AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 03 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHampton ready; I’m banged up
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s only appropriate that on the night of Mike Hampton’s first real-game appearance in more than 31 months, your Crusading Everyman will barely be able to get in and out of his car and up the steps through the security gate at Turner Field.
Yes, I’m having back spasms, the result of either my failure to stretch before working out at the gym two days ago, or overdoing said workout, or pulling my heavy computer bag out of the overhead compartment on the plane and my car trunk. Or, more likely, the result of all of the above.
Anyway, I’m miserable.
So let’s go watch Hampton pitch against the Pirates, his first start (or appearance of any kind) in a major league game (Grapefruit League games don’t count) since Aug. 19, 2005.
What’s the mood among the denizens? Trepidation? Anticipation? Excitement? Deep concern? Wholesale skepticism?
Anyway, it’s happening tonight. Only a rainout can stop it, and that’s not going to happen. It might drizzle, but that’s about it.
(Actually, more than a rainout could stop it. Don’t know why I said that, given Hampton’s injury history in recent years. Dude could step wrong going up the steps and show up at the ballpark feeling like me. Let me just say, I would not be able to make tonight’s start if I were the scheduled pitcher. But I’m gonna take a handful of Alleve and cover this thing, that’s for sure.)
(Oh, and some Sinutab for this nasty head cold or whatever I have. Yes, if you’re gonna have back spasms and your first cold in a couple of years, might as well have ‘em at the same time and feel completely, utterly awful, I always say.)
Hey, I wrote it today, but for those who missed it:
Hampton went 14-8 in 2003 and 13-9 in 2004. And he was 17-6 with a 2.99 ERA in 30 starts from May 18, 2004, when he threw a complete game but lost against Randy Johnson’s perfect game, until May 14, 2005, when he left a game at Los Angeles with a “strained left forearm.” (That was the beginning of the end.)
Can you guys believe that, how good he was over a one-year stretch from May to May? Does it seem like that was so long ago? I mean, that’s seriously good over that 30-game stretch.
If he’s anywhere near that, anywhere at all near that level, the Braves have a helluva rotation (provided John Smoltz stays healthy, of course).
Hampton tonight and then the Mets in town for the weekend. You excited? Sunday, Smoltz vs. Johan Santana … that’s good stuff.
Chipper keeps going…. He has six RBIs in three games, which means Chipper Jones is showing every sign of continuing a rather amazing run that began in late June 2006, a run interrupted only by a couple of nagging injuries.
Consider these numbers: Since June 26, 2006, Hoss has hit .350 (248-for-708) with 58 doubles, 6 triples, 49 homers, 159 RBI, 108 walks, 99 strikeouts, a .433 OBP and .657 slugging percentage. That’s a 1.090 OPS, folks.
And on the road in that stretch, he’s been almost ridiculous: .367 with 33 doubles, 5 triples, 26 homers, 78 RBIs in 91 games, with a .439 OBP and .699 slugging percentage (1.138 OPS).
Prado raising his game: Gotta admit, every time Terry Pendleton raved about Martin Prado in spring training, every time he told me that Prado has nothing more to prove in Triple-A and belongs nowhere but the majors, etc., in the back of my mind I said, “Wow, T.P. really likes this kid, because Prado’s not all that.”
I’m starting to realize that maybe I’ve been wrong about Prado. The kid is a player, at least good enough to be an important utility man on a championship-calber team, and good enough to start for a lot of teams.
He went 2-for-4 with a triple, two RBI and a walk last night filling in for leadoff man/2B Kelly Johnson. And in his past 20 games, since Aug. 11, Prado has hit .371 (13-for-35) with a couple of doubles, a triple, only three strikeouts and a .421 OBP.
That’s a real small sample of at-bats, but consider that it’s a lot tougher to put up good numbers getting only one start here and there and otherwise doing it with isolated at-bats in the late innings against tough, fresh relievers.
Jurrjens wows ‘em: Pirates hitters were very impressed with rookie Jair Jurrjens, particularly with his changeup, overall command and mound presence.
A Pittsburgh writer told me that a couple of players said that changeup looked exactly like his fastball coming out of Jurrjens’ hand, and that they had no idea how to hit it.
His line - 5-1/3 innings, 7 hits, 2 runs, 1 walk, 5 K’s - wasn’t nearly as impressive as Jurrjens was, as anyone who watched the game can attest.
By the way, Jurrjens made his major league debut Aug. 15 for Detroit, holding Cleveland to four runs in seven innings of a Tigers loss on the road.
Since then, he’s 5-0 in seven starts, and his teams have won all seven games.
OK, I gotta get to the ballpark. Running late. Or, rather, hobbling late.
“ON A NIGHT LIKE THIS” by Bob Dylan
On a night like this
So glad you came around,
Hold on to me so tight
And heat up some coffee grounds.
We got much to talk about
And much to reminisce,
It sure is right
On a night like this.
On a night like this
So glad you’ve come to stay
Hold on to me, pretty miss
Say you’ll never go away to stray.
Run your fingers down my spine
Bring me a touch of bliss
It sure feels right
On a night like this.
On a night like this
I can’t get any sleep,
The air is so cold outside
And the snow’s so deep.
Build a fire, throw on logs
And listen to it hiss
And let it burn, burn, burn, burn
On a night like this.
Put your body next to mine
And keep me company,
There is plenty a room for all,
So please don’t elbow me.
Let the four winds blow
Around this old cabin door,
If I’m not too far off I think we did this once before.
There’s more frost on the window glass
With each new tender kiss,
But it sure feels right
On a night like this.
Comments
By wolfpacker
April 3, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
awesome
By Stephen
April 3, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
hey
By Tripleplay
April 3, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
Survey says…1st?
By TrboDawg
April 3, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Thanks for service above and beyond DOB - You really need to find you a compounding pharmacist. She (or He) can fix you right up!
Who do you see being sent down when Smoltz returns?
By mitchie-san
April 3, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
First??????
By 22oz
April 3, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
You might wanna have some cheese to go with all that whine. Seriously though, i don’t know what to think about tonight. I’m gonna miss it-going to see Ron White at the Classic Center in Athens. i think he’ll do real good and go 7, allowing 1 run. Hampton, not Ron White.
Nats blow lead, allow 7 straight hits,then hit Rollins, then another hit. Phils 7-6 after 6 innings.
By richbrave
April 3, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Ray King comes in WP’s in the go ahead run then DP’s the Phillies 2-3-2 to close out the bottom of the sixth. Score after 6 - Phillies on top 7-6.
By W. C.
April 3, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
First????
By Ace
April 3, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
I hate to bring this up because its so early…. but let us imagine that Prado continues on something like this kind of pace (and continues with the nifty glove)…. any chance he cuts into Kelly’s time when Kelly’s back?
By wayne
April 3, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
What does everyone think about Acosta? I think he needs more seasoning in the minors. We have extra arms in the pen right now. It’ll be better for the team now. Better for his career in the long run.
By mitchie-san
April 3, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Darn….Thought I had “first”…..
By will36206
April 3, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB, colds, allergies and bad backs are a nasty combination. Remember Sammy Sosa? Looking forward to seeing Hampton make his comeback tonight!
By richbrave
April 3, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
7-6 Phils at the seventh inning stretch time. Ryan Masdon in Pillies relief 1-2-3 through the heart of the Nats order #’s 3-4-5.
By mitchie-san
April 3, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
I’ll take the #5 seed.
By brent a.
April 3, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Excitement!
By DAP
April 3, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
im really excited about hampton’s start tonight, but im trying not to get too riled up, knowing how injury prone hes been the last couple of years. which is really a shame, because he is some pitcher.
one of the most impressive stats DOB listed to me is his 99Ks. thats it! what a great hitter chipper is!
By jonathan
April 3, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Anyone concerned that Hampton will be starting and it might be “drizzling”? I don’t even want them to wet down the infield before the game…Scary!
By Jim H.
April 3, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
DOB, speaking as another 40+ (47 to be exact) avid weight lifter….take Advil…..it’s better than Aleve for muscle strains, spasms, etc.
I’m really excited about the starting rotation (as well as the team in general). As long as they can avoid the injury bug, I think we will be VERY good this year. Hopefully Jurrjens will be the centerpiece of a rebuilt Braves rotation for many years after Smoltz and Glavine are gone. He looks like the real deal.
By The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy
April 3, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Mac,
It’s pretty evident that Wright will win the MVP, the Gold Glove, the Cy Young, the Presidential Race, American Idol, and custody of Britney’s kids. Might as well crown him Master of the Universe, too.
Chipper Jones has hit 19 home runs in 306 career at bats in Shea Stadium. That comes out to 1 hr every 16.1 ABs.
David Wright has hit 49 home runs in 979 career at bats in Shea Stadium. That comes out to 1 hr every 19.9 ABs.
Also Chipper is sporting a .958 career fielding percentage to Wright’s .951.
I would request that you tell Keith Law to “try again” but he obvously didn’t try the first time so “again” would be unnecessary.
By etownbrave
April 3, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
DOB, Thanks for the blog even though you probably feel as lousy as the weather. Back spasms and a cold…UGH! Looking forward to Hampton’s return and for the bats and defense to be as good as they were last night. Do hope you will be feeling better soon.
By Linzo
April 3, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
i hate when people say “not so much”
By richbrave
April 3, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
Hanrahan comes on after Ray King allows two hits in the bottom of the inning. Hanrahan retires the side. 7-6 Phillies in the top of the 8th.
By Epinephrine
April 3, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
I’m not nervous, I’m excited. Let’s face it, a lot of people thought Hampton would never get to this stage. Anything we get from his, especially quality, is a very nice bonus.
By ssiscribe
April 3, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
Looks like the Nats just woke up and realized they are the Nats … that 6-1 lead is long gone. 7-6 Phillies.
And the Reds held on and won 3-2. Cueto went seven innings, allowing only a homer to Upton. One hit, no walks, 10 strikeouts.
Wayne: You’re serious about Acosta, aren’t you? I know that 21.60 ERA looks bad, but have you watched him pitch the past year? He went 1-1 with a 2.28 ERA last season, with 22 strikeouts in 23 2/3 innings. He gave up two homers all season last year (Richmond and Atlanta combined).
He had one bad outing in the home opener and you’re ready to send him down? For whom? Buddy? Acosta is the hard-thrower every bullpen needs, and he is only going to get better with more experience. He’s got the stuff to succeed at the big-league level.
Sorry, just don’t see the reasoning why he needs to go down. He pitched a good inning last night, a good bounce-back performance after Monday. No way you send that dude down, man. No way at all. He’s plenty good enough to pitch here and help this team. Otherwise, it’d been him and not Ascaino dealt to the Cubs for Ohman and Infante.
—30—
By Firsty McFirst
April 3, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Aaaaaaand…FIRST!!!
By flange1
April 3, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Sorry about the back, I feel your pain! I have had back problems for years and it is no fun at all.
Can’t wait to see Hampton pitch. I have a feeling this is going to be a good year for him.
By prussell
April 3, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Everyone is so concerned about Hampton. Let him pitch. If he gets hurt he gets hurt. We havent had him for the last two years. It would be nice to have him for the full season but we cant be worried every time he goes to the mound.
By Overlord
April 3, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Wayne are you serious? Acosta is has closed the gap between him and Moylan so much… That kid is ready. One bad outing, so what? He did just fine last night. And he did just fine last year. Who would be replacing him if he is sent to the minors? If you are not aware, that kid is one of the biggest reasons our bullpen is considered solid. He can be lights out. And he will do nothing but improve.
By NRBQ
April 3, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Following last night’s game on TV and radio, I noticed that not one of the announcers has learned to pronounce The Jury’s name.
It’s tough listening to Skip knowing all that he’s going through health-wise.
Maybe you can take some comfort, DOB, in knowing things could be worse.
By Braveheart
April 3, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
MAGIC NUMBER IS 162!
tragic number is 158
By BuckeyeBrave
April 3, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I get back spasms about twice a year. I always stick an Icy Hot Patch on the area, and it makes a huge difference. Give it a try, you won’t believe how much better you feel.
By Shaun
April 3, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy, Chipper was the better player when healthy in 2007. But I think Wright is the better player.
No one would confuse me with a Mets fan but I think Wright is the best thirdbaseman in baseball. And I would want Wright if I were starting a team tomorrow and could pick any National Leaguer. I don’t know of many thirdbasemen who’ve hit .312/.389/.535 in 2327 PA in the majors before the age of 26.
As far as defense, Chipper has been near the bottom in total chances every season in recent years. And he’s played in more games than most of the players that have a similar amount of total chances. That would seem to indicate he doesn’t get to many balls compared to many other thirdbasemen. Of course he’s going to make fewer errors if the only balls he fields are the ones that are hit very near him.
Not trying to knock Chipper as a player. He’s one of if not my favorite. And I’m not convinced he’s a bad defensive thirdbaseman. But the evidence is pretty clear that he’s not one of the best.
By richbrave
April 3, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
Top of the 8th. For Phillies, Romero on for Rudy Seanez. Walk, single 1 out. Runners on first and second LoDuca up at the plate. Two singles to Guzman and Millidge one run in 7-7 bases loaded. 2 out. Third out Bottom of the eight coming up.
By MGL
April 3, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
KC just beat the tigers 4-1 completing a three game sweep.
By Elements
April 3, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
I’m nervous about Hampton’s start tonight. Even if he makes it through the game w/o injury I won’t get my hopes up for a comeback until I hear his arm still feels good tomorrow.
By AJ 25
April 3, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
DOB says Prado could start for a lot of teams. How about he starts for us. He’s a much better fielder then KJ and doesn’t strike out nearly as much.
By flange1
April 3, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Hi All,
I want to respond to some of the discussions from the last blog, I was going to on that blog until DOB moved us over.
Is it just me or does Prado look like a different player at the plate this year? Last year, he looked very defensive at the plate, so nervous at times that he couldn’t hit a watermelon on a stick. This year, he is much more aggressive looking. I know it is only 3 games, but things are looking up for him.
I said a few times over the winter that the Braves should trade (actually I said dump) Prado. I think I might be wrong.
If you include Lillibridge in the equation, the Braves ARE producing talented players from the minors, maybe not power pitchers, but we have 4 guys in their early 20’s that could be starting for major league team RIGHT NOW.
I think the Braves will keep KJ and Escobar, and I think that Lillibridge and Prado will be better than bench players. At some point, the Braves will have to deal 1 and maybe 2 of these youngsters for other needed talent.
I strongly disagree with the posts that suggest the Braves farm system is barren and not producing. In todays world of “paying slot” for amateur talent, teams like the Braves that normally conform to the Commissioners edict on “slotting”, the Braves are choosing position players that they can sign and develop VS drafting power pitchers who want WAY more than slot.
The Braves are developing those position players, keeping the best for the Major League team and spinning the rest off for pitching. Seems like the smart thing to do for a team on a budget.
On another note, we all need to give the bullpen and the bench some time to get used to the Braves and their roles with the Braves. Other than Soriano and Moylan EVERY other bench player and relief pitcher is new to being on the opening day roster. Some of the guys saw action last year when rosters expanded, but they have to get used to their roles and Bobby Cox has to get used to them and put them in the correct roles for their talent.
We saw a great game last night from JJJ and the bullpen looked pretty good too. Moylan was so nasty the ump missed a couple calls. Resop has a real power arm, he just has to control his breaking pitches.
I still think this will be a great year to be a Braves fan. We just need to give the kids some time to adjust.
AND poor Pedro is out 6-8 weeks, what a bummer.
I like Keith Law, but I do not understand the Chipper/D Wright answer….
Sorry for the length of the post!
By cricket
April 3, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Folks, I am sorry if this is already discussed, but did everyone see where Jayson Stark has picked Braves to win it all?
Jayson Stark
By Shaun
April 3, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Shaun - any place that would provide number of chances for each position over the course of a season - i.e. before we can agree that Chipper’s chances are fewer because he doesn’t get to as many, can we find out how many chances are “up the middle” and right side so that we can see how much may or may not be attributed to how are pitchers have pitched over the course of Chipper’s career vs his range?
Well, I’m assuming if Chipper ranked 11th or 12th in total chances every year for the past four seasons, that’s a good variety of pitchers. I doubt it’s Braves’ pitchers causing the low total every year over four seasons any more than any other team’s pitchers.
I don’t think Wright is as good as people think and I don’t think Chipper is a bad fielder but I also think Chipper is worse than many think.
By dobearsbare
April 3, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Hey, writers don’t work out. What the heck were you thinking?
By j-school dropout
April 3, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
DOB:
You gotta watch out for those laptop bags. As a fellow road warrior, I pulled a laptop bag out of an overhead compartment on a plane, felt a twinge in my shoulder, and tore my rotator cuff. This 40-something fan now has a lot of sympathy for injured pitchers now. The surgery wasn’t bad, but rehab is forever. I now understand why some of these guys say they will walk away from the game rather than have another surgery.
By Henry
April 3, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
DOB,
Really sorry to hear about your back, dude, I’ve been there and it’s no fun whatsoever, especially if you’re sneezing —- major ouch.
I was expecting nothing from Hampton a month ago, but I gotta say, I’m excited. The Braves have three good starting performances out of three tries so far, and Hampton had a good spring.
I was at the park last night — gorgeous night for baseball. I agree with everything you said about Jurrjens, a very strong performance for five innings. In fact, the whole team was sharp, offensively and defensively.
Shaun’s comment above notwithstanding, Chipper deserves major props for maintaining concentration and starting that double play with the business end of a broken bat bearing down on him. As you noted, DOB, he has been in the zone for a couple of years now, and appears to be picking right up with it this year. In my opinion it’s criminally wrong that he’s been that good, but ignored at All Star time. (In fact, he and Renteria both got robbed last year.) He is, simply, one of the premier offensive players in the game over the last two years. If he keeps this level of performance up, surely he can’t keep getting ignored. Can he?
By Overlord
April 3, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
AJ25 dont say that about Prado and KJ around here….. you are not get a lot of new friends that way… just my advice. I just got hanged this morning for saying less than what you just said… LOL
By Yars
April 3, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
22oz…..you lucky s.o.b. in getting to see Ron White. Man he is freaking hilarious. I love him.
By Stuart
April 3, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
I thought Jurrgens looked great last night. He is going to have rough spots this year, but the ball came out of his hand free and easy. Brian’s mitt did not move alot. Unlike Davies or someone like that, Brian looked like he had an ‘easy’ time catching Jair because of his command.
I am not going to get to see Hampton tonight. I wish him well. I am axious to see how he looks. We need him.
By Wes
April 3, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
DOB, wasn’t Randy Johnson’s perfect game in Atlanta in 2004? I only asked because I moved here in 2004, and remember watching it as I was unpacking.
By Braveheart
April 3, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Orlandofan I saw your post at the end of the last blog. Definitely agree with you. Afternoon baseball is awesome. MLB should probably make sure they have at least one afternoon game televised nationally on ESPN everyday. Start the darn things at 2:30 so that it is starting up when kids are getting out of school. It would probably cause a short term loss in money and low ratings but over the long run, it may create more money because kids grew up watching at least an inning or two everyday.
I wish Wrigley never put lights on that stadium.
Those Under Armour signs in the Ivy look classy and low key enough but it just seems a sin for any sign to be on the Ivy covered brick walls of Wrigley.
Alfonso Soriano looks so cool in a Cubs uni.
I overdid it in my trashing of Prado on the last blog. The difference between Prado and KJ to me is that KJ is a starting second baseman on a playoff team. Prado is a utility man on a playoff team and a starter on a noncontender.
I liked Chad Curtis’s quote after the Mitchell Report about players like him that were starters on average clubs but bench players on contenders: Chad Curtis wonders how much steroid use prevented clean players from getting jobs. “Decisions that were made hurt other guys. How did that affect pay structure and who got what job? To me, a guy that was clean … I was going to be a starting outfielder on an average team and a backup outfielder on a good team. If everything was level, maybe I would have been a starter on a good team. How many times did that play out over the course of the years?”
By La Jolla Dawg
April 3, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
Not sure when your back went into spasm but here are some tips: use an ice pack for 20 minutes on 20 minutes off for first 24 hours, then alternate heat and ice. ThermaCare makes a great heated wrap. Out here I buy them at Vons , I bet CVS or Kroger would carry them. Finally, tylenol PM really helps with pain and you’ll get some sleep too. Once your back calms down you should get a massage. Hope that helps. I am 40, have had back issues on and off for a while and this is what I have found works best. I hope you feel better.
By La Jolla Dawg
April 3, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
DOB—couple more tips: don’t sit down for prolonged periods of time if you can help it and sleep on your side with a pillow in between your knees.
Very excited that I can watch the Braves here in La Jolla. I actually get Peachtree T.V. via DirecTV and SportsSouth. I will actually see more games this year then I did when Braves were sporadically on TBS.
By GSU-Lee
April 3, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Wes, yes it was, and DOB has it listed that way up top. “…from May 14, 2004, when he threw a complete game but lost because of Randy Johnson’s perfect game….” what a horrible night that was. Hampton pitched terrific but Randy was a little bit better. If I remember correctly, Hampton hit a few balls pretty hard that night,one of which almost left the yard…but Don’t hold me to that
By Lew
April 3, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Christie (McN8)-No, liking my posts and those of the Esteemed Scribe do not make you a tramp-I would never denigrate your character like that-it just shows you have good sense and a modicum of good taste. Of course, being a Nathan groupie would also make you as pure as the driven snow. BTW-You don’t carry a bag of plaster in your purse, do you?
By Seymour
April 3, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I know a doctor who can help your back. He is not cheap, but he can really do amazing, amazing things. I’ve known people who have lived with chronic conditions for years who have gone to see him and in a couple of visits were as good as new. Seriously. His name is Dr. Kenneth West and his phone number is 404-255-6027.
By bigchiefrg
April 3, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
How about the Phils making 4 errs in that Wash gm and getting blanked last nite. Looks like we’re not the only ones a little rusty. I wish they were just THAT BAD, but I dont think so.
Is it just me or does it feel like Chipper has stepped it up a bit so far this year and is on a bit of mission? I know I am a bit biased but he seems posessed thus far. I would take a Chipper over Wright any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
By Sir Stealth
April 3, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Congratulations, Martin Prado! You’re the irrationally fetishized Braves player of the week! Sorry, Kelly. You’re merely the irrationally disregarded Braves player of the day. Don’t worry though, just get on a streak (think 2-3 games and a nice turn or two at second base) and everyone will want you taking Chipper’s spot in the order in no time. Beware Martin, while you’re doing a great job, all glory is fleeting.
By richbrave
April 3, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Where’s the ascerbic cherib? Free baseball in Philadelphia. Top of the 10th 7-7.
By richbrave
April 3, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
BTW Skip looked rough at the end of last season. Lost a lot of weight. What health issues is he battling?
By Seymour
April 3, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
DOB,
If you go and see him, and he is what I say he is, maybe you could also mention him to any ailing players. :) Nothing like having a secret weapon to shorten a DL stint.
By flange1
April 3, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Lew,
A plaster caster?
Have not heard about those ladies in awhile!!!!
By AdirondackDave
April 3, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Big Chief — I think you’re right, Chipper seems to have stepped it up a notch this year although the guy has been producing at a very high level for such a long time.
He isn’t up there with Ted Williams but I remember Williams career very well and the guy came back from Korea and continued to pound away like he’d never been away. Somewhere around 40 he won another batting title and everyone was disappointed (except the Yankees and some writers) when he retired. If Chipper keeps pounding away into his early 40s the comparison will not be so far-fetched.
By Keith Law
April 3, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
I hate the Braves.
By BUSHWACKER
April 3, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
I remember before he got hurt, Hampton had been the most dominant pitcher in either league for about a year,if he’s healthy he can be the best pitcher on this staff and that’s saying alot!
By Thrillhouse44
April 3, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
“Plaster caster” a.k.a. Braveheart’s hot date for Friday night.
By richbrave
April 3, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Richmond Braves 1-0 over Rochester at the end of 1. Lillibridge gets a hit.
By richbrave
April 3, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
KEITH LAW:
Why are you here?
By flange1
April 3, 2008 5:03 PM | Link to this
Thrillhouse,
Tell me that you know about the Plastercasters from the late 60’s?
Interesting group of ladies!
If Braveheart is dating them he is in for a good time (they might be a bit old for him) but I am sure he will enjoy it!!!
By richbrave
April 3, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Phillies 8-7 bottom of the 10th.
By wayne
April 3, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Acosta:
His K/BB ratio was 22/14 last year. Meaning that he has dominant stuff but needs to have better control. Like most young power pitchers
He was a lot better pitcher on the road than home. (Since the TED is slightly a better pitchers park) I take this as a sign of overthrowing or getting swayed emotionally by home crowd noise. Also like most rookies not named Jaba/Palpabon
So the choice is between
1) sending him down for a month or two so the braves can trade another reliever. This allows the braves to “showcase” a few of the other relievers. AND allow Acosta to work on his control a bit. July call up seems about right.
2)let him mature here forcing Bobby to make a “tough decision” with someone else once Smoltz is back in a few days. (Bennet is too valuable to be sent down)
By Justo
April 3, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Prediction for tonights ball game. Hampton 7.0IP 6H 1ER 1B 5K Braves win it 5-1..frenchy goes yard, Tex drives in 2.
By McFann
April 3, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
The Mysterious Rhinestone Cowboy—
Sorry for being so late (and I hope you’re still around now). You’re so correct. David Not wRight will prob’ly win everything. There’s not even a point for anybody else to have third basemen. Wright will top them all! LOL!
Those home run numbers at Shea are very int’resting. Doesn’t surprise me at all that Chipper’s HRPAB there is better. I’m gonna be kinda sorry to see that place go! Shea it ain’t sho! (Don’t we have a couple other guys who aren’t to shabby there? Nothing like Chipper, of course, but I think there are a couple more good Shea AVG on our team.)
Stuart—
Brian would have an easier time catching Hampton on the DL than he ever had catching Davis!
By BossLady
April 3, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
Did anyone notice that all this happened to DOB after he came home after a long stay away and having days off?
By GSU-Lee
April 3, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Justo, that’s a pretty optomistic prediction….but I hope you are right
By Wayne in Utah
April 3, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
That earlier “wayne” was not me. I would not send Acosta down.
Overboard You need to decide what you are saying about KJ’s defense. I hear that you like his bat better than Prado’s. (most of us does)
On the one hand, you say he sucks, then you allude to him being average defensively. I would agree with the latter. He certainly does not suck at second base. I SUCK at second base. Also Prado has an OK arm, OK range, good hands and so far, has a limited amount of experience anywhere but second and third. He ranks as an average fielding secondbaseman also, maybe just a bit better than KJ.
So, let’s agree to disagree if you still say he sucks (if you say that, then I say “Your and idiot”).
I hope Prado improves. Just like I hope Kris Medlen improves, like I hope all Braves players improve.
DOB Sorry to hear about your back. Back problems suck! You presented yourself well on XM a few hours ago. (XM is my only salvatation when I am traveling.)
Just pulled into a podunk town in the middle of nowhere, Utah. Lucky for me the Best Western has wireless!
Hope the back gets better.
I am excited for Hampton tonight. Where are all the Hampton haters from last year? He may still fail, but I would never bet against the man.
McFann I will be real hard to recognize in Denver on Tuesday night, unless the cameras focus on the cheap seats. I will be the mid-50’s gray bearded guy with the Orange Clemson cap! (and probably chewing on a bratz and milking a Diet Dr Pepper)
By Pete H.
April 3, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
DOB: Watch out for that cold. I am just recovering from it…2.5 weeks of misery. It’s sweeping the nation. I spent three days in DC barely able to work, I was coughing so hard.
Excited about Hampton tonight. Also excited about the Mets series…that should be be fun.
Cubs just won their first, 6-3, over the Brew Crew. Dempster pitched a good game and Wood got his first ever save.
By richbrave
April 3, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Carlyle pitching for Richmond. Top of 3rd. Balk plates a run. Josh Anderson runs down deep fly to center. Doubles off Rochester runner trying to steal second to end the half-inning.
By Seymour
April 3, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Just checked the weather forecast: no rain predicted until 10 pm when there is a 30% chance of showers. Sounds good for the game.
By Wayne in Utah
April 3, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
wayne (from where, btw) So you would send Acosta down for a bad game?? Doesn’t make sense to me. Gotta give these guys a chance. If he goes down, it would be only because he has options, and they are afraid of losing another guy, OR, if they think they need Bennetts ability to go multiple innings.
By Greg in TN
April 3, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Afternoon friends and neighbors…
So, Keith Law and Dayn Perry walk into this bar…
Folks what Keith Law or any other talking head thinks about this team is the last thing I worry about. It’s amusing to see the man crush some talking heads have with this player or that. Wright is a outstanding hitting 3B with a good glove. A gold glove? Um, no. Try again. Actually Pedro Feliz or Aramis Ramirez should have been your Gold Glover at the three-bag for 2007, but it’s water under the bridge now. Wright will have his day in the sun, what with being predicted to win the MVP, another Gold Glove, the Pulitzer, a Nobel Prize and Time’s Man of the Year.
Back in soggy TN to watch Mike Hampton take the mound tonight against the Pirates from a much drier locale. I am happy to see Mike getting back on the mound for a game after what has to be the two most frustrating years of the man’s life. Whether it’s fair or not, there will always be questions from here on out about his health. A healthy and effective Mike Hampton makes this pitching staff formidable.
McFann That’s Bowa. I just think the Phillies probably could have been more of a contender during the four years he was there. It was entertaining to watch for those of us that were division rivals, that’s for sure.
Folks the Nats have been impressive thus far. I feel like Manny Acta did a great job last year with their young guys and they’re picking right back up this year and playing good baseball. If Jeffrey Loria gives Fredi Gonzalez some talent to work with when they open their new ball park I don’t think we’ll see the Marlins down for very long either.
By David O'Brien
April 3, 2008 5:29 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN: Corky’s catching tonight, and wouldn’t surprise me if he’s assigned to catch Hampton starts, though the answer I got was neither a confirmation or denial. Bobby just said Mac’s caught every inning so far and been some long games, etc, etc.
Also, PRADO is at 2B again. Kelly’s OK, but wanted to give him another day. Plus, the way Prado played last night, and with the chilly weather, I’d have been surprised if Prado wasn’t in there….
BuckeyeBrave, glad you mentioned the IcyHot patch. Gotta try that. Works for Shaq, right?
Kotsay showed me a couple of stretches I hadn’t tried. Gonna do those when I get home.
By the way, don’t know who heard Gammons say something about Kotsay spending “hours” each day to prepare, but Kotsay just assured me it’s only about 30-40 minutes daily, just his regular maintenance stuff of back exercises, stretches, etc, designed to prevent recurrence of real problems. Told me again he’s had no problems this spring and so far this season.
And yes, he’s in there again tonight against another lefty, Zach Duke.
By Pete H.
April 3, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
How on earth could the following words be in the same sentence? Kansas City, completed, sweep, Tigers, in Detroit.
By Greg in TN
April 3, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
DOB, hang in there. Sorry to hear about your back and cold. I usually get a cold along with something else myself. It’s bad enough to get one, but when dealing with something else at the same time, it’s a thousand times worse.
I did see that Skip is only doing home radio games this year. I know he’s been going through a lot of health issues lately and hope he’s able to recover enough to do whatever he wants to do.
The Cubs get to fly the ‘W’ flag at Wrigley tonight. Kerry Wood strikes out Jason Kendall looking to preserve a 6-3 win.
By David O'Brien
April 3, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Not sure when your back went into spasm but here are some tips: use an ice pack for 20 minutes on 20 minutes off for first 24 hours, then alternate heat and ice. ThermaCare makes a great heated wrap. LaJolla Dawg
Appreciate the advice. Unfortunately, when I’m sitting in pressbox chair for six hours writing stories and updating the blog, it’s pretty much impossible to alternate heat and ice or do anything else other than take pills.
By Eric from MO
April 3, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Shaun” I think Wright is the best thirdbaseman in baseball.” Right city but wrong team. A-Rod is not only the best 3rd basemen in baseball he is the best player in baseball.
By Murphy
April 3, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
I used to carry Salon Pas patches with me at all times for my back. They are great!
By fastasballs
April 3, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Looks as though everyone has calmed down a bit after last night’s win.
I’ll admit I’m really excited to see Hampton pitch tonight. I’m not expecting a lot, but we’ll see. I think a good outing by him will not only boost his confidence, but also that of the team’s as well. By team’s I mean their chances of winning the division.
The offense has looked good, a little impatient, but that’s always the case it seems. The only issue really bothering me is Cox getting soooo deep into the pen every night. If he’s just trying to get some guys into the game to get them going that’s fine, but he keeps it up the pen is going to wear out faster than Pedro’s hamstring.
By Eric from MO
April 3, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
Everyone that thinks Hampton is going 7innings is going to be disappointed. He will go 5 innings for a couple of reasons. 1. He didnt get a chance to build up his arm strength to go deep into ballgames during ST. 2. This is his first start in 2 years, the Braves aint going to blow his arm out tonight.
By richbrave
April 3, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Brandon Jones strikes out to end the fourth with Anderson on third. Score Rochester 3 Braves 2. Line on Anderson so far: 2-3 w/walk, SB, and outfield assist.
By The Piece
April 3, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Did anyone see the quotation from Mike Pelfrey regarding facing Glavine in the batters’ box from the preview of this weekend’s series on mlb.com?
One of the funniest things I’ve ever heard a ball player say: “‘When I face him, I’ll do what I always do — watch the ball as long as I can, close my eyes and swing,’ Pelfrey said.” Now I’m no fan of Mike Pelfrey, but that s**t’s funny.
By richbrave
April 3, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Carlyle goes 3.2, 2 walks, 5 hits. Cold(45), windy, drizzle.
By AdirondackDave
April 3, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
I look for a good start tonight from Hampton but it won’t be about innings. Especially with the weather, I expect a limit of 80-85 pitches unless he’s got something really good, or really bad, going.
By La Jolla Dawg
April 3, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
DOB, try to get up and stretch during the game or do laps in the press box—whatever, just don’t sit the entire 6 hours or they will have to carry you out when the game is over. Trust me, I speak from experience.
By McFann
April 3, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Wayne—
I’ll keep my eyes open during the Tues. game! (That’s my B-day, so that TV oughta be stuck on the Braves!)
; )
Greg
Oh yeah—very entertaining!
By Bo
April 3, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
I had a dream last night that Hampton pitched 6 shutout innings and Hoss and Kotsay hit homers. Never dreamed anything like that before…Maybe, I Hope its true.
By BeachBrave
April 3, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Hey richbrave how do the R Braves look this year?
By ncscoots
April 3, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
Wright [is] predicted to win the MVP, another Gold Glove, the Pulitzer, a Nobel Prize and Time’s Man of the Year.
Perhaps. But I’m betting that nowhere in his retinue is there a blog tramp. And, so, the man is nothing. And I drink his milkshake.
It’s unfortunate, but Wright is liable to be infected by all the douchebaggery of those who tout him so heartily.
OK for Corky, but, boys and girls, Heap’s swing is BACK. His bat looks as solid as two years ago, and that’s saying a lot. I don’t know what he’s hitting yet, but his swing right now is pretty, pretty, pretty. I’ll miss him in the lineup tonight, when Hampton goes 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 K, and 1 BB. And pretty much zipping the lips of every mother-loving Mike-basher in Braves Nation and the world.
Not bad for a NASCAR hood.
By David O'Brien
April 3, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
How many think Hampton will pitch more innings and have more wins this season than Pedro?
After seeing Pedro react as though he’d been shot when that hamstring went, I’ll be surprised if he’s back before late May. And when he returns, he’ll have to make sure he doesn’t compensate for his weak leg by altering his delivery.
By Terry Forster
April 3, 2008 6:32 PM | Link to this
DOB, Walk it off young man. Someone’s got to cover this game tonight as Mike “the Franchise” Hampton takes the hill…this is about as big as an April game can get IMHO.
By OrlandoFan
April 3, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Hang in there, DOB. Been there, done that. I echo earlier advance that Advil is the way to go. Just ask Nolan Ryan.
By ncscoots
April 3, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
fastasballs, Braves saw an average of almost 4 pitches per PA last night. Don’t believe I can characterize that as “impatient”.
By David O'Brien
April 3, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Just talked to McCann about the importance of the Mets series. He and Glavine and Francoer all said it’s important, didn’t try to downplay it because it’s early April.
“These games are just as important as the ones at the end,” McCann said. “Last year [during a Braves midseason slump] we were like, ‘Yeah, we’ll get ‘em tomorrow.’ I think this year we need to get them early, so later on in the year we’re not talking about trying to catch teams.”
By ncscoots
April 3, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
And when he returns, he’ll have to make sure he doesn’t compensate for his weak leg by altering his delivery.
Which why I LMAO at Harold Reynolds’ prediction of a two-week return. HR (I’m guessing) hasn’t had the pleasure of spending a couple of hours landing and twisting on a bad hammy 85-90 times, and doing it every few days or so.
By AdirondackDave
April 3, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
I’ll take Hampton over Pedro, wins, starts, innings or any other measure. Hampton is a tough cookie, regardless of the time he’s lost over the last couple years. Nobody ever described Pedro as tough (except to hit when he’s healthy and has his a-game.)
By richbrave
April 3, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this
Richmond scores 3 on three walks, a single and a hit batsman. After 6 its Richmond 5 Rochester 3. Rowanhorst 2.1 and very effective.
By McFann
April 3, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
ncscoots—
McCann’s hitting .308 so far this year. As far as his swing being back, and hope you’re as right as rain during the Florida hurricane season!!! (And there’s a good chance you are—unless he gets hit in the finger again.) I’ll miss him in the lineup tonight, too, as I do every time he gets a day/night off—even when he’s slumping.
8 )
DOB
Good quote by Brian. Thanks, Chief!
By darren in nashville
April 3, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
DOB, nice job on espnnews today, nice to actually here your voice…really pulling for Hampton tonight, wish game was on in nashville
By DAP
April 3, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
good to hear that from mccann. he is exactly right, play every game like a must-win.
By Goodoleboy58
April 3, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
DOB-
With Sheffield tearing a tendon, what do you think the prospects of Bonds in a tiger uni in the DH spot?
By Boby's Cox
April 3, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Thanks DOB for the Prado stats and confirmation to what i’m saying.
And in his past 20 games, since Aug. 11, Prado has hit .371 (13-for-35) with a couple of doubles, a triple, only three strikeouts and a .421 OBP
Those numbers are just carring over from the last 2 spring trainings and last season. In spring training, prado hit .333, KJ just .237 In ‘07’s spring, Prado hit .354 with an .407 OBP and a 886 OPS. KJ hit just .267. For Prado, That carried over from a .316 BA in 86 games last year with Richmond, which was 2nd in the IL. He hit safely in 46 of the last 57 minor league games last year. He made the postseason IL all-star team as a 2-baseman. His discipline at the plate looks good this year.
Whoever said his defense was average in this blog or the last was totally off. Prado fielded at a .995 clip in 86 games at Richmond last year. Meanwhile KJ was 19th of 23 major leagers who played at least 100 games at 2b last year with a .981 fielding PCT, most of those errors coming at the end of last season (when he had more experience and there was more pressure on the Braves to make the posteason) if i remember correctly.
And, while y’all may have doubts about Prado, remember that Yunel hit just .264 in the minors in ‘06, 1 year before tearing it up in ATL. Sometimes players play better on a bigger stage or improve immensly in 1 year. Escobar was given a chance to prove himself, so was KJ in ‘07 before ever playing 1 game at 2B, missing then entire ‘06 year being hurt, and hitting just .241 in ‘05. WOW.
Prado’s proved himself. He’s ready, while KJ has a bum knee that’s hurting him, has hurt him all spring, and according to ESPN, was hurting him last year too. Prado’s bat looks more consistent over the last 2 years than KJ’s. According to last year’s splits, KJ hit over .269 in just 2 months out of the year, and had 3 months that he hit under .260, including 1 he hit .200 (sept).
I know u all love KJ, but I’d rather have a more experienced fielding 2-basemen, and a guy who hits consistently year round. Who cares about the power numbers when you have Chip, Tex, Bmac, Frency, and a homer happy club that k’s a lot (including KJ).
Again, I like KJ and his work ethic, but he’s the most tradeable guy on our team, injury prone, slump prone, and is terrible defensively. The walks are nice, but with contact and Batted Balls Put Into Play (BABIP), i’d rather have Prado and the chemistry with Yunel in the middle infield.
Now lets hear you all b***. Back me up Overlord
By chuckaluck
April 3, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
DOB: Thanks for playing hurt. I gave a coworker this bet today. Over/under on Hampton’s start tonight is 6 innings and 1 ER. He took under on the innings and over the earned runs. I have more confidence than that.
By the Stranger
April 3, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
I’ll take Hampton over Pedro for innings & W’s, but when it comes to toughness I’ll take Pedro over Zimmerman. I’d also take Pedro over Hampton at a cockfight. Not even close.
Speaking of music, a little known band out of Athens on the Colbert Report last night. Quote of the interview from Colbert (paraphrased): “When people say this is a comeback album do you want to tell them to f**k off?”
By Greg in TN
April 3, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
Scoots, agree with you. Not everyone can tout such an advantage.
DOB, Mike has the edge right now, that’s for sure. Pedro was walking awful gingerly to the clubhouse the other night.
I really like McCann’s quote. The Phillies have stumbled out of the gate. We looked much better last night and we have a great opportunity this weekend to see where we stand at this point and jump on the mets.
By Boby's Cox
April 3, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
ncscoots
fastasballs, Braves saw an average of almost 4 pitches per PA last night. Don’t believe I can characterize that as “impatient”.
wait. that was without KJ in the lineup? Impressive. Oh yeah, and that came in the braves 1st win of the year.
By Mike S
April 3, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
Boby’s Cox, and who exactly would we trade Kelly for?? A backup first/third baseman or a bullpen arm?? No way.
By McFann
April 3, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
DAP—
I agree completely with your 6:53 post. I think it’s about time they treated every game like a must win!
By jed
April 3, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
you know, at 15 million per year, i’d figure DOB would be on a better stretching program. pilates, yoga, swimming with dolphins…something.