WTG, Chuck James

In his first start after being recalled from the minors, Atlanta Braves pitcher Chuck James allowed only 4 hits by the Los Angeles Dodgers today. One of those hits was a homerun by Andruw Jones* (his first of the season). *More on Druw below.



James actually dropped his ERA from 18.00 to 7.87, and evened his record at 1-1. The Braves won 4-1 and will be pullin' out the brooms tomorrow afternoon.

Woo hoo!

I am in no way hoppin' on the "Chuck"-(band)wagon (haha, funny) but I just wanted to acknowledge that I was wrong about him possibly pitching like shit today.

Since the Braves have actually put together a string of good games, winning 5 of our last 8 and 3 in a row, I was expecting the other shoe to drop this afternoon. That's typically what happens with my team -- kick ass for a few games, get my hopes up, then they lose 3 or 4 in a row.

I know they "can't win 'em all", but when these dudes get ugly, THEY. GET. UGLY.

Oh, Yunel Escobar is ridin' a 12-game hiting streak into tomorrow, the Braves've only allowed 2 runs in the last 3 games, and Chipper Jones is hittin' .6-0-9 in his last 7 games. Niiiiice!

*Druw has been shown nothin' but love since he's been back in ATL this weekend. Not only did he park is car in the Braves lot today (without gettin' the boot by security), but his parents got to enjoy the game from John Smoltz's luxury box. And after his homer today, the classy ATL fans gave him a standing ovation.

We all still love you, Druuuuuuw! It just ain't right seein' you in Dodger blue....

From Bad To Worse

Atlanta Braves left-handed hurler Tom Glavine was placed on the 15-day DL Friday night for the first time in his 22-year career. Poor Tommy's got a strained hammy so they wanna give him some more rest.

But the news is even worse than that: Chuck James was recalled from Triple-A Richmond and will start today's game against Andruw Jones and the L.A. Dodgers.

As I told you earlier, Chuckie (and his 18.00 ERA) had been abandoned to the minors. The minors, where I had hoped he'd remain until we all forgot about him. That didn't happen.



I know our pitching situation is dire right now, so I'm sure our options were very limited when looking for a Glavine replacement...I shouldn't complain. But I will.

I don't think I'll even listen to this crap on WGST. I wouldn't be able to handle the heartbreak in the voices of Pete Van Wieren and Skip Caray when Chuckie fires up the launching pad that is known as home plate at The Ted.

The Atlanta Braves Will Sign This Kid Next Season, You Watch

TOKYO -- A Japanese high school pleaded for a regional game to be abandoned after surrendering 66 runs in less than two innings, local media reported on Thursday.


The coach of Kawamoto technical high school threw in the towel to spare his pitcher’s arm with his team losing 66-0 with just one batter out in the bottom of the second.


The hapless hurler had already sent down over 250 pitches, allowing 26 runs in the first inning and 40 in the second before Kawamoto asked for mercy.


“At that pace the pitcher would have thrown around 500 pitches in four innings,” Kawamoto’s coach was quoted as saying. “There was a danger he could get injured.” (blogger's note: Gee, what gave it away?)


Opponents Shunshukan were officially credited with a 9-0 victory, giving the scoreline a tinge of respectability for the luckless Kawamoto school.


How's *that* for an ERA! Don't feel so bad, Chuck James (2008 ERA = 18.00...he's currently in the minors).

Umm, yea, I'm sure Frank Wren, Bravos GM, was on the horn with Japan this mornin' upon catchin' wind of this.

sigh

Braves Win 2 In A Row

Against the New York Mets no less...

My Braves won 3-1.



I was totally geeked about the John Smoltz/Johan Santana match-up, this being the first start for John since coming off the DL. I couldn't have asked for more from the almost-41-year-old veteran!

He only pitched 5 innings, but struck out 6 and allowed only 2 hits. He also walked 2.

Johan threw 7 innings, gave up 7 hits and 1 earned run.

Since JS only pitched 5 innings, it left the onus on the bullpen to hold the lead. As in seasons past, I've done my fair share of cursing the Braves relief pitching, but today I shall rejoice.

I'm sure tomorrow I'll return to my potty-mouth ways when the bullpen is unleashed, but for now, I'll enjoy the love I feel for Blaine Boyer, Will Ohman, Pete Moylan & Rafael Soriano.

Although, I must say this: GET YER HEAD OUTTA YER ASS, SORIANO! YER MAKIN' ME NERVOUS!!!!

Ok, I feel better.

Now, it's off to Colorado for a 4-game set against the Rockies. Scheduled starters for those 4 games will be Tom Glavine, Jair Jurrjens, Chuck James & Tim Hudson, respectively.

Go Braves!!!!!