AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > April > 11 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCould be wet at The Ted
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hm. 80 percent chance of rain? Storms, damaging wind, hail, perhaps? That might be about the only thing that can dampen the mood of the Braves these days. Won’t exactly help the backup beat writer either, but hey, I stay dry in the press box.
Drive in was drizzly, and I actually had to reroute because of a fire. Looked to be somewhere down in the industrial section between Northside Drive and Turner Field. For just a split second I looked up and saw smoke on the horizon in the direction of the ballpark and thought……nah. Couldn’t be. And it wasn’t. Thankfully. Hope everybody is OK.
Tarp is on the field here and somewhere O’B might be chuckling, unless of course they have to postpone the game and make it up in a doubleheader tomorrow when he’s back on the beat.
The Braves have had like one rainout in the history of Turner Field, right? We’ll see what Bobby Cox, a very darn accurate weather forecaster, with a nod to grounds crew chief Ed Mangan of course. I will keep you guys posted on the status of the game…
As for some baseball thoughts this afternoon…It’s not just you guys noticing some boom missing in the Braves lineup these days. Here’s what Tim Hudson had to say during his postgame last night.:
“I still don’t think we’re playing as good as we can. Two of our big boppers are — they’re not struggling but — they’re not swinging the bat like we know they’re capable of. When that happens it’ll be a lot of fun to sit in that dugout and watch this team play.”
He was talking about the Joneses. Chipper and Andruw. Both got it going a bit Tuesday night — Chipper going 2 for 4 with a couple singles but he still doesn’t have a home run or an RBI.
Andruw got his first homer of the season Tuesday and stayed patient at the plate, drawing a couple of walks. That was a good sign, as was what he said after the game talking about how he had taken some video home with him and had done some work in his batting cage at home.
He’s still at only .154 (4-for-26) but you have to appreciate that he will acknowledge what’s going on and address it. It’s not simply “hey, slow start. Not many at-bats. Blahty blahty blah.” So keep an eye on him. Let’s watch if he improves what he said the problem was: his timing.
I know you guys have noticed but Jeff Francouer’s last two huge hits, run scoring doubles, came when he used right field. The Braves have to like what they see there. His two hits Tuesday raised his average to .310 with two homers and he’s leading the team by a ton with 9 RBI now.
OK, going on down to ask Bobby what the weather holds in store. Dave enjoy the Friday Night Light’s Season Finale. Dangit. Least I’m taping it. No, I don’t have DVR. I’m just now learning how to blog, people!
Comments
By Efrim Dragovic
April 11, 2007 6:42 PM | Link to this
Is this game going to happen?
By Carroll Rogers
April 11, 2007 6:46 PM | Link to this
tarp is off and it’s misty and gray but so far it looks pretty good for tonight. apparently the big storms are missing us unless we get a little pocket at 9….the official word from cox was “on and off.” right now it’s off.
and a little tidbit on andruw for you, from terry pendleton who’s been doing extra work with andruw for three days. “He wants to hit the ball a country mile. He only needs to hit it a mile.” enough said?
By Robert
April 11, 2007 6:49 PM | Link to this
There’s an old wives tale that says that if Bobby Cox is standing with his back to a hedge, it will rain
By Don!
April 11, 2007 6:56 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
Isn’t there a blog rule about ending your post with some song lyrics?
DOB would toss out some Man in Black, or lately Jackson Browne — where’s your contribution to social education in this blog?
On a semi-serious note, I don’t think this game will happen tonight — unless the breaks in the clouds hit just right, we can jump out to an early lead and end this puppy in 4 1/2 innings.
Have fun in the press box, try to stay dry.
Later,
Don!
By BIG DADDY
April 11, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this
Carroll, Francoeur is leading by only one RBI not a ton. Check McCann’s stats. I’m smiling because it’s no big deal. I did enjoy that huge smile on Francoeur’s face last night after he hit that 3 run homer.
By Bob, journalist
April 11, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
Carroll, it sounds like Terry was belaboring what has been obvious for a long time.
Apologies to all … my last post on the previous blog referred to SJA’s 4:46 post … I think it was 2:46.
By doc
April 11, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this
so the grinch knows of shakespeare and a midsummer’s night dream?
may the thrashers hammer the fairy tommorow.
By SuziQ
April 11, 2007 7:36 PM | Link to this
Well, I won’t know if the Braves play or not, because I live in Tennessee and some bonehead has decided to show the Predators’ hockey game instead. Drives me nuts…..nobody cares about hockey. Not in Tennessee anyway. I have to curse the TV even in basketball season b/c FSN does the same thing when I want to watch UNC play ball. Never fails, if there is a big game I want to see on FSN, they are going to show the Preds instead of UNC basketball or the Braves.
I love the Braves and think if they continue to pitch like they have, many good things will happen.
CYa
By DonCoburleone
April 11, 2007 7:44 PM | Link to this
Hey hey hey, SuziQ, take it easy… You’re bashing a sport I love. In fact, I’m going to the Anaheim/Minnesota game tonight. GO DUCKS!!!
HE’S CHUCK JAMES B!TCH!!!
By DonCoburleone
April 11, 2007 7:49 PM | Link to this
CHIPPER!!!
By Braves fan 202
April 11, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this
Me gusta los bravos
By MBATL
April 11, 2007 8:08 PM | Link to this
oooh, Ollie P. couldn’t find the strike zone tonight - 7 walks in 2.2 innings. Phils up 3-0.
Man, James is pretty much putting it out there to be hit… so far, so good, I guess.
By Josh
April 11, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
MB that’s exactly what a pitcher with a lead is supposed to do. Don’t walk anybody, make ‘em put it in play. Especially when the other team couldn’t hit his grandma…
By MBATL
April 11, 2007 8:18 PM | Link to this
Josh, of course you’re right about that…
By Ron
April 11, 2007 8:24 PM | Link to this
Why the HELL would Kelly swing 3-1 it was ball 4. We had them down and out and we let them survive, we may regret that inning, Williams was all over the place in that inning!!!! Golden opportunity wasted!!!!!!!!!
By JasonInMaine
April 11, 2007 8:25 PM | Link to this
Bases loaded, no outs, and we don’t score…those are the types of things that separate great teams from good teams. Productive outs!!!!
By Bubba
April 11, 2007 8:33 PM | Link to this
Suzie Q. if you have charter then try channel 44. My tv shows the game should be on 37 but there showing the braves there but it is on 44.
By JasonInMaine
April 11, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this
Ron, I agree! I hope that inning doesn’t come back to haunt…a little breathing room is always nice.
By SuziQ
April 11, 2007 8:44 PM | Link to this
We have comcast and they are showing the Preds. It is just no good for me! I’ve watched the Braves for most of my life and I hate it when I can’t watch them on TV b/c some exec thinks people want to watch Hockey. IT’s just crap. Plus, on top of that, Comcast took off ESPNU when they changed over our schedule from Adelphia to Comcast—which was just in time for us Tennesseeans to miss the net cutting for the Lady Vols.
Nuf fussin for now. GO BRAVES!!!
By Brian
April 11, 2007 8:52 PM | Link to this
Have you checked Sportsouth? That’s where Comcast has the game on over here in Knoxville.
By JasonInMaine
April 11, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
Great at bat by Langerhans…I have to say, I like the guy, and he can play great defense…
But, I think the Braves have had enough of a sampling since he was first called up to know he isn’t ever going to hit. I agree with what others have been saying…quit platooning him and bring him in during the late innings as a defensive replacement…
By sri
April 11, 2007 8:54 PM | Link to this
WOW!! Frenchy just took a 7 pitch walk.. why is Chucky having so much trouble with the bottom of the Nationals order.. The pitcher saved us both times.. remember reading somewhere that James has only two pitches and he depends more on location.. does he have trouble putting away hitters even though he seems to get ahead on most of them?? am not watching the games on tv so will be helpful for any info as to how James is looking today.. And finally can sleep a lot better today now that O.Perez issued 7 walks today.. GO BRAVES!!!
By cardvol
April 11, 2007 8:59 PM | Link to this
How much longer can the Braves afford to keep KJ, Thorman and Langerhans in the line-up? Prado, Wilson and Diaz would have to hit much better.
By journalist jimmy smith
April 11, 2007 9:06 PM | Link to this
that ball hopped right over the bunny glove! oh, the humanity! the braves should have more runs. still, it seems the nats are incapable of scoring runs so maybe 2 will be enough. and what leads one to believe that puck was black? nothing would indicate this. must go look it up. and now, mccann is such a pleasure to watch. and carroll rogers, this journalist did see the old stadium on fire and it was not a happy night - at the start - before the night was over it was a very good night. crime dog had come to town.
By JasonInMaine
April 11, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this
Again, I ask, are we capable of a productive out??
By Tony Almeida
April 11, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
One good thing about Andruw, he keeps hitting this way, we can afford to resign him next year…..but would we want to?
By James
April 11, 2007 9:17 PM | Link to this
cardvol, are you an idiot? wilson has not even had an extra-base hit yet and please remind me again who hit the game-winning home run against the phillies? Oh yeah, it was Scott Thorman
By ncscoots
April 11, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Prado’s a whopping 2-for-7 at Richmond, Wilson’s hitting under .100, and Diaz has had a good…week. You bet, all three of those guys should be playing every day, good thinking.
By Big Bad John
April 11, 2007 9:20 PM | Link to this
To FSN South…a big thank you on two counts.
First, for getting rid of the 1950’s throwback announcer Bob Rathbun.
Also,it appears you are not cranking up the Braves dugout level microphone to capture Bobby Cox’s non stop babbling.
Question to TBS producer Glenn Diamond: HOW MANY TIMES DO WE HAVE TO HEAR BOBBY’S “C’MON CHIPPER, ATTA BABY” etc.. routine?
I can’t imagine even the most simple-minded Braves fan being interested in or entertained by it, yet you have force fed that steady stream of Bobby babble for three years now.
You aren’t doing him any favors. It makes him sound like a hyperactive Little League grandpa.
* Enough already!*
By The Grinch
April 11, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
Yes, Doc, this Grinch appreciates the Bard. I’ll be going to “Taming of the Shrew” at the Shakespeare Tavern next week. The girl playing Kate is my future girlfriend but doesn’t know it yet (nor does my current one). :-)
By sri
April 11, 2007 9:28 PM | Link to this
Druw is killing us.. Gonzalez again today.. is it too soon to be complaining abt overuse of the big three…
By N8.....the bible length posts are BACK!
April 11, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
I realize that Gonzalez has looked MUCH better the last two days. But is anybody else worried about his fastball topping out at 91 MPH?? Last I recall, this guy threw in the UPPER 90’s last year.
An out is an out, so I’m not complaining, but if 91 MPH is all the higher he’s gonna hit all year on the gun, we’ve basically just added Mike Stanton to our bullpen. LOL!
By MBATL
April 11, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
sri, Gonzo has appeared in 6 of 8 games. I think it’s fair to say that he can’t maintain that pace.
By ncscoots
April 11, 2007 9:45 PM | Link to this
I don’t remember MG throwing upper 90s last year, more like mid-90s, but you’re right, his velocity does seem down a touch. Put it down to April, I guess.
I’m more concerned about Chuckie’s WHIP, frankly. You can’t argue with his results so far, but that many baserunners is living on the edge, IMO, even though his K rate alleviates the problem somewhat. I hope…
By JasonInMaine
April 11, 2007 9:47 PM | Link to this
N8, I have posted similar concerns for the last couple of days. I too seem to remember him consistently hitting 96 last year.
By MBATL
April 11, 2007 9:53 PM | Link to this
I’ve posted about Gonzo’s lack of “dominance” too, but have been told to wait and see. He’s just not overpowering, so far, like he was in Pittsburgh. The hits are up, the K’s are down. Maybe it’s the cold weather or something.
Anyway, hard to complain about the results so far, but nothing wrong with a little critical analysis either.
By Chuck
April 11, 2007 9:54 PM | Link to this
sri Yes, I think we should be a little concerned about overusing the big three. The good news is that it means we have been winning/ahead a lot so far this year.
By N8.....the bible length posts are BACK!
April 11, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
Classic Bobby!
5-0 lead, and what’s he do? Bring in one of the horses from the pen.
Whoever said it earlier tonight is DEAD ON. Gonzalez and Soriano are gonna be toast by July at this pace.
In a 5-0 game, why not go with Paranto or Yates? Hell, in a 5-0 game bring in McBride to get some “work” in against some righties.
Unreal.
By MBATL
April 11, 2007 9:57 PM | Link to this
On the plus side, KJ is flat picking it at 2nd…
By The Grinch
April 11, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
I really don’t see the logic of using Soriano and Gonzalez every night against the Nats instead of Yates and Villareal myself; I beleive it will come back to haunt us later in the year.
By N8.....the bible length posts are BACK!
April 11, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
I guess I recall seeing him hit 97 on the gun, which I would consider upper 90’s. I can see where somebody might call that mid-90’s. LOL!
Either way, topping out at 91 concerns me.
Where Soriano’s velocity is just fine, thank you very much. He just pulled a “mini-Wohlers” in the 8th. Late, late, late, late, and LATER on the fastball. Then he leaves the old “spinner” out over the the heart of the plate to get hammered…..twice. YIKES.
Somewhere, Jim Leyritz is smiling. LOL!
But as I just stated, Soriano should have NEVER been in this game, IMO.
By mr baseball
April 11, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this
The Braves’ win at all costs manager is not going to rest until he puts both Gonzalez and Soriano on the DL. (As I write this, Soriano is getting whacked big time, which means Wickman in the 9th.) Exactly how far ahead does the team have to be before he considers using Yates, McBride or Villareal in the late innings. He’s apparently set Paronto’s standard at 8 runs, maybe it’s 10 or more for the other 3.
Where are all the “what’s wrong with Chipper?” folks tonight. He hasn’t driven in any runs because the few times he’s come up with men on base, he’s walked. This is Earl Weaver baseball at its best: good starting pitching and 3-run (or 2-run) homers.
One final thing: Please, no more treatises on how many outs a player (Francouer) is responsible for. OBP is of value to players hitting at the top of the lineup. Players who hit 5th - 6th - 7th like Francouer have one primary responsibility — to drive in runs. If he’s hitting .300+ w/RISP and driving in 100+ runs, he’s doing his job. Drawing the occasional walk with 1 or 2 outs is irrelevant, even if it raises his OBP to semi-respectable levels.
By N8.....the bible length posts are BACK!
April 11, 2007 10:05 PM | Link to this
Good to see “my boy” Langerhans (I was as vocal in my predictions of him having a breakout year as Coach was in Hudson having a bounceback season), is “on pace” for 0 HR and 0 RBI.
Uh….that’s not gonna get it done. LOL!
By MBATL
April 11, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this
N8, I agree. I think Bobby is obsessed with not letting good starting pitching efforts go to waste, after last year’s disasters. But the last 2 nights, relief should’ve been handled by Oscar, McBride, Yates, Paronto etc.
We’re in a save situation now, so I’m fine with using Wickman, but real soon we’re gonna have to find out if the middle guys can get the job done.
By JasonInMaine
April 11, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
I also think Thorman needs some ABs. He should be given the opportunity to play on an every day basis. We all know what happened to Unibrow when he was allowed to play against lefties.
By JasonInMaine
April 11, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
All Diaz does is freakin hit!!
By Sir Stealth
April 11, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
Big Bad John, I completely disagree with you about the mike on Bobby. I think it is a little ridiculous (like the press secretary level positive spin comments) but I love Bobby so its entertaining for me. Now if we could only listen to his pre-ejection tirades.
By Tony Almeida
April 11, 2007 10:09 PM | Link to this
Langerhans batting .133 and Diaz hitting .400. Good Idea Booger Cox.
By Alan
April 11, 2007 10:13 PM | Link to this
Edgar Renteria is the best acquisition since Fred McGriff. And I was worried about losing Furcal! Edgar is a more than adequate replacement - the guy has done nothing but rake since he’s been here. Here’s hoping we can get him an extension to whatever contract he signed…
By The Grinch
April 11, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this
Now Wicky’s pitching with a 5 run lead against the Nats. Robert, you may have a convert on your hand one of these days if this keeps up.
By Tony Almeida
April 11, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this
WHAT THE HELL IS WICKMAN DOING IN THERE IN A 5 RUN GAME?????? COX IS KILLING US!!!
By Chuck
April 11, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
You know, I just got here tonight, but I gotta say I’m impressed that it only took Frenchy nine games to draw his first walk. That puts him on pace for almost twenty total this year….
By JasonInMaine
April 11, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this
Okay, I think Bobby is one of the best managers of not just our generation, but of all time. That being said, I have NO idea why Wickman is in the game let alone Gonzo and Soriano…DOB, Carrol…any thoughts?
By Steve in Richmond
April 11, 2007 10:17 PM | Link to this
I agree……..I’d like to hear what Bobby is saying in the dugout when it really matters too. I’d like to hear some of the other conversations in the dugout too. It would provide great insight ……although I’m sure there would be some “not quite ready for prime time” quotes.
By Steve in Richmond
April 11, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this
Jason, I agree with you…..Diaz is something…….but you need to get some contributions out of all your players. Langerhans, hopefully, is going to contribute too. It is fun watching Diaz though………
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
April 11, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this
I’m really beginning to like the look of this team. It has the same look of the ‘91, ‘92, ‘95, ‘96, and ‘97 teams. They don’t have a killer offense but it is an offense that scores runs and finds ways to get on base. The pitching (both starting and relieving) is for the most part solid at worst and outstanding at best. They have a swagger that is confident but not over cocky. This team looks like a winner. For whatever reason last year’s team never looked comfortable or relaxed but this team does.
Kelly Johnson will be a good player. Is he Jose Reyes? No. Not at all. But he gets on base and scores runs and also has some pop in his bat and that is what you want out of a leadoff hitter. Not to mention any concerns about his defense are becomming more and more alleviated.
I believe in the end Thorman will be okay. However, Langerhans does concern me. I have to wonder that if he is still struggling by mid-May if the Braves won’t consider calling up Bohn, Blanco, or even Harris. Langerhans just seems lost at the plate. Really lost! Whatever was working in spring training was either a fluke or not working now.
By Steve in Richmond
April 11, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this
Tony Almeida??? Didn’t you get killed off on “24” last year? :-) Me thinks Mr. Cox knows exactly what he’s doing.
By Chad
April 11, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this
Part of me agrees with you guys that the middle guys should be getting work, but at the same time, there are some relievers who feel like they improve the more they pitch. If you let them sit for days at a time you never know what’s going to happen so you get them in the game with consistency. Granted that may not be the case with any or all of them, I’m just pointing out it could be.
And we’re only 8 games into the season, it’s not time for doomsaying yet.
By mr baseball
April 11, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this
As the only person on this blog who has specific, serious problems with the manager (Robert’s redundant braying doesn’t count), I hate to say I told you so, but…. In Spring Training, I offered the opinion that Cox would be tempted to overuse his main 3 relievers, especially if the Braves held frequent late inning leads, which has been the case so far.
Cox too often makes moves during the 6th/7th inning that will leave the team strapped later in the game, and his use of the bullpen thus far indicates that he has very little concern about what impact his decisions today have on tomorrow or the day after.
One of Cox’s best attributes as a manager has been his ability to keep the team on an even keel throughout the season and not get too concerned about the occasional struggles. Unfortunately this season, he seems to be having a problem dealing with success. He can’t automatically trot the Big 3 out every time the Braves take a lead into the 7th inning, but that’s been the case thus far, even with 5-run leads.
The Braves have been so successful over the past 15 years despite having a manager who is not anywhere close to being the sharpest pencil in the box. He is a decent leader and supports his players as fervently as any manager anywhere, but the fact remains, he is not especially good at his job once the game starts.
Talent, mainly great starting pitching, has been the reason this team has been so succcesful since 1991. But that talent is not going to be of much use on the DL with an overused pitching arm.
By ernesto
April 11, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
Watching the game tonight, I couldn’t help but remember all the times last year we had a lead only to let the bp cough it up. I remember Rietsma coughed up 6 in the 9th once, or something like that. Those kind of losses I think took their toll on this team. But you can see, with a little momentum and a pen, this is definitely not hte same team, even if it is mostly the same guys.
By MEB
April 11, 2007 10:31 PM | Link to this
BRAVES WIN!!!
Not a bad job at the plate tonight for the Jones Boys and the Bravos. I am amazed that the Gnats were able to hit Soriano as well as they did. I don’t agree that they are being over used but I would like to see McBride get some work while we’ve got a big lead. With Smoltz pitching tomorrow I hope the entire pen can take a night off!
By Tony Almeida
April 11, 2007 10:37 PM | Link to this
I was killed, but my legend lives on… Do you accept Tony Almeida as your personal savior?
By snowball's chance
April 11, 2007 10:48 PM | Link to this
Carroll, congratulations on earning the blue highlight. You seem to be drawing some new bloggers-or previous bloggers with new names. Whatever,you are a nice addition to the blog.
Andruw looked ok tonight,right. We all need to calm down. As I am on the left coast I was watching Boston Seattle. I prefer the NL but Dice K is a good story.He did a good job but was upstaged by Felix Rodriguez-complete game shutout- 0 ERA for 2 games. JS stole Soriano from Seattle. Once he burns someone can he go back to the well.
By Lew
April 11, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
I score all of the Braves’ games and just went back and checked something. I think this may come as somewhat of a surprise to all of you micro analysts, but NO relief pitchers have pitched more than two games in a row this year. NO ONE!!! We have had several off days and combined with BC’s juggling of the relief corps, that is the result. Sorry y’all-you’re wrong. They are not being overused, it just appears that way. As far as the velocity being off on Gonzalez, keep in mind that there is absolutely NO uniformityto the radar guns used at various parks. There could be a 5-6 MPH difference in any park on any given night. It’s early in the season and the weather has sucked. Some of these guys take a while to gear it all up. You can’t come out this early in the season, in this cold,and crankit at 96-97 every pitch. Quit with the micro analyzing. It won’t get you anywhere.
By Ron
April 11, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this
JasoninMaine, your right about Diaz, man can he hit, I think he should start LF and when we have the lead in the later innings put in Langy. Im not worried about Cox managing, but damn you guys are right our bullpen will be toast by August, or if not then the bullpen will be nothin if we get to the playoffs. Maybe Cox wants to make damn sure we get as many wins in the beginning as we can, especially against the NL East teams. Maybe that is what he is doin, I hope so!!!!
By The Grinch
April 11, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
“….the dog his homework, the sun was in his eyes, flu symptoms, etc.” Go get ‘em, Lew.
By snowball's chance
April 11, 2007 10:55 PM | Link to this
Lew, I visited your website. My favorite is The Maddox. You nailed the graceful tension in his windup.
By fastasballs
April 11, 2007 10:58 PM | Link to this
Is it just me or does it feel as though the Braves should have scored 12 plus runs tonight & last. I’m not complaining, but scoring 8 runs against the Nats is probably equivalent to 3-4 against any other team.
I would like to have seen Yates, Paronto & the Vulcher finish the game out. You know at least one, probably more, will have to pitch when Redman starts against the Marlins. May as well let them get some work in now.
By Lew
April 11, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
Excuse me-that should be no one has pitched more than two DAYS in a row, not games.
By DAP
April 11, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this
im glad that im not the only one seeing a problem with how bobby is using his relievers this year.
villareal, mcbride, and yates have hardly gotten any work this season. most of our games have been pretty close, but in a few cases, cox brought in the big guns when it wasnt even necessary.
i think the only game we lost this year had a little to do with mishandling the bullpen.
on friday, the score was 2-1 mets with runners on 1st and 2nd and two outs. reyes was coming up to bat, and cox brought in villereal. WRONG!! if there was ever a strikeout situation, that was it. im not saying we would have won that game, but after that mistake, the braves got blown out.
anyways, i hope were all wrong and bobby is managing the relievers perfectly, but i would like to see the other guys every now and then, especially with big leads.
By Lew
April 11, 2007 11:01 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Snowball-I thought i got his double chin pretty well, too.
By Ron
April 11, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this
Im not worried about our offense but damn, can we get some runs besides homeruns, and McCann gettin base hits, and clutch Frenchy gettin hits. Besides those two guys gettin base hits to drive in runs, the rest is by homeruns. I know it is early and we are winning, but it is still a concern!!!!
By Tony Almeida
April 11, 2007 11:07 PM | Link to this
Lew, you’re an idiot. Gonzalez has pitched in the last 4 games. Check your stats before you speak my brutha.
By MBATL
April 11, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Lew, Gonzo pitched on 4/7, 4/8, 4/10, and 4/11. Soriano on 4/4, 4/5, 4/7/ and 4/8 (and 4/11). If you don’t think 4 days out of 5 is too much, then your setup guys - both of whom have had arm problems in the past, and neither of whom has ever pitched more than 60 innings in a season - are gonna pitch 100+ innings.
Where is McBride? Yates? Villarreal? If we’re not gonna use them up by several runs against the Nats, when are we gonna use ‘em?
As to Gonzalez, I didn’t watch him enough in the past to visually compare his stuff now to then; but I do know he averaged well under 1 hit per inning, and well over 1 K per inning, every year from ‘04 to ‘06. And he’s NOT been that dominant so far this year.
If you’d rather me just post that “things are great,” I’ll do that for you. I’m thrilled that we’re 7-1 and I’m not suggesting there’s any crisis with our ‘pen. But I DO find it worthy of discussion that Bobby is using the big 3 so much - and apparently others do too.
I’d rather discuss what I see as legitimate issues with the team than to rave about how great we are.
By JasonInMaine
April 11, 2007 11:11 PM | Link to this
Man, Marcus doesn’t seem to have the same level of discomfort in the lead-off spot for the Padres…
By TennesseePaul
April 11, 2007 11:13 PM | Link to this
So Carroll is Chop Chick. That’s like, understood now.
GO BRAVES!!
I love coming home from a long day of research to find another W has been posted. It’s even better to see another 8 runs plated. I see Soriano allowed 3 runs. I gotta say, I’m worried about him. Maybe we should send him down to work out the kinks or something.
Mets lost! Let’s build this lead so big they never catch up. Then let’s make it bigger.
By Jimmy C
April 11, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
Last year Rosalyn and I were attending a Braves-Marlins game. Rosalyn asked me who was batting. I said “It’s Uggla.” Rosalyn said “Now Jimma, he’s not uggla, he’s kind of cute.”
By Lew
April 11, 2007 11:16 PM | Link to this
Tony-No you’re wrong-See my post about two DAYS in a row-and don’t cal me an idiot, you a$$. To further break it down-Gonzo 5.2 IP, Wicky 5IP, Soriano 4.2IP, Paronto 3.1 IP, Villarreal 3.1IP-These guys have all pitched roughly the same amount. No one of them comes up to an average of 1 IP per game. Mc Bride is a situational pitcher-used for lefthanded hitters, has an ERA of 9.oo and walked 6 batters in 2IP. Yates has an ERA of 10.80 in 1.2IP. You think maybe the reason they aren’t pitching so much is because they haven’t pitched well?
By The Grinch
April 11, 2007 11:23 PM | Link to this
Lets go Thrashers! This Seussian-American is going to sleep. Later.
By Lew
April 11, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
Look people-Think what the hell you want to think, but these guys are professionals and pitching two innings in two days with a day off in between is not that big a deal, especially this early in the season. I swear you all look for anything whatsoever to gripe about and then take it as a personal attack when someone disagrees with your assessment. The most anyone from the relief corps has pitched this season is 5.2 innings in two flippin weeks. That’s 5.2 innings in ten days. I hardly think their arms are going to fall off. As far as Villarreal, he is more likely to pitch more innings per appearance-he’s the long relief guy-and will probably pitch in fewer games to get his innings-especially if he has to bail Redman out every five days. McBride is a left handed specialist and it is now appearing likely that he will only pitch to one or two batters in any game, hence will pitch fewer total innings. As far as Yates, who knows what’s going on with him?
By N8.....the bible length posts are BACK!
April 11, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
Lew
“You can’t come out this early in the season, in this cold,and crankit at 96-97 every pitch.”
I’m not asking for EVERY pitch, but one would be nice, wouldn’t it? LOL! Besides, Soriano and Yates haven’t seemed to have too much trouble doing it, have they?
Dude, you know I respect your opinion, so I’m not nitpicking, but whether it’s nerves, cold weather or WHATEVER, Gonzalez doesn’t look the same as he did last year.
As far as Wickman in the 9th? He was already “up” when it was a save situation, due to Soriano’s inning. So there is no sense in NOT using him, when he was already warmed up, IMO. I’m less worried about him than the power guys, when it comes to being overused, anyhow.
By Lew
April 11, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
Oh and MBATL- I really don’t care what you post-suit yourself.
By parks
April 11, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
we could be 56-1 and this blog would still cry about something
By Tony Almeida
April 11, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
Yeah Lew, that makes sense, send out your best pitchers everynight even in blowouts because the pitchers who aren’t pitching well should NOT be in the game. So when the Mets come in to town and Soriano, Wickman, and Gonzo’s arms are hanging by their skin, then we should put in McBride and Yates….yeah, makes sense, my brutha.
By fastasballs
April 11, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this
That’s a two way street with Yates. He has pitched poorly in his 1.2 innings of work, but how can he work though it without getting the ball?
Two straight games with 5 run leads would have been great opportunities to get him the ball. If he stunk it up with the first two batters then pull him. It’s not like they were playing the Mets tonight.
The Nats are the most perfect confidence builders in the league.
BTW, Is Yates out of options?
By AdirondackDave
April 11, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
Lew - Thanks for your posts. I generally feel better about the club after I read you.
By Tony Almeida
April 11, 2007 11:34 PM | Link to this
Yeah Lew, you dont take it as a personal attack when someone disagrees with you……nice try though….
By MBATL
April 11, 2007 11:39 PM | Link to this
Lew, thanks for the thoughtful response. However, if you know anything about baseball, you know that it’s not the number of innings pitched that counts; it’s the number of times a pitcher has to warm up. Getting Soriano, Gonzalez or Wickman warmed up and ready to pitch “counts” whether they pitch 1/3 of an inning or 3 innings. Good night, sir.
By parks
April 11, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
not alarmed at all about the bullpen use
By Lew
April 11, 2007 11:42 PM | Link to this
No Nathan-Yates has an ERA of 10.80-he has had no trouble cranking it up to 96. As far as Gonzalez, I really have no idea how hard he threw last year and apparently no one else does, either. I really don’t care how hard he throws when, like the last two nights, he dominates hitters. Soriano’s fastball didn’t do him a damn bit of good tonight because he couldn’t get his slider down. Where di that speed get him? Y’all-We’re 7-1, leading the division, with a two game lead over the Mets, 2.5 over the Marlins, 5 over the Phillies, and are likely to be 8-1 after tomorrow. You’ve got this forest full of redwoods standing in front of you and you’re looking for diseased saplings somewhere. I’m not saying life is perfect, but why do you insist on stressing minor negatives that will probably amount to nothing in the long run. I’m sure the management is aware of how often everyone is being used and how they are performing.
By mr baseball
April 11, 2007 11:43 PM | Link to this
Lew: If Yates, McBride, Villareal aren’t going to pitch with the Braves ahead by 5 runs, exactly when are they going to pitch? I can understand the use of the Big 3 in close games, but that has not been the case the last 2 nights. If Cox does not trust his secondary relievers with 5-run leads, he better bring in some replacements. The Braves are going to have to protect a lot of late inning leads this season, and the Big 3 can’t pitch every time that happens, especially when the Braves are 5 ahead.
Say you’re McBride, Yates or Villareal. The manager won’t use you with a comfortable lead. Big confidence boost there.
Cox may not have pitched anyone more than 2 days in a row, but 4 days out of 5 is no picnic, and Soriano certainly did not look like himself tonight. He may have been trying to put Wickman in a save situation, but the Nats’ bullpen is so awful, the lead was right back at 5 when Wickman took the mound.
This is going to develop into a problem unless the Braves start scoring 8 runs or so by the 6th inning, or they begin losing a lot by sizeable margins, neither of which are very likely.
By AdirondackDave
April 11, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
Lew - Thanks for your posts. I generally feel better about the club after I read you.
By Lew
April 11, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
Tony-Only when someone calls me an idiot do I feel attacked personally and I respomd in kind. Get over yourself. Your insight ain’t all that, anyway. You’re way to reactionary and can’t deal with it when someone reminds you of that fact.
By AdirondackDave
April 11, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
Lew - Thanks for your posts. I generally feel better about the club after I read you.
By Sir Stealth
April 11, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
I’m in the camp that’s not worried too much about the overuse of the bullpen. First, its the beginning of the season and Bobby likely wants to make sure to get off to as good a start as possible, set the tone for not blowing games like last year, and see what he’s got with the new pen. Second, as Lew has correctly pointed out, there have been off days in there, so they haven’t really pitched all that many innings. Plus, Soriano, for one has had at least a couple of outings where he’s only thrown one or two pitches. Its not like Bobby is oblivious to the issue. He has been front and center in the game a long time, talks to the pitchers and consults with the pitching coach about who to play day to day. I’ll defer to him on this one. 7-1 is the only important stat at this point.
By Tony Almeida
April 11, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
Lew - No my friend, that would be you.
By parks
April 11, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
WWWWWAAAAAAAAHHHHHH BULLPEN WWWWWAAAAAAAAHHHHHH
By DAP
April 11, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
LEW, you are making sense, but 5.2 innings pitched to this point in the season averages out to over 100 innings of pitching. it still early in the season, but i think bobby needs to slow down a bit with the big three.
using our big guys against the mets and the phils makes sense, but they should only be in close games against tuff opponents, not in blowouts against the nationals.
By Lew
April 11, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this
Mr.Baseball-I have no idea why they didn’t pitch when we had large leads. I thought they should have as well. Maybe BC has some obscure and highly esoteric reason we couldn’t possibly understand. I was merely trying to point out to all the doom and gloomers that the big three really hadn’t pitched as much as some thought they had. I still think 5.2 IP over a ten day period this early in the season is not that big a deal, but apparently no one agrees with me. That’s their perogative. Good night.
By Braves fan 202
April 11, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
Wickman almost blows his saves. he never goes 1-2-3. w/e as long as he gets it done. he’ll blow one soon i guarentee it. Man soriano showed weekness, its ok hes still the man. I love this team though
By KC
April 11, 2007 11:59 PM | Link to this
Headline from Foxsports.com…
“GOOD FOR STARTERS: The Mets boast one of the most lethal lineups and best bullpens in baseball. Their biggest question mark going into the season was their rotation. But judging from early results, Dayn Perry says New York’s starters may turn out to be a team strength. Full Story…”
What can you do at this point but laugh?
The compulsion national media types seem to feel to endlessly fawn over the Mets, and their absolute refusal to recognize how good the Braves look this year is almost amusing.
And this headline on a night when the Mets’ 4th starter went 2-2/3 of an inning, allowing a hit, 7 walks and 3 earned runs before being pulled in the 3rd inning of a Mets loss.
Wow.
By Lew
April 12, 2007 12:01 AM | Link to this
One finalpoint for consideration. The weather has been horrendous. What if BC lets Smoltz, Hudson or any other starter go too long in this cold this early? Could they conceivably injure themselves? Maybe the relievers are going a bit more early so the starters can stretch themselves out gradually to 7 or 8 innings per start when it warms up a bit. Just something to think about. By giving the bullpen a bit of extra work early, he’s saving his starters. Perhaps the trend will reverse when it warms up.
By Lew
April 12, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this
KC-Was this before or after Oliver Perez gave up three runs while walking 7 in his 2.2 IP tonight?
By KC
April 12, 2007 12:06 AM | Link to this
The Mets have one of the best bullpens in baseball??
Until Mota comes back… it’s not even close to being one of the best in baseball.
Well… just thought I would share that amusing headline from Mr. Met himself, Dayn Perry. Hope it was good for a chuckle or two.
G’night ya’ll.
By KC
April 12, 2007 12:07 AM | Link to this
Lew: It says the article was posted 2 hours ago. Apparently Dayn Perry doesn’t have cable. lol
By Ron
April 12, 2007 12:14 AM | Link to this
KC, to be fair Dayn Perry in the Power Rankings did say the Braves are Back. Yes they were behind the Mets, but at least he did give the Braves credit!!! Thats more than alot of people are givin the Braves.
By Ron
April 12, 2007 12:19 AM | Link to this
Guys lets all just chill for a little while, I am a little concerned about the overuse of the bullpen, but Cox maybe just doin that while we face the NL East teams, especially the Nats, cant have the Bullpen blow a game against the Nats, even if it is 5 runs. Lets wait until the month is over and then decide if Cox is overusing the pen!!!!!
By Ron
April 12, 2007 12:22 AM | Link to this
Back in 2002 with that UNBELIEVABLE bullpen with Hammond and Holmes and SMOLTZ we were awesome, Cox did not overuse them!!!
By Robert
April 12, 2007 12:23 AM | Link to this
“we could be 56-1 and this blog would still cry about something”
Dude, we could be 161-1, and with Donk managing, we’d still exit early in the postseason
By Robert
April 12, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
“First, its the beginning of the season and Bobby likely wants to make sure to get off to as good a start as possible, set the tone for not blowing games like last year, and see what he’s got with the new pen”
Bobby Cox is not even CAPABLE of such intrictate thought processes, much less inclined to use them
7-1. What a manager we have
By A.J.
April 12, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this
LOL, I really don’t care about any of the “biases.” The only reason it ever annoys me is when I’m just sick of hearing how good the Mets or Yankees are. But it really just makes it sweeter in the end when they lose.
The only real problem is when I am tired of seeing the Mets, Yankees, Red Sox and Barry Bonds on TV, but as long as I live in Atlanta I’ll be fine.
This, however, is HILARIOUS. When “objective” people are so in love with a team as this guy appears to be with the Mets it is pretty funny to me. At least when they jump the gun like this.
By Coach
April 12, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this
The Baseball pundits can write whatever they want. We know who is in first place with the best record in baseball. Smoltz , Hudson , James…….MONEY , BABY ! ABSOLUTE MONEY IN THE BANK !
By Ron
April 12, 2007 12:32 AM | Link to this
Robert, Dude that was freakin Hillarious, that was wrong though, if we did that we could win without a manager, and I think Cox is the best manager ever!!! That was funny though, Robert!!!
By Alex
April 12, 2007 12:35 AM | Link to this
KC,
The NY biased media, of course they would keep writting about their darlings…NY Mets and NY Yankees.
ESPN is even worst. ESPN baseball tonight…that whole team is anti-braves, esp. Steve Phillips and red sox lover Peter Gammonds.
The only ESPN baseball analyst worth anything is Tim K. who actually knows his stuff and isn’t biased one way or another.
But yeah, I wouldn’t look for any love coming the Braves way from ESPN or FOXSPORTS. They each want to keep writting about how great the NY Muts are. Yeah, the Muts are slowly following the Yankees overspending formula…and you can see where it’s gotten the Yankees the last 6 years! No WS rings, even with a 200+ mil payroll!
Meanwhile, I hope the Braves can stay under the “radar” for as long as possible, let the national media overlook them, as long as they keep going strong it doesn’t matter.
By Ron
April 12, 2007 12:40 AM | Link to this
Robert, let me ask you one question, why do you hate Bobby Cox so much? I dont have a problem that you hate him, just wondering why, if it is because of the Postseason failure, well we did have alot of players that did good in the season and was DUDS in the Postseason, we had alot of them!!!(Drew, Sheffield, just to name two, could go on and on and fill up the whole Blog)!!!
By TennesseePaul
April 12, 2007 12:43 AM | Link to this
OK. To end the speculation I pulled up the scouting report on Gonzo…
Gonzalez is often overpowering with his fastball-slider combination. He runs his fastball up to 98 MPH and regularly throws it at 93-95 MPH. Gonzalez’ slider has a late break and is particularly tough on righthanded hitters. He struggles throwing his changeup for strikes at times, but it hardly matters working short stints in relief. Gonzalez began his professional career as a starting pitcher and has the ability to work multiple innings if needed. He often forgets about baserunners, making him easy to steal on, and is a subpar fielder. Gonzalez batted only once last season but belted a two-run double for his first hit since high school.
From this report I would say, yes he isn’t throwing as hard as in the past. I have no idea why either. If he was out there trying to over power to impress and only got it up to 90/91 then I’m not too impressed. Especially since he reached back to bring the heat and threw the ball everywhere but in the zone for the first few outings. I’m sure he’ll figure out what ever it is that might be prohibiting him from tossing as hard. Or maybe that old Braves pitching rule is in play… it isn’t a matter of velocity, it’s location location location. In which case, I’m still concerned. I’d like some first hand insite into this though. Going from a 93-95mph tops 98 to 90-91 is pretty troublesome.
And I am going to have to agree with those who fret about the “over use” of the big 3…
Player Games Innings Projected Inn
Soriano 5 3.2 74.1
Gonzo 5 4.2 94.2
For perspective, I believe Reitsma has the Braves record for games by a reliever at 84. That season he threw 79.2 innings. Not sure on the innings record. But Gonzo is on pace to surpass the Reitsma threshold in innings. Both of these guys are on pace to appear in about 101 games which would shatter the old mark. So I don’t think it’s a stretch to say they are on pace to be over used. And with Gonzo’s arm issues last season, I don’t think it’s a wise pattern to maintain.
On that note I’d have to agree with the other posts… why would they be in an 8-0 game? This seems like the best time to bring in McBride and let him figure out how to pitch to a right hander. Or Villarreal so he can get used to throwing multiple innings and work out whatever kinks he needs to work out.
I can understand the desire to keep the big three “fresh.” You don’t want them to sit in the pen un-used for extended periods of time. It could be we get on a role and pound the Nats and Fish into the ground limiting the need to use them. So you bring them out to keep their arms alive and let them stay in game form. But, the same should still apply for the rest of the pen. Yates, McBride, Villarreal…
(I’m looking at the roster right now to see all these guys and I gotta say… I frickin love this pen. So solid. And the rotation looks good if you subtract Redman. Hard to believe Smoltz has the second highest ERA in the rotation…)
By Braves fan 202
April 12, 2007 12:51 AM | Link to this
robert i know your joking, nothing, i mean NOTHING p** me off more than reading your blogs. Please everyone read his 12:26 post. And ron thanks for the two examples you sure showed him. Anyways robert, what the hell is wrong with 7-1. R u even a braves fan? You need to stop blaming cox and realize what a terrific manager he is. You are a disgrace to braves fan for not appreciating the most important figure of our franchise
By mr baseball
April 12, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this
Ron: That ‘02 bullpen also included Remlinger, Ligtenberg, Gryboski and Spooneybarger, and Gryboski’s 3.48 ERA was the HIGHEST of the 7 relievers. Cox didn’t have to overuse anyone because they all pitched effectively. At some point, he’s going to have to use his second tier relievers to protect leads, and what better chance than against the worst team in baseball with a 5-run lead.
This might turn out to be a relatively minor concern, but if Gonzalez or Soriano winds up with a tired/injured arm, it’s not going to be so minor. Cox is evidently so scared that McBride or Yates can’t protect a 5-run lead that’s he running the Big 3 out almost every game.
Those of us with questions about Cox’s use of the bullpen are quite happy with the start of the season. The team looks great. We’re just concerned that the cheerleader in the dugout might screw it up.
By Carroll Rogers
April 12, 2007 1:00 AM | Link to this
My bad on the RBI total, Big Daddy. And yes maybe the fun of responding to your comment was getting to say, Big Daddy. My eyes were playing tricks on me on the stat sheet and I dissed poor McCann who has 8 RBI to Frenchy’s 9. Bet the two of them will rack up them numbers if they stay this close. You know they push each other for some bragging rights.
Gotta agree with the comment on Edgar Renteria being a great pickup. How steady is he? Great defense every night. Three hits tonight. Been on base seven times in 10 trips to the plate this series. And quietly. Interesting.
And hm, song lyrics. Dave’s been gone two days and you guys are missing his lyrics, eh? Well, sometimes on long, busy, rainy days, Janis comes to mind….
(And i’m going off the top of my head, no googling to check myself, so fine make fun of me if i mess it up)…
Oh lord, won’t you buy me a mercedes benz. My friends all drive porsches I must make amends. I’ve worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends, oh lord won’t you buy me a murr