AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBest at home, worst on the road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With all due respect to the reunion of the Big Three this week at Turner Field, we’re going to focus on a couple of other unprecedented and/or highly improbable trends and occurrences related to this Braves team.
First of all, do you realize the Braves have the best home record (11-4) in the National League and the worst road record (4-11) in all of major league baseball? Well, they do.
They’ve got three more home games before we venture back out on that cruel road. Not only that, those three home games are against the San Diego Padres, losers of 14 of their past 18 games, and those three don’t include a matchup with Padres ace Jake Peavy.
Braves have a legitimate chance to sweep an entire homestand, though it’s hardly a lock of a proposition, given that Padres starters Chris Young and Randy Wolf both take sub-4.00 ERAs into matchups tonight (Young vs. the Curacao Kid, Jair Jurrjens) and Wednesday (Wolf vs. Mr. Recent Consistency, Tim Hudson).
Still, it’s a legit shot at going 6-0 on a homestand, which would certainly provide a bit of balm to the recent rash of woes that were casting a pall over the Braves’ season before we even reached the one-fifth pole (just a reminder, tonight is game No. 31 in a 162-game season).
But this home/road dichotomy obviously can’t continue, if the Braves hope to contend with Philly and the rest of the NL East through the summer and fall. Because I’m gonna go out out on a limb and predict the Braves aren’t going to win 11 of every 15 home games the rest of the season.
So they’d best start winning a lot more on the road. No better place to begin that Pennsylvania, where they will fly into the middle of a heated NHL playoff series (Flyers vs. Penguins) and try to do some damage against the lowly Pirates (12-19 overall, 6-7 at home) and not-at-all-lowly Phillies (19-14 overall, 10-8 at the bandbox of verbal abuse, Citizens Bank Park).
And before any of you get yourselves too worked up over the fact that Chase Utley beat out Chipper for NL Player of the Month, consider that Utley leads the league with 26 extra-base hits, while Chipper (15) doesn’t rank in the top 10.
And as great as Chipper’s 1.189 on base-plus-slugging percentage is, Utley’s 1.210 is even better. Those are the best two OPS totals in the majors; in fact, the top 10 are all NL players.
(Just wondering aloud, are we finally seeing signs of a balancing of the scale in terms of balance of power between the leagues? Might the NL win the All-Star Game this summer? I’m going to predict it happens, giving the NL team the home-field advantage for the World Series. I already predicted the Diamondbacks would win the World Series, and I’ll stick with that pick regardless).
Secondly, the Joneses…. OK, show of hands from those of you who would’ve predicted this back in 2005, when 28-year-old Andruw Jones was amassing a majors-leading 51 homers and league-high 128 RBI, and 33-year-old Chipper Jones was playing 109 games and hitting 21 homers with 72 RBIs?
Who would have, who could have, predicted anything even remotely close to what has transpired for those two players since then? Because today, Andruw looks likes the oldest 31-year-old “star” in the majors and Chipper looks like one of the best 36-year-old hitters in recent memory.
Andruw Jones has followed up the worst season of his career in 2007 with an even worse start to the 2008 season, and Chipper has followed up one of the best seasons of his career in 2007 with an even hotter start to the 2008 season.
Andruw, in the first season of a two-year, $36.2 mill contract with the Dodgers, is batting .158 (16-for-101) with six extra-base hits (one homer), four RBI, 34 strikeouts, a .267 OBP and a .248 slugging percentage (.515 OPS).
A year ago through May 5, Jones was hitting .235 with 14 extra-base hits (five homers) and 20 RBIs in 29 games, with a .375 OBP and .846 OPS. I’m guessing the Dodgers would kill to have such numbers from the center fielder today.
Andruw is a majors-worst 1-for-25 (.040) with runners in scoring position, and a league-worst 4-for-48 (.083) with runners on base.
He’s hitting an unfathomable .138 (9-for-65) with no RBI and 25 strikeouts against right-handers. In other words, he’s hitting about like most pitchers hit against right-handers.
Andruw hit a home run against the Braves on April 19 at Turner Field, and many believed that might start a bit of a resurgence for the longtime former Brave.
It has not. To say the least.
Since that day he’s 6-for-46 (.130) with one double, one RBI, 16 strikeouts, and a couple of benchings.
Chipper Jones, meanwhile, is off to such a torrid start that we’re all left to wonder just what he might be capable of if he plays 145-150 games. It’s not a stretch to say that, when healthy, he’s been the majors’ best all-around hitter for the past couple of years.
“He killed us,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said Sunday, after Hoss went 3-for-6 with a homer and five RBI in the series finale and 7-for-13 in the series. “He’s always been a great hitter. Now, he looks like the best hitter on earth. That’s a sweet stroke he’s got going.”
Kelly Johnson told me that if Jones played in Boston or New York, he’d be on the cover of every national magazine, the toast of the town, compared to the greats to play the game, etc. I didn’t disagree.
The man is hitting .425 more than a month into the season, a mere 59-point lead over the next-highest average in the majors, Rafael Furcal’s .366 (Utley is at .362).
Jones leads the Braves with nine homers and 27 RBIs, not to mention his .472 OBP and .717 slugging percentage. He’s hitting .400 against lefties, and .438 with an absurd .849 slugging percentage against righties.
He’s hitting .467 (28-for-60) with a 1.231 OPS at home in a park that’s considered to be favorable for pitchers.
He is hitting .500 (28-for-56) with runners on base, and .385 with a .500 OBP with runners in scoring position.
He is on fire.
In 18 games since April 12, Chipper is 32-for-70 (.457) with eight homers, 18 RBI, 10 walks and a 1.390 OPS. He’s struck out just five times in that span.
Going back to Sept. 5, the Braves are 20-6 in their past 26 home games.
Chipper has played in all of those games and batted .446 (45-for-101) with seven homers, 28 runs, 30 RBI and a .504 on-base percentage.
He leads the majors with a .341 average since the beginning of the 2006 season, ahead of Ichiro Suzuki (.331) and Derek Jeter (.331).
But this is the one I keep going back to, the hitting line that just demands to be read again a couple of times, because it frankly doesn’t seem possible.
Chipper really started to get hot in late June 2006, after a slump earlier that month. Since June 24, 2006, here’s what he’s done, in bold for emphasis:
In 213 games, he’s hit .361 (294-for-815) with 64 doubles, 6 triples, 57 homers, 180 RBI, 120 walks, 108 strikeouts, a .439 OBP, a .664 slugging percentage, and a 1.103 OPS.
The Braves are 118-95 in that span in games Chipper has played, and 29-38 in games he has not. Therein lies the knock on Chipper, of course. He had DL stints, though none this season.
Out of curiosity, I thought about Kelly Johnson’s comment and decided to see how a few Red Sox and Yankee stars have done in that same period.
Since June 24, 2006, Manny Ramirez has played 229 games and hit .312 with 62 doubles, 2 triples, 41 homers, 163 RBI, .407 OBP, .542 slugging, .949 OPS.
David Ortiz has played 259 games in that span and hit .311 with 72 doubles, 3 triples, 74 homers, 216 RBI, .432 OBP, .624 slugging, 1.056 OPS.
Alex Rodriguez has played 267 games and hit .305 with 53 doubles, 78 homers, 236 RBI, .404 OBP, .596 slugging, 1.000 OPS.
And for those who might be wondering: Andruw Jones in that period has played 268 games and hit .220 (212-for-963) with 47 doubles, 3 triples, 50 homers, 163 RBI, 142 walks, 238 strikeouts, .327 OBP, .431 slugging, .758 OPS.
Kotsay on a roll: The Braves haven’t seen as many lefties lately, and that’s helped Mark Kotsay keep his batting average in a steady ascent, now up to .301 overall. He’s hit .377 (20-for-53) with five extra-base hits and nine RBI in his past 14 games.
For the season, he’s hit .171 (7-for-41) vs. lefties and .387 (24-for-62) against righties.
By the way, Kotsay is 0-for-12 against tonight’s starter, Chris Young.
Etc.: Braves really might want to be careful this time around with San Diego’s Tony Clark, the former Arizona slugger who has a .429 average and amazing six homers in just 28 at-bats against the Braves over the past three seasons…. Padres 1B Adrian Gonzalez has hit .386 with seven homers in 70 road at-bats…. Tim Hudson is 3-0 with a 1.66 ERA in three home starts. Gonzalez is 5-for-8 with two homers against him…. Matt Diaz is hitting .405 (17-for-42) at home, second to Chipper among Braves. He’s hit .204 on the road.
OK, how ‘bout a tune? For the woman who took our old dog Larry to freakin’ New Jersey, along with half the wedding pictures. (Hey, been a few years now, can smile about it. Sometimes.)
“YOU’RE A BIG GIRL NOW” by Bob Dylan
Our conversation was short and sweet
It nearly swept me off-a my feet.
And I’m back in the rain, oh, oh,
And you are on dry land.
You made it there somehow
You’re a big girl now.
Bird on the horizon, sittin’ on a fence,
He’s singin’ his song for me at his own expense.
And I’m just like that bird, oh, oh,
Singin’ just for you.
I hope that you can hear,
Hear me singin’ through these tears.
Time is a jet plane, it moves too fast
Oh, but what a shame if all we’ve shared can’t last.
I can change, I swear, oh, oh,
See what you can do.
I can make it through,
You can make it too.
Love is so simple, to quote a phrase,
You’ve known it all the time, I’m learnin’ it these days.
Oh, I know where I can find you, oh, oh,
In somebody’s room.
It’s a price I have to pay
You’re a big girl all the way.
A change in the weather is known to be extreme
But what’s the sense of changing horses in midstream?
I’m going out of my mind, oh, oh,
With a pain that stops and starts
Like a corkscrew to my heart
Ever since we’ve been apart.
Comments
By richbrave
May 6, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Poor on the road and great at home. Better be great somewhere if you want to aspire to anything other than last place.
By no 1
May 6, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
no 1
By Train Wreck Bystander
May 6, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
I read last night where the Dodgers had set AJ up with an eye exam… grasping at straws, methinks.
By GeorgetownKid
May 6, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand Chipper’s total lack of national attention. While he doesn’t play in New York, Boston, Chicago, or LA, he doesn’t play in Anchorage, Alaska either.
He plays in Atlanta, one of the 6 biggest metropolitan areas in the country for a team that is among the more prominent in baseball and that has a respectable national following. He is a very familiar name even to casual baseball fans.
Yet, despite the fact that he is proving himself to be the single best all-around hitter in the world, he might as well not exist to ESPN and other national outlets.
By brent a.
May 6, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
Good information.
Looking forward to sweeping the Pads.
Go Braves!
By Calvin
May 6, 2008 1:09 PM | Link to this
11-4 and 4-11 = 30 games played Mr. O’Brien. Meaning, tonights game is their 31st of the young season.
By ElbravoX-- EbX
May 6, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Dirty Jersey!
By What's This Column Doing on the Braves' Page?
May 6, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
Good call on Greg Norton, Coach.
I’m totally sure that mr baseball and Captain Cakeman have already phoned to give you your props.
By Shaun
May 6, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Seven of the Braves’ nine one-run losses have come on the road.
Since Opening Day of last season they are 12-8 in one-run home games (this is the typical home one-run winning percentage). They are 6-26 in one-run road games, the worst in baseball. A typical one-run road winning percentage (all MLB teams 1901-2008) is .388.
By David
May 6, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
I realize it’s no bluckbuster, but I’m curious about this Norton guy we just picked - Wren mentioned in the article that the Braves had been looking at him since spring training, which makes me think the guys got some upside. But he’s bounced around a bit, which makes me skeptical.
By N8
May 6, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
COPIED AND PASTED from the previous blog (as to continue/begin my argument of the day with Shaun)
Shaun
“N8, did anyone ever say “EVERYTHING” is a crap-shoot? If so, where? Find it, please.”
Uhhh…. EVERY TIME the Braves lose a playoff series (which happens a LOT), Bobby states that “these things are just a crap-shoot”.
Besides. You’re the one using the “luck” comment more than anybody on this blog combined.
I don’t believe that the Braves are unlucky in close games. I believe that they are typically outplayed, out-managed, and in general, just not very good.
Willy Wally
“Geez, what the hell was that all about?…You saw my meaningless stat and decided to counter it with a meaningless stat of your own?”
For starters. I obviously didn’t catch your sarcasm while stating your stats on Frenchy were “incrdible”. So I was stating what he does on the first pitch.
As for it being a “meaningless” stat?
Uhhh…how about…NO?
The guy swings at the first pitch A LOT!. In the past, he has had much success by swinging at the first pitch. Thus, Bobby and TP have stated they didn’t want to “take away his aggressiveness”.
Well this year, he’s not doing so hot on the first pitch. He’s making outs more often than not on the first pitch.
So my point was, that while he’s NOT striking out as much, at least in the past, he made pitchers pitch at least 3 pitches to get him out.
I was going to post more stats, but chose not to. Forgot what they were already, but the oddity of it all, is that he has a HORRIBLE batting average when he’s ahead 1-0 or 2-0 in the count as well.
So ultimately with Francoeur, it’s about pitch recognition. When he guesses correctly (or the pitcher makes a mistake), he gets hits.
But clearly, he’s still not as selective as say, Chipper. But then again, Chipper is gonna be in the HOF some day, and Jeff, more than likely will not be. So that isn’t a fair comparison.
That being said, Francoeur reminds me VERY much of a young Andruw Jones. Let’s hope that he doesn’t start emulating the 31 year old AJ, any time soon.
By PrincetonBrave
May 6, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
All the Chipper coverage I need is my eyes gazing at the autographed chipper jones rookie card on my dresser.
By Yars
May 6, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
GeorgetownKid….I agree with your comments on Chipper. I will say this, if he is still hitting over .400 in early July, & the Braves are in 1st, the mainstream/national media will have to talk about him & give him the same props that their darlings the Mets, Yanks, & BoSox receive on a daily basis. now playing: black cat by ladytron.
By MGL
May 6, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Calvin — Good of you to correct Mr. O’Brien’s atrocious number error. Now I can correct GeorgetownKid - Atlanta is the 9th largest MSA.
By eric the elder
May 6, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
*A change in the weather is known to be extreme
But what’s the sense of changing horses in midstream?
I’m going out of my mind, oh, oh* Dylan
Me, too.
By Shaun
May 6, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
I don’t believe that the Braves are unlucky in close games. I believe that they are typically outplayed, out-managed, and in general, just not very good.
Well, if they are outplayed, out-managed and not very good in one-run games, why aren’t they in 2-run games? In games decided by 2 or more? Doesn’t make any sense.
I understand that maybe they have certain characteristics that work against them in one-run games. But it’s hard for me to believe that a team that has been as successful as they have been in every other game (even one-run games at home) hasn’t been unlucky in a lot of close games.
By Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera
May 6, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
This is what I don’t get: People criticize folks who look at in-depth stats because they view humans like robots. But then if you bring up the randomness of the game, then you are criticized for bringing up chance, luck and randomness.
That’s not at all why I think you’re full of crap, Shaun. It’s your COMPLETE disregard for the human element in the game that I object to. You DO view humans like robots. A few months ago you made the ludicrous statement that any player put in a similar situation would have had intestinal fortitude and courage to do what Kirk Gibson did in the 1988 World Series, when in fact, what makes Gibson’s feat all the more impressive and memorable is that practically no one else would have even tried.
By the same token, you must believe that any pitcher could have gutted it out as long as John Smoltz has with the pain in his pitching arm. Wrong. All human beings, and therefore all baseball players, are different, and bring intangible factors with them onto the field that cannot be quantified or written off to chance and luck.
This failing in you explains why you still have your panties in a wad over Jimmy Rollins winning MVP. Well, he won because enough folks who vote on the award recognize the intangibles Rollins (like Gibson in 1988, as well as Jackie Robinson in his day) brings to his team, and aren’t simply slaves to the stat sheet.
In-depth stats can be very telling, and they help you to illustrate some very good points on this blog sometimes. But stats are never gonna tell you everything. And everything they don’t tell can’t simply be written off to randomness and luck. Games and seasons and championships (and MVP awards, even) are never won or lost on paper. Watch Jimmy Rollins play, and maybe then you’ll understand. Go back and watch films of Kirk Gibson scoring from second base on a wild pitch to win a game and fire up his team, and maybe then you’ll understand. Listen to Jackie Robinson’s contemporaries and how, even today, they speak with awe about how his uncanny instincts and baserunning ability absolutely unnerved opposing pitchers and defenses, and maybe then you’ll understand.
But I doubt it.
By Willy Wally
May 6, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
N8, 15 plate appearances swinging at the first pitch is such a meaningless stat, it is laughable that you have defended the use of it.
You’re better than that ……. you sound kind of desperate to complain about something, anything.
Historically, Frenchy has great numbers swinging on the first pitch. All of his numbers are phenomenal in all counts until he gets two strikes on him during his career.
But he’s turned around his performance so far this year with two strikes and his OPS has jumped 200 points early this season with 2 strikes.
Should I be ridiculous and harp on that improvement with such a small sample size (that is actually bigger than the sample size for first pitch swinging that you cited)?
No, of course not.
N8, you’re too good of a complainer to act this desperate to find something to complain about.
By bigchiefrg
May 6, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
I think it would make an even better case for Chipper if you threw in pertinent fielding statistics into those numbers. I would be interested in those as well.
What makes his hitting the most amazing in my book is that he is a power switch hitter. How are those numbers feasible?
And does anyone want to take a guess who starts the all-star game?
By David O'Brien
May 6, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
David, at 35 Norton doesn’t have “upside.” He is what he is, a good switch-hitting power bat off the bench who strikes out a lot but is a definite upgrade over what they’ve got on the bench.
And he’s not bad in the field, can play the four corners (OF and INF) without hurting you much.
By GeorgetownKid
May 6, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
Yars
I would hope that it wouldn’t take until July. In 2 weeks, the Braves will have played over 40 games, which means that 25% of the season will be complete.
If Chipper is still well over .400 after one-fourth of the season, I would like to think that people would start taking notice.
While it would still be too early to start talking seriously about a possible .400 season, batting over .415 after nearly 2 full months would be enough for fans to start thinking about the possibility.
By N8
May 6, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this
GeorgetownKid
You people that claim east-cost bias and the media this, media that, need to wake up.
Chipper gets PLENTY of national coverage. He GOT plenty of national coverage when the Braves were putting up pennants every year, celebrating their 14 division titles.
Mike Vick played in Atlanta, didn’t he??? Even before the dog-fighting crap, he got PLENTY of coverage.
What about the Big Three? You couldn’t pick up a magazine or publication in the 90’s that didn’t START with raving about the Braves trio of starting pitchers.
You wanna know what will get Chipper “more coverage”??? The Braves winning games.
Period.
The NFL schedule came out a couple of weeks ago, and for the 2nd year in a row, my Chiefs have ZERO “prim-time” broadcasts of their games.
The fans in KC on their message boards are crying “Patriots this, Giants that, Colts this, Packers that”. Saying that ESPN only likes those teams.
Uh… ESPN is in the market to MAKE MONEY. Why on earth WOULDN’T they show as much Cowboys, Packers, Patriots, Colts, Steelers, and now Giants as possible??
Or does somebody REALLY want to see a Chiefs/Falcons game on MNF, anytime soon? Maybe ESPN can show the Royals and Pirates game, when inter-league games begin (not sure if they actually play each-other - but you get my point).
Mark it down. If the Braves start winning, they’ll get some “coverage” on the national sports highlight shows and publications.
In fact, I’ll take it one step further…..If they make the playoffs, they’ll get a WHOLE BUNCH of nationally broadcast games come October. I promise.
By David O'Brien
May 6, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Good to see the dude who used to play the gang leader on The Shield now a regular on Law & Order as the new detective….
Anyone see this on Buster’s blog?
“Heard this: Rafael Furcal wants to re-sign with the Dodgers, but if he does not have a new deal by midseason, he will test the market in the fall. He’s 30 and is going to be expensive; he will command the type of deal that few teams can afford. He’d be perfect fit for the Red Sox, with his .453 on-base percentage, if Boston looks to supplant Julio Lugo.”
Who was it that disputed my suggestion that Furcal would command $15 mill or more in a three-year deal?
Still think Braves have a shot to get him cheaper than other teams, if they have any desire. But yes, I’d sign Teixeira if he’s at all affordable. Braves’ new ownership says it’s willing to spent money. We’ll see….
By BossLady
May 6, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
During that 14 year span of wins and dominant pitching the Braves were not liked very much by other teams and players. The lot of most of them who Braves pitching and winning stopped from post season and career changing games.
These are the guys on ESPN, FSN, SportsCenter and Baseball Tonight. They hated the Braves then and now. They’ll be darned if they give anything to them.
When you have a Dynasty (in any field) you will be hated and the ones that hate you have lonnng memories.
By 22oz
May 6, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Norton will only need to play 3 corners, since Francouer will never come out of right field. Ever. Ever ever ever. And ever. Look out Cal!
By McFann
May 6, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Andruw is a majors-worst 1-for-25 (.040) with runners in scoring position, and a league-worst 4-for-48 (.083) with runners on base.
Thanks for that stat, Chief. Made me feel much better about a certain-something that you all know about.
8 )
BossLady—
Good point at 1:53. It’s actually somewhat fun to root for a team that all those “Big Shots” loathe and despise!
By GeorgetownKid
May 6, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
N8
I never said anything about “east coast bias”, nor did I say anything of the sort.
I did imply that the national media has a Yankees/Red Sox bias. But even that shouldn’t be called a “bias” because those are the 2 teams with, by far, the largest national followings. If ESPN talked about the Royals, the Blue Jays, and the Devil Rays as much as they talked about the Yankees and the Dodgers, fewer people would watch ESPN.
That being said, I believe that Chipper’s current season, one in which he is hitting over .420 nearly one-fourth into the season, is deserving of at least as much attention as Steinbrenner’s latest silly statement. Not only is Chipper Jones putting up unparalleled statistics, Chipper is a marquee name playing for a large-market team.
But, that’s just my 2 cents. I’ll climb down off my soapbox.
By TURTSNAP
May 6, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
I am still scratching my head that the Braves picked up a player yesterday that strikes out an average of 1 out of every 4 at bats. Is he Dave Kingman’s son? :O)
By Mike
May 6, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
I’m going to be completly honest.The Braves don’t have a chance in the division or any other division if they don’t get competitive in the free agent market.They sit back and watch teams sign top free agents and expect to win.The Braves have been throughly overated all these yrs, they just play for division titles not championships they really don’t have chance.GO RED SOX!!!
By N8
May 6, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
Willy Wally
“N8, you’re too good of a complainer to act this desperate to find something to complain about.”
Uhh…thanks. LOL!
I wasn’t really complaining. Just putting the numbers up there (be it a small sample, but none the less, that small sample of numbers has contributed to some pretty horrible AB’s in some rally killing moments. Disagree?
It’s still about pitch selection. Period. He’s gotten better, but there is a TON of room for improvement.
I don’t care if over 1000 AB’s he’s hitting .400 on the first pitch, that doesn’t mean he is REQUIRED to swing at it. If I’m a pitcher, I don’t throw him ANYTHING close to the strike zone in the first 2 pitches of an AB.
1) He’s shown, he’s too itchy with the trigger finger to consistently take walks, especially in RBI situations.
2) Odds are, you’re STILL gonna get a strike on him, if you throw a slider or another breaking ball off the plate, in the first 2 pitches, thus putting him in a hole from the get go.
I’m not arguing that he hasn’t had success on the first pitch. As I’ve stated before, oddly enough this season, he’s hitting in the .100’s with a 1-0 or 2-0 count (allegedly GREAT hitters counts). Which means, that even though a pitcher is behind in the count to him, they KNOW that they don’t have to throw him a strike.
I have no problem with the first pitch swinging, if he recognizes the pitch and location and drives the ball where it’s pitched. But when he flails at the first pitch (trying to PULL a HR into the upper deck on a low and away pitch), that is frustrating to watch.
Also, when McCann, Tex and Chipper before him have worked the count, and gotten walks, and (or) a pitcher is wild and out of control, and he hits a ground-ball DP, by swinging at the first pitch, it just shows his impatience.
I think he’s on the right path. I’d rather see him become a contact hitter (doubles and gap hitter), and allow his natural power to shine through, than have him hacking for the fences and getting his 30 HR, that so many Braves fans seem to be upset about (his “loss” of power).
In fact, if you remember many of his first HR’s when he came up, most of them were line drives from Left Center to Right Center.
It was the next year, when he was trying to live up to the expectations of the SI Cover “Golden Boy”, that he started hacking at EVERYTHING and trying to pull it.
Once he realizes how good he is, and gets it under control, he’ll be one helluva player. Until then, he’ll be what he has been.
Good, not great at the plate, and inconsistent in his production.
By OrlandoFan
May 6, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
DOB: Sorry about the dog and the pictures. Been there, done that (at least with the pictures, not the dog), guy. Not a fun thing to endure. But you live and learn, sometimes.
I think this dismal 1-run-loss record is overrated. To me, in baseball, almost every game is a 1-run game. If you’re leading 3-2 in the 7th and add a run or 2, to me that’s winning a 1-run game. If you’re trailing 7-4 in the 9th and get 2 and lose 7-6, is that really any different? I think it’s more important to look at come-from-behind and hold-the-lead games. If you get ahead early and hold on, great. If you fall behind early and come back, great. Otherwise, the margin of victory or defeat really is irrelevant in this sport. There’s no run-differential tiebreaker. Losing 4-3 a couple of time a week just feels bad. But does it feel worse than losing 10-3 a couple of times a week? I think not. Somewhat related: My basketball team, the Orlando Magic, were hosed out of a game last night (yeah, they contributed to that, too), and that feels a whole lot worse than their getting drubbed on Saturday (when the seemed to be in Lansing while the game was in Detroit). But I digress. The 1-run games really are only bad when you enter the late innings winning and then lose.
By Greg
May 6, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
I’m actually starting to feel bad about Andruw. I was never a huge fan of his hitting style. It always seemed to be all or nothing. And I’ve always thought he was lazy and uncoachable. And his plate discipline is awful. But wow! He really is struggling. Maybe he should let LA send him down to the minors for a chance to recover his stroke. I think it’s either that or retire. He’s awful right now.
By Earl
May 6, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Great song, DOB. Great song from a great album.
Don’t know what to make of Norton yet, I’m afraid this might have Craig Wilson written all over it. It’s a good thing Norton walks, otherwise he just has a little power, and it’s hard to hit home runs coming off the bench.
By N8
May 6, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this
Georgetown Kid
Fair enough. I didn’t mean for that whole rant to be directed at you. I just don’t get why people don’t “get” what a network like ESPN is all about.
Similar to MTV with showing music, ESPN stopped reporting on sports YEARS ago.
That being said, you are right about Chipper. His numbers are astounding. But I stand by my theory of the team winning. If the Braves were 20-10, and in first place, the Braves (and Chipper) would be the lead-in on Baseball tonight, more often than not.
You haven’t seen anybody raving about JJJ on Baseball tonight, yet when Smoltz was put on the DL, that was “news”.
Difference is, outside of Braves fans (and maybe Tigers fans), nobody on the planet knows who JJJ is. You would have had to be in a coma (or not born) to NOT know who Smoltz is.
But either way, I apologize for appearing to be ripping on you and only you.
By Nashbrave
May 6, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Dave:
I have a dog named Larry (named after the stooge, not Chipper). Losing him might have been worse than the wife eh? My wife and I are fine but it’d be a cold day in hell before I let anyone walk off with this dog.
By GeorgetownKid
May 6, 2008 2:36 PM | Link to this
N8, No worries. I’m just a humble Braves fan who likes to see his team on ESPN. And, in my opinion, the fad that is “Red Sox nation” is more than a little annoying.
By Chipper's First Wife
May 6, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
I also had a dog named Larry that got stolen by a woman.
By Shaun
May 6, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this
Bring Me the Head of Francisco Cabrera,
I don’t recall saying “any player put in a similar situation would have had intestinal fortitude and courage to do what Kirk Gibson did in the 1988 World Series, when in fact, what makes Gibson’s feat all the more impressive and memorable is that practically no one else would have even tried.”
But I do think if a player was the best hitter on his team, was injured, and his manager called on him to bat as the winning run in the World Series, I would think a vast majority of players would have tried. To me that doesn’t make what he did any less impressive.
And you are certainly right. There are intangibles that can’t be measured. But I assume that if 46 players made outs less frequently than Rollins and fourteen players slugged higher than Rollins, his leadership doesn’t overshadow the fact that he didn’t play up to the level of other candidates.
Don’t get me wrong. Rollins wasn’t a bad selection, but was he really the best candidate? What about Holliday? Better OPS and it’s hard to believe he was a worse leader. How about Helton? What about Carlos Lee? What about any of the 22 guys who posted better OPS? How do we have any clue that they were worse leaders than Rollins and bad enough in leadership to balance out any edge in production?
Quite easy to say leadership was the reason, when you don’t have to provide any evidence that he was actually a better leader than the four guys who finished ahead of him in runs created or the 22 guys who finished ahead of him in OPS?
By N8
May 6, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Boss Lady
Your 1:53 post is ignorant at best.
John Kruk? Last time I checked HIS Phillies knocked the Braves out of the play-offs in 93.
Steve Phillips? Of ANYBODY on ESPN who should despise the Braves, it’s him. His Mets couldn’t beat them to save their azzes. So how does he respond in your theory of “long memories”, when making predictions this spring? Yeah. He picked the Braves to win the East.
Phillips has BIG TIME respect for the Braves and JS.
Gammons? The dude is from Boston. Oh well. Too bad for him. But didn’t he pick the Braves to go to the WS this year? Even AFTER the Mets traded for Johan?
Who exactly is on a network highlight show that is “bitter” towards the Braves?
Besides. I thought EVERYBODY in baseball loves Bobby Cox? If you despise the Braves, then you despise Bobby Cox, right? Didn’t somebody respond something similar to that (actually it was that if you disliked Bobby Cox, than you dislike the Braves).
So which is it? Everbody in MLB (and out of MLB, now on TV), loves Bobby and the Braves, or the opposite?
By TennesseePaul
May 6, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
DOB: Still think Braves have a shot to get him cheaper than other teams, if they have any desire
I don’t know DOB. You may have spoken with him or his agent and picked up on some hint of a “discount” but Furcal really didn’t seem interested in such matters the last time around. Granted, the Dodgers offered twice as much annually as the Braves but less years. Still, I’d imagine Furcal will take the money again this off season. Especially considering that a team able to afford the speculated amounts is probably a perennial contender in addition to being filthy rich. It’ll be a choice between a lot of money and a chance to win or less money and maybe a chance to win.
By Cecil34
May 6, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
DOB
Great blog - I enjoy hearing Chipper’s stats….kinda takes the edge off a lackluster start. I love great hitters.
The road stats indicate to me that this team does not respond well in cooler temps.
Most of the road games in April were in some cities with truly miserable weather.
Probably no small reason John’s shoulder isn’t feeling good.
Baseball should be played in warm weather, but alas, it unfortunately isn’t due to a long season and post-season.
Anyway, perhaps now that we are getting into some warmness, the Braves will respond with more success on the road.
Do not give up on this team - yet. The real report card will come in by June 1.
By MiamiBrave
May 6, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
I’m sure people have commented,
but just wanted to say
IF we can land a guy who can stabilize this rotation, either a front end guy or a good middle guy since Smoltzie is headed to the bullpen
I think we got a shot, because this bullpen could look scary in the 7th inning of games going Gonzo, Soriano, Smoltz to close out games, you aren’t gonna lose many 1 run leads with those guys closing things out
add the hitting that should be there, things hinge on starting pitching once the bullpen gets healthy minus Moylan obviously
GO BRAVOS
By McFann
May 6, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
Neight—
Excellent points made in you 2:13 post about Francoeur. I especially agree with:
Also, when McCann, Tex and Chipper before him have worked the count, and gotten walks, and (or) a pitcher is wild and out of control, and he hits a ground-ball DP, by swinging at the first pitch, it just shows his impatience.
By kdbanks
May 6, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
Hey DOB,
Went and paid your buddy Don at Ella Guru a visit this weekend, and picked up 3 CD’s. What, you can take all his Dewey Cox stickers but can’t get an autograph for his daughter? For shame…
KDB
By Billy
May 6, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Think about how much better Chipper’s stats since June 2006 would be if he didn’t have Andruw batting .220 behind him most of those games.
By ernesto
May 6, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
Funny Tom Waits bit introducing new summer tour.
enjoy! and PEHTSKJMBA!!!
(http://www.tonypierce.com/blog/2008/05/tom-waits-announces-summer-tour-with.htm)
By ncscoots
May 6, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
30, 31…fellas, maybe you just haven’t been around these environs long enough to recognize DOB Math when you see it, LOL.
DOB Math is a long-recognized and often-hailed institution here, along with banana pudding, leotard-strapping, and, oh by the way, Diane Lane.
By OrlandoFan
May 6, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
N8… Insult aside, good response on teh ESPN crew. I agree. They respect the Braves.
Chipper plays today in the shadow of David Wright ONLY because Wright plays in NY. If the roles were reversed, Wright would be in the shadow. It’s the tree (Wright) that shades Chipper from the limelight, not the Sun itself failing to seek him out. Too many metaphors.
Anyway, Chipper is at his best these days.
By TennesseePaul
May 6, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Payne: What about any of the 22 guys who posted better OPS?
I’ve seen your argument against Rollins for some time now. I don’t recall who it was but I do recall the ESPN or SI analyst being asked why Rollins deserved the award over other players who had strong statistical offensive numbers. His response was fairly solid I believe. He said the MVP isn’t an individual achievement award in its entirety. They already have such awards for offense, defense and pitching. The award is more than OPS, OBP, SLG, AVG, HR, RBI, and so forth. Sounded reasonable to me.
As for “How do we have any clue that they were worse leaders than Rollins”
If I’m not mistaken, the sports writers vote on this award. These would be the people that have access to the players and team and so forth all season long. I would venture a guess that these people, the actual voters for this award, would have a clue as to who was a better leader or had a more important impact on his team.
Just the two cents I have in my pocket on the matter. As for the Phillies. I’m not sure you can count them out even with the pitching questions. They have 2 MVP’s in their infield and Chase Utley is making a strong early case for winning it this year… Great infield. Dare I say, even better than the Mets Reyes/Wright combo sent from the heavens and made of gold, frankincense and mir. At least that’s what I’ve read…
By bigchiefrg
May 6, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
DAM!!!!! N8 is on top of his game today….Stone cold killer. Great arguments….Asassin like. Bravo!
By fleming
May 6, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
Liked the Norton pickup. After watching Prado tring to play first base when Tex was run for and with Chipper needing the occasional off day, it looks like good cheap insurance to me. At least until Infante makes it back.
Oh BTW. What’s up with Kelly Johnson. Hasn’t it been proved by micro stats time and again on this blog that Johnson can’t hit and should be batting 8th. Also why is Blanco and Kotsey hitting the ball. Didn’t those same micro stats that people on this blog use prove that they shouldn’t be playing but Anderson called up and playing instead? One of these days the stat kings might realize that micro stats doesn’t prove anything except what happened in a short period of time and in no way can be used as a predictor of things to come.
By Coach (Lets Go Braves In 2008)
May 6, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Dave O’Brien thanks for the new blog and all those stats, it’s lots to chew on.
I had a crazy if not altogether caffeine/coffee fueled thought last night at work.
IF the Braves are in playoff contention come July.
If they need another arm.
If the Padres are buried in the standings(I’m betting they will be).
The odds of Atlanta trying to bring Mad Dog back are not all that remote.
He is playing under the last year of his current contract and he has the no trade clause which would give the Braves a leg up on competition for the services of Greg Maddux.
Should the Braves and Padres hook up, make the trade and bring Maddux back for the last two months of this season. The Braves would be responsible for about 3.3 million of Mad Dog’s 10 million 2008 contract plus incentives.
I know, it’s way to early for trade speculation. But, somehow I wanted to put it out there for the Braves brain trust to chew on.
By Fanncoeur
May 6, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this
McFann, McCann has swung at more first pitches and is worse than Frenchy on the first pitch swings.
McCann has rolled his fat a@@ into more double plays than Frenchy this year
He stole two ribbies from Frenchy last week by clogging the basepaths with his hefty self
It’s nice to see McCann take more walks this year though. That .320 OBP last year was atrocious.
It was also pretty humiliating last year to have our rightfielder nab as many baserunners as our catcher.
It’s only a matter of time until his fat body wilts under the hot summer sun and he starts allowing wild pitches and passed balls galore like he did when it got hot last year.
By Overlord
May 6, 2008 3:14 PM | Link to this
DETROIT — As first reported by Scott Miller of CBSSports.com, JACQUE JONES was cut Monday by the Detroit Tigers, who had promised a lineup shakeup going into a homestand against the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.
By Shamus Thacker
May 6, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Chipper is the present day Ted Williams.
Ted ain’t in too gooda shape though. Seems they accidentally allowed his head to thaw, then just flung it back in the freezer. The removal of his noggin was a mistake in the first place.
By Shaun
May 6, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
TennesseePaul, it’s always good to have reasonable discussions with you. Not folks who twist your arguments into something so they can make their point.
To answer you, I do think the MVP is an individual award. An individual wins it. It’s which individual player is most valuable.
Regarding knowing who is a better leader. How does a sports writer in San Diego or LA have a clue how valuable Rollins’ leadership was to the Phillies? Seems only the team beat writer could speak to the leadership value of players he sees everyday.
Plus, what about the possibility that leadership at least partly shows up in the statistics? Did anyone check to see if the Phillies’ statistics were better than what we would have reasonable expected? If so, was this because of Rollins?
Holliday, Wright, Fielder and Ramirez all had better years statistically than Rollins. Isn’t it kind of strange that the voters just guessed that Rollins leadership and production added up to more than the leadership and production of those four players? If they didn’t guess, what method did they use?
By MGL
May 6, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this
Is Norton already in Atlanta ready to play tonight if called upon??
By Shaun
May 6, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
ESPN is biased—biased towards the almighty dollar. That’s why they seem to cover the Yankees and Red Sox so much. Whether it’s true or not, the perception is that covering those two teams will make them more money.
And it’s hard to refute that given that Yankees-Red Sox regular season games get more viewers than some NBA playoff games, from what I’ve heard.
By Pete H.
May 6, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
I wonder if any player who has hit 40, much less 50, home runs in his career has EVER started a season with Andruw’s “slugging percentage.” There are pitchers in this league that have better stats than he does. Heck, there’s probably one or two in the AL.
Well, the Dodgers got a good one from us. This makes us even, sort of.
By McFann
May 6, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Fanncoeur
Wow. You are one angry camper.
Francoeur’s current OBP isn’t very good, either, do-do.
Actually, the only thing you said that made sense was:
By David O'Brien
May 6, 2008 3:30 PM | Link to this
kdbanks, gonna give Francoeur and a few guys who loved that movie the “America Loves Cox” bumperstickers. Pretty funny stuff (the stickers; I haven’t seen the movie, other than snippets during the multiple showings it’s gotten in clubhouses on the road with the Braves this year)
By David O'Brien
May 6, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Need to go wash my face and get the smog burn out of my nose, if possible, before going to clubhouse. Coming down the interstate at 80 mph, it was harsh between the tiny pebbles that trucks were kicking up and the haze over Atlanta (though not as bad a smog coverage as they predicted today; not the brown layer we get often in summer)
By DAP
May 6, 2008 3:35 PM | Link to this
N8 some pretty horrible AB’s in some rally killing moments. Disagree
yes, i disagree. a rally killer, he is not. he is a lifetime .328 hitter with a .904 OPS with RISP.
He’s shown, he’s too itchy with the trigger finger to consistently take walks, especially in RBI situations.
why would you want to walk in an rbi situation? and 25% of his walks have come with runners in scoring position. overall, id say he is a much better hitter with runners on.
By Tom in NYC
May 6, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
I’ll ask again, is Escobar feeling better and will he be starting tonight?
By Fanncoeur
May 6, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
When you take away pitcher’s pickoffs, Frenchy has thrown out as many baserunners in his career as McPortly.
Who will nab more baserunners in their career? Frenchy or McChubby?
Probably Frenchy ‘cause if McCurly Fries continues to fail like that, they’ll have to trade him to an AL team so that he can DH.
By Reid in EAV
May 6, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Man, nobody writes kiss-off songs like ol’ Zimmy, do they? Wow, spot on.
As for Norton, I have a reason to feel good that he’ll help us. The current regime has a great recent record in getting the best out of journeyman-type players. Campillo comes to mind — who saw that coming?
By ronald
May 6, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Braves GM what the hell is he doing he is bring in another player that is’nt any good do he know what he’s doing he bring in old pitcher and pitcher that is no good that why Boston got real of him he a mess for the Braves they’er never be like they were in the 90’s
By Kermit the Smog
May 6, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
When Howard was hitting .217 through the first two months, Rollins was the engine that kept the team going
When Utley went down, Rollins was the engine that kept the team going
When the starting pitchers failed, Rollins was the engine that kept the team going
When the bullpen failed, Rollins was the engine that kept the team going
When Pat Burrell was nonexistent in the first half, Rollins was the engine that kept the team going.
Without Rollins keeping that team going throughout the year, there is no way in hell they would have been in position to win the division at the end.
He said he was gonna win it and then he went out and won it and kept his team in it throughout the season despite numerous injuries and poor performance from others. That’s what an MVP is.
By Fanncouer
May 6, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
Uh, oh, they just stole another base off McCann
By Roman Gal
May 6, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Here’s a good San Diego article about Chipper Jones’ ownage of Padres pitching.
Here’s a little clip: I think,” Redding said, “I’m going to send over a ball or a jersey and ask him to sign it: ‘I own you.’”
By Big Easy
May 6, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Seriously, what is with the Frenchy/McCann thing here? You guys act like you can only root for one or the other, and you constantly compare the two of them. THEY ARE DIFFERENT PLAYERS! Their styles are different. McCann is patient; Francoeur is aggressive. McCann is laid back; Frenchy is outgoing. Their personalities are different. They are best friends, and both are great ballplayers. Chill out already. The Braves need both of their talents.
~E~
By Reid in EAV
May 6, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
ernesto, indeed. “PEDHTSCKJMBA” was my IM status line yesterday.
By Dadgum
May 6, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this
DOB….gotta believe the Braves will pass on Furcal at anything close to 15 mil. Given what the Braves have at SS/2nd, where would you put Furcal? Anyway the Braves will need at least two more starters in ‘09 if not before and that will cost big bucks in the open market or trade. These Bravos simply can’t go to the post with the age of the starters save Jair and Hudson. Bottom line the Braves simply don’t need Furcal and certainly not at anything close to 15 mil.
By monty
May 6, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Frenchy seems to me to be a far different batter today than his rookie year. He had magic then. I wanted him up with the game on the line, now I’d rather see several other Braves players bat other than him. I think most other fans would too! He was defeated in the Rookie of the Year Award by Ryan Howard. Look at the difference in the two now. Day and night.
By Brady
May 6, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
Just being curious, but I am wondering what 3 roster spots Smoltz, Soriano, and Infante will take “IF” and when they come back.
Depending, of course, that everyone on the current 25-man roster stays healthy.
Thx. Go Braves!
By Aram
May 6, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Dave…A big assumption, but assuming Mike Gonzalez, Rafael Soriano and John Smoltz are all able to return to the bullpen, what happens to Jeff Bennett? Smoltz, Soriano, Gonzalez, Acosta, Ohman, Campillo and Boyer. Does Bennett become the 5th starter. Can the Braves survive over the long haul with Glavine, Reyes and James - all lefties similar in skill set and pitching style - all in the starting rotation? Do you think it’s James that becomes trade bait at the deadline if those three relievers can come back healthy?
By TheCutMan
May 6, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
I made myself a wager before the season started. If, after 30 games, the Braves were 22-8, they were good to go for the NL East title.
If they were 18-12? Good position and confirming their pre-season forecasts.
The minimum requirement for positive assessment was 15-15 which is where they are and to tell you the truth, what with all the injuries and such?
I’m as much in the dark now as when the season started. Some reliable tumblers are needed to click into place for this team to continue its quest to reclaim the NL East title:
1) Getting folks healthy
2) Better clutch hitting
3) Stabilizing the pitching staff
Looking at the above, it would seem a tall, but not unrealistic mission. Hope continues to spring eternal after 30 games. But what about after 60 games? These next 30 contests should clear the picture considerably.
By AdirondackDave
May 6, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this
DOB — If the Braves are fortunate enough to sign Furcal, where do you see them playing him? I’d sure hate to see Yunel go. Didn’t Furcal play second in the minors before they decided he had a great SS arm? And what about Kelly Johnson if Furcal signs, does he become trade bait?
This is my take on Chipper and what may be a historic season. No way his average stays at the current nose-bleed level. What happens when he drops down below .400, perhaps several times, will tell the tale. If he can bounce back to .400 in, say, August then I’ll say he has a very serious shot at a historic season. And all that presumes he stays reasonably healthy and doesn’t have lingering problems that affect his swing when he does play.
I know this, if he does have a .400 season, I’m immediately driving down to Atlanta and giving my 9-year old grandson my Chipper-signed bat I got at an ST game in Jupiter a couple months ago!
By JEB
May 6, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
I would bet the 0-9 record in one run games, goes hand in hand with our losing road record. Check it out!
By N8
May 6, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Well said at 3:27. You hit the nail on the head.
DAP
Earlier, I said:
“…some pretty horrible AB’s in some rally killing moments. Disagree?”
To which, you responded:
“yes, i disagree. a rally killer, he is not. he is a lifetime .328 hitter with a .904 OPS with RISP.”
Fair point. When looking at his career, overall. Remember, I was BEGGING for him to be in the clean-up spot last year, based on his RISP “stats”.
But let’s break it down a bit in the first month of this year (which is what I was getting at when I made that comment):
RISP: 10 for 39 (.286) with 17 RBI. Certainly “acceptable”
2 Outs & RISP: 5 for 13 (.385) with 7 RBI. Can’t really ask for much more.
But lets see how he’s done in “late and close” situations (you know….games the Braves are 0-9 in?)
Late & Close, which as defined by baseball-reference.com is as follows (Late & Close are PA in the 7th or later with the batting team tied, ahead by one, or the tying run at least on deck.): 3 for 19 (.158) O RBI
Within 1 RUN: 16 for 70 (.239) 9 RBI
Within 2 RUNS: 21 for 83 (.255) 10 RBI
Within 3 RUNS: 24 for 94 (.255) 12 RBI.
Within 4 RUNS: 29 for 107 (.277) 17 RBI
GREATER than 4 RUN Deficit: 5 for 16 (.313) 5 RBI.
He’s shown, he’s too itchy with the trigger finger to consistently take walks, especially in RBI situations.
why would you want to walk in an rbi situation? and 25% of his walks have come with runners in scoring position. overall, id say he is a much better hitter with runners on.
So you can dispute that in his career he has been stellar in those situations. I can’t and WON’T argue that. In fact, I suspect that he’ll be our clean-up hitter next year, when Tex leaves. So I hope those numbers (in his career) continue. But so far this year, he is WAY off of his own marks of years past, in coming through in those situations.
Take away the 3 for 5 day, with the 2 HR and 7 RBI against Washington, and he’s hitting .262 with 1 HR and 13 RBI in the other 29 games he’s played in.
Yikes, to say the least.
By Tomas
May 6, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
DOB, whats the latest on Hampton. Is he getting better, or still feeling pain?
By McFann
May 6, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Big Easy—
I’m willing to chill. And my impatience with Francoeur has nothing to do with my love of McCann.
Fanncoeur—
Dang, your 3:38 post was so confusing! I thought you were comparing Francoeur to McCann. I’ve never heard of those three guys you mentioned.
Who stole a base? Last I checked, the Braves haven’t started playing yet.
Monty—
My family and I make up a portion of those other fans you mentioned.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 6, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
Dadgum, see DOB’s blog from a couple of weeks ago, the one entitled “Imagine a Furcal-Escobar double-play combo…” (or something close to that)
He suggests the possibility of either trading KJ for a starting pitcher or moving him to another position, whether it’s 1B (assuming that they don’t re-sign Tex, which would free up money to go after Furcal) or OF.
I think that now, given the state of their rotation, it would be better to go after a starting pitcher, rather than try to juggle the infield and welcome back Furcal. Furcal would be great back in Atlanta, but the expense would be a) saying bye to Tex and b) likely losing out on a FA starting pitcher.
To the other PEDHTSCKJMBA folks — any idea when tickets for Atlanta go on sale yet?
By WILL
May 6, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
THEBRAVES WILL BE IN LASTPLACE COME BEFORE THE ALL STAR BREAK THIS TEAM IS NOT THAT GOOD AND I SAID ARIZONA WOULD WIN THE WORLD SERIES AFTER THEY GOT DANHAREN IN A TRADE THEY HAVE IT ALL.THIS BRAVES TEAM IS LIVING OFF ITS REPUTATION THEY WILL LOSE 2OF 3 TO PADRES IVE ALREADY BET ON IT.
By Sir Stealth
May 6, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Monty:
Ryan Howard (Age 28): BA: .169 HRs: 6 RBI: 16 OBP: .296 Slugging: .347
Jeff Francoeur (Age 24: BA: .276 HRS: 3 RBI: 20 OBP: .311 Slugging: .455
You’re right, the difference in the 2 right now really is like day and night.
By Brady
May 6, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Oh yeah, and I forgot about M. Gonzales.