AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2006 > July > 25 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSurging Braves bring act home
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In the midst of the Braves’ 3-20 skid about a month ago, I spewed forth a cavalcade of negative statistics to underscore just how far they had fallen and how dire their situation appeared at the time.
Well, they’re 17-8 since the 10-game losing streak that ended that 3-20 run, and have ridden an offensive eruption to an NL-best 13-5 record in July, while passing more than half the teams that were ahead of them in the wild-card standings.
They still have several concerns with the pitching staff, including the perplexing mediocrity of Tim Hudson, who’s pitching like a No. 4 or No. 5 starter and not a No. 1 or No. 2, and the continued inconsistency of the bullpen.
The ‘pen still could use a veteran lefty _ Ray King? _ to complement Macay McBride and possibly another setup man _ Scott Linebrink’s possible, but I wouldn’t give up Betemit for the Padres veteran, who has blown leads in the past two games _ to assure a strong bridge to new closer Bob Wickman.
The Braves have been winning despite the pitching staff, for the most part, rather than because of it. Their 5.02 ERA in July is 11th in the NL.
That said, they are winning. And no one is hitting like the Braves. No one.
They just finished a 7-2 trip that included series wins at San Diego, St. Louis and Philly, following a 7-3 homestand leading up to the break. Now the Braves are home for six games against a Florida team that’s 10-11 in its past 21 games, but is coming in with a couple of awfully good young starting pitchers _ Anibal Sanchez and Josh Johnson _ in the first two games, and the Mets. Oh, the Mets.
Every time the Mets show any sign of cracking and slipping a bit, they gather themselves and produce a couple of overwhelming wins that remind everyone how small the chances are of them folding and the Braves winning a 15th consecutive division title. To me, there’s still almost no chance of that happening.
But as I’ve said, the wild card might be the best option for the Braves anyway, because for once they will be pushed all the way to the wire and go into the postseason _ if they make it _ playing their best ball, not on cruise control for most of September as they’ve been in recent years.
They were never out of the wild-card race, as much as many local and national pundits might have insisted they were. So much for all that talk from some about how many wins it would take to get to 90 (as if there were some minimum-wins requirement for the wild card) and how the Braves simply couldn’t play to the level required to pass all those teams ahead of them.
It was paralysis-by-analysis, or would’ve been, if the Braves had listened and believed it. But they didn’t. They just went about trying to win each series.
A month later, they’ve won seven of eight series since losing seven series in a row. And they are 4-1/2 games behind wild-card leader Cincinnati, with San Francisco and Arizona between them and the Reds.
Even if there were only a month to play, the Braves would stand a decent chance of catching and passing those teams. But there are more than two months left. Ample time if they keep playing good ball _ and I don’t mean the absurdly high level the offense is performing at since the break.
Just good baseball. They need better pitching, and hitting somewhere between what they were getting before and what they’ve gotten lately, though probably more toward the latter.
Anyway, in the interest of equal time, we offer some of the more impressive stats this Braves team and its individuals have put up recently:
_ The Braves have hit three or more homers in nine of their past 17 games, after hitting one homer or fewer in each of the previous 15 games.
_ They’ve hit .326 with an absurd 45 homers during their past 17 games (13-4), have scored 100 runs during their current 9-2 run, and amassed 33 homers in their past 10 games.
_ In the NL, only the Reds (141) have hit more homers in the NL this season than the Braves (138), and the Reds play in a bandbox derisively referred to as Great American Small Park.
_ The Braves lead the majors with 46 homers in July, 15 more than next-most in the NL (Cardinals) and 10 ahead of AL leader Chicago.
_ The Braves lead the majors in average (.328), OBP (.388) and slugging (.607) in July. Arizona (.300) is next among NL teams in average, and Cleveland (.508) is the only other team in the majors slugging higher than .490.
_ The Braves have three of the NL’s top six RBI men in July, including Andruw Jones (league-best 23) and Chipper Jones and Brian McCann (20 apiece).
_ They have four of the NL’s top 12 home run hitters in July _ Chipper Jones (7, despite missing past two games with strained oblique), and Andruw Jones, Adam LaRoche and Brian McCann (6 apiece).
_ Chipper Jones leads the majors with a .526 July average and has hit .512 (42-for-82) with eight homers, 24 RBIs and a gaudy 1.509 OPS during his current 20-game hitting streak.
_ Adam LaRoche has shrugged off early criticism and hit .352 (31-for-88) with eight homers and 19 RBIs in 22 games since June 24. The first baseman ranks third in the NL in road RBIs (44) behind the Mets’ Carlos Beltran (55) and Andruw Jones (54), and LaRoche is tied for sixth in road homers with 15, behind only Carlos Lee (18), Beltran (17), Albert Pujols (16), Andruw Jones (16) and Aramis Ramirez (16).
_ Versatile Wilson Betemit has hit .358 with four homers and 13 RBIs in 53 at-bats over his past 16 games, including 13-for-37 (.351) with three homers and 11 RBIs while starting the last eight games of the just-completed trip. Trade interest has risen sharply in Betemit, but he might be too valuable for the Braves to deal, given recent health issues of Chipper Jones and Marcus Giles.
(On the other hand, if the Braves could make a deal for Giles, Betemit has proven he can handle the leadoff role and second base the rest of the season, or Martin Prado could be brought up to play second and Betemit could continue moving between spots, long as he keeps getting regular playing time).
Giles, by the way, is 2-for-12 with eight strikeouts in three games since injuring his thumb, including the extra-innings game in which he injured it in the first inning at San Diego and kept playing, and his first games back Sunday-Monday at Philly (1-for-7, five Ks).
_ Jeff Francoeur has quietly (if that’s possible for Delta commercial star) hit a solid .315 with five homers and 22 RBIs in his past 29 games.
_ Edgar Renteria has hit .395 with a .465 OBP in July, three homers, 24 runs and 12 RBIs in 18 games.
_ All-Star Brian McCann keeps doing what he does, batting .368 with a .420 OBP in 58 games since April 21, and for tons more power since his knee improved over the All-Star break. He has six homers and 20 RBIs in July, including a stunning five-homer, 13-RBI five-game stretch during the trip.
_ Rookie Scott Thorman has hit .358 (13-for-83) with four doubles, four homers and nine RBIs in July, after batting .111 (3-for-27) with one double and one RBIs in June, his first month in the majors.
There are others, too. But I’m running out of time and this blog has gotten way too long for some of your tastes, I’d imagine.
Keep in mind, the pitching staff still is a concern, and we realize the hitting can’t continue like this (it’s already cooled a bit in the past week, though the power still was in abundance at Philly’s small park).
All that said, it’s been a rather remarkable one-month turnaround.
Comments
By Matt
July 25, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this
DOB…. so many gramatical errors, but its the content that counts. As always, I agree with you 100%.
By Adam
July 25, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
I have got to believe there is no way we trade Betemit unless we get an overwhelming offer we can’t refuse. He has been as valuable as almost anyone the entire year. From what I have read, there is no one on the market right now as far as pitching that would be worth trading Betemit. Mota from the Indians could be a help in the bullpen but I’m not sure what we would have to give up to get him.
By Todd Pratt
July 25, 2006 02:59 PM | Link to this
Anyone else think that Todd Pratt’s pitch/location selection is formulaic? At least for the relievers, he seems to call the same sequence everytime. (low fastball to get ahead and then a high fast ball usually a little outside) I mean, even I can predict him…let alone those philly hitters who once again tee’d off on the pen.
By Josh
July 25, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
I agree with “todd pratt”, Pratt needs to call pitches that focuses on each reliever’s strenghth rather than relying on his old man/ “veteran” habits.
By David O'Brien
July 25, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this
Matt, thanks. But where are “so many” grammatical errors, professor?
By Not Todd Pratt
July 25, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
You can’t really blame the ‘pen’s fualts on Pratt. I mean come on, even when BM’s catching they are still letting balls fly.
By mariner
July 25, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
DOB, please check your numbers on Thorman, 13 for 83 is not .358. Thanks
By BB
July 25, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
tough to criticize someone’s “gramatical” errors when you can’t even spell.
By Mets Stink
July 25, 2006 03:12 PM | Link to this
Don’t trade Betemit, it’s not worth it. Package a couple prospects for a veteran releif pitcher.
By Dave nockahomer
July 25, 2006 03:13 PM | Link to this
this IS BASEBALL….who gives a rip about grammatical errors! It’s content, content, content. Good grief, Matt…..what are ya? some frustrated English teacher? oh well, I don’t care if DOB has grammatical errors coming out of his kazooze….he is the best at doing what he does.
by the by, where the heck are all those grammatical errors anyway? should we care? NADA!!!!
shhhhhheeeeeesshhhhhhh, get a life! It’s a blog!
bet you like my errors! :)
By The Grinch
July 25, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this
The Padres said they weren’t interested in trading Linebrink for Betemit. What are they smoking?
By Beeg Boy
July 25, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
DOB, I am sure all of us agree that our concerns are with the consistency of our starters beyond Smoltz and the vulnerability of our set up guys. Could we have nabbed McDougal from the Royals? I know the Sox gave up one very good prospect to go along with another minor leaguer. We must have a set up guy somehow. Also, what would it take to get a decent starter like Paul Byrd? Give us some thoughts.
By rian
July 25, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, did Scheurholz express any interest in McDougal from KC who the White Sox stole for next to nothing. He throws gas and is not eligible for arbitration till after next year (I read). Seems like a deal JS would salivate over, but I have heard no mention of this. Maybe JS was worried a/b the injury? Fill us in.
By Pointman
July 25, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this
They’re not really grammatical errors, DOB, just strange underscore marks throughout… Not sure why the column would post that way… Not your fault…
Anyway, from your vantage point, is it true that Hudson is really having back troubles? That might explain recent mediocrity, but what’s with this guy? I fear we’re staring at another Mike Hampton albatross.
By Choppin Bob
July 25, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
cut dob some slack, he is probly taigaiting at the ted for tonights game, like a good reporter should do!
By Mac
July 25, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this
Dave, from one eastern NC boy(Kinston) to another great job and as always great info. The turnaround has been amazing and fueled by the offense and if we want to keep it up during this borrowed time JS will find us one more BP pitcher to segway into Wickman. I was a little perplexed that last night with Philly being such a band box that Bobby didn’t call on Paronto in the 8th with his sinker ball to keep the power hitters down? Any thoughts as to why?
By ncscoots
July 25, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this
Grinch, I believe the SD GM said they were looking for a “significant upgrade” at 3B, and obviously do not consider WB to be that.
By mariner
July 25, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this
and along the lines of the macdougal deal, i was hoping that JS would be able to exploit the Dayton Moore connection, but doesn’t seem to matter. It did seem like Macdougal was a perfect fit for Atlanta and that he was traded on the cheap.
By Mets Stink
July 25, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
If Betemit isn’t a significant upgrade from Vinny Castilla, then he’s smoking crack. One more bullpen arm and a 5th starter would do us just fine. Wait, Hudson is our 5th starter…
By ncscoots
July 25, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
sorry, my friend, Vinny Castilla doesn’t live there anymore. I guess it’s probably Geoff Blum, maybe? or somebody else. I guess the operative word there is “significant”, at least in SD’s eyes.
By Rob
July 25, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
I haven’t noticed the predictability in Pratt’s pitch calling, but IMO he earned his paycheck this year by the way he handled Chuck James in his first start. After a 19-minute power outage he told James the runner on first was going to steal on the first pitch. They nailed him trying to take second, James calmed down, and he (James) has been a huge part of the rotation ever since. As much as some people hate to credit “veteran experience”, I wonder if James’s development would have gone as smooth without Pratt to walk him through a few starts.
By ncscoots
July 25, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
sorry, my friend, Vinny Castilla doesn’t live there anymore. I guess it’s probably Geoff Blum, maybe? or somebody else. I guess the operative word there is “significant”, at least in SD’s eyes.
By el bravo x
July 25, 2006 03:28 PM | Link to this
Fishing, with me, has always been an excuse to drink in the daytime. Hook The Marlins. Behead the fish and eat their eyes. Fishing with explosives is a can’t miss activity. I am so freaking hot, that I will hook the fish, fry it and throw it away. Fishes are always bait for bigger fishes. Let’s sweep the Marlins!! DOB, you da man!
By Sam
July 25, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB. Your blog is a real highlight of the day when the Braves are playing well. I admit I can’t bring myself to read when they are slumping. Keep it (and your much publicized grammatical errors) up.
By Matt
July 25, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
DOB—- No errors, I misread (like a moron) and picked out errors that were not there. I guess I’m accustomed to reading my own college papers. Sorry.
By Aleem
July 25, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
MacDougal didn’t come cheap. Lumsden is a very solid pitching prospect. Ken Williams even said that three years from now, people will be questioning the move to give him up (probably just some idle talk, but still illuminating). I’m also pretty sure (just a guess) that Towers saying the Linebrink-Betemit deal is not happening is a result of us shooting that idea down…
By el bravo x
July 25, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this
BBTN fired Harold Reynols on the fly, talking about job security!
By Vol
July 25, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Should we overpay for someone like a Linebrink since EVERYONE needs bullpen help so desperately? What if the alternative is picking up a huge stick for LF like Carlos Lee? Just thinking that if you can get someone like that for the same price as a good setup guy, isn’t there more value?
I know that LF is not our biggest hole, but is it probably our weakest spot in the lineup and I can’t imagine unloading Betemit for Linebrink right now. He’s just playing way too well. Maybe Carlos costs more than I think, but he would be an intriguing add if we can’t get the solid help in the pen we need.
By Billy
July 25, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Kyle Davis will make a great pickup as a 5th starter in August…..what do you think we have to give up for’em?
By Glass Half Full
July 25, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this
Don’t everyone gasp and/or curse at once…but how about LaTroy Hawkins? He’s had a decent year in Baltimore, and was fairly effective in a set-up role a few years ago.
By Billy
July 25, 2006 03:37 PM | Link to this
Please elaborate on the Harold Renolyds dismissal…Link? Dont know why im so interested but…..im curious.
By A.J.
July 25, 2006 03:39 PM | Link to this
DOB Do you know anything you’d be willing to share about the Harold Reynolds situation? The only explanation I’ve heard is a pretty hurtful rumor which I have trouble believing (the kind of rumor that pops up whenever a man is no longer working somewhere). HR always seemed like a standup guy, but I guess he wouldn’t be the first good guy to do something stupid. I still hope that’s not true.
By Vol
July 25, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this
I liked the idea of LaTroy until looking him up and seeing that he has only 18 K’s in 42 innings. Maybe he’s changed his style under Mazzone, but he used to have strikeout stuff.
Might be worth a shot if he’s cheap.
By Glass Half Full
July 25, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this
I hope HR wasn’t caught masturbating in the breakroom at ESPN headquarters.
By Vol
July 25, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
Had to be something other than on screen performance with Harold Reynolds. He was too entertaining to let go.
TBS will take him!
By Glass Half Full
July 25, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
HR is probably Fox bound. Look for him to cover some of the regional games on Saturdays.
By paluka
July 25, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this
DOB: any chance of getting Chad Qualls from Houston for either brayan Pena or Tony Pena? Or how about Marcus Giles and Anthony Lerew to Colorado for Ray King and Jamey Carrol? I think Carrol would be a great pickup for the leadoff spot.
By DonCoburleone
July 25, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
I sure hope something is wrong with Hudson, cuz his performances lately have just been terrible! It pains me to watch this guy pitch in any inning after the 4th, it’s like I’m just waiting for the dam to burst. Here’s a thought: I think his biggest problem this year has been fatigue, he seems completely worn out after 70-80 pitches. Maybe this year’s enactment of amphetamines to the banned substance list has something to do with this? I mean, I wouldn’t hold it against the guy cuz everybody was (is) doing them, but maybe he has relied on them for years to get to the 7th or 8th inning of games and now he’s lost his crutch? If he’s not hurt, that’s the only explanation I can come up with for his bad performance.
By Glass Half Full
July 25, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
LaTroy sure isn’t striking out a ton of guys, but he’s only allowed 2 homeruns in 40+ innings. 18 earned runs isn’t great, but it’s better than Jorge Sosa.
By ncscoots
July 25, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
paluka, not to usurp DOB’s response to you (since you asked him by name), but…no, and no.
By Ted Baxter
July 25, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
How can ESPN fire HR and keep Chris Vermin and Stoopid Scott?
By el bravo x
July 25, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this
Odalis Perez to K.C for prospects. That just makes no sense. Let’s give them Sosa for anything!
By Voice Of Reason
July 25, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
Click here for info, or lack thereof, on Harold Reynolds.
By Glass Half Full
July 25, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
No way to Ray King; he’s gots more BB than Ks. I’d rather take a chance on the currently unemployed Alfonseca.
By geauxbraves2000
July 25, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
I just wish for a reliever who knows how to throw strikes, won’t care what his name is. Strike one for the most part, leads to out #1, etc. Ball one leads to blown saves and losses.
By ncscoots
July 25, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
good grief, just listen to us, as we reach blindly in our quest for relief help, ANY relief help, it seems. shoot, it even infected me the other day, causing a moment of light-headedness and resulting in an absurd trade scenario FROM MY OWN LIPS! Oh, the humanity…folks, the attraction of guys like McDougal and those of similar ilk is that they can be HAD. Not quite overwhelming credentials, yes? Personally, I’m not quite ready to see the Braves leave the bar with a 2AM beauty, if you get my drift.
By MGL
July 25, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
I’m not one to bash players, and I like Wilson, but maybe San Diego sees some of the same issues I have. AVE by month April .250, May .385, June .226, July .352. Strikeout percentage of AB’s YTD 28%, MTD July 37%.
His fielding is also streaky, and I certainly would not like him to replace Giles. He does not have the range, quickness with the glove, or grit.
I like Wilson in his current role, or try him in Left
By Boomer
July 25, 2006 03:56 PM | Link to this
I realize it is still early to judge Wickman but from what I’ve seen and read I don’t see him getting the “deer in the headlights” look that Reitsma and Kolb had when things got tough. His mental makeup appears to be much better than theirs.
By Glass Half Full
July 25, 2006 03:59 PM | Link to this
LA has wanted to get rid of Odalis for awhile.
By Pointman
July 25, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this
Harold Reynolds strikes me as someone who is the Master of His Domain.
By grammar poo-lice
July 25, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB,
Yous make them gammar errors too many.! I caint hardly stan ta read em.
Yous need ta go ta scool like usns…
By Aleem
July 25, 2006 04:04 PM | Link to this
I like the move for KC even though Odalis has been pretty awful. He’s probably their #1 starter next year, and they got a couple of prospects back. Dayton’s off to a good start after this deal and getting Lumsden for MacDougal (stockpiling young arms and a manageable contract in Odalis). Still think getting Gathright was a mistake for them (although it was worth a shot). No matter how fast he is, that dude simply can’t hit the ball…
By Cornholio
July 25, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
Carlos Lee makes $10 million. It ain’t happening.
Tim Hudson really fooled them last night. He gets unearned wins while poor Smoltzie has wins snatched away by the bullpen or idiot manager.
By John M
July 25, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
I BELIEVE!!! I said it in June on Chop Chick blog I remember the (good) Old days. Where the two teams nearly outnumbered the the fans. Enjoy every minute of our sucess. The good thing is the number of great new players and their potential.
I still miss Pete, Skip and Don
By Stanford
July 25, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
DOB, great stuff as always.
But in fairness, you list everybody’s stats since they got hot, except Giles. Betemit is also 2-12 in the last 3 games; granted, with a HR last night. (but Giles had a big double to fuel a rally, and has scored 3 runs in those games… like a leadoff hitter should.)
In Giles last 16 (by my unofficial count) Giles is 16-58 (.275) with 3 HR, 9RBI, and 18 runs scored, and an OBP over .450. Not better than Betemit in most areas - that’s not my point - but I thought that was a little rough on him, to just list 3 days stats. If trading Giles was an action requiring blog approval, you sealed the vote!
I’m not opposed to trading Giles for pitching. But don’t think a 3 day sampling is quite fair.
By Dr. Jay
July 25, 2006 04:10 PM | Link to this
Wickman looks like he ATE the deer in the headlights. Whatever, though, as long as he throws strikes and closes games.
By Sam
July 25, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this
Mac - you’re from K-town? Me too. DOB, you are eastern NC too? Hooray for Down East. !Viva Los Bravos!
By Jason
July 25, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
Wick is a great pickup I was a huge fan of his during the offseason free agency!!! The guy has saved 200 + games. Not many teams in contention have a guy to do that! One more reliever, a left fielder and a healthy Kyle Davies and we are playoff bound. Maybe all 3 are too much to ask for, but this is what it will take!
By gpburdell
July 25, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
macdougal has only pitched 4 inning this year and is injury prone. let the white sox have him.
By Bob, journalist
July 25, 2006 04:25 PM | Link to this
Afternoon all … welcome back Mr. O’B, the impact of your absence on the Blog is kinda like what having McCann and the Jones Boys out of the lineup would have been on the offense a while back … stagnating.
Now, it seems that their absence only serves as a catalyst for others … and, in addition to serving notice to the rest of the league, their response may be a gentle reminder that it’s not safe to stay away too long … take heed!
Last night said volumes about this team … imagine being without three of your best offensive and defensive weapons facing a monster that’s struckout 11 in four innings … professionals or no, most teams would have closed their tents and gone sliently into the night.
Apologies to all for my recent posts devoted to the subject of baseball … I was just trying to show those folks who were complaining about my off topic comments exactly why I chose to so do. I had hoped for some critical responses so that I could explain but silence has forced my hand.
It will take playing good baseball and a little time for the Braves to take the lead in the Wild Card race … but, three teams ahead of us is somewhat ahead off schedule and sure beats eleven!
By berigan
July 25, 2006 04:27 PM | Link to this
More(rumors) as to why Harold Reynolds was fired…I always liked his positive attitude, sorry to see him go. http://www.deadspin.com/sports/top/was-this-why-harold-got-the-axe-189733.php
By Choppin Bob
July 25, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
Bob, journalist: good point about dob! maybe he should be on the AJC injury headlines when he is “out of the lineup”
By krath
July 25, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
Sometimes, we get statistics till they are running out our ying yangs! It’s baseball and baseball is all about statistics.
I love statistics. But they alone, like “a little knowledge” can be a dangerous thing.
I am not taking on DOB and the subject of this blog. My comments aren’t directed at him. He has to give us something and statistics are one way for him to do that. He’s presenting factual numbers and isn’t really attempting to make an argument based on the numbers.
However, I’ve seen loads of people on the blog do just that….. quote stats and make arguments based on stats.
Folks, I’ve seen perrenial .300 hitters whose blood turns to s**t when they have to hit in the clutch. It’s a fact. I’ve seen big HR and RBI guys who get many of their homers and ribbies when the game is out of reach one way or another. Andruw used to be that player. The last couple of years he’s been clutch, but earlier in his career, I didn’t want the guy up with a bat in his hand and the game on the line. He just didn’t produce in the clutch. I have to give him props now, he’s turned into a clutch guy.
Give me a guy who hits .280 with 20 HR’s and 85 RBIs and if he is a clutch player, I’ll take him over some guy with numbers much higher.
I pay no attention to Betemits numbers. I see him playing at second and I see a guy who could play that position if he played it every day. He’s not as slick as Giles but Giles has been running out there in that spot for a number of years already. I see a guy who produced pretty well in the leadoff spot and I see a guy who hasn’t struck out any more than the other Dave Kingmans’ on the team. I see Giles past numbers quoted and it noted that he’s having an off year. I see Betemits negative numbers quoted and no credit given for producing much better than Giles. If the numbers suit you… use them. If they don’t suit you….twist them.
All I know is that I look at Betemits contributions after the game and I generally am seeing someone who has helped the Braves win.
If Giles can’t hit .250 and strikes out way too often, don’t expect Betemit to produce at a 50% higher level just to call it even.
I would not be a good manager ‘cause if I was where the Braves are now, I would put my best team on the field every night no matter who has played where and for how long.
In closing I just want to say one last thing. Remember playing the Giants in the playoffs a few years back? That series was lost on the back of a couple of sub-par outings by Glavine. Glavine started game 1 and game 4. The way he pitched the last couple of months of the season he should have started game 3 if even that. He stunk it up the last part of the season and couldn’t get anyone out! I guess Bobby thought that the playoffs would be a magic wand and Glavine would wake up and be a prince again. He couldn’t get anyone out in the playoffs either. Millwood and Maddux were both better than Glavine but Glavine was the ace based on earlier performances in the season or past loyalties or whatever… (I suppose) Anyway…. patience is a virtue, but going with less than your best because of loyalty isn’t being loyal to the guys who are going well and trying to win it all.
Off rant.
By AJK
July 25, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
DOB: I was surprised that Atlanta wasn’t in the mix for Mike MacDougal, especially given the relationship between Schuerholz and Moore. Any idea why the Braves weren’t interested? Seems like a steal for the ChiSox. Also, any thoughts on a potential destination for Giles if he is traded? Who’s interested?
By Chop Chop
July 25, 2006 04:34 PM | Link to this
It’s really too bad that Harold Reynolds was the guy to be fired from “Baseball Tonight”. I’ve never cared that much for his “analysis”, but he would certainly be behind Jeff Brantley and Karl Ravech on my “This Chump Needs To Be **canned” list.
I believe I typed that Hudson is pitching like a 4th or 5th starter yesterday, so I saw a little bit of me in DOB’s blog today. That’s probably the main reason I read this blog. You know, there’s some level of agreement there. If I disagree with DOB, he generally makes valid points to bolster his point. It would be a damn shame if DOB were to jump on the “Ron Roberts’ Official F The Rest Of Ya ‘Cuz You Jumped Off” bandwagon like some people (I won’t mention names…ha). In that case, it would be awfully hard to take his commentary seriously.
There are many positive things about the Braves at the moment, but the negatives rear their ugly heads almost every night. The question is whether Schuerholz can shore up the bullpen enough to prevent more of that ugliness. Bob Wickman is a big start, but a consistent set-up guy is also needed via trade. I can live without a consistent lefty specialist. Ray King certainly doesn’t qualify as consistently good, folks.
So there it is…a consistent set-up guy…and maybe a bat for the bench. Hudson also has to get his act together in the next start or two. It’s good that he’s won two straight, but he has to find a way to regain his control on the mound. He is so erratic, and that has never been a hallmark of Tim Hudson in the past.
By ncscoots
July 25, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this
krath, surely you’re not implying that Bobby Cox doesn’t want to put his “best team on the field” each night? That would be ludicrous, and you’re not a ludicrous guy. I think he just has a little different context for what evaluating what “best” means, in that he takes a somewhat longer vision of players’ abilities and potentials.
By Vol
July 25, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
Carlos Lee makes $8.5MM, at least according to ESPN. Our prorated portion should fit in this year’s budget even with Wickman included.
The guy’s numbers are more impressive than I realized. He would lead our team in stolen bases and has only whiffed 39 times in 380 AB’s.
I don’t know his future contract terms, but he is a difference maker along Fred McGriff lines. A lot more so than KC’s closer in my opinion.
By j-man
July 25, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
i dont know if any of you realize this but Carlos Lee is actually Fred McGriff’s brother that was seperated at birth and moved away. coincidence? no way! god is looking out for the braves nation and trying to tip Carlos our way. im glad we are thanking The Big Guy by having our God Day at Turner Field pretty soon. i cant f******* wait! GO BRAVES
By Stanford
July 25, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
He’s a free agent after this year, Vol.
By TDub
July 25, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this
Ok, how’s this for a trade: Betemit and M. Giles with a pitching prospect to San Diego for Josh Barfield and Linebrink. Betemit for Linebrink straight up would be crazy, but this might make sense…
Seriously though, the Betemit trade rumors kinda freak me out, unless we’re getting a solid position player in return.
By j-man
July 25, 2006 04:53 PM | Link to this
why doesnt terrance moore ever TRY to talk about the braves on nationaly tv if hes got the chance? and why is he on tv with 2 white dudes! i didnt think he liked crackers in his soup.
By Jman
July 25, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
To get Carlos Lee for half the season you can rest assured the Braves will NOT mortgage the future. If they’ll take Giles and a 20th best prospect then we’ll take him, but if the price is Salty, or Andrus, or Escobar - FORGET IT!!!
By Vol
July 25, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
The free agent part is obviously a deterrent to signing Carlos Lee, so I’ll have to admit that. It would be hard to fit him into next year’s payroll even at a discount. Still, if there is any reasonable way to get him in this lineup I’d spend my money and prospects there.
By DCBravesFan
July 25, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this
I think the ups and downs in Betemit’s numbers pointed out earlier are likely due to inconsistent playing time. While most major league hitters are bound to have streaky stats, playing twice a week then playing 7 games in a row has got to derail a player.
I’d like to hold judgement on him as a full time player until the end of this season. He has always had potential, let’s see what happens now that he gets the chance to live up to the hype.
Also, Betemit’s a third baseman. I hope I’m wrong but he doesn’t seem like the answer as a full time starter at 2nd. But I’d sure as heck like to see him prove me wrong.
By KC
July 25, 2006 05:02 PM | Link to this
We have all wondered (or at least most of us have) how in the world JS was able to pull off a trade like the one the brought Bob Wickman to Atlanta. We sent a single-A level minor league catcher to Cleveland to get this guy. Unbelievable! But as much as I believe in the greatness of John Shuerholz as a GM, I think Wickman gave us the real reason this deal was possible in his first interview as a Brave. As it turns out, the Braves were very close to signing Wickman over the winter. So close that the Braves were expecting Wickman in Atlanta for a physical. But before he could catch that flight, he was offered a fair one-year offer from his home-team (the Indians), and decided to take it. Anyway, Wickman is a 10-5 guy (10 years in the league - five of them with his (then) current team), so he had veto power over any trade Cleveland tried to include him in. According to Wickman, he vetoed a couple of trades this year… but he didn’t veto the deal that sent him to Atlanta. If Bob Wickman didn’t verbally tell the Indians he wanted to go to the Braves, they figured out that it was probably Atlanta or nowhere for Wickman. In other words, this trade wasn’t made possible by JS’s negotiating skills at the trading table, but rather by Wickman’s respect for Bobby Cox and the chance to get back to the post-season with the Braves. But whatever the reason… glad he’s here.
By KC
July 25, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
cleaned up version of previous post… didn’t mean for it to all run together like that
We have all wondered (or at least most of us have) how in the world JS was able to pull off a trade like the one the brought Bob Wickman to Atlanta.
We sent a single-A level minor league catcher to Cleveland to get this guy. Unbelievable!
But as much as I believe in the greatness of John Shuerholz as a GM, I think Wickman gave us the real reason this deal was possible in his first interview as a Brave.
As it turns out, the Braves were very close to signing Wickman over the winter. So close that the Braves were expecting Wickman in Atlanta for a physical. But before he could catch that flight, he was offered a fair one-year offer from his home-team (the Indians), and decided to take it.
Anyway, Wickman is a 10-5 guy (10 years in the league - five of them with his then current team), so he had veto power over any trade Cleveland tried to include him in.
According to Wickman, he vetoed a couple of trades this year… but he didn’t veto the deal that sent him to Atlanta. If Bob Wickman didn’t verbally tell the Indians he wanted to go to the Braves, they figured out that it was probably Atlanta or nowhere for Wickman.
In other words, this trade wasn’t made possible by JS’s negotiating skills at the trading table, but rather by Wickman’s respect for Bobby Cox and the chance to get back to the post-season with the Braves.
But whatever the reason… glad he’s here.
By KC
July 25, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this
For all of you who have said:
“The Braves shouldn’t give away any of our best young talent for another player that’s only going to help us *this year, and then be gone!”
It appears John Shuerholz agrees with you. If Wickman vetoed 2 trades this year before accepting the one that sent him to Atlanta, we obviously know that the Braves offer for Wickman was far from the best one on the table. Ultimately, we sent nothing more than a low-level minor leaguer that probably have the big-league Braves had never even heard of, to get Wickman.
That would indicate to me that Shuerholz was steadfastly opposed to giving away any of the Braves best young talent. So if you hear any rumors about the Braves trading away young Betemit or a top prospect for a reliever… don’t believe it! If he wasn’t willing to do that to get a closer, he’s not going to do it to get a setup man.
By j-man
July 25, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
how is giving up salty and another prospect mortaging the future? salty is sucking it hard this year in AA Mississippi and remember mccann is only 22. this is the braves farm team we are talking about anyway not s****y houston astros farm. ok actually im not sure how s****y their minor league teams are but i hate the astros so f*** em right? thats what harold raymonds would do apparently. we are stocked at SS. i wouldnt mind giving up as much but no more that 1) salty, 2) andrus and 3) an A ball pitching prospect to get carlos lee. DID YOU SEE THOSE NUMBERS!! 39 STRIKEOUTS WITH ALMOST 400 AT BATS he would be perfect for the braves. theres nobody on our team that can get close to those numbers. at least he puts the ball in play. and think about how many more pitches chipper and andruw ESPECIALLY ANDRUW would see with carlos lee hitting 5th.
any kind of output from the 8 hole is a plus. he would kill in the 8th spot. no pressure at all!!
do it. do it. do it.
By Choppin Bob
July 25, 2006 05:07 PM | Link to this
kc: i want some updated stats before tonights game. also, 10 bucks ray comes in the 7th, paronto 8th, and wicky
By The Grinch
July 25, 2006 05:08 PM | Link to this
Krath, I’m in agreement with you for the most part. Bobby does tend to stick way too much to conventional wisdom, as opposed to the aquired kind. It’s like how we were able to beat the Giants back in ‘93. Their manager insisted on starting John Burkett in game one of the NLCS against us because he was a 20-game winner, even though we’d consistantly shelled him every time we saw him. We shelled him again in game 1, then he inexplicably started Burkett again for game 4, even though he had someone else sitting cold on the bench who had much better numbers vs. the Braves. Surprise! We shelled him again. When asked what, if any, was his reasoning behind this, the manager (I can’t remember his name) said “If you can’t start your 20 game winner, who can you start?” Umm…maybe the guy who’s a better option to give your team a chance to win given the circumstances? Bobby seems to have caught this disease. Of course, that’s only my opinion, and I’ve been wrong before. Twice, I think. :-)
By TDub
July 25, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this
j-man,
try the decaf.
By KC
July 25, 2006 05:11 PM | Link to this
Choppin Bob:
I have to run. The stats might have to wait unitl the morning. Sorry.
I’m thinking Bobby might want to give Ray a day or two off to clear his head.
But I could be wrong… it’s happened once before. LOL
By TennesseePaul
July 25, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
DOB: Great article. I certainly hope we can get better pitching. Hudson is the key, and possibly a trade for the pen.
I checked out Tower the other day, they have a small amount of CDs for the 88. They hide them under the number 88 in the long, long lines of CDs. Let me know if you can’t find them… I’ll burn a copy and mail it to you. I picked up Matt Costa’s latest as well as Clap Your Hands and Say Yeah the other day with a gift card I’d received.
As to that Todd Pratt Remark… it isn’t his fault. He may call the same thing over and over. But I would imagine that’s because he is trying to keep it as simple as possible, and the pen pitcher still screws it up. It isn’t his fault the pen can’t locate a pitch. He calls ‘em, sets up the target, and the pitcher tosses it over the heart of the plate.
By Vol
July 25, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this
I think we win the pennant with Carlos Lee in the lineup. It looks unstoppable (below). And no, I wouldn’t give up Salty or anyone like that, but if he is available, the White Sox/Tigers probably will give up their Salty equivalent.
Betemit/Giles (2B) Renteria (SS) CJ (3B) AJ (CF) C.Lee (LF) McCann (C) Frenchy (RF) LaRoche (1B) Who Cares (P)
By David
July 25, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry about the Braves winning the East. Don’t forget that the Mets will fold like a cheap suit—they always have and they always will; that being said—if the Braves can play at least .700 ball from now on, the Braves will be crowned eastern division champions for an unprecedented 15th consecutive time! If the Braves go out and take care of their business like they so beautifully did in the month of July, then the Braves will win the whole enchalada come October and throughout the playoffs now that they have a Hall-Of-Fame closer to hand the ball of to in the 7th, 8th and 9th innings to turn the lights out for them and shut it down. I think the Braves are fine and will continue to be as long as their great Manager Bobby Cox is leading them. The Braves are feeling the aftershocks of losing Leo Mazzone, but they will have to go on without Leo and make the transition smoothly until they get used to life without Leo. The Atlanta Braves will be world champions once again in October for the first time since ‘95. Go Braves!
By Kin
July 25, 2006 05:19 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure how credible this is, but here’s a rumor about Harold Reynolds’ firing
By The Grinch
July 25, 2006 05:21 PM | Link to this
Hey, Journalist Jimmy! Check this out… http://www.filecabi.net/video/alienwormback.html It’s not blue, but it is backyard!
By shawn
July 25, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this
Has Bobby considered going to a four man rotation the rest of the way. Hudson might actually pitch better tired. I have seen pitchers keep the ball down, Tommy John, with the increase in workload. Time to unload Sosa, Thompson, and Giles and get what you can even if it is payroll relief. A couple of middle innings pitchers and a bench player with power or speed. Whatever you do keep Betemit unless A-Rod is included in the deal…..
By TDub
July 25, 2006 05:22 PM | Link to this
Carlos Lee is great, but he’s a rent-a-player at this point. He’s a free agent in a few months. Trading for him is the kind of thing the Yanks would do - that’s why they have absolutely no farm system. They’ve traded away every good minor leaguer they’ve had (with the exception of Hughes) to get overpriced superstars, and now they’re paying for it. Plus, we don’t need another hitter right now - that much is obvious.
By Greg
July 25, 2006 05:26 PM | Link to this
The Carlos Lee idea is great. I bet we could sign him long term. It’d be wonderful to watch someone with a Braves logo on his shirt who doesn’t strike out two out of every four at bats. 12 Ks to Cole Hamels. That’s absurd.
By Pointman
July 25, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this
You can add Carlos Lee, Mike Schmidt and the ghost of Ted Williams to our offense and it still won’t get us past the NLCS. We need pitching, folks, and unfortunately, it’s hard to come by.
By TennesseePaul
July 25, 2006 05:28 PM | Link to this
I’m wondering if Hughes is as good as the hype. I have a feeling his name is mentioned because he is the top guy on a pile of mediocrity. Is Hughes ranked that high in Baseball America? Maybe #1 in the Yanks system, but where does he fit in the grand scheme?
By Vol
July 25, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this
DOB
What has to happen to get Carlos Lee in the lineup if we can’t find any more pitching? Any chance at all?
By J-MAN
July 25, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this
TELL US DOB. WE NEED CARLOS LEE TO HIT IN THAT 5 SPOT. AND THEN MAYBE PITCH THE 8TH EVERY OTHER START. THEN WED BE SET
By supergrass
July 25, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this
Wtf? hr sexual harrassment, might be naive but its the last thing i thought-wow—thanks for the link KIN
By Harold Reynolds
July 25, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry about me peeps… Fox will hire me, and I’ll soon be schmoovin’ on Jeanne Zelasko. Ohyeahhhhhhhhhh…
By Boomer
July 25, 2006 05:37 PM | Link to this
We should not be trading any of our front line prospects for offensive players at this point of the season (unless that offensive player is A-Rod).
Lets not give up on Salty. I know he struggled this season but that may turn out to be a good thing in the long run. He has a tremendous upside and I for one am not willing to give him away for a (two month)rent-a-player.
By Blake
July 25, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this
everyone is asking max prices for thier players at this point. Wait until the end of this weekend and those teams will be alot more desperate.
By Tomas
July 25, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this
Jonathan Sanchez, great young relieve lefthander of the Giants, a 0.67 ERA in 20 games, Angels lokking for an outfielder thats left handed, looking to deal Ervin Santana or Scott Schields.
By KC
July 25, 2006 06:06 PM | Link to this
I don’t know why ESPN fired Harold Reynolds, but we can eliminate a couple of possibilities:
We know he didn’t make a television appearance while intoxicated. That couldn’t be it because Rick Sutcliff did that recently, and he’s still employed by ESPN.
We also know that he didn’t get drunk and urinate on an off-duty police officer from a 2nd story window. That can’t be it because Chris Miller did that and he’s still employed.
Hmmmm… I’m all out of ideas.
By Tomas
July 25, 2006 06:07 PM | Link to this
“Salty” is not needed by the braves, when you 22 yearold brian mccan why keep Salty.
By DanK
July 25, 2006 06:10 PM | Link to this
DOB, How about a deal with the Cubs for Scott Eyre and/or Maddux. That would help!
I agree with the post on JS and Betemit. The Braves would be crazy to move him. He can flat out pick it at 3rd. He reminds me a little of Soriano at the top of the order. Not as much power (yet), but a much better fielder.
You must give some props to LaRochee here. He has picked it up big time. He seems much better not having to worry about the platoon and the 7th hole is the right place for him. Hitting lefties and on pace for 30-35 HRs and 80-90 rbis. Not bad!!
By DonCoburleone
July 25, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
I’ve been meaning to ask this question for a while now, I want everyone to answer; Who is the MVP of the Braves at this point in the season? John Smoltz, Andruw Jones, Chipper Jones, Edgar Renteria, Brian McCann? Write-in votes are also allowed…
By geauxbraves2000
July 25, 2006 06:12 PM | Link to this
If the Braves can’t find any decent pitching out there, then they’d better go get a bopper, cause the Braves are going to have to outscore their opponents for they certainly won’t be outpitching them.
By btoy
July 25, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this
I hear the Phillies may trade Gordon. Any chance the braves may make a run at him?
By eli
July 25, 2006 06:19 PM | Link to this
can dob or anyone tell me why the braves havent made a move with sosa, he is obvioulsy going to be moved, why havent we done anything on that front yet
By geauxbraves2000
July 25, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this
Wow, I just noticed this. The next 4 pitchers the Braves have to face are a combined 26-13 w/an era of 3.34. Gonna be tough, but the way this lineup has hit lately who knows.
Geaux Braves!!
By Vol
July 25, 2006 06:27 PM | Link to this
Braves MVP: Chipper Jones, but really tough call 2nd - Renteria 3rd - A. Jones 4th - McCann
Not much space between 1st and 4th on this list.
By rustam
July 25, 2006 06:29 PM | Link to this
nobody wants sosa
By TennesseePaul
July 25, 2006 06:30 PM | Link to this
DonC: If it is based on Consistancy, it would be McCann or Renteria. I’d lean more toward Renteria since he isn’t platooned, though that isn’t really McCann’s fault. But, if you look at how the team performs when a player heats up, Chipper Jones would be the answer. He hasn’t been up to speed the whole season, but obviously, he is a valuable player and key part of this team. When he fires up, the whole damn league takes a look. Right when he started hitting, the Braves started destroying everyone. That’s pretty valuable. He has had the biggest impact so fart his season. He just hasn’t been as consistant as Renteria or McCann.
By Head Coach
July 25, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this
DOB , you made a very astute point about the Brves being pushed to the wire in order to win the wild card. They would have to maintain thier current winning pace for the remaining two months of the season and go into the postseason with a full head of steam and a lot of momemtum. As far as your potshot at my estimate of 90 or more wins for the wild card , you might want to go back and check the last ten years of wild card winners in the N.L. and see for yourself how conservative my estimate really is. O just screw it , the five and ten year avg. for the wild card winner over the past ten years has been 92 wins. apology accepted , David.
By TennesseePaul
July 25, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this
lol….that should read: biggest impact so far this season.
By eli
July 25, 2006 06:33 PM | Link to this
but he is obviously not goin to stay in atl, why not DFA him…maybe we are waiting on thomson or stockman before we do this
By j-man
July 25, 2006 06:35 PM | Link to this
espn reports that THE CLOCK IS TICKING for a Carlos Lee trade. who wants him other than the braves?