Pastornicky sent to Triple-A; Simmons coming to majors
The Braves’ future at shortstop is now.
The team called defensive whiz Andrelton Simmons from Double-A Mississippi to replace rookie shortstop Tyler Pastornicky, who was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett after Wednesday night’s win against St. Louis.
Simmons, 22, will make his major league debut with a start in Friday’s series opener at Washington.
Pastornicky hit .248 with eight extra-base hits (one homer), a .281 on-base percentage and two stolen bases in 44 games for the Braves. He slumped recently and had seven errors and the lowest fielding percentage among major league shortstops.
“We needed more,” Braves general manager Frank Wren said of Pastornicky’s defense.
Simmons, who is in his first full season of pro ball, hit .292 with 14 extra-base hits (three home runs), a .372 OBP and 10 stolen bases in 43 games at Mississippi before Wednesday. A second-round pick in the 2010 draft, the Curacao native wowed Braves players and coaches with his spectacular defense as a non-roster invitee at major league spring training.
“He has special talents [at shortstop],” Wren said of Simmons, who has uncommonly fluid movements and reactions on defense, and was a part-time closer in junior college with a fastball clocked at 98 mph.
“Once the reports started coming in so glowingly that he was handling that [Double-A] level so well, we started at least giving it some thought as to when would be the right time, and we continued to call this week and everyone in player development that [assistant GM] Bruce [Manno] talked to said he’s ready.”
Pastornicky was 2-for-22 with one walk and three errors in his past eight games, after hitting .290 with five RBIs in his previous 18 games.
“It’s really disappointing,” Pastornicky said after being told he was optioned. “I feel like I can help the team, but it’s just something where they feel like I need some more work. They have every right to do that….
“I think it’s probably more defensively than it is anything else. I haven’t played my best defensively. It’s been kind of a grind, even with spring training. I wasn’t where I wanted to be defensively.”
Wren said Pastornicky had met expectations offensively, batting mostly in the eighth spot in the lineup. He said the rookie had also made strides defensively, though obviously not enough or he wouldn’t be getting sent down.
“We saw a lot of improvement from spring training,” Wren said. “We saw a lot of areas where he really stepped up. We just felt like right now, we needed a little more and so there’s some areas he could stand to improve. We think he’s got a real good chance to be a real good major league player but right now we think he needs more work….
“He’s always been an offensive performer. He got a lot of key hits for us, a lot of great at-bats. Batting in the eighth spot which is not an easy spot. He did a good job. And so defensively we want him to just continue to work.”
Simmons won the Carolina League batting title with a .311 average last season at high Class-A Lynchburg, easing some concerns about whether his bat would ever begin to catch up with his defense.
He looked overmatched at the plate at times during spring training while competing with Pastornicky for the shortstop job, but his defense drew attention and praise from the first day of camp.
“He’s got it,” third baseman Chipper Jones said midway through spring training. “He’s major league-ready defensively, there’s no doubt about that. When everybody says that he’s major league-ready defensively, they’re saying it for a reason.”
Simmons has shown enough in his first year at Double-A to convince Braves officials that he can hit enough to at least keep his head above water in the majors, despite having only 20o plate appearances above the Class-A level and none in Triple-A.
Some scouts believe he will immediately be one of the best defensive shortstops in the National League.
“He’s played extremely well at Double-A,” Wren said. “He’s done everything and more we would expect. He’s swinging the bat well, he has more walks than strikeouts. His plate discipline is improving, and the reports have been glowing. I think the way the manager and the hitting coach there and our roving instructors talked in recent days going through, I think it was enough that we felt he would help us.”
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248 comments Add your comment
TW Braves Fan
May 30th, 2012
11:08 pm
Time for some new blood!
Jeff
May 30th, 2012
11:08 pm
“simmons won a…….”
to be continued??
veer
May 30th, 2012
11:10 pm
In justice. His defense wasnt that bad. Uggla messed him up at times and Paster got the blame. Total Injustice
rico43
May 30th, 2012
11:11 pm
Love the defense with Constanza in left and Simmons at short.
kmarshall 4
May 30th, 2012
11:12 pm
woo hoo what took so friggin long
Earl
May 30th, 2012
11:13 pm
At first didn’t like it, thought they should give Pastornicky a bigger chance, but this could really help them avoid giving extra outs, and the pitching could use all the help it could get right now. Could give Minor and Delgado more confidence as well.
Bob Didier
May 30th, 2012
11:13 pm
Wow. Didn’t think Wren had the balls to do this. Now, maybe, he will demote Venters and Minor. They are killing us too. Flande and Gearin should be given a chance. Gearin should be up in place of Boscan soon.
kmarshall 4
May 30th, 2012
11:13 pm
simmons won a batting title in single a last year is what he won
Orange Brave f/k/a Billy Jack's BBQ
May 30th, 2012
11:14 pm
I agree with veer. Crazy. Pastornicky was playing better than Jack Wilson.
I swear before I even heard this news, I was hoping they would cut Jack Wilson. He was horrible tonight. I sat on the 3rd row behind home plate and Wilson should have been charged with 2 errors, possibly a 3rd.
Batting a sizzling .171. good grief. Well, I guess he has the Braves on the hook for a million or so and they have to keep him.
I hate to call out individual players, but re-signing Wilson was a mistake. Hope to see Pastornicky back.
Brandon
May 30th, 2012
11:18 pm
@veer pastornicky’s defense was definitely not up to par. Uggla has nothing to do with that.
Fred
May 30th, 2012
11:20 pm
How in the world can they actually send pastornicky down!?!?! Alex Gonzalez hit .241 and hos defense was pretty good pastor’s D wasnt that bad, the whole team has been slumping latley. Whenever Tyler got on a hot streak it seamed that fredi would give him a night off! If simmons was hitting .450 with 15 homeruns in triple A I could see where they are coming from with this! What is the excuse to keep wilson… oh right he is a veteran leader, we have plenty leaders that can actually play: hinske diaz hudson chipper…
kmarshall 4
May 30th, 2012
11:20 pm
you can say it brandon he is horrible on d
kmarshall 4
May 30th, 2012
11:23 pm
no range and no arm equals triple a and a future as a utility guy
NorCal Brave
May 30th, 2012
11:25 pm
Ideally Pastornicky comes back up to replace Wilson, but unless Simmons is a total bust, more likely he’ll be trade bait.
kmarshall 4
May 30th, 2012
11:29 pm
simmons will help huddy more than anybody cant wait
Vino Fino
May 30th, 2012
11:32 pm
I think this is a good move. The Braves need defense out of SS much more than they do offense, and Simmons is clearly a better natural defender. Pastornicky has not been terrible, but he’s had more than his share of mental lapses in the field and at times tries to be too flashy.
Oh, and Fred- there is absolutely no comparison between Gonzalez and Pastornicky defensively. While Alex’s AB’s were mostly brutal last year, his defense was way above “pretty good”- it was spectacular.
ATLiens
May 30th, 2012
11:34 pm
Statically, the Rev was the worst defensive shortstop in the game. The move was warranted.
sam
May 30th, 2012
11:34 pm
Pastornicky isn’t horrible as a shortstop in terms of defensive ability…. he’s just below average. It’s his bad decision making that’s killing him. That flip to second play in the Sunday night game against the Nats was horrible. Very happy about the Simmons call up!
Timothy
May 30th, 2012
11:35 pm
WIlson is an all-glove no-bat utility man and that’s what the Braves signed him for: as backup. Up to this point, Pastor has been a no-glove no-bat player and the Braves can’t afford to be putting him out there every day if they want to make the playoffs. Not saying Pastor won’t get better, but he’s been the worst starting shortstop in the majors this year.
JWOOD
May 30th, 2012
11:35 pm
I think Pastornicky at least has close to an MLB bat so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him land somewhere maybe at a different spot.
TWO GOOD DOGS
May 30th, 2012
11:35 pm
THE PITCHING IS STILL ATROCIOUS, DESPITE THE WIN. PASTORNICKY WAS NOT BAD AT THE PLATE. BUT HE WAS BAD FROM THE GET GO IN THE FIELD. EVERYBODY KNEW IT. BRINGING SIMMONS UP WAS WHAT THEY SHOULD HAVE DONE AT THE BREAK FROM CAMP. HE WON THE JOB. SO MANY FREAKING EGOS IN THE FRONT OFFICE AND GONZALEZ. EVERYONE KNOWS A BUSINESS NEAR THEM THAT IS RUN SO POORLY THEY CAN’T SEE HOW IT SURVIVES. BUT IT DOES. NO ONE CARES IT JUST KEEPS ON AND ON. SUCH IS THE BRAVES ORGANIZATION. THERE IS INCOMPETENCE ALL AROUND US BUT WE ACCEPT IT EVERYDAY AND IN FACT ENCOURAGE IT AS LONG AS IT DOESN’T AFFECT US PERSONALLY. THIS ORGANIZATION IS A MICROCOSM OF WHAT MOST PEOPLE SEE EVERYDAY AT WORK. CAN’T WAIT TO GET HOME.
GOG IS GREAT, BEER IS GOOD, AND PEOPLE ARE CRAZY.
Durfmeister
May 30th, 2012
11:36 pm
Simmona should have had the spot after Spring Training ; the kid has it and will be exciting to watch. As for Pastornicky I feel really bad for him but his D was atrocious. It seemed he has a throwing error every other game. To the guy who said send Venters Down for gearrin you are nuts, Minor I agree with. We need to get our starters past the 6th and the pen will be fine. Once again we are taxing our 7-9 guys way too early in the season. The whole Wilson debate boggles me the only plus he has is that he is a vet. We will get rolling again we saw that the offense has gotten way better under our new hitting coaches, and our at bats are aggressive and smart (Ugglas walk #s among others are proof) GO BRAVES!!!!!!
Vino Fino
May 30th, 2012
11:36 pm
…and Jack Wilson is exactly what the Braves wanted him to be- a veteran presence who can occasionally spell at SS. He’s obviously struggling a bit, but he has come through with some timely hits and always seems to have solid AB’s. A team definitely doesn’t want two rookie shortstops on the roster at the same time.
BobDawg
May 30th, 2012
11:38 pm
The first thing you have to do as a Major League SS is field your position well so that we are strong up the middle. any offense is a plus from a SS.
VinceVanGo
May 30th, 2012
11:39 pm
I just hope that when Chipper is ready to come off the DL that Wren will not automatically send Constanza down. He’s a spark plug and deserves to be on the roster as much as Diaz or Heyward. I also think the Braves stupid for trading Drew Sutton. He could play anywhere on the infield, had a decent bat, and had major league experience with Boston last year. He would have been a huge upgrade over Jack Wilson. And all they got was cash. Cheap Wren and Liberty Media.
jed
May 30th, 2012
11:40 pm
it’s not a bad move, but it is a little bit surprising, especially given that we still allow uggla to play 2b. you wanta improve your defense? put uggla in LF next season. he’s GOD-AWFUL.
Alex
May 30th, 2012
11:41 pm
Pastornicky is terrible defensively at SS. He was literally on pace for the worst defensive season at SS in the history of both UZR and DRS (they’re not that old, but that’s still very discouraging). I think his future is something along the lines of an Omar Infante where he can backup SS and be a great utility player and hopefully an average or better starting 2B in time.
The reason he was sent down instead of doing something with Wilson should be obvious. The Braves still like Pastornicky and want him to play everyday. He needs to build up some confidence both at the plate and in the field. It will also give him time to work on things with no real pressure to perform. Why people would prefer to have him sitting on the bench in Atlanta instead is beyond me.
Who Me?
May 30th, 2012
11:41 pm
Yeah Frank’s doing some butt-covering with the pitching staff by pulling this move. I’ve been saying all along that Simmons’ is the sh*t on defense but couldn’t handle ML pitching, I guess everyone that doesn’t know that yet will very soon. But – that arm and his defense – are stuff that just make your jaw drop. This kid is for real in the field, those of you that haven’t seen him are in for a big treat.
And yes, I’d take Gattis for Boscan twice right now, tendinitis and all… but McCann and Freeman are back so maybe we can afford to give him time to heal right now.
jed
May 30th, 2012
11:42 pm
exactly…you need your up-the-middle defense to be strong. ergo, there is no excuse for leaving uggla at 2b after this season.
Don
May 30th, 2012
11:43 pm
Guys – if Pastor has any chance of being a solid backup – he needs to play everyday and that has to be at AAA. I see next year both being with the big club as Pastor will not be more than a excellent backup. Simmons has has real STAR potential, remember the Wizard of Oz, to start out did not hit his weight, but championships were built around his fielding talent and his hitting came later.
Who Me?
May 30th, 2012
11:44 pm
Yah gotta think that the starting rotation is going to look different by Monday, with the day off tomorrow and the day off Monday, it would be a reasonable assumption that you’d send Minor down for some tweaking for a month or so.
SR
May 30th, 2012
11:45 pm
Good Start- can he take Wren, Fredi and a few more with him, like Minor etc!?
bart
May 30th, 2012
11:49 pm
Excellent move – Simmons will improve the team defense significantly. We gave away 20-25 outs having Pastor/Wilson at short. I predict it will be less than a week before Simmons will be singled out for saving a game with his defense.
Brave Decisions
May 30th, 2012
11:49 pm
Posted something on Simmons today. http://wp.me/p2lqJ1-7I Great move!
Alex
May 30th, 2012
11:50 pm
What else can you do with Uggla? He’s not going to be a good defender anywhere on the field, but with his bat and contract you gotta keep running him out there somewhere.
Bob Didier
May 30th, 2012
11:52 pm
Yes, Jed, Uggla is awful in the field, can’t throw either. Hopefully, Ross will be improved by the weekend and Gearin will be brought up to help this struggling bullpen. After Friday, might as well bring up Flande too, for Minor, until Medlen is ready.
Who Me?
May 30th, 2012
11:52 pm
Venters should be looking over his shoulder too….it’s almost like he refuses to adjust his mechanics and i don’t understand why? EVERYthing he’s throwing right now is up. One would think he could go back and look at video from last year, pick up on something minor that he’s not doing right now, and make the adjustment via sidework or a short trip to Gwinnett.
Makes me wonder – is it lack of management from Roger McDowell or laziness on Venters’ part – or both??
Who Me?
May 30th, 2012
11:55 pm
and Congrats to Andrelton – make the most of it kid.
DZ
May 30th, 2012
11:56 pm
WHAT? Are you kidding me?
If anything, the Braves need to waive Jack Wilson! AGGH!
go-BRAVOS
May 30th, 2012
11:56 pm
Don’t worry all the people that wanted Simmons up will be screaming how turrible he is when he starts to struggle, which he will. Something needed to be done but that is what happens when you put a 21 year old rookie as your starting SS.
What I don’t understand is that Heyward has been just as bad as Rev defensively and worse offensively and yet not a word about him. I think Georgie should be starting over in RF when/if Chipper ever gets off the DL. DOB had the stats on Heyward since his first 33 games in his career and it is frightening.
Go Braves!
braveslover
May 30th, 2012
11:57 pm
Atta baby, Wren. Added strength up the middle and he’ll do ok with the bat. Simmons may be the Braves shortstop for a loooonnnngggg time to come. Glad now we don’t have Furcal. Walker will work with Simmons who will listen and learn unlike our right fielder. Love Constanza in left and at bat. I’m getting excited again. Minor won’t be a major much longer when Medlin comes back up. Whooo hoooo and GO BRAVES.
Why I’m Team Simmons Now « Brave Decisions
May 30th, 2012
11:57 pm
[...] (11:45 PM): It has been reported that the Braves have called up Andrelton Simmons and have sent Typer Pastornicky to Triple-A. Share [...]
Joe 12-Pack
May 30th, 2012
11:58 pm
Tonight, Jack Wilson had his first RBI since April 16th.
This guy is Greg Norton all over again.
Anon21
May 30th, 2012
11:58 pm
go-BRAVOS: So, thanks for clearing up at the outset that you don’t understand. Let me help you! Heyward has been considerably BETTER offensively and BETTER defensively (albeit at a less demanding position) than Pastornicky this season and during their respective careers. Thanks for playing!
Alex
May 30th, 2012
11:59 pm
Is that comment on Heyward a joke? His offensive numbers outside of batting average are far better than Pastornicky’s and he’s one of the best defenders in the league in RF even if he’s made a dumb mistake or two. The guy has been one of the 20 most valuable OF in the league so far this year according to fWAR, but you want to send him down?
Dirty Dawg
May 31st, 2012
12:00 am
Sorry but the kid was, and is, just that. I mean when he says that his defense wasn’t as good as he wanted it to be, says that ‘his defense sucks’…and it won’t get much better. Posters here, and you can bet every member of the Braves coaching staff and players, have been saying it from the get go – weak arm…lack of range…poor instinks – I mean how you gonna ‘learn’ stuff that you should have had going in…strong arm, speed, good hand/eye coordination…his only hope is that he moves to the outfield and starts hitting the daylights out of the ball.
Gene
May 31st, 2012
12:03 am
I will take the win, but you can’t regularly give up seven runs and expect to play in October. Freeman’s hitting is essential to winning games. It’s good to see that the Braves are moving some players around. The cliche about doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results certainly applies to Fredi and Wren. Now, if we could only banish Wren to the minors. . . .
sugashane
May 31st, 2012
12:04 am
Finally
ATLiens
May 31st, 2012
12:12 am
Spot on Alex, spot on. Some people just have no idea what they’re talking about.
Matt the Brave
May 31st, 2012
12:14 am
Love to see the Rev start taking starts at 3B and 2B as well as SS at AAA. He does need to be a super-utility guy. The other option would be to move him to LF or RF. He’s got a decent arm, so why not move him to the outfield to be that super-utility guy that we’ve been missing since we traded Omar Infante to the Fish?
Biff Loman
May 31st, 2012
12:15 am
To anyone that says that pastor’s D is not that bad, just look at every single metric…he is dead last in the majors in all of them and has a weak arm to boot….he is not a ML shortstop
BBraves
May 31st, 2012
12:16 am
Pastornicky really needs learn to play multiple positions when he is down in AAA. That is his ticket back to the majors. Would be a great utlility player just doesn’t have the glove to stick at short everyday.
The Real Rev
May 31st, 2012
12:17 am
I love getting to play Gm, Owner and Mgr. without even giving my real name. I have been an avid BF for 46 years and will be till I die. [Brave fan] I have seen some of the worst trades, demotions, additions and promotions in the history of the game but on the flip, make all the adjectives positive and I have seen those also. I remember how Furcal stole Bobby’s heart in ST and he would never have let Simony go but he would also hold on to Wilson like he was gonna marry his daughter…but he would have found out about the best SS. Now fredi will never be Bobby,,but he should study the tapes and get some fire in his butt and some nerve in his game or move over for Chipper as player mgr since they dont lose w/o him. The move is good and will teach youngins’ a lesson about playing with real fire. J Hey could learn from this….
urban redneck
May 31st, 2012
12:19 am
feel bad for the rev……….but not that bad. i’m excited to see what simmons can do!!
went to the game tonight. good times, except when huddy gave up the five-run lead they staked him to. fredi is a moron for taking out huddy………..for “every now-and-then” jonny. plus we are back to being a team that waits for the three run homer to bail us out.
that being said, it’s nice to be on a win streak. yes, technically it is a streak. don’t burst my bubble.
ohhhhYEAH
May 31st, 2012
12:34 am
technically its not a streak until you win 3
bbua
May 31st, 2012
12:41 am
Last year we couldn’t wait on TP (who was better on offense) taking over SS from Alex Gonzalex who was below average on offense but very good on defense. Now we can’t wait for Simmons who will have problems on offense but is very good on defense.
Braves should have resigned Gonzalex and given both TP and Simmons time to develop in the minors. I’m excited but afraid the bloggers will on his case when he is unable to do much on offense. There is a lot of difference between AA and the majors.
REAGAN2012
May 31st, 2012
12:56 am
WITHOUT THESA
Anon21
May 31st, 2012
12:57 am
bbua: Right, but I think we all should have just accepted Gonzalez had little or nothing to contribute offensively and that we were only using him for his glove, which was golden. If people can just get into that mindset about Simmons–expect nothing from his bat, be pleasantly surprised if you get something–they will have more fun watching this very talented young man.
Mr. Dawg
May 31st, 2012
12:59 am
Too bad. Unfortunately this was obvious. He’s young. Hopefully now that he’s had a taste of the show he’ll work hard to get back.
kmarshall 4
May 31st, 2012
12:59 am
he is gonna struggle with the bat probably but who cares we need the d at shortstop
richy
May 31st, 2012
1:06 am
the rev wasnt exactly lighting it up at the plate. If your defense is that bad, you have to swing it good enough to split the difference.
kmarshall 4
May 31st, 2012
1:10 am
great move bravos now maybe we get some more pitching help wandy rodriguez rumors are out there that sounds good to me
Nevada Roy
May 31st, 2012
1:19 am
Keep Constanza … send Hayward down to Gwinnett.
Veer
May 31st, 2012
1:21 am
Now everything makes sense.
Braves got rid of Drew Sutton ( at the time we wondered why?) Well to make room for Pasternicky because they were expecting to promote Simmons to MLB.
They also wanted to get rid of Jack Wilson so thus in Simmons you have a glove that wouldn’t make you need Wilson so Wilson gets relased when Chipper comes back and the Braves keep Constanza as a result.
So this move had multiple purposes
Veer
May 31st, 2012
1:23 am
Pasternicky probably will be a trait bait along with Minor come July to get us a starting pitcher.
Noway Pasternicky comes back to the MLB as a SS. Braves have no room for him so its common sense he will be traded.
double
May 31st, 2012
1:27 am
Venters,I hate to see him come into the game.Not always been this way.Whatever the problem,it needs correcting.
JNick
May 31st, 2012
1:37 am
Should have never been an issue, had we never traded Elvis Andrus
RoyU
May 31st, 2012
1:50 am
They said they were giving him the job out of spring training and Wilson was in at least once a week and far too often in late innings. That’s not helping with Pastornicky’s confidence!!!! Now they’ll probably do the same with Simmons and that will put more pressure on him. Maybe we should bring Bobby back every 6th or 7th game and give Fredi a rest. Maybe he would understand the pressure this adds to anyone who has to prove himself day in and day out. Bottom line is that Fredi will never make a good manager!!! He’s the biggest mistake the Braves have made in the past 20 years.
SR
May 31st, 2012
2:16 am
Well said go-Bravos, Heyward is lost as usual. Thought he had mechanics back and now he looks as lost as ever, the equivalent of Minor on the hill. Anybody else think they gave up on Cabrera too soon? Dude is raking out here, day after day after day…. Wasn’t that another Wren move? Just cut him and no one had the brain power to get his ass in shape. Now look at him, just like Pablo Sandoval. Dumb ass Wren.
Tyler (TN)
May 31st, 2012
2:51 am
Enter your comments here
Tyler (TN)
May 31st, 2012
3:07 am
Heyward has 22 walks which gives him a .330 OBP which is good 4th among starters, 23 RBis Which is 5th on the team, .752 OPS 6th among starters, 9 stolen bases and 24 runs scored 5th among starters. He’s definitely not the weakest link. People fall in love with BA, sometime you gotta look past that initial slash line people.
ohhhhYEAH
May 31st, 2012
3:13 am
how about runners left on base? bet he leads that one too. and if there were such a stat as non-productive outs…guarantee he’d also be leading that category. so youre right, we should just look past his atrocious average and look at what he really isnt doing, such as bringing runners in or even moving them over.
Fredi Will Screw It Up Somehow
May 31st, 2012
4:23 am
Once again, Wren proves he won’t hesitate to make the tough decisions that most of you fans do not. No more Care Bears Braves, time to do whatever it takes to put them in the best position to hoist that trophy
JNick
May 31st, 2012
4:25 am
Tyler, the problem is, he did most of that “damage” in April. In May, he had 1 SB, 3 caught…30 Ks (about 1 every 3 at bats), a .209 ave, .321 OBP and .728 OPS.
John A.
May 31st, 2012
4:27 am
Simmons brings something to the table that Pastor couldn’t…..RANGE and glove. If he can choke off three or four hits per game we are blessed because those are the type of things that cost ballgames.
Pastor is a nice guy, but Leo said years ago “nice guys finish last”…Simmons and Constanza also bring more speed to the lineup. Lets see what happens.
AW
May 31st, 2012
4:44 am
Now, what to do with right field? Why do they continue to play JH? Send him to aaa and try Matt D there .
Bus Leagues Express: May 31 | Bus Leagues Baseball
May 31st, 2012
5:03 am
[...] Simmons promoted: Tyler Pastornicky won Atlanta’s starting shortstop job out of spring training, probably knowing that he would eventually replaced by Andrelton Simmons. He probably didn’t think that day would come so soon. Pastornicky had an OBP under .300 in the early going and wasn’t meeting their expectations defensively, and Atlanta decided this was the time for Simmons. Simmons was having a solid season at AA with a .793 OPS, but he certainly isn’t known for his bat. His field and throw tools both grade at 80, and that means he could have a cabinet full of Gold Gloves when his career is over. He’s never going to hit for power and have to rely on hitting a lot of singles, but in Atlanta’s deep lineup, they can afford to bat him 8th. [...]
Morning Reads for Thursday, May 31st — Peach Pundit
May 31st, 2012
5:24 am
[...] few that I like… – Braves: 10, Cardinals: 7 – Tyler Pastornicky was sent down to the minors after last night’s game. Andrelton Simmons is being called up. – How to cure a hangover. – [...]
Atlanta Braves call up shortstop prospect Andrelton Simmons | Snap Shots
May 31st, 2012
7:07 am
[...] Atlanta Journal-Constitution story Be Sociable, Share! Tweet Tweet Categories: Baseball | Tags: Atlanta Braves, Lynchburg Hillcats, Mississippi Braves yld_mgr.place_ad_here("ad300×250pos1"); if (omnTrackAdImpressions.length > 0) { omnTrackAdImpressions = omnTrackAdImpressions + ","; } omnTrackAdImpressions = omnTrackAdImpressions + ";Blogs | Snap Shots | Atlanta Braves call up shortstop prospect Andrelton Simmons | ad300×250pos1;;;event4=1"; About This Blog [...]
NORRIS CHUCK
May 31st, 2012
7:12 am
Hey, anybody know what number Simmons is gonna wear??
Nativebird
May 31st, 2012
7:17 am
Face it…this is not about Pastornicky…..they are in love with this Simmons kid. Have been ever since he “wowed” everyone in spring training with his defensive magic show. Honestly…they should cut Jack Wilson and keep both of the kids in Atlanta.
Willis
May 31st, 2012
7:19 am
Ask any good/great pitching staff and they will credit the defense especially the SS position with improved results. I still do not believe the cards would have won without Furcal last year simply b/c Theriot was awful defensively. It’s not all Pasto fault but Simmons is elite defensively and it really should help a young staff who primarily pitches to contact.
Willis
May 31st, 2012
7:21 am
I also agree Wilson sucks offensively despite his big hit last night but we cannot have TWO 21-year-old rookies at the shortstop position. I always thought Pastornicky needed more time develop and hopefully we see him up this year with improved resultes as he’s a good kid who did some things at the plate and has good athletisicism
OTP
May 31st, 2012
7:32 am
What about Uggla and all his errors? He is one of the worst 2nd basemen I have ever seen, except for maybe Brooks Conrad.
Pastornicky sent down to Gwinnett
May 31st, 2012
7:39 am
[...] who has struggled mightily on defense and at the plate at times, down to Gwinnett (AAA) and called up Andrelton Simmons from Mississippi (AA): The team has purchased the contract of defensive whiz Andrelton Simmons from Double-A [...]
BravesWIN
May 31st, 2012
7:40 am
Now send Jason Heyward down and get a decent right fielder and we will be ok!
Brock_Rok
May 31st, 2012
7:40 am
I wonder why Stefan Gartrell doesn’t get a look? Yeah he’s only batting .257 at Gwinnett, but he’s first on the team in HR’s (11), and second in RBI’s (30). Give this guy a shot, and lets see what he can do.
Marty
May 31st, 2012
7:49 am
Very tired of hearing about “advanced defensive metrics” — which are crap — but if you actually watched the games instead of relying on subjective “metrics” crafted by other people, you would know that Pastornicky has been poor to below average defensively this year. Uggla gets far too much flak for his own defensive play — he was very good last year and his defenses has suffered, understandably, when he has had to play alongside a poor (Pastornicky) or terrible (Hanley Ramirez) defensive shortstop.
just facts
May 31st, 2012
7:55 am
jayson heyward should be sent down to learn how to hit and hustle. uggla might be bad in some peoples mind but he does hustle
BraveDan
May 31st, 2012
8:11 am
Anxious to see the kid play.
bob
May 31st, 2012
8:15 am
I was hoping they would bring up Simmons. Surprised they did it so soon. Pastor and Wilson were not getting it done at short.
Hope Medlin gets up here soon. Heyward needs to go back to spring training swing and what’s happened to his defense lately?
Disaffected Braves Fan
May 31st, 2012
8:18 am
I’m sure Pastornicky is taking this news hard, and I do feel bad for the kid, but let’s be honest: He never should have been this team’s starting shortstop. I compared him in spring training to Jordan Schafer – a solid prospect who was rushed into a starting position far too early because the Braves were too cheap to sign someone else. Realistically, Pastor should not have seen a major league field until September, at the earliest. His defense still has miles to go (my guess is he’ll eventually end up at 2B; he doesn’t have the hands or the instincts to play short), and his bat isn’t quite ML ready yet either.
Simmons probably isn’t ready either, but at least he already has a legitimate big-league glove. That alone instantly makes him an upgrade over Pastor. Good move.
Richard
May 31st, 2012
8:28 am
Are you guys even watching the same player? Pastornicky has been awful defensively. It’s not just errors, it’s the plays that he doesn’t make (e.g. miss-timed jumps, weak arm, etc..). This is the right move; they gave Pastornicky a chance and he didn’t get it done. I think we all knew that Simmons was the long term starter there anyway.
biscuit
May 31st, 2012
8:37 am
I like Pastornicky and he was looking pretty good but he’s gotten into a rookie slump that he’s going to have to figure out and you don’t want that to happen at the major league level. Braves could be feeling that all year. Don’t need a frustrating rookie throwing bats in the dugout. Send him down now before it gets any worse and give him some time to get cool, calm and collected. Not what anybody wanted but I think it’s a good move.
DaveinNEPA
May 31st, 2012
8:40 am
I don’t understand why they just didn’t give the job to Simmons in ST. Simmons is head and shoulders above Pastornicky defensively. Pastornicky gives his all but he’s just not good enough to play SS in the MLs. I don’t care if Simmons hits so long as he gives us stellar defense.
BUT…………unless our pitching gets markedly better, this is nothing more than rearranging the deck chairs on a sinking ship.
jason barber
May 31st, 2012
8:44 am
send minor and venters down put diaz wilson and ross on the disabled list and call up yohan flande corry gearrin evan gattis and jordan parraz and felix pie if you want to improve the offense…calling up simmons was a great start but now we have to continue that by getting the dead weight like minor and venters off the major league roster and it would be wise to put ross and diaz on the disabled list cause ross has the strained groin pull and diaz has the flu and we surely dont want him infecting the rest of the club with it….
jason barber
May 31st, 2012
8:45 am
replace pie with christian marrero
jason barber
May 31st, 2012
8:49 am
replace christian marrerro with corry harrilchaik whose down at mississippi
Jo
May 31st, 2012
8:51 am
248 average is pretty good on this braves team
Both guys are a little too young. I see Pastor getting better and better within a years time. Hope to see him back. Hes definately a good hitter. Was very good handling the bat for this team when it needed to move runners over. Has the ability to steal 40 bases a year. Should have been given more opportunities.
Id say pastor needs to work on D and patience at the plate
Jack Wilson should have been sent down instead
Jo
May 31st, 2012
8:52 am
BUT…………unless our pitching gets markedly better, this is nothing more than rearranging the deck chairs on a sinking ship.
TOTALLY AGREE!!!!
Disaffected Braves Fan
May 31st, 2012
8:53 am
It’s too early to relegate Venters to the minors. A couple of bad weeks doesn’t negate two years of exceptional work. He’s earned a chance to work through his problems, though it should be in lower leverage situations for the time being.
Jo
May 31st, 2012
8:54 am
Look how dumb sending Medlen down looks now. Who’s going to get the ball to Kimbrel? O’Vent is done. They both look awful
john
May 31st, 2012
8:58 am
I applaud the Wren and the Braves for making these moves (Medlen/Simmons) now instead of waiting. It was clear to me, that this team was flawed and would not be a playoff team as is. With the moves they still might not be a postseason team, but these moves at least will give them more of a chance. We’ll see.
No changes, patience and waiting on the existing group would have been the wrong move, as the Braves would have suffered a slow death, imo. Heyward is the next big decision. He has the athletic ability to be a star, but he’s still getting sawed off at the plate on inside pitches, and it doesn’t look like that hole has changed or will change. Where will J-Hey’s average sink to eventually?
bvillebaron
May 31st, 2012
9:01 am
I feel bad for Pastornicky, but some of his bad defense was also a result of bad decisions. Case in point is Sunday’s game against the Nats when the Braves had lost 6 straight and really needed a win. Beachy is nursing a 2-0 lead and after he walks the first batter in the 5th, the next guy hits a chopper over his head which Pastornicky fields a few feet in front of the second base bag. Instead of taking the sure out at first, the kids throws the ball behind his back from a very short distance to Uggla who obviously was not expecting it and drops it. The eventual result? 2 unearned runs in the innings.
RedFox
May 31st, 2012
9:03 am
Holy caps.
Hugo
May 31st, 2012
9:13 am
It looks like somebody is trying to win for a change. My only question is why not triple a first? I do think we are on our way to sending Chipper out a Champion………. If our pitching holds up.
Joshua Barlowe
May 31st, 2012
9:15 am
Good move to call up Simmons, but they sent down the wrong guy. Jack Wilson should’ve been cut if he wasn’t available to be optioned. He is worthless. I agree Pastor needs more work, but I honestly can see him being a future 2nd baseman for the club. He would be a much better utility infielder now than what Jack Wilson provides. Best of luck to Pastornicky.
Ted
May 31st, 2012
9:18 am
Bring Simmons up is a good move, but they should have released Wilson and kept Pastornicky as the backup. Wilson is supposed to be there for defense, and he’s been just horrible. His error last night in the 8th nearly lost the game for us. He’s not even batting his weight. Release him and make room for the kids, who can bat for a higher average and play just as good defense.
Whiskey River
May 31st, 2012
9:18 am
I asked on another blog,but got no answer. I have been out of the loop for about 6 weeks because I was shot. Last game I saw was Arizona. Can anyone fill me in please?
alanfalcon
May 31st, 2012
9:19 am
Hope this doesn’t turn into a Wren blunder, Tyler contributed alot at a position they were short in and I’m sure the Braves feel like Simmons will enhance the position, I for one unfortunately think that Uggla felt uncomfortable with Tyler there and didn’t do the kid justice with not being ready enough to field the 2nd base position- Tyler gets penalized !
JoeyBagOBravos
May 31st, 2012
9:22 am
Right on Jo…. the BIG issue right now is PITCHING, THEN PITCHING, THEN PITCHING. Switching from the Rev to Simmons will help defensively, but that’s not the problem.
How is it possible that almost all of the pitchers that were here last year (except Kimbrel and Beachy) are struggling this year? It’s like watching bizzaro Braves every game. They have to score 8-10 runs to win a game!!!!
Whiskey River
May 31st, 2012
9:31 am
Well since noone wants to help. I am out of here. Thanks for nothing.
Steve
May 31st, 2012
9:34 am
Tyler will invoke the Jared Saltalamachia rule. He’ll be traded to an AL team, make it back to the majors by the end of the year, and start putting up All Star numbers by this time next season.
BravesFanInVirginiaBeach
May 31st, 2012
9:34 am
Andrelton Simmons will wear # 19 for those who were curious.
Heisenberg
May 31st, 2012
9:35 am
I have been saying for a while now that the future for Pastornicky is not at SS. Anybody athletic enough to play SS can learn to play just about every other position. I believe he can be converted to play CF when Bourn leaves as a FA.
Disaffected Braves Fan
May 31st, 2012
9:35 am
Whiskey River,
We were really good for a while, then we were really awful for about 10 days, and now hopefully we’re good again.
Heisenberg
May 31st, 2012
9:36 am
Yo Willie Nelson, maybe you should wait more then 13 minutes before bailing.
jt
May 31st, 2012
9:42 am
Oh Great, now we have another “Trainee” this outfit is STUPID from the Top Down. Jack Wilson should be sent to -A Ball is there is one. Give the Pastornicky kid a chance. What next another A ball pitcher? Oh wait that is what they want to do, bring Gearin or whatever his name is, up to replace Minor. GOOD GRIEF WREN!!!! Get a real job you may know how to do, you certainly don’t know much about Baseball.
jt
May 31st, 2012
9:46 am
I about gulped my beer can last night when Wilson muffed that EASY roller in the 8th inning. Looked like Dan Uggla there for a moment. And we got him in there for Defense?????
DawgDad
May 31st, 2012
9:47 am
If Simmons is as good defensively as advertised he’ll be a real plus. Pastornicky not making plays was running up pitch counts if not ERA’s, and any nice web-gem is a real morale-boost. I watched Ozzie Smith for more than a decade in St. Louis, and saw plenty of Dunston with his rocket arm. Will be interesting to see what this kid can do.
Uggla is making a better contribution offensively this year, but his range-rating has to be in the tank, too. It just didn’t make sense to bring him in behind an extremely young rotation when we already had an all-star and plus-defensive player at second. Pastornicky and Uggla together was just sad.
Whiskey River
May 31st, 2012
9:48 am
@Disaffected Braves Fan When we were at Arizona, we were on a good roll. What happened that we got so bad? It is really tough to be out of the loop for 6 weeks. Tell me all please.
Heisenberg
May 31st, 2012
9:50 am
Dunsten did have a great arm. And I remember that great arm would often throw the ball 37 rows into the stands early in his career.
Heisenberg
May 31st, 2012
9:56 am
Whiskey,
1) Chipper got hit in leg on a batted ball in St Petersburg and is on DL
2) Freeman got dry eye in Colorado and could not see for 2 weeks until special glasses were made
3) McCann had the flu and missed a week
4) Those 3 guys out of the lineup caused offensive output to swoon exposing season long pitching issues hidden by top scoring offense in NL
Cann22
May 31st, 2012
9:56 am
Veer—–”In justice. His defense wasnt that bad. Uggla messed him up at times and Paster got the blame. Total Injustice”
Your kidding right? You must not watch a lot of baseball. He is a “Major League” SS if that’s what you want to call him. You have to make the routine plays and you have to know how to play the position at that level. He couldn’t do either of those and not to mention everything he did was max effort. Nothing was ever smooth. I have seen High School SS better than him. By the way, Uggla never messed him up, he needs to know what to do playing at this level.
Wes
May 31st, 2012
9:59 am
Elvis Andrus would have looked nice at SS, but I digress…….
Heisenberg
May 31st, 2012
9:59 am
Oh and according to MANswers, the best place on your body to get shot and have highest chance of survival is the arm.
Whiskey River
May 31st, 2012
10:00 am
Thank you Heisenberg. Im still on DL myself so I might be a little slow responding.
Whiskey River
May 31st, 2012
10:02 am
I wasnt shot in arm.
Heisenberg
May 31st, 2012
10:03 am
Let it go Wes, ya gotta let it go. We cannot change the past…we can only repeat it.
bravesgrl4life
May 31st, 2012
10:04 am
I think with a little more “seasoning”, Pastornicky is going to be a good player. But the Braves are trying to win the Division and the Series this year. You can’t do that without a decent to above-average defense at shortstop.
And lay off Uggla’s defense. He’s not that bad and more times than not gets the job done. Plus, his hustle in absolutely offensive situation is fabulous. Dan is a short-legged, heavy-torso kind of guy, so that kind of heart and hustle is very impressive.
crackbaby
May 31st, 2012
10:12 am
Good move by Wren and Freddie. You could tell that Tyler made Uggla uncomfortable in the middle infield. We could use a modern day Ozzie Smith at short – hopefully Simmons can hit better than the young Oz.
Uggla needs a solid SS. Dan’ play will improve when he knows the guy playing the 6 position will make all the plays.
J Miller
May 31st, 2012
10:14 am
I thought Wilson would’ve been gone before Tyler. He was awful in last night’s game & I haven’t really seen much of an overall contribution from him. But I am happy to see Constanza back in ATL!
Jack Dennis TN
May 31st, 2012
10:18 am
Blame it on Wren sitting on his azz last winter. Plain & simple.
Felix Millan
May 31st, 2012
10:18 am
So, .248 and poor defense is worse than .233 and poor defense? When Chipper comes off the D/L, does the .233 hitting Heyward go down? I doubt it.If I’m not mistaken. Simmons’ arb clock doesn’t start until next year, right. Timing is everything
Whiskey River
May 31st, 2012
10:25 am
I was looking at roster. Where did we get Durbin and Francisco and why?
zipperdo
May 31st, 2012
10:28 am
Enter your comments here
phoenix
May 31st, 2012
10:32 am
Jason Heyward, the “great” right fielder: so far in his career, he has 11 assists, 13 errors.
Jeff Francoeur has 102 assists. 34 errors.
Please wake me up the next time he A) makes a good throw to nail a runner at any base, or B) at least hits the cut-off man. Hopefully he’s now paying attention since Bryce Harper exposed him last week.
jerry
May 31st, 2012
10:34 am
With Simmons a defensive whiz, what the hell do they want with Jack Wilson? It seems like the Braves always want someone who can’t hit a lick, e.g., Belliard, Wilson, Greg Norton, et al.
JeanE
May 31st, 2012
10:38 am
I am sorry but Tyler but it needed to be done. When everyone is holding their breath everytime the ball goes to she SS, it’s not a good situation. They are not going to release Jack W, that’s crazy. He’s been exactly what he’s supposed to be but I know he and Tyler worked closely together so I’m sure it’s hard for him, too. Once David R is better, I’m sure JC will be sent back down and another arm for the bullpen called up, Gearrin? I wouldn’t be surprised if TP was traded either, for a chance to be the starting SS somewhere else. Great win last night, worried about Jonny and EOF. Go Braves, enjoy your much deserved off day.
Braves Fan
May 31st, 2012
10:43 am
I think the kid played well. Yeah, defense was a little suspect but he provided a decent bat for a rookie. I think he’ll be a major league starter somewhere in the future. I think the franchise is just much higher on Simmons so any glitch TP’s game was going to hurt him. If Simmons works out and the Braves stay in the race, look for TP to be a part of a deal that lands us a solid #2 or #3 veteran starting pitcher.
invictus mon
May 31st, 2012
10:56 am
I don’t know about you guys, but I never expected Pastornicky’s callup to be for the whole season. I thought it was a foregone conclusion that at least for a part of the season Tyler was going to be sent down to get some work. I’ve gotta say, Simmons looked GREAT in spring training. When the Braves showed up for spring training, the job was Tyler’s and Simmons was a non roster invitee who was fortunate to get to work out with big leaguers. The fact that there was serious discussion about a competition for the SS job tells me this guy is the real deal. He might have a bat more worthless than Wilson’s at the moment, but that’ll come around. Maybe the Braves have a different future at SS than they envisioned the last 3 years. And to fill 3B (which we can’t do with our existing staff), TRADE BATE! Get them both proven on the big league level, then see who commands the highest price and SHOP HIM! 1 of the two won’t be here in 2 years.
20 out
May 31st, 2012
10:58 am
Having no PAs in Triple A is pointless. Guys jump from AA to the majors all the time.
Brave New World
May 31st, 2012
10:58 am
Simmons is clearly the better shortstop defensively. Pastornicky seems like he could be a good offensive player, but his OBP indicates that he has a bit to learn. Wonder if Pastornicky could be converted to the outfield (he does have speed)?
Brave New World
May 31st, 2012
11:02 am
phoenix May 31st, 2012 10:32 am Please wake me up
Probably better to let you sleep.
Flo-Rio-Duh
May 31st, 2012
11:03 am
With the Brave’s starting pitchers struggling they couldn’t afford errors. It’s that simple. The Braves need to find a couple of starting pitchers if they want to win their division. The offense is decent and the defense will b improved with Simmons. Find some pitchers.
Heisenberg
May 31st, 2012
11:04 am
Groin (& hammy) pulls are tricky and need time to heal. Just ask Matt Kemp. Ross should be on DL to make room for bullpen help. Boscan can be sent back down when Ross is healthy.
Lemke's Knuckler
May 31st, 2012
11:06 am
Too bad Simmons won’t get too many chances to field a ball Friday night in his debut. Hope he doesn’t get whiplash watching all those long homers to left field. Minor better figure out a way to keep the ball in the yard or he’s going to be sent down to keep Pastornicky company.
JIm Tavegia
May 31st, 2012
11:09 am
Freddy has to blame somebody. The losing streak had to have been Pastornicky’ fault. The Sept. collapse was as well, but don’t tell any one. You see it was Freddy’s judgement that he WAS ready.
crackbaby
May 31st, 2012
11:14 am
This isn’t the end for Pastornicky. Although likeable, I don’t see him as an Allstar candidate in the near future. Braves are trying to win – If Simmons doesn’t work out, Tyler will be back.
Lemke's Knuckler
May 31st, 2012
11:15 am
A slick fielding shortstop is a pitcher’s best friend.
I hope Freddie tests out those glasses for catching a 98-mph heater from shortstop.
crackbaby
May 31st, 2012
11:16 am
LOL @Lemke…
Sitting in CF
May 31st, 2012
11:16 am
I said this yesterday before the trade. Rev just doesn’t seem to have good SS instincts. I think we will all be pleasantly surprised at how many more balls Simmons gets to. Maybe they should try him at 2nd. And what are you looking for in a utility infielder? What do the Braves need more-glove (ala Pac Man) or bat (ala Brooksie)? I think Pastornicky will be more of the latter somewhere down the road.
Lemke's Knuckler
May 31st, 2012
11:18 am
I’m excited about this. I love watching guys make impossible defensive plays.
The focus of the past 15 years has been on offensive production. Now that the league ERA’s are diving back down to pre-steroid era levels, I think you’ll start seeing the return on the defense-first shortstops like Ozzie Smith and Omar Vizquel, etc.
Tommy
May 31st, 2012
11:23 am
Good Morning everyone. Blog kinda slow today. Day off for team. I guess everyone else took day off.
Derek
May 31st, 2012
11:23 am
Well, it’s officially, we got nothing for Mark Teixeira (Stephen Marek (gone), Casey Kotchman (gone)) or Yunel Escobar (Alex Gonzalez (gone), Tyler Pastornicky (AAA for life), Tim Collins (gone)). Not to mention LAA drafted Trout with the supplemental pick they received when Teixeira left during free agency.
benchwarmer
May 31st, 2012
11:25 am
For Pastor it has been obvios that he has limited range and not the strongest arm. Going with it is his lack of feel for the position, seems to be out of position fairly often. I like the guy but probably should be a second baseman. Simmons has the feilding and even the great OZ wasn’t a real good hitter starting out. SS must be above average ideally. If you’re a great hitter then average will do.
Heisenberg
May 31st, 2012
11:26 am
Lemke’s Knuckler, do not forget the return of the stolen base. And if you are truly looking for slick fielding no hit SS, bring back Mark Belanger.
don
May 31st, 2012
11:28 am
Good move. Simmons is no Elvis Andrus (some of you may remember Elvis) but he has good potential. It is not likely that the Braves can win consistently with Pastornicky at shortstop. Uggla at second is bad enough in the field. With Uggla and Pastornicky, the Braves had the worst combination in baseball.
crackbaby
May 31st, 2012
11:29 am
@Derek – OFF TOPIC!
This blog is chock full of rear view mirror critics like you.
benchwarmer
May 31st, 2012
11:29 am
About Minor, Watching the man it is easy to see that he has the quaility stuff. Control is the main problem I think. When he gets that he may be very very good.
David O'Brien
May 31st, 2012
11:30 am
Simmons is no Elvis Andrus (some of you may remember Elvis) but he has good potential. — don
He has a better arm than Andrus.
crackbaby
May 31st, 2012
11:33 am
@benchwarmer – Agree w/ the range comment. Tyler’s range to his right was poor and made worse by imprecise throws.
He also failed to cover the bag on steals and pickoffs. Too many mistakes for the show.
don
May 31st, 2012
11:35 am
Derek, don’t worry that the Braves got nothing for “Big Tex”. Just look at what the Bravesw did for Texas when the boneheads traded for Teixeira in the first place. Andrus may well be the best all around shortstop in all of baseball and, if not, he will be soon. Harrison is a solid lefthanded starter for texas- a team light years ahead of the Braves. Feliz, though hurt, was ROY, an all-star, and has unlimited potential as a starter or as a closer. Saltalamacchia has matured into a fine all around catcher for Boston- another team somewhat ahead of the Braves. And, the fifth guy stolen by the Rangers from the Braves, Beau James, is pitching well as a reliever in the high minors and should be promoted soon.
And, keep in mind, all of these guys are still young.
So, Derek, the Teixeira first trade was a goldmine- for the Rangers.
Biff Loman
May 31st, 2012
11:37 am
having a competent SS behind them will help the braves pitchers quite a bit
braves pitchers lead the league in walks, some of which may be due to not being confident in the defense behind them
simmons will save pitches, hits, extra bases, and runs, greatly benefiting the pitchers
kdawg1017
May 31st, 2012
11:47 am
hello people!!!! they are not going to keep both 22 year old shortstops so one doesnt play they both need work simmons needs major league work and pastor needs more defensive work so send pastor down and get work
kdawg1017
May 31st, 2012
11:47 am
hello people!!!! they are not going to keep both 22 year old shortstops so one doesnt play they both need work simmons needs major league work and pastor needs more defensive work so send pastor down and get work
don
May 31st, 2012
11:52 am
“He has a better arm than Andrus”? Mr. O’Brien, is that the best you can do? Yunel Escobar (the ill-fated choice of the Braves over Andrus) probably has a better arm than Andrus but I doubt anyone would consider Escobar to be in the same class as Elvis.
I think I can
May 31st, 2012
11:54 am
Elvis Andrus Elvis Andrus Elvis Andrus Elvis Andrus Elvis Andrus I still am speechless that we traded him years ago with all those other Texas Braves – I mean Rangers.
Oh what a terrible TRADE!, I am still fuming!
jo killa
May 31st, 2012
12:02 pm
excited about simmons i still feel pastornicky can be a solid player though he just made some mental mistakes not down on the kid at all but very excited about simmons Go Braves!
Heisenberg
May 31st, 2012
12:06 pm
So Simmons has a better arm than Elvis Andrus and (hopefully) a better attitude than Yunel Escobar. All he needs is a better bat than Edgar Renteria 2006/2007. Well as Meatloaf famously once said “2 out of 3 aint bad”.
Bill
May 31st, 2012
12:08 pm
Its not a matter of Joe has a better arm than Jim. Joe is better than Ted. ITS A BUSINESS! You put up are you gone–thats the bottom line.
ps. unless you have a contract like Chipper, Uggla etc. Then you ride untll they can do something like they did with Lowe.
Go Braves..still moves needed. Oh, McDowell should be next.
Heisenberg
May 31st, 2012
12:09 pm
I want you (to field and throw),
I need you (to play hard every day),
But the aint no way I can expect you to hit for now,
So don’t be sad,
’cause 2 out of 3 aint bad
jj
May 31st, 2012
12:12 pm
hope he can bunt.
Bog Mac
May 31st, 2012
12:16 pm
Ok pu$$ynicky was terrible And 248 is awful and only 1 sb are you kidding me ? This kid can field watch his spring highlights. Also anybody who thinks this is a sinking ship can go away .
jj
May 31st, 2012
12:22 pm
Rev will be back in ML before long..with another team is my guess. Like the Tigers who are now look for infield help.
jj
May 31st, 2012
12:22 pm
looking.
Largo
May 31st, 2012
12:26 pm
Don’t worry too much about Simmons hitting. Mark Belanger was one of the great Oriole SSs of the sixties and seventies. In eighteen years he hit in the 230s with a total of 20 home runs. But, he also had eight gold gloves.
Vance
May 31st, 2012
12:28 pm
Shouldn’t have traded Andrus and Escobar way back when—that way Simmons would have more time to develop—Braves always rush people to the big leagues, look what happened to Heyward and Minor. Both moved up too quickly. Wren and Freddi don’t have a clue.
Bog Mac
May 31st, 2012
12:29 pm
Mcann never played in aaa and was rushed looked what happened and freeman the same way he was 21
Tommy
May 31st, 2012
12:31 pm
@Heisenberg Just a word buddy. I saw your comments to Whisky River. I know him. Be careful what you say. HE IS A COP.
steve
May 31st, 2012
12:32 pm
I was hoping Pastornicky would get better as he seems like a great guy but he does not have the arm or range of a major league shortstop , should move to 2nd base , hoping Simmons turns into a decent enough hitter as he is exceptional defensively.
Bog Mac
May 31st, 2012
12:33 pm
Only players hurting us from the texeria trade are harrison and Andrus. We have kimbrel but don’t get me wrong I would take Feliz in that pen with kimbrel also . Salty was blocked . But if Simmons succeeds then doesn’t seem as bad
Ken Stallings
May 31st, 2012
12:34 pm
In this era of baseball, you don’t perform well with a shortstop in the mold of Rafael Belliard!
Pasternicky helped solidfy the Braves lineup and having at guy hitting in the eight hole who batted near .250 even after a slump. But, to watch the kid, he was hitting in key situations and putting a lot of RBI’s on the board despite hitting ahead of the pitcher. When one analyzes his offensive efforts, you have to factor in the pitcher behind him. He was pitched around so often, and yet with runners on base, Pasternicky knew he couldn’t just take borderline pitches and get a walk, especially with two outs early in the game.
The kid made some excellent swings on tough pitches and got RBI producing hits.
Pasternicky’s defense is a work in progress, but I don’t think a light hitting Rafael Belliard prototype is the answer. Now the Braves will have a seven-hitter lineup and we’re going to see runs going down.
jj
May 31st, 2012
12:36 pm
nationals=19 year old harper..the kid can rack..Vance is that to early?
Bog Mac
May 31st, 2012
12:39 pm
A ss with offense is only a bonus Ozzie smith never hit but could field . Simmons gets on base a lot with his walks wich will work in the 8 hole ken.
Braves Fan in N.Y,
May 31st, 2012
12:45 pm
I agree with Jo.
Wilson is brutal. He blew a double play and made a boot last night. And he is hitting .170. Fredi’s affection for Wilson reminds me of Cox’s man crush on Lockhart.
Hope this doesn’t affect Pastor in the head. He’s a good kid with lots of potential.
Heisenberg
May 31st, 2012
12:48 pm
Tommy pal,
1. If Mr River was so offended, he can speak up for himself and I would offer apologies
2. If you were reading my comments, you will see I provided an answer to his inquiry
3. This is the USA not Syria. Citizens have rights and being a cop does not give one free will to exact revenge when one’s feelings are hurt. Although I doubt Mr River is the type of officer who would do that.
Rawdog
May 31st, 2012
1:05 pm
Pastornicky is a loser by birth, or by choice. He will figure that out as he rides the bus around the southeast to each minor league city. How many times have we heard, “oh so and so is great defensively, but can’t hit to save his life”? I’d rather have a shortstop that hits than one who dazzles with the glove. Our eighth spot hitter is an automatic out every time up. BTW hope Minor has his one-way plane ticket to Gwinnett from Washington cuz he will be on the same bus soon.
Tommy
May 31st, 2012
1:08 pm
Well said Heisenberg. My Bad. Sorry I mentioned.it.
Tommy
May 31st, 2012
1:11 pm
I would like to say this Heidenberg. You are right. He is a very nice guy. He was shot and almost died. I thought he might be a little hateful but maybe not. Sorry I mentioned it.
Powder Blue
May 31st, 2012
1:16 pm
This needed to happen. Heyward should be sent down, too.
Heisenberg
May 31st, 2012
1:21 pm
No problem Tommy. Best wishes to your friends recovery. A Braves winning streak would surely help.
James Toolin
May 31st, 2012
1:23 pm
All right Simmons! Give it a shoot at the Big Leagues! I’m jumping out of my skin to see amazing double plays and extreamly tough short stop plays that make opposing batters frustrated.
phoenix
May 31st, 2012
1:26 pm
May 31st, 2012
1:22 pm
For the past couple of years, some of the “baseball experts” and scouts within the Braves organization have been telling anyone who’ll listen that Pastornicky was the next great Braves SS….all while he was booting the ball consistently in the minors.
Are any of these “experts” held accountable for misfires like this?
GaryinBham
May 31st, 2012
1:33 pm
I think the moves are solid. Pastornicky is a good kid, he’ll be a decent player, and he still has an upside. You people need to quit using every exaggeration you know. The kid is not the worst ever, he’s not been as good as hoped, and isn’t doing the job, but good heavens look at some of the people the Braves have had through the years. I think it is a bad idea to keep them both up. Jack Wilson is a good guy, generally solid defensively and would probably hit better if he played regularly. I say be glad we have him. When he makes a mistake he rarely makes another. Experience is valuable. Tyler needs to be able to work out of the pressure cooker. If last year’s all star pitcher can do it, so can he. Hang in there, kid.
The best part of these moves is that they gave a jolt to the team. The young pitchers have to notch up a little, Freddie’s back, Mac is back, and like probably most of us thought, we were better than an eight game slide. Get Chipper going and the pitchers on course again, and we can compete.
Bob the Blogger
May 31st, 2012
1:37 pm
I can see Pastornicky being a solid infield utility guy who can pinch hit and pinch run. He could learn to play 2nd and 3rd and be a valuable major leaguer. But he needs to work hard at AAA to do it.
I saw Simmons in spring training for several games and he was absolutely as advertised defensively. On offense, he hit well at times, and looked very much overmatched at times. My concern is that two months of AA ball is not enough, but as many have pointed out before, Furcal made the jump from single A. Let’s just pull for Simmons and see what he can do.
bfred
May 31st, 2012
1:49 pm
Pastor is getting the AAA spot because there he will get reps and personal coaching attention. Putting him on the bench on the big league club will do nothing to improve his situation, so if I were him I’d view this move as a long-term vote of confidence.
Tommy
May 31st, 2012
1:55 pm
Im going to sign off for a little while. Got to go see my buddy AJ(Whiskey River). Back later. Thanks everyone. GoBraves!!!!
bigcalidawg
May 31st, 2012
2:17 pm
Simmons fields like Ozzie Smith and throws like Shawon Dunston.
I can’t wait till we call up Dorado,too. That kid is greased lightenin’
Moeman
May 31st, 2012
2:20 pm
Bog Mac
“Ozzie smith never hit” WOW you should do research before making such uneducated statements.
Dan
May 31st, 2012
2:24 pm
Big difference from Cox. If you do not perform everyone is on a short leash. JJ, Tyler, Minor next???
Me
May 31st, 2012
2:27 pm
Pastor 3B next year?
Possible atlanta keeps Prado in LF and left pastor try 3B?
I personally feel 2B is best but Uggla is there. He has speed to play Center but dont see that happening.
Hope to see Pastor up again. Shot hope to see Jurrjens too but lets not get started on Pitching… Except
Might i say the only reason this team is so bad right now. Hudson, Hanson, Minor, Jurrjens, O’Flaherty, Venters.
The iconic team built on pitching has had a relapse and somebody completely screwed up somewhere.
Should have used 4M and got Oswalt…. sigh….
Moeman
May 31st, 2012
2:31 pm
@me rev does not have arm to play 3rd. Prada most likely to 3rd next year. Don’t see Uggla moving but think he could play 3rd better than 2nd.
bostonbravo
May 31st, 2012
2:34 pm
glad to see most agree that Tyler & Muscles McGirk made a horrible ss/2b combo…
Jo Nicca
May 31st, 2012
2:37 pm
Maybe no one watched games. I saw Pastor had a good arm in the hole. I agree hes better suited for 2B. If Bourn leaves Pastor would be good leadoff hitter. Watch and see
Moeman
May 31st, 2012
2:59 pm
Jo Nicca – get your eyes checked!! Trust me you never saw what you think you saw. He can’t get to hole and his arm is weak. That’s why he’s headed to AAA.
Boxer
May 31st, 2012
3:26 pm
Time to send Frank to AAA
BravesFAN
May 31st, 2012
3:26 pm
Simmons is a hugeeeee upgrade over Pastornicky defensively and defensively this move will pay off immediately. However, he will struggle at the plate and it’s going to take sometime for him to become accustomed to major league pitching.
Wouldn’t be surprised if he was batting in the .220’s for a little while, but he will improve and I think by the end of the season he will be a much better SS offensively than Pastornicky would’ve been, he’s already 100000x better on defense than Pastornicky. Overall it’s a smart move imo and I think it’s obvious this move has Frank Wren all over it.
This basically shows that the Braves admitted they made the wrong decision coming out of spring training….
Dirty Dawg
May 31st, 2012
3:52 pm
Sorry, but if the kid doesn’t have an adequate arm to play SS, he damn sure doesn’t have one for third. Those that said ‘utility’ are probably right…move him around and see what he can do, and hope that he picks up his hitting.
Braves Recall Andrelton Simmons, Demote Tyler Pastornicky | MLB.Fans-Talk.com
May 31st, 2012
4:14 pm
[...] Andrelton Simmons, who will be making his Major League debut in Washington on Friday. The most basic of comments to describe the move came from the Braves [...]
IowaBravesFan
May 31st, 2012
4:16 pm
Shouldn’t have traded Sutton, really hated that move. I liked Simmons more than Rev just for the good defense in spring training, but I liked Rev’s nickname possiblities more, which is what counts.
Profiler
May 31st, 2012
4:19 pm
Great news! I certainly like Partornicky and hope he does well enough to return in some capacity. However, his defense has been poor. How much is Uggla’s fault, I don’t know. What I do know is that his range is about that of my computer chair. Hope he can work on that!
Bob the Blogger
May 31st, 2012
4:39 pm
Simmons has the potential to do it better than any Brave since the Braves moved to Atlanta. Furcal had the cannon arm, but was sometimes wild in his yonger day. Escobar could do it, but lacked consistency. Blauser wasn’t terrific. Belliard was steady, but with an average range and arm. Sonny Jackson and Gil Garrido were so-so. There really hasn’t been anyone I can recall who could play D like Simmons.
Bob the Blogger
May 31st, 2012
4:41 pm
Enter your comments here
john31
May 31st, 2012
4:42 pm
pasternicky just doesnt have the look of a big league ss when hes making plays given he is a good ball player he would be a better outfielder with his speed and good arm just my opinion
john31
May 31st, 2012
4:45 pm
wish they would have kept gonzo… hes a great ss
Braves-a-Go-Go
May 31st, 2012
5:02 pm
Anybody remember Raphael Belliard? He was a slick-fielding, weak-hitting SS who lasted several years as the Braves every-day SS. Simmons could be the modern day Belliard, although I really think he has the potential to a better hitter than Raphie.
Ken Stallings
May 31st, 2012
5:15 pm
Just reviewed the stats for the team. There is another hitter in the everyday lineup who is hitting a cool .247, and another who is hitting a cooler .233. One of those hitters has seven home runs and is on pace to finish the season with 20 HR and 75 RBI. The second is on pace to tally 15 HR and 60 RBI.
One is Brian McCann, who is supposed to be one of the best hitters on the team, but has a batting average and slugging percentage below Dan Uggla. The other is Jason Heyward who is not looking much better than last season’s paltry performance. McCann is a catcher, but his defense is not that great. He’s never been known as a superior defensive catcher. He has had passed balls this year but also has failed to block several pitches in the dirt, which is what a superior defensive catcher does.
Heyward looked so out of sorts in one game last week that the ESPN broadcasters were making excuses to explain the pathetic fielding, and that was a game one day after he allowed a single to turn to a double through lack of hustle.
Pasternicky got sent down. No one is saying McCann should — that would be stupid of course! Heyward will not be sent down either. Perhaps he should. The rookie got treated like a rookie. He’s not the reason this team struggled. The Braves better hope they don’t lose him!
GaryinBham
May 31st, 2012
5:20 pm
Yunel is hitting .250 with a .300 OBP and 2 hrs and 16 ribbies, just for perspective. I think we’re fine with ss.
2 games out of first, the last place Philllies a winning record only three back. It’s going to be a heckuva horse race!
ohhhhYEAH
May 31st, 2012
5:29 pm
Oh my god will you people get off Uggla and his “terrible” defense already? How many times last year did he fling his body into shallow right to make a diving catch? how often does he dive around just to knock down balls most wouldnt get to while you sit and complain that hes terrible for not making the play? The worst youve ever seen? Come on. the only reason people even keep saying that is the freakin all-star game a couple years back. Sure, he absolutely misses routine plays right at him every now and then but guess what, so has EVERY major leaguer. Statistically hes in the bottom offielding this year, but Ian Kinsler is actually worse, but no one ever says hes terrible. In 2011, Ugg was one of the lowest in fielding percentage, but he also was the leader in total innings played at second, and fourth in total chances. So yeah, when you play that manny innings per season with that many balls hit at you, youre bound to make errors, IT HAPPENS. He has always been one of the hardest working players in the bigs since he got up there, and he ALWAYS hustles, something you cant say for a ton of major leaguers. So why dont you all shut up about your whining just bc he isnt freakin Joe Morgan out there and appreciate what he DOES bring to the team.
Terry McClain
May 31st, 2012
5:51 pm
Uh oh. Here comes the second coming of Yunel.
Mazeroski
May 31st, 2012
5:55 pm
Doesen’t matter. The pitiching isn’t there to take this team to the playoffs.
bfred
May 31st, 2012
7:04 pm
I don’t think Prado will move back at 3B next year. I’m hoping some of that Chipper money will go to bringing in someone with a little more of a traditional third baseman’s pop.
kyle
May 31st, 2012
7:24 pm
This should have happened out of the gate….a comparison of Simmons and Pastornicky’s defensive metrics demonstrate as much with Andrelton being able to provide very similiar at-bats in the 8-hole since day one! The Braves pitcher’s need this more than anything right now!!!
Pastornicky’s approach at the plate is top notch for his limited big league experience…but his long term role on the Braves or another team is becoming a very talented and versatile utility player.
Waffle House or Bust
May 31st, 2012
8:54 pm
Once again the bloggers are smarter than Wren. How long have you guys been saying make this move? I find it crazy Frank still has a job. Dude is horrible!
Atlanta Braves Promote Top Positional Prospect Andrelton Simmons
May 31st, 2012
10:06 pm
[...] has special talents [at shortstop],” Braves general manager Frank Wren told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Once the reports started coming in so glowingly that he was handling [Double-A] so well, we [...]
Steve
May 31st, 2012
10:31 pm
LOL. Anyone who’s says Gonzalez defense last year is wearing rose-colored glasses. He had one of the worst range factors and UZR rattings of any starting SS in the majors. Sure, he had a .980 fielding percentage on what he got to, but Pastornicky’s range is FAR better and he would save more runs than giving up over ‘A-Gone-Right-By-Me’.
Simmons has the better upside, but Uggla did have an absolutely DIRECT impact in two of Tyler’s errors. Not covering the bag at all on one play and missing a slightly off throw that still should have been easily caught. He also got two errors on one play where a throw hit a runner. Anyone who says Uggla didn’t impact Tyler is a fool, and anyone who looked strictly at the numbers on Tyler’s defense is a bigger fool. You obviously haven’t been watching.
All that being said .. Tyler needs to go down and be ready for when he has to come back up when Simmons falters. It’s pretty frickin obvious the Braves current regime has no concept of building confidence in young players. Up, down, up down, .. bullpen, starter, bullpen, starter .. MORONS.
Jamsterman
May 31st, 2012
11:29 pm
Fine… trade him to KC and get Frenchy back!
Shawn
June 1st, 2012
12:19 am
We have had more infield singles and extra base runners due to poor fielding this year than I can ever remember. I’ll bet the team ERA goes down by half a run in the next few weeks because of this move. The bats will cancel each other out as I’m sure Simmons will have some rough patches to get through. At least the infield will be shored up defensively!
old man
June 1st, 2012
7:20 am
Sutton is gone and Wilson is still here? That seems sort of stupid.
old man
June 1st, 2012
7:22 am
In ST, I was pulling for Simmons and Sutton, and got Pastor and Wilson instead.
bill
June 1st, 2012
7:26 am
Our two short stops are playing in St. Louis and Texas. Furcal is one of the leading batters in the NL and Andrus is at least among the 3 best short stops in the american league. Next we will lose McCann and go searching for the next 5 years for a catcher.
bill
June 1st, 2012
7:34 am
I like Uggla but he has horrible footwork . He makes Darrel Evans look like a ballerina. He also is the pop out king when you need a hit but he is the second baseman for the next 4 years so get over it.
bill
June 1st, 2012
7:39 am
I am prety sure that cox was banging Kelly Johnson’s sister cause thats the only reason I could see that would keep him on the roster. Now it must be Fredi and the Wilson girl but he is no improvement over the rev. Do not hit the ball to Wilson in a pressure situation unless you want to hear the words…He had trouble getting it out of the webbing so we lost the double play. Two outs now and its a long drive ……..
Moeman
June 1st, 2012
8:33 am
Co-sign, ohhhYEAH @5:29, Uggla will never be a slick fielding 2nd baseman but he is good enough and hustle is a big part of his game. i think Braves should consider moving him to 3rd. He has the body and head for the hot corner.
rico43
June 1st, 2012
9:29 am
Haven’t read every post, but there are enough brain dead folks on here who, I guess, forgot that Simmons had a muscle pull or a quad injury at the end of spring training, causing him to miss the final week of camp and the first 10 days of the regular season. Pastornicky won the job by default, and was OK at the plate. But he and Uggla looked at times as if they’d never worked together around the bag. There was no excusing his defensive lapses.
BTW, watch how the pitchers’ ERAs will drop now that someone over there actually can makes plays.
Kash
June 1st, 2012
11:25 am
Who did we get from Toronto for Yunel Escobar? Gonzo who is gone and who else?????
Rick
June 1st, 2012
12:11 pm
Steve, Gonzo’s RF last year was rated significantly higher than Rev’s this year. Anyone who thinks Rev has better range is crazy. I like him and am surprised they sent him down so soon, but I don’t think I was ever impressed by a play he made.
Kash, Pastornicky was part of that deal. I think there might have been some minor league pitcher too.
Scott from Fairburn
June 1st, 2012
12:45 pm
Tim Collins was part of that deal. They flipped him as part of the Rick Ankiel deal to Kansas City.
BrandonLee49
June 1st, 2012
1:53 pm
“Defensive “Whiz” .. gimme a Break – DOB.. Your Worse than these other No-brainers who Live in a FANTASY LAND !!!
Golf-One
June 1st, 2012
1:56 pm
They sebt the wrong one down,should have been the manager and the pitching coach
BrandonLee49
June 1st, 2012
1:59 pm
So While the OFFense is Reeling in Anemia, they Trade-off a Solid .280 hitter for a .150 hitter… brilliant !!!
Golf-One
June 1st, 2012
2:00 pm
If the Braves ever want to compete they need a manager with a little fire and a new pitching coach,Bring back the rocking man,
Has the Braves Manager ever moved other than take the lineup card to the Umps
Golf-One
June 1st, 2012
2:12 pm
Jamsterman
I am with you on that but not Pastornicky,they have alot of talent to trade for Frenchy
Put Frency in left and play Prado at third full time, Let Chipper fill in
And fire the Manager and hire some one that will get his butt off the bench and at least try an argument every once in a while
Or let Pastornicky play third at AAA and learn the position so When Chipper retires we will have a 3rd baseman ready to step in,Put Prado bacck in left and platoon French with JH in right
BrandonLee49
June 1st, 2012
3:04 pm
You definitely got the “Sink’ing Ship” part Correct… Send Captain FG Down to Class A , maybe he can figure out some Baseball Strategy.. Cruise Ship – Atlanta is Headed for the Rocks ! Simmons makes about as much since as Livan Hernandez !
Morning Reads for Thursday, May 31st
June 2nd, 2012
10:22 am
[...] few that I like… – Braves: 10, Cardinals: 7 – Tyler Pastornicky was sent down to the minors after last night’s game. Andrelton Simmons is being called up. – How to cure a hangover. – Todd [...]
Morning Reads for Thursday, May 31st
June 2nd, 2012
10:22 am
[...] few that I like… – Braves: 10, Cardinals: 7 – Tyler Pastornicky was sent down to the minors after last night’s game. Andrelton Simmons is being called up. – How to cure a hangover. – Todd [...]
Andrelton Simmons Changed Everything | FanGraphs Baseball
November 13th, 2012
5:12 am
[...] Pastornicky’s defense, Frank Wren simply said, “We need more.” Enter Andrelton [...]