AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USReady for another key series? Better be
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I would say it’s out of the frying pan and into the fryer for the Braves, but that would be a hackneyed cliché and we don’t use those here.
So let’s just say, they go from one very tense and important series at Shea Stadium to another big series here in Philly at the bandbox of a new park where the Phillies flat-out rake.
This is a series between the hottest-hitting teams in the NL, the Braves leading the league with a .307 average since the All-Star break, the Phillies second at .303.
They are also the top two in the league since the break in OBP (.391 Phils, .371 Braves), in doubles (65 for each team), and runs (169 for the Phils, 163 for the Braves).
But the Braves have taken it to another level lately, batting .344 with 18 homers and 80 runs during their current 7-3 run. This surge came on the heels of a 4-9 skid in which they hit .277 with just seven homers.
With Mark Teixeira added to an already-strong lineup, I can’t see the Braves having many more 13-game offensive slumbers like that. And it’s a good thing, because this bullpen can’t seem to get in synch, can’t seem to get more than a couple of guys going well at once.
And with Bob Wickman having an MRI today in Atlanta (we should know the results by late this afternoon), there exists the potential for more disruptions. To me, it’s time to make Moylan one of the two key guys at the back, in a setup and even a closer capacity. But I still doubt we’ll see him closing, when they’ve got Octavio Dotel with closer experience and all.
But Moylan’s been their most effective reliever, and how’d you like to have a guy with these stats closing for you: In his past 50 games, he has a 1.44 ERA and .183 opponents’ average, with 39 hits, four homers, 21 walks and 43 strikeouts in 62-1/3 innings. Not a ton of strikeouts, but that’s not what he relies on most of the time. He gets loads of groundouts.
While I’m thinking about it, let me offer what has to be one of the most shocking and impressive stats of this season: Philly’s Ryan Howard has 65 RBIs in road games. SIXTY-FIVE!
Magglio Ordonez leads the Al with 53, and no one else in the majors has more than 46 road RBIs. And Phillies stud Howard has 65. That’s astounding, to me.
So those who’d try to minimize his accomplishments by saying his ballpark’s a big reason he’s put up huge numbers, give it a rest. Howard leads the majors with 19 road homers, and no one else has more than 16.
Fact is, he’s hitting .228 with 13 homers and just 28 RBIs in 44 games at Citizens Bank Park, with 63 strikeouts in 158 at-bats.
In 52 road games, Howard is hitting .306 with 19 homers, 65 RBIs and 71 strikeouts in 193 at-bats.
OK, enough about Ryan Howard.
Besides, the real Philly shocker is Pat Burrell, who I’ve made fun of in the past. Pat “The Bat” is finally living up to his nickname, and he’s probably the hottest hitter in the majors right now.
He’s only at .265 with 17 homers and 58 RBIs for the season. But in July and August, he’s an otherworldly 39-for-98 (.398) with nine homers, 26 RBIs and more walks (27) than strikeouts (24) in 32 games.
He hit .435 with a .564 OBP and .768 slugging percentage in July, and already has 81 walks (and a .419 OBP) for the season. Where in the world has this been for the past couple of seasons?
Is there anything more boring and inconsequential in our lives than the Beckham-entered-in-the-72nd minute updates from ESPN? I don’t care. Do. Not. Care. How many are with me on that?
I’ll take the 1080s on skateboards and double-back flips on motorcycles over Beckham news, any day of the week.
Couple more hitting stats: Braves lead the NL with a .292 average with runners in scoring position, and it’s not even close. Dodgers are next at .277, Cubs at .276. Atlanta also has league-bests .377 OBP and .462 slugging with runners in scoring position.
Braves have a .287 road average, second in the majors to Detroit’s .290.
Braves are middle-of-the-pack in pitching, their bullpen ranked seventh in the NL with a 3.80 ERA and now up to 13 blown saves in 43 opps, after totaling only seven blown saves before the break.
The starters are seventh in the NL with a 4.34 ERA.
However, Braves are third in the NL in overall ERA since the break, at 3.75, just ahead of the Cubs (3.86), Mets (3.88) and D-backs (3.88).
If Lance Cormier must start again, then couldn’t ask for a much easier matchup in Saturday’s game. He’ll face Adam Eaton, who’s 2-3 with a 7.35 ERA and .335 opponents’ average in his past nine starts. Eaton has one win and a 6.54 ERA in his past six home starts, with 24 hits and four homers in 16-1/3 innings over his past three.
He’s 3-2 in seven starts vs. the Braves, and 1-1 with a 9.28 ERA in two this season.
Of course, this will only be Cormier’s third start, and first since getting shelled for 13 runs and seven homers in 7-2/3 innings of two in June against the Cubs. Oy.
Comments
By DonCoburleone
August 10, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
NICE!!!
By dack jerrick
August 10, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
The Braves own the Mets and the Mets know it. Remember, the Bravos swept the Phillies to open the season in this same ballpark. This fact is festering inside the minds of the Phillies right now. Oh, the humanity!
By Briana Banks
August 10, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
1st.
By Brooklyn Brawler
August 10, 2007 2:42 PM | Link to this
First
By Bobby Cocks (I suck in game strategy)
August 10, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
second
By darren in nashville
August 10, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
DOB, why no dotel yesterday?
By bigboi
August 10, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
I’m i first?
By ernesto
August 10, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
How was Cormier down in AAA? Did he seem to regain form?
These series where we have 3 through 5 going scare me. This is how we got swept by the Reds. Chuckie’s got to get us off to a good start tonight.
I wonder who we’d go with in a 3 man rotation? Buddy or Chuck?
And one other thing, are we a better team with Andruw playing or without?
By RC
August 10, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Here’s hoping that we not only take care of business on our end, but the Mets “flipping” of their rotation against the Braves comes back to hurt them when Brian Lawrence gets lit up by the Marlins. If that guy is the answer, I’d like to know the question.
By Patrick
August 10, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Agree with you 100% on the Beckham thing. But who won the Sportscenter most famous athlete contest?? I know that you were following that closely…
Also, any word on the report about Moylan on the radio today talking about Acosta being called up???
By AceF
August 10, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
Is it looking like Cormier is coming up?
Maybe Wickman sitting a while will be a blessing in disguise, giving him rest for the stretch run and allowing others to get their legs under them. Why not let Moylan close or set up? I don’t get what a bullpen staff has to have such clearly defined roles anyway, to be honest. Why not let the hot hand (Moylan) close when he’s hot?
And, not that you care, but for what its worth, the Beckham stuff has more to do with that hapless “Who’s Now” crap than any interest in soccer, which is a real shame. I love soccer and wish we could see it more often, even some English Premier League coverage.
By gobirds42
August 10, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
2 of 3 from the syphillies…..and moving closer to the muts, and soon will be the wild card leaders. lets go braves.
By superadam
August 10, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
we heard about hampton the other day, wnay news on Mike Gonzales and how his rehab is going.
By Bamabrave
August 10, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Should be a good series. Maybe some 15-14 finals with these teams.
For all those bashing Cox for handling the bullpen yesterday, he actually handled it well if you look at the big picture. A four run lead in the ninth should be safe with virtually anyone out of the pen. I imagine he was looking to the fact that we have a three game set with philly with the back end of our rotation which means we will in all likelihood be dipping heavily into the pen for the series. So it made sense not to extend Moylan another inning with a 4 run lead knowing that he will be needed for this next series. Face it, we need some innings from everyone in the pen with starters going 5 or six innings and the occasional meltdown from the back end of the rotation.
By Salty
August 10, 2007 2:55 PM | Link to this
DO’B offensive slumbers … Interesting combo of words…like sleeping with eyes open?!?
Beckham…I’m a big soccer fan, but…with you on the update…ESPN drools on!
By Bob, Journalist
August 10, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
RJITB, don’t react too negatively to Willie’s comments. Those who belong to the “he who toots his own horn not, the same shall not be tooted” fraternity are usually insecure and/or without substance … my opine is that it is a form of inferiority complex and they proclaim their superiority with increasing fervor as they perceive approaching doom.
I can’t imagine that of Willie but if he perceives that his players may be having inner doubts, I can see such statements as calling them to stay the course … publicly so saying seems more like an ill advised media defense mechanism than anything else.
If you have to tell folks you’re better, then you obviously believe that somebody doesn’t believe it … and you probably have your own inner doubts.
Methinks it’s ill advised as it’s far more likely to inspire your opponents that it is to strike fear into their hearts.
Think about it … when someone on the Blog tells you how good, accomplished, and/or smart they are … or how stupid, inept and/or bad you are … what is your reaction?
My guess is that you assume them to be of little or no substance … that it is a sign of weakness … that they’re a fraud … a joke!
If you take them to task, chances are that they will assert their actions to be part of a gambit … almost proof positive that they are what you thought them to be.
The Mets are no joke but making such proclamations doesn’t speak well for those who make them!
We’d best forget the mets for a while … other that hope that they lose … and concentrate on the task at hand!
We’re all flawed but the Phillies have an excellent team and we had best be ready to play!
Just my opine, simple old soul that I am.
By LT (double A blogger)
August 10, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
As much as I’d like to see the Braves sitting comfortably in first with a 10 game lead, a three team sprint to the finish line sure is entertaining.
I can’t remember being so glued games in August since the early 90s. I couldn’t sleep after that loss on Wednesday night! Now it’s time to bust on Philly!
Lets Go Braves!
By Alan
August 10, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this
Great stuff as always, DOB. The games this weekend could very well be high-scoring affairs, although Cole Hamels is a tough left-hander. The Braves have stepped up against lefties since Tex’s arrival, but Hamels is really good. We’ve got to hope Chucky keeps the fly balls inside Citizens Bank Bandbox (aptly named) tonight. Saturday’s game (Cormier vs. Eaton) really could be of the football-score variety, something like 17-13. I’d still love to see the Braves pick up a wily old veteran (David Wells? Someone will sign him for sure) and plug him in the rotation at #5. And you’re absolutely right about the closer role without Wickman. If he’s incapacitated for any length of time, things could get dicey - again - in the bullpen. Soriano and Yates have been downright scary lately. What an unbelieveable turnaround for those two! I’m with you - move Moylan to the 9th inning, preceded by Mahay and Dotel. I’m anxious to read your report on Wicky - sure hope he’s OK.
By Ron Roberts
August 10, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Ernesto… anytime you wanna see what a player’s doing in the minors, visit THIS site and do a name search on ‘em.
To answer your question, Lance was groovin’ before we called him up.
By KC
August 10, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts: Thanks for the kind words. My work schedule has finally slowed down enough recently to allow time for the things that are really important! lol
Boy oh Boy… DOB already wondered this aloud, but I’ll second it… How in the WORLD can our bullpen go from looking like the best in baseball when the season started, to completely shaky and uncertain??? WOW.
It’s like Yogi once said… you can sum baseball up in 2 words: “you never know”.
If Wickman goes down, we’ve just got to PRAAAAAAY that Dotel will step up. He hasn’t been particularly impressive so far, but I’m still hoping he’ll settle in.
As for Soriano… I really think it’s time to take him out of the setup role, at least temporarily. Until he can figure out what’s made him go from John Smoltz (the reliever) to Chris Reitsma… we can’t give him the ball in the late innings of close games!
If I’m BC, Peter Moylan is the new setup man for now. It sucks to be at that point, because Moylan is so valuable as a guy that can get you out of a jam in the 6th or 7th inning… but you gotta do what you gotta do. Soriano’s killing us right now.
By Bamabrave
August 10, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Agree on the Beckham hype but also would espn please lighten up on all the homerun rehash. It’s done so please give it a rest.
By Matthew R.S.
August 10, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
DOB: This may be a crazy proposition (just because I don’t know the numbers against righties/lefties) but what do you think the Braves’ interest in David Wells might be? I know he’s been awful of late, but so has everyone else out of the fifth spot in the rotation for the Braves. Would it be worth a shot, throwing him behind Carlyle instead of Cormier/Reyes? The prospect of having a cheap veteran lefty (10-5 in postseason play, by the way) who is only really playing now to get one more chance to get back to the promiseland, has to at least be a little enticing.
By Midnight Earl
August 10, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this
Who is More Now, David Beckham or the skateboarder that fell 40 feet?
I’m with ya DOB, who cares about a soccer player that doesn’t even play. Even wouldn’t get any pub without Posh on his hip.
By Lee in S. GA
August 10, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
DOB
I am with you on the Beckham fascination also. Give me a break. WHO CARES!!!!
As good ole J.R. would say this series should be an old fashion “slobber knocker”. I expect some tense games and I hope the bullpen comes through for us. It is certainly nice to discuss another team beside the Mets for a change.
By TampaBrave
August 10, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Put that Jeff Treadway magic on ‘em tonight. Mike Schmidt knows what I’m talkin about.
By KC
August 10, 2007 3:01 PM | Link to this
DOB: Do you have any idea what’s wrong with Phil Stockman?
That guy has been absolutely SICK down on the farm. No one can hit the guy. He was here briefly last year before getting hurt, and it didn’t take him long to land on the DL this year at Richmond/Miss.
Is he gone for the year, close to returning… any idea?
If he were healthy, that guy could help us TODAY!
By Mets rule. You drool.
August 10, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
Prediction - Amazin’s sweep the Guppies. Phils sweep Braves. Its a 2 team race after that. Then when we sweep the Philthy’s in a 4 game series at end of the month - well necks - its all over. Hahahahahahahaha!!!! You can do some math right?
And you still have to face us 6 more times this year AND your LUCK is about to run out - you saw it at the end of the game. (we may even take the season series, wouldnt that be Amazin’?) Hahahahahaha!!!!
Have fun getting shelled tonight. Ill be back tonight to follow up- but remember - I predicted it!!!!!!!!
By Chop Chop
August 10, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
DOB, the reasons why ESPN makes a big deal out of Beckham’s 21 minutes are two-fold:
1) He’s a bigger star around the world than any (or almost any) American athlete and was making his MLS debut in a regular season game.
2) ESPN is all about the entertainment side of sports and Beckham is right up their alley.
Other than that, it was just a guy playing 21 minutes as a substitute in the second half of a regular season game in what is considered a niche sport in the U.S. That basically means that very few people really care about it, but ESPN also gave us “Who’s NOW?” and “A Season on the Brink”. They don’t care what you think.
By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)
August 10, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
By David O’Brien
August 10, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this
Mets started out 32-17. They’re 32-33 since then.
Whew, that’s some unstoppable force. Don’t see how the Braves or Phillies can even dream of catching that runaway train…………..Well , that’s a pretty good argument on your part O’Brien. You just left out the other side of the argument. The Braves started out 28-21 and have went 33-33 since. The Mets have a bullpen , we don’t. Your math doesn’t look so good anymore , now does it ?
By Jay Dub
August 10, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
Mr. DOB,
I’m agree Moylan needs a larger role, but I still don’t like him for closer. The issue I have isn’t the numbers (which as you pointed out are spectacular) but is actually you’re other note,
“Not a ton of strikeouts, but that’s not what he relies on most of the time. He gets loads of groundouts.”
Allowing guys to make lots of contact in the 9th is a recipe for disaster. We saw that with Dan Kolb. I’m not a Kolb basher. As a matter of fact, many of his blow-ups started with slow rollers to short, seeing eye singles through the right side hole, etc.
Maybe everyone’s nerves are up in the 9th … and therefore a groundball pitcher requiring all the infielder’s participation isn’t always a good thing.
The Soriano of April/May is the prototypical closer in my opinion. I wish we still had him. Without that hard-throwing strikeout guy, we don’t have a lot of good closer options.
By ernesto
August 10, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the effort Ron, unfortunately it didn’t link to anything (missing page). Appreciate the gesture though.
Glad to hear Lance was doing well…maybe we’ll get a second win from the 5th spot this year.
By JD
August 10, 2007 3:05 PM | Link to this
Beckham sucks and his wife has the fakest hooters in the history of the planet.
By TheSouthernJackAss
August 10, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
TheSouthernJackAss will now be the ‘class act’ on this new blog…and refrain from replying to the deplorable and malicious jabs and attacks from that troublemaker bayou ron roberts…who is fruitlessly assaying to belittle TheJackAss, and to lure TheJackAss into a verbal joust of which TheJackAss is sure to win…but in so doing…envious bayou ron hopes to entice TheJackAss into making certain unseemly comments containing key words that could possibly earn TheJackAss banishment from the MIB blog…thus solving bayou ron’s Brobdingnagian conundrum…
bayou ron is well aware of how to contact TheJackAss if bayou ron really wants to man up, as bayou ron has eluded to on numerous other occasions…as everyone else is well aware…so, out of respect to DOB, and to other bloggers, that is all TheJackAss has to say “directly to” bayou ron…
By ernesto
August 10, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
That ESPN “who’s more now?” could be the lamest thing on televison today.
And there is some awfully lame stuff on tv these days.
By Alan
August 10, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
Dack Jerrick, just a reminder that the Phillies returned the favor (3-game sweep) last time the teams met in Atlanta. And at the time, Ryan Howard was relatively quiet while Pat Burrell was relatively comatose. They’re not quaking in their boots, believe me. They’re a very confident club right now, and their ace is on the mound tonight. Look again at the numbers at the top of DOB’s blog. The Phillies are for real - just like the Braves.
By Matthew R.S.
August 10, 2007 3:07 PM | Link to this
Man, Wells still has to serve a seven-game suspension this year too, I see. Damn that team that instigated Wells’ arguing.
Oh, wait.
Still, if you can’t get another starter and Cormier does nothing tomorrow, it might not be a bad idea. Might, is the operative word.
By Paladin
August 10, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
Well, here we are in good old Fil-a-delph-phi-a, the birthplace of our nation. With no appreciable change, there-after.
Now, on to the park that is more fitting for motor-cross than it is for baseball.
BRAVOS, START YOUR ENGINES!!!
By KC
August 10, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
The more I think about it… Moylan should close if Wickman can’t.
My first inclination was to give Dotel a shot at the job first if Wickman goes down, because (obviously) he’s already been closing all season long.
But Moylan’s been our best reliever this year, and you want your best reliever at the far back of the pen if you can.
Also, we’re going to need a closer next season, since plan-A (Mike Gonzalez) obviously isn’t going to be the guy on opening day. The only way to know before next season how Moylan would do, is the start closing him now.
Now of course, if Wickman’s healthy enough, and can remain reasonably effective… you don’t mess with the 9th inning. But if worst comes to worst with Wicky… I now think Moylan’s gotta be the guy.
By NO CHOP ZONE
August 10, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
I don’t ever want to hear that the great NCZ doesn’t visit after a tough Mets loss. But admit it, You guys were real nervous after Wright hit that three run homer. Anyway, we’ll just move on and win four or five of the next six and we’ll back in business. I know all you brave fans are giddy but the Mets are still in first. The one thing I’ve noticed is that the energy level of the braves is higher than that of the Mets. I beleive Cox and JS have real anomisties toward NY and have that team all jacked up whenever they play each other……We’ll just keep the focus on the big picture.
By Braveheart
August 10, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
In the starts not made by the Braves top 4 starters, the craptastic starting pitchers have pitched 147.3 innings in 32 starts and given up 123 earned runs for a 7.51 ERA. They only average 4.61 innings per each of their crappy starts. In the starts not made by the Mets top 4 starters, their craptastic starting pitchers have pitched 150.3 innings, given up 104 earned runs, in 28 starts, have a 6.23 ERA and have averaged 5.36 innings per start.
The fact that the Mets have averaged 5.36 innings per start for their crappy starters has saved alot of grief and wear and tear on their bullpen. That 4.6 innings per start for the Braves’ crappy starters has just gradually killed the Braves pen which was outstanding for the longest time in the beginning of the season.
Yates and Soriano were lights out for a long time this season until the wear and tear caused by the craptastic ones took their toll. For example, Soriano never caused a loss during the first 3 months of the season but has caused 6 losses since July 1st. Overuse and overexposure
AS comparison, the Braves top 4 starters have pitched 505.7 innings in 83 starts, given up 194 earned runs, for a 3.45 ERA, with 6.1 innings per start. The Mets top 4 starters have pitched 527.3 innings in 86 starts, given up 210 earned runs for a 3.58 ERA and 6.1 innings per start. Although the BRaves and Mets are pretty much averaging the same number of innings per start from their top 4 starters, they have each gone about it differently. The Braves are more top heavy. Hudson has averaged 6.6 innings per start, Smoltz 6.4, Buddy 5.8, James 5.5. The Mets top 4 have all averaged over 6 innings per start, with Glavine at 6, Maine at 6.1, Perez at 6.25, Duque at 6.21.
Hudson spares the pen the most. It seems more preferable to have the Mets starters all average 6 innings per start in order to spare the pen at least 4 days a week - even more so when the crappy fifths are averaging over 5 starts a start, which means their pen is saved from wear and tear all week long. But with the Braves, you have Smoltz and Hudson sparing the pen two days a week but then have Buddy, Chuck, and the horrible fifths terribly straining the pen the other 3 starts a week.
The lack of innings from Chuck James would be more forgivable if the craptastic fifths were at least averaging 5 innings a start like the Mets starters do.
By biffpocoroba
August 10, 2007 3:10 PM | Link to this
Brandon Jones is the shizy
By RedEyedAndBlue
August 10, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
Manny Acosta is the closer for the Richmond Braves and has been lights-out all season. 26 year-old Panamanian righthander, 6’4”, 175 lbs., 9-3 record, Low 2 ERA. 12 saves. Was previously a Yankees farmhand.
By Bobby Cox
August 10, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this
What is the point of all the complete idiots on here who have to type “first” into all the early posts. No one cares who is first and it is really annoying.
By Paladin
August 10, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
On the closer debate: I think we missed our chance when we were in the Jersey area not to pick up Tony Soprano as our closer. Now, that guy mows ‘em down!
By Ron Roberts
August 10, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
I agree with you KC. Dotel’s not only not getting guys out like a closer, since coming over; he’s also missing badly with his location.
Moylan has been consistent. He’s the only guy, aside from Villareal, who’s been consistent, frankly, aside from Chad Paronto, but he, of course, is in Richmond.
By NO CHOP ZONE
August 10, 2007 3:17 PM | Link to this
I know there’s no one here that will agree with me but I’ll throw this out there anyway…..The Mets are a 6 or 7 game winning streak from owning the NL East. I hope your not too giddy from yesterday’s win to think it isn’t. But seperate yourself from your bias for a second and think about it.
By Chris
August 10, 2007 3:19 PM | Link to this
I think we’d have to go with Buddy in a 3-man rotation. Just don’t get many good innings out of Chuck.
As for Andruw, I think we’d be a better team with him on the bench and Willie and Diaz playing every game.
By Shaun
August 10, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
DOB,
One thing to consider about the Phillies offense is context. Citizen’s Bank is a hitter’s park. By my count the Phillies have only played seven games in pitcher’s parks (San Diego and LA) since the break and three more in a neutral park (Milwaukee). The rest have been at home.
Arizona is the only hitter’s park the Braves have played in since the break.
Not saying the Phillies offense isn’t good but within the context of the ballparks in which they’ve played, the Braves offense is probably more impressive since the break.
By Real Footballer
August 10, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
Soccer = Communist Kickball
Need a big series win this weekend. War Damn Braves!
By Paladin
August 10, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Istarted to say, “To hell with Soriano, let’s bring on Soprano”: but some people require a “visual”.
By Marc
August 10, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
Finally, Peter Moylan is getting the attention he deserves. He’s been all to effective and entirely underrated by everyone. He’s a rookie, too, and I think he deserves serious consideration for the ROTY vote.
By Bob
August 10, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
No Chop Zone,
Dude, I bet the Braves would have been nervous if David Wright had hit a three run homer…especially since there was only one guy on bench. Are you really as stupid as you appear on this blog? But did you see the expressions on the faces of your Mets when Willy made that catch???? Now that was visible. You guys got lucky and salvaged one game but you had better pray big time that this team doesn’t get into the playoffs, because you are in BIG TROUBLE if they do.
Again NCZ, one runner on base and a home run equals 2 runs, not 3. Not even in a place called Flushing.
By h_charles
August 10, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
Moylan is the knee-jerk response if Wickman falters, but Dotel is the wise option. Closing is a different world. It can humble the greatest of arms (Lidge, Donnie Moore, etc.). It takes a rare kind of person to thrive there. Dotel has done it and shown he can. The LAST thing we can afford is to have Moylan lose confidence with a blown game, a’la our last promising sidearmern, Joey D. In today’s game the 8th is just as important (but without the pressure). Moylan needs to take that rode from “batting practice” Soriano until that guy can figure out that fastball down the middle is not the ideal spot to be throwing flat fastballs. Let Soriano, and Mahay alternate in the 8th and pray we don’t have to use Yates.
By Coach (Hank Aaron Is The Real HR Champion)
August 10, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
KC , Phil Stockman has on and off the DL all season , He was demoted down to AA Mississippi. He has basically been hurt the vast majority of the season which is why he has just 18 innings pitched all year.
By NCBravesFan
August 10, 2007 3:24 PM | Link to this
NCZ Good point, but so are we. :)
By Chris
August 10, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
KC You are a moron. Just a couple of weeks ago you were calling Dotel a “lights-out” closer while I explained to you that he wasn’t. Now you’re saying you don’t want him to close for us. So which one is it?
By Marcus
August 10, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
the bull pen is worrying me. I don’t know what the avg. is across the majors, but we are 30/43 in saves for a 69% rate. It is much better than last year (I thinkwe had 29 blown saves) but we gotta plug that hole, esp. since the bats seem to be coming around (in general). We have to hold a lead. Huddy has gotten stiffed for a ‘W’ at least 3-4 times by our bullpen and almost got jacked yesterday, were it not for that 9th inninn, HR saving, over-the-wall grab by Willie.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
August 10, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
DOB with a lyric-free edition of the MIB/Braves Blog. Also, who’s David Beckham???
By David-ATL14
August 10, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this
Somone earlier asked about Stockman, he’s pitching sparingly in AA(Mississippi) injured most of the season but is now off the DL and pitching in Pearl.
Hasn’t progressed yet to working on back to back nights.Highly doubtful you will see him in ATL at all this season.
Word seems to have leaked that Acosta has been called up. Any update on this DOB?
By Braveheart
August 10, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this
No Chop, the Mets are a 7 game winning streak from owning the division, huh? What if the Braves go 6-1 during that stretch? What if the Braves go on a 7 game winning streak and the Mets lose 7 games in a row, then the Braves are owning the division right?
By Lee in S. GA
August 10, 2007 3:28 PM | Link to this
All we need now is for the “Philly Fanatic” to show up on here. He and the “Mets drool fool” and “Chop less Zone” will all have something in common. Their respective teams losing series against the Braves.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
August 10, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
I was kidding about the Beckham thing. Has Sunday’s Game been changed to ESPN’s Sunday Nighter?
By Paladin
August 10, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Anders He seems like the biggest jerk in the world.
Efrim My friend Anders is not the biggest jerk in the world. There is…. And….. And….:-)
Seriously, you would pick Anders over NCZ? I think you will find yourself in a distinct minority.
By TheSouthernJackAss
August 10, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this
So DOB—is it still permissible to make disparaging remarks about one’s mother on your blog??…as did ron roberts to my mother on the previous blog…which has also earned ron roberts a visit from TheJackAss???…
If something isn’t done about it…all hell will soon be unleashed here like never before!…
I hope all you do-gooders noticed just how low that scumbag SON OF A B!ITCH has stooped!!!…
By Shaun
August 10, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this
Not trying to knock Ryan Howard, he’s certainly a great player, but we must consider who he’s hit behind most often this season.
Rollins - .337 OBP
Victorino - .351 OBP
Utley - .414 OBP
Rowand - .388 OBP
The best part about Howard isn’t necessarily his RBI total. It’s that he’s hitting .271/.399/.595. You put that kind of hitter behind two or three of the hitters above and you are going to see him rack up the RBI. Which is great for Phillies fans.
Chase Utley has actually been about as impressive as Howard. His OPS adjusted for league and ballpark is 55 percent better than the league average while Howard’s is 54 percent better.
By TexasBrave
August 10, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Braveheart - Great analysis of why we have bullpen problems this year. The pen was good, but we just rode that horse too hard.
By Anders
August 10, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this
Paladin Thanks for the defense but Efrim wasn’t talking about me. We were discussing that moron Mike Fransesca on WFAN radio in NY.
By Ron Roberts
August 10, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
Arkansas Hillbilly… Dunno how long its been that way, but far as I knew, the ATL/PHI game Sunday has been on the ESPN docket awhile now.
By Mets rule. You drool.
August 10, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
That NoChop Zone guy is right, if the Amazin’s sweep the Marlins this weekend (probable) and you don’t have Smotzl or Crudson you could easily get swept by Philadelphia…so thats 6.5 back in just 3 days.
For you GED rejects who dont get the math - we ARE 3.5 GAMES UP! If we go on a good streak that could jump to 7-10 quicker than you can say ‘World Series Chokers.” HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
By Robert (Justice Is The Best)
August 10, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
No Chop Zone, seperate yourself from YOUR own bias. The Mets are by no means a six or seven game winning streak from “owning the division”. Such a streak would only do that if both the Braves and Phillies go on a similar losing streak at the same time. Do you really think that will happen? Your team is a .500 team over their last 65 games. That isn’t a slump. That’s a way of life. Can’t blame it on not having Beltran because he has only missed 10 or so games. Can’t blame it on no Pedro because he wasn’t there when you began the season 32-17. Not intrested in listening to excuses. Not saying your making any but some of your fellow fans and your team’s manager are.
I didn’t hear any sympathy last year when the Braves only had two of its opening day starting pitchers still in the rotation when the Mets swept through here last July. I heard no sympathy when the Braves had more relievers on the DL than there are “auto body shops” around Shea Stadium. Didn’t hear any sympathy when Chipper, Giles, and McCann were all hurting last year. And, most of the people on this blog didn’t allow it to be an excuse. Most of us still believe with all that being true this team was underachieving.
Fact is this Mets team isn’t as good as they fancy themselves to be. Numbers don’t lie. The Mets are just like the Braves and Phillies. All three are teams that have not played as well as they could. And, that is why the Braves or Phillies have just as good a chance to win the division.
And, I’ll say this. If the Braves lose this division by four games or less the Mets should personally thank Bud Selig because without interleague play it would not be the case. And before you start any crap, anybody with good sense acknowledges the Braves had the hardest interleague schedule by far.
By Del
August 10, 2007 3:38 PM | Link to this
I wonder if BC aver looks at HIS pitcher’s stats? Seems to me he makes his bullpen selections based on emotion or what their roles are SUPPOSED to be. Heaven forbid that he should ever use the “Hot hand” method in his selection process. He operates the same way with Dru. I know one thing —- he is one very stubborn manager. I just hope that his stubborness doen’t cost us a playoff spot!!! Seems like the deeper we get into the season the more he digs his heels in.
By NO CHOP ZONE
August 10, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Braveheart…..The Mets have a 3 game lead right now. That’s the only reason I said that. If both teams were even then that’s not the case. As for Bob and the stupid reference. Can’t you refer to me without the insults. I don’t recall making any toward you.
By TampaBrave
August 10, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Don’t necesarily think Moylan is a knee jerk reaction. He has shown pretty good consistency over a period of time. Some people have it and some don’t. We will not know until we try.
By BamaBrave
August 10, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
But wait a minute, NCZ… If the Nationals win all of their remaining games, they’d go 100-62. Now separate yourself from your bias for a second, and I think you’ll admit that that’s plenty good enough to win the East outright.
By Ron Roberts
August 10, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this
Now who’s whining to the AJC.com staff?
By Anders
August 10, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
125th!!! Sorry was that a faux pas?
By MGL
August 10, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
There is a 26 year old Cuban Defector at Richmond, Canizares. Has played in 28 games there. Against righties, 64 AB .375 AVG, .431 OBP, .500 SLG. However against lefties, 23 AB, .522 AVG, .526 OBP, and .870 SLG.
Maybe we should have squeezed him in the lineup against Hamels.
By A--ville Ranger
August 10, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
Dob This seems like an opportune time to bring Jose Ascanio back up.He’s having a good year and did a very good job in his 5 games with Atl.Mostly though I just think he looks ready to contribute.
By Paladin
August 10, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
RROE Stay the frick out of squabbles between regulars PARTICULARLY when one of the “participants” is SJA!
NOTE Before one of you wadders jump me: I didn’t make that rule. I am only repeating it!
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2007 3:43 PM | Link to this
Darren, Bobby rested Soriano and Dotel yesterday. I was just reminded (by Bowman) than I actually asked Bobby after the game about Soriano not pitching, and that he said both him and Dotel were getting the day to rest.
Anyway, I forgot that earlier when someone asked about why Dotel didn’t pitch. He pitched three straight games, so I guess Cox wanted to rest him two in a row….
As for Cormier, yes, he pitched well in his starts after the break at Richmond. Told me yesterday that getting six days completely away from the game, with his family, kind of cleared his mind and that when he got back, he pitched much better. Hey, that’s what he said.
By monty
August 10, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this
I happen to agree with what Joe Simpson said,the other day. You go with your “hot-hand” in the bullpen. In other words not by a prescibed philosophy of so-in-so in the 7th, this guy in the 8th, and Joe Blow in the 9th. What if Joe Blow has had 2 blown saves in a row? OR your set up man has lost confidence? If you were pinch hitting you wouldn’t or (I believe) shouldn’t just go with a designated guy. But whoever on your bench has been stroking the ball lately. Your designated guy could be 0 for his last 7 at bats. Roll with your hot hand. If that doesn’t work, you just got beat, but when you get beat and your hot-hand is still sitting on the bench, you have to second guess yourself. Right now, maybe not next week, but right now Moylan is HOT!
By Chase
August 10, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
NCZ and MUTS TOOL!
What’s wrong? You guys have to LICK YOUR WOUNDS for 24 HOURS BEFORE CRAWLING BACK HERE TO SPEW YOUR RIDICULOUS NONSENSE?
You guys were A FLY BALL AWAY FROM GETTING SWEPT!!!! You should be thankful to escape with one win!
The Braves are not gonna Lose 7 in a row so if the MUTS do go on a winning streak they couldn’t “own the division”
You guys have to come on here and LASH OUT and ATTACK to compensate for your INSECURITIES and INFERIORITY COMPLEX towards the Braves!
But hey, if you guys need to do that to get through your day… go ahead..
PATHETIC
By Efrim
August 10, 2007 3:48 PM | Link to this
Paladin
Easy bro. Talking about Francesa.
By Arkansas Hillbilly
August 10, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts,
I have a printed schedule in my office that I go by. It had the game on TBS, but I thought I heard a commercial saying it was on ESPN.
By Braveheart
August 10, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
The average pen has given up 22 stolen bases.
The Braves have given up an astounding 36 - no one is even close.
The caught stealing percentage is only 18% compared to 25% league average.
Very strange because when the starters are pitching, the Braves have only given up 36 stolen bases (3rd lowest in the NL) and the caught stealing % is 33% (4th highest in NL) as compared to the league average of 27.
Very strange that the relievers have given up as many stolen bases as the starters in almost 270 less innings.
By Bob
August 10, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this
No Chop,
Its just that you and the Drooler are target rich environment. I retract my stupid comment though. Just deficient in math.
By Johannes
August 10, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
How did Josh Beckham get into this country? Who cares about soccer anyway!
DOB, what are Dotels numbers as a closer over the years. I heard he was not godd as a closer. So they shouldn’t use him as one.
What’s the word on Wickie?
GO BRAVES!
By NO CHOP ZONE
August 10, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Robert, The Mets played every playoff team from 2006. So I cCan’t agree that the braves had the hardest interleague schedule. But to be honest with you my visit to the blog today was to show that I would still be here even after a tuff Mets loss. I’ve already been called stupid by BOB so I hope I don’t regret it. And as I told Robert(JISB), I only predicted the 6 or 7 winning streak is because the Mets are still up three. Lastly, I am well aware that the Mets have not played their best ball in over 2 months and the braves have won every series head to head, But what does that say about the braves and phillies when the Mets are still in first by three games? That just my point when I say the Mets are a good winning streak from closing out this race. I wasn’t trying to start any sh-it with that comment…
By AthensBrave
August 10, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Good Friday Gentleman,
Throughout the season, I’ve read/heard comments about how folks think Andruw will heat up.
Its August 10th, and its the same inconsistent Andruw out there.
Do ya’ll ever see him heating up or is this what we’re stuck w/? Can ya’ll imagine our lineup if he returned to form?
By TheSouthernJackAss
August 10, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
Roberts all was just in good fun until you made that remark about my mother…now you’ll get your visit…that’s all I have to say to you here…ever…
DOB—are profane remarks about one’s mother, like those made by ron roberts on your previous blog, going to be permitted now?
If the rest of you gutless wonders want to put up with that puke…have at it…
By Chase
August 10, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
HEY MUTS TOOL!
Your last post was that of a typical sad MUTS fan…
You all always want to say “oh the Braves are WS chokers” or “how many WS did they win”
That is a pathetic crutch for a LOSER FRANCHISE and its LOSER FANS!
You wanna know how many WS the Braves have won in the past 18 years… ONE MORE THAN YOU!
Typical MUTS LOSER… Win one Division Title in 18 years and Bragg and talk trash like you’re somebody!
I’ve said it before…
ONLY A LOSER BRAGGS or TALKS TRASH WHEN HIS TEAM HAS WON ONCE in 18 YEARS!
And that was just a Division Title.. You didn’t even make it to the WS!
JUST SAD REALLY
By Braveheart
August 10, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
The average NL team has 28 saves, the Braves have 30. The average bullpen ERA is 3.98. The Braves have a 3.80.
The average bullpen has thrown 357 innings, the Braves have thrown 383. The average save % in the NL is 67%. The braves are at 70%.
The average pen has given up 35 bombs. The Braves have given up 32. The average team has 14 blown saves. The Braves have 13.
The average OPS against is .721. The braves OPS against for relievers is .700 - the Mets relievers have a .698 OPS against.
By Paladin
August 10, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
DOB I was looking in my Thesaurus(an old one, I admit)and under “key” it listed—near the bottom—“possibly pivotal”. I’m glad we have reached near agreement, for a change.
Speaking of change: Don’t take any wooden nickels. Philly is probably the *only place they would have them.
By David O'Brien
August 10, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this
Strong indications that Acosta is indeed up, but Braves PR guy not here yet and clubhouse isn’t open. If he is, it probably means either Yates or Wickman is DL’d. But I’ll let you know soon.
Acosta’s had good numbers most of the season, but hasn’t pitched as well in past five weeks or so, from what I understand. All I remember is he had that horrendous eight- or nine-run inning in spring training.
By Anders
August 10, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Arkansas Hillbilly Braves are the ESPN game Sunday night.
By Chop Chop
August 10, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
The SJA/Ron Roberts stuff is entertaining and it kinda involves sports. I do believe ESPN’s Stu Scott, comedic legend Kevin James and Hollywood starlet Jessica Biel should be on this case.
By NO CHOP ZONE
August 10, 2007 3:59 PM | Link to this
Thanx Chase you just made me realize that it doesn’t pay to be a stand up guy and visit the blog after a Mets loss. As I was posting I was thinking that I would earn some respect from the brave fans but I guess I was wrong……C’YA!! Oh yeah I almost forgot, FU—CK YOU and LETS GO METS!!!!!!!
By Pete
August 10, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
I have to agree with the earlier post that ESPN’s “Who’s Now” segments on Sportscenter are the BIGGEST WASTE OF TIME!
By Stephen
August 10, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
David, Are the Braves interested in Fernando Cabrera? Young Free Agent with a nice up-side… why not take a chance? Couldn’t do any worse than Soriano’s done lately…
By Jess
August 10, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
Why call up Acosta when Ascanio already looked good this year? Even Devine looked pretty good.
The Mets & Bravesa have both been average since their good starts. I still say the bullpen is hurting us more than the rotation. We have lost way to amny games when having a lead after 7.
Losing 1 game to a good Mets team isn’t the end of the world. But it’s the way we lost it that’s so bad. Add the Houston game that we blew a late 4 run lead & that’s 2 recent games we should have won if our bullpen didn’t poop it’s self!! That’s not even count amny more.
By Renegator
August 10, 2007 4:02 PM | Link to this
NCZ:
How many 6 or 7 game winning streaks have the Mets had this year?
I’ll give you hint - starts with a “z” and ends in an “ero”.
Don’t worry - we aren’t worried about the Mets going on a 6 or 7 game wining streak. It ain’t gonna happen, bro.
By Arkansas Braves fan
August 10, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
Mets Reek you Geek: Will you please let is know when the ball Chipper(your daddy)hit lands.
By Chase
August 10, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this
NCZ…
YOU DON’T GET CREDIT FOR “coming on after a tough loss” WHEN IT HAS BEEN OVER 24 HOURS AFTER THE GAME!
Its amazing how you MUTS guys find your way on here IMMEDIATLEY AFTER a MUTS win/ Braves Loss… But it takes a while for you to crawl back after your team goes down!
By KC
August 10, 2007 4:04 PM | Link to this
We’ve got to get the late-inning situation settled, but as far as our middle relief is concerned… there’s help on the way.
Here are some AA/AAA relievers that may provide a boost for this club in September:
Chad Paronto Through June and July (in ATL), Paronto pitched 24.2 innings, and posted a 1.09 ERA, with fewer hits than innings pitched and no HRs allowed.** He was actually pitching pretty well when he was sent down to make room for Dotel.
Royce Ring At AAA: 2.45 ERA, 49 K’s in 36 innings, and a .195 opposing avg. At San Diego: 15 innings, 11 hits, 3.60 ERA.** He’ll give us another lefty in the pen, which of course is why we went out and got him.
Jose Ascanio – At AA: 2.58 ERA, and only 1 homerun allowed in 73 innings at AA. At Atlanta: 7 innings, 8 strikeouts, 1 ER.**
Joey Devine: 44.1 innings, 63 strikeouts, 1.83 ERA, .197 opposing avg. at AA/AAA this year. Also looked good in handful of outings with ATL. Maybe he’s finally ready for primetime… don’t know. One thing’s for sure… AAA hitters sure as hell can’t touch him.
Tanyon Sturtze: Maybe, maybe not. He’s making rehab starts, but no way to know if he’ll be healthy/sharp enough to help next month.
* We’ll soon have plenty of depth in our middle relief. But you’ve GOT to have your close situation in hand going down the stretch. Moylan’s our best reliever right now. If Wickman can’t go, give him a crack at the job.*
And maybe that kind of depth will allow us to rest Soriano and Yates more. I don’t know if being over-worked is responsible for their 180’s from June to July/August… but a little more rest certainly can’t hurt.
By DonCoburleone
August 10, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this
I’m pulling for Cormier. I mean, that 1.6 ERA in Spring Training wasn’t a total mirage was it? There has to be something there and hopefully he can put it together for the stretch run…
And as far as a closer if Wickman is out, it’s gotta be Dotel. Moylan is far too valuable as a guy in the middle innings who can get out of a jam and pitch an inning and two-thirds or 2 full innings in a must-win game… I’d rather have him come in with a 6-5 Braves lead in the 6th inning and pitch the 6th & 7th. It gives our offense a chance to ADD ON TO A LEAD, instead of having to play catch-up because whoever pitched the 6th allowed 3 runs… Dotel closes, Moylan stays in his role and Soriano stays the setup man (and throws something other than fastballs on every pitch!!!!)
By Shaun
August 10, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
Braveheart,
Relief pitchers generally don’t worry about steals that much. Also, a lot of times teams will just let the runner on first go in late innings because that run doesn’t mean anything.
Also 18 percent and 25 percent isn’t that big a difference when your only talking about 29-44 attempts.
My guess is there are a higher percentage of attempts to steal against most relievers than starters. And the reason the attempts are so high vs. the Braves are because their bullpen has logged so many innings.
Also, they are a good offensive team so maybe relievers are in more often than other teams when the game is not on the line and they are willing to give up the base.
I don’t know for sure. We’d have to dig a little deeper. But I wouldn’t read too much into those stolen base numbers.
By Paladin
August 10, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
My bad, Efrim. When you get to my age you miss some things. Like your keys, your eye glasses, your truck. Oh, and the toilet seat.
By Chase
August 10, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
NCZ..
I’ll say it again… If you want credit for coming on after a LOSS.. Come on at least the day of that loss… NOT sometime the next afternoon!
I bet if the Braves had lost You’d have found your way on the Blog INSTANTLY!
Also it is Widely Known and Well-Publicized that the BRAVES HAD THE TOUGHEST IL SCHEDULE IN THE MAJORS!
By TheSouthernJackAss
August 10, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
Nuff said…
By Colin
August 10, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
**WHOS MORE NOW THAN WILLIE HARRIS….HE WAS ON BASEBAALL TONIGHT, WHO WAS THE LAST BRAVE TO B