Braves.Today.Com

By Bud L. Ellis
braves.today.com

ATLANTA – A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, the Atlanta Braves won with pitching.

They didn’t just win with dominating studs climbing the bump day-in and day-out. They built a perennial powerhouse that reached the postseason 14 consecutive years. Some of the most memorable and unforgettable moments in the long and storied history of this franchise were crafted with pitching.

That was then. This was 2008, and this wasn’t your older brother’s pitching staff.

Looking at the Braves and what it endured in 2008, it’s easy to forget some people were mouthing the words “World Series” when this squad left Lake Buena Vista, Fla., on the final Thursday in March. Three nights later, in front of a nationwide audience on ESPN, the Braves lost at Washington by one run on Ryan Zimmerman’s walk-off ninth-inning homer, starting a slide that eventually saw the Braves crash into fourth place in the NL East, 20 games behind division winner Philadelphia.

It’s been a mind-numbing journey, indeed. At the finish line, one almost wanted to speak in a whisper, as if attending a wake for a franchise that now has missed the postseason three years running. The words were hard to come by, only because it’s been so unbelievable what’s happened to this team since they left the spring breezes of Florida behind.

You remember, don’t you? The Braves planned to run out a stud to the hill every night. Tim Hudson. John Smoltz. Tom Glavine. Mike Hampton. A four-man rotation that would pitch the Braves back to October. That was the plan, at least.

Sure, relying on aging starting pitching was a role of the dice. But this would work. Glavine was back with the Braves, returning to his rightful place after five years with the Mets. Smoltz had defied the odds yet again, becoming one of the better starters in the National League since returning to the rotation in 2005. Hampton? He who hadn’t pitched since August 2005? He looked great and, most importantly, healthy in camp.

We all know what happened next.

The Braves would get only five victories and 18 starts combined from Glavine and Smoltz, and neither can be counted on for next season. Yes, that might sound sacrilegious, but that’s OK. The Braves have to plan on a 2009 rotation that does not include either future Hall of Famer.

That’s what general manager Frank Wren told the media Monday at Turner Field, that Glavine and Smoltz will have spots if they are healthy to pitch, but the Braves can’t hold their breath waiting to see if the two aging legends can toe the slab next spring.

With Jair Jurrjens (13-10) and Jorge Campillo (8-7), the Braves have two pieces of their rotation set. The third piece, a top-of-the-rotation starter, may be on display Wednesday evening at Wrigley Field, as free-agents-to-be Ryan Dempster of the Cubs and Derek Lowe of the Dodgers hook up in Game 1 of the NL Division Series. A fourth piece, a veteran starter probably along the lines of a Randy Wolf, also is high on Wren’s wish list. That leaves one spot for Glavine, or perhaps Charlie Morton, or maybe James Parr, to round out the rotation.

For years and years, the Braves won with pitching. That pitching wasn’t there in 2008. Glavine and Smoltz went down, then the Braves lost Hudson to Tommy John surgery. No counting on him until 2010, or at least that’s what the Braves are thinking; if they get Huddy back at the tail end of 2009, it’s a bonus.

Will he be back? Maybe. Perhaps Hampton – who got hurt warming up in the bullpen before the fourth game of the season and didn’t return until late July – is that veteran to plug in at the back of the rotation, and there would be worse things than having a Mike Hampton and Tom Glavine as your fourth and fifth starters, right? Hampton did throw 78 innings and was stunningly effective in most of his outings in the final six weeks.

But there we go again, thinking about older pitchers and holding our breath they will be healthy.

That strategy blew up in the Braves’ face in 2008, and it torched their season. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice … you know the rest.

—30—

By Bud L. Ellis
braves.today.com

Astros 3, Braves 1

Top of the Order: The Braves concluded their worst season since 1990 with their 90th loss, ending 2008 with a 72-90 record and finishing in fourth place, 20 games out in the NL East.

The Good: Kelly Johnson finished his blistering September with two more hits, ending the season with hits in 24 of his final 25 games and raising his average to .287. Ruben Gotay had a pinch-hit single. Corky Miller, the absolutely unquestioned worst player in the majors, drove in the only run (of course, he made an out on the play). Brent Lillibridge scored the only run. On the mound, Mike Hampton pitched very well in what was likely his final appearance for the Braves, giving up just four hits and three runs with no walks and five strikeouts in six innings. Jeff Bennett and Julian Tavarez pitched one inning of scoreless relief. Jeff Francoeur threw out two runners on the bases, one at home and one at second base. Matt Diaz made his first appearance since late May, going 0-for-3. And finally, Chipper Jones locked up the NL batting crown, walking in his only plate appearance. Hoss finished the season hitting .364 – the highest mark in the majors – beating Albert Pujols by seven points.

The Bad: Of course, the Braves lost, ending the season in fitting fashion. Atlanta made three errors – Miller (of course he makes an error), Hampton and Lillibridge. Francoeur struck out three times, finishing the season with a .239 average. Mostly, though, the bad news is the season is over. Yeah, I’ve begged for this thing to end for weeks; we all have. But now that it’s over, it sucks. No more Braves games until spring training.

View from the Sports Garage: The TV flipped back and forth between the Brewers’ win over the Cubs and the second installment of Mets Choke In September. Seeing the Brewers get into the playoffs was great; 26 years since Milwaukee last graced the October stage. Of course, seeing the Mets fold up again was fantastic. But somehow, it all felt hollow to me. It wasn’t too long ago that the Braves spent late September celebrating another division title and preparing for October. Now, it’s been three years and counting since the last time Atlanta made the playoffs, and it’s really getting old. When you compare it to a city like Milwaukee, which last made the playoffs in 1982, it seems silly to complain about not going to the playoffs for three years. But still, you play all season long to be one of the eight teams that advances into October. The Braves didn’t make it. And it sucks.

On deck
The offseason

The Skinny: It’s going to be the most interesting offseason the Braves have ever seen, I believe. At least one, if not two, starting pitchers are needed. So, too, is a power-hitting left fielder. Who will be back? Who won’t be? I know this: We’ll be here every day writing about this team from now until it reconvenes at Lake Buena Vista in mid-February (man, that seems like a long, long time from now). Starting Tuesday, we’ll kick off our offseason coverage with a detailed look back at 2008. What went right (not enough). What went wrong (everything else). The key moments in the season, good and bad. We’ll also start examining the roster, player-by-player, looking at their 2008 season and their prospects for 2009. Along the way in October, we’ll keep tabs on former Braves who are in the place the Braves – and all of us – wish we were in: the playoffs.

Thank you so much for making Braves.Today.Com a success in our inaugural season. Make sure to check us out every day during the offseason, as we bring you daily analysis, news and discussion on the Bravos!

—30—

By Bud L. Ellis
braves.today.com

Braves 11, Astros 5

Top of the Order: Josh Anderson’s two homers highlighted an 18-hit attack as the Braves staved off the 90-loss plateau, scoring nine times in the first two innings.

The Good: Gotta start with Anderson, who hit .358 in 21 games for Houston last September. He continues to bash his former team, going 3-for-5 with two runs scored and three RBIs. He had plenty of help offensively. Brent Lillibridge is actually starting to hit a little bit, the kid going 2-for-5 with a double, a triple and two RBIs. Jeff Francoeur wakes up this morning with his average at .240 following a 3-for-5 night. Frenchy, who has looked more like Frenchy this month, scored three runs and drove in three. Martin Prado, Kelly Johnson, Brandon Jones and Casey Kotchman each finished with two hits. BJ drove in three runs. Vladimir Nunez got the win, pitching 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Manny Acosta struck out the side in his one inning of work. Jorge Julio and Mike Gonzalez each pitched a scoreless inning.

The Bad: Staked to a 9-0 lead entering the bottom of the second, James Parr couldn’t go the required five innings to pick up the victory. Parr gave up eight hits and five runs (four earned) with two walks in 4 1/3. Lillibridge made an error, leading to an unearned run. Chipper Jones flew out as a pinch-hitter, but Hoss carries his major-league leading .364 average into the final day. And, oh yeah, the Dogs lost in Athens and the Mets still may make the playoffs. Bad, bad stuff there, folks.

View from the Sports Garage: When the Braves leave Houston after today’s game, Anderson may stay behind. Dude loves the place apparently. He played well enough there last September to catch the Braves’ interest; Atlanta traded for him in the offseason. And in two games there this weekend, Anderson has played very, very well. Obviously a great night for the offense, and it’s great to see the young kids and Frenchy hitting the ball well as we reach Game No. 162 today. Yep, we’re at the finish line. Here’s hoping this time next season, the Braves will be preparing for the playoffs instead of heading into the offseason. But first, one more game to go before we begin what very well may become a franchise-defining offseason. A win today would keep the Braves from reaching 90 losses. Granted, 73-89 sucks, but it’s better than 72-90.

On deck
Braves at Astros
2:05 p.m. today, Minute Maid Park

The Skinny: We’ve finally made it. This long, depressing season concludes today with what likely will be the final appearance in a Braves’ uni for Mike Hampton (3-3, 4.88 ERA). Provided Hampton doesn’t get hurt today, expect somebody to sign the veteran lefty in the offseason for more money than the Braves are willing to toss his way. He’s been plenty good since coming back from his nearly three-year absence. For the Astros, lefty Wandy Rodriguez (8-7, 3.73 ERA) gave up two unearned runs in five innings Tuesday at Cincinnati, his first start since Sept. 7.

—30—

By Bud L. Ellis
braves.today.com

Astros 5, Braves 4

Top of the Order: What a fitting way for the final series of this lost season to begin: a line-drive walk-off homer by Darin Erstad in the bottom of the ninth off Julian Tavarez sending the Braves to the edge of 90 losses.

The Good: Josh Anderson shined in his return to Houston, the team that he made his major-league debut for last September. Anderson finished 3-for-5 with two doubles, a perfect hit-and-run single in the ninth, a stolen base and two runs scored. Casey Kotchman drove in two runs. Brian McCann went 2-for-3. The bullpen put together five scoreless innings. Buddy Carlyle struck out three in his three innings of work, allowing two hits. Jeff Bennett struck out two in two innings, giving up two hits. Chipper Jones, who may start today, walked as a pinch-hitter in the ninth and is two days away from winning his first batting title. Off the field, the Braves decided to skip Jair Jurrjens’ turn in the rotation Sunday and give the ball to Mike Hampton. Nice move. Mike deserves one more chance to take the ball and toe the slab. He’s done nice work since coming back from injury in late July.

The Bad: Jorge Campillo wasn’t sharp, giving up seven hits and four runs in three innings of work. He allowed runs in each of his three innings, putting the Braves in an early hole, and he also committed an error. Tavarez got one out in the ninth before giving up the game-winning shot to Erstad. The Braves left two runners on base in the ninth, Martin Prado striking out to end the inning. Kelly Johnson went hitless, his hitting streak ending at 22 games. Houston speedster Michael Bourn scored on a sacrifice fly to dead center; problem was Bourn was on SECOND base, not third, and made it home.

View from the Sports Garage: It’s really hit me in writing the past two blogs that this season finally is about to be over, and my emotions are really more mixed than I anticipated. Several times during the past two months, I’ve made comments along the lines of “how much longer do we have to put up with this,” or “X-number of days to go until this is over.” And now that the end is just about here, I find myself wishing it wasn’t ending. Yes, the season has been a huge disappointment, and we’ll break all that down starting Tuesday. But still, it’s baseball, and it stinks that the Braves are about to disappear until the middle of February. Really tough outing for Campillo in the final start of what’s been a really good season for a guy the Braves plucked from the Mexican League in late December. As bad as this season’s been, Campillo’s been a bright spot and, along with Jurrjens, is the only guy you can write into next year’s rotation in indelible ink. He just didn’t have it Friday night, and that’s unfortunate. At least the Braves pushed across a run in the ninth to keep Jorge from getting the loss. Give Brandon credit for hustling down the line in the ninth, beating the throw on the play that Omar Infante scored on to tie the game. What’s not good is Brandon then turned toward second base and ended up being tagged out after the ball got away from Jose Valverde, who covered first on the play. Then comes Tavarez, who gives up the game winner. Oh, well. That’s 89 losses on the season. Braves gotta win the next two or else they’ll finish with 90 losses. Brothers and sisters, it’s been a long, long time since Atlanta finished with 90 or more in the L column: 18 years to be exact. OK, it’s almost over, and I’m glad. Just can’t take much more of this.

On deck
Braves at Astros
7:05 p.m. today, Minute Maid Park

The Skinny: Two starts great. Two starts not so great. In his fifth and final shot at toeing the slab this season, let’s see what rookie right-hander James Parr (1-0, 4.00 ERA) goes. Parr only made it through 1 2/3 innings Sunday against the Mets. Is that indicative of what Parr brings to the table, or is it the 12 scoreless innings he fired during his first two starts? For the Astros, it’s right-hander Brandon Backe (9-13, 5.66 ERA) makes his first appearance since allowing five runs in 1 2/3 innings on Sept. 17 at Florida.

—30—

By Bud L. Ellis
braves.today.com

ATLANTA – For seven months, it’s laid the backbeat of our daily existence, from the meaningless exhibition games played amid the spring breezes of Florida to the frustrating losses in the dog days of summer.

And now, it’s almost over. Baseball season is drawing to a close.

Doesn’t seem right that the Atlanta Braves are embarking on their final series of the season starting tonight in Houston. In a little more than 48 hours, this season will be finished, and for the third season in a row, Atlanta’s players will clean out their lockers and head to the golf course, to the hunting fields, or home to catch up with family and friends.

Where they won’t head will be the postseason. Once again, the Braves fell short of reaching October, the place where for most of a decade and a half they were an annual participant. Once upon a time the Braves and playoffs were as synonymous as April 15th and taxes.

But that was then. This is now, and as we all can attest, the now hasn’t been pleasant.

It’s been difficult to watch this team on a daily basis this season. Out of the 159 games played, I’ve watched probably 150 of them. It’s been hard to bear witness to a team that was a legitimate playoff contender coming out of spring training fall apart at the seams.

I didn’t buy into the World Series talk bouncing around Lake Buena Vista in March; there were too many factors hinging on good health of aging pitchers. But still, even with losing one arm, I believed this team was good enough to win 90 games and capture the NL East title. Instead, we all know what happened, and as a result, Braves Nation has endured its darkest days since 1990. The injuries, the one-run losses, the overworked bullpen, the lack of clutch hitting, the death of Skip Caray … it’s been one thing after another.

And yet, now that it’s nearly over, there is a dread that we feel. While eight teams prepare for the glory of October, the rest of us move into the offseason. We’ll be shifting into that mode next week at Braves.Today.Com by looking back at the season that was – the good, the bad and the ugly – and taking a long, hard look at who should and shouldn’t be back in 2009. We’ll recap the minor league seasons, and provide commentary and insight on this franchise and baseball in general, while keeping an eye on former Braves playing in the postseason, the GM meetings, the Winter Meetings, the Arizona Fall League and, of course, any breaking news about the Bravos.

That’s part of the job of writing about a team in this day and age. News happens year round, and I’ll be here throwing logs into the ol’ Hot Stove all winter. But it’s not the same as watching games night-in, night-out. For no matter how bad this season has been, it’s still baseball. It’s still the Braves. And now, it’s nearly over.

And that stinks, regardless of where the Braves reside in the standings.

—30—

By Bud L. Ellis
braves.today.com

Braves 10, Phillies 4

Top of the Order: The Braves won their second in a row against the NL East leaders, sparked by a three-run, pinch-hit homer from Chipper Jones in a six-run fifth.

The Good: Brian McCann and Martin Prado fueled a 15-hit attack with three hits each. Prado drove in two runs; Mac, who doubled three times, scored twice. Jones delivered the big blow in the big fifth inning, coming off the bench to launch a bomb down the line in left, the three-run shot making it 9-3 Braves and moving Hoss’s major-league leading average to .365. Dude’s gonna win the batting title! Yes sir!! Kelly Johnson extended his hitting streak to 22 games with a single. Brandon Jones and Josh Anderson each had two hits. Casey Kotchman drove in two runs. Buddy Carlyle got the win by retiring the two hitters he faced. Vladimir Nunez pitched two hitless, scoreless innings. Jorge Julio gave up a hit and a walk but struck out two. Manny Acosta pitched a perfect ninth. Off the field, outfielder Matt Diaz – out since late May – could be activated in time for this weekend’s season-ending series at Houston.

The Bad: Does anybody out there have any idea what Julian Tavarez was doing in the eighth inning, charging at Shane Victorino, who was on third base? I mean, Victorino was just a few steps off the bag. Wasn’t like the Flying Hawaiian was going to try and steal home or anything. The benches cleared and Tavarez had a meltdown. Whatever. No need for that. There are times this year where the Braves should’ve been fighting, like when Jerry Hairston Jr. was lipping at McCann about Gregor Blanco bunting in Cincinnati, or when Ted Lilly of the Cubs was doing his usual headhunting garbage. But I just didn’t see the need for Tavarez to spark a near fight over something silly.

View from the Sports Garage: OK, so in the first 16 games against the Phillies this season, the Braves won just twice. In the past 48 hours, in two games against Philly, the Braves have won twice. What a game, this baseball. Jo-Jo Reyes was brutal again, giving up five hits and three runs in 3 1/3 innings, earning the well-deserved quick hook from Bobby Cox. Jo-Jo’s really lost the confidence of everybody wearing Braves across their chest. That one negative aside, a good two days in Philadelphia. Sets up a pretty nice little dogfight between the Brewers (yeah!), Mets (suck!) and Phils (eh? Indifferent) for the final two playoff spots in the NL. As for the Braves, who saw the postseason party march over the horizon some two months ago, it’s time for three more games, in Houston, then the real season for this franchise – the offseason – begins.

On deck
Braves at Astros
8:05 p.m. Friday, Minute Maid Park

The Skinny: Jorge Campillo (8-7, 3.76 ERA) was plucked out of the Mexican League last offseason. Did anybody think at that time he’d be toeing the slab on the final Friday night of the regular season looking for his ninth victory? Nah. What a great surprise and a super find this guy’s been. He broke a recent skid in his last start Saturday, holding the Mets to two runs in six innings. For the Astros, right-hander Brian Moehler (11-8, 4.61 ERA) comes in after giving up five runs in one inning to Pittsburgh in his last start. The Astros’ torrid run back into contention cooled off in the past week, and certainly the folks in Houston have plenty of other concerns on their minds in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Hopefully, those who show up this weekend will see some good baseball, as both teams look to next season.

—30—

By Bud L. Ellis
braves.today.com

Braves 3, Phillies 2

Top of the Order: Mike Hampton pitched six strong innings, and Kelly Johnson extended his hitting streak to 21 games as the Braves beat Philly for only the third time in 17 tries this season.

The Good: Gotta start with Hampton, who once again delivered a quality start: six innings, six hits, two runs, three walks, four strikeouts. Think the Braves would take that every day out? You betchya. Hampton, who improved to 3-3 on the season, threw 94 pitches, 57 for strikes. From there, the bullpen pitched well: Will Ohman, Jeff Bennett and Mike Gonzalez each pitched a hitless, scoreless inning. The Braves’ defense turned three double plays. Johnson continues to blister the ball, going 2-or-4 with a run scored, an RBI and a stolen base. Casey Kotchman hit his second homer as a Brave, a solo shot in the sixth, finishing 2-for-4. Ruben Gotay delivered a pinch-hit single.

The Bad: Chipper Jones did not play again with a sore shoulder, but his .364 batting average leads Albert Pujols by 14 points with five days to go. Yunel Escobar also did not play with his hamstring injury, and it appears he will not play again this season.

View from the Sports Garage: A win over Philadelphia has been about as rare a feat for the Braves as $2 a gallon gas. Yet with the veteran Hampton toeing the slab for Atlanta last night, the Braves went into a hostile environment, against a team closing in on a playoff spot, and played with poise. Hampton continues to impress; I think somebody will offer him a decent one-year deal, but I’d love for the Braves to at least extend him an invite to spring training. Again, I’m thinking there is a team that will take a flyer on him simply because he’s a veteran lefty who has proven the past two months he still can get out major-league hitters. As for Johnson? Yeah, he’ll be back next season. He’s hitting .415 this month with 15 extra-base hits. As good as Martin Prado has been filling in for Chipper and making the occasional start at second, I think Johnson playing 145 games at second gives you a better chance to win.

On deck
Braves at Phillies
7:05 p.m. today, Citizens Bank Park

The Skinny: I know, I had Jo-Jo Reyes (3-11, 5.74 ERA) pitching last night. My bad. Good thing the Braves didn’t follow my rotation, because Jo-Jo has been no-go in recent starts. It’s his last chance to make a good showing in front of management, and lately, Reyes has been pretty bad: a 7.79 ERA in his past 12 appearances. For the Phils, Brett Myers (10-12, 4.46 ERA) had a Jo-Jo’esque outing his last time out, giving up 10 earned runs in four innings.

—30—

By Bud L. Ellis
braves.today.com

Phillies 6, Braves 2

Top of the Order: Jair Jurrjens’ strong start was wasted as the bullpen made a mess of the eighth inning, allowing the Phillies to move one step closer to the NL East title and beat the Braves for the 14th time in 16 tries this season.

The Good: Kelly Johnson drove in both of the Braves’ runs with his 12th homer of the season, a two-run shot in the sixth that tied the game at 2-2. KJ went 2-for-4, extending his hitting streak to 20 games. Brent Lillibridge went 2-for-3. Chipper Jones, who did not start with a sore shoulder, delivered a pinch-hit single in the ninth to move his major-league leading average to .364. Brian McCann came off the bench with a pinch-hit double in the ninth, a ball that on first brush looked like it might have been a homer but indeed was a double. Jurrjens allowed just five hits and two runs in seven sharp innings, throwing 63 of his 92 pitches for strikes. Will Ohman retired the only batter he faced, stranding two runners on base.

The Bad: Jeff Bennett came on for the eighth and totally turned things upside down: one hit, one walk, three runs, one errant throw on a pickoff play in one-third of an inning. Julian Tavarez played a hand in the downward spiral, too: two hits, one run, two inherited runners allowed to score in one-third of an inning. Can’t pitch like that against good teams. Save for Kelly and the big boys coming off the bench in the ninth, the Bravos could do very little against Philly, leaving nine runners on base.

View from the Sports Garage: Well, I’ve been saying for the past month that I liked the Phillies to win the NL East, especially given the Mets’ bullpen troubles now that Billy Wagner is done. If you’ve been watching the Braves all season – as I have, for some reason – you’ve experienced first-hand why Philadelphia is on the cusp of winning the division and, to a certain extent, why the Braves are mired in their worst season since 1990. The Phillies are an opportunistic bunch that takes advantage of opposing team’s mistakes, and we all know the Braves have made their share of flubs against Philly this season. Jurrjens deserved far better than a no-decision. After limiting the damage in the first two innings, JJJ looked really sharp, a very encouraging sign as we push toward the finish line. KJ is smoking the ball, and Chipper looks more and more like a lock for the batting title with each passing day – his lead over Albert Pujols is 16 points this morning. Still, though, it wasn’t enough against a Philly team poised to storm into the postseason. The loss drops the Braves a season-worst 20 games under .500. One can’t help but think it’ll be a big stretch for the Braves not to drop the next two.

On deck
Braves at Phillies
7:05 p.m. today, Citizens Bank Park

The Skinny: If you’re Jo-Jo Reyes (3-11, 5.74 ERA), tonight may be the most important start of your career. It’s your last chance to turn around the negative feeling you’ve left all over the organization for the past three months. Reyes has done nothing since returning from the minors last month. Friday against the Mets, Jo-Jo was a goner after 3 1/3 innings, allowing five earned runs. For the Phillies, lefty ace Cole Hamels (14-9, 3.10 ERA) is pitching like a stud down the stretch, sporting a 2.73 ERA in his past 10 starts. Hamels got the win against the Braves Thursday at Turner Field – a game I was at – and he looked sharp, allowing six hits and two runs in six strong innings.

—30—

By Bud L. Ellis
braves.today.com

Braves 7, Mets 6

Top of the Order: Down two runs entering the bottom of the seventh, the Braves rallied to grab the lead and held on at the finish, dealing the Mets another damaging loss in front of a huge crowd in the final home game this season at Turner Field.

The Good: Jeff Francoeur and Martin Prado each had three hits, and they were clutch hits, too. Francoeur drove in the go-ahead run in a four-run eighth with a triple. He also doubled twice and scored two runs, raising his average to .239. Prado doubled twice, including a two-run double in the eighth after the Mets walked pinch-hitter Chipper Jones to get to him. Prado finished with three RBIs and scored a run. Greg Norton continues to make a case for being here next year, finishing with a hit and two walks. Brent Lillibridge pinch-ran and stole a base, scoring the go-ahead run on Frenchy’s triple. The Braves’ bullpen did its job over 7 1/3 innings. Buddy Carlyle, Vladimir Nunez, Charlie Morton, Manny Acosta, Jorge Julio and Mike Gonzalez combined to allow just four hits and two runs, with nine strikeouts.

The Bad: James Parr had another sub-par performance – four hits, four runs and four walks in 1 2/3 innings pitched. Gonzalez allowed a two-run homer in the ninth as the Mets pulled within one.

View from the Sports Garage: A nice way to end the home schedule, wouldn’t you say, with a come-from-behind victory against the team everybody in Braves Nation loves to hate. The Mets now are 1 1/2 games out of first and fading fast. Love it! Francoeur is coming around, his average now at its highest level since July 1. Frenchy is hitting .306 in September and you just hope he can have a good final week to take something positive going into the offseason. Actually, you’ve got to hope that the Braves can play well in this final week – with three at Philly and three at Houston – to serve as a springboard for the offseason. We all know there will be changes to this team before we see them at Turner Field again. But it was indeed encouraging to see the Braves knock off the Mets the past two days. Hopefully, they will play well on the road this week and finish this disappointing season on a good note. Atlanta is 10-9 in September and, with a .500 or better road trip, will have its first winning month since May. Yes, it’s been a summer to forget and the fall will be idle for the Braves for the third consecutive season. But, you’ve got to start building for next season somewhere, and so far, the final month of the season hasn’t been too bad at all.

On deck
Braves at Phillies
7:05 p.m. today, Citizens Bank Park

The Skinny: Jair Jurrjens (13-10, 3.72 ERA) needed 43 pitches to get through the first inning Wednesday against the Phils. By the time the frame was over, JJJ had allowed four runs. The rookie right-hander hopes for better results tonight as the Braves begin their season-ending six-game road trip. For the Phillies, lefty J.A. Happ (1-0, 4.24 ERA) returns to the bump. He shut out the Braves over six strong innings in Wednesday’s contest.

—30—

By Bud L. Ellis
braves.today.com

Braves 4, Mets 2

Top of the Order: A three-run first inning was all the Braves needed to knock the Mets out of first place in the NL East, as Jorge Campillo and three relievers combined to hold New York in check.

The Good: Josh Anderson may strike out a bunch for a leadoff hitter, but man, when he does connect, good things happen. Anderson went 3-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI, and stole two bases (he has eight in limited time in the bigs, after swiping 42 at Triple-A Richmond). Kelly Johnson extended his hitting streak to 18 games with a double, and drive in a run. Casey Kotchman singled and drove home a run. Brian McCann also drove in a run. All of this was plenty for Atlanta’s hurlers on this night. Campillo looked great, giving up just five hits and two runs over six solid innings, picking up his eighth victory. Will Ohman allowed a hit in 1/3 inning. Jeff Bennett struck out two in a perfect 1 2/3 innings, and Mike Gonzalez nailed down his 12th save with a perfect ninth, striking out two. Great to see Gonzo pitch well after his recent struggles.

The Bad: Chipper Jones did not play again with that sore shoulder and probably won’t be in there today, either. Hoss leads Albert Pujols by 11 points in the race for the NL batting title (.362 to .351). Yunel Escobar once again didn’t play with a hamstring injury, and there is talk Esco could be done for the season. Otherwise, no complaints at all from this one.

View from the Sports Garage: In front of more than 50,000 at Turner Field, the Braves played like they were in a pennant race. Good starting pitching. Solid bullpen work. Just enough offense. Anderson, one of several minor leaguers honored before the game by the organization, went out and showed he belongs at the major-league level. He gives the Braves a bona-fide stolen base threat every time he gets on base. If he can cut down on his strikeouts, dude has a chance to be a darn fine major-league player. Campillo looked like the Campillo we saw in May and June, changing speeds, hitting the corners and in control. The Mets really needed this game, and it was delightful to see the Braves knock them out of first place. Just an overall good night in front of a large crowd. Hopefully, the good feeling those folks left the ballpark with will carry over into next season.

On deck
Braves vs. Mets
1:30 p.m. today, Turner Field

The Skinny: Time to see how James Parr (1-0, 2.20 ERA) bounces back from a rough outing. After two six-inning shutout stints in his first two major-league outings, Parr gave up 10 hits and four earned runs Tuesday against Philadelphia. But other than a couple of hangers that he got hurt on, Parr didn’t throw it that bad. For the Mets, who find themselves staring a second-consecutive division choke job square in the face, right-hander Mike Pelfrey (13-10, 3.67 ERA) toes the slab. He dominated the Braves Aug. 30 at Shea Stadium, pitching a three-hit complete game. Final home game until 2009; time to go out on a good note.

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