Posts tagged ‘Chipper Jones’

The Braves have now won 4 games in a row and seem to have solved some of the problems of the first few weeks of the season. The bats have started to come alive and the pitching seems to be more intact but everything is not in great shape. The injuries are now starting to pile up with key pitchers Glavine, Soriano, Moylan and Hampton on the injured list.

In today’s ball game Chipper reaggravated his quad muscle and will be further evaluated after the ball game but was again pulled early. If the Braves want to make a playoff run in ‘08 they have to get healthy quick. The injuries to Hampton and Chipper are to be expected because of their history but filling the gap for the other guys is a major issue. Still, the Braves have the youth in the minors to bring up quality players to fill in. Hopefully this will be what keeps them in the race all season long!

Bert’s Trivia of the Week

Last Week

What was the first year for the hall of fame? Who was in and with the most votes?

Answer

1936; Ty Cobb 222, Walter Johnson 189,Christy Mathewson 205, Babe Ruth 215,Honus Wagner 215

This Week

Who was the 1996 HR leader for the Braves?

The voters have finalized their votes and the numbers are in. These are the 2007 Bravescast Awards & 2008 Predictions:

We will start off with 2007. Hitter of the Year goes to Chipper Jones. Pitcher of the Year goes to John Smoltz. Surprise player of the year goes to Yunel Escobar. The 2007 Bravescast Atlanta Braves MVP goes to Chipper Jones.

We also analyzed who we thought would win these awards in 2008 and here is what we came up with:

Predicted Pitcher of the Year: Tim Hudson. Hitter of the Year will be Jeff Francoeur. Surprise Player for ‘08 is Josh Anderson. The 2008 Atlanta Braves MVP will be Mark Teixeira.

A special thanks to the “Braves Insider” Grant McAuley for his assistance in our latest show. Check out his work at www.mlb.com or the Braves radio network sites. We will be recording live audio from fanfest this weekend Jan 12th and 13th.

Bert’s Trivia

Last Weeks Question:

Q: Who was the World Series MVP in 2002?
A: Paul Molitor

This Weeks Question:

Who stole the most total bases in the decade of the 1990’s?

To answer the question or for more information on the show e-mail us at hosts@bravescast.com or call our voicemail line at 678-608-2721

Everyone in Atlanta is pumped about the new trades that bring both Mark Texeria and Octovial Dotel to the Braves. For the average fans it seems great on the outside. We acquire a power and average hitting, proven switch-hitting gold glove first baseman and experienced arm in the bullpen who is capable of being a closer for most teams in baseball. It all looks good right?

Take a step back and ask yourself is there a down side to the trade. All trades have a dark side and this is no exception. The Braves gave up maybe the only average, power and switch-hitting catcher who can also play a secondary position in the majors. We also gave up a starting pitcher who is in his mid twenties and has shown previous signs of being a dominant pitcher in the majors. The Braves also gave up some guys in the farm system that is among the top prospects not only for the Braves but all of baseball.

The Braves have officially entered the “WIN NOW” era in Atlanta. Teams do it all the time. The marlins have won two World Series with this strategy. Do the Braves have enough to get them to the World Series? Are we still a starting pitcher short? We have had a door open up for us that we don’t get much in Atlanta. In a weeks time, we have went from being a pretty good team with some question marks and hales to fill to a team that is now the favorite to win the national league east and go on the world series. Some experts say we have now the best lineup in the National League. We have 10 quality starters in 8 everyday positions. We are the deepest, the youngest and maybe now the most motivated team in this year’s playoffs run.

The door is open and will be shutting after next season. Chipper and John Smoltz are getting older, their might not be any Andruw Jones, Edgar Renteria, or Tim Hudson or Bobby Cox, This in my eyes is really a make or break year for the Braves. The remainder of the season is going to be something special in Atlanta. Come be a part of the Bravescast. Your feelings are always welcome here. We are the only show for the fans and by the fans. Contact us anytime at hosts@bravescast.com