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DLowe, Braves Fall To Marlins
Written by Colin on April 16, 2009 – 8:02 amDerek Lowe didn’t start the night off in a good way. Two walks, two pitches in the dirt (one wild pitch), and one run given up before the Braves came up to bat. Fortunately, Kelly Johnson led off with a triple and scored in the bottom of the first. Similarly, when Lowe gave up 3 runs in the top of the 5th, the Braves answered with three.
But let’s be honest, if your bullpen gives up six runs (5 in the 9th inning), chances are you’re sunk, no matter what happened in the first five innings. Rafael Soriano and Eric O’Flaherty were the only good spots for the Braves – Soriano pitched a perfect 8th inning and O’Flaherty struck out his only charge. Peter Moylan struggled (needed to get that ERA back above 20.00), Blaine Boyer couldn’t find the plate (seriously – he had no clue where it was) and Jorge Campillo had to come in and close the game out in the bottom of the 9th. If we were the Yankees, we’d have sent in Nick Swisher to pitch at that point.
In the end, we lost 10-4. Not even close. The bullpen’s gotta work these jitters out – last year I got so sick of one run games – this year I am going to get mad even faster if we continue to give up six runs every time our bullpen shows up. An ERA of 7.00 from our bullpen is hardly anywhere near acceptable.
Oh, and by the way – if you’re heading out to the game – grab a few layers. It gets downright COLD at night with the wind blowing.
Tags: Blaine Boyer, Derek Lowe, Eric O'Flaherty, Jorge Campillo, Peter Moylan, Rafael Soriano
Posted in Game Analysis | 6 Comments »
By dave on Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
I know it's early, and I'm not ready to throw in the towel, but I see disturbing patterns developing. We are off to a good start, but facing a team like the Marlins we have to step it up. The homeruns are not happening, and Colin I agree the pin has got to be addressed. Our starting pitching is the only consistent thing we have going. I only wonder how many more games Smoltz and Hudson would have won if the offense and bullpen would have done their jobs. I only hope this pattern for the starters we have now does not continue. I have very high hopes for this team. It remains to be seen if they come true. It is not good to see batting averages dropping, and guys I thought would hit 15-25 homeruns fail time after time. And the bullpen, the bullpen, the bullpen. I have always liked Boyer's potential, but maybe he needs to develop it somewhere else.We have Morton, Hanson, and more that need the chance. After all of this I still say GO BRAVES!!!!!!
By dave on Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
Another thought. I love Tom Glavine for what he is to the game of baseball and to the Braves. I think with the time it's going to take to get ready to pitch, it is time to bow out graciously. I would love for Tom to be an assistance pitching coach for the Braves. I believe he has a wealth of knowledge to share with our young pitchers. He has always had a great ability to change his approach when necessary. I think he can help our situation greatly.
By dave on Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
I understand we still have some money. So where is Will Ohman? Has anyone signed him? If not, how bout it Braves! Let's get Will!!!
By josh on Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
He is with the Dodgers.
By dave on Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
Thanks
By josh on Apr 16, 2009 | Reply
Well I hope we can squeeze out today’s game. This will be a difficult task without Chipper and McCann’s bat in the lineup.I hope like hell that Wren and the powers that be are trying to come up with an option for this bullpen. Blaine Boyer needs to be released!! We wouldn’t even get a returned phone call if we wanted to trade him. Let’s hope we get it together before this long road trip.