Diaz finds a home … no, not Citi Field

I case you haven’t seen this…interesting about the young catcherBraves Final Report

Jason Heyward faced every challenge in jumping to Triple-A

By Bill Ballew
September 17, 2009

Best Player: Outfield Jason Heyward officially jumped on the fast track in 2009. After hitting .300 with a pair of home runs in big league camp, the 14th overall pick in the 2007 draft dominated the high Class A Carolina League for the campaign’s first three months before becoming even more productive in the Double-A Southern League in July and August.

Promoted to Triple-A Gwinnett and going 4-for-11 with a pair of RBIs in the final three regular season contests, the 20-year-old Heyward finished the season hitting .323/.408/.555 with 17 home runs and 63 RBIs.

“We gave Jason the opportunity to step up and face the next challenge and he did that at every level this season,” farm director Kurt Kemp said.

Best Pitcher: While Tommy Hanson emerged as a Rookie of the Year candidate in Atlanta, the Braves’ most impressive hurler was righthanded reliever Craig Kimbrel, who twirled at all four full-season levels in 2009.

A third-round pick out of Wallace State (Ala.) CC in 2008, the righthander struggled with his control upon opening the season at high Class A Myrtle Beach and spent two months at low Class A Rome working on his mechanics.

He returned to the Carolina League in late June, before being promoted Double-A Mississippi a month later and allowed one earned run in 12 innings while going 6-for-6 in save opportunities. Kimbrel, 21, spent the final week at Gwinnett and concluded the year averaging 15.45 strikeouts per nine innings.

Keep An Eye On: Considered the top international catching prospect in 2008, Christian Bethancourt signed with Atlanta for $600,000 in March of that year. The Braves knew the 16-year-old Panamanian would be a work-in-progress, if for no other reason than his youth and lack of physical development.

Bethancourt, however, has turned up the clock. In addition to showing all the tools to be a top-flight receiver, his bat exceeded early expectations during his time in Rookie ball. He hit .284/.344/.431 in the Gulf Coast League before batting .260/.339/.480 in 14 games at Danville.

WIGWAM WISPS

• Center fielder Jordan Schafer had surgery Aug. 31 to remove a bone spur in his left wrist and was expected to be sidelined for three months. Schafer is hoping to recover in time to play a few weeks in winter ball.

• Heyward, Kimbrel, first baseman Freddie Freeman and first-round lefthander Mike Minor are among the seven players the Braves are sending to the Arizona Fall League in preparation of possible big league debuts in 2010.

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Hey DOB,

What do you take of reports that Wren and Cox are at odds?

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The Mets traded Church to the Mets?

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yeah, clearly it doesnt include raises. but $11mil in raises? anything to back that up?

I wasn’t apart of the convo, but I know Chipper is going to be making 3 million more, McCann 2 million more and McLouth 2 million more. That’s 7 million between those three and with the other arb. eligibles, 11 million sounds about right.

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10paul i figured out some of the raises, and was surprised to see that chipperm infante, mccann, mclouth, and ross have a little over $7.5mil in raises coming. not nearly $11mil, but still higher than i thought. id expect diaz to get about another $1mil, and i dont think any of the other guys you mentioned are eligible for raises.

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I flat out love Matt Diaz. I always pay attention to the way he hustles, his total effort and focus at the plate, and his uncommon and genuine humble demeanor. What a model player. Thanks for all the insight on Diaz, DOB. I hope matty plays the rest of years with the bravos. So glad we have him

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Sheeesh typos all over those two. At any rate, I don’t think $11 million is that far off.

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I like LaRoche, but can we afford to have almost zero production from first base in the first half of the season?

I don’t think so.

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Thanks for the new blog, DOB.

That’s a cute pic of MattE with his kids. I really like him both as a player and off the field as well. Seems like a super cool guy and very entertaining. Yeah, he may swing at the crappiest pitches ever but when he connects, he can flat out hit. Not to mention he always gives it a 110%.

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10paul gotcha, looking at this page

http://piraterevolution.com/2009/02/mclouths-extension-deserved-meaningless.html

and it includes a bonus which i guess the pirates paid the the beginning of the year.

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Bet some of those Mets’ injuries would be healed if Cox was in their dugout.

What are the requirements for Comeback Player of the Year? Any chance Diaz adds that accolade to his “Best Smack Talk” award. Find a clue…

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And….after looking at DOB’s article, it seems like we aren’t slashing payroll. Nice.

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From the other blog:

“I’m actually for trading anyone in the system not named Jason Heyward for a legit middle of the order bat. That includes Freeman.” Efrim

Totally agree, even on Freeman. But it has to be for a guy that would be willing to sign long-term, be in his prime (or younger than it), and not somebody like JD Drew. I have no interest in that. But if we could trade a guy like Freeman for Derek Lee and the lock him up? Though Lee is a little old for me. Prefer somebody around 26-30 years old and proven. Prince Fielder maybe?

But if it’s just going to be a one year wonder, I’d rather wait for Freeman. Count me in the category of guys who certainly would have rather had the “streak” end, than lose Wainwright. That trade would have stung a helluva lot less, had Drew signed a 4 or 5 year deal with us after that season.

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Mixxo,

LaRoche doesn’t provide zero production in the first half. More like a .780 OPS (at or above league average). Every year except 2007, he’s hit double-digit HR before the All-Star Game.

When the weather warms up, though, so does he.

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DAP – I posted a response to you on the last blog, but TennessePaul has covered it here. Looks like set contractual increases of $7.075MM to Chipper, McLouth, McCann, Infante and Ross.

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Piedmont – Abreu is a good player, to be sure. But don’t you read the blog, man? Anything short of a 40 HR guy and we’re toast!

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“I like LaRoche, but can we afford to have almost zero production from first base in the first half of the season?

I don’t think so.”

LaRoche’s numbers compare VERY favorably with Casey Kotchman over the 1st half of the season….the difference being that Kotchman had the higher batting avg, while LaRoche had the higher slugging percentage. On base percentage was actually pretty close. Considering that Kotchman was mostly a singles hitter, that gives LaRoche the edge in my mind….and that’s not even considering his 2nd half.

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Prince Fielder maybe?

That dude is crazy! I love his production, but, man maybe if he came with a year’s supply of happy pills I’d like this deal. It’s bad enough that he tries to fight the other team in their own locker room, but he’s down for fighting his own pitcher in the dugout. Poor Tim Hudson would play a prank on him and end up on the DL for another year.

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Shaeffer looked so much like a little boy trying to play a mans game. He has a big flaw with letter high inside fastballs. He seemed to come apart more and more as the season progressed. I think McClouth says what is needed to know about Shaeffers standing with the Braves. Matt Diaz is my starting left/right fielder until he forgets how to hit, which doesn’t seem likely. Upchurch for backup. Need another starting outfielder who will hit with pop. These are my priorities along with maintaining/getting a reliable bullpin.

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I was just reading the MLBTR chat, and I’m eagerly anticipating these discussions:

1. Javy for Dunn!
2. Javy for Ortiz!
3. Sign Ankiel!

I say “ick” to all three.

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“ick” is right. Get over the Dunn thing people. He is soooo one dimensional.

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“Shaeffer looked so much like a little boy trying to play a mans game. He has a big flaw with letter high inside fastballs. He seemed to come apart more and more as the season progressed.” – benchwarmer

I think it’s important to take into account that Schafer was dealing with bone spurs in his wrist the entire season. Pretty hard to turn on an inside fastball with that going on. I actually think he’ll be fine long term….good plate discipline, great defense, middling offense. To me he has a chance to be Mark Kotsay with slightly better power and a little more speed (I’m talking about the Atlanta version of Kotsay….didn’t watch him enough earlier in his career to comment on his skills then).

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I was just reading the MLBTR chat, and I’m eagerly anticipating these discussions:

I say “ick” to all three.

I second that ick and add a blah. Nu uh, I don’t like any of those.

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Remember the right fielder with the “Miracle Mets of 1969″. He had a great world series in the field even though he was a best mediocre during the season. I think Diaz had a little more difficulty because he swicthed to right field this year. Given time to ajust I believe he will improve like he did in left field. More than anything I believe the man has a winning heart and just would not let the team down. He would raise his level ! Do you think Pete Rose was a natural at all of the positions he played. That man worked for it.

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Soph–

Yeah, Matty rules.

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So maybe it’s not a ballpark thing, necessarily. Maybe it a Mets thing. Maybe they’ve got it in their heads, (DOB)

I agree with this. While the park does play long so did Shea. I think many of the Mets psyched themselves out from the get go. Manuel even said they worked on tailoring Wrights swing to the new park while down in ST. That’s ridiculous. He got in a power funk and can’t get out. Is there an alarm you can wear around your neck for that?

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I know I’ve havent been here much lately (been really busy with a few things). However, I’ve been keeping up with the Bravos. Even though we are 5 out with 12 games left……..there is a somewhat of a decent shot left at the play-offs.

The Braves remaining schedule is VERY favorable. 2 more against the Mets. Then 3 in Washington, followed by 3 at home against Florida and the last 4 hosting Washington. If the Braves can win all 7 remaining games against the Nationals (if we continue to get good pitching along with our offense beating up on the Nationals PATHETIC pitching)…….also with winning the last 2 games of the current Mets series…….then if we can win 2 of 3 against the Marlins….that would allow us to finish 11-1 in our last 12 games. If the Braves can treat these games like play-off games (our play the last 2 weeks indicates that we are capable of playing winning baseball)………I dont see why we cant finish 11-1.

The Rockies schedule is a LOT tougher than ours…..after they finish up the next 3 games against the Padres. They have 3 against St. Louis, followed by 3 against Milwaukee and 3 in L.A. I can see the Rockies finishing up with a 6-6 record in their remaining 12 games.

I know that those are a lot of “ifs”, however if the Braves can take care of business against the Mets and Nationals…that will put a lot of pressure against the Rockies. Because of the play of the Braves the past few weeks, it isnt out of the realm of possibility that the Braves can mount a furious play-off push in the final 12 games and at least tie the Rockies, forcing a 1 game play-off.

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RC,

Continuing discussion from last blog

If you think LaRoche is a better hitter than Derek Lee, then I’d like to invite you to play in my fantasy baseball league. Be nice if we could put a poll up on the blog, who would you take head up LaRoche or Lee? Bet it would be at least 70% or more Lee. Don’t let one of Adam’s current hot streaks hide the fact that yeah he’s a guy that can hit 30 HRs, but he’s only done that once compared to 4 times for Lee.

The year Lee hit 8 homeruns he broke his wrist, only played 50 games and missed the rest of the season. And 34 ain’t old for a 1st baseman.
Lee is much more consistent than LaRoche. Defensively it’s a wash, they’re both solid there.

Again, not saying it’s even a possiblity. But let’s don’t act like Roachy is the best thing since sliced bread. And don’t argue about the money, b/c to get a good right handed power hitter, aka Lee, Holiday, Bay, etc., they’re all gonna cost.

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So maybe it’s not a ballpark thing, necessarily. Maybe it a Mets thing. Maybe they’ve got it in their heads, (DOB)

I agree with this. The Mets players psyched themselves out right from the start. Jerry Manuel even said on the radio last week that they retooled Wright’s swing somewhat in ST to prepare for the new park. That’s ridiculous. The field does play long but so did Shea. They’ll never have a 50 HR guy but 30 shouldn’t be so distant.

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What a fun game, got a free ticket, great dinner, 3 homers in 3 innings, Chipper signed my jersey, mutts fans were quiet and we got to drink lots of red wine… kind of liking this new NYC stadium

then today the baseball gods kicked me in the kahunas… the NYPD had towed my car while I was getting sheet faced at SHEA goodbye to ‘Ollywood II… $400 and a bit of body damage later, I got the beast back…

god if the karma is good it means a big Braves final week or so… let’s go and get 10 wins in a row

It is doable folks….

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You should see the piece of crap we picked up yesterday. We banged it up a bit and then made the owner pay us more than it was worth to get it back.

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I’d rather us have 7 games left against contenders than the Nationals, as things have gone…

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So maybe it’s not a ballpark thing, necessarily. Maybe it a Mets thing. Maybe they’ve got it in their heads, (DOB)

I agree with this. The Mets players psyched themselves out from the start. Last week on the radio Jerry Manuel said they even retooled Wright’s swing in ST to prepare for the new park. That’s ridiculous. The park does play long but so did Shea. They’ll never have a 50 HR guy there but 30 shouldn’t be so distant.

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Jair straight up for Ryan Braun ??

Brewers hang up first.

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Wayne – had heard talk of Jair and Prado for Ryan being discussed by FW…. is this too OUT there

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You’re not taken 7th in the draft unless you’re real good. Or maybe the Braves can’t scout anymore.

Ah, lest ye forget Keith Law’s report that Roy Clark went askin’ LM for the cash to sign Matt Purke…

But Minor’s good, no doubt.

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Wayne – i look at the towed car this way… I was mouthing off big time to any and all mutts fans last night at SHEA II including the fuzz/pigs/whatever you call cops here… all night… so fitting they got me back big time…. then cause we have the big UN week here in NYC I could NOT get a park and had to garage the pig for the night for another $31…………… OH THE disaster it has all become..

tonight I am staying home and being more HUMBLE

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Paul Lentz:

Your theory on making the playoffs is good except:

When was the last time the Braves actually “took care” of the Nationals?

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I could be wrong, but I think Braun is one of the more valuable players in baseball with his contract status, age and production. I really think they have no intention of trading him. And if they did, it would take more than Jair and Prado. Just my two cents on that subject.

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Big cities are great, so long as you don’t have to find a place to park!

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Efrim

I agree. If the Brewers GM did that deal, he better get 2-3 top prospects/players for him. That’s a potential career maker or killer, depending on which way it goes a few years down the road.

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Connie Chung

Yes he is. I only like white players. Are you buying that one?? If so, I got a good used bridge for ya!

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Thanks Wayne and others re JJ, Prado and one other for Ryan Braun, I assume the 3rd is KJ and the Brewers laugh hard… but seriously,, what is Jair worth… guy is 23, cheap and just pitches like a veteran out there, day after day

Dobi – thanks for the wonderful story on a wonderful guy, MATTY Capt Caveman DIAZ… I just love watching him bust a gut… he is living proof that GUTS (scoots you’ll love this) is a great trait to have

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sportsmandh,

It would be great to be in a fantasy baseball league with you. Because my point wasn’t that LaRoche was better than Lee, it’s that LaRoche at 1/2 the price was better than Lee. Can you honestly say you’d rather pay $13 million + a prospect for Lee over $7 million and no prospect for LaRoche? Not to mention, the lineups and ballparks that each have played in DO MATTER. Lee has played the past few years of his career playing at Wrigley Field (notorious hitters park) batting 3rd for a REALLY good lineup. LaRoche has spent the past few years of his career playing in Pittsburgh, and batting 4th or 5th most of the time (no protection behind him). Again, this isn’t a question of who is better…it’s a question of value. And in my opinion LaRoche is likely to be a MUCH better return on your investment that Lee is likely to be.

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rammerjammer,

Yep. If Milwaukee wants to deal Braun without involving Heyward, Hanson, Heap, or maybe even Yunel, I’m listening.

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“Can you imagine having him be your 4th outfielder (McLouth, Heyward and ???? as the 3 starters)”

I don’t know. I’m not too sold on ???? as a starting OF. Too many question marks.

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Yep. If Milwaukee wants to deal Braun without involving Heyward, Hanson, Heap, or maybe even Yunel, I’m listening.

Translation: that would mean they’re probably not trading Braun…

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I wouldn’t trade JJ for anything.

My main untouchables include: BMac (no duh), Matty, JJ, Hanson, Vazquez, Timmy…and toss in Medlen, too. I think he’s gonna be pretty good.

Obviously there are others (like Nate…I think we should keep him), but the ones above are the main men.

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Kawakami came in when there was a blow out. There was nothing to save, so how did he get a save?

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trey – thanks to DOB this morning:

Rule 10.20 in the Official Rule Book states:
Credit a pitcher with a save when he meets all three of the following conditions:
(1) He is the finishing pitcher in a game won by his club; and
(2) He is not the winning pitcher; and
(3) He qualifies under one of the following conditions:
- (a) He enters the game with a lead of no more than three runs and pitches for at least one inning; or
- (b) He enters the game, regardless of the count, with the potential tying run either on base, or at bat, or on deck (that is, the potential tying run is either already on base or is one of the first two batsmen he faces; or
- (c) He pitches effectively for at least three innings. No more than one save may be credited in each game.

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Trey – a save can be earned if a guy is the finishing pitcher but not the winner and “pitches effectively for at least three innings.” (That’s from MLB.)

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JoJo had his chance to crack the rotation. He did not seize it.

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dogsbrekky–

Thank you.

in the NY Post (the best NY sports paper for beisbol) they did not have a single comment about the Braves 11 – Mutley’s 3 today, not a comment

That’s weird…ha! How annoying!

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I heard about the Marquis/Mets thing. Apparently, Marquis has been speaking to Francoeur about how he’s desperately wanting to join the Mets next season. At least that’s what I read online.

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McFann – maybe my fat heffer of a blue-jay, have not seen him in 2 weeks… love me and leave me

oh well I will have the CROWS for the winter…

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I heard about the Marquis/Mets thing. Apparently, Marquis has been speaking to Francoeur about how he’s desperately wanting to join the Mets next season. At least that’s what I read online (Soph)

Hey, maybe it’s Frenchy these guys have wanted to play with in Atlanta all these years and not Bobby Cox? {:

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Steve from OH,

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Rafael Betancourt
Takashi Saito
Billy Wagner
Jose Valverde
Kiko Calero
J.J. Putz
Darren Oliver
David Weathers
Guillermo Mota
Bob Howry
Latroy Hawkins
Octavio Dotel
Kevin Gregg
John Grabow
Brandon Lyon
Trevor Hoffman
Fernando Rodney

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dogsbrekky maybe my fat heffer of a blue-jay, have not seen him in 2 weeks…

That would be too funny. I s’pose they do fly South…we mostly see them at this time of year and in the winter.

love me and leave me

That’s the way it is with Beggar Ben–he’s here all winter, begging for food; I go out in the freezing rain and snow and everything…come Spring and he’s gone. Can’t even do the decent thing and make his nest in our yard after all I do for him.

Crows, eh? Hmm…that won’t be too much fun. We get starlings…YUCK!

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Bullpen pitchers of interest, I’d probably rank Soriano and Gonzo at the top of that list. Valverde too.

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Minor had been facing competition roughly equivalent to AA for the past 3 years. Anything less and I’d be disappointed. (PWH)

you’re nuts if you think college ball is anywhere near AA level. More like between low and high A for the most part.

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welcome back Paul L., I must admit I missed your baseball comments. And I agree, there still is a chance for the Braves …. just got to keep on winning … GO BRAVES!

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Phillies are 42-24 against the National League East this year.

The only team with a winning record against Philly is the ol Atlanta Braves with a 10-8 record.

PS

Jason Worth is such a good hitter…92 RBI’s this season…for a guy that doesn’t get much of the spot-light in Philly

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OK, maybe Prado a little, LOL(Scoots)

c’mon man, he’s mini-Esco

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Nova Scotia Steve,

If you enter a game after the end of the fifth inning with your team leading, pitch three or more innings, don’t surrender the lead, and finish the game, you can get a save.

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Still don’t understand why our best power hitter and run producer is batting 7th.

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trey and others who would release JoJo Reyes at this point in his development.

Bronson Arroyo (27), Chris Carpenter (29), Randy Johnson (27), Wandy Rodriquez (28), Jamie Moyer (31) and Johan Santana (was younger when he came around, but sucked for 2 years).

This is the ages when these pitchers finally got out of their funk, and started to be productive major league pitchers.

I am NOT saying that JoJo Reyes will ever amount to anything. What I am saying is that many decent major league pitchers took a few years to develop into good hurlers.

Why are you so quick to drop a lefty with a live arm, who we can park and see if he develops.

Too damned much fantasy baseball thinking around here. If he doesn’t get me a win NOW, drop him.

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Thanks for the lineup, Chief.

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Wayne we need to take Mac out of the 4th spot, as he does better in the 5/6 position.

I gotta agree with you there. (Shocker alert. )

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Seriously? The Mets are starting guys named Pat Misch and Nelson Figueroa? Things really are bad in Queens, huh?

Good, good…

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Well thanks for the info everyone.

I haven’t heard/seen this in a long-long time…I didn’t even know the rule exsisted. I thought it was a typo/mistake when I first saw the stat.

Guess you can learn something new about this game everyday!

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Steve,

I get the feeling people said the same thing about the Braves last season. Anyway, I am a firm believer in sports karma, so I’m not going to kick the Mets while they’re down.

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Here’s a fun game:

Pitcher A: 8-6, 4.73 ERA, 4.77 FIP, 5.66 tRA (94 ERA+)
Pitcher B: 11-9, 4.22 ERA, 4.48 FIP, 4.91 tRA (106 ERA+)
Pitcher C: 15-9, 4.55 ERA, 3.78 FIP, 4.37 tRA (91 ERA+)

Not trying to prove a point, just a fun comparison…(ERA + attempt to account for league effects)

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, Wayne! That’s a lot of faces…and I’ve felt like each and every one of them at some point this season!

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Ive posted 4 comments, and only 1 made it. Just me, or anyone else having issues posting comments??

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Jesse–oh buddy, hate to burst your bubble but…

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nolie,

You cost us a postseason spot this year.

(Okay, okay. Don’t get bent out of shape. It was either you or MariettaDerek. You lost the coin flip.)

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Steve from OH– what do you mean? But, they said on here that Jurrjens and Prado, I think, to Milwaukee for Braun. If they’re teasing me then shame on them! What a dirty, cruel trick to play on a 11 year old kid like me!

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Who else goes in the trade, or is it just Jurrjens?

I think I read that McCann, Hanson, and Norton were also included.

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DOB

Are you wearing your SWAT Team tee shirt tonight?

Just kidding.

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I think I read that McCann, Hanson, and Norton were also included.

All that for Ryan Braun?? You think they’d settle for JJ, Mac and Hanson? Not sure I’d part with Norton…

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nolie,

They’ve made the postseason in our hearts. That’s all that matters.

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I’d trade any Niners and/or USC fans for Ryan Braun.

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You know who I’d really like to see the Braves go after once the main issues are settled, Kelvim Escobar. He’ll be looking for a minor league contract and coming back as a reliever.

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cabravesfan – go home, damn it!

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Apparently Fred and Ron don’t understand that the blog wisdom is that signing Chipper was a major disaster…

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Four innings of relief evidently gets you a save irrespective of the score.

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VJ-

I’m leaving…not all of us get to set our own hours, you know

(as for the football choices- seeing as how I am 28-4 in two weeks and you…aren’t, I’m not sure I need you to stick up for me )

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Gotta figure that Diaz will be the fourth outfielder next season. He’ll be an overpaid fourth outfielder, though. Maybe trading Diaz would be a good move? Yep. I’d trade him. He’ll turn 32 in March. He could be an everyday starter for a mediocre club. Find one of those clubs that has something that fits a pressing need and, BOOM!, make a deal.

Hell yeah.

I like making a deal that includes pyrotechnics.

BOOM!

That gives me goosebumps, man.

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Chop – The only way I see us trading Capt, Caveman is if we get Peter Perfect, Dick Dastardley and wait for it……..

my personal favorite……… “The ARKANSAS Chug a Bug”…………..

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Kelvim Escobar = No

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Francoeur fixin to talk about his new found love, the Mutts.

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Bug Eyed Braun…

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richbrave

Besides my f/t job, I am helping my wife with a startup opportunity and also I have taken over my investment portfolio (I figure I can’t screw it up any worse than they have!) for fun. Been darned busy. Taking a bit of time off tonight though.

Add to your list Xavier Nady???? He would be a poor man’s version of Bay/Holliday.

Personally, I think the Braves prefer to trade for help. When you go the FA route for major talent, you always overpay (see Derek Lowe).

What say ye?

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dogsbrekky

We need more weird looking players, if that’s what it takes to get somebody like Ryan Braun.

I was wondering if he might be a bit on the outs with Milwaukee, due to his being critical of the team earlier this summer???

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cabravesfan – that was amazingly obnoxious, my love

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Los Mets? what the heck?

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It’s a regurgitation of Mark Bradley’s column about the same subject, Poopy Pants.

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Goldenglove002,

I believe the term is “F**k the heck?”

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Chop, Chop– So they just copy and pasted Mark Bradley’s article? Or did they make any new suggestions?

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Why is Chipper batting third?

I don’t care about the homerun. Why not Diaz, LaRoche, then McCann and so on?

He should be batting 8th. Mix it up Bobby.

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Too easy.

Let’s get some runs.

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dogsbrekky, I wouldn’t move Jurrjens for anybody in the league. Except…maybe…Braun.

Very interesting idea. Might make sense for the Brewers, too.

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AAAAAAAHHGG!!!

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Roachie is going to be more than $7m. And he wants at least three years. Although I’m not keen on the third year, I might do it…or I might do a mutual option for the third year, see if he’ll bite…and I think he’ll cost more like 8 or 9mil.

He’s a perfect fit for the club, if we get a RH cleanup hitting leftfielder.

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1.2 INNINGS!!! AND NO RUNS!!!

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Re: bravesgrl4life

“Good evening, Braves fans. Lets see if we can take game 2, why don’t we?

WTF was that pitch?”

hilarious…

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2 INNINGS AND NO RUNS!

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Agreed, McFann. Come on guys, get some runs behind JJ.

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Lightnin’ Loaf!

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Eight straight innings without a hit?

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bravesgrl4life–

I got a good mind to! BMac appears to be OK, though…But as you cann see, it did scare Rally.

Mixxo–

Yeah… Hopefully it’s nothing…

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3.1 INNINGS WITHOUT A RUN!!

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I mean 2.2…

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Wow, Joe Simpson just said: “benevolent.”

Those night classes must really be paying off.

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This is ridiculous! NO RUNS!?!

C’mon Guys!!

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Roachy?

CCR?

Why I nevah……

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I’m mad that Sheffield is not in the Lineup!

I don’t get to hear my “Hear I Go!” by Mystikal Blasting on the P.A…One of the Best Rap songs of the 90’s!

This Game Bores me, I’m gonna watch some old “Salute Your Shorts” On Youtube

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JJ ain’t got it, go get him Bobby!

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McCann sucks…

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Okay, we’ll take it.

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Alright, just give that Figueroa the Cy Young already! He is some kinda pitcher, huh?

I remember back in ‘97 when he threw back to back to back to back perfect games…

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McCann making a productive out?

Thats new to me…

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I thought it was Kingman too until I went and looked it up.

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I thought it was Kingman too until I went and looked it up.

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Once again, there’s the guy who should’ve been hitting 4th all along

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PWHjort, what was the question?

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cricket, what, you want a guy hitting near .400 with RISP batting cleanup? How come Bobby hadn’t thought of that.

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Why, the guy with 30 HRs with five different teams was Fred McGriff, of course.

The Crime Dog.

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JJ, if you keep this up I’m going to start calling you Walk A Day JJ.

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Do their jerseys say “Los Mets”??

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bravesgrl4life–

Yeah! Gotta get me a ticket.

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It is McGriff. Toronto, SD, Atl, Tampa, and one nice season for the Cubs.

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Don’t worry McFann, McCann is tougher than others, I’m sure he’ll be back playing real soon.

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Do their jerseys say “Los Mets”??

Yes. Its Spanish History Month… I think thats why, I have no idea though…
Maybe they’ve started a mutiny from within their organization…
No wait. Their Manager and GM are Mexican right?

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Well, Francoeur seems better. Hopefully he resurrects his career there. .822 OPS now.

He sure was pitiful here.

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My favorite monikers are “Bobby’s Cox” “Kelly’s Johnson” and “Tiger’s Wodd”

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I’d have never thought McGriff hit 30 HR with TB/Chi. Wasn’t he like old then?

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Doesn’t Figueroa look like Posada’s younger brother?

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It was who player other than Gary Sheffield has 30+ homers with 5 different teams. The answer is Fred McGriff. I’m embarrassed I didn’t get it.

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Brian, he had a bit of a resurgence when he left. His last year here, he didn’t hit 20 and we let him go. Actually had three or four more 30 HR seasons, one of which he was traded midseason to the Cubs, I believe.

I was surprised he surged, ’cause he looked finished when he left here.

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TnBrian

Mcgriff was old but it was the steroid era, I’m not accusing The Crime dog of roids but he hit a gang of his homeruns off pitchers that were on PED’s, which supports my theory that pitchers used PED’s a hella lot more than position players

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Enter your commeGreat grammar….. I’m not even drunk….. Yetnts here

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I think McGriff should go to the Hall because he hit almost 500 HRs clean. And the pitchers weren’t clean.

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Gov, according to Wikipedia, McGriff was 7 shy of 500.

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Enter your commeGreat grammar….. I’m not even drunk….. Yetnts here

I’m not sure you’d pass a breathalizer

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DOB – Just saw on my email list-serve from The Bowery Ballroom in NYC that James McMurtry’s playing there tomorrow night.

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Nothing like a hitting coach to help an ex-Brave — any ex-Brave.

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Manuel’s American. And I think Minaya’s Dominican.

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McFann, I think the only thing that could keep him out right now is Bobby Cox. I have no doubt he wants to play and will play with pain.

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Omar is a Portoriccan

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Woah (or whoa if you’re Random)

Check out Bradley’s new article: Is there tension between Cox and Wren?

http://bit.ly/KDDnd

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What happened to this blog?

Before when you clicked the comment box the, “Enter your comments here.” would go away…
Now you have to delete it, and its resulted in posts starting with “Enter your …”

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Nice one, David.

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Oh great! Now it looks like Yunel will enjoy some enforced “rest” on the bench with BMac now. Grabbing at your leg after a swing at the plate can’t be good.

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I’m just saying…when you’re trying to claim you’re not drunk in the middle of the “Enter your comments here” text, you’re not making a strong case.

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Jeffrey D,

Thats just Bradley stirring up the pot…

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Jurrjens is getting squeezed!!!!!!

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Minaya’s not “portoriccan.” He is Dominican…I checked. He moved to NY when he was 8.

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Oh fudge. Well, we’ll get him next time. He’s at 106 pitches. JJ’s at 68.

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Well it’s too late for me to change now.

And Bradley was just responding to a report from Yahoo! Sports that said there was tension between Bobby and Wren. He said that Wren claims it’s not true.

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Anyone else realize JJ is the staff ace?
I do…

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Yeah, me. Jurrjens is totally underrated. He could have won 17-20 games both years. Got another gear on his fastball when he needs it. Throws 95. 95!! Sinker, slider, cutter, rider, change. Everything has quick movement. Poise, durability, confidence. Has a real feel for pitching.

He’s a joy to watch.

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That looked like it hit the ground…

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Oh no….

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That was definitely a strike

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I knew B was Burnett and C was Lowe. Never would’ve thought Joba would be grouped with the two.

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SD 2 – 0 on COL…

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what an at-bat for JJ. Not usual for a pitcher. Oh well, it was nice while it lasted.

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Padres up on Rockies 2-0 in the first. GO BRAVES!!!!

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What hump?

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BONE BRUISE?? DANGIT!!

I hate those!

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I wonder if these guys even LOOK at sunflower seeds during the off season?

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Choppinmama–

LOL…seriously…

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Yikes. McFann, did you throw something at the tv when it happened? I was going to ask if you passed out but of course your 8:58 & 8:59 answered that question.

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Oh sh#t, it’s on their uniforms, too…no wonder. LOL!

(I’m just tuning in, in case you’re wondering)

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Figueroa threw 126 pitches. Good thing he isn’t a Brave or his arm would have fallen off mid-inning.

Have you no brain, or are you just really bad at drawing parallels?

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Two runs would be good enough if we had a decent bullpen.

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Darn that Murphy…

Soph–

Came close to both! Man…and it was just getting good. Was really hoping for 100 RBI. Still not impossible, but gonna be harder now…cann still get 40 doubles, though.

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Amazingly stupid incoherence…

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Two runs would be good enough if we had a decent bullpen.

Two runs is never enough…

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If you do happened to get Cox fired, would somebody put in a good word for me and let me design the Braves a new uniform?

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126 pitches used to be a good day’s work. Now 6 innings and 90 pitches is

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Could the camera man zoom any farther in LaRoche?

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This inning has gotten completely silly.

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Ballgame!

I’m getting really tired of saying that too, dangit!

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With this bullpen, 6 runs isn’t enough. 7 or 8 runs isn’t enough at times.

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Dumbass Esco, TAKE HIM OUT BOBBY!!

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Oh thank god! I thought Ross lost that…

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That’s right, Jair! Good job.

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BOOM we still got this ladies and gents. All you negative Nancies can just get hell out!!! Chop Chop!!! Mixxo= Supido

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Pretty hard to see smoke and mirrors

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JJ at 94 pitches. Gotta go 1 more inning though right??

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Um, wonder if Bobby pulls JJ?

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Why’d they pull Figueroa? He was just getting warmed up.

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Pretty hard to see smoke and mirrors

No smoke and mirrors here, Just common sense.

So you really think that comparing the pitch counts of 35-year old scrub Nelson Figueroa to those of 22 and 23-year old Tommy Hanson and Jair Jurrjens is really apples-to-apples, huh? Well, you got me. Tell me what I’m missing, maestro. Or am I seeing smoke and mirrors?

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It’s been a few days since I did this…

Marteeeeeeen.

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kirknga Well at least we don’t lose anything defensively with Ross.

Yeah, whoopy.

V Jim–

Glad to see you here! Saw the floods in Vinings on the TV a lot today and I was thinkin’ about ya. Hope everything’s OK.

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LAAAAAAR- RY LAAAAAAAAAAR – RY!

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Rossy, come on for a 3-fer, please (is there an emoticon for “beg”?).

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McFann,

Imma check.

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Darn.

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Ya Jurrjens is exactly at 200 innings!

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Tomahawkin–

Yeah…with the way he’d been driving in runs lately, though, he had a shot at it–he drove in 13 runs during his 9-game hitting streak.

But I’d take 94-95. 93 is his career-high, so it would be fun if he could top that, especially after the way this season started for him.

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Jurrjens4NLCY–

OK!

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D.O.B.

Why you Gotta Rub it in on Double J’s Stellar Season…?

You’re Playing with my emotions (Joking)

If Double J had the phillies Squad behind him he’d have over 20 wins ditto for Vazquez and D-Lowe…

It’s a coin flip for the team Cy Young (Vazquez and Double J) I will address that In my “Head of The Class” Post following the Season finale

What Comedical Movie to watch after the game?

I think It’s Gonna be “Def Jams How to Be a Player” with the late Bernie Mac

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Come on JAIR finish off the eighth.

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If Double J had the phillies Squad behind him he’d have over 20 wins ditto for Vazquez and D-Lowe…

If JJ had the Phils behind him, he’d be undefeated…

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Come on you crazy Aussie. Get this inning done.

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Bobby is gutless. Pulls Jurrjens after only 94 pitches? Figueroa threw 126 pitches!!

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If JJ had the Fillies behind him, I would cry.

I would need anger management.

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A little skit I’m writting…

(Moylan pitches)
(Pegan swings)
Mets fans: (a la “roller coster”) Ooooooooh (McLouth fields ball) Aww.

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Walks, walks, walks, the bane of a close game.

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If Jeff Francoeur came out of a steamy shower naked with his big throbbing wanker hot for me, I wpuld lay him on the massage table and take him all in my wet hot mouth, ingering his anal cavity.

Dude.

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I still have a bad feeling about this game.

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Yeah, Moylan is a moo-cow.

Good thing his ERA is two-something and he hasn’t given up a homer this year.

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Everyone can exhale now..lol!

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Please tell me that was in imposter Tomahawkin have gay fantasies about Jeff Francouer

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Soph

I might need Anger Mgmt as well

Bobby and This team has already driven me to having BF’s,Tequila didn’t work so Anger Mgmt might be “On Deck” For Me…

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That was awesome.

Now let’s just try not to blow it.

Doesn’t get any better than JJ and Petey. And by that of course I mean, it literally does not get better so let’s score some damn runs and hope somebody can close it out.

Okay?

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Yunel was sitting dead red. Plus he left that up.

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Obnoxious why?

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Wait. Tomahawkin a girl? Or a gay guy?
Either is cool for me….

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Ok, that fake T-Hawkin’ post needs deleted…like, now.

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Rochey!!!!

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$10 bucks say Yunel doesn’t score…

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Bravesgirl4life

You have any evidence?

I have had people on here before trying to impersonate my posts…It happened early in the season…

Most people can spot a fake T-Hawkin becuz no one cuts the type of jive on this blog like I can…

Plus I bashed Francine Left and Right all season after being sooo Overhyped about being a changed man with his new stance in S. Training…

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Braves are a weird team. Seriously, be good or be bad. You can’t be both and keep yourself and your fans sane.

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Brooks Conrad…we’re saved

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Diaz just isn’t a good bunter.

But he is OPSing about .970. Maybe we should let him hit?

Nice speed, too.

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Bingo!

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Don’t worry everyone, Brooks Conrad is here to save the daaaay!

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Padres 5 Rockies 5 Top 3rd.

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D.O.B.

whoever it is that is doing this crap…Can you get your AJC crew to Check him…?

Please, and Thank You?

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Does it scare anybody else that Soriano is going to come in to close?

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Padres 6 Rockies 5 Top 3rd.

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Padres with a 4 run 3rd, up 6-5. Still hope.

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Come on, Nate. Do something here, dude. Please, I’m begging you.

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Look at Lentz quietly sneaking in

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Oh yeah, we desperately needed Conrad the Great back. Sheeesh.

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C’mon guys…give Soriano a little credit.

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The clown who is making fun of Tomahawkin- I will put my Sting mask on, give you the silent treatment and kick your scrawny ass! Bank on it!

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I like the way Soriano flips the ball from his glove to his right hand.

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Just getting in. So whats happened? What did I miss?

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Oh look….they got me too.

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Will the real MFIKY please, please show up tonight.

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Keep going like that Soriano. There is no need to make it interesting here.

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Frankies up….Swoons……Jerk Jerk Jerk…..Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

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Well, at least Jeff can’t tie it up.

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jeffrey d………….not trying to be “quiet”. I’ve just been too busy this month to post on blogs.

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Sure am glad to see Yunel still in the game and not on the bench with a strained calf or the dreaded groin pull. It’d still be 2-1, and I’d be sweating MFIKY’s 9th inning appearance. Not much room to play with here, Rafael.

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CB, can you just go through the CPU and give my imposter a “Bootin DDT”?

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DOB – can you please get rid of this perverted troll?? He posted as Tomahawkin at 9:31 and 9:38, now he’s posting as me at 9:49 after I said something about him.

I don’t mind so much that they’re taking my name. I just hate this disgusting perverted crap.

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Tomahawkin -

I gotta admit though, that “…Saddlescores…. “ thing was kinda funny.

Still chuckling.

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YES Sheffield is up

They are bumin that “Here I Go’ By Mystikal! One of the best rap songs of the 90’s!

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That was nice, thanks Francoeur, anyone spare a cigarette.

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