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DEL.ICIO.USKoskie’s homer dooms Davies
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Milwaukee — The way the Braves lineup is scuffling, pitcher Kyle Davies needed a nearly flawless performance Monday night to have much chance.
And he had one going until the seventh inning, when Corey Koskie broke a tie with a two-run homer that sent the Brewers to a 3-2 win in the series opener at Miller Park.
“I made one bad pitch,” Davies said, “and it left the ballpark.”
Davies had allowed only two hits and one run until the seventh, when Prince Fielder hit a leadoff single and Koskie blasted a 1-0 fastball to the right-field second deck. They were his first RBIs of the season in his 51st at-bat.
It was supposed to be a fastball away, but it came back over the middle.
“I think he thought Koskie was trying to bunt,” said Braves manager Bobby Cox, who based that on his belief that Davies was pitching too well to that point to leave a pitch over the middle of the plate.
But Davies said that wasn’t the case. He just made a bad pitch.
With how the Braves are hitting, one bad pitch can be too much to overcome.
The couldn’t put anything together against Brewers starter Chris Capuano, who allowed three hits and one run with six strikeouts in seven innings.
After he left, the Braves loaded the bases with none out in the eighth on a hit, walk and error. But the Braves squandered the opportunity, getting only one run when Matt Diaz grounded into a double play. Andruw Jones grounded out.
“It’s no secret that our pitching started a little slow,” said Marcus Giles, who had a triple in his return to the lineup after missing three games with a finger injury. “Now our offense has slowed up.”
The Braves had five hits Monday to drag their anemic average to .186 in their past eight games, with three runs or fewer in seven of those. This after they hit .289 in their first 11 games and scored four or more runs in each.
They hope the return of Chipper Jones from the disabled list today will spark a lineup that’s gone stagnant. “Yeah, get some power in there,” Cox said.
Even Andruw Jones has cooled to 1-for-11 with six strikeouts in three games.
The Braves are confident their center fielder won’t slump for long. The same can’t be said for right fielder Jeff Francoeur, whose alarming tailspin has continued nearly unabated since late August.
He was 0-for-4 Monday to reduce his average to .184 and his road average to .096, the worst in the major leagues.
After hitting .339 with 12 homers in his first 50 big league games, he’s hit .196 with five homers in his past 39 games.
The Braves scored first after Giles’ leadoff triple in the third inning. Wilson Betemit bounced out to Capuano before Diaz grounded to shortstop J.J. Hardy and Giles took off for home. He slid safely under the high throw.
The Brewers didn’t advance a runner past first until Geoff Jenkins’ leadoff walk in the fourth. Fielder singled to put runners on the corners with one out.
The Braves bungled a play to let in the tying run. Fielder isn’t as huge as his dad Cecil, the former Tigers slugger. But he’s close, listed at 260 pounds.
On a 3-2 pitch to Koskie, Fielder took off for second, his only chance of avoiding a double play if Koskie hit a grounder. Koskie struck out on the pitch and catcher Todd Pratt came up firing for a potential inning-ending double play.
He made a strong throw in plenty of time to nail Fielder, but shortstop Wilson Betemit misread the play and came up to catch the ball in front of the base.
Betemit still might have had an out at home, but bobbled the exchange and Jenkins scored easily, the first steal of home by a Brewer since Scott Podsednik in 2003.
Permalink | Comments (65) | Categories: Game Night
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By danny cardwell
April 24, 2006 11:46 PM | Link to this
dave, out of curiosity, i wonder if andrew hurt his back the other night. i was surprised to see langerhans sit out and francouer play. it looks to me andrew could use a couple days off. jeff needs a few to watch the others and learn to take the first pitch for awhile until the pitchers realize he wont bite.
By JJ
April 24, 2006 11:47 PM | Link to this
The Braves need to give Chuck “Cy” James a start….cause he’s the man.
By Rick
April 25, 2006 12:28 AM | Link to this
Seems to me the Prince had 2nd base stolen and there wasnt a play at the plate for the return throw. Not so much a botched play but good baserunning and a smart move by Yost to steal a run.
By David O'Brien
April 25, 2006 12:48 AM | Link to this
There was a play at second base if Betemit had gone to second and took the throw there.
And there might have been a play at home if he’d fielded the throw cleanly where he took it and fired home immediately. As it were, it was botched.
As Bobby Cox himself said, there was an out at second or an out at home, one of the two needed to be made. Giles was shouting “tag, tag, tag” to Betemit, meaning to tag at second. He shouts “tag” or “home” in that situation, to let the shortstop know where the play is.
Yost only send Fielder because he knew he’d be out in a double play if Koskie hit a grounder, because Fielder is slooow.
By Mark
April 25, 2006 12:50 AM | Link to this
Good game , just came up short. The pitching has come around , we just have to get a healthy lineup in the game to be competitive.
By Mark
April 25, 2006 12:54 AM | Link to this
Betemit is a 3B playing out of position at SS . Cox should have started Pena at SS and Betemit at 3B where he belongs.
By Adam
April 25, 2006 07:05 AM | Link to this
Francoeur. This is more than a slump. This has now reached a point that is really frightening for him and the team. He’s lost at the plate, and last night was just a great example.
It’s an incredible disappointment for everybody involved, but he’s going to have to take some time, get his head straight, learn to be selective —- and I don’t think he can do that in the Braves’ lineup — it’s why we have Richmond with instructors there.
By EddieJ
April 25, 2006 07:22 AM | Link to this
Adam is unfortunately correct. Francoeur is now the poster boy for the Sports Illustrated cover jinx. He really looks awful at bat, and not as smooth and assured in the field as well.
By H-Charles
April 25, 2006 07:29 AM | Link to this
Adam has a good point. While Frenchy did have a bit of a flurry last week, if you look at the pitches he hit out, they were all mistakes. His problem is his approach at the plate. At this level you have to be selective (Vlad Guerrero excluded). As long as you are willing to swing at balls out of the zone, that is all you will see. Pitchers figured out last August how to beat Francour. Never throw him a first pitch strike. Make him chase a ball diving out of the zone. Get ahead in the count, and he’s all yours. As long as you don’t make a mistake, he will get himself out.
It would be a shame to have to remove his glove from the lineup, because he is one of the best defensive outfielders in the game. However, at some point you may need to sit him. This lineup doesn’t get enough production out of the other power positions like 1b to have a RF hitting well under the Mendoza line.
By Del
April 25, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this
I would think that we are beyond question at this point about JF. He needs to do something different, whatever that something is! As long as he insists on swinging at the first pitch he sees, he is going to get a pitcher’s best pitch at that point. Result is that 90% of the time he hits a weak grounder to short or third for an easy out. My opinion is he needs to go back to AAA/AA for further seasoning and instruction. He is killing us the way it is now! Lets bite the bullet now, and come Sept he may again become a feared hitter in the majors. IMHO.
By eric the elder
April 25, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this
The Brewers beat Pratt, Jordan, Betemit, Prado, and Diaz, with Andruw and Francoeur in their standard funks. Mark is right about Betemit belonging at 3rd, not SS where he really is awful. We can look forward to the return of Chipper and Renteria, but we weren’t exactly world beaters before they were hurt. Davies was the only bright spot.
First base is a disaster and has to be fixed. Francoeur was little more than a serviceable player in the minors, and the chickens have come home to roost. This really is beginning to smell like a rebuilding year.
By eric the elder
April 25, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
What the …??? DOB, did Chipper really say this:
“obviously, me going out there, being in the middle of the field at third base, providing a little leadership … is worth its weight in gold…”
That’s almost as obnoxious as the “rare commodity” commercial.
By Mark
April 25, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this
These problems are fixable. Send Francoeur too the bench or Richmond , Betemit or chipper to 1B and Throw a couple of pitching prospects at Cincinnati for Ryan Freel. Stick freel in right and bat him leadoff. Presto !! problem’s are solved , Now if it were only that easy , lol.
By Jman
April 25, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this
Francoeur needs to be patient! This is really getting old. If he’s patient with Turnbow in the ninth last night Turnbow might have walked him. He swung at 2 balls! He just cant wait on anything! I think a few games riding the pine might get his head clear.
By Del
April 25, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
I’m with Elder Eric … First base is a disaster. I can not understand the rationale of mgmt leaving LaRoache play day after day and continue to see him strike out 50% of his at-bats. If Salty isn’t ready yet then for heavens sake let’s try something else. Put Betemit over there. He has the height. His arm is not exceptionally strong, and he is slightly faster than Adam. At this point his bat is a lot more consistent than Adams. WB will surely be a better first baseman than he is a shortstop, and we have other people who can back up Chipper. It seems idiotic to keep playing Adam and expecting different results.
By BCM
April 25, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this
Any idea why Bobby didnt pinch hit Langer or BMac for Diaz with the bases full and a righty on the mound?
By Dubya Cubed
April 25, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this
Frenchy is starting to rub off on AJones. Why can’t it be the other way around? Bobby, please sit JF for a few days - at least until after we face Pedro.
Davies and Thomson deserve W’s. Hopefully, we can keep up that kind of starting pitching and get the bats going sooner rather than later.
By Hal
April 25, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this
The announcers comment last night that Frenchys season had been one of highs and lows made me chuckle ! Yea a 3 game high and a 20 game low !If Cox or the player himself dosent realize he has no clu at the plate theres no hope .Eather hes not smart enough or unable to make the adjustments nessary to hit big league pitching .In eather case the place for him for sure isent hitting 5th in a big league line up .a better fit would be the bench or Richmond !
By NocaHoma
April 25, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this
DOB - With all the concern over Francoeur, what is the status of Kelly Johnson?
By Ken
April 25, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
I agree with Del about first base. Unfornately, LaRoche is the lesser of two evils. Brian Jordan is pathetic. I wonder if Jurries will get a chance soon. The Braves never play very well in April. If they are still bad in June, then we will be worried. Another problem: leadoff spot is hitting around .200, that ain’t gonna cut it. Injuries have been a thorn, although Betemit has played OK. It is hard to play games when you have a different infield every time. There was an article in SI that said Francouer was overmatched against ML pitching based on his strikeout to walk ratio. I believe there may be some substance in that. As he gets older he may become a good player, but for now it seems he needs some more education, possibly in Richmond. I don’t know who replaces him, though. Matt Diaz is not the answer. And please, not Jordan. I think Andruw is slumping because teams have no reason to pitch to him. Maybe Chipper will have an effect on that when he comes back. I just hope he can play OK with the brace. GO BRAVES!!!!
By Sutton
April 25, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this
I agree on the first base situation. I really hope the move Salty to first. He is going to be a stud when he finally gets the call. They need to start grooming him now, while he is still at Miss. No worries right now though, look at the lineup we are playing. Diaz (prof. minor league player), Prado (same thing), Orr (same thing). I don’t think Orr will make it much longer. I can’t wait to see Escobar later on in the season. Until every one gets healthy, we will stay at .500.
By Elmer
April 25, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this
J. F. will not hit again until he waits for his pitch. Why can’t the coaches get him to be patient?
By nathan
April 25, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this
DOB….I believe i have two words to describe Frenchy best…….BRAD KOMMINSK. Don’t get me wrong, I hope I’m incorrect, because Jeff would be a perfect face for this organization for the next 10 or so years. But, I do recall all the critics saying that Komminsk was the 2nd coming of Dale Murphy. Unfortunately, he turned out to be the second coming of Murphy’s last two seasons in the majors. (A lot of lunging for low and outside sliders, to no avail!)
Please give me some glimmer of hope that JF has more natural talent than Komminsk, so I know right now if I should be mad at him for not adjusting, or mad at Bobby for being the mule that he is and keeping him out there!
At the very least, he should be dumped to the 8th spot in the order. His defense is enough reason to keep him in the lineup in the 8 hole. But it even appears as though his struggles at the plate have effected him mentally in the field.
I know that Kelly Johnson is hurt (can’t throw?), but there has to be another option for the outfield, doesn’t there? I don’t even care if it’s not a power hitter, contact would be appreciated at this point. Heck, Diaz knocked in a run with his pitiful bases loaded, nobody out double play, but the reality of that situation is that JF probably would have struck out, and they wouldn’t have scored at all!!
I’m not really complaining, just curious about other OF’s to help out in the minors…..what’s the story on Gregor Blanco?
By Dubya Cubed
April 25, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this
Galaraga was the last real first baseman that puts up first baseman type numbers that we’ve had. I have said for years that Chipper needs to become a first baseman, and that time is now!
Betemit, no matter how you or ESPN pronounce it, has proven that we can play. Let the man have the job that he has been working for all these years.
Trade Laroche for a box of bats or something else with actual value. Maybe a two-way bus ticket to Richmond for Frenchy - returning in July or August.
By David O'Brien
April 25, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
NocaHomer, unfortunately for the Braves and Kelly Johnson, his elbow is still a problem. He’s on the trip and he’s been doing some throwing, but not intense throwing. When he threw back-to-back days at 60-75 feet the other day, just light stuff, the elbow was uncomfortable again.
There’s a concern that more surgery might be necessary, but he’s still hoping it’s just star-tisse problems and that he’ll get past it. He just doesn’t want to wait too long if surgery’s going to be required, because he wants to be ready for next spring if he has to have it.
By Wolfman
April 25, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this
Every April the last 3 or 4 seasons has started like this. 500 record or so. The pitching is back in top form , but now the hitting has stopped. Its hard to produce many runs when your 1,2,3 batters in the order are all on the shelf at the same time. When they all return, hopefully tonight, then we should start scoring runs again. As far as Franceour, he needs to pick up the ball better out of the pitchers hands, and lay off swinging at every thing that is thrown. Send him down if this continues into May !!!!!!!! Trade for a veteran
By Chuck
April 25, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this
Francoeur didn’t have that great of an average in AA before his callup, did he? He’s the one guy that was brought up too soon. It worked well until the league figured out how to pitch him. His defense is great, but in RF he’s got to have offense - that’s Aaron’s position! And all the rookie replacements have good defense, just need a little more bat. No one has to pitch to Andruw and he’s losing his edge. Last night’s game had a minor league feel to it. Either that or his half-hearted swings at sliders are because of his back. LaRoche’s swing is huge and long, which leads to lots of strikeouts. Pena had magic at SS. If Francoeur can hit, we could afford to play Pena at SS. Fun watching the pitching of late! The Brewers are bringing up guys too early from the farm because they can’t afford to bring in from outside - too bad, and I hope they don’t ruin the kids’ heads in the process.
By Amanda
April 25, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this
Francoeur need to take time to watch other. Langerhans should spilt time in left field with Kelly Johnson where is he at anyways?
By ssiscribe
April 25, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this
DOB, thanks for the update on Kelly. I saw him in the dugout last night and was wondering about him, given Frenchy’s continued downward spiral into the slump from hell.
Seriously, and I said this two weeks ago, the kid’s gotta sit down for a couple of games. There’s an off day Thursday, so resting him tonight and tomorrow afternoon would do him a world of good, I think. Let him sit back and watch the game, slow it down a bit and work extra in the cage with TP (which, I’m sure, he already is doing).
He’s going to be just fine, but we’ve been saying that for a while. Take out the little spurt on the homestand, and he might be off to the worst start of any regular everyday player in the bigs.
He got the loss last night, but it looks like Davies is through that little rough stretch to start the season, eh? Kid can flat out pitch.
Enjoy the brats up there. 91 and sunny here today, then it rains just in time for our busy mid-week down here. Later on.
By Jman
April 25, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
LaRoche is going to get plenty of time to prove himself. In limited at bats against lefties this year he is actually not doing bad. It’s the righties he cant figure out now. But moving Betemit over there just is not the answer. I’d rather see Chipper extend his career and move over there eventually. At least before the nursing home comes calling. (Which at this rate will be sooner rather than later. He’s the oldest 34 year old in the game!) Move Betemit to third and Chipper to first, and trade LaRoche and SS prospect for a SOLID, veteran bullpen arm. Doing decent now, but the arms will wear down before you know it. Please, please, please get rid of Brain Jordan!!!
By eric the elder
April 25, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this
Can you folks help me with a question? Why do we never see the hitting coach leave the dugout? The pitching coach can visit every pitcher once per inning, and the catcher and infielders can talk to the pitcher all they want.
Suppose we have a runner on 2nd, no outs, and Francoeur coming up. Why can’t TP go out and say, “I want to see at least two legitimate attempts to go to right field. If you don’t, I have a bus ticket to Richmond with your name on it.”
Instead, all we see are TP’s arms over the railing and Bobby with his hat off and looking exasperated. What’s to prevent a hitting coach from taking greater charge of the hitters? Is there a rule that disallows this?
By RRR
April 25, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
Several points to consider:
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 25, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this
the braves should’ve won that game in the 8th inning last night. when they put in a right-hander, i thought “oh good, surely bobby will put in langerhans for diaz to set up the righty-lefty combo,” but was really surprised when he didn’t.
why didn’t bobby put in langerhans to face a right-handed pitcher?!? he put in a lineup of entirely righties to face a left-handed pitcher…why not stick with the plan? he’s clearly the better hitter (despite that he’s been slumping lately). it really irks me when bobby puts only righties against a left-handed pitcher, especially because our righty hitters that are in there (pratt, diaz, jordan) haven’t been very good hitters. plus it puts the pitcher in a groove.
By Mets Stink
April 25, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this
I agree with Jman. Move Chipper to first and let Betemit have third full-time. He’s proven that he’s ready.
By MGL
April 25, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this
In case some of you hyave not looked, we now have the worst offensive record in the league in most k’s, fewest BB’s, and lowest OBP. It makes me wonder if anyone is taking any corrective action.
By Dre
April 25, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this
The Braves can’t and wont keep winning Division Titles every year with the players they get every year. Schurholtz signs a player for one season he goes on to have a monster year leave the next season and kicks our butts for the next team he’s on. This kind of mismanagment is the reason we only won 1 World Series out of 14 Division Titles.
By Mets Stink
April 25, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
How about trading Giles for a first baseman or another good outfielder. We need more production out of those spots. Giles is a good hitter but he’s not suited for leadoff. We need to get another big bat and then the Braves can take a chance on Prado. He’s better suited for the leadoff role and has always hit over .300.
By Rob
April 25, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this
Frenchy is just to anxious. He rarely hits straightaway anymore. On almost every swing his back shoulder is dropping slightly, and his head is leaning to the left side. If he can get relaxed, keep the head, shoulders square the hits will come, and soon he’ll be driving the ball to all fields again.
By eric the elder
April 25, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
Rob, you are risking the wrath of a couple of bloggers :) I said the same thing a couple of weeks ago - - back leg collapsing, lunging and flying open, etc. - - and got creamed for having the audacity to “tell” Francoeur how to hit. Okay, you and I don’t have the credentials, but we have eyes.
By baerdawg
April 25, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
Glad to see Ned Yost is doing well in Milwaukee. He was the worst third base coach in the history of baseball. Seems like he got someone thrown out at home (by a mile) almost nightly.
By Jack
April 25, 2006 12:00 PM | Link to this
Jeff has always been a Star. He, like all new players, want to see their name in the headlines and wants to carry the team. Thus, he is too anxious to perform and ends up being his own worst enemy. Terry & Bobby must convince him to take more 1st & even 2nd pitches to work the count in his favor…and even then, not to lunge at that one in the dirt. The worst that can happen is he strikes out, which is about the same as the results he now gets. Major league pitchers will not give in to him until he proves more plate discipline. Surely, Jeff is a more intelligent player than he now shows. Let`s not send him down just yet, which may permanetly damage his confidence.
By Dubya Cubed
April 25, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this
I hate to finally agree, but we should trade Giles for something. He is always hurt, and we have an abundance of infielders.
I also agree that we should let go of BJ, but not just yet. Let him have the RF job until he gets hurt (shouldn’t be more than a month or so). During that time Frenchy can either watch and learn or go to Richmond. Then, let BJ go pursue his dream to be the next Donald Trump.
I repeat my earlier post - Chipper 1B, Betemit 3B. Sounds like a lot of us are starting to gain agreement - maybe Bobby and JS will join the club soon.
Let Salty stay in the minors. Let’s not repeat the Frenchy situation. Also, you never know about McCann. He could fall into a slump similar to Frenchy at some point. Let Salty split time between first and catcher while he’s down there.
By Jeff
April 25, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this
The Braves are playing with too many minor leaguers in their lineup and that includes Franquer who needs to be sent down to adjust his attitude at the plate before he completely ruins his career. no one swings the bat more often than him. He is becoming the laughing stock of the league. If we are going to win the division again, the following needs to happen:1) Andruw must not revert to being impatient at the plate as he has been through most of his career. 2) Renaria and Chipper must have solid, almost career years. 3) Smoltz, Hudson, Thompson and Davies must continue to provide a solid front four in the rotation and 4) Bobby Cox should start using Chuck James in important relief situations to see if he can close out games. Reitsma is too inconsistent to be relied upon too often.He never has completed a full season effectively.
By Mets Stink
April 25, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this
I agree Frenchy has been given too much responsibility too soon. I don’t think he should be sent down, but don’t give him the outright job this year. Remember, he didn’t play that great at the end of the year. Let BJ platoon with him some and be a mentor out there. When he finally breaks down in July, then Frenchy can take over again and we can call Jurries up.
By Ken
April 25, 2006 12:46 PM | Link to this
The problem with moving Betemit to first is that if Chipper’s knee is not able to withstand the rest of the season, you would have to move everyone around again. If Chipper is OK, might not be a bad move. My prediction is this is LaRoche’s last season in Atlanta, either way. However, he is not a terrible clutch hitter. I would rather see him at bat in a game situation than some of the other guys. That being said, we still need an upgrade at that spot.
By Ken
April 25, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this
I saw on ESPN last night that Dontrelle Willis was offered to the Mets for David Wright and the Mets said no. Anybody know if he was offered to the Braves? If so, for who?
By BOB C
April 25, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this
Couldn’t agree more with BCM and others. Langerhans needed to hit for Diaz in the eighth. Once we get all the injuries sorted out, we need to take a hard look at Diaz, just over the Mendoza line and his one throw not withstanding, a defensive liability. It was painful to watch him in the outfield all spring down here in Florida. Gotta believe once we get the regulars back and 8th place hitters hiting eighth rather than third, we’ll be okay.
By Scooter
April 25, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this
Ken, just read the same thing. Wouldn’t it be great to have Hudson, Smoltz, Thomson, Davies and Dontrelle Willis as our rotation? Yeah, we need bullpen help but maybe we could get it by trading Ramirez or Sosa and a prospect. Anyway, it’s great to dream. Seriously, don’t the Braves have a deeper crop of minor league prospects than the Mets? Plus why would the Mets trade Wright when they have waited years to find a dependable third baseman? Not that the Braves would sign him and not that he’d want to pitch in Atlanta but how much money is Roger Clemens going ask for in return for about a half season of work? [Just curious…haven’t heard any numbers mentioned.]
By Mets Stink
April 25, 2006 01:42 PM | Link to this
I’ve thought about Clemens before. I think I heard somewhere that he wanted at least 15 million. The Braves aren’t going to spend that much. How many top short stop prospects do the braves have? I know of two. Put one of those guys in a trade and bring in something (bat or bullpen help). We have Renteria locked up for a couple of years, so there’s time to develop one of the young short stops until then.
By adam
April 25, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this
Great post by RRR above.
We all know after this many years with the Braves, that the sky is not falling, no matter how it seems in April. They’ll be there come August, it will just be interesting to see how.
JF’s got to have some time away — will be a trial for him, but it’s his only long term hope. Richmond. But, there seems to be no Plan B.
For now, I think it’s Matt Diaz in LF and Langerhans in RF as stated above. Good news is — before all is said and done, this is going to be a tremendous pitching staff and it will carry us through.
Chipper to 1st, Betemit on 3rd — Chipper has earned the right not to move by going to left field in the past, but even he has got to see that it’s the right move for the team and he’s a team guy.
Need an outfielder. Need a first-baseman. Have a future star 3rd baseman, which gives us a star first baseman in Chipper. LaRoche is trade bait (sort of). If a mid-level outfielder can be acquired for this year, Francoeur comes back late this year or next year to be a real star.
All will be well. May we rest in the peace of Bobby —- All will be well.
By Tomahawkin
April 25, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this
Here We go again with the Dontrelle Willis and Roger Clemens talk!!!…Gawd…Don’t you guys know we can’t afford neither (Dontrelle will seek a phat contract within the next two years and the only team that can afford Clemens in the Yankees and the Red Sx) so you guys need to kill that fantasy talk, because It ain’t gone happen…Dizam
By Dubya Cubed
April 25, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this
Clemens, Dontrell. We might as well get Pujols and Lidge too, as long as we’re living in la la land. Steinbrenner may part with A-Rod and/or Damon if they keep hitting below .300.
Our payroll is maxed out, so any trade has to be for equal or lessser dollars. That is unless AB steps up, buys the team, and still has some money left over rolled up in his sock drawer.
By Dubya Cubed
April 25, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this
Tomahawkin, is right on.
I’m not sure anyone would even be interested in Giles or Laroche. Giles stays hurt all the time, and Laroche is the worst hitting first baseman in the league right now. I would bet that any trades we could make would have to involve our plethora of young guys.
By MGL
April 25, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this
Where do you guys get this “Giles stays hurt all the time?” He’s missed 3 games this year, and played in 152 last year, second only to AJ. He just plays all-out, and he is going to get banged up sometimes.
Reading all the speculation and suggestions is fun, but please use factual reasons.
By Scooter
April 25, 2006 02:34 PM | Link to this
Jeez, guys. Ken and I were just making comments on an ESPN report. And don’t tell me some of you don’t occasionally fantasize about players that we’ll never have or deals that will never be made. If you’ll take time to read a little closer you might notice that I said it was great to dream and that I was just curious as to how much Clemens would demand to pitch half a season. Oh, but I forgot that some of you are seriously more intelligent than the rest of us.
By MGL
April 25, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this
Footnote on Frenchy - He has the best AVG on the team at Turner Field this year for those with over 10 AB’s: .375
By pancho
April 25, 2006 02:55 PM | Link to this
the Braves slow start is due to injuries and also it’s a question of being patient at home play. Look Fracoeur thin numbers, we have OF shortages, we should figure out in the farm some guys who can fill the Francouer’s hole. We haven’t OF bench players to replace Frankie we should try with James Jurries at OF, this guys have all the tools that we need. We need offensive not defense. Look the current braves figures at Avg and Obp respectively .248 .315 the most ridiculous figures at NL.
I’m not crazy at all.
By Del
April 25, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this
IMHO BC needs to start giving Andruw some protection from the #5 hole. Batting JF or AL there (in their present state of confusion) just ain’t working!!!!! Why in the world are we trying to protect our #1 RBI man with the likes of these two? If Chipper comes back tonight, put him in the #5 hole and let RL bat third. Or, Brian Mac has been pretty steady with runners on, put him in the 5 hole. Right now Andruw is trying to do too much, and not getting the pitches he needs to do it with. Let’s try something different for a change, cause the current plan has soured.
By Dubya Cubed
April 25, 2006 03:04 PM | Link to this
Sorry to offend you Scooter and MGL.
I was just joining you with Pujols, Lidge, A-Rod, Damon.
You’re right Giles is not hurt ALL the time. I guess I’m thinking back to the 102 games played in 2004. I love the guy. He plays the game the way it should be played, but ultimately he gets banged up for doing it. Given that, I’m not sure what we could get for him in a trade. If he were healthy ALL the time, some teams may be willing to give up quite a bit to get him.
By forcesaberz
April 25, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
I agree that Chipper needs to move to first and allow betiment to take 3rd base.
I say that when Renteria and Chipper come back I would put Renteria behind Andruw to provide protection. Renteria hit #5 in St.L for a while and did excellent. We have alreayd seen that he is a clutch hitter and is capeable of driving in a lot of runs. I say this should be the lineup:
Giles 2B Langy LF Chipper 1B Andruw CF Renteria SS Betiment 3B McCann C Frenchy RF (maybe sit for Diaz or BJ and bat them 7th) Pitcher
I think that with our pitching and that lineup we could really win some games. Langy gets hits a lot and is patient and could really do well hitting #1 or 2. Like I said b4 I think Renteria is a great 2 hitter but would be even better #5 hitter (to protect Andruw). What do you guys think?
By forcesaberz
April 25, 2006 03:33 PM | Link to this
Also, even though Prado didnt play well yesterday I really liked what I saw. I would keep him instead of Orr or Pena (although I really like watching Pena in the field….slickkkk)
By Dubya Cubed
April 25, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
forcesaberz, I agree with you. Sounds like a good plan. I hadn’t really thought about Renteria in the 5 hole. I’d like to see Giles go back to #2. So, I guess, let L’hans leadoff.
OK, gang, I gotta go. Go Braves!
By Mets Stink
April 25, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
Chipper at 1B is the best bet, especially since he already injured himself playing 3B. I think I’d like Chipper hitting in the 5 hole instead of Renteria. Giles 2B, Betemit 3B, Renteria SS, A. Jones CF, C. Jones 1B, McCann C, Francoeur RF, Langerhans LF.
By always a brave
April 25, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
This is a change of pace, but what is going on with Renteria? It now sounds like he’s going to have missed 13 days by the time he returns. Every day I hear, ‘one more day.’ I understand that you don’t want to make the injury worse by coming back too soon, but how about a DL stint? Does management not want to pay for a plane ticket in order to call someone up? Anybody? Wouldn’t it be nice to at least take a look at a prospect, get a guy some exposure to MLB? And one more thing: Reitsma is a one-inning pitcher. If anyone reading this sees Mr B Cox anytime soon, fill him in on this fact. As a Braves fan, I can’t thank BC enough for what he’s helped accomplish, but I’ve thought for a long time that he often mismanages the bullpen. Anyone else?
By mark
April 25, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this
Willis isn’t coming to the braves, JS obviously has a cash crunch problem since he tried to trade Thomson’s contract , He simply doesnt have the room for his contract. Atlanta does have the prospects to trade for a pitcher. If you think its bad now , just wait until we have to pay Hampton’s full contract next season. Hopefully we get a new owner willing to spend a few more million , otherwise this franchise will be surviving with its minor league pipeline and some nifty number crunching by JS. Hopefully Chipper ,Renteria and Giles can jumpstart this anemic offense tonight. Go BRAVOS !!!