Can this possibly be a sign from the Braves?
Tommy Hanson overcame the Yankees and his own adrenaline issues to win again. (Jason Getz / jgetz@ajc.com)
It had been nine years since the Braves played host to the New York Yankees. In that 2000 season, they turned out to be division champions (again) but hit the wall in the playoffs (again). The Yankees won the World Series (again).
When Tuesday arrived, both teams were struggling with identity issues. New York hasn’t won a title since 2000, while nobody in Atlanta has been allowed to complain about little division flags in the past three. But at least one seemed to recall what success felt like.
Looking to the future with, well, their future, the Braves got 5-1/3 innings of shutout ball from rookie Tommy Hanson on Tuesday night. They blanked the Yankees 4-0.
This win follows a shutout of the Chicago Cubs the night before, which followed a competitive series (albeit two losses) in Boston last weekend.
The obvious question: Is this it?
Is this when a team that largely has been mediocre since those bubbly days in Orlando finally makes a move?
“We’re playing good baseball,” catcher Brian McCann said.
And, you know, it really is that simple (Chipper Jones’ drop of a throw for an error, notwithstanding). Effective starting pitching. A shut-down effort by the bullpen. Timely hitting by McCann (run-scoring double and a homer) and Garret Anderson (two-run double).
Remember when it used to come together like that all the time?
This one started with Hanson — a rookie pitcher facing a star-laden lineup on a $201 million roster (a payroll that more than doubles the Braves). Turner Field was mostly packed, but by the sound of it, one-third were from the Bronx. It’s no wonder Hanson got a little overexcited at times. That led to control issues (five walks and a hit batter). He was over 50 pitches by the third inning and at 99 with one out and two on in the sixth, when he was pulled.
But as much as Hanson pitched into problems, he pitched out of them. The Yankees left the bases loaded in the second and fourth. They stranded eight runners in a three-inning span. They left two more on (belonging to Hanson) in the sixth, when Peter Moylan got Derek Jeter to bounce into an inning-ending double play.
“Really, the walks are something I’ve never experienced before,” Hanson said. “I know what I’m doing wrong. I just need to slow myself down. I’m just making it harder on myself than it could be. That being said, none of those guys scored. I got out of there with some zeroes.”
In his first major-league start two weeks ago, he was slammed for three homers and seven runs (six earned) in six innings. But look at what has happened since: Three straight wins, two runs allowed in 17 innings and 14 straight shutout innings.
If an improbable postseason run is coming, what happened Tuesday against the Yankees can’t be an aberration. It has to be closer to the norm.
The season, as described by general manager Frank Wren, has been a grind. The pitching, which has been generally solid, has been negated by the offense, which has been generally anemic. The biggest stories have centered on demotions, trade rumors and outright releases.
This is not just another week for the Braves because a few games under .500 in late June isn’t going to get it done for a team serious about winning the division. They have to send up some sort of flare.
Could this be it?
It's a Braves celebration. There's something relatively new. (Jason Getz / jgetz@ajc.com)
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141 comments Add your comment
Mikey101
June 24th, 2009
7:53 am
What can you do with Johnson and Franceour? No other team wants them. Not much chance of a trade unless they were “throw ins” on another deal. Just release them and eat their salary.
Shadetree
June 24th, 2009
7:54 am
Raymond,
I will take a stellar pitching performance and 3 or 4 runs a game every time.
Nativebird
June 24th, 2009
8:03 am
Got to get another bat, with real HR power. A big bat in the middle of the lineup. Simply said, this team does not hit enough HR’s. Period. And in the big leagues, you simply must do that “some” to make it to the playoffs.
Larry
June 24th, 2009
8:09 am
Forget it! The bottom line is no championship team would have Francoeur in RF or KJ at 2nd, and along with Diaz you’re watching three guys that will absolutely kill you in a key at bat in a short series when facing the best pitching. This is the perpetual Bobby Cox flaw, keep hoping and hoping and waiting and waiting over 162 games and then when either of these three’s bat happens to find the ball for a few games this just feeds the Bobby Cox denial and we continue to witness right up to the last out of the postseason–with one exception in his tenure–watching the other team celebrate on the mound.
Why on earth is Kelly Johnson still starting? Me? I’d put Prado at second yesterday as he is a better contact hitter, better 2nd sacker and has more speed. The moment Infante gets off the DL I’d either put him in either Center or RF (and McClouth in the other outfield position) and sit or trade that free swinging hack known as Francoeur. I’d bring up that speedster from the minors (forgot the name) that was here for a day and use him for running and pop him in LF for defense and an occasional start. Diaz would never come up in a key situation again for us to watch him swing at a ball above his head on a 3-3 count with the bases loaded (Boston Game).
Lineup:
Infante
Escobar
Jones
McCann
McClouth (Not a high enough BA to bat lead-off but would protect McCann)
Anderson
Kotchman (until we can do better)
Prado
Now you have speed at the top and a respectable, more contact hitting, in the batting order from 6-8. This is how you fight and scratch to win the majority of games when you have such good pitching and more situational, contact hitters almost always create a few breaks in a short series.
But, never mind, this is the same Manager who once had Andruw Jones batting lead-off!
Coach ( 2010 or Bust)
June 24th, 2009
8:19 am
Time to nip this blog in the bud.
The last two games have been impressive (the pitching, that is). But I’ll offer up one very sobering statistic. (3.7)
Yep, three point seven. That is average number of runs scored during the last ten games played. It is also the identical same number for all twenty games played so far in June. We are 9-11 on the month and 4-6 over the last ten games.
I’m afraid that this is as good as it gets. Bobby has his best line up on the field night after night. Head lined by McLouth, Escobar, Chipper, McCann, Anderson, Kotchman and the rest. I don’t how it’s possible to win scoring less than four runs per game with the best team available, I really don’t. Unless of course one can hope our pitching can keep spinning shut outs night after night.
coachphiel
June 24th, 2009
8:37 am
when the braves get a manager with the mindset to MANUFACTURE runs, they’ll have a chance.
you get a runner on 1st or on 2nd with no one out, they next guy bunts, REGARDLESS OF WHO IT IS. make productive outs, score on sac flys, squeeze, hit and run. something other than wait on doubles and homers that simply will not come from these guys.
that is what this lineup is capable of doing; they are not being made to do what they need to do to win games.
for the love of all things holy, have some of these guys bunt the ball and move some runners.
Lee
June 24th, 2009
8:39 am
The pitching makes this team close. A big bat in the lineup and yes I think this team has the potential. Without that big bat in the lineup it’s hard to get too excited. But the pitching on this team is excellent right now. If the Braves keep winning especially against these teams they’ll make believers out of everyone. Untill then, it’s hard to tell.
Bama Aaron
June 24th, 2009
8:48 am
The pitching is there, but we still need another bat. Getting Infante back might help some. But we need 1 more bat (perferably with power) to be able to make to the playoffs. It was nice to see the Braves start to do a few little things like stealing a base or two…moving up a base when the ball is hit deep. One thing that wasn’t so nice…I hated sitting in my seat and hearing more Yankees make noise than Braves fans. Come on if I can live in Bama & be a season ticket holder a few of you that live there can show up for some games!
Doug
June 24th, 2009
8:55 am
Chipper to first. Prado and Infante at 3rd & 2nd (either way). Johnson to right (last chance, Kelly). Kotchman and Frenchy on the block.
atlhoney
June 24th, 2009
8:58 am
Get rid of Gonzo? Are you crazy? Gonzo and Soriano at the back end of the bullpen is one of the best combos we have had in a long time! I have to agree that a change of venue for Frenchy is the best thing though.
Musa
June 24th, 2009
9:03 am
I really think frenchy is coming out of his slump. He has looked much better the last 10 days. We and he need to realize he is not going to be a 30-40 hr guy. He is a linedrive hitter when at his best. Thats what he needs to be, hitting to all fields.
Mark DeRosa would be a good addition. Just dont want to give up much that we have. Maybe give up KJ. I really like Prado too. He needs to be in the lineup anywhere and much much more often.
Also, I like Escobar. I think trading him would be a huge mistake. Our problem is we dont have a real cleanup guy other than McCann these days. And as it stands, the 5 hole hitter isnt good enough to really protect McCann. If French gets it back then he is the guy.
Our lineup is really missing power. This makes it tough to put it together. Bobby really has a tough job these days. And, about Bobby. If the players are sincere about how much they love playing for him, then we don’t need to get rid of him. If they will play for him then he is what we need.
Herschworld
June 24th, 2009
9:06 am
Jeff,
I really want you to go out there focus and try really really hard to state the obvious a little better. Remember this is the AJC, and if you are going to be captain obvious you got to do a better job of being a hack.
bob
June 24th, 2009
9:16 am
I had the chance to watch the team last night. The Braves must do something about Johnson and Francour….a team can not have one third of the lineup (JF, KJ, and pitcher) bat around 220 and leave so many runners on base. I would give up JF and KJ for a Gardner type of player with speed….it would mean so much more to this team to have a player with disruptive speed.
The pitching staff….starters and relievers are top notch. Sure, they blow up every now and then but they can dominate at times. And, what about Hudson returning.
Give me more run production and things could get interesting in the next few months.
Supes
June 24th, 2009
9:16 am
Yes Adam Dunn.
Or perhaps those who scuff at the notion would LIKE TO CONTINUE trotting a .250 singles hitter with marginal power out there in RF?
At least Anderson (Loaf) is coming around as of late. If we keep getting the production we are getting out of him in LF that leaves 2 spots in the lineup that are offensive liabilities right now.
RF – manned by Jeff Francine, aka out machine, aka 6-4-3, aka Failcouer
2B – manned by the enigma that is KJ, who is killing the Braves with his recent “cold slump” for the past month or there about.
Like I said…RF…plugging in a HR high OBP guy like Adam Dunn would be a HUGE upgrade.
2B – Afraid the Braves have no trade move there (during the season). Hope to get a boost when Omar returns in late July from the disabled list. Until then, our only hope is that Bobby Cox starts to play Prado more at 2B.
Other options for RF include (if they can be had somehow)…Cody Ross (Marlins), (Josh Willingham – Nats).
DeRosa would cost too much, would love to have him in RF (where he’s servicable)
Holliday same thing, plus he’s a Boras guy (which means he’ll be a 2 month rental) and he’s got declining power numbers.
Dye declining numbers, and owed a good chunk of change for next season too.
Best trade “chips” the Braves have right now – Javy Vazquez, Peter Moyland. Those 2 could be packaged to the Nats for Adam Dunn.
Randy E.
June 24th, 2009
9:19 am
Trade Francoeur and a draft pick/prospect for another outfielder with a big bat. Adam Dunn maybe?
Marc Schneider
June 24th, 2009
9:22 am
Yankees rule? You mean like when they play the Red Sox?
coach smith
June 24th, 2009
9:23 am
Trade KJ and JOJO for MARK DEROSA
Trade FRENCHY, Brandon Jones, Medlen for HOLIDAY
and let’s win this damn thing
or if you only want to make ONE MOVE….trade FRENCHY, Brandon Jones, JOJO, and another prospect for HOLIDAY
then play PRADO/INFANTE more at 2nd base
lineup:
McClouth (cf)
Escobar (ss)
Chipper (3rd)
McCann (c)
Holiday (RF)
Anderson (LF)
Infante (2nd)
Kotchman (1st)
STRETCH
June 24th, 2009
9:26 am
coachphiel – Thats NOT Bobby Cox style ball. When a man gets that old and is allowed to continue to managing for as long as he has, thats just the way things are gonna go down in ole dixie.
He still waits for McGriff, Klesko, Justice, Gant, The Big Cat, etc…to hit the ball out with runners in front of em. And the fact of the matter is its not happening with this bunch.
Bobby Cox will leave when he’s ready, which leads me to wonder….when is Bobby Cox gonna call it quits?
Bill
June 24th, 2009
9:29 am
The Braves are good at” building you up to let you down.” Heard this song before, the Braves will have to win 2 out of 3 with NNY, Red Sox, Phillies to prove they are for real. With Bobby playing the dead wood, KJ,JF etc the Braves will not win on regular base.
Thanks Bobby Cox and Leo Mazzone for the 14 good years . Yes, you have to put Leo in with Bobby because since Leo’s been gone Bobbys forgot how to win. With all due respect Bobby, PLEASE RETIRE. God bless the USA we need it.
yellerjacket
June 24th, 2009
9:30 am
coach smith, first of all your trades would never happen because other teams aren’t out to make themselves worse so the Braves can get better. Second of all the fact that you have Holliday hitting fifth and McCann hitting clean-up shows the extent of your baseball knowledge. Even Bobby wouldn’t throw that card up in the dugout.
coach smith
June 24th, 2009
9:31 am
The BRAVES WILL NOT trade VAZQUEZ………anybody who thinks so should just get it out of their heads
They didn’t trade FOR HIM just to trade him away a couple months later (AND HE HAS BEEN VERY GOOD)….don’t forget HUDDY’s contract is up at the end of the season
I do think however, that if you trade for a bat, you need to be ready to discuss long-term contract with whoever it is and the next year let GA go and bring up HEYWARD to play LF next year
so your outfield for the next several years would be McClouth, Heyward, Holliday/etc..
yellerjacket
June 24th, 2009
9:31 am
I know it is natural to desperately seek out a scapegoat, but this is getting a little ridiculous. I have read these blogs over the last several weeks as the Braves have floundered in mediocrity and inability to put together a run and have consistently chuckled to myself as bloggers scream for the heads of Bobby Cox, Terry Pendleton, Frank Wren, and now Terry McGuirk of all people. Bobby Cox is untouchable, you all know it, so let it go. TP has kept the Braves near the top of the NL in all batting categories that matter since he came over, until this year. Frank Wren made move after move this past offseason and during the current season to make this team better while being forced to operate in a relatively limiting payroll situation (compared to the top teams in baseball, at least).
It is ridiculous for you armchair quarterbacks on here to whine and bellyache about how the Braves aren’t what they used to be. I’m pretty sure that Smoltz, Glavine, announcers we no longer have, and anyone else that is gone that y’all bemoan would not have improved the W-L record this year. Let’s try and remember that Smoltz has yet to throw a pitch in the majors this year and Glavine himself admitted that he wasn’t going to pitch this year. We’re better off without them. If nothing ever changed on the Braves roster we’d have geriatrics on the field, people. Releasing 40+ year old pitchers following multiple arm surgeries is a no brainer when you’re operating under budget constraints.
As the immortal Lloyd Christmas screamed to the nurse on the elevator in the number one comedy of all time, “Move it or lose it, sister!!!” I say the same to you Braves “fans” out there who do nothing but call for firings and demotions, but fail to offer any semblance of a solution. Let the real Braves fans handle the blog comments from here on out. The fans who are excited about the next few years for the Bravos and who commend Frank Wren for bringing Lowe, Vazquez, (the constantly improving and adjusting) Kawakami, the budding ace Jurrjens, and the building block that is McClouth.
Oh, and just to rile up any else out there who hasn’t felt a ruffled feather yet: Francouer’s defense, frozen rope spewing right arm, and underrated speed in the field mitigate the .250 average for the most part, for me.
Kelly Johnson is poop, Infante will become the everyday man ASAP, and Prado is the only utility man we need.
Bring back DeRo, forget Holliday, and we can win this division.
Mark my words, if the Braves can emerge from this gauntlet that is the next two weeks near .500, Wren will make a move for a slugging 2B or OF and the Braves will get hot and expose the Phillies and the Mets for what they are (thin), enroute to a soul-stirring run at the pennant (or Wild Card). WHO’S WITH ME????
coach smith
June 24th, 2009
9:34 am
leave it to a jacket to complain about a HYPOTHETICAL lineup
If you look I was just going Righty/Lefty/Righty/Lefty
and excuse me, but those two teams are going nowhere and those two players will be free-agents so getting 3-4 players with major league experience is as good as they can hope for in trade
GT
June 24th, 2009
9:34 am
These guys have done it so many times lets give them the benefit of the doubt. Last year the pitching was poor to say the least. They had possibly the best third and first baseman in baseball and a offense better than the one now and were much worse in my opinion. They are making progress with this team and are making progress during the season. Note, we have Hanson instead of Glavine a mid season decision everybody acted like was a clueless one, now it looks pretty good. Our centerfielder is an all star the one we had at the beginning of the season has issues he may never solve. Anderson is starting to look good. All this plus McCann is having a career year, Chipper is Chipper, and these guys are taking the pressure off of Jeff. If we have a weakness it is second base. The only unfixable problems in baseball is pitching and we don’t have that. Our management is superb and does not get the credit from the press or fans. I was there in the 70s and 80s when Hank was the only side show we had.
Larry
June 24th, 2009
9:36 am
Nearly anyone with more than a double digit IQ wants to bench or trade Francoeur, but it takes two to make a trade. Honestly, can anyone think of another team dumb enough to trade anyone of current or potential for Francoeur? No way! He’s a throw in player at best which means we’ll have to give up someone of greater value to get what we want or need.
With both Prado and Infante decent complimentary players. I’d find someone with a contact hitting speedster to put at the top of this lineup capable of 50+ stolen bases and swap Francoeur, Johnson, Diaz and a quality pitcher to get them. Then, all of a sudden, this team looks and feels like a playoff caliber team. like Rollins did for the Phillies last year and Reyes can do for the Mets.
yellerjacket
June 24th, 2009
9:40 am
Kelly Johnson will interest no team as a trade piece unless he goes on one of his increasingly less frequent hitting streaks. As soon as Infante gets back he HAS GOT to start at 2B almost every single night. We don’t need to sell the farm for Holliday and we don’t need the strikeout machine/molasses-like defender that is Dunn. A player like DeRosa, Markakis, Hawpe, Spilboroughs, etc. is all we can afford and all we need to win this division. The NLCS and the World Series should be goals for 2010-2012.
Poorjeff
June 24th, 2009
9:42 am
Can’t trade Jeff because no one will take his 3.5 million salary for just a jock.
We don’t need to trade for a two month rental. Had enough of that BS with Tex.
Hanson is for real, great game Kid.
Don’t trade Vazquez!
jim
June 24th, 2009
9:43 am
Bobby looked REAL stupid last night bringing in Moylan in an attempt to induce the Jeter double play. What a moronic manager!!! Oh, wait…that worked out pretty well.
yellerjacket
June 24th, 2009
9:43 am
coach smith, you’re a sensitive guy. I can respect that.
Supes
June 24th, 2009
9:45 am
coach smith,
I think you “just lost” the “coach title” that goes with your screen name.
The best trading chip the Braves have is Javy Vazquez. What do most teams in contention need before the July trade deadline? A bat or a SP (or closer).
Javy’s trade value will never be as high as it is right now.
Be mindful that we have Tim Hudson back in August, and if he’s healthy and back to form (and so far so good), the team will probably pick up their option year on his contract for 2010.
So you’ll have the following SP for 2010:
Hudson, Lowe, Jair, Kawakami, Hanson and Vazquez.
Are you planning on going to a 6 man rotation? Japanese baseball league style?
Of course not!
Kawakami gets paid too much to be a bullpen guy, so forget moving him there. Braves are not trading D-Lowe, b/c his contract length makes him less appealing. Jair and Hanson aren’t going anywhere. They are the future. Like I said, Hudson is going to be here (barring some health issues).
Meanwhile, Javy is signed for 2 years only. He’s pitching lights out. You’ve gotta give up SOMETHING of value to GET something of Value back.
It makes sense. Perfect sense.
Unfortunately including ONLY players like Jeff, Kelly in a trade scenario will NOT net the Braves the impact bat that we need.
Reported rumors surficed that Braves tried to acquire Hermida and or Ross from the Marlins and the trade they offered was Jeff and Charlie Morton and the Marlins said, thanks but NO thanks.
So yes, tell me what players (other than the untouchable prospects) we have that will NET us the Impact bat in return in 2009?
Answer is…Javy Vazquez (and I’d hate to lose him, guy’s been excellent and fun to watch).
Braves73
June 24th, 2009
9:49 am
While I was very pleased with the win, the Braves/Bobby need(s) to make a move at 2nd base. How much longer is he going to allow Kelly Johnson to audition? He is neither a superb defensive second baseman nor a hitting machine. If you were to leave a player in with (such horrific hitting slumps), he would have to be a excellent with the glove (see Mark Lemke). With that being said, it’s time to at least give Prado a chance at the position to see what he can do (on a full time basis).
Now, that alone will not solve the Braves offensive woes. They still need a bonafide power hitter…someone that can change a game with one swing of the bat.
varodrunner
June 24th, 2009
9:50 am
I didn’t take Jacket’s post as bitching. Last night was a great win, but to get to the post season, I too believe we need more. Probably more than just a bat.
I agree, Hanson is the real deal and demonstrated that last night. He had to be as nervous as imagineable. He battled. Clearly has the “stuff” and used it.
yellerjacket
June 24th, 2009
9:52 am
As the immortal Lloyd Christmas screamed to the nurse on the elevator in the number one comedy of all time, “Move it or lose it, sister!!!” I say the same to you Braves “fans” out there who do nothing but call for firings, demotions, (or ridiculous trades like Francouer, Jo-Jo “AAAA Ace” Reyes, and half of our triple A squad/current bullpen for ONE rental year of Matt Holliday – come on Coach Smith, seriously? Are you like a vocabulary coach for those crooked tooth fifth graders in the national spelling bee or something?) but fail to offer any semblance of a solution.
Let the real Braves fans handle the blog comments from here on out. The fans who are excited about the next few years for the Bravos and who commend Frank Wren for bringing Lowe, Vazquez, (the constantly improving and adjusting) Kawakami, the budding ace Jurrjens, and the building block that is McClouth.
Oh, and just to rile up anyone else out there who hasn’t felt a ruffled feather yet: Francouer’s defense, frozen rope spewing right arm, and underrated speed in the field mitigate the .250 average for the most part, for me.
Kelly Johnson is poop, Infante will become the everyday man ASAP, and Prado is the only utility man we need.
Bring back DeRo, forget Holliday, and we can win this division.
Mark my words, if the Braves can emerge from this gauntlet that is the next two weeks near .500, Wren will make a move for a slugging 2B or OF and the Braves will get hot and expose the Phillies and the Mets for what they are (thin), enroute to a soul-stirring run at the pennant (or Wild Card). WHO’S WITH ME????
Nachos
June 24th, 2009
9:53 am
YANKEES SUCK! GAY-ROD is a fraud.
Daniel
June 24th, 2009
9:54 am
Jeff,
I really hope that we are starting to turn it around. They certainly have played better baseball in general after leaving Cincy. The truth is we have no business still being in the hunt. But, with the Phils and Mets falling apart here we are. We are in a strange way in a better place than those clubs. It is always easier to add a bat to the lineup then finding starting pitching. Honestly, I was ready to give up on this team, but thanks in large part to the Mets and Phils poor play we are still there. Let’s go Braves.
Nativebird
June 24th, 2009
9:55 am
The underlying truth about all those Yankee fans at the Ted?
99% of them live, work and play in Atlanta, and when the Braves are winning, they’re all at the Ted with their Braves gear on doing the chop.
and when the Braves are down, 1/2 of them show up with their Mets gear on when NY is in town.
The loyal New York fan is a MYTH. trust me, I married into a New York family! All full of hot air. They JUMP SHIP twice as fast as Braves fans. THAT my friends is a FACT.
Georgie boy
June 24th, 2009
9:56 am
Hey guys.. the Braves played with heart last night following the lead of Tommy Hanson.. Was a great win.. enjoy the win and let’s get on with the next game. we must realize and extra 50 million $$$ a year would put the Braves in business to win it all. unfortunately this market is not the yanks or red sox.. so we have to do with what we have. great game guys. good luck in this series at home.
vinnie
June 24th, 2009
10:01 am
Adam Dunn and Nick Johnson for Francoeur,Medlen,Kotchman and Gonzo.
Poorjeff
June 24th, 2009
10:02 am
GT—- Hank was never a side show in the 1970’s,1980’s . Hank’s last year was 1974 in Atlanta and if I remember correct he hit over 20 homers that year. The Chase was not a sided show. The man was great and drug free….the true Homerun King. Most of all a great person.
Wes
June 24th, 2009
10:09 am
if we could somehow swing a deal (although quite unlikely) for Brian Roberts, i think we’d have a very strong shot not just at the wild card, but the division as well.
And what is Bobby thinking batting JF and KJ next to each other in the order…….and then putting them 7 and 8!!!! With the pitcher coming up at 9, you’re giving the opposition and ENTIRE free inning every time around the order!
61 year Braves Fan
June 24th, 2009
10:09 am
I totally agree with coachphiel we have got to make things happen by letting the few players with speed to steal, play hit and run to stay out of double plays etc. Put some pressure on the other team’s
defense. I also agree with all those who want Prado at 2nd base. He is far superior to KJ. Bring up
Brandon Jones and play him in right field to platoon with Diaz. Trade Frenchy for a bag of balls.
siskel_god
June 24th, 2009
10:10 am
The most impressive thing about Hanson is the knack he has shown for getting out of jams. Your not always gonna have great stuff, but his ability to grind it out and not give in is very impressive. I’m not going to be negative about anything today, after two great wins against really good teams I have nothing to be mad about. Were in position to win the first series of the biggest homestand of the year, you can’t ask for more at this point. I have been on the bash GA bandwagon all year and I know he is more of a second half player so maybe this will be the start of something good for him. Jeff is going to be fine, I am the only person in Atlanta that thinks we can win and keep Jeff Francoeur on the roster I know but, hey I guess I’m optimistic about his future. Adding DeRosa will be key, I think you have to focus on him more than any other guy right now because of the age and injury concerns at a few positions, and the fact that he can start at 2nd everyday. I am very proud of these guys right now, they are showing some fire and effort and it seems to have started with Chipper, his comments to the AJC, Foxsports, and then the blow up in Boston, but the biggest thing is he has not missed a game in a long time. He’s played alot and if he gets hot and continues to be in the lineup then we definitely have a good shot at overtaking the Mets and Phils. We need to keep this run up and put together a nice little winning streak and get some guys some of their confidence back and get a little swagger.
Mort Merkel
June 24th, 2009
10:11 am
The term of the day is contact hitter.
Tech Man in Dawg Country
June 24th, 2009
10:12 am
The Braves seem to have been playing well against the good teams, they just struggle against the ones they should beat. The have been playing to the level of the competition. To make the playoffs, they are going to have to start taking all of the series against the lesser teams.
Wes
June 24th, 2009
10:14 am
The whole team seems to pick up the pace and tempo for all of Hansen’s starts. Ya think Tommy has 80 or 90 more starts in his arm this year??
siskel_god
June 24th, 2009
10:14 am
We been playing a little hit and run lately, Bobby seems to have faith in Nate and he’s turned him loose a couple times. I think Bobby has got a good feel for what he’s got now and I expect him to make some adjustments.
PATTY
June 24th, 2009
10:19 am
when Infante comes back he can play right, second, short and third. he will help boost the offense and D. when hudson comes back in august kawakami will be able to get that extra day off so he will kick some ass everytime he pitches.
THE BRAVES need to trade Kotchman jo jo reyes and someother minor league dude for ADRIAN GONZALES!!! have him hit 4th
1. McClouth
2. Escobay
3. Chipper
4. Gonzales
5. McCann
6. Diaz or Anderson
7. Frenchy
8.Kelly or Infante
9. (pitcher)
brian elliott
June 24th, 2009
10:19 am
good game last nite. I liked Moylan’s fist pump after the double play on Jeter. It was fun to see the Braves smile again. This team plays tense and Bobby’s unable to get the most from them anymore. Winning makes everyone feel better and relax more..Team chemistry is important and I think that will way in on any trades. Let’s hope the good play continues and we win some more games. I think it’s time to let everyone loose and enjoy some more guys from Gwinnet. Hanson makes it fun to watch the games again like JJ did for us last year. I hope management will allow some of the young guys to get playing time so the team stays fresh. Sit K.J. Jeff & Chipper and let some other guys play too.
Go Braves and make us proud the rest of the year!
Ed
June 24th, 2009
10:20 am
I think I just read those stupid words again. “Trade Vazquez”.Everyone with good eyes knows he is our BEST pitcher. Please guys, stop that insanity.
Denny Neagle
June 24th, 2009
10:21 am
We can’t say “can this be a sign?” until the Braves win at least 4 in a row or 8,9 out of 10. They do this every other week, they win a couple in a row and everything starts to look right only to go out and lose two or three in a row.