A's 7 Braves 3
So this is what it's like to have a bad team. Brave-O-Matic is old enough to remember the dark days of the '70s and '80s, and while the roster composition is different now (with the rookies these days surrounded by injured good players rather than healthy mediocrities), the effect is the same -- many dispiriting losses. This one especially so, as one of our remaining rotation horses is pitching like he's hiding an injury. What else is new. Might Smoltz turn out to be our healthiest starter after all? I probably shouldn't even bring that up....
Andruw is on one of his tears, but right now he's just serving to keep games respectable. Here is the list of active players who a) were on the opening day roster, and b) have performed to, or exceeded, expectations:
1. Smoltz
2. Reitsma
3. Betemit
4. Langerhans
5. Estrada
and, in another sense,
6. Jordan
Rumors of Aubrey Huff have once again wafted through the breeze. One thing's for sure, we need to bolster the roster soon in order to stay anywhere near contention. The primary concern is staying close to the Marlins, as I don't see the Nationals or Phillies keeping up their recent pace. M Norman says the Devil Rays are asking for Marte, in which case I think it's time to talk to the Reds again about Austin Kearns. They don't know what they're doing over there -- they could have dealt from a position of strength in the offseason because of the emergence of Wily Mo. Instead they chose to break camp with four starting outfielders. Now they've demoted 25-year-old with a lifetime ML OPS of 815 in favor of a 26-year-old with a lifetime minor league OPS of 740. Time to buy low on Kearns.
Andruw is on one of his tears, but right now he's just serving to keep games respectable. Here is the list of active players who a) were on the opening day roster, and b) have performed to, or exceeded, expectations:
1. Smoltz
2. Reitsma
3. Betemit
4. Langerhans
5. Estrada
and, in another sense,
6. Jordan
Rumors of Aubrey Huff have once again wafted through the breeze. One thing's for sure, we need to bolster the roster soon in order to stay anywhere near contention. The primary concern is staying close to the Marlins, as I don't see the Nationals or Phillies keeping up their recent pace. M Norman says the Devil Rays are asking for Marte, in which case I think it's time to talk to the Reds again about Austin Kearns. They don't know what they're doing over there -- they could have dealt from a position of strength in the offseason because of the emergence of Wily Mo. Instead they chose to break camp with four starting outfielders. Now they've demoted 25-year-old with a lifetime ML OPS of 815 in favor of a 26-year-old with a lifetime minor league OPS of 740. Time to buy low on Kearns.
posted by Sam Bass | 6:49 AM
2 Comments:
I know it's just a typo, but I really like the characterization of the '80s Braves as "bad nad".
While losing 2 of 3 at home to the A's is certainly dispiriting, as M Norman mentions, .500 ball and a hot August gives this team a chance. Although it does not look like the wild card will come from the East this year, what with the fratricidal beatings extending through October.
Regardless, I am starting to enjoy watching these younger guys develop (when they are on TBS as of late they are buried on the other Turner incarnations and I am reduced to reading the boxscores) with no real expectations (symptom of living in Tampa). Who knows what true major leaguers will blossom with this opportunity. It may sound like heresy, but something other than first place for a couple of seasons may rekindle a spark that seams lacking come playoff time. Certainly, they will make some moves. Unfortunately, I still think relief is the priority. However, this team has perpetually needed a solid bat. Huff is having a dismal season but that may be a symptom of the Ray maliase. He certainly is young enough to have upside.
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