Sing A Song

Here’s the one song I think describes each of member of my projected Braves starting rotation.

Tim Hudson – Lupe Fiasco “Superstar”
Tim Hudson has been a bit of disappointment since coming over from the A’s but following a horrendous 2006, Timmy really stepped up in 2007 and made a conscious decision to make a change and become the pitcher the team could depend on, not only winning on my birthday (thanks Tim) but also by winning 15 other games for the Braves and lowering his era from 4.86 to 3.33. But as the song goes “If you are what you say you are, a superstar/Then have no fear, the crowd is here/And the lights are on/And they wanna show.” So this season, Mr. Hudson, we’re all waiting to see if you can give us the show.

John Smoltz – Alicia Keys “No One”
John Smoltz is not only my favorite Braves player, but he also the only player to be a member of all 14 division title teams not to mention his unorthodox spring training regime makes this one a no brainer. Smoltz had spent a large part of the spring throwing simulated and minor league games before playing against the big boys on March 15th. Smoltz cruised through four scoreless innings against the Rays before hitting a bit of a speed bump in the fifth, giving up five runs in two thirds of inning. However Smoltz is not one to dwell and seemed encouraged with his first spring training start of the season. I can hear him telling everyone “don’t worry, because everything is going to be alright.” Although I don’t think he would sound quite as good as Keys, it still would be just as soothing.

Tom Glavine – Willie Nelson “On the Road Again”
After five years playing for some crappy team in Queens, Glavine is back home with the Atlanta Braves for what could amount to his final season ever. Tommy’s final month with the Mets was less than desirable, but I figure it’s because he finally realized he should have never ever left Atlanta. But that like 2/3 inning performance the final game of the season was enough for me to want him to come back. Although I probably wouldn't give him the ball if the Braves were in a similiar siutation but it did make a great Monday at work with all those dejected Mets fans coming in. Way better than the day after the regular season in 2006. Anyway, I chose this song over the more obvious Daughtry song “Home” because of the hopefulness it projects. “Like a band of gypsies we go down the highway/We're the best of friends/Insisting that the world be turnin' our way/And our way/Is on the road again” Even with all of the hype Johan Santana is bringing to the Mets, I’m thinking things are going to turn the Braves way this year and Tom Glavine will be a major part of this change because Julio Franco surely didn’t do it for us last year.

Mike Hampton – Danity Kane “Damaged”
Mike Hampton has not played in a regular season Major League game in over two years. He has a bum elbow, he injured his hamstring playing one game in Mexico and then injured his groin earlier this spring training. Like there’s another word that describes him better than damaged. But the real question posed is “how you gonna fix it?” Well besides rest and a whole lot of prayer, it seems like Mike Hampton may finally be able to get back into the rotation. Although I was kind of thinking that last spring training and then Mark Redman was pitching so I’m completely holding my breath, crossing my fingers and toes, doing weird turns, throwing salt over my shoulder, whatever it takes to keep this guy healthy. I’m excited about the talent that will be in the minors but I’m not sure they are completely ready.

Jair Jurrjens – OneRepublic “Stop and Stare”
Jair Jurrjens came over to Atlanta from Detroit as a member of the Edgar Renteria trade. While I was upset that they were getting rid of Renteria, I understood the potential that Yunel Escobar possessed and the low salary he received. And as an extra bonus, the Braves picked up young ace Jurrjens who has been crazy good during Spring Training impressing myself enough to add him as the fifth member of my mock rotation. Seriously this kid may have only played in just over 30 innings in the Majors but he’s only allowed 1 run in nine innings pitched in the spring including a run of eight straight scoreless innings. Going up against Chuck James, who’s recovering from surgery, Jo-Jo Reyes who’s all over the place and Buddy Carlyle who truly slowed down as the season progressed, there’s no reason Jurrjens can’t make the rotation. Don’t believe me, just stop and stare.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate