Live from the ballpark, and there’s reason to be cheerful
Even if this postseason drive doesn’t wind up with the Braves playing postseason games — and I’m not saying it won’t — 2009 should still be viewed as a corner turned. The 2008 Braves lost 90 games, and so many aging pitchers got hurt that there was no cause to believe Frank Wren could cobble together a rotation in one offseason.
Turns out he cobbled pretty good. Who knew Frank Wren was a veritable Jimmy Choo?
The 2009 Braves have turned out to be pretty good, and they’ve gotten better as they’ve gone. The 2010 Braves could be something to see. All five starting pitchers are under contract for next season, and the team holds an option on Tim Hudson, who’s doing his due rehab diligence. Over the summer Wren has added two outfielders whom the Braves control until 2012.
The biggest free-agents-to-be on this roster are Rafael Soriano, Mike Gonzalez and Adam LaRoche, and it’s fair to say that none is truly indispensable. (Figure the Braves will endeavor to keep one of the relievers but not both.) There’s much less to be done this winter than last, much less reason to regard this franchise as a sinking ship.
The top minor-league prospect, according to Baseball America, is a Brave employee, and Jason Heyward’s Class AA teammate Freddie Freeman is considered among the top 10. Yes, there’s a need for the Braves to begin building around someone other than Chipper Jones, who’s 37, but that work has already begun.
“You’re always looking at your club and projecting three and four years into the future, what you’re going to need,” said Wren, the general manager. “And Chipper is getting older, although he’s still a very good player. But we do have to make the transition to a new nucleus, and Jason and Freddie and Jordan Schafer are a part of that.”
It was the new nucleus of Jones, Javy Lopez and Ryan Klesko that took over the mid-’90s and kept the Braves finishing first into the next century, and it figures to be Heyward and Freeman and Tommy Hanson who ultimately turn this team again into a true power. The Braves clearly aren’t there yet, but a year ago it was possible to see this as an organization in both decline and disarray. It was also possible, not to put too fine a point on it, to wonder if the new GM knew what he was doing.
We have our answer now. Wren might not be John Schuerholz, who’s among the smartest GMs ever, but he’s a solid baseball man who has taken the time-honored approach to fixing what was broken. He started with pitching, and pitching always, always works.
He added three new arms over the winter — Javier Vazquez, Kenshin Kawakami and Derek Lowe — and brought Hanson along nicely. (Wren has also made the deft trade with Detroit for Jair Jurrjens in 2007.) And at this moment you’d have to think the Braves are a big-time corner outfielder and a run-producing first baseman away from excellence. Guess what positions Heyward and Freeman play.
“We’ve got pitching and defense,” Matt Diaz said, “and we’re strong up the middle. And that’s what you have to be. And now the timely hitting is starting to come around.”
Even if these Braves don’t play beyond Oct. 4, they should be back and even better in 2010 and 2011. This might or might not be the year we again see playoff baseball at Turner Field, but we’ll see it soon enough.
Where’s El Marko? He’s sitting at the yard, as we say in the trade, watching the ground crew remove the tarp. It just stopped raining and the Braves, who weren’t going to take batting practice, have filed out of the clubhouse and are stretching and waiting for BP. (As we also say in the trade.)
It could be a long night, what with the combo platter of ESPN and weather, but I’ll be here throughout. And if you’d like to leave a comment or ask a pertinent — or even an impertinent — question, I’d be most happy to indulge in another round of our cyber badinage. I thank you in advance.
Oh, and by the way: I hear this is a big game.
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464 comments Add your comment
Brian
August 16th, 2009
6:01 pm
Mark I love you
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
6:06 pm
Er … thanks, Brian.
Michael
August 16th, 2009
6:06 pm
Mark I love you
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 16th, 2009
6:08 pm
Mark, hows the weather up there?
Reid Adair
August 16th, 2009
6:09 pm
Mark, I’m going to ignore the love fest for Frank Wren and get to more important issues.
Is there a lineup yet? Who is starting in center field?
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
6:10 pm
Just stopped raining about 45 minutes ago, Brandon. Overcast but clearing, I’d say now.
And Michael … I love you, too, MAN!!!
(By the way, I once saw that beer commercial guy — the “I love you, man” guy — walking down Broadway in New York. During the 1996 Final Four, I believe it was. Know what I said to him? Nothin’, man.
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 16th, 2009
6:11 pm
Ryan Church is in center.
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
6:13 pm
Two hours before first pitch — probably two hours and 15 minutes, if the Worldwide Leader has its way — the lineup is this:
Infante, 2B; Prado, 1B; Chipper, CF (kidding — he’s 3B); McCann, C; Escobar, SS; Anderson, LF; Diaz, RF; Church, CF; Vazquez, hurler.
Phillies: Rollins, Victorino, Utley, Howard, Werth, Ibanez, Feliz, Ruiz, Happ.
Dan Kolb's Mom
August 16th, 2009
6:13 pm
The only way the Braves make the playoffs is if the go ahead and get rid of these so called “starters”,open up a one-man rotation, and bring back Dan Kolb. He can pitch a complete game every game and all but ensure an easy victory. I am not biased at all towards him, I just think he is better than any player of all time ever. And he’s such a handsome boy.
brewdawg
August 16th, 2009
6:14 pm
Reid, I prefer Marks blog for sanity purposes. But DOB’s has the lineup posted. I trust you can hit the “back” button on the browser rather than me linking it. Besides, I’d feel disloyal to my enemy – i mean friend – MB.
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
6:14 pm
Mrs. Kolb loves Dan, it would seem. Fifty years after Woodstock — I’ve been listening to the Woodstock Channel on XM — we have a love-fest!
brewdawg
August 16th, 2009
6:16 pm
Never mind. Mark on the ball with the lineup.
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 16th, 2009
6:17 pm
Mark fyi prado has been scratched and laroche put a first.
From DOB: Prado was still dizzy when he went to hit in the cage, so lineup’s changed and LaRoche is in.
1. Infante
2. Anderson (yes, batting second)
3. Chipper
4. McCann
5. Escobar
6. Diaz
7. LaRoche
8. Church
9. Vazquez
Dr. Henry/ Augusta
August 16th, 2009
6:18 pm
I just love the fact that with a positive future for the Braves that these blogs turn back to on-the-field baseball and cheerful subjects. When your pitching staff starts looking like the best in the NL, esp. with the devlopment of Hanson the dismissal of Smoltz and Glavine no longer control out thoughts…In fact it now seems for the best.
The Grinch
August 16th, 2009
6:23 pm
You’re right; Wren is no JS. I doubt Wren would have pulled the trigger on what even the Worldwide Leader calls “The Teixeira Heist.” If he keeps going at the rate he’s going, I believe he’ll be considered better in time. His first two years are certainly better than JS’ last two, anyway. Of course, this site will always be populated by cretins and imbeciles who think that Glavine and Smoltz would be doing better now than Hanson and KK, but there are some of us who appreciate fundamentally sound decisions untainted by fear of greedy, turncoat prima donnas.
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
6:26 pm
Whoops. Scooped on my own blog. But as long as it’s by DOB, I’ll live with it.
The Grinch
August 16th, 2009
6:26 pm
Now do you want to know how I really feel?
BravesLover
August 16th, 2009
6:27 pm
Guard your hearts, boys. These guys are heart breakers; enjoy the good times but, I’m telling you, they will break your hearts.
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
6:27 pm
After Tuesday night, when the Braves made out three different lineups, I should have known not to go with Version 1.
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
6:28 pm
Well, Grinch, you pretty well too care of the love-fest.
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
6:29 pm
Probably should note that the Braves weren’t watching baseball on any of the clubhouse TVs today. They had the PGA and NASCAR going side-by-side.
Michael
August 16th, 2009
6:29 pm
wait till they win the series…and then we can say they are turning the corner…oh…wait, sorry you couldnt wait that long before you spewed another article out of ur toosh
Burgess
August 16th, 2009
6:31 pm
How many more games before Chipper breaks Cal Ripken’s record ?
Josh
August 16th, 2009
6:31 pm
Mark,
I was wondering if you knew how the guys feel about these games being played later because of ESPN… frustrated? excited? indifferent? Also, Joe Morgan just kills me on that broadcast… of course… he’s a hall of famer and I’m not…. but still.
Rob U
August 16th, 2009
6:36 pm
Biggest baseball game in Atlanta since 05?
Sunny
August 16th, 2009
6:36 pm
Mark, why are they batting LaRoche so low in the order? They got him because of his power and tendency for better 2nd-halves, so wouldn’t it make more sense to hit him behind either Chipper or McCann? He’s more of a middle of the lineup power thumper, not a 7th or 8th hitter.
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
6:37 pm
Players don’t like have to sit around on a Sunday to wait for the Worldwide Leader, but they do like playing in prime time when everybody else is watching. And they do realize it’s part of the game. Not much fazes baseball players, you should know.
And this Sunday night isn’t nearly as bad as the one two weeks ago, when the Dodgers played here and the Braves had to fly to San Diego and land at a Naval base at 2 a.m. PDT. That was a tough turnaround. The Braves play here tomorrow at 4:05 in the makeup date with the Arizona D-Backs, as I’m sure you know.
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
6:39 pm
I’ve been a little surprised at LaRoche hitting seventh myself. I know one thing the Braves didn’t like about Kotchman was his lack of pop and having to hit him in the 7th spot.
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 16th, 2009
6:41 pm
Mark, I think Laroche should have a shot at cleanup. McCann is a natural 5 hole hitter, in my opinion.
T'ville Dawg
August 16th, 2009
6:42 pm
Mark, maybe you can help me understand something. It seems that announcers call a ball inside or outside based on the pitch being on one side of the plate or the other regaurdless of if the batter is a lefty or righty, is this correct. What I men is the guy will say he got it in on him when the ball is actually away from him, or am I just not paying attention.
T'ville Dawg
August 16th, 2009
6:43 pm
Enter your comments here
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
6:45 pm
About Joe Morgan: It’s my feeling that familiarity with any broadcaster will yield some measure of contempt, but it’s gotten to the point with me that I can’t listen to the man. But he was, as I note again, one of the greatest players I’ve ever seen.
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
6:46 pm
I think, T’ville, that whether a ball is inside or outside depends on whether the hitter’s a lefty or a righty. I’ve never heard an announcer call it another way. Not even Joe Morgan.
Bat Masterson
August 16th, 2009
6:48 pm
I’m looking for a bunt home run tonight.
Salty
August 16th, 2009
6:50 pm
“Of course, this site will always be populated by cretins and imbeciles…”
You are not referring to me, are you Grinch!
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 16th, 2009
6:51 pm
Getting interesting at the PGA… Mark when do you think Heyward should make his ML Debut? Should the Braves bring him up or let him stay in the Minors until next spring?
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
6:54 pm
I’d go slowly with Heyward, Brandon. I’d wait until 2010. But that’s just me.
And when was the last time you heard “My Old School” by Steely Dan played the the stadium organist? I ask because I just did.
Brandon from Warner Robins
August 16th, 2009
6:56 pm
The Organist at the Ted is hilarious!!
Willy T
August 16th, 2009
6:57 pm
Why does everyone think John Scherholz is so smart? If he was he wouldn’t have traded Adam Wainwright away for J D Drew who they weren’t going to re-sign because of his agent(Scott Boras).He also a few years later traded for Mark Texeira who, by the way has the same agent Boras.That trade set the Braves back by gutting the farm system.Scherholz’s reputation is living off the Fred McGriff trade and the acquisition of Greg Maddux.
Toots
August 16th, 2009
6:57 pm
I’m not gonna say I love you, Mark, but I did appreciate the Jimmy Choo reference.
BBF
August 16th, 2009
6:57 pm
Right on all points, Mark. Except for the Glavine incident, other trades/demotions have proven right. My baseball fantasy: Bring back Smoltz, Glavine,,,,and yes,,,out of retirement Maddux…as Relief Pitchers! They would be perfect,,,,don’t retire your starting pitchers, just make them reliefs. The Braves batting is awesome. The End. Focus On The Pitchers,,,,please tell Mr. Wren. Vazquez and JJ(Jair J.) are maybe just one knotch below the Prime 3 and thats fantastic, Lowe is slipping, but KK is just now improving,,,,Hanson is good and young and getting/will get ever better. I don’t think he is ready for playoffs. But whatever, all your starters can be fantastic, then the game can be completely destroyed by your Reliefs. RPs, RPs, RPs. Watch Lowe & KK for improving, get the Prime 3 back for relief pitching and That is the recipe of not only winning the NL Division, but possbile the World Series, my friend! Either way, the pumping up defense just a little, offense keep on trucking, and get some Solid, Consistent, Consistent, RPs. That is what will cost us the Division this year, anyway if they fail to focus on the RPs. But, your right Mark, next year, heck, thats probably in the bag!
ACE OF HEARTS
August 16th, 2009
6:57 pm
I watched Heyward and Freeman play in Rome for a year and I think they will have the same impact when they make the show as McCann, and Francoeur did.
Bobby needs to get a little Captain in him. Captain Hook that is. Sparky anderson with the big red machine. It was obvious that KK had lost it when the 7th inning began. If not for some bad base running it could have been a big inning.
Jason Heyward | All Days Long
August 16th, 2009
7:01 pm
[...] Live from the ballpark, and there's reason to be cheerful Atlanta Journal Constitution The top minor-league prospect, according to Baseball America, is a Brave employee, and Jason Heyward's Class AA teammate Freddie Freeman is considered among … See all stories on this topic [...]
Ashley
August 16th, 2009
7:01 pm
Is there more rain expected in the forecast? As important as this game is (and Arizona coming in tomorrow), it would be horrible if there’s a rainout. The AJC headline online says Atlanta will get some weather from the Panhandle.
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
7:01 pm
Organist just played “Heroes and Villains” by the Beach Boys.
The hardest decision any manager has to make is when to remove his starting pitcher, Ace of Hearts. Grady Little got fired because he left Pedro Martinez in against the Yankees. And I would say, on Cox’s behalf, he usually moves sooner than later.
Dan Kolb's Mom
August 16th, 2009
7:02 pm
I agree that Joe Morgan is a terrible announcer. But you know who would make a fantastic baseball broadcaster? Danny Kolb. His voice is so melodious and sweet, and he just loves baseball to death. And he’s such a handsome boy.
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
7:03 pm
There’s a 50 percent chance of rain at 8 p.m., though the sun’s out now. Goes down to 40 percent by 11 p.m.
Greg Norton
August 16th, 2009
7:03 pm
I’m disappointed Norton’s not starting tonight — what with all the injuries and all….
Mark Bradley
August 16th, 2009
7:05 pm
Oh, and thanks, Toots. Was torn between Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik. But I went with the one I didn’t have to Google to spell.
dizzy5dean
August 16th, 2009
7:05 pm
I think Dan Kolb an mom have been drinking too many bruskies. Go BRAVES!!!