Mike Hampton went back on the DL Thursday, this of the 15-day variety. Of course, it is truly frustrating that the Atlanta Braves, while paying Hampton's huge contract, haven't seen the former 20-game winner pitch in two years.
However, it is important to note that Hampton is far more frustrated than anyone else. One doesn't become a 20-game winner in the Major Leagues without being a competitor.
So, if it weren't absolutely necessary, Hampton wouldn't have elected to pull himself from the lineup just prior to his first scheduled start. Sure, it's disappointing that Hampton's much-awaited return is postponed another two weeks, but what is most disappointing is Atlanta's choice of call-up from the Minors.
Today's Must Reads
Jo-Jo Reyes gets the call from the Bigs over other choices such as Buddy Carlisle. It is true that Carlisle isn't the most stable of candidates to fill in for a few starts, but neither is Reyes—especially Reyes.
True, Reyes fills the want for another left-hander to complement Glavine while we wait for the return of Chuck James and Hampton, but how important is this when considering Reyes was given extensive opportunities at the Major League level last season and posted a scary 6.22 ERA?
More than that, Reyes walked more batters (30) than he struck out (27), showing terrible command of his supposedly wicked stuff. All I've seen from Reyes is a decent fastball/slider combination. But guess what, these are the two pitches that get hit for the most home runs.
The top five teams in the Majors last season in pitches seen per at bat all made the playoffs. Jo-Jo Reyes makes Alfonso Soriano look like Placido Polanco he throws so many pitches. It is still beyond me why the Braves would continue to show so much faith in this kid (especially considering Bobby Cox loves strike-throwers).
Why not go with Carlisle, somewhat of a surprise in his strong late-season stretch with the Braves last season, over the young, immature Reyes? Carlisle posted a winning record and walked the same number of hitters while striking out almost triple the batters in double the innings that Reyes did.
comments (5) write a comment »
write a new comment
5 months ago
His 3.5:1 or so ratio of strikeouts to walks in the minors speaks more of his command than what he did in limited duty last season. In the minors he struck out over 400 hitters, walking around 150.
He struggled out of the gate last year, no question, but so have a lot of major league pitchers who went on to be pretty decent. You cite his stats as your basis for thinking he's not got what it takes, and not right now, but you're just looking at his total stats, without actually bothering to REALLY look at them. In his last 4 starts he pitched 23 innings and allowed just 8 earned runs. If my math serves me correct, that's an E.R.A hovering in the neighborhood of 3.00. His strikeout:walk ratio was also 18:7. Now, you've heard the "rest of the story".
5 months ago
It seems like the Braves are just recycling their prospects and it's pretty pathetic, in my opinion. I know that the Braves are notorious for their prospects (Jeff Francoeur jumps to mind) stepping it up once they are called up but, I just believe they need to make a deal for a pitcher to round out the back end of their rotation.
5 months ago
Recycling their prospects? Such as Jurrijens (sp), who they acquired via trade this offseason? Is that a prospect they "recycled?" How are they "recycling" Reyes? I guess the Yankees are "recycling" Joba and Kennedy, right? Yeah, it's so pathetic.
5 months ago
It is still incredibly painful to watch Reyes pitch. No matter the last part of his stats, he is still notorious for high pitch counts; something the Braves managerial staff, not to mention the front office, hates. Sounds like they're trying to force Jo-Jo into the rotation.
5 months ago
He's also really young and loaded with potential. He's not a finished product, and I'd hardly say they are trying to force him into the rotation. Just what is it about Carlyle that makes him such a better option? Down the stretch last year and through much of the spring, Reyes has been throwing better, and has much, much more potential.
write a new comment