Labor Day LOBster On the Menu: Pirates stifle Braves, 3-1
by royhobbs on Sep 6, 2010 5:46 PM EDT
in Braves Game Recaps
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You would think with Kenshin Kawakami back on the roster, he would have assumed his position as the starting pitcher who got no run support. But unfortunately, Tommy Hanson has maintained the mantle of being the repeated victim of no run support, as he was given but only one run today in a 3-1 losing effort to the worst team in Major League Baseball. With the exception of the win on September 1st against the Mets, Tommy Hanson has been given 0, 1, 2, 2, 1, 0, and 0 runs in all his games since July 27th. No matter how good a pitcher is, it's difficult to get wins under those circumstances, and the Braves have gone 3-6 in now Tommy's last nine starts.
Despite the loss, Tommy Hanson still pitched well, yielding only four hits in six innings. Unfortunately one of those hits was a two-run homer to Neil Walker, which scored Jose Tabata, who had singled just prior. But for those who care to acknowledge it, it's still yet another quality start that goes unrewarded to Cyborg. Four hits was all that the Pirates managed to muster against Hanson plus two single, perfect innings by Kyle Farnsworth and Peter Moylan a piece.
Because, despite the fact that the Braves outhit the Pirates 8-4, they were all singles, and none of them came at the right time. The Braves were once again fattened up by LOBsters, and left ELEVEN men on base, including the bases loaded in the 7th, and second and third in the 8th. Both Omar Infante and Martin Prado were held hitless for the day, with the latter being responsible for five of the LOBsters.
The Bobby Cox Compliment Sandwich: Derrek Lee had a solid game, going 2-for-3, a walk, and the sole run scored for Atlanta. A pitching quartet of Brian Burres, former Brave Chris Resop, Evan Meek, and Joel Hanrahan more or less made the Braves look pathetic, and nothing like the first place team they're supposed to be. Kyle Farnsworth and Peter Moylan both pitched perfect, spotless innings.
Well, as I always say, there's always tomorrow. And fortunately for us, it's a Tim Hudson day, and there's always reason to feel confident whenever Huddy takes the hill. And opposing him will be journeyman reliever-turned-starter, James McDonald. Despite the massive failure today, I have confidence that the Braves stand a good chance at winning tomorrow, and taking the series, in spite of today's result.
But it's not all bad news. In the first game of the double-header, the Marlins took the momentum after owning us, and dropped a seven-spot on the Phillies, in Philadelphia, beating them 7-1. So no matter the outcome of the second game in Philly, the Braves will still be in first place, be it, 0.5 games ahead, or 1.5 games ahead.
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Why does McLouth keep getting to play?
It makes me a sad panda. :(
"Never doubt Derek Lowe's ability to win despite himself."
by EricGreggWasPaidOff on Sep 6, 2010 5:51 PM EDT reply actions
because
McLouth, a former NL All-Star with Pittsburgh, started for a second successive day because Cox felt he might be comfortable in PNC Park. McLouth is batting .169.
SI.com recap
Atlanta Hawks=the team that drafted big $$$$$$$$$ instead of big men.
O I C...
I don’t think McLouth is comfortable playing baseball. Someone should tell Bobby.
"Never doubt Derek Lowe's ability to win despite himself."
by EricGreggWasPaidOff on Sep 6, 2010 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he's aware...
but he played well the day before, and I think Bobby was hoping he might be ready to bounce back. Probably not, but considering the cost involved and the struggles of the other 2, it was worth a chance based on how he played Sunday combined with coming back to Pitt
He had a really good game yesterday. Everyone else we have that can play CF sucks too, so … who cares?
"They should just give two ROYs in the NL and skip the AL this year." - KLaw
your right
I do think in the of season they need to TRY to find that everyday CF and LF. Its the platoon system right now with no strong everyday candidate on the team or currently in the minor league system. we have a lot of good pitching prospects – depending on who could be traded for may be the right thing to do. I am NOT saying give up the farm for 1 player. we’ve been there and done that. has to be a trade for an impact player that can be controlled for some time. Like I said NO clear internal candidate.
'How to beat the Braves'
1. Play them away from Turner Field.
2. Put as many lefties on the mound as possible, regardless of how talented they are.
3. Throw every hitter inside aside from McCann and Heyward, in which you throw nothing but outside pitches low and away.
4. Hope Bobby Cox starts Ankiel or McLouth in center against the lefty.
you forget
throw breaking ball on dirt, they will swing. Except to Lee, 3 fastball = K.
if they didn`t swing ball, no matter, just load the bases. they can´t hit with bases loaded.
if you fear the leadoff man, no matter, if he hit double or triple. they can´t score.
#2 is definitely true.
Not to sound like a broken record, but I would like to see someone with regular homer power bat behind Heyward. I know Martin is a terrific hitter but he just doesn’t scare teams the way someone like McCann does. They clearly pitched him very, very carefully today to load the bases and it paid off. Martin hitting that little nubber was mainly bad luck and wouldn’t be so magnified if anybody had come up big in any of the myriad opportunities.
"It was the worst celebration of all time. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
“2. Put as many lefties on the mound as possible, regardless of how talented they are.”
Preferrably the soft tossing “junkballing” lefties. Braves have actually done better against the lefties who can actually pitch.
by DreamWithinADream on Sep 6, 2010 6:16 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Hanson is a cybord
so, we can only score binary code
by joshant on Sep 6, 2010 5:52 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Dbacks with runners on the corners, 1 out in the 8th....
…..and KJ strikes out. Good lord….
Royhobbs is 0-1 now
I’m no longer in last place!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Based on stereotypes that are totally untrue and I do not agree with, you would maybe-not be a very good driver..."
"Oh man am I a woman?!"
by Scott Coleman on Sep 6, 2010 6:07 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Actually he's 0-0.5
Cause you finished with the Runs thread lol! So he’s only a half game back lol!
The team was garbage today. We seem to be garbage alot the last week or so, not playing the kind of baseball playoff-bound teams play.
DON'T GO TO SLEEP EARLY OR JEFF FRANCOEUR WILL HAUNT YOUR DREAMS AND LOWER YOUR OBP. - Scott
by BullManUGA on Sep 6, 2010 6:53 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Couldn’t have said it better myself.
I’m sorry, but this does not look like a playoff team. This looks more like a team that continues to slowly lose ground during the last month, only to miss the playoffs. I hate being pessimistic, but it’s not looking good for this team.
I think the Braves may be suffering from the same thing that many people on this site suffer from — assuming that they are going to make the playoffs. I don’t have any other explanation for the complacency that this team has showed over the past three or four weeks (other than a couple of exceptions).
by ryantex on Sep 6, 2010 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Giants win again
Lead for a playoff spot down to 2 games.
by DreamWithinADream on Sep 6, 2010 7:31 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I couldn't watch today's game
But how do we loose with one of the best young pitchers in the game on the mound going against some scrub? Were we just swinging at shit in the dirt? And Bobby doesn’t seem to be understanding just how bad Nate is….Heyward really needs to take McLouth out again pick up the slack
"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand."
nate - bad?
what about KK ? and your right Nate is not very good right now.
I’m willing to bet Karstens wasn’t really hurt. The Pirates just wanted to screw with the Braves by throwing a soft-tossing lefty against them in a road game.
The Braves really need to start playing better on the road yesterday.
The birth of Jason Heyward was God’s punishment for the sins of the people in New York and Philly.
Half game lead in the East
LOL
For Bobby.
by Scott Coleman on Sep 6, 2010 7:55 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
what really worries me is that
if the Phillies to tie or pass us that it will give them a huge momentum boost and make them play even better.
who cares?
We need to take care of our business first before we worry about the Phillies. Worrying about the Phillies before we play is a great way to not make the playoffs.
So its looking like we'll get to open up at home with the front end of the Cardinals' rotation. Sweet
A lot of room in right center, if he hits one there we can dance in the streets, the 2-1....
We miss Garcia though…that works for me. I feel better against Carpenter or Wainwright than a lefty.
For Bobby.
by Scott Coleman on Sep 6, 2010 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Why dont they get Hubbard to throw them some BP left-handed?!? I mean damn even if we make the playoffs the opposition could just start their shitty LH long reliever every game and we would be screwed
A lot of room in right center, if he hits one there we can dance in the streets, the 2-1....
the braves dont have a good offense
a good offense is when we expect to see about four runs per game.
a bad offense is when we get EXCITED to see four runs per game.
Someone needs to tell the Braves...
That just because college football has started, they don’t have to stop playing. At this point in the season, there is no excuse to drop 4/5 to the Mets, Marlins and Pirates. None.
Not going to lie. I am a bit concerned about the team. Yes, they will still lead the NL East at the end of the day, but they do realize that they need to beat the bad teams, right? It’s almost like they don’t care about playing baseball away from Atlanta…They are dreadful on the road. Really.
Please, I need a dose from those perpetually positive Braves fans. The ones that look at this team losing leads in the NL East AND Wild Card and say, “It’s cool; there’s nothing to worry about.”
"You can't print what I said, but they have to catch us." - Chipper Jones
ALL of our pickups have sucked.... name one that has panned out....
We haven’t hit lefties in like 4 years… any changes now? nope….
I believe Alex Gonzalez has LEAD THE TEAM in RBI's since August 1st
"The Dos Equis guys want me to be the least interesting man in the world" - Drama
by BravesDawg16 on Sep 6, 2010 10:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Uhm
Like BravesDawg said, Gonzalez leads the team in RBIs.
Also, Don Sutton mentioned today that Gonzalez leads ALL major league shortstops in doubles, home runs, and RBIs.
Yeah, he’s hit for more power and driven in more runs than Hanley Ramirez.
And a lot of that is what he did with Toronto. In 47 games since coming over, the mighty Gonzo has hit .266/.328/.428 with 4 HR.
This kind of argument really kind of amuses me, because when the trade was originally made and people were defending it, I reminded everyone that we wouldn’t get retroactive credit for all the wall scrapers he hit in Toronto. And here we are, two months later, and people STILL seem to think we somehow benefited from his unsustainable early-season power surge in Toronto.
What part of leading the team in RBIs since August 1 is not beneficial?
by CharlotteChop on Sep 6, 2010 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Sweet Sabre-math. So someone has to knock guys in so don’t give me your sabre dork bull crap. Guys get on, gave have to get knocked in- that’s how baseball works. I guess though if by putting McLouth, Cabrera, Ankiel or any other random that hits below 6th in the lineup they would equal that production? Whatever.
by CharlotteChop on Sep 6, 2010 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions
"Production" is not the word you want.
The word you want is “luck.” The luck of having men on base ahead of you. If we couldn’t record what Gonzo actually did, independent of the happenstance of having men on base when he hit, maybe RBIs would be a passable statistic. But we can measure what Gonzo’s actually done himself, independent of context, and we have. And he’s been an ok hitter, not much of a power threat, and by no means the most “productive” hitter in the Braves’ lineup. Which is fine, for an SS. But some people seemed to think we were getting a lot more than “fine, for an SS.”
Sorry for striking back so hot. I am so frustrated with this team’s ineptitude on the road and inability to score guys in optimal situations. I agree with you that A Gonz RBI production is a result of luckily being placed 6th in the lineup behind a lot of OBP machines. Sure he is probably more useful as a 7 hole guy if we had a better 6 hole guy with more power or OBP potential, but for his usefulness he is doing quite ok (IMHO) and b/c he never gets on base he is probably in the right batting order slot since the 7 and 8 guys we trot out there seem to be even less productive- except maybe Melky.
by CharlotteChop on Sep 6, 2010 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions
No harm done.
I’m frustrated too. I think we all are. And Gonzo hasn’t really been part of the problem since he’s come over, although his defense leaves something to be desired.
LEFT something to be desired...
He’s been pretty steady after that horrible start with the team. I think he had seven errors in the first 11 games (or thereabouts) and only one since.
While I don’t think anyone expected to have him putting up Toronto slugging numbers, he’s actually been pretty decent in that regard. 18 XBH in 48 games…Yunel had 12 (all doubles) in 75 games for us.
Meanwhile, it’s apparent that his plate discipline during his time here has improved considerably, if only for the short-term. His OBP in the nearly 1/3 season he’s played here is slightly above league average, overall and for the position.
As far as RBIs are concerned, let’s take a different approach. With the Braves, he’s compiled an OBP of .354 with any runners on and an OBP of .369 w/ RISP. While RBIs may be luck, this proves he’s been doing pretty well in those situations.
While we’re only working with 48 games (6 shy of 1/3 season), it’s pretty apparent that he’s actually done quite well at the plate for the Braves thus far.
While you can speculate all day long about whether he’s been an upgrade over Yunel since the trade and into the future, he has without a doubt improved the production at the SS position since coming over this season.
-C
It’s rough to sit through these games and not have someone that can’t hit a Ball?
Qualify his production all you want...
But I still think he’s a better option than Yunel. Not saying he’s the best option, ideal, or any of that, just that he’s better than “infield McClouth.”
Hinske’s only purpose from here on out should be as a bench warmer.
"It looks like The Hound of the Baskervilles out there." - Steve Stone
"...I'm reminded of Wuthering Heights." - Harry Caray
~
Swing and a drive...Belted right! Welcome to the Show!!!
by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Sep 6, 2010 10:50 PM EDT reply actions
Completely disagree
How about giving him some starts so that he can get in a groove? He had two at-bats in the Marlins series, while Ankiel (and the rest of the offense) was flailing at the plate.
We've got 5 warm bodies....
2 of them need to become productive. Hinske, Diaz, Melky, McLouth, and Ankiel have all had significant problems keeping them from taking over CF or LF.
Agreed
But of all five, most of my faith is in Diaz and Hinske. I don’t see why Hinske isn’t given more time at first, especially on righty days. It’s not like D Lee is lighting it up right now.
In my opinion, Hinske doesn’t look LOST at the plate, like McLouth or Ankiel. He’s just not hitting balls in the gap – lots of ground outs (and some strikeouts too) for him. There’s a difference between looking lost and being in a slump. Ankiel and McLouth don’t look like ballplayers than can ever get hot; I would say otherwise for Hinske.
My only suggestion
Put Glaus back as the starter. If both guys are singles POWAH then at least go with the guy that got us this far. I don’t think D Lee has come within 50 feet of hitting a HR as a Brave yet. Make Lee the pinch hitter, he hits a ton of singles.
We should’ve just called Freeman up and platooned him with Glaus. That Lee trade isn’t looking great right now.
For Bobby.
by Scott Coleman on Sep 6, 2010 11:33 PM EDT up reply actions
It stinks too, b/c, like many, I was very excited about that trade. He can’t catch up with a fastball in the middle of August and Sept- that’s bad news. Just give it back to TG.
by CharlotteChop on Sep 6, 2010 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I think it was certainly worth a shot.
It cost us almost nothing to bring him over, after all. But he basically looks done, the same way he looked the first half of the season in Chicago. Only problem is, Troy looks done too.
(Well, ok, that’s hardly the ONLY problem. But it’s a big one.)
I see Glaus coming off the bench and sure, he is breaking down, but he can still bring the lumber onto a 95 MPH fastball. Problem is he can’t bend over to field anything. But I’m not sure if that’s what the Braves should be concerned about. They need a guy in the 5 hole that is going to launch them a few HRs. Lee’s best case scenario looks to be a gapper every now and then.
by CharlotteChop on Sep 6, 2010 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I am withholding judgement on the Lee trade
until I see what that guy does against the Phillies cause its shaping up to come down to the head to head matchups…
"The Dos Equis guys want me to be the least interesting man in the world" - Drama
by BravesDawg16 on Sep 6, 2010 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions
D Lee isnt doing shit for us right now neither is Ankiel, Melky, I have no ffn clue about Mclouth fuck evan diaz isnt doing shit , And i love J hay but shit he sits on fastball strikes gets behind in the count and then swings at shit!!! I mean his stats are great when we get a lead but when we need him to be clutch, oh how you doing fastball down the middle I think Ill just watch you go by! AND FUCK ESPN AND FUCK PHILLY!!!! Damn glad I got that off my chest!!!
by cali viking on Sep 7, 2010 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
prepare for a warning
you can’t even say fuck in this site :S
The PuertoRican Kid
by Kobe:The Legend on Sep 7, 2010 12:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I know that happened to you
Is that official policy, now? If so, it’s too bad. I got the unofficial Davey & Goliath treatment a while ago for using a different non-FCC approved term that several posters allowed to bunch up their Underoos™, but if we’re running things at that sort of blunted, picky level, it would really take a lot of the juice from this place.
It’s not like we’re all going nuts all the time with this stuff. It’s just the occasional venting that most emtionally stable adults in this country (and the rest of civilization) engage in.
"It was the worst celebration of all time. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
Hey, Guys
I was just busting chops (rimshot) with that picture, but I have to commend your moderator. The normally mundane “you’ve been warned” was replaced with something quite funny.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 7, 2010 12:08 AM EDT reply actions
My snarky suggestion to you
Was also flushed toward the Gulf of Mexico, alas.
"It was the worst celebration of all time. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
LOL
Glad you liked the warning. It wasn’t a bad picture, but it’s just not worth the risk of a “fight” over the inter-webs between TC and TGP.
There will be plenty of that in two weeks, I’m sure.
For Bobby.
by Scott Coleman on Sep 7, 2010 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
mvhsbball sorry for the cussing this team just drives me nuts sometimes! I just think this team is to good to loose to these below the pine teams anyways go Braves!!! Huds will right the wrong on tuesday!!!
You’re fine dude. Just try to tone it down in the future. I don’t care about the swearing, but I know there’s a bunch of TC users who don’t really like the language.
For Bobby.
by Scott Coleman on Sep 7, 2010 12:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't really like having Joe Sheehanese incessantly regurgitated at me.
Do I have some recourse for that? (Other than taking a hike, so everybody can avoid that particular response, s’il vous plait.)
"It was the worst celebration of all time. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
No Worries
Fights should be avoided. I’m more a fan of “good-natured ribbing” m’self.
Take it easy, guys.
by Chutley's Impressed by Mac's Speed on Sep 7, 2010 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions
wow let’s stop the hate on nate. he’s going to play CF throughout the playoffs, don’t you people get that?
No not roid rage Im a personal trainer and I dont do roids just because I live at the gym hey what can I say I like to stay in shape! And I get mad because I watch every Braves game and sometimes this team pisses me off thats all!! And thanks for the ster type!
Meant in good fun
Your extreme frustration from today’s loss (understandably)+your jacked picture=1st thing that popped into my head
"Baseball is like church. Many attend but few understand."
Certain guys just get Bobby's confidence and literally never lose it.
It wouldn’t surprise me if he’d asked Wren to sign Greg Norton sometime in the last couple of weeks.
"It was the worst celebration of all time. I got lost in the moment." - Brian McCann
I couldn't watch the game as it happened, so had to later on DVR.
I’m glad I spent the day with friends from out of town, and enjoying Southern BBQ instead. Frustrating game to watch.
My request to the Braves:
Please don’t relax and play like the Pirates this series.
Play like the first place team that you are and leave no doubt on those watching the standings you belong there.
I see my “request” from the series preview thread didn’t work. Maybe the next 2 games will be different.
Please can we win at least 1 game in Pittsburgh?
"Curve: The loveliest distance between two points." ~ Mae West
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