Old School Streakin…Beware, It's the unedited version.
That’s right the Atlanta Braves that started the season 0-4, then 5-0, and then…Simply put, the Braves are streakers. Prior to Atlanta new three game win streak, they lost six of seven and went 20 scoreless innings. These streaks are enough to turn your hair gray (at least that is the excuse I am using). » Continue reading “WE’RE GOING STREAKIN’- “Old School” 2012 BRAVES”
Focus on the positive: Michael Bourn's lead off triple
A team coming off the aforementioned 20 scoreless innings cannot afford to relinquish a lead. The Braves struggles at the plate are far to similar to that of 2011, excluding Dan Uggla, whose patience is shown through the number of walks he has this season. What is not similar is the amount of pitching at Atlanta’s disposal. The bullpen is not as reliable, most notably Johhny Venters. Eric O’Flaherty has been injured, Livan Hernadez designated for assignment, and Kris Medlen sent down to stretch out for a starting role. Needless to say, Medlen will not be filling that spot just yet.
Although, a starter spot has opened with news that could be devastating if the Braves stay on the recent course. Brandon Beachy, who left Saturday’s game versus Baltimore with an elbow injury, showed a partial tear of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament on an MRI performed today. Beachy will see the team doctor Tuesday and Dr. James Andrews Wednesday. Injuries of this nature often require Tommy John surgery and one year of rehab.
Jair Jurrjens Sent Back to Triple A
Jair Jurrjens was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, only an hour after the Braves’ 7-2 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Jurrjens (0-2) gave up nine hits and five earned runs and left without recording an out in the fourth inning.
This was the first time in 42 starts since April 29, 2010 against St. Louis where Jurrjens failed to record a strikeout due to a strained left hamstring.
Braves general manager Frank Wren said in a text message after the announcement, ““We optioned Jair tonight to give him a chance to work through his difficulties at the Triple-A level and hopefully come back ready to help us contend.”
Jurrjens is 0-2 with a 9.37 ERA in four starts. Last year he led the Braves with 13 wins despite two trips to the disabled list and pitched in his first All-Star game. Since the 2011 All-Star break, Jurrjens has lasted five innings or fewer in six starts including all four this season and has allowed 44 earned runs and 79 hits in 57-2/3 innings. » Continue reading “Braves: JJ to Triple A”
TODAY IS THE FINALE OF BO BIKES BAMA, BUT THERE IS STILL TIME FOR YOU TO HELP!
“The reason for this ride is for state unity and to pay homage to the great Alabamians who lost their lives on April 27th, 2011. I am my brothers’ and sisters’ keeper.
-Bo Jackson, Heisman trophy winner, All-Star athlete and proud Alabamian
Jackson has enlisted the likes of Lance Armstrong, Scottie Pippen, Ken Griffey, Jr., Desmond Howard, and Picabo Street and 100 other cyclists to join him along his journey through areas of Alabama devastated by tornadoes in April 2011.
As of now, they are playing ball at the Ted for the 12:10 Braves vs Mets rubber game, but the name on the mound today plays for either team. Bo Jackson is scheduled to throw out the first pitch as he promotes his upcoming tornado relief fundraiser, Bo Bikes Bama.
Click hear to read player perspectives on Jackie Robinson day.
Before the Braves headed home, I voiced my concerns about the same offense problems as 2011, the starters not going deep enough, and the team looked lost without Chipper. I have no idea what happened on the plane ride home, but at least for opening weekend the Braves made progress in each of those areas. » Continue reading “Braves: I Love It When a Plan Comes Together”
James Palmer and Zaid Hakim sat down with Leslie Koerdt to talk about opening weekend.
The Braves are making progress. They scored two runs in yesterday’s loss to the Mets. Martin Prado hit a two run shot to account for all the scoring, and Jason Heyward was on base three of four at bats. Knuckle-baller RA Dickey still has the majority of the Braves baffled though. I must say personally, as an Arkansas Alumni, the best moment of the game was Razorback Eric Hinske’s pinch hit. Although, no runs scored, he kept the game alive, and we Arkansas fans are looking for anything to make us proud this week!
Let’s hope the third times a charm and hop the Easter Bunny leaves a win in the Braves basket today! Happy Easter!
Jason Heyward ended a streak today, but it was not the one he was hoping to. Heyward hit a home run on each of his previous opening days. The first was his first major league swing. The one that is still alive is woeful hitting of 2011. Heyward was not alone- the Braves only mustered four hits in the 1-0 loss to the Mets.
Hit came from Martin Prado, Dan Uggla, Matt Diaz, and Tyler Pastornicky. As exciting as it was to see Pastornicky hit a triple on his very first opening day, it was just as frustrating to see him left on base.
The positives were, as suspected, the pitching. Tommy Hanson pitched five solid innings before giving a run in the 6th and failing to record an out in three batters. Kris Medlen, however, pitched out of Hanson’s jam without allowing another run. In total Medlen pitched two innings, and was followed by Jonny Venters with one inning.
Not to panic though, there are 161 more opportunities to get things right. The first of which comes Saturday at 1:10 ET when Jair Jurrjens faces RA Dickey in game 2 of 3 versus the Mets.
It is a brand new day in baseball! 2011 is behind, and hope springs eternal! That’s right folks- IT’S OPENING DAY! » Continue reading “Wipe the Sleep From Your Eyes Braves Fans…”
