With last night’s 8-6 win over the Twinkies, that’s 5 of 6 and 8 of the last 10. We’re still scrappy underdogs, but we are in pretty good shape for the final month of the season. I don’t have time to do justice to that crazy game last night in the Twin Cities. So just a few quick, random thoughts:
–I’ve never seen a rookie pitcher like Schwellenbach. His stuff and his command of six pitches is something that’s usually reserved for veterans. Max Fried has that kind of command of an extensive arsenal, but he’s been at this for a long time. Schwelly is not just a rookie—he’s barely even been a starting pitcher for the equivalent of a full season. Schwellenbach was not as efficient as usual last night, but he still held them scoreless, striking out 8 and only walking one. Until he hit the hundred pitch mark in the fifth, that is. He clearly ran out of gas and walked the final two batters he faced.
–The best rookie pitcher I remember for the Braves was Soroka. His command and general smarts were off the charts. God, I miss him and what he could have been. But even though Soroka made his big league debut at 20, he had a lot more minor league innings than Schwelly. FWIW, Glavine, Smoltz, and Avery (and Maddux with the Cubs) all struggled as rookies before finding their footing a year or two into their big league careers.
–I love Brian Snitker, and I don’t buy into the constant criticism he gets on some websites for his bullpen management. After all, they do have the best bullpen in the league this year. Having said that, I don’t know why Dylan Lee only faced one batter while Jesse Chavez was trotted out for a second inning.
–Dare I say it? The offense may finally be coming around—especially Matt Olson. Matty had two hits including a double. MHII’s wrist must be ok—he crushed a two run homer to make it 2-0. El Oso Grande stroked a two run single in the fourth to make it 4-0. And then the Mime hit a big double in the tenth that should have scored a run, but it worked out. If Ohtani didn’t exist, Marcell might be the favorite for MVP. And he may yet win the Triple Crown. What a story.
–The baseball the Braves are playing is fun, but it’s nerve-wracking. It’s going to be a wild September.
Chris Sale takes the hill tonight, giving the Braves a great chance for a sweep. We’ve got a long way to go to get back at them for 1991 (no, I haven’t forgotten or forgiven Kent Hbrek), but let’s keep pouring it on.
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Before I go a few words about JonathanF. What a beautiful tribute he penned just Monday about the loss of his beloved wife. It’s remarkable that he could write so well in the midst of great loss. But it’s not surprising that he would write well. His intelligence, eloquence, great humor, and grace are on display every week here. Thank you, JonathanF, for all that you do for us, and may you find peace and blessings in this awful time.
Last night’s game was so wild – always weird when we win and I’m still kind of mad. But a win is a win. We gotta keep playing well because the Phillies have woken up and the Mets are still right there. Not a time to be punting innings (cough Jesse Chavez cough).
I’ll echo all the comments about JonathanF. I don’t participate here nearly as much as in years past, but I always enjoy his wit and thoughtful articles. We’re kind of close in age and I have empathy for his hardships. His requiem post was incredibly touching. Wishing all the best.
Here’s to a sweep and, for sure, here’s to you, JonF.
Amen, tfloyd.
Jonathan’s article was truly touching.