The Issues From The Nats Series

Written by Rue on April 12, 2009 – 7:53 pm

Fans at Turner Field definitely got their money’s worth this weekend during the Braves 2009 opening series versus the Washington Nationals. From torrential downpours, hail and extra innings to watching our favorites hit in run after run, the Braves definitely left many of us feeling a little better after a topsy-turvy off-season. However, I don’t want to talk about Frenchie’s two triples, or Kelly Johnson’s home run, or a standard Chipper Jones RBI or two. These are things that should be expected from the names that front the Braves organization. After all, constructive criticism is what facilitates positive change – so let’s look at where we fell short.

First point of discussion: should the Braves have expected to sweep the Nationals? Or is it more a taste of what is to come for the remainder of the season? Are we just getting warmed up, or are we the type of team that just squeaks on by? Or did we more than squeak by?

Second point: should we keep our lineup the way that it is? During games, I do regular score-keeping. I scored the Friday and Saturday games and noticed that at a certain point in the batting order, we tend to leave runners on base. Francoeur did a wonderful job today showing us what we used to love about him – two triples, but let’s look at the big picture. Yes, he hit that homer in Philadelphia, but Frenchy’s OBP is only 0.269, and on Saturday, he was 0-4 with a walk.

Matt Diaz is more impressive than we’re giving him credit for. He’s not turning out incredible stats, but keep your eyes on him. He has a higher on base percentage than Francoeur, and has dropped some of those extra pounds so is showing a lot more speed. Jordan Schafer is living up to his hype and was beyond impressive on Saturday night in my book. Anyone complaining about his strikeouts better not claim that makes him inferior to his predecessor, Andruw Jones, or less of a young attribute than Jeff Francoeur. So far, the Braves’ weak spots are not what anyone would have expected. Statistically speaking, Francoeur, McCann, and Kotchman are where we see those LOB stats add up, with the lowest on-base percentages. Do we break that up, move it around, keep it, change it? Or is it too early to tell?

As an armchair GM, what changes would you propose? Would you change the lineup? Where are we falling short? What should we be noticing but aren’t praising?


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Posted in Game Analysis | 7 Comments »


7 Responses to “The Issues From The Nats Series”

  1. By Jonathan on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply

    We're going to hear a lot about how often Schafer strikes out if he keeps going at the pace he is, but here's my take on it. He leads the team in total bases, leads the team in runs scored, is tied to lead the team in homers and is slugging around .700. Those kind of numbers, I could care less how often he strikes out. Sure, he won't likely maintain a .350 average for the season and will inevitably have slumps and a series of ups and downs, but the kid has potential and is starting to look more comfortable defensively.

    Another thing, I wouldn't be too worried about any negative stats on McCann. He may have a low OBP in the grand scheme of things, but he's slugging around .730 and leads the team in RBI. And c'mon, he has the team's only stolen base so far!

  2. By RueGrant on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply

    I am hoping that Schafer can keep it up, especially as pitchers learn him. On Saturday he surprised me a few times, specifically in bottom of the 4th. He was at an 0-2 count, then waited out 3 balls, and then hit a double. Honestly I did not expect that kind of patience out of him at all, but it was GREAT to see. I'm just sick of doing reading and seeing people complaining that he's no Andruw Jones. But I'm pretty sure we had the opportunity to have Andruw back and decided to pass on that. Andruw was a strikeout king, and so is Francoeur. But considering he's less than a few weeks into his major league career, I think Schafer is doing better than "just fine."

    I just like to pick on McCann because you sport his tshirt – - the same reason you like to pick on Yunel. ;)

  3. By Jonathan on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply

    I've seen a little more patience out of Jordan than I did in the preseason. He's drawn three walks (and only had four strikeouts before today's game).

  4. By Davey Crockett on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply

    The Braves have been productive (runs) thus far. Individual statistics are one thing, but they are putting up runs, which is what wins games. The only game we have lost was because of a aweful outing by the pen (and in that game we produced a good number of runs). Our starters are getting the backup they need from the offense. I'd say its too early to tell from a micromanagement standpoint. But you can't say anything bad about our overall offense – we are producing.

    By the way, Hanson threw 10 K's in 4 innings in his first start in Gwinnett…

  5. By Jonathan on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply

    I wish that the Braves would consider bringing Hanson up instead of Jo-Jo if Glavine's setback is in fact bad enough that he won't be ready

  6. By dave on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply

    I am ready to see Hanson in Atlanta, I think he has earned the right. I am a Glavine fan, but Hanson's time has come. I wasn't sure about Schafer, but I believe now his time has come. As for comparing him to Andruw Jones is totally unfair. Andruw was great in his days with Atlanta, but the want for homeruns I now believe overcame him. Low and away gets him every time. I wish he would have listened. I applaud Jeff for making changes. I overall am pleased with the team thus far. I think we need to see how we stack up against the Marlins before we start making to many lineup changes. I was concerned about the one game in Philly, fearing it could start a lack of confidence. It is great to see they quickly put that game behind them. I know it is early, but 5-1 make this Braves fan feel really good about our chances. I am look forward to seeing Atlanta in the playoffs this year. SO GO BRAVES!!!!!!

  7. By josh on Apr 13, 2009 | Reply

    I was listening to the radio this morning and they were saying that the Braves might be keeping Hanson down in triple A for economic reasons. I'm not sure what this would be all about? I am also not ready to throw Jeff under the bus yet, but will be keeping an eye on it. We had fun at Turner field Friday night until 1:30 in the morning. I was wondering if the umpire was trying to kill the Braves with some of the brilliant lightning that was around the stadium early in the game. I give the Braves a B+ so far this season. It would be an A- but since they have Blaine Boyer on the team I am unable to grade any higher. Let’s kill these fish in this next series!!! Go Braves

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