Braves drop 2 of 3 to the Phillies
The Good: The starters continue to sparkle. Did you know “Smoltz” is Latin for “Hard Luck Loser"? 
Mike Hampton continued his hot start with another gem (3 hits allowed over 8 shutout innings) and another no-decision. Horacio Ramirez pitched the worst of the three yet was the only one to pick up a win. If it weren’t for John Smoltz’s struggles on opening day the Braves would have 4 starting pitchers in the top 30 among the ERA leaders in the National League. Now that’s incredible!
The Bad: It’s all or nothing (mostly nothing) with the bats this year. The offense exploded for 11 runs in Horacio’s start Friday. Two home runs each for Raul Mondesi and Rafael Furcal, both of whom sorely needed them. But then they were held to 1 run in each of the next two games, squandering the aforementioned performances. … Brian Jordan continues to languish below the Mendoza line (just stick Andy Marte out there and be done with it; if Ryan Klesko could do it he sure can!). … The Braves just can’t get it done in the clutch. Andruw Jones left 9 runners on base and saw his average plummet 51 points to .222 during the series. He is the key to the offense getting on track. Thus far he has done precious little to prove this spring wasn’t a fluke. 
… The top 2 batting averages on the Braves belong to a pitcher and a 46-year old. Enough said.
The Ugly: Not only can Dan Kolb not pitch, but now we learn he can’t field either! When he threw away (both literally and figuratively!) the ballgame that just demoralized the team. Chipper Jones understandably sounded concerned about the situation on The Jim Rome Show Monday and alluded to the possibility of Chris Reitsma taking over as closer if Kolb doesn’t get his act together. I say we just send all the relievers to Richmond (if some are picked up off waivers sobeit) and call up everyone in the the bullpen at AAA. They can do a better job than the current crop until Schuerholz finds some journeymen who are halfway decent. Of course I’m being facetious but the time for more draconian measures is approaching.
C’mon. When you look at the BA you need to realize the Braves have the best active hitting pitcher (Hampton) and the others are picking themselves up. While I agree something happened to Andruw in the gap from Spring Training to the regular season, the others took time to find their groove. As for Kolb, if he screws anymore saves up, I may need a new TV come All-Star time.
Comment by Nett — Apr 20, 2005 @ 1:19 pm