Chop Chick

By geekboy

March 14, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

The rotation in the beginning will be …. Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Hampton, Jurrjens.

Take my word for it, Hampton will move past Glavine and Hudson in the rotation. He will have the best numbers of all established starters as long as he is healthy.

More interesting is the AAA rotation, which looks as strong as the Devil Rays’!

James, Carlyle, Reyes, Lerew, etc. is just sick at that level.

By rekkidbraka

March 14, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

Hampton moving past HUDSON in the rotation, geekboy? Are you smoking whatever Piazza was on when he dyed his hair blonde like Billy Idol?

Look, I’m all for Hamp having the comeback year of all comebacks. Heck, I hope it’s ESPN Original Movie material, even - the kind of story that brings a tear to your eye, it’s so touching.

But dude, Hamp will so NOT be bumping Huddy in the rotation. Hudson got it back on track last season and I don’t see him slipping.

By Bill

March 14, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Hampton should be at the bottom of the list, I think he will sprain his hosehair when he blows his nose, and he will have to take the rest of the season off…and Im really a fan of Hampton…..

By Erik

March 14, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

Pretty much like yours:

1) Hudson 2) Smoltz 3) Glavine 4) Hampton 5) Jurrjens Spot: Carlyle (Replaced by Bennett if he gets his crap together)

Since our rotation is pretty much glass, the Richmond stores would be called upon thusly: 1) James 2) Reyes 3) Bennett / Carlyle

That feels pretty good- our 6th starter this year was our 3rd last year.

By Kris in NC

March 14, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

My Starting Rotation is as follows: Hudson Smoltz Glavine Hampton and, Jurrjens.

Jurrjens has been outstanding this spring and he has done nothing so far to show why he shouldn’t have the 5th spot in the rotation. When you pitch 8 scoreless innings out of 9 innings pitched. You are getting the job done. He pitches to contact because he relies on the 7 guys behind him to their job.

If Hampton stays healthy all season, I could see Comeback player of the yr for him. Let’s cross the fingers. The top 3 in this rotation shouldn’t be taken lightly.

The rest of the guys, CJ, Reyes, Bennett and Carlyle, will be fighting for the long reliever and the others will be heading to Richmond and make them the top dog for repeat champs for the Governor’s Cup in 08.

geekboy, put down the glue and realize that Jurrjens might even pass Hampton in the rotation. Hampton hasn’t pitched in 2 and half yrs. To say Hampton will pass Hudson, what are you thinking? CC, geekboy needs to be schooled by your in the most serious way. Even us “girls” know that Hampton won’t pass Hudson in the rotation.

Keep coming these columns coming CC.

By rekkidbraka

March 14, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

“Hosehair?” Don’t go there, CC. Just walk away, girlfriend. Walk away…

By Lee in S. GA

March 14, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this

Just so Jo-Jo and Carlyle are not in the starting rotation at all. Smoltz or Hudson should be at the top 2 spots no matter what the order. Glavine was obtained mainly as a #3 starter. Hampton will start at #4 but Bill is right; Hampton is an injury waiting to happen. Then Jurrjens should move to #4. The 5th spot then will be James to lose.

By Seymour

March 14, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this

Chop Chick,

I think you’re spot on. Since Jair isn’t used to pitching a whole season in the majors, he may very well need to be spelled a couple of times by skipping the 5th spot in the rotation every now and then.

I also like the lefty/righty rotation, and I think Hudson is our #1 ace. Hopefully, with better bullpen support behind him this year, he will win 20.

Seymour

By drew

March 14, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

1) Hudson 2) Glavine 3) Smoltz 4) Hampton 5) Jurrjens

But James is the spot starter/long reliever if he is healthy. Also, insurance policy if someone gets injured. No way Carlyle has ever proved he can or will be consistent.

And yes I like the lefty/righty rotation, but I’m not so sure that you couldn’t swap 4 and 5 and have back-to-back rights with Smoltz and Jurrjens instead of Jurrjens and Huson.

By Randy

March 14, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this

As much as I love him, Glavine is not an ace anymore CC. Nowhere near it.

I would go with Huddy, Smoltzie, Tommy G, Healthy Hampton, and Jair. If Hampton is not around then move Bennett to the 4th spot until or if he gets back. I liked the way Bennett came out of nowhere last September so I would give him a shot over Buddy, Jo-Jo or James.

By geekboy

March 14, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

you will all rue the day you dissed Mike Hampton! as long as he is healthy, he is our best hope for a cy young.

but, to be honest, we have no staff ace … we have 4 starters that would make good #3/#4 guys during our glory years.

By timthebrave

March 14, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this

What about James in long relief. He seems to pitch 4 strong innings and then fall apart in 5th and 6th but he can give you 4 good innings at a time.

By drew

March 14, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this

geekboy, I’m not trying to insult you, but there are not and were not many guys that would have been more that a #3/#4 starter in a rotation of Maddox, Glavine and Smoltz in their days of youth.

Forget about the past and think about who will give you a good chance to win on a consistent basis. The fact is, not many fans have ever had the opportunity to pull for a team that had the likes of those three guys for as long as they had them. Go Braves!

By Hal Todd

March 14, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this

I enjoy the game much more when the old vets play. Reminds me of a long ago era when my favorites were Kirby Higbee, Larry French, Dolph Camilli, and of course, Peewee Reese.

By BrandonC

March 14, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this

I don’t see how you CAN’T have Smoltz and Hudson as the first two starters, in any order you want. I will agree that I think Hudson should be the #1 since he is the youngest of the front three. My rotation is 1.Hudson 2.Smoltz 3.Glavine 4.Jurrjens 5.Hampton. I think you need to split up the two left handers. I know Jurrjens hasn’t pitched an entire season, but Hampton is just as bad not pitching at ALL the last two seasons. If Hampton stays healthy he could be the best #5 in the NL in my opinion. It’s a pretty stout rotation any way you look at it, but staying healthy is the key for this team to get back to October.

By timthebrave

March 14, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this

geekboy, Do you not watch baseball, are you pessimistic, or are you a mets fan? You honestly think Smoltz and Hudson are 3/4 guys? Pull up their stats and compare them to any 3 or 4 guys in the league over the last few years. If you do the research you will see that you are wrong.

By Josh H

March 14, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

I actually agree with BrandonC’s rotation. #1 Hudson, #2 Smoltz, #3Glavine, #4 Jurrjens and #5 Hampton. But to be honest, we really can’t go that wrong with what order we use them.

Our #1 and #2 pitcher our both aces. Our #3 pitcher is probably still a #2. Our #4 pitcher could have #2 potential If Hampton is healthy, I see him pitching like a #2.

Our starting rotation has the capability to be sick. This year we really don’t have any #4 or #5 guys. Solid at every position.

By rekkidbraka

March 14, 2008 11:38 AM | Link to this

Geez, geekboy — chill out, buddy. We all love Hamp, just not to be the #1 arm we depend on to get us back to the playoffs. Nobody said we don’t love Hampton. How can you not love a man who picks “Red Dawn” as one of his top five favorite movies of all time?

Here. Let me be first to buy geekboy a virtual beer here at the online Tomahawk Tavern to make it aaaaallll better. Drink up, guy. Then get real.

By justinstud

March 14, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

I agree wholly that it is time to turn the number 1 spot over to Hudson. I have him poised to have a big year, maybe even a Cy Young type year. If not for the Wickman debacles in his starts last year, he may have garnered more consideration than he did. He is the ace now.

It may be better to begin the season with a righty then lefty rotation. But we all know that early on things happen, a pitcher will be scratched from a start and the rotation usually becomes muddled anyway. Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, Jurrjens is a solid rotation. Either Buddy or Bennett as long relief where Villareal was last year. Either can be a spot starter as well.

One thing to consider may not be the righty/lefty thing, but the kind of stuff the pitcher has. It could be better to throw Huddy with some power and sinking movement, and then a finesse pitcher like Glavine or Hampton. It could be more productive not to show a team the same type pitcher 2 days in a row. However it plays out, I think this is a solid rotation and I can’t wait another 2 weeks……

By 'Hawk Head

March 14, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Smoltz, Hudson, Glavine, Jurrjens, Crampton.

By rob

March 14, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

1. Tim Hudson

2. John Smoltz

3. Tom Glavine

4. Jair Jurrjens

5. Chuck James

You are only kidding yourself if you think Mike Hampton plays more than 10 starts all year.

By geekboy

March 14, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

I will accept that virtual beer. As an investment banker I need all the alcohol I can get today.

Steer clear of the financial sector and don’t let Hudson anywhere near the #1 spot. Last time we did that he got another tattoo that said “I lost my sinker” emblazoned across his forehead.

By The Man

March 14, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this

Good one Hawk Head

By hop

March 14, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this

IT appears the braves have finally returned to full strength with the starters. hudson is a stud and is a legit ACE!

you can put the rest of the staff in any order. they are all going to contribute big time.

if the pen holds up including our closer,the braves will be in the playoffs somewhere!

By rob

March 14, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

I’m just pumped opening day is only 15 days away!

I think the Braves will be there late in September, and they will have a winning season even if they miss the playoffs

By Chris

March 14, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this

My starting rotation would be: 1- Smoltz: He’s still the Braves best starter and has more than earned the #1 slot. 2- Hudson: Good enough to be #1 but must defer to the future hall-of-famer right now. 3- Hampton: If healthy, he’s probably a better pitcher than 42 year old Glavine. Plus, sandwiching Glavine between Hampton and Jurrjens eliminates some of the uncertainty about the bottom of the rotation. 4- Glavine: Not many teams can boast of a #4 starter who you know will give you 200 innings and 12-15. 5- Jurrjens: This guy will be the Braves #1 starter one day, sooner rather than later. 5a- Carlyle: A gamer who always keeps the Braves in the games he starts. He’s a solid fallback option if Hampton tweaks (name the body part) again, and should be an outstanding long reliever as well.

By lin

March 14, 2008 12:15 PM | Link to this

hudson,smoltz,galvine,hampton,jurrjens but i do not think it will stay that way.smoltz may have bad year,jurrjens may be good for awhile but by time july comes he may tire. hampton should go in bull pen like smoltz did till he can get to summer then if jurrjens tires he can replace him or anyone else who gets hurt. as for braves im still expecting a trade by may for another pitcher. we got lot good young guys to use as bait who be great for braves but no space

By mark

March 14, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

My Starting Rotation is: 1. Hudson 2. Smoltz 3. Glavine 4. Jurrjens 5. Hampton/James

I will rotate Jurrjens/Hampton depending on the health of Hampton and/or James for that matter, or the effectiveness of Jurrjens, for that matter. If Hampton does get hurt, I’d still leave it the same Jurrjens has more pitches than James, and it would give James the opportunity to continue to develop that 3rd pitch he needs to become a better pitcher. These rotations only work in our benefit if we get out to early leads. All pitchers are more aggressive with their pitches when they have a lead. The Offense has to take some pressure off of this rotation.

By Suenah

March 14, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Smoltzy, Tommy, Hudson, Hampton, Jair!!! Righty, lefty, Righty, Lefty, Righty

By DC Braves

March 14, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

1. Smoltz
2. Glavine
3. Hudson
4. Hampton
5. Jurrjens

Keeps the righty-lefty-righty thing, but in a slightly different way.

By DC Braves

March 14, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

1. Smoltz
2. Glavine
3. Hudson
4. Hampton
5. Jurrjens

Keeps the righty-lefty-righty thing, but in a slightly different way.

By Joe Bland

March 14, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

I agree with you Chop Chick. And I salute you for being an astute student of the game. The Bird Babe posted yesterday and revealed that she did not know Darren McFadden was a RB and not a QB. You rule.

By Chop Chick

March 14, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

rekkidbraka: Can I get a virtual beer at the Tomahawk Tavern, too? Actually, make mine a virtual margarita. It is Friday, after all. I’ll get you back next week.

justinstud: Yeah, you’re right about considering the kind of stuff they have. That’s a good way to mix it up, too.

By JMar

March 14, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this

I think everyone has it right going with Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton, and Jurrjens. But I’m leaving Bennett as long relief in my bullpen, so that I have him available the second Hampton goes down.

By SpringTraining

March 14, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

Hudson Glavine Smoltz Hampton Jurrjens

Smoltz already said he wanted Hudson to open the season and John does not care where he starts. I just dont think it really matters the rotation to any of the starters as long as they get the job done and continue to win. These are professional pitchers and they get paid to pitch. They dont care where they pitch just so they pitch.

By SAMMY THE HEAD MILLER

March 14, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this

First!!!! This is a great problem to have. I’m loving this braves team!

By Hugh Baby

March 14, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this

Smoltz, Glavine, Hudson, Jurrjens, Bennett

By ken

March 14, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Smoltzie, Hudie, Glavs, Jurjjens 4th, and Hampton 5th.

Make hampton 5th, so he can be skipped sometimes in hopes of prolonging his season

By Mike

March 14, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this

Hudson-Glavin-Smoltz-Jurrjens-Carlyle

Hampton in the pen as the top setup man or the closer.

Mark my words.

By bream the dream

March 14, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Maybe we could bring in Redman…to sell peanuts?

By barfly

March 14, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

1. Huddy has earned the Ace spot
2. Smoltzie (what a gamer!)
3. Jurrjens (yes, he’s that good—future Ace!)
4. Glavine (42 years old and not as good as he used to be).
5. Hamp (and hope he holds up —- if not, Bennett seems a logical replacement).

By Josh

March 14, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Some people are overthinking their starting rotation picks. It is simple really.

1)Hudson- He’s a legit ace, bullpen cost hime about a half dozen wins last season.

2)Smoltz- He is still an ace and is probably a better pitcher now than he was 10 years ago. He doesn’t have the same stamina and velocity, but he knows HOW to pitch.

3)Glavine- Not many #3’s as good as this guy, even if he is 42. He’ll push 15 wins this season.

4)Hampton- He’s looked good so far this spring. The only question mark is his continued health, obviously. If he stays healthy (big if, I know) he’s the best #4 in the game, period.

5)Jurrjens- If this kid doesn’t make you feel good about the future (near and long term) then you don’t have a pulse. Very likely he ends up the best #5 in the game, would most likely be a #2 or 3 in many rotations.

Spot/long relief will be Buddy Carlyle. Having a guy with his maturity is a big positive for that role.

Braves have the best rotation in the NL and match up well against a Boston or a Cleveland should we happen to make the WS and face either of those teams.

By GT

March 14, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

I just read this article. Glavine an ace? You can’t be serious. Since when do ‘aces’ have 75mph fastballs and walk the opposing pitcher?

What’s next - Javy Lopez landing a spot on the roster? Oh wait… Well, here’s looking forward to 2009.

By Kev

March 14, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Yep I agree 1.Hudson 2.Glavine 3.Smoltz 4.Hampton 5.Jurrjens

Bull Pen Sorano Stoper Moylen Setup 1 8th In Acosta Setup 2 7th In Boyer Rockett Respo Rockett Olman Lefty Patrol Yeats Rockett when he’s on

By Otis Nixon

March 14, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this

My starting lineup would look like this:

1: Johan Santana 2: Josh Beckett 3: John Smoltz 4: Jake Peavey 5: Brandon Webb

Oh wait. Oh, the Braves starting rotation. My bad. Must be all the cocaine I’m on.

By richbrave

March 14, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this

Hudson

Smoltz

Jurjens

Glavine

Hampton

Boyer, Resop, Soriano, Ohlmen, Yates, Moylan in the pen, and ???

By Last year

March 14, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this

I honestly think this is the last year we’re going to have with this kind of veteran leadership on the mound. We better take advantage. Smoltz and Glavine don’t have many quality seasons left and Hampton has proven to be worthless so I hope this is the year for the Bravos. I am concerned that these oldies are going to break down or just get flat out rocked like Glavine did at the end of last season. Thank God for Tex!

By AstoriaMetsFan

March 14, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this

Josh - “Braves have the best rotation in the NL and match up well against a Boston or a Cleveland should we happen to make the WS and face either of those teams.”

Santana Martinez Maine Perez

I’ll take over your Braves rotation anyday. Please. Stop drinking the kool-aid.

By Hey Mets fans

March 14, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this

Good luck with Pedro this year. He’ll spend half the year on the DL and the other half serving up 86mph meatballs. Other than Yohan, your staff aint worth Sh@%. Beleive it Dooosh

By BUSHWACKER

March 14, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

People forget quick don’t they GEEKBOY. When Hampton went down 2 years he was something like 10-0 and literraly unhittable, no doubt he was the best pitcher in MLb at that time, as long as he is healthy, he can be dominating!

By BUSHWACKER

March 14, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

People forget quick don’t they GEEKBOY. When Hampton went down 2 years he was something like 10-0 and literraly unhittable, no doubt he was the best pitcher in MLb at that time, as long as he is healthy, he can be dominating!

By MiamiBeachBravesFan

March 14, 2008 6:11 PM | Link to this

Hey, As-Met-Fan, if you think Pedro is going to last the season, that O. Perez is a consistent winner (really, he is a consistent FLAKE), and that J. Maine is ready for prime time, then someone is drinking Kool-Aid straight from the Hudson - Happy Arsenic!

By BlueDevilCBW

March 14, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Considering Hampton’s fragile health, I would probably place him in the 5th slot:

Hudson; Smoltz; Glavine; Jurrjens; Hampton.

Looks like Chuck will be in AAA … to both continue to get his act together and act as backup for the inevitable Hampton injury.

By MiamiBeachBravesFan

March 14, 2008 6:46 PM | Link to this

Folks, the diff. between the Bravos making the playoffs and staying home hinges on Mike Hampton pitching between 180-200 innings in his walk year. If he can somehow keep his legs healthy, which now seems to be the prob., then a foursome of Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton will go to the playoffs.

Furthermore, if Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton can pitch between 180-190 innings and Hudson can carry his 200 like he should and Jair J. can pitch between 160-180, the bullpen will be absolutely stoked for a playoff run.

By richbrave

March 14, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this

CC:

Since there’s no response to my question on DOB’s blog, I thought I’d ask it here. He wrote an article about Chuck James’ shoulder “tightness” and the fact that Chuck “guessed” it was O.K. My question was why didn’t the Braves do something exploratory last fall to see exactly what his problem was. It now appears that rest has not answered much. Can you provide any insight?

By richbrave

March 14, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this

And while we’re at it a line-up card please. Batter up.

Escobar

Johnson

Jones

Teixeira

Diaz

Francouer

McCann

Kotsay

Pitcher

By ray kelsey

March 14, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

I have to say: this team—if healthy—has a better than average chance of regaining the NL east title. But here’s the hard math the way I see it: if only one of the following scenarios play out, we squeak into the playoffs. two of them, we likely finish second. Three, we’re lucky to make third in the standings by September. If, God forbid, all of them plague us, we’d be lucky to win 70 games.

THE FOUR DREADED SCENARIOS THAT MAKE BRAVES FANS SAY AN EXTRA PRAYER AT NIGHT ARE…

1) Any 2 person combination of Smoltz, Glavine, and Hampton simultaneously breaking down, leading to a promotion for guys named buddy and Jo-Jo. 2) Soriano’s elbow flaring up repeatedly all season. 3) Chipper playing less than 130 games. 4) Kotsay’s back doesn’t hold up.

There are so many if’s going into the 2008 campaign, it’s hard to imagine one of them not rearing its ugly head. But if the damage is minimal we are a lock to retake the division.

By Yoon Seong-Ho

March 14, 2008 11:14 PM | Link to this

Smoltz Glavine Hudson James Jurrjens Charyle must be, Joseph Reyes is under the Danny Smith who is the best left starter in whole minor leagues. And Jeff Bennet he intentionally threw three wild pitches killing Charyle who won 8Win. And why consecutive 11win pitcher James have to fight again with frauds like Reyes, Bennet? USA forgot Justice for Babylonian living korea who use neutron? How corward you are!!

By midtownBrave

March 14, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this

GT Glavine’s not an ace on this staff, but he can definitely be an ace on many staffs around the league. Hell he was the ace on the mets staff last year and would have been this year too had he took the option - which would have followed with no signing of santana, and pedro well.. is not pedro anymore = Glavine/Maine the ace(s). We should be glad we have a Glavine as our 3rd/4th guy rather than a Perez or a Moyer. The ONLY concern last year was the starting rotation and we addressed it BIG TIME with the signing of Glavine and trading Renteria for Jair (well that’s what freed up the money for us to sign Glavine… well that or Andrew leaving.. which makes me wonder what happened to the extra money.. yeah Tex!!). To conclude, the braves rotation is as good as any regardless of whether or not Hampton stays healthy and if Hampton stays healthy (and i have a good feeling that he will) well then I might be going to the turner field to a post-season game and maybe even a WS game this season. My rotation - Hudson Hampton Smoltz Glavine Jair

if Hamp doesn’t stay healthy then - Hudson Glavine Smoltz Jair Bennett

justinstud with you there on the ‘stuff’ criteria for picking the order.

By Bravo

March 15, 2008 12:50 AM | Link to this

Better stop relying on Smoltzie… Funny no one has noticed that he may not be the pitcher this year. It wouldn’t surprise me to hear that Smoltz woke up one morning, found that he had no heat in his fastball then went to Cox and told him he just doesn’t have it anymore and he needs time to come up with an alternative. He’s a great pitcher who has made incredible adjustments over his career (remember those side arm games?), but he can’t last forever. Who knows if he may end up being a junkball pitcher like Frank Tanana and pitch for another 5 years, or he’ll end up hanging it up after this season.

Jurrjens looks like the real thing so it may end up being Hudson and Jurrjens and we start praying for more if Glavine poops out and Hampton finally gives up. We may end up like last year with 2 pitchers and NOTHING afterwards. We are taking quite a chance this year rolling the dice with 3 “old” pitchers and hopefully things work out!!!

By Bravo

March 15, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this

Just so no one takes this the wrong way… I’m not saying the Braves will lose it this year. I’m just saying we really don’t know what’s going to happen. Hopefully, Smoltz & Glavine will turn in great seasons and Hampton will come back and actually make 30 starts. If it all works out for the 1-5 starters, I think you can pencil the Braves in for the division.

By faninasia

March 15, 2008 4:33 AM | Link to this

I’m also a believer in the righty-lefty rotation philosophy. However, you have to realize that we don’t just go through the rotation once, it repeats itself. So…with only five spots in the rotation and only two possibilities (right, left) to fill the slots, you’re going to repeat somewhere in the rotation.

I like the idea of having Huddy and Smoltz at the top of the rotation followed by Glavine, Jurrjens, and Hampton. I agree that, if he can stay healthy, Hampton can pitch with anyone on the staff. I don’t think he’s forgotten how to pitch at all. I think the 5 spot for him would be less taxing on his arm (not that that’s the only body part we have to worry about) over the course of the season. I really want his experience around when the post-season arrives.

By TommyP

March 15, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

The lefty-righty thinking doesn’t apply to Glavine. Glavine is not your typical lefty as he is more effective against righties than lefties. Some managers have even stacked the lineup with lefties vs. Glavine.

So…throw out that lefty-righty stuff.

Hudson/Smoltz/Glavine/Jurrjens/Hampton.

Jurrjens is ready and the #4 spot isn’t that big a deal. Save the #5 spot and those occasional skipped turns for the guy that can’t stay on the field for half a season.

Bennett is your #6 guy and I would assume James has an option or two left so send him down.

By rekkidbraka

March 15, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Hang on, CC… Lemme see if Rahoolio The Bartender of Love is on schedule. Yes. One virtu-‘rita coming right up! A toast, fellow Braves fans, to a great 2008!

Current bar buzz at the Tomahawk Tavern: David “E5” Wright would really like to cut back on his error totals at third base because, y’know, it’s totally bumming out all the ladies. Word is, dude gets butterfingers at the Hot Corner. And it’s such a turn-off.

By Chop Chick

March 15, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this

Just had to pop in and say that Smoltz’s rough fifth inning doesn’t bother me at all. If it had been the first, might be a different story. But he cruised through four and ran out of gas in the fifth, and on March 15, that seems pretty on-track to me.

As for Jurrjens, we knew the kid had to look mortal sooner or later … unfortunately, it was sooner.

And, richbrave, I believe Chuck James was diagnosed with a partial tear in his rotator cuff in October, and it was decided that rest might take care of it. I’ve read that the Braves doctors declared “the shoulder sound” after that first game and Chuck said he believed it to be “normal soreness.” Guess we’ll find out more when he starts again Monday.

By Mitch

March 16, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

While the left right rotation worked good in the early and mid 90s when Glavine, Smoltz, and Greg Maddux were in their primes, fifteen years later, one has to concede to age. The way I see it, based on stats, our rotation should be this:

Hudson-He’s younger, and can pitch more innings at the top of the rotation.

Smoltz- Our Co Ace.

Glavine-Good Solid pitcher who can give us 200 innings, but no longer an ace.

Hampton-Protect him coming back from his injuries. He’s looked great so far,but…

Jurrens/James, et al.

That way, while we dont have the left right switch each day, you are protecting the 41 year old Smoltz by not putting him into the ace role, and also giving Glav and Hampton less pressure as the third and fourth starters. If Bobby was smart, which he is, he wouldnt worry about the left right, and will arrange the rotation according to need, and stats.

Mitch

By Mitch

March 16, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

While the left right rotation worked good in the early and mid 90s when Glavine, Smoltz, and Greg Maddux were in their primes, fifteen years later, one has to concede to age. The way I see it, based on stats, our rotation should be this:

Hudson-He’s younger, and can pitch more innings at the top of the rotation.

Smoltz- Our Co Ace.

Glavine-Good Solid pitcher who can give us 200 innings, but no longer an ace.

Hampton-Protect him coming back from his injuries. He’s looked great so far,but…

Jurrens/James, et al.

That way, while we dont have the left right switch each day, you are protecting the 41 year old Smoltz by not putting him into the ace role, and also giving Glav and Hampton less pressure as the third and fourth starters. If Bobby was smart, which he is, he wouldnt worry about the left right, and will arrange the rotation according to need, and stats.

Mitch

By richbrave

March 16, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

CC:

Thanks for the update on James’ physical status. I’m gonna’ enjoy seeing him here in Richmond, that is if he’s here at all. I’m sure it won’t be long before he’s up again if he does in fact start ‘08 here.

By tom-a-hawk-chick

March 16, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this

The pitching line up looks good. I hope we get to see Javy do some catching. He fits baseball like the glove fits the hand!!!!

By mark

March 17, 2008 1:44 AM | Link to this

Thanks to the Tigers for again getting us a youthful john Smoltz named Jair Jurrjens.Yes Braves starters appear great on paper..It would be great to see Hampton win12-15 and Tom G. win 15.Better yet they all win 20..and its Rockn roll to the series.

By rekkidbraka

March 17, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

When did Frenchy’s face become a baseball magnet?

By Not the best

March 17, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

I’d take the mets Santana, Martinez, Maine, Perez, El Duque rotation over any in the nl. I’d also have to take milwaukee and arizona over us at this point in the spring. That would certainly change if hampton shows no rust, but I think all of us should be skeptical about this.

By midtownBrave

March 18, 2008 2:18 AM | Link to this

Not the best , I’m really surprised that you like the Mets rotation better than any in the NL. Sure I would take Santana over many pitcher in the NL (I would take Peavy first), but the Mets rotation? Really? On paper, if everyone stays healthy, Braves have the best rotation in the NL. You might say there are a lot of uncertainties surrounding this rotation (the mere utterance “Hampton” makes me chuckle, and Smoltz is getting old - Glavine is a different story though). The same goes for the Mets. If you think Hampton is a liability health wise, Pedro and El Duque can collapse any minute too (simply based on the recent history of those 3 guys). And since when is Perez a quality starter (never pitched 200 innings in his life and only came close once in 04). That leaves the Mets with Santana, Maine, and any pitcher they can find (their depth ends with Pelfrey).
I don’t know why people are very skeptical about Glavine. Sure he is old, but he is a solid #3 starter. And if you look at his record, you won’t find much time spend on the DL (last time he wasn’t able to start at least 32 games was way back in 95). Having been with the Mets for 5 years and playing only once in October (3 games in 06) he might run out of gas towards the end of the season. But by then the Braves would have ran away with the Division already (ok that might be a little exaggeration). So my point is that the Braves rotation is much better than the mets, and even if you take injuries and age into the equation Braves have better depth than the Mets to afford losing one of the older guys for a while. We are sending someone like Chuck James who could easily start for many teams around the league (even SD or Cubs, who IMO has a better rotation that the mets). Think about that for a second.

By Matt b

March 23, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

Here’s my starting 5 1.John Smoltz 2.Tim Hudson 3.Tom Glavine 4.Mike Hampton if healty 5.Chuck James If Hampton aint healty Jair Jurrgens