We’re live from Braves’ miracle watch (day 21)
Javier Vazquez is be pitching for own future, as well as Braves.
Frank Wren went into the off-season last a year ago knowing he would need to add starting pitching. He will go into the off-season this year realizing he needs to subtract.
One obvious conclusion: “It will probably be a little less stressful this winter,” the Braves general manager said.
Somewhat. But a significant issue has been hanging over the Braves all season, and the core of that issue was on the mound Wednesday night. Javier Vazquez, the same pitcher whose heart and big-game ability was questioned last season by the Chicago White Sox’ turbo-lipped manager, Ozzie Guillen, has been Atlanta’s best starter this season. He went into the Florida game with a 15-9 record and 2.83 ERA (4-0, 1.93 in this improbable September).
There’s also a chance he was starting his final game as a Brave.
“I’m not going to get into our decision-making, and I don’t know, quite frankly, what we’re going to do,” Wren said. “We’ll sit down and look at all of our options. It just depends how we configure our ballclub. At the end of the day, it’s how do we put the best team on the field and what 25 players allow us to do that.”
This topic has been debated ad nauseam. The problem is that the season is about to expire, and we’re no closer to clarity. The Braves have six starting pitchers and one has to go – not just to the bullpen, but to another team. Payroll says this. Logic screams it.
The thought of dealing Vazquez seems ludicrous, even with a poor outing Wednesday. Imagine what the top of the rotation would look like next season with these three starters and their respective ERAs: Vazquez (2.83), Tommy Hanson (2.98) and Jair Jurrjens (2.61). But the only thing we know for certain is Hanson and Jurrjens will be here. We also know Derek Lowe and Kenshin Kawakami probably will be here because they carry bloated contracts that don’t nearly match their production. It’s likely no other team would touch them even in a normal economic climate, let alone amid today’s global budget-shrinkage.
That leaves Vazquez and Tim Hudson. Hudson has a $12 million option for next season. He has looked pretty good since coming off Tommy John surgery, Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to Florida notwithstanding. If you’re the Braves, can you just let him walk?
The answer should be yes. Hudson hasn’t been the dominant top-of-the-rotation starter the Braves hoped for when they acquired him. Now is not the time to assume he’s going to turn into that. If it’s really about keeping the best guys, Vazquez stays and Hudson goes.
Here’s Wren on Hudson at his non-committal best before the game: “He’s come back and he’s shown us that he’s healthy and he’s able to pitch at this level. When we get to the appropriate time, we’ll announce our decision on how we’ll move forward.”
I’m guessing he would’ve given the same answer if I asked, “What do you think? Plums or peaches next week at Kroger?”
It was clear Vazquez did not have his best stuff Wednesday. Through three innings, he had already allowed three runs (though only one earned), five hits, a wild pitch, a hit batter and a ground ball through the legs of Chipper Jones. Then came a two-run homer in the fifth. That said, he has had a career-best season. It’s odd, given the Braves are his fifth team in the past seven seasons, and he was ripped by Guillen late last season for not coming through in the clutch.
Wren obviously disagrees. Consider what Vazquez has done in September and on the road this season:10-2, 2.80. (Strangely, he has struggled on the road.)
“Knowing Javy from afar, and now seeing him up close, I think he’s as solid as a rock,” Wren said. “We thought we were getting a real good starting pitcher. He had a history of durability and going to the post. He’s lived up to it.”
Maybe not Wednesday. But he’s a better option than Hudson.
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461 comments Add your comment
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:15 pm
Ok. This is scary. LaRoche at the plate who can make it 5-2 or 5-3 with one swing of the bat.
elviskl
September 30th, 2009
9:16 pm
I watched batting practice today and i saw a totally uninspired bunch of players for the braves. I left after the second inning and i just knew they were going to get destroyed…….why in the hell is norton batting in these ball games the last two nights when we have other players available? these players for the most part dont hustle out ground balls and just dont give a damn……..i say fire bobby cox……good riddince to him……..
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:16 pm
its over are u kidding milwaukee has horrible pitching except of course trevor hoffman..
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:16 pm
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We’re on the board. 2 out rally comes out of nowhere. Do you pull Ricky now?
Dr. Henry/Augusta
September 30th, 2009
9:16 pm
Ricky Nolasco has struck out 13…We get runners on to lead off the 6th and who does Bobby send up to pinch hit….6 for 60 – bat.avg 100 – Greg Norton….unbelievable….in this spot….The entire season is on the line here….Get a couple of runs and you still have a chance…maybe get into their bullpen…Even Joe and Boog were at a loss for words when Norton came up….Surely with an expanded roster there was someone else????? Go Detroit Tigers!!!!! P.S. Norton promptly became # 14..
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:17 pm
Ricky at 100 pitches.
Dumbfound
September 30th, 2009
9:17 pm
Bobby ! I know your are that same Nationals fan. God don’t like ugly !! You will get your in the end !!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin
September 30th, 2009
9:18 pm
Oh chipper tryed pull a david Justice act huh….figures maybe we should call him out on his captain role. where was Mr chipper Jones when frenchy was crap no where heard! Now frenchy is a Met n will be back as a met for 4 year deal n belt more Hr n rbi next year…and who we have to thank for his battin better Howard Johnson of the Ny Mets!
Preston Hannatized
September 30th, 2009
9:18 pm
Whoever called Larry Wayne a surly blowhard gets a +1. As one who has had media dealings with him, he’s a Hall of Fame a-hole.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:19 pm
and of course the rockies tie it right back up because suppan and there pitching sucks. and thats all they get tonight..
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
9:19 pm
Alot of bashing of Frank Wren on here. For what? Guy retooled the starting staff into one of the best in baseball this year, had the guts to tell Smoltz & Glavine to take a hike, and then made some pretty good moves to improve the lineup midseason. I think he has done a pretty good job. He does have a budget to work with, can’t get every big dollar guy out there. He could have given us a better bench, but to be fair, Norton was suppoesed to be better than this. Not his fault BC keeps running him out there.
Victor
September 30th, 2009
9:19 pm
Nice at bat Diaz. Putz.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:20 pm
Haha! Phillies on the verge, Rockies too.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:20 pm
Does anyone know if Jeff is ok at Turner Field?
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:21 pm
dr henry and who of course made that idiotic and moronic move BOBBY COX.. all yr ive been saying we need to get rid of him and here we are with a complete example of why he needs to go..
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:21 pm
Georgia Lottery hitting the jackpot: Braves choking again! Haha.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:22 pm
Who’s ready for some exciting games down the stretch?
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:22 pm
Who’s going to hit leadoff next inning? I wish it could be Norton again. Haha!
Coach (2010- Mr. Overrated retires)
September 30th, 2009
9:23 pm
Put up the “believe” sign and the wheels come off…….go figure.
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
9:23 pm
Rocks tied it up on a wild pitch.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:23 pm
Chopper to Chippy!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:24 pm
Flyer to Garry!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:25 pm
Omar to leadoff 8th
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:25 pm
They’re underway in Seattle. Go A’s!
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:26 pm
I BELIEVE ALRIGHT. The Braves will win the game.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:30 pm
16 k’s for ricky nolasco are u kidding me thats tells u the braves are not relaxed and comfy and just swinging at everything.. and not the way a playoff team works.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:31 pm
Walk for Nate!
welikebaseball2
September 30th, 2009
9:32 pm
Our leadoff hitter gets on base!
tmac
September 30th, 2009
9:32 pm
Okay, so the team is getting smoked and we have a chance to really get back in it with 2 on and 0 out… i look up and Bobby Cox has Greg Norton hitting. Now, i don’t know if he was in the lineup (doubt it) or pinch hitting, but I about blew a gasket! of course he k’s.
When does the idiotic move to keep sending your worst hitter to the plate in big situation after big situation begin to reflect on the manager? The end of next year can not come soon enough!!!!!!!!!!!
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
9:34 pm
The reason Bobby sent Greg up is because he doesn’t want to use him at the end of the game to make the final out. Just sayin.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:35 pm
I think Cox is the greatest manager of all time and should coach FOREVER!
Randy Waltrip
September 30th, 2009
9:35 pm
Lowe must go. Lowe must go.
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:35 pm
Does Chipper hit one out right here?
Bobby Colton
September 30th, 2009
9:36 pm
Hnason needs to be traded!
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:37 pm
3 more outs till we are done..
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
9:37 pm
Tulowitzki 2 run dinger for Rocks, put em up 4-2
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
9:38 pm
Todd Helton hits a two run shot. 4-2 Rockies in the 3rd.
Randy Waltrip
September 30th, 2009
9:38 pm
Well, it was fun while it lasted.
tmac
September 30th, 2009
9:38 pm
How bout not using him at all? Hey there’s a thought.
I’d rather Norton be the last player on the bench and not used because he is the emergency catcher… and i really don’t care if he’s ever caught before in his life. Anything else is moronic!
(the dust) if you actually believe what you posted, than you will excuse anything BC does. right?
iowabrave
September 30th, 2009
9:39 pm
Sorry, Helton with the dinger.
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:39 pm
and colorado is up 4-2
NCBravesFan
September 30th, 2009
9:40 pm
So who wants to file a missing person’s report on Schultz?
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:41 pm
season over folks. if colorado wins tonight and one of the next 4 its over. vasquez cox and norton all goats for tonight along with chipper.
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
9:43 pm
Hell no TMac. I’ve been tired of Cox since 1999. Overrated is an understatement. I just know why he made the move he did. Bobby knows he sucks and is an automatic out. Meaning you shouldn’t be mad at Cox, you should be mad at Wren who re-signed him to a $1 million contract. That contract is the only reason he is used at all.
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
9:43 pm
5-2 Rockies. Starting to get ugly in Denver.
Victor
September 30th, 2009
9:43 pm
Some insurance by the marlins would be nice. haha
JEFF
September 30th, 2009
9:44 pm
its all over and the marlins do it again to a postseason team that wants in..
Raleigh Dog
September 30th, 2009
9:46 pm
Isn’t this supposed to have responses and comments from Schultz? False advertising it seems.
The Dust
September 30th, 2009
9:47 pm
I blame Chip Carey. The Braves are 1-4 for the post season with him on the team. Brought the bad luck from Chicago with him. Damn goat!
Dallas
September 30th, 2009
9:48 pm
Accosta?! WHAT THE ****