After 75 forgettable games, Braves have one to remember

When you’ve played 75 games and nothing much has happened, you’re looking for that one good night. You’re looking for a start, a spark, a reason to keep hoping when you’re a good week away from even nosing above .500. Maybe this was that night. Maybe this was the start of something, if not quite big, then at least bigger than what we’ve seen.

The Braves blew a game against the reigning world champs and won it anyway. They won it because Gregor Blanco, who was playing only because Bobby Cox decided after batting practice that Nate McLouth shouldn’t, and Martin Prado, playing only because Kelly Johnson has forgotten how, mustered seven hits between them.

They won it because they outpitched the Phillies, which everyone does, and also outhit them, which you wouldn’t figure these Braves could ever do. They won it despite two horrendous pitches from Mike Gonzalez that turned a 3-2 lead into a 4-3 deficit. They won it in the way the Braves used to win games all the time but this team hasn’t yet.

They won it in the bottom of the 10th, and after they did Matt Diaz, who touched off the winning rally with a tough two-strike single and scored the winning run, said this sort of winning is capable of being replicated on a more or less nightly basis. “That’s what has been so frustrating about this team,” Diaz said. “We should be able to play this way more often that not.”

What way is that? Diaz again: “We got great pitching [six big innings from a rejuvenated Derek Lowe and clutch relief from everyone save Gonzo]. We got great defense. [Chipper Jones authored a beautiful double play in the top of the 10th.] We got timely hitting.”

And what, having done all that for seemingly the first time this millennium, were the 2009 Braves left to think? “That we can do this,” Diaz said.

The Braves began the day in fourth place in a five-team division, five games below .500, and then they trotted out a lineup that didn’t include McLouth (hurt), Johnson (awful) or Yunel Escobar (hurt). They got no hits from Brian McCann or Diory Hernandez but 13 from everybody else. They trailed three times — and how often has it felt a one-run deficit was insurmountable for these hitless wonders? — and hit their way back in the bottom of every inning.

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Prado had four hits and four RBIs, and afterward Bobby Cox proclaimed him his starting second baseman. “Right now, yes,” Cox said. “He’s too hot to take out.”

And sometimes that’s what it takes to light a fuse: A utility guy is given a chance and renders himself indispensable. Three times Prado drove home a tying run, and in the 10th he hammered a two-strike pitch over the head of John Mayberry Jr. in left field to untie this one forever. Martin Prado, of all people, and he could have picked no better moment.

Diaz again: “We’re starting to play division games now, and someone has to win. We need that someone to be us.”

Just like that, the Braves are within four games of first place and within one of third. Just like that, a homestand that went flat against the Yankees and Red Sox has found a second wind. Just like that, a team that has had no reason to feel good about itself celebrated the best night of 2009.

121 comments Add your comment

Allen

July 1st, 2009
7:44 am

a beer or cup of coffee or what ever your drink is says Bobby Cox will have KJ back at 2b before the end of the week! Cox just has no fire to win. Look at coaches in any sport at any level and the successful ones will all have the competative fire to win. Why would Cox ever retire when he makes a mil per year and loves coming to the ball park. For him winning is just a bonus. The Braves will never do anything as long as Cox is the manager – this did not just start recently, even when they werer winning divisions they still could not do anything in the post season. If Joe Torre had the talent Cox has had since 1996 there would be 4 or 5 world championships in Altnata – oh wait, those championships are in NY and may be headed to LA.

TRobb

July 1st, 2009
7:44 am

Mark, you said, “…a homestand that fell flat against the Yankees and Red Sox…”, and I’m thinking, what? But of course you’re right, they lost both series.

I just don’t feel like they played badly because the pitching has been so very good.

For a team with a pitching staff this good to be under .500, the offense has had to be absolutely dismal. Like, historically dismal.

mowreck

July 1st, 2009
7:53 am

Mark, the reason Kelly Johnson has forgotten how to play is because he is jerked in and out of games too often. His confidence has got to be shot.
One nite he was 2 hits, the next one 3 hits … then he sits just so Cox can give WHOEVER some playing time.

mowreck

July 1st, 2009
7:55 am

P.S. I believe Prado was batting 139 before last nites 2 hits.

Jfreak

July 1st, 2009
7:59 am

If the Braves are depending on Prado or Blanco to get them to the playoffs they are in far worse shape than anyone had imagined. Don’t get me wrong Prado is playing much better than Johnson and should start but to suggest that because a utility player is the key to the Braves season is silly!

The key as it has been all year is three guys playing well: Chipper, Frenchy and Anderson?? Right now 1 (Anderson) of the three is playing well, although Frenchy seems to be playing better of late? Chipper you assume will come out of his slump but isn’t the POWER player he use to be. Frenchy I think will improve and have decent numbers by years end. By decent I mean .265 14 75?? Chipper on the other hand seems to have lost his consistant power stroke. Our best “hitter” is our catcher and he should hit 3rd to give him more at bats.

We need another bat in the line up?? Adam Dunn??

mowreck

July 1st, 2009
7:59 am

p.s. I believe Prado was batting 139 before the 2 hits last nite. Even if Cox started him over KJ and he had 4 hits the next day … Cox would probably sit him and play KJ … been that way all year.

JP Swain

July 1st, 2009
8:03 am

Why will Kelly Johnson get another chance down the line? He’s not a very good fielder, and he makes Jeff Francouer look like a reliable hitter.

Be-little, BeBOLD

July 1st, 2009
8:08 am

I think the turning point in KJ’s year came when he was on his hot streak hitting and Cox decided he needed a rest . . . this after everyone had been on his back for the dropped fly-ball that cost them a game. Mentally, he just caved in . . . fans on him and manager benches him. Also, many games Cox sat him because he was facing a lefty although he hit better against them than right-handers. Don’t lay all the blame for his bad season on his back . . . put part of it on his manager! Can you please give the guy a little respect?

Over and out

July 1st, 2009
8:19 am

Turlock Brave said exactly what I was thinking. Everytime this turning point article is written, we go on to lose 4-5 games in a row.
Tonight, Franceour needs to wear his Turkey underwear against Hamels.

bravesfanforever

July 1st, 2009
8:29 am

Yeah, okay, get the fans excited so they tune in for another blog session. The way the team is currently constructed, they are not winners. They will be lucky to finish the season at .500. Funny how newspapers constantly have to make stories out of nothing. I realize it was a great game, but that’s all it was. It was not a turning point because the Braves are no better than they were he day before because it takes a collective effort from an entire team to win, not just one guy having a great night.

This team needs several things to finish the season in a respectable manner. They are all achievable.

1. Prado stays in at 2B and has a season like 2008.(He could finish the season hitting much better being a regular)

2. Diaz needs to either share time with Anderson in left or he needs to take over completely. Like Prado, with regular ABs (2008 not withstanding) he should hit much better–most players do.

3. Kotchman needs to have a career year. Might be asking for too much but has anyone seen his minor league stats? He has it in him to hit .300 with 15-20 homers. I’m not sure why he hasn’t reached his full potential but most players do after 5 years in the big leagues. He should be in his prime at age 26. Maybe this is all we can expect?

4. McLouth needs to hit 5th, not 1st. This team needs power, not what little speed we would get out of one player. He is not a 60 SB guy so forget it and he doesn’t have the OBP anyway. Put him 5th since he could finish the season with 30 homers. Our “best” power hitter should not be leading off games! Hitting him behind two guys who get on base 40+% of the time (Chipper & McCann) should give him plenty of RBI opportunities.

5. Which leads me to Escobar. Lead off with Prado and hit Escobar second. Not an ideal situation, but we know Prado can hit which means he can get on base. He is at .360 and was at .377 last year in OBP (who else can bat lead off on this team!!). We all know Escobar does not like to lead off and besides he has more power than Prado and he is a pretty good hitter with runners on base.

Look at this line up:

1. Prado
2. Escobar
3. Chipper
4. McCann
5. McLouth
6. Diaz
7. Kotchman
8. Francoeur
9. Pitcher

Not a bad line up. Not great, but not bad, and I haven’t even gotten to any trades.

I still believe this team needs at least one big trade because we do not know if Chipper is going to make it or even hit like he used to and this team needs POWER. If they can trade away Vasquez and include Francoeur in that trade, that will free up $15 million. You can get a heck of a player for $15 million (and I don’t mean Matt Holiday). LF is logically the best place to put that player since we have Heyward coming in a year or two. In the meantime, if Schafer comes back in one month (great timing with the trade deadline), put McLouth in RF, Schafer in CF and our new power hitting LF in the line up, we’ll be sitting pretty. I’m not holding my breath on Schafer so don’t get me wrong. He does not need to come back this season but it would be nice.

1. Schafer CF
2. Escobar SS
3. Chipper 3B
4. McCann C
5. New LF
6. McLouth RF
7. Kotchman 1B
8. Prado 2B
9. Pitcher

We can survive trading away a starter since Hudson is coming back. It is taking a risk but isn’t that baseball? If it does not work out this season, we always have next year right? No big deal. Hudson will be back, maybe good in August and September or maybe not. Doesn’t matter. Either way we get our power hitting LF for next year. Lowe, Jurrjens, Hanson, Hudson, & KK. That’s not bad! if Hudson doesn’t come back we can always move KK to the fourth position and try Medlen in the fifth. Honestly, the fifth starter does not need to be lights out. How many teams have great fifth starters anyway?

RufinoLinares

July 1st, 2009
8:30 am

I have said since Prado first came up that I felt that Atlanta should give him a shot to play every day. The Braves labeled him as a “utility” player when he’s a good contributor. Prado is a player who will do whatever he’s asked to do and needed to do for the team to win. Last night he had a hot stick. He provides spark to an otherwise listless lineup. The timing of Bobby Cox putting him in the lineup is pretty awkward. Kelly Johnson had a decent game Sunday as I recall. I would have expected Cox to put him in the lineup Wednesday against Cole Hamels. Still, Prado had a better game last night than KJ has had all season.

siskel_god

July 1st, 2009
8:30 am

Great win last night, I’m glad to see Prado get the nod at 2nd it’s well overdue. I’m not getting too excited because I did that after we won 2 in a row against the Cubs and Yanks, and after all it is just 1 game. Garrett has been heating up and hitting the ball pretty good and Jeff has been much better this month, with Prado starting at second if we move Yunel down to 5th where he hit the other day against Boston that might be the impact bat we been needing. I would like 1 more guy still but prbably not gonna get it so we better win with what we got.

MiltonDawg

July 1st, 2009
8:31 am

can we finally just get a lineup that works and stick with it? aside from injuries, we need to stick with something like this:
McLouth/Blanco
Prado
Chipper
Mac
Anderson
Kotchman
Escobar/Hernandez
Francouer/Diaz/Blanco
SP

This could easily work and very flexible- no since of putting Escobar in the top with his hip flexor issue and until Francouer can take his turkey briefs and bat (consistently) over .300, then maybe you can move him to the 5/6 spot.

Uncle Dave

July 1st, 2009
8:31 am

You guys are missing the boat on Johnson. He has had plenty of opportunity to produce. How many at bats does he need to mend his fragile psyche? Has mean old Bobby Cox been too tough on him? Give me a break. Johnson is a good guy and he will snap out of it. You sell him short when you make it sound like he cannot handle playing for a manager who is universally praised by former players as the best guy to work for in the majors. That list of players spans a period of time longer than many of you have been alive. While no manager is perfect, you guys lose credibility when you blame Cox exclusively for the lack of production. He is only playing the hand he was dealt by a penny pinching out of town “ownership group” who never viewed this team as anything more than a convenient tax break because of Stock Options. Cox is trying to win with some young talent and a group of line drive hitters who “will not break the bank.” Johnson is a big boy and I think he can take it.

Hoosier Aaron

July 1st, 2009
8:34 am

Just for the record – Kelly Johnson has not had a 2 hit game since June 3 – in fact, he’s had 1 hit (period) since June 16.

Since June 21, Prado has had a 2, 3 & 4 hit game. In 64 AB in June, Martin is hitting .359.

Plus – in the months of May & June (169 AB) Garrett Anderson is hitting .296…..honestly, we knew he was not going to hit for power. He was called a “professional hitter”…and for the last two months he’s beeen exactly that.

One more comment, Medlen needs to get some innings – if not in Atlanta at Gwinnett….a seat next to Eddie P is not doing him any good.

RufinoLinares

July 1st, 2009
8:37 am

To the lineup prognosticators, Prado is not a leadoff hitter. He seems to be a pretty good #2 hitter. Here’s what I would do with what you have:

CF Nate McLouth
2B Martin Prado
3B Chipper Jones
C Brian McCann
SS Yunel Escobar
LF Garret Anderson
1B Casey Kotchman
RF Jeff Franceour

I think the Braves need a bat if they’re going to stay in it like everybody else. The reality of it is that most GM’s have said there aren’t many out there. If getting a bat is going to involve any further talent from the farm, I’m not for it. In reality, this team would make a quick exit if they even made the playoffs so why trade away your future when it won’t even fix the present?

Ripped Again

July 1st, 2009
8:43 am

That was a good win ,but they have to show me more before im going start drinking the kool-ade .

The Grinch

July 1st, 2009
8:46 am

Best hitting pitcher ever? I’m pretty sure that was Babe Ruth. Besides, Mike Hampton’s a better hitter than Francouer.

ALL Righty then

July 1st, 2009
8:48 am

Prado needs to be the starting 2nd baseman. Keeping Kelly Johnson there is not a good move for the team. Johnson is a utility man and its not fair to the team to keep playing him when they need hitting so bad. Also when Infante gets back they should find a place in the lineup for him. Prado and Infante are what this team needs for a run.

I really feel sorry for our pitchers. They deserve better.

Luke

July 1st, 2009
8:53 am

Prado is a baseball player, in every sense of the word. He gives it 100% everytime out there. He needs to be in the starting lineup. I think we need to better our team and dump Kelly, along with one of our capable starting pitchers in the organization for a bat, it just makes to much sense!!

tralfaz

July 1st, 2009
8:55 am

Don’t give up on the hitters until you try a new hitting coach

Mark P.

July 1st, 2009
9:00 am

No doubt it was a fantastic win, and we all hope that it leads to something more. But Prado and Diaz, the two offensive heros, will probably be on the bench for tonight’s game. Bobby Cox has, in the past, stayed with players in a slump, even if the slump has lasted most of the year. He is the only person that believes that Kelly Johnson can play his way out of his slump. And when the Braves score no runs the next two games to undo this one-game lift, don’t be surprised. Cox has become the Cooler. Batting averages mean nothing. Go with the cold hitter. Unbelievable.

Dzjenn

July 1st, 2009
9:01 am

If the cards can turn a pitcher into an outfield (Ankiel) maybe we can turn an outfield into a pitcher (Francoeur). I like it!

braveshoo

July 1st, 2009
9:04 am

Great Win. One disagreement-we need to stop demanding trades and manage in a way that puts the players that we have in the best position to win.I saw some of it last night and I hope it continues.First, Prado starts-hits,fields,bunts to get RISP,has great baseball instincts and is clutch. Should have happened a year ago.Second,I liked the way we bunted runners to 2b and 3b with only one out even though the pitcher was coming up. All the pitcher has to do in that situation is hit a ground ball, a fly ball, or a squeeze bunt. Cox tryed the squeeze and it would have worked if Lowe had gotten the bunt down. Right strategy-bad execution, but I expect if we practiced it more, and did it more in games, our execution would be better.This team has good pitching.Its the little things that they need to do better to score more runs. Third-dont trade Kelly. Put him on the bench, let him work on his hitting with the pressure off, and let him earn his way on the field like Prado did. Before the end of the year, he will help us with a pinch hit or if someone gets hurt. Fourth, play Diaz more. He hussles, and this is something this team needs-press the defense by going 1st to third on a hit to LF,etc. In addition, it gives Anderson and Frenchy a needed night off on a regular basis. Last, play Infante and Prado when Infante gets off the DL.If Infante is at 2b, play Prado at 1b or 3b and give Casey or Chipper a night off,but keep prado and Infante in the game. We need their hitting,defense,speed,bunting,and hustle.McClouth,Prado,Chipper,McCann,Escobar,Anderson/Diaz,Infante,Francour/Diaz is a pretty good lineup if you dont play for HRs, and instead hit and run,sacrifice, squeeze, and play aggresive baseball.

Ben

July 1st, 2009
9:05 am

Mark P., I hope you’re wrong but I can’t say that I’m not on board with your pessimistic take. Moments like these are what have made this season so frustrating. We’ve been in this position before where we were only 2-3 games back, win a big game, then go on a 5 game losing streak. It’s all here in front of us, 4 games back, 2 with the Phils, but we’ve done nothing but wilt in these moments so far. I still say that without another big stick this is still nothing but a .500 team. Nothing I’ve seen tells me otherwise so far.

TRobb

July 1st, 2009
9:07 am

I did a little looking last night at the defensive metrics (zone rating, UZR) on Fanalytics. The Braves were way below average in LF and CF (McLouth was horrible, which doesn’t comport with what my eyes were telling me), as well as 3B and SS (Escobar and CJones have been lousy, Chipper last night notwithstanding). Kelly was above average at 2B, and Kotchman, McCann and Ross all well above average at 1B and C.

Prado was well above average at first and third and average at 2B. Not that I’m in favor of “average” as a benchmark for 2B play, but it was a big improvement over Prado’s last two years at 2B and to get a clutch RH bat in the lineup every day, I think you have to go with Prado.

And make no mistake. Kelly is not being benched because of his defense, which is above average. He’s being benched because he hasn’t had a hit in a month.

Mike

July 1st, 2009
9:07 am

I keep seeing everyone put these “dream” lineups in their blogs. Exactly what does one expect to accomplish with a lineup littered with .250 hitters?

TRobb

July 1st, 2009
9:08 am

Oh, and Francoeur was average.

Silly Atlanta Fans

July 1st, 2009
9:14 am

Face it folks. In a couple of days everyone will be lamenting how bad this team is and how DONE they are.

The team isn’t a contender and that won’t change due to one game. Reality stinks sometimes and that is reality.

You have a writer who is looking for something to write about and gullible fans who are wishin’ and hopin’ for a miracle.

This article is like a snake oil salesman telling you his product offers hope for your ailment.

It just ain’t gonna happen!

Helluva Engineer

July 1st, 2009
9:20 am

Kelly Johnson needs to continue to stay on the bench. As long as that happens we have a chance to win.

Charles

July 1st, 2009
9:29 am

Bill, no way Frenchy would be the best hitting pitcher in the bigs. That honor would still undeniably be Micah Owings’. Hell, Owings would be the third best bat in the Braves everyday lineup as it is.

Braves73

July 1st, 2009
9:33 am

I was impressed with the Braves win last night, but moreso how they won the game. They play with some passion & more to the point, they played with urgency. It’s the little things that they haven’t done well…like bunting runners over into scoring position (Prado bunting Blanco into scoring position in the 6th), hitting a weak grounder to the right side of the infield that scores a run in the 5th-Frenchy) and just putting pressure on the oppossing team. If you look at the Phillies, their pitching is horrible, their batting average as a team is just a few points higher than the Braves, but they do two things that the Braves don’t/can’t. They hit home-runs (lead the NL) and they RUN. They are not overly fast, but they are always putting pressure on and creating offense…The Braves would be well served adopting this mentality.

Mangum

July 1st, 2009
9:33 am

Why is it every time the Braves have a win like this or beat a good team, the writers for the AJC say that this “is the start of something.” Until the Braves get above .500 and start winning on a consistent basis, I’m not getting my hopes up. The same was said when we started 5-1, when we swept Toronto, and when we beat the Yankees to open the series. Look at where we have ended up.

jay

July 1st, 2009
9:37 am

I think a lot of posters on this blog should really start thinking about eating some crow on Frenchy… He’s starting to come around and after supplying material for the local columnists for a year, suddenly nothing is being said about him. Funny how that works

elliot

July 1st, 2009
9:37 am

guys, lets slow it down a bit (agreeing with Mangum)…. keep in mind what happened against the Sox twice and the Yankees. We still have a terrible offense and no speed. The Mets are going to buy themselves back into the playoffs while the Phillies wake up and start winning “some” games at home. We do not have a playoff team. Sorry.

VaBravesfan

July 1st, 2009
9:41 am

The Braves should retire Kelly Johnson’s uniform jersey, with him in it.

The Grinch

July 1st, 2009
9:49 am

Trobb, any “metrics” that tell you McLouth is horrible defensively and KJ is above average defensively are “metrics” you ought not pay much attention to. Use the good ol’ eyeball test.

jay

July 1st, 2009
9:50 am

Moreck – Prado was hitting .280 before last night’s game. Maybe you were confusing him with Blanco (I know, all those Latin players look alike).

KJ’s average hasn’t been over .256 since April 18th. He has 11 multi-hti games (in 61 starts), and none in his last 18 starts. Blanco’s now hitting .219 (in only 32 AB’s) versus KJ’s .216. Prado is hitting .299 and has 9 multi-hit games in 32 starts and is much better second baseman.

This isn’t rocket science.

Blackberry Cobbler

July 1st, 2009
9:50 am

No, this is NOT the start of something. It’s just another Braves tease.

If Kelly Johnson ever starts at 2B again, I swear I’ll never watch another Braves game this season. Prado is just flat out a much better ball player and deserves to play.

Of course, Cox is a moron so we’ll see.

bravesfanforever

July 1st, 2009
9:54 am

Anyone read DOB’s article???

“Afterward, Braves manager Bobby Cox said Prado would be the starting second baseman over slumping Kelly Johnson, at least for a while.

“He’s too hot to take out,” Cox said of Prado, who hit a two-out, eighth-inning RBI double to tie the score, and a one-out single after falling behind in the count 0-2 against Chan Ho Park in the 10th.”

I think that kinda means that Prado will be the starting second baseman does it not?

By the way Brave’s fans… My line up is way better than anyone else’s here. ;-) You can’t bat your biggest power hitter in the one slot. Makes no sense at all. McLouth would get a ton of RBIs behind Chipper and McCann. We have trouble getting the runners home people.

Apparently since we are forgoing power and this team can’t steal anyway, wouldn’t Chipper or McCann be a better lead off hitter since they get on base 40% of the time?? McLouth is not a big base stealer, is not a great OBP guy, therefore, hit him 5th. What logical reason would anyone have for not putting Prado first This team can’t steal bases anyway so forget it!

Does anyone here think that 20 SBs is more important than 200 RBI opportunities during an entire season? Geez, the team had Johnson leading off and it’s not like he was a speed burner. Put Prado first.

Lazy Dawg

July 1st, 2009
9:55 am

Braves just need to have some fun in the dugout and baseball will take care of it’s self.

BT

July 1st, 2009
9:56 am

Even though it was short, this was the best column of the season! Funny they go better after a win.

On another note a few years ago we were 10 games back at the end of July and still made the playoffs. If their were bloggers back then I wonder what they would have been saying at the time. Were they trying to run our HOF Manager out of town, was Chipper a bum, did we have the worst starting nine in baseball?

TRobb

July 1st, 2009
9:57 am

Grinch, I kind of take them with a grain of salt, you’re right. McLouth catches everything he gets to and plays smart. I haven’t seen any glaring deficiencies there. He might have less range than, say, Torii Hunter, but I have no problem with Nate McLouth as my CF.

On Johnson, I disagree with you there. He has turned a nice pivot since he started (thanks to Glenn Hubbard). He does have good range – had a problem going to his right last year, I agree, but he smoothed that out this year – and his hands, while not Ozzian, are pretty good. I was in favor of KJ at 2B for the foreseeable future at the beginning of the season because I considered him a good 2B and expected him to keep developing with the bat – say, .290/.370/20HR/80RBI/100R. That’s a nice player.

Unfortunately, he’s more like .190/.270. And I get warm, fuzzy feelings when Prado comes to the plate. As a bonus, Prado makes us less lefthanded.

Doug

July 1st, 2009
10:01 am

Why is Braves management so blind? Somebody labeled Prado and Infante as “utility” and that’s the end of that. These guys play with more heart and effect than most of the “starters”. Both show steady improvement when played regularly and seem to have the grit and ability to provide better performance than the guys they replace. They are not flashy or have big egos, they just know how to play solid ball and do what’s required to win. Maybe they have weaknesses that will show over the long run, but we never let them settle in long enough to find out.

TRobb

July 1st, 2009
10:03 am

BFF (heh), yeah, I saw Bobby’s quote. That’s about as effusive as he gets when he’s decided to make a change, I suppose. I’d've rather he said, “Wow. Prado was awesome tonight, and come to think of it, for the last year-and-a-half. All the guy does is hit. Kelly will be designated for assignment tomorrow.”

Also, there are a lot of those statistical ubermeisters who say that the way to structure your lineup is by OBP – so McCann first, Chipper second, etc, which produces more runs. I’m not sure the purist in me is ready for that.

Although, McCann might lead the team in steals right now….hmmm…..

Ralph

July 1st, 2009
10:24 am

Best possible lineup:
1. McCloth-CF
2. Prodo-2b
3. McCann-1b
4. Jones-3b
5. Ross-C
6. Escobar-ss
7. Infante-rf
8. Diaz/Anderson-lf

john

July 1st, 2009
10:25 am

Enter your comments here

john

July 1st, 2009
10:26 am

trade prado to phils for utley and howard

john

July 1st, 2009
10:27 am

trade prado for utley and howard

Ralph

July 1st, 2009
10:29 am

Bobby says “Prodo’s got the job” as long as he goes 4-5 with a homer every nite.