AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > July > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDavies can’t seem to get it done anymore
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jeff Schultz
Either Bobby Cox was fooled again Monday night or he figured, “Maybe if I say this enough times, it’s going to come true.” Sort of like asking Santa for a Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model BB rifle, even if everybody tells you it’ll take your eye out.
Kyle Davies couldn’t take an eye out Monday. That’s not counting the people who may have gone blind watching him.
Five batters: three walks, two singles, two runs — and, see ya. Cox went out to get him before a sixth batter, and without a weapon, no less.
Asked later if Davies had an injury, Cox said, “Just home plate.”
Cox can usually stomach more than five batters. But when Davies walked Adam Dunn on four pitches with the bases loaded, it tested the will of a man who generally acts as a nice coat of Teflon between struggling players and the public. After all, this performance came after Cox said of Davies before the game: “He’s very close to becoming a really good pitcher.”
Which is sort of a really nice way of saying, “He ain’t there,” no matter how many times you say, think, pray or spin otherwise.
That is the Braves’ pitching rotation right now: John Smoltz (when healthy), Tim Hudson, Not There.
Davies: not there. Chuck James: not there. Mike Hampton and Mark Redman: not here or there. The shining light? At 4-2, it’s Buddy Carlyle a reclamation project by way of … Asia?
Two years ago, Davies was the future. Now he’s a head case. In 2005, he was one of three area products who saved a battered roster (along with Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann). He went 7-6 in 14 starts.
But last season, he suffered a torn groin. This season, the injury is to the north. How else does one explain holding San Diego to a run on four hits in six innings last week, and then looking like a broken-down Len Barker the next? No Braves starter had suffered the humiliation of being pulled before recording an out — for reason other than injury — since Barker. That was 22 years ago, also against Cincinnati. He lasted 11 pitches (walk, walk, single, double).
Davies made 22 pitches. But he wasn’t twice as good. The Reds scored only twice, but Davies can thank Andruw Jones for keeping it close (for a while) in a game the Braves would eventually lose 10-3. Jones made a diving catch on a sinking liner by Javier Valentin to save two runs after Oscar Villarreal came in.
Villarreal struck out the next two batters. He looked like he might be the answer to a question. Then Ken Griffey Jr. hit a three-run homer in the second. Next?
There’s no telling what will save Davies, or if he can be saved. At 23, he’s got time. But rare is the pitcher who visits both ends of the spectrum so often.
“I’m frustrated,” Davies said. “I want to be consistent. I know I’m a whole lot better than this.”
Francoeur believes Davis is “feeling it,” as in pressure.
“The Kyle I was seeing before is the one who wasn’t timid,” he said. “He went after guys. A few times this year, I’ve seen him a little timid. I had never seen him like that. I think he feels a little pressure. There have been times when he’s gone out there and been great for three or four innings. Then maybe he walked a guy and he started getting buried, worrying about different things. The Kyle I knew before might give up a couple of hits but he wouldn’t worry about it.”
Even Cox is losing patience. Davies went 0-4 with an 8.06 ERA in a span of five starts, then looked strong against Detroit, only to implode in his next start in Los Angeles (five runs in two innings, after being given early leads of 3-1 and 6-3). “It [ticks] you off,” Cox said then. “You get six runs in the first three innings, you’ve got to win.”
This time he didn’t blow a lead. He just helped bury a team that tonight will look to rookie Jo-Jo Reyes. We can’t be certain if Reyes also is close to being a really good pitcher. But if he gets an out, he’ll be ahead of the recent curve.
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Comments
By Marc Lazzeri
July 16, 2007 11:24 PM | Link to this
Kyle’s got some kind of Rick Ankiel syndrome (minus the enormous amounts of wild pitches.)
By General Patton
July 16, 2007 11:25 PM | Link to this
When the hell are Cox and McDowell going to realize retrofit starters and gasoline arms in the pen aren’t recipies for success!
For God sakes, they still have frickin Hampton! Get a frickin clue COX!!!
By General Patton
July 16, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
Get clue Cox, your pitching and hitting coaches should be fired! In addition, please feel free to go to the front office and allow a coach from the 21st century to steal bases and recruit talent.
By Tom
July 16, 2007 11:37 PM | Link to this
Does Kyle have options left? Send him to richmond of he doe till he gets his head on straight.
By Chief
July 16, 2007 11:41 PM | Link to this
No doubt that Kyle Davies is cracking up. He looked like he was about to cry in the dugout tonight. But John Smoltz was a total headcase, too, even when his natural talent was evident. Davies needs help, but I don’t know if the Braves, in the midst of a pennant race, are the right people to give it to him. Trade the man for a good reliever and wish him the best of luck.
By Chop Chop
July 17, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
Ouch, AJC!
I see two headlines for this column:
“Davies a head case”
and
“Davies can’t seem to get it done anymore”
The guy’s what, 23 years old? He shouldn’t be in the majors right now. He was brought up in ‘05 because the Braves desperately needed someone to pitch. He got hurt last year and shouldn’t have been in the bigs, anyway. He shouldn’t have been in the bigs this year, either.
I won’t make excuses for Davies. All I know is that ripping him like that in two separate headlines on this website is some very harsh stuff.
By tj
July 17, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking Kyle has the Jason Marquis syndrome, just stubborn and won’t listen, I can do it my way. He still thinks he can throw a straight 90 MPH fastball by ML hitters. Now he can’t throw it close to the plate because it’s been hit so much he’s scared. Along those same lines, Scott Thorman has the Wes Helms syndrom, all the look at me mannerisms but can’t make contact. I don’t often give up on young Braves but those two just don’t seem to get it like other young Braves.
By Jeremy
July 17, 2007 12:10 AM | Link to this
Davies isn’t a head case, he’s just not very good. His shining moment as a Brave came when he went a mediocre 7-6 2 years ago. That’s not exactly setting the world on fire. The Braves pitching rotation has deteriorated so much over the years that Davies 7-6 campaign was actually considered to be a good one. My how our standards for good starting pitching have been lowered. It’s time for the Braves to suck it up and add another LEGITIMATE starting pitcher to the rotation. The battle for the division with the Mets is going to be/has been a dogfight and the Braves can’t afford to have games where the starting pitcher loses it before they even get to bat.
By LarryA
July 17, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
This is how young pitchers go, one day they are great and one day they can’t the broad side of a barn - he needs another year or two. The Braves seem to have a history of giving up on young pitchers too early.
The guy is 23 and has mechanical flaws he is trying to fix in the majors, he was sent to Richmond (albeit briefly) at the start of the season to work them out, I don’t think he had enough time to really do that.
By Serge
July 17, 2007 12:20 AM | Link to this
When are we going to start looking at Roger McDowell to blame instead of Davies.
Roger was supposed to be this super coach that would work with young pitchers. Chuck James is worse than last year, so is Davies, Lerew, McBride, Horacio Ramirez.
Roger McDowell is the “headcase” a faliure as a coach.
God i Miss Leo Mazzone
By gotigers72
July 17, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
Million dollar arm; 10 cent head. Or maybe 10 cents is inflated.
The Braves need to be patient with him, but only while he pitches in the minor leagues. Not only is he a bad pitcher right now because he is losing games, but he is also chewing up the bullpen because he pitches so many games where he doesn’t get out of the 3rd or 4th inning.
By NASCARfan
July 17, 2007 12:24 AM | Link to this
Bobby Cox is sabotaging this team!!!
Andruw Jones has more strikouts than hits!!!
Andruw Jones has more men LEFT ON BASE than hits!!!
This ridiculousness has to end!!! Andruw Jones should be hitting EIGHTH in the order!!!
The Booger Picker is KILLING this team and any chance it has to win by blindly sticking by this player who is so stubborn that he’d rather do things his way and fail than help the team win!!!
Bobby Cox is the most OVERRATED manager in the history of baseball!!!
That is all.
By Najeh Davenpoop
July 17, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
Count on Jeff Schultz to jump to conclusions about a 23 year old pitcher with less than two full years worth of starts under his belt. The guy hasn’t even accumulated two full years of starting pitching yet. We all know he has good stuff, he just needs to work on his location. You don’t toss two stellar games against the feared Mets lineup in a half a season without having some skills. It’s unfortunate that the Braves have to rely on him to be the 3rd or 4th best pitcher in the rotation; ideally he would be the 5th starter with very little pressure to succeed. Give the guy some time and he’ll be fine.
By Mizzou Guru
July 17, 2007 12:41 AM | Link to this
Can’t get it done anymore? When could he ever? Sure, he came up and looked great for a few outings and then got blew up the rest of that year. It’s isn’t abnormal for a new pitcher to come up and pitch well until the hitters catch up but that isn’t the same as being a good pitcher. Honestly, Davies has never “had it” at the major league level. I don’t blame him. He’s young and still has plenty of time. But he really shouldn’t be at the major league level right now. The Braves problem is that they don’t have anyone else. They really need to pick up some one that gives them a chance to win on a more consistent basis. Doesn’t need to be a stud, just a pitcher that keeps them in the game most of the time.
By mtraininjax
July 17, 2007 12:48 AM | Link to this
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO REDS!
By NS at Kennesaw
July 17, 2007 1:02 AM | Link to this
Do we have any other starting pitcher in the minor that can be moved up and send (or trade) K. Davies out. Man… each time KD starts, nobody knows who is going to show up. For sure, the chance for loosing that game is certainly a lot higher than winning.
I say, get some young pitcher from minor and let them pitch for 3 innings, then turn it to the bullpen - this would have a better chance for winning than have KD in there with self-destructive pitches from get go.
Of course, in parallel, the front office needs to find a couple of good fresh arms to strengthen up our pitching staff real quickly. This is a lot more urgent than talking about bring back J. Franco.
For A. Jones, he looked better than in the first half but … he is not where he should be offensively / defensively yet. Keep working on it man.
That said, the Braves still have lots of great talents. With some needed adjustments promptly, I say the team will be playing in October. So,…. GO BRAVES !!!
By Scott
July 17, 2007 1:09 AM | Link to this
Davies to Richmond, you heard it here first.
By Coach
July 17, 2007 1:38 AM | Link to this
I told you and told you that this kid is an absolute head case. His problems are directly between his ears. He is all talent and no brains. In three years as a starter he has yet to put two (quality starts) back to back. Davies has been in the organization for seven years , if he hasn’t figured it out by now , he won’t anytime soon. If the White Sox are willing to take a flyer on him , throw in Lillibridge and go get Contreras or Vasquez. Then Trade for Sammy Sosa(big right handed bat) and the Braves could make a run at the playoffs.
By Ron H
July 17, 2007 7:05 AM | Link to this
I turned on the tv at 8PM and thought to myself, “What happened here?” Then i remembered who was the starting pitcher.
I feel bad for the kid. you can tell he really wants to be here, BUT, it’s time for him to work out his problems in richmond. the majors are not the place to work out mechanical flaws, especially when the braves are in the midst of a playoff hunt.
John Schurholz, time to pull a pitcher out of your hat. i don’t know how you’re going to do it, but the time is now. Don’t wait until the end of the month. Do it now.
Go braves
By Steve
July 17, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this
When Chipper Jones was struggling years ago he went back to basics and asked his Dad who coached him for years for advise and it really helped. Maybe Kyle should go ask Hiram and get his opinion. He’ll make it, he’s just got to find his way right now.
By TheCutMan
July 17, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this
Davies is an enigma as we all know. The most notable move I’ve seen in quite some time was Bobby Cox pulling him before more damage was done in that first inning.
Usually, the Braves’ manager gives a pitcer a more slack than that, as was pointed out in the article. Bobby’s quick hook tells me those distant thudding steps approaching Davies’ roster spot are that of the Grim Reaper.
It’s sad with such a young talent, but as we approach the stretch run in about 4 weeks, all guns need to be firing for a successful run to the playoffs and Davies is obviously the weak link that needs replacing.
By Jeff R
July 17, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this
Today’s pro game doesn’t allow pitchers to develop in the minors. Given the investment team’s make in their top prospects, they wind up rushing them through their systems. Not that long ago, the rule of thumb was that it took pitchers until 24 or 25 to learn to pitch - and not at the major league level. I think that’s one reason why, generally, major league pitching is so poor these days. Too many young pitchers don’t belong on big league rosters, but need to be in the minors learning their trade.
By Apaul404
July 17, 2007 8:09 AM | Link to this
Let’s all keep in mind that the only reason he is in the majors is injuries. Lance Cormier beat him out this spring, the proceeded to get injured and is currently getting throttled in the minors. I just hope the organization is patient with him because he could be a good pitcher one day. But those nine innings the bullpen had to pitch last night hurt my feelings. Just when we thought we got them some rest.
By Kdoc
July 17, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
Oscar V. has earned a starting spot. He wasn’t lights out last night in relief of Davies, but consider the situation. I think he’d make a great starter. Give him a shot, for crying out loud.
By AaronC.
July 17, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this
Who was that reliever late in the game? Are you actualy serious NascarFan? Most over rated? Wow, then again I have heard dumber things from dumb rednecks! Must be one of the band wagoners.
By bill
July 17, 2007 8:30 AM | Link to this
We need to become more educated before making comments like “the Braves seem to have a history of giving up too quickly on young pitchers”…where were you when Smoltz, Glavine, Avery began their careers? Obviously, you were not watching any baseball. Also, to say that Cox is the most overrated manager in baseball shows even more ignorance of the game.
By JordanPTC
July 17, 2007 8:46 AM | Link to this
Great assessment, Mark. Not sure why Mr. Davies is still with the team when he is 4-8 with an ERA around 6. Generally, when someone is “really close to being a good pitcher,” they’re in the minors. Clearly KD has issues. Why not let him work them out in the bush leagues???
By Scott Ellmaker
July 17, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
The thing I’m confused about is why is everybody down on Chuck James. He has one less win than Smoltz. One less win than Hudson. He has an ERA a fraction higher than Hudson’s, and lower than Carlyle’s. And, let’s not forget, this is only his second year in the majors. He’s on pace to have a better second year than Tom Glavine. Let’s let this kid grow and appreciate what he is doing.
By Chris
July 17, 2007 8:52 AM | Link to this
He’s got great stuff, aside from the arrow-straight fastball topping out at 93 mph. You just can’t throw low-mid 90s fastballs up in the zone and expect not to get ripped. Chuck James can get away with his 91 mph fastball being up around the letters because he’s got good movement. Kyle just needs to work on getting some movement on his fastball and keeping his pitches down in the strike zone.
He can’t p***-foot around the plate and paint the corners like Maddux or Glavine. He should talk to Buddy Carlyle and try his approach because Buddy is very aggressive and has to get ahead of hitters because he doesn’t have dominating stuff. When Kyle is aggressive and challenges hitters, he does just fine. It’s when he pitches timid and tries to hit the corners of the strike zone that he gets in trouble.
By uncidon
July 17, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
Davies does not belong in the Majors this season. I don’t think being in the minors will help much……. time to cut him loose.
Where is Willy Aybar? The Braves could have used him to pitch a few innings on Monday night.
By chipdip
July 17, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
Davies sucks…..waste of time…..send him on down!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By ChampDawg
July 17, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
The Braves pitching staff consists of Smoltz (when he’s not hurt) and Hudson (when he pitches like the Hudson of old). The rest including James and Davies are too inconsistent to be successful at the major league level. The Braves do not have the pitching to contend for the East title. They may keep things close as long as the Mets are faltering but that’s about it. JS and Booby Cox need to get off their @$$ and do something about the pitching. If last night didn’t convince them, they are dumber than I already think they are. BUT, if we have to give up young talent like Salty and Escobar and Harris then I’d rather just take our losses this year and use Andruw’s money next year to get more pitching. Don’t give up the young talent!!
By The Grinch
July 17, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
The reason people are down on Chuck James is that he rarely pitches more than 5 innings. When you’ve got @$$ clowns like Davies making the bullpen go 7-9 innings almost every one of his starts you can’t afford to only get 5 from your #3 starter. If we had a solid innings eater at #3 who could at least give us a chance to win most nights, Chuck would be fine at #4 (where he was expected to be this year before Hampton went down). There’s no way this bullpen makes it all season without another injury or two if we don’t get someone in here soon that can take Davies spot and actually win half their starts. If it wasn’t for Carlyle coming out of nowhere, it’d be even worse.
By Will
July 17, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this
Oscar V. has done absolutely nothing to earn a starting spot, are you kidding me??
By Drew
July 17, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
I remember playing with McCann, Francoeur, and Davies back when I was 16-17. I played with them all. Davies was one of the best I’ve ever seen. He was so far head and shoulders above everybody in every facet of the game that it seems he was destined for immortallity.
Here’s the problem, while Frenchy and McCann were awesome, they had a huge upside. They could beat people in several ways. They had room to grow so to speak.
Davies just blew everybody away and lit up the radar gun back then. His ball was flat (no movement) had a decent curveball but couldn’t throw it in certain counts (mental toughness) and lacked a 3rd pitch.
Once everybody (Frenchy, McCann and every other major leaguer) caught up to him its easy to see why he sucks so hard on the pitchers mound. He throws a flat, 93 mph pitch with one off speed pitch and no 3rd pitch.
He still has some pop in his bat, unbelievably, so what I think he should do is go back to Pearl, MS and work on becoming a left-fielder (see Rick Ankiel). He doesn’t have much trade value anymore and still he’s not fit for pitching in the major leagues. I can’t stand his demeanor and I honestly think I have a better shot out there throwing 84 with 3 other pitches I can throw for strikes. Get him out of Atlanta any way possible….
By Chase
July 17, 2007 9:26 AM | Link to this
EVERYONE
How can you KILL ANDRUW on a night where he GOT ALL 3 RBIs and SAVED at least 2 RUNS with that CATCH!
GOOD GRIEF
By Chase
July 17, 2007 9:30 AM | Link to this
My last comment was directed mostly at NASCARFAN
By Rory
July 17, 2007 9:37 AM | Link to this
Coming from someone who played against this kid from t-ball through high school/travel ball, he’s got the stuff. If he can’t get his head right, maybe he should do like ankiel and go back to the minors to be an outfielder. He’s got the stick/arm to do it.
By Will
July 17, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Its not hard to kill Andruw when he goes 1-5, that is still p** poor and drops his anemic batting avg even farther. I have got a big kick the last few weeks how people in the media and on TBS are saying he was breaking out when he was going 1-4 every game.
By AaronC.
July 17, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
Chase, don’t worry about NascarFan. He is just a band wagoner, that is just drunk on the Kool Aid of UGA being some kind dynasty.
By ballgirl
July 17, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this
Serge,
The pitching has NOTHING to do with Mazzone (refer to the Orioles current record). It has to do with a lack of talent. Anyone could have “coached” the starters that he had and been successful.
General Patton,
What is your problem? Do you not know that Hampton is hurt? I don’t think anyone has forgotten about him but its difficult to play when you AREN’T ON THE ROSTER!
By Chuck
July 17, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
Man, you (Schultz) are harsh! The Braves would obviously like to have him in the minors for a year or two, but don’t have that option right now. Many young pitchers have been ruined by rushing them to the bigs. This could be one of them, but it’s too soon to say because it all hasn’t played out yet. His history is a real burden to bear. Certainly not the way Davies would have planned it. The harshness of your article almost makes a play to shape the conclusion, and makes one wonder if you haven’t been treated poorly by him in the past. Being ripped after five batters is harsh treatment too, although his mechanics were all over the place. Because that happened, maybe he should be traded for a batting practice pitcher and given a new start somewhere else, preferrably a lower-tier team that doesn’t come with a lot of pressure. At the current time he is an asset owned by the Braves. I hope he can get over the funk!
By John
July 17, 2007 9:56 AM | Link to this
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$= pitching!!!
By Kentavo
July 17, 2007 9:57 AM | Link to this
If this wasn’t the last straw for Davies (this season at least), then Cox and Shuerholz are not serious about winning - everything they are saying is just lip service if they don’t acquire a proven, Major League starter to solidify the rotation.
By Kathy
July 17, 2007 10:10 AM | Link to this
Maybe Davies needs to be moved to the bullpen, and Villareal to the starting rotation? And until Jo Jo Reyes changes his number and dumps Reitsma’s tainted #37 I’m not holding out much hope for him either!!!
By coachk
July 17, 2007 10:15 AM | Link to this
ok i have tried to give davies all the benefit of the doubt, i think he has great talent, somewhere, but he can not handle the mental part of the game send him to Rome maybe he can figure out what a great opportunity he has, 2nd the move of the future is Chipper to first escobar at third and trade Salty for a bonified non reclaimation project. Escobar has to play daily!!!!
By Josh GT
July 17, 2007 10:36 AM | Link to this
I love how people freak out after one loss. Folks, this is baseball. I don’t know what team Jeff has been watching, but Chuck James appears to have turned the corner. This is a team that has won 7 of its last nine, and y’all are ready to blow it up. Name a team in baseball that doesn’t have any weaknesses…
crickets
By trottinghome
July 17, 2007 10:38 AM | Link to this
Only a JEFF column could drag up this kind of putried swill. The ‘posters’ here are either living in the basement or in denial. And JEFF, you must have been given the task of promoting a SCRABBLE tournament and mixed up your post. NO doubt your readers thought the same thing. This is the last JEFF article I will read.
General Patton…NASCAR…Your MOM is calling, time to get off the computer.
By trottinghometudd
July 17, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
Only a JEFF column could drag up this kind of putried swill. The ‘posters’ here are either living in the basement or in denial. And JEFF, you must have been given the task of promoting a SCRABBLE tournament and mixed up your post. NO doubt your readers thought the same thing. This is the last JEFF article I will read.
General Patton…NASCAR…Your MOM is calling, time to get off the computer.
By DirtyDawg
July 17, 2007 10:42 AM | Link to this
Watching Davies last week against San Diego made me think that he had at last turned the corner. He had started off just like last night…couldn’t find the plate…the camera kept cutting over to Bobby who was taking his hat off and scratching his head in frustration…and then something in Kyle seemed to click. He got mad. He started throwing hard strikes where they couldn’t hit ‘em and mixing in Uncle Charlies for outs. Then last night happened. Somebody please tell him to go to the mound - whether it’s gonna happen here or in Richmond - p** off at those guys. Not just to try and throw it by every one of them but with a, ‘alright you bastards, I’m here and I’m gonna beat your a**es all night long’. He’s got the potential, but you can’t say he has the ‘stuff’ until he shows you the ‘stuff he’s made of’.
And to that guy above that felt compelled to bold-face his feelings about Bobby and Andruw…all you have to do is check out his ‘nom de plume’ - NASCARfan - that ought to tell you just how much he’s likely to know about anything, much less how to become a hall of fame manager. By the way, Andruw, Bobby, Terry and Scott (Boros), you don’t owe me a thing for my suggestion here a month ago about having AJ choke-up on the bat. Let’s just hope he keeps it up. From what I saw in the late innings last night it looked as if he was trying to hit a 10-run homer.
By Kelley
July 17, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this
I feel really bad for Davies right now. You know things are not good when A. Bobby says something halfway negative to the media about a player (b/c he never does that) and B. you get pulled in the 1st inning.
I really would be surprised to see Kyle make another start.
I can’t tell enough about a pitcher’s “stuff” just by watching on TV, but the fact that he can look pretty good one game and then so terrible for two or three has got to point to it being a mental thing. I hope the Braves send him back down and work with him to help him out, can they do that?
Also, for those of you getting so offended by the comments from NascarFan, just do what I do. I choose to read only the posts from people who actually know something about baseball. Anyone actually associated with Major League Baseball will tell you Bobby is one of the best skippers of all time; period. I don’t waste my time reading such negative, hateful posts.
By Just a Thought
July 17, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
Where’s Doug Llewellyn (sp?) when you need him? Isn’t that the sports psychologist that helped straighten out John Smoltz’ head? Seems like he did a pretty good job there. Maybe he should be consulted to help straighten out Kyle Davies.
By Kdoc
July 17, 2007 11:38 AM | Link to this
To Will, who disagreed with me that Oscar V has “done nothing to earn a starting spot.” Check out these numbers:
Player A: 54 innings pitched, 24 earned runs, 8 HRs, 38 Ks and a 4.00 ERA.
Player B: 52 innings pitched, 23 earned runs, 4 HRs, 48 Ks, 4.01 ERA.
Any guesses? Player A is Buddy Carlyle and B is Oscar V. Oscar has come in in long relief plenty this season and helped out. He didn’t look spectacular last night b/c he didn’t have time to warm up thanks to Davies’ implosion. (Although I would have him warming up under the stands any time Davies starts).
You’re wrong. Oscar has done enough to at least try a start or two. Everyone raves about Buddy C, and for good reason. His numbers are very similar to Oscar V’s. Next time you disagree with someone, try offering some facts to back up your opinion.
By Jeff
July 17, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
Davies is obviously not fit to represent the Atlanta Braves. Why is he on this team? Because he’s from the Atlanta area?
By Johnny Evans
July 17, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this
REf Davies= What more does the Braves need=in order=to see that Davies is having some issues==A trip to MYtrle Beack=pitching in that league=might make him get his head back on=so to speak=then again=he may be a year or two away from being ready to pitch in the Big’s Trying justfy one or two good outings=that makes him ready=something is missing in that equation= I am sure he is a hard worker=and I am not saying he may not be ready against him as a person=I am speaking strictly of his performance=which all has seen= from your comments=and comments from others=looks like I am not alone in this == I am sure Mr Davies=knows he is struggling=without my comments= and I wish him the best=yes the Braves are short on starting pitchers= others in the minors may be able to come up and give a big boost==Sometimes=going with experience along=can her a team= I have always=asked this question==How can one get experience-unless someone gives one a chance= The R-Braves and M-Braves=just might have the shot in the arm=that the A-Braves need=If given the chance=proof is=look what happen in the past few years==French=mcCann now Escobar=they have prove what I have been attempting to say= Johnny Chesapeake, Va
By George
July 17, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this
Nascarfan,
Could you tell me again how many games you have managed and won in the major leagues?
By TDub
July 17, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this
NASCARfan,
Stick to sports that involve cars going around in circles. The entire baseball world thinks you’re an idiot.
By Kaye
July 17, 2007 12:33 PM | Link to this
Send Davis back down and let him settle down. He has lost confidence and lots more due to his injury.
The Braves brought him up wrong anyway because they needed him. Now its time for the Braves to do him right and send him down and get him straight. Hes really deserving of this. Hes a good pitcher and he just needs help right now. BUT NOT IN THE MAJORS.
By Chief
July 17, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this
There are 2 types of people in the world.
Those that see pressure as a challenge and face it ….
and
Those that get “puckering sphinkter” syndrome as a result of pressure and fold like a deck of cards.
Davies is the latter of the two. ;)
By BostonBravesGirl
July 17, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
Just A Thought has it right. Remember when Smoltz was imploding in the third innings back in the mid-90s? The Braves found him a psychologist and Smoltz worked through it. Maybe Davies isn’t man enough to admit he’s got a problem; several posters have talked about his stubbornness.
By allan
July 17, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
Correct me if I’m wrong (and I’m sure someone will), haven’t we read/heard, that the braves’ owners’ will not spend any money on the team, this year or who knows when??
By allan
July 17, 2007 1:41 PM | Link to this
Correct me if I’m wrong (and I’m sure someone will), haven’t we read/heard, that the braves’ owners’ will not spend any money on the team, this year or who knows when?? So if that’s the case, then it should not be a surprise, that the braves are using anybody, with an arm, to pitch?! Will it change or improve next year? Yesh, I sure hope so?
By michael
July 17, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
McDowell is suppose to be a super pitching coach. Rick Peterson can straighten out Sosa but McDowell couldn’t Davies should be sent to Rome or Jackson Miss. He doesn’t have an overpowering fastball to pitch up in the zone.
Michael
By michael
July 17, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
McDowell is suppose to be a super pitching coach. Rick Peterson can straighten out Sosa but McDowell couldn’t Davies should be sent to Rome or Jackson Miss. He doesn’t have an overpowering fastball to pitch up in the zone.
Michael
By michael
July 17, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
McDowell is suppose to be a super pitching coach. Rick Peterson can straighten out Sosa but McDowell couldn’t Davies should be sent to Rome or Jackson Miss. He doesn’t have an overpowering fastball to pitch up in the zone.
Michael
By michael
July 17, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
McDowell is suppose to be a super pitching coach. Rick Peterson can straighten out Sosa but McDowell couldn’t. Davies should be sent to Rome or Jackson Miss. He doesn’t have an overpowering fastball to pitch up in the zone.
Michael
By michael
July 17, 2007 1:49 PM | Link to this
McDowell is suppose to be a super pitching coach. Rick Peterson can straighten out Sosa but McDowell couldn’t. Davies should be sent to Rome or Jackson Miss. He doesn’t have an overpowering fastball to pitch up in the zone.
Michael
By Will
July 17, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this
Dont give me the Smoltz/Davies comparisons. Smoltz is a way better pitcher then Kyle Davies will ever be.
By Jimbo
July 17, 2007 1:54 PM | Link to this
If the Braves are giving credit to McDowell for Carlyle then he must also get the blame for Davies.
Both Davies and Thorman should have been in Richmond a month ago.
By Steve Geddie
July 17, 2007 2:12 PM | Link to this
And I say this in all seriousness: Yunel Escobar straight up for Matt Morris.
By don0713
July 17, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
Some people have memories shorter than there personal organ. In 1989, a future Hall of Famer named Tom Glavine had a horrible year for the Atlanta Braves. He was terribly inconsistent, sometimes looking great, sometimes he couldn’t make it through the first inning. In fact, Bobby had to pull him from more than one game in the first inning. Once he never even got an out before he was gone. I’m not saying that Davies will have a Glavine like career. He may never make it in the majors but it’s a lttle too early to pull the plug on his career. That’s why I’m so glad that J.S. and Bobby are running this team, not the clowns on talk radio, or the clowns who write columns for the AJC.
By Josh GT
July 17, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
Allan,
You are wrong. The Braves owners said that the payroll will remain the same at the very least. Also, the Braves have some room under the current payroll to add players.
By Josh GT
July 17, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this
Don,
I agree with most of what you’re saying, but just before the idiots try to correct you, I wanted to point out that Glavine was taken out due to an injury that occurred before the game.
By Colin
July 17, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this
Wow you people are coming down on Bobby and Roger way to hard….they can not control how a pitcher throws a given night. Do not worry we will make a major move for either Dontrell or Morris and maybe even Teixeira. The Mets are average this year. We still have offense even if we trade Salty or Yunel…Our 1-2 can match with any 1-2 in the game when healthy.
By stevo
July 17, 2007 2:58 PM | Link to this
Trade Davies for Dmitri Young he will come relatively cheap and will fill the void at first base it makes since because right now the Nats want potential for the future and we need a power hitting 1B. That frees up Salty to learn his posistion C/OF(with his monster arm could take over CF when Andruw leaves) send Thorman to Richmond and re-sign Franco to back up Young.
By TampaBrave
July 17, 2007 3:55 PM | Link to this
Davies,
Where are your balls?
?!it or get off the pot
By h_charles
July 17, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this
Stevo — A little reality for you. First, the Nationals see in Davies the same thing we do. What makes you think they want to give up an all-star caliber firstbaseman for a guy with THE HIGHEST ERA IN THE NL the last year and a half? The players teams want from ATL are the GOOD ones. Salty and Escobar.
Second, Salty is a great athlete but he CANNOT play CF!!! He doesn’t have near enough speed or agility to play that position. He probably could survive in LF (a lot worse do), but if he ended up in CF our team ERA would rise a full point. A more likely scenario, would be trading Salty for a true 1b who can hit cleanup (like Texiera), move Willie to CF (he does have the speed to play there), and move KJ back to LF to platoon with Diaz, letting Escobar take the everyday 2b job as long as Reneria is here.
By Scott
July 17, 2007 4:13 PM | Link to this
Davies needs time to work on his head and gain confidence. I agree that he should not be at the MLB level at this present time and a trip to minors for a season or two could get him back toward a good career or a trade piece. I only hope that Jo-Jo Reyes can last longer than 3 innings for all the press he’s gotten. My question is, what happened to this great core of pitching talent that the Braves farm system has. I have not seen a great pitcher come up since the early to mid 90’s.
By D-Cider
July 17, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
Isn’t this the same guy that has the highest ERA for any major league pitcher that has at least 40 or more starts? other bloggers are right, when has this guy ever gotten it done? Send him down, let him get some coaching, maybe he can get some wins and maybe we will see him again in 2008.
By JawjaHillbilly
July 17, 2007 5:59 PM | Link to this
If Mike Hampton were in a minor fender-bender, it’d break every bone in his body. A ride in a bumper car would bust him into a pile of dust…
Mike yearned for NASA and the space program; he abandoned that dream when NASA determined he’d completely vaporize with the slightest increase in G-force…
By Serge
July 17, 2007 9:29 PM | Link to this
Ballgirl, Leo Mazzone has been succesfull in Baltimore. Hes made Jeremy Guthrie (A waiverwire pickup) and Eric Bedard (a young pitcher) into Ace Caliber starters.
Roger McDowell has done very litle. His biggest success story Tyler Yates has fallen down to earth recently. Peter Moylan, Chuck Paronto, Anthony Lerew, Macay McBride, Chuck James all have been worse under McDowell now. Roger McDowell was never a good pitching coach anyways. His Dodger teams had terrible ERAs and some of their better pitchers prospects regressed under him. The Braves need to consider getting rid of McDowell soon and possibly giving Guy Hansen a raise.