Current Braves thoughts

I would like to share what I think about the Braves at this point in the season. So far pretty good. What is even better is that this isn't even the time of the season that the Braves usually play well. In the past the Braves have played poorly in April.

April Record

2002: 12-15
2004: 11-10
2005: 14-10

Braves are currently 23-12 in 1st place. They definitely needed this good start to keep pace with the Mets.

Here is a little thought on some of the players

Kelly Johnson- Cox made the right decision going with this guy. It was a decision between either Johnson or Martin Prado to play 2nd base. Prado put up fairly well numbers in spring training and was known to have good defense. Johnson was chosen and has exceeded many people's expectations. He seems to be cooling off a little bit right now, but still good with .419 obp/.508 slug/.286 avg.

Edgar Renteria-His offense is there (.392/.496/.333) but his defense seems very lacking. He has bad range which lets a lot of balls through. Recently he missed a couple games due to flu like symptoms.

Chipper Jones- Still the same guy putting up good numbers. What is different is that he has been healthy so far this season, which we hope will continue. The Braves need him in the lineup as much as possible. Chipper is hitting .410/.636/.303.

Andruw Jones- Andruw is off to a pretty slow start. These last couple of games he has had a few key hits. Possibly breaking out of his slump? I hope so, he needs to improve this - .373/.463/.236.

Brian McCann- McCann has been kind of quiet so far. He is still putting up good numbers regardless. Perhaps he is one of those guys that always hits his best in the 2nd half of the season. We will see. (.359/.448/.295)

Jeff Francoeur- An improvement on his plate discipline. This is crucial if he wants to be a real big impact player. So far so good, he is likely to improve on his walks throughout the season. (.360/.507/.301)

The rest of the guys have been pretty disappointing. Scott Thorman is not playing to expectations and Craig Wilson is proving why he can't stay on one team for very long. The guys I listed above with some comments are the major contributors to this team as far as scoring runs. Willie Harris is impressive so far, but it's unlikely he will put up this line for very long ( .516/.440/.400 in 25 at-bats). Harris also leads the team in stolen bases with 4.

Is anyone still questioning the Adam Laroche for Mike Gonzalez trade? So far it looks like an absolute steal for the Braves. Laroche is currently batting .279/.278/.165. It was interesting to see Gonzalez pitch against Laroche last night (May 11th). Laroche hit into a double play and Gonzalez went on to save the game.

John Smoltz- Smoltz recently signed a contract extension. The Braves really needed this because he is a great, consistent pitcher. He is also like another coach in the clubhouse. I know that these aren't the best stats for a pitcher, but John has a 5-1 record, 3.25 era in 52.2 innings pitched.

Tim Hudson- Recently got hit in the wrist by a line drive. It is apparent that he is OK and will be ready to make his next start. Lets hope it doesn't affect his pitching, because Hudson looks like the Hudson of old when he was with the Oakland A's. He has a 4-1 record, 1.83 era in 59.0 innings.

Chuck James- Many were hoping this guy would continue his success from last year. So far it hasn't happened. Hopefully he can rebound against the Pirates tonight (May 12th). 3-3, 4.84 era, 35.1 innings.

Kyle Davies- Kyle has been struggling, but the last few games he seemed to be getting back on track. He pitched a good game last night, hopefully a sign of better things to come. 1-1, 5.35 era, 33.2 innings.

Anthony Lerew- Lerew had in impressive debate earlier this week against the San Diego Padres. He didn't get the win, but managed to go 6 innings giving up 2 runs. He had 7 strikeouts to go with it. Is Lerew the guy to fill in the 5th spot?

Rafael Soriano- Yet another steal from the Braves. By trading Haracio Ramirez to the Mariners, the Braves got another good relief pitcher to go along with Mike Gonzalez. Soriano filled in for the injured Bob Wickman, getting 5 saves in 5 opportunities.

Mike Gonzalez- Began the season a little shaky. He also had a little scare with elbow soreness. It all seems to be in the past now as Gonzalez continues to dominate. Also getting save opportunities, Gonzalez has now converted 26 out of 26 chances carrying over from last year.

Bob Wickman- Currently on the DL, but it looks like he is doing well and will return shortly. Hopefully he can return to his role as a closer and be successful. At least we know we have 2 very capable guys to fill in if Wickman fails.

Earlier I posted about the Braves rotation, saying that it was weak. My thoughts have changed a bit since. With Anthony Lerew sent up from the minors and Kyle Davies improving, it looks better now. Mark Redman should be gone for good, which is a big help. The Braves have a 3.88 team era which is pretty good.


The Braves face the Pirates for 2 more games, then the Nationals for 4. Could the Braves win 6 more games here?