Braves Updates

Written by Colin on August 3, 2008 – 7:58 am

Well we’ve seen a bunch of Braves news lately, so we’ll hit it real fast for ya:

  • Morton pitched well yesterday - one hit through seven innings, but he gave up a home run to Prince Fielder, and the Braves fell 4-2.
  • C.C. Sabathia showed us yesterday why we need to sign him in the offseason.  8 1/3 innings of four-hit ball.  He’s insane.
  • Tim Hudson is going ahead with Tommy John surgery - Dr. James Andrews (the recognized expert in this area) will perform the surgery.  Hudson will have a 12 month rehab time before he is expected back with the team.
  • Chipper is expecting to be back in the lineup Friday, the first day he’s eligible off the DL.  He says that “everything feels great” and he’s no longer having trouble with either his hamstring or his quad.
  • Brian McCann should be expected back in the starting lineup Monday - he’s nearly done recovering from his concussion.  He may pinch hit today.
  • Casey Kotchman is off to a slow start in the NL - only 2 for 16 - with 1 RBI.  Yes, it’s only been four games, but he’s not on fire.
  • Royce Ring has been designated for assignment after a really ugly stretch where his ERA jumped 5 runs.  That’s not big league ball stuff.  Vladimir Nunez is expected to replace him.  Ring, according to the AJC, has the “distinction of the worst statistical season of any reliever in the history of the franchise since the 1870s, among those who appeared in as many games as he did.”  That didn’t work out well - he’s a specialist and shouldn’t be pitching as much as he did.

Well there ya have it - maybe we’ll see you at the Stadium today.  Ben Sheets is going against Jorge Campillo.  Go Braves!


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Posted in General, Injuries |

Welcome To Atlanta, Casey

Written by Colin on July 30, 2008 – 7:52 am

Welcome to Atlanta, Casey Kotchman.  You’re our new first baseman, and I think you’ll like it here in Atlanta, where the sweet tea flows like water and “Coke” applies to any soft drink.

This is the home of Bobby Cox.  Chipper Jones.  John Smoltz.  John Schuerholz.

This is the home of winning.  This is a team that’s used to winning and may seem a little disoriented after selling at the trade deadline for the first time in many players’ careers.  We’re not used to not making the playoffs - and there’s a hunger for it here.

There’s a lot of young talent on this team, and I think you’ll fit right in. McCann is a great catcher, Francoeur shows flashes of brilliance, Escobar is a promising shortstop (add extra padding to your glove - he has a cannon), and there are tons of outfield prospects heading our way from the minors.

Bobby will always have your back.  He’ll get ejected for you once or twice if he has to.  He’ll never badmouth you to the media, and he’ll always be yelling encouraging things at you from the dugout.

The fans will like you if you’re friendly.  Hitting well helps that process, but frankly, they want another magnetic personality like Francoeur, McCann, Chipper, Smoltzie, or even Escobar.  Play your cards right and you’ll soon have your own special fan section named something like “Kotchman’s Yachtmen” or something.  We promise it’ll rhyme. We like good young players.

Take some time to look at the people who have played for this organization.  Sit down with Smoltz, Glavine, Chipper, and Terry Pendleton, hear about the old times.  Watch the video of the most remembered play by a firstbaseman in Atlanta’s history - and try to always remember to run faster than Sid.

The future is bright here.  Spirits will be a little dampened when you show up today because this group is used to winning - and that Teixeira guy was a fan and clubhouse favorite.  This group is used to seeing wins on that scoreboard and used to being at the top of the division.  We have some young pitching prospects that are dynamite, and we have a core to build around.  Chipper will always lend help if you ask him - he’s a good guy and fun to be around.  And watch out for Tim Hudson - when he gets back from Alabama he’ll probably organize some sort of prank with you in mind.  Oh, and let Jeff Francoeur take you to the Varsity.  Just don’t get any of the season long slump on you.

Settle in.  Walk around Turner Field and take a look at the retired numbers high above left field.  By the time the end of the season is here, optimism for next year will spring eternal.

We’re glad to have you - and we’re looking forward to the next few years.  Casey Kotchman, welcome to Atlanta - where the players play.

Casey Kotchman was acquired for Mark Teixeira last night from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.  In 100 games this year, he’s batting .287 with 12 HRs and 54 RBIs.  He has an OBP of .327 and hits a few doubles, but not many triples.  He’s excellent defensively - only two errors this year for a .998 fielding percentage.  Fans, we think you’ll like him.  If you’re at the stadium soon, give him a hearty Atlanta welcome.


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Posted in General |

Teixeira Dealt to Angels for Kotchman

Written by Dan on July 29, 2008 – 5:45 pm

The Braves have traded free-agent to be Mark Teixeira to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in return for Casey Kotchman and pitching “prospect” Stephen Marek. Kotchman, 25, was hitting .287 with 12 homers and 57 RBI’s for the Angels this season. Kotchman, while not having the prowess of Teixeira, is a proven contact hitter and he also plays a good defensive first-base. He should provide the Braves with gap power and could be the ideal #2 hitter if he were to replicate his .372 OBP in 2007. Prospect Stephen Marek, also 25 years old, has a 2-6 record with a 3.66 ERA in 34 relief appearances for AA Arkansas. One bright spot on Marek’s stat line is that he has struck out 57 batters in 46.2 innings pitched this season. He converted to relief this season after starting games last season in High-A. Marek will not be a top prospect for this team but he may help at some point.


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Posted in Roster Moves |

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