May 23
Off day. Actually, two off days sandwich a two-game set in Pittsburgh.
May 24
Julio Teheran vs. Ross Ohlendorf
The game seemed over even before the bullpens allowed a combined eight runs to make a close one become a bit of a shootout. Julio Teheran went six scoreless, lowering his ERA to 1.25 and allowing five hits, a walk, and striking out five. His first hit allowed, a double to open the bottom of the first, was the only extra base hit.
Atlanta led before that, though. Jason Heyward, batting leadoff to take advantage of his high on-base skills in Nate McLouth's absence, homered to start things. The Braves would add a pair in the fifth as Alex Gonzalez doubled and Drew Macias, getting a start in center, singled him in. Martin Prado would single in Macias to make it 3-0.
The bullpens led the game get a little nutty in the final two frames. After Atlanta scored two on a Dan Uggla homer in the 8th, the Pirates pushed two across in the bottom half. Atlanta then added three more to pull away in the 9th, though the Pirates did score one off Scott Linebrink to climb a little closer.
8-3 WIN (27-23, W2)
W - J. Teheran (2-1)
L - R. Ohlendorf (2-6)
Meanwhile, on the farm, Mike Minor kept up his recent solid string of games with eight great innings. He walked two and struck out eight while allowing a run. He will be ready to make his next start in Atlanta.
May 25
Brandon Beachy vs. Paul Maholm
The Atlanta right-hander, Brandon Beachy, breezed through the first five innings even after an error led to an unearned run in the third, but it all came crashing down in the sixth when he gave up four of his five hits, two more runs, and only George Sherrill saving him with the bases loaded kept it from being worse as Atlanta falls miserably yet again.
The Braves had a chance late. Joel Hanrahan got the call and immediately walked Dan Uggla. Brian McCann doubled and the comeback looked to be on. After an Alex Gonzalez flyout scored a run, Jason Heyward smacked one deep, but the wind had been killing balls all night and it landed harmlessly in a Pirates glove. Pinch-hitter Drew Macias flew out to end it.
Eric O'Flaherty picked a perfect eighth, but left with an injury. Two errors on throws to Willy Aybar occured that may have been avoided had the Braves started Freddie Freeman against southpaw, Paul Maholm. Aybar did have two singles. Chipper Jones added two hits and the other RBI.
4-2 LOSS (27-24, L1)
W - P. Maholm (6-1)
L - B. Beachy (2-6)
SV - J. Hanrahan (12)
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Series 16: at Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
May 20
With no need for a fifth starter until May 31, Mike Minor was demoted to Gwinnett. Jairo Acensio makes yet another trip back up to Atlanta. He started the year with the team, was demoted on April 23rd, recalled on May 3rd, demoted on May 6th, recalled on May 10th, and demoted on the 14th.
Brandon Beachy vs. Bob Keppel
The Braves scored five runs in the third inning and then watched helplessly as the Angels roared back to tie it up and then, with two outs in the tenth, Erick Aybar homered off Jonny Venters to send the Braves home with a loss in their first inter-league contest of the year.
Things were looking up after the Angels had scored a run off Brandon Beachy in the second. With one out, an error allowed Freddie Freeman to reach. Nick Punto singled and Nate McLouth singled home Freeman. Alex Gonzalez hit a big two-run double to put the Braves ahead 3-1. Brian McCann added an RBI double and Dan Uggla singled him home.
Even after McLouth was injured in the bottom of the third making a running catch to deep center and the Angels used an error by Joe Mather, replacing McLouth, to score a run, the Braves looked like they were in good position for a win. However, the Braves routinely had quick, ineffective innings and in the seventh, with Scott Linebrink replacing Brandon Beachy after the latter went the first six, the Angels tied things up with two outs. Maicer Izturis doubled, Howie Kendrick singled him in, and Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer.
6-5 LOSS - 10 INNINGS (25-22, L1)
W - S. Downs (2-0)
L - J. Venters (2-2)
May 21
Jairo Asencio goes back down and Matt Young was recalled. Young opened the year in Atlanta, but didn't get too many chances and was sent down. He has hit .345 in 19 games with Gwinnett and will help in CF until we know what's going on with McLouth.
Derek Lowe vs. Ervin Santana
For a guy who relies so much on a sinking fastball, Derek Lowe seems to like throwing a fastball, about belt high, that doesn't move. Lowe lost for the fifth time, though not all of it was his fault. Enough of it was, though. He gave up seven hits and five runs, three earned, in his five innings. The final runs were huge. A two-run shot by Howie Kendrick that was the difference. The ball was a "sinker" close to the letters.
Atlanta took the early lead on a Martin Prado homer and after Lowe gave up a second inning run, the Braves retook the lead when Dan Uggla grounded into a double play with the bases loaded. An error on Joe Mather plated the tying run in the third and another run followed on a groundout to put the Angels ahead. Atlanta again tied up things when Alex Gonzalez singled in Prado in the fifth, but Kendrick's homer soon changed that. Jason Heyward triped in the sixth and Mather made up for his earlier miscue to some degree with single that made it 5-4, but that was the end of scoring.
Prado had three hits on the day and has upped his average to .271. Cristhian Martinez, George Sherrill, and Peter Moylan all worked scoreless outings.
5-4 LOSS (25-23, L2)
W - E. Santana (4-0)
L - D. Lowe (3-5)
SV - J. Walden (11)
May 22
Nate McLouth's injury is a sprained wrist. He will miss about a month. Outfielder Drew Macias's contract was purchased. Macias spent a week at Mississippi hitting .455 before getting promoted to Gwinnett, where he has spent a week hitting .421. In addition, Jordan Schafer was promoted to Gwinnett.
Tommy Hanson vs. Dan Haren
Atlanta did not have a lot go right in their matchup with the Angels to close out the series, but they did just enough to win 1-0. Nick Punto was the key offensive performer. After Joe Mather walked to open the sixth, Matt Young bunted him to second and a wild pitch put him 90 feet away. Punto sent one to deep right and Mather tagged and scored the game's only run.
Tommy Hanson was superb. He went 7.2 ING, allowing six hits and walking none. He struck out four and lowered his ERA to 3.26. After giving up back-to-back singles in the eighth with two outs, Craig Kimbrel got the call and retired the next four for his 11th save.
Atlanta had a caught stealing and a runner picked off while only managing three hits, but a win is a win.
1-0 WIN (26-23, W1)
W - T. Hanson (2-2)
L - D. Haren (4-4)
SV - C. Kimbrel (11)
With no need for a fifth starter until May 31, Mike Minor was demoted to Gwinnett. Jairo Acensio makes yet another trip back up to Atlanta. He started the year with the team, was demoted on April 23rd, recalled on May 3rd, demoted on May 6th, recalled on May 10th, and demoted on the 14th.
Brandon Beachy vs. Bob Keppel
The Braves scored five runs in the third inning and then watched helplessly as the Angels roared back to tie it up and then, with two outs in the tenth, Erick Aybar homered off Jonny Venters to send the Braves home with a loss in their first inter-league contest of the year.
Things were looking up after the Angels had scored a run off Brandon Beachy in the second. With one out, an error allowed Freddie Freeman to reach. Nick Punto singled and Nate McLouth singled home Freeman. Alex Gonzalez hit a big two-run double to put the Braves ahead 3-1. Brian McCann added an RBI double and Dan Uggla singled him home.
Even after McLouth was injured in the bottom of the third making a running catch to deep center and the Angels used an error by Joe Mather, replacing McLouth, to score a run, the Braves looked like they were in good position for a win. However, the Braves routinely had quick, ineffective innings and in the seventh, with Scott Linebrink replacing Brandon Beachy after the latter went the first six, the Angels tied things up with two outs. Maicer Izturis doubled, Howie Kendrick singled him in, and Nick Swisher hit a two-run homer.
6-5 LOSS - 10 INNINGS (25-22, L1)
W - S. Downs (2-0)
L - J. Venters (2-2)
May 21
Jairo Asencio goes back down and Matt Young was recalled. Young opened the year in Atlanta, but didn't get too many chances and was sent down. He has hit .345 in 19 games with Gwinnett and will help in CF until we know what's going on with McLouth.
Derek Lowe vs. Ervin Santana
For a guy who relies so much on a sinking fastball, Derek Lowe seems to like throwing a fastball, about belt high, that doesn't move. Lowe lost for the fifth time, though not all of it was his fault. Enough of it was, though. He gave up seven hits and five runs, three earned, in his five innings. The final runs were huge. A two-run shot by Howie Kendrick that was the difference. The ball was a "sinker" close to the letters.
Atlanta took the early lead on a Martin Prado homer and after Lowe gave up a second inning run, the Braves retook the lead when Dan Uggla grounded into a double play with the bases loaded. An error on Joe Mather plated the tying run in the third and another run followed on a groundout to put the Angels ahead. Atlanta again tied up things when Alex Gonzalez singled in Prado in the fifth, but Kendrick's homer soon changed that. Jason Heyward triped in the sixth and Mather made up for his earlier miscue to some degree with single that made it 5-4, but that was the end of scoring.
Prado had three hits on the day and has upped his average to .271. Cristhian Martinez, George Sherrill, and Peter Moylan all worked scoreless outings.
5-4 LOSS (25-23, L2)
W - E. Santana (4-0)
L - D. Lowe (3-5)
SV - J. Walden (11)
May 22
Nate McLouth's injury is a sprained wrist. He will miss about a month. Outfielder Drew Macias's contract was purchased. Macias spent a week at Mississippi hitting .455 before getting promoted to Gwinnett, where he has spent a week hitting .421. In addition, Jordan Schafer was promoted to Gwinnett.
Tommy Hanson vs. Dan Haren
Atlanta did not have a lot go right in their matchup with the Angels to close out the series, but they did just enough to win 1-0. Nick Punto was the key offensive performer. After Joe Mather walked to open the sixth, Matt Young bunted him to second and a wild pitch put him 90 feet away. Punto sent one to deep right and Mather tagged and scored the game's only run.
Tommy Hanson was superb. He went 7.2 ING, allowing six hits and walking none. He struck out four and lowered his ERA to 3.26. After giving up back-to-back singles in the eighth with two outs, Craig Kimbrel got the call and retired the next four for his 11th save.
Atlanta had a caught stealing and a runner picked off while only managing three hits, but a win is a win.
1-0 WIN (26-23, W1)
W - T. Hanson (2-2)
L - D. Haren (4-4)
SV - C. Kimbrel (11)
Series 15: at Arizona
May 18
Brooks Conrad was DFA'd and Willy Aybar was added to the roster. Sadly, OOTP doesn't allow for a player without options to go to the minors just to get into shape.
Julio Teheran vs. Daniel Hudson
Two things that were at least supposed to be strengths were on display as true weaknesses today. Offense and the bullpen. Atlanta put their rookie pitcher Julio Teheran in a bind, giving him one run to work with. He went six and allowed two runs which should be enough for a win. Eric O'Flaherty followed by allowing a run in his two innings.
However, in the ninth, the Braves offense woke up briefly. Jason Heyward walked against J.J. Putz and Alex Gonzalez took Putz deep to put the Braves in a tie. Atlanta would threaten to score again, but failed.
That proved costly after Scott Linebrink, who tossed a perfect ninth inning, ran into quick tenth inning trouble in allowing a leadoff double to Collin Cowgill. After a groundout got Cowgill to third, Jonny Venters got the call to face Russ Branyan, but the Diamondbacks countered with Chris B. Young. He singled past Dan Uggla at second to send the Braves to the showers with yet another frustrating loss.
4-3 LOSS - 10 INNINGS (24-21, L1)
W - J.J. Putz (2-2)
L - S. Linebrink (0-1)
May 19
The day after DFAing Brooks Conrad, the Braves traded him to Boston in exchange for minor league pitcher Anthony Ranaudo. The 21 year old righty started the year at low-A ball, but has started the last three games for Salem in the Carolina League. He hasn't been quite as successful there after posting a 2.53 ERA in six starts before the promotion. He will head to Lynchburg. Our scouts love him and project him to be a middle-of-the-staff guy.
Meanwhile, Jair Jurrjens suffered some elbow inflammation in his second start and will probably miss two months. When it rains...
Mike Minor vs. Armando Galarraga
With the news that Jair Jurrjens will probably be out until mid-July at best, Mike Minor's performance was under the radar against the Diamondbacks. He allowed a host of runners throughout the game before retiring the last seven he faced. More important than that, Minor allowed no runs over seven innings and Atlanta scored early and late to help split the two-game set, 6-0.
Nate McLouth was hit by a 0-2 pitch by Armando Galarraga and Martin Prado hit his sixth homer on the very next pitch to make it 2-0. Brian McCann would follow with his third moonshot and despite allowing five hits, walking three, and working around an error, the Diamondbacks could not break through against Minor. With runners on second-and-third and no outs in the second, they couldn't score. With runners on the corners and two outs in the third, they couldn't score. With runners on the corners and NO outs in the fourth, they couldn't score. Minor kept eluding the big inning.
It remained 3-0 until the sixth when Alex Gonzalez, who had a game-high three hits, sent his sixth homer to the left field bleachers. Willy Aybar got into his first game, pinch hitting for Freddie Freeman against a lefty and singled in the 8th. However, Jason Heyward was thrown out at the plate to keep Aybar from his first RBI. McLouth ended up forcing a run with the bases loaded to make it 5-0. Dan Uggla added a homer in the ninth.
6-0 WIN (25-21, W1)
W - M. Minor (2-0)
L - A. Galarraga (4-2)
Brooks Conrad was DFA'd and Willy Aybar was added to the roster. Sadly, OOTP doesn't allow for a player without options to go to the minors just to get into shape.
Julio Teheran vs. Daniel Hudson
Two things that were at least supposed to be strengths were on display as true weaknesses today. Offense and the bullpen. Atlanta put their rookie pitcher Julio Teheran in a bind, giving him one run to work with. He went six and allowed two runs which should be enough for a win. Eric O'Flaherty followed by allowing a run in his two innings.
However, in the ninth, the Braves offense woke up briefly. Jason Heyward walked against J.J. Putz and Alex Gonzalez took Putz deep to put the Braves in a tie. Atlanta would threaten to score again, but failed.
That proved costly after Scott Linebrink, who tossed a perfect ninth inning, ran into quick tenth inning trouble in allowing a leadoff double to Collin Cowgill. After a groundout got Cowgill to third, Jonny Venters got the call to face Russ Branyan, but the Diamondbacks countered with Chris B. Young. He singled past Dan Uggla at second to send the Braves to the showers with yet another frustrating loss.
4-3 LOSS - 10 INNINGS (24-21, L1)
W - J.J. Putz (2-2)
L - S. Linebrink (0-1)
May 19
The day after DFAing Brooks Conrad, the Braves traded him to Boston in exchange for minor league pitcher Anthony Ranaudo. The 21 year old righty started the year at low-A ball, but has started the last three games for Salem in the Carolina League. He hasn't been quite as successful there after posting a 2.53 ERA in six starts before the promotion. He will head to Lynchburg. Our scouts love him and project him to be a middle-of-the-staff guy.
Meanwhile, Jair Jurrjens suffered some elbow inflammation in his second start and will probably miss two months. When it rains...
Mike Minor vs. Armando Galarraga
With the news that Jair Jurrjens will probably be out until mid-July at best, Mike Minor's performance was under the radar against the Diamondbacks. He allowed a host of runners throughout the game before retiring the last seven he faced. More important than that, Minor allowed no runs over seven innings and Atlanta scored early and late to help split the two-game set, 6-0.
Nate McLouth was hit by a 0-2 pitch by Armando Galarraga and Martin Prado hit his sixth homer on the very next pitch to make it 2-0. Brian McCann would follow with his third moonshot and despite allowing five hits, walking three, and working around an error, the Diamondbacks could not break through against Minor. With runners on second-and-third and no outs in the second, they couldn't score. With runners on the corners and two outs in the third, they couldn't score. With runners on the corners and NO outs in the fourth, they couldn't score. Minor kept eluding the big inning.
It remained 3-0 until the sixth when Alex Gonzalez, who had a game-high three hits, sent his sixth homer to the left field bleachers. Willy Aybar got into his first game, pinch hitting for Freddie Freeman against a lefty and singled in the 8th. However, Jason Heyward was thrown out at the plate to keep Aybar from his first RBI. McLouth ended up forcing a run with the bases loaded to make it 5-0. Dan Uggla added a homer in the ninth.
6-0 WIN (25-21, W1)
W - M. Minor (2-0)
L - A. Galarraga (4-2)
Series 14: vs. Houston
May 16
Wandy Rodriguez vs. Derek Lowe
Rarely will you see Michael Bourn thrown out. Maybe once in a career will it end a game. However, that is how today's matchup with the Astros ended. Craig Kimbrel came in to perserve the 5-3 lead. After a groundout, Bill Hall singled to right. Robinson Cancel rocketed a ball up the middle to put runners on first-and-second. After a fielder's choice wiped out Cancel and replaced him with Bourn at first with Hall at third, Hall attempted to steal on a 0-1 pitch. The fastball was high and away and Brian McCann's throw was on the money.
Atlanta won despite only picking up two hits. They used a hit batter, a wild pitch, a sac fly, and the usual nine walks (including a pair of go-ahead bases loaded walks) to win this one and "bang" out five runs.
Derek Lowe went six, picking up a quality start. George Sherrill pitched the seventh and got the win.
5-3 WIN (23-20, W1)
W - G. Sherrill (2-1)
L - J. Bulger (0-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (10)
May 17
Looking to add more depth, we added Willy Aybar on a one-year contract with a team option for 2012. Aybar will earn an even million for the rest of the season and has a $2.5M option with a $250K buyout. Aybar hit .230 in 100 games for Tampa Bay last year. He played in 36 games with Atlanta in 2006 after being acquired in the Wilson Betimet trade. Aybar will join the team in Arizona tomorrow. Brooks Conrad will likely be desiginated for assignment.
Brett Myers vs. Tommy Hanson
Of all the improbable wins, this one may take the cake. Atlanta, down by five runs in the ninth, ties it with five in the ninth and Freddie Freeman singles home Brian McCann to win it in the tenth. The Braves had been mystified for eight innings against Brett Myers, who allowed only two hits, a walk, and picked up six K's. He probably wish he had not been pinch hit for in the ninth after 95 pitches. The Astros had just added two of Cristhian Martinez to push their lead to five.
However, in the ninth, new pitcher Sergio Escalona began to struggle after getting Nate McLouth to ground out. Martin Prado doubled, McCann singled, and Dan Uggla singled in Prado. After closer Wilton Lopez replaced Escalona, Jason Heyward delivered a huge two-run triple to bring the Braves within two. Chipper Jones, pinch-hitting for Alex Gonzalez, worked a walk before Freeman singled in his best friend Heyward. Down a run, Nick Punto grounded out to first to advance the runners, but he recorded the second out. David Ross got the call from the bench and took two strikes before, on a 1-2 count, essentially hit a swinging bunt that he beat out to plate Jones and tie it at five. McLouth, who began the inning with an out, ended it with one.
After Peter Moylan put a pair of runners, but worked around it in the top of the tenth, Prado beat out a grounder to open the tenth before McCann was hit by a pitch. After a strikeout, a wild pitch prompted the 'Stros to walk Heyward intentionally. Jones hit a hard grounder to second that Anderson Hernandez made a diving stop to throw out Prado at home. That set up Freeman, who worked the count full before sending a hard-hit ball between first and second for the win.
6-5 WIN - 10 INNINGS (24-20, W2)
W - P. Moylan (4-1)
L - W. Lopez (1-3)
Wandy Rodriguez vs. Derek Lowe
Rarely will you see Michael Bourn thrown out. Maybe once in a career will it end a game. However, that is how today's matchup with the Astros ended. Craig Kimbrel came in to perserve the 5-3 lead. After a groundout, Bill Hall singled to right. Robinson Cancel rocketed a ball up the middle to put runners on first-and-second. After a fielder's choice wiped out Cancel and replaced him with Bourn at first with Hall at third, Hall attempted to steal on a 0-1 pitch. The fastball was high and away and Brian McCann's throw was on the money.
Atlanta won despite only picking up two hits. They used a hit batter, a wild pitch, a sac fly, and the usual nine walks (including a pair of go-ahead bases loaded walks) to win this one and "bang" out five runs.
Derek Lowe went six, picking up a quality start. George Sherrill pitched the seventh and got the win.
5-3 WIN (23-20, W1)
W - G. Sherrill (2-1)
L - J. Bulger (0-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (10)
May 17
Looking to add more depth, we added Willy Aybar on a one-year contract with a team option for 2012. Aybar will earn an even million for the rest of the season and has a $2.5M option with a $250K buyout. Aybar hit .230 in 100 games for Tampa Bay last year. He played in 36 games with Atlanta in 2006 after being acquired in the Wilson Betimet trade. Aybar will join the team in Arizona tomorrow. Brooks Conrad will likely be desiginated for assignment.
Brett Myers vs. Tommy Hanson
Of all the improbable wins, this one may take the cake. Atlanta, down by five runs in the ninth, ties it with five in the ninth and Freddie Freeman singles home Brian McCann to win it in the tenth. The Braves had been mystified for eight innings against Brett Myers, who allowed only two hits, a walk, and picked up six K's. He probably wish he had not been pinch hit for in the ninth after 95 pitches. The Astros had just added two of Cristhian Martinez to push their lead to five.
However, in the ninth, new pitcher Sergio Escalona began to struggle after getting Nate McLouth to ground out. Martin Prado doubled, McCann singled, and Dan Uggla singled in Prado. After closer Wilton Lopez replaced Escalona, Jason Heyward delivered a huge two-run triple to bring the Braves within two. Chipper Jones, pinch-hitting for Alex Gonzalez, worked a walk before Freeman singled in his best friend Heyward. Down a run, Nick Punto grounded out to first to advance the runners, but he recorded the second out. David Ross got the call from the bench and took two strikes before, on a 1-2 count, essentially hit a swinging bunt that he beat out to plate Jones and tie it at five. McLouth, who began the inning with an out, ended it with one.
After Peter Moylan put a pair of runners, but worked around it in the top of the tenth, Prado beat out a grounder to open the tenth before McCann was hit by a pitch. After a strikeout, a wild pitch prompted the 'Stros to walk Heyward intentionally. Jones hit a hard grounder to second that Anderson Hernandez made a diving stop to throw out Prado at home. That set up Freeman, who worked the count full before sending a hard-hit ball between first and second for the win.
6-5 WIN - 10 INNINGS (24-20, W2)
W - P. Moylan (4-1)
L - W. Lopez (1-3)
Series 13: vs. Philadelphia
May 13, 2011
With the Phillies coming to town, Chipper Jones looks like he will be activated tomorrow. He will have spent the minimum of 15 days on the DL. His activation will coincide with the callup of Mike Minor to make a start. I expect Jair Jurrjens to make another appearance for Gwinnett on Monday, the 16th. If that goes well, he will likely be activated next Saturday for a game against Anaheim. He could also make that start in Gwinnett and be held back for the 27th against the Reds because that game follows two of four days off. The Braves could use Minor on the 19th against the D'Backs, demote him, and have an extra player for the trip to Anaheim and the two game trip to Pittsburgh.
Elsewhere, pulled off a trade with the Chicago Cubs. J.J. Hoover heads to the Chicago system for Nick Punto and prospect OF Matt Szczur. Diory Hernandez was demoted to make room for Punto, who will be eligible for the series opener against Philly. Punto is a high OBP switch hitter capable of playing all over the infield at a high level. Szczur could turn into a .280/.340/.450 type player in center who plays above average defense and swipes 30 bases. There's always room on teams for those guys. Hoover was probably ranked 8th among starters. In addition, Arodys Vizcaino was promoted to AA to replace Hoover.
Cole Hamels vs. Julio Teheran.
The strikezone must have been microscopic as the teams combined for just 16 hits, but 26 walks. The 26th and final walk came in the 12th inning against J.C. Romero. After Freddie Freeman had walked to open the inning, Jairo Asencio was asked to put a bunt down. He did his job and Romero threw the ball away. An intentional walk to Martin Prado loaded them and after a popup, Nate McLouth, who was 0 for 6, walked to force Freeman and win the game 8-7.
Down 1-0 in the first, Prado tied it up with a homer off Hamels. The Braves would manufacture a go-ahead run in the third. Nick Punto, making his debut as a starter at third base, walked and with one out, Dan Uggla followed suit. A double steal advanced the runners and Brian McCann grounded out to put the Braves ahead. In the sixth, Jason Heyward (yes) walked and Freeman singled. A Julio Teheran bunt advanced the runners and with two outs, a passed ball scored Heyward and Punto beat out a grounder to plate Freeman. With a 4-1 lead, the Braves had some room to feel safe. However, the Phillies scored twice in the fifth with the help of two errors. After a rain delay, Dan Uggla smacked a solo bomb to make it 5-3. The rain delay forced a move to the pen and in the seventh, Peter Moylan came up a walk and a two-run homer to tie it.
In the seventh, with two outs, Jason Grilli couldn't find the strike zone and threw 13 straight out of the zone before getting a strike. He followed that with three more out of the zone to force home Atlanta's sixth run. Jonny Venters followed suit by walking two and giving up a single with two outs to load them before walking home the tying run. Another walk made it 7-6. Braves were able to use a wild pitch to score Uggla in the 9th with two outs. Uggla had, surprisingly, walked. He actually tied an Atlanta record with four walks and was able to score three times. Teheran was charged with one earned run and two unearned runs in his five innings. He added his first major league hit. He was on the hook for the win before Moylan had the first of two Atlanta blown saves.
8-7 WIN - 12 INNINGS (21-19, W3)
W - J. Asencio (2-0)
L - J.C. Romero (1-1)
May 14, 2011
Expected moves occured. Chipper Jones was activated from the 15 day DL, Mike Minor was called up, and Jairo Asencio and Wilkin Ramirez were demoted to Gwinnett. Minor gets the fun assignment of facing Roy Halladay.
Roy Halladay vs. Mike Minor
Sometimes, a rookie seems like the veteran who sees his spot come up against a rival, knows his bullpen is tired, and also knows his offense is not the best - and oh, he is facing Roy Halladay - and despite all of the distractions, takes the team on his back and says, "I got this." Mike Minor did that on Saturday. Minor allows three hits, four walks, and struck out three over seven frames as the Braves shutdown the Phillies 5-0.
Minor walked a pair in the first and stranded two runners in scoring position in the third, but seemed to settle down from there. Maybe retiring Ryan Howard to end the third inning threat helped. The two runs the Braves gave him definitely had to help. With one out in the third, Nate McLouth earned a rare Halladay walk. After Martin Prado singled, the pair sync'd up on a double steal. Brian McCann was retired without scoring a run, but Chipper Jones rocketed the first pitch he saw for an RBI single and after an error scored Prado, the Braves had a lead they would not surrender.
With two outs in the sixth, the Braves offense woke up on a Freddie Freeman single. With the count 3-1 to Minor, something odd happened. Minor homered. Yes, off of Roy Halladay. And it wasn't a wind-driven, weak homer. Minor went opposite field with authority, lining the pitch 376 feet. The Braves would get a third run of the inning when McLouth doubled and Prado singled him in. Minor followed with a three pitch seventh before getting replaced after 99 pitches as Cristhian Martinez opened the 8th. He struck out four over two innings to rest the others in the pen.
5-0 WIN (22-19, W4)
W - M. Minor (1-0)
L - R. Halladay (6-3)
May 15, 2011
Very unhappy...accidentally pressed "Finish Today" while fiddling with the minor leagues. First game I didn't play out all season.
Roy Oswalt vs. Brandon Beachy
Close one went extras until Raul Ibanez homered off Craig Kimbrel with two outs in the 11th. Brandon Beachy was very solid, going seven and allowing five hits, a run, a walk, and picking up six K's. However, Roy Oswalt matched him pitch-by-pitch. Literally. The two had identical pitching lines.
Jason Heyward had two hits to get his average sniffing .200 again. He scored Atlanta's only run in the fifth with a single and a stolen base that allowed Alex Gonzalez to drive him in.
Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty were solid and got the game to Kimbrel, who retired the first two he saw with ease before Ibanez went deep.
2-1 LOSS - 11 INNINGS (22-20, L1)
W - R. Madson (1-1)
L - C. Kimbrel (2-1)
SV - A. Bastardo (2)
With the Phillies coming to town, Chipper Jones looks like he will be activated tomorrow. He will have spent the minimum of 15 days on the DL. His activation will coincide with the callup of Mike Minor to make a start. I expect Jair Jurrjens to make another appearance for Gwinnett on Monday, the 16th. If that goes well, he will likely be activated next Saturday for a game against Anaheim. He could also make that start in Gwinnett and be held back for the 27th against the Reds because that game follows two of four days off. The Braves could use Minor on the 19th against the D'Backs, demote him, and have an extra player for the trip to Anaheim and the two game trip to Pittsburgh.
Elsewhere, pulled off a trade with the Chicago Cubs. J.J. Hoover heads to the Chicago system for Nick Punto and prospect OF Matt Szczur. Diory Hernandez was demoted to make room for Punto, who will be eligible for the series opener against Philly. Punto is a high OBP switch hitter capable of playing all over the infield at a high level. Szczur could turn into a .280/.340/.450 type player in center who plays above average defense and swipes 30 bases. There's always room on teams for those guys. Hoover was probably ranked 8th among starters. In addition, Arodys Vizcaino was promoted to AA to replace Hoover.
Cole Hamels vs. Julio Teheran.
The strikezone must have been microscopic as the teams combined for just 16 hits, but 26 walks. The 26th and final walk came in the 12th inning against J.C. Romero. After Freddie Freeman had walked to open the inning, Jairo Asencio was asked to put a bunt down. He did his job and Romero threw the ball away. An intentional walk to Martin Prado loaded them and after a popup, Nate McLouth, who was 0 for 6, walked to force Freeman and win the game 8-7.
Down 1-0 in the first, Prado tied it up with a homer off Hamels. The Braves would manufacture a go-ahead run in the third. Nick Punto, making his debut as a starter at third base, walked and with one out, Dan Uggla followed suit. A double steal advanced the runners and Brian McCann grounded out to put the Braves ahead. In the sixth, Jason Heyward (yes) walked and Freeman singled. A Julio Teheran bunt advanced the runners and with two outs, a passed ball scored Heyward and Punto beat out a grounder to plate Freeman. With a 4-1 lead, the Braves had some room to feel safe. However, the Phillies scored twice in the fifth with the help of two errors. After a rain delay, Dan Uggla smacked a solo bomb to make it 5-3. The rain delay forced a move to the pen and in the seventh, Peter Moylan came up a walk and a two-run homer to tie it.
In the seventh, with two outs, Jason Grilli couldn't find the strike zone and threw 13 straight out of the zone before getting a strike. He followed that with three more out of the zone to force home Atlanta's sixth run. Jonny Venters followed suit by walking two and giving up a single with two outs to load them before walking home the tying run. Another walk made it 7-6. Braves were able to use a wild pitch to score Uggla in the 9th with two outs. Uggla had, surprisingly, walked. He actually tied an Atlanta record with four walks and was able to score three times. Teheran was charged with one earned run and two unearned runs in his five innings. He added his first major league hit. He was on the hook for the win before Moylan had the first of two Atlanta blown saves.
8-7 WIN - 12 INNINGS (21-19, W3)
W - J. Asencio (2-0)
L - J.C. Romero (1-1)
May 14, 2011
Expected moves occured. Chipper Jones was activated from the 15 day DL, Mike Minor was called up, and Jairo Asencio and Wilkin Ramirez were demoted to Gwinnett. Minor gets the fun assignment of facing Roy Halladay.
Roy Halladay vs. Mike Minor
Sometimes, a rookie seems like the veteran who sees his spot come up against a rival, knows his bullpen is tired, and also knows his offense is not the best - and oh, he is facing Roy Halladay - and despite all of the distractions, takes the team on his back and says, "I got this." Mike Minor did that on Saturday. Minor allows three hits, four walks, and struck out three over seven frames as the Braves shutdown the Phillies 5-0.
Minor walked a pair in the first and stranded two runners in scoring position in the third, but seemed to settle down from there. Maybe retiring Ryan Howard to end the third inning threat helped. The two runs the Braves gave him definitely had to help. With one out in the third, Nate McLouth earned a rare Halladay walk. After Martin Prado singled, the pair sync'd up on a double steal. Brian McCann was retired without scoring a run, but Chipper Jones rocketed the first pitch he saw for an RBI single and after an error scored Prado, the Braves had a lead they would not surrender.
With two outs in the sixth, the Braves offense woke up on a Freddie Freeman single. With the count 3-1 to Minor, something odd happened. Minor homered. Yes, off of Roy Halladay. And it wasn't a wind-driven, weak homer. Minor went opposite field with authority, lining the pitch 376 feet. The Braves would get a third run of the inning when McLouth doubled and Prado singled him in. Minor followed with a three pitch seventh before getting replaced after 99 pitches as Cristhian Martinez opened the 8th. He struck out four over two innings to rest the others in the pen.
5-0 WIN (22-19, W4)
W - M. Minor (1-0)
L - R. Halladay (6-3)
May 15, 2011
Very unhappy...accidentally pressed "Finish Today" while fiddling with the minor leagues. First game I didn't play out all season.
Roy Oswalt vs. Brandon Beachy
Close one went extras until Raul Ibanez homered off Craig Kimbrel with two outs in the 11th. Brandon Beachy was very solid, going seven and allowing five hits, a run, a walk, and picking up six K's. However, Roy Oswalt matched him pitch-by-pitch. Literally. The two had identical pitching lines.
Jason Heyward had two hits to get his average sniffing .200 again. He scored Atlanta's only run in the fifth with a single and a stolen base that allowed Alex Gonzalez to drive him in.
Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty were solid and got the game to Kimbrel, who retired the first two he saw with ease before Ibanez went deep.
2-1 LOSS - 11 INNINGS (22-20, L1)
W - R. Madson (1-1)
L - C. Kimbrel (2-1)
SV - A. Bastardo (2)
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Series 12: vs. Washington
May 9, 2011
After the disappointment in Philly, the last thing we wanted as we came home was to find out that Tim Hudson has a torn flexor tendon in his elbow and will be out for the rest of the season. Julio Teheran, who replaced Jair Jurrjens in the rotation, looks to be a fixture. Jurrjens is expected to make at least one rehab start this week to test his strained shoulder. The Braves will need a starter on Saturday against the Phillies, who make a trip to Atlanta as part of this ten-day, ten game homestand.
May 10
Chad Gaudin vs. Brandon Beachy
Common theme of 2011. Take the early lead, offense shuts down completely, pitching staff can't keep the lead. Rinse and repeat.
The Braves manufactured a run in the first as Jason Heyward walked, but was wiped out on a fielder's choice by Nate McLouth. The center fielder stole second and scored on a Brian McCann single. The Braves managed four hits for the rest of the game, including one double.
Meanwhile, Brandon Beachy allowed two doubles, a homer, and three more hits as he gave up four runs in six innings. He lost his fifth on the season.
4-1 LOSS (18-19)
W - C. Gaudin (2-3)
L - B. Beachy (2-5)
SV - D. Slaten (2)
May 11, 2011
Jair Jurrjens will start tonight in Pawtucket for Gwinnett.
John Lannon vs. Derek Lowe
Via a five-run second, Atlanta rolls with ease to get back to .500. With the game scoreless, Dan Uggla opened the second with a walk. A base hit by Joe Mather sent Uggla to second, where he scored easily on a double by Diory Hernandez. After Freddie Freeman K'd, Derek Lowe put a squeeze bunt down on a 1-0 pitch to make it 2-0. A Martin Prado RBI single made it 3-0 before Nate McLouth and Alex Gonzalez hit consecutive RBI doubles to chase John Lannon and make it 5-0.
Lowe pitched in and out of damage throughout the game, but kept it scoreless before giving up a homer in the seventh, his final inning. He gave up eight hits, but only one went for extra bases. He walked two and struck out a surprising seven. Cristhian Martinez finished up with two K's in his two frames.
Prado added a two-run homer in the fourth and a double later to spearhead the Braves attack. He scored three times and drove in three. Brian McCann smacked his second homer of the season in the seventh and Gonzalez finished with two doubles and two RBIs.
9-1 WIN (19-19)
W - D. Lowe (3-4)
L - J. Lannon (2-2)
May 12, 2011
Jair Jurrjens struggled some, giving up ten hits and six runs. However, with a need in the starting staff, he might find himself getting called back before making another start. Braves did sign Noah Lowry and assigned him to Gwinnett.
Livan Hernandez vs. Tommy Hanson
With how this season has progressed, the Braves will take a win any way they can possibly get it. With the bases loaded in the 11th, the Braves watched Martin Prado strike out and Nate McLouth rocket a grounder toward second and resigned themselves to yet another inning. However, fortune struck as Danny Espinosa's throw was wide of the mark, allowing McLouth to reach and Alex Gonzalez to score as the Braves win 3-2.
Atlanta used three wild pitches from Livan Hernandez and an RBI single from Jason Heyward to take the initial lead in the second 2-0. However, a homer off Tommy Hanson in the fifth and another homer off George Sherrill in the sixth tied it. The bullpens traded scoring opportunity after scoring opportunity but no runs as two of the worst offenses in the league showed their ineptness.
Heyward pushes his average over the Mendoza Mark to .202 with a three hit game. Brian McCann and Gonzalez added two hits a piece. In fact, outside of those three, Atlanta managed just one hit. Peter Moylan, who walked a batter before retiring the last batter off the 11th, got the win as the seventh pitcher of the game for Atlanta.
3-2 WIN - 11 INNINGS (20-19)
W - P. Moylan (3-1)
L - K. Jepsen (1-2)
After the disappointment in Philly, the last thing we wanted as we came home was to find out that Tim Hudson has a torn flexor tendon in his elbow and will be out for the rest of the season. Julio Teheran, who replaced Jair Jurrjens in the rotation, looks to be a fixture. Jurrjens is expected to make at least one rehab start this week to test his strained shoulder. The Braves will need a starter on Saturday against the Phillies, who make a trip to Atlanta as part of this ten-day, ten game homestand.
May 10
Chad Gaudin vs. Brandon Beachy
Common theme of 2011. Take the early lead, offense shuts down completely, pitching staff can't keep the lead. Rinse and repeat.
The Braves manufactured a run in the first as Jason Heyward walked, but was wiped out on a fielder's choice by Nate McLouth. The center fielder stole second and scored on a Brian McCann single. The Braves managed four hits for the rest of the game, including one double.
Meanwhile, Brandon Beachy allowed two doubles, a homer, and three more hits as he gave up four runs in six innings. He lost his fifth on the season.
4-1 LOSS (18-19)
W - C. Gaudin (2-3)
L - B. Beachy (2-5)
SV - D. Slaten (2)
May 11, 2011
Jair Jurrjens will start tonight in Pawtucket for Gwinnett.
John Lannon vs. Derek Lowe
Via a five-run second, Atlanta rolls with ease to get back to .500. With the game scoreless, Dan Uggla opened the second with a walk. A base hit by Joe Mather sent Uggla to second, where he scored easily on a double by Diory Hernandez. After Freddie Freeman K'd, Derek Lowe put a squeeze bunt down on a 1-0 pitch to make it 2-0. A Martin Prado RBI single made it 3-0 before Nate McLouth and Alex Gonzalez hit consecutive RBI doubles to chase John Lannon and make it 5-0.
Lowe pitched in and out of damage throughout the game, but kept it scoreless before giving up a homer in the seventh, his final inning. He gave up eight hits, but only one went for extra bases. He walked two and struck out a surprising seven. Cristhian Martinez finished up with two K's in his two frames.
Prado added a two-run homer in the fourth and a double later to spearhead the Braves attack. He scored three times and drove in three. Brian McCann smacked his second homer of the season in the seventh and Gonzalez finished with two doubles and two RBIs.
9-1 WIN (19-19)
W - D. Lowe (3-4)
L - J. Lannon (2-2)
May 12, 2011
Jair Jurrjens struggled some, giving up ten hits and six runs. However, with a need in the starting staff, he might find himself getting called back before making another start. Braves did sign Noah Lowry and assigned him to Gwinnett.
Livan Hernandez vs. Tommy Hanson
With how this season has progressed, the Braves will take a win any way they can possibly get it. With the bases loaded in the 11th, the Braves watched Martin Prado strike out and Nate McLouth rocket a grounder toward second and resigned themselves to yet another inning. However, fortune struck as Danny Espinosa's throw was wide of the mark, allowing McLouth to reach and Alex Gonzalez to score as the Braves win 3-2.
Atlanta used three wild pitches from Livan Hernandez and an RBI single from Jason Heyward to take the initial lead in the second 2-0. However, a homer off Tommy Hanson in the fifth and another homer off George Sherrill in the sixth tied it. The bullpens traded scoring opportunity after scoring opportunity but no runs as two of the worst offenses in the league showed their ineptness.
Heyward pushes his average over the Mendoza Mark to .202 with a three hit game. Brian McCann and Gonzalez added two hits a piece. In fact, outside of those three, Atlanta managed just one hit. Peter Moylan, who walked a batter before retiring the last batter off the 11th, got the win as the seventh pitcher of the game for Atlanta.
3-2 WIN - 11 INNINGS (20-19)
W - P. Moylan (3-1)
L - K. Jepsen (1-2)
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Series 11: at Philadelphia
May 6, 2011
MRI on Tim Hudson has yet to be held and we are hoping for the best there. In the meantime, Jairo Asencio was sent back to Gwinnett and Cristhian Martinez was recalled for a fresh arm. With an off day coming after the Philly series, Hudson's spot will likely be skipped anyway so we wouldn't need a fifth starter until eight days from now. Technically, Jair Jurrjens could be activated for that start. In addition, in his first game in over three weeks, Brian McCann went 3 for 4 with a 2B while catching all nine innings for the G-Braves last night. He will likely get at least two more games in Gwinnett and be activated either Sunday or on the off day, Monday.
Derek Lowe vs. Vance Worley
Well, that was sad. Down 8-3, the Braves load the bases on consecutive walks by Dan Uggla, Eric Hinske, and Alex Gonzalez (not exactly a trio that usually walks). All that did was get J.C. Romero replaced by Ryan Madson. Pinch hitter Joe Mather K'd and Martin Prado grounded into a game-ending double play.
Atlanta took the lead to open the game as Prado singled and scored on a Freddie Freeman groundout as the Braves put Vance Worley on the ropes early. However, after missing the knockout blow, the Phillies quickly scored twice off Derek Lowe, who walked four in four frames. Prado homered in the third to tie things, but in the fourth, Lowe gave up five runs to kill the Braves' hopes.
Brooks Conrad picked up the other RBI with a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the seventh. Eric O'Flaherty quickly gave that run back up.
8-3 LOSS (17-17)
W - V. Worley (1-0)
L - D. Lowe (2-4)
SV - R. Madson (9)
May 7, 2011
Brian McCann had two more hits yesterday. Barring a setback, I am leaning toward getting him up tomorrow after a three-game rehab.
Tommy Hanson vs. Cole Hamels
The matchup of two of the best young starters in not only the NL East, but the National League overall lived up to the biling. Martin Prado opened the game with a solo homer, his third, off of Cole Hamels to put Atlanta ahead and Tommy Hanson took it from there.
The goose eggs began to mount as Hanson seemed to cruise through inning after inning. Teammates began to avoid him in the dugout as the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings ended with the Phillies still looking for their first baserunner. Carlos Ruiz sent Joe Mather deep in the sixth and Mather needed to leap to catch the ball at the wall. Tyson Gillies put down a beautiful bunt that Hanson made an equally beautiful scoop and throw to first.
Alex Gonzalez gave the Braves their third hit of the game off Hamels...his own solo homer. A pitching change occured with two outs and David Ross, who had the two of the Braves' four hits, on first. Maybe that impacted Hanson's rhythem as he walked Ruiz to break up the perfect game on four straight to open the ninth. Raul Ibanez grounded to Freddie Freeman at first, who stepped on first and couldn't beat Ruiz to second. A grounder by Wilson Valdez helped Ruiz get to third. Gillies stepped in. With the count 2-2, Gillies sent one through the hole on the right side for a base hit to score Ruiz. Craig Kimbrel got the call and Ross Gload flied out to end the game that Hanson dominated for eight innings.
2-1 WIN (18-17)
W - T. Hanson (1-2)
L - C. Hamels (1-3)
SV - C. Kimbrel (9)
May 8, 2011
With two hits yesterday and two RBI's, Brian McCann will get the call from Gwinnett, ending his rehab stint at three games in which he went 6 for 14 with 2 2B, 2 RBI, and 26 innings behind the plate.
Julio Teheran vs. Roy Halladay
Simple case of everything going right turning bad in short order. Up 3-0 on Roy Halladay, Atlanta entered the bottom of the seventh with Peter Moylan on the mound. Moylan had gotten the final out of the sixth in relief of Julio Teheran, who was on the hook for his second career win. Martin Prado threw away a grounder to start the nightmare. After a strikeout, Tyson Gillies worked a nine-pitch walk. Placido Polanco blooped a single. Eric O'Flaherty got the call and surrendered a Grand Slam to the left-handed hitting Domonic Brown. Maybe George Sherrill would have been the better call.
Up until that point, Atlanta was doing pretty good against Halladay. Brian McCann, activated before the game, picked up an RBI with his sacrifice fly with Jason Heyward on third in the first inning. In the fourth, Freddie Freeman hit a one-out homer, his second. After an out, Eric Hinske followed suit with his second homerun.
Julio Teheran was not perfect by any means, but pitched 5.2 scoreless innings against Ryan Howard and company. He gave up four hits and walked three while striking out four. His ERA is now 0.95.
Atlanta had a shot to tie it or take the lead in the ninth. With two outs, Hinske earned a walk. Joe Mather doubled and Wilkin Ramirez, Hinske's pinch runner, somehow didn't score. Martin Prado walked to load them. However, Jason Heyward pushed the count to 3-1, but ended up striking out.
4-3 LOSS (18-18)
W - R. Halladay (6-2)
L - E. O'Flaherty (0-2)
SV - R. Madson (10)
MRI on Tim Hudson has yet to be held and we are hoping for the best there. In the meantime, Jairo Asencio was sent back to Gwinnett and Cristhian Martinez was recalled for a fresh arm. With an off day coming after the Philly series, Hudson's spot will likely be skipped anyway so we wouldn't need a fifth starter until eight days from now. Technically, Jair Jurrjens could be activated for that start. In addition, in his first game in over three weeks, Brian McCann went 3 for 4 with a 2B while catching all nine innings for the G-Braves last night. He will likely get at least two more games in Gwinnett and be activated either Sunday or on the off day, Monday.
Derek Lowe vs. Vance Worley
Well, that was sad. Down 8-3, the Braves load the bases on consecutive walks by Dan Uggla, Eric Hinske, and Alex Gonzalez (not exactly a trio that usually walks). All that did was get J.C. Romero replaced by Ryan Madson. Pinch hitter Joe Mather K'd and Martin Prado grounded into a game-ending double play.
Atlanta took the lead to open the game as Prado singled and scored on a Freddie Freeman groundout as the Braves put Vance Worley on the ropes early. However, after missing the knockout blow, the Phillies quickly scored twice off Derek Lowe, who walked four in four frames. Prado homered in the third to tie things, but in the fourth, Lowe gave up five runs to kill the Braves' hopes.
Brooks Conrad picked up the other RBI with a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the seventh. Eric O'Flaherty quickly gave that run back up.
8-3 LOSS (17-17)
W - V. Worley (1-0)
L - D. Lowe (2-4)
SV - R. Madson (9)
May 7, 2011
Brian McCann had two more hits yesterday. Barring a setback, I am leaning toward getting him up tomorrow after a three-game rehab.
Tommy Hanson vs. Cole Hamels
The matchup of two of the best young starters in not only the NL East, but the National League overall lived up to the biling. Martin Prado opened the game with a solo homer, his third, off of Cole Hamels to put Atlanta ahead and Tommy Hanson took it from there.
The goose eggs began to mount as Hanson seemed to cruise through inning after inning. Teammates began to avoid him in the dugout as the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings ended with the Phillies still looking for their first baserunner. Carlos Ruiz sent Joe Mather deep in the sixth and Mather needed to leap to catch the ball at the wall. Tyson Gillies put down a beautiful bunt that Hanson made an equally beautiful scoop and throw to first.
Alex Gonzalez gave the Braves their third hit of the game off Hamels...his own solo homer. A pitching change occured with two outs and David Ross, who had the two of the Braves' four hits, on first. Maybe that impacted Hanson's rhythem as he walked Ruiz to break up the perfect game on four straight to open the ninth. Raul Ibanez grounded to Freddie Freeman at first, who stepped on first and couldn't beat Ruiz to second. A grounder by Wilson Valdez helped Ruiz get to third. Gillies stepped in. With the count 2-2, Gillies sent one through the hole on the right side for a base hit to score Ruiz. Craig Kimbrel got the call and Ross Gload flied out to end the game that Hanson dominated for eight innings.
2-1 WIN (18-17)
W - T. Hanson (1-2)
L - C. Hamels (1-3)
SV - C. Kimbrel (9)
May 8, 2011
With two hits yesterday and two RBI's, Brian McCann will get the call from Gwinnett, ending his rehab stint at three games in which he went 6 for 14 with 2 2B, 2 RBI, and 26 innings behind the plate.
Julio Teheran vs. Roy Halladay
Simple case of everything going right turning bad in short order. Up 3-0 on Roy Halladay, Atlanta entered the bottom of the seventh with Peter Moylan on the mound. Moylan had gotten the final out of the sixth in relief of Julio Teheran, who was on the hook for his second career win. Martin Prado threw away a grounder to start the nightmare. After a strikeout, Tyson Gillies worked a nine-pitch walk. Placido Polanco blooped a single. Eric O'Flaherty got the call and surrendered a Grand Slam to the left-handed hitting Domonic Brown. Maybe George Sherrill would have been the better call.
Up until that point, Atlanta was doing pretty good against Halladay. Brian McCann, activated before the game, picked up an RBI with his sacrifice fly with Jason Heyward on third in the first inning. In the fourth, Freddie Freeman hit a one-out homer, his second. After an out, Eric Hinske followed suit with his second homerun.
Julio Teheran was not perfect by any means, but pitched 5.2 scoreless innings against Ryan Howard and company. He gave up four hits and walked three while striking out four. His ERA is now 0.95.
Atlanta had a shot to tie it or take the lead in the ninth. With two outs, Hinske earned a walk. Joe Mather doubled and Wilkin Ramirez, Hinske's pinch runner, somehow didn't score. Martin Prado walked to load them. However, Jason Heyward pushed the count to 3-1, but ended up striking out.
4-3 LOSS (18-18)
W - R. Halladay (6-2)
L - E. O'Flaherty (0-2)
SV - R. Madson (10)
Friday, October 14, 2011
Series 10: vs. Milwaukee
May 2, 2011
Last time we saw the Brewers, in, what is Algonquin for "the good land," they swept us in four games. Don't need to equal that, but it would be nice to take this series at home and get on a roll before heading to Philly.
Mark Rogers vs. Tommy Hanson
Embarrassing is a word. Deflating. The kind of game that makes you want to give up baseball.
Final score: 25-9. After two, we led this 5-3. But Tommy Hanson sucked. But so did the rest of the bullpen. Only Craig Kimbrel and Peter Moylan were kept out. Joe Mather, who entered during a double switch after Nate McLouth got hurt (yay for that), pitched the ninth and gave up six more runs. But he did homer so that...equals out?
The saddest part is our offense actually managed nine runs.
25-9 LOSS (16-14)
W - L. Hawkins (2-0)
L - T. Hanson (0-2)
May 3, 2011
Nate McLouth has neck stiffness from yesterday. That's better than...well...broken neck. He is day-to-day. With a righty and two lefties to follow in the series, I may hold him back for pinch hitting. One move...Cristhian Martinez was demoted for Jairo Asencio.
Yovani Gallardo vs. Julio Teheran
Can't say we didn't have a chance in this one, which is better than yesterday. Bases loaded in the ninth, Nate McLouth's replacement Joe Mather flew out to end this 3-1 loss.
Atlanta took the initial lead with Martin Prado driving in Mather with an RBI double in the third, but the offense could not muster much against Yovani Gallardo after that and Julio Teheran was not perfect. Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer off the rookie in the fourth, the only runs Teheran allowed while pitching six and giving up four hits. He struck out eight and walked none.
George Sherrill allowed a run in the 8th to build the Brewers lead to 3-1, but the Braves loaded them against John Axford, who walked a pair and gave up two hits. David Ross followed a Jason Heyward leadoff walk with a double play. A walk to Freddie Freeman preceded back-to-back singles by Dan Uggla and Eric Hinske, but Atlanta couldn't score.
3-1 LOSS (16-15)
W - Y. Gallardo (5-1)
L - J. Teheran (1-1)
SV - J. Axford (4)
May 4, 2011
Hey, a good sign. Brian McCann was sent on a rehab assignment starting today. He has been out since April 12th with a strained rib cage muscle. In 11 games this year, McCann is hitting .297 with 1 HR and 6 RBI. Sadly, even though he has been out for three weeks, he is still tied for fourth on the team in doubles. If all goes well, he might be activated Saturday.
Nate Robertson vs. Brandon Beachy
Back to .500. Brandon Beachy gave up runs in each of the first three innings, but overall kept the Brewers in check. However, as is the norm, the offense was not heard from. Beachy went six, allowed the three runs, and K'd 9.
Diory Hernandez hit a sacrifice fly in the fourth and Dan Uggla hit his second homer in the fifth to get the Braves within a run. However, Eric O'Flaherty struggled with his location and gave up a run in the seventh. Craig Kimbrel, in because he was a fresh arm, gave up two more in the ninth.
The Braves will attempt to avoid a season sweep at the hands of the Brewers tomorrow and avoid falling under .500.
6-2 LOSS (16-16)
W - N. Robertson (1-0)
L - B. Beachy (2-4)
SV - M. DiFelice (3)
May 5
Randy Wolf vs. Tim Hudson
Despite losing yet another key performer, Atlanta is able to come from behind and take this one 9-5. Two runs off Tim Hudson in the first put the Braves in a hole, softened to some degree by Alex Gonzalez's third homer in the bottom of the first. However, with a runner on, Tim Hudson got Rickie Weeks to fly out after a long at-bat. He immediately called for the team doctors and was removed. Jairo Asencio came in and gave up back-to-back homers to make it 5-1.
Braves began to chip away. In the fourth, Jason Heyward walked against Randy Wolf and Dan Uggla followed with a double. With both runners in scoring position, the Braves scored via a wild pitch and sacrifice fly from Joe Mather to make it 5-3. In the sixth, an Uggla doubled plated Gonzalez. And in the seventh, Atlanta tied it when right before Gonzalez flew out to end the inning, Eric Hinske scored on a wild pitch. Hinske had doubled as a pinch hitter and reached third on a grounder.
A wild 8th put Atlanta on top. Heyward singled. On what should have been a double play, Mat Gamel threw the ball wide of second base. With two runners on, Joe Mather was called on to bunt. Gamel threw that past Prince Fielder to plate Heyward. Freddie Freeman was intentionally walked before Diory Hernandez doubled to left to score a pair. J.C. Boscan followed with his first RBI on a squeeze bunt. Asencio went 3.1 important innings before Scott Linebrink tossed two and George Sherrill got the game to the 8th with a scoreless frame.
9-5 WIN (17-16)
W - G. Sherrill (1-1)
L - T. Saito (1-2)
Last time we saw the Brewers, in, what is Algonquin for "the good land," they swept us in four games. Don't need to equal that, but it would be nice to take this series at home and get on a roll before heading to Philly.
Mark Rogers vs. Tommy Hanson
Embarrassing is a word. Deflating. The kind of game that makes you want to give up baseball.
Final score: 25-9. After two, we led this 5-3. But Tommy Hanson sucked. But so did the rest of the bullpen. Only Craig Kimbrel and Peter Moylan were kept out. Joe Mather, who entered during a double switch after Nate McLouth got hurt (yay for that), pitched the ninth and gave up six more runs. But he did homer so that...equals out?
The saddest part is our offense actually managed nine runs.
25-9 LOSS (16-14)
W - L. Hawkins (2-0)
L - T. Hanson (0-2)
May 3, 2011
Nate McLouth has neck stiffness from yesterday. That's better than...well...broken neck. He is day-to-day. With a righty and two lefties to follow in the series, I may hold him back for pinch hitting. One move...Cristhian Martinez was demoted for Jairo Asencio.
Yovani Gallardo vs. Julio Teheran
Can't say we didn't have a chance in this one, which is better than yesterday. Bases loaded in the ninth, Nate McLouth's replacement Joe Mather flew out to end this 3-1 loss.
Atlanta took the initial lead with Martin Prado driving in Mather with an RBI double in the third, but the offense could not muster much against Yovani Gallardo after that and Julio Teheran was not perfect. Ryan Braun hit a two-run homer off the rookie in the fourth, the only runs Teheran allowed while pitching six and giving up four hits. He struck out eight and walked none.
George Sherrill allowed a run in the 8th to build the Brewers lead to 3-1, but the Braves loaded them against John Axford, who walked a pair and gave up two hits. David Ross followed a Jason Heyward leadoff walk with a double play. A walk to Freddie Freeman preceded back-to-back singles by Dan Uggla and Eric Hinske, but Atlanta couldn't score.
3-1 LOSS (16-15)
W - Y. Gallardo (5-1)
L - J. Teheran (1-1)
SV - J. Axford (4)
May 4, 2011
Hey, a good sign. Brian McCann was sent on a rehab assignment starting today. He has been out since April 12th with a strained rib cage muscle. In 11 games this year, McCann is hitting .297 with 1 HR and 6 RBI. Sadly, even though he has been out for three weeks, he is still tied for fourth on the team in doubles. If all goes well, he might be activated Saturday.
Nate Robertson vs. Brandon Beachy
Back to .500. Brandon Beachy gave up runs in each of the first three innings, but overall kept the Brewers in check. However, as is the norm, the offense was not heard from. Beachy went six, allowed the three runs, and K'd 9.
Diory Hernandez hit a sacrifice fly in the fourth and Dan Uggla hit his second homer in the fifth to get the Braves within a run. However, Eric O'Flaherty struggled with his location and gave up a run in the seventh. Craig Kimbrel, in because he was a fresh arm, gave up two more in the ninth.
The Braves will attempt to avoid a season sweep at the hands of the Brewers tomorrow and avoid falling under .500.
6-2 LOSS (16-16)
W - N. Robertson (1-0)
L - B. Beachy (2-4)
SV - M. DiFelice (3)
May 5
Randy Wolf vs. Tim Hudson
Despite losing yet another key performer, Atlanta is able to come from behind and take this one 9-5. Two runs off Tim Hudson in the first put the Braves in a hole, softened to some degree by Alex Gonzalez's third homer in the bottom of the first. However, with a runner on, Tim Hudson got Rickie Weeks to fly out after a long at-bat. He immediately called for the team doctors and was removed. Jairo Asencio came in and gave up back-to-back homers to make it 5-1.
Braves began to chip away. In the fourth, Jason Heyward walked against Randy Wolf and Dan Uggla followed with a double. With both runners in scoring position, the Braves scored via a wild pitch and sacrifice fly from Joe Mather to make it 5-3. In the sixth, an Uggla doubled plated Gonzalez. And in the seventh, Atlanta tied it when right before Gonzalez flew out to end the inning, Eric Hinske scored on a wild pitch. Hinske had doubled as a pinch hitter and reached third on a grounder.
A wild 8th put Atlanta on top. Heyward singled. On what should have been a double play, Mat Gamel threw the ball wide of second base. With two runners on, Joe Mather was called on to bunt. Gamel threw that past Prince Fielder to plate Heyward. Freddie Freeman was intentionally walked before Diory Hernandez doubled to left to score a pair. J.C. Boscan followed with his first RBI on a squeeze bunt. Asencio went 3.1 important innings before Scott Linebrink tossed two and George Sherrill got the game to the 8th with a scoreless frame.
9-5 WIN (17-16)
W - G. Sherrill (1-1)
L - T. Saito (1-2)
Friday, September 2, 2011
Series 9: vs. St. Louis
April 29, 2011
Eulogio De La Cruz vs. Brandon Beachy
This team seems to win in spite of itself. Despite four double plays and eleven runners stranded, Atlanta takes the opener of this homestand, 6-3. Nice to get win, but two players went down with injuries. During an RBI double in the sixth, Chipper Jones slowed up and was removed to open the seventh. And during that inning, Peter Moylan was removed after he felt something during a pitch.
The Cards took the initial lead when David Freese homered off Brandon Beach in the second. An RBI double from David Ross tied it in the fourth, though Jones was thrown out at the plate - the first of two runners thrown out at the plate for the Braves. In the sixth, the Braves pulled forward. A trio of singles by Freddie Freeman, Dan Uggla, and Alex Gonzalez loaded them. Beachy, who bunted into a double play earlier, took three straight pitches and sat down. Martin Prado singled in a pair to put the Braves up 3-1. After a flyball got Gonzalez to third, he scored on a balk and with two outs, Prado scored on Jones's double. Nate McLouth, who had walked, was thrown out at the plate.
An awful seventh followed for Beachy and the pen. The former gave up two hits and was removed for George Sherrill, whose first pitch was ripped for an RBI single. After a wild pitch, a swinging bunt led to an out without a run scoring. Sherrill than loaded on a walk before Moylan came in and after a groundout that scored a run to make it 5-3, Scott Linebrink got the call after Moylan's injury. Facing Albert Pujols, the decision was easy. Intentional pass. Matt Holliday was struck out to end the threat.
Atlanta scored again in the bottom half and Jonny Venters K'd the side in the 8th and Kimbrel worked a quiet ninth for the save.
6-3 WIN (15-12)
W - B. Beachy (2-3)
L - E. De La Cruz (0-3)
SV - C. Kimbrel (7)
April 30, 2011
MRIs have been ordered for Jones and Moylan. No word yet on their diagnosis.
Kyle Lohse vs. Tim Hudson
What a weak effort for Atlanta as they fall 4-2. As usual, let's start with the negative for this offense. 12 runners left on, one caught stealing on a busted hit-and-run, two doubles play hit into by the leadoff hitter.
Just sad. An 0 for 4 day as Jason Heyward down to .183. Freddie Freeman is down to .237.
Despite eight great innings from Tim Hudson, the Braves couldn't muster any offense against Kyle Lohse and the brigade of six relievers who replaced him after he left with an injury in the third. Hudson went eight and gave up four hits. One of the three runs was unearned and he walked one while striking out five. The bullpen couldn't put a scoreless inning as Scott Linebrink put two runners on before Eric O'Flaherty gave up a single to score one of them. He got a double play, but the damage was done.
4-2 LOSS (15-13)
W - F. Salas (1-1)
L - T. Hudson (3-2)
SV - J. Motte (6)
May 1, 2011
Some news from April. Nate McLouth was named Player of the Month. After hitting .190 over 242 AB last season, McLouth has gotten off a torrid start to 2011. Hitting .347 with 7 HR and 19 RBI, McLouth has taken over the number three spot in the lineup. He also leads the NL with a 1.092 OPS and 63 TB.
Elsewhere, 25 year-old Yohan Flande was named International League Pitcher of the Month. In four starts, he won them all. He struck out 17 to 11 walks, put up a 1.91 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP, and pitched into the seventh inning in each game.
Some good, bad, and okay news on the injury front. Chipper Jones has knee tenditis and will miss two weeks after a trip to the DL. He's hitting .259 with 1 HR and 11 RBI on the year. Peter Moylan was a sore hand and is day-to-day for about a week. He will be handled carefully and won't be used over the next week unless needed. On the farm, OF Ernesto Mejia broke a bone in his elbow and will miss around four months of action. He was hitting .200 for Gwinnett. Benino Pruneda, a reliever, will miss the remainder of the season with a torn labrum. He had pitched in 12 games for Mississippi and aside from a bad ERA, he was doing pretty well.
Joe Mather, who was hitting .322 for Gwinnett with five HR and 13 RBI, was called up to replace Jones on the roster.
P.J. Walters vs. Derek Lowe
Derek Lowe goes eight strong and the Braves do just enough to pull away with a 5-2 win. Lowe ran into an occasional bad pitch, often to Matt Holliday. He hit his first homer of the year in the fifth and drove in Albert Pujols with a single in the seventh. Outside of that, Lowe breezed through most innings. He only threw 86 pitches, allowed five hits and walked no one. He also induced three double plays and faced just two over the minimum
Nate McLouth, fresh off NL Player of the Month honors, belted his eighth homer in the fifth and was on three times. Martin Prado drove in a pair while Jason Heyward and David Ross each picked up ribbies. Eric Hinske had two hits and scored twice.
Craig Kimbrel worked a perfect ninth for his 8th save in as many chances.
5-2 WIN (16-13)
W - D. Lowe (2-3)
L - P. Walters (2-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (8)
Eulogio De La Cruz vs. Brandon Beachy
This team seems to win in spite of itself. Despite four double plays and eleven runners stranded, Atlanta takes the opener of this homestand, 6-3. Nice to get win, but two players went down with injuries. During an RBI double in the sixth, Chipper Jones slowed up and was removed to open the seventh. And during that inning, Peter Moylan was removed after he felt something during a pitch.
The Cards took the initial lead when David Freese homered off Brandon Beach in the second. An RBI double from David Ross tied it in the fourth, though Jones was thrown out at the plate - the first of two runners thrown out at the plate for the Braves. In the sixth, the Braves pulled forward. A trio of singles by Freddie Freeman, Dan Uggla, and Alex Gonzalez loaded them. Beachy, who bunted into a double play earlier, took three straight pitches and sat down. Martin Prado singled in a pair to put the Braves up 3-1. After a flyball got Gonzalez to third, he scored on a balk and with two outs, Prado scored on Jones's double. Nate McLouth, who had walked, was thrown out at the plate.
An awful seventh followed for Beachy and the pen. The former gave up two hits and was removed for George Sherrill, whose first pitch was ripped for an RBI single. After a wild pitch, a swinging bunt led to an out without a run scoring. Sherrill than loaded on a walk before Moylan came in and after a groundout that scored a run to make it 5-3, Scott Linebrink got the call after Moylan's injury. Facing Albert Pujols, the decision was easy. Intentional pass. Matt Holliday was struck out to end the threat.
Atlanta scored again in the bottom half and Jonny Venters K'd the side in the 8th and Kimbrel worked a quiet ninth for the save.
6-3 WIN (15-12)
W - B. Beachy (2-3)
L - E. De La Cruz (0-3)
SV - C. Kimbrel (7)
April 30, 2011
MRIs have been ordered for Jones and Moylan. No word yet on their diagnosis.
Kyle Lohse vs. Tim Hudson
What a weak effort for Atlanta as they fall 4-2. As usual, let's start with the negative for this offense. 12 runners left on, one caught stealing on a busted hit-and-run, two doubles play hit into by the leadoff hitter.
Just sad. An 0 for 4 day as Jason Heyward down to .183. Freddie Freeman is down to .237.
Despite eight great innings from Tim Hudson, the Braves couldn't muster any offense against Kyle Lohse and the brigade of six relievers who replaced him after he left with an injury in the third. Hudson went eight and gave up four hits. One of the three runs was unearned and he walked one while striking out five. The bullpen couldn't put a scoreless inning as Scott Linebrink put two runners on before Eric O'Flaherty gave up a single to score one of them. He got a double play, but the damage was done.
4-2 LOSS (15-13)
W - F. Salas (1-1)
L - T. Hudson (3-2)
SV - J. Motte (6)
May 1, 2011
Some news from April. Nate McLouth was named Player of the Month. After hitting .190 over 242 AB last season, McLouth has gotten off a torrid start to 2011. Hitting .347 with 7 HR and 19 RBI, McLouth has taken over the number three spot in the lineup. He also leads the NL with a 1.092 OPS and 63 TB.
Elsewhere, 25 year-old Yohan Flande was named International League Pitcher of the Month. In four starts, he won them all. He struck out 17 to 11 walks, put up a 1.91 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP, and pitched into the seventh inning in each game.
Some good, bad, and okay news on the injury front. Chipper Jones has knee tenditis and will miss two weeks after a trip to the DL. He's hitting .259 with 1 HR and 11 RBI on the year. Peter Moylan was a sore hand and is day-to-day for about a week. He will be handled carefully and won't be used over the next week unless needed. On the farm, OF Ernesto Mejia broke a bone in his elbow and will miss around four months of action. He was hitting .200 for Gwinnett. Benino Pruneda, a reliever, will miss the remainder of the season with a torn labrum. He had pitched in 12 games for Mississippi and aside from a bad ERA, he was doing pretty well.
Joe Mather, who was hitting .322 for Gwinnett with five HR and 13 RBI, was called up to replace Jones on the roster.
P.J. Walters vs. Derek Lowe
Derek Lowe goes eight strong and the Braves do just enough to pull away with a 5-2 win. Lowe ran into an occasional bad pitch, often to Matt Holliday. He hit his first homer of the year in the fifth and drove in Albert Pujols with a single in the seventh. Outside of that, Lowe breezed through most innings. He only threw 86 pitches, allowed five hits and walked no one. He also induced three double plays and faced just two over the minimum
Nate McLouth, fresh off NL Player of the Month honors, belted his eighth homer in the fifth and was on three times. Martin Prado drove in a pair while Jason Heyward and David Ross each picked up ribbies. Eric Hinske had two hits and scored twice.
Craig Kimbrel worked a perfect ninth for his 8th save in as many chances.
5-2 WIN (16-13)
W - D. Lowe (2-3)
L - P. Walters (2-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (8)
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Series 8: at San Diego
April 25, 2011
Tim Hudson vs. Simon Castro (MLB debut)
Not as magical as yesterday, but Atlanta pulls off back-to-back shutouts as they roll 2-0. Again, the offense struggled, even lining into a triple play. So, yeah, after being no hit, they follow that up with a triple play being turned against them. Yet, they win both games. Fluky game, this baseball is.
Braves scored their first run in the third. Alex Gonzalez singled and after he was bunted to second, Martin Prado hit a two-out double. In the seventh, Chipper Jones drew a bases loaded walk to plate Freddie Freeman. Offense!
Meanwhile, Hudson was superb. He yielded four hits, walked a pair, and struck out seven over his seven frames. He added two sacrifice bunts and even beat out a bunt. After 97 pitches, the Braves went to the pen. Jonny Venters tossed a perfect 8th and while Craig Kimbrel gave up a two-out triple, he worked a scoreless ninth for his sixth save.
2-0 WIN (14-10)
W - T. Hudson (3-1)
L - S. Castro (0-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (6)
April 26, 2011
Derek Lowe vs. Mat Latos
Frustrating loss as Derek Lowe lacked any ability to get through an inning without putting on at least 743 runners. Surprisingly, that's not a winning formula. After Atlanta gave him an early run with a Jason Heyward triple and a two-out Chipper Jones single, Lowe gave up a single and a double. I guess on the bright side, putting two runners in scoring position with no outs and only allowing one run is awesome?
In the fifth, after a single by Nate McLouth gave him a lead, Lowe would have none of that. A single, a sacrifice bunt that ended up being a single, another single...two-run double, RBI single, and it was 4-2. Brad Hawpe added a two-run homer off Cristhian Martinez, who sucks by the way.
Atlanta stranded 11 runners.
6-2 LOSS (14-11)
W - M. Latos (1-1)
L - D. Lowe (1-3)
SV - H. Bell (7)
April 27, 2011
Tommy Hanson vs. Clayton Richard
Losing a series against the lowly Padres really put us in our place. After wasting a chance in the first when we had two runners on and one out, the game was scoreless until the fourth when, with no outs, Will Venable hit a two-run shot off Tommy Hanson. He missed the zone on his next four and after a sacbunt and needless stolen base, Aaron Cunningham picked up a RBI double. A two-out RBI made it 4-0 and ended Hanson's day.
Julio Teheran, who was getting skipped because of an off day tomorrow, got out of the inning. The Braves finally scored in the sixth, but it was bittersweet. With the bases loaded, Chipper Jones, whose double play killed the Braves in the first, grounded into another twin killing. With the bases loaded and no outs, the Braves got one run from the inning. The Padres would get that run back in the 8th off Scott Linebrink.
Teheran was pretty awesome, striking out five in 2.1 innings. He gave up a hit, walked a batter, and struck out five. But the offense was way too loaded at the top. Today's top three hitters - Martin Prado, Alex Gonzalez, and Nate McLouth, combined to go 7 for 12 with all three picking up multi-hit games. The rest of the lineup was 0 for 20 with a walk, five K's, and three double plays.
5-1 LOSS (14-12)
W - N. Figueroa (2-1)
L - T. Hanson (0-1)
Tim Hudson vs. Simon Castro (MLB debut)
Not as magical as yesterday, but Atlanta pulls off back-to-back shutouts as they roll 2-0. Again, the offense struggled, even lining into a triple play. So, yeah, after being no hit, they follow that up with a triple play being turned against them. Yet, they win both games. Fluky game, this baseball is.
Braves scored their first run in the third. Alex Gonzalez singled and after he was bunted to second, Martin Prado hit a two-out double. In the seventh, Chipper Jones drew a bases loaded walk to plate Freddie Freeman. Offense!
Meanwhile, Hudson was superb. He yielded four hits, walked a pair, and struck out seven over his seven frames. He added two sacrifice bunts and even beat out a bunt. After 97 pitches, the Braves went to the pen. Jonny Venters tossed a perfect 8th and while Craig Kimbrel gave up a two-out triple, he worked a scoreless ninth for his sixth save.
2-0 WIN (14-10)
W - T. Hudson (3-1)
L - S. Castro (0-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (6)
April 26, 2011
Derek Lowe vs. Mat Latos
Frustrating loss as Derek Lowe lacked any ability to get through an inning without putting on at least 743 runners. Surprisingly, that's not a winning formula. After Atlanta gave him an early run with a Jason Heyward triple and a two-out Chipper Jones single, Lowe gave up a single and a double. I guess on the bright side, putting two runners in scoring position with no outs and only allowing one run is awesome?
In the fifth, after a single by Nate McLouth gave him a lead, Lowe would have none of that. A single, a sacrifice bunt that ended up being a single, another single...two-run double, RBI single, and it was 4-2. Brad Hawpe added a two-run homer off Cristhian Martinez, who sucks by the way.
Atlanta stranded 11 runners.
6-2 LOSS (14-11)
W - M. Latos (1-1)
L - D. Lowe (1-3)
SV - H. Bell (7)
April 27, 2011
Tommy Hanson vs. Clayton Richard
Losing a series against the lowly Padres really put us in our place. After wasting a chance in the first when we had two runners on and one out, the game was scoreless until the fourth when, with no outs, Will Venable hit a two-run shot off Tommy Hanson. He missed the zone on his next four and after a sacbunt and needless stolen base, Aaron Cunningham picked up a RBI double. A two-out RBI made it 4-0 and ended Hanson's day.
Julio Teheran, who was getting skipped because of an off day tomorrow, got out of the inning. The Braves finally scored in the sixth, but it was bittersweet. With the bases loaded, Chipper Jones, whose double play killed the Braves in the first, grounded into another twin killing. With the bases loaded and no outs, the Braves got one run from the inning. The Padres would get that run back in the 8th off Scott Linebrink.
Teheran was pretty awesome, striking out five in 2.1 innings. He gave up a hit, walked a batter, and struck out five. But the offense was way too loaded at the top. Today's top three hitters - Martin Prado, Alex Gonzalez, and Nate McLouth, combined to go 7 for 12 with all three picking up multi-hit games. The rest of the lineup was 0 for 20 with a walk, five K's, and three double plays.
5-1 LOSS (14-12)
W - N. Figueroa (2-1)
L - T. Hanson (0-1)
Series 7: at San Francisco
April 22
Before the game, Christhian Martinez was activated and Anthony Varvaro, who did not appear in any games, was demoted. Tomorrow, the Braves will make another move to call up a starter.
Tommy Hanson vs. Jonathan Sanchez
Frustrating game, but at least it's a win. Atlanta strands 16 runners in 12 innings, but escapes with the 2-1 win after rookie Freddie Freeman singled in Chipper Jones and George Sherrill worked a quiet 12th for the save. Jones had opened up the inning with a grounder that Mark DeRosa threw away.
Tommy Hanson worked into the 7th, leaving with two runners on and a lefty at the plate. Eric O'Flaherty gave up a single to Nate Shierholtz to score one of the runners and only Nate McLouth's brilliant throw home to gun down a second runner kept the game tied.
Atlanta had so many scoring chances, it was pretty sad that they scored all of two runs.
2nd, runners on the corners and two outs, stranded.
4th, runners on second-and-third and one out, stranded.
5th, bases loaded and two outs, one run scores on a BB and three stranded.
7th, runners on second-and-third and two outs, stranded.
9th, runners on first-and-second and two outs, stranded.
10th, bases loaded and one out, stranded.
But a win's a win? For the first time since taking their first series with the Nats 2 games to 1, the Braves are above .500.
2-1 WIN - 12 INNINGS (11-10)
W - C. Kimbrel (2-0)
L - J. Affeldt (1-1)
SV - G. Sherrill (1)
April 23, 2011
Due to a mishap, Mike Minor started a game in Gwinnett three days ago. Julio Teheran was called up to get the start today. How long he holds Jair Jurrjens spot will likely be answered by how well he performs. If he struggles, he likely will head back down and Minor will get the call.
Julio Teheran vs. Barry Zito
Welcome to Atlanta, Teheran. Keep pitching like that and you may stick around for awhile. Teheran worked five scoreless, walking three and striking out five. He gave up a pair of singles and was lifted after 82 pitches. Atlanta wasted a bases loaded, nobody out opportunity in the fourth, put made good on it in the fifth. With two outs and the bases juiced, Freddie Freeman pulled a double that cleared the bases and made it 3-0.
Alex Gonzalez, in the sixth, and David Ross, in the seventh, added solo bombs to up the lead to 5-0. It stayed that way until the Giants' third hit, a two-run shot by Buster Posey in the eighth off Cristhian Martinez, who was making his first appearance since he was activated off the DL. Martinez got the next hitter and Eric O'Flaherty finished off the eighth before giving way to Craig Kimbrel in the ninth. He hit a batter, but worked a quiet ninth for his fifth save.
Ross had a perfect day with the bat, finishing with three hits and a triple short of the cycle. He also walked twice. Brooks Conrad had his first hit of the year. At two games over .500, the Braves have set a new high for the season.
5-2 WIN (12-10)
W - J. Teheran (1-0)
L - B. Zito (2-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (5)
April 24, 2011
Brandon Beachy vs. Tim Lincecum
*sorry Brandon...starting a j.v. lineup. Prado, Heyward, Gonzalez, Freeman, Conrad, Hinske, Ramirez, Boscan, Beachy.
You don't win many games in which you fail to get a hit.
However, Atlanta used a balk by Tim Lincecum to score the only run of a 1-0 game that sent the Braves to a season-best three games over .500.
The Braves seemed more focused on forcing Lincecum to throw a lot of pitches and they succeeded. Unfortunately, they couldn't bust threw against the right-hander. After 7.1 ING, Lincecum was lifted with no hits against him, two walks, and ten K's. An error forced the Giants bullpen to face one over the minimum, but no hits came out of it.
Brandon Beachy was close to Lincecum's equal, going six innings, yielding a single, a walk, and striking out six. Scott Linebrink and Peter Moylan tossed perfect innings and it looked like there would only be one hit throughout the entire game, but Jonny Venters gave up a single and walked the bases loaded before striking out the final two hitters.
The only score of the game came in the fourth. Jason Heyward led it off with a walk. With Alex Gonzalez at the plate and a fullcount, the Braves rolled the dice and sent Heyward. That proved to be very important as Gonzalez grounded right back to Lincecum and the Braves avoided a double play. Heyward would reach third on a Freddie Freeman grounder. With Brooks Conrad at the plate, the umpire came out of his crouch and called balk. Heyward scored. And thus, that's how you win a game without getting a hit.
1-0 WIN (13-10)
W - B. Beachy (1-3)
L - T. Lincecum (2-2)
SV - J. Venters (2)
Before the game, Christhian Martinez was activated and Anthony Varvaro, who did not appear in any games, was demoted. Tomorrow, the Braves will make another move to call up a starter.
Tommy Hanson vs. Jonathan Sanchez
Frustrating game, but at least it's a win. Atlanta strands 16 runners in 12 innings, but escapes with the 2-1 win after rookie Freddie Freeman singled in Chipper Jones and George Sherrill worked a quiet 12th for the save. Jones had opened up the inning with a grounder that Mark DeRosa threw away.
Tommy Hanson worked into the 7th, leaving with two runners on and a lefty at the plate. Eric O'Flaherty gave up a single to Nate Shierholtz to score one of the runners and only Nate McLouth's brilliant throw home to gun down a second runner kept the game tied.
Atlanta had so many scoring chances, it was pretty sad that they scored all of two runs.
2nd, runners on the corners and two outs, stranded.
4th, runners on second-and-third and one out, stranded.
5th, bases loaded and two outs, one run scores on a BB and three stranded.
7th, runners on second-and-third and two outs, stranded.
9th, runners on first-and-second and two outs, stranded.
10th, bases loaded and one out, stranded.
But a win's a win? For the first time since taking their first series with the Nats 2 games to 1, the Braves are above .500.
2-1 WIN - 12 INNINGS (11-10)
W - C. Kimbrel (2-0)
L - J. Affeldt (1-1)
SV - G. Sherrill (1)
April 23, 2011
Due to a mishap, Mike Minor started a game in Gwinnett three days ago. Julio Teheran was called up to get the start today. How long he holds Jair Jurrjens spot will likely be answered by how well he performs. If he struggles, he likely will head back down and Minor will get the call.
Julio Teheran vs. Barry Zito
Welcome to Atlanta, Teheran. Keep pitching like that and you may stick around for awhile. Teheran worked five scoreless, walking three and striking out five. He gave up a pair of singles and was lifted after 82 pitches. Atlanta wasted a bases loaded, nobody out opportunity in the fourth, put made good on it in the fifth. With two outs and the bases juiced, Freddie Freeman pulled a double that cleared the bases and made it 3-0.
Alex Gonzalez, in the sixth, and David Ross, in the seventh, added solo bombs to up the lead to 5-0. It stayed that way until the Giants' third hit, a two-run shot by Buster Posey in the eighth off Cristhian Martinez, who was making his first appearance since he was activated off the DL. Martinez got the next hitter and Eric O'Flaherty finished off the eighth before giving way to Craig Kimbrel in the ninth. He hit a batter, but worked a quiet ninth for his fifth save.
Ross had a perfect day with the bat, finishing with three hits and a triple short of the cycle. He also walked twice. Brooks Conrad had his first hit of the year. At two games over .500, the Braves have set a new high for the season.
5-2 WIN (12-10)
W - J. Teheran (1-0)
L - B. Zito (2-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (5)
April 24, 2011
Brandon Beachy vs. Tim Lincecum
*sorry Brandon...starting a j.v. lineup. Prado, Heyward, Gonzalez, Freeman, Conrad, Hinske, Ramirez, Boscan, Beachy.
You don't win many games in which you fail to get a hit.
However, Atlanta used a balk by Tim Lincecum to score the only run of a 1-0 game that sent the Braves to a season-best three games over .500.
The Braves seemed more focused on forcing Lincecum to throw a lot of pitches and they succeeded. Unfortunately, they couldn't bust threw against the right-hander. After 7.1 ING, Lincecum was lifted with no hits against him, two walks, and ten K's. An error forced the Giants bullpen to face one over the minimum, but no hits came out of it.
Brandon Beachy was close to Lincecum's equal, going six innings, yielding a single, a walk, and striking out six. Scott Linebrink and Peter Moylan tossed perfect innings and it looked like there would only be one hit throughout the entire game, but Jonny Venters gave up a single and walked the bases loaded before striking out the final two hitters.
The only score of the game came in the fourth. Jason Heyward led it off with a walk. With Alex Gonzalez at the plate and a fullcount, the Braves rolled the dice and sent Heyward. That proved to be very important as Gonzalez grounded right back to Lincecum and the Braves avoided a double play. Heyward would reach third on a Freddie Freeman grounder. With Brooks Conrad at the plate, the umpire came out of his crouch and called balk. Heyward scored. And thus, that's how you win a game without getting a hit.
1-0 WIN (13-10)
W - B. Beachy (1-3)
L - T. Lincecum (2-2)
SV - J. Venters (2)
Friday, August 26, 2011
Series 6: at Los Angeles Dodgers
April 18, 2011
Jair Jurrjens vs. Chad Billingsley
Despite losing Jair Jurrjens in the third, the Braves cruise to a 11-3 throttling of the Dodgers. Jairo Asencio gave up a homer that initially gave the Dodgers 3-2 lead in the fourth, but the Braves would erase that in the sixth and with a pair of three-run shots in the seventh and eighth, this game became a laugher.
Juan Uribe hit a two-run bomb off Jurrjens in the second to start the scoring. Nate McLouth matched that with a two-run shot in the third. After Asencio gave up Rod Barajas's fourth homer of the year in the fourth, David Ross doubled in Chipper Jones to tie it up in the sixth. After a walk, a flyout got Ross to third and he scored on a balk. The Braves used their muscle the rest of the way. Martin Prado reached to open the seventh. On a busted hit-and-run, Prado stole second. Possibly to put a double play in order, Blake Hawkesworth walked Jason Heyward intentionally to bring up McLouth. Bad idea. Three-run bomb, 7-3. In the 8th, Dan Uggla walked and Diory Hernandez sneaked a single through. Wilkin Ramirez, who entered during the previous inning during a double switch, launched a 1-0 pitch for his first hit in his first at-bat as a Brave. That homer made it 10-3. Jones added an RBI double to make it 11-3.
Asencio went 2-1 ING to pick up his first win. Scott Linebrink tossed a scoreless inning and Peter Moylan struck out two, but his two walks brought in former Dodger George Sherrill (and Ramirez), who got Moylan out of the 7th and worked a quiet 8th. Jonny Venters finished up. In addition to McLouth's five ribbies, Jones had a four hit game, Heyward scored three times, and Hernandez had his first two-hit game. Ramirez added a single in his second at-bat.
11-3 WIN (8-9)
W - J. Asencio (1-0)
L - C. Billingsley (2-2)
April 19
The story on Jurrjens is a strained shoulder. He will hit the DL and probably return in mid-May. Anthony Varvaro was promoted for the time being. When Jurrjens' spot comes up, Mike Minor will be called up.
April 19
Brandon Beachy vs. Hiroki Kuroda
Atlanta had absolutely no answer for Kuroda and Brandon Beachy, despite going seven innings, put the Braves in too big of a hole as they fall 4-0. Really, the solo shots to Rod Barajas in the second and Andre Ethier in the fourth are forgivable, but walking Kuroda to open the fifth, an inning that led to the other two runs? And on four pitches?
Atlanta managed all of two singles off Kuroda. They did get four walks and a hit-by-pitch, but simply could not come up with a big hit. They loaded the bases in the second on a single, a walk, and a HBP, but Beachy fouled off a squeeze bunt before grounding into a twin killing. Only Freddie Freeman reached base twice. He singled and walked.
Beachy's seven innings at least helped the bullpen. Scott Linebrink tossed a scoreless 8th in relief.
4-0 LOSS (8-10)
W - H. Kuroda (1-2)
L - B. Beachy (0-3)
SV - J. Broxton (5)
April 20, 2011
Alex Gonzalez was activated off the DL and Diory Hernandez, his replacement, will stick with the team since he was 6-of-19. Brandon Hicks, 3-of-30, will head to Gwinnett.
Tim Hudson vs. Jon Garland
Despite leaving eleven runners on base, the offense did just enough to get by the Dodgers today, 5-2. Tim Hudson gave up an early run as Xavier Paul doubled, reached third on a groundout, and scored on a sacrifice fly. In the third, the Braves responded. Dan Uggla doubled and after a wild pitch, scored on Alex Gonzalez's single. It was Gonzalez's first at-bat after being activated earlier that day. Hudson bunted and Garland went for the play at second, throwing wildly. Martin Prado beat out a grounder to load them and Jason Heyward walked in Gonzalez. After an out, David Ross singled in Hudson to make it 3-1. The Braves would load the bases again in the fourth, but failed to score after Nate McLouth K'd looking.
Paul homered off Hudson in the fifth to make it a one-run game, but Hudson kept the Dodgers at bay. In the seventh, he gave up a leadoff single and a wild pitch, but got a pop-up for the first out and with back-to-back lefties due up, Eric O'Flaherty finished off the inning with the tying run stranded at third.
Prado doubled to open the ninth. After an intentional pass to Heyward and an unintentional pass to McLouth, Chipper Jones grounded into a fielder's choice, eliminating Prado. But Ross singled and an error on the play helped a second runner to score. Craig Kimbrel gave up a single, but K'd the side in the ninth for his fourth save. Ross and Prado had three hits with Ross picking up three RBI's. Uggla had a two-hit game to get back over .200.
5-2 WIN (9-10)
W - T. Hudson (2-1)
L - J. Garland (0-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (4)
April 21, 2011
Derek Lowe vs. Ted Lilly
He needed just 97 pitches to hurl nine solid innings and Derek Lowe breaks into the win column with a complete game eight-hitter. Lowe gave up two unearned runs via a Diory Hernandez error in the second, but the Braves gave him plenty of support. He walked one and struck out three and got 16 ground ball outs.
Braves took the early lead after Alex Gonzalez, getting a shot to hit second with the lefty starting in Ted Lilly, singled with one out and Nate McLouth continued his torrid start with a two-run homer, his seventh. He hit six last year. After Hernandez threw one away, leading to the Dodgers' two runs in the second, Gonzalez hit his first homer to give the Braves the lead they would not give up. Hernandez made up for his mistake with a two-out double in the fourth to plate Dan Uggla. Lowe followed with an RBI single. Jason Heyward belted a two-run bomb in the fifth for his first homer and the ultimate edge in the 7-2 win.
Gonzalez finished a triple short of the cycle, but did pick up four hits. Hernandez had three and McLouth added a double to his solid day. For the first time since April 4th, when they were 2-2, the Braves are again at .500. They look to continue the good times on this 10 day, 10 game road trip through California with three in San Francisco.
7-2 WIN (10-10)
W - D. Lowe (1-2)
L - T. Lilly (1-1)
Jair Jurrjens vs. Chad Billingsley
Despite losing Jair Jurrjens in the third, the Braves cruise to a 11-3 throttling of the Dodgers. Jairo Asencio gave up a homer that initially gave the Dodgers 3-2 lead in the fourth, but the Braves would erase that in the sixth and with a pair of three-run shots in the seventh and eighth, this game became a laugher.
Juan Uribe hit a two-run bomb off Jurrjens in the second to start the scoring. Nate McLouth matched that with a two-run shot in the third. After Asencio gave up Rod Barajas's fourth homer of the year in the fourth, David Ross doubled in Chipper Jones to tie it up in the sixth. After a walk, a flyout got Ross to third and he scored on a balk. The Braves used their muscle the rest of the way. Martin Prado reached to open the seventh. On a busted hit-and-run, Prado stole second. Possibly to put a double play in order, Blake Hawkesworth walked Jason Heyward intentionally to bring up McLouth. Bad idea. Three-run bomb, 7-3. In the 8th, Dan Uggla walked and Diory Hernandez sneaked a single through. Wilkin Ramirez, who entered during the previous inning during a double switch, launched a 1-0 pitch for his first hit in his first at-bat as a Brave. That homer made it 10-3. Jones added an RBI double to make it 11-3.
Asencio went 2-1 ING to pick up his first win. Scott Linebrink tossed a scoreless inning and Peter Moylan struck out two, but his two walks brought in former Dodger George Sherrill (and Ramirez), who got Moylan out of the 7th and worked a quiet 8th. Jonny Venters finished up. In addition to McLouth's five ribbies, Jones had a four hit game, Heyward scored three times, and Hernandez had his first two-hit game. Ramirez added a single in his second at-bat.
11-3 WIN (8-9)
W - J. Asencio (1-0)
L - C. Billingsley (2-2)
April 19
The story on Jurrjens is a strained shoulder. He will hit the DL and probably return in mid-May. Anthony Varvaro was promoted for the time being. When Jurrjens' spot comes up, Mike Minor will be called up.
April 19
Brandon Beachy vs. Hiroki Kuroda
Atlanta had absolutely no answer for Kuroda and Brandon Beachy, despite going seven innings, put the Braves in too big of a hole as they fall 4-0. Really, the solo shots to Rod Barajas in the second and Andre Ethier in the fourth are forgivable, but walking Kuroda to open the fifth, an inning that led to the other two runs? And on four pitches?
Atlanta managed all of two singles off Kuroda. They did get four walks and a hit-by-pitch, but simply could not come up with a big hit. They loaded the bases in the second on a single, a walk, and a HBP, but Beachy fouled off a squeeze bunt before grounding into a twin killing. Only Freddie Freeman reached base twice. He singled and walked.
Beachy's seven innings at least helped the bullpen. Scott Linebrink tossed a scoreless 8th in relief.
4-0 LOSS (8-10)
W - H. Kuroda (1-2)
L - B. Beachy (0-3)
SV - J. Broxton (5)
April 20, 2011
Alex Gonzalez was activated off the DL and Diory Hernandez, his replacement, will stick with the team since he was 6-of-19. Brandon Hicks, 3-of-30, will head to Gwinnett.
Tim Hudson vs. Jon Garland
Despite leaving eleven runners on base, the offense did just enough to get by the Dodgers today, 5-2. Tim Hudson gave up an early run as Xavier Paul doubled, reached third on a groundout, and scored on a sacrifice fly. In the third, the Braves responded. Dan Uggla doubled and after a wild pitch, scored on Alex Gonzalez's single. It was Gonzalez's first at-bat after being activated earlier that day. Hudson bunted and Garland went for the play at second, throwing wildly. Martin Prado beat out a grounder to load them and Jason Heyward walked in Gonzalez. After an out, David Ross singled in Hudson to make it 3-1. The Braves would load the bases again in the fourth, but failed to score after Nate McLouth K'd looking.
Paul homered off Hudson in the fifth to make it a one-run game, but Hudson kept the Dodgers at bay. In the seventh, he gave up a leadoff single and a wild pitch, but got a pop-up for the first out and with back-to-back lefties due up, Eric O'Flaherty finished off the inning with the tying run stranded at third.
Prado doubled to open the ninth. After an intentional pass to Heyward and an unintentional pass to McLouth, Chipper Jones grounded into a fielder's choice, eliminating Prado. But Ross singled and an error on the play helped a second runner to score. Craig Kimbrel gave up a single, but K'd the side in the ninth for his fourth save. Ross and Prado had three hits with Ross picking up three RBI's. Uggla had a two-hit game to get back over .200.
5-2 WIN (9-10)
W - T. Hudson (2-1)
L - J. Garland (0-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (4)
April 21, 2011
Derek Lowe vs. Ted Lilly
He needed just 97 pitches to hurl nine solid innings and Derek Lowe breaks into the win column with a complete game eight-hitter. Lowe gave up two unearned runs via a Diory Hernandez error in the second, but the Braves gave him plenty of support. He walked one and struck out three and got 16 ground ball outs.
Braves took the early lead after Alex Gonzalez, getting a shot to hit second with the lefty starting in Ted Lilly, singled with one out and Nate McLouth continued his torrid start with a two-run homer, his seventh. He hit six last year. After Hernandez threw one away, leading to the Dodgers' two runs in the second, Gonzalez hit his first homer to give the Braves the lead they would not give up. Hernandez made up for his mistake with a two-out double in the fourth to plate Dan Uggla. Lowe followed with an RBI single. Jason Heyward belted a two-run bomb in the fifth for his first homer and the ultimate edge in the 7-2 win.
Gonzalez finished a triple short of the cycle, but did pick up four hits. Hernandez had three and McLouth added a double to his solid day. For the first time since April 4th, when they were 2-2, the Braves are again at .500. They look to continue the good times on this 10 day, 10 game road trip through California with three in San Francisco.
7-2 WIN (10-10)
W - D. Lowe (1-2)
L - T. Lilly (1-1)
Series 5: vs. New York Mets
April 15, 2011
Chris Capuano vs. Tim Hudson
Atlanta led 2-0 after one. By the time they scored their third run, it made it 6-3 in the 7th. That about sums it up. Huddy struggled big time and though George Sherrill stranded two of the runners he inherited in the fifth, Hudson gave up six runs in just four innings. Jairo Ascencio gave up an additional run in the ninth.
Meanwhile, Atlanta never seemed able to break through against Capuano after the first. He struck out eight in six innings.
Nate McLouth hit his fourth homer after Martin Prado singled to open the bottom of the first. David Ross added a solo shot, his third, in the seventh and in the ninth, Freddie Freeman doubled in Dan Uggla to bring up the potential tying run, but the Braves couldn't get any closer in the 7-4 loss.
7-4 LOSS (6-8)
W - C. Capuano (2-0)
L - T. Hudson (1-1)
SV - T. Buchholz (1)
April 16
Brian McCann has a strained rib cage muscle. He was placed on the 15 day DL and isn't expected back until early May. Wilkin Ramirez, who has hit .297 through the first nine games for Gwinnett with three homers, was promoted.
Dillion Gee vs. Derek Lowe
Typical, typical, typical. Starting pitching gives the Braves a chance, but offense continues to not show up. And when it does, it's the moral victory of getting a runner in scoring position, which Atlanta did just once against Gee in his eight innings.
Lowe was not half as sharp as Gee, but contained the Mets over the first six innings. However, Lucas Duda hit a sinker that didn't sink much for a homer in the seventh. Josh Thole followed with a double and after Lowe got a sacrifice bunt attempt from Gee that he forced into an out at third, Lowe was lifted for Eric O'Flaherty. He walked the first batter he saw and than retired the five, three by strikeout. Johnny Venters gave up a double to Thole, but worked a scoreless ninth with two K's.
The offense was held without a runner until the fifth when Jason Heyward walked. He was wiped out on a double play. With an out in the sixth, Diory Hernandez singled. He was only playing because Brandon Hicks sucks. Lowe sacrificed him to second, but he was stranded there. Until the ninth, that was the Braves' only opportunity to score. With K-Rod in and two outs, Nate McLouth worked a walk. Chipper Jones followed with a single and Dan Uggla walked with a full count after fouling off three pitches after there were two strikes. But Heyward struck out to end the game.
1-0 LOSS (6-9)
W - D. Gee (2-1)
L - D. Lowe (0-2)
SV - F. Rodriguez (5)
April 17
With Chipper Jones getting a usual Sunday off, it's play with the lineup day. Prado, 3B; Heyward, RF; McLouth, CF; Ross, C; Freeman, 1B; Uggla, 2B; Hinske, LF; Hernandez, SS
R.A. Dickey vs. Tommy Hanson
This could be a big game. Or just another game. But after going 17.2 ING scoreless, the Braves will take it. Once again, the Mets starter looked like a worldbeater while the Braves hurler was navigating through damage before the bullpen kept it close. The same script from yesterday kept going with Francisco Rodriguez getting the call in the ninth to protect the 1-0 lead.
Martin Prado opened things with a walk. After Jason Heyward flew out, Nate McLouth walked. David Ross hit a long no-doubter, but it curved foul and two pitches later, he struck out. Down to their last out, rookie Freddie Freeman stepped in. After swinging through he pitch, he sent the next one up the middle and Prado scored from second without a throw. Tie game! Dan Uggla worked the count in his favor at 2-1 and ripped a single up the middle. His single was hit harder than Freeman's and Angel Pagan unloaded toward the plate, but McLouth slid under the tag and the Braves won 2-1.
That made up for a play at the plate in the first. After Heyward walked with one out, McLouth doubled and Heyward was thrown out by a relay began by LF Francisco Martinez. Hanson went six innings, giving up six hits and a run. He walked a batter and struck out six, but labored through long innings and was replaced after 97 pitches. George Sherrill, Peter Moylan, and Craig Kimbrel worked scoreless innings, though Kimbrel walked a pair. He picked up the win.
2-1 WIN (7-9)
W - C. Kimbrel (1-0)
L - F. Rodriguez (0-2)
Chris Capuano vs. Tim Hudson
Atlanta led 2-0 after one. By the time they scored their third run, it made it 6-3 in the 7th. That about sums it up. Huddy struggled big time and though George Sherrill stranded two of the runners he inherited in the fifth, Hudson gave up six runs in just four innings. Jairo Ascencio gave up an additional run in the ninth.
Meanwhile, Atlanta never seemed able to break through against Capuano after the first. He struck out eight in six innings.
Nate McLouth hit his fourth homer after Martin Prado singled to open the bottom of the first. David Ross added a solo shot, his third, in the seventh and in the ninth, Freddie Freeman doubled in Dan Uggla to bring up the potential tying run, but the Braves couldn't get any closer in the 7-4 loss.
7-4 LOSS (6-8)
W - C. Capuano (2-0)
L - T. Hudson (1-1)
SV - T. Buchholz (1)
April 16
Brian McCann has a strained rib cage muscle. He was placed on the 15 day DL and isn't expected back until early May. Wilkin Ramirez, who has hit .297 through the first nine games for Gwinnett with three homers, was promoted.
Dillion Gee vs. Derek Lowe
Typical, typical, typical. Starting pitching gives the Braves a chance, but offense continues to not show up. And when it does, it's the moral victory of getting a runner in scoring position, which Atlanta did just once against Gee in his eight innings.
Lowe was not half as sharp as Gee, but contained the Mets over the first six innings. However, Lucas Duda hit a sinker that didn't sink much for a homer in the seventh. Josh Thole followed with a double and after Lowe got a sacrifice bunt attempt from Gee that he forced into an out at third, Lowe was lifted for Eric O'Flaherty. He walked the first batter he saw and than retired the five, three by strikeout. Johnny Venters gave up a double to Thole, but worked a scoreless ninth with two K's.
The offense was held without a runner until the fifth when Jason Heyward walked. He was wiped out on a double play. With an out in the sixth, Diory Hernandez singled. He was only playing because Brandon Hicks sucks. Lowe sacrificed him to second, but he was stranded there. Until the ninth, that was the Braves' only opportunity to score. With K-Rod in and two outs, Nate McLouth worked a walk. Chipper Jones followed with a single and Dan Uggla walked with a full count after fouling off three pitches after there were two strikes. But Heyward struck out to end the game.
1-0 LOSS (6-9)
W - D. Gee (2-1)
L - D. Lowe (0-2)
SV - F. Rodriguez (5)
April 17
With Chipper Jones getting a usual Sunday off, it's play with the lineup day. Prado, 3B; Heyward, RF; McLouth, CF; Ross, C; Freeman, 1B; Uggla, 2B; Hinske, LF; Hernandez, SS
R.A. Dickey vs. Tommy Hanson
This could be a big game. Or just another game. But after going 17.2 ING scoreless, the Braves will take it. Once again, the Mets starter looked like a worldbeater while the Braves hurler was navigating through damage before the bullpen kept it close. The same script from yesterday kept going with Francisco Rodriguez getting the call in the ninth to protect the 1-0 lead.
Martin Prado opened things with a walk. After Jason Heyward flew out, Nate McLouth walked. David Ross hit a long no-doubter, but it curved foul and two pitches later, he struck out. Down to their last out, rookie Freddie Freeman stepped in. After swinging through he pitch, he sent the next one up the middle and Prado scored from second without a throw. Tie game! Dan Uggla worked the count in his favor at 2-1 and ripped a single up the middle. His single was hit harder than Freeman's and Angel Pagan unloaded toward the plate, but McLouth slid under the tag and the Braves won 2-1.
That made up for a play at the plate in the first. After Heyward walked with one out, McLouth doubled and Heyward was thrown out by a relay began by LF Francisco Martinez. Hanson went six innings, giving up six hits and a run. He walked a batter and struck out six, but labored through long innings and was replaced after 97 pitches. George Sherrill, Peter Moylan, and Craig Kimbrel worked scoreless innings, though Kimbrel walked a pair. He picked up the win.
2-1 WIN (7-9)
W - C. Kimbrel (1-0)
L - F. Rodriguez (0-2)
Friday, August 19, 2011
Series 4: vs. Florida
April 12, 2011
Josh Johnson vs. Tommy Hanson
On paper, this looked like a good pitcher's match-up. A pair of inept offenses, pitchers with incredible stuff, chance for a 2-1 game very high. Instead, Johnson was rocked for five runs and exited after 3.1 ING. Hanson did only somewhat better, lasting 5.2 ING, but also giving up five runs. Peter Moylan stranded a sixth potential run and watched as Freddie Freeman opened the bottom of the sixth with his first homer of the season and the Braves would roll to a 11-5 win.
David Ross, entering after Brian McCann hurt himself on a double in the first, homered twice and drove in five. After Freeman's homer, Ross smacked one over the left-field wall with a pair of runners on to give the Braves a four-run lead. His moonshot to deep center added a pair. Chipper Jones reached base five times, including four times via the walk, and scored three runs. Dan Uggla had a two hit game and Freeman finished a triple short of the cycle.
Sparsley used Diory Hernandez, Matt Young, and Jairo Ascencio all got into action with Hernandez entering on a double switch and going 1-3. Young grounded out and Ascencio worked around a leadoff double in the ninth for a scoreless inning, striking out Hanley Ramirez to end it.
11-5 WIN (5-6)
W - P. Moylan (2-1)
L - B. Badenhop (0-1)
April 13, 2011
As we await Brian McCann's diagnosis, Matt Young was demoted and J.C. Boscan was promoted.
Anibal Sanchez vs. Jair Jurrjens
Walks are awesome. Marlins were so generous that they gave us eleven of them, which helped since our offense is typically so bad at scoring runs. We did add nine hits and set a new season high with 12 runs in the 12-5 rout. It was a close game with both starters working around tough situations for the first five innings. With both starters out, it was 3-1 Braves with a big boost from Nate McLouth's two run-shot in the third. Jurrjens opened the sixth by hitting a batter, giving up a hit, and hitting a third batter. With two lefties due up, George Sherrill got the call. A shallow fly-out and a K followed. Scott Linebrink got John Buck on strikes to end the threat.
While two walks led to a run in the seventh, charged to Peter Moylan, the Braves would use an awesome display of pretty much letting the Marlins hand them nine runs to cruise. Base hit, walk (1), two-run double, double, intentional walk (2), HBP, DP (scores a run), walk (3), RBI single, walk (4), RBI single, RBI walk (5), RBI single, RBI walk (6). Jason Heyward was intentionally walk and walked to score a run. He pulled his best Chipper Jones with four walks.
The game would have looked worse had Jairo Ascenio not giving up three solo homers in the ninth. Big offensive days from Nate McLouth (3-3, 2B, HR, 3 RS, 3 HR, 2 BB) and Chipper Jones (1-3, 2B, 3 RBI, RS, 2 BB). Dan Uggla reached .200 with two hits and drove in two.
12-5 WIN (6-6)
W - J. Jurrjens (1-0)
L - A. Sanchez (1-2)
April 14
Chris Volstad vs. Brandon Beachy
You simply can't keep putting runners on base. Bad things happen. Brandon Beachy allowed nine hits and walked three so in that sense, he was lucky to give up just four runs. But that was enough as the Braves offense managed very little against Chris Volstad in a 6-2 loss. The game was much closer and had much more hope before Craig Kimbrel gave up two in the ninth.
The offense did not have a single extra base hit, though the top two guys combined for five hits. But the rest of the lineup finished with three hits. Martin Prado neared .300 with his three hit game.
Eric O'Flaherty and Jonny Venters were the only bright spots. The former struck out the side, though he allowed a single, while Venters needed just ten pitches to induce a trio of grounders.
6-2 LOSS (6-7)
W - C. Volstad (1-1)
L - B. Beachy (0-2)
Josh Johnson vs. Tommy Hanson
On paper, this looked like a good pitcher's match-up. A pair of inept offenses, pitchers with incredible stuff, chance for a 2-1 game very high. Instead, Johnson was rocked for five runs and exited after 3.1 ING. Hanson did only somewhat better, lasting 5.2 ING, but also giving up five runs. Peter Moylan stranded a sixth potential run and watched as Freddie Freeman opened the bottom of the sixth with his first homer of the season and the Braves would roll to a 11-5 win.
David Ross, entering after Brian McCann hurt himself on a double in the first, homered twice and drove in five. After Freeman's homer, Ross smacked one over the left-field wall with a pair of runners on to give the Braves a four-run lead. His moonshot to deep center added a pair. Chipper Jones reached base five times, including four times via the walk, and scored three runs. Dan Uggla had a two hit game and Freeman finished a triple short of the cycle.
Sparsley used Diory Hernandez, Matt Young, and Jairo Ascencio all got into action with Hernandez entering on a double switch and going 1-3. Young grounded out and Ascencio worked around a leadoff double in the ninth for a scoreless inning, striking out Hanley Ramirez to end it.
11-5 WIN (5-6)
W - P. Moylan (2-1)
L - B. Badenhop (0-1)
April 13, 2011
As we await Brian McCann's diagnosis, Matt Young was demoted and J.C. Boscan was promoted.
Anibal Sanchez vs. Jair Jurrjens
Walks are awesome. Marlins were so generous that they gave us eleven of them, which helped since our offense is typically so bad at scoring runs. We did add nine hits and set a new season high with 12 runs in the 12-5 rout. It was a close game with both starters working around tough situations for the first five innings. With both starters out, it was 3-1 Braves with a big boost from Nate McLouth's two run-shot in the third. Jurrjens opened the sixth by hitting a batter, giving up a hit, and hitting a third batter. With two lefties due up, George Sherrill got the call. A shallow fly-out and a K followed. Scott Linebrink got John Buck on strikes to end the threat.
While two walks led to a run in the seventh, charged to Peter Moylan, the Braves would use an awesome display of pretty much letting the Marlins hand them nine runs to cruise. Base hit, walk (1), two-run double, double, intentional walk (2), HBP, DP (scores a run), walk (3), RBI single, walk (4), RBI single, RBI walk (5), RBI single, RBI walk (6). Jason Heyward was intentionally walk and walked to score a run. He pulled his best Chipper Jones with four walks.
The game would have looked worse had Jairo Ascenio not giving up three solo homers in the ninth. Big offensive days from Nate McLouth (3-3, 2B, HR, 3 RS, 3 HR, 2 BB) and Chipper Jones (1-3, 2B, 3 RBI, RS, 2 BB). Dan Uggla reached .200 with two hits and drove in two.
12-5 WIN (6-6)
W - J. Jurrjens (1-0)
L - A. Sanchez (1-2)
April 14
Chris Volstad vs. Brandon Beachy
You simply can't keep putting runners on base. Bad things happen. Brandon Beachy allowed nine hits and walked three so in that sense, he was lucky to give up just four runs. But that was enough as the Braves offense managed very little against Chris Volstad in a 6-2 loss. The game was much closer and had much more hope before Craig Kimbrel gave up two in the ninth.
The offense did not have a single extra base hit, though the top two guys combined for five hits. But the rest of the lineup finished with three hits. Martin Prado neared .300 with his three hit game.
Eric O'Flaherty and Jonny Venters were the only bright spots. The former struck out the side, though he allowed a single, while Venters needed just ten pitches to induce a trio of grounders.
6-2 LOSS (6-7)
W - C. Volstad (1-1)
L - B. Beachy (0-2)
Series 3: vs. Philadelphia
April 8, 2011
Joe Blanton vs. Jair Jurrjens
Maybe if the pen hadn't been an abysmal failure, tonight would have turned out differently. But just the same, Atlanta falls 6-5. Jurrjens tossed seven quality innings and left with a 2-2 tie, but Eric O'Flaherty gave up three, two earned, and Craig Kimbrel surrendered what turned out to be an important solo homer in the ninth.
Down by four in the ninth, the Braves loaded the bases with a single and two walks. But pinch-hitter Eric Hinske grounded into a twin killing, scoring a run but leaving the rally with no margin for error. Brian McCann, pinch-hitting, doubled in another run and Martin Prado followed with a double of his own. That finally brought Ryan Madson in and he retired Nate McLouth.
Jason Heyward, McLouth, and Chipper Jones each had two hits with David Ross, Jones, and McLouth joining McCann and Prado with doubles throughout the night.
6-5 LOSS (2-6)
W - J. Blanton (1-0)
L - E. O'Flaherty (0-1)
SV - R. Madson (3)
April 9, 2011
Cole Hamels vs. Derek Lowe
Our long national nightmare is over. Atlanta wins another game. While a negative person can play up the awful defense that led to three errors and three more hits and a missed double play...oh, and leaving the bases loaded in the 8th...a win is a win.
Lowe gave up seven hits, but really, he pitched better than that. In his five innings, he walked none, struck out four, and gave up four runs, three earned. Another run scored ahead of the Ryan Howard two-run homer in the fifth after Lowe had gotten a double play ball that the Braves didn't turn.
Atlanta scored early, even taking a 2-1 lead after two. In the fifth, down 4-2, Chipper Jones hit a homer. In the sixth, Brandon Hicks hit his first extra base hit, a double, to drive in his first run. Nate McLouth ended the brief tie with a solo homer in the next inning. The bullpen was solid. Scott Linebrink tossed a hitless inning with a walk and a K, Peter Moylan worked around a leadoff baserunner, Johnny Venters was unhittable with a K, and Craig Kimbrel picked up his third save. McLouth, Jones, and Jason Heyward all had two hits. Jones upped his RBI total from one to three.
5-4 WIN (3-6)
W - P. Moylan (1-1)
L - C. Hamels (0-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (3)
April 10, 2011
Roy Oswalt vs. Tim Hudson
Nate McLouth's offensive statistics last year were comparable to a pitcher that somehow played in 82 games. He batted .190 and generally look lost. Only a decent, not great, but decent finish got him that close to the Mendoza line. Knowing he needs to rebuild his value if he ever hopes to touch his current salary again, McLouth has been the Braves early MVP. A day after breaking up a 4-4 tie with a 7th inning moonshot, McLouth added a three-run bomb that gave the Braves the lead in the third and they never trailed as they squeak by the Phillies 5-4, taking a series that include a trio of one-run affairs.
After Tim Hudson gave up two in the second, the Braves got some two out damage going in the third. Freddie Freeman singled and after a Huddy sacrifice, reached third on a Martin Prado single. Freeman got a late red late, but probably would have been dead meat on Shane Victorino's throw from center. Regardless, it didn't matter as McLouth pulled one over the right field wall.
While Hudson gave up four and definitely lacked his best stuff, he got through six innings before the pen took over. With Craig Kimbrel in need of a day off, the Braves used their trio of left-handed relievers and George Sherrill, Eric O'Flaherty, and Jonny Venters all pitched perfect innings.
Jason Heyward and Brandon Hicks added RBIs in the fourth that ended up being the difference.
5-4 WIN (4-6)
W - T. Hudson (1-0)
L - R. Oswalt (0-2)
SV - J. Venters (1)
Joe Blanton vs. Jair Jurrjens
Maybe if the pen hadn't been an abysmal failure, tonight would have turned out differently. But just the same, Atlanta falls 6-5. Jurrjens tossed seven quality innings and left with a 2-2 tie, but Eric O'Flaherty gave up three, two earned, and Craig Kimbrel surrendered what turned out to be an important solo homer in the ninth.
Down by four in the ninth, the Braves loaded the bases with a single and two walks. But pinch-hitter Eric Hinske grounded into a twin killing, scoring a run but leaving the rally with no margin for error. Brian McCann, pinch-hitting, doubled in another run and Martin Prado followed with a double of his own. That finally brought Ryan Madson in and he retired Nate McLouth.
Jason Heyward, McLouth, and Chipper Jones each had two hits with David Ross, Jones, and McLouth joining McCann and Prado with doubles throughout the night.
6-5 LOSS (2-6)
W - J. Blanton (1-0)
L - E. O'Flaherty (0-1)
SV - R. Madson (3)
April 9, 2011
Cole Hamels vs. Derek Lowe
Our long national nightmare is over. Atlanta wins another game. While a negative person can play up the awful defense that led to three errors and three more hits and a missed double play...oh, and leaving the bases loaded in the 8th...a win is a win.
Lowe gave up seven hits, but really, he pitched better than that. In his five innings, he walked none, struck out four, and gave up four runs, three earned. Another run scored ahead of the Ryan Howard two-run homer in the fifth after Lowe had gotten a double play ball that the Braves didn't turn.
Atlanta scored early, even taking a 2-1 lead after two. In the fifth, down 4-2, Chipper Jones hit a homer. In the sixth, Brandon Hicks hit his first extra base hit, a double, to drive in his first run. Nate McLouth ended the brief tie with a solo homer in the next inning. The bullpen was solid. Scott Linebrink tossed a hitless inning with a walk and a K, Peter Moylan worked around a leadoff baserunner, Johnny Venters was unhittable with a K, and Craig Kimbrel picked up his third save. McLouth, Jones, and Jason Heyward all had two hits. Jones upped his RBI total from one to three.
5-4 WIN (3-6)
W - P. Moylan (1-1)
L - C. Hamels (0-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (3)
April 10, 2011
Roy Oswalt vs. Tim Hudson
Nate McLouth's offensive statistics last year were comparable to a pitcher that somehow played in 82 games. He batted .190 and generally look lost. Only a decent, not great, but decent finish got him that close to the Mendoza line. Knowing he needs to rebuild his value if he ever hopes to touch his current salary again, McLouth has been the Braves early MVP. A day after breaking up a 4-4 tie with a 7th inning moonshot, McLouth added a three-run bomb that gave the Braves the lead in the third and they never trailed as they squeak by the Phillies 5-4, taking a series that include a trio of one-run affairs.
After Tim Hudson gave up two in the second, the Braves got some two out damage going in the third. Freddie Freeman singled and after a Huddy sacrifice, reached third on a Martin Prado single. Freeman got a late red late, but probably would have been dead meat on Shane Victorino's throw from center. Regardless, it didn't matter as McLouth pulled one over the right field wall.
While Hudson gave up four and definitely lacked his best stuff, he got through six innings before the pen took over. With Craig Kimbrel in need of a day off, the Braves used their trio of left-handed relievers and George Sherrill, Eric O'Flaherty, and Jonny Venters all pitched perfect innings.
Jason Heyward and Brandon Hicks added RBIs in the fourth that ended up being the difference.
5-4 WIN (4-6)
W - T. Hudson (1-0)
L - R. Oswalt (0-2)
SV - J. Venters (1)
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Series 2: at Milwaukee
April 4, 2011
Derek Lowe vs. Chris Narveson
D-Lowe sucked oh, so badly. In his five innings, he allowed ten hits, walked a batter, threw a ball passed Freddie Freeman on a pick-off, and sweated a lot even though the roof was closed. I hate him so much.
Atlanta did its usual score-early-and-never-again with a Martin Prado single, a Nate McLouth walk, a double steal, and a Brian McCann sacrifice fly. McCann has driven in runs in four straight. Unfortunately, his other two partners in the heart-of-the-order, Chipper Jones and Dan Uggla, have combined for zero RBIs. After that base hit and walk to open the game, the Braves managed just five more hits and two walks off Narveson, who went eight. Alex Gonzalez got his first hit, a double, and than was squashed during a double play in the fourth by Prince Fielder and was replaced. Cristhian Martinez also left with pain in his elbow.
The bullpen scrubs were solid. George Sherrill, Martinez, and Scott Linebrink all tossed hitless innings. Jones had two seeing-eye singles to lead the offense. Freeman and McCann added doubles.
4-1 LOSS (2-2)
W - C. Narveson (1-0)
L - D. Lowe (0-1)
SV - J. Axford (1)
April 5, 2011
Some good news, mostly bad news. Tommy Hanson is fine and will be able to make his next start on the 7th. However, both Alex Gonzalez (sprained finger) and Cristhian Martinez (forearm) will hit the DL. Each will probably miss two-to-three weeks. Jairo Asencio and Diory Hernandez were recalled from Gwinnett.
Tim Hudson vs. Mark Rogers
Peter Moylan completely fucked us and the offense couldn't do enough to overcome his epic failures. Moylan, who already blew one lead this season, retired none of the four batters he faced, allowing three runs before George Sherrill got the call to complete the fuck-up by allowing a fourth run to score (also charged to Moylan). That would prove important because the Braves unveiled their other secret weapon (to go with the sacrifice fly). Two bases loaded walks made it a one-run game and got John Axford the boot. Mark DiFelice retired Freddie Freeman on a fly to center to end it.
Tim Hudson was wonderful except for the first few innings. In the fourth, Nate McLouth tripled and scored on Chipper Jones's first RBI, the predictable sacrifice fly. An out later, Dan Uggla added his first Atlanta hit and RBI with a homer. Mark Rodgers, a pitcher, doubled home Brandon Boggs in the fifth to make it 2-1 and Huddy pitched around a little trouble in the sixth before giving way to Eric O'Flaherty in the 7th. A 1-2-3 inning with two K's followed. With Jonny Venters tired, Moylan got the call. Bad things happened.
Jason Heyward and Brooks Conrad got bases-loaded walks in the ninth and McLouth finished with two hits. He is second behind McCann with a .389 AVG.
5-4 LOSS (2-3)
W - M. Rogers (1-0)
L - P. Moylan (0-1)
SV - M. DiFelice (1)
April 7, 2011
Brandon Beachy vs. Yovani Gallardo
The offense's goal to be completely horrible is working so well. The same formula brings upon another loss. Score a run or two early, watch the other team tie and ultimately pass you, rinse and repeat. Using two walks and two seeing-eye singles, the Braves scored twice in the first. Huge offensive explosions!
Brandon Beachy wasn't bad, though he gave up four runs in 6.1 ING. But his offense gave him three hits. Oh, guess that means just one hit after the first. In six games, the Braves have outscored the opposition 5-0. After the first, we are losing 22-13. I feel that might hinder our season if it continues. Unless...we score a gajillion runs in the first...
Anyway, Scott Linebrink tossed 1.2 innings of awesomeness.
4-2 LOSS (2-4)
W - Y. Gallardo (2-0)
L - B. Beachy (0-1)
SV - M. McClendon (1)
April 7
Tommy Hanson vs. Nate Robertson
Jonny Venters gave up a two-run shot to Mike Rivera of all people, sending the Braves to a sweep at the hands of the Brewers 4-2. After working a scoreless eighth, Venters was sent out with the hope that he could get them to extras. It, um, did not work so hot.
Atlanta never led this game. They tied it with a run in the sixth as Dan Uggla doubled in Brian McCann. In the eighth, Freddie Freeman brought Uggla home with a base hit.
Tommy Hanson, who left his last start and was pushed back a day, was solid. He scattered six hits, only one for extra bases, over seven innings. He walked no one and struck out eight. Martin Prado had the only two-hit game for Atlanta, doubling twice.
4-2 LOSS (2-5)
W - S. Green (1-0)
L - J. Venters (2-1)
Derek Lowe vs. Chris Narveson
D-Lowe sucked oh, so badly. In his five innings, he allowed ten hits, walked a batter, threw a ball passed Freddie Freeman on a pick-off, and sweated a lot even though the roof was closed. I hate him so much.
Atlanta did its usual score-early-and-never-again with a Martin Prado single, a Nate McLouth walk, a double steal, and a Brian McCann sacrifice fly. McCann has driven in runs in four straight. Unfortunately, his other two partners in the heart-of-the-order, Chipper Jones and Dan Uggla, have combined for zero RBIs. After that base hit and walk to open the game, the Braves managed just five more hits and two walks off Narveson, who went eight. Alex Gonzalez got his first hit, a double, and than was squashed during a double play in the fourth by Prince Fielder and was replaced. Cristhian Martinez also left with pain in his elbow.
The bullpen scrubs were solid. George Sherrill, Martinez, and Scott Linebrink all tossed hitless innings. Jones had two seeing-eye singles to lead the offense. Freeman and McCann added doubles.
4-1 LOSS (2-2)
W - C. Narveson (1-0)
L - D. Lowe (0-1)
SV - J. Axford (1)
April 5, 2011
Some good news, mostly bad news. Tommy Hanson is fine and will be able to make his next start on the 7th. However, both Alex Gonzalez (sprained finger) and Cristhian Martinez (forearm) will hit the DL. Each will probably miss two-to-three weeks. Jairo Asencio and Diory Hernandez were recalled from Gwinnett.
Tim Hudson vs. Mark Rogers
Peter Moylan completely fucked us and the offense couldn't do enough to overcome his epic failures. Moylan, who already blew one lead this season, retired none of the four batters he faced, allowing three runs before George Sherrill got the call to complete the fuck-up by allowing a fourth run to score (also charged to Moylan). That would prove important because the Braves unveiled their other secret weapon (to go with the sacrifice fly). Two bases loaded walks made it a one-run game and got John Axford the boot. Mark DiFelice retired Freddie Freeman on a fly to center to end it.
Tim Hudson was wonderful except for the first few innings. In the fourth, Nate McLouth tripled and scored on Chipper Jones's first RBI, the predictable sacrifice fly. An out later, Dan Uggla added his first Atlanta hit and RBI with a homer. Mark Rodgers, a pitcher, doubled home Brandon Boggs in the fifth to make it 2-1 and Huddy pitched around a little trouble in the sixth before giving way to Eric O'Flaherty in the 7th. A 1-2-3 inning with two K's followed. With Jonny Venters tired, Moylan got the call. Bad things happened.
Jason Heyward and Brooks Conrad got bases-loaded walks in the ninth and McLouth finished with two hits. He is second behind McCann with a .389 AVG.
5-4 LOSS (2-3)
W - M. Rogers (1-0)
L - P. Moylan (0-1)
SV - M. DiFelice (1)
April 7, 2011
Brandon Beachy vs. Yovani Gallardo
The offense's goal to be completely horrible is working so well. The same formula brings upon another loss. Score a run or two early, watch the other team tie and ultimately pass you, rinse and repeat. Using two walks and two seeing-eye singles, the Braves scored twice in the first. Huge offensive explosions!
Brandon Beachy wasn't bad, though he gave up four runs in 6.1 ING. But his offense gave him three hits. Oh, guess that means just one hit after the first. In six games, the Braves have outscored the opposition 5-0. After the first, we are losing 22-13. I feel that might hinder our season if it continues. Unless...we score a gajillion runs in the first...
Anyway, Scott Linebrink tossed 1.2 innings of awesomeness.
4-2 LOSS (2-4)
W - Y. Gallardo (2-0)
L - B. Beachy (0-1)
SV - M. McClendon (1)
April 7
Tommy Hanson vs. Nate Robertson
Jonny Venters gave up a two-run shot to Mike Rivera of all people, sending the Braves to a sweep at the hands of the Brewers 4-2. After working a scoreless eighth, Venters was sent out with the hope that he could get them to extras. It, um, did not work so hot.
Atlanta never led this game. They tied it with a run in the sixth as Dan Uggla doubled in Brian McCann. In the eighth, Freddie Freeman brought Uggla home with a base hit.
Tommy Hanson, who left his last start and was pushed back a day, was solid. He scattered six hits, only one for extra bases, over seven innings. He walked no one and struck out eight. Martin Prado had the only two-hit game for Atlanta, doubling twice.
4-2 LOSS (2-5)
W - S. Green (1-0)
L - J. Venters (2-1)
Series 1: at Washington
March 31, 2011
Tim Hudson vs. Jordan Zimmerman
This was a battle of which bullpen wanted to fail in the most fantastic fashion. Huddy was Godlike for five innings before opening the sixth with a pair of walks. Both runners would score, tying up the game in which his offense unleashed their secret weapon to scrape two runs across. Heyward's sacrifice fly made it 1-0 in the fourth and Prado brought Freeman home with one of his own (that followed a sacrifice bunt so...that's cool) to make it 2-0.
After Huddy struggled to get through the sixth, McCann brought home Prado to make it 3-2, but sadly, the bullpen was in. Peter Moylan walked Danny Espinosa and gave up a two-run shot to Roger Bertandearnie to make it 4-3. An inning later, on an 0-2 pitch to Adam LaRoche, Jonny Venters gave up an RBI double. Down 5-3, most mortals give up. And we probably did. But the Nats wanted to lose so badly. Doug Slaten, closer extraordinaire gave up back-to-back singles to Prado and McLouth. After Chipper tried to once again give the game to the Nats with a double play, Slaten gave up an RBI single to McCann. Uggla hit a flyball to end it...but the center fielder dropped it. With runners on second-and-third, Jason Fucking Heyward singled in both runners.
Craig Kimbrel worked a 1-2-3 ninth with two K's to show that relievers can throw good innings. Hudson picked up 8 strikeouts and Prado, McLouth, and McCann all had two hits with McCann, Prado, and Freeman picking up doubles.
6-5 WIN (1-0)
W - T. Hudson (1-0)
L - D. Slaten (0-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (1/1)
April 2, 2011
Tommy Hanson vs. Livan Hernandez
George Sherrill blows and the offense's last hit was a Brian McCann single to open the sixth. Livan Hernandez and Doug Slaten were Cy Young and Rollie Fingers from there on. Braves took the early lead behind a Martin Prado single, advancing on a hit-and-run groundout, and scoring on a McCann single. In the fourth, Jesus Flores homered off Tommy Hanson. That was it until the tenth when Sherrill gave up back-to-back doubles to the awesome duo of Jerry Hairston Jr. and Adam LaRoche, each sure-fire Hall of Famers.
Oh, and on Hanson's 79th pitch, in which he gave up a base hit, he left with an undisclosed injury and his diagnosis is pending an MRI. He had tied Huddy's season-high mark of 8 K's before he left. The pen, before Sherrill, was great.
McCann, Prado, and Freddie Freeman had all the hits, two a piece. Sad.
2-1 LOSS - 10 ING (1-1)
W - D. Slaten (1-1)
L - G. Sherrill (0-1)
April 3, 2011
Jair Jurrjens vs. Chad Gaudin
Martin Prado picked up Jonny Venters with an RBI double and Craig Kimbrel gave up two hits, but faced the minimum as the Braves take the rubber game of their opening series with the Nats, 4-2. Up 2-1 in the eighth, Venters gave up a single to Jayson Werth and allowed a deep double to Jesus Flores. The latter was thrown out trying to advance on the throw, but the damage was done. However, in the ninth, Freddie Freeman singled with one out. Matt Young, who entered on a double switch that brought Venters in, bunted Freeman to second and he scored easily on Prado's double. Nate McLouth followed a wild pitch with an RBI single to provide the two-run difference.
In his first start, Jair Jurrjens was solid. He allowed four hits, including Adam LaRoche's first homer as a National. He walked three and struck out five and went an Atlanta-best seven innings before giving way to Venters.
McLouth finished with three hits and is off to a .455 start. McCann added his first, and the team's first, homer. That made it 2-1 in the sixth. McCann had driven in McLouth with a double in the first. Alex Gonzalez and Dan Uggla remain hitless. Eric Hinske got his first start and had a double. Chipper Jones will get Sundays off as a normal thing and today was the first Sunday for him.
Kimbrel gave up a base hit, got a 3-6 double play with Gonzalez slapping the tag down, and gave up another single, but Roger Bernadina was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double by Jason Heyward. Despite giving up two hits, he threw a three-pitch ninth and secured his second save.
4-2 WIN (2-1)
W - Jonny Venters (2-0)
L - Drew Storen (0-1)
SV - Craig Kimbrel (2)
Tim Hudson vs. Jordan Zimmerman
This was a battle of which bullpen wanted to fail in the most fantastic fashion. Huddy was Godlike for five innings before opening the sixth with a pair of walks. Both runners would score, tying up the game in which his offense unleashed their secret weapon to scrape two runs across. Heyward's sacrifice fly made it 1-0 in the fourth and Prado brought Freeman home with one of his own (that followed a sacrifice bunt so...that's cool) to make it 2-0.
After Huddy struggled to get through the sixth, McCann brought home Prado to make it 3-2, but sadly, the bullpen was in. Peter Moylan walked Danny Espinosa and gave up a two-run shot to Roger Bertandearnie to make it 4-3. An inning later, on an 0-2 pitch to Adam LaRoche, Jonny Venters gave up an RBI double. Down 5-3, most mortals give up. And we probably did. But the Nats wanted to lose so badly. Doug Slaten, closer extraordinaire gave up back-to-back singles to Prado and McLouth. After Chipper tried to once again give the game to the Nats with a double play, Slaten gave up an RBI single to McCann. Uggla hit a flyball to end it...but the center fielder dropped it. With runners on second-and-third, Jason Fucking Heyward singled in both runners.
Craig Kimbrel worked a 1-2-3 ninth with two K's to show that relievers can throw good innings. Hudson picked up 8 strikeouts and Prado, McLouth, and McCann all had two hits with McCann, Prado, and Freeman picking up doubles.
6-5 WIN (1-0)
W - T. Hudson (1-0)
L - D. Slaten (0-1)
SV - C. Kimbrel (1/1)
April 2, 2011
Tommy Hanson vs. Livan Hernandez
George Sherrill blows and the offense's last hit was a Brian McCann single to open the sixth. Livan Hernandez and Doug Slaten were Cy Young and Rollie Fingers from there on. Braves took the early lead behind a Martin Prado single, advancing on a hit-and-run groundout, and scoring on a McCann single. In the fourth, Jesus Flores homered off Tommy Hanson. That was it until the tenth when Sherrill gave up back-to-back doubles to the awesome duo of Jerry Hairston Jr. and Adam LaRoche, each sure-fire Hall of Famers.
Oh, and on Hanson's 79th pitch, in which he gave up a base hit, he left with an undisclosed injury and his diagnosis is pending an MRI. He had tied Huddy's season-high mark of 8 K's before he left. The pen, before Sherrill, was great.
McCann, Prado, and Freddie Freeman had all the hits, two a piece. Sad.
2-1 LOSS - 10 ING (1-1)
W - D. Slaten (1-1)
L - G. Sherrill (0-1)
April 3, 2011
Jair Jurrjens vs. Chad Gaudin
Martin Prado picked up Jonny Venters with an RBI double and Craig Kimbrel gave up two hits, but faced the minimum as the Braves take the rubber game of their opening series with the Nats, 4-2. Up 2-1 in the eighth, Venters gave up a single to Jayson Werth and allowed a deep double to Jesus Flores. The latter was thrown out trying to advance on the throw, but the damage was done. However, in the ninth, Freddie Freeman singled with one out. Matt Young, who entered on a double switch that brought Venters in, bunted Freeman to second and he scored easily on Prado's double. Nate McLouth followed a wild pitch with an RBI single to provide the two-run difference.
In his first start, Jair Jurrjens was solid. He allowed four hits, including Adam LaRoche's first homer as a National. He walked three and struck out five and went an Atlanta-best seven innings before giving way to Venters.
McLouth finished with three hits and is off to a .455 start. McCann added his first, and the team's first, homer. That made it 2-1 in the sixth. McCann had driven in McLouth with a double in the first. Alex Gonzalez and Dan Uggla remain hitless. Eric Hinske got his first start and had a double. Chipper Jones will get Sundays off as a normal thing and today was the first Sunday for him.
Kimbrel gave up a base hit, got a 3-6 double play with Gonzalez slapping the tag down, and gave up another single, but Roger Bernadina was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double by Jason Heyward. Despite giving up two hits, he threw a three-pitch ninth and secured his second save.
4-2 WIN (2-1)
W - Jonny Venters (2-0)
L - Drew Storen (0-1)
SV - Craig Kimbrel (2)
Monday, August 15, 2011
Season Preview: Part 3
Baseball America Top 20 Prospects
(likely level to start the year in parenthesis)
1. Freddie Freeman (MLB)
2. Julio Teheran (AAA)
3. Matt Lipka (A-)
4. Randall Delgado (AA)
5. Mike Minor (AAA)
6. Brandon Beachy (MLB)
7. Arodys Vizcaino (A+)
8. Christian Bethancourt (A-)
9. Tyler Pastornicky (AA)
10. Andrelton Simmons (A+)
11. Edward Salcedo (A-)
12. Mycal Jones (AA)
13. Todd Cunningham (A+)
14. Elmer Reyes (A-)
15. David Hale (A+)
16. Brett Oberholtzer (AA)
17. Joe Leonard (A+)
18. Carlos Perez (A-)
19. J.J. Hoover (AA)
20. Adam Milligan (A+)
(likely level to start the year in parenthesis)
1. Freddie Freeman (MLB)
2. Julio Teheran (AAA)
3. Matt Lipka (A-)
4. Randall Delgado (AA)
5. Mike Minor (AAA)
6. Brandon Beachy (MLB)
7. Arodys Vizcaino (A+)
8. Christian Bethancourt (A-)
9. Tyler Pastornicky (AA)
10. Andrelton Simmons (A+)
11. Edward Salcedo (A-)
12. Mycal Jones (AA)
13. Todd Cunningham (A+)
14. Elmer Reyes (A-)
15. David Hale (A+)
16. Brett Oberholtzer (AA)
17. Joe Leonard (A+)
18. Carlos Perez (A-)
19. J.J. Hoover (AA)
20. Adam Milligan (A+)
Season Preview: Part 2
Pitching staff looks like it could be...not horrible. Will they get any runs to work with? Let's find out.
Catchers
Brian McCann "The Franchise"
Just another ho-hum year as McCann continues to show that he is not rivaled as far as the best catchers in baseball go. The slugging took a bit of a dive, but the OBP was .375.
David Ross "Don't You Wish Your Backup Was Awesome Like Me"
Ross is a starter on about 15 other teams.
First Base
Freddie Freeman "Heyward's Whiter Half"
Freeman has the potential to be a contender for All-Star squads. Maybe not this year. Will bring along slowly, but fully expect him to handle the position well.
Eric Hinske "The Mythical Playoff Guy"
Looking for postseason for a sixth straight year. Posted a .793 OPS last year with 11 homers.
Second Base
Dan Uggla "His Name is...well, you get it"
Uggla has hit 30 or more homers for four consecutive years. I expect that trend to continue.
Brooks Conrad "He's a real nice guy...who doesn't take part in 'D' 'Fence' chants"
He's here to bat against left-hand relievers. Asking more would be a bad idea.
Third Base
Chipper Jones "The Past"
Expect frequent off days and kid gloves. Need him healthy in August and September more than I do in May and June.
Shortstop
Alex Gonzalez "The Guy You Always Think You Can Do Better Than"
Year 2 begins and I'm very interested in looking elsewhere. Good defense and not a completely awful option in the 8 hole.
Brandon Hicks "Giant Hole in His Swing"
Power, speed, solid defense. Only one...HUGE problem.
Outfield
Martin Prado "Sparkplug"
His reward for being Atlanta's MVP last year? A position-change. Thanks guy!
Nate McLouth "More like McLousy, amiright?"
He hit .190 last year and I am considering him for leadoff. Yikes.
Jason Heyward "The Future"
He walked 91 times and on-based nearly .400. I'm considering changing my faith to the church of Heyward.
Matt Young "The Guy Whose Only Value to the Team is I Don't Care About Him."
Seriously...picked his name out of the hat.
Catchers
Brian McCann "The Franchise"
Just another ho-hum year as McCann continues to show that he is not rivaled as far as the best catchers in baseball go. The slugging took a bit of a dive, but the OBP was .375.
David Ross "Don't You Wish Your Backup Was Awesome Like Me"
Ross is a starter on about 15 other teams.
First Base
Freddie Freeman "Heyward's Whiter Half"
Freeman has the potential to be a contender for All-Star squads. Maybe not this year. Will bring along slowly, but fully expect him to handle the position well.
Eric Hinske "The Mythical Playoff Guy"
Looking for postseason for a sixth straight year. Posted a .793 OPS last year with 11 homers.
Second Base
Dan Uggla "His Name is...well, you get it"
Uggla has hit 30 or more homers for four consecutive years. I expect that trend to continue.
Brooks Conrad "He's a real nice guy...who doesn't take part in 'D' 'Fence' chants"
He's here to bat against left-hand relievers. Asking more would be a bad idea.
Third Base
Chipper Jones "The Past"
Expect frequent off days and kid gloves. Need him healthy in August and September more than I do in May and June.
Shortstop
Alex Gonzalez "The Guy You Always Think You Can Do Better Than"
Year 2 begins and I'm very interested in looking elsewhere. Good defense and not a completely awful option in the 8 hole.
Brandon Hicks "Giant Hole in His Swing"
Power, speed, solid defense. Only one...HUGE problem.
Outfield
Martin Prado "Sparkplug"
His reward for being Atlanta's MVP last year? A position-change. Thanks guy!
Nate McLouth "More like McLousy, amiright?"
He hit .190 last year and I am considering him for leadoff. Yikes.
Jason Heyward "The Future"
He walked 91 times and on-based nearly .400. I'm considering changing my faith to the church of Heyward.
Matt Young "The Guy Whose Only Value to the Team is I Don't Care About Him."
Seriously...picked his name out of the hat.
Season Preview: Part 1
Yay, it's baseball season. But what do we have?
Starting Rotation
Tim Hudson "Old Reliable"
Huddy set a new Atlanta-best with 17 wins and a 2.83 ERA in a bounce-back year after injuries kept him out of most of 2010. However, at 35, a little concerned about his ability to pitch effectively through the 2014 season.
Tommy Hanson "The guy whose untapped potential makes me quiver"
Yes, Hanson went 10-11 last year. He was very solid, though, with a WHIP of 1.17. And in a shade over 200 innings, he only allowed 14 long balls. Could be one of the early favorites for Cy Young votes.
Jair Jurrjens "The Tigers are the team that just keeps giving"
Sure, 7-6 and a 4.64 ERA is hardly a way to follow 14-10 and 2.60, but injuries played their part. Hoping for big things.
Derek Lowe "The Overpaid Veteran Presence"
Owed $30M over the next two years, my hope is that Lowe has a good enough year that a team will send a prospect or a plate of awesome nachos for him.
Brandon Beachy "The Guy Who Looks Kinda Stoned"
Beachy was a ho-hum prospect who exploded last year and looks to hold down the fifth spot, but has some stiff competition from young hurlers like Julio Teheran and Mike Minor.
The Bullpen
Scott Linebrink "Another Veteran Presence"
I hate guys who stick around cause they stick around so they stick around. Should log a lot of low-leverage innings, but if that becomes worrisome, will get kicked to the curb.
Cristhian Martinez "The Guy Whose Name Screws With My Sense of Grammar"
The long guy who will see blow out action mainly.
Peter Moylan "Goggles Galore"
The Aussie posted his worst ERA since his first taste of the majors back in '06. He will look to improve upon that disappointing 2.97 year.
Eric O'Flaherty "Damn Irish"
In two seasons, O'Flaherty has shown that he can handle lefties with relative ease. Will look to lock down the 7th with Moylan.
George Sherrill "The LOOGY"
Can't get any worse than he was last year. Can get fatter, though.
Jonny Venters "Being a failed prospect isn't all that bad"
Should continue his ascension to the elite relievers in baseball as long as he is healthy. Would be closing if not for...
Craig Kimbrel "The reason the word 'filthy' was invented"
Has one save. Needs just 153 more to break the Atlanta record. It is his destiny.
Starting Rotation
Tim Hudson "Old Reliable"
Huddy set a new Atlanta-best with 17 wins and a 2.83 ERA in a bounce-back year after injuries kept him out of most of 2010. However, at 35, a little concerned about his ability to pitch effectively through the 2014 season.
Tommy Hanson "The guy whose untapped potential makes me quiver"
Yes, Hanson went 10-11 last year. He was very solid, though, with a WHIP of 1.17. And in a shade over 200 innings, he only allowed 14 long balls. Could be one of the early favorites for Cy Young votes.
Jair Jurrjens "The Tigers are the team that just keeps giving"
Sure, 7-6 and a 4.64 ERA is hardly a way to follow 14-10 and 2.60, but injuries played their part. Hoping for big things.
Derek Lowe "The Overpaid Veteran Presence"
Owed $30M over the next two years, my hope is that Lowe has a good enough year that a team will send a prospect or a plate of awesome nachos for him.
Brandon Beachy "The Guy Who Looks Kinda Stoned"
Beachy was a ho-hum prospect who exploded last year and looks to hold down the fifth spot, but has some stiff competition from young hurlers like Julio Teheran and Mike Minor.
The Bullpen
Scott Linebrink "Another Veteran Presence"
I hate guys who stick around cause they stick around so they stick around. Should log a lot of low-leverage innings, but if that becomes worrisome, will get kicked to the curb.
Cristhian Martinez "The Guy Whose Name Screws With My Sense of Grammar"
The long guy who will see blow out action mainly.
Peter Moylan "Goggles Galore"
The Aussie posted his worst ERA since his first taste of the majors back in '06. He will look to improve upon that disappointing 2.97 year.
Eric O'Flaherty "Damn Irish"
In two seasons, O'Flaherty has shown that he can handle lefties with relative ease. Will look to lock down the 7th with Moylan.
George Sherrill "The LOOGY"
Can't get any worse than he was last year. Can get fatter, though.
Jonny Venters "Being a failed prospect isn't all that bad"
Should continue his ascension to the elite relievers in baseball as long as he is healthy. Would be closing if not for...
Craig Kimbrel "The reason the word 'filthy' was invented"
Has one save. Needs just 153 more to break the Atlanta record. It is his destiny.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Furthermore...
Just to add to things while I wait for the roster set to be released...This is a skippable post...it's more for me because I'm trying some new ways of handling the minors.
I have become more and more involved and will handle minor league promotions/demotions. I will also play up strategy. I am hoping that with a better roster set and my better handling of it, I will not get so frustrated to see Julio Teheran become a nothing-prospect within a few years. That hurts.
Rules of my minor league handling for year one...
Roster makeup
6 starting pitchers...will begin the year as a six person rotation. An injury will force them to five unless it's season-ending when I will make a promotion/signing. I will be using pitch counts based both on age, level, and stamina. The stamina is based on my scout's ratings. So, if 20-year old has a 15 stamina in AAA, I'd probably up his pitch count to 90, but if he was in A-ball, it might be just 75. If he's closer to 25 or a journeyman minor leaguer, he might be allowed to hit 110 or simply not have a pitch count. If he only has two pitches, he will likely not start in the high levels unless needed to.
7 relief pitchers...Ideally, there will be at least one long guy with maybe 8 or so stamina.
2 catchers
starting infield plus at least two capable of playing middle infield
5 outfielders
After every month, I will make decisions based on promotions/demotions. That decisions will likely increase as the season progresses. For instance, short of a huge first month, the promotions will likely only be for people repeating a level. Previous month stats are important for promotion as well. Maybe he's hitting .260 with 12 homers and 45 RBI, but over the last month, he's hitting .355 with five homers and 18 RBI. Maybe something clicked and he needs a new challenge. In general, these promotions will be handed to those who are above one-star potential. Short of a magical season or players moved up because of September, no more than one promotion per season.
Lynchburg will be the "high-A" and Danville will be the "advanced rookie" levels. If you hit 25 and haven't been waylay-ed my injuries, you must be at AA or higher. If you hit 22 and haven't made it to A ball and are not a recent draftee, you will be forced up or released.
Anyway...hopefully, I will develop players better and not see so many prospects fall to the wayside.
I have become more and more involved and will handle minor league promotions/demotions. I will also play up strategy. I am hoping that with a better roster set and my better handling of it, I will not get so frustrated to see Julio Teheran become a nothing-prospect within a few years. That hurts.
Rules of my minor league handling for year one...
Roster makeup
6 starting pitchers...will begin the year as a six person rotation. An injury will force them to five unless it's season-ending when I will make a promotion/signing. I will be using pitch counts based both on age, level, and stamina. The stamina is based on my scout's ratings. So, if 20-year old has a 15 stamina in AAA, I'd probably up his pitch count to 90, but if he was in A-ball, it might be just 75. If he's closer to 25 or a journeyman minor leaguer, he might be allowed to hit 110 or simply not have a pitch count. If he only has two pitches, he will likely not start in the high levels unless needed to.
7 relief pitchers...Ideally, there will be at least one long guy with maybe 8 or so stamina.
2 catchers
starting infield plus at least two capable of playing middle infield
5 outfielders
After every month, I will make decisions based on promotions/demotions. That decisions will likely increase as the season progresses. For instance, short of a huge first month, the promotions will likely only be for people repeating a level. Previous month stats are important for promotion as well. Maybe he's hitting .260 with 12 homers and 45 RBI, but over the last month, he's hitting .355 with five homers and 18 RBI. Maybe something clicked and he needs a new challenge. In general, these promotions will be handed to those who are above one-star potential. Short of a magical season or players moved up because of September, no more than one promotion per season.
Lynchburg will be the "high-A" and Danville will be the "advanced rookie" levels. If you hit 25 and haven't been waylay-ed my injuries, you must be at AA or higher. If you hit 22 and haven't made it to A ball and are not a recent draftee, you will be forced up or released.
Anyway...hopefully, I will develop players better and not see so many prospects fall to the wayside.
Purpose
I am bored and often have some free time. This blog will be used to document the Atlanta Braves in the fictional Out of the Park 2012 stats-based video game. I know, lame. But I will try to make it fun and maybe even funny. Very big ambition. I will begin with a roster set released by Cubbyfan very soon and will begin the season as the Braves did with the same players. No Michael Bourn.
So...I hope this doesn't suck.
So...I hope this doesn't suck.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)