AJC > Sports > Braves > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 05 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTough, sullen stretch for Braves
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
San Francisco _ These are difficult times for the Braves, whose players are trying to make the most of the season’s final eight weeks and build some momentum for the future after the white flag was raised and their RBI leader traded.
And in the midst of Braves Nation’s adjustment period, of seeing the team becoming basically irrelevant after the trade deadline for the first time since 1990, comes the death of a beloved figure.
That can put things back in perspective, for sure.
Hey, but Skip Caray loved this franchise and certainly wouldn’t want people to stop caring and stop calling for their heads when they screw up or praising them for making a good decision — like, for instance, if they were to increase the payroll.
The past couple of days have been a difficult time for just about everyone connected to the Braves, from Atlanta-native players who grew up listening to Skip call the games, and veteran players who’ve known him for a decade or two, to the manager and broadcaster partner who were friends with him for half their lives.
And certainly for fans. The memories and stories that so many of you have told here and elsewhere since the awful news Sunday night have been cathartic for others and have genuinely touched those who loved Skip most — his family — and for friends and colleagues.
It’s almost overwhelming to see so many different people share so many memories and reveal so much passion and such a connection to a man that most never met, but who most felt like they knew so well from listening to his voice for thousands of hours, through springs, summers and early falls, year after year.
You talk about the beauty of sports, that’s a big part of it. A perfect example. The Braves and baseball are very important to a hell of a lot of people, and he and Pete Van Wieren, and Joe Simpson and Don Sutton, have been a very big part of that enjoyment for so long, that connection that so many felt to the team, to the game.
So many of you have shared so many of your nights with Skip and them, whether you were by the grill with friends and family, driving a truck across the South, sitting alone in your recliner with your old dog, on a beach with your kid, or in bed listening with the lights out and school tomorrow while the team played into the late innings on the West Coast.
Hey, it’s a big part of so many of our lives, baseball. And when the conduit dies, and that conduit was so spectacularly good and alive and vital for so long, well, it’s hard to just accept it and move on.
So feel free to share all the Skip stories you want, for as long as you want. I’ve been reading them all, and a whole lot of other people have told me they’ve been doing the same.
In the meantime, I’ll throw in a couple items about the team as this series continues here in San Francisco.
Jurrjens deserved better: Rookie Jair Jurrjens was frustrated after last night’s 4-2 series-opening loss, as well he should have been. He got poor run support, but even worse, he got no defensive support as the Braves lost for the eighth time in 10 games.
Yunel Escobar and Kelly Johnson each made a couple of defensive mistakes that opened the doors for three of the four runs. Jurrjens was charged with four runs (three earned) and got the loss while pitching six strong innings.
The good news for Jurrjens is that his shoulder feels great as he approaches 140 innings, which has been the problem point for him in previous seasons.
He pitched a career-high 143-1/3 innings last season between the majors and minors in the Detroit organization, after totaling just below that many the previous two seasons.
There was some concern that Jurrjens might have to be monitored late in the season, to be babied this year to ensure he didn’t have another bout with the shoulder fatigue that he had in the past at this point.
But that hasn’t been the case. He spent nearly two months after last season working in an intense program with other pro athletes in the Tampa area, and the shoulder-specific and general-conditioning work he did is all paying off.
Jurrjens said he feels stronger than he’s ever felt this late in a season, and that his shoulder feels good.
That’s obviously quite important for the Braves, because he’s going to be either their No. 1 or No. 2 starter next season, depending who they get to replace Tim Hudson, who’ll miss most of the season after Tommy John elbow surgery he’s scheduled to have later this week.
Jurrjens has had a fine rookie season, going 10-7 with a 3.12 ERA while allowing 132 hits (eight homers) and 49 walks with 97 strikeouts in 138-1/3 innings. He needs to improve the walks/strikeout ratio, and surely he will as he continues to develop. But otherwise, there’s been very little to criticize.
Especially when you consider he’s only 22, and won’t be 23 until January.
He’s not fading down the stretch, that’s for sure. Jurrjens has a 2.32 ERA in his past nine starts, including seven quality starts (six innings or more, three earned runs or fewer).
He’s only 4-4 in that stretch, mostly because the Braves scored one or no runs while he was in four of those nine games, and two runs while he was in another.
The Curacao Kid is 4-1 with a 1.03 ERA in his past five road starts, including wins at Toronto and Philadelphia in which he twice allowed only three hits in eight shutout innings.
Jurrjens’ 2.92 road ERA is seventh-best in the NL, just ahead of Dan Haren’s 3.04 and Ryan Dempster’s 3.17.
Boyer at 60: If his arm isn’t dragging the ground in two months, Blaine Boyer should be able to enjoy a relaxing offseason.
The right-hander pitched a clean seventh inning last night to become the first major league reliever to reach 60 appearances this season. The Duluth native is on pace for 87 appearances; the Braves record is 84 by Chris Reitsma in 2004.
Will Ohman is tied for third in the majors with 58 appearances, on pace to match Reitsma’s mark.
Power outage: The Braves have gone without a home run in seven of their past eight games, and scored three runs or fewer in six of those seven homerless performances.
The outfield power dearth has moved from alarming to astounding, and underscores the need to add a power bat - a priority that should probably run neck-and-neck with the pursuit of another top-of-the-rotation starter.
Braves outfielders have hit just 20 homers in 112 games. Twenty! That’s the fewest in the majors, and fewer than half as many homers as nine other NL teams have gotten from outfielders.
Jeff Francoeur is the Braves’ leading outfielder home-run hitter, with nine.
And he and they have stopped hitting them altogether lately. It’s startling to look at the individual numbers:
Francoeur has hit .173 with one homer and a .220 slugging percentage in 150 at-bats over his past 40 games.
Mark Kotsay has one homer and a .338 on-base percentage in 157 at-bats over his past 44 games.
Gregor Blanco has one homer in 326 at-bats all season, but the rookie was not expected to hit for any power. He’s done a solid job in his first season, posting a .374 as a leadoff man (sixth among NL leadoff hitters).
Blanco has hit .295 with a .401 OBP in his past 33 games, and ranks fifth in the league with 22 infield hits this season. His numbers would fit nicely between two power-hitting outfielders. Unfortunately for the Braves, they don’t have those on the current roster.
Oh, and don’t expect a power infusion if Matt Diaz returns in a couple of weeks. He hit .250 with two homers in 42 games before hurting his knee.
Tough task for Chuck:: Tom Glavine could be back next week and take Chuck James’ spot in the rotation against Arizona. The old lefty’s rehab start last night for Myrtle Beach went well (four innings, hree hits, one run, one walk, four strikeouts).
Unfortunately for the Braves, there’s no one to take James’ turn Wednesday, when he’s scheduled to face Giants ace Tim Lincecum in the series finale in Frisco.
Chuck is 0-3 with an 11.37 ERA in his past three starts, with 17 hits, 13 walks and six homers allowed in 12-2/3 innings. Painful.
He gave up six runs and a couple of homers in 2-2/3 innings on Friday against Milwaukee in his first game back after two months in the minors.
The lefty is 0-3 with an 11.08 ERA in three major league road starts this season, with five or more earned runs allowed in each. This will be his first since giving up five runs and three homers in four innings at Philly on May 15.
Looking for hope? Lincecum is 11-3 with a 2.71 ERA, but only 1-2 in his past five starts. However, he has a solid 3.44 ERA in that span, with 45 strikeouts and 10 walks in 34 innings (seems almost impossible to win one game in five while piling up 45 strikeouts against 10 walks, doesn’t it?)
OK, a tune. We’ll dedicate another one to our old friend Skip, who Joe Simpson said was like a big brother to him. This is the “secret song” that’s not listed on Springsteen’s Magic album.
“TERRY’S SONG” by Bruce Springsteen
Well they built the Titanic to be one of a kind, but many ships have ruled the seas
They built the Eiffel Tower to stand alone, but they could build another if they please
Taj Mahal, the pyramids of Egypt, are unique I suppose
But when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
Now the world is filled with many wonders under the passing sun
And sometimes something comes along and you know it’s for sure the only one
The Mona Lisa, the David, the Sistine Chapel, Jesus, Mary, and Joe
And when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
When they built you, brother, they turned dust into gold
When they built you, brother, they broke the mold
They say you can’t take it with you, but I think that they’re wrong
‘Cause all I know is I woke up this morning, and something big was gone
Gone into that dark ether where you’re still young and hard and cold
Just like when they built you, brother, they broke the mold
Now your death is upon us and we’ll return your ashes to the earth
And I know you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ve been roundly blessed and cursed
But love is a power greater than death, just like the songs and stories told
And when she built you, brother, she broke the mold
That attitude’s a power stronger than death, alive and burning her stone cold
When they built you, brother
Comments
By Harrison
August 5, 2008 3:08 PM | Link to this
It’s a depressing time for the Braves nation. DOB do you forsee the Braves making some call-ups soon (the end of the month). Maybe jordan schafer,Cole Rohrbough or tommy hanson?
By big o
August 5, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
R.I.P. Skip it’s cocktal hour… so long man
By wiki
August 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
I had to copy this story in 1980 from Bradley’s blog courtesy of Hillbilly Deluxe. It jarred my memory….I remember laughing my a$$ off that day:
By Hillbilly Deluxe August 4, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
My favorite memory of Skip doesn’t translate well to print I guess. Probably early 80’s Skip is doing an onfield post-game TV interview with Dale Murphy at Wrigley Field. Skip had on a really loud pink shirt. Some guy in the stands (quite possibly a tad in his cups) kept yelling, “Hey Caray..no more pink shirts!!” Murphy was laughing so hard he couldn’t even answer any of Skip’s questions. Skip yells at the guy “OK no more pink shirts, go out and play in the traffic will ya?”….By this point Murphy has completely lost it and can’t talk at all….Skip looks at him, dead serious, and says, “Murph I’m trying to make a living, help me out here will you?”….
By cabravesfan
August 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
What an appropriate song choice:) Thanks DOB
By McFann Ô
August 5, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
So, McCann’s returning to the lineup tonight, right?
; >
By NCBravesFan
August 5, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
DOB I wanted to thank you and the staff at the AJC for providing this avenue for us to share our thoughts and feelings. As someone who lives in NC and doesn’t know very many Braves fans here at all, it’s been helpful to me personally to read everyone’s thoughts and reflections.
I kept waiting for ESPN to do a nice tribute Monday, but they were too busy worrying about Manny and Brett Favre. So I have up on them and have just focused all my time on this blog and the other wonderful tributes that you guys have put out there.
It’s also pretty clear that a lot of the AJC staff feels this loss keenly, and it seems to be cathartic for you guys to write and share and read as well. It’s been heartwarming to read some of the thoughts and perspectives shared by you, Carroll, Tim, Mark and some of the other folks.
In the post-TBS era, I have felt a bit disconnected from Braves Nation. But this forum has given me a place to read, reflect and share during this loss.
For that, I thank all of you.
By big o
August 5, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
R.I.P. Skip it’s cocktal hour… so long man
By Milton Jeff
August 5, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
When do you we bring up the minor league players? Its a shame to see great pitching going to waste bc/ of pathetic batting. Im sure the pitchers are feeling like their stuff is going to waste. We might not be in the race but at least we can go down this as winners. Get over .500!!!
By N Nine
August 5, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
RIP SKIP
By DevilInLaw
August 5, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
Why not send Francoeur down to the minors again for the rest of the season? Has this subject been discussed among any of the Braves management?
By Daybed Wagmoe
August 5, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Great lyric pick DOB, very nice one for Skip
By JC FROM UT
August 5, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
Are there any rumors or mentions of trading Kotsay?
By CorkyLIKESbeer
August 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
Is there anything better then Braves Baseball?
By Run Heap Run
August 5, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this
For the 2nd time in as many days I read this one with tears in my eyes. Nice work, DOB.
By Novice Ned
August 5, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
I recall that Glavine was supposed to be the mentor that Chuck James needed to recover to his rookie season’s performance level. I guess that may or may not happen in September. In terms of the team’s play, is there any reason to think that we’re not seeing a preview of next season? A stretch of bad pitching followed by a stretch of poor defense with a constant overlay of poor hitting and virtually no power. Let’s face it, it will likely take at least 2 full seasons before we’re truly competing for the Wild Card. This thing isn’t turning around during the Winter months.
By brent a.
August 5, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
Francoeur has hit .173 with one homer and a .220 slugging percentage in 150 at-bats over his past 40 games. DOB
Wow. If Jeff Francoeur is our opening day right fielder in 2009, how short will his leash be?
40 games is about the first month and a half of the season.
By BA
August 5, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
I absolutely see the Braves calling up Rohrbough…in about three years.
By N Nine
August 5, 2008 3:45 PM | Link to this
Is there anything better then Braves Baseball? CorkyLIKESbeer
Exactly. its been a tough tough time as a braves fan but we are together even more! many first time bloggers. Even the standings doesnt separate us because we love our team.
By Tomahawkin' Again (Like it's 1995)
August 5, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
My Skip memory is from spring training 1992, the year after the Miracle Season. Him and Pete were doing a radio broadcast of a Braves/Astros game at Osceola County Stadium in Kissimmee. The Braves were in a spring-long hitting slump. I go up to the press box and in between innings, I’m talking to Skip and ask him, “So when are we going to start hitting?” Typical Skip response to me, “June.”. He always took time to talk to fans during spring games, signing autographs, making them feel important. So many of my happiest sport memories involves Skip, Pete, TBS and the Braves. Simply can’t grasp the fact that Skip is no longer with us. A really sad couple of days, just adding to the absolutely lousy season it has been
By Spider29
August 5, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Although I didn’t write anything yesterday, I did read the posts. Great stuff. Skip was not my favorite of the Braves announcers but I did enjoy listening to him. I especially liked it when he and Joe Simpson were teamed up (back in the days of the rotation of announcers). My favorite thing about Skip is that he had such a love for baseball and you could always tell that. My favorite call of Skip’s will always be the one telling us that the Braves were World Series champions. It doesn’t seem possible that we will never hear him call another game. Thanks for the memories, Skip!
By cricket
August 5, 2008 3:46 PM | Link to this
Interesting take on the closers. I have always agreed with this.
CLOSER - The most overrated position in sports
By 18 Wheels of Love
August 5, 2008 3:47 PM | Link to this
Daddy Needs a Drink
By Cecil34
August 5, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
I find it hard to think and discuss baseball at this time - but Skip is enjoying a cold one, and so he would want us to go on….
I agree that Jeff should just go on down to Mississippi and then Richmond and work it out under no pressure and far less prying eyes.
I really see no point in keeping him up here - I guess it doesn’t really matter though, he has already embarassed himself plenty.
Based upon DOB’s list of needs, this winter is going to be pretty explosive.
If it is anything less than that, then we can expect more of the same next year, ugh….
By Jim H.
August 5, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
Injuries killed this season — It’s as simple as that (a couple of underperforming key players didn’t help either, but mainly it was injuries). No team could have survived the injuries we had this year, and it’s amazing that they were in it as long as they were. You can’t loose your top two relievers, almost all of your starting rotation, and multiple key position players for long stretches at a time and survive it. It could be argued that relying heavily on aged starting pitchers was a mistake, but it can also be argued that age wasn’t the problem with Soriano, Moylan, Hudson, Diaz, Infante, etc……It was just bad friggin’ luck. I reckon things are evening out for all the relatively healthy seasons we had in the past.
If there is a glimmer of hope in this, it is in the fact that there lots of expiring contracts after this season. Hopefully there will be money available to be in the mix to sign some stud free agents. It all begins with the starting pitching. We gotta sign at least one top of the rotation starter. Sign the right players and this thing can turn back around quickly. If the injuries had been kept down to at least a reasonable level we would have been very much in the hunt this year.
I don’t know what we are gonna do about Francoeur….that dude looks terrible. I think his vision is screwed up.
Do you think the Dodgers would give us Andruw back and pay about 90% of his salary? He might get his head straightened out if he came back to Atlanta. OK, never mind….that was a bad idea.
By CorkyLIKESbeer
August 5, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Can the Braves retire number 17 for the broadcasters?
By Joey
August 5, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Harrison, and others asking for a Jordan Schafer call-up, it seems obvious that his unexpected surge in power last year was the direct result in his HGH use. In AAA since his suspension, he has no pop in his bat anymore (surprise, surprise). I don’t think we need another Frenchy in the outfield.
By AnotherNCBrave
August 5, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
A couple of years ago I was able to get XM radio so I would be able to listen to the braves up in North Carolina. I like the other NCBraves fan hadn’t been able to listen to Skip and Pete anymore because they had cut down on the tv time. For the last two years, I would love to sit out in my car for an extra inning or two in my driveway and listen to Skip and Pete. I loved how Skip would just say whatever he wanted. I remember earlier this year when we were getting beat pretty bad and Skip says, “the bases are loaded again like they have been all game, I really wish I was.” And that was that. I was dying laughing in my car and that was all that was said. The long drives between Raleigh and the beach or to my hometown in the summer aren’t going to be the same without you Skip. I really will miss you.
By Ramblin Wrecker
August 5, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this
What a sad few weeks for Braves Nation. I don’t know how it could get any worse. And next season isn’t off to such a great start either, since we know Tim Hudson won’t be much of a factor with his having TJ surgery this week. Add to that the uncertainty of Glavine and/or Smoltz and you start to wonder if the rebuilding project won’t consume 2009 as well. There was the makings of a decent starting staff, with Hudson, Jurrjens, Campillo, maybe Jo-Jo and the possibility of trading for or signing an established top of the line starter. But removing the reliability of Hudson from the top puts the whole thing out of whack. And then there are no obvious places to go within the organization to fill the huge power outtage in the OF. I think we could all be satisfied with Gregor Blanco manning CF next season full time, but flanking him with Diaz in LF and Frenchy in RF aint going to get it done, especially since Kotchman at 1B isn’t a huge slugger. They have to bring in a power hitter for LF (and RF if they can move Frenchy for something of value) a #1-2 starter and at least one more proven starter, maybe Smoltz if he gets back. But next season is not looking too promising from here.
By J.D.
August 5, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
great song choice DOB, very appropriate
By Thrillhouse44
August 5, 2008 4:01 PM | Link to this
I suggest management open the wallet and try to persuade Lady Luck to come to the Braves’ side. Without her, I don’t know that they’ll be able to do anything.
Let’s hope Hammy gets his first win since Rafael Palmeiro got busted with B-12.
By Tomahawk Matt
August 5, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Thank you DOB - KING OF BLOG & RADIO GUEST My girlfriend went with me to FanFest a couple years ago. When we got there, we noticed there was going to be a Skip & Pete signing booth. I was amazed that I was going to get both Skip & Pete to sign a ball. As my girlfriend approached Skip to have her baseball signed, Skip said “O my, I can’t believe such a pretty lady came out just to see me today.” Truth be told, we were there to see Skip & Pete. We just didn’t know beforehand that we would be so fortunate to share a moment with them.
To me Skip was my own foster parent. You could always count on him to make you laugh and smile especially when times weren’t so great. When times were bad for me, I always had my Braves baseball on radio or TV and Skip and Pete and Ernie and Joe and Don - they were right there giving me my mental escape - putting me on the field and in the game.
My thanks, thoughts, & prayers go out to everyone - the Caray family and the Braves Nation.
Braves Baseball WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!GO BRAVES 2009!!!
By ccrider
August 5, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Shaun, Bravesfanintherockies and others: I made the statement reguarding Kelly because, yes he did start out as a shortstop but was moved to leftfield because his defense was terrible in the minors. He was a bad leftfielder, who didn’t hit near enough for a corner outfielder. He was tried at second as a last resort. Offensively, Kelly is in the middle of the pack, not up with Utley, Uggla, Kinsler, B. Phillips, Cano, Pedroia and not down with the offensively challenged. Defensively, he is not Uggla, but he is closer to him than to the top 2nd basemen. Age wise he is probably the hitter he is going to be and not much more. Did you see last nights game? Jair Jurrjens looked at Escobar and Kelly after the errors, as if to say, “I made the pitches, What else do I have to do: field the grounders TOO! The pitchers have to have confidence in their fielders to make the plays behind him or if they don’t have that confidence, they press and try to strike batters, which often leads to pitching mistakes. I guarantee you the pitchers do not have that confidence in Kelly and if Escobar doesn’t tighten up his soon they may start looking askance at him as well. I don’t dislike Kelly, I just don’t think he is a major league starting 2nd basemen and as I said the Braves need to get back to what made them special, Pitching and Defense!
By DAP
August 5, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
there is no point in sending jeff down again this year. we arent playing for anyhting, so just give him the chance to snap out of it the last two months. if he does, great, if he doesnt, he should compete for the right field job in spring training.
ramblin’ wrecker i think braves managment has a big decision to make this offseason. are we going to try to win, or are we going to try and develop the players we have, and try to win in 2010?
im sure the answer will be they will try to win in 2009, which means they will be signing some free agents, and making at least one big trade. lets hope it works.
By StingerSplash
August 5, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this
I know the piece on Lincecum in SI a few weeks ago has been mentioned before, but as I read that I got to thinking … Does anyone else notice he’s not wearing spikes in those range of motion pictures?
By TheCutMan
August 5, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this
You know something? It seems the Braves have sailed into that so-called ‘perfect storm’ of angst which, if used correctly, will start a renewal of beginnings and opportunity.
It’s almost as if the dead leaves needed trimming on many fronts. I’m certainly not disrespecting the passing of Skip Carey! Please don’t think that.
But, when considering the full mosiac of changes, of what’s happened this season, I get the sense that we’re all caterpillars about to graduate to the school of butterflys.
And as we rise to view from a new perspective, we can perhaps see why these things had to happen during the 2008 season?
By NCBravesFan
August 5, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
AnotherNCBrave I wish I had gotten XM instead of Sirius, especially after the Braves got whacked off of TBS.
The first thing I thought about when I heard Skip died was the 1980 season, when I had just graduated from high school. The Braves started out 1-9 that year, but actually got into contention. In the weeks before I joined the Air Force, I would go into my bedroom and listen to Skip and Pete with the call on WSB.
Before then I didn’t give a damn about baseball, but Skip’s calls on the radio were one big reason I got hooked on the game.
That 1980 team faded down the stretch, but my love and enthusiasm for the game has never waned, thanks in part to Skip.
By McFann Ô
August 5, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this
OK, maybe my proposal of a 51 game winning streak was a bit extreme.
I’ll knock it down to 50. How’s that sound?
Hampton…First time out, he gave up 6 runs, second time out, 4 runs…
Alright! If he keeps up that pace, then his next start after tonight will be a shutout!
By Ron Roberts
August 5, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
One thing about Skip I forgot to mention, yesterday…
…very first regular season game at Turner Field, I covered for the group of radio stations I worked for in Augusta, Ga., and having never met the guy, I had to admit, I was a little reluctant to even spaek to him, knowing how ascerbic he could be, at times; so we’re at the area behind the press box where they put food out for the working press, and he saw me just about to grab the hot dog tongs when he said “kid, hold out a few… pizza’s coming and you’d kick yourself if you missed it ‘cause that stupid hot dog filled you up.”
Who was I, a skinny 24 year old radio guy, to argue with a a fella who knew his food, and never was shy about sharing his dining expereinces?
Saw Glavine pitch last night… and he did look sharp. His pitches were breaking just shy of the plate and dropping like crazy The kid on fht Kinston Indians squad who walked did so on a full count, but was the only guy at the dish who wasn’t fooled by that breaker. It was nasty. He was hitting his spots and of the hits he did give up, (and no offense to the Pelicans’ infield here), they’d have been ground-outs at the MLB level, in my estimation.
Catching prospect Tyler Flowers hit a bomb over the left field bleachers, too. Epic shot. Knew the minute ya heard it it was gone.
Question, then… if Glavine’s rehabbing, then I presume he’s trying to determine, both for himself and for the team (I hope), if he’s gonna give another go at it in 2009, right? Any inclination, one way or the other, DOB, if the Braves would wanna re-sign him?
I’m sure Bobby would; loyal to a fault. :) Has Frank made any noise, either way?
For my money, an incentive-laden low-end contract would be worth a shot, wouldn’t it? Pencil him in with Jurrjens, Campillo, and whatever big-name free-agent starter we go for, and you’d have to think we’re in good shape, rotation-wise.
By Randy
August 5, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Stayed up last night to watch the game to hear the tributes…even drove around in my car to try to hear The Professor.
Seemed like old times staying up late back when we were competing in the NL West. Except for the fact we were a man down. I can’t believe we won’t hear Skip’s voice anymore.
By DAP
August 5, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
ccrider was moved to leftfield because his defense was terrible in the minors. He was a bad leftfielder, who didn’t hit near enough for a corner outfielder. He was tried at second as a last resort.
i dont think thats really how it went down. kelly johnson hurt his elbow, and when he was coming back, the braves were releasing giles and had a hole at 2nd base. kelly had experience in the infiled and they wanted his bat in the linup.
By Shamus Thacker
August 5, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this
This blog has been a blessing to me.
Nothing more therapeutic than opening up and sharing, and having others do the same. Skip’s passing has been very depressing to me, as have my mother’s recent ills. Y’all have helped me get through it all. You’ve shown compassion for Mom, and grieved with me over Skip. You’ve let me be a fool when I needed to be. You’ve been friends, and I sincerely hope you always will be. Thanks, sincerely, to each and every one.
Aloha, from the Hillbilly Nation of Cedartown..
By wiki
August 5, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
I remember early in the season when we had a number of extra inning games and Bobby was bringing in Acosta, Boyer, and Ohman night after night. Cox had made his fourth trip to the mound within a couple of innings or so. Skip said (paraphrase) “I guess its a requirement that we use 5 pitchers every game”. Amen.
By David O'Brien
August 5, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Wiki, thanks for posting (3:19 p.m.) that story courtesy of Hillbilly Deluxe. Now THAT is some funny sh#@….
Man, just got back from a walk up Columbus Ave, another 60-degree sunny, breezy day here. Like fall in Atlanta.
Can’t beat the focaccia panini sandwiches from Mario’s Bohemian Cigar Store in North Beach (near as I can tell, they sell no cigars there, just a great bar/restaurant.
By ncscoots
August 5, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this
it seems obvious that [Schafer’s] unexpected surge in power last year was the direct result in his HGH use.
You mean the guy who has 5 HR in 200 AB this year, and had 15 in 550+ last year? In other words, on about the same pace in both years? The guy who is struggling against lefties, but still has an 800+ OPS against righties? The guy who’s 50 games behind everybody else in his league, and still putting up 20 extra-base hits in 60 games?
Yeah, it’s certain that HGH was the sole reason for THAT guy’s numbers.
By High Pockets
August 5, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Now that Soriano’s on the DL once again, I hope the Braves will keep Ohman as Gonzalez’ set-up man, and let Soriano go.
Why not let Carlyle start against the Giants instead of James?
By brent a.
August 5, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Below is a brief look at the initial pitching results when KJ is at 2B. It’s crude. I didn’t take into account partial games played. I haven’t compared it to individual pitching results per pitcher. But these are the averages. TR = Total base runners. TB = Total Bases. Eff = Effective Result over the total innings KJ has played and the difference between the averages for when he is on the field vs when he is not. For instance, for the hits, the average difference between the two combined with the number of innings KJ plays resulted in an effective increase in total hits of 63 hits over 2007 and 2008.
ERA 4.13 3.89
H /IP 0.97 0.94 63 BB /IP 0.38 0.35 55 HR /IP 0.11 0.10 27 XBH/IP 0.33 0.31 41 TR /IP 1.48 1.44 90 TB /IP 1.56 1.48 162
Posted by TennPaul
Thank you for taking the time to do this. I work with numbers all day, so I prefer not to dig into them to do something like this.
By David O'Brien
August 5, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this
Ron Roberts, no word at all on whether Braves would consider re-signing Glavine. First Glavine needs to decide if he can/will pitch again, and he won’t make that decision until after he sees how he feels these coming weeks.
By mlw
August 5, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this
DOB, good choice with Bruce. Also thought that these words from the Rodney Crowell song Adam’s Song sums up pretty well how most of us feel about Skip. It’s just not going to be the same without him.
We don’t want to say goodbye we don’t want to feel that empty But it’s time to face the dawn head on When there’s something in the wind when the days go getting shorter And the nights run cold and clear down here
We’ll take each new day to give what we need to do our part While were learning how to live with a lifelong broken heart
And we never will forget it’s a privilege to remember The sound of days gone past will last We can see you in the stars come some vivid night in November With the last few leaves that fall recall
By Shamus Thacker
August 5, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
Boyer just has lotsa muscles that look exactly like fat. Shoveling those heavy spoons fulla food in buffet lines will build those type muscles very quickly.
By TennesseePaul
August 5, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
brent a: Thanks for the repost. I had it all lined up to do again (below) after I came back and noticed a new blog was up… Here they are again:
w/KJ w/o KJ Eff ERA 4.13 3.89 H /IP 0.97 0.94 63 BB /IP 0.38 0.35 55 HR /IP 0.11 0.10 27 XBH/IP 0.33 0.31 41 TR /IP 1.48 1.44 90 TB /IP 1.56 1.48 162I’ll be looking at this a little more in-depth later probably. I find it interesting enough.
By Run Heap Run
August 5, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Oh noooooo the Dawgs are on the cover of SI. First they curse my baseball team and now my alma mater. Damn you, SI. Damn you to hell.
By tennfan
August 5, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
Oh, man David, I had been doing good today, avoiding breaking down in tears, and there you go dropping that song in.
It’s so hard for me to put into words why I feel this way about losing Skip — part of it was a certain comfort in hearing his voice. When I went away to college, there were two things I could count on to make me feel like I was back home: John Ward calling University of Tennessee football games, and Skip and Pete (and Joe and Don) calling Braves games.
It also was about my love for the game. I didn’t play baseball growing up like a bunch of my friends. But for me, Skip was sort of a surrogate father who taught me the ins and outs of the game. (I have an amazingly great father, by the way, but baseball was never his game.) He helped me understand the nuance and emotion of the game, the rhythm and flow of hot streaks and cold streaks. In the rotten years, he never let you get the sense like a second chance wasn’t possible, somehow someday, even though you could be darn sure it wasn’t happening any time soon. And just as Pete was (and still is) the consummate expert in the mathematical joys of baseball, Skip was my look into the beautifully American culture of the game. That’s the hard part maybe — it feels like losing a family member, a friend, and my own inside snapshot to the sport I’ve grown to love thanks to him.
So, DOB, thanks for that song today, and for helping us all channel our thoughts even as you have to channel your own.
By Soul Man
August 5, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
DOB, I guess now that the AJC has bought out all these sportswriters’ contracts, you’ll be doing not just the Braves’ beat, but the Thrashers’, the Falcons’, Georgia Tech and writing a column on Roswell’s fine dining scene, right?
By David O'Brien
August 5, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Jake Cook, the Braves’ radio producer, tells me he’s gonna see about getting more of the Skip shirts made, the T-shirts he had produced a year ago. It’s got a drawing of Skip’s face on front with “Hello again everybody” below it, and “So long, everybody” on the back.
Jake says he’s gonna ask Chip about getting a batch of them made up and sell them with proceeds going to a charity of the family’s choosing.
By Random
August 5, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this
McFann ;Ô;: “Hampton…First time out, he gave up 6 runs, second time out, 4 runs… … Alright! If he keeps up that pace, then his next start after tonight will be a shutout!”
Or he could give up two and two-thirds runs tonight, and one and seven-ninths runs next time, at the same pace.
Or he could give up 0 runs tonight. (And then he’d probably go back on the DL, ‘cause the next number might be impossible.)
Or he could give up seven (or three, or eight) runs tonight, and then eleven (or twelve) runs his next start. (And then fifteen or sixteen — shudder.)
(-8
By atown
August 5, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Skip’s voice was the soundtrack for summer. As a young kid growing up in Atl it was so reassuring to turn TBS on at 7:35 and see he and Pete discussing the upcoming game against a background of orange, empty seats. The beauty of the Skip, Pete and the Braves was that it was such a constant for so long. We get older, we move, the world in general changes, but there was always that constant: Skip (and for the last 17 yrs us winning 2 or 3). At 29 yrs old i feel like a part of my childhood has come to an end. An innocence lost and gone forever.
Rest in peace, Skip. There will never be another like you.
By Mike
August 5, 2008 5:17 PM | Link to this
Braves need a top of the rotation starter and power bat in left field.
I’ve Raul Ibanez from a few. He will turn 37 next year and has seen his numbers go down each of the last 3 seasons.
I wouldn’t go near him.
Not to mention he is the one of the worst fielders in the game today.
Braves should go the free agent route with the starting pitcher with A.J. Burnett, Oliver Perez or Ben Sheets being the targets.
They will need to trade for that power bat in left field. I can’t imagine the Braves giving Adam Dunn, Manny Ramirez or Pat Burrell the amount of money that they want.
By ccrider
August 5, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
DAP: Trust me, Kelly was a very poor outfielder, bad routes to the ball, poor judgement coming in and going back. Now he was a relative novice at it, so it’s possible he could have become an average leftfielder, but his bat has never shown the kind of pop you need in a corner outfielder. I know it seems like I’m picking on Kelly, but I also mentioned Escobar. He has been in a mental funk since he was injured. Is he still hurting. Is he too immature. I don’t know, but Bobby Cox won’t put up with his poor at bats and distracted fielding long, it’s a priority for him to field your position well and keep your head in the game. PS: I sorry but I forgot who it was from the previous blog that noted the listing of our needs to win going into next year and commented that “That’s A mighty big list”. Yes, a No.1 starting pitcher, another veteran good starting pitcher, a big Leftfield bat, a couple of bullpen pitchers, replacements at 2B and centerfield in that order is a big list, but if the Braves want to contend that’s what they will need. I think the Braves can trade for either Halliday ($14)or Justin Duchshyer($6), perhaps Zack Greinke($4). They can sign Jon Garland($11) and Pat Burrell or Adam Dunn($13-$15). Sign Ohman($2.5) back along with another righty (Dan Wheeler $2.5) Let Lillibridge, Infante and Prado compete for the 2B job, while letting Blanco, Anderson, Schafer and even Gorky compete for the CF job. One other option there is a trade for David DeJesus, who at his moment, is a better player than any of the above. I figured the payroll and yes the numbers with all the above work into a $95 Million payroll. Just my thoughts.
By McFann Ô
August 5, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Random—
Eesh…Never thought of it that way.
Maybe it’s because I did a math test today, and wanted to keep the “extra” math as simple as possible.
: >
By John S.
August 5, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
Would the Braves consider putting the picture of a microphone next to the numbers of the great braves players like St. Louis did for Jack Buck?
By Lou Vales
August 5, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Promised I would never post again, but just wanted to chime in on how much I enjoyed Skip for many years. Actually am old enough to remember him on KMOX broadcasts of St Louis Hawks.
Talked to him only time when Braves trained in WPB. It must have been very early 80’s and I told Skip how much I enjoyed listening to him and he said in that great voice “Well, if you’re going to ask for an autograph can we step back from the urinal first”.
I’m betting in last Year, Skip NEVER mentioned “Well, when we get Hampton back” ——-Way TOO Honest for that. Miss You Skip!!!
Now, I’m gone again.
By Stolen Money
August 5, 2008 5:31 PM | Link to this
In the memory of a GREAT broadcaster, let us NEVER again hear any mention of resigning Glavine and/or Hampton.
Skip Caray—“Let’s Blow It Up”—That should be on a shirt!!
By More about Blaine Boyer
August 5, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this
Blaine Boyer spend the off-season
submerged in lakes in sub-Saharan Africa.
By Efrim
August 5, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this
ccrider
Kelly Johnson and his 777 OPS is the least of the Braves problems right now. I’d say this team needs two starters and a everyday left fielder before we discuss center field or 2nd base. I would discuss an upgrade at SS before I’d discuss an upgrade at 2nd Base.
By Steve from OH
August 5, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this
Joey, HGH does NOT enchance athletic performance. There have been numerous studies to confirm that. Ncscoots’ explaination seems to be correct. Or, at least 100% more correct than your version.
By enak628
August 5, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this
DOB,
I used to live in SF, so I have a restaurant suggestion and a couple of music store suggestions (although it’s probably too late with tomorrow being a day game):
Lunch at Original Joe’s, some of the best Italian food for it’s price in the City (try the spaghetti/ravioli combo plate). It’s where all the politicans go and sometimes you’ll see the political gossip guys from the SF Chronicle sitting in a corner eavesdropping;
Music stores: Rasputin Music on Powell near Powell (where the cable car turn around is). It’s an easy walk from Union Square. Not so easy, Amoeba Music in Haight/Ashbury. Both stores have a lot of used used CD’s.
By James Munson
August 5, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this
DOB, my father was telling me of a game he was watching before my time, im only 19, and Skip said the funniest thing about why baseball players spit but he couldn’t remember what he said exactly and I was wondering if you could help us out? As I sat last night watching the game and Joe and Pete giving their memories I pondered what my favorite Skip moment was and I couldn’t recall any one moment that stuck out. He just seemed like a father figure when he did play by play and I guess I took it for granted but he will always hold a place in my heart. He and my dad taught me about the game I love so passionatly and that is the thing that sticks out to me.
By enak628
August 5, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
Rasputin Music on Powell near MARKET
Sorry. Brain fart.
By TennesseePaul
August 5, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this
ccrider: that was me with the “big list” comment. I say that because I think they could contend without replacing 2B, SS and CF. Upgrades couldn’t hurt, but I don’t think they are as needed at those positions as they would be in LF and the starting rotation. Solidify the rotation with some real, bonafide top of the order innings eaters and the pen becomes less of an issue. We see too much of the pen because 4/5ths of our rotation is/was out with injuries. A power bat in LF and a few starters would right this team considerably.
By Don
August 5, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
DOB - Questions
Is anyone a tad disappointed with Escobar? Defense seems to be a little below average and he can’t move a runner. Seems to be a DP candidate quite often at the plate. Could he be more suited to a future RBI role than a 1 or 2 role?
Same question for Johnson - Also, seems to be a defensive weakness and doesn’t particularly hit well in the clutch or in the 1 or 2 slot.
Maybe I’m wrong and if so then I just seem to watch the games at the wrong time, but it seems like we have given up a lot of runs offensively and defensively by way of our middle infielders the last couple of months.
By More about Blaine Boyer
August 5, 2008 5:59 PM | Link to this
Blaine Boyer is making excellent progress.
His ERA has dropped below his cholesterol level!
By More about Blaine Boyer
August 5, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this
Blaine Boyer like to munch on PB sandwiches between innings.
PB = Pork Brains!
By Doc Holliday
August 5, 2008 6:07 PM | Link to this
This Braves team has to be ranking very high in lowest HR and slugging in last 18 years (among Braves teams).
By littlebird
August 5, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
… the last of the GREAT ONES … RIP Mr. Caray …
By Shaun
August 5, 2008 6:15 PM | Link to this
Tennesee Paul, good stuff on the last blog.
The problems I see with the comparison of KJ in the lineup and KJ not in:
There’s not a significant difference, if I’m reading your chart correctly.
No one is arguing Kelly Johnson is a better defender than the alternative. Most of us that are in favor of keeping Johnson at second because his combined impact on offense and defense is better than anyone else’s. Even if the Braves were to get a better defensive secondbaseman, we think the Braves would be worse off because his overall impact isn’t likely to be what KJ’s would be.
Lots of times when Kelly sat, the Braves had worse defensive players at other positions. I’m looking at the game-by-game lineups. At the beginning of 2007 the Braves went with Woodward at second, Diaz instead of Langerhans in left and Craig Wilson instead of Thorman at first with a LHP. Before Tex got here, Saltalamacchia played some first against lefties. Lots of times this season when Johnson hasn’t played it’s been Diaz or Norton in left.
Secondly, you seriously doubt it because I don’t think any team has ever pulled up the absolute lowest level of defense possible. I’m fairly certain we could put in an extremely bad defender at short that hits .250/.333/.400 and see him have an absolutely atrocious affect on the game.
Of course if a team puts a horrible fielder and a horrible defender in, he’s going to have an atrocious affect on the game. That’s what I meant by it’s only possible in theory for a major league regular to play defense so poorly that his offensive contributions are canceled out. No team in reality would allow a regular that bad to play very often for very long.
The question for me: Is Kelly Johnson so bad on defense that his total impact to the Braves (offensively and defensively) is worth than any other realistic option for them?
By ncscoots
August 5, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
If you want to see what the blog would be like were the team to accede to bloggers and “play the kids”, just read the posts today concerning Johnson and Escobar. Two guys who don’t have 500 games between them, getting ripped for not playing like 5-year vets. In other words, for playing like what they are: young, inexperienced players with a lot of talent, who will look either spectacular or awful at any given moment. Depending on the phase of the moon and what was or wasn’t on the pre-game buffet.
Yeah, bring up a bunch of kids even more inexperienced…can’t WAIT to see the hairballs THAT will cause the blog to cough up, LOL.
By David O'Brien
August 5, 2008 6:21 PM | Link to this
Don, I don’t know if anyone would admit it publicly, but I don’t think they’ve gotten the middle-infield defense they expected this season. They thought it would be well above average, that double-play combo. But it’s not been.
Offensively, Escobar got off to a great start, but hasn’t done a lot since the second month or so. And Kelly, frankly, has had a rather lackluster season, for the most part. I really thought Kelly would be a lot higher OBP guy by now, but instead he’s striking out more than I ever thought he would, and not hitting for as much power as I thought he would.
By BradH
August 5, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
I just cranked up the calculator – 33 years, at 162 per, is over 5000 games and I heard Skip call at least part of most of them. That’s a lot of games so I guess I should not be surprised to feel bad like I do. It’s good to be able to look at the blog (which I do every day anyway) and see that a lot of the other fans are in the same boat.
By Southernboy
August 5, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
DOB, Several years ago I saw Javy in the gym trying to add about thirty pounds of muscle to get him through the season better. He never hit well again. Last winter Jeff did the same thing in the gym and he can’t hit. Maybe the big muscles don’t help. Tell Jeff about Maddux’s doughnut workout and maybe he’ll start hitting again.
By David O'Brien
August 5, 2008 6:25 PM | Link to this
John S, I don’t know why not. Other teams have done that type of thing to honor broadcasters. The pressbox at Dodger Stadium is the Vin Scully Pressbox, and he still works in it.
Now that I’ve mentioned that, I think it’d be a great idea for the Braves to do the same at Turner Field. The Skip Caray Pressbox….
Enak628, been to both of those stores. Also went to the Amoeba in L.A. a few weeks ago. But I’m not staying at Union Square this time. Staying down on Fishermen’s Wharf. I like that better, ‘cause you can just walk up Columbus to a hundred great restaurants for lunch or breakfast and to City Lights Books.
By Seven Pitches
August 5, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this
Every day I share a song with a co-worker, usually related to something that happened that day or just to share all kinds of music with him. Yesterday I sent Terry’s Song, for Skip. Good choice, DOB, of a great song for someone definitely deserving of a Bruce tribute.
By NCBravesFan91
August 5, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
We’d upgrade CF by playing Lillibridge out there. Solid D, and way more pop than Blanco has. Plus Lilli’s played center before. Grab a pitcher and LF in FA, put Lilli in CF and let’s try again.
Oh yeah, DOB, Do you know if we were one of the teams scouting Freddy Garcia today?
By bgtv
August 5, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Don —
While Escobar had a tough game defensively last night, he has played pretty good defense over the course of the season. Fielding stats aren’t as easy to rely on as hitting stats, but Escobar has a fielding percentage of .980 (9 errors) and a range factor of 4.85. The only other regular shortstop in MLB with similar numbers this year is Orlando Cabrera of the Angels (.983 fielding pct and 4.89 RF). A typical fielding percentage for SS is around .975 and a typical range factor for SS is around 4.3. A little more perspective: Furcal has a lifetime fielding pct of .967 and range factor of 4.89 (which is really high).
By More about Blaine Boyer
August 5, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Blaine Boyer is unavailable to pitch tonight.
Seems he had a “wafer thin mint” after his usual lunch.
By Greg in TN
August 5, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
Evening folks…
Some thoughts in terms of last night’s broadcast as well as the game and some ideas that have arisen both during the game and on the blog today.
I totally respect the job Pete and Joe had to do last night. It was tough for them both I know, had to be. Really loved the old clips on SportSouth and happy I taped Braves Live before hand and the game itself. The folks really unearthed some gems and I found myself tearing up at several instances when seeing the interviews with Pete and both the spot Joe had on Braves Live and the opening Joe did with Boog. I know both were very happy to see the beginning of the game start, but Joe also had some wonderful reminiscence during the game.
Boog mentioned this last night and I see it’s been mentioned here, but I do like the idea of retiring uniform number 17 for some combination of Ted, Skip, Ernie and Pete if not all of them. I personally believe all should be honored in some form or fashion like that. Or even a microphone displayed on the facade of Turner Field as one denizen pointed out earlier.
Another thought. You know what? Call me crazy but I really miss those old broadcasts from the old ballpark with the plexiglass wall in front of the auxiliary scoreboards, the home uniforms with the white pullovers. I know SportSouth carries classic SEC games (Georgia and Ga Tech was just on, don’t tell me when it was from because I only saw a few moments of it) and I know that Time Warner/Peachtree still probably holds a library of some games. Would love seeing a classic Braves game, even a loss, even a blowout loss.
Last night we saw a steal attempt where a Braves infielder drop the throw from BMac. I really couldn’t tell if it would have made a difference, but we really need to give BMac and the pitchers a chance on some of these stolen base attempts by catching the ball. The middle defense has not been anything to write home about lately.
Really happy with how Omar Infante went about his business at the plate last night. 2-4 and an RBI and run scored. Even without much defensive help to speak of from the middle infielders and without his best stuff, JJJ pitched well and deserved a better fate.
Looks like Tom Glavine sent the Pelican faithful home happy as Myrtle Beach pounded hapless Kinston 17-2. Four innings of work for Glavine on three hits. He did walk home a run, however from the reports of the denizens, he looked good and we need all the help we can get in terms of arms.
By ccrider
August 5, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this
Efrim and Tennessee Paul: I agree with you both, the priority is 2 starters and a big bat in left. But, I disagree with Frank Wren in his statement quoted last week, at the season ticket holders meeting. I think Blanco, Kelly and Jeff all have something to prove the rest of this season and if they don’t improve, then come back in the spring and are showing the same lack of progress: the Braves should be prepared to open up the competition at 2nd to Infante, Prado or consider moving Escobar to 2nd and put Lillibridge at SS. One other thought at 2nd,: If the Tigers release E. Renteria as many has discussed would he be considered for a cheap sign at 2nd where his lack of range wouldn’t be as important. I mean He would be a much better defender than Jeff Kent. I feel the same in centerfield; Blanco has done the best he can, but the main thing he has done well is OBP. HE has a weak arm for center, little extra base ability, average range and doesn’t steal often or effectively. Maybe, Anderson, Schafer or Gorky would be an upgrade. Maybe DeJesus might be available at a reasonable price. I agree that the bullpen would benefit greatly from a couple of starters that go deep into games, but it a long season and we don’t what we will get from Soriano or Moylan. We also don’t know if Frank wren will come to his senses and resign Ohman. So, what do we have left? Gonzalez, Bennett, Boyer! Gonzalez may be the only one of those 3 that we can have expectations of performing at a level we need. One more thought: Sign an outfielder like Juan Rivera at a reasonable price to be a backup that could play RF, just in case Franceour continues to stumble.
By CharlieAlphaBravo
August 5, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this