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DEL.ICIO.USHollandsworth can help
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Using so many rookies as brought a lot of renewed life to the Braves this season. But don’t underestimate the value of experience in the postseason.
That’s why general manager John Schuerholz swung a deal Monday night to acquire outfielder Todd Hollandsworth from the Cubs.
Is Hollandsworth a big name? No. Can he help the Braves? Yes.
The left-handed batter can play first base as well as the outfield, but his real value is as a pinch hitter. During the 2003 NLCS, Hollandsworth was called on four times by the Marlins against the Cubs. He was 3-for-3 with a walk, getting a double and two RBIs.
Hollandsworth, 32, makes $900,000 this season, so paying him for five weeks certainly won’t break the Braves’ payroll. Now, Schuerholz will continue to make a run at an experienced reliever. Don’t count him out.
To be eligible for the postseason, a player must be aboard by Wednesday. The clock is running.
Comments
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By mike
August 30, 2005 04:46 PM | Link to this
I am curious, I am assuming when Bryan Jordan is activated it will be after Sept 1. Who is being cleared for Hollandsworth, I would guess one of the outfielders, Kelly? And who are they replacing on the 40 man roster?
By Joe Roman
August 30, 2005 05:42 PM | Link to this
J.S. Strikes Again! Hollandsworth is an excellent pick-up. By all reports, he is a good guy and a fine defensive outfielder with good speed and a habit of coming through in the clutch. My guess is Brian Jordan is through.
By Don Risser
August 30, 2005 05:56 PM | Link to this
Can anyone say Pete Orr??? Isn’t he a left-handed batter carrying a .300 average this season? Granted, he has had very limited opportunities, but still has kept his average up there. Likewise, Orr can play several positions! Why not rotate him with some of the regulars at different positions to give the regulars some rest prior to the play-offs? Also, to see if he can continue to hit well with more at-bats? Is there something wrong with Pete Orr that I’m not aware of? Thank you! Don R.
By John B
August 30, 2005 06:46 PM | Link to this
The Braves sent Devine back down to open a spot on the roster but I don’t know who he will replace on the 40 man roster..Could be Jordan is activated then released which would let him “catch on” before tomorrow. Since Perez was moved to the 60 day list today it appears his season and career are likely done so having Hollingsworth to come off the bench is a good move. Franco also has a sore elbow so its likely Hollingsworth will see some time at first.
By Max Sizemore
August 30, 2005 09:37 PM | Link to this
Hollandworth has played a total of 16 games at first base in his 897-game (through 2004) major-league career, 13 with the Dodgers in 1999 and three with the Cubs last year. Hardly a wealth of experience.
By GT
August 31, 2005 11:52 AM | Link to this
John B. knows his baseball. So does John S. During the playoffs we have had dead bats and no clutch hitting. Over a long season pitching will carry you, but in these short playoff series everybody has two good pitchers,it’s the hitting that wins it. That is why the damn Yankees will be tough if they get in. They always seem to find a Mr.October and he is not the pitcher.
By alan
August 31, 2005 12:10 PM | Link to this
Would it be too much of a stretch to ask Wilson Betemit to play first? It seems like the easiest of the infield positions in terms of fielding, and it sure would be nice to get his bat into the lineup with more regularity. I think he is underused.
By Tony
August 31, 2005 01:55 PM | Link to this
Alan,
Totally agree with Wilson Betemit? I don’t understand what BC has against him…..
By Lew Hartman
August 31, 2005 03:00 PM | Link to this
Does anyone remember Mike Devereaux and Greg Colbrun and their late-season contributions during the Braves’ run? That is why J.S. picked up Todd Hollandsworth.
By PJ
September 1, 2005 08:38 AM | Link to this
Hollandsworth is a huge acquistion during the stretch run. With Kelly Johnson starting to struggle in the field (see last night’s mispayed ball on the Cristian Guzman double) and not producing at the plate, look for Johnson to be left off the postseason roster…if Brian Jordan has even moderate sucess at the plate. We need a right-handed OF bat off the bench in October, and with Hollandsworth and Langerhans, Johnson just seems like the odd man out.