Yardbarker: Manny Acosta

Spring Training Open Thread: Braves at Jays

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:00:29 -0500

I'm posting this the night before, so I'm not certain on the batting order, but I do know that Derek Lowe will be on the mound, followed by Eric O'Flaherty, Jo-Jo Reyes, Jonny Venters, Craig Kimbrel, and Manny Acosta. Should be a good game.

Spring Training Open Thread: Braves at Jays

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:00:29 -0500

Braves Making the Team Meter 2010: Week 4

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 06:00:36 -0500

This week we combine the pitchers and the hitters into one big MTM. If you're looking for last week's MTM's go here. The Braves made their first roster cuts, and most of those players were already cut from the MTM, so it was no one unexpected. Those roster cuts can be found here. Player, PositionThis Week's TrendLast WeekNotes and Comments Brooks Conrad, 2B He is looking like the front runner for the backup infield spot. He's neck and neck offensively with Thurston, but it may be his spectacular defense that is giving him an edge. Gregor Blanco, OF I would imagine that he's still in camp merely as a backup for the later innings. He hasn't been getting any significant playing time. Brandon Hicks, SS He's looked really good in the field, and okay at the plate. I've gotta think that Bobby's keeping him around to get extra looks at him for a possible mid-year call-up. Still, he'll probably be in the next round of cuts. Joe Thurston, 2B Right there with Conrad, and rightfully deserving of a roster spot as a backup, but ultimately he'll likely be the backup to the backup at Gwinnett. We'll keep his chances at even though, as a lot can happen in the last couple of weeks. Brent Clevlen, OF He's just not doing anything with his playing time this spring. He keeps getting chances, but he's not getting hits. Jason Heyward, OF His hand is twice the size of my hand... but I'm sure that's the only thing. Mitch Jones, OF Still with just one hit on the spring. I imagine he's in the next round of cuts. Matt Young, OF The little guy survived the first round of cuts, but he probably won't survive the second. Player, PositionThis Week's TrendLast WeekNotes and Comments Manny Acosta, RHP Okay, so all that early spring hype about Manny was just that... hype. He's come back down to earth and shown his true colors of bullpen combustibility. Jesse Chavez, RHP He's out to prove it's not how you start spring training, it's how you finish it. He's been good the last couple of times out and it looks like he's earning his role back. Michael Dunn, LHP Much like Chavez, he's working his way back into the role that was supposed to be his. Mariano Gomez, LHP He's been way too hittable this spring. I think he might be in the next round of cuts. Craig Kimbrel, RHP I'm going to keep on keeping him on the bubble at 50-50. He hasn't stumbled this spring, and everyone wants to see what he can ultimately do. While I'm being optimistic, he will likely be cut, as he could probably use some more minor league experience, but stranger things have happened. Jeff Lyman, RHP He survived the first round of cuts and he's done really well this spring. He throws again today, so we'll see if he can keep on sticking around. Scott Proctor, RHP He threw simulated innings on back to back days for the first time early in the week, and he'll get into his first Grapefruit League game this Friday. I really think Bobby wants him in the bullpen when the bell rings. Jo-Jo Reyes, LHP Jo-Jo regressed a bit last week, but he's still got a chance at a bullpen role. He pitches on Sunday. Jonny Venters, LHP A lot of talk about this young kid who keeps doing all the right things. He's another arm in the mix, though he's probably still behind Dunn and Reyes. Arrow Key: = Chance of making the team is waffling or 50-50. = Chance of making the team is trending down. = Chance of making the team is trending up.

Spring Training Weekly Update: Week 2

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:30:00 -0500

With two weeks in the books and first cuts made, it's time for the weekly update. --- = bad week/worse chance of making team /// = nothing changed from previous week +++ = great week/better chance of making team 1. Tim Hudson (/// ... Giving up hits but is keeping the ball down perfectly. Doing great) 2. Derek Lowe (/// ... Can't fault him for a blister. Just needs to get his innings) 3. Jair Jurrjens (/// ... Looked great in his first two innings. Worth keeping an eye on his next start) 4. Tommy Hanson (/// ... Has pitched a solid four innings) 5. Kenshin Kawakami (/// ... Numbers are ugly but he's getting his work in. Not worried) MR - Mike Dunn (+++ ... Staying consistent while nobody else is stepping up) MR - Jesse Chavez (--- ... Still getting knocked around. His chances are slimmer with every outing) MR - Kris Medlen (+++ ... Nine scoreless innings. Doesn't get much better) MR - Eric O'Flaherty (/// ... Four scoreless innings) MR - Peter Moylan (/// ... Getting his work in and looking good) SU - Takashi Saito (--- ... Five runs in two innings isn't good, but nothing to worry about) CL - Billy Wagner (/// ... Has pitched well since his first outing) C - Brian McCann (+++ ... 8-12, 2 HR, 7 RBI isn't too shabby) 1B - Troy Glaus (+++ ... 9-16, including a streak of eight straight hits) 2B - Martin Prado (/// ... Quietly looking great) 3B - Chipper Jones (/// ... Getting his work in) SS - Yunel Escobar (/// ... Run producing like always, even if it is spring) LF - Matt Diaz (/// ... Cut down on the strikeouts this week. Otherwise quiet) CF - Nate McLouth (--- ... 1-22 with 10 K's. Enough said. Still plenty of time, though) RF - Jason Heyward (/// ... Launched a monstrous homer and continues to rake) C - David Ross (/// ... Looking good at the plate) 1B - Mitch Jones (--- ... 1-15. Probably hitting his way off the club) 3B - Eric Hinske (/// ... Picked it up a lot this week) UT - Omar Infante (/// ... Slowly picking it up) OF - Melky Cabrera (/// ... Still looking great at the plate. Earning that platoon spot) Positions to Focus On in ST - Last two pen spots: On the rise - Mike Dunn On the pooper - Jesse Chavez Mike Dunn has held his own in camp and is one of the few consistent relievers trying to earn a spot. Jesse Chavez continues to look weak on the mound and hasn't drawn much attention this week. Could be on the way out. James Parr got some long looks but has struggled and was cut, as was Chris Resop. Manny Acosta returned to his form in his last outing, giving up two homers, though he's still probably a favorite for a spot. Haven't seen anything from Mariano Gomez lately. - Corner outfield: On the rise - Melky Cabrera On the pooper - Mitch Jones Wherever Mitch Jones plays, he's playing his way out of camp. Melky Cabrera is still stroking nicely and is getting a lot of at bats, earning his way into that platoon. Eric Hinske hit much better this week and is solidifying his bench role. Jason Heyward continues to mash. ST Sleepers LHP Mariano Gomez (--- ... Zero attention. Might be out soon) LHP Jonny Venters (/// ... Hanging around after first cuts. Pitching well) RHP Craig Kimbrel (/// ... Hanging around. Three scoreless innings with two walks) UT Joe Thurston (/// ... Dropped off a little, though he hit a homer) UT Brooks Conrad (/// ... Also dropped off some, but is still hitting well)

Braves Set To Take On Mets!

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 01:07:01 -0500

The Braves are all set to take on the New York Mets today at Port St. Lucie, Florida in the Spring Training opener for both teams. Tommy Hanson (11-4 with a 2.89 ERA in 2009) will start for the Braves, while relievers Kris Medlen, Jesse Chavez, Michael Dunn, Chris Resop, and Manny Acosta will also pitch [...]

Players A to Z, Manny Acosta

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:47:00 -0500

Manny Acosta works as a relief pitcher for the Braves. Manny finished his third season, with his ERA rising every year since his rookie campaign. The rise comes from an increase in his batting average allowed, from .165 in 2007 to .300 in 2009. Looking at his stats, what stays consistent is [...]

Open Thread 8/27: Padres at Braves (if they show up)

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:26:16 -0500

More photos » by Gregory Smith - AP Browse more photos » Rain is forcast from now through the end of the night, so this might be a long one (in more ways than one if we're not winning). The Braves recalled Buddy Carlyle from his rehab assignment with Gwinnett and sent Manny Acosta down. Fine with me. Let's see if Javier Vazquez can hold the Padres under one run... that seems to be the only way to win these days. Current Series 3 game series vs Padres @ Turner Field --> Padres lead the series 2-0 Tue 08/25 WP: Joe Thatcher (1 - 0) SV: Edward Mujica LP: Kris Medlen (3 - 4) 1 - 2 loss Wed 08/26 WP: Tim Stauffer (2 - 6) LP: Kenshin Kawakami (6 - 10) 5 - 12 loss San Diego Padres Gaslamp Ball @ Atlanta Braves Talking Chop Thursday, Aug 27, 2009, 7:10 PM EDT Turner Field Clayton Richard vs Javier Vazquez --> Partly cloudy,rain. Winds blowing in from right field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 80. Complete Coverage >

Game 91 Recap: Mets 5, Braves 1

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 18:40:25 -0500

With the lineup the Mets put on the field tonight, the Braves should have had an easy afternoon of it. But you have to take into account the pitcher who was on the mound for the Mets -- Johan Santana. And it's not that the Mets really scored any runs on their own in the early part of the game -- Braves starter Kenshin Kawakami walked in a run and then gave up a second run on a force out. I was going to talk about more of what went wrong today, be it Yunel Escobar once again missing a sign, or making a funny pun on Manny Acosta's name (Manny it'll cost ya!), but the game can be summed up thusly -- we didn't get any key hits. We loaded the bases in the seventh and eighth innings and got nothing to show for it -- that was the game right there. Yuck. Final - 7.18.2009 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R New York Mets 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 5 Atlanta Braves 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 Complete Coverage >

Open Thread 7/18: Mets at Braves

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:12:50 -0500

More photos » by John Bazemore - AP Browse more photos » Kenshin Kawakami has a tough job ahead of him today as he faces Johan Santana. Let's see if the Braves offense can get to him half as good as they got to Pelfrey yesterday. Current Series 4 game series vs Mets @ Turner Field --> Braves lead the series 2-0 Thu 07/16 WP: Manny Acosta ( - ) SV: Rafael Soriano LP: Pedro Feliciano ( - ) 5 - 3 win Fri 07/17 11 - 0 win New York Mets Amazin' Avenue @ Atlanta Braves Talking Chop Saturday, Jul 18, 2009, 4:10 PM EDT Turner Field Johan Santana vs Kenshin Kawakami --> Partly cloudy. Winds blowing in from left field at 5-10 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 80. Atlanta Braves - New York Mets: VIDEO Series Preview posted by gondeee 1 day ago 6 comments | 0 recs Atlanta Braves - New York Mets: Series Preview posted by gondeee 2 days ago 24 comments | 0 recs Complete Coverage > Sun 07/19 6:05 PM EDT

Open Thread 7/18: Mets at Braves

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:12:50 -0500

Game 88 Recap: Braves 7, Rockies 8

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:51:06 -0500

And here's another one we let get away. Instead of the Braves ending the first half at .500, they end the first half with a disappointing loss that they likely should have won -- a fitting end considering how their first half has gone so far. Kris Medlen struggled with the walks and ended up getting yanked in the 5th inning. Boone Logan came on and restored order for a couple of innings. He got the first out in the seventh and then Bobby Cox pulls him for Manny Acosta?!? Here's a guy, Logan, who is the most rested of any of Atlanta's relievers, he had only thrown 31 pitches -- very economical for his third inning of work -- he was showing no signs of having trouble, and Cox takes him out of the game with no runners on. Not surprisingly that's where it all started to go wrong for Atlanta. The sometimes-combustible Manny Acosta came into a game for the third consecutive day and promptly got shelled. Taking out the rested Logan for the worn out Acosta was a silly, silly decision, and it may have cost us the game because it allowed the Rockies to pull within one run. Eric O'Flaherty, working in his fourth consecutive game, came in for the last out in the seventh. Then, with still a fresh and rested Luis Valdez in the bullpen, Cox calls on Peter Moylan in the eighth inning, because he hasn't been in a game in almost 15 hours. And what does he do? He gives up the tying run. Of course, Valdez comes in for the ninth and gives up the winning run, but that was a pressure packed situation to put the rookie making his major league debut in, and he may have responded differently if he was put into the game earlier when the lead was greater. Ron Gant on the postgame said the Braves let this game get away because of sloppy defense. Okay, the play by Garret Anderson and Manny Acosta where each guy threw the ball away was some bad defense. But there ain't no defense to defend against the homerun that Acosta gave up to the next batter. Ron Gant is too much of a homer to tell us why the Braves really lost this game. In my book Bobby Cox gets a D- for the way he managed his relievers in this game. Get used to more games like this where the bullpen blows the lead, BECAUSE THEY'VE BEEN OVERUSED!!! The offense did good work early, with Nate McLouth, Martin Prado, and Brooks Conrad leading the way. Ugh! We f-ing had this game won. Our defense turned four double plays. We should have won this game. Final - 7.12.2009 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E Atlanta Braves 3 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 7 11 2 Colorado Rockies 0 1 1 1 0 0 3 1 1 8 12 0 WP: Huston Street (3 - 1) LP: Luis Valdez (0 - 1) Complete Coverage >

Braves Shopping Pitchers?

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:04:42 -0500

MLB.com is reporting that the Braves have received inquires about several of their young pitchers. Pitchers Jeff Bennett, Manny Acosta, and Buddy Caryle are all having decent springs and could be dealt before the season starts. The Braves dealt one of their top prospects Tyler Flowers to the White Sox this offseason, so if they could invest in their future by trading Bennett or Acosta, they would be taking a step in the right direction.

As for teams that could be interested, the Padres, Pirates, and Astros, among others.

This story was approved by MLB Rumors.

Bullpen Stabilized Thanks To Starters

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:17:53 -0500

The Braves' bullpen has had issues over the past month or so, but recently they've been stabilized thanks to some good starts by the Braves' injury plagued pitching staff and their fill-ins. Who's been good and who's just horrible as of late?

Sorting Out The Atlanta Braves Bullpen Situation

Wed, 07 May 2008 22:19:25 -0500

The Braves bullpen remains in disarray at the moment and has been a big disappointment from a fantasy perspective as a whole. The team has gone through 3 closers already with a fourth, John Smoltz, ready to fill the role upon his return from the DL in late May. Let's take a look at Atlanta's bullpen and gauge the fantasy value of their relievers going forward.

Braves Lose 12 Inning Marathon to Pirates, 12-11

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:49:59 -0500

The Braves' bullpen blew the lead to the Pittsburgh Pirates, then the bats came back from a 9-4 deficit in the bottom of the ninth. But the game wasn't over yet. 3 innings later, after four and a half hours of baseball, the Braves lost 12-11. But it was still a great game.