Posted on July 31, 2006 by Andrew Flynn
Overnight Dispatches
From Rotoworld:
Chuck James was rocked for seven runs while recording just three outs against the Mets on Sunday in a game the Braves would eventually lose 10-6. Good thing the Braves traded for Danys Baez, who did an excellent job of keeping the deficit at three runs by pitching a scoreless eighth today. The loss means the Braves were swept by the Mets this weekend, the first time that’s happened in a series of three or more games since 1985. Considering that the Braves usually dominate the Mets and that Atlanta is now 16 games out in the NL East, this series could be seen as the definitive moment in which the Braves’ amazing run finally ends.
The red-hot Carlos Quentin was out of the starting lineup again on Sunday, this time sitting with Jeff DaVanon in right and Shawn Green at first base. We understand manager Bob Melvin wanting to play Green and Luis Gonzalez, but if you’re going to open up a spot in the outfield, it absolutely has to go to Quentin right now. Quentin has four homers in 20 at-bats since reaching the majors, and DaVanon isn’t the hitter the rookie is nor has he ever shown success against Astros starter Roger Clemens. Quentin did contribute in the game by getting hit by a pitch, his trademark, and scoring a run, but he could have done more damage with three additional plate appearances.
Jeff Kent (strained oblique) is expected to try and take batting practice this week. Kent is eligible to come off the disabled list on Wednesday, but it looks like he is still at least a week away from returning. Cesar Izturis has been moved to second base in Kent’s absence.