Strikeouts do not trasnlate into Wins!

For years I have been saying one of the most overrated stats in baseball are strikeouts.

Most baseball fans tend to disagree. Strikeouts are definitely one of the most entertaining things in the game. I think we can all agree that there is nothing better late in a close-game than a 3-2 strikeout with runners in scoring position to end the inning/game.

Although strikeouts are certainly exciting they don't necessarily translate into wins for the starting pitcher or the team. Point and reasoning is our beloved Javy Vazquez.

Javy is first in the majors with 125 K's, 8th in the NL in ERA, averaging 1.94 BB/9 and 5.43 K/BB. His stats are fantastic and batters are only hitting a measly .230 against him. The main issue with Vazquez is lack of run support with the Braves.

However what makes Javy the perfect candidate for the reasoning is the fact that he has a career loosing record and is one of baseball best strikeout pitchers the past decade. Javy's years as a Expo were wasted with a bad team but he has played for contending teams since leaving Montreal. Strikeouts only excite the fans but do not translate into wins for the pitcher or team. Other pitchers in the past few years that have faced similar dilemma are Zach Greinke, Gil Meche, Matt Cain, Erik Bedard and Ian Snell. That's why a hitter who is capable of blasting 40 HR's and 110 RBI's is more effective than pitcher who tallies 200 K's a year. Yet again a prime-time hitter is more effective and useful to a team in modern-day MLB than a ace-starter.

Change is Coming...

It's time for change for the Atlanta Braves organization...

Whether that involves sitting or trading a local outfielder who was the Sports Illustrated coverboy, Jeff Francoeur; or making another major move such as asking a future Hall-of-Fame coach to step down because he cannot get the message across to his players.

Simply put this team is not cutting it. The Braves playoff drought has been 3 long and miserable years. Fan support is the lowest it has been in five years (based on attendance numbers at The Ted and television viewers). The only way this team is going to regain the pride and prestige they had in the 90's is by making a key change NOW! The Braves have to make the playoffs this year if they want to retain an above-average fan base, make an attempt at luring key free-agents this off-season and most importantly bring some hope back into players that have not had the opportunity to reach the playoffs.

The Braves clearly have the pitching to get it done but their hitting is questionable. The addition of Nate McLouth brought necessary speed and power to the top of the lineup, but their 6-8 spots of the lineup are killing the team. Casey Kotchman is a pathetic excuse for a 1B from an offensive point-of-view, he not only lacks power but he is also slow around the bases. Jeff Francoeur the Braves usual #7 hitter is batting a measly .245 and Kelly Johnson the Braves #8 hitter is hitting a devastating .224. On top of that Frenchy has the 10th lowest OBP in the majors! But to put the icing on the cake, Kelly Johnson is not far behind him at 16. In order to be a successful team in the major these days you have to receive input from all your hitters. Whether the top of the lineup is providing power and bottom is playing small ball you can not rely on 3-4 hitters to win you ball games consistently.

Since the Braves lost that devastating Game 7 in Houston off a Chris Burke walk-off HR (irony) Bobby Cox and company have posted a 267-286 record. That won't get it done in Boston, that sure as heck won't cut it in New York, so why is this record acceptable in Atlanta?

Fantasy Stew with Chef TK

WHEN THE INJURY BUG ATTACKS

Webb. Kazmir. Hamilton. Sizemore. Putz. Lidge. Reyes. Quentin.

These are just a few names that have not been in your lineup due to the always lingering stress of fantasy baseball - INJURY. At the start, you probably looked over your lineup after draft day and felt like the future was full of hope. Then the future happened. The season is a long one and we are all likely to experience a week or more when the guys we count on go on the shelve. What can we do?

The waiver fire is an ocean full of hope. But can we find the Gold Fish instead of pulling seaweed. By golly...we can try!

Here are some names that could be waiting to play fill in as our starters on the DL rest their boo boos.

Manny Parra SP Brewers - I know. First thing you see is his 3-7 record. But Manny plays on a good offensive team and provides a better chance to get run support then alot of the pitchers on the waiver wire. His history shows he is bound to climb back to a more reasonable win/loss line.

Kenshin Kawakami SP Braves - Kenshin is a lost value on the braves pitching rotation. He scared off alot of owners with early fatigue and inconsistency. Still, he hasn't allowed more then 3 runs in his last 7 starts and the Braves offense has just gotten a major face lift in Nate McLouth. He has also showed the ability to rack up some Ks.

Chris Duncan OF Cardinals - Chris hasn't put up the pop that usually comes with his name but he has seen 177 at bats and has 73 total bases. He has the upside to give you a homer here, homer there while someone like Josh Hamilton recovers. Yet, if you are in a league that penalizes strikeouts, stay away.

Jack Wilson SS Pirates - Captain Jack is a very underrated player. He is also someone who has been involved in trade rumors and could soar in stock if dealt to a contender. Don't expect a ton of runs but he can spray the hits and give you Average.

Andrew Bailey RP Athletics - Bailey has been sneaking around the closers spot the last few days. He has 3 saves in the month of June and may quietly become the man as many forget there is still baseball in Oakland. If Bailey can get you some saves while your closer recovers, then its like striking gold all over again on the west coast.

QUICKIES

The MLB Draft happened today. If your in a keeper league, keep your eyes open on how they progress but don't hold your breath for this season value.

Nate McLouth has the ability to make every player in the Braves lineup better. Sparkplug effect.

With Boston looking for a shortstop I can see Nick Green posting some numbers to state his case to stay put.

Jose Contreras (SP) has been called up to the White Sox. He is worth a chance on your team.

It feels like the Red Sox pitching staff (besides Beckett) will either throw no hitters or get shelled. Hopefully the Russian..err...Boston Roulette ends soon.

ANSWER THIS!!!

AL CY YOUNG...Halladay or Greinke?

Medlen's PINK Backpack...

For those who missed it Kris Medlen has been spotted numerous times sporting a pink backup while making his way to the bullpen prior to the ballgame. Being as Medlen is a rookie, he is required to carry the backpack to the bullpen every game. 

The pack is filled with goodies such as candy, sunflower seeds and gum.

Hanson to make Braves Debut on Sunday

With all of the roster changes, there has been alot of craziness going around the Braves locker room. From the release of the veteran Glavine, to the addition of All-Star CF Nate McLouth, to the calling up of young potential ace Tommy Hanson, the Braves are sitting pretty in the NL East! Hanson, named the #1 prospect in all of baseball, will be facing a tough lineup in the Milwaulkee Brewers Sunday. He needs to go up and try to get groundballs, and not have the usual mindstate of "striking everyone out". He's gonna need to be able to handle his excitement of pitching in the majors in order to translate into a successful outing. I look forward to seeing how he will perform. With the Braves 5.5 games back, Hanson isn't under too much pressure, which should help his mind-set headed into the game. 

With encouraging teammates such as Derek Lowe, Brian McCann, and Chipper Jones, Hanson should receive the motivation needed to mow down the hitters. If he's able to pull-off a quality start, it could be a bright sign for the Braves future! 

Atlanta Braves Projected Lineup

With the addition of Nate McLouth the Braves lineup trades drastically. McLouth not only brings power to a struggling offense but he will provide the Braves with much needed speed on the basepath. McLouth has swiped 20 bags the past two season, lead the NL in doubles and was sixth in the majors in the runs in '08.

Why wait until 6:30 PM tonight forthe lineups will to be released, when here is what the card read. 

1. Nate McLouth, CF
   
2. Yunel Escobar, SS
   
3. Chipper Jones, 3B
   
4. Brian McCann, C
   
5. Garret Anderson, LF
   
6. Jeff Francoeur, RF
   
7. Kelly Johnson, 2B
   
8. Martin Prado, 1B
   
9. Jair Jurrjens, SP
   

So, what do y'all think? Are you pleased with this lineup? 

Braves trade for Nate McLouth...Hanson to start Saturday

The Atlanta Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates have reached an agreement to trade for outfielder Nate McLouth. Nate McLouth is coming off a terrific 2008 season in which he tallied 26 HR's and 96 RBI's while maintaing a .276 batting average. In 2008 he lead the National League in doubles with 46, was sixth in the majors in runs scored and won a Gold Glove. 

According to an MLB official the Braves are sending Charlie Morton, Gorkys Hernandez and Jeff Locke to Pittsburgh for All-Star Nate McLouth. 

McLouth did sign a three-year extension with the Pirates in February. Here is the breakdown: 

2009 - $3.5 million ($2 million base and $1.5 million bonus)

2010 - $4.5 million

2011 - $7.75 million ($6.5 million base with $1.25 million buyout in 2012)

2012 - $9.4 million club option

Frank Wren did suggest that he will be a leadoff hitter; my guess is Bobby will utilize him as leadoff when McCann is in the lineup and bat him cleanup when McCann has the day off. 

As for Tommy Hanson; the Braves top pitching prospect is getting the call to the big-leagues. He will start Saturday vs. the Brewers. Hanson will move into the rotation as the 5th starter and his roommate will be Kris Medlen. Tommy has been fantastic pitching for Gwinnett posting a 1.49 ERA while striking out 90 batting and only issuing 17 walks in 66 1/3 innings.

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Go Bravos!