The 2009 Braves: They’re OK so far, but they need a tweak
A year ago the Braves beat Brandon Webb on Memorial Day, and these fallible fingers went to work. “They’ll be in first place by the Fourth of July,” they typed, “and come Labor Day they’ll be pulling away.” In a career of Dewey-defeats-Truman moments, it was among the dewiest.
One year on, no rosy proclamation will be offered. The forecast of May 2008 was based on the Braves getting healthy. (They would, alas, get hurt at an even more alarming rate.) These Braves are getting healthy, too, but there’s difference. What we’ve seen is apt to be what we’re going to get: Good starting pitching, not much hitting, a slew of games that must be won 1-0 or 4-3, which, not coincidentally, were the scores the first two nights of the Toronto series.
At peak capacity, the Braves as constituted could win 88 games. They cannot win 95. At best, they seem a wild-card team – good, but not that good. A lot of things have to go right for them to win, and lately they have. But I don’t see this offense holding up over six months.
The Braves’ starting outfield against the Blue Jays on Sunday carried a total of five home runs, two of which came on Opening Night in Philadelphia. The Braves as a team entered the game with 30 homers, which ranked 13th among 16 National League clubs. They’ve been putting the ball in play a bit more – they had the fourth-fewest strikeouts among NL teams – but it isn’t as if they’ve been reincarnated as the 1982 Cardinals.
This isn’t an offense built on speed. The Braves have 10 stolen bases, the fewest in the majors. (Brian McCann is tied for the team lead – with two.) This is simply an offense that, as much as it would like to generate the three-run homer on cue, doesn’t anymore.
Loading ...Speaking of those 1-0 and 4-3 victories, Bobby Cox was moved to recall a time when the Braves won such games as a matter of course. “Those were the days, man,” he said, but there are clear differences.
As good as Derek Lowe and Jair Jurrjens and Javier Vazquez are, they’re seven Cy Youngs short of matching the rotation of the ’90s. And there’s no Fred McGriff playing first base, no Ron Gant or David Justice in the outfield.
There’s Chipper Jones, who’s still great, and Brian McCann, who’s very good. And Yunel Escobar is a threat. But who else? Garret Anderson and Casey Kotchman are doubles hitters. Jordan Schafer is fighting to stay above .200. True, Jeff Francoeur seems to be coming around, but weren’t we saying that a month ago?
To their credit, the Braves just swept a good team. But the first two victories were hairbreadth things, and Sunday’s game was in the balance until the seventh, when the Jays left the go-ahead run at third and Jones, in his only at-bat of the series, lined a pitch off first baseman Lyle Overbay’s mitt to untie matters.
Said Cox afterward: “The hitting is timely, most of the time.”
Earlier in the day Cox had offered this appraisal: “I can’t say I’m thrilled with where we are, but I like our team.”
I do, too. But I’d like it more with another bat in the outfield. I suspect Cox would, too.
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165 comments Add your comment
NCBravesFan
May 24th, 2009
8:06 pm
I think you stick with the kid until it’s clear he can’t handle the majors – as it is, I can deal with a .330 OBP out of the 8-hole given the defense he’s playing.
But again, my view of the Braves is that this is a transitional year, so I don’t expect them to beat out the Phillies, and maybe not the Mets.
brewdawg
May 24th, 2009
8:12 pm
C’mon Mark,
You were all for the Braves turning to the future earlier this year. Let’s not give up on young Jordan just yet. He strikes me as mentally tough, someone that can take his lumps and eventually come out stronger. I’m honestly still more concerned with Frenchy’s lack of power at the moment.
rainman
May 24th, 2009
8:18 pm
Mark, it is a learning process with Schafer, and since they committed to him. they should try to give him every opportunity. He provides the defense in CF (although its clear he is learning there also), and either he becomes more disciplined at the plate, cuts down on strike-outs, increases his OBP, steals more bases — or he doesn’t.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 24th, 2009
8:22 pm
Hey Bradley, do me a favor and don’t tell Braveheart that we need another big bat in the outfield ( Matt Holliday ).
And as for Greg Norton, he ain’t getting it done this year. I have made the argument that Brian Barton would be a big improvement team wise. Unfortunately, nobody is listening. So, one more time:
Greg Norton can pinch hit.
Brian Barton can pinch hit, pinch run, spot start, hit lead off, play all three outfield spots, late inning defensive replacement, carry the water cooler. etc.etc.etc. Won’t hit any worse than Norton’s current .115 BA.
Frenchy’s new batting stance works. Unfortunately, his approach at the plate never will. He’s too aggressive and still hasn’t learned how to be disciplined. taking four wide ones and getting a free pass to first base won’t kill him.
losing Omar Infante hasn’t hurt yet, believe you me, it will.
Jordan Schafer needs to sit every once in a while. Our Braves don’t have anybody else who can play CF. It’s a problem and it ridiculous.
The pitching is carrying this team right now. When our Braves eventually run into equal pitching, they are gonna be in trouble. So enjoy the 23-20 record, it won’t last.
trey
May 24th, 2009
8:39 pm
How negative can you be, Bradley? The Braves can win 95 games, you have always been negative about Atlanta.
Sidney Alphonse Sizemore
May 24th, 2009
8:40 pm
Delta dropped Frenchy and so should the Braves. Send him to Rome to work on an apple farm and play a little ball. He is a three pitch pony. In fact, he could probably be a star in pony league.
virgilshouse
May 24th, 2009
8:42 pm
J YOUNGBLOOD i think rufino linares could help us as a pinch hitter……..that guy could and still can hit
Steve from OH
May 24th, 2009
8:51 pm
Eh, Schafer has shown very good defense, a good arm, good speed, and good plate discipline so far. He’s got a more than passable OBP for a rookie with just about a half-season at AA. He’s shown the ability to hit in the minors, and his plate discipline has impressed me–can’t teach that. Besides, whom do you suggest we call up? Gregor Blanco?
If that question is even to be asked, I think it is more applicable to ask it in reference to Garret Anderson and/or Jeff Francoeur.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 24th, 2009
8:52 pm
Enter your comments here
Shamus Thacker
May 24th, 2009
8:58 pm
Nice piece Mark.
Every team in our division sux in one way or another. Nothing wrong with that, just baseball. Thankfully for us, the parts of us that suck might suck a little less than the suck-friendly pieces of our rivals. That, my friends, is something to smile about!
Oh yeah, we need to fire Pendleton. Brad Komminsk knows more about hitting…
Mark Bradley
May 24th, 2009
9:06 pm
Brian Barton is hitting .244 at Gwinnett. And Gregor Blanco is hitting even worse.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 24th, 2009
9:06 pm
Need another big bat? Really?
I could not agree more. Matt Holliday or even Brad Hawpe would go a long way toward putting this team over the top.
Speaking of the offense. Frenchy’s new batting stance works. Unfortunately, his approach at the plate doesn’t. He’s too aggressive, has no plate discipline and has yet to learn that four wides ones resulting in a trip to first base isn’t a bad thing.
And as for Greg Norton, he’s a waste of a roster spot. His .115 BA isn’t getting it done.
I have made the argument that Brian Barton would be a big improvement but it has fallen on deaf ears so far.
Greg Norton: pinch hit.
Brian Barton: pinch hit, pinch run, plays all three outfield spots, can start on occasion, lead off, steal a base, Come in as a late inning defensive replacement, he’s a rocket scientist etc.etc.etc and can’t hit any worse than Norton’s .115 BA.
Losing Omar Infante hasn’t hurt yet but it will eventually. Enjoy the 23-20 winning record, it won’t last. June is coming and it’s a monster.
Coach (2010 or Bust)
May 24th, 2009
9:09 pm
Now my first post shows up, lol.
Brian Barton’s hitting .244, Greg Norton’s hitting .115 , I have already mentioned the rest. Which do you prefer?
SCBravesFan
May 24th, 2009
9:13 pm
Trey,
I’m as big a Braves fan as you’re going to find, but the 2009 Braves, as they are currently constructed, are not going to win anywhere near 95 games. I will gladly take that bet for any amount of money you care to wager.
Frank from KS
May 24th, 2009
9:23 pm
Coach
I seem to remember during the early part of the run…that sometimes they would be about a .500 team or a bit better and then somewhat get on a run.
Ya never know…that might happen this year IF they get middle of the order bat which Anderson so far isn’t. I mean, yeah…he’s doing better at the plate as of recently….but as someone said on DOB’s blog(s)…there needs to be 20, 25, 30 or more HR’s out of the cleanup spot in the order.
I think what may play into things going the Braves way…is that the whole division is very weak.
Paul Lentz
May 24th, 2009
9:26 pm
If Franceour doesnt start producing by the All-Star break, I would hope that Bobby Cox would consider starting Omar Infante in right field (assuming his broken hand heals by then). The Braves need someone in that 6 or 7 hole who can hit. Against right handers, I’d have a batting order of Johnson, Escobar, Chipper, Anderson, McCann, Infante, Kotchman, and Schaffer. Against left handers I’d have a batting order of Infante, Escobar, Chipper, McCann, Prado, Diaz, Kotchman, and Schaffer. If Kotchman could run a little faster, I’d have him hit higher. However, he is too damn slow, plus he doesnt have the home run power to justify a 4 or 5 slot in the batting order. I like his ability to hit doubles in the 7 spot. When Infante comes back, the Braves cannot afford to have Franceour’s rally killing at-bats in the line-up. Infante hits for average, moves runners over, and has some pop in his bat. About the only thing that Franceour has over Infante is his throwing arm. I have a feeling that Franceour simply will never develop into a power hitter.
Our starting pitching this year is so refreshing. I love our depth. It’s nice when a Jurrgens goes six innings and it’s considered a “struggle”. I’ll take Jurrgens’ struggle start of today over any of that crap that we had last year. Last year the Braves had problems getting starters into the 5th inning.
I said this in a posting yesterday. I hope Bobby Cox gives Medlen at least a couple of starts to earn that 5th spot. He has good stuff. I feel that he can earn that 5th spot. As a Braves fan, I appreciate what Glavine has done in the past for the Braves. However, how far can we expect Glavine to go into games? I seriously doubt that he can go 5-6 innings consistently. I’d rather have those innings go to a youngster that will give the Braves the financial ability to put the 3-4 million that Glavine is due if he makes the roster and stays the rest of the year, towards acquiring a big bat at the trade deadline, should the right one become available. We have 4 starters now with the capability to go 6-7 innings every time out on a consistent basis. If Medlen doesnt do well in the next few starts, why not give Hanson a chance to earn that 5th spot? It isnt like the Braves need him to carry the staff. I just dont want to see the Braves waste 3-4 mil on Glavine.
Dr. Van Nostrand
May 24th, 2009
9:30 pm
Vernon Wells and Jermaine Dye make more money than the Braves are likely to be able to afford. Wells is in the midst of a seven-year, $126 million deal that pays him $10 million this year, $21 million in 2010, $23 million in 2011 (he can opt out after season), and $21 million per year 2012-2014. That most definitely doesn’t fit into Atlanta’s budget unless there’s a change in ownership. Dye is due $11.5 million this year with a mutual option for 2010 worth $12 million. It would probably be a stretch fitting Dye into the budget as well unless they can convince the White Sox to pick up part of the tab.
If the Braves are going to make a move to bring in another bat, it’s going to be a much more modest move than some of you have suggested. One that fits into the team’s budget rather than blow it up.
Farsider
May 24th, 2009
9:41 pm
If Francouer can’t be platooned, then he must go. Hard to let a popular local athlete go, but its way past time. He is not an everyday major league right fielder. We need to trade this guy if he has any value, whatsoever.
Terence Moore
May 24th, 2009
9:43 pm
I say trade 4 future MLB starters for a bat that will be a free agent at the end of this year. You know like the Matt Harrison, Elvis Andrus, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Neftali Feliz for Teixeira trade I lobbied hard for.
We don’t need a bat at the expense of the farm system again. We just need more guys hitting. Be patient and supportive and let TP and BC work their magic.
Plus for the first time in I don’t know how long, we have the pitching to over come insconsistent hitting.
We sportswriters need to stay they heck out of it.
Terence
Terence Moore
May 24th, 2009
9:49 pm
“Holliday’s contract expires after this season. And the A’s would surely like prospects for him”.
Brilliant idea Mark (lol). And why not just let the A’s pick the 4 players they want in exchange for him. LOL
You guys that survived the AJC cuts amaze me.
Capt Caveman
May 24th, 2009
9:50 pm
Well I see Coach has used his traditional cut-and-paste and posted another “already been said by somebody else” comment.
What a douche !!!!
Wes A
May 24th, 2009
9:52 pm
The Braves will probably not make any major moves. Once Infante is back start him at 2B and move Kelly Johnson back to LF. Make a trade or move around some of the bullpen guys such as Peter Moylan. No need to give up top prospects this year. Heyward, C. Johnson, Freeman are still two years away and will not be here this year. I don’t see Frank Wren adding payroll especially when attendance has been down with the economy. Bring up Hanson and we have the best rotation (1. Lowe 2. Jurrjens 3. Vazquez 4. Kawakami 5. Hanson) in MLB if he lives up to the hype.
Terence Moore
May 24th, 2009
9:54 pm
“OK, here’s another name: Jermaine Dye. Used to play here, did he not”?
Another bright idea Mark (lol). Bringing a bat in because he used to play here. That’s great reasoning (lol).
Terence
Terence Moore
May 24th, 2009
10:07 pm
Three reasons why I left the AJC-
Mark Bradley
Mark Bradley
Mark Bradley
At least I made the readers think. p-uLLEASE
Didn’t you guys learn anything from the Matt Harrison, Elvis Andrus, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Neftali Feliz for Teixeira trade?
Do you know how strong the Braves rotation would be when Hudson returns if we had Matt Harrison?
“Holliday’s contract expires after this season. And the A’s would surely like prospects for him”.
Brilliant idea Mark (lol). And why not just let the A’s pick the 4 players they want in exchange for him. LOL
“OK, here’s another name: Jermaine Dye. Used to play here, did he not”?
Another bright idea Mark (lol). Bringing a bat in because he used to play here. That’s great reasoning (lol).
Mark, Like me you need to resist shaping public opinion and let the Braves take care of the Atlanta Braves.
Terence
James
May 24th, 2009
10:17 pm
Matt Holiday would be a good addition to the braves only if they would not be asking for to much from the braves in return. I would also say Jermaine Dye he will be good also.
SlimG
May 24th, 2009
10:21 pm
Stay the course. Mark, stop getting ancy. You always jump the gun. If it were up to you guys, we would have fired Woodson after last season.
Paul Lentz
May 24th, 2009
10:22 pm
I think this year will be a different kind of trade deadline. Because of the economy, I think that more teams will be willing to move big salaried power hitters for either marginal prospects….or….for decent prospects but having to eat part of the salary. If the Braves are in the pennant race in late August, early September, then I think that attendance will pick up, which will help offset some of the increased payroll (along with not paying Glavine the 3-4 mil he is due if he makes the roster and sticks for the rest of the year). I feel the Braves can afford to take on added payroll because if the Braves dont resign Hudson, his salary ($12 mil option with $1 mil buyout) comes off the books next year (savings of $11 mil). I feel that it is too early to think about trading for a big bat. If the pitching holds up then depending on what happens to other teams, I’d take a look come July as to who I would want the Braves to try and trade for. With the way the economy is this year, I dont anticipate the Braves having to offer a kings ransom for a big bat.
Steve
May 24th, 2009
10:26 pm
Mark, I like our starting pitching, and the relief is better than recent seasons as well. Like the infield, but we could replace our entire outfield at this point as far as I’m concerned. I have said 88-74 since spring training, still like that number, especially if we can get healthy.
Two trades which will probably never happen: Medlen, Morton, and a couple of other minor league pitchers for Peavey. He wants to be here it seems. Then Kawakami and Hudson for Adam Dunn. Dunn is having a breakout season for the Nats. And could you imagine a rotation of Peavey, Lowe, Jurrjens, Vasquez, and Hanson? We’re close to a World Series team at that point.
dobearsbare
May 24th, 2009
10:38 pm
They need another bat, true enough. But who’s to say it has to be an outfield bat? Since the Padres appear in fire-sale mode, why not see if we can work a Kotchman-for-Adrian Gonzalez trade? No way SD is taking it straight up, and a couple of prospects will certainly have to be added on the Braves’ side, but I think if you add Gonzalez to this lineup and it has a ripple effect. While we’re at the trade talk, here’s a though: Maybe Medlen got his start as a trade bait showcase.
JAS
May 24th, 2009
10:39 pm
Funny, an AJC sports column that makes sense for once. I was starting to get worried about the AJC’s coverage of the Braves.
Between O’Brien’s un-entertaining, uninformative, and sardonic posts and the other three writers paragraphs of electronically regenerated acerbic inanity (see, for example, Bischer’s “Braves Talent On The Farm Has Dried Up”), I nearly, SHOCK, turned to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer for my Braves news.
Glad Mr. Bradley saved me from such folly.
Paul Lentz
May 24th, 2009
10:39 pm
Steve, I seriously doubt that Washington would basically give up Adam Dunn for Kawakami (Hudson, at most will pitch 2 months before he is eligible for free agency). Plus, the Braves need a right handed power bat (Dunn hits left handed) to balance out the lefty dominated line-up we have. Also, the Peavy trade doesnt make sense from an economic standpoint. The Braves cant afford to trade cheap prospects for Peavy if they want to get a power hitter as well. I’d keep Kawakami, hope for Hudson to come back the last 6-8 weeks of the season (perhaps making him a closer if our starters are still doing good by then)……and make the trade for a power hitter that doesnt bust the budget and does not require the Braves to give up the whole farm system. Again, with the way the economy is, I think that there will be some good bargains come trade deadline. It will end up being a buyer’s market. I know that making Hudson a closer seems far fetched. However I feel that he has the mentality to close out games. Soraino and Gonzalez both have great stuff. However, late in the season, I’m not sure that both have the make-up of the kind of closer who can handled the pressure mentally. I would rather have Hudson closing (if he is able to make that adjustment) and having Soraino and Gonzalez setting up, with Moylan 7th inning guy (or even the 6th inning guy if a double play is needed in a close game).
Rhaiz R Blaide
May 24th, 2009
10:41 pm
Three reasons why I restarted my stopped AJC subscription…..
Terrence Moore
Terrence Moore
Terrence Moore
Thank U Terrence… If you’re going to put your 2 cents worth into these blogs I’ll go back to the broadsheet…
Herschel Talker
May 24th, 2009
10:42 pm
Frank Wreck will trade away every good prospect for a bat, thereby hindering the franchise even more. He is a boob. Can we trade Bobby Cox, Terry Pendleton, Jeff Francoeur, Kenshin “Tomato Can” Kawakami, and Jeff “The Human Batting Practice” Bennett for a bat? Those 5 guys are all jokes.
Paul Lentz
May 24th, 2009
10:49 pm
dobearsbare, your proposed “Gonzalez for Kotchman (with a few prospects added in)” trade proposal is a waste of time. I would like to win the lottery, but investing time talking about it is a waste of time. I would rather see Braves fans propose halfway legitimate trade possibilities. The Padres are not going to trade Gonzalez. He is part of their marketing campaign (San Diego has a sizable Hispanic fan base). Plus is relatively young and a really good player. Even if the Padres were willing to trade Gonzalez, they would not accept any package with Kotchman in return. The Braves are stuck with Kotchman for this year. I actually think that Kotchman is a servicable first baseman. What the Braves need is some much needed right handed power in either left or right field. Schaffer’s ability to play good center field will help offset his struggles at the plate. However Franceour’s right arm does not offset his struggles at the plate. Let’s see what happens in a few months with the trade deadline. I’m optimistic that a good deal will be out there for the Braves to make. All I ask is that some of you guys be smart when you post trade proposals. Some of what you guys put out there is laughable.
Rhaiz R Blaide
May 24th, 2009
10:53 pm
And rainman, Schafer shouldnt be here while still trying to learn – - He’s playing CF for a Major league baseball team – He either has to hit NOW or be benched – - And back to Terrence Moore, exactly where can your work be found? Not that anyone’s interested…
Mitch
May 24th, 2009
10:55 pm
Mark, I actually agree with your assessment. On some nights, I watch the Braves, I think “Gosh, when are we going to score some runs”?
You mentioned Dye. He would have to play left field for us, would he not? We aren’t going to move Frenchy from right field.
So far, the thing I’ve been most impressed about is our starting pitching. Lowe, Javier, and Jair arent Greg, Tom and John in their primes, but they are very good.
One other note: I really wish that Bobby would make Soriano the closer all the time, and move Gonzo to the eighth inning setup role. I cant watch Gonzo pitch sometimes. Not counting the games Gonzo has overtly messed up, there are the others that he comes in with a two or three run lead, and gives up a run or two, before closing it down. I dont like the idea of a closer doing the highwire act all the time.
Overall, I’m very pleased with the way the Braves have played so far in 2009. They are much, much better than last year. If they continue to play as they have, stay relatively healthy, and get the one more bat that you mentioned, there is no reason why they should not be the NL wild card.
Mitch
the truth...
May 24th, 2009
10:56 pm
Are you kidding? We have to have a this and we have to have that?
The menality of this bunch of bloggers is absurd and is exactly what led to having four of our kids starting for Texas right now…
Get it yet? …no I didn’t think so…
Mr. Bradley…they can win 88 games they can’t win 95?????
Are you a wizard, a seer, a prophet? I think not, and when one makes those types of negative comments I don’t even think you’re a half a@@ sports writer…
As Skip use to say when people would ask if the Braves can do this or that….”that’s why they play the games”….sarcasticly at that…
So let’s see what happens when they play the games…and not give up players like Salty, Elvis, and the other two on the Rangers starting roster…and that’s just ONE TRADE….
Terence Moore
May 24th, 2009
11:00 pm
Rhaiz,
You do that bro
Paul Lentz
May 24th, 2009
11:05 pm
I think that when all is said and done, other than Harrison, I’m not sure that the other guys Texeria trade will ever be anything more than serviceable players. Salty is basically a switch hitting Franceour. I dont think that Salty will come close to being a good major league catcher. I’m not sold on Elvis Andrus ever being a good hitting shortstop. The other guys are just that, prospects. Even if a few of those guys become stars, a fan has to be realistic and realize that not every trade is going to be a home run. The Braves more than made out in the Renteria/Jurrgens trade. Jurrgens will end up being better than any of the players the Braves gave up in the Tex trade. Jurrgens is already a proven commodity. Let’s see what those 6 prospects do in a full season or two.
richbrave
May 24th, 2009
11:20 pm
curtis jones:
I catagorize MATT as one-third of a hitter. When he had to be used as an everyday player, his batting and fielding both suffered as did the team. BOBBY likes to use him in special situations and as a starter against left-handers because he literally rakes them. But that’s what he is, and COX uses him admirably. What we need is an all round hitter. GARRETT ANDERSON is rounding into shape, but too slowly, and is jeopardizing the season in the process.
There may be too many new parts to this team for its ultimate success this year. Chemistry requires time. And the resulting well-oiled machine may not be truely seen until the 2010 season.
Yes, a new and prolific bat is called for either as a lead-off man or in the power hole. OF is the least productive offensive component, and logically dictates the area where change should come.
Marc
May 24th, 2009
11:20 pm
I just read down to the part where people were talking about Matt Halliday. Why would anyone not want him? He had a slow start, but his numbers weren’t just a product of Coors field, remember they only play about 55 games there a year. The dude is a stud, I hope we can trade for him and lock him up. Unless of course Frenchy gets it together, but not even he came blame me for being skeptical right now. GA is proven a solid addition with Diaz in left.
Furman Bisher
May 24th, 2009
11:57 pm
That’s right, Marc- as we all know, 55 games is only half of the 110-game Major League schedule. Retard.
Billy Sample
May 25th, 2009
12:14 am
You tell ‘em, Furman. You old fart, you!!
Jon Sterling
May 25th, 2009
12:23 am
I think the Braves need to start using PEDs like my Yankees do. Hey, it’s worked for guys like A-Rod, Giambi, Pettitte and Clemens over the years. Yankees win!!
Dipstick McGee
May 25th, 2009
12:25 am
Mark Bradley, that interview you did on Cleveland television was pathetic. That whole thing, not just you, had to be the lamest trash talking attempt I’ve ever heard.
FrenchyFries
May 25th, 2009
12:27 am
About the White Sox situation:
“A new Rumblings and Grumblings column from ESPN’s Jayson Stark… Even if they don’t acquire Jake Peavy, the White Sox are apparently “open for business.” Stark takes that to mean names such as Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Octavio Dotel, and A.J. Pierzynski could hit the market.”
- posted May 21 at MLBTR
For Schafer, I think he needs to work the weight room 3-4 hours a day for 5 days a week. I can see he has potential but if he can’t increase his bat speed, his strikeouts are going to continue. If he can get more arm strength he can catch up to those fastballs instead of swinging past them.
dobearsbare
May 25th, 2009
12:35 am
Paul:
All valid points, but THE point here is the Braves need something above “serviceable,” and to get that, there will be a price to be paid. And I would point out that successful GMs don’t let their thinking get confined in the box labeled “realistic.” The mere notion of adding a big bat, as Mark put it, indicates big deal. I was merely proposing an option should none of the outfield options materialize, and if Peavy’s not untouchable, then I’m assuming nobody on the Padres’ roster is.
Steve
May 25th, 2009
12:37 am
Paul, agree Bravo’s need a right handed bat, but I’m trying to get anybody with a legit bat. The economics of the post – Kawakami (7.667 mil) and Hudson (12+ mill) for Dunn (10 mill.) saves the cash to get Peavey. Appreciate your posts though, well thought out etc.
gayle
May 25th, 2009
12:49 am
Matt Holiday, Dan Uggla, Vernon Wells, Jermaine Dye? Why not Albert Pujols or David Wright or Raul Ibanez while you’re at it? Does anyone here believe that any of these players are to be had without paying a ransom for them? And who will be that ransom? And how many more times will this team allow themselves to be burned by Rent-A-Players?
It is just that much nonsense. MB is right. This team has no speed, no power and he forgot to mention no leadoff hitter. I don’t recall alot of teams that have succeeded with such gaping holes in the lineup and that is even before we mention the relic in the dugout who has only mustered one title with 3 Hall of Famers in the rotation.
This team will not make the playoffs. It will finish in third place and we can watch other teams play in October for the 4th year in a row. Good work with the pitching this year, perhaps next year they can address the offense. But until they do, this team is not going anywhere.
Ron Roberts
May 25th, 2009
12:53 am
FRANCOEUR is 7 for his last 17, folks, and is at least hitting .265. He’s not a problem right now. Schafer’s getting to be scary, though. Whatever swagger this guy came in with has to be severely damaged, by now. No shame in sending him down for some tuneup from the neck-up.