AJC > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May
May 2008
Braves enjoy good day on the road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Braves got a lot of good news yesterday — and they needed it.
After Jorge Campillo’s latest impressive outing (one earned run in five innings with six strikeouts, topped off by a two-run single), John Smoltz threw two innings in Rome with his new-look three-quarters arm angle and expects to come off the disabled list before Monday’s game against the Marlins.
Smoltz allowed only one hit while throwing 27 pitches (17 for strikes) in his second rehab assignment. “I threw some real good, quality pitches that would get hitters out at any level,” the veteran right-hander told Steve Hummer.
Speaking of injured Braves, I’m not sure where the rumor started that Matt Diaz was going to be lost for the year, but the reality is that he’ll be out four to six weeks with a partial tear of the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. So now Gregor Blanco gets to play every day, and as long as Mark Kotsay is having trouble with his back, Omar Infante and Greg Norton will get playing time, too.
Which leads me to say how much I’m loving the Braves’ bench this year. It’s a talented, versatile bunch of guys who embrace their roles.
And, in a final bit of good news, the first vote totals for the All-Star Game have been released, and it’s looking really good for Chipper Jones to make his first appearance at the Midsummer Classic since 2001.
Chipper, who has an incredible .420 average heading into June, leads the Melts’ David Wright, 420,664 votes to 321,091.
“It would be cool to go to this one, last one at old Yankee Stadium,” the Braves third baseman told Carroll Rogers. “We’ll see. Still got a long way to go.”
Do you vote — or even watch — the All-Star Game? If so, which Braves will you vote for this year? Here’s how to cast your ballot.
Upcoming TV Schedule
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
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Do 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
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Braves still snake-bitten on the road
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Snakes on a plane! ** snakes on a ** plane!
These Braves get snake-bitten whenever they step on an airplane. Last night is yet another perfect example. Granted, the bats were comparatively quiet, but Tim Hudson cruised through six innings and there were some outstanding defensive plays that gave the feeling the Bravos had this one in hand. Then came the seventh .. and the eighth … and the ninth.
You just know that if this game had been played at the Ted, the Braves would have added an insurance run or two in the late innings and the bullpen would have been up to the task. Unfortunately, it was at Miller Park, and apparently there’s no such thing as an insurance run on the road for this team.
To add injury to insult, thanks to what Joe Simpson referred to as an “almost irresponsible” concrete section of the outfield wall, Matt Diaz is headed to the disabled list with a bad left knee. (The silver lining is, this makes room for Rafael Soriano, who’s due to come off the DL.)
But I have to point out that Diaz is such a gamer that he not only stayed in the game after the injury but he also tried to BUNT his way on in the top of the next inning! It didn’t work, but the Brewers’ infield definitely wasn’t expecting that.
As for why this team is snake-bitten on the road, I have no insight to offer; heck, I don’t even have any more questions. Just feel free to unload if you need to.
Upcoming TV Schedule
Wednesday: at Brewers, 8:05, FSN South
Thursday: at Brewers, 1:05, SportSouth
Friday: at Reds, 7:10, SportSouth
Saturday: at Reds, 3:55, FOX
Sunday: at Reds, 1:15, SportSouth
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Braves can’t catch a break in standings
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I think I speak for most Braves fans when I say that I thoroughly enjoyed that homestand. A four-game sweep of the hated Mets, a series win over the contending A’s and a split with the NL West-leading Diamondbacks made for an 8-3 stretch that featured some great baseball.
Jorge Campillo is a godsend, the bullpen has more than held down the fort, and with the exception of only a couple of games, the bats have been phenomenal. I’ll say it for what seems like the millionth time this season: Here’s hoping they can carry that momentum on the road. It’s the Brewers (24-27) and Reds (23-28), for cryin’ out loud.
The strange thing is, while the Braves were putting together this impressive homestand, the Marlins were sweeping the D’backs and taking two of three from the Giants to maintain their 2 1/2-game lead in the NL East. What the heck does Fredi Gonzalez have going on down there?
I’m sure all of us predicted that two months into the season, the Marlins would be the team everyone was chasing, right?
Outside of the five games against the Braves (the Fish have the edge so far, 3-2), I haven’t seen much of the Marlins. Anybody out there watch them more often? Any insight to offer on how strong they really are and if they can keep this up?
With the benefit of seeing the first two months, here’s a chance to revise our season predictions. I’m predicting the Braves and Phillies will be in it for the long haul, with the Marlins fading a bit and the Mets making a charge at some point but falling short. How do you see the NL East race playing out?
Upcoming TV Schedule
Tuesday: at Brewers, 8:05, SportSouth
Wednesday: at Brewers, 8:05, FSN South
Thursday: at Brewers, 1:05, SportSouth
Friday: at Reds, 7:10, SportSouth
Saturday: at Reds, 3:55, FOX
Sunday: at Reds, 1:15, SportSouth
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Why can’t Braves take this mojo on the road?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’ve held off on this till the end of the series, but now it can be said: Don’t you wish the Braves could play the Mets (at home) all the time?
Actually, don’t you wish the Braves could just play at home all the time, period? They’re an NL-best 20-5 at Turner Field and have won 13 of their past 14 home games.
After all the frustration caused by this season’s road trips, this four-game sweep was something beautiful to behold, and it ended, fittingly, with a beautiful diving catch by Mark Kotsay in center.
“We’ve just got to get this feeling some time when we eat foreign food and sleep in different beds,” Chipper Jones told Dave O’Brien last night.
I’ll admit, I’m stumped, so what’s your theory on why the Braves have this Dr. Jekyll-Mr. Hyde act going this year? It’s not as if they’re a group of youngsters who aren’t comfortable away from home, so what the heck is it?
Even if we don’t figure it out, at least they have four games left at the Ted (against the suddenly reeling Diamondbacks) before they have to venture out again.
By the way, something that may have gotten lost in the excitement during this series is that Kelly Johnson is hitting .464 (13-for-28) since moving out of the leadoff spot, upping his season average to .299. That means five guys in the lineup are hitting over .290, and Mark Teixeira and Jeff Francoeur are headed that way.
And thanks to Brad for coming up with a great nickname for the Braves’ division rivals. From here forward, they will be known as the “Melts” on this blog.
Upcoming TV Schedule
Friday: vs. D’backs, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. D’backs, 3:55, FOX
Sunday: vs. D’backs, 1:30, SportSouth
Monday: vs D’backs, 1:00, SportSouth
Tuesday: at Brewers, 8:05, SportSouth
Wednesday: at Brewers, 8:05, FSN South
Thursday: at Brewers, 1:05, SportSouth
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Things to love about this homestand, take 2
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Braves look as good at home as they’ve looked bad on the road. And that’s pretty darn good.
Some of our blogs were down yesterday (including this one), and I apologize to anyone who might have wanted to post and didn’t get to. We can continue yesterday’s theme so you’ll have the chance to weigh in on it.
The basic idea is, what have you liked most about this homestand? Here are the things that came to mind from Tuesday’s doubleheader, and I’ll add the following from last night:
• Jeff Francoeur returned from his game on the bench to come within a double of hitting for the cycle, going 3-for-4 with four RBIs.
• Jair Jurrjens contributed yet another quality start, allowing only one earned run in seven innings to notch his fifth win of the year.
• Mark Teixeira has his average up to .274, thanks to a three-hit night that continued his hot streak. He also drove in three runs and scored twice.
• Brian McCann is swinging a hot bat, too, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs. He also hit his team-leading 18th double of the season.
• It bears repeating from yesterday that this is all happening against a Mets team that looks to be falling apart at the seams.
My only problem with last night’s win is that Bobby Cox felt compelled to bring Jeff Bennett in to pitch the eighth inning of an 11-2 game after having him warm up in game one of Tuesday’s doubleheader and pitch an inning in game two. He’s thrown 37 innings in 21 appearances, not counting the times he’s warmed up but wasn’t used. Anybody want to start a pool on when the dependable spot-starter/long reliever will need to make his appointment to see Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham?
Upcoming TV Schedule
Thursday: vs. Mets, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Friday: vs. D’backs, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. D’backs, 3:55, FOX
Sunday: vs. D’backs, 1:30, SportSouth
Monday: vs. D’backs, 1:00, SportSouth
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It all comes together in doubleheader sweep
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There are so many good things to talk about after the Braves’ doubleheader SWEEP OF THE METS yesterday (I just love typing that) … I almost don’t know where to begin.
• The 17 consecutive batters retired by Tom Glavine in the first game.
• Jorge Campillo’s extremely impressive start in the second game (six shutout innings with seven strikeouts, allowing only three hits). Ladies and gentlemen, I think we may have found ourselves that desperately needed starter at the back of the rotation.
• The bullpen’s 20-inning scoreless streak (which ended harmlessly in the eighth inning of game two).
• Mark Teixeira’s hope-inspiring 4-for-5 performance.
• Chipper Jones going 2-for-4 in the second game to end that mini-slump (2-for-11 in his previous three games) and push his average to .409.
• The Braves’ bench, which now features speed, versatility and a little pop.
• The cherry on top is that it all happened against the Mets and moved the Braves past them into a tie for second with the Phillies.
What were the best things you saw in yesterday’s doubleheader? And how do you think Campillo would do coming off three days’ rest against the Diamondbacks on Saturday, as the Braves are considering?
As for today, we could use some good news on Yunel Esobar’s right knee. The collision at second base that ended the game last night was brutal. The young shortstop said, “No DL,” as he was being helped off the field, but the possibility that he’ll miss some time obviously exists. Good thing Omar Infante has looked so good since coming off his stint on the DL.
Photos from the doubleheader and more Braves coverage.
Upcoming TV Schedule
Wednesday: vs. Mets, 7:00, FSN/ESPN
Thursday: vs. Mets, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Friday: vs. D’backs, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. D’backs, 3:55, FOX
Sunday: vs. D’backs, 1:30, SportSouth
Monday: vs. D’backs, 1:00, SportSouth
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Concerns about Smoltz loom after big weekend
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First the good news: The Braves took two of three from the A’s over the weekend to improve their home record to an impressive 16-5. Now the bad news: John Smoltz is sounding pessimistic about a May return.
“It could be anywhere between the [late May] timetable I discussed and a lot longer,” Smoltz told Dave O’Brien on Sunday after feeling some discomfort following his Thursday and Saturday bullpen sessions.
The part that worries me is the ‘a lot longer.’ That phrase has a different meaning when you’re 41 years old, as opposed to, say, 31. And another phrase from DOB’s story that’s got to be cause for concern: “… there’s no guarantee that complete rest for a longer period would knock out the inflammation.”
We all know that unless his arm falls off, Smoltz will do everything in his power to pitch again — and soon. That’s evidenced by his willingness to change his delivery or arm angle if the problem persists, which could mean a short-term gain in exchange for bigger issues later.
Obviously the possibility exists that he might not be the same again. How concerned are you about that? If Smoltz can’t come back in full form, what effect do you think that would have on the psyche of the team, not to mention the quality of the staff?
And if he does, do you think pitching an inning at a time out of the ‘pen would work well, or will Bobby Cox be unable to resist the temptation to use him too often?
On a couple of lighter notes:
• My favorite Skip quote from the weekend: “So far, this has been as much fun as an alimony payment.” — in the third inning of Saturday night’s game, with the Braves trailing 5-0.
• Dale Murphy’s son Jake took batting practice at the Ted on Saturday and had a tryout with the Braves on Sunday.
Upcoming TV Schedule
Monday: Off-day
Tuesday: vs. Mets, 1:00, Peachtree TV; 7:00, SportSouth
Wednesday: vs. Mets, 7:00, FSN South
Thursday: vs. Mets, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Friday: vs. D’backs, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. D’backs, 3:55, FOX
Sunday: vs. D’backs, 1:30, SportSouth
Monday: vs. D’backs, 1:00, SportSouth
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Who takes James’ spot in Braves rotation?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Who takes Chuck James’ spot in the rotation next week?
Over his past three starts, James has allowed 16 hits, 13 runs, 14 walks and five homers in 15 innings. He told Dave O’Brien: “I’ve just got learn how to pitch again.”
I, for one, would prefer he do that in Richmond, so if the Braves are determined to give Charlie Morton a few more starts in AAA, I’d give Jeff Bennett the ball the next time around.
But the young left-hander isn’t the reason the Braves are limping back home with a 2-5 record on this road trip (dropping their season road record to 6-16). The biggest problem is that it’s feast or famine with the offense. James could have thrown nine shutout innings last night, but without a single run, it would have just meant extras.
They scored eight runs in the five losses (an average of 1.6 per game) but plated 16 in the two wins (8.0 per game). At least they’re back home now, where they’ve outscored opponents 110-64 (as opposed to the road, where they’ve been outscored 83-90).
Here’s hoping Chipper’s groin strain isn’t serious and he’s back in the lineup tonight against the A’s, as he thinks he will be.
Speaking of tonight’s game, I’ve never been a fan of interleague play, especially when the schedule is unbalanced with “rivalries.” What’s your take on it?
Upcoming TV Schedule
Friday: vs. A’s, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. A’s, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Sunday: vs. A’s, 1:30, SportSouth
Monday: off-day
Tuesday: vs. Mets, 1:00, Peachtree TV; 7:00, SportSouth
Wednesday: vs. Mets, 7:00, FSN/ESPN
Thursday: vs. Mets, 7:00, Peachtree TV
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Three Braves join unusual charity effort
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It all finally came together for Tom Glavine last night. The veteran lefty was handed a big lead, he cruised through five innings before hitting the wall in the sixth — apparently, when you’re past 40, that wall can come up on you fast — and the bullpen bent but didn’t break to give Glavine his first win as a Brave since 2002.
Here’s hoping the bats have some life left in them for Chuck James tonight. A 3-4 road trip is much easier to live with than a 2-5 one, especially when it means taking the series from the Phillies.
Speaking of the bats, here’s an interesting note: Everyone in last night’s lineup is hitting at least .275 except Mark Teixeira, who’s at .254. It’s frustrating to imagine how good this offense could be if he could get it going even a little bit. After all, they scored eight runs last night while he went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts, leaving five Braves stranded.
On a lighter note, Glavine, Chipper Jones and Brian McCann have lent their names and images to an unusual charity effort. California’s Clos LaChance Winery & Estate Vineyard has created Cabernet Glavingnon, Chipper Chardonnay and McCann Merlot, and proceeds from the sales will go to local charities and the Major League Baseball Players Trust.
Profits from Cabernet Glavingnon will go to Cure Children’s Cancer, Chipper Chardonnay helps the Miracle League, and McCann Merlot supports the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research.
Gil Kuler, a certified wine educator with the Society of Wine Educators, offered the the following reviews:
McCann Merlot: It has refreshingly sharp acidity like a snap throw to first. A pleasant smoky, coffee-dark chocolate quality reminiscent of a brewing rally in the bottom of the ninth.
Cabernet Glavingnon: Like a slider into the dirt, it has an earthy quality with blackberry flavors that curve over the back corner of the palate.
Chipper Chardonnay: A singular citrusy aroma that’s doubly apparent on the palate. It has a triple dose of peppery spices and grand flavors of apricot and tangerine that slam the door on the finish to complete the tasting cycle.
Starting Monday, you’ll be able to buy them at Kroger, Wal-Mart and numerous other wine outlets for $13 a bottle. Does the pairing of baseball and wine seem odd to you, or will you pick up a bottle or two for a good cause? If so, which one(s) are you likely to buy?
Upcoming TV Schedule
Thursday: at Phillies, 7:05, SportSouth
Friday: vs. A’s, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. A’s, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Sunday: vs. A’s, 1:30, SportSouth
Monday: off-day
Tuesday: vs. Mets, 1:00, Peachtree TV; 7:00, SportSouth
Wednesday: vs. Mets, 7:00, FSN/ESPN
Thursday: vs. Mets, 7:00, Peachtree TV
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Gotta love your team, for better or worse
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Braves showed their knack for turning games into one-run losses again last night. With the Bravos headed into the ninth down 5-3, I was thinking, At least it’s not another one-run heartbreaker. Then Brian McCann’s double drove in Mark Kotsay to make it 5-4, and that thought became, Oh no, not again. You just knew it was going to end there, giving them 11 losses in 12 one-run games.
Despite that, there was a bright spot: After the game, everyone was raving about Jo-Jo Reyes, even though he gave up five earned runs on 11 hits in 6-2/3 innings. He threw 27 first-pitch strikes to the 32 batters he faced, 74 strikes out 105 pitches overall without a walk.
It’s strange to say a five-run, 11-hit outing was a solid one, but there you have it. According to Chipper Jones, “Jo-Jo pitched a really good game. He just got dinked and doinked to death.”
The warm reception in clubhouse isn’t surprising — players usually support their teammates — but sometimes the fans’ reactions can be a different story. Consider the rude treatment former Brave Andruw Jones gets at Dodgers Stadium, where even his Mother’s Day message on the video board was booed.
L.A. fans have been voicing their frustration with Andruw’s .170 average and single, solitary home run loudly and without reservation. The Braves former center fielder told the AP he’d never heard such a negative reaction.
I think that’s something Braves fans can be proud of: Unlike Yankees fans, Mets fans, Dodgers fans, Phillies fans, etc., we don’t rail on our guys one minute and then embrace them and expect them to love us back the next (at least not en masse out in public).
Earlier this year, Mets fans, who had booed Carlos Delgado mercilessly during an extended slump, wanted a curtain call after a big home run, and many were surprised when he refused. Can’t say that I blame him.
I understand these guys get paid well and are expected to earn that money and that people have a right to express themselves. But the players are human, they’re going to have tough stretches. As a fan, if you want to really enjoy the good times with your team, you have to endure the bad along with them, too. The Braves fans who’ve followed this team more than, say, 17 years get that.
What do you think about players being booed for bad performances? Does it annoy you when fans boo and curse their own players one minute and then cheer for them the next if they produce, or is that just part of the game?
If the Braves had played as badly at home as they have on the road, do you think they’d be booed by their fans?
Click here for full Braves coverage.
Upcoming TV Schedule
Wednesday: at Phillies, 7:05, FSN/ESPN
Thursday: at Phillies, 7:05, SportSouth
Friday: vs. A’s, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. A’s, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Sunday: vs. A’s, 1:30, SportSouth
Monday: off-day
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Which youngster should Braves bring up?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
To quote my favorite movie, “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains.” The way things have been going for the Braves on the road, a rainout in Pittsburgh yesterday wasn’t the worst thing that could have happened.
But it does wreak havoc on the rotation. With Jair Jurrjens pushed back to the first game of today’s doubleheader (provided they get these games in, since showers are predicted throughout the day), none of the regular starters would have enough rest by Friday’s game against the A’s at Turner Field.
There’s talk that they’ll bring up Charlie Morton, who’s been drawing raves from richbrave on this blog. The right-hander is 1-0 with a 1.76 ERA in six starts this season and has allowed just one earned run in 14 1/3 innings in his past two.
And Morton isn’t the only minor leaguer getting noticed. Thomas Hanson, who had a 0.90 ERA in seven starts with Myrtle Beach, was promoted to the Double A club in Mississippi over the weekend. Wonder how long he’ll stay there?
With the big-league starters and relievers going through a difficult time, which of the young guns — Morton, Hanson, Phil Stockman ( 0.84 ERA in 12 appearances) or someone else — would you most like to see in Atlanta? Or do you think the Braves should exercise some patience and let these guys develop a bit more?
I would love to see Morton and Stockman get a shot soon, but I hope they don’t bring Hanson up too quickly.
On an unrelated topic, my favorite movie is obviously “Bull Durham”; what’s your favorite baseball classic?
Upcoming TV Schedule
Monday: doubleheader at Pirates, 12:35, SportSouth
Tuesday: at Phillies, 7:05, SportSouth
Wednesday: at Phillies, 7:05, FSN/ESPN
Thursday: at Phillies, 7:05, SportSouth
Friday: vs. A’s, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. A’s, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Sunday: vs. A’s, 1:30, SportSouth
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What’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.
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Should the Braves try to trade Teixeira?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Braves definitely like home cooking. Last night’s win over the Padres gave them another five-game win streak and has them on the verge of sweeping their second series in a row.
I wasn’t sure how last night was going to go when Tim Hudson started mixing it up with the umps in the second inning, but he settled down and gave the offense time to get its act together and come through with a three-run seventh, keyed by none other than new acquisition Greg Norton.
The Braves have yet to lose a game in May, and they’ve done that without much help from their clean-up hitting first baseman, who’s 2-for-16 so far this month. Mark Teixeira has only one RBI in his past seven games and hasn’t gone deep since April 20.
I understand Tex is a slow starter and that he’s saved more than a few runs with that Gold Glove, but maybe Bobby Cox should think about moving him down in the order until he starts to come around.
Sports Illustrated recently offered some food for thought on Tex, breaking down the odds on where the free-agent-to-be may end up. The usual suspects were mentioned, but here’s the most interesting note:
“Red Sox. There’s some thought they could agree to trade Manny Ramirez, move the versatile Kevin Youkilis to leftfield and import Teixeira.”
What do you think of that idea? It’s not at all likely, but do you think the Braves should go along with this rent-a-player exchange? Would you like to see Manny in the four spot for a few months (his contract calls for a $20 million team option in 2009 and ‘10)?
Schedule Note: Today is get-away day, with a 1:00 start (SportSouth).
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Do some Braves fans owe Kotsay an apology?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
These Braves sure are a streaky team. After winning five in a row in mid-April, they lost two, won two and then reeled off four consecutive losses before starting May off with four straight wins.
But I’m not complaining. They’re back over .500 and only 1.5 games out of first, so as long as that pendulum keeps swinging farther toward the wins than the losses, they’ll be fine.
In winning their fourth in a row last night, they got another solid performance out of Jair Jurrjens, who notched his fourth win in seven starts this year (he allowed only one run in six innings, scattering seven hits), and Chipper continued to prove he’s the hottest hitter in baseball, coming through with a two-run homer in the third and raising his league-leading average to .426.
Those two guys have been huge in keeping this team afloat through injuries and some hard luck, but the guy who has my attention today is Mark Kotsay.
Over the past 15 games, Kotsay has gone 22-for-57, increasing his average from .220 to .308, including a two-hit, two-RBI game last night — topped off by a stellar defensive play in center.
Chipper told Mark Bowman of MLB.com: “Not to take anything away from Andruw, he’s the best defensive center fielder I’ve seen, plain and simple. But there just haven’t been that many instances where Kots didn’t get to a ball and you said, ‘Well, Andruw would have had that.’”
It sounds to me like the Braves are getting more than they’d hoped for out of their “stop-gap” centerfielder, who may be fully healthy for the first time since 2004. I’ll admit that I hadn’t expected this much from him.
So, what do you think? Do some Braves fans owe Mark Kotsay an apology for rushing to judgment, or is he merely playing the way you thought he would? Maybe the jury is still out for you?
Upcoming TV Schedule
Tuesday: vs. Padres, 7:00, SportSouth
Wednesday: vs. Padres, 7:00, FSN South
Thursday: vs. Padres, 1:00, SportSouth
Friday: at Pirates, 7:05, SportSouth
Saturday: at Pirates, 7:05, SportSouth
Sunday: at Pirates, 1:35, SportSouth
Permalink | Comments (117) | Post your comment | Categories: Chop Chick
What was your favorite part of Braves’ sweep?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I’m a little under the weather today, so this will be a short entry. But after the sweep of the Reds this weekend — thanks to Tim Hudson’s gem, solid performances from Jo-Jo Reyes and the bullpen, along with the 25 runs scored — I had to post something.
As Chipper Jones said, the Braves caught the Reds at the right time, and here’s hoping that continues with the Padres (especially since they won’t be seeing Jake Peavy or Greg Maddux).
So what was your favorite part of this weekend’s sweep?
For me, Huddy’s complete-game shutout was the high point on the field, but having Skip Caray back on TV was right up there, too (on Peachtree TV). Two of my favorite Skip moments (quotes may not be exact, but you get the idea):
• “The bases are loaded, and I’ll bet Dusty [Baker] wishes he was.” — Saturday night on TV
• “Pete, you’re a tough guy, surviving all these games you’ve called with me. After only two in the booth with Joe Simpson, I put him in the hospital.” — Sunday, on radio, after it was reported that Joe had an emergency appendectomy Sunday morning.
Upcoming TV Schedule
Monday: off-day
Tuesday: vs. Padres, 7:00, SportSouth
Wednesday: vs. Padres, 7:00, FSN South
Thursday: vs. Padres, 1:00, SportSouth
Friday: at Pirates, 7:05, SportSouth
Saturday: at Pirates, 7:05, SportSouth
Sunday: at Pirates, 1:35, SportSouth
Permalink | Comments (48) | Post your comment | Categories: Chop Chick
What’s your revamped Braves rotation?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
After a much-needed off-day for the Bravos, we’ll take a step back from the ledge of yesterday’s blog and look for a new start with a new month.
April is behind us (Chipper’s probably the only one sad to see it go), and here’s hoping May will bring better fortunes. Even with all the injuries, wacky weather and travel and the 0-9 record in one-run games, the Braves are only three games behind the first-place Marlins and 2 1/2 behind the Phillies and Mets.
John Smoltz is headed to the bullpen when he returns from the DL and Mike Hampton won’t be ready any time soon (I have to say it — if ever), so maybe it’s time to revisit that spring training blog about the starting rotation.
Jo-Jo Reyes is scheduled to start Saturday’s game against the Reds, and the Braves will need a fifth starter a week later, on May 10, when Hampton had been scheduled to return. Frank Wren is making a few calls, so we may have a new option by then, but if not, that fifth starter is likely to be Jeff Bennett or Chuck James.
Provided Wren doesn’t make a trade in the next week, who do you think has earned a shot? What does your revamped rotation look like?
Mr. Chop Chick put it this way: Huddy and Jair, then handle with care.
Here’s mine:
Hudson
Glavine
Jurrjens
Reyes (on a short leash with Chuck James and Charlie Morton waiting in Richmond)
Bennett (this makes Buddy Carlyle the long-relief guy)
Upcoming TV Schedule
Friday: vs. Reds, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. Reds, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Sunday: vs. Reds, 1:30, SportSouth
Monday: off-day
Tuesday: vs. Padres, 7:00, SportSouth
Wednesday: vs. Padres, 7:00, FSN
Thursday: vs. Padres, 1:00, SportSouth
Permalink | Comments (92) | Post your comment | Categories: Chop Chick
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