Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,953 comments Add your comment
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
March 27th, 2012
3:20 pm
Richard, we know how old he is. More of the blame should go on the Braves for rushing him up and having such huge expectations. Of course fans, after being fed constantly the JHEY hype stuff, are going to overreact on some levels when he’s doing so awful at the plate. That’s natural and I think okay because we’ve been told he’s the next big thing and will take CJ’s place when he retires. Of course he still could, but right the now the reality is not so great.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:21 pm
Flande 2-2 on Duda – foul…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:22 pm
Called strike 3
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
March 27th, 2012
3:23 pm
Dont worry Braves fans. The Braves brass will keep their golden Jey Hey in the lineup no matter how many roll over groundouts and K’s he racks up.
Piece of garbage. Even Lucas Duda is better than Jey Not. Sad.
At least play Costanza at least he has speed. He hits just as bad as 22..
Murph
March 27th, 2012
3:24 pm
Flande > Gearrin
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
3:24 pm
But his statistics belie how much better he looks this spring.
I’m afraid that cuts no ice with some of the folks here. Heyward should have been raking in mid-season form on the first day of ST; even that would have gotten a “means nothing” sneer from plenty here. Meanwhile, Heyward-trashing continues to be the fun du jour.
I’ve only seen 15 or 20 of his ABs this spring, but I agree with you: his swing is coming back in a hurry, just a matter of consistently repeating it. I haven’t seen him enough to know if that’s occurring or not.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
3:27 pm
Jason: Vlad Guerrero needs to be in AL at this point. Can’t move enough to play OF except in emergency.
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:27 pm
The Braves success this year depends TOO MUCH on all the “ifs” surrounding Heyward. Despite of him looking better this spring, it is still not showing over the course of 3/4 of ST. Not even against minor league pitching. And as Chatt said, that’s something to be worried about going into the season.
Murph
March 27th, 2012
3:28 pm
So…. Heyward’s poor spring results are… just bad luck?
Captain Obvious
March 27th, 2012
3:28 pm
I have the Braves 2nd, but I am glad to see that someone else is not buying into the Marlins hype. I also have them finishing 4th. I was very disappointed to see Sports Illustrated listing the Marlins 2nd and the Braves 4th… that ain’t happening.
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
3:29 pm
Quite an inning for lefty Flande in sixth, who got three strikeouts (all looking). Faced four batters, gave up a single.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:29 pm
Single by Loewen followed by 2 Ks…
Richard
March 27th, 2012
3:29 pm
CTB, he wasn’t rushed. He was ready. When you have a guy tear up AAA like he did, there is no reason to bring him up. The thing that bugs me most is the K-rate. He was never at any level known as a strike out guy (unlike say, Frenchy), but he seems to be striking out more now. Not sure why. But at least he has stopped trying to pull outside pitches (the dreaded slow roller to 2nd). He is going to be the guy, IMO. Even if he struggles this year. Trading him would be a mistake.
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:29 pm
I’ve only seen 15 or 20 of his ABs this spring, but I agree with you: his swing is coming back in a hurry, just a matter of consistently repeating it. I haven’t seen him enough to know if that’s occurring or not.
I’ve only seen like 5 of his ABs. So I really don’t know anything but the numbers. I’m just worried about the season and his progress.
Murph
March 27th, 2012
3:30 pm
I know it was against the Mets, but Flande striking out the side… nice!
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:31 pm
Jon Rauch facing Freddie – Jose Lugo up in Braves’ pen…1-2 count…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:31 pm
HR FREDDIE!!!
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
3:32 pm
FAB 5 FREDDIE
Richard
March 27th, 2012
3:32 pm
Murph, yes, luck and still getting timing down. 60ABs is a pretty small sample size for baseball.
RC
March 27th, 2012
3:33 pm
I’ve only seen like 5 of his ABs. So I really don’t know anything but the numbers. I’m just worried about the season and his progress.
His early spring at-bats looked terrible. The last few TV games I’ve seen his timing looked a lot better, and he wasn’t popping the ball up like he was early in spring. Not sure if the results have improved or not, but the swing and approach does appear to be getting better and better.
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:33 pm
The thing that bugs me most is the K-rate. He was never at any level known as a strike out guy (unlike say, Frenchy), but he seems to be striking out more now. Not sure why.
That’s the exact thing that has me worried so far. 3 BB against 17 K. Yeah, he’s adjusting… but man… that’s more of 2011’s Heyward again. Not saying he should be raking right from the get go. But where did his discipline go?
Juan
March 27th, 2012
3:34 pm
I’m a Big Chipper Jones Fan….but after this year i think i going to cheer for Big FREDDIE FREEMAN…i like this kid…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:34 pm
Enter your comments here
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:34 pm
Hinske and Ross ground out…
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:35 pm
But where did his discipline go?
Ok, forget about that part. It’s ST after all. He has to take as many swings as possible.
DAP
March 27th, 2012
3:36 pm
freeman needed that. and jason hasnt seemed to put it all together. we will know he has when he starts to walk alot.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:36 pm
Full count – called strike 3 on Jason…
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
3:36 pm
That’s the exact thing that has me worried so far. 3 BB against 17 K.
If he does that when it counts, I’ll join you in worriment. But I don’t expect a guy who is retooling his swing and trying to find his old mechanics to have the bat on his shoulder very much in ST.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:36 pm
Mid 7th, Braves lead 6-4…
Monty
March 27th, 2012
3:37 pm
Brad Kominsk Syndrome.
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:38 pm
18 Ks in 63 ABs now. That’s almost 1 strikeout out of every 3 ABs.
Ward
March 27th, 2012
3:38 pm
Hello everyone! I would have to say Buckey Weaver should be in top 5 of 3rd baseman of all time too,and agree with DOB on rankings of 3rd baseman.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:39 pm
Jose Lugo replaces Flande…
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
March 27th, 2012
3:39 pm
Jey Hey,
It is not bad luck. It is the worst chop wood swing in baseball that makes people vomit.
Heyward is a bumb.
There is a reason people are picking the Braves 4th or 3rd. This team sucks. Blow it all up and start over
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:40 pm
Lucas May grounds to Pastornicky – throw pulled Freeman off the bag, but he made the play…
sportsmandh
March 27th, 2012
3:40 pm
Vladdy in left field huh? And some thought Garrett Anderson (good ol’ Loaf) looked bad out there a couple of years ago? Saw Vlad last year on TV a couple times and he was brutal in right field. Vlad would probably make Garrett look like Otis Nixon at this point.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:41 pm
Ground out to Wilson…
Richard
March 27th, 2012
3:41 pm
What’s a bumb?
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:41 pm
Boscan catching – Constanza in keft…
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:42 pm
If he does that when it counts, I’ll join you in worriment. But I don’t expect a guy who is retooling his swing and trying to find his old mechanics to have the bat on his shoulder very much in ST.
Yeah, said it two posts above yours. Let’s just make a toast for a good season from the kid!
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
March 27th, 2012
3:42 pm
Any chance the Royals will give back Jeff for Jey ” the clown ” Hey . Probably not.
Hell Mccloth was better than this idiot
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:42 pm
Justin Turner walks…
Tomahawkin
March 27th, 2012
3:43 pm
sportsmandh
“Vladdy in left field huh? And some thought Garrett Anderson (good ol’ Loaf) looked bad out there a couple of years ago?”
I thought Loaf was bad he was a Professional hitter. And Not to mention, The Melk-Dud (Melky Cabrera) was worse
Good To see Fab 5 Freddie Come through
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:43 pm
Vinny Rottino bats for Rauch in Wright’s spot in the order…
RC
March 27th, 2012
3:44 pm
Heyward batted .356 with a .508 OBP last spring. Just to point out that ST numbers don’t have a huge predictive value…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:44 pm
DIVING STOP by Tyler, tosses to Wilson for the force…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:45 pm
6-4 Braves going to the 8th…
ncscoots
March 27th, 2012
3:45 pm
Yeah, said it two posts above yours.
Saw that, LOL. Owe you a Coke.
BTW, Freeman has one walk the entire spring.
Think both the youngsters are thinking unlimber the lumber.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:46 pm
Ramon Ramirez in to pitch – Sutton batting…
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:46 pm
Heyward batted .356 with a .508 OBP last spring. Just to point out that ST numbers don’t have a huge predictive value…
Yeah, but remember he later hurt his shoulder…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
3:46 pm
Chis from Sacramento, please go the he!! away. You, fellow, are very tiresome to the real Braves fans on this blog.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:47 pm
Rottino, a catcher, now playing center field…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:47 pm
Sutton grounds out to Ike Davis…Constanza to bat…
Ward
March 27th, 2012
3:48 pm
Also, I guess I forget about Johnny Damon. If everyone says Coarlos,or Byrd is better. Than I’ll join the club.
RC
March 27th, 2012
3:48 pm
Yeah, but remember he later hurt his shoulder…
Thought the shoulder was hurt in the spring
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:48 pm
Foul bunt…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:49 pm
2-2 pitch grounded through the pitcher’s legs into center for a single…
Ward
March 27th, 2012
3:49 pm
Let me correct Carlos…..Typed too quick….
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:50 pm
Pastornicky takes a ball – popped up to short right – 2 out…
Ward
March 27th, 2012
3:51 pm
Carlos,or Byrd? I would most definately, will be happy.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:53 pm
Bourn – 0-2 count – swung on and missed – we go to the bottom of the 8th…
Rocky Mtn Bravo
March 27th, 2012
3:53 pm
That picture of Glavine, Smoltz, and Maddux gave me chills. Man I miss those days. Don’t think we really realized how good we had it back in the day.
cowdogit
March 27th, 2012
3:53 pm
Leo Mazzone never got any respect, his salary every year was pathetic.After fourteen division titles Leo decided he would prove his value to the pitching staff by leaving the club. I think Leo has proven his point, the pitching staff has broken down six years in a row and the Phillies have made the Braves look like complete idiot’s.
cowdogit
March 27th, 2012
3:53 pm
Leo Mazzone never got any respect, his salary every year was pathetic.After fourteen division titles Leo decided he would prove his value to the pitching staff by leaving the club. I think Leo has proven his point, the pitching staff has broken down six years in a row and the Phillies have made the Braves look like complete idiot’s.
Duke
March 27th, 2012
3:54 pm
ChrisfromSacramento,Ca
March 27th, 2012
3:39 pm
Jey Hey,
It is not bad luck. It is the worst chop wood swing in baseball that makes people vomit.
Heyward is a bumb.
There is a reason people are picking the Braves 4th or 3rd. This team sucks. Blow it all up and start over.
Chris,
You’re probably right. How in the hell can a team that was top 3 in baseball for 5 months of last year be any good this year? There is just no way that could have been their true colors as opposed to a one month stretch. 5 months isn’t a better sample size than one month when half of your Starting rotation is injured. You just make too much sense for me to not believe you.
As far as Jason Heyward goes, you’re also probably right about him. 60 at bats into spring and he has not figured his out new swing/approach yet. It only took the worlds greatest golfer two years to recover from injuries and a new swing.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:55 pm
Ryan Buchter in for the Braves – Ike Davis takes a strike…
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
3:55 pm
Thought the shoulder was hurt in the spring
Exactly, once he hurt the shoulder at the end of ST, everything went downhill, specially during the season when he started the bad habits while trying to favor the bad shoulder on his swings.
Suicide Squeeze
March 27th, 2012
3:55 pm
Smoltz is my all time favorite Brave and hope he makes it more than anyone.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:56 pm
Ike with his 3rd K of the day – Duda up…
Ward
March 27th, 2012
3:56 pm
cowdogit-You look like the idiot,by posting twice. Could you be from Texas?
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
3:56 pm
I’m sure it has nothing to do with the pitching we had during that time, nor the luck of the draw when it comes to injuries. I have heard it said many times coaches get too much credit for wins and too much blame for losses. I believe it was a combo of coaching staff and players during that run. Everything just came easier to those teams.
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
3:57 pm
I see Smoltz from time to time at a place where I regularly eat lunch. He’s part of a Bible Study group that meets over there, along with Jeff Foxworthy. I have heard that during the season, there is occasionally another Brave or two that show up, too.
Ward
March 27th, 2012
3:58 pm
Duke- You must be related to David Duke………Can tell where you get your thinking from.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:58 pm
2 hopper into right field – Duda single – Loewen to bat…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:59 pm
How nice – Don has a friend…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
3:59 pm
Rob Johnson pinch hits – 3-0 count…
Murph
March 27th, 2012
4:00 pm
Alright blog, time for a straw poll… if ST ended today, who do you take north? Simmons or Pastornicky?
At this point I’d like to say “neither”, but that’s not an option. Choose… but choose… wisely.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:00 pm
Line drive to right, Jason has it, 2 down…
Suicide Squeeze
March 27th, 2012
4:01 pm
And speaking of Smoltz, I still wish Cox would have used Smoltz instead of Leibrandt againt the Twinkies.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:01 pm
Cedeno grounds to Tyler for the force to end the 8th…
Duke
March 27th, 2012
4:01 pm
Ward
How does that make any sense?
Murph
March 27th, 2012
4:02 pm
It only took the worlds greatest golfer two years to recover from injuries and a new swing.
And getting beat up by his wife, dropped by all his sponsors, dirty laundry aired throughout the media, etc etc etc.
I actually think Tiger’s problem, much like Heyward’s, is 90% between the ears.
Ward
March 27th, 2012
4:02 pm
Murph-I go with Simmons…..speed in the line up. Can always use speed.
BravePack
March 27th, 2012
4:02 pm
I’m not going to give up on Heyward until I see what he does during the regular season. Having said that I think it’s safe to say I was pretty accurate in my prediction in stating that Freeman will have a better career than Heyward. Don’t get me wrong I know it is still very early in both their careers and I want both to do very well for the Braves, but so far from what I’ve seen Freeman is the better player, on offense and defense.
Ward
March 27th, 2012
4:03 pm
Duke-Makes sense to me…..
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:03 pm
Jack Wilson pops to short…
Fols
March 27th, 2012
4:04 pm
Don’t worry guys…I bought Freddie’s player T last year and look what he turned into?
I’m 100% in the last year for buying a shirt and not being disappointed.
I just ordered a Heyward…it’s obvious he’ll perform. 100% doesn’t lie!
BLK09GT
March 27th, 2012
4:04 pm
Murph very true statement about Heyward. I will take Rev. to the bigs.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:04 pm
Freddie – HOME RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Duke
March 27th, 2012
4:04 pm
Murph,
At this point in the spring I’m going with Pastornicky. He has shown some improvement at the plate lately and his defense has not been awful. Although there have been times where I have been upset at his play in the field. If he struggles, then you bring up Simmons who has had a few extra weeks in the minors.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:04 pm
Freddie today – 2 walks, 1 sac fly, 2 HRs…
bravesgrl4life
March 27th, 2012
4:05 pm
FAB 5 AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:05 pm
7-4 Braves – Matt Diaz pops out…
David O'Brien
March 27th, 2012
4:05 pm
Another HOMER for Freeman in ninth — back-to-back TWO-HOMER games for the Braves 1B. Both opposite-field shots to left, this one in ninth on a low pitch. Nice, short stroke.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:06 pm
Asencio up in the bullpen – Boscan batting…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:07 pm
Boscan walks on 4 pitches – Heyward to bat…
JC Brave
March 27th, 2012
4:07 pm
Freddie Freeman is ON FIRE!
Owl Hunter
March 27th, 2012
4:07 pm
Freddie Freeman is unleashing a technicolor display of violent destruction over the Mets. he leaves only blackness behind for the survivors.
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:08 pm
3-0 to Jason…
Venice Jim
March 27th, 2012
4:08 pm
And he walks…