Friday, July 21, 2006
Braves fall to Cards in finale
07/20/2006
ST. LOUIS -- For the first time since the All-Star break, the Braves found somebody capable of ending the ridiculous offensive flurry that had carried them over the past week.
Facing defending National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter at Busch Stadium on Wednesday night, the Braves were reminded there will be some nights in which they aren't able to provide their pitching staff a double-digit run total. Of course, this was one of those games in which they needed plenty of support from their potent offense.
Carpenter silenced the Braves' offense and his offense took advantage of the opportunity to reintroduce Jason Shiell to the Majors. Consequently, St. Louis claimed an 8-3 win that snapped Atlanta's season-best seven-game winning streak.
"Let's face it, the odds weren't in our favor," said Chipper Jones, who had two hits to extend his hitting streak to 19 games -- matching a career high.
With their first loss since July 7, the Braves dropped to five games out of the lead in the National League Wild Card chase. But this setback wasn't exactly a surprise. Carpenter was opposing Shiell, who just a month ago was pitching for the Somerset Patriots of the independent Atlantic League.
"We were going against Mr. Cy Young tonight and he looked like Cy Young to me," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "He had great stuff to me. Our guy [Shiell] had six punchouts in four innings, but a ton of pitches. He got a little tired."
Shiell, who was making his first career Major League start, calmed his nerves during a two-hour, 12-minute delay that was caused by a storm that produced heavy rains and monstrous winds. He impressed his first time through the Cardinals lineup. But with their second look at him, the Redbirds produced a four-run third inning, highlighted by Jim Edmonds' three-run homer.
"I made some good pitches and some bad pitches," Shiell said. "I had a few days off, so my mechanics weren't quite right. I wasn't satisfied, but I felt good about the way I pitched."
Shiell, who was signed by the Braves on June 22, had posted a 2.14 ERA in his three starts at Triple-A Richmond. But that competition and the batters he faced in the Atlantic League weren't exactly the caliber of the potent Cardinals lineup.
Still while making his first Major League appearance since 2003, when he made 20 relief appearances for the Red Sox, the right-hander at least made a good impression on Cox. While registering six strikeouts and issuing three walks in four innings, he was only scored upon during that four-run third inning.
"He looked fine to me," said Cox of Shiell, who missed all of the 2004 and 2005 seasons with arm problems.
Shiell was promoted to John Thomson's spot in the starting rotation. With Thomson's right shoulder feeling stronger, he'll likely be healthy enough to return for his next scheduled start on Tuesday against the Marlins.
The Braves, who had tallied 65 runs in their previous five games, saw Carpenter limit them to two earned runs and five hits. The Cardinals' offense provided him plenty of support by scoring eight runs in the first five innings against Shiell and Kevin Barry.
After Shiell exited, Barry entered and retired just one of the eight batters he faced in the Cardinals' four-run fifth inning. Since not allowing a run and just two hits in his first three career Major League appearances (nine innings), the 27-year-old right-handed reliever has struggled. He's surrendered seven earned runs in his past 1 2/3 innings.
After the long delay postponed the start of the game, Wilson Betemit hit the first pitch delivered by Carpenter for a single. He scored on an Andruw Jones single. But the only other Braves run off Carpenter came courtesy of a seventh-inning solo shot by Brian McCann, who has homered in five consecutive games.
"He's tough," Adam LaRoche said of Carpenter, who has handed the Braves two of their four losses this month. "There's a reason he won a Cy Young Award. You have to be patient with him. But if you let one pitch go, it might be the only good one you see the entire at-bat."
When Carpenter exited, the Braves made a late rally, loading the bases in the ninth inning against Braden Looper. But two more Cardinals relievers entered and limited the damage to just one run, courtesy of LaRoche's groundout.
"Chris pitched a great game," Chipper Jones said. "We had our chances late to have a big inning. But all in all, six games into the second half, I'm extremely happy. You're going to run into guys that are going to stick it to you from time to time."
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
ST. LOUIS -- For the first time since the All-Star break, the Braves found somebody capable of ending the ridiculous offensive flurry that had carried them over the past week.
Facing defending National League Cy Young Award winner Chris Carpenter at Busch Stadium on Wednesday night, the Braves were reminded there will be some nights in which they aren't able to provide their pitching staff a double-digit run total. Of course, this was one of those games in which they needed plenty of support from their potent offense.
Carpenter silenced the Braves' offense and his offense took advantage of the opportunity to reintroduce Jason Shiell to the Majors. Consequently, St. Louis claimed an 8-3 win that snapped Atlanta's season-best seven-game winning streak.
"Let's face it, the odds weren't in our favor," said Chipper Jones, who had two hits to extend his hitting streak to 19 games -- matching a career high.
With their first loss since July 7, the Braves dropped to five games out of the lead in the National League Wild Card chase. But this setback wasn't exactly a surprise. Carpenter was opposing Shiell, who just a month ago was pitching for the Somerset Patriots of the independent Atlantic League.
"We were going against Mr. Cy Young tonight and he looked like Cy Young to me," Braves manager Bobby Cox said. "He had great stuff to me. Our guy [Shiell] had six punchouts in four innings, but a ton of pitches. He got a little tired."
Shiell, who was making his first career Major League start, calmed his nerves during a two-hour, 12-minute delay that was caused by a storm that produced heavy rains and monstrous winds. He impressed his first time through the Cardinals lineup. But with their second look at him, the Redbirds produced a four-run third inning, highlighted by Jim Edmonds' three-run homer.
"I made some good pitches and some bad pitches," Shiell said. "I had a few days off, so my mechanics weren't quite right. I wasn't satisfied, but I felt good about the way I pitched."
Shiell, who was signed by the Braves on June 22, had posted a 2.14 ERA in his three starts at Triple-A Richmond. But that competition and the batters he faced in the Atlantic League weren't exactly the caliber of the potent Cardinals lineup.
Still while making his first Major League appearance since 2003, when he made 20 relief appearances for the Red Sox, the right-hander at least made a good impression on Cox. While registering six strikeouts and issuing three walks in four innings, he was only scored upon during that four-run third inning.
"He looked fine to me," said Cox of Shiell, who missed all of the 2004 and 2005 seasons with arm problems.
Shiell was promoted to John Thomson's spot in the starting rotation. With Thomson's right shoulder feeling stronger, he'll likely be healthy enough to return for his next scheduled start on Tuesday against the Marlins.
The Braves, who had tallied 65 runs in their previous five games, saw Carpenter limit them to two earned runs and five hits. The Cardinals' offense provided him plenty of support by scoring eight runs in the first five innings against Shiell and Kevin Barry.
After Shiell exited, Barry entered and retired just one of the eight batters he faced in the Cardinals' four-run fifth inning. Since not allowing a run and just two hits in his first three career Major League appearances (nine innings), the 27-year-old right-handed reliever has struggled. He's surrendered seven earned runs in his past 1 2/3 innings.
After the long delay postponed the start of the game, Wilson Betemit hit the first pitch delivered by Carpenter for a single. He scored on an Andruw Jones single. But the only other Braves run off Carpenter came courtesy of a seventh-inning solo shot by Brian McCann, who has homered in five consecutive games.
"He's tough," Adam LaRoche said of Carpenter, who has handed the Braves two of their four losses this month. "There's a reason he won a Cy Young Award. You have to be patient with him. But if you let one pitch go, it might be the only good one you see the entire at-bat."
When Carpenter exited, the Braves made a late rally, loading the bases in the ninth inning against Braden Looper. But two more Cardinals relievers entered and limited the damage to just one run, courtesy of LaRoche's groundout.
"Chris pitched a great game," Chipper Jones said. "We had our chances late to have a big inning. But all in all, six games into the second half, I'm extremely happy. You're going to run into guys that are going to stick it to you from time to time."
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
Campbell learning on fly in Minors
07/20/2006
ATLANTA -- Eric Campbell's journey through the Minors has been an adjustment. Well, it's been more like a journey of adjustments.
Last year, it was the batting stance; this year, it's his defensive position. The recently-converted third baseman has spent his first season for the Class A Rome Braves learning to manage the hot corner.
It's been a slow and frustrating process, he said, but one that he is determined to master.
Having handled the shortstop position for his entire playing career, Campbell was drafted with third base as a possibility when Atlanta selected him with the 71st overall pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. Campbell played shortstop last year in his first full Minor League season before he started his transition to third at the beginning of this year.
"I think it's a harder job, harder demand," said Campbell, who was ranked as the ninth-best prospect in the Braves organization at the end of last season. "Being in the middle of the field, you can see the ball a lot better. [Third base] is more of a reaction. I don't think I've found a spot yet where I'm comfortable at all times."
Campbell is still searching for consistency at his new position, and it has not come as naturally as he had expected. Through the first 89 games this season, Campbell had 14 errors, partly due to a slower reaction time that plagued Campbell at his new position.
"If I can be consistent in the field, mentally, I think I'm going to be ready hitting-wise because that's always been my strong point," Campbell said. "So if I can get my fielding down consistent enough to be like a Chipper Jones without the experience he has, then yeah, that'll be the big thing."
The 20-year-old third baseman is right about his offensive productivity -- it has been a bragging point for Campbell and for the Braves. Campbell is following up his stellar Appalachian League season with a solid year for Rome, where he is batting .286 with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs.
Last year, it was a modification of his open batting stance -- one that resembled that of Atlanta Braves first baseman Adam LaRoche -- with the help of Danville hitting coach Mel Roberts that landed him Player of the Year honors in both the Appalachian League and the Rookie Level.
"I would lie if I said it wasn't a surprise," Campbell said of his success last season. "But it's about adjustments. I knew I had the ability, I just didn't know how soon it was going to come."
After leading the Appalachian League in almost every offensive category last season, Campbell hasn't dominated the South Atlantic League in the same fashion. Campbell said he believes that his decrease in offensive power numbers is a result of tougher competition at an advanced level. But it's tougher competition that he is certain he will overcome.
"It's a different league, pitching's better," Campbell said. "Here it's more fastball-oriented. Every league has something different to offer. By the time you get to the big leagues, you've been through every league that is different, and hopefully you have an idea."
Despite the new league, Campbell's numbers are impressive and have him well on his way to breaking some team offensive records. He is three home runs and 16 RBIs away from setting new Rome Braves batting marks.
Perhaps the only obstacle in Campbell's way toward these season records is his health. His season has been interrupted with a trip to the disabled list on July 14 with a back sprain. He is expected to fully recover in time to come off the DL by the end of the month.
With a few more years to sharpen his defensive skills and to perfect his offensive approach, Campbell could be headed toward the Majors. Although Campbell hasn't been approached about it, a move to second base could also be a possibility for the 6-foot, 195-pound Campbell who has a smaller stature than the average Major-League third baseman.
Campbell's size and Atlanta's depth on the left side of the infield make the move a possibility. But for now, the move is nothing more than a thought.
Although Campbell said he would welcome a chance to get back to a middle infield position, right now he is concentrating on developing the skills and reflexes to further his journey through Atlanta's Minor League system as a third baseman.
"After seeing Frenchy [Jeff Francoeur] and [Brian] McCann come up [last year], it gives everybody in the Minor Leagues a little more hope or incentive just to play a little bit better knowing that 21-, 22-year-olds can be up there," Campbell said. "And I'll play at whatever position can get me there and keep me there."
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
ATLANTA -- Eric Campbell's journey through the Minors has been an adjustment. Well, it's been more like a journey of adjustments.
Last year, it was the batting stance; this year, it's his defensive position. The recently-converted third baseman has spent his first season for the Class A Rome Braves learning to manage the hot corner.
It's been a slow and frustrating process, he said, but one that he is determined to master.
Having handled the shortstop position for his entire playing career, Campbell was drafted with third base as a possibility when Atlanta selected him with the 71st overall pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft. Campbell played shortstop last year in his first full Minor League season before he started his transition to third at the beginning of this year.
"I think it's a harder job, harder demand," said Campbell, who was ranked as the ninth-best prospect in the Braves organization at the end of last season. "Being in the middle of the field, you can see the ball a lot better. [Third base] is more of a reaction. I don't think I've found a spot yet where I'm comfortable at all times."
Campbell is still searching for consistency at his new position, and it has not come as naturally as he had expected. Through the first 89 games this season, Campbell had 14 errors, partly due to a slower reaction time that plagued Campbell at his new position.
"If I can be consistent in the field, mentally, I think I'm going to be ready hitting-wise because that's always been my strong point," Campbell said. "So if I can get my fielding down consistent enough to be like a Chipper Jones without the experience he has, then yeah, that'll be the big thing."
The 20-year-old third baseman is right about his offensive productivity -- it has been a bragging point for Campbell and for the Braves. Campbell is following up his stellar Appalachian League season with a solid year for Rome, where he is batting .286 with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs.
Last year, it was a modification of his open batting stance -- one that resembled that of Atlanta Braves first baseman Adam LaRoche -- with the help of Danville hitting coach Mel Roberts that landed him Player of the Year honors in both the Appalachian League and the Rookie Level.
"I would lie if I said it wasn't a surprise," Campbell said of his success last season. "But it's about adjustments. I knew I had the ability, I just didn't know how soon it was going to come."
After leading the Appalachian League in almost every offensive category last season, Campbell hasn't dominated the South Atlantic League in the same fashion. Campbell said he believes that his decrease in offensive power numbers is a result of tougher competition at an advanced level. But it's tougher competition that he is certain he will overcome.
"It's a different league, pitching's better," Campbell said. "Here it's more fastball-oriented. Every league has something different to offer. By the time you get to the big leagues, you've been through every league that is different, and hopefully you have an idea."
Despite the new league, Campbell's numbers are impressive and have him well on his way to breaking some team offensive records. He is three home runs and 16 RBIs away from setting new Rome Braves batting marks.
Perhaps the only obstacle in Campbell's way toward these season records is his health. His season has been interrupted with a trip to the disabled list on July 14 with a back sprain. He is expected to fully recover in time to come off the DL by the end of the month.
With a few more years to sharpen his defensive skills and to perfect his offensive approach, Campbell could be headed toward the Majors. Although Campbell hasn't been approached about it, a move to second base could also be a possibility for the 6-foot, 195-pound Campbell who has a smaller stature than the average Major-League third baseman.
Campbell's size and Atlanta's depth on the left side of the infield make the move a possibility. But for now, the move is nothing more than a thought.
Although Campbell said he would welcome a chance to get back to a middle infield position, right now he is concentrating on developing the skills and reflexes to further his journey through Atlanta's Minor League system as a third baseman.
"After seeing Frenchy [Jeff Francoeur] and [Brian] McCann come up [last year], it gives everybody in the Minor Leagues a little more hope or incentive just to play a little bit better knowing that 21-, 22-year-olds can be up there," Campbell said. "And I'll play at whatever position can get me there and keep me there."
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
Chipper's July reviving Braves
07/20/2006
ST. LOUIS -- With every swing of his bat, Chipper Jones is creating memories of the dominant July that he enjoyed seven years ago. It was a torrid month that propelled him through an amazing second half and toward his 1999 National League Most Valuable Player Award.
Seven years later, Jones has once again put the Braves' offense on his back. He has begun the second half on a pace that has some believing he could be in line for his second MVP award.
"In 1999, he had an incredible month and single-handedly beat the Mets like six times," Jones' longtime teammate John Smoltz said. "This is ridiculous. This is a streak that could ultimately put him in the same category again this year."
Smoltz references Jones' September that season, when the third baseman hit .298 with 11 homers -- including four in three days against the Met -- a .430 on-base percentage and a .690 slugging percentage. Because a lot of that production ended the Mets' NL East title hopes -- they won the Wild Card, instead -- many simply remember that month when thinking about his MVP campaign.
But although impressive, that September is far from being the greatest month of Jones' career. In July of that season, he'd hit .412 with 11 homers, 28 RBIs, a .558 on-base percentage and a .913 slugging percentage.
But if Jones is able to maintain his current pace, this July could be remembered as one of the most dominant months ever produced by a Major Leaguer. In the 13 games he's played so far this month, Jones has batted .547 with seven homers, 20 RBIs, a .613 on-base percentage and 1.094 slugging percentage.
"What he's doing right now, is something I haven't seen from any baseball player," Braves All-Star catcher Brian McCann said. "He's carrying us on his back, and everybody else is picking their games up because of him."
Jones leads all Major Leaguers in batting average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage this month. He ranks third in RBIs behind Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and teammate Andruw Jones, who has compiled 23 of his National League-leading 88 RBIs in the 15 games he's played in July. Not surprisingly, Andruw Jones' best run-producing month this season has come while batting behind the game's hottest hitter.
"When you get Chipper swinging the bat the way he's been swinging it lately, it's tough to beat us," said Andruw Jones, who has seen his team rebound from its June struggles to win 11 of its first 15 games this month.
It has already been a record-filled month for Chipper Jones, who matched a career high by extending his hitting streak to 19 games Wednesday. Last weekend, he surpassed Dale Murphy to become the all-time hits leader in Atlanta Braves history.
But his most impressive accomplishment came when he recorded an extra-base hit in 14 consecutive games, matching a Major League record set by Hall of Famer Paul Waner in 1927. Since Chipper Jones' streak was snapped on Monday, he's come back with an extra-base hit in both of the past two games.
"I think the only other guy who could do something like that would be [St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols]," Braves first baseman Adam LaRoche said. "It's a lot of hitting and it's a lot damage."
When Murphy visited the Braves clubhouse in St. Louis on Wednesday, he congratulated Chipper Jones for grabbing a piece of the Major League record that hadn't been touched for 79 years.
"That's just amazing when you think guys like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Hank Aaron never did that," Murphy said. "I forgot to even congratulate on him on the Atlanta record. But that's just something I always expected that he'd do."
From the time Chipper Jones burst on the scene as a rookie for the 1995 Braves world championship team, he's proven to be something special. But while battling foot and leg ailments the previous two seasons, he was incapable of providing the production he has over the past three weeks.
"It's nice to be able to step into the box and know you have everything that you need to be successful," said Chipper Jones, who battled a bad hamstring in 2004 and a left foot injury that sidelined him for six weeks and plagued him throughout much of last year.
At the beginning of this month, Chipper Jones' right foot began bothering him in the same manner as the left foot did last year. An MRI revealed the same injury, but on a lesser scale. Since missing three starts, he's come back to hit .553.
With most of his at-bats coming from the left side of the plate, the veteran switch-hitter is fortunate that the latest ailment is in his right foot. Last year, his left foot was affected, and he wasn't able to push off, causing him to lose power and often swing off-balance.
With the baseball gods smiling upon him, Chipper Jones has had just five at-bats from the right side of the plate this month. Being as hot as he is, he's still managed to record three hits in those appearances against left-handed pitchers. But since getting a cortisone shot just before the All-Star break, he's had no discomfort in the foot.
"Now I feel good and my swing just happens to be right there," said Chipper Jones, who has raised his batting average from .270 to .337 during his current 19-game hitting streak.
Since struggling through April, when he was plagued by right leg injuries (sprained ankle and sprained knee) suffered seven games into the season, Chipper Jones has been producing some impressive numbers. Since May 1, he's batted .347 and continued to work his way toward the top of many statistical categories.
Jones ranks third in the NL with a .337 batting average and fifth with a .423 on-base percentage. His .993 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) ranks fourth and could steadily improve if he continues to display the power that he lacked in the early portions of this season.
Battling some mechanical problems with his swing, Chipper Jones didn't find his power stroke until June 24, when he began his record-matching streak of consecutive games with an extra-base hit. He's hit eight of his 15 homers since then and seen his slugging percentage rise from .428 to .570. That's in the short span of just 20 games.
"I wasn't hitting terrible," Chipper Jones said. "I just wasn't hitting the long ball. I've always been streaky as far as that goes. I might go a month without hitting one and hit 10 or 12 the next month. That's just the way I've always been."
There have been many solid months in Chipper Jones' career. But never has there been a better three-month stretch than in 1999, which was sparked with that dominant July. He went on to hit 10 homers in both August and September. Along with August of 2004, the final three months of that season are the only ones in which he's ever registered a double-digit home run total.
Now to complete the comparisons to that memorable second half that he staged seven years ago, Chipper Jones only has to continue this current amazing surge that he admits has at times seemed surreal.
Of course, the 34-year-old has already accomplished one thing this year. No longer is he hearing much from the doubters who thought the injuries of the past two years had signaled the end of his career.
"I think everybody realizes I still got some good baseball left in me," Chipper Jones said.
If all goes according to the same script first written seven years ago, baseball writers across this country will be trumpeting this realization with their MVP votes.
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
ST. LOUIS -- With every swing of his bat, Chipper Jones is creating memories of the dominant July that he enjoyed seven years ago. It was a torrid month that propelled him through an amazing second half and toward his 1999 National League Most Valuable Player Award.
Seven years later, Jones has once again put the Braves' offense on his back. He has begun the second half on a pace that has some believing he could be in line for his second MVP award.
"In 1999, he had an incredible month and single-handedly beat the Mets like six times," Jones' longtime teammate John Smoltz said. "This is ridiculous. This is a streak that could ultimately put him in the same category again this year."
Smoltz references Jones' September that season, when the third baseman hit .298 with 11 homers -- including four in three days against the Met -- a .430 on-base percentage and a .690 slugging percentage. Because a lot of that production ended the Mets' NL East title hopes -- they won the Wild Card, instead -- many simply remember that month when thinking about his MVP campaign.
But although impressive, that September is far from being the greatest month of Jones' career. In July of that season, he'd hit .412 with 11 homers, 28 RBIs, a .558 on-base percentage and a .913 slugging percentage.
But if Jones is able to maintain his current pace, this July could be remembered as one of the most dominant months ever produced by a Major Leaguer. In the 13 games he's played so far this month, Jones has batted .547 with seven homers, 20 RBIs, a .613 on-base percentage and 1.094 slugging percentage.
"What he's doing right now, is something I haven't seen from any baseball player," Braves All-Star catcher Brian McCann said. "He's carrying us on his back, and everybody else is picking their games up because of him."
Jones leads all Major Leaguers in batting average, slugging percentage and on-base percentage this month. He ranks third in RBIs behind Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and teammate Andruw Jones, who has compiled 23 of his National League-leading 88 RBIs in the 15 games he's played in July. Not surprisingly, Andruw Jones' best run-producing month this season has come while batting behind the game's hottest hitter.
"When you get Chipper swinging the bat the way he's been swinging it lately, it's tough to beat us," said Andruw Jones, who has seen his team rebound from its June struggles to win 11 of its first 15 games this month.
It has already been a record-filled month for Chipper Jones, who matched a career high by extending his hitting streak to 19 games Wednesday. Last weekend, he surpassed Dale Murphy to become the all-time hits leader in Atlanta Braves history.
But his most impressive accomplishment came when he recorded an extra-base hit in 14 consecutive games, matching a Major League record set by Hall of Famer Paul Waner in 1927. Since Chipper Jones' streak was snapped on Monday, he's come back with an extra-base hit in both of the past two games.
"I think the only other guy who could do something like that would be [St. Louis first baseman Albert Pujols]," Braves first baseman Adam LaRoche said. "It's a lot of hitting and it's a lot damage."
When Murphy visited the Braves clubhouse in St. Louis on Wednesday, he congratulated Chipper Jones for grabbing a piece of the Major League record that hadn't been touched for 79 years.
"That's just amazing when you think guys like Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio and Hank Aaron never did that," Murphy said. "I forgot to even congratulate on him on the Atlanta record. But that's just something I always expected that he'd do."
From the time Chipper Jones burst on the scene as a rookie for the 1995 Braves world championship team, he's proven to be something special. But while battling foot and leg ailments the previous two seasons, he was incapable of providing the production he has over the past three weeks.
"It's nice to be able to step into the box and know you have everything that you need to be successful," said Chipper Jones, who battled a bad hamstring in 2004 and a left foot injury that sidelined him for six weeks and plagued him throughout much of last year.
At the beginning of this month, Chipper Jones' right foot began bothering him in the same manner as the left foot did last year. An MRI revealed the same injury, but on a lesser scale. Since missing three starts, he's come back to hit .553.
With most of his at-bats coming from the left side of the plate, the veteran switch-hitter is fortunate that the latest ailment is in his right foot. Last year, his left foot was affected, and he wasn't able to push off, causing him to lose power and often swing off-balance.
With the baseball gods smiling upon him, Chipper Jones has had just five at-bats from the right side of the plate this month. Being as hot as he is, he's still managed to record three hits in those appearances against left-handed pitchers. But since getting a cortisone shot just before the All-Star break, he's had no discomfort in the foot.
"Now I feel good and my swing just happens to be right there," said Chipper Jones, who has raised his batting average from .270 to .337 during his current 19-game hitting streak.
Since struggling through April, when he was plagued by right leg injuries (sprained ankle and sprained knee) suffered seven games into the season, Chipper Jones has been producing some impressive numbers. Since May 1, he's batted .347 and continued to work his way toward the top of many statistical categories.
Jones ranks third in the NL with a .337 batting average and fifth with a .423 on-base percentage. His .993 OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) ranks fourth and could steadily improve if he continues to display the power that he lacked in the early portions of this season.
Battling some mechanical problems with his swing, Chipper Jones didn't find his power stroke until June 24, when he began his record-matching streak of consecutive games with an extra-base hit. He's hit eight of his 15 homers since then and seen his slugging percentage rise from .428 to .570. That's in the short span of just 20 games.
"I wasn't hitting terrible," Chipper Jones said. "I just wasn't hitting the long ball. I've always been streaky as far as that goes. I might go a month without hitting one and hit 10 or 12 the next month. That's just the way I've always been."
There have been many solid months in Chipper Jones' career. But never has there been a better three-month stretch than in 1999, which was sparked with that dominant July. He went on to hit 10 homers in both August and September. Along with August of 2004, the final three months of that season are the only ones in which he's ever registered a double-digit home run total.
Now to complete the comparisons to that memorable second half that he staged seven years ago, Chipper Jones only has to continue this current amazing surge that he admits has at times seemed surreal.
Of course, the 34-year-old has already accomplished one thing this year. No longer is he hearing much from the doubters who thought the injuries of the past two years had signaled the end of his career.
"I think everybody realizes I still got some good baseball left in me," Chipper Jones said.
If all goes according to the same script first written seven years ago, baseball writers across this country will be trumpeting this realization with their MVP votes.
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
Braves acquire Wickman from Indians
07/20/2006
ATLANTA -- Just before he boarded his flight from St. Louis to Atlanta on Thursday morning, John Schuerholz made one final phone call, and ended it with a smile. He had just put the final touches on a trade to bring Bob Wickman from the Indians in exchange for Minor League catcher Maximiliano Ramirez.
With his team having moved back into the thick of the National League Wild Card chase, Schuerholz felt the need to strengthen the club's most obvious weakness. But he says he might have still looked for a closer -- even if it hadn't closed the gap during what has been a successful July.
"We needed a closer, whether we're 10 back or 4 1/2 back," Schuerholz said. "We just felt like this was the right thing to do based on our circumstances now."
The acquisition of Wickman is expected to give the Braves the dependable veteran closer they've lacked throughout this season. In 29 appearances for the Indians this year, the 37-year-old right-hander has converted 15 of 18 save opportunities and compiled a 4.18 ERA.
A two-time All-Star (2000 and 2005), Wickman will be pitching for his fourth Major League club after stints with the New York Yankees (1992-96), the Milwaukee Brewers (1996-2000) and the Indians (2000-06). He has twice appeared in the postseason -- with the Yankees in 1995 and with the Indians in 2001.
Wickman struggled in June, posting a 9.00 ERA and converting just three of six save opportunites. But he's converted each of his four save opportunities this month. In the process, he's completed four scoreless innings, in which he's surrendered just three hits.
With his recent success, Wickman is looking more like he did last year, when he tied for an American League high with 45 saves and limited opponents to a .094 batting average when there were runners in scoring position.
Most of Wickman's struggles this year have come against left-handed batters, who are hitting .308 against him. Right-handed hitters are batting just .236.
"Bob will take on the role as our closer, a position that we think is now in very capable and confident hands," Schuerholz said. "Our bullpen will be able to set up in a fashion that's far more productive and reliable for [manager] Bobby [Cox]."
The Braves have been frustrated by the lack of dependability they've had in the closer's role all season. Chris Reitsma and Jorge Sosa have converted just 11 of 19 save opportunites. Their struggles had an effect on the rest of the bullpen, which only recently has shown some signs of stability.
When Wickman joins the team in Philadelphia on Friday, Ken Ray will move into the primary setup role. Chad Paronto will also continue to see many opportunities in clutch late-inning situations.
"We have all year long characterized our bullpen as a work in progress," Schuerholz said. "It has been, I'll say, problematic for us. Wickman has done this job so well for so long. He solidifies that very essential anchor role in the bullpen."
With an improved bullpen, the Braves can feel more optimistic about their chances to gain entry into the postseason. After a miserable June, they've battled back and moved to within five games of the National League Wild Card.
"This is a trade that's focused on getting us into the postseason in 2006," said Schuerholz, indicating there are no current intentions to keep Wickman beyond this season.
Ramirez was hitting .285 with nine homers and 37 RBIs at Class A Rome this year. The 21-year-old catcher established himself as a solid prospect while hitting .347 at Danville last season. His success at the rookie level led him to be named the Appalachian League's co-player of the year.
Although Ramirez is a solid prospect, the Braves are well stocked at the catcher's position. All-Star catcher Brian McCann is just 22, and he should be in Atlanta for many years to come. Jarrod Saltalamacchia has struggled at Double-A Mississippi this year, but he's still considered one of the game's top catching prospects.
Financial details of the transaction aren't currently known. But Wickman's salary calls for him to receive approximately $2 million for the remainder of this season. He signed a one-year $5 million deal with the Indians before the Braves even got in serious discussions with him during the offseason.
When he was unable to land a closer last offseason, Schuerholz was left with about $6 million to use for this year's payroll. Thus, he's still got some available funds and may use them to acquire more bullpen help or land a proven leadoff hitter.
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
ATLANTA -- Just before he boarded his flight from St. Louis to Atlanta on Thursday morning, John Schuerholz made one final phone call, and ended it with a smile. He had just put the final touches on a trade to bring Bob Wickman from the Indians in exchange for Minor League catcher Maximiliano Ramirez.
With his team having moved back into the thick of the National League Wild Card chase, Schuerholz felt the need to strengthen the club's most obvious weakness. But he says he might have still looked for a closer -- even if it hadn't closed the gap during what has been a successful July.
"We needed a closer, whether we're 10 back or 4 1/2 back," Schuerholz said. "We just felt like this was the right thing to do based on our circumstances now."
The acquisition of Wickman is expected to give the Braves the dependable veteran closer they've lacked throughout this season. In 29 appearances for the Indians this year, the 37-year-old right-hander has converted 15 of 18 save opportunities and compiled a 4.18 ERA.
A two-time All-Star (2000 and 2005), Wickman will be pitching for his fourth Major League club after stints with the New York Yankees (1992-96), the Milwaukee Brewers (1996-2000) and the Indians (2000-06). He has twice appeared in the postseason -- with the Yankees in 1995 and with the Indians in 2001.
Wickman struggled in June, posting a 9.00 ERA and converting just three of six save opportunites. But he's converted each of his four save opportunities this month. In the process, he's completed four scoreless innings, in which he's surrendered just three hits.
With his recent success, Wickman is looking more like he did last year, when he tied for an American League high with 45 saves and limited opponents to a .094 batting average when there were runners in scoring position.
Most of Wickman's struggles this year have come against left-handed batters, who are hitting .308 against him. Right-handed hitters are batting just .236.
"Bob will take on the role as our closer, a position that we think is now in very capable and confident hands," Schuerholz said. "Our bullpen will be able to set up in a fashion that's far more productive and reliable for [manager] Bobby [Cox]."
The Braves have been frustrated by the lack of dependability they've had in the closer's role all season. Chris Reitsma and Jorge Sosa have converted just 11 of 19 save opportunites. Their struggles had an effect on the rest of the bullpen, which only recently has shown some signs of stability.
When Wickman joins the team in Philadelphia on Friday, Ken Ray will move into the primary setup role. Chad Paronto will also continue to see many opportunities in clutch late-inning situations.
"We have all year long characterized our bullpen as a work in progress," Schuerholz said. "It has been, I'll say, problematic for us. Wickman has done this job so well for so long. He solidifies that very essential anchor role in the bullpen."
With an improved bullpen, the Braves can feel more optimistic about their chances to gain entry into the postseason. After a miserable June, they've battled back and moved to within five games of the National League Wild Card.
"This is a trade that's focused on getting us into the postseason in 2006," said Schuerholz, indicating there are no current intentions to keep Wickman beyond this season.
Ramirez was hitting .285 with nine homers and 37 RBIs at Class A Rome this year. The 21-year-old catcher established himself as a solid prospect while hitting .347 at Danville last season. His success at the rookie level led him to be named the Appalachian League's co-player of the year.
Although Ramirez is a solid prospect, the Braves are well stocked at the catcher's position. All-Star catcher Brian McCann is just 22, and he should be in Atlanta for many years to come. Jarrod Saltalamacchia has struggled at Double-A Mississippi this year, but he's still considered one of the game's top catching prospects.
Financial details of the transaction aren't currently known. But Wickman's salary calls for him to receive approximately $2 million for the remainder of this season. He signed a one-year $5 million deal with the Indians before the Braves even got in serious discussions with him during the offseason.
When he was unable to land a closer last offseason, Schuerholz was left with about $6 million to use for this year's payroll. Thus, he's still got some available funds and may use them to acquire more bullpen help or land a proven leadoff hitter.
Source: http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/
