AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > April > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNot too early to worry
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fans who thought that the Braves should have never let pitching coach Leo Mazzone get away are looking pretty smart right now. But don’t blame all the staff’s ills on Roger McDowell just yet.
McDowell needs a grace period and so do the pitchers.
The weather was awful in California and big scores were the norm in the majors everywhere during the first week of the season. Now that the Braves are back home for a week, we can give the pitchers a more true evaluation.
That said, those in worry mode have a right to be. The bullpen remains unstable, Tim Hudson may not be a true ace anymore and the injury to Horacio Ramirez leaves the rotation without a lefty.
John Thomson, who lost his starting spot in spring training, is now back in and will start the home opener Monday night against Philadelphia. A seven-inning effort is what the Braves need, but that may be asking an awful lot.
Meanwhile, Chipper Jones won’t be in the lineup and Marcus Giles is questionable.
The Braves’ 3-4 record in Los Angeles and San Francisco was bad enough, but all the injuries are even more troubling.
About the only good thing to say is that the Braves are finally back in Atlanta, where the weather should be much better. Who said that California was sunny?
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By herman
April 10, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this
The grace period you say they deserve,they had. It was called spring training.They make a lot of money…let them start to earn it.
By Choppin Bob
April 10, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this
Devine looked absolutely horrible! Is that the only way he figures not to give up a homer? Reitsma reeked as well! What the hell is the problem here? I think he should go to the shrink that helped Smoltz years ago. I also think anyone attending the home opener tonight ought to play catch in front of the gates, in the corridors, or anywhere else Schuerholz can see your arms! This ship is sinking and I can’t stand it. I think we should probably put Jordan in right until Frenchy can at least reach the avg. of Jose Hernandez, now he sucked. I bet Frenchy would still swing at a pitch in the dugout if he could TiVo it. Would someone please tell him not to swing until he gets 2 strikes on him! Everyone knows hes a free swinger and will throw him junk.
By Ken
April 10, 2006 01:23 PM | Link to this
Before anyone accuses me of jumping on or off the bandwagon, I have been a Braves fan since 1980. My son and I trek 500 miles to watch a series every year. That being said, these are my observations after seven games: 1. Tim Hudson is not the dominating pitcher the Braves thought they were getting, but he is better than he showed this week. 2. Not acquiring a proven closer was a mistake. 3. Although a huge Chipper fan, I believe the wear and tear of all the games played is taking its toll. 4. Langerhans will be a very good player now that he has been given an everyday job. 5. Brian Jordan is useless!!!!!! Jurries should at least be given a chance, he could not be any worse. 6. Francouer spent too much time on the bench in the WBC. He should have been in camp. 7. Andruw is the bomb, as is Renteria. 8. Smoltz is the ultimate professional. 9. Joey Devine needs a lot more time in the minors. 10. Go Braves!!!!! I will see you in August for the Milwaukee series, hoping for a 10 game lead.
By Jman
April 10, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
Chipper needs to be moved to 1B! He can no longer handle the wear and tear of 3B or anywhere else on the field for that matter.
By True Braves Fan
April 10, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
While the first 7 games on the West Coast left cause for concern, I will not make a judgement for panic moves until I have seen at least 25 games…As of now, nothing has happened that can’t be fixed.
By P'Cola Michael
April 10, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
Ken,
Thanks for typing that paragraph…you read my mind and saved me some typing! I concur!
By Tom B
April 10, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
Why hasn’t the Chipper to first base conversation been in the works all along? LaRoche looks like he’s about one second from deep, deep REM sleep, and every time Betemit gets playing time he slaps the ball around like he is the top prospect everyone figured him for five years ago. It’s not like a move back to the outfield for Chipper, it’s just across the diamond still playing at the corner.
By Graham
April 10, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this
How about everyone take a deep breath, not panic, and just have a little faith that this team is going to pull through, and I have every reason to think they will. 1) The pitching has been awful, but the weather has been awful out on the West Coast. Hudson will get it together. Anyone remember Smoltz starting 1991 2-11 in the first half and being awful, and then he rebounded in the second half? Glavine in 1999 or so when he started 3-7? The pitching will be there in the end. As for Francoeur, he needs to adjust. The scouting report is out on him, and he’s got to be a professional and take some pitches. He’s pushing too much right now, but he has hit some balls hard.
By JC
April 10, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this
Whatever the problem may be with the pitching it must be fixed. Why isn’t Chuck James getting a shot to be our LH starter- he’s been one of the best pitchers on the team. So far the best relievers (along with James) seem to be Remlinger, Villereal, and Ray. They should get the opportunity to close the games. As with any business employees who don’t perform need to be held accountable and understand that their jobs will be in jeopardy if they don’t improve. By the way, what a great performance from Smoltzy through the flu- Reitsma owes him big. The offense looks great but you must have pitching- just ask the Texas Rangers from the last few years.
By BO
April 10, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
Don’t panic TRUE BRAVES FAN and P’cola but by the 25th game the Braves will be out of the race at present rate. I hope not but I agree with JMAM on CHIPPER, HE SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM AT 1st. BETEMIT CAN DO! Pitchers are whats killing the team and thats JS & BC fault.Every team in majors has better pitching right today than the braves.
By JC
April 10, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this
You can’t be out of the race by the 25th game. Houston was 15 games out 2 years ago at the all-star break then knocked us out of the playoffs.
By TennesseePaul
April 10, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this
The game today, that hurts, LaRoche said. I’d be lying to you if I said we could just blow that one off and come back out tomorrow. That’ll be in our minds for a few days. Well, except for me. I can’t remember things from moement to moment. I don’t know if I told you, but I have ADD. They said I should take medication for it, but I always forget for some reason.
By Chop Chop
April 10, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this
“I blew it today,” said Reitsma, whose problems began with a ninth-inning leadoff homer by Niekro on a 1-and-2 changeup left over the plate.”
It is a noble thing to be honest, so I applaud Reitsma for correctly assessing his performance. However, Reitsma’s had too many of these moments. The worst thing Reitsma did last week was to get a five-out save against the Dodgers. That was all Bobby needed to decide to let him go after a four-out save yesterday. Doesn’t Bobby realize that Reitsma (closer or not) should strictly be a one-inning guy in the ‘pen? Hasn’t he been burned enough by the guy to know that? I know that he “trusts” Reitsma because he’s been with the team a few years now, but that philosophy is no different than Joe Torre trotting out Tanyon Sturtze for the Yanks in close games. It’s just not a good idea.
JC, if Remlinger gets a shot to be the closer, I will cry. You don’t want to read about a grown man crying, do you?
By JC
April 10, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this
No, Rem can handle the 7th or 8th.
By Randy
April 10, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this
WE NEED A CLOSER!
By Steve
April 10, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this
Listen, Huddy is an ace and will prove it you are all jokes who say he isnt. He has had 2 starts, yeh he got bombed, I guarantee he goes on a rampage the next 7-10 starts. The offense is there, the team is in phenomenal shape…..WE JUST NEED A FCN CLOSER!!!!!!!!!! I HATE REITSMA!! He is a great guy but how many losses have REITSMA AND KOLB BLOWN FOR ALL OF OUR HEROES——Smoltzie….Only concern I have now is Chipper, he IS the Braves, we need him back healthy and ASAP…He needs to put hup 140 games this year. If this injury is serious, things won’t be good.
By TennesseePaul
April 10, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
This weather was real cold excuse isn’t going to cut it. October is real cold. If we can’t perform in cold weather, we can’t win in the post season. Seems every other team is performing in cold weather.
I was glad to see Smoltz regroup and perform like a solid starter yesterday. That first innings was great. I was getting exciting think… finally, we’re back to pitching. Then the 2nd came along. But he pulled it together and was amazing the rest of the game. To bad Reitsma blew it. I’ll give him a pass on a hand full of blown saves this year on the following conditions, they are no more than 5, and they occur in between long, long stretches of completed saves - they cannot be back to back blown saves. If Reitsma can pull off 40 saves this year with 5 blown, I wouldn’t mind. If he pulls a Kolb, well, I don’t think he’ll be safe anywhere in Atlanta.
By MGL
April 10, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this
Have to agree with Chop Chop. I don’t understand why if Reitsma is Bobby’s choice for a closer, he brings him out in the eighth (all 3 times, I think). Both times he was touched for 2 were in the ninth. Seems like it would be better to just wait till the ninth rather than have him warm-up and get fired-up, start in the eighth, sit on the bench and get cold again.
By Kirby
April 10, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this
I agree with Guy’s “It’s not too early to worry” observation about the pitching, and the stats bear him out. In 59.1 innings, Braves pitchers have given up 74 hits (the most of all 30 teams), and 35 walks (2nd highest of all 30 teams), while striking out 33 batters.
Smoltz and Hudson are the only proven starters and they are pitching poorly. The closers have converted 2 of 5 save opportunities and Reitsma’s blown save in yesterday’s game was particularly discouraging.
Both Hudson and Smoltz must pitch well for the Braves to win the division, and the Braves more than ever need an effective closer, and Reitsma just doesn’t cut it.
I can’t recall a worse 7 game stretch of pitching than the one we’ve just witnessed.
By ChrisInPA
April 10, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this
Right on with everything you said there Steve, but I like Reitsma in the set-up role…much more effective. But there are no closers to trade for.
By Blake
April 10, 2006 02:25 PM | Link to this
I heard Seattle may be willing to listen to trade offers for Eddie G. I think he could be effective. Not sure on his availabililty though
By TennesseePaul
April 10, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this
Why hasn’t the Chipper to first base conversation been in the works all along?
This has been. All offseason. That’s allt here was — move Chipper to 1B. Since DOB isn’t here to say it: That ain’t going to happen. That’s how it is. Dream about it, talk about it, scream about it. The truth is, Chipper is not going to 1B. Especially after LaRoche hits a couple of Doubles and has more RBI’s than Chipper.
By Chop Chop
April 10, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this
Yeah, MGL. Reitsma is better when he’s confined to an inning or less, but he really shouldn’t be closing games. I (along with just about everybody else, I guess) don’t really see anyone in that pen who is an obvious choice to replace Reitsma as closer, but I’d give Villarreal the first shot if he’s replaced.
By Alan
April 10, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
I agree with Ken’s comments at the beginning of this blog, especially concerning Hudson. He has hardly resembled the “ace” he’s supposed to be. Couldn’t complete 5 innings with a 7-run lead in the opener and then got out-pitched by Jamey Wright (who, if memory serves, couldn’t crack the Rockies’ rotation) in his second start. Also, it’s about time Bobby moved Langerhans out of the 8-hole and into Chipper’s spot. He deserves it. Even after Chipper returns, Langy should hit no lower than 6th. It’ll be interesting to see how the Braves play in tonight’s home opener against an Eastern Division foe that is struggling even more than the Braves are. There’s a lot riding on Thomson’s arm, and he’s not exactly sounding terribly optimistic about giving them a quality start (at least 6 innings; 3 runs or less). We’ll see.
By Greg
April 10, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this
Tim Hudson has stopped striking people out. That’s a troubling sign. Even Smoltz is not the strikeout machine he used to be. Unless you are Maddux and Glavine in their heyday, you need to be able to punch people out (even Maddux would strike out close to 200 guys a year).
It’s ridiculous (but incredibly predictable) that everyone would be going crazy after a bad first week, but we’ve been bad to start most every season the past few years. The Mets got off to a good start by playing the Marlins.
The starting pitching will be better, the hitting won’t be this good, and Villareal will be closing by the ASB.
By teoa
April 10, 2006 02:38 PM | Link to this
Remlinger was never a closer in his prime, he’s 40 now and coming off a 6.58 ERA last year…something tells me he’s not the answer just because he’s started the year with two scoreless innings. Villarreal doesn’t have a save for his career, doesn’t have a strikeout in 4 innings this year, and now has 0 Holds and 1 Blown Save as a setup man this year. And he’s coming off ERAs of 7.00 and 5.27…Not placing any bets on him either. The only hope for a closer in the Braves organization right now seems to be Ray, but who knows if he can handle that pressure after having pitched 3 innings in the majors over the last 7 years? It kind of seems unfair to ask of him at this point, although anything is worth a try over Reitsma. I’m afraid we risk the possibility of shattering Ray’s confidence too (like Devine) if we just throw him right into the fire. I do think Bobby probably thinks of him as the number two reliever though since he was the eighth inning pitcher in a one run game yesterday, so I expect him to get his chance. Still, I think it is wishful thinking to think the Braves have anything close to a closer on this team. Hopefully they won’t have to blow too many ninth inning leads before management realizes they desperately need to look somewhere else — which should have been common sense after Farnsworth left in the offseason. It’s well worth a couple of prospects to not have to watch any more Reitsma choke jobs like yesterday…
And why do the blown saves always happen to Smoltz when he gets them deeper into the game with a lead than any other starter? The bullpen has now blown 7 wins for him in one year+. I’ve heard people speculate that he may need to get to 200 wins to make the Hall of Fame. He’s at 177 but should have 184 just from the last year. So not only is Reitsma blowing games for the Braves, he could also be hurting Smoltz’s chances at the Hall.
Make a move NOW!
By Josh
April 10, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this
you people really make me laugh…it’s the same thing every single year…everyone has a panic attack if we don’t start out the season on a ten-game winning streak…take a few deep breaths…look how many runs our opposition gave up in the last two series…the pitching conditions were far from optimal…in fact, we played 7 close road games with two of the best teams in the NL west…
By Excelsior
April 10, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
Why are we talking about moving Chipper to 1B? If he was playing first on that mess of a field and he charged a slow roller would he not have slipped when he tried to plant his cleat? This is stupid. Very stupid. He was playing great 3B the first week of the season. He’s the best we have at that position. Anyone could have been hurt on that play. Hopefully, it’s just an ankle sprain and he’ll be back. In summary, Chipper should not be moved to 1B.
But what if we did? Then we’d have a worse 3B than Chipper (in Betemit) on the field and a worst 1B than Laroche (in Chipper) on the field. Brilliant.
Reitsma blows (saves). He has no single pitch that can dominate or intimidate players.
How long can I put up w/ Francoeur at the plate? I don’t know. It’s like pitchers forgot early in spring training that all you have to do to get him out is throw pitches that aren’t strikes.
By Blake
April 10, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
Good point Greg, it has been one week. The starters will be fine and Edgar has turned out to be everything we hoped and more through 7 games. The Reitsma thing is nothing new, he is a good reliever but just cant close. If he is the closer until the ASB he will blow at least 8-10 more saves. On the bright side Ken Ray has some great movement so far this year and if all else fails lets go bail Urbina our of jail. just kidding!
By Riley Freeman
April 10, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this
I am amazed that we are only 1 game under .500 after how badly we played on that trip. It’s not Jordan who we need to do something about, it’s Francoeur. Teams have figured him out now, keep throwing 5 feet out of the strike zone and you get him out in 3 pitches. For now I wouldn’t mind seeing Francoeur and Langerhans swap places in the batting order until Francoeur can learn to take a pitch.
Yeah, the closer situation sucks.
And no, it’s not too early to blame McDowell. Leo used to start spring training for pitchers in mid February. If McDowell can’t connect with his pitchers in that amount of time the way Leo used to then there is something wrong.
By teoa
April 10, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this
It hasn’t been “one week” for Reitsma sucking…IT’S BEEN HIS WHOLE CAREER! When Reitsma is your closer, there is need to worry — whether it’s the offseason, the first week, the first month, any day of the week ending in “y” — everyone should worry if you get any enjoyment out of the Braves winning games!
Patience with Reitsma will only bring more losses. There is no reason to be patient. He has been proving for the past 5 years all the things that he can’t do.
By TennesseePaul
April 10, 2006 02:54 PM | Link to this
Roger started the pitchers in mid February as well. In fact, more pitchers turned out this February for Roger than in the history of Camp Leo. And, with the exception of Devine and Boyer, the pen hasn’t been that terrible. Reitsma’s blown saves are nothing new, but Ken Ray, Remmer, and others have been outstanding so far. My hope is, this is the one and only time we will see this bush league level of pitching on the Braves team. Smoltz redeamed himself. Thomson has been great out of the pen, hopefully he’ll kick but as a starter today. But I can’t wait for an off day. As a fan of this team I need an off day. I’m sure the players could use one as well.
By Choppin Bob
April 10, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
I agree Chop Chop. I think not giving anyone else a chance is dumber than keeping Reitsma in there.
By Kevin
April 10, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this
Well the first week is not as good as we hoped for but hopefully we will improve over the next two months. Some thoughts that do make sense 1. James should be given a start at home, place Sosa in the pen until he loses some weight and shows he can pitch better than his last start 2. Start Diaz and give Francouer a day off 3. BJ—coach at Richmond and bring up Jurries, do not wait like last year until the end of May 4. Saw on Buster Olney’s web chat that the people in Oakland where concerned that Hudson would break down over time, he really needs to start showing why the Braves gave him all that money 5. Send Devine to Richmond until the end of May and have the pitching coach work with him on his release point 6. I really do not know what to say about Chipper, one of my favorite players of all time but the “nagging injuries” and where they occur start to worry me long term, a buddy last night looked at me after we saw Sportscenter and said, I guess you guys would like Marte back—could he be this decade’s Jason Schmidt? 7. Start grooming Lerew to be a closer, yes I know he was horrible in spring training but a scout described his stuff as electric and he should be given a shot 8. Keep the faith, it is a marathon not a sprint, we will be okay I hope
By Blake
April 10, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this
Even though our middle relief has been okay so far. We should sign Jeff Nelson. He had a good spring and we might could use another arm with Boyer and Mcbride still on the shelf
By journalist jimmy smith
April 10, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
journalist jimmy smith welcomes fellow journalist guy curtright to the blog. guy, your ever read the blog? do you have a horse? have you got any scoop on today’s game? how are the team toes?
jimmy smith says watch out for the jimmy smith impostor now posting on this blog. jimmy smith is a refined and educated man as well.
jimmy smith does not write pretty like scribe but remains an effective journlaist. soon, jimmy smith will break big news for all braves fans.
bobby has much to pick from. why doesn’t he pick a closer?
By The Captain
April 10, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this
I think we may be overreacting just a bit. Certainly, I’m just as concerned as everyone giving the pitching performances, but I think it’s too early to be saying Tim Hudson is washed up or blaming Roger McDowell. Guys like Hudson and Smoltz are well enough into their careers where you can’t blame poor pitching on a coach. Every analsyst has said that when you get to the level of those guys, a pitching coach more or less stays out of their way minus a few things. Smoltz breezed through the game after the bad 2nd. Do you think that was because he suddenly decided after the 2nd inning that he wasn’t going to listen to Roger McDowell? No, it’s cause he made adjustments. Hudson pitched some games last year (most recently Game 4 of the NLDS) that he was lights out. So while they’re is reason to be concerned and hope they put it together now, I don’t think we should go writing off Hudson and McDowell. I get the feeling based on how quick of a hook Bobby has had this year that they’re not willing to put up with the bullpen struggles a second year in a row. I think they’ll make a deal soon or put Ray into the closer’s role.
By EWare
April 10, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Someone help me out here…
If Francoeur doesn’t start getting hits, what’s the most logical thing for Bobby to do? Send him to triple A for playing time or bench him for a while? I would think Bobby would want him to get some at-bats in triple A, then bring him back. Is my reasoning off?
I hope he catches on soon. He sure made baseball fun to watch last year.
Thanks!
By JOHN B>
April 10, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
I agree with the fact that Reitsma is not a closer. I think Reitsma would be a good set up man or a great 1 or 2 batter specialist. I say give the closer role to Ray for now. If he does well, great. If not, then go out a get a closer. There should be enough money for making moves. I also think the Braves should go after Dontrelle Willis. The Marlins are going to trade him. So why not the Braves. The only untouchable prospects would be Saltelamachia, Chuck James and Davies. But the Braves have a number of other pitching and hitting prospects (Beau Jones, Andrus, Prado, Escobar, Lerew, McBride, Boyer Luis Hernandez, Pena Jr., Brayan Pena, Maximiliano Ramirez, Campbell). The Braves can’t use all of them. Some are close to being ready now. If the Marlins don’t want any of them, they could get a 3rd team involved to give the Marlins the prospects they want. Thompson and LaRoche could be trade bait as well.
By Blake
April 10, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
Why would James and Davies be untouchable for Willis? Everyone can be traded for him except Saltelamachia
By TennesseePaul
April 10, 2006 03:16 PM | Link to this
Francouer has to start making adjustments. The first one he could make is: take pitches. Right now I’d be happy to see the guy strike out on three pitches looking. At least then I would know he has the ability to take a pitch. Let him do that for a few days. Then take Kevin’s idea, bench him and play Diaz for a few days.
By JOHN B.
April 10, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
Of course, I’m not saying trade all of those prospects for Willis, but a couple would be worth it as Willis is young and proven he is capable of post season pressure. He has also learned to make adjustments. And the guy has got swagger. Personality. He is the kind of player the Braves need. He could even be a pinch hitter too. Not only is he a great pitcher, he knows how to swing a bat.
By Choppin Bob
April 10, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
Trading for another great starter does nothing to help us with a closer. Granted we may not need one for when Dontrelle pitches, but we still need a cannon in the pen. Todd Pratt should only catch John Thomson too.
By JOHN B.
April 10, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
Blake,
The only reason I say keep James and Davies is because I think they are the future of the rotation. Add willis and that is a great young group of quality starters. And the Braves have many middle infielders and catchers. Of course, if it was a deal breaker, then include one of them.
By Chop Chop
April 10, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
I think Devine should stay in the minors until he can consistently repeat his mechanics on the mound. If his mechanics are out of whack only in the big leagues, then he’ll need Smoltz’s ol’ sports psychologist to do some work with him.
(“Dr. Jack Llewellyn, a Mr. John Schuerholz on Line 1. He says it’s urgent.”)
Excelsior: You say that Betemit would be a “worse 3B” than Chipper. Well, he’d be worse at the plate, but he would certainly be a lot better in the field. Chipper will have to move from third at some point and I don’t think any of us want to see him in the outfield again. That leaves basically two positions for him to be potentially useful to the Braves: First base…or relief pitcher. Since I don’t think we’d want Chipper toeing the rubber with those bunions, I’m guessing first base will be his eventual position.
By JOHN B.
April 10, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
Choppin Bob,
I said to trade for Willis as well as a closer. The Braves have many prospects. If they can trade for young established guys like Willis, it be as big a deal to trade some prospects. Willis is under contract for at least 2006 and 2007.
By journalist jimmy smith
April 10, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
real journalist jimmy smith congratulates chop chop on clever remark concerning toe. chop chop understands importance of healthy toes to ballplayer. journalist thinks before big contract was signed chipper would have been good american leaguer. now, chipper braves player for good. old and feeble playing third base. hurt when move, so not move. hate mail not necessary.
By Beth in P'Cola
April 10, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this
Smoltzie- you just can’t say anything bad about the guy! The way he pulled it together after that 2nd inning is just another mark of a true professional. Now, if the rest of the team can do the same, we’re in business. Great to be back for another season. Where’s the old gang?
By Kevin
April 10, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
I think we can agree that while Willis would be great for the team in some respects he does not address our need for a closer. Houston has Lidge—not going to happen, Qualls—probably not, but what about Wheeler? We have some prospects for them Pena or Escobar (we then could demand Qualls at least). The bright spots are look at Giles in the leadoff hole, great patience, Edgar is playing great—Cox magic? and Andruw is picking up where he left off. Chipper will move eventually he is getting to wore down at 3rd and then move Betimit there full time. Maybe move LaRoche to the pen? When KJ comes off the DL, I would platoon him with Francouer for awhile, and have Pendleton or someone work with him on plate discipline. The problem for the Braves now is that no one will touch Ramirez—even after he comes off the DL which is what now? May?, Thomson, or Sosa. The first few months this year are starting to look like last year a little bit, lets see where we are at on May 31st before panicking. This is a great blog today, keep it going
By Choppin Bob
April 10, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
John, The likelihood of the Braves getting a Willis caliber starter and a bona fide closer in the same year is highly unlikely. If JS were to do anything he would take a starter over a closer. I agree we have plenty of talent down below and need to use that to trade for some arms.
By Bryan
April 10, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this
Ok everyone.. Lets wait a minute…Last year Nobody thought we would have any chance to win and we did.. Even with Chipper out, Even with a terrible bullpen, & with 18 rookies for crying out loud!!!
Huddy will be fine.. anyone knows a sinkerball pitcher will have trouble in the cold weather as well as Smoltz did’t have a good grip on the ball. Certain pithces dont work without a good grip on the ball. All of our pitchers have had 1 bad inning, it isnt like it has been for the whole game or anything….
Chipper has been playing fine except for a couple of “tough errors” I would have hurt myself playing on the slop they call AT&T park as well…
We our back home and things will improve…just be patient…
By Andy
April 10, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Vinny castila hit so bad for 2 and a half years but Cox sent him out there for his defense—just a hint how long Frenchy will be out there if he contiues his slump—he won’t—but if he does he will be out there for the season—regardless.
Peter Gammons said something about Hudson that is troubling…”Hudson simply is not the pitcher he was in Oakland,” he then went on to say after watching him last year and this year in Spring traing and his two starts that he might not be able to pitch in the National league. I am a big defender of Hudson…So hopefuly he will prove them all wrong—-Gammons probaly picked the Mets too—not sure though.
Smotlz HAD to pitch 7 innings even though he was sick—because Thompson can’t be expected to pitch 7 innings when he hasn’t had a start in 3 weeks and he only had 2 or three starts in spring training. The pen is already close to overuse. Smotlz can’t say enough good things about you.
By True Braves Fan
April 10, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
JOHN B…I am not sure what you mean by “Willis is young and proven he is capable of post season pressure.” But his post season record is 12.2 IP; 0-1 record; and 8.53 ERA………
By Chop Chop
April 10, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
People here seem to like to bring up the Astros’ bullpen and how “we should trade for one of their guys”. The Astros are in a “win now” mode and they are not going to trade their strength away to a team that will be competing against them in the playoff hunt. As for the D-Train, the Marlins have Willis pretty cheap the next couple of years. Why would they trade him away when they’ve already cleaned house and are paying next to nothing (comparatively, of course) in players’ salaries?
By JOHN B.
April 10, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
Choppin Bob,
You’re probably right. It’s unlikely, but the Braves have the prospects. And young established guys are still relatively inexpensive so it would work for the payroll. Especially if we could turn around and trade Thompson’s 4.8 mill contract. A team with a surplus of relievers but lacking starters would take him in a second.
I still think this year’s pen is better than last year’s. Vilerreal, Ray, James, Cormier and even Remlinger have all done well. As long as they are not overused, they should continue to do so. Especially Remlinger, I think he is a situational guy only. And I think Boyer will get his arm strength back. Reitsma at closer is the wink link. I think he would do fine as set up and let Ken Ray close. I think Ken Ray could be like Derrick Turnbow. They have both been released so they are just going out there and giving their all. They have nothing to lose.
By JOHN B.
April 10, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
True Braves Fan,
Good Point. I forgot that Willis had a couple of rough starts between the NLDS and the NLCS when he was a rookie. He looked very good that year in the WS though. That was what I was remembering. I would be comfortable with him starting in the post season though. He has come a long ways since.
By JOHN B.
April 10, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop,
Numerous reports have the Marlins as possibly trading Willis because he makes like 3.5 mill this year. My guess is he would go up to like 6.5 mill next year. They have a 15 mill dollar payroll. If they can’t get a stadium or get the OK to move, it would not surprise me if they traded Cabrera next year.
By Choppin Bob
April 10, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
JB, I like this years pen as well, but I dn’t think we can use Ray to close. Yeah he looks good now, but there is a reason it took him 7 years to get here. Because he doesn’t throw smoke like a Rocker type, I think he may be a Kolb type pitcher. I know its unfair to compare anyone to Kolb, but we need a guy to get the job done. Might as well go after Eddie G. before his stock goes up through out the year.
By True Braves Fan
April 10, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
I am impressed that Ken Ray has pitched 3.0 innings with 0H; 0R; and 3K, but I am not prepared to turn over the closer’s role to a player with experience of 11.3 IP and 8.74 ERA in the majors….
By Alan
April 10, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
Andy, someone should ask P. Gammons what he means by: “Hudson simply is not the pitcher he was in Oakland.” What happened? And why on earth would anyone say that he can’t pitch in the National League? That’s an absurd thing to say! What’s different about the NL aside from the DH? Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson haven’t been bothered by pitching in both leagues. I agree - to a point - with those who say we all should be patient. But I’m sorry - the “ace” of the team has to step up. Smoltz showed a lot of guts yesterday and gave his team a chance to win - he’s an ace - and he showed it against the Giants’ ace - Jason Schmidt. Hudson faced the Giants’ 5th starter, Jamey Wright of all people! Come on already. Start earning your 12 million.
By Chop Chop
April 10, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Sloop John B.,
Listen. I’d be all for the Braves bringing Willis in, but only if they didn’t have to include Saltalamacchia in the deal AND they planned on signing Willis long-term. The Marlins would have to make the Braves pay a high price to be willing to trade a guy who nearly won the Cy Young last year within the division, so I have the feeling Willis might end up in, oh, I don’t know, New York (Yankees, probably…for whatever “top” prospects they have and lots of cash) or Boston.
By True Braves Fan
April 10, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
JOHN B: You are right about Willis doing better in the WS than in NLDS and NLCS. In the WE he pitched 3.0 innings with 4H and 2W. But he did have 3K and a 0.00 ERA.
By teoa
April 10, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
I mentioned this at the end of the previous blog, so please excuse the double post…
Has anyone heard any rumors about Brian Fuentes of the Rockies as a trade possibility? He may be the best option for closers on bad teams that could be available. In recent years, the Rockies have traded every decent player they get other than Todd Helton, so I don’t see why he couldn’t be had for some prospects. If he can dominate in Colorado, I’d say he wouldn’t have any problem doing it in Atlanta.
By Chop Chop
April 10, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
The postseason is a crapshoot, but if you go into the postseason with crappy starters, you’ll have plenty of time to shoot the s** out on the links in the offseason.
By Ernesto
April 10, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
Yesterday’s loss was really tough to swallow, especially after the Bravos storm back to bail Smoltzie out. But still, if Reitsma gets that call on the third strike on Niekro (I think he got squeezed) it might have been a different inning. Not to say that a bona fide, shut down closer couldn’t over come that, but in general, I think our guys are just a few nails pitches and calls going our way from being all right. Over 162 games things have a way of evening out.
By Miles
April 10, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
I’ll be shocked if Schuerholz trades for another starting pitcher before acquiring a top tier closer. There’s no point having Willis on the team unless he can go 9 innings every start in the postseason. But if the closer situation somehow gets resolved internally then a trade for Willis would be nice and we can afford him too. The team has around 5-6 million in spare change right now which could pay for Willis this season and then Sosa, Ramirez and Thomson all come off the books which would give us another 9.1 million dollars to play with and would be enough to sign Willis to a long term deal. Just imagine this rotation in 2007.
1.Dontrelle Willis 2.John Smoltz 3.Tim Hudson 4.Mike Hampton 5.Chuck James/Kyle Davies
wow
By James
April 10, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
Well I guess its my time to be the manager as ya’ll are. I have to believe JS is talking to a team or two of a reliever.What is Frenchy abour 2 for 30? At least give him a day off or have him batting 8th and move up langy in his spot.Maybe he ought to quit thinking about the pitch and Tony Gwynn approach and just hit the ball but take a few.And I will NEVER have faith in Reitsma. If Ray,James,or Vilerreal keep getting outs maybe they need to pitch the Ninth.I know BC is Loyal but come on! Maybe they he needs to tell it like it is and demote Reitsma. Leo told it like it was. Also who calls the Game? McCann or BC? Or does Pratt? I know that has nothing to do with it tho cause its all about location.I am a McCann fan but if he knows what the pitcher has or has not.Its still early and no need to panic at all in April but But I could see it coming and I be saying yep here we go again when I see Reitsma give up that first hit.And Renteria Thank God your here in Atlanta!!
By Choppin Bob
April 10, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
I don’t like closers from bad teams, and Kolb proved that last year. If a guy has a ton of saves for a crappy team, it is probably because the team they were playing against wasn’t playing good that day. And c’mon, playin in the Central is like takin candy from a baby. But then again a pitcher from Colorodo might be what we need since they are forced to keep the ball down.
By JOHN B.
April 10, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this
The only reason I would let Ray have a chance as the closer role is because we know what Reitsma can do. He is NOT a closer. And Ray has absolutely nothing to lose. One of the ESPN analysts was saying that Ray worked his arm back and that it’s stronger than it was before his surgery. He throws 93-94 MPH. But it looks like he had a good change up as well as a breaking ball of some kind. Obviously if we could get Eddie Guardado, I would say make the trade.
Chop Chop,
I agree that a trade for Willis would only be a good move if he was locked up like Hudson. You are probably right about him ending up in NY or Boston.
That’s why there should be a salary cap. I’m so tired of NY just buying who ever they want. At least Boston is under 130 million. But even that is ridiculous.
By TennesseePaul
April 10, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this
Two things: Because [Ray] doesn’t throw smoke like a Rocker type I remember seeing Ray put it up there in the mid 90’s yesterday. Saw some of the pitches hitting 94-95. He doesn’t hit 100, but I have yet to see Reitsma hit 94. It’s mainly been 91 or less. Plus, Ray was chucking it up at 94 then following it with a 79 change-up. That makes his fastball much faster than it appears.
And secondly, I’m a big Willis fan, but I don’t see him coming to the Braves. And he isn’t going to be cheap for long. He will be able to command some serious money in arbitration. Although, this coming off-season he may not get the big bucks as some expect. They will base it off his numbers and performance. His numbers will be affected by the young team behind him. Not all fielding blunders result in errors. Some still produce hits and earned runs which will probably hurt him a bit. Even still, I expect him to make more money. Especially if he goes to a good team.
I bet the Yankees would love to have him, but they have no farm system to speak of. They’ve traded every last player worth a while. Boston would be more likely. They have more depth in their minors, though it is nothing like the Braves, Dodgers, Diamondbacks or Angels. I would think Willis would go to the Dodgers first. They have the money to pay him and the prospects to trade for him, on a staff full of back end starters.
By teoa
April 10, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this
Choppin Bob, I agree you can’t be sure about closers from bad teams until you see them in a penant race. Unfortunately, early in the year, those are the only ones that might be available. I do think Fuentes is different than Kolb though, because he is a durable, strike out pitcher, dominant stuff, more than one pitch…Kolb never had any of these in Milwaukee — his success there is still a complete mystery to me. And I don’t think anyone could have been fooled about Kolb if he had to make a living pitching in Colorado.
By Tomahawkin
April 10, 2006 04:44 PM | Link to this
Da D-Train…Forget about it, We wouldn’t be able to afford him down the line, He’d probably end up selling out to WhineBrenner and the yanks. We need a closer pronto, If the Power Rangers fall out da AL West race early, I wouldn’t mind seeing Co-Co Cordero closing out games in the “A”
After 2 miserable years with the braves it took a week into year 3 for Most Braves fans to find out that Reeksma is Garbage in the closers Role
I long 4 days of Mark Wohlers
By Choppin Bob
April 10, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
I have never seen Fuentes pitch, so I can’t judge him. I don’t like the BPBC approach, and it looks like thats the way its heading this year.
By Emilio
April 10, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
Enjoy most of the posts! Let’s take a big inhale – now let it out slowly…. Ah! There is life after a 3 and 4 Westward Ho swing! Smotlz is pure class and guts! Edgar is ALL and MORE! We are going to like him, oh soooo much! AJ will have a good year. Gilly will be an effective lead off man and continue his good play. Langy is proving everyday, in every way he’s here to stay. Diaz looks goofy at the plate at times, but the boy can hit.
A few goods fellows in the pen – I said, “A few.”
It is a tad early to throw in the towel! However, Chipper (a super Brave), is indeed getting slow. Like Frank Robinson, he might be said to have “An old body.” Despite reports of trainers, etc. during the off season, I doubt the Chip has the workout ethic of a Julio Franco. I have felt for several years first base is logical. Wilson can play – watch! The Roach (slow, sleepy, and forgetful), is, on balance, at best acceptable. But, he could be paired with another top shortstop or catching prospect (not Salty) for pitching. I’ll let Bobby and JS figure out what they need but it would be a shame to waste the great offensive potential! Frenchy will come around. He is hitting the ball and can roam the grass (hopefully not smoke it).
The pitching will get better because it can’t get worse! Okay! Breathe in again! Ops, you may have fainted by now! Don’t panic yet! Stiff upper lip and tighten those cheeks
By Robert(Justice Is The Best)
April 10, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this
You people flippin kill me. We have one so-so week and you already have the Braves in the NL east cellar. Let me remind you that the Yankees are 2-4 and were 11-19 at one point last season. It means nothing. Francoeur is frustrating to watch, yes. But keep in mind he hasn’t even had a full year service in the majors yet. He will learn. And you know that he will get hot. Our offense has been great. THe starting pitching will improve The bullpen needs help will improve somewhat when the starters get going. I agree that Reitsma has got to go. I trust Devine more than I do Reitsma. You people need to relax. I mean the Cubs swept the Cardinals. What does it mean in April? Absolutely nothing. Its one week that we went 3-4 and played a lot worse. Quit panicking. Be thankful Chipper’s injury was not worse. And realize this team has only been a complete team for a couple of weeks because of the WBC. And Francoeur should have been in camp. He will be fine.
By Andrew
April 10, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
I cant really figure out what the big deal… we carried losing records into June during both of the last two seasons, and the end result was just the same as its always been. So let’s take a step back, breathe, and wait until at least the end of April to start passing ANY sort of judgements.
By Sir Stealth
April 10, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this
What is up with people criticizing Chipper for the injury yesterday? I said right before it happened that Chipper looked due for more injuries this year, but getting your cleat caught and skidding in a crappy field is gonna injure anybody. Would anybody else be just fine if his ankle rolled over and his knee twisted around? Are major league baseball fields cleaner over on the first base side or something? I think that the increasingly rickety nature of his body may make it harder for him to heal well or play at a hundred percent this year, but saying that his injury yesterday came from poor fielding, poor conditioning, or needing to play at first base is ridiculous.
By MBBRAVESFAN
April 10, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
Miles, first of all I really think that’s a good idea you have about the Braves acquiring Willis, but I have to disagree with you on the JS bit. I, on the contrary, wouldn’t be surprised to see him go for a starter before a closer. I personally think JS is going senile. If his son doesn’t make it in baseball, JS Sr. should teach Jr. his tricks and let him take over as GM. Just my two cents
By Steve
April 10, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this
I will LITERALLY make bets with people here. Real money no BS. Lots of money at that. I bet anybody here Jeff Francoeur will have a monster sophmore season. He’s been hittin low rocket line drives right at people. HE HAS HAD 13 At-Bats!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His defense has been miraculous in those HORRIBLE conditions. Making diving catches throwing rockets into the infield, tracking long balls down. He IS the real deal. Not to mention 21 years old being this spectacular! He will smack 25+ HR’s bat in 80-90 and be in the top 3 in outfield assists in the NL. Put your offers up, I am dead serious.
By Choppin Bob
April 10, 2006 04:59 PM | Link to this
Since baseball is a mental game too, I recommend Roger start rockin in the dugout to give a peripheral flashback of Leo.
By smoodypat
April 10, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this
officially concerned
By old timer
April 10, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
Steve, that’s the best Francoeur post of the year. I am sick of the Francoeur bashing. He’s a geat kid. He needs to learn to lay off bad pitches, but that’s about it. For years they tried to get Andruw to go to right field and slowed his development. Do we want Andruw moving runners over or driving them in? Same with Francoeur.
By Mike from the coast
April 10, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
The way things look now, I’d give Chuck James a shot at closing. He has always had more strikeouts than innings pitched and he’s been lights out so far.
By Bob
April 10, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
Too Early to worry?
The Braves have too much talent, especially with the addition of Diaz and Renteria, to be concerned about our offensive performance … and it may well improve as the season evolves.
Hopefully, concerns for the core of the rotation (Smoltz, Davies, and Hudson) are unwarranted. If they are, we’re in real trouble for a long time to come.
The bullpen may actually be better than expected. Remlinger, Villereal, and Ray seem more than capable. Given the chance, Villereal might prove to be an excellent closer.
Add James to the ratation and we should be fine … He’s a starter, not a reliever, and if he’s not ready then why is he up here?
It looks to me like this should be one of the best teams that we’ve had in Atlanta … on paper … the problem is that I sense that the team may not share my optimitism.
Consider John Thompson’s return to the starting rotation … as the Home Opener Starter. I certainly expected more from him than “we’ll see” and “it’s feasible”.
Or LaRoche’s “… That’ll be in our minds for a few days.” is scary!!
Jeff Francoeur is fun to watch and has great potential! But, he’s perhaps my greatest immediate worry.
Forget patience and adjustments at the plate …. He’s never had to think about what he’s doing … and “thinking” makes it difficult to execute, especially under pressure. Ask David Duval.
It’s going to take time! He’s very talented, with an espefcially fine arm … but he is a confidence driven natural who now appears somewhat lost at the plate. His OJT may be painful, especially for those of us who are watching.
History shows that Chipper is clutch … but it also suggests that his performance is related to his confidence in the team’s ability to win.
I’ve been following the Braves for almost 60 years and I can’t remember ever hearing players express such non-confident, if not negative, attitudes so early in the season.
I think that even our really bad teams began their seasons with more enthusiasm and confidence.
It certainly worries me when I hear it from a Bobby Cox team that supposedly prides itself in its “even keel” approach and “winning attitude”.
Something may be wrong in the clubhouse … I don’t know what it is, but something’s wrong.
Too early to worry … I think not!
By Chop Chop
April 10, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this
Francoeur’s 22, Steve. He also has to make adjustments to be as “spectacular” as you think he will be. I have no doubt that he has the talent or the will to do it, but it will take time. His insanely good start put people’s expectations through the roof, but he’s a young guy who’s still learning the game. I will say this, though: That throw he air-mailed in Frisco yesterday was one of the strongest lasers I’ve ever seen out of right field. Good thing the fans had some protection.
By old timer
April 10, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this
Man, I would trade Salty and any other prospect for Willis right now. Can he be here by 7:05?
By Choppin Bob
April 10, 2006 05:14 PM | Link to this
Steve, I bet you a beer in the Chophouse Frenchy doesn’t hit all those numbers this year. The sad thing is I will forget about this bet when next year rolls around.
By Tomahawkin
April 10, 2006 05:20 PM | Link to this
Bob, I’d take that Juggernaut 2003 braves team as one of the best, especially with Smoltz as closer or the 93 or 96 team as one of the best on paper over the last 15 years
We’ll see come the end of september where this team lines up with the teams of yesteryear, but we’re still deficient in the closers role
Not getting Hoffman is really biting us in the a-s-s
By Sir Stealth
April 10, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
Sine everyone here is freaking out, I think it would interesting to point out how many things have gone right so far. No, I do not regret the Marte for Renteria trade - Edgar is a stud. Willy B is a fine backup for Chipper at third and has proven a lot more in the majors. I was actually resistant to the Renteria trade because I wanted Willy B to get a shot after showing some things last year.
So far, Marcus looks pretty good in the leadoff spot. He’s not gonna be dangerous on the basepaths like Furcal was, but I bet he’ll get there a lot more. Anybody remember how many times Furcal struck out cause he thought he was a power hitter the last few years?
Left field is looking nice, whether its just Langerhans out there or splitting time with Diaz. As awful as Francoeur looks at the plate. we have to have the best defensive outfield in the majors. I think that Franc the Tanc is too talented to keep going like he has been.
Our closer situation is real bad, but the rest of the bullpen is actually promising. Ray, Villareal, and Cormier, and even Remmer look like they can be good setup guys. Boyer and McBride should heal up and be the quality pitchers they looked like last year. That kind of depth will help with all the work they piled up already this early in the season and hopefully with sending Reeksma as far out of town as possible.
I could do without seeing Reeksma, Ladouche, Brian Jordan, or the fork sticking out of Brian Jordan’s back ever again. Its too early to panic about problems that players are having so far if those are inconsistent with past performance. Reeksma has been doing this to us for a while though. He has left scars in my psyche and just seeing him now hurts. I agree with whoever said that anytime he pitches well, its actually a bad thing, because it just means he’ll be trusted to screw up the next time. The only thing good about how bad Ladouche is is right now (k after k) is that it makes me less upset to see Brian Jordan get time at first (in fairness, I think I still may not have gotten over ALaR’s getting thrown out after casually frolicking around the bases in Game 4 of the NLDS last year). I know that BJ is not the problem with this team right now, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it when he strikes out to kill rallies or fails to make plays at first.
I win over the Phils tonight (with a good start by JT and a Francoeur hit that can’t be described as a squibbler) would be really, really nice.
By Nicholas Irwin
April 10, 2006 05:23 PM | Link to this
People, people…my goodness. If you think Tim Hudson isn’t anywhere near as good as you thought when we got him, I can’t wait to see your reaction if we get Dontrelle Willis, the most overrated pitcher in the game today. He goes on one five-to-10-game winning streak every year, making everyone continue to think he’s one of the best pitchers in the league, and then for the rest of the year he’s somewhere between average and terrible. With his herky-jerky windup, if just one of his 25 gesticulations is off, he can’t locate the ball worth a damn. There is absolutely no way in this world I would trade James and Davies for him. I might take him for John Thomson and a couple of the lesser prospects on your list…might. And yes, I’m aware of our current rotation issues. I still wouldn’t take him for James and Davies. And if we trade Saltalamacchia for him, I quit.
By Tomahawkin
April 10, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Chophouse beer, How much is that overpriced mess going 4 these days, anyone know?
Choppin Bob, I hope Frenchie makes you eat those words….That will mean he’s gonna have a he!! of a year, I think he can only do this if he gets with T.P. and begin making adjustments to NL Pitchers
By old timer
April 10, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this
I don’t think we’ll ever be better on paper or anywhere else than those mid ’90s teams. We’ll never have a starting rotation like that again. Plus we were solid to excellent at every position. Should have won four or 5 world championships. So we need to steal one this year.
By Tomahawkin
April 10, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this
its a week into the season lets kill the Dontrelle Willis talk…It ain’t gone happen, Dizam, I wonder about some of you guys
By teoa
April 10, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand the point of getting Willis without a closer. So the Braves can have lots of “moral victories” being ahead for 8 innings and then blowing it in the ninth? I think the Braves already have one of the better 8 inning teams in baseball. The starting pitching will be fine without Willis, but that doesn’t mean anyone can hold their leads.
Steve, Frenchy has had more than 13 at-bats…2 for 29 now. I agree would should be a little more patient with him because of his upside, but I have to admit, I’m a little concerned. Once the scouting report got out, he hasn’t hit ANYTHING — and that goes back to the last 6 weeks or so of last season. The scary thing is that he has shown absolutely no ability to make any adjustments to the way teams are pitching him now. I have never seen anyone go from looking like one of the best rookies in baseball history to looking like they aren’t ready for the majors in such a short time, but that may be the case here. I still think it’s possible that he’s going to get hot soon, but if this continues for another week, I’m going to have my doubts. I think he’ll be a good player in the long run…but this year remains to be seen.
By TennesseePaul
April 10, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
Last year Andruw hit a 0 for 28 slump and finished with 51 homers and a .269 average. I don’t think Francouer is going to hit 51 homers, that was veteran presence and force which Francouer doesn’t have yet. But the .269 average is probably what he will get. Andruw was on fire to get his average up that high. So when the season ends, I could see Francouer down in the .260 range. Maybe he’ll have 30 homers, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
By Tomahawkin
April 10, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this
He!! Yea! Lets at least get 1 more before its over, otherwise it might be knid of embarassing to only have 1 especially with those sick lineups we had
but he!! we could be brewer fans…So I ain’t trippin
By Choppin Bob
April 10, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin, I hope I am wrong and Frenchy settles down. But the reallity is that it takes a while to get out of a funk, just ask Andruw. Its been 3 years since I had a Chophouse beer and I always go for that damn souvenir yard!
By Chop Chop
April 10, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
Nicholas Irwin,
When a guy pitches 236 innings at the age of 23 and only gives up 11 homers, he must be locating pretty well. The most dangerous thing about Willis is that he’s thrown a lot of innings at a young age and (as you astutely mentioned) he has that unorthodox windup that may eventually cause him some injury problems down the line. Even so, the guy is flat-out one of the best pitchers in the National League…and I’d take him over James or Davies in a heartbeat. Willis is already where James (who Willis is slightly younger than) and Davies are trying to get to.
It’s all a moot point, of course. The Braves aren’t going to trade for Willis because the Marlins’ asking price will be too rich for their blood.
By Rex
April 10, 2006 05:41 PM | Link to this
If John Smoltz wants to win 200 career games he’d better ask for a trade. It ain’t gonna happen in Atlanta.
Enough of the Dontrell Willis talk. He ain’t coming here.
Think of the money being squandered on hasbeens like Hampton and Hudson! Another reason Willis ain’t coming.
By ernesto
April 10, 2006 05:42 PM | Link to this
The Marlins aint’ partin’ with Dontrelle, and I agree, I wouldn’t trade Davies or James for him. Everyone who wishes we had Hoffman, Wickman, Jones, etc, what’s our track record been with closers at the tail end of their career (Jeff Reardon) - I’d rather get some stud coming up. Who heard of Lidge before he started getting run in Houston? My guess is we find someone in the organization that’s going to be able to come up here and close for a while. I mean we did it with Kerry freakin’ Lightenburgh…so anyone know any flamethrowers in AA or AAA? Bring ‘em on!
By Tomahawkin
April 10, 2006 05:43 PM | Link to this
Exactly Chop Chop, Lets Kill that Trade 4 Dontrelle Noise because it ain’t gone happen
We need to worry about selling out tonight so we can try to get rid of the reputation of Atlanta being known as the worse sports town in da country
By TennesseePaul
April 10, 2006 05:45 PM | Link to this
Bob: I’ve been following the Braves for almost 60 years and I can’t remember ever hearing players express such non-confident, if not negative, attitudes so early in the season.
I think this stems from the starting rotation. Over the past 15 years, the one constant we had was a top tier rotation. The offense knew it could win as long as the starters kept it close. But so far this year that isn’t the case. Until that starting rotation starts pitching like it’s supposed to, the beaten spirit will thrive. The last time the rotation was this bad to start the season: 1990. That year was what made 1991 the worst to first year.
If Thomson faulters today then I think James should get a shot. He has been great in relief and he’s left handed. At this rate, it couldn’t hurt anyworse.
By Maddog
April 10, 2006 05:46 PM | Link to this
Since everyone is comenting I’ll add my two cents:
It IS only one week to start, so let’s not go crazy. Many good things to note and unfortunately a lot of bad.
The Good: Edgar Renteria is everything and more we could have hoped for. He looks in great shape, is pounding the ball early despite being a notoriously bad starter. SB already too.
Ryan Langerhans - Is it just me or are we seeing him emerge as much more of a player than anyone could’ve guessed? Growing power, defense to rival anyone, and ability as a LH to hit BOTH righties and lefties?
Andruw Jones - To watch him finally turn into not just a guy with power but a more selective, dangerous hitter is just fun. Notice how he just smiles at those low and outside pitches now? Yes, he will still strike out occasionally, but the times this season have been on good fastballs as opposed to diving after bad pitches. I don’t see him going backward again.
Most of the rest of the offense - McCann seems to have an excellent idea of what to do at the plate. Even his outs just look better. He’s one baby brave who is ok to just go with. Marcus at leadoff looks to be just fine (as long as that minor muscle cramp is just that). Hope Chipper stays healthy but glad Betemit is on team. Diaz was great pickup and Todd Pratt is probably a better all-around backup catcher than we’ve had in a while.
LaRoche haters - let me see, .250 with 2HR and 7 RBI in 1st week - better numbers than Chipper. Really good defense (and I’ve watched CLOSELY to spot the “sluggishness” people point out - maybe you guys hate him because he just does the defense with such boring regularity he makes it look “effortless”). So we know he will never hit lefties. So what? Keep platooning with Jordan or with Jurries later. Jordan’s .286 with a HR already is horrible? Don’t think so - I was for Jurries at first but now I’m glad Bobby kept Brian.
Defense - This is perhaps the best defensive team the Braves have put on the field, with the possible exception of the 91-92 teams.
Pitching - Yes there is good to report. Except for Reitsma problem (see below), the bulk of the bullpen is in much better shape than I had hoped for. Villarreal, Remlinger, Chuck James, Cormier, and especially the out-of-nowhere Ray all look good. In Villarreal and Ray’s cases REAL good.
Despite the horrendous starts I see bright spots in Davies, who really showed maturity and ability settling after his rocky 1st - think he will get far better very quickly this year. Smoltz may not be the dominator he once was but he’s still the bulldog of the staff. Thompson looked so good in early relief that he may be suprisingly better (and the Braves just plain lucky) they didn’t trade him.
Ok, now the bad:
Hudson and Sosa - These are the two REAL terrifying spots in the rotation. Sosa without Leo is back to the player the Devil Ray’s dumped and is awful. Hudson…??? Whatever has happened to him I don’t know, but he seemingly has lost every pitching skill he had. It is ugly to watch. I have every confidence in Smoltz rebounding, but something about Hudson scares me that the end has come quickly for him. Please prove me wrong Tim. In either case I have a feeling we’ll be seeing Chuck James join Davies in the rotation sooner than later.
Reitsma. Ok, I defended Reitsma and said “give him a chance.” I did. He blew it. Yes it’s early, but what he shows is that he cannot close CONSISTENTLY. What to do? Don’t go to Devine - get him back out of the majors for a YEAR to grow in minors - he is NOT ready. Trade? For whom before mid-season? Gotta find another option - frankly the way this guy Ray’s pitching I say go with the flow and see what happens.
Francoeur - with all the good that’s happening offensively, this is the one blemish. It’s not just that he looks bad, it’s that he looks REALLY BAD. Even in his earliest days Andruw never looked that completely befuddled at the plate. It’s a good thing his defense is still stellar and the rest of the team is hitting. Hopefully he will learn to make adjustments but if not….
Anyway, just my opinions.
By Steve
April 10, 2006 05:54 PM | Link to this
Ok I havn’t heard any bets other then a $7 beer at the ChopHouse. I will up my bet to a BA of .280+ 25+ Hr’s and top 3 in outfield assists in the NL. Everyone realize he is going to be the next Chipper in all of our minds. Speaking of Chip lets all pray he’ll be back in that 3 spot by next monday. P.S.- I Love Edgar Renteria and Langy. Lovin’ it. Reitsma is turning into our idol Dan Kolb quicker then Jimmie Johnson off the line at Nascar.
By Seth
April 10, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this
I’m sure I’m not the only one to notice this, but our pitchers simply have not been hitting their spots, and this has been the cause of our woes thus far.
In first two innings of last night’s game and in his last start, Smoltz was missing McCann’s target horribly. Hudson was the same way. I got to Elon U. in NC, but there are a ton of Braves-haters, and who keep talking trash about how Atlanta’s staff suddenly turning to garbage when Mazzone left. But that’s just not so.
Regardless of who the pitching coach is, every pitcher knows he must hit his spots, especially with his fastball (which no one seems to be able to do). When our pitchers are failing, it’s because McCann is setting up on the outside or inside of the plate, and instead they leave the pitch up and out over the plate.
I don’t care if our pitching coach is Roger McDowell or Kermit the Frog, anyone who has ever pitched or knows anything about pitching knows that hitting your spots is the key to success. I think they’re messing up because a deficiency of mechanics and a lack of confidence/concentration. The *good news is that these are the things the Roger McDowell is known for being able to correct in pitchers.
The Braves are fine. Pitchers don’t make it to the major leagues, or especially to the starting rotation of the Atlanta Braves on luck (with the exception of Dan Kolb). These guys know how to do their job. Geez, look at the names we have at the top of the rotation! They’ve been exceptional nearly every year of their career and barring injury, there’s no reason, including Leo leaving that should make this season any different.
By Steve
April 10, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
Kermit the Frog, that’s some funny stuff. Everyone, seriously picture Bobby in the Bottom of the 8th witht that look on his face, up 1 run at home dreading about making the right hand hook for Reeksma and Kermit the Frog chillin there with a scowled game face on nervous as hell.
By Sir Stealth
April 10, 2006 06:03 PM | Link to this
Can Kermit the Frog close?
By TennesseePaul
April 10, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this
BA of .280+ 25+ Hr’s and top 3 in outfield assists in the NL
The homers could be close. The outfield assists… I would say he’ll probably be in the top 3 in the majors, not just the NL. But the average, well, if he starts hitting tonight, he would have to hit at a .295 clip the rest of the season to pull that off. That’s a lot to ask in the first full season as a pro when he’s showing slowness in adjusting and little patience.
By Steve
April 10, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this
Make the bet the buddy. Make the bet, we are not talking about a 5 time all-star over his career. Forget the hype, he is the REAL DEAL. He is unique, one-of-a-kind! I’m not jumping the gun, barring injuries we are witnessing the next best thing since Chipper and Andruw.
By TennesseePaul
April 10, 2006 06:15 PM | Link to this
Steve- I agree on the Renteria trade. I’m still amazed. Marte was good, but come on! How often can a GM pull off this kind of trade? Minor League Prospect for gold glove, silver slugger, all-star and cash!?!?! We have a 6 million a year guy who is hitting better and getting on base more and is more clutch than 13 million a year Furcal. Though, there have been a few plays that I know Furcal would have made. But honestly, so far, what ever runs we lost in Furcals arm and range has been more than made up for in Rentaria’s bat and Giles .700 OBP.
By True Blue Braves Fan
April 10, 2006 06:16 PM | Link to this
There will be no trades. John could have made a dozen trades last winter when other teams wanted players in our farm system. Now the good player(pitchers) are gone. John would have to give up more now to get someone than last winter. JS and Bobby picked the player they wanted now live with it. Look at the Free agents they could have had.Ilove the Braves but this crap makes me sick. If Cox is so good lets see him win with this group. I hope he pulls it off.
By TennesseePaul
April 10, 2006 06:22 PM | Link to this
Steve, I’d love to make that bet. But I don’t live in Hotlanta. Wish I did, but I can’t secure a job which affords me season tickets behind the plate. The only part I’d bet on is the average. the homers and assists I’ll agree with you on. Though I think he’ll be better than top three in NL on the assists. The average, well after this start, that is pretty hard to do. Take Furcal last year, he had to hit well over .300 to hit his career .284 average after starting the season hitting .221. Francouer hasn’t been in the majors for 6 years and doesn’t get the infield drag bunts that Furcal does —though he should try it out, nothing else seems to be working.
By Megan
April 10, 2006 06:34 PM | Link to this
Maybe instead of going out to eat lunch at Slopes in Roswell, Chipper should have been at home recuperating. Don’t be surprised if it takes him more than 3-4 days to get back on the field…after all, he felt like he could walk on his ankle when he should have been icing it and resting!
By bravesdiehard
April 10, 2006 06:36 PM | Link to this
Man just looking at our bulllpen makes me miss Wohlers and Rocker. We need a closer an Reitsma is not the guy. I would have liked to have seen Farnsworth for a comeplet season. We are in real trouble with early injuries and no lights out closer.
By journalist jimmy smith
April 10, 2006 06:46 PM | Link to this
journalist suggests to ajc it is time to take down the picture of chipper lying on the ground in agony.
By LeTwan Anthony
April 10, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this
Mama saw that nice Chipper Jones crying yesterday and it broke her heart. He is one of Mama’s favorites. Mama made him a pie and was planning to take it to the stadium and get young Ernie to slip it in the clubhouse to Chipper - but Mama just heard Chipper say he’s going on the DL. That ankle,knee is sore! That makes LeTwan pose the question, who will be called up? Any ideas?
By esther
April 10, 2006 07:00 PM | Link to this
Let Jurries come up and move Jordan to third.
By Nicholas Irwin
April 10, 2006 07:05 PM | Link to this
I don’t see how it could be anyone but Jurries.
By longtime bravos fan
April 10, 2006 07:09 PM | Link to this
I do think we need a closer that we count on day in and day out. But if Reitsma is not doing the job maybe Bobby should open the job to whoever is pitching the best at the time. Go with the hot hand, maybe we can find somebody that will step up and do the job. The pitchers need to work on location and quit leaving pitches up and out over the plate.
By Bob
April 10, 2006 07:34 PM | Link to this
I was going to apologize for overstating things a bit whith my “should be one of the best on paper” remark, but upon reflection I’ll let it stand.
All of our teams have had both strengths and weaknesses … and remember, I just said “one of the best”, not the best.
From my perspective:
We have a good collection of pitchers … among the best … hopefully this “virus” they all seem to have is just a “cold’ and doesn’t lead to a total meltdown.
I also hope that that really wasn’t Mark Wholers I saw out on the mound the other night.
Wilson, Edgar, Marcus and Adam make a solid infield … Chipper’s more than adequate when healthy. Pete Orr ain’t too bad either. I’m a long time Brian Jordan fan but James Juries should be part of this infield.
Think about it … that’s a pretty gooood group of folks!
Ryan, Andruw and Jeff, when he’s not tying too hard, comprise what is certainly one of the best offensive/defensive outfields in either league. With Kelly and Matt in reserve, we should certainly have a superior outfield crew.
Brian McCann is rapidly gaining in confidence/knowledge behind the plate and improving as a clutch hitter.
Look at the lineup …
The talent’s there, at least on my paper.
By old timer
April 10, 2006 07:45 PM | Link to this
Maddog, some excellent points. Especially regarding the defense. Maybe the best we’ve had. Hudson, I think, will be fine, unless he has an injury we don’t know about. Sosa, who can tell after one year, but whatever happens with him Leo isn’t a factor. Even if Leo had more to do with Sosa’s success last year than I would give him credit for, if Sosa bombs would it mean he forgot what Leo taught him? I guess we could offer a reminder: Keep it low and away, but on the corner for strikes, especially strike one, and mix in some off-speed pitches, also for strikes, but not on the fat part of the plate. Every pitcher knows what to do. The trick is to execute.
By John Hoar
April 10, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this
P’Cola Beth -good to see you posting again. Several were wondering where you were only last week. Afraid you had been blown away.
Has anyone noticed how lonely Bobby Cox looks on the bench. I’ve seen him frustrated before this year but Leo was always there rockin’ and it looked like there were joint decisions being made. This year there only seems to be Bobby. Maybe after a while Roger will settle in. Am I the only one seeing this?
By eric the elder
April 10, 2006 08:10 PM | Link to this
Question - With Thomson on 2nd, Langy gets a hit, but Thomson stops at 3rd. Does Langy get credit for a hit with RISP?
By MBATL
April 10, 2006 08:11 PM | Link to this
Anybody know if we called anyone up yet to replace Chipper? Letwan, I looked at the rosters for Richmond and Mississippi… they had players listed for all positions, EXCEPT THIRD BASE. Glad I’m not an RHP throwing curveballs down there. I guess Orr can play some 3rd. With Giles shakey this could become an issue real quick.
Maybe we’ve addressed it and I missed it…
By eric the elder
April 10, 2006 08:15 PM | Link to this
MBATL, Skip and Joe went through a list of quite a few Richmond players and how they are doing. None is doing much. Decision not due until tomorrow.
By turner
April 10, 2006 08:16 PM | Link to this
Let’s think things through and be reasonable here for one second. Assuming Leo was responsible for all our pitching success, who honestly thinks that after over a decade with Leo by his side, Smoltz would forget everything he learned over one winter? Hudson was also an ace before he got to atlanta and he still had two years working with Leo. They’re both veterans and surely know a lot about pitching. Leo can’t throw strikes for these guys. Everyone’s pitching horribley, but It’s 7 games people…
By MBATL
April 10, 2006 08:21 PM | Link to this
Thks, eric… and I have NO idea about the RISP. Good question.
This is the kind of thing I usually b&&tch at people about…moving players around, but I wonder if the Escobar kid at Mississippi has any 3B experience. He’s pretty big, and has some pop.
By glennbo
April 10, 2006 08:22 PM | Link to this
ROSES ARE RED VIOLETS ARE BLUE I’M SCHIZOPHRENIC AND SO AM I…
Good glennbo says: …one season does not a season make
…bobby cox and john schuerholz have been doing this a long time and they know what they’re doing
…hudson and smoltz will be fine, only chronic exlax abusers need waorry at this stage
… devine is young with a good arm, bobby just needs to put him in some good situations for confidence …chipper’s injury is blip on the season, a couple of weeks and he’ll be good as new …roger mcdowell is a former mlb pitcher who paid his dues and was a good hire …kyle davies will live up to the hope
BAD glennbo says:
…mcdowell should have been hired in as a bullpen coach first, with the intent of him being groomed as a replacement with leo getting a hefty raise for training his replacement … bc and js should be put out to pasture, they no longer fly under the radar - the book on them is done so stick a fork in them … hudson weighs 160 lbs - glavine would kick sand in his face - how does a 160 lb weakling hold up for 200 innings after the age of 30 - put a big dent in that fabled braves scouting department …mike hampton is poetic justice for dumping glavine
…chipper has just joined the list of full time desingnated hitters - will he face reality, and will js face it as well
… kyle davies should have been traded for baez, he’s never gone 9 innings in his life; the braves geritol brigade must have a nonsexual crush on him, a la george costanza
… brian jordan must have pictures of js and bc in a compromising position
By ssiscribe
April 10, 2006 08:29 PM | Link to this
You know what makes this game so great?
John Thomson had his bags packed the final week of March, sitting on the trading block just waiting for where he would call home. Then, his elbow squeaked, the suitors ran away and he landed in the bullpen instead.
Then, HoRam gets hurt, Thomson comes back to the rotation and gets two hits in his first two at-bats, pitching four scorless innings to this point.
Go figure, that the last guy on the roster on March 25th you’d expect to be in a Braves uniform on the night of the home opener is, thus far, the star of the show.
What a game.
By ssiscribe
April 10, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
And real quick here, but for all that’s been going wrong with the Atlanta Braves, one thing remains right:
The sweet swing of Andruw Jones.
Folks, that was a bomb to dead center, on an effortless swing that, if you noticed, his top hand came flying off on the followthrough. And he still crushed it.
So far, there’s nothing to suggest this guy won’t hit 50 again.
By eric the elder
April 10, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
Another question: When Andruw crosses home plate following a home run, does anyone know why he takes ahold of the bill of his batting helmet with his left hand?
By MBATL
April 10, 2006 08:49 PM | Link to this
It wasn’t that long ago that Andrew was flailing at every low-away curveball or offspeed pitch, looking like he didn’t have a clue. I haven’t watched every at-bat this year, but sure haven’t seen much of those old bad habits. Amazing, really.
By journalist jimmy smith
April 10, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this
journalist happy to respond to question from eric the elder. about to take off helmet.
By ssiscribe
April 10, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
OK, after those two blasts from the game, here’s the real reason I’m on here.
I’m far from an expert about many things. Those who know me would vouch for that, definitely. But if there’s one thing I kinda know, it’s Braves home openers. And this much I know:
Tonight feels weird.
It feels weird because I’m not at the Braves’ first home game of the year. This is just the second one I’ve missed since 1979. I wasn’t there in 2002 because my wife was pregnant with our first child. Otherwise, I’ve been there, either as a fan or a reporter. I saw win No. 3 of the great 13-game win streak to start 1982. I saw the Big Cat’s triumphant return from lymphoma in 2000. I saw the Braves get their World Series rings on a chilly day in 1996. I even was there when rains washed away the original openers against the Dodgers in both 1990 and 1991.
This year, it was just too tough to break away on a Monday to get up there, then turn around and get right back down here. It feels, well, weird. But alas, life can get in the way from time to time.
Anyway, I read with great interest the 10 memorable home openers in the AJC today. I can’t take issue with any of it, but I’d like to offer a couple of addendums for discussion and/or consideration:
1989: New fans may wonder why in the world to include an opener from a team that would end up finishing last. Longtime fans remember a young Tom Glavine pitching a four-hitter complete game, allowing just one run to the defending world champion Dodgers in a 6-1 victory. I still remember my grandfather saying just how impressed he was with the young lefty’s approach against the loaded L.A. lineup.
1994: The Braves came home from the West Coast 7-0, fueled by Kent Mercker’s no-hitter the previous Friday night in L.A. Home against the Giants, the Braves and John Smoltz let a three-run lead in the ninth slip away, as Barry Bonds blasted a long two-run homer as the Giants rallied to win before a sold-out crowd, in a rematch of the two teams that staged the epic Western race the previous summer.
1992: Sure, the Braves and Steve Avery were bombed on opening night. But, for the first time, the NL pennant was raised in Atlanta. I had to actually scalp tickets to get in that night, a far cry from any other opener I’d ever been to before.
Hope any of y’all who are there tonight had fun. I used to love opening night because, with the exception of the Fourth of July, it was the only time old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium would look like a playoff game, with the bunting and the capacity crowd and the buzz and anticipation of waiting for something special to happen.
3-2 in the sixth. Now, it’s up to the (yikes!) bullpen.
By journalist jimmy smith
April 10, 2006 08:55 PM | Link to this
toe injury! toe injury! nunez finished.
By old timer
April 10, 2006 09:09 PM | Link to this
ssiscribe, you in Florida? What do you cover for the magazine?
By LeTwan Anthony
April 10, 2006 09:15 PM | Link to this
Maybe Cormier and Villarreal were available for a reason …
By Nicholas Irwin
April 10, 2006 09:42 PM | Link to this
Well, at least we’ve found a setup man.
By LeTwan Anthony
April 10, 2006 09:43 PM | Link to this
Ray is wonderful. Guess who’s next?
By MBATL
April 10, 2006 09:49 PM | Link to this
Check me if I’m wrong, but I think Ray got out 3 lefties, and 2 righties got on base. Whoever said last night (miles, I think?) that he was a ‘specialist’ is right for tonight, anyway. Funny thing was the Phils kept throwing lefties against him. Didn’t read the same book as miles, I guess.
By journalist jimmy smith
April 10, 2006 09:50 PM | Link to this
bobby could let somebody run for laroche but doesn’t have a dependable glove for 1b in the ninth if he does so … made his own bed.
By MBATL
April 10, 2006 09:52 PM | Link to this
Not to second guess your second guessing, jimmy, but what good would a pr have done?
By journalist jimmy smith
April 10, 2006 09:58 PM | Link to this
slow runner standing on second base. by the time the post appeared he’d advanced to third. a fast runner may have scored from second on a single, laroche would never make it. mccann saved the bacon. betemit fried it and served it.
By MBATL
April 10, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this
Yeah, I understand the logic, jimmy. But man, BC gets blasted for moves he might have made, that would have turned out wrong. If he’d had Jurries, and used him to pinch run, wouldn’t have had anyone to ph for the pitcher (where BJ drew a walk). And, as it turned out, it would’ve been a wasted move. Plus, we were up by a run, not down or even tied. Saving some resources probably made sense. I think.
Let’s see Reitsma close this thing out… God I hope!
By Carroll
April 10, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this
Chipper who? Gotta love that Dubya-B!!
By journalist jimmy smith
April 10, 2006 10:11 PM | Link to this
depends on how you look at it … laroche is slow. mccann had a good at bat. turned out fine.
we’ve watched how many runners stranded with a leadoff double? funny, francoeur played a part in every one. it is sad watching him. he will not take a first pitch. wb is doing just fine. dob is not high on him and jimmy smith does not understand why.
let’s give reitsma credit, he got the outs tonight. journalist taking tums while he pitched.
By old timer
April 10, 2006 10:12 PM | Link to this
Well, see, there he was, the Reitsma that makes you think we have a closer. First pitch, 96 mph. Cruised from there. Just one outing, though.
By TennesseePaul
April 10, 2006 10:13 PM | Link to this
Yeah!! Braves win! Now that’s what I’m talking about! This week is going to be great!
So glad we didn’t trade Thomson. I love that guy. Whoever said stick a fork in him oughta stick a fork in themselves. Look at all the starts, he’s been the best. Solid, kept us in the game. Knocked in 2 runs. Stand up guy. Move Sosa to the pen. Put James in the rotation. We are going to rock!
By old timer
April 10, 2006 10:17 PM | Link to this
Francoeur did take one first pitch. It was right down the middle. It is painful to watch him right now, but he will come out of it. He just needs Leo back.
By J-dogg
April 10, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
Reitsma gets it done, but he still sucks. Our lineup should be: 1. LAngerhans 2.Giles 3.ER 4.Jones 5.LAdouch(still sucks) 6.WB 7.Brian 8.Diaz 9.Pitcher Sit Frenchy for a while, can hit and made a really bad play in right that cost us a run. Thank god we did not trade Thompson, he looked pretty good tonight, Mabey he should start in Right(2-3 with 2rbi) Just joking.
By MBATL
April 10, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
Agreed, jimmy smith. But BC gets blasted for every move that doesn’t work (i.e., a player doesn’t get a hit when needed), and for every move he might have made if he lived in the future.
That run was not crucial. So it made no sense to use a bat that might be needed later to pinch run… an advantage of half a second if the ball was hit just right. Since Jurries is not (I assume, I really don’t know) real fast it would’ve meant using one guy to run, for speed, and putting another guy in at 1B to replace LaRoche. Hey, I’ve never managed, but this is my read on it.
By J-dogg
April 10, 2006 10:19 PM | Link to this
Correction-Frenchy cant hit
By supa
April 10, 2006 10:22 PM | Link to this
It’s good to be home. Hearing the chop gave me goosebumps and it’s only April.
C’mon Braves…get that swagger back!
By Carroll
April 10, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
Francouer—curse of the Komminsk?
By Marc
April 10, 2006 10:23 PM | Link to this
Great win. a couple things though. I know THomson hadn’t started in a couple weeks, but why not let him go six. He was pitching great. I don’t get it, this is the major leagues, they treat these guys like they are breakable. Bobby should give our bullpen a rest, let the guy go six or seven.
On Franceur, is this guy being coached. I don’t mind a slump, but at least do the fundamental things to help your team win. How many times can we watch this guy come up with a runner on second and no outs, and watch him swing for the fences, coming out of his shoes at a ball in the dirt. Dude just choke up and push one the other way, don’t you think TP is telling him that. Not to mention he air mailed a throw last night that could have made a close play at home. And today he let a ball skip right buy him for a run. I think he needs to be benched for a couple days, work with the coaches on recognizing that down and in breaking ball and slider pitchers are throwing him, and learning to lay off of it. Pitchers are never going to give him a hittable fastball, because they know he will swing at anything. Let Diaz play for awhile until Franceur gets his bearings, or at least drop him to eith in the order.
By J-dogg
April 10, 2006 10:24 PM | Link to this
i read on the braves website that it might me Tony Pena who gets the call, I am excited to see what he can do at the feild and the plate.
By journalist jimmy smith
April 10, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
mbatl, you have not been watching the same games jimmy smith has if you think that run wasn’t crucial. the pen has been giving runs up in bunches. jimmy smith never suggested using jurries to run. jurries isn’t even here, he’s seasoning in richmond. journalist merely suggested taht while yet another runner stood on second base with no outs, then one out, that a faster runner might turn a base hit into a run. position player? not necessarily. just a faster runner. bobby played one short tonight, tomorrow he’ll have pena. hey, they won. all is good … for now.
By J-dogg
April 10, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this
Marc,
I agree with you about Thompson going at least 6, he looked really good and I dont think his pitch count was real high, dont understand Coxes reasoning for that. The best thing about Thompson that you cant say about our other starters besides smokey is he throw strikes, so when he gives up a couple of hits in a inning there is no free passes that come back to haunt us.
By glennbo
April 10, 2006 10:30 PM | Link to this
if francouer would lay down a bunt every once in a while, pitchers and fielders would have something to think about. mickey mantle did it. if he could do it, why not frenchy.
By MBATL
April 10, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
jimmy, yeah, hard for BC to run Jurries when he’s not on the roster. But I thought your point was that he SHOULD be on the roster, and then we could run for LaRoche. Anwyay, enough of that, I guess… Braves win!
Actually, thought Franceour had a pretty patient ab in the 6th, and got called out on a bad call. But, he is struggling, no doubt.
J-dogg; hard to aruge on Frenchy; but why mess up the whole lineup when Giles, Renteria and Langerhans are all excelling where they are?
We’re leading the world in scoring; what’s the rush to shake things up more than injuries are making us?
By Marc
April 10, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
Is Bobby against the bunt? Why not have Franceur lay down a bunt to get the runner over to third. He has good speed, a well placed bunt could get the runner to third and maybe get Franceur a hit, who knows that could spark him. I don’t want to hear that he is not a strong bunter, all these guys should know how to bunt. Bobby needs to put that play on, those runs are important, I can’t watch Franceur come up there again clueless to the situation, if he can’t hit a groundball to the right side then bunt.
By journalist jimmy smith
April 10, 2006 10:32 PM | Link to this
should have read, “pitchers have been giving up runs in bunches”
By J-dogg
April 10, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
Good point about shaking up the lineup, we should keep it the same except give Frenchy a few days off to work in the cage. Bad Idea on my part.
By Marc
April 10, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
Great win. a couple things though. I know THomson hadn’t started in a couple weeks, but why not let him go six. He was pitching great. I don’t get it, this is the major leagues, they treat these guys like they are breakable. Bobby should give our bullpen a rest, let the guy go six or seven.
On Franceur, is this guy being coached. I don’t mind a slump, but at least do the fundamental things to help your team win. How many times can we watch this guy come up with a runner on second and no outs, and watch him swing for the fences, coming out of his shoes at a ball in the dirt. Dude just choke up and push one the other way, don’t you think TP is telling him that. Not to mention he air mailed a throw last night that could have made a close play at home. And today he let a ball skip right buy him for a run. I think he needs to be benched for a couple days, work with the coaches on recognizing that down and in breaking ball and slider pitchers are throwing him, and learning to lay off of it. Pitchers are never going to give him a hittable fastball, because they know he will swing at anything. Let Diaz play for awhile until Franceur gets his bearings, or at least drop him to eith in the order.
By Miles
April 10, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
MBATL, I told ya Ray cant pitch effectively against righties. Im not trying to hate on him because I still think he’s an excellent addition to the pen. He’s absolutely deadly against left handed pitchers but for some reason cant do anything against right handers. Dont ask me why because I dont know but his minor league peripherals support this. Either way, he will be with us for the rest of the year as the lefty specialist (lol…even though he’s right handed, wierd).
By Carroll
April 10, 2006 10:34 PM | Link to this
Marc: Francouer also misplayed a deep fly to right field in about the 3rd inning or so. I think Rollins hit it…he should’ve been able to haul it in but he took a bad angle.
By Miles
April 10, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this
Ray is deadly against left handed hitters…lol…correcting my earlier post when I said he’s deadly against left handed “pitchers”
By journalist jimmy smith
April 10, 2006 10:38 PM | Link to this
funny you ask if francoeur can bunt, that’s how he broke his face in the minors. did you see those philadelphia batters trying to move rollins over? they take shots at right field. all of them. marc is right again … looks like nobody is coaching francoeur. journalist must ask, is he smart? does anyone know?
By MBATL
April 10, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this
Miles, I have no problem with it. If we need to get a lefty or two out, and he can do it, that’s worth a spot on the roster. Good call.
It is weird… will be interested to see how he develops.
By J-dogg
April 10, 2006 10:40 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
I agree, Frenchy should have caught that ball in the 3rd, he made two bad plays that could have hurt us more that they did tonight. Hes killing us at plate and the field.
By Sir Stealth
April 10, 2006 11:03 PM | Link to this
Francoeur looks like he’s slipping into Joey Devine mental case land. It looked like he was taking his struggles at the plate out to the field with him tonight and that this slump seems to be getting to him. Its hard to say whether the best thing for him is to stay the course, move him in the order, sit him down, send him down….who really knows at this point.
Thanks J.T. for a huge performance tonight. That guy has been doing everything right dating back to getting his elbow hurt in order to stay on the team. First the stand up attitude, then the solid work from the pen, now giving us exactly what we needed plus offense tonight in the home opener.
Also gotta thank Mr. Giles for a big performance today on one leg. Still a whole lot to be positive about with this team. Even ADDam LaK helped out a good bit tonight with the glove and the double.
By Fab
April 10, 2006 11:14 PM | Link to this
Francoeur is struggling right now, but with the way the offense is working in general, we can afford to have one guy scuffling, and still have the offense generate enough runs to win the game. Besides, it’s a long season, and everyone in the lineup will slump at some point. It’s inevitable. However, when a guy slumps at the beginning of the year, it’s always more noticeable, since his BA will be horrible…..remember that AJ went 0 for 28 in April last year, and almost (should have IMO) won MVP.
Furthermore, it looks like the pitching is coming around, thank goodness. I hope Reitsma pans out as closer, but I have my doubts….
IMO, the key thing in April is to stay 5 games within the division leader (or wildcard). I read a stat that said that only 10% of teams that were more than 5 games out didn’t make the playoffs…
By MBATL
April 10, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this
Sir Stealth, I’m sure Adam would prefer that his disease never got out, and people thought he was just slow-witted. Geez, talk about your backhanded compliment.
By PEEWEE
April 10, 2006 11:25 PM | Link to this
Great game tonight,Maybe thats what everyone needed. Francoeur will come around he’s to good not too.Thank you LORD.
By Sir Stealth
April 10, 2006 11:38 PM | Link to this
Aw, c’mon MBATL, now you’ve made me feel guilty. Aren’t nicknames half the fun of sports blogs (or are they just all about wild, seesawing hysteria)? To try and ween myself off, I’ll limit myself to one cheap-shot nickname for Adderal LaRoche per strikeout of his that game. Any more prancing around the bases and getting thrown out in big games will immediately open up the floodgates (yes, I know he hit a grand slam in that game, but I still count myself as one of the more rational Braves fans).
By Ron Roberts (for real)
April 10, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this
It’s easy for us to forget the Jeff Francouer was in AA Mississippi hitting in the .260-.280 ranger before his callup to the bigs last year. If you expected the same guy that made the Sports Illustrated cover this season, you’re setting yourself up for a let-down.
I think he’ll right the ship, so to speak, but don’t expect him to challenge Albert Puhols and/or Andruw Jones for the MVP anytime soon.
Good win, though. Elusive if not dominant starting pitching from Thomson… decent middle relief (the Ray story is vintage Cox/Schuerholz lore, reminds me of a long-ago Kerry Lightenberg)… and hey, look what happens when you only ask Reitsma to pitch one inning - it actually works!
Now, let’s see if we can get back-to-back good starts.
I love what Rick Sutcliffe said on ESPNews after the game when the nimrod anchor tossed him a question about the Braves missing Leo Mazzone, pointing to starting rotation struggles. He said, this isn’t about Mazzone or McDowell. He’s right - he pointed out last season’s struggles… Hudson wasn’t dominant, Thomson was injured, Horacio Ramirez was mediore, at best, and hey, even with Leo, John Smoltz got battered in his first start last season.
We, as Braves fans, just have to get used to the idea that we don’t have three-or-four sure bets in our rotation like we did when we had Glavine, Maddux, Smoltz and (insert journeyman success story). Once Glavine, then Maddux left, we’ve been fairly “ordinary” as far as pitching goes. Hopefully Chuck James and Kyle Davies will develop into heir-apparents.
By Penn
April 10, 2006 11:39 PM | Link to this
Are you people all nuts? Why on earth do you think the Marlins would trade Willis? He is one of the best pitchers in all of baseball and he’s pitching on a team with a $20 mil payroll.
Mr. Irwin, what are you smoking? Willis won (I believe) 22 last year and was second in the CY voting. And you say he’s no good? Geeeezzz.
While all you dreamers are throwing out your suggestions that we simply tell FLorida to send Dontrelle on up to Atlanta why don’t you toss in Cabrera to play third?
We could always send Chipper to Florida.
That makes as much sense as you thinking JS can just wave a majic wand and presto, Dontrelle is a Brave.
Besides, when the Marlins move to San Antonio next year they are going to need a nucleus to build a team around and that nucleus is going to be Willis and Cabrera.
Now go get a cup of coffee and come down to earth. Good grief.
By Jim from Tenn
April 10, 2006 11:40 PM | Link to this
Everyone needs to quickly remember that atlanta has always been a warm weather team. and a hell yeah to kenny Ray, baseball’s version of Kurt Warner
By MBATL
April 10, 2006 11:44 PM | Link to this
Sir Stealth, really don’t mean to lay on the guilt, but on the other hand, have a hard time being part of this blog and not calling what I see as cheap shots when I see them. Who cares what I think, or you, for that matter.
As for Laroche, I still think he has a little Mark Grace in him… but he does need to make more contact.
By Nicholas Irwin
April 10, 2006 11:45 PM | Link to this
Nothing illustrates Francoeur’s slump better than than this, in my opinion: Today marks the third time this year already that every starter in the lineup, including the pitcher, got a base hit except for one man…Jeff Francoeur. That’s gotta be the most ridiculously frustrating thing ever.
By Bob
April 10, 2006 11:58 PM | Link to this
Just noted the Gammons observations/quotes about Tim Hudson; especially the “… he can’t pitch in the National League …” one.
On the surface, Peter’s comments are absurd … but, it’s true that bat control plays a more important role in the National League, Frenchy excluded, … so maybe he has a point.
We don’t get Turner South so I listened to the game over WGST via MLB audio. The annoucers all talk about how well Frenchy is swinging the bat.
Has something changed? I really pull for him and think that he’ll be okay … but in the 4 games that I’ve seen, he’s looked just horrible … falling away from virtually everything … even the down and away pitches.
By Sir Stealth
April 11, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this
Believe me, I’d be the happiest person in the world if Adam LaRoche turned into Mark Grace or Chris Reitsma turned into Dennis Eckersley. Stranger things have happened with the Braves.
How great does is work out that we couldn’t trade J.T., and, lo and behold we need that depth and he’s right there? We decided not to give Willy B his shot this year with Furcal leaving, and, as it turns out, Renteria is amazing, and we absolutely need the depth anyway with Chipper going down (still don’t get the criticism of that given the nature of that soggy field). I think that injuries are actually gonna give us some depth in the pen over the course of the season as well, though I’m not sure any of that is gonna be a bonafide closer.
By mark
April 11, 2006 01:06 AM | Link to this
Reeksma showed up , again. Never mind the result , his pitch selection is absurd. The guy lacks the agressiveness and intelligence too be an effective closer. With a 2 run lead you throw strikes and get ahead of the batter , not the other way around. Yea , I’m happy we won , ticked off that ESPN didnt list the game in their schedule and I missed the first 2 innings. Betemit is a starter anywhere else , Cox has to find a way too get him in the lineup. I hate to say it , but I really believe Chipper’s better days are behind him , the guy has no range at third and he just cant stay healthy. Did I say it or did I say it ? Thomson not being traded was a blessing in disguise , well what do you know , the injury bug has bit and we need all the pitching we can get our hands on. I think that its going to be another 4-6 weeks before we truely find out what this team is made of. I got my beer and weed for my nerves and my bat for the TV , GO YOU STINKING BRAVOS !!!!!!!!!! p.s. hey we could be the phillies at 1-6 , lol
By Maddog
April 11, 2006 01:15 AM | Link to this
Interesting note so far:
Villarreal 3 wins, currently leads Majors.
Can a middle reliever win 20 lol?
By TennesseePaul
April 11, 2006 01:18 AM | Link to this
Sir Stealth, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that we have the depth we have. As much as can be said for not landing a closer in the offseason, we landed what we needed. A closer, while it would have been amazing, would have probably cost us Betemit and Thomson. And these are exactly the guys we need throughout a year. I was jeering when DOB reported Thomson on the block and not Sosa. I think we can totally do without Sosa. Sosa was bad in the pen early in his career. This is his shot. If he keeps putting up numbers of a 5th starter he’ll be in the pen in no time.
I’ve read some disparaging comments about Davies on this blog and that I just don’t understand. Before Smoltz put in his masterful performance yesterday, Davies had the best start of the season. He’s the newest of the bunch. The guy is going to be good. I think, with Smoltz, Thomson, and Davies, we have the ability to hang in there until Hudson remembers how to pitch again.
I love this Ken Death Ray. The guy is such an amazing story. He’s putting up incredible numbers. He’s looking good doing it. This is perfect. It’ll be Rogers first pitcher-rebirth. I sure hope he hangs in there to be a force.
Francouer… I don’t think he’ll botch another play like that again. He didn’t put his body in front of the ball and he took his eyes off of it. With as bad as his bat has been, he has been able to sleep well at night knowing he is an elite fielder. He will not make that same mistake again. I can guarantee it. I just wish I could guarantee a hit for him. He did hit some hard tonight, but again, they were all right at people.
Last year Bobby stuck with Kelly Johnson through his 0 for 30 somthing start (of course Kelly was walking every 5 at bat). Knowing that, Francouer will be in the line up for a long while. He should be dropped in the order. And, now that we have seen what a slugger Thomson is, I will argue even stronger for putting Francouer ninth and letting our pitchers hit in the eight hole.
No need to move Giles from the leadoff role. No need to move Renteria from the 2 hole. There may be a need for readjusting while chipper is out, but the start of the season has produced a lead off hitter with a .700 OBP and a second hole hitter tied for the lead in RBIs. This line up is down right unbelievable. We are averaging 6 to 7 runs a game! It’s perfect as it is.
Lastly… GO BRAVES!!!!!
By Seth
April 11, 2006 01:36 AM | Link to this
To answer a few of those questions up there. Thompson came out after five because his legs were tired from running the bases after that shot he hit to centerfield (JT = BOMBSQUAD haha, just kidding).
And as far as it goes for Frenchy… Who was it last year that went through that huuuuge skid late in the season. I think it was Kelly Johnson. Cox left him in there and eventually he found his groove. Cox is really slow to take his starters out of the lineup because he has faith in their ability and lets them proove themselves - this is one of the things players LOVE about Cox.
Granted I’m like you kids. I see Frenchy’s microscopic batting average and I see that desperate look on his face when the camera shows him sitting in the dugout. It seriously looks like he’s going to cry.
Alls I’m saying is, let’s put some more faith in Cox’s decision. Don’t think Cox hasn’t noticed that Frenchy is struggling because he most certainly has. The man is by far the best manager in baseball, and there is obviously method to his madness or this wouldn’t be so.
By Nicholas Irwin
April 11, 2006 02:03 AM | Link to this
I know full well I’m gonna get blasted for this, so have at it. This is just my opinion:
It looks like the Braves are going to call up Tony Pena Jr. to replace Chipper on the roster. This, my friends, is a dumbass move. While it is indeed true that he is the son of a former Major League catcher, if you look at his numbers, you’ll find that he, for lack of a better word, sucks. Let us take a look at the numbers, shall we? (Noooo…not the numbers!!!):
First of all, he has never batted above .255 in his career in the minors. Second, he has never slugged above .366. Thirdly, he has never had an OBP above .304. His six-year career totals are as follows: .249 AVG, 24 HR, 179 RBI…for a six-year minor-league total!!! He had damn well better play the best defense in baseball history, because he won’t be able to throw a beach ball lobbed by a Major League pitcher. If we’re going to call up somebody who sucks just for the sake of calling up a third baseman, why not just call up Jonathan Scheurholz and rid ourselves of that inevitable gag fest so we don’t have to deal with it down the road.
If, on the other hand, we’re interested in calling up somebody who will actually help the team, we call up Jurries. It won’t be that hard to work out the situation. Orr can play second, short and third anyway. Betemit can play third and short. We don’t need to call up a Mendoza line hitting (Mendoza line in the minor leagues, no less) shortstop or third baseman just for the hell of calling up a shortstop or third baseman.
By Nicholas Irwin
April 11, 2006 02:10 AM | Link to this
Well crap…I was bound to make an idiot of myself at some point in the middle of that. It appears that Jonathan Scheurholz is a second baseman. (I’m pretty sure he was a third baseman in high school and college.) In any event, that wasn’t really the main point of the post anyway. The main point stands: Pena sucks, call up Jurries.
By Nicholas Irwin
April 11, 2006 02:13 AM | Link to this
Argghh…that should read won’t be able to hit a beach ball thrown by a Major League pitcher.
By teoa
April 11, 2006 02:35 AM | Link to this
Good: Glad to see Langer hitting 3rd. He should never drop below 6th…his bat is wasted at 8th when teams can pitch around him to get to the pitcher.
Thomson looked great again. I don’t know how many people saw his last game in L.A., but he was great then and should have 2 wins now (Villarreal blew both games.) Thomson dominated for 3 innings in place of HoRam, started a fourth, gave up a 3-2 walk on a bad call and a broken bat single, should not have come out…then of course the bullpen cleared off the bases. His numbers didn’t look good for that game, but he pitched as well as he did today if not better…very encouraging.
Ray reminds me a little of Greg McMichael plus 6-8 mph (that’s meant to be a compliment.) McMichael had a couple of good years with a similar change, and the better fastball might make him a legitimate closer candidate soon.
Bad: I’m not at all sold on the bullpen. The numbers aren’t bad so far, but most of the best relief pitching has come in games in which the Braves have been way ahead or way behind. Close games have not been good. Villarreal just got his second blown save today (with 0 Holds), which makes 4 for the pen in 8 games.
Also, Reitsma is every bit as likely to blow games while in for the last 3 outs as he is coming in for the final 4. I think most of his 9 last year were of the 3-out variety. And on Sunday, he only got 2 outs before the implosion, so I’m still not buying this “oveworked” theory. The worst closer in baseball (Reitsma) will still get the save 60-70 percent of the time, so don’t bother thinking a good game is a sign of things to come. He’s got a five year career that indicates pretty clearly what we should expect, and the results haven’t been at all pretty.
By Andy
April 11, 2006 03:36 AM | Link to this
Alan I think what Gammons was saying is what Bob said—-the Amercian league vs the NL and bat control—not trying to do too much with the pitch—move runners over—-a “power” pitcher like the big unit or schilling won’t have that kid of problem—-but don’t get me wrong—I want hudson to do well—and I expect him to do well—I was just shocked Gammons who I respect alot said it.
On baseball tonight—they also talked about Hudson and his pitches are just too high—-alot. I think he will turn it around—just bad luck. Lets hope.
By Andy
April 11, 2006 03:50 AM | Link to this
I just read where we called up Moyer!! He will be the new version of grabowski—we hope—although he throws alot harder—Boyer on the 15 day DL in Richmond—so Moyer we got as a pick up from the WBC(moyer was out of the game for awhile) and Ray who Cox might have never saw if we didn’t need someone to cover a split squad game late in spring training—-we have the baby braves in the field and the recycled Braves in the pen(with rem). Who knows it might work—-remember that one year the braves pen was so bad the braves sent down there ENTIRE pen except for the closer and brought up “propects”—well at least its not that bad.
By jdutton
April 11, 2006 06:18 AM | Link to this
Welcome to the post “Leo” era. Hey Schuerholz, still think it is your “system.” Hell no, its was Leo. Your arrogance will be the Braves downfall.
By geechee
April 11, 2006 06:35 AM | Link to this
Man, some of you people are whining worse than some Dogs’ fans in August. First off the quote at the top “About the only good thing to say is that the Braves are finally back in Atlanta” totally ignores the fact that they lead both leagues in RBIs. There are people in here already micro-managing the team after just one week. Year after year, after year, after year, it never stops with Braves fans. Let Bobby run the damn team for a while and see how things pan out. It is friggin April. This team has two months to get it together. This team has been in last place at the end of May and still won their division. Sheesh people.
By A Fan
April 11, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
Penn,
I believe JOHN B. said the Marlins would likely trade Willis IF they do not get a stadium and are not allowed to move!! It’s not an easy thing for a team to move. So while it may happen, it’s still unlikely they will move.
And if they are stuck in Florida without a new stadium, they will VERY LIKELY trade Willis because he will make 6-7 mill next year. The team has a payroll of less than 15 million. They will not pay one guy 45% of their payroll.
Try not acting like you know everything, you obviously don’t.
By DrBert
April 11, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this
Just a note for all the Hudson bashers here…I remember my days in St. Louis in the mid-80’s, when I watched the Cardinals regularly…In 1985 John Tudor started the season 1-7, then won 20 of his final 21 decisions to finish the season 21-8 with an ERA of 1.93. Seems his old high school catcher was watching a Cardinals game on TV and noticed a flaw in his delivery, and after the correction Tudor was on fire the rest of the season. (Note to Jimmy Smith…perhaps flaw in way toes were pointing?) So I haven’t given up on Hudson yet, but if anyone knows how to get in touch with his old high school catcher, please call BC/JS…or have him contact Roger McDowell…As a final note, Tudor’s last loss prior to catching fire after his 1-7 start was to the Braves, winning pitcher was Steve Bedrosian with a save by Bruce Sutter…
By JOHN B.
April 11, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this
I did say if the Marlins would likely trade Willis ONLY if they can’t move and can’t get a stadium in Florida. But some people like to jump on people on this blog site. No big deal. Speculating about baseball trade possibilities is part of the fun of being a fan.
By journalist jimmy smith
April 11, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this
drbert, ah, yes, tudor. that was definitely a toe issue. once toes pointed right, tudor excelled. thomson was a mess in camp, with toes pointed in wrong direction (per mcdowell). now, with toe spacers and proper toe alignment, thomson is pitching quite well. now, francoeur’s problem does not seem to be toes. eminent toe man has already been consulted. francoeur toes, healthy, happy. journalist thinks problem is with bat. bat is too limber and not long enough to reach pitches francoeur is swinging at. solution is longer bat or swing only at pitches can hit. francoeur also now swinging at low pitches almost in dirt.
devine on way to AAA and moylan coming to town. ray and moylan, go figure.
By DrBert
April 11, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this
Jimmy Smith, I have several suggestions for Francoeur’s bat problem…”hat for bat, keep bat warm”…light gunpowder in locker room to “wake up bat”…finally, appeal to the gods…”you no help me now, I say f* you Jobu, I do it myself”…taking a few pitches and a little plate discipline might also help…
By journalist jimmy smith
April 11, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this
perhaps francoeur can use chipper’s bat. chipper not need bat for a time. bat is of highest quality - not like rookie bat. bat thinks for self. bat currently hitting .238. bat pulls ball only.
perhaps send for james jurries bat used in spring. that very good bat. diaz bat also better but seasoning on bench with player during extended francoeur slump.
By Ernesto
April 11, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this
The guys calling the game on ESPN last night said something interesting but they didn’t elaborate. They said that durning the WBC Villareal was bringing it in the mid 90’s, but now he’s killing himself to get it up to 85 mph. Anyone know why? Did he play too much winter ball? How has the guy lost so much so quickly. He certainly hasn’t looked anywhere near as filthy as he did against the US team.
By Jim
April 11, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
DOB. What happened to the Villareal of the WCS who blew away the likes of Jeter and company with a moving fastball in the mid 90’s and a decent breaking ball? Last night he struggled to hit 90 on at most 2 of his pitches and was topping out at 88. His velocity has been no more than 90-91 in all of his appearances so far and it has been declining with every appearance. Is there an injury problem? Cormier has shown better velocity and better results so far, but last night every pitch was up. So far his results may be due more to luck than skill. On Ray’s effectiveness against right handed hitters— Last night the only right handed hitter he faced was Bell who walked on a 3-2 pitch that the ESPN box showed was at the bottom of the strike zone. He pitches down, he has good velocity, and seems to have at least a passable curve as his 3rd pitch. I will be curious to see how he does against righties in this role this year, but so far he has been the best option out of the bullpen.
By Penn
April 11, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
Quote:
By A Fan
April 11, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
Penn,
I believe JOHN B. said the Marlins would likely trade Willis IF they do not get a stadium and are not allowed to move!! It’s not an easy thing for a team to move. So while it may happen, it’s still unlikely they will move.
And if they are stuck in Florida without a new stadium, they will VERY LIKELY trade Willis because he will make 6-7 mill next year. The team has a payroll of less than 15 million. They will not pay one guy 45% of their payroll.
Try not acting like you know everything, you obviously don’t.
In the first place I didn’t pick on John B. I said ALL OF YOU since about a dozen were talking as if JS only had to make a decision and presto, Willis would be a Brave. That is nuts.
For your edification here is what John B. DID SAY:
By JOHN B>
April 10, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
I also think the Braves should go after Dontrelle Willis. The Marlins are going to trade him. So why not the Braves.
By JOHN B.
April 10, 2006 03:17 PM | Link to this
Of course, I’m not saying trade all of those prospects for Willis, but a couple would be worth it as Willis is young and proven he is capable of post season pressure. He has also learned to make adjustments. And the guy has got swagger. Personality. He is the kind of player the Braves need. He could even be a pinch hitter too. Not only is he a great pitcher, he knows how to swing a bat.
By JOHN B.
April 10, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this
Blake,
The only reason I say keep James and Davies is because I think they are the future of the rotation. Add willis and that is a great young group of quality starters. And the Braves have many middle infielders and catchers. Of course, if it was a deal breaker, then include one of them.
By JOHN B.
April 10, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
Choppin Bob,
I said to trade for Willis as well as a closer. The Braves have many prospects. If they can trade for young established guys like Willis, it be as big a deal to trade some prospects. Willis is under contract for at least 2006 and 2007.
By JOHN B.
April 10, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
Chop Chop,
Numerous reports have the Marlins as possibly trading Willis because he makes like 3.5 mill this year. My guess is he would go up to like 6.5 mill next year. They have a 15 mill dollar payroll. If they can’t get a stadium or get the OK to move, it would not surprise me if they traded Cabrera next year.
I’m sure John B. said what you and he said but I am unable to find it.
As for knowing everything I lay no claim to such but I do appreciate your acknowledgement of my wide knowledge about the game. Unlike you and a few others I do prefer sticking with facts and realistic possibilities.
You can probably lay that to the fact I am a long time newspaperman myself.
BTW, perhaps you should check Willis’ contract again before you start quoting numbers. Here are the facts.
[Jan. 16 The Marlins reached an agreement Monday on a one-year contract with Dontrelle Willis worth a guaranteed $4.35 million, according to the ESPN.com. Willis’ deal includes an additional $200,000 in incentive bonuses that could bring the overall package to $4.55 million. }
Nothing is mentioned about 2007 or anything else. The Marlins may in fact trade him but not if they plan to stay in the league.
As for moving they have been totally unable to get any agreement on a new stadium in South Florida and they will not be allowed to play in the football stadium after another two seasons (I believe).
Have fun. I am off to a game of liar’s poker.
By TennesseePaul
April 11, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
The payroll purge to 15 million isn’t about saving money. At that rate, the make money before a ticket is sold. last year and the year before the Devil Rays had payrolls of 30 million or less. Through revenue sharing, luxury taxes and the likes, they received 35 million before the start of the season. Attendance is only going to go up, and that means more money in revenue sharing. The Marlins stand to make at least 10 million this year even if no one shows up to the games. The “Market Correction” that Loria did this off season was more about holding a city hostage to get a stadium than anything else. They can afford Willis and Cabrera. But they will probably trade them. They are really good at trading away teams. It’s what they do. The Yankees win world Series. The Braves win division titles. The Pirates lose everything. The Mets Cheat. And the Marlins trade. Every team has its specialty.
By Cur
April 11, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this
The last few years Braves are catching “free” rides to win the division. There were lot of good players out there to trade for but Braves will not invest in those players. That’s why we only reach division far. Braves need better hitting if his pitching is not there. If Braves management don’t put money on table to make the team better.
As good braves fans lets start praying for another division title.
By Excelsior
April 11, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this
Easy, Carroll. Rollins’ first double was not misplayed. That was a line shot toward the gap. Jeff got a fine jump, but he just couldn’t get there.
While I think everything about Jeff’s game is subpar this season, let’s not attack him for crap that just ain’t true.
By Jim from TN
April 11, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
Who is taking Chipper’s roster spot?
By JOHN B.
April 11, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this
Penn,
you answered your own question of where did I say the Marlins would likely trade Willis only if they are not able to move or get a new stadium.
By JOHN B.
April 10, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
“Chop Chop,
Numerous reports have the Marlins as possibly trading Willis because he makes like 3.5 mill this year. My guess is he would go up to like 6.5 mill next year. They have a 15 mill dollar payroll. If they can’t get a stadium or get the OK to move, it would not surprise me if they traded Cabrera next year.”
My meant to add the word, too at the end of that statement.
And your point about checking facts: I said Willis makes LIKE 3.5 mill. I did not say he MAKES 3.5 mill. It was an estimate. Just like I estimated next year’s salary at 6.5. It probably will be more now that I know he definitely makes 4.35 mill this year. So it would make even less sense that they would have 1 guy of the 25 man roster make 50 % of the payroll. Now, if they are able to move, it is LESS likely they would trade him or Cabrera.
By JOHN B.
April 11, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul ,
No offense, but the Yankees have not won a WS since 2000. Thank god. I am so tired of Steinbrenner thinking he can just buy the WS.
By TennesseePaul
April 11, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this
John B: why would that offend me? I loathe the Yankees. But, 5 years is still smaller than a 10 years. And 26 is more than 3 or every other team for that matter. All of this is beside the point, which was: The Marlins trade. It’s what they do best.
By John Adcox
April 11, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
Anyone hear any news about who the Braves are calling up to replace Chipper?
By crs
April 11, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this
This is an aging, somewhat overated group of starters. Smoltz’s best is behind him, Hudson was overated in oakland even moreso here. Team has no speed and over the course of the year will not score big runs. This is an 80 to 85 win team.
By Jason C
April 11, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves should stock up on good pitching and young players. They should trade away all their high salaries.
Trade 2B Marcus Giles for SP Barry Zito.
Trade 1B Adam LaRoche for Danys Baez.
Trade SS Edgar Renteria for Mark Mulder.
Trade OF Matt Diaz, OF Ryan Langerhans, P Anthony Lerew, and P Kyle Davies for OF Jeremy Hermida and SP Dontrelle Willis.
Trade OF Andruw Jones and C Brian McCann for Andy Pettitte and Willy Taveras.
Trade 3B Chipper Jones and Jorge Sosa for P Mike Timlin and Keith Foulke.
Trade P Horacio Ramirez, P McKay McBride, P Oscar Villareal, and P John Thompson for 2B Ian Kinsler and 3B Hank Blalock.
Trade SP Chuck James for RP Ryan Dempster and OF Matt Murton.
Trade P Joey Devine, 1B James Jurries, and P Lance Cormier for Prince Fielder.
Move Smoltz back to Closer whether he likes it or not!
Dreaming is good…
By braveboyfromblairsville
April 11, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
still only the ny wets are ahead of us/give bobby and john half a season to figure it out again and we will be on our way
By JOHN B.
April 11, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
One of the things I loved about last night was the the “swagger” Andruw portrayed after hitting his homer. See picture on the AJC: http://lpe.ajc.com/gallery/view/sports/2006/0406/braves0410/
That is what this team needs. Confidence. Personality. I mentioned before about how Justice supplied swagger for the team in ‘95.
By TennesseePaul
April 11, 2006 02:30 PM | Link to this
Sheesh Jason C. Most of those trades would be nightmares! Trade Andruw right in the prime of his career for a mediocre rookie bat and a guy talking about retirement? There are so many things wrong with that list…
By TennesseePaul
April 11, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
Edwin McCain sang the anthem. So glad I missed that. He’s from my home town. Such a drag. I skip his name when ever listing the notables… just go straight to Shoeless Joe.
By Miles
April 11, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
yea Jason C., those trade are all VERY realistic…LMAO..god some of the people on this thread have no clue about how baseball works.
By TennesseePaul
April 11, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
One last note about that List Jason C. I think the Braves should stock up on good pitching and young players. This is pretty much what they have. Based on career stats, they have good pitching. And, compared to the majors, they are the 3rd youngest team behind Florida and the Rockies. And, (They should trade away all their high salaries) you’ve effectively traded the entire 25 man roster for 14 guys, many of whom have large salaries.
By Chop Chop
April 11, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
Jason C,
I took the time to do this, so I’m clearly insane, bored or both…
Zito (‘07 FA-high salary-$7.9 million), Mulder (‘07 FA-high salary-$7.75 million), Willis (potential high salary-$4.35 million in ‘06), Pettitte (high salary-$16.4 million)…Baez (‘07 FA-high salary-$4 million), Dempster (high salary-$4.33 million), Foulke (high salary-$7.75 million), Timlin (high salary-$3 million)…Hermida, Murton, Taveras…Fielder, Kinsler, Blalock ($3 million)…
And the players you keep are Smoltz (high salary-$11 million), Hudson (soon to be much higher salary-$6.5 million)…uh…Jordan, Remlinger, Reitsma (high salary-$2.75 million and, inevitably, “Why keep him???????????????”), Ray, Pratt, Betemit, Orr, Francoeur and…my mind is drawing a blank.
(Thanks to the “Baseball Millionaires List” for the salary numbers.)
By my count, that’s about $79 million in salary, which doesn’t include Hampton’s adjusted 2006 salary (whatever the hell that is…I can’t remember), which would push it well over $80 million (probably around 85 million). After subtracting Blalock’s $3 million, you’d be paying over $80 million to pitchers. Considering the first week of the season, that might seem justified, but only if your dog isn’t lying and the government really is monitoring you through your TV screen.
Dude, you have weird dreams.
By Nicholas Irwin
April 11, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this
Half the trades on that list would be giving away young pitchers for washed up people, thereby ruining your whole deal. Two things: 1)What in God’s name are you smoking? and 2)Can I have some of it?
By Nicholas Irwin
April 11, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
No word yet on who we’re calling up to replace Chipper (we might actually wait until tomorrow). I still say: Please…for the love of all the little children all over the world, resist the urge to bring up Tony Pena. (I’m kind of surprised nobody’s jumped to Pena’s defense, by the way. Maybe he’s not as mindlessly well-thought-of as I thought.)
Also, I think I recall somebody mentioning this earlier, but it was late last night and I’m not actually sure I saw it, but Joey Devine has been sent down and Peter Moylan, the sidearming Australian who we signed when he looked good in the WBC, has been called up. I must say I’m slightly skeptical of Moylan, but hell, give him a chance. Can’t be any worse than Devine was.
As for Devine, at least he’s not deluding himself. Quoth Devine: “I’m not throwing the ball good enough to be at this level.” I must say, that kind of honesty is refreshing amid the world of people whining that if a couple of breaks had gone their way there wouldn’t be a problem. I do honestly feel kind of bad for him. Hopefully, he goes back to Richmond and figures it out and becomes the pitcher we all hope he can be. He’s not exactly had the most enjoyable Major League career thus far.
Apparently there is also some sort of problem with his back, and while that may very well be the case, why is it that every time a pitcher has pitched like crap at some point over the last two years for us it’s been an injury problem that we didn’t know about? At some point, don’t we start to question that excuse just a little bit? Just wondering. Maybe DOB can give us a little more insight into this injury.
By TennesseePaul
April 11, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
been an injury problem that we didn’t know about
I think this is because they want to see if he can pitch, and they don’t want the other team out there sitting on him waiting… Sounds funny, but there is always someone on every team who will swing at a pitch thrown by a guy who has just walked the bases loaded on 12 straight pitches (I’m looking at you Andruw, check swing or not!) Add that to the baseball players pertual need to never admit they are hurt until they have hurt the team and I think you have the answer.
By Penn
April 11, 2006 03:27 PM | Link to this
Quote:
{By Jason C
April 11, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this
I think the Braves should stock up on good pitching and young players. They should trade away all their high salaries.
Trade 2B Marcus Giles for SP Barry Zito.
Penn asks: Isn’t Giles younger than Zito? For sure he makes less money.
Trade 1B Adam LaRoche for Danys Baez.
Penn asks: Who in his right mind would give up Baez for LaRoche? And what salary are you getting rid of?
Trade SS Edgar Renteria for Mark Mulder.}
Penn asks: Salaries are similar I’m thinking without checking although the Braves are paying only $6 mil of Renteria salary. So, what do you gain? Giving up what might be the best SS in the NL right now for another pitcher and adding about $5 mil to your payroll.
Now I know why we are well off with JS as our GM and not you.
Penn asks further: Jason, if you were the GM on the other side would you trade Baez for LaRoche or Zito for Giles? Maybe Mulder for Renteria makes sense. Even I might make tnat deal.
Cheers and stay off the sauce.
By TennesseePaul
April 11, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
Is there a blitz today? Where’s DOB when you need a good blitz?
By P'Cola Michael
April 11, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
Moron!
By Penn
April 11, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this
For the guy who says Dontrelle Willis if overrated here are his stats.
2006 W 0 L 0 ERA 1.38 GS 2 G 2 IP 13.0 H 8 R 2 ER 2 HR 0 BB 3 K 7
The Marlins managed to lose both games after he gave up one earned run in each.
For his career here are his stats.
Career W 46 L 27 ERA 3.23 GS 95 G 95 CG 11 Shutouts 7 IP 607.0 H 579 R 241 ER 218 HR 44 BB 177 K 458
How do you overrate someone who pitches like that?
Incidentally the Marlins have won two World Series and I believe both came since the Braves won their last one.
They must have a pretty good farm system as they have four or five rookies on this year’s team who are going to make first line players. A couple of those came through trades for some of that high salary.
The simple fact is they are not drawing and very likely never will. They are located in a low per capita income area and in addition to that most of the monied people in Miami/Dade are not around during baseball season.
I personally believe they would be much better off if they built a stadium between Ft. Lauderdale and W. Palm Beach where they would have access to a much better clientele so far as per capita money available for tickets is concerned. The populations of Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties combined compares with Atlanta. And they could still draw some from N. Dade.
Florida is not likely to ever be a good drawing place for baseball. Tampa is doing poorly and Orlando is a tourist town and who wants to go to a baseball game when they have come to see DisneyWorld?
San Antonio could be their best bet or even Charlotte. Las Vegas sucks. Too much of their daily population is transient.
By Penn
April 11, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
Wanta take a look at Florida’s payroll? And all the teams in baseball? Click here. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/teams/salaries?team=fla
You will see that Dontrelle is making 30% of their payroll.
You will also find Atlanta listed at $92 Mil. Some of that must be offset by insurance on Hampton. They rank 8th in all baseball, not exactly slackers when it comes to salaries.
By MGL
April 11, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul - I think DOB is off until tomorrow if I remember his last post. Maybe Guy will make the Blitz, he started this thread.
By tigger101023
April 11, 2006 04:06 PM | Link to this
Jason C, I am dumber for reading that trade proposal. I won’t even bother detailing why, as it’s already been explaied by other bloggers…
By chophawk
April 11, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
uh oh….mets won again…should we be worried?…looks like 2 team race with marlins depleted, nationals not able to repeat last year’s effort and phillies going down…GO BRAVOS
By Bob
April 11, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this
I’m sure that we all want Moylan and Ray to do well but it’s like finding lightning in a bottle … highly unlikely … except perhaps arround the stills in our North Georgia hills.
Still, some folks do rise to the occassion when given a chance … while other “can’t miss” prospects just become suspects. Both seem to have found something … and it’s good to see them get their chance!
While it’s too early to evaluate Roger, those who underestimate the importance of coaches and teachers to established stars might do well to consider stars like the “Tiger” and the “Bear” … both employ(ed) experts to help them with “their game” … even though they, themselves are/were among the most knowledgable and accomplished players that Sport has ever known … and may themselves be great teachers (of others).
Remember, someone had to tell the “Babe” that he was tipping his curve.
Hyper-Active Leo’s success with the Braves appears to have been more that he surrounded himself with players adept in executing his formula for success (down and away) than in anything else … but he also was and is an astute, knowledgable observer of pitching mechanics … facilitating the Braves “uncanny” ability to select and rehabilitate faltering players.
The point is, or is intended to be, that effective coaching is essential in all areas of activity because performance and execution are different from evaluation and diagnosis … and the trees sometimes get in the way of the forrest … playing experience and playing success are not prerequisites … and while most teams seem to want hitting and pitching coaches with those credentials; the truly successful ones are generally of a different breed.
I’m proof that you don’t have to be Catholic to Pontificate … but let’s hope that Roger turns out to be more than just another cheerleading veteran … we’ve got Bobby to do that!
By JOHN B.
April 11, 2006 10:01 PM | Link to this
Penn ,
I know Willis makes about 30% of Florida 15 Mill $ payroll this year. When I say, Why would Florida pay 1 guy 50% of it’s payroll, I am talking about potentially next year. We all know if Willis is making 4.35 Mill this year, he’ll make around 7-8 mill next year through arbitration. And I am also saying that if Florida does not get to move or a get a new stadium, their payroll likely won’t increase much next year.
By Mike
April 12, 2006 07:33 AM | Link to this
Guess Leo Mazzone was the key. Mets in ‘06 baby!
By Bookie
April 13, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this
Vegas still has the Braves to take the division. No worry.