AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > April > 04 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USIt’s pouring here, folks
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sitting in my downtown hotel room on the most dreary day I can remember in L.A., staring out at traffic creeping through the rain on the I-10 freeway.
As of 12:30 p.m. local time (3:30 in Atlanta), no word on whether they’re going to try to play, but I can’t see how they possibly can. It’s been raining steadily since 6:30 a.m. and no sign of it stopping, from what I can discern on the weather channel.
If they cancel this game, they’ll schedule a doubleheader tomorrow, which isn’t good for the Braves because they already had a rough turnaround for day game in San Francisco on Thursday, the Giants’ home opener. But hey, what are you gonna do? Gotta get ‘em in.
With Smoltz scheduled to pitch tonight, a rainout would move him back a day to tomorrow, then give him short rest before his next scheduled start — final game of road trip Sunday at San Francisco. I don’t think the Braves would have him do that, given that he’s already said he’d take an extra day of rest or even skip a start when necessary this season, part of that whole new approach of his. Working on short rest in the second start of the season would fly in the face of all that.
Among the options would be to have John Thomson make a start Sunday and have Smoltz come back to start the home opener Monday at Turner Field. Thomson is stretched out enough from starting all spring until his elbow problem in the last week. He could at least give them 4-5 innings. Just a thought, but Bobby hasn’t discussed the options with us yet, if it comes to that. Chuck James would seem a less likely option, given that he didn’t work as a starter the last couple weeks of spring.
Couple thoughts from Braves’ 11-10 opening day win Monday: Bobby used six relievers, so a cancellation today would help at least in that regard. The most effective reliever of the bunch was Oscar Villarreal, who gave up only a hit in 1-1/3 innings. Appropriate that he got the win, rather than starter Tim Hudson, who only lasted four-plus innings and couldn’t protect an 8-1 lead. Mike Remlinger was also fairly effectively, giving up one hit and recording two outs. The rest? There’s work to be done.
Braves can only hope Boyer is still shaking off rust, because this outing — five batters, four hits, three runs — was even worse than the one he had in his second Grapefruit League game after returning from shoulder soreness a little over a week ago. But starting out with an 81.00 ERA — that’s rough.
Reitsma has to just be thankful to come away with a save, given his struggles against Dodgers in recent years. In his past six appearances against them, including yesterday’s 1-1/3 innings with two runs and two hits, Reitsma has posted a 24.75 ERA and .500 opponents’ average, which includes 12 hits, 11 runs and three homers allowed in four innings, with only one strikeout — the very big one that he got yesterday to bail out Boyer with two on in the eighth.
Too early to start making judgments, of course. Reitsma pitched very well this spring and wants the closer job badly, so he’s going to get a fair shake from Bobby and not be jerked out of the role after a bad appearance or two.
The best news for the Braves, besides the win itself, was the fact that Andruw, Langerhans and LaRoche all began the new season the way they ended the regular season and playoffs last year _ hitting very well. All homered on opening day, and LaRoche also made a couple of very nice defensive plays, including a leap to catch Chipper’s throw to first to end the game, a play that perhaps saved the game for the Braves.
OK, as I’m filing this, it looks like the rain has at least slacked off a little bit. Still thick, ominous gray clouds hanging over the city, the tops of the downtown buildings not visible and no hint of sunshine. We’ll keep you posted as soon as we hear anything. If they’re going to bang this game, hopefully they do it before everybody has to drive over to Dodger Stadium, though I doubt we’ll be so fortunate.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By brian
April 4, 2006 04:30 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, do you think there is any possibility that the Braves could make a roster move before Monday? Such as calling up Devine and sending someone down or placing Boyer or Thomson on the DL.
By MGL
April 4, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
DOB, Good input, thanks!! Also your article today although the quote from Reitsma bothered me. “In the ninth, the worst thing you want to do in that situation is to start walking people and nibbling,” Reitsma said of the three-run lead. “Once they were on second and third, it was just a matter of trading outs for runs. I was able to do that. One run, two runs, it’s still a win.” He’s not always going to have the luxury of a 3 run lead. We just don’t seem to have enough focus on strikeouts.
By Tomahawkin
April 4, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this
Exactly, In Response to what Someone said on the last blog… “lighten up on Reeksma”…Man Please!
I guess You don’t know his track record over the last 2 years
If he had done that mess yesterday to a team like the Cardinals we would have got our a-s-s-es stomped
I know its only one game but the man Can’t get it done, He’s too damn inconsistant…, Evidence over the last 2 years points that out
By John Adcox
April 4, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
What??? Calls for roster moves, already? C’mon, folks. This is baseball. It makes more than a single game to see how players respond. Heck, it takes more than a single month. Depth is a good thing. Sure, I am one of the many that hopes we’ll see Devine and Jurries back up soon, and I am in the smaller group that would like to see Thomson and his salary back in the rotation. But now? No way. We’re 1 and 0, tied for first, and the magic number is down to 161. This is spring, the time for optimism, and, darn it, it’s our year.
Isn’t it always? At least in spring?
Of course, that said, my campaign enters day two: Four words: Roger Clemens, Braves closer! ;-)
John Literature, myth, religion, philosophy, entertainment, references, and cool stuff
By Tomahawkin
April 4, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
This came from the Vent
“After being a Brave for five years, it’s amazing that Rafael Furcal succeeded in dropping a bunt for a hit after just one day as a Dodger.”
Not to bash Furkey, but I wished he would have done that more when he was with us…
Out of all his at bats I think I saw him swing for the fences once…It will be interesting to see how he does now that it ain’t a contract year for him…
By TOM
April 4, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
1-0….thats all that matters right now. Lets give the “pen” a chance, and look at the positive….we scored one more then they did…1-0, 11-10,….doesn’t matter….162-0…lol
By Penn
April 4, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
It was a gut wrencher alright but I liked what I saw from Villeareal. And Thomson wasn’t bad.
Boyer was an unmigated disaster. Exchanging him for Devine right now cannot hurt the Braves.
By Chop Chop
April 4, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this
I think Bobby was afraid that Devine would give up another grand slam. Otherwise, Devine should’ve been on the Opening Day roster instead of Boyer. Boyer needs to knock the rust off with Richmond, not the big club.
By Bryan
April 4, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this
MGL: thats the best thing you can hear from a closer. Kolb, he allows a few hits and tries to strike out the side instead of getting the ground ball (and allowing a run). Chris is smart and thats a smart thing to say - and do.
Glad we have a closer like chris.
By MGL
April 4, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this
Bryan, I’m not a Reitsma basher and I think he has a chance to rise to the cause. I’d rather have heard him admit he was off to a rocky start in the ninth and had to trade some runs for outs. I’m also of the opinion that we should not rush Devine. As DOB ststed recently, he gave up hits and wasn’t pitching to the cream of the crop in ST. He’ll be here when he’s ready.
By jschill
April 4, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this
The bullpen will be fine! Boyer was rusty. The double off Thomson was on a ball almost in the dirt, after Thomson struck the first guy out on 3 pitches. Reitsma looked fine, the Furcal bunt can’t be blamed on him. The double wasn’t a hard-luck shot like Thomson’s, but he buckled down and get his outs. He made a mess but didn’t try to do too much, he let the hitters get themselves out by throwing his sinker, his best pitch. Exactly what you want your closer to do.
By krath
April 4, 2006 06:28 PM | Link to this
DOB… if it is a capability you have PLEASE either dispell or confirm what I’ve been telling the only person who listens to me (my wife… but I think she just acts like she’s listening)about Tim Hudson.
I’ve tried to find out what Hudson’s hits/earned run stats are the inning after he runs the bases. Last year after he had an inning where he was a baserunner, he was hit on a regular basis on his next trip to the mound. After he ran the bases yesterday, I told my wife, “watch the Dodgers tee off on him when he returns to the mound.” I’m not fortune teller, I just saw this happen to him often last year. It happened again yesterday.
Anything to this or am I tripping?
Dont answer that!
By SR
April 4, 2006 06:37 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin is dead on, Reeksma’s track record speaks for itself. If this team really believes that he is going to be the closer for the year, they are in sad, sad shape. The issue is not one game, it is his career. Check the lifetime ERA and BAA. As for the rest of the pen, as someone once said, “I got a real bad feelin’ about this”.
By Homer
April 4, 2006 06:47 PM | Link to this
Five years in a Braves’ uniform Rafael Furcal struggled to drop a bunt for a base hit. Day One as a Dodger he does it successfully against his old team. I guess the Dodgers don’t play golf during spring training at Vero !
By Ozzie
April 4, 2006 06:51 PM | Link to this
Is any one out there in the Braves’ Nation as concerned as I am about Tim Hudson?
Since his acquisition he has not showed me much. I gave him benefit of doubt last year due to his injuries and new league. After watching him blow an 8-1 lead and not getting out of the 4th inning, I’m getting worried considering the shakiness and inexperience of Sosa and Davies.
By Murph
April 4, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
If Furcal stops swinging for the fences, he will be a .330 hitter, and the Dodgers, unlike the Braves, will actually utilize his speed.
Up and down the Braves’ organization they all swing for the fences. I’m not sure why Terry Pendleton is on the payroll when nobody listens to him anyway.
By chief knocka-homa
April 4, 2006 06:58 PM | Link to this
chief say- edgar great defender, hit ball hard. andruw hit ball real hard. no worry on hudson…looked good until he got tired. spring training didn’t stretch whitman out, not a concern. giles look like warrior. langy look like he got a noodle for an arm, bad swing too except homer. frenchy swing like crazy bird, wild, free and fast, but mostly wild. chipper look chipper. bullpen look like bull crap. bobby seemed the most rusty. pulling JT after 2 batters? he strong like bull. gave up hit, but had crazy action on his pitches. rietsma look ok. remember, defense didn’t care about 2 runners in 9th, let them run like the wind. the chief still wish he was set up man. and to those people who don’t like the chief’s bench…this is as good of a bench as we ever had. just young. loved julio, but diaz not bad replacement. must go peepee in teepee
By David O'Brien
April 4, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this
Well, the grounds crew is insisting there’s a three-hour window 7-10 p.m. local time and that we’re going to get it in. But everyone kind of looked at each other like, ‘Are you seeing the same radar we’re seeing?’ Forecast still seems bad, and it’s still raining steady right now, about 58 degrees.
By Brian Rice
April 4, 2006 08:30 PM | Link to this
What’s up with the Braves uniforms? The names on the back don’t have that cool vertical-arched look from many years past. The new style looks like crap compared to the classy look of past years. What’s the scoop?
By Nikoli
April 4, 2006 08:58 PM | Link to this
Wow, i was scared to death yesterday afternoon. After celebrating with my buds for like ten minutes its a game again. I like the roster except Jordan, and pen should be better. But why did Cox pull Thompson. Can somebody tell me why when we need someone to eat inning we pull a former starter after two hitters. I know he like the matchups and everything, but Thompson is a starter and that doesnt matter to them. I hope this is not a preview of things to come with the pitching staff. I was impressed that the team hit well, except Frenchy who is always going to be streaky. Does anyone know what the deal is about us trading for more pitching? Somebody please…I live in Fl and dont get to hear as much.
By Fashion Guy
April 4, 2006 09:01 PM | Link to this
Let’s face it. Thomson is an ugly man. Put him in a uniform, especially one with insignia without the cool vertical-arch and you have a slob. Now, I remember Rick Camp, Zane Smith, Rick Mahler, and Ralph Garr. None were pretty, but none played on a team of this caliber. Thomson plays on a defending division champ. He ll, they’ve been defending for 14 years. Thomson is a mess and Thomson must go. Forster was a tub of goo. Thomson is just a fashion faux pas. This baseball blog is now attended by some pretty discriminating fashion conscious fans and they deserve more and better from the uniforms and the players who over-fill those uniforms. There, I’ve said it and it needed to be said. Clean up your acts Braves. Let’s keep the uniforms crisp, clean, and with that lucscious vertical-arch that makes a fashion statement so important to us all. And that tomahawk, it needs to go.
By TheSouthernJackAss
April 4, 2006 09:16 PM | Link to this
Different blog - same bucket o’ sh*t!!!…GO DODGERS!!!…
By supa
April 4, 2006 09:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update Dave.
For everyone’s sake I hope they call the game early instead of having Smoltz warm up and endure 2-3 hours of delays.
I know it’s not ideal, but what about playing a make-up game on May 25th? The Braves have an off day after playing down the street in San Diego and the Dodgers have a off-day after playing a home game the day before. I’d hate to stress the pitching staff with a double-header so early in the season. Do you think team officials are talking about that?
By kevin
April 4, 2006 09:31 PM | Link to this
hey DOB, what’s the story on Boyer? is he shaking off some rust or is he having problems with his shoulder again?
By Todd
April 4, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this
I love watching people freak out over one game… Honestly, you need to find something better to do with your time. Some guy on the radio mentioned trading for MacDougal today, for God’s sake. This isn’t a fantasy league.
A bunch of teams - some good teams too - got their butts handed to them yesterday. At least we got a win. Make judgements a month from now, but until then just try to enjoy the fact that it’s baseball season again.
By eric the elder
April 4, 2006 10:35 PM | Link to this
Smoltz isn’t hitting any black at all. It’s either belt high down the middle or a ball. Could be a long night.
By kevin
April 4, 2006 10:47 PM | Link to this
WAY TO SMACK THAT PITCH MAC!
By Miranda
April 4, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this
…rough first inning!
WTG, Homer by McCann!!!
By eric the elder
April 4, 2006 10:58 PM | Link to this
C’mon rain!! Keep pouring for about 6 hours! We need a do-over.
By Rodney Derrick
April 4, 2006 11:06 PM | Link to this
The stupid Dodgers should never have let this game begin. Serves them right if they lose out on their big chance getting four runs of Big John. With so few pitches thrown so far by Smoltz, I hope Bobby does not use him again tonight if by some chance the game does resume. He could actually come back in a few days against the Giants, and the Bravos will have survived his second straight first game problems. Then maybe it was the cold weather or the mound screwing with both him and Hudson. Anyway, making up a game can be a drag, but it is better than risking an injury in a downpour and losing a game as well.
By MEB
April 4, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this
The radar looks like it will rain all night in LA. Would Smoltz get a do-over if they play a doubleheader tomorrow?
By john hoar
April 4, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this
Question-if the game is called what happens to John’s ERA? Does it stand or is it erased? I sure hate to see him battle all season like some years to get it down, which he has always done. I know it’s a lot more stressful for him than us, but it sure seems like we are out there with him. Thanks
By Tomahawkin
April 4, 2006 11:34 PM | Link to this
It would be Erased If the game doesn’t go 4 and a half (Which I hope So…), As will B-Mac’s And J.D. Screw’s homeruns…
If they do a twin-Bill tomorrow I wonder if TBS will carry both games,
I hope that the first game starts at 4 pacific
Then it will be 6 hours of baseball, I’m ready, I’m out of class and have the foam Tomahawk 12 pack ready
Go Braves!
By Paul
April 4, 2006 11:41 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin, Statistics are not erased from rained out games.
By Tomahawkin
April 5, 2006 12:18 AM | Link to this
What, are you sure on that I thought If a game wasn’t official (played through 4 and a half) The stats were erased, I know if they play after 5 and a half its official, anyone else know how that works…?
Damn I’m losing my memory, Too much drugs and Loud music…
By ernesto
April 5, 2006 12:22 AM | Link to this
Wow, through the 6th and the Bravos look like they just want to get this one over with. I don’t think I’ve ever seen less interest in a game than this one. Terrible effort. Can’t believed I stayed awake to see this.
By kevin
April 5, 2006 12:30 AM | Link to this
c’mon braves, a few more innings to go; let’s rally and win this thing!
By Cuz
April 5, 2006 12:44 AM | Link to this
Smoltzie got knocked around tonight but it was good to see he is in midseason form already with his “what! no strike?” pose on the mound.
Too bad such a great pitcher acts like a spoiler Little Leaguer sometimes.
By Nicholas Irwin
April 5, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this
On the plus side, Chuck James has looked pretty good. Could it be…the first good performance from a member of our bullpen of the year? If he gets one more out without the Dodgers threatening, I’m gonna have to say yes.
By Nicholas Irwin
April 5, 2006 12:52 AM | Link to this
Alright, it’s official. I guess Villarreal and Remlinger were OK yesterday also, but that was definitely the first “good” outing of the year by our bullpen. He almost assuredly just promoted himself into the main bullpen rotation.
By Young Jeezy
April 5, 2006 01:14 AM | Link to this
Where is Skip Caray?
By Nicholas Irwin
April 5, 2006 01:23 AM | Link to this
Probably has the road trip off. With five guys that’s what they did last year.
By Marc
April 5, 2006 02:24 AM | Link to this
I guess Smoltz should go back to a full effort. This half-a* thing isn’t going to work. It’s amazing that the Braves have given up 15 runs in the first two games, to the Dodgers. Dodger stadium is a notoriously good pitchers park. The hitting and defense look fine, it’s time for the pitching to step up. Based on what I have seen from Hudson and Smoltz, I am a little nervous about the rest of the rotation.
By Chop Chop
April 5, 2006 03:29 AM | Link to this
Marc, the Dodgers have also given up 15 runs in the first two games. S** happens.
By p
April 5, 2006 07:39 AM | Link to this
so i driving at lunch time and hear some guy on 790 say smoltz and hudson will win over 40 games this year. yeah. sure. they won in the mid-20s combined last year and there’s nothing to suggest either will get clost to a 20 win season.
By JOHN B.
April 5, 2006 07:51 AM | Link to this
Smoltz and Hudson each won 14 games last year (28 wins). Smoltz would have had 6 more wins but Kolb blew them for him. Hudson lost a few games by 1 or 2 runs and had a couple blown for him as well. 40 wins combined will be tough, but possible. I would say 35 wins is more likely though.
By Caelus
April 5, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this
No complete game unless at least 4 1/2 innings are played (5 innings if the home team is behind) AND all stats are dropped.
By Dave Knockahomer
April 5, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
Glad I had to go to bed. Watched first three innings and took my sorry sad self to bed. Watch a bunch of ne’er do wells…… they acted as if it was against their contract to play in nasty weather. geezzzzzzzz.
oh well, only game two…… but somebody better be waking up cause this year we can’t limp into mid May with a sorry record and think we will win the division. The Mets and Phillies have improved enough to give us a hard time if sit and ‘take it easy.’ So here’s a Bud for anyone on the pitching staff that will wake up and realize we in da REAL season. ain’t no spring training…. one thing for sure…..things can only get better!!!!
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!
By Jimo
April 5, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this
Brian Jordon strikes out to end scoring threat…DANNY BEAZ GETS SAVE-THE KID THAT WANTED TO PLAY FOR BRAVES HAD 41 SAVES LAST YEAR THAT SOME DING BATS (MARK BOW—-JS ) DIDN’T WANT. TWO GOOD NIGHTS AGAINST BRAVES,go DB. The new look uniform stinks—PITCHERS PLAYED TO MUCH GOLF AND DID TO MUCH FISHING IN FLA. SORRY FANS BUT 15 IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN TILL SOME MORE CHANGES TAKE PLACE. Keep up the good work BC & JS.
By JOHN B.
April 5, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this
It’s only game two. SMoltz will pitch better than he did last night. The bullpen did well. It’s not time to start making a lot of changes already. The only one that would make any sense is if Boyer is still hurting, then bring Devine or somebody up. Maybe Ken Ray, who did so well this spring. But only if Boyer is not right. This team is going to contend and has a chance to go farther in the playoffs than last year.
By Mark
April 5, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
Let’s trade Laroche , let’s trade Laroche ! no , wait the wheels fell off the bandwagon once everybody watched him jack 2 homers in 2 games , where are the Bandwagon bashers now ?? lol. Smoltz doesnt pitch well in cold weather , which explains why he did so well in warm weather Florida. Braves walked 5 dodgers walked 0 , 2 of which scored. Its early in the season , dont panic. Have a beer and some nacho’s and enjoy the baseball.
By Penn
April 5, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this
Boyer shows all the signs of needing more “seasoning” in Richmond. Bring him back when he has proved he is ready.
Either Devine or Ray would be an improvement. Boyer looked horrible that first game.
By Kirby
April 5, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
Two quick thoughts on the first two games:
Hudson and Smoltz have to pitch better than this, because the other starters are not proven winners.
Nothing says more than the Braves hitters’ chronic problems with lack of plate discipline that this stat from last night’s game: 13 strikeouts and 0 walks.
By Dave Knockahomer
April 5, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this
the only ones hitting worth talking about is the same three that got us through the last few weeks of the season and got us Division #14. those three?
My favorite…….Langerhans and of course our main guy……Andruw and yes! LaRoche! the slower than molasses guy .
but it was those three who brought us big division win and now it was those three last night. And even in game one they didn’t do bad.
yes, it was only game 2, but next year, the pitching staff needs to be about pitching some innings rather than stalking a stupid golf course!
But it ain’t mid May yet! I just grumblin; but I’ll get downright serious if we still looking like crap come mid May.
By David O'Brien
April 5, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
Folks, couldn’t get quotes from Smoltz posted last night because everyone was gone from the office by the time I got back upstairs to pressbox. Should have just posted them here, I guess.
Anyway, his big thing _ reason or excuse for the performance _ was his grip. Said the cold and rain didn’t allow him to throw his slider and other “feel” pitches. He threw a flat one to J.D. that he hit for the homer, and after that Smoltz said he was reluctant to throw the slider, which is one of his best pitches.
Hey, I’m just reporting what the man said, folks. It was terrible weather. Of course, Smoltz also acknowledged the obvious _ Brad Penny had to pitch in same conditions, and he managed to make enough good pitches to get out of jams.
Braves hitters also let Penny off the hook, to a degree (that’s not Smoltz saying that; that’s me).
I didn’t agree with Braves that the umpire’s no-call on the ball that everyone swore hit the Dodgers’ runner (James Loney) in the foot in the first inning had a huge effect on the outcome. In hindsight, it was convenient explanation, but that’s one of those things that can and must be overcome.
You can’t look at everything that happens after an incident like that and go, ‘it would haven’t happened if not for that.’ I never liked that kind of logic.
Hey, they got beat. Braves made a nice comeback attempt, but fell short. Hole was too deep. Jordan whiffed to end the big three-run eighth inning, and that was the end of that.
The positives: LaRoche (again) with the two-out, two-run homer in the eighth (I guess the LaRoche-bashers will have to wait yet another day to begin pointing out his flaws), the big two-out double by Matt Diaz to start the rally, and Andruw’s subsequent double to drive him in, the second hit in as many days for Andruw with runners in scoring position, the area in which he hit .207 last year.
By TheSouthernJackAss
April 5, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this
If John Smoltz’ can’t pitch all out, full tilt, then he needs to go play golf fulltime and give someone else an opportunity to play all out, full tilt!!!…GO ANAHEIM!!!…
By JasonInMaine
April 5, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this
Dave,
Is it still raining there? What are the chances of the game getting played tonight? Too bad last night’s game wasn’t rained out after the first (:
Also, will James get sent down when McBride is able to come off of the DL? I figured they would send him back and let him start.
Regards, Jason
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 5, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this
DOB - i’m not a laroche-basher at all, i really like the guy and hope that he’ll start tonight against lefty perez. but, he did strike out 3 times last night, which is frustrating.
however, if he’s tied for the league lead in RBIs (5, with andruw, btw) and HRs (2, with pujols), then i’m not complaining at all and just hope that he keeps it up.
daybed wagmoe.
By Chris
April 5, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this
“it would haven’t happened if not for that.” Good God, man, what is that?
Any interest in seeing if Thomson and his $4.75 mil can close some games?
By David O'Brien
April 5, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this
Chris, it’s a typo, which can happen when you roll out of bed and try to post something before your first cup of coffee, and before you’re required to post anything but choose to anyway.
No interest from me in seeing Thomson close. You interested? If so, was it him facing two batters and giving up an RBI double in the opener that did it for you? Good god, man, I see the logic.
Jason, just started raining again, after something that must have been the sun made an appearance for a couple hours this morning.
But I think we’ll get in tonight’s game. After last night’s game was played when no one believed it possible, I’d say safe bet they’ll play tonight.
By David O'Brien
April 5, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this
Oh, and I had it wrong: Andruw actually 3-for-5 with runners in scoring position, even better than I thought.
Renteria and LaRoche each 2-for-3 with RISP, LaRoche’s hits both homers.
By David O'Brien
April 5, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this
Meanwhile, pitching staff has allowed an NL-high 27 hits and 15 runs. At least they haven’t pitched their aces yet … oh, wait.
By Cornholio
April 5, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
Dave,
Is LaRoche starting tonight? I hope Bobby doesn’t startup the platoon BS again !
Tim Hudson has not been the dominant style pitcher I thought he was when JS acquired him. Has manangement expressed any concerns yet?
By Nicholas Irwin
April 5, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this
First of all, I really love the new constantly updated blog this year, DOB. Early morning typos notwithstanding, keep up the good work.
Second…I have seen exactly too pitchers thus far that have made me think they possibly could in any way exceed expectations. Those would be Villarreal and Chuck James. I guess the bullpen didn’t give up a run last night, so that’s good, although most of that was the aforementioned Chuck James (Cormier again somehow managed to not give up a run). I’m not saying it’s not gonna get better, and I certainly expect it to get better for Smoltz and Hudson, but those are some pretty alarming numbers. Smoltz bounced back big-time in his second start last year though (15 Ks, as I recall), so I’ll look for him to pitch better this weekend. I think the bullpen will get a little more straightened out (not to be confused with world-class) when we get some roles locked down. But the starters have already given up 10 runs and we’re not even to the iffy part of our rotation yet. Although now that I’ve said this, watch Ramirez go out there and mow them down tonight. He’s kind of unpredictable that way sometimes.
By BW
April 5, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
David you are right, BC has the aces in the hole, just you wait! Reds looking good today 5-2 over Cubs in 5th. GO BRAVES!!!!!!
By P'Cola Michael
April 5, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this
I agree…if LaRoche is hot like this, let him keep digging in and starting…even against the lefty. Keep Jordan on the bench this trip, especially after the K. I mean really…what’s the difference in LaRoche striking out and Jordan striking out when you factor in the better Defense with LaRoche. ??
Also, let’s just say we knock the lefty out early, we can keep getting LaRoche some AB’s and keep his glove out there.
Thoughts??
By Young Jeezy
April 5, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this
I’m still disappointed I gotta wait a whole week to hear Skip Caray calling Braves games. Yeeeeaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh. I think the guy we need to be concerned about is not LaRoche or the pitching staff, but Francoeur. Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. In 2 games so far I have seen him take 1 pitch, and I don’t think he’s even got on base. Yeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. We can have a decent offense without him, but unless we have him producing like he did last year we’re not gonna score runs consistently. Ayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy. Oh yeah, on a side note, what started the whole LaRoche-hating bandwagon anyway? I never saw him do anything that really p** me off last year. Seemed like he was going through his growing pains, just like the rest of the young players. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh.
By Tomahawkin
April 5, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
I don’t hate on LaRoache because of hits stats (he’s a great first baseman considering how much he gets paid) I just hate that laid back attitude of his
If he keeps it up he’ll hit 30, he just has to aviod those long a-s-s droughts he’s prone to…
Oh yea, don’t hate on skip, he has long been the voice of the Braves
We could be stuck with the likes of Blow Buck and Tim McCarver..
By TheSouthernJackAss
April 5, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this
Hard to type correctly with a hangover too, isn’t it DOB???…
By MBATL
April 5, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
or Milo Hamilton!
By David O'Brien
April 5, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Yes it is, JA. But probably not as hard as it is for you to type with only a 10th-grade education.
By LeTwan Anthony
April 5, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
LeTwan apologizes for this post in advance.
LeTwan sees the AJC headline about topless photos of Diaz and LeTwan says, big deal. Who cares? Diaz is not even a starter. Besides, he’s a guy. The AJC needs to stick with baseball, and with pie. Stop running these meaningless stories about topless ballplayers.
LeTwan shares the opinion of the blogger who thinks maybe the Braves didn’t want to play last night. Who could blame them? But, once the umpire said, “play ball” they needed to get it in gear. By the way, who was that pinch hitter in the 8th? Since LeTwan did not see the at-bat could someone tell me about it? WWJD? What would Jurries do?
Two games decided by one run each. 30 runs scored. Is this an indication of things to come?
LeTwan thinks John Smotlz better get a grip.
By Carolina Lady
April 5, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
Hey, David! I do enjoy your blog!
Smoltz: I’m expecting him to come back with a vengeance in his next starts for the simple reason that he is his own worst critic and he will be determined to prove to himself that he is still The John Smoltz and anything less than perfection is unacceptable to him. I sure do admire him as a person and as an athlete. Wish there were a truck-load more like him. (Don’t even get me started on the likes of Bonds! I refuse to even watch a game in which he appears. OK, soapbox put away…..)
Have a great time out there in sunny CA! :-))
By Bobbymahlon
April 5, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
As I said before Francoeur like Beltran can run,field,throw, hit with power but neither may never hit for a very high average. I think that will hold both of them back from being super stars.
By TheSouthernJackAss
April 5, 2006 08:24 PM | Link to this
You type pretty good for a sixth grader too DOB!!!…GO DODGERS!!!…