It could be worse

Considering the troubling news about Smoltzie's shoulder, I figured we could use some context. At least it's not 1988.

Continuing our "celebration" of the 20th anniversary of the worst season in Atlanta Braves history, we flashback to April 27, 1988. A 5-2 loss to the Mets dropped the woeful Braves to 3-15; after 18 games, they were already 9-1/2 games out of first.

Before a crowd of 6,928 at Fulco, Zane Smith pitched seven shutout innings, and the local nine went into the ninth leading 2-0. Chuck Tanner brought in Paul Assenmacher -- whose eight wins were second on the team that year -- to pitch to fellow lefty Keith Hernandez. One swing of the bat later, the game was tied.

Check out the BA's for the first four in Tanner's line-up that night:

D. James: .192
R. Gant: .080
Murf: .250
K. Griffey: .133

--CB

Comments

[pascualperezfan]

man they needed albert hall big time

[CD]

With Smoltz, I thought his pitching seven innings against the Nats was a great sign. And during that game, he seemed to be flexing his shoulder less than he had in his previous starts. I hate to think we've seen the last of No. 29, but it's possible. If he's physically able, I'd guess he'll give it one more shot at least.

Who would have guessed that at the end of April, JJ would be the rock of the rotation?