AJC > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 09 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhat’s your prediction for Braves’ road trip?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Braves got that one-run monkey off their back in style yesterday, thanks to Matt Diaz’s game-winner in the ninth — and an earlier clutch hit by red-hot Greg Norton — to wrap up a hugely successful homestand. (They’re on a roll here, and I don’t want to think about Jo-Jo’s blister or Buddy being mowed down.)
Consecutive sweeps of the Reds and Padres gave them their first perfect homestand since 2003 and have them three games over .500 and a half-game ahead of the Mets, only 1.5 out of first … shouldn’t the Marlins be faltering about now?
During this six-game winning streak, they’ve gotten solid pitching and some clutch hitting, and that combination usually brings good things. But the $64,000 question is: Can they take it on the road?
Heading out for four games in Pittsburgh and three in Philadelphia, the Bravos have the league’s best home record (14-4) and its worst record on the road (4-11).
“We got rid of one monkey,” Diaz told MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. “Now we need to shake the other one off.”
I’m hoping that now that they have their feet back under them after this great homestand, they can carry the momentum with them for once.
What do you think? What makes them so good at home and so bad on the road — and will they change that this time? What’s your prediction for this road trip? I’d love to say 5-2, but because the rotation is a little in flux (what else is new?), I’m going with 4-3.
Upcoming TV Schedule
Friday: at Pirates, 7:05, SportSouth
Saturday: at Pirates, 7:05, SportSouth
Sunday: at Pirates, 1:35, SportSouth
Monday: at Pirates, 12:35, SportSouth
Tuesday: at Phillies, 7:05, SportSouth
Wednesday: at Phillies, 7:05, FSN/ESPN
Thursday: at Phillies, 7:05, SportSouth
Also, check out photos from the perfect homestand and complete Braves coverage.
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment | Categories: Chop Chick
Comments
By geekboy
May 9, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this
What made them so good on this homestand is that the teams they face stink. The Reds and Padres are among the worst teams in baseball.
So are the Pirates, so they should do well there.
But … the Phillies don’t stink … but they are not exactly great either until Ryan Howard starts hitting long balls.
I predict they will break about even on the road … 4-3 sounds good. If they could manage 5-2 it would be keep the momentum rolling.
By brave4ever
May 9, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this
Winning brings confidence and gets you over the top in some games you didn’t in the past. 5-2 is realistic, Don’t be surprised if you see a 10-11 game streak. go BRAVES
By richbrave
May 9, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
3-4 on the road as the team slowly regains their away legs.
By Chop Chick
May 9, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
richbrave: Thanks for keeping that ‘Down on the Farm’ info coming … that’s good stuff! BTW, I’ve seen reports that a few other teams are interested in Richmond after the Braves leave; you heard any inside rumblings about that?
By Barry
May 9, 2008 10:09 AM | Link to this
I am a life-long Braves fan and I currently live in Philly. I see the Phils play every night. They can hit, make no mistake about that. They’re gritty and talented.
I believe the Braves pitching staff, though stifled by injuries, is much better than the group here in Philly. Top to bottom.
I also feel the Braves hitters, bench included, can go toe-to-toe with any offense in baseball. We just haven’t seen it yet.
When Tex gets it going and if Chipper can stay healthy, the Braves will slowly distance themselves from the rest of the East. They just have so many good hitters: French, McCann, Johnson, Escobar … These guys are really going to put up runs when everyone starts clicking.
Remember, it’s still early.
Without a doubt, the main area of concern is starting pitching. If a one of these new young guns can consistently provide quality starts (that means you, Chuck James and Jo-Jo Reyes), this will keep Wren from being forced to sign a hired gun after the break.
Instead, he can focus on adding some depth to the bench and bullpen — always an unsung hero in the playoffs. Some speed would be nice, as well. Speed makes playing small-ball much easier. Speed makes pitchers throw more fastballs, and the Braves have no shortage of guys who love hammering fastballs.
As for now, I’m just excited to be able and watch the boys play here in Philly next week.
Go Braves!
By Santa3247
May 9, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon drinking in Jinhae city south korea now. ^*^
Today, Mattew Diaz hit the work off hit, but AJC.COM didn’t wrote any word of congratulation about him.
If Joseph Reyes, Joseph Salmon, Brent Lilibrige, Glegor Blanco, would do smallest thing good, AJC.COM must wrote the articles about them, the friends of Babylonian.
Notron? J.S and F.R traded him for the purpose of blocking Rafael Canizarez(1B) I sensed.
Clever Elementary School student can manage Atlanta Braves like this. ^*^
May the force of Messiah be with you
Commision is fraud’s real income keep in mind. ^*^
By richbrave
May 9, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this
CHOP CHICK:
There’s a couple of local investor groups jockeying for position. Looks like a high “A” affiliate for the moment. We’re not going to build a new stadium unless AAA Nationals or some other franchise relo’s here after 2011. At least that’s my take. This is a NASCAR town all the way. That’s our major league “team.”
By Bill ladd Smith
May 9, 2008 10:32 AM | Link to this
Kudos on a great homestand! The Pirates would be another sweep if the pitching were healthy. My vote: 3-1, Braves. Philly much better. Has potent offense, good defense ( sound familiar?). My vote: 2-1 Philly.
By Santa3247
May 9, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Ahraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!
I forgot John Smoltz! He is sensitive I think. ^*^
But, I think he is the best pitcher in AB’s history.
Pitcher must have the trait of a little bit woman together with braveness of man. I think.
Hey. Mr.Smoltz. You are now 40year’s old. I know you are sacrificing yourself for team and fans of Braves. But, you have to check the record, closer only existed in 20~30. You got it?
Always Jesuit and Babylon’s friends use the conscience and justice sense of the good to anty direction. Keep in mind please sir.
Culprit is J.Reyes. Because he is troops of Babylon, he can’t make prosecution about me. ^^ Why? emperor and kings fear me and my unpredictable skemes. ^^
May the force of Messiah be with you
By Santa3247
May 9, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
P.S; I forgot again.
Now friends of Babylon in Atlanta Braves don’t want Bobby Cox to retire. ^*^
So, AJC. com and fans of braves have to use Babylon to anti-direction. Continuously write about firing Bobby Cox, please. ^*^
Result must be good.!!! ^*^
May the force of Messiah be with you
By Barry
May 9, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
Ummm … Philly has a good defense? Check your stats. They’re fourth in the Majors in errors with 30.
They have one “gun” in the outfield in Shane Victorino. The Braves have two in French and Kots. In addition, Ryan Howard is horrible at first. He makes my 9-year-old son look like Andres Galarraga.
By Barry
May 9, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
That Philly “potent” offense is hitting .254 as a team.
The Braves are hitting .287. That’s tops in the National League.
They also, as a team, have struck out only 175 times. That’s the fewest in the Majors.
They’re also in the top five in OBS, slugging percentage and hits. That’s not just in the NL, that’s top five in the Majors.
But, yeah, Philly has a better offense. Do your homework, dude.
By Barry
May 9, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
Oh, lest we forget the pitching.
The Braves are 3rd in the Majors in ERA at 3.49. As a team they have allowed the fewest runs and hits in the Majors.
They’ve only allowed 20 homers. Only the White Sox have given up less.
I rest my case.
By Karnak
May 9, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this
I predict they’ll win some and lose some. I predict when they win, the Chop Chick will predict they’re going to win the World Series. I predict when they lose, the Chop Chick will call for Cox to be fired and Chipper, Frenchy, Smoltz, Tex and McCann to be traded.
By Stuart
May 9, 2008 1:32 PM | Link to this
4-3 on the trip will tickle me to death.
By Green Tea
May 9, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
If there is a God would the AJC please give Santa3247 his own blog for the Braves??? I’d read that ish every day…
By Kashi
May 9, 2008 1:56 PM | Link to this
It is good to see we have 6 winning streak but mind you all that it was against worst NL record “PADRES” and “REDS”. Lets get 3 of 3 from Phillies and I will be happy until all star break.
Go Braves!
By Jam Man
May 9, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
What is Santa3247 talking about. Does any body know.
By C from Marietta
May 9, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this
Santa3247 is a crack pop pure and simple. He comes over to the Braves message board spewing this garbage. I have no use for people, that use a baseball message board or blog to inject their political views.
By Herschworld
May 9, 2008 4:23 PM | Link to this
ChopChick more like flip-flop chick…Last week you wanted to fire Bobby and that the braves are rolling Hot everything is okay so dont give Cox the kibosh yet..Chick keep the good blogs up and maybe we’ll let you play ball braves win both rubber matches and go 5-2..PS Santa stay out of the Opium dens dog you an’t making sense
By Big Donnie
May 9, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this
SANTA 3247: WHAT??????!!!!
By Pete H.
May 9, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
We got a live one here. Santa, we really don’t need to be proselytized.
I think we’re going to do well on this trip. Not great, well. Perhaps 4-3 or 5-2. The secret to getting to the playoffs is winning series, and when we’re not sweeping other teams, we’re losing series.
We need a good game from Tommy tonight.
By Santa3247
May 9, 2008 11:24 PM | Link to this
Hi, I’m Seong-Ho,Yoon living in Jinhae City southkorea.
Today~~ I read another posts first. And I embarrassed about posts and I think Atlanta is something special place compared with other area. ^*^
But, you have to know this fact that I have not knowledge but inspiration and sixth-sense about something special situations or questions.
And you people of Atlanta have to know belows
Your Histories are fake one
Your Sciences are half reality
Your Religions are whole army of Babylon.
Your Medical Doctors are almost slaves of Babylon.
Your Politicians are almost slaves or friends of Babylon.
Capitalism and Democracy made by Dark Lord Seth’s descendants Emperor of Babylonian in 20Century. Why? for the help of seizing world by neutron(resonance schumann)
Contemporary world is not real world but virtual one ruled by Dark Lord. And virtual world is consisted of 5,775years and ruled by Time. Now 5,771year May.
Messianic Era will begin sooner or later before new era, natural selection of human being must be executed. The good or The bad only exist. The good means that People who want to follow Messiah, and the bad means that People who have to follow Babylon’s Neutron Sound. This natural selection will continue for 1,290days.
My answer coming from inspiration from Yerusalem(Laputa), not from my brain.
People who want to be a people of Messianic Era, have to use me, not my brain wave, not eavesdropping, not resonance schumann internet.
Your only window between you and Yerusalem must be me. From past to now nobody contacted me directly.
Without help from Yerusalem, people on earth can’t be salvated under the last natural selection.
May the force of Messiah be with you
By Santa3247
May 10, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
How about trade prospect? starter Joseph Reyes and prospect? catcher Joseph salmon and prospect? IF Brent Lilibridge and prospect? starter and long reliever Jeff Bennet
to Texas Ranger
for Jarod Salty ^*^?
In sprign training J.S was good but GM of Texas sent him to AAA.^^ And when J.S was incredible in AAA, crazy GM called him to Major, but he don’t use him starting catcher often. ^^
Now starting rotation of Texas collapsed, Joseph Reyes and Jeff Bennet must be starter soon. And Joseph salmon can win over Jerald Layerd(C)I think. ^*^
Let’s do free sale!!! now is just before the last judgement, you have to do good behavior.^*^
Next, let’s dispose Scot Thorman(He did repent?^^) and Head up boy Gregor Blanco (head up is proof of laziness at training^^) and medicine power Jordan Schafer?^^ at free to whole team. If you would do so, they must do requeast to Babylon for the honor, and team wanting them must appear soon. I will promise.^^
And Panama Pitcher!!! Bobby Cox is your familiy? ^^ do you want to be a 1 or 2batter closer? ^^
And Norton!!!!! Did you reqeust the 1B job and trade of Mark Teixeira? ^*^
May the force of Messiah be with you
By dogmeat
May 10, 2008 7:05 PM | Link to this
ESP-CJ win go 7 give up 1 run 4hits and braves win 6 to 3. Josh Anderson needs to be in Majors. The more I hear Ron Gant on TV the more I like him, very smart and will say what he thinks. We need more like him instead of Yes Men. Go Braves!
By dogmeat
May 10, 2008 7:13 PM | Link to this
1st inning, bunt no good, stupid!!! WELCOME BACK TEX
By been there
May 10, 2008 11:29 PM | Link to this
Fire Cox and start a new blog
By richbrave
May 11, 2008 1:18 AM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
FRANCESLEY BUENO was muy BUENO last outing(May 9) as the R-Braves widened their South Division lead to 5 1/2 games. This is the first start where he showed what he’s really made of going 6 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 SO…. Maybe he’s ready to be the dominant pitcher here when CHARLIE MORTON visits the BRAVES next month.
And judging by the results tonight in Pittsburgh, it won’t be long before that eventuality will come to fruition.
PHIL STOCKMAN turned in another inning of scoreless relief and earned another hold. Strangely, in his last three outings, he’s given up 4 BB’s with 0 SO’s, but 0 H.
And BARBARO CANIZARES hit his fourth home run while going 2-3.
JOSH ANDERSON 1-4.
CLINT SAMMONS 0-2.
BRENT LILLIBRIDGE went 1-4, but still batting a buck and change.
In tonight’s game, SCOTT THORMAN got a solid single in the top of the fifth to put RICHMOND on top 7-5.
By richbrave
May 11, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
Braves lose 10-7. Pen collapses as NUNEZ and SHIBILO yield 5 in relief.
LINES:
player———————-a—r—h—bi—avg
JOSH ANDERSON————5—1—1—0—.286
BRENT LiLLIBRIDGE——5—2—3—0—.190
BRANDON JONES————4—2—3—3—.273
BARBARO CANIZARES——4—0—0—1—.322
SCOTT THORMAN————5—1—2—1—.237
DIORY HERNANDEZ———4—1—0—0—.386
JOE BORCHARD————-4—0—2—2—.281
CLINT SAMMONS————3—0—1—0—.308
REGGIE TAYLOR————1—0—0—0—.288
Both SCOTT THORMAN and JOE BORCHARD demonstrated timely hitting in a 5 run 5th inning rally.
DEFENSE:
player———IP—H—R—ER—BB—SO—ERA
DAMIAN MOSS—-4.1-7—5—5—1—3—4.67
VLADMR.NUNEZ—2.1-4—2—2—0—4—3.86
ANDY SHIBILO—1.1-3—3—3—1—2—6.00
DAMIAN MOSS continues to struggle in his attempt to return to the majors. VLADIMER NUNEZ took a step backward yesterday after two forward in his previous outings. He now has 21.0 IP/23 H, 9 ER, 6 BB, 22 SO. ANDY SHIBILO has not found his bearings yet in AAA despite being on the rubber in 9 games so far. His 2-10 BB/SO ratio is great, but pitch location is not good. 9.0 IP/14 H. with 6 ER.
No, the cream of the crop are CHARLIE MORTON - 1.76 ERA and PHIL STOCKMAN - 0.84 ERA on the mound and in the bull-pen. The organization continues to hold its breath hoping that arms will arrive from the lower minors ready to step up to AAA levels. Frankly, I think the Braves thought BRAYAN PENA would have been involved in a trade for a young arm by now who could step in here.