The Braves will host the Cubs at Turner Field for the opening series of 2010. Here is a breakdown of the pitching matchups in the series.
Monday - Carlos Zambrano (9-7, 3.77 in 2009) vs. Derek Lowe (15-10, 4.67 in 2009)
Lowe gets his second consecutive opening day nod, and Zambrano makes his sixth opening day start for the Cubs. Both pitchers are coming off of disappointing 2009 seasons. Zambrano only won 9 games, and Braves fans know how poorly Lowe finished the season.
Zambrano was 0-1 against the Braves last year, though he pitched well in his only start against Atlanta, giving up only 2 runs in a pitching duel with Javier Vazquez. Carlos has a 2-and-3 record in 11 lifetime starts against the Braves. Walks have been his Achilles heel when facing the Atlanta, as he has allowed almost a walk every two innings.
Lowe did not get a decision last year in one start against the Cubs, though he threw a quality start only to see a tie game lost by Jeff Bennett. Lowe is 2-and-1 against the Cubs lifetime in nine starts with a 3.17 ERA. So if history is any judge he should be able to handle Chicago, though expect a close game.
Wednesday - Ryan Dempster (11-9, 3.64 ERA in 2009) vs. Jair Jurrjens (14-10, 2.60 ERA in 2009)
Dempster was winless against Atlanta last year in a well pitched game. He was also a victim of a well-pitched Javier Vazuqez start, with the bullpen holding on for the shutout victory. Dempster has an abysmal lifetime record of 2-and-11 against the Braves in 15 starts and 26 games.
Jurrjens had one of his poorer starts against any team last year when he faced the Cubs. He allowed 7 hits and 3 walks which led to 4 runs and his 7th loss of the season. That was the only time Jurrjens has faced the Cubs in his career.
Thursday - Randy Wells (12-10, 3.05 in 2009) vs. Tommy Hanson (11-4, 2.89 in 2009)
This will be a matchup of two of the top rookies on the mound from last year. Hanson finished 3rd in the Rookie of the Year voting, and Wells finished 6th
Wells was 1-and-0 in two starts against the Braves last year. He posted two quality starts giving up only 2 runs in each game. He certainly seemed to have the Braves batters figured out.
Hanson has not faced the Cubs in his career.
0 recs | 207 comments
Nice preview.
I hate being nitpicky, but I spy a few errors.
You mean Chicago?
ATLforlife - April 5, 2010
Thanks, editing is always appreciated.
gondeee - April 5, 2010
Sweep?
u think we got it?
Braves Biceps - April 5, 2010
Better question:
Will the fans show their support at the Ted this year?
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Yeah, so I took off work today so I’m gonna need the open thread up…like…now.
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
I was thinking the same thing
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
And NAWHAL, don't forget NAWHAL...
I’m calling a Zambrano HR, in honor of the our respective club’s new front office personnel idea that “Chicks dig the long ball”
Mr. Sanchez - April 5, 2010
Not if Lowe has the
s(t)inker working
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
screw NAWHAL…i’m still waiting for my prizes
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Are we doing NAHWAL today/this year?
eaheckman10 - April 5, 2010
Fill me in, if you please… I’m still a site rookie.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
NAHWAL
Stands for Noc a homer, win a lotta. Two old braves mascots.
On this site, that’s the name for a game people play where they make predictions about the game that’s coming up.
The ones who get stuff right earn points. The ones with the most points get prizes.
eavchuck - April 5, 2010
Cool, thanks: we do a deal like that while watching games on TV. Everybody gets 3 HR predictions per game… 1 pt. per correct guess + 1 extra guess. In extra innings, you get 1 more guess per inning. My all-time bragging point was a Maddux homer.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Bring on the Cubs! Let’s go Braves!
romone_braves91 - April 5, 2010
Decisions....
should I listen to the game at work or should I stay away from baseball info and watch it via DVR after work as if it is happening then?
I want to watch it live!!!
sddbaker - April 5, 2010
With the commercials, you could almost catch up
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
ESPN 360
which is now ESPN 3, but at any rate you should able to view the game live at work. I am going to see how that goes and still have the DVR tee’d up and ready to go
JFP - April 5, 2010
Depends on your provider
Or if you work at an Academic Instituition
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
I wouldn’t be able to stay away, so I vote for listening at work
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Brent Musberger
Keeping up the fine tradition of ESPN broadcasts.
“Dusty Baker matching chess moves against Tony LaRussa today.”
“If you’re talking about the best hitters in the NL today, Albert Pujols is right there on that list.”
Bronn - April 5, 2010
And Pujols takes a quick lead on Jason Heyward in MVP voting
Hits a HR in his first AB of the season.
Bronn - April 5, 2010
You just beat my attempt to post that!!
carpengui - April 5, 2010
He’s pretty good.
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
It's the first series of 2010, not 2009
Scott Coleman - April 5, 2010 via mobile
David Wright 2, Marlins 0; bot 1st.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
So does this mean...
that he’s going to hit more than 10 HRs this year?
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Damn, missed it…watching the Nats win. Nyjer Morgan’s a beast.
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Not a great start for Halladay… 1st inning: 1 earned run, 2 hits, 1 walk (that’s the real shocker). Got Dunn on a full count.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Should have been 2 walks…weak call on Dunn.
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Yeah, the strike out pitch AND the pitch that got called a strike on 3-0. Those were gimme calls by the ump.
dunnytwogloves - April 5, 2010
Pujols:
On pace for 600+ HRs.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
That would be a record or something
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Oops..
Now he’s only on pace for 300+ HRs. What a bum.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Lame sauce
Put him on the pine
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
NL Cy Young winner my ass!
Halladay is already losing.
Scott Coleman - April 5, 2010 via mobile
Seriously.
Worst. Trade. Ever.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
And yes, we're right to judge after 1 inning
Because we’re right.
Bronn - April 5, 2010
It’s what we do, really
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
It's got a long ways to go before reaching Tex status
Mr. Sanchez - April 5, 2010
Considering that they also gave up Cliff Lee to get Halladay, its already worse than the Tex trade LOL
MO'toole - April 5, 2010
On ESPN,
they just put up a graphic of all the guys who got NL Cy Young votes last year… Above the name “Vazquez” and in front of a Braves logo was… a picture of someone who was definitely NOT Javy Vazquez. I think it may have been Luis Valdez, though I didn’t recognize whoever it was.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
I noticed that as well. It was like wtf?
romone_braves91 - April 5, 2010
Haha, I saw that as well
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
I got an I idea
Let’s do 4 play by plays at the same time with the current games that are on. Who’s with me!?!!?!?!!
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Castillo walked for the Mets, bot 3rd… Wright up again, 1 out.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Walk to Wright after a long-ish duel with Josh Johnson… Castillo had stolen 2nd already.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Halladay just K’s Zimmerman
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
And Dunn for the 2nd time
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Despite that
I like the nats youth and vigor
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Yeah, I worry about the Nats a bit… especially after Strasburg arrives. I think they’ll be better than most think.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
agreed
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Willie Harris in RF and Nyjer Morgan in CF? That’s crazy defense
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Good point.
Everyone should be hitting to LF against them
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Throwing, not so much...
but in the air, yes. McCann could get multiple triples on balls into that gap.
Mr. Sanchez - April 5, 2010
Youth and vigor are great...
But you have to have good players too… I don’t think they have nearly enough, at least not yet. Maybe in 2011
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
I prefer piss and vinegar
Mr. Sanchez - April 5, 2010
Ha!
Sounds like a Moises Alou cure for hand blisters
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
haha
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
+1...
I provide the alley, and you take care of the oop.
Mr. Sanchez - April 5, 2010
Carpenter just got Dickerson to ground out to Pujols, 3-1
Cards still up 1 nothing after 2.5
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Colby Rasmus
just homered off of Harang, Cardinals now up 2-0, bottom 4th.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
David Freese
just singled in another run for STL, 3 nothing. Should’ve been a play at the plate, but Rolen cut the ball off stupidly, then dropped the ball to boot.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
If it goes too long
I’ll need a beer to chill out
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
I’m already on #2
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Damn my livlihood!
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Dodgers and Pirates in a pitching duel… 2-2 after the first inning.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Sounds about right
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
That's what you get
when the Opening Day matchup is Vicente Padilla vs. Zach Duke
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
haha
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Great call on my TC fantasy squad...
pick up Padilla to fill an injured slot before I could see who all was available (and pickings were quite slim, I’ve since dropped him for Octavio Dotel as possible cheap saves). But to make matters worse, I’ve got Garrett Jones, sitting on the bench. Good call numbskull!
Mr. Sanchez - April 5, 2010
I’m surprised Dotel was still available, I would have snagged him in I knew that
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Wait…why the hell is Padilla opening up for the Dodgers?
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Just got a text from LT down at the Ted
“It’s insane down here! We’re in line to get in. Crazy long.”
Lizziebeth - April 5, 2010
Glad to hear it. Although, I could have sworn that the game was being played at Wrigley…didn’t realize otherwise until last night. I’m an idiot.
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Shit Howard is a beast!
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
what happened
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
2 run Bomb!
2nd deck
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Damn…switching back now
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Make it 3-1… still nobody out in the 4th.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
I was shocked at how tall he was when I saw him in ST.
demsei - April 5, 2010
the immovable object
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Hmm, Colby Rasmus
He might be actually good this year, as opposed to fake good.
Bronn - April 5, 2010
He's from my original stomping grounds
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
I think he will be
Not great, but good.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
End 3rd, Mets still 2-0 over Fla.
Bay struck out to leave 2. Josh Johnson already has 70-ish pitches.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Mets
might lead the league in swinging strike outs this year.
Bronn - April 5, 2010
Nats are in trouble...
…Phillies got 1st and 3rd with no outs, already up 2-1
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Victorino singles in a run, 3-1
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Now 4- 1
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
4-1…pretty sure it was Halladay that just drove in a run with a dribbler in front of the mound.
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Right. 2nd ML RBI.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
5-1 Phillies
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Man.
Why can’t we play the Nats, like, every day?
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Not with the PR. Selig and Obama have already been in the booth
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Indeed…I’m enjoying Selig’s little speech here
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
St. L 3, Cin 0 - mid 4th.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Harang finally got out of the 4th
This is why the Reds won’t make the playoffs—their veteran pitchers are sucky, and their young pitchers are going to get hurt b/c Dusty Baker is their manager.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Rick Sutcliffe thinks Harang needs to try and throw strikes.
Bronn - April 5, 2010
lol
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
as opposed to pizzas...
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Well, THERE'S the problem.
Why doesn’t Harang listen?
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Joey Votto
just launched a MONSTER shot off Carpenter, StL still up 3 to 1
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
And he hit it the other way, too. Wow.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
dammit…too much baseball going on! although I did switch just in time to see Rolen go yard
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Votto goes deep.
Bronn - April 5, 2010
There’s a guy I wish I could have picked up for my Roto team.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Another one
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Rolen
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Rolen
launches a HR off Carpenter, back to back
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
This Cincy ballpark is a HR haven,
although to be fair all 4 HRs today were no-doubters
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
I think Phillips was in between
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Whoops,
yeah, you’re right.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Okay
10HRs on Opening Day games, counting yesterday. Posada, Granderson, Pedroia, Pujols, Wright, Rasmus, Howard, Votto, Wells, Rolen.
Bronn - April 5, 2010
Heyward can you hear us!
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Add Konerko to that list, too
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Carpenter is sweating like Moses out there
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
And he's getting crushed all of the sudden, too
Bruce just lined a single up the middle
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Nix grounds a single past Pujols, first and third now
4 hits in the inning already.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Ramon Hernandez
just misses hitting another one out, Carp gets out of the inning. Cards 3-2 after 4
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
I've got Carpenter and Padilla pitching for one of my fantasy teams today
Not feeling too good now.
Bronn - April 5, 2010
Looks like the wheels have fallen off
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Marlins have a threat going in the 4th.
1 out, Ramirez on 2nd, Cantu on 1st… Uggla up.
Hit to RCnter…2nd out, but both runners advance on GMatthews Jr.’s non-agressive play.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Santana gets out of it without damage.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
How’s Santana looking?
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
From what I hear, not terribly overpowering…. having some trouble locating pitches, but so far he’s apparently getting away with it. Let’s hope that the result is the same as Sabathia last night.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Toronto up 2-0 on Texas already
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Vernon Wells has completely and retroactively justified his contract
with his HR today
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
haha
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
The world is coming to an end
Franceour walked. 2 on, none out in the Mets 4th.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
We were wrong, Jeff! Come back to us!
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Barrajas – short OF hit… bases loaded, Sanata batting with no one out.
Popped to shallow left…. 1 out.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
“Santana”, that is.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Liner – Franceour doubled up to end the inning.. No runs.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Haha, of course.
Good old Mets
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Pujols singles up the middle, 1 out
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
HBP for Holliday
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Wow…just saw Rasmus’ blast
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
hope his bro...
can finally be healthy
Mr. Sanchez - April 5, 2010
Sutcliffe thinks that this is an important moment for the Reds.
Not just in this game, but for this year. OOOOOkay…
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
He’s one of the worst
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Wouldn't that moment be...
sometime in August, when Chapman puts up his 4th consecutive 120+ pitch, 7+ inning outing on short rest?
Mr. Sanchez - April 5, 2010
Hahaha
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Garret Jones goes deep, again
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Garrett Jones for MVP?
Bronn - April 5, 2010
Criminy...
Maybe he wasn’t a fluke? Or maybe it’s just hitting off of Padilla…
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
So you're saying...
I should put him on the trading block and sell high?
Mr. Sanchez - April 5, 2010
Well, he won't hit 2 HRs every game, so... yes.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Yeah, I'm a moron.
Mr. Sanchez - April 5, 2010
Haha, hilarious picture. I have him happily in my utility slot in one league.
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Just saw the video of the 2nd HR
totally a lucky one. Barely crept over a 4-foot wall down the LF-line
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
I’ll take it though!
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Harang just throws a pickoff away,
Pujols scores from third, 4-2 STL
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
2:38 EDT NL Update...
METS 2 – MARLINS 0 (End 4th)
PIRATES 3 – DODGERS 2 (Bot 3rd, 1 out, Pirates up)
ROCKIES 1 – BREWERS 0 (Rockies 2nd, 2 down)
CARDS 4 – REDS 2 (Cards batting, 2 out in 5th)
PHILS 5 – NATS 1 (Mid 5th)
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Make that 2-0 Rockies.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
14 HRs in Opening Day games
Anyone else think this might be a record breaking day?
Bronn - April 5, 2010
Tuffy Rhodes disagrees.
but seriously, no clue on the record.
Mr. Sanchez - April 5, 2010
2:40 EDT AL Update
WHITE SOX 2 – INDIANS 0 (Cleve batting, top 3rd, 2 down)
BLUE JAYS 2 – RANGERS 0 (Jays batting, top 3rd, 1 out).
carpengui - April 5, 2010
God, Harang is weird looking
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Somebody needs to make a weird-looking all-star team.
Harang would make it, for sure.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Jack Wilson’s gotta be the starting SS
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Your OF
Juan Pierre, Seth Smith, and Magglio Ordonez.
Bronn - April 5, 2010
Good call on Maggs and Pierre…not so sure about Smith, he looks pretty normal to me in his picture. Unless he’s got a third arm or something
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
I've always thought he had a horse face
Very long and with big teeth. But then, I don’t see his face very often.
Bronn - April 5, 2010
Then again
I’ll use bearded Johnny Damon.
Bronn - April 5, 2010
I want Chad Gaudin in my bullpen
if only for the goatee
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Ha, god that thing is hideous
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Back to this
Youkilis at third.
Wilson at short.
At first, I could go with Billy Butler, Adrian Gonzalez, or maybe a Nick Johnson.
We’ll say Adrian Gonzalez.
I’ll have to get back to you guys on a second baseman.
Bronn - April 5, 2010
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Schumaker just booted a ball at 2B
runner on 1st, 1 out, bottom 5th, StL still up 4-2
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
but Carp gets out of it,
6-4-3 DP
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Santana seems to be getting stronger… easy 5th; still 2-0 Mets.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
2 hits through five, one walk. Roughly 80-82 pitches.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Mike Lincoln in the game for the Reds,
Harang’s final line:
5 IP, 4 ER, 2HR, 2BB, 2 SO… Not real good.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
6-1 Phillies after a triple by Rollins
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
7-1
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
rbi single for Polanco
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
That offense is scary...
At least when they are facing the Nats.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Wow.
Carpenter fakes bunt, then swings, ball caroms off the pitcher’s glove. Brandon Phillips makes a spectacular barehanded grab falling the other way and throws him out. Runner on 2nd now, 2 outs.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Reds flashing the leather
Votto dives to catch a liner, end of inning. STL still up 4-2 after 5.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Not to get off topic on this glorious day, but I finally watched The Hurt Locker yesterday. Was a little let down, but very good movie.
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
On an uplifting weekend
I watched that and Precious in one weekend. I about threw in Schindler’s List for good measure.
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
Haha
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Cameron Maybin getting fitted for a sombrero…. 3K against Johann Santana.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
yikes
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Hmmm....
That’s worrisome.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
…and he got Hanley Ramirez for 5th K of the day (6th inning).
carpengui - April 5, 2010
WHOA
Colby Rasmus just robbed a HR from Rolen!
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Ball was over the wall
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Wow…Rasmus just robbed Rolen of his 2nd HR
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Rasmus pulled the first "Andruw" of 2010
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Haha…these new ESPN baseball commercials have been pretty good so far.
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Cantu double - barely - to score a Marlins run. 2-1 Mets
Uggla up with tying run at 2nd; 2 down in the 6th.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Not sure who to root for here...
Except I hope that it ends in 21 innings, regardless
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Full count to Uggla – disputed strike 2 – ball 4. 100 pitches now for Santana.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Pujols, HR again
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Line drive screamer just cleared the wall in right center
Cardinals now up 6-2
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
holy shit
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
Puljols
Bomb number 2
BeantownVol - April 5, 2010
I think that guy is pretty good.
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
Game Day thread is up
I’m switching over.
Bronn - April 5, 2010
nice
Smoltz's Beard - April 5, 2010
w00t!
Jacob Peterson - April 5, 2010
End 6th: Mets 2, Marlins 1.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
Cards 6; Red 2
Phils 7; Nats 1. Both games in the 7th.
CWSox 4; Cleve 0 in the 4th.
carpengui - April 5, 2010
GT is up
Switch now!
Scott Coleman - April 5, 2010 via mobile
wow Talking Chop is blowing up.
romone_braves91 - April 5, 2010
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