AJC > Blog > Archives > 2008 > April > 30 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USStill more pitching pontification
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“I’m wondering if I’m ever going to win a game,” Tom Glavine (0-1, 2.60 ERA) told Dave O’Brien last night after yet another no-decision in which he gave up six hits and two runs in six innings in the Braves’ 6-2 loss to Washington.
Obviously, we’re not alone in being confused and frustrated by this season. Even John Smoltz, who went on the DL with that sore shoulder, is calling for desperate measures. “Right now I’m sitting at ground zero, taking it day by day, looking at every option to help this team get to the playoffs and end my career the way I’d like to end it.”
Apparently, that might mean heading back to the bullpen and taking on the closer role again. Things must be bad: I never thought I’d hear him volunteer for that. But I’m definitely not going to try to stop him.
Looking further down the road — since some of you have been talking about prospects, because the present hasn’t looked particularly bright lately — here’s some info about two good ones from MLB.com’s Mark Bowman:
“… when Thomas Hanson finally allowed his first run of the season on Thursday, [Bobby] Cox took notice. The veteran skipper was well aware of what the 21-year-old right-hander has been doing with Class A Myrtle Beach. While allowing just one run through his first 29 innings, he has certainly legitimized himself as a top prospect.
“[Cole] Rohrbough has had some elbow discomfort, and he hasn’t started pitching yet this season. The Braves are certainly high on the 21-year-old left-hander, who had 96 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings last year, and they don’t want to rush him into anything.”
So what do you think of Smoltz going back to the ‘pen, and who would you put in the rotation in his place? Has Jeff Bennett earned a permanent spot? Is Jo-Jo Reyes, who’s starting Saturday, ready for another chance? Is there someone else you’d plug in there?
Upcoming TV Schedule
Wednesday: at Nats, 4:35, SportSouth
Thursday: off-day
Friday: vs. Reds, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. Reds, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Sunday: vs. Reds, 1:30, SportSouth
Monday: off-day
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By richbrave
April 30, 2008 9:18 AM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
Bad news here in tobacco city. Durham’s hospitality was nowhere to be found as JoJO REYES had a very rough outing. Only lasted 2 innings, giving up 4 hits, 2 runs both earned, 2 BB, and 1 SO in an R-Braves loss to the Bulls on the road. I have no idea what this does to REYES’ return to the big-time. Can’t help, but I suppose everyone has a bad start on occasion.
By TampaBrave
April 30, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this
I suggest the Braves talk to the Rays. Rays have an excess of good young starting pitching and with Kazmir coming off the DL, somebody has to go….could the Bravos get Edwin Jackson?
By jeffc
April 30, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
This team is headed nowhwere fast. If they finish .500 it’ll be a miracle. We’re finding out how ordinary Frenchy, MCCann, Johnson, Diaz, and Prado really are. And Glavine is the worst 8 million dollar mistake in baseball history. I’m happy that he gets to drive his kids to school, but he doesn’t deserve to wear the Atlanta Brave uniform. To think we could have invested that money in gold bullion! Note to Frank I’m Wren over my head: start audtioning young pitchers in the big leagues now. It was three kids named Glavine, Smoltz and Avery that brought this dead franchise to life in the first place. And to Mr. Texeira: I hope you and Boras laugh all the way to the bank at someone else’s expense.
By PTC Dawg
April 30, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
Unfortunately, the pitching staff has been faulty for 2-3 years. I don’t see it getting any better.
By Linus
April 30, 2008 11:25 AM | Link to this
Assuming we get Hampton back sometime soon, I don’t think we’re looking too bad.
Hudson Glavine Hampton Jurrjens Reyes/Bennett
Or better yet, maybe Hampton will just retire and save us some money. If Smoltz goes back to being the closer, which I think he should at this point in his career, our bullpen looks pretty strong - once we get Gonzalez and Soriano back of course.
The Braves have just been bit by the injury bug. It comes as no surprise to me. It’s still too early to call Glavine a waste of 8mil. No need to fret. We’re only 26 games in, and it’s a long season.
By TPM
April 30, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
John Smoltz, like Barry Zito, is payed to be a starter, not a reliever. If he can not physically pitch every 5th day, he needs to give some money back.
This team will not win 80 games with a jurassic park rotation who can not get out of the 5th inning.
By me
April 30, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
Smoltz should have never left the pen. He does not have the arm to be an every day pitcher and last a whole season. If he would have stayed in the pen the Braves streak of winning divisions would still be in tact.
By john77
April 30, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
What the he!! are you talking about Glavine has been great but I do think that 8 mil was to much.The games he’s played 2er or less what do you want him to do pitch a no no every time out.He is a good 4th or 5th starter.The hitting is what has been bad not the starters.They had some bad luck with players going on the DL.Every game they had a great chance to win if they could score runs. 8 one run games and look at how many guys was left on base or the BP came in and gave up the winning run or let a game get out of hand.As for as Glavine he has been good and not whats wrong with this team.
By COACH K
April 30, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
THE PITCHING REALLY HAS NOT BEEN THAT BAD. OUR PROBLEM IS WE CAN’T GET KEY HITS WHEN NEEDED, WE EITHER ALL HIT OR WE WAIT FOR CHIPPER TO DO SOMETHING, WE DON’T MANUFACTURE RUNS, AND THIS TEAM HAS NO FREAKING CHARACTER OR ATTITUDE. I AM TIRED OF THIS TEAM UNDERACHEIVING WITH THE TALENT. ITS TIME FOR MGMT TO CALL OUT SOME FOLKS AND START WITH MR MEDIOCRE BOBBY COX!!!!!!!!!!!
By doobird
April 30, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
Be real folks, what is really wrong is the lack of hitters concentrating with runners on … stop thinking guys of jacking the ball out and just make solid contact wherever it’s pitched! You don’t need homers to get rbi’s … get on base, move ‘em over, drive ‘em in!!!!!!!!! To hell with Cox’ 5-run homers!!!!! Play baseball like you did when you were trying to get where you are now and all will be fine!!! Something is lacking in management … spring training should be the time to get all loose and in top shape and maybe these sore arms, shoulders, knees, ribs and brains would be ready. What about it Mr. Cox, Pendleton, McDowell??? Also who the heck is positioning players on defense???? I don’t remember ever seeing so many guys in the wrong position for the opposing hitters? Do you scout the other teams?
By Chopper
April 30, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Tom Glavine is a class act but hey Tommy, There’s no I in team buddy. How about asking about when the Braves are going to win a game.
By Erin
April 30, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
If one had heard the entire interview with Glavine, that would have heard him responding to a question about how frustrating it was to pitch well for the 3rd game this year and have nothing to show for it. He also chuckled after he made that statement. If he was all about himself, then he would have pushed more to stay off the DL. It was better for the team that he go on so they could recall someone else.
Also, he’s the biggest 8 million dollar mistake? Have you seen the man’s stats for this year?? More reliable than just about any pitcher the Braves had last year. He’s giving his TEAM the chance to win in every game he’s pitched. He can’t win them by himself.
By rob
April 30, 2008 2:04 PM | Link to this
How can anyone knock Glavine’s contribution? He has been his regular 7 inning self. He gets outs and gives the Braves quality starts. It is not his fault the Braves leave men on 2nd and 3rd every inning and then the bullpen comes in to clear the bases.
By richbrave
April 30, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
CHOP CHICK:
Am I the only one who thinks that relief pitchers should have their inherited runners accounted for, as well as their own earned runs?? Last night, Campillo came in and gave a Tee-Ball pitch to the hitter who cleared the bases. All charged to Boyer. He then proceeds to settle down and get outs. Why shouldn’t there be a major statistic for allowed inherited runs?? The idea of a relief pitcher is to stone-wall the opposition and get outs. Put out the fire. You never saw MIKE REMLINGER do that, never. Well, ALMOST never.
By Chopper
April 30, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
No, it’s not Glavine’s fault the Braves are stinking it up so far this year. But as a Braves fan, I don’t care if he is 4-0 in four starts or 0-0 in 4 starts as long as the Braves win those 4 games that he got a no-decision in. You never hear Hudson or Smoltz complain about that. It’s always what’s good for the team for them. “None but the Braves” right Tommy?
By Willie
April 30, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
Hampton is finished. He might as well hang it up after failing again last night. The Braves have one good pitcher and he is young, thats JJ. The others Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine have lost there speed (85) mph and its not coming back. Time for Wren to step up and make a deal.
By Bucknfl
April 30, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
What the Braves need is Ted Turner, to buy the team and start spending some money. Come on Ted!
By You gotta be kidin' me
April 30, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this
Did I read that Hampton pulled his left vagina muscle again?
By Jeff
April 30, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
The Braves should have dropped this guy off their roster years ago.
By Supes
April 30, 2008 4:34 PM | Link to this
Just say NO to Mike Hampton.
The braves need to move past him, and please, no more mentions of him rehabing, etc. It just brings on false hope.
Mike Hampton is done, finished, caput.
With a possible move to the pen for John Smoltz…that means either Bennett or James back into the starting rotation.
I guess we’re looking at:
With Buddy Carlyle as the long relief, spot starter guy, and bringing up Jo-Jo from the minors.
By Erin
April 30, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this
But as a Braves fan, I don’t care if he is 4-0 in four starts or 0-0 in 4 starts as long as the Braves win those 4 games that he got a no-decision in.
Only problem is they’re not winning.
On a side note, to the person who writes the headlines for the articles about the games, the Nats didn’t beat Glavine last night. The score was tied when he left the game.
By Najeh Davenpoop
April 30, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this
Dispatch Mike Hampton and Speedy Claxton to some undisclosed location please. Enough of these two.
By Braves Fan
April 30, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
Dear Braves Fans:
Is anyone else tired of hearing about the crying Mike Hampton. He is way worse than Bob Horner ever was! The guy is a disgrace and should not be allowed to wear a Braves Uniform. I’m sick of that stupid baby! Our team is ancient and I can’t wait to spend some money on some real players..
By Michael
April 30, 2008 8:05 PM | Link to this
It is time for Bobby Cox to go. We play with no fire. Why do you leave a pitcher in to hit for himself with two runners on in a one run game, especially a pitcher that has already walked three in two innings? We need someone managing this team that can motivate this team to play to its potential. Take advantage of what speed you have and quit waiting on the home run. 0-12 in games tied or behind after the 6th inning.
By humbug
April 30, 2008 8:27 PM | Link to this
I will make no negative remarks about Smoltz, Jones, Glavine, or Cox. They have all had wonderful careers and given baseball fans many great memories.
This is probably the last season for all of them. They don’t deserve criticism and name calling. To them I say, “Y’all did good. Thanks for the memories, and enjoy life after your careers end”. All of them are logical candidates for Cooperstown.
By nelson
April 30, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
because as much problem with jojo kings? it is a bulk, when we are even going to follow with the problem of kings, hampton injured, we continued losing against e..stupi..ds teams of name low and here single is spoken of stupidities… wake up that right now it happens to us just like fans of Boston who hoped 86 years to be able to see their team win another world series title. amazing team braves !!another choke year.
By nelson
April 30, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
because as much problem with jojo reyes? it is a bulk, when we are even going to follow with the problem of reyes, hampton injured, we continued losing against e..stupi..ds teams of name low and here single is spoken of stupidities… wake up that right now it happens to us just like fans of Boston who hoped 86 years to be able to see their team win another world series title. amazing team braves !!another choke year.
By nelson
April 30, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
because as much problem with jojo reyes? it is a bulk, when we are even going to follow with the problem of reyes, hampton injured, we continued losing against e..stupi..ds teams of name low and here single is spoken of stupidities… wake up that right now it happens to us just like fans of Boston who hoped 86 years to be able to see their team win another world series title. amazing team braves !!another choke year.
By varoadrunner
April 30, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Chop chick Move that damn glove.
I’m with Michael…. Why in the world would Bobby leave him in to hit but moreso, why would he even consider letting him go 3 innings. His command was already questionable. I’ve come around, I think Bobby, in his own mind, has already retired. He is certainly coaching like it. Tex on 2nd and Cox removes him and what happens, a NON First baseman plays 1st. Of course Tex catches that line drive. Another case of poor judgement from Bobby. Retire Bobby, I can no longer take the pain.
I feel like suing the AJC, the Braves and MLB for false advertising. This just might be the worst Braves team in years.
By varoadrunner
April 30, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
OH and Mike Hampton….. what can be said? I always attributed his DL life as being injury prone - I’ve come around on this one too - he’s sissy. His boob hurts - Give me a break.
Hambug I sure am glad you aren’t goin g to speak negatively about Jones - Which Jones are you referring to? Sure it’s not the Player of the Month of April Jones.
By gg
April 30, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
you guys are acting like it’s the end of the freakin world. We are almost in May and the Braves are three games under .500, so what.
By Workinlkeadawg
May 5, 2008 10:40 AM | Link to this
Jurrgens and Reyes are going to figure big time in Atl’s rotation this yr. Hudson, Glavine, Jurrgens, Reyes. ASAP Soriano, Gonzo and Smoltz in the BP. Several teams would kill for this setup. The Braves just can’t fall too far back until everyone’s healthy.