ATLANTA BRAVES INDIVIDUAL PITCHING
Bobby? Look at the stats. Go to the bottom of the page? See who’s there? With the nice, round, 9.00 ERAs? I know it’s spring, but Alfonseca’s given up seven earned, eight total, in seven innings.
I really don’t think the Braves will keep Almanza if he doesn’t straighten up. Nitkowski’s been better, Pratt’s been better, Bong’s been better. And Almanza’s on a AAA deal.
Horacio’s K/BB are encouraging (I know I know small sample size). Check his innings, k’s, and bb’s vs. damian moss’ his first full year. Eerie. I just hope the following year doesn’t give the same result.
Just heard word that the Braves traded Pratt and Lewis to the Cubs for Juan Cruz and another player. Personally, I’m thrilled.
Whoa.
Cruz and Smyth. Wow. Looks like our bullpen just got some much needed live arms. Cool. I guess Cruz now becomes the one who should be in the rotation instead of Wright.
Haven’t seen a story yet, but here’s the link to ESPN’s transactions page:
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/transactions
In other moves, Jose Capellan was sent to Myrtle Beach and Bubba Nelson and Ryan Langerhans were assigned to Richmond. Chuck Smith and Russell Branyan were re-assigned to minor league camp. I assume Branyan will refuse the assignment and become a free agent…
Full omment, with link, now up. Also see No Pepper.
The story’s now also on the official Braves’ site (I won’t paste the link here because it’s ridiculously long). It’s pretty much lists the stats and adds this quote from Schuerholz:
“We have added a real power arm to our pitching staff,” said Braves Executive Vice President and General Manager John Schuerholz. “Anytime you can get a pitcher of Juan’s caliber you feel good about that. Smyth has a good track record and we’re happy to have him in our organization.”
You’ll also notice that there’s a story on the website about Andruw’s defense with the headline: “Jones draws comparisons to Mays.” Is it just me or does that story seem about five years late?