Aside from Smoltz’s early resilience, this was a fairly desultory performance to mark the end of a 4-8 road trip. Of the 12 games, the Braves led in about 14 of them by my count, only to be stymied by their own bullpen almost every day, followed by a lack of offensive punch to get back the lost leads. With the news that Hudson and Davies will be starting on short rest this week, coming home doesn’t seem like much of a respite for a tired team. We can only hope that Hampton’s “forearm strain” isn’t worse than they’re letting on — we need him back ASAP.
Recap unnecessary, nothing positive to report.
Brave-O-Matic 
Once again- no run support for Smoltz. Smoltz struggled from the start (9 hits, 3 walks and 100+ pitches in 4.2 innings), but didn’t allow a run to cross the plate.
The offense was minimal, at best. 0 baserunners for the first 3 innings. Then came the bullpen “relief”…….
I just wanted to comment on the new site. I found it somewhere in the middle of this road fiasco and have thoroughly enjoyed the edgy commentary. Keep up the good work. Between the bullpen’s performance, the lack of consistent offense, and the injuries, it looks as though humor will have to get us through. Its a shame they are owned by such a knuckleheaded corporation with its bottom line mentality. Scheurholz has to be dying to pull the trigger and get some additional bullpen relief. It may be what stands between the Braves and another division championship. This isn’t me hitting the panic button either because if anyone can turn it around, it is Leo…but…The farm system can take the hit (trade bait). The team certainly is profitable as a stand alone. Sure, its not NY, but TBS markets the Braves gear into Idaho for christsake. What’s Houston gonna do with Lidge? How about Baez from down here in Tampa? (i know…Tampa? but the kid can throw especially with a little Maz Magic….) Anyway, I enjoy your site. Keep it up.
Thanks for the kind words David. We are having a lot of fun with this, and we hope others will stumble upon it as well.
I actually like the Baez rumor. (Although I would LOVE to get Lidge, I can’t see Houston giving him up).
Before the season started, some were taking bets as to how long Baez would remain in a Devil Ray’s uniform. Remember, he was touted as a stud when he was with Cleveland, and for the last two years he was their closer, saving 55 games the last two years. Although his ERA and ratios are nothing to get excited about, he has proven he can get the job done.
Of course Kolb was a “proven” commodity when we got him, and we see where that got us – Adam Bernero as our would-be closer (if we can ever maintain a lead until the ninth!)
I agree with David, in that we need new ownership. We need an individual who cares about the game, instead of a corporation that just watches the bottom line dollars.
Also, I think Lidge is a possibility. Houston stinks. Really, really stinks. I a way they didn’t forsee 2 months ago. They may soon begin to look for next years talent. But what will we give up? Furcal?