ESPN.com – MLB – Recap – Phillies at Braves – 09/11/2003
Well, the Bad Maddux put in an appearance, as you see. Hopefully, it’s just a cameo. Two in the first, three in the third, two more in the fourth. I didn’t think he was pitching that badly in the first inning — there was some shaky umpiring and some bad luck. The Phillies had four infield singles against Maddux, three of them leading to runs. I don’t think you can hold infield singles against a pitcher, but on the other hand there were eight other hits including a homer.
The key moment for the Braves might have been in the bottom of the first, when Giles doubled but was subsequently called out at third trying to steal with one out and Sheffield at the plate. (And the Braves already trailing 2-0.) Bobby was thrown out arguing the call. I thought Marcus was clearly safe — the throw beat him but the tag was right between his arms and never moved — but what was he doing stealing third with Sheffield batting? Gary then tripled, but Chipper grounded out to the pitcher. It’s quite possible that if Marcus had stayed put the Braves could have tied the game in the first, and who knows what happens after that? As it was, the Braves didn’t score until the fifth, when they were already down 8-0.
Marcus doubled again later in the game and now has 47. Matt Franco had a pinch-hit homer in the fifth with Vinny on, and Robert Fick was 0-3 and is 9-for his last-72. Just saying.
The Braves travel to Florida for three. It’s possible that they could clinch in that series, but that would mean they’d have to sweep, plus the Phillies would have to lose two to the Pirates. I’d settle for two out of three and a clinch in Montreal.
Bobby has got throw out 9 times this year, 5 when Maddux was pitching. Why does Maddux want to leave? He should just take anything and stay next year. We’re in a recession, right now and I read somewhere how he’s not very money-minded. San Diego is not going to be a winning team that everyone thinks it will be. There are a lot of young guys out there and rebuilding is a complicated, slow process usually. San Diegeo could be a flop even with Giles, Loretta, Hoffman and maybe even Maddux. I don’t think it’s going to be easy for him to settle in there. In Atlanta, he has coaches and managers who bend over backwards for him, the fans totally love him. I am just annoyed that we’re gonna lose this guy. He’s, without a doubt, my favorite player. He’s too established. Besides why the hell would u want to play in a park called PetCo? They gotta lose that endormsement deal.
By the way, I totally agree with what someone wrote here yesterday in regard to the guys at ESPN saying Maddux will have Javy catch him once he reaches 15. This was brought up again on Sportscenter and it really does, to me, question why Cox is really putting an individual’s records above the team’s success goals. That is completely incorrect anyways. Maddux has had a personal catcher for years. It has nothing to do with this goal, which has taken an added importance in recent years. Besides why would they want to have to start using Javy for every gae with a comfortable cushion?
About Marcus Giles’ call lastnite, I’m sorry Mac but I disagree. I thought he was out. And that’s a good point – why was he stealing with Sheff coming on?
Hey Mac, I think it’s time for another poll (the thing on the right) for your site. You have lots of topics to choose from…playoffs…contract extensions (and who thinks who is more likely to stay on in 2004), etc
Bobby has got throw out 9 times this year, 5 when Maddux was pitching. Why does Maddux want to leave? He should just take anything and stay next year. We’re in a recession, right now and I read somewhere how he’s not very money-minded. San Diego is not going to be a winning team that everyone thinks it will be. There are a lot of young guys out there and rebuilding is a complicated, slow process usually. San Diegeo could be a flop even with Giles, Loretta, Hoffman and maybe even Maddux. I don’t think it’s going to be easy for him to settle in there. In Atlanta, he has coaches and managers who bend over backwards for him, the fans totally love him. I am just annoyed that we’re gonna lose this guy. He’s, without a doubt, my favorite player. He’s too established. Besides why the hell would u want to play in a park called PetCo? They gotta lose that endormsement deal.
By the way, I totally agree with what someone wrote here yesterday in regard to the guys at ESPN saying Maddux will have Javy catch him once he reaches 15. This was brought up again on Sportscenter and it really does, to me, question why Cox is really putting an individual’s records above the team’s success goals. That is completely incorrect anyways. Maddux has had a personal catcher for years. It has nothing to do with this goal, which has taken an added importance in recent years. Besides why would they want to have to start using Javy for every gae with a comfortable cushion?
About Marcus Giles’ call lastnite, I’m sorry Mac but I disagree. I thought he was out. And that’s a good point – why was he stealing with Sheff coming on?
Hey Mac, I think it’s time for another poll (the thing on the right) for your site. You have lots of topics to choose from…playoffs…contract extensions (and who thinks who is more likely to stay on in 2004), etc
Since I live 3 train stops on the red line from Wrigley, looking at the easy cubs schedule and their dominant starting pitching, it’s a done deal. I’m gonna watch the Braves beat up the Cubs in person! So I’ll be able to be your live reporter for that game here in Chitown, Mac. I’m gonna buy tickets for the NLDS games 3 (to see hampton) and 4 (to see the good reynolds)
The Braves may pay Maddux, but the rest of the NL East owns him. Maddux should have Boris bill Bud Selig for how much money he’s going to lose on his next contract because the unbalanced schedule is killing his numbers. Except for the Mets who never learn anything and that’s why they are 30 games back, the other NL East teams that see Greg alot have totally figured him out. Check the numbers:
vs Montreal, Philly, and Florida
1-6,52 IP,77 H,57 R,48 ER,14 HR,10 BB,28 K, 8.31 ERA
57 runs in 52 IP! Clearly the teams that see him the most have cracked the code. You might expect him to get hit a little harder, but a run average of 9.87? Wow.
Against everybody else, he’s – well – he’s Greg Maddux:
13-5,149.3 IP,139 H,52 R,45 ER,10 HR,23 BB, 90 K, 2.71 ERA
That’s worth paying for. Unfortunately for Greg, he’s only got two starts left and the only teams left on the schedule are the Big 3, Montreal, Florida and Philly. So if he wants Cy Young’s record he’s going to have to buck the trend.
If Florida or Philly somehow get through San Fran and we meet them in the NLCS, Javy better darn well catch Maddux because we are going to need the runs. 9.87 RA? Might want to see if Pujols is available to play first base too.
Besides why would they want to have to start using Javy for every gae with a comfortable cushion?
This is not a necessary consequence of having Javy catch Maddux. You just let the other guys see Blanco a little. Which is important in itself, because if something happens and Henry has to catch the other guys at some point int he postseason *shudder*, you want for them to at least be omewhat familiar with him.
doesn’t maddux have 3 more starts left: (Sept 16th at olympic stadium, Sept 22 at Turner Field vs the Marlins and then Sept 28 versus the Phillies at the Vet). I saw this earlier but then I told myself that they wouldn’t let him pitch as last as the 28th cos he’s obviously going to be in game 1 or game 2 of the playoff so he’ll need to be well rested. However I am confused because (at ) Henry Blanco says “I think he was trying too hard….He has to face them one more time in Philly, so let’s hope he has the record by then” hence implying he will pitch in the Vet. I am very confused! Isn’t that the 3rd game then? Isn’t that too close to the first game of the NLDS? Someone help me unravel this thing! Sorry for all the posts – this is my last post of the day.