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Home > Mark Bradley > Archives > 2008 > May > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves lose pitchers, manage wins
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For a team in terrible shape, the Braves are in great shape. They keep losing pitchers, and still they’re 18-15 in a division where nobody has caught a flying start. They’re leading the league in batting average and ERA, which tells us that everything the brass thought about this club in spring training is coming to fruition.
Too bad the pitchers keep going splat.
The Braves have needed seven starters to get through 5-1/2 weeks. Two of those seven were pressed into service Thursday, and that doesn’t include Buddy Carlyle, who’s more starter than reliever.
Jo-Jo Reyes, who wasn’t on the Opening Day roster, started the game and lasted eight outs before developing a blister on his index finger. He gave way to Carlyle, who lasted six outs before getting run over by Kevin Kouzmanoff. Two innings later Jeff Bennett, who has both started and closed, took the ball. It was almost a trick question: How many starting pitchers does it take to get through one nine-inning game?
Almost inevitably, the Braves won. They scored five runs, four unearned. A key hit was again delivered by Greg Norton, who wasn’t on the team five days ago. The winning hit was struck by Matt Diaz, who became the author of the team’s first one-run victory of 2008.
Thus has a team without a full rotation and a settled closer won six in a row. Even if there’s an air of unreality about this latest surge, the Braves will take it.
“All of this,” said Tom Glavine, who landed on the disabled list for the first time in his durable life, “is a testament to the depth Frank [Wren, the general manager] spoke about this winter.”
That’s the good news. The bad: It can’t last. Either the Braves start keeping some pitchers healthy or they will, inevitably, begin to lose. You can mix and match for a week or even a month, but not forever.
Said Bobby Cox: “Frank’s working as much as he can [to find more pitching].”
Said Wren: “We’re always looking, always talking. … We’ve got to get a little more definitive on when guys will get healthy.”
In the case of Mike Hampton, the answer could well be never. In the case of John Smoltz, it’s even more complicated. When/if he returns, he has said he’ll move to the bullpen. That would bolster the relief corps while leaving a massive hole in a rotation that, at least on paper over the winter, looked as stout as anyone’s. Then again, should a rotation consisting of so many aging arms ever been deemed sound?
Said the fairly ancient Glavine, parrying the point: “Even the young guys are getting hurt now.”
The spring consensus was that the Braves had nine big-league caliber starters: Glavine, Smoltz, Hampton, Bennett, Carlyle, Reyes, Tim Hudson, Jair Jurrjens and Chuck James. Four of those have done time on the DL, not counting the two who were dinged Thursday. This doesn’t include the closer Rafael Soriano or the set-up man Peter Moylan, both of whom are ailing. (Or Mike Gonzalez, coming off elbow surgery.) What in the name of horse liniment is going on?
Roger McDowell doesn’t know, and he’s the pitching coach. As such, someone asked, does he take it personally when one of his men gets hurt? “No,” McDowell said. “Everyone’s put together differently. A guy might be throwing his last pitch, or he might have 10,000 pitches left in him.”
The Braves needed 152 pitches from seven pitchers to win Thursday. The victory capped a splendid homestand, but a team cannot subsist on such extraordinary events for long. (For one thing, the already-taxed bullpen will be gassed come June.)
This has been, all things considered, something approaching a great 5-1/2 weeks. But Cox, as he usually does, had it right when he said: “When we get all our top guys back, we’ll be greater.”
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By SteelCav
May 8, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
First?
By SteelCav
May 8, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Good point. Our rotation is on thin ice right now. What if Hudson or JJ got hurt? Right now, those two are the only ones we can count on to give us quality starts. Wren needs to work some magic or give one of the youngins down on the farm a shot.
By Nurlman
May 8, 2008 7:34 PM | Link to this
Wren ought to get Executive of the Year for the Renteria/Jurrjens deal. I hear G Hernandez is looking good at Myrtle Beach, too.
Renteria was - is - a terrific SS. But Jurrjens looks like an ace to me and he’s 22. Dave Dombrowski is a great GM, but what was he thinking? Wow. I read that Wren was very proud of the deal, and he’s certainly earned my respect (as well as Schuerholz’, who says Wren’s done a better job than he could’ve). Just a bunch of good, solid moves behind that, Norton being the latest.
By RomeBrave
May 8, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
What is going to be next? Is Bobby going to pull a hammy going out to pull a pitcher? Kudos to the team for pulling it together with all the injuries but you have to wonder about so many injuries at this early stage. Is it just coincidence or with so many strains and pulls is it preparation. An arm blowing up you can put down as time for the ligament to go but look at the number of people out with strains or pulls and how many have been out with a strain or pull to this point. Maybe it is time that Bobby takes a look at how they prepare in spring training.
By Eddie Cook
May 8, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
I wonder if Smoltz is really going to be effective this year.
I think he came off the DL too early at the start of the season, and I am afraid he will be coming off the DL too soon again later this month.
I would really much rather see him wait until he’s more healthy to come off the DL and rejoin the starting rotation than coming off the DL earlier and working out of the bullpen.
What do you think?
By Bill ladd Smith
May 8, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Nobody is happier than I am with the current win streak. True the pitching could use some magic healing, and those left have done well. But remember we just played three of the worst teams in the NL. If we’re gonna be serious about the division we better get well quick!
By Larry
May 8, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
So?
For the past 16+ seasons it has been the same old story: hot streaks, cold streaks, great starting pitching, good bullpen, bad bullpen, etc.. What has this produced? A 1-13 record in last game of the postseason by Bobby Cox!
Again we are beating up on mediocre starting pitching the past six games but, like you see deep in the postseason, when these power hitters face a great pitcher they are almost always shut down and lose in the end because good old Bobby hasn’t a clue how to manage a close game.
Call me when Bobby retires and then I’ll stop yawning!
By KyleH
May 8, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see Smoltz as a starter, but its his decision. Only he knows how much he has to give. Watching him pitch, I think he starts to tighten aound the third inning. He has been amazing as a starter this year and if rest would cure his arm then Id be all for it. Knowing Smoltz, he will be back in the rotation. Hes not the kind to give up. I think he knows that the braves are gonna need him as a starter. Also, Jojo was inaccurate today, but Id say the blister was probably the culpret so we can’t judge him by this start. I thought it was really good for him to have the maturity to leave the game and keep another Braves pitcher from going on the DL. Scary stuff with Buddy today. It was scary to watch. Hes become one of my favorites because his story makes him a guy I like to root for.
By Dawgs2008
May 8, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Ninth!!!!!!!!!!!or Tenth!!!!!!!!!!!
By Duce
May 8, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this
Larry:
Are you actually complaining about the last 16+ years of Braves baseball? “Fans” like you are the reason why Atlanta is considered to be a bad sports town. If you are really not following the Braves because first ballot Hall of Famer Bobby Cox is the manager, I , and I’m sure alot of us real fans don’t ever want you cheering for our team.
By Mark Bradley
May 8, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this
Cox spoke glowingly Thursday of Charlie Morton, who has a 1.76 ERA at Richmond, which shows how ridiculous this injury thing has gotten. The Braves thought they had nine starting pitchers, and here it’s barely May and they’re talking about a 10th.
By RichnondBrave
May 8, 2008 11:56 PM | Link to this
IF Tex, McCann and Francour would ever start consitantly pitching would not be a problem. The 4-6 spots have been the rally killing spots all season. They ALWAYS hit into DP’s. It’s getting to the point that I expect them to NOT succeed in the clutch, and that way they don’t let me down. Imagine what the offencive output will be when/if they get it together. It’s not the pitchers…. we have plenty of pitchers.
By Skydawg
May 9, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this
BS McDowell. If you don’t feel bad about the situation or even guilty, then you have no conscience. I have never seen the run of pitching injuries the Braves have experienced sine Leo left for Baltimore. If speaks volumes to Leo’s off-season conditioning programs and management of his pitching staff. This is not a coincedence McDowell ole buddy, it’s your mismanagement of your staff. Whether it be proper stretching and time stretching, long throwing, or emphasis on proper mechanics. Wonder why Chuck James has so many shoulder issues. HORRIBLE mechanics McDowell. All arm and no follow through on his pitches. He’s almost upright after every pitch. And if you don’t step up to the plate and correct it, his career will be about as long as Steve Avery’s was. Proper mechanics are about 90% of pitching and it serves several purposes. Velocity, location, and maximizing both with the least strain on the body/arm. What we are seeing with the Braves staff right now is poor management plain and simple. OH LEO, where are you?
By Coach (Braves In 2008 to the Playoffs)
May 9, 2008 1:03 AM | Link to this
Bradley, I almost get the sense that you don’t seem to know just how deep the talent really is.
Charlie Morton is beginning his seventh minor league season. He has more than 500 innings and 80 starts under his belt down in the minors.
The big right hander is ready. Both Bobby Cox and John Schuerholz have seen him pitch. Cox knows Morton can contribute.
David O’Brien even wrote two article’s on Morton in November of 2007 and again in February of this year. Maybe you should read them.
Morton has a fastball that reaches 97-98 mph, along with three other pitches that are said to be above-average: curveball, slider and change up.
His curveball is outstanding. We are talking a true 12 to 6 lollipop. Not to mention his change up which equally impressive.
Morton’s stuff is electric, I truly hope he gets the opportunity to help the Braves this season.
Lets talk about Mike Hampton. This guy is truly an enigma. I saw him pitch in spring training and noted two things: His velocity was up and everything he threw was wicked.
I think that everybody should have figured out the real problem by now, including Mike Hampton. His head is so screwed up right now it’s not even funny! the man expects to get hurt and his body is following suit.
He needs to see a shrink and I’m not joking. Smoltz could do us all a favor and recommend Hampton to the same sports psychologist that he saw.
Frankly, I’m less concerned about the number of starters that the Braves might use because of the quality of depth that Frank Wren and Bobby Cox have available.
And if push comes to shove, Greg Maddux is only a phone call away because you know the Padres would be more than willing to unload him for some prospects due to the current situation they are in.
Maddux could pitch two or three months for the Braves this season and return to San Diego next year if he doesn’t retire altogether.
Mad Dog also has his no trade clause which gives the Braves a leg up, not to mention the appeal of reuniting with Smoltz and Glavine for one last Hurrah !
By chemdawg
May 9, 2008 2:22 AM | Link to this
The last thing the braves need is Maddux, another 40+ year old pitcher. Also, I agree that injuries have everything to do with the pitching coach and his training programs.
By R1U
May 9, 2008 5:45 AM | Link to this
Let’s blame BC. He puts his players in danger every time he fills out the lineup card. He should know better.
By Kelley
May 9, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
The Braves hanging in there despite all these injuries is a testament to their leader, Bobby Cox. His patience and consistency is the reason his teams never fall out of the race, no matter what odds are stacked against them. He often gets far too much blame when things go wrong, and too little credit for the Braves’ success.
Just last week, Chop Chick posted a blog claiming it was time for Bobby to retire (maybe I should become Chop Chick, I am a Chick too). I am simply amazed at how many people fail to see Bobby’s greatness and appreciate him for one of the greatest managers of all time.
I do agree that our pitching cannot hold out in the shape it is in though.
Short of his arm actually falling off his body, Mike Hampton just needs to get out there on the mound and pitch. If he tries and can’t do it anymore, he just needs to do the noble thing and retire. Is taht a possibility? Hampton retiring now and helping the Braves payroll? I think we’re all a little sick and tired of seeing him sitting on the bench and doing nothing to contribute.
By Marc
May 9, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
Skydawg,
Stop blathering about things you know nothing about. You know nothing about McDowell’s conditioning program or how it affects the pitchers’ health. It you are going to complain, at least have some idea what you are talking about. For all we know, the run of health during the Mazzone era was luck—which it probably was. I mean, maybe McDowell is doing something wrong, but how the hell would you know?
As for Larry, the other genius, yeah, it sure has been a terrible 16 years. Let’s reduce everything to the last game of the season. Ignore everything else. That makes a lot of sense.
By Alan
May 9, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
I’m with you Marc. Skydawg’s comments about McDowell vs. Mazzone are totally uncalled for. Mazzone himself admits that he had very little to do with the good health and success of his “Big Three”: Smoltz, Glavine, Maddux — all of whom will be in the Hall of Fame. It really cracked me up when Skydawg dropped Steve Avery’s name to “prove” his point about career-shortening injuries. Who was Avery’s first pitching coach? Oh yeah, it was Leo Mazzone.
By Mark Bradley
May 9, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t count on Mike Hampton retiring. Count instead on this: In spring training of 2015, the Braves will be saying Hampton “looks great” and is ready to step back into the rotation.
By Skydawg
May 9, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Marc and Alan,
To say I know nothing about pitching is to say you know nothing about being an assumptuous jagoffs. You have no idea of my background in regards to playing baseball. Spent 20 yrs of my life as a pitcher thru 4 yrs of college and 4 years of pro ball before injuring my back again and having to hang up the spikes. So don’t come off like some know-it-all jagoff. You have no idea in regards to my knowledge, background or inside information. And to anyone who understands pitching to the slighest degree, I assume you 2 guys do not, would understand what I’m talking about. The Braves rash of injuries the last few years has nothing to do with luck. There is no such thing as good and bad luck in this sense. Its all about proper preparation and mechanics. And sure there are genetics involved in regards to tendons and muscle structure. But you don’t have this many individuals over the course of 3 yrs suffer this many arm related injuries without questioning the process and preparation.
By Mark Bradley
May 9, 2008 5:42 PM | Link to this
I’ll admit I’ve caught myself wondering if such a rash of injuries would have happened under Mazzone. But Smoltz has had a bad arm before (he missed a whole season under Leo) and some of these injuries — Glavine’s, and now Reyes’ and Carlyle’s — were just bad luck. And I don’t think we can blame any pitching coach for the ongoing saga that is Mike Hampton.
By McFann
May 9, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
Hey, Mr. Bradley, what’s so funny about burritos?
By Mark Bradley
May 10, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
I see Ms. Carroll has breached the cone of press box silence. What can I say? I’m a pushover for any joke about food. Remember NHL coach Jim Schoenfeld’s line to ref Don Koharski? “Have another doughnut, you fat pig”? I still consider that the apex of (North) American wit.
By Kelley
May 10, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
If Hampton continues not to pitch and take obscene amounts of money for doing absolutely nothing and refuses to retire, can the Braves put him to work parking cars or selling beer in the stands to try and get back some of the money that he’s cost the club?
By Fred Garvin, MP--Bettendorf
May 11, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
What’s the big deal, its only mid-May. There are 4-1/2 months remaining in the season. Everyone remember the year we got Fred McGriff right after the All-Star break and made the pennant drive? So, I say play .500 ball, get the kinks out, get healthy, and Don’t worry….Be happy!!
By McFann
May 12, 2008 12:22 PM | Link to this
Mr. Bradley—
Sounds kinda mean to me—calling someone a fat pig and all.
Just don’t see how it’s funny. Oh well…
By Mark Bradley
May 12, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
I guess you had to be there. (Or to have watched Schoenfeld’s tirade at the ref on tape, which is how I saw it.)
By Robert
May 12, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this
The Braves have the second best team ERA, second best team batting average, and fourth best slugging percentage in baseball.
Not in the NL.
In baseball.
And they at .500
What a manager we must have
By McFann
May 13, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Perhaps, Mr. Bradley. Perhaps.
By McFann
May 13, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
Sorry.
By Ralph
May 13, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
The Braves fall apart when they have men on base. They lack the ability to not only move them, but also bring them home. They just can’t put all together, they are free swingers and take to many strikes, they can hit homers, with no one on base, and when it counts, they can’t get the ball out of the infield, they can get the lead fast and lose just as fast. Most of the time they play like a have a elephant on their back. The manager just doesn’t seen to be in the game. The Braves are the new whipping boy of the west. There were high hopes for the Braves this year, but it won’t happen if they keep blowing game after game, and playing like a bunch of looses.