Braves Worries
The Braves started 2011 on a hot streak. They looked like they were going to be the team to beat. Now, they find themselves just 1.5 games ahead of the Mets who are in last place in the NL East.
The Braves have had a lot of close games. Those 1 run losses that have plagued both the team and their fans for years now. The almost wins. The team has had a lot less run production, outside of the 10 they put on the Dodgers, than what would have been expected with their great lineup.
The pitching has been serviceable. But the bullpen has gotten very worn down. Moylan on the DL, Venters on rest. Calling up Cory Gearrin from AAA to rest the bullpen even more. Using Martinez three days in a row. It’s been very taking on the pen for the Braves so far this season.
The team has had some great wins, but it is the losses that stick out most. The extra inning loss, the 1 run losses. They have a 9 and 12 record on the season and are 4-6 over their last 10 games. A long road trip out West has also taken its toll.
Chipper Jones is experiencing a sharp pain in his right knee, not the surgically repaired left knee. A pain he admits he has had for the past 10 days or so. A pain that may keep him out of the Saturday game versus the Giants and Tim Lincecum. Chipper has been an offensive catalyst for the Braves and they would miss him greatly if he has to miss any time. Continuing to play on a hurt knee though is just asking for an even longer stretch of lost time if he should injure it even more.
The Braves face off with the Giants on Saturday afternoon with the Tim vs Tim show on the mound. Lincecum versus Hudson. Lincecum is throwing hot and has a 1.67 coming into today’s game. Hudson has performed well, but has struggled in the early innings of his starts. If the Braves are without Chipper today, runs may be at a real premium and a shaky first few innings from Hudson could prove detrimental.
After last night’s win versus the Giants, the Braves need to continue that in today’s game. That, however, may be easier said than done.
Deborah Horton
Braves’ worries don’t look the same this morning. Hanson looked back on track and Chipper got his, so don’t worry be happy. It’s still very early in a very long season.
Looks like the Braves are having fun playing the Giants, that’s two in a row. Hudson goes 8 2/3 innings and gets the win, while the bullpen and Chipper both, get a day to rest.
Looks like they have the Giants number so far this series, which is a very good thing! Excellent win with Chipper on the bench and against Lincecum! Let’s hope it continues
Thanks for reading!
just to set the record straight, ” Chipper’s issue is with his right knee, not the one that underwent major surgery last year”
Oops, you’re right about that. But that is even more worrisome
I would hate for him to have to have surgery on the other one too. Hopefully, it’s just soreness and nothing more serious.
that’s a sweep of the Giants at AT&T park, lol, you still worried ?
That was an awesome series for the Braves I have to admit. Coming back and winning in 10 versus the “bearded one” was outstanding. But, as a very long time Braves fan, I have been conditioned not to get too excited knowing that 1 run losses and games with 10 GIDP are the norm, not the exception
However, I am very happy with this weekend’s outcome.
It didn’t change the Braves in the standings though, still 5 games back of the Phillies. On to the Padres today and Lowe on the hill for the Braves. Let’s hope the winning trend continues!