Braves bring back popular OF Diaz (updated story)
When outfielder Matt Diaz walked into the Braves clubhouse at 4:18 p.m. on Wednesday, it seemed as if he’d never left. Only the Pirates equipment bag he was lugging looked out of place.
The Braves re-acquired the popular outfielder from Pittsburgh on Wednesday in a trade for a player to be named. The Pirates also gave the Braves an undisclosed amount of cash to cover a portion of Diaz’s $2 million salary in 2012.
“I couldn’t sleep much last night, thinking about what it would be,” said Diaz, who was told Tuesday night he would likely be traded, but not which team he might be going to. “Then at 10:30 this morning — Central Standard Time — I got the best news I could have imagined. I got on a plane within an hour-and-a-half, I think.”
He gives the Braves a right-handed bat off the bench to complement left-handed hitter Eric Hinske, and Diaz will also get some starts against lefties. He was immediately inserted in the lineup against Washington lefty John Lannan on Wednesday.
“The numbers show he can handle Lannan,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said of Diaz, who came in 12-for-30 (.400) against Lannan. “He can handle a lot of left-handers around the league, which is nice to have because [the Braves lineup is] so left-handed dominant.
“And you’ve got Hinske and him the days they don’t play, and I know from experience sitting [in the other dugout], it’s not a good feeling when you have Hinske from the left side, and Matt Diaz from the right side and you don’t know who to bring in [to face them]. Or if you bring in the righty to face Diaz, I could use Hinkse to pinch hit for him.”
Diaz, 33, hit .305 with 41 homers and a .353 on-base percentage in five seasons with the Braves through 2010, serving mainly as a platoon player and pinch-hitter. They made the trade before Tuesday’s deadline for Diaz to be eligible for the postseason roster.
The Pirates will get a player from a pool of lower-level minor league prospects the two teams have agreed upon. That selection could happen soon, but neither team said when.
Diaz signed a two-year, $4.25 million contract with Pittsburgh in December, after the Braves decided they didn’t want to pay the $3 million or so that he would have commanded through arbitration.
They had claimed Joe Mather off waivers from St. Louis in November expecting him to fill Diaz’s former role, but Mather was waived by the Braves in June after hitting .213 with one homer in 75 at-bats.
Diaz had a disappointing season with the Pirates, batting .259 with no homers and a .303 OBP in 231 plate appearances. However, he hit .295 against lefties including .370 since June. He was 11-for-44 as a pinch-hitter.
Against lefties, the Braves ranked last in the National League in average (.227) and on-base percentage (.296).
Braves pinch-hitters were 12th in the NL with a .196 overall average before Wednesday, though they led the league with eight homers.
“This just works out absolutely perfect,” Diaz said of returning to the Braves. “Hopefully baseball-wise, getting back here where I’m comfortable, and where people know my funky swing, hopefully I can get something to click and put on a push here at the end of the season.”
The Braves wanted to add a right-handed bat, and Diaz’s lack of home runs this season didn’t concern them, general manager Frank Wren said.
“Especially after the [July 31 non-waiver trade] deadline when we got even more left-handed, it’s been one of the pieces we were looking for to solidify our club,” Wren said. “We know Matt can hit. He’s shown that. He’s swung the bat very well, especially against left-handers over the last couple months. He’s done what he’s always done.
“I don’t think his power has diminished in a year leaving us. We’ve see him do what he’s done from a power perspective and hopefully back in a familiar environment that’ll show.”
Diaz was a force against lefties during his years with the Braves, with a gaudy .369 average, 17 homers and a .975 OPS against lefties during a three-season stretch through 2009.
His overall average slipped to .250 in 2010 with Atlanta, but he still hit .273 with five homers and an .830 OPS in 121 at-bats against lefties.
The Braves finalized the trade at about 10:45 a.m., and Diaz caught a flight from Houston to Atlanta. He went straight from the airport to the Turner Field home clubhouse that he’d worked out of for five seasons with the Braves through 2010.
“It’s like he never left,” said catcher Brian McCann, who had a quick reply when asked if Diaz could help the Braves. “Absolutely. Get some starts against left-handed pitching, get some pinch-hits off lefties; we all know he rakes them.”
A few minutes and a bunch of hugs later, Diaz and his once-and-again Braves teammates were back to the business of razzing each other and pursuing a playoff berth.
“Everybody’s happy,” Hinske said. “We need another right-handed bat, a guy that can hit lefties…. He’ll give us big at-bats late in the game against left-handed bullpen guys, and I think that’s one piece that we’ve been lacking. So it’s a good move for our team. Plus we know him. He’s been here forever. It’s great to have him back.
“I’m sure he’s happy to be back, too. I’m sure he really didn’t want to leave. Just the contract situation didn’t work out for him. So, go somewhere else for a little bit, and now it’s worked out for him and the organization. Good for both sides.”
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245 comments Add your comment
Andy A.
August 31st, 2011
12:27 pm
FIRST! I like have Diaz back. Plug him in the OF and good bat off the bench!
Tyler NJ Brave
August 31st, 2011
12:27 pm
welcome back matty D!
poop
August 31st, 2011
12:28 pm
I’m a fan. I’d be a fan of Jamey Carroll too.
erubi
August 31st, 2011
12:28 pm
WELCOME HOME MATTY!!
Tyler NJ Brave
August 31st, 2011
12:29 pm
Does this mean Constanza gets sent down? The only other option is Conrad.
gptreystl
August 31st, 2011
12:30 pm
Whose roster spot does he take since the rosters don’t expand until tomorrow?
richie
August 31st, 2011
12:34 pm
hopefully this wont be the only addition the braves make
Barves
August 31st, 2011
12:35 pm
So glad Matts back, he’s one of my favorite. Even if he doesn’t swing the bat great for the rest of the season, having the threat of a RH on the bench will change PH situations completely. It just throws a little wrench into the late-game plans of opposing managers.
Welcome back Matty Diaz!
Remarkable
August 31st, 2011
12:36 pm
Is this because of Haywards batting problems?
NickB
August 31st, 2011
12:36 pm
He doesn’t take a roster spot until he reports. So I’m assuming he will report tomorrow as part of the expansion.
I like Matt, but he’s only hitting lefties at a .704 OPS clip this year….. Let us hope a familiar setting will get him going. We could use his bat of the bench.
scott
August 31st, 2011
12:36 pm
Can’t they just leave him in AAA till tomorrow?
southern hope
August 31st, 2011
12:38 pm
I love him! and I’m super happy he’s back.
poop
August 31st, 2011
12:38 pm
If they’re able to acquire Jamey Carroll soon then they could just get rid of Lugo to make space for Diaz, then add Carroll when rosters expand. They can survive one day without a backup SS.
NickB
August 31st, 2011
12:38 pm
@ remarkable
No, it’s purely bench depth. We are bad against lefties and our only PH option against them is Conrad, who isn’t really much against them either as he tends to hit better left handed. Diaz will be our RH PH option against left handed pitching late in games. I reckon this means that this is Conrads last year with the big club tho.
SimpleDawg
August 31st, 2011
12:38 pm
Good to have Matty D back in the ATL. He will be an asset.
David O'Brien
August 31st, 2011
12:39 pm
By the way, Diaz is 12-for-30 against tonight’s starter Lannan.
Ralph
August 31st, 2011
12:39 pm
Let us pray the player to be named later is Linesuck!
The Abs Man
August 31st, 2011
12:40 pm
Always liked Matt’s hustle and game!
Ebenezer Snerdberg
August 31st, 2011
12:40 pm
First of all, WELCOME HOME MR DIE-AZ. Now, Tyler, I think Lugo could be got shut of with no pain at all. I’ve only seen him in two(2) games I ‘member as a PH!
NickB
August 31st, 2011
12:40 pm
@ Ralph
Linebrink is a FA after this year, so no Linebrink isn’t a the ptbnl
NickB
August 31st, 2011
12:41 pm
Oh I just read that he’s reporting for tonites game…. I wonder who gets dropped? Conrad or Lugo I expect
Virginia Ranger
August 31st, 2011
12:42 pm
I was hoping Matty could play shortstop. I did not see the early innings last night and was unaware Agone blew an opportunity for a baseloaded no out triple play. Crud he did not even hit into a DP.
By the way on that pop out why was the infield fly rule enforced. If the fielder had dropped the ball no one would be allowed to advance
Ebenezer Snerdberg
August 31st, 2011
12:43 pm
Hit the button too quick. Yea verily Ralph, Linestink would be good. Send him to Pittsburgh & UPS ground Lowe somewhere far far away!
O'flarity's water bottle
August 31st, 2011
12:43 pm
REALLY?…???
Tyler NJ Brave
August 31st, 2011
12:44 pm
Mr. Snerdberg, I would love to see Lugo go but that would never happen….There’s no way they’d move forward with one person able to play SS (Gonzo).
Zing
August 31st, 2011
12:45 pm
I could be mistaken, guys, but I think that because the rosters are expanding, nobody has to be sent down or released.
DHD
August 31st, 2011
12:45 pm
Not going to help us much. Been there, done that. of course, Atlanta fans and media are totally obsessed with former players. Just look at how many Vick articles make their way on this site. Somebody may have a man crush though.
Dan Faber
August 31st, 2011
12:46 pm
He’s not a Florida native, he’s from Portland, Oregon!
Abacus Skeptic
August 31st, 2011
12:46 pm
Always been a fan of Matty. Glad to see him back.
TeheranTime
August 31st, 2011
12:46 pm
Solid bench player. What, if anything, does this mean for Wes Helms?
Bone head
August 31st, 2011
12:47 pm
Could we not do better than that? For goodness sakes, he’s another has been. I wonder if some of you who are so welcoming of him are the same ones who are always on Chipper case.
Brooklyn Braves Brawler
August 31st, 2011
12:48 pm
Lugo is probably going to go, they will bring up Diory and Brandon Hicks tomorrow
Mitch McConnell's Chins
August 31st, 2011
12:48 pm
We hear the player to be named later is Mike Minor, but we hear it from Eric Cantor, so we’re not worried.
DePort
August 31st, 2011
12:48 pm
Who cares who gets sent down!!! .. they will be back tomorrow … can we complain about something that makes sense please!
Virginia Ranger
August 31st, 2011
12:49 pm
Florida,Oregon close. Much like Agones bat and a curve ball
Brandon
August 31st, 2011
12:50 pm
I feel Conrad will stay on the 40-man, he’s a switch-hitter, which helps.
I think either Lugo or McLouth will be taken off the 40-man, maybe a pitcher, but I doubt it.
Matty D has to be on the 40-man roster TODAY to be eligible for postseason.
As for Helms, eh, I don’t see him making a big impact.
Joe Braves Fan
August 31st, 2011
12:50 pm
CHAMPIONSHIP!
Memphis
August 31st, 2011
12:50 pm
Welcome Back Home Matty D!
Barney Franks Mouth
August 31st, 2011
12:51 pm
DOB, who’s going back to the G-Braves?
gcs
August 31st, 2011
12:51 pm
This deal is all about his .295 against lefties.
.
Dawgdad (The Original)
August 31st, 2011
12:51 pm
Glad he is back, obviously he was not highly thought of in Pittsburgh, as he never got to play regularly enough to get straightened out. Outfield getting crowded as management seems to want to keep running Heyward out there and they are not going to take much time away from Prado or Bourn. You gotta play Georgie some, so Matt looks like mostly a PH.
The Braves have needed someone to hit lefthanders all year and sad that they were too cheap to retain a proven mauler of LH pitchers.
rwrnole2
August 31st, 2011
12:52 pm
he is an FSU grad!
Ralph
August 31st, 2011
12:52 pm
My guess is Martinez gets optioned down then rought back after rosters expand. I would rather it would be Linesuck being DFA but that ain’t gonna happen as long as he has those dirty pictures of Fredi.
Brandon
August 31st, 2011
12:52 pm
And the thing with Diory, is that he isn’t on the 40-man roster, so he can’t be dropped today to make room for Diaz, and can’t be brought up after Sept. 1st, unless unless someone else has been DFA’d.
Joey
August 31st, 2011
12:53 pm
Maybe he’ll be so juiced over this, he’ll get on one of his tears. I’ve seen him carry the Braves over 2 or 3 weeks.
richie
August 31st, 2011
12:54 pm
honestly id rater give helms a go than conrad. he is OK in clutch this year but when he pinch hits. he strikes out alot. and we know how bad he can be with the glove so id go helms diaz hinske, barmes(aquire him) and heyward as our core bench, gotta keep constanza in that line up
Ebenezer Snerdberg
August 31st, 2011
12:54 pm
To paraphrase Tina Turner…what’s Helms got to do with it?
Piedmont Blues
August 31st, 2011
12:55 pm
They could send Martinez down today, activate Diaz, and then bring Martinez back when Gwinnett’s season is over. The big club will be adding Vizcaino and Delgado for bullpen help as soon as they’re needed in September anyway, so the pen would be “short” only one game.
Brandon
August 31st, 2011
12:56 pm
@richie, what, no backup C?
Fourbee
August 31st, 2011
12:56 pm
WELCOME HOME, MATTY D!!!!!
So glad to have him back. I was disappointed that they non-tendered him last year. Many times this year, when I saw the crappy pinch hitters they sent to face lefty pitchers, I wanted to cry, remembering Matty was no longer here. But, now he’s back and will regain the magic that he used to bring at the plate. I really feel that Matty was disheartened playing for Pittsburgh, when he really wanted to play for the Braves!
You’re home now, Matty. Show everyone why the Brave should never have released you! Go Matty D!
Ralph
August 31st, 2011
12:56 pm
@Zing
You are mistaken, can only have 25 on tonights roster, Diaz would make 26
NickB
August 31st, 2011
12:57 pm
Maybe they are going to finally send Constanza back to AAA where he belongs
Chimp Carey
August 31st, 2011
12:58 pm
Awesome!!! Made my day!!! Huge Diaz fan- I’m sure our guys are stoked about this!
Ray Ray
August 31st, 2011
12:58 pm
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Game 6, NLCS, bases loaded in the 8th. Matty D comes in and swings at three straight in the left handed batting box.
DOger
August 31st, 2011
12:58 pm
Ok send heyward down now
STRETCH
August 31st, 2011
1:00 pm
The Braves might not be done dealing, hears ESPN’s Buster Olney (Twitter link).
Mark's for the Braves
August 31st, 2011
1:01 pm
Welcome back Matty D!! Need a RH bat who can help. Who is player to be named later–McClouth?
anotherdawg
August 31st, 2011
1:01 pm
Great move! Solid right handed bat off the bench, plus he can help with “security” if any drunk fans run out on the field.
Skeezix
August 31st, 2011
1:01 pm
Great news!!! Matty is back!!! I needed to hear something positive about my Braves as it has been depressing lately. Hopefully he can lift the spirit of this team cause he has loads of it. Now I hope the Braves* will get back to playing winning baseball with heart….. and I can cut back on the Jack Daniels.
* both starting pitchers and hitters
David O'Brien
August 31st, 2011
1:01 pm
Bone head: Who did you think the Braves were going to get in a waiver trade, especially when they’re next-to-last team in NL to pick? (selection order is based on records).
Blackberry Cobbler
August 31st, 2011
1:03 pm
Will Frank Wren and the Braves ever do anything of significance to help the struggling offense on this team? All the Braves seem capable of doing, not always but for the most part, is picking up strays and retreads.
Ralph
August 31st, 2011
1:06 pm
Somebody correct me if i’m wrong but they can put a player on the post season roster after today if they are replacing an injured player, i.e, they could place Hanson and JJ on the DL and replace them with Delgado and Teheran since they are on the 40 man roster??????????
phil
August 31st, 2011
1:06 pm
No way Diaz could be more useful against a left handed pitcher than Wayward has been.
Just no way….
urban redneck
August 31st, 2011
1:07 pm
welcome home, matty d!! awwwwwwww yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rufio
August 31st, 2011
1:07 pm
Finally!!
They should have not let him go to begin with in my opinion. Fans like Matt and I believe he is good in the clubhouse. He can play all outfield positions if necessary. Plus, he just hustles! The Braves can always use that type of leadership.
Good Deal Frank Wren !!!!
urban redneck
August 31st, 2011
1:08 pm
send heyward down?? people are dumb………….and bouchedags.
Chop Chop
August 31st, 2011
1:08 pm
Matt Diaz was our only hope. Hope has been restored.
Thank you, Frank Wren.
Doc Holliday
August 31st, 2011
1:09 pm
I guess none of you kool aid drinkers have checked out his stats for the season.
Skeezix
August 31st, 2011
1:09 pm
Remember when Matty tripped that crazy fan ( ‘Redman’?) who was running all over the outfield in Philly last year?
Funny as hell!! I think it is on You Tube.
David O'Brien
August 31st, 2011
1:09 pm
Ralph: Delgado and Teheran are already on 40. Anyone on the 40 is eligible for postseason roster. And anyone on DL (and anyone in organization by today can also be plugged into one of those spots of currently DL’d players).
TheREALJoeBravesFan
August 31st, 2011
1:10 pm
Hey DOB, kinda off topic, but what do you think the Braves chances are of acquiring Moustakas from the Royals in exchange for one of our top pitching prospects (or even one of our current young starters like JJ) as a backup, and eventual replacement, to Chipper in the offseason?
Oh, and not surprised about Matty D coming back…when he left, I figured he’d find his way back here, I just didn’t think it would be so soon.
BravesWin
August 31st, 2011
1:11 pm
Welcome back, Matty-D! Y’all don’t forget he can (and has) played first base when needed. Can play catcher, too.
Skeezix
August 31st, 2011
1:13 pm
I have been a critic of FW in the past but, in my humble opinion, I think he has hit a homerun with this move.
Justmythoughts
August 31st, 2011
1:13 pm
Welcome back, Matt Diaz!
Drop Heyward
August 31st, 2011
1:15 pm
Drop Heyward – he is pathetic…he is a loser….he is not worth having on the roster….send him to Timbuktu…..
@Blackberry Cobbler
August 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
Keep in mind that the Braves are not a “big spender” like the Yankees. Personally, I’m glad that they are not. Their record is within a couple of games of the Yankees with half of the payroll. I think that professional athletes and politicians make too much money as it is. If we are going to lobby for giving someone more money, lets make it solders, teachers, or everyday citizens.
Greg Norton
August 31st, 2011
1:16 pm
Today is the last day to get me. I am a switchitter.
Bernard
August 31st, 2011
1:17 pm
Intelligent move:-)
Scrappy
August 31st, 2011
1:18 pm
Excellent! Matt is a great person and a professional hitter. He is a clear addition to the club and its clubhouse.
Abnerish
August 31st, 2011
1:18 pm
Is every move supposed to a blockbuster deal that propels the Braves to the Worls Series?? Some deals are meant to be minor, stop-gap measures to help fix a specific issue with a team. In this case, a RH bat off the bench or a spot start against a tough lefty. Seems like a perfect oppty for Diaz to get a warm welcome against a lefty that he has handled quite well. Good, smart move. Especially since Matt Kemp wasn’t available on the waiver wire!
I assume since we got him via the waiver wire before Sept 1st that he’s eligible for post-season, right?
Steve
August 31st, 2011
1:18 pm
Sherrill is going on the DL…that leaves a spot open for Matty to join the team tonight.
TheREALJoeBravesFan
August 31st, 2011
1:19 pm
LMAO @ Greg Norton!
TheREALJoeBravesFan
August 31st, 2011
1:20 pm
Sherrill and Linebrink should just STAY on the DL…hope we just signed them to one year deals…I cringe every time I see one of them come into the game.
Ralph
August 31st, 2011
1:20 pm
To be eligible for a team’s playoff roster a player must be on any of the following: (a) the 25 man active roster, (b) the disabled list, (c) the bereavement list, or (d) the suspended list as of August 31 at midnight[citation needed]. The only exception is that a player on the 60-day disabled list may be replaced by another player from the team’s 40-man roster (as of August 31) who plays the same position (i.e. position player for position player, or pitcher for pitcher), with the approval of the commissioner of baseball.
anotherdawg
August 31st, 2011
1:21 pm
You are right Skeezix. Pretty funny! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YcN9ZryCz4
It's out of here.....
August 31st, 2011
1:24 pm
player to be named later is Heyward
jim
August 31st, 2011
1:26 pm
Linebrink will not be the PTBNL, but he could develop a stiff back and be put on he DL to make room on the 25-man, or released to make room on both the 25 and 40-man. With the bullpen rested from Irene and Moylan about to return in a few days, Linebrink has no role on this roster. Hell, recalling Gearrin after the 1st would be a better option than Linebrink. I would love to see Lugo replaced by Jamie Caroll too.
bravesgrl4life
August 31st, 2011
1:26 pm
This makes me VERY VERY VERY HAPPY!!! MattE is my hometown boy (Lakeland, FL) and I am such a huge fan!
NickB
August 31st, 2011
1:28 pm
Sherrill has actually done a great job for us when compared to most relievers in the game. It’s when you compare him to O’Flaherty Venters and Kimbrel that he looks mediocre. But those are 3 of the top 5 relievers right now….. It’s not a fair comparison. Most teams would love to have the production that Sherrill has given the Braves this season.
Oh and whomever said drop Heyward must be a Mets fan……….
jim
August 31st, 2011
1:29 pm
If someone is put on the 60 day DL now, will the off-sweason be counted as part of that time?
NickB
August 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
Apparently the crazies come out on here this time of day………….. Really drop Heyward? Drop the 21 year old phenom who is having a very common sophomore slump and drove in our only 2 runs last nite?
Yeah, that’s smart………
anobles10
August 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
no, no one gets sent down. Sherrill is going on the DL with a sore shoulder since we have Minor in the Pen for tonight’s game and since we’ll have Peter “The Thunder from Down Under” Moylan back tomorrow when rosters expand.
BravesWin
August 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
Heyward is in a typical sophomore funk. He will recover, yes, maybe as late as next year. You folks that think he’s a wash are ignorant. If he IS the “player to be named later”, then Wren is indeed a dumbass…I don’t think so.
Brava
August 31st, 2011
1:31 pm
Awesome news! Welcome back, Matty!
richbrave
August 31st, 2011
1:31 pm
I’m thinking CONSTANZA gets sent down. Too much same type of hitter with BOURNE here. With BORAS involved, we may not sign BOURNE, and decide to try ‘GEORGIE’ in ST CF next season instead. Besides we’ve got our emergency catcher again. Boo-yah. ‘Welcome back, your deams were your ticket out.’ KOTTER.
Now will we reprise OMAR as well this off-season?
6-4-3
August 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
Very good, solid move. Like it a lot.
jim
August 31st, 2011
1:32 pm
With the Phillies coming up soon, Sherrill could be useful to get an out or two against a LH bat. What is the nature of his injury — real or contrived? If contrived, why Sherrill? Why not Linebrink?
BravesWin
August 31st, 2011
1:33 pm
Besides, Heyward still owes Braves staff for all the broken windshields and dented roofs from last year’s spring games…
jim
August 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
Do we still have to make a move on the 40-man to add Diaz?
El Bravo
August 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
Nice move to get a solid bat against lefties. I reckon he will take all ABs from Constanza and Heyward against southpaws…
richbrave
August 31st, 2011
1:35 pm
98 – Forgot about LUGO. Was he the lefty specialist at the plate? Maybe he goes instead.
David O'Brien
August 31st, 2011
1:38 pm
Do we still have to make a move on the 40-man to add Diaz? — jim
No, Braves were at 39.
Peter
August 31st, 2011
1:40 pm
THE HITTIN’ FOOL IS BACK!! WELCOME HOME MATTY DIAZ!!!
I screamed with joy when I saw this, lol.
Stinger2
August 31st, 2011
1:40 pm
Seems to me the starting pitching rotation should be a greater concern right now. See Bradley`s blog today.
Heisenberg
August 31st, 2011
1:41 pm
Is Julio Franco next?
Memphis
August 31st, 2011
1:41 pm
RichBrave. Bourn is under control through 2012.
Biff Pocaroba
August 31st, 2011
1:44 pm
I hate that we have thrown up the white flag against the Phils
Before yesterday we were only 6 back w 6 games remaining w them. Anything can happen. If pitchers are struggling send them down or get them extra work when it doesn’t mean anything. Heyward should have been sent down awhile ago to get better…. he could help but not with his current swing. Get Minor Tehran, Delgado and Beachy all the starts they need at the majors, get them used to pressure. We will need them in the playoffs
gcs
August 31st, 2011
1:44 pm
Instead of congratulating Wren for this move you should be asking why he didn’t just give Diaz the $2 million back in December. Do you remember who the Braves started out with? Matt Young! After he flopped around Wren brought up Joe “The Beaver” Mather.
.
bravesgrl4life
August 31st, 2011
1:47 pm
I tend to agree with you, gcs. We never should have let MattE go. He would have been better than Young, Mather, etc.
M. Church
August 31st, 2011
1:48 pm
@ NIckB. You are correct sir. Anybody who wants to trade Heyward is out of their mind. He even said in the post game interview againts the Cubs thats it’s repetition. He’s not getting as many chaces now that Constanza is playing well. Not saying that Constanza doesn’t deserve the playing time, he does. JHeys not used to being a player off the bench. Oh and Welcome Back Matty D!
Bill
August 31st, 2011
1:50 pm
NickB..read!!!! DOB said he would be in uniform tonight.
The Pirates were as glad to get rid of Diaz as he was to leave….no power! No homers! just average 258 hitter…hope being back in Atlanta will help him get going. Otherwise no help for Braves.
Tomahawk
August 31st, 2011
1:52 pm
Awesome! I love Diaz!
Peter
August 31st, 2011
1:54 pm
2011 Matt Diaz=2010 Cody Ross
Mark it down.
59bulldawg
August 31st, 2011
1:55 pm
If he doesn’t figure out the problem soon, the player to be named might be JJ . . . especially if can’t keep the ball in the park. Just kidding folks! I like the guy a lot. Just frustrated! But we do need him to find his first half form again before the playoffs. Before Hanson went down and JJ’s troubles, I thought we had a decent chance to beat the Phillies if we got that far. Without Hanson, I still think we have enough young pitching talent to be a spoiler. But without Hanson AND JJ in the postseason rotation, unless Lowe can up his game, it’s gonna be tough.
Bill
August 31st, 2011
1:57 pm
@1;54=lol
BrandonW
August 31st, 2011
1:58 pm
Now let’s get Farnsworth and Keith Lockhart and then Bobby can manage again…this move is a waste of time. Diaz is terrible on defense and on the basepaths. He swings at everything…boo
DawgDad
August 31st, 2011
1:59 pm
So Wren gets Diaz back for the stretch run and playoffs and essentially didn’t have to pay his salary this year. Sweet. That said, his presence vs. lefties would have made a HUGE difference this year, and who knows where the Braves would be in the standings?
gcs
August 31st, 2011
1:59 pm
So when is Matt Diaz bobble-head night?
B)
The Dude Abides
August 31st, 2011
2:04 pm
Now its time to get Omar Infante to take lougies spot. Can play 3B, SS, 2B, 1B, LF, CF, RF
dawggone
August 31st, 2011
2:04 pm
Dawgdad..that would apply to any good RH hitter–”IF”—Wren had got one..not just Diaz.
Ralph
August 31st, 2011
2:08 pm
HELP*** Just checked the 40 man roster, Diaz is on it but I can’t figure who was removed from it, can anyone help me out.
Bill
August 31st, 2011
2:10 pm
no one..there were just 39 on it before we got Diaz. Check DOB@1:38
Ralph
August 31st, 2011
2:13 pm
Thanks Dave, didn’t see your post until I had posted.
Ralph
August 31st, 2011
2:17 pm
Moylan is not on the 40 man roster(60 day DL), when he is taken off the DL someone will have to be removed to put him back on the 40 man, could that be the player to be named later?
JeanE
August 31st, 2011
2:18 pm
For once this is the only tag that will apply:OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Frank Wren, you are forgiven, you have righted your wrong, thank you thank you thank you!!! I am so happy, for MattE and for the team, both. He is back where he belongs!!!! Now, I just hope he gets to play sometimes!!!!!! Welcome home, MattE!!!
Philly Phanatic
August 31st, 2011
2:19 pm
I’d be remiss if I didn’t congratulate the Braves for picking up Diaz. That pick-up certainly trumps the Phillies picking up Pence. By the way the latest up to the minute Vegas odds on NL champ.
Phila- 10-13
Milwaukee- 7-2
Atl.- 5-1
All you Braves fans who think they have a shot at winning pennant should make your way to Vegas, bet the Braves for $10,000 and return home with $50,000. The biggest reason Milwaukee is such a heavy favorite over Atlanta is your alledged strong suit, pitching. The article says your rotation is in shambles. The Braves also have the lowest batting average in baseball against lefthanded pitching. These odds are researched and account for every facet of the teams obviously.
It seems like Homeboy Simpson jinxed you. A few games ago he said IF the Phillies play .500 ball the rest of the way and the Braves go 22-10, they would tie. He said he thought the Braves 22-10 was a given and he had doubts about the Phils. Non-stop jabberjaws Glavine agreed. He made the statement during a 3-2 loss to the Cubs and the Braves have since gone 1-3. Phils have gone 2-1 in that stretch so now the Braves have to go 21-7 and the Phils, well do the math, it’s not good. Your pitching was alot more solid starter wise last year and they played an anemic team that i know we lost to also. Cody Ross had his career last year in a 4 week stretch. These odds are shaping up this way due to the fact the Brewers are on fire and let’s face it, Arizona is a joke. I think they went 1-8 on their swing through the east a couple weeks ago. May the best team win. I will say one thing outside the Phila/Atlanta box and that is starting next year the Nats are going to be on their way to juggernaut status and that does affect Phila and Atlanta. I am not being an obnoxious Philly fan with what I’ve written, it’s all fact but at the same time conjecture
McFann :Ô: :Ô:
August 31st, 2011
2:20 pm
This is just terrific news!
Can’t wait to see MattE again!
onthego
August 31st, 2011
2:23 pm
Matt Diaz…step up
Sean
August 31st, 2011
2:23 pm
Thanks for that update Philly, hope you took some time to look up those stats, I didn’t care to read more than halfway.
We’ll see you in the playoffs, wildcard or division. Just hope we don’t make your team look like fools.
Kane337
August 31st, 2011
2:24 pm
Welcome back Matty D!
JeanE
August 31st, 2011
2:26 pm
Someone probably mentioned this but on Buck & Kinkaid that said Braves only have 39 on roster currently, so MattE D makes 40. No one is dropped, nice & neat!!!
Another Clueless Braves Blogger
August 31st, 2011
2:27 pm
Philly Phanatic It’s going to be a treat watching the Phils fold in the playoffs again in 2011. Knock yourself out enjoying the best record in baseball (so far), and then try not to barf up that greasy cheese steak during the playoffs. Paste this to your forehead: “The Phils will be knocked out in the playoffs in 2011.”
Mcsavy
August 31st, 2011
2:31 pm
MattE grew up in Florida and continues to live there. He was born in Oregon, sure. But he went to grade school in FL, his entire family lives in Lakeland, FL. MattE and his wife Leslee live in Winter Haven, FL.
Welcome back MattE! So excited to have you back in the South
CBS
August 31st, 2011
2:35 pm
Sherrill to the DL, opens a spot for Diaz. Minor will be in the bullpen for a few days until his next start.
bravesgrl4life
August 31st, 2011
2:41 pm
I knew JeanE would be a happy girl with this news
I can’t wipe this 
off my face right now I am so happy.
JoeFan
August 31st, 2011
2:42 pm
If someone doesn’t light a fire under the Braves they might not even make the playoffs. They look like they are assuming they will be the wildcard and have nothing to play for until October. Well that 9 game lead can vanish very quickly if they go a losing streak and St. Louis or San Fran catches fire. Until the magic number is zero there is a chance for them staying home. The rotation is a shambles and their offense has disappeared. Fredi better start earning the big bucks. Its time to go to the whip and get this horse across the finish line.
DC Brave
August 31st, 2011
2:44 pm
We know one thing for sure….if some dude in a red spandex suit runs onto the field, THE DUDE IS TOAST! Great news…welcome back Capt Caveman!!!!
Jabroni aka Chimp Carey
August 31st, 2011
2:45 pm
Damn Phanatic! You have way too much time on your hands dude…
Patriot
August 31st, 2011
2:46 pm
Excellent! Good to have Matt back in the dugout.
Skeezix
August 31st, 2011
2:48 pm
Greg Norton—we will get back to you on your generous offer. You just sit by the phone and wait for a call from FW or FG. You may have to wait awhile.
Have to be patient with Heyward guys—it will pay huge dividends. Remember, while he looks older, he is actually very young.
PJ
August 31st, 2011
2:53 pm
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
J.S.
August 31st, 2011
2:55 pm
Quit giving credit to FW for Diaz. It was my idea to get Matty back.
FW is too slow to think of something like that. In fact, right now he is in his office playing with his Lego toys.
dwayne
August 31st, 2011
2:55 pm
We wont catch the Phils, I’ve been telling you knuckleheads that for the past MONTH!!!!
Phanatic, you got Pence, great move, we got Bourne, great move, not sure what yall gave up, we gave up nothing much. Your bull pen is suspect, we got a young set up guy and a young closer. We have the edge there. Yalls line up looks much better than ours, but I like ours to have Constanza in it, manufactured runs might be the only way to have a shot. Your starters are just plain better. But, first things first, yall beat the dbacks, we beat the brewers and then we will see what happens. Go Braves(first)…Go Phillies(second) I cant lose!!!!haha!!! losers!!!
David O'Brien
August 31st, 2011
2:56 pm
“Headed back to Atlanta,” Diaz said on Twitter just while ago. “Enjoyed playing with the Pirate players so much. But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t excited. Time to go back back home.”
NickB
August 31st, 2011
2:58 pm
We are going to make the playoffs. Jeez we win 12 of 15 nobodies here . and then lose 2 out of 3 and chicken littles come out of the woodwork…. This team is going to win around 93-95 games that’s gonna cinch the wildcard. The real key is getting our pitching healthy and rested and ready to go. We can beat the Brewers, heck one could say we have a knack for beating them. I’m more interested at how the Phillies are gonna feel when the D-backs put them out in 4 games !!!! lol
Hugo
August 31st, 2011
3:03 pm
Ralph
Nobody was taken off the 40 man. It was at 39.
NickB
August 31st, 2011
3:03 pm
I mentioned this on another one of DOB’s blogs yesterday, but am gonna repeat it now.
The Braves have not been winning by manufacturing runs or playing “small ball” since we got Bourn and Constanza.. The team has the 2nd most HR’s in the NL since the trade deadline. They have been winning by hitting the ball out of the park. The main difference has been that Bourn has gotten on base much better than Schafer at the top of the order which has created more chances for multi run homers and big innings. This team isn’t scratching out one run innings via the hit, steal sac bunt and sac fly…. They are scoring in bunches….. Small ball is generally a horrible waste of outs and leads to very few runs being scored. it doesn’t work. (oh and those about to bring up the old 70’s and 80’s Cardinals, they led the league in OBP and extra base hits….. the fact they stole a ton of bases didn’t hurt either. But they didn’t play “small ball” they put up multi run innings”
DC Brave
August 31st, 2011
3:04 pm
Does anyone have a good link to the “red man” incident?
DC Brave
August 31st, 2011
3:05 pm
Is Matty available tonight?
DawgDad
August 31st, 2011
3:07 pm
Philly Phlop’s post was a hoot. “May the best team win”, yeah, like that happens all the time.
I’m more concerned about the Braves offense than I am their pitching. I have a sense the team has subconsciously taken a breather, with some exceptions they just don’t look sharp. With their place in the standings and need to juggle pitching this month we may not see a fully focused and hungry team until the playoffs.
Gran Jen 1
August 31st, 2011
3:08 pm
Welcome home, Matty!
richie
August 31st, 2011
3:09 pm
now all we need is omar infante to reprise his role as chuck norris and well be on our way
Hugo
August 31st, 2011
3:10 pm
I think the stats getting used to disprove small ball are defunct. If you look at how a team scores most of it’s runs, it’s not gonna be small ball. Small ball is good when you need one run. It’s stupid to downplay the importance. Find me a MLB manager that doesn’t believe in small ball.
fuzzmeister
August 31st, 2011
3:12 pm
Now get Infante back too and let’s play some base ball ya’ll
Hugo
August 31st, 2011
3:12 pm
I don’t think it’s fair for someone on the outside looking in to judge a group of grown men’s focus…
Unless you’ve got one of those 3D tv’s that makes the players actually sit on the couch with you.
nique
August 31st, 2011
3:13 pm
Matty D – welcome back!
Largo
August 31st, 2011
3:16 pm
It’s interesting to see how many fans are so happy about Diaz returning to Atlanta. I wonder how long it will be before they’ll want him gone and be cussing Wren for being so dumb for bringing him back. Not long, I bet.
My Name Is Earl
August 31st, 2011
3:17 pm
The “Hittin Fool” is back! It seems like all is well with the world again!
joekill
August 31st, 2011
3:22 pm
welcome back matty whos roster spot will he take?
HMMMMMMMMM
August 31st, 2011
3:22 pm
So DOB is McLouth going to even play again this year? Do the Braves even want him too?
DC Brave
August 31st, 2011
3:23 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGc62b0d8sA&feature=related
Not best quality…but here is a great Matty D moment.
fuzzmeister
August 31st, 2011
3:23 pm
real fans never wanted Diaz gone Largo ain’t that fairly clear with all the open arms on the blog
atlantamelo
August 31st, 2011
3:25 pm
Just want to add my EXCITEMENT about bringing back Matti D. His enthusiasm as to how he plays the game will be a huge energy boost. Yeah, hopefully he’ll turn his own thrill about being back into some big hits for us the rest of the way, regardless of how he’s done with the Pirates. He is hitting .295 against lefties and that’s the need we’ve been looking to fill. WELCOME BACK MATTI. WE LOVE YA MAN!!!
J.S.
August 31st, 2011
3:26 pm
Like Dick “Darth Vader” Cheney was propping up W, I’m here having to prop up FW (and I wanted to retire in place). It is like baby sitting.
Skeezix
August 31st, 2011
3:29 pm
If memory serves me right, the Phillies fans went nuts/applauded after Matty tripped the infamous Redman— and always cool Matty tipped hit cap to them.
John Adcox
August 31st, 2011
3:30 pm
Anyone know who goes down tonight to make room for MD till tomorrow?
JohnnyHammersticks
August 31st, 2011
3:32 pm
Clubhouse Morale booster IMO
atlantamelo
August 31st, 2011
3:33 pm
DOB cleared that up for us not too long ago on this blog. We had 39 on the 40 man roster currently. Matt makes 40. He qualifies for post games.
Eagle Eyrie
August 31st, 2011
3:33 pm
Oh happy day!
Da Braves
August 31st, 2011
3:35 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUPEakmuROU
Welcome back, Matty D.
NO MORE PARRISH
August 31st, 2011
3:36 pm
Good bat off of the bench? Really? See if you guys think that when Captain Caveman strikes out in the playoffs while pinch hitting. Bringing him back makes no sense. Over Helms?
Braves just can’t let the good ol boys go away.
rudy
August 31st, 2011
3:37 pm
welcome back mr. diaz!
David O'Brien
August 31st, 2011
3:39 pm
Braves created roster space by placing George Sherrill on DL with left-elbow inflammation
Najeh Davenpoop
August 31st, 2011
3:39 pm
Why is Diaz hitting ahead of Freeman?
John Adcox
August 31st, 2011
3:41 pm
Thanks. I just read that about Sherrill. Wow. What, uh, luck.
atlantamelo
August 31st, 2011
3:41 pm
Yo, NO MORE, they took a flyer on Helms to see if he might find lightning in a bottle, same with Matti but Matti’s #’s are actually better even though not great. As you can see, most of us Braves fans are thrilled to have him back. Whom do you root for?
phil
August 31st, 2011
3:45 pm
NickB
August 31st, 2011
1:30 pm
Apparently the crazies come out on here this time of day………….. Really drop Heyward? Drop the 21 year old phenom who is having a very common sophomore slump and drove in our only 2 runs last nite?
Yeah, that’s smart………
*****************
They’re joking, Shaun…
Release Wayward…
ijudgenot
August 31st, 2011
3:45 pm
Other than Bourn, Wren has made no blockbuster trade. He has not done well in the free agent signings other than Hudson. and Uggla. Lowe,, KK,,Linebrink, and Sherril have been mostly a bust. What he has done in the last 2 years is not trade the talent in the minors for a one year rental. That alone makes him a great GM.
My Name Is Earl
August 31st, 2011
3:48 pm
No More Parrish, He may strike out just like A Gon, but at lest he does hustle. I don’t mind failure near as much, if at least you try!
phil
August 31st, 2011
3:49 pm
Fire FG…
jerry
August 31st, 2011
3:49 pm
It appears that by this bench building move Frank and Fredi are not card carrying members of the Flat Earth Society as were their predecessors. Now if Fredi can only refrain from carrying a third catcher, namely J———–
Memphis
August 31st, 2011
3:50 pm
ijudgenot,
Your facts are all messed up Hudson and Uggla were TRADES. Not “free agent signings”. O”Flaherty was a free agent signing. He turned out okay. Sherrill has not been awful. But compared to Venters, Kimbel and O he looks average. Which those are three of the top relievers in baseball. He doesnt have the money the Yanks, Phils or Red Sox have. Heck even the Rangers and Angels have more money. So yes he has done a great job.
David Allen
August 31st, 2011
3:50 pm
Welcome back Matty Diaz! Greatest player in the game! It’s nice to have my all time favorite player suiting up for the home team once again. World Series here we come (Matt Diaz = MVP of every playoff series)!
BravesfaninWis
August 31st, 2011
3:58 pm
If they send Constanza down, they are even dumber then I gave them credit for. You don’t just send down a speedster and a hot hitting younger guy who makes things happen in games because you get back Matt Diaz. Now don’t get me wrong, I like Diaz, but it his return better not be at the expense of Constanza.
Virginia Ranger
August 31st, 2011
3:58 pm
PTBNL no doubt is someone we never heard of like maybe Jon Adcox or Dave O’Brien
Hugo
August 31st, 2011
4:02 pm
Phanatic
Yes, you are being an obnoxious philly fan, and “a lot” is two words. “alot” is not a word. But thank you for looking up the Vegas odds for me. I had noticed that Philly had the best record in baseball all year, but wasn’t aware that made them hard to catch. This is golden stuff. You should post these gems on Philly’s blog.
ray
August 31st, 2011
4:03 pm
can’t afford his low salary either ? have to ask Bucs to throw in cash for a big 2 mill contract !. that means player we give will be better. but Wren insists budget is fine. (Obama says economy isn’t so bad also) . let him go as free agent for nothing, now have to lose a player to get him back. PTBNL
better not even be a mid level prospect.
Matty D
August 31st, 2011
4:03 pm
“I’m coming home, I’m coming home…tell the Braves I’m coming home.
Let my bat, find a way, to get some hits and avoid the Ks…
I know the play-offs await, 6 is gone now, but Freddi’s great…
I’m coming home…I’m coming home…tell the Braves I’m coming…home.
Braves #17 Fan
August 31st, 2011
4:07 pm
It’s possible for it to be the same exact time in Florida and Oregon. Anyone know how that’s possible?
Hugo
August 31st, 2011
4:08 pm
Some facts of life(although i could be wrong, somebody said there was an impending supernova)….
Most teams are usually going to have some guys in the pen that they don’t have to use much.
Take George Sherril. He doesn’t pitch much. In a perfect world where starters go 7-8 every night, he never pitches. You could pay for a better pitcher, but that’s the problem you have to PAY for it. So it’s the natural thing for staffs to have these kind of guys. Good relievers are not in abundance.
By the same token…
There will always be people who don’t get it that complain about it. We can no sooner eliminate one niche than the other. Don’t get me wrong, I’d like to replace him with someone better. Don’t know that i’d spend anything or trade anything with a chance of replacing him with Moylan, who “i” already pay.
Hugo
August 31st, 2011
4:09 pm
It’s possible for it to be the same exact time in Florida and Oregon. Anyone know how that’s possible?
Miller time?
Virginia Ranger
August 31st, 2011
4:20 pm
It’s possible that Agone cold hit a curve ball. Anyone know how that is possible?
Lots of Miller Times
Chief Knockahoma
August 31st, 2011
4:22 pm
DB – What are the chances of the Braves getting Zane Smith or possibly Claudell Washington once rosters expand?
Yawwwwwwwwwn....
August 31st, 2011
4:28 pm
Won’t help.
ohhhYEAH
August 31st, 2011
4:34 pm
Miguel Tejada DFA……he plays a little short stop right?
fuzzmeister
August 31st, 2011
4:41 pm
Infante in and all ’s well in ATL
Largo
August 31st, 2011
4:48 pm
Fuzz. . . Wait and see.
Gil In Mechanicsville
August 31st, 2011
4:49 pm
Can we send the Pirates Kawakami??? Please???
Matt Diaz to rejoin Atlanta Braves | Sportsrageous
August 31st, 2011
5:00 pm
[...] back to Atlanta,” Diaz wrote on Twitter. “Enjoyed playing with the Pirate players so much. But I’d be lying if I said I [...]
fuzzmeister
August 31st, 2011
5:12 pm
Largo- He can’t look any worse than everyone else did last night. It’s real hard to come back from a 4 run defecit. Why didn’t JJ stay out there for the whole 9? We were already so far behind no need in replacing him until we are down by 7 I guess.
wolf
August 31st, 2011
5:17 pm
I’d like to see Diaz get some starts against LH’ers. Heyward and Constanza could sit against some lefties, and we could use Prado, Bourn, and Diaz in the outfield. Now, PLEASE get a utility infielder who can play SS, 2B, and 3B. That has been a need all season. Gonzalez is solid in the field but VERY unproductive at bat. His backup is basically worthless.
yogi
August 31st, 2011
5:20 pm
Only option is to send Conrad down. He needs to play a few minor league games anyway.
bruce
August 31st, 2011
5:22 pm
fabulous news!!!!
jfreak13713
August 31st, 2011
5:25 pm
Crafty move! Diaz very popular but also fills need against left handed pitching and looks like we will need to score more runs since Hanson and JJ are not very reliable. JJ looks terrible??
Trey
August 31st, 2011
5:31 pm
Sherrill’s on the DL, so they can make room for Diaz on the roster.
Paddy
August 31st, 2011
5:32 pm
Bone Head. could we have not done better than that? What if he was the only player on the waiver wire? How do you do better if players have had waivers ask in June and cleared. You don’t have to ask again If there was somebody better they could be claimed by reverse order of standings. Your question is moot.
db
August 31st, 2011
5:45 pm
Welcome back. Not sure if you’ll be there tonight, but I will. Go Braves!
aj
August 31st, 2011
6:06 pm
Nice to have Matt back in town. Can be used in
many different ways with his right hand bat.
Robin Of The Hood
August 31st, 2011
6:17 pm
For those of you wondering
Matt Diaz placed on active 25 man roster. Left handed RP George Sherill placed on the DL to make room for him. Diaz had to be on 25 man roster as of today in order to be on playoff roster. MLB rules also state that Sherill can be placed on post-season roster because he was placed on the DL…(just like Moyan will be able to be on the post-season roster if the Braves choose).
Philly Phanatic
August 31st, 2011
6:21 pm
Dwayne seems to be the only sane blogger. The Phils starters are way better than Braves and their line up is better. The bullpen edge is so overrated as if you follow the Phils you know the starters have gone an average of 7.87 innings per outting?(Face facts when you wake up in the morning your hope is the newspaper says Atlanta Phillies) Wouldn’t it be nice to not have to see your manager during the game out changing pitchers 5 times a game? Wouldn’t it be nice to know once Rollins gets back 1-8 looks like the ‘27 Yanks. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a starting rotation that by concensus is the best in the last 40 years? Wouldn’t it be nice to have the most prolific HR and RBI guy discounting the steroid era? Wouldn’t it be nice to be up by 9 games in the loss column with 30 games left and nobody left to play but Milwaukee? God, why did you do this to me following a team that went to the playoffs 14 straight years and won once. I think I’m going to move to Philadelphia where all teams sell out and we’re down to 3 teams and the basketball team is ready to move leaving us with 2 teams. Anybody who answers this should be ashamed as you’re not at the game or going to the game and that’s where the smart teams like Philadelphia have an edge as we have 45,000 at EVERY game and the tickets cost more than $4.00. Yea, I saw that ad.
Ken
August 31st, 2011
6:23 pm
Welcome back Matt!!! My 17 year son, also named Matt…who has Down Syndrome has been your biggest fan! Welcome home!
Philly Phanatic
August 31st, 2011
6:33 pm
I like little boys!
Philly Phanatic
August 31st, 2011
6:33 pm
I have no life. I like coming on an ATLANTA BRAVES blog to trash the Braves
Philly Phanatic
August 31st, 2011
6:34 pm
It’s gonna suck when the Phillies become the Yankees of the NL and fail to win the series
chris
August 31st, 2011
6:42 pm
are there any more wavier deals that could be cooking right now?? any rumors?
chris
August 31st, 2011
6:43 pm
and PS Welcome back Matt..glad to have you back…good player, good guy and have a feeling he will help us like Cody Ross did the Giants last year…..
Doc Holliday
August 31st, 2011
6:50 pm
Is there any reason, news, comment or anything at all of whats wrong with JJ?
He has deflated so badly……….
Does that knee has anything to do with it?
Is he rusty?
Arm?
Tired?
Im lost here……….
Bob the Blogger
August 31st, 2011
6:54 pm
According to Mark Bowman on MLB, Diaz has hit .388 (19-for-49) off lefties since June 15. Looks like he’s hot for the stretch run!
Doc Holliday
August 31st, 2011
6:57 pm
I think this team is thinking WS ring……….they are thinking big…………too much traffic last 10 months…………..I mean:
Uggla
Consntanza
Bourn
Sherill
Linebrink
Now Diaz
Proctor gone
Benching Heyward
Giving up on Schafer to bring Bourn (I loved Schafer, but I loved the move also)
Bringing up the kids to pitch.
They just need to do what they need to do with Lowe cause he is killing this team.
This team is trying hard……..I like it
Doc Holliday
August 31st, 2011
7:01 pm
On the other hand Im kind of worried, cause our SP is in deep trouble.
If playoffs were to start tomorrow, we would have to go:
1. Huddy
2. Beachy.
3. We are toasted
4. toasted.
Right now, we are not a threat for any contender. Our SP needs to rediscover themselves or we will be in deep trouble.
KenDawg
August 31st, 2011
7:20 pm
No runs in the first inning! I’m feeling cautiously optimistic…
Atlanta Fan
August 31st, 2011
7:47 pm
Watching the game now. Matty D looks good in that Braves uniform.
jc_dawgs
August 31st, 2011
8:40 pm
was a bummer when they traded him in the first place…glad he’s back. Any chance we can now get Prado to play ss…..Gonzo’s bat aint too sharp these days and Lugo is not much better.
Blaze
August 31st, 2011
8:47 pm
Player to be named later…….ummm…….maybe McClouth goes back to Pittsburgh!
Welcome back Matt!
red clay hound
August 31st, 2011
8:47 pm
What’s up Doc? I hear you. I think they would have to plug Minor in at 3 then Lowe Or jurjjens at 4 if either is healthy.
It’s either that or take a chance with Delgado or Tehran. But thats a lot of pressure to put on a new upcoming hopeful. Probably way too risky in fact considering they’d likely be facing the better bats in baseball.
It’s a problem….just gotta prey.
red clay hound
August 31st, 2011
8:49 pm
Medlen’s an option as well.
red clay hound
August 31st, 2011
8:58 pm
My bad….Medlen’s receovering from elbow surgery.
SemperFi
August 31st, 2011
9:09 pm
anybody wanna bet the braves don’t win tonight?
Eric B
August 31st, 2011
9:48 pm
Now we just need Infante and we’re set imo…no really i’m being serious. Infante is exactly what we need imo.
Choppinmama
August 31st, 2011
9:58 pm
Matty must be more than “excited” to be back. Ecstatic, overjoyed, thankful, rejuvenated and very blessed come to mind. He must have bent down and kissed the tarmac when he deplaned at Hartsfield.
Welcome back to the Leanback Kid.
Did a job on lefties his first game back. Has to practice that high jump over balls through the infield, tho.
Philly Phanatic
August 31st, 2011
10:07 pm
My luck this is premature but I like the odds. Cliff Lee, incidentally a lefty is about to shut out the Reds. Problem here is the Braves have the worst average in baseball against lefties. What in the world are you gonna do with Hammels and Lee? Not that you’ll see us in the playoffs as I believe Milwaukee is a heavy favorite with all of their hitting which is something the Braves are lacking. You will get there again but another excersize in futility as pretty soon as if they haven’t already broken the record for playoff appearances and coming up empty.
Rowsdower
August 31st, 2011
10:25 pm
Hello Jack Wilson…goodbye Loogie!
elainer7
September 1st, 2011
5:50 am
WELCOME BACK MATTY!!!!!
Old Dawg Fan
September 1st, 2011
7:35 am
Good Player, Good guy-Welcome back Diaz
Yogi Bear
September 1st, 2011
9:08 am
THE BRAVES SHOULD NEVER LET DIAZ GET AWAY..SEND LUGO PACKING.THERE IS A GOOD SHORTSTOP AT GWINNETT..DIAZ COULD PROBABLY PLAY SHORTSTOP JUST AS WELL
damngooddawg!
September 1st, 2011
9:55 am
Don’t you know it’s got to be good to get out of Pittsburgh? It’s got to be the “pitts” in that sink hole between three rivers.
D man
September 1st, 2011
10:59 am
Great move. Diaz is a good ball player. Glad to see him back…
MattNAustin
September 1st, 2011
11:06 am
Great news, great move, and congrats Matty…great to have you back!
Another Clueless Braves Blogger
September 1st, 2011
11:31 am
Philly Phanatic August 31st, 2011 6:33 pm I like little boys!
Philly Phanatic: Hopefully “Mets R Best” isn’t one of the little boys you like. The 2 of you together would be scary.
Bunster
September 1st, 2011
11:46 am
Never should have let him go in the first place.
Snowball's Chance
September 1st, 2011
1:22 pm
I like the move, but, for some reason, whenever I hear “player to be named later”, Brett Butler pops into my head. It is not a pleasant experience.
bama92
September 1st, 2011
3:35 pm
was watching the game last night and didn’t think twice about it when I saw Matt D. step into the batter’s box! it was like he never left. it took me a few seconds to realize what was going on!!!!!!
great move frank!
stew
September 1st, 2011
5:21 pm
Constanza should play every day. He gets hits when he gets ground balls. Give him a chance.
Social Network News Writing? « Not Your Ordinary Girl
September 1st, 2011
9:18 pm
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March 4th, 2012
7:10 am
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