Braves Notebook: Gonzalez OK With Huddy’s Frustrations, Brandon Beachy Update, and Paul Janish
Jun 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher
Tim Hudson(15) pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
This is the first time we have done a Braves Notebook on the site, and frankly, I’m not sure why. There’s always a ton of stuff going on and with this kind of format we can give you everything you need to know. Links are all from braves.com.
Also, I can’t give it away now, but we have some exciting things coming very soon to the site as far as Braves coverage goes. Be sure to stay tuned for that.
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Fredi Gonzalez Has No Issues With Tim Hudson’s Frustrations
Tim Hudson was upset after being taken out of the game last night and he let it show to the press. It’s fine to be upset but I do have to admit Huddy made a mistake letting his frustrations be known so easily. Other than that, I think the manager and the player handled the situation exactly how it should be.
I have no issues with Tim Hudson being pissed that he was pulled out–but I also know that Fredi made the right decision in pulling him, and that decision could have been the reason the team one the game. That’s what your manager is for. To make decisions for the team. And on Huddy’s side, that’s what I like to see as well. Of course I want players dying to be out there in the game and I don’t think it’s fair to fault him for that.
I think fans should also realize why Huddy might be feeling so frustrated. He’s a borderline Hall of Fame candidate and unfortunately, his acceptance might hinge on what his win-loss record ends up being. It’s stupid, but it’s true. There is also the fact that Tim had pitched very well in the month of June but didn’t get a win for any of his outings because of run support. Now, when the team actually does get the win, Huddy isn’t the guy it’s pinned to.
This has to change in baseball. We can’t keep acting like win-loss records are that important and we definitely can’t judge a pitcher’s caliber based on that. Do you think Felix Hernandez would enjoy that? Of course he wouldn’t.
Here is what Fredi said on the issue:
"“You don’t want stuff like that out open in the press, but Huddy’s a hell of a competitor,” Gonzalez said. “He’s one of the guys that in a battle, in a big game, you want him on the mound. So I’m fine with that.”"
Perfect. He let Huddy know that he doesn’t want him saying things like that to the press but also backed him up in front of the same media. That’s what you want your manager to do.
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After a setback before his planned June 18 start, Beachy has just been throwing light side sessions. This morning he threw another one of those after a 30 pitch bullpen on Saturday. Today’s was only 15. I’m not positive but I’m assuming that’s 15 throws from the mound plus warming up. So it’s not as insignificant as you might immediately think.
All signs were good after he threw:
"“It feels good,” Beachy said. “I’m going to go out and play catch today, take an off-day tomorrow.”"
We don’t really have a good idea about when he will be back but fortunately it’s not a pressing need right now. The starting rotation has been injury free and competent so far and there is no need to rush Beachy back into the rotation.
Paul Janish Is The New Go-To Defensive Specialist
With Ramiro Pena having season ending surgery, the Braves are turning to Paul Janish to become the defensive specialist. Janish performed wonderfully last season when he played shortstop for an injured Andrelton Simmons. We should all feel confident in his less prominent role as a late inning defensive infielder.
He doesn’t really bring anything to the team offensively but that’s not what we need him to do, so it shouldn’t be an issue. For those who forgot, we weren’t expecting Pena to perform as well as he did at the plate this year. Janish should be able to do fine for us late in games, especially when we can get Chris Johnson‘s glove out of the game early.
Here’s what Fredi said about him:
"“[Janish] might be the all-time best defender I’ve ever been around at multiple positions,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “We saw it long term last year at shortstop. We asked him when we brought him up if he could play third base, and he said, ‘Yeah I’ll go over there.’ He’s played a little bit of it. But he’s terrific.”"
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