The Braves’ postseason rotation: Does Lowe get a start?
This is premature. But we geniuses were talking about it last night in the press box, and I figured one or two of you might be having a similar conversation. So here goes: What’s the rotation if the Braves make the playoffs?
The obvious answer: Javier Vazquez in Game 1 because he has been the Braves’ best pitcher this season; Jair Jurrjens in Game 2 because he has been the second-best, and Tommy Hanson in Game 3 because he has been to this team what Steve Avery was to the 1991 aggregation. And then Bobby Cox would have to face the question all managers must tackle in postseason — a three-man rotation or a four-man?
And I’m thinking Cox will choose the latter. When he has had a big-time fourth starter in postseasons past, he hasn’t skipped him. Only when the Braves’ rotation was short a man did Cox deploy a starting pitcher on three days’ rest. And the Braves do have a high-salaried starting pitcher who has won clinching games in both the League Championship Series and the World Series itself, and it isn’t as if that pitcher hasn’t won a game this season. Indeed, Derek Lowe has won 15.
But there’s a catch. Lowe stands fourth among National League starters in wins — actually, he’s tied with four other men, Vazquez among them — but he’s only 67th in ERA. Opponents are hitting .299 against him, which ranks next-to-last (ahead of only Livan Hernandez, the human batting tee) among all NL qualifiers. Lowe has won almost in spite of himself, which isn’t exactly an advertisement for a playoff start.
Loading ...But — yes, another “but” — there’s another consideration. Vazquez has one career postseason victory and has had the reputation, which he’s overcoming weekly, of not being a big-game pitcher. Jurrjens and Hanson have never been in the playoffs. Tim Hudson is coming off arm surgery and has won only once in nine postseason starts to boot.
Say what you will about Lowe as a Brave, but he started and won Game 7 in Yankee Stadium in 2004 and worked seven scoreless innings for the Red Sox in the Series clicncher against St. Louis. And that, we need note, came at a time when fatalistic New Englanders fully expected something to go wrong. (Because, up until then, something always had.)
I’m not saying give Lowe a Game 1 start because he won two big games five years ago for another club. But I’m saying he deserves a start if his latest club plays beyond the 162nd game. He’s still a decent pitcher. He has, after all, won 15 games.
Oh, and one thing more: As the rotation sets up now, Vazquez would start a one-game playoff against Colorado on Monday if a 163rd game is necessary. Since he’s scheduled to work Wednesday night against Florida, that would be his regular turn. But if Vazquez starts a playoff game and the Braves win it, that would surely leave Jurrjens to work Game 1 in Dodger Stadium, wouldn’t it?
OK, one final final thing: The Dodgers’ rotation would include some combination of Chad Billingsley, Clayton Kershaw, Randy Wolf , Jon Garland, Hiroki Kuroda and possibly Vincente Padilla. Would you take that group over the Braves’ starters? Didn’t think you would.
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94 comments Add your comment
Dennis
September 29th, 2009
2:20 pm
Lowe would have to get his game right to start. But to have Hudson and Lowe..we would be dangerous. Looking forward to the next six games!
Karma Police
September 29th, 2009
2:20 pm
I agree, Mark. I would give Lowe a start. But I am much more worried about Tim Hudson tonight.
NY BRAVES FAN
September 29th, 2009
2:21 pm
As much as I realize and know that Lowe has not been a typical # 1 this year, It is without a doubt in my mind that he should be and wil be starting in a brave playoff rotation. At this point I can’t predict if he will be the number 1 or the number 4 because assuming if the braves get in I am not sure how the roatation would stack up. I would bet though that Bobby would give him the ball in Game 1 if he could knowing his experience in post season.
cricket
September 29th, 2009
2:25 pm
JV for one-game playoff, JJJ game 1 followed by TH and DL. Hudson and KK long men in BP.
Ugaman
September 29th, 2009
2:27 pm
I hate to say it, but I think Bobby would probably start Lowe in game 1. He always puts a lot of emphasis on vets with playoff experience. I think it should be Vasquez, JJ, Hanson and then Hudson, with Lowe coming out of the Bullpen. IMHO, he’s the only starter who know what it’s like to pitch late in the game with the game on the line, and it would be nice to have him back there with Sori and Gonzo, considering how unstable they can be at the end of the game. I also hope Bobby has a short leash with Gonzo, as he almost always walks someone because his mechanics are so poor when falling off the mound. I just don’t trust him when there’s a great deal of pressure and you need a pitch in the right location. Either way, I’m just stoked that we are still talking about the Bravos with 6 games left in the season! They have really pulled it together and will be dangerous if they make it to the postseason. I promise you that noone wants to go up against our rotation in the playoffs! Just ask St. Louis.
Smack
September 29th, 2009
2:48 pm
The fact is we signed him to be the ace of the staff. To get our money’s worth, he would have to be one of the first two to start in the playoffs right? WRONG! As the second half has shaped up, this is and should continue to be thought of as Tommy Hanson’s staff. He is the dominating pitcher that often glows in the spotlight of October (i.e. the Junior Smoltz). Lowe has been brilliant in the playoffs as a reliever in the past and should be thought of as the emergency option out of the pen should we start to slip early in a game come the division series.
jayvee
September 29th, 2009
2:49 pm
Not sure what would transpire if the Braves make the playoff or playoffs. I’m more concerned about whether or how they’ll resign Vazquez after this season ends.
Benjamin
September 29th, 2009
2:52 pm
D-Lowe is my fourth starter if I’m Bobby Cox. Vaz, Jair, and Hanson all have outperformed hm during this run, but he does have experience pitching in big games, though he was nationally known before 2004 as the possessor of the “Derek Lowe Face,” which wasn’t exactly a complimentary tone struck by The Sports Guy.
Honestly, if we get to the playoffs, I think we’re completely the team to beat… if Derek Lowe is your fourth starter in this league, you’ve got an advantage.
You Distort, We Deride
September 29th, 2009
2:54 pm
6th. Or 7th. Who started this crap anyway?
GO BRAVES!
September 29th, 2009
3:02 pm
Barmes didn’t make the catch sunday!!! http://www.flickr.com/photos/crwelling/3963132624/
Herschel Talker
September 29th, 2009
3:03 pm
Should he get a start? No. Vazquez, Jurrjens, and Hanson are all better.
Will he get a start? Of course. Because Booby Cox is always looking for new ways to bring his loyalty to new extremes, so why not do such and create a new October meltdown at the same time. It it’s Booby’s modus operandi, so it is what it is. Sadly, we all know where this rotation decision is heading.
Brian
September 29th, 2009
3:04 pm
One thing not mentioned yet is the fact that the Braves may want to be careful with Tommy Hanson. He’s already pitched more than he’s ever pitched in his life this year. The innings are starting to add up. I wonder if the Braves would consider putting him in the bullpen for the playoffs.
To answer the question at hand, I would be very, very surprised if Derek Lowe was not in the Braves’ playoff rotation. It’s better for the Braves to be in the situation of deciding which starter not to start than some playoff teams who are scrambling around to find guys to start for them.
XXXVII
September 29th, 2009
3:07 pm
Smack’s right, the fact that Lowe was signed to be the ace don’t mean jack. Right now, Lowe is the 5th best starter on the team. But maybe he’ll kick it up notch if the Braves make the playoffs.
Mark Bradley
September 29th, 2009
3:08 pm
I don’t think the Braves will mind giving Hanson a few extra innings in October. All bets are off in that month.
Country Boy
September 29th, 2009
3:08 pm
This blog is WAY to optimistic. Haven’t you been watching the Braves this year??
Jt
September 29th, 2009
3:09 pm
Was talking with a friend of mine yesterday about it and we both would have the same 3 starters as you, Mark. My concern is the Bobby Cox loyalty and the past performance factors- two traits that I think sometimes hurts the Braves. Cox is well aware of how DLowe has performed in big games in the past. I am just not sure that it is significant now. He is really the weak link in the rotation at this time. And DLowe started the year as the number one starter, so I am afraid that he will rely on him for that role. But, if the Braves make it to the playoffs, it will go down to the last game of the season and will have to rely for the most part on how their rotation falls- there will be little room for adjustments. As far as Hanson is concerned, I don’t think it affects him one way or the other the largeness of the game. He seems to just go out there and pitch regardless.
Mark Bradley
September 29th, 2009
3:09 pm
No, I haven’t watched them. How they’ve been doing?
Joey
September 29th, 2009
3:09 pm
Mark, you know Lowe would get the game 1 start, for the same reason Chipper stayed in the 3rd batting spot all season, even when batting 150 for a couple of months. Don’t go to thinking Bobby’s gonna change….
Brian
September 29th, 2009
3:16 pm
I just know Cox haters on here have been complaining for years that he started Glavine and Maddux in Game 1 even though they had a big-game John Smoltz available. Now it’s the opposite. They’re already complaining, and Bobby hasn’t even done anything yet.
GO DAWGS
September 29th, 2009
3:20 pm
D-Lowe should be 4th man in four man rotation IF Braves make playoffs.They got a pretty good shot with the way starting pitching is going. Go Braves !!
Herschel Talker
September 29th, 2009
3:20 pm
Brian:
When you’ve seen the same movie over and over, you know how the ending will be. Do you think Booby is going to change his loyalty card at this point, after 20 years? Get a clue, dude.
Brian
September 29th, 2009
3:22 pm
Question, Herschel: Did you support Cox starting Greg Maddux in series openers after great regular season work, or John Smoltz and his big-game playoffs reputation?
I’ll be you sided with whatever Cox didn’t do.
Mark Bradley
September 29th, 2009
3:26 pm
Actually, Cox tried to pick his Game 1 starter according to the year the pitcher was having. (Provided he had time to set his rotation, which was the case most years.) Glavine started Game 1 against the Pirates in 1991 and Game 1 against the Giants in 2002. Smoltz started Game 1 against the Pirates in 1992. Maddux started Game 1 against the Rockies in 1995, Game 1 against the Astros in 1997 and 1999 and 2001 and Game 1 against the Cardinals in 2000. Smoltz started Game 1 against the Dodgers in 1996 and Game 1 against the Cubs in 1998. Avery started Game 1 against the Phillies in 1993.
Herschel Talker
September 29th, 2009
3:29 pm
Brian:
It’s a fair question. What I do know is that Maddux did not get consistently lit up the second half of that season. So even though I would have gone with Smoltz for sure, starting Maddux was somewhat defensible. Lowe has been very much a tomato can the whole second half. There is no excuse for putting this guy in the rotation. Unless you have blinding loyalty.
Ron E.
September 29th, 2009
3:33 pm
I think you have to set up the rotation based on how the pitchers have pitched this year. You can’t go off what was done 4 or 5 years ago or even last year because Lowe hasn’t been as good this year as he was then and Vasquez has been much better than he ever was before. Throw the small sample size of what Javy did in the past out the window. He’s been great the last 3 weeks when every game has been in effect a playoff game for the Braves. Plus there is the fact that Lowe has pitched out off the bullpen in the past. I’d go with a starting four of Vasquez, Jurrjens, Hanson, and Hudson. Now I’m sure that’s not what Bobby would do. He’d probably send Hanson to the pen and start Lowe because of Lowe’s veteranness.
Brian
September 29th, 2009
3:38 pm
Derek Lowe combined against the Phillies and Dodgers this year: 3-0, 2.25 ERA in five starts. (He didn’t pitch against St. Louis)
Mark Bradley
September 29th, 2009
3:38 pm
I don’t think Hanson will go to the bullpen.
Mike B
September 29th, 2009
3:40 pm
I just hope we get there
Herschel Talker
September 29th, 2009
3:43 pm
Brian:
Below are Derek Lowe’s second half stats. Does this man deserve to start in the postseason over Vazquez, JJ, and Hanson? Please forgive me if the formatting does not come out right.
DATE OPP RESULT IP H R ER HR BB SO PIT ERA*
27-Sep @WAS W 6-3 6 7 3 3 3 2 3 92 4.55
21-Sep @NYM W 11-3 5 6 3 3 1 0 5 69 4.55
16-Sep NYM W 6-5 2 5 3 2 0 2 2 44 4.53
10-Sep @HOU W 9-7 5.2 9 5 5 1 2 5 101 4.48
4-Sep CIN L 3-1 7 7 3 3 1 2 5 97 4.36
Monthly Totals 25.2 34 17 16 6 8 20 403 5.61
29-Aug @PHI W 9-1 5.2 8 1 1 1 0 5 112 4.38
23-Aug FLA W 7-5 5 9 5 3 0 1 3 67 4.48
18-Aug @NYM L 9-4 3.2 11 8 8 0 0 0 82 4.45
12-Aug WAS W 6-2 7 7 2 2 0 4 5 101 4.08
6-Aug @LAD L 5-4 6.1 8 2 2 0 2 2 103 4.15
1-Aug LAD W 4-3 6 5 3 3 1 2 2 85 4.22
Monthly Totals 33.2 48 21 19 2 9 17 550 5.08
26-Jul @MIL W 10-2 6 9 2 2 1 0 3 94 4.2
21-Jul SF W 8-1 6 7 1 1 0 1 4 92 4.26
16-Jul NYM W 5-3 6 5 3 3 0 3 2 112 4.4
10-Jul @COL W 4-1 6 4 1 1 1 1 5 88 4.39
Go Braves!
September 29th, 2009
3:44 pm
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=123753825241&ref=ts
Brian
September 29th, 2009
3:47 pm
Since June 30, the Braves are 13-4 in games started by Derek Lowe, 12-3 in games started by Vazquez, 7-8 in games started by Hanson, 10-7 in games started by Jurrjens, 3-2 in games started by Hudson, and 6-5 in games started by Kawakami.
And that’s during his “terrible” second half.
Brian
September 29th, 2009
3:49 pm
Herschel, in the games you posted, Lowe was 8-2 with a 4.54 ERA. He was 7-7 with a 4.56 ERA in the games he pitched prior to July 10.
Kelly Johnson Fan Club
September 29th, 2009
3:49 pm
I think in the NLDS the Braves start JAVIER VAZQUEZ in game 1, JAIR JURRJENS in game 2, and TOMMY HANSON in game 3. After that, if you need a 4th starter, I think you use TIM HUDSON the first time around. If he gets it done, you use those four in the NLCS. If not, you consider using DEREK LOWE or KENSHIN KAWAKAMI. Although I love the idea of having another arm in the bullpen Bobby can trust ala KENSHIN KAWAKAMI.
Reality
September 29th, 2009
3:50 pm
There will be no postseason starts for any Braves pitcher as a playoff birth by any given player’s team is required before that pitcher can be designated as a starter.
David
September 29th, 2009
3:50 pm
The Braves will likely struggle for runs in the postseason (assuming they get there) and they need the starting pitchers that can dominate. I haven’t seen Lowe dominate a game since May. He’s worked some magic posting quality starts lately, despite a complete lack of command of the lower part of the strikezone and too many hanging sliders. Huddy, on the other hand, has looked pretty sharp and has been pitching to contact very effectively since his return. That said, I’ll take Huddy in game 4.
Jim Mora Sr.
September 29th, 2009
3:51 pm
PLAYOFFS???!!! PPPPPPLAYOFFS??!!
jack bull
September 29th, 2009
3:54 pm
lets just get there, then we’ll talk about it…but it would be a nice little problem to have..(and you have to look at who you’re playing, IMO, like Brian said, Lowe has done good against the Dodgers this year,he does know them pretty well)
Huddy just needs to get thru the first inning tonite, he seems to settle down after that. and i hope to see the guys having a little fun out there, don’t be so tense..just me, i guess. have fun.. see ya at the game. front row club level….
David
September 29th, 2009
3:55 pm
If the Braves get to the postseason, I don’t think you have to worry about starting pitching. If they keep using Moylan, Gonzo and Soriano every day, there won’t be any relievers left to finish the games. What happened to Medlen? I know he choked a couple of games against the Fish in that last skid, I don’t remember seeing much of him since. The Bravos need a few “not-so-close” games this week.
jack bull
September 29th, 2009
4:00 pm
KK is not a very good relief pitcher, he walks waaaay to many hitters…only use him in long relief situations…lets hope Diaz shows up tonite, when he goes 0-fer, we seem to struggle.
Josh Johnson hitting cleanup for the fish tonite?? heck, he could, especially against the braves….
Nativebird
September 29th, 2009
4:16 pm
Braves? are the Braves still playing?
jimmy
September 29th, 2009
4:19 pm
i agree with karma police i’m more worried about hudson tonight
Go Braves!
September 29th, 2009
4:21 pm
Fight the blight Braves fans!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=123753825241&ref=ts
G-Dog
September 29th, 2009
4:26 pm
Believe, people, BELIEVE!!!
I BELIEVE!!
September 29th, 2009
4:30 pm
GO BRAVES!! WE CAN DO IT, YES WE MCCANN!!
Ragnar Danneskjöld
September 29th, 2009
4:35 pm
Agree with Bradley’s 1-2-3, but my 4 would be Kawakami also a pretty good big game pitcher – as the most effective pitcher after June 1, then Hudson, then Lowe.
CM
September 29th, 2009
4:37 pm
Hudson’s pitched a hell of a lot better than Lowe. And Lowe’s come out of the bullpen before and been successful.
Jerry
September 29th, 2009
4:38 pm
Karma Police
“I agree, Mark. I would give Lowe a start. But I am much more worried about Tim Hudson tonight.”
I agree with Karma on both points. But Lowe does stand out when you look at the ERA. But Bobby usually plays the veterans.
Would you like to take this into the postseason?
Javier Vazquez, RHP (15-9, 2.83)
Jair Jurrjens, RHP (14-10, 2.61)
Tommy Hanson, RHP (11-4, 2.98)
Derek Lowe, RHP (15-9, 4.55)
Tim Hudson, RHP (2-1, 3.56)
R Soriano RHP 2.97
M Gonzalez LHP 2.49
P Moylan RHP 2.66
E O’Flaherty LHP 3.19
The Braves MUST find some way to make Vazquez a Brave for a few more years. Vazquez 213.1 IP with another start. Jurrjens 207.0 IP with another start. This is the stuff dreams are made of.
timthebrave
September 29th, 2009
4:40 pm
You don’t worry about innings in late september and october. The time to worry about innings is over the summer. Hanson for sure would get a start.
Kelly Johnson Fan Club
September 29th, 2009
4:44 pm
At this point, though, I think you probably just wait and see how everyone’s last 1-2 starts shakes out. Then you have a bit of a better idea about where each pitcher is. Does anyone have a dead arm? Is Lowe effective again? Is everyone healthy? Can Hudson locate his pitches? All of these questions need one more start to evaluate.
atlantasports
September 29th, 2009
4:47 pm
Enter your comments here
Don’t worry about starting Lowe if the Braves make it to the post season. With our brilliant manager Bobby Cox he would watch him closely and would pull him if he gave up 8 or more runs. Bobby is the best at losing a game in the majors. The only reason he won the division so many times is because he was fortunate enough to have an owner that would consistently be in the top 3 or 4 teams only to have Cox mismanage in the playoffs.
Mark
September 29th, 2009
4:47 pm
Bradley, you would go along with Cox no matter what. He could start GREG NORTON game one and you would write some article defending the move because as you said last week “Cox is a GREAT in game manager.” Reminder you are GENIUS
Francisco d'Anconia
September 29th, 2009
4:54 pm
Despite his weaker ERA, you gotta give Lowe a spot in the rotation. Good playoff experience is important – you need a guy that won’t get rattled.
Start it off with this:
1. Vasquez 2. Lowe 3. J.J. 4. Hanson, with K.K. and Hudson providing long relief.
and then adjust if Jurjjens and Hanson show they can handle the intensity
Master Chief
September 29th, 2009
4:56 pm
I think Atlanta Braves is a pretty cool guy. eh sweeps the Phils and gets swept by the Reds and doesn’t afraid of anything.
Richard Nieh
September 29th, 2009
4:58 pm
I think Bobby will not let the youngster start, well, at least, the rookie. I believe he will start Javy game 1, Lowe game two and Huddy game 3 and JJ game 4 and leave Hanson in the pen and I believe that is not a bad thing. Hanson has a power arm and strike people out, that is perfect to come up in the pen. I really love to see Hanson make a start but I don’t believe Bobby will let me.
Herschel Talker
September 29th, 2009
5:11 pm
Brian:
The dude got tattooed in several games and was completely inconsistent. Vazquez and JJ have recent ERAs under 2 (maybe even under 1). And you’re arguing for a guy who has had an ERA of 4.5 in the NL? Where’s the logic there. Check out Hanson’s ERA also. Wins mean nothing. Lowe was bailed out of several slugfests. Check out the numbers of JJ, Vazquez, and Hanson. There’s not comparison with Lowe. He’s been a tomato can.
Coach (2010- Mr. Overrated retires)
September 29th, 2009
5:25 pm
Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
All I'm Saying Is...
September 29th, 2009
5:26 pm
You writers always need something to talk about because you always need to have something to write about. In this case, this conversation is WAY TOO PREMATURE TO WASTE TIME ON.
Let’s cross the what-is-our-playoff-pitching-rotation bridge when we come to it.
First things first: We need to win all of our remaining games to have the best possible chance of catching Colorado and the odds are difficult enough of that happening for us to waste time speculating on playoff rotations. Geez. Let’s just win tonight.
LET’S GO BRAVES!
Tim
September 29th, 2009
5:26 pm
I think we’re pretty safe no matter who’s pitching. Remember, if one of our starters get in trouble, we’d have Huddy or KK ready to back them up.
BOB
September 29th, 2009
5:29 pm
Forget the playoffs, now is the time to see who will take Lowe off of our hands inorder to get the big bat that is a must for next year. Plus, the savings can be applied to re-signing both Hudson and Javier.
The Braves dugout looks like a Leave it to Beaver episode. No onder they can’t win they are not athletic and/or inexperienced. With the pitiching staff they have now -minus Lowe of course- they need some speed and power and right now it ain’t there.
Kelly Johnson Fan Club
September 29th, 2009
5:32 pm
Mark Bradley -
Another thing to consider. If the Braves make the playoffs in 162 games, Vazquez’s turn in the rotation comes up first in the playoffs. But if they have to play a 1-game playoff, Vazquez would most likely pitch that game, making him unavailable to pitch two days later.
KPH
September 29th, 2009
5:34 pm
I havent counted the chicken but I have candled the egg and it’s fertile! GO BRAVES!!! Win one for Bobby!
Coach (2010- Mr. Overrated retires)
September 29th, 2009
5:39 pm
Does it really matter? Cox will f*** it up regardless of who plays or pitches.
DawginLex
September 29th, 2009
5:48 pm
Mark,
Why did you use the phrase “postseason rotation”?
Now we will never get in. The famous Mark Bradley curse will take over and the Bravos will go out with a whimper.
we're gonna be RICH!!!
September 29th, 2009
5:54 pm
Mark, if the Braves don’t make the post-season, I’d like to hire you to tell me every week which numbers WILL NOT win the lottery. Something like this:
1) Mark predicts which numbers absolutely won’t win.
2) I play those numbers.
3) ????
4) PROFIT!!!
Mitch C
September 29th, 2009
5:58 pm
I haven’t even thought about any of this, Mark. Let’s just get there first. Oh, and if we miss the playoffs by one game, can the fans blame Bradley for jinxing us, by writing this a week in advance? (Joking).
Seriously, though, if we make it, I see your point. If we get to the playoffs, Bobby should probably arrange the rotation as you mentioned. It doesn’t matter if Lowe makes 15 mil a year. The bottom line is his E.R.A. He’s not going to get five, six, seven runs a game every start in the playoffs, as things don’t usually work that way.
Right now, I just want to get there. If I know how Bobby is, he may not even be thinking about any of this, beyond maybe a one game playoff starter if we have to play Colorado Monday night. He’s probably taking them one game at a time, and just worrying about winning tonight.
chemdawg
September 29th, 2009
6:04 pm
The answer is no.
Bobby Cox
September 29th, 2009
6:09 pm
I’m thinking I’ll make Derek Lowe my number one playoff starter because of his playoff experience.
Jerry
September 29th, 2009
6:19 pm
DawginLex – “Now we will never get in. The famous Mark Bradley curse will take over…”
Really good point!
79
September 29th, 2009
6:35 pm
I predict that the Braves finish 1 game behind the Rocks and we spend the next 4 months re-playing 20 different games where we coulda/shoulda won…starting in April and ending in the 3 games Reds sweep at the Ted……
Mitch C
September 29th, 2009
6:47 pm
Right now, I’m just thinking about getting there. A “postseason rotation” hasnt even crossed my mind.
Oh, and if we miss the playoffs, do the fans get to blame Bradley for jinxing us, by posting a blog like this, when we’re still two games back with six to play? (Jking).
go braves
September 29th, 2009
6:53 pm
This is the same bobby cox that won’t give up on greg norton. Lowe will start in the post season.
Reid Adair
September 29th, 2009
7:05 pm
Come on, Mark. Frank Wren didn’t sign Derek Lowe and sing his praises upon doing so only to have Lowe left out of the rotation IF the Braves manage to get into the playoffs in the final three weeks of the season.
Tall Lady Dog
September 29th, 2009
7:52 pm
Enter your comments here Yes, I’d have Lowe start a fourth game, but sadly I think the Dodgers will sit their starters against Colorado and lose deliberately so they don’t have to face the Braves’ rotation.
Mark Bradley
September 29th, 2009
8:35 pm
You know, the Dodgers have so many players on the bench it might be hard for them to lose even if they’re trying.
NRBQ
September 29th, 2009
8:41 pm
Mark,
I know you wouldn’t take my 8:08 comment on last night’s blog where I warned that Bobby will 100% start Lowe in game one, and build today’s blog about it without even a shout-out.
Right?
Mark Bradley
September 29th, 2009
8:44 pm
Lowe won’t start Game 1, NRBQ. But thanks for participating.
NRBQ
September 29th, 2009
9:07 pm
Ouch.
Sarcasm for a devoted reader?
I will beg to differ on Lowe. I have enjoyed your contributions since you arrived at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. And in that time, I’ve watched or listened to more Braves games than your obligations/deadlines would allow.
Unless Bobby has put a bug in your ear, I’m betting the farm he starts his “No. 1.”
DAVEinNEPA
September 29th, 2009
9:10 pm
Why don’t we cross the “postseason pitching rotation” bridge if and when we get there.
That’s right, I’m superstitious. Why p… off the baseball gods.
Mark Bradley
September 29th, 2009
9:30 pm
No sarcasm intended, NRBQ. You’re a valued contributor to these proceedings. But I just don’t think Lowe will start Game 1. I am, as you know, wrong rather often. In which case you could well be correct.
Bill
September 29th, 2009
9:44 pm
There will be no playoffs.The Marlins are seeing to that tonight.
Scorby Jones
September 29th, 2009
10:36 pm
Why wouldn’t it go JJ, Hanson, then Mr. Big Game pitcher himself, Kawakami, Vazquez?? I mean, KK pitched and won against aces multiple times. Use Lowe, Hudson, Soriano, and Medlen as your relievers.
Mitch C
September 29th, 2009
10:40 pm
Mark, I’m sorry to say, but if Colorado wins tonight, that’s probably it for our playoff hopes. If the Brewers come back and win, then tonight’s loss was the one loss I said we were allowed. Two back with five to go is doable, if we win our remaining games, and get help from Milwaukee and the Dodgers. Three back is just about over.
Tonight’s loss was a bad blow. Hopefully, Mikwaukee can rally to beat the Rox, so we can still have some life left.
northbeach Scott
September 29th, 2009
10:42 pm
With his next sacrifice hit, Javier Vazquez will set an MLB single season record for pitchers with 21 in a single season. He currently shares the record of 20 in a season with Roy Oswalt, Houston 2006; Steve Rogers, Montreal 1983 and Urban Shocker, NYY 1926 & 1927.
Vazquez will also break the Atlanta Braves record for sacrifice hits in one season of 20, shared with Glenn Hubbard (2B) in 1982 and Rod Gilbreath (2B) 1976. The Braves modern franchise record is held by Johnny Logan (SS) for Milwaukee in 1956.
The pre-modern record through the last 100 years is held by Stuffy McInnis in 1923 for 37 sacrifice hits.
That is a remarkable record over and above Vazquez’s Cy Young worthy season for the Braves.
*research done through Baseball-Reference.com
Mark Bradley
September 29th, 2009
10:55 pm
Three back with five to play would be just about over. But not entirely over.
Haven’t we learned that lesson already?
David Duncan
September 29th, 2009
11:15 pm
Forget about the Braves pitching in the postseason. The Braves are done. 3 behind Colorado with 5 to go. Very unlikely. Great run by the Braves. Wait until next year.
Mark Bradley
September 29th, 2009
11:24 pm
Milwaukee tied the game in the top of the ninth.
PJ
September 29th, 2009
11:44 pm
D lowe has to factor into the playoffs if the Braves make it that far.
However they will not make it because Chipper hitting in the three hole is the easiest out in the lineup.
Mark Bradley
September 30th, 2009
12:15 am
Chris Iannetta goes deep in the bottom of the 11th off David Weathers. Rockies win.
RHR
September 30th, 2009
12:18 am
Some people thought it was over when the braves lost tonight. Others are just now throwing in the towel now that the Rockies have won. Me? I knew it was over as soon as MB got on the bandwagon yesterday.
RHR
September 30th, 2009
12:22 am
Ahem.
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2009/09/28/live-from-the-ballpark-are-we-believing-this-playoff-run/comment-page-2/#comment-71200
Herschel Talker
September 30th, 2009
12:50 am
MB: I’ve been saying all along that the Braves need to take 2 of 3 from Florida and sweep the Nats. At the same time, the Brewers need to take 1 of 3 from the Rockies and then the Dodgers need to take 2 of 3. Just because the Marlins won tonight and the Brewers lost doesn’t mean the above doesn’t hold. It just means there’s less room for error, as I said in your earlier blog. At this point, the Braves have to win out. And if they do, I don’t think it’s far-fetched for the Brewers to take 1 and the Dodgers to take 2 (that is unless they mail it in).
That being said, I think we all need to manage expectations here and realize that this is a long shot and has been even before tonight’s results. The fact that people have been anointing rotations and talking as if this “miracle” is a give is pure folly. It makes for great entertainment, which I suppose is your business, but it sure is a way for people to set themselves up for disappointment.
The A Bomb
September 30th, 2009
1:14 am
Jinx.
RHR
September 30th, 2009
10:06 am
Actually Herschel, You’ve been saying since about June that the braves were done and to put a fork in them.
All I'm Saying Is...
September 30th, 2009
11:44 am
At 5:26 p.m. yesterday, I wrote:
You writers always need something to talk about because you always need to have something to write about. In this case, this conversation is WAY TOO PREMATURE TO WASTE TIME ON.
Let’s cross the what-is-our-playoff-pitching-rotation bridge when we come to it.
First things first: We need to win all of our remaining games to have the best possible chance of catching Colorado and the odds are difficult enough of that happening for us to waste time speculating on playoff rotations. Geez. Let’s just win tonight…
So, like I said yesterday, LET’S JUST WIN TONIGHT!!!!!!
LET’S GO BRAVES!