AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > March > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSmoltz faces Tiger again — this time on ballfield
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Coming to you from old-school Chain of Lakes park, where I just watched big Tyler Flowers of Marietta put on another power display during batting practice.
Wait, THIS JUST IN: I’ve just been informed by our crackberry-wielding Braves PR man that Tiger Woods, yes, Tiger Woods, grabbed a bat and hit today during John Smoltz’s three-innings of simulated game conditions back at Disney. Yes, it would have been a good day to stay back at Dark Star.
(Now that I think about it, I’m wondering about the use of “simulated game conditions” in this case. I mean, Tiger Woods, simulated game?)
In a second missive from Dark Star to the PR man here, we’ve learned that Tiger went 1-for-4 with two strikeouts and a bleeder up the middle that was generously ruled a hit, that in his fourth plate appearance when his pal Smoltz threw him a few batting-practice quality mid-70s fastballs. Before that, he threw his real stuff at the megastar golfer.
After striking out his first two times up, Tiger either drew a walk or struck out looking, depending who was telling the story (hey, these are very informal sessions that Smoltz is doing on the backfield, with a coach or someone else calling the balls and strikes).
Braves didn’t provide a pitching “line” on Smoltz’s session, but Chipper Jones had a double off him, Jeff Francoeur had a single, and Tim Hudson was bragging about getting a couple of hits. Don’t know if anyone else hit other than Chipper, Huddy, Francoeur and that golfer dude.
By the way, I’m told Tiger wore shorts with a Braves jersey tucked in, and a batting helmet, of course.
There was no line on Smoltz’s performance, but Chipper had a double and Huddy bragged that he had two hits
Roger McDowell stayed back there this morning to watch Smoltz, and I should be able to get a quote from the pitching coach after today’s game.
(Postscript: Just talked to Roger after today’s game — after the real game — and he said Smoltz did indeed walk Tiger. But he also said Tiger’s hit wasn’t a hit, that a second baseman would’ve snagged it).
If I can reach Smoltz, I’ll add a quote from him here or below. His voicemail says he doesn’t generally answer his phone or check messages between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. down here.)
Anyway, back to Flowers: Before we were so rudely interrupted (OK, not really rudely), I was telling you about the latest potental Braves slugger from the Atlanta ‘burbs. I talked to him this morning, going to do a story on him tomorrow for Friday’s paper.
Good kid, great personality. And he wants everyone to know he’s 6-4 and 250, not 220 as listed in the media guide (that was years ago he weighed that), and that he’s from Marietta, not Roswell.
There weren’t any long balls today that were comparable to the now-legendary wind-blown bomb he hit during BP at Port St. Lucie on Monday, the one that longtime observers estimated at 480-500 feet, longer than any they’d ever seen hit there.
But he did hit a couple onto a grass berm beyond left-center field here today, and more importantly, he did it with an easy, smooth swing that has quickly caught the attention of Bobby Cox and Terry Pendleton, among others.
Did I mention the 250-pound non-roster catcher/first baseman has been perhaps the biggest surprise in the first week of spring training? Well, he has. He’s 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs heading into today’s game against the Indians, and he’s in the lineup as the DH batting eighth.
Cox’s excitement about the kid came through in an unrestrained moment during a conversation in the dugout this morning. “His swing is so [freaking] good,” he said. “He’s got a great, nice swing. No moving parts, so simple.”
When I mentioned being a future first-base option, Cox said, “Yeah … I don’t know. Maybe I’m out of my mind. But I like what I see.”
Flowers is not going to make the team out of camp, barring some rash of injuries or other unforeseen circumstances. But Flowers is definitely planting the seeds in the minds of decision-makers, giving the Braves something to think about for the not-too-distant future.
I’m not saying they’re gonna pencil him in as the man to replace Mark Teixeira if Tex leaves as a free agent after the season. Just saying he’s giving the Braves reason to believe he could be ready to fill such a role sooner than later.
“We’re a long way from the barn … but he’s been a pleasant surprise of camp,” said GM Frank Wren, employing an expression from the cow-milking days growing up on a farm. “We knew he could hit, but he’s kind of maturing before our eyes.”
In other words, let’s not get carried away and pencil Flowers in as the heir apparent to Tex, or as a catcher that could make Brian McCann expendable someday. Let’s just enjoy watching the strappin’ young lad in his first big league camp, and see how he does this year at high-A Myrtle Beach, I’m assuming. Or maybe he’ll get some time at Double-A Mississippi.
Last season at low-A Rome, he hit .298 with 34 doubles, 12 homers and 70 RBIs in 106 games, playing mostly first base (69 games) and DH until late in the season, when he split time between first base and catching.
He caught and played first base the year before at rookie-ball Danville, but a knee injury prevented him from catching for much of the 2007 season. The knee’s fine now, and Flowers is said to be a good defensive catcher, according to Cox.
“The pitchers love throwing to him,” Cox said. “He’s a big target back there.”
He said Flowers was just “OK” at first base, but just needs more work there to improve his defense. Anyway, he’s one to keep an eye on, now and in the future. Maybe the near future.
Soriano update: Closer Rafael Soriano could pitch in a “couple” of days, Cox said, and GM Frank Wren said Soriano’s sore elbow is not a concern at this point.
Wren characterized it as the typical type of soreness that so many pitchers around baseball get early in camp, and said Soriano’s stomach problem (flu or whatever he had) magnified the situation because he’s not pitched in a game yet due to the two ailments.
Cox also said that Soriano’s elbow was sore from the beginning of camp. However, Cox, Wren watched Soriano throw very well in early sessions, so it wouldn’t appear that he came to camp with an injury.
Braves flew him to Atlanta for a physical before he signed his two-year, $9 million contract in January. They say they’re sure he wasn’t hurt before he got the contract.
In a week this could blow over — if Soriano starts throwing in games. If he’s sidelined by this elbow for for another week or more, yes, there will be undeniable concern.
But for now, Wren says there’s more than enough time for Soriano to get ready for the season.
“He’s throwing in a couple of days,” Cox said. “He’ll be fine.”
Is there any reason for concern? “I don’t think so,” he said.
But I have to add, Cox didn’t sound entirely convincing when he said that.
”JERSEY GIRL” by Tom Waits (covered by Bruce Springsteen)
Got no time for the corner boys,
down in the street makin’ all that noise,
don’t want no whores on Eighth Avenue,
cause tonight i’m gonna be with you.
‘cause tonight i’m gonna take that ride,
across the river to the Jersey side,
take my baby to the carnival,
and i’ll take you all on the rides.
Down the shore everything’s alright,
you’re with your baby on a Saturday night,
don’t you know that all my dreams come true,
when i’m walkin’ down the street with you,
sing sha la la la la la sha la la la.
You know she thrills me with all her charms,
when i’m wrapped up in my baby’s arms,
my little angel gives me everything,
I know someday that she’ll wear my ring.
So don’t bother me cause i got no time,
I’m on my way to see that girl of mine,
nothin’ else matters in this whole wide world,
when you’re in love with a Jersey girl,
sing sha la la la la la la.
and i call your name, i can’t sleep at night,
sha la la la la la la.
Comments
By TennesseePaul
March 5, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
DOB: Thanks for the new blog. All appreciated.
Yet another victory for the home team last night. The Dirtbags have moved up another notch to 9th in the country. The scouts are out in full force. Bryan Shaw is getting some serious attention here. Great closer. Amazing stuff. He could work on his control some. Danny Espinosa broke up the no-hitter in the 6th after two straight walks started the inning. Danny squared up for the bunt with runners on first and second. With the infield in he pulled back the bunt at the last minute and knocked the ball through the 5.5 hole to load ‘em up for the first hit of the game. Shane Peterson drew a bases loaded walk to tie the game at one. A pitching change resulted in another bases loaded walk, a fielders choice and a 2 out squeeze to put the Dirtbags up for good. The Dirtbag’s Tyler Topp pitched 5.1 innings of 3 hit, 1 run ball, with 5K’s and 0 BB for a no decision in his first start for Division 1 ball.
Lew: I think Thom York covered the proper troll retort best. It’s almost like he wrote the song while watching the Great Collapse…
Don’t get any big ideas
They’re not gonna happen
You paint yourself white
And fill up with noise
But there’ll be something missing
Now that you’ve found it, it’s gone
Now that you feel it, you don’t
You’ve gone off the rails
So don’t get any big ideas
They’re not gonna happen
You’ll go to hell for what your dirty mind is thinking
By hk
March 5, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
… pretty meaningless this early, but through yesterday, ‘MVP’ (Runs + HR’s + RBI’s) …
http://www.mindspring.com/~hk3/mvp08.htm
By BosnianBaller
March 5, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
the game is on direct tv channel 657
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Jurrjens has thrown 18 strikes in 25 pitches during two perfect innings so far, three pop-ups, two weak groundouts and a Delucci line-out to CF.
Flowers up now for Braves in top third, one out.
By Lew
March 5, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
TenPaul-I bow to his words of wisdom.
By KC
March 5, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
DOB: How is Jurrjens looking today? Also, when is Hampton’s next action?
By BossLady
March 5, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
WOW! These daily blogs makes me feel like I’m down there. Thanks
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Jurrjens looks terrific. He’s retired eight in a row to start game, including last two guys on strikeouts, Jason Michaels and some catcher named Yamid Haad.
Now top prospect Trevor Crowe (their Schafer) is up. He’s got full count on him … and a 6-3 groundout.
Three perfect innings.
By texmex
March 5, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
nice inning
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Anyone who doubts that Jurrjens will or should be in opening day rotations, you’d think differently if you saw today’s performance.
Pencil him in the opening day rotation, folks. I’d say there’s very little chance he’s not in it….
Couple compelling lefty matchups vs. Tigers next two days: Glavine vs. Dontrelle on Thursday at Lakeland, and Hampton vs. Kenny Rogers on Friday at Dark Star.
By TommyP
March 5, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Jurrjens is going to lock that 5 spot down and if Hampton isn’t ready, the 4 spot. Kid can pitch.
Interesting stat: Glavine threw the 2nd most balls last year of any major league pitcher. (I think Baltimore’s Cabrera was #1)
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Teixeira RBI single on a strange-hopping ball that got all kinds of top spin off the infield lip and shot through the right side.
1-0 Braves, and Javy up with runners on corners and one out.
By joe from central ca
March 5, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB How is our newly acquired CF looking so far this spring? Haven’t heard his name called much.
By Evan
March 5, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Jurrjens is looking better and better for that 5 spot in the rotation.
By M.C. Shan's Classic "The Bridge"
March 5, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Ladies and Gentleman We got MC McCann and Smoltzie Smoltz in the house tonight They just came from off the backfield and they wanna tell you a little story about the new kid where they’re from
The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge
You love to hear the story again and again of how they won back in 91 The division titles is right in your face Sit and listen for a while to the name of the new babyface
The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge
Hardball was set out in the dark They used to do it out in the park Every place they said his name it rang an alarm Otherwise known as Union Man Tom A brother whose known for his rap Javy Jack, Larry Wayne and least not last A cool brother Raffy who throws gas These brothers own the NL East block ’Cause they was down with a man called Bobby Cox They still jam in the place called The Ted They give you sweet dreams when you go to bed
Go to the Ted Get frisked Just in order to get in And if you wasn’t from A-Town Then you couldn’t fight and win But everytime we had a blog We couldn’t get no peace That’s why they’re no Mets blogs out there The Mets blogs, they had to cease ‘Cause they didn’t have a pup named
The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge
Mets fans, why don’t you wise up Show all the people in this place that you are bright Make this here one blog that you do not start no fight Cause that is one thing that we all must see done And if you start some sh!t you’re a$$ had better run Cause we root for
The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge
Dimples be the boy, he is great Mac and Smoltzie Smoltz own the plate They still rock it out in the Ted And the title of it was sucker Mets fans And then the Mets strolled along one day And then the Mets walked into a pitcher named JJJ First in line you know its me MC McCann ha ha in the place to be MC McCann he made them beg The Yoga Man that look like a keg The chubby catcher out to get loose Now he squats down and he got the juice The Ted is the place where stars are born And we are the only ones that can’t be worn out By any sucker Mets fan Keep your mouth shut ‘bout our man ’Cause he’s
The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge
Dead dreams, the Mets bought and sold You gotta try and earn your goal However you do it however you’re made Don’t ever listen to what Omar say Cause I will tell you the deal You gotta go by what your heart feel Cause if you don’t you’ll be misled By stupid little things he put inside your head Or someone else called a Phillie Their trying to live your destiny By the time you think about it the title is blown And then you gotta say god damn The Braves took it right to my dome Grab hold of your heavy chain Rich people always pullin always trying to restrain You heard just what I said They’re always pullin ya back when you wanna get ahead They pull you back cause they’re not gonna win it You’re talking about the Series Their talking about quit it Soon you’ll see that time just fly Cause you spent most of it out spendin’ high Thought about it much, much later Could’ve brought up a kid from the minors and been much greater But you chose to lead that fate Now you’re sucking on a bone while the Braves are chewing on a steak The whole purpose of the story I told Was mainly to inspire you to reach your goals Stop walking through life as if you are blind You should reach for your goal cause i’m reaching for mine ’Cause he’s
The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge The Bridge, The Bridge, Lilli, Lilli, L’il Bridge
Keep on rockin The Bridge Will keep rockin If the beat stop rockin The Bridge will keep rockin If the beat stop rockin The Bridge will keep-a rockin Till the beat stop rockin The Bridge will keep-a rockin Till the Bridge stop rockin The kids will keep-a rockin When the Bridge stop rockin The Bridge will keep-a rockin If the kids stop rockin The Bridge will keep-a rockin Till the beat stop rockin The Bridge will keep rockin
Ladies and Gentleman We got MC McCann and Smoltzie Smoltz in the house tonight
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
javy weak fly to left, not deep enough to tag from third.
Borchard up, runners on corners and two outs. POUNDS a LINE DRIVE to leff-center gap for a two-run double, 3-0 lead.
By JordanPTC
March 5, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Ha! Hate to jinx the team, but how fun would it be for the Braves’ pitchers to no-no the Indians in ST?!?!
By KC
March 5, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Braves Are Due for Some Luck:
Ya know, I was just thinking… the Braves are overdue for a run of good (or even fair) luck, aren’t they? Well… at least the pitching staff is.
In 2006, nearly everything that could go wrong the Atlanta’s pitching, DID go wrong.
Chris Reitsma, Jorge Sosa were terrible. Hudson had the worst season of his career. John Thompson and Horacio Ramirez spent most of the year on the DL. Baez was a nice pick-up, until the injury bug bit him as well. And none of the young arms began to pitch in until it was too late.
In 2007… Hampton’s comeback was derailed for another full season, and every option the Braves tried at the bottom of the rotation was a disaster. Chuck James, while he wasn’t giving the Braves innings, was pretty good until a shoulder problem rendered him useless for the last 2-plus months of the season. Oh… and then there’s Mike Gonzalez’s injury, and fizzling out of Bob Wickman.
Time for Hampton to have a victorious comeback… for Glavine to win 15 games… for one of our young arms to more than solidify the 5-slot… and most of all, HEALTH!
Yup, the Braves are due for some good luck. The baseball gods owe it to us.
By Jim
March 5, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Who else is pitching today?
By Overlord
March 5, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Moises Alou flew to NY to see the Doctor. He has discomfort on one of his groins……Another player went with him in the same plane with health problems, just couldnt hear who was it.
Whats new for the mets?
I think the mets having santana doesnt means they are nl east champions. But i can tell you, if they didnt get santana, with all their injuries and question marks…….it was an automatic 3rd place finish….. so he really means a lot.
Dodgers strike first, a double and an RBI single.
1-0 dodgers 2nd inning
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Flowers inning-ending pop up to 2B to end inning after Diaz infield hit (yes, Diaz infield hit).
By Overlord
March 5, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
KC Jair looks very very good. He jammed every hitter but one, a liner to kotsay. He pitched 3 innings of perfect baseball…… i think james wont catch up with him.
Bennett is up for those who were claiming for him.
By Josh H
March 5, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
DOB:
How many hitters from the Tigers “real” lineup did Jurrjens faace?
By TennesseePaul
March 5, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
After reading Chipper’s take on the trade, and Wren’s comments on preventing James from pitching, and watching JoJo prove last season he needs more time in the minors, it was pretty much a shoe-in Jurrjens was in the rotation. The question then fell to Hampton, who has proven to be healthy… so far.
Opening rotation (barring injury or an attack from Hugo Chavez)
Hudson
Smoltz
Glavine
Jurrjens
Hampton
Order will be different more than likely but I’d imagine that’s the crew… for a little while until the old timers start seeking days off.
By Seymour
March 5, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
Didn’t Diaz get an important (more or less game-winning) infield hit sometime last season because of his hussle?
By TJ
March 5, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Liliputian would be appropriate, but doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue…
By SNIPER-69
March 5, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Lew, Through their first three full seasons Wright has superior numbers than Chipper. HR’s 83/74 HITS 553/500 RBI’S 325/307 SB’S 71/42 SLG .533/.486 OBP .395/.372 AVG .314/.289 -Yes, Chipper was good but Mr Wright has been better.
By Overlord
March 5, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
Kotsay is having a nice spring, good glove, good ABs so far. Everything looking very good for us with him.
DOB after seeing jair and Bennett, what do you think? Bennett was not near as sharp as jair.
As you said…. i think 5th is locked. James will go against bennett and jojo for the spot as long reliever i think….. what do you think about that?
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Just got back from talking to Jurrjens, in time to see Prado hit a double that bounced off RF’s glove way back in the corner at the warning track.
Jurrjens is a very bright kid. You folks are going to like him. Good attitude, upbeat, and listen to this quote about him trying to throw first-pitch strikes today and get guys to hit the ball:
“I was working just to get ahead of every hitter, trying to throw first-pitch strikes and pitch for contact.
“I’m trying to throw the least [number of] pitches I can now. Because even though it’s only three innings now, during the season it’s going to be more and I want to try to go deeper in games to help the bullpen.”
By Overlord
March 5, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
DOB is it true that Prado is taking more batting practice once games are over? Thats what guys from indians TV said. That he is taking extra BP after games.
By Overlord
March 5, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
DOB what about chipper? i read he is taking BP and fielding GB. how is he doing?
By chuckaluck
March 5, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
DOB — Thanks for new blog. I agree with BossLady, it is almost like being down there. Was Jurrjens performance today the best of the spring by a Braves’ starter?
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
joe from central ca.: Kotsay entered today 3-for-10 with a double, and most importantly for the Braves, no pain in his back. Hasn’t missed any workouts or even had to come in early for treatment…
Funny you asked, because he’s up right now. With a runner at second and two outs … swung and missed first pitch. Takes ball 1…. And ball 2… And ball 3.
It’s 3-1 count now. Swings and misses.
Full count: pop up to the seats behind 3B…. another pop up into seats down left-field line…. Then a hard opposite-field flyout to the LF warning track.
Inning over.
By chrisklob
March 5, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
For anyone interested, the game can be seen on channelsurfing.net. You might have to install a couple of plug-ins but it doesn’t take but a couple of minutes to do.
By flange1
March 5, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Thanks for all the hard work! I can’t wait for Opening Day!
I think JJJ is the real deal and will be either 4 or 5 in the rotation. Hope Hampton is healthy!
Question: It appears that the rotation is “set”, lets assume that is will be Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, JJJ, Hampton,
We have heard Chuck might not be ready for Opening Day. If not, he will probably start the year on the DL and go to Richmond to “get ready”.
So here is the question, Once Chuckie is ready, do you think they will leave him in Richmond to start or bring him up to Atlanta as a reliever?
Thanks!
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
Josh H, only absentees from Cleveland lineup: Sizemore and V. Martinez.
They had Travis Haffner, Jhonny Peralta, Ryan Garko, David Delluci, Casey Blake and Jason Michaels in the lineup, along with the top prospect I mentioned, CF Trevor Crowe.
By FJR
March 5, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
just need 1-3 more teams to fill up the braves blog fantasy league. It’s hosted on ESPN (FREE). If you want in still, this might be the last shot. E-mail at fjrabon@gmail.com for an invitation.
By Braveheart
March 5, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Lew, Through their first three full seasons Wright has superior numbers than Chipper. HR’s 83/74 HITS 553/500 RBI’S 325/307 SB’S 71/42 SLG .533/.486 OBP .395/.372 AVG .314/.289 -Yes, Chipper was good but Mr Wright has been better.
Sniper69 We’ve seen David Wright type pretenders to Chipper’s throne before.
Hank Blalock, Scott Rolen, Eric Chavez were gods at the age of 24 as well.
All were pretenders to Chipper’s throne. All three fizzled out.
Chipper was a god before all three came on the scene and Chipper is still a god after all three fizzled out.
Tell David Wright to give Chipper a call when he is 36 years old like Chipper will be next month.
I have a funny feeling David Wright will fizzle out just like Howard Johnson and Edgardo Alfonzo did for the Mets.
David Wright will never be making that phone call to Chipper.
By ColoradoBravesFan
March 5, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Good news that Chipper’s hammy feels well enough to take left-handed cuts in simulated game against Smoltz.
Any idea if he took any swings right handed in BP today?
GO BRAVOS…
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Overlord, Chipper is scheduled to return to lineup Friday vs. Tigers at Lakeland….
Wow, I was just distracted by the, uh, scenery….
TennPaul, I agree with your rotation (2:05 post), and perhaps even with the order. I’d have Hampton fifth, make it easier to give him a start off now and then….
Ridgway pitching now, pitching well, just got three straight groundouts in a perfect fifth…
Bennett gave up a walk in one inning of work, not bad at all considering how much time he’s missed due to that nasty flu bug that kept him out more than a week.
By HuffBraves
March 5, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
THERE’s that power stroke. Egad. Way to go Tex!!
By ChiTownBravo
March 5, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
This team reminds me of many of those mid-90s Braves teams, only with a good bit more pop in the lineup. If those teams proved anything, it was that over the course of a season, teams with the deepest and most dependable rotations most often outlast the rest.
That’s been a key problem for the Braves the last couple of seasons with injuries and undependable #3, 4 and 5 starters. This team looks ready to withstand the rigors of a season with its depth in the starting rotation.
As they always say…pitching wins championships. Every year, it’s proven over and over again and this year will be no different.
Rotation depth should get the Braves into the playoffs this year. Having some solid fireballers in that rotation such as Jurrjens and Smoltz along with Hudson should hopefully help them accrue some much needed playoff wins once they get there.
Sit back and enjoy, folks. It should be a good year.
By matt_T
March 5, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Any chance of seeing pictures of Tiger in his Braves gear?
By Jim
March 5, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this
I am surprised that Bennet only went 1 inning today. Someone said that he doesn’t need the work as much because he pitched in Winter Ball, but if he is to be a serious candidate for the 6th man or projected for his trade value, shouldn’t we have a larger sample of work to go on? I disagree with someone from a previous blog who said that the Braves have a good idea of what he can do. We only have a brief 2-week sample of what he can do from a time when he was in a good groove coming out of the AAA playoffs.
By Daybed Wagmoe
March 5, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
This Jurrjens fella looks pretty good.
DOB - do you know if Cox was referring to him when he said, “the Mets got one pitcher, but we got two”? In the article on atlantabraves.com, the writer makes it sound like he was referring to Glavine and Hampton, which doesn’t sound like it would make sense. Yeah, having Hampton come back is like getting another pitcher…
By Mike
March 5, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
SNIPER-69, you forgot one important stat: Rings Chipper: 1 Wright: 0
By Daybed Wagmoe
March 5, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Royce Ring in the 5th? The live boxscore says Ridgway…
By SNIPER-69
March 5, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Braveheart, I’m just reading you the numbers. I don’t know about the future of David Wright and neither do you. Not only are his numbers better, He’s also not the a*******hole I’ver heard chipper is. Even braves fans have to admit that David is a stand up guy who they’d love to have on their team. I would think even you can see that.
By ole timerbrave
March 5, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
DOB how far was the Tex homerun?
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Ridgway in fifth, Ring in now. Ring issued a two-out walk, now facing Delluci with a runner at first.
By Overlord
March 5, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Indians are still looking for their 1st hit in the 6th i think.
By Scuba-Steve
March 5, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul I loved that statement “Barring injury or an attack from Hugo Chavez”. That had me rolling, don’t really know why. Maybe just too easy to humor.
By Ben
March 5, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Love Jurrjen’s gameplan re: getting ahead of hitters and pitching for contact. Surprising coming from a young guy, but definitely a good thing. Sounds a lot like the Maddux approach.
By HuffBraves
March 5, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Ridgway 5th, Ring in 6th
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
March 5, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
Can we mention the no-no we’re pitching, even if it’s spring training? Dammit, I just typed “no-no”. By the way, DOB, how is the, uh, scenery you mentioned earlier? It’s getting closer to spring break time here in Fla and the scenery will only be getting better.
By SNIPER-69
March 5, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Mike, you’re right but give him some time. He’s only 25.
By Lauren T.
March 5, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Was “the scenery” at 2:29pm named Jamie, DOB? ;)
By Scuba-Steve
March 5, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul I loved that statement “Barring injury or an attack from Hugo Chavez”. That had me rolling, don’t really know why. Maybe just too easy to humor.
By ole timerbrave
March 5, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
BTW i’m watching on MLB, I ready for the season to start. Still, don’t know who the backend of the bullpen might be. Can you give some of your opion on it?
By Daybed Wagmoe
March 5, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
The number one reason why this year’s team will post 90+ wins (as opposed to 2007’s 84) is the improvements to the rotation.
2007’s rotation: Smoltz Hudson James
4 and 5: Davies/Carlyle/Redman/Cormier/Reyes2008 rotation: Smoltz Hudson Glavine Hampton (or in 5 slot) Jurrjens/Reyes/James
We had 3 holes in the rotation that were insufficiently plugged during the year. We’ve filled those holes with the acquisitions of Glavine and Jurrjens and the return of Hampton, and now we’ve got a lot of backup if and when needed.
By TennesseePaul
March 5, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Well DOB, if that is then the case of the rotation, the Braves are set up for a much, much better home opener than last year when Mark “The Tee” Redman toed the slab.
My fingers type this without any help or backspacing … if healthy … the team should do quite well and the rotation will be a much improved cog.
Hell, the simple fact of knowing Mark Redman has no chance of being the home opener makes the start of the season wonderful.
By Chazbo
March 5, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Mr. O’Brien what is Buddy Carlyle looking like down there?
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Daybed, he was referring to Glavine and Hampton. Actually named them, but the guy didn’t use that part of the quote.
I’ll put that quote in my notebook for tomorrow’s paper, probably.
BY THE WAY, Braves have a combined no-hitter going. Five guys have allowed no hits through seven innings.
By TennesseePaul
March 5, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
Braves have thrown 7 no-hit innings. Stinking Bennett and Ring blew the chance at a perfect game. Hang your heads in shame guys!
By Big Easy
March 5, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Thorman still has that huge swing…
Bottom 8, Indians still looking for their first hit…
~E~
By Overlord
March 5, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Runs scored in spring NL.
1st Diamondbacks————51
6th Braves———————39
last Mets———————-22
By Luther
March 5, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
TP-Mark “The Tee” Redman- very nice
By Stephen
March 5, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Cox’s excitement about the kid came through in an unrestrained moment during a conversation in the dugout this morning. “His swing is so [freaking] good,” he said. “He’s got a great, nice swing. No moving parts, so simple.”
Does that imply that Cox said Flowers’ “swing is so f_cking good”?
Stephen
By TennesseePaul
March 5, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Cuevas, J
21-28 3.94 ERA in 74 Games, 66 Starts 356.0 innings with 344 K’s, 169 BB’s and a 1.32 WHIP in 4 minor league seasons since being signed by the Braves in 2003. He pitched at Myrtle Beach last year.
By DAP
March 5, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
has mccann played at all this spring?
By Bawlmer Brave
March 5, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Hard for the Muts to score any runs when they keep running out the water boy, trainer, bat boys, and Sniper. Aren’t gonna score many runs that way.
By OrlandoFan
March 5, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Gee, doesn’t Mark Redman seem a long time ago?
By ncscoots
March 5, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Overlord, that’s just one more marker as to why ST stats are totally meaningless. If there’s one Vegas bet on baseball I’d make this year, it’s that the D-backs won’t lead the league in runs. HA!
By ssiscribe
March 5, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
No-no still a-go through eight.
—30—
By DAP
March 5, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
make that 8 no-hit innings.
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Still a no-hitter, but Colter Bean is pitching the ninth for the Braves. He’s not bueno (Bueno, by the way, pitched the seventh).
is that worthy of a rim shot?
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 5, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Goose eggs through eight. Simply outstanding !
By MNC
March 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
DOB, who do you suppose would be first choice for closer if Soriano is hurt? Moylan?
Thanks for the game updates, wish I was there!
By Overlord
March 5, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Last in AVG. ————-mets
By ole timerbrave
March 5, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Flower’s has a great bat!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 5, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Two walks through eight innings and 10Paul is complaining , JEEESSH !!!
By TennesseePaul
March 5, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Teixeira hit a long one off Kobayashi. Unfortunately for him he forgot that everyone works for Keyser Soze willingly or not, knowingly or not. Teixeira found a manila envelope in his locker after the game containing his complete record as well as the entire history of each family member and loved ones. He has now been drafted into a “job” down at the ports…
It’s unfortunate really. I had such high hopes for him this year.
By Overlord
March 5, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
Braves were tied with the marlins before this game for first in ERA with 3.00. Of course we are all alone now.
By Scuba-Steve
March 5, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
How have our last two springs been? Seems like we are starting this one off strong and I want to see how we did the last two.
By Jim
March 5, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
I would expect the teams training in Arizona to score more runs than those training in Fla. The more impressive statistic so far is the number of runs allowed. (Especially if you discount DeSalvo, Bean, and the guy that pitched the 10th against the Mets.)
By al-FAN-so Soriano
March 5, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
“Moises Alou flew to NY to see the Doctor. He has discomfort on one of his groins”
How many groins does he have?
By McFann
March 5, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Well, Teixiera had a great day at the plate!
I like this JJJ. He better make the team over Ho-Ho Reyes.
By DAP
March 5, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
flowers was safe. his batting stance seemed very unique. kinda closed like escobar’s but not as dramatic as that. maybe like salty without the bat-waggle?
By Big Easy
March 5, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
blown call by the 1st base ump on that Tyler Flowers hit ball…Safe by a step….
Anderson at 3rd, 2 down in the top of the 9th…
~E~
By ncscoots
March 5, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
And just to head it off (since many bloggers only recently learned Jurrjens’ name is pronounced Jeye-eer), Cuevas’ name is not pronounced Jeye-eer-oh, LOL.
By The Murf
March 5, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Man DOB, that joke was pretty weak! Thanks for the updates
By TennesseePaul
March 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Coach: I demand perfection! Ha!
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Colter just walked the leadoff guy in the ninth. Josh Barfield up now
By OrlandoFan
March 5, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Yes, that was weak, DOB. You must have been addled by the scenery.
By Bravesfan79
March 5, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Why is Chipper returning to the lineup?? He shouldn’t do anything until the last week before the season starts. Nothing but batting practice for him if i was the coach.
YEA one of the ESPN guys just picked the Braves in the NL….while broiadcasting the Yankees/Twins game.
The only team that really scares me is Arizona. But in a 7 game series i think we can beat anyone with Smoltz healthy.
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
March 5, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
I’m on the edge of my seat here at work…2 outs from a spring No-No.
By Big Easy
March 5, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
lead-off walk, strike-out swinging…let’s get the twin killing here and end this thing without a hit…
~E~
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Struck out Barfield. Jason Tyner up now.
walked him, too. uh, oh, Hafner up with runners at first and second and one out
By TennesseePaul
March 5, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Coulter Bean
29-18 3.05 ERA in 358 games, 11 starts and 519.2 innings with 643 K’s, 235 BB and a 1.23 WHIP over 8 seasons.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
March 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
2.23 , that is current Braves team ERA through eight games played. H-E-L-L-O to all you pundits and experts.
The Earth is round and the Braves have just a little bit of pitching.
By Big Easy
March 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
I am not becoming a fan of Mr. Bean…
~E~
By ssiscribe
March 5, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
One out away, a double off the wall ruins the no-hitter.
—30—
By David O'Brien
March 5, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Hafner flied out to deep L-C, runners on corners with two outs.
DANNY SANDOVAL SINGLE OFF RF WALL WITH TWO OUTS.
Wouldn’t you know, a non-roster infielder spoils the no-no and the shutout. With one out left.
By TennesseePaul
March 5, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Bean blew it! Curse that man.
By KC
March 5, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Bravesfan79: Which ESPN guy was it? Just curious.
By TexasBrave
March 5, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Well there goes the no hitter and the shut out, way to go Bean!
By KC
March 5, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
“walked him, too. uh, oh, Hafner up with runners at first and second and one out”
Hey, that puts the double play in order and gives a better chance of getting out of the inning without a hit. =)
By KC
March 5, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Aaaargh!!! I know it’s just the spring… but a no-hitter still would have been cool.
DOB: When is Hampton’s next action?
By Renegator
March 5, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
According to yahoo sports the no hitter is complete.
By McFann
March 5, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
Darn, no no-no. But at least we got a win!
Ugh. I don’t like Arizona either. In the last two years, they’re 10-3 against the Braves!
By ncscoots
March 5, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
bloggers are starting to think, “…some Coulter Bean(s) and a nice Chianti.”
By chuckaluck
March 5, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Should you get excited about a spring training no-hitter?
By 18 Wheels of Love
March 5, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Peterbilt Peterbilt
By Braveheart
March 5, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this
I don’t know about the future of David Wright and neither do you. Not only are his numbers better, He’s also not the a*hole I’ver heard chipper is. Even braves fans have to admit that David is a stand up guy who they’d love to have on their team. I would think even you can see that.
Sniper What makes you think David Wright is a stand up guy but Chipper isn’t? Wright has not yet had to face anywhere near the pressure and adversity Chipper has faced during his career.
David Wright is only 24 years old and he still has not had to carry the burden that Chipper has had to carry for well over a decade now of being the best player on the best team year in and year out.
Wright has never had to be the face of a frustrating franchise that did not win everything they were supposed to win like Chipper has been.
Wright has not yet made mistakes in his personal life or in his comments to the media like Chipper has and had to deal with that fallout.
Wright has not yet made any missteps that we know of in his personal and family life that were never anyone’s business but became everyone’s business for who knows what freaking stupid reason like Chipper made and had to endure the endless taunts about it for almost a decade now.
Wright has not had to battle injuries or being moved to left field or being willing to accept hometown discounts and how that plays with your mind.
You might think Chipper is an a@@hole and maybe he really is but let’s give Wright another decade or so with dealing with the NYC media and see if he can persevere like Chipper has despite it all and remain one of the best hitters in the game despite all the garbage he has had to deal with during his career (some of which were unfortunately self-inflicted).
You can cite the Wonder Woman’s stats all you want but me and most Braves fans would not want David Wright because we have Chipper and Chipper is battle tested. Or, in the words of Hillary, Chipper has been vetted.
If David Wright is such a stand up guy, let’s see how much of a stand up guy he is 10 years from now and whether he would be willing to pop up on a Mets blog 10 years from now where people routinely call him every name in the book and see how stand up he is.
Everyone can be a stand up guy when you are the golden boy the media coddles and cuddles up to. Just ask Chipper. He was that golden boy from 1990 until 1999.
The real stand up guy is a man like Chipper who is still standing when it is all said and done, and everyone has said and done everything to him, and he has said and done everything to them.
Will David Wright still wanna be a Met when you all inevitably turn on him like you turn on all of your New York players eventually?
Last I checked, despite us all saying and doing every darn thing to Chipper, the man still says there is no other team he would rather play for.
Let’s see how it plays out. At 36 years old, David Wright won’t be a stand up guy because he will will no longer be standing just like the pretenders to the throne Blalock, Chavez, Rolen are no longer gonna be of Chipper’s caliber and make up at 36 years old.
By Pete H.
March 5, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
Another good game. We’ve pretty much won every game with our real team out there. It’s the non-roster guys who have blown it. Bean has two lousy outings so far…he’s so far down on the depth chart that I don’t even count him. At one point, he was a top prospect, for the Yankees, I think, but it’s pretty obvious that poor control has kept him out of the bigs.
By DAP
March 5, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
chuckaluck Should you get excited about a spring training no-hitter?
yes.
always get excited about a no hitter at any level of baseball. its pretty cool.
By Paddy McGillicutty
March 5, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
Awesome post at 3:43, ncscoots!
By Mike
March 5, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Post pics of the scenery DOB!
By chrisklob
March 5, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Well said Braveheart.
By Lew
March 5, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Overlord-What’s new, indeed. I called the shots on Moises all winter long, just to have the Trolls question my sanity. Big Bruise is in mid season (DL) form. They’re off to a great start.
By Patrick
March 5, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
Darn it! I wanted that no-no!
By the way, DOB, give an overall assessment of how the pitchers were today. I know it was a 1-hitter, but how much do you think that matters in Bobby’s mind?
By RC
March 5, 2008 4:13 PM | Link to this
I once threw a no-hitter on MVP Baseball 2006 on the X-Box. I was pretty excited.
By chrisklob
March 5, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
This is from the Mets’ page on mlb.com:
The number of able bodies in the Mets’ pro