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Braves vs. Brewery Workers
Written by Colin on June 25, 2008 – 2:18 pmCampillo vs. Suppan today in a game already underway and tied 2-2 in the 4th. Infante already left today in the 2nd inning with a strained hammy and is day-to-day. We’re a little short on the infield with Chipper out with his quad injury. Escobar is a little pansy who apparently strained his left shoulder pitching a hissy fit last night and he’s not playing today either.
We need fewer infielder injuries and more wins – join us for some discussion of the recent Braves happenings and chime in!
Tags: Milwaukee Brewers
Posted in Game Threads | 47 Comments »
By Colin on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
We have Gotay at third and Lillibridge at short. I guess if Kelly Johnson goes down we can put Greg Norton in at 2nd, but that pretty much would obliterate our bench.
By Colin on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Blanco and Johnson drove in a pair of runs in the 5th to make it 4-2 Atlanta.
By Colin on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Campillo is into the 7th. Still 4-2 Braves. We need this win!
By JB on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
In game thread eh?
Where’s the beef?
By JB on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Me and Colin….holding hands. Bloggin
that could be one of my haikus
By JB on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
No it can’t…. the syllable structure doesn’t work. but the pattern is haiku-ish.
By Akshay on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Hey guys, looks like this one might go down to a 2-run lead in the ninth, three times thanks for Kelly Johnson who had two clutch hits today.
By Colin on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Weeks tripled there but Blaine Boyer got Craig Counsel to ground out to end the 8th.
One more inning, assuming we hold the lead. Knock on wood.
By Akshay on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Two things I noticed today:
Francoeur? still swinging early and not being selective. Guys are obviously using that to his advantage, there are several 0-2, 0-1, 1-2 at-bats with Francoeur where the pitcher will just toss the ball low and outside and Frenchy will swing half the time.
Also, defense isn’t especially superb. Outfielders have been sub par. Brandon Jones looks like a timid little kid going towards the wall sometimes. Francoeur is having trouble picking up balls and transferring them to his throwing hand. Just fundamental errors these guys are making. Last night three first inning errors led to two UNearned runs and ultimately cost us the game.
By JB on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
we’re actually winning. Campillo’s having another good showing. Life my take meaning again.
By Colin on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
JB, that’s kinda weird. Btw, I like that you dropped the inATL part.
Tex is up…
By Akshay on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Gonzalez will have a chance for his first home save this season assuming the Braves do not score more.
By JB on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
yeah I forget how solid Diaz really was in LF. I think BJ just needs more time in the Show or maybe OF just isn’t his bag. Then again he could just suck at LF as much as Barry Bonds. Of course if he starts swinging like Barry (sans “flax seed”) then I will forgive him some defensive miscues.
By Colin on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Hey look, my boy Lillibridge doubled. He’ll be a big league player yet.
He’ll just look like a baby.
By Colin on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Chipper in to pinch hit with Lillibridge on second.
By Colin on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
You’re right – BJones’ defense isn’t amazing yet. He needs to step it up a notch.
By JB on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
He look like Alfred E Nueman
By Colin on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Chipper struck out looking on a 3-2 count.
Gonzo on to pitch, Norton in left for BJones.
By Colin on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Braun singled – one on, no outs.
By Colin on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
A fielders choice and strikeout later, we’re one out away.
By Colin on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
And ballgame! A win at home for the Bravos.
Great to see you guys out here, JB and Akshay. Here’s hoping we don’t suck it up from here out.
What’s everyone up to this afternoon?
By JB on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
I’m still just trying to get my blog not to suck anymore
By Akshay on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Obviously, it’s always good to get a win on getaway day. It would have been nice to see some less sloppy defensive play from the guys, that may have cost us a win last night. I think the guys may be getting a little too relaxed at home and I know it sounds crazy but maybe we might see them play a little better on the road because of that.
By Colin on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
And you’re well on your way, my friend. Well on your way.
By Akshay on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
Obviously Gonzo was lights out in a closing situation for the second time this season. I think the pitching part has been stabilized at least for now. Our starters are going 6-7 innings at a time (sans Reyes, who was 2008-uncharacteristically off target a few nights ago) and our bullpen has an anchor in the ninth to give Manny, Boyer and Ohman a chance to get set in their spots (7th and 8th).
By pete on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
campillo is awesome. that is all.
By Jonathan on Jun 25, 2008 | Reply
I want to be around to game thread again one of these days….crazy travels. But I did get to go to the Phillies/As game last night.
By Dan on Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Jorge Campillo continues to amaze me. This guy fits the mold of Braves pitching that comes out of nowhere to find success. I watched him closely today and he really has 4-5 different pitches that he used to get outs today, and it is deception that gets him outs, not stuff. I really do like watching him pitch. Avoided the sweep, need to get the bats going better in Toronto though if this team is going to get hot before the all star break (On that note, if you haven’t voted for Brian McCann yet, you are a disgrace).
Also — Any new talk about Randy Winn to Atlanta? Kotsay, Diaz, Blanco and B. Jones are useful but Winn would really help this team out with offensive consistency. Not to mention sweet facial hair!
By Jonathan on Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
I agree, Dan. I think I have about 200 votes in for McCann so far
By Akshay on Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Randy Winn to Atlanta is probably not going to happen. He’s too expensive and just would not be that much of an upgrade to warrant bringing him here. He’s owed 8 mill this year and 8.25 which is way more than what Diaz would make, or a platoon of Diaz and Blanco, who would make for a pretty decent tandem that could hit around .300 and have similar stats to Winn’s.
By Dan on Jun 26, 2008 | Reply
Here is my case for Winn being a good addition:
Career averages (.287, 12, 65)
Most importantly, he has played in 149 or more games every season since 2001. That is a far more impressive statistic to me, with the injuries that this team has endured throughout the season. Diaz hits well versus lefties and a Diaz/Blanco platoon does make sense to me, however Winn makes this team far better because Blanco has been exposed as an inconsistent contact hitter with above average speed and very little power. His instincts in the corners appear to be at a disadvantage to that of his skills in center. When Kotsay returns, he will be in a corner and remains in the lineup just about everyday. I absolutely prefer seeing Blanco in the pinch running role, have Diaz as a option versus left-handed pitching from the bench and starter versus lefties. With a overall batting average for the bench players at around the mendoza line (.200), it makes perfect sense to me to bring in Winn because it makes not just one position better, but it really improves the adaptability that the club has.
Also, Omar Infante does not have to play the outfield anymore and can be a supersub all about the infield. It would make me very happy to never see Infante in the outfield again this season.
To respond to the money comment, I absolutely hear what you are saying. Winn is owed $8.875 million dollars this entire season. Leaving him with about $4.5 million remaining on his contract. As you well know, MLB teams take out insurance policies on players all the time. When John Smoltz’s blessed right-arm blew potentially for the final time of his career earlier this month, you better believe that the Braves had some sort of insurance to cover his $14,000,000 that was owed. While economically speaking that money is to offset the lack of performance by Smoltz, there is now new money in the Braves pocket in exchange for no Smoltz. I would have to imagine that this new money would be enough to cover Winn at 4.5 million. Also, even if it’s not enough to cover Winn you also have to realize that at the end of this season it is likely that Glavine, Smoltz, Hampton, Kotsay and Teixeira will be leaving via free agency/retirement. That means that nearly $60 million dollars will be coming off the books. With so much money ready to depart, it would be safe to say that the Braves are in EXCELLENT position to add salary at the deadline.
One more point…Winn is signed through 2009, Kotsay through 2008. The Braves would theorhetically let Kotsay and his $7 million go and absorb Randy Winn’s $8-9. The extra two million is worth it in my mind as Winn is on the field for 150 games every year. While both produce strikingly similar numbers, this deal would set the Braves up to have at least two rock solid outfielders for next year. Blanco/B. Jones/Free Agent in center in 2009?
By JB on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
we're actually winning. Campillo's having another good showing. Life my take meaning again.
By Colin on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
JB, that's kinda weird. Btw, I like that you dropped the inATL part.
Tex is up…
By JB on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
yeah I forget how solid Diaz really was in LF. I think BJ just needs more time in the Show or maybe OF just isn't his bag. Then again he could just suck at LF as much as Barry Bonds. Of course if he starts swinging like Barry (sans "flax seed") then I will forgive him some defensive miscues.
By Colin on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Hey look, my boy Lillibridge doubled. He'll be a big league player yet.
He'll just look like a baby.
By Colin on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
You're right – BJones' defense isn't amazing yet. He needs to step it up a notch.
By Colin on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
A fielders choice and strikeout later, we're one out away.
By Colin on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
And ballgame! A win at home for the Bravos.
Great to see you guys out here, JB and Akshay. Here's hoping we don't suck it up from here out.
What's everyone up to this afternoon?
By JB on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
I'm still just trying to get my blog not to suck anymore
By Akshay on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Obviously, it's always good to get a win on getaway day. It would have been nice to see some less sloppy defensive play from the guys, that may have cost us a win last night. I think the guys may be getting a little too relaxed at home and I know it sounds crazy but maybe we might see them play a little better on the road because of that.
By Colin on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
And you're well on your way, my friend. Well on your way.
By Dan on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Jorge Campillo continues to amaze me. This guy fits the mold of Braves pitching that comes out of nowhere to find success. I watched him closely today and he really has 4-5 different pitches that he used to get outs today, and it is deception that gets him outs, not stuff. I really do like watching him pitch. Avoided the sweep, need to get the bats going better in Toronto though if this team is going to get hot before the all star break (On that note, if you haven't voted for Brian McCann yet, you are a disgrace).
Also — Any new talk about Randy Winn to Atlanta? Kotsay, Diaz, Blanco and B. Jones are useful but Winn would really help this team out with offensive consistency. Not to mention sweet facial hair!
By Akshay on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Randy Winn to Atlanta is probably not going to happen. He's too expensive and just would not be that much of an upgrade to warrant bringing him here. He's owed 8 mill this year and 8.25 which is way more than what Diaz would make, or a platoon of Diaz and Blanco, who would make for a pretty decent tandem that could hit around .300 and have similar stats to Winn's.
By Dan on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Here is my case for Winn being a good addition:
Career averages (.287, 12, 65)
Most importantly, he has played in 149 or more games every season since 2001. That is a far more impressive statistic to me, with the injuries that this team has endured throughout the season. Diaz hits well versus lefties and a Diaz/Blanco platoon does make sense to me, however Winn makes this team far better because Blanco has been exposed as an inconsistent contact hitter with above average speed and very little power. His instincts in the corners appear to be at a disadvantage to that of his skills in center. When Kotsay returns, he will be in a corner and remains in the lineup just about everyday. I absolutely prefer seeing Blanco in the pinch running role, have Diaz as a option versus left-handed pitching from the bench and starter versus lefties. With a overall batting average for the bench players at around the mendoza line (.200), it makes perfect sense to me to bring in Winn because it makes not just one position better, but it really improves the adaptability that the club has.
Also, Omar Infante does not have to play the outfield anymore and can be a supersub all about the infield. It would make me very happy to never see Infante in the outfield again this season.
To respond to the money comment, I absolutely hear what you are saying. Winn is owed $8.875 million dollars this entire season. Leaving him with about $4.5 million remaining on his contract. As you well know, MLB teams take out insurance policies on players all the time. When John Smoltz's blessed right-arm blew potentially for the final time of his career earlier this month, you better believe that the Braves had some sort of insurance to cover his $14,000,000 that was owed. While economically speaking that money is to offset the lack of performance by Smoltz, there is now new money in the Braves pocket in exchange for no Smoltz. I would have to imagine that this new money would be enough to cover Winn at 4.5 million. Also, even if it's not enough to cover Winn you also have to realize that at the end of this season it is likely that Glavine, Smoltz, Hampton, Kotsay and Teixeira will be leaving via free agency/retirement. That means that nearly $60 million dollars will be coming off the books. With so much money ready to depart, it would be safe to say that the Braves are in EXCELLENT position to add salary at the deadline.
One more point…Winn is signed through 2009, Kotsay through 2008. The Braves would theorhetically let Kotsay and his $7 million go and absorb Randy Winn's $8-9. The extra two million is worth it in my mind as Winn is on the field for 150 games every year. While both produce strikingly similar numbers, this deal would set the Braves up to have at least two rock solid outfielders for next year. Blanco/B. Jones/Free Agent in center in 2009?
By JB on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
In game thread eh?
Where's the beef?
By JB on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
No it can't…. the syllable structure doesn't work. but the pattern is haiku-ish.
By Akshay on Feb 2, 2009 | Reply
Two things I noticed today:
Francoeur? still swinging early and not being selective. Guys are obviously using that to his advantage, there are several 0-2, 0-1, 1-2 at-bats with Francoeur where the pitcher will just toss the ball low and outside and Frenchy will swing half the time.
Also, defense isn't especially superb. Outfielders have been sub par. Brandon Jones looks like a timid little kid going towards the wall sometimes. Francoeur is having trouble picking up balls and transferring them to his throwing hand. Just fundamental errors these guys are making. Last night three first inning errors led to two UNearned runs and ultimately cost us the game.