AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2006 > July > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USRebirth depends on pitching
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
If baseball has a drug problem, it follows that the Braves appear to be functioning on hallucinogens. They lost nine of 12 in April. Then they won 15 of 20. Then they lost 20 of 23. So we all buried them. Then a hand lunged out of the gravesite before the All-Star break. In the bleachers, rocking horse people ate marshmallow pies.
Friday night, the season resumes. But it’s going to take more than a cup of French roast to soothe this hangover.
“We’re still breathing,” said Bobby Cox.
Ah, the man with kaleidoscope eyes.
The Braves are 40-49, which means they would need to finish 48-25 just to equal their worst record in the past 14 seasons (88-74 in 2001). The odds of either catching the New York Mets for first place in the National League East or passing eight other teams in the wild-card race are sufficiently mind-numbing.
Sobriety screams: It ain’t happening.
Logic screams: There’s only a single hope — starting pitching.
Forget the lineup. If that changes, it’s only because John Schuerholz deals second baseman Marcus Giles before the deadline. But that likely would be more for an arm than an infielder. And given the cricket noises emanating from the executive suite, there’s no reason to think a significant deal is coming
Forget the bullpen. Yes, things have settled down a little. But, unlike starting rotations, the relief corps sets up from back to front. The Braves entered spring training without an obvious closer, and all they’ve done since then is eliminate candidates. One night, it will be Jorge Sosa. The next, Ken Ray. Most nights, Timothy Leary. As long as the ninth inning is unsettled, so are the ones preceding it. It will not be fixed this season.
All faint, weak and malnourished hopes come back to starting pitching. Five- or six-inning outings won’t do it. They need seven or eight innings from John Smoltz and Tim Hudson and whoever can stand up straight that night. They need complete games. Or they’re dead. Officially.
It starts Fridday night. It starts with Hudson. Two years ago, they acquired him with the expectation that he would be their anchor for several seasons. But that hasn’t happened. Hudson has been mostly unspectacular, and recently not even very good. He went 14-9 with a 3.52 earned run average last season. This year he is 6-8 with a 4.56 ERA. That’s not a staff anchor — just an anchor.
“I try not to think about negative things,” Hudson said Thursday at Turner Field as he prepared to leave for the Braves’ trip. “I’m trying to pull as many positives out of the first half as I can. That’s the only way to get out of a rut and get your confidence going.”
He went eight innings in his last start and left with a 7-2 lead. The bullpen blew that up (Hudson was charged with four earned runs in a no-decision). But it was a leap forward from his previous four starts (all losses, 19 earned runs, 30 hits, 14 walks in 21 2/3 innings).
“The last start was good for me, and hopefully it’ll help us get a fresh start in the second half,” he said. “Obviously, the first game back is always important. We can’t worry about the races now, whether it’s the division or the wild card. We just need to start winning games.”
Smoltz has been strong. Horacio Ramirez can’t stay healthy. John Thomson is erratic, even when he is healthy. Chuck James has been solid but is young, and therefore an unknown. This doesn’t set up well for second-half fantasy.
“We’re not used to this,” Cox said. “The game’s the same, but it’s just different, knowing you’re 13 games out.”
Cox spent the All-Star break on his farm in Adairsville, “Mowing pastures and cleaning barns,” he said. “It was fun.”
Cox’s reality doesn’t always jibe with others. But that’s probably a good thing in this case.
Permalink | Comments (50) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By xavier duran
July 13, 2006 08:46 PM | Link to this
i think there is still a lot of fight left in the braves the will hear from us staring friday…..go braves
By Political Foreskin
July 13, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
Pitching beats hitting. But the Braves never had a running game, and it cost us a world series title against minnesota. I’ll never forgive Bobby Cox for that, and if I ever see him in person, he’s getting the stink eye from me, I’ll tell you that right now.
The theory I subscribe to is that you will get some runs even if you send up a bunch of grandmas with fungo bats. You cant rely on hitting, however. You CAN rely on pitching. So, you can only insure winning with good pitching. (and a running game).
This is me practicing my stink eye: (o)
By jed
July 13, 2006 09:34 PM | Link to this
The Braves are six games out of the wild card. That’s not so far out at all, really. It’s thoroughly do-able.
By widmarc Clark
July 13, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this
I agree with Jeff the Braves need good pitching and they don’t have it, starting rotation or the bull pen. No changes will take place till the 2006 season is over.
It’s been a big money game for many years take a good look a the Mets, Yankees, and Red Sox, the Braves at one time were A big money team, Ted is gone so is the big money and gone is Division Title No. 15. It’s all about the money. Don’t blame Bobby Cox, just go back in your baseball history to Casey Stengel and the Great Yankees of the 50’s Casey was New York’s Big Hero OH YEA he won 10 world series in a row was it, then he went to the 1962 Mets and asked is there anyone on this team who can play baseball??
Casey was done, he had no special Magic just good baseball players and he was out of baseball forever. Bobby Cox is no different and Leo is falling on his ” BUTT ” in Baltimore you can teach Warren Spahn to pitch a better, but you could never teach Chipper Jones to throw a curve cause he can’t pitch he’s a third baseman, the Braves an’t the pitching talent period. Ralph Kiner told Tom Sever if you pitchers had half a brain you could have struck us batters out 99% of the time, meaning good pitching beats good batting every time.
If the Braves get some money and make some good deals over the winter things will be fine in 2007 if not expect the same thing next year. I watched the Washinton Senators lose for over 20 years I know for sure from 1954 till they moved in 1961. Why did they win when they got to Minnosota Calvin Griffith got a lot of money and begin to buy what he didn’t have in his farm system. Thats baseball folks, thats just the way it is. Widmarc Clark
By Duracell
July 14, 2006 01:25 AM | Link to this
Open letter to John Smoltz
Dear John:
You probably watched the All-Star game and thought: “I’m a heck of a lot better than some of these guys.”
You know what? You’re right.
But what you didn’t see from the All-Star pitchers was any outward displays of disapproval of the balls and strikes calls. They acted like professionals.
Not once did a pitcher stand in frozen mock horror after a pitch that wasn’t called a strike.
Or droop his shoulders. Or look to the dugout like a confused and upset Little Leaguer.
These are traits you have become famous for over the last three or four seasons. I can tell you it alienates some of the fans who are not strictly Braves loyalists.
I recall a Braves/Astros game in which some of the Houston players were mocking your antics on the mound. Catcher Brad Asmus was rubbing his eyes and pretending to do the old boo-hoo routine.
Maybe this negative impression was one of the reasons National League manager Phil Garner left you off the All-Star roster. Even after a couple of pitchers pulled out, Garner went with a 6-6 Roy Oswalt.
John, you conduct yourself with such class off the field. Try and carry some of that with you to the pitchers mound the second half of the season.
As they say: “there’s no crying in baseball.”
By Andy
July 14, 2006 03:38 AM | Link to this
Open letter to Duracell:
I am sure if you watch pedro or clemens or dave steuwart——go on and on if you want—-you would see moments of them as you would say “crying.” They are pretty sure bet Hall of Famers(dave stewart is I think)—-ever watch pedro not get a call—-or clemens get himself ejected from a playoff game for crying about what he deemed getting squeezed by ump.—pedro describing the strike zone on the mound during a game and getting thrown out—-how many other pitchers fight—or “cry” for calls? All of them in some way or another and I have heard this “point” before from you I believe. Smotlz does some version of what you describe…maybe alittle. But of all the pitchers in baseball has Smotlz ever been thrown out of a game when being squezed by an ump? No. (I don’t believe so anyway)So what is the big beef if he’s fighting for every pitch with in the rules you might say. You sound like Larussa when he was crying about cox and leo chirping at each pitch that was close and called a ball—-you want crying—-talk about the endless wails from the dugout when a ump would call a ball on Glavine when it was only 6 inches outside—-heck Glavine would pitch entire games getting the call because of all the “crying” from the dugout. GOOD!!!(as long as he’s pitching for the Braves…now NO WAY—that ball is now a foot and a half outside) I get that this bugs you—-but really of all the pitchers in the game and you seem to be under the fantasy that this is some trademark Smotlz thing—-it’s personal for you—not Smotlz. Oh and when the twins thrid baseman did the chop as he ran off the field—so what. The Astros players mocking Smotlz….the Astros are trying to look for anything they can do to get in Smotlz’s head—does that mean what they are doing is real or that Smotlz should head but someone or do anything different than be the future Hall of Fame many(I being one of them) thinks he will one day be. No. Since there is no crying in baseball—-in the final four yes—-NBA playoffs yes—-win the Super Bowl cry away—-but whatever you do—don’t fight for each pitch in a way that might offend. How about when a hitter doesn’t get the call turns and does the walk around screw you ump thing—-or get called out and cries—-the ever effective manager running onto the field to gently explain how the ump missed the call—fighting for whatever a players point of view is part of the game. Good luck with this as it has bothered you for a while and will continue until Smotlz hangs em up and then what….on to A-Rod?
By dustin
July 14, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this
The playoffs are very do-able this year and we could beat the cardinals in the 1st round!! GO BRAVES! and how can u find something wrong with smoltz…hes such a goodguy and great pitcher! u must have something against him..because all pitchers complain about calls!
By dustin
July 14, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this
The playoffs are very do-able this year and we could beat the cardinals in the 1st round!! GO BRAVES! and how can u find something wrong with smoltz…hes such a goodguy and great pitcher! u must have something against him..because all pitchers complain about calls!
By dustin
July 14, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this
The playoffs are very do-able this year and we could beat the cardinals in the 1st round!! GO BRAVES! and how can u find something wrong with smoltz…hes such a goodguy and great pitcher! u must have something against him..because all pitchers complain about calls!
By Scott
July 14, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this
Duracell, there are plenty of more important things to worry about than Smoltz wanting strike calls. In fact, I like it. Umpires are the worst.
C. James will be the key to the second half. Huddy will come around, Smoltz will be solid, and Horacio will have some good starts. If James can keep up his good work, this team has a real chance at the wild card.
By Scott
July 14, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this
Duracell, there are plenty of more important things to worry about than Smoltz wanting strike calls. In fact, I like it. Umpires are the worst.
C. James will be the key to the second half. Huddy will come around, Smoltz will be solid, and Horacio will have some good starts. If James can keep up his good work, this team has a real chance at the wild card.
By Marc
July 14, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this
Duracell,
You’re complaining about Smoltz trying to get a call on the mound? This is what you consider a problem? Grow up! This isn’t Little League. Smoltz does nothing more than every other pitcher does. He is competitive; they aren’t playing for fun out there, they are playing to win. If that’s the worst thing the Braves have to worry about …I guess those years Smoltz made the All-Star team, he wasn’t complaining about calls?
That has got to be the dumbest post I have ever read.
By Alan
July 14, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this
Duracell, you are so out of line, I can’t believe I’m responding to your nonsense. It was posted at 1:25 this morning - maybe you were “sleep-posting.” John Smoltz is one of the classiest persons in all of sport - not just baseball - on and off the field. You want to see a guy with an attitude - a perpetual smirk - take a good, hard look at Roy Oswalt. He’s a great pitcher, granted, but he strikes me as a wise guy. Probably was a bully as a kid. Or maybe not. Point is, it doesn’t matter. Here’s what matters: As Jeff Schultz says, John Smoltz is the only consistent pitcher on the Braves. He’s also the heart and soul of the team - and a future Hall of Famer. Without a doubt. As for the rest of this season, the Braves do have a realistic shot at the wild card, but only if they get better, more consistent pitching - particularly from the starters. I’m not worried about Smoltz (Duracell’s “crybaby”) - he’ll be fine. The key is Hudson. He’d better turn it on in the second half and start earning his salary. It starts tonight in San Diego.
By KC
July 14, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this
I agree with Jeff S. in one regard… it starts tonight. Hudson absolutley must come through for the Braves in the 2nd half. Starting pitching is the #1 key.
But while Jeff’s blog seemed to emphasize the sharp grade of the hill the Braves will have to climb, I would like to point out that there is plenty of reason to be encouraged.
First of all, the odds are pretty long that Huddy doesn’t get things ironed out in the 2nd half. He’s simply too good a pitcher. Also, HoRam has pitched impressively. His ERA is marred by a couple of especially bad outings (such as his last start), but those have been few and far between. Chuck James has looked so far, and based on the way he is thought of (quite highly) by scouts thoughout baseball, I doubt it’s just beginner’s luck.
The 5th starter slot is a problem right now (as it is for many teams), but hopefully we’ll get Davies back in a month or so as expected.
I believe Jeff’s statement that “It (the bullpen) won’t be fixed this season” is a little premature. There is still a posibility in my mind that someone from within this organization could step up to handle the closer role (even mid-way through the season). It’s happened before in Atlanta, more than once. We’ve got a couple of great young arms in Kevin Barry and Phil Stockman. And have we really given Ken Ray all that much of a chance in this role?
And while many who post here, and even some of the “professional” AJC bloggers, are fond of intimating that John Shuerholz is reclined in his office, sipping apple cider and watching Cosby Show re-runs… I happen to believe that he is in fact working the phones quite actively, and that there’s a distinct possiblity that something will happen before the deadline. I’m not predicting anything earth-shaking, but don’t give up on the possiblity of JS imporing some noteworthy bullpen help.
Sure, the odds are stacked against them, but with the talent we have in the rotation, A very potent offense, and a bullpen that’s showing signs of life…
There is plenty of hope for this season.
By Jeff
July 14, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
Can the starting pitchers complete 73 games? I think the upcoming road trip will pretty much tell the tale of the second half. Let’s see what happens.
By Gene
July 14, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
I don’t care if they win the division or go the the playoffs. I just want to see some good baseball, and they have played some good baseball the last few weeks. I think that the boo birds woke Chipper from his self-satisfied trance. Maybe he will field some baseballs now as well at hit them. They may surprise us. The did it in ‘91 with much less talent than they have now. Bobby, I love ya, man!
By KC
July 14, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
I think there is still a lot of hope for this season. But of course we can all go back and forth on that all day.
The reality is that we will know pretty much everything we need to know about this team in about 3-4.
Within that time frame, we should know several things that will determine the fate of the 06 season. watch for several things:
1-Can Hudson and Ramirez be the studs we need them to be on a consistent basis? They are certainly capable of that, but we’ll just have to wait and see. Also, it will be important for Chuck James to keep up the good work as well.
2-Will Shuerholz be able to pull off anything before the trade deadline to help this team, particularly in the bullpen?
3-Regardless of whether or not help comes via trade, how will the existing bullpen hold up. It’s not nearly as bad as people think (anymore). There are several guys down there with good ERA’s (Ray, Paronto, Yates), and a couple other good young arms (Barry and Stockman). Again though, we’ll just have to wait and see.
By this time next month, we should know whether or not this team will be playing in October.
By Dr. Jay
July 14, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this
Adding to the positive vibes here, consider: 1) No more interleague carnage… 2) The NL is mediocrity personified, so anything is possible… 3) Our starting pitching - on paper - should be among the best in the NL… 4) Even the Mets are vulnerable should Pedro go down… 5) We’re at home more often in the second half… 6) I’ve already made my “First to Worst, and Worst to First in one year” t-shirt.
Now the negative thought: Pray the Mets don’t get Dontrelle Willis. THAT would change everything.
By KC
July 14, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this
Dr. Jay: It is doubtful that the Met’s will be getting Willis. From what I hear, it’s doubtful that anyone will be getting Willis. Florida doesn’t seem overly anxious to trade him.
Besides, our best shot at the postseason right now is the wild card, and that will have little to do with what the Met’s do.
By Dr. Jay
July 14, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
KC, I hope you’re right. I guess my point about the Mets is that we’ll still play them quite often, and a better Mets team can hurt our wild card chances as well.
By KC
July 14, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this
One more thing…
PLEASE, stop giving me this crap about “8 teams to pass” to win the wild card. Within the next 3-4 weeks, we will have passed at least half of those teams.
The teams that are currently ahead of us: Dodgers, Reds, Giants, Rockies, Astros, Brewers, D-Backs, & Phillies.
Come on!! There are only two teams in that list that we have to worry about (LA, and Houston). If Atlanta continues to play as it’s capable of playing, we will zip past most of those teams in a relatively short period of time.
By Tommy
July 14, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this
I for one have not given up on the Braves making the playoffs by winning a wild card spot. Most of the teams ahead of us also have holes to fill and there will be injuries for them to overcome.
We should be getting back as many players as we have go down (Kyle Davies, for one, Stockman, for another).
The Dodgers, come on…the Reds… puhlleaze the Giants and D-backs have steroid scandals to overcome, and the Phils are just darn shaky. The only real teams that will be a challenge to pass are the Brewers, and maybe the Astros.
Pitching will be our key: Hudson has to get back to his old form, and Horacio must stay healthy, to go with Smoltz, James, and eventually Kyle Davies. We can do this if all of that falls in place.
By Tommy
July 14, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this
I guess I should qualify my post above by explaining my comment about the Dodgers. Sure, they have a feel-good story going about the resurgent careers of Brad Penny and Nomar Garciparra and others, but can they really count on that to continue?? Getting in the playoffs is a team effort, and I’m really not sold on their bullpen or the rest of the regulars.
By Longwood's Finest
July 14, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this
Hopefully the Braves will give Huddy a nice birthday present tonight and actually score some runs for him and hold a lead in the 9th. Would be great to see the real Tim Hudson tonight!
By Dr. Jay
July 14, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
Amen to all that about the teams to pass for the Wild Card. The Dodgers have the potential to be tough, but that NL West just keeps beating itself up. Folks this could be the most exciting race for ATL since 1993. And as the last few years have shown, the wild card teams are generally the hottest ones entering the postseason. Hudson has to have the grapes to forget the last year or so and take us over the top.
By Longwood's Finest
July 14, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this
Has anyone seen the Baseball Bloopers when Hudson dresses up in the ‘Scream’ outfit and jumps out at Eddie Perez?…funny as shiot
By braves fan
July 14, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this
There are no teams in the Wild Card chase that are wart free. And as DOB has laid out, all of them were playing like the Bad News Bears leading up to the break while the Braves were getting their shiot together. That’s why a 10 game hole turned into 6.5 game deficit in a stretch where the Braves didn’t even win 3 games in a row. Will they need to play even better to actually bring it home? Of course. But the thing to remember is all these teams will be trying to acquire some wart remover from the 4 or 5 teams that are completely done. And it stands to reason that any team that is completely done already doesn’t have many valuable parts to start with. The Nationals appear to be the one team prepared to trade any of their players, Soriano being the only real difference maker. And it’ll be the highest bidder taking him home. But the Braves are a different animal. They are probably the only team among the wild card hopefuls that can get better by a) drawing from their own farm system or b) by sheer force of Bobby Cox’s will and managing personality. They’ve already shown those qualities in the last three weeks, by shuffling the bullpen with new faces from the farm and by simply playing better in all facets. That’s why I like their chances to make a move in the wild card. Winning the division is almost a fantasy at this point, and certainly something they can’t worry about right now. The Mets would have to help them out a great deal for them to get close. But that is not out of the realm of possibility given their rotation issues, with Pedro hurt, and no names in the other spots behind Glavine. If they were to lose a significant offensive player to an injury, like Reyes or Wright, then a long slump could begin for the Mets.
By Mike
July 14, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this
Yea, im with everyone else. How can you possibly complain about John Smoltz? That guy is an absolute class act who leaves everything hes got on the mound everytime he pitches. Hes done so for the last 18 years and is a first ballot hall of famer when he finally decides to hang em up
By Billy Hopson
July 14, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
Here is an online petition to TBS over the Braves being dropped in 2008. Any Braves fans who want to stand up for having the right to watch their team should go sign. thanks. http://www.petitiononline.com/031025/petition.html
By firelaroche.com
July 14, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this
Bench,trade,or cut laroche + move chipper to first base + play betimit at third + make a trade to bring in a decent closser = Braves in the playoffs
By KC
July 14, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this
firelaroch:
If you project Adam Laroche’s numbers this year over 550 at-bats, you will have the following:
27-HR / 90-RBI / 44-doubles.
He is a gold-glove caliber 1st baseman, and he a relatively low-cost player by MLB standards.
I’m saying he’s Lance Berkman, but 27/90 out of a guy who hits 7th in your lineup and plays his position as well as anyone??? I’ll take that.
By KC
July 14, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this
correction… “I’m not saying he’s Lance Berkman.”
By Longwood's finest
July 14, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this
This may seem crazy, but how about designating Pratt for assignment, and swing a deal for Javy Lopez to come back, and back up McCann and give Roachy a break at 1B once in a while. He can still swing, and I think he would fit in well with his old team. Now if we could just figure out what to do in the pen…
By firelaroche.com
July 14, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
KC
Who want’s a first baseman that bats seventh in your lineup. I’m a firm believer that if you are going to stand on the corner then you have to be able to lean on the pole. Laroche is awful with men in scoring position and he strikesout way too much. As for his glove I have another saying for you. “You can shake a tree and if 10 gloves fall out of it and one bat falls out, You are going to have a fight on your hands over that bat.” Nice correction. I thought you were going to say Laroche was as good as Berkman.
By Dr. Jay
July 14, 2006 03:48 PM | Link to this
Pratt is a dud. I’d love to have Javy back…but isn’t his contract pretty steep? If I remember correctly, it is, and would burn up funds needed for a good arm or two.
By KC
July 14, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
firelaroche:
Yes, you are correct… he doesn’t have a good average with runners in scoring position. Nor does he have a good average without runners in scoring position, or without runners on base at all. That’s why, despite his power, he’s not hitting in the middle of the Braves order.
He is what he is. He’s not Berkman or Delgado or Pujhols. He’s a #7 hitter that will hit 20-30 homers, drive in a bunch of runs, and compete for a gold-glove. And I think that’s still pretty good.
I like Wilson Betemit, and would like to see him in the lineup everyday (if there were a place for him). But you’re suggesting that we play Chipper out-of-position at first base, and downgrade our overall infield defense in order to replace Laroche’s bat with Betemit’s. Why?
Betemit’s batting average is all of about 15 points higher than Laroche’s. And is Betemit going to hit 27 homers, 44 doubles, or drive in 90 RBI? I can tell you one thing for damn sure, Chipper’s not going to play gold-glove caliber defense at 1st base.
Hey, I’m not President of the Adam Laroche fan club. The are no “Rochy” posters hanging in my living room. If we’ve got a better option at 1st than Laroche, then fine… what ever will help the team. But the senario you’re suggesting would not improve this team right now.
By Longwood's finest
July 14, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
I dont know the specifics on the contract, but I do know we have some money to spend… it might just be worth it if the O’s can pick up a little bit of it.
By KC
July 14, 2006 04:15 PM | Link to this
If Betemit’s ever going to play everyday in Atlanta, he’ll have to learn to get comfortable at 2B.
Either Betemit or Giles will be traded soon… could be this month or this winter, but they both won’t be in Atlanta next year. Betemit deserves a shot to play everyday. And Since we have an overstocked infield, that’s the first thing we’re going to have to look at trading to get the bullpen help we want.
By texbravesfan
July 14, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
Agree totally with firelaroche.com. Exactly what we need to do to make playoffs and its not too far fetch for the division since we still have to play the mets another 8 or 9 times. Perfect position for Chipper and that will get Betemit into the lineup. If we could then go get a closer like Lidge since i bet the astros wouldnt mind getting rid of him, we would be set.
By ryan
July 14, 2006 04:20 PM | Link to this
how about dealing giles and a player to be named later for shields and figgins of the angels. why not try and get mike gonzales from pitt, he descent and should come cheap.
By KC
July 14, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
Longwood’s finest: Yeah, that Javy Lopez thought has entered my mind as well. It would be nice to see him back in Atlanta, and to know that when McCann rests, we would’t have such a gaping hole in the lineup.
I doubt it will happen, but it is at least a possibility. If we offered them any kind of pitching in return, Baltimore would probably be willing to part with Javy and even pay a significant portion of his salary.
By KC
July 14, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
texbravesfan: Again you do realize that Laroche is putting up big power numbers and play gold-glove 1B, right?
Do you think Betemit’s going to be a much better offensive option?
You don’t think Chipper might be a defensive liability at 1B, trying to make that kind of move in the middle of the season?
BTW: I take it by your name that you live in Texas. If so, what part?
By Longwood's finest
July 14, 2006 04:33 PM | Link to this
This just in…Beltran was taken out of the game today after the top of the 6th, who knows when Pedro is coming back, Reyes pinky hurts (now that’s something to sit out about) and maybe David Wright will come out of the closet… can the Braves capitalize when all of this is happening?
By laurancemaney@hotmail.com
July 14, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this
The Timothy Leary analogy was apt. Personally I’m staying away from the mushrooms and Sandoz vial for fear my mind will snap when Big John trades some serious prospect - like that kid that filled in for the immortal Turd Pratt - for some deadarmed hasbeen from someother failed bullpen. Ride it out guys. There’s no quick way out of a bad trip.
By texbravesfan
July 14, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
KC, I just feel that we have too many guys that strike out with runners on and dont move them over like we always use to and manufacture runs. And LaRoche is the main one, including Francoeur but he has delivered with people on more often so he is not that much of a liability. Pujols made the transition from 3rd to 1st and he wasnt even a good 3rd basemen so i know Chipper could do it. And the reason i say betemin deserves to be in the lineup is because he doesnt strike out as much. Oh i am from Corpus Christi, u have probably never heard of it, south texas.
By Kent
July 14, 2006 05:06 PM | Link to this
texbravesfan:
I also like Betemit and would like to see him play everyday, but we’ll have to agree to disagree on the “bench LaRoche-Chipper to 1st” thing.
Yeah, I know exactly where Corpus is. I lived in San Antonio for several years, Abilene for 10 years, and my wife is from Houston.
Are you a Spurs fan?
By texbravesfan
July 14, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this
well we can leave it at that. Nope not a spurs fan. Actually a bulls fan. Would watch teams that came out on tv like braves, bulls and cowboys fan though. Still catch braves when they come to houston every year though and even been to ATL to watch some games. How about u?
By tman
July 14, 2006 07:38 PM | Link to this
Duracell, (RE: your open letter to John Smoltz) I think your batteries are a little low, son. All the great pitchers I’ve seen have their way of letting umps know when they miss a call and believe me, most of the great pitchers know when they’ve thrown a strike.
Obviously, you don’t remember Drysdale, Bob Gibson, Jack Morris, Clemens, Maddux, Pedro…the list goes on.
Better get some Eveready lithium’s….
By Kent
July 14, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
texbravesfan: Yeah, I am a huuuuuuuge Spurs fan. I grew up in primarily in Atlanta, and moved back here about a year ago. So I grew up a Braves fan beginning with the Bad News Braves teams of the 80’s. I liked the Hawks as well, but when I moved out to San Antonio, I caught Spurs fever.
I hardly ever miss a Braves game or a Spurs game. They have a lot in common. Both teams are one of best and classiest franchises in their sport.
Your team’s going to be a lot better next year. Probably a year or two away from making a finals run, but the Bulls should have a pretty good squad.
By Fl Braves Fan
July 14, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this
Although the first half made me Leary I hope the orange sunshine of the second clears the purple haze we have been in.There is a window pane of hope even though it’s like a micro-dot in a barrel. Break out the blotter boys and clean up the second half.