All-Star Break Awards and Facts

The season is already halfway over and a lot has happened. The Braves had their share of good and bad times. Lets take a look at who I think deserved some recognition.

MVP

Edgar Renteria- Even though Chipper has better hitting statistics (OPS,VORP etc.) Renteria has been the most consistent and best contributor to the team throughout the season. He leads the team in Runs Created with 63 and is on pace to have the best season of his career.

CY Young

John Smoltz- It was Tim Hudson for a while, but a few up and downs from him removed him from claiming the best Braves pitcher in the 1st half. Just keep in mind that Hudson is very close statistically. John Smoltz continues to be the staff ace and is having a pretty good season. Not a real big surprise. Smoltz leads the team in ERA+ and strikeouts.

Rookie

This obviously goes to Jarrod Saltalamacchia. It won't be long before he finds himself playing everyday somewhere.

Biggest Surprise

I think Willie Harris has come by surprise. This guy came out of nowhere and contributed greatly to the ball club. I think I could also mention Kelly Johnson, he has been solid at 2nd base and hitting well.

Biggest disappointment

Andruw Jones, Brian McCann, and Kyle Davies have all been playing below expectations. Many thought Andruw Jones would flourish because of his "contract year." Brian McCann started the season out looking like he was going to be even greater than last season. Apparently injuries and marginal slumps have hindered his numbers. He does have impressive HR and RBI totals however. Kyle Davies is still looking to find a way to regain himself out there. I think some are about ready to give up on him, or already have.

Some of you may remember Jayson Stark's article on the most overrated players where he mentioned Andruw Jones. The reality was that he has been in a decline defensively for a while now, but no one has noticed and still babbles on about his greatness covering center. I believe it is true, if you look at his defensive stats (not fielding %/errors) throughout the years, you do see a decline. However this year Andruw Jones remains at the top of group. I found a good read on a pretty reliable site. It includes the best and worst at each position so far this season.

Center Field

Ichiro Suzuki + 20
Andruw Jones +17
Curtis Granderson +13
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Elijah Dukes -14
Torii Hunter -8
Grady Sizemore -8


It took them five-and-a-half years, but midway through last season, the Mariners finally came to their senses and moved Ichiro to center field. Look at how nicely that move has paid off for them (and come free agency this off-season, I bet it will for Ichiro too). Great fielders should never be stuck in corner outfielder spots.

Jones and Hunter represent make for an interesting study in contrasts. Both have had reputations as great fielders for a very long time, and both have started to age. Jones appears to have done so much more gracefully, however—despite his bulky frame, his defensive numbers still all look good. Hunter, on the other hand, has lost a few steps, and as friend of THT Aaron Gleeman has written, is no longer an elite defender. I think we all realized that last October when Hunter dove for a ball and missed in Game Two of the ALDS against the A’s, resulting in an inside-the-park home run.

If you clicked on the link, it also has Matt Diaz as being on of the top defensive left fielders. Yes, MATT DIAZ. Who would of thought. Wasn't the only reason Ryan Langerhans was even sharing time with him was he was supposed to be superior defensively? Looks like someone stepped up big.

I also found a pretty cool analysis on Tim Hudson and his pitches. Pretty hardcore study, but interesting.

The Braves schedule looks pretty easy after the break. Pirates, Reds, Cardinals, Giants, Astros are really nothing to shake in your boots about. I expect a good run here.