AJC > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 06 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWeekend series sweeps Braves into first
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After all the hand-wringing and gnashing of teeth, our Bravos are sitting pretty atop the NL East, tied with the Marlins (of all teams) with a 3-3 record. (The Mets and Phillies, by the way, are 2-3 and 2-4, respectively.) Whaddaya know? Despite the ugly start, the Braves aren’t out of it after all.
There were a number of impressive performances during the weekend’s two-game sweep of the Mets — I have to say that again: SWEEP OF THE METS — most important among them, John Smoltz’s five-inning season debut. Some replays showed he was favoring the shoulder a bit, which isn’t exactly what you want to see, but he’s got five days to work that out.
In addition to Smoltzie’s inspiring outing Sunday, the bullpen was spectacular, having been given a night off on Friday, and Mark Teixeira came through with a huge two-run homer that turned out to be the difference in the game. Tex also made a pair of stellar defensive plays: a nice backhand grab of a Mark Kotsay throw to complete an 8-3 double play to end the fourth and a diving stop that led to an assist on a 3-1 putout to end the game.
As the Braves head out on their longest road trip of the year (10 games in 11 days), here are a few more positives they can take with them:
• Kelly Johnson returned to action with a pinch-hit grand slam on Saturday and a 1-for-4 error-free day on Sunday.
• Tim Hudson’s second start of the year was as solid as his first — and this time he got a W for the effort.
• Matt Diaz, who started the year 1-for-9, has quietly gone 7-for-16 in his past four games and is sitting at .320.
• In Sunday’s lineup, there wasn’t a position player hitting below .290 except Teixeira, who looks to be coming around. Those bats should be able to do some damage in that thin Colorado air in the next series.
• Even with Sunday’s 0-fer, Chipper Jones is hitting .500 in April (8-for-16).
So what was your favorite part of this weekend’s sweep? What’s your take on the current NL East standings? How do you think the pitching will fare in the Rocky Mountain cold?
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By McFann
April 6, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
My favorite part of the weekend sweep is that it was against the Mets!!
GO BRAVES!!
By JT Pate
April 6, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
We’re looking good!!
By richbrave
April 6, 2008 8:34 PM | Link to this
FAV: Two wins-16 to go.
TAKE ON THE NL EAST: Too soon. Too soon. It could be a real dogfight(sorry Mike), but I really think its a two team race, and they’re very close to even. Mets and Braves. Despite the two losses, I saw real strength in both clubs. Mets could pull it out. I say pick-um. And I really hate saying that because their fans are arrogant and unsavory in most cases when they post-up on Dave’s blog.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLD: I don’t even want to think about it. I just hope Glav’s arm doen’t fall off. Jurrjens gets a start right? And Reyes? They’re young arms. Should pull through O.K. Out of the pen I don’t know.
After 56 seasons of Braves watchin’ I’m guardedly optomistic. Sure hope Hampton can give us a 10 win 5 loss season. Those +five wins might be the deciding factor in the east this year.
By LivininAL
April 6, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
Dont’t care if it is early, middle, or late in the season a Sweep is a Sweep is a Sweep Of the Mets! Go Braves!!.. Oh what if Chucky pitches well a couple of outings and then Hampton is ready to return?
By Bops
April 6, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this
rich brave great point about Hampton. Any wins he can give the Braves is going to be a bonus. As of right now, I don’t think anyone is banking on Mike to contribute to any extent this year. But if he can get healthy and win us some games, those will go a long way in determining the east.
By stew
April 6, 2008 9:38 PM | Link to this
Soriano got the save on a night when he couldn’t throw a strike. He still had preety good velocity. How about starting Blanco and batting him leadoff with Yunel second.
By scott boras
April 6, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this
My client TEX. hes the real deal.
By BrandonC
April 6, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
My favorite part of the weekend was seeing the solid bullpen work on Sunday. Blaine Boyer has been lights out his last two outings. Moylan is being Moylan, and I’m VERY excited with the way Will Ohman has pitched so far. He is the pleasant suprise this week.
By Joebrave
April 6, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
I love you Chop Chick!! Man those Eyes!! ooh la la!!
By richbrave
April 6, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this
Speaking of Moylan. Saw Saturday’s game on Fox. It appears his release point changes. When he throws well the ball comes out a fraction sooner and the pitch is flatter and low in the zone tailing in to righthanders, or away to lefties. When he holds it a fraction longer, the pitch has more of a hump in the middle, but more action either way. Unfortunately, when that occurs the pitch reaches the front of the plate up a third in the zone, and quick bats can reach it for hits. That appears to be his only venerability unless he loses a pitch which every pitcher other than Greg Maddux does(or used to) at least once a game.
By yunel is the man
April 7, 2008 1:00 AM | Link to this
I have said since last year, Moylan should be the closer. I think the BC is thinking outside the box this year…. he might get his chance
By nick
April 7, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this
hey guys - don’t usually post but will tonight. i’m a braves fan in denver (moved here from GA a couple years back) and i wouldn’t worry too much about coldness but more about rain! 40% in Colorado feels like 60 or so in Georgia (because of the dryness). But it’s supposed to be rainy tomorrow, hopefully it won’t be too bad and we’ll have a game! I’ll be there tomorrow night, the ONLY time the bravos make it to Denver all year!
By Bart Campanella
April 7, 2008 5:40 AM | Link to this
Great weekend team has good personality!
By Bart Campanella
April 7, 2008 5:41 AM | Link to this
Great weekend team has good personality!
By j-school dropout
April 7, 2008 6:17 AM | Link to this
Great weekend. But I am concerned about Soriano. He was awful Sunday and we got lucky that he didn’t blow the game. No command.
By suenah
April 7, 2008 7:00 AM | Link to this
Pitching, Pitching, Pitching!!!!!
By Paddy
April 7, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this
I like what I saw this weekend. If Soriano does not get command of all his pitches near the strike zone he will be a bottom tier closer. He is just a pitch and hope hurler now. This is going to be a tight race and we need Soriano to be a top tier closer or we will be faced with trying someone else. Team mind set relies greatly on trusting you closer to pull it out most of the time.
By Bill ladd Smith
April 7, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
It’s becoming apparent the Bravo’s defense is going to be okay. Whoever closes only needs to keep the ball on the ground, the Chip, Yuni, Kelly and Tex look like they’ll deal with it. Smoltz’s knowledge of the game would make him a good manager, but his personality and command of the language make him better in the media. I agree with the “any wins from Hampton” comments. If all the starters can go six or seven, then it’s lights out. GO BRAVES!
By Patrick
April 7, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
I think the Braves could win 8 or 9 on this next trip. That would be great in order to seize control of the division early.
By Mike S
April 7, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
Oh what if Chucky pitches well a couple of outings and then Hampton is ready to return?
I have actually wondered the same thing. If Jurrjens continues to pitch well, and James shows he has figured some things out, I wonder if Bobby and Roger might consider Hampton for a bullpen role for a while. With his fragility, it might behoove Hampton to consider becoming a reliever.
With his sinker Hamp could become a devestating left hand option out of the pen if his ego allows him to accept that type of role.
By Analytics Guy
April 7, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this
The Braves have a plus-13 run differential right now. This is a positive sign for the future. Their won-lost record means very little at this stage.
By TURTSNAP
April 7, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Based on the weather forecast, I hope they can get this first one in tonight. It is snowing right now in Denver, more snow expected tonight!!
By Kris in NC
April 7, 2008 10:07 AM | Link to this
I think there are two guys who have surprised me to this point, Mark Kotsay and Will Ohman out of the pen.
Kotsay’s defense might not be Andruw like but he has gunned down a runner at home, started a 8-3 DP and kept Santana at 3B yesterday. His hitting is coming around and no matter where he is in the lineup, he is contributing. He is diving after balls too. I don’t think the back is going to be an issue.
Will Ohman, here is a guy who struggled big time last season but so far, he has given up 2 hits, no runs and has 2 holds. He comes in and does what he has to do. Maybe taking him out of friendly Wrigley Field was a good thing for him.
To take these two games from the Mets and against two of their best pitchers, this makes this past weekend even better. Hudson is proving to be the Ace of this staff with these two outstanding performances.
Keep up the good work CC. Love your blog.
http://forums.tomahawk-talk.com/index/
By barbara shaidnagle
April 7, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
I am reallly sorry to only see the Braves as frequently as ESPN might allow, as TBS made a pact with the devil and does not major carry them anymore. I am a longtime Braves fan and still care for them the only exception being when they play where I am now, in Houston.
By 82DAWG
April 7, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
If the Braves can finish the read trip at .500, they will be okay. Still really about Smoltz’ shoulder. We desperately need a new round of “Young Guns”. My big question is where are all those round one pitching draft choices that the Braves have been making for the past 17 years?
By MJM
April 7, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Go Braves
By drixie
April 7, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Kotsay’s arm is way better than Andruw’s, and his overall defense is not far behind.
My favorite part of this weekend was not having Andruw’s bat in the lineup - he would have had at least 6 strikeouts and about 8 - 10 LOB’s. Andruw is a very talented player, and I wish him well in LA, but we are a better team without him.
By mark
April 7, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this
I agree our closer looked like he wasnt ready out there and was lucky to record the outs he did.I do know from past experience..No effective closer will ruin our season ,,Really the whole bullpen look weak right now….this sure beats those mean Falcon blogs by the way
By Joe Torre
April 7, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this
I love how everyone bashes Andrew. Too funny. I’m curious as to why nobody bashes the Crown Prince, Chipper, for playing on average about 110 games over the last 4 years (not to mention his fat contract, which he could take less money and help the braves get another arm???)? Interesting for sure. I’m not sure why Braves fans love to beat down A.Jones. Starting in 2000, the kid hit no less than 29 dongs (except last year) and no less than 91 RBI’s (2004)? That is some serious consistancy over 8 years. Not to mention the kid killed himself in the outfield. I just don’t get why everyone hates the guy? I guess its a moot point he’s gone now, but folks still love to bag on him. I can’t wait until the Braves DONT sign Tex and then you’ll bash him, or blam Boras. ahahhaha, should be funny. Do you think Chipper might become a “team” player and restructure his contract to ensure the Braves could sign Tex? Nah, he won’t and Braves fans will continue to think he’s a HOFer(which he isn’t). Not sure who posted it, yes the Braves will be fine with Kotsay, but there is NO way you can say Kotsay is in the same league as Andrew as a baseball player. Stats talk, and compare the two, please don’t tell me about Kotsay’s bad back either. Braves do look good. Smoltz’s shoulder does concern me. If he’s out for an extended period of time I will have serious concerns as to how long the Braves can stay in the race?
By Bill Candler
April 7, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
I SAY HAMMIE WILL BE OK…MAKE THAT SUPERIOR
By Beth in P'Cola
April 7, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
My favorite part of the sweep was driving past the Ted Sunday about an hour before the game (on the way home after being rained out Friday night) - getting off at the next exit and following my navigator back to the park and seeing Smoltzie pitch one heck of a game! Fantastic time, even though we were on the Met’s side of the park and had a few (quiet) Mets fans around us! Wouldn’t trade one second of it for anything!
By Mark J
April 7, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
drixie, please tell me what you’re smoking so i can get a whiff. yes, kotsay had made some great plays in center field, but he’s no andruw. congrats to joe torre ^^^ for stating how so called braves fans continually bash andruw jones. he is STILL one of the best outfielders in the league. the man has done alot for us in his time as a brave, show him some respect. geez
By geekboy
April 7, 2008 11:20 AM | Link to this
If Tex enters the hit parade (and I think he will in Colorado!) then it doesn’t matter who our last pitcher of the night is … we’ll be ahead by so many runs no one will ever qualify for a save!
This lineup has the ability to score a lot of runs if they remain selective at the plate and don’t swing at any pitch they see (Frenchie).
Diaz should be batting 5th against lefties anyway.
By Kris in NC
April 7, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Hey Joe Torre cough Imposter cough You need to worry about AJ and his sad and pathetic .167 BA and his 240 lb weight, he isn’t our problem now, he is yours to deal with.
Chipper might not have played in more than 110 games the last few yrs but when he did play, he produced.
It is obvious you haven’t read some of us fans jumping on Chipper for not playing in more games due to these freak injuries. Some of us might not like Chipper but the one thing we all can say is that when he does retire, he is going to retire a Brave and have played his entire career here in Atlanta. He isn’t above making those necessary adjustments at the plate unlike AJ who never wanted to make adjustments, never hustled out of the batter’s box.
We will take Chipper and his 110 to 135 games and the offense he does give us when he is in the lineup over a Andruw Jones who is hitting a .167 and “slightly” overweight.
See ya in A-Town Joe, in a couple of weeks. Make sure AJ’s BA is up by then. I am sure our guys will have their bats on fire including Chipper.
By bballnut
April 7, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Chop chick…..I still want to marry you….Talk to hubby…we can work it out…..Congrats on the sweep….GO BRAVES
By Drew
April 7, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Is it too early to start the Hudson for Cy campaign?
The best part of the weekend I think was the bullpen being able to hold a 1-0 lead heading into the eighth on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the ballpark!
Tex’s 3 run bomb was the icing on the cake!
By TURTSNAP
April 7, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
Drixie hit the nail on the head. While I did enjoy having Andruw around, I grew weary of his inability to lay off the 2 strike curves in the dirt, when the whole world knew what was coming. It is a refreshing change to finally have that behind us, and any contribution in CF is an upgrade to what we have been experiencing over the past few years…. Now, if TP can start working on Frenchy before he turns into an AJ, then the Braves are in business!!!
By Va Brave
April 7, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
A sweep of the Mets is SWEET! This team must stay healthy. At what point do they give up on Hampton? I sure miss the old days when all the games were on TBS. Thanks TED!
By prattvillenolzfan
April 7, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
Hey Chop Chick, anybody that is from LA (we’ll see how many people understands that) and loves the Braves is definately ok in my book…Too bad that your married….OH WELL….A man can still dream can’t he…………My 11 year old daughter surprised me yesterday….Her birthday is today, I asked her what she wanted, she asked if we could drive to Atlanta and watch the Braves play…..That’s my baby……….Just a few observations, While Kotsay is not as talented as Andrew, he is definately more smarter, and he does the little things better. I noticed he is a better situational hitter than Andrew will ever be….Plus that play he made on Delgado was heads up…..Smoltz’s shoulder is a concern…I still think that there is more to it than the Braves are leading us to believe…..I would still release Hampton…When Infante comes of the DL, I’d trade one of our back-up catchers and middle infielders for a quality starting pitcher…Still too early to proclaim victory in the NL East, but like everyone is saying, no matter what time of the year we sweep the Mets, its still wonderful.
By prattvillenolzfan
April 7, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
Hey Torre and the rest of your AJ lovers…………Most diehard Braves fans DOES APPRECIATE the contribution AJ MADE to the Braves. MADE being the operative word. It’s no secret around the Braves clubhouse the last 2 years that Pendleton/Cox had grown very frustrated with AJ’s refusal to listen to them. Also AJ let himself get out of shape as well…While most Braves fan respects the defensive skills that AJ made, his offense had gotten us to the point that he was killing us in close games.
By ROCK
April 7, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
GO MARK KOTSAY LOVE THE WAY YOU PLAY MAN.IT’S REFRESHING TO SEE SOMEOME SWING FOR HITS INSTEAD OF THE MOON.
By Hooters Babe
April 7, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
I luv chipper
By hop
April 7, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
the braves played their brand of ball this weekend against the mets, great pitching, defense and timely hitting.
the smoltz thing is a real worry if he is having problems so early in the season one wonders if the arm will last through a long season?
braves need to find younger starting pitching for the future, maybe not this year, but certainly later. andrew jones was a great player for the braves but he struggled the past few years and it appears he is in worse physical shape now with the dodgers! the braves did the right thing by not signing him again!
By NC Braves Fan
April 7, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Andruw was a GREAT Brave! Unfortunately he will always be held to the superstar promise he showed in 96 and again in his 50 homer year in 05. But the reality is he was always a “good” #6 or 7 hitter, with a .250 avg, 30 hrs, 100 rbi. His defense has slipped along with his waistline but in his younger years he was one of the best ever. He made jogging catches most guys couldnt have dove and caught! Is he worth the money he got? NO (but who really is anymore?) but would I have liked seeing him a retire a Brave? Yes.
No disrespect to Kotsay all he has done is impress me this year. He is ALOT cheaper, and we only had to give up Devine (poor kid never could have made in in ATL after his debut). He will do a great job holding down CF until Jordan is ready, Once again another great move by our upper management.
I also believe I have heard of Chipper restructuring his deal twice in the last 4 or 5 years?
Lets resign Frenchy and Tex to long term deals and be a powerhouse for the next decade!
Nothing better than sweeping the Muts!
GO BRAVES!!!
By Rob
April 7, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
After 30 years of watching the Braves on TV it’s killing me not to get their games on TBS. The Braves made TBS and TBS made the Braves America’s team. Now the rest of the country is left out in the cold waiting for the occasional matchup on national TV and regional teams. And, whatever happened to the DISH Network deal for the MLB package? Anyway, I’ll just read the box scores and hope for the best. GO BRAVES!!!
By richbrave
April 7, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this
R-Braves rainout on the 6th. Stats tomorrow. Tonight’s game mid 40’s and rain.
By Bill ladd Smith
April 7, 2008 10:52 PM | Link to this
Once again, the pen needs to keep the ball on the ground! Glavine did his job well. Moylan did OK. Can’t fault the offense, baseball is a summer sport. BobbyC made all the right moves. Drop the 3rd catcher and get another pen arm that can keep it low, and on the corners.
By Santa3247
April 8, 2008 2:32 AM | Link to this
My account disappeared.