AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > May > 05
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Trio at top fuels Braves
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The first three hitters in the Braves’ lineup _ Kelly Johnson, Edgar Renteria, Chipper Jones _ have been arguably the most effective trio at the top of any order in the major leagues so far.
And to give you some idea of what I’m talking about, here’s a snapshot: The Braves have played 13 games in the past 15 days. In 12 of those 13 games, the Braves got a combination of hits and walks totaling at least six from the first three spots in their lineup.
In other words, those three have been on base at least six times in every game during that stretch, and sometimes a lot more. The only time they didn’t do it was Wednesday’s 4-3 win vs. Philly, when they combined for “only” four hits and one walk, but scored three runs between them and got two RBIs from Chipper.
(By the way, it was K.J., Edgar and Chipper in those three spots in every instance except one during that stretch — Chris Woodward hit leadoff in an April 23 loss at Florida and went 1-for-5; Chipper had three hits that night.)
The first three spots in the order produced five or more hits in five of those 13 games, including consecutive games April 25 at Florida and April 27 at Colorado in which Johnson, Renteria and Jones were a combined 14-for-25 with two walks, seven runs and seven RBIs (the Braves totaled 12 runs in those games).
Of course, this shouldn’t be terribly surprising, since anyone who’s watched the Braves knows how instrumental those first three guys have been to their success. Those three and the rotating Nos. 5-6 hitters, Brian McCann and Jeff Francoeur, have carried the offense, with cleanup hitter Andruw Jones still trying to find his stride.
Yes, it’d be scary to think what they might have done with Andruw also crushing during this stretch. But then again, how often have you seen even four or five guys surging at once, which is what the Braves have had for much of the season.
That said, here’s what the Braves have gotten from their first three hitters, as compared to the rest of the National League:
— Braves leadoff hitters (Johnson in 25 of 28 games) rank third in the NL in average (.324), first in OBP (.459), fourth in slugging (.556), tied for second in homers (5), first in walks (27), tied for fourth in RBIs (15), fourth in runs (27). Johnson’s eye-popping .472 OBP includes .479 as a leadoff hitter, the best among major league leadoff man by a huge margin.
— Braves No. 2 hitters (Renteria in every start) are tied for third in the NL in average (.328), third in OBP (.389), third in slugging (.479), second in runs (22), and tied for third in RBIs (17).
— Braves No. 3 hitters (Chipper in every start) are first in slugging (.679), first in homers (10), first in runs (26), second in OBP (.423), second in walks (21), fifth in average (.312) and have the fourth-fewest strikeouts (17).
And, oh by the way, from the fifth spot (Francoeur 14 starts, McCann 13, Thorman 1), the Braves rank second in the NL in average (.333), tied for first in RBIs (24), third in OBP (.397), third in slugging (.546), tied for first in doubles (11) and third in homers (4).
OK, I gotta get to the ballpark now: Braves need another big night from Tim Hudson, because they don’t want to have to rely on Kyle Davies tomorrow in order to avoid losing a series. A Hudson win tonight and the series is theirs.
Strong recommendation:We’ve found a new country-music hero. James Hand, who was recommended by one of our good bloggers here during spring training. After searching record stores in 5-6 cities, I finally found a copy of his incredible CD “The Truth Will Set You Free” in Denver.
This guy is in his mid-50s and just got a recording contract, near as I can tell. And I’m not exaggerating when I say he’s the closest thing we’ve had to Hank Williams, at least in my lifetime. Sounds almost exactly like him on most songs, and writes great songs. Even wears the old-school Western suits with the piping and all. James Hand. Get it online somewhere if you like the real country, the old stuff.
Let’s go back several years, maybe a decade… for today’s music selection. From Modest Mouse, long before they became a big commercial success. This from their great “The Lonesome Crowded West” record. (Man, does this make us conjure images from rough times.)
“POLAR OPPOSITES” by Modest Mouse
Polar opposites don’t push away/It’s the same on the weekends as the rest of the days
And I know I should go but I will probably stay/And that’s all you can do about some things
I’m trying, I’m trying to drink away the part of the day/That I cannot sleep away
I’m trying, I’m trying to drink away the part of the day/That I cannot sleep away
Two one-eyed dogs, they’re looking at stereos/Hi-fi Gods try so hard to make their cars low to the ground
These vibrations oil its teeth/Primer gray is the color when you’re done dying
I’m trying, I’m trying to drink away the part of the day/That I cannot sleep away
I’m trying, I’m trying to drink away the part of the day/That I cannot sleep away
.JPG)
-1.JPG)
Services »
