Braves could have six or more rookies on roster
It’s the Braves’ first playoff appearance in five years, and they could have five or six rookies on their 25-man postseason roster.
“There’s so many guys going through this for the first time, young guys, and I want them to take a good look,” general manager Frank Wren said during Sunday’s celebration. “Because we want to keep doing this year after year.”
Right fielder Jason Heyward, infielder Brooks Conrad and reliever Jonny Venters are among the rookies who’ll make the Braves’ division-series roster, and other possibilities include pitchers Craig Kimbrel, Brandon Beachy, Mike Dunn, Cristhian Martinez and Mike Minor, first baseman Freddie Freeman, and infielder Diory Hernandez.
If manager Bobby Cox decides to go with three catchers, J.C. Boscan could make the cut. The roster can be changed from one postseason series to the next.
The Braves don’t have to set their playoff roster until Thursday morning, but will likely announce it Tuesday or Wednesday. They’ll work out at Turner Field at 1 p.m. Tuesday, then fly to San Francisco.
They have a scheduled Wednesday workout at San Francisco’s AT&T Park at 4:45 p.m., Pacific Time.
After surviving a nine-game April losing streak and a late-season slump in which they lost their division and wild-card leads, the Braves won on the last day of the season to qualify for the playoffs.
Hinske back in the postseason
After playing for three different teams in the past three World Series, Eric Hinske is back in the postseason. The Braves would like to see the veteran backup and pinch-hitter extend his streak to an unprecedented four consecutive World Series with four different teams.
“Awesome,” Hinske said during the Braves’ champagne-soaked celebration Sunday after clinching the NL wild card with a win against Philadelphia, coupled with San Diego’s loss to San Francisco. “I mean, it took 162 [games], but we’re here. We would have liked to do it in Friday or Saturday’s games [against the Phillies], but we’ve been living on the edge all year.
“Great group of guys in here. We’re a family.”
Despite advancing to the past three World Series with Boston, Tampa Bay and the Yankees, Hinske, 33, isn’t jaded. Qualifying for the postseason still seemed to excite him as much as any of the many Braves going for the first time.
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182 comments Add your comment
letsgobraves
October 4th, 2010
7:30 pm
first!!!
shawn
October 4th, 2010
7:36 pm
Let beat Giants
JacketFan
October 4th, 2010
7:37 pm
Looking forward to seeing how the young guys handle the pressure – Go Braves! We’re proud of all of ya!
owner of a lonely heart
October 4th, 2010
7:38 pm
Lowe, hanson, hudson, what more could you ask for?
Coach (2011 or Bust)
October 4th, 2010
7:39 pm
Three catchers, REALLY? And pray tell why two catchers over the 162 game haul can get it done.
My point being, this is why Cox beats himself in the post season. The man doesn’t manage the same way he does in the regular season.
BravesFan in DC
October 4th, 2010
7:41 pm
Lowe, Hanson, and Huddy. I like our chances. We’ve already beaten all 3 of their starters… we just need to learn to win on the road. It’s now or never!!!!!!!
owner of a lonely heart
October 4th, 2010
7:41 pm
I don’t think three catchers are in the mix for this short series!
Ryan
October 4th, 2010
7:42 pm
Ummm…how about Halladay, Oswalt, Hamels….(or Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz)???
BravesFan in DC
October 4th, 2010
7:43 pm
Dave – Do you think Glaus makes the cut? I imagine Bobby won’t want/need 4 first basemen in Lee, Glaus, Hinske, and Freeman. Who’s the odd man out?
kaminari
October 4th, 2010
7:43 pm
It’s hard to believe these guys are all rookies. They’ve already been ’seasoned’, Heyward playing all year; Minor & Beachy going up against the champs in big games; Kimbrel already looks like a superstar – I can’t imagine him being left off the roster.
Btw, Hinske is the man. I hope he’s in every game, either starting or first off the bench. Love the guy.
Go BRAVES!!
owner of a lonely heart
October 4th, 2010
7:43 pm
Maddox, Glavine and Smoltz didn’t always work!
owner of a lonely heart
October 4th, 2010
7:45 pm
I don’t think Minor will be there either because the Giant’s don’t have a lot of left handed hitters.
Alan 10
October 4th, 2010
7:47 pm
A new season, now go out and play the way we know you can, play within your strengths and don’t try those things that you can’t, there has been to much of that for the last couple of months.
Eddie Haskell
October 4th, 2010
7:48 pm
Congratulations to the Braves organization. It certainly didn’t come easy! If they were hitting on all cylinders I would be more confident, but the pitching is hot and cold and the hitting is so-so.
As opposed to years past when they had some of the best records in baseball and high expectations, this year they really have nothing to lose.
I hope they go out there and let it rip! What the heck!
Rookies
October 4th, 2010
7:49 pm
It is nice to have youth but lets use them wisely.
justin1
October 4th, 2010
7:49 pm
Glaus better be on the roster
justin1
October 4th, 2010
7:51 pm
owner of a lonely heart- good point on the lefty hitters.
J Clay
October 4th, 2010
7:53 pm
Please no Farnsworth on the roster
Eric C.
October 4th, 2010
8:03 pm
Yeah, Maddux turned into a pedestrian pitcher in the postseason. I still remember that awful game 1 against the Marlins in the 97 NLCS when he gave up 4 runs in the first inning.
Eric C.
October 4th, 2010
8:04 pm
Now Smoltz and Glavine, different story
Chillahill43
October 4th, 2010
8:09 pm
As long as the vets – lee, gonzo, maclazzy lowe, huddy, wags, Bobby, pendleton, and such do what they are here for then 6 rookies fine.
Tthen we can see the Reds in cinnci. Postseasons for dreamers. That’s why it’s the greatest time of the year. 5 times the WC has ended as World Champions let’s make it 6. Remember any thing can happen in a 5 game series. Let’s make it happen. It’s a whole new season. Go Bravos!
roja
October 4th, 2010
8:13 pm
Farnsworth pitched scoreless innings in the final three game Phillies series which is more than you can say for most of the other relief pitchers Bobby could run out there. 17 runs were allowed by the Bullpen in the three games – ZERO by Farnsworth by the way. In the two losses, starters allowed 4 runs, Braves scored 5 runs, bullpen gave up 14 runs – Farnsworth ZERO; Moylan 2, Venters 4, Dunn 3, Martinez 4.
roja
October 4th, 2010
8:14 pm
Isn’t Conrad technically a Rookie,too????
David O'Brien
October 4th, 2010
8:24 pm
roja, you’re right
GT2010
October 4th, 2010
8:28 pm
We still wouldn’t be in the post season if it wasn’t for Glaus and his May hitting streak.
Opie
October 4th, 2010
8:34 pm
Glaus deserves to be on the roster. Without his RBI’s the team would not be there.
Nick P.
October 4th, 2010
8:35 pm
my motto has always been, make it to the playoffs and anything can happen and even more so in Baseball than any other sport! just need to get hot and just a bit lucky, but the Braves have been lucky all year with all of their come from behind wins, kind of the reverse of two years ago where they lost the most one run games! GO BRAVES!
Brian H.
October 4th, 2010
8:40 pm
My playoff roster. My 25…
C Brian McCann
1B Derrek Lee
2B Brooks Conrad
SS Alex Gonzalez
3B Omar Infante
LF Matt Diaz
CF Nate McLouth
RF Jason Heyward
P Derek Lowe
Tim Hudson
Tommy Hanson
Peter Moylan
Brandon Beachy
Mike Dunn
Takashi Saito
Eric O’Flaherty
Craig Kimbrel
Jonny Venters
Billy Wagner
Bench David Ross
Eric Hinske
Melky Cabrera
Freddie Freeman
Diory Hernandez
Rick Ankiel
I had Troy Glaus on there, but had to take him off in favor of Diory Hernandez. Glaus could be an asset off the bench because of his bat, but he can’t get on the field and play “D”. Diory can play the field in a pinch. Ideally it would never come to that.
Fred
October 4th, 2010
8:51 pm
Brian H., nice work. What do you think of Glaus in lieu of Ankiel? Given how punchless the lineup can be at times, it’d be nice to have Glaus as a late innings pinch hitter.
GT2010
October 4th, 2010
8:54 pm
Glaus=wild card.
Brian H.
October 4th, 2010
8:58 pm
Fred, I’d take that. I just read where somebody thought Saito was done. If that is the case, and JJ’s knee is okay, then I’ll take JJ instead of Saito. Heck, if JJ’s knee is okay, then I’ll definitely take JJ instea of Saito.
Glaus for Ankiel and JJ for Saito are the only two changes I can see with the my list.
buzz29
October 4th, 2010
9:00 pm
What about Blanco…what…really?…well who’d we get, it had to be someone good…oh crap
Abnerish
October 4th, 2010
9:00 pm
Not a bad guess at the 25, but I doubt O’Flaherty will be in there. He hasn’t pitched in a long time. I wonder, too, if Saito will be in there. Is Bobby really going to give the ball to Saito in the 8th inning of a 1-run game? My guess would be Venters or Kimbrel in that spot. In fact, I think our key will be to treat these as 5 inning games. If we can get to the 6th with a lead, we’ve got Moylan, Venters, Kimbrel, and Wagner. With a little rest this week, I think Jonny will be ready to get back in his midseason form. Moylan has been outstanding recently (when his defense does its job) and I think Kimbrel is our ace in the hole. That dude could easily become the “talk” of the postseason.
Thursday is a LOOONNNNG way away. Can’t get here soon enough!
Rolly
October 4th, 2010
9:02 pm
If Troy Glaus is left off the post season in favor of a rookie, it will be one of the most classless things the Braves organization has ever done. Not only did he carry this team for 6 weeks, he is a seasoned veteran with proven power who has been a post season MVP. As a baseball fan, I would be infuriated if this happens.
Ben
October 4th, 2010
9:06 pm
I don’t think three catchers will happen or do I think it should, but it’s not crazy. David Ross is one of the team’s best hitters, so the idea behind three catchers is to let Ross hit off the bench and still have a backup catcher.
Linda
October 4th, 2010
9:09 pm
Brian H why in the world would you take Melky over Glaus. Melky is the worst OF on the whole team and that is saying something with McLouth on this team. I like Freeman but no way he should be on the postseason roster. Plus is he even eligible to be on the roster. Glaus is the reason the Braves made the playoffs.
C Townphillie69
October 4th, 2010
9:16 pm
Yall dang brave aint goin nowherez! skank azz Braves! Sorry ol ranned down dawgs jes like that fool joebraves!
Resign or Re-sign?
October 4th, 2010
9:19 pm
The reason for the 3 catchers is that you cannot change the roster during the series; even if a player is injured. If Ross or McCann gets hurt in the first game, the other has to go the rest ofmthe series. What if he gets hurt? No catcher! During the regular season you can always call somebody up or trade for someone; can’t do that in a playoff series. So THAT is why BC might want to carry 3 catchers; WHICH HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MANAGING DIFFERENTLY IN THE PLAYOFFS THAN IN THE REGULAR SEASON!
Brava
October 4th, 2010
9:23 pm
C Townphillie69 ,
My God, do they have schools in Philly?
bp
October 4th, 2010
9:27 pm
Bobby takes a AAA roster to the playoffs and we are still bitching.
Reid Adair
October 4th, 2010
9:27 pm
Frank Wren making roster decisions. Ugh.
Can we leave some of his moves OFF the post-season roster? Nate McLouth? Kenshin Kawakami? Troy Glaus? Derrek Lee? Rick Ankiel? Melky Cabrera.
It really is a wonder Bobby Cox and this group of players got 91 wins in the regular season and the wild-card spot.
JaxBrave
October 4th, 2010
9:31 pm
Matt Diaz can serve as the #3 catcher; not worth another roster spot…
bill_in_atl
October 4th, 2010
9:36 pm
Did someone just say they wanted to leave Derrick Lee off the playoff roster?
Chillahill43
October 4th, 2010
9:42 pm
Jax brave right on plus . Glaus is definately in remember The manager has loyalty and I think he feels glaus helped this team get where it is and will reward him for that. . Trully don’t see Freeman getting the go either. Remember even when glaus was hurt Freeman stAyed north of the city. Plus only 22 ab’s. And oflarity still dizzy so don’t see him getting there this year. Go braves!!!
Chillahill43
October 4th, 2010
9:46 pm
And farnsworth has been before he was lights out the last 4-5 games don’t think they will leave him off the roster I’d be real surprised if he ain’t on the 25. Go Bravos!
Chillahill43
October 4th, 2010
9:50 pm
And rolly. Well stated bout glaus that’s why I see him on 25 as well. Go Braves!
Longarm1947
October 4th, 2010
9:54 pm
I would have Heyward in right, Rick A .in Center, Nate M. in Left. No No to Cabrera> Yes, Diaz, and Hinski. Infield. Lee, Conrad, Gonzo, Infanite. Back up, Freeman, Ross, Diory. No O’Flahery, Yes, Dunn, Beachy, Venters, Peter M. Craig K., and the starters. No Glaus, Saito. I put Rick and Nate because of there fielding and they are starting to hit with speed and arms.
Smoltz is my hero
October 4th, 2010
9:55 pm
Remove Mike Dunn, Takashi Saito, andEric O’Flaherty —– Add Kyle Farnsworth, Mike Minor, and JJ. Make reservations in Philly.
Kevin in Snellville
October 4th, 2010
10:00 pm
Headline on espn.com yesterday evening : “Braves given NL wild card spot”. No ESPN a–holes – They EARNED it with a 91-71 regular season record. Will their Brave bashing bias never end?
Rumblekat
October 4th, 2010
10:00 pm
Those of you who think Freddie Freeman will make the playoff roster before Troy Glaus are mistaken. Freeman hasn’t been on the team long enough nor contributed enough to deserve making the playoff roster. Bobby loves his veterans. Unfortunately, Bobby will never get to coach Freeman in his prime when he’ll probably be making All-Star teams and contributing on playoff teams. This is just not Freeman’s year. Be patient though. It will come. But, unless he just can’t go, Glaus will make the NLDS roster.
stinger79
October 4th, 2010
10:05 pm
Saito isn’t fit to be on the roster, he looked horrible this weekend. I think mentally his injury is messing with him. JJ should be ok for long relief it sounds like.
tbravefan
October 4th, 2010
10:19 pm
Freddie is going to AZ for the fall league… he won’t be on the post season roster
ace
October 4th, 2010
10:23 pm
The way this season has gone, I wouldn’t be surprised to see JC Boscan be the second coming of a guy who was similarly unknown: Francisco Cabrera
mike
October 4th, 2010
10:24 pm
Coach (2011 or bust)…Usually, people say that one of Bobby’s faults is that he manages the postseason the same as the regular season. He stays even-keeled throughout.
Also, adding a 3rd catcher for the postseason is one of the smartest things Bobby does. Essentially, that is your 25th man on the roster. Probably won’t matter regardless, but it could potentially be HUGE if McCann/Ross get injured.
Try another anti-Bobby argument, because that one was stupid!
tcalicocat
October 4th, 2010
10:29 pm
I think Freeman should be on the roster. He has more range of motion than Glaus. And hopefully they are working with Brooks on his ground balls and throwing.
ace
October 4th, 2010
10:30 pm
I can see it now… bottom of ninth and the last guy on the bench is the lifetime minor league catcher no one has ever heard of… he gets the hit and the aging, gimpy first baseman troy glaus comes rumbling home… braves win braves win braves win…
tcalicocat
October 4th, 2010
10:31 pm
Not knocking Brooks the Braves would not be were they are without him, but 3 errors in 3 games could be trouble in the playoffs.
prbravesfan
October 4th, 2010
10:32 pm
Freeman will make the postseason roster, he has a great glove at 1B and if you’ve watched Braves games Cox has given important AB to Freddie and almost none to Glaus who has looked terrible since being called up.
Glaus helped us but now he’s injured and can’t do anything to help this team, you take the best player and that is FF. The Braves can simply send another position player to the AFL to take FF’s spot, so that’s a non issue.
ace
October 4th, 2010
10:34 pm
And yes glaus will be there, not freeman, because bobby loves experience in the postseason and glaus can bring some thunder. I could see them let freddie hang around to soak it in.
And I bet boscan is in a 7 game series, but not sure about 5. Frees up ross to pinch hit
Naf Sevarb
October 4th, 2010
10:36 pm
If he starts Melky-McOut-Ankiel in any combo as 2/3rd’s of outfield and it will be an early exit. I somehow remeber Hinske being in left field when we went on the run. It has to be McClouth/Melkey in center and Hinske/Diaz in left. Ankiel can pinch hit he walks a lot.
tcalicocat
October 4th, 2010
10:36 pm
If Ross or McCann happens to get injured Diaz and Conrad both can catch. We need to take back up infielders. And I agree Melky should not be there he misses fly balls and he gets in no hurry to chase it down.
tcalicocat
October 4th, 2010
10:40 pm
Ankiel has great speed and a good arm, but he strikesout alot, too. I believe he will be on the roster for his defensive skills.
Resign or Re-sign?
October 4th, 2010
10:55 pm
You’re in a play-off series with SF or filly with Diaz or Conrad catching? Can you say “steal”?
Rumblekat
October 4th, 2010
10:56 pm
@ prbravesfan
October 4th, 2010
10:32 pm
I don’t know when the AFL starts, but if the Braves want to send Freeman there to get some extra practice, they are *not* going to send someone in his place. What you suggesting is like saying if Diaz gets hurt, the Braves will send Ankiel to do his rehab for him.
Stanley Crowe
October 4th, 2010
11:04 pm
Really fun to see the back and forth on the roster. When you have a team like ours that doesn’t have transcendent talent, you’re trying to guess who’s most likely to get hot, who will do the least damage defensively (for heaven knows it won’t be perfect). Bottom line — let’s think of mitigating the effect of possible negatives and let our rather modest positives take care of themselves. What does that mean in practice — Omar at third, and Brooks in second. Ankiel in center against righties; Matt Diaz in left all the time. Derrek Lee at first, with Troy as backup; Alex Gonzalez at short and let’s hope he (a) stays healthy and (b) hits. Jason in right, of course, and at catcher spell Brian a bit more regularly with David Ross, who right now is almost as reliable a hitter as a worn-down Brian. Hinske, Melky and Nate on the bench. That’s 13. Pitchers: Huddy, Hanson, Lowe, Beachy, and Jurrjens. TOTAL 18. In the pen: Wagner, Moylan, Venters, Dunn, Kimbrell, and Martinez. That’s 24 — so who for 25? I would go with Farnsworth. That leaves out Freddie Freeman, Kenshin, O’Flaherty, Boscan . . . Yes all of these four could contribute, but we have to draw the line somewhere. (NOTE: One of my great memories of recent Braves baseball was a win by Kenshin over Halladay [then with Toronto] in 2009 in a tight game.)
Braves Fan Lost in Ohio
October 4th, 2010
11:19 pm
Well, for those who don’t think 3 catchers is a good idea, think about the quality ABs Ross gives you off the bench. Those would be limited if there was not another C in the mix. It wouldn’t be out of the rhelm of possibility for Bobby to go that route.
Low Key
October 4th, 2010
11:29 pm
Kawakami shouldn’t be on the roster, he’s cursed. His luck is so bad this year that he’d find a way to lose a no-hitter and we need all the breaks we can get going into the playoffs. Also, O’Flaherty is still having health issues at a horrible time, I doubt he’ll make the roster. And as far as the whole Glaus vs. Freeman debate goes, I think you have to bring Glaus based on his experience (both regular and postseason). Plus, Glaus’s ability to play 3B for an inning or two after a late pinch hitting double switch is something that might come in handy, especially with both teams having great bullpens and less than stellar offenses.
Rumblekat
October 4th, 2010
11:29 pm
Remember on the third catcher thing, Bobby may not want to opt for a 3rd catcher in a short series. He has the option to change the roster again for the NLCS. If the Bravos make it to that – a longer series – I’d say he’d be much more apt to want that third catcher then.
Tim L.
October 4th, 2010
11:43 pm
Remember one had to be on the roster by September 1st to qualify for post season. Injuried players – like Prado – can be replaced.
Stanley Crowe
October 4th, 2010
11:47 pm
Low Key — I agree completely on KK’s bad luck this year; I thought he pitched admirably last year and was very sorry to see that he seemed unable to handle circumstances that Hanson has handled so well — i. e. doing a good job with no run support. KK seemed to get down on himself over time, and it was remarkable that someone as young as Hanson could continue at a high level despite that. Wherever KK ends up next year, I wish him well. And I agree about O’Flaherty’s health. Early in the season, before he got sick, he was terrific. Likewise Saito, by the way — I just don’t think he’s strong enough right now, and at his best he was wonderful. As for the third catcher — I saw a suggestion that Diaz could catch in a pinch. If that’s so, I would leave Boscan out. If Brian gets hurt, play Ross every day — defensively that would be an improvement, and offensively it wouldn’t be bad. A fresh Brian is offensively much better than David — a tired worn-down Brian isn’t all that much better.
Feeanch
October 5th, 2010
12:01 am
EOF won’t be there. Saito will. JJ won’t. Ankiel will and will start. He’s a 1 out of 9 hitter, but his glove and legs come in big during the postseason. We’re already the worst defensive team in baseball, Ankiel actually improves us there and you have to expect with our paltry offense, if he saves us a run, it could be the difference maker.
Diory yes (only middle infielder). Boscan no (3 catchers, child please…holla “The League” fans). Freddie (although I wish he would, no). Not with D-Lee being on fire. Glaus…yes. Though never @ 3rd, and only in PH or late innings @ 1st if D-Lee gets yanked. Appreciate the RBIs and your May contributions, but you look like you’re walking on stilts and still can’t catch up to a fastball or slider with that long swing.
Beachy, Dunn, Kimbrel and our usual BP yes. Minor, KK no.
All that said, and with a quarter of our roster being rookies, I still like our chances. This may be the Hank Gathers, Loyola Maramount intangible team…
Innocent Bystander
October 5th, 2010
12:08 am
Do the guys who don’t make the 25-man roster still get to partake, i.e. travel with the team, sit on the bench, etc? Guys like Freeman, Kimbrel, Martinez, assuming they don’t make the cut.
hAL
October 5th, 2010
12:09 am
you ppl amaze me first wren was the biggest idiot ever for sighning glaus an old no talent weak kneed reject now if hes not on the post season roster its a crime boy you guys are smart in retrospect no actually your not even smart then lol
Feeanch
October 5th, 2010
12:11 am
I left out Martinez. Absolutely need him. Best long relief guy in case our Starter gets rocked
Tim L.
October 5th, 2010
12:15 am
Added to roster 9/1 or later: Boscan, Dunn, Freeman, Kawakami, Martinez, Kimbrel, Beachy, Proctor. If any of these are on post season roster will have to be replacing injuried player.
Rolly
October 5th, 2010
12:21 am
hAL, you amaze me. What part of the Braves would not be in the post season without Troy Glaus do you not understand? Do you really think Freddie Freeman, who has three hits should go before the man who still has the third most RBIs on the team? I hope the Braves organization is more loyal to the players that got them here than you are.
Rumblekat
October 5th, 2010
12:21 am
Not that they’d want him now, but since Kawakami spent the majority of the season with the big team, wouldn’t he still be eligible for the post season regardless of not being called back up until after September 1st?
Rolly
October 5th, 2010
12:28 am
prbavesfan: Glaus helped us but now he’s injured and can’t do anything to help this team, you take the best player and that is FF. The Braves can simply send another position player to the AFL to take FF’s spot, so that’s a non issue.
_______
Thank God, you’re not the manager. You’d seriously choose a rookie who has three hits in the Major Leagues against a veteran player who’s been to the post season, has been MVP and can smack the hell out of a baseball at any given moment? Cue “send in the clowns”
jc_dawgs
October 5th, 2010
12:33 am
I know that the “just happy to be there” Philosophy is not the best thing. But…thats how I feel about this.
But hey no pressure….So Braves….stay loose…give it your all and have fun!
prbravesfan
October 5th, 2010
12:46 am
Rolly, Troy Glaus can’t smack any pitcher around with his bum knees, he can’t hit. Did you even watch games in September?
FF got robbed of 3 or 4 hits, plus he made some gold glove caliber plays at 1B. If we pinch run for Lee and we need someone to play defense at 1B I want FF in there.
You’re living in the past with the MVP and all the Glaus stuff. As of October 2010 Freddie Freeman >>>> Troy Glaus.
The Braves owe nothing to Glaus, he was paid a contract for the job he did. He can’t no longer be productive and there is a younger, better option that should take his place. Would a company keep an old, ineffective employee over a young, dynamic one just because of loyalty? NO!!!!
Bill Donohoo
October 5th, 2010
12:52 am
McLouth is the worst OF due to his bat and his defense. Melky is a switch hitter and is batting 50 points higher than McLouth. I agree Melky is poor defensively. Ankiel at least can cover the outfield and he can throw.
I don’t know about Glaus, he looks awful fragile and his bat is slow. Glaus just does not seem to be physically able to perform as he did in April and May.
Brava
October 5th, 2010
1:12 am
prbravesfan, like I said, thank God you’re not the manager. No ML manager would choose Freddie Freeman, a rookie who has done next to nothing, over Troy Glaus who carried his team to the post season unless he had a personal vendetta against him. You are obviously a very young person who thinks that very young people are the answer to all of life’s problems. Unfortunately, in baseball, as in life, that just isn’t true.
Rolly
October 5th, 2010
1:16 am
Sorry, prbravesfan, I posted under my GF name. We are sharing a computer tonight.
prbravesfan
October 5th, 2010
1:38 am
I just think FF can help us more than an unhealthy Glaus but we’ll see tomorrow when rosters are announced.
Bravesfan4life
October 5th, 2010
1:51 am
My Playoff Roster:
Starting Lineup:
3B Omar Infante
RF Jason Heyward
C Brian McCann
1B Derrek Lee
2B Brooks Conrad
SS Alex Gonzalez
LF Melky Cabrera
CF Rick Ankiel
Starting P:
Derek Lowe
Tim Hudson
Tommy Hanson
Jair Jurrjens (if ready) or Brandon Beachy
Bench:
David Ross
Eric Hinske
Diory Hernandez
Tory Glaus
Matt Diaz
Nate McLouth
Relief P:
Eric O’Flaherty (If ready) or Mike Dunn
Peter Moylan
Craig Kimbrel
Kyle Farnsworth
Jonny Venters
Takashi Saito
Billy Wagner
The Phillies MVB (most valuable binoculars)
October 5th, 2010
2:10 am
It’s our time to win. I’m feeling that vibe.
Braves Fan Since "80
October 5th, 2010
2:20 am
Go Braves!
summer of 91
October 5th, 2010
2:43 am
if I were Bobby;
starting lineup:
1 omar 2b
2 Nate cf
3 J Hey rf
4 D Lee 1b
5 Mac 2b
6 Matty Baseball-lf
7 AGon ss
8 raw dog 3b
we’ve always been heavy favorites, this time no one is even giving us a chance……I got a good feeling about a rematch of the 91 series……braves in 7 @ home I’ll be there. Go Bravos, Swan Song!
kaminari
October 5th, 2010
3:01 am
I saw on espn.com they picked us over the Giants in 5. They were using some OPS & some obscure stats to compare teams & the Braves measured up well. But I think you throw everything out the window.
I’m wondering about Glaus. It didn’t look like he had much when he pinch hit. He didn’t look good, like he was one bad step from the DL. How exactly do you play him? It would be a crying shame if he isn’t on the roster, but should the young stud be considered for the postseason with only four major league hits? I think not. But Glaus’s health is pivotal in any decision.
We have some serious hitting woes, guys, that aren’t going to disappear in the postseason. Let’s just hope the division series is dominated by pitching & we can have at least one different hero every night. But, yeah, it’s a crapshoot now.
summer of 91
October 5th, 2010
3:51 am
give glaus a try at 3b……get that bat speed up in the cage, he has played third his whole damn career
santa3247
October 5th, 2010
5:24 am
It’s miraculous ^*^ Babylon helps Braves for fear of losing GM?^*^
santa3247
October 5th, 2010
5:27 am
Derek Lee other people’s pitcher know well, but Freeman could be secret weapon I think.
Fake santa did prophecy about Braves?^*^
Flo-Ri-Duh!
October 5th, 2010
5:41 am
Braves should win ONE game against Giants and be done for the season. They have to many injuries to starters and with 3 backups starting now they don’t have any depth on the bench.. With all these reserves having to start they have committed an average of two errors a game the last 15 games and have a losing record during that time. They have 3 decent starting pitchers and that is it. They need to go out and find a 3rd baseman next year in free agency or make a trade. Infante belongs at 2nd and Prado some where besides 3rd.
Packer Ed
October 5th, 2010
7:06 am
Isn’t the post season fun? Youth is the future and the future is now!
Michael C
October 5th, 2010
7:30 am
I remember it was the #3 catcher who drove in the winning run of the first World Series game every won by the Atlanta Braves. Nobody knew his name, and I can’t remember it right now either. Who was that guy?
I would rather not have Matt Diaz as the #3 catcher. I’m sure he hasn’t spent a lot of time practicing the position.
Let's Go
October 5th, 2010
7:34 am
Bravesfan4life – Your roster looks about right. I don’t expect Freeman to make the cut and if healthy Saito will be there.
Ryan
October 5th, 2010
7:46 am
@ Michael C. Was it Guillard? I remember Justice and Lonnie Smith hitting home runs that game.
Chillahill43
October 5th, 2010
7:55 am
Hey flor- ri- duh!
fiillies have 3 good pitchers that helped them with the best record in baseball the last 2 months. Amazing what 3 good pitchers can do for you in a 5 game a 7 game and another 7 game series. A little hitting goes a long way when you just have 3 good pitchers. And again everybody is 4 days (off) stronger. I really live our chances with just 3 good pitchers. Go Bravos!
Tami
October 5th, 2010
7:57 am
All I want for the Braves is to play solid & smart and HAVE FUN! They — the so-called baseball “experts” — are making the Braves underdogs for however long they last in the playoffs. There! That should take the pressure off of the Braves. If the “experts” don’t feel the Braves belong there and are looking ahead to a Giants/Phillies NLCS, so be it. Anything can happen in this game. All the guys really need to do is win ONE in SF (at least) and the other two at home. Simple. GO BRAVES!!
Chillahill43
October 5th, 2010
8:01 am
As mclazzy behind the plate goes, so goes this team… We need our offensive catcher to get his bat back into MLB mode.. Hopefully Sunday Helped with that. … 4 days of no squats hopefully
helped as well … Mccann …. Mccann …. We need you Mccann….. Don’t leave us now. We need ya!!!!!!! Lee – sea bass- and errorless baseball please show up as well….and wags with 3 saves would have a nice ring to it too…. GO BRAVOS!!!!!
Chillahill43
October 5th, 2010
8:10 am
All we have to do is go 11 and 8 and we are World Series Champs… 11 and 8. I really think that’s doable 11 and 8. Baseball Champions of the World. Just 11-8 .. Of course 11-0 would be much nicer. But 11 wins. This bunch of cardiac causing Fillins. CAN and WILL. We’ve rested and struggled and overcome the naysayers (me included) at times. Now make us proud. Win 11 more games. You can doooo it!!!!!! Go BRAVES!
ATLfan15
October 5th, 2010
8:33 am
@MichaelC, 7:30am: i believe you are thinking of Greg Olson in that first WS win by the Braves. Francisco Cabrera did get an AB, but he walked. oh, and my memory is not that good; i like to use this website: baseball-reference.com
rrosson3
October 5th, 2010
8:34 am
how can beachy, boscan or freeman be on the roster? i thought you had to be on the 25 man roster before august 31
Mike C.
October 5th, 2010
8:44 am
Wasn’t the 3rd string catcher Jerry Willard?
Braves13
October 5th, 2010
8:50 am
I hope Lowe shows up big in this series, I can’t believe we tried to trade this guy in the offseason, and now he is pitching as well as he ever has for the Braves that is..If he returns to the Lowe that pitched for the RedSox we could go far with Huddy…coming through as well..Maybe not the best team we ever fielded in the Playoffs..but man are they Gritty..
PMC
October 5th, 2010
8:52 am
6 rookies may not be a bad thing considering that several of the guys they are paying the most too won’t be playing.
David O'Brien
October 5th, 2010
8:58 am
how can beachy, boscan or freeman be on the roster? i thought you had to be on the 25 man roster before august 31 — rrosson3
Then you must not have read this blog in the weeks leading up to Sept. 1, and the days after it. Because, without exaggerating, I’d say we explained it 50 times. Seriously, I’m not exaggerating. Fifty times we explained that ANYONE in the organization before Sept. 1 was eligible for postseason roster. All they have to do is sub any non-roster guy for someone on DL.
ryan c
October 5th, 2010
9:07 am
my 25 man for this short series:
rotation: lowe, hudson, hanson, beachy
bullpen: wagner, dunn, kimbrel, moylan, venters, saito, martinez
lineup: infante, heyward, lee, mccann, diaz, mclouth, gonzalez, conrad
bench: hinske, glaus, ross, ankiel, freeman, diory
this will never happen because melky will make the team and i dont even really know why i’m typing it, but melky has proved very worthless, offensively and defensively. chances are they’ll take freeman off and give melky his spot.
ATLfan15
October 5th, 2010
9:21 am
@Mike C: yes, Jerry Willard was the 3rd string catcher…but he didn’t play in Game 3 (first WS win for ATL). He hit a sac fly that scored Lemke in Game 4 for the game-winning RBI.
Jesse Stone
October 5th, 2010
9:41 am
You can not put Glaus on the roster just because he went on a 6-week hot streak in May and June. If BC chooses to include Glaus, it would be because he thinks he can help the team NOW. This isn’t modern day Little League where everyone gets a reward, no matter how good they are. He doesn’t “deserve” a spot because at one time he is hot. To say he is a defensive liability would be an understatement. We have enough defensive liabilities. He was a WS MVP EIGHT YEARS AGO. What can he offer thi team right now? Can he hit? Not since mid-June. Can he run? NO. Can he field his position? No. Yet, you just want to reward him for a hot streak way back when.
Ron H
October 5th, 2010
9:53 am
Glaus should be on the post-season roster. He’s got power and playoff experience. Sure, he’s been in a slump lately, but that goes out the window in the playoffs. I remember Andruw hitting close to 500 in the playoffs one year. If I recall correctly, he had a down regular-season that year.
J-Hey the Hero
October 5th, 2010
9:56 am
Is there any word on when the Sunday game will be played? I’d imagine its a night game, so there isn’t as much football to compete with and so West Coast can watch it
braves29
October 5th, 2010
9:59 am
The Braves better put their best defensive club on the field vs Frisco! Can’t give a playoff team extra outs, especially with their starters and tremendous bullpen. Let’s tighten up the “D”, and find some timely hitting with RISP. GO BRAVES!
Dave
October 5th, 2010
10:01 am
The Braves will live or die with their pitching. If they get the quality starts from Lowe, Hudson and Hanson that they got over the past two weeks, they should pull out the series with San Francisco in four games, stealing a game in SF and wrapping it up on Monday.
But there is LITTLE margin for error. The Braves pitching MUST keep the SF batters in check, allowing NO MORE than two runs per game, if they are to have a chance.
J-man
October 5th, 2010
10:18 am
I guess anything could happen, but I’m having a hard time believing that Freeman or Boscan will be on the playoff roster for the 1st round. I think Cox would be more likely to take an extra pitcher than a 3rd string catcher.
GaryinBham
October 5th, 2010
10:19 am
I like Glaus over Freeman because of experience, although the argument could be made for lefty/defense in Freddie’s favor. He has a long career ahead, but if Derek Lee goes down there’s no one else with the same experience as well as power potential. It is a tough call.
Jesse Stone
October 5th, 2010
10:24 am
Ron H
October 5th, 2010
9:53 am
Glaus should be on the post-season roster. He’s got power and playoff experience. Sure, he’s been in a slump lately, but that goes out the window in the playoffs
Understatement of the year. Sure’ he’s been in a slump lately.
Jesse Stone
October 5th, 2010
10:25 am
What experience? He can’t hit, catch, or run. He!!, we might as well put Hank Aaron on the postseason roster. He has experience, too.
UnretireBobbyCox
October 5th, 2010
10:25 am
I think Bobby should come back for another year or two! After the miracle he pulled of with this team this season, imagine what he could do with a better team next year!! Or imagine Robert and .Don going into cardiac arrest!!!
Around The Horn
October 5th, 2010
10:29 am
GLAUS DESERVES A SPOT!
Glaus needs to be on the playoff roster over Freeman. Freddie will have his time.
Troy has a wealth of playoff experience and provides another big bat with power potential.
In fact in the 5 postseason series Troy has been in he’s hit .338 with a .417 OBP, a .797 SLG, and a 1.214 OPS!
Troy deserves to be on the roster, based on his production during the season. It will be a real injustice if he doesn’t make it.
DOB, who is ultimately responsible for this decision? Is it Bobby’s call? Wren’s? A group discussion? Insight on this would be helpful.
ChillyMutt
October 5th, 2010
10:38 am
Would MLB announce the schedule/times for the Atlanta games already! Not that difficult.
Alabama Brave
October 5th, 2010
10:38 am
I still like this team in the playoffs even with several rookies. They also have tons of guys who have been there before: Chipper, Lowe, Saito, Hinske, Cabrera, Glaus (if he makes the postseason roster), for example. It is a good mix.
Now more importantly, id anyone pay attention to who won the TOOL RACE on Sunday? My 5 year old daughter has been distraught over the other tools ganging up on the drill. She was hoping to see the drill win at least one this year. Thanks!
Alabama Brave
October 5th, 2010
10:40 am
and Gonzalez and Lee
Larvell Blanks
October 5th, 2010
10:42 am
I don’t think Glaus gets enough respect. I think we’ll miss his bat at some point if he’s not on the roster.
Joshua
October 5th, 2010
10:49 am
The drill never wins…he’s too clumsy.
jerry
October 5th, 2010
10:50 am
How many teams in the history of the playoffs have EVER lost two catchers to injury? NONE!! Totally dumb.
Joshua
October 5th, 2010
10:50 am
I’m not sure why anyone would want Freeman over Glaus. It’s not like he came up and just started knocking the leather off the ball. I believe Glaus will be much more productive in the post season.
Larvell Blanks
October 5th, 2010
10:55 am
“Jerry Willard … hit a sac fly that scored Lemke in Game 4 for the game-winning RBI.”
And I remember the Yes-No-Yes call by Jack Buck – “That’s going to be a winner … He’s ooouuuu … safe!” Very Chip Caray-ish.
Keith
October 5th, 2010
10:57 am
Re:Jerry
How many teams in the NFL have 3 QBs? All of them.
It’s the same idea in MLB. If one of your catcher goes down, then you are left with only one to play. It’s not dumb.
Smiling Jack
October 5th, 2010
11:01 am
In a word Eric Hinske said it all, “AWESOME!” Go Braves!!! All the way to becoming World Series Champions!! Can the Braves do it? Maybe, maybe not, but they have the chance. And if not, the season has been an AWESOME run! Go Braves!!!
NorCal Brave
October 5th, 2010
11:02 am
How can anyone predict what Glaus might do? He hardly played at all after Lee came on board. Not a complaint, just an observation. I do think it’ll be tough for Bobby to leave him off, given what he did for us in May and June.
Dan in West Georgia
October 5th, 2010
11:02 am
Sorry for my appalling ignorance. Is a non-roster player the same as a post-8/31 roster call-up for post-season purposes, or can anyone on the 40-man roster be used regardless of when they’ve been on the active roster?
According to the Braves web site, we have four players who are formally on the DL: Chipper, Prado, Medlen, and Hicks (JJ and O’Flaherty are not listed as being on the DL). So that means we could use up to four otherwise non-eligible players?
dpelfrey
October 5th, 2010
11:03 am
Why all the complaining about carrying a third catcher. They don’t need to carry 12 pitchers, so why not give a spot to an emergency catcher. There’s two reasons for doing it, so Bobby can use Ross as a pinch hitter or pinch run for McCann in late game situations, and those situations don’t come up in the regular season.
Need I remind everyone…Francisco Cabrera.
FatDad
October 5th, 2010
11:04 am
3 catchers for a 3-5 game series? Makes sense. Seriously though, if anyone has played himself off the playoff roster, it should be McLouth. He’s just horrible. How a 2008 gold glover can be so useless in both LF and CF, not to mention at the plate is beyond me. McLouth is a black hole in the batting order and a nervous nancy in the field. Bobby needs to overcome his faith in Nate and platoon Hinske/Diaz in LF and play Melky in CF. Switch Melky to LF and put Ankiel in CF as a defensive replacement if we have a late-inning lead.
As far as rookies on the roster, Heyward, Conrad, Venters, Dunn and Kimbrel should be automatic – Diory too as the backup infielder since Chipper and Prado are out. Go with either Beachy or Minor as the 4th starter. Not sure Freeman or Boscan will get much if any consideration.
Jesse Stone
October 5th, 2010
11:07 am
Around The Horn
October 5th, 2010
10:29 am
GLAUS DESERVES A SPOT!
Glaus needs to be on the playoff roster over Freeman. Freddie will have his time.
Troy has a wealth of playoff experience and provides another big bat with power potential.
In fact in the 5 postseason series Troy has been in he’s hit .338 with a .417 OBP, a .797 SLG, and a 1.214 OPS
Those stats are from 2002 and 2004. Totally useless stats
Piedmont Blues
October 5th, 2010
11:08 am
My roster for the Division Series:
Rotation: Lowe, Hudson, Hanson
Bullpen: Wagner, Venters, Kimbrel, Moylan, Dunn, Martinez, Jurrjens (or Minor or Beachy, depending on health)
Starters: Lee, Conrad, Gonzalez, Infante, Diaz, Ankiel, Heyward, McCann
Bench: Ross, Hinske, McLouth, Melky, Hernandez, Glaus, Boscan
With a three-man rotation, a 10-man staff should be plenty for a five-game series.
I’m not sure of the rule, but I think if a player gets hurt during a series, you can’t get a replacement. You can modify the roster for the next series if you win. So you have a third catcher on the roster just in case.
Braves Fan Since "80
October 5th, 2010
11:13 am
I like the 3rd catcher….. in the regular season you can get a backup catcher from the minors…. the next day in most cases in case of an injury……..In the playoffs you have to stay with what you have ….. Ross is also a solid bat that could be used and still have a catcher…. that spot the third catcher is usally one less pitcher on the roster……. I am excited
I too think I would take Glaus over Freeman but that is from the outside looking in…. I could see Freeman bein on the roster as a defensive replacement after a PR for Lee without Prado…… I think the braves will make the best decisions
bruce mac
October 5th, 2010
11:16 am
Here is starting lineup for game 1; Omar @ 3B, Heyward, McCann, Lee, Diaz, Raw Dog @ 2B, Gonzales, Ankiel, D. Lowe. Mark it down, Bobby has finally learned McClouth and Melky are not worthy. If anything other than this lineup, then bet the house on the Giants.
FatDad
October 5th, 2010
11:19 am
that is correct Piedmont Blues. You’re stuck with your roster per series.
My roster would look a lot like yours, if not identical – though I suspect Bobby will give an 11-man pitching staff strong consideration. Don’t be shocked if Farnsworth (vet with playoff exp. which goes a long way with Bobby) and/or O’Flaherty (depending on his health) make the roster. I really don’t expect Boscan to make the 3-5 game Divisonal series roster, but I think there’s a good chance that we’ll see him on the NLCS and/or WS roster if we get lucky enough to make it that far.
NORRIS
October 5th, 2010
11:24 am
why not play glauss at third. He has got to be better than conrad there. Put infante at second.
bruce mac
October 5th, 2010
11:26 am
Because he is crippled. Bobby love Raw Dog and I think justifiably.
dpelfrey
October 5th, 2010
11:27 am
I liked the lineup Sunday with Lee hitting third and Mac fourth.
ijudgenot
October 5th, 2010
11:37 am
With the Giants being a predominantly right handed team the Braves do not need 3 lefty’s for this series. Therefore they can go with 11 pitchers(Lowe,Hanson,Hudson)starters, (Jurrigens long relief),
(Wagner,Venters,Saito,O’flarity/Dunn,Moylan,Kimbrel,and Farnsworth bullpen). That leaves 14 positional players McCann,Ross,Conrad,Lee, Infante,Gonzalez,Hernandez,Glaus,Freeman,,Heyward,Diaz,Hinski,Cabrera,Ankiel and McClouth. That way everyone who contributed as position players that can play will be on playoff roster. If they get by Giants and have to play Phillys then 2nd lefty between O’Flarity and Dunn repacesa Farnsworth.
GMCK
October 5th, 2010
11:40 am
thursday night is going to be a late night…. OH how great it would be to win game one and bring that momentum our way… GO BRAVES!!!!!
AWE
October 5th, 2010
11:46 am
@Alabama Brave – The drill won Sunday, the hammer took a nose dive close to the finish and flipped. I was wondering if the person was ok with the way that they flipped.
The most Glauss could be is a PH and then he can’t run to first base. I think he is due for some kind of surgery with the way that he limps.
FatDad
October 5th, 2010
11:48 am
ijudgenot – “That leaves 14 positional players McCann,Ross,Conrad,Lee, Infante,Gonzalez,Hernandez,Glaus,Freeman,,Heyward,Diaz,Hinski,Cabrera,Ankiel and McClouth.”
me – only problem there is you listed 15 position players
dpelfrey
October 5th, 2010
11:56 am
I didn’t like how this team finished out the season, but it’s a “new” season and with 3 guys throwing like aces and a shutdown closer, I still really like their chances to make a long run. All they need is one or two guys to get hot at the plate. It looks like Lee has come around, so hopefully Jason & Mac can come up with some big hits and things will be alright.
Brian the Brain
October 5th, 2010
11:56 am
Just found the Sports Illustrated article wrote about an hour after Game 7 of the 1992 NLCS. This room must be dusty, my eyes are watering. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1004373/1/index.htm
dpelfrey
October 5th, 2010
12:01 pm
ijudgenot – The other problem is your spelling. You make Jair sound like a bottle of hand lotion.
UnretireBobbyCox
October 5th, 2010
12:04 pm
Gotta love it: people arguing over who should be on the roster and who shouldn’t. Just sit back and enjoy!! At the start of the season, nobody would have thought the Braves would still be playing in October…
the real Old Gold
October 5th, 2010
12:10 pm
3 Catchers is always a good safe move. A catcher is as hard to replace as a pitcher and equally as important in the conduct of the game.
Here’s hoping J.C. Boscan gets a role in the encore.
Kawakami
October 5th, 2010
12:10 pm
Don’t forget to put me on the roster guys! I can be this year’s Charlie Leibrandt.
GMCK
October 5th, 2010
12:13 pm
@Brian the Brain … great SI link…. gave me the chills
Braves Fan in N.Y.
October 5th, 2010
12:17 pm
Was Freeman on the roster in time to qualify for post-season play?
Braves Fan in N.Y.
October 5th, 2010
12:18 pm
Sorry… didn’t see the explanation.
Damn work.
BUSHWACKER
October 5th, 2010
12:19 pm
The best way for Hinske to get to another WORLD SERIES is if Bobby lets him play so he cn help us get there like he did with Boston , Tampa and the Yankees.
But I’m afraid we will see more McLouth and Ankiel while Diaz and Hinske will be on the bench even though Diaz and Hinkse helped us win the last 2 games we won on Sunday and last Weds.
ATLfan15
October 5th, 2010
12:26 pm
@Brian the Brain: thanks for the link to that article, it brought back some GREAT memories. Must be dusty in this room too….
ijudgenot
October 5th, 2010
12:34 pm
FatDad, my bad I originally did not have Hernandez on the roster. He did not play the infield but one game. If Gonzalez should go down,Infante played SS when Escobar was hurt early in the year. Hinski or Glaus could play 3rd base in that case.
Alabama Brave
October 5th, 2010
12:35 pm
Thanks AWE!
joe kill
October 5th, 2010
12:36 pm
Dob i got a question whats the status of jair jurjens is he going to pitch or wats the braves plan and will rick ankeil be on the postseason roster by the way dob big fan of your work GO BRAVOS!!!!!!!!
thebwd
October 5th, 2010
12:38 pm
Batting Avg. since Sept.1 – Freeman .167, Glaus .267 (which is actually higher than his .240 season avg – so much for the slump theory)
In fact, Glaus had a higher OBP, OPS, and AVG than Freeman in Sept. Plus he can play 3rd if needed. Plus he has post-season experience. I say go with Glaus. Do people really feel more confident with Freeman pinch hitting in the clutch?
jim
October 5th, 2010
12:38 pm
Charlie Liebrandt was a 15 game winner in 1991, who played an important role in getting the team to the WS as its 4th starter. He also had previous playoff experience. I believe it was the 11th inning when Liebrandt entered the game and we had already used Pena and Stanton. There weren’t a lot of better choices when he came in to pitch.
KK has won 1 game this year, has pitched once since Sept 1, and will not be on the post season roster. If you want to get mad at somebody for losing in ‘91, blame Justice and Gant for letting a fly ball drop between them long before Liebrandt entered the game, or blame Lonnie Smith — It is too easy with hindsight to blame the manager.
Chillahill43
October 5th, 2010
12:39 pm
I ain’t a milk dud fan but he was 5th on the team in on base% and slugging % and Glause was 3rd in Homeruns and RBI’s. If you don’t think those numbers Alone don’t get both guys on the 25. Well I think you may be hoping more than anything.. Those 2 are on the roster bet the farm. Go BRAVOS!!!!
Chillahill43
October 5th, 2010
12:42 pm
Of course his let balls ho over his head and go screaming past him also ranks 1st on the Braved as well.. His defense reminds me of kids in coach pitch…. What somebody hit it … But it was right at me. Lol. Poor. Defensive player to say the least
jim
October 5th, 2010
12:51 pm
The two biggest downsides for not clinching before Sunday were 1) having to use Hudson on Sunday
2) Not being able to audition players like Glaus and giving Saito another inning. If Sunday were a meaningless game, the great Glaus 3B experiment could be run and Freeman could have played 1B. Diory Hernandez could have been given a start to give him some ABs and work in the field before the playoffs.
Ankiel must be the starting CF in all the games played in SF. With the dimensions of that park putting Melky or McLouth out there would be risking disaster. This team is not going to win with offense, and the other two choices are only marginally better (if so) than Rick.
Left field in SF is more standard and playing Diaz and Hinske out there would not be a marked dropoff from the M & M boys.
jim
October 5th, 2010
1:01 pm
I believe Glaus willl be on the roster because the Giants will have 2 lefty starters + Baumgarner and the other javy Lopez in the pen. If Lopez is brought in to face a lefty hitter, Glaus could be a weapon off the bench — although the lefty hitter would most likely be Heyward or McCann and would not be pinch hit for. If Ankiel is the CF, the bench will include Hinske (LH), Glaus (RH), Ross (RH), Diory (not likely to be used — RH), one of Diaz (RH), McLouth (LH), Melky (SH)
Bernard
October 5th, 2010
1:05 pm
As I’ve said before, “Just win baby!”
jim
October 5th, 2010
1:13 pm
The problem with the 3rd catcher argument is that the Braves already have 1 player on the roster, Diory hernandez, who is only there as an insurance policy against an injury to a middle infielder. The 3rd catcher would be a 2nd insurance policy. That leaves the Braves with only a 23-man roster and two insurance policies that might have to bat in a 12+ inning game. When Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, and Avery were the starters, they were expected to go 7+ innings and avoid having to go more than 2 or 3 deep in the pen. This year only Hudson is likely to pitch into the 7th inning and the 4th starter, if needed is either Beachy or JJ,– a rookie or a pitcherr returning from an injury who has been inconsistent. The bullpen is much more of a strength this year, but it is worn down and the added depth will be needed.
rrosson3
October 5th, 2010
1:27 pm
your right i havent been reading the blog lately because i kept seeing all the negative atlanta fans saying (after he was already DLed) that it was chippers fault and that he needed to do the team a favor and retire. i sure would love to have him for the playoffs. i actually said i was not going to be on the blog but just follow your tweets. but thanks for clarifying it once again.
rrosson3
October 5th, 2010
1:34 pm
Here’s my 25 man
position players
1b Derrek Lee
2b Brooks Conrad
3b Omar Infante
ss Alex Gonzalez
c Brian McCann
lf Matt Diaz
cf Rick Ankiel
rf Jason Heyward
Rotation
Derek Lowe
Tim Hudson
Tommy Hanson
bench players
c David Ross
1b Troy Glaus
3b/of Eric Hinske
of Nate Mclouth
of Melky Cabrera
util if Diory Hernandez
Bullpen
Billy Wagner
Jonny Venters
Peter Moylan
Craig Kimbrel
Kyle Farnsworth
Brandon Beachy
Mike Dunn
Takashi Saito
bigboi
October 5th, 2010
1:37 pm
If i were booby the lineup would be:
2nd – Omar
rf – J-Hey
1st – D-Lee
CA – McCann
3rd – Glaus
CF – Nate
SS – Gonzo
RF – Diaz, Melky, or Hinski or nate and ankles in Cf.
This would give us a little extra pop and have raw dawg coming off of the bench. Glause can’t be any worse in the field than raw dawg.
jt
October 5th, 2010
1:53 pm
Glaus? Are you kidding. He is TERRIBLE. Freeman is the future at 1B, he plays significantly better D, he has energy, and HE DOESN”T SUCK.
Booby's booger finger
October 5th, 2010
2:24 pm
I need Troy on the bench next to me so I can wipe by boogers on his pant leg.
rick p
October 5th, 2010
2:30 pm
No McLouth, Boscan, Freeman or Dunn. Yes to Diaz/Hinske in left and Ankiel in CF
thebwd
October 5th, 2010
2:31 pm
Freeman will be a good MLB player in the future, but right now he is a .167 hitter with only 24 big league at-bats. I don’t see how that is going to help us when we need a pinch hitter with the game on the line. Do you realize that Tim Hudson has a better batting average than Freeman? He may be the future, but in terms of the next few years, not the next few games.
Booby's booger finger
October 5th, 2010
2:38 pm
Maybe the Braves should stop by the BALCO offices while in the S.F. area
FatDad
October 5th, 2010
3:16 pm
Agreed about Freeman. He may have impressed in Gwinnett, but he hasn’t seen enough big league pitching or hit well enough against what little MLB pitching he has seen to warrant any consideration for a playoff roster spot over Glaus. And even if he did, Bobby Cox is going to go with the experienced veteran 99% of the time. Along the same lines, I wouldn’t be shocked if Farnsworth makes the roster over younger, more useful right-handed relievers like Martinez or maybe even Kimbrell. Bobby’s allegience to struggling, if not terrible vets like McLouth is a given, and it could be this team’s downfall. We could really use Gregor Blanco right about now. The Ankiel/Farnsworth trade is looking like a total bust. Hopefully these vets will prove me wrong in the coming weeks.
jim
October 5th, 2010
3:20 pm
rrosson3
I agree with your roster and your starting lineup. CF has to be Ankiel since we ned his much better defense in that park than someone else’s marginally better offense. The starting LF should be Diaz against lefties, and for me is pick’em between Diaz, Hinske, and McLouth against righties.
Even if JJ is pronounced fit to go, I think I would be more comfortable with Beachy right now. JJ has not pitched in 3 weeks and was very inconsistent in his 3 starts prior. Beachy is the more known quantity right now. Saito’s health is also a question mark, but I think he does make the post season roster. Given EOF’s health, I’d choose Dunn for the 3rd lefty spot too.
Elmer
October 5th, 2010
4:21 pm
Diaz in left, no platooning please!
Geno
October 5th, 2010
6:18 pm
Braves lack of defense at 3B and 2B will be there achillies heel.
Jerry
October 5th, 2010
6:39 pm
Michael C
October 5th, 2010
7:30 am
I remember it was the #3 catcher who drove in the winning run of the first World Series game every won by the Atlanta Braves. Nobody knew his name, and I can’t remember it right now either. Who was that guy?
The Braves won Game 3 of the 1991 World Series 5-4 in 12 innings. Mark Lemke drove in David Justice from 2nd to score that winning run.
Jerry
October 5th, 2010
6:43 pm
jerry
October 5th, 2010
10:50 am
How many teams in the history of the playoffs have EVER lost two catchers to injury? NONE!! Totally dumb.
That was not the intent on whether or not to carry a third catcher. It was so Bobby could use Ross as a pinch hitter without losing a backup catcher in the process.