Bust out the brooms Braves fans!

        Atlanta must have Milwaukee number. Fresh off the Hawks shoving aside of the Milwaukee Bucks, the Braves are all saying I came, I saw, I conquered.

         There was absolutely nothing to complain about during this series. Big Red (Tommy Hanson) set the tone Monday night firing eight scoreless innings.Troy Glaus, and Martin Prado both went yard, a refreshing sight considering Atlanta has been so deprived of the long ball. Pardo ended the Major's longest Grand Slam drought (253 games)

with a towering slam landing in the left field bleachers.  

              Tuesday marked the awaited return of rookie phenom Jason Heyward, and he didn't disappoint slapping two singles and driving in a run. Although the offense exploded for 11 total runs, Tuesday game was more about the defense. Tim Hudson seemed to struggle a bit. Brooks Conrad made a spectacular play at third. Glaus was picking it at first, and Prado-Infante-Glaus turned a brilliant double play getting Hudson out of a bases loaded jam with only one out. It was still anyone's game until Atlanta busted it open scoring eight runs in the final three frames, highlighted by a mammoth home run hit by first baseman Troy Glaus.

             Wednesday the Braves completed the three game sweep of the Brew Crew. It was by no means an easy win as The Brewers sent their ace (Yovani Gallardo) to the mound. While Atlanta would counter with struggling Derek Lowe. Lowe came out sizzling taking a no-hitter into the 5th inning. Gallardo seemed to have his A-game until taking a bullet off the shin from Jason Heyward. The game played out similarly to Tuesday night affair. It was all tied up through six 2-2, with two out in the seventh Heyward delivered an RBI double like he;s done so often this season. Next up was McCann who line a soft single to center field scoring Heyward, and the Braves would never look back. Atlanta would ass two more runs off a Brooks Conrad homer in the eighth. And the scoring was not over yet, as Chipper Jones would send a pinch hit double to right field scoring Heyward. And we're still not done Conrad put a ball off the right field wall for a double which scored two more Braves, and also capped off the scoring, as the Braves won 9-2.

Howard-Heyward Round 1

Tonight marks the first of hopefully many match-ups between sluggers Ryan Howard, and Jason Heyward. Many experts have compared Heyward the rookie phenom to Howard. The Phillies first baseman won the NL rookie of the year award in 2006 at the age of 25, an award the 20 year old Heyward has his eyes on this season. There's much more at stake in this series that personal awards. Howard was a Brave killer last season, he had 3 multi-HR games against the Braves after the all-star break. The Phillies hold a one game lead over the Braves in the NL East. Although we're less than 15 games into the 2010 campaign this series still holds some importance. A series win for Atlanta could set the tone in the eastern division, and let Philly know that we're not to be taken lightly.

Eyes on the prize

We're less than 24 hours away from the tip-off off Hawks-Bucks Game 2. The birds got off to such a commanding start in the series opener that they were able to coast to an easy victory. That marked the second straight season in which the Hawks opened up the playoffs in dominating fashion. That's where we all hope the '10 playoff comparisons stop, as Miami was able to take game 2 in the ATL last year. We'll see if our Hawks have grown up tomorrow. They clearly hold the advantage at 4 of the 5 matchups between the starters. Atlanta has a current 14 game home winning streak. The only reason the Hawks would lose Tuesday would be because of complacency. The Hawks must realize that although Milwaukee is not as talented, they still want to win just as badly as we do. I for one do believe that this team learned a lot from last years battle vs Miami. I'm not saying anything will be easy. Milwaukee will be battling for their playoff lives, so the Hawks will be forced to execute their game well, but when the Hawks get on a roll we all know that they can beat anyone in the NBA. The Atlanta Hawks have informed me that there are still a few hundred tickets remaining for game 2. You can get into the Highlight Factory for as low as $25 for upper level tickets, or $50 for lower bowl tickets. The Hawks are encouraging everyone to wear white in support of our Hawks, so don't be bashful wear that white-t. I'll be posting my opinions on Game 2 as soon as it comes to an end, so be sure to chime in on this post if there's anything you'd like to know about in my Game 2 report.

The Braves are in the playoffs!

We're 10 games into the 2010 season, and with 152 game still to be played the Braves hold a slim  .5 lead on the NL wild card. After tonight's 9-5 win over the Rockies our magic number dipped to a minute 152. Enough with all the serious talk ;). D Lowe improved to (3-0) the young season. He gave up 3 earned in 5.1 innings pitched. Nothing great, but it will get the job done! It was great to see Melky, and McLouth finally contribute. Melky lined a single into right scoring 2 in the second inning then McLouth proceeded to drive in Melky on a sac fly later in the inning. Scoring 7 in a single frame could be just what the doctor ordered considering multi-run innings have been few and far between. The highlight of the night was Chipper Jones. In the bottom of the 5th Jones fouled a ball off his left foot causing him to loose his balance. Chipper fell down right on top of home plate, and laid there seemingly bewildered or possibly a bit embarrassed. However Chipper make amends two pitches later sending a Joe Beimel slider over the left center wall for a solo HR. Watch Chippers HR here -->http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=7482755&c_id=atl . 

                Atlanta will need to keep up the hot hitting tomorrow as they face the Rockies hottest pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez (2-0 2.25era). Bobby Cox will send Kenshin Kawakami (0-1 3.00era) to the mound.

 

Big week ahead for the Bravos

             The Braves have finished up a .500 west coast trip. It could of been much better had closer Billy Wagner not blown a two run lead to open the trip. However considering how pathetic the bats were on the trip I think it's safe to say we're all letting out a collective sigh of relief. Through 9 games the starting pitching has been marvelous minus the Jurrjens/JoJo Reyes debacle. It's looking like Atlanta will boast one of the major's best pitching staffs for the second consecutive year.

             While the pitching continues to sizzle, there is a glaring hole in the leadoff spot. Bobby Cox has already tweaked the lineup using three different leadoff batter in the first 8 games. Braves leadoff hitters so far this season are a combined 2-39 or a (.047) average. That average is the worst in the majors for the leadoff spot. Hopefully we can get that turned around as soon as possibe, as I still think it's too early to come to give up on anyone. That's enough negative for now.

            Meanwhile Jason Heyward is lighting up the scoreboard. Thee rook smoked two doubles on the night, both of which resulted in a RBI. The J-Hey-Kid walked once again looking like a savvy vet (is there anything this kid can't do?). Heyward is now 6-8 with runners in scoring position. That (.750) make leads all major leaguers.

           It's great to get one of our two west coast trips out of the way so early into the season. The Braves will now play host to the Colorado Rockies(5-4), and the Philadelphia Phillies(8-2)during the current home-stand . The goal has to be to win both series. That wont happen against these teams unless the bats pick up. Atlanta will send D. Lowe (2-0 4.50era) to the mound against Jason Hammel (0-1 5.14era). Lowe is 2-0 despite giving up a career high 7 walks in his last start in San Francisco.Hammel is coming off a loss to the Padres in which he allowed 4 runs in 7 innings pitched.

            I can't believe I've made it this far without giving props to our best player so far. Congrats to Martin Prado. He's on fire! He entered thursdays game hitting a cool .469. He then preceded to go 2 for 5 which LOWERED his average. Go figure. 

           Well I'm out for now. If i forgot anything feel free to blast me in the comments. GO BRAVES!!!! 


         

I'm BACK!!!!

As you can see I took off the entire NBA season, but I'm back just in time for the Hawks 2010 playoff run. Our Braves are 8 games into the season with a pedestrian (4-4) record. Check back in tomorrow for a Hawks playoff preview, and I'll also lament about the Braves bats or lack thereof.

Up next: San Francisco

The Falcons offense has underperformed in their three outings, averaging just 19 points a game. Coming into the season all the talk was about how prolific the scoring would be. It's yet to happen. With San Francisco looming, the Falcons will go toe to toe with a better defensive team than any of they others they've faced so far. San Francisco is coming off a shutout, albeit against the St. Louis Lambs.... I mean Rams. Coach Singletary has the Forty-Niners playing great on the defensive side of the ball. San Fran is off to a 3-1 start, just seconds separate them from a 4-0 start. Will Atlanta be able to constantly keep the chains moving? Will Michael Turner carry this team on his back like he was able to do so many times in 08? These are the biggest question marks going into week 5. What we're not too worried about is the Forty-Niner offense. Shaun Hill has played well thus far, but the loss of pro-bowl running back Frank Gore is devastating. Wide Receivers Issac Bruce, and Josh Morgan don't exactly strike fear into the secondary. Vernon Davis however is having a breakout year. Atlanta has yet to be prove itself against a stud tight end. With the loss of Frank Gore, San Fran will be handing the ball off the Glen Coffee, who was less than impressive last weekend. Coffee only managed 74 yards on 24 carries. Coffee is averaging a measly 2.3 yards per attempt on the young season. Stopping him should be no problem. I just don't foresee that offense putting up anything north of 24 points.