Show #66: We Sit Down With Tim Hudson

June 21, 2009

Show #66: We Sit Down With Tim Hudson

The game 3 loss in Boston. Should TP, Bobby, or Wren be worried about their jobs? And our clubhouse interview with Tim Hudson.

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55 Responses to “Show #66: We Sit Down With Tim Hudson”

1
Josh Says:
June 22nd, 2009 at 1:57 am
TP was disciplined as a hitter? Are we talking about the same TP that never walked 50 times or more in a season and had a career OBP of .316?
2
McMouth Says:
June 22nd, 2009 at 3:11 am
Terry P def. doesn’t teach patience at the plate. In fact he tried to take Kelly Johnson’s pateince away! And how many times you hear him say he “doesn’t want to take away his aggressiveness” about Francoeur?

He’s big on the whole “you’re only going to see one or two hittable pitches, so swing early” thing. I HATE HATE HATE that philosophy. It relies on the idea that the pitcher will always try to get ahead first and then nibble. But just as freaking often they try to nibble first and then come to the zone if you don’t chase.

AND, if you nearly always swing early in the count, they’re even less likely to give you that “one or two hittable pitches” in the first couple. Why would they?

It’s such a dumb philosophy that I can’t believe he can use it and have one of the thirty hitting coach jobs in MLB.

Be patient, see more pitches, cost the pitcher more energy, and then be selectively aggressive once in a while. If a pitcher starts exploiting your patience, it’s easy to make THAT adjustment. Go up there and swing hard at the first couple until he gets honest again. It isn’t rocket science.

Thankfully, Chipper and McCann just ignore TP and wait for a good pitch. McLouth is also excellent at waiting for a strike. I counted 9 balls he took WITH TWO STRIKES on him in four consecutive at-bats the other day (across two games). That’s a good eye. First time he slumps, Chipper better take him aside and tell him to ignore TP’s “hittable pitches” speech.
3
Curt Says:
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:11 am
Pendleton’s track record:

In 2002, the Braves were ninth in the league in hitting and OBP, 10th in runs.
In 2003, they were first in hitting and runs, second in OBP.
In 2004, they were fifth in all three categories.
In 2005, they were fourth in runs, fifth in hitting and seventh in OBP.
In 2006, they were second in hitting and runs, sixth in OBP.
In 2007, they were third in OBP, fourth in hitting and runs.
In 2008, they were third in hitting and OBP, sixth in runs.
4
Hamilton Says:
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:08 pm
For what it is worth, here is the Braves record and standing over that time period . . .
In 2002, the Braves were ninth in the league in hitting and OBP, 10th in runs.
101-59 (1st in NL East)
In 2003, they were first in hitting and runs, second in OBP.
101-61 (1st in NL East)
In 2004, they were fifth in all three categories.
96-66 (1st in NL East)
In 2005, they were fourth in runs, fifth in hitting and seventh in OBP.
90-72 (1st in NL East)
In 2006, they were second in hitting and runs, sixth in OBP.
79-83 (3rd in NL East)
In 2007, they were third in OBP, fourth in hitting and runs.
84-78 (3rd in NL East)
In 2008, they were third in hitting and OBP, sixth in runs.
72-90 (4th in NL East)

I wish there was some correlation to hitting stats and record, but I can’t find any. For example, our records were almost identical in 2002 and in 2003, but we were 9th/10th in hitting in 2002 and 1st/2nd in hitting in 2003. Go figure. Obviously pitching comes into play. We need Bill James to sort this out for us.

One thing is clear though, we are moving in the wrong direction.
5
Curt Says:
June 22nd, 2009 at 2:53 pm
I’m for firing the entire coaching staff, for what it’s worth.
6
McMouth Says:
June 22nd, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Where the Braves rank in hitting isn’t any more a certain indicator of TP than our 90′s ERA was an indication of Mazzone. Were they better or worse than their natural talent because of TP’s instruction. (I’m not saying I know the answer to that.) Listen, when’s the last time an ATL hitter really bragged on TP getting them out of a slump?

I’ve heard Morton, Lowe, Kawakami, and Hanson all credit Roger for fixing something just this year. And that’s just right off the top of my head.

Also, just a reminder of Bobby’s quote from the 15th:

“Our hitting’s been good, really good at times. But it’s all over baseball now, a lot of good pitching, and it’s going to shut you down. It’s not so much the hitter, it’s the pitching you run into.”

Frank Wren, please do not offer this circus freak a damn extension.
7
Steve Says:
June 22nd, 2009 at 11:31 pm
McMouth: would you toss yet another piece of the 90′s to the curb by getting rid of TP?
8
Leah Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 12:18 am
Why doesn’t Prado play 2nd every day? Atleast platoon he and KJ.
9
Steve Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 9:08 am
Leah – Because in the month of September last year, Kelly went crazy and hit .398, with 3 HR and 19 RBI. They keep waiting for that again.
10
Leah Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:15 am
Hmmm…typical.
11
Hamilton Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Where the hell is Infante?!
12
Steve Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Is that a rhetorical question?
13
BluesMan Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I think that the only coach that should stay based on how well he’s done his job is Roger McDowell. Kudos to him for his efforts and what he’s done w/ the pitching staff. For the sake of keeping most of the fans happy (selfishly I put myself in this category as well)…Bobby needs to stay too. I’ve watched more games this season than I ever have in my life, & I can clearly see what you guys are talking about (his judgment calls & pitching changes. The most consistent head scratching decisions that I see Bobby making is in pitching changes. I think he should be utilizing Kris Medlen where he normally chooses Jeff Bennett. Do any of you guys think that Medlen could be used well in relief for Tommy Hanson because of how their pitching styles contrast? After dealing with Hanson’s power pitching (including heat that tops out at 99, a Smoltz – like slider, and a good curve)…having to deal with Medlen who seems to be all about location, he changes speeds really well.

Back to using Medlen in relief of Hanson…wouldn’t a change like that really screw with a hitter’s timing? Maybe I’m just dreaming. Anyways…food for thought. I realize that there’s a lot of fans that are discouraged right now…but out of curiosity…what was our record as of June 23, 1991? It’s a relevant question because we’re coming off of a 90 loss season…and because we haven’t made the postseason in a few years, a lot of fans like to get nostalgic about the “good ‘ol days.”
14
Steve Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 2:09 pm
BluesMan – great question. On June 23, 1991 the Braves were 34 – 32, 7 games out of first. Regarding the Hanson/Medlen thing I think it just depends. Sometimes you see that kind of style/speed change be really effective on hitters and other times it seems to make no difference at all. And, it’s all kind of moot because he’s the long reliever and Bobby barely uses him like that as it is.
15
Wiley Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Just throwin something out here, lets say we release Francouer at the end of the season and I wonder are aggressive enough to go after Matt Holliday because I believe last time I checked he is at the end of his contract.
Also Francouer sister is now my High School’s women’s basketball coach (For the Record) and I too attended Fenway for games 1 and 2 of the Bosox series.
16
Curt Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
The are ruining Medlen having him in this position. What good does it serve him to be sitting in the bullpen, not knowing when or if he is going to be used? He needs to be getting regular use or he needs to be starting for Gwinnett.
17
BluesMan Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Curt, you’re absolutely right…has he made any appearances outside of that extra innings game against the Pirates (?? I think that’s who it was…it was on my birthday and it was like a 5 hour game).
18
BluesMan Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 6:09 pm
I should’ve mentioned this in my first comment about this week’s podcast…but apart from McDowell…I feel that Frank Wren has also done enough to keep his job as well. I think if anyone told you that our rotation was going to be looking this good…people would tell them to cut back on whatever drugs they’re doing. The trade for Vasquez & Nate McClouth were very good. I didn’t think Vasquez would be worth the money…but he truly is. Here’s a couple of jokes I found on comments at Mark Bowman’s new blog about B-Mac deserving to start at the All-Star game this year.

-Why is it so hot at Marlins games?

Because there’s not a fan in the place.

-Whats the Difference between UPS and Jeff Bennett on a bases loaded 3 – 2 count?

UPS knows how to throw a strike.

& finally…

-One Day the Devil challenged the Lord to a baseball game.

Smiling the Lord proclaimed, “You don’t have a chance, I’ve got Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, and all the greatest players up here.”

“Yes”, laughed the devil, “but I have all the umpires!”

–Credit goes to MLB.com user ‘Jurrjens4NLCY.’
19
Steve Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:37 pm
BluesMan – very funny stuff. Great win tonight. I am being totally seduced by wins over high profile opponents. If we won a make up game against the Giants and then took game 1 against the Reds, would I be so excited and think this could be THE turnaround we’ve been waiting for? Probably not. But my mind is going crazy with possibilities right now.
20
McMouth Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:49 pm
Whoever said we’d win one of these seven… is now one off with games to go.
21
McMouth Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 10:49 pm
*with five games to go, I mean…
22
Leah Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 11:32 am
So hopeful. I LOVE beating the Yankees.
23
Anne Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Did I hear somewhere that Bennett is the de-facto team barber?? Talk about “keep your day job…”
24
Leah Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
Frenchy’s been listening to the podcast…I’m convinced.
25
Curt Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 11:07 pm
Bennett has apparently not. Anyone not named Moylan, Gonzalez or Soriano is allowed to pitch anymore. And can we get one freaking call to go our way? Did I mention I despise the Yankees.
26
Bubdylan Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 11:11 pm
That Bobby Cox would put Jeff Bennett in for that situation… again… again, after time and time and time again it has spelled disaster….

…. that he would let this team, on the verge of turning their season around in front of an excited home crowd… with all the hard work of so many on the team on the line in this one moment….

…. that Bobby would really bring in Jeff Mother Freaking Bennett to crush our little baseball hearts one more time….

…. it just…. stretches the bounds of my imagination.

It expands the hermeneutical space around my brain…. it tilts the wondering conscience of the cosmos …

…. it freaking knocks me out. I can not come to grips with the jagged movements in the mind of this old retarded man. Does he want us to hurt? Is he Satan? Is he really just Satan?

…. What does he think would happen if we won some of these games? Would we perish? Did his wife say, “okay, I’ll drop the charges, but only if you vow to flush the dreams of every Braves fan down the sh*tter every time they threaten to get bigger than….. a day or two. The dreams must not last more than a day or two. *SQUASH*” (“But, honey, there’s only so much I can do if my GM gives me too much talent…”) “Bobby, you’ll always have the bullpen.”

…. Do you know what that wad is in Jeff Bennett’s mouth? It isn’t chew. No… it’s my soul. Bobby ripped out my blackened soul and gave it to the demon Jeff Bennett to chew on while he devastates my happy place.

We did not have to lose to the Yankees tonight. It was completely unnecessary. He just did it….. to freaking hurt us. He hates us. Inside, he hates us….
27
Bubdylan Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
And Leah, I do not have commitment issues. I just have…. issues.
28
Steve Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Bub – glad to see your sabbatical from the team is going well.
29
Bubdylan Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Meh…. it’s like quitting smoking…. I do it all the time…
30
Steve Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 11:33 pm
But, yes. To put it much less eloquently – that really, really sucked. This loss tonight has left me so much more aggravated and angry than the Philly’s comeback in game 3 of the season or even the walking in the winning run at CitiField. Tonight WAS going to be the turn around to the season. It was there for the taking. Dammit!
31
Scott Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Acosta and Bennett coming in means the Braves has surrendered………
32
Hamilton Says:
June 25th, 2009 at 10:46 am
This from Bobby last night, as he was taking another huge huff from an aerosol can:
“We had one bad pitch with an 0-2 count,” Cox said, “and we didn’t cover first — that cost us two runs. Other than that, we played a good game.”

He went on to say, mid-huff: “I am somewhat aware that 7 of 18 runners Bennett has inherited have scored, and opponents are 9-for-17 (.529) against him with runners in scoring position and two outs. On the other hand, I really hate Braves fans even more than I hate my wife, I just don’t know how to treat them (the fans) like I treat her (my wife). This is the best I could do.”
33
BluesMan Says:
June 25th, 2009 at 11:17 am
I dunno what to say about last night. All the blind umps must be attracted to Turner Field this year. If KK had not been in that freak accident and stayed in the game, I think things would have turned out differently. But a loss is a loss. I’d like to think and hope that we have enough time left on this homestand that we can turn this season around for the better. We missed our first golden opportunity that’s for sure. I’ll go back and check the names…but there were two (possibly three) guys I found browsing through the Gwinnett Braves’ site, while looking for Bennett’s & Reyes’ replacements (maybe there’s another one to step up if Buddy Carlyle doesn’t get his act together. I’ll go back and check on that and throw those names among everyone here to ponder. I think D-Lowe will get ‘em tonight. Peace everyone & GO BRAVES!
34
Steve Says:
June 25th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
From the obvious file – need a win tonight. I will feel all better if we put on a good showing, get a W and get this victorious series in the books. On the other hand, I’ll be absolutely despondent if it goes the other way. I already plan to watch with my hands covering my eyes for most of the game. This is no way to live.
35
Leah Says:
June 25th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
BUB! We missed you my brothah. Ditto to all the Bennett/Bobby bashing and much hatred for those blasted Yanks. I told all my tweeps and Fb friends to check you guys out so get ready. I hope the website can handle the throngs!
36
Anne Says:
June 25th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Curt: OUCH to your post (but I was laughing) (and crying) (and laughing).
Unlike Leah, I have very few friends (not none, like Curt), but I mention atlantabaseballtalk.com all the time to random strangers in elevators, Marta trains, and especially to the migrant workers I pick up regularly at Home Depot. They all claim they’ll check it out.
Meanwhile, TV and a cold one is ready for the final Yanks game. Tomorrow: Orange Lot Parking and outfield seats (what was I thinking…) @ The Ted. Go, Braves.
37
Anne Says:
June 25th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Curt: OUCH to your post (but I was laughing) (and crying) (and laughing).
Unlike Leah, I have very few friends (not none, like Curt), but I mention atlantabaseballtalk.com all the time to random strangers in elevators, Marta trains, and especially to the migrant workers I pick up regularly at Home Depot. They all claim they’ll check it out.
Meanwhile, TV and a cold one are ready for the final Yanks game. Tomorrow: Orange Lot Parking and outfield seats (what was I thinking…) @ The Ted. Go, Braves.
38
Anne Says:
June 25th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Crap, well this will be fun for those of you interested enough in finding the bad grammar (in the first one) I tried to haul back. Sorry, folks.
39
Steve Says:
June 25th, 2009 at 10:31 pm
I am disgusted. Just disgusted. SIX errors in the series. SIX. By the way Bub, my wife is convinced that Bennett was frustrated enough to punch a wall NOT because of his play on the field but because of your crack about your soul being that wad in his mouth. That did have to sting a bit.
40
Steve Says:
June 25th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
Leah and Anne – thank you, thank you, thank you for helping to get the word out about the show. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate it.
41
Bubdylan Says:
June 25th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Steve, sloppy defense does so much to take the life out of a team. Give me a light-hitting, great defensive infielder like Kotchman any day of the week. If we had real outfielders, I’d say give me three of ‘em.

Frenchy’s good play lately disgusts me more than I can say. If he hits well enough to be retained next year…. and if Cox comes back, too… well, I’m not a gamer, but I’m going to invest 99 clams in a PS2 and that’ll be my baseball till those two are gone.

Hey, look, here comes .059 Blanco to save the day… good grief, he got a hit.

Now we get .111 Diory in there! Rally time. *face palm*
42
Shep Says:
June 26th, 2009 at 5:29 am
Gents, Just finished listening to #66. Enjoyed it! I know we are all looking forward to the three game set over the weekend in the A_T_L. I have to say, Jurrjens, Vazquez, Hanson, very good starting pitching from where I sit, especially countering with Becket but then Wake and Penny. The NL takes way the DH, so we are down one of Lowell Youks and Ortiz, should be a great series. I hope the umpiring is better than what you had with the Yanks, seriously atrocious. Have a good weekend and enjoy the games…oh, and NEVER count out Nick Green (and when I say NEVER I mean, never in Fenway in 2009)….
43
Shep Says:
June 26th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Hi Shep – Glad you liked the show and thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate your optimism. These last two games have left many of us really grim. I hope you’re right about the Sox series. And if we can steal this one tonight against Beckett … (and so goes my unhealthy cycle again).

Bub – I’m with you. The defensive issues are not only a demoralizing killer as you say, but have become ONE MORE potentially insurmountable thing to deal with. An anemic offense was one thing – but now the entire left side of the infield (not too mention left field) can’t field the ball cleanly. It really hurts when your veteran leader is one shy of his error total from last year with 90 games to go. And maybe Wren won’t be seduced by Frenchy’s last couple of games and it will only serve to actually get something for him at the trade deadline. I don’t believe that Frenchy has all the sudden figured it out. But will you still doubt him if he puts together a .300 run for the next 3 weeks?
44
Steve Says:
June 26th, 2009 at 9:23 am
Sorry – somehow I wrote Shep instead of Sheve in comment #43.
45
Bubdylan Says:
June 26th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
It’s okay, Sheve. We knew who you were.

A three week .300 run? I’ll tell you what, if his average against teams over .500 is over .280 for the next three weeks, maybe. This time of year, as teams fall out of it, pitchers don’t always keep their heads in the game. Throwing him three strikes in an at-bat is just foolish.

I’ll give him this, Steve: he’s taking more pitches. Now, I think it’s almost 100% guesswork, and that he’s not taking them cuz he recognizes them at release point. But something’s better than nothing.

I’m afraid it’s become a little personal for me now, though. He’s such a whiney little brat who refuses to play the role dictated by his abilities. I just can’t stand the guy. If he does manage to get well, he’s going to demand a bunch of money and then just slump again. He’ll always have huge slumps with that mental approach of his. I want him out of my vision. Like, in Japan would be nice. Or… does North Korea have baseball? Nevermind, they’d bomb us for certain then…
46
Steve Says:
June 26th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
After the Yankees series unfolded like it did, was their any doubt we’d get killed tonight against the Sox? Ughhhhh.
47
Bubdylan Says:
June 27th, 2009 at 12:16 am
I got called away on an urgent matter and missed tonight’s game. Coming back I flipped on ESPN radio and caught the score.

Hours of stress reduced to one “pffff…. that figures…”

It’s a much, much better way to follow the Braves.
48
Anne Says:
June 27th, 2009 at 10:18 am
There was no doubt, Steve. What’s better than sitting in 85-95 degree outfield weather watching the Sox beat us? David Ross preventing a shut-out in the 9th. (no, not really better)
49
Curt Says:
June 27th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
So Javy Vazquez and Jurrgens won’t make the All Star team after being brilliant all year. A total shame.

We could not have been more wrong about Vazquez. He deserves better from this team.
50
Hamilton Says:
June 27th, 2009 at 11:34 pm
I totally agree with Curtis. We owe a lot of Braves some apologies (except for Frenchy, Kelly, Yuni, Bennett, and Bobby. And TP. And Wren. And Jo-Jo. And Chuck Dowdle.)
51
Anne Says:
June 28th, 2009 at 9:32 am
and Jerome Jurenovich? No apologies for the very very tall.
52
Steve Says:
June 28th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Great point, Anne. The way he flaunts his height. Shameful. Bank on a win today, by the way. 6 – 2 Braves.
53
Leah Says:
June 28th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Why am I doubtful of a win today? I hope you’re right. I need a win to get me outta this baseball depression. It’s disheartening to watch other teams play…stringing together timely hits that lead to timely runs resulting in consecutive wins. It sounds so simple in print.
54
Anne Says:
June 28th, 2009 at 11:42 am
Leah: demand an apology. An apology that you haven’t been named team manager, what with all that practicality and such.
55
Leah Says:
June 28th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
I know right? It just doesn’t seem that hard. Glad we won today.

Show #66: We Sit Down With Tim Hudson

55 Responses to “Show #66: We Sit Down With Tim Hudson”

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