We just saw the Braves and they have continued to play well since we saw them last.
They'll start Jaret Wright, Paul Byrd, Russ Oritz, and John Thomson in this four-game (weather permitting) PNC homestand. The Bucs sold a ton of tickets this past weekend and I hope they sell a lot of tickets this week, too, though some heavy rain will discourage long commutes. The team has been responding to the "jolt" of the recent large and rowdy crowds and they'll need all the joltin' they can get as they finish this homestand.
Jaret Wright is the frontrunner for the Comeback Player of the Year. He was hurt a lot with the Indians and brought into Atlanta on a one-year, 850K contract. We all thought he'd wind up in the bullpen but he's churned out 19 starts this year.
His numbers are pretty good on the year but it's easy to see a few weaknesses. A right-handed power pitcher, he's been vulnerable to lefthanded batters this year (.283 / .371 / .420). He's also had a real problem with the stolen base the last few years - opponents have had success in 30 of the 32 attempts he's seen since the start of 2002. On the whole, though, he's been consistent and effective. He's the subject of feel-good stories worth reading.
Rain, rain, go away.
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