AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > May > 02 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThese Braves appear built to take punch
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Brian McCann stuck his glove in front of a swinging bat and left soon after with a throbbing hand. Not good.
Edgar Renteria took a pregnant turn around first base with two outs and got trapped in a rundown, prompting Craig Wilson to inch off the bag at third and eventually get smothered between third and home. Not smart.
Mark Redman, who has devolved into this rotation’s festering boil, was eradicated after 54 pitches in 1-2/3 innings, which generally is not considered a good nine-inning pace, unless you’re into 292-pitch games. And losses.
This must have been what John Smoltz was talking about earlier Tuesday when he said, “We’re going to look ugly at times this season.”
The Braves’ game against Philadelphia on Tuesday night qualified as a gentle reminder that even if it’s not 2006 all over again, it’s certainly not 1995, either.
But there is something different about this team, “a uniqueness,” as Smoltz said. “It’s not scared. It’s not overconfident. It’s just there.”
There, in first place. That doesn’t mean a lot on May 2. But there’s no reason to think the Braves are going away. They’re 8-3 against New York and Philadelphia, even after Tuesday’s 6-4 loss to the Phillies. Where are they going?
If the Braves can start 16-10 — a start they’ve equaled only once since 2001 — when significant things go wrong, what happens when more things go right?
They have lost a starter, Mike Hampton. Regardless of whether you expected Hampton to win seven games or 10 or 15, he was this team’s projected third starter. Now, the young Chuck James is third behind Smoltz and Tim Hudson, and they’re followed by Kyle Davies (who can be good, in theory) and Redman (who can be good, perhaps in the fast-food industry).
Redman’s ERA through five starts: 10.62. If he gets a sixth start, it confirms he has pictures.
The No. 1 closer, Bob Wickman, is on the disabled list with a bad back. Having a pudgy closer on the DL with a bad back is never a good sign, particularly a month into the season. Bad backs seldom go away.
The first left-field platoon system blew up. The team gave up on Ryan Langerhans and traded him to Oakland for cash and two parking attendants.
McCann got hit on the hand. His backup, Brayan Pena, got hit in the head and, according to manager Bobby Cox, “He didn’t know where he was for a while.”
He’s where they are: In first place.
At some point, the Braves are going to need help at the back end of the rotation. They might be able to survive the Wickman thing, given the two safety nets under him, Rafael Soriano and Mike Gonzalez.
McCann: The X-rays were negative. Of course. He has a bruised left ring finger, not multiple fractures, which could’ve been the case, after getting hit on the hand by Rod Barajas (the catcher’s interference in the second loaded the bases and led to a three-run inning). So the bottom didn’t fall out — again.
“You can get very optimistic or very pessimistic based on [what’s happened],” Smoltz said. “But last year there wasn’t a lot of optimism. There were just glaring things. You could deflect it all you wanted, but we just weren’t good enough. Now, a closer goes down, but we’ve got a backup. A couple of starters struggle, but we’ve got guys at the top who can carry us for a while.
“We’re just getting by in some areas. But we are getting by.”
Kelly Johnson, the new leadoff man, was hitting .150 in the first 11 games. He hit .478 in the next 13. He’s strong at second base, even if his manager, Bobby Cox, might be prone to hyperbole. Cox: “He’s playing defense as good as I’ve ever seen. I’m talking Mazeroski, Hubbard, Lemke.” (Johnson appreciates the comparison. So do Glenn Hubbard and Mark Lemke.)
Yes, they can look bad. But after taking an early 3-0 lead, it really was only another Redman implosion that separated them from victory.
Jeff Francoeur, who’s suddenly hitting for average, believes the team “felt a little revived” in the spring.
“Guys were used to doing everything businesslike,” he said. “Then we went through an awful year — well, awful for us. But it’s been nice so far.”
Redman’s starts, notwithstanding.
Permalink | Comments (41) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Jeff Schultz
Comments
By ERC
May 2, 2007 12:57 AM | Link to this
Now all we need is to replace Redman with Lerew and get Davies to recover the command on his fastball.
Could we see Salty debut tonight on ESPN!!!!!!
By Matt the Brave
May 2, 2007 1:13 AM | Link to this
Trying a new handle instead of just Matt…I would like to see the Braves give Redman one more start and if he doesn’t do squat then, yeah, it’s time for Lerew to come on up to the bigs and make a start or two. What about Villareal as a starter? Remember that he pitched a gem last season late. We have other bullpen help in the minors that we could use without hurting us.
Any ideas as to why the Braves made the move on Langerhans? I mean, yeah, he’s 100 points off of the Mendoza line, but he’s still young and a very talented defensive outfielder. Who do you think the Braves will get back if they get a player? Or do you think that the Braves will get cash to put towards another player for a long-term deal?
By Scott
May 2, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this
Call up Lerew and call up Salty. The only bad thing is that the M Braves are in Montgomery to take on the Biscuits and I planned on going this weekend to cheer them on. But I would love to see Salty make his debut tomorrow night.
WAR BRAVES!!!
By chil61
May 2, 2007 1:52 AM | Link to this
I also think it is time to give Villareal a start. Redman should be sent down to see if he can get going. I realize he didn’t get much of spring training but these division games are no place let him keep going out there. I trust Cox in his decisions and try to understand what he is trying to do but it is getting obvious that some things need to change. I think the rotation will be tweaked a little very soon. Not too worried about anything else and I think that Thorman/Wilson will still end up with 20+ hr and 80+ rbi. We need to remember that it is still very early and most other teams are in worse shape than the Braves right now.
By Daybed Wagmoe
May 2, 2007 1:58 AM | Link to this
after the first inning tonight, i was thinking, “wow, 3 runs against hamels - that’s a great start. i wonder how long that will last with redman in.” i have a sneaking suspicion that some braves were thinking the same.
By chil61
May 2, 2007 2:08 AM | Link to this
I think they felt it was time to give Langerhans a location change. He is a great outfielder but has not proven that he can hit ml pitching. Maybe they did it to see if Diaz would step up and take the spot and to give Harris another chance prove he can be a ml role-player.I don’t think Langerhans would have been the answer in cf next yr if AJ were to leave. I’m sure it will be a minor league player they will get from the A’s and I wouldn’t think that the $$ they receive would be enough to matter as far as signing anyone longterm. We will probably see Lerew soon but don’t think we will see Salty until maybe Sept, but who knows?
By Coach
May 2, 2007 2:34 AM | Link to this
Built to take a punch and punch back ! This team is competitive and flawed. Smoltz , Hudson and James are not going to win every single start , which is why the back of the rotation needs to be fixed…………… right freaking now ! If the Braves are grooming McBride for the rotation , it’s a think outside the box idea with promise. Cormier needs to get healthy , now. El Duque on the DL is a huge break for the Braves , it enables them to keep pace with the Mets for the time being. Thursday being an off day will enable the Braves to bring Huddy back on Saturday. James today , Smoltz on Friday and Sunday is a roll of the dice. Two out of three from the Phillies and Dodgers is what to shoot for.
By Braves Fan 79
May 2, 2007 3:15 AM | Link to this
why would anyone wanna give redmen another start??? are you crazy?
if the Braves are serious about competing for the divison and not just the wildcard…redmen MUST be replaced ASAP!! Also why do we have pple on the bench like wilson, woodward and orr when we have escobar and salty in the minor leagues tearing it up?? I wish the braves had a good pitchitter off the bench like the days of julio franco. Go Braves!
By Brent
May 2, 2007 3:26 AM | Link to this
I believe the Redman experiment has to be over. If he were giving up 5 runs a game over 6 innings at least he would be giving the pen a rest. But he is getting hammered and lasting less than 3 innings per start. While Villareal may lack the arm strength to give us 7 innings a night, at least his 4-6 innings will be decent, and he will give the bullpen a chance to win it.
After that we have to hope Davies gets his control together. I am optimistic that Davies will regain some level of control that he has had at other times in his career. Once that happens he will be an average to above average starter, and that is all we can ask for out of the back of this rotation right now.
Otherwise, lets all be happy that our lineup is deadly right now. 1-6 are all formidable hitters, good enough to wear down any pitcher on any night. They know when to take pitches and when to be aggressive, and right now it is all working.
Go Braves
By cooper
May 2, 2007 4:04 AM | Link to this
Mark Reitsma, I mean Redman is done. Bobby Cox, is the worst manager in the Majors when it comes to sticking with bad ideas when they are clearly not working. He should have taken Wickman out after the first walk on Sunday. I can’t believe that he let Hudson load the bases with no outs last week in the ninth. The Braves have enough bullpen support to allow him to pull someone immediately if there is any question about their health or effectiveness. He’s like an old fool with alzheimers in situations where there is no room for error.
By cooper
May 2, 2007 4:11 AM | Link to this
Oh yeah ….. and Craig Wilson SUCKS! I’ll take Thorman on an everyday basis and at least have him learn and gain from the experience. Wilson is an automatic out.
By John
May 2, 2007 6:52 AM | Link to this
Is there any Brave that can bunt? How many times have I seen the first man up hit a double, and three outs later, is still at second.SAD SAD SAD!
By Bravesbaby
May 2, 2007 7:25 AM | Link to this
Redman, well now we know the reason why he was throwing in the basement. He simply cant pitch. Loading the bases not once but twice in one inning? Oh my!!!!! We have to have one pitcher in AAA that is ready to give it a try. It cant be worse then what we have now.
Johnson is wonderful, I knew he would be good but I didnt think he would be this good so quickly. Francoeur has started to be patient and is hitting for average. McCann, dont even need to go there. These kids are great. All three of them, and Thorman is coming around too. Seems #4 and #5 spot are the only downfalls here.
Soooooooooo Let Oscar pitch in the 4 spot and hurry back Comier #5. We need those two in there for awhile. Davies back to AAA. Hes a good kid but he needs to figure out his problem and not in Atlanta. Lance and Oscar get my vote for 4 and 5.
By Ron Roberts
May 2, 2007 8:00 AM | Link to this
Man, if they call Saltalmacchia up, there’ll be a run on Kleenex so all those “Call up Salty!!!” knee-jerk reactors can uh, “love themselves” tonight.
That being said, the guys behind the dish in Richmond aren’t exactly wowing statisticians. Iker Franco’s the better option at-bat, but he’s not even the starting catcher in Richmond.
I just worry about bringing Saltalamacchia up too early, a la Brad Komminsk. Then again, when McCann’s healthy and/or Pena stops seeing birds circling his head, he’d just be shipped right back, anyhow.
How many “Please call up Salty!” nuts will jump off of bridges and tall buildings then?
By h_charles
May 2, 2007 8:39 AM | Link to this
It is actually strange where the Braves are. On paper, they should be mid-pack. ERA mediocre, BA mediocre, no ability to manufacture runs, and the worst 4/5 starters in the NL. To some extent they are lucky. They have gotten just enough pitching or hitting to win on a given night. To some extent they are just clutch — like the Braves of old. You don’t know how they do it, they just do it. There is certainly a different vibe about this squad. However, it can go south as easily as north. Eventually, you have to get much more out of the 4/5 slot. Right now those guys give us almost no chance to win. Once Hudson returns to earth (he is good, but not this good), first place will disappear quickly unless a solution can be found. Redman, as much as I like the guy, just doesn’t have it. Because he is so inconsistent, he gets squeezed by the umps. For him that is a disaster. Mix that with the inability to control the breaking ball like last night, and it isn’t “if” but “when” the runs start pouring across. Although he is a vet with a decent track record, I just don’t think you can throw him out there again. There may not be great options in Richmond, but ANY option is better right now. This is Langerhans on the mound. Even subpar performance would be better than this disaster. We need Cormier back, and soon. Cormier would be a nice 5, but 4 is still a mystery. Davies hasn’t really been the same pitcher since the injury, which make me wonder if his mechanics have changed a bit afterwards. ALthough he has good stuff, it is fools gold to some degree. He has the flattest fastball in the majors. His mistakes never get missed. Perhaps he needs to throw pitch backwards. Use heavy breaking stuff to setup the fastball. His curveball is great, and if he could use it more hitters couldn’t sit so much on that flat fastball. Just a thought. We are a year or two away from real help from the minors, so Davies must get it together.
As to Salty, it might be time for a spot call-up. Give McCann a few days off to heal, give Salty a taste of the show. We need McCann healthy, and Pena’s concussion makes him a question mark. If you call him up with the knowlege that it is just a “stop gap” for now there isn’t the same pressure as “this is your shot”, so less risk he implodes ala’ Komminsk.
By Jason
May 2, 2007 9:06 AM | Link to this
They need to get Redman out of there. When he pitches, it is an automatic loss. If were gonna loose we might as well let a younger picther get some big leagure experience in the process. It doesnt really matter who we put out there, they will probably be better than Redman.
By jch
May 2, 2007 9:13 AM | Link to this
Redman’s got to go. 10.62 ERA, lasting only 1 2/3 innings… Not only is he hurting the team in the obvious ways, POOR starts and over-working the bullpen, but he’s got to be killing morale when he takes the mound. With his ERA, the guys have to assume they need 10+ runs to win…
I’m assuming/hoping this will happen sometime today.
Any word on Pena’s status??? He took a hell of a lick… I’d hate to lose both McCann and Pena in the same night.
Kudos to the rest of the team to keep us in the game into the 9th…
By MizzouGuru
May 2, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
Time to get rid of Redman. If necessary, I will step in and take his spot in the rotation. I have a 45 mph fastball and a 35 mph changeup.
By Laurance Maney
May 2, 2007 9:35 AM | Link to this
Good article. I agree with about everything Jeff ays here. This team definitely seems built to last. I do wish, however, that Bobby would let Davies pitch his way out of trouble. he came out of that terrible 3rd inning his last start with a strong 4th and it might have helped the kid to have been left in for another inning or two. There are a lot of pitchers in Cooperstown who almost always had one bad inning a game and indeed it might be that their HOF credentials are largely built on their ability to hang in their and finish the job.
By NS at Kennesaw
May 2, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this
Both Redman and Davies need to fix their mechanics and the place to do it is in the minor.
I appreciate Mr.Cox for sticking with these 2 to try to nuture their confidence build up. But, please send both back now before things get out of hand. Oscar has been pretty good and consistent, so let him take the #4 spot.
How about McBride - is he still a work in progress? I thought he was good enough to take a start at #5
By LL
May 2, 2007 9:42 AM | Link to this
Redman needs to be terminated from the Braves roster. Nobody will probably want him so a trade is out of the question. Just release him. I wish I could get paid $750,000 for the amount of work he completed this year. Looking at his stats I believe I could have acomplished about the same level of production.
By Braves Blue
May 2, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
Tonight’s game against the Phils concludes the first 1/6th of t he Braves’ 2007 regular season. Annualizing their season-to-date record of 17-10 (if they defeat Philly) produces a result of 102-60 (losing tonight shows a predicted result of 96-66). Either record should be good enough to at least claim the NL Wild-Card berth this year. But, the predicted record is sustainable pnly if we get healthy and/or are able to provide replacements who are capable of playing at close to the same level wi th minimal drop-off. Any thoughts, anyone?
By BossLady
May 2, 2007 10:14 AM | Link to this
Why is Woodward, Wilson and Redman on the Braves roster? Whenever the three of them play the Braves lose. They would do better to go get some old retired players.
By ChampDawg
May 2, 2007 10:23 AM | Link to this
I enjoy watching this team. Last season I did not. The bullpen is better, Francouer is better, and McCann and Chipper are pulling their weight. If we can fix the 4 and 5 spots in the rotation and get Andruw to stop falling down everytime he swings (damn, that’s the ugliest swing I’ve ever seen in MLB) then this team will only get better. If we don’t fix the rotation, we’ll end up 3rd in the East.
By JSS
May 2, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Let’s see, 24 paragraphs, 17 negative, 7 partially positive, and someone needs to check with the headline writer…
There’s an array of reasons I call you the NO TALENT HACK!!! This article just exmplifies how warped your columns are…
By gotigers72
May 2, 2007 10:51 AM | Link to this
Matt the Brave - Are you serious about giving Redman another start? Why? So we can get another loss and damage morale even more because the front office won’t kick him loose? You earn your keep by producing. He has had 5 chances to produce and has been HORRIBLE 80% of the time.
As for Davies, he not only needs to improve his control as far as giving up too many walks, he also needs to 1 - Not continue to throw 90 pitches in 4 innings which taxes the bullpen 2 - Learn to throw the ball down in the zone, and by down I mean mid thigh and below and 3 - Quit getting behind EVERY FREAKIN’ HITTER. Nothing wrong with his stuff, but he needs to go to Richmond and work on those other things.
By Eric from MO
May 2, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
Hcharles you are right, Stastically the Braves are medicore. That is why Bobby is the best manager in baseball. Yes he may have blown two games but he has won alot more. Everyone complains that he goes to the pin way to early and in September it may hurt us, but by going to the bullpin early he has kept us in contention. P.S. Does anyone know how that Matt Harrison pitcher is doing this year?
By gotigers72
May 2, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
Eric - Matt Harrison is doing very well. He is 3-0 with a 2.45 ERA. Has pitched 25 and 2/3 innings and has struck out 19 and walked 10, and given up 19 hits.
Everyone needs to remember that these stats are against AA players. He did not do well in Spring Training when going against big leaguers. My opinion is that he needs this year in the minors, maybe call him up in September if he is still pitching well at that time.
Excellent website to look up minor league stuff on players and teams is minorleaguebaseball.com.
By KneeJerk
May 2, 2007 11:19 AM | Link to this
Wilson has gone deep and had a three hit game this past week. He also had a double last night. He’s hardly an automatic out. Woodward on the other hand………….
By OnDeckBatta10
May 2, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this
I just heard that Salty has been called up.. any truth to this?
By scott
May 2, 2007 11:27 AM | Link to this
they signed Redman to a minor league contract, right? IMO, they should have started him in the minors to begin with.
By Will
May 2, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Braves need to release Mark Redman immediately, he is an embarrassment. Also, if Bobby Cox once uses Tyler Yates in the closers role when he has Soriano and Gonzalez he is an even bigger idiot then i ever imagined.
By Eric from MO
May 2, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Will take a deep breath and calm down. Cox said Gonzo and Soriano are going to split time being the closer. Gonzo probably would of been given the closer job if he wasnt hurting a couple weeks ago. Cox said Yates is in the mix which means Yates is going to help setup so Gonzo and Soriano dont get over worked and join Bob Wickman on the DL.
By Grahamdawg
May 2, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Hcharles, I agree with pretty much your entire post. However, I do not think this team needs to worry about manufacturing runs. Right now, they have one of the best offenses in baseball.I love their lineup top to bottom besides Craig Wilson. Bobby, give Thorman a shot everyday. Wilson blows and needs a haircut!!!! I also love the bullpen, but starting pitching is a major concern after Smoltz/Hudson. Redman throws meatballs and Davies is a headcase. Oscar gets my vote for a shot at one of the starting jobs. Peace out…
By scott
May 2, 2007 11:54 AM | Link to this
well said Will, Bobby really misses Leo when it comes to pitching decisions.
By Eric from MO
May 2, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this
Yes Scott, Bobby is missing Leo. Especaially with all of the success Leo is having in Baltimore.
By Turnin2
May 2, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
LMAO…. well put Eric from MO!!! Was thinking the same thing myself!
By bali
May 2, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
jeff liked your article on the braves. It does seem like this braves team may be able to overcome situations this season better than last year ;but i miss skip and pete calling the games. Nothing against joe and jon .
By jb
May 2, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
Cooper,
you are so right!!! Wilson is an automatic out, and to make matters worse, it is often a strike out. It doesn’t even give him a chance to move a runner over with his out. Woodward is not that impressive. Yes, I know Bobby Cox likes his veterans, but the Braves did cut ties with Mondesi when he showed he had nothing at the plate. Between Harris and Orr, Woodward is definitely expendable. I know he is right handed, but I think Harris will hit just as well as Woodward does against lefties. Give Thorman more at bats against lefties, he can definitely do no worse than Wilson does against them. I am a little concerned with Diaz and his strike outs. He seemed to take a better approach last year at the plate with 2 strikes. Fought off tough pitches until he had something he could put in play. Redman also is killing the bullpen. Might as well start Villereal and know he will be used vs. using him anyway after the 2nd inning.
By doggonegadawg
May 3, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
The only area that frightens me about this Braves team is that number four starter. And the way Yates dominated the other night in relief with the heat and the breaking balls for strikes (about 10 mph slower) might he be that man? But if we can continue to win two-out-of-three and every series, well, we just might find ourselves in “The Series” come October. One “ugly” game out of three ain’t bad.
By Eugene
May 3, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
WE NEED A LEFT FIELDER WHO CAN HIT… More offense is needed to keep the Mets at bay. There is no other way around it. I believe we will be ok at 1st Base. FIND A LEFT FIELDER (ROCCO BALDELLI)!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He can be our next Fred McGriff!!!