Vegas!

Hey kids, I'm heading to Vegas for a long weekend and will unable to post until Monday. Hopefully the Braves won't put anyone else on the DL while I'm gone. And maybe they can bang out a couple of wins while their at it. Enjoy your weekend.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves 3, Nationals 6

Recap: On Sunday, it was Mets slugger Carlos Delgado who was breaking out from a slump but on Tuesday night Nats third baseman Ryan Zimmerman decided it was as good as night as any to silence his critics getting three hits including a homerun in the Nats 6-3 win. The night marked Tom Glavine's return from his first ever stint on the DL, but it was once again the bullpen that played patsy for the Braves giving up four earned runs in three innings.
WP: Saul Rivera (2-1) LP: Blaine Boyer (0-3) SV: Jon Rauch (3)

Games below .500: 2
Games behind Florida Marlins in NL East: 3
Games behind Cubs/Cardinals in Wild Card: 4

Next Game: Wednesday @ Nationals 4:35 PM/est on SPSO

News & Notes: Today is the first day of all-star balloting. You have 25 votes to get your favorite Brave into the game!...Chipper Jones and Yunel Escobar returned to the line-up on Tuesday. Chipper launched his eighth homerun of the season tying him for second in the league.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Smoltz back to the Pen?

John Smoltz was just placed on the 15 DL with his nagging shoulder injury something that flared up last season and forced him to miss the All-Star game and has continued to bother him. During spring training, Smoltz started to concentrate on a new way of pitching that would would make him more efficient. And while he was sporting a below 1.00 ERA prior to Sunday's lashing by the Mets, he was still unable to make it passed the fifth inning. So with Smoltz's prior experience in the pen (3 1/2 years) it made sense that when he is activated from the DL he'd head back to the pen. An idea that sounds ok to the soon to be 41 year old right hander.

Sending Smoltz to the pen may not be a bad idea, solving the Braves continued closer question (seriously what's up with Soriano), but what about his open spot in the rotation? Who knows what's up with Mike Hampton, Tom Glavine just came back from his first ever trip to the DL, Tim Hudson is giving me heart palpatations (he pitched 3 innings on Saturday after losing his velocity two starts prior) and I don't trust Chuck James to make him a permanent fixture in the Braves rotation. However, Smoltz's shoulder may make his decision a hell of a lot easier if it continues to flame up after five or less innings.

(Photo: REUTERS)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves 3, Mets 6

Recap: John Smoltz lasted just four innings during the Braves 6-3 loss to the Mets, but what was more disconcerting than his rare stumble was the fact that he reported feeling discomfort in this shoulder after he pitched. The Braves can hardly afford another injured player with both Yunel Escobar and Chipper Jones sitting out both Saturday and Sunday's games with injuries not to mention the long line of DL laced pitchers the Braves currently own. But Sunday's loss was just as much a product of poor pitching as a well timed break out by Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado who rocketed two homeruns in the Mets victory.
WP: Nelson Figueroa (2-1) LP: John Smoltz (3-2) SV: Billy Wagner (6)

Games below .500: 1
Games behind Florida Marlins in NL East: 3
Games behind St. Louis Cardinals in Wild Card: 3.5

Next Game: Tuesday @ Nationals 7:10 PM/est on SPSO

News & Notes: Tom Glavine is expected to make his first start after coming of the DL on Tuesday against the Nationals...The Braves are also hopeful to have Chipper Jones and Yunel Escobar back in the lineup on Tuesday after both players missed the final two games of the series with the Mets over the weekend...Rafael Soriano complained of elbow soreness leaving the Braves without his services for a little while longer...Brent Lillibridge made his major league debut on Saturday in place of the injured Yunel Esobar. (Note his name is misspelled in the article)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Musings from Shea

Braves 6, Mets 3

Friday night was a night of firsts for me. It marked the first game I attended with the new look 2008 Braves, the first game where I witnessed a Bobby Cox ejection, the first time I saw Jair Jurrjens pitch, followed by the first time I’ve ever seen a pitcher walk in three runs in a row, the first time I’ve ever seen a Andruw Jones-less outfield (which includes the numerous games I’ve attended prior to Jones departure), the first time I saw Kelly Johnson hit a homerun (who knew I would see Scott Thorman accomplish this feat before Kelly) and the first time I’ve seen the Braves get a win in over a year. Oh and it was the first time in three years that I both purchased and ate a hot dog at Shea Stadium. Talk about bravery!

The game was quite the juxtaposition to the other major event happening in Queens on Friday, the Sean Bell trial acquittals. I must have checked every local newspaper’s websites to make sure there wasn’t any rioting happening over in Queens. I mean, I enjoyed the book The Bronx is Burning but I never wanted to witness a similar event. Luckily, there were no major disruptions. (Not just for myself and those heading to the games, but also to the community at large.) The Stadium itself was very mellow, especially for a Mets/Braves game. I think that was partially due to the fact that it was not only a Friday night game, but also because it was many school aged children’s spring break making it kind of like a kids' night at Shea. Plus the rivalry between the two teams has diminished some, with much of the Mets fans hatred falling on the shoulders of the Phillies players and not the Braves. It also turned out be the Braves only win of the weekend with both Tim Hudson and John Smoltz suffering through poor starts. No matter what the score, it's always nice to see the team live and in person instead of on the TV.

For more of my pictures from the game click here.

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves 7, Marlins 4

(I'll update this if I find a better quality version)

Recap: It was all smiles as the Braves came out swinging registering five runs in the first inning to give teammate Chipper Jones a happy 36th birthday with their 7-4 win. Jones went 3-3 including a solo shot in the second to make the score 6-1 while catcher Brian McCann registered his first ever career triple. 10 for heart, but I'm thinking a 3 for the landing.
WP: Chuck James (2-1) LP: Burke Badenhop (0-2) S: Manny Acosta (2)

Games above .500: 0
Games behind Florida Marlins in NL East: 2
Games behind St. Louis Cardinals in Wild Card: 2.5

Next Game: Friday @ Mets @ 7:10 PM/est on PTV

News & Notes: Great news for the Braves, both Omar Infante and Mike Gonzalez got some action in extended spring training on Thursday...Mark Kotsay spent his second night in the past four days on the bench with some minor soreness in his left trapezius muscle. I don't know where that is, but hopeful it doesn't turn into a lingering problem...Tommy Glavine will be heading back to New York this weekend for the first time since helping the Mets put the nail in the coffin last season. Glavine figures some mixed reaction, but due to his injured right hamstring, he'll have to wait to be booed while on the mound...Meanwhile, Chipper Jones is excited to be heading to Shea. I don't know you know this, but he kind of likes it there. Speaking of Shea, I'll be heading over to Queens tonight as well and will try to post pictures on Monday.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Happy Birthday Chipper!

Isn't it ironic that the Jones boys not only shared the same last name but practically the same birthday? Well that's where the similarities have seemingly diverged. While Chipper Jones sits with the highest batting average in the league (.430) Andruw Jones' hitting struggles have continued. While Chipper will most likely be a Brave for life, Andruw was shipped off to the Dodgers (not in a trade but frankly the Braves made it clear they did not want him anymore).

So in honor of Chip's 36th I wrote this little poem. And while it seems like I got a third grader to write this, don't be fooled, the third graded that I paid to write a poem did a better job, but I just lost it on train this morning. Here goes nothing...literally:

Today Chipper you turn 36
You should celebrate with lots of hits

You've been hampered by an injured quad
But at least it's not your foot, back or hands that throb

Tomorrow you'll be back at Shea
A place that you wish the Mets would stay

But before you get all nostalgic remember that you were robbed of that Gold Glove
So don't go showing David Wright any love!

Happy birthday Chipper!
(Photo: AP Photo/John Bazemore)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves 2, Marlins 7

Recap: The Braves were unable to take advantage of Marlins' pitcher Andrew Miller in their 7-2 loss on Wednesday. Entering the game Miller was 0-2 with an ERA ballooning towards 10, but the Braves were unable to come up with timely hits and instead it was the Marlins attacking the Braves pitching which included two early homeruns (by Hanley Ramirez and Mike Jacobs) given up by Jeff Bennett and four late game runs off of the currently shakey Braves bullpen.
WP: Andrew Miller (1-2) LP: Jeff Bennett (0-1)

Games below .500: 1
Games behind Florida Marlins in NL East: 3
Games behind Milwaukee Brewers in Wild Card: 3

Next Game: Thursday, v. Marlins @ 7 PM/est on SPSO

News & Notes: The Braves ailing pitching staff could get a boost sooner than expected. Mike Gonzalez seems poised to come off the DL two weeks ahead of schedule and Mike Hampton could be back next week...But their wide spread pitching woes may not be to blame for their shaky bullpen...Speaking of injury news, Jeff Francoeur's foot is putting his Ripken streak at risk...Braves fans got too feisty, knocking a few of Bobby Collins' teeth out while he attended a Braves home game earlier this month...SI.com is giving its hats off to John Smoltz...While this week's Sports Illustrated features an article about teammates and long time buddies Yunel Escobar and Brayan Pena.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Read the sign Bobby, "No Smoking!"

There's apparently some new rule at Shea Stadium that you can't smoke inside the facility. Why I don't know, in a year they'll be tearing it down (or in my dreams blasting it to pieces) to make way for CitiField and it's not like it's one of the prettier places to catch a ballgame, but the organization had decided that fans, players and coaches alike should stop desecrating the hollowed grounds by lighting up. (Personally, I'd rather whatever food service they have also stop desecrating their facility by selling moldy hot dogs and whatever that was that I ate two weeks ago that they called "chicken fingers" but that's another story.)

In any event, this no smoking ban was news to Braves manager Bobby Cox when reporters brought it to his attention. Cox, who will be heading to Shea for the first time this season on Friday, is an avid cigar smoker. But don’t call him an old curmudgeon; he thinks the Mets new policy is “a great idea,” especially because in his mind “the clubhouse doesn’t count.” Well I’m not too sure about that Bobby, but I like you’re thinking.
(Photo: Mark Lennihan/AP; source)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Happy Birthday Andruw!

For over 10 years, this day would mark a Braves centerfielder's birthday but this year, instead it marks a Dodger centerfielder's bday. I still miss seeing the dimples when he'd make an awesome catch or even strike out and I know that come Friday when I catch my first Braves game of the season, I'm going to have a hard time seeing Mark Kotsay wondering the vast expanses of Shea Stadium for Atlanta. But I did want to give a birthday shout out to Andruw Jones on his 31st bday even if he isn't with the Braves anymore, he'll always have a special place in my small heart.
(Photo: Chuck Solomon/SI)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

John Smoltz reacts to career strikeout 3,000

But unfortunately, Smoltz's awesome performance was not enough and the Braves lost to the Nationals 6-0.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves 7, Nationals 3

Recap: Tim Hudson got it done on the mound and at the plate shaking off a baffling start against the Marlins a week prior and holding the Nationals to only on earned run in six and two thirds innings in the Braves 7-3 victory. Hudson was able to return to his regular velocity around 91-92 mph after being unable to pass 85 in his last start. Hudson blamed his poor velocity on the after-affects of a flu bug, but Braves fans everywhere must have been relieved to not see another starter have to make his way to the disabled list.
WP: Tim Hudson (3-1) LP: Matt Chico (0-4)

Games above .500: 1
Games behind Florida Marlins in NL East: 2
Games behind St. Louis Cardinals in Wild Card: 2.5

Next Game: Tuesday v. Nationals @ 7:00 PM/est on SPSO

News & Notes: Chipper Jones was in Monday's lineup despite aggravating his quad injury on Sunday...Click here to Jeff Francoeur exercise his strong arm during Monday's game.

It's' been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Smoltz going for 3,000th strike

There are many reasons to go out to the ballpark each night, like the hotdogs and beer, free stuff ranging from rally towels to bobble head dolls to Joe Mauer’s side burns, catching a foul ball or a homerun, making your way onto the scoreboard during fan scans, the atmosphere and most importantly the excitement on the field. But tonight, John Smoltz is giving Atlanta area fans another reason to head to Turner Field, a chance to witness history. Smoltz stands just 4 strike outs away from becoming only the 16th major leaguer to record 3,000 strike outs. The achievement becomes even more astounding when you think he missed a year following Tommy John surgery and the fact that he spent 3 ½ years in the Braves bullpen. And if you still need another reason to go see the Braves, they’re looking to extend their win streak to six games. Have I convinced you now?

(Photo: Greg Fiume/Getty Images; source)

It’s been fun blogging with you,
Kate

It's official Ryan Klesko Retires

Former Brave Ryan Klesko has officially retired, confirmed the 16 year vet's agent. Klesko spent eight years with the Braves before heading to San Diego where he recieved his only all-star trip in 2001. His final stop was in San Francisco where he compiled six homeruns and 44 RBIs in 2007.

News of his retirement were not shocking after the AJC reported in February he was leaning that way, however, I always enjoyed watching Ryan even when he was playing with the Padres, because I usually feel, once a Brave, always a Brave.

(source)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves 6, Dodgers 1

Recap: The Braves completed their second series sweep of the season this weekend, taking out the Dodgers, 6-1. Jair Jurrjens gave up just one run, a homer to Russell Martin in his seven innings of play while Mark Teixeira, Kelly Johnson, Martin Prado and Mark Kotsay knocked in all six runs for the Braves. The game wasn't all smoothing sailing for Atlanta as their star third baseman, Chipper Jones had to be relieved after aggravating his right quad injury but is expected back in the lineup in the next two days.
WP: Jair Jurrjens (2-2) LP: Hiroki Kuroda (1-2)

Games above .500: 0
Games behind Florida Marlins in NL East: 2
Games behind St. Louis Cardinals in Wild Card: 2.5

Next Game: Monday, v. Nationals @ 7 PM/est on SPSO

News & Notes: Tom Glavine has hit the DL for the first time in his Major League career. All good things...Speaking of the DL, Rafael Soriano won't be coming off it anytime soon. In fact, he hasn't even thrown off the mound yet...Matt Diaz is back platooning in left field after getting off to a rocky start...Don't forget to check out Jeff Francoeur's blog here.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Chipper Jones takes a knee

Chipper Jones left the Braves 6-1 win over the Dodgers on Sunday early...and in pain after aggravating his right quadricep. Jones originally had injured his quad playing in Colorado on April 9th, but in the sixth inning, the tightness Jones had awoken to on Sunday morning proved to be too much and Martin Prado replace Chipper at third. While he isn't ruling out returning to the Braves lineup as early as Monday, his leg is "sore." Jones is the hottest bat in the Braves lineup leading the Majors in average and third in RBIs and homeruns. Even though he would be sorely missed if he is unable to play on Monday, I think it's probably better for him to give it a bit of a rest. We all know the Braves have enough people on the DL as it is.

(AP Photo/John Bazemore; source)

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

Braves 8, Marlins 0

Recap: Bobby Cox closed door meeting sent the Braves asses in gear with John Smoltz throwing 10 strike outs in five shutout innings in the Braves 8-0 win over the Marlins. The Braves were on the verge of a sweep by Florida when veteran third baseman Chipper Jones helped lift the offense going 4-4 including two homeruns and three RBIs while the Braves relieving core were able to hold onto Smoltz's lead for four scoreless innings. Hopefully the Braves can carry this into their next series with the Dodgers.
WP: John Smoltz (3-0) LP: Ricky Nolasco (1-1)

Games below .500: 3
Games behind Florida Marlins in NL East: 3
Games behind Cubs/Brewers in Wild Card: 3

Next Game: Friday v. Los Angeles Dodgers @ 7:30 PM/est on PTV

News & Notes: John Smoltz's 10 strikeouts put him just four away from a career total of 3,000...Friday's game against the Dodgers will mark the first time Andruw Jones will return to Turner Field since leaving the team in the off season. Maybe he can get some pointers from teammate Dodger teammate and former Brave Rafael Furcal.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Peter Moylan done for the season?

It's never a great sign when you go to visit Dr. James Andrews. Usually the trip ends up with Tommy John surgery and a extended period on the DL. Well that's just what might happen to Braves reliever Peter Moylan. Moylan, the feel good story of last season after the former pharmaceutical salesman became a mainstay of the Braves bullpen by impressing scouts during the World Baseball classic, will undergo two weeks of treatment before a final decision will be made. Pete's suffering from bone spurs in his elbow which sounds absolutely painful.

Without Moylan and Rafael Soriano, the Braves will use a closer by committee strategy until Soriano returns from the DL. I hope the Braves get this pitching crisis out of their system early, because without good pitching it will like 2006 all over again
(source)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves 5, Marlins 6

Recap: Early into this season, a few reoccurring themes seem to be emerging for the Braves. Wednesday’s 6-5 loss to the Marlins summed them up with Tim Hudson’s mysteriously lost velocity and early exit, the Braves 8th inning rally that fell short and their seventh one run loss. Currently, the Braves are not implying Hudson’s 58 pitch performance was due to an injury per say but rather the affect of a “dead arm.” In any event, Hudson was only able to complete 3 innings before being pulled while his Marlin’s counterpart Mark Hendrickson went five and one thirds innings giving up three runs including a two run shot by Yunel Escobar. The difference maker came in the seventh inning when Luis Gonzalez knocked a two run homer off of Braves reliever Jeff Bennett.
WP: Mark Hendrickson (3-1) LP: Tim Hudson (2-1) SV: Kevin Gregg (3)

Next Game: Thursday, @ Marlins @ 7:10 PM/est on SPSO

Games below .500: 4
Games behind Florida Marlins in NL East: 4
Games behind Chicago Cubs in Wild Card: 4

News & Notes: Tom Glavine will not miss his next start after leaving Sunday's game in the first inning with a hamstring injury...Mike Hampton had a pain-free bullpen session on Wednesday...Speaking of Mikey, he made si.com's list of worst free-agent deals. Well what do you expect when you've missed over two years of action...Oprah's Big Give is coming to Turner Field on Friday April 18th.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves 0, Marlins 4

Recap: The Braves were blanked by the Marlins on Tuesday by a resurgent Scott Olsen in their 4-0 loss. Olsen struggled in 2007 and was marked by horrible press including a minor run-in with the popo that resulted in him being tasered, but the left-hander has gotten back on track in this early season including his spectacular performance on Tuesday where he gave up only five hits in seven innings. Jair Jurrjens pitched well for the Braves allowing only two runs in six innings, but the Braves failed to give him any run support which resulted in another loss for Atlanta.
WP: Scott Olsen (2-0) LP: Jair Jurrjens (1-2)

Games below .500: 3
Games behind Florida Marlins in NL East: 3
Games behind Cubs/Brewers in NL Wild Card: 3

Next Game: Wednseday @ Florida @ 7:10 PM/est on FSN

News & Notes: The Braves don't expect to put Tom Glavine on the DL...Sad news, former Boston Braves outfielder Tommy Holmes died at the age of 91.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

More Bad News for the Braves

After starting the season with starter John Smoltz on the DL, the Braves have added Mike Hampton and Rafael Soriano the list of out of commission pitchers. Add Tom Glavine's early exit on Sunday and the recent news that Peter Moylan will take at least 15 days off, and the Braves are getting killed by the injury bug early. Moylan, the latest victim, is scheduled to meet wiht Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion on his balky elbow. Goodness, a visit with Dr. Andrews is never a good sign. In the meantime, the Braves will call up Buddy Carlyle and make Manny Acosta, Blaine Boyer and Will Ohman Atlanta's new closer by committee. Carlyle is scheduled to start on Friday moving Tom Glavine's next start to Saturday. If his hamstring is still not ready to go, the Braves could use Jeff Bennett as a stop-gap. With all these injuries the Braves will have to prove that they have the pitching depth they've been touting all winter long.

(source)

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

Braves 4, Rockies 5

Recap: An early exit by starter Tom Glavine spelled trouble for the Braves who attempted a comeback but fell a run short in their 5-4 loss to the Nationals. Tom Glavine was charged with two runs in his short outting and was replaced by Jeff Bennett who didn't fair much better in four innings of relief work. The Braves staged a comeback in the sixth notching three runs including a homerun by Chipper Jones that drove in two, but were unable to complete the weekend sweep of the Nationals even though they had the bases loaded with an out remaining in the ninth.
WP: Tim Redding (2-1) LP: Tom Glavine (0-1) S: Jon Rauch (2)

Next Game: Tuesday, @ Marlins 7:10 PM/est

News & Notes: The Braves have a day off on Monday...With Glavine's health already questionable, the Braves also have to worry about oft-injured third baseman Chipper Jones who seen limping around the clubhouse after injuring his quad on Friday. Jones did play on Sunday knocking his second homer of the season, but the Braves have to wonder if this is a sign of things to come for Chipper...The closer role is opne for now and Manny Acosta is hoping to have a shot at it...Scott Spiezio's attempt at a comeback hit an abrupt snag on Saturday when the Richmond Braves released the veteran less than week after he plead guilty to drunken-driving.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Glavine makes early exit

Tom Glavine left Sunday's game against the Nationals in the first inning with a sore hamstring. If Glavine has to take an extended leave of absence, it would mark his first time on the DL in his over 20 year career. But currently the southpaw is listed as day-to-day.

A trip to the DL would put a major crank in the Braves pitching rotation which is already missing Mike Hampton who is on the DL with a pectorial strain. The Braves recently sent a not so ready for Major League play Chuck James back to the Minors and no offense Jo-Jo Reyes, but I'm not ready for you to play in the big boys, my heart can't handle it.

But before I begin to panick again, there were some good signs for Glavine, he was able to simulate his pitching motion after being iced down three times and trainer Jeff Porter did not feel a tear when he checked out Glavine's hammy, so hopeful, Tommy can continue his DL-less career.

(Photo: AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais; source)

It's been fun blogging with you,

Kate

Snow Out!

Recap: The Braves series finale against the Rockies was postponed due to snow. The game was rescheduled for June 16th. And thus moving Tim Hudson's start to Friday against a currently slumping Nationals team. Hopefully the Braves can capitalize and start to rack up some wins!

Games below .500: 3
Games behind Florida Marlins in NL East: 3
Games behind Cubs/Brewers in Wild Card: 3

Next Game: Friday, @ Nationals @ 7:35 PM/est on SPSO

News & Notes: After a diasterous start against the Rockies on Thursday, the Braves have optioned pitcher Chuck James to AAA-Richmond. Can we now move Jeff Bennett from the bullpen in to start? I think he's a much better option than say Jo-Jo Reyes!...With Rafael Soriano on the 15-day DL, the closer spot is currently up for grabs and Peter Moylan is happy to be in the mix...Click here to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal's take on the Jordan Schafer situation.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves 6, Rockies 12

Recap: Chuck James may not have been quite as ready as he thought he was for Wednesday's start after giving up 6 runs in just three innings in the Braves 12-6 loss. It wasn't all bad for the Braves, Brian McCann had three hits and three RBIs while Yunel Escobar, Chipper Jones and Matt Diaz were able to drive in a run a piece. But in the end, the Braves poor pitching was too much for the team to overcome and led to their third straight loss to the Rockies.
WP: Mark Redman (1-1) LP: Chuck James (0-1)

Games below .500: 3
Games behind Florida Marlins in NL East: 2.5
Games behind Milwaukee Brewers in Wild Card: 3.5

Next Game: Thursday, @ Rockies @ 3:05 PM/est on SPSO

News & Notes: The Braves have placed closer Rafael Soriano on the 15 day DL with right elbow tendinitis...The Braves are without prospect Jordan Schafer thanks to the new MLB Department of Investigations that was able to discover Schafer's HGH use.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves 3, Rockies 4

Recap: The Braves dropped another one run game on Tuesday, their fifth such loss on the season making them the first team since the 1996 White Sox to do so in their 4-3 defeat to the Rockies. Jair Jurrjens had a solid start but gave up back to back RBI doubles in the fourth inning and another two runs in the fifth while Atlanta's offesne could not take advantage of a wild Jubaldo Jimenez in the first inning only scoring one run even though he allowed four of the first five batters to reach base. Jimenez settled down while the Rockies bats came alive solidifying another close loss for the Bravos.
WP: Ubaldo Jimenez ( 1-1) LP: Jair Jurrjens (1-1) S: Manny Corpas (3)

Games below .500: 2
Games behind Florida Marlins in NL East: 1.5
Games behind St. Louis Cardinals in Wild Card: 3

Next Game: Wednesday, @ Rockies @ 8:35 PM/est on FSN

News & Notes: Chuck James will make his season debut on Wednseday against the Rockies. James says he's ready to go even though he'll be nursing a cold.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Schafer Busted!

Well, maybe the Braves will need the services of Mark Kotsay a little longer than they thought after Braves top prospect Jordan Schafer was busted for HGH use. Goodness kid, didn't you read the study, they do more harm than good! Schafer will have plenty of time to cruise around in his hummer (if he can afford the gas) after being suspended for 50 games for the infraction, effective immediately. The team had this to say about the announcement:

“We are extremely disappointed that Jordan has violated the Commissioner's Performance Enhancing Drug Policy," Braves general manager Frank Wren said in a prepared statement. "We are supportive of the program and will continue to educate all of our players. Earlier today Jordan asked to speak to his teammates to apologize for the mistakes he has made and for letting the organization and his team down. During his suspension, we will continue to support and counsel Jordan."

Goodness did he ever screw up. But unlike his could be teammate Scott Spiezio, at least he wasn't arrested.
(Photo: Paul Connors/AP; Source)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves 1, Rockies 2

Recap: After sweeping the Mets in an abbreviated series, the Braves bullpen once again found a way to blow the game for the team in their 2-1 loss to the Rockies. Nursing a 1-0 lead into the eighth, Blaine Boyer surrendered a two run homer to Matt Holliday taking away a win from Tom Glavine who pitched six and one third shutout innings.
WP: Matt Herges (1-0) LP: Blaine Boyer (0-2) S: Manny Corpas (2)

Games below .500: 1
Games behind Florida Marlins in NL East: 1
Games behind St. Louis for Wild Card: 2

Next Game: Tuesday, @ Rockies @ 8:35 PM/est on SPSO

News & Notes: Mike Hampton extended April fools an extra day injuring his pectorial muscle during warm ups on Thursday which has sent him to the DL...Chuck James will be activated from the DL in time to pitch against the Rockies on Wednesday...John Smoltz felt tightness in his neck and shoulder during Sunday's win over the Mets.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Spiezio takes the plea deal

Newly acquired Scott Spiezio is putting the past behind him as he hopes to return to baseball once again on Monday. Spiezio pleaded guilty to drunk driving and hit-and-run charges stemming from a December car crash in Orange County, CA. With his plea agreement, Spiezio will serve a three year probation, undergo a three month treatment program, attend two AA meetings and complete 80 hours of community service. I hope he's treatment program is outpatient based otherwise it may be awhile until Spiezio will be able to play in the minors. Or maybe it will be like Michael Vick's prision experience where Spiezio can play on the rehab baseball team. And they can like play other rehab clinics. Whatever the case maybe, hopefully he can move on with his life.
(Photo: AP Photo/Ryan Smith/Rome News-Tribune; source)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves 10, Pirates 2

Recap: The Braves got off to a great start picking up a run in the first, third and fourth innings including Matt Diaz's solo shot in the fourth but kept the game close until unleashing the big bats in the eighth to pick up their first win of the season, 10-2. Both Mark Teixeira and Yunel Escobar hit homeruns in the eighth to help push seven runs across homeplate during the inning. Jair Jurrjens was impressive in his Braves debut going five and one third innings while allowing two runs on seven hits.
WP: Jair Jurrjens (1-0) LP: Tom Gorzelanny (0-1)

Next Game: Thursday, v. Pirates @ 7:10 PM/est on SPSO

News & Notes: Mike Hampton will make his first big league start in over two years on Thursday...Kelly Johnson is hoping to return to the Braves lineup in the next few days after sustaining a knee injury on Tuesday.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves 11, Pirates 12

Recap: It wasn't quite the home opener the Braves were hoping for but the game did prove that when the chips are down, the Braves will continue to fight, unfortunately, on Monday it was not hard enough after they lost to the Pirates 12-11. The game entered a see-saw battle almost from the start of the game, with the Pirates striking in the second inning only to see the Braves best them with three runs in the third. The Braves came back in the ninth inning with five runs to push the game to extras. But in the 12th inning, the Pirates Xavier Nady belted a three run homerun that put the game out of reach for the Braves.
WP: Francquelis Osoria (1-0) LP: Blaine Boyer (0-1)

Next Game: Wednesday, v. Pittsburgh @ 7:10 PM/est on FSN

News & Notes: Tom Glavine received a warm welcome in his Turner Field homecoming...Kelly Johnson left Monday night's game early in the fourth inning with a right knee strain. He is listed as day-to-day and hopes Tuesday's off day will be enough to get him on the field by Wednesday...Not to be mean, but I personally blame the Braves loss on Season 3 American Idol runner-up Diana DeGarmo who attended the home opener.

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate

Braves sign Scott Spezio

The Braves have decided to give a chance to former Cardinal Scott Spezio after singing him to a minor league deal on Monday. The infielder could provide a little more insurance, but I have to wonder about a guy who missed part of last season getting his life back on track only to whind up on the wrong side of the law following a DUI charge in February. Braves GM Frank Wren and Bobby Cox met with Spezio and said that he seems to be turning the page, but after watching Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, this disease fools not only the person but the people around them. Hopefully he truly is changing his life around. But if something goes wrong, the Braves have not put all of their eggs in one basket.
(source)

It's been fun blogging with you,
Kate