The 10 worst games in A-Braves history: June 18, 1994

Who?

The Braves were destined to lose this game, considering the line-up facing the Reds that day.

Jarvis Brown RF

Jeff Blauser SS

Roberto Kelly CF

Fred McGriff 1B

Javy C

Bill Pecota 3B

Dave Gallagher LF

Mark Lemke 2B

But the Braves did have Glavine on the mound, though June 18 would not be his best day (just as 1994 was not his best year, for a number of reasons, including a 3.97 ERA). Glav and Mike Bielecki allowed 6 runs each to the Reds, who finished with 16 on 20 hits. (Former or future Braves — Deion, Jerome Walton, Reggie Sanders and Bret Boone — combined for 10 hits.) They could’ve scored more, as Braves pitchers walked 8. Eleven Reds were LOB.

Meanwhile, Reds pitchers walked none and the Braves managed but four singles.

 

                1  2  3   4  5  6   7  8  9    R  H  E
                -  -  -   -  -  -   -  -  -    -  -  -
Reds            3  0  0   0  0  0   5  2  6   16 20  0
Braves          0  0  0   0  0  0   0  0  0    0  4  0

 

 

No to Nick Swisher

The Braves are among six teams pursuing Nick Swisher at a starting price of three years and $11-to-$13 million per, reports Jon Heyman. I wouldn’t pay that, and I suspect he’ll get more.

Stat geeks will pillory me for this, but here’s why I’m wary of Swisher, 32 on Opening Day: 1.) He would be bad for team chemistry and 2.) He’s terrible in the clutch.

Only A-Rod is phonier, according to an SI poll of 232 players. And his postseason numbers are abysmal: 46 games, 154 AB, .169 BA, .283 OBP, .305 slugging percentage. We’ve seen enough of that in Atlanta. (Plus, he’s married to a Scientologist.)

There’s a reason the Yankees aren’t showing much interest in Swisher, and they can afford him.

The Braves can’t afford to spend $35 to $40 million next season on Swisher and Dan Uggla.

UPDATE: David Ross signs with Boston

UPDATE: DOB says Rossy will be getting $6.25 million over the next two years. The Braves paid Matt Diaz $2 million last year. 

Ross should still be a Brave. 

It won’t be David Ross, signed to a two-year deal by the effing Red Sox, reports Ken Rosenthal.

Not sure what the offer was, so I’ll reserve judgment, but I assumed Ross would be returning. The Braves lose not only the best reserve catcher in the game but a dependable right-handed bat and great clubhouse guy. I suspect we’ll see someone like Rod Barajas or Miguel Olivo, both free agents, take his place — or try to.