Braves postgame quotes following Friday’s loss to Phillies
SCOTT PROCTOR
On his issues lately:
“I’m not making pitches when it counts. Bottom line is, when it comes down to (gut-check) time I’ve got to execute. Haven’t been doing that.”
On getting behind Ibanez:
“You can’t do that at the big league level, especially to the meat of the order like that to get into a fastball count and give him one that he can drive. It’s just unacceptable.”
On if much of history vs. Ibanez:
“We have a very good scouting report on him. You’ve just got to go with your strengths. Execution is everything. It’s all about location. If you execute you’re going to get outs. Unfortunately it just seems like mistakes have been hit hard here lately. When you go through stretches during the season like that, it’s rough when you do.”
On where he wanted that pitch:
“Not down the middle. Low and away.”
CHIPPER JONES
On the prospect of having surgery now on his knee:
“If I had to guess I’d say maybe, probably. It’s not getting any better and the shot didn’t do anything for me. We’ll see.”
On the cortisone shot not working:
“I’m doing what I can. It’s not getting any better. It’s gradually getting worse. I’m going to have to address it some time.”
On if he’d do it over the All-Star break:
“It’s possible.”
On chances vs. Halladay:
“I felt like the inning we had second and third, nobody out, we missed our chance there. Getting one was good but getting two might have put us over the hump. Obviously we ended regulation tied 2-2, but the guy is really good. Their bullpen was outstanding. We didn’t mount much. We hit a couple balls hard in the ninth, but for the most part they were spot on. It was a great game. We made two mistakes on the hill, they hit for homers, but little by little I think these guys are starting to realize in here that we can stand toe-to-toe and play with them and be competitive. Now it’s just a matter of getting over the hump.”
FREDDIE FREEMAN
On opportunities lost vs. Halladay:
“Definitely that fourth inning was the big one, when we had second and third, no outs and I didn’t come through. I was trying to hit a ball to the right side on the ground to score the run and move them over and I just didn’t do it.…We needed both those runs right there. We can’t let that happen. If we got both those runs in, we would have been talking to you guys an hour earlier.”
On losing a close game:
“Every game is a big game, no matter who you’re playing. We want to finish the All-Star break strong. We let one get away tonight, but we’ve got a couple more games coming up to battle.”
On doing well to get Halladay out after seven:
“Definitely, we worked him really well. We got him to (116) after seven. I think he was at 100 after six and we did our best. We put up good at-bats. That fourth inning we just didn’t capitalize like we needed to. We fought and Brandon did a heck of a job tonight keeping us in it.”
BRANDON BEACHY
On battling:
“I didn’t have my best stuff. I battled and I made some good pitches at times and made some bad ones.”
On the balk:
“I was having trouble seeing Mac’s pinky when he was going fastball with a righty. There was a shadow there and I told myself, ‘All right step off.’ And then halfway up, I just kind of lost my train of thought and just kind of paused before I came set to step off.”
On giving up multiple leads:
“These guys did enough to win the game for me, and I just couldn’t hold the lead, twice.”
On Ruiz’s success against him:
“We sat down in our meeting today. He’s been killing fastballs away all year, and that’s how we’ve been pitching him and he keeps having successful series against us. We decided we wanted to show some fastballs in, and I threw a couple and I made my pitch. I threw the ball where I wanted to and turned out the game plan wasn’t the best. He got to it and hit it just enough to get it out.”
On the meaning of the series:
“It’s tough. We had chances. It’s tough losing a game like this to anybody, especially these guys in a series like this, as close as we are to them. It hurts.”
On improving, trying to beat them:
“I can tell; I’m getting better. I’m learning these guys. They’ve seen everything I’ve got. I feel like I’m starting to learn them a little more. It just comes down to executing. There were times where I did and there were times where I didn’t. That’s what it’s going to take for me to get over this hump. I’ve got to make those pitches in those situations.”
On if he knew he’d balked right away:
“I knew I did it immediately. I actually did it a couple starts ago. I did the exact same thing and they didn’t catch. And I was hoping I’d get away with it this time but I didn’t.”
FREDI GONZALEZ
On Beachy:
“I thought he was really, really good. He gave us six solid innings and Doc gave them seven. I think Beachy could go on and pitch a couple more innings, but man on third, two outs there in the top of the seventh, you’ve got to try to score a run there.”
On bullpen:
“Their bullpen was really really good and gave them a chance to do what they did right there, bring the big boys up late in the game and got a good pitch to hit and Raul did it.”
On Halladay:
“He’s tough. We had some people on base, got a couple runs off him. And then he made some great pitches, nice pitches on Hinske with a man on third and two outs. That’s why he has won all the hardware really. He’s stingy. He doesn’t give up the big inning. He keeps his team in the game, even when he doesn’t have his good stuff.”
On the road, (not using Kimbrel with tie), on not using the rookie Cory Gearrin:
“In that situation we were thinking, you’re talking about a guy – a rookie – who just finished pitching in Triple-A, facing that middle of that lineup. And you feel really comfortable with Scotty Proctor in that situation to handle those guys. He just got behind in the count there to Raul Ibanez, and he’s a dangerous guy. We thought about bringing Gearrin in but I think that’s a little unfair to bring a young kid in in that situation on the road.”
On tough series:
“One-run ballgame. And maybe one tomorrow again and again on Sunday. We’ve got to be prepared to face some tough pitchers and when we get an opportunity to score runs, don’t let them off on the hook.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
150 comments Add your comment
Joseph
July 9th, 2011
2:02 am
On his issues lately:
“I’m not making pitches when it counts. Bottom line is, when it comes down to (gut-check) time I’ve got to execute. Haven’t been doing that.”
At least he knows what he did wrong, but still…………..Oh well 2 out of 3 is our goal guys.
jim
July 9th, 2011
2:09 am
“And you feel really comfortable with Scotty Proctor in that situation…”
If true, Fredi must be the only one in the ballpark or watching on
TV that felt really comfortable in that situation. With two outs and none on, might it not have been a better option to let Sherrill hit and have a lefty pitching to Howard and Ibanez?
Busch Leaguer
July 9th, 2011
2:10 am
Too bad about Chippers’s knee hope they can fix it . Hey Wren ,you still have Troy Glaus’s number.Maybe he has another month in him. Remember last May.He could not be any worse than what you are running out there now.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 9th, 2011
2:11 am
I would rather lose with Cory Gearrin pitching left handed with his eyes close than have Proctor in the game.
drbasic1
July 9th, 2011
2:12 am
I still say at 52 I could hit one of Proctors meatballs out of the park….geeez
phillyexpatinla
July 9th, 2011
2:17 am
exactly what i expected. every game should be close this series. everyone knows how great the braves’ bullpen is but i don’t think they expected the young phillies bullpen fill-ins to do so well. if they can stay (get) healthy, both teams should make the playoffs. if they actually meet in the playoffs, well that would be ideal.
Joseph
July 9th, 2011
2:18 am
@ Busch……..Glaus???? Where would he play? You think he is better than Freeman or Chipper even while he is hurt? Please choose.
Joseph
July 9th, 2011
2:19 am
@phillyexpetinla………well said…….fully agree. arguable the 2 best teams in all of baseball.
Rafael
July 9th, 2011
2:20 am
Thanks Fredi for bringing in Scott Proctor (the American version of Keshin Kawakami) in a tie ballgame in the 10th.
Thanks Frank Wren (firefrankwren.com) for signing the bum Scott Proctor. Bargain-basement baseball at its finest thanks to Liberty Mutual (yes I know it’s Liberty Media, but what’s the difference???). Liberty Media is an out-of-state media giant that is faceless, gutless, and CHEAP when it comes to our beloved Braves.
MLBTradeRumors.com today had Ken Rosenthal saying the “Braves don’t have much payroll flexibility at the trading deadline.” You can thank Liberty Media once again for being CHEAP. The Braves were linked to Josh Willingham and Ryan Ludwick, two mediocre ballplayers that move from team to team on the cheap. I thought we already had OFs that can’t hit. Willingham and Ludwick had 1 career year in their pasts, and boy have they gotten mileage out of that.
Philly is simplay a BETTER team than the Braves. We brought in Scott Proctor, I rest my case. You might as well CONCEDE the game when you bring in that BUM. All you Braves fans with tomahawk colored glasses that saw Proctor pitch a scoreless inning against the Rockies the other evening, keep in mind he had a million run lead and NO pressure. Thanks Fredi (you IDIOT) and thanks Frank Wren (the “GOOD SOLDIER” following Liberty Media’s company line of CHEAP, CHEAP, CHEAP).
Instead of bringing in a quality MLB hitter at the trading deadline like Carlos Quentin, Wren will go out and “acquire” Willie Harris and his potent bat (firefrankwren.com).
Wonderful, the Phils will probably sweep this 3-game series. Afterall, we have Derek Lowe (another great Frank Wren signing) pitching Sunday… deja vu, can you say KENSHIN KAWAKAMI (another great Frank Wren signing).
Be sure and come to Turner Field for the “ambience.” The Turner Dogs, the picnic area, the family section. Be sure and spend your hard earned dollars in this economy to watch the likes of Scott Proctor and Derek Lowe, plus the potent bat of Nate (”a funny thing happened on the way from Pittsburgh”).
jim
July 9th, 2011
2:21 am
The worst part of today’s loss is that we “wasted” Venters in a tough inning. The Phillie announcers said that this was his 51st appearance. I’m sure Fredi will run him out again if the team is ahead or tied in the 8th, but it is a recipe for disaster down the road. It doesn’t sound like Medlen and Moylan will be back any time soon — a 4th lefty to replace Proctor in the pen would not be a bad idea. I like Gearrin against righties.
The other aspect of overusing Venters is that the league is adjusting too him. He gets a lot of swings on balls that are not strikes. His pitch must be very difficult to lay off, but more and more hitters are laying off, getting more pitches up that are hittable and running up his pitch count. There haven’t been many 10- pitch innings lately.
Doc Holliday
July 9th, 2011
2:23 am
Watching Braves replay after a night out and wondering why Joe Simpson said he felt “proud” of Freddie Freeman after an RBI single. Is he related to Freddie or just a fan? A strange comment for someone who is supposed to be a professional announcer.
Fred
July 9th, 2011
2:23 am
I love that pitching our worst pitcher was the only option Fredo thought he had. Don’t pinch hit with Ramirez, and let Sherrill pitch to the lefties? Nah, that makes too much sense.
Bring in Craig Kimbrel, one of the best relievers in the league? Nope, we need to save him for an easier situation. Wait til we have a lead because it’s more important for Kimbrel to get saves, than for the Braves to win games.
I don’t blame Proctor. He’s horrible, but it’s not his fault he’s on the roster. And it’s certainly not his fault that our idiot manager continues to use him in high-leverage situations.
Braves805
July 9th, 2011
2:24 am
DOB………i said it during the game on twitter to Bowman….2nd and 3rd no outs and only score 1….i knew in my mind that was where we could of put the game away……Halladay was off the 1st 4 inngs….on the ropes a little and we let him escape……we score 2 runs there and its over in 9….we didnt and now every fan is using Proctor as an escape goat……pathetic…….Hurts knowing we could of taken this one…and now look for 2 out of 3…..turn the page and hit it tomorrow…….Go Bravos!!!
Shawn
July 9th, 2011
2:28 am
How can Fredi be this mind numbingly dumb? Is he being intentionally dense?
WIL
July 9th, 2011
2:31 am
the teams are even as they can be, the braves are not going to win the divison they need to worry about the Wild Card charlie manuel did the same thing at the end of last year setting his rotation up for the braves , the divison means more to them than the braves it seems..
jim
July 9th, 2011
2:31 am
Raphael,
Lowe actually pitches some of his best games against Philly.
Like someone mentioned earlier, when Madson, Contreras, and Lidge return, the Phillies might have a better bullpen than the Braves. OVentrebrel is the best 3-some in the game, but the rest of the pen is mediocre to iffy, and the big 3 have too many innings already this season.
Chop Chop
July 9th, 2011
2:31 am
Joe’s turned into too much of a fan since Skip died. Skip engaged in homerism, but you always knew he did it with a wink. Joe’s no Hawk Harrelson or anything, but it gets old.
DanUggla
July 9th, 2011
2:37 am
You Braves fans can’t blame me for tonight’s loss! I got a RBI toight! I also made a spectacular defensive play, to get one out in the game. Remember, even though I signed a huge contract, it’s the little things I do that counts! I know I have the delusional Braves fans are on my side!
Always believe,
Dan “The Strikeout Machine” Uggla
Joseph
July 9th, 2011
2:37 am
@Brave805 well put. I venture that the Ruiz at bat was the game turner. I blame McCann but I will not kill him he made a mistake by allowing that fastball to be thrown without going out to the mound and putting Beachy straight. It happens. Was an entertaining game though.
@Shawn……..In extra-innings with as many as this team has played( I’m sure you believe that is Fredi’s fault as well) what more is expected? We can second guess and say Gearrin should be used instead of Proctor but that makes a man stupid? Get a life sir.
Sane thought
July 9th, 2011
2:39 am
Fredi effed this game up big time.
- With 2 lefties due up to start the bottom of the 10th, why not let Sherrill hit for himself in the top half? It’s not like Wilkin Ramirez was going to do any better with 0 on and 2 out.
- The Braves demoted Christian Martinez because he wasn’t getting enough work. I wonder whose fault that is? Would have much rather had him than Proctor on the mound.
- If you’re gonna send down Martinez for lack of work, why not try and put his replacement, Gearrin on the mound? I understand he’s a rookie, but so is the closer that you refuse to use. I dont buy the concern about Gearrin being fresh from AAA. This is his second go round with the big club and the Phillies cruised through the top of the 10th on the back of a guy fresh from the minors.
- Why aren’t you using your best reliever in the highest leverage situation? Is Fredi so devoid of critical thinking skills that he honestly believes that Kimbrel can’t be used unless the Braves are winning? Had he burned through the whole pen before letting Proctor blow it, I would have been fine with it. However, you can’t insert your worst reliever in the pivotal moment of an important game when you’re beat guy is still available.
- On a non pitching note that still points out Fredi’s lack of managerial skill: Schafer and Sea Bass went 0-8 and insured that McCann never had guys on in front of him. Most telling was the 8th, when the Braves went with a whimper because Jordan and Alex left the table bare with two ugly Ks. Heck, in the innings that ended with Beachy-Schafer-Gonzalez, Beach might have been the most intimidating threat. Can we please call this perverse lineup experiment over? Schafer and Alex are 14-84 with a 21/2 K/BB ratio. The fact that Fredi waltzes that lineup out there with a straight face is further proof he’s a moron.
Joseph
July 9th, 2011
2:40 am
@child ;pretending to be Dan Uggla……..grow up and get a life……….have a nice day it is late time for immature people to be in bed sir.
Matt
July 9th, 2011
2:40 am
LOL “on his issues lately” He was bad before too, he was just letting inherited runners score. Maybe someday more people will be able to look beyond ERA.
Justin
July 9th, 2011
2:41 am
Hey… scott proctor… you suck! Mr. Braves manager: why do you bring him in on the most important inning of the game??????
Joseph
July 9th, 2011
2:43 am
When does any manager let a reliever hit for himself in extra-innings? I love your passion sane, but you lose the point on that one item alone. You pinch hit and hope for a homer or baserunners and score a run and get the closer in………no manager ever lets a reliever hit in extra-innings……..period……..HE WOULD BE KILLED FOR IT……Oh wait……no matter what Fredi does he is stupid…………I forgot…….relax guys.
J-Man
July 9th, 2011
2:45 am
I could complain about the game but it was a tough even game against the best team in baseball. The only real mistake was not leaving Sherrill to go against Howard and Ibanez. But hopefully we will get Peter Moylan back soon and we will have Proctor’s spot occupied. But Also too many selfish AB’s tonight with guys swinging for the fences instead of playing ABC baseball.
Mister Frisky
July 9th, 2011
2:46 am
This is where Prado is missed most.With the 3 through 6 spots starting to click,His approach in the 2 hole willnbe the difference after the break.
Runnin
July 9th, 2011
2:46 am
No such thing as “unfair” once you put that uniform on, Fredi. If you don’t think Gearrin could get the job done, that’s one thing, but don’t say “unfair”. I’ll bet Gearrin was chomping at the bit to get the chance to face down the Phillies in the bottom of the 10th. If not, he shouldn’t be here.
jim
July 9th, 2011
2:48 am
Might the Braves send Beachy to the minors tomorrow (not needed for 10 days to make his next start) and re-activate Prado — 2 for 3 with a BB tonight in AAA? This would allow them to keep Ramirez for an extra week as a possible PH against the Philly lefties. The Phils made a similar move wit Worley after his last start.
Jim
July 9th, 2011
2:49 am
DFA Proctor DFA HOMERUN PROCTOR we would probaly have an 11 game winning streak. He isnt any good never was. DFA the bum take McClouth with with him.
Tomas
July 9th, 2011
2:51 am
You feel comfortable with Scotty Proctor…………..You feel comfortable that he’ll end the game
Ekim
July 9th, 2011
2:51 am
I’m glad that Fredi, much like his predecessor, doesn’t just throw out a guy who’s had a couple of bad outings. Proctor will be fine. Everybody was ragging on Kimbrel a few weeks ago for blowing four saves. (Yeah I know it’s five now, but it was four at the time). If you give up on everybody that ever disappoints, you’ll have a tough time filling a roster after a while.
jim
July 9th, 2011
2:53 am
Freeman’s AB in the 4th was huge when he wasn’t able to put the ball in play and move the runners, but can’t complain — he had 3 other quality ABs and should be player of the week for what he has done over the last 6 games. EQUALLY huge was the Uggla AB in the 2nd when he could not advance FF to third with no outs. The Heyward ground out (I know, you can’t assume the same event in a different situation) would have scored a 2ned run there.
Joseph
July 9th, 2011
2:53 am
@jim…..why would you even think about doing that? In his first 2 games he only DHed I am not aware if he played LF in todays game so my point is………………you want to rush an injured player back that hasn’t faced major league pitchers in over a month for 2 games:? Come guys lets be sane. We still have a good chance to win 2 out of 3.
Mike
July 9th, 2011
2:54 am
Fredi: “you feel really comfortable with Scotty Proctor in that situation to handle those guys.”
Dumbest quote ever!!!
Pluto
July 9th, 2011
2:54 am
Sane thought, what’s bullpen “leverage?” That baseball term is not familiar to me.
Mr. Enigma
July 9th, 2011
2:58 am
The Braves are 14-5 in their last 19 games. Scott Proctor has been the losing pitcher in 3 of those 5 losses.
Get rid of his ass. I am so damn sick of him. So is everyone else.
Mike
July 9th, 2011
3:00 am
@ Pluto Im not familiar with the leverage term either even though I think I know what it means. I just think we can all relate when its referred to as critical situations. Unless some of you dont know what a critical situation is?
Frank from KS (now living in CO)
July 9th, 2011
3:02 am
HAHAHAHA…..for those that think that even after tonight, we’re going to take 2/3
I have only one thing to say to you…”yeah, right” (heavy on the sarcasm)
DanUggla
July 9th, 2011
3:02 am
@Joseph again,
You call me a child. You’re the adult who is worshiping me, and my other Braves teammates late at this night. I’m guessing you’re not married. Now who is the one that needs to get a life?
Always believe,
Dan “The Strikeout Machine” Uggla!!
Joseph
July 9th, 2011
3:02 am
I agree 100% that Proctor needs to be released but I beg the question…………….who fills his spot? Liberty(I hate them but not near as much as Atlanta Spirit Group) but can they afford the salary of releasing him? I want anybody but Proctor but let us try to put it into perspective.
Fred
July 9th, 2011
3:03 am
Joseph…(ellipsis)……… ……… ………….. ………..
Um, you’re randomly hoping for a homerun with Wilkin Ramirez huh? That’s a more logical decision than conceding the out (which you’re basically doing by sending Ramirez to the plate), and letting Sherrill face the lefties? Ya know, instead of trotting out your worst reliever?
And god knows you can’t bring in your closer til you have a lead, right? Why would you want to pitch your best reliever, when one run will beat you?
Fredi isn’t considered stupid, for no reason. It’s because he hits our worst tow hitters, 1 & 2. It’s because he believes in “Scotty.” It’s basically because he’s stupid.
jim
July 9th, 2011
3:05 am
He played 3B tonight. We face 2 lefty starters the next 2 games and Chipper’s knee sounds iffy (we might need to play someone at 3B in one of these games) There is not a lot of ground to cover in left comparatively in Philly. A good arguement can be made for either case — reactivating him or giving him 2 more games in AAA. “We still have a good chance to win 2 out of 3″ — true, but we have an equally good chance to lose both of those games started by lefties.
Joseph
July 9th, 2011
3:06 am
Since you really care child pretending he is funny with the name of DanUggla……..I said before…………..I am married 7 years happily with a beautiful 5 year old little girl…….got any other real insight or just stupid comments in you?
Mike
July 9th, 2011
3:07 am
Even if I was playing MLB the show in that situation I would have let Sherill hit. Nothing on the line and its just a video game but damn it its the right thing to do so you just do it Fredi!!!
Joseph
July 9th, 2011
3:14 am
@Fred. I never said Ramirez would hit a homerun. I just simply stated that any manager that let his situational reliever hit will be killed and justly so. Ramirez has gotten a hit in his last 2 pinch hit chances………could have started something so you go with hitters not pitchers in extra-innings.
@jim Thank you for the update on Prado. Did he play all 9 innings? I still hold to the fact that for the past 2 years Lee has been hit hard by this team. Yes he strikesout a lot, but so far this year he is 0-2 with a 7.84 era. I like the chances. Hamals vs Lowe should be an ESPN Sunday Night Game, but oh well……….This series all 3 games I just have a feeling none of the games will be decided by more than 3 runs. Phillies are a great team and so are the Braves. This is a fun series period.
Mike
July 9th, 2011
3:19 am
@ Joseph I would not have killed Fredi for hitting Sherill there. I knew nothing was going to happen for the braves in that half of the inning and I knew what was coming for the Phillies in their half. I really have to disagree with you on this point. What needed to happen was keep Sherill around to retire the Phillies lefties and give the Braves heart of the order a shot. No?
Manders24
July 9th, 2011
3:19 am
Am I the only Braves fan not angry over the loss? We had a rookie pitcher who basically matched up against the reigning Cy Young winner. EOF, JV, and Linebrink did their jobs. We sent 4 relievers out there and asked them to keep the game scoreless…3 of them did. We were beyond pushing our luck to ask for more than that (without scoring any runs). And to address the idiots who think Kimbrel should have pitched the 10th, it was a tie game on the road…a) you don’t send your closer out in the bottom half of a tie game and b) you all are the same “fans” who were calling for Kimmie’s head a month ago anyway, so you don’t have a lot of credibility. Yes, we lost. I hope we take the next two AND think we’re totally capable, but I am NOT heartbroken over this game. It was hard fought, and we lost. Props to the Phillies.
Joseph
July 9th, 2011
3:22 am
very valid point Mike. But honestly if you were the manager would you let a relief situational pitcher hit? In hindsight you are right. Like I stated before I would have rather seen Gearrin, but we all here have the benefit of hindsight.
Mike
July 9th, 2011
3:26 am
@ Joseph Yeah actually I would since I knew the chances for us to score were really slim ( two out nobody on) and heart of their order coming up. What makes this important is the fact the Phillies heart are lefties while Sherill was the most effective leftie we had left over Gearrin. So I honestly do think I make that decision and was thinking it as it was going on.
AZBravoFan
July 9th, 2011
3:27 am
Enter your comments here
Braves postgame quotes following Friday’s loss to Phillies | Raw Sports - Atlanta Braves
July 9th, 2011
3:28 am
[...] Atlanta Braves [...]
Joseph
July 9th, 2011
3:31 am
@Mike…Like I said…….hindsight is wonderful. I am in total disagreement in using Proctor, but with all due respect…….I would take my chances with a bat over hoping the lefty specialist can keep it up. In my opinion Fredi played for the win there. He made a mistake with Proctor, but go at them on the road and try to score by any means necessary. That is just how I would approach it is all. Go all out and do all you can to score and get Kimbrel in there and shut them down………Just my opinion sir.
AZBravoFan
July 9th, 2011
3:33 am
Fredi’s in a tough situation on the road. Easy to say he should have used Kimbrel. But then if the Braves take a lead who are you closing with? Proctor? Gearrin? Unfortunate that Linebrink couldn’t have a clean inning. Then you could have had a full inning of Sherrill. Or maybe this was a night to try and get 2 innings out of EOF and extend it that way. Tough game, just gotta move on and hand the ball to Tommy who’s handled the Phils pretty well in the past. And remember that when it counts in September, hopefully the pen will include both Moylan and Medlen and maybe even someone like Oberholzer to get lefties out.
Mike
July 9th, 2011
3:34 am
Ok well obviously were gonna have to agree to disagree. I like my chances of getting to the middle of the Braves order instead of putting everything on Ramirez to bail us out. Kind of like all in or nothing and it came out nothing. Just my opinion as well.
toby flenderson
July 9th, 2011
3:35 am
@ruben
really??
quentin over ludwick and willingham..?? quentin is garbage as well
Joseph
July 9th, 2011
3:39 am
@AZ…..Sherrill is fine at getting lefties out. I just personally wouldn’t let him hit.
@Mike. I totally respect you sir and you passion. Just to toss a cog into our friendly little debate………why not pinch hit Conrad instead of Ramirez? Just thought I would stroke your goat with that one a little sir.
Mike
July 9th, 2011
4:16 am
I have no idea why Ramirez was there. Conrad was definitely a better option than him. But no one on and two out I think you gotta think ahead a little at that point and try to work your way toward the middle of the order. Sherill pitching to the lefties was a better option than going all in with Ramirez and hoping for something after.
hawaiibravefan
July 9th, 2011
4:27 am
The Braves are 9-2 in their past 11 games. Guess who’s the losing pitcher in both those games? Yup you got it Scotty ‘homer’ Proctor. What is he doing here when you have Christian Martinez, Juan Abreu, and Anthony Varvaro in Gwinett that would do a better job then him? He’s bound to give up a homer an inning, and he lets most of his inherited runners score.
hawaiibravefan
July 9th, 2011
4:29 am
Btw to all the people that is comparing the ‘release Proctor’ to ‘remove Kimbrel from closer duties’ suggestions is clearly not relatable. Proctor golden years are long gone already, while Kimbrel is still learning on the job. Sometimes players don’t got it anymore, sad to say that Proctor just don’t got it.
Mike
July 9th, 2011
4:29 am
I also want to make it clear that I also know that Sherill pitching to them is not a 100% guarantee of retiring them. But deep down it just feels like that was the right move to make in order to extend the game and give the Braves big bats an opportunity.
Mike
July 9th, 2011
4:33 am
@ Hawaiibravefan Honestly stupidity is why Proctor is still at this level. There is no other way to explain it. He struggles mightily to retire anyone and has nothing on any of his pitches so batters just sit back and wait for something good cuz they know its coming. Yes I agree bring someone else up.
hawaiibravefan
July 9th, 2011
4:40 am
@Mike I agree comepletely. His fastball is flat, i know he throws 94mph but it doesnt have the zip like Linebrink does. Why not pitch around Ibanez since you feel behind the count instead of serving it right down the happy zone? Still a great game to be even with the Phillies all game, but a very disappointing end to it.
hawaiibravefan
July 9th, 2011
4:43 am
This still was a great game, to be tied up at 2 and going to extras with having our undrafted rookie battling against Doc Halliday, maybe the best pitcher in the game now, is greater then what I expected. It was surprising more than anything, but the end was just a let down. Tomorow we have Hanson, and Lowe is usually clutch against the Phillies and in big games. Lets go Braves!!!!!!
HATinGA
July 9th, 2011
5:01 am
I thought the Braves top of the 10th batters were horrid, reliever fresh from AAA and we swing at 9 straight in the dirt. Pityful
HATinGA
July 9th, 2011
5:04 am
9 straight!!
tim
July 9th, 2011
6:42 am
after being mr negative for most of the season I took a lot from this game. This is a good team the Braves can play with anyone and so long as we keep doing what they have been doing with improvements here and there, this is going to be fun to watch all the way to the end. Its a long way to the end of the regular season crank it up boys and lets see what happens. GO BRAVES
LOB Braves
July 9th, 2011
7:13 am
Why is Seabass hitting second? He is so stupid that he continually swings at pitches outside and in the dirt. He needs to bat 8th.
Fredi is an Idiot
July 9th, 2011
7:26 am
Carroll, I am a big fan of your work and the great job you and DOB do of keeping us informed, but why in the world did you not ask Fredi the one question everyone wanted to know: Why did you think it was a good idea to bring Scott Proctor in to pitch in extra innings in a tie game when other options were still available?
Ralph
July 9th, 2011
7:33 am
And the big race continues, for the title of lowest Batting Average, J Hey (.229) leading the charge to overtake Uggly (.183) with McOut and A Gone (.231) hot on their heels and Schafer at (.236) is getting in the race with another Ofer, STAY TUNED
Ralph
July 9th, 2011
7:37 am
The bad thing is not that Proctor is responsible for 3 of the braves last 5 losses but that he is even on the roster to begin with and that is Wren’s fault.
Mike from the coast
July 9th, 2011
7:37 am
I don’t understahd why we didn’t double switch when he brought in Sherrill. Unggla had made the last out, put Sherrill in Uggla’s six hole and Conrad in the 9 hole. There were three straight lefties coming up, Utley, Howard, and Ibanez. Sherrill could have pitched to all three lefties, then get pulled. ????
Ralph
July 9th, 2011
7:40 am
@Mike from the coast
Most intelligent post of the day.
Ted
July 9th, 2011
7:48 am
Same old story. Uggla whiffs and can’t move runners with no outs.
Larry
July 9th, 2011
7:53 am
I told you…again!
Before the series I predicted if Fruity puts Gonzalez in the #2 spot against this great pitching we will lose at least 2 of 3. Did you see how utterly hopeless the guessing, free swinging Alex looked against Halladay? Wouldn’t you want a manager smart enough to anticipate this and put the lefty Jones, Freeman or McLouth at #2 with McCann, another lefty, at #3?
Take note of how this game was managed by Fruity and you have precisely what we can expect in the postseason…losing close games due to poor lineup strategy against great pitching add odd and often disastrous pitching decisions.
Fruity is just like his mentor, the Nose Miner, blessed by the organization with the among the best pitching in the game to win the majority of 162 games but without the cognitive ceiling high enough to win the best of 5 or the best of 7.
We watched under Booby the Braves opponents celebrate on the pitcher’s mound an astoundingly embarrassing 14 out of 15 times (the only win being Glavine’s 1 hitter and a 1-0 win against Cleveland or Booby would have sported a perfect 0-15 record–0-16 including Toronto!) the last series of the postseason; this playoff-like atmosphere and the managing therein will reveal what one can expect by Fruity in October–if he doesn’t destroy Venters and all momentum by then!
I wonder who Fruity will bat 2nd tonight? Want to bet?
Larry
July 9th, 2011
7:58 am
Mike from the coast,
Why, you ask? Fruity Gonzalez, that’s why!
Mike, I can tell by your question you are more qualified to managed a close game than Fruity! I’d bet the mortgage that your suggestion never occured to Fruity! No way he can think at this level.
Bob from Philly
July 9th, 2011
8:00 am
I’ve visited Atlanta in the past and was surprised with the lack of fire in the Braves fan base. It seems there is some [but small] flame. Phillies; older/smarter/know when to really focus and just better. I want to really pour salt in the Braves wound but realized that the only thing Atlanta beats Philly is in cheaten’ schools. Just had to comment on the school issue, we’re not that much better.
Now an unemotional view of the NL East; potential Phillies 110+ wins – Braves 105+ wins . . . WOW baseball doesn’t get any better. If you’re in Philly in October I’ll invite you to the victory party.
Stanley Crowe
July 9th, 2011
8:07 am
“Sane Thought” (posted at 2:39 a. m.) has it absolutely right. Fredi got outcoached last night. He should have gone a little further with Sherrill then brought in Gearin or even Kimbrel. Charlie Manuel used his lefty well — Fredi didn’t. Overall, nice work by all concerned until the very end!
Ghostrider
July 9th, 2011
8:09 am
Proctor needs to go, he’s a lousy Pitcher. Everytime he comes in I turn the game off because I know he’s going to give something up. Wren needs to get rid of him….
henry from TN
July 9th, 2011
8:12 am
pitch proctor and the braves will loose all three games that ah has lost two this week by giving up home runs when are the braves gonna designate this over-the-hill ah for assignment…in my opinion he never could pitch….
Ghostrider
July 9th, 2011
8:13 am
@ Bob from Philly
I wouldnt go if all expenses were paid.
braveshoo
July 9th, 2011
8:13 am
While it was painful, we should have learned something important last night: Scott Proctor is not the guy we want to go to war with in a close pennant race. We have lost 2 games in the last 10, and both of them were on home runs given up by Scott Proctor. We need to get rid of him and try someone else. I wouldnt trade for another reliever. I would bring up Mike Minor to have another lefty in the pen who can pitch long or short, kind of like Price did for Tampa Bay when they won the world series. Then send him back down when Moylan is ready. At least thats one option. Scott Proctor has to go.
NickGranite
July 9th, 2011
8:20 am
When would it be a good time to bring the young guy into a pressure packed situation on the road? I thought he didn’t bring him (Kimbrel, you know, the guy with TWENTY-SEVEN saves at the break) in because he was waiting for a lead. Now I find out Fredi didn’t use him because he might get nervous? If not now? When? Wouldn’t it be better to get him into those big time situations now rather than the playoffs?
Charlie
July 9th, 2011
8:22 am
Fredi comments about Beachy pitching so well…What game was he watching? Beachy was up in the strike zone all night. And hey, let’s keep throwing fastballs to Ruiz. Good idea, Brandon and Brian. Talk about brain daed stupid. Scott Proctor should be given his release. He’s Mr. Gopher Ball, and has cost the Braves several games. You knew when he entered the game, it would end shortly. Tell me, Fredi, how could anyone else have done worse?
bravesgrl4life
July 9th, 2011
8:23 am
Fredi G, I love ya, man, but please, please, please, do not put Proctor in when the game is tied!
Bob from Philly
July 9th, 2011
8:23 am
Dear Ghostrider, I forgot to mention, only people with 14 teeth in their mouth are invited . . . you are uninvited.
NickGranite
July 9th, 2011
8:28 am
“_____hit a walk-off homer off Scott Proctor with one out in the______”
The AJC has this line already made up for Proctor. They just have to fill in the blanks when he makes an appearance.
Ghostrider
July 9th, 2011
8:37 am
@Bob from Philly
Whatever Pig….At least I dont live in the nastiest filthy city known to mankind.
Ghostrider
July 9th, 2011
8:39 am
@Bob from Philly
Oh ya….you are the typical Philly Fan…probably unemployed to and trading your food stamps for tickets….Loser
up north
July 9th, 2011
8:49 am
I knew one of those three pitchers was going to blow that game, and it came down to Proctor. I am sorry; but, he really is not good.
longtimefan
July 9th, 2011
9:00 am
Let the Braves lose a game after a great run, with the third best record in baseball, and the haters,naysayers and armchair quarterbacks come out of the woodwork. It’s easy to judge and make decisions after the fact. If Kimbrel had come in with the game tied and the Braves had lost in the eleventh, Fredi would be questioned for that move. Guys, it’s easy to pick the lottery #’s the day after. Making the call on the field in the heat of battle ain’t always so easy. No manager is perfect.BTY, Wren is a very respected GM who has made some great moves-JJ anyone?
bring back blauser
July 9th, 2011
9:05 am
someone said earlier something that i have been thinking look up troy glaus. not to take a position but to spell at third base and to give freddie a day off now and then. his knees should be rested and he would possibly be able to give us a right handed bat that fits into liberty’s pay scheme. after all he was great for a half season last year. maybe he could do the same this year, only this time the second half. worth a try definitely nothing to lose
JMar
July 9th, 2011
9:12 am
The question shouldn’t be why he didn’t bring in Kimbrel or Gearrin. The question should be why he pinch hit for Sherrill, who threw only 2 pitches, with 2 outs and no one on. There was a minimal chance Wilkin Ramirez (followed by Schafer and Gonzo) would score a run with 2 outs. So now you have our worst reliever, a right-hander, who has been getting creamed lately, going up against lefty Howard and lefty Ibanez, instead of the better pitcher and lefty Sherrill.
Larry A
July 9th, 2011
9:19 am
Part of making pitches is getting enough work to be able to make pitches. Freddy needs to do a better job of getting more relievers work so when they come in, they are sharp. And using Sherrill for 2 pitches to Utley in a tie game? What up with that? Tie game, you need to save relievers in case it goes extra innings, not throw one away after 2 pitches.
wahoo
July 9th, 2011
9:22 am
Enter your comments here
Argh!
July 9th, 2011
9:27 am
Did Gonzalez really mention not wanting to put the closer out there with the meat of the lineup?! He’s the closer!!!! He’s supposed to handle that stuff. If he’s trying to protect him from tough innings, then why did he put him in last year to choke away the game against the Giants in the playoffs!? Maybe the manager really isn’t too bright!
top of the ninth
July 9th, 2011
9:28 am
What about three atrocious at bats in top of ninth or tenth. Heyward Mcclouth hernandez… 3 strike outs and they looked lost in all three.
Do Bravest hitters ever game plan while going to the plate? Do they adjust based on the guy who hits before them?
I know what the AAA Pitcher was going to throw based on Heywards at bat?
Play smarter Braves. Be pros.
Kyle
July 9th, 2011
9:31 am
The cream rises to the top as they say. A real winner is going to show up in games like this. Who is this Proctor guy? He needs to go back to making Police Academy movies. Once again you have to question Freddie as a Manager for putting someone like that in a game like this.
bring back blauser
July 9th, 2011
9:36 am
if the braves had taken the lead in either the top of the 9th or 10th you could bet the mortgage that kimbrel would have been put in. fredi was waiting for that exact situation to put him in. that is good management. was just too bad that proctor gave up the homer, but the same thing could have happened for the braves also then all these naysayers would be praising fredi. these same people look for perfection all the time. wonder what the braves would be like if they were managing this team
Peter
July 9th, 2011
9:38 am
Proctor will be gone when Moylan comes back. I really wanted to see Gearrin in that situation. From what I’ve seen of the kid so far I think he could’ve handled it. As for letting Sherrill hit for himself, i dunno. I think they had to give themselves the best chance to score in that situation, and than trust the bullpen. You have to trust every guy on the team to get the job done, even though Proctor clearly can’t. At least we know this in July, rather than September or October.
And they were simply saving Kimbrel for when we get the lead. I really don’t know why that’s not clear.
Johnny Stingray
July 9th, 2011
9:49 am
Phiiles have sold out 183 consecutive home games. Braves fans, where art thou?