Here’s why Carlos Quentin makes sense for Braves
It’s Chipper Jones Bobblehead Night at Turner Field, and by the time I finish writing this blog in 25 minutes we should know whether the third baseman is back in the Braves lineup after missing two starts with a right quad strain.
What we do know, which I just double-checked with my infamous math skills to make sure, is that Chipper has 999 career extra-base hits. He’s got 516 doubles, 38 triples and 445 home runs. Correct me if I’m wrong, but that’s 999, right?
Anyway, Carlos Quentin.
Carlos Quention's 20 home runs are five more than Carlos Beltran has this season, and he'd be the Braves leader in homers and RBIs (62).
That’s right, we’ve got no time for transitions today, so let’s get right into the rumor du jour. And let me start by saying, it’s legit. Checked it with someone this afternoon who would know, and the Braves are, indeed, talking to the White Sox about Quentin, as FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal first reported this morning.
The slugging corner outfielder currently has 20 homers, 62 RBIs and a .510 slugging percentage, to go with a .262 average and .353 OBP. Needless to say, he could be a huge boost for the Braves’ scuffling offense.
He’s got more homers and RBIs than any Brave this season, and five more homers (and four fewer RBIs) than Carlos Beltran, who was just traded to the Giants. In his past 11 games, Quentin has hit .341 with three homers and 11 RBIs.
He’s right-handed, 28, and unlike the 34-year-old Beltran, Quentin is under contractual control for another season. So he wouldn’t be a three-month rental before free agency, like Boras client Beltran.
That, plus the fact that the White Sox are in the other league instead of the same division of the same league, would seemingly make the Braves more inclined to part with one of their top pitching prospects, long as it wasn’t Julio Teheran or Arodys Vizcaino.
That’s assuming it would take that to pry him from the White Sox, who are only 3-1/2 games out of first place now in the AL Central parity division, but already have a Triple-A replacement for Quentin waiting in the wings.
The White Sox have been scouting the Braves’ minor league system, and the Braves had one of the top scouts, Dom Chiti, at Chicago’s recent series against Cleveland.
Quentin, 28, is making just over $5 million this season, so he’d be owed less than $2 million the rest of the way. With the year he’s having, he might boost his salary to more than $8 million through arbitration next year before he’s eligible for free agency after the 2012 season.
Now, the elephant in the room: Where would he play?
Quention has played right field in 84 games and DH’d in 11 this season, but played mostly left field in 2008 and 2009. (By the way, he hit .288 with a career-high 36 homers and 100 RBIs in ’08, and this season is shaping up as his best since then.)
Here’s how I figure that Braves officials might be thinking on this one, and why I think it makes a lot of sense if it’s the case. Jason Heyward has struggled in his second season, and really hasn’t shown much sign of breaking out and hitting like he did as a rookie.
So you get Quentin and pencil him in for right field for the rest of the season. But if Chipper has more problems and Prado has to move back to third base, Quentin can easily move over to left field. No, he’s not a defensive stalwart by any means, but he’s not Jonny Gomes, either. And you’re getting Quentin for his bat. He won’t cost you games in the outfield.
He’ll win you games at the plate.
Heyward is under contractual control for the next four seasons. The Braves would not be giving up on him, not by any stretch of the imagination, if they played him part-time or even if they sent him to Triple-A for a period this season.
Heyward has hit .200 with four homers and a .286 OBP in his past 52 games.
I don’t know if they’d actually send him to Triple-A, but who knows? This is about winning now, getting to the playoffs and trying to win a World Series. It’s too late in the season to worry about feelings and stepping on toes, don’t you think?
If the Braves get Quentin, struggling Heyward's playing time would presumably be reduced for the balance of this season.
There are quite a few corner outfielders available on the market, and the Braves can more easily add a quality right-handed bat there than center fielder.
After this season? Here’s why Quentin makes sense, too. Coming off the season he’s having, the Braves would have no problem trading him this winter if they decided to go that route. But if, for some reason, Chipper decides to call it a career after this season, well, the Braves already have the outfield corners and third base taken care of – move Prado to third, Quentin to left field.
He’s not the only outfielder the Braves are discussing, but he might be the most realistic in terms of what they’re willing to give up in a deal to get a potent right-handed bat, a legit offensive force who would change the complexion of their lineup.
BRAVES LINEUP
- McLouth CF
- Prado 3B
- Freeman 1B
- Uggla 2B
- Hinske LF
- Ross C
- Heyward RF
- Gonzalez SS
- Lowe RHP
♣ OK, had some more stuff about ascendant rookie Freddie Freeman and a Braves bullpen that’s pitched 18 scoreless innings in this series. But out of time. I’ll work that in somewhere later today.
Let’s close with an all-timer from The Boss, and two videos of him and the E Street Band doing it in performances a quarter-century apart. Check out young Springsteen by clicking here and the aging-but-still-killin’ version in 2009 by clicking here.
“CANDY’S ROOM” by Bruce Springsteen
In Candy’s room there are pictures of her heroes on the wall
but to get to Candy’s room you gotta walk the darkness of Candy’s hall
Strangers from the city call my baby’s number and they bring her toys
When I come knocking she smiles pretty she knows I wanna be Candy’s boy
There’s a sadness hidden in that pretty face
A sadness all her own from which no man can keep Candy safe
We kiss, my heart’s rushes to my brain
The blood rushes in my veins fire rushes towards the sky
We go driving driving deep into the night
I go driving deep into the light in Candy’s eyes
She says baby if you wanna be wild
you got a lot to learn, close your eyes
Let them melt, let them fire, let them burn
Cause in the darkness there’ll be hidden worlds that shine
When I hold Candy close she makes these hidden worlds mine
She has fancy clothes and diamond rings
She has men who give her anything she wants but they don’t see
That what she wants is me,
oh and I want her so
I’ll never let her go, no no no
She knows that I’d give
all that I got to give
All that I want all that I live
to make Candy mine
Tonight
-- David O’Brien, Braves/MIB blog
3,545 comments Add your comment
Mike
July 28th, 2011
3:45 pm
First?
Triggerhappy
July 28th, 2011
3:46 pm
Yes. Do it now.
BravesQueen
July 28th, 2011
3:47 pm
I can’t wait for sunday to arrive. Tired of all the rumors…I want some TRUTH!
The Bream Team
July 28th, 2011
3:48 pm
Ryan Ludwick is batting .174 over the last month. Why are we being rumored to acquire him?
Hillbilly
July 28th, 2011
3:49 pm
Dom Chiti <— Corleone soldier, right?
Will
July 28th, 2011
3:50 pm
Sounds good. Any talk of Upton?
Bobby Hill
July 28th, 2011
3:50 pm
I, and many others, have been sayng for week that teh easiest way to address CF is to acquire a RH CF who can platoon with either McLouth or Schafer.
But certainly Heyward’s struggles to hit and Chippers health complicate the matter. I don’t think the team can carry five outfielders plus Hinske. Lugo’s versatility makes Conrad kind or redundant, but he’s really the team’s best PH. Would you send Conrad down in order to carry five outfielders?
BravesQueen
July 28th, 2011
3:50 pm
Quentin’s bat sounds nice, but where is he gonna play? If we have everyone else healthy, we have too many players.
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
3:51 pm
Awesome new blog
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
3:51 pm
quentin would be interesting. what does that mean for heyward?
Chief Nock A Homa
July 28th, 2011
3:51 pm
DOB – What are your thoughts on a Quentin pick up as compared to trading for Ludwick??
Andrew in PA
July 28th, 2011
3:51 pm
Wasnt Uggla supposed to solve this mess? Another low avg high power righty. We need a change of pace CF like when Schafer is playing well you can see how he changes the offense.
archie
July 28th, 2011
3:51 pm
I get the feeling Frank Wren reads these columns and blogs by the “experts” and laughs his ass off. I see a curve ball coming.
The Bream Team
July 28th, 2011
3:51 pm
DOB, I never saw if you answered yesterday but do you agree, it’s harsh to blame Jerry Meals for a loss when your team didn’t score in the last 17 innings of a game?
fredo
July 28th, 2011
3:51 pm
Maybe this move would make J-Hey work harder instead of acting like he’s the annoited one. Lot of talent, not much grit.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
3:52 pm
Chipper is also 11 Plate Apperances away from 10,000.
BravesQueen
July 28th, 2011
3:52 pm
DOB —- Hearing anything on the much-needed bullpen help the Braves might be looking at? I can’t believe they would actually let the deadline pass by without getting someone. Thanks!
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
3:52 pm
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but that’s 999, right?” -DOB
Turn that upside down and it’s the number of the beast.
Shawn
July 28th, 2011
3:52 pm
DOB you are nuts if you want Heyward sent down or platooned.
bravos007
July 28th, 2011
3:53 pm
man i hate looking at team pitching stats and hearing those dumb giants and phillies fans. we would still be MILES ahead of them if it were not for the proctor meltdowns.
Brian from SC
July 28th, 2011
3:53 pm
Hideki Irabu dead…apparent suicide.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/28/hideki-irabu-dead-yankees-pitcher_n_912565.html
Tami
July 28th, 2011
3:53 pm
I’m liking the idea of a Quentin trade more and more as this day moves along. The only thing I’m worried about is who to give to CWS in return. Just as long as it’s NOT Teheran or Vizcaino. I’d hate to see Minor go, but it sounds like it would have to be him if the Braves are to get the OF that they so desperately need.
admiral
July 28th, 2011
3:53 pm
pull the trigger. make the trade. do it!
Just Wanna Say
July 28th, 2011
3:53 pm
I still feel bad for j hey. However, it might be necessary. Still not sure if is rather have quentin or pence. Pence obviously costs more.
Brandon T
July 28th, 2011
3:54 pm
We need a CF.
Tami
July 28th, 2011
3:54 pm
@Brian from SC: I know. So sad. It’s all over Twitter right now.
Cam Cam
July 28th, 2011
3:54 pm
I like where this is going. Injury issues with Q but then who doesn’t get hurt these days. Nice one DOB
The Bream Team
July 28th, 2011
3:54 pm
Last year, when we traded for Gonzalez, Frank Wren said, “We’re going for it”.
I’m still waiting to hear Wren say that this year, and I want to hear it.
chc4
July 28th, 2011
3:54 pm
Ludwick stinks. Willingham is a bandaid and likey won’t make much of a difference. Pence and Quentin are the two guys that could really help.
Herschel Talker
July 28th, 2011
3:54 pm
DOB:
While this trade makes sense, we really should have gotten the other Carlos.
HT
Cam Cam
July 28th, 2011
3:55 pm
Heyward isn’t producing. And doesn’t have a track record like Uggs does to justify leaving him in there to keep slumping. He could go to AAA for 2 weeks and get less pressured at bats and catch up to those fastballs again. He is missing fastballs down the middle at this point.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 28th, 2011
3:56 pm
Heck stick Heyward in Center. Let him use his god given athletic skills in CF. Schafer is nice but I like the explosiveness Heyward “could” give you.
camelot
July 28th, 2011
3:56 pm
Why not josh willingham? 13 hr/50 rbi isnt so bad hitting in a tough park, vs quentin who hits in a launching pad. Willingham 5 yrs in al east OPS ranged from .827-.863 a solid player. He’d cost only 2nd tier prospects like oberhertzler, pastornick, or cunningham. Plus get 2 draft picks since he’s a type A free agent.
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
3:56 pm
[Heyward has] Lot of talent, not much grit.
Somebody categorized this type of thing the other day as “Yunelization”. Pretty accurate, I’d say. It’s never just about the guy’s swing, not here.
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
3:56 pm
mlbbowman Mark Bowman
RHP Anthony Varvaro recalled from Gwinnett. Wilkin Ramirez optioned. Varvaro provides depth in taxed pen
Reid in EAV
July 28th, 2011
3:56 pm
YES. Make it happen!
Cecil Flowe
July 28th, 2011
3:56 pm
Makes no sense to me. We need a CF and we need a lead off hitter. We have to go get Michael Bourn. He fills both holes. Plus go back and look when the Braves were playing their best baseball, it is when Schafer was batting leadoff and getting on base which is exactly what Bourn does but is hitting 80 points higher. This seems like a no-brainer to me.
admiral
July 28th, 2011
3:57 pm
DOB, in my opinion, this is definitely worth giving up Mike Minor – but would you say the same about Delgado? As you said, I don’t think he’s worth Vizcaino or Teheran.
admiral
July 28th, 2011
3:57 pm
Cecil, we need a RIGHT HANDED bat. Badly. Bourn is a lefty.
Smitty
July 28th, 2011
3:57 pm
Here’s the list of players doing just as bad or far worse than Heyward at the plate this season.
Prado
Uggla
Schafer
Rameriz
Gonzo
McLouth
Singling out Heyward and not allowing him the time other guys got to recover or fix themselves is lunacy. Braves don’t deserve Heyward if they burn him like this.
Newbomb Turk
July 28th, 2011
3:58 pm
DOB…what’s it gonna take to get him?
Reid in EAV
July 28th, 2011
3:58 pm
Quentin to Braves, Minor and PTBNL to White Sox. Works for me!
The Grinch
July 28th, 2011
3:58 pm
Why are some of y’all asking where he’s gonna play? Did David not address that in the column? I love Heyward and think he’s gonna be great one day but right now he’s not helping us get to the post season.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
3:58 pm
heyward is awful will never be a good hitter in the mlb
Nick
July 28th, 2011
3:59 pm
We need Quentin AND a CF.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 28th, 2011
3:59 pm
Joe Madden in TB stuck Longoria in the leadoff sport earlier this year just to mix it up. Have Longoria have a little different perspective up at bat. Heyward might could benefit from some outside the box thinking. Put in in CF and bat him leadoff. He has the eye, takes pitches, and provides some pop at the spot. Ya never know…
Law Dawg
July 28th, 2011
3:59 pm
Any chance we could move Prado to short?
admiral
July 28th, 2011
3:59 pm
Why has it always been out of the question for J-Hay to play center?
mike
July 28th, 2011
3:59 pm
Wren needs to do this. I like this more than the Pence deal…primarily because it seems the amount of talent that it would necessitate. Also, Quentin is coming from Chicago which is a legit market whereas Pence coming from Houston makes me worry about how he will adjust being with a contending team.
Let’s get it done, Frank!
MWC
July 28th, 2011
3:59 pm
DOB is da best ! Great job. That being said, lets make this happen NOW !
BravesQueen
July 28th, 2011
3:59 pm
So Wren’s answer to bullpen help is to call up Varvaro?
I’d rather have gotten someone like Uehara.
Linebrink for Cy
July 28th, 2011
3:59 pm
Reading a bit on Irabu, that guy apparently had a troubled life after getting out of baseball. Always sad when those actions lead up to something drastic like this..
TexasBrave
July 28th, 2011
4:00 pm
Not complaining DOB, but that has to be the shortest blog in the five plus years I have been following this blog. Things must really be happening for you to purposely cut it so short with three hours to go before game time.
Keep up the good work!!
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
4:00 pm
Uggla has solved the “mess.”
Alas, Gonzalez, McLouth, and Heyward have dramatically underproduced their career numbers. Prado and Chipper have produced sporadically due to injuries.
McCann/Ross and Freeman have been the only line-up mainstays.
Schafer, Ramirez, Lugo, Mather, Young, Hernandez, Hicks and every other scrub the Braves have thrown out there to fill in have been extremely scrub-like. Schafer’s the only scrub that has shown a hope of improvement.
Herschel Talker
July 28th, 2011
4:00 pm
Cecil Flowe:
Good points. But Bourn having played in Houston worries me. Could be McLouth all over again. Quentin is proven in a big city with rabid fans.
HT
Bobby Hill
July 28th, 2011
4:00 pm
In the long term Heyward would probably benefit from a little trip down Humility Road via Gwinette.
Cam Cam
July 28th, 2011
4:00 pm
I love this time of year.
Fan in NOVA
July 28th, 2011
4:00 pm
Agon’s stats when we got him last year:
259 BA 17 HR 50 RBI 497 SLG
Reid in EAV
July 28th, 2011
4:00 pm
Heck, we’d have a surplus of OF if we got Quentin. Ship out McLouth too, if they’ll take him.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:00 pm
I will completely turn my back on this team if Fredi and Wren decide to bench Heyward for Quentin. That is unbelievable.
If we had anyone in this organization who knew anything about hitting, (besides Chipper Jones), they would be able to tell Heyward has made a huge step forward by fixing his stance.
THIS IS BULLSH1T
Nick
July 28th, 2011
4:01 pm
A quick summary of the article: RBI RBI RBI
If you actually advocate demoting Heyward, you either don’t watch baseball or you have jumped on with the witch hunt of anti-SABR fools. Heyward has been very solid since the ASG. Our problem in the outfield is CF, period. We don’t need a COF, and it’d be pretty stupid of us to give up minor/Delgado/viz/Teheran for a position we might not even need NEXT year.
Cecil Flowe
July 28th, 2011
4:01 pm
@admiral – Why do we needed a right handed bat? We have 1.Prado 2.Chipper3.Uggla4.Gonzo, who says a right handed bat is going to make a huge difference. All we need is Uggla to keep hitting at the same rate and we will be fine.
MICHAEL BOURN in CF
billmaier
July 28th, 2011
4:01 pm
after ramirez leaving 5 men on last night stiking out on a 3-`1 pitch at his eyes 2cd and third no one out- get it done we have to have a righhanded bat in this line up and minor is behind medlen, theran and probly viziciano for a starter next year and in the future- why not?
Justin
July 28th, 2011
4:02 pm
Go get him!!
tckr83
July 28th, 2011
4:02 pm
The pitching is there, get the offense on the same level… hopefully, Carlos won’t be the next in a line of acquired players (expected starters) to struggle offensively in Atlanta. Some competition might be exactly what Jason Heyward needs to get his fanny in gear… let’s hope so. Get it done Wren.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
4:03 pm
But who’s going to play DE?
whoops wrong blog
Nick
July 28th, 2011
4:03 pm
Cecil, Gonzo doesn’t count as a RH bat, he’s terrible, to be generous, at the plate.
BravesQueen
July 28th, 2011
4:03 pm
The Grinch
July 28th, 2011
3:58 pm
Why are some of y’all asking where he’s gonna play? Did David not address that in the column? I love Heyward and think he’s gonna be great one day but right now he’s not helping us get to the post season.
While I agree with you that Heyward is not living up to his potential, I do not think the “answer” lies in benching/sending him down to AAA. If the Braves get Quentin, the message that sends to Jason will be the wrong one.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
4:03 pm
I will completely turn my back on this team if Fredi and Wren decide to bench Heyward for Quentin. That is unbelievable.
If we had anyone in this organization who knew anything about hitting, (besides Chipper Jones), they would be able to tell Heyward has made a huge step forward by fixing his stance.
THIS IS BULLSH1T
YOU ARE KIDDING RIGHT!!!!! HE SUX!!!!
Linebrink for Cy
July 28th, 2011
4:04 pm
About Quentin, if wonder if Wren would be able to mix some sort of “ingredients” together and get Quentin + a bullpen guy out of it? There’s no doubt Fredi would still like to give members of the O’Venterbel trio more than just a days rest when possible.
admiral
July 28th, 2011
4:04 pm
@Cecil – look at our team numbers against lefties. They’re laughable. Look, I would love Michael Bourn to be a Brave, don’t get me wrong.But not one of those players you listed is hitting like they’re capable of (though Uggla is coming around and I believe Prado will soon enough). Are you telling me that in the NLCS against lefties Hamels and Lee, you’re going to feel confident with THOSE four RH bats?
Got an idea
July 28th, 2011
4:04 pm
PLATOON CHIPPER. When we face left handed pitching we can start Chipper at 3rd. Move Prado to left and move Carlos over to right with J-Hey on the bench. Otherwise Carlos play left with J-Hey in right with Prado at 3rd and Chipper on the bench. He can’t stay healthy to be playing everyday!
StingerSplash
July 28th, 2011
4:04 pm
Damn. “Candy’s Room” kicks (backside). Maybe my favorite song on “Darkness.” Much obliged, DOB.
Just for that, I’ll reload some Billy Joe Shaver I had on the iPod driving to work this morning.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 28th, 2011
4:04 pm
Heyward in CF-batting leadoff. I would damn sure try it if they acquire CQ!
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
4:04 pm
I love the correlation instead of causation argument. Braves started clicking when Schafer started leading off. Do you think it might have had something to do with Freeman going comatose and Uggla starting to hit?
kwajbraves
July 28th, 2011
4:05 pm
2-1 DBacks. Guzman solo HR.
vermont 39
July 28th, 2011
4:05 pm
Heyward could use a refresher course in AAA
Cecil Flowe
July 28th, 2011
4:05 pm
I dont care if Gonzo can hit, Just keep playing good Def! The one thing Gonzo has going for him is that he is clutch. Ill take good Def, and some clutch hits down the stretch.
I guarantee if we add MICHAEL BOURN in CF and one power RHP in the pen we win a WS!
tckr83
July 28th, 2011
4:06 pm
Why couldn’t Heyward play center if quentin is acquired? He can cover acres in the outfield and has a cannon for an arm…
The Dude Abides
July 28th, 2011
4:07 pm
I think Wren is trying to pry Alexei Ramirez in addition to Quentin, would give the Braves a good SS for the future. I’m all for sticking Heyward in CF. If you send him to AAA he’s just going to be hitting .400 there and we’d call him back up immediately.
Cecil Flowe
July 28th, 2011
4:07 pm
@admiral look at our records against Lee and Hamels this year! We’ve only lost 1 tim when they have pitched!
DAM
July 28th, 2011
4:07 pm
I’ve been in favor of Quentin all along. I talked with my buddy one night almost a month ago about why we should be focusing on him instead of Pence, Beltran, etc.
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
4:07 pm
McLouth never hit 40 homers in a year. Upton did.,,,Weezle
say what? that must have been a great dream you were having.
Upton hit 24 homers once- his next highest total was 18., Nate hit 26 once- his next highest was 20. where in the world did you get 40 from?
Randy J.
July 28th, 2011
4:07 pm
get him now, i hope FW read this blog
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:07 pm
How is it that Wren doesn’t see how Michael Bourn would be the best option? Instead were talking about benching or sending down Heyward? Our supposed future franchise player?
Do we really not think Heyward could hit .250 the rest of the way? Thats all Quentin would do. He’s a career .250 hitter. I absolutely love this team. I follow EVERYTHING they do. Its almost sad, really. But if they bench Heyward for Quentin, Ill be rooting against them. Thats hard to say and I probably don’t even mean it, but it will seriously anger me enough to at least not attend anymore games this season.
Cant wait till the Braves realize what a moron Fredi Gonzalez is and get someone new.
Riley
July 28th, 2011
4:08 pm
Schafer has improved. Look at his last ten days (including while he was hurt): .296 average. He has his OBP up to .307. Getting Quentin to put into right or left when Prado goes to third would significantly improve this team, especially if it only took someone like Hoover and another prospect like Zeke. It would also take away our fear of acquiring a power bat for next year in the outfield if Chipper does decide to hang it up. If we did have to give up a big prospect, Delgado is the way to go for me.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
4:08 pm
For all you wondering what Quentin will cost, I heard we offered them Minor, Oberholtzer, and Bethancourt for Quentin and Frasor. Pretty good deal if you ask me. I’d still rather have Bourn but Quentin is the best slugger still on the market (if ethier isn’t going anywhere…).
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 28th, 2011
4:08 pm
Bourn? The Braves have like, 40 singles this series. They need a guy who can drive the ball. Extra base hits, power bat. Bourn is not the answer.
Elizabeth
July 28th, 2011
4:08 pm
DOB is this the way you feel about Heyward or the Braves? You are going hard with the articles about Heyward. Glad you are not Frank Wren.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
4:09 pm
IF YOU THINK HEYWARD IS GETTING BETTER AT THE PLATE YOUR A MORON DENNIS!!!!!!!
Clay
July 28th, 2011
4:09 pm
I don’t like the idea of benching Heyward. I understand he’s been bad but I think we need him to make a run at this thing. Two options: (1) put him in CF – they’ve certainly talked about it before. As rough a stretch as he’s had, you can’t honestly say that Schafer or McLouth are preferred options in the lineup; or (2) if CF is not feasible, why not try out Prado at SS? I know A-Gon’s defense has been great, but he is a lost cause at the plate. Put Quentin in LF and move Prado to SS. If Chipper gets hurt, A-Gon can come back in. I’m not oblivious to the defensive issues here, but Heyward and Prado are both solid defensive-skill guys who could make the transition. Try it out anyway.
admiral
July 28th, 2011
4:09 pm
That’s a fair point, Cecil. But we still have some of the worst numbers in the league against Lefties in general – and this wild card is not a forgone conclusion yet. I shouldn’t have used the Phillies/NLCS example, because we have to get there first….
avery
July 28th, 2011
4:09 pm
I think braves know they are making a trade right now… because they send down an OF… I know they need some pitcher depth, but why not do that yesterday after the 19 inning game… we only played one extra inning last night…
They will announce tonight that they have made a trade for an OF… i dont know who… and then tomorrow they send this RP back down… or cut proctor…
Oh yeah… Heyward can not play center no matter what they say about how good he is… he has range but does not pick up the ball well going back to the fence…
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:09 pm
Another thing. Are you telling me they would consider benching/demoting their future franchise player but still keep Alex Gonzalez around?
F this organization.
Bobby Hill
July 28th, 2011
4:09 pm
If Wren was going to acquire a corner outfielder, why didn’t he do it a few weeks ago when Chipper went on the DL?
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
4:09 pm
The one thing Gonzo has going for him is that he is clutch.
Excuse me, can someone direct me back to my own universe?
Randy J.
July 28th, 2011
4:09 pm
Bourn, Pence, Upton or Quentin are the only ones who makes sense to the Braves.
BravesQueen
July 28th, 2011
4:09 pm
They have already said they are not moving Heyward to CF. Do you people not read?
Justin
July 28th, 2011
4:09 pm
Heyward has been just as valuable this year as Martin Prado, yet no one wants to replace or platoon Martin. Why are they seen in two different lights.
LuisG
July 28th, 2011
4:10 pm
So, what’s the word on Chipper?
Linebrink for Cy
July 28th, 2011
4:10 pm
I think DOB made reference to any message it might send to Jason
“It’s too late in the season to worry about feelings and stepping on toes, don’t you think?”
And really, they haven’t got Quentin yet. While Quentin is more than just rumors everything about Jason going anywhere is nothing but pure speculation. Fredi is the manager, DOB is just giving his personal opinion on matters, Fredi is the one that will decide (if they get him) where he’ll play. Maybe he’ll play left, or center, or right field. Heck maybe Fredi will put him in at 3rd or even Shortstop in place of Alex from time to time.
admiral
July 28th, 2011
4:10 pm
@Braves Queen, I’ve read that – what I’m saying is that I’ve never really seen an explanation as to why not…
No, No, No
July 28th, 2011
4:10 pm
BRAVES do not deserve Heyward. He needs to be playing, everyday, to overcome his sophomore slump. Quentin is a nice piece but at the expense of young Heyward. Terrible idea if true.
JT Grace
July 28th, 2011
4:10 pm
Carlos Quentin is an excellent player but he makes no sense for this team unless Heyward is moved to CF. I just don’t see sending Heyward to the minors and keeping Schafer on the major league roster (when he is healthy). In case no one has noticed, Jordan Schafer is terrible and the team already has to carry that slug at SS on the major league roster.
By the way, if the Braves are trading a young controllable pitcher then why not trade him for a young controllable hitter like Dayan Viciedo. He isn’t a CF either but he, like Mike Minor, has 6 years of team control left.
Richham
July 28th, 2011
4:10 pm
I don’t know why the Braves aren’t thinking outside of the box. The Orioles stink, big time and they are in a bruiser division.
A. Jones anyone? A.Vizcaino and J. Heyward?
Nick
July 28th, 2011
4:11 pm
CF Bourn LF Prado 3B Chipper RF Quentin 1B Freeman 2B Uggla C Ross SS Pastornicky
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 28th, 2011
4:11 pm
Braves Queen-
Nope sure dont. I just voice my OPINION.
Chief Nock A Homa
July 28th, 2011
4:11 pm
Although Quentin makes good sense as a RH bat, a Bourn pickup would just be another angle to getting us to the ultimate goal…
It doesn’t matter if we get a RH or LH bat… We just need someone who can hit – either getting on base with some speed, or who can hit decent average and hit some out…
Bourn would be just as good a pick-up… Maybe even better… We become a little more of a speed team with him and Schafer…
Whoop
July 28th, 2011
4:11 pm
I would lose the little respect I have left for this organization if they demote Heyward while the likes of Schafer is still in the lineup.
It makes absolutely no sense that they have no trouble sticking with the rest of these scrubs, but are willing to give up on Heyward at the first sign of trouble.
No, No, No
July 28th, 2011
4:11 pm
Why not trade Prado? He is having the same season as Heyward, right?
O'Brien's Brain
July 28th, 2011
4:12 pm
Love the tune from Bruce. Always on my top ten list of songs from the Boss.
Now you have me listening to another top 10 song from the list
Incident On 57th Street.
Let’s all hope w\the Braves now go out and get Carlos.
by the way, I contend that the Boss would not have gained popularity and label attention
without the influence of David Sancious . That man help give the sound to all the early
operatic songs from Bruce.
avery
July 28th, 2011
4:13 pm
theo williams… where do you get that they made that offer for quentin and frasor…? that seems like we are getting a lot in return.. seems like we would have to overpay since they dont HAVE to get rid of him and are only 3.5 out… they wont just give up on the season
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:13 pm
sweet ga peach-
You are like most Braves fans in here. They really don’t know the fundamentals of the game and have probably never played. You see the lack of results from your TV but really don’t pay attn. to much else.
Im not even going to begin to break down Heywards swing and how its improved because it’d be over your head, but know this- Heyward is swinging the bat well and seeing the ball finally. Once he starts seeing some results, you’ll be like all the rest of the fair-weather fans who really don’t know anything about the game and jump back on his bandwagon. God, I wish I was a Boston fan sometimes. Those fans know the game inside and out.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
4:13 pm
F this organization.
Then find another teams blog to spray your douchejuice on….BYE BYE
marietta mustard
July 28th, 2011
4:13 pm
good trade for the bat but sending heyward down, or even platooning him is not the right move. im still pissed we didnt go after rasmus, he could have been our CF of the present AND future. its not too late for bourn, and possibly upton. that is what we need.
Fan in NOVA
July 28th, 2011
4:13 pm
What does it say that we would trade Minor for this guy and not Beltran? Extra year means nothing given that we will mostly likely have to get rid of somebody to cover salary?
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
4:14 pm
DENNIS
DaveinNEPA
July 28th, 2011
4:14 pm
The fly in the ointment for me with Quentin is that the White Sox are only 3-4 games off the pace in their division.
In what parallel universe would they trade a guy like Quentin when they are still in the race?????????
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:14 pm
WHOOP-
ABSOLUTELY!!
Glenn
July 28th, 2011
4:14 pm
Chipper cannot stay healthy at this stage, Heyward needs to think about adjusting his swing, he locks himself up too often, and rarely has a fluid swing. Gonzolez is an out looking for a pitcher. Uggla seems to have recovered. We have to make a trade to take some pressure off the pitching staff.
Paul
July 28th, 2011
4:15 pm
I dont know, would a benching of Heyward , or sending him down be bad for the young kid?
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
4:15 pm
DENNIS EVEN IF HE HITS I WOULD HOPE THE BRAVES TRADE HIM FOR BETTER TALENT. THE BEST HE WILL EVER BE IS A 250 HITTER
Sweet Old Buck
July 28th, 2011
4:15 pm
Love the possibility. I’d give up any of our four “untouchable” young arms except Teheran for him. Yes! Vizcaino, Delgado or Minor. Bring this guy in here. Too much good not to do it.
Snotboogie
July 28th, 2011
4:15 pm
mlbbowman Mark Bowman
RHP Anthony Varvaro recalled from Gwinnett. Wilkin Ramirez optioned. Varvaro provides depth in taxed pen
This would have to mean that Chipper is good to go today or tomorrow – else we are going to be thin on OFs – Prado,McLouth, Heyward and Hinske. Or would have to start Prado at LF and rely on Lugo and Brooks to cover 3rd.
Whoop
July 28th, 2011
4:15 pm
Heyward needs to learn humility? Where in the hell is all of this crap coming from?
Now I hope the Braves do trade Heyward, for his sake. He’s about to go through the same BS that Yunel Escobar went through. He doesn’t deserve this at all, and I’m looking forward to seeing him on a much better franchise
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
4:15 pm
Richham
Did you just suggest A. Jones for A.Vizcaino and J. Heyward? If so that might win the award for stupid trade idea of the day!!
Steve
July 28th, 2011
4:15 pm
A free swinging corner outfielder that sucks defenively. I don’t understand how he makes sense for us. Not buying it. I really hope this doesn’t go down. Get us BOURN.
Bob
July 28th, 2011
4:15 pm
Could Mr. Wren be considering trading Jason Heyward?
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
4:16 pm
Just Wanna Say
July 28th, 2011
3:53 pm
“I still feel bad for j hey. However, it might be necessary. Still not sure if is rather have quentin or pence. Pence obviously costs more.”
I could be a blessing in disguise. Maybe some time on the bench or in AAA will give him extra motivation to fix whatever is wrong with him at the plate.
Herschel Talker
July 28th, 2011
4:16 pm
“But if, for some reason, Chipper decides to call it a career after this season”
For some reason? Here are some, take your pick:
He’s old
He’s gimpy
He misses every other game
His salary is an impediment to team success
longislandbravesfan
July 28th, 2011
4:16 pm
I would still prefer Pence – hits for better average – much faster – better overall player – we need the best player possible to compete in this tough NL(philly,SF)
faninva
July 28th, 2011
4:16 pm
Why not trade Prado? He is having the same season as Heyward, right?
all except batting almost 50 points higher than jhey and half as many strikeouts – plus he can play “take me out to the ballgame” on the organ.
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
4:16 pm
In what parallel universe would they trade a guy like Quentin when they are still in the race?
a thought upon which I have noodled, my own self. Kenny has been known to raise the white flag and never look back, but even so…
Trojan
July 28th, 2011
4:17 pm
Getting Bourn in CF would solve so many problems now and in the future. Let’s get Quentin and Borne and let Heyward go to the minors and get straightened out.
hairydawg
July 28th, 2011
4:17 pm
Most of their singles come befor Gonzo comes to bat though which means a double play, pop up, or a strike out. Bourne can make one of those singles a triple and maybe we can get him in before Gonzo comes to bat.
I say get Quentin, send Heyward down until the call up in September and if he gets going let Prado become the Super Utility guy he really is, I mean does anybody really think we’re going to get much from Chipper. He’s all but done. Play him when you can but keep Prado ready to fill in. I would rather have Pence who has hit NL pitching and won’t have to learn the pitchers like Quentin, but he may cost too much in Wrens eyes.
admiral
July 28th, 2011
4:17 pm
DaveinNEPA – I wondered the same, which means it must be Minor at the center of the deal, someone who can pitch in the majors now. There’s no way they would trade an everyday player for a minor leaguer while they’re contention, would they?
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
4:17 pm
BOB I HOPE SO
FlyOnTheWall
July 28th, 2011
4:17 pm
Heyward can’t play CF…he can barely play RF… JS and McLouth cover most of RF for him….who catches the ball if the CF can get to it too…sure isn’t Heyward. And whoever said Heyward is hitting better than Prado isn’t watching the same games I am.
Do the deal…we need a power bat now!
Whoop
July 28th, 2011
4:18 pm
I know people like to treat Prado as some kind of god, but he’s sucked as much as anyone else on the team
hairydawg
July 28th, 2011
4:18 pm
Maybe we should even go ahead and start easing Heyward into CF, thats what he should play anyway.
Furman Bitcher
July 28th, 2011
4:18 pm
BRING HIM OR BOURNE ON.
Snotboogie
July 28th, 2011
4:18 pm
Where is everyone getting this “Heyward isnt humble” thing? Is it because he doesnt smile often, because from everything I’ve read so far it seems like Freeman and Heyward are great guys – confident in their abilities but grounded. If you dont like his production say so and stop right there.
bravesgrl4lifeeee
July 28th, 2011
4:18 pm
I don’t want to bench Heyward, but he does need some time to get going again, and in the stretch, the Braves don’t have the luxury of letting him do more “on the job training” in the Bigs.
With Wilkin Ramirez being sent down today, anybody think the deal’s already done? Wilkin was bad out in right last night. Just bad, bad, bad.
semiballcoach
July 28th, 2011
4:18 pm
you can’t compare heyward and shafer…..corner guys are supposed to provide offense, the middle of the field is for strong defense, a team can carry a middle infielderor CF who is struggling offfensively as long as they are not making errors….the braves were winning consistently with their strong up the middle defense….shafer would have had the ball that split prado and mcclouth in last nights game….heyward has been struggling offensively and defensively, rightfield is not his birthright, if the braves can get aa
The Dude Abides
July 28th, 2011
4:18 pm
We are not going to trade Heyward, get that sh*t outta your mind. The dudes only 21 years old, let him adjust.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:19 pm
Im not one to brag about things, especially on a blog site where your anonymous and could be some 50 year old loser in his mom’s basement. But I know hitting. I have watched (sadly) pretty much every at-bat Heyward has had since he’s been up. He’s tucking his front shoulder and staying on the ball now. His stance is MUCH more balanced now and he’s about to get really hot.
You know, I want to Braves to go all the way more than anyone in here, but in a way, it wouldn’t be a good thing. How embarrassing will it be if we win the World Series and next season we still only have 20,000 ppl showing up to games? Very. And that would be exactly what would happen.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
4:19 pm
Since the Sox are still in it is there a small chance that McLouth may go to the Sox with a prospect or two for Quentin?
Linebrink for Cy
July 28th, 2011
4:19 pm
“What does it say that we would trade Minor for this guy and not Beltran?”
It means Wren was treading carefully about trading a top prospect to a division rival for a rental.
BravesQueen
July 28th, 2011
4:19 pm
Jones still not in lineup tonight:
#Braves lineup: 1. McLouth cf, 2. Prado 3b, 3. Freeman 1b, 4. Uggla 2b, 5. Hinske lf, 6. Ross c, 7. Heyward rf, 8. Gonzalez ss, 9. Lowe p
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
4:20 pm
DENNIS YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!!!
Furman Bitcher
July 28th, 2011
4:20 pm
Shuddduup Whoop, Prado has played a heck of a lot better that Heyward
Furman Bitcher
July 28th, 2011
4:21 pm
Dennis for batting coach
semiballcoach
July 28th, 2011
4:21 pm
freeman has made adjustments all year, game to game and even pitch-to-pitch….heyward hasn’t, or doesn’t appear to have
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:21 pm
sweet ga peach-
Do you enjoy “Cotton-Eyed Joe” when you go to games at Turner Field?
Whoop
July 28th, 2011
4:21 pm
Please, Prado has sucked as much as anyone. If Heyward’s 2010 year was a fluke, Prado’s sure as hell was too.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
4:22 pm
Geez….. the morons are out early today!!
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
4:22 pm
Here’s what I’m thinking….
Wren will go in house for BP help (i.e. Varvaro) and Ramirez being sent down could imply Wren is gonna get Quentin and then Proctor will be DFA’ed when he comes.
Furman Bitcher
July 28th, 2011
4:22 pm
Come on he is hitting .270 and has slumped a little since coming back.
mountain_jim
July 28th, 2011
4:23 pm
I can’t believe all the Heyward sniffing in here. He has sucked the whole year and has done little to nothing to fix the problems with his swing. And he seems unconcerned about how far he has regressed. Maybe benching him or sending him down would wake him up and give him a kick in the arse – he appears to need one!
Benching him against lefties was a good start.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
4:23 pm
HEYWARD=FRANCOUER
FREEMAN=MCCANN
COMPRENDE DENNIS THE IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rafael
July 28th, 2011
4:23 pm
David,
EXCELLENT article and sports journalism.
You give us HOPE. I just hope Frank Wren doesn’t pull the ole “bait and switch” like the CUBS did for years to their fans. That is, telling us he is trying to acquire Carlos Quentin or Hunter Pence (with no intention of trading for either), and then trading for TOTAL bargain-basement BUMS like Ryan Ludwick or Josh Willingham.
Frank Wren, this is your CHANCE to gain the admiration and RESPECT of Braves nation. Do NOT blow it. Anything other than Pence, Quentin, or BJ Upton will be disaster.
BravesQueen
July 28th, 2011
4:24 pm
and then Proctor will be DFA’ed when he comes.
Gosh, I hope at least this part is correct, if nothing else.
hairydawg
July 28th, 2011
4:24 pm
Prado is a fine number 2 hitter and I think he’s overrated as a hitter(and especially as a baserunner after last night) but he is a motivator for the team and there’s something to be said for having that kind of guy on your team. But McClouth and Schafer haven’t really provided much of anything. If we could get Bourne and a Quentin/Pence then great but the price might be too high for both.
alanfalcon
July 28th, 2011
4:24 pm
Anyone on this blog that can’t see that Heyward is not a gold glove outfielder and needs lots of help this season with the bat is putting potential in front of capability, the potential comes down the road when he wakes up and doesn’t have all the answers (remember Francour).
Gee’s, some of you must like to read what you write !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jerry Blooger
July 28th, 2011
4:24 pm
I thought Freeman was the future of the franchise
Snotboogie
July 28th, 2011
4:24 pm
With Wilkin Ramirez being sent down today, anybody think the deal’s already done? Wilkin was bad out in right last night. Just bad, bad, bad.
The next 4 games are started by RHP. So Heyward will be expected to start in RF for all of them.
It's out of here.....
July 28th, 2011
4:25 pm
Quentin is the best option of him or Pense, Bourne or even Beltran.
GET HIM NOW!
It’s a must not an option.
TomTomClub
July 28th, 2011
4:25 pm
Light of the world, shine on me, BOURN is the answer!!!!! Cecil Flowe is on to something!!!!! Go Braves!
Heisenberg
July 28th, 2011
4:25 pm
The Quentin plan sounds reasonable as to where he would play. The reality is J-Hey would still get plenty of playing time considering the likelyhood of injuries. But I would prefer Marlin Byrd first, then Quentin.
But it does create intersting possibilities on who is the odd man out when a deal is made. There are only 5 backup positions and 3 (catcher, SS, & Hinske) are locks. So it would come down to J-Hey, Nate, or Conrad unless Braves keep 6 backups and go with a smaller bullpen which would be dumb and not very likely.
And after watching Lugo last night, it made me wish for AGon to get back in the lineup. Gotta carry a backup SS but this is not working. Can we get one of the AAAA guys up here and see if Arizona is desparate enough for a SS they would take Lugo?
Arkansas Transplant
July 28th, 2011
4:25 pm
Beachy, Delgado, Hoover and Cummingham for Ubaldo Jimenez and Betancourt.
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
4:26 pm
Well… if we do get Quentin Big Red will be happy. Man he destroyed Hanson last season.
Snotboogie
July 28th, 2011
4:27 pm
Since the Sox are still in it is there a small chance that McLouth may go to the Sox with a prospect or two for Quentin?
W.Ramirez just got sent down. Who plays CF then, because he cant be brought back up unless there is an injury.
TampaDAWG
July 28th, 2011
4:27 pm
Heyward has struggled but will get it together. Plain and simple we need a Center fielder. Michael Bourn is a perfect fit and if it takes Mike Minor so be it. Remember he was supposed to be in the rotation this year but Beachy beat him out, along with our 3 other studs coming up and Medlan due back we could part with him and it wont hurt. Like it was stated in the article above, its easier to find a corner outfielder so if Chipper does retire at the end of the season then we go get the corner outfielder. Despite Heywards struggles Center field and a lead off hitter are more pressing and Bourn takes care of both of those, plus he leads the league in steals.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
4:27 pm
sweet georgia peach
It’s still way too early for the McCann / Frenchy comparisons to Heyward / Freeman.
Astro Joe
July 28th, 2011
4:27 pm
Quentin hits lefties very well (unlike Beltran). But why would the CWS trade him when they are within striking distance of the post-season?
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
4:27 pm
ARKANSAS YOU RELATED TO DENNIS BECAUSE YOUR AN IDIOT TOO YEAH WE NEED MORE PITCHING THATS WHAT WE NEED WOW WHAT A MORON
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:27 pm
DOB
You have lost a considerable about of respect and credibility from me today. As much baseball as you watch, I would think you would catch onto the little things like what kind of ABs players are putting up and how they’re approaches change throughout the year. If you actually agree with benching Heyward for Quentin, you don’t understand the game as much as I thought you did.
OPEN YOUR EYES.
YE19
July 28th, 2011
4:28 pm
Whoop 4:21 pm – “Please, Prado has sucked as much as anyone. If Heyward’s 2010 year was a fluke, Prado’s sure as hell was too.”
Have you looked at Prado’s career numbers, in MLB and minors? 2010 was no fluke. Great season, but no fluke. Get a grip.
choozer
July 28th, 2011
4:28 pm
abeeeewright, yeah-you-right!
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
4:28 pm
Why not do a deal of….
Minor/Bethancourt/Brett O or Gearrin/Alex Gonzalez for Quentin/Ramirez, possibly add Frasor, if not then in house will probably be BP help.
Piedmont Blues
July 28th, 2011
4:28 pm
Herschel Talker,
RE: The other Carlos. NY beat writer Joel Sherman hinted that Beltran wanted to play for SF, Philthy, or the Mets. No one else. http://www.nypost.com/p/sports/mets/july_trades_equal_an_amazin_victory_j751GF3ZfPpb7Oz3C9dHJL
bravesgrl4lifeeee
July 28th, 2011
4:29 pm
Prado was not a fluke in 2010. He is still pretty fresh back from a dang staph infection. Those things affect more than just the flesh they immediately infect. I want to see him do better, of course, but I really think he’s still recovering.
RC
July 28th, 2011
4:30 pm
.237/.326/.449
.222/.311/.404
The second line are Jason Heyward’s avg/obp/slug for just this season.
The first line are Carlos Quentin’s CAREER road splits. He could easily be an upgrade, and he does hit LHP well. But his upside is pretty limited at this point, and he gets a HUGE boost from his home ballpark, which is quite a bit smaller than the Ted.
(In case anyone was wondering, Quentin’s numbers at home are .270/.370/.535. If we were getting those numbers I’d make the trade in a second.)
Prospect Lover
July 28th, 2011
4:30 pm
The people who want us to make a move for this year need to understand that one piece this year doesn’t turn this roster into 2011 World Series favorites. While this team may be close, we aren’t there yet. We’re trending in the right direction. It would be better to remain status quo than to do anything that will disrupt that trend when thinking about 2011 and 2011 alone.
Moving some of the pitching will be a better idea in the off-season when you aren’t focused just on the next three months.
There’s more to being a winning baseball team than that one season that you’re currently in, and the long-term goal and long-term talent in the minor leagues means more to the Braves than it does for some of these other teams that are competing for the same thing this year. We’re operating on a budget around $75 million less than that of the Philadelphia Phillies. We can’t just patch a hole and then be left with no organizational depth. We can’t go out and sign someone like a Cliff Lee after you trade your pitching prospects away the deadline before.
The Bream Team
July 28th, 2011
4:30 pm
I think Turner Field should add a Varsity to the concourse
bravesgrl4lifeeee
July 28th, 2011
4:30 pm
I’m sure, Dennis, that DOB really cares
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
4:31 pm
Lowcountry, a single usually knocks in 2 runs when you have runners on 2nd and 3rd. That’s something no one on the Braves have been able to do.
Mike
July 28th, 2011
4:31 pm
I hear what you are saying … but what is Alex Gonzalez being overlooked? This dude is a guaranteed double play in a scoring situation. At least Heyward is a threat which is why teams pitch him so darn tough.
If we can get a bat at shortstop with above average defense, I would take that over getting an outfielder who hits with a little more average than heyward, but doesn’t possess the speed which would essentially slow down an already slow team.
I say Alex should be on the block over trying getting heyward out of the lineup. We were patient with Uggla … let’s be patient with Heyward. We already know what we are getting with Gonzalez and that’s great defense and a double play ground out on offense.
Arkansas Transplant
July 28th, 2011
4:31 pm
sweet georgia peach, how about going back down to the basement.. tell your mother to fix your snack. Once you mature a little and can form knowledgeable sentences.. then you can come back to the blog and throw your 2 cents in.
Scoop
July 28th, 2011
4:31 pm
Great analysis DOB and I agree.
Heyward just isn’t getting it done and it’s about the team. I really like the flexibility that he affords us too with Prado being able to play third. BUT I WOULD NOT SEND HIM DOWN.
Heyward is too popular of a player, whether he’s struggling/injured or not, he can still help us I think.
mountain_jim
July 28th, 2011
4:32 pm
ROFL at above Dennis Reynolds 4:27 post
faninva
July 28th, 2011
4:32 pm
Please, Prado has sucked as much as anyone. If Heyward’s 2010 year was a fluke, Prado’s sure as hell was too.
and a fluke in 2009 when he batted .307
and a fluke in 2008 when he batted .320
and since becoming a major league player, a .300 career average.
RC
July 28th, 2011
4:32 pm
RE: The other Carlos. NY beat writer Joel Sherman hinted that Beltran wanted to play for SF, Philthy, or the Mets. No one else.
This is not that suprising. Boras is VERY adept at getting his players moved to situations that are beneficial for the player, to the disgust of many media members and fans. I don’t like that he’s able to do that, but NY was the one that agreed to a no-trade clause, so Boras was simply doing his job in having his client leverage that to be moved to the best situation for him.
Dumbfound
July 28th, 2011
4:32 pm
I don’t know if someone have mentioned this on this blog, But I think the odd man out is Prado. He is not a natural outfielder. I won’t be surprised if Prado is included in a trade.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:32 pm
Bravesgrl4lifeee
Its not the point if he cares or not. Girls don’t know baseball anyway. Go brush your hair.
Astro Joe
July 28th, 2011
4:32 pm
What would be the value of Haywood discussing an injury after Chipper’s comments earlier this season? The young man may very well be doing exactly what the team leader requested, just be a presence in the line-up even if he isn’t fully healthy.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
4:32 pm
ARKANSAS STFU YOU ARE CRAZY TO THINK WE NEED MORE PITCHING
admiral
July 28th, 2011
4:32 pm
The Bream Team….good call.
Piedmont Blues
July 28th, 2011
4:32 pm
With Quentin or Bourn, you have to worry just a little about them moving from hitters’ parks to Turner. Don’t expect the same production from either one. That said, the Braves need some offense …
Shaun
July 28th, 2011
4:32 pm
Prado’s OPS+: 102
Heyward’s OPS+: 97
Prado’s Baseball Reference WAR: 0.7
Heyward’s Baseball Reference WAR: 1.2
Prado’s Runs Created: 38
Heyward’s Runs Created: 35
Prado’s Runs Created per Game: 4.0
Heyward’s Runs Created per Game: 4.4
Prado’s Offensive Winning Percentage: .460
Heyward’s Offensive Winning Percentage: .498
Prado’s FanGraphs WAR: 1.7
Heyward’s FanGraphs WAR: 0.9
Prado’s wOBA: .317
Heyward’s wOBA: .317
…but Prado is small, shows more emotion, has more pine tar on his uniform, has a higher RBI total and a better batting average so those who don’t bother digging beyond those things don’t think Prado deserves to go to the minors any more so than Heyward.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
4:34 pm
Looks like if the Phils can’t get Pence they’ll settle on Ludwick. lol
Charlie Kelly
July 28th, 2011
4:34 pm
Dennis Reynolds – are you off your meds today? I’ve never seen someone so apoplectic over a swing. I can almost picture you sitting in a bare room screaming at the walls.
Darryl Cheney
July 28th, 2011
4:34 pm
We all need to calm down. There is no way Frank Wren will trade one of his top four young (read: cheap)pitching prospects. After alll that has been written to generate interest in the paper and online, the Braves will end up with Ryan Ludwick or Josh Willingham to platoon with Heyward in right. They will trade a mid-range pitching prospect, win the wild-card and lose to the Giants in the first round of the playoffs. Guaranteed.
The Bream Team
July 28th, 2011
4:34 pm
Carlos Quentin is already on the top 3 all time baseball players to have their name start with a Q. Paul Quantrill and Dan Quisenberry also in the discussion.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
4:34 pm
Prospect Lover
How many players from this list do you think will become solid ML starting pitchers?
1.Teheran
2.Vizcaino
3.Delgado
4.Minor
5.Olberholtz
6.Hoover
Jim Hertel
July 28th, 2011
4:35 pm
I like the idea of acquiring Quentin. Heyward will be alright given time, so a lot of people should get off his case. Baseball is a hard game, and all great players have had to go though a learning curve.
However, I am growing weary with the blackhole we have batting at shortstop, and the bench player Lugo. I want the Braves to cut Lugo, bring up Pastornicky, and begin to work him into the lineup. Let Gonzo mentor him and be a defensive replacement.
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
4:35 pm
Rosenthal: Braves all over the map right now.
George Stein
July 28th, 2011
4:35 pm
Caps Lock doesn’t make your rants make any additional sense, Sweet Georgia Peach.
Also, the irony of calling others morons when you don’t know the difference between your and you’re kills me.
ace
July 28th, 2011
4:36 pm
Do White Sox need a veteran SP with Sept/Oct experience? If so, maybe they want Lowe (and a prospect or 2) for Quentin.
superiorblogman
July 28th, 2011
4:36 pm
Quentin does not make sense for the Braves if you have to give up anything of value. Heywards stats from last year are better than what Quentin is giving you currently. If Jason Heyward returns to last years form he is better than Quentin and much cheaper. Quentin is also not a longterm answer just a costly bandaid. Like I said, if you want to give away talent send Minor, Beachy, Schafer, and a lessor prospect for MATT KEMP and your problems are solved for the next decade. If you want a bandaid get a cheap one like Reed Johnson whose numbers are similar to what Heyward was giving last year. Don’t give up prospects for a band aid like Quentin whom is not a real upgrade if Heyward returns to last years form.
Steve
July 28th, 2011
4:36 pm
Bring him home McKay!
joe
July 28th, 2011
4:36 pm
Hunter Pence, Hunter Pence
Kelly's Johnson
July 28th, 2011
4:36 pm
If you’re post here, at any point, includes…”play Prado at shortstop”…or…”"play Heyward in centerfield”…you should immediately cease posting… cos’ you have just shown… that your a complete and udder MORAN !!
glove51
July 28th, 2011
4:36 pm
Is this Dennis Reynolds cat “a little slow”?
Efrim
July 28th, 2011
4:36 pm
Agreed, Shaun.
Why do I have some horrible feeling that sending Heyward down is going to spiral this thing into a Colby Rasmus situation? Not that Heyward is going to complain and start a fight with his manager, but that the powers that be will end up selling Heyward off for .50 cents on the dollar at some point in the next two years. It’s a disgusting feeling that has to go away.
RC
July 28th, 2011
4:36 pm
Carlos Quentin is already on the top 3 all time baseball players to have their name start with a Q. Paul Quantrill and Dan Quisenberry also in the discussion.
The other guy who’s name starts with a Q is going to be sad you left him out. Because I can’t imagine there are more than 4 such players.
The Ghost of Trenidad Hubbard.
July 28th, 2011
4:36 pm
Seriously, someone please explain why Heyward can go to the minors, but McLouth, Schafer, and Gonzalez get to stay in the lineup.
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2011
4:36 pm
Girls don’t know baseball anyway. Go brush your hair.
I seriously hope you were joking with this comment, Dennis.
Mike
July 28th, 2011
4:37 pm
Something needs to happen Jim Hertel … I agree. Gonzalez always comes up with runners on … and I turn the channel or go the restroom (when I’m at turner field). I already know what’s going to happen.
George Stein
July 28th, 2011
4:37 pm
Prado needs to learn to take a walk every now and again. I enjoy his enthusiasm and love.thar he never complained about the position change, but his poor at bats are damaging the team.
Hillbilly
July 28th, 2011
4:37 pm
RC, Oddly enough, Quentin’s road numbers in 2011 are far and away better on the road than at home. It’s not even close to his career numbers.
.231/.332/.419/.750 with 6 homers, 19 RBI at home
.289/.371/.588/.959 with 14 homers, 43 RBI on the road.
Deedle Nick
July 28th, 2011
4:37 pm
# Prospect Lover
A voice of reason in a forest of nonsense. Thank you!
Come on Guys
July 28th, 2011
4:38 pm
Dennis Reynolds are you bi-polar? I love this franchise – F this franchise! I doubt DOB cares how much you respect him. Go Ga Peach give him HELL. D. R. you act like your opinion is the end all. Hayward sux right now and needs some pine time. Hunter Pence goes to the Phillies, you heard it here first.
RC
July 28th, 2011
4:38 pm
Word is that LA is shopping Furcal. Think FW would be willing to overlook the past and try to upgrade the SS position?
boots
July 28th, 2011
4:38 pm
Heyward to CF if this happens. He is much better than either other option in CF and has the speed to cover the ground out there. If Andrew Jones could cover CF while carrying 275 lbs., then J-Hey can do it.
Whoop
July 28th, 2011
4:38 pm
I’ll give Prado this, he plays LF far better than he does 3B/2B.
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
4:38 pm
If Heyward’s 2010 year was a fluke, Prado’s sure as hell was too….whoop
2008….838 OPS
2009….822 OPS
2010….809 OPS
2010 wasn’t even his best year except for some counting stats sigh.
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
4:39 pm
he can still help us I think.
hard to help much, if you’re not in the lineup.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:39 pm
Charlie Kelly:
lol finally someone with a sense of humor in here. I feel like the only non-basement dweller in here sometimes. No, im not quite to that point yet, but if the Braves cant see that Heywards swing is coming around and they essentially give up on him for the year, Ill be doing some yelling. But it wont be at walls. Fredi will def. hear it the next however many games I go to. I always give him sh1t towards the end of the game when we move down, but if he benches Heyward, he wont be able to think straight Ill be getting on him so bad.
Heisenberg
July 28th, 2011
4:39 pm
@ace July 28th, 2011
4:36 pm
No WSox do not need pitching. They just traded one because they had too many SPs.
Arkansas Transplant
July 28th, 2011
4:39 pm
sweet georgia peach, don’t understand much do you? Don’t worry, there will always be remedial labor when you grow up. I’m sure you’ll find something.. cleaning port-a-potties and such.
J
July 28th, 2011
4:39 pm
Pull your head outta your @ss smitty. Prado is doing way better than Heyward. He has ben pressing since coming off the DL, but come on man!
Chopper
July 28th, 2011
4:39 pm
I’m sorry, but when the other roster spots are being used on Julio Lugo and Nate McLouth, I don’t see how you can justify sending Jason Heyward anywhere but CF. Heyward has the ability to be a difference maker, even if for one or two games at a time this season. Lugo and McLouth and even Schafer are less impactful players than Heyward (I don’t care how many stolen bases Schafer has, he’s getting on base less than Heyward and can’t drive in runs the way Heyward can).
I say that you either move Heyward to CF or you try Prado at CF or SS and let Gonzo be the backup SS.
RC
July 28th, 2011
4:39 pm
Hillbilly,
I didn’t look at just the 2011 numbers….that is very strange. I guess it could be a sample size issue, or maybe there is something different about his game this year. Considering how many variables go into player performance, it’s impossible to make a guess without some inside information into Quentin’s lifestyle.
Whoop
July 28th, 2011
4:40 pm
“Not that Heyward is going to complain and start a fight with his manager, but that the powers that be will end up selling Heyward off for .50 cents on the dollar at some point in the next two years. It’s a disgusting feeling that has to go away.”
For Heyward’s sake, I hope that happens.
Furman Bitcher
July 28th, 2011
4:40 pm
RC you are 100% correct. Boras wanted Beltran to go to a place that would have gotten a huge amount of coverage and might be able top sign him long term
kelevra
July 28th, 2011
4:41 pm
what i dont understand is everybody arguing over where to play quentin….it’s only a problem if you assume that chipper is now healthy and will stay healthy for the rest of the year….which as we all know is a ridiculous assumption…prado at 3rd quentin in lf heyward in rf chipper in the training room
George Stein
July 28th, 2011
4:41 pm
Heyward has to be hurt though, Shaun. He is still walking but look at his ground ball rates.
The other metrics you mentioned are just going to make people call you a Pinko even though they reflect just how talented Heyward is when he produces at that level even though he’s almost certainly hurt.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:42 pm
I really wish we had better fans to talk baseball with. AK Transplant is the only one in here currently who has any clue. (sigh)
Columbus
July 28th, 2011
4:42 pm
See this or a similar deal makes MUCH MORE SENSE. I hope everyone will chill and support Wren. He has sense and KNOWLEDGE that we dont so chill and know we will make a much BETTER trade than for Beltran in OUR division! Sheesh! That goes for you jumping the gun Beltren giddy writers! Hear that Bradley? Schultz? Which of you will be the voice of REASON from here on out? That applies to UGA and RICHT also!
Mike
July 28th, 2011
4:42 pm
We should do the same thing with Heyward that Colorado did with Carlos Gonzalez … move him to lead off so he can regain the patience he showed last year.
RC
July 28th, 2011
4:42 pm
For the record, I would be for acquiring Furcal to be the starting SS, but only if we don’t have to give up Gonzo in the deal. Because the odds of Furcal getting hurt again are like 50%, so you need a backup plan for when/if that happens.
But if it doesn’t happen we might finally have a leadoff man.
spike
July 28th, 2011
4:42 pm
Any organization that has Schafer, Lugo, Gonzalez, and McClouth getting regular at bats and thinks sending Heyward to AAA or the bench is the best way to deal with their offensive woes has a serious inability to prioritize problems.
Venice Jim
July 28th, 2011
4:42 pm
cab – just catching up – expected to you respond…
Julio Lugo
July 28th, 2011
4:42 pm
What about me? I just had a tough nite last nite. It happens to everyone.
YE19
July 28th, 2011
4:42 pm
Here’s why it made sense not to trade Yunel Escobar in return for the black hole, Alex Gonzalez.
2011 – .310/.389/.447
Career – .292/.369/.405
28 years old
But NO ONE in the Braves organization regrets that trade, because Yunel was such a cancer. Now the Braves are scrambling for offense – ideally from the outfield – are happy with A-Gon at SS, and no answer at SS for next year, and perhaps beyond if Pastornicky proves only to be a scrappy, singles hitter with speed.
Sophee
July 28th, 2011
4:43 pm
Wow, RIP.
Former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu has been found dead at a home in a wealthy Los Angeles suburb of an apparent suicide.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/6813233/former-new-york-yankees-pitcher-hideki-irabu-found-dead-california
Shaun
July 28th, 2011
4:43 pm
J, let’s try this again:
Prado’s OPS+: 102
Heyward’s OPS+: 97
Prado’s Baseball Reference WAR: 0.7
Heyward’s Baseball Reference WAR: 1.2
Prado’s Runs Created: 38
Heyward’s Runs Created: 35
Prado’s Runs Created per Game: 4.0
Heyward’s Runs Created per Game: 4.4
Prado’s Offensive Winning Percentage: .460
Heyward’s Offensive Winning Percentage: .498
Prado’s FanGraphs WAR: 1.7
Heyward’s FanGraphs WAR: 0.9
Prado’s wOBA: .317
Heyward’s wOBA: .317
…but Prado is small, shows more emotion, has more pine tar on his uniform, has a higher RBI total and a better batting average so those who don’t bother digging beyond those things don’t think Prado deserves to go to the minors any more so than Heyward.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:43 pm
If they give up on Heyward for this season but keep Gonzo and Schafer around, it will speak volumes about the lack of competence the Braves front office has.
Bay Area Steve
July 28th, 2011
4:44 pm
I’m goin’ out on limb:
The Braves have no desire to sit/AAA/full-time platoon Heyward. Their desire is a CFer. What they are doing is trying to be in on all discussions, and drive prices up, for the Quentins and Pences of the world. If they come cheap, we take ‘em. If not, we’ve forced Philly to overpay.
Sitting Heyward against an occasional tough lefty is OK in my book. Maybe they just sat him once to give Wren some grist for the mill.
I think I hear a limb snapping…
Sophee
July 28th, 2011
4:44 pm
Um, judging by his other dumbass posts, looks like he was pretty serious with that one, cab.
toby
July 28th, 2011
4:44 pm
I agree 100% with this article,Heyward has shown nothing to make me think he’s going to catch fire over the last 2 months,in baseball you take your chances at a championship when ever you have them,cause you never know how long it will be before your in that position again!!!!! do the deal!!
RC
July 28th, 2011
4:44 pm
Furman Bitcher,
Not to mention that SF has shown in the very recent past that they are quite willing to extend a large contract to a player based on their previous season’s performance. Aubrey Huff will be cashing checks for the next year and a half thanks to Sabean’s need to “reward” guys that won them a WS. (Burrell too)
PDOG
July 28th, 2011
4:44 pm
Don’t like the idea of trading for CQ. I wish they would look at the real problem on this team which is SS. I said a few weeks back that the person that the Braves should be targeting in a trade is Bonafacio from Florida has anyone noticed what he has done the past few weeks?
This team should not be screwing with Heywards head, him Freeman and the young pitchers are the foundation of this team for the next 5 years don’t mess with it. I have a gut feeling that Nate and Jason are going to heat up. Go get Bonafacio and another bullpen arm and take your chances.
jt
July 28th, 2011
4:45 pm
David, Why all of the Stupid songs at end of your Blog???
Derek
July 28th, 2011
4:45 pm
DOB, I thought more of you than this. How many .250 power-hitters do we have not getting on base? He’s carries a career .222 AVG vs. LHP with a below-average .345 OBP and an okay .450 SLG. We’re going to trade a top prospect for a year and 2 months of that? Not to mention his defense is terrible, not Gomes bad, but Willingham bad. In all of this we’ll still give up a top pitching prospect and have Schafer/McLouth mulling around and not getting on base, while we bench Heyward? I agree with you on Heyward, but between the injuries and not knowing where to bat him, Heyward hasn’t had a consistent batting order spot to grow into his entire MLB career. Turn the attention to Pence, Bourn, even Bourgeois and spell RF with McLouth/Schafer if Heyward gets worse.
bravesgrl4lifeeee
July 28th, 2011
4:45 pm
DR, we ladies know a lot more about baseball than you think.
faninva
July 28th, 2011
4:45 pm
Sophee
July 28th, 2011
4:43 pm
Wow, RIP.
Former New York Yankees pitcher Hideki Irabu has been found dead at a home in a wealthy Los Angeles suburb of an apparent suicide.
wow, that’s awful. very sad.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
4:45 pm
Morons calling others moron…..this is funny stuff today!!
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
4:46 pm
I really wish we had better fans to talk baseball with.
Dude, you’re letting your anger get the best of you, and you’re starting to lose your grip.
Bay Area Steve
July 28th, 2011
4:46 pm
cab,
you know of a site similar to this for the Niners? The Mercury News site blows. With all that’s going on, the beat-writer is barely saying anything… And, certainly no commenters culling information like what happens here…
Whoop
July 28th, 2011
4:46 pm
I’m guessing the next step is going to be “anonymous Braves players feel Heyward is a cancer to the clubhouse”
TeheranTime
July 28th, 2011
4:46 pm
A trade for Carlos Quentin signals what I have felt all along. The Braves may not feel that Chipper Jones will make it through this campaign and certainly not the next. I am a huge Chipper fan, but the reality of it is that he is aging, at the end of his career and doesn’t appear that he can hold out. Quentin would man left, Martin Prado at third and you still have several huge chasms in the lineup: center field, right field and shortstop. Dan Uggla has struggled this season but is coming around. Freddie Freeman is solid at first base and Brian McCann was having a stellar season prior to his injury. Atlanta has two weeks without McCann and Quentin’s bat would certainly help them to bide their time. The pitching has GOT to be better over the next two weeks for the Braves to have a shot. The wild card race is getting tighter and tighter and the Phillies have Atlanta in their rear view mirror. While I have heard the bullpen rumors and agree that another bullpen arm is necessary for the playoff push, they need at least one more bat in addition to Quentin. If they could shed themselves of Nate McLouth’s salary and get a leadoff hitting center fielder, I could go with taking a chance on Jason Heyward coming around.
JTCobb
July 28th, 2011
4:46 pm
KJ, please define “udder MORAN” (4:36)
Dumbfound
July 28th, 2011
4:46 pm
The Braves are looking for all Outfielders, But no centerfielders. Martin Prado is going to be the odd man out. They will not bench Heyward, Trust me ! Nor will they send him down, Watch !
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
4:46 pm
Word is that LA is shopping Furcal. Think FW would be willing to overlook the past and try to upgrade the SS position?…RC
no way will Frank even think about it.and Ferkie stinks now anyway. We got a huge break when that deal went south
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2011
4:47 pm
Sopheee-
Add another name to the list
J
July 28th, 2011
4:47 pm
Shaun,
Lets try this: One cares and one doesn’t. One can hit, one can’t. Easy enough for you? One isn’t even a good fielder, one plays 3 different positions.
MFin04
July 28th, 2011
4:47 pm
Sure will be interesting to see Quentin roaming CF. Seems like a really big CF.
jt
July 28th, 2011
4:47 pm
Shawn: Get a life Man. Where did you get all of the stats??? Put your pants on and get out of your mother’s basement.
Heisenberg
July 28th, 2011
4:47 pm
With the addition of Rasmus, looks like Toronto has no issues acquiring someone elses cancer. Maybe they want to be the Oakland Raiders (70s/80s) of baseball. Wonder if they are interested in BJ Upton or Hanley Rameriez?
hamm
July 28th, 2011
4:47 pm
sweet georgia peach obviously knows nothing about baseball. Why would you do away with a 22 year old five tool guy when you have veterans that aren’t stinking the place up
TeheranTime
July 28th, 2011
4:47 pm
Noleeee, I don’t see Atlanta doing that because of the way Furcal and his agent handled the free agency situation a couple years ago. I would love to see anyone not named Gonzalez at shortstop.
Mitch McConnell's Chins
July 28th, 2011
4:48 pm
No trades, and we’re not going to compromise on that.
Sending Heyward down would be dicey. The Giants sent Willie McCovey to the minors during his second season, after he was Rookie of the Year. He came out pretty good, but the players are more sensitive today. Sending Frenchy down pretty much ended his Braves career.
Is Dom Chiti Harry Chiti’s kid?
Deedle Nick
July 28th, 2011
4:48 pm
@ Kelly’s Johnson
“your”
“you’re”
“udder”
“utter”
“moron”
Look ‘em up here:
http://dictionary.reference.com/
Your posts will be much more credible.
joedub
July 28th, 2011
4:48 pm
I cannot figure out what these people are thinking about. Clearly, the better decision is to option Schafer than Heyward. IT”S SO OBVIOUS!!!
This is super frustrating reading all this hate for Heyward. Quentin does NOT make sense for the Braves.
DOB – you’re obviously sleep deprived, buddy. I can’t believe this stuff.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:48 pm
ncscoots-
Thanks for your concern, but Im fine. Its just frustrating to read the nonsense in here.
RC
July 28th, 2011
4:48 pm
Shaun,
I think Prado might actually be out of minor league options, although I do agree with your general point about Heyward v. Prado. Expectations are greatly clouding the view of his performance this year. Has he been a disappointment? Absolutely. Has he been a bigger dissappointment than Prado, McLouth, or Schafer? Definitely. Is he still good enough that even a vastly disappointing Heyward is better than a slightly disappointing McLouth and Schafer? Yep. But people get so wrapped up in the perception of what they want him to be that they can’t appreciate him for what he is (or in this cause, what he’s not).
Luther
July 28th, 2011
4:48 pm
Shaun spent the last blog convincing everyone that BJ Upton is a better player than Barry Bonds because of his outfield versatility, then ignores the versatility when it’s inconvenient. Prado does play 4 legit positions, and apparently the Braves can’t play Heyward anywhere but RF. Kelly Johnson’s not walking through that door.
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2011
4:49 pm
BAS-
I read Matt Maiocco’s column on occasion, but his board is not nearly as…lively. I follow his tweets, which are very good. He used to be…can’t remember now but he’s with CSN now. I have found he is as close to DOB as the Niners have
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 28th, 2011
4:49 pm
@Theo 4:31
Singles hitters are not what this team needs. Situational hitting perhaps. You where on the blog with me till 2 in the morning in the marahton game. How many singles had the Braves had during the first two games of the series? Over 20 singles. The Braves need a bopper in the lineup is my opinion. Situational hitting is lacking in the lineup so that is why I do not favor persay going and getting a leadoff bat like Bourn.
DAM
July 28th, 2011
4:49 pm
Bream Team — I’ve never understood why the Varsity doesn’t have a stand somewhere at Turner Field, either. It seems like it would be a no-brainer. It’s not the best food in the world, but you know they’d do great business.
TeheranTime
July 28th, 2011
4:49 pm
PDOG, Emilio Bonafacio is not even taking a chance. He’s suicide. Keep moving.
hamm
July 28th, 2011
4:49 pm
An Prado can play CF as well. He plays CF during winter ball anyway
RC
July 28th, 2011
4:49 pm
Sending Frenchy down pretty much ended his Braves career.
Really? I’d argue that a complete lack of understanding of the strike zone and a “football mentality” pretty much ended Frenchy’s Braves career.
RC
July 28th, 2011
4:50 pm
An Prado can play CF as well. He plays CF during winter ball anyway
No, he doesn’t. He played LF, and he hasn’t been to winter ball in 2 years.
Shaun
July 28th, 2011
4:50 pm
J, I just showed you that they’ve been virtually equal so far. When you can provide proof that one cares more than the other, let us know.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
4:50 pm
If you’re post here, at any point, includes…”play Prado at shortstop”…or…””play Heyward in centerfield”…you should immediately cease posting… cos’ you have just shown… that your a complete and udder MORAN !!- Kelly’s Johnson
Does not compute I can’t stop reading this the irony is great!!
J
July 28th, 2011
4:50 pm
Shaun, I also watch every game and there is a huge diffrerence. I wish you boy Heyward was half of what he should be right now. We would be in fron of Philly. I also love how he sits out with a bruised foot when we have a 40 yeard old man that played with a torn knee
Bobby Hill
July 28th, 2011
4:50 pm
At this point it sounds like the Braves are in on just about every RH outfielder with a pulse. To me that says that Frank Wren has basically filled his drawers.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 28th, 2011
4:51 pm
Upton has one thing going for him. His road splits are much higher than his home splits. I am not a huge Upton supporter but delving into his numbers was interesting to see just how much success he has had away from Tropicana.
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
4:51 pm
I feel like the only non-basement dweller in here sometimes….. Dennis
that is funny, I don’t care who you are. absolutely made my day.
Gimpah
July 28th, 2011
4:51 pm
I love the idea of Gimper packing all his stuff and heading for the nearest Hooters.
TeheranTime
July 28th, 2011
4:51 pm
I don’t see anyone’s point about Prado being sent down at all. That’s not going to happen. He is vital to this team. He hasn’t had the season he had last season but neither have a number of players including Alex Gonzalez, Derek Lowe or even Chipper Jones. Don’t get your point at all about Marteeen.
Arkansas Transplant
July 28th, 2011
4:52 pm
None of these guys make sense for the Braves:
Pence, Willingham, Ludwick, Bourn or Quentin
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
4:52 pm
Thanks for your concern, but Im fine. Its just frustrating to read the nonsense in here.
Perhaps so. But it might be best to develop some cred here before lambasting that of others.
Charlie Kelly
July 28th, 2011
4:52 pm
“I really wish we had better fans to talk baseball with. AK Transplant is the only one in here currently who has any clue. (sigh)”
Really? He’s made three comments: (1) Beachy, Delgado, Hoover and Cunningham for Ubaldo and Betancourt; (2) told sweet ga peach to go to the basement and have her mother fix her a snack; (3) told sweet ga peach that she would be working in remedial (?) labor when she grows up.
I’m not quite sure what remedial labor is, but I am fairly certain that the Braves are not looking for number 1 or 2 starter, and that the Rockies would laugh Frank Wren out of the room with that package.
Bart
July 28th, 2011
4:52 pm
Clay,
I agree with all of your points. Very well said.
Some points of my own:
1. This talk about benching or sending Heyward to the minors and replacing him with Quentin is ludicrous. He’s not great, but he’s only 21 (or 22), and he’s still a threat every time he walks to the plate, which cannot be said for McLouth or Gonzalez. If someone is going to be benched, let’s start with those guys. Prado can play everywhere on the diamond, why not short?
2. Which brings me to my next point, just shut up about Prado. He was the team MVP last season and a career .300 hitter in over 1800 plate appearances. There is nothing fluky about him, as evidenced by the fact that he’s consistently regarded among players and managers as one of the most underrated players in the game. Anyone who seriously has a beef with Prado’s performance since he’s come back from the DL either has an unreasonably short memory or hasn’t a clue about baseball.
Bay Area Steve
July 28th, 2011
4:53 pm
Thank you, cab.
Braveone
July 28th, 2011
4:53 pm
From the previous blog which had 3,269 comments, noleeee led the way with 113 posts. There were 358 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 noleeee 113
2 Blankster 95
3 Tomahawkin 95
4 Lew 91
5 N8 79
6 CraZy 77
7 BravesQueen 68
8 Nova Scotia Steve 68
9 BFChris26 66
10 The A Bomb 56
11 later gator 52
12 AlabamaBrave 51
13 bravesgrl4lifeeee 47
14 Powder Blue 44
15 Tomahawk Mafia 41
16 Shaun 39
17 Jerry 38
18 Nola 38
19 Arkansas Transplant 36
20 Mixxo 36
21 Eric 35
22 McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!! 33
23 kwajbraves 33
24 Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!) 32
25 Heath 32
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
4:53 pm
JeffSchultzAJC Jeff Schultz
Frank Wren, Bruce Manno came downstairs, talked to Fredi Gonzalez for 5 mins, went straight back to office. That’s all I know. #Braves
The Dude Abides
July 28th, 2011
4:53 pm
We would get Infante to play SS before Bonifacio, Infante is a proven playmaker when the pressures on.
hamm
July 28th, 2011
4:53 pm
People who know baseball know that ages 24-29 are the peek years for a player to show his true talents
RC
July 28th, 2011
4:53 pm
Shaun, I also watch every game and there is a huge diffrerence. I wish you boy Heyward was half of what he should be right now.
Shaun’s poing is this isn’t about what Heyward “should be”. It’s about what he HAS been this year, which is roughly equal to Prado in terms of performance.
If someone “should be” the next Cy Young, but they only materialize into the next Curt Schilling, does that mean the Braves should send that guy down for someone who is “gritty” but pitches like Jo-Jo Reyes?
Efrim
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
I think I hear a limb snapping…
Yup. I think they absolutely believe Heyward can’t help this team right now and they need to get his swing fixed. But of course, Martin Prado, Jordan Schafer and Alex Gonzalez can stay with the big club.
kelevra
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
chipper update?
Dumbfound
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
The Mets swept the Reds in a 4 game set @ Cincy. But we lost 2 out of 3 @ Cincy ! Anyone struggling, play the Braves !
Shaun
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
RC, expectations and lots of other things seem to be clouding the views of Heyward compared to Prado. Seriously, I can’t think of any other reason one would think Prado has been better this season except for tradition (that foolishly tells them batting average and RBI are the most important stats), Prado is smaller, Prado gets dirtier, Prado shows more emotion and Prado is more versatile. I suppose all of those things are more important than one player performing as well as another and one being clearly more talented.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
please define “udder MORAN”
Isn’t that a band?
Furman Bitcher
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
Dennis I think I speak for most on this blog, you are here by allowed to leave at any time
richbrave
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
O.K. now were getting somewhere on the trade rumor front.
Let’s put one pitcher of MINOR, DELGADO, OBERHOLTZER, and SPRUILL out there along with position players SS PASTORNICKY, OF RAMIREZ, OF YOUNG, OF CONSTANZA, 1B GOMEZ, plus one of McLOUTH, SCHAFER and see what comes back from the pale hose. Hey we could throw in KK and eat a million of his remaining also.
Shaun
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
RC, people trust their own narrow perceptions and tradition over overwhelming evidence. Either that or they are just too lazy to dig into the evidence.
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
If Dennis is not Dentz , he is his illegitimate son
faninva
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
Bart -
thank you for the comment on Prado…better than i could possibly put it.
Borno
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
Would love to have Quentin, but lets get real for a second. JHey isn’t going anywhere. He’ll be in RF the rest of the year.
Bay Area Steve
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
nolie,
We’ve decided that’s Lou, right? Had to switch since Uggla remembered how to hit?
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
4:55 pm
Amidst all this argument, this is a pretty exciting time to be a Braves fan. No matter how stupid you may be…(sweet ga peach)
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
4:55 pm
Denard Span would be nice.
Shaun
July 28th, 2011
4:55 pm
RC, this is why I’m glad a vast majority of fans will never be GM’s or will never work in the Braves’ front office.
Josh
July 28th, 2011
4:55 pm
Bfchris, sounds like we may have a deal soon. Lets hop
Brownie
July 28th, 2011
4:55 pm
Lots of opinions here today….some of them even entertaining. However, the only sane blogger I’ve read was Prospect Lover at 4:30. I love the Braves, and certainly hope for a WS trophy, but I really think they are about a year or so away…..LOTS of young talent ready to come together.
Once Chipper, Lowe, Kawakami and Gonzales are off the payroll, Wren will have tons to spend to keep the right youngsters we’re now developing AND go out to get the BEST big RH bat. Wren needs to show a little patience, and so do all of you fans.
Folks, you are drunk if you think that Heyward, Prado and Schafer are not great young players! How many GREAT players have you seen in the majors at their age EVER?? Give them some time. Specifically Schafer – yeah he’s struggling trying to figure it all out, but he’s outstanding defensively, got a huge arm, confidence, and most importantly SPEED (which if you haven’t been paying attention, the Braves have none elsewhere). They didn’t stick with him thru HGH suspensions, wrist injuries, etc. to give up on him now – he’s a major talent, just hasn’t quite figured it all out yet.
I think Wren is building a repeat of the Braves in the 90’s…stay tuned.
Josh
July 28th, 2011
4:56 pm
hope
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
4:56 pm
Noleeee, I don’t see Atlanta doing that because of the way Furcal and his agent handled the free agency situation a couple years ago…Teheran Time
exactly
J
July 28th, 2011
4:56 pm
Shaun, you must be correct. I wish all of our players were as great as Heyward. We could be the next Nationals team…And yes, I would expect him to do much better than .220. I am guessing you think he is also better than Freeman too, right?
richbrave
July 28th, 2011
4:56 pm
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
please define “udder MORAN”
Isn’t that a band?
Sounds like he has a dairyman’s background.
Brava
July 28th, 2011
4:56 pm
It’s silly season on the blog. Please, Wren, just do it. Whatever it is.
George Stein
July 28th, 2011
4:56 pm
Prado can bunt, too, Shaun! That makes him even more awesome!
Shaun
July 28th, 2011
4:57 pm
J, you watch every game and you still think Prado has vastly out-performed Heyward? Have you had an eye exam within the last several years?
Rob from SC (Wren...Forget Beltran...Get a Shortstop)
July 28th, 2011
4:57 pm
Heyward’s struggles are:
33.3 % Mental
33.3 % His downward chopping swing
33.3 % standing so far away from the @@@@ING plate.
ADJUST ALREADY
Furman Bitcher
July 28th, 2011
4:57 pm
No way I include SS PASTORNICKY in a trade right now. He might be our starting SS next year
J
July 28th, 2011
4:57 pm
Shaun, I would love to see you as a GM vs an oxygen thief.
Richie
July 28th, 2011
4:58 pm
The Braves are not driving up the prices for any other teams, and that is a stupid notion to put out there. If the Phillies gave up more for Pence or Quentin and got him and we didn’t, the fact is they still have either one of them and we don’t. Let’s dis-spell that notion. They don’t want to gut their farm system.
faninva
July 28th, 2011
4:58 pm
Shaun
July 28th, 2011
4:55 pm
RC, this is why I’m glad a vast majority of fans will never be GM’s or will never work in the Braves’ front office.
…and this is why it saddens me that people like this have the right to vote.
Rob from SC (Wren...Forget Beltran...Get a Shortstop)
July 28th, 2011
4:58 pm
Nolee
What does Heyward need to do to get back on track?
Ghostrider
July 28th, 2011
4:58 pm
I like it….need to get him now before we lose him. And were not giving up a whole lot. Make the Deal NOW ….
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
4:58 pm
I’m with Brava. Otherwise, I may start feeling very postal.
Braves95WS
July 28th, 2011
4:58 pm
Frank Wren needs to acquire Hunter Pence before the Phillies do.
Brava
July 28th, 2011
4:58 pm
I watch all the games and I think Prado outperforms Heyward too, Shaun. It’s not even close.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
4:59 pm
I feel like the only non-basement dweller in here sometimes
Great post….but I think a few people in here may be hanging out in the tool shed out back!
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 28th, 2011
4:59 pm
Prado even going 0-9 has more value at this point an dtime to th eBraves than Heyward. No question. Prado can play 2B,3B,1B and LF. His bat if left by IF standards alone is in the the upper echelon. Prado is a stud and needs left out of the complaining.
Shaun
July 28th, 2011
4:59 pm
J, who said Heyward has performed “great.” My point is that Prado and Heyward have performed the same, in terms of overall value, this season. I’m not talking about greatness or whether you think Heyward should have a higher batting average. I’m talking about the performance of Heyward and Prado this season.
RC
July 28th, 2011
4:59 pm
Shaun,
For what it’s worth, I do think that Prado’s versatility has a lot of value for the Braves that Heyward can’t offer, and I’m not entirely sold on WAR because I think it uses a flawed methodogly to account for defense. What was ironic to me is that anyone is suggesting Heyward OR Prado be sent down, yet make no mention of McLouth or Schafer. Aside from Schafer’s defense and baserunning, neither of them bring anything to the table that Heyward or Prado don’t bring more of.
Furman Bitcher
July 28th, 2011
4:59 pm
Hey richbrave, dont ever mention KK in a trade again. That is one way to kill it
Bay Area Steve
July 28th, 2011
4:59 pm
Efrim,
I simply can’t believe my organization would believe that. Even if it happens, I’ll be in denial. But, I’m at least going to wait until it happens.
I’ve come to know that most of what comes out of the Braves organization is spin, and I’m going to give ‘em the benefit of the doubt, for now…
Arkansas Transplant
July 28th, 2011
4:59 pm
Charlie Kelly, I’d take a strong pitching staff over the options for a hitter being throw around in here anyday. Just look at what it’s done for the Phillies… best record in baseball. They have no offense either and didn’t need pitching in the offseason but signed Lee and look how that turned out.
Plus, Ubaldo won’t be a rental. He’s under team control for the next 3 years at a payroll friendly amount. You put him in a rotation with JJ, Hanson, Hudson and you’ve got yourself a fearsome foursome with contributions from either Lowe/Teheran/Minor/Vizcaino.
Fish Bisch
July 28th, 2011
4:59 pm
The Pirate’s lone all star is pitching tonight against us. I hope we are not owned by him.
Furman Bitcher
July 28th, 2011
5:00 pm
Prado out performs Heyward for sure
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2011
5:00 pm
Don’t know significance, but Wren & asst. GM Manno just walked w/ sense of purpose to field to talk w/ Fredi for few minutes by batting cage, then both went back upstairs. Not the typical hanging around by the cage, just quick stop to tell him something, then back up.
Efrim
July 28th, 2011
5:00 pm
So, if we get Pence, do we trade him this offseason just like we were to do if we acquired Carlos Quentin?
Or maybe we just trade Heyward……
Kurt
July 28th, 2011
5:01 pm
Maybe Prado moves to Centerfield and they keep McClouth around for late game defense? Both Quentin and Heyward play?
JMF
July 28th, 2011
5:01 pm
DOB OR ANYBODY. WHY NOT BRING UP JOSE CONSTANZA WHO IS BATTING .317 AT GWINNETT AND .318 AAA LAST YEAR WITH 23 SB THIS YEAR? I HAVE ASKED THAT ON SEVERAL BLOGS WITH NO ANSWER, SEEMS LIKE AN EXCELLENT LEAD OFF CF. WHAT DON’T I KNOW?
RC
July 28th, 2011
5:01 pm
…and this is why it saddens me that people like this have the right to vote. – faninva
Commie
Furman Bitcher
July 28th, 2011
5:01 pm
Thanks. Looks like it on!!!!
TROTTINGHOME
July 28th, 2011
5:01 pm
What about Matsui from Oakland
George Stein
July 28th, 2011
5:01 pm
Batting average tells us very little, J.
Before you post about batting average next time, ask yourself whether or not a single is equal in value to a home run, because batting average assumes they are equal.
Arkansas Transplant
July 28th, 2011
5:01 pm
And if I remember right, didn’t the Giants ride the backs of their pitchers to the WS?
Richie
July 28th, 2011
5:01 pm
Brownie
I agree with you. That is why I want Pence to be apart of this group. Another young veteran piece to this team and franchise. The Braves are on the verge of big, things to come and they are winning now.
Shaun
July 28th, 2011
5:01 pm
RC, yeah, I think Schafer makes a lot more sense. I think he has a somewhat promising future and he needs to be the one developing everyday in the minors while not costing the major league team.
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
5:01 pm
I can’t believe this has turned into a referendum on Prado versus Heyward, fercrissake. What’s next, you guys start eating your young?
The Dude Abides
July 28th, 2011
5:02 pm
You people are really bashing Prado? GTFO
PDOG
July 28th, 2011
5:02 pm
TehranTime,
Please look at the numbers then talk. Bonafacio can play all 3 outfield spots as well as SS, 3B, 2B. He is batting over 280 and can steal bases but I guess Lugo is a better choice!!!!
Heisenberg
July 28th, 2011
5:02 pm
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
4:54 pm
please define “udder MORAN”
I think that describes a body part on former Happy Days star Erin Moran now that she has gotten older..
RC
July 28th, 2011
5:02 pm
Maybe Prado moves to Centerfield and they keep McClouth around for late game defense?
I’d rather Prado stay in CF for defense than McLouth. And I don’t think Prado can play CF. That’s how bad McLouth’s CF defense is.
unbelievable
July 28th, 2011
5:02 pm
Sure doesnt make sense to bench or demote Heyward, but yet they are enamored with Jordan Schafer. Nate and Schafer are sooooo much worse than Jason and have been all season.
tylu13
July 28th, 2011
5:02 pm
Dennis: Im not ready to give up on heyward, but his swing is continuing to struggle right now. He is not balanced at the plate, he cannot touch a fastball middle-in right now. He is rolling over a lot of balls right now. Im sure its all mental right now, there are people in braves organization right now that know more about hitting than me, so im sure they are continuing to work things out. Timing is key, and remember, my college coach preached “fastball then adjust”
Efrim
July 28th, 2011
5:03 pm
BAS, believe it my friend. It’s happening. Not sure if it’s Fredo in his skull, or it’s somebody else.
Not the typical hanging around by the cage, just quick stop to tell him something, then back up.
Give me Hunter Pence for Julio Teheran and Jason Heyward!
Why? Pence has grit. Just like Prado.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
5:03 pm
Rob from SC
What about the other .1%
The Dude Abides
July 28th, 2011
5:03 pm
Heyward is 21 years old, He’s not a freaking God like you think he is, give the guy time and leave him in the lineup. His mere presence helps this team out tremendously.
Furman Bitcher
July 28th, 2011
5:03 pm
Prado just needs to be our super itility guy. Chipper is hurt every other day and we could rest Agone every game for all I care. Keep Scheffer in center, Quinton in LF and Heyward in right.
Bay Area Steve
July 28th, 2011
5:03 pm
I think we’re gettin’ Hanley…
faninva
July 28th, 2011
5:03 pm
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
5:01 pm
I can’t believe this has turned into a referendum on Prado versus Heyward, fercrissake. What’s next, you guys start eating your young?
amen.
Rob from SC (Wren...Forget Beltran...Get a Shortstop)
July 28th, 2011
5:04 pm
Nolee
Is Heyward’s swing fixable
don
July 28th, 2011
5:04 pm
So Quentin is now the big, slow dud of the day who is being pictured as a great addition. I believe we can print out all of these sportswriter comments and posts, shred them, and use them as fertilizer in our gardens. No responsible GM would give up anything of value for Quentin or for Ludwig. Unfortunately, we are dealing with Wren.
I would also like to nominate the “we must get Pence so the Phillies don’t get him” crowd for the award as dunces of the year.
Furman Bitcher
July 28th, 2011
5:04 pm
Heyward and Teheran traded? You are high.
mike
July 28th, 2011
5:04 pm
Seriously? Comparing Heyward, Gonzalez and Schafer’s lack of production to Prado?
Kawasucki Heyward
July 28th, 2011
5:04 pm
Kawasucki and Heyward and Schafer……from heros to ABSOLUTE ZEROS…….to bad we can’t get a bag of balls and bats for them……
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2011
5:04 pm
BRAVES LINEUP
1. McLouth CF
2. Prado 3B
3. Freeman 1B
4. Uggla 2B
5. Hinske LF
6. Ross C
7. Heyward RF
8. Gonzalez SS
9. Lowe RHP
RC
July 28th, 2011
5:04 pm
Shaun,
I agree with you on Schafer. Also glad to hear you say you think he’s developing, because in the past I’ve worried that you were too focused on numbers to realize that. He has been rapidly improving, but the team is not in a position right now where they can afford having him in that learning phase at the ML level.
I think the wrist injury might be a nice way for them to send him down for a month also.
bravofan
July 28th, 2011
5:04 pm
Sounds like were getting close to something !
Efrim
July 28th, 2011
5:04 pm
The Astros appear to be moving closer to trading Pence, according to Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. Six teams are involved, but no deal is imminent.
This is going to be awesome…..
…awesome like the flu…….
Bob
July 28th, 2011
5:04 pm
’scoots…good for you! Glad to see you make an actual statement rather than the usual Alan Alda retort of someone else’s comment.
Chop Chop
July 28th, 2011
5:05 pm
Wren: Fredi, we got Francoeur and Melky.
Fredi: Did we really, Frank? Did we really?
(faints)
Braves win.
The end.
hamm
July 28th, 2011
5:05 pm
I agree with Kurt. Just move Prado to CF, hell he can play anywhere!!!
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
5:05 pm
think we’re gettin’ Hanley…
I’d be happy with that, just for the pure devilment of it.
The Dude Abides
July 28th, 2011
5:05 pm
@Bay Area Steve
I think you’re on crack.
Rob from SC (Wren...Forget Beltran...Get a Shortstop)
July 28th, 2011
5:05 pm
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
5:03 pm
Rob from SC
What about the other .1%
Larry Parrish
Ronald Millsaps
July 28th, 2011
5:05 pm
Not a bad blog; as usual, though, the music reference is irrelevant and without substance.
I’d like for this team to do its best with what it has. If we acquire Carlos Quentin, then what? Will strategy improve? Will chemistry improve? Will execution improve?
Terry Pendleton was a fine hitting coach and is a fine managerial candidate. He wasn’t a basestealer. He’s the first-base coach. As mentioned, I’d like to see Otis Nixon be our first-base coach; at least make him an offer.
Dan Uggla was allegedly our final piece of the puzzle. I think he indeed was and that this team just isn’t strategizing, executing, etc. properly and that an insatiable desire to improve the team via trades/free agency, etc. exists. They keep buying their proverbial final lottery ticket.
They’re not alone. Many confuse winning a championship with being the best TEAM. The best team plays the game the best and runs like clockwork the most. This team needs to improve its fundamentals and strengthen its confusion. Acquiring more talent is a bit of a smokescreen to the real problem.
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
5:06 pm
Bite me, Bob. How’s that for original?
The Dude Abides
July 28th, 2011
5:06 pm
Hunter Pence will arrive here and not hit whatsoever, go after a guy like Quentin.
Jeff R
July 28th, 2011
5:06 pm
Quentin. Better than Beltran. But would it be a straight up Quentin for Minor deal (I presume that’s who the WS would want)? Or a package that includes Minor?
Ronald Millsaps
July 28th, 2011
5:06 pm
er, cohesion* (distracted)
Another GM
July 28th, 2011
5:06 pm
Why would the Sox trade Quentin at 3.5 games out?
Well they have his replacement ready in the minors to come up now and if they could add another piecce—-say a lefty, they believe they could inprove the club.
Bob
July 28th, 2011
5:07 pm
“scoots…you are the greatest!
RC
July 28th, 2011
5:07 pm
For maybe the first time this year, I actually think I like the lineup that Fredi G. has put together. At least from the options available to him.
George Stein
July 28th, 2011
5:07 pm
Shaefer’s value to the Braves right now is that he gets to balls in center that McLouth couldn’t get to in his wildest dreams. Anything he gives the team offensively is a bonus.
Danga
July 28th, 2011
5:07 pm
Prado does get a large amount of slack from folks. He has definitely underpeformed to this point this season but what is the point of arguing who has been worse this season, him or Heyward? Both have been disappointing. And both could be realistically expected to get something going here soon. I think if the Braves do choose to trade for Quentin it will be mostly be a wash even if all players play to their current ratios. Quentin won’t play as good as D as Jason so you’ll lose a bit there, but that will be more than compensated for his O. The real damage would be from continuing to run the McLouth/Schafer platoon out there. Those are the two hurting the team. Not Heyward. Not Prado. League average in CF would go a long way.
Efrim
July 28th, 2011
5:08 pm
Wasn’t Ludwick out of the lineup? Maybe it’s him.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2011
5:08 pm
Frank Wren & Bruce Manno walked quickly down to talk to Fredi Gonzalez in Sec.123. Not sure what means, but might be trading spicy chicken for waffle fries.
More to come
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
5:08 pm
Thanks, Bob, I do it all for you, you know. Nothing but love, brother.
admiral
July 28th, 2011
5:08 pm
lol @ chop chop
faninva
July 28th, 2011
5:09 pm
mmmmmmm….waffle fries….
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
5:09 pm
JMF
Constanza is having the same year Matt Young had last year. Ever heard of him? They don’t think it will translate to the next level. Same thing for Gartrell hits bombs in AAA but also K’s a bunch there’s a reason there both over 27 years old they’re AAAA players.
PDOG
July 28th, 2011
5:09 pm
What to the top three teams in NL have in common? Pitching, Pitching, Pitching. Giants won last year with pitching. You people have to stop thinking this is fantasy baseball where you just plug in stats and you win. In order for the Braves to win they need to be able to manufacture runs then shut down the other team from the 7th inning on. Bring in someone to replace Lugo and find one more arm for the pen.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:09 pm
Heyward will be fine. Wren and Co. would be making a huge mistake by sending him down or benching him. Its not like he’s in Dan Uggla territory in BA. Not bashing Uggla. He’s hot as fire right now and will be the guy who carries this team while Mac is out.
Point is, you have to ride this out. It would be a big blow to confidence for Heyward to send him down. Not only from just a hitting stand point, but how his organization feels about him. It just would not be a wise move.
Also, if you’re not talking about sending Gonzo down, then theres NO way Heyward should be.
Brava
July 28th, 2011
5:09 pm
I can’t believe anyone would diss Prado. That guy brings everything he has, every single game. He’s not been himself since coming back from the DL, but I’m sure he’ll come around.
Lew
July 28th, 2011
5:09 pm
Well, finally someone made an intelligent suggestion – adding a Varsity would be a great idea, Bream Team.
Larry
July 28th, 2011
5:09 pm
And for all of those who have repeatedly slammed Schafer, look how this offense has fared since his thumb injury has taken him out of the lineup?
Schafer is just fine in CF, especially if we get some production out of the corner OF spots!
Heisenberg
July 28th, 2011
5:10 pm
Maybe if we do a deal with WSox we can get them to throw in that baby faced kid we gave them in the Vasquez trade. He could play a decent SS and hit better than AGon.
Brava
July 28th, 2011
5:10 pm
McFanned it
Ronald Millsaps
July 28th, 2011
5:10 pm
By the way, since the Falcons insist on improving their chances of beating Green Bay by adding offense instead of defense, Randy Moss, Chad Johnson, Roy Williams, Plaxico Burress, etc. are available, and I’d take any one of those guys, especially Moss. Trading five draft picks for Julio Jones was more than questionable, but if the goal is to bolster the offense, don’t pass up the chance to get a real sign, which one of these guys would be. Adding one of the above guys would be somewhat comparable to the ‘99 Rams’ bunch, though Matt Ryan is NOWHERE NEAR the quarterback Kurt Warner was.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2011
5:10 pm
HEARD THIS: Fredi Gonzalez nixed the deal. He wants to keep the Spicy Chicken.
Manno and Wren back the the drawing board.
Chop Chop
July 28th, 2011
5:10 pm
I’m sick of Prado. He has a damn commercial and he’s not hitting.
Trade his sorry a** before the commercial bump fades away.
Jeff R
July 28th, 2011
5:11 pm
“Not a bad blog; as usual, though, the music reference is irrelevant and without substance.”
What the hell do you do, Ronald, teach English or something? Any symbolism you can find in DOB’s post you’d like to critique?
Some of you guys are ingrates.
Bob
July 28th, 2011
5:11 pm
I’m thinking Wren and Manno are a big part of our problem. Maybe it’s time to flush the old Braves’ thinking and bring in some fresh ideas. Go back and look at these blogs the past 8 years…same comments, same false optimism, same pretenders. Oh, if we only had a hitter.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:11 pm
Nova Scotia Steve:
Hilarious
nick
July 28th, 2011
5:11 pm
Wren would have stayed longer but felt massive dump coming on…. Manno left to because he is right hand man.
Richie
July 28th, 2011
5:11 pm
Hopefully Pastornicky does get a shot to be the SS next year. Let him play in the AFL, like Heyward, Hanson did and how Freeman started to do before he got hurt last year.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
5:12 pm
So Quentin replaces Heyward for this year but where do you play Quentin next year ?
Makes more sense to get a CF lead off guy than to deal for Quentin. I would prefer Michael Bourne but appearently the Braves have this love affair with Jordan Schaffer which I do not understand at all.
Schaffer is not a major leaguer folks…..
Rob from SC (Wren...Forget Beltran...Get a Shortstop)
July 28th, 2011
5:12 pm
I am beginning to think Stanton is better than Heyward
TampaDAWG
July 28th, 2011
5:12 pm
Bourn is not a power hitter, so being in a hitters ball park doesn’t really matter. Whats so special about him is A.) He plays great defense B) He is a great lead off hitter and C) He leads the league in steals. Jordan Shafer has an OBP of less than 300. When he gets on base the Braves score more runs because of his speed. Imagine that with a faster, better hitting player. The only reason not to trade for Bourn would be if his contract ends this year. That part I don’t know but if he is signed through at least 2012 then it helps the team a lot more than a corner outfielder could.
bvillebaron
July 28th, 2011
5:12 pm
DOB:
I enjoy your blogs and this one is no different. I disagree with your proposition that acquiring Quentin makes sense. Everyone knows we need a CF, not another LF or RF. Quentin is not a good defensive player and comments like his offense will make up for any defensive deficiences are nonsensical. You simply don’t platoon a 21 year old kid like Heyward. If you are unhappy with his play, then you send him back to AAA. However, if you do that, you may not have an upgrade in RF (or one that is not significant) and you still have the same issue in CF.
I have been harping on this frequently lately, but I think the Braves would be much better off acquiring Marlon Byrd who is a true CF, has a career BA close to .300 and a good OBP and is a good clubhouse guy. You should also be able to get him for less than one of your 4 premium pitching prospects.
P.S. I would reconsider if Kenny Williams is willing to essentially “give away” Quentin and Frasor for next to nothing like he did in yesterday’s deals.
Heath
July 28th, 2011
5:12 pm
Don’t know significance, but Wren & asst. GM Manno walked w/ sense of purpose to field to talk w/ Fredi for few minutes, then back upstairs -DOB
Now THAT’S a tweet.
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
5:12 pm
Heyward is perhaps getting too handsy with his swing, getting too far out in front pretty regularly. He needs to stay back and unload just prior to the ball arriving,
I also think that some of it is mental to Rob.
I don’t tape the games to play his at bats over again and just watching tv is a poor way to try to analyze a problem.
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
5:12 pm
BAS my boy, what’s up?
And that would be nice but not too sure Florida would part with him. Sure would be great for somebody to replace the current SS options we have.
Lollygagger
July 28th, 2011
5:13 pm
spicy chicken? Were Wren and Manno getting his dinner order?
Rusty
July 28th, 2011
5:13 pm
Why dont we trade Jason Heyward for him… He just doesnt seem to want to play hard and when Chipper called him out in the media that should be a sign to us all he isnt the player we thought he would be…
Big Tater
July 28th, 2011
5:13 pm
“It’s too late in the season to worry about feelings and stepping on toes, don’t you think?”
A concept Bobby Cox never seemed to grasp.
FREE HEYWARD
July 28th, 2011
5:14 pm
SI.COM JON HEYMAN REPORTING BRAVES TO ACQUIRE HUNTER PENCE FOR JASON HEYWARD, AND 2 PROSPECTS.
http://twitter.com/#!/SI_JonHeyman
Dan_in_NC
July 28th, 2011
5:14 pm
I smell a 3 way deal where we get Quentin and get a bullpen arm from a 3rd team. One of our stud prospects will be dealt and Nate McLouth…
Jeff R
July 28th, 2011
5:14 pm
Bourn ain’t coming to Atlanta; at least, I’d be surprised if he did.
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
5:14 pm
I am beginning to think Stanton is better than Heyward
Well, there it is. rob from sc if off Heyward. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the beginning of the end. Heyward’s toast.
Eric
July 28th, 2011
5:14 pm
Why am I getting this feeling that Pence will be headed to the Phils…
faninva
July 28th, 2011
5:14 pm
Don’t know significance, but Wren & asst. GM Manno walked w/ sense of purpose to field to talk w/ Fredi for few minutes, then back upstairs -DOB
how does one actually define “sense of purpose”…walking very fast with eyes staring at shoelaces?
carlchamblee
July 28th, 2011
5:14 pm
McMidget has hit 229 in 2 1/2 years as a Brave, Schafer can’t hit period, but Heyward is the guy who shouldn’t be out there down the stretch if we get Quenton. Oooookkkkk….
Lew
July 28th, 2011
5:15 pm
Batting average assumes that a single is as important than a HR? NO, Batting Average assumes nothing. It tells you what percentage of base hits a player has in his total Official At Bats
bravofan
July 28th, 2011
5:15 pm
Rusty: I’m gonna pretend you didn’t say that.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:16 pm
It would really instill some hope if Wren got Bourn or Pence. Bourn would obviously be the full-time leadoff man playing CF. Pence would fit just about anywhere in the order and could play CF while Chipper is in and LF when he’s not.
1.Bourn
2.Prado
3.Chipper
4.Mac
5.Uggla
6.Freeman
7.Heyward
8.Gonzo
1.Prado
2.Pence
3.Mac
4.Uggla
5.Freeman
6.Heyward
7.Gonzo
8.Nate…Schafer sucks
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:16 pm
faninva:
lol
Mitch McConnell's Chins
July 28th, 2011
5:16 pm
Prado isn’t going anywhere. Schafer, when he can swing the bat again, has to play center. He isn’t yet the hitter he will be someday, it’s true, but it isn’t a learning curve for him on defense. He is by far the best CF in the system and one of the best in the league. If you know baseball, you know how valuable that is, especially when no one else on the team can play even average center field.
Rob from SC (Wren...Forget Beltran...Get a Shortstop)
July 28th, 2011
5:16 pm
noleeee
Heyward just has such a downward chop on the ball
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
5:16 pm
Ronald Millsaps
Wrong blog!
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
5:16 pm
PENCE WE JUST GOT PENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND HURTWARD IS GONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
5:17 pm
I HOPE WE SENT DENNIS WITH HIM!!!!!!!!!!!
Eric
July 28th, 2011
5:18 pm
This time of the year its truly amazing… Not too long ago we were talking about what we were going to do if we bring Carlos Quentin to our roster and now we’re talking about Hunter Pence again.
Obee
July 28th, 2011
5:18 pm
noleeee
We’re you a batting instructor at one point?
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
5:18 pm
peach, couldn’t you disengage that caps lock. a little?
Larry
July 28th, 2011
5:18 pm
PDOG
Here’s how you can manufacture some runs in well pitched games in the playoffs:
Schafer CF
Prado SS
Jones 3B
McCann C
Quentin RF
Freeman 1B
Uggla 2B
McLouth LF
It’s time for some honesty and that’s Gonzalez and Heyward are just killing this offense and the goober, Fruity, in the dugout needs to stop batting these dolts at #2 in the lineup…if they’re not in the lineup he can’t screw it up!
Put in Hinske to give them a breather!
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
5:18 pm
PENCE BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Peter
July 28th, 2011
5:18 pm
bvillebaron :
Marlon Byrd is a great mention, however, wouldn’t solve your problem with leadoff hitter. Although makes more sense than Quentin, but would still prefer Michael Bourne.
Rob from SC (Wren...Forget Beltran...Get a Shortstop)
July 28th, 2011
5:19 pm
ncscoots
July 28th, 2011
5:14 pm
I am beginning to think Stanton is better than Heyward
Well, there it is. rob from sc if off Heyward. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the beginning of the end. Heyward’s toast.
I still like Heyward, just concerned
Memphis
July 28th, 2011
5:19 pm
How bout Hunter Pence and Carlos Quintin?
Bay Area Steve
July 28th, 2011
5:20 pm
rob,
you gotta update that Beltran thing. I suggest replacing Beltran with Pence…
Bobby Bobby
July 28th, 2011
5:20 pm
Thumbs up to Wren! You have 1 pitcher that is 40. One that is 38 and 2 that are Boras guys. Keep your young pitchers unless you trade for a young guy that will be here a while. If Braves could get Denard Span go for it. Otherwise keep your pitchers and try to get Marlon Byrd.
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
5:20 pm
…and this is why it saddens me that people like this have the right to vote. – faninva
and women too. can you imagine??
Efrim
July 28th, 2011
5:20 pm
So, we’ve traded Heyward for Pence? Makes sense. Why send him to the minors? We have Gartrell there.
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2011
5:20 pm
Not sure what’s worse, people demanding we get players we either can’t afford or not available, or people making up trades…
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:20 pm
noleeee:
Heyward is getting too handsy, ay? Wow. Just…wow.
Really showing how little you know this evening. He needs to be MORE handsy. He’s out in front because he’s using all body in his swing and cheating on the fastball.
Go tell Freddie Freeman to stop being so “handsy”.
RC
July 28th, 2011
5:21 pm
I’m waiting for the “Player X has been removed from tonights lineup” tweets to start hitting….
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
5:21 pm
We’re not trading Heyward bozos. Good fake link genius.
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2011
5:21 pm
I don’t see that Ludwick, circa 2011, would be a big boost for the Braves. But if they could got him along with one of those relievers, Bell or Adams, now that’s a deal that could certainly help.
RC
July 28th, 2011
5:21 pm
I hate to agree with Dennis Reynolds today, but he’s absolutely right with his 5:20pm.
fairweatherfan
July 28th, 2011
5:22 pm
heyward is putting up horrible numbers but so is Gonzales. Both are virtually guaranteed to hit into a double play or strike out with runners on base. Bring Frenchy back! Look at his numbers. A capable fielder as well…..
Kentavo
July 28th, 2011
5:22 pm
I like Quentin, get him if the price is not too high.
But I say, go outside the box, too – go get Aramis Ramirez bc we all know that Chipper is going to get injured again. Go to Chipper tell him this is the best move to get him another WS ring and have him accept a utility role – he can play SS to spell Gonzo (he came up as SS); he can play some 3rd and we know he can play LF whether he wants to or not. I know he’s an expensive utility guy, but the uncertainty of his availability really does hamstring this team. Remember when Yanks beat us in ‘96? They had future hall of famer 3rd sacker Wade Boggs – who was platoone with Charlie Hayes? Is Charlie Hayes going to the HOF? No, but he’s got a ring.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
5:22 pm
If you look to the left side of your keyboard you’ll find a button that says in plain english Caps Lock. Push it dochenozzle!!
Heath
July 28th, 2011
5:22 pm
Link for trade?
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 28th, 2011
5:22 pm
Bourn over the past month has a sexxy .364 average but he has only swiped 5 bags. Also he has only scored 13 runs. Now if he is so good at enabling a lineup to manufacture runs why hasn’t he …. scored more runs and secondly stolen more bases for that sole purpose? He is a solid player but not the answer to the Braves issue.
Ronald Millsaps
July 28th, 2011
5:22 pm
Quentin would be a nice pickup, but yeah, we do lack a real catalyst. Do we have ANYONE (I really haven’t looked) in the minors who could bat leadoff, anyone who has the prototypical leadoff build? If we have anyone in the minors who even looks like Rafael Furcal (from 2000, anyway), call him up–regardless of any of his statistics; a lot of guys have hit better in the pros than in the minors, i.e. Gregor Blanco, who, I might add, had that aforementioned leadoff-hitter’s build.
I’d even consider Heyward at leadoff.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:22 pm
I at least have faith Wren will not let the Phillies get their hands on Pence. If Pence is actually available, we will get him.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
5:23 pm
stfu crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
unbelievable
July 28th, 2011
5:23 pm
Heyward is putting up much better numbers than Gonzo, Schafer, and Nate.
Josh B
July 28th, 2011
5:23 pm
Anyone know why Marlins Logan Morrison just tweeted that he’s off to Atlanta? And said that he hates goodbyes? I hope this isn’t our trade..
Nick
July 28th, 2011
5:23 pm
Yahoo! Sports reporting we got Pence.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
5:23 pm
better
bobby cerasuolo
July 28th, 2011
5:23 pm
How bout Minor Oberholtzer Hicks and Lipka to Chicago for Carlos Quentin Lastinge Milledge Eduardo Escobar and Jesse Crain. Then Trade Gonzo Lowe and Delgado to Texas for Yoshinori Tateyama Darren O’Day and Craig Gentry.
NORRIS
July 28th, 2011
5:23 pm
where is the news on this move?
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
5:23 pm
I “walk with a sense of purpoise” around the aquarium.
Heath
July 28th, 2011
5:24 pm
Oh… Misread DOB…but yeah, Ludwick and Adams would be a good pick up as a combo.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
5:24 pm
If they get quentin I think heyward goes down till september. I think they will keep mclotuh and schafer around
Kentavo
July 28th, 2011
5:24 pm
Ludwick only plays well against the Braves.Plus, he kinda looks like…the dude who played Cameron in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
KC
July 28th, 2011
5:24 pm
J-Hey can’t get his feelings hurt if he goes to Triple-A! You can only live on potential for so long. Eventually you have to produce.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
5:24 pm
….and a “sense of purpose” to the bathroom.
Richie
July 28th, 2011
5:25 pm
If/when we get Pence, it won’t be for Heyward. Also, I don’t like the implication, from the media, of the Phillies having the Astros like they are their farm system or something. Our prospects are known to be better. If that were the case we would have Strasburg, or any one big with the KC Royals
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:25 pm
Hmmm. Maybe b/c were playing FLA tomorrow…..
He was saying goodbye to the praying mantis.
Ronald Millsaps
July 28th, 2011
5:25 pm
Forget about a CF; we already have one, and the guy might not be an MLB-ready hitter yet, but he’s improving. Defensively, he thrives. Anyway, this team’s problems cover a lot more than Schafer’s flaws.
Acquiring a bat is more important than the alleged need to acquire a CF. This team needs more power and more speed. Heyward’s would-be resurgence would accommodate both needs greatly.
Josh B
July 28th, 2011
5:25 pm
Never mind, found out the Marlins are coming into town tomorrow.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
5:25 pm
KC – True that!
Get Quentin. Sit Jason.
Brava
July 28th, 2011
5:26 pm
Chipper playing SS? That’s a joke, right?
Efrim
July 28th, 2011
5:26 pm
I don’t see that Ludwick, circa 2011, would be a big boost for the Braves. But if they could got him along with one of those relievers, Bell or Adams, now that’s a deal that could certainly help.
I’ll take Bell over Adams.
Ronald Millsaps
July 28th, 2011
5:26 pm
“RC”– Yeah, he was right with his 5:20 post. Of course, if you refute the person he refuted, you generally are right.
Eric
July 28th, 2011
5:26 pm
Heyward has not been producing but lets not give up on him so easily. I know we’re pushing towards playoffs but lets hope he’ll come around to play better for last part of season
tomahawKY
July 28th, 2011
5:26 pm
If Quentin falls through, what about Furcal and Rivera from LA? Shouldn’t have to give up a lot… quick fix at SS and a RH OF
Arkansas Transplant
July 28th, 2011
5:26 pm
It looks like Upton to Atlanta.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
5:27 pm
Brava, Chipper came up as a SS. Don’t think he could play it these days though.
RC
July 28th, 2011
5:27 pm
Bourn over the past month has a sexxy .364 average but he has only swiped 5 bags. Also he has only scored 13 runs. Now if he is so good at enabling a lineup to manufacture runs why hasn’t he …. scored more runs and secondly stolen more bases for that sole purpose? He is a solid player but not the answer to the Braves issue.
The reason he hasn’t scored any runs is because the rest of his lineup is terrible. Getting on base and having 3 K’s behind you makes it hard to score.
Anyone know why Marlins Logan Morrison just tweeted that he’s off to Atlanta? And said that he hates goodbyes? I hope this isn’t our trade..
Morrison is headed to Atlanta because we are playing the Marlins tomorrow. And why would you NOT want that to be our trade? He’s a better hitter than anyone who’s been mentioned outside of Pence, and he’s under team control for the next 5 years. The Marlins would be crazy to trade him, but if we got him it would be a stellar acquisition.
Rob from SC (Wren...Forget Hitting...Get a Shortstop and RH reliever)
July 28th, 2011
5:27 pm
Please stop making up trade rumors
Lew
July 28th, 2011
5:28 pm
Just read where they’re coming out with a Casey Anthony Halloween mask. Must be the same sick mind that determined mixing transmission fluid with cold meds would make a good drug.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
5:28 pm
It looks like Upton to Atlanta. – Arkansas Transplant
Please no, not that thug.
Chop Chop
July 28th, 2011
5:28 pm
Chipper would be a good shortstop. The first time he tries to get to a ball he can’t reach, he tears his knee up for good. That solves a big problem right there.
southern hope
July 28th, 2011
5:28 pm
This is a very exciting day on the blog!
(and before I get too wrapped up in the rumors, DOB, another great blog! Truly, my love of baseball is 70% the game itself and 30% your interpretation of it.)
RC
July 28th, 2011
5:28 pm
AT, where did you get the idea that it’s Upton…?
@bravestern
July 28th, 2011
5:29 pm
Tomahawky i dont see that happining traing for furcal. i think there is still a bad taste in the braves mouths from the 2 times he snubbed the club by signing with LA both times he was a free agent!
southern hope
July 28th, 2011
5:29 pm
MIxxo — LOL
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
5:29 pm
PENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
admiral
July 28th, 2011
5:29 pm
these little rumors aren’t cute or funny, people. my productivity at work is down enough as it is today.
Stupid Suggestions
July 28th, 2011
5:29 pm
Let’s try to go after Rick Ankiel. He plays some great defense!
RC
July 28th, 2011
5:29 pm
Please no, not that thug.
Mixxo, what exactly has he done that’s “thuggish”? I am asking seriously.
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
5:30 pm
RBI single by Hudson….
ARIZONA 3 SAN DIEGO 3 BOT 6
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 28th, 2011
5:30 pm
RC-
Sure, I know you do not believe that garbage. Especially since the Braves are so good at run producing.
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
5:30 pm
Sit Heyward? Nah…send him to Mississippi. As for Quentin …yep all day. I’ll take Bell or Adams…we need two bullpen helpers to go with some hambooger help for Bobby and Fredi
Lew
July 28th, 2011
5:30 pm
Ronald – You’re right about Schafer – and not to mention that with a broken finger AND getting busted in the hand with that pitch, it’s quite possible he won’t be back on the active roster anytime in the next month or so, anyway.
faninva
July 28th, 2011
5:30 pm
admiral – exactly!
RC
July 28th, 2011
5:30 pm
@bravestern,
You are probably right about Furcal, but he is one of the few players available that would have a low price tag and fill a need very nicely.
The Ghost of Trenidad Hubbard.
July 28th, 2011
5:30 pm
WE JUST TRADED FOR BABE RUTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob
July 28th, 2011
5:31 pm
I like the excitement of this blog…sure beats “bench Hurtward”, “trade Lowe”, “send McLousy to Gwinnett”, “vote for change”, “Chippah’s on the DL”.
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
5:31 pm
Problem w/ AZ is they get the Pads La and Col for the next two months
jt
July 28th, 2011
5:31 pm
Think I know whay Wren and Manno said to Freddie: Can’t any of these idiots hit the ball????
“They can’t even hit this batting practice pitcher”
no
July 28th, 2011
5:31 pm
Quintin’s splits
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=quentca01&year=Career&t=b
Below average against lefties. Still be useful, but hes not idea
Arkansas Transplant
July 28th, 2011
5:31 pm
RC, just taking that from the fact that Tampa has had scouts in atlanta throughout our pittsburgh series… speculation.
Ronald Millsaps
July 28th, 2011
5:31 pm
Prior to last season, I suggested that the Braves trade McLouth and Kawakami for Beltran. I also suggested that they make a move for Pat Burrell and Cody Ross. Halfway through last season, I wanted them to make a move for Dan Uggla, which I’m glad they did. I also wanted a move to acquire Emilio Bonifacio (we need speed; I’ve never seen a faster baseball player, and given the team’s payroll stinginess, Bonifacio would’ve been a reasonable acquisition). In the offseason, I wanted a move for Lance Berkman.
Isn’t Josh Anderson still in the organization? Get him back up here. He can play right and bat leadoff.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
5:31 pm
BABE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YES HOPE GONZALEZ WENT FOR HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FRANKS ON FIRE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Heisenberg
July 28th, 2011
5:32 pm
How about moving Prado to 1B and Freeman to SS? FF does not have much range but he could just stretch for balls in the hole. (sarcasm)
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:32 pm
Somethings happening tonight. I can feel it in/around my groin area.
Brava
July 28th, 2011
5:32 pm
I know, Mixxo, but I agree he couldn’t play SS at this point.
RC
July 28th, 2011
5:32 pm
WE JUST TRADED FOR BABE RUTH
He’s got a bad attitude, is going to kill the clubhouse chemistry.
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
5:32 pm
Josh B
July 28th, 2011
5:23 pm
“Anyone know why Marlins Logan Morrison just tweeted that he’s off to Atlanta? And said that he hates goodbyes? I hope this isn’t our trade..”
Umm because the Braves play the Marlins this weekend
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
5:32 pm
Hows Melky and Frenchie lookin right about now?
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
5:32 pm
RBI single by Martinez….
SAN DIEGO 4 ARIZONA 3 BOT 6
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 28th, 2011
5:33 pm
Yeah lets bring back Budweiser to play SS so he can strain a oblique or hurt a Hammy.
Arkansas Transplant
July 28th, 2011
5:33 pm
RC, I think Fucal would be a better option then Lugo coming off the bench too.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
5:33 pm
what about Furcal and Rivera from LA?
Have you seen how bad Furcal has been this year?
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:33 pm
Its not very encouraging to hear Fredi say, “Just get the players, Ill figure out what to do with them.”
unbelievable
July 28th, 2011
5:33 pm
no –
Quentin has a .913OPS vs LH’rs this year
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
5:33 pm
LOMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://twitter.com/#!/LoMoMarlins
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
5:33 pm
RC — Ever see him fly off the handle? I have. He demonstrates all the typical thug crap.
I’d love to put his lights out.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
5:33 pm
What about signing ablbert pujols and playing him shortstop>?
RC
July 28th, 2011
5:33 pm
AT, got it. While I’m not in love with the idea of Upton, I think he is probably the best fit for what the Braves need right now. And the potential impact is nothing short of stellar.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:34 pm
NOTHING is going to change at SS. Might as well save your finger strength.
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
5:34 pm
wow Golden Sombrero boy aint in the lineup tonight?
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
5:34 pm
I hate to agree with Dennis Reynolds today, but he’s absolutely right with his 5:20pm
no he isn’t. in fact so far in his brief career under that particular name he has been right about absolutely nothing. He’s just an ignorant and rude little pissant.
his hands are out of sync with his body. He is a wrist hitter who does not need to extend all the way to get good power but his hands and body need to be in the correct timing, and they are not.
Bill M.
July 28th, 2011
5:34 pm
I agree, why not get Bourn & Quentin. Trade Delgado Or Minor (not both) and include Prado and Schaefer(DL).That would solve alot of problems. If Chipper goes down, they can find someone suitable to cover 3rd.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
5:34 pm
LOMO FOR PRADO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW FRANKS HAVING A DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
5:34 pm
Please not upton
Brava
July 28th, 2011
5:34 pm
Gross, Dennis Reynolds. They make a shampoo for that.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2011
5:35 pm
WE JUST TRADED FOR BABE RUTH
Hope we didn’t give up too much
RC
July 28th, 2011
5:36 pm
Mixxo,
You have got to explain more than that. I have no idea what you mean by “fly off the handle”, or what the reasons behind it are.
Is he yelling about a bad call? Is he taunting children? Did he slam his helment after a K?
“Flying off the handle” can mean a lot of things. It could mean “thug” or it could mean “he plays with passion” (George Brett), or it could mean “he’s bats*** crazy”.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
5:36 pm
I”M HEARING THE BRAVES ARE IN NEGOTIATIONS TO SIGN ESPN COMMENTATOR BARRY LARKIN. HE SAID F THE HOF I’M MAKING MY COMEBACK!!
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
5:37 pm
get Ty Cobb with Fat boy Ruth and we are set
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 28th, 2011
5:37 pm
Check Uptons Road splits out. Last I saw, couple days ago, .278 average…9hr…37 RBI…..360 ob%. So again it may just be Tropicana and the turf. Who knows but away from TB he is producing.
Jeff
July 28th, 2011
5:37 pm
BRAVES ACQUIRE ROY HOBBS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2011
5:37 pm
“Just get the players, Ill figure out what to do with them.”
Translation: Throw us a fu*kin’ bone here Frank.
unbelievable
July 28th, 2011
5:37 pm
I love all these please no Upton, no Quentin, no Bourn, no Ludwick posts. EVERYONE of these guys helps upgrade this team.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:37 pm
noleee…unreal how little you know about hitting. Not even going to comment further regarding anything to do with hitting. You simply don’t know what you’re talking about.
Braves20
July 28th, 2011
5:37 pm
Another slow, .250 hitter to clog the base paths. Only thing to recommend him, he doesn’t strike out a lot for a 20 homer guy. Three guys out there better. Might make sense if he comes packaged with a arm for the pen but sure a long ways from a Pence, Upton or even Bourn.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
5:37 pm
I hear the braves are offering jerry meals in the deal for quentin. Apparently he is good in extra innings.
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
5:37 pm
So Dennis Reynolds/Lou Vales/Earl Williams are all the same?
Pick a name man.
The Dude Abides
July 28th, 2011
5:37 pm
I still think Wren really likes Furcal, but he hates his agent. Furcal should’ve never left ATL in the first place IMO he was the guy that always scored that 1 run in the first inning all the time. Such a great player for us.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2011
5:37 pm
* Preferably with some leftover Q sauce on it
John Adcox
July 28th, 2011
5:37 pm
I’m confused. With Wilkin sent down, do we even have enough outfielders? Isn’t Prado at third? No 4th outfielder at all? Wow. And Wilkin can’t come back for 10 days?
Unless that means a deal is wicked close?
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
5:37 pm
SAN DIEGO 4 ARIZONA 3 TOP 7
tdc
July 28th, 2011
5:38 pm
Yeah let’s give up on Heyward when Schafer and McClouth have sucked for years. That should really get his confidence going.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:38 pm
Stizz..its just me. I assure you.
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
5:39 pm
@ DOB
I said the same thing about Ludwick in your other blog earlier today. If Bell or Adams comes with Ludwick, I wouldnt be unhappy.
Quentin makes this line up better, and his options after the year is exactly what the braves want(Options). So do this trade and call Baltimore for uehara? (misspelled name probably) and if you could land Bourn, that would be iceing on the cake.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
5:39 pm
Braves just signed roland office and willie montanez for bench help down the stretch
The Ghost of Trenidad Hubbard.
July 28th, 2011
5:40 pm
I dunno….Ruth’s never even got a hit at the Ted, so he would probably stink hitting in this ballpark.
Chop Chop
July 28th, 2011
5:40 pm
Why in the hell are people posting scores for the second-place wild-card team? We are 3.5 ahead of those jokers. If they pass us, it’s because our scores suck.
Brave New World
July 28th, 2011
5:40 pm
It would be great if we got Quentin. It would also be great if Heyward can get back on track. Heyward seemed very much in control last year before Bobby Cox and Pendleton began working with him to become more aggressive at the plate. I don’t want to guess what Parrish has done with Heyward, but he looks much less comfortable in the batter’s box. This is a 5-tool talent, and we need to get him going, not just for 2011, but for the future.
Brava
July 28th, 2011
5:40 pm
Well, Wilkin had to be sent down so they could bring up another bullpen arm because there’s no way Cy Proctor is going anywhere, John Adcox.
Doc Holliday
July 28th, 2011
5:40 pm
If Quentin is acquired, could the Braves Play JH in CF while Schafer is down?
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
5:40 pm
buzz capra for long relief FRANK IS ON FIRE
Luther
July 28th, 2011
5:40 pm
Ruth, another lefty…
JT Grace
July 28th, 2011
5:41 pm
“Anyone know why Marlins Logan Morrison just tweeted that he’s off to Atlanta? And said that he hates goodbyes? I hope this isn’t our trade..”
Why in the world would you not want Logan Morrison? He’s only hit 16 home runs this year.
I really think he probably said that just to get Twitter nation all abuzz. Besides that, he’s a lefty. If the Braves wanted a lefty they would probably just get Bourn.
falconfever74
July 28th, 2011
5:41 pm
i agree totally with fan in nova. gonzo came over with 17 homers and 50 rbi. frank wren do not trade a prospect for an above average hitter in the american league. he plays in a launching pad in chicago. a 30 home run hitter in the american league is a 15 to 17 homer guy in the national league.most of u guys are just “news junkies” (meaning you are more interested in seeing your team make any move so they could be talked about on espn.) the news about a trade is more important than your team making a move that will make them world series contenders.
Messenger1
July 28th, 2011
5:41 pm
Heyward is the future of this team, if they give up on him like that I’d quit watching the stupid Braves lose the very day they made this terrible mistake. How about this, genius…..GET A HITTING COACH. There, problem solved and the entire team lives up to their potential. Its not rocket science. Larry Parrish has no business being any kind of coach for the Braves, he has done nothing- N-O-T-H-I-N-G for this team. Terry Pendleton was a way better coach I never thought I’d ever say that but at this point its truth. Address the real problems, don’t throw it on a guy who’s having a bad season due to injury, sophmore slump, and everything else. He has shown signs of snapping out of it, but every time he does stupid Freddi benches him its so dumb how this team works nowadays. Heyward still has more HRs than more than half the entire starting lineup and a lot more guys have similar stats not just him, so whatever. I’ve never been so mad about a dumb clubhouse move that better not happen.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
5:41 pm
NY METS 10 REDS 9 THEY MAY CATCH US AT THE RATE FRANK IS GOING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2011
5:41 pm
I’ve been keeping an eye on the D’Backs.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:41 pm
Proctor is our MVP no matter what anyone says. He comes in throwing gas. Did you see that walk-off FC the other night?
Stud.
John Adcox
July 28th, 2011
5:41 pm
Thanks, Brava. Just seems weird to go three days with just three outfielders.
unbelievable
July 28th, 2011
5:41 pm
“I’m confused. With Wilkin sent down, do we even have enough outfielders? Isn’t Prado at third? No 4th outfielder at all? – John Adcox”
Nope, we still have 4 – Prado, Nate, Heyward, Hinski
3B – Chipper, Lugo, Conrad, Prado
John Adcox
July 28th, 2011
5:42 pm
But Prado’s at 3rd, yes?
jt
July 28th, 2011
5:44 pm
Here is lineup we need to overtake the Phillies:
Texeria
Alex Conz.
BJ Upton
Joe Mauer
Beltran
Joey Votto
Zimmerman
Derek Jeters
Halladay
Lincecum
Then Freddie would come up with some way to screw it up.
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
5:44 pm
Chop Chop — would you rather see a score of relevance or trade rumors of irrelevance. Don’t want to know, ignore it.
It’s a playoff race.
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2011
5:45 pm
Dennis Reynolds, and Elizabeth: We’re 104 games into the season, it’s time to do what is necessary to win the rest of the way and in the playoffs. If the Braves platoon, bench or send Heyward down, to me it has nothing to do with his role beyond this season. He’s a potential superstar, no doubt. Huge talent. But since the first two months of last season, we’ve only seen him really rake, produce at top form, for a week or two weeks at a time, and lately even less.
As I wrote, right field is and should be his from Day 1 next season. You can play Quentin in left if Chipper retires, or trade him if he doesn’t. To me, that makes sense. If it doesn to you, hey, no worries. Difference of opinion.
By the way, Heyward has a .248 average and .399 slugging percentage in 175 games going back to May 31, 2010, after batting 301 with .596 slugging in his first 46 games through May 30, 2010. Almost 200 points lower in slugging, and more than 50 points lower in batting average.
(He’s had a still-good .352 OBP over those 175 games, compared to a huge .421 OBP in his first 46 games.)
unbelievable
July 28th, 2011
5:45 pm
He’s at 3B again tonight, but could always slide back to LF.
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
5:45 pm
SAN DIEGO 4 ARIZONA 3 BOT 7
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
5:45 pm
yeah Dennis I spent 12 years working in AAA and as a scout, but I don’t know hitting as well as an ignorant, rude little tv watchin’ flea like you.
That’s almost as funny as your stupid comment about being the only non-cellar dweller on the blog. Have any more good jokes, cause I’m liking your act so far?
jt
July 28th, 2011
5:45 pm
Messinger1: You are kidding of course???
Braves20
July 28th, 2011
5:45 pm
falconefever said it best – beware of an AL hitter moving to the NL. Remember how well that worked out last year.
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2011
5:46 pm
Not complaining DOB, but that has to be the shortest blog in the five plus years I have been following this blog. Things must really be happening for you to purposely cut it so short with three hours to go before game time.
Glad you’re not complaining.
My Name Is Earl
July 28th, 2011
5:46 pm
For all you Schafer Haters, When he went out the Braves went on a losing streak. When he came back, they won.
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
5:47 pm
@ DOB
Do you think the Braves will be done “if” they acquire Quentin?
and
What is the package in the works for Quentin?
the truth...
July 28th, 2011
5:47 pm
Leo Mazone just said a few minutes ago that he likes Quentin but can’t see Chicago trading down…..shipping Quentin our for a prospect….
Chicago is only 3 games back of Detroit so Leo doesn’t see them giving up with 2 months to play….they do have a replacement in AAA ready to come up, but do you sign off on Quentin at this point?
If he is only batting .182 or whatever then we surely don’t want him….no more .200 hitters on this club please…
henry from TN
July 28th, 2011
5:48 pm
quentin sounds the best yet the only reason i suggested ludwick i thought we could get adams with him maybe we can still get adams….
Brava
July 28th, 2011
5:48 pm
John Adcox, I was being facetious. I can’t understand why Proctor is still on this team. Yeah he did OK, the other night, but it was shaky. I sure hope they don’t plan to make a playoff run with him.
CrαZy
July 28th, 2011
5:48 pm
Frank and Freddi G’s conversation
Frank: what kind of lineup can you make using Quintin…..
Freddi: pauses unsure
Frank: Hurry up I need an answer I got the sox GM on hold….
Freddi: I don’t know he’s a good player
Frank: I need an answer
Freddi: (getting increasingly agitated) I don’t know Frank
Frank: WTF do you want me to do Fred
Freddi: Just pull the trigger Frank I’ll handle it later
Frank: when are you gonna figure out where everyone’s gonna play we need answers!!!
Freddi: F*** it!!! We’ll do it live… WE’LL DO IT LIVE! F*** IT! DO IT LIVE… look, I’ll write it and we’ll do it live! F***ing thing SUCKS!
Slowhiteguy
July 28th, 2011
5:49 pm
The Braves have been interested in Quentin before this season…makes sense.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:49 pm
noleee…..riiiiight.
Thanks for the clarification, DOB. We obviously do have difference in opinions. I just feel that there are a number of other ways to upgrade this team than to bench Heyward for a guy like Quentin. We have holes in CF and SS, not to mention our 3rd baseman is never healthy enough to play. Is seems obvious to me that a true leadoff man is needed and Michael Bourn appears to be the best option.
Lowcountry Bulldawg
July 28th, 2011
5:50 pm
Heywards stats look like Frenchy’s.
Bravofan
July 28th, 2011
5:50 pm
Dob: I love your responses to these morons haha
Lew
July 28th, 2011
5:50 pm
Yeah – “Freddie” (might want to learn how to spell the manager’s name) would screw up that lineup – just like he “only” got 61 wins from a team with so many players that most of y’all think suck and need to be gone.
Yet another marroon heard from.
tdc
July 28th, 2011
5:50 pm
Good post Messenger1
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
5:50 pm
Varvaro walks alot of guys. If we do make a move, I can see a major shakedown of the roster right after.
SoCalBrave
July 28th, 2011
5:50 pm
If we get CQ we can platoon him, Hayward, Prado and Chipper. We have 4 players for 3 positions, which means that all things being equal each player would start 75% of the games. Of course, Chipper would need more rest, which means our outfielders would play a little more than that.
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
5:51 pm
Jim_Powell Jim Powell
Basking in the trade vibes circulating around Turner Field. Wouldn’t be surprised if something happened pretty soon. #Braves
Dan_in_NC
July 28th, 2011
5:51 pm
With all this trade rumor and demoting Heyward talk going on, J-Hey will probably hit a pair of homers tonight.
The Dude
July 28th, 2011
5:51 pm
Just a little FYI. Since the allstar break, 4 of the top 10 batting averages on the Braves are pitchers. That’s ugly.
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
5:52 pm
I think it’s fair to wonder about how Quentin would perform here coming out of that AL great hitting park, but I also think it’s pretty likely that he would be an upgrade no matter what he does.To me it depends on what they give up.
I would prefer a CFer but that doesn’t seem to be in the works. It would likely be a mental boost to the team if they get him too.
Maybe he would even get another standing O upon arrival.
Brave New World
July 28th, 2011
5:52 pm
DOB: Thanks for the stats on Heyward. Didn’t Bobby Cox and Pendleton have an issue with Heyward about being more aggressive at the plate?
J-Hey was masterful at waiting for the right pitch to drive early last year, and his on base percentage with walks was impressive. It seems ever since his approach at the plate was tampered with, he has not been the same hitter. Your thoughts?
Josh B
July 28th, 2011
5:52 pm
Frank Wren was just telling Fredi Gonzalez that he was able to trade for Willingham and that he had a Chipper bobblehead waiting for him upstairs. Fredi told him “You’re a good GM Frank and a helluva friend”.
P-Town Brave ©
July 28th, 2011
5:52 pm
So, does anyone else have an idea where Pence is headed?
DOB-
What do you have from the Fredi/Frank meeting….they wouldn’t be going in there during BP for fun….
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
5:52 pm
“Just a little FYI. Since the allstar break, 4 of the top 10 batting averages on the Braves are pitchers. That’s ugly.”
LOL
archie
July 28th, 2011
5:52 pm
It’s just been announced that the Chipper Jones bobbleheads have strained obliques. Julio Lugo bobbleheads will be offered instead tonight.
Slowhiteguy
July 28th, 2011
5:53 pm
I just hope FG doesn’t ever, under any circumstance, bench Heyward for Wilkin Ramirez again…regardless of what hand the pitcher throws with. If that didn’t light a fire under JH, I don’t know what will.
admiral
July 28th, 2011
5:54 pm
@ JT Grace, I image Morrison said that because we are playing them starting tomorrow.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
5:54 pm
Logan Morrison tweets: “off to atlanta” Wow.
brian
July 28th, 2011
5:54 pm
thanks DOB – great blog as usual. Informative plus analytical.
I like the Quentin idea. Big right handed bat. Big bat period for our lineup. I see no problem sending Heyward to AAA. Heck, send him to AAA to work on his swing and work on CF for this year. Heyward needs a low pressure situation to try and get his approach and swing right. I agree that there is no way Heyward moves to center field full time due to the physical toll of the position. If we, however, get Quentin for RF and Chipper comes back, it would be a huge upgrade offensively to have Heyward in CF. I would still love to see Pastornicky get a chance at SS while he is tearing it up.
A lineup of:
Prado
Pastornicky or Heyward
Chipper
McCann
Quentin
Freeman
Uggla
Heyward or Pastornicky
that would be a strong lineup heading into the postseason.
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
5:55 pm
so you are saying that he is not a fast twitch wristy hitter is that right idiot child?
Ronald Millsaps
July 28th, 2011
5:55 pm
“dude”— Well, Furcal left because our stingy, apathetic ownership, as usual, didn’t want to make a good offer. His intrinsic market value was $8 million annually that offseason, and John Schuerholz did his best to find revenue. Chipper Jones stepped in and took a paycut, not the only time he has done so, I might add, and Schuerholz offered Furcal a two-year deal worth $18 million. The Dodgers then swooped in and offered him a three-year deal worth $39 million.
Dennis Reynolds– Good posts.
Back to Matt Ryan, he could be as good as Kurt Warner but has a way to go. Mechanically, he doesn’t throw a good ball, too much air under it.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2011
5:55 pm
From Moylan
Just finished 3 sets of 25 at 120 feet. Day off tomorrow, catch Saturday and bullpen Sunday is the plan. So close I can taste it..
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
5:55 pm
We were joking in the 680 booth last night that they should give complimentary crutches along with the bobble-head dolls.
unbelievable
July 28th, 2011
5:55 pm
You do know the Marlins are coming into town tomorrow right?
M10
July 28th, 2011
5:55 pm
O’brian the Braves will not win without Heyward so I think sending him down just would be idiotic.So lets stop with send Heyward down talk.
kirkinga
July 28th, 2011
5:57 pm
Well I thought it would take a bit longer, but Heyward is now just about on par with Yunel and Andruw. He apparently has no heart, no grit, no humility. All the endearing personality traits he had in abundance last season apparently now evaporated into the ether. So I guess the Yunelization of Heyward is about complete.
It’s ok to be disappointed in his performance this year, but don’t turn him into a bad young man. Unless I’ve missed something, there have been to little bread crumbs left for us to follow in order to bring us to where many went with Yunel.
What is strange to me is that TP got blamed for all of the subpar performances under his watch, yet we’ve have any number of people not performing up to their established norms yet no much finger-pointing at Parrish. Could he be the reason for the backsliding? (Heyward doesn’t really have a baseline established as of yet.) A patient team last season is now hacking away. Who get’s the blame now?
I know it’s heresy, but I’d move Heyward to LF and Prado would be back in his best position which is super-sub.
jt
July 28th, 2011
5:57 pm
Hey Lew: Might want to learn how to spell Moron, You Moron Or did you mean the cookie?
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2011
5:57 pm
Moylan on Twitter after his long-toss throwing session today: “Just finished 3 sets of 25 @120 feet. Day off tomorrow, catch Sat. & bullpen Sun. is the plan. So close I can taste it.”
P-Town Brave ©
July 28th, 2011
5:57 pm
Morrison is off to Atlanta bc the Fish play the Braves tmw night guys….
Nothing there and neither team would have interest in a deal like that….
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
5:57 pm
Oh nevermind I see what your sayin…
Ralph
July 28th, 2011
5:57 pm
DOB, I sure wish the front office felt the same way as you and I do about it being all about winning, if they do then thats something new.
faninva
July 28th, 2011
5:57 pm
the blog is deliciously entertaining today. now I know why the circus is so popular…except for the clowns…they’re evil.
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
5:57 pm
Send Heyward on the next slow train to M I S S I S S I P P I
TexasBrave
July 28th, 2011
5:57 pm
It wasn’t a complaint, just an observation. I like reading the wealth of information you put into your blog.
Big'un
July 28th, 2011
5:57 pm
Dennis Reynolds– Good posts. @Ronald M
Why am I not surprised that you think that?
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
5:58 pm
noleee…i never usually post “lol”, mainly because I never read a post that actually makes me laugh out loud. But i literally laughed at your last post. You really need to stop talking hitting. You really just don’t have a clue.
LOL.
Huh?
July 28th, 2011
5:58 pm
O’brian the Braves will not win without Heyward so I think sending him down just would be idiotic.
Did they lose last night?
nique
July 28th, 2011
5:58 pm
Like it, but why not move Heyward to CF and bench McLouth and Schafer. Heyward’s struggled but is better than those to guys, right?
Lew
July 28th, 2011
5:58 pm
faninva- Did either of those two songs fit the bill for your video?
Tony
July 28th, 2011
5:59 pm
Carlos, if acquired will be in center or left as a permanent position for right now. Heyward could be in and out of the lineup or even move to center. No one outfielder is doing so well not to be platooned with the exception of Prado. Realistically, I would love to see Heyward move to cf. But one thing really troubles me…will Chipper be healthy enough for the stretch run?
Memphis
July 28th, 2011
5:59 pm
All these people bashing Heyward. Its a shame. He’s 21 freakin years old. He’s been injured a ton. So he’s not Albert Pujols. Some of you think we’re the Red Sox or Yankees and we can just get whichever player we want. Patience grasshoppers.
Skeeterleg
July 28th, 2011
5:59 pm
Dennis Reynolds is doing a character/comedy type thing right?
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
6:00 pm
I hate when you invest so much time debating with ppl on here to slowly figure out they are just plain stupid and you wasted your time typing. Then you feel like the stupid one for thinking they even had a clue in the first place.
Well done, noleee
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
6:00 pm
Can we just not have a hitting coach….I bet we’d hit better….who’s with that thought
?
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
6:00 pm
I’m still waiting for a definitive answer to my question Dennis.
Why won’t you answer it instead of resorting to insults?
Seems kinda suspicious to me
Kat
July 28th, 2011
6:00 pm
Apparently having a job is hindering me of ever having a chance of catching up on the blog.. pages from today on yesterdays blog and the 7 pages so far haha.
faninva
July 28th, 2011
6:00 pm
Hey lew – haven’t downloaded yet – I’m sure one will fit the bill! thanks again!!
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
6:01 pm
Wasnt the Braves interested in Quentin 2 weeks ago? What stalled them then? was it Pence? Beltran? or Bourn?
NickGranite
July 28th, 2011
6:01 pm
“Heyward has been just as valuable this year as Martin Prado, yet no one wants to replace or platoon Martin. Why are they seen in two different lights.”
Prado not up to his usual standard but did you read DOB’s blog. Heyward is batting TWO HUNDRED over his last 52 games. TWO HUNDRED.
pete
July 28th, 2011
6:01 pm
If Heyward cannot stay injury free at 20 and 21 what is he going to do at 25 and 30? I think he will be a bust.
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
6:02 pm
@memphis. correct! He is 21 he shouldn’t be in the majors…too young and stands like taking a dump in the batters box
MiaBchBravesFan
July 28th, 2011
6:02 pm
Dennis, Michael Bourn is NOT the best option if the Astros are going to ask for the moon. Furthermore, there is no one out there who plays SS or CF that can (a) be traded for reasonably and (b) will not cost two arms and a leg, to say nothing of the fact that teams will not part with a SS or CF that is a SIGNIFICANT upgrade to what we have, Upton notwithstanding.
That is why Quentin makes sense as an opinion advanced in the story, a notion supported by the Braves’ interest in him. They seem to know a little more about BB than most of us.
Seems that you have lost a lot of cred on this blog. By the way, noleee’s cred checks out way better than yours, given the long time he been blogging with people on DOB’s site. Man doesn’t need to lie about such things, and I happen to agree with his assessment of Heyward’s plight.
By the by, never a need to get nasty or contentious over ball talk. My experience has been that those bloggers who get really edgy with their comments never played the game to the extent that it merits regard of their opinions on technical issues of the game. I may say stuff, but I always defer to the wiser heads on this blog.
And, hell, I played and coached the game (H.S.) during a past life!
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
6:03 pm
@pete correct! Heyward is Greg Oden he has old man disease
MiaBchBravesFan
July 28th, 2011
6:03 pm
Read above, noleee.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
6:03 pm
DOB,
Since they are still in the race, are the White Sox potentially interested in Derek Lowe?
Lew
July 28th, 2011
6:03 pm
faninva – No problem – anytime I can be of assistance.
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
6:03 pm
SAN DIEGO 4 ARIZONA 3 TOP 8
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
6:04 pm
People are forgetting that Uggla as of 2 days ago, just got over the Mendoza Line of TWO HUNDRED… Panic Mode for Heyward, not yet. Platoon Heyward maybe so.
P-Town Brave ©
July 28th, 2011
6:04 pm
I just cant see needing to get Ludwick or Willingham today though….
While you would need to jump on Pence before anyone else nabs him, either of the two above could be had on the 31st….
So hopefully we can get Pence….not certain about Quentin other than the Sox are still right there in the Central and I heard that his replacement in the lineup from AAA is injured….
Either way, outside of Uggla and Freeman, no one else is hitting, so their spots should be up for grabs….
And Pence CAN play CF….so thats not a concern, while Quentin can only play the corners.
NEED THAT BAT!!!
bobbymahlon
July 28th, 2011
6:04 pm
You people that want Furcal so bad do you realize he is hitting .185, do you want a guy like that leading off ?
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
6:05 pm
mmmm can’t wait for SD to trade Bell so they will never hold a lead and just give games to SF and AZ
Lew
July 28th, 2011
6:05 pm
Peoiple – NO one is interested in Lowe for exactly the same reasons you aren’t.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 28th, 2011
6:05 pm
We should have a Medoza Party for Ugg’s!
Bravesfan
July 28th, 2011
6:05 pm
MLB said that Braves were still in on Pence. CQ and Ludwick was there there second choice if they didn’t get Pence..Who knows ..to damn many rumors.
CQ is better that Ludwick and Willingham but Ozzie said last night they were not trading him.
DOB being a insider is probably right…..
Rays have scouts at game tonight per MLB..
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
6:05 pm
I’m not the one throwing all the insults MBBF but thanks anyway.
Chop Chop
July 28th, 2011
6:05 pm
The right and left wings of Braves Country fighting out.
Gotta love it.
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
6:05 pm
@ DOB
Good Question Peter
Chisox interested in Lowe?
Wren-check
July 28th, 2011
6:05 pm
This article is hardly about Heyward. He will be fine and a future all-star. He has a lot of talent, and desire to be a great ball player. The question is Chipper. That is whether or not he will be healthy for the rest of the season.
Ralph
July 28th, 2011
6:06 pm
Wouldn’t mind platooning Heyward with a decent .260 RHB if Heyward could hit RHP but he is only batting .241 against righties.
Ronald Millsaps
July 28th, 2011
6:06 pm
“big ‘un”— Not surprised that you’re not surprised. Intelligent ID, by the way.
faninva
July 28th, 2011
6:06 pm
lew – you always come through, my man – especially here – the voice i respect most
MiaBchBravesFan
July 28th, 2011
6:06 pm
Yep, Lowe does suck pretty badly, IMO.
Doc Holliday
July 28th, 2011
6:06 pm
Prado
Chipper
Mc
Uggla
Quentin
Freeman
Nate/Schafer/Jason
Alex
Bench…………Hinske, Ross, Conrad, Lugo, Schafer/Jason/Nate
Sounds good to me
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
6:07 pm
So, what you’re saying, MiaBch, is I need to get my blog cred up. Very interesting. Its some hard livin’ out here on the Net, son! Betta get my cred up!
noleee…you’re still stupid. Im sorry.
TeheranTime
July 28th, 2011
6:07 pm
STOP POSTING BOGUS RUMORS AND LINKS. At least make this a little more functional when it comes to rumors. We all want to know what is going on. Don’t make stupid posts.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 28th, 2011
6:08 pm
Paragraph four was for Dennis’s benefit, noleee, not yours. Long as I’ve know you, you fire when fired upon.
All’s fair, but beneath your dignity.
Sarah Palin
July 28th, 2011
6:08 pm
Dave: What about me? Write about me. I’m sure the boys will love hearing about me.
pete
July 28th, 2011
6:08 pm
Heyward likes to find reasons to miss games instead of reasons to play. He missed all those games with a shoulder injury that the doctors could not find. I do not think he has the desire or attitude ot be great
P-Town Brave ©
July 28th, 2011
6:08 pm
Chop Chop-
Is this basically like saying those who overvalue prospects and those who wants to trade them no matter what for who they want?
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
6:08 pm
wow TeheranTime you nick is a rumor
Doc Holliday
July 28th, 2011
6:08 pm
If Sox take Lowe, we could use Martinez as 5th starter and Teheran as SP or vice versa…………wouldnt go to Minor.
Huh?
July 28th, 2011
6:09 pm
Big’un? I made one this morning. That sucker almost stopped up the toilet.
Ronald Millsaps
July 28th, 2011
6:09 pm
“chop chop”— Speaking of right and left, I’ve had enough of this blog for a month, let alone a day; more-important issues loom, i.e. the right-left debate on Capitol Hill. We glaringly need cuts in education spending, AIDS research, etc. and to prevent illegal aliens from stealing our jobs. For pete’s sake, an Iraq veteran with three brain tumors was refused treatment because of lack of insurance while illegals left and right were getting free and full treatment. This country has gone to the dogs.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
6:09 pm
This blog is getting nerdier and nerdier the more names noleeee posts under….
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
6:09 pm
@ Sarah Palin
You forgot to end your sentence with “Oh yeah Dontcha know”
Mister Frisky
July 28th, 2011
6:09 pm
I’m from Missouri you got to show me.Meanwhile can’t wait for the NLCS preview tonight on MLB network SF at Philly.Quentin would be a fine addition.I’m sure Wren doesn’t want to part with some gas can in the instructional league,so it will be Mc Clouth,Schafer,and Heyward down the stretch.Baseballs worst outfield in full effect.
poop
July 28th, 2011
6:09 pm
I think when we’re on the road we should have Derek Lowe bat leadoff and then pinch run for him when he gets on in the first inning with McLouth/Schafer. Lowe is a stud hitter.
John A
July 28th, 2011
6:09 pm
Dave you are a piece of work. The purchase/trade that is least expensive is Vlad Guerrero from Baltimore. He is on a one year contract, and a cheap (lackluster) pitcher plus McLouth will get him. This cavalier approach of saying the outfield is “occupied” is ridiculous. By whose reasoning is it occupied?
McLouth is demonstrating almost daily his value is diminishing, and Schafer will more than likely be on the DL more than he plays. As for Heyward….he needs to go back to AAA and re-establish his confidence. An addition that may make more sense is to bring Frenchy back home. He has found his stroke, and we all know what kind of arm he has.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
6:10 pm
I don’t necessarily want to trade Lowe, given his experience in the playoffs and his performance in September last year. But given his contract situation, it’s something to think about. It would all depend if they felt that Teheran was ready and how much of the contract they would be willing to pay. I don’t know their pitching situation but I know they just traded away Edwin Jackson, so maybe they are still looking for pitching help and shopping Quentin.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 28th, 2011
6:10 pm
Dennis, seems like you’re angry about something, but it sure ain’t about Carlos Quentin or noleee.
Whatever it is, may you find peace, bruddah!
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
6:10 pm
and you still are evading my question, which would lead most readers to suspect that you have no idea of what the correct answer is Dennis.
C’mon man step up and say something meaningful, you can do it.
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
6:10 pm
@pete Exactly. Maybe a little August in M I S S I S S I P P I will help that attitude
Kat
July 28th, 2011
6:10 pm
“@Jim_Powell Mark Lemke reports that Chipper had an MRI on the quad & they found some bleeding in there. That will slow his return 2 the lineup. #Braves
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
6:10 pm
Jim_Powell Jim Powell
Mark Lemke reports that Chipper had an MRI on the quad & they found some bleeding in there. That will slow his return 2 the lineup. #Braves
So I’m guessing Prado will be playing 3B for a while.
afan
July 28th, 2011
6:11 pm
Can’t we just get along..damn shut the name calling and post your opinion on baseball, music, BBq and the rest to hell with..getting my gun..
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
6:11 pm
Get ready for a solid 5 innings from the 60 million dollar man tonight.
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
6:11 pm
Opens up for Quentin or Pence to play LF.
Memphis
July 28th, 2011
6:11 pm
I’m glad there’s so many GM’s on here. A guy has one bad year and people want him gone. LOL you guys are too much
brian
July 28th, 2011
6:11 pm
no way ChiSox take on Lowe but wouldn’t it be interesting if it was Lowe, Delgado, another prospect (such as Bethancourt) and the Braves get Quentin and Frasor
or Lowe, Delgado, Pastornicky (?Hoover,etc as well) for Quentin and Alexei Ramirez.
then we keep Minor and he takes Lowe’s spot
I would have to imagine that FW would pee in his pants if that trade came about
P-Town Brave ©
July 28th, 2011
6:11 pm
^^ That probably wouldnt be why the GM and Asst GM were down and pulled Fredi out of BP….but that could change the moves for a couple days…
MiaBchBravesFan
July 28th, 2011
6:11 pm
Dennis, your 6:09 post just proved what a newbie you are to this blog.
Enjoy the game, folks!!! I am outta here…
TeheranTime
July 28th, 2011
6:12 pm
The Chipper Jones news is exactly why I think they deal for a LF bat. Chipper will never finish the season.
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
6:12 pm
yeah…not so fast on trading D Lowed he and Hanson were the only ones you could count on last playoff stretch
P-Town Brave ©
July 28th, 2011
6:12 pm
That could also open us up to take a look at Aramis Ramirez again—-if he would change his mind and approve a trade.
TeheranTime
July 28th, 2011
6:12 pm
Braves were just popped to the top of the rumors on MLBTRADERUMORS.
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
6:12 pm
This blog is getting nerdier and nerdier the more names noleeee posts under…. Dennis
me? thats called projection Dennis. You change names over time like a stripper changes her pole position.
Lawton
July 28th, 2011
6:13 pm
I also agree with Nolie’s comments on Heyward. Handsy can be good for a hitter, but, as nolie pointed out, the hands and the body have to work together in rhythm. Heyward’s hands seemed to be ahead of his body, when it comes to timing.
When you watch guys make adjustments, you can notice things if you are astute observer. And, sometimes, when a guy is making adjustments, it can get worse before it gets better. This week, I’ve noticed AGon desperately trying to keep his hands inside the baseball. Its helped a little at times and its made him look more uncomfortable at times. Its all a part of the process.
P-Town Brave ©
July 28th, 2011
6:13 pm
TT-
EXACTLY!
You just can not count on Chipper anymore and if he’s ever going to be healthy….you just have to take it as a bonus if he ends up being able to be used at some point.
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
6:13 pm
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
6:10 pm
Jim_Powell Jim Powell
“Mark Lemke reports that Chipper had an MRI on the quad & they found some bleeding in there. That will slow his return 2 the lineup. #Braves”
Just put him back on the flippin’ DL and be done with it
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
6:13 pm
Gotta love Chipper’s grit, but it’s time.
Powder Blue
July 28th, 2011
6:13 pm
“The one thing Gonzo has going for him is that he is clutch.”
That’s gold, Jerry! Gold!
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
6:14 pm
Flirticia we’re dooooomed
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
6:14 pm
Please, Chipper. For the love of this team. RETIRE!
One of the greatest to ever wear a Braves uniform, but all your beer drinkin’ and deer huntin’ finally caught up with you. Shouldve taken your conditioning more seriously and you could be apart of the championship teams were about to have to the next 7-10 years or so.
Yee-Haw, Cotton-Eyed Joe!
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
6:14 pm
SAN DIEGO 4 ARIZONA 3 BOT 8
Ryan
July 28th, 2011
6:14 pm
1. CF Michael Bourn
2. 3B Martin Prado
3. LF Carlos Quentin
4. C Brian McCann
5. 2B Dan Uggla
6. RF Jason Heyward
7. SS Alex Gonzalez
8. CF Nate McLouth
Yep, looks good to me.
Mister Frisky
July 28th, 2011
6:15 pm
Heyward in center that’s laughable.He is awful in RF.Jason Kommisk should stay where he is,right out.
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
6:15 pm
.getting my gun.. a fan
hey really? what make and caliber is it? I luv guns.
Nick n Richmond
July 28th, 2011
6:15 pm
it’s so hard to keep up with all the trade buzz out there, since there is not only MLB but NFL….
faninva
July 28th, 2011
6:15 pm
The latest on the Braves’ search for an outfielder:
Scott Miller of CBSSports.com confirms that the Braves have talked about Ludwick (they have “significant interest”), Willingham, Quentin and Pence. He adds B.J. Upton to the list of outfielders they’re considering.
The Braves are “hot” for White Sox right fielder Carlos Quentin, tweets Rosenthal, and the Sox love Atlanta’s young arms. However, one holdup is the thumb injury to Dayan Viciedo, who would replace Quentin in Chicago’s lineup.
The Athletics’ Josh Willingham is on the Braves’ list of post-Carlos Beltran options, tweets Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Earlier we heard that the Braves are the last team in on Houston’s Hunter Pence and one of four teams in on San Diego’s Ryan Ludwick.
tdc
July 28th, 2011
6:16 pm
TeheranTime
July 28th, 2011
6:12 pm
The Chipper Jones news is exactly why I think they deal for a LF bat. Chipper will never finish the season.
But makes 13 million a year. What a waste of money.
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
6:16 pm
Good grief Frank.
Stay away from the slop that is Ludwick and Willingham.
tyger
July 28th, 2011
6:16 pm
It take balls to pull the trigger, we have peanuts…
afan
July 28th, 2011
6:17 pm
Me too noleeee.. Everyime I get my gun my wife calls 911..lol
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
6:17 pm
Still waiting……
P-Town Brave ©
July 28th, 2011
6:17 pm
Significant interest in a .237 hitter….
BRAVO! That’ll get the job done!
Powder Blue
July 28th, 2011
6:17 pm
Ludwick? Why don’t we just sign Willie Mays?
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
6:18 pm
Only way Ludwick comes to Atlanta is if he brings a quality reliever or 2 with him.
TeheranTime
July 28th, 2011
6:18 pm
I could deal with Carlos Quentin and Hunter Pence. Do they get both? Do they get either? I bet something happens tonight. The rumors are too hot. When the play by play announcer notices the rumors, something is up.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
6:18 pm
I never thought I would see the day where the Dolphins are more active than the Braves in the last week of July. (Yes I’m a Dolphin fan.)
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
6:18 pm
Speak for yourself, Tyger.
DHD
July 28th, 2011
6:19 pm
Aramis Ramirez is a cheap option with Prado staying in left. Maybe we can pick up one of their relievers as well.
Mister Frisky
July 28th, 2011
6:19 pm
Chipper bleeding ,Larry change your pad,sac up.
poop
July 28th, 2011
6:19 pm
Hell yeah Peter–I’m a Dolphins fan too.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
6:20 pm
The only reason that CWS are talking about trading Quentin is because they have to slash payroll. They would prefer to hang onto him, unless the price is right. That being said, Lowe probably isn’t going anywhere, but he’s definitely not going to the Sox. Just doesn’t make any sense.
cphizzle
July 28th, 2011
6:20 pm
Jim Powell is awesome. He fits right in with the broadcasters of the past. Glad he is carrying on the tradition.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
6:21 pm
We should go get Furcal to play short and send D Lowe to the Yankees for Andruw to play center. Then our problems are solved!!
Before anyone gets on me……SARCASM!!
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
6:21 pm
SAN DIEGO 4 ARIZONA 3 TOP 9
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
6:21 pm
Just DL Chipper till the end of September and have him fresh for the postseason like he was in ST this year. Makes more sense to me than constantly worrying about how to shake up the lineup EVERY night based on how he’s feeling. Its also preventing us from making a trade to some extent as well, Im willing to bet.
semiballcoach
July 28th, 2011
6:21 pm
andruw couldn’t player at golden corral
faninva
July 28th, 2011
6:21 pm
phillies going after some of the same players – again from traderumors.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. is working aggressively to improve his club before Sunday afternoon’s non-waiver trade deadline. And according to Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, Amaro’s shopping list has been established.
Hunter Pence is his top priority Carlos Quentin is his second choice and Mike Adams is his third choice. The Phillies are interested in several other players, but their hope is to acquire Pence, Quentin or Adams.
Heath
July 28th, 2011
6:22 pm
Ryan -
You’re forgetting 1B
Dylan
July 28th, 2011
6:22 pm
Ludwick not in lineup. Great x(
20 out
July 28th, 2011
6:22 pm
So, the writing is on the wall Chipper. You need to retire and let the team breathe a little. If the team knew (and maybe they do), then the Quentin trade would be doubly ideal.
Slowhiteguy
July 28th, 2011
6:22 pm
One Heyward bomb and everyone will reconsider. JH is a once in every 25 year talent. Patience, patience.
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
6:22 pm
Seattle Braves, July 28th, 2011, 6:04 pm … “… Uggla … just got over the Mendoza Line of TWO HUNDRED”
Mendoza Line is actually BA = 0.220.
Mario Mendoza career BA = .215.
Uggla still has a ways to go.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
6:23 pm
Uh Oh…Ludwick to ATL. Not in lineup
Supes
July 28th, 2011
6:25 pm
Well with Prado probably having the play 3B pretty much for foreseeable future (because Really, do we expect Chipper to come back and play significant amount of time at 3B), who else can the Braves have in LF that will be better than Ryan Ludwick? All this protest about adding a .239 hitter or whatever his batting ave. is right now but you refuse to acknowledge the elephant in the room. OUR CURRENT OF production sucks a&& people.
On top of that, if we can score Bell or Adams from the Padres in a deal for Ludwick I would be OK with that (given that we won’t have give up as much as in a trade for a Hunter Pence).
There’s just no pleasing some of you is there, or perhaps you would prefer the outfield of Hinske (who is really a bench player), McLouth and Heyward for the rest of 2011 season???
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
6:25 pm
jaysonst Jayson Stark
Exec of team that spoke w/ #Astros this afternoon came away w/ feeling they’ve made headway on Hunter Pence deal. 6 teams still in. #trades
Slowhiteguy
July 28th, 2011
6:25 pm
Rosenthal said that Ludwick not in lineup has nothing to do with an impending trade. Just a day off.
Memphis
July 28th, 2011
6:25 pm
The Padres beat writer tweeted that Bud Black stated he wanted to give Ludwick the day off.
pete
July 28th, 2011
6:25 pm
Mendoza line is .200 moron
Powder Blue
July 28th, 2011
6:25 pm
“Uh Oh…Ludwick to ATL. Not in lineup”
Confidence is high. Start printing those world series tix.
O. J.
July 28th, 2011
6:25 pm
I don’t know why we are even getting our hopes up. We all know that Frank won’t do a BIG deal, so it probably is Ludwick.
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
6:26 pm
in 4 AB’s for A Gon tonight I expect:
1. strikeout(Calm bat flip)
2. ground into dp (angry helmet slam)
3. pop-up (Tiger Woods fist pump)
4. strikeout (Flips off cameras and crowd after boos)
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
6:26 pm
Ludwick better not be the only player we need about 4
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
6:26 pm
So we’re “significantly interested” in Ludwick, but “very interested” in Quentin. That means what again?
Powder Blue
July 28th, 2011
6:27 pm
“We all know that Frank won’t do a BIG deal,”
Yep.
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
6:27 pm
Ludwick would be my least favorite pick up, he doesn’t really hit lefties all that well over his career and that’s the minimum of what we need
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
6:27 pm
I think if Pence truly is available, Wren wont let him get away. Especially with the injuries as bad as they are right now and the news of Chippers’ bleeding. This team needs a shot of confidence to pick them up and Pence would do that.
Bobbys Booger
July 28th, 2011
6:27 pm
wtf? A Gonz is the least of the problems
P-Town Brave ©
July 28th, 2011
6:28 pm
Its not gonna be Ludwick today guys….
He was already scheduled to have a day off and he IS in San Diego…
Dont worry too much about that….
Even Pence is penciled in his lineup for tonight….
As we all know trades can come together in a split second.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
6:28 pm
Plus he’d be the future LF for a long time if we got him.
Memphis
July 28th, 2011
6:28 pm
Wrong. Alex Gonzalez is a huge problem. The guy is like 4 for 40 with runners in scoring position. That is a problem!
John A
July 28th, 2011
6:29 pm
It’s a shame that our starting pitchers aren’t pitching for the Rangers. Nolan Ryan insists that his starters pitch seven (7) complete innings, and why not? As much money as these guys make, they should be more than happy to pitch seven innnings instead of 5 or 6. By them manning up our relief core would be still regarded as the best in baseball.
I know if at my workplace if I didn’t perform better than these guy I would be replaced. Jair making less than a million, and is leading the crew with wins, and ERA. What the hell are they thinking? Somebody needs to do some ass kicking, and get their heads out of the sand. The same goes for McLouth, Gonzo, and dangerous Dan. It doesn’t make sense for the pitcher to be a better hitter than they are.
Jerry Blooger
July 28th, 2011
6:29 pm
Theo it was reported that we were HOT for Quentin
faninva
July 28th, 2011
6:29 pm
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
6:26 pm
So we’re “significantly interested” in Ludwick, but “very interested” in Quentin. That means what again?
hey, i’m still trying to figure out what “walking with purpose” means.
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
6:30 pm
Any smart fans should make their way up to the GM office during the game if Wren gets Luds**t.
Full on rebellion and anarchy at Turner field. One so massive that WWE uses it as its next PPV. Turner Tirades.
KB
July 28th, 2011
6:30 pm
Great points, Dave. Quentin would be a great fit, both on the field and in the clubhouse. I watched him come up with the Sox in Chicago, and he’s a good kid, and would fit the “Braves way” of doing things. He’s also got great power from the right side, which the Braves obviously need.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
6:30 pm
Pence is actually seeming more and more like an option from what I’ve heard… just don’t wanna give up the moon for him…
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
6:31 pm
wtf? A Gonz is the least of the problems
You should have your own special.
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
6:31 pm
SAN DIEGO 4 ARIZONA 3 FINAL
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
6:32 pm
Faniva, hahaha these guys will do anything to make a story…
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
6:32 pm
Padres win
Heath
July 28th, 2011
6:32 pm
DBacks lose
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
6:32 pm
personally I think they need on base more than power, we are already near the top of the homers list.
not that power wouldn’t also be nice
Lollygagger
July 28th, 2011
6:33 pm
It appears to me that this blog is off it’s meds. Bi-polar.
TROTTINGHOME
July 28th, 2011
6:33 pm
Matsui from Oakland
Michael, The Abbreviation
July 28th, 2011
6:33 pm
my votes for quentin, because he seems like he could be had without giving up too much.. hence on the other hand, would request the world..
AK Braves Fan
July 28th, 2011
6:34 pm
Furcal owed about $4 mill, but Dodgers are willing to pay a “significant” percentage. They want to trade him. Just saying.
P-Town Brave ©
July 28th, 2011
6:34 pm
Noleee–
Well, I can assure you that Ludwick, Willingham, and Upton can’t provide much on base threat w/ their .230 batting averages…
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
6:35 pm
Am I the only one who finds it funny that Espn insider still charges for subscription?
With twitter and mlbtraderumors they are almost completely irrelevent.
cphizzle
July 28th, 2011
6:35 pm
How long would we have Quentin if we got him? Just the rest of the season?
Eddie in bam
July 28th, 2011
6:35 pm
Wren and Manno could’ve went down to tell Fredi about Chipper’s mri, just saying
Kelly's Johnson
July 28th, 2011
6:35 pm
OK Fredi….just for some of these morans here….go ahead and put Prado at shortstop and Heyward in centerfield….We can all use a good laugh tonight…tia
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
6:35 pm
If there’s one thing that I’m sure of, it’s that Wren won’t give away the farm for anyone, as evidenced by the Beltran talks.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
6:36 pm
Hanley Ramirez is on his way to Atlanta……..
…..with the rest of his team mates!
Lars Taint
July 28th, 2011
6:36 pm
@Dennis Reynolds
If by “a long time” you mean 1.5 seasons, then yes.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
6:37 pm
We’d have Quentin for the rest of the year with a 2012 option.
faninva
July 28th, 2011
6:37 pm
Stizz – agreed.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
6:37 pm
For all the A Gon critics, just let me say that any offense we get out of the shortstop position should be a bonus, just as long as he continues to give us solid defense there. We need to focus on offensive help for the outfield. I do think that we should change our approach to how we use Alex when he comes up. For instance, when there are runners at first and second with nobody out, Alex needs to BUNT!! Another reason I think he should bat seventh, and put McLouth 8th for a potential RBI. If we somehow get Quentin or Pence here is my lineups when everyone is healthy:
Prado
Freeman
Chipper
McCann
Uggla
Quentin/Pence
Gonzalez
McLouth
Heyward can play RF when Chipper sits, moving Quentin/Pence to LF and Prado to 3B. I have Freeman 2nd because he might be best suited for the role in a lineup filled with middle of the order hitters and no real leadoff man.
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
6:37 pm
I really enjoy the trade deadline. I really enjoy it when my team is in contention and is one of the teams looking to upgrade. The tweets coming from the Ted just add to the fun.
Inside Guy
July 28th, 2011
6:37 pm
Just heard deal for pence done. Word out of Houston.
P-Town Brave ©
July 28th, 2011
6:37 pm
Um….everyone does realize that the GM and Asst GM wouldnt not be discussing MRI’s….
Thats what they have a TRAINER for!
There is something going on and we will find out soon enough….
Maybe not til after the game.
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
6:38 pm
@ abeeeewright
Your correct when it comes to the actuall player Mario Mendoza. But the actuall cut off point is .200.. so they named it the Mendoza Line because for 9 seasons he had a career batting avg close to that number of .215…
Uggla is above the Mendoza Line as of 2 days ago.
noleeee
July 28th, 2011
6:38 pm
cphizzle, Q is signed for next season too I believe
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
6:38 pm
I think we would sign Pence long term is we got him in Atlanta.
Lars Taint
July 28th, 2011
6:39 pm
I read the blog every day, but rarely post, but I have to say I haven’t seen the blog this off it’s rocker since the days of PL.
Really?
July 28th, 2011
6:39 pm
Really? Really? God I thought Bradley and Schultz were bad. But bench Heyward for Carlos Quentin? Really?
Dear AJC management. I now apply for the job of Braves beat writer. Clearly, you have been duped by Mr. OBrien here with what must have been a wildly inaccurate resume. You don’t bench the face and future of the franchise just so you can trade for a middling power bat. They may get Quentin, it WON’T come at the expense of Heywards job. AJC, if you’re paying this guy more than .25 a hour it’s too much.
TROTTINGHOME
July 28th, 2011
6:39 pm
Inside job as usual
@bravestern
July 28th, 2011
6:40 pm
PeterMoylan just Tweeted “Im not sure Italy is on the list of rehab assignments RT @cflagello: @PeterMoylan when will we see u in Rome?”
NickB
July 28th, 2011
6:40 pm
He’s actually right, relative to league ag production at their respective positions, CF and RF are bigger problems than at SS. (though I have faith in Heywards abilities, as many MANY future superstar players who came up at that age started slowly ,Justin Upton, Dave Winfield, Andre Dawson, Murph…etc) Agon is not hitting much, but he is doing the glove work. (remember we went to the world series with Rafeal Belliard at SS ,he really couldn’t hit) Improvement at the position offensively would be great. But if you consider that there aren’t many great or even good SS’s in all of MLB…. Gonzo’s production isn’t that terrible. I don’t have much faith in Schafer tho …. If I was fredi, I’d mandate one attempt to bunt for a base hit per game, heck, the kid could prolly bunt .250 if he’d try it more instead of faking the bunt. I’d also start fining him for can of corns to the OF. He needs to be putting the ball in play on the ground and on a line , using his speed to his advantage. Maybe he will learn…. he’s getting to the age (24) where he needs to start showing improvement tho… Hopefull 2012 is his year. I wouldn’t sweat Heyward, he’s very young, needs 3 or 4 years to develop (look at Justin Upton again, similar type of player) and has the toolbox to be a superstar. Patience is a virtue that many sports fans seem to lack these days.
noleee
July 28th, 2011
6:40 pm
since the days of PL.
fair chance that he’s back IMO
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
6:40 pm
Inside Guy, I’ll believe it when I hear it from a reliable source. Do you know who we’re giving up to verify your creds?
cphizzle
July 28th, 2011
6:40 pm
Well if we get him for the rest of the year with an option, I think I could part ways with Minor and a couple more prospects. Only thing that hurts about dealing Minor is that he is a lefty.
Dennis Reynolds
July 28th, 2011
6:41 pm
Harsh, Really?, but I tend to agree with your main point.
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
6:41 pm
I really dont see any point to continue. Any deal for that matter probably wont be done til late saturday or sunday afternoon.
Still interesting to read blogs from the General Public.
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
6:41 pm
@jonmorosi: Source tells FOXSports.com it is now more likely than not that Hunter Pence will be dealt by Sunday. #Astros
P-Town Brave ©
July 28th, 2011
6:41 pm
inside guy-
I call BS….
If I cant find it ANYWHERE on Twitter, its just not true….
AK Braves Fan
July 28th, 2011
6:43 pm
Rafael FURCALLLLL, my favorite Brave when I was a kid. There’s a chance….. Right?
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
6:43 pm
Jon Morosi
Source tells FOXSports.com it is now more likely than not that Hunter Pence will be dealt by Sunday. #Astros
noleee
July 28th, 2011
6:43 pm
he is goin’…he ain’t goin’…he is again…interesting times
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
6:43 pm
Plus no update from EPSN in the last 2 hours…
maybe its the quiet before the storm???
Najeh Davenpoop
July 28th, 2011
6:43 pm
I wonder if the Dodgers would do Furcal for Gonzalez straight up. I would do it if I was Atlanta.
Eddie in bam
July 28th, 2011
6:44 pm
P-Town Brave © I’m sure it couldn’t have an effect on urgency of deal right, not something Fredi would need or care to know? My Bad
TROTTINGHOME
July 28th, 2011
6:44 pm
in other words …no trade tonight
NickB
July 28th, 2011
6:44 pm
I don’t think it’s an option per se, it’s just his final year of arbitration before he becomes a FA after the 2012 season
Eric
July 28th, 2011
6:44 pm
Phillies are making Pence as their priority
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
6:44 pm
jonmorosi Jon Morosi
Sources say #Phillies and #Braves are on Pence, #Indians still involved. Chances of deal better than 50/50. #Astros
Peter
July 28th, 2011
6:44 pm
Pence and Quentin are both everyday starters. So I assume that any thought of trading for these guys means putting Heyward on the bench, or even sending him to AAA. That may not be a bad idea given his struggles this year. Remember he is only 22, so it’s not like we would be giving up on him completely.
TROTTINGHOME
July 28th, 2011
6:44 pm
Inside trading is illegal…and full of shyt
Powder Blue
July 28th, 2011
6:45 pm
Well, I can’t get the game where I live, so I’m off to continue watching “The Pacific.” Will check in later to see if there’s any news.
TROTTINGHOME
July 28th, 2011
6:46 pm
Matsui form Oakland
Lars Taint
July 28th, 2011
6:46 pm
Dennis Reynolds
I think we would sign Pence long term is we got him in Atlanta.
Kind of like we did with Tex right?
I also want to ask you who told you that you know hitting? Nolee hit the nail on the head with what he said about Heyward’s swing and the only one looking like an idiot right now is you.
noleee
July 28th, 2011
6:46 pm
no way Wren would ever have Furcal back, and he stinks as bad as Gonzo this year too
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
6:46 pm
Najeh has been going hard at Gonzo and deservingly so.
Who is his comparison on the Hawks? Josh Powell?
CH
July 28th, 2011
6:46 pm
I may be entirely in the wrong here, but it seems like if we got Quentin, J-Hey is more than capable to play center while Schafer is down. He is an incredible athlete and probably played center growing up.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
6:46 pm
I wouldn’t trade Gonzo for Furcal. Gonzo plays better D and beats him in pretty much every major statistical category this year. Gonzo’s bad, but not that bad…
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
6:47 pm
Seattle Braves … Was that standard approved by NIST? <g>
Here’s a story on “The Mendoza Line.” Sounds like it’s pretty fluid to me.
Conyers Braves Fan
July 28th, 2011
6:47 pm
Inside Guy is just trying to get attention and responses.
A lot of bloggers are great pretenders.
Dr. Phil
July 28th, 2011
6:48 pm
I expect that Heyward will come around, but the Braves have to do something about hitting, or they will be on the golf course in Oct.
brian
July 28th, 2011
6:48 pm
blog is hopping tonight. What is the record for # of posts in 3 hours of posting blog all before gametime?
DAM
July 28th, 2011
6:48 pm
I think what’s more interesting is that DOB has gone silent for almost an hour right before game time. It seems like normally he has some type of blog post or tweet when it’s this close to first pitch. Makes me think he’s busting his tail to get us the scoop on a trade.
TeheranTime
July 28th, 2011
6:49 pm
DOB! DOB! DOB! DOB!
@bravestern
July 28th, 2011
6:49 pm
Sources say Phillies and Braves are on Pence, Indians still involved. Chances of deal better than 50/50. Astros
noleee
July 28th, 2011
6:49 pm
J-Hey is more than capable to play center while Schafer is down…..CH
for whatever reason they keep saying that they will not play him there in anything other than a short-term emergency.
cphizzle
July 28th, 2011
6:49 pm
Heyward going deep tonight…mark it down
faninva
July 28th, 2011
6:50 pm
DAM -
I’m sure DOB is walking with purpose.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
6:50 pm
stupid Patriots.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
6:50 pm
Looks like with Pence and Quentin, we’ll get one and the Phils will get the other. i don’t know how the Phils step up their offer without giving up the entire farm for Pence…
Brava
July 28th, 2011
6:50 pm
I wouldn’t trade Gonzo for Furcal
Ditto.
brian
July 28th, 2011
6:51 pm
DAM – DOB always is busting his tail
cphizzle
July 28th, 2011
6:51 pm
I wouldn’t trade Julio Lugo for Furcal
noleee
July 28th, 2011
6:51 pm
walking with porpoises? wouldn’t it more likely be swimming with them?
TROTTINGHOME
July 28th, 2011
6:51 pm
Dang Phillies trying to drive the price up…don’t bit on that Wren…Matsui from Oakland
monty
July 28th, 2011
6:52 pm
I haven’t looked up Pence’s numbers but my impression of him when he played us is that he always seemed to pester us. Maybe I’m wrong,but steal a base, get a hit, make a catch, he did whatever it took. Remember alot of tough AB’s.
Mister Frisky
July 28th, 2011
6:53 pm
Phillies will get Pence.Braves will get Ludbag or Willingcrap.The more things change the more they stay the same.The Braves will continue to be the Phillies girlfriend.
Memphis
July 28th, 2011
6:53 pm
Matsui? Get real. Typical DH/Old LF
Lollygagger
July 28th, 2011
6:53 pm
It’s actually comical to watch these “insider guys” contradict themselves about 3 times a day each! Pence is sure to be traded. Pence will definitely not be traded. Pence might be traded. No, wait, Pence will definitely not be traded. This just in, 5 teams are “hot” on Pence. Pence might be traded tonight. Just heard from reliable source Pence won’t be moved by July 31. No, now Pence is definitely on the move. It now appears there’s a 50/50 chance that Pence will be traded. Sources now say that Houston has traded Pence to itself for 3 top prospects. There, think that about covers it.
monty
July 28th, 2011
6:53 pm
Of course, I remember Quentin and about 3-4 HR’s in a 3 game series against us.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
6:53 pm
walking with porpoises? wouldn’t it more likely be swimming with them?
Yeah, I knew that would sail over everybody’s heads.
faninva
July 28th, 2011
6:54 pm
noleee – what the hell are you talking about?
Josh
July 28th, 2011
6:54 pm
how about the Patriots?
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
6:54 pm
The Phils need a bat almost as badly as we do, although Utley is regaining form. They want Pence, so let them trade their future for him. We’ll take Quentin + reliever for much less, thank you very much.
DAM
July 28th, 2011
6:55 pm
brian — agreed. Great blog.
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
6:55 pm
Josh
Agreed. I am a Falcon and Patriots fan and Patriots made some good moves
M10
July 28th, 2011
6:55 pm
huh, Thats last night lets see how they do the rest of the season and should I even mention playoffs.
keylargo
July 28th, 2011
6:55 pm
furcal used the braves to get a better contract with the dodgers. he told us was coming and they sent the paper work only to have his agent turn around and show it to the dodgers to get a salary base to keep him there.
If I not mistaken, this is when Wren became ultra covert about trades too.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
6:55 pm
Phillies are just toying with us. They know they can block/outbid us for anyone if they feel like it. Kinda funny.
DonDraper
July 28th, 2011
6:56 pm
According to Fangraphs.com Quentin has been BELOW replacement level for an outfielder in both 2009 and 2010. His stone glove is part if it; last year he was the worst outfielder in the majors.
Unless Hayward is injured and has no shot of playing the rest of the year, I say pass on Quentin.
cphizzle
July 28th, 2011
6:56 pm
May the Phillies get mounted by rabid dogs!
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
6:57 pm
Patriots are the Philadelphia Phillies of football. Every move they make, improves them.
NickB
July 28th, 2011
6:57 pm
Willingham wouldn’t be a Ludwick bad pickup. His career numbers are much better than Ludwicks. Plus , for some reason, the entire A’s squad is hitting horribly this season. I’m not saying he’s my first choice, but if we can’t work a deal for Quentin or Pence, I wouldn’t be horribly let down by Willingham. The guy can hit. Put him on a team with a purpose and he’d get the job done…. Not much with the glove however………..
Mr.Phil
July 28th, 2011
6:57 pm
I submit for your review:
Heyward could play center field, if need be
7:33 pm July 28, 2010, by Carroll Rogers
“Jason could go there,” Wren said. “There’s a variety of people who could play center field if we get in a pinch.”
Heyward, who’s played nothing but right field this season, said he’d have no problem playing some center field.
“Center field is the first outfield position I ever played,” said Heyward who played first base until age 10.
Heyward said he played 20 games in center field last year in the minors.
noleee
July 28th, 2011
6:58 pm
DonDraper? IIRC DOB oughta love that name
AK Braves Fan
July 28th, 2011
6:58 pm
Wouldn’t trade Gonzo for Furcal? Are you kidding me? Furcal’s stats are completely skewed by his injuries this year. He’s now healthy and is 8 for his last 17, with 2 steals in 2 attempts. He’d be an improvement at leadoff, and at shortstop. When Schafer comes back Fredi can move one of the two to the 8-hole. It’d be a no-brainer trade. Alex Gonzalez is one of the worst hitters in the ML. He’s gone once he gets two strikes on him; he’ll swing at anything in that situation. His attitude drives me crazy too. FURCALLLLL BABY
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
6:58 pm
@ abeeeewright
Wikipedia “Mendoza Line”
here you will see the entire meaning of the phrase or expression used to rate hitting. It started as a joke…
Peter
July 28th, 2011
6:58 pm
Im a Dolphin fan, I hate the Patriots because they’re always good. I hate the Jets way more because they are the Jets.
Danga
July 28th, 2011
6:58 pm
They know they can block/outbid us for anyone if they feel like it.
Only when it comes to free agents. If we so decided we could certainly top any offer of theirs involving prospects.
JMF
July 28th, 2011
6:59 pm
craZy, thanks for the answer.
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
6:59 pm
@ Peter
Dolphins usually beat the Patriots. I find that refreshing.
Josh
July 28th, 2011
6:59 pm
BFchris, same here. Pats offense is going to be lethal
Huh?
July 28th, 2011
6:59 pm
Unless Hayward is injured and has no shot of playing the rest of the year, I say pass on Quentin. DonDraper
I’ll pass this on to Wren. I’m sure he’ll go with the advice of a fictional TV character over his scouts. Good work, Don.
noleee
July 28th, 2011
7:00 pm
and I submit for your review any number of DOB posts saying that they will not play him there regularly , at least one of which was not all that long ago.
NickB
July 28th, 2011
7:00 pm
Look, the phillies don’t have as much depth on the farm as the Braves do. IF they want to blow up their farm system to get Pence, let em. In 3 years we will be celebrating our 3rd straight division crown while they are trying desperately to dump all those aging monster contracts for any young talent they can get. They seem to be on the EXACT same track that the Yankees were on in the 2000’s ,lots of high profile ,aging players , huge payrolls and not many trophies to show for it…..
Heath
July 28th, 2011
7:00 pm
Freeman making a serious case for ROY. If season ended today, I’d guess:
1.)Freeman (Atl)
2.)Espinosa (Was)
3.)Kimbrel (Atl)
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
7:00 pm
Any news from the trade front?
NL East
July 28th, 2011
7:00 pm
Philly press reporting that Amaro may now be willing to consider including Domonic Brown in deal for Pence or Quentin. Given their aggressive track record at the deadline, it will be a shock if the Phillies don’t do something big to position themselves for October. Pressure is on Braves to match what the Giants did yesterday…since Braves/Giants seem almost certain to meet in October for the right to play the Phillies in NLCS…
Josh
July 28th, 2011
7:01 pm
seattle brave, really? The Patriots curb stomped them both times last year
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:02 pm
Yeah, Danga, When it comes to trades we have more prospects than anyone else in the majors.
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
7:02 pm
Oh yeah…. Lowe’s pitching tonight.
John's Creek Fan
July 28th, 2011
7:02 pm
Hear me out… I dont think the braves really need that “power” bat everyone thinks they do. I really think we need some sort of catalyst at the top. I am relly rooting for jordan Schafer but I’m sorry, having a .290 OBP is not gonna cut it. Thats why I’m interested in Dexter Fowler. Since his demotion in June, He has batted over .350 and his OBP is almost .400. ON top of that, he is from the Atlanta area and he switch hits. oh, and he may be the fastest man in the national league not named Reyes (or Daniel McCutchen for that matter). I was on a Rockies blog earlier this week and on of their writers hinted that Fowler may be moved in the coming week due to an increase in value with his recent performance. I don’t know what it could take to get Fowler but I would really love to pursue that option. If not, get Pence or Quentin and place them in RF, send Heyward to Gwinnett and let him work his swing out while taking reps in Center. Yes, Center. He’s the only viable option until Schafer gets back. Heck, Throw Huddy out there. Unless you want Lugo out there but I’d rather see him at short for the anemic A-Gon
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:03 pm
Braves frontrunners for Quentin and it looks like the Sox are ready to deal. Don’t be surprised if a deal is confirmed within the hour.
faninva
July 28th, 2011
7:04 pm
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
6:57 pm
Patriots are the Philadelphia Phillies of football. Every move they make, improves them.
except possibly in the case of Haynesworth – sorry, what i saw with the skins last year was a selfish head case that hates the 3-4 and quit on many plays. no heart. the pats play a 3-4. maybe he can adopt an unselfish attitude with the pats.
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
7:04 pm
Correia’s also pitching tonight.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:05 pm
We shud score runs tonight
Brava
July 28th, 2011
7:05 pm
Joelsherman1
Among scouts/execs seems momentum now #Whitesox Quentin will be dealt and team I hear as frontrunner most is #Braves
Peter
July 28th, 2011
7:05 pm
Seattle Braves-
Yes in the past we have played the Pats tough, but last year was pretty atrocious. I am just expecting the same ol’ 7-9 or 8-8 outta the Phins, with a win over the stupid Jets on New years when I go. But enough about that, football season really doesn’t start until November, so LET’S GO BRAVES!!
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:05 pm
Just because we get Quentin doesn’t mean we can’t get an average leadoff man in CF. Prado will be at 3rd for the rest of the year, so we’ll have room in the OF.
Nick n Richmond
July 28th, 2011
7:06 pm
Braves lighting up MLB trade rumors….I would go with Quentin as the more likely to ATL
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2011
7:06 pm
According to twitter the #braves will be acquiring the entire AL central.
superiorblogman
July 28th, 2011
7:06 pm
Brave New World
July 28th, 2011
5:52 pm
DOB: Thanks for the stats on Heyward. Didn’t Bobby Cox and Pendleton have an issue with Heyward about being more aggressive at the plate?
J-Hey was masterful at waiting for the right pitch to drive early last year, and his on base percentage with walks was impressive. It seems ever since his approach at the plate was tampered with, he has not been the same hitter. Your thoughts?
I agree with this astute observation. There is absolutely nothing wrong with Heywards stance, it is the fact that he is swinging at stuff out of the strike zone unlike last year. The Braves want Heyward to be the savior and put unnecessary pressure on him to swing more freely and that killed his approach. I repeat it does not matter what type of stance you have if you make the pitchers through you strikes you will when it a high rate. That’s what Jason was doing before Cox’s and Chipper wanted Heyward to hit them enough HR’s to improve there shaky legacies and not winning enough world series titles in all those tries. Honestly, I would love to see Heyward and Josh Smith both traded away from ATL so they don’t have to take the blame while other players are treated and payed like God’s for nothing special. Heyward makes $500,000, Nate, Gonzo, Uggla all make atleast 10x’s what Jason makes and people come to this site on the daily to bash him. Jason is earning his money, Nate, Gonzo, and Uggla are not.
heartofdarkness
July 28th, 2011
7:06 pm
If the team is going to contend for the remainder of this year, something in the order of this trade must happen, and a trade is a two-sided transaction (in most instances, this time of year). You have to give, to get. If a fool was on the other side of this deal, it would have occurred a month ago. My thinking is the 3B and 3 OF positions will be mix and match, according to who is hot and who is healthy. The hope would be more RH bats would be in the lineup against lefties, but I hope Fredi isn’t overly dogmatic about that. Managing this lineup into the post season will require some inspired instinct, as less has gone as predicted at the beginning of the season as any Braves team since 1991.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
7:07 pm
Joe Simpson-
I was in the Navy, and it is called Hate Week.
That’s HATE week, not Hell week.
Heath
July 28th, 2011
7:07 pm
OK, I’m ready for some ‘ball. Let’s do this.
Choppinmama
July 28th, 2011
7:07 pm
Tryin’ to catch up before gametime. Looks like we need to add udder moran to <your and idiot etc. as another DOB bloggism.
Wardo
July 28th, 2011
7:07 pm
Heyward sucks in right field. I can only imagine how crappy he would be in center. I hope he is the future for the Braves but right now he sux. If he didn’t e wouldn’t be aving this discussion. Send him down and serve some humble pie to the kid. It will do him some good. He can come back next year with a chip on his shoulder and perhaps some motivation. Get us an outfielder and a RH bullpenner and take our chances.
noleee
July 28th, 2011
7:08 pm
Mister Frisky
July 28th, 2011
7:08 pm
Dr.Phil you will win a daytime Emmy before Heyward comes around.
Huh?
July 28th, 2011
7:09 pm
superiorblogman – Really? Superior to whom?
Heath
July 28th, 2011
7:09 pm
Costas using the play at home plate two nights ago to pan for instant replay.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:09 pm
Just in: Shafer and Chipper are out of the lineup. Looks like they might be on the move…
tybeedawg
July 28th, 2011
7:10 pm
Enter y•The Braves are “desperate” for an outfield bat, but Quentin may cost multiple top prospects, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com.our comments here
Sophee
July 28th, 2011
7:10 pm
Good for her! Wish I could’ve heard her sing the anthem.
Eric
July 28th, 2011
7:10 pm
Man I want Pence instead of Quentin… If we get Quentin, Phillies will do whatever in their power to get Pence from Astros.
John's Creek Fan
July 28th, 2011
7:10 pm
Braves are in talks with Padres to acquire Luke Gregorson RHP to help out the bullpen.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
7:10 pm
peter
well here it is douche:
http://usmilitary.about.com/od/navytrng/a/sealhellweek.htm
Peter
July 28th, 2011
7:10 pm
Theo Williams-
Well played, sir.
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 28th, 2011
7:11 pm
That little girl is adorable…kids with cancer just tear my heart out…
NL East
July 28th, 2011
7:11 pm
While Quentin is a solid bat, but he’s apparently a lousy defensive outfielder….
noleee
July 28th, 2011
7:11 pm
I think I’d rather have Pence than Q too
ryan
July 28th, 2011
7:11 pm
Who would you take Pence or Quieten if that what its down to .
brian
July 28th, 2011
7:11 pm
great cause that McCann champions. For everyone intersted in getting involved in the fight against childhood cancer I encourage people to look up Reelin’ for Research. Last year they raised >$100,000. They hold a deep sea fishing tournament the 1st weekend of May in Morehead City
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:12 pm
The Braves are “desperate” for an outfield bat, but Quentin may cost multiple top prospects, according to Danny Knobler of CBSSports.com.
Wardo
July 28th, 2011
7:12 pm
NL East…How is that different from Heyward now?
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
7:13 pm
When was the last time in MLB history there were 2B batting CLEANUP for both teams?
John's Creek Fan
July 28th, 2011
7:13 pm
Braves can no longer use Schafer as a chip since he is DL’d. He would be a piece that would likely be in a deal for Pence or Quentin
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
7:13 pm
maybe back when sandberg played is a guess
Peter
July 28th, 2011
7:13 pm
sweet georgia peach-
Well I was in the submarine force and we had something called Hate Week towards the end of a patrol. I was not a seal and have never heard of Hell week. My mistake. I don’t appreciate the juvenile name calling though.
welikebaseball2
July 28th, 2011
7:13 pm
So, once we add yet another low average, power hitter & bench Heyward…how does that solve McLouth’s inability to get on base or Gonzalez’s inability to hit air with runners in scoring position or our middle relief disaster? Let me guess, benching Heyward solves all of that.
noleee
July 28th, 2011
7:14 pm
Pence is a much better all-around player. likely more costly though I’d guess
dkmo10
July 28th, 2011
7:14 pm
Phillies will get Pence.Braves will get Ludbag or Willingcrap.The more things change the more they stay the same.The Braves will continue to be the Phillies girlfriend. Hey MR FRISKY more like we will continue to be their Play toy in JAIL lol Philles our braves BUBBA! haha
Go BRAVES! Send J HEY to Center HE can do it!
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
7:14 pm
I would be desperate for an OF bat too if I was planning on play Jordan Schafer every day.
Heath
July 28th, 2011
7:14 pm
If McCutchen is such a fan…. he should be allow to just come over and be on the team.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:15 pm
I like Quentin simply because it will A. Force Philly to grab Pence,because they always have to outdo us. and B. Force Philly to pay waaaaay too much for Pence. I’d rather have Pence but I don’t see it happening.
noleee
July 28th, 2011
7:16 pm
how does that solve McLouth’s inability to get on base
sigh.please pick something realistic to whine about
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
7:16 pm
If the gNats consider themselves out of the race, maybe the Braves can get Ankiel.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
7:16 pm
a bomb
a month ago it seems when pedroia and cano hit cleanuo in a game, but i was like you and thought it had to be a long time
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
7:16 pm
I really hate it when bloops fall in and goodness the bad luck for Derek Lowe starts.
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
7:16 pm
Nothing as been reported for a while…
Something is going to happen soon…
The weather is changing in Atl…
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
7:16 pm
peter
sorry
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
7:17 pm
thx sweet ga peach…. thought it would have been a lot longer
Snotboogie
July 28th, 2011
7:17 pm
Getting on base is one of the few things that Mclouth can still do.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
7:17 pm
can we trade lowe for bard penny, i know they both sux but that a way wouldnt have to keep watching lowe pitch….GOOD GRIEF
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
7:18 pm
Hopefully nothing comes of this 2 out nobody on rally the Pirates have going. haha.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:18 pm
This first inning shows why you need to keep the top of the order off base. otherwise those two singles would of meant trouble.
welikebaseball2
July 28th, 2011
7:18 pm
@Theo: I hear you on that, but an “overpaid” Pence trumps anything we’ve got or could get…and it likely gets the Phillies & their “overpaid” Pence to the World Series.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
7:19 pm
sweet georgia peach-
Thank you
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
7:19 pm
pence could play through 2013 makes him very valuable guys
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:19 pm
Boy Yunel is raking this year with the blue jays.
Eric
July 28th, 2011
7:19 pm
c’mon Lowe…
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
7:20 pm
@blankster
makes me sad too
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:20 pm
D Lo!
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:20 pm
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
7:19 pm
pence could play through 2013 makes him very valuable guys
Not when he is going to cost a fortune. The more overpaid someone is then the worse it is to have then signed through more years.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
7:20 pm
the Blue Jays are like the Island of Misfit Toys- Escobar, Rasmus
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
7:20 pm
finally derek he should ready to implode by the 6th AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! come on bravos score and score alot!!!!!!!!!!!!
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
7:20 pm
Snotboogie, July 28th, 2011, 7:17 pm … “Getting on base is one of the few things that Mclouth can still do.”
C’mon! He can
keep the runner from taking the extra basehit 20+ home runssteal you a few basescover a lot of ground out there in CF.Sigh. Never mind.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
7:20 pm
Heck yeah, another night where Braves pitchers hold the opposition scoreless in the first inning.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:21 pm
I have a feelin’ the offense wakes up tonight.
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
7:21 pm
Good…he’ll be at 100 pitches in 5 so he won’t fool Fredi into thinking he’s in cruise control.
MFin04
July 28th, 2011
7:21 pm
Good job D-Lowe, let’s get him a lead.
sweet georgia peach
July 28th, 2011
7:21 pm
depends on his numbers blankster
noleee
July 28th, 2011
7:22 pm
Phils reported interested in Adams. That would hurt IMO
Peter
July 28th, 2011
7:22 pm
No runs allowed, good start
Chop Chop
July 28th, 2011
7:22 pm
Pence means more to the ‘Stros than Quentin does to the Pale Hose. I’d rather give up less to get a better power bat.
Also, let’s trade Lowe during before the top of the second. His stock has never been higher.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:23 pm
Phillies just stranded a runner on third with 1 out vs the freak. So its not just us!
BREAKING NEWS
July 28th, 2011
7:23 pm
Braves just made a deal Sending Jaye Chapman, and 2 PTBNL to San Diego for Luke Gregorson and Jason Bartlett.
Chop Chop
July 28th, 2011
7:23 pm
Ugh. That’s what happens when you edit without editing.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:24 pm
Good start!!
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:24 pm
Nate looks very good at the plate right now
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
7:24 pm
There goes the perfect game.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2011
7:24 pm
Looks like Quentin to Braves…Pence to Phillies
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
7:24 pm
I like that leadoff walk for McLouth.
keylargo
July 28th, 2011
7:24 pm
These dumb Pirates keep on thinking Nate is batting 8th.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
7:25 pm
BREAKING NEWS- that sounds real……. NOT!!
Eric
July 28th, 2011
7:25 pm
Thank you kung fu panda! wtg Nate
Heath
July 28th, 2011
7:25 pm
BB for Mclouth. Well, that’s only because he was in the 8th spot and they were pitching around him… Oh wait.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:25 pm
Yes I thought nate only had a high OBP due to hitting 8th? Lets see how that works out for sea bass tonight…
noleee
July 28th, 2011
7:26 pm
I thought he could only walk in the 8 hole? I mean dozens of bloggers swore it was so.
He must really be out.
welikebaseball2
July 28th, 2011
7:26 pm
@noleee: How about is inability to produce runs (see RBI total)? How about his pathetic batting average (see BA)? I know, that’s all “unrealistic.” Nevermind me, just whinning. McLouth is the best thing our offense has going…has been for the past season and a half. Wow.
Alex
July 28th, 2011
7:26 pm
How did that ball not go out?
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:26 pm
That was lame Marteen….pick it up.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:26 pm
That bum beltran is 0 for 1 already with the giants. We dodged a bullet with him.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:26 pm
The Phils are aging fast and are soon going to have to replace some players. They won’t be able to do it from within and they won’t have the money to sign anyone descent. We win now and win later. Phillies just win now. We go on another pennant streak. Hooray.
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
7:26 pm
There goes the no-hitter.
C’mon, let’s get the shut out next.
Sophee
July 28th, 2011
7:26 pm
F5F
Tomas
July 28th, 2011
7:26 pm
Freeman mvp
Peter
July 28th, 2011
7:27 pm
Here we go boys!!
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:27 pm
great hit freddie and great speed from nate there
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
7:27 pm
He is insane. SoCal rules.
Nola
July 28th, 2011
7:27 pm
Now let’s see if we can score from third with lest than two outs
Snotboogie
July 28th, 2011
7:28 pm
The Phils are aging fast and are soon going to have to replace some players.
Yeah – that’s what everyone said before the season too. And then the season happened.
Alex
July 28th, 2011
7:28 pm
Why dont we just get matt diaz back?
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:28 pm
We suck at getting that runner in dont we
Eric
July 28th, 2011
7:28 pm
Freddie Freeman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nola
July 28th, 2011
7:28 pm
Popup kings
Tomas
July 28th, 2011
7:28 pm
RISP, big issue
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:28 pm
Darn you Dan Uggla.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
7:28 pm
And the inability to hit a ball to the outfield with a runner on third and less than two outs continues.
Eric
July 28th, 2011
7:29 pm
Please score…
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:29 pm
Small zone tonight.
noleee
July 28th, 2011
7:29 pm
some of those are at least better
MFin04
July 28th, 2011
7:29 pm
If this team could play ABC baseball we’d score a lot more runs and win a lot more games.
Facebook User
July 28th, 2011
7:29 pm
Hinske FTW!!!!!!!!1
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:29 pm
Saw MLBTV interviewing Raul Ibanez today…..pretty cool dude. That big chaw of his in the batter’s box makes him look younger though. Dude looks every bit of 39 w/o it.
TROTTINGHOME
July 28th, 2011
7:29 pm
Getting to 1000 post…go DOB
the truth...
July 28th, 2011
7:30 pm
@John’s Creek Fan
You are wrong about players on the DL not allowed to be traded…..it is just that it has to be approved by the Commissioner’s Office just like a transaction of cash over $1 million.
I looked it up and quoted it last night on Schultz’s blog….apparently it is to ensure that injured players are not traded without everyone being aware of the player’s condition. I would think that Schafer’s injury would be pretty easy for everyone to verify.
Players placed on the 15-day disabled list may be moved to the 60-day list at any time, but not vice versa. Players may be placed on either disabled list retroactively for a maximum of 10 inactive days and may remain on either list for as long as required to recover. During this 10 day period, a player status is said to be day-to-day, indicating that the team is in the process of deciding if the player must be placed on either DL or if he is healthy enough to return to active service. Injured players may not be traded without permission of the Commissioner nor may they be optioned to the minors, though they may be assigned to a minor league club for rehabilitation for a limited amount of time (30 days for pitchers, 20 for non-pitchers).
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
7:30 pm
The only “problem” with getting MattyD is that he’s on a two year contract and the Pirates are contending, so they are probably not selling.
Nola
July 28th, 2011
7:30 pm
Let’s go hinske
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:30 pm
Hinske RULES!!!!
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:30 pm
Sooooo close to getting out…
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:30 pm
Yes some luck at last! Great swing but boy did jones misplay that ball in right
Sophee
July 28th, 2011
7:30 pm
Skeeeeee
Facebook User
July 28th, 2011
7:30 pm
I CALLED THAT!!!!!
Brava
July 28th, 2011
7:30 pm
Hinske!!!!!
Tomas
July 28th, 2011
7:30 pm
Hinske blistered that one
Nola
July 28th, 2011
7:31 pm
Wish that would have stayed in the park, he belted that one
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
7:31 pm
The Pirates’ outfield has been pretty questionable the last two nights.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
7:31 pm
Hallelujah!!
Bravefaninok
July 28th, 2011
7:31 pm
Hinske…bout time somebody got a big hit with runners on.Thank you Ski
welikebaseball2
July 28th, 2011
7:31 pm
16 RBI, 4 SB, 34 R. Oh yeah, talk about a cog in our run scoring. Where would our whopping 426 runs scored be without him? Wow.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:32 pm
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
7:31 pm
The Pirates’ outfield has been pretty questionable the last two nights.
Their defense in general has been poor I think
MFin04
July 28th, 2011
7:32 pm
Screwed out of a run. That’s just ridiculous. They’ve got to get rid of that rule.
Chop Chop
July 28th, 2011
7:32 pm
I hate that we’re the ones bringing the Buccos down. Those fans deserve to see good baseball. I didn’t feel bad for them in ‘91 and ‘92, but…yeah, I do now.
Go Buccos. Split this series.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:32 pm
welikebaseball2
July 28th, 2011
7:31 pm
16 RBI, 4 SB, 34 R. Oh yeah, talk about a cog in our run scoring. Where would our whopping 426 runs scored be without him? Wow.
Hater alert!
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 28th, 2011
7:33 pm
Great job, Hinske! Too bad it bounced so high.
noleee
July 28th, 2011
7:33 pm
we weren’t talking about that. we were talking about your on base statement, but by all means move the line wherever you think you need to.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
7:33 pm
Talking about the Pirates defense being poor. In my observation, Neil Walker has demonstrated small range and has allowed several balls to trickle through in to RF that many other second baseman probably turn into outs.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
7:34 pm
Early in the season, our problem was getting runners on base. But we were pretty good at driving them in once they got on, one of the best in the league if I remember correctly.
Now it seems as though we are getting runners on all the time, yet are unable to drive them in at all.
It would be nice if both facets would start clicking together.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:34 pm
DOB, if something happens for us on the trade horizon, will you know about it before MLB Trade Rumors?
Brava
July 28th, 2011
7:34 pm
To hell with the Buccos. I don’t feel bad for them, I want to win all we can.
Go Braves!
noleee
July 28th, 2011
7:34 pm
SEE! that damn Ross has already been found out
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
7:34 pm
That half inning felt like it was bigger than it was. It’s a little sad when 1 run has become a “big inning.”
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:34 pm
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
7:33 pm
Talking about the Pirates defense being poor. In my observation, Neil Walker has demonstrated small range and has allowed several balls to trickle through in to RF that many other second baseman probably turn into outs.
Same at third I think. And at the corner spots
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2011
7:35 pm
the Blue Jays are like the Island of Misfit Toys- Escobar, Rasmus
Misfit toys? Those are two pretty good young players.
The Ghost of Trenidad Hubbard.
July 28th, 2011
7:35 pm
Man, Lowe is not good.
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
7:35 pm
I hate that we’re the ones bringing the Buccos down. Those fans deserve to see good baseball. I didn’t feel bad for them in ‘91 and ‘92, but…yeah, I do now.
Their GM needs to stop holding onto every ounce of prospects he has and make a move to let the fan base know they’re serious about this year. They probably won’t get far but it’s extremely apparent they need a bat in the worst way.
keylargo
July 28th, 2011
7:35 pm
We suck at getting that runner in dont we
It’s just a coincidence Blankster. There is no such thing as “clutch” hitting.
Jerry Blooger
July 28th, 2011
7:36 pm
Come on Lowe we need 7 or 8 tonight
noleee
July 28th, 2011
7:36 pm
I guess he means alleged attitudes Steve
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:36 pm
I know largo. But there is such a thing as making productive outs I think.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:37 pm
Jerry Blooger
July 28th, 2011
7:36 pm
Come on Lowe we need 7 or 8 tonight
Not looking good for that so far
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2011
7:37 pm
First time the Braves have scored first since July 18 at Colorado, and first time scored in first inning since July 17
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:37 pm
Yeah, just like in basketball there are no clutch shooters.
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
7:37 pm
I think the Pirates need to trade McCutcheon to the Braves for prospects which they can then flip for a big bat.
Ralph
July 28th, 2011
7:38 pm
Lowe is wild tonight
noleee
July 28th, 2011
7:38 pm
KL was being sarcastic Blankster, I just betcha
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:38 pm
Great play jason. Our RF makes the play theirs could not
NO MORE PARRISH & WREN
July 28th, 2011
7:38 pm
Hey Frank!
How many of the AL trades have ever worked out for us? Just saying. Think man! Think!
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:38 pm
Heyward??? What?
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
7:38 pm
I would let Lowe throw 140 pitches or so tonight…he can handle it. (:
Tomas
July 28th, 2011
7:39 pm
Jerry Blooger
July 28th, 2011
7:36 pm
Come on Lowe we need 7 or 8 tonight
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
7:39 pm
McKenry = new guy to hate.
Hard-nosed SOB.
Nola
July 28th, 2011
7:39 pm
Good catch by heyward .
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:39 pm
NO MORE PARRISH & WREN
July 28th, 2011
7:38 pm
Hey Frank!
How many of the AL trades have ever worked out for us? Just saying. Think man! Think!
Are you “NO MORE PARRISH” who has now become “NO MORE PARRISH AND WREN”?
If so who can we expect to be added to your name next?
noleee
July 28th, 2011
7:39 pm
GG. BBL. get us a win guys
cabravesfan
July 28th, 2011
7:40 pm
How many of the AL trades have ever worked out for us?
Well, there a couple with Detroit that worked out ok…
Jerry
July 28th, 2011
7:40 pm
Looks like another game where Lowe pitches 5 innings and comes out. Oh for the days when we had pitchers that went 7+ every time out.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:40 pm
Get this guy Lowe…….he kills us.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:40 pm
Case in point.
Peter
July 28th, 2011
7:40 pm
Steve from ohio
Escobar and Rasmus are both players that had worn out their welcome with their former teams, due to bad attitudes or whatever. Thats what I meant. Yes they are both good young players.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:40 pm
Wow that ball was hit well
welikebaseball2
July 28th, 2011
7:40 pm
Blankster: You got it. Hey, whenever anybody calls out unproductive/pathetic play for what it is, even when they use stats to back it, let’s call it “hate”? I mean, it’s all subjective anyway isn’t it? LOL…seriously?
Nola
July 28th, 2011
7:41 pm
Lowe already at 42 pitches, this guy had eaten up our pitchers this whole series.
Jerry Blooger
July 28th, 2011
7:41 pm
shoot i hope he gets thru 2
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
7:41 pm
Grief Lowe.
He’s gonna hit that wall hard in the 5th, if he makes it that far.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
7:41 pm
Lowe is laboring. The shutdown inning is looking a bit bleak.
DHD
July 28th, 2011
7:41 pm
“How many of the AL trades have ever worked out for us? Just saying. ”
Renteria for Jurrjens Just sayin’
Ralph
July 28th, 2011
7:41 pm
You walk the lead off hitter, most of the time he scores
keylargo
July 28th, 2011
7:41 pm
If Lowe is around in the 8th, his pitch count will be about 175.
MFin04
July 28th, 2011
7:41 pm
Why is it that Derek Lowe can get guys to 1-2 counts or 0-2 counts, and can’t put them away?
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
July 28th, 2011
7:42 pm
Three hard hit balls plus the walk = one run.
Sucks to be our offense.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:42 pm
Oh well, at least we split.
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
7:42 pm
Nice job there Lowe.
Heath
July 28th, 2011
7:42 pm
I agree with Joe…. that was a poor pitch selection there on the 0-2
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
7:42 pm
Man Lowe.
Nola
July 28th, 2011
7:42 pm
0-2 floater to the pitcher.
Rob from SC (Wren...Forget Hitting...Get a Shortstop and RH reliever)
July 28th, 2011
7:43 pm
LOWE SUCKS…. Trade him at any cost and call up Teheran
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
7:43 pm
served up and 0-2 meatball to the freaking pitcher
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
7:43 pm
Excellent 0-2 pitch by a veteran.
Must be the lack of drag racing this week due to the long games.
Here comes the Lowe cluster — early.
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
7:43 pm
Nice turn there
MFin04
July 28th, 2011
7:43 pm
0-2 pitch to the pitcher and can’t put him away.
Heath
July 28th, 2011
7:43 pm
Good DP at least.
Nola
July 28th, 2011
7:43 pm
Good play by gonzo.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:43 pm
Needed that. We just need lowe to go innings. Great play for sea bass
DZ
July 28th, 2011
7:43 pm
Carlos Quentin will be mediocre in Atlanta. Book it.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:44 pm
Wow, Lowe did something right. Hope that keeps up for the next 4 innings…
BFChris26
July 28th, 2011
7:44 pm
Come on Braves!
With all the things going on, I think a trade is going to happen soon, too much smoke going on. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
July 28th, 2011
7:44 pm
Derek Lowe won’t make it through six tonight, he just can’t put batters away consistently anymore.
Brava
July 28th, 2011
7:44 pm
Thank God for Gonzo.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
7:44 pm
0-2 hit to the pitcher is just inexcusable, but that is Derek Lowe. He makes mistakes with his two pitcher arsenal.
Chop Chop
July 28th, 2011
7:44 pm
Great job by Lowe. That’s why he gets paid $15 million, folks.
Najeh Davenpoop
July 28th, 2011
7:44 pm
“no way Wren would ever have Furcal back, and he stinks as bad as Gonzo this year too”
Furcal is having a career worst year and his OBP is STILL higher than Gonzo.
“Najeh has been going hard at Gonzo and deservingly so.
Who is his comparison on the Hawks? Josh Powell?”
If Josh Powell inexplicably got 20 minutes per game and the Hawks had traded Horford to get him, he would be a good comparison.
Jake in Richmond
July 28th, 2011
7:44 pm
Gentlemen?
I believe that the Braves could get not only Quenton; but also, the reliever Sales from the White Sox. I realize that Sales is not having a great year; however, he is young and could be the help that is needed. I suggest that Sales will be a big asset in the pen for the next several years. It seems that the manage has given up on the kid….just thinkin’
MFin04
July 28th, 2011
7:45 pm
Derek Lowe caught a little of the Tommy Hanson-itis
Tomas
July 28th, 2011
7:45 pm
he escaped at least. still think he is tradeable? I don’t, age is starting to show
Eric
July 28th, 2011
7:45 pm
damn Lowe
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
7:46 pm
We do seem to struggle to get those 8 and 9 hitters out. Oh well, good recovery. Let’s squeeze out a another run or two right here.
Jerry Blooger
July 28th, 2011
7:46 pm
Just asking you folks. Of all the young pitchers we brought up this year who did you think showed the most promise? I liked Delgado good body with a smooth throwing motion.
Bravefaninok
July 28th, 2011
7:46 pm
Gonzo bats 2nd this inning…I bet the goodwill will be short lived.
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
7:46 pm
48 pitches. Get the ‘pen stretched out. 5th inning on tonight.
Exactly why I say Lowe needs to go to the ‘pen. Bring Teheran up for spot starts.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:46 pm
Laced that ball.
Seattle Braves
July 28th, 2011
7:46 pm
What are the Braves giving up for Quentin? what are those rumors?
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
7:46 pm
Good hustle by McCutchen there
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:46 pm
I’ve heard Frasor linked to the Quentin deal, but nothing about Sales.
Eric
July 28th, 2011
7:46 pm
why do we give up so many runs to the pitchers
Brava
July 28th, 2011
7:46 pm
Good hit by Jason!!!
Kat
July 28th, 2011
7:47 pm
Giants up 1-0 on phillies….top..3rd.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:47 pm
Heyward is 1-1! He’s back, baby! 1st ballot all the way!!!
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:47 pm
Why does sea bass take pitches right down the middle ALL THE TIME and yet swing at balls in the dirt? Just makes no sense?
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
July 28th, 2011
7:47 pm
Damn.
JB
July 28th, 2011
7:47 pm
Fredi is making a point..he has heard the Rumor CQ will take his place…maybe.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:48 pm
Good contact at least by Gonzo. Good try.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:48 pm
Come on nate. Get a hit
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
7:48 pm
Good play by Cedeno. At least Gonzo is hitting the ball harder.
Bravefaninok
July 28th, 2011
7:48 pm
Gonzo got robbed …
Chop Chop
July 28th, 2011
7:49 pm
Correia is ice cold (7.32 ERA over the last 28 days) and Lowe ain’t exactly fooling anybody these days.
How about a 14-13 walkoff 16th inning win for the Braves? Jerry Meals will call a chest-high McCutchen catch a trap and…
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:50 pm
Great play there
Chop Chop
July 28th, 2011
7:50 pm
More Keystone Kops D by the Pirates, but they got away with it.
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
7:50 pm
Oh goody!
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jspymd=20110728&content_id=22441144&vkey=news_atl&c_id=atl&partnerId=rss_atl
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
7:50 pm
From MLBTraderumors:
A scout told Mark Bowman of MLB.com that Ludwick tops the Braves’ wish list.
That’s what I have feared all along. Yup, let’s send Jason and his potential to the minors or platoon him with Ludwick. Great. I hope that’s not true and that we really do consider the bigger names. I mean, you can’t hug every damn prospect.
Chop Chop
July 28th, 2011
7:51 pm
Enjoy the game, folks.
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
7:51 pm
Ludwick is “top on the Braves’ wishlist”? You’ve got to be kidding me…
Eric
July 28th, 2011
7:51 pm
what the hell just happened?
Big Tater
July 28th, 2011
7:51 pm
Ludwick and Willingham are the type of players that you add in the off season hoping they they have great years. They ARE NOT the players you add at the deadline to put you over the top.
If it’s Willingham or Ludwick, it’s going to be a field day on here! Of course Wren will make it sound like he got Pujols! lol
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:51 pm
If its Ludwick then thats ok provided he comes with a very good reliver too out of their pen
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
7:52 pm
Nate McLouth is good for two things: Taking walks and testing hair product.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
7:52 pm
I wonder if Lowe will get out of the 3rd inning without allowing a run and throwing fewer than 25 pitches?
Brava
July 28th, 2011
7:52 pm
Ludwick is the Big Lots special. Of course the Braves would want him.
Jerry Blooger
July 28th, 2011
7:53 pm
Ludwick ?
Eric
July 28th, 2011
7:53 pm
Ludwick @ top of our wishlist? screw that s@#$
Tomas
July 28th, 2011
7:53 pm
I agree with what DOB said about Quentin, he could play LF. Can’t depend on Chipper being healthy. Rotation, when Chipper is healthy, Quentin plays RF, when he isn’t he plays LF, and Quentin will need days off too
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
7:53 pm
Right — if it’s Ludwick and Adams that would be spectacular, with Gregersen a notch down.
Ludwick by itself blows.
Dan_in_NC
July 28th, 2011
7:53 pm
What “a scout” says and what Frank Wren “does” will be two different things…
Jerry Blooger
July 28th, 2011
7:54 pm
For what? a dollar fifty
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
7:54 pm
Ludwick. Are. You. Freaking. Kidding. Me.
.238/.302/.373.
Oy.
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
7:54 pm
Brava
July 28th, 2011
7:52 pm
Ludwick is the Big Lots special. Of course the Braves would want him.
Yup….Hope it is just a smokescreen
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:55 pm
We got Ludwig??
Heath
July 28th, 2011
7:55 pm
I think Lowe is getting squeezed on the left side of the plate… from the pitcher’s view.
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2011
7:55 pm
I mean, you can’t hug every damn prospect.
Says you. Ha!
Dan_in_NC
July 28th, 2011
7:55 pm
Buster_ESPN
As Atlanta is going through its list of OFers (Pence, Quentin, Willingham), they’ve also had internal discussions about Coco Crisp for CF.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2011
7:55 pm
ALERT: Propect hugging in progress
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:56 pm
“A scout told Mark Bowman of MLB.com that Ludwick tops the Braves’ wish list.”
Oh boy.
Tomas
July 28th, 2011
7:56 pm
He tops the list because he is cheap. Damn got some talent down there trade for Quentin or Pence
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
7:56 pm
Lowe with an efficient 57 pitches through 2.1 innings. (:
Come on, D-Lowe…need a couple of quick innings dude.
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
7:56 pm
Olney: Coco Crisp.
I knew it was a matter of time.
abeeeewright
July 28th, 2011
7:56 pm
If Lowe keeps laboring, it could be Varvaro time before you know it.
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2011
7:56 pm
Olney says Braves talked about Coco Crisp
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
7:57 pm
Dr. Steve…I thought that might get your attention. Hope all is well, dude.
Bravefaninok
July 28th, 2011
7:57 pm
I wonder how many pirate fans just typed…Mccutchen just swings at balls in the dirt then watches strike 3 right down broadway…..lol
JB
July 28th, 2011
7:57 pm
I wouldn’t give a bag of dog poop for him..if thats the best they can do just forget it.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
7:57 pm
Horrible call.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:57 pm
haha at that strike two call
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
7:57 pm
Heck even if it is Ludwick with a RP…..the offense will still stink and the bullpen will still get way too much work
Kat
July 28th, 2011
7:58 pm
“@Buster_ESPN: As Atlanta is going through its list of OFers (Pence, Quentin, Willingham), they’ve also had internal discussions about Coco Crisp for CF.”
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
7:58 pm
I think the Braves have talked about Willie Mays for crying out loud. They are considering anything and everything it would seem. I just hope they get a piece that can actually make this offense really good. Yes, I think one player could do it.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
7:58 pm
JB
July 28th, 2011
7:57 pm
I wouldn’t give a bag of dog poop for him..if thats the best they can do just forget it.
What about half a bag of dog poop?
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
7:59 pm
This behind the count meatballs crap is getting old.
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2011
7:59 pm
Jason–I’m doing well man, thanks. Hope you are too.
Upton, Pence, Ludwick, Quentin…what say you? I say get Upton if the price is fair. Not a fan of benching Heyward.
And Coco Crisp? Oy.
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
7:59 pm
Crisp? Really? How about we just see what Brett Butler is doing these days?
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
7:59 pm
Lowe has nothing working tonight. When he is bad, he is tough to watch.
Kat
July 28th, 2011
8:00 pm
Sorry for posting tweets that others post right before… Copy/paste in my phone is kinda annoying and takes too much time.
Eric
July 28th, 2011
8:00 pm
Lowe is getting drilled tonight
MFin04
July 28th, 2011
8:00 pm
Lowe is a couple hits away from getting blown out of the water tonight.
Daniel
July 28th, 2011
8:00 pm
I’d go and get Pence from the ‘Stros and give up Minor and a lower level prospect. With Teheran, Delgado, and Vizcaino maturing in the minors, along with the upcoming return of Kris Medlen, I don’t think parting with Minor is such a big deal. Astros get the pitching they want, we get a really good bat for the lineup. Win win in my book!
JB
July 28th, 2011
8:00 pm
Rather have Coco than Ludwick,& Willingham
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
8:00 pm
He comes a hit and 3-1 ball game
Jerry Blooger
July 28th, 2011
8:00 pm
nieves- 1.00 Ludwick 1.50 Coco 3.25 next….
Dan_in_NC
July 28th, 2011
8:01 pm
Seriously, I think Coco Crisp would be something in addition to any possible Quentin, Pence, Ludwick addition. I think I would trade McLouth for Crisp straight up…
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
8:01 pm
Steve, things are going well. My young’uns keep me pretty busy. I like Upton too as long as the price is right. I can’t even imagine they are thinking about benching Heyward and playing Schafer every day…and look at that slash line on Ludwick. A .695 OPS. Oy.
I like Pence, but I think I like him better if the Braves plan on putting him in CF. If we are benching Heyward and not looking for someone to play CF, I think Quentin would be a good pickup too.
Tomas
July 28th, 2011
8:02 pm
Getting our hopes with Beltran, Pence, and Carlos Quentin, then settling for Ludwick, Crisp, or Willingham not the greatest of move by the Braves. And yet I know Wren hasn’t any names himself, it’s just speculation and some Rumblings reporters hear
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
8:02 pm
I get that JB… all this “prospect hugging” is ridiculous. If want to get something of value, you have to give up something as well.
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
8:02 pm
Who is stealing more from the city? Joe Johnson or Derek Lowe?
MFin04
July 28th, 2011
8:03 pm
Better get some runs here…looks like the dam could break any inning now…
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
8:03 pm
Crisp would help us. Whats his contract?
Steve from OH
July 28th, 2011
8:03 pm
If they think Pence can play center for the balance of the season, and he can be had for a fair price then I’d be more willing to see him be a Brave. Like I said, if it’s not a CF I’m not too thrilled about the pickup if it means sitting Heyward. He can be the one bat that makes us dangerous if and when he figures it out. And with a player of his talent level, it could be a matter of days, not months.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
July 28th, 2011
8:03 pm
Calling Otis Nixon, earth to Otis…report to Turner field
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
8:04 pm
Lowe — 69 pitches through 3. Very impressive. Staff killer.
Tomas
July 28th, 2011
8:04 pm
good swings vs Correi
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
8:04 pm
The Braves have been good about getting the leadoff man on base in this series.
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
8:04 pm
Coco and his .701 OPS. Yup, that should get us over the top.
Pence
Quentin
Upton
Crisp
Ludwick
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
8:05 pm
@ Blankster
I think he is an FA after this season
JB
July 28th, 2011
8:06 pm
Coco..266BA, 27 SB, 33RBI 4 hrs…better than most….
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
8:06 pm
Look at the wussies head for cover.
Big Tater
July 28th, 2011
8:06 pm
Rumor has it that the Braves plan to bring someone out of the stands and put a Carlos Quntin jersey on them and Wren will swear that he traded for Quintin and paid $1 just like he did for Nieves! Meanwhile the Braves retain every prospect they have!
Update after the game!
MFin04
July 28th, 2011
8:06 pm
Its about time we get a rain induced walk….
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
8:06 pm
Uggs is going yard.
Daniel
July 28th, 2011
8:07 pm
Otis might be high on crack and not be able to find the stadium!! (that was Otis that was high and couldn’t find Fulton County Stadium back in the day, right???)
JB
July 28th, 2011
8:07 pm
yes he will be a free agent.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
8:07 pm
Gotta protect. That was a strike earlier.
Tomas
July 28th, 2011
8:07 pm
Crisp around 30 steals, switch hitter, and great defense at CF. Not that I want him though
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
F****** lovely!
Venice Jim
July 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
Fredi
Jerry Blooger
July 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
No that was Pascuel Perez
2K91
July 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
Marteen has forgotten right field exists.
It has turned him into an “average” hitter instead of a “special”
hitter.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
quit sending Prado on hit and runs. He never makes it.
Jerry
July 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
Prado is slow as shyt!
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
McHenry with a perfect throw.
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
Why do we ever have the steal sign on for Prado?
JB
July 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
Rays and O’s have Scout in stands per MLB…
maybe Adam Jones?
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
July 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
Jason Heyward, the natural. Freddie Freeman, the student.
Jeff Francoeur, the natural. Brian McCann, the student.
I don’t like making the comparison but it is what it is.
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
Is there a team better at killing a rally, when they are up, than the Braves?
Bobby Bobby
July 28th, 2011
8:08 pm
The word on chipper is he is hurt today, going to be hurt next week and next month. But that will not stop him from running his mouth about JHey’s ailments.
Ralph
July 28th, 2011
8:09 pm
Someone said earlier that the reason Constanza and Gartrell haven’t been called up is because they can’t hit major league pitching, I don’t know how they know that because neither one of them has ever stepped into a major league batters box, I don’t beleive Freeman or any other major leaguer could hit major league pitching before they ever faced a major league pitcher. When Schafer was called up this year he was batting around .250 and at the same time Contanza was batting about 100 points higher and they were facing the same minor league pitchers, Gartrell has about as many HRs now as Freeman had all season last year. Shafer still cannot hit major league pitching and neither can Heyward but they are still in the Major Leagues. All i’m saying is give these guys a chance, they have worked their butts off trying and deserve a chance.
MFin04
July 28th, 2011
8:09 pm
I’ve never seen this many botched hit and runs.
keylargo
July 28th, 2011
8:09 pm
I remember Ryan Ludwick was at the top of a lot of peoples list before the start of the 2010 to be the right handed power bat. It wasn’t such a bad idea then. But now??
Ludwick in2009……….265 .329 .447 .775
Ludwick in 2011………238 .302 .373 .675
Bravo_fan 52
July 28th, 2011
8:09 pm
Pasqual Perez rode around 285 in a circle
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
8:10 pm
Interesting. I wonder if the O’s are scouting the Braves or the Pirates?
JB
July 28th, 2011
8:10 pm
otis on crack and JS juice..
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
8:10 pm
I can only think about maybe one instance this year where a Braves hit and run call has worked out to its maximum potential where the hitter reaches and the runner advances at least one base. This season has been brutal in the amount of runners cut down on the basepaths. Sabermetricians have too much fun at Fredi’s expense.
Tomas
July 28th, 2011
8:11 pm
Got to stop stealing with Prado
Jerry Blooger
July 28th, 2011
8:11 pm
Now Adam Jones is the perfect trade. Even if we had to send McClouth
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
8:11 pm
Fat Fredi seems to think Prado is fast. Why doesnt he learn that prado is sloooooooowwwwwww
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 28th, 2011
8:11 pm
Ricky Nolasco on Sunday…
Bill
July 28th, 2011
8:12 pm
I agree Ralph..100%
Mister Frisky
July 28th, 2011
8:12 pm
Giants look solid in this NLCS preview.Wren chopping at the bit to get ahold of Ludbag or Willingcrap .
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
8:12 pm
The meat is being thrown tonight, folks.
Huh?
July 28th, 2011
8:13 pm
Chipper has earned the right to run his mouth about whatever he wants. He’s also played through injuries.
Bravefaninok
July 28th, 2011
8:13 pm
Ludwig was a pretty good hitter with st louis …..any chance some protection and getting out of petco he would return to 2008-2009 form?
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
8:14 pm
Oh wow, found the Phils & Giants on TV!!!!
Later!
DHD
July 28th, 2011
8:14 pm
With our pitching, we need to scratch out some runs. Coco would help for sure. Especially in the playoffs.
Bill
July 28th, 2011
8:14 pm
Rain delay coming!!!!!!!!
jonny
July 28th, 2011
8:14 pm
yay coco
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
8:14 pm
Lowe is going to go 5 or 6
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
July 28th, 2011
8:15 pm
Too many Chiefs, not enough Indians.
Our offense defined. Meanwhile Frank Wren is busy looking for another Chief.
Lovely
jonny
July 28th, 2011
8:15 pm
we need a centerfielder or a shortstop as much as everyone likes pence including me we really dont need him unless heyward or him could play center
tybeedawg
July 28th, 2011
8:15 pm
I bet DOB has two phones to his ear…..
MFin04
July 28th, 2011
8:16 pm
Nice inning for Lowe.
Jerry Blooger
July 28th, 2011
8:16 pm
Lokking for braves to do 3 trades before its over
TeheranTime
July 28th, 2011
8:17 pm
So far tonight the experts have said Atlanta is hot on Quentin, is in on Pence, have made Upton a priority, have Ludwick at the top of their wish list and have had informal discussions on Crisp. That’s five outfielders.
Tomas
July 28th, 2011
8:17 pm
80 pitches through 4, rain delay wow
jonny
July 28th, 2011
8:17 pm
hows it raining
Tomahawk Mafia
July 28th, 2011
8:17 pm
A rain delay is all these two teams need.
McFann O O Get Well Soon, BMac!!!
July 28th, 2011
8:18 pm
You’ve gotta be kidding…
TennesseePaul
July 28th, 2011
8:18 pm
Thanks for the work DOB
GO BRAVES!
Stizz
July 28th, 2011
8:18 pm
From here on out, I’m blaming Frank Wren for all of our shortcomings. These guys are already playing like they’re waiting on help.
Stop acting like an idiot Frank. We’ve got how many prospects for how many spots in the rotation? Make a deal.
Blankster
July 28th, 2011
8:19 pm
Does this mean lowe is done?
Bill
July 28th, 2011
8:19 pm
jonny, Pence can play centerfield..Thats BS you and couple more keep saying. He played CF when he first came up and GM Bowden said he could play all three OF’s with Gold Glove ability..Time to give that a rest.
MFin04
July 28th, 2011
8:19 pm
Rain delay should give Frank Wren enough time to secure us a CF.
Coach (2011 Fredi G. a go!)
July 28th, 2011
8:20 pm
Row, row, row your boat.
Row, row, row your boat.
Gently down the stream….live is but a dream…..
keylargo
July 28th, 2011
8:20 pm
end of 4 Giants over phils 2 – 0 with Lincecum on the mound.
Bill
July 28th, 2011
8:21 pm
its raining like it always does.
TennesseePaul
July 28th, 2011
8:21 pm
I remember discussing carlos a while back, though at the time Martin was also struggling and I figured they’d move him to a super utility role to lighten the load on a struggling Uggla and weak kneed Chipper, rotating guys in and out so they essentially play every day but one in a given week of games.
Now that Chipper is, hopefully, healthy from his knee issue and Prado seems to be set, the only guy left that is really stinking up the joint is Heyward. I recall being called out on that as well. “No where to play an outfielder.” I don’t think the Braves front office sees that poor production with such high regard as many on the blog do.
Heyward’s still young. He’ll get over anything that happens this year. He must if he is to stay around and become the player everyone hoped he’d be. The player he is currently is not.
JasonInFL
July 28th, 2011
8:22 pm
I would send Lowe back out regardless.
bp
July 28th, 2011
8:24 pm
Need Andy Griffith reruns now.
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2011
8:24 pm
Welcome back to The Series That Will Never End
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
8:25 pm
“I would send Lowe back out regardless”
Yessir, he might get some good sink in the heavier air.
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2011
8:25 pm
Thats odd. Its Still Sunny and Hot Here in Loganville
Bill
July 28th, 2011
8:25 pm
You right DOB all day all night..Put on some music!
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
8:26 pm
Lincecum reaches….infield single.
Jerry
July 28th, 2011
8:27 pm
I gotta believe that when the game restarts, the new guy will be pitching. Hope he can take the Bucs by surprise and get a few innings in before they adjust to him.
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2011
8:28 pm
TennPaul
“Heyward’s still young. He’ll get over anything that happens this year. He must if he is to stay around and become the player everyone hoped he’d be. The player he is currently is not.”
I Blame Parrish for that! Hurtward was a lot better/patient hitter under TP’s guidance last year
Smitty
July 28th, 2011
8:28 pm
DOB
are you hearing anything???
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
8:28 pm
She’ll be here this weekend…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P6z7b5aIi4
the truth...
July 28th, 2011
8:29 pm
DOB
That last post of yours reminded me of a group of years past…..
“Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends”
…..know the groups name?
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
8:29 pm
The one thing that has always bothered me about the Braves is that they seem to zero in on who they want but wait until the deadline to pull the trigger. It would seem to me that a team struggling on offense would want that impact bat in the line up ASAP
David O'Brien
July 28th, 2011
8:30 pm
Giants are up 2-0 on Phillies in fifth
Tomas
July 28th, 2011
8:30 pm
If play is restored in the next 30 minutes, Lowe better be ready, if he gets injured, good they’ll have an excuse to bring up Teheran or Minor
DC Brave
July 28th, 2011
8:31 pm
This trade talk is getting fun. All the names getting thrown around seem to be a deliberate effort to flood the airways with news in order to hide true intentions. If so…and if we get somebody that will really help…well…that’s crafty.
Ralph
July 28th, 2011
8:31 pm
Now would be the perfect time to call up Constanza, we do not have a backup CF for McOut, Constanza is a LHB but he hit lefties about the same as righties so they could Platoon him with McOut against lefties, they should DFA Proctor to make a roster spot for him and that would solve another problem. Constanza is batting .321 and has 23 stolen bases.
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2011
8:31 pm
As Much As I like the Idea of Quentin. We are gonna lose in the First Round of the Playoffs relying on winning games via the Longball with as maky streaky hitters as we have in our lineup
I’d rather trade for Bourne or Matt Kemp but that ain’t happening. So I will settle for Quentin
I’m against trading for Slop 1 trick ponies in Ludwick and Willingham
DC Brave
July 28th, 2011
8:31 pm
tomas….dude…don’t say stuff like that…it draws the attention of the baseball gods in a bad way.
tybeedawg
July 28th, 2011
8:32 pm
DOB: ask Wren if it is safe to go to bed……I gotta be up in 5 hours for work!
Nova Scotia Steve
July 28th, 2011
8:33 pm
JasonInFL: It certainly did
Same to you man.
the truth...
July 28th, 2011
8:33 pm
@AlabamaBrave
That is the way it works when you’re after in demand players and you have limited budget. Also the “seller” is wanting to maximize their price and create an “auction atmosphere”.
Wren does not have the “cash” to just go bring them home without their playing his offer off while talking to other clubs chasing the players at the same time.
driver8
July 28th, 2011
8:33 pm
ELO
Theo Williams
July 28th, 2011
8:33 pm
Crisp would definitely be in addition to Quentin/Pence/Ludwick, not an alternative to those type of players. Crisp is batting .266 with 27 swiped bags. Sounds like a good leadoff hitter to me…
driver8
July 28th, 2011
8:33 pm
ELP
Ralph
July 28th, 2011
8:34 pm
Your right Alabama Brave and DOB said “it is all about winning now”, but it doesn’t seem that way to me.
driver8
July 28th, 2011
8:34 pm
Emerson Lake and Palmer to be exact
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2011
8:35 pm
Does anyone know how many players are added to the Roster when the Sept Call ups come out???
I’d like to see Lipka or Pastornicky in a few games. They would be an offensive upgrade over Gonzo
tybeedawg
July 28th, 2011
8:35 pm
Driver….that was ELP…….
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
8:35 pm
“ELP”
Tarkus baby!
AlabamaBrave
July 28th, 2011
8:35 pm
I understand that truth. It just annoys me
driver8
July 28th, 2011
8:36 pm
No more rain please!!! Boys have been through enough over the last few days .. .and a hot Marlins team coming in … we need this game done in good time folks!
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
8:36 pm
Beltran makes great catch!
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2011
8:36 pm
Correct that
Gonzo is AKA Rafael Belliard
Bravefaninok
July 28th, 2011
8:38 pm
Tomahawkin
July 28th, 2011
8:35 pm
Does anyone know how many players are added to the Roster when the Sept Call ups come out???
I’d like to see Lipka or Pastornicky in a few games. They would be an offensive upgrade over Gonzo
Rosters expand to 40 men.
driver8
July 28th, 2011
8:38 pm
anyone watched that catch and almost thought …. knee injury ? That was scary and thank goodness for the Giants that the grass gave way .. that could have been bad.
Mixxo
July 28th, 2011
8:38 pm
driver8
Yeah, that could’ve been ugly.
TeheranTime
July 28th, 2011
8:39 pm
Think through these numbers:
Quentin: .262 AVG, 20 HR, 62 RBI, .338 OBP
Crisp: .266 AVG, 4 HR, 33 RBI, 27 SB, .317 OBP
Ludwick: .238 AVG, 11 HR, 62 RBI, .302 OBP
Upton: .228 AVG, 16 HR, 54 RBI, 23 SB, .309 OBP
Pence: .307 AVG, 11 HR, 62 RBI, 7 SB, .354 OBP
Pence is not in the lineup tonight for the Astros for the first time since June. Pence will cost you the most in terms of prospects although production wise, he has the same numbers as Ludwick and the same RBI as both Ludwick and Quentin. I read somewhere that Quentin could cost as many as three premium prospects. IF Upton hit for a little higher average, I would take Coco Crisp and his speed coupled with Upton’s power, speed and ability to drive in runs in a heartbeat. I think those two would cost you the least prospects, get you more speed while adding some power and both play good defense. Rid yourself of Nate Gone South’s contract and use Schafer as an extra outfielder.
driver8
July 28th, 2011
8:39 pm
Tybeedawg… i caught that the moment i hit the wrong key …. my bad and i deserve the corrections … i’m rusty on the keys it seems.
ChopShop
July 28th, 2011
8:39 pm
What about Marlon Byrd? Reed Johnson?? Much rather have one of them then Ludwig, or Willingham……And they cost less $$
the truth...
July 28th, 2011
8:40 pm
Emerson Lake and Palmer….
I saw them in Atlanta in the old Atlanta Municipal Auditorium in the 70’s…I think it is part of Ga. State now if still there… pretty cool place back when. Maybe held 1,000….with their speakers to the ceiling it was like being inside of them…
Something cool about the old Auditiorium: Imagine a “Possum dinner for the president”…that’s right straight from Wikipedia:
Atlanta Municipal Auditorium, originally known as the Auditorium and Armory, was an auditorium in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. It was constructed with funds raised by a committee of Atlanta citizens and then sold to the city of Atlanta. The structure was dedicated in a pre-inaugural visit from President William Howard Taft in 1909 during which he was served a ‘possom dinner, and the dining hall in which this took place was named in his honor. The public dedication of the Auditorium took place with the hosting of the inaugural Atlanta Music Festival in May 1909.
tybeedawg
July 28th, 2011
8:41 pm
Saw that…..u caught it before I did
DS1
July 28th, 2011
8:41 pm
OK, where are the prospects. Got me some prospect huggin to do!
driver8
July 28th, 2011
8:42 pm
You know I personally like hearing Bob Costas doing baseball.. i know a lot of folks dont like him but to me he brings a knowledge of baseball and a primetime voice that i like… it also doenst hurt that I can still remember his call back in 1995 that still sticks with me …. “The team of the 90’s has their first World Championship” and of course our guys were going crazy with YES YES YES .. .that was classic just as well if not more!!
the truth...
July 28th, 2011
8:43 pm
Hey it sounds like a good idea….make all Presidents eat “Possum Dinners”….then maybe they’d have a clue what it’s like in the real world!!
The A Bomb
July 28th, 2011
8:44 pm
Cannot wait for finality to this all….seeing the same ridiculous trade proposals over and over and over and over again……
Just get it done Frank. Or not. But it’ll get some of these people to go to bed.