@
But when you're shut out by Tim Wakefield, THAT'S when you know you can't hit.
The only run scored in the game came in the sixth on a two out, RBI single by Mark Kotsay. The Braves threatened in the ninth against Jonathan Papelbon for the second straight game. Brian McCann flew out to the wall and Garret Anderson doubled before Casey Kotchman grounded out to second on the first pitch to end the game.
Javier Vazquez: L (5-7), 7.2 IP, 6 H, ER, 3 BB, 8 K
Rafael Soriano: 1 IP, K
Vazquez's ERA continues to go down as he continues to rack up the losses. He pitched almost as good as a person can, throwing 121 pitches, 83 for strikes, in 100 degree heat, and allowing one run in 7.2 innings. His frustrations almost boiled over after being taken out, snapping in the dugout as he sat alone. What made it a golden moment is when Jair Jurrjens went over and patted him on the knee. He knows.
Gregor Blanco: 2-4
Blanco had two hits as Nate McLouth's replacement. A double by Anderson and a single by Diory Hernandez were the only other hits. The Braves left six on base, all in scoring position as far as I know. If not, it sure seemed that way. They have yet to record a hit with runners in scoring position in this series. This is probably the most worthless offense I've ever seen in my life.
Notable Red Sox:
Tim Wakefield: W (10-3), 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, BB, K
Kevin Youkilis: 2-3
Mark Kotsay: RBI
Notable Stat:
The Braves are hitless w/RISP in the series.
Why Jeff Francoeur Sucks:
He drags this worthless offense down even more. 0-3, saw seven pitches.
Next Game:
6/28: Red Sox, 1:30 (Brad Penny vs. Tommy Hanson)
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Final Roundup (6/26)
Brian McCann and Yunel Escobar both sat last night's game. McCann has been suffering from dizzy spells but pinch hit in the ninth and doubled off Jonathan Papelbon. He should start today. Escobar continues to suffer from a hip flexor injury that will more than likely bug him the rest of the season. No way of knowing his status from day to day. Nate McLouth strained his hamstring last night and is day to day. He will more than likely miss a game or two.
The Braves remained four games back in the East as every team in the division suffered through a nasty loss on Friday.
The Phillies fell to the Blue Jays, 6-1. Cole Hamels was tagged with his fourth loss by allowing four runs in 4.2 innings. Ricky Romero pitched seven shutout innings, giving up just two hits to the Phillies.
The Mets got the Subway Series off on a rough note, losing 9-1. Mike Pelfrey gave up just two earned runs in five innings, but the combination of Elmer Dessens and Sean Green was charged with five runs behind him. C.C. Sabathia allowed one run on three hits in seven innings for the Yankees.
The Rays defeated the Marlins, 7-3. Josh Johnson allowed three runs in six innings but Renyel Pinto and Brian Sanches each allowed two runs behind him. Hanley Ramirez has caught fire lately, hitting four homers and driving in 15 runs in his past six games, raising his average to .339.
Though every team in the East suffered a loss, you can always count on the Nationals to have the worst one, dropping to the Orioles, 11-1. Ross Detwiler moved to 0-4 on the season after allowing five runs in five innings. Joel Hanrahan allowed four runs and recorded just one out in relief, raising his ERA to 7.71.
MiL Notables:
A+ Myrtle Beach (2-0) destroyed Lynchburg, 11-1. Cole Miles, Jason Heyward, Benji Johnson, and Jon Owings each had two RBIs. Jacob Thompson pitched seven shutout innings, allowing three hits and striking out eight.
The guys at Sid Slid posted a great entry on Garret Anderson.
The Braves remained four games back in the East as every team in the division suffered through a nasty loss on Friday.
The Phillies fell to the Blue Jays, 6-1. Cole Hamels was tagged with his fourth loss by allowing four runs in 4.2 innings. Ricky Romero pitched seven shutout innings, giving up just two hits to the Phillies.
The Mets got the Subway Series off on a rough note, losing 9-1. Mike Pelfrey gave up just two earned runs in five innings, but the combination of Elmer Dessens and Sean Green was charged with five runs behind him. C.C. Sabathia allowed one run on three hits in seven innings for the Yankees.
The Rays defeated the Marlins, 7-3. Josh Johnson allowed three runs in six innings but Renyel Pinto and Brian Sanches each allowed two runs behind him. Hanley Ramirez has caught fire lately, hitting four homers and driving in 15 runs in his past six games, raising his average to .339.
Though every team in the East suffered a loss, you can always count on the Nationals to have the worst one, dropping to the Orioles, 11-1. Ross Detwiler moved to 0-4 on the season after allowing five runs in five innings. Joel Hanrahan allowed four runs and recorded just one out in relief, raising his ERA to 7.71.
MiL Notables:
A+ Myrtle Beach (2-0) destroyed Lynchburg, 11-1. Cole Miles, Jason Heyward, Benji Johnson, and Jon Owings each had two RBIs. Jacob Thompson pitched seven shutout innings, allowing three hits and striking out eight.
The guys at Sid Slid posted a great entry on Garret Anderson.
My Mental Lapse Rant
Does anybody else agree that this Braves team is perhaps the laziest and most worthless group of players to come through Atlanta? It just seems like at least once or twice a night, a player will make a boneheaded play that is easily avoidable that makes me want to throw the TV out the window. This is something you never saw from Braves players in years past.
I don't know if it has anything to do with John Smoltz and Tom Glavine leaving, since the only "leader" left is Chipper Jones, who sits half the time with pitiful injuries. It could be that Bobby Cox has reached the final years of his career and is just cruising through these losses. It could be that it's been several years since the Braves made the playoffs and the prestige of being a Brave and the expectations that come with it have officially worn off. Or it might have something to do with the front office being so bad through the years that it's finally taken its toll on the team and the players.
Whatever it is, this is not something I am used to seeing. Yunel Escobar's flare has worn many the wrong way but I have enjoyed it since he made his Braves debut. However, it has gotten to the point where he feels it is a given that he should be out there everyday. His mental lapses and displays of attitude problems have cost the team wins and hurt the team in other ways as well.
I don't know Garret Anderson as a person but he also gives off the feeling of being entitled to left field. He doesn't run, he has mental lapses due to his laziness, and his "far off" look isn't as cute as Andruw Jones'. It doesn't help that he has absolutely no power, which is what he was brought here for.
Other random acts of laziness that I have witnessed through the season have led to this conclusion: this team needs a complete overhaul. This core of players are not going to win together, not this season nor in five years. Adding to it won't help either. This season is evidence of that.
I don't know if it has anything to do with John Smoltz and Tom Glavine leaving, since the only "leader" left is Chipper Jones, who sits half the time with pitiful injuries. It could be that Bobby Cox has reached the final years of his career and is just cruising through these losses. It could be that it's been several years since the Braves made the playoffs and the prestige of being a Brave and the expectations that come with it have officially worn off. Or it might have something to do with the front office being so bad through the years that it's finally taken its toll on the team and the players.
Whatever it is, this is not something I am used to seeing. Yunel Escobar's flare has worn many the wrong way but I have enjoyed it since he made his Braves debut. However, it has gotten to the point where he feels it is a given that he should be out there everyday. His mental lapses and displays of attitude problems have cost the team wins and hurt the team in other ways as well.
I don't know Garret Anderson as a person but he also gives off the feeling of being entitled to left field. He doesn't run, he has mental lapses due to his laziness, and his "far off" look isn't as cute as Andruw Jones'. It doesn't help that he has absolutely no power, which is what he was brought here for.
Other random acts of laziness that I have witnessed through the season have led to this conclusion: this team needs a complete overhaul. This core of players are not going to win together, not this season nor in five years. Adding to it won't help either. This season is evidence of that.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Red Sox 4, Braves 1
The Braves can't hit. When you are shut out by a pitcher over nine innings and then shut out again by the same pitcher over seven innings only a few days later, you just can't hit.
The game was scoreless through four, but the Sox took the lead in the fifth on a solo homer by David Ortiz, by the delight of Chip Caray. They added another run in the sixth on a groundout, started when the lazy prick in left field failed to back up a ground ball. The Red Sox added two more in the eighth for a four-run lead. David Ross hit a solo homer off Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth just to make my night. Brian McCann doubled off Papelbon as a pinch hitter just to remind everybody how awesome he is.
Jair Jurrjens: L (5-6), 8 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Yet another loss Jurrjens doesn't deserve. He did exactly what was asked of him tonight, going deep into the game to give the bullpen a rest and give the team a chance to win. But he pitches for the Braves so that means a loss.
David Ross: HR
Casey Kotchman: 3-3
The Braves scattered eight hits, threatening a few times but never really getting anything going. Chipper Jones was the cause of much of this, leaving plenty on and striking out twice. Kotchman had three hits but it went to waste.
Notable Red Sox:
Josh Beckett: W (9-3), 7 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Dustin Pedroia: 2-4, RBI
J.D. Drew: 2-4, RBI
Notable Stat:
Jair Jurrjens has an ERA below three but has a losing record. Wow.
Why Jeff Francoeur Sucks:
0-4, 2 K
Next Game:
6/27: Red Sox, 4:00 (Tim Wakefield vs. Javier Vazquez)
The game was scoreless through four, but the Sox took the lead in the fifth on a solo homer by David Ortiz, by the delight of Chip Caray. They added another run in the sixth on a groundout, started when the lazy prick in left field failed to back up a ground ball. The Red Sox added two more in the eighth for a four-run lead. David Ross hit a solo homer off Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth just to make my night. Brian McCann doubled off Papelbon as a pinch hitter just to remind everybody how awesome he is.
Jair Jurrjens: L (5-6), 8 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Yet another loss Jurrjens doesn't deserve. He did exactly what was asked of him tonight, going deep into the game to give the bullpen a rest and give the team a chance to win. But he pitches for the Braves so that means a loss.
David Ross: HR
Casey Kotchman: 3-3
The Braves scattered eight hits, threatening a few times but never really getting anything going. Chipper Jones was the cause of much of this, leaving plenty on and striking out twice. Kotchman had three hits but it went to waste.
Notable Red Sox:
Josh Beckett: W (9-3), 7 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Dustin Pedroia: 2-4, RBI
J.D. Drew: 2-4, RBI
Notable Stat:
Jair Jurrjens has an ERA below three but has a losing record. Wow.
Why Jeff Francoeur Sucks:
0-4, 2 K
Next Game:
6/27: Red Sox, 4:00 (Tim Wakefield vs. Javier Vazquez)
6/26-6/28: Red Sox @ Braves Series Preview
The Braves continue to trudge through the interleague schedule, now facing the Red Sox for three more games.
The Braves suffered another series loss to the Yankees in their last series, winning the first game in a shutout performance by Tommy Hanson before losing two ugly games to end it. The series loss made it nine straight series losses or splits. Guess what? Yep, the Braves are still four games back.
The Red Sox took two of three from the Nationals in their last series and sit four games ahead of the Yankees in the East. They took two of three from the Braves the series before at Fenway, though the Braves were able to hang in there in all three games.
(2009 stats followed by career stats vs. opposing team)
6/26 - 7:30
Josh Beckett (8-3, 3.74...7-7, 2.22 in 16 starts)
vs.
Jair Jurrjens (5-5, 2.89...0-0, 2.84 in 1 start)
Beckett's name on the probables is bad news for the Braves. Beckett has dominated the Braves in recent starts, allowing a total of two runs in his past 40 innings against them, and pitched a complete game shutout in his most recent start this season. Jurrjens improved over recent starts by allowing two runs in 6.1 innings against the Red Sox in his last one.
6/27 - 4:00
Tim Wakefield (9-3, 4.47...3-4, 5.10 in 7 starts, 14 total games)
vs.
Javier Vazquez (5-6, 3.18...2-6, 4.63 in 9 starts, 10 total games)
Wakefield struggled in his last start against the Braves, reflecting his career totals against them. He allowed four runs in 6.2 innings. Vazquez missed the Red Sox the first time around, pitching 6.2 shutout innings against the Cubs and earning his fifth win. Wakefield does receive run support; Vazquez does not.
6/28 - 1:30
Brad Penny (6-2, 4.93...8-4, 5.13 in 19 starts)
vs.
Tommy Hanson (3-0, 3.13)
Neither of these pitchers had a start in the series against each other previously. Penny allowed three runs in 5.2 innings against the Nationals in his most recent start. He has struggled this season, though he still has six wins, and has not had much success against the Braves in his career. Hanson pitched a second consecutive shutout in his last start, going 5.1 innings against the Yankees in a 4-0 win. He is still struggling with control but has been very effective with runners on.
Key Red Sox Relievers:
CL - Jonathan Papelbon (31 IP, 1.74 ERA, 17 SV, 1 BSV...6.1 IP, 1.42 ERA, 3 SV)
SU - Hideki Okajima (32.1 IP, 2.51 ERA, 15 HLD...3 IP, 3.00 ERA, 1 BSV)
MR - Ramon Ramirez (33.1 IP, 1.89 ERA, 8 HLD...3.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1 BSV)
Key Red Sox Hitters:
LF - Jason Bay (.282, 19 HR, 69 RBI....258, 4 HR, 18 RBI in 42 games)
3B - Kevin Youkilis (.312, 12 HR, 42 RBI....298, 4 HR, 8 RBI in 15 games)
1B - David Ortiz (.216, 7 HR, 34 RBI....305, 6 HR, 11 RBI in 18 games)
Red Sox Injuries:
SP - Daisuke Matsuzaka (15-day, shoulder sprain)
SS - Jed Lowrie (15-day, wrist sprain)
RP - Miguel Gonzalez (60-day, elbow surgery)
The Braves suffered another series loss to the Yankees in their last series, winning the first game in a shutout performance by Tommy Hanson before losing two ugly games to end it. The series loss made it nine straight series losses or splits. Guess what? Yep, the Braves are still four games back.
The Red Sox took two of three from the Nationals in their last series and sit four games ahead of the Yankees in the East. They took two of three from the Braves the series before at Fenway, though the Braves were able to hang in there in all three games.
(2009 stats followed by career stats vs. opposing team)
6/26 - 7:30
Josh Beckett (8-3, 3.74...7-7, 2.22 in 16 starts)
vs.
Jair Jurrjens (5-5, 2.89...0-0, 2.84 in 1 start)
Beckett's name on the probables is bad news for the Braves. Beckett has dominated the Braves in recent starts, allowing a total of two runs in his past 40 innings against them, and pitched a complete game shutout in his most recent start this season. Jurrjens improved over recent starts by allowing two runs in 6.1 innings against the Red Sox in his last one.
6/27 - 4:00
Tim Wakefield (9-3, 4.47...3-4, 5.10 in 7 starts, 14 total games)
vs.
Javier Vazquez (5-6, 3.18...2-6, 4.63 in 9 starts, 10 total games)
Wakefield struggled in his last start against the Braves, reflecting his career totals against them. He allowed four runs in 6.2 innings. Vazquez missed the Red Sox the first time around, pitching 6.2 shutout innings against the Cubs and earning his fifth win. Wakefield does receive run support; Vazquez does not.
6/28 - 1:30
Brad Penny (6-2, 4.93...8-4, 5.13 in 19 starts)
vs.
Tommy Hanson (3-0, 3.13)
Neither of these pitchers had a start in the series against each other previously. Penny allowed three runs in 5.2 innings against the Nationals in his most recent start. He has struggled this season, though he still has six wins, and has not had much success against the Braves in his career. Hanson pitched a second consecutive shutout in his last start, going 5.1 innings against the Yankees in a 4-0 win. He is still struggling with control but has been very effective with runners on.
Key Red Sox Relievers:
CL - Jonathan Papelbon (31 IP, 1.74 ERA, 17 SV, 1 BSV...6.1 IP, 1.42 ERA, 3 SV)
SU - Hideki Okajima (32.1 IP, 2.51 ERA, 15 HLD...3 IP, 3.00 ERA, 1 BSV)
MR - Ramon Ramirez (33.1 IP, 1.89 ERA, 8 HLD...3.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1 BSV)
Key Red Sox Hitters:
LF - Jason Bay (.282, 19 HR, 69 RBI....258, 4 HR, 18 RBI in 42 games)
3B - Kevin Youkilis (.312, 12 HR, 42 RBI....298, 4 HR, 8 RBI in 15 games)
1B - David Ortiz (.216, 7 HR, 34 RBI....305, 6 HR, 11 RBI in 18 games)
Red Sox Injuries:
SP - Daisuke Matsuzaka (15-day, shoulder sprain)
SS - Jed Lowrie (15-day, wrist sprain)
RP - Miguel Gonzalez (60-day, elbow surgery)
Final Roundup (6/25)
This was so good I had to endorse it. The guys at The Bearded Icon have invented a drinking game to get through those wretched Braves games a little easier. I must applaud the creativity and detailing of this. Job well done.
How the Braves are still only four games back despite not winning a series in a long time shows how weak the NL East is and how open it is for anybody to take it. After the Phillies won seven in a row to start June, they have turned to crap since, going 5-13. After being swept by the Blue Jays and Orioles in consecutive series, the Phillies lost two of three to the Rays in their most recent series. They were routed in Thursday's game, 10-4, as Antonio Bastardo allowed six runs in 3.2 innings.
The Mets have almost been forced to take the top spot in the East, sitting half a game back despite not winning on a consistent basis. They did take three of four from the Cardinals in their last series, including winning 3-2 Thursday in a hyped matchup between Johan Santana and Chris Carpenter.
The Marlins have gotten back on the winning track, moving past the Braves and sitting over .500 at 38-36, only one game behind the Phillies. They truly are the only team in the East that is winning right now, taking two of three from the Yankees before sweeping the Orioles in their last series. The Marlins routed the Orioles 11-3 Thursday.
How the Braves are still only four games back despite not winning a series in a long time shows how weak the NL East is and how open it is for anybody to take it. After the Phillies won seven in a row to start June, they have turned to crap since, going 5-13. After being swept by the Blue Jays and Orioles in consecutive series, the Phillies lost two of three to the Rays in their most recent series. They were routed in Thursday's game, 10-4, as Antonio Bastardo allowed six runs in 3.2 innings.
The Mets have almost been forced to take the top spot in the East, sitting half a game back despite not winning on a consistent basis. They did take three of four from the Cardinals in their last series, including winning 3-2 Thursday in a hyped matchup between Johan Santana and Chris Carpenter.
The Marlins have gotten back on the winning track, moving past the Braves and sitting over .500 at 38-36, only one game behind the Phillies. They truly are the only team in the East that is winning right now, taking two of three from the Yankees before sweeping the Orioles in their last series. The Marlins routed the Orioles 11-3 Thursday.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Yankees 11, Braves 7
I don't know what's wrong with Derek Lowe but he needs to figure it out. Lowe got bombed early and the defense had another terrible game, leading to a 11-7 win for the Yankees and the series win.
I'm not recapping the scoring because it's too much and not nearly enough involving the Braves. They never touched the lead after the Yankees scored two in the first. They did get within two after four innings but late Yankees runs put it away.
Derek Lowe: L (7-6), 3 IP, 11 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Boone Logan: 1.1 IP, H, 2 ER, 2 BB
Lowe gave up a homer to Alex Rodriguez and several extra base hits. He was charged with eight runs but six were earned due to errors by Yunel Escobar. He also walked three. The bullpen held the Yankees in check until the seventh, when Logan allowed a couple runs in his Braves debut. He actually put them on base and Peter Moylan gave up the hits that scored two runs. Manny Acosta struck out four in two innings and allowed an unearned run.
Yunel Escobar: 2-5, 3 RBI
Casey Kotchman: 2 RBI
Brian McCann: HR
The Braves racked up 13 hits and left 11 on base. Escobar was finally put in the spot where he should have been all season, picking up three RBIs from the fifth spot. He truly can be a 100 RBI hitter in a good offense. Martin Prado was finally set free, starting at 2B and getting two hits from the second spot. That's too much offense for Bobby's liking so he'll probably be back on the bench tomorrow. Garret Anderson and Jeff Francoeur each had two hits.
Notable Yankees:
Alex Rodriguez: 3-5, HR, 4 RBI
Johnny Damon: 3-4, 4 RBI
Notable Stat:
Mark Teixeira was the only starter on both teams to not get a hit.
Why Jeff Francoeur Sucks:
I blame him as the rally killer in the ninth.
Next Game:
6/26: Red Sox, 7:30 (Josh Beckett vs. Jair Jurrjens)
I'm not recapping the scoring because it's too much and not nearly enough involving the Braves. They never touched the lead after the Yankees scored two in the first. They did get within two after four innings but late Yankees runs put it away.
Derek Lowe: L (7-6), 3 IP, 11 H, 6 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Boone Logan: 1.1 IP, H, 2 ER, 2 BB
Lowe gave up a homer to Alex Rodriguez and several extra base hits. He was charged with eight runs but six were earned due to errors by Yunel Escobar. He also walked three. The bullpen held the Yankees in check until the seventh, when Logan allowed a couple runs in his Braves debut. He actually put them on base and Peter Moylan gave up the hits that scored two runs. Manny Acosta struck out four in two innings and allowed an unearned run.
Yunel Escobar: 2-5, 3 RBI
Casey Kotchman: 2 RBI
Brian McCann: HR
The Braves racked up 13 hits and left 11 on base. Escobar was finally put in the spot where he should have been all season, picking up three RBIs from the fifth spot. He truly can be a 100 RBI hitter in a good offense. Martin Prado was finally set free, starting at 2B and getting two hits from the second spot. That's too much offense for Bobby's liking so he'll probably be back on the bench tomorrow. Garret Anderson and Jeff Francoeur each had two hits.
Notable Yankees:
Alex Rodriguez: 3-5, HR, 4 RBI
Johnny Damon: 3-4, 4 RBI
Notable Stat:
Mark Teixeira was the only starter on both teams to not get a hit.
Why Jeff Francoeur Sucks:
I blame him as the rally killer in the ninth.
Next Game:
6/26: Red Sox, 7:30 (Josh Beckett vs. Jair Jurrjens)
Poor Bennett
The poor guy can't catch a break...oops. Jeff Bennett has been placed on the 15-day DL after punching a door and breaking his left hand. What makes it an entertaining story is he did it during the game, meaning he pushed the bone back in place and pitched the next inning without telling anybody. I really do feel sorry for Bennett, though, because he is such a nervous wreck and it will do him in. I doubt he will make it the entire season with the Braves. Boone Logan has been called up to take his spot.
Boone Logan at Gwinnett: 35.2 IP, 3.28 ERA, 17 BB, 39 K, .205 BAA
Kenshin Kawakami is day-to-day with a bruised neck. The liner off his neck apparently isn't nearly as serious as it appeared. He didn't need x-rays.
Boone Logan at Gwinnett: 35.2 IP, 3.28 ERA, 17 BB, 39 K, .205 BAA
Kenshin Kawakami is day-to-day with a bruised neck. The liner off his neck apparently isn't nearly as serious as it appeared. He didn't need x-rays.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Yankees 8, Braves 4
They look so good one day and so bad the next. The Braves' bullpen woes led to an 8-4 loss to the Yankees.
The Braves got the scoring going in the fifth on a Jeff Francoeur solo homer. The Braves held the Yankees hitless through five, but they struck in the sixth with a solo homer by Francisco Cervelli that tied the game and a two-run single by Alex Rodriguez that put them on top by two.
The Braves crawled back to within one in the seventh when Martin Prado singled in a run as a pinch hitter (should be doing it as a starter) and Nate McLouth sac flied a run in on a fly ball that was close to going out. The Yankees answered right back in the eighth on an interference play that wasn't called, leading to two runs scoring.
Francoeur singled in a run in the eighth that brought the Braves back to within two (a correct call in the top of the inning would have tied it). However, the Yankees put it away in the ninth on an RBI single by Johnny Damon and an RBI double by Mark Teixeira.
A tied score would have brought out Rafael Soriano for the ninth since he was warming up. The umpires truly cost the Braves a possible win here.
Kenshin Kawakami: 3 IP, K
Kris Medlen: L (2-3), 2.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Kawakami pitched three perfect innings before getting knocked out of the game by a liner off his collarbone or neck. I still never heard news on him but I'm sure you have by the time you read this. Medlen kept the perfect game going through five but ran into trouble in the sixth and couldn't get out of it. Jeff Bennett did what he does best, allowing other people's runs. He was garbage. Eric O' Flaherty ran into bad luck with the terrible calls in the eighth. Manny Acosta just sucked in the ninth.
Jeff Francoeur: 2-4, HR, 2 RBI
Chipper Jones: 2-4
Nate McLouth, Martin Prado: RBI each
Francoeur's home run came on a hanging slider inside so it was a given he would hit it out. I was impressed with his other hit, a clean single up the middle. But he still sucks. Yunel Escobar and Garret Anderson were both rally killers, going hitless, and Kelly Johnson may suck almost as much as Francoeur...almost.
Notable Yankees:
Joba Chamberlain: W (4-2), 6.1 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Johnny Damon: 3-5, RBI
Alex Rodriguez, Nick Swisher: 2 RBI each
Notable Stat:
Kelly Johnson: 7-59
Why Jeff Francoeur Sucks:
I might have to add a KJ section too.
Next Game:
6/25: Yankees, 7:00 (Andy Pettitte vs. Derek Lowe)
The Braves got the scoring going in the fifth on a Jeff Francoeur solo homer. The Braves held the Yankees hitless through five, but they struck in the sixth with a solo homer by Francisco Cervelli that tied the game and a two-run single by Alex Rodriguez that put them on top by two.
The Braves crawled back to within one in the seventh when Martin Prado singled in a run as a pinch hitter (should be doing it as a starter) and Nate McLouth sac flied a run in on a fly ball that was close to going out. The Yankees answered right back in the eighth on an interference play that wasn't called, leading to two runs scoring.
Francoeur singled in a run in the eighth that brought the Braves back to within two (a correct call in the top of the inning would have tied it). However, the Yankees put it away in the ninth on an RBI single by Johnny Damon and an RBI double by Mark Teixeira.
A tied score would have brought out Rafael Soriano for the ninth since he was warming up. The umpires truly cost the Braves a possible win here.
Kenshin Kawakami: 3 IP, K
Kris Medlen: L (2-3), 2.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Kawakami pitched three perfect innings before getting knocked out of the game by a liner off his collarbone or neck. I still never heard news on him but I'm sure you have by the time you read this. Medlen kept the perfect game going through five but ran into trouble in the sixth and couldn't get out of it. Jeff Bennett did what he does best, allowing other people's runs. He was garbage. Eric O' Flaherty ran into bad luck with the terrible calls in the eighth. Manny Acosta just sucked in the ninth.
Jeff Francoeur: 2-4, HR, 2 RBI
Chipper Jones: 2-4
Nate McLouth, Martin Prado: RBI each
Francoeur's home run came on a hanging slider inside so it was a given he would hit it out. I was impressed with his other hit, a clean single up the middle. But he still sucks. Yunel Escobar and Garret Anderson were both rally killers, going hitless, and Kelly Johnson may suck almost as much as Francoeur...almost.
Notable Yankees:
Joba Chamberlain: W (4-2), 6.1 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
Johnny Damon: 3-5, RBI
Alex Rodriguez, Nick Swisher: 2 RBI each
Notable Stat:
Kelly Johnson: 7-59
Why Jeff Francoeur Sucks:
I might have to add a KJ section too.
Next Game:
6/25: Yankees, 7:00 (Andy Pettitte vs. Derek Lowe)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Braves 4, Yankees 0
Tommy Hanson posted a second straight shutout performance, blanking the Yankees over five as the Braves won the opening game of the series, 4-0.
The Braves scored three of their four runs in the third inning. Brian McCann and Garret Anderson each had RBI doubles, with Anderson's driving in two. The Braves remained on top by three until the eighth, when McCann added an insurance run in the form of a solo homer.
Tommy Hanson: W (3-0), 5.1 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 4 K
Peter Moylan: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER
Mike Gonzalez: 1 IP, 2 K
Rafael Soriano: 1 IP, BB, K
Hanson struggled with control for much of his outing but did an amazing job of damage control, limiting the Yankees to four hits and not allowing a run. You don't see this type of damage control in young pitchers very often. It was Hanson's second consecutive shutout after pitching six shutout innings against the Reds in his last start. Moylan got Hanson out of trouble in the sixth by inducing a double play from Derek Jeter.
Brian McCann: 3-4, HR, 2 RBI
Garret Anderson: 2 RBI
Yunel Escobar: 2-4
McCann finished a triple shy of the cycle, driving in two on a double and home run. Anderson continues to hit but still nobody cares. The dynamic duo of Francoeur/Johnson went 0-6 at the bottom of the lineup. You could say it was another disappointing day from the offense since Wang is the worst starter in baseball and the Braves only managed three runs and six hits against him. You could also say that the Braves actually scored four runs in a game, hallelujah.
Notable Yankees:
Chien-Ming Wang: L (0-6), 5 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, BB, 4 K
Notable Stat:
Swisher/Teixeira/A-Rod: 0-12
Why Jeff Francoeur Sucks:
No explanation needed tonight.
Next Game:
6/24: Yankees, 7:00 (Joba Chamberlain vs. Kenshin Kawakami)
The Braves scored three of their four runs in the third inning. Brian McCann and Garret Anderson each had RBI doubles, with Anderson's driving in two. The Braves remained on top by three until the eighth, when McCann added an insurance run in the form of a solo homer.
Tommy Hanson: W (3-0), 5.1 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 4 K
Peter Moylan: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER
Mike Gonzalez: 1 IP, 2 K
Rafael Soriano: 1 IP, BB, K
Hanson struggled with control for much of his outing but did an amazing job of damage control, limiting the Yankees to four hits and not allowing a run. You don't see this type of damage control in young pitchers very often. It was Hanson's second consecutive shutout after pitching six shutout innings against the Reds in his last start. Moylan got Hanson out of trouble in the sixth by inducing a double play from Derek Jeter.
Brian McCann: 3-4, HR, 2 RBI
Garret Anderson: 2 RBI
Yunel Escobar: 2-4
McCann finished a triple shy of the cycle, driving in two on a double and home run. Anderson continues to hit but still nobody cares. The dynamic duo of Francoeur/Johnson went 0-6 at the bottom of the lineup. You could say it was another disappointing day from the offense since Wang is the worst starter in baseball and the Braves only managed three runs and six hits against him. You could also say that the Braves actually scored four runs in a game, hallelujah.
Notable Yankees:
Chien-Ming Wang: L (0-6), 5 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, BB, 4 K
Notable Stat:
Swisher/Teixeira/A-Rod: 0-12
Why Jeff Francoeur Sucks:
No explanation needed tonight.
Next Game:
6/24: Yankees, 7:00 (Joba Chamberlain vs. Kenshin Kawakami)
6/23-6/25: Yankees @ Braves Series Preview
After another series loss to end the road trip, the Braves host the Yankees for three.
By losing two of three to the Red Sox in their most recent series, the Braves made it eight straight of either losing the series or splitting it, unless you want to count the postponed Cubs game they made up yesterday. The Braves did outhit and outpitch the Red Sox at Fenway but two losses are still two losses. Once again, another series loss and the Braves still made up ground in the East, moving to only four games back after the Cubs game they won.
The Yankees are currently four back of the Sox at 38-31. They have been trudging along the past month, being swept by the Sox before starting an interleague stretch in which they have gone 4-5 so far. The Yankees are coming off two straight series losses to the Nationals and Marlins.
(2009 stats followed by career stats vs. opposing team)
6/23 - 7:00
Chien-Ming Wang (0-5, 12.30...0-0, 2.25 in 1 start)
vs.
Tommy Hanson (2-0, 4.08)
The Braves are in a similar position with Wang as they were with Matsuzaka at Boston. Wang has been downright terrible in nine games, six starts, and the Yankees have put him in focus on a start-to-start basis. His most recent start, five innings of three-run ball against the Nationals, was good enough to keep him in the rotation for tonight. Hanson's third start was by far his best, pitching six shutout innings over the Reds and earning his second win. Nerves could be a factor against the Yankees lineup.
6/24 - 7:00
Joba Chamberlain (3-2, 3.89)
vs.
Kenshin Kawakami (4-6, 4.42)
Chamberlain has had control problems throughout the season and works too deep into counts, not allowing him to go past six innings in his starts. Sound familiar? His opponent does the same thing. But Joba does a solid job of damage control and has kept his ERA at a good rate. After two straight starts allowing just one walk in each one, Kawakami has given up three walks in each of his last two starts. His ERA is slowly going down but his walk rate isn't.
6/25 - 7:00
Andy Pettitte (7-3, 4.26...5-1, 3.13)
vs.
Derek Lowe (7-5, 4.09...8-10, 6.07)
A matchup of old-timers goes down on Thursday night. Pettitte has seven wins for the Yankees and is keeping his ERA respectable, though he has walked a good amount. He is coming off seven innings of one-run ball against the Marlins. Lowe bounced back from his bad start in Baltimore to pitch four shutout innings before giving up three runs to the Red Sox. Lowe has a rough past against the Yankees as a pitcher for the Red Sox.
Key Yankees Relievers:
CL - Mariano Rivera (27.2 IP, 3.25 ERA, 15 SV, 1 BS...9.1 IP, 3.86 ERA, 6 SV, 1 BS)
SU - Phil Coke (29.2 IP, 3.64 ERA, 3 HLD)
MR - Brian Bruney (10.1 IP, 2.61 ERA, 5 HLD...5.1 IP, 10.13 ERA)
Key Yankees Hitters:
3B - Alex Rodriguez (.213, 9 HR, 28 RBI....289, HR, 3 RBI in 9 games)
1B - Mark Teixeira (.286, 20 HR, 56 RBI....200, 2 HR, 3 RBI in 6 games)
2B - Robinson Cano (.305, 12 HR, 42 RBI)
Yankees Injuries:
C - Jose Molina (15-day, strained quad)
RP - Damaso Marte (15-day, shoulder tendinitis)
INF - Cody Ransom (60-day, strained quad)
RF - Xavier Nady (15-day, sore elbow)
Links:
MLB.com Gameday
STATS Preview
By losing two of three to the Red Sox in their most recent series, the Braves made it eight straight of either losing the series or splitting it, unless you want to count the postponed Cubs game they made up yesterday. The Braves did outhit and outpitch the Red Sox at Fenway but two losses are still two losses. Once again, another series loss and the Braves still made up ground in the East, moving to only four games back after the Cubs game they won.
The Yankees are currently four back of the Sox at 38-31. They have been trudging along the past month, being swept by the Sox before starting an interleague stretch in which they have gone 4-5 so far. The Yankees are coming off two straight series losses to the Nationals and Marlins.
(2009 stats followed by career stats vs. opposing team)
6/23 - 7:00
Chien-Ming Wang (0-5, 12.30...0-0, 2.25 in 1 start)
vs.
Tommy Hanson (2-0, 4.08)
The Braves are in a similar position with Wang as they were with Matsuzaka at Boston. Wang has been downright terrible in nine games, six starts, and the Yankees have put him in focus on a start-to-start basis. His most recent start, five innings of three-run ball against the Nationals, was good enough to keep him in the rotation for tonight. Hanson's third start was by far his best, pitching six shutout innings over the Reds and earning his second win. Nerves could be a factor against the Yankees lineup.
6/24 - 7:00
Joba Chamberlain (3-2, 3.89)
vs.
Kenshin Kawakami (4-6, 4.42)
Chamberlain has had control problems throughout the season and works too deep into counts, not allowing him to go past six innings in his starts. Sound familiar? His opponent does the same thing. But Joba does a solid job of damage control and has kept his ERA at a good rate. After two straight starts allowing just one walk in each one, Kawakami has given up three walks in each of his last two starts. His ERA is slowly going down but his walk rate isn't.
6/25 - 7:00
Andy Pettitte (7-3, 4.26...5-1, 3.13)
vs.
Derek Lowe (7-5, 4.09...8-10, 6.07)
A matchup of old-timers goes down on Thursday night. Pettitte has seven wins for the Yankees and is keeping his ERA respectable, though he has walked a good amount. He is coming off seven innings of one-run ball against the Marlins. Lowe bounced back from his bad start in Baltimore to pitch four shutout innings before giving up three runs to the Red Sox. Lowe has a rough past against the Yankees as a pitcher for the Red Sox.
Key Yankees Relievers:
CL - Mariano Rivera (27.2 IP, 3.25 ERA, 15 SV, 1 BS...9.1 IP, 3.86 ERA, 6 SV, 1 BS)
SU - Phil Coke (29.2 IP, 3.64 ERA, 3 HLD)
MR - Brian Bruney (10.1 IP, 2.61 ERA, 5 HLD...5.1 IP, 10.13 ERA)
Key Yankees Hitters:
3B - Alex Rodriguez (.213, 9 HR, 28 RBI....289, HR, 3 RBI in 9 games)
1B - Mark Teixeira (.286, 20 HR, 56 RBI....200, 2 HR, 3 RBI in 6 games)
2B - Robinson Cano (.305, 12 HR, 42 RBI)
Yankees Injuries:
C - Jose Molina (15-day, strained quad)
RP - Damaso Marte (15-day, shoulder tendinitis)
INF - Cody Ransom (60-day, strained quad)
RF - Xavier Nady (15-day, sore elbow)
Links:
MLB.com Gameday
STATS Preview
Braves 2, Cubs 0
Javier Vazquez pitched around trouble for most of his outing and was provided with two whole runs this time, giving the Braves a 2-0 win over the Cubs.
The Braves broke the scoreless tie in the third on an RBI single by Nate McLouth. Despite several missed chances in the next few innings, the Braves remained on top by a run until the seventh, when they added an insurance run in the form of a sac fly RBI by Chipper Jones. The score remained the same.
Javier Vazquez: W (5-6), 6.2 IP, 9 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Mike Gonzalez: 1 IP, 0 ER, K
Rafael Soriano: S (6), 1 IP, H, 0 ER, BB, 3 K
Vazquez gave up nine hits but all were singles, and he was able to pitch around them without giving up a run. His five strikeouts were the lowest total in a game this season. Gonzalez pitched a scoreless eighth as setup man and Soriano got the save in the ninth by striking out the side.
Nate McLouth: 2-4, RBI
Chipper Jones: RBI
Garret Anderson, Jeff Francoeur: 2 hits each
Kelly Johnson was placed in the second spot in the lineup with Yunel Escobar out but didn't get to savor it long, leaving with leg cramps. Martin Prado took his spot and of course got a hit. Anderson's average continues to rise, his two hits knocking him up to .285. Diory Hernandez continues to suck.
Notable Cubs:
Ryan Dempster: L (4-5), 6.2 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
Ryan Theriot, Jake Fox, Andres Blanco: 2 hits each
Notable Stat:
Cubs: 10 hits, 0 runs
Why Jeff Francoeur Sucks:
Only two hits. His average still below .250.
Next Game:
6/23: Yankees, 7:00 (Chien-Ming Wang vs. Tommy Hanson)
The Braves broke the scoreless tie in the third on an RBI single by Nate McLouth. Despite several missed chances in the next few innings, the Braves remained on top by a run until the seventh, when they added an insurance run in the form of a sac fly RBI by Chipper Jones. The score remained the same.
Javier Vazquez: W (5-6), 6.2 IP, 9 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Mike Gonzalez: 1 IP, 0 ER, K
Rafael Soriano: S (6), 1 IP, H, 0 ER, BB, 3 K
Vazquez gave up nine hits but all were singles, and he was able to pitch around them without giving up a run. His five strikeouts were the lowest total in a game this season. Gonzalez pitched a scoreless eighth as setup man and Soriano got the save in the ninth by striking out the side.
Nate McLouth: 2-4, RBI
Chipper Jones: RBI
Garret Anderson, Jeff Francoeur: 2 hits each
Kelly Johnson was placed in the second spot in the lineup with Yunel Escobar out but didn't get to savor it long, leaving with leg cramps. Martin Prado took his spot and of course got a hit. Anderson's average continues to rise, his two hits knocking him up to .285. Diory Hernandez continues to suck.
Notable Cubs:
Ryan Dempster: L (4-5), 6.2 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
Ryan Theriot, Jake Fox, Andres Blanco: 2 hits each
Notable Stat:
Cubs: 10 hits, 0 runs
Why Jeff Francoeur Sucks:
Only two hits. His average still below .250.
Next Game:
6/23: Yankees, 7:00 (Chien-Ming Wang vs. Tommy Hanson)
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Red Sox 6, Braves 5
Those gosh darn opportunistic Red Sox took advantage of a gobillion missed chances by the Braves. Nick Green stuck it to the Braves again with a walk off homer in the ninth, taking the game, 6-5, and the series.
The Braves started good against Tim Wakefield when Brian McCann doubled in two in the first. However, they couldn't bring home any more runs until the seventh. The Sox answered in the home half of the first with three runs, two of which came on a home run by David Ortiz.
George Kottaras sac flied a run in in the fourth for a two-run Boston lead. But the Braves came back and tied it in the seventh on an RBI single by Gregor Blanco and an RBI single by Nate McLouth. But again, the Sox struck in the home half with an RBI single by J.D. Drew after one of the worst non-calls on a strike three I've ever seen. That led to the ejection of Bobby Cox, Eric O' Flaherty, and Chipper Jones (Chipper's was a result of another terrible call in the first inning that rang him up).
The Braves tied it again in the eighth on an RBI single by Garret Anderson but left the bases loaded when Matt Diaz struck out on a ball above his head. Green promptly homered on the first pitch of the bottom of the ninth.
Jair Jurrjens: 6.1 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 2 ER, BB, 6 K
Jeff Bennett: Gave up HR to Green
When a pitcher commits an error that leads to runs, those runs should be earned. Jurrjens made an error on a bouncing ball that led to the three first inning runs. Jurrjens didn't pitch bad, he threw strikes, but the Sox offense took advantage of any mistakes. O' Flaherty gave up his last run but it wasn't his fault after the non-call. Mike Gonzalez pitched a scoreless eighth. Bennett gave up the homer to Green in the ninth.
Brian McCann: 2 RBI
Nate McLouth: 2-4, RBI
Garret Anderson: 2-4, RBI
The Braves had 14 hits but that never matters. Others not listed that had a good day are Yunel Escobar and Martin Prado, who each had three hits. Prado should be playing everyday.
Notable Red Sox:
Tim Wakefield: 6.2 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
David Ortiz: 2-4, HR, 2 RBI
Notable Stat:
Garret Anderson: 6-10, 5 RBI in series
Why Jeff Francoeur Sucks:
He didn't play but I still blame him
Next Game:
6/22: Cubs, 7:00 (Ryan Dempster vs. Javier Vazquez)
The Braves should seriously just take a loss so they can have a day off. Doesn't matter anyway.
The Braves started good against Tim Wakefield when Brian McCann doubled in two in the first. However, they couldn't bring home any more runs until the seventh. The Sox answered in the home half of the first with three runs, two of which came on a home run by David Ortiz.
George Kottaras sac flied a run in in the fourth for a two-run Boston lead. But the Braves came back and tied it in the seventh on an RBI single by Gregor Blanco and an RBI single by Nate McLouth. But again, the Sox struck in the home half with an RBI single by J.D. Drew after one of the worst non-calls on a strike three I've ever seen. That led to the ejection of Bobby Cox, Eric O' Flaherty, and Chipper Jones (Chipper's was a result of another terrible call in the first inning that rang him up).
The Braves tied it again in the eighth on an RBI single by Garret Anderson but left the bases loaded when Matt Diaz struck out on a ball above his head. Green promptly homered on the first pitch of the bottom of the ninth.
Jair Jurrjens: 6.1 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 2 ER, BB, 6 K
Jeff Bennett: Gave up HR to Green
When a pitcher commits an error that leads to runs, those runs should be earned. Jurrjens made an error on a bouncing ball that led to the three first inning runs. Jurrjens didn't pitch bad, he threw strikes, but the Sox offense took advantage of any mistakes. O' Flaherty gave up his last run but it wasn't his fault after the non-call. Mike Gonzalez pitched a scoreless eighth. Bennett gave up the homer to Green in the ninth.
Brian McCann: 2 RBI
Nate McLouth: 2-4, RBI
Garret Anderson: 2-4, RBI
The Braves had 14 hits but that never matters. Others not listed that had a good day are Yunel Escobar and Martin Prado, who each had three hits. Prado should be playing everyday.
Notable Red Sox:
Tim Wakefield: 6.2 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
David Ortiz: 2-4, HR, 2 RBI
Notable Stat:
Garret Anderson: 6-10, 5 RBI in series
Why Jeff Francoeur Sucks:
He didn't play but I still blame him
Next Game:
6/22: Cubs, 7:00 (Ryan Dempster vs. Javier Vazquez)
The Braves should seriously just take a loss so they can have a day off. Doesn't matter anyway.
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