Will the Atlanta Braves pitch around Bonds and should they?

Answer 1

Bobby Cox has said allready that he is not gong to pitch to Barry any different then he would pitch to Micheal Barret. So no they won;t be pitching around him no matter what situation. Besides John Smoltz pitches the first game and he goes right after hitters especially to the good ones, same could be said with Tim Hudsonwho will start game two.

Answer 2

It completely depends on the situation. You don't let Bonds beat you, but you don't intentionally pitch around him just to keep him from breaking the record. If you are ahead or behind by several runs, then pitch to him. If it is close and there are runners on base, then you pitch around him.

I know Braves fans might hold the record to be a little more sacred than everyone else, since Hank was a Brave. But, they owe it to Bonds to give him the chance in the same way that it was given to Hank. Of course Hank was hated because of other people's stupidity and Bonds is hated because of his own stupidity.

Answer 3

They will only pitch around Bonds if the situation warrants it. The Braves will not let Bonds beat them but if his at bat is meaningless in the game situation they will pitch to him. They will not treat him any differently now than they would at any other time when they are trying to win a game.

Answer 4

Definately not with Smoltz, Hudson, and Carlyle. Maybe Chuck James. Smoltz because he doesn't back down from anyone and he shouldn't. With as good as he is he can strike anyone out multiple times. And with that splitter, it's hard to get under it and hit it out. Hudson will throw his sinker to him and no one can hit Hudson's sinker at all let alone out of the park. Carlyle probably won't because he is on fire and confident that he can get anyone out which he can. James might but only because he is left handed. He probably will pitch him carefully but not intentionally walk him. No matter how many homers the bullpen has allowed, I know three pitchers that won't pitch around him: Rafael Soriano, he will challenge him with his fastball. Tyler Yates is the same. With a fastball like his. Bob Wickman is old enough that he will pitch to anybody. It doesn't matter to the Braves anyway. Bobby Cox said himself that A-Rod will break the record in 5 years anyway so no use playing coward ball.

Answer 5

I think the Braves, a team in the race, will do whatever they believe is in the best interest of winning the game. So undoubtedly if Bonds comes up in a crucial spot late in the game I would expect him to be pitched around.

Otherwise I expect them to go after him

Answer 6

Bobby Cox has not hesitated to walk bonds in the past. Even though my G-men are struggling (to put it lightly) it would not surprise me if they issue Intentional and Non-Intentional Intentional walks. The Braves are chasing NY in the East and Bonds (and Benjie Molina) is the only real threat in the lineup. Why would he pitch to the only guy that could beat him?

Answer 7

I don't think they will pitch around him, nor do I think they should. He's the only real threat in that lineup right now, so if you can get him out, there's not a whole lot to worry about. Plus, Bobby Cox has never made a habit of pitching around guys.

Answer 8

Yes, because Bonds is probably the only bat on that team that could actually beat the Braves. Let Bengie beat you, let Bonds take a walk (or 4)

Answer 9

in my opinion, the only way they will pitch around him is if it's in the type of situation that they need to. they're not going to do it just because they don't want him to break Aaron's record. and that's how it should be. Hank has held that record for many years, and it will be broken sooner or later. of course, as a die hard braves fan, i wouldn't want it to be broken, however it's inevitable. i highly doubt cox will have them walk bonds just over a record.

Answer 10

Everyone else pitches around him, why wouldn't Atlanta?