AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 08 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves aim for perfection
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Top of the morning to you. I see the May flowers continue. Braves are going for 6-0 on the homestand today vs. the Padres and our fleeting pal Wil Ledezma. If they pull it off, it’ll be their first perfect homestand of two or more series since June 3-8, 2003 when they took five from the Rangers and Pirates. The Braves haven’t had a perfect six-game homestand since April 2000, when they went 9-0 vs. the Phillies, Pirates and Dodgers.
Personally, I’m ignoring the possibility for showers today — looks awfully sunny to me — so let’s get on with the lineup.
Omar Infante is in the lineup today playing second base. He’s not exactly in the park yet — he was due in this morning from Richmond and when I left the Braves clubhouse about 11:40 a.m. he wasn’t there yet. But he’s been activated from the DL and I’m sure he’ll show up and throw on a uni and do what Bobby always wants done — get right into the swing of things.
This will be the Braves’ first look at their super utility player acquired from Detroit via the Cubs, who was delayed by the broken hand he suffered in winter ball. The Braves wanted him to play third base, shortstop, second base and center field while he was in extended spring training. He didn’t have time to get to all those positions so he spent the last three games in Richmond in center field.
Brayan Pena heads to the disabled list with a back strain, he apparently suffered on Sunday injury pinch-hitting against the Reds.
Also, this just in, Brian McCann rests today and Corky Miller gets the start catching Jo-Jo Reyes. No, that’s not that unusual with a day game after a night game, but it is unusual in that hey, McCann has played a ton.
Ever stop to think about how often McCann is behind the plate? Me neither. It just hit me last night how much he’s been in there, something we start to take for granted. It’s something his youth, toughness and a few off days have allowed for lately, and it’s something not just McFann should appreciate, eh?
McCann had played in the Braves first 32 games, entering Sunday. He got the day off on April 3 vs. Pittsburgh and April 20 vs. the Dodgers, but came into pinch hit both days. He had played 14 in a row behind the plate until today.
Felt like checking with John Smoltz today, just to see what’s going on with his arm. He’s 10 days into his resting period and said a lot of the pain/stiffness is dissipating in the shoulder. When he pointed to the place where he still feels a little stiffness now, it’s the old trapezius muscle. But he’s feeling positive about things and he said the serious pain started to subside when he hit the six-day mark of rest.
He doesn’t want to over-promise and undersell — something he pointed out he’s learned from the work he’s done with Kings Ridge, the Christian school he started from the ground up — but he’s betting on being back out there by the end of May. Or the way he put it “something that starts with a 2.” Hm, having now just looked that up on the schedule, wonder if it’s any coincidence that the first day that starts with a 2 — May 20 — is the first of a three-day series against the Mets at Turner Field.
Not that I’m pushing, but Smoltz, gotta love the enthusiasm. But that might be pushing it. Maybe another day with a 2 in it is more like it. But we’ll see. (Oh gosh, I’m beginning to sound like Bobby, who I’m now kidding because he says “we’ll see” so much about all these injuries.
Anyway, Smoltz said trainers wanting him to rest for a couple more days but he thinks he’ll be playing catch by Sunday in Pittsburgh. And somewhere between catch and returning to the bullpen, there will be a minor league rehab assignment.
I did ask — because I was curious — if moving to the bullpen had anything to do with trying to keep himself from having to throw all his pitches. Smoltz said no, that it’s strictly the amount of pitches. So that’s that. He also said he doesn’t see himself being in a typical closer’s role because he’s not going to be ready to go three days in a row or four out of five. So it’ll be interesting to see how Bobby uses him when the time comes. He needs some structure, which isn’t easy to pull off in the bullpen.
And one last thing. Had to share this little tidbit. I’m working on a story about Chipper and his switch-hitting history for Sunday’s Braves Insider, and I went to the source Larry Wayne Sr. who taught Chipper how to switch-hit and who is always great to talk to. And we were chatting just a bit about the ride Chipper is on right now.
Larry’s taking it all in through Chipper’s nightly calls to his dad riding home from the ballpark. One of these nights here recently, Larry said, Chipper told him: “It’s great to be me right now, Dad.”
And Larry (otherwise known as U Kno Who Sr?) also said Chipper has sounded as introspective about things lately as he’s ever sounded, and here’s one of the things Chipper told him that made him say that:
“He told me ‘In all my years in baseball, I can’t ever remember a time when I’d walk to the plate with the buzz going through the stadium like I’m starting to hear now. There’s a buzz that starts as I leave the on-deck circle.”
Rightly so. And perhaps overdue.
Without further ado……the game. Enjoy.
Comments
By McFann
May 8, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
(Reposted from last blog…first?)
AGTfan—
I’ve never said anything about Francoeur that is even close to what Fanncoeur said about McCann.
Did I ever call Francoeur “Jeff Bignose”, or make any attacks on his looks—no one cann help the way they look—the way Fanncoeur did to McCann (McChubby, McCurly Fries and all that junk)?
All I’m saying is that Francoeur needs to step it up a bit. (Notice how, the day after the afore-mentioned blogger said that McCann had rolled his “fat [butt]” into more double-plays, Francoeur grounded into two.)
And listen, McCann needs to step it up, too! That AVG with RISP is hardly acceptable. And his defense is still slightly lacking.
My “attacks” on Francoeur are no different than anyone else’s who thinks he needs to turn it up a notch, and maybe take a game off. Perhaps I got a little out of hand, and for that I apologize.
By chrisklob
May 8, 2008 12:50 PM | Link to this
From the end of the last blog:
This week’s sign the apocalypse is near:
Is there something in the water in Bravesland? UGABrave and Overlord have been making absolutely optimistic posts lately. Next thing you know N8 will say something positive.
When Shamus says something positive about Hampton, I’ll know the angels won’t be far behind.
By J.D.
May 8, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
great blog today carroll…looking forward to reading the story about Chipper
By jake
May 8, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
First
By McFann
May 8, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
It’s something his youth, toughness and a few off days have allowed for lately, and it’s something not just McFann should appreciate, eh? DOB
Yeah, I do appreciate it! Especially since he’s hittin’ .299 overall…But it’d be nice for that AVG with RISP to rise.
I think it has been taken for granted—how much he’s back there. And he calls a good game, no?
It is a bit unusual, but I’m not too surprised. I’m actually somewhat glad. I know he’s young, but we don’t want him fatigued in August because he played so much early in the year. Catching hard on the body.
By Brady
May 8, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Good news about Smoltz’s shoulder progressing…and I can’t wait for the story on Chipper this Sunday. My favorite two braves…
Also, did anyone see “Baseball Tonight” cut short the Braves highlights to go to an update on the Phillies/Diamondbacks game? Very vexxing for someone who can’t see the Braves games on TV anymore thanks to TBS and therefore have to rely on ESPN for the highlights.
By AGTfan
May 8, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
There’s a buzz that starts as I leave the on-deck circle. I think it’s well overdue. Looking at his career stats lately made me realize how priveleged we’ve been to watch his career from the beginning.
It’s something his youth, toughness and a few off days have allowed for lately, and it’s something not just McFann should appreciate, eh?
I think (hope) a lot of us appreciate how valuable Brian is to this team, but we want to be careful about encouraging impressionable young girls too much. ;-)
By Capt. Caveman (the original dawg)
May 8, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
HEY DOB
This is a repost from late last night.
Is it a coincidence that Norton is a switch-hitter or are BC/FW making a concerted effort to corner the market on switch-httrs for the matchup advantages and to counter the fact that they seem to face more leftys than any other team??
If the latter is true than what particular scenarios are they looking at within their division as far as teams and pitchers that this approach will pay the big dividends on. (Other than the obvious left/left and right/right)
I’m not really asking so much for stats as much as the philosophy of their current lineup and if this switch-httr style is as big a key for their offensive production this year instead of just great hitting by certain players.
I have a personal opinion but I am curious what DOB or any of the other bloggers thoughts are pertaining to this rather unique influx of players.
By 22oz
May 8, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Are we sure Francoeur doesn’t need the rest with the day game after a night game?
By MAV
May 8, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
Norton already pays off more so after 1 game than Prado could in a whole year.
Go Braves!
By AGTfan
May 8, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this
It’s really just too easy to tease “impresionable young girls.”
If you want Fanncoeur to go away, ignore them. I’m pretty sure they exist solely for the purpose of irritating you.
By Carolina Gent
May 8, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Hey, it’s Carroll, our ace reliever! Welcome back!
By CT
May 8, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
Can someone please post game updates for people who are working?
By Jay Blaisdell
May 8, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this
For David O’Brien: I’m an out-of-towner, so bear with me here. I don’t get to see your paper that often. What the heck is going on with Teixeira ? Is he white-kunckling it at the plate, or is it that he flat-out can’t hit southpaws ? Or is he day-dreaming about playing in Yankee Stadium next year ? Or is it all three things ? He seems to be an awful long way from the Mark Teixeira that was supposed to be the Braves cleanup hitter. He’s a guy who seems to be forever on the cusp of fulfilling his potential, and yet never quite achieving it. What’s your take on it ? Also; what’s the status on his contract talks with Atlanta? Indeed, are there talks ? Have the tight-fisted T-Warner idiots even profurred a contract ?
By BravesRule
May 8, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
Damm. should be 2 out, instead there are 2 on with no outs. not good.
By Jay Blaisdell
May 8, 2008 1:18 PM | Link to this
For David O’Brien: I’m an out-of-towner, so bear with me here. I don’t get to see your paper that often. What the heck is going on with Teixeira ? Is he white-kunckling it at the plate, or is it that he flat-out can’t hit southpaws ? Or is he day-dreaming about playing in Yankee Stadium next year ? Or is it all three things ? He seems to be an awful long way from the Mark Teixeira that was supposed to be the Braves cleanup hitter. He’s a guy who seems to be forever on the cusp of fulfilling his potential, and yet never quite achieving it. What’s your take on it ? Also; what’s the status on his contract talks with Atlanta? Indeed, are there talks ? Have the tight-fisted T-Warner idiots even profurred a contract ?
By Big Easy
May 8, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
Well, so much for the sweep. Sounds like JoJo is having a hard time with his location.
~E~
By Kev
May 8, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Always good to have you around Ms.Rogers…Welcome!!!!!
By Epinephrine
May 8, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this
Ugh. Wake up Braves. Ugly by Tex, ugly by Kotsay. Jojo has actually pitched well this inning. Really sloppy stuff.
By Where'd That@*%&^@ BallGo?
May 8, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
Oh well, this game is over already.
By Tomahawk Matt
May 8, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
Who in baseball has been more valuable to their team than Chipper Jones has been to the Braves over his tenure? Names anyone? I can’t think of any. Chipper is sooooo overdue respect and praise from the big sports media world.
Keep it going Chipper!! Ride that Crazy Train!
GO BRAVES!!! GET YOUR BROOMS OUT!!
By ncgary
May 8, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
infante pay off in his 1st inning, pitching sells tickets offense brings the fans out of the seats but defense wins championships
By CT
May 8, 2008 1:28 PM | Link to this
What happened?
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
thanks Carolina Gent, it ain’t DOB today folks.
pretty nice double play Infante just started in his first play as a Brave. just nearly got his first hit but for a diving play by Brian Giles.
Infante was supposed to go three more games in Richmond but with all the lefties the Braves are facing this stretch - four in five days including today - he wanted to get Omar’s bat up now. i can see him in there at second, like today for kelly, or in center for kotsay. he played his three games in Richmond at center.
By James
May 8, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Capt. Caveman, I’m not so sure about the whole Bobby/Wren making a concerted effort to counter facing tons of lefties, etc. theory. Although, to be honest, it wouldn’t surprise me (they are known to be a wee bit crafty from time to time). I do think the Norton acquisition is mostly about having a power bat off the bench. If anything, the switch hitting factor might be there, but its secondary to the value BC/FW see in having the power bat who can pinch hit.
By James
May 8, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
Capt. Caveman, I’m not so sure about the whole Bobby/Wren making a concerted effort to counter facing tons of lefties, etc. theory. Although, to be honest, it wouldn’t surprise me (they are known to be a wee bit crafty from time to time). I do think the Norton acquisition is mostly about having a power bat off the bench. If anything, the switch hitting factor might be there, but its secondary to the value BC/FW see in having the power bat who can pinch hit.
By eric the elder
May 8, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Except for an occasional mistake, Francoeur is unlikely to ever, ever see a pitch over the plate.
Jam inside, whiff outside, easily exploiting his impatience and lack of selectivity. Chipper said it: “Lose an Andruw, gain and Andruw.”
By JoJo the HoHo
May 8, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Well I see that the bad old JoJo is on the mound again. so much for the sweep
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
By N8 May 8, 2008 12:54 PM
KC
Your 12:34, was a PERFECT (and accurate) response to Shaun’s question.
I agree with you 100 PERCENT. In fact, I’m gonna guess that Smoltz does as well. After all, it was him sitting in the bullpen going “un-used” in the playoffs, while the rotation failed to hold their own, that made him want to start again.
All that being said, it’s ultimately up to what Smoltz thinks he can do to help.
Are you kidding me?
You two seriously think it’s better to have Smoltz not pitch at all for four months than to have him in the bullpen for that time? You may be the only two people in Atlanta who think this.
Last time I checked a team must make it to the playoffs before they can worry about what they need in the playoffs.
I’m all for the Braves trying to extend Smoltz at the end of the year so he can start in the playoff, if that’s at all possible. But why in the world would the Braves sit their best pitcher for four months if he can pitch in a role?
By Greg
May 8, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
The real Jo Jo Reyes has returned.
By dj
May 8, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
JoJo is struggling a bit. Gave up two runs in the first. We got one back - Teixeira drove in Escobar - in the bottom of the first. JoJo gave up two singles to start the 2nd but got a bunt out to advance the runners, a strike out and then a grounder to wiggle out of it. Maybe he’ll settle down now…
By James
May 8, 2008 1:42 PM | Link to this
Jay Blaisdell
Are you kidding me with your 1:18 post? Obviously you aren’t big on looking at the big picture. It ain’t just about the one tree homie, got to think about forest. Tex killed it during the second half for us last year and, while he did start slow, he has certainly picked it up as of late. And, to my recollection, him and Chipper were the only ones hitting well in late and behind situations for a long while there. I am at work, so I can’t look up these stats. Somebody, anybody, back me up. HELP CARROLL! HELP! SOME OUT OF TOWNER IS BASHING ON TEX! HE PROBABLY WON’T RE-SIGN WITH US BUT WE LOVE HIM ANYWAY! STATS! WE NEED ‘EM!
By James
May 8, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Jay Blaisdell
Are you kidding me with your 1:18 post? Obviously you aren’t big on looking at the big picture. It ain’t just about the one tree homie, got to think about forest. Tex killed it during the second half for us last year and, while he did start slow, he has certainly picked it up as of late. And, to my recollection, him and Chipper were the only ones hitting well in late and behind situations for a long while there. I am at work, so I can’t look up these stats. Somebody, anybody, back me up. HELP CARROLL! HELP! SOME OUT OF TOWNER IS BASHING ON TEX! HE PROBABLY WON’T RE-SIGN WITH US BUT WE LOVE HIM ANYWAY! STATS! WE NEED ‘EM!
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves should rest Chipper for four months so that he’ll be fresh for the stretch and give him a better chance in the playoffs. Makes sense, doesn’t it, KC and N8?
By monty
May 8, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Braves act like they have to catch a plane or something Geez! THis guy is a reliever make him tire his arm out !
By jbutler
May 8, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Carolina Gent Hey- you the other half of Carolina Lady? Haven’t heard anything from her since I’ve been back around past month…just curious!!
Great insight/wit as always CR. Hope the showers stay away for you.
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Shaun, N8 the difference between “hitting Hrs and sitting on HRs” is how pathetic braves look when they just want to kill the ball with Dave Kingmans type of swing. Totally diferent kind of approach with guys spreading the ball all over the field, you can include Jeff, Brian, KJ and even chipper there.
Yeah. Because the approach was so bad in previous years when the Braves were one of the best offensive clubs in the league.
By PrincetonBrave
May 8, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
So far the Braves have waged a war on good at-bats.
Ledezma has control issues, but we are giving him the ol’ free pass.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is way more valuable as a starter than as a reliever. Period. Especially in October.
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
Jo-Jo had to come out of the game with what looked like it might be a blister, the way he was fiddling with his hand. Will find out more. He made it only 2 2/3 innings.
Buddy Carlyle is in….it wasn’t pretty for Jo-Jo, though he did a decent job of damage control. five hits and two walks, two runs (sor far) he leaves two runners aboard for Carlyle.
By lt200
May 8, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
I am without TV or radio coverage of the game. What happened to Jo-Jo?
By By 80s hawks pacman logo
May 8, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Hopefully the braves can win this game today,
I do have a question though, why is the ajc.com asking the fans to vote if the braves want Barry Bonds, are there rumors today of him maybe joining the braves?
By KC
May 8, 2008 1:58 PM | Link to this
Well so much for the idea of leaving Jeff Bennett in the bullpen.
By Cody
May 8, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Looks like I will get started drinking early today. With Caryle in the game and 2-1 in the 3rd this game is going to be long and ugly. Not to mention we are facing a lefty, can’t hit them hardly. If the Pads score five I believe we are facing a tough game to win.
By KC
May 8, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
By the way… I very much like the idea of Campillo being the long-relief guy, promoting Stockman, and sending Carlyle down.
But now that I’ve said that… Carlyle will probably make me look foolish. And I sincerely hope he does.
By Bart
May 8, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
How about a front end reliever? Okay, a starter but limited to 50 pitches. Smotlz would pitch 50 pitches no matter how long that is. 2 innings or 5. JoJo can be the starter part 2. It would be a pain for the opposing team to set their lineup by because of the lefty righty thing. JoJo would know he could start warming up at pitch 35 or so. It would be a away to use 6 starters too. I know…diffeent…but a thought anyway.
By Bart
May 8, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
How about a front end reliever? Okay, a starter but limited to 50 pitches. Smotlz would pitch 50 pitches no matter how long that is. 2 innings or 5. JoJo can be the starter part 2. It would be a pain for the opposing team to set their lineup by because of the lefty righty thing. JoJo would know he could start warming up at pitch 35 or so. It would be a away to use 6 starters too. I know…diffeent…but a thought anyway.
By McFann
May 8, 2008 2:02 PM | Link to this
Aww! Dang! I pulled a Coach! Sorry, Ms. Rogers!! GREAT blog, BTW! ; )
Great stuff from Smoltz with the mike today. Anybody else hearin’ this? Too funny.
AGTfan—
Yeah, I’ll go ahead and put Fanncoeur on ignore. Yeah, people find it very easy to tease me.
By Caleb
May 8, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
what’s going on with reyes? gamecast says he’s still in, but the box score says carlyle is in now.
By TennesseePaul
May 8, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
Maybe the Braves should rest Chipper for four months so that he’ll be fresh for the stretch and give him a better chance in the playoffs. Makes sense, doesn’t it, KC and N8?
Bad retort Payne. Smoltz is injured. Smoltz isn’t a healthy guy they are resting just so he’ll be fresh come October.
The parallel would be if Chipper got injured and said he’s coming back as a bench player. Would it be best to give him the extra rest, miss him for a little longer, but get him back as a full time player or get him back soon as only a part time player with a nagging injury?
By Cody
May 8, 2008 2:03 PM | Link to this
If Reyes is out for a while Caryle will be his replacement. Wren get your @$$ on the phone and find us someone. Caryle makes me $hit everytime he pitches. Maybe he will have luck on his side today, but the Braves need to win the next several before we face the gauntlet of mid-may. The Phils, A’s, D-Backs. Good hitting and pitching oh my. Not inlcuding the Mets cause they look like a little league team.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
Shaun:
please stop with the “braves have one of the better offenses in the league” arugment again.
I thought 97% of the bloggers here agreed the offense can put up huge numbers then go cold through a 5-6 game stretch on a consistent basis.
Spreading the ball around the field by hitting it where it’s pitched will prevent this team from going cold too often. See Chipper Jones.
By jcmo71
May 8, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
Carroll what happened to JoJo?
By Caleb
May 8, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the update Carroll.
By monty
May 8, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Can anyone explain to me why you don’t have Infante bunt Buddy over to second? Let Eunell and Chipper try to drive him in ?
By TennesseePaul
May 8, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this
Bart: Or the team could try to revive LaRussa’s old idea of the 3 inning pitchers… Not going to happen though.
By Carolina Gent
May 8, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
jbutler No, but like you, I do miss her postings here. She always added a touch of civility when the rest of the blog got carried away! I believe she’s on the other side of the state from me.
By Carolina Lady
May 8, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this
Hey, JBUTLER! Got an email saying you had inquired about me - thanks! I’m at bravesandstuff(at)hotmail.com; drop me a note! :-)
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Shaun scoring 15 runs today and none tomorrow and then 12 next day will make your team look an offensive machine, which is not true. I think braves have scored less runs in the last 16 games than in the first 16 and they have won more game recently……..what does that tells you? 7-9 first 16 games….89 runs scored in the process.
10-6 record since (16 games) 75 runs scored in the process.
By mo
May 8, 2008 2:12 PM | Link to this
Frenchy really needs to come through here. Take away that 2 HR 7 RBI day and he has done nothing this year.
By StingerSplash
May 8, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Sacks loaded, two outs. Time for Frenchy to come through.
By jcmo71
May 8, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
I am sorry, but I have no faith in Frenchie. In fact he drives me crazy.
By McFann
May 8, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
I’m not gonna say it…I’m not gonna say it…
But I’m gonna think it!
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this
Smoltz is way more valuable as a starter than as a reliever. Period. Especially in October.
Who is denying this? My view of this is quite clear here.
But Smoltz is more valuable as a reliever than a bench-warmer.
And the Braves chances for the playoffs improve if he’s a reliever as opposed to a bench-warmer.
And the Braves have to make the playoffs before they worry about what’s good for them in October.
Maybe you’ve missed the whole argument but there are some suggesting Smoltz should sit out until around September. That making them better in the playoffs at the expense of their playoff hopes is somehow a good idea.
By Josh H
May 8, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
Frenchy strikes out…
Since his walk last night, he’s pretty much done the worst thing possible in his last 4 at bats (Grounded into 2 double plays, 2 strike outs including one today with the bases juiced)
Hope he gets out of this funk soon.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
way to go frenchy.
I’m beginning to think that Cox should have a long talk with Frenchy. Even if Cox told him he was considering benching him for a blanco, Frenchy might see the light.
By eric the elder
May 8, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Not to beat on it, but when Francoeur comes up with the bases loaded, I have the same feeling I had for the past couple of years with Andruw in that same situation. A hopeless feeling.
Has marriage not been kind to him? Is it the added muscles? He does not look like the same hitter.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 8, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
FRANCOEUR…AARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!
The guy hasn’t gotten a hit with men on base in who knows how long?!??!? He’s had A LOT of missed opportunities lately.
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Smoltz said on a in game interview he expects to be pitching for the club in pittsburgh, peaces are starting to get together.
Id say let Soriano and Hampton rest a little more.
By monty
May 8, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
Frenchy is really struggling, he needs to be moved down in the order maybe 7th or 8th. Sit him out a couple of games try something.
By Epinephrine
May 8, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Man, Frenchy is in some kind of slump. Just awful. Not even close.
By Original Jon
May 8, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Who is Eunell?
By Mark T.
May 8, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
The new Andruw strikes and strikes out again. 4 pitch at bat with the bases juiced and didnt look to hit the ball to RF. The new rally killer….GEEZ!!
By Big Easy
May 8, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
Ugh. Francoeur is my favorite Brave, but he is really looking bad right now. Just abysmal. Not getting good wood on anything.
~E~
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
It was a blister for Jo-Jo, on the index finger of his left hand.
By Epinephrine
May 8, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this
Reyes won’t be out for awhile. And while Carroll is right it “wasn’t pretty”, he actually wasn’t bad either. The two runs came on an error, and a bad call where he struck someone out on a checked swing and didn’t get the call. Moreover, Kotsay booted a ball in center field that wasn’t called an error.
For not having his best stuff, he did a good job of pitching through it until the blister developed. But I doubt it will be a long term thing.
By sportsmandh
May 8, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Game notes on the yahoo boxscore say Jo Jo apparently left with a blister.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 8, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this
Nice throw McCann! Oh, wait, I mean Miller! (Sorry McFann.)
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
peaces = pieces
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
please stop with the “braves have one of the better offenses in the league” arugment again.
I thought 97% of the bloggers here agreed the offense can put up huge numbers then go cold through a 5-6 game stretch on a consistent basis.
Really? Braves have scored 5 or fewer runs only 19 times this season. Only the Cubs have done it fewer times.
By N8
May 8, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
Shaun
On the other blog at 12:34, KC stated this:
“As long as the bullpen is holding its own without him… I think he could be of greater value to this team starting the last couple weeks of September, and hopefully… October.”
Then at 12:42, you responded with this:
“N8, twisting his point? He wants Smoltz to sit for four months. How is that NOT equal to Smoltz not contributing at all for four months?”
Then you added:
“Are you kidding me?”
“You two seriously think it’s better to have Smoltz not pitch at all for four months than to have him in the bullpen for that time? You may be the only two people in Atlanta who think this.”
Did you read my post, or do you assume when I’m responding to you that it’s already a preconceived notion, that I’m gonna disagree with you 100 percent? Good god.
“Last time I checked a team must make it to the playoffs before they can worry about what they need in the playoffs.”
No Sh!t, huh? News to me.
“I’m all for the Braves trying to extend Smoltz at the end of the year so he can start in the playoff, if that’s at all possible.”
Yeah. I’m all for Francoeur not BOMBING with the bases loaded, too. But such is life.
“But why in the world would the Braves sit their best pitcher for four months if he can pitch in a role?”
Do you pay attention to anything at all? Previous posts? Previous years that Smoltz was in the pen? Why he wanted to start again to begin with?
When Smoltz blows out that shoulder by coming back too soon, for a bunch of games in May (you know….when it’s EARLY in the year?), I’m sure you will be the first person on the blog, stating he should have rested, because there are stats that prove your point, rather than common sense.
Then you added the following comment. Apparently NOBODY thought it was funny enough on the old blog, so you decided to post it again over here:
“Maybe the Braves should rest Chipper for four months so that he’ll be fresh for the stretch and give him a better chance in the playoffs. Makes sense, doesn’t it, KC and N8?”
Guess what? STILL not funny. Is Chipper hurt? Can he get hurt WORSE if he continues to hit? God forbid he actually infected another Braves hitter with the ability to hit. We wouldn’t want that, would we.
If you’re gonna throw an analogy out there, try and make it be REMOTELY similar to the situation being discussed. Whether you’re trying to be funny or not. Last time I checked, Chipper’s NOT on the DL right now, and he’s NOT contemplating changing positions as to ease up on his workload. Weak comparison, at best, dude.
Then the ULTIMATE in your season stats, as opposed to REAL “under-pressure, against REALLY GOOD pitching” stats, that are the REALITY of Braves Post-Season baseball stats:
“Yeah. Because the approach was so bad in previous years when the Braves were one of the best offensive clubs in the league.”
How many WS titles, with 3 HOF pitchers in the rotation, did we get in the 90’s? Oh yeah. I forgot…..it was just “bad luck” happening to a REALLY GOOD offensive club, led by the worlds greatest post-season strategist.
Too bad for them I guess.
To round it all out. IF BIG F’N IF!!! the Braves bullpen can maintain WITHOUT Smoltz in the pen (you know, with Gonzo and Soriano coming back healthy - I’ll assume you think they’ll both be fine, and contribute), then IMO, no need to rush Smoltz back.
THEN, if after resting, he could re-assess what HE thinks his role should be. If he STILL thinks that his ONLY role that he’ll be available for, would be in the pen, then FINE BY ME.
Just the same as you all say it’s too early in the season to give up on the team, isn’t it a bit early for everybody to give up on Smoltz as a starter, if our bullpen is fine without him?
Just ANOTHER example of me being semi-realistic, and asking a LEGITIMATE question, and people assuming I’m being negative.
Unreal.
BTW: Shaun, for not reading and being a pompous A-hole…..You’re AND idiot.
By Eric from MO
May 8, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
Can everyone stop with should Smoltz be a starter or a reliever? He is no longer able to be a starter. He is in his 40’s. The only way he can constintly pitch is if he is a reliever. Get over it. He is not the same pitcher he used to be. At least he is trying to find a way to pitch unlike Hampton.
Bobby’s Cox you are a moron. Every year the Braves have one of the top offenses. You can not find an offense that doesnt have 5 game stretches where the offense struggles. Get over it.
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Overlord, see my previous post. Only one team in all of baseball has scored 5 runs or fewer in a game less often. That includes AL teams and teams that play home games in hitter’s parks.
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Yes i read that argument, and what i’m saying is that for a guy that’s had increasingly worse shoulder trouble for the past 3 years, to a point where the offseason didn’t even help, then i think the bullpen won’t be the savior Smotlz and you guys think it’s going to be.
For 1, Smotlz won’t be available everyday. If he pitches on a Tuesday, he probably won’t be available on Wednesday or Thursday.
2, if this team makes the postseason, Smoltz will have to spend 2 weeks to get his arm ready to start in October, a 2 week period where we may be fighting for our playoff lives.
Maybe the real problem of smoltz’s shoulder injuries is golf and maybe smotlz isn’t going to be hitting the green anymore, I don’t know. But Smotlz needs to rest, and if Soriano and Gonzo come back healthy, more reason to do so.
Wren needs to make a trade for a starter. I still say Harden from Oakland. He’s pitching Sunday against Texas, so he’s healthy now.
By Efrim
May 8, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Wow. Will Ledezma shutting down the Braves O today. Eh, it happens. This team has problems slugging against the southpaws though. Someone put one into the seats between the foul poles.
By Big Easy
May 8, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
great! Another pitcher hurt! What a great game!
~E~
By N8
May 8, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Is the team that has been SHUT DOWN by Will Ledezma (he of the lifetime 5.10 ERA), the same one that you keep referring to as a the great offense?
It’s clear to anybody that has been paying attention, that this team is in SERIOUS trouble against ANYBODY that pitches with their left hand.
Right now are “ratio” of scoring runs, is about 1 run every 6 AB’s against right handed pitching, and 1 run every 9 AB’s against left handed pitching.
I’ll do the math for you. An average game sees about 35 AB’s per team.
Against LHP, we average a little under 4 runs per 9 innings. Against RHP, we average about 6 runs per 9 innings.
Need I point out that Mark Redman (he of the 7.98 ERA this season), allowed only 2 ER against our lineup IN COORS FIELD!!!!
Skip said earlier on the radio broadcast, that Bud Black simply wanted to get a LHP in the game against the Braves. THAT is how much respect (if you were wondering) that opposing managers have for Tex as a RH hitter, along with the rest of our GREAT lineup.
Will FRICKIN Ledezma. Enough said.
GOOD GOD! How many pitchers are we gonna lose this year?
Unreal.
By StingerSplash
May 8, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
It’s bad enough we have two hits in four innings against Batting Practice Ledezma. But holy Cornelia, are we ever gonna run out of ways to lose one of our pitchers?
By lt200
May 8, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
Now what happened to Carlyle? OMG!!!
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 2:43 PM | Link to this
N8, KC’s suggestion clearly was to rest Smoltz until September and October. You even posted that.
Here it is: “As long as the bullpen is holding its own without him… I think he could be of greater value to this team starting the last couple weeks of September, and hopefully… October.”
I’m saying that’s a bad idea.
If Smoltz comes back and gets hurt, I absolutely will not question the decision. I’d rather have the best or second best pitcher pitching.
Want to talk common sense? Well, isn’t it common sense that’s it’s better for Smoltz to pitch in a bullpen role than for him to sit for four months?
It’s not about the bullpen holding up without Smoltz. I think the bullpen will be fine. It’s about getting something out of your best or second best pitcher.
It’s kind of like questioning the Teixeira trade last year because the offense was already fine. Well, yes it was, but they added more runs to the offense by adding that kind of player.
By Kev
May 8, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
GOD!!!!!!!!..ANOTHER injury!!nah..this has to be a curse or something…all the injuries in ONE day!!!! Christ!!
By Hawk Head
May 8, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
What the hell is wrong with Carlyle? Any word?
By 'Hawk Head
May 8, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this
What the hell is wrong with Carlyle? Any word?
By 22oz
May 8, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
Now Buddy’s gone? JEEEEZ. Get Chipper out now before something happens to him. Oh, and put in Resop.
By N8
May 8, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
“Really? Braves have scored 5 or fewer runs only 19 times this season. Only the Cubs have done it fewer times.”
What’s their record in those games?
Also, how many games have they scored 6 runs (like the game against Colorado that Redmam started, AFTER the game was already decided), in other words…GARBAGE TIME?
Bottom line….do you (Shaun) think that this is a WS winning lineup?
By Efrim
May 8, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Maybe one day we will finally win 6 in a row…..
By Eric from MO
May 8, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Epinephine how was Reyes not bad? He gave 5 hits and walked 2. Sometimes you have to pitch around bad calls. Besides if he would have thrown a strike then it doesnt matter if the batter checks his swing. As for Kotsay booting it, guess what if it was already on the ground in CF than it was already a hit.
By By Where'd That@*%&^@ BallGo?
May 8, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
Toldya the damm game was over already.What a buncha crap. Lets just concede so nobody else goes down.
By TennesseePaul
May 8, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Can’t believe Wilfredo is beating us. I remember when he was a Brave. In 9.1 innings he gave up 10 runs, 8 earned, a homer and walked 4.
By Vol
May 8, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
22oz:
Funny post at 2:45!
By Carroll Rogers
May 8, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
no word yet on carlyle officially. it was a pretty big blow he took from kouzmanoff’s knee. think it must have hit him after the adrenaline stopped from making the out and showing the ump the ball. then he crumpled. looked like maybe the wind knocked out of him. but will let you know what more there is.
By Catty Catie
May 8, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
McChubby never gets a day off because they would never keep his weight under 300 pounds if he didn’t play everyday.
By McMoron
May 8, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Great post, DOB. You’re the best. I’m going to go practice for the special olympics now.
By Thrillhouse44
May 8, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
Okay, I’m about fed up with people pointing to golf as the cause of Smoltz’s shoulder injuries. Could it be that it’s caused by 35 years of throwing a baseball as hard as he can? 35 years of snapping his arm different ways to make the ball bite? 20 years of pitching in the majors and throwing when he is in pain and should probably stay in the dugout instead of sacrificing his health?
No, it couldn’t be from laying it all out on the line for the team that pays him - it has to be from GOLF. Of course. SHEESH!
By Bobby's Cox
May 8, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Do you pay attention to anything at all? Previous posts? Previous years that Smoltz was in the pen? Why he wanted to start again to begin with? N8
N8
If you haven’t noticed by now, that’s how Shaun tries to win his arguments. He picks what he wants to read just like he chooses the stats he wants to use. He uses the same revolving door of nonsense to get you frustrated and make you explain your points over and over and over again. He has no sense of hitters in situations and think overall stats and OBP tell the whole story about what a player is going to do.
Eric from MO
I think you’re a moron and ignorant. Maybe you don’t watch our games or other games around the league and see the difference between our approach at the plate and other teams’ approaches. Every other team in the league would be lighting up Ledezma or making him pitch his A$$ off because they know he’s a reliever.
you wanna bet this team loses the series in Pittsburg after winning 5 straight, facing 2 lefties, and that our pitchers have a problem with Pittsburg’s offense? This team is predictable, but maybe that’s a function of me watching them everyday since ‘90.
By beekay
May 8, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Anyone out there agree with my earlier assesment?
I think we need to give Frenchy a day off before our next off day…don’t put him in for pinch hitting or anything. He needs two straight days off. He is pushing it because of his streak, he will never catch Cal. If he sits out and puts the streak behind him then we can let Blanco or diaz or Norton fill in when he is less than 100%. I’ll bet he would come back with a bang…..on another note if Kotsay keeps playing this well, what kind of contract would he demand?
By Red
May 8, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
Can someone please go down to the dugout and whisper to Tex that the season started almost 6 weeks ago?
By Eric from MO
May 8, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
N8 can you please stop posting. Rarely does any of your posts make any sense. For example you complain that Smoltz needs to be in the starting rotation and then you post in your 2:27 post “How many WS titles, with 3 HOF pitchers in the rotation, did we get in the 90’s? Oh yeah. I forgot…..it was just “bad luck.” Doesnt that completely work against you in your arguement Smoltz needing to be in the rotation. The reason we lost in the 90’s was mainly cause of our bullpin. This is just one example, there are plenty others.
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Brian Giles has some 15 put outs today……and 14 of them must have been pop ups. Sheesh !!! (Im practicing there my sheesh McFann)
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Bobby’s Cox, is any relief pitcher available every day?
What if Smoltz can’t start in October, which is quite probable? Then what’s the point in resting him for a few months?
Yes, he needs rest. That’s why he’s on the DL right now. But as soon as he’s capable of pitching, he should pitch. He’s not doing the Braves any good not pitching. And he’s not helping the Braves get to the playoffs if they are saving him for the playoffs.
Can’t believe this was even brought up. Honestly no one can think it’s seriously a good idea to rest Smoltz until September.
By N8
May 8, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Shaun
Your 2:43 was a little more like it. Fair. Quick and to the point.
You lumped me in with saying that I thought he should SIT for four months. I never said that.
What I did say, was that I think he will be more help in October (if we get there - I’m pretty sure I added that point at the end), as a starter.
To which, I added that I’m POSITIVE that Smoltz, more than likely, feels the same way, or he would have NEVER come out of the closer’s roll, that he was so damn dominant at.
But commenting that ANY help from Smoltz is better than no help (like from Hampton), while true, isn’t fair to Hampton.
The guy is trying to get back on the mound to help. He has plenty of money, and could have EASILY walked away many times. He hasn’t.
He just happens to be on the DL more than others, and making SILLY money while doing it.
But if you’re gonna rag on Hampton for NOT helping when being on the DL, then you better rag on Smoltz for missing time right now, Chipper in the past, and ANYBODY who’s ever been placed on the DL.
NOTHING bugs me more, than when people question whether a player would rather play, than sit on the DL collecting a check.
I know you weren’t doing that (don’t wanna twist your words. LOL!), but questioning an injury is a MUCH different thing, than questioning a guys ability, or desire to change bad habits, IMO.
For the record, I’m PUMPED that Smoltz is going back to the pen. Our record in games he pitched in, when he was the closer, was SILLY GOOD.
Do we have enough starting pitching to utilize him? Who knows with the injuries today.
Can he be used as anything more than a “situational” or part-time closer? Who knows? He’s already stated that he might not be able to go 3 days in a row, or 4 out of 5 days.
Not sure that’s such a good thing. But he should be lights out in the 3 or 4 games he pitches in a week.
Like you said, ANYTHING is good. Worst case scenario, he allows us to NOT use a guy like Resop. Eliminating those kind of innings, is still a plus in my book.
I just don’t know if I’d rush him back NOW. Then again, as I stated before, Smoltz knows his body and I know that the mule in him would come back sooner than later, just to help the team.
But like you guys keep telling me…..it’s a long season. Gotta think big-picture, when it comes to health.
Unless you think that one DOMINATING month out of Smoltz at closer, gives us enough cushion in the division to “ride it out” for the rest of the year, in the event he gets hurt worse, and is lost for the season.
Which is very similar to my gripe with Tex. If he wouldn’t be such a slow starter, we might have a 5 or 6 game lead right now, with the way our pitching has been.
To deny he’s let us down, is wrong. To say “he’ll get is numbers”, might be correct, but I’d rather have his “numbers” start in April, not come in huge clusters later in the year (when we might be down by 10 games if the offense doesn’t find some consistency).
Time to go to work. That’s enough epic posts for one day. Especially considering nobody likes me anymore. LOL!
By Where'd That@*%&^@ BallGo?
May 8, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
And on top of that Chipper has looked terrible in every atbat today so I guess it is time for his average to come tumbling back to earth about 110 points lower. BAH!
By mo
May 8, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Two comments for this game: Will this team ever hit a lefty? and Take away that Saturday against the Nats and Frenchy has been terrible this year.
By Catty Catie
May 8, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this
Has marriage not been kind to him?
Lay off man eric the elder. Lay off my man.
By Vol
May 8, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Who is watching? Online it has Buddy out with a head injury. Did he get hit or is it something else?
By Overlord
May 8, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
What about scoring 3 or fewer runs? that would be more interesting Shaun
By Shaun
May 8, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
N8, I don’t think the lineup is what will cause it if this team misses the playoffs.
What’s their record in those games [in which they score five or fewer]?
It’s 6-13. But guess what? No team is over .500 in games in which they score f