» Atlanta Braves News

Oh, the end to the 2009 regular season was heartbreaking. But there were many wonderful accomplishments. I’m going to write down some of those accomplishments:

• Congratulations to Jair Jurrjens who was named September NL Pitcher of the Month.
• Garret Anderson got his 2500th hit on 1 October 2009. Go Garret!
• My favorite Peter Moylan was phenomenal after the All-Star Break, having an ERA under 1.00 (considering that he had a 145.00 ERA by the time he got his first out, that’s very impressive). He surpassed Chris Reitsma on the Franchise All-Time appearances with 87! I’m very proud of Pete, considering all he went through to come back. If it weren’t for Chris Carpenter, I’d totally say Pete was going to be NL Comeback Player of the Year! And did I forget to mention that he didn’t give up a single homerun in 09? Go Pete!
• Tim Hudson was very, very awesome his first time back. He had two wins, though I’m sure he deserved more. I really hope he’s around next year. He’s a good person and a great pitcher.
• Tommy Hanson had a wonderful rookie year. I so hope that he wins Rookie of the Year.
• Matt Diaz was just awesome this year! Despite a base-running blunder to end a game against the Marlins, I have very little complaints about how well MattE D did this year.
• Kris Medlen, though I can’t say he was remarkable, was pretty good. I just love Little M, for more personal reasons, but you know me.
• Martin Prado had an outstanding year. I really like Kelly Johnson, but Martin is my choice for 2B next year!
• Yunel Escobar, besides a few attitude problems, was just fantastic this year. I really hope we can see more of Yunel has got!
• And finally, Javier Vazquez has been amazing. I hear his name is popping up in Cy Young Award discussions, so let’s see how Javy does!

Though the end of the season was disasterous, I’m still faithful to the Braves and cannot wait for next year. One last year of Bobby Cox, which I still have mixed about. The boys really had me excited about the NL Wildcard race, and although they didn’t win, this was ten times better than last year. In 2010, we’re a force to be reckoned with. No doubt it my mind.

Also, both Mike Gonazlez and Rafeal Sorianoare free agents this year. I hear there is a fifty-fifty chance on keeping Gonzo and little chance of keeping Soriano, but the other day at a season ticket holder’s event, Frank Wren mentioned (without realizing it) that they would have to replace both. I’m very curious as to how this works out. Because I also hear that my favorite Peter Moylan could possibly replace them as closer. You probably can guess my opinion, but if they don’t re-sign Gonzo, well then I’ll be upset. I love his fire, his excited air that he gives off. Though, Yunel should be able to fill that whole :p.

One last note, Mr. and Mrs. Kelly Johnson are expecting their first child in December, according to Chop Talk! Though I don’t think Kelly will be around next year, that is very exciting! I have no doubt the child will be as adorable as daddy dearest.

Until next time!

Despite the loss and the fact that Mike Gonzalez got hurt (and hopefully that’s not major- even though I’m sure Gonzo could use some rest), the game today was fun. Barry Zito was really good, and so was Kenshin Kawakami.

What else can I say? Oh yeah, my boys have been on a roll! They’re currently in second place in the NL East and hopefully that’ll stay the same! I’m gonna go into individual people and their awesomeness, then assess the team as a whole! Fun, right?

Peter Moylan

Yes, that’s right, my favorite goes first! Although he’s been shaky and inconsistent, I’m very thankful he’s on the team. I still find it impeccable that he tried so hard to be ready for the season- even though he wasn’t even twelve months into his Tommy John rehab. I think he’s a little over-used, and with some more rest he could be the reliever he was in ‘07! Maybe I’m just saying that because he’s my favorite, but either way, I still believe it!

Tommy Hanson

He’s been amazing up here! He’s 5-0 and still going! I can only imagine how much better he’s going to be with more Major League experience! GO TOMMY!

Jair Jurrjens:

All I have to say about JJ is that the other team needs to look out! I mean seriously, he out-pitched Tim Lincecum! I still don’t get why he wasn’t an All-Star, but I guess I’ll never know! Jair is definitely my favorite starter, I’ve had the pleasure of meeing him and he was as sweet as can be, and beyond that, he’s got some skills! I look forward to see what he’s like in the next three or four years, because I have no doubt he’ll be lights out!

Yunel Escobar

Oh Yunel! He has a bit of an attitude problem, but aside from that, he’s been amazing! Esco is fantastic! My goodness, as of right now he’s the defending National League Player of the week and I’m sure he’ll be in considerations if he doesn’t get the title again! Go Yunie!

Rafael Soriano

He definatley has impressed me this year, I honestly didn’t expect him to throw a pitch at all! I’m very glad he’s proved me wrong, though.

Martin Prado

Oh, Martin has always been one of my favorites! I’m glad he’s doing so well, even if that puts Kelly Johnson on the bench! He’s proved he can be a producing starter and I don’t see that changing anytime soon! I wish Martin all the best!

Matt Diaz

You all know of my fondness of MattE D, so I’ll keep this short. He’s been pretty hot lately and I’m never upset to see him in the line-up or at the plate (not that I ever have been, I always love seeing Matt play)! Matt is definitely amazing, and right now he’s playing as well as his brother can sing (which is pretty good! I met Jonny Diaz the other day, he’s awesome, actually)

The 2009 Atlanta Braves

The other night on Braves Live! Fred Hickman called the Braves “consistently inconsistent”, which pretty sums it all up. This year is for sure an improvement than last year, but Fred totally nailed this season with that comment. They’d win two, then lose three, when three, and lose four. I really hope that they’re consistently winning this half of the season, because I’d love to see the Braves in the play-offs. So far, they’re doing a good job, but it’s only July. There’s two months left to go, so let’s all hope the starters can pitch deep, the bullpen can be awesome, and that offense can stay hot, because let’s face it, I love the Red Sox, but I really don’t wannna be watching only them in mid-October (plus, who really wants to see the Phillies in the post-season?)

Till next time,

GO BRAVES!

EDIT 7/24/09: I was wrong! Yunel was National League Player of the week until the 19th. I need to do my research next time

I went to the Georgia Aquarium today. It was really fun, but on the way home I heard the news on Jeff Francoeur. My first thought, “Wren is an idiot!” I still stand by that. Frenchy… gosh, I never thought they’d trade him.

I get that he was struggling, but I’m the one that’ll cheer for my favorites forever. He goes in that category. I’m excited to see what Ryan Church has to offer, but… it’s my Frenchy. I remind you, I’m a girl. So I have some emotions for Frenchy that won’t go away and I feel more attached to him than say, my best friend Chris, who was able to drop him in a second.

So, before I continue, what’s your favorite memory of Jeff Francoeur? Personal or on the field! Mine would probably when I met him in January and he was just fabulous to my little nephew!

Good luck, Frenchy. We’ll miss you!

In other news:

• Tommy Hanson is better than advertised in my opinion. Congrats to him on all his accomplishments
• I’ve pulled for Brooks Conrad since Spring Training, and its good to see it was all in good reason. Go Brooksie .
• I still love Kelly Johnson. I’m hoping he gets better and doesn’t have the same fate as Frenchy!
• Peter Moylan is still my favorite. No one can convince me otherwise. I believe I heard last night that he leads the National League in apparences, only thirteen or so months removed from Tommy John Surgery. So I blame Bobby for all his problems.
• Despite what I said above, I would still like to congratulate Bobby on the whole 2000th win situation.

and finally,

• Congratulations to Brian McCann for his fourth All-Star selection. Next year he’ll be starting. 

Thanks, guys. I’m back. I swear this time. I’ll be sure to tell you of all the fun I haven’t been able to tell as soon as possible

Wowzer. 3-4 years ago, I thought the Braves and Mets would never trade with each other again in the history of baseball. I thought only the Red Sox and Yankees were less likely to make a deal – a now it’s Phillies and Mets of course. Interesting deal! The potential out of Jeff Francoeur I like a lot more than the injury potential of Ryan Church. Jeff Francoeur is a great right-fielder, fairly healthy, and young enough where he can improve – ten-fold from how he’s performing now. He’s only 25 and went back to back years with 100+ rbis in 2006 and 2007. He hit for average in 2007, but I don’t know if he’ll ever really do that again, and if its his mind making him perform bad in Atlanta…well, I don’t think that will get much better in New York, but again, I still like the deal. It’s a small shakeup. The Mets need to do a lot more, but they won’t with the market and asking prices. So lets hope this and JJ Putz, Billy Wanger (I mean Wagner, but I figured i’d leave the mispelling), and Carlos Delgado can help the team enough in August and the same for Carlos Beltran and Jose Reyes when they get healthy (as well as John Maine & Oliver Perez who already had the epitomic Oliver Perez-like start). And most importantly, the Mets need the help of the Phillies, that they have somewhat received early season until now, but may not any longer.

And I’m not even talking about their trade for Nate Mclouth from the Rates,Pir. I’m talking about their call-up of Tommy Hanson who has a 1.50 era and 90 k’s in 66+ innings. He’ll be successul right away in the MLB.

Fantasy-eers should pick him up immediately. This does definitely worry me as a Mets fan. Not only can the Phillies do what the Mets can’t (sweep a team that they should sweep and rack in the runs), but now the Braves have by far the best rotation in the NL East – they probably did prior to Hanson’s call up, but now they’ll be even better. I’m sure Mclouth will help them a bit as well since their production in the OF has been extremely sub-par.

The Mets need to make a move asap. They need pitching. Livan Hernandez against good teams in big spots and Tim Redding won’t do it. Jon Niese will be better than Redding and Livan, but at this point, he wouldn’t do it as well.

We need a number 2 or 3 pitcher in addition to just Maine and Pelfrey. I don’t think Oliver Perez will get healthy and stay consistent either. Maybe Matt Holliday/lf would help offensively. We’ve already had confirmed that Omar Minaya won’t trade Fernando Martinez/of for him, and therefore probably won’t be trading him at all, which pretty much also confirms we won’t be acquiring a top notch starter. I really can’t believe the Mets are going to attempt to win this division with our number 4 and 5 starters being Livan Hernandez, Tim Redding, Oliver Perez, and or Jon Niese.

I feel as though the Mets can definitely land a top notch starter with their recent performances from ‘2nd tier’ pitching prospects (Brad Holt & Jenrry Mejia) in addition to decent ss prospects (Reese Havens, who just went on the Minor League DL, Ruben Tejada, and Wilmer Flores, who are still so young), and Jon Niese. I’m not only worried about the Phillies now, but also the Braves. I honestly think they need to shake up the team and make some moves:

http://www.majorleagueblogging.com/major-league-baseball/lets-play-gm-mets-crazy-trade-scenarios/

I got an email from a friend of mine that is a D-Backs fan last night, with the subject of “Hey! These Braves are Actually Good!” it cracked me up, seeing as he was teasing me about how they stunk last month. It turns out, the email was about our paper in Literature on To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (which would be the main reason that I’ve been missing, in case you’re concerned! I have two weeks of school left! Woooo!), but still, I’m saving the email to tease him with later!

So onto the Braves, after that horrific slide that left many fans wondering if 2009 was just a cruel continuation of 2008, the Bravos are really good! They’re 18-17 and tied with Philly for second in the NL East! If you had told me that in July of last year, I would have laughed in your face. As much as I love my boys, last year was just… atrocious. I know its still early on, but second place is still second place! I wish it was first, but New York won’t stay up there for long, there no doubt in my mind!

There is one thing worrying me, though.

Mike Gonzalez. He was an awesome closer last year after coming back from Tommy John Surgery. Now, he’s blown two of his last three save opportunities. I know he’s been overworked a bit, but Gonzo has always been one of my favorites and I’m still allowed to be worried, right? I know the Braves have Soriano, who has been pretty good so far this year but I’m still holding my breath over the terms of his health. The same with Peter Moylan. Pete has had his shaky moments this year, but all in all he’s been fantastic in terms of returning from Tommy John Surgery a month before he was due back. He has six holds so far this year, and I believe he leads the team with them. I could be wrong though, correct me if I am.

That’s it for now, I’m going to the game tonight if the weather permits it and I want to get ready and stuff. Till next time (and it won’t be as much of a wait as last time!)

PS. Did you see Atlanta Braves: Straight Up 3? It was hilarious, I swear!

Inning 7:

*I don’t know any other team bloggers that write a blog prior to the game being over (inning 7) – knowing the game is already over. The Mets just don’t come back by 4 runs. Well they just got one. I actually debated hard between writing the Mets just can’t come back or the Mets just don’t come back, and the thing is – they can come back. They have the talent. They have the lineup. They have the heart. They have the passion. Maybe maybe maybe they don’t have the ‘mentality’– even more nauseating – how many games have the Phillies come back from in the 7^th inning-on this year already?

*Watching tonight’s game – even worse than the inability to come back was Jerry Manuel not taking Pedro Feliciano to match-up Brian Stokes against Matt Diaz. Here is a righty who hits lefties, but no – let’s pull a Willie Randolph and leave in the lefty. Come on Jerry. Willie was fired. Let’s not put faith in front of statistics – at least not when it comes to lefty-righty matchups. That’s baseball rule number 1, and if you think the statistics are straying from that trend, you know the Mets bullpen will regress to the means.

*The reason Bobby Cox and the Braves have been so successful past their aces is because he will literally yank a pitcher for the better match-up. I understood Casey Kotchman (lefty) was on deck, but you still take out Pedro Feliciano for Brian Stokes (righty) to face Matt Diaz (righty) with the bases loaded in that situation.

*Uh…fantastic hit-and-run. Hat-tip to Bobby Cox. COME ON METS!

I know I said I’d be back. I’m sorry, there’s really no excuse this time.

We’re not talking about the series with New York or Houston. The reason for that is simple.

Right now, a Braves player is hurting from a wound that is twenty years old. I don’t want to pry on his life, but I’m going to summarize and then give you the article. Seriously, this makes me want to cry.

Twenty years ago on this day, Braves Infielder/ pinch-hitter Greg Norton walked in to check on his mom before taking the SAT. She was lying on the floor. She was dead.  (Full Story: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090505&content_id=4580286&vkey=news_atl&fext=.jsp&c_id=atl)

That’s all I’m going to say, I don’t want to go to far. I just have to say, it’s a sad thing. I really just want to run to Greg and give him a huge hug, but he’s in Florida so that’s not possible. If he pinch hits tonight, I truly believe that I will start crying. I’m a sensitive girl and that just depresses me beyond belief. I can’t bear the though of losing my mother, especially the way Norton lost his. As I type this, I find it hard to keep a straight face and I just can’t help but want to cry. (Yes, I’m an emotionally unstable teenager! I can’t help it!)

I’m done for right now. I need to keep myself as stable as possible.

Keep Greg in your thoughts tonight. And if you know of any cases of domesticated violence, report it. It’ll save a life.

As the Braves take on the Marlins tonight,
GO BRAVES.

I’m back! EOCTs were… okay. Biology and Literature were EASY. Math was really hard though. You have me until Mid-May, when I start sudying for exams in my non-EOCTs classes (Drama, Math Support, Health. I hope to exempt Math Support and Health and start my summer two days early, though. I just have to raise my Health grade two points in case your wondering)

So, Woo! Bravos!

The series was… disappointing. We managed to get a win (and my favorite Peter Moylan was the winning pitcher of that game!!!!) but still. I really expected great things from our boys after that great series in Cincinnati (minus game three)! Javy Vazquez, if it weren’t for that one inning, was remarkable. Jair Jurrjens and Jo-Jo Reyes too! (Wooo JoJo!)! I really hope KJ can come back soon, I know he’s in a slump but I’m sure that’ll die soon! I mean, it’s Kelly Johnson! Frenchy played most of last year and he wasn’t much better! (I still love him, though!)

On this off-day, I’m just going to tell you that I love my boys to the death and will support them no matter what! With that being said, I’m trying my hardest not to be concerned. I have faith in them and I know they’re trying.

Notes:

Kenshin Kawakami missed his start yesterday when Vazy (new nickname for Javy) started. Sore shoulder, I believe! Boo! I love Kawakami.

The Series with the Astros starts tomorrow. Go Bravos! I know you can get a win.

I’m going Saturday and hope to finally show you all the pictures I owe. I’m sorry, I really am, but EOCTs and other stuff have kept me busy.

Okay, I’m done. I’ll try to be more consistent until exams!

GO BRAVES

Is it just me, or is Yunel Escobar getting no love from pitching this series? He’s been hit twice. With that being said, he finished a triple short of hitting for the cycle yesterday and the Braves are in line to sweep the Reds today. I’m very happy for Yunel and he says it best when he says “Take That, Reds!”

Esco was not the only one to have a good day. Both David Ross and Jordan Schafer   hit doubles and Chipper Jones continued his success against Arroyo with a three run homer. Greg Norton hopefully hit his grove yesterday as he hit a double (and then looked to the bullpen where the relievers were cheering for him. According to Jon and Joe, Peter Moylan was cheering most. That’s so awesome)! Derek Lowe was outstanding yesterday, and the only blemish on his record was the two run he gave up to Alex Gonzalez in the second, beyond that he had a four hitter! Go D. Lowe!

Now, here comes the tension from the game. D. Lowe took care of Yunel yesterday, hitting Joey Votto with a pitch in the first inning as revenge for Volquez hitting Yunel Friday night.  Lowe was given a warning and was solid the rest of the day, despite Arroyo hitting Yunel again (though I’m not sure if that was on purpose or not. You never know)! Reds manager Dusty Baker and CF Joey Hairston jr. were ejected for arguing with HP umpire Mike Estabrook about Hairston being called out on strikes. There was a two or three minuet period where Baker wouldn’t leave the Dugout but eventually left. Would I be suprised if there was a fight today? Absoloutley not. The Reds need to try to keep the ball off of Yunel, because I have no doubt there would be a brawl, it’d be exciting, but we don’t need Yunel being suspended, especially with Brian McCann on the disabled list.

Let’s hope the Braves can complete the sweep! Let’s support Kenshin Kawakami!