Big day for Sheets who debuts for Braves
(Staff writer Carroll Rogers is filling in for David O’Brien today.)
So it’s family day here at Turner Field, and there are a couple of Braves kids here more concerned about the game itself than running around and hitting on the field with their fathers before the game – that would be 9-year old Seaver Sheets and his 5-year-old brother Miller.
Sheets tending to last-minute details, like signing major league contract (Photo courtesy of Braves)
Those two boys have watched their father Ben Sheets work his way back to the mound from two years out after two elbow surgeries. Today the former four-time All-Star for the Brewers will make his debut with the Braves almost two years to the day from when he last started with the Oakland As against Boston on July 19, 2010.
Sheets made 20 starts in 2010, his only major league action in the past three-plus seasons since 2008, the year he started for the NL in the All-Star game. Now here Sheets is three days shy of his 34th birthday, eager to prove he can still be an effective pitcher.
It’s been two weeks since that Sunday morning, July 1, when Sheets threw a bullpen at Turner Field and signed with the Braves after undergoing a physical. It’s been a whirlwind, I’m sure, but he seems ready. He said there will be nerves, of course, but there always are.
“It doesn’t matter if I’ve got 20 games under my belt,” Sheets said. “It would be the same type of nerves.”
He doesn’t seem to be too fazed by the fact that he’s not exactly being eased back into a rotation either. It’s a little more than two weeks before the trade deadline, and the Braves want to see if he can be a key veteran piece to boost their rotation for the stretch run.
“It’s July,” he said. “Better buckle down….I ain’t just out there. I expect to be successful.”
Seaver has been by his father’s side throughout his comeback, from first encouraging him to get back on the mound instead of just coaching his Little League team, to watching him throw into his “throwback” machine in the backyard of their Monroe, La. home.
Seaver and Miller watched their dad throw both of his minor league starts for Double-A Mississippi and were standing by his side in his locker Sunday morning (more on that in a moment.)
Braves hope Sheets will be like this guy
The Braves have clocked Sheets at 91, 92 mph, not far off what he first saw light up on the radar gun on the throwback machine. That’s a machine that Seaver, a corner outfielder for his Little League team, said he can top out at 50 mph on his best day. Good thing dad didn’t break it!
As for what it will feel like to watch his dad take the mound again in a major league uniform?
“Awesome,” said Seaver, who’s named for the Mets Hall-of-Famer Tom Seaver.
Sheets is hoping he can gain a few more ticks on the fastball here as he goes, but as is, said, “I feel like I can get outs with what I got. But if I can gain one, two ticks back, it’s not a lot, it can only help. What I got now I can definitely pitch with.”
The adrenaline of being back in the majors might help that too.
“I hope,” Sheets said. “We’ll see. When (you see that) that third deck gets, you either rise up or you fall down.”
Sheets by the way, was originally put in THE cursed locker when he joined the major league club coming out of the All-Star break. But today when we went into the clubhouse his stuff had been moved to a locker over in row outside the circle of the “keyhole” shape, along with newcomer Paul Janish, Tyler Pastornicky, Anthony Varvaro, etc.
Seems word got to Sheets that the locker on the corner has a hex, with recent victims like Livan Hernandez, Julio Lugo, Kenshin Kawakami and a ton more, and he asked out. So that locker is vacant again. That bodes better for his start today against the Mets and Johan Santana, no?
Uggla sits
Speaking of Santana, Braves second baseman Dan Uggla is out of the lineup for only the second time all season, and although he’s shown signs of breaking out of his month-long slump with hits in his past three games, manager Fredi Gonzalez needed to figure a way to get Matt Diaz into the lineup against Santana, and didn’t want to sit Martin Prado.
Diaz is hitting .514 (18-for-35) with four doubles, one home run and four RBIs against Santana (pause for reflection). Uggla is only 1-for-21 (.048) with one home run and 12 strikeouts against him.
“We have got to try to play [Diaz],” Gonzalez said. “He has really, really good numbers against Santana. I mean really good numbers. Numbers you can’t ignore. Put him out there and try to keep Prado in the lineup and put him at second base.”
Uggla is 3-for-9 with a home run, three RBIs and three runs in his past three games, and his single to left in the eighth Saturday helped start the Braves’ three-run rally to beat the Mets. But overall since that four-hit two-homer game in Miami on June 5, Uggla is hitting .119 (12-for-101) with four extra-base hits and nine RBIs in 31 games.
Janish and Pastornicky
Janish debuting at short today for Braves. Getty Images
Newcomer Paul Janish will make his debut today and continue to be the Braves every day shortstop, with both Andrelton Simmons and Jack Wilson on the DL with pinky finger problems.
Prado and Pastonicky will back him up, but based on what Gonzalez said this morning, he plans to continue to keep Pastornicky in the utility role they’ve been trying to work him into in Gwinnett. So that would mean some short, some second base, and he said not to be surprised if he puts Pastornicky out in left field one of these days.
Pastornicky has played a dozen or so games at second base in Triple-A and has been taking flyballs in the outfield every day during batting practice. He has yet to see game action in the outfield, calling it more of a work in progress. But he said he’s been comfortable at second base, and yes, also comfortable with the whole idea of becoming more of a utility player.
I hadn’t had a chance to ask Pastornicky about that since he got sent down. But based on what he had to say this morning, he seems to have a great attitude about it, which fits with his personality. The Braves have to be pleased with how he’s handled all the ups and downs so far.
“Whatever it takes I’m willing to do,” Pastornicky said. “I’m not real worried about where I’m playing, as long as I’m here and helping the team win, I’m cool with it. It never was an issue for me at all.”
His dad Cliff Pastornicky is a former player (10 games up with the Royals in 1983) and now a scout with the Blue Jays. I wondered what he thought about the whole change for his son and what he’s been telling Tyler about how to handle it. Sounds to me like it’s been nothing but encouragement and positive reinforcement.
“He thinks it’s good for me,” Pastornicky said. “There’s definitely nothing wrong with learning how to play other positions. It makes you more valuable. Anything you can do to help the team win is going to make them want you….He completely understands. It’s one of those things it made it a lot easier for me to understand too.”
Braves lineup
1. Michael Bourn CF
2. Martin Prado 2B
3. Jason Heyward RF
4. Chipper Jones 3B
5. Freddie Freeman 1B
6. Brian McCann C
7. Matt Diaz LF
8. Paul Janish SS
9. Ben Sheets P
2,718 comments Add your comment
DiamondbackMac
July 15th, 2012
1:17 pm
Hmmmmm
DiamondbackMac
July 15th, 2012
1:18 pm
Strange
64 year Braves fan
July 15th, 2012
1:23 pm
Release Wilson & Francisco. Call up Costanza & Parraz from Gwinnet both hitting over .300.
Would provide more speed, fielding & hitting. Also Teheran bombed again last nite for Gwinnet.
TraDE HIM.
Webster
July 15th, 2012
1:25 pm
Why dont the Braves clubhouse guys just place crime scene tape around this locker?
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 15th, 2012
1:27 pm
all thing aside, I have one word for Braves fans today…..
SANTANA.
Sid Slid
July 15th, 2012
1:27 pm
Go get ‘em Ben!
BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
1:27 pm
Thanks for new blog
Lets go Braves!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sid Slid
July 15th, 2012
1:28 pm
Santana has been hittable of late, if I’m not mistaken.
Jeff R
July 15th, 2012
1:28 pm
Let’s hope Sheets delivers. Fingers’ crossed.
Webster
July 15th, 2012
1:29 pm
FW should seriously consider trading Teheran. His stock is dropping.
Sid Slid
July 15th, 2012
1:29 pm
Yes, thanks Carroll!
TuffShhhtuff
July 15th, 2012
1:30 pm
Now what kind of comments are “Hmmmmm” and “Strange” especially when you’re first AND second?
jerry
July 15th, 2012
1:30 pm
Where’s Dan the Man?
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
1:31 pm
Thanks, Carroll!
Sid Slid
July 15th, 2012
1:31 pm
A lot better than sophomoric “first” or “second.”
VaBravesFan
July 15th, 2012
1:32 pm
Gotta be concerned about Teheran for sure.
Braves/Heat 2012 Champs
July 15th, 2012
1:32 pm
Ben Sheets 2012 NL Comeback Player of the Year. Book it.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
1:33 pm
He named his son “Seaver” – I am so impressed!
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
1:34 pm
Thanks for the new blog, Carroll
Derrota Santana!!!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
1:35 pm
Thanks, CR!
Doofus(Goober and Gomer's Smart Brother)
July 15th, 2012
1:35 pm
We have “Seaver” and “Shea” now and we’re playing the Mets. How ironic could it be?
nolie
July 15th, 2012
1:36 pm
ESPN Insider Olney: Dempster Deal Beckons
.Ryan Dempster’s six scoreless innings for the Chicago Cubs on Saturday were probably his last with the team, because now is the best time to trade him. Dempster is healthy now, after being on the disabled list earlier this year, and if the Cubs deal him before his next scheduled start — rather than later this month — his presence won’t complicate their marketing of Matt Garza in late July.
Last July, if you recall, the San Diego Padres listened to offers for Heath Bell and Mike Adams, and in the end, they couldn’t get what they wanted for Bell partly because of the persistent interest in Adams.
So Dempster will soon be gone, at a time when he’s throwing really well; he’s been able to throw a split-fingered fastball lately after limiting its use in the past because of a blister. Opponents have a .562 OPS against Dempster, easily the lowest mark of his career, and his ERA of 1.86 is the lowest in the majors. The Cubs are selling a stock performing at peak level, and beyond the numbers, Dempster is highly regarded for his personality, his clubhouse presence and his experience.
There are 10 teams involved in the pursuit of Dempster, writes Bruce Levine.
Earlier this season, when there were fewer teams declaring themselves as buyers, the Dodgers appeared to be the favorite for the right-hander — and they still may land him.
But there is more competition for him now, and the Cubs are willing to eat a whole lot of the money owed to Dempster for the rest of the season, because they want to get the best possible talent in return.
Here’s a list of teams for which Dempster could be a fit:
Cleveland Indians: Cubs president Theo Epstein has made multiple deals with the Indians in the past when he was in Boston, and Cleveland is looking for a rotation stabilizer.
Baltimore Orioles: With Jason Hammel down, the Orioles are looking for a starter to stop the bleeding in their rotation.
St. Louis Cardinals: They have had fraying in their rotation this season. They know Dempster, and he knows the division. The Cubs would deal within the division because at this stage in their rebuilding efforts, they are simply looking for the best prospect match.
Chicago White Sox: It’s unclear how much more Chris Sale will help the White Sox, and Dempster could provide a big lift.
Washington Nationals: At some point, the Nationals are going to shut down Stephen Strasburg, probably in late August or early September. Dempster would be a perfect addition to the Nationals’ solid rotation.
Boston Red Sox: Red Sox GM Ben Cherington has said he’s looking for starting pitching, and Epstein could find common ground, given his knowledge of the Red Sox’s farm system.
Detroit Tigers: This is an all-in year for the Tigers, but it’s unclear whether Detroit would consider a swap of Nick Castellanos in a Dempster deal, or if the Tigers would hold him out for more than a 2½-month rental such as Dempster.
New York Yankees: Dempster could fit, but there’s really no pressing need for New York. It’s hard to imagine the Yankees extending themselves significantly at a time when they’re beginning to run away with the AL East.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Dempster would boost the Dodgers’ chances, and the perception of L.A. in other front offices is that the new ownership wants to do everything possible to win now. But now that the Dempster bidding has gotten more competitive, it’s unclear whether the Dodgers can outgun other teams for him.
Los Angeles Angels: Injury issues have popped up for both Dan Haren and Ervin Santana, making starting pitching a priority for this team.
Toronto Blue Jays: Dempster would be a nice “tweener” addition for the Blue Jays, who are hanging on the edge of the wild-card race. He wouldn’t be as expensive as Garza, and he would be a badly needed upgrade over what the Blue Jays have.
Pittsburgh Pirates: If they can add one more solid starter, they would strengthen the foundation for a team already good enough to win the NL Central. Epstein and Pirates GM Neal Huntington have made many trades in the past.
Atlanta Braves: They have been considering their options in the market for starting pitching, and at a time when the Cubs are looking for young starters, the Braves have some to offer.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
1:37 pm
Well started…
Mark
July 15th, 2012
1:37 pm
Nice start and curve for Ben
Bravefaninok
July 15th, 2012
1:37 pm
91 he has better velo than 3/5ths of our starters
that hook was nasty……….
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
1:37 pm
wow, Sheets looks great so far.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
1:38 pm
Nice catch, Bourn!
Mark
July 15th, 2012
1:38 pm
No hitter still in tact
VaBravesFan
July 15th, 2012
1:38 pm
Sheets!
Doofus(Goober and Gomer's Smart Brother)
July 15th, 2012
1:38 pm
Ben’s going to have to tighten up those uni pants a little bit. Too “pajama-like”. Then again maybe he may just want to keep them on and wear them to bed tonight.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 15th, 2012
1:38 pm
Yea, best of luck to Ben Sheets.
Mark
July 15th, 2012
1:39 pm
You know Ben is pumped
VaBravesFan
July 15th, 2012
1:39 pm
2 out walk.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
1:40 pm
Just gotta get one more, Ben
Pace
July 15th, 2012
1:41 pm
Good first inning – nice speed variance between fastball/curve. Of course, adrenalin was pumping a bit. Hope he keeps it up.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
1:41 pm
Great 1st inning for Ben…. so far, so good
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
1:41 pm
Good job Ben! Keep it up.
Mark
July 15th, 2012
1:41 pm
Great for Ben!!!!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
1:41 pm
Nice first inning for Sheets!
Doofus(Goober and Gomer's Smart Brother)
July 15th, 2012
1:41 pm
Well, the perfect game is gone, but the no-hitter is still in effect!
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
1:42 pm
Mr. Sheets’s curveball is still there.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
1:42 pm
……clean sheets, just how I like ‘em
Carroll Rogers
July 15th, 2012
1:43 pm
91-93 from sheets on his fastball in the first inning….got first K on curveball
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
1:44 pm
Good first inning for Sheets.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
1:44 pm
I agree that they should release Wilson… he doesn’t do anything to help the Braves
tmc
July 15th, 2012
1:45 pm
C’mon nolie. we can do without the “war & peace” post.
thanks.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
1:46 pm
Last night I was shocked when Collins did not bring in a left-hander to face Bourn in the bottom of the 8th… Bourn really struggles against the left-handers and we’ll see more of that today against Johan.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
1:47 pm
‘Teen!!!!
TNScott
July 15th, 2012
1:47 pm
TEEN!!!
BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
1:47 pm
Marteeeeeeeeeeeeen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bravefaninok
July 15th, 2012
1:47 pm
Marteeeeeennnnnnnnn
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
1:47 pm
One day the Braves are going to have to put up big money to keep Martin here.. his stock goes up every day.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
1:48 pm
Come on Jason… that was very weak. Did he forget there was already one out????
VaBravesFan
July 15th, 2012
1:48 pm
Heyward too aggressive in the AB.
Chip Carey
July 15th, 2012
1:48 pm
Line drive center field and that’s gonna roll for while as Duda cuts it off.
B_F 54
July 15th, 2012
1:48 pm
Marteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen
Mitchie-sand
July 15th, 2012
1:49 pm
Thank God, we have the Sheets.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
1:49 pm
Gotta do better than that against Santana early.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
1:50 pm
That inning obviously could have been better.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
1:51 pm
if you don’t want to read it, then don’t. Other folks here will since it is an Insider article that they can’t get.
phil
July 15th, 2012
1:51 pm
Sheets will fit right in….
Doesn’t shave, fat slob….
But as long as he gets em out, who cares!
Goober
July 15th, 2012
1:51 pm
and Gomer were COUSINS…..not brothers
Mitchie-sand
July 15th, 2012
1:52 pm
Thanks for the insider post, nolie.
tmc
July 15th, 2012
1:52 pm
trivia answer: my guess- Roy Halladay.
Mark
July 15th, 2012
1:53 pm
If he keeps calling it out there never throw it over the plate Ben
phil
July 15th, 2012
1:53 pm
Good chuckle at the ball barely off the outside corner that Chip said was way outside….
Carroll Rogers
July 15th, 2012
1:53 pm
Sheets won’t go more than 100 pitches today but probably will be closer to 80….they’re keeping a close eye on hims and won’t put too much pressure on him in his first time out.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
1:54 pm
Truth be told….I really like Diaz….wasn’t there an 80’s group–”Johnny Hates Diaz?”
Blog Monitor
July 15th, 2012
1:54 pm
Ben likes to work fast, good..
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
1:54 pm
Sheets is looking pretty good, I’d say.
tmc
July 15th, 2012
1:54 pm
nolie- the first and last paragraph would have been more than enough. The other 15 paragraphs just made it annoying.
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
1:55 pm
Nice inning Ben.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
1:55 pm
tmc: I thought Halladay too
nolie: thanks for the post…. hope Sheets throws well and we can keep talent instead of getting a ‘rent an arm’
phil
July 15th, 2012
1:55 pm
Trade Prado for a player to be named later….
Nice job, Sheets!
nolie
July 15th, 2012
1:55 pm
good second inning Ben
Mark
July 15th, 2012
1:55 pm
NO NO…..Still
Doofus(Goober and Gomer's Smart Brother)
July 15th, 2012
1:56 pm
The one thing I like MOST about Sheets, other than he throws strikes, is he doesn’t mess around between pitches. He gets the ball and throws it. A couple of the Braves pitchers need to be in the AL with the amount of time spent between pitches.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
1:56 pm
“All my exes live in Texas”
love that song!
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
1:57 pm
Sheets is looking pretty good, but I hope he gets a bit better with his curveball. He has hung a few of them in the first two innings but they haven’t been in the zone where they can be hit well, so it’s okay. Just hope he doesn’t hang one belt high to anyone.
Doofus(Goober and Gomer's Smart Brother)
July 15th, 2012
1:57 pm
“Goober”, as I have explained before, NOT IN MY FAMILY! You are referring to the famous ones.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
1:57 pm
can’t help it that you lack patience or don’t like to read, but I don’t really care if it annoyed you or not.and who are you to dictate what anybody posts? Like I said, just scroll on by, won’t bother me at all.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
1:58 pm
@Phil…yeah, Chirp said, ‘the ball is in the middle of the left batters box.” My eyes got wide and I checked my drink—sigh!
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
1:58 pm
nolie
I appreciate the posting of that article. I’d like for the Braves to get Dempster, but it looks like they have their work cut out for them. He won’t go cheaply – that’s for sure.
Thanks, again.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
1:59 pm
Chip is so annoying…. love listening to Tom though.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
1:59 pm
That surprises me, Tomahawkin’.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
1:59 pm
S/O’s to phil, BG4Life, BravesFaninAugusta, Mixxo, and T-Mafia!
DiamondbackMac
July 15th, 2012
1:59 pm
TuffShhhtuff
Now what kind of comments are “Hmmmmm” and “Strange” especially when you’re first AND second?
I was just surprised that no one else had commented at the time. Usually, when I read a new blog there is at least one person who has commented. As to the whole “first” thing, I think it’s asinine. It’s totally unnecessary to announce “first”. I mean really, it’s obvious who first made the first comment.
tmc
July 15th, 2012
1:59 pm
reminder- we got the wonderful CB Bucknor behind the plate today.
I’m just sayin… don’t be surprised when the horrific calls start comin.
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:00 pm
“All my exes live in Texas”
love that song! – Tomahawkin
I like the chick in that ad. Very expressive….I like that shoulder thing she does in that one clip.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
2:00 pm
yeah Bobby I think he might bring back more than some folks here think he will cause there will be a lot of competition for him
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
2:00 pm
Oh! Beautiful!!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
2:00 pm
Yea, MacDaddy!!
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
2:00 pm
Great hit to LF by Brian… needs to do more of that (but realize his power numbers will go down as a result)
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
2:00 pm
@McFann……nice adjustment he’s making!
TNScott
July 15th, 2012
2:00 pm
JOHAN, YOU JUST GOT CANNED!!!
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:01 pm
Really…
Some of you will complain about anything. Who cares how long a post is?
Scroll by it or get a life.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
2:01 pm
Heehee…BMac said the baby looks just like him!…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
2:02 pm
Capt.Mudd—
Heck yeah!! It’s on, now!…
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
2:03 pm
Diaz better hit today now that Fredi benched Uggla in favor of getting Matty in the line-up… didn’t look too good that AB.
Mark
July 15th, 2012
2:03 pm
2 out hit time new guy!!
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
2:03 pm
Thanks for the article Nolieee, this is how we learn.
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:04 pm
How do back, T…
Chirp…lol! I try but he bugs me more than Kudzu in the backyard.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
2:04 pm
LMFAO: Wilson actually giving Simba advice?!?
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
2:04 pm
S/O’s To Jerry, Capt Mudd, And Bobby H
@BG4Life!
I Listen to everything…You do Know That I’m Mariah’s Biggest Fan as well as old R. Kelly???
Their old music is Baby Making Music!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
2:04 pm
LOOK AT VENTERS!! ♥
♥
http://instagram.com/p/NG4-E1v2Gj/
Lord, that is cute…
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:05 pm
Banish Yanish….
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
2:05 pm
what up Tomahawkin’
the truth
July 15th, 2012
2:06 pm
Mixxo, totally agree with you about the chick in the AT&T commercial.
I watch that everytime to see her do the shoulder move. Also, to hear spacey Ace Freley sing “Back in the New York” groove.
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
2:06 pm
The names change but the results are the same for the bottom third of our lineup. Gawd we suck once you get past those top six guys.
Justin
July 15th, 2012
2:06 pm
That was Cute do they have any more photos
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
2:07 pm
I like the Sheets velocity so far.
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:07 pm
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
2:04 pm
LMFAO: Wilson actually giving Simba advice?!?
***********
on how to only dislocate, rather than fracture, one’s pinkie….sigh.
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
2:08 pm
Thole has a hit every at at against us.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
2:09 pm
Thole is a pest. The guy kills the Braves.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
2:09 pm
Grrr – Hanley Ramirez grounds out with 2 out and bases loaded against Strasburg…(0-0 after 3)…
Mark
July 15th, 2012
2:09 pm
Nolie
That article was good.
Someone will over pay for Dempster or Grienke. Then when one of those are gone someone will really over pay for the other one.
Never fails that emotions take over for level headed thinking. IE – Texera trade and way back what we did to Detroit getting Smoltz for Alexander. Many more of those examples than the best one for us and what we gave up when we got McGriff.
Just hope we do it intelligently!!!!
nolie
July 15th, 2012
2:09 pm
c’mon Ben throw a strike to the damn pitcher
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
2:10 pm
Nice K of Santana.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
2:10 pm
Should have let Hudson bunt for Santana…
Mark
July 15th, 2012
2:12 pm
Well, so much for the No No!
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
2:12 pm
Since we’re talking about the AT&T commercial, I keep wondering how you go from Colorado to Texas to Louisiana to … New York! Isn’t there a whole bunch of the U.S. that you just skipped? And with some good “location” tunes like “Georgia on My Mind” and “Going to Carolina” and “Streets of Philadelphia”.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
2:13 pm
@Bravesfanin Aug
NM, Ready to see 6 straight wins
but man over the last month I have felt like a 1-legged cat trying to bury turds on a frozen pond!
Mark
July 15th, 2012
2:13 pm
Keep it out there Ben
brian
July 15th, 2012
2:14 pm
Sheets is looking good. If he continues this and stays healthy when do the braves look to sign him for next year?
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
2:15 pm
Boy sheets looks like a pitcher you would not charge the mound on.
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:15 pm
the truth -
I didn’t think it was ‘just me”.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
2:15 pm
@IlliniBrave
I just love the Chick in that Commercial and The “All My Exes Live in Texas” song
brian
July 15th, 2012
2:15 pm
I still want to see one more pitcher added. Dempster or liriano is fine by me if the price is right
nolie
July 15th, 2012
2:16 pm
pooh, Wright up….
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:16 pm
He hasn’t even pitched three innings….
Sign him for next year?
Note the moonshot double crushed to left.
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:16 pm
That breaker was just up a bit.
brian
July 15th, 2012
2:16 pm
Bourn played that perfectly
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
2:16 pm
Good It was Too Hign!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
2:16 pm
Lets hope Wright has a day like he had yesterday.
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
2:17 pm
Both base hits in this inning were curves up in the zone. Gotta get away from that.
Mark
July 15th, 2012
2:17 pm
Tomorrow brian.
Not really but I hope he does well. The key is going to be how he recovers before the next start.
Along those lines though I’m not a fan of the young guns we currently have down in the minors that were untouchable last year. You don’t hear it as much this year with them but…
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:17 pm
Wright won’t see much here.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
2:17 pm
Justin—
I don’t know…They may give us more photos later—I’ll keep an eye out!…
Hope they do give more photos…Too bad Baby Mac is too young to be there…:)
Abeeewright
July 15th, 2012
2:17 pm
Would have been cooler to follow route 66 for the cross country commercial thing.
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
2:17 pm
I don’t want to shout back to loudly. How’s your head, today, Tomahawkin?
Mark
July 15th, 2012
2:18 pm
Base open , be smart
brian
July 15th, 2012
2:18 pm
He absolutely went around
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:18 pm
Shut him down Ben!
brian
July 15th, 2012
2:18 pm
Great breaking balll
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:18 pm
Good job!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
2:19 pm
Yes!
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
2:19 pm
Some good pitching there
Pace
July 15th, 2012
2:19 pm
Good job getting out of that trouble – maybe he can have a chat with a couple of our other pitchers and explain how he did it!
Bravefaninok
July 15th, 2012
2:19 pm
Well that was a good escape job…..
brian
July 15th, 2012
2:20 pm
Lovin’ me some sheets today
Mark
July 15th, 2012
2:20 pm
2 test passed today. Throwing strikes and getting out of the jam.
Now, finish and get to the pitch count limit
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:20 pm
Sheets gets em out without harm…
Sign him now. 7 years, 125 million, unlimited trips through the buffet line.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
2:20 pm
I think Delgado needs to get ready for a looooooong stay at Gwinnett
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
2:20 pm
Glad we got out of that inning without a run scoring. Here’s a moment of zen for you. The first two plate umps in this series were very inconsistant with their ball/strike calls. C.B. is actually doing a decent job back there so far today.
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
2:20 pm
@Tomahawkin: yeah, isn’t it interesting how girls can turn us on with such cute subtle little gestures? No need for a brazen striptease, just a little shoulder wiggle.
@Abeee: totally agree.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
2:22 pm
Hijinks in Miami?
Eye on Baseball@EyeOnBaseball
possibly drama in Miami. Ozzie Guillen grabbed a bat, pointed it across the field at Davey Johnson and screamed obsenities.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
2:22 pm
Hey Tomahawkin! Moody Blues…..”Nights In White Satin”–Sheets
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:22 pm
.078…
Who’s worse? Sheets or Heavy Hanson?
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
2:23 pm
wow and Ben coaxes a walk
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
2:23 pm
Excellent!!!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
2:23 pm
Our new pitcher takes a walk
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
2:24 pm
show us your speed sheets
keylargo
July 15th, 2012
2:24 pm
This was the best prospect the Braves had in years. He was earmarked as a “can’t miss” prospect, but he did.
http://www.whygavs.com/pittsburgh-pirates/march-2011/andy-marte.html
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
2:24 pm
Holly Sheets.
Abeeewright
July 15th, 2012
2:25 pm
Ingrid “Shoulders” Haas
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
2:25 pm
@bravesgrl4life: what is it about Davey Johnson that he seems to bring out the worst in opposing managers? The guy must be one hell of a a-hole.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
2:25 pm
Nats-Marlins 0-0 through 4 – Strasburg with a nifty 6-hitter, while Nolasco has been roughed up for 0 hits…
brian
July 15th, 2012
2:26 pm
Gladly trade out sheets for Bourn. Sheets needs to rest up
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
2:26 pm
Chip…. we really don’t care about the health/status of Johan… geesh
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:26 pm
Guillen….lol
A trainwreck just waiting to jump the rails.
Mark
July 15th, 2012
2:26 pm
Santana got credit for a No Hitter but we all know he really gave up what would have been a double.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
July 15th, 2012
2:26 pm
“That chick” is Ingrid Haas, fyi. Could be a star one day…
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
2:27 pm
Hi to Tomahawkin.
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:27 pm
Prado is utterly useless except in the minors…
brian
July 15th, 2012
2:27 pm
Ozzie is something. Was he that fiery when he was here under cox?
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
2:27 pm
IlliniBrave, not sure. But when you get Johnson like that and crazy Ozzie Guillen, it’s bound to get interesting.
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
2:27 pm
Trade Prado, Bethancourt and Teheran for Justin Upton ASAP! Martin is a dp machine!
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
2:28 pm
That was weak. Got your pitcher on with a leadoff walk and then your 1-2 hitters have lame ABs.
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
2:28 pm
hope we can get some runs for sheets. don’t waste a good outing.
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
2:28 pm
I hate those U-verse commercials. Tired of seeing that mouthy fat girl.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
2:28 pm
Girl in black frame made a ‘wiggle’….Illi, ??
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
2:30 pm
Personally, I’d take Ozzie or Joe Madden – the other manager that got into it with Johnson – over our manager Dopey Dwarf.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
2:32 pm
haha love it, Ben named his son after a beer…..
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:32 pm
Sheets picking up for Delgado in the no run support category…sigh.
I blame Banish…
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
2:33 pm
Let’s Go Mets chant is put to bed by Sheets
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:34 pm
Pretty…
http://static4.businessinsider.com/image/4fe4b0e1ecad04a17d00000a-590/q-which-wireless-carrier-does-this-actress-advertise.jpg
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
2:35 pm
Great move by Wren finding Sheets, who seems determined for a comeback of year!
tmc
July 15th, 2012
2:36 pm
64 pitches for Sheets thru 4.
Most likely 1 more inning, maybe 2 if he’s efficient.
Willy
July 15th, 2012
2:36 pm
Sheets is looking really good. Let’s get some runs.
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
2:36 pm
Sorry Mixxo, not impressed with her at all.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
2:36 pm
Let’s get this run producing party started…..right about now!
nolie
July 15th, 2012
2:37 pm
c’mon Jason that was a ball
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
2:38 pm
@Bobby H
Hungover
Had too Many Tokyo Teas At Atmosphere Last night!
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
2:38 pm
What was Heyward doing? Swung at ball four.
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:38 pm
Bench Heyward…
Call up Constanza.
Willy
July 15th, 2012
2:39 pm
Nice hit Chipper
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
2:39 pm
And, of course, Strasburg singles in the first run of the game…
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:39 pm
Yeah Chipper!
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
2:39 pm
Don’t know about the rest of you, but so glad I’m not having to listen to the Simson/Murphy love fest and agree-athon today.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
2:39 pm
I wouldn’t take Ozzie if my life depended on it. Like Konerko just said, guy is a huge distraction to a team
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
2:40 pm
I’m with Jerry on Ingrid Haas… she doesn’t do it for me either.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
2:40 pm
Ok…..get the pitcher some cushion, [Cushioned Sheets will do].
John Lenin
July 15th, 2012
2:40 pm
All we are sayyying…is give Sheets a chance.
Pace
July 15th, 2012
2:41 pm
Santana’s control is just a biiiiiiit off today – looks like Freddie is a little peaved!
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:41 pm
Jerry -
It’s cool, she can’t be everyone’s ‘type’ but, I find her very attractive.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
2:41 pm
after so many runs the last two nights, it looks like our guys got wored out…
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
2:43 pm
Come on Mac, give the baby boy a bounce!
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
2:43 pm
OMG Brian, what happened there?
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:43 pm
Nail-biter again today folks!
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:43 pm
Ozzie admires Fidel….
That speaks volumes.
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
2:44 pm
Don’t think we are gonna score off Santana today. He looks really good. Just hope we can maintain until he is lifted.
Braint
July 15th, 2012
2:44 pm
Diaz, Janish and Sheets due up in the 5th…..might as well skip to the 6th inning
Willy
July 15th, 2012
2:44 pm
Let’s get some runs for Sheets. Have a big 5th Braves.
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
2:44 pm
Trade McCann for Liriano and Willingham.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
2:45 pm
Santana has made some good pitches when he has needed them.
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
2:45 pm
McCann can DH for the Twins. Mauer makes Brian look like a little league defensive catcher. It’ll save Brian the embarrassment anyhow …
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
2:46 pm
Nats 2- Marlins 0
Willy
July 15th, 2012
2:46 pm
Wow, Sheets gave up a ground ball.
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:46 pm
I cut my nails 2 days ago. Stupid phil…
Has Banish even had a chance out there today?
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
2:47 pm
Ol Benny Will pitch his Ass Off and I bet he wont get no run support! Its Gonna be up to the Bullpen to win it!
I hate it when our offense is Hungover!
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
2:47 pm
Mixxo,
My type is Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Katherine Zeta-Jones.
Willy
July 15th, 2012
2:48 pm
Nice move by Mr. Wren with the Sheets deal.
JC Brave
July 15th, 2012
2:48 pm
It seems like every new pitcher the Braves send to the mound has to experience the “no run support” hell. Wow…
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
2:49 pm
@Jerry
Johan The Great Shut Our Streaky ASS Lineup Down on opening day, We Are Due!
kenhotlanta
July 15th, 2012
2:50 pm
Tomahawk Mafia: I haven’t seen you post since yesterday, but your comment (along with booo) about cancer being funny was appalling and classless and has no place here. Several of our bloggers (including me) have lost loved ones recently to cancer and there is NOTHING funny about it.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
2:50 pm
@Jerry: sorry, but any gal that would hook up with a dried out shriveled up nut-job like Michael Douglas has issues. I’ve never been able to look at CZJ the same since.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
July 15th, 2012
2:50 pm
You nimrods need to look at the first minute of this video, and if you still don’t like Ingrid, check yourself for a pulse…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fiDqOKCeEA&feature=related
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:51 pm
Jerry –
Good taste.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
2:51 pm
Okay, lets go get some runs in the 5th. It was a big inning yesterday, lets make it so again today.
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:51 pm
5th starter?
Heck, Sheets is our ace already.
Doofus(Goober and Gomer's Smart Brother)
July 15th, 2012
2:51 pm
Wouldn’t you know it? Sheets comes in and pitches like this and the Braves don’t score any runs for him. There oughta be a law against it!
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
2:51 pm
The Braves need to get their bats working and start putting up more competitive at bats against Santana.
Abeeewright
July 15th, 2012
2:51 pm
Sheets got the cursed locker and the no run support spot in the rotation.
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
2:51 pm
Anyone wanna gamble with me on guessing Prado’s position tomorrow? Roll the dice!
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
2:51 pm
Man I love ol Benny! I told you cats that he is gonna pull a 2004 role of Jaret Wright!
Willy
July 15th, 2012
2:51 pm
I think Dempster would be a good deal for us.
TNScott
July 15th, 2012
2:52 pm
Talk about annoying. Twice today, the first time as Ben was about throw his first pitch and as Chipper was batting last inning the power goes out for about two minutes, and it’s not storming. Of course, it takes about five to seven minutes for the satellite and DVR to reset each time.
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
2:52 pm
Speaking way too soon here I know, but Sheets looks like a top rotation guy right now.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 15th, 2012
2:52 pm
Sheets looks good so far……
nolie
July 15th, 2012
2:52 pm
would hook up with a dried out shriveled up nut-job like…Illini
just gives hope to the rest of us not quite so dried out shriveled up nut-jobs
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
2:53 pm
Ben must be getting near his pitch count max. Fredi must be getting close to changing the Sheets.
Willy
July 15th, 2012
2:53 pm
What is the story with the cursed locker?
Sons of Rick Matula
July 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
Liking what I see from Sheets … He seems to go to the brim of his cap quite a bit. Nervous habit?
lee maye
July 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
Yeah, long stay for Delgado at Gwinnett. He is pitching in the bigs for Atl next Sat against Wash. lol
BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
Matty D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
MATTE!!!
nolie
July 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
Mattie!!!
TNScott
July 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
Matty D!!!!
BMac
July 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
Ummmmm….Ashley……..why does CMac look so much like Lucas Duda???
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
Sheets looks to be settling in a bit. After those two hits, he is starting to get nasty. Hope it continues. He is also doing something Braves pitchers have had a problem with this year. He is at 77 pitches through 5 innings. Not great, but not bad in your first outing.
Abeeewright
July 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
Get Diaz in and Sheets might have a chance at the win.
Rick
July 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
Willy, read the blog.
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
2:55 pm
Nolie: what up? why the trash-talking? Not liking my criticism of Michael Douglas?
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
2:55 pm
It’s cool, she can’t be everyone’s ‘type’ but, I find her very attractive.
I found her to be very attractive. To each his own… and I wish she were mine.
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:55 pm
Diaz can still rake it enough to suit me…
Banish should not swing….ever.
wesley
July 15th, 2012
2:55 pm
i,m thinking we need to go ahead and see if we can ink sheets for bout 3 years!
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:55 pm
Hugo Z Hackenbush –
Excellent!
Carroll Rogers
July 15th, 2012
2:55 pm
with Diaz’s double off Santana he’s now (.514) 19-for-37 against him
Willy
July 15th, 2012
2:56 pm
Perfect time for Janish’s 1st rbi
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
2:56 pm
Free pitch here.
Carroll Rogers
July 15th, 2012
2:56 pm
Thanks Rick. Now can you tell people on twitter the same thing? (smile)
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
2:56 pm
you think janish could bunt?
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
2:56 pm
Yannish is certainly not garish–humble walk
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
2:56 pm
Thank you C.B. Bucknor. Free walk on the house
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
2:57 pm
Come On Benny!!!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
2:57 pm
2 on nobody out. Can we please, please, please get a couple runs in????
Pace
July 15th, 2012
2:57 pm
Sheets to bunt – why not bring in The Rev???
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:57 pm
Yanish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:57 pm
Nice inning so far!
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:57 pm
Can anyone actually bunt the ball fair?
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
2:57 pm
Sheets better be staying in the game or this is a stupid move letting him bunt
Braint
July 15th, 2012
2:58 pm
I post about Diaz and Janish being auto outs and of course….I’m always wrong.
Backdoor Slider
July 15th, 2012
2:58 pm
FREDI LOGIC
Why wasn’t Janish bunting?
More Fredi logic.
phil
July 15th, 2012
2:58 pm
Nope.
wesley
July 15th, 2012
2:58 pm
holy sheets, diaz has santan’s #
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
2:58 pm
major fail there.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
2:58 pm
WOW
There is No One at The Game!
That Means all The Bandwagon Mets Fans Out here in The A Have their Yankees Hats On! Eff Them!
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
2:58 pm
Glad I did not say what I was thinking since Pace would have beaten me to it…
kevkat
July 15th, 2012
2:58 pm
better pop up than double play though
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
2:58 pm
kenhotlanta
Noted. I realized how bad a comment that was. I apologize. Cancer has touched my life as well.
wesley
July 15th, 2012
2:59 pm
santana’s
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
2:59 pm
Clearly bunting is a skill this team chooses not to work on.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
3:00 pm
Can Fredi change sheets? I didn’t realize he was that into the fold.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
wow Johan getting screwed this inning
B_F 54
July 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
Mikeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!!!
BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
Bourn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
MICHAEL!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
Thank you, Bourn!!!!!
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
Hell Yeah, Majic Mike!
Gotta get one more!
TNScott
July 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
BOURN!!!!
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
Both times C.B. has not called a strike, it has cost the Mets.
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
Here’s your lead Ben – now a SHUT DOWN inning please. Show the other starters how to do it.
kevkat
July 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
Are you guys absolutely sure there’s no way to resign this guy?
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
YAY!!
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
Yes sir!!
Poor Chip….he’s off his game today.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
Fax Cover Sheets:
Michael Bourn
Willy
July 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
Way to go Mike!
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
Bucknor’s strike zone has gotten a little tight and the Braves are taking advantage.
Abeeewright
July 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
Santana must hate the braves. Pitches some good games but cant get a lead .
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
(smile)
BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
Warthen gets tossed.
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
Failed bunt cost us there.
kevkat
July 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
Here’s your lead Ben – now a SHUT DOWN inning please. Show the other starters how to do it.
Now you done went and jinxed him….lol
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
Pitching Coach tossed – too funny. CB is not a good ump, but you knew that coming in
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
Martin can now make the pop bunt completely moot (and I apologize for not using the official blogism – would have said mute but someone would have undoubtedly corrected me)…
Willy
July 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
Martin will get the job done
kenhotlanta
July 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
Tomahawk Mafia: Thank you. That was class and I appreciate it.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
Mutts getting really frustrated. Boo Hoo Boo Hoo.
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
LOL at Warthen!!
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
Can I get a kerry collins and a Warthen Russian please?
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
KevKat – not trying too jinx, he pitched out of the jam earlier (a skill some of our starters are still trying to master) – so….show them how to shut down a team after you get the lead.
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
Great job by Warthen. Those non calls were killers. Warthen got his moneys worth.
keylargo
July 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
The muts are all fired up about a couple of calls against Bourn and when Bourn called time and stepped out of the box.
TNScott
July 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
Nice use of the 60 degree wedge there by Michael.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
we must resign Bourn
BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
Marteeeeeeeeen!!!!!!!!!
Janish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
Marteeennn!!!!!!!!
Bravefaninok
July 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
Janish scores!!!!!!!!
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
Marteen being Marteen…..what a guy!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
Oh yes! Let’s do this!…
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
@Capt. Mudd: funny. Cuz every time I think of the Mets manager I want to say “Tom” Collins – a drink I love. The guy makes me thirsty.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
Loved how Collins was trying to avoid getting thrown out by crossing his hands over his chest.
Nice sac, ‘Teen!
Willy
July 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
Prado’s a winner
Bravefaninok
July 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
WTG Teeeeeeen!!
Sons of Rick Matula
July 15th, 2012
3:06 pm
Braves fan but CB Bucknor is a joke behind the plate. CB = complete buffoon.
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:06 pm
Great job Jason
BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
3:06 pm
JHey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TNScott
July 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
J-HEY!!!!
Bravefaninok
July 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
Haywarddddddddddd!!!!!!!!!!!
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
Hittin’ wheels are on.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
The argument sure helped out Johan by giving him more time to get unhappy…
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
Banish with a career highlight!
And way to hit, Heyward!!
Excellent inning.
Chris from the Rock
July 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
Heyward looks so much better against lefties this year. Like night and day.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
Say Hey!
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
great job jason
Abeeewright
July 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
Who said this inning was going to be a waste? For shame!
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
somebody give the mut coaches some milk and cookies.
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
3:08 pm
The real JHEY!!!
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:08 pm
Wooo hell yeah J-Hey
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
3:08 pm
In the meantime, Nats starting to break it open vs the Fish…4-0…
B_F 54
July 15th, 2012
3:08 pm
J Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:08 pm
Santana will be at 90 pitches after this inning – think we see the bullpen early again. Sheets is probably going to go one, possible two more innings. Advantage Bravos
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
3:08 pm
Chipperama!!!
TNScott
July 15th, 2012
3:08 pm
HOSS!!!
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
Laser beam by Chipper….
Sweet.
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
Chipper’s on fire right now.
BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
Old Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
Chipper looks great…. I honestly thought he was done, but far from it.
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
And Chipper tries to take out Santana – nice swing
B_F 54
July 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
HOSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
I love how the Braves are taking advantage of their chances in this inning.
Bravefaninok
July 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
WTG Old Man!!!!!
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
Come on Fab 5 Freddie!
TKO Time!
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
Chipper, MAC, Freddi, Jhey…they all have their strokes right now!!!!
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
OH MY!!!
Chris from the Rock
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
Good bye baseball!
BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
Freeman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
FAB FIIIIIIIIIVE!
Doofus(Goober and Gomer's Smart Brother)
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
That’s why so many of us were “yelling” for FG to give JHey a chance at hitting lefties early in the year.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
And Chipper once again hits against the Mets. You know they’ll be glad to see him gone in 2013
FREDDIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TNScott
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
FREDDIE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bravefaninok
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
FAB5 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
OFFENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
Thing of beauty, kiddies!…
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
yaba daba do.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
Geez, what a meltdown.
cabravesfan
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
FREDDIEEEEEERRR
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
wow wow wow wow wow Freddie wowowowowowowowowowwoowwo
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
See YA – BRAVES hitting again – nice AB by Freddie – That’s how you help out a veteran pitcher – lot’s of run support in his first start in two years.
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
Good call Tomahawkin !!!
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
I was just thinking that would be nice….
And it was!!
Sweet.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
# run Jack sublime……..Oye Como Va! Santana–lol
cabravesfan
July 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
Stupid fat lazy fingers
wesley
July 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
FREEMAN!!!!!! I bout sheet myself!!!
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
BALLGAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
B_F 54
July 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedie
Chris from the Rock
July 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
Everybody have a broom handy?
Braves/Heat 2012 Champs
July 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
Citi Freeman
Willy
July 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
Freddie
nolie
July 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
that were an ok inning if you ask me
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
3:12 pm
Well, poo…
Bravefaninok
July 15th, 2012
3:12 pm
There’s your 6 runs Ben…….Now give us a shutdown inning!
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
3:12 pm
McFann-
You got that right girl. luv it.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:12 pm
FAB 5 FREDDIEEEEEEEEE
BOOM!!!!
That was a Fatality!!!
TaylorVol
July 15th, 2012
3:12 pm
Wow! Sheets pitching a gem and the offense exploding in the 5th! What a game! BTW, NEVER TRADE PRADO!
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
3:12 pm
I like Santana and naturally I feel for him to a certain extent because he acts like a professional, but all 6 of those runs never should have happened. That being said, I am a Braves fan and I’ll live with it.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
3:12 pm
That inning was lots of fun. Hopefully there is no letdown by Sheets allowing the Mets to have a chance.
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
Santana isn’t the same pitcher since the injury. He’s fallen big time.
Willy
July 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
Time for a quick 1,2,3 inning Sheets
Chris from the Rock
July 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
Finally some payback after that disastrous opening series in NYC.
Mark
July 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
Our best lineup of position players of the year on the field today!!!!!!!! Well, if Simmons were not hurt!
kevkat
July 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
KevKat – not trying too jinx, he pitched out of the jam earlier (a skill some of our starters are still trying to master) – so….show them how to shut down a team after you get the lead.
Just kidding with ya Pace…and you are right!
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
And who gives a flying shyt about Mundo Fox? Really?
Backdoor Slider
July 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
A LESSON FROM WARTHEN
Fredi needs to take a lesson from Warthen on how to support his players and argue a bad call — with fire!
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
so far, a great day for the home team
Hugo Z Hackenbush
July 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
And once again, this is why you don’t bet on baseball games…pitcher out of the league for two years vs. Santana…a real no-brainer, eh?
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
3:14 pm
Someone predicted a 1-2-3 bot. 5th earlier.
Looks like that didn’t work out.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
3:14 pm
Y’all may have thought I was joking when I said….”hitting party!”
lee maye
July 15th, 2012
3:14 pm
Sheets happens. So, does Bourn, Freddie, Martin, Chipper, JHey. And, a big BB for Janish. Big inning against Santana. Braves can now afford to pay worth for another pitcher, not more than value.
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
3:14 pm
Smooth Janish…..smooth.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 15th, 2012
3:14 pm
Our murderers row showed up……B-I-G with a SIX spot.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
3:15 pm
Janish off to great start with us
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
3:15 pm
Nice play by Yanish. Pastornicky doesn’t make that.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:15 pm
@Mixxo
I love It! Fab 5 Freddie Gave Johan The Great a Finisher!
To All The Mets/Yankees Fans In Atlanta
HO SIT DOWN
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:15 pm
I’m no FG fan, but he was right to wait to use Heyward against lefties….
Jason is maturing, I think, and the time was right recently. We’re seeing it some now.
Assuming we don’t blow this, great to put some distance on these guys behind us before the next losing streak.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
3:15 pm
Janish looked good there.
BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
Janish!!!!!!!!!!!!
Freeman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
Nicely done!
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
Damn!!!!! That was Simmons-like.
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
Wow – said yesterday Janish won’t hit, but good glove – two good plays this inning.
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
OK…..he’s loose now…and part of the team.
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
And Freddie w/a GREAT stretch
TNScott
July 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
Stretch Freeman: The Latest in Action Figures.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
I asked and I received. Thanks, boys!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
Oh, and I’d say Janish has show up pretty well.
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
3:17 pm
In case anybody missed the Smoltz joke – “what did one hat say to the other when hanging on a rack? You go on a head and I’ll wait here”.
Mark
July 15th, 2012
3:17 pm
Nice play by the new guy.
With Uggla on the pine we can afford a no hitting SS as long as he makes plays like that!
Chris from the Rock
July 15th, 2012
3:17 pm
Latest Braves transaction: Chipper Jones has agreed to pass on his ownership of the New York Mets to Freddie Freeman after the completion of the 2012 season.
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
3:17 pm
Man, Ben is looking awesome kids!
Sopheee
July 15th, 2012
3:17 pm
Yay new guys!
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:17 pm
Fab 5 With The D Now! Nice!
Ol Benny is Clowning!
Nice!
nolie
July 15th, 2012
3:17 pm
Frank Wren is a freakin’ genius
cabravesfan
July 15th, 2012
3:17 pm
I think we can keep Sheets. And Janish.
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:17 pm
Sheets is good. Shut down inning there. 2 Hits, under 90 pitches. Let’s get the bullpen loose and get him a win.
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
Sheets looks dadgum good….
Can it be that we luck out with this guy? I mean really luck out?
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
DE-FENSE, DE-FENSE!
DE-FENSE- DEFENCE!
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
his name is BEN SHEETS yall.
GTI in Brooklyn
July 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
IF that was the last inning for SHEETS… Wow, what a relief it was to see a quality start like that one!
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
Man I was waaaaaay off onmy Sheets prediction. Awesome
kevkat
July 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
Ben Sheets…wow..you have my permission to sit down sir..you were fantastic!
Brava
July 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
Wow! Ladies and gentlemen, I’d say we have us a starting pitcher.
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
Big BEN with the choke-hold ob the METS. CHIPPER with the multi-hit whuppin’ stick for SANTANA.
Carroll Rogers
July 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
Five strikeouts from Ben Sheets, who got Wright to end the sixth….88 pitches. Getting handshakes and congrats in dugout. Medlen up in pen
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
Two good plays by Janish at shortstop and then a nice K by Sheets. I like what I see from the newcomers.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
He may be Yawnish at bat but exciting in the field
kevkat
July 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
Sheets was silky this game!!
keylargo
July 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
Strausburg is a stud. Shutout thru 6 vs Marlins, 4-0.
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
This really IS fun….
Backdoor Slider
July 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
BEN SHEETS!!
kevkat
July 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
nolie
July 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
He may be Yawnish at bat but exciting in the field
I love that nolie
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
3:20 pm
Brava:
We surely did today anyway.
GTI in Brooklyn
July 15th, 2012
3:20 pm
Welcome back to Baseball, Mr. SHEETS.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:20 pm
Ol Bennie! Did His Job!
I told everyone on here that he will pull a 2004 version of Jaret Wright!
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
Someone found the Sheets under the pillows! Comeback player of year in works!
Mark
July 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
Know its just one game but this was huge for Sheets.
Wish he could start the next inning and throw a couple pitches then take him out for so he could get an ovation!
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
I was hoping for 4 innings from Sheets… this is impressive
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
Banish Yanish…
Flabsisco strides plateward.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
Wren for President!!!
TNScott
July 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
All this unexpected love the last two days from C.B. Buckner kind has me worried about our future relationship with him.
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
3:22 pm
O.K., o.k., SHEETS can turn in his timesheet, but let’s don’t rool it up and hit the turnstiles. We’ve still got a game to finish….and win.
Carroll Rogers
July 15th, 2012
3:22 pm
Sheets returns to majors with six shutout innings, two hits, one walk and five Ks 88 pitches (57 strikes)….wow
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
3:22 pm
he was 30 sheets in the win.
Bravefaninok
July 15th, 2012
3:23 pm
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
Sheets looks dadgum good….
Can it be that we luck out with this guy? I mean really luck out?
When healthy Sheets is a legit no.1 pitcher……Just hope he stays healthy.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:23 pm
Come On Money Mike!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:23 pm
Wow, Francisco with a walk! It’s not that hot here is it? (You know, hell freezing over?)
Mark
July 15th, 2012
3:23 pm
And Hell, Sheets could have done that good
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
3:23 pm
I think Bourn goes yard here….IDK.
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
3:23 pm
BRAVES lovers 1 – Nay-sayers 0
wesley
July 15th, 2012
3:23 pm
RESIGN BOURN!!!!!!!!!!!
Gil In Mechanicsville
July 15th, 2012
3:23 pm
Kudos to Frank Wren for the pick up of Ben Sheets. What a masterful job of pitching today…
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
3:24 pm
Wow. Francisco walked? Ramon Ramirez should probably be banned from baseball.
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
3:24 pm
Hugo,
I guess I need to check myself for a pulse then, because I’m still not impressed with Ingrid.
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:24 pm
Appreciated Glavine’s comments – a veteran pitcher KNOWS how to do it, it’s just a question of can his body accomplish it? Today – Sheets did. Standing O woulda been nice, but….he’ll get one in the clubhouse…he’ll appreciate that one too.
Mark
July 15th, 2012
3:24 pm
Walked away for a minute and got bad info. My bad!
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
3:25 pm
and we will not lose monday.
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
3:25 pm
WREN for president….oh yeah, it’s already been done….Heh!
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
Oust Prado…
nolie
July 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
not sure I wouldn’t have tried ol’ Ben for one more inning,,
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
Gawd Im tard of that AT&T Uverse Pool Commercial
Abeeewright
July 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
Game isn’t Over yet.
wesley
July 15th, 2012
3:27 pm
I 2nd the standing o suggestion, he deserved one!!
Hugo Z Hackenbush
July 15th, 2012
3:27 pm
The only downside to all this is the avalanche of terrible “Sheets” puns…
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:27 pm
Don’t get me wrong, I love Tom Glavine, but does it always seem when he’s calling a game against the Mets, he sounds just a little biased in that direction? I mean I know he played with them for like 3 years, but he was a Brave a whole lot longer. If a long-term ex-Brave went on to play with another team and then came back as announcer, I would expect them to be more home-team friendly.
Maybe I’m just being a little too sensitive.
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:27 pm
Sheets only went 6 because he’s lazy….
Mark
July 15th, 2012
3:28 pm
Stick with this line up Freddi
Bring up Constanza and go with Diaz/Constanza platoon with Teen at 2B
Bravefaninok
July 15th, 2012
3:28 pm
nolie
July 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
not sure I wouldn’t have tried ol’ Ben for one more inning,,
Gotta keep Meds streched out….
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:28 pm
As much as I enjoy watching Kimbrel pitch – not today. Give him a two day rest and have him ready Tuesday! Bullpen needs to keep the shutdown going.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:29 pm
Come On Little Big Man MED’s!
Braint
July 15th, 2012
3:29 pm
That was me Mixxo…..I’m obviously not a baseball genius……but am happily wrong.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:29 pm
That AT&T commercial with the pool girl is more annoying than the one with the kid telling the two youngsters how good they have it while watching the Final 4. They all get old after a while.
JasonInFL
July 15th, 2012
3:29 pm
Wow. I think that is about all you can say about Sheets today. Just…WOW.
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:29 pm
You are. I hear Tom being all Braves.
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
3:29 pm
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
3:24 pm
Hugo,
I guess I need to check myself for a pulse then, because I’m still not impressed with Ingrid…..”
BERGMANN. Pretty impressive
ANGELA LANSBURY too. Didn’t know she was that old.
Saw them in the movie ‘GAS-LIGHT’ last night on PBS with CHARLES BOYER and JOSEPH COTTON [local talent].
Hugo Z Hackenbush
July 15th, 2012
3:29 pm
That pool girl is hot!–but she’s no Ingrid Haas…
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
bravesgrl4life: I haven’t noticed that at all….. however, I have noticed Chip loves to talk about the Cubs when they are playing the Braves (he used to announce for them)
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
Echo Pace….rest Kimbrel.
Get em out.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
OMG, Dish Network just lost the complete signal! WTH????
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
I agree Pace, he is currently MLB’s saves leader after all!
Abeeewright
July 15th, 2012
3:31 pm
Early returns would have Janish in backup ss when Simmons returns.
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
3:31 pm
Ol’ BEN sure put the pleats in them METS sheets
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:32 pm
@BG4Life
Co-Sign on that 329 post…and it sucks because FSS And CSS play it so oftern
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:32 pm
Now is when a pitcher has to get tough. One out, man at second. Keep the shutout.
NickB
July 15th, 2012
3:32 pm
Mark
just shut up, Uggla has been hitting for the past 4 days AND CONSTANZA SUCKS
yer an idiot, stop your idiotic anti Uggla rants
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:32 pm
Keep ‘em off the board Kris
TNScott
July 15th, 2012
3:33 pm
bravesgrl- The satellite gods have definitely been against us today.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
3:33 pm
And, man…..am I glad we got that Sheets on sale!
cabravesfan
July 15th, 2012
3:33 pm
Love Meds all socks up today
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:33 pm
Now having to wait 5 minutes after pulling the smartcard out of the receiver. Jeez.
NickB
July 15th, 2012
3:34 pm
the most amazing thing to me about Sheet’s performance was how good his command was, I figured there’d be a lot of rust to shake off, he looked really good
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
3:34 pm
Meds seems like Glavine – one of those “bend but don’t break” kinda pitchers.
kevkat
July 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
Leave it to the bull pen to give up the shutout
NickB
July 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
and some of you people want Medlen to start……….
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
Just not a huge Medlen fan. Very overrated here.
Mark
July 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
Congratulations to Big Ben – Great perfomance today
Now, how he recovers and does the next start will give us a better idea of his readiness to pitch down the stretch
Pace
July 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
Mistake pitch – too much of the plate. Good at bat, but…get the next guy and all is well.
JasonInFL
July 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
Mets hammer Huddy and Hanson. Sheets shuts them down for 6. Then they immediately score off Meds. Makes it even more impressive.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
6-1, we’re still gooooooooood
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
Crap. I really wanted the Braves to finish the shut out.
Abeeewright
July 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
Chalk dust double yields a run.
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
hey just get that run back.
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
Mets have been good with their offense against us this year. Patient and relentless. Shows how good Sheets was today.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
Yeah, Medlen has been a bit disappointing since his return. I hate that ’cause I love that little guy.
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:37 pm
Trade 3 outs for the one run….
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:37 pm
And let’s see if Jurrjens still has it after the all-star break… if he does then we have a pretty good rotation with him, Hudson, Hansen, Sheets (if he continues to perform well) and Minor
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
3:37 pm
Loved the way Sheets talked to himself on the mound.
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
3:38 pm
NickB = yup, I’m one of “those people”. I’m sorry that you can’t seem to respectfully disagree on this.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:38 pm
@BG4LIFE
I love The Glavinator in the booth…He adds a lot of in game experience of when he used to go all out! Remind me of when David Justice used to call games in the booth
Lets Get this sweep!
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
3:39 pm
I am hoping that Meds comes back stronger next year because he has been a bit hittable this season.
Roja
July 15th, 2012
3:39 pm
Sheets goes 6 innings gives up 2 hits and zero runs. Medlen goes 1 inning gives up 2 hits 1 run. Maybe we need to pick u a couple of decent relief pitchers at this point in the season!!
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
3:40 pm
I think if Sheets has a second consecutive good outing, you can probably forget about Wren trading for another pitcher. Would that be a good decision? Only time would tell I suppose.
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
3:40 pm
And I don’t see how a 2.96 ERA and 1.12 WHIP is disappointing. Sure, they guy is not Kimbrel, but he’s pitched better than anyone else on the roster not named Kimbrel.
NickB
July 15th, 2012
3:40 pm
what was disrespectful about what I said in regards to Medlen?
My argument is backed up by his 4.23 ERA while starting his mediocre performance the past month, and the 5.5 runs of support he got as a starter before that made his win totals look better than he actually pitched
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
3:40 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
GWINNETT
6:05 ET p.m. start
MISSISSIPPI
6:00 p.m. ET start
LYNCHBURG
No game scheduled
ROME
5:00 p.m. ET start
DANVILLE
4:00 p.m. ET start
GCL – ORLANDO
No game scheduled
DSL
No game scheduled
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:40 pm
Overreact. Overreact. Overreact.
Good grief. That was an ideal place for whomever came in to give one back. Happens all the time in this game. Remember?
Hugo Z Hackenbush
July 15th, 2012
3:41 pm
And some of you people want Medlen to relieve…
NickB
July 15th, 2012
3:41 pm
I would like to see what his inherited runners scored numbers look like, we all know that reliever ERA is misleading
Mark
July 15th, 2012
3:41 pm
Nick
You are a smart mouthed, name calling, know it all, statistic throwing, probably fat ass, never done anyhting in your life sack of crap.
Oh yeah, and a liar. Stick to what you say, keep your word and ignore my post. I said I was going to that to you and have until your last name calling. This will be my last one to you and my word is good!
Now just go hang a poster of Uggla over your bed and enjoy yourself and ignore my post!!!
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
3:42 pm
I would say MEDS results after TJ are not as good as beforecwithout consulting the stats. But next season, he’ll be the old MEDS again. He’s remained aggressive throughout at least.
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
3:42 pm
Slight bad luck for MEDS, not listening to retards who hate.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
3:42 pm
Looks good….take care everyone…I am gone.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:44 pm
Nice to see the Braves winning at home for a change.
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:44 pm
Medlen is perfect in the longer relief role. That’s his clear niche.
He gave up one stinking run up 6.
Good grief. If he gets killed in the 8th, fire away.
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
3:44 pm
NickB: the issue here is how you are always so darn critical of those of us who have the opposite opinion of you. Unless you are God and omniscient, I think there is some room for difference of opinion. That’s why we have blogs like this.
Disgusted
July 15th, 2012
3:44 pm
We got more than we could have expected from Ben Sheets today.
Great work.
Now, if we can get the good Johnny Venters back and if Minor can go on a nice run this month do we really have to pay big for another SP?????\
Stay tuned for the rest of July. Things going good as of late. The problems and needs of a team can change in a short time, who would thought we would be needing a shortstop a week and a half ago.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:44 pm
Enter your comments here
TNScott
July 15th, 2012
3:45 pm
Illini- Agree to an extent. Meds unlike Minor and Delgado doesn’t turn to Jell-O if he gives up a run or two. He will challenge hitters in the strike zone instead of nibbling which causes many of the problems that Minor and Delgado have and is the case with many rookie starters. Meds has a bulldog mentality on the mound and isn’t afraid to fail. He competes. His stuff in pretty good and why he should have been in the 5 spot since the season began. You can’t have two inexperienced pitchers like that in the back half of your rotation. It puts too much pressure on your bullpen and top half of the rotation to produce quality starts.
JasonInFL
July 15th, 2012
3:46 pm
I think Wren still looks to add to the rotation.
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
3:46 pm
It would be nice to let Meds go the three innings and give EOF and Kimmie a day off.
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
3:47 pm
This streak continues the trend of really hot and really cold periods for 2012 baseball. Thinking we’ll avoid the cold periods more now with the improved hitting.
Sopheee
July 15th, 2012
3:48 pm
Blah, Melky.
Ward
July 15th, 2012
3:48 pm
Hello everyone! I see we still have some haters on the blog, who will say just about any thing, because of their hate for the Braves……..Good game today…….
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:48 pm
@Mark…
Ouch! On that 341 post….
lol
Disgusted
July 15th, 2012
3:48 pm
Medlen is a work in progress comming off a serious injury where he missed alot of time & he does not have that much experience either.
In essence, in a way he is somewhat of a prospect whom you hope is stronger next yr and has more upside.
Not giving up on him. Want to see what he is about in 2013. He is still learning the game.
The role he currently is in is the right role for him right now.
Best boost we can have in the second half is getting the good Johnny Venters back.
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
3:48 pm
Wren will get another starter, regardless of what Sheets does in his next few starts. Minor goes to the pen. Now how Sheets does might say what caliber starter Wren will get, maybe.
brian
July 15th, 2012
3:48 pm
agree Jason – I think Wren still looks to add to the rotation.
Ward
July 15th, 2012
3:49 pm
Never read trade rumors. They are confusing…….
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
3:49 pm
….
NickB
July 15th, 2012
3:50 pm
I’m only indignant to idiots like Mark who have these insane opinions backed up by nothing and refuse to even take a common sense view of the situation.
and I’m not omniscient, but I’m pretty close
(and I’m an atheist)
IlliniBrave
July 15th, 2012
3:50 pm
@Disgusted: agree with your assessment, but wonder if the “good Johnny Venters” still exists.
Ward
July 15th, 2012
3:50 pm
Mark – Come back after you take your meds, and feel better……
NickB
July 15th, 2012
3:51 pm
Mark, where do you live, I have a few crazed punk rock friends in Atlanta that wouldn’t mind stopping by your place and kicking the holy crap out of you
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:51 pm
@Soph
Take It to Vegas that The Braves Bring Back The Melk Dud when Bourn sells out to either the Dodgers or G-Men (Giants)…
It would be a nightmare if the Melk Dud came Back!
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
3:51 pm
Enter your comments here
BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
3:52 pm
Bourn!!!!!!!!!!!
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:52 pm
AGAIN…. WE MUST RESIGN BOURN
Sopheee
July 15th, 2012
3:52 pm
Holy fudge, Bourn. Fabulous catch but it scared the crap out of me.
Efrim
July 15th, 2012
3:52 pm
I think Wren still looks to add to the rotation.
Absolutely. What is one start from Sheets going to change? Still need another starter. As good as we can get. Nothing has changed, imo.
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
3:52 pm
bourn free.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:52 pm
Gawd I Love Money Mike!!!
nolie
July 15th, 2012
3:53 pm
Meds is a good pitcher, but not as great as some here like to think. He is definitely an asset in his current position, and is even more valuable because he could start in an emergency
NickB
July 15th, 2012
3:53 pm
I sure wish we could re-sign Bourn…. alas I think it’s nigh on impossible
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
3:53 pm
Bourn is our MVP and needs to be resigned, regardless.
Sopheee
July 15th, 2012
3:53 pm
I’d vomit if that happens again, T’hawkin. Can’t. Stand. Him.
Disgusted
July 15th, 2012
3:53 pm
@IlliniBrave — The good Johnny Venters could be back given that he has had some time off away from the game as far as having to be out there day in and day out.
The DL stint might do him good lets hope so. He could not fall down could he unless something physically is really wrong.
Wait and see, that is all us fans can ever do anyway.
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
3:53 pm
NickB
July 15th, 2012
3:51 pm
“……Mark, where do you live, I have a few crazed punk rock friends in Atlanta that wouldn’t mind stopping by your place and kicking the holy crap out of you……..”
WTF NickB. Lighten up, man.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:53 pm
our turn for bad calls
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
3:54 pm
Got TV back, but my TV2 light is not on. Trying to resolve that now. But at least I got the game back on.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
July 15th, 2012
3:54 pm
Y’know Nick, even jokingly, talking about acts of violence toward other bloggers is really over the top.
phil
July 15th, 2012
3:54 pm
Great catch for Boras…
Ward
July 15th, 2012
3:54 pm
I like Janish, and looks like he ’s the answer to back up SS now.
NickB
July 15th, 2012
3:54 pm
I like Medlen, and I think he’s best suited as a middle reliever who CAN spot start, but there’s nothing in Medlen that’s an improvement starting over what we have already
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:55 pm
thanks Medlen for making this more interesting than it should be….
I’m being sarcastic…
I don’t want it to be interesting…
NickB
July 15th, 2012
3:55 pm
He wants to get personal, I can get emmer effing personal……
I am not exactly 100% stable
Ward
July 15th, 2012
3:55 pm
phil – Keeping your post real……LOL
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
3:56 pm
Bucknor gets off on annoying teams.
Abeeewright
July 15th, 2012
3:56 pm
Sheets and Jurrjens have been injury prone. If you can get another starter without giving up too much it would improve the club.
Also Moylan might be back in the ‘pen before long.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
3:56 pm
Ow…poor BMac…
Ric Flair to Right
July 15th, 2012
3:56 pm
Medlen is not the answer
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
3:57 pm
@NickB
Settle Down Bro…The Braves are on a roll
No need for the Call out posts, even though I find it amusing!
tony austin
July 15th, 2012
3:57 pm
There’s a reason CB is consistently voted as one of the worst umpires in the league.
Disgusted
July 15th, 2012
3:57 pm
“I sure wish we could re-sign Bourn…. alas I think it’s nigh on impossible”
It will be tough, but not impossible yet. Have to wait that one out this off season.
As I said, the org has to sign two of the three among Prado, Bourn and B-Mac. And build around the nucleus.
I know I have said it before but I am looking forward to the 3 yr stretch between 2014 and 16 when this nucleus should be really special. And some of the kids in the lower minors like Lipka and one of two more might be real contributors.
Who says Salcedo cannot get his game together and be a servicable defensive player he is still 20 or 21. Can he be around in two or three yrs — maybe???????
The potential I see in 2 yrs is why I am hesitant about making a blockbuster deal where they give up too much and spend too much on the wrong guy.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
3:58 pm
let’s stop this rally right now
NickB
July 15th, 2012
3:58 pm
Yeah i didn’t blame the Met’s pitching coach for getting tossed at all Bucknor is maybe the worst umpire in baseball
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
3:58 pm
Guarantee I can get crazier than anybody here if you catch me at the wrong time.
Disgusted
July 15th, 2012
3:59 pm
come on EOF, shut it down.
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
3:59 pm
lot of empty seats at the ted.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 15th, 2012
4:00 pm
BALLGAME!
SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
4:00 pm
Hell Yeah EASY-E!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
4:00 pm
Thank you, Easy E!
Efrim
July 15th, 2012
4:00 pm
Better play from Bourn even on top of this incredible year is going to push his price higher. Even though the Braves may really, really want to keep him – he’s a Boras client and they sign with the highest bidder…always.
brian
July 15th, 2012
4:00 pm
why waste EOF in a 6-1 game???
Sopheee
July 15th, 2012
4:00 pm
Sundays are always empty.
NickB
July 15th, 2012
4:00 pm
I like Lipka and if he continues to improve I think he could be a good player by age 23 or so, he has a very consistent level of improvement every time he moves up a level
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
4:01 pm
Nice work by O’Flaherty.
Ward
July 15th, 2012
4:01 pm
We need to quit crying about Bourn, and just enjoy the season……
NickB
July 15th, 2012
4:02 pm
a healthy Venters and Moylan will do wonders for the pen
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 15th, 2012
4:02 pm
BRAVES WIN, BRAVES WIN, BRAVES WIN!!!!!!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
4:03 pm
Sheets in line to do something neither of the other 2 starters in this series have done – win.
Mark
July 15th, 2012
4:03 pm
I sure hope so Coach
phil
July 15th, 2012
4:04 pm
It’s 110 degrees.
Food and drink at the park is outrageous.
All we ever do is win.
Why go to the games?
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
4:04 pm
Man Sheets is geeked up still. Guess you sit around for two years and wonder where your career will go and now this – has to energize you.
Pace
July 15th, 2012
4:04 pm
NickB –
absolutely – those two healthy will be huge. And they know how to pitch and can help some of the younger ones learn. Freddi keeps saying you have to run the guys out there, and he’s right. How else will they figure out what tools they have at their disposal that can get them out of tough spots?
Very few pitchers come into the league knowing how to minimize damage. The very good ones learn.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
4:04 pm
Mac couldn’t beat the shift that time
Hugo Z Hackenbush
July 15th, 2012
4:04 pm
Not always, Efrim. Just most of the time…
Ward
July 15th, 2012
4:04 pm
Minor, should take some lessons from Sheets today. What a job by Sheets……
Coach Joe
July 15th, 2012
4:05 pm
WOW..So Where /what has Ben Sheetd doing fo the past two years..(coaching little league?) How did we get him? (don’t feel like reading thru this whole pas blog) just wondering-excited. this could be good…
Go Braves…
Mark
July 15th, 2012
4:06 pm
Matty
1 for 4 with a double = .250 today with a run scored.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
4:07 pm
Ref the hot weather and attending games: my wife commented today that Atlanta needs an indoor baseball stadium… with Tampa Bay and Miami now with them, I can’t argue…..
Coach Joe
July 15th, 2012
4:07 pm
Wow..So where has Ben Sheets been the past two years? (dont feel like reading thru the whole blog? This could be good
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
4:08 pm
coach Joe, he’s been hurt. He was with the A’s in ‘10 and got hurt that summer. Been rehabbing since I reckon.
Gil In Mechanicsville
July 15th, 2012
4:09 pm
Coach Joe (don’t feel like reading thru this whole pas blog)
Don’t feel like doing your homework for you…
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
4:09 pm
C’mon Varvaro… no drama here.
The A Bomb
July 15th, 2012
4:09 pm
As critical as I am consistently of Wren and Gonzalez this has to be Wren’s best day of the season by far.
Now he’s got to figure the rest of it out. Maybe he’ll wake up soon and realize Bourn’s the guy to re-sign because regardless of cost he is worth it to the Braves — even if by other standards we’ll be overpaying. Gold Glove leadoff men who knock out 200 hits don’t grow on trees.
Jay Hey
July 15th, 2012
4:09 pm
Good to see the Muts didn’t soil the Sheets today…..
phil
July 15th, 2012
4:09 pm
He was hurt, joe….got him for nothin really.
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
4:10 pm
Wow ther is No one at the game…
Which proves my point that a lot of corporations and online sites buy the ticket packages and people choose not to but the tickets or not go overall
wow they are playing cotton eyed joe
The Music they play at Tooner Field Sucks
NickB
July 15th, 2012
4:10 pm
as I said last nite A Bomb, I’m skeptical he will ever have a season this good again
Mark
July 15th, 2012
4:10 pm
Attaboy V
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
4:10 pm
Now THAT is the way to start a 9th inning with a five-run lead…
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
4:10 pm
I like Varvaro.
Efrim
July 15th, 2012
4:11 pm
SS Jose Peraza has been promoted to Danville. Definitely one to watch.
Ward
July 15th, 2012
4:11 pm
Jack Wilson………Who? Janish……….Jack wont be missed……
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
4:11 pm
Marlins load the bases in the 9th, but K, foul pop – collision but Harper catches Omar fly to end the game…Nats win 4-0…
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
4:12 pm
And for those wanting Omar back, he just got the last out in Miami. Marlins lose 4-0.
phil
July 15th, 2012
4:12 pm
Good catchers don’t grow on vines either…
That said, we’ll never keep both. Glad it’s not my call.
NickB
July 15th, 2012
4:12 pm
Janish says “To Sheets, you are like the buzzing of flies to him!”
BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
4:12 pm
Nats won.
The A Bomb
July 15th, 2012
4:12 pm
And as I said last night Nick — I realize the Georgian is going to be re-signed. For a number of reasons.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
4:12 pm
MattEEE!!!
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
4:12 pm
wow nice play Matty
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
4:12 pm
MATTY D!!!!
keylargo
July 15th, 2012
4:12 pm
I sure hope the Mets get smoking hot as soon as they leave ATL. Muts vs gNats next for them
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
4:12 pm
Hell Yeah Matty-Ice!!!
phil
July 15th, 2012
4:12 pm
Diaz showing off that gold glove! Lol
BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
4:12 pm
Diaz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nolie
July 15th, 2012
4:12 pm
Mattie D(for defense) !!!
Blog Monitor
July 15th, 2012
4:13 pm
that no “D” playing Diaz..
Mark
July 15th, 2012
4:13 pm
Good play Matty!!!
Good lineup Freddi
N Nine
July 15th, 2012
4:13 pm
Bases loaded no outs, Marlins could not score. Nats win.
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
4:14 pm
keylargo -
Exactly what I am hoping. They ought to be good n’ pissed after this series.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
4:14 pm
Tony…. one…. more… out….
The A Bomb
July 15th, 2012
4:14 pm
Might also be one of Gonzalez’s best days of the season benching his godson.
Kudos to both Wren and Gonzalez.
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
4:15 pm
So far…..great job by the pen too.
Mixxo
July 15th, 2012
4:15 pm
Baseball Sweep!
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
4:15 pm
WOW!!!
Mark
July 15th, 2012
4:15 pm
Look at Matty!!!!
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
4:15 pm
My version of the Mets’ theme song:
Meet The Mets,
MeetBeat The Mets,Step right up and
greetsweep the Mets!BFChris27
July 15th, 2012
4:15 pm
Matty D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How sweep it is
nolie
July 15th, 2012
4:15 pm
Matt (Gold Glove) Diaz!!!!
Tomahawkin
July 15th, 2012
4:15 pm
BALLGAME!!!
BOOTY SHAKIN LIKE HELL YEAH!!!
How Sweep It Is!!!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
4:16 pm
Two fabulous plays by MattE D! Sheets! Sweep!!!
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
4:16 pm
GREAT GAME TODAY!!! And the bullpen has been lights out since VENTERS has been DL’d…. he’s toxic this year (and realize he was lights out last year)
phil
July 15th, 2012
4:16 pm
I’m as happy for Sheets’ 9 year old as I am anyone…
Great story being urged on by the kid. The kid will always remember today!
And so will the Mets pitching coach…lol
Bama Brave
July 15th, 2012
4:16 pm
SWEEEEEEEEP Two in a Row!
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
4:16 pm
bravesgrl4life-
you are right. Maybe that will get them thinking. Great win.
keylargo
July 15th, 2012
4:16 pm
Defensive replacements always help in the 9th.
Ward
July 15th, 2012
4:16 pm
Sweep!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Diaz!!!!!!!!!Sheets!!!!!!!!!Janish!!!!!!! Priceless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tomahawk Mafia
July 15th, 2012
4:17 pm
Season high 7 game winning streak!
Willy
July 15th, 2012
4:17 pm
Call the Braves butter, they’re on a roll.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
4:17 pm
Ah, love sweeping the Mets! Great job, boys! So happy for Ben Sheets—waytago!…
BravesfaninAugusta
July 15th, 2012
4:17 pm
Later ya’ll….
Another Clueless Blogger
July 15th, 2012
4:18 pm
Oh Mets R Best, you predicted a sweep and you were soooooo right!
Sopheee
July 15th, 2012
4:18 pm
Rainbows and butterflies.
Way to go, boys!
phil
July 15th, 2012
4:18 pm
Gold glove Diaz strikes twice in one frame!!
Phillies….swept.
Mets…swept.
I love it!
The A Bomb
July 15th, 2012
4:20 pm
From the overplayed AT&T car radio spot to the new Nissan “Summer Lovin” concert I sure am glad Braves are winning, otherwise bricks would be flying through the TV screen.
Coach (2012 Fried's Beisbol Fandango)
July 15th, 2012
4:20 pm
Seven in a row, longest winning streak of the season. Not to mention being ten games over .500
Awesome!
Another Clueless Blogger
July 15th, 2012
4:21 pm
Ben Sheets!
phil
July 15th, 2012
4:21 pm
“when mom got sick…”
“now, i can focus on what’s really important.”
That lady in the Suntrust commercial is cold…
phil
July 15th, 2012
4:22 pm
Yeah, where is Metsrbest?
Hahahahahahaha!
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
4:22 pm
Sheets and giggles (as seen on twitter)
That GA lottery commerical is getting annoying, too.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
4:27 pm
Okay, now Tom Glavine sounds better about the Mets. Saying Johan had chances to get outs and didn’t do it.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
4:28 pm
Did the blog die?
NickB
July 15th, 2012
4:29 pm
Next 15 games are key for this team, (especially the next seven) as they get 2 winning tams for 7 games and then 8 straight against the lowly Marlins and Phillies, really need to go 9-6 during that span
mikeo
July 15th, 2012
4:29 pm
What I want to know is where are all the “I’m not a GM, but I think I am” Negative Nancys that were carping about the Sheets deal. He was awesome today!
rfgh
July 15th, 2012
4:30 pm
Just wanna add my “Congrats” to Ben Sheets! Love this team!
Ward
July 15th, 2012
4:33 pm
Now Braves really need to make a statement……..San Fran next………………..Annoying Giants!
Ward
July 15th, 2012
4:35 pm
I’ll talk later tonight. Let’s keep rolling…….”Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
NickB
July 15th, 2012
4:36 pm
looking at the schedule , there is a chance that 18 of the last 24 games of the yar could be against teams under .500 (Brewers, Rockies,Phillies,Mets and Marlins) and 6 games against good teams (Nats,Pirates)
that bodes well
Stumpknocker
July 15th, 2012
4:37 pm
Holy Sheets !!!! Ben is back…….welcome to the Braves and good luck to you.
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
4:37 pm
Anther thing I like about Sheets. He looks a lot like Stifler. That’s gotta be good, right?
NickB
July 15th, 2012
4:38 pm
in fact, depending on how the Mets finish the year, the Braves could only have 21-24 games against teams with winning records all year
NickB
July 15th, 2012
4:39 pm
left this year I meant
Mark
July 15th, 2012
4:40 pm
Good interview by Sheets. Humble guy. Baseball guy.
Good for him!!!!
Efrim
July 15th, 2012
4:41 pm
Braves are 10 games over .500. First time since they were 26-16 after beating the Rays on May 20th.
bravesgrl4life
July 15th, 2012
4:42 pm
that “heart” Prado commercial, tho will never get old.
And with that, I’m going to go make my grocery list and head up to Kroger. Probably going to be going in a big ole summer storm.
TBbravesfan
July 15th, 2012
4:45 pm
see yall next game. latter guys and gals
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
4:45 pm
Well, gonna take my wife to the store to do a little shopping for the first time since her surgery. She is so pumped up for that. Later peoples.
Dumbfounded again......
July 15th, 2012
4:47 pm
Metslover21•2 minutes ago
Can you hate ANYTHING more than you hate the f-cking Braves.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
4:48 pm
The winning pitchers this weekend – Martinez, Varvaro, Sheets – not what most might have guessed a week ago…
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
4:48 pm
We have “Seaver” and “Shea” now and we’re playing the Mets. How ironic could it be? _ Doofus(Goober and Gomer’s Smart Brother)
Well, I don’t know, where is the irony? Considering Sheets and Chipper were both fairly young Major Leaguers when their kids were born I don’t even think its that much of a coincidence.
Now, if say, Shea Jones owned a demolition company and won the contract to tear down Shea Stadium , that would be ironic. Maybe if Shea Jones and Seaver Sheets grew up to become Braves and spent their careers crushing the Mets dreams, yeah that would be ironic.
Jay Dubu
July 15th, 2012
4:49 pm
Hudson pitched 4 innings, Hanson pitchd 5.1. It sure was a relief to see a starter go 6 innings without sweating bullets all day long, giving up BBs and the such.
Minor has to step up the rest of the season, and have his performance math his spring training demand of, “…either start me or trade me.”
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
4:49 pm
Ben Ingram @IngramRadio
Quick math: The #Braves haven’t committed an error in 56 innings ..
Ralph
July 15th, 2012
4:52 pm
Loved todays lineup, use it every day, platoon Diaz and Henski, better yet Diaz and Constanza., guess thats asking for a little too much.
NickB
July 15th, 2012
4:52 pm
I reckon Minor got left up under the hope he can increase his trade value with one more good start
Ralph
July 15th, 2012
4:55 pm
Have to admit I was skeptical of the Sheets deal and putting him in the rotation so soon but i’ll have to admit I was wrong and it looks like Wren hit a home run on this one.
Ralph
July 15th, 2012
4:55 pm
Have to admit I was skeptical of the Sheets deal and putting him in the rotation so soon but i’ll have to admit I was wrong and it looks like Wren hit a home run on this one.
Carroll Rogers
July 15th, 2012
4:57 pm
Sheets’ best reward of the day: a bear hug with his sons Seaver, 9, and Miller, 5, in clubhouse after the game. Eric Hinske watched the whole thing and said “That’s the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Mark
July 15th, 2012
4:57 pm
Ralph
My thoughts exactly. Watch out for your family heritage and intelligence being questioned by some on here though
Jeff R
July 15th, 2012
5:00 pm
Kudos to Sheets. Keep it going, big guy.
Coach (2012 Fried's Beisbol Fandango)
July 15th, 2012
5:01 pm
“Timing is everything”
Way to start the second half Bravos!
NickB
July 15th, 2012
5:02 pm
I would think anyone who thinks Constanza is a better player than Uggla should have their intelligence questioned. It’s a silly idea
Seattle Braves
July 15th, 2012
5:04 pm
See another Start from Sheets. If good, then I will comfortable trading younger talent (Minor, Delgado, and others) for Grienke.
If you could get Upton WHITOUT TRADING PRADO… Then yes
NickB
July 15th, 2012
5:06 pm
Seattle
Judging from the D-backs stating that they want MLB ready players, I’m afraid they would want Prado or Simmons as the centerpiece of any Upton deal…. and to heck with that
Seattle Braves
July 15th, 2012
5:09 pm
@NickB
Well That depends if they consider themselves contenders or not this year. I think if they are contendes, then no trade should be made. But if they fall out of contention, they would be more likely to trade for MLB reay players in the farm system and not PRADO or SIMMONS.
Seattle Braves
July 15th, 2012
5:11 pm
Hopefully
NickB
July 15th, 2012
5:11 pm
Yeah, but the problem we have is that both the Braves and the D-Backs have pitching rich farms and not many upper level position players. They are looking for SS, 2B and OF and we have non of that worthwhile to trade for Upton.
If i had to hazard a guess, I would put my money on the Pirates getting him as they DO have the pieces and really need offense bad
Braveone
July 15th, 2012
5:16 pm
From the previous blog which had 1,466 comments, NickB led the way with 71 posts. There were 156 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 NickB 71
2 The A Bomb 59
3 Pace 52
4 bravesgrl4life 44
5 Tomahawk Mafia 42
6 Mark 38
7 Venice Jim 38
8 Tomahawkin 37
9 Capt.Mudd 35
10 gene garbage 34
11 ACE 33
12 nolie 29
13 David O’Brien 28
14 McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô: 28
15 VaBravesFan 28
16 BFChris27 27
17 Efrim 27
18 cabravesfan 27
19 LAG 25
20 ChattTownBrian 23
21 Lew 23
22 TNScott 23
23 Bobby’s Cox 22
24 Jeff R 22
25 njbraves 20
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
5:27 pm
Sign Sheets to a 3 yeer and 45 millien dollar contract! Do it NOW Wren!
MiaBchBravesFan
July 15th, 2012
5:27 pm
I spent all week long with a VERY good feeling about Ben Sheets’ start today. As always, a vet like Sheets was experimenting in the two minor starts; thus the “meh” results. Today, it was 2008 all over again for Big Ben, as he completely throttled the swept Mets. If Sheet’s has one more start like the one today, I think that we can stop the nonsense regarding trading our valuable youngs arms at this time for the likes of Dempster or Greinke. I would much rather muse those options during the relative calm of the Hot Stove League season.
It is truly about time the Braves caught a break on this front. After years of buying retreads that played threadbare, it is high time we caught lightning in a bottle. This is the kind of thing that could truly propel the Braves this season to ambitious heights. Let’s really hope that Frank Wren – who looks pretty decent right now on this particular coup – stand pat on the trade front, unless there’s a deal that he cannot refuse. This team has great clubhouse chemistry, and they have weathered some trying times this season to put themselves right at this moment in a highly comptetitive position.
JeanE
July 15th, 2012
5:28 pm
Loved this game!! I think CB Buckner is horrible but luckily, his messups went our way yesterday and today. Sheets is unbelievable! Total steal by Frank W. Matty D starts is all up, rest of the lineup keeps it going and Freddie nails it shut. Sweep!!! I love this team, Janish will fit right in. So glad Sheets switched himself out of the cursed locker, no reason to tempt fate with bad mojo! Also happy we don’t play on Mondays, I don’t like Mondays (thank you Boomtown Rats), keep it up Braves!!!
JeanE
July 15th, 2012
5:43 pm
I love going into an off day on a high, so much fun watching today’s game. I did notice Sheets talking to himself on the mound but I do that all the time! Laughing along with bloggers critiquing the endless repeat of commercials, my son can quote them all word by word because they rerun the same ones ad nauseum!!! So happy for Sheets and the team, yeah!!!
The A Bomb
July 15th, 2012
5:43 pm
Wow. 2nd place. I gotta get out more.
Bama Brave
July 15th, 2012
5:48 pm
Is Marteen A Free Agent after this season?
UKUGA
July 15th, 2012
5:49 pm
It was good to see the Braves knock around the two guys who made us look so miserable the first two games of the season.
This is the best team we’ve had in awhile. I hope management goes for the jugular this year. We’ve really got a chance.
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
5:50 pm
Boy this place sure clears out when the Braves are red hot.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
5:54 pm
just finished the National 9-Ball Open Championship for women. Y’all in the Atlanta area were well represented by Monica Webb out of Villa Rica. She tied for third
nolie
July 15th, 2012
5:56 pm
I would think anyone who thinks Constanza is a better player than Uggla should have their intelligence questioned…Nick B
indubitably
Seattle Braves
July 15th, 2012
5:57 pm
Can we trade Fuggla for Upton. Prado seems to be Mr. Utility man. He could play 2nd.
I know it will never happen. Just wishful thinking….
Uggla isnt all bad, but he has really been a disappointment so far. 100k’s in 300ab’s… Not Good. But he does get walked alot.
Jimbo Jones
July 15th, 2012
5:57 pm
Hanson, Hudson, Jurrjens, Sheets, and ……. That’s a pretty good 2 – 5 but we need a #1 starter. Grienke would be such a great fit. Maybe having Sheets here in Atlanta makes the pot even sweeter? I think we can trade one of Delgado, Teheran or Minor. If we can make a legitimate run this year we should go for it. Teheran’s stock has been dropping lately, but I don’t know if I’m ready to bail on him. Next year could look like Grienke, Hanson, Hudson, Sheets, Teheran/Delgado/Minor (assumes Jurrjens walks).
nolie
July 15th, 2012
5:58 pm
Greinke has stunk it up for the last month
dean
July 15th, 2012
5:59 pm
Fun game to watch today. What Sheets did wasn’t luck. It was the result of hard work and wanted something VERY badly. I hope his effort today was as “divine” as the fire at the old stadium on McGriff’s first day .
nolie
July 15th, 2012
6:05 pm
God started that fire? A always wondered what happened.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
6:07 pm
@ChattTownBrian…..That’s why I came back now Brian….don’t want to be seen as a “hottie!”
nolie
July 15th, 2012
6:07 pm
where are all the Muts trolls??
Peanut Gallery
July 15th, 2012
6:09 pm
Peanut Gallery three weeks ago: The Braves signed that old, has been, used up Ben Sheets? That Frank Wren is a complete idiot!
Peanut Gallery Sunday evening: Ben Sheets is great! That Frank Wren is a genius!
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
6:13 pm
where are all the Muts trolls??
They probably got swept away with the Mets, nolie.
dean
July 15th, 2012
6:15 pm
nolie…didn’t notice the ” and the ” around “divine”?
nolie
July 15th, 2012
6:17 pm
you mean the scare quotes? sure I did, good a reason as any though
Mark
July 15th, 2012
6:18 pm
Nolie
From your posts I can tell you know the game. Just for discussion and to help me see other view points, explain your thinking on why a Diaz / Constanza platoon is not as good as Uggla.
Constanza is hitting 321 at Gwinnett. Struck out 38 times in 250 ABs. Has good speed.
Diaz hitting over .300 against lefties and doesn’t strike out alot.
If they kept that up we’d have a 300 hitting left fielder.
Uggla hitting 220 and strikes out 1 out of every 3 ABs.
Constanza isn’t a great defender, nor is Diaz, but Uggla doesn’t have to worry about saving space on the trophy case for a Gold Glove either.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
6:18 pm
The addition of Ben is a definite plus….and, couldn’t have come at a better time. Furthermore and after seeing video of his post-game interview, I will say I am a Ben Sheets fan–he sounds like a great guy and he brings a wealth of pitcher experience. Thanks, Mr. Wren.
dean
July 15th, 2012
6:19 pm
You should come out more often peanutgallery. Yeah a lot of the imaginary gm’s were negatories..some of us like to see what we got before calling for Wren’s public execution.
Disgusted
July 15th, 2012
6:20 pm
I am hapy about Ben’s start, but lets see what he does after a few starts.
If he pans out after 4 or 5, I might want to offer him a 2 yr deal for reasonable $$$$$$$$.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
6:22 pm
because Constanza is a total dud who can’t hit or hit with power. he had a few good weeks until the book got around on him and has stunk since.IMO he will continue to stink
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
6:23 pm
Mark…..Do you think Mr. Uggla and his agent will be writing any rebate checks in the near future?
nolie
July 15th, 2012
6:24 pm
if Ben pitches well I imagine he will wait for the off season and take as much as he can get, but we can hope I guess
Disgusted
July 15th, 2012
6:26 pm
“I would think anyone who thinks Constanza is a better player than Uggla should have their intelligence questioned. It’s a silly idea”
I think that Constanza is a better player than both a healthy Matt Kemp and Joey Votto combined. If you offered me both for Constanza I would not take that trade even if you added Aroldys Chapman and Matt Cain to sweeten the pot.
I predict that when all is said and done, Constanza will have a higher WAR than Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb.
God help anyone who takes that seriously.
VaBravesFan
July 15th, 2012
6:26 pm
No matter what Sheets does the rest of the season he will not get a 2 year deal…
Mark
July 15th, 2012
6:28 pm
We could only wish.
I did love todays lineup though with him out. I know he wants to do better and he’s probably trying too hard. But, enough is enough and he has had plenty of time.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
6:29 pm
wanna bet Va?
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
6:30 pm
if Ben pitches well I imagine he will wait for the off season and take as much as he can get, but we can hope I guess
He grew up being a Braves fan… so we’ve got that going for us.
Disgusted
July 15th, 2012
6:30 pm
Truth be told, Constanza is a replacement level player who had a nice streak last yr for a time, a one streak wonder.
But it was a nice streak while ti happened. Hey, he worked hard in the minors and got a nice cup of coffee in the majors, good for him.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
6:31 pm
at the end of the first two monts he led second basemen in every stat available except BA. y’all have short memories for success and long ones for slumps
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
6:31 pm
Disgusted with a funny! Attaboy!
Disgusted
July 15th, 2012
6:32 pm
If he goes 8-1 with good periphearal stats he will get a 2 yr deal, I think, never know.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
6:33 pm
Sheets and Greinke were Braves fans? I don’t have much faith in childhood enthusiasms against big bucks unfortunately
Disgusted
July 15th, 2012
6:34 pm
You are right Nolie, but he does need to raise the BA to approach .250 and in time he likely will.
He is a feared run producer, and his D is not bad. The OBP is not as appreciated as it should be, but he does need to get hot again.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
6:34 pm
Man–look at the damn weather, rain coming down in buckets with dark clouds…it just plain blows///////////the next day=Sunny, clear and 72 degrees….Honey, it’s beautiful weather out! Let’s go for a stroll just you and me. That’s just how it works, Peanut!
VaBravesFan
July 15th, 2012
6:34 pm
Being out of baseball for 2 years with all the injuries, he could play well for us but I just highly doubt anyone will be willing to do 2 years. Maybe 1 year with an option. Most likely some incentives too. If alot of team want him in the offseason maybe someone cracks on a 2 year deal, just hope it isnt us.
The A Bomb
July 15th, 2012
6:34 pm
Truth be told Uggla is probably the best baserunner the Braves have had in some time….and if he took the time to add some features to his offensive game — e.g. bunting for base hits etc he might find himself a .270 hitter with a .400 OBP.
But as long as he’s told to swing like Bam Bam Rubble and hope he makes contact this is what he will be….and less.
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
6:36 pm
Sheets and Greinke were Braves fans? I don’t have much faith in childhood enthusiasms against big bucks unfortunately — nolie
Probably depends on the individual. I know if someone offered me a few bucks more, I’d be on another blog so fast it’d make your head spin.
Disgusted
July 15th, 2012
6:36 pm
Big bucks rule and they should —– these are proffessional athletes and this is their office.
Its business and its up to ownership not to be cheap.
I am looking at MLB network and Ozzie Guillen is a drama queen and the Marlins are going to have to let this guy go, I predict he will get fired before Bobby Valentine.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
6:37 pm
yeah it sukks that he is so streaky. it frustrates us all. but he won’t start hitting again sitting on the bench . hopefully he will pick it back up.
Mark
July 15th, 2012
6:37 pm
Lets take Constanza out of the picture because for me the only reason I mention him is he can run and defend better than Hinski. He is already here in the organization and costs nothing.
All that aside, nothing changes the fact that Uggla is terrible and it doesn’t matter that other 2nd baseman are worse. With that thinking, Prado, if he played there all year would be by far the best 2B in the league.
How do we defend striking out 1 out of every 3 times and having only 11 homers as acceptable?
I know I’m on Uggla but if after a half year Freeman or Heyward does this, I’ll call for their demotion as well. Some of the management must feel the same way or he would have played today. But, glad he didn’t.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
6:38 pm
Konerko was pretty happy that Ozzie was gone
nolie
July 15th, 2012
6:40 pm
that Uggla is terrible and it doesn’t matter that other 2nd baseman are worse.
of course it matters, it matters a whole lot.for just one thing out of many, if otheres are worse who you gonna get who is better and available? c’mon
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
6:40 pm
One game …………. A good one, but still, a little early for contract concerns don’t you think.
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
6:40 pm
Vazquez was never a big Ozzie fan either.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
6:41 pm
there are two kinds of folks in the world: Uggla haters and Uggla acceptors. don’t know of any Uggla lovers…..
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
6:42 pm
One game …………. A good one, but still, a little early for contract concerns don’t you think. — Bat Masterson
Not on here, Bat. If he pitched poorly, we would have had him DFA’d too.
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
6:42 pm
Truth be told Uggla is probably the best baserunner the Braves have had in some time _ The A Bomb
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
6:42 pm
No doubt, Bobby.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
6:43 pm
maybe a wee bit Bat. just being a contarian to someone who guaranteed that no matter what Ben did that there was no chance somebody would give him two years. I don’t think its as impossible as he made it sound, thats all
Carroll Rogers
July 15th, 2012
6:46 pm
postgame quotes are up:
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/07/15/braves-quotes-after-sundays-win-over-mets/
so is final gamer:
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/07/15/sheets-leads-braves-to-seventh-straight-win/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_braves_blog
VaBravesFan
July 15th, 2012
6:47 pm
Doesn’t matter if a player is streaky. All that matters is what a player produces over a full season. We have a good idea of what Uggla will provide for us given his track record, and while he’s not been as good as a Brave he is still playing 155+ games and smacking 30 homers. Also this season he has a different approach at the plate shown by his great OBP compared to his low AVG
Mark
July 15th, 2012
6:47 pm
Nolie
Thats my point exactly. Prado would be much better but your 6:41 is right on.
I hope he gets better if they keep playing him for sure. I just don’t see it happening. He flails away up there like a dang lumber jack trying to pull every pitch thats thrown. The best balls he hits are foul but it is what it is.
Maybe he’ll come around. Just aggrravates the crap out of me. Big surprise huh?
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
6:49 pm
Oh, I get it, nolie. I just think its funny, what with all the pitching concerns with the team, people would start to worry about Sheets all ready. I mean it’s gonna to some time to sort all that out, right.
tony austin
July 15th, 2012
6:53 pm
I am an Uggla fan and I want him to do well, but two month slumps at a time makes it hard to stay a fan of his.
phil
July 15th, 2012
6:55 pm
If we don’t sign Sheets tomorrow for 3 years, heads should roll!!
NickB
July 15th, 2012
7:01 pm
Uggla’s last 7 games His OPS in .857
everyone seems to forget how he was driving in runs and getting on base again before the break
George
July 15th, 2012
7:13 pm
Good win, good week. Sheets was very good FREDDY the man. Could FREDI be getting a little smarter with each win?
alanfalcon
July 15th, 2012
7:15 pm
Ben Sheets with an outstanding effort, can’t wait for his next start so that he can show he is for real–Go Braves !!!!!!
ACE
July 15th, 2012
7:30 pm
You have to tip your cap to Sheets today and even believe the back of his bubble gum card.
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
7:31 pm
Also you saw Sheets stay in the dugout cheering his teammates on. Looks like he was chattering Jack Wilson and Ross ears off
but that shows he’s about the team and likes the game.
ACE
July 15th, 2012
7:36 pm
Uggla will have his power numbers by the end of the season.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
7:36 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
New power rankings (as of this AM):1. NYY, 2. Texas, 3. Washington, 4. LAA, 5. Pittsburgh, 6. Cinc., 7. Atlanta, 8. SF, 9. CWS. 10. Detroit.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
7:38 pm
Dodgers made 5 errors today, giving the Padres 6 unearned runs (out of 7) – first time in 17 years they’ve made at least that many – strangely enough, Jerry Davis was the home plate umpire for both games…
phil
July 15th, 2012
7:38 pm
I’m beginning to think uggla might make 25 dingers, if that…
We’ll see. He’s maddening.
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
7:44 pm
We’re still on page 8. If we lost today we’d be on page 14 by now. That’s crazy.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
7:45 pm
Or non-crazy, which is much better…
Brave New World
July 15th, 2012
7:48 pm
Ben Sheets exceeded all (realistic) expectations today. Welcome back to the bigs, Mr. Sheets!
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
7:52 pm
No matter what Sheets does the rest of the season he will not get a 2 year deal…
Not a two-year deal, but 3 year or more? I think a few teams will be standing in line for that one. Just remember the one year that Jaret Wright had for us in 2004. The Yankees gave him a 3-year contract after that. Again, there will always be someone willing to part with multiyear money.
Ralph
July 15th, 2012
7:55 pm
Bama Brave
July 15th, 2012
5:48 pm
Is Marteen A Free Agent after this season?
Prado is a FA in 2014
ChattTownBrian
July 15th, 2012
7:56 pm
I think Wren will be willing to trade Teheran if the deal is right. He’d probably try and talk up Delgado first, but for a pitcher like Shields (if he becomes available) I bet he’d trade Julio.
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
7:59 pm
Personally, I said all along that the Braves are not a very good team, but the performance of Sheets today was very encouraging. Sheets, when he is healthy, is a staff ace. I don’t think that anyone can argue that point and this team has not had a real ace. If Sheets continues to look good and Wren actually does trade for a pitcher like Dempster, then this team automatically becomes not only a playoff team, but I think they’ll beat out the Nats for the division, especially if Uggla starts to remember how to actually earn his salary. Of course, that is a big IF.
NickB
July 15th, 2012
8:02 pm
I’d really like to see an extension for Prado this winter
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
8:05 pm
I’d really like to see an extension for PRADO this winter.
NickB
July 15th, 2012
8:17 pm
Prado probably gets $10 mill a year on the open market…. I don’t know if he’d take a 4 year$33 mill deal, but I’d hate to lose him
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
8:19 pm
This is a freakin’ riot. One year, two, three……….. He has pitched one game. He has been away from it all for two years, and from the quotes I read did not sound unhappy about it. Who the hell knows what Sheets wants to do.
The A Bomb
July 15th, 2012
8:22 pm
Agreed on Sheets. Long way to go. Good job today. Hope he does well next Saturday.
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
8:24 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
DANVILLE
D-BRAVES stomp the MARINERS 14-7.
Lead-off SS JOSE PERAZA [.600 BA] 3-5, 1 R, 2 RBI [2], 1 SB [1], 1 SO, 1 E [1. throwing].
PERAZA, the best player from last year’s DOMINICAN edition had a pretty good first day on the job in high Rook ball.
2B LEVI HYAMS [.220 BA] 2-5, 1 R, 1 2B [2], 3 RBI [15], 1 SF.
3B CARLOS FRANCO [.274 BA[ 1-4, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 SO.
DH JOSH ELANDER [.292 BA] 1-4, 1 RBI [8], 1 SO.
RF FELIX MARTE [.368 BA] 1-5, 1 R, 1 2B [4], 1 SO.
LF ED SANCHEZ [.289 BA] 2-5, 2 R, 1 2B [7], 2 SO.
C NICK DeSANTIAGO [.313 BA] 3-3, 4 R, 1 2B [5], 1 RBI [5], 2 BB, 1 SO.
NICK enjoys argueably his best day as a D-BRAVE.
1B CASEY KALENKOSKY [.231 BA] 1=3, 2 R, 1 RBI [5], 1 BB, 1 SO.
CF/LF KURT FLEMING [.268 BA] 1-5, 1 R, 1 RBI [5], 2 SO.
RHSP ERNIE SILVA [3.72 ERA] 4.0 IP, 9 H, 5 R/ER, 1 BB, 1 SO.
LHRP MATT TALLEY [12.00 ERA] 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 HR, 2 R/ER, 2 BB, 0 SO.
LHRP MIKE HASHEM [W 2-0, 2.79 ERA] 2.1 IP, no-hits, 1 BB, 1 SO.
RHRP BRYAM GARCIA [0.00 ERA] 2.0 IP, 1 H, zeros, 2 BB, 3 SO.
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
8:27 pm
Big Ten and Pac-12 end their scheduling collaboration before it begins
“After extensive deliberation and consultation with member institutions, television partners and others, the Pac-12 and Big Ten have decided not to pursue the previously announced plans for enhanced scheduling collaboration across all sports at this time,” Scott said. “While we continue to value our close relation- ship, particularly our partnership in the Rose Bowl, the Pac-12 came to the conclusion that it’s in our best interests to maintain our 9-game conference schedule and maximum flexibility in out-of- conference scheduling. Thus, the Pac-12 decided not to lock into the proposed mandatory 12-game schedule in football.”
My god, that’s horrible. Arrest that man for language abuse.
Disgusted
July 15th, 2012
8:36 pm
Not a two-year deal, but 3 year or more? I think a few teams will be standing in line for that one. Just remember the one year that Jaret Wright had for us in 2004. The Yankees gave him a 3-year contract after that. Again, there will always be someone willing to part with multiyear money.
@Jerry, all it takes is one team and as for Jaret Wright, the Yankees spend bad money.
Now, I don;t think Sheets will get a 3 yr deal from anyone but if he has an exceptional half, like an 8-1 record good ERA and other good numbers some one will likely give him 2 yrs. But it would have to be an exceptional performance.
brian
July 15th, 2012
8:36 pm
much better start versus the Mets after the all star break than before the season
NickB
July 15th, 2012
8:40 pm
Many teams will be scared of his health. I think the best he could hope for would be a 1 yr $6 mill deal with a vesting option for $6 mill more
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
8:43 pm
Many teams will be scared of his health.
Yeah but that hasn’t stopped teams from giving out ill-advised contracts before
cowdogit
July 15th, 2012
8:45 pm
When Constanza was sent down the braves were ten games above five hundred, Today the braves are ten games above five hundred. You have to remember Chipper and Simmons were not on the team that was playing so good.
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
8:49 pm
Oh good, now we are assigning values to his new contract.
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
8:49 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
ROME
The Legion gettin’ it done this evening 6-5 in 11. Three singles in a row with two out plate the winning run.
Lead-off CF TONY MUELLER [.262 BA] 2-6.
2012 18th rounder 2B ROSS HEFFLEY .291 BA] 3-6, 1 R, 1 2B [7].
HEFF gets the winning hit in the 11th. The rook seems to be enjoying himself in ROME.
LF ROBBY HEFFLINGER [.295 BA] 2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI [28], 1 BB, 1 Outfield Assist [3B], 1 CS [1].
1B ‘BillyBECK’ BECKWITH [.301 BA] 3-4, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SB [9].
2012 17th rounder DH CHASE ANSELMENT [.225 BA] 1-5, 1 R, 1 2B [1]. 1 RBI [5], 1 SO.
3B BRANDON DRURY [.212 BA] 1-5, 1 RBI [32].
SS ELMER REYES [.269 BA] 3-5, 2 R, 1 2B [20], 1 RBI [27].
2012 7th rounder LHSP DAVID STARN [7.56 ERA] 4.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R/ER, 3 BB, 4 SO.
LHRP IAN THOMAS [3.04 ERA] 3.1 IP, 3 H, zeros, 3 SO.
2012 8th rounder RHRP DAVID PETERSON [2.53 ERA] 2.1 IP, 1 H, zeros,m 1 BB.
2008 DSL grad LHRP RONAN ‘Ferdie the fight doctor’ PACHECO [W 1-0, 0.84 ERA] 1.0 IP, 1 H, zeros.
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
8:49 pm
You have to remember Chipper and Simmons were not on the team that was playing so good.
uh, no. The only variable that really matters is Constanza
NickB
July 15th, 2012
8:51 pm
jeffryd
ain’t that the truth (The Phillies are paying Howard $117 mill over the next 5 years!!)
NickB
July 15th, 2012
8:52 pm
Bat
I said the BEST he could expect… that’s not unreasonable to guess.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
9:04 pm
this weekend was a lot of fun
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
9:05 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
GWINNETT
G-Men fall to trhe BATS 2-3 this evening.
LHSP JOSE LUGO [2-6, 5.02 ERA] 6.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R/ER, 0 BB, 8 SO.
prolly good enough for a win on most days.
RHRP ‘AussieANDY’ RUSSELL [4.50 ERA] 2.0 IP, 3 H, 1 HR, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 1 SO, 1 PO [1st].
Lead-off LF JOSE CONSTANZA [.320 BA] 1-4, 1 RBI [20], 1 Outfield Assist.
CF LUIS DURANGO [.286 BA] 2-4, 1 SO, 1 CS [11].
1B ERNIE MEJIA [.306 BA] 3-3, 1 R, 1 2B [23], 1 HR [19], 1 RBI [62], 1 BB.
ERNIE’s had back-to-back double-homer games. If this keeps up he might get on schedule for 30 HR’s and 40 2B.
3B TERRY TIFFEE [.111 BA] 1-4.
SS JOSH WILSON [.248 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 2 SO, 1 E [15, throwing].
C JC BOSCAN [.188 BA] 1-3, 1 SAC, 1 SO.
P JOSE LUGO [.333 BA] 1-2.
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
9:05 pm
Of course not, Nick. Speculate away, it keeps the conversation lively.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
9:05 pm
How come George didn’t come on to tell us he was ready to watch Food Network Star?
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
9:07 pm
It was fun. Of course, I was at a wedding
Mark
July 15th, 2012
9:08 pm
Anyone know who we have next and whats the pitching matchup?
Jerry
July 15th, 2012
9:09 pm
Some of you guys are amazingly forgetful of the past. And even if the Yankees don’t wanna spend “bad money” again, someone will. I just hope that Sheets does well enough for this team to warrant those types of discussions. Other than that, I’ll leave you with “we shall see”.
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
9:12 pm
Some of you guys are amazingly forgetful of the past
Or maybe we just don’t dwell and obsess.
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
9:14 pm
Sheets might retire
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
9:15 pm
After just one successful start? That’s pretty rash
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
9:16 pm
Go out on top.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
9:18 pm
A little peeved they’re off tomorrow…Would be totally intense to see if they could keep their winning streak going on a Monday…
That and I don’t like when they’re off on days I go to work…
NickB
July 15th, 2012
9:20 pm
next up is the Giants
Jurrjens vs Zito
Vogelsong vs Minor
Bumgarner vs Hudson
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
9:21 pm
I just finished reading Carroll & Chris’ post game quotes:
(To Chipper) On playing behind him:
“Any time I go through nine innings and I don’t get a groundball, that’s a good day. I like those kind of days. Me and him are going to get along just fine.”
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
9:23 pm
Did Chipper not get a putout or assist?
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
9:24 pm
A little peeved they’re off tomorrow…Would be totally intense to see if they could keep their winning streak going on a Monday… — McFann
Not playing on a Monday IS a win, I think.
NickB
July 15th, 2012
9:26 pm
Jeffreyd
I don’t recall anything hit to chipper
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
9:28 pm
Bobby H—
Yeah, kinda, I guess…
The one good thing is that it’s a day off at home—BMac cann spend time with Ashley and Baby Mac!…:)
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
9:30 pm
Ahh, there you go, McFann. Good point!
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
9:36 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
Bandits bring out the long-range artillery in the forms of PHIL GOSSELIN and JOEY TERDOSLAVICH this afternoon, and bombard CHATTANOOGA 14-5.
RHSP GARY MORAN [W 3-7, 3.15 ERA] 6.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R/ER, 3 BB, 5 SO.
RHRP ANDY WILSON [11.77 ERA] 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R/ER, 1 BB, 1 SO.
LHRP CHRIS JONES [4.10 ERA] 1.0 IP, 1 H, zeros, 2 SO.
Lead-off CF TODD CUNNINGHAM [.315 BA] 3-5, 2 R, 1 RBI [33].
2B PHIL GOSSELIN [.253 BA] 3-5, 2 R, 1 2B [20], 1 HR [1], 3 RBI [31].
1B JOE TERDOSLAVICH [.286 BA] 2-5, 2 R, 1 3B [2], 1 HR [2], 2 RBI [22], 1 SO.
LF TIM SMITH [.313 BA] 2-4, 3 R, 1 RBI [14], 1 BB, 1 SO.
3B ALDEN CARRITHERS [.247 BA] 1-3, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 SO.
RF CHRIS MARRERO [.333 BA] 1-3, 1 R, 1 2B [1], 3 RBI [3], 1 Bb, 1 SO.
First hit in PEARL RIVER. CHRIS enjoys the life of a Bandit.
C MATT KENNELLY [.240 BA] 3-5, 1 R, 1 3B [1], 3 RBI [15], 1 SO.
SS JASON CHRISTIAN [.197 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SO.
P GARY MORAN [.211 BA] 0-1, 2 RBI [2], 1 SAC.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
9:40 pm
Quotes:
On playing behind him:
“Any time I go through nine innings and I don’t get a groundball, that’s a good day. I like those kind of days. Me and him are going to get along just fine.”
richbrave
July 15th, 2012
9:41 pm
Time to go to Las VEGAS and check out the NBA summer game [WIZARDS].
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
9:42 pm
Bobby H—
Always gotta try to find a bright side…:)
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
9:42 pm
V. Jim—
You’re late…
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
9:43 pm
Chiper said this earlier:
“Any time I go through nine innings and I don’t get a groundball, that’s a good day. I like those kind of days. Me and him are going to get along just fine.”
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
9:44 pm
jeffrey d—
Wait…He said what? Post it again…
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
9:44 pm
Is there an echo in here?
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
10:01 pm
I had no idea…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
10:03 pm
This is why you should scan at least the last 30 minutes of posts…
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
10:03 pm
Chiper: 1759, “to steal, filch”, probably a derivative of chipe “fragment, trimming of cloth”
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
10:03 pm
I’m sorry, VJ….I hope that didn’t come off as too snarky
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
10:03 pm
I retract my apology….
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 15th, 2012
10:05 pm
To quote the Subway commercial:
“Wow!……”
cricket
July 15th, 2012
10:09 pm
have braves signed Sheets to extended contract yet? it’s been over 6 hrs
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
10:10 pm
Chiper: 1759, “to steal, filch”, probably a derivative of chipe “fragment, trimming of cloth”
I don’t think you were as bad as all that, VJ. Just a bit repetitive, that’s all.
Ward
July 15th, 2012
10:10 pm
Hello everyone! Was reading an article, and found out that “The Rev.” could be playing some LF. Fredi says “The Rev.” Could be the braves Super Utility man. “The Rev.” can play 3 positions, and Fredi doesn’t plan on rushing Jack Wilson back too soon…..
Ward
July 15th, 2012
10:14 pm
Janish, will be the Back up to Simmons when Simmons comes back.
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
10:15 pm
He’s probably holding out for that fourth year, cricket.
cricket
July 15th, 2012
10:18 pm
Bat, he woulda booked the 4th year with 1 more inning
Ward – i don’t think The Rev. has earned double quotes. i would give him at the most single quotes at this point.
cricket
July 15th, 2012
10:20 pm
today i read metsblog.com during in-game instead of this blog and that experience was really enjoyable, tho not as satisfying as reading phillies blog when they are losing..
cricket
July 15th, 2012
10:22 pm
now this is a true teammate -
Here’s what Carmelo said about Lin:
“It’s not up to me. It’s up to the organization to say that they want to match that ridiculous contract,”
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
10:23 pm
Those are triple quotes, cricket
brian
July 15th, 2012
10:23 pm
Pastornicky is going to be our Lillebridge
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
10:24 pm
Pastornicky is going to be our Lillebridge
Overvalued on the blog and then we flip out when he’s traded?
cricket
July 15th, 2012
10:25 pm
Carmelo, the truth speaker -
So what happens if the Knicks don’t match? Is Melo going to be happy with Felton and Jason Kidd as his point guards?
“I mean, what other point guards are we going to get at this point?”
Ringing endorsement right there.
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
10:26 pm
Likely so, cricket.
I never think to check out other teams blogs, sounds like fun.
brian
July 15th, 2012
10:29 pm
Carmelo knows all about ridiculous contracts
Ward
July 15th, 2012
10:34 pm
Found this out too, which some already know. Janish can play 3rd, and second base too. This is for others that don’t know yet.
Joe Johnson
July 15th, 2012
10:35 pm
Hey guys! We talking about ridiculous contracts?
Ward
July 15th, 2012
10:37 pm
The Braves Bench now
1. Hinkse
2. Diaz
3. “The Rev.”
4.Ross
5. Francisco
Kind of a new make over?
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
10:41 pm
Yep, a new make over. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’ve been thinking for a while now what the Braves bench needs is a 22 year old kid learning to play some new positions.
Ward
July 15th, 2012
10:46 pm
Bat – What I like is flexibility on the bench.
1. Francisco can play 3rd, and LF
2. “The Rev.” can play SS I heard some second base, and LF now too.
This gvies Fredi multiple ideas, and some balance.
That’s what I like about the new bench.
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
10:47 pm
Thanks, Bat – I knew something was missing but I couldn’t figure out what…
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
10:49 pm
Almost had the 2nd best record in the NL – perhaps another day…(worthless Furcal)…
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
10:52 pm
Sure thing, Bobby.
I’m not so sure giving Fredi “multiple ideas” is that great of an idea. Ward.
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
10:53 pm
I hope none of those ideas lead to Fransico in left field.
One-Eyed Mac
July 15th, 2012
10:55 pm
I have nothing against Janish, but I am still confused as to the Braves handling of the whole SS situation. Bear with me.
First, the Braves wait until the very end of the offseason to sign a backup SS (handing to the job to Pastornicky early on). They always said they wanted a backup with strong defense and didn’t care what they did offensively. So after watching all the capable SS’s sign elsewhere, they sign Jack Wilson back (certainly fitting the strong glove, weak offense criteria).
When Simmons got hurt, they clearly didn’t want Wilson playing everyday for the 4-6 weeks period (which begs the question why he was the backup to begin with) since they immediately stated they would seek a trade before deciding how to fill the roster. The clearly didn’t want Pastornicky back even to backup for a game.
So, the trade comes through and they essentially acquire another Jack Wilson (strong glove, no offense), who they didn’t want starting. They name the new Jack Wilson as the starter until Simmons comes back, and keeps Pastornicky (who they didn’t want to bring back) as the back-up at least until the real Jack Wilson is back. Once Wilson comes back, I don’t know who the back-up is going to be, although my guess is it will be Janish and we will be seeing the departure of both Pastornicky and Wilson.
Ward
July 15th, 2012
10:55 pm
Bat – The question is what will happen to the bench, when Simmons comes back. some one will have to go.?
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
10:55 pm
Jason Kidd=DWI 2day
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
10:57 pm
I’d like to see Francisco in center
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
10:57 pm
Hey Ward! What’s up there guy? You’re out in South Dakota now, right?
NO MORE FREDI
July 15th, 2012
10:57 pm
Sheets start proves other Braves starters are wussies. (cough cough Hanson)
Ward
July 15th, 2012
10:57 pm
Could we see Francisco departure in a packaged trade? He does play 3rd base…..
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
10:58 pm
Uggla in left, Chipper at catcher, and Wilson pitching
Ward
July 15th, 2012
10:58 pm
Capt. Montana Northwest…..My Home!
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
10:59 pm
Almost had the 2nd best record in the NL – perhaps another day…(worthless Furcal)… — VJ
Jerry wouldn’t want to hear that. He’s been saying right along that the Braves aren’t a very good team.
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
10:59 pm
What makes you say that, No More Fredi?
Mark
July 15th, 2012
11:01 pm
Ward
Would you want to get Francisco in a trade?
Its a good thought though
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
11:01 pm
Wow, just checked the standings and the Braves have he 2nd most wins in the NL (49) and only 2 behind the leading Nats.
It’s easy for us (especially the most pessimistic) to look at a slump and assume it’s a sign that your team is terrible, but all teams go through these!
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
11:02 pm
No Ward…..I am Capt. Mudderland/akaMudd…..you’re good though.
NickB
July 15th, 2012
11:03 pm
jeff d
yeah, with this group of naysayers, losing two games in a row “proves” that we should become sellers………
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
11:03 pm
Well Jack Wilson hasn’t exactly been the picture of health this year.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:03 pm
Hey, he admitted today that he might be forced to change his mind…
Ward
July 15th, 2012
11:04 pm
Mark – Some teams might want him in a packaged deal, but not a one on one deal.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:04 pm
Because he has an intellectual deficit?
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
11:05 pm
Ward_
Well, it’ll be quite a while before the Braves have to worry about Simmons, eh.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
11:07 pm
I really don’t know why folks seem to ‘go after’ Jack Rac Wilson???? He hasn’t been committed yet; but, he’ll get there fellas.
Ward
July 15th, 2012
11:07 pm
Bat – True…… Just some things that I was thinking about.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:07 pm
I think the blog would be much more interesting if no one ever indicated to whom they were speaking…
Mark
July 15th, 2012
11:08 pm
That would be great!
Bat Masterson
July 15th, 2012
11:09 pm
The Braves do seem to take these streaks to extremes though, jeffrey.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:10 pm
That was brilliant!
Mark
July 15th, 2012
11:10 pm
Like that?
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:10 pm
You – not so much…
NickB
July 15th, 2012
11:11 pm
Janish has 2 advantages with the bat over Wilson: his good walk rate (10.7%) and his better power (.154 ISO)
not great , but when compared to Wilson BB%- 2.6 ISO- .042 , he looks like Babe Ruth
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
11:12 pm
Devil’s advocate to One-Eyed Mac @ 10:55
First, the Braves wait until the very end of the offseason to sign a backup SS
They probably were trying to get someone with a little more offense than Wilson.
When Simmons got hurt, they clearly didn’t want Wilson playing everyday for the 4-6 weeks period
How the hell is anyone supposed to know that? He got hurt in very first game – which he started!
…since they immediately stated they would seek a trade before deciding how to fill the roster. The clearly didn’t want Pastornicky back even to backup for a game.
Umm, yeah, they lose a SS and their next closest is now learning to be a utility man. That’s why they didn’t want Pastornicky. When Wilson got hurt, they didn’t have much choice.
Once Wilson comes back, I don’t know who the back-up is going to be, although my guess is it will be Janish and we will be seeing the departure of both Pastornicky and Wilson.
Pastornicky will return to Gwinnett to continue to learn other positions. I suspect Wilson will be back in his same role, but that’s always subject to change. Wren will go with whom he figures is best for the team.
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
11:13 pm
Wow! Can’t believe I didn’t McFann that.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:16 pm
Devil’s Advocate = the obvious explanation…
Ward
July 15th, 2012
11:17 pm
Is there anyway we could hear some news on a possible trade tomorrow? The latest news would be great?
Mark
July 15th, 2012
11:17 pm
Your right but I can’t see Wilson or Francisco being best for the team
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:17 pm
Bobby – practice makes nearly non-McFannable…
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:18 pm
Ward – 3rd best record in the league not good enough to have a good day tomorrow?
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
11:19 pm
Devil’s Advocate = the obvious explanation… — Venice Jim
Not to everyone, VJ, not to everyone…
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
11:21 pm
Is there anyway we could hear some news on a possible trade tomorrow? The latest news would be great? — Ward
Who do you want now, Ward?
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
11:22 pm
Can’t wait till Tuesday….Braves are the lead story on sports segment upcoming [local tv]….the weekend sports gal wearing large white pearls around her neck looks nice, has a good voice; but she’s no Chip Caray.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:23 pm
Brent Lillibridge? you mean the guy who at age 28 has has one 200 AB season that was worth anything anc absolutely stunk the rest of the time, that Lillibridge? He was one of my first arguments with DOB and many others here, when I said I was not impressed with him in the minors and thought he would amount to next to nothing in the bigs even though the Braves were singing his praises at that time. That Lillibridge? Maybe, but I sure hope Tyler is a little more consistent.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:25 pm
yeah well it IS Jerry afterall, Bobby
Ward
July 15th, 2012
11:27 pm
BOBBY H – Now that we have Janish. I would still like to get Dempster. Wait until next year on LF…….Myabe Braves could still get Josh Willingham, or Quentin this year? Would settle for Liriano from Twins now if can’t get Dempster? Looks like the Pirates could get Justin Upton now.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:29 pm
Janish has73 walks in 975 PAs in the bigs, and a 59 OPS+ for his career. where are you getting the idea on his walks and power Nick? he is nowhere near the hitter that Jack was, and Jack has played to little for his stats this year to mean anything
Mark
July 15th, 2012
11:29 pm
No outfielders available worth anyhting.
One-Eyed Mac
July 15th, 2012
11:30 pm
Bobby H: I appreciate your response.
You might be right about them trying to get a better offensive player before resigning Wilson.
My assumption, and it’s only an assumption, they didn’t want Wilson playing 4-6 weeks is based on the fact they never said to my knowledge that they expected Wilson to step up and they were seeking another back-up. I was just always under the impression they were looking to trade for someone to start in Simmons absence. They apparently did say today that Janish would be the starter until Simmons came back, not when Wilson came back.
I also thought it was a little strange that they DL’d Wilson when the original indication was he’d just need a few days, but maybe the medical staff felt otherwise.
And you’re right, Pastornicky will probably go back to Gwinnett when Wilson comes back. I should have said when Simmons comes back. I assume they would want to keep Janish over Wilson as the backup at that point. Although I guess they could send Janish to AAA until Sept.1, assuming Simmons even comes back before Sept 1.
Capt.Mudd
July 15th, 2012
11:30 pm
Nolieee…….have you received your pen and pencil set from AJC/Sports Desk yet?
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:31 pm
when Simmons comes back the roster will likely be expanded, why would any of those guys leave?
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:32 pm
threw them all out Mudd, just make everybody else jealous
Ward
July 15th, 2012
11:35 pm
nolie Why would you want Jack Wilson? Come on man…….
NickB
July 15th, 2012
11:36 pm
I went to his BB% and ISO power stuff on fangraphs
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:38 pm
I did not say I wanted Jack ward, I said Janish is a terrible hitter and I wondered where Nick was coming up with his numbers.
Nobody reads what someone says around here, as soon as they see what they think is a disagreement with what they think, they take the comment to its extreme
Murph
July 15th, 2012
11:39 pm
Just had to stop by the ol’ blog and see how everyone was reacting to the Sheets start today… got to watch the entire game (wife and kids out of town)… awesome first start.
I know it’s just one start, but if his next is good, I wonder what that means for the team at the deadline. I can’t imagine them using a high-level prospect to get anyone, not with the top 4 guys in the rotation throwing well and the possible fifth, either Minor or Delgado, showing flashes of brilliance here and there.
A bullpen arm would be nice. Don’t have much faith in anyone outside of Medlen, EOF, and Kimbrel right now. Other than that, I’d just leave things as they are.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:39 pm
But it should have been…
Ward
July 15th, 2012
11:40 pm
nolie – I get you……..
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:40 pm
hmm, his career major league numbers? cause that doesn’t seem to jibe with what I see on BBRef.
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
11:42 pm
I also thought it was a little strange that they DL’d Wilson when the original indication was he’d just need a few days, but maybe the medical staff felt otherwise. — One-Eyed Mac
It could also be that the Braves took advantage of the injury to give Wilson an opportunity to get some AB’s. Especially after seeing Prado fill in at SS, quite respectably.
NickB
July 15th, 2012
11:42 pm
looks like I read his AAA numbers as his 2011 Reds numbers…..
in AAA he had that BB and ISO rate,
but aside from 2011, he sill walked around 9% and had an ISO power over .100
Ward
July 15th, 2012
11:42 pm
Murph – I could see a possible Dempster, or Liriano deal, because that would get the Braves deep into Octorber. Also good to hear from you…..
monty
July 15th, 2012
11:42 pm
Hey , we can’t lose tomorrow!!
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:43 pm
they take the comment to its extreme
So you’re saying I’m a complete idiot?
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:44 pm
could be Bobby, send him down for rehab and let him play a few in a row
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:44 pm
(which would not differentiate you from people who actually know me)…
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:45 pm
he’s a 59 career hitter, prolly about as low as one can find in the bigs, though I ain’t gone searching for worse
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
11:45 pm
Just had to stop by the ol’ blog and see how everyone was reacting to the Sheets start today… — Murph
Are you kidding… the blog was already arguing about how many years to sign him for.
Mark
July 15th, 2012
11:45 pm
Wilson Vs. Pastor is sort of like having to choose between being bitten by a rattler or a copperhead. Not a real good analogy but its a wash either way.
I’d keep Pastor over Wilson just because he is young and could getg better. Wilson will never be more than he is now. Simmons gets back then Janish is backup.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:46 pm
what in the hell does my comment have to do with you VJ?
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
11:47 pm
Should? Yes! On here? Never!
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:48 pm
I’m pretty sure Jack will be gone next season and if he works out at al Tyler will be the backup.but man he needs to play more like he is capable of playing. no scouting report reported him as being nearly that bad
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:51 pm
Nothing – it just works into my dream of random comments, and taking offense randomly – of course, the fact that you almost seem to have taken me seriously indicates that you don’t realize how totally pointless (and not worthy of paying attention to) all of my comments are (as certain residents north of me seem to have lost track of)…
NickB
July 15th, 2012
11:51 pm
nolie
kid looked anxious to me, like he was pressing to prove he belonged there
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:52 pm
i.e. – just kidding…
monty
July 15th, 2012
11:52 pm
I thought Sheets pitched excellently. He looked a little out of shape and stiff looking which is to be expected.He reminded me of Hanson, not in appearance or delivery, just that he was 90-91with the fastball and then he had that big hook. Fastball has a little more movement than Hansons. Hitters had to respect the fastball and he seemed to go with the fastball a litle bit more later in the game, unlike Tommy.
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:52 pm
oh, well in that case: screw you, you mindless troll…..
Mark
July 15th, 2012
11:52 pm
Pastor needs to play and not sit on the bench and if its in minors thats better than sitting.
jeffrey d
July 15th, 2012
11:53 pm
The Braves do seem to take these streaks to extremes though, jeffrey.
Did you mean the Braves or the blog? Because I think in both cases you’re right. The Braves are 49-39, but I’m pretty sure that was in streaks of 0-4, 22-1, 2-26, 19-8, 6-0
And, well….you know how the blog is. 2 game losing streak and it’s time to blow up the team
Woody Woodward
July 15th, 2012
11:53 pm
James Brown in 1964 at the height of his powers on the wonderbread white T.A.M.I. show.
Feet that Tyler Pastornicky’s only dream of.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Adh80pLUVNc&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Mark
July 15th, 2012
11:54 pm
Lets talk about Uggla some!!!!
Not really. Gotta go make a living tomorrow.
Night all
monty
July 15th, 2012
11:54 pm
Pastor had a better stick than Jack this year, and Jack the better D.
Venice Jim
July 15th, 2012
11:54 pm
Perhaps it’s just my subconscious reacting to the fact that the good people of the tutoring center think it’s a good idea for someone who goes to bed at 9:30 every night to work from 9 a.m. – 10: 30 p.m. for 3 weeks from the end of July into August…(albeit only 6 days per week)…
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:54 pm
hell, two close wins will get some of them started jd
Bobby H
July 15th, 2012
11:55 pm
You tell him, nolie
Ward
July 15th, 2012
11:56 pm
What would you guy’s think if “The Rev.” Plays well? It would really get interesting?
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:57 pm
that lil Monica Webb from Villa Rica is quite a pool shooter. I don’t think VR even had a pool hall in my days up there on the west side of Atlanta
nolie
July 15th, 2012
11:58 pm
I think they would love to have him play well, he’s be a good cheap versatile sub
Venice Jim
July 16th, 2012
12:00 am
you mindless troll
Can’t argue with that…
Bobby H
July 16th, 2012
12:00 am
work from 9 a.m. – 10: 30 p.m. for 3 weeks from the end of July into August…(albeit only 6 days per week)… — Venice Jim
DAMN!!!
jeffrey d
July 16th, 2012
12:01 am
hell, two close wins will get some of them started jd
okay…while I’m not endorsing the loony way of life, I saw the box scores of Friday and Saturday’s games (did I mention I was in a wedding this weekend and didn’t see the games? And performed the Thriller dance to an enormous and adoring crowd?) and thought, “wow….those were ugly wins. Pitching must’ve sucked”
and, even in the midst of a winning streak, I was a little alarmed. So while I’m not encouraging people to overreact, I can understand why people push the panic button
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:03 am
young up and comers are great, but when the rubber meets the road there is a lot to be said for having been there and done that enuff times to really know that you can get er done under stress
Venice Jim
July 16th, 2012
12:03 am
Time to start storing up sleep for those upcoming days on non-sleep – good night, sweet blog, and flocks of angels sing thee to thy rest…
Ward
July 16th, 2012
12:03 am
All,have a good one! Talk tomorrow, and hope some thing happens on Monday? Peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
Venice Jim
July 16th, 2012
12:03 am
“of” non-sleep…
jeffrey d
July 16th, 2012
12:04 am
Funny story: after the rehearsal dinner we were practicing the Thriller dance. I was wearing a collared shirt but with a Braves shirt (A with a tomahawk behind it) under it and another groomsman (from New England) happened to be wearing a David Wright shirt under his shirt. We took off our collared shirts to practice (obviously) and immediately realized our rivalry. I was pleased to find out the Braves won that night (and Saturday night, and tonight)
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:05 am
I just can’t imagine that Pastornicky fits any way into the Braves’ plans beyond this year or maybe even beyond August 31. He’s out of a job at short because he’s a terrible fielder and can’t hit a lick. He bunted on his own advice then Fredi told the world about it after the game. (couldn’t fredi have taken the hit on that one for the young man? He doesn’t care about the
Bobby H
July 16th, 2012
12:05 am
I had better call in a night, too. Later everyone…
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:05 am
panic accomplishes nothing, a few deep slow breaths are more worthwhile…or some Xanax if you just ain’t git the balls to handle your emotions yourself (that being the generic you of course)
Venice Jim
July 16th, 2012
12:06 am
I can understand why people push the panic button
Sometimes you can be too nice…those people push the panic button when the starter gives up two hits with a 37 run lead…
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:06 am
harpies on the blog anyway.)
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:07 am
I don’t think I agree Woody, though you may be right. unless someone wants him in a trade , I think he’ll be here next spring
jeffrey d
July 16th, 2012
12:08 am
I am too nice sometimes
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:10 am
I really do hate to think what the rest of their lives might be like if a silly baseball game can get their bowels in such an uproar.
When in trouble or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout!
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:11 am
you is a sweety, no doubt about it Jeffster
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:12 am
We may see him in ST, nolie, but what’ll he be competing for? He’s a kid and will be competing for a utility position. It’s a helluva thing to say to a guy who still has dreams of playing a position full time. It’s a cruel game, but does the young man accept such a fate?
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:15 am
Been watching Newsroom, nolie?
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:16 am
he really doesn’t have much choice about it Woody if thats what the team wants. at least he would be playing in the bigs and making half a mil a year to soothe the disappointment. to my way of thinking thats a pretty cushy deal
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:19 am
no I haven’t though I’ve saved them so far. not much that I watch right along in real time, finishing up season 6 of Psych and the last season of In Plain Sight right now. Such a snarky bitch she is in SIGHT and of course there is Marshal Marshall. I will miss that show
NickB
July 16th, 2012
12:19 am
Major league minimum doesn’t sound too bad, and being a role player in the show beats starting at AAA
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:20 am
True dat, nolie. I’da taken such a deal. Make like joe simpson, milk it then high tail it to the booth.
jeffrey d
July 16th, 2012
12:21 am
It’s my personality. I’m very nice and forgiving. It’s good because I can see both sides to all arguments and I’m very forgiving because I know that every man sins and does stupid stuff (sometimes me more than anyone else).
But it’s also bad because that niceness gets taken advantage of sometimes.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:21 am
might work out, kid caint be any dumber than Joe is….
jeffrey d
July 16th, 2012
12:22 am
And when I say “sometimes” I mean “all the time”
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:23 am
I can always see both sides of arguments, but once I make up my mind, that is the right side and anybody who disagrees is a BIG DUMMY and I have no patience with dumminess…..
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:24 am
I used to be that way Jeffrey until I decided to become a sociopath
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:24 am
Well, we’ll see gentlemen. But again, I’m not sure he’ll see the show in a braves uni and it won’t be his choice.
jeffrey d
July 16th, 2012
12:25 am
I like being nice and forgiving, though. It’s who I am.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:26 am
no reason in the world to cut him, send him to winter ball and let him work on all three positions.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:27 am
I’m saying for 2013, nolie.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:28 am
about that money I owe you Jeffy, :
My bills are all due and the baby needs shoes and I’m busted
Cotton is down to a quarter a pound, but I’m busted
I got a cow that went dry and a hen that won’t lay
A big stack of bills that gets bigger each day
The county’s gonna haul my belongings away cause I’m busted
so I;m sure you’ll understand that I just caint pay you back
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:28 am
I’ll send you a pineapple if he makes the opening day roster, nolie.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
12:28 am
don’t forget also, that the Braves could use the money saved by having a league minimum utility man on other spots. A good utility guy will run you $4-5 mill a year.
jeffrey d
July 16th, 2012
12:30 am
ha….nolie, you covered the exact reason why me being too nice has come back to haunt me.
It’s a little funny because my dry sense of humor gives the impression that I don’t care, but my gosh….I keep feelings into considerationg all the time. Probably too much.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:30 am
Isn’t “good” the operative word, Nick?
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:32 am
well I’m not sure that failing to make the opening day roster will mean that he will never play in a braves uni again.
ChattTownBrian
July 16th, 2012
12:34 am
Pastornicky just needs some encouragement right now. You know he probably feels down and out. We all need this in our lives from time to time.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:34 am
think I’m gonna go watch some 9-Ball. y’all take care
nolie
July 16th, 2012
12:36 am
we could encourage him to jump rather than just stand there looking down….
ChattTownBrian
July 16th, 2012
12:36 am
I sit here and read some of this stuff and wonder how many would say what they type to others face to face. Too embarrassed to?
NickB
July 16th, 2012
12:37 am
Woody
well, when I say “good” I mean above avg and on the free agent market….
I see no reason Rev couldn’t be a league avg utility man, he has the advantage of speed which makes him useful to pinch run, he will end up probably being at least useful at SS and 2B (and left field probably) . and he will be cheap, never underestimate the value of cheap!!! lol
DiamondbackMac
July 16th, 2012
12:37 am
VJ
Quoting Hamlet on the old blog. I love it.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:38 am
Now nolie, it ain’t like you to equivocate. But then again, you may be correct . And come to think of it, more time in AAA might be what it takes. He just doesn’t strike me as a kid with a whole lot of confidence right now. As the Captain would say, he may need to get “his mind right. And I mean RIGHT.”
ChattTownBrian
July 16th, 2012
12:38 am
nolie is a hard nosed, grizzled vet. You need some of that too. Can’t be all mushy gooshy all the time either.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:40 am
Well, you get what you pay for, Nick. But hey, I’m starting to sound like a hater. I mean the kid no ill.
ChattTownBrian
July 16th, 2012
12:42 am
Maybe Pastornicky should stay away from Braves blogs, especially these. Matter of fact, no way am I even thinking of reading what fans are typing if I’m an athlete or famous. Really means nothing anyways.
Bobby H
July 16th, 2012
12:43 am
We may see him in ST, nolie, but what’ll he be competing for? He’s a kid and will be competing for a utility position. It’s a helluva thing to say to a guy who still has dreams of playing a position full time. It’s a cruel game, but does the young man accept such a fate? — Woody Woodward
The last 1/3 of Carroll’s blog (today’s) covers that Woody. You should check it out – it’s very good.
Ward
July 16th, 2012
12:43 am
Before I go! I love all you man……..Peace my friends”Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
DS1
July 16th, 2012
12:44 am
I think your overstating the value of a good utility player Nick. Maybe 1-2 million for a decent vet utility guy with no aspirations of being a big league star.
Look at Ross, Diaz and Hinske as examples.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
12:44 am
gotta remember he’s 22, and most guys his age are in a AA… having a solid role as the utility man should help him regain some confidence without the pressure to be “the man” as long as our ,…..sigh, “manager” can somehow instill this fact to him, he should be just fine
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:44 am
Thanks, bobby. I need to catch up. Hope I didn’t embarrass myself.
ChattTownBrian
July 16th, 2012
12:45 am
Internet is both a blessing and a curse. With that I say, sweet dreams kids
Bobby H
July 16th, 2012
12:48 am
Thanks, bobby. I need to catch up. Hope I didn’t embarrass myself.
I don’t think so, Woody, but you may have pissed Carroll off.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
12:49 am
If Pastornicky has any hopes of having any sort of major league career, he’s going to have to improve his defense quite a bit; or he’ll have to learn to be able to play more adequately at 3-4 other positions.
Otherwise his career will be short lived. Not being mean, but that’s the facts.
Look at guys like Theriot and Fontenot (first two that comes to mind) who are average defensively on a good day. They have shown the ability to hit enough to hang on for the past 4-5 years or so.
That’s where I see Pastornicky’s potential.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:49 am
Hmmmmm, Bobby. Sounds like he’s been coached well. I don’t know the lad, though. The proof will be in the pudding. We’ll see how he does in the batters box and when the ball is hit to him.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
12:50 am
DS1
not a bench guy, I mean a true multi positional utility man, like Hairston Jr, Punto,Reed Johnson, Mark Derosa before he was an injury waiting to happen and Infante before he became a starter
Hairston is getting $3.75 mill ,Punto is making $1.5 now at 35, but in his prime he made around $4mill a year , Derosa made more, but he started more…
But, if you notice, most of the better utility guys tend to be former starters who got old.
I think Rev will be fine as a utility man, he’s cheap, capable enough, and can at least play SS , which a lot of utility men really don’t do, which can force teams to add another middle infielder for the bench. Rev could enable you to go after 3 guys that fit more of the “corner” bat type
DS1
July 16th, 2012
12:51 am
Blog seems to be a heckuva lot more pleasant after a 7 game winning streak. Now just let us lose the first game to the Giants and we will be back to sukking again…….
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:51 am
DS1 sums it up nicely.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
12:53 am
I posted this earlier today, but if the Mets devolve to a sub .500 team, the Braves could have only 24 remaining games against teams with winning records all year
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:53 am
It is a big series, Wayne. Giants don’t like the Ted, though. And aren’t we missing Cain this go round?
Bobby H
July 16th, 2012
12:54 am
Sounds like he’s been coached well. — Woody
For sure… I didn’t know about his father until I read that today. With his range & arm deficiencies, he may be better-suited to play 2nd base & left field. With his speed, they might try at CF, too, depending on how he does in left.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
12:54 am
Rev may not end up cutting it…. or he could end up being traded to a non-contender as part of a package where he could start at 2nd with little pressure (that might b the best thing for him honestly) But I don’t think he would be a bad bench guy for the Braves, as long as Simmons doesn’t make a habit of the disabled list anyway
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:54 am
What if the Phils get above .500 Nick?
NickB
July 16th, 2012
12:56 am
Woody
yep, Cain and Lincecum (who had his best start the day after I cut him from my fantasy league…)
we get Zito, Vogelsong and Bumgarner, facing Jurrjens, Minor and Hudson respectively
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:56 am
He’s got terrible feet,too, Bobby. And his instincts suck.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
12:56 am
Nick
Some of the guys you mentioned are paid more because they are more capable than others too.
Also, some teams can afford to pay more for their bench. If your a bench guy and NY or LA offers you 3 million per year and Atlanta offers you 2 million per year, which deal is the best? I really don’t know how you can affectively factor in cost of living in baseball.
And Pastornicky was very disappointing earlier with his poor defense. Maybe he’ll get better with time and experience. I hope for his and the Braves sake he does.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
12:57 am
Minor. Sheesh. Don’t get me started. I hope like hell he gets his head right.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
12:58 am
I think the odds of the Phillies going over .500 are fairly low
they are 12 games under with 72 games left , to reach .500 they would have to go 42-30 the rest of the way….. that seems unlikely
DS1
July 16th, 2012
12:58 am
Woody
Are you insinuating that this upcoming series with the Giants is a “statement” series?
NickB
July 16th, 2012
12:59 am
Minor vs Vogelsong appears to be the biggest challenge (which means , of course, we win that game late on a grand slam or something)
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:00 am
Nick–Phil’s will put the division into a tizzy unless they stay off Craig’s list. Can’t imagine they won’t put some kind of run together if they stay cohesive. They won’t win the division, but….
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:00 am
Nick
(concerning the Phillies) Couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch…….
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:01 am
The Phils will have a lot to say about who wins the NL East.
Who wants to face Halladay or Lee in the final 2 weeks? Any volunteers?
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:02 am
Well, as you say Wayne, if they lose two out of three, we’ll see all the Wilburs posting the statements here in blogusville.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:03 am
If the season ended today, we’d be in the wild card. The Dodgers, Red Sox and Rays would be OUT.
Ouch!
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:03 am
I’m not buying the Phillies, and they aren’t buying it either, I bet they move Victorino and I bet Hamels turns down their offer and they ship him off too.
I think it would be a huge mistake for the Phillies to pay Hamels $22 mill a year for 6 years r wtvr it nds up being, they have so much tied up in Howard, Lee and Halladay that they could be seriously terrible with 4 geezers drawing over $100 between them awfully quick
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:04 am
Woody
Hell, we could win the next 20, and if we lost a series after that to ANYBODY we’d still hear wailing and gnashing of teeth on the blog.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:06 am
I think any team would be utterly foolish to disregard the Phillies at this time. If they get Halladay back and their right side playing well, they could turn into a big 2nd half surprise.
They’re a second half team anyway.
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:06 am
Wayne — Braves could win the next 20, but the way they go they could lose 20 of the next 22 after that.
Team MANIC.
kenhotlanta
July 16th, 2012
1:07 am
I hope we lucked out with Big Ben and he’s the missing piece of the puzzle…that will be a great story.
I still don’t understand Fredi throwing The Rev under the bus for missing that bunt sign…it was his first AB back up here and looks like he could use a vote of confidence that we think he can do the job as a utility player. Unless that’s Fredi’s version of tough love?
If Sheets works out, then I would like to see us get a bat for the push for the playoffs.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:07 am
Braves September:
5 against phillies , 4 against rockies, 6 against Mets, 3 against Brewers,3 against Nats,6 against marlins and the 3 October games against the Pirates
looks pretty good to me, I doubt that Halladay or Lee will even be pitching by then, neither is in any awards hunts, and saving those pricey arms would be a priority
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:08 am
And Utley and Howard are going through “spring training” now. Not gonna be in the playoffs, but they’re going to snap some necks before this is all over.
kenhotlanta
July 16th, 2012
1:08 am
The A Bomb: Did you use another blog name in the past? Just curious.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:09 am
He’s only 28, Nick. Six years older than Pastor. You wouldnt sign him for six?
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:10 am
Never ever Ken. Always been my explosive self.
Not a change guy.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:10 am
Maybe I will be proven wrong, but the Phillies ,to me anyway, look old, expensive and beat up , it’s the end result of that manner of building a team via free agency
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:11 am
Woody
Oh If I were about half the teams in baseball I would yes, I’m not commenting on Hamels, I’m saying that with all the long expensive deals they have already, do they really want to add another one? Seems like a risk , cuz what happens in 4 or 5 years when they are paying all that money out to aging players? (that Howard deal may end up one of the worst since Vernon Wells when it’s all said and done)
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:14 am
Ken — I must remind you of someone from the past? I’ve been on here for about 2 1/2 years now.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:14 am
I wouldn’t bet against great starting pitching this year, even if at the moment its only its “potentially.” Though the Phil’s are mighty rickety in the field.
kenhotlanta
July 16th, 2012
1:14 am
The A Bomb: Thanks, me too. You just seemed “familiar”, like someone who used to be on here, but that I can’t readily recall. As I said, just curious, didn’t mean anything by the question.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:15 am
Nick
I agree about the Phillies looking old and beat up. But I’d never want to underestimate them either.
Kinda like some of us old codgers. We are old and fat, but in a fight; we sure don’t fight fair. We’ll kick you in the gonads and make you wish you’d seen it coming…….
A Bomb
I think guys that change their monikers are a piece of crap……….
kenhotlanta
July 16th, 2012
1:15 am
The A Bomb: Yes, you were reading my mind.
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:17 am
Besides, Nationals have 6 of their final 9 against the Phils. Can’t see the Phils lying down. No way — not based on how Manuel managed Game 162 last season.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:17 am
You might be right about Howard, nick, but the blown Achilles would blur hindsight.
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:18 am
Wayne – LOL.
Ken — Nope. Always been A Bomb and proud of it. Speak my mind, try to be intelligent, respectful and love a good baseball discussion. Try never to get personal — except with sleep-apnea driven Philly fans.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:18 am
I was just counting up the years a few minutes ago that I have been enjoying the blog. I won the 2nd Wurlitzer at the end of spring training of 2007, which was the beginning of my second year on the blog. So I must have started around this time in 2006.
And look where it’s gotten me………..
kenhotlanta
July 16th, 2012
1:20 am
The A Bomb: You are a good blogger and I have enjoyed our conversations.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:21 am
Celeste Holm……….. RIP.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:21 am
ken
Damn, you’re going to give him the big head now…………
Gotta be careful with those left coast guys.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:22 am
Howard has been declining before the injury, seems pitchers have got him pegged pretty good, he still kills mistakes, but he’s not a $25 mill player (and aside from maybe his first 2 years, never was)
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:22 am
Thank you sir.
I love the Braves and love reminiscing about the good-old days.
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:23 am
You know us Wayne, we’re a little off-kilter anyway.
But it’s only 10:21 p.m. right now, plenty of night remaining!
kenhotlanta
July 16th, 2012
1:24 am
I was here about a year or two before Carolina Lady, Bob and those others left, not sure what year that was, I’ve lost track.. I followed Journalist Jimmy Smith the most and had several conversations with him, but I did not participate a lot with the rest of the blog in the beginning, although I read it everyday.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:25 am
I hear you nick, but the “narrative” will always contain one of the most excruciatingly painful to watch, not to mention most tragically timed injuries in the history of baseball.
kenhotlanta
July 16th, 2012
1:26 am
Yeah, and Woody is on the Island…must be nice to live in paradise.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:26 am
A Bomb
Gonna be down in your neck of the woods in August. Catching the Braves in SF during the weekend of Aug 25th and then heading on down to LALA land to visit family and friends. Hoping to catch one of the games in San Diego while there.
Remind me of where your at again?
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:26 am
Yeah Woody has it better than all of us! Sun’s still out!
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:27 am
Hey Ken. Good win today, huh?
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:28 am
ken
Those folks left either in 07 or 08. Not sure. I miss those folks too. Good bunch.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:28 am
Y’all need to come visit!
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:29 am
Anybody that lives in “the islands” should be scorned regularly! Though I am sure a lot of folks are envious of my area of coverage……….. some seriously nice areas. (WA, OR, ID, UT, WY)
kenhotlanta
July 16th, 2012
1:29 am
Woody, yes it was and the Sheets story is a wonderful thing if he can keep it going. Could be that one piece we need to go all the way.
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:29 am
Wayne — I’m just north of L.A. — about 40 miles.
If you haven’t been to San Fran I’m telling you it’s a tremendous ballpark. You will love it.
I’m probably heading to Petco for the Wednesday 3:35 p.m. game — my son goes to San Diego State so it depends on his school schedule. Plan to play hooky that day. We’ll see. Tickets are pretty reasonable on StubHub so I’m not too worried.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:29 am
The Phils will be paying Lee, Halladay,Howard, Utley, Papelbon and Rollins $110 mill next year, yikes
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:31 am
Regardless Nick those are good players who can easily play spoiler at any given point in the pennant race. I expect them to be flirting with .500 when it’s all over. They’re still dangerous.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:31 am
Agree on sf park.
kenhotlanta
July 16th, 2012
1:32 am
Wayne, I was thinking ‘07, it seems I have been here at least 5 years. Yes, I miss those folks a lot, too, especially JJS.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:32 am
ANY win is a good win. But it was really nice to see Sheets have a good day.
But I did have a twinge of empathy for Santana in the 5th tonight. That pitch to Janish looked too good to take. But the Bourn pitch was definitely a ball.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:32 am
add Pence’s $10+ mill and that’s over $120 mill to 7 players, if they give Hamles $22 that’s $142 mill to 8 players!!!!!!!!
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:33 am
I’d like one more piece in that rotation, ken. Got a bad feeling about Huddy. And minor is no comfort.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:33 am
DS1
I agree, but CB Bucknor is a lousy umpire and was actually consistently not calling that all day, but I understand why the pitching coach got ejected, I prolly would have too
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:34 am
Like I said earlier, this was Wren’s best day of the season.
And for Gonzalez benching his godson and playing Prado and Diaz he gets major kudos as well. A good day for him as well.
And you don’t hear that out of me too often.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:34 am
A Bomb
I was out in the Fairfield area for about 15 years from ‘75 til ‘90. Spent a lot of cold days at The Stick.
Still get out to the Bay Area quite frequently and have caught about a half dozen games at the new park. Though I love The Ted, Denver and Phoenix; the part in SF might be my favorite.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:35 am
Jurrjens is the one I worry about, Minor can at least strike people out and if he can learn to trust his stuff more, could be a good pitcher, Jurrjens lives and dies by his command and he’s on the cusp of it all falling apart very often….
kenhotlanta
July 16th, 2012
1:35 am
Yeah, Huddy is scaring me, he usually toughs it out, but I think he is really hurting.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:35 am
They sell lots of cheese steaks, nick.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:36 am
Uggla’s numbers against Santana are BAAAADDD and Diaz’s are really good, don’t give Fredi too much credit!! lol
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:37 am
I was so impressed with AT&T.
But I want to go to Pittsburgh. Flirting with the final series. Have 2 vacation days from school and it’s right after payday.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:37 am
A Bomb
If we end up going to the same game in SD, let’s make a point to hook up to put a name and face together.
One of the best moves I’ve made on the blog was to connect with tiger297 back in ATL. Top class individual with a fantastic family!
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:39 am
Sure Wayne — I’ll let you know for sure.
When you go to SD — don’t eat at the park. Go to Phil’s BBQ — best BBQ in SoCal by a friggin’ longshot!
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:41 am
Nick–I bet Jurrjens gets better with time. I’m guessing his problem was poor rehab habits. He says his leg is getting stronger. I believe him. I also think that stint in minors gave him a little edge, which he needed. Minors problem may be between the ears. Not good. We’ll see.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:41 am
To be honest folks, there is reason to be scared of ALL our starting pitchers. They all are on some shaky ground.
I’ve said all along, this season could be a really good one, or one where we struggle to stay above .500.
And so far it’s been true. We have looked REAL good at times, and real iffy at times.
Health, luck, development and getting hot in late September. This is why we need to stick with our young arms almost to a fault. Because if we lose Huddy or Jurrjens or Hanson (or heaven forbid two of them) we’re going to need our young arms to come around.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:42 am
Phil’s BBQ. I’m writing that down in my planner. We’ll stay in touch as time gets closer……….
nolie
July 16th, 2012
1:43 am
I worry about them all, none are blemish free
nolie
July 16th, 2012
1:44 am
tiger is a great guy, no doubt about that
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:46 am
I would trade Hanson this winter,I bet we could get a royal haul for him
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:46 am
so are you old fart……
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:47 am
I’ll see you and raise you, nick.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:47 am
I’d trade prado.
kenhotlanta
July 16th, 2012
1:49 am
Good night, good folks…you too, nolie.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
1:50 am
them’s fightin’ words Woody…
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:50 am
Night, Ken
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:50 am
Yeah Wayne — watch when you have a chance. Even better in person….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCfI3crdtZg
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:50 am
Prado? yer high!
nolie
July 16th, 2012
1:50 am
nite ken
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:51 am
later on ken
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:51 am
Good night Ken.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:52 am
I have to say, that regardless of what happens this season, be it we win it all or miss the playoffs, this is going to be the most interesting and eventful offseason in recent Braves memory
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:53 am
I don’t know what the best plan is for using/trading pitchers, but I know what I’d lean towards.
I’d keep my good arms right up until a half a year before they become free agents. Use them frickin UP before that. Deal them if you can’t sign them (if we are not in the hunt).
Keep the pipeline full and keep rotating them through the system.
When you find a real gem, extend him if you can (my approach with Beachy if he comes back strong from TJ surgery).
I’d still sign Hanson up if he’s still pitching well in a couple of years.
Hang onto as many of the young turks as you can. Guys like Greinke are not a sure thing.
I’d go instead for long shots like Liriano or vets like Dempster if you felt like you needed one more arm.
And if I’m FW right now, I’d make a play for one of those 2 guys.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:54 am
LOL. I know, nolie. I wouldn’t trade him for Janish. Oh, we got him…
A top shelf lefty starter? Sure.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:54 am
nite ken
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:55 am
Hanson is a Boras client (as is Jurrjens) and I don’t trust Hanson anymore with his lower velocity
DS1
July 16th, 2012
1:55 am
I’d trade Prado for Trout or Harper (and I’d throw in Teheran too!)
but it’d break my heart to do so……….
nolie
July 16th, 2012
1:56 am
not me
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:56 am
I’m on the Liriano train myself, costs should be pretty low, reward could be great! reward could be mixed too…..
IMO, the team who makes the first deal for a pitcher is gonna get the best deal, as the number of available arms dwindle, prices could go up
nolie
July 16th, 2012
1:57 am
he hits 90 and 91 just like Sheets did today and better than JJ does or usually Hudson, so why single out Hansen re velocity?
NickB
July 16th, 2012
1:57 am
I would throw Prado a 4 year $38 mill offer at him so fast, with a 5th year team option with a $2 mill buyout
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
1:58 am
I respect that nolie. Do you think they were seriously dangling him last off season?
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
1:59 am
Totally 100 pct. agree on Liriano.
Lightning in a bottle. Twins want to unload him before he “sucks” again. Plus, IIRC, Twins had interest in Minor last season.
Now if somehow we could swing a Liriano/Willingham deal for say, Minor/Constanza/Ahmed/Northcraft etc ….that wouldn’t be bad.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:00 am
I think Liriano is a risk, but also perhaps the best bang for the buck if he stays like he is lately. on the otherhand if Sheets has another good outing or two I won’t be too surprised if they stand pat with just him
Liriano and Willingham suits me
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:00 am
because prior to his velocity drop he pitched differently, he attacked with his fastball more and often used it as an out pitch, since he has gone to throwing more 2 seamers, it seems like he is over relying on his curve to get outs….
Maybe he will learn how to use the two seamer more as the season goes on…
btw, I thought he was gone after 2014 , I was wrong, he’s not a free agent until after the 2015 season, so I would wait and trade him after next year to maximize the rate of return.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
2:01 am
Can they wait that long, nolie? Sheets gets two,starts before they move?
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:01 am
A Bomb
that deal might net us Liriano Span and a relief arm, but Willingham is supposedly not on the market
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:01 am
A Bomb
LOVE tri tip! Man I am definitely going there…………..
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:02 am
no I don’t. I think he was who teams were interested in so you have to listen, and I’m sure if the return was great enough that they would have traded him, but I don’t think they were actively shopping him.
of course for the right deal they should trade him, but he does have some added value above just his numbers due to his versatility
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:03 am
Wayne — went there for the 1st time after watching that with my son — we spent $75 and ate like pigs. The El Torro is unbelievable. So is the Broham. And the onion rings….I gotta stop.
Line is usually long, but worth it by far.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:03 am
I think that they are gonna move for another arm as I don’t think the front office is comfortable with either Minor or Delgado right now.
Hudson
Hanson
Sheets
Liriano/Dempster
Jurrjens
that’s what I reckon happens, the longer I think about it, the less I think a Greinke deal happens
but hell, stranger things have happened
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:04 am
We’ve been hoping all along that Hanson would refine his pitching plan. He’s still young and a pretty consistent pitcher. Just needs to get to where he can last a bit longer more frequently.
Though he hasn’t been as bad as some would have you think this year.
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:05 am
Nick — I happen to think a right-handed power hitter to split Heyward and Freeman is imperative. They’re now realizing the golden godchild Dan Uggla is NOT that guy. And that’s going to be a REAL problem for this team going forward. Chipper’s been great, but he’s going hunting.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:05 am
pass on Span I think, big gap in home/away splits.. not a guarantee that he would do poorly, but that always raises questions to me
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:07 am
nolie
I understand your fears on Span, but I reckon the CF options are gonna com down to trades, and besides Bourjos, I don’t know any MLB ready guys worth chasing.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:08 am
They sure sounded like they were in on Greinke a couple of weeks back. But now I’m not so sure.
I have nothing against Greinke, but I don’t think he is that much of an upgrade over Hanson right now. And the money he’d command to keep him?
Nah, let’s see if Liriano or Dempster can be had.
And I’d LOVE me some Willingham, but he has such a sweet team friendly contract, that the Twinkies would be crazy to let him go cheap.
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:08 am
How about the one they already have!
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:08 am
Dan is that guy for 4 months of the year and he is staying, but I’d like to see them get a good hitter for Left. course if (when) Bourn leaves they will need a CFer too. not sure that both of those spots will be filled with high quality
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:09 am
I don’t want to stir the debate again, but I see no evidence to think uggla isn’t that guy, though Uggla has always been more of a #5 guy than a #4 guy in the lineup, Freeman is more of #4 guy…
I think they will get an OF bat via free agency , there’s a few to choose from
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
2:10 am
I like nicks scenario. Add Liriano or Demptster. Starting pitching gets the ticket.
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:10 am
I think Uggla’s more of a 5-6 guy, and it’s because of those 2 months he sucks every year. His slumps are extremely damaging at times.
We need a cleanup hitter who’s right-handed.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:11 am
I have never been into them getting Greinke unless he will sign a very team friendly extension which I see no reason that he should do so. I have worked with anxiety prone folks and it seldom disappears completely.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:13 am
A Bomb
Bourn is going to be overpaid, we shouldn’t be the team to overpay him, if he will take 5 years $65 mill, yay, but any more than that in years or $$$ later
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:14 am
I think Uggla is the guy to fit between Heyward and Freeman. But I’m not opposed to an upgrade though.
But I think nolie is right, if Bourn leaves we will not be getting two “beasts” for LF and CF.
And I’d overpay a bit for Bourn if it were my money. Not a ton, but some.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:15 am
Swisher makes the most sense for an offseason free agent LF bat, he’s a pretty good switch hitter and his decent defense in RF will be above avg defense in left,
but boy the word is he’s just a piece of work in the clubhouse, not a jerk, the way I saw it quoted by an unnamed player was “He’s always wanting to “bro it down” and it get’s exhausting”
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:16 am
I agree Nick, hard for me to imagine that Bourn will continue at this level for an extended time. If he did he would be worth a lot and I think some rich team will take a chance that he will. thats the biggest problem with the Braves salary limits, they really caint afford to replace a guy who has a big contract if he does not perform,
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:16 am
Boras is going to be looking for 15 million per for Bourn. He might be worth 12-13. Do you overpay a “leg” guy? I’d be afraid at anything over 4 years. But I’ll bet he’d get 5.
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:17 am
And as I keep saying,”beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
See what happens to this team without his bat, his speed and his Gold Glove defense. He has been a home run. And as critical as I usually am, he’s worth overpaying.
But they won’t do it because they’ll want the popular 5-day-a-week catcher. I understand. It’s safe.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:18 am
In my perfect scenario I’d have this lineup next year 9pardon the rosterbation)
Simmons
Prado
Heyward
Swisher
Freeman/Mac
Uggla
Mac/Freeman
Bourjos
I think making Simmons a leadoff man makes sense, he has speed and he makes good contact
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:18 am
Please explain “bro it down” to some of us old farts……….
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:20 am
Crawford’s had 2 easy years in a row. Wonder how much cash the Bosox would send over with him?
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:20 am
Braves caint really afford to “overpay” anybody. pay him for what he is doing now, and get what the rest of his career has been like and we are seriously screwed. Seen way too many guys get it on in a contract year and then regress. and as far as I can see there is no logical reason for me to conclude that he will stay above the mean for the next 4 or 5 years
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:21 am
I don’t really know what “bro it down ” means either…. I’m guessing he gets all “sup bro! how’s it hangin..” and douchebags it up and is all high energy and annoying, I guess kinda like Jeff Spiccolli from Fast Times at Ridgemeont High but in a more modern, MMA shirt kinda way?
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:21 am
And as I brought up last night, check out some of the great base stealers. Speed drops off probably age 35.
Bourn — Prado — Heyward is the best top 3 we’ve had in a lineup in a decade. Incredible chemistry thus far. You keep the pieces together.
Bourn’s speed will keep those extended slumps down, and whoever he signs with will instantly become a serious World Series contender — assuming you believe San Francisco or Washington.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:21 am
I’d welcome Schafer back if we lost Bourn. Even with the K’s. He can go get it pretty good.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:22 am
here is the urban dictionary definition of Bro Down: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=bro%20down
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:23 am
I’d love to be able to hand onto Bourn, but in my heart, I think he’s a goner.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:23 am
I think it is WAY too early to think that Simmons will hit enough to be an effective leadoff hitter. Was not around the league even once but was in his first slump already when hurt.of course its too early to say he won’t either. I’d leave him at the back for awhile yet
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:24 am
Thanks for the enlightenment Nick! Bro……..
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:26 am
Hell, you guys know this boils down to me being more of a “move the lineup” guy versus you guys “hit the ball 500 feet” guys.
I love speed, line drives and crooked numbers. And Bourn has been absolutely fantastic. Teams can be defined by leadoff guys — Lou Brock, Paul Molitor etc……Bourn is just blossoming now. And I’m so impressed that he’s doing this in a contract year when pressure is at its highest.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:26 am
If we lost Bourn and didn’t get another speed burner for the lineup, I’d just shift everybody up 1 notch.
Marteen, Heyward, Freeman, Uggla, Mac, etc.
Depending of course on who else we signed/traded for.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:26 am
Schafer? Gawd no. guy is a 620 hitter, that’s just terrible
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:28 am
Hey I love Bourn as he is right now too, a lot, I’m just fairly certain that he will not keep it up long enough to be worth what he will get
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:29 am
A Bomb
Don’t disagree. Just don’t think that the Braves will be able to bid that high to keep him. Unless given an edict from the player (Kenny Rogers and Carlos Pena), Boras ALWAYS sends his guys to the highest dollar amount bidder.
And all the bullshyt that Tex was saying about always wanting to play for the Yankees. He’d be saying the same thing about Cleveland if they’d paid top dollar.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
2:29 am
Lots of fears,about Bourne having a year beyond his ken, but I wonder how much he benefits hitting in front of Prado? He must be seeing some really good pitches this year.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:30 am
nolie
I wouldn’t bat him first if I had him. I’m thinking that if we get a good hitting LF’er, we are going to have to settle for a good glove in CF.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:31 am
I’m not much of a believer of the “protection” theory. Stats don’t seem to bear it out, but who knows?
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:31 am
Still wouldn’t hurt me if we overpaid for a guy like him after we burned money on alleged ballplayers like Lowe, Kawakami etc. Still think we’d get a ton of production.
Look what Bourn is getting to hit with Prado behind, as opposed to what he got with Keppinger etc. I think it depends on what Bourn wants. Boras doesn’t help, of course.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:31 am
Prado is a good leadoff guy too, I like Heyward 3rd though with his power… Freeman is too much of a free swinger IMO, to hit higher than 4th
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:32 am
he would have to be the greatest glove in the world to make up for his hitting. I would like to think they could do better than that.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:33 am
nolie
neither am I, lots of evidence points to it having a somewhat psychological affect on pitchers, but only with super premium players (like say Hamilton, Cabrera,Pujols..etc)
Maybe they will sign Bourn, it wouldn’t ruin my life if they did (even IF they overpaid a bit) it does mean that left field is coming via trade though, and for a cost controlled player.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:34 am
What’s the line on Michael Saunders of the Mariners? Or maybe Gutierrez? I know they’ve both been hurt some.
Who’s the better defender? I really don’t understand all that advanced defensive mumbo jumbo.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:35 am
wouldn’t ruin my life either, but us old f@rts are paid to be skeptics
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
2:35 am
I know it’s hard to tell, especially since he’s a free swinger and strikes out a lot. But I can’t help but think that pitchers are careful not to walk him. If he gets signed to a team with a lousy two hole guy, we can staticize.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:36 am
Damned glad I’m not the GM!
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:37 am
A healthy dose of skepticism is a good thing……….
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:37 am
Hey he’s the one who created this situation, let him figure it out. Maybe today will start Wren on his own personal winning streak because he’s had a bad season (until today).
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:38 am
If the team can get Heyward and Freeman to sign extensions that buy out their arb and a year or two of free agency, they might be able to have Bourn AND Mac, that means no free agent pitching of any merit though. It also means trading somebody we won’t like trading to acquire a LF’er worth a darn
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:38 am
Gutierrez had an awesome 2009, the last few are not nearly as good but still pretty decent.
Saunders is not nearly in that range at least according to Fielding Bible
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:39 am
wow I sure disagree with that A-B
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:40 am
I think wren has done a really good job considering that payroll hasn’t gone up on this team for 12 years…..
rebuilt the farm from the pit of blackness JS left it in
hasn’t hamstrung the team with long term $100 mill deals
hasn’t made any terrible trades
he’s had some free agent signings that didn’t work out as well as we’d hoped. But every GM has those and often they are for much bigger money and years
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
2:40 am
Any Cody Ross talk on the blog? He had quite a few admirers last year.
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:41 am
Thanks nolie. I thought Gutierrez was a good glove. I think he’s been hurt most of the past 2 years if memory serves.
Gotta run folks. It’s been fun. I HATE off days! Damned lazy players……….
Do they realize what their laziness does to some of us?
:wink;
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:42 am
isn’t he the one who said he turned down a multi-year deal from Wren for a one year deal with Boston?
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
2:42 am
Night Wayne
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:43 am
nite DS1
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
2:43 am
Wow. The lure of bobby valentine…
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:43 am
Yep, but it wasn’t really meant in that manner, I think he was told he’d have more playing time in Boston an was probably hoping he could do what he’s doing, put up good numbers in a good hitters park and parlay that into a better starting job next season
DS1
July 16th, 2012
2:44 am
as he leaves: LOVE me some Cody Ross. But he supposedly turned us down last winter for the Red Sox. Bet he’s regretting that move now.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:45 am
prolly Nick, but just the fact might have turned off some of his previous adherents here on the ol’ blog
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
2:45 am
What’s his bro-mometer reading, nick?
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:46 am
nolie — bad year in that he’s rushed/overvalued his prospects all through the org…..Terdo, the Big 4, etc…. Simmons? Good. But really if you look at the farm it has not really been that great of a year other than some of the Lynchburg guys + Gattis.
Sheets might have changed his luck.
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:46 am
Good night Wayne.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:46 am
actually I’m guessin’ not Wayne, he is having a great year up there and will prolly be in line for a pretty decent contract if it keeps up
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
2:47 am
Booby Valentine talking stink about Youklis.
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:48 am
Time for me to get outta here as well. Gotta teach in the a.m.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:49 am
oh, we all know they are going to hate anyone we get sooner or later anyway, and think that Constanza would have been a much better option……rolls eyes lol
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
2:49 am
Summer gig, A Bomb?
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:49 am
Yes. Paying some bills.
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:50 am
he has to work with what he has, all things considered I think he has been a very good GM though what he tried this year has not worked as well as hoped. But look at the difference between how the Boston situation was handled compared to us and how even with twice the payroll we are having the better year.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:50 am
later Bomb
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:50 am
I’m just saying he hasn’t exactly been King Midas, that’s all.
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
2:51 am
I hear you. I’ve got SAT prep in the morning. It’s the last week tho. Nite.
The A Bomb
July 16th, 2012
2:51 am
Later all.
Monday streak lives on.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:51 am
It’s fairly remarkable that a team as young as the Braves is 10 games over .500, most teams this young are bad
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:51 am
nope I can agree with that I guess, but I am still pretty satisfied
nolie
July 16th, 2012
2:52 am
well I guess we are closing down the shop for the night. G’night y’all. take care
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:53 am
the 5 youngest teams in MLB:
Royals, Astros,Braves,Mariners, A’s
one of these things is not like the other ones! lol
Woody Woodward
July 16th, 2012
2:53 am
Aloha all.
NickB
July 16th, 2012
2:54 am
later on folks, see ya tomorrow as we try to fill the time , prolly lots of trade scenarios discussed with no game
Mike S
July 16th, 2012
3:52 am
Haha, Nick. I like your “bro it down” explanation at 2:21am, especially the Spicoli/MMA shirt part…
CB
July 16th, 2012
7:14 am
jeffrey d got married?
On a different note, I will sleep better knowing Ward loves me.
Jeff R
July 16th, 2012
7:21 am
A well earned day off for the Bravos, and given they can’t win on Mondays, a godsend!
richbrave
July 16th, 2012
7:23 am
We have got to rest on the seventh day next season…….monday that is. Schedule makers, let’s do it.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
8:42 am
Freddie Freeman in his last 21 games(88 plate appearances): .342/.420/.579
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
8:46 am
Big week for the Braves to keep it rolling against a couple of good teams, and a couple of good pitching staffs.
After this week, starting next Monday, the Braves play a stretch of 23 games, 20 of them against teams that currently have a losing record. It’s the easiest portion of the Braves’ schedule this year. If they can keep some momentum going, they can really go on an extended run.
monty
July 16th, 2012
8:47 am
Does anyone know if we got into a 1 game playoff for the WC would that game be on a Monday?
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
8:48 am
Same stretch(June 19th – present day) combined with Freeman….
Chipper Jones in his last 16 games(69 plate appearances): .400/.478/.633
Jason Heyward in his last 21 games(92 plate appearances): .337/.391/.627
Braves are 14-7 in their last 21 games.
Bama Brave
July 16th, 2012
8:48 am
We Dont Need Another Pitcher. We Need A Left Fielder…….
Jeff R
July 16th, 2012
8:49 am
Freddie Freeman in his last 21 games(88 plate appearances): .342/.420/.579
Per his pattern at Gwinnett and last year in Atlanta, Freeman’s bat is coming to life mid-season.
Jeff R
July 16th, 2012
8:52 am
We Dont Need Another Pitcher. We Need A Left Fielder…….
Not sure about that yet. For Sheets, one game does not a trend make. Encouraging start by Sheets, but we need to see more from him to say he’s a keeper.
And as far as I’m concerned, Jurrjens is still on the watch list, too.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
8:52 am
The Braves are back to a season-high 10 games over .500. They were 25-15, their best record of the year, on May 18th. Since then, they are 24-24, with 35 of the 48 games against teams with a winning record. In those 35, they are 14-21. In the 13 games against losing teams in that stretch, they are 10-3.
ncscoots
July 16th, 2012
8:56 am
Per his pattern at Gwinnett and last year in Atlanta, Freeman’s bat is coming to life mid-season.
Does that pattern still hold, though? His slow starts before have usually been attributed to moving up a level, and then playing to that level.
I guess I’m more inclined to thinking that the recovery from the eye and injury problems is behind the spurt. I mean, his bat had “come to life” pretty good at the beginning of the season, too.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
8:56 am
We Dont Need Another Pitcher. We Need A Left Fielder…….
Offense is not this teams issue. Pitching still is. They need another starter, badly. One game from Ben Sheets isn’t changing that.
Jeff R
July 16th, 2012
8:56 am
Left fielder? So What do the Braves do with Prado? Platoon him?
monty
July 16th, 2012
8:57 am
I love Bourn ( what every team wants out of their leadoff position). The only problem(and it’s not even a problem,maybe more a concern) is when he steals a baes or legs out a double he has that look on his face like “Man, I don’t know if I’m going to make it, that was hard as crap.” Most other speed guys do their thing and pop up with a smile on their face, Bourn looks like he could use some oxygen.
Jeff R
July 16th, 2012
8:58 am
ncscoots… Might. But Freeman is coming to life mid-season. So…
But it’s welcome. Now, Uggla needs to starting whacking the ball.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
8:59 am
If McCann and Uggla get going…which they will….watch out. There’s that lineup depth.
We just need a starter to solidify the rotation and back us up. Hudson has bone spurs in his ankle. Sheets is starting to get on a regular rotation for the first time in two years, Jurrjens has a history of injury concern, Hanson had a shoulder injury last year, Minor/Delgado have been inconsistent…..
they need another starter. Offense ain’t a need. 3rd in runs scored and 5th in OPS.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
9:02 am
Braves are 5th in bullpen ERA and tied for 12th in starters ERA.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
9:02 am
The Braves are 12th in starters’ ERA in the NL. I agree, if a move is to be made, it will be there. I don’t have a whole lot of confidence in Minor, Delgado, or Jurrjens right now. A Sheets like we saw yesterday would be a huge boost, but adding another good starter would really “dot the i” of this roster, IMO.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
9:04 am
The Braves will probably see Zito, Vogelsong, and Bumgarner in this series. Two lefties, and Vogelsong has a 2.34 ERA. So the bats need to keep it going.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
9:06 am
Well, at least we miss Matt Cain this week vs. the Giants. Of course, we get Bumgarner on Thursday afternoon. That won’t be pretty.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
9:07 am
Man. Who would of thunk it….
Tim Hudson, Tommy Hanson, [insert pitcher A acquired at deadline], Jair Jurrjens and Ben Sheets
Ah, baseball…..
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
9:17 am
Now if we could deal for just one more starter…. ie.. Greinke, then we’re pretty set. Although, Willingham would be a great luxury either off the bench or in LF.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
9:21 am
“I don’t have a whole lot of confidence in Minor, Delgado, or Jurrjens right now.”
Too bad it is Hudson and Hanson that are currently sucking for the Braves. Nice series sweep and our starters were not very good in the series at all. Unless you want to count Ben Sheets, which no one apparently thinks is good enough to solve the Braves rotation problems, even though he was dominant yesterday when Tim and Tommy couldn’t be.
richbrave
July 16th, 2012
9:21 am
Off Brian’s stats on the recent 10+ winning record vs. winning and losing teams, I vote for playing all losers from here on out. 10-3 sounds pretty good to me. Heh!
monty
July 16th, 2012
9:23 am
“Willingham would be a great luxury either off the bench or in LF.”
Yeh, I guess it would be a great luxury to have a guy that is on pace to hit close to 40 HR’s and drive in 120 runs and a .960 OPS on your bench, but why would you do that?
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
9:24 am
If they can get a pitcher without having to give up too many assets, then they will be in good shape for the offseason when they have multiple holes to fill.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
9:25 am
Looking at Tim Hudson’s game log, he has either been really good or really bad this season. No real middle of the road games.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
9:26 am
monty, why would I want him or why would I play him off the bench?
Only reason I won’t play him daily is because he’s an injury prone player and I could possibly keep him healthy and fresh the rest of the season, plus there’s just nowhere to play him daily.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
9:27 am
I’d personally move Uggla in the offseason and use that money in other areas.. mainly OF.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
9:28 am
“it would be a great luxury to have a guy that is on pace to hit close to 40 HR’s and drive in 120 runs and a .960 OPS on your bench, but why would you do that?”
Because he isn’t going to come to Turner Field and have those type of numbers…and Michael Bourn, Jason Heyward, and Martin Prado are all better all-around players? Now if Prado is going to play SS, 3rd, and 2nd, by all means.
Which I think they might try to have a masher in LF with Martin at SS. It would really solve some problems offensively….or make the team deeper.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
9:31 am
I think there would be plenty of playing time for Willingham, between Prado playing 3rd and possibly some at 2nd, Short and even 1st. Plus it would allow us to give Heyward and Bourn a couple extra days of rest without depleting the lineup.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
9:33 am
I’d personally move Uggla in the offseason and use that money in other areas.. mainly OF.
Who plays 2nd base then? Wren just signed him to a 5 year, 62 million dollar deal a year and a half ago. Why would he turn around and trade him all of a sudden?
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
9:35 am
“I think there would be plenty of playing time for Willingham, between Prado playing 3rd and possibly some at 2nd, Short and even 1st.”
If the Braves are seriously considering allowing him to play SS, then yes there is playing time for Martin at 3rd, SS, and LF. But I doubt you are going to see him play for Bourn or Heyward. But I could see him getting A LOT of starts at 3rd and SS with a masher in LF.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
9:36 am
And I was critical of the extension and he hasn’t lived up to expectations overall(.230/.327/.433, 105 OPS+ in a little over 1,000 PA’s), but it doesn’t make sense to cut bait now. I have faith that he’ll get hot soon and put together a strong 2nd half.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
9:37 am
But I could see him getting A LOT of starts at 3rd and SS with a masher in LF.
I don’t think Prado will be playing any SS. They just traded for Janish to be the everyday guy there until Simmons gets back.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
9:39 am
I’m about as worried about Uggla as I am McCann. Both guys hopefully will get it together. Tons of guys getting on hitting streaks for the Brave is this winning streak…very good to see. Rotation seems solid enough for me right now, would love to see one more bat added.
ncscoots
July 16th, 2012
9:40 am
Hudson has bone spurs in his ankle. Sheets is starting to get on a regular rotation for the first time in two years, Jurrjens has a history of injury concern, Hanson had a shoulder injury last year, Minor/Delgado have been inconsistent…..
Sounds as if they need five starters, not one.
keylargo
July 16th, 2012
9:43 am
you won’t be seeing Martin Prado play another inning at SS this year. Get that idea out out of your head.
ncscoots
July 16th, 2012
9:46 am
Of course, we get Bumgarner on Thursday afternoon. That won’t be pretty.
Scroom. Bumgarner gets to do the hurt dance Thursday.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 16th, 2012
9:47 am
MFin04 I’m about as worried about Uggla as I am McCann.
I’m not half as worried about either of them right now as I was about BMac just over two weeks ago…
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
9:47 am
MFin04, I won’t be playing Prado at CF or RF for that matter but Heyward could move to CF and Willingham to RF in relief of Bourn and Willingham could spell Heyward on days off as well.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
9:48 am
Sounds as if they need five starters, not one.
Hah! It’s not a great situation. But they have to live with it through 2012. It’ll be up to Wren to determine what works for 2013 and beyond. I was hoping starting rotation wasn’t going to have to be a need for 2013 and they can just focus on LF, CF, and some new blood in the bullpen and bench – but that just isn’t realistic. Busy arse offseason for Frank and co. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a talented bunch.
A position player core of McCann, Freeman, Uggla, Simmons, Prado and Heyward is strong and Hudson/Hanson in two of the three front slots of the rotation is very good. Kimbrel is the best closer in the league. Just need to reload. I think we all knew this offseason was going to be that sort of offseason. Similar in nature to 2008-2009, but obviously with a much better core in place and different needs.
ncscoots
July 16th, 2012
9:51 am
and Hudson/Hanson in two of the three front slots of the rotation is very good
I’m no longer aghast at the idea of trading Hanson this offseason.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
9:52 am
Why would he turn around and trade him all of a sudden? Efrim
Because of the amount of payroll his salary eats and given the budget restraints it’s best to use those resources on someone that’s a little more productive than just 2 months out of the season. As far as finding a replacing at 2nd, I think that would be much easier than finding replacements at other positions. There are a lot of options, we could even look for a 3rd basemen and give Prado 2nd again.. there’s many ways that could go.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
9:52 am
“I don’t think Prado will be playing any SS. They just traded for Janish to be the everyday guy there until Simmons gets back.”
I’m not sure that is entirely true. He very well could be Martin’s backup now as well. I don’t think anyone thought Martin would be as good as he was at SS, and if they do acquire another bat, SS is the perfect place to put Martin for the short term. Long term it makes sense to rotate him from LF to 3rd.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
9:54 am
BravesAndBeer @bravesandbeer
@gondeee going to Rome tomorrow, anyone I need to pay attention to?
Talking Chop @gondeee
@bravesandbeer Not much there right now. Drury, Kubitza, Beckwith in the field.
It’s as bad a Rome roster as I’ve seen in a while. Be glad next year when we’ve got Cabrera, Sims, Merejo, Peraza, Franco, Elander, etc. there. It’ll be the best it’s been since 2009.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
9:55 am
I think our core is very strong as well, which we allow us to be more flexible with what we can do in the off season.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
9:55 am
MFin04, what basis do you have for Martin being good at SS? One play? There’s a reason Prado, who is as versatile as it gets, doesn’t play shortstop. He can’t. Only in emergencies.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
9:56 am
Doesn’t it make the most sense next year to put Martin at 3rd, Uggla at 2nd, and still find the allusive Atlanta Braves future left fielder? Pretty good infield of Prado, Simmons, Uggla, and Freeman. Still going to have to find a LF and CF, but
that is life I guess.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
9:56 am
I’m no longer aghast at the idea of trading Hanson this offseason.
Neither am I, and I’m glad to hear you bring it up first scoots.
Because I was scared too. haha.
Seriously though, there are a lot of starters available in free agency, so I’m not sure if this is the best time to trade him. If Beachy was healthy, I’d be much more inclined too.
So sad. The guy looked so friggin good. But, pitchers get hurt. And sometimes they get hurt and still pitch through it – with less effectiveness.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
9:57 am
“There’s a reason Prado, who is as versatile as it gets, doesn’t play shortstop. He can’t. Only in emergencies.”
Clearly didn’t watch the games or the Braves moves this weekend. You know they did start him there the next day when they didn’t have to…right?
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
9:58 am
Efrim – Say it ain’t so, you’ve given up on Tommy Hanson? Heck, now I am going to have to argue to keep him. DANG IT!
ncscoots
July 16th, 2012
9:59 am
Because of the amount of payroll his salary eats and given the budget restraints it’s best to use those resources on someone that’s a little more productive than just 2 months out of the season.
The team spent several years trying to find RH sock for the lineup, and they aren’t going to open that hole up again. Not while they think he’s still the player on the back of the bubblegum card.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
9:59 am
Who else but Prado could have started Saturday? Juan Francisco?
raleighbravefan
July 16th, 2012
9:59 am
AT – If he’s that overpaid/overrated, who do you trade him to? Not the other GMs jobs to strengthen the Braves and take our rejects.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:00 am
If I’m a GM, after seeing Michael Pineda, I’m just not sure if I’d wonder why a team would be willing to unload a younger starting pitcher. Obviously Gonzalez and Cahill worked out for the most part, but those are the A’s. Ubaldo, Pineda, Latos – to a much lesser extent.
Murph
July 16th, 2012
10:00 am
I was thinking about the team this morning while stuck in traffic, and I’m starting to waiver on my stance of not “going all-in” on this squad.
These guys are pretty solid top to bottom, but lack that shutdown SP, the “ace”, that it’s going to take to win in the postseason.
I don’t think Dempster or Garza are the answers. Those guys are good, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t have any more confidence in either of them than I do in Hudson and Hanson.
Personally, I think the team either needs to go after Greinke or stand pat. Use Minor as the centerpiece of the deal… gettting an almost-good SP and a few lower level prospects for a 2 month rental would be a good haul for Milwaukee. If the Braves can sign him to an extension, great, but even if they can’t I don’t see how they can expect to win in October with a guy like Greinke.
Greinke, Hudson, Hanson is a lot more intimidating than Hudson, Hanson, and JJ. Nothing against our guys, they are getting the job done, but going into a best of 5, or heaven help us, the WC elimination game, I’d sure feel a lot better about things if there was a true #1 starter on the mound.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:01 am
Efrim – Say it ain’t so, you’ve given up on Tommy Hanson?
Like I’ve said to you before, you’d follow Jair Jurrjens off of a cliff, regardless. I’m not the same with most all pitchers…because pitchers get hurt. It’s in their nature to do so.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
10:04 am
Oh, I see Pastornicky was called up. You’re right. I think Pastornicky would be a little better at SS defensively, but the offense for Prado makes up for it.
See what I just said: Pastornicky would be a little better defensively the Prado at SS. The Rev was one of the worst defensive SS we’ve seen.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:04 am
Crazy busy offseason, with a lot of moving parts. That’s what we’re headed for, folks. It won’t be refreshing the trade rumor sites to find the next bogus Jurrjens/Prado trade rumors. Lots of movement from the bench, set-up corps, outfield, and starting rotation. Should be fun.
keylargo
July 16th, 2012
10:08 am
I don’t think anyone thought Martin would be as good as he was at SS, and if they do acquire another bat, SS is the perfect place to put Martin for the short term
They could have put 100 guys in the organization at SS and given them 2 or 3 chances and had a 95% success rate. Don’t try and tell me because he had 10 innings there he’s officially a card carrying SS.
ncscoots
July 16th, 2012
10:09 am
Neither am I, and I’m glad to hear you bring it up first
It’s not because I don’t think he’s a good pitcher; he is, and he’ll be a solid piece of a rotation for anybody.
It’s just that I no longer think he will be the kind of pitcher who can lead a staff from the front, and the Braves will need that kind of guy sooner than later. Hanson has tons of value in the trade market, and, as you say, there will be a gaggle of SP in FA. Maybe one to wear a Braves’ uni.
I’m not advocating a trade of Hanson, mind you, I’m saying only that I wouldn’t be in sackcloth and ashes were it to happen.
Hillbilly
July 16th, 2012
10:09 am
It’s as bad a Rome roster as I’ve seen in a while. Be glad next year when we’ve got Cabrera, Sims, Merejo, Peraza, Franco, Elander, etc. there. It’ll be the best it’s been since 2009.
Nice to see signs of life out of Brandon Drury.
.311/.380/.475/.856 in 19 games since their All-Star Break.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
10:10 am
Prado had one good play where he had to make a backhanded flip thing to get a force out. Never mind that a solid defensive SS may have been able to field it flat-footed and make an easy underhand toss to 2B. You can’t judge a guy’s defensive abilities from one game.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
10:11 am
“Greinke, Hudson, Hanson is a lot more intimidating than Hudson, Hanson, and JJ.”
Might be more intimidating, but I don’t think it is a better rotation. Greinke doesn’t exactly have the label as a mentally tough, big game pitcher. Jurrjens on the other hand…guy is pretty much a rock in clutch and big game situations. I’ll take my chances with our 3 and Sheets.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
10:13 am
“You can’t judge a guy’s defensive abilities from one game.”
He moved well and had 2 or 3 great plays that I saw. They obviously had enough confidence to put him back out there in a 2nd game, that says at least a little bit. And his bat makes him about twice as good as any other SS on this team OPS-wise, so it might be worth it if you have another LF….or at least Diaz against lefties.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
10:15 am
What big game situations has Jurrjens ever pitched in? He’s never pitched in the playoffs. The one year the Braves did make the playoff recently, Jair was bad enough that he only got three starts in September down the stretch, and didn’t get a start in the Division Series.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 16th, 2012
10:16 am
Thought some of you might find this int’resting…I know I did…
http://www.metstoday.com/7878/mets-2012-games/mets-game-89-braves/
…But it wasn’t Bucknor holding something personal against Santana, and it wasn’t necessarily Bucknor “missing” the calls. It was the contrasting catching techniques used by Brian McCann and Josh Thole.
As he always does, McCann was “beating the ball to the spot” and catching pitches when they looked like strikes and “sticking them” — in other words, catching and holding the pitch momentarily to sell the pitch. Umpires like that and appreciate that. Most importantly, when a catcher does that, pitches look more like strikes than if they use the alternative method — also known as “framing.”
“Framing” is what Josh Thole does — on nearly every pitch. It seems to be a technique taught by the Mets organization, because I’ve seen other Mets catchers in the past employ the same nonsense. In “framing,” the catcher tries to “ease” pitches slightly off the plate into the strike zone by moving his glove AFTER catching the ball. At lower levels (little league, high school), with sometimes poorly trained, unprofessional umpires behind the plate, this method can often work. At the MLB level, it should never work. Yet, well over half of MLB catchers “frame.” Why? I guess because they did it their whole life. Also because there are still catching coaches who teach this technique, thinking that it works. Generally, it doesn’t. Catchers who do it, usually make the umpire look bad — especially from the perspective of the centerfield camera, which is already showing an untrue angle (slightly off-center). Framing also can make the pitcher think his pitches are closer than they really are. In some cases, a MLB umpire may automatically call “framed” pitches a ball, thinking that if the pitch has to be framed, it must not be a strike.
Bottom line is this: if a catcher beats the ball to the spot, catches it when it looks like a strike, and holds it, he’s giving the umpire the best possible view of the ball. If a catcher is moving his body and/or his glove as and/or after he catches the ball, he’s disrupting the umpire’s line of sight.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
10:16 am
raleighbravefan, never said he was a reject but I’d bet we could get a pretty good return from an AL team. There are options out there and I’d be willing to bet it wouldn’t be hard to find another team interested.
I’d be okay with moving Hanson in the offseason if we were able to trade and sign someone like Greinke. I’d probably even entertain the idea if we got Garza but outside of those, not so sure.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:19 am
It’s just that I no longer think he will be the kind of pitcher who can lead a staff from the front, and the Braves will need that kind of guy sooner than later. Hanson has tons of value in the trade market, and, as you say, there will be a gaggle of SP in FA. Maybe one to wear a Braves’ uni.
I’m not advocating a trade of Hanson, mind you, I’m saying only that I wouldn’t be in sackcloth and ashes were it to happen.
100% agree.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
10:19 am
In Boston Fenway park against one of the hottest offensive teams in baseball at the time….after be relegated to the minors with really no hope of returning to the majors until Beachy got hurt. Then he went 7 2/3 dominant innings.
Since his return…25 innings pitched, 6 earned runs. 3-0 record. Sure he is probably due for a bad start sooner or later, but the guy has been very good in his four games back.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:20 am
Might be more intimidating, but I don’t think it is a better rotation. Greinke doesn’t exactly have the label as a mentally tough, big game pitcher. Jurrjens on the other hand…guy is pretty much a rock in clutch and big game situations.
Obsession.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
10:21 am
He’s also been very fortunate in his starts back. He was very good in Boston, but in his other starts, he’s gotten knocked around pretty good.
I just think it’s disingenuous to say Jurrjens has “always been a rock” in big-game situations, then call out one game in June to prove that point.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
10:22 am
Zach Greinke 85 76 .528 3.80
Tommy Hanson 42 27 .609 3.43
Someone can do the more advanced stats if they’d like. Hanson is younger, and a lot cheaper. I’d rather stick with Tommy Hanson. I get that Greinke was on a bad team, but really he has only had one sparkling year and he won the Cy Young, right?
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:22 am
Nice to see signs of life out of Brandon Drury.
.311/.380/.475/.856 in 19 games since their All-Star Break.
Very good to see, Hillbilly. He should repeat the level, imo, unless the tear continues for another six weeks.
Braves have a ton of 3rd base prospects with lots of question marks: Joe Leonard, Joey Terdoslavich, Edward Salcedo, Kyle Kubitza, Brandon Drury, Carlos Franco….
Murph
July 16th, 2012
10:24 am
Greinke > JJ… not really debatable. It’s just the way it is.
JJ has been great for the Braves since his return from AAA, but given the choice, I’d rather see Greinke on the mound.
I don’t think the Braves will actually make any big moves this season at the deadline… they might get a guy of Liriano’s caliber, but I’d be very surprised to see them go after one of the bigger names being floated. So, you just might get your wish of seeing JJ pitch in the postseason afterall, MFin. If his knee holds up.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
10:25 am
Efrim – You have just as many obsessions. Like MPH and K’s being the end all be all. But I don’t really feel the need to call you out all the time. I have my opinions and you can have yours. I’d rather have Jurrjens in the playoffs than Greinke, not to mention the cost would be astronomical.
Braves could sign Jurrjens and Hanson for what it would cost for Greinke. I’ll take those two over him any day.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
10:26 am
I don’t think there’s any reason for there to be a Greinke vs. Hanson debate. I don’t think Hanson is going anywhere. I definitely think Greinke is a better pitcher, especially since Hanson has slowly regressed in his peripherals. Greinke strikes out more, walks fewer, and gives up fewer homers.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
10:28 am
It is kind of amazing how a team can have a 7 game winning streak, and still fans believe the team needs more pitchers and more hitters. Sure they probably could use one more of each, but this team could also win the world series with the team they have now plus a healthy Simmons.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:28 am
I just think it’s disingenuous to say Jurrjens has “always been a rock” in big-game situations, then call out one game in June to prove that point.
Agreed. Can’t remember the last time the guy threw a pitch in September. But he’s a rock, that’s for sure.
Venice Jim
July 16th, 2012
10:29 am
From Rosenthal:
But the Brewers, as they plot possible scenarios with Greinke, have talked about exploiting the Rangers-Angels rivalry the way sellers once exploited the Yankees and Red Sox, sources say.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
10:30 am
I think we trade and sign Greinke long term, move Hanson in the offseason for good pitching prospects or possibly a cf and prospects. We could also look to move Uggla and sign Bourn with a 2nd baseman prospect coming from the Hanson trade. I don’t think you let JJ walk at this point but he could be a possible trade chip… so many options.. could be a really fun off season with a lot of surprises.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:31 am
Like MPH and K’s being the end all be all.
Velocity and missing bats, are a couple of the things scouts and player development people look at when projecting a pitcher’s ceiling. It’s not the end all be all, but it’s important.
You continuing to thump your “Jurrjens handbook” is out of control. Sorry if you think I pick on you, but some sense of reality on your side would be much appreciated.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
10:31 am
I don’t think the Braves absolutely need another piece to make the playoffs. But adding a starter would go a long ways to increasing the probability that they do. I also think the team, as constructed, would not be a favorite to go far in the postseason. It can be a crapshoot, though. The best you can do is put the best roster possible to give yourself the best chance. If they can add someone to do that, and not dampen the future significantly, they should do it.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
10:33 am
“But he’s a rock, that’s for sure.”
Exactly. Now you are getting it.
And Tommy Hanson doesn’t struggle late in games…right? So what is that… 3 of 4 games now (almost 4 of 4) that he has gotten shelled in his last inning of work, yet it isn’t a pattern?
Jaded Braves Fan
July 16th, 2012
10:33 am
“Zach Greinke 85 76 .528 3.80
Tommy Hanson 42 27 .609 3.43
Someone can do the more advanced stats if they’d like. Hanson is younger, and a lot cheaper. I’d rather stick with Tommy Hanson. I get that Greinke was on a bad team, but really he has only had one sparkling year and he won the Cy Young, right?”
The problem with that is that Hanson has been going backwards, or at least hasn’t seemed to have improved. His ERA has risen every year he’s been in the league, from 2.89 to 3.33 to 3.60 to 4.02. I think there’s very legitimate concerns about his decline in velocity and struggles to pitch effectively deep in games.
Greinke might be a tad overrated, but he’ll give you lots of innings and strikeouts. That’s exactly what the Braves need.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
10:33 am
Brian from SC
I definitely think we could make the post season with the team we presently have but I’d like for us to increase our chances of going deeper into the post season.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:34 am
But a pitcher such as Greinke, if the Angels signed him long-term, could replace righty Dan Haren and/or righty Ervin Santana. The team holds a $15.5 million option on Haren for next season and a $13 million option on Santana.
Would love to get Dan Haren in here if the Angels don’t want him.
Murph
July 16th, 2012
10:34 am
MFin, close your eyes and imagine a world where the Braves have Angel Pagan in CF, a platoon of Hinske/Diaz in LF, and a starting rotation of Hudson/Hanson/Sheets/Minor/Delgado.
Now, what if I told you that the horrific picture in your head, the one where the Braves are in 4th place, 20 games out in August, is actually a glimpse into the future? That what you’re seeing is the 2013 Braves after missing out on or not being able to afford a single big acquisition in the offseason.
Scary, isn’t it? Sadly, though, it’s not all that far from where they’ll actually be next year.
The time to win is now. Don’t put your love of JJ ahead of your love of the Braves. I’d rather see the team win another World Series, personally, and I don’t really care what moves are made so long as it makes the team better.
Adding a guy of Greinke’s caliber makes the post season more likely than pinning the team’s hopes on a guy who has pitched a total of 15 innings in September over the last 2 seasons.
Steve from OH
July 16th, 2012
10:34 am
Braves could sign Jurrjens and Hanson for what it would cost for Greinke. I’ll take those two over him any day.
I’d like to keep Hanson around if we can afford it, but JJ? C’mon, man.
Guy is as good as gone.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
10:35 am
MFin04, Hanson is a Ketchup pitcher. He puts a strain on the team almost every time out.
ncscoots
July 16th, 2012
10:35 am
move Hanson in the offseason for good pitching prospects or possibly a cf and prospects.
OK, now that would put me in sackcloth and ashes.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
10:36 am
“I also think the team, as constructed, would not be a favorite to go far in the postseason.”
They’ve gotta be one of the best teams in the NL without a doubt, who is better? Nationals, Reds, Giants, Dodgers? I’m not really scared of any of those teams. They aren’t the Phillies of old. The National League is ripe for the taking, and heck the Rangers sure do seem to choke in the World Series, and Ron Washington can’t seem to win an ASG or World Series, so let’s see what the Braves can do.
Steve from OH
July 16th, 2012
10:36 am
close your eyes and imagine a world where the Braves have Angel Pagan in CF, a platoon of Hinske/Diaz in LF, and a starting rotation of Hudson/Hanson/Sheets/Minor/Delgado.
Oh God.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:36 am
And Tommy Hanson doesn’t struggle late in games…right? So what is that… 3 of 4 games now (almost 4 of 4) that he has gotten shelled in his last inning of work, yet it isn’t a pattern?
Early to make such claims. You fly of your seat on small samples, don’t you? Jurrjens, Hanson, and Prado at SS. If that’s the type of fan you are, then fine, but it’s not an opinion that I’m going to value a ton if that’s the sort of stuff you want to discuss.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
10:38 am
Hanson’s breaking balls are still pretty good, but he’s just no missing bats with his fastballs as much as he used to, and not commanding it as well. According to Fangraphs, he’s throwing a lower percentage of pitches in the strike zone than ever, and also not getting many swings and misses. The lower fastball velocity is a pretty obvious culprit.
I still don’t think the possible return in a trade would be enough to make him a likely trade candidate.
Murph
July 16th, 2012
10:39 am
3 of 4 games now (almost 4 of 4) that he has gotten shelled in his last inning of work, yet it isn’t a pattern?
I keep losing my keys. Lose them all the time. I’m pretty sure the 4 year old hides them on purpose. Anyways, one day a neighbor was over at the house while I was frantically searching for my keys… I finally found them under the couch and she says “They’re always in the last place you look.”
Well, yeah, obviously they’re always in the last place you look, because who in their right mind would keep looking for their keys after they’ve already found them?
Point being, when a SP is replaced, and he’s not injured or gassed, it’s usually because he’s gotten into some trouble.
I’d also be curious, of all the times Hanson has been pulled and left with runners on base, how many of those inherited runners were allowed to score by the bullpen stiff who came in to replace him?
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
10:39 am
“Guy is as good as gone.”
I’m not sure why Jurrjens is as good as gone. Because we have soo many options to replace him? Surely he can’t cost that much, and if no one really wants him anyway like everyone on here suspects, it seems he could be a cheap asset.
Not to mention if he is soo terrible, how are we going to get rid of him?
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
10:40 am
Matching up against the power arms in the NL of the Nats, Giants, and even the Reds, would be a tall task. The front end of your rotation becomes huge in the postseason, and the Braves would be the worst potential playoff team in that area, as constructed.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
10:41 am
How do you define “cheap”, MFin04? Just how cheap do you think Jurrjens will be in 2013, if the Braves tender him a contract? What’s your number?
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:41 am
OK, now that would put me in sackcloth and ashes
Would you want to trade him for a position player of equal value? I think I’d pass on that. If they trade him, I’d personally want it to be for prospects. Obviously, I’d want a starter in place of him if he was traded – through free agency, most likely.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
10:42 am
Power arms are almost a must when it comes to the post season. In short series like that, it plays an important role.
Murph
July 16th, 2012
10:43 am
JJ is going to make, what, $7mil+ next season via arbitration?
That’s a lot of money for an April-to-August pitcher. Or April/July-September pitcher.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:43 am
The lower fastball velocity is a pretty obvious culprit.
The shoulder injury took velocity away, and we have what we have. He’s a good pitcher, but not one that can lead a rotation. He looked like one when he debuted and came up through the system, but that pitcher is no longer here.
Steve from OH
July 16th, 2012
10:44 am
He’s arb-eligible again next season. We’re going to non-tender him without question.
Jaded
July 16th, 2012
10:44 am
“Matching up against the power arms in the NL of the Nats, Giants, and even the Reds, would be a tall task. The front end of your rotation becomes huge in the postseason, and the Braves would be the worst potential playoff team in that area, as constructed.”
Especially if you’re in the one-game wild card round, like Mark Bradley noted the other day. We don’t have anyone who can match up with Matt Cain or Clayton Kershaw. Heck, we might not have anyone who can match up with James McDonald. Hudson and Hanson are decent, but they have too many blowups to feel comfortable giving the ball to in a do-or-die situation at this point.
Of course, we could just go ahead and win the division and make that whole point moot. But I don’t see us passing the Nats without an ace anyway.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:45 am
Nationals – Strasburg, Gonzalez, Zimmermann, Jackson
Giants – Cain, Bumgarner, Lincecum, Vogelsong
Reds – Cueto, Latos, Arroyo, Bailey, Leake
Cardinals – Lohse, Lynn, Wainwright, Westbrook, Garcia
Braves – Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Sheets
Yeah, I’d say an addition of a starter is pretty necessary.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
10:46 am
Efrim, I’ve come to expect those comments from ncscoots.. not a big surprise. I think he does it just to see if he can get me roused up but I’ve caught on to his tactics.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
10:47 am
I like Jurrjens…good kid, good contributor over the last several years. He’s done more, I think, than we could have expected. But I do believe his run with the Braves is over. If he can pitch well enough in the 2nd half to get any kind of trade return, that would be the best thing. To me, the most likely end result is a non-tender.
The reason he’ll be making $7 million in arbitration is because of the way he’s performed early in his career. Someone will pick him up fairly cheap, and he may continue to defy the odds. It just doesn’t make sense for the Braves to be that team.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
10:48 am
Like I said, Hanson is a ketchup pitcher.. not exactly what you want in a do or die situation.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:51 am
I’ve come to expect those comments from ncscoots.. not a big surprise. I think he does it just to see if he can get me roused up but I’ve caught on to his tactics.
I don’t think you should take his comment to heart, AT. He;s just messing around.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:53 am
It just doesn’t make sense for the Braves to be that team.
Agreed. Get what we can from him in the 2nd half and hopefully we can trade him for anything before having to non-tender him in late November.
Efrim
July 16th, 2012
10:55 am
The Cubs, according to one rival executive, sought a package for right-hander Matt Garza last offseason similar to what the Athletics received for lefty Gio Gonzalez — catcher Derek Norris, lefty Tommy Milone and righties Brad Peacock and A.J. Cole.
At the time, Gonzalez was three years away from free agency, Garza two. Now Garza is down to one year plus two months, but the Cubs still could get a significant return. The extra year — and possibility of a draft pick on the back end — enhances Garza’s value. – Ken Rosenthal
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
10:56 am
How much do you think the Braves will put an emphasis on a possible starter acquisition being left-handed? Minor would be the likely guy replaced, leaving the Braves with no lefties in the rotation.
Murph
July 16th, 2012
10:56 am
If teams know that JJ is about to be non-tendered, why would they offer the Braves anything in a trade?
What happens to his status should he be non-tendered? Does he become a FA even though he’s still arb-eligible?
space monkey
July 16th, 2012
10:56 am
Sheets was amazing yesterday. We finally have a power pitcher. Hanson has a decent curve. But his fastball is now very weak. Batters can sit fastball on him and wait for that weak 88-mph pitch. Sheets had a decent fastball yesterday, topping out at 93 with late movement. And his curve was a hammer. Now if we add Dempster, this team will go deep in October. Right now, I’d go Dempster at one, Sheets at two, Hudson 3, Hanson 4, and Jurjjens 5. Either trade Minor or use him in long relief.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
10:57 am
seems like an awefully high asking price for Garza.
MFin04
July 16th, 2012
10:57 am
Nationals – Strasburg, Gonzalez, Zimmermann, Jackson
Giants – Cain, Bumgarner, Lincecum, Vogelsong
Reds – Cueto, Latos, Arroyo, Bailey, Leake
Cardinals – Lohse, Lynn, Wainwright, Westbrook, Garcia
Braves – Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Sheets
Who there really worries you? Not really concerned with any of those teams, either they don’t have pitching or don’t have hitting. And I like our rotation, I think that rotation matches up just as well as any of those other teams.
Not to mention we probably have one of the best offenses of all those teams.
Get rid of the early stats from Jurrjens, Minor, and Delgados stats for our starters ERA, and we now have 4 good starters with good numbers.
Arkansas Transplant
July 16th, 2012
10:58 am
Murph, I believe he would become a FA going to the highest bidder.
Brian from SC
July 16th, 2012
10:59 am
Murphy, if teams like Jurrjens enough, they might trade for him so they don’t have to compete with other teams to sign him.
If he’s non-tendered, he’s a free agent.
Murph
July 16th, 2012
10:59 am
Get rid of the early stats from Jurrjens, Minor, and Delgados stats for our starters ERA, and we now have 4 good starters with good numbers.
If only life were that easy… I’d still be allowed to own a handgun and vote.