Many people questioned whether Jair Jurrjens was ready to return to the Braves' rotation... Well, maybe it was just me, but I had my reasons. After all, he had only three rehab starts, and he didn't exactly light the AAA world on fire when he was down there.
Consider those questions answered. Jurrjens returned with a vengeance tonight, striking out 6 Nationals in 5+ innings of work. He did give up some baserunners (6 hits and 2 walks), but made some good pitches when he needed to, and except for the 6th inning, got out of all the jams. His fastball had tons of life, and he threw 56 of 85 pitches for strikes (66%). He did miss his target badly on a few pitches, but all in all he pitched about as well as we could have hoped after such a long layoff.
Jurrjens also contributed with the glove and with the bat. Defensively, he used his glove to knock down a wicked liner by Ivan Rodriguez in the 5th and got the out. Offensively, he was even better, padding the Braves' lead with a crucial RBI hit. With runners on 1st and 2nd and one out in the 4th inning, JJ faked bunt, drew his bat back, and slapped a hit past Nats' 3B Ryan Zimmerman. Not only did the hit score Eric Hinske to make the score 2-0, but it also set up Martin Prado's sacrifice fly, which scored Gregor Blanco to make it 3-0.
JJ escaped a 5th-inning, bases-loaded situation in the 5th to preserve the lead, but when he loaded the bases with nobody out in the 6th, Bobby Cox went to the bullpen. Jurrjens' final pitching line was 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K, and a 0.039 WPA (which would have been higher if JJ hadn't left his bullpen such a mess to clean up in the 6th).
Peter Moylan got the call in the high-pressure situation and immediately got a double play from Ivan Rodriguez. A run scored on the play, making it 3-1, but the 2 outs were crucial there. After a walk and a wild pitch, Moylan managed to strike out Alberto Gonzalez to end the threat. The Nationals would not threaten again.
Nationals starter J.D. Martin was decent, though hardly spectacular. He did get a ton of pop-ups, but he also threw a ton of pitches (96 in 5 innings) and wasn't exactly unhittable. The Braves got on the board in the first inning when Brian McCann doubled in Martin Prado with two outs. The Braves loaded the bases after McCann's double, but Yunel Escobar popped up to end the inning.
If Jurrjens had actually bunted off of Martin during that 4th-inning rally, Martin might have escaped with only giving up one run. Fortunately for Braves fans, JJ swung away, and Martin was saddled with the loss. Martin's final line: 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K, and a -0.143 WPA.
The Braves added an insurance run without a hit in the 7th. Nats reliever Doug Slaten hit Melky Cabrera on the foot with a pitch, walked Chipper Jones on four pitches, and then hit Brian McCann on the hand to load the bases (Mac stayed in the game). Miguel Batista came on in relief of Slaten and walked Eric Hinske to score a run.
The Braves' bullpen was spectacular tonight. After Moylan's excellent work, Jonny Venters pitched a scoreless 7th, Takashi Saito struck out 2 in a perfect 8th, and Billy Wagner struck out the side in the 9th to end it. When those 4 are in top form like they were tonight, our bullpen is scary-good.
Welcome back to the rotation, JJ, and congratulations on (finally!) getting your first win of 2010! It's nice to have you back, and it's nice to keep winning series.
MVP
Jair Jurrjens-- pitching line above, plus he was the Braves' top hitter by WPA (0.104)
Honorable Mention
The whole bullpen, but especially Moylan (0.190 WPA). He came up huge in a tough spot.
McCann-- 1/3, HBP, 2B, RBI, 0.099 WPA
Hinske-- 1/2, 2 BB, R, RBI, 0.093 WPA
Prado-- 1/4, SF, 2B, R, RBI, 0.063 WPA
LVPs
Rodriguez-- 1/4, GIDP, -0.166 WPA
Roger Bernadina-- 0/3, K, -0.129 WPA
MVP in a Losing Effort
Adam Dunn-- 2/4, 2B, K, 0.107 WPA
Clutch Plays
Jurrjens' "I'm not bunting after all" RBI single (0.117 WPA)
McCann's RBI double (0.106 WPA)
Unclutch Play
Rodriguez's double play with the bases loaded and no outs (-0.148 WPA)
0 recs | 69 comments
Sounds like JJ is back....
Also: I miss being able to watch the games.
EricGreggWasPaidOff - June 30, 2010
Watching Mets/Marlins on ESPN
Enjoying the dulcet sounds of Jon Sciambi.
Bronn - June 30, 2010
AHHH I miss boog
Zeus12888 - June 30, 2010
I would be enjoying this more if the mets didnt just go up 2
bpk228480 - June 30, 2010
Let’s hope he can keep this up.
By the way, who’s Alberto Gonzales?
TonyAlmeyda - June 30, 2010
Former Attorney General of the U.S.
also, a shortstop for the Nationals.
Jacob Peterson - June 30, 2010
Really? I thought it was GonzaleZ.
TonyAlmeyda - July 1, 2010
Oh,
well, that’s a typo then. I guess I didn’t catch it because the auto-linker linked it anyway (stupid Alberto Gonzales of the D-backs)
Jacob Peterson - July 1, 2010
That’s okay. I still knew who you were talking about.
TonyAlmeyda - July 1, 2010
JJ
Been taking hitting lessons from Huddy. Do they still give out silver sluggers for pitchers? Cuz Huddy has earned one
MBL1 - June 30, 2010 via mobile
Dan Haren has really earned it.
He has more RBIs than Ks and a HR, while sporting a .435 avg.
Tim Goad - June 30, 2010
HUSH YOU
MBL1 - June 30, 2010 via mobile
Or maybe Gallardo, who already has 3 (!!!!) HRs
J-Turn14 - July 1, 2010
Actually got to watch most of the game tonight, nice to see JJ back and the bullpen in form.
Lennox - June 30, 2010
This
But when is Matty gonna start? Who is the next lefty we face?
MBL1 - June 30, 2010 via mobile
Tuesday against Hamels.
Lennox - June 30, 2010
a job
well done by everyone
Nice to have you back JJ
hawves - June 30, 2010
I'm VERY, VERY Pleased
Atlanta is winning games and series’ – especially against a tough Tigers team. But also feel fortunate because it seems over the last 3 series (ChiSox, Tigers, Nats) we’re in a dogfight to score runs with little to no power – Chipper had a big homer and I know Conrad hit one too but anyone else feel this way?? Also from the outside looking in seeing an OF of Hinske, Cabrera, Blanco people must be wondering how the hell this team is in 1st place. I’m on the Willingham bangwagon even tho its a sin to even think those thoughts as a Braves fan. (cause it means dealing a beloved PROSPECT – i’m totally fine with it – there i said it)
Nova Scotia Steve - June 30, 2010 via mobile
when we have a chance to win the WS THIS year
i dont think you should worry about dealing prospects(except teheran of course, hes untouchable)
CoxXx - June 30, 2010
or minor or vizcaino or freeman or delgado
we’d have to be dumb to give any of those guys up
hell, just call up matt young until heyward gets back
kbertling353 - July 1, 2010
freeman yes
but i think the rest of those guys are dealable for corey hart, it may not be the best move long-term, but its definitely a high reward deal if it works out
CoxXx - July 1, 2010
If we give up Arodys Vizcaino
For a temporarily hot guy like Corey Hart, we don’t deserve to finish in the first division.
Sam Jethroe - July 1, 2010
thats why i think our best move would actually be willingham
because i dont think we would have to give up as much to get him, if we even make a move at all, which might not need to happen if mclouth and/or diaz come off the DL and turn it around
CoxXx - July 1, 2010
We have to give up more to get Willingham then Hart. Nats have said that they don’t want to trade him and he’s in our division
Braves24 - July 1, 2010
Who is now out for 6 weeks
With a torn ligament in his right arm and he’s only 19. If we get anyone of valu/impact via trade…hate to break it but one of those pitchers named above will more or likely on the move…and i’m fine with it….its part of the game…we need a right handed OF bay to play every day and provide some pop. At the end of the day they are just that…prospects…Wren will make the right move…i have total faith in FW.
Nova Scotia Steve - July 1, 2010 via mobile
Arodys out for 6 weeks
Just to clarify
Nova Scotia Steve - July 1, 2010 via mobile
And who would you bench to get Corey Hart more time?
He can’t play center. Is Corey Hart a big enough upgrade over Eric Hinske? No, he’d end up being platooned. There’s hardly any value added, there. We’re talking about maybe 150 Plate appearances worth of Corey Hart instead of Matt Diaz. It’s not worth the value of Arodys.
Eventually we’re going to have to trade one of Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado, or Arodys because we simply won’t have room for all of them on our big league team, but hopefully we’ll get back players who can actually help. Matt Kemp, for example-I’d put one of our top prospects in a deal for a Matt Kemp.
Bronn - July 1, 2010
i like your Matt Kemp idea
do you have Frank’s number?
CoxXx - July 1, 2010
Wasn't my idea
it’s been speculated on some places (MLBTradeRumors.com, for example) that the Dodgers might consider selling off Kemp because he’s not performing right now, and the team’s finances are in question. It’d be a great time to buy low on Kemp, who is better both defensively and offensively than we’ve seen thus far, he plays center field (where we actually need help) AND he’s right handed. We’d have him under team control until 2012.
In return, I’d send them a fairly attractive package, something like: Vizcaino (or Delgado, if Arodys’ value has been suppressed by his injury), Schafer, Myke Jones, and a fringe pitching prospect like Scott Diamond.
Bronn - July 1, 2010
I'm fine with this, too.
They’re very down on Kemp right now and I think they’re just stupid enough to give up on him.
Of the three guys, I really think I would part with Delgado first.
Sam Jethroe - July 1, 2010
I'm fine with that
I just want someone who will really help for more than a few months or even a year.
Sam Jethroe - July 1, 2010
Honestly
If it’s not for Kemp or DeJesus, I hope the Braves don’t add anything this year. I think the team is strong enough to make an October run as is, especially if McLouth actually could perform up to his projections.
Bronn - July 1, 2010
this
There are only a few guys available that would actually be upgrades over what we have now, so there’s no sense in making a move for the sake of making one.
telemakhos - July 1, 2010
Our bench depth is nine kinds of awesome
If you assume the projected starters are performing. Infante, Diaz/Hinske, Conrad, Ross, Cabrera/McLouth. The Braves are looking for an upgrade there, but it’s tough to do very much that’s really going to upgrade it. Even Blanco has played excellently in his time filling in. Get all those guys back and it’s hard to find a real need.
Is Coco Crisp an upgrade? And if he is, where do we make room for him when McLouth and Heyward are healthy? We don’t need anything in the bullpen, either. We don’t even have room for Kimbrel or Dunn in it, and it’s hard to make the case we could get something that’s inarguably better than those two, good enough that it’s worth giving something up.
If anything, the Braves could be sellers, trading away JJ or KK or maybe even Medlen to get back some good prospects.
Bronn - July 1, 2010
Nice team win
JJ proved he was ready to start even though most of us thought needed another rehab start. He pitched great, and so did the bullpen. We won another series, so let’s keep it up
Braves24 - June 30, 2010
Every win is nice, haha
MBL1 - June 30, 2010 via mobile
of course
just saying great team effort
Braves24 - June 30, 2010
Good to see JJ back in the mix.
His importance to this team is generally not really credited around here, IMHO.
Fabulous effort by Moylan, as well. He saved Jair’s lead, and possibly the team’s win, with that grounder he got from Rodriguez.
Sam Jethroe - July 1, 2010
I think we all recognize JJ's importance.
But let’s be realistic, he’s not the team MVP or anything. After all, we’ve been in first place with 0 contribution from him. It is great to have him back, though.
Jacob Peterson - July 1, 2010
That about covers it
But his value around here has been (generally, at least in my observation) thought of as much lower than that.
We’ve held the fort well w/o him but it’s a whole, and I mean a whole, lot better with him in the rotation.
Sam Jethroe - July 1, 2010
Didn't think it was possible ...
but tonight made me hate Zimmerman even more.
There’s no whining in baseball, especially when you’re already down by three runs.
FrankyWren - July 1, 2010
Agreed
He’s a twerp.
Sam Jethroe - July 1, 2010
the vuvuzelas should also be LVPs
GeneParmesan - July 1, 2010
I think it was just one jerk who had one.
Unfortunately, with those things, you only need one to be annoying.
Jacob Peterson - July 1, 2010
I hated it until the guy started doing stuff with the chants and clapping, then I just found it hilarious. I even joked around with the Braves’ organist about it some.
Sarahbeth - July 1, 2010
it was jurrjens' family
so ill forgive them
CoxXx - July 1, 2010
Agreed.
(warning mini-soap box rant here)
Can you imagine if you were from out of town, spent big bucks to travel to the Ted to see a game and have someone with one of those things blowing it all night near where you were sitting?
For me, any chance to see a game (one or two a year max if at all) will involve lots of travel and and expense. When I do get to go, I cherish everything from the moment I enter the gate. The sights/smells of baseball from the popcorn, the peanuts and hot dogs all make it special to me. I’m sure others who don’t have a major league club in their state/town and only occasionally get to enjoy a game at a top level ballpark, feel the same.
Having to endure one of those things all night would piss me off.
This is baseball dammit.
It’s annoying on the TV, I can’t imagine sitting next to one. I’d simply have to get up and not enjoy the seats I had paid for.
I’m really worried this is going to become a trend. I hope “baseball” decides to not let it happen.
(rant over) ;-)
NCChopper - July 1, 2010
Actually....
Checked the list of prohibited items:
So, the stupid things actually aren’t supposed to be allowed, as I’m sure they meet the definition of “noisemaker”. I’m certain if someone was using one, a word with an usher, pointing out the stated policy, would lead to confiscation. Rules can be our friends!
sddbaker - July 1, 2010
I can imagine it. I was there the 1st game of the series and someone was blowing one near us. VERY annoying.
MBL1 - July 1, 2010 via mobile
Damn, JJ proved me wrong and had a solid outing (although it was the struggling Nats). We have a solid rotation once again. We can now get on a roll and start another winning series streak.
romone_braves91 - July 1, 2010
"once again"?
When did we not have a solid rotation? 2007?
Jacob Peterson - July 1, 2010
We always had a solid rotation. I just meant that it is stronger with the addition of JJ.
romone_braves91 - July 1, 2010
OK
That makes more sense.
Jacob Peterson - July 1, 2010
Now it’s time to look forward to the weekend. I hope the Braves step it up against the Marlins this weekend, because both the Phillies and Mets have pretty easy series against the Pirates and Nationals.
TonyAlmeyda - July 1, 2010
I think we will
I’m still convinced the Nationals are better than the Marlins despite the records
BigG1392 - July 1, 2010
The Nationals
are extremely under-rated. Their middle of the lineup is as good as anyone elses all they really need is a starter or two and they will be fine.
drumzalicious - July 1, 2010
Well, maybe a few more needs than that.
Zimmerman/Dunn/Willingham is pretty sick in the middle, but when you’re giving playing time to Alberto Gonzalez, all is not well. Pudge is not as good as his numbers, and even those numbers are already collapsing from earlier in the year. They don’t have much outside those three who can hit-Bernadina might be okay, it’s too early to tell.
If they could find someone who could hit and play somewhere up the middle, that would help a lot. If Bernadina is what he is, he gives them a lead-off man, but they still need at least one more average bat somewhere. The defensive contributions they’re getting from Desmond, Alberto Gonzalez, and Christian Guzman aren’t quite enough to justify using their well below average bats.
Then, toss in another above average starter, and they’re a dangerous team. But in this division, they’ll finish last.
Bronn - July 1, 2010
Nice start for JJ.
Hope to see him get back to his old self
drumzalicious - July 1, 2010
Jurrj, Jair and Executioner!!
Glad to have him back. Great game! Go Braves!!
Frozen Fan - July 1, 2010
Can someone explain to me fan interference
If a player reaches into the stands and a fan catches it, is that fan interference? Or is it just when a fan reaches over he wall and stops a player from catching it? I was at the game today and this was the first time I have seen an out called because of it.
GwinnettBraves - July 1, 2010 via mobile
From MLB rulebook
Rule 3.16 comment, second paragraph:
No interference shall be allowed when a fielder reaches over a fence, railing, rope or into a stand to catch a ball. He does so at his own risk. However, should a spectator reach out on the playing field side of such fence, railing or rope, and plainly prevent the fielder from catching the ball, then the batsman should be called out for the spectator’s interference.
TonyAlmeyda - July 1, 2010
Unless said fan’s name is Jeffery Maier.
UMDBHIK - July 1, 2010
Jaire Jurgens was great tonight
welcome back JJ!
Scott Coleman - July 1, 2010
Wonderful performance first time back for Jar Jergens
bpk228480 - July 1, 2010
We DID it. Check and Check!
I will miss the next series entirely and won’t be back until Tuesday night.
Y’all root for the Braves a little extra for me now, ya hear? ;-)
NCChopper - July 1, 2010
I’ll miss this one for the most part also. Then on the road myself starting tuesday for 30 days! Ugh, I’m gonna miss my lil’ ones! Great game for JJ! Good to see him in nice form, I didn’t expect that this early. Nice addition to an already in first place Braves team!
jdmarine - July 1, 2010
Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Medlen, Lowe
Brings a tear to the eye. Awesome rotation! Say what you will about Derek Lowe. Most fans would love to have him as their fifth best starter. Go Braves!!
Frozen Fan - July 1, 2010
U gots it all wrong, its Jergens and Meddlin….
Duhhh
MBL1 - July 1, 2010 via mobile
If you don’t use the Jergens, you’ll get the Krabs.
UMDBHIK - July 1, 2010
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