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
tmac
September 30th, 2009
10:39 pm
Hindsight is 20/20… it wasn’t for sure that he would score… even if it looked like he would make it. It would have been better to decide and go either home or 3rd and no hesitation… that’s the hard part.
Props to Matty for talking and explaining his thoughts. It’s respectable for a player owning up to it after the game.
Greg
September 30th, 2009
10:39 pm
And SH your moniker stands for Stupid Homer.
Diaz smart. Haha. Smart at being a bonehead idiot. He made a cardinal sin in baseball. NEVER EVER go halfway. Ever. It’s taught in little league.
John Scherdohltz
September 30th, 2009
10:39 pm
ONCE YOU COMMIT…………….RUN YOU STUPID JERK……….YOU JUST CAUSED ME TO BREAK MY DAMN 52″ LCD FLAT PANEL…………I HATE YOU MATT DIAZ, I HATE YOU
Huh?
September 30th, 2009
10:40 pm
“Javier Vazquez is be pitching for own future, as well as Braves.”
Jeff, lay off the drugs, man.
Henry D.
September 30th, 2009
10:40 pm
People say you can’t blame Cox for Diaz’ idiot move. I disagree. This ream is horrible regarding fundamentals. They are the worst base running team in baseball, their fielding is bad most of the time, their situational hitting is bad, and other than Vasquez they can’t bunt to save their lives
That’s coaching folks, and that’s Bonbby Cox’s job. Maybe a little less golfing spring training and a little more coaching might help.
Skeezix
September 30th, 2009
10:41 pm
As big an embarrassment as the Diaz play is that our offense, once again the achilles heel of this team, gets totally shut down by Nolasco.
Betty Diaz
September 30th, 2009
10:41 pm
Leave my boy alone…………..He just doesn’t have it all upstairs.
Felix
September 30th, 2009
10:42 pm
Pitchers and catchers report in 4 months! I can’t wait!!
alwaysbeencarl
September 30th, 2009
10:43 pm
Nice try Dr. R. But please don’t get anywhere near managing at ANY level if you think strategy is not important. You want a cheerleader? Grab some pom poms and put on a miniskirt.
As far as Cox loyalty, pleeeease. It extends to certain poor players like Kelly Johnson or Greg Norton, but somehow isn’t there for others.
Jalb3rt
September 30th, 2009
10:43 pm
I have always DISLIKED that stupid Matt Diaz. I dont care how many opposite field HRs he hits, he just plain sucks. Swinging at everything out of the strike zone with RISP, striking out on important ABs and now this… I have always hated that guy, even his ridiculous batting stance.
Marquis Grissom
September 30th, 2009
10:43 pm
I would have run home and scored.
Henry Aaron
September 30th, 2009
10:43 pm
Damn Matt…Run……………I want to hit you with my 715 bat !
Biff Pocaroba
September 30th, 2009
10:44 pm
Me too!
Bull Butter
September 30th, 2009
10:44 pm
Diaz did’t lose this game.
Eggs Benedict
September 30th, 2009
10:44 pm
I could have crawled home and scored on that play.
Claudell Washington
September 30th, 2009
10:45 pm
I would have stayed at third because I like reaching 3rd base.
Bill Buckner
September 30th, 2009
10:45 pm
I thought it was cool watching Matt talk to his helmet after he made that bonehead play !
Ray
September 30th, 2009
10:46 pm
No matter what happens these last few games, if you’re not excited about the immediate future of this team.. well I don’t know what to say. This team has played playoff quality baseball ever since the All-Star break, with one of the best records (if not the best) in the game during the second half. Even if the Braves won this one, it still came down to the Brewers and Dodgers beating the Rockies. It is a very tough loss,but it has been a fun season.
alwaysbeencarl
September 30th, 2009
10:46 pm
Matty D just got a congratulatory call from Lonnie Smith.
Rick Mahler
September 30th, 2009
10:46 pm
I would have run out of breath if I was on third. But I would have mowed over that catcher.
crap man
September 30th, 2009
10:47 pm
Frustration, thy name is “Diaz”……..
Zane Smith
September 30th, 2009
10:47 pm
I would have run home and kissed my wife.
stendec
September 30th, 2009
10:48 pm
Hey Bull Butter: Matt Diaz SURE AS HELL ended it! Jerk.
VaBraveFan
September 30th, 2009
10:48 pm
I’m not worried about anything… I know one thing the Phillies, Mets, Fish , Nats hell prolly any team in any sport will ever win 14 consecutive division titles. Winning cant last forever, but no one will win for as long as the Atlanta Braves
Brad Komminsk
September 30th, 2009
10:48 pm
I would have been able to get back to third. I am fast.
Skeezix
September 30th, 2009
10:49 pm
I wonder if Frank Wren has figured out yet that his “big time” trade for Nate McLouth hasn’t helped this offense. Count on Frank to spend millions for a .250 hitter and think he is improving his offense. Why Bobby keeps him at lead off I haven’t a clue.
tmac
September 30th, 2009
10:49 pm
Dr. R-
while i respect your opinion and agree with it as a philosophy, I gotta call BS on the last part. The greatest managers are judged on wins and losses. It’s only when there is a flaw or a “small town” does the people skills become a priority. It is the decisions like who to pinch hit and when, pitching moves, double moves and all the like that fans call out managers.
Players want to play for a manager like BC because he is loyal to a fault and that is completely understandable. It is the jobe of the organization and the media to decide and point out when that becomes a problem instead of a postitive. And that has been very obvious this year whether you want to admit that or not.
Darryl Evans
September 30th, 2009
10:49 pm
I would have definitely scored.
Dr. R
September 30th, 2009
10:49 pm
Henry, coaching is football; managing is baseball. You’re on the wrong blog. Or I guess I am, actually.
Carl, I’ve managed folks for years, and I’m proud to say that many of them would take a bullet for me. That’s what leadership is, not throwing guys under the bus because they screw up. Diaz screwed up. A real fan doesn’t trash his team, or a player, over that. You suffer the loss with them. Fans with with their team and lose with them. But fair weather Braves fans just sit back at a distance and toss insults because they don’t really have buy-in. They are CASUAL fans only, which is what our city is famous for. You want passion, you go to Cincy, St. Louis, Boston, Philly, etc. Atlanta is for the drive-bys. You guys prove it with every blog entry.
Phil Neikro
September 30th, 2009
10:50 pm
Even my old bones would have made it home with my walking cane.
Dale Murphy
September 30th, 2009
10:50 pm
Me and my 7 sons all would have scored with that amount of time
Lance
September 30th, 2009
10:50 pm
games like this are why i learned a long time ago to never put too much hope in the Braves. I grew up loving them and i’ll always love them, but this franchise is cursed with failure.
Jalb3rt
September 30th, 2009
10:51 pm
I have never liked Matt Diaz, he $ucks. Always screwing up, striking out with pitches out of the strikezone on key situations. swinging at the first pitch a la Francoeur. And now this $h!t! I hate Matt Diaz and his stupid batting stance!
It's the time, of the see-ee-son for...
September 30th, 2009
10:51 pm
LET’S GO THRASHERS!!!!
Ironically enough, I’m going to Thrashers opening night on Saturday, and then Braves closing night on Sunday…
Otis Nixon
September 30th, 2009
10:51 pm
I would have followed that white chalky stuff all the way home!
Dick
September 30th, 2009
10:52 pm
I wonder if Fox will move Sat’s game back to night. LOLOLOLOL
fork
September 30th, 2009
10:52 pm
Stick me in the 2009 Atlanta Braves season.
Bobby got an extension?
Stick me in the 2010 Atlanta Braves season as well.
Suckers.
gayle
September 30th, 2009
10:53 pm
Imagine how good Fredi Gonzalez feels right now. He left the Braves to manage the Marlins because he knew he would never get a chance here.
And now Fredi knocks the “master” out of the playoffs. It must feel so good. Fourth straight year, Braves nation!
Jim
September 30th, 2009
10:53 pm
Didn’t take long to get the braves off the front page of ajc.com…haha
Dr. R
September 30th, 2009
10:53 pm
If it’s about wins and losses, then 2,000-plus, fourth most all-time, should count for something. And if this team can’t field, hit, run the bases or do anything right but still win 86 games and stay in it until the last week, then somebody in that dugout must be a genius.
I’ve made my points, so I’ll leave you boys be. Enjoy the carnage, since that’s all that seems to count here.
Legend of Len Barker
September 30th, 2009
10:53 pm
I’m not excited about the team because we continue to have Chipper and Cox. Chipper is currently our albatross. He’s increasingly a defensive liability, is constantly injured, can’t run, and channeled Mario Mendoza at the plate for the second half of the year.
Cox overworks his pitchers and refuses to subscribe to a game built around our offense. Hello? Bobby? Do you see any power hitters on this roster?
Cox also seems to be unable to relate to some of the players. He’s lucky that Escobar hasn’t gone Jimmy Piersall with the way he’s singled him out when the rest of the roster is just as bad or worse.
This is a team who refuses to adjust at the plate, is impatient, shows no energy, and has zero personality.
Yeah, I’m so looking forward to next year.
Dick
September 30th, 2009
10:53 pm
Good night Matt D. I hope you sleep well jerk.
alwaysbeencarl
September 30th, 2009
10:54 pm
Ray you are correct there is the possibility of a bright immediate future. and the team has made it esciting lately. But the improvement was strictly due to quality starting pitching. Other things have to be added and/or changed before next season. Unfortunately Norton’s #1 fan will still be managing. Chipper will get to play third again with his swiss cheese glove, and bat third though in serious decline.
Sid Bream
September 30th, 2009
10:54 pm
BRAVES LOSE!!!
BRAVES LOSE!!!
Bob Horner
September 30th, 2009
10:54 pm
Our Season…By Bob Horner…Lil Matty Diaz stood at the hot corner waiting to make a play. Along came a pitch, that flew past the dish and Matt flew for home and a big payday. But halfway there, he caught a lil scare and changed his mind from going home. He got thrown out, I am going to pout , and spend the rest of my days watching the Falcons at the dome !!!
The end
Sid Bream
September 30th, 2009
10:55 pm
Oh, and I would have scored, sliding into every base.
MarlinsForever
September 30th, 2009
10:56 pm
Hey VA–division wins mean NOTHING–under the expert guidance of your senile manager, how many World Series have the Braves won since 1995? ZERO. NONE. NADA. BUPKIS. Compare that with TWO for the Fish and one for the Phils.
Jalb3rt
September 30th, 2009
10:58 pm
Lance… you’re right on man! You hit the nail on the head! This franchise is cursed with failure and will stay that way until theres no more Chipper ”feels good to ground into a 9th inning double play with a runner on first, no outs and down by one run in such an important game”Jones, and the stupid Bobby ”tips cap to everyone who beats him” Cox.
tmac
September 30th, 2009
11:02 pm
Sorry Dr. R you can’t see what most everyone else has seen this year especially, but also that last 3 years. It has been a big decline in talent and coaching going on… big time.
I do believe the Braves are on the right track with their moves this seaon. Still need to add power for 2010 and beyond.
By your philosophy there would never be a coaching change by any good team… ever, because of success in the past. That’s just crazy.
blazerdawg
September 30th, 2009
11:03 pm
anyplace but chicago….that town stinks