Looks like Braves now have co-closers
HOUSTON — The Braves’ co-closer option appears to be gaining traction. Jonny Venters recorded his second save in four days, striking out two in the ninth and extending his scoreless innings streak to an eye-popping 22.
Manager Fredi Gonzalez rested closer Craig Kimbrel on Sunday after Kimbrel threw 30 pitches in a two-hit, one-run 10th inning Saturday.
Gonzalez said in spring training that he planned to use both pitchers to closer games, according to matchups and who was better rested. But he had scrapped the plan and gone with Kimbrel as the full-time closer until Thursday at Florida. Venters got the save opportunity that night, after Kimbrel had blown a two-run lead in the ninth inning on Wednesday.
Kimbrel’s 18 saves are the most ever by a rookie before the All-Star break, but Venters has been the best and most consistent reliever not just for the Braves, but in the entire National League.
He has allowed 10 hits and seven walks with 24 strikeouts in 22 scoreless innings over his past 19 appearances to reduce his majors-best ERA to a microscopic 0.44.
Since giving up a run in his second game, Venters has surrendered just one more run in his past 35 appearances, posting an 0.23 ERA since April 4 while allowing 18 hits and 11 walks with 43 strikeouts in 38-2/3 innings.
Etc.
Chipper Jones was out of the lineup to rest Sunday, after going 5-for-10 with a homer, two doubles and three RBIs in the first two games of the series.
The 39-year-old third baseman had two diving defensive plays and two doubles Saturday, hustling to take an extra base for a 10th-inning double that put him in scoring position for Eric Hinske to drive in the final run.
Gonzalez said he wants to be careful and make sure that Jones gets enough rest, in hopes of avoiding an absence of any significant length for the veteran switch-hitter, who is playing with a small cartilage tear in his right knee.
Jones had reconstructive surgery on his left knee in August to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament….
Rookie left-hander Mike Minor will stay with the Braves to start Thursday against the New York Mets. Minor has made two fill-in starts for Brandon Beachy, who is recovering from an oblique strain and could rejoin the rotation in two weeks, if not sooner….
Rookie first baseman Freddie Freeman went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts Sunday, after batting .361 in his previous 20 games without striking out more than twice.
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149 comments Add your comment
z
June 12th, 2011
8:50 pm
first?!
z
June 12th, 2011
8:52 pm
looks like it’s time to pick up Venters in the fantasy league. He’s simply pitched better than Kimbrel so far this year. Everyday Jonny is the man!
Brian
June 12th, 2011
8:56 pm
About time jonny is closing!!!
Vain Jangling
June 12th, 2011
9:07 pm
These Braves are in pretty good shape. If we can just get anything near career averages offensively after getting everyone back from the DL, the sky’s the limit. BTW, why am I reading sports online and not at the closing night of Bonaroo? Widespread Panic is probably tearing it up right about now.
Boatdoc
June 12th, 2011
9:08 pm
Venters is as “light’s out” as any pitcher in baseball.
Boatdoc
June 12th, 2011
9:17 pm
It wouldn’t be difficult to argue that Mariano Rivera is the premiere closer in the history of baseball. He has 575 saves and a career ERA of 2.22.
But right now Jonny is stingy beyond belief: He’s given up 2 runs – ALL YEAR – in the most innings in relief of any pitcher. It takes a microscope to see his ERA: 0.45.
It’s not unusual that Kimbrell doesn’t look as good in comparison – although his 18 saves is one behind the league lead, and O’Flaherty’s 1.42 ERA would compare favorably to Rivera’s BEST years.
We hear Beachy is recovering well, and Pete Moylan gave an interview to ESPN that he expects to be back 100% in August.
It’s nice to have the best starting staff in baseball backed by an equally solid ‘pen.
farmer
June 12th, 2011
9:21 pm
I still say Jonny should have been our closer from the beginning!
murf4HOF
June 12th, 2011
9:23 pm
venters is THE MAN
mathman
June 12th, 2011
9:29 pm
The problem is going to be that they need to be co-closers and if they are, that really weakens the 7th and 8th inning pitching. O’Flaherty can’t do it every night. Linebrink, Proctor, and Sherrill are simply not consistent enough. The Braves badly need Gearin to stay on the ML roster. And, they don’t seem willing to do this.
count_schemula
June 12th, 2011
9:32 pm
Not sure why Fredi abandoned that plan out of spfing training.
count_schemula
June 12th, 2011
9:33 pm
it does not weaken anything, expect to see some Kimbrel in the eighth
richard nixon
June 12th, 2011
9:57 pm
dob i really hate the whole picking certain dates to show the players stats during said dates.
its nice to show once in awhile but you do it way too much.
atleast stick on a monthly bases.
freddi should have gone the duo closer from the start. its not easy for a rookie to bare the load of a closer. especially with a team that had such a bad offense for 2 plus months.
venters is out of this world. like mexico
jjschiller
June 12th, 2011
10:14 pm
I’ll believe it when we see Kimbrel in the 8th, until then I’ll buy “he got the day off because he threw 30 pitches last night.”
Not that it changes a lot, anyway. If you think Kimbrel will blow 1 out of 5 saves, stands to reason he’d blow 1 out of 5 holds.
Grantdawg
June 12th, 2011
10:59 pm
Kimbrel is not an 8th inning pitcher. He does not do well in non-closing situations. My guess is that we’ll still see more of Kimbrel, and Jonny still doing 8th inning work, then Jonny working close situations every once in awhile.
What I’d do? Use Kimbrel to close 2 run or more games, and Jonny in one run games(depending on rest). But that is just me.
Billy Jack's Barbecue & Shrimp Co.
June 12th, 2011
11:00 pm
A case could be made that O’Flaherty deserves a shot too. But I am (and have been) on the Venter’s bandwagon.
Besides, he has a cool name. As DOB said, like a nightclub act.
All this good bullpen work makes us forget about Moylan and how good he is, when healthy.
David O'Brien
June 12th, 2011
11:05 pm
dob i really hate the whole picking certain dates to show the players stats during said dates.
its nice to show once in awhile but you do it way too much. — richard nixon
Thanks. I’ll make sure to thank of you when I use such a stat tomorrow.
the truth...
June 12th, 2011
11:12 pm
Impeach Nixon
Tony
June 12th, 2011
11:14 pm
Venters is just a better pitcher than Kimbrel. Was better last year and certainly better this year. your best bull pen pitcher should be your closer. Its a Bobby Coxism to do it in reverse!
the truth...
June 12th, 2011
11:23 pm
I like Venters better too….Kimbrel just seems too young for the role…appears to mimic Jonathon Papelbon when he takes signs so somehow doesn’t look the part….every time he pitches I find myself holding my breath about half the time..
the very word “Closer” is more applicable to Venters…..he definitely shuts them down….
rob
June 12th, 2011
11:24 pm
i say use them both depending on whether lefties or righties are up…would save their arms through the season anyway. the braves will be in close games the whole season.
the truth...
June 12th, 2011
11:26 pm
DOB….
When you were out of the rotation on AJC a bit ago I suggested that the Braves struggles were somehow tied to your absence….
Sure enough you show up again and off on a tear the boys are…..we appreciate Carroll but the job has to bring winning streaks too…
J-Man
June 12th, 2011
11:33 pm
Right now Venters is the BEST reliever in all of baseball…………… Period!!!!
J-Man
June 12th, 2011
11:34 pm
And the thing is he gets tougher when runners get on base
runnin
June 12th, 2011
11:43 pm
Will this be the little thorn in Kimbrel’s side that makes him take that next step, meaning not walking batters?
oldschool
June 13th, 2011
12:01 am
Kimbrell needs to be rested after 30 pitches the day before?Somebody please…are they serious?
count_schemula
June 13th, 2011
12:16 am
“Kimbrell needs to be rested after 30 pitches the day before?Somebody please…are they serious?”
That it took him 30 pitches to get out of an inning? Is that the incredible part? Otherwise, yeah, 30 pitches is kind of a lot for a frequently used late innings guy.
Rupert
June 13th, 2011
12:24 am
Don’t like it at all. Just plain stupid if you ask me. Anyone who knows basbeall knows that success in the ‘pen is predicated on guys knowing their role. This takes that out of the equation, mostly because Venters could be an 8th inning guy one night, and the next night close. Kimbrel probably just closes, which is all he has done this year. Therefore, it affects more than just the 2 guys. One guy works the 8th on Venters’ night, maybe the 6th or 7th the night before. That’s fine evey now and then, but to have so many good arms, good grief, this team can define roles and stick with them,
If you want Venters to close because he has been so good, fine, then make him the closer. Period. Don’t juggle, don’t go back and forth. My argument all season has been that while Venters has clearly pitched better, Kimbrel is ill-suited for an 8th inning type role because he can’t get that ground ball that Venters gets so well. Not saying that is reason enough not to do it, but there will be a loss in the 8th inning versatitily wise by making a switch.
CK Bigoldi
June 13th, 2011
1:18 am
If Venters can get out of a bases loaded one out scenario and Kimbrel rarely pitches a clean inning …shouldn’t it be clear who the closer should be?
Scott from Fairburn
June 13th, 2011
2:28 am
Quite a run for Venters … On pace for 90 plus appearances is abuse … Jonny, you need 15 days off
Looks like Braves now have co-closers | Raw Sports - Atlanta Braves
June 13th, 2011
3:28 am
[...] Atlanta Braves [...]
kelly
June 13th, 2011
3:57 am
Hey Nixon,
How drunk were you writing that crap last night? Go start your own blog.
I hope you are hungover this morning when you read this.
MK
Darryl Blackberry
June 13th, 2011
3:58 am
If Craig Kimbrel does become the new 8th inning guy, we’ll probably see him pitch very differently. More strikes, but at a lesser velocity. Could be good for him, in the long run.
*sigh*
I just hope Fredi told them what their roles were going to be from now on. I’d hate to think they were stepping on each others’ toes out there…
Dave Goldsman
June 13th, 2011
5:45 am
According to Baseball-Reference.com (if you add in yesterday’s game), the Braves are now 9983-9982 over the life of the franchise (since 1876). This is likely the first time they’ve been over 500 in some time.
Larry
June 13th, 2011
6:08 am
Be careful what you ask for!
Yes, right now Venters is the best reliever in baseball and most likely would be just as good in the closer role. However, as we all know, the last three outs is the hardest of the twenty-seven as hitters have extra focus in a do or die scenario–that’s why it is so tense!
Can Venters handle this on a nightly basis? Most likely! Do we KNOW this? No!
My point is this system (O’Flaherty (and/or Moylan if healthy), Venters, and Kimbrel is working perfectly except the times Kimbrel has failed. I am NOT making excuses for Kimbrel for he is clearly partly to blame. However, I don’t recall once the young kid shaking off a sign from the catcher and, as a former pitcher for 9 years, I think the pitch selection at times is horrid.
For example, when Wagner would come in the guy would just pound 96-98 MPH fastballs one after the other using his breaking ball sparingly. Kimbrel, with a remarkably similar style and stuff I think is asked to use his breaking ball WAY too much in the count. Sure, there are fastball hitters and you have to consider this; however, these catchers, when we have at least a two run lead, need to simply put down the #1 finger and work each side of the plate, high and low, and only put down the #2 after 2 or more consecutive swings on a strike three pitch when it is clear the hitter has the fastball timed.
In summary, the catchers ca help Kimbrel by letting him do the exact thing that Wags did, and this “I’m coming at you with high 90 gas and I dare you to try to hit it!” Kimbrel needs an attitude, not a role change!
An Adult
June 13th, 2011
6:16 am
Take that Richard Nixon’s comment… Dave Goldsman came up with a stat across 135 years. BTW, nothing wrong with DOB’s short term stats Nixon… that’s why you had to leave office…. now leave the site
braveshoo
June 13th, 2011
6:57 am
Kimbrel should do the 8th and Venters close. Venters is simply the best reliever in baseball right now.Another key person this year is Gonzo. He is an average hitter, but a fantastic fielder that is the key to the infield. Shortstops are hard to find now, and Gonzo is a bargain at 2.5 million, but his contract is up. He should be resigned for 2 years at 5m per year. This will give our young SS in the minors time to develop.
braveshoo
June 13th, 2011
7:19 am
If you want to have some fun, review all of the contracts of the Braves on Cots, and think about the decisions Wrenn is going to have to make over the next 2 years. Here is my take: In 2012, Lowe is due 15m, Chipper Jones 13m, Tim Hudson 9m, McCann 8.5m, and Uggla 13m. We can deduct McClouth-6.5m, Kawakami-6.66m, Linebrink-2m, Sherill-1.2m, and Proctor-0.75m. This saves 16m, but I think all this will be spent in increased salaries for McCann, Jurgens, Hanson, Prado, Gonzo, and Heyward. I think our pitching is the key to our team and we cant afford to let Jurgens or Hanson go. We need Lowe and Hudson this year for our playoff run, and they will be hard to trade in the offseason in the final year of their contract. So I think Wrenn has to sit tight, and will have no extra money to spend until chipper retires after 2012. Then he can go after a big free agent for 3rd or the OF( with Prado moving to 3rd), but that is the timeline for now. Minor and Teheran will replace Lowe and Hudson in 2013, and Medlin and Beachy will be in the BP. Any thoughts?
John10:10
June 13th, 2011
7:55 am
I think Wren has worked wonders with his budget. Our payroll is less than half of the Phillies’ but we have a real chance of winning the East.
Let's Go
June 13th, 2011
8:05 am
braveshoo
Interesting post. Personally I think Chipper retires at the end of this season and with the Braves buying out some of his contract for next year. Give him a personal service contract like they did Tom Glavine. Secondly I don’t think Jurrjens is in the long term plans. I know he’s having a super year but the guy is respresented by Scott Boros and I just don’t see the Braves getting into a bidding war for him and I don’t see Boros letting him give the Braves a Hometown discount. Between hanson and jair I think they put their money on Tommy for the long haul.
Caseyatthebat
June 13th, 2011
8:07 am
LARRY, I couldn’t agree more. If Kimbrel would stay with the heat and just change location I think he would be more successful. He also has that good breaking ball that, used wisely, can be very effective. It seems to me that control has been his problem while coming up through the minors. He has made alot of progress, however, in this regard but he still walks too many in that final inning. And for that reason I still favor Ventors in the closer role. Let Kimbrel gain more experience in the setup role and continue to progress toward better control. One day I think he will be a great closer.
henry from TN
June 13th, 2011
8:08 am
Kimbrel has a 95 plus fastball but it has no movement a good fastball hitter can hit it, and he don’t use his breaking ball enough therefore he should be the 7th or 8th man so when he gives up a couple runs the braves has time to get them back…. therefore Venters should be the closer….
vermont 39
June 13th, 2011
8:17 am
GO BRAVES!!!
Winning is contagious!!!
bvillebaron
June 13th, 2011
8:19 am
Larry and Casey:
Thanks for making my points regarding the Kimbrel/Venters situation. Venters has 2 saves this week and pitched great, but I have genuine concerns that this short term decision may ultimately backfire and make the team weaker in the 8th and 9th innings.
P.S. to Z: I make the foregoing statements despite the fact that I do have Venters (not Kimbrel) on my fantasy team.
Ralph
June 13th, 2011
8:42 am
Don’t think we will see Kimbrel in the 8th, only reason FG has been using Venters in the 9th was because Kim threw too many pitches the nite before, Fredi is just as stubborn as Cox so look for Kim to be back blowing saves for some time to come. Anyway Proctor and Sherrill both have much better era’s than Kimbrell so when Fredi does give up on Kim he will probably be middle releif and EFO will be the setup guy .
Delbert D.
June 13th, 2011
8:44 am
With these relievers, what’s not to like about any of them? It’s an embarrassment of riches, even without Peter Moynihan. I’ve never seen a pitching staff this solid. When I lived in the Philadelphia area from ‘75-’80 for most of that time they had Steve Carlton, Larry Christensen and Randy Lerch as the top starters, Tug McGraw as the closer and not much else.
Realist
June 13th, 2011
8:45 am
Venters is having the best season by a reliever in MLB history. I think it’s fair to give him a couple shots at closing games.
braves fan forever
June 13th, 2011
8:48 am
Well I still expect to see Kimbrell closing most games and he will get better.Don’t cout out Medlin for the starting Rotation.We can let Lowe go after this year.If Chipper stays healthy and has a good year he will finish his contract and if they do realignment and put the Dh in he may stay on a little longer.I know I am glad to see his left hand swing come back.All these injuries and we are only 2 out.
Poor Pitch Selection
June 13th, 2011
9:02 am
I think that blown save on Wed. was just as much McCann’s fault as Kimbrels. No way do you throw 3 straight curve balls to a hitter when your out pitch is a 96mph fastball. The result was runners at 2nd and 3rd after the 3rd curve ball was hit for a double. That hit changed the inning. Before that he was blowing his fast ball by everyone. McCann needs to be a little smarter than that because being cute will get you beat.
jim
June 13th, 2011
9:19 am
Agree with poor pitch selection above on Wed. Kimbrel blew the same guy away with fastballs the day before.
There is a lot of mystique about the closer, but 3 outs in the 8th is just as important as 3 outs in the 9th in a 1 or 2- run game. In a tightly pitched game like the Braves have had all year, the hitters coming up in the 8th inning are invariably those in the middle of the order — check out who hit in the 8th inning the last two nights for example — Venters pitching in the 8th has been getting the tougher outs for the majority of the games this year.
Please — send Venters back to Atlanta this morning so there is no temptation to use him again tonight!!! At the rate he is being used, it won’t matter which inning he pitches come August, he will have nothing left in his arm.
jim
June 13th, 2011
9:23 am
I expect Medlen to pitch in the bullpen this year. Hopefully if he and Moylan can return for the stretch run, they can take some of the work load off of the big 3.
Atticus
June 13th, 2011
9:44 am
DOB, any idea how Venters stacks up historically in terms of his ERZ and avg. against in the last 20 years? Its seems to me he is havinga freakish year. Still a long way to go but it’s amazing to watch.
Also if he is so good, would there be any consideration at all to his starting in the future?
boog
June 13th, 2011
9:53 am
Venters should be the closer…period. Everyone in the world can see that except Gonzalez. If Venters would have been the closer all year the Braves would be in first place …even with all the injuries and the poor offense. Kimbrel has a live arm … but the league is full of guys who throw 95 plus with movement. Venters has that extra dimension with his sinker that separates him from the crowd. The Braves get Heyward and Prado back and make Venters the closer…they might just win it all.
E-6
June 13th, 2011
9:53 am
Our pen reminds old goats like me of Pittsburgh’s three headed monster in the late seventies of right handers Enrique Romo, Kent Tekulve and lefty Grant Jackson. Chuck Tanner was masterful in the mixing and matching those three although Tekulve got most of the saves. The difference was the Pirates didn’t have the strong set of starters the Braves possess.
PMC
June 13th, 2011
9:56 am
Nice to see some offense in this series, they are really playing the way we were hoping for in the last week.
Tommy Gun was awesome. Venters has earned the opportunity, the only reason he never got it in the first place was because of Billy Wagner. He deserves the chance to prove his ability to close out games too.
The Lemmer
June 13th, 2011
10:00 am
Saw JJ interview last week after he pitched when he said he just wants to keep pitching good so he can get paid, i hope so too cause then his trade value will be high so we can send him to the damn Yankees for a much needed outfield bat, like maybe Swisher or Granderson, his agent is Boras & Bravos will not want to overpay for him, so he could be outta here cause he sounds like there will be no hometown discount!
grandpa
June 13th, 2011
10:04 am
If there’s anything DOB is better at than being a biased mouthpiece of the Braves organization, it’s being a douchebag to commenters on his AJC blog.
K.C. Frenchy
June 13th, 2011
10:08 am
Chipper has looked good this year & will likely come back next year to finish out his contract, Huddy is not going anywhere & will likely retire a Brave, next year KK, McOut, & maybe Lowe if traded contracts will come off, Chipper also has option for 2013 so he may be around for awhile if he is still producing
jim
June 13th, 2011
10:09 am
boog,
Saves are blown in the 7th and 8th inning too. Braves record might be no different if the closer and 8th inning roles were reversed. The 9th inning role has a name and a mystique, but the 8th inning role is just as vital, aqnd just as hard. In a close, low-scoring game like the Braves play, the 8th inning batters are usually the middle of the lineup guys.
jim
June 13th, 2011
10:13 am
Constanza is hitting 356 with 17 SB at AAA. Why is he not playing for the Braves? I know he is not on the 40- man roster, but several who are would not be missed very much if passed through waivers.
Atticus
June 13th, 2011
10:17 am
boog, I agree Venters is pitcing better rightnow but to say there are a lot of guys in theleague with an arm like Kimbrel is just ridiculous. He is a freaking rookie! There are very few arms in the league with his strikeout ratio and pulling 98 and 85 on the spread of fastball to offspeed. If you throw Kimbrel in the 7th and 8th you may not get to Venters AND it is easier pitching the 7th and 8th than it is the 9th. They are developing Kimbrel but I will take him all day being a rookie. I don’t have a problem with Venters closing too but to me his has more versatility and can come in with the bases loaded and get out of the inning and Kimbrel is more of a true closer.
reckingball
June 13th, 2011
10:26 am
Lemmer @10:00………When Jurgens said that “that he wanted to keep pitching good so that he can get paid”, JJ was referring to a cash pool(contest) that the Braves starting pitchers have, for the one that gets the most hits, when they are at the plate batting.
reckingball
June 13th, 2011
10:26 am
for the season
Let's Go
June 13th, 2011
10:34 am
I thought Chipper would be around next year too but after hearing Craig Biggio talking with Joe and Chip saturday night and mentioning that he had talked to Chipper about retirement I’ve begun to think that he will walk after this year and maybe even announce it before the end of the season. He beat around the bush about it last year but if he’s talking with his peers about it I believe he’s considering it.
Let's Go
June 13th, 2011
10:39 am
The Lemmer
Unless you saw an interview that no one else saw reckingball is right.
You can re-read it here.
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2011/06/09/braves-quotes-after-win-sweep-of-marlins/
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
10:40 am
Atticus: From the data base we use, that we pay for at Stats Inc., I can’t do any sort of 20-year comparisons or whatever. But I’m sure as we move along a little deeper into the season, there are going to be plenty of historical-context type of research done by Elias and Baseball Reference and others who have huge data bases from which they can do the type of studies you asked about.
Without specifically requesting (and usually paying a high amount), I don’t know of any way for individuals like myself or my paper can get that done. However, the Braves and other teams have agreements with Elias, and they can ask them to do those kinds of searches. I’ll check with Braves people soon to see if they’ll have Elias look into it.
Navigator
June 13th, 2011
10:50 am
So the manager takes half a season to figure out what most of the fans figured out in the first two weeks. Wow, now that’s really incouraging.
Navigator
June 13th, 2011
10:52 am
I know encouraging starts with an “e”, just trying to see if the manager would take half a season to figure it out.
bruce mac
June 13th, 2011
11:08 am
Didn’t you just know that after hitting that bomb, Freddie would get the big head and start swinging for the fences, going 0 for 5 since. I hate it when everyone on the Braves (especially the big mouth announcers) over hype the big fly. Freddie is a gap hitter and needs to stay focused. Swinging from his heels like he often does is not good for anyone, especially the team.
bruce mac
June 13th, 2011
11:11 am
Lets Go, you are kidding, right? Mrs. Chipper ain’t letting her man walk from $14 Million. You are obviously dellusional.
Atticus
June 13th, 2011
11:15 am
DOB, I figured it would have to come from someone else but I just thought I would ask. Thanks. By the way have you heard of American Gun? Supposedly good tunes.
JeanE
June 13th, 2011
11:37 am
It’s a nice “problem” to have, to choose between 2 killer pitchers like Jonny and Kimbrel. I just think Jonny seems more mentally tough and less rattled than Kimbrel but depending on the situation, I don’t see why you can’t flip-flop them in the closers role. Either inning, you gotta get the outs.
SeaAtl
June 13th, 2011
11:40 am
boog knows more about what a good closer looks like than Billy Wagner does, I guess……………?
reckingball
June 13th, 2011
11:52 am
I believe that the remainder of Chipper’s contracted monetary compensation, would be negotiated into come kind of settlement, if he were to retire a year early.
reckingball
June 13th, 2011
11:55 am
If the Braves have a team with the potential to go all the way in 2012, and Chipper continues to play like he is playing now, he might just hang in there, and stay another year.
Jacob
June 13th, 2011
12:08 pm
Atticus –
Venters currently sports a .145 Batting Average Against in 40.2 IP. The lowest BAA in the last 50 years for a RP with >40 IP is Gagne in 2003 (.133). Venters’ season would rank 9th all-time using the >40 IP criteria.
If his ERA stays at 0.44, it would represent the lowest ever by a RP with >40 IP. Interestingly, former Brave Joey Devine posted a 0.59 ERA last season with 45.2 IP. Next on the list is Eckersley’s ‘90 season in which he posted a 0.61 ERA in 73.1 IP.
Jacob
June 13th, 2011
12:10 pm
Sorry, typo in my last comment; Devine’s stats were for his 2008 season.
Larry
June 13th, 2011
12:16 pm
Let’s hope not!
I think Chipper should hang it up this year. First, he has his trophies (baseball, that is). Second, he would be holding back this team from turning the page to the future by getting Prado back at 3rd and getting more speed and/or power from the outfield. Third, Chipper looks like he has aged 5 years since last season!
Chipper simply doesn’t work on conditioning and this is noticeable from the growing paunch around his waistline, his lazy and poor posture in the dugout, and how gassed he gets just running the bases. His hands are on his knees while he is gasping for air after a double!
No, it is time for the next generation of Braves.
bry22
June 13th, 2011
12:26 pm
Venters = Closing without the DRAMA that Kimbrel brings with his inability at times to throw strikes. Odds are we would have picked up the two game lead if Jonny had been closing a majority of the time. Nothing against Kimbrel, but Venters has certainly pitched better!
bruce mac
June 13th, 2011
12:28 pm
Never has there been such a collection of idiots. Lets see, $14 Million that is $14 followed by 8 zeros. Duh, I am coming back, why the F not?
Love Chipper.
dorothy davis
June 13th, 2011
12:39 pm
HELLO Gonzales! You are finally getting it. Johnny has more of a closers mentality than Kimbrell and better stuff! Sowhat were you waiting for (a few more blown saves?) Kimbrell is a good pitcher and perhaps an 8th inning set up man, but not the mentality for a closer. So are the fans the only ones to see that? Is he watching the same games we are, or just in denial he picked the wrong closer?
Fols
June 13th, 2011
1:04 pm
I wouldn’t call it a split just yet. He’s still using V only after Kimbrel has a rough night. Unti he uses Kimbrel in the 8th to set up Venters…….then we’ll see a turn.
Either way they are both crucial to this team since our starters don’t go deep and our offense keeps every game so close. 7th to 9th innings are automatic importance when your a top 5 team that isn’t blowing away their opponents.
I think they’ve both done very well.
Not Larry
June 13th, 2011
1:09 pm
Larry–are you nuts? Chipper is still a very good baseball player and RBI guy. He made two outstanding defensive plays against the ‘Stros And had two doubles Saturday night as well. One of the doubles he took from the Astros with good, heads-up base running…Seriously dude…
Realist
June 13th, 2011
1:13 pm
Jacob, thanks for the data pull. That Eckersley season is the benchmark against which I was comparing Venters’ (so far) historic season. Venters is the best right now, but I doubt his arm will hold up through September.
DOB, invest a couple bucks in a baseball-reference subscription. Really not that expensive.
Heisenberg
June 13th, 2011
1:16 pm
There should be 1 rule that is absolute and no execptions for ALL relief pitchers……
Walk the lead-off hitter and get removed immediately. Do this enough times and you can go work on your control in AA.
When you throw strikes you will sometimes get hit. Can live with that. I like Kmbrell and believe he can be a dominating closer, but he needs zero tolerance for the walks. If he knew this was the way it would be it would make him knuckle down from the first pitch.
Let's Go
June 13th, 2011
1:16 pm
bruce mac
Go back to your bar stool you’re clueless with what the conversation involves. If Chipper goes to the Braves and says he wants to retire he will still get his money one way or the other it just may be deferred over a period of years or he will be given a job within the team doing very little for a few years but collecting a nice paycheck. It happens all over baseball when players get to the end of their carrer but are still under contract. Quit making it sound like Chipper is some greedy redneck.
Heisenberg
June 13th, 2011
1:22 pm
bruce,
check your math, 14 million is 14 followed by 6 zeros as in 14,000,000. 14 followed by 8 zero would be 1.4 billion as in 1,400,000,000.. Do you work for the government where another zero or 2 is not that big a deal?
jmor
June 13th, 2011
1:23 pm
The issue Frank Wren has is that his 2 best pitchers (JJ and Hanson) will be free agents soon and will command Lowe type money(for a longer term) in the marketplace…The Braves seem unwilling to pay top dollar (although they overpaid for Lowe, McClouth and KK) and I think these guys, especially Hanson who has a tough agent, will put themselves up for auction(ie, Boston, Yankees, bid up the price)
Heisenberg
June 13th, 2011
1:43 pm
jmor,
Lowe & KK were FA signings. McOut was picked up via trade from Pirates. His contract came with him. At the time based on his preformance with Pittsburgh, the contract looked reasonable. We did not give up much in prospects for him.
Wes
June 13th, 2011
2:03 pm
I think everyone is reading way too much into this. Jonny Boy closed two games this week – both games the day after Kimbrel threw 30+ pitches. Kimbrel is the closer going forward except when situations like this arise.
Personally, I prefer Venters in the 8th inning role anyway.
AdirondackDave
June 13th, 2011
2:04 pm
I imagine in the next year or two the Braves will have signed Prado to a multi-year contract and will try to sign JJ and Hanson also to long-term contracts also. Boras or not, I think they will come up with enough cash to reel in one of those 2 starters. That will have the rotation looking something like this crew in two years: Hanson (I think JJ will be traded if not signed) + Hudson + Teheran + Medlin + Minor + Beachy + Delgado + Viscaino.
Figure JJ and one of the latter 4 pitchers to be traded for serious outfield offense. Prado will be back at 3rd so CF and LF will be in play. Actually, if Schafer stays healthy, his defense and speed may keep him in CF. He’s looking more and more like the impact player he was coming out of ST a couple years ago. There’s a lot of talent on this roster right now and coming up soon.
Wes
June 13th, 2011
2:05 pm
Bruce – great math.
I had similar opinions regarding Chipper the last few years. But, what he now lacks in offensive production, he makes up for in baseball knowledge and how he handles the clubhouse.
Did Heyward need to be called out? You’re damn right he did and I’m glad Chipper was the one to do it.
Bill
June 13th, 2011
2:05 pm
Just wondering…Schafer and Young at Gwinnett AAA this year….
Schafer..42 games..164 abs..14 walks..28 k..53 tb..6 stole bases
Young .. 34 games..128ab…..17 walks..19k…43 tb..8 stole bases
based of the above Young was doing better than JS in all cases.
Is it harder to play in AAA for Schafer, because he is doing alot better in majors (some cases) batting lead off playing everyday instead of batting down in order because Constanza was hitting lead off in AAA.
Young was playing 2b and not leading off….but now is batting 8th where he don’t get as many go pitches to hit. Until Prado got hurt he only pitch hit every 3 or 4,5 days. Would Young be doing better at lead-off everyday? How would JS be doing in Youngs place? Schafer is 6″ taller than Matt does that make the difference? ( to many of you that does)
I know everyone loves Schafer and I like him too but WHY THE HATE FOR YOUNG from bloggers and some sports writers.
Just wondering..
Wes
June 13th, 2011
2:07 pm
ADIRONDACKDave???
You live in NY?
Agreed about Shaffer. Defense is a 10 and offense can be that as soon as he gets settled in. He’s got the tools. Nate – sorry buddy. Have a feeling the $8 million number is getting more irrelevant every day in the Braves managerial eyes
Jay Dubu
June 13th, 2011
2:08 pm
Freddy and the front office need to stop tip-toeing, and just name Venters as the closer. He has a year of big league experience already, and he’s more dominate than Kimbrel.
Not saying that at some point Kimbrel will not be a closer, just that right now. Venters currently looks to be better suited for it than Kimbrel.
Freddy should have stuck to his ST idea to start the season, and decide from there.
reckingball
June 13th, 2011
2:10 pm
bruce mac…………..Sometimes, when certain people are already loaded with money, and they are set for life, some of them might not be all that concerned about attaining more money.
An example, would be Billy Wagner.
Chipper was talking mighty hard about walking away last year( and that would have been $27 follow by 6 zeros), until he realized that the Braves had the potential to get into the playoffs.
Jay Dubu
June 13th, 2011
2:12 pm
In regards to the comments on Nate. He’ll need to perform like this is a contract year, ie. Jose Reyes, to get that option picked up by the Braves.
That would bode well for both parties, Nate and the Braves.
Braves Insider
June 13th, 2011
2:14 pm
Here are your players contracts
Derek Lowe rhp
4 years/$60M (2009-12)
4 years/$60M (2009-12)
signed by Atlanta as a free agent 1/15/09
09:$15M, 10:$15M, 11:$15M, 12:$15M
Chipper Jones 3b
3 years/$42M (2010-12), plus 2013 option
3 years/$42M (2010-12), plus 2013 option
signed extension with Atlanta 3/31/09
$3M signing bonus (paid each Jan. 15, 2010-12)
10:$13M, 11:$13M, 12:$13M, 13:$7M club option
2013 option guaranteed at $9M with:
123 games in 2012, or
average of 127 games in 2011-12
2013 option price increases by $1M each for:
128, 133, 138, 140 games in 2012, or
averages of 132, 137, 138, 140 games in 2011-12
annual performance bonuses: $0.75M each for 135, 140 games
Dan Uggla 2b
5 years/$62M (2011-15)
5 years/$62M (2011-15)
signed extension with Atlanta 1/5/11
$1M signing bonus
11:$9M, 12:13M, 13:$13M, 14:$13M, 15:$13M
Tim Hudson rhp
3 years/$28M (2010-12), plus 2013 option
3 years/$28M (2010-12), plus 2013 club option
signed extension with Atlanta 11/12/09, replacing option year in previous contract
10:$9M, 11:$9M, 12:$9M, 13:$9M club option ($1M buyout)
performance bonus: $0.5M with 600 IP in 2010-12
3 years/$15.75M (2009-11), plus 2012 club option
signed extension with Pittsburgh 2/17/09 (avoided arbitration, $3.8M-$2.75M)
$1.5M signing bonus
09:$2M, 10:$4.5M, 11:$6.5M, 12:$10.65M club option ($1.25M buyout)
2010 & 2011 salaries may increase by $0.5M ($0.2M each for Gold Glove or All Star selection in previous season, $0.1M for Silver Slugger)
2012 salary may increase by $0.75M ($0.3M each for Gold Glove or All Star selection in previous season, $0.15M for Silver Slugger
Brian McCann c
6 years/$26.8M (2007-12), plus 2013 club option
6 years/$26.8M (2007-12), plus 2013 club option
signed extension with Atlanta 3/07, replacing 1 year/$0.44M deal for 2007
$1M signing bonus
07:$0.5M, 08:$0.8M, 09:$3.5M, 10:$5.5M, 11:$6.5M, 12:$8.5M, 13:$12M club option ($0.5M buyout)
McCann may earn additional $3M in 2012 based on Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers & All-Star selections in 2007-11
2012 becomes club option if McCann fails to win specified awards 2007-2011
Scott Linebrink rhp
4 years/$19M (2008-11)
Jair Jurrjens rhp
1 year/$3.25M (2011
Martin Prado 2b
1 year/$3.1M (2011
Alex L. Gonzalez ss
1 year/$2.75M (2010), plus 2011 option
1 year/$2.75M (2010), plus 2011 option
signed by Toronto as a free agent 11/26/09
2011 club option at $2.5M
Peter Moylan rhp
1 year/$2M (2011
David Ross c
2 years/$3.25M (2011-12)
2 years/$3.25M (2011-12)
signed extension with Atlanta 7/27/10
11:$1.625M, 12:$1.625M
annual performance bonuses: $50,000 each for 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 starts as a catcher
more to follow
pcb mike
June 13th, 2011
2:16 pm
Venters is currently the best in baseball. Check the numbers.
Ronald Millsaps
June 13th, 2011
2:18 pm
“pcb mike”– Yeah, we need him to close. This “closer by committee” nonsense doesn’t work.
Braves Insider
June 13th, 2011
2:21 pm
Eric Hinske 1b-of
1 year/$1.35M (2011), plus 2012 club option
1 year/$1.35M (2011), plus 2012 club option
re-signed by Atlanta as a free agent 12/2/10
11:$1.35M, 12:$1.5M club option ($0.1M buyout
George Sherrill lhp
1 year/$1.2M (2011
Eric O’Flaherty lhp
1 year/$0.895M (2011
Scott Proctor rhp
1 year/$0.75M (2011)
1 year/$0.75M (2011)
re-signed by Atlanta 11/2/10 (avoided arbitration)
released by Atlanta 3/27/11 (due 45 days’ termination pay)
re-signed 4/2/11 (minor-league contract)
contract purchased by Atlanta 5/15/11
Jason Heyward of
1 year/$0.4965M (2011
Tommy Hanson rhp
1 year/$0.4565M (2011
Kris Medlen rhp
1 year/$0.4295M (2011
Jonny Venters lhp
1 year/$0.4295M (2011
Brooks Conrad inf
1 year/$427,250 (2011
Craig Kimbrel rhp
1 year/$0.419M (2011)
Cristhian Martinez rhp
1 year/$0.419M (2011
Brandon Beachy rhp
1 year/$0.4165M (2011
Freddie Freeman 1b
1 year/$0.414M (2011
Brandon Hicks ss
1 year/$0.414M (2011
Matt Young of
1 year/$0.414M (2011
more to come
Braves Buff
June 13th, 2011
2:26 pm
CAN I GET A BINKY FOR BABY BRON-BRON???
Braves Insider
June 13th, 2011
2:30 pm
The following players are signed by the Atlanta Braves ad get pro rated contracts should they get called up.
Juan Abreu rhp
1 year (2011
Jairo Asencio rhp
1 year (2011
J.C. Boscan c
1 year (2011
Erik Cordier rhp
1 year (2011
Randall Delgado rhp
1 year (2011
Cory Gearrin rhp
1 year (2011
Diory Hernandez inf
1 year (2011
Stephen Marek rhp
1 year (2011
Joe Mather of
1 year (2011
Mike Minor lhp
1 year (2011
Wilkin Ramirez of
1 year (2011
Jordan Schafer of
1 year (2011)
1 year (2011)
re-signed by Atlanta 2/11
Julio Teheran rhp
1 year (2011)
1 year (2011)
contract purchased by Atlanta 5/7/11
Anthony Varvaro rhp
1 year (2011
AZBravoFan
June 13th, 2011
2:31 pm
Venters is not always without drama. It’s just been a few games since he’s had one of those bases loaded jams that he’s had to escape from. Remember Pittsburgh? He does sometimes get wild with that sinker and hit lefties. But what he has over Kimbrell is more options when it comes to wriggling out of jams. He can dial up a K like Kimbrell, but he can also get that groundball double play.
Braves Insider
June 13th, 2011
2:33 pm
Minor leagues
Christian Bethancourt c
2011
signed 2008 as an amateur free agent from Panama
$0.6M signing bonus
ML service:
Francisley Bueno lhp
2011
1 year/$0.4M (2009)
re-signed by Atlanta 1/14/09 ($65,000 in minors)
1 year (2008)
contract purchased by Atlanta 8/3/08
signed 2/16/06 as an amateur free agent from Cuba via Dominican Republic
ML service: 0.011 (through 2008)
Billy Bullock rhp
2011
acquired by Atlanta in trade from Minnesota 3/28/11
drafted by Minnesota 2009 (2-70) (Florida)
$0.522M signing bonus
ML service:
Eric Campbell 3b
2011
drafted 2004 (2-71)
$0.5M signing bonus
ML service:
Brent Clevlen of
2011
1 year (2010)
signed by Atlanta as a free agent 12/18/10 (minor-league contract)
contract purchased by Atlanta 5/15/10
DFA by Atlanta 7/30/10, sent outright to AAA 8/5/10
1 year/$0.4015M (2009)
re-signed by Detroit 2/24/09
sent outright to AAA by Detroit 4/3/09
1 year (2008)
re-signed by Detroit 2/20/08
drafted 2002 (2-49) (Cedar Park HS, Texas)
$0.805M signing bonus
ML service: 1.003
Randall Delgado rhp
2011
signed 2006 as an amateur free agent from Panama
ML service:
Brett DeVall lhp
2011
signed 7/8/08
drafted 2008 (1s-40) (Niceville HS, Fla.)
ML service:
J.J. Hoover rhp
2011
drafted 2008 (8-310) (Calhoun CC, Ala.)
$0.4M signing bonus
ML service:
Kenshin Kawakami rhp
3 years/$23M (2009-11)
3 years/$23M (2009-11)
signed by Atlanta as a free agent 1/13/09
$2M signing bonus (paid between 2/09 and 5/09)
09:$7.667M, 10:$6.667M, 11:$6.667M
Kawakami may become a free agent if he and the club do agree to new contract by 10/15/11 or one day after final game of 2011 World Series
award bonuses: $25,000 for LCS MVP; $50,000 each for Gold Glove, WS MVP, Rolaids award, All Star; $0.1M for Cy Young, $0.1M for Rookie of Year ($50,000 for 2nd place, $25,000 for 3rd)
perks: interpreter, $25,000 moving expenses, housing and SUV during Spring Training, access to massage therapist, 8 round-trip business- or first-class airline tickets between Tokyo and Atlanta
sent outright to AAA by Atlanta 11/13/10
1998 – 2008
Chunichi Dragons of Japanese Central League
agent: West Coast Sports Management
ML service: 1.161
Matt Lipka ss
2011
drafted 2010 (1s-35) (McKinney HS, Texas)
$0.8M signing bonus
ML service:
Adam Milligan of
2011
drafted 2008 (6-190) (Walters State CC, Tenn.)
$0.35M signing bonus
ML service:
Brett Oberholtzer lhp
2011
drafted 2008 (8-250) (Seminole CC, Fla.)
$0.15M signing bonus
ML service:
James Parr rhp
2011
1 year (2010)
re-signed by Atlanta 2/24/10
sent outright to AAA by Atlanta 5/19/10
1 year/$0.4M (2009)
re-signed by Atlanta 2/09
1 year (2008)
contract purchased by Atlanta 9/2/08
drafted 2004 (4-131) (La Cueva HS, Albuquerque)
$0.23M signing bonus
ML service: 0.063 (through 2009)
Chad Rodgers lhp
2011
drafted 2006 (3-100)
$0.385M signing bonus
ML service:
Cole Rohrbough lhp
2011
drafted 2006 (22-670) (Western Nevada CC) (draft & follow)
$0.675M signing bonus
ML service:
Zeke Spruill rhp
2011
drafted 2008 (2-70)(Kell HS, Marietta, Ga.)
signed 6/08, $0.6M signing bonus
ML service:
Tyler Stovall lhp
2011
signed 7/8/08
drafted 2008 (2-64) (Hokes Bluff HS, Ala.)
ML service:
Arodys Vizciano rhp
2011
acquired by Atlanta in trade from NY Yankees 12/22/09 (Javy Vazquez deal)
signed 2007 as an amateur free agent from the Dominican Republic
$0.8M signing bonus
n
2011 option guaranteed with 50 games finished in 2010
released by Atlanta 3/30/11, with Wagner forgoing 2011 salary and Atlanta retaining rights for 2011 should he come out of retirement
4 years/$43M (2006-09), plus 2010 club option
signed by Mets as a free agent 11/05
complete no-trade clause
06:$10.5M, 07:$10.5M, 08:$10.5M, 09:$10.5M,
10:$8M club option ($1M buyout)
$4M paid in advance (after 1/1/06) to be used toward purchase of home
Wagner to contribute $100,000 annually to Mets charitable foundation
award bonuses: $25,000 for All-Star team; $50,000 each for NLCS MVP, World Series MVP; $0.1M for Rolaids Relief Man of the Year award
acquired by Boston in trade from NY Mets 8/25/09
3 years/$27M (2002-04), plus 2005 club option
02:$8M, 03:$8M, 04:$8M, 05:$9M 2005 club option ($3M buyout)
award bonus: $25,000 for All Star selection
club exercised 2005 option 10/04
agent: Bean Stringfellow
ML service: 14.139
Conyers Braves Fan
June 13th, 2011
2:34 pm
Let Freddi decide how he wants to use Venters and Kimbrell. All of you wantabe managers should just watch the games and let the manager and
coaches make the decisions. Opinions from fans are like some of the human body anatomy. Everyone has one.
Braves Insider
June 13th, 2011
2:35 pm
Time Warner (successor of Turner Broadcasting) bought the Braves for $12M in 1976. Forbes magazine valued the club at $482M in March, 2011.
Opening Day payrolls
(Major League contracts plus pro-rated signing bonuses):
2011: $ 91,044,524
Curt Moore
June 13th, 2011
2:36 pm
It’s no slam on Kimbrel to put him in 8 hole. He lacks the strike out pitch that Venters can throw. Rather that turn a positive into a negative, let maximize the use of two wonderful pitchers. Go Braves!
Braves Insider
June 13th, 2011
2:36 pm
Liberty Media Corp. acquired the Braves from Time Warner in Feburary 2007. (MLB owners approved the transaction in May, 2007.) Under the deal, Liberty swapped 60 million shares of Time Warner stock in exchange for about $1 billion in cash, the Braves and a group of Time, Inc. magazines. The companies valued the Braves at about $497 million
Braves Insider
June 13th, 2011
2:39 pm
ATLANTA MLS thru ‘10 season Updated 5/11 salary + p-r bonus
.
Pos’n ML Srv Agent Length / Total Value 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
.
Lowe, Derek rhp-s 13.100 Scott Boras 4 yr/$60M (09-12) $15,000,000 $15.000 FA
.
Jones, Chipper 3b 17.024 BB Abbott 3 yr/$42M (10-12)+13 opt $14,000,000 $14.000 opt
.
Uggla, Dan 2b 5.000 Jeff Borris, BHSC 5 yr/$62M (11-15) $9,200,000 $13.200 $13.200 $13.200 $13.200
.
Hudson, Tim rhp-s 11.119 Paul Cohen 3 yr/$28M (10-12)+13 cl opt $9,000,000 $9.000 $1.000
.
McLouth, Nate cf 5.033 Mike Nicotera 3 yr/$15.75M (09-11)+12 cl opt $7,000,000 $1.250
.
McCann, Brian c 5.117 BB Abbott 6 yr/$26.8M (07-12)+13 cl opt $6,666,667 $8.667 $0.500
.
Linebrink, Scott rhp 9.016 SFX 4 yr/$19M (08-11) $5,500,000 FA
.
Jurrjens, Jair rhp-s 3.047 Scott Boras 1 yr/$3.25M (11) $3,250,000 Arb 2 Arb 3 FA
.
Prado, Martin 2b 3.105 1 yr/$3.1M (11) $3,100,000 Arb 2 Arb 3 FA
.
Gonzalez, Alex ss 12.034 Eric Goldschmidt 1 yr/$2.75M (10)+11 cl opt $2,500,000 FA
.
Moylan, Peter rhp 4.061 Wasserman Media Group 1 yr/$2M (11) $2,000,000 Arb 3 FA
.
Ross, David c 8.001 Ryan Gleichowski 2 yr/$3.25M (11-12) $1,625,000 $1.625
.
Hinske, Eric 1b-lf 9.000 1 yr/$1.45M (11)+12 cl opt $1,350,000 $0.100
.
Sherrill, George lhp 5.147 1 yr/$1.2M (11) $1,200,000 FA
.
O’Flaherty, Eric lhp 3.062 1 yr/$0.895M (11) $895,000 Arb 2 Arb 3 FA
.
Proctor, Scott rhp 5.043 1 yr/$0.75M (11)
.
Heyward, Jason of 1.000 Career Sports Mgmt 1 yr/$0.4965M (11) $496,500 Arb 1 Arb 2 Arb 3 FA
.
Hanson, Tommy rhp 1.120 1 yr/$0.4565M (11) $456,500 Arb 1 ? Arb 1/2 Arb 2/3 Arb 3/4 FA
.
Medlen, Kris rhp 1.137 1 yr/$0.4295M (11) $429,500 Arb 1 Arb 2 Arb 3 Arb 4 FA
.
Venters, Jonny lhp 1.000 1 yr/$0.4295M (11) $429,500 Arb 1 Arb 2 Arb 3 FA
.
Conrad, Brooks 2b 1.078 1 yr/$427,250 (11) $427,250 Arb 1 Arb 2 Arb 3 FA
.
Kimbrel, Craig rhp 0.066 1 yr/$0.419M (11) $419,000
.
Martinez, Cristhian rhp 0.167 1 yr/$0.419M (11) $419,000 Arb 1 Arb 2 Arb 3 Arb 4
.
Beachy, Brandon rhp-s 0.014 1 yr/$0.4165M (11) $416,500
.
Freeman, Freddie 1b 0.033 1 yr/$0.414M (11) $414,000
.
Hicks, Brandon ss 0.067 1 yr/$0.414M (11) $414,000
.
Young, Matt of 0.000 1 yr/$0.414M (11) $414,000
.
Abreu, Juan rhp 0.000 Nick Brockmeyer
.
Asencio, Jairo rhp 0.017
.
Boscan, J.C. c 0.033
.
Cordier, Erik rhp 0.000
.
Delgado, Randall rhp 0.000
.
Gearrin, Cory rhp 0.000
.
Hernandez, Diory inf 1.056 Arb 1 Arb 2 Arb 3 FA
.
Marek, Stephen rhp 0.000
.
Mather, Joe 3b-lf 0.170
.
Minor, Mike lhp 0.058 Bo McKinnis
.
Schafer, Jordan cf 0.165 Arb 1 Arb 2 Arb 3 Arb 4
.
Teheran, Julio rhp-s 0.000
.
Varvaro, Anthony rhp 0.012
.
Kawakami, Kenshin $7,336,667
.
Linebrink, Scott -$3,500,000
.
Proctor, Scott $185,440
.
TOTAL – ATL – O/D $91,044,524 $62.842 $14.700 $13.200 $13.200 $0.000
Braves Insider
June 13th, 2011
2:43 pm
Payments from other clubs for 2011:
$ 3,500,000 (Scott Linebrink)
Payroll obligations for former players:
$ 185,440 (Scott Proctor
JJ,lowe are scott boras agents expect to see JJ get traded,atlanta does not like dealing with boras
Skeezix
June 13th, 2011
2:44 pm
Man this has been fun! Six straight wins! The pitching is exceeding all my expectations and finally these guys are starting to hit. Tommy Gun Hanson was the best I’ve seen him; what was that 14 strikeouts? Schafer has made a real difference to the offense with his on base % and speed. Chipper, Freddie, Hinske and, of course, Brian have been terrific at the plate. Now Uggla is starting to remember how to hit. The defense has been good and fun to watch with Gonzo and his acrobatic plays. Ten games over 500, putting the heat on the Phillies and we still don’t have Beachy, Moylan or Heyward back! This has the potential to be a great season for Braves fans.
I think Fredi is managing the closing situation with Venters/Kimbrel just fine. We are very fortunate to have both of them.
Heisenberg
June 13th, 2011
2:45 pm
Curt,
You cannot be serious when you say Kinbrel lacks a strikeout pitch. It is called a 98 MPH heater. His only issue has been occasional control issues.
Skeezix
June 13th, 2011
2:53 pm
Hey Miami, did you guys lose something last night? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha …………..
Furman Bitcher
June 13th, 2011
2:54 pm
Kimbrel lacks a strike out pitch????? Well what the hay has he used on all those strike out then? Luck? Just plain stupid comment.
Trojan
June 13th, 2011
2:55 pm
Hey Lebron where are your talentS now? Now he is ripping on the people who pay his salary. What a loser.
wjones
June 13th, 2011
2:56 pm
How do we know that Venters in the ninth would have garnered more wins? Who would have pitched the 8th? Kimbrel? EOF? Linebrink? Chances are we may have never gotten to Venters. The 8th inning pitcher is a very unsung player these days; you can’t close a game if he blows it in the 8th.
wjones
June 13th, 2011
2:59 pm
“Curt Moore
June 13th, 2011
2:36 pm
It’s no slam on Kimbrel to put him in 8 hole. He lacks the strike out pitch that Venters can throw. Rather that turn a positive into a negative, let maximize the use of two wonderful pitchers. Go Braves!”
Yeah, know what you mean. He DOES have the highest strikeout per inning rate in the mlb this year, maybe even all-time. But there have been instances where the batter did NOT strike out, and this we CANNOT have!
Braves fan
June 13th, 2011
3:00 pm
Curt Moore
June 13th, 2011
2:36 pm
lacks the strikeout pitch?
too much kool aid for you
18 saves top that
Braves Fan in N.Y.
June 13th, 2011
3:01 pm
I am sure this has been discussed previously, but why not give Constanza a shot? Dude is hitting .356 with 17 steals. It’s not like Young and Mather are tearing it up.
Capt. Obvious
June 13th, 2011
3:04 pm
Hello people? Yes, Venters is getting the opportunity to save the game only after Kimbrel throws 30 pitches the night before. THAT IS THE PROBLEM. The guy should never have to throw 30 pitches. Throw strikes, live and die by your 98mph fastball. Enough of the drama, Kimbrel and Mac. Venters goes in there and throws 14 pitches with 3 strikeouts day in and day out. THROW STRIKES AND QUIT WALKING PEOPLE!!!
DawgDad
June 13th, 2011
3:06 pm
The bottom line is Venters is much better equipped to pitch two (or more) innings, so let’s keep him in the eighth-inning/spot closer role. Kimbrel seems to be doing quite fine for a rookie closer (setting records); let him develop in this role and spot the other guys in to keep from burning him out.
You never know with a closer, you might get a Billy Wagner and you might get a Mark Wohlers or a Danny Kolb. If Kimbrel can harness his command he’ll be as good as anybody.
One thing that is NOT a problem right now is the Braves bullpen. Venters is playing the Remlinger role and he’s quite good at it. Leave well enough alone.
Capt. Obvious
June 13th, 2011
3:09 pm
Please don’t bring up Dan Kolb ever again.
joe kill
June 13th, 2011
3:11 pm
nixion ur a moron i agree with kelly thats funny and kimbrel is the guy remeber the phillies with ryan madison member how that worked out keep venters where he is you dont want venters to loose his head just something to think about i love johnny V but i prefer him in the 8th inning kimbrel is young and he will bounce back just give it time and btw schafer is outstanding his speed gives our offense a new dynamic love it
Wes
June 13th, 2011
3:14 pm
Kimbrel lacks a strikeout pitch like Dirk lacks rings.
oh wait….
Wes
June 13th, 2011
3:16 pm
Kolb threw 88mph with an 87 mph change up. How he was good with the Brewers is beyond me. I still think he paid the NL Central to swing and miss.
jmor
June 13th, 2011
3:18 pm
I think the difference between Kimbrel and Venters is the amount of movement on their pitches…Venter’s pitches move so much they usually end up swinging at balls that start in the strike zone but move away from the plate. Kimbrel’s fast ball is high velocity but does not move like Venters…The good hitters seem to be catching up to Kimbrels fastball more than earlier and he has hung some breaking balls, where Venters rarely puts one over the plate without movement. Sooner or later the hitters are going to stop swinging at the balls off the plate by Venters and work him for walks, which will force him to throw more over the plate.
Brave's are Good
June 13th, 2011
3:26 pm
I would like to say that the Brave’s are pretty damn good as far as their pitching goes!…..Hitting scares me!Too many extra inning games with a 3-2 final score!
Ronald Millsaps
June 13th, 2011
3:27 pm
Folks, why are you all so quick to debate this topic? Venters is the guy for the job now, period.
Ronald Millsaps
June 13th, 2011
3:29 pm
“NY”— Good point. Mather has played well, but yeah, I’d give the guy a shot.
Brave's are Good
June 13th, 2011
3:29 pm
To the guy that said Miami lost something!…………Yeah….They just lost 3 in a row to the Braves…oh that’s right you are talking about the other Miami team that lost 3 in a row…..BUT THIS IS A BASEBALL BLOG!
reckingball
June 13th, 2011
3:33 pm
Maybe the Braves should hire a robot pitcher, that throws nothing but strikeout pitches, to be the closer.
Then, OVentBrel can take turns setting things up for him, or should I say it. haha
GO Braves!!
Brave's are Good
June 13th, 2011
3:36 pm
Liberty Media must be real happy that about half the Brave’s team is first contract guys(rookies-3rd yr)…..that way they can make more money before they sell the team……..payroll is going way down as the Phillies with their 2 game lead is going up up up….to live in this town you must be tough tough tough tough tough……so Ted please Buy the Brave’s back…..you got a good base to start with!
reckingball
June 13th, 2011
3:44 pm
Ted’s probably taking a nap, right about now.
wjones
June 13th, 2011
3:49 pm
KK could have benefited from a crystal ball. Japanese wanted him in the offseason, but he wanted to stay. Now he has a bum shoulder and is pitching relief in Pearl, Miss. where it is probably 95 degrees. Then again, he did avoid the Tsunami.
old timer
June 13th, 2011
3:56 pm
I am fine with using them both to close out games. Freddi can look at the lineup of the opposing team and bring them in with the most favorable lefty-righty situation in the 8th and 9th. Main thing, though, is not to overuse either of them. On a win streak, alternate them as closers and use the other bullpen guys in the 8th and 7th if necessary. We have starters who should be going at least 7 innings most games. They are on a dang 5-day rotation. Their arms can handle that.
Kevin
June 13th, 2011
3:56 pm
I don’t care who pitches the 8th or 9th innings as long as we get the win. Honestly once the game gets to the 7th inning we’ve got 3 shut down pitchers in O’Flaherty, Venters and Kimbrel. Once we get Peter Moylan back too that will take off some pressure off of these guys and we won’t be relying on them every day.
This is one of the best bullpens the Braves have ever put together and the best thing is they’re all young and could be here for years to come.
Old Timer
June 13th, 2011
4:45 pm
I think we need to bring back TP for hitting coach.
Puzzled
June 13th, 2011
4:58 pm
@Conyers Braves Fan,
Let DOB decide how he wants to run his blog. You wantabe DOB, you should just read the blog and let DOB, Carroll, and AJC make the decisions. Opinions from fans are like some of the human body anatomy. Everyone has one.
John Galt
June 13th, 2011
5:13 pm
Conyers Braves Fan, I too am happy to leave this decision with Fredi. This may make interesting conversation, but the reality is that BOTH of these boys have huge talent. I believe that they are the biggest factor in our success to this point.
John Galt
June 13th, 2011
5:15 pm
When Moylan and Medlen come back our bullpen will be as good as any for YEARS.
All of the Frank Wrenn critics need to consider how well he has constructed this pitching staff- we have an embarassment of talent.
Michael, The Abbreviation
June 13th, 2011
5:35 pm
um, can we please get just jhonny as our closer?
yea braves r good
June 13th, 2011
6:23 pm
Its all this chitter chatter- chitterchatter- I cant give it away on 7th avenue….
yea braves r good
June 13th, 2011
6:25 pm
Go ahead- bite the big apple-dont mind the maggotts!
Black Mountain Bulldog
June 13th, 2011
6:25 pm
Venters is simply to great not to be the primary closer.
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
7:31 pm
Heyward doubled down left-field line in first inning at Indy
ncgary
June 13th, 2011
7:56 pm
i dont think jj gets traded,if they change the type a type b compensation rules they may.
if not you ride out the 2 arbitration years and if you cant resign him. you take the 2 1st round picks
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
8:12 pm
Good day for Alex Gonzalez to rest: He’s 2-for-23 against Wandy Rodriguez
David O'Brien
June 13th, 2011
8:20 pm
Wednesday happens to be Heyward Bobblehead Doll night at Turner Field. Chance he’ll return from DL that day.
Random
June 14th, 2011
11:31 am
DOB: ” The Braves’ co-closer option appears to be gaining traction. Jonny Venters recorded his second save in four days, striking out two in the ninth and extending his scoreless innings streak to an eye-popping 22.”
Wishful thinking, dude — you really need to stop cheer-leading for Venters.
DOB: “[Fredi Gonzalez had] gone with Kimbrel as the full-time closer until Thursday at Florida. Venters got the save opportunity that night, after Kimbrel had blown a two-run lead in the ninth inning on Wednesday.”
News flash for you, Jimmy Olsen — Kimbrel is STILL “the full-time closer”, even after “Thursday at Florida”.
At least, that’s what his MANAGER says [On using Venters to close after Kimbrel threw 30 pitches in 10th inning Saturday night]: ” [Kimbrel] threw 30 pitches last night and we had day game today. It’s a nice luxury to have. It’s not like it’s the old quarterback controversy or anything, it’s just a nice luxury to be able to bring two guys along.”
And that’s also what VENTERS thinks: “Craig threw a lot of pitches yesterday and they wanted to give him the day [off]. That’s the only reason I was in there today, I think.”
DOB’s 12 Jun 11 interview question to Fredi Gonzalez:
“Are Hanson, Jurrjens and Venters legitimate All-Stars in your view?”
DOB’s 12 Jun 11 interview question to Jonny Venters:
“[What are your comments] On pitching ninth in save situation, second
time in four days[?]; How much more exciting pitching the ninth?”
Pardon me, MISS — your bias is showing.
Craig Kimbrel ain’t chopped liver — he, too, belongs in the AllStar game
(tied for 2nd in saves in the NL; more pick-offs than any of the other top
10 NL closers; more Caught Stealing than any of the other top 10 NL closers;
the only closer in the NL top 14 closers with no steals against; more Ks per
9 IP than any other NL closer; fewer hits per 9 IP than the top 3 NL
closers; etc), and has fully earned the job of Braves closer, based on his
performance and in the judgment of the Braves manager and coaches, whose
knowledge, experience and judgment you may impugn but cannot impeach.