Braves Update

It's been a good couple weeks since my last post and I apologize to those who enjoy reading the blog. I really don't have a good excuse for the lack of posts. I plan on continuing here, however with college classes starting, my time might be limited. I'll try to keep updating as much as possible. It helps that there is only one more month of the season left, and I have a realistic belief that Braves won't be playing in October.

The Braves have been pretty much a huge disappointment. Many, especially me, expected the Braves to make a turnaround after the trade deadline and pass the Mets. The Braves did nothing except fall 7 games back of the NY Mets, and 4 back of the wild card. If you look at the teams ERA and runs scored since the all-star break, their record "should" be much better.

The lack of performance can be mainly blamed on the poor pitching staff, or just plain bad luck. With Chuck James on the DL, the rotation outside of John Smoltz and Tim Hudson is a complete joke. If the Braves want to compete at all next season, another ace starter should be signed or traded for. Yes, that is an ACE. We don't need Jon Garlands or journey men guys like Carlyle.

Smoltz, Hudson, ACE, James, Hampton would be solid (if Hampton ever pitches again).

The Braves could also somehow improve their bullpen as well. It is a relief to see Bob Wickman be removed from the team. Who would of thought that this guy would turn out that bad? Another Dan Kolb? Ok, not THAT bad.

Here is a list of free agents available during the off season.

The Braves offense should be plenty good enough for next season. We still have Chipper, Teixeira, Francoeur, McCann, Johnson, Renteria (could be traded), Diaz, Harris to play. My best bet is that Andruw is gone, and that someone in the minors like Brandon Jones will replace him. I would certainly like to see that rather than the Braves overpay for a scrub like Mike Cameron.

I do not want to see Chris Woodward, Tyler Yates or Scott Thorman next season.

If you want to get an idea of what some Braves fans are feeling about the team, check out the Braves official site forum.

Well, that's all I have for now. I'll try to give an update on the next couple of games vs. the Fish.

Braves Take 1st Game of Mets Series

The Braves continued to show their dominance over the pesky Mets after beating them 7-3 tonight. The Braves finally handled Oliver Perez and showed him hes nothing special after all.

-Buddy Carlyle, perhaps the least appreciated pitcher on the Braves, is now 7-3. He went 5 innings and allowed 3 runs. I would of liked it if he could have gone at least one more inning.

-Yunel Escobar has been doing a good job at filling in for the injured Renteria. Yunel contributed with an rbi and going 2-5.

-Jeff Francoeur is the hottest hitter on the team now. He has adjusted his batting stance and has thrived since. Francoeur went 4-5 with a home run and 3 rbi.

-The Braves bullpen deserves props for pitching 4 solid innings and allowing no runs. I would like to see them get a little more rest. Hopefully John Smoltz can go at least 7 innings tomorrow.

-Martin Prado was called up, I really can't figure out why. I don't think he is much of a contributor and rather a waste of a roster spot. Don't expect him to be hanging out with the big league club for very long.

I would also like to congratulate Tom Glavine on his 300th victory, although I would have liked to see him do it in a Braves uniform.

John Smoltz will be on the mound tomorrow vs Orlando Hernandez. Hernadez is due for a bad outing and Smoltz will look to rebound from his last start.

Braves Beat Rockies 6-4

Before I get to game news, I haven't mentioned Edgar Renteria going onto the DL. This isn't good considering the Braves are trying to play catch up. I am quite frustrated that he managed to really hurt his ankle on such a routine play. The ball wasn't hit THAT hard at him...

Tim Hudson threw another great game as the Braves take game 2 of the series.

-Mark Teixeira was quiet for the 1st time since joining the Braves. He went 0-4 with a walk.

-Chipper Jones joined Teixeira in the hit less department, going 0-5 with 3 strikeouts. Lets hope he just had a bad night, and that a slump isn't about to emerge. I heard that his hand has been bothering him...

-Andruw Jones did not start today due to injury, he should be back in a few days.

-With Escobar filling in for Renteria, Johnson can further prove that he SHOULD be playing everyday, and Escobar can prove (to me) that he is actually that good.

-Octavio Dotel gave up a grand slam, while Kyle Davies gave up a home run to Alex Rodriguez, his 500th.

The Braves barely got away with a win here. As a realist, I seriously don't think this team will be able to make the playoffs. They are too inconsistent. They can't put together a long winning streak. I hope I am wrong, and they make a late push here.

Chuck James will be pitching tomorrow vs Aaron Cook.

I also forgot to mention that Jo Jo Reyes was sent back to the minors, and Lance Cormier will be replacing him. Joey Devine was also promoted when Renteria went on the DL.