AJC > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 29 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDo Braves need psychological jump-start?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Unfortunately, this trip is holding to form so far. Maybe one of the recent posters on here was right and it has gotten in the guys’ heads now; it’s almost as if they’re waiting for something bad to happen late in these games.
That wouldn’t be surprising, since they’ve somehow managed to lose 10 of their past 12 road games.
Jo-Jo Reyes certainly did his part last night, though. If he’d had any support — and I do mean ANY — it could have been much a different story. The young lefty allowed only two hits over seven scoreless innings, retiring 14 consecutive batters at one point and striking out a career-high nine.
Then he walked the lead-off batter to start the eighth, and that was the end of that.
A colleague has suggested that the Braves should try to trade Reyes now, because his value will never be higher. But what, exactly, would you trade him for? Someone who can hit on the road?
He throws strikes (he threw first-pitch strikes to 15 of the 25 batters he faced last night) and has impressed the coaches and his teammates since being moved into the rotation. Did you see the reception he got in the dugout in the eighth?
I think quality starting pitching is too crucial to trade a promising youngster for another question mark, which is all you’d get for Jo-Jo at this point. The Braves did learn something from the Adam Wainwright trade, right?
So what do you think? Do the Braves need to make a move, even if it’s just to shake up the team psychologically? Or should they just ride this out and hope whatever is causing the road funk works itself out?
Upcoming TV Schedule
Thursday: at Brewers, 1:05, SportSouth
Friday: at Reds, 7:10, SportSouth
Saturday: at Reds, 3:55, FOX
Sunday: at Reds, 1:15, SportSouth
Monday: vs. Marlins, 7:00, SportSouth
Tuesday: vs. Marlins, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Wednesday: vs. Marlins, 1:00, Peachtree TV
Thursday: vs. Marlins, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Permalink | Comments (46) | Post your comment | Categories: Chop Chick
Comments
By geekboy
May 29, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
If I was GM, I would find a #2/3 starter somewhere and package an outfielder (Diaz, Kotsay, Blanco, Infante, or Anderson), a closer (Boyer, Acosta, Soriano or Gonzalez) and a starter (anyone other than Hudson or Jurgens) for a proven big league winner.
I suspect someone would bite on a Jo-Jo, Soriano, Diaz package.
By shut up
May 29, 2008 9:37 AM | Link to this
Yes, yes, yes. We’ve gotta do something - fire the manager, trade a pitcher, get a hitter, trade a hitter, get a pitcher, burn some bats, bury some balls, wear their shoes on the wrong feet, turn their hats backwards, wear women’s underwear, breathe through their eyelids. Something. Maybe. Relax.
By KyleH
May 29, 2008 9:44 AM | Link to this
As for the braves road woes, the “senior discount” strikezone (that what i called it) that Jeff Suppan recieved last night. I watched the game on mlbgameday where it shows pitch by pitch location and the braves hitters had a point in argueing. I mean how else could JEFF SUPPAN be so dominant.
Jojo was amazing and as I’ve been saying since last year, don’t give up on this kid. He has made huge strides in his control from last year and has an amazing K/BB ratio in comparison to last year. I’m telling you, I think Jojo will gain consistency and will take a high spot in the rotation in the coming years. And i dont think you can say that Jojo was dominant for the same reason as Suppan which was the huge strike zone last night. Jojo didnt get the 5 inch off the plate strikes that suppan got. Jojo was hitting the black and even made a few hitters like Prince Fielder look silly at the plate. All we can do is see how he performs in his next start and see if he carries something out of this start and maybe gets some run support next time.
By KyleH
May 29, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
shut up,
nice Bull Durham references. awesome
By geekboy
May 29, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
On second thought, I would trade Glavine, Jo-Jo, Anderson, Boyer, Pena (the catcher) and Thorman to the Mariners for Eric Bedard. And I would throw in Jeff Bennett and Buddy Carlyle too if that’s what it takes.
By Lee in S. GA
May 29, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
Much too early in the season to panic and whine about much when the Braves are only 2 1/2 games out of 1st. Things will even out, especially the 2nd half of the season. Not defending the hitting on the road because it has been pretty awful but there were a couple of questionable pitching calls in last nights game. Tex and McCann had terrible back-to-back questionable calls for strikes. Wren will make a couple of trades around midseason wherever management sees fit. We have some good players (pitchers) coming back from injury also. I think the Braves will surge and win the N.L. East by season’s end.
By Cosmo Smithe, PhD
May 29, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this
I believe that psychological jump starts would place some of these Braves in jeopardy. You know, you know, uh, you know, psychological jump starting would not work.
Maybe a manager that is waiting for a homerun with runners at second and third could be persuaded to instruct his hitters to put the ball in play rather than try to pull a pitch into the stands.
This is a low percentage move from a by the book manager. Go figure.
By AGTfan
May 29, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
I agree with your title. Something needs to be done from a psychological perspective to shake some things lose on the road for the HITTERS.
Trading Jo Jo at this point would be insane. Our pitching is getting the job done. Jo Jo had as good an outing as any Brave’s pitcher has had all season. You get ZERO run support, you’re going to lose
By Will
May 29, 2008 11:05 AM | Link to this
Oh it is definitely in their heads. They are hitting like they always do in the postseason under the “great” Bobby Cox! This team just disgusts me right now with all the talent they have. What was that Frenchy? Was that another road 0-for!!
By Cooper
May 29, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
Regardless of how JOJO did in one start the Braves need another starter.
You cannot lose Smoltz to the pen and have on-going auditions for the 4-5 spots all season.
If JOJO can maintain his development he would be fine as a 5 but not higher.
The rotation has pitched well statistically especially when you consider the injuries however it is not close to playoff caliber or sustainable as-is.
Hudson is a 1/1A no 2 no 3 Two fours (JJ & Glavine) Open mic night for 5 (JOJO, Camp, Carlyle, Bennett, CJ & Morton in the wings)
You could argue that if Glavine keeps pitching 5 innings and getting lit up now and again he is really a 5.
JJ looks to be a solid 3/2A guy down the road but give the kid a chance develop. Remember he broke camp as a 5.
The Braves also need a power bat off the bench and Norton is not that guy. He looks lost up there apart from a few hits right after the trade.
So yes a deal is needed for a starter, a bat and in the interim Bobby needs to feel free to adjust the line up and sit players who are struggling.
By joe
May 29, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
strike zone last night was bad, but it was the same for both teams.we need some vodoo magic to get out of this road funk. with two games that we coulda/woulda /shoulda won(thanks Jim Mora) we would be in first place right now..We just need to catch a road break and get rolling. hopefully today- best record in day games in the Majors!!
By Atlanta Fan
May 29, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
So is Diaz really out for the year? This would hurt our team bad. I hope it’s not true.
By Supes
May 29, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
The Braves need several moves.
It all depends on what they actually get from 1.Smoltz 2.Soriano 3.Gonzo
When all 3 return to the pen. If 2 ouf of those 3 are able to pitch the rest of the season when they return and do an above average job, no additional relievers are needed.
As far as starters, if a young and promising starter could be had at the trade deadline…you’ve gotta make the move. Build for the future right now.
Let’s look beyond this season.
Who is in the starting rotation in 09?
Please, nothing certain after the 1-2 rotation slots. Glavine will probably retire, he’s getting up there in age. Smoltz will probably never be a starter again. We are left with unproven long term guys like Jo-Jo…who shows flashes of brilliance every once in a while and gets lit up like a pinball machine by these big league hitters (How do you like that Bull Durham referrence?). Chuck James is finished. We are left with journeyman and “spot starters”.
So a trade for more starting pitching must be made sometime this season, and no later than the winter meetings. Frank Wren, get young pitching talent!
Next need to be addressed is OF. Xavier Nady or Adam Dunn…I’d be thrilled to get either one of these two guys if the Braves want to “sell” some talent for a rent-a-player for a possible playoff push, if they are still contenders by the July 31st trade deadline.
I think Jeff Francouer is expendable for top young pitching talent (straight up or in a packaged deal,as the center piece the other team will be getting).
Players who are untouchable as far as trade…Yunel, Kelly, Mac (excluding vets like Chipper).
TEX is the wildcard. If the Braves can get a top of the line starter or 2-3 (highly rated pitching prospects) and are OUT of the race…they have to do it. They just do. Can’t let TEX walk for nothing.
It still hurts knowing that we could have traded Chuck James (2 seasons ago) to the TB Rays for Carl Crawford (wouldn’t you like to have him in the OF?) and Andruw Jones in 06 to the Sox for Crisp and Lester.
Seattle isn’t trading Eric Beddard, they’ve just gotten him this season and signed him to a big contract.
As far as pitching…A’s…Maybe the Giants or the Reds will be willing to deal with the Braves.
By Robert s
May 29, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
I totally agree with Cosmo Smythe. Bobby Cox is a “wait-for-the-three-run-jack” kind of manager when all we needed was one or two runs. It all goes back to the fact that there is no real discipline on this team, yet Cox is gonna be around next year too, and the go-for-broke approach will continue. The Braves have good hitters. They simply need to learn the fine art of taking a pitch and waiting for a good pitch to hit, rather than going up there hacking, or whining about umpires’ strike zones. They sure weren’t complaining when Maddux and Glavine got wide strike zones in their prime.
As far as trades go, there’s been talk of Livan Hernandez of the Twins being available. He’s durable and eats up the innings. But it won’t matter if the Braves can’t even move guys over or drive them in……..
By AngryBrave
May 29, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this
This may sound rediculous, but that HP ump should be fined. I felt that his calls severely impacted the game. The walk that Jo Jo started the eighth with were just as close pitches as the strikes against Tex and McCann, and forcing McCann back into the box like that is irresponsible as a major league Ump. Bobby should look into protesting this game or something!
By DerekZ
May 29, 2008 11:26 AM | Link to this
Supes: “I think Jeff Francouer is expendable for top young pitching talent (straight up or in a packaged deal,as the center piece the other team will be getting).”
HA! That is ridiculous. I stopped reading your post after that.
By geekboy
May 29, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Have you looked at Seattle’s lineup? They will trade Bedard for a reliable 1B, catcher and pitching depth. A #1 starting pitcher is not helping them much when their whole team sucks. Pena would be the #1 catcher in their organization.
As someone said earlier, the Braves need to unload the wealth of middling talent they have for a decent #2/3 starter. The future looks very dim for this pitching rotation. I weep when I look at Arizona, the Dodgers or the Reds’ staff.
By varoadrunner
May 29, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
It’s managing - simple and sweet!
Is it a curfew issue? Is it lack of motivation? Is it lack of disciplain?
It could be allof the above and it’s a manager’s job to get the team over it.
Sit people, kick people’s asses, do whatever it takes to get the job done and clearly Bobby isn’t doing much.
Their offense looks stagnant away from home and all I can come up with is the time off the field. Are they parting too much? Not enough sleep? Food problems? Who knows, BUT SOMETHING IS WRONG ON THE ROAD.
Figure it out Bobby and FIX IT!
By Jeff321
May 29, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Yes, some of the Braves need a psychological exam. And I would start with that whacked out manager. Ya know, the one who manages games like we’re up 7-2 when the score is really 2-1. Oh and might as well get Wren and Schuerholz in there too for putting up with Cox’s inability to manage a team properly. SHAME!
By ChampDawg
May 29, 2008 11:56 AM | Link to this
IT’S TEX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This team doesn’t need anything but a good dose of clutch hitting. Again, last night Tex simply failed to deliver when he had the chance. That’s both games so far.
I’m telling you, the guy is a liability. I’d have no problem getting rid of him for another starter. I wouldn’t have said this last year, but sadly this year it’s true.
Until Tex and Francoeur start to deliver, this is and will continue to be a .500 ballclub.
By Supes
May 29, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
DerekZ
That’s certainly your right, but it doesn’t make what I said UNTRUE.
Tell me what has Jeff Francouer showed you in 3 years in the ML that he’ll be a star 5 tool player that he came up advertised to be? Has Jeff been good, yes he has. Could he be better? Yes he can. How much better? Do you want to gamble and find out, or would you rather let some other team do that and get STARTING PITCHING, which is sorely needed on this Braves staff, for this season and most definitely next season.
Here is the ugly truth. Other than possibly Jo-Jo and maybe Charlie Morton, who are the Braves so called “top tier pitching prospects” that can be plugged into a rotation? Please don’t even try to mention James, Bennett, Carlyle or Campillo…as all are in “journey man” status right now. Meaning they can give you several good starts, but as soon as asked to be full time starters and the league figures them out, it’s game over…like it was for James (who is finished!)
So I’ll ask this again…what is harder to find…a good corner OF (like Jeff) or a top of the line 1-2 starter in this league? Yeah, I thought so.
Starting pitching is the key. Over a 162 game season.
Geekboy, you are missing the point. It’s not about what Seattle needs, they signed Eric Beddard to a long term deal his past off-season, and you think they are willing to trade him 2 months into that deal? They are building their starting pitching rotation around him and Felix Hernandez.
Braves most likely should go to the Pirates and try and get Nady or Dunn as a rent a player if they are NOT OUT of it (who knows what happens in the next 2 months), or we’ll be left with Blanco, Infante, possibly Josh Anderson or Brandon Jones. All serviceable and decent, but nothing that will provide run producing numbers that a corner OF spot should give them! Look up the past 2 season and beyond…Braves rank so low in LF production numbers b/c they have been willing to live with this ridiculous platoon system.
If one of the stud young starting pitchers from the Giants could be had for Jeff Francouer, I would do that deal in a heartbeat.
TEX should only be considered to be traded to a contender if the Braves are out of it by July 31st…as in 10 games out or more of first place. Only for a number 1 starter.
By Luke
May 29, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
With the risk of being laughed out of this blog I will ask this question. What is Hampton’s status? Is there a chance he can help this staff towards the 2nd half of the season?
By Rip
May 29, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Trade I’m gonna get paid Tex ,Trade i swat and miss the first pitch Jeff “goldenboy” Francouer,make Smoltz and Glav retire .Book Bobby Cox in the nearest old folks home .Move the braves out of atlanta they all stink excluding B Mac ,and chipper
By Rip
May 29, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this
today score braves 1 brew crew 2 another road loss and another one run loss .
By KyleH
May 29, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this
Supes,
I DO like that bull Durham reference.haha
By Jerry
May 29, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Responsibility ultimately comes down to Cox. We have men on 1st and 2nd with no outs and can’t score. Cox does wait for the clutch hit. You shake things up during the course of a game. Say when we have people on an a double play would end the inning why not have that power hitter bunt the ball.I have always said that if a hitter is struggling at the plate put them in the 2 hole and they will snap out. Trust me. Frenchy needs to go to the 2 hole for a couple of games. Kelly and Yunel are not lead off hitters. Give Blanco a shot. What? You say we’ll lose by a run. I know it sounds crazy but bat Tex lead off or put him in the 2 hole after Frenchy.
Bat them
Blanco Yunel Hoss Tex McCann Frenchy Kotsay Kelly
The only thing to think about next year is the 16 million we save from muscle boy. Golly, is there any chance we can resign him.
SHAKE IT UP DURING THE GAME.
Blanco reaches on a walk. Yunel singles to left, runners at 1st and 2nd. Hoss comes up and bunts to bring the runners to 2nd and 3rd with one out. Tex walks to load the bases then McCann doubles down the left field line. Tex is thrown out at the plate due to checking himself every step. Frenchy whiffs at a high pitch out of the zone but looks good doing it. Bottom of 1st Braves 2 Whomever 0. Try it.
By really?
May 29, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
thats right jerry. lets have a guy hitting over .400 with an OPS over 1.000 bunt. it really is amazing youre not managing a big league ball club right now. its like not the braves current manager is a first ballot hall of famer. oh wait…
By tj
May 29, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
I didn’t realize the Braves just played the first 1-0 game in MLB history. I thougtt I remembered Koufax and Bob Hendly had a 13 inning 1-0 game in 66. What this team needs is not to read this paper or listen to Ron Gant and Stringbean Jurenovich. Nothing but negative crap. No wonder Smoltz won’t talk any more. And that takes a lot. This team just went 8-4 before last night and all the talk is one loss. Just a reminder: no team has ever gone undefeated. And the best thing Bobby can do is keep Ron Gant away from the hitters. Every time Tex or Jeff gets a hit or two he starts his ” I been talking to him about what he’s doing now he’s coming out of it “.Yeah, right.
By Brave Defender
May 29, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
How did so many Met fans find their way onto this Braves blog?
There’s more whining here than in a pre-school classroom.
GO BRAVES!!!
By andyt
May 29, 2008 1:11 PM | Link to this
What i suggest would be to wait on jo jo, you dont want to make a mistake by trading him before giving him a good shot, but if somebody wants him in the package for a frontline starter i would do it. i would be open to trading jeff but only if we could get a solid number 2 in return. i would try to trade tex if we are out of first place by trade deadline, get some pitching prospects in return because i doubt we will resign him.(if he plays like last year he’s worth the 16mil per and the braves would win the division) i believe the braves are good enough right now to win their division but i believe we are a number 2 pitcher away from challenging for a world series.
By Jerry
May 29, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Mr. By really?
I said to shake things up. With a sacrifice he doesn’t even get an at bat. You must be Bobby’s son. Sit on your hands Cox. Cox is one of the greatest all time but can’t win in the playoffs. Even when he was with the Blue Jays.
I also see where someone can’t make a comment and you have to put your idiot comments in. Its a free country tail wipe. If you don’t like it do something about it. Oh yeah, you only comment behind the scenes. Dillweed.
By Jerry
May 29, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
are you sure its not
Bi, really!!!
By Jerry
May 29, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this
THIS JUST IN
Blanco tripled, Yunel walked and then Hoss sacrificed Blanco in.
Eat that Bi really
By Rip
May 29, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
They had the bases loaded in the first with one out ,and guy grounded into a double play …its going be one kind of days …
By Phil
May 29, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this
Why all the panic and worry?? According to that ignorant moron Mark Bradley, the Braves will be in first place by July 4th and pulling away in September! Nothing to worry about folks!
By Brave Defender
May 29, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Jerry,
Some FYI here…
Most managers historically have losing records. Most managers don’t even make it to the playoffs. Every year only 1 out of 8 teams truely succeeds in the playoffs.
Does 5 National League titles say “can’t win in the playoffs”?DILLWEED!
So your “he can’t win in the playoffs” comment has less weight than a paperclip.
Go root for the Yankees Jerry.
GO BRAVES!!!
By Jeff321
May 29, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
McClung got sent almost to the stands when he took the wrath of Tex!
By Chuck
May 29, 2008 2:29 PM | Link to this
The Braves need an outfielder with some power and some RBI ability. That is even more true with Diaz out for 4-5 weeks and possibly hindered for the rest of the season. The Braves are getting virtually no power from the outfield, where you NEED power. They are also getting very little clutch hitting from the outfield. Yes, a starting pitcher would be nice, but every team needs one, and where are they? The Braves can probably get by with current starters and maybe, later, Charlie Morton from Richmond, but they urgently need a clutch hitter for LF, a guy who’ll provide some power and knock in runs, preferably a RH hitter.
By John
May 29, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this
I don’t know if they need psychological help or not but this video of Braves fans bashing the mets has to make you feel better, haha.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KquYDvrwh3E
By soxman
May 29, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
Yet more Bobbyball, bringing you the same results since 1991. One-run losses. Cox is a genius when he doesn’t have to manage- like with 3 hall of fame pitchers- or blow-out or shut-out games. But when he has to figure out something- like when to take a pitcher out or who to bring in in a close game- he is better off just continuing to pick his nose. A shame for ATL that he wants to stay another year, and that the Braves don’t have an owner to take charge. Well I guess Mrs. Cox is happy, at least Bobby won’t be around for another year to beat on her!
By Cosmo Smithe, PhD
May 29, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox should be the first to be tested. Does he have any peculiar habits or eccentricities? I will donate an hour to professionally evaluate Cox for this blog. First, I must cover my office furniture in plastic.
By richbrave
May 29, 2008 7:03 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
PITCHING:
After two consecutive so-so outings CHARLIE MORTON tries to break out with an upbeat performance tonight.
VLADIMER NUNEZ steady in relief if not spectacular-yet.
JONOTHAN ROUWENHORST and FRANCISELY BUENO being bombed regularly now. Need to change things the second time through the league.
HITTING??:
BARBARO CANIZARES keeps hitting (now .322).
DIORY HERNANDEZ has done great so far filling in for BRENT LiLLIBRIDGE posting a .332 average with 116 AB.
BRENT LiLLIBRIDGE BTW is Ba-a-ac-ck. His average now above the Mendoza Line at .215.
JOSH ANDERSON’s average begins to rebound since he’s surpassed 200 AB’s (206). Now averaging .282.
CLINT Sammons’ average continues a downward spiral.
BRANDON JONES tailing off again after a strong rebound in his hitting.
More later.
By richbrave
May 29, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
DOWN ON THE FARM
CHARLIE MORTON was on top of his game tonight dominating in 7.0 IP with 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO against the second best hitting club in the International League (.270 club average), the SYRACUSE CHIEFS. Lots of fly ball outs early, but with a man on second and one gone in the 4th, its a double play grounder to DIORYS HERNANDEZ at 2nd to SCOTT THORMAN at 1st to end the inning.
THORMAN BTW gives MORTON the only run he needs to get on top and stay there. A HR in the 2nd.
There was no doubt who was in charge in this game. Now lets hope the pen doesn’t give it away.
By richbrave
May 29, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this
geekboy:
Your “wealth of middling talent” struck me as being particularly cogent. The Braves have been drafting toward the bottom third of the league for many years now and the “middling talent” speaks well of the organization’s ability to draft and develop bottom third talent into middle-of-the road pitchers. That said its still”middling talent.” Right on the money Mr. geekboy.
By herschworld
May 31, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
Trade Jo-Jo hell No-No..That would be stupid why would you trade a guy thats pitching better than half your rotation. Just doesn’t make any sense to develop a guy and then once he’s producing trade him for a question mark. People are putting to much stock in this road stuff. I think the guys need to start going out on the road..Now that the young guys are all married there use to that good cookin, love and comfort from there wifes. When they hit the road after the games they need to go out for some beers and chase a little tail..Maybe that will fire um up a bit and put some wind in thier sails and they’ll start seeing the ball better at the plate..
By glep
June 2, 2008 1:20 AM | Link to this
With the exception of Chipper The braves should bench the entire team on the road(Including Bobby).Bring up the minor leagers. Then we have an excuse for the play of the team away from home and not be surprised (or ashamed) of their play on the road.