The Atlanta Braves had quite a busy trade deadline. They made a huge move in acquiring Texas Rangers' 1B Mark Teixeira. For the Braves this is the biggest mid-season trade since 1993 when the Braves acquired 1B Fred McGriff from the San Diego Padres. The Teixeira trade goes down on paper like this:
Braves Acquire
1B Mark Teixeira
LHP Ron Mahay
Rangers Acquire
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SS Elvis Andrus (Minor Leaguer)
LHP Matt Harrison (Minor Leaguer)
LHP Beau Jones (Minor Leaguer)
RHP Neftali Perez (Minor Leaguer)
I really like this trade. Teixeira will be placed into the cleanup spot in the lineup and is a force and should get Chipper Jones some more pitches to hit. He will also allow Andruw to get some more pitches to hit. The Braves lineup is clearly the best in the NL now with this trade. The Braves lineup will look like this now:
Braves Lineup
1. Willie Harris LF
2. Edgar Renteria SS
3. Chipper Jones 3B
4. Mark Teixeira 1B
5. Andruw Jones CF
6. Brian McCann C
7. Jeff Francoeur RF
8. Kelly Johnson 2B
Another trade made was this trade:
Braves Acquire
RHP Octavio Dotel
Royals Acquire
RHP Kyle Davies
I like this trade also. Kyle Davies gets a chance for a fresh start with the Royals and will be placed into the starting rotation right away. Dotel has postseason experience and is a flame thrower that will serve in a setup role in the 7th or 8th inning. And third and final the Braves made this trade:
Braves Acquire
LHP Royce Ring
Padres Acquire
LHP Wilfredo Ledezma
LHP Will Startup (Minor Leaguer)
This was another good trade by John Schueholz. Ledezma was acquired for Macay McBride back in June in hopes that the Braves would be able to use him in a starter's role hoping he would be more effective. That never happened has the Braves didn't have the chance needing his left arm in the bullpen to try to get out lefties. He struggled mightly giving up runs in half of his 12 appearances and was designated for assignment last Sunday. Will Startup had around a 2 ERA at Triple-A Richmond this year and seems likely to become a very good bullpen guy in the future. The Braves received Royce Ring who had a 1.99 ERA for the Padres at Triple-A this year. Ring has big league experience with the Mets and Padres and could help the Braves in Atlanta later on this year if the situation calls for it. For now he is gonna serve time at Triple-A Richmond.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
College Football Preseason Top 25 Rankings
I don't believe in preseason rankings but as part of my duty I must give my preseason rankings. Before I do please note that I believe in putting the National Champion from the previous year first in my rankings with the runner-up second. All the rest will be based on last year's final ranking and their protential for this year.
1. Florida Gators - The Gators won the National Championship last year beating Ohio State 41-14. Tim Tebow takes over full-time this year for the departed Chris Leak. Tebow was used mostly in a running role but did have 5 touchdown passes in only 33 attempts. The Gators are very young and inexperienced, especially on defense. I expect a step back for the defending champs with a predicted record of about 9-3.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes - The Buckeyes lose Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith and alot of other offensive weapons so expect a stepback from this year. I predict a 3rd place finish in the Big Ten with losses to Michigan and Penn State.
3. USC Trojans - The Tojans are everybody's preseason National Championship winner and I tend to think they have the protential to be standing at the top when the smoke clears. But those 2 Pac-10 losses to Oregon State and UCLA could mean the rest of the conference is finally starting to catch up to them. Expect a dogfight in the season finale against UCLA this year with UCLA hoping to end the Trojans NC hopes for the 2nd year in a row.
4. Texas Longhorns - The Longerhorns hopes this year hinge on QB Colt McCoy staying healthy. If he stays healthy than the Longhorns are legit NC contenders but if he doesn't the Longhorns are gonna have their hands full.
5. Michigan Wolverines - Michigan has everything you need to make a run at a NC. Seniors at the most important positions, QB and RB. Mario Manningham is a huge playmaker at WR and Senior OT Jake Long anchors the OL. If they can find replacements on defense for DE LaMarr Woodley, DT Alan Branch, LBs Prescott Burgess and David Harris and CB Leon Hall than the Wolverines should be right in the hunt.
6. LSU Tigers - The Tigers are everybody's preseason SEC Champs but I don't necessarily believe in that. I believe the Tigers will have a tough time replacing WRs Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis aswell as defensive standout LaRon Landry.
7. Virginia Tech Hokies - I believe the Hokies will be nearly unstoppable this year in the wake of that tragedy last April in Blacksburg. They will dedicate this season to those that lost their lifes. It also helps that they have a very good football team.
8. West Virginia Mountaineers - What can you say about the Mountaineers other than wow? The Pat White and Steve Slaton combination have been nearly unstoppable and there is no reason to think they won't continue that success this year.
9. Louisville Cardinals - If the Cardinals adjust well to having a new HC than there is no reason to think they won't continue to win games in 2007. Brian Brohm has to stay healthy though.
10. Rutgers Scarlet Knights - The Scarlet Knights had a magical run last year and their hopes this year hinge on the improved play from QB Mike Teal. Ray Rice is back at RB and should once again allow the Knights to be a force in the Big East. I just don't think the Knights have enough to complete with West Virginia or Louisville and yes I remember Rutgers beating Louisville last year but they were home and than went on the road and was run over by Cincinnati.
11. Oklahoma Sooners
12. Penn State Nittany Lions
13. Wisconsin Badgers
14. Auburn Tigers
15. Nebraska Cornhuskers
16. California Golden Bears
17. TCU Horned Frogs
18. Tennessee Volunteers
19. Georgia Bulldogs
20. Texas A&M Aggies
21. South Carolina Gamecocks
22. UCLA Bruins
23. South Florida Bulls
24. Hawaii Warriors
25. Missouri Tigers
1. Florida Gators - The Gators won the National Championship last year beating Ohio State 41-14. Tim Tebow takes over full-time this year for the departed Chris Leak. Tebow was used mostly in a running role but did have 5 touchdown passes in only 33 attempts. The Gators are very young and inexperienced, especially on defense. I expect a step back for the defending champs with a predicted record of about 9-3.
2. Ohio State Buckeyes - The Buckeyes lose Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith and alot of other offensive weapons so expect a stepback from this year. I predict a 3rd place finish in the Big Ten with losses to Michigan and Penn State.
3. USC Trojans - The Tojans are everybody's preseason National Championship winner and I tend to think they have the protential to be standing at the top when the smoke clears. But those 2 Pac-10 losses to Oregon State and UCLA could mean the rest of the conference is finally starting to catch up to them. Expect a dogfight in the season finale against UCLA this year with UCLA hoping to end the Trojans NC hopes for the 2nd year in a row.
4. Texas Longhorns - The Longerhorns hopes this year hinge on QB Colt McCoy staying healthy. If he stays healthy than the Longhorns are legit NC contenders but if he doesn't the Longhorns are gonna have their hands full.
5. Michigan Wolverines - Michigan has everything you need to make a run at a NC. Seniors at the most important positions, QB and RB. Mario Manningham is a huge playmaker at WR and Senior OT Jake Long anchors the OL. If they can find replacements on defense for DE LaMarr Woodley, DT Alan Branch, LBs Prescott Burgess and David Harris and CB Leon Hall than the Wolverines should be right in the hunt.
6. LSU Tigers - The Tigers are everybody's preseason SEC Champs but I don't necessarily believe in that. I believe the Tigers will have a tough time replacing WRs Dwayne Bowe and Craig Davis aswell as defensive standout LaRon Landry.
7. Virginia Tech Hokies - I believe the Hokies will be nearly unstoppable this year in the wake of that tragedy last April in Blacksburg. They will dedicate this season to those that lost their lifes. It also helps that they have a very good football team.
8. West Virginia Mountaineers - What can you say about the Mountaineers other than wow? The Pat White and Steve Slaton combination have been nearly unstoppable and there is no reason to think they won't continue that success this year.
9. Louisville Cardinals - If the Cardinals adjust well to having a new HC than there is no reason to think they won't continue to win games in 2007. Brian Brohm has to stay healthy though.
10. Rutgers Scarlet Knights - The Scarlet Knights had a magical run last year and their hopes this year hinge on the improved play from QB Mike Teal. Ray Rice is back at RB and should once again allow the Knights to be a force in the Big East. I just don't think the Knights have enough to complete with West Virginia or Louisville and yes I remember Rutgers beating Louisville last year but they were home and than went on the road and was run over by Cincinnati.
11. Oklahoma Sooners
12. Penn State Nittany Lions
13. Wisconsin Badgers
14. Auburn Tigers
15. Nebraska Cornhuskers
16. California Golden Bears
17. TCU Horned Frogs
18. Tennessee Volunteers
19. Georgia Bulldogs
20. Texas A&M Aggies
21. South Carolina Gamecocks
22. UCLA Bruins
23. South Florida Bulls
24. Hawaii Warriors
25. Missouri Tigers
Friday, July 20, 2007
Atlanta Braves Trade Rumors
I visit http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/ to find all the trade rumors I can involving the Braves. Some trade rumors are completely bogus and some are more believable. The trick is to find out which ones to believe and which ones to ignore. Here are some trade rumors involving the Braves.
- The Braves apparently won't give up Yunel Escobar or Jarrod Saltalamacchia to get Mark Teixeira. Neither of 'em. No doubt John Schuerholz will spend the next ten days trying to get Jon Daniels to settle for less.
- Beyond the Cubs, Graziano lists the Braves, Dodgers, and Diamondbacks as teams interested in pitcher Zack Greinke. If the initial asking price for Octavio Dotel was as high as reported, I can't imagine what Dayton Moore would want for Greinke.
- The Braves are trying to deal for southpaw reliever C.J. Wilson of the Rangers. The 26 year-old has an undeserved 2.81 ERA right now. His control has been worse this year, so he'd have to remain unhittable to be effective.
- Zack Greinke is admittedly a long shot to be traded, but that doesn't mean teams aren't asking all the time. The Braves connection is obvious. Stark says John Schuerholz is getting very aggressive and creative trying to improve his team. Two prospects on the block are Elvis Andrus and Dan Smith.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Atlanta Braves Sunday Report
This week started off bad as the Braves were swept by the Reds. The Mets lost 2 of 3 to the Padres so the Braves were only 2 1/2 games behind the Mets at mid-week. The 2nd half of the week was great. The Braves signed Julio Franco from the Mets and he made an instant impact. The Braves finished the week 1-3.
MONDAY
---Reds
---Loss 10-3
---WP: Bobby Livingston (2-0)
---LP: Kyle Davies (4-8)
Kyle Davies started for the Braves and faced 5 batters without recording an out before being lifted by manager Bobby Cox. Davies gave up 2 runs, 2 hits, 3 walks and left the bases loaded while he was in the game. Ken Griffey Jr. added a 3-run homerun in the 2nd inning off the Braves' Oscar Villarreal to make it 5-0 Reds at that point. For Griffey it was career homerun number 587 breaking a tie he held with Frank Robinson. The only Braves offense came from Andruw Jones who had all 3 RBIs.
TUESDAY
---Reds---Loss 6-5
---WP: Bronson Arroyo (4-10)
---LP: Jo-Jo Reyes (0-1)
Jo-Jo Reyes pitched very well in only his 2nd career start and held the Reds scoreless for 4 2/3 innings. In 6 1/3 innings pitched he gave up only 2 runs on 8 hits. He was later charged with 2 additional runs when Peter Moylan came in in the 7th and allowed 4 runs. The Braves made a comeback in the 8th when Andruw Jones hit a 2-run homerun and Kelly Johnson had a 2-run triple. Chipper Jones added a run scoring single in the 9th but the Braves comeback fell short as they lost 6-5.
WEDNESDAY
---Reds---Loss 5-4
---WP: Mike Gosling (1-0)
---LP: Jose Ascanio (0-1)
This was a wild game. John Smoltz made his return from the DL and was just unhittable. He pitched 7 shutout innings while recording 11 strikeouts. Those 11 strikeouts were his most in over 2 years. This was a back and forth game as the Braves scored in the 7th to take a 1-0 lead and give Smoltz a chance for his 10th win of the season. That went out the window when Rafael Soriano gave up a 2-out 2-run homerun to Adam Dunn. The Braves tied it at 2 in the bottom of the 8th on a sac fly by Jeff Francoeur. The game then went to extras. The Reds took a 3-2 lead in the top of the 10th on a Scott Hatteberg RBI single off Tyler Yates. Chipper Jones, following a leadoff single by Edgar Renteria, hit a game tying double. After a Jones stolen base and a walk to Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur came up with a chance to win the game. The Reds then called in centerfielder Ryan Freel to play right on top of the 2nd base bag so the infielders could play their normal defensive positions. It worked as Francoeur hit a screaming liner that was caught by a leaping Brandon Phillips who then doubled off Chipper Jones at 3rd to end the inning. Phillips than won the game for the Reds in the 15th with a 2-out, 2-run single to give the Reds a 5-3 lead. The Braves scored a run in the bottom of the inning but fell short losing 5-4 in 15 innings.
THURSDAY
---Cardinals---Win 10-1
---WP: Tim Hudson (10-5)
---LP: Mike Maroth (0-3)
Andruw Jones got the scoring going early with a 1st inning 2-run homerun off Cards' starter Mike Maroth. The Braves added a single run in the 2nd on a homerun by Matt Diaz than with 2 out in the 4 the Braves scored 5 runs to take a 10-0 lead. The highlight of the inning was Julio Franco, who was starting in his 1st game back with the Braves, capping the inning with a 2-run single.
---Cardinals
---Loss 4-1
---WP: Adam Wainwright (9-7)
---LP: Rafael Soriano (2-2)
Monday, July 16, 2007
Braves Future Is Bright
The Braves future is bright with all the youngsters in their organization. Get to know these guys. All of these guys are either already in the majors or will be there in the next couple of years.
P - Manny Acosta
P - Jose Ascanio
P - Ryan Basner
P - Blaine Boyer
P - Joey Devine
P - Matt Harrison
P - Chuck James
P - Anthony Lerew
P - Michael Nix
P - Jo-Jo Reyes
P - Zach Schreiber
P - Will Startup
P - Phil Stockman
C - Brian McCann
C - Brayan Pena
C/1B - Jarrod Saltalamacchia
1B - Carlos Mendez
2B - J.C. Holt
2B - Kelly Johnson
2B - Martin Prado
2B - Jonathan Schuerholz
SS/3B - Yunel Escobar
SS - Brent Lillibridge
3B - Wes Timmons
OF - Gregor Blanco
OF - Jeff Francoeur
OF - Brandon Jones
OF - Bill McCarthy
Atlanta Braves Sunday Report
This was a short week with the All-Star Game being played. The Braves went 3-0 this week while sweeping the Pirates. For the Braves it was their 6th straight win at home. The last time that happened was July 26-31, 2005. Ironically both streaks came against the Nationals and Pirates. I guess it is safe to say the Braves play good against those 2 teams at Turner Field.
FRIDAY
---Pirates
---Win 9-1
---WP: Tim Hudson (9-5)
---LP: Ian Snell (7-6)
The story of this game was Brian McCann. McCann had 2 homeruns while knocking in 4 runs. Andruw Jones also homered and Renteria added a pair of runs driven in. Tim Hudson tossed 7 shutout innings to earn win number 9. Hudson also had an RBI single.
SATURDAY
---Pirates
---Win 5-4
---WP: Bob Wickman (2-2)
---LP: Shawn Chacon (4-2)
This was a wild game. The Braves jumped on the Pirates early for 3 runs in the 1st inning including a 2-run homerun from Andruw Jones. For Jones it was homerun number 17 this season. Chipper Jones also had a good day at the plate going 3 for 4. Chuck James was lifted after pitching 6 shutout innings giving up only 2 hits. Tyler Yates than managed to give up a run and leave 2 others on base in the 7th inning when he was replaced by Rafael Soriano. Soriano than managed to give up a 3-run pinch hit homerun to the Pirates Ryan Doumit that tied the game at 4. The game was then delayed 72 minutes in the bottom of the 7th due to rain. After play resumed Jeff Francoeur won the game with a 2-out walkoff single in bottom of the 9th to give the Braves a 5-4 win. For Francoeur it was his 4th career walkoff hit.
SUNDAY
---Pirates
---Win 5-1
---WP: Buddy Carlyle (4-2)
---LP: Paul Maholm (5-12)
Buddy Carlyle was outstanding again pitching 8 innings of 1 run ball. He gave up just 5 hits over those 8 innings while striking out 4. Edgar Renteria went 4 for 5 while knocking in a run. Yunel Escobar and Jeff Francoeur also had RBIs in the game as the Braves cruised to a 5-1 win.
For the Braves it was their 4th straight win, 7 of 8 and 12 of 16. So to say the least they have been on quite a roll. As a result of their good play that have cut the Mets lead in the division down to just 1 1/2 games. The Phillies are also only 5 1/2 games behind the Mets.
Upcoming the Braves continue their 10 game homestand against the Reds and Cardinals while the Mets are on the road against the Padres and Dodgers. It looks as if this is the prime chance for the Braves to take the lead in the division.
FRIDAY
---Pirates
---Win 9-1
---WP: Tim Hudson (9-5)
---LP: Ian Snell (7-6)
The story of this game was Brian McCann. McCann had 2 homeruns while knocking in 4 runs. Andruw Jones also homered and Renteria added a pair of runs driven in. Tim Hudson tossed 7 shutout innings to earn win number 9. Hudson also had an RBI single.
SATURDAY
---Pirates
---Win 5-4
---WP: Bob Wickman (2-2)
---LP: Shawn Chacon (4-2)
This was a wild game. The Braves jumped on the Pirates early for 3 runs in the 1st inning including a 2-run homerun from Andruw Jones. For Jones it was homerun number 17 this season. Chipper Jones also had a good day at the plate going 3 for 4. Chuck James was lifted after pitching 6 shutout innings giving up only 2 hits. Tyler Yates than managed to give up a run and leave 2 others on base in the 7th inning when he was replaced by Rafael Soriano. Soriano than managed to give up a 3-run pinch hit homerun to the Pirates Ryan Doumit that tied the game at 4. The game was then delayed 72 minutes in the bottom of the 7th due to rain. After play resumed Jeff Francoeur won the game with a 2-out walkoff single in bottom of the 9th to give the Braves a 5-4 win. For Francoeur it was his 4th career walkoff hit.
SUNDAY
---Pirates
---Win 5-1
---WP: Buddy Carlyle (4-2)
---LP: Paul Maholm (5-12)
Buddy Carlyle was outstanding again pitching 8 innings of 1 run ball. He gave up just 5 hits over those 8 innings while striking out 4. Edgar Renteria went 4 for 5 while knocking in a run. Yunel Escobar and Jeff Francoeur also had RBIs in the game as the Braves cruised to a 5-1 win.
For the Braves it was their 4th straight win, 7 of 8 and 12 of 16. So to say the least they have been on quite a roll. As a result of their good play that have cut the Mets lead in the division down to just 1 1/2 games. The Phillies are also only 5 1/2 games behind the Mets.
Upcoming the Braves continue their 10 game homestand against the Reds and Cardinals while the Mets are on the road against the Padres and Dodgers. It looks as if this is the prime chance for the Braves to take the lead in the division.
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Atlanta Braves Sunday Report
Okay folks. Every Sunday for the reminder of baseball season I'm gonna give yall my Atlanta Braves report for previous week. I hope yall enjoy.
The week leading up to the All-Star break saw the Braves post a 4-3 record to finish out a 10 game road trip at 6-4.
MONDAY
---at Dodgers
---Loss 8-2
---WP: Joe Beimel (2-1)
---LP: John Smoltz (9-5)
The story of this game was again the lack of run support for John Smoltz. Smoltz lost for the 5th time this season and the Braves in Smoltz's 5 losses have scored a total of 4 runs. For Smoltz it goes down as a loss but it was another quality start by him and with any run support of any kind he could easily be 14-0 this season. But I guess that is the way baseball goes sometimes.
TUESDAY
---at Dodgers
---Loss 7-6
---WP: Rudy Seanez (5-1)
---LP: Wilfredo Ledezma (0-1)
---SV: Takashi Saito (23)
This was a wild game that saw both teams combine for 12 runs in the first 3 innings of the game. Both bullpens then shutdown the opposing team's offenses until the Dodgers scored on a single by OF Matt Kemp in the 7th to give the Dodgers the 7-6 win.
WEDNESDAY
---at Dodgers
---Win 5-2
---WP: Chuck James (8-7)
---LP: Mark Hendrickson (2-4)
---SV: Bob Wickman (15)
This Independance Day win was just what the Braves were looking for to end their 3 game losing streak. Chuck James didn't have his best stuff but managed 5 innings giving up just 1 run on 4 hits on 77 pitches. The Braves offense game courtesy a 2-out 2-rbi single by Chipper Jones in the 5th, Brian McCann's rbi single in the 6th followed by a Yunel Escobar sacrifice fly with an Andruw Jones 7th inning solo shot, his 14th homerun of the season, capping the scoring.
THURSDAY
---at Dodgers
---Win 8-6
---WP: Peter Moylan (3-1)
---LP: Eric Stultz (0-1)
---SV: Bob Wickman (16)
The story of the Braves 8-6 win in this game was Chipper Jones. Chipper Jones hit a solo homerun in the 6th inning to give the Braves a 7-6 lead. For Jones it was career homerun No. 371 tying him with Braves great Dale Murphy for first place on Atlanta's all-time homerun list. But Jones wasn't done. He hit another solo homerun in the 8th inning to cap the scoring. It was homerun No. 372 putting himself above Murphy and all the other Braves greats.
FRIDAY
---at Padres
---Win 7-4
---WP: Buddy Carlyle (3-2)
---LP: Justin Germano (5-3)
Andruw Jones hit a 2-run homerun in the 4th inning and Buddy Carlyle added a go ahead rbi single in the frame and the Braves won 7-4 behind a strong outting from Carlyle. Carlyle pitched a career-high 8 innings and tied a career-high 7 strikeouts to help the Braves win their 3rd straight game.
SATURDAY
---at Padres
---Loss 8-5
---WP: Heath Bell (3-2)
---LP: Tyler Yates (2-1)
---SV: Trevor Hoffman (25)
Padres starter David Wells was ejected in the 4th following a Jeff Francoeur homerun but the Padres rallied late to win 8-5. After Andruw Jones had tied the game at 5 in the top of the 7th with a 2-run 2-out triple the Braves' Tyler Yates battled control issues and the Padres scored 3 runs to take a 8-5 lead and win by the same score.
SUNDAY
---at Padres
---Win 5-4
---WP: Kyle Davies (4-7)
---LP: Greg Maddux (7-6)
Braves starter Kyle Davies outduled future Hall of Famer and former Braves' great Greg Maddux over 6 innings as the Braves won 5-4. Brian McCann hit a 2-run homerun in the 2nd and Kelly Johnson later added a solo homerun in the inning to give the Braves a 3-0 lead. McCann then added a 2-run single in the 6th that chased Maddux from the game. The Padres made it close in the 9th off Braves' closer Bob Wickman but Marcus Giles took a called third strike to end the game.
It was a great week for the Braves considering they were playing the cream of the crop in the National League. They end the week just 2 games behind the Mets in the divison so things are really looking great. The Braves have gotten on a nice roll winning 9 of 13 heading into the break.
John Smoltz will miss the All-Star game Tuesday but is schedule to pitch the 6th game after the break against the Reds on the 18th of July. In his place Jo-Jo Reyes is starting. Reyes showed some good signs Saturday when he made his ML debut. But as the case with any rookie pitcher he had his struggles also. I really like what I saw from the kid and if he keeps learning he could be a staple of the Braves starting rotation for years to come. He will make his 2nd big league start on July 17th against the Reds.
The Braves record at the All-Star break is 47-42. At the break last year they were 40-49.
The week leading up to the All-Star break saw the Braves post a 4-3 record to finish out a 10 game road trip at 6-4.
MONDAY
---at Dodgers
---Loss 8-2
---WP: Joe Beimel (2-1)
---LP: John Smoltz (9-5)
The story of this game was again the lack of run support for John Smoltz. Smoltz lost for the 5th time this season and the Braves in Smoltz's 5 losses have scored a total of 4 runs. For Smoltz it goes down as a loss but it was another quality start by him and with any run support of any kind he could easily be 14-0 this season. But I guess that is the way baseball goes sometimes.
TUESDAY
---at Dodgers
---Loss 7-6
---WP: Rudy Seanez (5-1)
---LP: Wilfredo Ledezma (0-1)
---SV: Takashi Saito (23)
This was a wild game that saw both teams combine for 12 runs in the first 3 innings of the game. Both bullpens then shutdown the opposing team's offenses until the Dodgers scored on a single by OF Matt Kemp in the 7th to give the Dodgers the 7-6 win.
WEDNESDAY
---at Dodgers
---Win 5-2
---WP: Chuck James (8-7)
---LP: Mark Hendrickson (2-4)
---SV: Bob Wickman (15)
This Independance Day win was just what the Braves were looking for to end their 3 game losing streak. Chuck James didn't have his best stuff but managed 5 innings giving up just 1 run on 4 hits on 77 pitches. The Braves offense game courtesy a 2-out 2-rbi single by Chipper Jones in the 5th, Brian McCann's rbi single in the 6th followed by a Yunel Escobar sacrifice fly with an Andruw Jones 7th inning solo shot, his 14th homerun of the season, capping the scoring.
THURSDAY
---at Dodgers
---Win 8-6
---WP: Peter Moylan (3-1)
---LP: Eric Stultz (0-1)
---SV: Bob Wickman (16)
The story of the Braves 8-6 win in this game was Chipper Jones. Chipper Jones hit a solo homerun in the 6th inning to give the Braves a 7-6 lead. For Jones it was career homerun No. 371 tying him with Braves great Dale Murphy for first place on Atlanta's all-time homerun list. But Jones wasn't done. He hit another solo homerun in the 8th inning to cap the scoring. It was homerun No. 372 putting himself above Murphy and all the other Braves greats.
FRIDAY
---at Padres
---Win 7-4
---WP: Buddy Carlyle (3-2)
---LP: Justin Germano (5-3)
Andruw Jones hit a 2-run homerun in the 4th inning and Buddy Carlyle added a go ahead rbi single in the frame and the Braves won 7-4 behind a strong outting from Carlyle. Carlyle pitched a career-high 8 innings and tied a career-high 7 strikeouts to help the Braves win their 3rd straight game.
SATURDAY
---at Padres
---Loss 8-5
---WP: Heath Bell (3-2)
---LP: Tyler Yates (2-1)
---SV: Trevor Hoffman (25)
Padres starter David Wells was ejected in the 4th following a Jeff Francoeur homerun but the Padres rallied late to win 8-5. After Andruw Jones had tied the game at 5 in the top of the 7th with a 2-run 2-out triple the Braves' Tyler Yates battled control issues and the Padres scored 3 runs to take a 8-5 lead and win by the same score.
SUNDAY
---at Padres
---Win 5-4
---WP: Kyle Davies (4-7)
---LP: Greg Maddux (7-6)
Braves starter Kyle Davies outduled future Hall of Famer and former Braves' great Greg Maddux over 6 innings as the Braves won 5-4. Brian McCann hit a 2-run homerun in the 2nd and Kelly Johnson later added a solo homerun in the inning to give the Braves a 3-0 lead. McCann then added a 2-run single in the 6th that chased Maddux from the game. The Padres made it close in the 9th off Braves' closer Bob Wickman but Marcus Giles took a called third strike to end the game.
It was a great week for the Braves considering they were playing the cream of the crop in the National League. They end the week just 2 games behind the Mets in the divison so things are really looking great. The Braves have gotten on a nice roll winning 9 of 13 heading into the break.
John Smoltz will miss the All-Star game Tuesday but is schedule to pitch the 6th game after the break against the Reds on the 18th of July. In his place Jo-Jo Reyes is starting. Reyes showed some good signs Saturday when he made his ML debut. But as the case with any rookie pitcher he had his struggles also. I really like what I saw from the kid and if he keeps learning he could be a staple of the Braves starting rotation for years to come. He will make his 2nd big league start on July 17th against the Reds.
The Braves record at the All-Star break is 47-42. At the break last year they were 40-49.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Atlanta Braves Mid-Season Report
I forgot to tell you guys last time but I am gonna give you guys a look into my life of sports. I will from time to time write up posts about sports. Well here goes the first one.
I am just thinking that the Atlanta Braves should be looking to make a protential trade deadline deal for a pitcher. Maybe a starter, maybe a reliever. But what I know for sure is that the Braves cannot not make a move for a pitcher and expect to keep pace with the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies (in the NL East), Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks (in the NL Wild Card race).
The reason for need of a pitcher is because of the struggles of the 3, 4 and 5 starters behind John Smoltz and Tim Hudson. Smoltz and Hudson are a combined 17-10 with a 3.13 ERA. They also have combined for 26 quality starts. The rest of the starters (Mark Redman, Anthony Lerew, Chuck James, Kyle Davies, Lance Cormier, Buddy Carlyle) are a combined 12-24 with a 5.94 ERA. They also only have 16 quality starts. Getting that kind of production from the 3, 4 and 5 starters is not gonna get it done.
For those that don't know a quality start is a starter pitching 6 innings and not giving up more than 3 runs.
Chuck James proved last year (11-4, 3.78 ERA) that he is more than capable of getting the job done. He got off to a good start this season winning his first 2 starts but than stuggled and has gotten back on track over the last couple of months. Take away 3 starts (Padres, Twins, Tigers) over the months of May and June and Chuck James' numbers look very good. His numbers in those 3 starts are 0-3 with a 8.30 ERA. That's ugly. In his other starts his numbers are 4-2 with a 2.71 ERA. Those are great numbers.
I am honestly surprised to see that Chuck James has pitched that well not counting those 3 starts against the Padres, Twins and Tigers. If Chuck James continues to pitch this well he will be able to hold down that number 3 starter job.
Guys that the Braves could protentially look at to help their starting pitching could be right under their own noses in their minor league system. Top pitching prospects left-handers Matt Harrison and Jo-Jo Reyes. Reyes appears to be ahead of Harrison and closer to being major league ready, but Harrison is rated as the number 1 pitching prospect in the Braves organization. Both appear to be long term solutions in the starting rotation down the road and because of their such high protential Bobby Cox and the Braves may not call on them to keep from rushing them before they are truely major league ready.
So the Braves may have to look outside the organization for starting pitching help or to their very deep bullpen. The Braves recently made a trade with the Detroit Tigers sending lefty reliever Macay McBride to the Tigers for lefty pitcher Wilfredo Ledezma with them eying Ledezma in the starting rotation down the road.
Down the road may not be in the too distant future. They main reason Ledezma wasn't put into their rotation immediately was because he is the lone lefty in the bullpen. That is a problem the Braves have because lefty setup man Mike Gonzalez is out for the remainder of the season do to having Tommy John surgery. The Braves may just have to abandon having a lefty in their bullpen and find a righty that can get the tough left-handed power hitters out late in ball games.
Setup man Rafael Soriano actually has a better batting average against against lefties .167 than he does against righties .194. That is kinda suprising to me. I feel that Soriano should replace Bob Wickman as the Braves closer. Soriano is 5 for 5 in save situations this year. Wickman has been very shaky at times this year and is coming off consective bad outtings.
A couple of guys in the bullpen that I hate seeing in games is Oscar Villarreal and Chad Paronto. Both I feel can be upgraded by bringing up Joey Devine and Blaine Boyer. Boyer proved in 2005 that he is capable of getting the job done at the major league level. Devine was a 1st round pick in 2005 who was than rushed to the majors that year and is known for giving up the game winning grand slam to Houston's Chris Bruke in the 18th inning of game 5 of the 2005 division playoff series that ended the Braves season.
Devine than battled a back injury last year and was sent back down to single A to work on his mechanics and has since regained the form that he had at North Carolina State that made him a 1st round pick.
I think the Braves would be better off if their pitching staff looked like this:
John Smoltz
Tim Hudson
Chuck James
Wilfredo Ledezma
Buddy Carlyle/Kyle Davies
Joey Devine
Blaine Boyer
Peter Moylan
Tyler Yates
Bob Wickman
Rafael Soriano
With all of that being said one thing is certain, the Atlanta Braves are much, much better than they were last year.
I am just thinking that the Atlanta Braves should be looking to make a protential trade deadline deal for a pitcher. Maybe a starter, maybe a reliever. But what I know for sure is that the Braves cannot not make a move for a pitcher and expect to keep pace with the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies (in the NL East), Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks (in the NL Wild Card race).
The reason for need of a pitcher is because of the struggles of the 3, 4 and 5 starters behind John Smoltz and Tim Hudson. Smoltz and Hudson are a combined 17-10 with a 3.13 ERA. They also have combined for 26 quality starts. The rest of the starters (Mark Redman, Anthony Lerew, Chuck James, Kyle Davies, Lance Cormier, Buddy Carlyle) are a combined 12-24 with a 5.94 ERA. They also only have 16 quality starts. Getting that kind of production from the 3, 4 and 5 starters is not gonna get it done.
For those that don't know a quality start is a starter pitching 6 innings and not giving up more than 3 runs.
Chuck James proved last year (11-4, 3.78 ERA) that he is more than capable of getting the job done. He got off to a good start this season winning his first 2 starts but than stuggled and has gotten back on track over the last couple of months. Take away 3 starts (Padres, Twins, Tigers) over the months of May and June and Chuck James' numbers look very good. His numbers in those 3 starts are 0-3 with a 8.30 ERA. That's ugly. In his other starts his numbers are 4-2 with a 2.71 ERA. Those are great numbers.
I am honestly surprised to see that Chuck James has pitched that well not counting those 3 starts against the Padres, Twins and Tigers. If Chuck James continues to pitch this well he will be able to hold down that number 3 starter job.
Guys that the Braves could protentially look at to help their starting pitching could be right under their own noses in their minor league system. Top pitching prospects left-handers Matt Harrison and Jo-Jo Reyes. Reyes appears to be ahead of Harrison and closer to being major league ready, but Harrison is rated as the number 1 pitching prospect in the Braves organization. Both appear to be long term solutions in the starting rotation down the road and because of their such high protential Bobby Cox and the Braves may not call on them to keep from rushing them before they are truely major league ready.
So the Braves may have to look outside the organization for starting pitching help or to their very deep bullpen. The Braves recently made a trade with the Detroit Tigers sending lefty reliever Macay McBride to the Tigers for lefty pitcher Wilfredo Ledezma with them eying Ledezma in the starting rotation down the road.
Down the road may not be in the too distant future. They main reason Ledezma wasn't put into their rotation immediately was because he is the lone lefty in the bullpen. That is a problem the Braves have because lefty setup man Mike Gonzalez is out for the remainder of the season do to having Tommy John surgery. The Braves may just have to abandon having a lefty in their bullpen and find a righty that can get the tough left-handed power hitters out late in ball games.
Setup man Rafael Soriano actually has a better batting average against against lefties .167 than he does against righties .194. That is kinda suprising to me. I feel that Soriano should replace Bob Wickman as the Braves closer. Soriano is 5 for 5 in save situations this year. Wickman has been very shaky at times this year and is coming off consective bad outtings.
A couple of guys in the bullpen that I hate seeing in games is Oscar Villarreal and Chad Paronto. Both I feel can be upgraded by bringing up Joey Devine and Blaine Boyer. Boyer proved in 2005 that he is capable of getting the job done at the major league level. Devine was a 1st round pick in 2005 who was than rushed to the majors that year and is known for giving up the game winning grand slam to Houston's Chris Bruke in the 18th inning of game 5 of the 2005 division playoff series that ended the Braves season.
Devine than battled a back injury last year and was sent back down to single A to work on his mechanics and has since regained the form that he had at North Carolina State that made him a 1st round pick.
I think the Braves would be better off if their pitching staff looked like this:
John Smoltz
Tim Hudson
Chuck James
Wilfredo Ledezma
Buddy Carlyle/Kyle Davies
Joey Devine
Blaine Boyer
Peter Moylan
Tyler Yates
Bob Wickman
Rafael Soriano
With all of that being said one thing is certain, the Atlanta Braves are much, much better than they were last year.
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