Yunel Escobar
Chipper Jones
Jeff Francoeur
Martin Prado
Matt Diaz
David Ross
Jordan Schafer
Jo Jo Reyes
If that lineup doesn't strike fear into you then I don't know what will. And this was the lineup we had yesterday against the Astros.
As a Braves fan I have always been optimistic. I have always known that "this year is our year," and I always think "naw man we got this" even when we are down 3 in the ninth with two outs and Greg Norton is at bat. I could go down every player in that lineup and tell you why he is a "great player" and why this lineup could compete with anyone in the majors. But as I step back and look at it from a non braves fan point of few, I have come to the realization that this lineup is horrible.
I don't blame Cox. The lineup that he envisioned going into this season has only played three games this year. To be 100% honest with you I am actually pleased that the Braves have won as many games during these past few weeks as they have. Think about it. Here are the facts:
1. We have had zero production from the leadoff spot:
Before Omar starting leading off (so before 5 games ago) the Braves (Kelly J.) hit .111 (dating back to April 16) with just 4BB. I could have kept going back, but I just got too depressed.
2. Jordan Schafer has struck out 30 times:
Schafer has struck out 30 times. The next highest total on the Braves is 16K's belonging to Matt Diaz. However, Shafer leads the team in BB with 16. The problem I see with Schafer is that his swing on a 0-2 count is the exact same as on a count that is 3-1. Terry P. has GOT to talk to him about this a teach him how to shorten his swing with two strikes. Look what that has done for Frenchy.
I love the kid but I bet he missed
3. We have only had our whole lineup in a game 3 times.
Garret Anderson and B Mac have both been plagued with injuries; it didn't take long for Chipper to wear off on Anderson. Chipper has had absolutely no protection behind him. I really don't think teams fear Kotchman or Frenchy. Once McCann can see again, and we at least get the presence of Garret in the lineup things should come together.
4. Frenchy is stepping up.
To me Francoeur has looked great. His average has been steady at around .285; he has 3 HR; 17 RBI. He is on pace for 20HR and 115 RBI. DRAMATIC improvement over last years disaster. Those are amazing numbers for a player that should be batting 6th. But the big thing is that he has played every game and has only struck out 8 times. This is Jeff Francoeur we are talking about, and only 8 K's. That's great to see even though he only has 4 walks. He is putting the ball in play, and is looking like he is going to get stronger as the season goes on.
5. Omar Infante could save us.
The past four games Infante has started at leadoff he is batting .500 with 2BB and 2K. I know we have to get Kelly back in there and I am not a big fan of platooning a position, but maybe Kelly should just play against lefties for a while. Kelly is hitting .308 against them this year and he hit .330 against them last year. But I have always liked Infante and I say keep him in while he is hot.
Taking all this into consideration I am very pleased with the Braves standing right now. The games are very difficult and very frustrating to watch, but we are only 2.5 games back. Hopefully we will have our real lineup in there next week (maybe by this weekend). I am still very optimistic about our Braves, but I am not as naive as I once was. Who am I kidding? This year is definitely our year.
Injury Update
Brian McCann is scheduled to come off the DL on Friday. The last I heard is that he was going to try glasses out and see if that works and he can play in them. If that doesn't work he is going to have Lasik surgery again and that would put him out a few more weeks.
Garret Anderson is eligible to play this Thursday. Cox offered him a rehab stint just to see some live pitching, but Anderson declined and said he is doesn't need to see live pitching that he is ready to play now.
Jorge Campillo will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday. He will then throw a couple more sessions then start rehabbing in the minors.
0 comments:
Post a Comment