The Braves Blog

Boxscore

I think this game was further proof that Matt Diaz is too hot when he starts to not be given a chance to play everyday, at least while Hinske is unavailable to platoon because he is playing first while Glaus gets some much needed rest. At this point I almost think it might be worth putting him on the DL in order to ensure he gets some time off. Doing so would allow us to call up someone else (such as Freddie Freeman) to play first, preventing the need to break up the Diaz/Hinske platoon.

Another option would be to give it until mid-month. During that time give Glaus as much rest as possible. If he’s still struggling by the time Prado is back, then DL him and let Prado play first so that you can keep the Diaz/Hinkse platoon intact.

However its worked out, I think the bottom line is that Melky Cabrera plays as little as possible. He MUST be confined to the role of a backup and nothing more.

Coming Soon

I’m working on a few blogs right now that I hope to have up soon. They are more than just “my thoughts” blogs, so they require a bit of extra time in terms of compiling data and what not. The ones that are currently in the works are:

1. Kyle Farnsworth & Rick Ankiel – just some more background and history on the two newest Braves
2. Proper Player Utilization – expanding upon my thoughts in the last few recaps.
3. Handedness – this might end up being part of the above blog, or might get its own. I want to take a more in-depth look into the “rule” that it favors to the batter to face an opposite handed pitcher, and vice-versa, the pitcher to face a same handed batter. My hypothesis is that a lot of managers follow this “rule” even when the numbers don’t support it. Any examples of situations where the “rule” was followed despite the numbers are appreciated.