AJC > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 10 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves have a new and different problem
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chuck James certainly didn’t have the outing he’d hoped for (six earned runs in three innings), but it’s not entirely fair to judge him on a night when he wasn’t feeling well, the wind chill was 36 and it was raining. Those aren’t ideal conditions by any stretch of the imagination, but it must be noted that he continued his history of struggling the second time through the order, which indicates he’s not making adjustments.
In the end, despite Brian McCann’s big night at the plate (3-for-4 with three RBIs), the bats couldn’t bail Chuck of the early hole.
The bigger issue out of last night’s game, though, involves the guy who went on the DL in the move that made room for James on the roster: Rafael Soriano. The Braves’ closer is out for at least 15 days with tendonitis in his right elbow. The good news is, that might explain why he’s looked a bit shaky lately; the bad news is, there’s no obvious replacement.
With the Braves losing 9-5 (and later 12-5) in the eighth, Bobby Cox didn’t have to make an immediate decision, but assuming this team will have a slim ninth-inning lead at some point in the next two weeks, he’ll have to eventually. Three relievers other than Soriano have had save opportunities, but none of them have saves. Peter Moylan, Will Ohman and Blaine Boyer are a combined 0-for-3 in save ops. While that doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence, there are some extenuating circumstances.
Ohman’s blown save came in the seventh inning of the last game of the Pirates series, when Martin Prado’s error and a passed ball contributed, so the run was unearned. And Moylan’s could have been prevented with a better throw by Yunel Escobar in the seventh inning of the home opener against Pittsburgh, so that run was unearned as well.
Ohman has a 0.00 ERA, and Moylan’s ERA is only 1.93, but the sole run he’s given up in his six appearances was a costly one — Ryan Zimmerman’s game-winning shot in the ninth on Opening Night in Washington, D.C.
Bobby didn’t give a definitive answer in the postgame interview, but I’m guessing they’ll go by committee with Moylan being the first choice. What do you think Bobby and Roger McDowell will do?
As bad as things may seem for the Braves, though, they’re worse for Andruw Jones. Joe Torre obviously isn’t the patient man that Bobby is, because only nine games into the season, Andruw was benched by the Dodgers.
He’s hitting a miniscule .103 and went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in Tuesday night’s game. “He just looks now like he’s overanxious, that’s the simplest explanation,” Torre told MLB.com. “It looks like he’s doing more guessing than anticipating. We know it’s not physical. He seems to be getting in his own way.”
The Braves’ former center fielder signed a two-year, $36.2 million deal with L.A., and Torre said he might be pressing to justify that money. Another theory is that he’s picking up where he left off last year, when he ended the season with a .222 average and 138 strikeouts.
I’m not trying to bash Andruw — he’s probably the best defensive center fielder of his generation and was a great presence in the clubhouse — but you’ve got to wonder when, or if, he’s going to snap out of this extremely prolonged slump.
Permalink | Comments (77) | Post your comment | Categories: Chop Chick
Services »
Comments
By geekboy
April 10, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Acosta will be given the first change as interim closer, Cox said so in a recent interview. He has trouble with control, but has a live fastball and has saved lots of games in the minors. I wouldn’t worry overmuch about the closer situation, the bullpen is loaded with power arms now, unlike past years.
Clearly, Chuck James was not ready for prime time, and I blame management for allowing him to pitch. I don’t think he had even pitched in a real game after coming off the DL?
It is hard to be optimistic after last night’s drubbing, but this team is going to get it all together soon … they are deep and talented … and the Mets and Phils will implode. The Mets already look shaky.
By Yehuda Hamer
April 10, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Chuck wasn’t that good last night, neither was Mr. Resop. Isn’t it always going to be about the bullpen?
Let our middle relievers start a game and let Smooltz, Hudson, Glavine then pitch the next six or seven innings?
By mike
April 10, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
I think given our systems depth at starting Pitching ,Smoltz is needed more as a the closer.
By Tom
April 10, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this
I’d like to stay optimistic with this team. They way they played in spring training does mean that they have a great lineup and even a great rotation without Hampton. This team will be able to play without Soriano for the month, but it might need to start looking for an interim closer on the market. Another dramatic possiblity is moving one of the starters to the bullpen, probably Hampton if he comes back.
By Old Coach
April 10, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
There’s no Bull in the Pen! Bobby and Wren don’t have a clue….
By 22oz
April 10, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Chuck James is not John Smoltz. Last night should not have been his debut. He should have been getting some time in at Richmond, not have his first live action come against the Rockies at Coors Field.
By ChampDawg
April 10, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this
Where’s Tennessee Paul
I said Chuckie James was NOT major league material and he and others scoffed at me. I don’t give a damn what his record was or is. The kid ain’t ready for primetime.
Nice outing last night Chuckie….. and where the hell is the Braves offense??
By ChampDawg
April 10, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
As bad as things may seem for the Braves, though, they’re worse for Andruw Jones. Joe Torre obviously isn’t the patient man that Bobby is, because only nine games into the season, Andruw was benched by the Dodgers.
This is precisely why Torre is a much better manager than Booby Cox ever will be.
By Alex
April 10, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
If we had ANY semblance of a bullpen the last 17 years, we would have 6-7 rings EASY!
It has ALWAYS been and will continue to be about the bullpen. How this organization continues to get it wrong so many years in a row with the exception of 2003 is unreal.
By Jim H.
April 10, 2008 10:01 AM | Link to this
Chuck James is currently a decent back-of-the-rotation/long relief type pitcher…..I’m not sure he’ll ever be any better than that. Maybe if he starts thinking and adapting better he will improve……we’ll see. Hopefully he’ll learn from Glavine.
But, it’s still very early. I’m still very optomistic about this team…….Just have to avoid the injuries (not working out so well so far).
By LivininAL
April 10, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately Braves haven’t needed a closer much recently…
By VaBravesfan
April 10, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
I forgot if Chuck James worked for Lowes or Home Depot, but you think a mega-company like could produce a better pitcher than that.
By Big Dawg
April 10, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this
Bobby Cox needs to be check for Alzheimers.
By PTC DAWG
April 10, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
By LivininAL
April 10, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately Braves haven’t needed a closer much recently…
I’m not sure I understand this comment, when you consider the Braves have 5 one run losses already.
By WR
April 10, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this
Blame Cox for his failure to adjust and James for failure to put the team first. If you don’t feel right get off the line. So far we are looking at Cos’s worst job as a manager. Anyone watching Soriano’s last performance could tell he had a problem. Speed 92 & holding are as if it ached. For the good of the team you can’t play sick or injured players just because they are making lots of money or they are supposed to be the best available. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments Cox. You stayed with Andrew too long last year. Make DECISIONS JUST LIKE YOU ARE THE ONE IN CHARGE AND NOT THE PLAYERS.
By TheCutMan
April 10, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Being a closer is, I think, mainly about attitude and swagger. I haven’t seen either from any reliever on this 2008 club thus far, have you?
The closest to the demeanor and strong will you want from a closer still comes from Smoltz. Calling central casting! Any more of those (Smoltz types) in the system anywhere???? Anyone? Anyone? Buhler?
By Rutuger
April 10, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
Heeeeeeeeeere we go again…..
By wai
April 10, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this
“Acosta will be given the first change as interim closer, Cox said so in a recent interview. He has trouble with control, but has a live fastball and has saved lots of games in the minors. I wouldn’t worry overmuch about the closer situation, the bullpen is loaded with power arms now, unlike past years.”
HEY GEEKBOY - could you post your source?
By ME
April 10, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this
Can we trade Chucky for some bats and balls.
By Suenah
April 10, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
Yesss, Andruw sucks at the plate, but so does Texeira and the braves right now!!!! And yess James wasn’t pretty, but I don’t even need to begin to talk about our pen!!!!
By Coach (Lets Go Braves in 2008)
April 10, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Soriano’s elbow is shot, the Braves just don’t want to admit it.
While Peter Moylan may be the set up guy, he is not a closer.
Manny Acosta and Chris Resop have eighty combined saves in the minors. but, at the moment they have combined for eight innings of work while giving up eleven earned runs equaling out to an ERA of 12.37
Not good.
Meanwhile, the guy they traded to Pittsburgh…..Tyler Yates, is sporting a very outstanding 1.17 ERA.
Frank Wren and Bobby Cox, nice job guys. Thanks for royally fu**ing it up.
By Michael
April 10, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this
Chuck James has no business in the major leagues at all. He is there because Bobby likes him. Another proble is McDowell who in my opinion is nobody pitching coach. I hope that the Brave have Leo phone number because they will be needing it.
Michael
By Michael
April 10, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Chuck James has no business in the major leagues at all. He is there because Bobby likes him. Another proble is McDowell who in my opinion is nobody pitching coach. I hope that the Brave have Leo phone number because they will be needing it.
Michael
By Michael
April 10, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
Chuck James has no business in the major leagues at all. He is there because Bobby likes him. Another proble is McDowell who in my opinion is nobody pitching coach. I hope that the Brave have Leo phone number because they will be needing it.
Michael
By MountainDawg
April 10, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
A message to the guys who have taken residence in the Coors Field visitors locker room the last 3 days: On behalf of all the Braves fans in Denver who have braved the cold, wind and rain to witness the Braves play completely uninspired baseball: we showed up, where were you???
By IlliniBrave
April 10, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
AJ’s performance in LA reminds of why no one should ever drink the Boras Kool-ade. As much as so many want to bash Wren, Cox, and Schuerholz, they have rarely let go someone who was worth keeping. Sure Yates looks great now, but let’s see what happens at the end of the season. The only guy currently on another roster that you could definitively say we should have kept is Adam Wainwright. Another who got away, Glavine, is now back. All the other guys - Renteria, Andruw, Farnsworth, Wright, JD Drew, Marte, etc. are all underperforming. Giles and Lopez can’t even make a roster.
The evidence over the past 10 years shows that John, Frank, and Bobby don’t make a lot of mistakes.
By Hitman
April 10, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Yehuda Hamer Let our middle relievers start a game and let Smooltz, Hudson, Glavine then pitch the next six or seven innings?
I think this is a great idea! Has this ever been done before?
By Sam
April 10, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Well Chuck James injury or no sickness or no just isn’t going to be a great pitcher. He dosen’t have it in him. Hopefully he can pitch well enough to showcase himself for a trade same with Blaine Boyer, something will have to be done.
That and these guys are going to have to score 5 or 6 a game to have a shot. the Bullpen as it’s configured isn’t going to cut it period, even if Gonzo comes back not one of those guys you feel comefortable about coming in day in day out and not blowing a lead. They blow it far more often than they don’t. They need BP help and they need it now and they’d better start hitting, early season or no, setting yourself behind early hurts in September when you’re hot. They finished I think 3rd in ERA and batting average last year in the league and missed the playoffs, mainly… because the Bullpen couldn’t hold a lead. I know it’s bad form to talk about issues in Atlanta… but it’s the truth. The bullpen and incosistant hitting are largely the trouble with the braves year in year out.
By Santa3247
April 10, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Coward Joseph Reyes requested to babylon in korea for sending Daniel Smith to AA for fear of receiving the light of Messiah. ^*^ Hey Daniel Smith and Phillip Stockman!! Do radiate the light of Messiah to whole fraud players in Atlanta Braves. You got it?
The force of Messiah can be radiated to far awayed people freely together with curse spell about bad man ^*^
May the force of Messiah be with you
By TN Jeff
April 10, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Bobby Cox said losing a lot of one-run games shows the Braves are a good team. “Good” - hmmmm… yes if you’re striving for 3rd place and another 500 season.
Like how the Braves responded by their manager’s vote of confidence and proceeded to lose the next game 12-6!
Let it Snow!
By richbrave
April 10, 2008 11:46 AM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
Finally a clear day. Mid-60’s at game time last night. I can get into that high field for some plowing tomorrow. Speaking of fields. See what the R-Braves accomplished with their plowing last night? 9-6 win banging out 14 hits, 1 DP and only one error.
position-player———a—r—h—bi—avg
cf-ANDERSON—————4—0—1—0—.385
ss-LILLIBRIDGE———-4—0—1—2—.100
lf-JONES——————-4—1—1—0—.304
1b-CANIZARES————-4—0—1—0—.400
dh-SPIEZIO—————-4—0—2—1—.350
rf-BORCHARD—————4—1—3—1—.350
ca-SAMMONS—————-4—2—2—2—.421
2b-HOLT———————4—1—2—1—.200
3b-TIMMONS—————-4—1—1—1—.154
E: Lillibridge(1). DP: 1. LOB: ?? NOTE:*No totals given in the box score today because they didn’t come close to adding up. Absolutely the worse line scores I have ever seen. I credited Spiezio with a hit because I couldn’t figure who else could have gotten one. Complained to the local paper. Sorry. Will make corrections when I get more accurate information on the hitting.
pitching——IP—-h—r—er-bb-so—-era
CARLYLE——4.0—-6—4—3—1—4—-7.50
ROWENHORST-2.0—-2—0—0—1—2—-0.00
BASNER——-1.1—-3—2—2—0—2—10.98
NUNEZ———1.2—-1—0—0—0—1—-1.80
WP: Rouwenhorst. S: Nunez. A-2,073
STARTERS: Buddy Carlisle has given up 6 earned in 7.2 with 11 H, 3 BB, and 5 SO.
OUT OF THE PEN: Rouwenhorst has given up 0 earned in 7.0 with 5 H, 2 BB, 7 SO. He is busy out of the pen having made 4 relief stints in 6 games. His strikeouts are accelerating as he has 5 in his last 2 appearances with only 1 walk.
Basner. 3 relief appearances 4.1 IP, 5 ER, 10.98 ERA with 8 H, 0 BB, 6 SO. Great BB/SO ratio, but too many hits so far.
Nunez also effective in past 2 of 3 relief stints. His total line: 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 1.80 ERA with 4 H, 1 BB,2 SO.
Campillo to start at 1:00 p.m. today.
By Jim
April 10, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
We (Braves) suck
By chopperhobby
April 10, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this
No closer, weak bullpen , no timely hitting, one run losses, and sloppy fielding - Groundhog Day all over again!
By John
April 10, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this
Thanks to another winter of poor management and budget decisions the brave just suck!!
By supa
April 10, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the Richmond update. Is this ROWENHORST guy on the 40-man roster?
I think Boyer is the 7th inning set-up guy, Acosta is the 8th inning right-handed set-up guy, Ohman is the lefty set-up guy, and Moylan is the closer…he’s the most reliable, and has only had 1 bad outing this year.
It seems that Bobby Cox tends to look at good vs. bad outings more than ERA when it comes to bullpen pitchers…he’s referred to that in interviews before.
Ring is the situational lefty. Bennett is long relief (maybe 5th starter). Resop is relegated to mop-up duty until Soriano comes back. After which, I think Resop will be traded or waived.
By 30YrBravesFan
April 10, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
I agree with geekboy. James is not ready and the Braves should have chosen someone else. I don’t James will ever be ready.
By 30YrBravesFan
April 10, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
I agree with geekboy. James is not ready and the Braves should have chosen someone else. I don’t James will ever be ready.
By Trippy Hippie
April 10, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
Richbrave, it seems like maybe Rouwenhorst needs calling up as a replacement for Resop, who desperately needs DFA’d.
By the way, I think maybe PDAs might not be responsible for all of Jordan Schafer’s progress last year in the minors. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that he came up through school as a pitcher and was learning CF as he went along, as well as the fact that he was more or less just learning how to hit. Here’s a report by the scout who was responsible for converting him from a pitcher to OF. It looks to me like he wasn’t a good hitter when he was drafted, it’s just that the scout saw something about his swing he liked. Kinda makes anonymous tipster’s post from the other day a little more plausible.
By Paul In Richmond
April 10, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
Last year our #4 hitter was a much touted Andruw who we were told was worth millions of dollars. He barely hit over the Mendoza line.
This year we have another Boras-boy in Tex. Who, we are told has all that potential to be soooo good. And, in 4 one-run loss games, our #4 hitter is 50 points below the Medoza line.
The Mets have a CF and 1B hitting over .300 so if we are going to compete we need hitting.
Lets stop worrying about the prom queens in the bullpen and score some runs.
By Gomer Pyle
April 10, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this
Bobby cux is messing this team up. Golley I hope they do better don’t you?
By LivininAL
April 10, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Not exactly optimum setting for Chucky to gain any confidence.. cold wet miserable night in Colorado, no starts, facing league champion, simulated games earlier for preparaion.
By 82DAWG
April 10, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
I am so glad that Andruw Jones is someone else’s problem now. Oh what could have been. A 36 million dollar athlete with a 50 cent head.
By ChampDawg
April 10, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
**By Paul In Richmond
Lets stop worrying about the prom queens in the bullpen and score some runs.**
The best post on this subject yet. The top 2 guys in the lineup (Johnson and Escobar) aren’t getting on base enough and when they do, Tex and Francoeur can’t get ‘em in. Tex needs to find his stroke NOW and Frenchy needs to go back to what he was doing last year— be selective and make contact. Since he’s “bulked up” seems like he wants to be the team stud rather than drive in runs.
By LivininAL
April 10, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
PTC Dawg ..I was simply stating that we have been the ones behind by one run..so the other tean is using a closer not us. Im ready for that to change, Go Braves!
By Larry
April 10, 2008 1:35 PM | Link to this
Ditto! Ditto! Ditto!
Everything is the same—boring and predictable!
Bobby can’t manage in close games that require strategic, game altering decision making, hasn’t a clue how to build or use a bullpen, and is simply too dumb to realize James is not a major league pitcher and he shipped his best middle reliever to Pittsburg to launch his 97 MPH fastballs in exchange for a season supply of twinkies for Bobby to munch on during his brief breaks from the vigorous mining of his right nostral with his left thumb.
This is why all but the goobers who disagree on this blog are attending games at Turner field less and less every season. Actually, I’d bet the same dissenting goobers don’t bother going either.
Boring and predictable!
By Headlines
April 10, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
This team is just like the past Braves teams ….. THEY STINK TO HIGH HEAVEN. I guess they just want to fit in with all the other LOSER teams in Atlanta. The whole city is just use to mediocrity. But what did you expect from the toothless wonders that support Atlanta sports.
By Larry
April 10, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
It was a pretty big gamble to bring James back that quickly, they should have sent him down to Richmond for a couple starts to try to get his confidence back - he got pounded at the end of last year, had an injury and was rushed back into the starting stop in abhorrent conditions for a pitcher. His problem was his control (again) - he could not throw enough strikes so he kept having to come back with his fastball - never a good scenario and he got hit hard. He needs to throw a minimum of 60% of his pitches for strikes to be effective - that is the general rule unless you are Nolan Ryan.
His control will never get permanently better until they fix his mechanics - something some time in Richmond would correct. Of course, they sent Davies to Richmond last year when they broke camp fix his mechanics, had an injury and rushed him back and he is a head case now - they should learn from that error.
I also hope they don’t force Reyes back up any time soon, he does not believe he can get major leaguers out yet - he is scared the throw strikes in the majors.
When are they going to give a Bennett a shot? He seems more ready than any of the other young pitchers.
By Gomer Pyle
April 10, 2008 2:00 PM | Link to this
You people are bad on this post calling everybody toothless wonders sha-zam must be bunch of yankees.Golley i gon fix me a fried tomator sanmich.
By Gomer Pyle
April 10, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this
You people are bad on this post calling everybody toothless wonders sha-zam must be bunch of yankees.Golley i gon fix me a fried tomator sanmich.
By melissa
April 10, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
bobby cox is a big fat joke!!! he said last night that this was the best game the braves have played all year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what in the hell!!!!!!!! you see!!! that’s why the braves will never!! ever!! win!! with bobby cox!!!!! he never ever!! say anything bad about his players we they STINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! smells like cow s_ t!! that damn man!!, resop!!, boyer!! need their a* kicked!!!!!!!!!!! the braves are nothing!! nothing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! nothing!!!!!!!!!!!! with bobby cox!!!!!!!!!! joe torre has benced andruw jones!!!!!!!! and that’s the difference between a good manager and a bad manager!!! joe torre don’t take no s_t!!!! that’s why he has four rings!!!!!!!!!! somebody!!!!!!! save us from bobby cox!!!!!!!!!!!!!! please !!!!!!!!!!! i’m begging you please!!!!!!!!!! somebody!! frank when!!!!! someone do what’s right!!! get rid of boyer!!! respo!!! and fire bobby cox!!!!! please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Bill Dent
April 10, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
The current Braves are like an old piece of machinery,held together by wire and tape. The patches they are using just dont hold up.
By Bill Dent
April 10, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
The current Braves are like an old piece of machinery,held together by wire and tape. The patches they are using just dont hold up.
By USMC DAWG
April 10, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
The Braves orginization has no intention of fielding a winning team. As long as they can remain competetive, stay around the .500 mark, keep putting butts in the seats, and finish in the black, that’s all that matters. $$$$$$$
By USMC DAWG
April 10, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this
The Braves orginization has no intention of fielding a winning team. As long as they can remain competetive, stay around the .500 mark, keep putting butts in the seats, and finish in the black, that’s all that matters. $$$$$$$
By Larry
April 10, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox on Wednesday: “I’m putting Chuck James on the mound to halt the Rockies two game winning streak”!
Bobby Cox the next day: “I’m sending Chuck James to Richmond to learn how to pitch”!
Now you Bobby Goobers have even more of the indisputable evidence as to why Bobby Cox is 1-14 in the last game of the postseason! Without a great starting performance that was giving to him for so many years he hasn’t a clue how to manage a must win baseball game with out this and a three run homer!
And if Glavine hadn’t pitched that one hitter in 1995 he’d be sporting a perfect 0-15 record!
By ChampDawg
April 10, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Tex hitting under .200 (our Andruw version 08), the bullpen a disaster zone (again), and Booby (aw shucks) Cox the same ol’ fat a* manager. This once season of promise is going down the toilet fast.
By Elmer
April 10, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Andruw’s decline is a sad story. He played himself into premature middle age.
By Larry
April 10, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this
Elmer,
Regarding your comments on Andruw, remove the word “played” and insert the word “ate” and you’ll be correct!
Players love playing for Bobby Cox, they just aren’t compelled to play hard and stay in shape!
By richbrave
April 10, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
*Corrections. Anderson got the hit I credited to Spiezio. Timmons credited in the paper with a hit which was Lillibridge’s. will be reflected in the averages tomorrow.
BTW Braves win 2-1. Josh Anderson the hero with his defense and not his bat for a change.
By G Roberts
April 10, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Gee! Andreu Jones is hitting .125. I am convinced that AJ is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. What other reason could there be for him continually (year after year) trying to pull every pitch.He will only save his career if he starts hitting to right field. For my second scouting revelation, The Braves will not be successful as long as Chuck James is in their starting rotation. Chuck has an odd pitching style which seems to prevent him from pitching below the waist, and he is not strong enough to be a fly ball pitcher.
By SHA
April 10, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
James needs to work on a whole new pitching style and delivery. He never has had a follow through where he’s in any type of position to field a ball. He looks sloppy and lazy with his motion. I say unload him to any team stupid enough to trade for him. It wouldn’t even matter if we didn’t get a player or any money for him. We would at least we rid of the negative impact on this organization.
By coachmac
April 10, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Putting Andruw’s fat butt on the bench proves beyond all doubt why Joe Torre is a much better manager than Cox. He plays talent, not favorites.
By beki
April 10, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this
James looked lost from the “get - go” and threw way too many pitches in the first three innings. Granted he had a cold and was playing in terrible condition but he was still horrible; even,Cox’s arms went up as his body said ” I give up.” James wasn’t ready to pitch and I’m not sure he’ll ever be mentally tough to make it in the MLB.
By poorbrave
April 10, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
AJC poll of the day. Why should the Fans be concerned for Braves Bull pen? Management (JS, BC, FW) hadn’t been concerned for years. Same problem every year, No proven Closer? Same BS over and over, Cox wouldn’t know talent if it hit him in the face. Every things good over and over he said. Cox and management believes all fans are stupid, just pay your money and shut up. Wren and Cox need to put up or shut up.
By tbo
April 10, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
Are we reliving last year and the year before with that stupid sorry excuse for a manager, BC. It’s time that senile old fool retire. WE DON’T WANT HIM HERE ANYMORE!!!
By richbrave
April 10, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this
poorbrave:
You’re welcome.
By joebrave
April 10, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Please do Us a debnt of Gratitude and release,Chuckt (I can’t Pitch)James,and that No Account Sumbitch Chris Resop!!!!
By Chris
April 10, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
am i the only one who thinks smoltz should go back to the bullpen!!!
By Chris
April 10, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
am i the only one who thinks smoltz should go back to the bullpen!!!
By poorbrave
April 11, 2008 12:38 AM | Link to this
Richbrave you’re #1. Chris, Smoltz should stay where he’s at. He can’t throw hard everyday now like he use to. Its called age. Man he could bring it!
By Chop Chop
April 11, 2008 2:19 AM | Link to this
coachmac,
Joe Torre plays favorites, but I don’t think he’s found his Dodger favorites yet. Andruw’s never played for him before, so he hasn’t yet earned Torre’s free pass.
By Varoadrunner
April 11, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this
I noticed one blog about Roger McDowell and have ti chime in - it seems that our pitchers had far less injuries when Leo was here. Whether it was Leo’s workout routine for his pitchers or just his knowledge of pitchers. As in corporate america, it seems Roger might have been put into his position because of longevity and performance on the field. But not everyone can coach effectively. I would to hear an honest assessment from Smoltz or Glavine comparing Roger to Leo.
When it comes to Bobby Cox, I have supported him through all of his decisions until now. I am coming around to the frame of mind of most of my fellow bloggers - It’s time for Bobby to hand over the reigns to someone else. He seems to be losing too many games for the team. He’s loved by a majority of his players because of his allegence to his players, BUT his job is to manage the team to win games.
I feel that the Braves have to many if’s in their clubhouse. If Frenchy can once again change his approach at the plate, If Kotsay can catch 75% of the ones Andruw got to in the outfield and can play an entire year, IF Chipper stays healthy, If our starting rotation can stay healthy and effective (I’ll be happy with anything Smoltz, Hudson and Glavine give us) but with Jair, Jeff B., and Campillo - that’s another story. Our biggest and one of the most important IF’S is Mike Hampton.
Our CLOSER, even when heathy scares me to death.
I’m afraid we’re seeing the trend for the Braves - Losing.
As everyone can tell, I’m becoming less confident that Frank Wren made the right moves or just dumped salary and good prospects.
Hey Frank, spend some money and fill some gaps.
By Kris in NC
April 11, 2008 11:00 AM | Link to this
I just love reading all the Arm Chair Managers in this column. If you all think you can do a better job managing the Atlanta Braves, send your resume to Frank and tell him you want to manage the team for a game. Let’s see how well you do.
I could see if we were at the end of the season and we were in this slump but dang it everyone, we are 9 or 10 games into the season and you all make it sound as if we have tanked it.
I don’t like the way we are playing either. You can’t expect to win every game. As for our bullpen, maybe some of the choices made during ST were not the smartest but as time goes on, Frank and Bobby will figure it out and do what needs to be done to fix it. Gonzo will be back in about a month and half. I can’t wait. I rather have Soriano on the DL now, get that elbow healthy then when we need him, down the stretch and during that run for the division title. Let’s get these nagging injuries out of the way now and not later in the season.
As for AJ, finally a manager who sat his butt down on the bench. Good for Torre. Comparing AJ and Mark Kotsay, in that one game, AJ struck out half of what Kotsay has already struck out this season. If Kotsay can stay healthy and he looks good so far, any and all offense out of him will be just a big added bonus. Dodgers did us a big favor by signing him for that money.
We got 3 games with the Nats and Marlins, we can turn this road trip around with a 6 game winning streak. Let’s think positive. Matt Diaz loves Marlins Pitching.
By Mark Wohlers
April 11, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Who’s this kid (Rouwenhorst has given up 0 earned in 7.0 with 5 H, 2 BB, 7 SO)? Why hasn’t he been called up? I think they called up some re-tread from the Mexican League with like a 6 ERA for his career? I just don’t understand some of these moves? Give Rouwenhorst a shot, he can’t do anyworse than whats there now. Tex pulling an Andrew? Interesting, contract year, can’t handle pressure?? Not sure what it is but hope he pulls out of it ASAP.
By mark
April 11, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
The Braves(Players) need to have a meeting today and make a commitment to play ball with the results in the win coloun.They need to all get on same page…its simoply pitch, hit when it counts and make the plays in the field..then pitch again!!
By tim
April 11, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Chuck James does not belong in a major league stadium unless he buys a ticket. Why is McDowell getting a free pass by everyone ? It is time for him to share some of the blame with this staff. He gets the most out of nobody. The big 3 they know what to do Mc has nothing to do there. Time for McDowell to go Leo is still rocking on the front porch time to pull the string Bobby. TS
By Workinlkeadawg
April 13, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
Is Ohman going to have to PROVE to Cox the Bravos would be better served by calling somebody else up?