Catcher’s Blog

Last night didn’t seem to prove that these off days are helping too much and we have one tomorrow and another on Monday. Why is that when they play the Nats, they seem to forget every fundamental ability to that they’ve learned? Maybe the Nats’ bad luck rubs off on us, but then lasts for a few games after, unfortunately. It seems to be the same thing over and over again. The starting pitching is giving us quality starts and the offense, defense, and bullpen seem to keep letting us down in some way or another, ending in a loss. I know it’s too early to panic, but something has got to give somewhere. The same guys are having to produce because the rest of the offense is not doing their part, especially with men on base and RISP.

On to a less ranting topic, Smoltz has been placed on the 15-day DL with bicep and rotater cuff inflammation. The doctors don’t think the injury will need surgery, but Smoltz says he won’t be returning before he thinks he’s ready. Even then he says that closing is another option, rather than starting because of the way his body has reacted this season so far. Placing him in the bullpen will take a lot of wear and tear off his aging body and may keep him with the team a lot longer. Hopefully he can come back to the rotation, but if it’s in the team’s and Smoltz’s best interest, then we should at least consider it. Smoltz isn’t ready to hit the panic button yet either, though, and we shouldn’t either, as bad as things have gotten and have gone lately.

There’s a nicely written and humorous article about Mac’s triple the other night, which you can see some videos here if you need a reminder, and about his speed or lack there of. Basically, it’s about how much of an asset Mac is to the team even without speed on his side and that he’s already one of the best catcher’s in the league, if not the game, for accomplishing some of the feats he’s already achieved. Of course, Mac is modest and doesn’t think he’s even comparable to catchers with more experience, such as Pudge Rodriguez and the like. But we all know he is.

The All-Star Voting has begun. Make sure to cast your vote for your favorite players, preferably Braves of course, by July 2. All the Braves starters are on the ballot this year, so if you think our Braves deserve to go to the All-Star game, please make sure to vote. You’re allowed to vote 25 times, so make it count.

Also, the default theme that I have on the site only temporary until I can find time to finish up another one. I’m not sold on this one as the main layout, so, again, it’s only the main layout temporaryily. The other theme was getting on my nerves, so I changed it. If you like the previous theme still, feel free to switch the to theme with the the theme switcher at the bottom of the right hand sidebar.