Beachy surgery successful; Bethancourt to Futures Game
BOSTON – The year-long rehabilitation will begin soon for Braves pitcher Brandon Beachy, who had reconstructive elbow surgery Thursday to repair the partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm.
The ligament-transplant surgery, commonly known as “Tommy John” surgery, was performed by Dr. James Andrews at his clinic near Pensacola, Fla. The prodedure was deemed a success and the Braves hope to have Beachy back next summer. Rehab for the surgery usually takes about 12 months, give or take a month.
Beachy, 25, was 5-5 with a 2.00 ERA in 13 starts for the Braves, tied for the major league ERA lead among starters and also first with a .171 opponents’ average. He has a 12-10 record and 3.07 ERA in 41 career starts.
Jair Jurrjens was recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett to replace Beachy in the rotation. Jurrjens will start Friday’s series opener against the Red Sox in Boston.
Bethancourt in Futures Game
Top Braves catching prospect Christian Bethancourt was selected to play in the All-Star Futures Game on July 8 in Kansas City, on the Sunday before the July 10 All-Star game in Kansas City.
Bethancourt, 20, was selected to play for the World team, which plays a U.S. team in the annual game featuring many of baseball’s top prospects. His selection is an indication of his elite prospect status rather than his performance this season.
The strong-armed catcher was hitting .255 with no homers and a .283 on-base percentage in 41 games at Double-A Mississippi, where he was was slowed by a hamstring injury at the beginning of the season. He’s one of the youngest players in the league.
In 2011, Bethancourt hit .289 with five homers, 53 RBIs and nine stolen bases in 99 games for Class-A affiliates Rome and Lynchburg, then boosted his stock more by hitting .306 with five homers in 72 at-bats in the prospect-filled Arizona Fall League.
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175 comments Add your comment
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
4:47 pm
go braves
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
4:49 pm
It’s about time for someone to log on, and tell us one more time, that Beachy’s arm would never have been injured if Leo Mazzone was still the pitching coach.
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
4:50 pm
@reckingball Win 2 in a row and you show up. Where were you when they were losing? INCOGNITO.
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
4:52 pm
They should change their handle, to Stuck Record. haha
bruce
June 21st, 2012
4:56 pm
Thanks for the update David… amazing how fast this all plays out, repaired before his turn comes around again.
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
4:57 pm
Change yours to fair weather fanLOL
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
5:01 pm
Well Whiskey,…. the folks that like to caterwaul, gnash their teeth, call the players names, and cry like little babys, when the Braves lose, don’t like me to make comments about how utterly ignorant, some of their rants are, so I just don’t make any comments.
You know,…. like firing Wren, and bringing Bobby Cox back as GM.
Or, completely dismantleing the team and starting over with a complete rebuild, etc, etc,…..you know, stupid comments like that.
What happened to the plan of ignoring each other’s comments?
I thought it was a pretty good plan.
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
5:03 pm
Agreed IGNORE,IGNORE,IGNORE
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
5:05 pm
Whiskey……..As far as fair weather fan,…. You have defined yourself as the epitome, of a fair weather fan, several times on these blogs.
“When they win I say good things about them” your quote, or something to that order, just the other day.
ole dawg
June 21st, 2012
5:16 pm
alright Whiskey and recking…. act nice or go to your rooms:)
nuh uh
June 21st, 2012
5:17 pm
you’re not the boss of them
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
5:17 pm
I almost forgot one of the dumber comments made by one or more commenters……release Chipper and bring back Constanza, how moronic is that?
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
5:19 pm
ole dawg……..I am being nice. haha
go braves, hoping that the weather is fair, up there in Beantown.
Tumbledown
June 21st, 2012
5:23 pm
Given the Braves present position in the standings, it is certainly reasonable to argue that they should stay the course and see how the season plays out. It is also reasonable to advocate a change of course of direction, especially if one is convinced that the Braves cannot win the World Series after factoring in injuries and their history of late season and post season failures. Both positions, I believe, are reasonable and can be supported. There is nothing “stupid” about staying the course or advocating a complete rebuild.
nuh uh
June 21st, 2012
5:31 pm
being reasonable is stupid
TuffShhhtuff
June 21st, 2012
5:31 pm
Why is it that sportswriters, broadcasters, etc. continue to refer to this as “Tommy John Surgery”? Why not just “TJ Surgery”? Everyone, believe me would know what that is. Baseball is a game of initials, acronyms, etc. for everything from A to Z, yet they all insist on saying “Tommy John Surgery” ad nauseum. I’m beginning to thing Tommy John himself gets a royalty everytime his name is mentioned, or maybe Dr. Andrews, and they are being put up to it. For crying outloud, it’s ‘TJ SURGERY”, much easier and quicker to say. Save your hot air!
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
5:34 pm
I respect everyone’s right to have an opinion.
But, when I totally disagree with someone’s opinion, I can’t say that I respect their opinion, on that subject.
My opinion, on the subject of advocating a complete rebuild, of this Braves team is, that it is not only reactionary, but also very stupid.
But, that is just my opin., agree, or disagree, it really doesn’t matter to me, at all.
go braves
Tumbledown
June 21st, 2012
5:36 pm
While not stupid, being reasonable is often a thankless task.
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
5:38 pm
TuffShhtuff……..Did you use to write for Andy Rooney, on 60 Minutes?
TuffShhhtuff
June 21st, 2012
5:40 pm
“rb” As a matter of fact…………I…………………………didn’t, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
5:41 pm
Did the rebuilding advocates, ever consider that the Braves are in somewhat of a rebuild cycle, right now?
Tumbledown
June 21st, 2012
5:42 pm
Reckingball- I respect your opinion yet you do not respect my opinion or the opinions of those that might want to try a more radical approach with the Braves. Oh well.
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
5:46 pm
Tuff…….That was a good one. haha.
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
5:47 pm
ignore, ignore, ignore
Mike from the coast
June 21st, 2012
5:50 pm
Hey, look at the young talent. JHey 22, Freeman 22, Simmons 22, Pitching Beachy if he comes back healthy 25?, Prado 26?, Resign Bourn, McCann 27?, Delgado 23, Kimbrel 24?, Be patient folks, this team is the future and it looks bright to me. Patience, Patience, Patience. If not this year we are loaded for the future.
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
5:52 pm
The Braves have one of the youngest teams in MLB, or so I have heard.
They are still hanging in the race for the NLEast.
What kind of rebuild would some of these GMs on these blogs ‘advocate’?
Finklestein
June 21st, 2012
6:00 pm
If Leo was still our pitching coach Beachy would not have torn up him elbow, Chipper would not have injured his leg, and furthermore, Freddie wouldn’t have a sore finger!
Brownie
June 21st, 2012
6:03 pm
Lots of sniping, too little opining going on here.
This team is and has been in transition for a few years now, and other than Huddy and Chipper they are very young. Over half the roster makes under $750K. It would be foolish to even consider tearing this team down, selling OR buying at the trade deadline…..handing over a couple great prospects for what? A rental player. Think Texeira, and how Schuerholz literally built the Texas Rangers into World Series contenders.
Until Liberty Media sells this team to an owner who will get involved in building a competitive operation, they are likely dead in the water in trying to bring in high-priced talent (ala the Yankees, mets, Angels, Rangers, Phillies, etc.). last year the CEO of LM made more than the entire Braves payroll.
here’s what I think must happen: Chipper and Lowe money = $25M to spend…..resign Bourn, get a big OF RH bat (if one is available). Pray that Jurrjens has a couple good outings and trade him for anything before you have to deal with his agent, Scott Boras.
Remember,they’re gonna have to pay Prado, Freeman, Heyward, Kimbral, Simmons, O’Flaherty, Hanson, Beachy, Medlin as well….they are ALL keepers.
That brings us to Brian McCann. We all love what he’s given us for 6+ yrs, but you don’t pay a player for past performances, you pay him for future performances. All indications seem to point to Mac wearing down, and his offense is plummeting. Everyone plays the shift against him, and he can’t beat it…..keeps trying to just hit HRs. 2013 is an option year @ $13m I believe. Then you’ve got to let an AL team pay him the $15m+ over 6-7 years he’s gonna demand. He’s not worth it…you’ll end up with the same problem as you’ve had with Chipper the last few years….great leader, occasional performance but eating up too much of a tight payroll.
Bethancourt is coming on, maybe Gattis, maybe bring someone else in as a bridge if they are not yet ready for 2014.
Best thing Wren can do likely is to do next to nothing….let this play out.
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
6:06 pm
@5:36……..”being reasonable is a thankless task”
The advocation of dismantling of this Braves team IS Not “being reasonable”, in my opinion, it is the exact opposite of “being reasonable”.
Let me get back to reallity.
go braves
64 year Braves fan
June 21st, 2012
6:12 pm
I like Brownies thinking.
Alaska Braves Fan
June 21st, 2012
6:15 pm
reckingball: I agree with most everything you have said, especially your comments regarding civil discourse and the clueless notions that are posted by apparently rabid but senseless and ignorant fans. (I tried so hard not to say “ignorant.”) Ignoring others’ comments might help, but the temptation to exchange thoughts probably is too great.
To all Braves fans I would say: We have the team and the leaders that we have, and, all in all, they are doing well. Walk a mile in their shoes, and then see what you think. This team is in the thick of it, and we really don’t know how things will end up this year. My guess is this team makes the playoffs!
ABF
cowdogit
June 21st, 2012
6:22 pm
When a player brings hustle an attitude to a team , it makes the team play at a higher level . Constanza motivates ” Without Canstanza the braves took a nose-dive in September , same in June . Most fans would rather suck-up to Chipper than win games .
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
6:29 pm
The best thing that I can say for Constanza, is that he plays left field very well.
IsFreemanaWussie
June 21st, 2012
6:35 pm
Brownie makes good points. Need that RIGHThanded hitter. McCann a natural for DH in AL.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
6:42 pm
cowdogit
umm, Constanza played in 12 games last September and he hit .174/.174/.174 during that time
NickB
June 21st, 2012
6:44 pm
Bourn isn’t coming back, and based on what he will probably get in free agency (5 or 6 yrs $15-%16 mill per) he shouldn’t be back. That’s too much money to pay for a guy who has speed as his main source of value.
Do we really want to be paying a guy who has lost a step and plays below avg defense in CF but doesn’t have the bat for LF $15 mill a year at age 36? I don’t think we do
the truth...
June 21st, 2012
6:44 pm
If I were to do some rebuilding it would be with who wears the manager’s hat on the team…..
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
6:53 pm
You say we are a young team, Maybe so Maybe not. When you have a 40 yr old as the Boss of the team, It does’nt matter how young we are because this 40 yr old is going to steal all the glory qand make sure that the kids are doomed until he is gone.
ACE
June 21st, 2012
6:59 pm
Good news for Beachy. We fans just want someone to question the captain of this ship when he is making decisions to cause it to sink. Not too much to ask.
the truth...
June 21st, 2012
6:59 pm
@Whiskey River
Now what does being 40 have to do with Fredi just being stupid….?
shorty58
June 21st, 2012
7:01 pm
Fire Fredi! His in game management on average still sucks. And His laid back style is not good for this team.
TexanBrave
June 21st, 2012
7:02 pm
Brownie, also like your thinking but no comment on Roger Dodger……I firmly believe you will have addition by subtraction with him gone…..the sooner the better……I can’t believe FG doesn’t see it or if he does….is overruled by FW. Don’t rebuild, stay the course but a la the hitting coach(s) change…. Roger is THE main culture issue with the Bravos
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
7:03 pm
@ACE Our 40 yr old BOSS will make the ship SINK very fast.
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
7:05 pm
@the truth FG does not run this ship. The BOSS does. FG just feeds the fire.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
7:06 pm
Whiskey River
why is it when I read your posts i picture a thrashing, gesticulating madman frantically pecking away at a 1987 keyboard?
TexanBrave
June 21st, 2012
7:11 pm
I had to google “caterwaul”….never seen it in print………thought I may have to call the SPCA…
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
7:13 pm
At least I tell the truth. I am still waiting on my answer Mr dictionary. If you don’t think Chipper runs this team, than you better get out of your Fantasy Land. Thats why he stayed another year. Not to help the team but to get as much glory as he can. What has he done fot the team since retuning? But he sure likes all the gifts.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
7:15 pm
of all my years of following the Braves, and Chipper, you are the ONLY person I have seen try and make him akin to A-rod. does he have a special locker section? Does he have a special entourage? Did he leave the team for the obvious more $$$ he could have gotten in the early 2000’s? the answer to all of these is NO.
so, no, you don’t speak the truth, you speak deluded ramblings by someone lashing out because they are safely tucked away in interweb land
NickB
June 21st, 2012
7:16 pm
either that or you are 14….. I hope, for your sake, it’s the latter
Hawaiibravefan
June 21st, 2012
7:23 pm
What’s up with all these ‘fire fredi, fire roger’ fans? You guys forgot that its the players who perform, not the managers? Especially for Roger, i didn’t see nobody complaining last year when the Braves had one of the best pitching staffs in baseball.
the truth...
June 21st, 2012
7:27 pm
Perhaps the “Whiskey River” is more descriptive than one might think at first…..sounds like that “river” is flowing a bit tonight…….
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
7:28 pm
Yes he DID that. Did is the key word. He deserves Hall of Fame, He has had a career that supersedes all. He HAS- Been great. He came back for 1 more year to get all his gifts and socialize with the other teams. When he is not doing that he bosses the team. HE DOES’NT Want to go to rehab. hE DOES’nt want to DH because HE SAID SO. The kids on this team are doomed. When he was not on this team they won 6 in a row and were on a roll. What have they done with him? ANSWER NOTHING He doesn’t want the kids to take away his glory so we can forget a playoff this year. We do have a very bright future. But as long as he is on this team, he is the BOSS and see to it that we go nowhere.
ACE
June 21st, 2012
7:31 pm
Fredi never played in the Majors so he never performed.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
7:32 pm
He’s still a very productive hitter. But since you only view the small sample of how he has been since he came off the DL, you think he’s terrible. He isn’t.
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
7:32 pm
@the truth If you ar referring to drinking. I wish I could. That is how I got my name. I was drinking whiskey like a river. So get your facts straight before accussing somebody.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
7:33 pm
hawaiibravesfan
Even the uber stat nerds like me think Fredi is terrible mgr, he misuses the bullpen, and makes lots of simple blunders that a major league level mgr should not make
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
7:34 pm
@NickB one hit,one Rbi. WOW he is still good. Give him a cookie. BTW I was probably watching baseball before you were born.
ACE
June 21st, 2012
7:34 pm
Chipper has been a great player and should be a first ballot hall of famer but you hate to see someone hang around too long like Willie Mays did.
ACE
June 21st, 2012
7:37 pm
Why does Fredi get a pass from the AJC for all his blunders.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
7:37 pm
That doesn’t mean you have one iota of what you are talking about…..
The small sample size since his return is irrelevant. before he got hurt, he had a 1.1 WAR and was in the top 5 in 3rd baseman in production.
Constanza (your pet project for some unknown reason) is not a good player, his career OPS is .681, since the first 23 games of 2011 his OPS is like .490 that’s terrible.
TexanBrave
June 21st, 2012
7:38 pm
Brownie, ..for the record….I think Greg Maffei (CEO of LM) had “pay” of $6.5 million last year including the value of the NYC apartment….. Don’t think he would mind the “budgeted” $90million the Braves hover around…. Cash generation is of value to LM and this division supports that…. If it was a private company with an owner to hold accountable…that is where the frustration would be pointed……vs. FG. With LM, they have had this investment payoff with a strong cashflow, minions in the operating roles and shills in the PR and Broadcasting roles…… Not a bit of hassle or negative iota for them as they invest in STARZ and Encore, etc., Any “Baseball Town” ….and I travel constantly and follow the Bravos everywhere………..a la STL, BOS, NY………heck……..even LA where I watched the McCourt debacle unfold……… and now even the Dodgers are positioned well………..would howl at the talent come and gone through the ATL…… BTW, one more time………..Roger is the issue…..as Mike Singletary vocalized…..”Can’t have bad decisions made and then be….. non-chalant”…….”Can’t play with em!!!, can’t win with ‘em, can’t coach with ‘em……can’t do it…………..I want winners”……………….That is where your Country Club atmoshere has been generated the last 6-7 years…. BTW, DOB……thanks for the posts…..class act.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
7:40 pm
btw whiskey river, I’m 39, if you’ve been watching baseball sine before 1973, I would think you would understand how you treat veteran players a bit more than that, especially ones with positive offensive value
Jay Puskenalis
June 21st, 2012
7:41 pm
Tommy John’s name is not Tommy John. He came up in the Indians organization and was in the Eastern League with Charlestown, WV. His catcher coming up at that time was Duane”Duke” Sims. Luis Tiant was on the same team. Believe his last name is actually Jankowski, and shortened.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
7:43 pm
@ Jay
baseball reference says his name is Thomas Edward John
Delbert D.
June 21st, 2012
7:45 pm
Want to see how the UCL surgery is done? Check this link. I had a partial tear of mine 50 years ago, along with an non-displaced fracture of the “pointy bone” on the inside of the elbow (I’ll skip the Latin).
http://www.gamradtortho.com/conditionsUlnarCollateralLigament.php
Delbert D.
June 21st, 2012
7:48 pm
@Jay Puskenalis “Believe his last name is actually Jankowski, and shortened.”
Coincidentally, Sebastian Janikowski, the FSU and Oakland Raiders placekicker also had the surgery.
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
7:54 pm
@NickB I was watching baseball before you were born. I know how to trat veterans when they deserve it. Chipper has absolutely no good for this team. He does’nt care whether they win or not. Willie Mays stayed too long but at least he tried to help his team. Chipper is done and not even trying to help.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
7:57 pm
Oh and you have this all figured out do you? Cuz he won’t DH? apparently it makes him unomfortable and affects his at bats in a negative way. seems like that’s helping the team not to go and do something he doesn’t feel he can do effectively.
But, just keep living in the past old man, Chipper makes this team better. The NUMBERS back me up. But keep thinking that 2 weeks is all you need to pass complete judgment on someones future offensive production.
Delbert D.
June 21st, 2012
7:58 pm
By the way, I did not have the surgery. 1) It had not been “invented” yet, and 2) I was not a pitcher. Still have to stretch my arm out in the morning.
Beware: That web site has photos, and it is not for the squeamish.
cowdogit
June 21st, 2012
7:59 pm
Chipper only plays for the money , he could care less if the braves win , He may be the worst clutch hitter in baseball history , The players on the low end of the payroll are tired of setting the table so the super star can fail again . During the fourteen year run if Chipper had hit in the clutch the braves would have won at least five world series titles . Bring Canstanza back .
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
8:00 pm
It does matter what he does now. It is time to make a move and as long he is the distraction. The team is going nowhere. Next year yes. Go Braves 2013.
TexanBrave
June 21st, 2012
8:01 pm
HawaiiBF…..regarding sports results and usually business results……it is sometimes………… “because of” leadership or planning but often……… “in spite of”………….. I have watched Freddi “Coach-Up” better than any manager this side of Ned Yost……………. (Ned is another Bobbi guy……and BTW ……watch out for them-there Royals and what they’re building in KC ….with a “small market payroll”…..BTW2….I was at the Astro’s game the last two days and Frenchy almost pegged Cliff Lee @ 1st on a single to right…..LMAO)………..but FG is the best parts of what Bobbi wasn’t and y’all forget…. (Cox was TOO loyal) and I’m just saying that when you look at FG and RM in silos………….I’ll take FG any day of the week…. Our pitchers through the system flourish until they get to the show and if then they perform it’s “in spite of”…..Roger. Freddi didn’t just wake up stupid……was hand-picked as the perfect successor…..just needs to get TP more voice and Roger……………GONE.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
8:02 pm
anyone who think Constanza should be on our 25 man roster DOES NOT UNDERSTAND BASEBALL.
it’s really that simple.
batting avg is a lousy indicator of production, but since you like it,here’s the facts on yer boy:
first 26 major league games avg .326
next 24 major league games avg .207
there ya go, the league figured him out
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
8:05 pm
@cowdodit At least 1 other person is not living in FantasyLand
NickB
June 21st, 2012
8:06 pm
have any numbers to back up your claim cowdogit? nope i didn’t think so, but don’t worry i will be here to prove to you that you “clutch” idea is misguided and wrong
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
8:07 pm
I did not mention Constanza. I just said Chipper is done. THAT IS FACT whether you want to believe it or not.
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
8:10 pm
WHY hasn’t he helped since he came back. ANSWER He doesn;t want to because then he couldnt get all the glory on him. CHIPPER IS DONE.IT is a Fact. You need to accept.
Delbert D.
June 21st, 2012
8:10 pm
I guess Beachy isn’t of interest to some posters here. The Hate Chipper – Love Chipper argument is very tiresome.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
8:12 pm
Chipper’s career OPS (OBP+SLG%) ..933
Chipper’s career OPS in high leverage situation (clutch situations) 1.044
Chipper’s career OPS in medium leverage situations .882
Chipper’s career OPS in low leverage situations .992
decidedly clutch it appears, but then again, most good hitters hit around the same in every situation
but let’s not end it there :
career OPS with RISP – .967
career OPS with men on base- .957
career OPS in the postseason- .871
show me where he isn’t an elite hitter ?
NickB
June 21st, 2012
8:13 pm
sorry delbert, but it irritates me when people just post false tirades directed at people they apparently know nothing about. So I post the FACTS to clarify the issue to those who may not fully understand and may read this blog.
ACE
June 21st, 2012
8:14 pm
Then maybe Fredi should coach up Roger since he is his boss.
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
8:15 pm
That is correct but not now. He has Hall of Fame #’s from before.But not now. HE IS DONE!!!
Whiskey River
June 21st, 2012
8:17 pm
Since you are so in love with a washed up veteran, I am thru talking. Everyone have a great nite. Take care and may God be with you.
Delbert D.
June 21st, 2012
8:19 pm
NickB – Wasn’t aiming at you. It’s the comments about what he is not. I’m not a really big CJ fan; very goodplayer, seems to be the typical dumb jock in other ways. I tend to respect the more intelligent athletes more, even the ones that are somewhat ignorant, but intelligent.
BravesHawk44
June 21st, 2012
8:19 pm
Since Mazzone left, the Braves have had a lot of pitchers with arm issues, not like in 90’s when the pitchers were mostly healthy. It appears a Braves pitcher now has to have Tommy John surgery every year. What up wit Dat!!
NickB
June 21st, 2012
8:21 pm
a lot of other pitchers have had TJ surgery too, and that isn’t the Bravespitching coaches fault.
btw, a lot of pitchers had injuries under Leo, Avery, Rocker,Smoltz, among others
GRAPHITE
June 21st, 2012
8:22 pm
THE BRAVES COULD WIN MORE IF COX HADN’T TAUGHT FREDI THAT THE WORD BUNT WAS AN UGLY FOUR LETTER WORD..UGGLA PROBABLY BUNT’S BETTER THAN HE HIT’S.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
8:24 pm
Bunts are a waste f outs unless the pitcher is doing it, with the lone exception of late/close situations where only one run is needed to win the game. any other time, playing for one run is a terrible offensive philosophy
longtimefan
June 21st, 2012
8:24 pm
Good post at 8:12. The Chipper haters don’t like facts.
Delbert D.
June 21st, 2012
8:27 pm
Glavine and Maddux weren’t high-velocity guys. Smoltz was the burner with the great slider. I read a study the other day that showed that 86% of the guys with the UCL injuries threw hard sliders. Whatever; Beachy should be expected to come back at least as good as ever, and he has at least another 10 years of durability added to that young arm.
Delbert D.
June 21st, 2012
8:30 pm
NickB – Billy Beane agrees with the no bunting.
GRAPHITE
June 21st, 2012
8:32 pm
HOE MANY HAVE THEY LOST BY 1?
TexanBrave
June 21st, 2012
8:35 pm
Couldn’t agree more with “Coaching-Up” Roger but we’ve all had foxes in the hen-house who were tough to root out……I think Wren wanted more continuity after Bobby left and Roger stayed and has the personality and…. has….. “the stats” with 3rd, 3rd, 4th in the league in team ERA… Stats and personality but………. headcases & injuries in a multitude of our staff year after year………….. This is his 7th year I think….yes 7….and……………time for a change……….maybe we need a Starting Pitchers Coach and a true Bullpen Coach…. Heck, we have two batting coaches…… What’s Duncan up to?….He helped make La Russa one of the best ever…… Freddi, get your own guy….!!!
GRAPHITE
June 21st, 2012
8:37 pm
MAYBE STRIKE OUTS AND BOUBLE PLAYS EXCITE YOU MORE.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
8:41 pm
STOP WRITING IN ALL CAPS YA LUNATIC
NickB
June 21st, 2012
8:45 pm
I posted this the other day, but for you GRAPHITE I will post it again:
these are the odds written as a 3 digit percentage of scoring from various bases during the differeing amount of outs (0 1 or 2)
runner on 1st 0 outs-.820 runner on 2nd 1 out : .650
runner on 2nd 0 outs- .1.054 runner on 3rd 1 out :.907
runners 1st and 2nd no outs -1.402
runners 2nd and 3rd one out- 1.320
as you can see, losing an out to advance a runner one base actually lowers the chance of scoring success. therefor it is a lousy offensive strategy
MyThoughts
June 21st, 2012
8:46 pm
I remember hearing Tom Glavine comment recently when asked what’s going on with all these pitchers arm injuries. He commented there is a big difference with a pitcher and as thrower. In his time most “pitched” hitting corners going inside and outside not really worrying what the MPH gun said. In most cases todat those arms that have to have Tommy John are throwers (ie: Strasburg and soon Chapman) that worry how fast they throw the ball instead of doing what the position says – PITCH !!!
NickB
June 21st, 2012
8:55 pm
to be honest though, being able tothrow 96 with control is better than being able to throw 90 with control. Kids know this, so they work on mph and control.
I’m of the opinion that there are several factors that contribute to all the TJ surgery these days:
sliders/cutters
increased mph at younger ages
increased sliders/cutters at younger ages
changes in modern mechanics to facilitate higher mph without the high leg kick
the 5 man rotation cutting down on innings pitched per season
and my personal pet reason:
the presence of the surgery itself gives young pitchers the safety net to go all out, they KNOW that if they blow a ligament they can have the surgery and in 12-18 months be right back at it. in the past, pitchers tended to hold back until they got into trouble, nowadays it’s just all out mayhem from the first pitch til they get pulled
b
June 21st, 2012
8:55 pm
Nickb conveniently ignores the other games Constanza played in. He played very sporadically in Sept. because our wise mgr. chose to sit him. Plus, he was injured. Other than that, he still hit over .300 for the year, nickb. A lot of real knowledgeable fans were incredulous to Jose’s lack of playing time except for the close minded.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
9:00 pm
b
you can argue all you want, the numbers speak for themselves
the league figured out how to pitch him and now he sucks, he started out hot and now he’s just a 5th OF’er.
i would like to see some stats that prove your theory that he’s a great player. so great that not only can he not make the team’s 25 man roster, but no other team has offered to trade for him. surely if he was such a good player SOMEBODY would have tried to acquire him by now, at age 28
b
June 21st, 2012
9:01 pm
nickb, what a blowhard to say Constanza does not belong on the roster.You obviously don’t know what the heck you are talking about. I’ve been AVIDLY following baseball for over fifty years; Constanza belongs on our roster over Francisco, but the management won’t do it to justify another one of Wrenn’s mistakes.
Delbert D.
June 21st, 2012
9:03 pm
NickB “changes in modern mechanics to facilitate higher mph without the high leg kick”
That’s a big one, IMHO. I like Kimbrel’s delivery.
cowdogit
June 21st, 2012
9:05 pm
The most important stat is wins- Clutch hitters product wins – Chipper never could hit top of the line pitchers – He made his stats on weak pitchers . Canstanza is the spark plug bring him back before the season is lost .
b
June 21st, 2012
9:05 pm
It wasn’t just stats, Jose helped the team win. If you didn’t notice that, then you weren’t paying attention to the little things. I honestly don’t see how you could have missed how he made the team better.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
9:14 pm
the little things eh? like not playing a better defense than prado or Heyward? like not even being able to bunt the runner over? like hitting .250 with only one double? like having a BB% of 0% and a K% of 25.0%?
no stolen bases in 2012 either
How exactly was he helping the team win again?
NickB
June 21st, 2012
9:15 pm
Somehow he sat on the bench and willed them to win via his massive cheerleading skills? if that’s the case, then give him some pom poms and throw him on the dugout roof
longtimefan
June 21st, 2012
9:49 pm
Read some knowledgeable baseball sites-Canstanza is not a MLB starter. Scouts that assess talent for a living have not thought he has the skills to play as everyday player. That is why he is 28 and not on a major league roster. Major league talent scouts are occasionally wrong, but not often. They know more about ML talent than all of us put together on this blog. If they thought he would help the team win, he would be playing. It’s a business.
dawg4u
June 21st, 2012
9:51 pm
When was the last time that someone in sports or come to think of it any other field admitted a mistake? I have to do it at least two or three times a day but you never hear about a politician or sports star or GM or owner admit to it. Has there ever been an unsuccessful surgery? Sorry but the scalpel slipped and we severed an artery and he or she may never be the same again! I’ve been getting the feeling for years that the media tells us what we want to hear unless it’s about a mistake or error in judgment.
dawg4u
June 21st, 2012
9:56 pm
I meant even if it’s about a mistake or error in judgment!
cowdogit
June 21st, 2012
9:57 pm
McDowell – Seven years no division titles – Mazzone – fourteen years – fourteen division titles . O K you stat nerds explain why McDowell is the pitching coach and Mazzone is a radio host .
longtimefan
June 21st, 2012
9:58 pm
And those that continue to rag on Chipper are jealous, ignorant of the facts or don’t like Braves baseball. As recently as 2008 he won the NL batting title. He is one of the 3 best switch hitters in baseball history. He is for sure top 5 third basemen in the history of the game. He could have walked in the 90s or early 2000 for bigger bucks. Brave from start to finish. Moved to LF for the best of the team. You haters need to get a life. He is a once in a generation player. I will miss watching him play.
NickB
June 21st, 2012
9:59 pm
Mazzone left to go to Baltimore to be near his ailing parents.
Frankly, with the rotation the Braves had in the 90’s a giraffe coulda been the pitching coach
DoninAcworth
June 21st, 2012
10:06 pm
After reading all of the comments I convinced our bloggers could bring the Braves into
a long winning streak, win the pennant and then the World Series if only we would fire
Freddi, bench Chipper, never throw fastballs and stop going to other people’s ball parks to play and also don’t play at home. Go Braves!
NickB
June 21st, 2012
10:08 pm
lol, that’s about the truth huh?
the truth...
June 21st, 2012
10:10 pm
The surgery will be successful when we see Beachy throwing bullets next summer…of course Doc Andrews reports success………..
I loved his energy infusion last summer and in general am a big fan of small ball……that said, a couple of weeks ago when called upon to lay a sac bunt down with the game on the line, he couldn’t get the bat on the ball for trying to drag it for a single…………..not good Jose………..
the truth...
June 21st, 2012
10:15 pm
well the truth is…………
Thursday nights in June with no baseball are really, really slow…………..
Here’s to JJ Friday night at Fenway….
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
10:47 pm
@9:57pm………I have repeatedly asked the question, why is Mazzone a radio head, and not a pitching coach, somewhere, for some organization?
Does he only want to coach for the Braves?
Is Mazzone that great? Do all of the GMs and Managers in all of MLB, so misguided that they don’t see the great talent in Leo?
Or, is it that all of these Mazzone promoters don’t know what they are talking about? haha.
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
10:57 pm
Mazzone left Atl. so that he could go work for the new Oreo’s manager at the time, who happened to be his lifelong friend.
When his friend was laid-off, so was Leo.
the truth...
June 21st, 2012
11:05 pm
To add to the reason Mazzone left….it seems at the time that the story was he was to be paid like double what he made in Atlanta…..
Like $500,000 vs $250,000….
….now that’s from memory, and may not be exact but I think it is close….
cowdogit
June 21st, 2012
11:16 pm
Mazzone left after winning fourteen division titles – Smoltz – Glavine – Maddox – Cox – Chipper – never could win another title without Leo . These pitching greats were just aveage after Mazzone left .
RaleighDawg
June 21st, 2012
11:20 pm
@cowdogit – Chipper also keeps his average up by walking more than most (reduces his number of at bats, the denominator in batting average) and he particularly walks in situations where the Braves need a hit and NOT another walk.
reckingball
June 21st, 2012
11:21 pm
Wow???
From Malaysian Baseball League
June 21st, 2012
11:24 pm
Fredi: K.K. hear bad news on Beachee. K.K., now #1 pitcher in all of Malaysia. I ready to come to aid Braves anytime.
small ball
June 22nd, 2012
2:37 am
@NickB: heheeheh you are a freakin retarded ahahahah
CONSTANZA IT’S THE BALLPLAYER WHO ALL TEAMS WANTS TO HAVE !!!!
WHY CONSTANZA DESERVE THE SPOT IN 25 MAN ROSTER INSTEAD FRANCISCO?
OK READ THAT:
NUMBER ONE (MAYBE THE MOST IMPORTANT) :HE’S ONE OF THE FASTEST PLAYERS IN MLB ….. FRANCISCO ??? HE’S SLOW LIKE A ICE CREAM CAR
NUMBER TWO: HE’S A STELLAR OUTFIELDER ,,SO GOOD FOR RUNNING AND CATCH LINES INTO THE GAPS OR SHARPLY FLYBALLS IN THE WARNING TRACK..FRANCISCO BELOW THE AVERAGE WITH HIS GLOVE … ONLY REMEMBER THE 4 GAME OF THE SEASON IN HOUSTON 3 ERRORS , 2 IN THE SAME INNING AND SAME PLAY!!!!! BEACHY LOSE THE GAME FOR THAT!!!!
NUMBER 3: CONSTANZA IS CAPPABLE TO BE SAFE ON 1ST BASE IN GROUNDBALLS WITH OR WITHOUT RUNNERS ON,…FRANCISCO IT’S AN AUTOMATIC DOUBLE PLAY IF THE BRAVES HAVE RUNNERS ON..
NUMBER 4: FRANCISCO IT’S THE POP OUT KING ,,,,CONSTANZA AT LEAST PUT THE BALL IN THE GROUND WITH A GOOD CHANCE TO BE SAFE ON 1ST BASE WITH HIS SPEED-..
NUMBER 5: WITH CONSTANZA THE BRAVES HAVE A SQUEEZE PLAY OR SAC BUNT WHEN THEY NEED THAT ,,WITH FRANCISCO ?? AHAHAHAHAHA I DONT THINK SO
NUMBER 6: WITH CONSTANZA THE BRAVES HAVE A GOLD PINCH RUNNER CAPPABLE TO STOLE THE 2ND BASE AND PUT HIMSELF IN SCORING POSITION..
NUMBER 7: CONSTANZA IT’S A DECENT CONTACT PLAYER ,,FRANCISCO IT’S A STRIKEOUT OR POP OUT…
NUMBER 8: WITH CONSTANZA ON BASE THE PITCHERS COULD HAVE PROBLEMS BECAUSE HIS SPEED IT’S ANNOYING FOR THEY AND THAT IT’S GOOD FOR THE BATTER UP
AND NUMBER 9: I NEED ANOTHER REASON????
JNick
June 22nd, 2012
3:59 am
….maybe this was mentioned in a previous comment, but before he got drilled on the ankle, I believe the Braves were something like 19-5 WITH Chipper in the lineup, and like 6-15 without….
…but yeah, you’re right, he’s overrated and past his prime ::eyeroll::
As for the Georgie lovers….sure, speed is awesome, but you have to GET ON BASE first to use it. “Small Ball”, for being a contact hitter, as you call him, Constanza struck out 8 times in 32 at bats this year so far….given your post above, I’ll assume that math isn’t a strong subject of yours (since “facts” and “spelling” obviously are not) – that’s 25% of the time where he doesn’t make contact….
He also has ZERO walks this year….and zero steals. Even last year, he struck out twice as much as he walked, and for being so fast – he was caught on 4 of 11 steal attempts.
His OBP is .250 – which is barely better than Francisco at .243. I’m no fan of Francisco, but don’t make it sound like Constanza is leaps and bounds better. Constanza isn’t even the fastest guy on the AAA squad – if you want speed and a spark, call up Durango.
cowdogit
June 22nd, 2012
6:33 am
SMALL BALL — When you try to explain Canstanza to JNICK ,forget it ” you can;t cure stupid !!!
reckingball
June 22nd, 2012
7:11 am
whaaaat??
Marvin Mangrum
June 22nd, 2012
8:15 am
For Gods sake somebody give recking ball back his cookie. And change that stinky diaper!
Kharma
June 22nd, 2012
8:18 am
I wish reporters would get more information on these TJ surgeries.
Did he replace his UCL with a tendon or did the leave the ligament in place (a la Strasburg) and simply reinforce the ligament with a tendon?
Did they use the tendon from the Palmaris Longus muscle ? If so did they take the Palmaris Longus tendon from his pitching or non pitching arm. About 8 % of the population does not have a Palmaris Longus muscle. I believe Dr Andrews takes the tendon from the pitching arm which history will frown upon IMO.
Yogi Berra
June 22nd, 2012
8:38 am
Amen to @6:33 am & @ 8:15 Marvin…
@9:59..a graffe could have been pitching coach in 90’s..BS.
Who developed “coached” those young pitchers..Leo!
Doc Andrews
June 22nd, 2012
8:39 am
I always replace the torn ligament with an old banjo string.
Yogi Berra
June 22nd, 2012
8:43 am
giraffe..the thing with long neck..you know. it looks like nickyb and rkbals.
reckingball
June 22nd, 2012
8:47 am
@ Marv Mangrum…….Looks like someone has changed their moniker and is trying to go “INCOGNITO”. Again. haha, Highlarious.
reckingball
June 22nd, 2012
8:49 am
There he goes again. silly rabbit.
Don
June 22nd, 2012
9:20 am
One wonders if the AJC baseball writers have FORGOTTEN THE FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT FUNDAMENTAL OF JOURNALISM????? —–
In any situation — MAKE SURE YOU COVER OR MAKE THE MAIN POINT OF THE STORY.
Relating to Beachy – The HEADLINE SHOULD HAVE BEEN —
BRAVES ALL TIME WORLD RECORD INJURY MILL FOR STARTING PITCHERS GRINDS ON:
First Line Of Story — NEVER BEFORE IN THE HISTORY OF BASEBALL HAS THERE BEEN A SITUATION WHERE, FOR A SEVEN YEAR PERIOD, ALMOST EVERY STARTING PITCHER FOR A TEAM HAS ENDED UP BEING INJURED.
Amy
June 22nd, 2012
9:26 am
Good morning Children. What a bunch of spoiled babies. All of you need a good slap in the face. Instead of that, I will give all of you a little kiss and put you back to bed. Maybe when you wake up you will play nice. BEHAVE GUYS. You are driving me crazy. Show some TLC. I love all of you,but please be nice.
bruce mac
June 22nd, 2012
9:26 am
I would definately trade McCann at the deadline if you can get one or two big time prospects. He is never going to be a voted in allstar again. He has a catchers body and is pull happy. He is a major liability defensively in every category. This team is going to possibly make the playoffs and get eliminated pronto. They don’t have enough pitching to go deep in the playofffs. Build for 2014. With another starting pitcher or two and a big bat in the outfield, this team could be rediculous in a couple of years.
CarJack
June 22nd, 2012
9:28 am
How rich must Dr. James Andrews be? He apparently is the only surgeon that any athlete will use when it comes to ligament surgery……
Whiskey River
June 22nd, 2012
9:59 am
@Amy Just who in the H do you think you are? I was out arresting people like you,before you were born. Go take some more powder and leave us heavyweights alone.
reckingball
June 22nd, 2012
9:59 am
Don @9:20am…….Got any back-up info, on that statement?
reckingball
June 22nd, 2012
10:05 am
Amy, are you trying to do a little ‘dirty talking’?
Amy
June 22nd, 2012
10:13 am
What is the matter with everyone? I am just trying to be nice and make friends. Apparently ,I am not wanted.
Tumbledown
June 22nd, 2012
10:17 am
Don: I agree with reckingball, even though reckingball believes I am a nitwit. Show us some stats on what you are talking about. Provide a list on who has been injured over the last seven years and what their precise injuries were. While I don’t believe you can blame McDowell, It would be interesting to really see how extensive this list is.
Amy
June 22nd, 2012
11:11 am
Well, I have waited long enough for someone to talk to me, I have to go. So I will blow everyone a kiss and say I am sorry. Goodbye.
jim
June 22nd, 2012
11:41 am
If we look at the Braves pitchers over that 7 year period we find:
Brandon Beachy — TJ surgery
Tommy Hanson — poor mechanics, shoulder problems in 2011
Tim Hudson — TJ surgery in 2009, back surgery, ankle bone spurs
Randall Delgado — no problems yet
Mike Minor — no problems yet
Kris Medlen — TJ surgery in 2010
Jair Jurjens — hurt knee in 2010 and recurring problems since (not related to arm) first hurt playing softball in Curacao
Craig Kimbrel — no problems yet
Jonny Venters — TJ surgery in minors
Arodys Vizcaino — partial tear shortly after acquisition in minors, TJ surgery in 2012
Christian Martinez — no problems yet
Chad Durbin — no problems with Braves
EOF — health issues with both Mariners and Braves, elbow soreness recently, no major issues yet
Peter Moylan — TJ surgery and labrum surgery
Cory Gearrin — no problems yet
Anthony Varvaro — arm issues before coming to Braves, DL stint this year
Julio Teheran — no problems yet
George Sherrill — I believe there were arm issues before coming to Braves, talent issues while here
Linebrink — only talent issues with Braves
Scott Proctor — arm issues before joining Braves, only talent issues while here
Billy Wagner — pulled hamstring in playoffs
Mike Dunn — no health issue while a Brave
Manny Acosta — no health issues while a Brave
Buddy Carlyle — health issues not related to arm
Jorge Campillo — had some arm related issues that shut him down for a while
Jeff Bennett — no arm issues
John Smoltz — periodic arm and shoulder problems starting in late 90’s
Kyle Davies — was shut down with an injury that he did not tell Cox about beforehand, no serious injury
Chuck James — arm injury (waiting to happen)
Jo Jo Reyes — no injury problems
Charlie Morton — shut down for a minor injury issue — no major problems
Mike Gonzalez — arm injury (injury waiting to happen when acquired)
Rafael Soriano — no major problems
the fellow received from TB for RS — no injury issues
HoRam and Hampton first experienced injury during Leo’s time
Is there a common thread here? Will we find similar breakdowns in other organizations? Is someone to blame? McDowell? Cox? Fredi? Frank Wren? All of the above? The Atlanta weather? The mound at Turner Field? The groundscrew? Stay tuned for the expert analysis to follow!
Don Corleone
June 22nd, 2012
11:42 am
Come on guys. Amy wants us all to get along. You know, be nice to each other. I know it doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, but maybe she’s right. Should we give it a try?
jim
June 22nd, 2012
12:01 pm
My guess at what the lineup will look like tonight:
Bourn 8, Prado 5 or 7, Mac 2, Uggla 4, Freeman 3, Chipper DH or 5, Heyward 9, Diaz 7 or DH, Simmons 6.
What I would prefer against the lefty:
Bourn, Prado, Heyward, Uggla, Freeman, Chipper, Simmons, Diaz, Ross.
Whiskey River
June 22nd, 2012
12:04 pm
@jim I agree with preferred list
Ozzie
June 22nd, 2012
12:05 pm
I think the biggest dig against McDowell is he cannot field a staff that pitches well beyond the 5 inning (with almost no 200 IP/yr guys). Leo made his guys work out like dogs. They hated him for it but they avg IP was a beneficiary of better preparation.
McDowell was a reliever. He never had to worry about or train for long stretches of work. Work every day for three days maybe but not 7-8 innings every 5.
Different point of view.
The TJ stuff stems from teaching kids to throw sliders and curveballs too soon in the minors. They over tax their arms early and by the time they are 22 many need TJ.
15 years ago how many teams had pitchers in the SR under 23? Not many. Now you see it quite often (many times 2-3 22yos). That only happens b/c the kids are being pushed to have a broad array of pitches earlier in their careers.
15yrs ago a 21yo kid had one good pitch and a decent secondary. They starter in the pen and moved into the rotation.
Kotex
June 22nd, 2012
12:07 pm
Hey Jim…..Tell me about that groundscrew?
The Truth....
June 22nd, 2012
12:10 pm
you can ignore all you want….but the fact remains this team is not ready to win it all. And that is what its all about. So…bury your head in the sand and enjoy the rest of the average season as a Braves fan. And I hope I am totally wrong and they win the WS….I’ve been a Braves fan since watching Phil Niekro….And these past few years they have not put a team on the field to compete and WIN a WS….Its just a business for Libery Media…Not about winning the WS. Just making $$$.
Ozzie
June 22nd, 2012
12:14 pm
The team as is, probably not in playoff shape. Too streaky and the streaks (esp the losing) are too long.
If they cannot find consistency they will likely miss the post season possibly by a lot. Put it another way if they are still enjoying 4-5 game losing streaks in Aug & Sept it will be no joy for ATL.
Tumbledown
June 22nd, 2012
12:21 pm
Thanks jim for compilintg that list.
Tumbledown
June 22nd, 2012
12:21 pm
Compiling, that is
My backside
June 22nd, 2012
12:25 pm
Amy slap me!!!
DawgDad
June 22nd, 2012
12:55 pm
“And those that continue to rag on Chipper are jealous, ignorant of the facts or don’t like Braves baseball. ” Sorry, I don’t worship at your altar.
The decision on Chipper is over and done with, can’t take it back now. But his current contract was a mistake. Saying that is NOT ragging on Chipper, it’s his BAGGAGE (cost, limited availability) that is dragging this team down. Add then throw on $10 million for D. Lowe to NOT play. You give Wren HALF that $25 million payroll space and I would bet my next paycheck the Braves would be riding high right now. Think taking the existing roster and ADDING a Beltran all year, or another veteran ace in the rotation.
Whiskey River
June 22nd, 2012
12:57 pm
@The Truth WOW We agree on something. Thats a first.
Whiskey River
June 22nd, 2012
1:00 pm
@DawdDad WOW WE are getting along today. Maybe Amy was right. Maybe we should have talked to her more. I didn’t because I know her kind.
Frank Wren
June 22nd, 2012
1:10 pm
I can’t believe you fans don’t see the brilliance behind my decision to acquire Franscisco.
It is time that the common fan recognized my intelligence and smooth, debonair style.
jim
June 22nd, 2012
1:15 pm
As I recall, Maddux had his own regimen and did not follow Leo’s program. Leo was a protege of Johnny Sain who advocated throwing more between starts. The Braves of the Torre years had Gibson at the major leagues and Sain in the minors with totally different pitching philosophies. Those Braves had a lot of pitchers not named Niekro go down with injuries too.
Maddux was very efficient with his pitches and often got to the 8th inning before reaching 100. He and Glavine both had very easy deliveries and worked primarily with change ups and variations on the fastball.– not a lot of curves and sliders. Smoltz and Avery were harder throwers and eventually both broke down.
The problem with the Braves starters not going deep into games can not so easily be attributed to a difference between Leo’s and Roger’s condtitioning regimen. Roger’s routine is unlikely to differ very much from other pitching philosophies in other organizations. The Braves do not have an innings eater like CC, Halladay, Lee, Verlander — Derek Lowe was hired to be that guy, but that dide not work out (through no fault of McDowell?). Hanson and JJ when they were pitching well before the All Star break last year often did go 7+ innings, but now Hanson is primarily a curve ball and slider pitcher who nibbles a lot more. Delgado when he is throwing strikes is actually the pitcher most able to go deep into games (but would have to be hit for when the team scores no runs behind him).
Other than the aforementioned aces, there are not a lot of pitchers going more than 6 innings/start regularly. (For example Gio Gonzalez is having a great year, but often comes out of the game before the 7th inning).
My own opinion is that coaches get way too much credit or blame for the performance of their charges. Good hitters make good hitting coaches, and good pitchers, good pitching coaches. There is probably very little difference between the philosophy and ability of most major league coaches. (A Larry Parrish who never was a hitting instructor at any level before was a real outlier.)
Dr. Bend Over
June 22nd, 2012
1:16 pm
All Beachy really needed was a complete and thorough prostate examination. That would have fixed him up.
Amy
June 22nd, 2012
1:27 pm
I have been reading all the posts. Maybe someone wants to talk to me now. I will talk to anyone except that Whiskey guy, I don’t talk to cops or ex cops.
jim
June 22nd, 2012
1:30 pm
Bob Gibson’s stint as a pitching coach for Torre managed teams was pretty unique, and not especially memorable. Very few top pitchers served as pitching coaches. Sain was both a top starter and reliever during his career. Most pitching coaches were lesser talents — relievers like McDowell and Ron Peranowski, journeymen like Randy StcClare, or even catchers like Dave Duncan.
Barbara
June 22nd, 2012
1:33 pm
Well I read all your comments some good points some not so good. I still and always will think the Braves org should get rid of the dead wood Fredi and Roger
Tumbledown
June 22nd, 2012
1:41 pm
jim – I agree with your 1:15 post. I also agree with Ozzie’s post of 12:05. The Braves’ pitching staff of today is far different than the ones led by the three future hall of famers in the 90s. Whatever the cause of the recent arm troubles by Braves’s pitchers cannot be traced to McDowell’s pitching philosophy.
My backside
June 22nd, 2012
1:44 pm
Talk to me Amy, please!!
Tumbledown
June 22nd, 2012
1:46 pm
As with most sports, it is probably harder for the supremely talented to become a coach or teacher as that star would get easily frustrated when his players cannot replicate the teachings. It is easier for a journeyman, based on his struggles as a pro, to understand all that is required for any type of player to succeed.
Amy
June 22nd, 2012
1:48 pm
@my backside Iam here. What do you want to talk about?
My backside
June 22nd, 2012
1:59 pm
Please don’t kick me.
Amy
June 22nd, 2012
2:02 pm
Blowing kisses for whatever I did wrong. Sorry Bye
My backside
June 22nd, 2012
2:03 pm
Kisses for me????
Morris Code
June 22nd, 2012
2:09 pm
Hi Amy, I just love your posts.
My backside
June 22nd, 2012
2:10 pm
I guess Amy dosen’t talk to me because I’m a cop, a crack cop.
Amy
June 22nd, 2012
3:59 pm
Still blowing kisses if anyone is catching.
icons pack
November 4th, 2012
12:56 am
You are not similar to the expert