AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USAre pitchers doomed to injury?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hear me out just a minute….Hey, you have to, it’s my blog. Well, it’s David O’Brien’s blog, but I get to commandeer it from time-to-time (hint, Coach, this means it’s not DOB at the wheel today).
All these arm injuries piling up got me to thinking. Yes, I know they’ve always been part of baseball, all the more in recent years, but it’s been on the brain quite a bit with all the Smoltz news, the Peter Moylan news, the Soriano news, and the fact that I just got back from extended spring training where I saw Tommy John survivors Mike Gonzalez and Anthony Lerew.
Let’s just say that If I had a dime for every time I’ve typed “elbow,” or “shoulder” or “reconstructive surgery,” I’d be, well, you know, able to afford gas.
So my thought? What is up with baseball?
In other sports, when players get hurt, isn’t it very often for doing something fluky? Something bad happens. A running back gets tackled low as he’s making an awkward cut, or a lineman rolls up on some unsuspecting somebody’s knee. Or a linebacker goes in head down on a tackle, and God forbid, breaks his neck.
Or a quarterback makes a perfectly good throw, somebody hits him just as he releases, at just the wrong angle, and the shoulder pops out of joint.
Or in basketball, a power forward goes up to make a rebound and comes down on somebody’s foot. There goes the ankle.
But in baseball, aren’t these pitchers just doing exactly what they’re supposed to be doing? They’re pitching. They’re doing their job, and then boom, things inflame, ligaments blow.
There’s nobody bum-rushing the mound and trying to pull anybody’s arm out of socket - it’s just how it is. Nothing has to happen. Shoot, a guy like Moylan can throw the best inning of his life - hitting 97 mph on the radar gun, striking out Ryan Zimmerman and collecting the second save of his career - then he wakes up the next day and his elbow is toast.
And Moylan throws side-arm, which I’m assuming (hey, I was pre-med, but I only got a C in organic chemistry) is healthier for his arm, a safer way to throw.
The only answer we can really point to is innings thrown, perhaps (or something from his wacky Australian childhood cricket games). But that’s nebulous too. Who’s to say had Moylan had thrown 75 innings instead of 90 last year he wouldn’t be where he is? If it were so black-and-white about pitch counts, how come all the minor league guys who come up so protected are blowing ligaments left and right too? Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, anyone?
So what is the problem? Is throwing a baseball - or at least throwing one 95 miles an hour or with a disgusting break - just a completely unnatural thing to do? Ever take a hard look at photos of pitchers as they’re just about to let the ball fly? Maybe it’s just those of us who’ve had shoulder surgery, but geez, sometimes I have to look away. The torque, the way the arm bends back. (And more often than not, the scar that’s exposed right there in the photo, in all its ugly glory.)
Is this a completely unnatural thing we’re watching or what? Gosh, I know, I’m about to start sounding like a woman, here. (Just saving you guys from saying it first.) What can I say, the over-protective instincts come with the extra X chromosome. And yes I think NASCAR is a mostly-stupid sport (sorry). I have my issues with boxing too.
But is there anything to be done, short of drafting players at age 12 and making them pitch their formative years underwater? (Weird, I know, it just came out.)
All pitchers can’t be born to throw like Maddux and Glavine who settle into pitching in the 80s, and at least from the look of it, and the history, do it without putting so much stress on the arm.
I wonder too if the game is conspiring against the pitchers. The bandbox ballyards, the shrinking strike zone, the tightly-wound balls, the radar gun in every ballpark (though, I appreciate those, I have to say).
And the mound is so low. I know. I walked over one once in the bullpen along the left field line in San Francisco on my way to a Division Series press conference in some room under the left field bleachers. Maddux, who was walking out to the press conference too, saw me sneak a step up onto the mound and said: “Not as high as you think it is, is it?” No.
Baseball is doing its part now to take the ‘roided-out hitter out of the equation, and maybe some ‘roided out pitchers have had their own issues. But is there anything more to be done, or are we on a cycle now that means we’d better just suck it up? Pitchers are going to miss time, have multiple surgeries, and that’s the way it goes.
Maybe it’ll just become part of the routine - and maybe it already has - for pitchers like Gonzalez to have a bionic arm, having had surgeries on both his elbow and shoulder. And Smoltz, who blew out his elbow, to then have problems creep up to his shoulder.
Or is there a way out? Doctors like Dr. James Andrews and the Braves own Dr. Joe Chandler have been preaching “No curveballs until you shave” to anybody who will listen. They urge kids to take three months off from any overhand throwing. They want parents and coaches to get the damn radar guns off their 13 and 14-year-olds who are trying to throw 85.
And these are guys who get paid for fixing these things. But shoot, they’re overworked. And both happen to be gentlemen, with real concern for pitchers’ health, but hey, let’s not interrupt this blog with goo-goo, gah-gah.
I’m not really sure where else to go with this other than to throw it open for anyone who’s interested in chipping in. All I can say is it perplexes me. But at least I feel a little better for saying so.
Home sweet home: The Braves are 8-4 at Turner Field and 4-11 on the road this season, so the Braves at least have that going for them tonight when they kick off a six-game homestand against the Reds.
Or perhaps this: the Braves are 7-13 with DOB covering, and 5-2 with moi. I got today and tomorrow, and I’ll be taking bribes to cover Sunday as well. (Kidding. Let’s not give the boss man any ideas.)
Doggie-snatcher: It doesn’t appear Maddux will be going for No. 350 in our presence. He’s scheduled to pitch Sunday in Florida and not in the three games the Padres will play at Turner Field Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
The 12-17 Reds are no pushover: And the Braves should remember that from last year, losing six out of seven to them. And this kid Edinson Volquez going tonight, who came in a trade from Texas for Josh Hamilton is leading the National League with a 1.23 ERA. Perhaps National League hitters are still trying to adjust. Or he’s just really good.
The trade’s not working out too bad for Texas either. Hamilton is leading the majors with 32 RBIs, hitting .322 for the Rangers with six homers. He’s ranked sixth in the AL with a .947 OPS.
Stop the madness: Sure the Braves are a well-documented 0-9 in one-run games this season. But did you know this? Here are the guys they gotta beat to stay out of the cellar for record in one-run games over the course of a season since the start of divisional play in 1969. And they’d better get cracking.
(The numbers come compliments of former AJC scribe Gerry Fraley, whom you read an old story by in a DOB blog last week.)
1999 Royals 11-32 .256 1975 Astros 16-41 .281 1981 Padres 12-30 .286 1985 Rangers 11-27 .289 2007 Orioles 13-31 .295
Come back on board tonight, I’ll be keeping you in the loop on the latest stuff. That is, if you can tear yourself away from the Hawks game.
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Comments
By Larvell Blanks
May 2, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
first
By Paddy McGillicutty
May 2, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
first?
By jrjags
May 2, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the blog Carroll
By rammerjammer
May 2, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Re: Smoltz
I think the closer role will NOT be the best fit, because that’ll take him down the same path as before.
Most likely, he’ll pitch when he can…sometimes closing, sometimes not.
His arm won’t allow otherwise. Just my uninformed opinion.
On the overall injury topic, if you want a treatise on HOW to throw a ball and not get hurt, look up Mike Marshall’s Web site.
Recall, he once pitched more than 100 games/200 innings in relief one season. He’s an interesting dude.
Here’s a link: www.drmikemarshall.com/
By jrjags
May 2, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
I definately think that pitching injuries are directly linked to how kids are throwing at a young age. There was no travel ball and all summer long all stars twenty and thirty years ago. Kids’ arms had time to rest during the year. Today, middle schoolers are throwing year round with maximum effort. It can’t be good to put that kind of stress on undeveloped arms.
By flange1
May 2, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
Thanks for the new blog and the stories on Gonzo and Schafer, both were outstanding.
Question, how was Lerew progressing?
Thanks!
By swellz
May 2, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
Long time reader, first time poster. I’m pretty sure the SABR-metric guys have studied this and come up with the theory that it’s not purely an “innings pitched” thing, but overworking pitchers (i.e., working too many innings too closely together without enough time off to rest the arm).
By Bob in SF
May 2, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
I might be off base since I don’t have the stats or numbers to confirm this but does it seem like the Braves’ pitchers have had more injuries since Leo left? Some of it is surely a function of aging starters but the pitchers used to swear by his off-season and in-season throwing program. Does McDowell have somthing similiar or are guys throwing less now between appearances than they did with Leo?
By Paddy McGillicutty
May 2, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
So do we have to lose a one run game to the D-Backs before we can start referring to this team as “snakebitten”? Just curious… I’m also in favor of bringing back Milly to the Braves. Perhaps an offer of James/Reyes and a corner OF prospect (other than Heyward of course) with Braves taking on the lion’s share of the cash?
By jed
May 2, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
carrol
watch this week’s ‘real sports’ on hbo. one of the stories is about mike marshall, the former relief pitcher and now doctor who has a pitching camp that teaches a thoroughly different style of throwing. his theory, and he’s obviously right, is that the way pitching is taught now (the throwing motion) is a positively unnatural thing for the body—ergo the injuries—and that pitchers have to find a new way to throw. anyway, it’s interesting viewing, and right along the lines of what youre blogging about.
By Bob Dole
May 2, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Carroll, do some freaking research. Wood and Prior were anything but “protected” coming up. Riggleman ruined Wood in 1998, and Dusty Baker ruined Prior in 2003. High pitch counts, massive increases in IP over the minor league numbers…
By matt
May 2, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Carroll, wondering if sometime you could find out if the Braves are in pursuit of Michel Inoa. Jayson Start spoke highly of this 16 yr. Dominican pitcher in his column yesterday. He says at least 12 teams are after him. Hopefully the Braves are too! Thanks for your work.
By Knowitall
May 2, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Carroll,
I Bryant Gumbel did a story on pitching injuries about a month or so ago on HBO. There’s a former MLB pitcher who has been trying to challange MLB pitching coaches on the throwing motion that pitcher use. I can’t remember his name at the moment but he runs a camp that teaches pitchers to throw with a shorter motion that’s supposed to be less stressful on the arm.
All of this made me wonder, where did the pitching motion that pitchers use come from anyway? Did someone do a study that said that this was supposed to be the best way to throw a baseball?
By and the sad part is
May 2, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
most pitchers these days can’t even throw strikes (or are afraid to). Look at all the walks lately!
By Darth Vader
May 2, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Yes. Pitchers are doomed. And so are the Braves.
By crazydiamond
May 2, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Carrol, I think there are two major reasons that pitchers are getting hurt more frequently now days. Those that might have used PED will suffer more ligament damage naturally or un-naturaly(really). To me the biggest issue is Stamina in the legs. You don’t see pitchers doing a lot of running anymore, you see them jogging periodically. This is a big deal. As your legs tire, then you begin to overcompensate with your upper body. The legs are as important to pitching as your arm. Also, with guys like Smoltz that pitch through problems by changing deliveries, I would say 90% of the time they do more damage. I said it when he had his elbow surgery years ago after redifining his windup to alleviate the stress on the arm. 2 rules to live by as a pitcher, keep your legs in shape and never alter pitching motion due to injury or discomfort.
By Larry
May 2, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Just a thought, not an accusation, but could the lack of steroids be a factor?
I mean if a guy like Moylan is dumb and immature enough to get his entire right arm inked with tattoos would he have the inner strength to resist a substance from a needle other than ink? I mean the fact is that nearly all baseball players never attend college, are well short on manners and etiquette, and you’ll likely never hear of one perfecting a solid rocket booster or discovering a generation changing vaccine, so we’re not talking about America’s finest minds here!
Think about it!
By j-school dropout
May 2, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Carroll:
Pitching is definitely an unnatural motion. I read once that a baseball pitch and a tennis serve are the two most stressful repetitive motions in sports. Like you, I’ve had shoulder surgery (RC), it was no fun, and the rehab was hell. My hats off to these guys who take the mound after that experience. Mine hurts even when I workout on light weights.
By OrlandoFan
May 2, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
What gets me about pitching injuries is how much more prevalent they are now than they were 30 years ago. Science should dictate that would be just the opposite. We have more knowledge and technology now, and athletes are better conditioned. Injuries should not be as frequent or as severe. But about all we have accomplished is that the injuries can be repaired. Elbow injuries befroe the ’80s were career-ending (ask Sandy Koufax!). Now, they’re a year or two off, and you might come back even better. But oldtimers threw very hard (or they were said to), and many more managed to pitch effecitvely. Think how many more innings pitchers used to throw. Catfish Hunter, of a more recent vintage, threw more than 300 innings a year. Now 200 is sort of a standard. Yet, pitchers get hurt more frequently. And with the DH in the AL, you would think the number of innings would go up (less need to pinch hit), but that hasn’t happened so much (no, I didn’t research that point; just going on my instincts from box-score watching). Elbows, yes, you attribute to kids throwing breaking balls too early. And not just curves, but sliders and screwballs. And forkballs and certain changeups can be damaging too. And don’t you think kid pitchers throw a lot more innings now? I realize youth leagues regulate the number of competitive innings per week, but kids practice more, play more weeks a year and tend to be more dedicated to one sport, hence, more pitching in October than, say, shooting jump shots. Back in the day, as Ol’ Diz might say, they played “good ol’ country hardball. They didn’t so much fish around the edges and throw six different pitches (hence the hitting statistics of those days, too). The variety of pitches over so many development years probably do far more to damage arms than anything. Maybe we should just ban all pitches but two, sort of like spitballs are banned. That might do the trick.
By Kirwood Derby
May 2, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
Tonights game will be especially interesting:
Will Volquez revert “to the mean” and be hittable? Or will impatient Braves hitters keep him looking like Juan Marichal?
Will Hudson regain speed on his fastball, eat innings and turn in a clutch performance? Or leave wimpy pitches over the plate and be battered in the bandbox?
By McFann
May 2, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Ms. Rogers
Gotta agree with you on a couple points:
1) Yes. Photos of guys pitching are very creepy. Not only the arm-angle, but the look on their face, too. (Sorry.)
and
2) NASCAR and Boxing are stupid. (Boxing ranks on top of my list of stupid “sports”.)
By Juan Pablo Montoya
May 2, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
If NASCAR is a stupid sport, then I tend to believe you know very little about it, much like the sport that you try to cover on this blog
By Yars
May 2, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
The bottom line is, the Braves need to start winning ballgames tonight. We can’t keep saying it’s still early. Pretty soon, it won’t be. Every game is important. I don’t worry about the Nats & Fish. I also ain’t impressed with the Mets & Phils. We can complain all we want about our starting pitching, lack of a true leadoff hitter, platoon in LF, ect…. the thing is, this is players such as Glavine, Smoltz, Tex, last chance to reach the playoffs in a Braves uniform. Hell, Chipper getting older too. Who knows how long he plans to keep playing. I have all the confidence in Hudson, Glavine, & Jurrjens. As for Jo Jo Reyes, maybe he will be a big asset, maybe he won’t. Chuck James is hard to figure out sometimes. Can he keep us in ballgames? It’s obvious we need another solid starting pitcher, & I don’t mean the type than is only an innings eater. We need a SP that can win games, & not have to rely on the offense to score 10 runs. Wren will find a SP, hopefully soon. Since Lillibridge is blocked, he would be good trade bait, as would Prado & Pena. now playing: joey by concrete blonde
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Great stuff, Carol. I think it’s clear that pitching is a rough profession on the arm.
Here is something I wrote about a week or so ago on the subject.
By Cody
May 2, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
Larry I hate needles and got a tattoo. (Large arm rap like Moylan) You are little out of line trying to assume that Moylan is susceptible to steroid use cause he has a tattoo. If you have never gotten body art don’t comment on it. The feeling of getting a tat is out of this world. Now getting a shot is a different feeling. The tattoo needle is a hell of a lot shorter that a regular needle.
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 2, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Levity for the Weekend Series with apologies to The Drive-By Truckers
Bobby Needs a Drink (to the tune of Daddy Needs a Drink)
Bobby needs a drink to deal with all the losses
To deal with all the hurting to keep from getting tossed
Bobby needs a drink to calm down the bosses
To execute his gameplan on moving runners up
Bobby needs a drink to keep players playin’
To compensate for KJ who’s got nothing going on
Bobby needs a drink so Roger fix one quick
Pour it nice and strong with your blue alternative road jersey on
Bobby needs a drink to put Smoltz in the bullpen
To hear through the fans screaming and the no smoking sign turned on
There ain’t nothing in triple A like the roster I wrote out today
Put that blue alternative road jacket on and enjoy a little ball
By DAP
May 2, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
larry
tatoos=steriod use?
your are and idiot.
By chase
May 2, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Flange1, Efrim, Rober CIB and others To bring over the Braves trade scenarios from the other blog…
Someone said: Harang and Ian Snell will not be traded because they either signed a contract extension or are under contract for 2 more seasons
To answer that I would tell you that that is the same kind of deals the Braves always make…I think MADDUX, HAMPTON, and HUDDY were all under contracts for at least another year when we made those trade….
The “rental” players have more often been position players or relievers
As for Derrick Lowe or Penny…I don’t think PENNY is a Free Agent to be signed in the offseason like LOWE is and I think because Penny is younger he will command more money and a longer contract!
Also LOWE doesn’t have the injury history Penny does
The REDS would, I think, Trade HARANG because if you look at it they ain’t competing this year and they have A TON of peices that will be leaving (DUNN, GRIFFY etc) so they will be looking to get younger
I would like to think you could get HARANG for maybe a JAMES or JOJO, Pena, and a Lillabridge type prospect
The Pirates are in the same boat..what good does holding onto ONE veteran (I’ll be it young) pitcher do when you have so many other holes…their middle infeilders are free agents after this year I believe…
Do you think we could get McClouth and Snell for: JOJO or JAMES, Lillabridge or Prado, Gorkys Hernandez, and maybe another prospect? Blanco?
If not what would it take to get Snell?
By Saltywoody
May 2, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
Share your concern, Carroll.
It’s been said that throwing a baseball is the single most unnatural motion a person can perform. Add to that the torque that some of these guys put on their arms to throw sliders and splitters, and then complement that with the fact that they’re throwing anywhere from 90 to 100 mph, and it becomes pretty easy to understand why there are so many injuries.
Plus, as you point out, when you’re throwing to monsters like Pujols and A-Rod, you’d darn well better be throwing it 95 or with a heck of a lot of movement.
Still, it’s weird to think that someone can be in peak physical condition and still need reconstructive surgery every few years. Especially with a guy like Moylan, who should benefit from throwing sidearm.
At this point, it might be cheaper and more effective for us to just put Andrews on the payroll.
Oh, and if the Braves win the next two, I’m goint to start pushing for DOB to play second fiddle more often.
By The Man
May 2, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
From a man’s point of view, Women’s AVP Pro Beach Volleyball is a great sport to watch. Ranks right along with MLB Baseball and NASCAR. Got a feeling that may not be one of your favorite sports either.
By Cody
May 2, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Everyone I need a xanex I can’t think strait. I am so worried the Hudson is next. We have demons on the field: (Angels in the outfield). Bennett’s bloody nose is proof. We must have p** somebody off in the worse kind of way. The Braves will come around, they have too much talent. Even with Hudson, JJJ, Glavine I still say we have the best rotation in the division. Myers from Philly lost his MOJO can’t find his bb’s and Sanatana is looking like a bust for NY. It is early and we all know that the season has checks and balances. I am just glad we are getting our check now and everything will balance out. Seriously though if injuries keep poping up we might want to consider hiring a priest and miss cleo. We got to exercise the demons.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
OrlandoFan, are pitching injuries more prevalent now than 30 years ago? I’m not so sure they are.
Most seasons by pitchers:
Nolan Ryan, 1966-1993 , 27 Tommy John, 1963-1989, 26 Charlie Hough, 1970-1994, 25 Jim Kaat, 1959-1983, 25 Steve Carlton, 1965-1988, 24 Roger Clemens, 1984-2007, 24 Dennis Eckersley, 1975-1998, 24 Phil Niekro, 1964-1987, 24 Jesse Orosco, 1979-2003, 24 Jack Quinn, 1909-1933, 23
All but one started his career after 1959, all but one retired within the last 30 years.
300-game winners who pitched into their 40’s:
More great pitchers retired/are retiring in their 40’s from 1980-2010 than all the previous 80 some odd years combined.
By chase
May 2, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
One comment on the injury front…
The BRAVES had almost NO SERIOUS PITCHING injuries when Mazzone was here
Most of the serious injuries have come in the couple years he’s been gone…
at the same time the staff and bullpen has become much more inconsistent…
MAKES YOU WONDER!
By eric the elder
May 2, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
(A little shameless name dropping here.) Bob Feller once told me that a pitcher should throw only two pitches: fastball and 12-to-6 curve.
He destested the slider, splitter, and screwball and argued that those who throw those pitches routinely would have short careers.
Feller was kind of a blowhard, but there might be some truth in what he said. I’ll leave it to the historians and statisticians to prove Feller wrong.
By Original Jon
May 2, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Juan Pablo Montoya I myself know a whole lot about baseball and I also think that NASCAR is stupid.
By McFann
May 2, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
OK, let me say that maybe NASCAR isn’t “stupid”, but it’s one of those things where you either like it, or you don’t.
But wow, let’s not start a whole discussion about that.
By Carroll Rogers
May 2, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
flange1, i basically just said a quick hello to lerew on my way to meeting up with gonzalez, but i’ll try to get an answer for you. lerew had a big smile on his face, when i saw him (and new facial hair that was too hard to explain, sideburns blending into a beard sorta thing. gonzo approved of it), so by higher math, i’d assume he’s doing fine (ahem). he’s a year out from surgery late this month too. imagine the braves will take their time with him but i’ll find out more. DOB is probably just glad i’m the one getting all the lerew questions now!
Jed and Knowitall: sounds like i’d better get HBO. When I’ve seen Real Sports, I’ve really enjoyed it.
Bob Dole, did you know my dad grew up across the street from your wife? oh, wait, it’s not really you? well whoever you are, “coming up” in my book means in the minor leagues. wouldn’t ever say major league managers are known for protecting guys. tho i guess in prior’s case i should have said college. tink, tink might have had something to do with his arm problems.
By TennesseePaul
May 2, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this
Thanks Carroll.
Here you go everyone…
By Roman Gal
May 2, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
NASCAR and Boxing are stupid. (Boxing ranks on top of my list of stupid “sports”.) McFann
Those are right up there with Curling.
By Saltywoody
May 2, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Larry
That was an awesomely stupid 1:35 post. Kudos. I’m not sure I could write something that inane if I spent three weeks working on it.
By Lew
May 2, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Rammer-Dude, I hear what you’re saying about Smoltz, but his last bout in the pen led to the starting rotation again, NOT the DL. Besides, he had elbow issues before, the recovery from surgery for those difficulties is what led to the pen-now he has shoulder issues. Apples and Oranges.
That being said, maybe you’re right about the expectations we should have. I do believe he will only close and NOT do middle relief, but we may not get as much out of him as some seem to think we will (same with Gonzo, y’all).
However, we ARE dealing with Smoltz. Maybe he’ll go sidearm again and throw knuckleballs, palm balls or Ephus pitches (wouldn’t count on a screwball, though-too much shoulder tension). Nothing he does would surprise me and if he thinks he can do it, I for one, surely will never dispute him.
By Train Wreck Bystander
May 2, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
* Attn. dish Network Denizens:*
I just checked the viewing guide and tonight’s Reds vs. Braves game is being carried on 2 sports alternate channels: 447 & 449. Whether this will be the Peachtree feed, the Reds feed or both feeds, I can’t answer. Whether it will be blacked out for you or not, I can’t answer. But for the first time this season, there is hope we will see a PTV game.
By Saltywoody
May 2, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
We got to exercise the demons.
Totally. I hear demonic treadmills work pretty well. But, maybe some satanic calisthenics wouldn’t hurt either.
How about Beelzebub Tae-Bo?
By DAP
May 2, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
chase I would like to think you could get HARANG for maybe a JAMES or JOJO, Pena, and a Lillabridge type prospect
go look at the deal arizona made with oakland for haren, and youll have an idea of what it will take for harang. the package you just proposed is a joke.
to get snell, who isnt even that great, (chuck james has gotten better results in the majors) the package you suggested for snell AND mclouth might be what it would take for just snell.
The BRAVES had almost NO SERIOUS PITCHING injuries when Mazzone was here
ok, off the top of my head with out looking anyone up, hampton, smoltz, avery, byrd, john thompson mazonne had injuries while he was here too.
By TennesseePaul
May 2, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Knowitall: You are speaking of former Dodger pitcher Dr. Mike Marshall. Here’s an article about him
By Mike Tyson
May 2, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
hey mcfann boxing ith not thupid i’m gonna bite yor ear off!
By albanian braves fan
May 2, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
is hearing that throwing baseball is very hazardous baseball pitchers wind up in spitali frequently. perhaps. brother fireman glad not baseball pitcher too dangerous is safer in burning building.
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 2, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Well, I think one factor has been a cause in the seemingly decline of Braves pitching. It is a factor Braves brass doesn’t want to admit or discuss. That factor is Leo Mazzone. Is it really a coincidence that the pitching has gone to hell since Mazzone left? And I don’t want to hear that isn’t Mazzone and see anybody pointing out the numbers in Baltimore. We all know the O’s are a franchise in turmoil (despite the good start this year) because of their idiot owner.
Mazzone made Cadillacs out of Pintos time and time again! He had a way with the pitchers. Sure, he wasn’t the nicest guy or even the most patient, but who gives a crap. He got things done.
And, yes, I realize that not too many Braves’ pitchers cried that much when he left but that was because of human nature. It is always easier to deal with somebody who just lets you do whatever the hell you want instead of somebody who will hold you accountable and make you work to perfection.
Maybe….just maybe it was Mazzone who had that “fire” that offset Cox’s “everything will be alright” attitude. I love TP and McDowell but I get the impression they are more like “yes” men.
This team lacks intensity and the pitching staff lacks concentration and a sense of urgency. The question is why?
Again, is it a coincidence this has been the case since 2006?
By Najeh Davenpoop
May 2, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
I’m no doctor, but from what I know pitching is an unnatural motion. It’s kinda like how when you type too much you get carpal tunnel, even though you’re just doing what you’re supposed to do, because the way your hands are positioned is unnatural for your body. Same with pitching. Your elbow and shoulder are not supposed to move that way. I ain’t feeling too sorry for these pitchers though… I’m sure they have enough to cover their medical bills.
By kdbanks
May 2, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
My first thought upon reading the blog was the Mike Marshall piece I saw on HBO, which has been mentioned already obviously. Well worth a look since you’re into the topic.
I will say that I’ve always been told that pitching a baseball is an unnatural motion, one that the human body was not meant to make. Makes you wonder why we don’t teach more kids to throw the knuckle ball.
I guess it wouldn’t make sense for the Braves to teach it, since we don’t have any Hall of Famers around who might give some guidance. Oh wait…
By PrincetonBrave
May 2, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
If we don’t get some timely hitting, it does’nt matter if we our rotation is Jesus, Peter, Paul, James, and John.
By Jill
May 2, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Pitching overhand is unnatural. That’s why there are so many injuries. In fast-pitch softball, however, because that way to pitch is a natural motion, you can pitch on one day’s rest if you really wanted to do that. So to answer your question, Carroll, yes.
By YouThink
May 2, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Of course. Throwing is an unnatural motion. Add that to 100 pitches a game about 30 times a year and there will be injuries.
By McFann
May 2, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Good one, Roman Gal! Weird Al mentions that in his song aboot Canadians:
Well maple syrup and snow’s what they ex-port
They treat Curling just like it’s a real sport…
Mike T—
Uh-huh. Yeah, whatever.
: P
By chase
May 2, 2008 3:09 PM | Link to this
DAP
There is no way it takes 4 players that have major league experience and/or top prospects to get IAN SNELL
Harang and Haren are not comparable..HARANG is older by nearly 3 years AND
In the cases of both trades (for Snell or Harang) remember that the DIAMONDBACKS gave up 5 players but only ONE really top prospect with major league experience
The names mentioned for the Braves are all top to high mid level prospects most with some major league experience…
It is comparing apples to oranges the DBACKS weren’t giving up the same quality players just a bigger quantity
By Coach (I'm a moron)
May 2, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
Nice blog, DOB. Very manly perspective.
By Beck
May 2, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
The BRAVES had almost NO SERIOUS PITCHING injuries when Mazzone was here - Chase
I do recall John Smoltz missing a year while Leo was here. And what about Steve Avery? I could be wrong, but didn’t Kent Mercker and Horacio Ramirez get hurt during Leo’s tenure.
Also, I think that statement is a little unfair to make. At no time before this year have we had two pitchers in their forties as part of our starting rotation.
Plus look at the great front three in Maddux, Smoltz, and Glavine (front two with Smoltz hurt and in the bullpen). They were the work horses, and never got injured (I don’t remember Maddux going on the DL while he was here).
In addition, our bullpen has always been inconsistent and our Achilles’ heel. I can only remember one year that our bullpen was one of the best in the game, and that was 2002 I think (remember how dominant Smoltz, Remlinger, and Hammonds were that year).
Injuries happen. They happen more when you rely on players of an older age.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
kdbanks, I have a feeling the knuckleball is something that has to be developed at an early age, maybe even childhood. I doubt very many guys could just pick it up in their late teens or twenties. I’m sure a few could but I’m guessing most couldn’t, at least good enough to be effective with it at any pro level.
By flange1
May 2, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Tenn Paul,
The Bat video is incredible!
Carroll, thanks for the Lerew help. Just curious if he will pitch again this year!
By Big Easy
May 2, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Enough with the Mazzone stuff. The guy worked miracles, sure, but he had 3 HOF’s on the staff at the same time. The San Diego Chicken could have won the division coaching those three. And, there were just as many injuries under Mazzone as there are under McDowell. Plus, with all the fairly recent emphasis on hard throwers, as Carroll discussed, McDowell has more of a burden than Mazzone in that department. And if Leo was so great, why is he not coaching now?
I am not saying I don’t like the guy. I was sad to see him go. But if our pitchers like McDowell (and they do, by all reports), I think we have no room to talk. Leo was great, McDowell does a fine job. Leave the man alone.
~E~
By BlueMoon
May 2, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
I’ve seen some good posts already and here are the main issues:
Carroll, you hit one right…the pitching mound. Ever since the mound was lowered pitchers have had to put a larger strain on the elbow and shoulder because they can’t create the leverage as naturally as they would from a higher mound. Very underrated topic here.
Kids/Curveballs and Traveling Teams - Never throw a curveball until you’re at least 13 and better if you’re 14. Those tendons just aren’t formed enough to take it. Traveling teams are killing the rest period kids need to let their arms heal. It never hurts to have a little time off.
Windups - The new prevailing wind up that is taught in the Braves organization is prone to shoulder/elbow injuries. It uses the legs less and puts more strain on the upper body. Not good. The old dip and drive technique (think Nolan Ryan) has stood the test of time and is coming back into fashion being taught more in the minors now.
For those who thought that Mazzone was the genius behind the workouts…wrong. That was none other than Bobby Cox. It was his workouts and pitching regimen. Mazzone did as he was told and got a lot more credit for it than he should have.
And there is my .02 for the day.
By chase
May 2, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
BECK and DAP
About the MAZZONE/INJURIES thing
do you not see that when you are having to go back to AVERY, Paul BYRD, and Kent Mercker you are making my point…
You guys are pulling out 3-4-or5 guys over a 15 YEAR PERIOD…the braves have had more SERIOUS pitching injuries than that in the last year and a half!!!!
You are making my point!
By BlueMoon
May 2, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
One more thing I forgot… Carroll, when Maddux came up he threw 92-95 so it’s not like he was a rookie that came up knowing how to throw 85 with good movement. The cat just evolved with age. Amazing pitcher.
By chase
May 2, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Oh and I’m not talking Hamstring injuries like Horacio Ramierize…I’ m talking arm and shoulder issues…
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Chase, if I’m not mistaken wasn’t Pete Smith injured a lot? Berenguer? Ligtenberg? Wasn’t Mark Wohlers’ wildness at least partially due to injury? Hampton was injured in 2005 on Leo’s watch.
Pitchers are going to suffer serious injuries no matter who the pitching coach. Leo’s programs may have helped but it’s silly to suggest he had some amazing method to keep pitchers from getting hurt.
By McFann
May 2, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
Uh……Coach…?
By Dennis
May 2, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
There is a web site under Dr Andrews that will work on the bio mechanics of pitching and provide video. The result is improvement in the overall pitching mechanics.
When pitchers are over worked their arms grow tired and lag behind the rest of the body. This causes extra pressure on the elbow or shoulder. This is what many younger pitchers get from being over worked.
In high school many pitchers are throwing too much and not getting enough recovery time. Most travel teams play on weekends so pitchers have more frequent shorter outings.
Solid mechanics can help eliminate many of the injuries in younger pitchers.
By Won't beat me in HR Derby
May 2, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
http://www.drmikemarshall.com/
Flaws of the Traditional Pitching Motion and Solutions
Flaw #1: Pitching Foot Parallel to The Pitching Rubber graphic.
Overhead high-speed film of me up to after I turn my pitching foot parallel with the pitching rubber.
Solution: Pitching Foot Points Toward Home Plate graphic.
My pitchers point their feet toward home plate. As a result, they do not take the baseball laterally behind their body. That’s a solution.
Flaw #2: Lifting Glove Foot Before Pitching Arm Ready graphic.
Side view high-speed film of me when my glove foot contacts the ground.
Solution: Move Pitching Arms Before Lifting Glove Foot graphic.
My pitchers start their pitching arm backward before they lift the glove foot off the ground. As a result, their pitching arm is at driveline height when they start to forwardly rotate their shoulders. That’s a solution.
Flaw #3: Horizontal Pitching Forearm Take-Away graphic.
Rear view high-speed film of me up to when my glove foot contacts the ground.
Solution: Vertical Pitching Forearm Pendulum Swing graphic.
My pitchers take their pitching forearm back vertically. As a result, they do not generate backward do not generate sideways backward forces that they have to overcome before they apply force toward home plate. That’s a solution.
Flaw #4: Point the Glove Arm Behind the Pitching Arm-Side Batter graphic.
Overhead view high-speed of me up to when I start my pitching upper arm forward.
Solution: Point the Glove Arm At Home Plate graphic.
My pitchers point their glove forearm at home plate. As a result, when they pull their glove arm backward, they do not generate sideways force. That’s a solution.
Flaw #5: Step to the Pitching-Side of the Pitching Leg Driveline graphic.
Overhead view high-speed film of me up to when my glove foot contacts the ground.
Solution: Step to the Glove-Side of the Pitching Leg Driveline graphic.
My pitchers step forward to the glove-side of the pitching leg driveline. As a result, pitchers do not move their center of mass sideways, which means that, to throw strikes, they do not have to pull their pitching arm across the front of their body. That’s a solution.
Flaw #6: Stride Seventy to Ninety Percent of Standing Height graphic.
Side view high-speed film of me up to when my glove foot contacts the ground.
Solution: Step Like Power Walking graphic.
My pitchers step forward the length of a power walking stride. As a result, they move their center of mass forward through release. That’s a solution.
Flaw #7: Pitching Elbow Behind Acromial Line graphic.
Overhead view high-speed film of me up to when I start my pitching upper forward.
Solution: Pitching Elbow In Front of Acromial Line graphic.
My pitchers do not take their pitching elbow behind their acromial line. As a result, they do not stretch the tendon of their Subscapularis muscle around the head of their Humerus bone. That’s a solution that prevents front of the pitching shoulder problems.
Flaw #8: ‘Late Pitching Forearm Turnover’ graphic.
Side view high-speed film of me up to when I start my pitching upper arm forward.
Solution: Raise Pitching Hand Before Upper Arm graphic.
My pitchers move their pitching hand to driveline height at the same time that they raise their pitching upper arm to shoulder. As a result, they have their pitching hand ready to throw the baseball. That’s a solution.
Flaw #9: ‘Pitching Elbow Drop Under’ graphic.
Front view high-speed film of Pat Howe up to when his acromial line is perpendicular to the driveline.
Solution: ‘Lock’ the Pitching Upper with the Body graphic.
When they start their pitching arm forward, my pitchers immediately assume my ‘Loaded Slingshot’ position. As a result, they ‘lock’ their pitching upper arm with their body. That’s a solution.
Flaw #10: Start Pitching Upper Arm Forward Before Pitching Hand Stops Moving Backward graphic.
Side view high-speed film of me up to just after I start my pitching arm forward.
Solution: Pitching Hand Stopped When Pitching Upper Arm Starts Forward graphic.
When they start moving their pitching upper arm forward, my pitchers already have their pitching hand at driveline height. As a result, they do not ‘bounce’ their pitching forearm. That’s a solution.
Flaw #11: Pitching Forearm Loop graphic.
Side view high-speed film Shaun O’Connor throwing his fastball up to release.
Solution: Keep their Pitching Arm at Full Length graphic.
Until they start their pitching upper arm forward, my pitchers keep their pitching arm extended. As a result, they do not circle their pitching hand behind their head. That’s a solution.
Flaw #12: Horizontal Centripetal Force graphic.
Rear view high-speed film of me up to release.
Solution: Drive the Baseball Straight Forward with the Pitching Hand graphic.
My pitchers do not use their pitching upper arm to pull their pitching hand forward. As a result, my pitchers do not generate horizontal centripetal force. That’s a solution.
Flaw #13: ‘Pitching Forearm Flyout’ graphic.
Side view high-speed film of me up to release.
Solution: Drive the Pitching Hand Straight Toward Home Plate graphic.
Because my pitchers do not generate horizontal centripetal force, they do not sling their pitching forearm, wrist, hand, fingers and the baseball laterally away from their body. As a result, they do not slam their olecranon process into its fossa. That’s a solution.
Flaw #14: No Independent Pitching Forearm Force graphic.
Side view high-speed film of me up to release.
Solution: Independent Pitching Forearm Drive graphic.
Because my pitchers do not use their pitching upper arm to pull their pitching hand forward, my pitchers can use their pitching forearm to independently accelerate the release of their pitches. That’s a solution.
Flaw #15: No Pitching Elbow Extension graphic.
Side view high-speed film of me up to release.
Solution: Pitching Elbow Flexion Safe graphic.
Because my pitchers do not sling their pitching forearm, wrist, hand, fingers and the baseball laterally away from their body, they can use their powerful Triceps Brachii muscle to accelerate the baseball through release.
Flaw #16: Leaving the Pitching Knee Behind graphic.
Solution: Move the Pitching Knee Forward graphic.
At release, my pitchers move their pitching knee to beside their glove foot. As a result, they increase the length of their driveline. That’s a solution.
Flaw #17: Rotate Shoulders to Perpendicular to Driveline graphic.
Solution: Rotate Shoulders Beyond Perpendicular to Driveline graphic.
My pitchers forwardly rotate their shoulders beyond perpendicular to the driveline. As a result, they lengthen their driveline. That’s a solution.
Flaw #18: Drive the Baseball Perpendicular to the Shoulders graphic.
Solution: Rotate Shoulders Beyond Perpendicular to Driveline graphic.
Because my pitchers forwardly rotate their shoulders beyond perpendicular to the driveline, they throw their pitches to the pitching arm side of their body. As a result, they use powerful muscles that drive their pitching hand away from their body. That’s a solution.
Flaw #19: Bend at the Waist Ground graphic.
Solution: Stand Tall and Rotate graphic.
Because they move their pitching knee to beside their glove foot, my pitchers stand tall and rotate. As a result, they lengthen their driveline. That’s a solution.
Flaw #20: Zero Degrees of Separation graphic.
Solution: High Degrees of Separation graphic.
Because my pitchers do not generate horizontal centripetal force, they do not completely straighten their pitching arm at release. As a result, they have high degrees of separation between the longitudinal axes of their pitching upper arm and forearm. That’s a solution.
For some reason, when, instead of five and one-quarter ounce baseballs, my pitchers throw their fifteen pound wrist weights, they achieve ninety degrees of separation.
Flaw #21: Pitching Forearm Outside of Vertical at Release graphic.
Solution: Pitching Forearm Vertical at Release graphic.
By adding glove side lean to their pitching arm degrees of separation, my pitchers can release their pitches with their pitching forearm vertical. As a result, they can throw four-seam fastballs, curves and screwballs. That’s a solution.
Flaw #22: Supinate the Curve Release graphic.
Solution: Powerfully pronate the release of all pitches.
Flaw #23: Downward Inward Rotation of the Pitching Upper Arm graphic.
Solution: Straight Forward Inward Rotation of the Pitching Upper Arm graphic.
My pitchers do not pull their pitching forearm down. As a result, they do not inward rotate their pitching upper arm beyond its limit. That’s a solution.
Flaw #24: Follow-Through Across the Body graphic.
Solution: Drive the Pitching Arm Straight Toward Home Plate graphic.
My pitchers drive their pitching arm straight toward home plate. As a result, they decelerate their pitching arm with their large Teres Major and Latissimus Dorsi muscles. That’s a solution.
Flaw #25: Pull the Pitching Arm Downward graphic.
Solution: Drive the Pitching Arm Straight Forward graphic.
Because they stand tall and rotate, my pitchers drive their pitching arm straight forward. As a result, they apply force along straight drivelines. That’s a solution.
By Shaun
May 2, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
BlueMoon, you didn’t address the major question: Are pitchers actually getting hurt more these day? I just don’t know that they are.
Look at the top 50 seasons in terms of innings pitched in baseball history. None of those guys pitched until they were 40. Most of them barely made it past 30 and some didn’t make it to 30.
I think it’s a balancing act. Obviously teams want to maximize innings of great pitchers but too many innings will wear them out. And you don’t want things to be like they were in the late 1800’s-early 1900’s when great pitchers would throw 300-plus innings a year regularly but barely last into their 30’s, if that long.
Yes, some pitchers are probably going to be freaks of nature and are capable of 250-300 innings a year for around 15-20 years but they are few and far between. And who wants to take a chance that their stud pitcher is that kind of guy and risk blowing his arm out at 25?
By Alan
May 2, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Well, hey its past time for pitchers, and our own Braves pitchers especially, to pick up the phone and talk to Mike Marshall; he has developed a new pitching motion that he says will avoid the usual pitcher injuries; he was featured on HBO recently, but he says no one in MLB will listen to him; well that’s dumb, there is nothing to lose to listen to him; how many more injured pitchers do the Braves need before they will at least listen to his ideas? What would it hurt??????
By Roman Gal
May 2, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
In the midst of all the turmoil in Braves Nation, I have good news! My roommate (from Spain) is now OFFICIALLY a Braves fan! She finally admitted it to me. I’m taking her to her first baseball game tomorrow and got her a Chipper Jones jersey to wear. tears
By knowitall
May 2, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Thanks TNPaul. I’ll be 35 in a couple of weeks and the memory is already starting to go.
Beck your absolutely right. I think people tend to overlook some of the injuries that the Braves had while Mazzone was here because Maddux and Glavine always took their turn in the rotation. But, I think it was their pitching styles more than anything else. Those two guys were mostly fastball/change up pitchers and neither ever threw really hard.
There were plenty of bullpen and back of the rotation guys that got hurt while Mazzone was here. And he’s no more the blame than McDowell is. It’s the culmulative effect of many years of doing something unnatural and being pushed by parents and/or coaches to throw harder and get more movement.
By etownbrave
May 2, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Train Wreck: Checked on guide for dish and little blackout circle is solid. Will wait until 7pm and see if I can get it, then will check the one that starts at 730. I’ve tried repeatedly to contact dish but they do not respond to any emails and it is nearly impossible to get a human on the phone. We’ll keep our fingers crossed!
By Efrim
May 2, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Yovani Gallardo has a torn ACL and will miss the remainder of the regular season.
Tough loss for the Brewers. Puts more pressure on Sheets to not get hurt.
By BlueMoon
May 2, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Shaun Sorry I missed that and that’s actually a hard question to answer from my perspective because it’s really hard to evaluate different times (generations) and the changes that go on during each.
Yes, there is a statistical difference in elbow injuries now than 30 years ago. Not substantial, but it’s there. Shoulder injuries were more prevalent then than elbows. My guess is weight training prevents much of this now because weight training strengthens the rear delts which helps the arm “recoil” after the pitch is thrown and also helps balance the shoulders rotator cuff in keeping the bicep tendon from over stretching, pulling and tearing. The bicep tendon attaches to the rotator cuff so lifting weights to keep a balanced and strong shoulder is a must.
And I still don’t like the mound being shortened. :)
By Robert (Chipper Is The Best)
May 2, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Well,BlueMoon, if it was all Cox then why haven’t the pitching staff had the success it did before Mazzone left?
By McFann
May 2, 2008 3:57 PM | Link to this
Whoopsie! Forgot to read inside the “( )’s”. Sorry, Coach. That wasn’t really you, was it? Mea culpa.
By DAP
May 2, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
chase do you not see that when you are having to go back to AVERY, Paul BYRD, and Kent Mercker you are making my point…
You guys are pulling out 3-4-or5 guys over a 15 YEAR PERIOD…the braves have had more SERIOUS pitching injuries than that in the last year and a half!!!!
no we arent making your point. at least 6 pitchers were named to you without even looking anything up.
so look some stuff up. go find every pitcher who spent time on the DL while mazzone was with atlanta, guys that mazone had at least a year with.
then, look up pitchers that got injured after having at least a year with mcdowell, and let us know what you find.
up till now, youve made a point, but dont have anything to back it up.
you said: There is no way it takes 4 players that have major league experience and/or top prospects to get IAN SNELL
Harang and Haren are not comparable..HARANG is older by nearly 3 years AND
In the cases of both trades (for Snell or Harang) remember that the DIAMONDBACKS gave up 5 players but only ONE really top prospect with major league experience
The names mentioned for the Braves are all top to high mid level prospects most with some major league experience…
It is comparing apples to oranges the DBACKS weren’t giving up the same quality players just a bigger quantity chase
the dbacks traded two young pitchers that are currently helping them contend in the AL west. you suggested trading one pitcher (james or jojo) and three back-up position players. thats not gonna work. we will have to trade young pitching to get any, just like the dbacks had to.
harang might be older than haren, but the reds are a different type of team than the A’s. they dont have to operate by trading thier players when they are at thier highest value.
for snell, james or reyes, pena, lillibridge, b. jones, would be AT LEAST what it would take. i think if we polled the blog, most would agree.
By BlueMoon
May 2, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Robert
All you have to do is compare who was on the staff’s at the time to see why the success is different. You’ll probably never see another rotation with someone like Glavine, Maddux and Smoltz in it at the same time. And if you’re inferring that injuries have worsened then all you have to do is look at the ages of these guys. (save Moylan)
And this isn’t something I’m going to argue about because I have first hand knowledge having “worked” with several players in the organization during that time.
By McFann
May 2, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
That’s great news, Roman Gal!! The more the merrier! Hope the Braves pull off a win for ya tomorrow! (…and today, and Sunday, and Tuesday…)
CJ jersey was the best pick. He’s the only one you cann count on to do what’s he’s s’posed to do right now! (Still wearin’ my jersey during every game. One of these days that .103 will rise up to a nice .300!!)
By OrlandoFan
May 2, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
There are many reasons for arm injuries, but I still maintain most of them are created at youth and perpetuated in later years. Kids throw more “stuff” and more often than they used to. They know how to build arm strength, but they strain the joints.
By flange1
May 2, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Blue Moon,
I see you worked with some Braves players, were you helping to train them?
(just asking because I have a PED question next)
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
Hampton got crippled by a nipple.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 2, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Thanks Carroll, I laughed my arse off.
Apparently some of these idiots actually take me seriously, which is even funnier.
defrag your brain over than one, McFann.
OK , we know the pitching is in tatters. So, can anyone explain to me why in the hell Bobby Cox only has eleven pitchers on his roster.
Brayan Pena is the catcher who doesn’t catch, why is he wasting a roster spot.
By Lew
May 2, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Larry-I take two insulin injections every day and have done so for 17 years. Does that mean I’m likely to become a heroin addict because I like needles? Never thought about tattoos. Maybe I should go get some body art. I could keep a tattoo artist working for quite some time given that I am a person of substance.
OH!!!! The Possibilities now that I know what needles can do for my life.
By proeye
May 2, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
I’m thinking that it has everything to do with most pitchers throwing so hard nowadays. These are the pitchers in demand. Times have changed. There was a time when 90 mph was a premium. Not any more. If can’t throw a bullet through a brick wall, you don’t get the attention. The soft throwers really have a hard time making it and it’s only when some hard thrower gets injured that they get a chance to move up in the ranks. But then it seems that even the soft throwers zing one in now and then. Everyone thinks Glavine is a soft thrower and really he is but he used to be able to get it up to 92 on occasion.
Everything evolves. The game has gotten better, the competition has gotten better. Pitchers are better than ever with conditioning, types of pitches, and hard throws. It only makes sense that we would reach a point where the anatomy just can’t take it anymore.
Maybe we should require every pitcher to get a Tommy John surgery prior to starting A ball. It would eliminate a huge percentage of injuries. I joke but really, they have perfected this procedure so well that it seems pitchers come out better than before their injury.
Just some thoughts…
By Porter Wagoner Look-Alike
May 2, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this
18 Wheels,
That (1:57 p.m.) was beautiful. Spot on.
By Efrim
May 2, 2008 4:35 PM | Link to this
Chase
You are off your rocker with the Harang and Snell stuff. Look at it from a Pittsburgh or Cincy fan view. Those are the aces of their staff. Why in gods name would they trade them? They have them locked up to good contracts. Snell is young and the Pirates need to keep all the pitching they could get. Cincy signed Franciso Cordero to a 4 year deal worth 44 million. Why would they then deal Harang away??? They obviously are of the thinking that they can contend in the NL Central, right??? They have Cueto, Volquez and Bailey as their young studs with Harang leading them. He is going no where. Griffey and Dunn are completely different stories.. Dunn is a free agent at the end of the year and Griffey is a liability in Right Field. Totally different man. Just drop it. Braves aren’t going to get a front line guy in May. It doesn’t happen.
By AdirondackDave
May 2, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
I have no idea why there are so many injuries, particularly arm, these days. I’ve been watching baseball since about 1950 when the 4-man rotation was standard and then when a guy got hurt they would often just go with the remaining 3 guys until he was better. Complete games were commonplace so 200 innings was a very light load even for the 154 game schedule. As I say, I have no idea what’s going on. In the back of my mind, however, is the report by several major leaguers that “half the roster has taken steroids, etc.” Don’t know if that’s true but who knows, the players all deny it these days.
By Carroll Rogers
May 2, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
Speaking of elbow injuries (and thanks for speaking to the degree that you have, interesting stuff)…
Peter Moylan has been playing catch - yes - and threw from 120 feet today and did a little flat-ground pitching. he says he plans to throw from the mound tomorrow. look, i don’t know what to tell you about this except it probably means they’re not completely ruling out him pitching again. but i’d say the chances can’t be very good, or at least not for long. But who am i to temper a guy’s enthusiasm. Moylan said his arm feels much better than two weeks ago. He still feels something when he extends his arm during his delivery, but the fact that he can actually extend his arm is progress.
so we’ll see what happens tomorrow.
team is in their scouting meeting. more to come.
By Cody
May 2, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
I know this has nothing to do with the Braves but another pro athlete is in trouble with the law. Roger Clemens (is a man w*******) and Barry Roid-bonds (love the roids). From Espn’s website COLT WR Marvin Harrison is being investigated by authorities from an incident that involved a gun he owned outside his Philadelphia night club. Can you say Peyton losses an arrow. if this guy gets convicted he is done. What the hell are these athletes thinking. It seems all the Baseball players running into the law over roids and alcohol but NFL players like guns and alcohol. For this to happen to HArrison all I can say is i am suprised I thought he was classy.
By McFann
May 2, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Coach. I’ll try to remember that. B |
Actually, Corky Miller doesn’t catch, either.
By DanTucker
May 2, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Mazzone has been in a rocking chair forever, it seems. Cox should have been retired and put in a rocking chair at least ten years ago. If today’s umpires would give the same strike zone to our new pitchers that they gave to Glavine and Maddux, we would be in great shape. Anything Galvine and Maddux threw within six inches of the plate was called a strike, supposedly because they had “earned it.” Just look at the ridiculous strike zone the Jurrjens had to put up with in NY. Regrettably, it seems that any new pitcher must prove something to the umpires before the umpires will call balls and strikes as they are defined by the rules of baseball. Several years ago, tennis got the “umpires” out of the game by using technology to determine if balls were in or out of play. I think it’s time for baseball to do the same. I think it’s ridiculous to allow old, biased f*rts to determine the outcome of ballgames based on their interpretations of the rules. Yeah, I know. Dream on.
By Serge
May 2, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Injuries werent a problem during the Leo Mazzone days.
By Yars
May 2, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Carroll….what’s the latest on KJ’s back? Is he in the lineup?
By DAP
May 2, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
did we ever even hear what exactly the deal is with moylan? does it just hurt? is that all we know?
By BravesRule
May 2, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
To answer that I would tell you that that is the same kind of deals the Braves always make…I think MADDUX, HAMPTON, and HUDDY were all under contracts for at least another year when we made those tradeChase
When we traded for Maddux, huh? Man you don’t just not know stats, you don’t know anything. Wow!
By Lew
May 2, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this
Serge-How about Avery? How about the fact that Glavine and Smoltz were not 40. Didn’t Smoltz have elbow surgery and miss an entire year on Leo’s watch? How about Horacio missing a year?
By Bay Area Steve
May 2, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
McFann,
I’ve gotta say, I wasn’t a huge fann of yours at first. Maybe you’re more of an acquired taste as I’ve been reading more of your stuff.
But, your 4:44 line is absolutely beautiful:
Actually, Corky Miller doesn’t catch, either.
Well said, young lady.
By Random
May 2, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
If anyone’s going to the game tonight, be sure to get there early so you can hear my brother being presented some kind of award for being the Braves’ (or the stadium’s — who knows — not me?) Employee of the Month.
Yay, Stanley — you go, boy!!!
By BravesFanInRockies
May 2, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this
RE Arm injuries:
There’s also a school of thought that pitchers are doing too much strength training.
This theory suggests that Glavine, Maddux and Moyer are still effective in their 40s because they worked more on overall conditioning and largely kept out of the weight room. Of course, Livan never worried about any kind of conditioning, but that’s another story …
Other than freaks of nature (Nolan Ryan) and “miracles of science” (Clemens), as Shaun said, it’s also difficult to think of any really hard throwers in recent years after the advent of regular weight training who had extended careers.
By Shamus Thacker
May 2, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
Carroll, if Hammy lied on the sex portion of his contract, could the Braves void it and recoup some cash? I’ve always thought he was light in the drawers… Now, I’m convinced he’s female, or at the very least, a hermaphrodite..
By Bay Area Steve
May 2, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
Steroids aside,
do any of you think that the increase in weight-lifting has exposed more players, including pitchers, to injury. I knew many guys who would spend hours lifting, but then not dedicate as much time to stretching and flexibility.
By Food For Thought
May 2, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
I heard an interesting argument about a month ago regarding the injuries in sports these days and diets.
Today less food is organic that is was 50 years ago. It is sprayed for pests, it is injected with preservatives to last longer. The effects this has on the body is questionable, but the argument i heard pointed out that this could be a reason for the increase in injuries in today’s sports world ( yes Mr. Devil’s Advocate, i.e. Shaun, there are more injuries today).
But you look at Japanese pitchers who have a better diet than Americans. I don’t see them getting hurt as often or as severely, straining, pulling tendons/ligaments, etc…).
Interesting argument, it is food for thought.
By Tomas
May 2, 2008 5:47 PM | Link to this
Derrick Turnbow released for assignment. This is shocking, that a guy of his talent got released so quickly. There is a reason, he was 0-1 with a 15.63ERA, but maybe the braves can sign him to a minor league contract and try to fix him, to what he was 3 years ago, 7-1 with a 1.74ERA and 39 saves. Is a big risk, similar to Dan Kolb, but there could be a big reward if he can fix his control issues. He has a very good curveball, and a 97 mph fastball.
By Caleb
May 2, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
Turnbow got DFA’d by the brewers today. I say pick him up and drop Resop, he can’t do any worse and he’s had more success in the majors than Resop.
By Sir Stealth
May 2, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
I’d imagine pre-med at Duke is no joke. Looks like we have a personal hometown Stephania Bell, C in orgo or not.
Here’s hoping we get “good Huddy” tonight. If he’s got something physically wrong with him too then I don’t really know what to even say at this point.
By Carroll Rogers
May 2, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
A Moylan “burst”
All signs have been pointing to season-ending elbow surgery for Peter Moylan, except for how Moylan feels.
After two weeks of resting his elbow ligament, which doctors tell him has a bone spur growing into it, Moylan has felt good enough to begin throwing again. After three days of playing catch, he’s set to throw a bullpen Saturday to give that elbow a rest test. After feeling “pretty good” throwing from 120 feet Friday, Moylan was not yet ruling out a return this season.
“I’m done interpreting, I really am,” said Moylan, who’s going to let his arm dictate what happens next. “When it first happened, I thought my elbow was going to explode, and two weeks ago I thought there was no chance I’d be able to pick up a ball again without surgery. But then all of a sudden it just sort of loosened up, and my arm is straight again. The only time that I really feel anything is when I extend my arm, and that’s not the same sort of pain.”
Moylan said he feels a “tiny pinch” when he extends on throws but it’s not something he couldn’t try to pitch through.
Moylan played catch from 90 feet on Tuesday and Wednesday, and backed it out to 120 feet on Friday, before throwing 15 pitches on flat ground.
“I’m pretty happy, I’ve got to tell you,” Moylan said. “The training staff is sort of saying ‘Don’t get too excited.’ I’m not getting too excited, but from where it was two weeks ago, it’s opened my eyes and made me feel really good.”
Bobby Cox won’t rule him out just yet either.
“We’ll see,” Cox said. “Who knows? He’s got a bone growing into his ligament. Maybe it’ll settle down, I don’t know.”
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
May 2, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
I’d like to see any of you tough guys questioning Hampton’s manhood grab a bat (no pun intended) and face him in the batter’s box.
It’ll have to wait until he can pitch again, of course. But surely you can stand in there against a girl?
By McFann
May 2, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Bay Area Steve!
By Saltywoody
May 2, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
Carroll
May I ask a quick question? (Guess I just did)
What is Bobby Cox like to talk to? I don’t think I’ve ever really gotten an understanding of what he’s like and I guess I’m not sure how I’d answer that myself if it were posed to me. But, I am very curious.
Is he a pretty gruff old guy? Or is he a little more garrulous than many give him credit for?
I wonder because, in my strange mind at least, he seems like he’d be a lot like Walter Mathow in Grumpy Old Men.
By Willy Wally
May 2, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this
Which Beckham is better?
Tim, Gordon or David?
Hopefully, the Braves can get Tim or Gordon in the June draft.
They probably won’t be around by the time the Braves draft though.
By brent a.
May 2, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this
Shaun
In the last blog you asked how our offense’s consistently strong production can be a strike against the teams chances.
Note, I was not directly identifying the fact that our offense continues to perform as it has over the last 2 years to be a reason for us not winning. Rather, I was noting that our rotation is in shambles, the offense is the same, but Neyer now likes our chances more, due partly to his pythagorean logic.
That being said, I don’t like our offense. I like the capabilities of many of our hitters, but I do not like our approach. I believe that the offense will continue to click off and on, as it has the previous 2 seasons, and the first month of this season, only to see it falter in key moments, due to the collective lack of ability by the majority of our hitters to adjust their approach even when it is painfully necessary.
Then, even if we get to 88-90 wins and make the play-offs, I see this offense getting locked up and shut down, and us losing to somebody, anybody, in 3 or 4 games.
Unless, of course, the Dodgers decide to dump Furcal on us late in the season, and we get his sparkling bat and speed at the top of the order.
By Matt in Athens
May 2, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Carroll, any word at the Ted about Julio Franco’s supposed retirement in the Mexican League? Found a translation on Deadspin from the team’s website that said he was hanging them up.
If so, great career, Julio, too bad you couldn’t have a tomahawk across your chest the day you turn 50.
By varoadrunner
May 2, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Carroll Thanks for such a relevant blog - wonder why DOB doesn’t come up with these? hmmmmm
Anyway, you bring up some excellent points and maybe one of the best people to present the question to would be Leo Mazzonne. My memory is really beginning to fail me, but I do not remember as many arm related injuries when he was in charge of our pitchers (I am not advocating his return although it might not be a bad suggestion - it just wouldn’t happen.) I am well aware of Smoltz and Glavine’s age, but we have young pitchers that have ailing arms. Glavine’s injury was a fluke hammie - As much as a hammie can hurt and inhibit play, I don’t put that in the same category - His just went and I haven’t heard anything since his last start about any further discomfort.
But with Leo’s regimne of conditioning, who knows, just maybe something is missing. Preparation, exercise, pitcher use (Acosta throwing over 50 pitches in three innings as an example) etc.
Your point about preparation when young would be great but I don’t think it would be even 50% successful. Too many leagues stressing do what it takes to win. The only thing the Braves can do is control the minors and the majors. I look at this year alone and wonder if some of the pitchers have been victimized (oh my, tough word - but maybe closer than we think) with over use or no use and then over use. (hopefully that makes sense - it does to me)
I understand that Mazzone couldn’t get out of town fast enough - he and Bobby didn’t always see eye-to-eye. It seems that Roger doesn’t have the control of the pitchers that Leo had.
Bottom line - maybe it’s management. But who knows - I’m just surmising. Carroll, keep up the good work.
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 7:07 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update on Moylan Carroll R., is the only good news Ive heard from Braves in a week; well besides Glavine, Chipper and Yunel getting back also.
Im not sure how bad his injury is, but It sounds as if he takes it easy he could join the team in 3 weeks. Very good………!!!!!!!!
By Carroll Rogers
May 2, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this
short version on hampton. had an MRI on pectoral muscle, it was negative, he’s looking at another round of trying to get back. this time he’ll give it more time to rest - last time it was a week of no throwing and here we were more than a month into it before he was about to come back. so i’d say we’re looking at mid-june at best. and who’s to say.
here’s a long version:
Mike Hampton won’t be ready to return any time soon with the aggravated pectoral muscle, but an MRI ruled out the worst-case scenario, which was a tear and another season-ending surgery.
And yes, a guy who hasn’t pitched in 32 months, let the idea of not pitching this year - or ever again - creep into his mind after re-injuring himself on Wednesday during a rehab outing for AAA Richmond.
“Yeah, sure, retirement creeped in, surgery has creeped in,” said Hampton, 35, who’s in the last year of his contract. “There are all kinds of thoughts going through your mind when you go through something like this, where you feel like you have a chance and now this has happened again. There are some doubts in there, but I’m not going to give up. I’m not going to stop working towards getting back. I’m just not sure how long it’s going to take.”
After he first injured the pectoral muscle in the bullpen before his scheduled April 3 start, Hampton took a week off before he started throwing again. And it took a month for him to get ready to pitch again.
Hampton, who had been looking at a May 10 return, said when he felt the pain in his arm pit in the fourth inning Wednesday, it was worse than that first time in the bullpen. So with him planning to take more time to rest this go-around, it will be doing well to return in June.
He’s as frustrated as anybody about the unknown, among other things.
“It’s frustrating talking about another injury,” Hampton said. “It’s been a lot of years of frustration, but I’m a pretty strong guy. I’m still here. Still battling, trying to get to where I can help this team, as far off as that might seem right now. I’m still going to continue to work towards that goal.”
By BravesFanInRockies
May 2, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
varoadrunner,
There’ve been plenty of posts on this blog about injuries and Leo. In short, there were a lot of them.
You may note, however, that the Braves have tended to draft pitchers straight out of high school (Devine being one big exception) so the team could develop young guys at their pace.
Colleges do tend to give pitchers a heavy workload.
Of course this has nothing to say about the team’s current rash of injuries …
By radoncbravesfan
May 2, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
hudson looking sharp so far, 90-93 on the fastball
By Curt
May 2, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Anyone else not getting any sound from the game, it is on CSS here for me.
By Shamus Thacker
May 2, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this
“”He’s as frustrated as anybody about the unknown, among other things.”“
I’ll assume that’s the answer to my question. Thanks Carroll!
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
I finally understood bobbys philosophy, KJ is not our leadoff hitter. Yunel is the braves leadoff hitter. KJ is only a sure out that we give up to start the game to the other team as a courtesy and to show others how big Braves kindness and greatness can be.
By radoncbravesfan
May 2, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
perfect hit and run by hoss and escobar now lets see what tex can do
By McFann
May 2, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
.100……
By Saltywoody
May 2, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
It’s been a lot of years of frustration, but I’m a pretty strong guy. I’m still here. Still battling, trying to get to where I can help this team.
I’ve always held out hope for Hampton and given him credit for trying to battle back.
But you know what? This time I’d like to tell Hampton to shut up.
For him to say he’s “battling” and that he’s a “strong guy” is totally contradictory to how he’s actually performing. In fact, it’s almost like he’s patting himself on the back, when he hasn’t pitched in the majors for 3 years.
I know, I know. I don’t expect him to say he’s a wussy and I know he’s gone through a lot. But this whole charade is now ten steps past tiresome.
The fact of the matter is that his team has needed him the past few years and he’s done jacksquat for them…actually, if anything, he’s hurt the team because they keep believing he might be able to pitch for them.
By radoncbravesfan
May 2, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
tex, bmac didnt get it done this time but Volquez made some good pitches
I’m trying to be optimistic since it’s a new month
Huddie looking good
By beachcomber
May 2, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Notice the Lemmer is on radio with Pete tonight. Is Skip okay? Anybody know?
Gosh, does Texeria ever get a hit with men on base?
By Dan
May 2, 2008 8:03 PM | Link to this
Can someone please give updates on Hudson? velocity, location, and all. Thanks in advance.
To all the lillibridge lovers. Sorry, but you guys must be crazy not to want to trade him for ANYTHING near a pitcher such as A.Reyes. 2.reasons #1. HE Isn’t NEAR major league ready. #2 NO place for him on this team. #3. He isn’t nowhere NEAR major league ready.(oops, said that already) He was overpowered / Man-handled in the couple games he played in. As someone mentioned sometimes a change is good for pitchers. Such as J.Maine, O.perez going to the mets plus others on other teams…ya just never know. But some guys on here swear lillibridge is A God or something special. not to wanna include him in certain deals. If these deals would actually be true. just rumors going on but still. ? If you were a GM, would you honestly want lillibridge in any trade? I wouldn’t thats for sure. well thats just my 2 cents.
By Saltywoody
May 2, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Overlord
Your 7:52 was perfect.
By DAP
May 2, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
skip is on the tv broadcast.
braves had a chance, couldnt get the runner in. lets hope we get another chance to score in this game.
By radoncbravesfan
May 2, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry, a major league player does not do that.
the catcher set up a foot and a half outside, vosquez threw it two feet outside and francouer strikes out swinging. No reason to throw him anything to hit.
By McFann
May 2, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
beachcomber—
Skip is doing the game on Peachtree TV.
Dan—
Hudson’s looking good. But, the Braves couldn’t cash in with the RISP…
By GTA
May 2, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Carroll, Throwing sidearm actually puts greater stress AND strain on your elbow, so it’s like two forces working against the elbow. Throwing overhand puts more strain on your shoulder, but less on your elbow because it’s more of a natural motion.
By AMG
May 2, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
Saltywoody - my thoughts exactly in your 8pm post.
By Stephen
May 2, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
Carrol,
Can you find out if the Braves have any interest in Derrick Turnbow? He was designated for assignment by the Brewers today.
By beachcomber
May 2, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
DAP - Thanks for the info on Skip. Living outside the market, I never get to see Peachtree. We are stuck with the Red’s crew on Extra Innings tonight, so it’s turn down the sound and put on MLB audio with Pete and the Lemmer.
By McFann
May 2, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
radoncbravesfan—
You are correct. The catcher could set up inside the left-handers batter’s box, and Francoeur would take a hack at it. SHEESH!
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks Saltywoody, but sont say it too load, you could get hanged real quick on a rope next to me…….hehehe
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
So today Mr. Hyde showed up and is pitching for the braves…. hope Dr. Jeckel stays away from us some 5 starts.
Goooo Tim!!!!!!!
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
Phillies winning…….AGAIN!!!!!!!
Muts will probably will go 0-3 against arizona.
Fish is winning also.
By Stuart
May 2, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
I would bat Blanco 1st, KJ 7th and Kotsay 8th. I think that gives the braves some speed at the top and some pop toward the end. It might help.
However, the guy pitching for the reds looks as good as any young kid I have seen in a while. The braves are helping him out when he is up in the zone, which they do anyway, but it really shows up when a guy is throwing 95+.
By Carroll Rogers
May 2, 2008 8:40 PM | Link to this
haven’t heard anything on turnbow other than some dugout chat about how rough an outing he had last time out. will let you know tho, if i hear.
thanks for all the thoughts on.
saltwoody, i could probably better answer the cox question in a chat over a beer, but in a couple sentences i’ll just say it really depends. if you’re asking about a pitcher who’s injuried, sometimes cox can be really terse, but if bobby is just sitting there chatting, when the notepads are away he can be super gregarious (wasn’t that your word)?
hudson looks really good. velocity in the 90s, yes consistently, and singles he’s given up (two) have been little jobs to right field. the Volquez kid has looked damn good too. five Ks for Huddy thru four, six Ks for volquez thru three.
By Epinephrine
May 2, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
awful
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Jeckel=jekyll……sorry about that.
By radoncbravesfan
May 2, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
sweet one hander home run by mcann
By DAP
May 2, 2008 8:47 PM | Link to this
mccann KILLED that one. that will raise his average with RISP, hunh mcfann? those are HUGE runs tonight.
By Cody
May 2, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
The MCDADDY just exploded for a 2-0 Braves lead…..WOOOOOOOOOW
By D. Clary
May 2, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
Hampton is priceless. He belongs in the Hall of Lame.
By McFann
May 2, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
.129!! Movin’ up here!
Boy, he really crushed that ball, didn’t he? Beautiful!
Shee-wiz, Francoeur! What made you think you could steal? They were keeping such a close eye on him, he had no chance! That plus the fact that he didn’t have a very good jump…
Anyway, though, 2-0!! Keep it up boys! (Except lose the mood to strikeout. That got old fast.)
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Now we know Dr Jekyll is not hurt, so whats up with him? Very strange roller coaster going up with him. One night he is Cy Young, the next outing he is Jorge Sosa.
By Savannah Guy
May 2, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
Carroll, yours was a thought provoking lead as always. Interesting questions you posed on the injuries around pitching. At first blush it may seem that pitchers are not in harms way when they pitch, compared to contact sports because they’re not exposed to many “awkward movements, low hits or fluky accidents”.
No doubt it’s top of mind because half of our pitchers are on the DL. Maybe that’s a slight exaggeration… but not by much.
Sometimes it’s just due to plain old luck of the genetic draw with a pitcher’s arm and body type. There are so many possible weak links in the chain of an arm, tendon, tendon, digits, rotator, etc. A pitcher’s height and weight can and do factor heavily.
Other times, pitchers have unwise or selfish managers and coaches when they’re sent out too many times or allowed to throw too many pitches too often. Some pitchers have unnatural mechanics, which may make them successful for a while but the awkward, unnatural motion causes the arm to break down relatively early in their career.
Some pitchers get injured because they are warriors, competing through injury and suffering long-term damage, ala Dizzy Dean and maybe our Smoltzy. Some arms are brought up from the minors before they are physically ready, ala Kerry Wood (or did he just throw too many that Cy Young year?).
Now that I think about it, I’m surprised more pitchers don’t get injured. The real issue is simply that human beings weren’t designed to throw a baseball, a rock or a stick over and over, many times over 100 times in one outing. A few hard-tosses here and there, no matter the velocity or spin and, well… the right guy could take down Goliath with a rock. Yet, over a hundred rock-tosses every five days for years on end and David has an arm problem. Hopefully he’ll see Goliath early in his career before the dead arm occurs.
Perhaps the exceptions are the great pitchers with long, successful careers, such as Maddux, Glavine, Don Sutton, Phil Neikro and Nolan Ryan, just to name a few. Those guys have exemplified ideal pitching mechanics and mental approach. It’s hard to imagine how they’ve accomplished so much.
But this is getting way too serious. So, how about the not so normal examples of pitchers that didn’t or don’t possess the kind of mechanics that would allow a long career but instead, had throwing motions or body type that seemed destined for injury:
How about Wickman going all sumo-acrobat, dancing (falling) backwards after a popup or simulating a drunk skydiver roll going after a slow grounder to his left. Then there was Jose Lima. That man lived dangerously. He came to the park and played with such emotion and intensity he could have easily hurt himself… in the dugout! Imagine the danger when he was actually pitching.Hideo Nomo was a chiropractors (or shoulder surgeon) dream client.
The prize for the most unusual non-typical pitcher of recent memory that had awkward mechanics, eccentric habits and bizarre behavior has got to be Turk Wendell… the king of fluky. There he was, jumping like a looney-tune leaping Rapunzel over the chalk back to the dugout after innings.
The risk-taking high paid pitcher could’ve pulled a hamstring, sprained an ankle or caused neck damage with those puka beads. And that wasn’t even the physically dangerous stuff. Remember how he’d let the ball hit him in the chest when the umpire threw it to him? Turk wanted it rolled on the grass. Surely that endeared him to the umps. Quirky Turk did entertain.
By D. Clary
May 2, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
Timmy is groovin’. But Tex is whiffin’.
By Carroll Rogers
May 2, 2008 8:58 PM | Link to this
mccann’s homer 387 feet …and still climbing…..folks, not sure if you could appreciate it on TV, but he crushed that ball.
By Saltywoody
May 2, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
Carroll
Thanks a bunch. I guess that’s about what I figured. I think I used the word “garrulous,” which I guess has somewhat of a negative connotation and means that you’re a windbag. Gregarious is probably a much better fit.
In either case, I bet he’s got some pretty outstanding stories to tell. Next time you and he are having that beer you speak of, just shoot me a line and I’ll fly in from SF.
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine, dont forget, its may already, dont forget to remind your boy.
By yunel is the man
May 2, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
KJ might as well sing a wet noodle. What a joke as a leadoff.
By Savannah Guy
May 2, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
Great to see Huddy doing so well… and great to hear Skip announcing the game. Feels like a home game when he’s on.
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Looking a lot better tonight, lack of hitting consistency, but good game so far overall.
By radoncbravesfan
May 2, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
10 Ks in 6 innings for hudson, outstanding!!
By radoncbravesfan
May 2, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Halftime score Hawks 49 Celtics 50
By MrC
May 2, 2008 9:18 PM | Link to this
Think its bad? Everyone is complaining about timely hitting, poor pitching, who should (or should not hit lead off), etc. Great NEWS. We don’t have have Andruw Jones and his 18 million dollar salary. He has 4 RBI in 89 at bats. Pitiful. Prado has 5 in 39 at bats. WOW.
By Saltywoody
May 2, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this
DOB said it best about Huddy. He really does have a rare capacity to be totally dominating one night and horrendously mediocre the next.
I’m not watching the game, but something about 6 IP, 2 Hits, 0 Runs, 10 Ks in the boxscore says that this is his dominating turn in the rotation.
By McFann
May 2, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
Yeah, DAP. The homer raised it, but now it’s down again….125 is the count now.
Let’s go, Timmy!!
By D. Clary
May 2, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
Timmy is dealin’ and KJ is flailing.
By eric the elder
May 2, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Hudson 0 runs, 2 hits through 7. About time to pull Tex and bring in Resop.
By D. Clary
May 2, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this
Timmy is mowin’ em down. Oh and Francoeur is a clown.
By Epinephrine
May 2, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
Overlord
I already conceded the other day that I think we’d be better off with Blanco hitting lead off. I think KJ is better suited at 7. Still don’t want to bench him though.
By 22oz
May 2, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
I don’t know his pitch count, but unless its ridiculously high, no Brave should pitch in this game but Tim Hudson.
By Brad
May 2, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
KJ SUCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. I said Suckssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
Fish already won….
Phillies tied in the 8th.
By D. Clary
May 2, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
Hudson’s probably done. Get an insurance run!
By Savannah Guy
May 2, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
Brad, are you a Kelly hater or is that just a lisp?
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 9:47 PM | Link to this
Nice…*2 days off for the bullpen *right before JoJos start.
By Greg
May 2, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Questions: If Hampton retired, would we still have to pay him $15 million? Hasn’t he stolen enough money? I used to root for the guy. I even drafted him last round in my fantasy league. Now, I want him out of a Braves uniform. The Mets are only paying $5 million more for Santana, and they gave up absolutely nothing to get him. The lesson here is never give a pitcher a great contract when he doesn’t have a pitcher’s build. Also, I am convinced that Hampton is a steroid case. All those HRs early in his career. I’m tired of his crap. Can’t he just retire.
By Greg in TN
May 2, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Evening lads and lasses…
And a tip ‘o the cap to the always informative filly of the Braves/MIB blog. Carroll, great blog today, and lots of thought provoking answers by the denizens in terms of the health of pitchers in this great game. It is not a natural thing to take a baseball and hurl it forward 85+ miles per hour regularly. The type of torque required to throw successfully at any level takes its toll on muscles, tendons and ligaments. I have great respect for Ryan, Clemens and Smoltz, among others, that have been able to throw hard and successfully at the major league level for as long as they did.
My take is that there are a combination of factors at play (and yes, I do believe injuries are up from years’ past even though I have no statistics to back this up). First, I think that there are a lot of coaches at all levels that simply don’t know how to manage a young pitcher in terms of workload. Something else to consider is that in warm weather locales, there are leagues virtually year round. Many minor league prospects spend offseason in Mexico or the Caribbean playing winter league. It all adds up over time.
On to tonight’s game, great game tonight from Huddy as he completes 8 and registers 10 punchouts and giving up only 3 hits. Stellar. Edinson Volquez pitched well also aside from the two-run homer to BMac. Hudson had good location and velocity and good movement on his fastball tonight in the 3 innings I’ve seen. He also had some defensive help in the 8th from himself and Tex, who had a nice diving stab of a missle off the bat of pinch-hitter Joey Votto.
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine, I wouldnt bench him either, Ive seen Prado struggle with the glove enough. I didnt read that post of yours. I think KJ will improve a lot once they put him 7th, if they ever do. And Braves will do much much better once that happens.
By keylargo
May 2, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this
Hat trick for Tex.
By D. Clary
May 2, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
It sure makes me giggle to see McCann jiggle.
By Epinephrine
May 2, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
Good call Greg!
By Shamus Thacker
May 2, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
I love the idea of Smoltzie going back to the pen. He’s the kinda guy who will gut it out for one inning in extreme pain. He knows he’s gonna be hurting all year. He’s willing to put up with it for an inning or two at a time. What a gritty dude he is.
Hammy, in contrast, is a dainty pink marshmallow of a gal….
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this
WoW!!!!! he might pitch a complete game? That has been a rare last 5 years in atlanta….
By AMG
May 2, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
I really do enjoy listening to Skip call a game. He makes me laugh and that cuts-down on the frustration factor.
By northBeach Scott
May 2, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Sweet, Huddy going for a complete game. Fly out to Kotsay to start thr 9th.
Awesome changeup tonight. Never seen him throw better.
Go get ‘em Huddy. F9.
By Greg in TN
May 2, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Complete Game shutout. Can’t end a skid any better than that. Superb job by Tim Hudson tonight.
By ernesto
May 2, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Nice job by Huddy. Is that our first CG in 2 seasons? I can’t remember the last one.
By D. Clary
May 2, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Wow. Timmy had 10 whiffs. Tex and KJ batted like stiffs.
By Epinephrine
May 2, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this
Boy did we ever need that. Just solid stuff there from Hudson, going up against a pretty darn good pitcher. One mistake and we made him pay.
Nice to give the pen two days of rest too. Gotta say, even though the bats still seem pretty sleepy, tonight was a nice one.
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 10:04 PM | Link to this
Hey folks….. I know tim was great…… but tip your hat to McCann also, you just couldnt tell there was a catcher back there, he was smooth and called a great game…. a pitcher cant throw 80% of his pitches for strike if his catcher is not helping and doing a masterful job also.
Just saying.
By Wayne in Utah
May 2, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
I guess that answers a lot of Huddy questions, huh!
Leo M was not good at working with younger guys. He seemed to know how to bring out the best in retreads though.
By radoncbravesfan
May 2, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
dominating pitching tonight by our ace makes up for lots of other shortcomings Braves needed a lift
By Shamus Thacker
May 2, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
Huddy is an enigma wrapped in a riddle. What a performance tonight!
By Shamus Thacker
May 2, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this
The Braves’ current ownership has no idea how much Skip means to Braves fans. He’s as much a Brave as Ernie Johnson or Chipper Jones, to me.
By N8
May 2, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
I just got home guys, and started watching tonights game which I DVR’d. Logging on to the blog, I happened to see the score. Looks like Hudson did a fine job tonight.
But one thing I noticed as they were showing the defensive alignment for the Braves is that Blanco is in CF and Kotsay in LF.
Is this the beginning of Blanco the everyday player in CF, and a Kotsay/Diaz platoon in LF???
Or would that be too good to be true?
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
I really do enjoy listening to Skip call a game. He makes me laugh and that cuts-down on the frustration factor. AMG
Right on.
By Mark in PA
May 2, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
Anyone remember Kyle Davies? Tried to pitch through a tight hamstring or quad, tore it on the mound, and was done for most of the ‘06 season(surgically repaired.) Mike Hampton is trying to avoid that—pulls are much easier to fix than tears.
I seem to recall Mike Hampton pitching through a knee injury in 2004, as the team entered the playoffs. Had to have it drained after every start. If you remember, it was gross. It’s pretty rare to have injuries stack up like he has, but it’s par for the course for everything else that’s happening to this team right now.
And BTW, his salary has been largely paid by insurance (and I think it still is this season while he’s on the DL, right Carroll?) If you canned him, the Braves would still have to pay him. If he retired, they wouldn’t, but they would likely be losing an effective (at least in ST/rehab) starter in the second half.
Do you REALLY think Mike Hampton or his teammates, or Braves mgmt, don’t want him to pitch this year?
By Savannah Guy
May 2, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Questions: If Hampton retired, would we still have to pay him $15 million? Hasn’t he stolen enough money? I used to root for the guy. I even drafted him last round in my fantasy league. Now, I want him out of a Braves uniform.
Greg, do you really think a player should have his contract voided because he gets hurt? That’s not only stupid, it’s cruel. Do you really believe a competitor and an honest man like Hampton would fake an injury just so he could sit and watch games and thereby “steal” his pay? Right. You have it all figured out.
Now you “want him out of a Braves uniform”. Aren’t your fantasies going a bit too far? Naked? Really?
You are in a fantasy league.
By Mark in PA
May 2, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
BTW, gameday says that Huddy’s last pitch to JR was 92 MPH, on the corner.
By JC from UT
May 2, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know anything about the rumors regarding either Anthony Reyes or Millwood? IMO Blanton is not the answer. If FW were to get a pitcher from the A’s I would like Dana Eveland. Any thoughts?
By BravesFanChris23
May 2, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
Really good showing by both teams tonight. One mistake was the difference. Glad it was Reds and not Hudson. This will definitely provide some positive momentum and give the bullpen some much needed rest. McCann creamed that ball. If Jo Jo can at least have somewhat of a decent/quality start and the offense wakes up a bit more, we should be fine tomorrow.
By DCbrave
May 2, 2008 10:27 PM | Link to this
Carroll
Congrats! Your record is now 6-2!
By keylargo
May 2, 2008 10:34 PM | Link to this
Hawkes going down to the wire. Leading by 4 with 6 minutes left 4th quarter.
By keylargo
May 2, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
Hawkes going down to the wire. Leading by 4 with 6 minutes left 4th quarter. HD ESPN
By Canuckbravesfan
May 2, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
We get Peachtree on our cable system up here on Canada’s West Coast. I hadn’t seen Skip for a long time and I really noticed a difference in his delivery, which seemed a bit slow and tentative at times, which was particularly noticeable in the pre-game chat with Joe. Loved Skip back in the 80’s and 90’s. His sense of humour really helped get me through some tough years when the Braves were not very good. I know he’s had some serious health issues and I was really surprised at the difference since the last time I saw him. I know I’m getting older, but I didn’t think Skip would ever age. Great game tonight. Get to watch again tomorrow as Peachtree does a rare back to back.
By keylargo
May 2, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this
Hawks up by 7. 4:05 left.
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
Phillies won again.
Good thing muts kicked their axxes, cause if not, they would be 20-9.
By PrincetonBrave
May 2, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this
No More KJ.
No More Pop-ups on 2-0 counts.
Great game tonight, but sans the McCann blast, we are in the 11th inning right now.
Hell of a performance by Huddy, just in time for our new number 1.
By Overlord
May 2, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Giants 16 hits
Phillies 8 hits
Phillies win 6-5.
Giants fan have something in common with us.
By keylargo
May 2, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
Hawks win!!!
Game 7 Sunday.
By radoncbravesfan
May 2, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this
HAWKS WIN
Never would have guessed they could take Boston to game 7
Incredible
By ernesto
May 2, 2008 11:06 PM | Link to this
Watching the Mets and Dbacks right now…Micah Owings??????? How do you bat that guy 9th?
By Tomas
May 2, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Mike Hampton, Mark Prior, Carl Pavano, and Kerry Wood(until the end of last year), have not thrown, more than 50 innings combined since 2005. Apart from Hampton, the others are relatively young. And the worst ppart is that those four pitchers are great when healthy, Cy young candidates. What has happened to this unfortunate pitchers, have they over exposed their bodies or what. You really can’t tell maybe they’re just very, very, unlucky.
By the way Tim Huson absolute awesome. He was dominant, and he puts those injury questions behind him. Kelly Johnson is still struggling preety badly, Bobby needs to move him off from the leadoff spot, specially when you have a guy like Blanco in there.
NL EAST UPDATES:
The Mets have not been playing good baseball but fortunately for them, neither one of there NL East rivals have either.
The Marlins placed the hot Willingham in the DL, and Jacobs is having problems with his middle index finger, so there lineup is pretty debilitated right know, and they have fallen to second place 0.5GB.
The Phillies have gotten hot. They’ve been the most healthy team, with the Nationals, and Rollins is expected thursday for his return. While I was writting this I just saw them win in walk off fashion against the Giants, with a Pat Burrel to run blast. He and Chase Utley have carried this team to first place. They have a surprisingly good bulpen. Brade Lidge is back to being “lights out”, JC Romero has done a very good jobe for them, and Tom Gordon is there setup or 7 inning guy. Their weakness is there starting rotation, their only quality starting pitcher is Cole Hamels, the rest of their starters suck.
Washington has gotten hot, because of their good defense, and good pitching performances by shawn hill, Tim Redding, and espiacilly John Lannan who has been dominant. Their weakness has been their hitting, their only guy over 300 is will Nieves their backup catcher, and Cristian Guzman is hitting 293.
The Braves have had so many injuries to Rafael Soriano, Peter Moylan, John Smoltz, Tom Glavine, Mike Hampton, and Mike Gonzales. Surprisingly pitching hasn’t been the problem, in fact they were fifth in the league in ERA, and their injured bulpen has only blown one save, and has kept it close. The problem has been the hitting. Kelly Johnson, has had 3 homers, but is hitting 231, and has a 311 OBP(on base percentage for those who are not familiar with that stat) and for a leadoff hitter that is abismal. Yunel, Chipper, and Mccann have been their best hitters, especially chipper that leads the league in average, unfortunatley there hits come when there is no one in scoring position and their having trouble scoring runs. And Mark Texeira has been hitting much better lately, making that average go up to 268, but he is just hitting only 182 vs lefty pitchers. Their weaknesses are lefty pitchers, and injuries. Lefty pitchers give a hard time to this lineup, which is packed with left handed hitters, and their switch hitters are much better from the left side of the plate. Their key to success, is for their offense to give around five runs per game which is what they average last year, and they didn’t have Texerira until August, and for Mike Gonzales, Rafael Soriano, and John Smoltz to get healthy and strengthen that bulpen.
By Carroll Rogers
May 2, 2008 11:15 PM | Link to this
excellent point, DC Brave…
as and i was sitting here in a quiet stadium, finishing up, I heard fans screaming in the distance about the Hawks. maybe it really is time to catch hawks fever.
Savannah Guy, loved the lightness. the image of Bob Wickman’s tumble is a keeper.
Meant to tell you guys Rafael Soriano threw a bullpen today. With Hampton and Smoltz to talk to after bp, i didn’t get a chance to follow up with him but I will tomorrow. Bobby did say he might either throw some kind of simulated game here or go out on rehab assignment. For him to even be talking that way sounds like progress to me.
And we shall see on Moylan tomorrow. You hope for his sake there’s a chance. Wouldn’t hurt the Braves either, would it?
Nite all.
By Carroll Rogers
May 2, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
and oh yeah, Lillibridge is on his way back to Richmond to make room for Jo-Jo on the roster for tomorrow’s start
By ernesto
May 2, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this
Look at KJ’S first call up, he was like 0-38 or something crazy like that. Then he went on a tear that earned him Player of the Week honors.
He is the epitomy of a streaky hitter.
Which is surprising for a guy as patient as he is.
By ernesto
May 2, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
So having been transplanted to enemy territory (NYC) such as I have, I’m forced to watch Los Bravos on MLB Xtra innings which tonight was the FSN feed from Cinci.
You find out interesting things about other cities while wathcing their baseball feeds.
There were two commercials for a “For Farmers Only” dating service.
By Tomas
May 2, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
David Wright is really earning that gold glove from last year. He finally learned how to throw to first, and its making some expectacular plays. But last year he didn’t deserve he had 27 errors chipper had 11.
By chase
May 2, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
Efrim
Why do I have to give it up just because you don’t like what I’m saying?
Dana Evland and Greg Smith have a combined 4 wins for the A’s and NONE of the other players in the trade are even on their ROSTER!
All the players I mentioned for the Braves would be ON MOST ROSTERS…Prado, Pena, and Reyes/James would be starters for alot of teams!
So yeah, I think alot of teams would trade ONE pitcher for 3 Potential Starting Players!
BravesRule
Sorry I am not a neurotic obsessed computer stat geek that can’t pull exact transactions and stats from 15 years ago out of my head…i guess you are saying Maddux was not traded for? So sorry…get a life
But for whoever (I think it was you) said the Braves aren’t trading for a front line starter..they don’t so that
Let me see….Didn’t they trade for HUDDY, HAMPTON, and DENNY NEAGAL?
I’m pretty sure they do that!
By monty
May 2, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
I started listening to and watching baseball back in the 60’s. I don’t remember ever hearing about all these pitchers blowing out their arms. Naybe they did, you just didn’t hear about it like you do today in our age of instant news. But it sre didn’t seem as prevalent back then. I wonder what the difference is?
By brian
May 2, 2008 11:46 PM | Link to this
anyone want to start working on the Hudson extension?
By crybaby
May 2, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this
Huddy is an enigma wrapped in a riddle.
…and Hampton is an enema strapped to a griddle.
By brian
May 3, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this
different market now chase
Huddy is looking good. We gave up Schmidt for neagle. Not exactly an inspiring example trying to promote trading for a frontline starter by mentioning Hampton.
By brent a.
May 3, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this
Missed this one tonight in lieu of attending a little event at Phillips Arena.
Are the Celtics big-time chokers, or what? The Hawks, while talented, have shown consistently over the last 3 years that they will choke away games down the stretch, but the three games they’ve pulled out at Phillips in this series have all been must-see events.
The Celtics have no composure down the stretch, and seem uncertain as to whom the Alpha Dog is supposed to be.
At the end of the game, Zaza Pachulia grabbed the microphone and mumbled something that may not have been in English, but ended with “game 7!”, and the place went nuts.
Go Lakers! Go Hawks! Go Braves!
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 3, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
Huddy looked GREAT tonight. It seemed like in the middle innings everybody was swinging over the top of every pitch. He had everything working well.
I think he made a statement tonight — he’s able to be the Braves’ ace like they need him to be with Smoltz gone from the rotation for the year.
Great win for the Braves tonight. The offense didn’t produce quite as much as folks would’ve liked tonight, but Volquez is a great young pitcher and he showed his stuff as well. He also showed his inexperience with the pitch to McCann…A low run total happens sometimes though, kinda like Game 6 of the ‘95 World Series where we only mustered one run, but it was enough.
We’re over the “hump” as far as this series is concerned…bring on Bellisle and Arroyo!
By Get the Psychiatrist
May 3, 2008 12:55 AM | Link to this
“strong guy. I’m still here. Still battling, trying to get to where I can help this team, as far off as that might seem right now.”
Give me a break, please!!!!!!!!
If he really wants to help the team, how about starting with part of the $45 mill over the past 3 years!
If I was getting that kind of dough you can bet your you know what that I would still be there battling, too.
Now before any of you decide I am not sympathetic enough, please get a psychiatric exam for him first.
By the way, we all know Mazzone was blessed with talent while in Atlanta. But was he that “lucky” with injuries over a 14 year period or was there something to his program that should be reimplemented?
By THB
May 3, 2008 1:25 AM | Link to this
The Braves need all the pieces in the right places, and also healthy.
Bat Blanco leadoff and KJ 7th and see what happens. If it doesn’t work out, it isn’t much different than what KJ has been doing lately. We need another arm in the rotation. I like Millwood because he would be decent at worst, but we need some salary eaten by the Rangers. Blanton will cost too much, and Reyes will cost too much for what he has done. I would like to have him though. If a B.Jones and a lower level prospect could get it done, I’d say do it. He could be great if he regains some confidence.
By P-Town Brave
May 3, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this
Ernesto
KJ is about as patient as Charlie Sheen is around cars and hookers…
skidish at best….someone just needs to sneak in a new lineup card or something w/ him in the 7-hole…
Is no one man enough to tell Bobby he isn’t a leadoff hitter and really never has been?
Great game tonight by Huddy though…he had EVERYTHING working tonight…
Hopefully Jo-Jo will be refreshed and ready to take on all comers and if he can give up 6 IP w/ < 4 R, I believe we should be in the game.
By BravesRule
May 3, 2008 3:32 AM | Link to this
But for whoever (I think it was you) said the Braves aren’t trading for a front line starter..they don’t so thatChase
Wasn’t me who said any such thing.You are right, they do tend to trade rather than sign free agents, but this is a tough time of year to talk anybody out of a decent pitcher. Almost everybody thinks that they still have a chance.
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 3, 2008 6:36 AM | Link to this
And this kid Edinson Volquez going tonight, who came in a trade from Texas for Josh Hamilton is leading the National League with a 1.23 ERA. Perhaps National League hitters are still trying to adjust. Or he’s just really good.
Well, I think we got our answer on that one…. The kid threw one mistake pitch all night and gets fitted with the collar.
Now, we also know the difference in the Hudson who pitched in Oakland and the one in Atlanta, change up anyone?
By Bill in VA
May 3, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this
Hey, if the Braves retire Hampton’s jersey this month, will he take the hint????
By TommyP
May 3, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this
Carroll: EXCELLENT blog. That’s the best one I’ve seen here in a long, long time. Made for a great read. Thanks. (plus the mature way you respond to people on here is always appreciated)
Who is it that gives us our Richmond report? Gil??? I haven’t read this blog in awhile but if you have one, I’d love to see it. You do a great update of the farm.
No doubt that the new regime in Cincy has done a solid job in remaking that team. The wins will come later but to have Volquez and Cueto added to that rotation is refreshing for the Redlegs. Now only if they could find a good deal for Dunn.
Made two predictions on this blog in the past several months: Furcal will be comeback player of the year and Nate McClouth will prove me right that the Braves should have made him the solution to our CF vacancy.
Looking good so far….
By McFann
May 3, 2008 8:59 AM | Link to this
Hey folks….. I know tim was great…… but tip your hat to McCann also Overlord
Let me get my hat!
But what an excellent point you made in your post! He was very smooth back there. Apart from those 19 stolen bases off him, he been a pleasure to watch defensively. No errors, no passed balls…It’s been very nice.
By JEB
May 3, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Pitching today is a TOTALLY DIFFERENT game than it was 20 yrs. ago!
1)The use of scouting reports and video have made hitters a lot smarter and more aware of what a pitcher does. Hitters and pitchers are constantly making more adjustments against each other because of this. 2) Not only are hitters working out more and becoming stronger, so are pitchers.Pitchers need to be lean and flexible to have duration. Mike Hampton, for his size, is built more like a running back than a pitcher. He works out hard, and is in physically good shape. But, all of the working out he does causes him to be too stiff and tight (not lean and flexible). This is why he gets hurt so often.
3) The pitching corp is VERY thin!When you look at the numbers of pitchers that actually make it to the pros (and even then a lot of them can’t cut it) from all of the numbers of pitchers in high schools, colleges, minor leagues, foreign countries, etc. and it is STILL hard to find quality pitchers. It lets you know that the real good pitchers are a rare breed!
By BossLady
May 3, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
Congratulations to Tim Hudson for a complete shutout. That’s Baseball
I will tip my hat to McCann also, he is a pure hitter, beautiful
The offense is another story and I hope that they come around soon..
By Tilly
May 3, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this
I know this is off topic, but does anyone know what the “BEACH” patch on the Braves sleeve represents this year? Thanks
By TexasBrave
May 3, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
Carroll I think Dr.’s Andrews and Chandler are on to something. Think about all the baseball that is played now, from T-Ball on up, versus the amount that was played before say the 80’s. Kids start pitching very young and most fathers and little league coaches have them throwing some type of breaking pitch. My point being that pitching injuries were not as common Pre 80’s as they are today because they did not start throwing breaking pitches as early as the kids do these days.
Perhaps some of the more “seasoned” vets of this blog can shed a little more light on this thought.
By John K
May 3, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
Everytime our boy Hampton comes up with ANOTHER “injury”, I can’t help to think of the anti-steroid public service announcement they run on most college sports TV broadcasts. You know the one, a ceramic statue of a nude discus thrower that starts to crumble as the announcer touts the adverse effects of steriod use. Could this possibably be our boy Hampton’s problem? Seems that everything is systematically shutting down within his body. I don’t know what Mike looks like in the nude. Would be interesting if he took the pose with a discus to see if he would end up in pieces.
By John K
May 3, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Everytime our boy Hampton comes up with ANOTHER “injury”, I can’t help to think of the anti-steroid public service announcement they run on most college sports TV broadcasts. You know the one, a ceramic statue of a nude discus thrower that starts to crumble as the announcer touts the adverse effects of steriod use. Could this possibably be our boy Hampton’s problem? Seems that everything is systematically shutting down within his body. I don’t know what Mike looks like in the nude. Would be interesting if he took the pose with a discus to see if he would end up in pieces.
By Shaun
May 3, 2008 10:33 AM | Link to this
Bay Area Steve and Blue Moon,
I’m honestly not being a devil’s advocate. I still haven’t seen any convincing evidence that there are more injuries nowadays than in previous times. In fact the limited evidence I’ve seen actually seems to suggest that there may be less pitching injuries. Maybe some of you are seeing something that I’m not.
By JimD
May 3, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Tilly,
The “BEACH” on Braves’ sleeve is homage to long time coach Jim Beauchamp who passed away Christmas Day, 2007.
JohnK,
Not a visual I care to ponder. I prefer Hampton in his uni, thanks.
By KC
May 3, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
If the Padres fall completely out of it… wouldn’t it be interesting for the Braves to make a mid-season trade for Maddux?
By chase
May 3, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
BravesRule
I don’t know that the REDS or the PIRATES can delude themselves into thinking they have a chance when they are already so far behind the CUBS, CARDS, and BREWERS….
did anyone else see where the BREWERS designated TURNBOW for assignment?
That is hard to believe….maybe the Bravos could pick him up on the cheap now without much risk
By Shaun
May 3, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Wow. There is a ridiculous article on Dugout Central that makes the Braves’ pitching staff sound like the 1996 Tigers’.
Maybe Blakely hasn’t looked at any numbers lately. The Braves have allowed the second fewest runs per game in the National League. They have the fourth best ERA+.
Also, a lot of those relievers haven’t pitched as bad as their ERA indicates. ERA is kind of tricky for relievers. Not necessarily the best way to evaluate relievers. Just a run or two in a couple of outings can skew their ERAs, especially this early in the season.
The injuries have hurt, but come on. It’s pretty insane to suggests this team has serious pitching problems.
By Shamus Thacker
May 3, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
I know people don’t have the integrity of back in the day, but if Mike Hampton did the eithical thing, he’d VOLUNTEER to pitch one season for NOTHING.
He’s talkin retirement. Must be nice being able to retire from being a BUM! Hammy/Bummy’s attitude makes me wanna yap my breakfast!!
By Shaun
May 3, 2008 11:18 AM | Link to this
Chase, people complain about the current relief corps, imagine Turnbow. He’s walked 5.55 batters per 9 innings in the majors. Since 2006 he’s walked over 6 batters per 9 innings.
By Shamus Thacker
May 3, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
I’d cut Hammy because his loitering is a distraction, and it’s also illegal!
By brent a.
May 3, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Here’s a Saturday question for the denizens:
Who would you rather have under contract this season:
Mike Hampton, or Andruw Jones?
Just to make it a more equitable discussion, pretend that Andruw had a 1-year deal at his current salary.
By Shaun
May 3, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Shamus Thacker, wow. Would anyone ever do that even “back in the day”?
The idea that all aspects of human nature have gotten worse and the world is going to Hell is getting pretty old. But I suppose complaining about human nature getting progressively worse is always going to exist.
I’ve read about numerous holdouts from “back in the day” about baseball players holding out for more money and complaining about their salaries.
I’ve also read opinions of old timers even “back in the day” that complained about how things weren’t as good in the old days.
I suppose complaining about the present and longing for the days when most things were actually worse is just part of humanity.
By Efrim
May 3, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
Shaun
You do have to worry about the amount of innings are starters are going to throw, right? Hudson will most likely be the only one to reach the 200 inning plateau. I sure don’t want Jair too. I understand your point about the pitching, it has been very good, but I worry about how long they can sustain this pace, given the fact that they have so many pitching injuries. The offense is averaging 4.6 runs per game. That needs to go up if we are too make the playoffs. I’m not saying we have to club teams to death, but the offense has to improve….and it probably will.
By jch
May 3, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this
A few comments
First, I’ve read the article but not the comments so if I re-state something please forgive me.
I think you hit the nail on the head when you talked about power pitchers/pitching. It would be interesting to see how many of the pithers in recent years who were injured live and die by in the mid-90’s.
As far as the Braves pitching injuries go; reap what you sow - at least for the starters.
We went into this year with a lot of risk in our rotation.
Smoltz - 40yo, late season shoulder soreness
Glavine - 42yo, showed signs of weakness late in the year
Hampton - constantly injured, hasn’t pitched in over 2 years
Hudson - which will you get, the Hudson of last year or the previos couple
The rest - for the most part, unproven
Unfortunately, the first 3 have come home to roost. Hudson seems to be the ‘07 version and we’ve had a fantastic surprise in Jurrjens. But, after that, it doesn’t look good the rest of the season.
Hampton is gone; anyone who thinks he’ll be any help at all this season (or ever for the Braves) is also putting their life savings on the field this afternoon in the Derby.
Smoltz wants his old role of closer back due to physically not being able to go 5+ innings. He’s even mentioned the “r” word less than 2 months into the season.
Glavine - remains to be seen, but no one expected him to come in a be dominant - just a good #3/4 guy.
Hudson is going well most of the time - no complaints there, only kuddos
Jurrjens is fantastic, lets just get some hits behind him and get him to the All-Star game and some ROY attention (is he eligible?)
The bullpen, our supposed strength, has fallen apart due to injury. And, low and behold, the injuries are to our power pitchers…
Now we’re about to get Gonzo back, Smoltz wants the closer role and Soriano will be back in not too long. Which will leave us with exactly 3 top-notch closers; not including the guys filling in while these guys were out.
So, unless Jurrjens or Hudson are going, we have iffy starting pitching, iffy relief and a bevy of closers…
Does this make sense to anyone???
It looks as if the starting rotation was put together with emotional instead of business decisions.
Sure everyone would love to see Cox, Smoltz, Glavine and Chipper together again for one last play-off run. But, from an objective, business decision point of view, would any other team have relied so heavily on 2 40+yo arms and “hope” a guy who hasn’t pitched in over 2 years will come back???
I hate to say it but, the rest of the season doesn’t look good…
Too bad we have one of the best offenses in the league. With even a bit of consistency in the members of our rotation, bullpen or closer and we could have had a real shot at it.
I know, we’re only 3 back (or maby 2 1/2 now) but, we just don’t have the pitching to get us there.
Here’s to hoping Wren makes business decisions when putting together next season’s team.
By Lew
May 3, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
Shamus-Might be time to remove your head from your…..
By McFann
May 3, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
JimD—
Very good point at 10:42.
BossLady—
Pure hitter for sure! And that .125 is only going to rise higher.
Here’s for Mike Hampton: (by REO Speedwagon, with one minor change)
I can’t fight this feelin’ anymore
I’ve forgotten what I started fightin’ for
It’s time to bring this ship into the shore
Bobby, I can’t fight this feelin’ anymore!
By Shaun
May 3, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Efrim, last season the Braves allowed the sixth-fewest runs in the league and the pitching staff is probably just as talented this season if not more so, especially if Soriano and Gonzalez come back soon. Yes, Smoltz as a reliever instead of a starter hurts (again, not blaming anyone for that so no need to rant, DOB).
By Bobby's Cox
May 3, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Didn’t get to blog yesterday. One thought on Hampton.
I said before he shouldn’t have been pitching if he still felt the pec, and now he’s still out longer.
In the glory days of braves baseball, cox would’ve shut him down until he was pain free. In the past 2-3 years, it seems Cox is desperately trying to bring pitchers or players back faster, exposing a weakness of the team, a lack of depth, lack of confidence in other players, and a sensation that this team can’t win without it’s core bunch. What’s happened?
Cox wanted Soriano to pitch in spring. Seemed like he put pressure on Soriano.
Hampton got an MRI yesterday on the pectoral. Why hasn’t Soriano gotten one yet on the elbow? The braves did the same with Hampton in ‘05. He had forearm issues for 3 months (may - Aug), until they finally got an MRI and determined he needed TJ.
Any thoughts?
By Carroll Rogers
May 3, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
jch, you sound like me when i say to a player “do you have a few minutes” and 15 minutes later…..a few comments were interesting tho. just gotta josh ya.
KC, now there’s a thought
and Bobby’s I’m not saying it. I hear what you’re saying but I still don’t visualize Cox as a guy who rushes people back. He’s usually the one making them take longer than they want. if it were up to soriano he’d have been back on the mound weeks ago.
By Mark T.
May 3, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
The Braves did try to trade for McClouth but were rebuffed by the Pirates. That is how we ended up with Lillibridge. They kept trying to offer us Duffy, who is hurt by the way, so it isnt likely we will get McClouth. I remember seeing someone say we traded for Maddux, because he had a year left on his deal. We didnt trade for Maddux, we signed him as a FA, one of those rares times we signed a big time FA pitcher. I also think we are being way too harsh on Hampton. We all know the injuries he’s had here. It’s not like he is saying he can’t pitch because he has a swollen ankle or a tooth ache. Yes, that would make him worthy of all the abuse he gets in these blogs. But he has had 3 serious injuries. Over the last 2 years he’s had 2 ligament replacement surgeries…TWO. Ask Smoltz and Gonzalez how intense the rehab is and then to go through it twice, I couldnt fathom that. Football players will tell you that a strain pec muscle knocks you out from 4 to 6 weeks, and it is most likely the latter. Imagine to not being able to stretch without pain or lift objects over your head because of the pec muscle strain and it also hurts to breathe. He will come back after the all start break, just like Pedro did and we’ll see if he can be something for us. We can set our sights on see if we can get Millwood back and put him between Huddy and Glavine. Also try to pry Gathright from KC, put more speed in the outfield, more speed in the lineup and more speed on the basepaths
By Overlord
May 3, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, I was just thinking about the same thing yesterday while taking a shower. Its become like a vicious cycle or chain reaction. Ive been tough on Cox, but sometimes I feel for him, he is trying to bring up everybody before its time, I think he has a little more precaution with chipper. IMO this is the reason he has not given more playing time to Blanco in CF and Prado in 2B. Kotsay and KJ are injuried but he feels the pressure to play them even if he is injuried. Same for kotsay. A guy that has a history of back surgery needs to sit at least once or twice a week, specially if he has a stiff neck.
Moylan should not be talked about in month, same for soriano, not even try to play catch this early. Hampton throwing off the mount after pectoral strain in less than 3 weeks? unreal!!! But I can understand Cox, he just doesnt know who to relyon. And this could get worse pretty quick, hope its gets better before it gets worse.
By jch
May 3, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
CR - no worries, not the first time it’s been mentioned!!
By Gamecock Brave
May 3, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Carrol Any idea who is gonna start Wednesday vs. the Padres… Me and a few buds of mine are coming down after our last finals here at USC and were wondering who is gonna pitch cause its not listed. Also are there any rumblings as to whether Wren is gonna pull a deal here soon to help out the rotation?
This may be the most snake bit team ive seen in quite some time. Its unreal
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 3, 2008 1:38 PM | Link to this
GAMECOCK BRAVE, I just looked at the Braves/mlb website schedule.
Wednesday nights 7 p.m. game is Tim Hudson vs. Randy Wolf.
By KPH
May 3, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Just wanted to say it was great listening to Skip do play by play last night it appears his health is improving somewhat. I wish Peachtree TV would have Ernie, Pete and Skip do a game one night for old time sake.
By Cody
May 3, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
I have had the chance to think about and have determined: Bennett will be a good 5th starter (well enough to keep us in games) and Reyes (if he can just pitch 6 innings and keep it to 3 runs I like our chances here short term.)
May is important to the Braves because it will be the last month in a while that we will face a bunch of lowly teams.
The Braves win tonight I think the brooms will sweep out the series. But after this series the Braves have Pads for 3 and Pirates for 4. If the Braves sweep the weekend from the Red legs and the Braves go 5-2 in their seires against the Pads/Pirates that will put us at 20-17 going into the first series against the Phillies. This a must dominate nest 10 days.
It is early but if we go 2-5 in the next 7 we will have dug ourselves a deep graves.
After the Phillies the Braves have Oakland for 3, Mets for 4 (that includes the rain out double header), Arizona for four and then Milwaukee for three. And then the final two games of May are against the red legs.
The Braves need a sweep this weekend and then hope for a 5-2 record over their next 7 games against the pads and Pirates. if this happens I think we can play .500 or better for the rest of the month. Lets cross our fingers becuase the Braves need a .500 month to stay alive. Face it pennets are won early.
Wren give Reyes and Bennett two games, if they falture bring in a trade that will stablize our staff.
We also better hope Smoltz and Soriano can come back in three to four weeks becuase June isn’t gonna get easier. Bravos May/June will determine your play-off hopes. Chipper needs to jack Johnson, tex and Francour in the head and tell them the offense needs to get their $$$$$$hit together.
By Open Letter
May 3, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Open letter to Mike Hampton:
Ok pal, MRI says you don’t have a pec tear. Hate to bring Smoltz up to you but I have to. Just frickin’ suck it up and pitch the damn ball!
Your arm is fine. So your pec hurts. Big deal. For the balance you have coming to you on your contract, stop being a wuss, realize that you’re going to have some pain and get your butt out there and pitch!
Smoltz’ arm is practically falling off and he’s scheming on how to get back and help the team and YOU have some pain in a muscle in your chest?
Gonzo is having to be held back because he wants to come back now! He isn’t going to let his head screw him up.
Gosh Mike, I’ve always heard what a competitor you are. You mess up a hamstring? I can understand and didn’t slam you for that. Arm problems? I’m with you pal, you need to address that. Strained pec with pain? No sympathy here! Quit crying and learn to pitch with some discomfort.
I’ve gone from understanding your problems and bad luck and choosing to sympathize with you, to being very unsympathetic when you’re crying that your chest hurts when you pitch.
Just retire wussy.
By LT-AA blogger
May 3, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
After reading CRs article, Hamptons done- he should no longer be part of any conversation regarding the Braves.
Reyes and Bennett need to step it up if this team has any chance of winning the division or wild card- barring trade for a starter. I’m sick and tired of the minors. Braves should let him pitch until the All-Star break and see if he can progress.
By Bravesfan79
May 3, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Like i said before on here, the Braves should just make Hampton a 2-3 inning pitcher coming out of the pen and be done with it. Stop trying to make him go 5 or 6 innings. Its NOT GONNA HAPPEN!!
By Steve-O
May 3, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Well said Open Letter…Well said…I’m tired of hearing his name…
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 3, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Mike Hampton ’s head is so screwed up right now it’s ridiculous.
I wouldn’t let him pitch to my little leaguers.
If he cannot get past his demons and reconcile his fear of injury, the Braves are going to seriously have to consider cutting him loose at some point during this season.
I mean, it really is a shame. I saw him pitch during spring training and his stuff is better than ever. Hampton’s velocity is up and everything he threw was nasty.
Repeating myself, he has to get his head straight. Otherwise, he’s just wasting the Braves time and patience.
By Efrim
May 3, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Hampton shouldn’t be expected to contribute anything to the Braves this year. I don’t expect him to retire, but enough with the guy, he isn’t going to help this team in 2008. Hudson, Jurrjens, Glavine, James, Reyes and Bennett will be the starters for this team for the rest of the year, unless we make a deal, of course.
By Steve-O (Chuck James is solid #4/5 !!)
May 3, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
BravesFan79 AGREED!!!!!!!
I don’t understand maybe Lew or somebody maybe Carrol…Why the HECK do we bring up Reyes when he is 2-2 with a 6.22 ERA in his 8 starts or so?!??!?!?! WHEN CHUCK JAMES HAS WON 11 GAMES THE LAST TWO YEARS!!!!!! AND PITCHED GREAT AGAINST THE DODGERS EXCEPT 1 BAD PITCH TO ANDRUW!!!! BRING UP CHUCKIE LET REYES DEVELOP MORE!!!!!!!! Chuckie 22 Wins last two season Reyes 2….DO the evaluation….Also check out Chuckies ERA not that bad in the low 4’s…….I REALLY wish somebody could give me a logical explanation for this…..
By Sir Stealth
May 3, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
Hey Coach, you realize that the pectoral muscle is located in the chest and not the head right?
By Punxsutawney Mike
May 3, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
Mike Hampton saw his shadow today so it will be another six weeks before he tries to pitch again.
By TexasBrave
May 3, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Coach I usually like a lot of what you have to say, but I don’t think this is all in Hampton’s head. He has had a run of bad luck with injuries because I think he has been pushing himself too hard trying to return. I believe he has been frustrated with all these injuries that he is not giving himself/injury enough time to heal.
I really believe that if he takes his time like Carroll mentioned, that we will see him back in the rotation after the All-Star break. Call me an optimist, but everything I read tells me he wants to compete so bad he can taste it. He just needs a little more patient.
By Steve-O (Chuck James is solid #4/5 !!)
May 3, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Mike Hampton’s manicure didn’t go well, the lady broke his nail and he has a boo-boo under it…He will evaluate the boo-boo in August and consider throwing in the outfield before daring to step on the mound for a BP session…..
Poor guy has no luck…
By TexasBrave
May 3, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
Steve-O I actually wonder why they didn’t give Bennett the start. He has only pitched twice since last start nine days ago for a total of 1.2 innings of work. His last outing he went 6 innings with 3 runs and one walk against Florida. I think he would fair better against Cincy.
I guess since Jo-Jo is doing so well at AAA that they want to see if he is indeed ready. But IMHO they should have left him down there awhile longer especially since Jeff and Chuck have proven they can get it done.
By GM R
May 3, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
Fortunately Mike Hampton’s man boob injury is not as bad as he first thought. He is still able to attend flower arranging class when he is not watching Sewing with Nancy.
By McFann
May 3, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
I certainly wish that Chucky or Bennett was getting the start today, too. Ho-Ho needs more time in the minors……A LOT more time! Why experiment with some guy when they’re so far down in the standings? They should go with someone who’s already proven he cann pitch (er, win), instead of using a dude who’s quite unsettling.
Have to say, as bad as Cincinnati is—or cann be—I’m pretty nervous about tonight’s game…even though their dude has an ERA of 9.00. Whew…at least he’s not left-handed. Then we’d really have to be worried.
(I guess Bennett might not be able to pitch. What—he’s got like a nose injury?)
Prove me wrong tonight, Ho-Ho!
By Epinephrine
May 3, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
TexasBrave, it’d be a quick fix.
We are going to need either Bennett as a starter no matter what: Hudson, Glavine, Jurrjens, Bennet, and ??. So what difference does it make when we decide who takes the 5th spot? Might as well find out now if Reyes can hack it, or if we need to rely on James. In the meantime, Bennett can come in if Reyes blows up-saves us this game, at no expense to the next time Bennett would be due to come up in the rotation.
By Epinephrine
May 3, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
And Steve-O, it is because Chuck isn’t very good without a third pitch. And really when I say third pitch, I mean second, because his fastball isn’t exactly a great pitch. It is just a set up for his changeup. Reyes has better stuff than Chuck, it is just that he is a head case. However, he has been lighting up AAA, so the hope is he is finally ready to make the jump.
In the meantime, it would be preferable to continue to let James develop a breaking pitch. Reyes’ problem isn’t development, it is making the transition. James, on the other hand, needs more development.
By Oprah
May 3, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
My guest today will be Mike Hampton. Mike is a stay-at-home dad from Florida who hasn’t worked in several years. First we’ll have Dr. Phil stop by to try and get to the root of Mike’s self-esteem issues. Then we’ll treat Mike to a fashion makeover with new shoes and a new hairdo. All on the next Oprah!
By Bobby's Cox
May 3, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
I, unlike many of you, hope hampton returns this year. I think if fans are more supportive and stop getting on the man then he’ll be able to relax more and it will be less in his head.
Hampton has something to prove to himself, the fans, and the league. And quite frankly, this team needs a heathly hampton on the mound if we don’t have a healthy Smoltz in the rotation, barring trade.
Maybe i’m a little more tolerable to injuries than all of you, cuz i still think the pitcher to trade for is Rich Harden, that is, if we were going to give away all of our prospects.
Here’s to hoping KJ is hitting 7th tonight, or is spelled of his back and knee problems by Prado. Still can’t believe Prado hasn’t seen more time with KJ continuing to hurt and his BA spiraling towards the Andruw Jones mark.
By Hampton, Virginia
May 3, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
The city of Hampton, Virginia announced on Friday that it strained it’s roadways during rush hour. The city was already suffering with a sore bridge. Hampton will “shut down” for a while and then go on a rehab assignment. It will be temporarily replaced by Buxton, North Carolina. Said Bobby Cox, “it’s time to find out what kind of stuff this Buxton has got”.
By Bobby's Cox
May 3, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
I’d like to say that it’s pretty that McFann spells can with 2 “n’s” whenever she cann. What a true McFann fann.
By McFann
May 3, 2008 5:22 PM | Link to this
B’s C—
Thank you for saying my spelling is pretty. ; )
No, really. I appreciate it.
By Today's Bible Lesson
May 3, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this
Jair was the man from Gilead who judged Israel for twenty-two years after the death of Tola. Jair was the son of Segub and according to Judges 10:3-5, Jair had thirty sons, who rode thirty a s s colts, and thirty ‘cities’ in Gilead which came to be known as Havoth-Jair.
In Hebrew, the name is: יאיר
By Saltywoody
May 3, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Seeking advice on his sore left breast, Mike Hampton has begun seeking out Victoria’s Secret models to see how they cope with such injuries.
Heidi Klum was nice enough to give Mike some advice. “Personally, I don’t think he’s moisturizing enough. This is causing his skin to be too dry and maybe that’s why he feels a pinch when he throws!”
Adriana Lima had a different opinion. “Mike is clearly well endowed in the chest area. He needs to stop parading around in little lacy bras with no support in them and get something with a solid underwire that will hold up when he pitches.”
Marissa Miller was slightly more critical. “Mike Hampton needs to stop being such a creampuff and get out there and support his team. I’ve seen 3rd graders tougher than that guy. Wouldn’t surprise me if the guy starts lactating sometime soon.”
Based on his research, Hampton has decided that his best option at this point is to waffle back and forth between retirement and a comeback for another 7 years, collecting his $15 million paychecks from any team that will keep paying him. He will keep himself on a strict regiment of leading reporters and fans on, telling them how great he feels and how excited he is, and then exiting major league starts before he even throws a pitch.
“I mean, look how rich I’ve gotten off doing nothing,” a beaming Hampton said when asked for comment. “I’ve done squat for the last four years and I’ve made more than the gross domestic products of a lot of smaller countries. I’d like to see you idiots that work for a living try doing THAT!”
When told his comments could be misconstrued by some, Hampton responded confidently, “Misconstrued? Are you freakin kidding me? How hard is it to understand that I’m a larda$$ and a genius at the same time? I don’t do anything and I make an f load of money! I rule!”
Bobby Cox had an interesting take on the situation. “It’s not that Hammy has missed time, exactly. It’s more like he’s been inning-challenged. And, hey, we’ve got to take a positive look at the situation. Not only does Chuck James look like Cy Young in comparison, but Mike’s ERA over the last few years has been 0.00 I mean, the best pitchers in the game can’t even do that.”
By TexasBrave
May 3, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine true we will need another starter next Saturday but I would have liked to have seen Bennett today. We need to string some wins together and after last nights gem by Huddy IMO Bennett is the better choice between the two.
I do agree with you that Chuck needs to stay down on the farm awhile if possible to work on a third pitch and to stretch out his starts.
So here’s hoping Jo-Jo has a good outing. We need some good news.
By Carroll Rogers
May 3, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
Not looking good for Moylan today. He had to stop his bullpen session after only seven pitches (he had planned to throw 15). He’ll be examined tomorrow by doctors, but Moylan looked like a guy ready to accept the inevitable, that there will be season-ending surgery.
By TexasBrave
May 3, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Dang it Carroll I said good news!!
One thing I don’t understand, if the doctors and everyone else believe Moylan needed surgery, why wait? The longer he goes into this season the longer into next season before he returns, correct?
By Martin
May 3, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Carroll, What are the possibilities of Greg Maddux reuniting with the Braves this year?
By Martin
May 3, 2008 6:29 PM | Link to this
Carroll, What are the possibilities of Greg Maddux reuniting with the Braves this year?
By Carroll Rogers
May 3, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
ALSO, they’re gonna honor Smoltz for 3,000 strikeouts in the middle of the THIRD inning tonight. Stay tuned. not sure how TV and radio will handle it, but you’ll want to see i’m sure. the braves wanted to do it during the game instead of before, so there would be more fans in their seats at the time.
By JimD
May 3, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
WOW, just read the story about the retirement of Julio Franco. I shouldn’t be surprised - he’s 49 - but I am. I was hoping he would fulfill his dream of playing until he was 50.
Up until last year, the guy was a hitting machine, but the swing finally slowed more than the mind and body could compensate.
I hope one day to see him in the dugout as a coach. He serves as a tremendous example of two things. First, he proves the possibility of redemption. At one time he had “can’t miss” written all over him, but he let it all go to his head and almost destroyed not only a stellar career but his life in the process. We can only guess what career numbers he might have put up had he continued the meteoric rise of his early career. Players need to learn from his example. Respect yourself and respect the game and it will take care of you.
Second, he is an example of how to take care of your body, mind, and soul. He meticulously guarded what he ate, he studied the game in general and pitchers in particular like no other. His faith kept his heart dedicated. Players can learn from him how to “sell out” to the game and be a consummate prepared professional.
We will miss you, Hoolie (as BC called him from the dugout), but we hope to see you again.
By Willy Wally
May 3, 2008 6:55 PM | Link to this
If you click the link, there is a study that suggests Brian McCann saves his pitching staff .44 runs per game with his ability to frame pitches.
http://www.beyondtheboxscore.com/2008/4/5/389840/framing-the-debate
It says that he was third in the majors in TOTAL strikes above average he got called for his pitchers and 7th in the majors in strikes above average per 150 pitches thrown.
I dunno how valid it is but Hardball Times recommended the study so ….. take it for what it is worth to ya
By Willy Wally
May 3, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Ever want to see the famous Scott Boras binder on Arod? Here it is:
http://youbeenblinded.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/a-rod-hp-binder.pdf
By Efrim
May 3, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
Anyone know Kevin Millwood’s contract status? I believe he signed a 4 year 65 million dollar deal before the 2006 season. Not sure how much he has left, but maybe we can grab him around June if they want to unload him and eat some money. Thoughts?
By Epinephrine
May 3, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
Looking sharp Jojo, looking sharp indeed.
By Reverend Wright
May 3, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
God DAMN Kelly Johnson!
By KC
May 3, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Not too long ago, Bobby Cox said he felt Reyes was very close to being a #2 starter at the major league level… if he could settle in a bit.
The best thing that could happen for the Braves would be for Reyes to prove BC absolutely right.
I have some concerns now about ATL’s rotation, obviously, not that Smoltz is no longer in it. But I was already concerned about next year’s rotation, long before Smoltz hit the DL.
I Reyes could emerge as a quality starter this year… that would be HUGE!! Not just for this season, but for next year as well.
By JimD
May 3, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
Efrim
According to Cot’s Baseball Contracts, Millwood is making 8.5M this year, 11M in 2009 and 12M in 2010. He has limited no trade protection and the club has an opt out after 2009 unless he has combined total of 540 IP in 2007-09, or combined total of 360 IP 2008-09, or 180 IP in 2009.
By KC
May 3, 2008 7:26 PM | Link to this
Sure, Smoltz’s eventual return to the pen leaves a major “?” hanging over the rotation. But to look on the positive side…
The Braves bullpen at this time next month should be:
Smoltz
Soriano
Gonzalez
Acosta
Boyer
Ohman
Bennett/Campillo
Holy #$%^&*!!! It the bullpen stays reasonably healthy, this team will soon be playing 6 inning games. Cuz if you don’t get them before Gonzo, Soriano, and Smoltz take over… good night.
And having Acosta and Boyer for close non-save situations isn’t bad at all either. Both of those guys have only had about 2 bad outings all year so far (and they’ve been used plenty).
By Epinephrine
May 3, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
KC, I really believe JoJo is the real deal. Last year when he was on, he was really good. Its just he had bad control, and appeared to be a head case.
Whatever he and Glav worked on in spring training, I am hoping that is what finally pushes him over the threshold. Because I really think he can be good.
By McFann
May 3, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
Aaaaaaannnnnd…….121!
Hey, Brian, I’m gettin’ tired of calculating your AVG with RISP down, so please do me a favor:
RAISE IT UP!!
By eric the elder
May 3, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this
Greg Maddux was once asked what the most important pitch is. His reply was, “Strike one.”
Every serious baseball person in the world stresses the importance of throwing a strike on the first pitch. Statistics are even kept on it.
So I ask, again and again, why Tex never takes the bat off his shoulder until he gets a called strike, especially with runners in scoring position.
With a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs, he rarely gets the ball out of the infield. Why? Because he waits until he is behind in the count before he starts swinging. By then the pitcher is in the driver’s seat. Very curious.
By nolie
May 3, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
I see that Utley beat out Chipper for Player of the Month.
By Greg in TN
May 3, 2008 7:41 PM | Link to this
Evening folks…
A few thoughts after admiring the Offensive Assassin from DeLand FL knock in his 22nd RBI of the season and put the good guys up 1-0.
So far so good for Jo-Jo Reyes, fresh from the farm and on the hill against the Reds.
A couple nice plays from tonight’s Cincinnati shortstop Jeff Keppinger including one just now on Frenchy.
I guess we can now close the book on the MLB rookie class of 1982 with the retirement of Julio Franco from professional baseball. Just to highlight how crazy things have changed since Franco broke in with the Phils, gas was .91/gallon and postage was .20 cents. Good luck on whatever you try next, Julio.
Disappointing news on the Aussie sidewinder, but not unexpected.
I’ll be interested to see how Peachtree handles the Smoltz tribute, assuming they will do so.
By bgvt
May 3, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
On the JoJo vs. Bennett for starting tonight: I expect the Braves wanted to get back to a 12-man pitching staff — Lillibridge was no longer needed. There are fairly limited relief pitcher options on the 40-man roster. I have a vague recollection of a rule that says that Phil Stockman has to stay in the minors for 10 days after being sent down (if he was to replace a position player). Jeff Ridgway doesn’t inspire much confidence.
I doubt that the Braves want JoJo to work as a reliever but Bennett seems to be able to switch between the roles.
The JoJo vs. Chuck question is a separate issue. My guess is that taking precautions with Chuck coming back from arm trouble and hoping that he can develop another pitch played a role.
So far, so good from JoJo. Only 1 hit allowed and 34 pitches for 3 innings.
By McFann
May 3, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
I see that Utley beat out Chipper for Player of the Month. Nolie
WHAT?! That’s disturbing!
By Shamus Thacker
May 3, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Why do I have the feeling DOB is off somewhere lolly-gaggin with a buncha liquored-up beer joint queens?
By uh Chuck er um James
May 3, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
I’m like working on developing a new uh pitch. First I uh got a umm camera and I uh like took a picture of Tom Glavine uh throwing and uh now I’m in my um dark room. It should be like developed soon.
By nolie
May 3, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
WHAT?! That’s disturbing!McFann
not too surprising. Utley’s BA was lower but his power was more and he had a few more RBI
By McFann
May 3, 2008 8:13 PM | Link to this
Nolie—
Yeah, I guess so…
Waytago, Frenchy. Waytago. (Can’t get mad at Blanco. He got robbed.)
By Carroll Rogers
May 3, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Steve-O, chuck had a rough time in his last outing, barely hanging on in two out of three here, and jo-jo has been pitching well in richmond. they bring the kid up, see what kind of progress he’s really making, and go from there. it’s not like they can’t turn to chuck now. it’s one start. and last year’s numbers aren’t what they’re looking at when they decide who to start right now, i can assure you.
Martin, i’d imagine the padres would like to keep maddux around for a while. it’s may 3… i was a little surprised to hear there isn’t a golf game scheduled for monday, with maddux and the pads in town during an off day monday. but smoltz said he and mdog would probably grab a meal.
jo-jo’s first walk, fifth inning. much better than his usual. and followed it up with a double play. that’s definitely better than his usual.
By factman
May 3, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
The offensive assassin from Pasadena, Chase Utley, just hit his 13th home run.
Unlike chippa, he went to college and actually knows how to read and write.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 3, 2008 8:22 PM | Link to this
Here we go again. Another fine pitching performance and Bobby Cox won’t push the offense.
Twice already, the Braves have had the opportunity to utilize the bunt.
1-0 Braves and living dangerously.
By 22oz
May 3, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
I see voting for the All Star Game has begun. I can’t help but think Chipper could hit over .400 all the way to the All Star break and get out-voted to start at 3rd by David Wright.
By Willy Wally
May 3, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
Dunn is an abortion in left
By KC
May 3, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
Epinephrine: I like JoJo’s potential a lot. I was incensed each and every time Buddy Carlyle started a game for the Braves instead of Reyes.
Hopefully, he’ll establish himself as a consistent major league starter.
He sometimes struggles with wildness… and USUALLY struggles with high pitch counts. If he can get beyond those things, he could be a good one.
Here’s hoping.
By Willy Wally
May 3, 2008 8:43 PM | Link to this
Freel and Phillips are humiliating McCann.
He looks like Piazza right now.
By McFann
May 3, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Holy cow!! THis inning STINKS!
High and too the right! High and to the right! Dude, second base is right up the middle there…
By Epinephrine
May 3, 2008 8:50 PM | Link to this
Ugh. WHy waste Bennett like that? He is stretched out. I honestly don’t understand Bobby’s thinking in the pen sometimes. If this game goes late, we will really have wanted Bennett to eat some innings along the way. Now we are on pace to use our entire pen.
By McFann
May 3, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
In the words of Skip Carray:
“Where there’s a Will, there’s a way!”
Hey, Willy Wally, let’s not get nasty, here. ; )
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 3, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
There the Reds go, pushing the offense.
Base hit, stolen base, stolen base, base hit, run in.
Another stolen base, third one in this inning.
A Walk and Reyes is falling behind every batter. Here comes Cox with the hook. 2-1 Braves.
Bennett does his job. Ohman get Dunn and we are back to another one run game.
By Ray
May 3, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
That second to last pitch to Dunn got me thinking again, do batters look at the catcher’s target to get an idea where the pitch is going? Or is that considered in the same realm as sign stealing?
By Elvis Lombardi
May 3, 2008 8:59 PM | Link to this
22oz
You are dead on about Chipper.
Wright can have decent numbers and Chipper can be still raking and Wright will be the starter in the All Star Game.
I never thought I would see it a few years back but Chipper has turned into the Rodney Dangerfield of the NL.
By eric the elder
May 3, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Ray, batters can look at the catcher if they don’t mind getting a swifty in the ear on the next pitch.
By fastasballs
May 3, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Not getting these runners in is going to bite the Braves again tonight.
Real stellar at bat by Diaz there, geez…………
By Epinephrine
May 3, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
More clutch hitting from the Bravos!
By beachcomber
May 3, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Encouraging start by Jo Jo.
By Philliesuk
May 3, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
Everyone knows that Chipper Jones has been horribly under-appreciated throughout his career. We can thank the New York media for that. David Wright will always be the golden boy. However, he will never, and I mean never, be a better hitter than Chipper Jones. I don’t care how many HR he puts up. Wright still lacks the plate discipline that Chipper had even as a rookie.
Diaz just showed us why he is better in a platoon role. Why does he always have to swing at the first pitch?
By Philliesuk
May 3, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Uh-oh, we’re up by one run. Could this finally be the night?
By McFann
May 3, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
22oz—
I see that happening as well. And if it does, I ain’t watchin’ that All-Star Game!!
(OK, if McCann’s a starter, then maybe I will 8 ) )
By varoadrunner
May 3, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
If a hurricane came through Atlanta right NOW, we will have won a 1-run game.
By Philliesuk
May 3, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
Damn it. It’s not a one-run game anymore.
By McFann
May 3, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
YESSSSSSSSS!!!
.147!!!
5-1!!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 3, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
Good job of hitting by McCann here in the seventh, with the two run double following a bases loaded walk to Teixeira. 5-1 Braves and that is probably the ballgame.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 3, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Sure is fun to watch somebody else’s bullpen implode isn’t it? 7-1 Braves.
By McChipp
May 3, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Chipper will have an easier time getting all-star votes if he does some celebrity endorsements. Some possibilities:
Nabisco Chip* Ahoys Lays Potato Chips Chipotle Mexican Grill Troy-Bilt Chipper/Shredders Chippendale Dancers
etc…
By Epinephrine
May 3, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Gotta say I love seeing Tex on the bench joking with Chipper. Just seeing them-if Tex continues to heat up, they are both going to have monster years. And my bet is, they are going to enjoy it.
By Dan
May 3, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Freel tried making that very catchable ball look like a great play and it cost him. no need to dive on that. He did the same earlier in right center, sliding as he caught the ball. This inning should increase alot of team stats. RISP, late inn. hits and so on. VERY NICE to see nonetheless.
By Andruw .158
May 3, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
0 for 2 w/ 2K’s tonite. I wonder if he’s still grinning like a dumb shyt after every f-up.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 3, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this
How often do you get to see a pinch hitter bat twice in an inning?
That’s what Brayan Pena has done here in the seventh. 8-1 Braves.
By Epinephrine
May 3, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
No Acosta or Boyer tonight, please no Acosta or Boyer tonight.
By Epinephrine
May 3, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this
whhhhyyyyyy Bobby why?
By Dan
May 3, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
Why is Boyer in??? Why not leave Campillo in.???? I Don’t get it.
By fastasballs
May 3, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Campillo was pinch hit for in the 7th by Pena so it would have been hard for him to stay in the game for the 8th.
By Philliesuk
May 3, 2008 9:49 PM | Link to this
Willy Wally Thanks for sharing the link on the Scott Boras binder on A-Rod. Impressive. I enjoyed his comparison of Chipper with A-Rod at age 24 (“Rodriguez is clearly superior…”). The fact is that A-Rod had three times the number of at-bats, which is why his numbers looked so much better. If you correct for the number of at-bats, their numbers are surprisingly similar. The main difference is the lower batting average with Chipper, which isn’t really fair because Boras was only looking at Chipper’s first two seasons. Check it out; it’s near the end of the document.
By Epinephrine
May 3, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this
Nice work Kelly! Great to see him heating up.
By Dan
May 3, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
Thanks Fast Didn’t even realize that. with all the hitting going on, kinda slipped my mind.
By McFann
May 3, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this
Well, Ms. Rogers, the Braves will now be 7-2 for you unless something really bad happens!
Night, all!!
By Hack
May 3, 2008 10:08 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe Cox used the bullpen that way tonight! He is so stupid! We need a new manager! What an idiot! Bringing guys in where they should succeed, and they actually do! Playing the match-ups. Keeping the lead. He’s lost his mind. Boyer pitching, ahhhhhhhh! He should never have to pitch! Especially when he hasn’t thrown in few days. The nerve of this idiot Cox guy! Imagine a bullpen pitcher actually coming into a game that’s being played. Ridiculous!!!!!
If only Epinephrine could be our new manager, we wouldn’t blow any leads. He would know exactly how to use the bullpen every game. The pitchers would always come through because the manager would use mind-control and they could never make mistakes. We would win 140 games every year, and everyone would know what a hack this Bobby Cox guy was.
By Greg in TN
May 3, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Nice game tonight gang. A six run seventh which included a nice two-run double by BMac and an excellent night by the bully are all great things for this denizen to see.
I’m also glad to see Resop pitch well in the ninth tonight. He started a little shaky by going 3-2 to Votto, but rallied to get Encarnacion and Valentin to ground out to preserve the win. Here’s hoping he uses this to turn things around.
Good also to see KJ break out with a 2 for 4 night scoring 2 runs in the process.
Everyone ahead of us in the standings lost tonight, so a very opportune time to clinch a series win with an opportunity to break out the brooms tomorrow.
All in all, a marvelous night on Planet Braves gang.
By ncscoots
May 3, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this
Damn it. It’s not a one-run game anymore
Only in Braves Nation.
This inning should increase alot of team stats. RISP, late inn. hits and so on. VERY NICE to see nonetheless.
Why “nonetheless”? Ninety percent of the blog has been moaning about the recent offensive futility…which is the aberration. Tonight’s the norm.
But you don’t have to be Nostradamus to predict that one of the chronic whiners here (not you, Dan, but one of the usual suspects) will provide us with the clue that this “doesn’t hide the fundamental weaknesses of the team”, “just skews the stats”, etc., etc., yada yada, blah blah blah.
I don’t even bother coming here anymore if the Braves are losing. All the scrolling past the same five posts couched in an infinite number of ways is just a little too not-worth-the-time.
Besides, haven’t some of the resident gurus already pronounced the season over?
By Greg in TN
May 3, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
Also have to say I’m really impressed with the outing Jo-Jo Reyes had tonight. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better mix of offspeed and fastballs. I think he really made strides tonight and brought the same mindset he’s been pitching with in Richmond.
By Philliesuk
May 3, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
nscoots Hope you know I wasn’t being serious with that comment.
By richbrave
May 3, 2008 10:37 PM | Link to this
GOOD-BYE JULIO. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES. Braves give him a one day contract on his birthday, and Bobby send him to the plate as a pinch-hitter.
By MEB
May 3, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
ncscoots… two thumbs up, way up!
GO BRAVES!!!
By keylargo
May 3, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this
Dan
Re: your 9:38 I was going to write your exact comment but you said it first. I totally agree with your statement. The first one, I believe it was Blanco that hit it in the gap, he made a nice running catch and THEN did a basic slide after he had the ball in his pocket. I yelled at him telling him what a hotdog he was on that one. On the McCann hit he had the ball just about in his glove and just stopped running so as to make it look like a dive. It threw him off a couple of inches and the ball skipped off his glove. I watched this about 5 times on Tivo and it was a blatant attempt to make a good catch look spectacular.
I don’t know if Freel has a record as a hotdog, but he sure does now. He let the floodgates open. I
By Epinephrine
May 3, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this
Hack,
We won 8-1, and used 5 (count ‘em), 5 relievers, including our two long relief guys. I agree with Campillo coming out (nice AB there by Pena). I don’t agree with using our long guy for 1/3 an inning, or with using Boyer (who believe me, is having no trouble staying loose these days. Two days of rest? The horror!).
Look, I love Bobby Cox. But if you think his management of the bullpen has been masterful this season, I don’t know what to tell you.
By Carroll Rogers
May 3, 2008 11:17 PM | Link to this
right you are mcfann. i’d say these two wins either had something to do with me…or with your boy mccann and his two clutch hits. hm…..ha!
in a 2-1 game i agree with playing matchups like that. not only is bennett a long man, but he’s also a groundball pitcher. perhaps bobby is hoping for a double play there…..and boyer was probably warmed up and ready anyway before the braves scored six runs in the bottom of the seventh. …just a thought.
DOB back on the clock manana. take it easy boys (and gals).
By richbrave
May 3, 2008 11:22 PM | Link to this
Well REYES looked as good in Atlanta as he has all season in Richmond. Now we’ll see if GUY HANSON has taught lessons which stick for the rest of his career, or if he reverts to the bad habits and bad results DAVID O’BRIEN referenced last week. GREAT START. Good luck JoJo.
By richbrave
May 3, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM:
For you PHIL STOCKMAN fans he picked right up where he left off before being called up. Namely getting SO and no BB. He’s rolling up a very good year in relief so far. First time out since being sent down, 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO. I’ll give you a complete rundown for the year tomorrow if I get the chance. JOSH ANDERSON at .293 (29-99). His average really nose-diving. I think the book is out on the young man. Time for him to huddle with Chris Chambliss and adapt.
By Pete H.
May 4, 2008 12:12 AM | Link to this
It was nice going out to dinner at 2-1 and coming back 9-1. Maybe the early season slump is over. And I am very, very happy for JoJo and the pen. Great pitching tonight.
By Lew
May 4, 2008 12:33 AM | Link to this
For those griping about the way the bullpen was used tonight-Were you aware that they were off Monday, off Thursday, off Friday because of Hudson’s complete game and will be off again on Monday-the day after tomorrow? I think they’re big boys and can handle it considering no one of them pitched more than an inning.
Granted that is more than Hampton is pitching this week, but let’s get real here. They’re not falling over from fatigue right now. It isn’t a problem-even for Bennett.
By geauxbraves2000
May 4, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
WTG Braves, great pitching, great hitting, just what the doctor ordered.
Geaux Braves!!
By Chop Chop
May 4, 2008 12:41 AM | Link to this
Yeah, Lew. I was thinking the same thing. If there ever were an opportunity to use multiple guys out of the ‘pen for short stints in a game, this was it. Bobby was quite within reason tonight.
By uga-brave
May 4, 2008 3:10 AM | Link to this
been gone 11 days on a vacation and not much has changed.
by the way the punta cana in the dominican is GREAT. it blows away cabo.
got to admit, the only news i read was the the the small sports section we got daily in the miami daily hearald.
guys, hampton is done. i thought he was going to win 10-12 games this year. very wrong on that one.
DOB, that standing on the wallet story aint gonna do him any favors.
however, it is not his fault.
this is a .500 team, deal with it.
By uga-brave
May 4, 2008 4:01 AM | Link to this
this one run loss streak is on the offense not the pitching, or bobby.
this current outfield has a combined 6 homeruns through 29 games. that puts them on pace to hit around 52-55. starting pitching has been darn good.
we need some thump from the outfield.
diaz and kotsay are what they are adequate at best. cincy basically gave away josh hamilton, he would of been worth the risk.
still dont understand why jeff francoeur plays EVERYDAY.
throw out the two HR. seven rbi game he had against the nats, and his numbers are downright below average for a RF.
for now he is not a power hitter, and his swing and approach suggests he might not ever become one.
check out his stats in these one run losses. he is the guy that the braves need to go to the next level. sure, he drives in some runs, but he leads the team in at bats and has a really weak .750 .ops.
not really what you expect out of a guy that plays right field everyday.
the way the media portrays this guy he should be a constant and not a variable.
we have had a very soft schedule, and we are still below .500.
however, the starting pitching has been really good, and that will always give us a chance.
jo-jo is gonna be good, he has got the stuff, he will realize it at some point. when he trusts it will be fun to watch.
By uga-brave
May 4, 2008 4:25 AM | Link to this
one last thought, check out frenchy’s splits.
.133 ba. in late close games.
.125 ba. when leading off an inning.
just a thought, disagree if you will?
By ncscoots
May 4, 2008 6:28 AM | Link to this
uga-brave, two sun-soaked weeks hasn’t reduced the Frenchy man-hate, I see. Nice to know some things are constant and unvarying. :-)
Philliesuk, I knew you were tongue-in-cheek. Just couldn’t resist that figurative eyeball-rolling, LOL.
Baseball proves once again that six weeks is both an eternity and an eyeblink in the season. March 30, most bloggers opined that Josh Anderson was a star-in-waiting and that Siberia wasn’t too far down to send JoJo Reyes. Reyes seems to have adjusted, Anderson appears to have not. And will anyone remember a 12-win April if the Braves put together a 16-win May? Eternity and eyeblink.
Glad to see Kelly get out of his funk a little tonight. Frankly, even I was beginning to be concerned about his performance. Unlike a lot of our fantasy leaguers, though, I’m more of a 40-game guy…if he’s still struggling at leadoff after 40, then I’d expect a change. But a performing KJ is still the best option at leadoff, IMO.
By richbrave
May 4, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM:
Season’s line on PHIL STOCKMAN: 15.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 14 SO, 1.19 ERA. His record 1-0, with 1 save. His IP/H ratio is slightly better that 3/1. His SO/BB ratio is slightly less. These ratios are roughly 3/1 and represent the type of domination of International League hitters I have posted of before. STOCKMAN has been to the post eight times this year, all in relief. Throw out his second stint and his other seven appearances are eye-popping: 14.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 11 SO, 0.00 ERA. And the best part has been his demeanor. Rock steady. No moping, no BS. Let’s go. This young man obviously has more work here or Braves management would have kept him in Atlanta. At this point, I’m not sure what that is.
By TommyP
May 4, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this
uga-brave: I wouldn’t say Cincy gave Hamilton away. Edinson Volquez looks to be an ace in the making. Electric stuff.
By Epinephrine
May 4, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
Uga-Brave
One last thought on Chipper,
.211 late and close .111 2 out RISP
There is no way those stats are meaningful. Not enough data yet. So pipe down with the idiotic stats.
By KC
May 4, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
richbrave: I am with you 100%!!! I cannot begin to wrap my arms around why Buddy Carlyle is in Atlanta, and Phil Stockman is in Richmond.
Sure, Carlyle can start. But so can Jeff Bennett, JoJo Reyes, Chuck James, and even Campillo.
It doesn’t make sense to me at all.
You’ve got a guy at AAA who could have closer potential, and instead we keep Carlyle on the 25 man roster.
Someone PLEASE explain this to me.
By jim
May 4, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
UGA,
You must not have seen Friday night’s game if you think Cincy traded away Hamilton for basically nothing.
The lack of power in the outfield is a problem. With this team we expect our power to come from 3B, 1B, C, RF, and to a lesser extent 2B and SS. Kotsay seems to be scraping off the rust from not having played much for more than 1 year and is a marked offensive improvement over what the last CF is doing. Diaz is best used as a platoon/bench player whose OBP is about equal to his BA. There is too small a sample to evaluate Blanco, but he has shown a good eye and may become a good OBP/speed guy like a Juan Pierre type. The player not producing is the RF. He is more patient at the plate and getting better pitches this year, but the off-season body building has translated into a slower swing and not more power. He is rarely making solid contact. I think if we were to keep statistics he would lead the club, and perhaps the league, in broken bat bloop/dribbler hits (and similar outs). This is the season when he should be emerging into a star if that is to ever happen, and he is becoming more and more a complementary player like an Austin Kearns. Moreover, he needs to be sat for a game to break the consecutive game streak. It is better for the team that he (or any player) is at his best over a long season and not playing for the sake of playing when he and the team would be better off with a day’s rest.
By richbrave
May 4, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
Big article in today’s Richmond paper touting CHARLIE MORTON to Atlanta after the young man put in his best day’s work so far: 7.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO. GUY HANSON, R-Braves pitching coach says “I think he’s major-league ready.”
Well coach, you never want to say anything to the media that would limit or inhibit a young man’s economic opportunities in life.
But I have posted my thoughts on this young man recently and said then “three months here and he’s ready to go.” And the respect I have personally for Atlanta’s organization has grown considerably watching the way management has handled Charlie this year. Slow and easy has been their mantra. Because I believe it fits Morton’s psyche.
When HANSON says he’s ready he’s saying physically he’s ready. Mentally he ready. But emotionally he’s not.
NOW FOR THE REST OF THE STORY.
Hanson’s quote ends with “BUT I really think he could use another six weeks just to continue to work on his fastball location and get some more CONFIDENCE.” An added quote from DAVE BRUNDIGE, Charlie’s manager, “I didn’t think he was sharp until the last couple of innings.”…”That’s tough to say after a guy goes seven innings and gives up only one hit”…”I think he’s just scratching the surface of how he’s capable of pitching.” Well there you have it.
I was truely impressed with CM’s demeanor in that one autograph session. I believe the man’s a genuinely good soul, and can’t really grasp how excellent he is now or will become. And maybe I’m all wet. I don’t know the man. All I know is what I see. But I see him growing in his abilities. He’s off that plateau for the first time this year. A great sign.
SO I’M SAYIN” TO ATLANTA FANS - Coming soon to a ML park near you, a diamond-in-the-rough, and a prince of a guy.
By flange1
May 4, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this
Good Morning All,
What a great evening last night!
Jo Jo looked great, the hitters started hitting with RISP, and the bullpen looked great.
This is exactly what the team needed, Jo Jo to show the team that he CAN be a competent starter with Hampton still hurt and Smoltz moving to the pen.
I look for a big day today from the Braves.
Sorry to hear about Moylan, I guess I already had him written down for surgery, hope Soriano can pitch again this year.
Also great to hear Stockman is pitching well.
On the Smoltz subject, I think the Braves need to handle him totally differently than any other pitcher they have ever had on their team.
I don’t see him pitching more than 50 innings for the rest of the year.
I think the team needs to think of their pen WITHOUT Smoltz, don’t pencil him to any spot at all, have a guy fro the 8th and 9th innings.
Then on days when Smoltz is able to go, you have him as an “extra” guy that you can bring in when he is needed most.
I don’t think he is going to be up for the grind of closing EVERY night, so let Soriano or Gonzo be the normal closer and let Smoltz come in in dramatic situations where he is ready to pitch and can help the team.
Thoughts?
By Gil in Mechanicsville
May 4, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Does anyone else remember when Bobby Cox traded pitching coaches with Richmond and sent us Bruce Del Canton and called up Leo Mazzone who had been successful in working with Glavin, Smoltz and Avery in Richmond?
I am thinking the same might be possible with Guy Hanson.
Richbrave I agree on your assessment of Morton.
And didn’t JoJo make us proud last night?
By McFann
May 4, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
Gil
I was pleasantly surprised with Ho-Ho last night.
Sometimes it’s nice to be wrong!
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this
Morning, folks. Just got back from clubhouse. Will probably write a new blog, even though this one doesn’t appear to be bogged down yet. Probably because of the weekend interest in hoops, etc.
Anyway … regular lineup today: KJ, Yunel, Chipper, Tex, McCann, Frenchy, Kotsay, Blanco, Glavine.
Arroyo (1-3,, 6.97) vs. Glavine (0-1, 2.60). Perhaps a win for Glavine finally?
By Pete H.
May 4, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
I hope Tommy has it today. The Reds really aren’t hitting at all; let’s not let them get out of their slump.
By McFann
May 4, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Thanks, DOB. Yeah, you and Glavine could use a win, eh?
; )
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Some interesting stuff.
About braves plate discipline. Im not sure how bad Terry Pendleton has been. Braves are the team that has stroke out the least (157), 20 less Ks than the next team (mets).Only have 1 player (Diaz 26th) in the top 50 in the strike out department.
On the other hand, Braves dont have a player in the top 25 and only 1 (yunel-28th) in the top 40 in the walks department.
That is kind of strange, Braves are not fanning a lot, but we are not taking the walk either. This leads me to think Pendleton is doing a good job, cause braves are waiting for a good pitch to hit, and they are making contact, lots of it.
Some other interesting facts.
Arizona (best record in the majors) have 3 players in the top 11 in strike outs (Reynolds, Young, Upton). The first 2 have more Ks than AJ, and you can add Howard to the group as the top 3 and AJ being 4th.
Arizona only has 1 player in the top 40 in walks in NL.
Thoughts???
Thanks.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Escobar scratched from lineup. Prado playing SS and batting eighth. No word yet on why scratched.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
Escobar, apparently, is sick. As in, a cold.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008))
May 4, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
Charlie Morton is beginning his seventh minor league season, the young man is overdue.
Yunel Escobar is out of todays game, no reason why as of yet.
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
May 4, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this
Well, it looks so far that the Braves will regain the Atlanta sports fans’ attention…Boston 34, Hawks 20 in the 2nd.
By David O'Brien
May 4, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
NEW BLOG IS UP
By Overlord
May 4, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
Looks like Joe Torre is making the kids play well, I think thats the best team in the west. Or at least as good as Arizona, we will see.
BTW, into the game already.
Leadoff hit by KJ., just great to see that.
Then a great bunt by Kotsay, he looks more focused, although he almost misread a flyball in the first.
By Greg in TN
May 4, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Afternoon denizens…
Bring your broom day to the ballpark, albeit against a very good pitcher not pitching well so far this year in Bronson Arroyo.
BMac has struggled against Reds baserunners, but he certainly looked good in gunning down Joey Votto in the second. It looked to me that he was either a little early or a little late in his release point on his throws last night, but a picture perfect throw today even if it wasn’t Freel or Phillips attempting to run.
There’s no doubt these guys like to play the games scheduled to be at 755 Hank Aaron Drive so far this year. After last night’s win, the team is six games over .500 at home which is a marked contrast to how they’ve played at home in years’ past. Of course the teams in the past two years didn’t play all that hot at times away from home either, and the 2008 edition is a woeful 4-11 away from the friendly southern confines, but I like the fact we’re playing well at home the first month into the season.
By Dan
May 4, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
ncscoots. When i said nonetheless…i meant its just ONE inn. ONE game. Want to see the stats increase with multiple inn. and games thats all i meant by it. sorry if it came out wrong.
Nice to see 3B-Mac throw out Freel trying to steal second.
Time to put some runs on the board…runners on 1st and 2nd no outs.
By Kev
May 4, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
INCREDIBLE….Glavine witha 8-1 lead and he f*** it up…..how many runs do have to give him for a WIN……SHEESHH!!!!!!!…when the offense is clicking and scoring, the Starting pitching IIMPLODES….INCREDIBLE this is what we got for 8 MILLIONS….CANT blame the offense on this one Glavine.