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Home > Terence Moore > Archives > 2008 > April > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBraves’ only weakness is their bullpen
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Francoeur told me something funny before the Braves’ home opener on Monday night at Turner Field. He said the previous night, when they lost their season opener at Washington on a Ryan Zimmerman home run in the bottom of the ninth inning, a Washington-area reporter asked Francoeur, “So do you still like your chances of winning the division?”
Francoeur laughed. Not only when he told me the story, but also after the reporter asked him the question.
Now the Braves are 0-2 courtesy of Monday night’s bullpen-induced meltdown against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In a flash, the Braves went from a 4-2 lead after five innings to a 9-4 deficit to a 9-9 tie after rallying in the bottom of the ninth to a 12-11 loss in the 12th.
Here’s my question to me: Do I still like the Braves’ chances of winning the division?
Yes. Definitely, yes.
Despite those ugly defeats, the Braves already have flashed signs of a glaring positive: Starting pitching. Both Tim Hudson and Tom Glavine did their jobs, and now we’ll see tonight at Turner against the Pirates if rookie Jair Jurrjens looks as good as he did in spring training.
Next the Braves will start the rejuvenated Mike Hampton, suggesting that he’ll stay injury-free for a change. The Braves also will have the return of John Smoltz over the weekend after his brief trip to the disabled list for a sore shoulder.
Neither the New York Mets (Pedro Martinez is displaying more and more physical cracks) nor the Philadelphia Phillies (Jamie Moyer is how old?) can top the potential goodness of the Braves’ starting rotation.
It’s just that the Braves have these bullpen issues, at least for the moment.
Permalink | Comments (51) | Categories: Braves/MLB
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Dawg19
April 2, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
It is so early in the year to really start worrying about the bullpen. Remember the Bravos started off the season red hot last year and fell apart in the middle and the end of the season. I believe this rough start will propel them to get hot very soon and in a big way. The starting pitching has been exactly what we need it to be, SOLID. Other than a couple of blips from the bullpen, evrything else has been good too so far. The offense is doing its job. Teixiera and Francoeur haven’t found their grove yet, but we all know what is coming. Fret not Braves fans. This will be a great season.
By A-DAWG1
April 2, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this
Good article T, but besides the Bullpen the Braves have to quit making errors, how many errors in two games?
They should be fine, as long as Kelly can start getting on base a little better being the lead off guy.
By Dawg19
April 2, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Also, concerning the bullpen, if the Braves have somebody underperforming, don’t forget that there were multiple guys sent down to the minors that could make the jump in a pinch. The depth that the Braves have is substantial. And it isn’t with journeymen type players either. All of the prospects and players are major league caliber.
By Jim H.
April 2, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
Terence….you are a genius.
By Brave 4 ever
April 2, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
You are only as strong as your weakest link! We can and will win the east,but lose a lot of fingernails till these guys get it worked out.
By Sparky
April 2, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
Are you crazy? Why is there so much talk of the Braves winning the division? This team is not very different from last year: decent starting pitching at most from a very rickety front 4. No bench depth. Question marks at closer. A very good offense, but downgraded due to AJ’s departure. We finished strong last year while others were looking away, but this is not a division winning team. Likely long term DL candidates: Chipper, Smoltz, Hampton, Glavine, Sore-ee-ano. I like spring as much as anybody but please. Would the ajc please provide more basic reporting, as in: what is wrong with Kelly Johnson’s knee? Is Prado the replacement strategy? What is wrong with Soriano? Why aren’t we grooming a real, strong closer from within?
By Dave
April 2, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this
I’m proud of you Terrance, another article and no racial overtones. Good job.
By The Realist
April 2, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this
Good stuff, Terence. I agree, I still like our chances. Every part of every team is going to have its rough stretches during a season. Hopefully, this is just that sort of phase for the bullpen. If it’s more than that, I can only pray that Wren is aggressive enough to make a move before we’re down by 10 games.
By VaBravesfan
April 2, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this
I don’t know why Boyer is still in the major leagues. He wasn’t very good before the shoulder problems, and if Monday’s effort is any indication, not too good now either. That being said, the Braves defense should take equal blame for that loss. Look at it this way, the best we can hope for now is 160-2. Go Braves.
By aswingruber
April 2, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this
Two games in is no time to panic. There’s a lot of positives we can take away from the first two: starting pitching, resilience when down, etc.. And our bullpen is not this bad, Acosta and Moylan proved themselves last season. Imagine when Tex gets going as well. Things will fall into place and we will reclaim the division.
By Maurice Chevalier
April 2, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Terence, you aren’t turning into a “homer” are you?
Of course, beat writer Dave O’Brien is going to pick the Braves to win the division every year—he has to stay in the good graces of the people who read his blog.
But I thought you had a little more journalistic integrity. The Mets are clearly the better team on paper.
By bigdogdaddy
April 2, 2008 11:12 AM | Link to this
People…. Keep it in perspective…160 games left. It just looks like we are still in Spring Training mode. They will snap out of it.
Why does everybody have to be Jeff Schultz?
Keep the faith!
By Murphy
April 2, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Let’s wait a month or so before we declare this bullpen a weakness. Things have to flesh themselves out…it is a long season.
By ATL Bravo
April 2, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this
This sets up to be a very good team. Just when I thought about potential offense problems, they start smacking the ball around to come back. They then repeat the process once another lead is lost. The issue is indeed getting the bullpen to close the deal down. Hudson had a bit of shaky start and then just dominated, but our relievers didn’t offer the right kind of relief to the right team. It’s going to be a great year and I’m confident our relief will be figured out soon enough.
By Justin
April 2, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
They have played roughly 1.23% of their season. Let’s not crawl under the table and hemmorhage just yet.
By oasisbraves
April 2, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this
first?
By Daybed Wagmoe
April 2, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
Starting pitching. Both Tim Hudson and Tom Glavine did their jobs
I’d only about halfway agree with you about Glavine doing his job. Yes, he limited the Pirates to 2 runs in five innings, which is great. But he threw just about 100 pitches in those five innings, necessitating the bullpen for the rest of the game. It seemed like Glavine was behind in the count the entire night — only 52 of his 97 pitches were for strikes. That said, he only walked 2, so it could’ve been a lot worse.
I really thought that Cox abused the bullpen last night. Three relievers just to work the 7th?
By Crazy Diamond
April 2, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this
It will take a little time for the bullpen to evolve. The best in our bullpen will rise and the rest will be sent down to improve or sent packing. I like our chances over the Mets (Too bad about Pedro?) and Phillies (Count on them to fold).
By Herschel Talker
April 2, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
True indeed. But if they don’t fix those issues quickly, they will be in trouble sooner than you think.
By Casey
April 2, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
Thank you Terence Moore for that positive insight.
By pat
April 2, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t call the bullpen a weakness. Normally very good stable relievers got shelled. I think the bullpen is strong once everybody hits their groove. I think it was a bump in the road, but we’ll see. The team’s weaknesses will be eveident in a couple of months. I am much, much more fearfull of injury to our pitching staff than a couple of bad outtings by a normally servicable bullpen.
By BrandonC
April 2, 2008 11:22 AM | Link to this
The bullpen looks bad now, but a lot of bullpens are struggling to start the season. Ultimately I think it will be a positive for this team, especially when compared to the rest of the division. If there is a weakness that I see right now it’s defense. I can put up with the bullpen giving up some runs more than I can put up with bad defense. There is no excuse for messing up routine infield plays. Defensively this team needs to get better.
By Ryder
April 2, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
What’s the word on Gonzalez returning to the bullpen? It’s obvious they are going to have a hard time getting to Soriano if they are always behind.
Other than that let’s send best wishes to the rookie in his start tonight. A good showing will put people’s minds at ease.
By jeff
April 2, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Been this way since ‘91. The only reprieve was when John Smoltz was in the ‘pen. Let me suggest that John head back out there; it won’t be good for his ego but it’ll save his arm for a few more years. How is it that this boil has still not been lanced?
By 24dork
April 2, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this
24th
By George Downey
April 2, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this
The braves would do well to try and sign Steven Register out of Auburn. The Mets got him from the Rockies under the Rule-5 draft. They decided not to keep him and returned him to Colorado. It’s too late for him to make the Rockies roster, but they would probably trade him to Atlanta. He is the second saves leader at Auburn and is a real fighter. He has great potential!
By Greg
April 2, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Im as big of a fan of Francoeur’s as there is but after having watched him the last few games (including the exhibitions and the last few televised spring training games) he needs to quit worrying about the media and what they may or may not think about the Braves.
Francoeur’s plate discipline over the last week and a half is laughable. Ive seen him strike out on awful pitches in the dirt and i’ve seen him strikeout by whiffing on several hanging sliders in the middle of the zone. He is dropping his shoulder and trying to hit everything out of the park. Despite the impression the media is trying to give (and im giving Jeff the benefit of the doubt that he doesn think this way as well) adding 17± lbs of muscle in the offseason does not magically add 17± homers during the season. He has temporarily lost focus and discipline and needs to re-find these before he continues to worry about what is said in the press.
By jeff
April 2, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Chevalier: You’re projecting, dude. The Mets are not “clearly better” than the Braves. Hate to rain on your parade but Pedro is already down.
By Jerry
April 2, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
hey daybed
Glavine pitches behind and Huddy is our stud. He looked awesome. AWESOME!
hey maurice
The Mets better on paper than the Braves.
You’re an idiot
By Workinlkeadawg
April 2, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Did the Braves send the wrong pitchers to the minors? I think Reyes should have been kept for mid-long relief. It looks like He would have alot more innings than he’s gonna get in Richmond, but that’s Bobby’s call.
By Joshhh
April 2, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this
wow Mr. Moore, finally an article worth reading. good stuff. I agree completely with you. I’m glad you’re behind our boys!
By Reid in EAV
April 2, 2008 12:07 PM | Link to this
Sparky, if you think having AJ upgraded the offense, you must not have watched him play last year. At least Frenchy, hitting in the five spot, can move a runner over rather than racking up an ugly, unproductive K.
By Varoadrunner
April 2, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Terence - Again I must agree with you. After years of boycotting your columns because of your tone, it’s now two in a row for you. A very pleasant change. Keep up the excellent work. Glavine was being glavine Monday night. He nibbled on the edges only to have them called balls from Joe West. West was clearly squeezing the strike zone form the norm. Braves are fine and I agree again that tonight will be another big game for the Braves. CAn Jerrjens handle the Pirates? Time will tell. U go Terence!
By rooster
April 2, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Terence, although I don’t agree with you 80% of the time. I respect your faith in the Braves. The bandwagon fans along with the Mets and Phils are getting there chance to bash before this train gets going strong. Met fans you are blinded by Santana, one pitcher isn’t going to win you a division race. You also have no pitchers after him. Pedro is washed up. Phils you have two great hurlers at the top of your rotation which should let you finish 2nd. Braves have 4 pitchers that could go to other teams and be number 1 and 2 starters. Jair could be the rookie of the year and if he is the Braves will be 2008 Champs.
By Dogmanx23
April 2, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
its early in the season i know the bullpen has been horrible the first 2 games but that will change its 2 games im not im not panicing. Hopefully tonight is the start of something special. GO BRAVES!
By LivininAL
April 2, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this
We are going to need a dependable bullpen. Smoltz, Hampton, and Glavin are gonna be 6 inning starters. We are going to have to get people out in the 7,8,9. Yes it is only 2 games and we did not really know who would be in the bullpen until the last minute. So settle in and get the job done relievers. Go Braves!
By Casey
April 2, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Seems that Chuck James would be an ok mid/long reliever, considering he’s only good for 4 or 5 innings.
By COACH K
April 2, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
I get so tired of these fans who for the most part are the most clueless in the country. This is by far the best team since 96 and although a little rockie on defense and some mental mistakes when and not if this team gets going you can jump on like normal. I have sd all spring this team will be special and they will win this division by 5 games and winning 96 games. Put it in writing!! It will be a fun summer for true baseball fans.
By Mets Stink
April 2, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
How did Bobby abuse the bullpen? He was trying to preserve the lead!
By Knut
April 2, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this
“Braves’ only weakness is their bullpen”
Yeah, right! Because we know that nothing can go wrong with our stalwart kids Glavine, Smoltz, and Hampton! LOL
GO METS!
By Eric from MO
April 2, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
Sparky your post is ridiculous. “A very good offense, but downgraded due to AJ’s departure.” Really, we are going to miss his .220 batting average killing our rallies.
You said Glavine is a likely long term DL candidate. Answer me this when was the last time he was on the DL? Here I will answer if for you, NEVER!
Im not too worried about our bullpin, they have had two bad outings, it happens. Now our defense I do believe needs help. Renteria was a very good defensive shortstop, he may not always made the highlight reel but he rarely made a mistake. While Kotsay I believe is a good CF he is no Andruw out their and Kelly Johnson is not looking any better defensivly than he was last year.
By Green Tea
April 2, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Instead of the Braves let’s discuss how much of a moron you are Terence. Seriously dude, do us all a favor and go tie something heavy to your shoes and jump off of Browns Bridge in to Lanier and end it already…
By richbrave
April 2, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this
COACH K:
Not for me coach. I have to come hear just to read about my Braves. DANM TBS.
By Jim
April 2, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Bobby Cox,
Please find me a closer who doesn’t choke every game!
By TheCutMan
April 2, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
I believe the bullpen will come around, be respectable and better than what we’ve seen from this contingent the last couple of seasons.
Bennett may have hastened his option to Richmond once Smoltz is activated because Royce Ring has looked flat nasty against Lefty hitters the last couple of times out including the most recent when he tied up LaRoche.
If Bennett does go down, someone is going to have to step up and be that spot starter/long man. I was hoping Boyer could fill that bill and he might still. However, what troubles me at present is the sloppy play of the team, both on the basepaths, fielding, and execution of fundamentals.
I think I read it somewhere that this is a priority goal of spring training? Leaving on an up note, Kotsay’s bullet peg from CF to nail the runner at the plate in the 2d game of the season was as sweet a play as I’ve seen in many a moon. Well done Kotsay!
By Eric from MO
April 2, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Workinlikeadawg-You wanted to keep Reyes, WHY??? He got lit up in Spring Training and he got lit up last year in the Majors. The guy either isnt that good or he isnt ready. Either way he should not be on this team.
By Mark
April 2, 2008 1:13 PM | Link to this
Best column TM has ever written…braves starting pitching has the potential to be great…mets and phils does not.
By Susan
April 2, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
I can only laugh at braves fans getting upset. Look at how they started their year. Flying late into the early morning hours then playing that night, then flying off again for a 1 day opener, flying home that night to play again that night. They are tired, they are excited and they are just getting started. The bats are not here yet and the starting pitching is not into the 7th yet. Need to relax and look at the bottom. We are there now, we wont be there for long.
This is a good team, maybe one of the best we have had in a long long time. Lets keep the fans in the stands and keep the noice at the Ted. They will be fine. Yes the Braves will be fine.
By oldfan
April 2, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
We know there is no real chance the Braves can afford Tex after this season, just like they faced with AJ. I think they could get excellent players in trade for him during the season, rather than keep him ony for this season and see him walk away with nothing in return. I trust that Wren is considering this possibility.
By MaryAnne
April 2, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
Just a quick note about the Braves home opener…I learned a valuable lesson�nothing over, until it’s over. I broke my madra of not leaving before the game is over and left at the top of the 9th. The Braves were down 4 to 8 and all the good hitters had just come to bat and went 1-2-3. It was cold and 10:30, I thought, well that’s done. We don’t need to stay to the bitter end and watch them lose. So I left. We are on the train on the way home and I texted a friend of mine asking about the “final” score and he came back and texted�.it’s 9-9 in the bottom of the tenth�and I said out loud(very loud actually�) “oh, my god�it is 9-9 bottom of the 10th” and everyone on the train turned around and went “Really????” and the guy in front of me said very softly “yes, it is true”. We all(everyone on the train) just dropped our heads in shame. We should not have left. I managed to make it hime to watch the end of the game. Amazing 11-12, 12 innings long. They scored 7 runs after we left and the game was over not at 10:30 when I left, but 11:45! So never leave a game before it is over, lesson learned. I just wanted to say to the Braves, I am sorry and so was everyone on the Northbound Marta train!GO BRAVES!!!!!
By charlie brown
April 2, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
“Terrance this is stupid stuff” the braves ain’t gonna win their division, they may get hot like the rockies last year and win the wild card. They haven’t got any middle relief, Bobcox threw that cotton- picking game in the seventh, The Dodgers are going to win it all.