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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,506 comments Add your comment
Tomas
May 27th, 2011
5:46 pm
Ludwick can play CF, played well in St.Louis maybe Turner Field will be better for him than San Diego(forgot the name of the stadium)
Bat Masterson
May 27th, 2011
5:48 pm
I take it Ward is considered a false handle? I thought he was just from another country. _ Brian from SC
Ward is not from another country, he’s in Big Sky Country.
http://www.bigskycountry.net/
Lew
May 27th, 2011
5:48 pm
SB – I think because oblique injuries have a habit of recurring, they’re being extra careful and making sure he’s completely healed before bringing him back – just like they did with Jurrjens.
Snotboogie
May 27th, 2011
5:51 pm
A lot of movement on the trade/DFA front recently. I wouldnt be shocked if FW pulled something of thin air – a bench move perhaps. But now that Heyward’s shoulder has been cleared again, that worry is off.
BTW – has anyone noticed how ugly McLouth’s splits are when facing LHP.
Against RHP: .259/.353/.388/.741 – 116 AB
Against LHP: .188/.278/.229/.507 – 48 AB
That might be the one region of improvement. Hence all these rumors about us looking for a RHH OF.
noleee
May 27th, 2011
5:53 pm
I think a righty hitter-perhaps someone like Pujols- might be a good addition….
Snotboogie
May 27th, 2011
5:54 pm
Sure, Lew. It’s key to the pitching action and all. Frustrating for us and most definitely even more so for Beachy – all this waiting around and then the high point in the workout is playing catch.
Gil In Mechanicsville
May 27th, 2011
5:57 pm
Chesty Morgan Sounds like a girl I dated in high school…
Tomas
May 27th, 2011
5:57 pm
noleee
Snotboogie
May 27th, 2011
5:58 pm
Ludwick can play CF, played well in St.Louis maybe Turner Field will be better for him than San Diego(forgot the name of the stadium)
Ludwick’s splits:
Home – .194/.272/.350/.621
Away – .280/.325/.480/.805
At Turner Field: .300/.432/.333/.766 (sample size warning – 37 PA)
Murph
May 27th, 2011
5:58 pm
Can’t the Braves move Ross to CF? The guy is faster than he looks. Need to figure out a way to get that bat in the lineup everyday. Close games would no longer be an issue with Ross in there. Opponents would start lobbying to implement a 10 run mercy rule.
Tomahawkin
May 27th, 2011
5:58 pm
Bing!
Soldier——
(Waving Arm!) “Get Out The WAYYY!!! (Boom!) Pretty Boy Coming Through! Me And My Crew! We Swaggin In The Room! Girls On Me Heavy Cause I Look So Sexy! Yellow Diamond Shawty In The Club Straight Flexin!”
Whats Up All? TGIF For Real!
Bat Masterson
May 27th, 2011
5:59 pm
I saw a Heyward t shirt down here today. I saw the name Heyward and 22 on the back, then got a look at the front and it said Atlanta Braves. I might not have noticed but it was practically painted on an 18, or 19 year old girl, maybe 5/9 maybe 120 lbs, built like a Barbie doll, tiny shorts. Holy Moly, Go!!! Braves!!!
A-Ville Ranger
May 27th, 2011
6:00 pm
Off topic but Ledbetter has an artlcle up about Ryan being one of 5 Falcons listed in the top 100 players in The NFL. The article is 2 bland paragraphs and he doesn’r even mention who the other 4 players are. DOB and Carol should be offended by the lazy slackers they work with.
noleee
May 27th, 2011
6:03 pm
Ludwick has been all over the place as a hitter from year to year.
Turner is a better hitters park than Petco which is about the toughest one in baseball, so he might be an improvement here but he is so up and down that I wouldn’t wanna have to trade a lot for him.
Ralph
May 27th, 2011
6:04 pm
I don’t like calling bunting a runner over with nobody out small ballt, I like to call it smart ball and if I were manager of the braves every hitter in that position would be required to do it no matter who it was.
What i’m watching for now is if Shafer continues to spark the offense is when McOut is declared ready to play to be brought back up and put back in the lineup along with Heyhurt and Shafer sent back down.
I honestly beleive that if not for the injuries we would still have the same lineup we had 3 weeks ago and it was really terriable.
Skeezix
May 27th, 2011
6:05 pm
I’d like to see Schafer really break out and get on base a lot this series. His speed adds a dimension we have been missing.
BBurgBrave
May 27th, 2011
6:06 pm
DOB, I’ve had that contrast MRI done on the shoulder that Heyward had. It’s a big old horse needle they stick in you joint to inject that dye. It was very unpleasant as I recall. In my case, it revealed a torn labrum; glad to hear Heyward’s wing is more intact.
Tomahawkin
May 27th, 2011
6:06 pm
Regarding the series over the Weekend:
The Reds will win two out of the 3 games this weekend, Bank On It. My Reasoning for my thesis? The Reds are like 1-8 in their last nine Games and got Clowned in Philly (Co-Co Blowing saves, Losing a game where the Winning Pitcher was a 2nd baseman)? The Braves are notorious for not beating up on teams that have been struggling and giving them new life when they could Finish Them. No excuses as to why the rested Braves Can’t beat up on the Reds tiring pitching staff this series, None…On the other hand I do like the lineup Tonight…
My Picks to Click tonight will be Ske and Uggly! “Don’t Sing It! Bring It!”——Scott Hall
jonathan Simeone
May 27th, 2011
6:07 pm
It’s really hard to believe that Venters is not the closer. What else does he have to do?
Gil In Mechanicsville
May 27th, 2011
6:08 pm
Bat Were you around the time Skip Carey was doing a Braves game in Florida and the camera locked in on a stunner in a Braves halter top and short shorts, she looked like a model of a Vargus girl. He comment was “Folks, that’s a Braves fan”!
BBurgBrave
May 27th, 2011
6:08 pm
Leake on the mound for CIN tonight… reminds me of my all time favorite Skip Caray line: (following a Russ Ortiz curveball left up in the zone)
“…and like the kleptomaniac at the dry-cleaners, Ortiz gets away with a hanger”
Lollygagger
May 27th, 2011
6:09 pm
It’s really hard to believe that Venters is not the closer. What else does he have to do?
Change his name to Craig Kimbrel. That’d most likely get it done.
noleee
May 27th, 2011
6:09 pm
Bat if you can find a copy of The Neon Rain by James Lee Burke you might wanna give it a try. Have to be a paperback though since it and Heaven’s Prisoners his first two Dave Robicheaux novels are bringing outrageous prices in hard back last time I looked.
His stuff is very character driven, like the Harry Bosch stuff, but also gives a very detailed New Orleans/Bayou Teche flavor.
Since you liked Bosch, I think you would like it too.
Gil In Mechanicsville
May 27th, 2011
6:10 pm
Simeone I doubt Venters is fretting over it very much. If you look back, Venters has faced the heart of an opposing team’s batting order a lot in his appearances. Often times I have felt he deserved a (save) even if it was not official. You can rest assured the folks in baseball who really matter respect what Everyday Jonny brings to the table.
Bat Masterson
May 27th, 2011
6:10 pm
It’s really hard to believe that Venters is not the closer. What else does he have to do?
Off Baby Face…………… Really what difference does it make.
Bat Masterson
May 27th, 2011
6:12 pm
“Folks, that’s a Braves fan”! _ Gil In Mechanicsville
Gil _
I don’t recall it but it sounds authentic, certainly a comment I would appreciate.
noleee
May 27th, 2011
6:13 pm
if I were manager of the braves every hitter in that position would be required to do it no matter who it was. …Ralph
then I can only thank God that you are not, cause used that way it is loser ball.
Tomas
May 27th, 2011
6:13 pm
noleee, yeah I agree, and I don’t think they’re asking price is very high so I guess he is a possibility.
Dennis Reynolds
May 27th, 2011
6:14 pm
Im so tired of hearing about Posey and how there should be rule changes now. The Giants knew what they were doing by keeping their best player in the catchers position. If, lets say, David Ross (knock on wood) were to get hurt, you’d hear about it the next day and that’d be it.
There’s a reason why catchers don’t tend to be elite hitters. And if they are elite hitters, most of them are moved to a less demanding position. With the exception of a few greats such as Fisk, Piazza, and of course our own Brian McCann.
It comes with the territory. Quit whining and pick up another catcher.
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 27th, 2011
6:14 pm
I wonder if Everyday Johnny can hit. We can use him.
Snotboogie
May 27th, 2011
6:15 pm
Ludwick is in his final year of arbitration and is currently their 2nd most expensive player at 6.775 M (after Heath Bell). I’m guessing he can be had for not a big price and get draft picks in return after this season.
Ralph
May 27th, 2011
6:16 pm
noleee, you are entitled to your opinion like everone else.
noleee
May 27th, 2011
6:16 pm
there is a reason that they say “If they want to give us an out, we sure will take it”.
Outs are way too important to be giving away free every time you get someone on base.
Tomahawkin
May 27th, 2011
6:17 pm
Anyone Going to the Games This Weekend? I might go Monday…?
I’d Go to One of the Games This Weekend but No WAY in HELL Am I gonna Miss A Memorial Day Party At Sunset Cove at Lake Lanier! As of 2pm Tomorrow It Will Be Showtime for T-Hawkin, I gotta Go Perform!
BFChris26
May 27th, 2011
6:17 pm
If a RH OF bench bat/spot starter/platoon partner with McLouth can be had, I’d say go for it. I know we have Mather, but even though he’d be fine for the job, he’d also have to cover RF, 3B and 1B, so another RH OF bat who can play CF would be better for an on the regular platoon basis.
I still think while another bat is needed (without a doubt), a late inning (not necessarily closer, but the potential to close a game to give Kimbrel/Venters a night off) reliever would be good right now. I know Sherrill has been doing better, but I think he’s best used for 6th/7th inning. You can’t over work O’Ventbrel night in and night out. So having a veteran reliever in that spot till Moylan/Medlen can get back would help just as much as another bat.
Imagine an August/September bullpen of….
* Martinez
* Medlen (bring Medlen up in September)
* Linebrink (more so in September if he hasn’t been traded or released, if not slide in Gearrin)
* Proctor (see above, although I trust Proctor over Linebrink right now)
* Sherrill
* Moylan
* EOF
* Vet Reliever (Qualls? Bell? Rauch? Ect….)
* Venters
* Kimbrel
That would be a mighty sick bullpen.
Gil In Mechanicsville
May 27th, 2011
6:17 pm
BBurgBrave I wonder if anyone will have the nerve to mention that Leake single highhandedly might have more “steals” than the Braves have as a team.
Bat Masterson
May 27th, 2011
6:18 pm
nolie_
Okay, I copied that down. I’m sure I will like it, I cracked open The Black Ice today at lunch. I like that the Bosch character has a Vietnam history. Thanks
Bat Masterson
May 27th, 2011
6:22 pm
I don’t like calling bunting a runner over with nobody out small ballt, I like to call it smart ball and if I were manager of the braves every hitter in that position would be required to do it no matter who it was.
Good lord man, that’s crazy talk.
DS1
May 27th, 2011
6:22 pm
Bat & Gil
A few years back (about 20 now), my brother was taking his two young sons for swimming lessons at a local pool. The lifeguard was wearing a tiny, stars and stripes bikini. All he could say was “God Bless American”.
For a long time after that, every time one of his son’s would see a pretty young lady, he would repeat, “God Bless American!”
Gotta love the summertime!!!
Go Braves, and God Bless America!
Elonbrave
May 27th, 2011
6:23 pm
Anyone else seen mutterings of the Braves interest in Hunter Pence? Where the heck would ya put’em?
Tomahawkin
May 27th, 2011
6:24 pm
I love hearing the Throwback Skip Caray quotes…R.I.P. Skip
AZBravoFan
May 27th, 2011
6:24 pm
Before anyone gets excited about a player’s numbers at Turner Field, just remember how well Uggla used to hit in Atlanta….
noleee
May 27th, 2011
6:24 pm
good thoughts Chris26
Tomas
May 27th, 2011
6:25 pm
Snotboogie, right now I don’t think he qualifies as a type A or B player, but that’s just means Padres have to lower they’re asking price even more. And if he recovers with a nice season, then he could become a type A FA
Ralph
May 27th, 2011
6:26 pm
Gil, are you talking about “stolen bases allowed as a pitcher” or stolen ” bases as a hitter”?
SoWeGa Fanatic
May 27th, 2011
6:26 pm
Has Christian Martinez disappeared?
noleee
May 27th, 2011
6:26 pm
have no idea Elon, though I guess he did play some CF 3 or 4 years ago.
I kinda doubt we’ try to get him unless Hey or Chipper goes down for a long stretch
DS1
May 27th, 2011
6:27 pm
The other team LOVES it when we bunt runners over!!!
Elonbrave
May 27th, 2011
6:27 pm
Just for discussion’s sake, what happens if we’re offered a top of the line right handed left-fielder. What do you do if you’re Frank Wren? This is the type of thing that we could deal with before the trade deadline. In fact, in acquiring a good bat, I don’t know of any other spot that we could possibly put one other than CF.
BBurgBrave
May 27th, 2011
6:28 pm
Tomahawkin, How far has Atlanta Braves broadcasting fallen since the days of Skip and Pete Van Wieren. The Professor was the greatest I’ve ever heard, the perfect broadcaster.
TennesseePaul
May 27th, 2011
6:29 pm
Thanks for the updates on the injured DOB. It’s good to hear they’re all well. Any news on McLouth?
Bat Masterson
May 27th, 2011
6:29 pm
Nice story, Wayne.
DS1
May 27th, 2011
6:30 pm
Pence would be OK in CF for a while, but I don’t see anything like that materializing until Schafer gets his shot to succeed or fail; and Heyward is evaluated.
Give it a couple of weeks, and Pence might look more desireable. Not a bad ballplayer, but nothing phenomenal either.
bruce
May 27th, 2011
6:31 pm
great news on Moylan… wish him speedy and fun recovery
noleee
May 27th, 2011
6:31 pm
I agree about Pete, BBurg, at least as far as Braves announcers go
Bat Masterson
May 27th, 2011
6:32 pm
Still no haggard appearances?
Ralph
May 27th, 2011
6:33 pm
Bat, you too are entitled to your opinion but I get sick and tired of seeing the leadoff hitter get on base and the next guy up hits into a double play when the runner could have been on second with one out and could score on a base hit. With this team one run usually can determint the outcome. With a team that had some offense I wouldn’t do it that way but i’m talking this braves team.
DS1
May 27th, 2011
6:34 pm
What time is game time?? Are we the MLB Network game tonight???
Elonbrave
May 27th, 2011
6:34 pm
Too much starting pitching is just such a crazy problem to have. I guess shortstop is another position that could be toggled if some stud became available, but then again, Gonzo is like having an extra few mph on our pitcher’s fastballs, or a few more inches of break.
Tomahawkin
May 27th, 2011
6:35 pm
BBurgBrave
“Tomahawkin, How far has Atlanta Braves broadcasting fallen since the days of Skip and Pete Van Wieren. The Professor was the greatest I’ve ever heard, the perfect broadcaster.”
Co-Sign! And Don’t Forget Erie Johnson Sr.
Check out this old TBS 1992 4 Part Season Ending Clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgsVm48Lwao&feature=related
monty
May 27th, 2011
6:35 pm
The professor was good at facts and giving you an unemotional account of everything, but too dry for me when it came to doing any kind of color commentary.
BFChris26
May 27th, 2011
6:36 pm
Thanks noleee.
I just want Braves to succeed without having to extremely deplete an area of strength (pitching depth and a nice minor league system that can be used to get a piece if need be). I’m fine paying the price of a few depth pieces (that aren’t of the untouchables), just as long as the following factors are adhered to as much as possible…
* 1. Not done for the sake of making a move.
* 2. Improves an area of the ball club without completely decimating the farm system.
* 3. Not a rental deal (ala Tex and JD Drew deal) where nothing would be showed for it in hindsight (meaning if move is made, it should benefit the future as well as now).
I know it’s easier said than done and that’s why there’s people doing the job and we as fans aren’t, but if we the fans are going to pump money to the club (we buy Braves merchandise, we (or I, dunno about anyone else) order MLB EI for Braves games specifically, ect…), then the team should be made to where it warrants the fans to continue doing so. Whether it’s through trades or FA, try to put a winning team on the field as best as you can under the circumstances of payroll, but please don’t sacrifice the future for a short term success.
noleee
May 27th, 2011
6:36 pm
and you too are welcome to your opinion Ralph, no matter how far from baseball reality it is.
Drop me a line whenever you see any manager anywhere do that all the time.
Murph
May 27th, 2011
6:36 pm
noleeee, can you go back to nolie? Or add an “H” at the end so you can be no-leh? The 4 e’s make me uncomfortable.
BFChris26
May 27th, 2011
6:37 pm
DS1
Yeah, Matt Vasgersian and Smoltzie will be calling Braves game tonight on MLBN.
BFChris26
May 27th, 2011
6:37 pm
Time will be 7:30pm EST.
Murph
May 27th, 2011
6:38 pm
3 e’s… either way, it’s like when I saw my dad without his moustache for the first time after 30+ years of always having one. It was him, but it wasn’t really him.
David O'Brien
May 27th, 2011
6:38 pm
Someone put a picture of Marvin the Martian in Jordan Schafer’s locker. Braves CF had to wear a bat boy’s two-flap minor league helmet in Pittsburgh, because Schafer’s head is so small the Braves didn’t have any helmets to fit him on road trip.
Schafer told me he gets the new kids’ sizes of New Era fitted caps, now that they make them. Before, he had to get a small adult hat and usually shrink it by putting it in hot water and the dryer. Said his head’s about a 6-1/2.
Lollygagger
May 27th, 2011
6:38 pm
Ryan Ludwick OBP of .294 this season. Tell me again how this would help the Braves?
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
May 27th, 2011
6:39 pm
DOB Someone put a picture of Marvin the Martian in Jordan Schafer’s locker.
Hmm…I wonder who that might have been……?
Dennis Reynolds
May 27th, 2011
6:39 pm
At this point in their careers, Pence>Heyward.
In the long run, that wont be the case. But Pence could help us win. Heyward will provide some warmth to the bench for those September/October nights, though, for the players who can actually stay on the field.
Ralph
May 27th, 2011
6:39 pm
nolee, i’m talking this braves team, no offense!
DS1
May 27th, 2011
6:40 pm
Calling stat guy! Calling stat guy!
Can someone look up how many times we have had the leadoff hitter up and the next guy hits into a double play??? How many times have we bunted him over (Successfully and unsuccessfully)? How many times have we NOT bunted him over and NOT hit into a double play.
The double plays that stick in my mind are the 1 out DP’s that end the inning, to be honest.
If it’s not a late inning tie situation, I prefer all hitters to hit, and the pitcher to bunt with a runner on first. And sometimes even during a late/tie situation, I still like my hitters to hit away.
noleee
May 27th, 2011
6:40 pm
The 4 e’s make me uncomfortable. Murph
that should make you REALLY uncomfortable since there are only three Es Murph.
BFChris26
May 27th, 2011
6:40 pm
DOB
That’s kinda funny and gives more reason for people to call him or tell him he looks like a kid
DS1
May 27th, 2011
6:41 pm
Schafer needs to talk to Barry Bonds. Barry didn’t have any problems getting his head to grow into the larger caps!
Bat Masterson
May 27th, 2011
6:41 pm
Bat, you too are entitled to your opinion but I get sick and tired of seeing the leadoff hitter get on base and _ Ralph
Well thanks Ralph and you are entitled to yours. Though I would like to point out that not all opinion carries equal weight. My opinion of your opinion is that it is irrational.
BFChris26
May 27th, 2011
6:42 pm
For everyone….
The game time is 7:30PM EST on MLBN and other feeds as well (whether it’s Braves or Reds).
Kat
May 27th, 2011
6:42 pm
Nice blog today David.
Blog looks good on my new Android…it loads real quick! I’ve finally entered the twenty first century with a smartphone.
Bravo_fan 52
May 27th, 2011
6:43 pm
Great Bloggin season heating up bats to follow oh and Ernie Johnson was a pretty good t.v.-radio announcer as well miss him too
monty
May 27th, 2011
6:44 pm
I do believe small ball is making a comeback of sorts. Lot more 2-1 games it seems. More emphasis placed on bunting with the Braves this year then maybe last 2 seasons combined.Just like a word fitly spoken,,, so a bunt at just the right time can do wonders especially in a dry hitting spell. But you can over do it.
Tomas
May 27th, 2011
6:44 pm
Lollygagger, he is right handed, can play all 3 OF spots, away from Pecto park(which is death to hitters) he has a decent 280AVG/325OBP/480SLG%
Maybe a platoon with Nate Mclouth, it wouldn’t take much to get him.
BFChris26
May 27th, 2011
6:45 pm
Tomas
I agree with a platoon with McLouth/Ludwick. McLouth’s splits are glaring that he hasn’t been hitting LHP well. Ludwick has a decent clip against LHP I think. So platoon them on a regular basis and on days Chipper needs rest, slide Prado to 3B and have Ludwick in LF, McLouth in CF and Mather or Hinske in RF (unless Heyward is back before then).
That is of course if Ludwick is to be traded for, could have had him for Kelly Johnson a few years ago, but you know what they say about hindsight
T for Texas
May 27th, 2011
6:46 pm
Braint–
If you are still around, I am getting to see your movie this weekend, have it in hand. I look forward to discussing it with you at some point provided that the ideas in it are more sound than your idea to trade Heyward for Stanton.
brian
May 27th, 2011
6:47 pm
Stanton has an edge currently on Heyward – Stanton is healthy and on the field. I like Morrison as well but he is no Prado
Gil In Mechanicsville
May 27th, 2011
6:47 pm
Ralph Did I mention anything about bases?…
brian
May 27th, 2011
6:48 pm
6 1/2 head is tiny! Hope the brain is OK
Gil In Mechanicsville
May 27th, 2011
6:48 pm
DS1 Great story, I’m pretty sure your bother was considering a one gun salute…
noleee
May 27th, 2011
6:48 pm
yes, Petco is the toughest park in baseball. he’d be an ok pickup IMO if he was cheap enough, and that would mean NO premium prospect
Tomas
May 27th, 2011
6:49 pm
Brandon Hicks for Ryan Ludwick
brian
May 27th, 2011
6:50 pm
the Professor was the best – can not beat that old Braves announcing team – Ernie, Pete, Skip, etc.
Joe Simpson fits right with those guys. He is great. Sutton is good on the radio too.
noleee
May 27th, 2011
6:50 pm
which movie is that Tfor??
Ralph
May 27th, 2011
6:51 pm
Ludwick is 2 for his last 27 at bats, would fit right in this team.
Ralph
May 27th, 2011
6:51 pm
Gil, no you didn’t thats why I don’t know what your talking about.
Tomas
May 27th, 2011
6:52 pm
BFChris26, yeah remember that 37 homer season by Ludwick…….All of us wanted him
noleee
May 27th, 2011
6:53 pm
I don’t think they are that desperate Tomas. Hicks caint hit anywhere, In Petco he might set a new all time low . lets not forget that there are other teams they could trade with
Tomas
May 27th, 2011
6:54 pm
Ralph he is 12 for his last 38, a 316 AVG with 3 homers
BFChris26
May 27th, 2011
6:54 pm
Only way I’d trade Heyward, would be for Pujols or a Pujols type, anything else, no dice.
Mike S
May 27th, 2011
6:56 pm
Wow, MLB Network tonight, Fox Saturday night, and ESPN2 Sunday night. How bout the Braves getting some national coverage??
noleee
May 27th, 2011
6:56 pm
Ralph won’t want him unless he can bunt Tomas….