SB Nation User Blog: bravesooner10

Talk About a Tough Luck Loss

bravesooner10 — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 08:15:54 -0000

Originally Posted On Tomahawk Blog

Michael Jordan beat the Jazz with the flu. Tiger Woods won the U.S. Open with a broken leg and a bad knee. Kirk Gibson beat the A’s with two bad legs. I beat my brother one-on-one using only my left hand, and now the Dodgers beat the Angels without recording a single hit.

The Angels’ Jered Weaver and Jose Arredondo combined for a no-hitter, but still lost 1-0 to the Dodgers on Saturday night.

Or did they?

Actually, according to a rule instituted by MLB’s Committee for Statistical Accuracy in 1991......(read more)

Big 12 Rankings - Offense

bravesooner10 — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 21:52:04 -0000

I found it tough to rank the best offenses in the conference mainly because the talent at quarterback is so deep. Most of last season’s top offenses will return the majority of their key players.

At first glance, my number one pick may look like a homer pick. However, there is a strong basis for my choice. It should be no surprise that the top three offenses have the top three quarterbacks in the conference. Here is how my rankings of the Big 12 offenses shake out....(read more)

Poll

Who has the best offense in the Big 12?

Oklahoma

72 votes

Missouri

12 votes

Texas Tech

22 votes

Other

11 votes

117 votes | Poll has closed

Maple or Ash

bravesooner10 — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 23:04:52 -0000

Originally Posted On Tomahawk Blog

Once again it looks as if Major League Baseball is going to wait until things get way out of hand before they decide to tackle an issue. Perhaps it will take a congressional investigation to get Bud Selig to take the appropriate action.

In the second inning of Tuesday nights game between the Rockies and Royals in Kansas City, plate umpire Brian O’Nora was struck in the head with a shattered piece of Miguel Olivo’s broken maple bat. With blood rushing down his face, O’Nora rushed to the Kansas City dugout where coaches and players used towels to stop the bleeding. O’Nora was then treated by Royals trainer Nick Swartz before being taken to St. Luke’s Hospital with a small cut on his forehead.

For years players, managers, coaches, broadcasters, and even umpires have expressed their concern that maple bats should be banned before a fan, player or umpire was injured. Well, guess what. Now it’s happened, and they waited too late to make a move.

This issue reminds me of the steroid issue. Most in baseball knew for years that there was a problem with steroids in the game, but they waited until it was too late to do something about it. Commissioner Selig could have done something about steroids long before baseball’s most prized records were tarnished, and he could have done something about maple bats long before somebody got hurt. The worst part of the story is that he still has not made the switch from maple to ash.

The maple bat issue is not a new one. Just last month Selig was quoted as saying that shattered maple bats are "a source of concern for me." The commissioner can’t ban maple bats unilaterally because their use is a term and condition of employment and subject to collective bargaining. However, there has been plenty of time for baseball to discuss the issue with the players union.

It’s doubtful that the union would object to a change. Many players are already making the switch to ash. Olivo made the switch immediately following the incident and used an ash bat for the remainder of the game.

"I’ve broke a lot of bats. I feel so bad for the umpire," Olivo said. "I saw the blood come out and they came out and put a towel on his head. I just worried a little bit."

Kansas City infielder Mike Aviles also said he switched from maple to ash for the rest of the game after O’Nora was hurt. However, Aviles isn’t sure if maple bats should be banned.

"I go back and forth," Aviles said. "Honestly, I don’t want them to get rid of it because I like using maple. I like the option of having both if I want to use it."

Many players like to use the maple bats because they feel like they are better for their numbers. So, perhaps a hitters numbers are more important than the life of an umpire or a 12 year old fan that could possibly take the next shattered bat in the head. Once again Selig is going to wait until something really bad happens before he does anything.

The league has announced that they are going to start running tests on the bats. Meanwhile there are going to be games played every night using the maple bats. There would be no harm in a temporary ban on the bats until these tests are concluded. If the tests reveal that the bats are not too dangerous then bring them back. Selig is taking a huge risk by allowing hitters to use maple bats in the meantime.

This is just another example of the incompetence of the worst commissioner in professional sports. He is more concerned with adding instant replay than he is with the safety of players, umpires, and more importantly, fans.

Poll

Should maple bats be banned immediately?

YES

19 votes

NO

10 votes

29 votes | Poll has closed

There's a Reason Why They Say "There's Alot of Baseball Still to Play."

bravesooner10 — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 00:07:36 -0000

Originally posted on Tomahawk Blog

As of June 21, the Braves are six games out of first place in the NL East. That's actually the good news. The Braves have not only suffered a great number of injuries, but they have all been to very key players. The most devastating would have to be the loss of John Smoltz. With the number of injuries and the bad luck the Braves have had in one run games, it is a minor miracle that Bobby Cox and his team aren't trailing the division leading Phillies by more than 10 or 12 games.

As the cliche goes, there's alot of baseball still to play. Even after coming off another bad road trip in which the Braves went 3-6 against the Cubs, Angels, and Rangers, there is now hope for things to turn around, thanks to the return of closer Mike Gonzalez.

Gonzalez made his return in successful fashion with a perfect ninth inning against the Rangers on Wednesday night, earning him his first save in over a year. Gonzalez, who is returning from Tommy John elbow surgery, seemed to pick up where he left off before his injury in May of last year.

There could be more good news on the horizon for the Braves. Yeah, you heard me right. I said good news. That's something the Braves have had very little of all year. There are actually signs that Mike Hampton is nearing a return. Tom Glavine should return sometime around the All-Star break. The offense will also receive a boost in the near future as Mark Kotsay is expected to be back in the line-up within the week. Not that the Braves would be back at full strength, but it may be enough to get back into the division race.

Between now and the All-Star break, the Braves will have a great chance to move closer to the Phillies. Only two of the seven teams they will face before the summer classic have winning records, the Brewers and the Phillies. In each of those two meetings, the Braves will have the luxury of playing at home. If the Braves can climb to within two or three games by the break, the season could have a completely different outlook.

So, before you start to give up on this season, take a look at what could be ahead. As horrible as things seem to be now, they could be alot worse. A month from now they could also be alot better. Just the fact that this team is still in the race even after all the injuries, shows the potential that the 2008 version of the Braves has to offer. Not only could a healthy Braves team still have a chance to win the division, but if their health improves, they could be just one trade or one healthy Mike Hampton away from being the favorite in the NL. I know, it's wishful thinking, but I need some reason to look forward to the fall.

Poll

Where will the Braves be in the NL East standings at the All-Star break?

3 games back or less

14 votes

4-6 games back

18 votes

More than 6 games back

6 votes

Tied

1 votes

In the lead

2 votes

41 votes | Poll has closed

Can Braves Still Make Run at Division?

bravesooner10 — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:16:56 -0000

Originally posted on Tomahawk Blog

After 70 games the Braves are 6.5 games back in the NL East. Considering all that the Braves have been through with injuries and just plain old bad luck, it's surprising this team isn't looking at a double digit deficit. There is hope for the future, but has the damage aready been done?

Despite all the injuries to the pitching staff, Bobby Cox could still come out of the All-Star break with a solid rotation. The loss of John Smoltz really hurt, but Jair Jurrjens has stepped up and became a very solid number two starter. The young righty has compiled a very respectable 6-3 record and 3.77 ERA. Even Jurrjens fell victom to the Braves injury bug when he twisted his ankle while walking down the clubhouse stairs in Chicago after Tuesday's loss to the Cubs. The 22 year-old missed his start the next day, but is starting tonight in Colorado.

Tim Hudson has been magnificent while stepping up to become the ace of the staff. Even after the bullpen blew two saves for him, he still has a 7-4 record. Hudson is also fifth in NL in both ERA (2.76) and innings pitched (98).

Jo-Jo Reyes has proven to be a dependable mid-rotation starter. Despite a losing record (3-4), Reyes has made great improvements since the beginning of the season when he had trouble with his control. The 23-year-old lefty has allowed no more than four earned runs in each of his past three starts.

Another welcomed surprise has been the play of Jorge Campillo. In six starts since leaving the bullpen, he is 2-1 with a very good 2.17 ERA. Campillo has yet to give up more than four runs in any of his starts. On Sunday against the Angels, he went eight strong innings giving up only two runs on seven hits, but still got the loss.

Even though the bullpen has been hit hard with injuries, they are still fourth in the NL with a 3.33 ERA. Bobby Cox isn't really sure when closer Rafael Soriano will be back at full strength, but Mike Gonzalez should return to action in the next week to ten days.

If the Braves are to make a run at the Phillies, they will need Tom Glavine to return to the rotation along with a healthy closer whether it's Soriano or Gonzalez. There is also a chance that Mike Hampton could finally be nearing a return. If he can pitch like he is capable, Roger McDowell's job could get alot easier.

Mark Kotsay is also close to making a return from a bad back. Before going to the DL, the center fielder was having a nice season at the plate with a .294 batting average.

Even if they are able to get these guys back within the next month, and Chipper Jones is able to stay healthy, will the Braves be close enough to make a run at the division? It's going to take some good luck. That's one thing the Braves are running short on.

Poll

Can the Braves still win the NL East?

YES

41 votes

NO

4 votes

45 votes | Poll has closed

Can Sam Win Heisman?

bravesooner10 — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 06:17:19 -0000

ORIGINALLY POSTED ON CRIMSON OKIE

In 2007 Sam Bradford had one of the best freshman campaigns for a quarterback in college football history. Bradford threw 36 touchdown passes, breaking the old freshman record of 29. He was also amazingly accurate with a 69.5 completion percentage, while throwing for 3,121 yards and only giving up eight interceptions. The Freshman also led the nation with a 176.5 QB rating.

With a new no-huddle offense being implemented in hopes of creating more offensive plays per game, Bradford will be given the opportunity to surpass last years numbers. The addition of a healthy DeMarco Murray in the backfield will give him a dangerous option to throw to out of the back field.

The competition for footballs most highly touted individual award will be stiff. Last years winner, QB Tim Tebow will return for another season in Florida. Missouri QB Chase Daniel, who finished fourth in the the Heisman race last season, is also back.

My top five Heisman candidates are:

1. QB Tim Tebow (Florida) - Being the defending champion could be both a positive and a negative.

2. QB Sam Bradford (Oklahoma) - A year under his belt, and no-huddle offense will help.

3. QB Pat White (West Virginia) - Big play maker will make weekly highlight reels.

4. QB Chase Daniel (Missouri) - Not playing Oklahoma in the regular season will help.

5. RB Chris Wells (Ohio State) - Will be the focus of the Buckeye offense.

Poll

Who will win the Heisman in '08?

Tim Tebow

21 votes

Sam Bradford

52 votes

Pat White

5 votes

Chase Daniel

15 votes

Chris Wells

7 votes

DeMarco Murray

7 votes

107 votes | Poll has closed

Somebody wake me up from this nightmare

bravesooner10 — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 08:51:18 -0000

via Tomahawk Blog

You have got to be kidding me! It has gotten to the point to where the freak injury suffered by Chipper Jones during batting practice Friday night didn't even surprise me. In fact, it was almost expected. If your name is Tim Hudson, or if you play a key roll for the Braves, you should be very nervous and maybe think about living in a bubble.

Chipper has shown to the baseball God's that he can hit just fine with just about any leg or foot injury he is given. So, they go for the eye's. The last thing a .414 hitter wants is an injury that alters his vision. As Braves fans, his chase for a .400 average was all we had left this year. I would say things couldn't get any worse, but who knows. Obviously anything is possible with this team.

Perhaps the only thing more unbelievable than the injury to Jones was that the Braves won a game on the road. This may be the first time in history that a minor league pitcher is hoping not to get called up. I can't say that I would blame them.

Smoltz Still Eye's Return

bravesooner10 — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:57:28 -0000

In my life there have been three sports figures that I have learned to never bet against. Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and John Smoltz. So, when Smoltz says he still expects to pitch again, even after Tuesday's season-ending arthroscopic shoulder surgery, I feel inclined to believe him. But, I think this time I just won't bet either way.

Eventually he will have to retire, and I just don't see it being becuase he is tired of playing. If there were ever going to be an injury that ends his career it would be this one. The other factor that nobody is talking about is the fact that he did not pitch enough innings this season to force the Braves to pick up his $12 million option for 2009.

The only thing that seems to keep Smoltz in the game is his desire to win a championship. So, are the Braves willing to spend the money it would take to bring back Mark Teixeira and sign a quality starter? Both of which will be absolutely necessary if the Braves are to compete in the NL next season. His decision may hinge on how bad the Braves want to win. With Bobby Cox returning for one more season, you can bet the necessary moves will be made.

The surgery seems to have gone well, and doctors did not find anything that would indicate a return is not possible.

"When we decided to have the surgery, there were some things that were unknown that could scare me away from, or lead me away from, making a comeback, and none of those things I've gotten word that they existed when they went in there," Smoltz said during a conference call with reporters. "There was significant damage in the shoulder, but all that's fixed, and all would allow me to pursue coming back."

Like I said, I won't bet against him coming back, but I won't be betting on it either. It's just that if anybody can come back from this type of injury it's Smoltzy, but the injury may not be what causes him to retire. It wouldn't be the first time the Braves let one of their Hall of Famers go.

Poll

Will John Smoltz ever pitch in a Braves uniform again?

Yes

13 votes

No

5 votes

18 votes | Poll has closed

Can't Catch a Break

bravesooner10 — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:38:16 -0000

via atlanta.braves.mlb.com

As I settle in to my couch to watch the Braves play the first of a three game series in Chicago against the Cubs, it only takes two innings to remind me that the '08 version of the Bravo's just can't catch a break. The only thing that has not gone wrong this year for the Braves is Chipper Jones (knock on wood). So, with nearly 100 games left in the season and sitting at 6.5 games behind the Phillies in the NL East, I find comfort in the fact that things can only get better.

A prime example lies in the beginning of tonights game in the Windy City. After the Braves took a 3-0 lead in the first thanks to an unexpected three run shot from Greg Norton, Glavine promptly gave up the lead by allowing two runs in both the second and third innings. While it is true that Glavine would have a much better record had he had some more run support, it is also true that when he does get run support, it just happens to be on a night when he doesn't have his best stuff. In reverse, when the Braves get a great performance from their starting rotation the offense seemingly disappears.

The most frustrating moment came Friday night when Kelley Johnson dropped what would have been the final out of a big win in the first of a three game set against the Phillies. I believe that the let down from that one play carried over into the final two games of the series.

Going into the season you couldn't help but get excited about the possible rotation of John Smoltz, Tim Hudson, Glavine, Mike Hampton, and Jair Jurrjens. Though Jurrjens has been a pleasant surprise, things couldn't have gone much worse for Bobby Cox. Smoltz fell to injury and may never play again. Glavine has struggled and has actually looked down right terrible in some games. Not to mention that he made the first trip to the DL in his career. Hampton got hurt while warming up for his first start since 2005 and has yet to throw a pitch this season. Even Hudson has suffered two bad luck losses.

Offensively, the story is just as sad. Mark Teixeira has been just a shadow of what we saw when he arrived last season. Even before his injury Matt Diaz suddenly stopped hitting the ball after such a great 2007. Mark Kotsay was just becoming maybe the second best hitter on the team when he went down with a bad back. And then there's Jeff Francoeur. Frenchy coming to the plate with runners in scoring position is the definition of a bad break.

Without getting into a discussion about the 'pen, I will just say that if it could go wrong, it has this year for the Braves. The thing is that in baseball you make your own breaks and the Braves have made plenty, it's just that they have all been bad breaks. As bad as things have been, if the Braves can turn half of those bad breaks into good breaks before the All-Star break, a division title is not out of the question. In the past you could count on John Schuerholz to make a smart move that would put the team back into first place. I just hope Frank Wren can work the same magic.

[Note by bravesooner10, 06/10/08 9:00 PM CDT ] Just as I was about to publish this post it was announced that Tom Glavine had suffered an injury to his elbow and will miss his next start.

Poll

Will Mike Hampton earn a win this season for the Braves?

Yes

10 votes

No

17 votes

27 votes | Poll has closed

Will the Real Frenchy Please Stand Up?

bravesooner10 — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:47:42 -0000

In 2005 Jeff Francoeur did more than make an impact for the Atlanta Braves. He also gave fans reason to be excited about the future. With stars like Chipper Jones, and John Smoltz starting to age, and Andruw Jones nearing the end of his contract, Braves fans were happy to see the Atlanta native make a big splash.

The hype surrounding Francoeur was well intact long before he became the ninth player in Braves history to homer in his Major League debut. Just three years earlier, Francoeur had become an Atlanta hero after leading Parkview (GA) High School to a state championship, and finishing a high school career that saw him hit .443 with 55 HR and 164 RBI. Maybe just as impressive was the fact that he was tabbed to be a great quarterback for the Clemson Tigers.

Perhaps the praise came too quick and too often for Frenchy. Or maybe he is still adjusting to life in the bigs. It might even be that I have forgotten how young he is, but as a Braves fan, I have become disappointed and at times disgusted with the aggressive free-swinger. Frustration sets in every time I see him strikeout or hit into one of his signature double plays. How many times have we seen Francoeur come to the plate with runners in scoring position and one out just to see him pop out in the infield or serve up a weak grounder to short (not to second because he refuses to hit the other way)?

Braves fans are quickly forgetting the excitement they felt about the “Baby Braves” in ‘05 and ‘06. Catcher Brian McCann is the only one of the group to live up to expectations. Defensively, Francoeur is better than advertised. He often shows off the arm that Clemson coach’s were drooling over. Offensively, he has been as inconsistent as Hillary Clinton’s Bosnia stories. At times he has displayed the ability to come up big in the clutch. However, he has more often been a free-swinging rally killer with no desire to lay off a chin high ball or hit an outside pitch to the right side.

After a solid ‘07 campaign in which he hit .293 and won a well deserved Gold Glove Award, it was looking like Francoeur was primed for a bust out season in ‘08. Even though his home runs were down (19) from ‘06 (29), he impressed the Braves staff with his bat by coming up huge with runners in scoring position and finishing with 105 RBI. Through the first 64 games of the ‘08 season Francoeur has disappointed both fans and coach’s with his .253 batting average. Even more disheartening is the fact that he has yet to learn how to lay off pitches outside of the strike zone. He has nearly three times as many strikeouts as walks.

SEASON	TEAM	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	TB	BB	SO	SB	CS	OBP	SLG	AVG
2005	Atlanta Braves	70	257	41	77	20	1	14	45	141	11	58	3	2	.336	.549	.300
2006	Atlanta Braves	162	651	83	169	24	6	29	103	292	23	132	1	6	.293	.449	.260
2007	Atlanta Braves	162	642	84	188	40	0	19	105	285	42	129	5	2	.338	.444	.293
2008	Atlanta Braves	63	253	31	64	16	2	7	36	105	15	41	0	1	.303	.415	.253

Career Totals		457	1803	239	498	100	9	69	289	823	91	360	9	11	.317	.456	.276

Francoeur has become thought of as an important cog for the Braves. Coming into this season, many in baseball described the Braves line-up as dangerous in big part because Francoeur was expected to be a big producer behind Chipper Jones, Mark Teixeira, and Brian McCann. With the injury bug that has hit the Braves outfield and pitching staff, production from Francoeur is desperately needed. With each strikeout and each runner left in scoring position, Francoeur’s struggles become more and more hurtful to the Braves playoff chances.

It is easy to see the talent and potential that Francoeur brings to the table. That is why both Bobby Cox and general manager Frank Wren have made signing Francoeur to a long term contract a priority after this season. The question is, what kind of a player will they be signing. Will he become a big bat in the middle of the line-up when Chipper is gone, or will we still be waiting for that bust out season. The future of the Braves may be riding on that question. If the Braves are going to keep Teixeira after this season it’s going to cost more than they are used to paying for a position player. This would mean that by the time they bring in a quality starting pitcher, there may not be enough money left over in their ridiculously low budget to keep Francour in Atlanta. By refusing to follow McCann’s lead in signing a contract extension, he has set himself up for a big payday via arbitration. This could hamper Wren’s ability to sign Teixeira. If that is indeed the case, then maybe they should look at trading Francoeur for a starting pitcher.

In my mind, both Teixeira and good starting pitching are more important than anything Francoeur would bring over the next few years. Especially with the possible retirement of Smoltz. Pitching is what took the Braves from worst to first in ‘91. It is also what won the World Series in ‘95. Pitching is what won 14 consecutive division titles, and pitching is what is needed if Cox is going to get another ring before he retires. If the Braves teams of the ’90’s had a line-up consisting of Yunel Escobar, Jones, Teixeira, and McCann they would have won more than one title. If this team had the great pitching of those teams, you could take Francoeur out of the line-up and still have more than enough offense to win a championship.

However, if Frenchy were to play to the potential he has shown at times, he could become the future of this franchise. He could also be a guy that you build a team around. If Teixeira gets greedy and leaves town, the Braves will be desperately in need of that type of player. Chipper may only have a few more seasons left in him and as good as McCann is, you just can’t build a team around a catcher. Either way, a decision needs to be made about the future of Jeff Francoeur.

As a Braves fan for over 20 years I’m not sure if I can stand another bases loaded double play or another three pitch strikeout. The occasional runner thrown out from right field just doesn’t make up for all the runners left on base. I must say that I hope he proves me to be a little premature with my discontent. Please Jeff, show me that the props I gave you last year are well deserved. Are you the Gold Glover with the 100 RBI and timely two out hits, or are you that guy that always seems to swing at ball four in the dirt and has nothing to offer but a strong arm and utter frustration? After 64 games and trailing the Phillies by 6.5 games I ask; will the real Frenchy please stand up?