The Sky is Falling

Hanson's line from his first major league start was not too impressive: 6 IP, 6 ER, 5 K, 3 HR. So maybe the Brewers aren't the Toledo Mud Hens. Don't depsair, though; there is a lot to like about Hanson's much antipated debut. First of all, the Brewers are one of the best power hitting clubs in the National League, ranking third in homers with 54 this year (compared to only 38 by the Braves). The homeruns didn't surprise me a ton, anyways. Power pitchers typically give up more homeruns than those that pitch with more finesse. Think Javy Vazquez here. Similiar pitching styles: both strike out a lot of guys, both throw hard, both are fly ball pitchers. In 2008, Vazquez had the 14th highest HR/9 among AL-qualifiers. So the kid is probably going to give up some long balls, but considering he allowed only 5 in 66 IP in Gwinnett, I wouldn't count on 3 per game from here on out.

What can we take awat from this game? Well, for most of us, it was the first time seeing Hanson pitch, and his stuff sure didn't disappoint. In fact, the kid was downright nasty at times, bringing a fastball that averaged about 93.5 mph but topped out at 97, a big, slow curveball that made a lot of professional hitters look bad, and a slider that comes in around the high 80's. He showed all of them off in the bottom of the second when he struck out the side on only 12 pitches. One thing I always like to see from a pitcher is throwing strikes, which Hanson did with 67% of his pitches, slightly better than the league average of 62%. However, Mark Bowman writes that most of those came against his first 9 batters faced, when the threw 24 out of 31 pitches for strikes. After those hitters, only 34 of his 60 pitches came in as strikes. So, I think we saw what the 22 year old is capable of when he retired the first 10 batters he faced, but also some of the inconsistency that is bound to plague any young pitcher, even phenoms. Any opinions on the kids performance?

6/7/09 - Brewers 7, Braves 8: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The Good

- 97 mph fastballs from Tommy Hanson

- Hanson striking out the side in the 2nd

- Chipper. Jones. (4/4, 2 HRs, 3B, 5 RBI)

- Everything about the bottom of the 8th

- Mac getting a pinch hit, RBI double on "McCann Bat Day"

- Huge hit from McLouth to tie it in the 8th

- The Cuban Missile's go ahead single (and him not going psycho after the called strike)

- Prado's double play in the 9th

The Bad

- The Cuban Missile making errors (3 in last 2 games)

- The call on Council's triple in the 7th

- Francoeur and KJ (0/8, 6 LOB, the only hitless position players)

And The Ugly

- Jeff Francoeur hitting 0-1 in 69% of his at bats

- 3 HRs from The Phenom

6/6/09: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The Good

• Jeff Francoeur drawing a walk
• Peter Moylan's pickoff in the 8th
• Brian McCann hustling out a triple on a popup (better slide than last time)
• Javy Vazquez's continued performance
• 3 SBs in one game (including a double steal)
• 32,000+ in attendance (wonder how many bought tickets because it was supposed to be Hanson?)
• The Braves on MLB.TV + laptop = no need for magazines

The Bad

• KJ continuing to hit leadoff
• Chipper left the game because of "dizziness"
• Seeing Trevor Hoffman without hearing "Enter Sandman" (best intro in baseball)

And The Ugly

• The offense going scoreless in the last 22 innings
• 3 for 28 with RISP during this homestand

The Braves Get More Cowbell

I was going to start off this post by mostly bitching about the Braves's handling of Tom Glavine. However, a few writers much better than myself already did a fine job: DOB and Buster Olney (Glavine part is free). The Bearded Icon himself even weighed in, with appropriate disapproval. So I'll move on to the other moves the Braves made yesterday.

Within just a few minutes of announcing Glavine's release, Tommy Hanson was called up. Everyone is probably already familiar with his stats in Gwinnett thus far, but here they are in case you've missed them: 11 starts, 1.50 ERA, 66.1 IP, 17 BB, 90 K, 0.864 WHIP. Whew. And if you can't do the math, those strikeouts work out to a ridiculous 12.3 K/9. Though the kid has always been a big prospect for the Braves, he really skyrocketed after his performance in the Arizona Fall league last year, which draws some of baseball's best prospects. The stats that led to his becoming the first pitcher to win the MVP in the fall league: 0.63 ERA, .105 BAA, and 49 K's in 28.2 IP (15.4 K/9). Bringing Hanson up moves Medlen to the bullpen. I'd like to see him stay a starter, but there's no where for him to go. Personally, I think the Braves should send him back to Gwinnett where he can pitch regularly. The bullpen could get a little crowded, with Soriano, Gonzalez, O'Flaherty, and Moylan better options late in the game.

As for the McLouth deal, I love it. Charlie Morton didn't show much when called up last year, though he was dominating in Gwinnett (who wasn't?). Gorkys Hernandez is a highly ranked prospect, but he is years from seeing the majors, and he isn't stealing as many bases as he did early in his career (54 in 2007, 20 in 2008, and 10 so far this year). The guys at FanGraphs say that McLouth is one of the most projectable players around: "a quality left-handed bat who draws some walks and has some power." They're not a big fan of his glove, saying he is a serviceable centerfielder, despite his 2008 Gold Glove. What this says to me is that Braves will move him over to left next year (or maybe right this year) when Schafer is ready to come back up. He does have a great contract, owed $15 million through 2011, with a club option for 2012. According to FanGraphs, he should be commanding upwards of $12 million. A pretty good deal, even if he does look like a young, blond Christopher Walken. I've got a fever!

Hop Aboard the Roller Coaster of Emotion

This Braves season has truly been one of highs and lows. Let's take a look:

4/5 - 4/12: Start out the season winning 5 out of 6 on the road versus the World Series champion Phillies. Rookie phenom Jordan Schafer homers in his first at bat.

4/13 - 4/21: Lose 7 out of our next 8 games, including a 5 game losing streak. Average just 2.6 runs after putting up 6.3 in those first 6 games. However, Francoeur has hit .309 up to this point (4/25) and Schafer, though only hitting at about .270, has on OBP of .400. Sure, he's striking out more than once a game, but who cares?

4/22 - 5/5: After winning 3 in a row, the Braves went 2-7 at home, getting easily outplayed by St. Louis, Houston, and New York. Mac goes on the DL with a bizarre eye problem.

5/6 - 5/13: The Braves then took an NL East trip, traveling to the Mets, Phillies, and Marlins. They win 6 out of 8, but Frenchy's OBP has plummeted to .273 and Schafer is clinging to life above the Mendoze line (.214), with 44 K's in 34 games.

5/15 - 5/24: On this homestand, the team goes 6-3, including a sweep of the AL East-leading Blue Jays. Kawakami has seemingly turned things around after a rough start, pitching an 8 inning, 3 hit gym. To close out the sweep, Jurrjens continues his dominant start, yielding only 2 runs. But, Kelly Johnson is hitting .230 in the leadoff hole, finally prompting a change in the lineup that is immediately abondonded after a game.

5/25 - 5/28: Another 4 game losing streak, as the good guys get outscored 7 to 23 by the Giants and Diamondbacks. Chipper has a nagging toe injury that may land him on the DL.

5/30: 2 runs in the third give the Braves an early lead, and Javier Vazquez continues to blow people away, striking out 8 in 6.1 IP. However, the offense can't get anything else going, and the bullpen finally yields in the 11th. A 3-2 loss.

6/2: Flash to the 7th inning. The Braves are getting no hit by a rookie. They're flailing at everything. Chipper finally gets a hit, then we cut the lead to 2 in the 8th. In the bottom of the 9th, the much-maligned "hometown hero" Francouer blasts a two out homer to tie the game. Soriano mows down a few Cubs in the 11th and 12th, until Chipper drives home the winning run in the bottom of the 12th. Braves win 6-5.

6/3: After recovering from last night's huge win, the Braves have sent Schafer to work his problems out in the minors. But, when things are looking up, news comes across that Tom Glavine, who threw 11 shutout innings in his last two rehab starts in anticipation of being called up for his next appearance, has been cut by the team. I was never in favor of this signing, but it felt like the Braves just strung along a legend then discarded him. I'm pretty down about this.

But wait! We called up Tommy Hanson to make his first major league start on Saturday. The super-prospect is almost the symbol of hope for this franchise. What's that? Nate McLouth? We got some power in the outfield? And he steals some bases? So we gave up Gorkys and Charlie Morton, this outfield could actually produce some runs! McClouth has 7 SB, the entire Braves team has 12. The outfield has hit 10 HRs so far, McClouth 9. I'm excited. I'm pumped up. This team will never slump again, right?

In Frank Wren We Trust: Part 2

Back for more Wren moves. Still using the RJTS.

3/26/08 - Tyler Yates to the Pirates for Todd Redmond

After posting a 5.18 ERA with the Braves in 2007, Yates posted similar ERAs of 4.66 in 2008 and 7.50 so far this year.

Redmond held his own in AA Mississippi in '08, going 13-5 with a 3.52 ERA. However, some other numbers did not bear this success out: 7.2 BB/9, 4.03 K/9, 8.9 WHIP. Every one of these numbers has been even worse this year, even the already high WHIP. All things said and done, Wren got something for a player we didn't want anyways, albeit something seemeingly not worth taking.

No Thumbs

3/29/08 - Claimed Ruben Gotay off waivers from the Mets

In 88 games in 2008, Gotay hit .235/.322/.343. I have nothing else to say.

1 Thumb Down

7/4/08 - Signed Julian Tavarez

Tavarez actually pitched pretty well after signing with the team in mid summer, appearing in relief in 36 games and posting an ERA of 3.89.

1 Thumb Up

7/29/08 - Mark Teixeira to the Angels for Casey Kotchman and Steve Marek

Most Braves fans probably know how Tex (nickname used solely for ease of typing, no affection here) performed in half a year in Anaheim, but in case you forgot, he simply hit .358/.449/.632 with 43 RBIs in 54 games.

After some well documented struggles after changing leagues, Kotchman seems to have found his grove this year. This is about what to expect out of him: hitting .281 with 16 2Bs, 24 RBIs, and 17 Ks to 14 BBs, all while playing gold glove caliber defense at first. Meanwhile, Marek has done nothing to impress in AA last year or this. This deal obviously doesn't look great because Tex is such a great player, both on offense and defense, but his stock was deeply declining last summer, as teams realized they would only be getting a rental. Since the Braves couldn't afford his $180 million contract, this is probably about as much as could be had for the rental. Additionally, Kothcman is still arbitration eligible, a factor that becomes more and more important to the Braves every year.

2 Thumbs Up

8/27/08 - Mark Kotsay to Red Sox for Luis Sumoza

Kotsay played nothing short of terrible for the Sox last fall, hitting .226 in 22 games. Sumoza, a 20 year old outfielder in Rome, isn't doing anything special, though he isn't approaching Schafer/Francoeur numbers either. Wren effectively rid himself of Kotsay and his back for a mediocre prospect.

1 Thumb Up

11/21/08 - Claimed Eric O'Flaherty off waivers from Seattle

An excellent pickup so far for the Braves. While being the only lefty in the bullpen, O'Flaherty has appeared in 24 games with an ERA of 3.12 and a 0.865 WHIP. Filled a big need for the team with some of the hitters in the East and filled it well.

2 Thumbs Up

12/4/08 - Tyler Flowers, Jonathan Gilmore, Brent Lillibridge, and Santos Rodriguez to the White Sox for Javier Vazquez and Boone Logan

After a brilliant performance in the Arizona fall league (eclipsed only by Tommy Hanson's) that saw Flowers hit .385 and lead the league with 10 HRs, his value as a prospect sky-rocketed. Though I doubt he will stick to catching due to his big frame, there will hopefully not be an opening there in Atlanta for quite a few years. He was the gem of this deal from the White Sox perspective. Gilmore is hitting .214 thus far, while Lillibridge's stock has cooled the last few years as he has lost his bat. Rodriguez averaged 14 BB/9 in 2008, but a young kid all the same.

Javier Vazquez has pitched absolutely phenomal in 2009, although his 4-4 record does not show it. He is leading the league in strikeouts and is on pace for about 280 for the year. He's got a solid ERA of 3.58 and a WHIP of 1.15. You know he is going to eat innings up throughout the year, something that the Braves truly lacked last season and stands to help the bullpen immensely. Given some run support, he would be a shoo-in for an allstar spot (sound like any other Braves pitchers?). Logan has pitched decent in Gwinett this year, sporting a 3.13 ERA but a 1.300 WHIP. Clearly the Braves gave up some possibly elite prospects in this deal, but they got an inning eater who strikes guys out and doesn't get hurt. Although his price tag has sparked some rumors that the Braves may be shopping him for a much needed bat, I like this deal a lot since he is a sure thing, whereas none of the prospects are.

4 Thumbs Up

1/13/09 - Signed Kenshin Kawakami to a 3 year deal worth $23 million

Probably still too early to call this one. That price tag is awfully steep, and the "shoulder fatigue" coupled with his early season performance certainly set off alarms for Braves fans. However, over 5 starts in the month of May, Kawakami had an ERA of 3.03 (even though he pitched only 29.2 IP in that stretch). Plus, during that stretch, his WHIP was an unimpresive 1.416. I'm still a little nervous about this one.

2 Thumbs Down (so far)

1/13/09 - Signed Derek Lowe for 4 years, $60 million

Lowe has pitched like the ace he was advertised to be in the offseason when Wren took the plunge on a 4 year deal with a 36 year old pitcher. $15 mil is a lot for a pitcher that old, but the guy has been consistent. Since returning to the NL after a failed stint with Boston, he posted a 3.59 ERA while averaging 212 IP over 4 years. Among the league leaders this year in wins so far. Barring a major injury, I like this move despite the steep price tag.

2 Thumbs Up

2/20/09 - Signed Tom Glavine for 1 year, $1 million (incentives up to $3.5 million)

Wren took another shot on Glavine, again a sentimental move. Talked in Part 1 about his saeason in 2008. Thus far in the minors this year, Glavine, who starts tonight against the Augusta Green Jackets, has an ERA of 3.60 over 10 IP. With a plethora of major pitching talent waiting in the wings (Medlen, Hanson, maybe even Morton), could this move actually make the team worse? I love Tom Glavine, and his experience and knowledge about the game would be invaluable for this team, espcially the young pitchers I just mentioned. That being said, I would like to see him take on a consultant's role rather than a starter's. Of course, he could totally prove me wrong, as I hope he does.

1 Thumb Down

2/22/09 - Signed Garret Anderson for $2.5 million over 1 year

A move made to try to improve the abysmal outfield offense of 2008, Anderson hasn't quite lived up to the expectations. After being hurt early in the year, Anderson has improved his stats to .266/.294/.358. Given his consistency the last few years, those numbers are likely to go up. If they stay where they are, though, it is certainly not an upgrade over Matt Diaz, who is probably a little better defensively. On the other hand, if he can bring them up closer to his career averages, this is as good a way as any to spend $2.5 million.

1 Thumb Up (for now)

4/20/09 - Blaine Boyer to the Cardinals for Brian Barton

Boyer has posted a 5.06 ERA in 13 games so far in St. Louis. The 27 year old Barton is hitting just .241 in Gwinnett. Nothing special here.

No Thumbs

That conlcudes the exhaustive review of Frank Wren's tenure with the Braves. The total tally on the RJTS: 19 Thumbs Up vs. 12 Thumbs Down, with 9 positive moves vs. 7 negative ones. Given the budget constraints, the floundering hometown heroes, the phenoms that transform into dazed rookies, and some of the streakiest players in baseball, I think Wren has done pretty well overall. Feel free to leave me a comment if you disagree on a move or if I left something out.

Links: Scouring Them Internets So You Don't Have To

• Pathetic Phillies Fan

• Sir Charles being Sir Charles. How does he get away with this? Here's hoping he makes good on his goal to become governor of Alabama.

• College Baseball: Big Ten Sucks & a simply incredible performance by Texas relief pitcher (12.1 IP, 0 H, in relief)

• Joe Posnanski and stat guru Bill James discuss super prospect (and Georgia Tech alum) Matt Wieters

• Spent a solid 10 minutes on this website. Did you know that homer by Greg Norton last year was the fastest off the bat for the whole year (tied with Mac)? Me neither. (via Peter King)

• Does anyone else think that this Lamar Odom candy story is bizarre? Should a grown man really be eating this much sugar, especially a professional athlete?

• A Las Vegas high school sophomore makes the cover of SI this week, very reminiscent of Francoeur's "The Natural" cover... hopefully not a bad omen for the kid.