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2008 Rotation Thoughts
March 17, 2008 – 11:51 amBraves.com eluded towards the Braves starting rotation for the beginning of the season in an article yesterday, saying that Tim Hudson was in line to lead the Braves against the Nationals in the season opener on March 30th. This would leave John Smoltz to make the start in the home opener against the Pirates on the following day.
As of now, there have been no official announcements from Bobby Cox or the Braves organization, but signs are pointing towards the starting rotation being Hudson, Smoltz, Glavine, Hampton and the currently undecided fifth spot. This would be the second time in the past three years that Hudson would get the honors of leading off the season for the Braves.
Personally, I’d like to see the rotation pan out this way for a couple of reasons: First of all, it would allow John Smoltz to pitch the home opener, which I’m sure fans at the game would love to see. Secondly, this would leave Smoltz to finish out the series against the Mets in the first weekend of the season. Either way, we should expect to see Smoltz and Hudson in the final two games of that series.
More to come on the starting rotation as we hear it and when we finally have an official announcement from the Braves as to who the starting five will be.
Tags: John Smoltz, Starting Rotation, Tim Hudson
Posted in Speculation |
By JB in ATL on Mar 17, 2008 | Reply
Unfortunately, this would mean Glavine won’t start against the Mets potentially until April. I was kinda hoping to see him on the hill at the first Mets series but I’m doing the math and he’s not gonna show.
Oh well.
My money is still on Jurrjens in #5 (bad Sat. notwithstanding).
JB in ATL
http://bravesblog.net
By JB in ATL on Mar 17, 2008 | Reply
(edit from previous post) Glavine would possible pitch in the April 25th-27th series against NY.
JB in ATL
http://bravesblog.net
By Jonathan on Mar 17, 2008 | Reply
I do agree that I would like to see Glavine in the first series against the Mets, something seems fitting about it. Almost worth putting him in the 5-spot haha.
I’m currently putting my 5th as Jurrjens as well. I don’t see James being ready by the start of the season to be a reliable starter.
By JB in ATL on Mar 17, 2008 | Reply
Yeah the rumor I keep hearing is he’ll be starting the season in Richmond. Even though Jair got roughed up I still like that he’s young and a little more aggressive than James.
I would LOVE to see Glavine start the season against New York but that’s got to be an emotional roller coaster for the guy.
Maybe he’ll be more settled by the second series.
JB
http://bravesblog.net
By Colin on Mar 17, 2008 | Reply
Jurrjens still gets the fifth nod. James needs time to let this rotator cuff heal before he really stresses it at the big league level.
Glavine is a big guy - yeah the emotions will be in it at first, but he’ll get through it if he needs to. He’s got enough experience to keep his head on his shoulders.
By BlueWorkhorse.com on Mar 18, 2008 | Reply
The most fitting start of the initial Mets series would be for Glavine to start and outduel Santana. That would make the first half of the season for me.
By Smitty on Mar 18, 2008 | Reply
I’m totally expecting Jurrjens to be #5, if he keep consistant. I know he got roughed up in one game, but I believe up until then, he was leading the Braves in scoreless spring training innings, right?
But Bobby *did* say that Chuck James “deserved” the #5 spot, given his 11 victories last year, so we will see.
Smitty
By Jonathan on Mar 18, 2008 | Reply
Deserving the spot is somewhat true . . . but if he wants to make it through the season, a good rehab assignment is probably in his future.