This past Friday I attended my second game of the season.  All in all it was a good game even though the D-Backs managed to tie it up in the 9th, and then allowing for some clutch Atlanta hitting to get the win.  What I noticed most was the vibe at Turner Field.  It was completely different from when I attended a day game a few weeks ago. The crowd Friday night stayed in the game.  There was an excitement in the air that seems to have been missing for some time.  Maybe it was because of the great road trip, but whatever the reason, I hope that the fans keep it up.

So it is official, Kris Medlen will be replacing Jo-Jo Reyes on the back end of the starting rotation.  Medlen has been extremely impressive at AAA Gwinnett so far this season.  He has appeared in 8 games and has started 6.  His official record is 5-0 with an ERA of 1.19.  In over 37 innings of work, he has only allowed 20 hits, 5 runs, 10 walks and has struck out 44 batters.  Medlen has been able to thrive under the radar of the media and most fans due to the popularity of Braves top prospect Tommy Hanson, whom most people expected to see on the Braves roster by this summer.

The call up of Medlen will force Jo-Jo Reyes into a role that he has never experienced, the role of a reliever.  Personally I feel that this may be the best place for Reyes who can be dominant for three or four innings at a time but is very susceptible to having one bad inning after performing consistently the innings prior.  The Braves will be forced to move a player to the minors in order to make room on the 25-man roster for Medlen. As it stands at the moment, the most likely candidates would be Jeff Bennett or Buddy Carlyle.  These moves are also dependant upon if either player would have to clear waivers.  I imagine that the Braves are not going to test the Waiver Wire right now so I would expect them to move a player who has remaining options, so a move other than Bennett or Carlyle would not shock me.  (If anyone has access to or knows where to get information regarding players waiver status and minor league options, please let me know)

In other areas, the platoon of Omar Infante and Kelly Johnson at second base continues to be successful.  I am typically not a fan of platoon situations but as you have read I am behind them this season for the Braves.  KJ has been slumping a bit as of late and Infante continues to swing a hot bat.  By giving both good playing time, it allows for Johnson to make the adjustments needed to become more successful at the plate while still allowing the Braves to take advantage of Infante.

There are two other areas I would really like to see some platoon play this year with the first beinf in left field.  The numbers show that Garrett Anderson is just not producing but at the same time Matt Diaz exhibits great clutch hitting and defense.  I have said time and time again that Diaz would be an every day player in any other franchise.  Get him in the game and let him produce like he does.

Finally I want to see some sort of platoon in center field.  Jordan Schafer is a talented young player and he really brings a defensive excellence to the position that has been missing since the departure of Andruw Jones, but behind the plate Schafer is seriously lacking.  He has shown great patience but he has also shown difficulties hitting pitching at the Major League level.  By placing him in a platoon situation, the Braves may be able to limit their losses with him at the plate while still being able to give him opportunity to improve.

So what are your thoughts?

As I look at the team, the first bright spot I see is the pitching.  This club is DEEP with pitching.  Four out of Five starters look great. For the most part, the bullpen is much improved and add in the roles of Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano, as closers and this team can be lights out on any given night.  

Lets look a little deeper.  Odds are the by June, Tom Glavine will be the new 5th starter.  That could move Jo-Jo Reyes to the bullpen to replace a younger and less experienced arm.  Jorge Campillo will also return to the bullpen around the same time.  This shift could be a huge boost for what may be this team’s weakest link.  

You also have to consider the players who are sitting available in Gwinnett.  First there is Kris Medlen who is 5-0 with an ERA of .096.  Next on my radar is Charlie Morton who is looking great at 4-2 so far with an ERA hanging right around 3.00.  I know lots of people are calling for Tommy Hanson, but I honestly think he can use this year at Gwinnett to vastly improve his game.  He is ready for the big show, but I don’t see the need to rush him unless injuries in Atlanta force the team to make a move.  

Last, we cannot forget about the August return of Tim Hudson.  His return could be a spark to the team needed to close out the season leading the division.  I even heard him make a statement this past Saturday on the Braves radio broadcast that I found amazing.  He stated that he is willing to do WHATEVER it takes to help this team win, and that includes moving from a starter role and into a bullpen role.  I thought this was the perfect statement to make.  He is showing his dedication in being open to a move like that.  I just hope some of the current starters in Atlanta and in Gwinnett feel the same way and are willing to make the same move.

Moving on to the offense,  I am convinced that the Braves have the potential to compete with any team in baseball when it comes to producing runs.  All that the Braves need to do is to get a little more consistent. 

Catcher: Brian McCann is proving that the glasses are helping and he is the big bat that the braves have needed.  He needs to be filling the clean-up spot every game.

First base:  Casey Kotchman is, hands down, one of the most reliable hitters in the game today.  Combine his consistency  with some good power and you have what should be the #5 batter every day.

Second Base:  Things are a little more tricky here.  Kelly Johnson has moments of greatness but I really believe that he is being out hit my Omar Infante.  Either one of these guys can bat lead-off, I would like to see them in a R/L platoon this season.

Shortstop: Yunel Escobar is the total package.  He currently has the best batting average with runners in scoring position, I just want to see him step up his hustle a bet.  This guy is good and he knows it.  I like the swagger, but lose a little of the ego.  Keep hitting 2nd.

Third Base: Chipper Jones.  Enough Said.

Right Field: Jeff Francoeur has really picked up from last season.  he is still not showing the power that people suspected he would have so don’t expect 30 homeruns.  He may hit 15-20 but the big improvement will be clutch hitting.  Sac flies, and good at bats are key for him.  I like him batting 6th right now

Center Field:  I am not riding the Jordan Schafer boat right now.  I think he is a little too raw and could benefit from a stent in Gwinnett.  The question is who replaces him.  Greg Norton is the obvious choice but I am not sure if it is the best choice.  Another option would be bringing Gregor Blanco up from Gwinnett, but my favorite choice would be a little more unconventional.  Martin Prado, Omar Infante, and Kelly Johnson are all capable of playing center field.  It’s a risk but it could pay off huge.  Pick one or rotate the three 

Left Field.  This one is simple, Matt Diaz. batting 7th.

Finally, there is the bench.  If anything was proven in yesterday’s game at the Mets, it was that our bench can really hold their own.  This team is looking very bright….where are my shades?

Ok guys, lets hear your thoughts.  Also don’t forget to go check out The Warning Track’s latest podcast.  you can find them in my links or on iTunes, just search for The Warning Track Radio.

Enjoy the off day today and we will see you tomorrow at The Ted to kick off a long home stand with a series against the Arizona D-Backs.

I really do hope that Bobby Cox can see what everyone else is seeing, and that is Jo-Jo Reyes does not need to be in the starting rotation.  He managed three decent innings, but I believe he would be much more effective as a 1-2 inning use reliever.  The Mets should have never been in the position for the grand slam in the 4th inning to begin with, and without some excellent bullpen work and some good clutch hitting from the line-up and the bench, the Braves would have never had a chance.

I do have to give props to Chipper Jones.  He hit 3 or 4 balls over this series that would have been in the outfield seats at just about any other stadium in the MLB.  Infact, the Braves hit the ball better as a team than I have seen in a couple weeks.  

So here we sit, a game and a half out of first, but still fourth in the division.  It’s going to be close all season and I hope that the Braves have the staying power to keep in the race.  I hope everyone enjoys the off day tomorrow and I will see you guys on Friday with a preview of the Arizona series in Atlanta.

Do I start with the Lazy play of Garret Anderson in left field, I mean COME ON! At least look like to are making an effort out there. Dive for a ball, take a risk and for the love of God, stop just lobbing the ball back to the infield with runners on base.

How about Yunel Escobar just trotting around the bases on hes two doubles. Yeah, Thanks for the good hits, but how about actually running out of the batters box even it there is a chance the hit could go foul or get caught. With his speed, he could have had a shot at one and maybe two triples tonight, but he trots around the base and settles for the double.

Then there is the curious case of Brian McCann and the passed balls the last couple of nights. Yeah, neither did any damage, but there is still the risk. When the ball is hooking left, block it and stop trying to backhand it with the mitt. If it’s a matter of not being able to see the ball well, get some Fog-X for those glasses. Race car drivers and bicycle racers have been using Rain-X and Fog-X for years.

Next comes Gonzo. I don’t know what the deal is lately, maybe he is a little over worked, but each of his last 3 appearances have looked a little worse than the last. Something is going on, I am not sure what, but Roger McDowell and Bobby Cox need to get to the bottom of it soon.

While I am in the bullpen, how can I ignore Jeff Bennett. in my opinion, this man has no place in this bullpen. In 14 innings pitched, he has given up 24 hits, 5 runs, 8 walks and has hit 2 batters. There has to be a better option down in Gwinnett.

Finally there are the 0-fers. Kelly Johnson and Jeff Francoeur both go 0-5. I understand that there are going to be days where these guys struggle, but the success of the Braves depends on base hits, not home runs, but base hits. base hits extend innings and allow for run opportunities. When two players go 0-for-5 it makes it more difficult to produce the runs needed to win games.

That is my rant for tonight. I hope tomorrow does not bring another one with Jo-Jo Reyes getting the start. I am not that optimistic after seeing his last 14 or so starts.

Also as I just posted, it is official that Chipper Jones has been scratched for the line-up tonight and he will be replaced by Martin Prado who will not only play 3rd base but will also bat 3rd in the line-up.  As I posted before, I don’t think this is a wise call by Bobby Cox with Omar Infante available.

I will see you here at 7pm to see how it all unfolds.

Top of the First Johan Santana Pitching
Kelly Johnson Flies out on his first pitch
Yunel Escobar Infield hit. runner on first
Martin Prado Singles to left runners on first and second 1 out
Brian McCann fly out to third. 2 outs runners hold
Matt Diaz infield single. Escobar scores on the error at first
Kasey Kotchman Strikes out looking – BAD CALL
Braves 1 – Mets 0

Bottom of the 1st Derek Lowe Pitching
Jose Reyes Flies out to CF 1 out
Castillo Walks – Runner on 1st
Beltran hits into a 4-5-3 Double Play
Braves 1 – Mets 0

Top of the 2nd
Jeff Francoeur strikes out swinging
Jordan Schafer Strike out 42. Time for a change at CF in my opinion Schafer leads the team with 42 SO’s now
Derek Lowe Single to left center
Kelly Johnson flies out to right
Braves 1-Mets 0

Bottom of the 2nd
Wright Strikes out swinging – 1 out
Murphy Ground out to 3B – 2 out
Tatis grounds out to 3B – 3 out
Braves 1-Mets 0

Top of the 3rd
Yunel Escobar reaches first on a bad throw from Delgado scored a hit runner on first
Martin Prado sac bunt – runner on 2nd 1 out
Brian McCann robbed on a hard hit ball to 1st. 2 out, runner on third
Matt Diaz ground out to shortstop on a hard hit ball 3 outs
Braves 1-Mets 0

Bottom of the 3rd
Reed ground out to the pitcher – 1 out
Santos Ground ball to Escobar, great play out at first. – 2 out
Santana Ground out to 1st – 3 out
Braves 1-Mets 0

Top of the 4th
Casey Kotchman pop out foul to the catcher. first pitch swinging – 1 out
Jeff Francoeur Flies out to center – 2 out
Jordan Schafer grounds out to 1st – 3 outs. at least its not another SO

Bottom of the 4th
Reyes Walks – runner on 1st, 0 outs
Castillo Hits into a 6-4-3 double play – 2 outs
Beltran singles on a line drive to right. first hit of the night for NY. – Runner on 1st, 2 outs
Wright works the count full lines to Kelly Johnson, bobbled still thrown out at 1st. – 3 outs

Top of the 5th
Derek Lowe Strike out Swinging – 1 out
Kelly Johnson strikes out swinging – 2 out, 5th SO for Santana tonight
Yunel Escobar walks on 4 straight balls – runner on 1st, 2 out
Martin Prado grounds out to 2nd – 3 outs
Braves 1-Mets 0

Ok guys, we a halfway throught this very quick moving game. The Braves have manages 1 run on 5 hits and the Mets are scoreless with only on hit and an error. This is a classic pitchers dual. Lowe and Santana both look great, but Santana is looking like he can be beat if the Braves can string a few hits together.

Bottom of the 5th
Murphy ground out to 2nd – 1 out
Tatis Fly ball base hit to left field. – runner on 1st, 1 out
Reed Ground ball through the right side of the Infield – runners on 1st and 3rd, 1 out
Santos Sac Fly to right, Tatis scores from 3rd. Runner on 1st, 2 out
Santana ground out to 1st – 3 out
Braves 1-Mets 1 TIE GAME.

Top of the 6th
Brian McCann Strikes out swinging – 1 out
Matt Diaz Base hit line drive to left field – runner on first, 1 out.
Casey Kotchman Hit by pitch, – runner on first and second, 1 out
Jeff Francoeur flies out to left field – runners on 1st and 2nd, 2 out
Jordan Schafer flies out to left, – 3 out 2 stranded. We need some improvement from Schafer NOW!
Braves 1-Mets 1

Bottom of the 6th
Reyes Line drive to center – 1 out
Castillo Grounds out to 2nd – 2 out
Beltran flies out to Left
Braves 1-Mets 1

Top of the 7th
Derek Lowe Flies out to short right field – 1 out
Kelly Johnson Line Drive single to center – runner on first, 1 out
Mets Pull Johan Santana from the game. a very unexpected move in a 1-1 game with 1 out in the 7th. I am surprised that he did not attempt to finish the inning after giving up a 1 out single.
Mets bring in Bobby Parnell to replace Santana
Yunel Escobar broken bat single to right. – runners on 1st and 2nd, 1 out
Martin Prado flies out to center, runners hold. – 2 outs
Mets Pull Parnell and bring in Pedro Feliciano to pitch
Brian McCann – Ball hit up the middle, Reyes cant play it clean, all runners safe, reaches on a error, bases loaded, 2 out
Matt Diaz Double to left field, Johnson and Escobar score 2 RBI Double – Runners on 2nd and 3rd, 2 out
Casey Kotchman singles in McCann and Diaz, runner on 1st, 2 out 2 RBI single
Feliciano is done, Mets bring in Brian Stokes
Jeff Francoeur base hit to left field – runners on first and second, 2 out
Jordan Schafer grounds into a fielders choice to end the inning. My previous statement holds true. Schafer continues to be unimpressive.
Braves 5-Mets 1

Bottom of the 7th
Wright doubles off the center field wall
Murphy grounds out to 2nd. runner advances to 3rd. – 1 out
Tatis grounds out to second, Wright scores from third, – 2 out
Reed doubles to deep left field. It is looking like Lowe is dropping off – runner on 2nd, 2 out
Bobby Cox comes out, and Lowe’s night is over. Bobby Cox turns the ball over to the left handed side arm reliever Peter Moylan
Santos bounces out to short stop – 3 out
Braves 5-Mets 2

Top of the 8th
Greg Norton pinch hits for Moylan, singles into right field – runner on first
Kelly Johnon, Hit and Run is on, line drive into left center, runners on the corners.
Yunel Escobar chopper to second, Kelly Johnson out at second, no play at first, runner scores from third. runner on first, 1 out
Martin Prado 5-4-3 double play
Braves 5-Mets 2

Bottom of the 8th
Braves bring in Rafael Soriano to pitch
Alex Cora comes in to bat for the pitcher Stokes,

Cora line drive single into left center – runner on first
Reyes strikes out swinging
Castillo Strikes out swinging
Beltran flies out to left field
Braves 6-Mets 2

Top of the 9th
Ken Takahashi comes on to pitch the 9t for the Mets
Brian McCann Doubles into deep right field – runner on 2nd
Matt Diaz Ground ball out to 3rd. runner holds – 1 out
Casey Kotchman base hit up the middle – runners on 1st and 3rd, 1 out
Jeff Francoeur Sac fly to center, McCann scores from third, Kotchman moves to second. 2 out
Jordan Schafer, the only Braves starter without a hit. Kotchman moves to third on the wild pitch. Schafer walks.
Omar Infante bats for the pitcher. He hits a soft base hit to short center, scores Kotchman, Schafer advances to third. runners 1st and 3rd, 2 outs
Kelly Johnson flies out to left field – 3 outs
Braves 8-Mets 2

Bottom of the 9th
Buddy Carlyle comes on to pitch the 9th for the Braves
Wright Ground ball to 3rd, bad throw by Prado. Ruled an infield hit. Runner on 1st
Murphy hits into a 6-4-3 double play. – 2 outs
Tatis doubles into left center
Reed walks – runners on first and second, 2 out
Santos singles into center, Tatis scores from second. runners on first and second
Sheffield to bat for the pitcher, grounds out to the pitcher Game Over

Braves win 8 to 3
Derek Lowe gets the win
Johan Santana gets the loss
Braves have 8 runs on 16 hits and no errors
Mets have 3 runs on 9 hits and 2 errors.

Great performance from Derek Lowe and the Braves bullpen. Most importantly, it appears that Chipper Jones was not missed.

Game recap to come soon.

Join the live discussion here.

The Braves need to play Omar Infante at third base and bat him in the lead-off spot.  I believe the stats speak for themselves in this case.  Infante is batting .329 with 9 RBI’s in 70 at-bats.  Compare this to Chipper who has had 88 at-bats and is batting .284 with 11 RBI’s.  Also by starting Infante and batting him in the lead-off spot, Bobby Cox would be allowed to see how Jeff Francoeur or Casey Kotchman can perform in the 3-hole.  This is an opportunity for the Braves to play their hot players and also give their star a rest without much risk.  Give Chipper a day or two off, Infante is more than capable of carrying the load.

Oh, and if someone knows the whereabouts of one Matt Diaz, please be sure to alert authorities since he has been missing from the Braves for some time.

Here is the batting lineup I would like to see for today’s game if not for the entire series.

1. Omar Infante – 3B

2. Kelly Johnson – 2B

3. Jeff Francoeur – RF

4. Brian McCann – C

5. Casey Kotchman – 1B

6. Matt Diaz – LF

7. Yunel Escobar – SS

8. Jordan Schafer – CF

9. Derek Lowe – P

*UPDATE* According to AJC.com, chipper has officially been scratched from tonight’s lineup.  although I don’s see an issue with this, I do see an issue with his selected replacement.  Chipper is being replaced by Martin Prado.  Although Prado is a capable fielder with a decent bat, I don’t believe decent is going to cut it against these Mets.  Why is Bobby starting Prado when he has Infante available.  If Bobby was planning on playing Infante at 2nd, I would usually support that move, except against the division leader, you need the best product on the field.  If Chipper is hurt, Infante must play 3rd and Johnson must play 2nd.  to bench either in this situation is not a good move, in my opinion.  We are an hour and a half from game time and I am very worried about what Bobby Cox has planned for tonight.

Last, head on over to The Warning Track Radio, their second podcast is up and it’s a great show for Braves fans, by Braves fans.

Lets see your thought below in the comments.

The Phillies had every opportunity to win the series as starting pitcher Kenshin Kawakami managed to pitch himself into jam after jam only to manage to get himself out of each one with minimal damage.  At times it seemed as though Kawakami had lost most of his control with McCann having to chase a handful of pitches into the opposite batters box or dig them out of the dirt.  Kawakami threw 53 strikes and 42 balls over the course of his appearance.  Surprisingly Phillies batters chased bad pitch after bad pitch allowing Kawakami to strike out six batters.  In six innings, Kawakami allowed five hits, walked four and allowed two runs, both earned.  The bullpen was impressive again allowing only one run and issuing one walk.

Batting was also a concern for the Braves today who managed a combined 10 hits in 35 at-bats and went 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position.  Casey Kotchman shined with three hits and three RBI’s in five at-bats but also managed to leave four runners on base.  The most disappointing performance at the plate has to be Jeff Francoeur who was o-for-5 with one strike out and six runners stranded on base.

All-in-all, the Braves were able to escape with a win in a game that could have easily gone the other way thanks to some clutch hitting by Kotchman.  This game will help him make his case to be the regular 5 hole hitter after McCann moves back into his clean-up spot.

Tomorrow the Braves kick off a three game series with the division leading New York Mets.  The Braves want everyone to believe that they are contenders in this division and winning this series combined with winning the series with Philly will prove to many doubters that they are a team to reckon with.

Lets see your thoughts and comments below, see you guys tomorrow.

Later

Vazquez was nothing short of impressive, allowing two runs, each solo homeruns by Chase Utley in the 4th inning and Raul Ibanez in the 8th.  By only allowing two additional hits and issuing no walks, he was able to effectively limit the damage in a way that Reyes just could not the previous night.  Vazquez threw 115 total pitches with an impressive 74 of them being for strikes and recording seven strike outs.

Offensively, the Braves are feeling the return of Brian McCann to the lineup.  Batting 5th again today he was 3 for 4 with two RBI’s and homered off of Joe Blanton in the 8th inning with a runner on base and 2 outs.  With the exception of Garrett Anderson and Casey Kotchman, the entire lineup managed to hit successfully.

All in all this was the team that many of us expected to see coming out of spring training.  There are still some improvements that need to be made, mainly in the form of a reliable starter other than Jo-Jo Reyes and some more reliability in the bullpen.  The offense seems to be intact, just get McCann back into the cleanup spot and make sure that Francoeur or Kotchman are hitting in the 5th spot and things will begin to come around.   I would like to see Bobby Cox continue with the platoon at second base with Kelly Johnson and Omar Infante, and it may also be a good move to re-institute the platoon in left field with Garrett Anderson and Matt Diaz after Andersons less-than-impressive start to the season.

Tomorrow the Braves will attempt to win the series as Kenshin Kawakami (1-4) faces off against Brett Meyers (2-2) in a Mother’s Day Showdown at 12:35 pm.  Catch the game on Fox Sports South, TBS, or on MLB.com.  I will see you tomorrow after the game.  Don’t forget to leave your thoughts or comments below.  Also if there are any topics that you would like to see addressed leave them in the comments and I will cover them during the week.