurences than we are seeing with baseball players. There is little doubt in my mind that Chipper who seemed to bulk up a number of years back as if it were overnight is now paying the price for his inability to discern from instant gratification to long term consequences folliwng his first major injury that kep him out a season. The assumption is that everyone does it and that is what I am competing against. Baseball has to look int this. How did Nolan Ryan do it as well as Ted Williams and Hank Aaron?
By Will
April 30, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Pitching may be a problem but the offense is what the major issue is. I have never seem a more anemic bunch. They can’t hit their way out of a paper sack. When the Braves are at bat I turn it over to FOX and watch O’Reilly, and by the time half of the segment is over w/O’Reilly the Braves are already on defense again. I bet that happens 95% of the time.
By rlinaug
April 30, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
What ails the Braves is not pitching. They’re 0-9 in one run games, most of those of the 4-3, 3-2 variety—in short the pitching has been good enough to keep them in the game. Their situational batting sucks. They were 1 for 10 with men on base last night, and in the eighth, when they needed runners, the National’s pitcher threw seven pitches to get the Braves three up, three down. How crappy. Never in the Bobby Cox have the Braves allowed a pitcher to pitch himself in a hole. While they may have a lot of HITTING talent, they have no BATTING acumen. The Braves are least disciplined, least fundamental batting team in the league. They make more outs on bad pitches than any decent team should. Until they improve their approach at the plate, they’ll continue to limp along.
By Gary
April 30, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Although I haven’t given up on the season, I agree with those that thought we should have sought a younger established pitcher rather than Glavine during the off season. That being said, Glavine has pitched well but we have relied to much on aging arms. Maybe we’re getting the bad luck out of the way early in the season and can look forward to a late season charge to the pennant. Go Braves!
By jeffc
April 30, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
Frank Wren is the Hex. He’s wren over his head. He buried Baltimore now he wants to attack Atlanta. Wouldn’t you rather see a young pitcher with a great arm getting on the job training than tired old, 8 million dollar Glavine, still nursing his New York wound? This team is headed nowhere fast; lets start auditioning young pitchers now. And what of all the Texieria separation anxiety? Let him go, and give first to someone who really wants to play for the Atlanta Braves.
By NS from Kennesaw
April 30, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
The pitching staff is quite OK. The rotatio is a little old but still good, bullpen is not too bad.
But I am convinced that our offense is the issue !!! (of course with exception if Chipper and Escobar).
Evryone else is just not getting in their groove yet. This is the second time in a few days that I see we could not hit Nats/Reddings - who is supposed to be owned by our hitters (according to the TV commentators).
All the one point games that we loosed were mainly because out hitting did not show up those days. I’m glad that today is the last day of April, so,… according to TEX, he is supposed to wake up and hit better from tomorrow on.
GO BRAVES … . .
By homeboy upstairs
April 30, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
yeah, who could have posibly imagined that Glavine (age: 42), Smoltz (age: 40, soon to be 41) and Hampton (hasnt played since aug 19, 2005)would get hurt and not be the elite pitching staff they were hyped up to be.
I bet the pitching staff gets mad when they have a late game….you know how old people love to go to bed early, or eat dinner early.
you think Glavine’s got an AARP card yet?
By Susan
April 30, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Sorry but I said myself that signing Glavine was a mistake and that they needed to go get a younger dominent pitcher because Smoltz had shoulder problems and James, Buddy and JO JO cant do it. Instead of the braves looking to add strength, they moved back to Glaine for one last romp. I was one who said it never never works out to bring players back. They should have gone younger and stronger. Instead they put a 41 year old beside a shoulder and a 2 year absense. Was not smart at all. Once again we have two pitchers only now one of them is not Smoltz.
Way to go front office.
By WICKWARRIOR
April 30, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this
It’s all payback for the insensitive dismissal of Bob Wickman…
By Aks
April 30, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
Give pitching staff a break. Our offense sucks . Our batters don’t make pitcher work hard. Kelly is the man, he takes strick and lots of faul balls before he gets something to hit. Chipper does same but all other batter takes everything that comes off of pitcher hand. we need to focus on soft ground balls, punting, stealing base. What the heck is wrong with Diaz last night? It was an infield hit and he ran to home for out.
God have mercy on Braves and please no more injuries on team.
By wondering
April 30, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
I don’t remember the pitching staff having these type of injuries in these high number (except for Hampton) when Leo Mazzone was in charge. Is it coincidence, or maybe does McDowell have some techniques that aren’t working so well.
By Al
April 30, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
The Braves pitching staff began its downhill slide of injuries and poor performance soon after Leo Mazzone left for Baltimore.
Conditioning of pitchers is a major role of the pitching coach. The bullpen woes seems to be caused by using the wrong guy at the wrong time.
CHANGE PITCHING COACHES AND BRING BACK LEO.
By Train Wreck Bystander
April 30, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bisher, I don’t know how you can say that “Nobody could have seen this coming through the rose-colored glasses of spring.”
Many of us who post on these blogs did foresee it. I said at one point over the winter that a rotation hinging on Smoltz, Glavine and Hampton “scares the hell out of me.”
This rotation was a crap shoot from Day 1. Sometimes crap shoots pay off, and sometimes they don’t.
I know it’s still April, but instead of having pitching depth, we seem to be knee-deep in something else.
By VaBravesfan
April 30, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Just read that Hampton had to leave today’s start because of discomfort in his pec muscle. Not good.
By Brock
April 30, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Bring Leo back. He can at least get the best out of what he’s got. McDowell is like Hampton, neither earn their paycheck.
Pop, if this piece was about Clemens there would probably be more comments on it but as I can see it’s about Braves pitching. Take your racist bullsh*t somewhere else douchbag.
By Brock
April 30, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
NewsFlash….. Mike Hampton pulled a muscle in his vagina selling girl scout cookies.
By rob
April 30, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
The Braves are 3 games back, and two games under 500. I am not worried at all. I believe they will be healthy and still around 2-3 games out in August. That should give us a shot.
The Braves probably will need to win the division to make the playoffs, but they can totally do it if they learn to start winning close games.
By NCBravesFan
April 30, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
The Braves pitching is a disaster, both the injured starters and the bad bullpen! They can’t hit the mark and can’t stay healthly. What happened? The cheap ownership has allowed our once proud team to die a slow death. Those of us who remain loyal to the Braves are outraged but we can’t do a single thing about it but hang our heads in shame. This season is already lost no matter what the ‘Blind Optimist’ say!
By Ted
April 30, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Dear Furman, For as much as I have been a huge fan of Smoltz & Glavine over the years; here is what is wrong with the Braves pitchers: They are OLD, broken down and all twelve of them combined are almost as old as you are!
The Braves have made more mistakes over the past four years then any team in baseball when it comes to pitchers when deciding who to trade away, trade for, sign as free-agent or release to free-agency. Not ONE decent pitcher has been signed in the last four years. Hudson is a total bust; poor Mike Hampton has kept the bailing wire and duct tape industry in business with all of his surgeries; Gonzales is one of the worst trades in the history of the team. Why have the Braves not tried to sign YOUNGER more talented pitchers? Any young pitcher that comes up thru the minors is ruined by the time that Cox and pitching coach has had him for three months. The Braves were extremely fortunate to have had Smoltz and Glavine over the years. Avery should have been a HOF caliber pitcher. But, if the Braves do not sign decent free agent pitchers, this team will suffer and never again compete for a championship. Oh, maybe we can trade for Barry Zito and sign Matt Morris - both appear to be available. :)
By Michael
April 30, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
The Braves need to get rid of McDowell. This staff never had all of these arm problems under Leo.
Michael
By Michael
April 30, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
The Braves need to get rid of McDowell. This staff never had all of these arm problems under Leo.
Michael
By Michael
April 30, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
The Braves need to get rid of McDowell. This staff never had all of these arm problems under Leo.
Michael
By pat
April 30, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
Can we trade Hampton for a ball boy?
By indybravefan
April 30, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Mr Hampton…please give the Braves their money back. You have used and abused the system. At least be a big enough man to step up to the plate admit you are worthless and give us our money back so we can go get someone who can and will pitch in our rotation every fifth day…not every third year…do you realy feel good about yourself taking so much money from and organazation for doing absolutley NOTHING!! You are awful Hampton!!!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
April 30, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
The one thing that stands between this team and the playoffs has reared it’s ugly head for all to see.
The injury bug.
It is stripping this team bare like locust.
By ben
April 30, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
I don’t believe Hampton will pitch again for the Braves. Where is Leo? Maybe he can return and work in some capacity with the pitchers.
By Dave in Arizona
April 30, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
I laughed out loud when people kept saying Hampton would be back and contribute to the Braves. He’s a big time scammer. Anyone who believes in Hampton also believes in the easter bunny.
And McDowell is worthless. Here’s a guy best known for giving up jacks at key times to end the Mets’ seasons in 1987 and 1988, and we are surprised when we continually lose one run games due to lack of clutch pitching?
The Braves are mediocre. They are an also ran also running.
By dino
April 30, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
Dud of the decade? How about Mike Hampton? What gives with this guy?
By old fart
April 30, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
The season’s over, boys and girls.
By Najeh Davenpoop
May 1, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this
The Braves should trade Mike Hampton to the Hawks for Speedy Claxton.
By Phantom Gtowner
May 1, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
Maybe it’s 1914 all over again?
By Drew
May 1, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
McDowell would be of better use coming out of retirement to the Braves pen than he is currently as the Braves “pitching coach”. Terrible investment Braves.
By Vince
May 1, 2008 10:58 PM | Link to this
No closer no wins. Its been 15 years since Mark Wohlers closed and with the exception of John Smoltz the braves closers have been poor at best.
By Marshall King
May 2, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this
I think the problem is the pitching coach! I mean Roger McDowell wasn’t that great of a pitcher. It could be what he is having guys do. In the 2 years he has been in Atlanta the braves have had more arm injuries, than Leo ever had. Not comparing him to Leo because there isn’t one, just wondering about what he is having the picthers do? Is it mechanics? Workout routine? Come on Bobby I knkow you use to be one of those guys that would stick with the guy til the last posibble moment, But you need to yank this guy.
By gary
May 2, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this
I would like to see the data on the present theory of a “revolving door” as it pertains to changing pitchers. It appears a pitcher enters the game with a pre-determined amount of time to pitch regardless of the immediate outcome. On more than one occasion I have seen a pitcher come into the game, pitch masterfully and be removed only to bring someone who is untested on this day and game. If the statistical data supports this type of change I have learned something and immediately apologize and wonder how pitchers of “old” ever survived. I could continue with a litany of items. Pitchers who can only pitch to hitters who either bat right or left handed or come into the game and strike out the side, only to be removed is a mystery to me.
Gary
By Mike
May 2, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
I’ve never seen a larger group of cry-babies in my life….
By kevin
May 2, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
i don’t see how u can blame the pitching. they wanted to combine veteren leadership with young, growing talent. if you think there is a pool of up and coming pitchers out there that they can just get, ur wrong. slim pickings. they are doing well with what they have.
hitting has always been a problem. but we are just focused on our team b/c we critique them so much. every team has situaitonal hitting issues. even the best.
its hot vs cold. right now they are getting colder. i see them winning soon though. they need some luck and some winning streaks.
By Matt Foley, Motviational Speaker
May 3, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this
I heard an interview with Glavine on AM 790 with Dimino and Steak!
I think it will be soon that a player or two corner Hampton in the lockerroom and beat the living Non-injured parts of his body. If that’s the case (Non-injured parts), then Hampton’s wife and girlfriends would not be happy because there would not be any beating going on in Hamptonville.
Is it just me or do anyone else in Braves Nation think Hampton may be a little …GAY? Not that there is anything wrong with that to quote a Seinfeld episode.
By Chavez
May 3, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
With Glavine and Smoltz, I only hope they make a strong finish and are top form for post-season play. Grooming replacements while preserving their arms would seem the smart play. Neither have anything to prove and probably can channel some Leo magic if only they rock hard enough.
By perry
May 4, 2008 4:34 AM | Link to this
As long as the Braves have to pay Mike Hampton to sit on the bench, Atlanta’s pitching will continue to slide into “old age”. If Hampton had any character at all he would retire and let the Braves put the money they are throwing away on him to good use. He will not be of any help to the Braves this year and I think he knows it. His greed is killing the team.
By Jeff
May 5, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Forget the Bravos - Furman what do you think of Big Brown? I think he is great but Secretariat was better - Big Red over Big Brown any day!
By Poncho Agreedo
May 14, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Actually, Hampton’s bill has been picked up by an insurance clause for a couple of years. If he doesn’t come back, the only cost would be the premium on the insurance.
I wish we could get Bob Walk, Preston Hannah, and Gene Garber back. Maybe even Wohlers and Rocker.
By Furman Bisher
May 15, 2008 3:21 AM | Link to this
Can somebody help me change my colostomy bag? I’m so old, I only eat liquids! Anybody seen my hover-round? Oh, man- I think I just peed myself!
By widmarc
May 18, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Everyone knows the Braves have pitching,batting,and mental problems this year. So does every team. It’s been a long good run of 14 years of winning now it’s losing. Pittsburg, Baltimore, Cincinnatit,Tampa Bay,all have had losing teams for years ” Thats Baseball “.
The Yankees with all their money don’t always win the Big One. If I say If Ted Turner was back maybe he could buy a world championship ? Maybe not. There is only so much talent to go around with 32 teams competing aganist each other. Even when there were only 16 teams in the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s the same teams won year after year. The Yankees and the Dodgers and the Gaints were the teams to beat, and every once in a while a team like the 1954 Cleveland Indians will get in the world series with the best pitching ever for a major league team with Bob Feller, Bob Lemon, Early Wynn and Mike Garcia and still lost to the Gaints. It’s not always the best talent that wins, it’s the team that believes it can win that usually wins. plain old everyday pitching with the desire to do your best throw strikes and bear down when you need to will produce a winning exciting team. When that day returns to Atlanta we’ll know it, just 25 players giving everything they have every game and you’ll love going to the ball park once again.
widmarc clark