AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2007 > August > 26
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Chipper, Andruw taking day off
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
One last blog from St. Louis good folks, then DOB will meet you guys in Florida. Some news on the lineup today: No Joneses. Chipper it taking today off in hopes that one day will save him seven. The groin that has nagged him on and off this year got him again last night during his sixth inning at-bat. He tried to hit some indoors this morning but didn’t have much luck.
He thinks a day or so off will get him back on track, and I would imagine he’ll be back in there Monday, maybe Tuesday in Florida.
Andruw is getting the day off to rest. Bobby Cox said it’s for his knee, his shoulder, his elbow, just generally banged up.
“Just a day off,” is how Andruw put it.
Bobby was going to rest Brian McCann today but decided he couldn’t do without three big hitters in the lineup, so he’ll give McCann tomorrow off instead.
The Braves are going to have to scramble today with no Joneses in and Jo-Jo Reyes on the mound. No offense to the rookie, but he hasn’t pitched past the fourth inning in his last four starts. And he’s got Adam Wainwright on the other side, a guy who doesn’t mind pitching well against the team that drafted him in the first round out of St. Simon’s.
I have a feeling some relief is coming though. The Marlins have been brutal lately, losing 11 of 13. The only catch there is the Marlins are throwing two left-handers in three days. We all know how the Braves have fared against left-handed starters as a whole this season. (They’re 23-30 against left-handed starters.)
As for the first lefty the Braves will face tomorrow: Do you think it’s just coincidence that Scott Olsen’s won-loss record is 911? Ok, 9-11, but work with me. And the Braves thought they had a hand full with Wickman. Apples and oranges.
Chuck James is supposed to give his “dead arm” its first go with a side session tomorrow in Florida. He seems upbeat about he’s been feeling, and wow is he going to be important in September. I’d say we need to keep a pretty good eye on that.
And let’s pause for a little more reflection on Andruw’s catch in the eighth last night, to rob Jim Edmonds (and keep the game within a run), back to the plate, on a full sprint, ball coming from over his shoulder. Maybe he was just trying to keep up with the Curacao Little League team, whose center fielder made a dandy yesterday.
Y’all saw? Pretty impressive. I saw they had them back-to-back on ESPN top 10 plays. Nice touch.
Bobby’s comment about Andruw’s catch this morning? Took a shot at Jayson Stark.
“Great catch,” he said. “Maybe that guy will rewrite his book now.”
And did you know? (I’m thinking some of you probably did, but I’m saying it anyway) that Chris Woodward’s pinch hit single in the sixth inning last night was his first hit since July 29? Granted I think he’s had only 10 at-bats since then, but still.
Gonna go on and post this so you guys can get the news about the lineup. Did get to enjoy one last taste of St. Louis last night with a visit to Mike Shannon’s. Only problem was the kitchen was closed by the time I got there so I missed the toasted ravioli. Also had to switch from the usual Miller products to Anheuser-Busch, but hey, it was cold and the company was good.
Is this where Furman would say Selah? Cheers.
