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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,068 comments Add your comment
JasonInFL
April 30th, 2012
10:52 pm
Yu Darvish is starting to pitch like an ace. His last two outings have been stellar.
jim
April 30th, 2012
10:55 pm
Jason,
He was the best offensive player at his position (joe Mauer excepted when he was healthy)
This year you have Napoli, Wieters, Posey who are all better, and a couple of others including Molina for whom you could construct a good argument. (Jorge Posada wasn’t too shabby in some of those year when you claim Mac was best.
CaptMudd
April 30th, 2012
10:57 pm
Mac seems to be a low energy type with some athletic challenges who can wallop a baseball a mile…he got to where he has with impressing with his bat–since his second year late he has been inconsistent in both blocking low pitches in the dirt and making the catch and tag at the plate. The only way we get a great deal in trading him is if his BA is over .285 and he hits 28-30 homers. Good luck Mr. Wren.
Cleveland Steamer
April 30th, 2012
10:59 pm
Go Lowe. I got w hat you want.
Venice Jim
April 30th, 2012
11:01 pm
jim – so you are saying that one month clearly indicates what everyone will do for the entire season?
JasonInFL
April 30th, 2012
11:02 pm
Jim, we have played, what, 23 games? I wouldn’t write Mac off yet and declare all of the catchers you mentioned better offensively. And you are correct about Mauer. He was probably the best offensive catcher in baseball throughout Mac’s career with Mac being 2nd.
Venice Jim
April 30th, 2012
11:03 pm
I would like all of the super baseball minds here who have determined that Mac should be traded to find one credible national analyst of Major League Baseball who thinks the Braves would be wise to trade him…
DS1
April 30th, 2012
11:06 pm
Are there still folks out there that think the Braves should trade McCann? Why maybe there IS an Easter Bunny?
Why would you trade the best offensive catcher in baseball? And though Brian is average in many ways defensively, he calls a very good game and is one of the best catchers at framing the ball for the ump.
Wieters and Posey are young; do it for a few years, then come talk to me. Napoli is NOT a very good catcher, and probably is better suited for DH or first. Mauer is injury prone. Molina is a great defensive catcher, and a good offensive threat.
Mac is still the best.
CaptMudd
April 30th, 2012
11:08 pm
@VJ…..Latent…NOT OBVIOUS AT THE MOMENT……why make me work to explain something that is so clear? If you disagree with my opinion…just say so or scroll on….I like you and cab but not need to educate the Capt. tonight on this word or its application to this text/post.
DS1
April 30th, 2012
11:08 pm
They can’t VJ, there isn’t a single baseball person who would suggest a trade of Mac (but you knew that…….).
It’s that Fantasy Baseball mentality that drives this sort of drivel. What have you done for me on your last AB.
ncgary
April 30th, 2012
11:10 pm
1 less unemployed after today
hooray i found a crummy job
tiger297
April 30th, 2012
11:14 pm
just curious if anyone heard the anoying kid at the game today screaming “STRIKE HIM OUT LIVAN”?
cabravesfan
April 30th, 2012
11:14 pm
What do I have to do with that post? You know we are separate people, right?
CaptMudd
April 30th, 2012
11:14 pm
Noun…….”"latent demand” for a replacement…..so forth and so on………..have a good one! Bye.
JasonInFL
April 30th, 2012
11:14 pm
Congrats, ncgary!
ncgary
April 30th, 2012
11:16 pm
thanks jason
CaptMudd
April 30th, 2012
11:16 pm
Have a blessed night “Cab” and, please, forgive my mistake there. By now!
keylargo
April 30th, 2012
11:17 pm
McCann’s highest ratings – All occurred in 2008 or before except HR in 2011 when he hit 24. He hit 23 in 2008. And OBP in 2010 when he got on base at a .375%. In 2008 he got on base .002 less @ .373. This is a clear gradual decline in the purest offenssive sense.
McCann IMO has clearly had his best years and it was four years ago after 2008 when the decline began. It’s early this year but I sure don’t see anything but more downward trending this year.
Games 2008 – 145
Plate App 2008 – 573
At Bat 2008 – 509
Runs 2008 – 68
Hits 2008 – 153
2B 2008 – 42
HR 2006, 2011 – 24
HR 2008 – 23
RBI 2009 – 94
SO (fewest) 2008 – 64
BA 2008 – .301
OBP 2010 – .375
OBP 2008 – .373
SLG 2008 – .523
OPS 2008 – .896
OPS+ 2008 – 135
TB 2008 – 266
Carroll Rogers
April 30th, 2012
11:19 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/04/30/braves-postgame-quotes-following-mondays-loss-to-pirates/
postgame quotes are up. funny stuff about Fredi and Bourn about the dispute at second base.
haggard
April 30th, 2012
11:24 pm
ncgary
Congratulations! Crummy or not, someone out in the world showed a stroke of genius today.
DS1
April 30th, 2012
11:26 pm
key
You could be right, but I don’t think the drop off is so glaring. Actually last year, he was tracking for a similar year to 2008 before the injury.
Sure, he woulda had a bit of a drop off in September anyway due to fatigue, but nothing like what happened to him after the injury.
I’m not saying he won’t drop off some from this point forward, but I sure wouldn’t bet on it.
Up until he was DL’d last year, he had 18 dingers and a slash line of 306/375/514/889.
tiger297
April 30th, 2012
11:27 pm
DS1 – you’ve got mail
DS1
April 30th, 2012
11:27 pm
Did Fredi argue a call today? I missed most of the game. The announcers at one point said that we’d be tied (4-4) if not for a blow call by the blues.
Don’t tell me Fredi got off his ass and argued a call!
tiger297
April 30th, 2012
11:27 pm
key – do you have that hot keyed so you can just drop it in or do you have it memorized?
tiger297
April 30th, 2012
11:29 pm
DS1 – he ran out to argue but it turned out it really wasn’t an argument going on
Venice Jim
April 30th, 2012
11:29 pm
Capt – excuse me, but what in the world does “latent demand” have to do with a usage where “late” would have worked perfectly? However, it was very rude of me to comment on another poster’s well-thought out complaint that we would have lost by less runs if only we had pulled Minor and used up the bullpen…I apologize…
DS1
April 30th, 2012
11:30 pm
tiger
Does Kris know he has competition?
I’m printing that one out!
Carroll Rogers
April 30th, 2012
11:31 pm
my last quotes file was being weird. so if you couldn’t get the other link to work, try this
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/04/30/braves-postgame-quotes-after-monday-loss-to-pirates/
ncgary
April 30th, 2012
11:31 pm
thanks haggard i get to work with disabled people, try to help them cope with their disabilitys and clean up in behind them
Venice Jim
April 30th, 2012
11:32 pm
tiger – Billy Joel, 12 Gardens Live – an excellent live album with songs spanning his career…
ncgary
April 30th, 2012
11:35 pm
probably be very fulfilling work, wont get to meet any of them
til i get certified
Carroll Rogers
April 30th, 2012
11:35 pm
nite y’all. DOB back with you tomorrow.
tiger297
April 30th, 2012
11:36 pm
DS1 – there is no competition…Jonny filled the void while Medlen was starting/on the DL and he talks to them all but there is no mistaking.
Today Kris was in the back and didn’t come out until after the game. When little tiger saw him he lit up. Kris asked how his games were going so of course he got invited to his last game tomorrow night.
tiger297
April 30th, 2012
11:36 pm
on the ride home the other 1/2 said…you know until this crew in the bullpen leaves no matter what happens we can’t move LOL
keylargo
April 30th, 2012
11:36 pm
Tiger – you take an honest look at his stats and get back to me with a report. We’ll see what your version says.
tiger297
April 30th, 2012
11:37 pm
night ma’am thank you
Venice Jim
April 30th, 2012
11:37 pm
And, if I had to pick one Buffett album, Son of a Son of a Sailor…
tiger297
April 30th, 2012
11:38 pm
VJ – I was about to ask if you were ignorning my question or waiting on me
ncgary
April 30th, 2012
11:38 pm
well its been a long day
nite all
tiger297
April 30th, 2012
11:39 pm
KL – you know I don’t care…just seen you post those stats about 5-10 times
tiger297
April 30th, 2012
11:40 pm
cant wait to watch ski run on this double
tiger297
April 30th, 2012
11:41 pm
VJ – and BTW thank you
richbrave
April 30th, 2012
11:42 pm
Well,so much for my prognosticatiomn of a 6-1 homestand. I guesss we didn’t want outright 1ST place.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
April 30th, 2012
11:42 pm
And then when Mac starts hitting again, which he will, the paranoids wil disappear. I can predict the future if ya didn’t know.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
April 30th, 2012
11:47 pm
Nobody should’ve expected Mike Minor to go on the pace he was at for his last 3,4 starts, and if they did then you just set yourselves up. He’s got good stuff and has matured, but it takes a while for a young pitcher. Not like he was the #1 sought after player in the draft a few years ago. There’s a reason for that and probably because he’s a future middle rotation guy and those aren’t guys that are real consistant.
keylargo
April 30th, 2012
11:47 pm
KL – you know I don’t care…just seen you post those stats about 5-10 times
Are they right or wrong? You should know if you’ve seen them that many times.
tiger297
April 30th, 2012
11:50 pm
kl – I’ve seen you post them I have no clue if they are right are wrong.
I don’t spend time double checking stats that are put up here. I figure there are enough folks that if something looks wrong it will get pointed out.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
April 30th, 2012
11:52 pm
Have we really been tested yet this year? We’ve already avoided Gallardo,Grienke, Kershaw. We’ve faced good pitching, but not nasty filth like we saw tonight and look what he did to us. I won’t count those the first four games because I just wont. We’ll be really tested against Hamels and Halladay. See where we’re at.
DS1
April 30th, 2012
11:55 pm
Key
You look at just about any player’s first 6 years, and the numbers are going to vary. And the drop off wasn’t happening last year at all until the DL stint.
Don’t get me wrong, he could be dropping off somewhat, but I really don’t think the numbers show it yet when you factor in the injury last year.
tiger297
April 30th, 2012
11:56 pm
brian – no we won’t see where we are at. We will see the result of a few games that may or may not have any reflection on the rest of the season.
DS1
April 30th, 2012
11:57 pm
Brian
The whole year will be full of ups and downs. Our fate will depend on luck, health and development. (just like most team’s in baseball)
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
April 30th, 2012
11:59 pm
Flaws I see out of our lineup regs:
Bourn – been great, but we need it all year and he seemed to wear down when traded to us
Prado – doesn’t walk enough
Freeman – hacker and I think it’s causing all the mini slumps he goes through
Mac – looks slow and putting up lots of poor ab’s
Uggla – hacker
Chippper – part time player
Heyward – health
Pastornicky – rookie who looks overmatched quite a bit
DS1
May 1st, 2012
12:00 am
tiger
My youngest was asking me if you might be interested in selling him (and maybe some friends) your seats for a game in late June or early July. He will be out in SC visiting my parents and some of his old friends from 10 years ago.
Let me know if there are any games you were looking to miss around then.
DS1
May 1st, 2012
12:01 am
Well hell, we probably won’t win another series all year with all those flaws Brian.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
May 1st, 2012
12:02 am
DS1, I know. Believe me I’ve seen enough baseball. Like you say, all teams face the ups and downs through a long season.
keylargo
May 1st, 2012
12:04 am
Wayne – you’re a fair guy as long as the other party is fair with you and talking rationally. Look at his career numbers together and you can not miss that he peaked in 08 and has gradually fallen off every year since.
My real point is that with BMac’s body, conditioning program and weight issue, that he has peaked a few years too soon and that we have seen the best years of Brian McCann.
He was the smartess cat in the classroom and didn’t think he needed to study to stay at the top of the class. He was wrong. We want no part of any high dollar long term contract with him.
keylargo
May 1st, 2012
12:04 am
Wayne – here’s the stats
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/m/mccanbr01.shtml
tiger297
May 1st, 2012
12:06 am
what is a long career for a catcher? I’m trying to think of big name catchers that didn’t show major declines after 8 years in the bigs
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
May 1st, 2012
12:07 am
Well here’s my positives of our guys:
Bourn – ignites the lineup. An elite leadoff hitter
Prado – when on, hardly any #2 hitter is better
Freeman – hits to al field and with power and adjusts quick
Mac – always been an all star hitter
Uggla – expect 30 or more homers again
CJ – hits anybody
Heyward – he’s healthy and himself again
Pastornicky – always puts up a fight at the plate which you love to see
DS1
May 1st, 2012
12:07 am
Actually, Prado is tied for the team lead in walks so far this year.
And everybody but Mac and The Rev are OPS’ing over .750 so far.
and Bourn is the top dog in the OPS category with .811 so far.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
May 1st, 2012
12:13 am
keylargo, scary, but possible. Mac could’ve already peaked with the reasons you mentioned. I just think he’s hurting with something causing his bat speed to slow a tad and he’s pressuring. He’s just too good a hitter. Also that shift most all teams are putting on him could be playing with his head. He’s been robbed of hit after hit both on that shift and some good outfield plays.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
May 1st, 2012
12:13 am
Remember Brian didn’t have a good spring this year either. Nagging injury is my opinion.
DS1
May 1st, 2012
12:14 am
key
But go back and look at Johnny Bench. Numbers all over the board, with a drop off when he was in his late 20’s. But he hung on and played very well for a long time afterward.
I’m sorry, but I really don’t think he is in as bad of physical condition as you seem to think. The guy is a chunky guy, always has been.
Doesn’t mean he can’t get in better shape, but from what I heard, he lead the charge of the Atlanta based players last winter in getting over to the Ted to work out.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
May 1st, 2012
12:16 am
Prado has never been a guy to take many walks. He is more this year, but his history is much longer than not even a full months worth of ball games.
tiger297
May 1st, 2012
12:16 am
DS1 – we don’t go to games folks want to attend…just tell them to look at the schedule and pick a few games and I’ll look at them to see what works
DS1
May 1st, 2012
12:16 am
Brian can still get around on a pitch. He’s always been a dead pull hitter. Who knows, maybe he gets some smarts as he gets older and figgers out how to spread it around a bit.
Besides, he’s signed thru 2013. If he does slip, then it will reflect in his next contract.
DS1
May 1st, 2012
12:18 am
tiger
Will do.
Guys, I don’t think Mac is our biggest concern this year or next. I think Heyward is the key for us in the next 3-4 years.
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
May 1st, 2012
12:20 am
Health, health, heallth. That’s the key. Wren got it right over the winter. The talent is all there, no need for a big trade or signing. Cross your fingers for health because the healthiest team in the division wins it. We have the edge I think because we have depth. Wren thought it through obviously by not dealing off our depth for one player.
DS1
May 1st, 2012
12:22 am
And if our dumazz manager would get the lineup straight, he’d move Mac down to 5/6th and bat Heyward 3/4th depending on if Chipper’s in the lineup.
I’m just not thrilled with our slow guys hitting 3rd and 4th, but who can argue with success.
DS1
May 1st, 2012
12:23 am
Brian
Don’t kid yourself though, if the Phillies get their lineup back together, they are going to kick some azz and take names.
haggard
May 1st, 2012
12:23 am
Venice Jim
You just answered a question I’ve long wanted to ask: “What’s your favorite Buffett CD?” The summer that album came out I worked in the Thunderbolt Boat Repair Yard just outside of Savannah during the four month school break and lived out on Tybee Island within the sound of the surf. “Coast Of Marseilles” was–and is–a favorite cut and I’ve always thought “Sending The Old Man Home” would have fit well on that album.
One day–as fate would have it–we dry docked his Euphoria II for a couple of hours to do some shaft work and he was most gracious to us there in the yard. As a Parrot-head,you would have been proud.
haggard
May 1st, 2012
12:24 am
He’s done a day’s work. Make a fire.
Good night good folks
ChattTownBrian (CTB)
May 1st, 2012
12:27 am
DS1, i’m no fool. I know the Phillies are deadly with Howard and Utley back in that lineup. They make the others better around them, especially Utley. Their pitching is so good no matter what. Braves had better not di*k around and get some cushion between them and Philly before they start to get healthier. That goes for WSH too.
DS1
May 1st, 2012
12:29 am
My last thoughts for the night, before I turn in.
Luck, health, development and timing.
When you don’t have a gazillion dollars to stack your roster, then those are your keys to winning and going deep into October.
Nite all.
keylargo
May 1st, 2012
12:31 am
what is a long career for a catcher? I’m trying to think of big name catchers that didn’t show major declines after 8 years in the bigs Tiger297
McCann had two+ years coming into the 2008 seasson. He was 24 and about to peak as a MLB player.
keylargo
May 1st, 2012
12:31 am
what is a long career for a catcher? I’m trying to think of big name catchers that didn’t show major declines after 8 years in the bigs Tiger297
McCann had two+ years coming into the 2008 seasson. He was 24 and about to peak as a MLB player.
Bay Area Steve
May 1st, 2012
1:36 am
Losing to the Pirates… OK.
Shuttin’ it down at 9:30… Sucks.
keylargo with another McCann rant… Dude, enough.
I mean, I’d try to have a reasoned debate with you, but based on our past, you’d ignore all points made, and claim you were busy with work while I was wasting my time commenting on a blog. How ’bout you stick to flight plans, and leave this redundant ‘ish alone? At least the flight stuff is interesting.
Bay Area Steve
May 1st, 2012
1:41 am
I’ve determined that the folks who think swear words are the sign of a limited vocabulary are wrong. I’m not sayin’ my vocabulary isn’t limited, I’m just sayin’ that oftentimes a four-letter-word is the best option. Seems to me, if you don’t to use those words, it’s you limiting your vocabulary.
I guess I just wanna say: F’ you, Derek Lowe, and the Panamera you rode in on.
Bay Area Steve
May 1st, 2012
1:42 am
Hey key,
Ya got that list of five-tool catchers yet? ‘Cause you were epic that night…
Ward
May 1st, 2012
2:01 am
Hello everyone! Tough loss, but at least the series was tied. Glad that one is over. Too bad about Minor, but I wouldn’t lose faith in him just yet. I still think he will be a good one. Do I like the Phillies coming up next? No, but they are not the same team. There is hope. Can the Braves win? I don’t know, but it should be another great series.
Ward
May 1st, 2012
2:03 am
Should the Braves trade for an Ace? It depends on how far the Braves are at The All Star Break. Until then, we be patient ,and see what happens?
Ward
May 1st, 2012
2:07 am
No one likes to lose, but the Pirates always play the Braves tough. Knew the series would be tough. I would’ve like a series win, but will take a 2-2 tie. Even though it sucks to lose. Braves will bounce baack, and I believe that the next time around will be better.
Ward
May 1st, 2012
2:10 am
Chatt Town Brian – I also think no trade, unless the Braves are really in it. Then trade for an Ace. The Bats will be fine. Just need an Ace, If things are close, or near The All Star Break. Braves have the talent to trade for an Ace too.
Ward
May 1st, 2012
2:16 am
If the Braves are going to face better pitchers this year, and haven’t been tested? I think there should be a trade for an “Ace” not worried about the Bats as of now. I think the Bats will be fine. Bull – Pen strong, but the starting pitching is weak, but still has time to it together.
Bay Area Steve
May 1st, 2012
2:20 am
The Good Wife is a great drama. It just finished its best year. Julianna Margulies is awesome. All that. Still: the worst season-end-hour I can recall. Ever. At least for a watchable show. All over the place…
At least Kathy Bates saved the day. Not only a great episode of “Kathy’s Law,” but a nice run tonight as Charlie Sheen. Might’ve been even better than ol’ Charlie. Made a dying show great again. The beautiful, artistic climax: ‘And me with just a nut-sack.’
Ward
May 1st, 2012
2:28 am
That might not be a good idea to trade Beachy, Minor ,or Hanson, because they show promise of being an Ace some day. Do you trade J.J. for an Ace then? What would you do with Beachy, and Minor, and Hanson? Tough decision to make. Braves will have to make a move at the All Star Break. Just hope it’s the right one. Same goes for hitting. The only spot I see is a move for a SS. Don’t trade the Rev, because he has promise, but the Braves need a bat,and I would trade Jack Wilson. He hasn’t hit much, and we don’t need another Agon in line up.
Ward
May 1st, 2012
2:36 am
My thoughts, and conclusion is to wait until The All Star Break, and let the Players play. Don’t panic, but just wait ,and see. All, have a good one! Peace my friends, and talk tomorrow after the game.
nolie
May 1st, 2012
3:00 am
McCann
year……….OPS+
2005………. 95
2006……….143
2007………..99
2008……….135
2009……….119
2010……….124
2011……….123
2012………..99
not sure where all this constant decline is supposedly showing up
nolie
May 1st, 2012
3:05 am
119,124.123 is not a steady decline every year since 2008
nolie
May 1st, 2012
3:12 am
In fact it is about as consistent as three straight years can get
Veer
May 1st, 2012
4:22 am
Pirates were due to score tonnes of runs sooner or later. Anyways lets forget about the Pirates. The real test starts tmr when the Phillies are here. I would have to go with Hinske in Left giving Prado a dayoff. Hinske is hot and needs to play tomorrow.
May will be tough for us and we have to be good.
Couch Tater
May 1st, 2012
6:51 am
I’m a traditionalist when it comes to baseball. Hate the DH. That said, video for reversing a bad call like last night’s steal could be used without adding much TV time.
Speaking of which, I didn’t realize Bill Hohn retired, last year. He resigned in 1999.
Upon further review, Bill didn’t resign. It was a misunderstanding. He really wanted his job. His signature was forged by Ritchie Phillips.
Couch Tater
May 1st, 2012
6:53 am
Angel Hernandez is now..on the clock.
Jeff R
May 1st, 2012
7:07 am
The Pirates are no patsies; they proved that over four games against the Braves at Turner. The Braves need to take 2 of 3 from the Phils to make this home stand a success.
jeffrey d
May 1st, 2012
7:17 am
not sure where all this constant decline is supposedly showing up
Right here…we’re a “what have you done for me lately” kind of people 2012………..99
Jeff R
May 1st, 2012
7:21 am
McCann’s not declining. He just needs to stay injury-free – injuries that prolong his stay on the DL.
Veer
May 1st, 2012
7:28 am
So far in the division we are 2-4 and that has to change tonight aganist the Phillies. If we are to win the division we have to start winning these divisional games. While it was good what we did aganist the Dodgers, Dbacks and to some what the Pirates however the real test begins tonight aganist the Phillies. We have to prove to them and to ourselves that we can BEAT the Phillies.
Halladay and Hamels wont be easy and then 3rd game we got Delgado going for us so we getting swept isnt something that is impossible. We have to win atleast 1 game in this series.
Jeff R
May 1st, 2012
7:36 am
Halladay and Hamels wont be easy and then 3rd game we got Delgado going for us so we getting swept isnt something that is impossible.
It’s not impossible but not probable, either. The Braves tend to bring their A-game against the Phils. I think it will be a fun series. And Delgado is due for a solid outing.
richbrave
May 1st, 2012
7:42 am
Get out the brooms. I’nm ready for a sweep
Efrim
May 1st, 2012
8:06 am
Tough night for Polished. He’s missing bats, which is awesome, but without looking…it does seem like he gives up a lot of extra base hits. And let’s be honest here, he does have a career 4.78 ERA. I still like him though. Solid #3, LH workhorse type. That career ERA will come down. Just a matter of innings.