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1,016 comments Add your comment
Michael
June 14th, 2011
1:25 am
I would love the opportunity to punt Freddi Gonzales in the nuts
nolee
June 14th, 2011
1:25 am
that seems to be the perception count, but though he has stolen some bases he is not yet scoring runs at any different rate than Nate was. In fact since Nate was not leading off much of the time the edge likely goes to him.
nolee
June 14th, 2011
1:27 am
ah, Yunel is an old softy afterall
nolee
June 14th, 2011
1:28 am
me too I guess, That was a nice post
nolee
June 14th, 2011
1:36 am
Jonny Venters dominant in setup role ESPN INSIDER
June, 13, 2011
The Atlanta Braves are blessed with two relievers at the end of the game with raw stuff that can best be described as ridiculous.
[+] Enlarge
Nick Laham/Getty Images
Jonny Venters enters Monday’s action with a 0.44 ERA and 0.74 WHIP.
Closer Craig Kimbrel has his inconsistencies, but when he’s finding the strike zone he can be as unhittable as they come. For some more background, I did a whole blog entry on Kimbrel’s stuff and those inconsistencies early last year.
On many other teams, you wouldn’t even think about using someone else to close if you had Kimbrel at your disposal. But many other teams don’t have southpaw Jonny Venters, either.
“I’ve felt comfortable all season just going out and going right at guys,” Venters said, “and it’s been working out thus far.”
Clearly it has, as the stats for Venters kind of speak for themselves. A 0.44 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, almost a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, almost 80 percent ground balls and no homers allowed. The rubber-armed Venters has appeared in 56 percent of the Braves games and is currently in the midst of a 22-inning scoreless streak.
As you may have heard, the key for Venters is a 93-95 mph two-seamer with sharp sinking movement that is extremely tough to barrel up and almost impossible to elevate. Venters has given up just one homer in 123 2/3 major league innings. Obviously, Venters had a big season in a setup role in 2010, but what has taken him from great to otherworldly this year has been a step up in control. His walk rate has dropped from 4.2 batters per nine last year to 2.4 in 2011.
I credit that to more consistent mechanics. Venters’ control wanders when he opens up his front shoulder too soon, instead of staying back, keeping that shoulder in and letting his arm work. The occasions in which his timing has been off have been more infrequent this year, and it has been showing up in the numbers. Venters doesn’t nibble, because he’s obviously not afraid to pitch to contact.
“I don’t think I’ve ever really been a strikeout guy,” Venters said. “I don’t have one of those heaters like Craig has that I can throw by people. It seems like if it’s in the zone they’re going to get a little piece of it. The movement is what is good for me, when it looks like it’s in the zone and then it dips out. I’m super pumped when I get a ground ball early in the count.”
What’s funny is that Venters sells himself a little bit short. He’s striking out more than a batter per inning and has a higher percentage of swinging strikes this season than Kimbrel does.
Venters pairs his sinker with a sharp, mid-80s slider that neutralizes left-handed batters. The sinker is so good that he has scrapped the changeup that he used as starter in the minors because he doesn’t even need it.
“I threw it once this year [second outing of the season on April 3] and gave up a double,” Venters said. “I thought, ‘OK, I’m not doing that anymore.’” It was just one of two extra-base hits Venters has allowed all season.
Let’s be clear: Venters needs to be owned in all leagues. His ownership percentage has been between 45 and 65 percent for much of the season, and he bumped up to 75 percent as of Monday morning, but that’s presumably because Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez may be working Venters into the ninth more and not necessarily because more people are recognizing his considerable worth as a setup man, even if he failed to get a single save. Venters registered two saves this week, including one on Sunday because Kimbrel was unavailable after throwing 30 pitches the previous day.
Quality setup men and middle relievers are generally underappreciated commodities in fantasy, especially in mixed leagues without innings or games started caps, and many owners don’t consider them unless it’s to handcuff their closer. Consider that according to our Player Rater Venters — with just three saves — is the highest-ranking pure relief pitcher this season (Alexi Ogando, currently a starter for the Texas Rangers, is the top relief-eligible pitcher). Even if you took the three saves out of the equation, he’d still rank third. A heavily used reliever who can rack up strikeouts and grounders can often be a lot more appealing than taking a chance on a matchup starter and hoping he doesn’t blow up. For example, take the saves out of the equation and last week Venters’ stat line looks like this: 5 IP 3 H 0 ER 0 BB 8K. I’m making the point about Venters, but it can go for any dominant non-closing reliever in general, such as Hong-Chih Kuo in 2010. You may even want to consider a pitcher such as Mike Adams, if Venters is unavailable in your league.
As far as being heavily used, Venters has been worked hard after throwing 83 innings last year and has already had to sit a few days in April with biceps soreness, but we’ll continue to ride him while he’s pitching, as he could even lose a little bit off of his stuff and still be fairly dominant, given his movement.
Even if I knew a healthy Venters would not register another save for the rest of the season, he’d still have a place on my team. He’s still available in 25 percent of ESPN leagues. That should be rectified
nolee
June 14th, 2011
1:40 am
Nite Y’all. Better luck tonight!
MIBravesFFFFFan
June 14th, 2011
2:01 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q1kB0R4Ijs
Stevie
June 14th, 2011
2:10 am
I think we should make some moves, and offer Albert Pujols a contract. I like Freddie Freeman, but I would much rather have Pujols over him. We can make some trades and get rid of Lowe, Freeman, and Kimrbel, and Hinske for Pujols. Chipper will be retiring after this season, so will have some money to spend, and we will need a power hitter. It would be good for Jason Heyward, because there wouldn’t be as much pressure on him to go out, and swing at everything. If Pujols is in the Braves lineup, we would be winning our division every year.
Ward
June 14th, 2011
2:30 am
Hello Every one! Had a bad feeling about the game,but We won the series,and thats what counts.Lowe should go now, and I just can’t back him any more. Lowe just needs a different team. I’m ready to let Lowe go…….
Ward
June 14th, 2011
2:32 am
nolee, that was an essay………Sorry I can’t read it. Your essay blinded me with all those words.Little humor…….
Ward
June 14th, 2011
2:39 am
I wouldn’t mind Grady siezmore,but so far nothing been said. Thought I would bring it up again…..
Ward
June 14th, 2011
2:40 am
Siezmore can hit with power, thats what I would like,but that just me…….
Ward
June 14th, 2011
2:48 am
I would aslo like some speed too,and I think Lowe knows he’s on the way out!
Ward
June 14th, 2011
2:53 am
Plus, Lowe is 3 and 5 now. It’s time to pull the plug on Lowe.He’s just not owning up to the contract signed. Just the way I feel. Well I’m done, and all have a good one! Peace from the Heart……..
Couch Tater
June 14th, 2011
4:44 am
Lowe is just 2-3 in eight road starts this season despite a 2.78 ERA, including 1-3 in seven since his Opening Day win at D.C. The Braves have scored three runs or fewer while he’s been in every road game. – DOB Blog.
Lowe should have stuck around and answered for the pitch to Pence, but the offense loads the bases in the first and does not score. Two hits in the first six innings.
I’d be frustrated, too.
veer
June 14th, 2011
5:22 am
I just hope that Schafer doing a good job doesnt come at expense of Contazna because C-Dawg is better than Schafer. I am hoping that Schafer struggles so C-Dawg can come and start for us. In the long run we are better off when C-Dawg. Schafer as long as he continues to hit .233 he will be praised by the fans here and the management that he would be playing everyday. Yes Schafer at 233 is being treated like .333. I like Schafer but we have a better option in C-Dawg
veer
June 14th, 2011
5:26 am
Next week it will be Mclouth vs Schafer head to head. The Winner of the two moves to CF when Prado returns. It will be interesting to see how both these players perform head to head with their jobs on the line. Mclouth will step it up a notch. I think because of this we will get great results from the two that will help our offense. When in fight or flight mode people chose to fight and this will be the case with Schafer vs Mclouth.
Mather has to be released. One good game doesn’t entitle him to be with our ballclub. He fluked his way with the Angels and that led us fans to probably hallucinate and think Mather is the answer.
David O'Brien
June 14th, 2011
6:54 am
I just hope that Schafer doing a good job doesnt come at expense of Contazna because C-Dawg is better than Schafer. I am hoping that Schafer struggles so C-Dawg can come and start for us. In the long run we are better off when C-Dawg. Schafer as long as he continues to hit .233 he will be praised by the fans here and the management that he would be playing everyday. Yes Schafer at 233 is being treated like .333. I like Schafer but we have a better option in C-Dawg — veer
Veer, the player you call “C-Dawg” spells his name Constanza, not Contazna.
JasonInFL
June 14th, 2011
6:58 am
I see the bad Lowe is back. Has been for a few games. I hope he can get it straightened out and capture the magic he had from last Sept through this April.
JasonInFL
June 14th, 2011
7:04 am
Liked Mac’s comments after the game. Finally, didn’t tip the ‘ol hat…said Wandy was nothing special, but that they just didn’t swing it. Then said he didn’t call the right pitch to Pence. That’s good stuff right there.
JasonInFL
June 14th, 2011
7:04 am
DOB, seriously, do you sleep?
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
7:09 am
Lowe looked like a batting practice pitcher last night. But the Braves did finish a long road trip at 7-3. Let’s see if the Braves winning ways carryover at home.
David O'Brien
June 14th, 2011
7:14 am
DOB, seriously, do you sleep? — JasonInFL
Seriously, very little on days like today. Gotta catch my flight home.
JasonInFL
June 14th, 2011
7:23 am
I don’t know how you do it, dude. I don’t get a lot of sleep between work, trying to start my own company, and having 2 kids under 3, but I don’t have to fly all the time. I think that alone would be the end of me. But, we certainly appreciate all you do…especially on the ‘ol Man In Black blog.
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
7:57 am
ROME
WILLIE KEMPF [0-1, 0.00 ERA] recently returned from LYNCHBURG 5.0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO. He pitched a good game, but the offense never picked him up.
CHASEN SHREVE [4.65 ERA] 1.0, 2 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 3 SO.
DAN JURIK [1.69 ERA] 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 3 SO.
SS/3B ELI REYES [.174 BA[ 2-4, 1 R, 1 2B [11].
DH ‘Big’ JIM GATTIS [.338 BA] 3-4, 1 2B [7].
2B MATT LIPKA [.244 BA] 0-3, 1 RBI [19].
DSL
Loss to the ANGELS 4-8.
SS LUIS CABALLERO [.240 BA] 0-3, 1 R.
2B GOMEZ [.091 BA] 0-1, 1 R.
PH/3B ADOLFO ALMANZA [.143 BA] 1-2, 1 R, 1 SO.
1B IBRAHIM McKENZIE [.184 BA] 2-4, 1 R, 1 2B [1], 1 HR [2], 4 RBI [10].
Starter ORIEL CAICEDO L. [0-1, 2.00 ERA] 4.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R/ER, 1 BB, 6 SO pitched well in the loss.
GERALD FERRER [3.38 ERA] 1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R/1 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO. Ouch!
ORIEL CAICEDO R. [13.50 ERA] 0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R/ER, 1 BB, 1 SO, 1 HR. The starters brother.
ENRIQUE MEDINA [0.00 ERA] 1.1 IP, zeros, 2 SO. NICE!
ROBERTO ESTRELLA [11.88 ERA] 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R/ER, 1 BB, 1 SO.
Confucius
June 14th, 2011
8:00 am
“It’s almost like having three center fielders out there, because Heyward’s pretty good [defensively],” Gonzalez said. “He’s got good range, and then you’ve got Nate and Schafer.”
Ok… I get the Heyward hype but geez come on! The guy is an average outfielder at best! He misjudges balls. If he has to run down a ball it’s only 50/50 he’ll catch it if he gets his glove on it. He’s terrible going back on a ball. Hell Hinske can go back on a ball better than Heyward! All Heyward knows to do on a ball over his head is go to the WRONG spot and wave at it!
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
8:01 am
veer:
Your 5:22 a.m……..wow, just wow!
Fish Bisch
June 14th, 2011
8:06 am
I’m glad we don’t have to face Cy Wandy anymore.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
8:36 am
that’s true David, [Schafer] does still have time, but he just does not look the same to me either as a performer or even physically.
It’s this very thing that has cooled me on his prospects going forward. He may have hit a homer last night (and I didn’t see the game, so I have no idea what his swing looked like on it), but, so far, he’s looked weak in the box. The wrist may be healed, but that doesn’t mean it’s well.
He certainly may be able to transform himself from a plus-power CF to a bunts-and-bingles guy, and certainly he may see that as the approach the team wishes him to take, but it leaves me cold, frankly. And I’ve been a fan of the kid long before he was a twitch in most of our posters’ fingertips.
Still, 6-for-17 in the Houston series with a double, a dinger, and only one K. Not shabby, if he can build on it.
Tommy T
June 14th, 2011
8:38 am
I have been very impressed in the level of maturity Shafer has shown in the way he has changed his approach in the last couple of years. I was of the opinion, and still am, that he will never be a star. I do think that since he has developed a little more Otis Nixon in his game, he can be a viable leadoff hitter. I hope the HR last night doesn’t get him back in the habit of trying to lift the ball on every swing.
ChillyMutt
June 14th, 2011
8:53 am
Schaffer isn’t going anywhere as long as he continues to field well and bat like a lead off hitter.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
8:58 am
I have to say, Lowe is just about worthless on this team. It’s time to cut the cord and move him along.
Tommy T
June 14th, 2011
9:01 am
There are plenty of things Shafer will have to continue to improve, mostly offensively. He has to continue raising his OBP and he has to continue to be patient and take walks. The question I have is what does the lineup look like when everyone comes back? If Shafer is leading off, then either Uggla or Heyward is going to be batting 7th.
Dadgum.....
June 14th, 2011
9:04 am
Heading to the ATL. Foot on the floor. Gonna catch the Bravos either tonight or tomorrow. Gonna hang awhile at the Saloon. Sweet. Blog happy hour specials abound.
My guess is that the Braves will hang with Shaefer the rest of the year in CF assuming he plays as he is now. Brings what McLouth does not. Speed, base stealing, stronger arm, better defense. Same bat if not better. Prado’s injury basically was good news to McLouth as I guess he plays LF. He probably platoons some after that. Regardless you don’t play McLouth over Shafer just because you are paying him a few million more if Schafer gives you a better chance to win. Hell, if that was the case then KK would be pitching over Beachy. Give me Schafer everyday over McLouth and twice on Sunday.
Rock on……..
Tommy T
June 14th, 2011
9:04 am
AT:
Performance-wise, Lowe is the Braves fifth starter right now. Compare him to other fifth starters in the league. Hardly worthless. Plus, Lowe is a gamer. He’s proven time and time again in his career that he’s a big game pitcher. I want him on this team come September.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
9:10 am
The question I have is what does the lineup look like when everyone comes back? If Shafer is leading off, then either Uggla or Heyward is going to be batting 7th.
Trying to project Fredo’s lineup might be wasted effort, LOL.
Until Prado is back, though, probably Schafer at the top, Heyward at 2, and Nate at 8. I guess. Maybe.
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
9:13 am
Arkansas Transplant… How do the Braves cut the cord with Lowe? He’s got a season left on his contract. At this juncture, who would trade for Lowe without the Braves having to pick up a healthy share of his remaining contract? A team like the Yanks might be open to a deal for Lowe at deadline later this summer, but that depends on what the Yanks really need.
I thought that signing Lowe to a four-year big dollar deal was over the top when it happened. But, then, the Braves needed a veteran starting pitcher with some upside to anchor the rotation.
And I’ll say this for Lowe, he goes through stretches were he gets blasted and then rights himself and pitches some solid ball. He was the Braves’ money pitcher down the stretch last season. I’ll wager he wins 15, hurls 200 innings and has an ERA around 4.00. Seems to be his profile. Not worth $15 million a year, mind you, but it is what it is for the time being.
veer
June 14th, 2011
9:13 am
Yo Richbrave?
Whats the wow part?
Constanza- C-Dawg as he is known now is a hidden gem.
Tommy T
June 14th, 2011
9:17 am
scoots:
Agreed, especially on predicting the lineup. I think it gets interesting once Prado is back. Shafer loses some of his value if he’s not at the top of the order and Prado is the best two hole hitter in baseball (IMO). With McCann, Chipper and Freeman 3-5, that forces a pretty good hitter, as long as both Heyward and Uggla return to form, to the 7 spot. Not a bad problem to have. Of course, all this is contingent on health, and Shafer remembering he’s more Nixon than Mantle.
monty
June 14th, 2011
9:19 am
AT-” Lowe is (just about) worthless on this team. It’s time to cut the cord and move him along.
So you’re sayin there’s a chance.
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
9:20 am
Schafer hasn’t persuaded me that he’s a starting major league center-fielder. He hasn’t done badly subbing for McLouth, and I give Schafer credit for his grit, but I’m still not thinking the kid has starter talent in the long haul.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
9:27 am
With McCann, Chipper and Freeman 3-5, that forces a pretty good hitter, as long as both Heyward and Uggla return to form, to the 7 spot.
From what I’ve seen, no chance that Fredo bats Freeman ahead of either Heyward or Uggla, if they’re performing. Especially given his penchant for L/R balance.
‘Course, if both of those guys are swinging the stick, it won’t really matter much who hits where.
DAP
June 14th, 2011
9:28 am
the braves could probably find a way to trade lowe if they wanted to, but they dont want to trade a veteran starter in the middle of a playoff race. if the braves are contending (which they will be) they will no trade lowe, and replace him with beachy or minor. i know folks are underwhelmed at times with derek lowe, but he is a valuable part of this team, though some disagree with that.
veer
June 14th, 2011
9:29 am
Lowes faith yesterday could have been better had he not thrown 0-2 pitch where he did to Hunter. In fact that pitch was where Mac wanted it. Lowes season line will probably be 13-13 with 3.96 ERA. while i am at it Let me just predict what other SP stats will look at at the end of the year
Lowe 13-13 3.96
Jurrjens 17-9 3.23
Hanson 18-11 2.74
Hudson 12-9 3.86
Beachy 10-6 3.75
I don’t expect Jurrjens to keep up the current pace.
In the end I expect Hanson to have the best stats.
Tommy T
June 14th, 2011
9:30 am
I don’t know scoots. Freeman’s been a horse the last three weeks or so.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
9:34 am
Freeman’s bound to cool off some, Tommy. The good thing would be to have Heyward and Uggla heating up when he does. Team wouldn’t miss a beat.
veer
June 14th, 2011
9:37 am
I am eagerly waiting for a press release that states that Mather has been released.
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
June 14th, 2011
9:37 am
Yeah, excellent quote from BMac. Very good ones from Schafer, as well.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
9:37 am
Monty,
I hear what your saying…
Fols
June 14th, 2011
9:40 am
If Mather isn’t batting with the bases loaded we may have a chance at a big inning for Lowe. That line-up was as close to a split squad spring training line-up as i’ve ever seen. Then to top if off the guy gets a lead-off double and the top of the order leaves him standing there. That was it right there to get into and take over this ball game. Needless to say he went out there and got thumped after that.
Bats made an appearance in Houston but that’s still Houston. We need to carry this over to the Mets series.
Benching Jordan for Nate is the worst idea i’ve heard. Jordan is getting on just as frequently, he’s an actual lead-off threat to steal and his defense has been great. Nate has not done anything to show us why he’d win that job back? I’m sorry but that’s just playing the guy with the bigger salary.
If we keep Jordan in there, insert Heyward, that’s our best line-up.
I’m done with Mather.
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
9:42 am
DAP, you’re right. As long as the Braves are contending, Wren isn’t likely to shop Lowe. If the Braves move out of contention before deadline, then, I think Wren will aggressively try to move Lowe. I certainly think Wren will shop Lowe in the off-season.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
9:42 am
I said before the season that I thought this would be the year Hanson starts putting it together.
As far as Lowe goes, you had to expect me to jump on here this morning and declare my desire to move Lowe. I’ve been saying all along, he really doesn’t bring much to this team. Right now while Beachy is down I can see why to hang onto him but once Beachy comes back I expect the Braves to do a little “shopping him around.”
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
9:43 am
Wonder where Lew is this morning?
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
9:44 am
You gotta give Schafer one thing: he gets more hugs and kisses than any other .230 hitter has EVER gotten in these parts.
That’s an intangible I bet every player wishes he had. Ha!
monty
June 14th, 2011
9:47 am
When Schafer 1st came up this year, almost all of his 1st few hits were Rick Flairs dumped over the 2nd baseman’s head. Then he started squaring up some pitches with hard line drives to RF about 10 days ago, and then the HR last night. I see a player getting stronger at the plate, gaining confidence and seeing the ball alot better. In other words his stock is rising. The only advantage Nate had over Jordan was he slugged a little higher, but now even that’s becoming less of a difference. A few weeks ago Bobby Valentine said he saw Jordan playing CF for us for a long time. Just maybe he’s right.
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
9:49 am
For the record, Lowe was probably responsible for getting the Braves into the post season last year. When most everyone on the team folded like cheap accordions in the stretch, Lowe was pitching some excellent clutch baseball.
Having said that, the Braves have too much young pitching talent bubbling up from the system that needs to have places in the rotation. Teheran, Minor, Delgado, etc. I think Wren will make every effort to move Lowe in the off season – or sooner, if the Braves drop from the race.
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
9:55 am
AT – We know how you feel about Lowe. Just wondering…by cutting the cord, do you mean puting him on waivers, and paying him anyway, or do you mean begging someone,,,anyone to take him off our hands for nothing, and picking up most of his remaining salary? Who do you think we can make this “magic” trade with, and what do you think we will get? SERIOUSLY, Dude!
monty
June 14th, 2011
9:55 am
Jeff R- “For the record, Lowe was probably responsible for getting the Braves into the post season last year.”
For that reason alone, you can’t deal Lowe. You ride out his down streak and wait for that good streak that should come at some point. It’s frustrating to do, but not any worse than waiting on Uggla. You know he’s not going to be bothered pitching on a big stage when needed.
DAP
June 14th, 2011
9:58 am
scoots He may have hit a homer last night (and I didn’t see the game, so I have no idea what his swing looked like on it),
pitch was up and over the plate…maybe slight towards the outside part. i thought the swing looked good, but im no expert….it wasnt a cheapie, either…sailed over the 374 mark on the right center field fence. id guess it went at least 380.
monty
June 14th, 2011
9:58 am
Last night watching Brandon Hicks play SS was gut wrenching. Like watching Mather trying to hit. Has he had a hit since he won that game for us? I have a new appreciation for Gonzo after last night.
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
10:00 am
Monty, I think the rotation – including Lowe – is set for the duration of the 2011. I’m assuming the Braves are contenders and likely post season participants. I’m sure Wren remembers Lowe’s clutch pitching down the stretch last season, and would rather have Lowe in the rotation that either of two kids: Beachy or Minor.
Lew
June 14th, 2011
10:02 am
Transplant – I had a Dr. appt.
Veer- So Beachy is coming back and going to go 9-5 the rest of the way while raising his OBP by 40 points and Jurrjens is going to go 9-7 while almost doubling his ERA? Where do you come up with this stuff?
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
10:03 am
For the record, we are all frustrated, at least at times, with Lowe, McLouth, KK, Uggla, and others to various degrees. Venting doesn’t fix the situation. It’s like the econamy…if there was an easy solution, it would have already been done. Do you seriously believe that Wren and the FO is at least as aware and concerned about the situation as any of us? They will do whatever they are able to do.
That said, we are playing pretty well on spite of everything. I still believe.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
10:06 am
raleighbravefan, I wouldn’t exactly just let him go… that wouldn’t make much sense to just cut him and still have to pick up the remaining portion of his salary. As far as cutting the cord.. I was mostly referring to guys like you that want to look at him through this rose colored glasses and see something about him that isn’t exactly true. He’s not going to be the deciding factor as to whether or not we make the playoffs. I do believe by virtue of there’s other teams out there trying to make a playoff push increases the likelihood you could move him a trade and actually recieve one or two pretty good prospects. So why in the world would we just want to hang on to the guy if all we’re looking at is hanging onto him until the offseason to move him? When obviously there will be other options available to teams during that time instead of now when his services may be at a premium and therefore bring a much more valuable package in return?
monty
June 14th, 2011
10:06 am
Anyone have a projected return schedule for Moylan? Has he even picked up a baseball yet?
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
10:07 am
Lew, Happy Birthday!!! Any plans to celebrate tonight?
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
10:08 am
Lew, I think veer sneezed and lost his bears for a moment.
monty
June 14th, 2011
10:09 am
Lew – Congrats!
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
10:14 am
So why in the world would we just want to hang on to the guy if all we’re looking at is hanging onto him until the offseason to move him?
Maybe because the team isn’t all that interested in having Beachy and Minor make 40% of the starts down the stretch in a pennant race. Can’t say that such a thing would warm the cockles, my own self.
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
10:14 am
AT – So to sum it up…the guy is overpriced nearly worthless junk, but he would be valuable in a trade. And by the way, “a deciding factor as to whether or not we make the playoffs” is exactly what he was last year.
I don’t have rose colored glasses, and I know exactly all the negatives Lowe brings to the table. I, too, am often frustrated. But I am also a realist, and I know the positives he can bring as well, vs the current alternatives, and I aknowledge the true facts about his “tradability”.
Bat Masterson
June 14th, 2011
10:16 am
Happy Birthday, Lew
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
10:16 am
Lew – Happy birthday! This is a big one, isn’t it? I hit mine in February. You and Mrs. Lew should do something fun today.
monty
June 14th, 2011
10:18 am
Anybody else thinkin’ like I’m thinkin’ that we are just 1 dominant player away from being the best team in baseball?? Or, just 2 of our starters hitting like they are capable? Say Heyward coming back and doing his thing and Uggla snapping out?
flange1
June 14th, 2011
10:18 am
Happy Birthday Lew!
TennesseePaul
June 14th, 2011
10:21 am
And maybe Schafer isn’t as bad as the stats he produced from the time he broke his hand on that swing in his first home game in 2009 until he finally got healthy during this off season. Maybe he will actually be a good player. He’s 24.
Cumulative stats by year covering all leagues and levels played in that year.
Year__PA_BB__SO_XBH_K/BB_PA/BB_AB/K__AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS
2005 200 13 049 018 3.77 15.38 3.71 .203 .256 .352 .608
2006 422 28 095 030 3.39 15.07 4.08 .240 .293 .376 .669
2007 626 56 126 074 2.25 11.18 4.48 .312 .374 .513 .887
2008 349 49 088 034 1.80 07.12 3.38 .269 .378 .471 .850
2009 233 29 073 012 2.52 08.03 2.77 .208 .305 .307 .612
2010 307 26 064 012 2.46 11.81 4.28 .201 .268 .255 .524
2011 265 23 037 013 1.61 11.52 6.27 .250 .314 .328 .642
Cumulative stats by health covering all leagues and levels played during the split. All but the first three games of 2009 and all of 2010 were counted as unhealthy due to the injury he sustained on the first swing of his first home game in 2009.
Split__PA__BB__SO_XBH_K/BB_PA/BB_AB/K__AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS
Pre. 1610 149 360 158 2.42 10.81 4.01 .270 .340 .450 .790
Injy 0527 052 135 022 2.60 10.13 3.45 .202 .280 .264 .544
Post 0265 023 037 013 1.61 11.52 6.27 .250 .314 .328 .642
He hasn’t ever really been a walks driven OBP guy. And the majority of his positive looking stats in his career occurred nearly a half decade ago in two minor league seasons.
Cumulative stats for 2007 and 2008 juxtaposed with healthy seasons from the rest of his career.
Split__PA__BB__SO_XBH_K/BB_PA/BB_AB/K__AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS
07-08 975 105 214 108 2.04 09.29 4.03 .297 .376 .499 .874
Else- 900 067 183 063 2.73 13.43 4.44 .235 .293 .363 .656
Perhaps he will be good. I don’t know if the team should wait around 3 more years until he turns 27. That’s three years of a lack production in CF waiting on a maybe. He had a good series in Houston though. Wouldn’t mind seeing that continue. At .353/.389/.588/.977 who wouldn’t?
Jeff R
June 14th, 2011
10:22 am
Well, Lew, another year older, another year wiser.
TennesseePaul
June 14th, 2011
10:22 am
Happy Birthday Lew!
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
10:27 am
Yes, happy birthday, Lew. Just realize that, since I’m four months older, you’ll always just be a young whippersnapper to me.
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
10:27 am
I’m watching and waiting, but I’m thinking ‘The Vulture’ is better than MIKE REMLINGER already, and heading north of MIKE fast. And MR was the best set-up man I’d seen in a BRAVES uni since 1952.
Couch Tater
June 14th, 2011
10:28 am
Lowe: ….85 innings pitched. 4.02 ERA. 3.17 runs of support. H/9 8.6. BB/9 3.5 SO/9 7.0.
Hudson: 82 innings pitched. 4.06 ERA.. 4.77 runs of support. H/9 8.2. BB/9 2.1. SO/9 5.5.
Mixxo
June 14th, 2011
10:31 am
lol @ the peeps throwing Lowe under the bus.
We don’t come NEAR the post-season w/o him down the stretch last year.
flange1
June 14th, 2011
10:32 am
TennPaul,
How do the splits (lefty vs righty) look with Schafer?
I see the Rockies are becoming disenchanted with Dexter Fowler. Maybe a small trade and set up a platoon in CF of Schafer and Fowler?
Maybe one will become a star?
Mixxo
June 14th, 2011
10:32 am
Lowe was pissed because we pissed away every opportunity we had with guys on base early.
He’s sick of it….as am I.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
10:32 am
raleighbravefan, where did I say he was overpriced? I never said that, I’ve always maintained the fact that he doesn’t do much for this team given the other options we have at our disposal and the fact that his value to this team is what he could bring in a trade to a contender looking for a vet for the stretch run.
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
10:33 am
Congrats LEW. Do you still have my e-mail? GIL gave me yours, I’ll send it today.
BravePack
June 14th, 2011
10:34 am
Offense as a whole has been anemic and inconsistent and yet we are 2.5 games out of first and tied for lead in wild card. No Heyward, Uggla for the most part, and now Prado. We are still winning and the pitching has been great and will continue to be. The offense will only improve and when it does the Braves will take over the division lead and stay there for the rest of the season. Please let’s stop the whining and complaining as it gets old reading the same crap over and over especially after a loss.
Oh yeah Schafer is heating up and will keep the CF position or at least he should. Doing a great job at lead-off and in CF despite the hate certain posters have for him.
Lew
June 14th, 2011
10:37 am
Thanks Everyone.
scoots – always good to know I’m not the oldest around.
raleighbraves – Kathy’s go at 101 temp today – the funnest thing today was likely to hold was going to get her some ginger ale.
And of course I meant Beachy’s ERA, not his OBP. If we’re reduced to hoping his OBP provides the runs we need, we’re doomed.
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
10:39 am
Mixxo
June 14th, 2011
10:31 am
lol @ the peeps throwing Lowe under the bus.
We don’t come NEAR the post-season w/o him down the stretch last year.
And there’s the key to the bus pummelling. It’s those last two words at the end of your statement……..”last year.’
It’s this year, and folks want to see that last year was an aberration, and not the new norm where LOWE’s concerned……..Good to begin with, and good at the end, but not so good in the middle. And has HUDDY caught this malaise also?
Lew
June 14th, 2011
10:41 am
richbrave – Thought I did, but can’t find it. Congrats on your Well Deserved Wurlitzer. You provide something really special to the blog with your minor league updates, which we all appreciate – and the considerable amount of time they take you is also appreciated. You’re one of the main reasons this is such an informative place to be for we Braves’ fans.
Send me some pictures of your Grandson – a portrait shot and some baseball pics and I’ll draw you something that will make you prouder of him than you already are.
monty
June 14th, 2011
10:42 am
This really is Schafer’s “do or die time”. If he plays well from here on out none of the past stats mean anything. If he fizzles, then they mean everything and we will be looking for trade or FA options for CF next season. No pressure Jordan.
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
10:42 am
AT- I think you way overestmate Lowe’s tradability. btw, Wren has tried to trade him.
ncscoots
June 14th, 2011
10:43 am
And has HUDDY caught this malaise also?
Maybe compensating for the back problem got him in some bad habits, or maybe the back just isn’t quite right yet.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
10:45 am
raleighbravefan, I don’t think I’m overestimating his value by much and things aren’t exactly the same since they aggressively tried to move him.
Arkansas Transplant
June 14th, 2011
10:48 am
raleighbravefan, I know this probably pains you to hear this but I actually want Lowe to do well and do it very well. I want him to be great when he steps on the mound but it doesn’t change my opinion of what they need to do with him, it would just increase his value as far as I’m concerned but I want him to win every time out.
Lew
June 14th, 2011
10:48 am
They aren’t going to trade starting pitching unless they are totally out of the race. They just aren’t. It would be really, really stupid, considering they’ve already had Beachy and Jurrjens on the DL and Hudson missing a start and not being completely back yet.
MInor isn’t going to be able to replace Lowe and Teheran isn’t ready yet.
Reality check – no matter how much any of y’all dislike Lowe, he’ll still be here come October – just like he has been the past three years despite your dislike.
richbrave
June 14th, 2011
10:50 am
LEW:
Send me some pictures of your Grandson – a portrait shot and some baseball pics and I’ll draw you something that will make you prouder of him than you already are.
Is that possible?
I look forward to it.
count_schemula
June 14th, 2011
10:51 am
Oh look, it’s stats for Brett Butler:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/butlebr01.shtml
Note the ages, and how it all progressed. Now I’m sure we said the same thing about Brett Butler, too small, no power, etc and I’m not saying that Schafer will be Brett Butler, but…
The key to Schafer is to keep building on this game he’s showing us now, and to work with a proven base stealer to cut down on his caught stealing.
No way in heck does Nate just walk back to a starting job. I will savage Fredo if that happens…
raleighbravefan
June 14th, 2011
10:52 am
AT – You could be right. I think they will try to rade him again during the off season, but doubt it will happen this season. Whenever they do, I hope they are able to get maximum value. He will still cost someone $15M, and will be another year older.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
June 14th, 2011
10:52 am
Lew’s birthday?
C’mon….what’er you 29 again for the umteenth time
Anyway, have a great day Lew. The blog wouldn’t be the same if you weren’t around.
Murph
June 14th, 2011
10:53 am
Happy birthday to Lew,
You live in the zoo,
You smell like a monkey,
And you look like one too!
Happy birthday Lew!!!