The Backups

by gondeee on May 2, 2007 10:54 PM EDT in Braves Game Recaps

It was NOT a night for Brian McCann or Matt Diaz or Bob Wickman - instead it was Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Willie Harris, and Rafael Soriano. The guys filling in for our regulars because of injury or ineffectiveness were the stars of the game.

First off, we get all caught up in the Jeff Francoeur and Brian McCann and Kyle Davies moments as being local products from the Atlanta metro area, but I think a lot of people have been overlooking the latest Atlanta product, Willie Harris. He grew up in Cairo, Georgia, which is actually not anywhere near metro Atlanta, but it is in Georgia, barely (so I guess I should have said "Georgia product"). He has been everything that Ryan Langerhans wasn't in just two games at Turner Field - he's already tied Langerhans in RBI at 1 and hits with 3!

With our closer down, it was also great to see the pen come out tonight and throw four one-hit innings. Every one of these guys looked completely dialed in. Paronto looks like he's picking up where he left off before the injury. Tyler Yates is throwing great right now. Mike Gonzalez' early season control problems seemed to have gotten straightened out, and Rafael Soriano is just unfair in close games. What a luxury to have not one, but two guys who could step in when our closer goes down. What a difference a year makes.

And finally, I can't believe they actually did it. I fully expected to see Corky Miller's name in the starting lineup, but instead it was the longest last name in the history of baseball - the birthday boy, Saltalamacchia... just sweet music to Braves fans. He may not have gotten a hit tonight, but Salty showed power at the plate and tons of patience. He was working counts with a cleverness that reminded me of another Atlanta catcher.

More to the point for most Braves fans, the cruel experiment that was Mark Redman has finally ended... for now. He was placed on the DL, and Kevin Barry was recalled from triple-A Richmond - THANK GOD!

The Braves just keep on rolling no matter what happens to them. Can't wait to watch Salty and Willie and Kevin battle it out with the rest of the league in the coming days/weeks.

Box Score >>

Video Highlights of Wednesday's Game >>

Philadelphia 3, Atlanta 4 at Turner Field
Philadelphia Record: (12-15)
Atlanta Record: (17-10)

Winning pitcher - Chad Paronto (1-0)
Losing pitcher - Freddy Garcia (1-2)
SV - Rafael Soriano (2)

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Highlights from the May 2 game

Check them out - http://www.macisanidiot.com/news.php?item.592.3

by dave @ Talking Chop on May 2, 2007 11:59 PM EDT reply actions

Tonight

Enojyable game. Even when Howard tied it up, I never felt threatened.

I think Willie Harris may be on the verge of becoming that Mark Lemke - Jim Leyritz - Rex Hudson type of player who puts the "grit" in gritty and is a fan favorite.

by rabies on May 3, 2007 12:22 AM EDT reply actions

Honestly.

I'd like to see Soriano stay in the closer's role, Wickman come back as the set-up man and Gonzalez used as the "pre-closer". In other words, Mike would come in with tight situations in close games in the 6th/7th, Bob would get the 8th all to himself and Rafael would close it out in the 9th. It's obvious that both Soriano and Gonzalez need the pressure of a close game and/or a tough spot in order to get the best out of their stuff and I think puting Wicky between them would make the best possible contrast. Thoughts?

by ejruiz on May 3, 2007 10:30 AM EDT reply actions

yes and no

personally, i like this plan. given his strikeout rate, soriano might me a more natural closer; however, from a manager's point of view changing wick's role after he gets off the disbled list might send the wrong message. if wick continues his earlier success in the ninth when he comes back, i don't see any need to change.

by brndn on May 4, 2007 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions

They may be reading this Blog!

It seems like Bobby and Johnny are reading gondeee everyday. Get rid of Langerhans, it happened, bring up Harris or anyone else, it happened, get rid of Redman, thankfully it happened. Ok, how about getting Andruw to hit it to right and tell Wilson he is on the clock or he's next. Salty looked great, trade bait? Soriano is money and Gonzalez was tough. Gondeee you may be the new assistant gm, congratulations! What is your next move?

by los angeles braves fan on May 3, 2007 12:25 PM EDT reply actions