AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 15 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USCan Chuck keep it in the park tonight?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Philadelphia _ A few words while attempt to digest this Tony DiNic’s Italian-style pulled-pork sandwich before heading to the ballpark for the rubber game in this first Braves-Phillies series of the season, which has been typical of the never-boring matchups between these teams in recent years.
By the way, when in Philly I’d highly recommend the DiNic’s sandwich counter in the Reading Terminal. Just wish we were here another day so I could get the roast pork. The Salumeria deli about 30 feet away from DiNic’s is equally terrific, with gut-busting hoagies piled high with fresh everything.
Anyway … Chuck James at Citizens Bank Park. Strap yourselves in, folks, we could be in for a bumpy ride.
Hopefully Chuck can remember to keep the ball down tonight against Utley, Howard, Burrell and the boys at the banking bandbox, where the balls were carrying like crazy last night. (Of course, Brett Myers’ pitches didn’t hurt the Braves’ long-ball cause, either. That dude really started opening day? Yikes.)
Chuck’s been solid this season … in Triple-A, that is.
If he’s going to help the Braves this season, now would be an awful good time to step up and get ‘er done (why I just slipped into Larry the Cable Guy mode, I have no earthly idea. Maybe because I was talking about Chuck? That or the fact I just ran into Bowman on the sidewalk as I was walking back from Reading Terminal).
Anyway, here are the concerns about Chuck and tonight’s start: He’s allowed 10 hits, nine runs and nine walks in 11 innings over his past two starts. He’s 0-2 with an 11.00 ERA in two road starts this season, and 0-3 with a 7.81 ERA and eight homers allowed in six road starts (27-2/3 innings) since July 25.
He is unbeaten (2-0) with a 4.08 ERA in seven career games against the Phillies, including 1-0 in three starts at this park. But he has a 5.52 ERA in those three games, with four homers allowed in 14-2/3 innings. Jimmy Rollins is 9-for-18 with a home run against him, Burrell is 6-for-16 with two homers, and Ryan Howard is 2-for-16 with two homers.
Please stow your tray tables and fasten your seatbelts….
By the way, Chuck has a 6.50 ERA in 13 starts since July 31, with just two quality starts (six innings or more, three earned runs or fewer). It’s 19 homers he’s given up in 63-2/3 innings in that stretch. But he’s 6-5 in those games, thanks in large part to 6-1/2 support runs per nine innings pitched.
His counterpart tonight is Phillies ace-of-sorts Cole Hamels. Another lefty. A good one. But the Braves do have a way of surprising you, now don’t they? By that I mean, struggling against a pitcher they should destroy, and then knocking around a far better pitcher?
Hamels is 2-2 with a 4.98 in his past five starts, after posting an 0.82 ERA in his first three. But he’s 2-2 with a 2.80 ERA and .203 opponents’ average in five home starts this season, and 9-3 with a 2.87 ERA in his past 14 home starts since May 2007. The dude knows how to pitch at the banking center.
He’s 3-2 with a 4.42 ERA in six starts against the Braves. Hoss is 3-for-9 with two homers against him, Matt Diaz is 5-for-18 with a homer, and Brian McCann is 4-for-9.
So there’s your preview.
Now, back to Myers a moment. Braves fans don’t have a corner on the frustration market this early season. Myers was booed (again) lustily last night when he served up three homers in the first two innings and was slapped around for nine hits, eight runs (six earned) in 4-1/3 innings, is ERA climbing to 5.91.
Here’s what the Inquirer’s Todd Zolecki wrote about him today: “Myers pitched horribly in an 8-6 loss to the Atlanta Braves, and his latest performance was cause for legitimate concern. The Phillies have entered the second quarter of their season with three starting pitchers carrying ERAs of 5.02 or higher, and one of those pitchers was their opening-day starter.”
The new-look lineup: The Braves have 21 hits and 12 runs in two games since Yunel Escobar was moved to the leadoff spot and Mark Kotsay was moved from the bottom third of the order into the No. 2 spot in place of Kelly Johnson.
They did that despite cleanup hitter Mark Teixeira missing Tuesday’s game with back spasms and going 0-for-4 with three strikeouts Wednesday.
Johnson has produced back-to-back two-hit games since the change and had a home run Wednesday Escobar led off Tuesday’s game with a hit and scored in the inning, and then homered to start Wednesday’s game.
Kotsay had two hits and two runs last night and has hit .357 (30-for-84) with five doubles, two homers, 15 RBI and a .919 OPS (.407 OBP) in his past 22 games.
“This little lineup adjustment, I think it’s going to help us,” said Chipper Jones, who has been a house afire regardless of ballpark, pitcher or what those around him are doing.
But he’s said since the Braves traded for Kotsay that he thought he’d be a good fit in the 2-hole. Now he’s there.
“Hopefully this sparks us a little,” Chipper said of the lineup changes, after last night’s game. “We’re swinging the bats well the last couple of games.”
All Chipper has done is hit .437 in his past 27 games with eight doubles, 10 homers, 23 RBI, 22 runs, 17 walks and a .512 OBP and .806 slugging percentage (1.318 OPS).
The Braves will start an 11-game homestand Friday, and it’ll be interesting to see if Chipper can sustain this absurdly hot streak for the next week and a half. He’s hit .451 with a 1.224 OPS at Turner Field this season, including .519 (14-for-27) with three homers and nine RBI in his past seven games.
Keep it civil: A couple of our regulars can’t seem to avoid resorting to the late-night mudslinging and junior-high namecalling. Fellas, I ask nicely: Can you two (and others, occasionally) avoid letting it degenerate to levels we’ve fortunately been able to avoid for many months now?
Or, in the immortal words of Walter Sobchak: “Smokey, this is not ‘Nam. This is bowling. There are rules.”
And here’s a tune: This won Bobby Bare a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1963, the year I was born. It was also covered masterfully by George Jones on the Possum’s 2005 album, “Hits I Missed … and One I Didn’t.” Both versions are terrific.
”DETROIT CITY” by Mel Tillis
I want to go home, I want to go home.
Oh Lord, I want to go home.
Last night I went to sleep in Detroit city.
And I dreamed about those cotton fields and home.
I dreamed about my mother,
dear old papa, sister and brother.
And I dreamed about that girl,
whose been waitin’ for so long.
I want to go home, I want to go home.
Oh Lord, I want to go home.
Home folks think I’m big in Detroit city.
From the letters that I write they think I’m fine.
But by day I make the cars,
by night I make the bars,
If only they could read between the lines.
I want to go home, I want to go home.
Oh Lord, I want to go home,
I rode a freight train north to Detroit city.
After all these years I’ve been wasting my time,
I’ll take my foolish pride,
on a southbound freight and ride.
Go on back to the ones,
I’ve left waitin’ so far behind.
I want to go home, I want to go home.
Oh Lord, I want to go home.
Comments
By Rob U
May 15, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
DOB is the Teheran to Rome rumor true?
By Do Me
May 15, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this
First?
By BossLady
May 15, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
O K Top Ten
By Charlie
May 15, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this
Did I get the first post?
By Charlie
May 15, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
DOB
Last nights line-up seemed to be extremely fruitful, and may be a model to follow for the rest of the season. Your thoughts?
By bigchiefrg
May 15, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Chuck James vs any lefty on the road = Yikes (look what Redmon did to us in Colorado) BtheW…first?
By Braveheart
May 15, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this
9-year-old girl’s twin is found inside her stomach
By Steve-O
May 15, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this
First??? Durrrr….
In all seriousness, we NEED Chuckie to step up and take this series for us….Atleast give us 5.0 and 4 runs MotherChucker. I love him as our #5 but he needs to step it up big tonite! GO BRAVES!!!!!
PS - Keep that lineup intact BC, maybe show some Omar in the lineup tonite??
By SR
May 15, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
DOB, is that line from The Big Lebowski?
By bigchiefrg
May 15, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Speaking of hot debates and the Big Lebowski, I got into a pretty heated office debate about my pure hatred for the Eagles
By Jim H.
May 15, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this
Chucky scares the crap out of me in this game…..in that ball park….jeeez this might be ugly.
Come on Hampton, we need you back buddy, you can make it. You’ve already pulled every muscle, tendon, and ligament in your body — so you should be really well stretched out and ready to go soon!
By MiamiBrave
May 15, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
DOB
With Ryan Braun now receiving an extention for 8 yrs and 45 mil and Hanley reportedly getting 6 yrs 70 mil, I don’t know what to make of this, especially regarding Frenchy and what he expects to command.
I will grant Hanley has all the tools to be a star (and is playing like one right now) and has been in the league longer than Braun and probably does deserve more money,
but to the real issue, Braun now an outfielder has 45 mil for 8 yrs, what can we compare this for Frenchy, seeing as Braun had bigger numbers than Francoeur in his rookie year, even though he was up for a longer period than Jeff. Dunno 45 mil for 8 yrs, assuming you get this kind of production from Braun, sounds like a great deal for the Brewers.
What do you make of this?
great blog as usual
By Charley's Pride
May 15, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this
Dang, I was hoping for an Andy Gibb tune!
By Jim H.
May 15, 2008 3:04 PM | Link to this
Chucky scares the crap out of me in this game…..in that ball park….jeeez this might be ugly.
Come on Hampton, we need you back buddy, you can make it. You’ve already pulled every muscle, tendon, and ligament in your body — so you should be really well stretched out and ready to go soon!
By bravesfan
May 15, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
Chipper Jones interview starting at 11 minutes and 48 seconds.
(http://sports.espn.go.com/espnradio/player?context=podcast&id=3397213)
By etownbrave
May 15, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
Fine post DOB…love the music for today, too. Want to wish Smoltz a Happy Birthday today! Got to hope Chuckie can keep the ball down to keep it from going out tonight. Again, thanks for all the hard work done by DOB!
By TennesseePaul
May 15, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
A quote from Lebowski. Now that is a way to start off a new blog. Thanks DOB!
By ContactBuzz
May 15, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Didn’t Walter Sobchak also repeatedly say “STFU, Donnie”?
By chase (the original)
May 15, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
As crazy as it sounds…those two guy’s contracts may..MAY signal some more realistic salaries on the way…
I’d like Jeff’s contract ot be like 6 years 42-48 million….that may be “Pie in the Sky” BUT it is going to be hard for him to argue to get much more IF ANY than RYAN BRAUN…
By Jersey Gil
May 15, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
DOB I can believe you didn’t eat a good Phillis Steak from Geno or Pats.
By chase (the original)
May 15, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
By the way fellow bloggers…What the heck is the deal with the FIRST? crap?
Who cares who is first…it is stupid
By Cecil34
May 15, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
Definately it appears that the line-up change is working.
Now, if the Braves can get an “A” or “B+” game out of James, as well as some other starters, Then things will take care of themselves.
If not, an analysis will be forthcoming of all the shortcomings after the game tonight by myself as well as many others!
Let’s hope we are referring tonight to how well Chuck pitched….
By steverino
May 15, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Dunno ‘bout the Larry, the repetitive, one-note cable guy, but the “Big Lebowski” reference was spot on. The way this blog sometimes degenerates into puerile playground taunts really subtracts from its glory: the give and take of opinions of all things Braves (and music, of course.) Still, it hasn’t fallen to the level of the base racial invectives of other blogs and columnists. The AJC REALLY needs a moderator to eliminate that kind of trash. Giving air time to that kind of sickness not only burnishes it with the veneer of respectability, but also encourages wackos of all kinds to feed into the divisiveness it engenders.
By tennfan
May 15, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
To paraphrase another quote from that fine film:
“Nobody f—s with the Chipper.”
By monty
May 15, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
IMHO Chucky has a power pitcher mentality with a finesse pitcher’s stuff. He needs to realize his limitations and start pitching like Glavine. HIt your spots,change speeds, don’t rare back and sling it and hope for the best. Chucky doesn’t seem to have a clue where the ball is heading but he looks like he’s having fun chunking it. Glavine is the epitome of a pitcher getting the most out of his talents, maybe even overacheiving, unless you consider having the ability to throw a baseball exactly where you want it to go overacheiving.
By TennesseePaul
May 15, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
And I gotta state it again… I love the new line up. This is what I was hopping for to start the season and it’s finally come and it’s kick @ss. Hopefully it will fire on all pistons tonight as well.
Chipper is on a solid pace to hit the landmark 400th career homer on the home stand. The record settings are working out well for the guys this year.
By AdirondackDave
May 15, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
The Braun deal, if accurate as reported at $45/8 is a serious bargain.
By Charley's Pride
May 15, 2008 3:31 PM | Link to this
FIRST ….black man to hit it big in country music!
By StingerSplash
May 15, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Andruw has homered! Andruw has homered! And Willie Harris just made a sensational catch with one on and none out in the ninth against the Mets. Too bad the Nats catcher just threw one to the apple trying to get Beltran stealing second. Well, Delgado’s up, so a strikeout is imminent.
By brent a.
May 15, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
I think it’s time we finally win one of these games that looks like a sure loss going in. Tonight’s as good a night as any.
By the way, any chance Devine comes into a game with the bases loaded, this week-end? I think he should, just for old time’s sake.
By StingerSplash
May 15, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
Whoops. Make that your routine L3-5 double play to end the game for the Muts. You know, somebody on the Nationals is gonna run for 1,000 yards behind that offensive line of Pena, Kearns and Rauch, with Nick Johnson as a pulling guard.
By bravesfan
May 15, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
What will the lineup be tonight, with a lefty on the mound?
By brent a.
May 15, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Good. The Mets lost.
By bigchiefrg
May 15, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Oh wow…Andruw Jones batting 2nd today for LA. I would bet he hasnt hit that low in the order since about 80 pounds ago.
By P-Town Brave
May 15, 2008 3:38 PM | Link to this
Figured I’d move my post over here to the NEW improved today version…
Lew
I agree w/ all of what you are saying, but IMO, I think Frenchy has a serious hitch in his swing, which causes him to lose his power…
Being that I’m not a vault of swing info, I can not myself go back to when he broke into the league to see if that hitch is there or something he has developed into…
That being said, I do recall his 1st hr in the bigs being to right-center and that tells me that if he can stay behind the ball better than he has been and correct the hitch, he can develop power the opposite way.
A young guy such as David Wright would come to mind, but I believe at this point, he is in a league of his own at his age when it comes to power numbers.
I would be happy w/ Jeff is either he hit close to .300 and had around 20 hr’s BUT if he hit closer to .275, I would want that number to be spot on at 30 HR.
Either way you look at it, from a 05 prospect standpoint, he has under-produced and Mac has shot past him…
I will say one thing…It makes Jeff look worse just for the simple fact that we have Mac to compare him to as they broke in close to the same time and the fact that Jeff was considered far and away a better prospect than B-Mac was.
By MiamiBrave
May 15, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
Mets just finished dropping second in a row to the Nats…
By Charlie
May 15, 2008 3:41 PM | Link to this
The Braves can gain ground tonight if they can duplicate last night. Nats beat the Mets 1-0 today.
By BravesFanInRockies
May 15, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Holy schneickes, the Nats beat the Muts 1-0. At Che Stadium.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Jersey Gil, I ain’t from here, man, and I gotta tell you: I’d much prefer a DiNic’s pork sandwich over any cheesesteak I’ve had in Philly, and I’ve had them at both places you mentioned. They’re great, but just not my favorite thing….
Rob U, haven’t been downstairs to ask anyone yet, but Teheran to Rome wouldn’t surprise me. He’s awfully young (17, I believe), but awfully, awfully talented.
Someone the other day said something about the Braves not having stud pitchers in their system. Couldn’t be further from the truth. They’ve got more pitching depth in their organization now, and I mean quality depth, than in a very long time.
Lock, Rohrbaugh, Teheran, Morton … and there are several others of similar ilk. All future top-of-rotation guys, potentially. Not to mention Jurrjens, who should be entrenched near the top of their rotation for years to come.
By ncscoots
May 15, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
In baseball, much stranger (MUCH stranger) things have happened than Chuck James beating Cole Hamels. That wouldn’t even be a blip on the strange-radar.
One poster had it wrong, though I know what he meant. Bookies aren’t salivating over this matchup, bettors are. Bookies are salivating over their plane tickets for a nice Bermuda weekend, often paid for by bettors slammin’ down on a $2.20 favorite.
By shocker
May 15, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this
speaking of Chuck … another solid outing this week by Morton…
By Charlie
May 15, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
DOB
Sorry about the 2:51 post. I didn’t thoroughly read your post. This is why you are the writer and I am not. Great job, as usual!
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 15, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
Mets just dropped 3 out of 4 against the Nats. At least we’re not alone in that category!
By Rob U
May 15, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
Man I hope so can’t wait to start following that kid’s career. Any chance he could be like King Felix and make it to the Majors @ 19 or 20?
By Steve C.
May 15, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this
DOB,
agree with you on the pitching depth, but don’t forget Hansen, who has gotten quite a bit of attention lately as well…
By brent a.
May 15, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
Here’s Jeff Francoeur’s latest …
[Blog Frenchy)(http://jefffrancoeur.mlblogs.com/)
I’m a little surprised that he didn’t mention Bob Wickman.
By P-Town Brave
May 15, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
DOB
I do believe you also forgot Mr. Hanson who just threw his 1st game being promoted to Double-A w/ a solid victorious outing.
By Moby Grape
May 15, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
PTown-One more thing Dude-You can’t compare ANYONE to Chipper right now. I’m not so sure Ted Williams in his prime would outshine him at the momentLew
I wouldn’t go that far. In fact except for the BA Berkman is ahead of him in everything else, way ahead in several catagories like X-base hits and RBIs. Chipper is great and he is our guy, but he’ll never see the day when he could be compared equally to Ted Williams.
By Alan
May 15, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Great work as always, DOB. The Reading Terminal is terrific, isn’t it? Actually, Philly is a terrific city; it’s the professional sports teams (all of them) that I can’t stand. Tonight’s matchup scares me to death. Chuck James is a high-ball pitcher — look for the Phillies to launch a bunch of HRs. Hamels, on the other hand, is tough and figures to keep the Braves in check. They struggle against almost every lefty — see Zach Duke just last week. I’m sure tonight’s lineup will be stacked with righties: Escobar and Infante hitting 1 and 2, Diaz and Kotsay hitting 7 and 8, KJ and Blanco on the bench.
By ChampDawg
May 15, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
Chuck James is AA or AAA caliber, not MLB caliber. Period. Nuff said. He will get rocked tonight. I predicted on the AJC poll that Braves would win 1/3 so I’m sticking to it.
By kdbanks
May 15, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
It sure seems like we’re stacked at places beyond pitching in the minors too, doesn’t it? Others know better, but middle infield, outfield and catching look good to me. I think 1B is the only place we lack a “year or two away” guy.
By i cant take it anymore
May 15, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
i hope we dont get “chuck just being chuck” tonight.
By BravesinTN
May 15, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
DOB, who (for the most part) calls the pitches for the Braves? Bobby, McCann or…? I was very curious to the pitch selection by Boyer in the 9th, especially to Rollins. Seems he stuck to the curveball too much.
Also, A guy from my hometown was drafted by the Braves, Steven Shults, and played at Danville last year. I can’t find him anywhere this year. Do you know anything about this 3B prospect? Saw the Bravery at the Wildhorse Saloon: Awesome! Great band!
By Carroll Rogers
May 15, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
This just in from DOB, Chipper and his .418 average have been scratched tonight because of a tweaked groin. Chipper hurt it in last night’s game. More from him as he gets it…
By Patrick
May 15, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
DOB,
You forgot Tommy Hanson!
By Jeff321
May 15, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
Don’t worry about Chuck James! Just to set the record straight, the Braves’ bullpen lost several games for him last year… What ya need to be worried about is that dud Tex. I know he did a great job last year and his defense is splendid. But, this crap about him being a slow starter is getting old. Drop him to the eighth spot and lets see if he improves.. Because all he’s doing now is being our new “switch hitting” rally killer.
By Tomahawk Matt
May 15, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
I hope I didn’t offend any Flushing, NY people with my junior-high namecalling lately…
Just Kidding! Yes I do!
And I sincerely apologize to everyone that I attacked for insulting and doubting Bobby Cox’s abilities as a manager.
Gotcha again! No I don’t!
GO CHUCKIE! GO BRAVES!!!
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 15, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Carroll, in response to your 4:20pm post…
Can we get some big rainclouds to hover over Philadelphia for the next 12 hours? Please?
By Rob U
May 15, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Well we had about a 1% chance to win anyways. Smart to rest him.
By Jeff321
May 15, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks Carol Rogers.
Apparently a few (who’ll go nameless for now) doubted my expertise on Chipper’s groin tweak last night! So, don’t say I didn’t warn ya, eh.
By 22oz
May 15, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
Chipper’s out? Oh crap. well there that goes..
By Jersey Gil
May 15, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
DOB I agree with you in both issue the BBQ again Phillis cheesesteak, i prefere good Southern BBQ myself, also agree that the Braves not have to look far to improve their rotation, we have one of the best minor leagur system in the Mayor.. on Tuesday game i was seat behind some scout including Jim Fregosi he was great a lot of baseball talking…love it
By Louisville Brave
May 15, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
Hello everyone…Great to have this venue to share my Braves’ obsession with those who can appreciate it…DOBI’m in school here in Louisville and am planning to catch the Braves in Cincinnati at the end of the month…any recommendations for good pulled pork sandwiches in cincy?? or any other must-do’s while there?? Extremely pysched to catch my first Braves game outside of the Ted/FCS…love the new top of the order…hope BC sticks w/ it…wouldn’t mind seeing BMac hit cleanup…but doubt BC would do it if Tex is healthy
By toddh
May 15, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
ouch!! no chipper and chuckie on the hill may amount to a butt kickin’
By chase (the original)
May 15, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Does anyone else think CHIPPER says his little tweaks are worse than they are so he can get a day off every now and then?
Better to say “Hey i tweaked this or that” rather “Hey BOBBY I need a night off from carrying all you people!”
By Charlie
May 15, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
So what’s the prognosis on Chipper? Day-to-day? Several days?
By Jersey Gil
May 15, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
Those “LOco” phillis announcer last night put a course on Chipper…wow..
By McFann
May 15, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
Lew—
Sorry for a late response—hope you’re still around. We just walked in the door.
I completely agree. I know he still has that bone spur (decided not to have it removed during the off season), but it doesn’t appear to be causing any problems.
I also think being more flexible has helped a lot. And most of his throws have been right on the money—just some of them were either too late, or Escobar/Lillibridge didn’t get the tag down quickly (but gosh, I mean, that’s rare enough, so how cann you lay too much blame on that?), OR the UMPIRE calls the guy SAFE at first base, when he was CLEARLY out! (In Pittsburgh) He’s had a few throws that were high and to the right, but none into center (so far, right?).
Kind of on a side note here—You know, on May 14, 2007, he hit his third homer of the season? Talk about a power outage! (But he hit 18 for the year, so what cann you say? That was only what—second among NL catchers?) Funny the difference a year cann make. Right now, he’s second on the team to Chipper (but everybody on this team is less than Chipper, right?). McCann does lead the team in extra-base hits—well, he’s got 21 and Chipper’s got 20. Just kinda funny ‘cause McCann’s our slowest runner. But maybe some of those doubles would be triples if were faster…
Dang! Didn’t mean to talk so long. Sorry. Sometimes I get on a roll and can’t quit. Ask any of my family members. Actually, I could keep goin’ here, but I won’t, don’t worry.
; ) Later!
By Yars
May 15, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
I have lost faith in Chucky James. Time for Wren to pull the trigger & make a trade for a starting pitcher. Not too early. We need a solid picher behind Hudson, Jurjens, & Glavine. We’ll see what Reyes has to offer in the next couple starts. If it’s certain by early June that he’s not the answer & needs further development in Richmond, lacking a solid #4 starting pitcher is going to cost this Braves team big time. KJ could be in the zone right now. He’s looked great the last 2 games. now playing: personal jesus by depeche mode.
By McFann
May 15, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
What?? No Chipper?? Ah, DERN IT!!
CONGRATS to the NATS!!! At least they found a way to beat someone besides the Braves!
Good thing Figueroa’s not with the Mets anymore. He might get mad at the Nats for celebrating.
Really now: Later!
By woogidy
May 15, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Was it a Hooter’s waitress that “tweaked” his groin this time?
By ernesto
May 15, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Chipper out? WTF? Are they wearing the cursed blue unis? Burn those suckers!!!!
By Cincy Brave
May 15, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
Louisville Brave:
While in Cincy, hit up the Montgomery Inn Boathouse. Its on the river within walking distance of the stadium. Great food, and a good happy hour on Friday before the game if you get in town early enough. Also, Skyline Chili is a must have.
The stadium is nice, but nothing compared to the Ted.
Go Braves!
By TJ
May 15, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Does anyone else think CHIPPER says his little tweaks are worse than they are so he can get a day off every now and then?
chase, did you watch the game last night? If you watched on tv, it was obvious that CJ hurt himself on that swing down and away.
Aside from that, to suggest that CJ is faking injury to get a day off is just stupid. I would suspect that he’d just go to Bobby and say something really poignant like, “I need a day off.”
By Yars
May 15, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this
Who is starting at 3B now? 2B? I don’t like this KJ/Infante platoon thing at 2B.
By bravesfan
May 15, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Carroll, what is the lineup then?
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 15, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
McFann — I read that article about Figueroa. That’s ridiculous to say that about another team publicly. Suck it up, man!
By Josh H
May 15, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Yars:
You really think there’s a team out there that’s willing?
Any trade for a starting pitcher worth anything at this point in the year will cost us so much talent that it will not be worth it. So many teams are “in the race” at this point that they aren’t going to part with a decent pitcher.
Remember that pitching wise, we are in a lot better shape than the majority of teams in the league. We allow 3.8 runs per game. That’s first in the NL, second in the majors.
I say we don’t trade for anybody until we see how Morton looks at the Major League level. I do agree though, that Chuck needs to make an impression tonight that he’s willing to make adjustments to pitch at this level.
By P-Town Brave
May 15, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
So, what are the guesses on the lineup now?
We have multiple options in certain spots…
2b- KJ or Infante
3b- Infante or Norton
I say we go w/ this lineup…
Escobar ss
Kotsay cf
McCann c
Tex 1b
Frenchy rf
KJ 2b
Diaz lf
Infante 3b
James p
That being said, I wouldn’t at all mind batting KJ 3rd, Mac 4th, and dropping Tex to the 5-hole…
You say Hamels is a LHP, well, his splits aren’t too much different v LHH than RHH and I believe some of his pitches are actually more effective v RHH than they are to lefties.
Either way, its never good to have Chipper out of the lineup, especially with the way he is hitting…
Although if it prevents him from sitting out another 10-15 days later on, then we all oughta be for it.
By StingerSplash
May 15, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
cincy brave, you are killing me with the skyline reference. man, nothing like a good three-way. three-way chili, that is. with some aglamesis ice cream later on … mmmm….
By Michael in Brooklyn
May 15, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
Anyone noticed Joey Devine’s line in Oakland (since someone above brought him up). 16.1 IP, 11 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 20 K, 0.86 ERA. We’re getting a nice year from Kotsay, but he’s old, he’s got a bad back, and he’s playing above his head. 4 years from now, we’re going to wish we had still-arb-eligible Joey Devine.
By richbrave
May 15, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
OFFENSE:
The old work shoes were lined up in the mud-room yesterday evening patiently waiting for hitters to fill them. Last night the usual suspects did.
JOSH ANDERSON went 2-5 and raised his average to .275(42-153). He has struggled against the book on him recently, but shows flashes of defeating the opposing team’s moves.
BARBARO CANIZARES hit his sixth HR and 2-4 raising his average to .333(43-129). He continues to be the main power plant for this team. In addition to leading in HR’s he’s second in doubles(8) and is tops in RBI with 22. He continues to be error free recently around the 1st sack.
CLINT SAMMONS was 2-4(31-99).313 and appears to be righting his listing average. Four passed balls and two errors in 28 games have only allowed 1 unearned run so far. He’s tight both behind and while hitting at home plate.
Although given a night off SCOTT THORMAN continues his steady progress at the plate raising his average to .254 (33-130) but his power numbers continue to suffer. He has 8 doubles and 2 HR’s.
DEFENSE:
The other two Cubans from the contingent here also performed their chores splendidly. Put on their pitching shoes and went to town.
FRANCISLEY BUENO had a second consecutive excellent start. 6.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 SO. Lowered his ERA to 3.43 and picked up his second win. Record 2-1. His stock appears on the rise.
VLADIMER NUNEZ followed with 1 inning of goose eggs except for 1 SO. ERA 3.68. Season’s totals. 15 games with a 3-0 record, 22.0 IP all in relief, 9 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 2 HB, 6 BB, 23 SO, 1.36 WHIP, 3 HOLDS and finished 6 games. He continues his dance routine, two steps forward, one back, but is progressing toward becoming a good solid relief man.
OLD RELIABLE PHIL STOCKMAN goes another inning of splendid relief lowering his overall ERA to 0.77 in 23.1 innings. He also picks up another hold after coming on in relief of ANDY SHIBILO who had allowed two runners on with 0 outs. STOCKMAN shut then down allowing only one walk to the CLEVELAND INDIANS INDIANAPOLIS farm team. He now has 4 HOLDS to go with only 8 H, 10 BB, 19 SO. PHIL has been consistantly excellent for the R-Braves, and I believe would be an asset in ATLANTA’s pen.
Smooth and steady CHARLIE MORTON pitched another excellent game Tuesday. His totals 2-0 in 8 games with 7 starts. 48.0 IP/30 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 1 HB, 15 BB, 39 SO, 0.94 WHIP, 1 GF. This young man is on his way to the ML sooner rather than later. With the preparation given by the Braves hopefully he will stick and become a consistant winner for the big club. Of course, you never know until tested at “The TED.” The Braves appear determined to stick to their time-table for him which I believe means a test in early June then back here for more work with a final call-up in late July or early August.
By Mark in PA
May 15, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
TJ and Jeff321, we were right (and so were the Phillies announcers) last night about Chipper in the last AB.
And Robin and I were dang near called the one-run game last night.
For the next four nights, I will predict nothing but good things, healthiness, and happiness. Let’s see if that works.
Tonight, Chuckie is unsolvable, and is replaced after the second time through the order by an effective BP effort. Every regular gets at least one hit, and the slump vs. lefties on the road ends. Bravos win (big#-little#).
By Cincy Brave
May 15, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
StingerSplash
Skyline chili is undeniable, you are correct. Get some Graeters ice cream afterwards, and you got yourself a quality meal.
But thats just one mans opinion.
By ernesto
May 15, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
I think Frenchy needs to bat 7th or 8th, I mean it’s not like he needs to get pitches to hit, his zone is pretty big.
He just hasn’t been smart enough in his plate approach to hit 5th.
Tell me about his hits lately, but how many of them have been significant? I recall meaningless singles.
By Lew
May 15, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
What the Hell-At least Chuck won’t let y’all die of boredom this evening. He’ll likely keep your blood pumping, if nothing else.
Moby Grape-Dude, not so sure about that. Even Teddy Ballgame wouldn’t sneeze at Chipper’s start. I know he won’t hit .400 for the season, but a good .350 45 HR and 130 RBI season is about what he’s on track for (I know the BA is hard to quantify for a full season, but…). Not far off from a Ted season if at all.
By gobraves
May 15, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Are we gonna get the game in? FLA and CIN just got PPD.
By StingerSplash
May 15, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
woogidy,
am i bad person because i snickered at your comment? that is way wrong. don’t stop it from being funny, though.
By Louisville Brave
May 15, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Cincy Brave Thanks for the Montgomery Inn rec…will definitely hit it up…as for Skyline Chili, they’ve got em here in Louisville-one only two blocks from me…but i had a bad first experience there…really bad…no bodily harm done…it was just nasty…and i happened to be starving at the time…so you know it had to blow…it made me yearn achingly for the Varsity…i think i actually shed a tear or two…b/c I had just moved up here from Atlanta about two months prior…it made me homesick…so i haven’t been back in well over a year…but you locals keep raving about it so i suppose there’s a chance i might give it a second try…for the uninitiated…they put their chili over spaghetti noodles…and as Cliff Claven once said in his short lived comedy career…”What’s up with that?”
By Charlie
May 15, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
Braves could use a win tonight. Marlins-Reds postponed due to rain.
Ernesto- I agree that Frenchy’s not using a smart approach at the plate. However, Frenchy’s singles only become meaningless if the guys before him can’t get on or the guys behind him can’t get him in. That seems to be a constant. They get on with two out, or hit into a double play, or can’t sacrifice. The fundamentals are missing at times.
By LuisGuillermo
May 15, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Carooll Rogers/DOB, so Chipper’s not in the lineup tonight, but will he be able to at least pinch-hit?
By Lew
May 15, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
Chase-Dude, just when I get to thinking your brain is semi functional, you come up with a quote like you just did about Chipper. If he needed a day off, I’m sure all he would have to do is ask-not fake an injury. Where TF do you come up with this stuff? Does someone feed it to you or do you make it up on your own?
By albanian braves fan
May 15, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
blog headline is asking: can chuck james keep it in park tonight.
yes. chuck can keeping it in park. just use stick shift. move to “p”. else car rolling away.
By LuisGuillermo
May 15, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
How’s the forecast in Philly?
By David-ATL14
May 15, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
* Lineup*
1.Escobar-SS 2.Infante-3B 3.Frenchy-RF 4.Tex-1B 5.McCann-C 6.Diaz-LF 7.Kotsay-CF 8.Gotay-2B 9.James-P
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Never a dull moment with the Bravos. Chipper’s not serious, thinks he’ll play tomorrow, said it’s another case of him taking a day off rather than risking a DL stint by trying to play through a slight injury.
It’s an adductor strain, or commonly known as a groin strain. Did it on that swing last night, said it’s first time it’s bothered him since last season, and emphasized that it’s not serious.
Meanwhile, Smoltz threw off mound instead of originally planned 120-foot flat ground session. But he only made about 25 easy throws from the mound, to gauge whether he could get extension on his pitches to keep them down in strike zone without discomfort. He had no problems, he said.
Real test will still come this weekend when he gets on mound and throws all his pitches. Today he took it easy.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
LINEUP: 1. Escobar, 2. Infante (3B), 3. Francoeur, 4, Tex, 5. McCann, 6. Diaz, 7. Kotsay, 8. Gotay (2B), 9. Chuck
Bobby said he wanted to get Gotay a start, since he’s only started one game….
Lousville Brave: Ribs at the Montgomery Inn in Cincinnati (the location on the river), or steak at The Precinct as second choice. You’ll thank me later.
By monty
May 15, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
I saw Chipper get hurt when he was trying not to get doubled up on his ground ball late in the game. HE REALLY JUST CAN’T SEEM TO GO ALL OUT WITHOUT GETTING TWEAKED. HOPE HE’S NOT OUT FOR LONG!
By bravesfan
May 15, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
Here is the lineup: Y Escobar SS (0 for 3, 1 BB) O Infante 3B (Never Faced) J Francoeur RF (4 for 17, 1 RBI, 6 SO) M Teixeira 1B (1 for 3, 1 RBI) B McCann C (4 for 9, 3 RBI’s) M Diaz LF (5 for 18, 1 HR and 1 RBI, 3 SO) M Kotsay CF (Never Faced) R Gotay 2B (Never Faced) C James P (0 for 2, 1 SO)
By McFann
May 15, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Daybed—
Yeah, what a baby! Funny that he was DFA’d the next day!
P-Town Brave—
I like your lineup, but I think I’d move Francoeur down…maybe seventh. If he’s playing, fine. But he should be lower in the order until he really heats up.
Oh, and maybe switch McCann and Tex. For his career, McCann is 0-4 in the #3 spot. Small sample size, yes…But Tex has a career .301 AVG as the third hitter in the LU. Had over 1,000 ABs there…
But heck, I doubt it’ll happen. My guess is that the lineup will be:
Escobar
Infante
Francoeur
Teixeira
Diaz
McCann
Johnson
Kotsay
Or something like that, anyway. Not that I want it, just sayin’…
By K.C.
May 15, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Have you guys been reading this blog?
http://bravesnuworld.com/
I think it’s actually DOB doing freelance with all the funny pop culture references and astute observations.
Funny as hell, too. Do you guys remember the Great Pumpkin? I don’t think it was on the last couple years, though…
By AGTfan
May 15, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
A combination of Chipper being scratched, Chuckies problems with dingers, and having to buy gas today have put me in a pessimistic mood.
I have been a Chuck James fan, but it’s time for him to step it up a notch if he wants to stay in the bigs. Hopefully he watched Glavine last night and learned something from both the good and the bad of last nights performance. I loved what DOB said about Smoltz giving advice to Boyer last night. Braves power pitchers would do well by picking Smoltz brain on how to pitch and guys like Cj should study Glavine like hawks. (not the BB kind)
I’m afraid that if the Braves don’t turn around their late inning offensive problems tonight we’re going to go in the L column.
By Cincy Brave
May 15, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Skyline is definitely an acquired taste for some. For others, it is heaven on earth. The good news, though, is that I can buy it in a can at the many Krogers here in Atlanta, so I can get it without dealing with going back to Cincy or any of those other terrible cities up north.
I will hit up the Varsity this weekend in your honor.
For all those panicking about Chuckie James tonight: if they do play, I have a good feeling about his performance tonight. I think he knows its his time to prove it, or spend the rest of the season riding on buses from one minor league to the next. My prediction: 6.2 innings, 5Ks, 1BB, 3 runs.
That is, if they play the game.
By albanian braves fan
May 15, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
ok. now for most important statistic known as MIS for all sabreingmetricians…
ready?
5.63
yes. is true. 5.63 is average of all baseball statistics ever calculating. expressing to second decimal place.
By Original Jon
May 15, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Anyone see the catch Willie Harris made in the Mets/Nats game today? It was sensational. Really was a sweet play.
By McFann
May 15, 2008 6:01 PM | Link to this
Hey! My lineup was close! KNEW Francoeur would be batting third! Sheesh. Got a .368 AVG there, though. We will see…
By JUsto
May 15, 2008 6:12 PM | Link to this
My prediction for the Braves game is that the Braves will lose 5-1. Chucky goes 4.2 innings 7H 4R 2 homeruns 2K 3B. Texiera hits a homerun . Hope im wrong though, but I have no confidence in James.
By OrlandoFan
May 15, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
You know, if Tex doesn’t start hitting soon, I’m going to start to think the Braves have a Scott-Boras-megafree agent-in-his-contract-year-jinx that is far worse than Sports Illustrated? Doesn’t it feel a little like Andruw right now? We’re all waiting for the kick start based on what we have seen, and nothing is happening. Only difference is that Tex is in better shape (back spasms aside). Probably takes a more professional approach (seems to). But the comparison at this point in the season is not far off.
By K.C.
May 15, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
I love Andruw’s reply to the L.A. Times writer who asked him to step on the scale. Referring to the writer’s gut he said he’d “probably die tomorrow”
HAHAHAHA!!!! When did Andruw become the Mike Tyson of interviews? He must be getting really irritated.
And btw - I live in L.A. The Times never jumps on a guy the way they did with Andruw. It’s unprecedented.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Monty, he did it swinging at the Rudy Seanez slider that fooled Chipper on his last at-bat.
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Doing scouting box for the A’s series.
After their 22-13 start, the Athletics have lost five of their last six games and been shut out three times in that stretch. They scored only two runs while being swept in a three-game series at Cleveland that ended Thursday….
By chase (the original)
May 15, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
LEW and TJ
EASY FELLAS…did you not read the WHOLE POST BEFORE COMMENTING?
IT WAS OBVIOUSLY A JOKE about how he is injuring himself by carrying the team!
Goodness fellas…switch to decaf
By OrlandoFan
May 15, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
ESPN commented that Chipper seemed to tweak himself on that swing. They made sort of a small deal out of it but did mention that he seemed OK despite whatever had happened.
By Steve-O
May 15, 2008 6:24 PM | Link to this
Yeh Jon that was definitely #1 Web Gem of the day I don’t CARE what happens tonite……
DOB’s previous quote: “Chipper didn’t tweak anything.” Guess he did…..
What would this blog be without JerseyGil? The guys postings are priceless……Keep em’ comin JerseyGil, keep em’ comin’…..
Go Braves!! (Even though it is blatant they are taking a semi-we wont win so let’s give Gotay a start, Chipper a day to rest his groin and let Chuck have a even greater chance to lose taking out two starters day off…)
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this
Devine pitched 1-1/3 innings today with three strikeouts, lowering his ERA to 0.55, with 20 strikeouts and only three walks in 16-1/3 innings.
By Bobby's Cox
May 15, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
DOB
In regards to your Keeping it Civil…
If that was in reference to me i’m sorry. I was trying to back a regular who other regulars were attacking.
By geauxbraves2000
May 15, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Chuck in that band box, CJ not in the lineup, a team that has a hard time winning on the road, facing LHP Cole Hamels; doesn’t sound like a good recipe for the Braves. On paper it should be a no brainer, but that’s why they play the game. Braves all the way!!
Geaux Braves!!
By 18 Wheels of Love
May 15, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
4 hours til I go see the DBT’s! Whoot whoot!
By David O'Brien
May 15, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
ANDRUW GOES YARD!
Andruw hit a homer today, giving him two homers and seven RBI for the season. Or, what Francoeur had in that one game at Washington.
By geauxbraves2000
May 15, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Good for Devine, it sounds like he’s got his head screwed on straight. It seems like “the change of scenery” is exactly what he needed.
Geaux Braves!!