Braves quotes after Monday win over Rockies
***FREDI GONZALEZ
on Hanson
“That’s why he’s up in the league leaders in ERAs and wins. He was outstanding. And Mac and Freddie Freeman got us some runs. That was great.”
On Freeman’s development
“He’s been great. We’ve talked about this every four or five days, he’s been able to compete in the majors leagues and help us win ballgames, which is big for a 21-year-old.”
On Conrad
“Brooks made a couple of nice plays, got one or two hits. With Chipper getting a day [to rest] today, you start feeling more and more comfortable running Brooksy out there, get some at-bats that way.”
On McLouth’s catch with runner on in the 8th
“For me, that turned the whole game. That went from possibility of being a one-run game and here comes the top of the order, or us having a two-run lead. It would’ve been a one-run game, with a runner in scoring position.”
On letting Hanson hit for himself with bases loaded and two out in 6th, with 3-1 lead
“For me, he earned that. I think he only had 84 pitches. Sometimes you’ve got push your starters a little bit. He put himself in that position, to make it a little easier decision for us to make. He earned that, to go back out there.”
***TOMMY HANSON
“It was one of those days where everything felt good. We just stuck to the game plan and it worked out.”
Did you want to prove anything after being left off All-Star team Sunday?
“Not at all. I just wanted to go out there and execute our game plan and worry about our team. That’s all I’m worried about right now, giving us a chance to win.”
On picked right up where left off before DL, winning two starts since then
“I didn’t feel like I needed a rehab start. I came out the last game a little rusty. I feel like I’ve picked up where I left off before the DL.”
On Freeman
“He had an unbelievable day today. He’s been swinging the bat well.”
On chance of being added to the All-Star team this week
“I don’t even care. I’m not going to worry about it. I’m not going to even talk about it. I went out and did my job today, and I’m going to go out and do my job Saturday against the Phillies. Whatever happens, happens. That’s the last thing I’m worried about right now.”
On Fredi leaving him in to hit with bases loaded in sixth
“I appreciate how he did that.”
***FREDDIE FREEMAN
On two-homer game
“You never think that would happen. The first one was a big one to get us out [to a lead] early, in the first inning. Get us up early, then Tommy Hans does what he does.”
On going the other way, opposite-field homer in first
“You don’t want to try to pull a 96-mph two-seamer. So I stayed up the middle and got that one up.”
On the nine-pitch at-bat on the first homer off Jimenez
“Just trying to see all his pitches. He threw a 1-1 changeup at, like, 90 mph. So I swung and missed. But I saw it pretty good. He threw it again and I was able to foul it off. I kept fouling off pitches, fouling off pitches and, like, the ninth pitch of that at-bat, he got to 3-2 and went back-to-back fastballs. The second one was up and out over the plate, and I got it.”
On his recent power surge
“Just one of those things. I don’t know what I’m doing. I feel like I’m doing the same thing, just back-spinning a couple of balls here lately. That’s all I can say.”
On Hanson not making the All-Star team
“I don’t get that, but he’s an All-Star in all our books. You know, a guy has 10 wins and a 2.5 ER and is not in the All-Star game.”
And here’s a bonus quote from Freeman prior today today’s game, talking to me about his adjustment to each new level, how he’s struggled almost every year in first weeks of season before getting it going:
“I start off slow every year and go through the ups and down. It’s me finally figuring out not to try to do too much. I always do it; I do it ever year. Still can’t learn. But my swing is always pull at the beginning of the year, and my swing is not that, obviously.
“So I got back to going up the middle. I think the turning point was in New York, when Francisco Rodriguez threw that back-door curveball with two strikes. I doubled to left-center, that’s when I said, ‘Ok, now I’m starting to feel good.’ Because maybe three weeks before that, that would have been a ground ball to second base.
“It’s just, I’ve got to stay up the middle. It’s learning. Obviously up here I’m not getting pitches like I did last year in hitters’ counts, like I was in Triple-A. It’s just trying to get your pitch; you can’t miss your pitch. And then it’s just trying to stay up the middle. If you stay up the middle, there’s room for error. If you try to pull the ball, you cut your swing off. That’s when I was getting strike 1 all the time. My bat wasn’t in the zone very long.”
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124 comments Add your comment
Joseph
July 4th, 2011
11:13 pm
Most refreshing quote of all………
On chance of being added to the All-Star team this week
“I don’t even care. I’m not going to worry about it. I’m not going to even talk about it. I went out and did my job today, and I’m going to go out and do my job Saturday against the Phillies. Whatever happens, happens. That’s the last thing I’m worried about right now.”
Perfect attitude and mindset.
Bulldawg in Virginia
July 4th, 2011
11:21 pm
Where are all those idiots who demanded Freeman be hurried to the bigs to replace Glaus & D-Lee last year?!?! Looks like Bobby & Frank knew what they were doing with this kid, huh? That’s why they get paid to make those decisions and you don’t! Nobody in baseball does a better job of player development than the Braves!
Believer
July 4th, 2011
11:23 pm
“you start feeling more and more comfortable running Brooksy out there”
Cox couldn’t have said it better.
the truth...
July 4th, 2011
11:24 pm
DOB………………………
Freddie Freeman’s comments I’m pasting below speak volumes. Reading them I wanted to jump up and down and let Freddie become uggla’s hitting coach….Really if Uggla cannot grasp what Freeman does already then we have really blown 60 million on a hard headed 2nd baseman flop akin to Frenchy…
“[I was] just trying to see all his pitches,” Freeman said. “He threw a 1-1 changeup at, like, 90 mph. I swung and missed, but I saw it pretty good. He threw it again and I was able to foul it off. I kept fouling off pitches, fouling off pitches and, like, the ninth pitch of that at-bat, he got to 3-2 and went back-to-back fastballs. The second one was up and out over the plate, and I got it.”
It was an opposite-field homer to left-center; just what Freeman and the Braves like to see from him.
“It’s me finally figuring out not to try to do too much — I do it every year,” he said before Monday’s game “[I] still can’t learn. But my swing is always pull at the beginning of the year, and my swing is not that, obviously. So I got back to going up the middle. If you stay up the middle, there’s room for error. If you try to pull the ball, you cut your swing off. ”
READ THAT DAN UGGLA?????
If you stay up the middle, there’s room for error. If you try to pull the ball, you cut your swing off.
Now go talk to Freddie and go watch and hour of Prado playing 2nd in 2010
Braves quotes after Monday win over Rockies | Raw Sports - Atlanta Braves
July 4th, 2011
11:28 pm
[...] Atlanta Braves [...]
the truth...
July 4th, 2011
11:29 pm
Amen on the maturity of Hanson and Freeman….both of their statements tonight were so on target….
Hanson has arrived and Freeman is standing by his side….
Too bad that so many expectations have been put on Heyward as he is clearly under performing….Maybe he and Freeman need to start rooming together again like they did in the minors….
At least Jason bounced one off the wall tonight, so that’s a good sign too….
Joseph
July 4th, 2011
11:32 pm
Heyward has struggled this year. No doubt. He has looked a lot better since he came off the DL. He is improving. What about that play in the 4th by Conrad. That was a play. He gets killed for his poor defense a lot (understandably) but got to give him props on a great play.
worst to first
July 4th, 2011
11:36 pm
Dan has tried alot of things to adjust. sometimes a man is just in a slump, its the nature of the game and why you have to have a tough mind to play it. toughest sport out there mentally other than golf
kreedham
July 4th, 2011
11:38 pm
What’s the latest on Medlen? Our pitching staff will get better when he returns and it’s pretty darn good. Coming back from TJ I’d put him in the bullpen and spot starter when he’s ready. He can compete for a starting position next year when he’s fully recovered. Not too much this year!
the truth...
July 4th, 2011
11:38 pm
If Uggla had this “slump” last year Wren doesn’t give him $60 mil….
stick with Dan
July 4th, 2011
11:42 pm
Dan Uggla is the first man in MLB history to hit 179 and drive in 75 runs.
worst to first
July 4th, 2011
11:42 pm
we have survived without him for the first half. if he comes through and bats even .250 down the stretch all will be forgiven
Joseph
July 4th, 2011
11:43 pm
@kreedham…that will be a battle next spring…barring an off-season trade or free agent…..Beachy vs Minor vr Medlen. That is a battle to watch.
Nobody would if he had that kind of year last year. Uggla sucks this year. Period. But the man has proven he can be a reliable offensive power threat for 5 years. Here is to hoping he gets going after the break and just tears it up. I liked his approach tonight. He took pitches and worked the count in each at bat. That walk was a great at bat. If he can keep the approach he had tonight….he can really do something I think. Just hope he does it again tomorrow and a couple fall this time.
the truth...
July 4th, 2011
11:47 pm
I hate to say it, but if Freddi won’t dump Parrish, how about he coaches first and Pendleton goes back to coaching hitters….?
JASon
July 4th, 2011
11:47 pm
For five years, dan uggla has used a leg-kick in his swing. Suddenly, he comes to the braves and gets rid of it. This is why he is struggling.
Alaska Braves Fan
July 4th, 2011
11:47 pm
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Heyward can’t stand any adversity, especially a little boo-boo, and Uggla seems altogether to be finished. I hope very much that I’m wrong about both of them, but I think not. How a guy can go from where Uggla has been for the last five years to where he is now, I don’t know, but it is what it is. We expected too much of Heyward from the beginning; if we get anything significant from him, it won’t be for another three or four years.
On the upside, we have the best pitching we’ve had for years, and we very well may go to the Series on the strength of the starters and relievers. Replacing Uggla will be necessary at some point to get us a world championship.
ABF
the truth...
July 4th, 2011
11:48 pm
Joseph….
You’re right on about Uggla….
Uggla HAS to start working the count and making the pitchers actually pitch…that old swinging as hard as you can 3 times then sitting down hasn’t been working…
Joseph
July 4th, 2011
11:50 pm
Great point JASon. I didn’t think of it till you said that. He used to have a leg kick like Bautista has now. Not as high but a drastic one though.
Who me?
July 5th, 2011
12:13 am
Uggs will figure it out, without the help of Larry Parrish thank you very much…..
Joseph
July 5th, 2011
12:16 am
Can’t wait for after the break to see how this team deals with having the injuries HOPEFULLY behind them.
Has the Phillies announced their starters for the weekend yet or are they doing the same old, only announce 1 starter before Friday deal?
Dennis Reynolds
July 5th, 2011
12:24 am
Such a great approach. Smart hitter. Hope that rubs off on Heyward. He needs to stop pulling the ball. Its not working out too well for him.
Joseph
July 5th, 2011
12:27 am
He didn’t pull this game. So glad to see him get back to hitting the gaps. Hope he does it tomorrow night.
Puma
July 5th, 2011
12:32 am
The more I watch Freeman the better he gets. For 21, he seems to be really thinking about hitting, unlike say….uh Schaffer who seems to just go up there with the same approach everytime regardless of the situation.
Heyward looked good tonight too, hit some balls pretty hard. And McCann, jeez, he is in the zone, everything is hit hard off his bat right now. Look forward to just watching him hit.
moldavite
July 5th, 2011
12:44 am
pitching can win us a world series. but we have to hit better. play better defense
Joseph
July 5th, 2011
12:48 am
It is so wonderful we finally do not have a platoon at 1B. Our young guys are coming through. And they are still learning. Love how this team is STACKED for years to come. Couple of free agents here and there…….productive trades here and there and wow. The 90s are back for this team….Only better with a dominant bullpen.
jj
July 5th, 2011
12:54 am
I am not worried about Heyward as much as I am worried about our shortstop.He is a rally killer and when he and Uggla are next to each other in the batting order it makes life to easy for the opposing pitcher.Right now we have three spots in the order that is not giving us any production,and the is second,short,and pitchers spot and that is too many.We can’t do anything about Uggla,but Gonzo is another story.With Uggs struggling it is impossible to carry two weak bats up the middle.Oh yeah,our CF is not tearing the hide off the ball also.How long can our pitching carry us before this lack of production up the middle catch up with us.I think we got to make a move for a shortstop or centerfielder or what could be a wonderful season will fall short of what is possible a great season.Our pitching desewrves more and I hope Wren and Liberty come to their aid.Do the right thing Mr Wren and get them some help.GO BRAVES
Joseph
July 5th, 2011
1:03 am
@jj…I agree with you brother. I have said many times we have to upgrade CF. I love Schafer for his defense and speed but he doesn’t get on base near enough to be a lead off man. I do think you are missing the reason Gonzo is on the team though. Gonzo is the BEST defensive SS in the majors today. He was brought in, not only to get rid of Escobar and his attitude, but because he could play defense and has a some pop in his bat. He is still hitting just under .250. I hate and get pissed when I see him batting 2nd in the lineup. I will chalk it up to all the injuries but I still hate it. Gonzo has come through with some clutch late homers for us. If there is a SS out there that is a better hitter and we still do not lose but only a portion of the defense Gonzo provides…..alright. But SS is the most important defensive position in the game and I just don’t want to lose that aspect of our game. It will be interesting this month to see what Wren does though. And it isn’t Wren’s fault Liberty has cut payroll over the years. Hell give what his payroll is…Wren has made some tough decisions….some have backfired…but most have worked out.
Chris
July 5th, 2011
1:22 am
I have one name which to me spells “World Series” ….Jose Reyes. This would be the year to get a rental player if and only if it’s Reyes. Imagine Reyes batting lead off and Prado batting second. That combined with our pitching would make opposing managers stay up at night. If there was ever a year when the circumstances were right to buy a world series this would be it for our Bravos.
Thadsdad
July 5th, 2011
1:22 am
Read the White Sox are looking at Braves pitching, particularly Beachy and Lowe, with an eye toward a deal, possibly for Carlos Quentin. DOB, hear anything?
drew
July 5th, 2011
1:23 am
I hope we get Reyes from the Mets in the Offseason. Would be a HUGE upgrade at SS over Gonzo.
Joseph
July 5th, 2011
1:32 am
I would love Reyes. But a trade for him would stip every single prospect we have. There is no way. It is something to dream about though. And signing him in the off season? He is about to switch to Boras as his agent. He will get Crawford money minus a couple mil. I see him going to the Yanks and them making Jeter DH after the dump Posada at the end of the year. Would be a team to reckon with for sure if we had him though.
Chris
July 5th, 2011
1:34 am
@ Drew, I wish we had an owner who would pony up the cash for Reyes next year, but unfortunately that’s not likely. What I’m saying is that if there was ever a year where the Braves could go for broke, this would be it. Like the Texiera deal except the Braves had no chance that year, unlike this year when they have the best pitching staff in the majors( sorry Fillys ).
Danny Glover
July 5th, 2011
1:35 am
Braves will avoid Jose Reyes at all costs. He is Glassman. And I don’t want the nightmare of the Mets acquiring our best young talent and then destroying us with those guys over the next few years. Michael Bourn will be good enough for me.
Danny Glover
July 5th, 2011
1:40 am
Are people surprised Jordan Schafer is this terrible? I mean, he wasn’t even a good minor league baseball player. But with crummy guys like Dan Uggla, Nate McLouth and Wilkin Ramirez on the roster, I guess that qualifies him to play for the Braves.
DanUggla
July 5th, 2011
1:44 am
Even though I went 0-3 today, I still got a walk. That should constitute as making a big play.
Always believe,
Dan Uggla
Joseph
July 5th, 2011
1:48 am
What is the hatred for McLouth and Ramirez? McLouth has been playing exceptional defense since the DL and has had really good approaches at the plate since then. He belongs hitting 8th. That is where he is best. Ramirez is a pinch hitter…………what is your deal with him? He had a clutch pinch hit a couple of days ago. Dude relax with all the anger and enjoy the fact that this team is where they are with all of their admitted struggles and injuries. Make the playoffs and we have a shot. With wild cards now divisions don’t mean much except for home field advantage and the Braves are the BEST road team in the majors this year. Just relax brother Danny. Prado is coming back and he is the catalyst of this team. And look what we have done without our best pure hitter? It will be alright I promise.
acbwcmm
July 5th, 2011
2:06 am
I’m so impressed with Freeman. I was honestly worried that he was not ready prior to the season beginning. I believe, now, that I was wrong.
I would love to see the Braves trade for Adam Jones of the Orioles. He has speed, defense, solid average, and power! I know the chances are slim to none, but it would be awesome to have another A Jones in center field!
GO Braves!
Joseph
July 5th, 2011
2:11 am
I like it acbwcmm. I liked what I saw from him over the weekend. I do have 1 problem though……what do we give up and who leads off? We all know Schafer is not a lead off guy by now.
Mitchell
July 5th, 2011
2:36 am
All we needed was two runs to win.
Usually four runs is close to a guarantee for victory. The Braves are 2-1 on the homestand when scoring four runs.
You’d think it would be 3-0 but hell, it’s better than 0-3.
As long as it’s 2-1 there’s enough reason to believe they will win the wild card. If they can just start making it 3-0 and not losing all these G damn one run games at home to sh!t teams like the O’s, Padres, Marlins and Rangers (yeah, I’m calling the Rangers sh!tty, their record compared to ours says we should kick their @$$), not to mention Nationals, they would easily be in first.
The Braves went from 40 wins to 50 in the span of thirteen games. They need to keep that up.
We all know they’re capable of it and quite honestly, it’s that kind of pace that can make the difference between the wild card and a division title.
Great job by Tommy. He made it look easy.
Darryl Blackberry
July 5th, 2011
4:20 am
Looking to next year…who will fill the void for the Braves at shortstop? We don’t have any major-league ready talent in the minors at that position. Reyes would be nice, but Wren just effed up the Uggla deal (.175, at last glance), and Reyes is hurt an awful lot. What other shortstops could the Braves acquire?
NickB
July 5th, 2011
5:11 am
One thing I noticed today that is worth mentioning is that Uggla’s two fly ball outs came to CF and RF. He then had a really nice 10 or 11 pitch AB to draw a walk. I’m not saying he’s turned the corner, but he was obviously trying to work the count and/or go with the pitches tonite
acbwcmm
July 5th, 2011
5:22 am
@Joseph – We could give up Schafer/Brett Oberholtzer/Zeke Spruill and put Prado back as the leadoff. It is not ideal, but could do. Or they could give Costanza a shot in the big leagues. I don’t think the Orioles are even considering giving Jones up, though.
@Darryl – There are not many good options for SS via Free Agency next year. JJ Hardy (who the Orioles are trying to extend), Jose Reyes (who the Mets would like to extend), Jimmy Rollins (who the Phillies will likely extend), and Omar Infante (Not really an everyday SS) are about it. Pastornicky should be ready by 2013, so the Braves will likely sign a veteran (Alex Gonzalez) to a one year deal as a stop gap. That’s my humble opinion, anyway.
vermont 39
July 5th, 2011
6:51 am
Costanza needs a shot…he’s tearing it up in the minors…
GO BRAVES
ccrider
July 5th, 2011
7:00 am
joseph – “stacked” for the future? get real. jurrgians is pitching way over his head this year, hanson, because of his funky “cock & fire” delivery is coming off his first of many trips to the dl, lowe & huddy are on the dark side of the moon and we saw the real beachy against the birds. minor reminds me of chen and jo jo; he’ll stay in the bigs because he’s lh but will end up a 4 or 5 starter with a mediocre club. venters, like moylen, is gettin’ used up quick, o’flaherty’s back problems have made him day-to-day and kimbrel (like medlen) will be ready for tommy john within 3 years. if there’s any hope for the future, the braves cannot trade the young arms. if chipper retires, they somehow manage to dump lowe and trade huddy and get rid of the contracts of kk, gonzo, mcclouth and hinske, frank will have a ton of money to misspend. reyes is too fragile and kemp has a well publicised attitude problem so they’re out. you’re left with prado, mccann, freeman, a 2nd baseman you CAN’T get rid of and a rf you WON’T get rid of. and, of course, there’s the frediot. the braves better start hittin’ because the future is now
Joseph
July 5th, 2011
7:06 am
I give you the definition of hater right there with cc.
joe
July 5th, 2011
7:07 am
I’m wondering why Heyward is almost outside the batters box, there is no way he can get to an outside pitch. This is evidenced by all the balls he is hitting off the end of the bat weakly back to the pitcher. Has anyone suggested some adjustments( Parrish) ? You pitch Uggla and Heyward outside and Gonzales up and there are 3 outs in your lineup…….
ccrider
July 5th, 2011
7:18 am
joseph, been a huge braves’ fan since ‘57 when they took the yanks in 7, wished i was a lefty so i could pitch like spahn and learned to spell schoendinst. suffered thru the ugly years. i hope i’m dead wrong but murphy’s law being what it is…
braves fan forever
July 5th, 2011
7:37 am
Forget Reyes.He is a cancer.I agree Gonzo needs to learn how to hit better.He is great defensively.He definitley doesn’t need to be batting second.
Frank Wren
July 5th, 2011
7:49 am
Fire Me?
Mike from the coast
July 5th, 2011
7:52 am
Some of you seem to forget Heyward’s 22, I believe he’ll “get it.” I do think he needs to move a touch closer to the plate. IF he gets it through his head to “go” with the pitch he’ll be fine. Some of you are right, he shouldn’t be trying to pull outside pitches. Go with the pitch as Freeman did on his first homer last night. Heyward is strong enough to hit it out or line drive it to the gap in left center. Amazing FF gets it at his age. I believe he’ll be a very good hitter for years to come.
Frank Wren
July 5th, 2011
7:53 am
Carlos Quentin?
Are you nuts? we dont need another .250 hitter
I am looking to deal for a lead off hitter
Obee
July 5th, 2011
7:54 am
Schafer is essentially a rookie and is still learning. My bet is he will be much better offensively at the end of the season than he is now.
TheAntiMe
July 5th, 2011
8:00 am
The dudes are doing a great job holding the fort but It will be a blessing to get Martin Prado back in the line-up. It seems like the last time I saw Martin he was being chased around by a hungry dinosaur.
longtimefan
July 5th, 2011
8:01 am
cc, remove all weapons from your house. What a pessimist. The Braves have probably the best overall staff in baseball, with the additional promise of youth, and all you can do is hate on it. That is not being a fan, my man.
bvillebaron
July 5th, 2011
8:02 am
Oh c’mon Obee with your post about Schafer, you should know by now that if a player doesn’t play like an Allstar within at least his first year, many on here think he’s a bum and should be released.
Frank Wren
July 5th, 2011
8:11 am
Only in Atlanta would people want a lifetime .213 and 94k in 310 ABs
Jordan S does not deserve to be on the roster but I dont have other choices.
aj
July 5th, 2011
8:17 am
I, like many others, thought Uggla would be out
of his hitting woes by now. How long do you
wait for his bat to come around. Someone in
the organization should be able to hit and
field as well as he. Still believe the Braves
will be in the Wild Card race all season
but not in the divisional one with Philly.
Can’t remember a Braves’ offense this
poor for this long a period of time.
dean
July 5th, 2011
8:24 am
Top of the 4th. The Rockies have no hits. First batter up tries to bunt for a hit. “DADGUM WUSSIES! TRYING TO BUNT FOR THEIR FIRST HIT! Whoops, it may be a bit early to feel like that.”
So, somebody tell me, at what point in a no-hit game is it considered breaking the unwritten rule that you don’t try bunting to break up a no-hitter?
Skeeterleg
July 5th, 2011
8:42 am
ccrider – Do you just throw nonsense out there to see if anyone is listening? You say Jurrjens is pitching over his head, but yet he has been the best pitcher on the staff three of the four years in Atlanta. You say Hanson and Kimbrel will be hurt their entire career, but neither has been injured in the minors or otherwise. Guess you’re psychic. You throw Beachy under the bus because of one start, but conveniently ignored the other 15 or so. Good logic though… One start against the Orioles is a much better predictor of a guys career than everything else he has done in the past. How about taking two seconds to think before you post just to throw negative, baseless crap at the wall.
TheAntiMe
July 5th, 2011
8:47 am
There is no way in Hades that Bruce Bochy should have chosen the under-performing Tim Lincecum for the AS team over Tommy Hanson. Especially, when he selected Matt Cain and Ryan Vogelsong from his own team, as well.
Of course, I want the NL to win but I would be less than honest if I didn’t say that I’m hoping that the AL totally lights up Lincecum when Bochy puts him in the game.
Southernboy
July 5th, 2011
8:49 am
I watched Javy Lopez switch to a football-type trainer to bulk up after a good year only to never find his hitting stroke again. Francoeur went to a football-type trainer after his rookie year to get stronger but lost his swing for several years. I’ll bet “Popeye” Uggla worked his butt off during the off season to get stronger for his new team and lost his swing the same way. He won’t find it until he figures out what he has done.
TheAntiMe
July 5th, 2011
8:52 am
I watched Javy Lopez switch to a football-type trainer to bulk up after a good year only to never find his hitting stroke again. Francoeur went to a football-type trainer after his rookie year to get stronger but lost his swing for several years.
Ron Gant also comes to mind.
K-Baby
July 5th, 2011
8:53 am
Dean, I would say that bunting after the 5th inning during a no-hit bid would be breaking the unwritten rule. Before that, it would be seen as trying to get something going against a great pitcher.
bball fan
July 5th, 2011
8:54 am
I wish Heyward had Freman’s knowledge of hitting.
the truth...
July 5th, 2011
8:55 am
ccrider…..
too bad you still can’t spell Red’s name…..it is “SCHOENDIENST”…
You left an “E” out just like you left reason out of so many things you said earlier….
I was a Braves fan in 57 myself ‘Dude… and one big difference between now and then was Free Agency…Remember?
I remember a few more very well….Felix Mantilla, Wes Covington, Joe Adcock, Johnny Logan, Billy Bruton….or course Hank and Mathews were the big hoss’s (though Adcock was no slouch either).
I played “wall ball” off the back of the brick house in SE Atlanta and went thru the order one by one as I did a “simulcast” playing the Yankees over and over…
Players stuck with their original teams then unless traded so you didn’t have all the migratory ME players of today. Maybe bigger was that I believe players were coachable then and worked harder on their skills…
I said it earlier in this blog….it is really simple how Schaefer is handled….SIMPLE…
He watches at least an hour of film of Brett Butler every day and practices the art of “slap hitting” the bal to left while retaining the ability to pull when they play him that way.
Schaefer is about as good as it gets in CF and just needs some discipline and teaching at the plate…if he refuses to learn how to be a leadoff hitter ship his hiney somewhere else in a trade where someone not as vanilla soft hearted will kick him in the rear if he keeps up the wild swinging at every pitch he sees.
CC…. your dissection of the best pitching in the league or close to it this year is laughable…trashing JJ is absurd and because Beachy has an off day suddenly he is worthless…
If I remember we would most likely have swept Baltimore if Fredi doesn’t bring Proctor the Proctologist (head up his own hiney though) to give it away…
Skeeterleg
July 5th, 2011
8:56 am
Obee and bvillebaron – actually Schafer has had more opportunities than any other Braves prospect I can remember, including Franceour. So far the team has put up with injuries, violation of the MLB drug abuse policy, lying about both, injuries again, average minor league numbers, bad big league numbers, and just a general lack of progress. Lots of strikeouts and a bad bunter for a leadoff man doesn’t fly. How long do you give a guy? Its been almost five years now of him being a “prospect”.
Skeeterleg
July 5th, 2011
8:59 am
Jordan Schafer or Rick Ankiel?
the truth...
July 5th, 2011
9:02 am
Oh…another thing…
UGGLA….
All it takes is Freddie Freeman’s post game comments after the game last night…to be read to Uggla a few times a week….couple with seeing Prado play 2nd and
Danny Boy “ride the pine”….
Want to see 3/4 of Uggla’s problems? Type in “Uggla” on Utube and watch the display of muscled up dedication as he makes his body so inflexible he can hardly adjust to anything not thrown at his bat…
If Dan would come around and be half as dedicated to getting his swing and his aproach straightened out…..with half the dedication he does his Pop Eye bod…which he obviously shows on Utube …. he’d be awesome…
ccrider
July 5th, 2011
9:02 am
hey truth; we could have been swept by the birds -we only scored in 4 of the 27 innings
TheAntiMe
July 5th, 2011
9:06 am
Lots of strikeouts and a bad bunter for a leadoff man doesn’t fly. How long do you give a guy? Its been almost five years now of him being a “prospect”
Lots of strikeouts: OK
Bad bunter: I call BS
Skeeterleg
July 5th, 2011
9:10 am
TheAntiMe. – ok. maybe not a bad bunter, but definitely not a good one. He totally whiffed on two squeeze plays the last week. If you’re even an average bunter you have to at least foul those off. Plus he bunted one off his face. That never strengthens your bunting resume. The backup catcher has more bunt hits.
K-Baby
July 5th, 2011
9:14 am
“I’ll bet “Popeye” Uggla worked his butt off during the off season to get stronger for his new team and lost his swing the same way. He won’t find it until he figures out what he has done”.
I have been thinking the same thing. It took Francoeur getting flexibility training and losing the bulk before he got better. He is still only hitting 265, but his production is much improved. Unfortunately, it may take an off season for Uggla to get back on track.
phil
July 5th, 2011
9:21 am
Why do we want Hanson to go pitch in the allstar game when he’s coming off of a DL trip for shoulder tendonitis? I for one am happy for him to sit on the couch next week and let the shoulder rest while others tax their arms for no good reason….aside from home field in the Series.
Fire FW…
phil
July 5th, 2011
9:22 am
As for Uggly, you guys crack me up with your constant theories on why he stinks….
He’s not going to get any better I’m afraid. This isn’t a slump or anything like that. He hasn’t hit a lick for 4 straight months. He’s done.
reckingball
July 5th, 2011
9:23 am
Beachy gave up 3 runs in 5 innnings, not a great day, but not terrible. The team still had a chance to win, when he was taken out of the game.
I think that he has the makings to be a great pitcher, for the Braves.
E-6
July 5th, 2011
9:30 am
As for Schafer and how long you give him. You give him until you have a better alternative in CF which we currently do not have.
ChillyMutt
July 5th, 2011
9:30 am
Freeman is going to make A LOT of money playing for the Yankees some day.
ChillyMutt
July 5th, 2011
9:35 am
As for Schafer – He is playing good defense, he just doesn’t make contact enough to be that prototypical lead off hitter. He struck out like … what 3 times yesterday?
reckingball
July 5th, 2011
9:40 am
I believe that Uggla can turn it around this season.
That particular dance that he does in the batters box for his timing, is the thing that is throwing him off.
I believe that he needs to watch some James Brown videos on UTube, and try some of his moves in the box.
It would help him with his timing, and it would be far more entertaining, than that HeeHaw dance, that he is doing now.
That is my humble opinion.
What would James do?
GO BRAVES!!!!!! YEA!!!!!!
reckingball
July 5th, 2011
9:42 am
Jordan had the golden sombrero yesterday, 4X strikeouts.
ChillyMutt
July 5th, 2011
9:48 am
Wow! 4 KO’s! … and he missed that suicide squeeze on Saturday.
freebird
July 5th, 2011
9:52 am
Frenchy can hit as long as he goes up the middle,Wren gave up on him.Melky came here not in shape & overpaid.ck out their stats put in left & center,Braves would be a force.Prado back to second,trade UGGLA for Reyes or when Chipper hangs it up move him to 3rd base.Botchy blew it.Hanson & Kimbrel should be on All Star team.
the truth...
July 5th, 2011
9:54 am
freebird
“trade Uggla for Reyes”……………????
Are you awake yet? You have to be dreaming……………..
Chris P. Bacon
July 5th, 2011
9:56 am
Fredi “helluva” count for this game: 0
Fredi “helluva” count for this month: 3
Fredi “helluva” count for the past 30 days: 18
reckingball
July 5th, 2011
9:57 am
The pitch that he missed on the squeeze play, was very close to being on his shoe tops.
It looked like a very hard pitch to get the bat on( but not impossible), to me.
But that is just my observation and opinion.
ChillyMutt
July 5th, 2011
9:59 am
No one would give up even a borderline prospect for Uggla and his salary right now.
Also, the clock will strike midnight on Reyes once he is all fat and happy with a new, big contract.
reckingball
July 5th, 2011
10:01 am
freebird@9:52…….What???? Bring back Melky Cabrera??????
You have got to be joking, right???
Obee
July 5th, 2011
10:04 am
Yes, Schafer has had his chances in the minors, but he’s hardly played at all at the MLB level. Looking at his 4K yesterday, we often see even veterans struggle against pitchers they’ve never seen, and the Rockies starter was hardly some run of the mill pitcher. Schafer is learning, and I do believe he’ll be much better by the end of the season if he’s given the chance to stay in the lineup.
reckingball
July 5th, 2011
10:19 am
I think that Schafer will improve.
He definitely needs to improve his OBP.
When he gets his BOB(butt on base), he can make things happen.
I really want to see him succeed.
Philco
July 5th, 2011
10:33 am
DOB, nice piece on Colin Cowherd’s show…..
Joel
July 5th, 2011
10:34 am
I would expect to hear more talk of trading for JJ Hardy. It seems the Os would do it, and definitely a position of need. Likely a guy we could lock up for a few years too.
Philco
July 5th, 2011
10:35 am
DOB…..ohhhh btw, is that your real voice?
phil
July 5th, 2011
10:39 am
We all want to see all of them succeed….
But the reality for Schafer is he that he’s not very good. We’re biased and so forth, but the guy just basically stinks. I wish like heck that he didn’t, but he does. If he wants to play in the major leagues, he has to produce. Now. Not in 2 months, not next year or the year after but now. He shows promise but then regresses back to what appears to be his .200 mean. That doesn’t cut it in the majors, anywhere.
Only in Atlanta, I suspect, do we tolerate below average play like we keep getting from Uggly and the likes of Schafer. Wayward hasn’t done much, but after seeing that laser beam double off the top of the wall in right center, maybe there’s hope yet for him.
It’s time for Uggly to go to the bench the very day Prado gets back. Leave the OF alone and stick Prado at second. Uggly can come off the bench and be a Conrad….boom or bust. Sad and very expensive but what can you do with a guy hitting in the low .170s in July? Keep playing him hoping he’ll come around? Enough is getting to be enough.
And all of this and we’re one of 3 teams with 50 wins…amazing. We’d be unstoppable with some more offense.
David O'Brien
July 5th, 2011
10:55 am
DOB…..ohhhh btw, is that your real voice? — Philco
No, I used Auto Tune.
reckingball
July 5th, 2011
10:56 am
I still think that Uggla needs to try some James Brown moves.
htownbravesfan
July 5th, 2011
11:01 am
To the user who commented earlier that it will be a battle next spring between Beachy, Medlen, and Minor: Beachy is going to be a front line starter, that battle is already won. With Hanson, Jurrjens, Hudson, and Beachy (I’m leaving Lowe out of the mix for now), the Braves will be tough to deal with in October. However, my fear is they lose low scoring games and fail to advance. I hate to say it, but there’s no starter I wouldn’t trade for a top bat, and by top bat I mean a Nelson Cruz or Jose Bautista (who I don’t think will be traded). I certainly don’t trade a top starter for a Josh Willingham or someone of that nature.
Dawgdad (The Original)
July 5th, 2011
11:08 am
Phil, you are right, Prado needs to return to second base.
Sad, but in this day and age of big money contracts and long term commitments, the old adage of put the best nine on the field is horse hockey. A manager who could defy the front office and embarass the GM, by putting the best nine on the field, might be a winner on the field but would be ostracized quickly and fired. Many of the managers throw out this old axiom in spring training but they know they are lying when they say it.
As Bobby used to say about Andruw, even if he is not hitting, he saves two runs a game with his defense. Schafer and McLouth are saving us funs even if they are not hitting much. Add Prado in at second and a winning team gets better defensively and especially offensively.
alex
July 5th, 2011
11:17 am
javy lopez STEROIDS-NO DOUBT
Agree with phil and TheAntiMe ,but james brown IS dead , no more”i feel good…”
I still think that scaefer contributes most of the time…
Justafan
July 5th, 2011
11:19 am
reckingball do you also believe Casey Anthony is not guilty?
Justafan
July 5th, 2011
11:30 am
dawgdad..It would be nice if we had someone that would save us two runs and hit for average. Why not? Maybe management should do a better job.
alex…I still thing scaefer ? contributes most of the time. Why not 100%?
Justafan
July 5th, 2011
11:49 am
Joel, I to think JJ Hardy would be a good fit~~292ab- 12 homers-31 rbi- 365 obp-slg 523- ops 878..only think I don’t like about JJ is he K’s about as much as Schafer. But the facts prove he produces. He would do better not hitting lead-off, my opinion.
nashvillewill
July 5th, 2011
12:01 pm
With Prado’s return eminent, where does he play? Back in LF, McLouth to CF – that is my best guess. Schafer is out – speed + no hitting=goodbye. Though I prefer him to McOut due to defense. But I suspect not in Fredi’s eyes. The unfortunate trend in Braves is to play the guys you pay. Hence, McOut, Uggla, Linebrink getting undue playing time. I also hope Uggla listens to Freeman who seems to get it. If Uggla has any pride or sense he will use the break to work on his swing, his stance, his approach – not on his muscles. Go away and work with Chipper’s dad or McCann’s brother, or someone who understands hitting. He has a shot to be the WORST HITTER IN MAJOR LEAGUE HISTORY! C’mon Dan, don’t let this happen.
Scott
July 5th, 2011
12:06 pm
I know the Braves are winning, thanks to their outstanding pitching…but the hitting woes will eventually catch up to this team, in a big way. Kudos to Freddie, what a wonderful year this kid is having, but the rest of the line up, with exception to Mac, is pitiful. With Prado out, and aside from FF and MAC, the highest Avg in the line up is a mediocre .256 (Chipper), followed by 230ish hitters (McClouth, Schaeffer, Heyward, and Gonzo), and a very high paid 170 hitter (Uggla) bringing up the very ugly rear…
It may be time to start thinking about a trade, or a new batting coach. Hitting 230-240 won’t get you to the playoffs….
Dirty Dawg
July 5th, 2011
12:09 pm
Agree that the criticism of McClouth and Ramirez are out of line. McClouth has been playin’ his butt off since he came back from the DL, particularly on defense, but also at the plate…he still can’t throw a lick, but left field isn’t quite as critical as the other two.
Schafer’s no mystery…a young man with a lot of talent that’s trying to overcome a lifetime of ‘big-doggin’ it. He’s one of those that can’t get it out of his mind that ‘chicks dig the long-ball’. Unless somebody, like Chipper – cause I don’t see the coaching staff being able to get through to him – gets in his grill and lays the law down to him about his swing, he’s gonna have a lot more ‘golden sombreros’ on his record. Then his defense won’t be enough to sustain him.
I’m concerned about Prado. That staph infection stuff is not only hard to shake, it takes it’s toll on the whole body. Looks to me that he’s clearly lost weight – to be expected – and one would question just how much stamina he’ll have for the foreseeable future. Another thing, McClouth has earned that spot in left, I’m wondering if the best use of Prado when he comes back might be to alternate between spelling Chipper and sitting Uggla. Of course playing infield might be even more taxing than left, at least mentally, but I’d sure like to see it.
Chris
July 5th, 2011
12:12 pm
I think ccrider might work for ESPN the way he hates on Jurjiens and the Braves.
Mid Town Joe
July 5th, 2011
12:22 pm
You know what some of the Braves need?
Steroids.
All I'm Saying Is....
July 5th, 2011
12:28 pm
My observations from having attended the game last night:
Uggla hit the ball hard on one occasion (I know, I know an out is an out) and had a real good at bat where worked the count for a walk so there were positive signs despite his average fall further.
Heyward hit the wall in one at bat and continues to field his position well. He’s a second year player and is going through what second year players have to which is that the rest of the league has had a year to figure him out at the plate, made major changes in how they pitch him and now he must adjust to their changes.
McClouth had a good game with a running catch that saved a run and a hit.
Jordan Schafer is the one who worried me the most. He looked completely lost at the plate with 4 strikeouts and he was over-matched on every occasion appearing as if he could not hit a major league fastball. And the most disturbing part was he did not appear confident at the plate and ‘afraid’ to take pitches and work the count which is what a successful lead-off batter has to to do.
Love the outfield of Nate, Jordan, and Heyward as they can really run some line drives down turning them into long (scary) outs.
Conrad made a great play look routine when he ran in and cleanly bare-handed a bunt and threw the runner out. They need to not move him around in the field and just let him substitute at third (i.e. no more with him at second base, please).
Luong comes in as a defensive replacement for Conrad (nice move Fredi) and in a perfect example of the “the ball will find you” statement, the first batter hits him a ground ball which he handled perfectly.
McCann is so good and steady and such a smart hitter. Wow is all I can say (along with thank goodness he is one of ours). He perfectly took an outside pitch late in the count and punched it to left for a single spoiling the shift they had on.
Gonzo ripped a couple of pitches foul in his at-bats but was otherwise ineffective at the plate. We pay him primarily to field, though, and he more than did the job with that double play he turned off the line-drive.
Freddie Freeman has really come on in the last month or so. His second homer was almost more impressive than the first because he hit it while batting during a steady rain—great concentration. Freeman also had an impressive play in the field making a tough play look easy.
And “Steady” Fredi Gonzalez is the perfect manager for this team making the post-BC era a seamless one.
We’re still a bunch of hitters that rarely (Freeman’s two homer night an exception) strike long-ball fear into the opposing team’s pitcher’s heart but, hey, the Giants won it all last year doing much the same thing —timely hitting and great pitching with stout defense— and in this non-steroid age, we have as good a chance as anybody to make it to the World Series where, as we know, anything can happen.
Hanson more than did his job (and justly earned the right to bat in the bottom of the sixth with two outs despite the bases being loaded) and the bullpen did their thing once again despite the steady rain that was falling by the time those guys came in.
And, finally, the fireworks after the game were fantastic!!! My 12-years-old son loved it as did the wife so thank you Braves for a wonderful experience worth the major bucks it cost me since I bought the lower field level third base side tickets online the day before.
LET’S GO BRAVES!
reckingball
July 5th, 2011
12:40 pm
Conrad’s play looked like a great play, on the boob tube.
Gonzo was was called out on a close play, that the magic of instant replay showed he was safe on.
I believe that he Braves are still at the top of the list, for most HRs by a team in the NL.
reckingball
July 5th, 2011
12:42 pm
justafan@11:19……….Who is Casey Anthony?
What team does he play for?
The Truth.....
July 5th, 2011
12:48 pm
I don’t think Roger Maris had muscles like Uggla….You don’t need to be a body builder to hit the ball out of the park….I’m just saying. The guy is just too bulky and all tied up….I’m just saying.
Brava
July 5th, 2011
12:49 pm
Wow, Freddie seems to be very mature for his age and appears to get the fundamentals of hitting. His willingness to make adjustments is propelling him into contention for ROY. Maybe he could have a long hard talk with Heyward and Schafer about what they could do to improve their own hitting.
Awesome game yesterday! My son and I were there and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Chimp Carey
July 5th, 2011
12:49 pm
ccrider
July 5th, 2011
7:00 am
Wow!!! That has to be the dumbest post ever!
reckingball
July 5th, 2011
12:51 pm
@11;17……”but james brown is dead”, or is he just reportedly dead?
There have been reports, that he is living somewhere, just outside of the Vegas area, with Elvis.
reckingball
July 5th, 2011
12:53 pm
@ 12:49…….That was a dumb post, but I can’t say the dumbest ever.
DanUggla
July 5th, 2011
1:10 pm
NickB,
Thank you for looking at the little things I do on the field. Thanks for noticing my ball was a popup to center, and right field. Even though it was an out, I sure did hit the ball hard! Like you said, I did get a walk which was awesome! Have you ever seen someone work the count harder than me? Frank Wren wasn’t lying when he told me I could fool you delusional fans into loving me, and giving me excuses while I suck it up. Making 9 million a year is tough. I know if the orginization didn’t waste their money on me, they could have gotten them a real hitter! Thanks Nick, and other Braves fans for sticking with me!
Always believe,
Dan “The Strikeout Machine” Uggla
Jim Hartwell
July 5th, 2011
1:31 pm
Question to all.. If we were offered the runner-up to the rookie of the year last year, Would you take him?
Bill
July 5th, 2011
1:47 pm
Jim, I would.
reckingball,wake up to the really world.
alex
July 5th, 2011
2:34 pm
They’re hangin with jim morrison in VIVA LOS VEGAS,UH,HUH! Yea baby……
Mark (another one)
July 5th, 2011
2:46 pm
Young players are rarely consistent. Freeman and Heyward are 21 (not even 22, as so many of you like to say) and Shafer is 24. They are going to struggle and then shine, and back again. Its the nature of things. I’m happy to say their defense continues to be above average to outstanding, which helps compensate for their offensive issues. Of these three, Heyward has the most at bats at 730, which is more than Shafer and Freeman combined.
This isn’t the 1950’s. The economics of Baseball have changed, and the Braves don’t have a lot of options. They need to develop young players and sometimes that includes breaking them into the majors and accepting some struggling. They need to continue to work with these guys to develop consistency.
McCann and Prado are the young veterans and their consistency shows. McCann is simply unbelieveable. Remember that the Braves looked at a young McCann and signed him to a long term contract. They looked at a young Francouer and didn’t.
Ugga should be in the prime of his career and this slump is unbelievable. My thoughts at that the Braves are working with him and doing what they can but this is a mental issue, not skills. Sometimes he starts working his at bats and seems to have a plan and then he reverts to three hacks and he’s out. The frustration level has to be killing him but he needs to work through it. Sending him to the bench isn’t going to do the Braves much good. They need him to produce.
Of all the Braves players, I hold Chipper to a higher level. Chipper’s OPS is down 175 points (career .936 to 2011 .761). I don’t know if its the knee or what but he is not at his usual HOF level. Chipper is his own worst critic so I suspect he is not happy with his production. The question only he can answer is what is he going to do about it.
reckingball
July 5th, 2011
2:49 pm
Bill@1:47………….What is, “the really world”?
the truth...
July 5th, 2011
3:39 pm
The Truth…
Is an imposter….I am the original ” the truth…” and have been since these blogs began….
ccrider
July 5th, 2011
4:04 pm
chimp – clever response – all i did was point out the negative possibilities – if you would like to refute them, go for it
Tom
July 5th, 2011
4:05 pm
Mark(another one) – Just a differenting opinion regarding one statement you made. The first 3 years with the Braves Franceour BA was .300, .260, and .293, pretty good compared to our .230 OF guys of today! Yes, Brian was wise and signed a 5-6 year long-term contract for decent money at that time. Franceour thought the money he was being offered was less than what he was worth at that time and refused a long term deal. That 4th year blew up in Franceour face and he only hit .239, which was extremely low for him. He had bulked up to 225-230lbs, thinking he was going to hit alot of HRS and get the big contract, it did not work!! He was sent packing and sent to other teams during which he hit .280, .249, and currently .265 this year with 12HRS, 54 RBI’s, continuing to throw runners out at the plate with his strong arm. Don’t forget he is only27 yrs old with 7 years in the bigs. He has matured , slimmed down and got his stroke back from what I understand? Is he worth the risk or was too many bridges burned? We should look at it as a business decision not a sentimental one only, in my opinion!
ccrider
July 5th, 2011
4:30 pm
chris – been a braves fan for 50 years – just been very disappointed for 19 of the last 20