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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Youth movement trying to end Braves’ road woes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
With all due respect to the veterans on the disabled list, they should take all the time they need because I’m pretty happy with these new-look Braves.
The average age of the starters coming out of spring training was 34.4, weighed down by 41-year-old John Smoltz and 42-year-old Tom Glavine (along with 35-year-old Mike Hampton, 32-year-old Tim Hudson and 22-year-old Jair Jurrjens).
The average age of the five guys who’ve given up only eight runs in 36 1/3 innings over the past five games is 26 (Hudson, Jurrjens, 23-year-old Jo-Jo Reyes, 24-year-old Charlie Morton and 29-year-old Jorge Campillo).
Having a little youth and speed in the outfield hasn’t hurt, either. I’m still not sure what Josh Anderson did to get sent back to Richmond, but Brandon Jones has certainly made a case for being with the big club, and Gregor Blanco has picked it up of late and should be given a shot at the leadoff spot.
Given the chance to play on a regular basis, these youngsters have reversed the Braves’ road woes and helped them win three of their past four games on this trip that started out so dreadfully in Chicago. And they’ve given the rest of the guys a boost, too. The bullpen sorely needed the break the starters have provided, and Jeff Francoeur even drove a ball to right field last night and got a hit with men in scoring position.
So Glavine, Hampton and Mark Kotsay shouldn’t rush themselves back. These Baby Braves are doing more than holding down the fort — they may actually be building a better one.
Upcoming TV Schedule
Tuesday: at Rangers, 8:05, Peachtree TV
Wednesday: at Rangers, 8:05, FSN
Thursday: at Rangers, 2:05, Peachtree TV
Friday: vs. Mariners, 7:30, Peachtree TV
Saturday: vs. Mariners, 7:00, Peachtree TV
Sunday: vs. Mariners, 1:30, SportSouth
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