Improved rotation, deeper lineup = 7-game Braves win streak
Maybe it was just a coincidence, but soon after the Braves signed Ben Sheets and after it became known they were scouting several starting pitchers who could be available on the trade market, the starting rotation finally stepped it up a bit. The Braves starters got more consistent, a big factor in the current seven-game winning streak along with improved offensive production.
Sheets could end up being a huge no-risk pickup for the Braves. He pitched six scoreless innings Sunday against the Mets after being out of baseball for two years following major elbow surgery and making just two minor-league rehab starts.
The Braves have just 37 quality starts (six innings or more, three earned runs or fewer) this season, second-fewest in a league where nine teams have more than 50. Only the Rockies have fewer quality starts, and they have a pretty legit excuse – Coors Field.
But the Braves have six quality starts in their past eight games, including five during the seven-game winning streak, the longest for the Bravos since they won nine in a row two summers ago. The most recent of those quality starts, and the most significant for the Braves at least since Jair Jurrjens returned from Triple-A, if not the entire season, came in Sheets’ debut Sunday against the Mets.
I don’t know of anyone, and I mean anyone, who thought Sheets could do what he did Sunday after being out of baseball for two years and making only two Double-A starts prior to facing the Mets. Two hits, one walk and five strikeouts in six scoreless innings.
It was stunning, and if he stays healthy and pitches with the stuff he had Sunday, the four-time former Milwaukee All-Star is going to win plenty more games for the Braves and make himself a strong, late entry for NL Comeback Player of the Year.
Whatever Braves GM Frank Wren and his top assistants saw a few weeks ago when Sheets threw for officials from the Braves, Yankees and a few other teams in 100-plus-degree temperatures at Georgia Tech, you’ve got to hand it to them for making Sheets a minor-league offer and impressing him enough to get him (the Yankees also made a minor-league offer).
And credit them for not making Sheets spend any more time in the minors, because I also didn’t hear anyone say they believed two starts in Double-A — not particularly impressive starts at that – seemed sufficient before bringing Sheets to the majors. Personally, I thought they were rushing things a bit.
Braves officials pulled the trigger, and Sheets showed Sunday they were right to do so.
So anyway, here we are, in the third week of July with a Braves team that has taken everyone on a rollercoaster ride through the first 88 games of the season, and now sits in a far better position than many of us anticipated a few weeks ago. It was that recent when things didn’t look at all promising for their inconsistent team and its shaky rotation and too-often-punchless lineup.
The Braves (49-39) have the third-best record in the NL and fifth-best record in the majors, better than two division leaders — the AL Central’s White Sox (49-40) of the NL West’s Giants (49-40, who are in town for a three-game series beginning tonight at Turner Field.
Atlanta is a half-game ahead of Pittsburgh (49-40) atop the NL Wild Card race, and remember there’s an additional wild card added to each league’s postseason format this season. That means if the playoffs started today, the Braves would face the Pirates in a one-game playoff, with the winner advancing to a best-of-five division series and the loser going home.
That means the Braves can’t afford to be content with winning a wild-card playoff berth, and they know it. Because unlike in the past, it doesn’t guarantee a first-round best-of-five series against a division winner. It only makes for a do-or-die game against the other wild card, which makes it something of a crap shoot. For instance, if one team has to use its best starting pitchers in those last days of the regular season and the other is able to hold back its ace for the one-game playoff.
No, you’re obviously much better off winning a division now under the new format than going in as a wild card where everything is riding on that one game.
And the thing is, the NL East is very winnable.
The Braves are only 2-1/2 games behind Washington, which has definitely had an upper hand against Atlanta in recent years, but which might be without ace Stephen Strasburg in the final weeks of the season if the Nationals stick to their plan of shutting down the phenom after he pitches about 160 innings in his first full season since Tommy John elbow surgery.
It’s going to be unprecedented if they do that, if a team that’s waited so long to get to the postseason in effect tells its excited fan base that it’s taking the staff’s healthy, most overpowering starter and putting him on the shelf until next year when there is no evidence that says he’s more likely to get hurt by pitching 185 innings than by pitching 165 innings.
Privately, the Braves and the rest of the NL have to be hoping the Nationals follow through with that plan. Well, the Braves maybe a little less than other playoff contenders, since they’ve fared better against Strasburg than any other team has. But even Atlanta would benefit from him being shut down, because Strasburg gives the Nationals a very good chance to win every time he pitches, and his replacement surely will not give them as good a chance to do that and to keep adding wins in the last month of the division race that could well be close to the wire.
Meanwhile, the Braves don’t seem content to rest on their improved rotation. They continue to scout top available or potentially available starters, either just in case they have an injury or a current starter falters, or because they want to make the rotation deeper still than it is with an improved Jurrjens – who faces Giants lefty Barry Zito tonight — and the addition of Sheets.
But with Sheets on board, if he stays healthy these next couple of weeks, I think it decreases the likelihood of the Braves mortgaging part of the future by trading away multiple prospects in any deal to acquire a starter before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
By the way, in case you missed it, Carroll Rogers did a story on Jurrjens in today’s paper, in which he discussed his improvement since his stint in Triple-A, and how he overcame his admitted frustrations after being sent down in April.
• Deeper lineup: Another key part of the Braves’ midseason resurgence, probably the biggest part, has been the renewed punch they’ve gotten from a lineup that suddenly seems a lot deeper and more balanced with Freddie Freeman’s return to good health and Brian McCann’s return to being himself after a long slump that began when he came back too quickly from an oblique strain last season.
Freeman has had a resurgence since returning from finger injury.
The Braves are getting contributions from so many spots in their batting order lately that they’ve been able to offset the loss of Andrelton Simmons and the continued struggles of Dan Uggla.
Some of the recent highlights:
– Chipper Jones has hit .400 (24-for-60) in his past 16 games with 10 extra-base hits, 10 RBIs, nine walks, six K, .478 OBP and .633 slugging
– Freeman, in 21 games since returning from a finger injury, has hit .342 (26-for-76) with 10 extra-base hits (four homers), 17 RBIs, a .420 OBP and .579 slugging percentage (.999 OPS). The team is 14-7 in those games. During his current seven-game hitting streak, Freeman’s hit .462 (12-for-26) with three doubles, two homers, seven RBIs, three walks and only two strikeouts.
– Jason Heyward has hit .333 in his past 33 games (oh, the symmetry) with 18 extra-base hits (eight homers), 19 RBIs, a .380 OBP and .611 slugging percentage (.991 OPS).
– McCann also has a seven-game hitting streak going, during which he’s 10-for-26 (.385) with four homers and 11 RBIs.
– Martin Prado, who didn’t make the All-Star team but might be the Braves’ MVP so far, in his past 20 games has hit .351 (27-for-77) with seven doubles, one homer, 13 RBIs, eight walks, a .393 OBP and .481 slugging percentage. Prado’s .341 home average is seventh-best in the NL, and his .362 average vs. lefties is eighth-best in the league.
Michael Bourn, another obvious candidate for team MVP so far, in his past 10 games has hit .385 (15-for-39) with 11 runs, six RBIs, eight walks and a .489 OBP. The team is 8-2 in that stretch. Bourn’s .328 average vs. right-handers ranks seventh in the NL (Uggla’s .214 is fifth-worst).
Among NL leadoff men, Bourn ranks sixth with a .367 OBP, while ex-Brave Gregor Blanco is 10th in the league with a .339 leadoff OBP for San Francisco. Another ex-Braves outfielder, Melky Cabrera, is having a career-best season for the Giants and ranks third in the majors with a .366 road average.
The Braves have hit .283 during the seven-game winning streak, with 11 homers and 43 runs, including six or more runs in five of seven games. They’ve allowed three or fewer runs in five of seven games.
Also, the Braves are 4-0 with .305 average and 28 runs in their past four home games, after going 5-11 with .257 average and 57 runs in previous 16 home games.
As long as a bunch of Braves are swinging the bats more consistently, the team can afford to have an all-glove, no-stick guy at shortstop until Simmons returns from a broken hand. That’s what they have with the recently acquired Paul Janish.
• Big K in Kimbrel: He finished ninth in the Cy Young Award balloting last season as a rookie closer, and Craig Kimbrel could be headed toward a top-five or maybe even top-three Cy finish this season. He’s been that dominant. Utterly dominant.
As in, league-leading 27 saves with a 1.29 ERA and 0.686 WHIP. But lately, he’s taken it to another level.
Kimbrel has allowed one hit, no walks with 14 strikeouts in six scoreless innings over his past six appearances, and allowed five hits (.064 opponents’ average) and one run with two walks and 43 strikeouts in 24 innings over his past 24 appearances while converting 18 consecutive save opportunities. Yes, two walks and 43 strikeouts in 24 innings.
• This series vs. San Francisco: The Braves are 8-1 with a 2.36 ERA in their past nine regular-season games against Giants, going back to Aug. 7, 2010, including 6-1 in seven games last season. But the Giants, of course, can hold up their win in by far the most important series during that time period – the 3-1 division series win against the Braves in 2010, when every game was decided by one run.
Jurrjens is 3-0 in four starts since returning from Triple-A. He'll face the Giants' Barry Zito in tonight's series opener.
The teams haven’t faced each other this season, and the Giants have had an unusual season much like the Braves, getting huge contributions from Cabrera and inexplicably bad work from former two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Linceum, who at age 28 is 3-10 with a 5.93 ERA and 1.519 WHIP. No one in the league has more losses or has allowed as many earned runs (69 in 104-2/3 innings).
The Braves won’t face Lincecum in the series, and who’d have ever thought that’d be seen as an unfortunate development?
The Giants returned from the All-Star break to post a 0.90 ERA while sweeping a three-game series from lowly Houston. This after San Francisco had a 7.43 ERA while losing five of its last six games before the break.
Los Gigantes allowed one earned run in each game vs. the Astros, after giving up 41 earned runs in their last six games before the break.
BRAVES LINEUP
- Bourn cf
- Prado lf
- Heyward rf
- Chipper 3b
- Freeman 1b
- McCann c
- Uggla 2b
- Janish ss
- Jurrjens p
• Tonight’s matchup: It’s Jurrjens against Zito, who has faltered lately. The veteran lefty is 2-4 with a 6.12 ERA in his past six starts after 5-2 with a 2.98 ERA in his first 11. There’s also this: Zito has a 5.19 ERA in eight road starts, compared to 3.09 in nine starts at pitcher-friendly AT&T Park in San Francisco.
And this: He has 4.80 ERA in 10 night games, compared to 3.05 in seven day games.
However, Zito is 3-1 with a 2.45 ERA in five starts vs. Braves, including 3-0 with a 2.08 ERA and .178 opponents’ average in four at Turner Field. Much of that success came against previous incarnations of the Braves, not the current lineup. But he had 10 strikeouts in seven innings of his last start against the Braves in August 2010 in Atlanta.
Right-handers are hitting .268 with an .812 OPS and 10 homers in 284 at-bats against Zito, while lefties have a .193 average and meager .552 OPS and two homers in 88 at-bats against him.
As for the aforementioned Jurrjens, he is 3-0 with a 2.13 ERA in four starts since returning from Triple-A, despite just 10 strikeouts (with five walks) in 25-1/3 innings. He’s allowed one homer since he returned to the majors, that in his last start vs. Philadelphia when he gave up three runs and six hits in seven innings for the win.
Against Zito, Uggla is 6-for-20 with a homer and Chipper is 2-for-9 with a homer. They are the only Braves with more than one hit or eight at-bats against him.
Against Jurrjens, Freddy Sanchez is 6-for-13 and Pablo Sandoval is 4-for-9, while Angel Pagan is just 3-for-29.
• Let’s close with a tune from Dave Alvin, who has made so much great music since his days with the mighty X. This song appeared on the TV show Justified, which we love. It’s from his most recent album, Eleven Eleven, which is strong from start to finish. You can hear the song by clicking here.
“HARLAN COUNTY LINE” by Dave Alvin
Another morning, another motel bed,
another city waitin’ up ahead…
Light another menthol, to clear my mind…
Of those memories I pretend to forget,
cause I always want to live with out regrets
but… yeah…
I still think of her from time to time
Only she’s still livin’ across the Harlan County Line
Now when we met we were both livin’ far from home
tryin’ to get by and tired of being alone,
for a moment I thought she was mine…
Cause she had a voice I just wanted to believe…
She said her mother was full blood Cherokee and her
Daddy was a union man down in the mines…
Fighting the good fight across the Harlan County Line…
People can be Noble, and People can be Cruel
they’ll make you President or they’ll make you a Fool but,
she always treated me nice and kind…
Until that day she left me on my own said there
was trouble she had to handle back home…
Then she gave me a number and said call any time
if I ever made it across the Harlan County Line…
Now the years disappear out on the highway
And I lost her number somewhere along the way
So I’ll say a little prayer that she’s doing fine…
Another morning, another motel bed,
another city waitin’ up ahead…
And another small memory to leave behind
somewhere across the Harlan County Line…
across the Harlan County Line….
– David O’Brien, Braves/MIB blog
1,929 comments Add your comment
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
2:31 pm
Thanks for the work DOB.
GO BRAVES!!
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
2:31 pm
Let’s go.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
2:36 pm
I wasn’t saying that phil actually is all that negative, I realize that a lot of his comments are facetious. however he doesn’t make enough positive comments to let others know that IMO, and I often see his name brought up as an example of the prevailing negativism and i’m not sure he realizes that. wasn’t a cut at him
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
2:38 pm
Is ESPN carrying the game tonight? Frustrating that the SFO games are blacked out here in Hawaii. We’re part of their “market.”
Runner-
July 17th, 2012
2:40 pm
Very surprised there has been no talk of the Braves going after a RP at the break when I feel that is probably the only thing standing in our way. We don’t need another SP, we just meed either our current SP to go deeper into games or for Wren to add another solid arm in the pen. Simmons will get back soon and will revamp this offense as soon as it starts to struggle again
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
2:40 pm
Breaking down Hanson’s new mechanics and delivery.
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/tommy-hansons-new-delivery-wheres-the-velocity/
I just wish he’d start using his change up more frequently.
Braves Fan in Maine
July 17th, 2012
2:41 pm
Good work DOB….. hope the braves can get another sweep…. but as long as we win the series that would be good!!! Lets make a deal
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
2:41 pm
Very surprised there has been no talk of the Braves going after a RP at the break when I feel that is probably the only thing standing in our way.-Runner
MLBTR two hours ago – The Braves are looking at possible bullpen upgrades in addition to starting pitching options, Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter).
nolie
July 17th, 2012
2:41 pm
on MLB TV here Woody
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
2:42 pm
But yes, the rotation still needs to be upgraded.
Kyle
July 17th, 2012
2:43 pm
WOOP WOOP
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
2:43 pm
But with Sheets on board, if he stays healthy these next couple of weeks, I think it decreases the likelihood of the Braves mortgaging part of the future by trading away multiple prospects in any deal to acquire a starter before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
Even if he does stay healthy, he got hurt often two years ago and you’d hate to be left with that after 8/1. Makes so much sense to add a starter not only for the stretch run, but for 2013 as well.
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
2:43 pm
Thanks, nolie. Looks like the old time radio hour for me.
ChattTownBrian
July 17th, 2012
2:44 pm
nolie, gotcha.
Kyle
July 17th, 2012
2:44 pm
@Woody I think the game is on MLB Network, if you get that.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
2:46 pm
the dart throwing is always a potential negative as it can cause timing issues. if it does not, it in and of itself adds little stress
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
2:47 pm
Thanks, kyle, but we’re blacked out on SF games on MLB–tv and on-line
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
2:47 pm
I think if we don’t get a starter by the trade deadline, that would have to be seen as a failure.
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
2:48 pm
Sheets question mark, JJ question mark, Minor question mark, Huddy health question mark, Hanson???????
Yeah we cannot go remainder of season with a solid pickup. It will happen.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
2:48 pm
Awesome post, unbelievable. Especially thought his conclusion was a good take on it:
Mechanical conclusion
I think it’s pretty clear that Hanson has cut down on some of the things that will stress his posterior shoulder: The recoil has been significantly diminished. However, so is his fastball velocity, and I highly doubt that will return. A better solution to cutting down on unnecessary posterior shoulder stress and retaining the fastball velocity may be learning to use the shoulders in a more complete manner to provide a longer, more efficient deceleration path. The “dart-throwing” aspect of his arm action is far down the list of things to worry about, if it’s even something to focus on at all.
However, this is a perfect example that shows that rotation = velocity. Cutting down on rotation in hopes of solving another problem will come at a price. Can Hanson use these mechanics and diminished fastball velocity to return to form as a 3.20 – 3.80 xFIP kind of pitcher, a clear No. 2 in the rotation? Only time will tell. But while going from 93 to 90 might not be too bad, going from 90 to 88 could be a drastic difference to hitters, as fastball effectiveness does not diminish in a 1:1 ratio with lost velocity.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
2:49 pm
I have said b4 what DOB just did, another great start by Sheets especially, and i can see them possibly passing on a starter.
southern hope
July 17th, 2012
2:50 pm
there’s nothing better than coming off vacation to find a DOB column awaiting.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
2:51 pm
He definitely is in the 88-90 with about 3-5 fastbals that touch 91 or maybe 1 that gets to 92.
Ward
July 17th, 2012
2:51 pm
So Boston cools on Dempster, and now that Nats. Don’t think they have the cash.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
2:52 pm
the best solution might be to develop more leg drive and thus not have to change his current arm approach. prolly not gonna happen.
however anybody who says that they always loved hanson’s mechanics is IMO a questionable source about pitching
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
2:53 pm
I have said b4 what DOB just did, another great start by Sheets especially, and i can see them possibly passing on a starter.
And that’s a terrible thing and may bite them in the arse come the last three weeks in the season when another win or two from a Dempster or Garza might of meant the division or wild card. Tired of this hokie pokie one foot in one foot out stuff. It’s never been such a poor National League talent wise – time to go for it is now.
brian
July 17th, 2012
2:54 pm
another great start by Sheets and I think we will see the Braves move from wanting a top of the rotation starter to adding a #3 starter.
I wonder how many good starts by Sheets it will take to get the Braves to talk extension with Sheets
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
2:54 pm
Even if he does stay healthy, he got hurt often two years ago and you’d hate to be left with that after 8/1. Makes so much sense to add a starter not only for the stretch run, but for 2013 as well.
I think more than potential injury is his innings pitched. The guy hasn’t done it a while (119 innings pitched two years ago) so while he could dominate for a bit, I’d imagine fatigue will come into play which makes getting another top shelf ace important.
Add to all of that, if the Braves are a wild-card team, they’ll need to have another top line starter for that “wild card day” Bud is drooling over.
Heisenberg
July 17th, 2012
2:54 pm
I recall the back end of the rotation also picked it up a bit when Medlen was sent down to get stretched out. Then when it was apparent he would not take a starter spot they had a relapse. So here we are again with a gun being held to Minor’s head until at least the rest of July so expect him to notch it up. But what will he become in Aug/Sep when he is once again comfortable? I suppose/hope he can be motivated with the thought of Delgado lurking.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
2:55 pm
however anybody who says that they always loved hanson’s mechanics is IMO a questionable source about pitching
He did do an article way back when Tommy was coming up and said he wasn’t worried at all about his mechanics. Comes to be that they did indeed need to change, and therefore, the pitcher coming up has vanished and now we have more of a #3 instead of a #1/2.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
2:55 pm
Tired of this hokie pokie one foot in one foot out stuff.
Agreed. Very tired of this “but he costs too much/he isn’t worth the money or prospects” tag line. This team will never win with that mindset.
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
2:56 pm
If Sheets has a decent start and they stay pat and make wildcard and not advance, I call that a extremely disappointing season. Lost one guy so far(Beachy), have had guys out but they are back. This current staff doesn’t have enough firepower to advance deep.
If FW stays pat and the team gets past the wildcard game and eventually into the NLCS, well he’s GM of the century not year.
You got Bourn last season to make a run. Chipper’s last year, he makes a move IMO.
Memphis
July 17th, 2012
2:56 pm
The thing with Sheets is this. I believe he can be a solid #4 or #5 at this point in his career. Expecting him to go toe to toe with a Matt Cain, Stephen Strasburg, Clayton Kershaw, or anyone of that nature would be foolish.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
2:57 pm
prolly right Efrim, I am just kinda skeptical that they will spend what it takes, plus of course its the old reverse psychology thingy too
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
2:58 pm
I’d imagine fatigue will come into play which makes getting another top shelf ace important.
Add to all of that, if the Braves are a wild-card team, they’ll need to have another top line starter for that “wild card day” Bud is drooling over.
Agreed. I’d actually not mind Hudson starting that game – but wouldn’t really be comfortable with anyone else and that’s the issue. Just get me “Big Game” James and call it a day.
DS1
July 17th, 2012
2:58 pm
With all the question marks in our rotation, I think we need 2-3 more top of the rotation starters.
Then we can take the others out back and put them out of their misery.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
2:58 pm
many folks in pitching thought Tommy was a walking time bomb, and most all were worried about too much arm stress
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
3:00 pm
The recoil has been significantly diminished. However, so is his fastball velocity, and I highly doubt that will return
Pitch FX lumps all fastballs as one, so a 2-seamer is lumped in with a 4-seamer and then averaged. I’d be very interested to see those two pitches extracted and averaged for Hanson this year.
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
3:00 pm
Huddy’s a competitor man, I will take him to win one game. Don’t think he is Carpenter like though and will win you 2 or 3 in a series though(few are) That’s where Dempster would be big. Game 2 starter.
Ward
July 17th, 2012
3:00 pm
Efrim – I sure hope Wren doesn’t wait too long, and let the Nats grab Dempster? Seems like every time Braves are looking ast a major pitcher. Some one grabs him, and it hurts the Braves down the stretch. Wren, just don’t hold out too long on any of the pitchers on the list. My advice to you……
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
3:01 pm
Agreed. Very tired of this “but he costs too much/he isn’t worth the money or prospects” tag line. This team will never win with that mindset.
So help me, if I see that sort of talk – “he isn’t worth it” or “he’s not much better than what we have”…
Ummmm. Does everyone realize that Polished is our #5 right now? Zack Greinke or Matt Garza ain’t better than Mike Minor? Please. That could be the extra couple wins we need to lock up the division.
Joe Adcock
July 17th, 2012
3:01 pm
My hat’s off to Ben Sheets. Considering the injuries, the two years out of the League, the immense pressure he had to feel coming back to a new team — how could he have been any better?? That was as good a performance as I have ever seen. The man has true grit, determination, and the will power to make it happen. Rare in this day and time… GO BRAVES! All the way! Forget winning one for the Gipper. Let’s win one for the Chipper in his last dance!! World Series, baby!
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:02 pm
good news is we traded for Dempster, bad news is we had to put him on the DL for the third time this season and have no idea how long it will take this time…..
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
3:02 pm
many folks in pitching thought Tommy was a walking time bomb, and most all were worried about too much arm stress
I remember watching him before he came up. Couple times he pitched in ST and gassed 98/99mph. And then everything I’d read was about his delivery. Good or bad, people focused on that from the getgo.
Tumbledown
July 17th, 2012
3:03 pm
It certainly would be intriguing if the Braves made the playoffs as a wild card team and had to face off in a one game winner take all duel with the Pirates, twenty years after the famous Sid Bream slide. The Pirates would certainly be motivated.
I know, that is a long way off. Back to the present. Please bring in another quality starting pitcher, Wren.
Mixxo
July 17th, 2012
3:03 pm
Lets Go or somethin’ !!
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
3:04 pm
no risk, no reward
Shaun
July 17th, 2012
3:04 pm
nolie, I would guess what Sheets does is separate from what the Braves will go after in the trade market. If a trade isn’t made, I think it will have more to do with what other teams are asking and what the Braves don’t want to part with.
I don’t think even 3-4 more impressive starts from Sheets changes all that much in the way of what the Braves are in the market for. Sheets is still an injury risk, no matter how well he throws in his next few starts. So I think ideally the Braves still want to get one of the better starters on the market, if they can make a trade work. And I honestly don’t think Sheets performing well in multiple starts would change what they are willing to give up or not give up. It may help with leverage because Sheets may allow the Braves to appear less desperate for pitching.
Ward
July 17th, 2012
3:04 pm
Mike Minor is over rated, and way over rated. Braves could do better. All , have a good one, and talk tonight after the game. Dempster, or Liriano. Go the Distance Wren……Peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
Bama Brave
July 17th, 2012
3:04 pm
Please NO Dempster!
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
3:04 pm
Pitch FX lumps all fastballs as one, so a 2-seamer is lumped in with a 4-seamer and then averaged. I’d be very interested to see those two pitches extracted and averaged for Hanson this year.
I’ve seen some really straight 88’s and 89’s, TenneseePaul. If that’s his two seamer, he needs to work on getting some more run on it.
Like I said, maybe an additional offseason of shoulder strengthening will make him a better pitcher. If not, and we get similar 2012 results, then I’ll be much more open to trading him with 2 more seasons of control left.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:04 pm
always been talk about his delivery since he started and most of it was negative. the best thing was that at least it was not an inverted w…..
DS1
July 17th, 2012
3:05 pm
Ben Sheets is now my favorite Brave after Sunday’s performance and the celebration with his son’s in the clubhouse.
We have 2 weeks until the trade deadline. Somebody might need to go out and get a few bottles of valium for the blog………
Patience folks.
cricket
July 17th, 2012
3:06 pm
be patient, make Zito throw strikes and then crush ‘em
ChattTownBrian
July 17th, 2012
3:06 pm
And if Sheets injuries himself again, Braves miss the playoffs, Wren’s ass should be run offf imo. The man is a walking injury. Nothing at all against him, but to depend on him to stay healthy is irresponsible.
Also, Hudson’s ankle problem probably effects him the rest of the way.
Mixxo
July 17th, 2012
3:06 pm
Phillies back at full-strength…..Their ace is on the hill tonight in L.A….
….it’s over.
Braves Fan in Maine
July 17th, 2012
3:06 pm
dempster is going to be traded by the end of the week…. I would agree.. to me it seems like more teams are in the playoff hunt and pitching is a number one on alot of contending teams… the braves should try to get him but if cubs want to much then move on to another pitcher!
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
3:06 pm
I’ve seen some really straight 88’s and 89’s, TenneseePaul. If that’s his two seamer, he needs to work on getting some more run on it.
Nevertheless, I’m curious to see the numbers.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
3:07 pm
And then everything I’d read was about his delivery. Good or bad, people focused on that from the getgo.
Buster Olney had a blog about how great he was in Spring of 2009 but cautioned that folks were concerned about his delivery. And here we are….
ChattTownBrian
July 17th, 2012
3:09 pm
Nats are playing with the Braves people I bet. They get somebody to go to writers itching for news and tell them they are after Dempster. The hope is that the Braves (their biggest threat in the division) makes a panic move.
MikeY
July 17th, 2012
3:09 pm
Rather than trade for a starter, I’d prefer a relever (Beimel or Lyon) then move Medlen to the rotation.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
3:09 pm
And if Sheets injuries himself again, Braves miss the playoffs, Wren’s ass should be run offf imo.
He will take big heat if they do nothing(or just get a pen arm and a bench bat) and miss. And he’ll deserve every bit of it – which is why I think we’re going to be making a deal for a starter.
ChattTownBrian
July 17th, 2012
3:11 pm
Hanson will always hit a wall in his career. That is my prediction. Soon as you think he’s progressed, he steps back and stays there. He’s nothing special.
DAP
July 17th, 2012
3:12 pm
efrim Tired of this hokie pokie one foot in one foot out stuff. It’s never been such a poor National League talent wise – time to go for it is now.
i totally agree, and the last two offseasons have been very frustrating to me, when there are useful players gotten for next to nothing and the braves kind of drag their feet.
in 2010, getting farnsworth and ankiel was weak, and really ticked me off. last year, bourn was awesome, but no bullpen help, which is probably the easiest thing to find at the trade deadline?
this year, the NL is ripe for the braves, and getting help in any of the SP, RP, or bench categories could go a long way. ive said before, it doesnt have to be a SP, but do something. there are some really good relievers on some terrible teams, as well as some good bench bats. dont stand pat, wren.
Mixxo
July 17th, 2012
3:12 pm
ChattTownBrian@3:09
Yer always thinkin’ ain’tcha?
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
3:12 pm
I think people are too obsessed with one start from Sheets. Yes, he pitched much much better than anyone could expect. However, he was about a foot away from a Daniel Murphy 2 run hr in left center field and he gave up a ton of fly ball outs. I want to see more before I jump to conclusions and say he’s back. I also hope he can teach Hanson a thing or two.
I have major concerns about Huddy and that ankle after watching his velocity drop to 86-88 in his last start.
Braves definitely need to upgrade the rotation no matter how Sheets pitches in his next start.
Bozo ( The Clown )
July 17th, 2012
3:12 pm
bla bla bla he had 1 good start against a sh!t offense, guaranteeing a giants sweep.. anytime hopes get high in georgia the team folds..just saying, dont say you werent warned
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
3:13 pm
Hanson is trying to rely on his slider too much now, 30% of all his pitches. Plus, he’s completely abandoned his change up.
Mixxo
July 17th, 2012
3:13 pm
I said what Olney said in 2009 too.
Hanson’s a bumb.
Memphis
July 17th, 2012
3:14 pm
If the Nats are indeed putting Strasburg on a innings limit, why wouldn’t they make a deal for another starter? I don’t know how confident they would be with Gio, Zimmerman, and Detwiler in a series. They can bump an Edwin Jackson or Detwiler to bullpen. They have guys like Anthony Rendon who they could put in a deal.
timthebrave
July 17th, 2012
3:14 pm
Nothing better than watching the Braves play well…Lets keep it going. Go Braves!
ChattTownBrian
July 17th, 2012
3:14 pm
Believe me, every time Sheets pitches or the following days after one of his starts, people will be wondering in the back of their minds if that’s the last they see of him. Wren just can’t play cheap here and cross his fingers.
Hey, that kid Simmons summed it up perfectly – you have to take chances in this game.
O.J.
July 17th, 2012
3:16 pm
I really hope the Braves get Dempster. I believe he has the clubhouse presence and mound presence to get us deep into the playoffs. Also, we wouldnt have to give up too much in the way of prospects, which we would have to do to get Greinke, who apparently needs his batteries recharged, WTF!?
Dempster would be the rock we need.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
3:16 pm
i totally agree, and the last two offseasons have been very frustrating to me, when there are useful players gotten for next to nothing and the braves kind of drag their feet.
Agreed.
Like I’ve said, it’s a big next six months for Frank and Co.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
3:17 pm
I was wondering how long it would be before someone would say Medlen needs to move to the rotation.
cricket
July 17th, 2012
3:17 pm
1 good start against a sh!t offense
where do mets rank in runs scored?
at least good for nolie – with game day, the “realists” seem to be returning to melt away all sugary feeling from the blog
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
3:18 pm
Plus, he’s completely abandoned his change up.
Fastball used to sit 92-94mph and now it sits 88-90mph. Changeup speed hasn’t gone down as Fastball velocity has, so it wouldn’t be as of an effective pitch for him anyway.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:19 pm
with 10 teams interested in him, Dempster ain’t gonna be all that cheap
cricket
July 17th, 2012
3:19 pm
if both of them go 9 inn., Zito will likely have 1.1 more K than JJ
Jimmy
July 17th, 2012
3:20 pm
Efrim – you thinkin Frank Wren gets the axe?
cricket
July 17th, 2012
3:20 pm
with 10 teams interested in him, Dempster ain’t gonna be all that cheap
we need NBA style 4-team trade
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:20 pm
kill him off in an “accident” , collect the insurance and get a replacement….
DS1
July 17th, 2012
3:21 pm
And it’s darned easy for you folks to do trades on the blog here, with absolutely no skin in the game. FW is in a damned if you do, damned if you don’t situation.
Very easy to GM from your keyboard. Darned hard when you have to face the consequences of your actions.
And what is good enough? Only 1 team in 30 (realistically 10) will win it all. If you don’t win it all, or at a minimum go to the WS; will getting into the playoffs be enough?
I’m hoping we win it all. Health, development, luck, timing. But I’d be willing to bet that we probably won’t take the big prize.
Some folks will be upset if we don’t win it all. So I ask a question: What will satisfy you?
Hmmm?
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:21 pm
no matter what happens, its pretty unlikely that Wren gets canned
RC
July 17th, 2012
3:22 pm
which we would have to do to get Greinke, who apparently needs his batteries recharged, WTF!?
I’m not sure he needs to “recharge his batteries” as much as get back into a normal pitchers routine. They had him start 3 games in a row! (He was thrown out in the 1st inning of one game, started the next day, and then started the first game after the All-Star break.) I think he’ll be fine in his next start, and they will probably give him 2 starts to showcase before seeing what their best offer is.
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
3:22 pm
Like I’ve said, it’s a big next six months for Frank and Co.
I dont know. They may only have until October. After JS’s letter to the fans and Wren taking the gamble of bringing back the same team, he may have a short leash. Overall, Wren has done a good job with his resources, but only one wild card berth in 5 years isnt good enough. This team needs consistency.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:23 pm
sure, Greinke’s troubles are all on that three games
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
3:24 pm
you thinkin Frank Wren gets the axe?
No and too early to tell on that. Even if they miss, I don’t think so. But spend dollars and revamp the roster this winter and miss again next year? Makes the waters much more murky. One postseason appearance in six seasons is just not acceptable for an organization with this much talent and yes, a mid-market payroll(plenty if allocated well enough). Whether it was a trade he did or didn’t make, sooner or later it’s gotta be about results….
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:24 pm
but only one wild card berth in 5 years isnt good enough.
sure cause all the other teams did so much better
Venice Jim
July 17th, 2012
3:24 pm
Atlanta Braves @Braves
Tonight’s lineup vs. SF (7:10, SPSO/680AM/BRN): Bourn 8 Prado 7 Heyward 9 Jones 5 Freeman 3 McCann 2 Uggla 4 Janish 6 Jurrjens 1
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
3:25 pm
Fastball used to sit 92-94mph and now it sits 88-90mph. Changeup speed hasn’t gone down as Fastball velocity has, so it wouldn’t be as of an effective pitch for him anyway.
His changeup velocity has dropped from 83 to 80 other the past two years. I dont really think you can put too much stock into changeup velocity when its being used only 1 % of the time. Anything with a change of speed and being located properly can be an effective pitch.
ChattTownBrian
July 17th, 2012
3:26 pm
DS1, ugh it’s a sports blog. We’ll play GM and twist our panties in a wad if we want to. Hell, I don’t have to face any of you people anyway. What do I care?
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:26 pm
finally we have given up on the LRLRLRLR thingy
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
3:27 pm
sure cause all the other teams did so much better
Didnt say it was fair, but after the collapse last year and no improvements over the offseason it could happen if the Braves miss the playoffs. Didnt say I wanted it to happen either.
RC
July 17th, 2012
3:27 pm
you thinkin Frank Wren gets the axe?
My guess would be that Fredo is on much thinner ice than Wren is. If the Braves don’t make the playoffs this year, I’m betting that Fredo is gone. That COULD be the end for Wren as well, but it seems unlikely. I think his moves as the GM have been a positive overall, but it’s possible that if Fredo is fired then Wren will be fired as well, as Fredo was “his guy”.
brian
July 17th, 2012
3:27 pm
I like that lineup. It will look even better with Simmon hitting 7th and Ugga 8th
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
3:27 pm
“but only one wild card berth in 5 years isnt good enough.
sure cause all the other teams did so much better ”
Probably don’t think you would fine that on a mantle or plaque in the Cardinal’s executive offices. I think FW probably doesn’t use those words either.
brian
July 17th, 2012
3:28 pm
Dempster is not going to be a Brave. He pitched his way off our radar by getting on the LAD, BoSox, etc. radar
RC
July 17th, 2012
3:28 pm
finally we have given up on the LRLRLRLR thingy
I think it’s less that, and more that we’ve just given up on the Dan Uggla thingy (for the time being)
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
3:28 pm
No Diaz…interesting…
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
3:28 pm
Uggla has hit Zito well in the past.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:28 pm
really Frankie?/
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
3:29 pm
sure cause all the other teams did so much better
I think a lot will depend on the next 14 months, nolie. I’d say most of us would be pretty upset if they continued to miss the postseason. I sorta consider us to be a bit higher than the Pirates, Padres and others. Gotta grab a playoff birth(past the one-gamer, so I guess Division crown) within the next two seasons…..
RC
July 17th, 2012
3:29 pm
Dempster is not going to be a Brave. He pitched his way off our radar by getting on the LAD, BoSox, etc. radar
I don’t think he’ll be a Brave either, but I think it’s because the team believes they can get someone better. Not sure if they will, but that’s what the front office is aiming for.
ChattTownBrian
July 17th, 2012
3:29 pm
Good still outweighs the bad with Wren, even if we miss the playoffs this time again. I just want what any little whiny bitch fan wants if we do miss the postseason again and that’s for Wren to be tarred and feathered.
DAP
July 17th, 2012
3:30 pm
DS1, winning a playoff series would make me happy. i wouldnt say it would satisfy me, but i id be happy about it.
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
3:31 pm
“Dempster is not going to be a Brave. He pitched his way off our radar by getting on the LAD, BoSox, etc. radar”
Why is that? Why would he go to the Red Sox who can only get there by wilcard? Not saying he may not but hard to understand why he would go there. Dodgers offensively are pretty weak. They may or may not win their division and probably don’t get WC if they don’t finish first. Braves are right there. If he wants opportunity to win, here is as good as the other places.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
3:31 pm
Good still outweighs the bad with Wren, even if we miss the playoffs this time again.
I agree. Fredi though? I think he may be fired if they miss coming off of last years collapse.
ChattTownBrian
July 17th, 2012
3:31 pm
“Tarred” – that’s how my stepdad says the word “tired”. Man is country as you can possibly get.
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
3:32 pm
Fredi though? I think he may be fired if they miss coming off of last years collapse.
I probably agree with that statement.
RC
July 17th, 2012
3:33 pm
No Diaz…interesting…
I think it’s simply a result of Chipper playing, and the team wanting more solid defense at SS with JJ on the hill than Prado is likely to provide.
Good still outweighs the bad with Wren, even if we miss the playoffs this time again. I just want what any little whiny bitch fan wants if we do miss the postseason again and that’s for Wren to be tarred and feathered.
I totally agree that Wren has given more good than bad, and my personal feeling is that he shouldn’t be on the hot seat at all. My comments were slanted more toward what might happen if the Braves underperform this year, not necessarily what I think should happen. I personally would get rid of Fredo and keep Wren.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:33 pm
I think those days are past Efrim except in the minds of a lot of fans who got spoiled by a remarkable run. I think the franchise is just another middle of the pack team which gets run a bit better than most but is no longer in the sphere of demanding regular post season appearances.
I do agree that the pressure will be on Frank more next season since he will finally have some payroll flexibility this winter
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
3:33 pm
Anything with a change of speed and being located properly can be an effective pitch.
His change is Hanson’s fourth-best pitch; you’re lucky to see it at all.
He’d be better off throwing a split.
lee maye
July 17th, 2012
3:33 pm
Let’s not get too excited yet. Improved rotation with Sheets, yes. But, Hudson and Hanson have actually been worse their last few starts, neither making it past 5 innings. Minor has been inconsistent to say the least. JJ has been, well better, but shaky with his low velocity.
The lineup and Kimbrel have been the strong points of the 7 game roll. Everyone except Uggla has contributed including Diaz and Ross from the bench. Still would be nice to have Constanza/Durango in LF and Prado at 2B, but realize this won’t happen.
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
3:33 pm
Oh well, can’t do anything about trades. Let’s make it 8 straight and put our faith in the decision makers. Late.
cricket
July 17th, 2012
3:34 pm
uggla’s struggles have messed up LRLRLR thingy
ChattTownBrian
July 17th, 2012
3:34 pm
Efrim, yep. Fredi has made blunders even my wife questions. That’s bad. Now if they get him Sheets (assuming he stays healthy and effective) AND another solid SP and they can’t even claim a wild card spot? Ewww … bye Fredi boy.
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
3:36 pm
Marlins could become sellers and would even look at trading Mike Stanton…I refuse to use his other name. Imagine the price for that guy?
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:37 pm
even your wife??? I’m gonna tell her you talk that way about her
DS1
July 17th, 2012
3:37 pm
CTB
Sorry Brian. I didn’t realize you’d read my post and actually try to answer. I realize it was WAY the hell over your head.
But thanks for playing anyway………..
Jeezzzzz. What a dipstick!
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
3:37 pm
Even if they miss this year, you have to give Frank Wren the opportunity to give it one more shot with all of the payroll flexibility.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:38 pm
why would you refuse to use his real name?
cricket
July 17th, 2012
3:38 pm
neither Wren nor Fredi is getting fired, Bank On It
Murph
July 17th, 2012
3:39 pm
I find it best not to get my hopes up before the trading deadline… that way I won’t be disappointed.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:39 pm
me too Murph
Joey the Bull
July 17th, 2012
3:40 pm
The game is on MLB Network tonight. (213 DTV). BTW, what will happen to Janish when Simmons returns? Trade the Rev or JW + Delgado for Zack Greinke? Hey Wren, get us one more solid ace so we can get “quality starts”! Let’s keep the win streak going….number 8 tonight!
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
3:41 pm
Why not call the man by the name he prefers? I used to hate Woodrow.
cricket
July 17th, 2012
3:41 pm
there goes Wayne, insulting the very useful dipsticks again
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
3:41 pm
Sorry, I hated “William”
phil
July 17th, 2012
3:42 pm
phil
July 17th, 2012
3:40 pm
nolie
July 17th, 2012
2:15 pm
I think there are a lot of folks here who see you as very negative phil
*************
That’s probably so, but most who can’t figure me out by now have about the personality of a dishrag anyway, so it’s not as if I really give a damn…
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:42 pm
the roster will be expanded by the time Simmons returns most likely, nothing should happen to any of them though Tyler might get sent down if they don’t wanta spend that 80thou for September on him
DAP
July 17th, 2012
3:42 pm
joey the bull BTW, what will happen to Janish when Simmons returns?
i think he probably gets sent down to AAA. apparently, he has options, because was in AAA when we traded for him, so it would make sense to have him down there. maybe he will be on the roster full time next year, as simmon’s back up and utility infielder.
cricket
July 17th, 2012
3:43 pm
Whassup Woodrow
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
3:43 pm
Liriano? I sure would feel better with one more arm.
Pace
July 17th, 2012
3:43 pm
What do the Braves really need? Everyone is talking about another SP, but do we really? And at what cost. We have several options for SP, and now with the apparent resurrgence of Sheets, we’re looking pretty good.
Solid relief pitching? We have a very reliable core of relievers, plus Venters is coming back, Moylan is going to be ready shortly, and he should help. I know he had an off outing last night, but…so did Huddy in A ball, so did Sheets…etc. A great quote from those guys is you can’t pitch to those A Ball Hitters – they hit everything you throw!
A bat off the bench or a bat in the outfield? Ok, I agree with a good PH/spot starter in Left – but you only use him once a day (twice this Sat) – but what are you willing to give up for him? And if you get a starter, who do you bench? Bourn, Prado or Heyward? And no, Prado is an EMERGENCY SS! Not everyday. Or, is there a SS out there with a good bat we can get? I don’t think so, or we’d have gotten him instead of Janish.
I read on here almost daily complaints of what we’ve traded away for ‘quick fixes’ and how those players are now All-Stars! And the quick fixes either fizzled or left. The team is playing well, I’d welcome another bat or two for the bench, but the starting 8 are just fine right now. Simmons will be back in a month or so, Uggla will figure it out and Mac is swinging better, plus his defense is looking better.
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
3:43 pm
BRAVES LINEUP: Bourn cf, Prado lf, Heyward rf, Chipper 3b, Freeman 1b, McCann c, Uggla 2b, Janish ss, Jurrjens p
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
3:43 pm
What up, cricket.
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
3:43 pm
Let’s be realistic, last year’s failure(September wasn’t all that long ago and it was a collosal collapse) puts pressure on everybody in this organization. Factor in Chipper’s last season, losing Bourn possibly, and right in the mix they have to do something big. This is the year to go for it, and thinking they do.
cricket
July 17th, 2012
3:44 pm
Baseball Expert Tony DeMarco about Angels’ pitching trade options-
Greinke isn’t a big-market kind of guy, so I’d dismiss him.
DAP
July 17th, 2012
3:45 pm
woody I sure would feel better with one more arm.
yeah, but it would be tough to find shirts that fit.
ChattTownBrian's Wife
July 17th, 2012
3:45 pm
Believe me nolie, Brian knows his stuff and yes, he teaches me the game all the time. It’s ok.
DS1, you aren’t even half the man Brian is. Dipstick.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:45 pm
I have no trouble with you phil, was just saying….
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
3:46 pm
okay time to go, getting really weird around here.
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
3:46 pm
DAP–excellent!!!
cricket
July 17th, 2012
3:46 pm
Come now Woodrow – I’m not falling for that “Sorry, I hated “William””
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:46 pm
why would they send Yawnish down with an expanded roster?
RC
July 17th, 2012
3:47 pm
Trade the Rev or JW + Delgado for Zack Greinke?
Not sure who “JW” is, but if you can get the Brewers to agree to a negotiation window? I’d do that deal in a second.
ChattTownBrian
July 17th, 2012
3:47 pm
Thank you Sarah.
This is always a fun time of year, everybody can agree. See, even if Wren fails to land a solid starter and we miss the playoffs, we will have so much ammunition to do what we love best – BITCH!
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
3:47 pm
This is the year to go for it, and thinking they do.
Well, I’d always hope that they “go for it”, but one shouldn’t look at it as “this year is the only chance they’ll have”. That’s more “go for broke” than “go for it”. I’m definitely not in favor of that.
RC
July 17th, 2012
3:48 pm
Woodrow Woodward….you have mean parents.
Joey the Bull
July 17th, 2012
3:48 pm
Oh, and you guys calling for Fredi’s head—what is wrong with you guys? He is Bobby’s baby and he aint going nowhere. The only thing I have issue with is running. We don’t hit and run ever. We don’t steal (Bourn excepted). It seems that we are way too conservative on the base pads. I like FG and Wren and what they are doing this year. They want to win and you can see it in the moves they make. This is going to be a great season and with very inconsistent first half; and the great start to the 2nd half-I have a feeling this team has finally “found” it’s footing and I expect .700 for the rest of the season and the best record in the NL and only behind the Yanks for the best record in the bigs.
Shaun
July 17th, 2012
3:48 pm
I think Pastornicky is sent back down as soon as Wilson is ready. And by the time Simmons returns, they’ll have an expanded roster and Simmons, Janish and Wilson will all be up.
DAP
July 17th, 2012
3:50 pm
nolie why would they send Yawnish down with an expanded roster?
im assuming simmons is back in august, so i didnt consider the expanded roster.
phil
July 17th, 2012
3:51 pm
Nolie – You’re probably right about what you said about my dearth of “positive” commentary and the perception it leaves some with.
I am “negative” a lot of the time, but I’m also more positive in many aspects of my life than plenty of people I know.
All that said, it’s just a blog, and in the end, I’m not sure how much any of it matters. I enjoy it here and like sarcasm and stupid nicknames and even some good old fashioned negativity. But I like winning more!
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
3:53 pm
Last 9 Starts of the Starting 9
_________AVG__OBP__SLG___OPS_wOBA_L9S9+
Bourn__ .371 .488 .571 1.060 .460 __144
Prado__ .297 .317 .351 0.668 .293 ___54
Heyward .286 .375 .457 0.832 .368 ___91
Chipper .429 .487 .657 1.144 .472 __161
Freeman .375 .474 .656 1.130 .462 __157
McCann_ .303 .333 .667 1.000 .407 __123
Uggla__ .138 .306 .241 0.547 .270 ___29
Janish_ .000 .250 .000 0.250 .180 __-35
Jurrjen .091 .167 .091 0.258 .108 __-38
Shaun
July 17th, 2012
3:53 pm
If Simmons is back in August, I think Janish goes back for those few weeks or few days or however long before the rosters expand and Wilson serves as the backup. No big deal.
And Janish can serve as the backup infielder once the postseason rolls around.
DAP
July 17th, 2012
3:56 pm
the cast is off simmons in just over 2 weeks, right? i think it will be only a couple more weeks after that before he is back, maybe with a brace or pad for his hand while he is batting. so, i expect in back a month from now.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
3:57 pm
Well, I’d always hope that they “go for it”, but one shouldn’t look at it as “this year is the only chance they’ll have”. That’s more “go for broke” than “go for it”. I’m definitely not in favor of that.
Yes, it’s more that the moves they make should be geared towards 2012 and 2013. Past that, who knows? As you’ve said.there is no such thing as a two year plan.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
3:58 pm
Uggla over his last 3 games (3 game hit streak) .333/.538/.667/1.205
Oh, the joy of small samples. But, I’ll hold out hope of great things to come, and this being the first 3 games of those great things.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
3:59 pm
so, i expect in back a month from now.
I think they’ll be a little more cautious with Simmons than that, unless things are just going all to poop without him.
RC
July 17th, 2012
3:59 pm
Oh, and you guys calling for Fredi’s head—what is wrong with you guys? He is Bobby’s baby and he aint going nowhere. The only thing I have issue with is running. We don’t hit and run ever. We don’t steal (Bourn excepted). It seems that we are way too conservative on the base pads. I like FG and Wren and what they are doing this year.
Wren has said in the past years that their goal is to get “more athletic” and start to run more. I like that development as well, and Fredi does deserve some credit there.
However, he still isn’t a great on-field manager, in my opinion. It frustrates me how slow he is to defend his players when they get into arguments with the umpire, hanging his players out to dry way too often for my liking. He also is WAY too tired to only using Kimbrel in a save situation, yet has no problem running his 7th and 8th inning guys into the ground (Jonny Venters says hi). He also doesn’t appear to have much of a process behind his decision making, such as when the shift backfired ONE TIME against Hunter Pence, to which Fredo responded “Maybe we won’t shift on him anymore”. One negative result is no reason to change a good process, and if the shift WASN’T a good process, why were they using it to start with?
And on April 21, 2011, he had Cristian Martinez throw a strike to Matt Kemp in the 12th inning with one out, a runner on 2nd, and JUAN F’ING URIBE on deck. That may be the single worst managing decision I’ve ever seen (and I’m not second guessing…I was first guessing at the top of my lungs screaming at my TV as it happened. I’m surprised the TV mics in LA didn’t pick up my voice from my living room in Atlanta.)
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
4:01 pm
crickit…Greinke’s not a big market type guy is true but Braves are not big market like NY,NNY,RS,WS,LLA etc. Bleacher report speculated (Greinke) that he would sign long term for Braves. Atlanta was not big pressure place like those named.
This was speculated.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
4:01 pm
there is no such thing as a two year plan.
Yes, I’ve said that. But I’d hope that Wren doesn’t work like he thinks the Mayans are right, either.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
4:02 pm
They aren’t going to know anything about Simmons’ status until the cast is off.. so there’s really no timetable just yet.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
4:03 pm
But I’d hope that Wren doesn’t work like he thinks the Mayans are right
The Mayan’s didn’t have leap year…
RC
July 17th, 2012
4:03 pm
I feel like I need to give myself some sort of timeline for complaining about that April 21 game….when the Braves win their next World Series, I will no longer allow myself to complain about that game. Until then, I’m likely to bring it up in every Fredo Gonzalez conversation I ever have.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
4:04 pm
Keith Law had a nice article about Farm systems rising and falling in 2012…
He listed the Astros(previously ranked 27th), Red Sox(18th) and A’s(9th) as systems that have gotten better.
Systems that have gotten worse: Rays(2nd), Rockies(13th), Angels(15th), and Nationals(21st).
Part of it includes prospects that have since graduated and/or been traded away.
He said this on the Braves after being asked if they were in consideration in being included to the fallen category: Yes. Oddly enough, I felt like there were more candidates for the decline section than the improved section, even though overall it’s a zero-sum game (thinking of relative rankings rather than absolute quality).
We ranked 16th in his pre-season 2012 rankings.
Back third, especially after the trades we’re about to make. Oh well. Maybe we’ll get a World Series ring out of it.
geauxbraves2000
July 17th, 2012
4:06 pm
Hello bloggers, interesting decisions forthcoming with this roster. I only have one take on all of this and then I’ll crawl back into my hole and that is Ben Sheets. He pitched quite a game and could be quite an asset on the Braves staff, but I worry about his proneness to injury. I sure would hate to put everything the Braves have on him and him go down on Aug 1. It would be nice to have another option in place, plus if he stays healthy the Braves SP could be dominate.
Okay, that is all, back to your regularly scheduled programs.
geauxbraves2000
July 17th, 2012
4:07 pm
Oh, I forgot:
Geaux Braves!!
Patrick
July 17th, 2012
4:07 pm
DOB,
In your opinion, which starter do you think the Braves will trade successfully for?
Greinke, Dempster, Garza, Liriano? Someone other than one of those 4?
Or No Starter at all?
I’m very curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
4:07 pm
The Mayan’s didn’t have leap year…
omigosh, so they could be off by a number of DAYS??!?
We’ll probably never get to see Game 7 of the WS.
timthebrave
July 17th, 2012
4:09 pm
unbelievable
No way Marlins trade Stanton….
RC
July 17th, 2012
4:09 pm
We ranked 16th in his pre-season 2012 rankings.
Back third, especially after the trades we’re about to make. Oh well. Maybe we’ll get a World Series ring out of it.
In all fairness, the Braves have graduated a TON of guys who no longer will count as “prospects” in the past few years:
Heyward
Freeman
Kimbrel
Simmons
Beachy
Venters
Delgado
Minor
Pastornicky
Even though they haven’t all been great, to even have that many players developed from your minor league system in a 3 year span is pretty remarkable (and if I go back one more year, Hanson and Medlen can be added to that list).
RC
July 17th, 2012
4:09 pm
unbelievable
No way Marlins trade Stanton….
Unless the knee issues are way worse than they’ve been made out to be.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
4:10 pm
But I’d hope that Wren doesn’t work like he thinks the Mayans are right, either.
Hah! No, I don’t think that will happen.
But let’s just say 2013 will be a big year for this organization.
timthebrave
July 17th, 2012
4:10 pm
The Marlins just got a brand new ballpark…They aren’t selling their future just yet
Bruce Augustin
July 17th, 2012
4:10 pm
Dave Alvin played with X????
RemoW
July 17th, 2012
4:12 pm
Blows me away that Chipper is retiring and is a better hitter then 50% of the players on MLB rosters.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
4:13 pm
In all fairness, the Braves have graduated a TON of guys who no longer will count as “prospects” in the past few years:
Agreed. However, if the last 3 drafts were better, we would still not be a back third system. No way. 3 drafts is quite a lot of players coming into the organization. Minor as our 1st rounder in 2009. Simmons as a great 2nd round selection in 2010. Lots of “meh” from 2009-2011. Stronger drafts would of been very helpful + added to a 2012 draft that was probably our best since 2008.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
4:13 pm
but I worry about his proneness to injury.
If he isn’t healed after two years, he never would have passed the physical, to begin with. I think the legit worry is whether he’s in baseball-shape enough to handle 14 starts, and no one’s gonna have a clue about that until he makes a few more starts and they can see how he recovers from each start.
phil
July 17th, 2012
4:14 pm
nolie
July 17th, 2012
3:45 pm
I have no trouble with you phil, was just saying….
*********
I know.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
4:16 pm
Smart move putting Chipper at cleanup, a guy that will always make contact, and more often than not thsi season, make positive contact – even in the context of an out. I like it, as well as Chipper’s spot-use which will hopefully ensure decent health the rest of the way.
I am sure that Chipper dreams of better wheels every day, ’cause he is really swinging well this year.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
4:16 pm
omigosh, so they could be off by a number of DAYS??!?
Taken literally with the calculating, the end happened last year, right around September 2011… Coincidence? I think not.
phil
July 17th, 2012
4:17 pm
Giancarlo borrowed his knees from JJ….
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
4:17 pm
In all fairness, the Braves have graduated a TON of guys who no longer will count as “prospects” in the past few years:
Sometimes, we lose sight of the fact that BP rankings aren’t a trophy, and we forget the actual purpose of minor league development.
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
4:17 pm
We have no hitting prospects. We have lots of defense, speed, and arms. Our drafting approach seems to be all about money. Will pass up a potential stud who wants more money and pick someone with a low ceiling but high chance to be a MLB player.
RC
July 17th, 2012
4:17 pm
Agreed. However, if the last 3 drafts were better, we would still not be a back third system.
I agree. But I don’t think the Braves have necessarily done worse in the draft than other teams, they just haven’t done appreciably better. Like Law said, the Braves probably hold their spot at 16 due to the overall degradation of the systems around them. And those other systems haven’t graduated the players the Braves have.
Bat Masterson
July 17th, 2012
4:18 pm
Hanson will always hit a wall in his career. That is my prediction. Soon as you think he’s progressed, he steps back and stays there. He’s nothing special. _ ChattTownBrian
Yeah, he’s just some guy. All he did was step in at 22, make 21 starts and post a .289 era. We have all these young guys and have to deal with their “learning curve”. If one of those guys had stepped up the Braves might not need to trade for a pitcher.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
4:18 pm
Welcome back DOB….thanks for the new blog. They’re more fun to read during winning streaks
CB
July 17th, 2012
4:18 pm
phil comes across as a jerk. Wait a minute, he is a jerk.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
4:19 pm
the end happened last year, right around September 2011
Well, then, this is obviously Heaven (since I’m here), and a Braves’ WS win is a foregone conclusion.
CB
July 17th, 2012
4:19 pm
Just kidding, phil.
phil
July 17th, 2012
4:19 pm
I’m ready for Chipper to call off this retirement bull and reup for another run next year….
Play as long as you possibly can. There’s no going back.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
4:20 pm
If he isn’t healed after two years, he never would have passed the physical, to begin with. I think the legit worry is whether he’s in baseball-shape enough to handle 14 starts
Yup. I keep reading these “Sheets will get hurt” posts, and he may, but I think fatigue is going to be a bigger issue. The guy hasn’t pitched in 2 years, and that was when he only pitched 119 innings…
phil
July 17th, 2012
4:20 pm
Good to have CB watching my back…lol
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
4:21 pm
and we forget the actual purpose of minor league development.
… that is, to trade the minor league scrubs for the impact player who ushers in a World Series Title.
RC
July 17th, 2012
4:21 pm
Our drafting approach seems to be all about money. Will pass up a potential stud who wants more money and pick someone with a low ceiling but high chance to be a MLB player.
With the new draft rules, that’s no longer really a concern. No team is able to give too much money to their picks, unless they “borrow” that money from other picks. The Blue Jays draft was a very interesting study in this. They “overdrafted” a bunch of guys with picks 6-10, signed them well below slot, then used the extra money to go overslot on rounds 1-5. What’s interesting about this is that had they not signed those guys (6-10), then the money allocated to them wouldn’t have been allowed to be spent on other players. So in order to execute this strategy, they HAD to be able to sign the guys in rounds 6-10, or else they would have lost that draft money.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
4:22 pm
fatigue is going to be a bigger issue.
Yeah, fatigue might cause him to get hurt, maybe, but I don’t think he’s coming in fragile. That would be a Braves’ failure of due diligence, in the worst way.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
4:23 pm
Now if our starters could start hitting 7-8 innings to spell a remarkable bullpen – w/o Venters – and get them the rest they need for a forward-leaning September run…
The next two Minor starts will speak to whether the Braves ultimately pull the trigger on a trade… or not. I hope he does well and no trade is made b/c I don’t see Hudson back next year, as well as JJ, so the young arms will have to step into the breach in 2013, a good year to rebuild on the young core of Freeman, Heyward, Simmons, Beachy, Hanson, Minor, Venters, & Kimbrel.
richbrave
July 17th, 2012
4:23 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
ROME The Legion falls 1-3 to ASHVILLE this afternoon.
RHSP GREG ROSS [L 2-7, 5.22 ERA] 8.0 IP, 4 H, 1 HR, 3 R/ER, 0 BB, 4 SO.
There was a lot to like in GREG’s effort today. Truth be told, he pitched well enough to win. An offense with hitting which totaled six hits, two doubles, and five walks should have plated enough runs for a victory, but didn’t. 1-9 RISP and 10 LOB were the culprits in this one…..untimely hitting.
RHRP JOHN CORNELY [4.23 ERA] 1.0 IP, 1 H, zeros, 1 SO.
The hitting star was rookie 2B ROSS HEFFLEY [.307 BA] 3-5, 1 2B [8], 1 RBI [8], 1 SO.
RF WIL SKINNER [.251 BA] 1-4, 1 2B [17], 1 SO.
C RYAN QUERY [.196 BA] 1-4.
SS ELMER REYES [.270 BA] 1-4, 1 SO, 1 E [23, fielding].
A ‘MARVELOUS’ MARV THRONEBERRY clone.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
4:24 pm
Well, then, this is obviously Heaven (since I’m here), and a Braves’ WS win is a foregone conclusion.
Ha! I think the Mayan end date was August 27th/28th, 2011.
Lew
July 17th, 2012
4:24 pm
Pitched three games in a row? 4 pitches and out. Two innings and out and then a start on five days’ rest.
Let’s get real. If that truly affected his performance in thos three games, he’s not what we need anyway.
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
4:24 pm
Sure this has been posted but I just got home from work so here it is again.
The Braves have been connected to several pitchers this summer, but ESPN’s Jayson Stark hears from other teams that Atlanta is only interested in acquiring top-of-the-rotation pitchers at the deadline (Twitter link).
As Stark notes, that contradicts reports that link the Braves to names like Francisco Liriano and Jason Vargas. Atlanta has been linked to Zack Greinke, but GM Frank Wren will reportedly only part with his prized young pitching prospects if he’s able to extend Greinke. Wren is unlikely to exceed $20MM annually in an offer for Greinke. The Brewers themselves are said to be gearing up for an offer in th five-year, $100MM range to retain their ace.
The Braves have seen young arms like Mike Minor and Randall Delgado struggle this season and turned to Ben Sheets in the short-term. Sheets had a brilliant Atlanta debut, but it’s unlikely that he’d be counted on for significant contributions. After losing Brandon Beachy to Tommy John surgery earlier this summer, it stands to reason that they’d seek a front-line arm to replace his fantastic 2012 numbers.
jharber
July 17th, 2012
4:25 pm
I think we have 3 on a short leash, Frank, John and freddi. Mc guirk knows the pressure is on.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
4:26 pm
Sheets started in mid-July, which means that the only barrier the rest of the way is health. Count me as one who thinks that Sheets will answer the bell on September 30th, and beyond.
One-Eyed Mac
July 17th, 2012
4:27 pm
Todd Redmond called up by the Reds
Bay Area Steve
July 17th, 2012
4:27 pm
I’ve long wondered how much knowledge is passed from the vets to the younger players. I figure that knowledge is mostly the mental side of the game. The thinking, the preparation, the travel, the grind. All that. But, I wonder how much is actually ball. How often it’s a Chipper saying the right thing to trigger a Heyward’s mind about dealing with fastballs in. Or a Wilson talking to a Pastornicky about reading balls off the bat…
I guess I said all that to say: I hope Ben Sheets curveball has some osmosis to it. I swear that Meds’ hook looked as good as ever in his last appearance. Coincidence, I’m sure. But it had a quick, sharp break. Moved significantly down. Maybe Jurrjens can get a lesson. His slurve was always his third best pitch, but now with the slower arm speed, it’s turned into an ugly, rolling thing with HIT ME written all over it. JJ, Teheran. Heck, all of ‘em, maybe Sheets’ hammer can rub off a little.
jharber
July 17th, 2012
4:28 pm
LEW I agree, think James Shields is on franks radar too.
cricket
July 17th, 2012
4:29 pm
ATL had no idea how much it was getting scre**d by Vick -
“Back when I was involved in those activities, I may have become more dedicated to the deep study of dogs than I was to my Falcons playbook. I became better at reading dogs than reading defenses. That’s just so sad to say right now, because I put more time and effort into trying to master that pursuit than my own profession . . . which was my livelihood . . . which put food on the table for my family.”
He also talked about lying to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell:
“I knew how to lie with a straight face. Sad to say, Commissioner Goodell bought into what I was saying, and I think he truly believed me that I was telling the truth. I deeply regret not telling him the truth from the outset.
“It was a very nervous time for me. I knew I was going to try to lie my way through the whole dogfighting case and see if money, good lawyers, and manipulating the system could get me out of the position I was in — which was a terrible position.”
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 17th, 2012
4:30 pm
The Braves have just 37 quality starts (six innings or more, three earned runs or fewer) this season, second-fewest in a league where nine teams have more than 50…….
You know what’s really lost in this statement?
It’s that ninety-nine percent of the readers here don’t truly understand what a “quality start ” consists of. Six innings and three earned isn’t exactly correct, 6 innings 3 earned runs is the cut off and there is a reason why.
From Wikipedia:
An early criticism of the statistic, made by Moss Klein, writing in The Sporting News, is that a pitcher could conceivably meet the minimum requirements for a quality start and record a 4.50 ERA, seen as undesirable at the time. Bill James addressed this in his 1987 Baseball Abstract, saying the hypothetical example (a pitcher going exactly 6 innings and allowing exactly 3 runs) was extremely rare amongst starts recorded as quality starts, and that he doubted any pitchers had an ERA over 3.20 in their quality starts. This was later confirmed through computer analysis of all quality starts recorded from 1984 to 1991, which found that the average ERA in quality starts during that time period was 1.91
However, this statement still doesn’t address the concrete answer, as to how John Lowe came up with 6 innings and 3 earned runs as his cut off for the definition of a quality start. This is the Aha moment where the answer appears: Lowe put math to the test and therein lies the nugget of truth.
Since 1950, teams have won at a .677 clip in games where they received a quality start, with the range running from .642 in 1968 to .717 in 1950. It hasn’t been above .700 since 1958, when scoring was just 4.28 runs per game, but it was above .680 11 times from 1994 through 2007, with a high of .698 in 1996.
Here is the basic cut and dried formula: any start ABOVE the threshold of a 4.50 ERA along with 6 innings equals out to roughly a .700 winning percentage, or 70% of all games played when a quality start happens end up as wins. Or as John Lowe so aptly put it…..
“I got the idea in 1983 and ’84,” Lowe said. “I was hearing managers saying they were looking for six innings from their pitchers. I heard Whitey Herzog say ‘all I want from my pitchers is six good innings.’” That’s where six innings came from. And the runs? “Six and two is too stingy, six and four is too much. I wasn’t going to get into a more than or less than. This was new and had to be understandable.”
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
4:30 pm
RC–the fredi moment I have to let go was on June 13 against the yanks. Braves down by one in the eighth, men on first and third with one out and he fails to send the guy to second on a steal to avoid the DP. prado grounds into a double play. Braves lose the game.
cricket
July 17th, 2012
4:32 pm
curveball with osmosis would really dip
phil
July 17th, 2012
4:33 pm
Vick didn’t say anything that’s very surprising there…
By the way, can he pitch 7 strong?
Murph
July 17th, 2012
4:33 pm
This is the first “Last 9 of the Starting 9″ I can remember where there weren’t 2 or 3 of the big bats hitting around .200. Uggla is the last holdout (not counting Janish).
phil
July 17th, 2012
4:35 pm
A quality start is simply arbitrary….
And I don’t see a lot to be thrilled about with 3 ER on the board in 6 innings.
Unless it’s Minor pitching, of course….
Cole Hamels
July 17th, 2012
4:37 pm
I called Frank Wren to see if I could play for the Braves. He didn’t seem to know who I was and asked me if I had ever played in the Japanese league.
Good luck Braves fans with that douche as your GM.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
4:38 pm
And I don’t see a lot to be thrilled about with 3 ER on the board in 6 innings.
Yeah, but that’s the minimum. A complete game shutou is also a quaity start.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
4:39 pm
Much rather have Greinke over Shields… I just don’t see Shields as a number one starter.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
4:39 pm
JJ, Teheran. Heck, all of ‘em, maybe Sheets’ hammer can rub off a little.
I wish. Though they’ve had Hanson’s yakker up here for a couple years, and that doesn’t seem to have helped anybody.
Ken Stallings
July 17th, 2012
4:41 pm
The return of an effective Jurrjens combined with a very promising outing by Ben Sheets is accounting for the deeper rotation. The starters with the singular exception of Tommy Hanson’s last start have kept the Braves in every game where either a few early runs were enough to win, or the team was able to come from a few runs back to win. That confidence in the pitchers allows the hitters to relax a bit — synergy at work.
If Jurrjens and Sheets can remain effective and put up consistent quality starts, then suddenly this is a good starting rotation. Considering the ailments for the once dominant Phillies rotation, the Braves might wind up with the best rotation in the NL. Combined with a better than average lineup of hitters, and this is the mix that can win. I just want to get Simmons back with that glove because I think his defense allowed the starters to relax a bit and have confidence to pitch to contact.
UNCBrave
July 17th, 2012
4:42 pm
Agree Arkansas Transplant…..Grienke is the ONLY #1 starter of the names mentioned..
phil
July 17th, 2012
4:43 pm
I just don’t see much to like in a 4.5 ERA….minimum or not, which yes, it is.
Something about a starter giving up no more thna 2 earned has always struck a chord with me. Arbitrary, sure, but it’s a number I’ve always liked for 5 innings or more, 3 once you hit 8 or 9.
Call me crazy…
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
4:44 pm
This is the first “Last 9 of the Starting 9″ I can remember where there weren’t 2 or 3 of the big bats hitting around .200. Uggla is the last holdout (not counting Janish).
This is the highest 9 game stretch this season for the Braves starters in terms of OBP, SLG, and OPS. The starters have really mashed over the last 9 games.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
4:45 pm
And the best thing about Greinke is the fact he wants to be in Atlanta. It’s nice to be wanted…
Bat Masterson
July 17th, 2012
4:45 pm
“I don’t even know what the letters PHD stand for”
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=val-patterson&pid=158526785
Lew
July 17th, 2012
4:45 pm
Thrilled or not, three runs in six innings means that even if you haven’t scored yourself, the game is at worst three zip and you still are in the game.
Might not be all that important a stat, but as a poinjt of departurte, what it does mean is that – at worst – your starter kept you in the game.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
4:46 pm
Well, then, this is obviously Heaven (since I’m here), and a Braves’ WS win is a foregone conclusion…scoots
and I was thinking it had to be hell since Bitchell is here……
RC
July 17th, 2012
4:46 pm
RC–the fredi moment I have to let go was on June 13 against the yanks. Braves down by one in the eighth, men on first and third with one out and he fails to send the guy to second on a steal to avoid the DP. prado grounds into a double play. Braves lose the game.
That one is tough, but I’ve got to say that I’d probably side w/ Fredi there. Of all the guys you expect to not hit into a DP, Prado is pretty high on the list, and trying to steal a bag runs a risk of getting the guy on first out anyway.
Not walking the hottest hitter in baseball in extra innings with the winning run on 2nd, 1st base open, 1 out (meaning a double play ends the inning), and one of the worst hitters in baseball on deck….that I can’t forgive (until they win the Series).
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
4:46 pm
John (Tennessee)
Rumors abound regarding the Braves making a move for a top starter — Greinke, Shields, Dempster. Do you see that happening or are they more likely to go for a mid-rotation guy like Liriano or Garza?
Jayson Stark (12:12 PM)
I hear they’re only interested in a top-of-the-rotation starter, a difference-maker, an impact arm, etc. But who is that other than Greinke? Unless someone surprising pops onto the market in the next two weeks, Greinke is the only guy who fits their mold (assuming the Phillies won’t trade Hamels within the division). And he has all the dollar signs attached to him. Ben Sheets could make this whole discussion irrelevant if he keeps pitching the way he pitched Sunday.
Dadgum.......
July 17th, 2012
4:46 pm
I don’t think Wren pulls the trigger on any player he doesn’t expect to keep or sign through at least 2013-14. He could sign Greinke. Couldn’t sign Dempster due to his current posturing at least. Even if Sheets performs as he did in his first start I don’t see Wren sighing a big relief and thinking Sheets is the man. Just doesn’t figure. Beachy is a big unknown now as to timetable. Sheets a long term gamble. I say Wren pulls a big trade for Greinke. Gonna lose two pitchers. Probably Minor and Medlen plus a prospect.
ATL Insider
July 17th, 2012
4:47 pm
Frank Wren is known for pulling off a deal no one has really thought of. He is said to be seeking a top of the rotation guy. While Greinke has the stuff and Atlanta is not a high pressure market, the pressure of the postseason may be too much for him. I think someone along the lines of Josh Johnson of the Marlins could be more the ticket. He is signed through next season ($13.75M) and has ace stuff. He has had some injury problems, but he is not on a long-term deal. MLBTR is reporting the Marlins would consider trading him. I think a package centered around Delgado would be perfect. Of course other pieces would have to be included, but Delgado would be the main component. The deal could also be expanded to include Infante, who is also signed through next season ($4M). He could provide additional flexibility and depth for 3B and OF. I don’t know what it would take to make the deal happen, but there is a possible match.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
4:47 pm
Arbitrary, sure, but it’s a number I’ve always liked for 5 innings or more
Man, I see a pitcher lasting only 5 and I get bummed. Couldn’t care less if it was 5 shut-out no-hit innings. He only pitched half the game. That’s not good. I like seeing over 6 innings. A starter getting into the 7th as a minimum is what I want. That, and the team holding a lead at that point.
Lew
July 17th, 2012
4:47 pm
phil – No, you can’t be crazy. Crazy already is and they don’t tolerate identity theft on the blog.
UNCBrave
July 17th, 2012
4:48 pm
KC Royals DFA LHP Jonathan Sanchez (former Giant)…..Wren will probably think that’s a front-line starter
kenhotlanta
July 17th, 2012
4:48 pm
Bruce Augustin: Dave Alvin played for X in 1987 while they were recording the “See How We Are” album and has been with them as a fill in off and on for years.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
4:48 pm
and I was thinking it had to be hell since Bitchell is here……
Even in Heaven, one has to have context. Else, how would one know just how heavenly it actually is?
nolie
July 17th, 2012
4:49 pm
3.80 ERA is a poor man’s Ace
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
4:49 pm
Nick (Charlotte, NC)
Once Simmons returns for the Braves, does Janish provide the infield depth necessary to allow Prado to play full-time in left field? I am not sure how many more times I can watch Diaz/Hinske play the outfield. If not, is there a chance another trade could be made?
Jayson Stark (12:54 PM)
The Braves are looking for righthanded-hitting outfield bats. But it seems as if I’ve typed that sentence 10,000 times over the last year or so. I don’t see them making a major deal for a hitter. But they’re looking.
timthebrave
July 17th, 2012
4:49 pm
RemoW Blows me away that Chipper is retiring and is a better hitter then 50% of the players on MLB rosters.
I think it has more to do with injuries than skills
Ozzie G.
July 17th, 2012
4:50 pm
Hey Dave. Remember me? I was a Brave once. I played for Mr. Cox. These crazy Cubans in Miami are after my job just because I love Fidel. Now a 19 year old Nats’ rookie has been making fun of me.
….I’m losing it fast.
Lew
July 17th, 2012
4:51 pm
If that one play turned you against Fredi, it’s doubtful that you’d ever find a manager that made you happy. Pretty certain that all managers screw some situation up during the course of every season.
And Fredi hate aside, the Braves have ghone 136-112 since he took over. Somehow, the Braves have been a winning team since he took over.
Shaun
July 17th, 2012
4:51 pm
Last 9 of the Starting 9 is something statheads look at. The enlightened look at how good the players are at baseball. And the only stats they look at are ones that give us insight in to that.
Just be facetious, mostly, trying to get under your skin. Trying to stir the pot and poke at many of you.
Shaun
July 17th, 2012
4:51 pm
Sorry. That should read “just being facetious.”
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
4:51 pm
RC, I have to disagree with one point. I don’t mean to run the guy down, but Prado is actually probably the most likely Brave to ground into a double play. He’s a ground ball hitter and not very fast. He’s led the Braves in GIDPs the last two years.
richbrave
July 17th, 2012
4:51 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
GCL – ORLANDO
MOUSEKATEERS defeated once again by the PIRATES 6-5.
RHSP ROBERTO ‘Star’ ESTRELLA [4.34 ERA] 5.0 IP, 6 H, 1 R/ER, 0 BB, 4 SO.
Solid start.
RHRP ADAM HOLLAND [6.35 ERA] 2.0 IP, 1 H, zeros.
Excellent middle-relief.
RHRP RICHIE TATE [L 1-1, 2.41 ERA] 1.1 IP, 5 H, 1 HR, 5 R/ER, 0 BB, 3 SO.
Sucky closing. Walk off yard-shot…..
Lead-off 2012 12th rounder CF CONNER LIEN [.259 BA] 2-5, 2 R, 1 3B [1], 1 RBI [6], 1 SB [7], 1 SO.
2012 14th rounder DH TY TEWELL [.350 BA] 2-3, 1 R, 1 2B [2], 1 RBI [12], 1 SO.
2012 28th rounder 2B K.C. CLAYBOUGH [.417 BA] 2-2, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 SB [2].
Soph 1B JACKSON LAUMANN .288 BA] [2-5, 1 2B [4], 1 SO.
2012 4th rounder LF JUSTIN BLACK [.172 BA] 2-4, 1 BB, 1 SO.
SS ERIC GARCIA [.111 BA] 1-5, 1 2B [1], 2 RBI [2], 1 SO.
RF FEMELYS SANCHEZ [.235 BA] 1-5, 2 SO.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
4:51 pm
I don’t even know what the letters PHD stand for …BAS
Education Degrees….
BS = well we all know what that stands for
MS = More of the Same
PHD = Piled Higher and Deeper
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
4:51 pm
I am not sure how many more times I can watch Diaz/Hinske play the outfield.
Yet another guy not paying attention.
UNCBrave
July 17th, 2012
4:52 pm
ATL Insider,
You must not have read DOB’s post on the last blog re: Johnson….An ace with a 4+ ERA and owed 13.5 million?
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
4:52 pm
What do you make of the Braves’ recent hot streak?
David Schoenfield (1:14 PM)
Deepest lineup in the NL (along with St. Louis). Not surprised. If Sheets can hold up, Braves may not rate as wild-card No. 1 favorite.
cricket
July 17th, 2012
4:53 pm
Jonathan Sanchez is available
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
4:54 pm
Just a thought.
If Wilson can’t hit anymore, and he has the range of a postage stamp these days, it stands to reason that when Simmons is healthy again, Paul Janish should be the backup SS by virtue of his superior glovework and equal hitting output. Hell, it’s not like Wilson played for those outstanding Pirate playoff teams of the early/mid 00’s or those division winning Mariner teams of the mid/late 00’s, and has valuable experience to bring to the fore. We have bench coaches for that.
Just sayin’.
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
4:54 pm
Brian (Mexico)
Hola David! Do you consider Kimbrel best reliever in all MLB (considering present and future)?
David Schoenfield (1:29 PM)
Yes
Bay Area Steve
July 17th, 2012
4:54 pm
“trying to get under your skin. Trying to stir the pot and poke at many of you.”
Yet only managing to make yourself look like an arrogant, humorless asshat. Again.
KK
July 17th, 2012
4:55 pm
I’m available.
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
4:55 pm
Brian (Mexico)
In therms of total career (fame and aura put away) I consider Chipper superior player than Jeter. Jeter has more hits because of he’s been leadoff batter and has had less injuries, but Chipper gets more on base, has a lot more power, and better defense. What do you think?
David Schoenfield (1:32 PM)
Hmm, without looking at it, pretty close, no? I think Jeter’s position advantage and durability give him the slightest of edges.
Shaun
July 17th, 2012
4:56 pm
Lew, I agree. I don’t think there are very many good tactical managers. Most managers screw up quite often, in terms of doing things purely based on tradition and convention as opposed to what would actually work best. Most of the tactics that nearly all managers use are based on tradition and convention instead of what actually would work best, based on all sorts of data, evidence and research. I think many baseball fans could do at least as decent a job as most current managers, possibly a better job than most managers.
The things that most fans couldn’t do are things like earning respect in the clubhouse, working the media, organizing, motivating, etc.
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
4:56 pm
Dale (KY)
Garza to the Braves still seems extremely logical to me. Tehrehan and Minor for Garza fair?
David Schoenfield (1:35 PM)
I don’t know what to make of Teheran right now. Keith Law still likes him and he’s still very young. I’m guessing the Cubs make that deal; not sure about the Braves.
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
4:56 pm
KJ (Charlotte)
Nationals fans are way too convinced that they will steal Bourn away from the Braves this offseason. He likes it in Atlanta and the Braves have lots of payroll room to bring him back next year.
David Schoenfield (1:35 PM)
Agreed. And not sure where the Nats are getting all this money from.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
4:57 pm
Now a 19 year old Nats’ rookie has been making fun of me.
Speaking of Harper, which of these players is the “generational” talent?
Through 67 games:
A: .273/.346/.451 – 8 HR, 15 2B as a rookie
B: .259/.378/.473 – 11 HR, 13 2B as a rookie
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
4:57 pm
No chance the Braves trade two of Minor, Delgado, and Teheran unless its for an ace. Garza isnt one.
tony austin
July 17th, 2012
4:57 pm
Down on the farm:
Corn and soy beans are growing.
Sorry richbrave and everyone else, just my ill fated attempt at humor. Everyone enjoy the rest of your day!
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
4:58 pm
Josh Johnson could make sense depending on the price expected in return and whether or not the Marlins pick up some of the tab. But I’d hate to think if he was to come over and get injuried.. plus adding another question mark to the rotation.
Honestly, what rotation doesn’t have a question mark above it’s head? Everyone is an injury risk.. just matters if the risk is worth the reward.
RC
July 17th, 2012
4:58 pm
RC, I have to disagree with one point. I don’t mean to run the guy down, but Prado is actually probably the most likely Brave to ground into a double play. He’s a ground ball hitter and not very fast. He’s led the Braves in GIDPs the last two years.
I honestly didn’t realize he led the team. I still think that with him batting you are better off trusting him to get a hit (or at least NOT hit into a DP) than risking the runner at 1st being thrown out. But obviously in this case I would have been wrong.
Really
July 17th, 2012
4:58 pm
Yeah good call Nolie education is for idiots
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:00 pm
Brent (Iowa)
Who do you think the Braves go after in the end Dempster, Garza, Greinke, or Liriano? Any chance of getting Justin Upton?
David Schoenfield (2:15 PM)
I still wonder if Ben Sheets IS their acquisition. Braves are not big spenders. Although Cubs are willing to pay most of Dempster’s salary if it means getting a better prospect.
ATL Insider
July 17th, 2012
5:01 pm
UNCBrave,
No, I didn’t read DOB’s last article. But I’m looking at a pitcher who, despite the struggles this year, owns a career 3.15 ERA and is 28 years old. He has ace type stuff, but like many who have played for Ozzie in the past is struggling. The entire Marlins team is struggling. I think he could really do well here. While he is not a 2/3 month rental, there is no long-term committment either. In order to get a young, promising hispanic pitcher (amongst other pieces), they may be willing to eat some salary, at least for this season.
I’m saying the deal would pan out. I’m just saying this is a realistic possibility.
I wouldn’t touch Greinke with all of his issues and Hamels would cost too much.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
5:01 pm
No worries Payne, I draft up the L9S9 for all the rest of baseball fans who take pleasure in every aspect of the game.
But just so you didn’t feel completely shunned by me and the rest of baseball, I included wOBA just for you. So, go ahead and feel special. Not too special, but you know, you’re normal level of haughtiness with a tad higher nose lifting.
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:02 pm
Garza just isn’t that good. Don’t really think he’d provide much more than what we have and Wren certainly would NOT give both of those pitchers for him (shouldn’t either).
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:02 pm
Noah (Minnesota)
I am confused why Greinke is viewed as a top pitcher in the game. He has a career 3.80 ERA, if you throw out the one year it is over 4.00. Why rip up a farm system for him? I hear the Brewers may go 5/100 for him? Why?
David Schoenfield (2:30 PM)
Greinke’s peripherals have been better than his ERA for the past couple years. So … yes, any team willing to spend that money is making a bet that those even out. Which they don’t always do.
richbrave
July 17th, 2012
5:03 pm
tony austin
July 17th, 2012
4:57 pm
“…..Down on the farm:
Corn and soy beans are growing…..”
Need rain
jjj?
July 17th, 2012
5:03 pm
I have nothing against Jair but the fact of the matter is his stuff is not that good. His fastball used to sit in the low 90’s and top out around 95. Now his fastball sits in the high 80’s and tops out at 90. That makes the fastball more hittable. His change is low 80’s so there is only 5 or 6 mph difference now. That makes his change more hittable too. Since his return from AAA he has pitched 25 innings and given up 24 hits and 5 walks. He has been more lucky than good. Hell, he might throw a perfect game tonight. More likely to get bombed.
ncbravesfan90
July 17th, 2012
5:03 pm
With the Braves front office saying they will use some payroll from next year on this year’s trade deadline if the acquisition improves the ball club, they will make a move for a front line starter and more(bullpen help and bench help) before July 31st.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:04 pm
Here’s hoping Ben Sheets IS the acquisition.
Just say an emphatic “NO!” to any acquisition involving any of the Upton brothers.
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:04 pm
Michael (Huntsville, AL)
Do you see both sides agreeing to swap Grienke for Delgado/Teheran and another B prospect? That’s obviously assuming that Wren believes he can sign Grienke going forward. I don’t see Minor being included in the deal as the Braves still have faith in him. At least more than Delgado.
David Schoenfield (2:48 PM)
I don’t think the Braves would be in the running to sign Greinke long-term. Libery Media (owners) keeps the payroll pretty tight.
Bay Area Steve
July 17th, 2012
5:04 pm
“your normal level of haughtiness with a tad higher nose lifting.”
That’s kinda awesome.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:05 pm
I don’t mean to run the guy down, but Prado is actually probably the most likely Brave to ground into a double play. He’s a ground ball hitter and not very fast.
Prado has 10 in a lot of at bats
Mac has 8 in quite a bit fewer
Freeman and Jones have 7
those are all pretty small tiotals compared to their other production. The Braves are one of the least likely teams to hit into a DP so far, and have turned the most
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:07 pm
The only pitcher I think the Braves would not have to give up the farm for is Dempster. Anyone else would cost dearly. With Dempster showing Chicago-love as of late, I don’t want a pitcher who does not want to be in Atlanta.
Say “YES! DONE!” to Ben Sheets.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
5:07 pm
Speaking of Harper, which of these players is the “generational” talent?
Well, since one of them is only worthy of being traded for the other…
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
5:07 pm
I don’t see Minor being included in the deal as the Braves still have faith in him. At least more than Delgado.
Probably too late for the world, as this guy has likely already started breeding.
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:08 pm
If the Braves make any additions before the deadline I just hope were going after players who will be here for 2013 as well.
brian
July 17th, 2012
5:09 pm
Hudson, Hanson, Sheets, Liriano, JJ
Greinke, Hudson, Hanson, Sheets, JJ
Hudson, Dempster, Hanson, Sheets, JJ
Hudson, Volquez, Hanson, Sheets, JJ
Shields, Hudson, Hanson, Sheets, JJ
Hudson, Hanson, Sheets, JJ, Minor
which would you choose??
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
5:09 pm
Garza just isn’t that good. Don’t really think he’d provide much more than what we have
He’d be replacing Polished. And the fact is, Garza is better than Polished. But I hope Wren can aim even higher than Garza. Time will tell though.
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:09 pm
Josh Johnson (due to shoulder issues) started fading from the middle of July, 2010 and his ERA rose almost a run poer game until, he was shut down in early September of 2010.
He made 9 starts in 2011 and then missed the entire season – again with the shoulder issues.
He has not been the same pitcher since returning this year and we should realize by now that shoulder problems are much more serious than elbow injuries. He’s also owed the rest of his $13.5 mil this year and $13.5 mil for next year.
And y’all are concerned that Sheets missed two years and might not make it to the end of this season? I’d be much more concerned with giving up prospects AND paying Johnson that kind of money and hoping he would last tilthe end of this year – much less through his contract then I am of Ben Sheets making it through this year at what he’s making.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 17th, 2012
5:10 pm
Here you go Dr. Phil…..something even you can understand.
Our 2012 Braves are 26-11 (.702) when receiving a quality start. 23-28 (.450) when they DON’T GET THE REQUISITE QUALITY START. God how I love it when I already know the answer before I even have to look it up!
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
5:10 pm
There’s lots of baseball to be played, but this is not a very good rotation to take into September. Fragile, unpredictable. Who is the guy the other teams dread facing? Can’t say we’ve got that guy. Jurrgens might emerge as an ace, but that’s a bet I wouldn’t make.
Say the playoffs have SF, Nats, Reds, Braves. Who’s at the greatest disadvantage with starting pitching?
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
5:10 pm
Ed Mangan was in the TV room/radar room annex by dugout, looking at radar. I asked him how it looked for later, and he said pretty good once the current stuff got past.
I think we’ll play ball, maybe even without a delay. But we’ll see. Braves are finishing BP, they’ve done so while tarp sits on back edge of infield ready just in case.
brian
July 17th, 2012
5:10 pm
or Hudson, Hanson, SHeets, New pitcher, Minor
and JJ is traded for a prospect
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
5:10 pm
I’d choose Hudson, Hanson, Sheets, JJ, Minor
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
5:10 pm
If the Braves make any additions before the deadline I just hope were going after players who will be here for 2013 as well.
I don’t care if the guy packs his bags the day after the WS ends and tells his travel agent he doesn’t even want to fly over Atlanta. If the deal is right and the player is an asset, you make the deal.
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:10 pm
Here is a interesting point about how much the Braves will spend on a top pitcher.. We paid 15 million a season for 4 years for 36 year old Derek Lowe.
You gotta think they would spend more on a 28 year old Zack Grienke if they believe he is an Ace.
Shaun
July 17th, 2012
5:13 pm
MiaBchBravesFan, I think Janish has options and Wilson doesn’t. Both are back-ups. So Janish, while the better player, may be the odd man out until September. Now, if a postseason roster spot were on the line, it would be a different story. But both players would be eligible so that’s a non-issue. Also, it’s not like we are talking Andrus versus Alex Gonzalez are something. We are talking two back-ups.
I think Wilson is slightly better than you give him credit for. I think he’s still a serviceable major league shortstop defensively, though I agree he’s not nearly the same player he was 2-4 years ago. I think Paul Janish is basically that player.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
5:13 pm
Speaking of Harper, which of these players is the “generational” talent?
Through 67 games:
And, I noticed a lack of this guy being included:
C: .348/.403/.569/.972 – 12 HR and 19 2B as a rookie.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:13 pm
exactly Lew, there has been concerned expressed around baseball for a coupla years now on Josh. I would be hesitant to give much for him. Shoulders are career killers
ncbravesfan90
July 17th, 2012
5:13 pm
“Here is a interesting point about how much the Braves will spend on a top pitcher.. We paid 15 million a season for 4 years for 36 year old Derek Lowe.
You gotta think they would spend more on a 28 year old Zack Grienke if they believe he is an Ace.”
Excellent point here. I’ve said this all along since we have been in the Greinke discussions.
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:13 pm
Just not all that enamored of Garza and what he’s done in his career and am not in favor of trading anything for what little he’d bring over what we have now. If they’re going to trade away prospects and pay serious money for someone, I’d certainly hope they aimed for much more than Garza.
Even less impressed with him after seeing him pitch a couple weeks ago. Just don’t think he’s a difference make.
ATL Insider
July 17th, 2012
5:13 pm
Lew,
If Johnson’s problems really are health, then I agree the Braves should stay away. I assumed his struggles this year had more to do with Ozzie and his insanity than anything else. If the scouts think his problems are physical then leave him be. I just remember how good he was prior to the injury last year.
ncbravesfan90
July 17th, 2012
5:14 pm
“I’d choose Hudson, Hanson, Sheets, JJ, Minor”
You’d also choose no playoffs if you chose that rotation. Or at best a loss in the wild card game.
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
5:15 pm
Venters throwing a full bullpen today, after throwing 20 fastballs Saturday and feeling great. Said he’s worked on his delivery every day and that he’s confident he’ll be his old self when he returns. Braves will probably have him pitch once or twice at Gwinett this weekend and activate him at beginning of next week.
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
5:16 pm
Braves will start Sheets and Delgado in Saturday’s doubleheader. Gonzalez was waiting to talk to Sheets before determining which order they’d pitch in Saturday.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
5:17 pm
And, I noticed a lack of this guy being included
That’s because I don’t get tired of hearing about Mike Trout.
Plus, he actually may be a “generational” talent.
My point is that Harper has gotten an awful lot of love (even beyond the early Heyward hype) with a performance, so far, that doesn’t even equal the rookie year of a hurt 20-year-old from only two years ago. This leaves me a few steps short of “generational”.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:18 pm
Hudson, Hanson, Sheets, JJ, Minor!!!
Shaun: I think that Janish is the superior defensive player to Wilson, with range as the decisive factor. If you are old, can’t hit, can’t run (lingering calf issues) and happen to play SS…
Well, that’s easy math.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
5:18 pm
You’d also choose no playoffs if you chose that rotation. Or at best a loss in the wild card game.
uh, with that rotation if the season ended today we’d be in the playoffs. We’re also on the rise and have the 3rd best record in the NL. Call me crazy, but I like our guys and especially don’t like giving up a top prospect (or more!) for any of the guys on that list.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:19 pm
generations just ain’t what they used to be in ours scoots….
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
5:19 pm
Oh yeah, Venters….forgot about him
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:20 pm
You’d also choose no playoffs if you chose that rotation. Or at best a loss in the wild card game
junk like that just kills me
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
5:20 pm
“I’d choose Hudson, Hanson, Sheets, JJ, Minor”
Check out Taco Mac and might see these guys watching the Nat-Cards playing or maybe Giants-Reds in October.
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
5:20 pm
Speaking of worries…venters.
I wonder how much his problems are physical, how much mental. Seems like he’ll wild pitch a foot in front of the plate then groove one. Sign of a guy who has lost command of his best pitches and his confidence.
monty
July 17th, 2012
5:20 pm
monty
July 14th, 2012
9:07 am
OK I’ve got to admit that I was a little slow on this one, but I think I have a handle on it now. At first I didn’t get the rush Ben Sheets up after two so-so starts in the minors, but now I think I have it. Get him up here and see him go 2-3 starts before the deadline and see how he looks. So, if he looks pretty decent then that’s like aquiring the pitcher they needed. If they were going to make a trade for a pitcher regardless of what Sheets does, there would be no reason to hotfoot him up here. So, if he shows up well Sunday, we can turn our trade scenarios to shoring up the bench.
As you can see I wrote this Sat. morning and while I was hasty in saying that if he shows up well Sunday Braves FO could turn their attention to other matters. I think it will take at least 2 good starts, and Sunday’s was of course more than just good, now he needs 1 out of the next 2. Heck that’s as good as anyone else on the team, 2 out of 3. He does that and we can forget about a blockbuster type deal for Greinke or Dempster or whomever. And there’s no need to go after a Willingham right now unless you’re going to start resting players regularly(no place to play him unless there’s another injury). So, while I could be way off base, I see us getting a good stick to pinch hit down the stretch, or a reliever.
The rush for Sheets to pitch so fast was to see what they had(so that they could know if they had to make a move or not) or they were very perceptive and knew he was ready, or a little of both. I lean toward to get him 3 starts to evaluate him before the trade deadline. If they were going to make a deal for a frontline pitcher regardless of what Sheets did then the only reason to rush him up was because they thought he was that ready(riding a bike analogy). Hummm, let’s see….which sounds more reasonable? We’ll have to wait a couple of more weeks to see how it plays out.
UNCBrave
July 17th, 2012
5:21 pm
ATL Insider…
All of Greinke’s issues??? Do you know how many times Johnson’s been hurt??
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
5:21 pm
Have Sheets pitch whichever game Lannan doesn’t so BMac cann catch him!…
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:21 pm
ATL Insider – IF Johnson’s issues are health related? He’s spent considerable time on the DL over an extended period of time and missed the final month of 201 AND all but nine stats at the beginning of 2012 because of his shoulder.
There is absolutely NO doubt it’s health related.
ncscoots
July 17th, 2012
5:21 pm
generations just ain’t what they used to be in ours scoots….
Well, nolie, I admit that they don’t make ‘em like you and me, anymore, but it would be nice if folks tried to have at least a tiny smidgen of perspective and sense of history.
ncbravesfan90
July 17th, 2012
5:21 pm
“uh, with that rotation if the season ended today we’d be in the playoffs. ”
We would be in a one game wild card playoff game, if won then we would continue on.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:21 pm
I feel bad for the rest of the country, what with the drought and all. All we’ve had for the past week is a steady pounding of good rain, with the promise of sunny skies by tomorrow for the rest of the week…
Just in time to mow my lawn.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
5:22 pm
If they’re going to trade away prospects and pay serious money for someone
Well, I hope, whomever is acquired is better than this guy:
5-6 (W-L), 5.97 ERA, 1.424 WHIP, averaging 2 HR per 9 innings pitched. averaging 5.2 IP per start.
That line, roughly translated, reads, “puts his team in a hole and leaves early.”
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
5:23 pm
If Venters is on the way back… all the way back, then I don’t see a need to trade for bullpen help.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
5:25 pm
In all due honesty, I’d love to see us not have to make a move and hang onto all of our resources, just so long we go deep into the playoffs. I just want us to increase our chances of such.
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:25 pm
If Wren will dish out 4 years 60 million to a 36 year old pitcher, you’d really have to think he’d pay much more for a younger player who is in the same talent tier.
Many could argue if Grienke is a true ACE or not. Yeah he had 1 amazing season, he’s been good but not great on others. But overall he’s still a damn good pitcher. Most likely would be our best starter to add by the way.
Grienke would be better for sure, for the next 4-5 years on our team than what Derek Lowe produced who we were ok with paying 15 million a season too.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
5:26 pm
My point is that Harper has gotten an awful lot of love…
Well, as I recall, age is the overriding factor in hype. Harper is younger than Heyward and producing, so far, a similar line. Minus, of course, the elite walker label. But that could change as Harper gets more tired, as you called, and decides to start walking. ( :
NickB
July 17th, 2012
5:26 pm
Varvaro has been okay, Moylan is coming back, if Fredi keeps Moylan away from lefty’s and let’s Venters creep his way back into the 7th or 8th inning role, the team really won’t need much pen help.
But depending on Fredi to use the pen properly is dubious at best
ACE
July 17th, 2012
5:27 pm
Fredi has easily cost the braves four games that would have them in first place.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:28 pm
yup good pitcher, not a 20mil worth of good to a team in Atlanta’s financial position though IMO.
kenhotlanta
July 17th, 2012
5:28 pm
Coach @ 5:10: “God how I love it when I already know the answer before I even have to look it up!”
Like a couple of days ago when you thought Drew Sutton was still playing at Gwinnett and you insisted John McDonald has had a better career that Jack Wilson.? D)
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:29 pm
TenPaul – Fine – you don’t like Minor at all – never have.
But does it make sense to trade players you might need to fill all the needs we’ll have this winter just for an incremental improvement? Cause that’s about what Garza would be – an incremental improvement. He’s not a top of rotation (he’s another 3-4 guy) starter and really doesn’t improve us all that much over either MInor or Delgado – and I think MInor is the one who should have been shipper across county and NOT Delgado.
I don’t think he helps all that much now or next year.
ACE
July 17th, 2012
5:29 pm
For what Frank paid Lowe and KK we should be able to get any starter.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
5:29 pm
Grienke is a great pitcher, if you look at his park adjust fielding independent pitching numbers he;s having a great year this year too. Any guy that has a9+ K rate AND over 50% ground ball rate can pitch for my team anytime
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:29 pm
I think it’s time for some here to face facts and to realize that what they are looking for is “anyone except MInor”.
Really not the best way to improve your team.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
5:30 pm
Honestly, I don’t think the Braves could or should pay Halladay $20 mill a year, that’s the financial reality of it
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:30 pm
yeah and most other managers have caused their teams at least 4 games too. they all make mistakes and choices that do not work, that’s why baseball folks consider strong personnel skills as the most important part of being a manager
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:31 pm
again with the K-rate
ACE
July 17th, 2012
5:32 pm
Fredi may have a winning record with the braves but just think what a good manager would have done during the same period. The biggest being not miss the playoffs last year.
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:32 pm
And as for a RHP for the pen? How about just going to Gwinnett and calling up Buddy Carlyle?
A veteran pitcher with a 2.34 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 3HR in 22 games comprising 50IP, 48K in those 50IP and only 10BB.
Not sure why we have to wait and see if Moylan might be back or not.
Patrick
July 17th, 2012
5:32 pm
DOB,
In your opinion, which starter do you think the Braves will trade successfully for?
Greinke, Dempster, Garza, Liriano? Someone other than one of those 4?
Or No Starter at all?
I’m very curious to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
NickB
July 17th, 2012
5:33 pm
Lew
reason Delgado got sent down is he needs to develop his breaking ball more, Minor just needs to trust his already developed pitches and work on pitch selection and aggression in the strike zone, If Minor went to AAA he would dominate them pitching as he dos already , he NEEDS to work on this stuff against big league hitting. Where Delgado is working on developing a pitch, and that is best done at the lower levels.
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
5:33 pm
Venters has six wild pitches and six gopher balls in 32 innings. What do you make of that odd combination?
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:33 pm
What a good manager would have done? Make mistakes and pissed off just as many people as Fredi has and Bobby did.
Again – y’all would find fault with anyone who got brought in.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
5:33 pm
Wren is in a very compromising.. do you stand pat and hope your club holds it together the remainder of the year or do you go all in and give up building blocks for the furture. After what happened at the end of last season, which no one saw coming, he’s got to erase that from fans memories and anything short of the playoffs won’t get it done.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
5:34 pm
nolie
welll pthhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh :-p
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
5:34 pm
What we need is an ace in the hole, lew. We ain’t got one.
ACE
July 17th, 2012
5:35 pm
Fredi’s personnel skills are zero. This is the man who sajd no coaching changes would be made only to see Parrish fired the next day. The same one who was quick to throw pastornicky under the bus when questioned about a bunt.
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
5:35 pm
“Grienke is a great pitcher, if you look at his park adjust fielding independent pitching numbers he;s having a great year this year too. Any guy that has a9+ K rate AND over 50% ground ball rate can pitch for my team”
I agree I think he is a very good pitcher. Still for 20M a year, you’re comfortable with this guy going in postseason? Look at his numbers last season in postseason. Not very impressive. Must game you believe this guy can deliver? I have serious doubts. He can help have a great season but for that money, he better have the goods to deliver in crunch time. Not sold on that he is that kind of guy. A very good pitcher regardless but hopefully not for the Braves.
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:36 pm
NickB – MIght have to do with trade possibilites, too. Wren claimed on his XM Home Plate interview that Teheran was off limits and Delgado pretty well was, as well. MInor might get traded. Tennnessee Paul will be pleased.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:36 pm
hard to think “fair” when a guy with an ERA of 6 stays up and a guy with one of 4.5 (essentially a quality start average) gets sent packing
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:36 pm
Woody – And what do you think the chances are that we find such a paragon?
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:36 pm
nolie
I’m not saying the Braves should go for Grienke, just in general you think if we can throw 60 million down the toilet on a 36 year old pitcher that we could actually pay good money to someone will actually have during there productive seasons.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
5:37 pm
Lew, I have asked the same about why not give Buddy Carlyle a shot.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
5:37 pm
Frankie
it’s tough to just throw the “bad in the postseason” label on a guy with such a small sample size….
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:38 pm
you are and idiot Ace, Fredi is regarded as a good player handler
NickB
July 17th, 2012
5:38 pm
People have this goofy idea that Mddux was bad in the postseason (though his career postseason era is like 3.27)
Playoffs?????
July 17th, 2012
5:39 pm
Just some observations:
1) Before we annoint Ben Sheets as saviour and Comeback Player of the Year. Let’s see what he does in his next several starts
2) Just found out Mike Minor is pitching tomorrow. Mistake. Better to have kept Delgado in the rotation.
3) Still need another righthanded bat.
4) Next 6 games tells me what this team does the rest of the way. Need to go 4-2, at least. Otherwise we are a pretender, not a contender
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:39 pm
ACE – YOu MIGHT have a point if it were Fredi who fired Larry Parrish. Wren blindsided him on that one (not that FW was wrong on letting LP go or anything).
Frankie
July 17th, 2012
5:40 pm
NickB- realize that. Reality is this though. The guy has had some anxiety issues. This month alone with scouts watching, he has been pretty brutal after a great month in May. You have to know that those considering him are a little leary of this guy in big games.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:40 pm
Every other position is what it is. The 3B/LF rotation of Chipper, Prado, Diaz, Hinske, Francisco will have to do for the rest of the season. We are blessed that Bourn has stayed healthy b/c only Heyward could play CF in an emergency (unless they bring Costanza up). If the Braves were to make the playoffs – and Uggla recovers enough to make a decent season out of it – Chipper gets every start at 3B and Prado plays LF in every game. That said, who do you trade for this season to replace either Chipper or Prado?
If the Braves make a trade now, it should be for bullpen depth.
Phil Niekro
July 17th, 2012
5:41 pm
Thats Wren problem,he farts around too much and waits too long and then has to come up with some Bs excuse to rectify him waiting so long to make a trade.quit farting Frank and do something now before it is too late.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
5:41 pm
IMO, I just think Wren probably has no choice but to make a move. If nothing more than to show to the fans that we are in this thing totally. Cause right now, there’s nothing that distinguishes this year from last.. I think the fans are thinking, We’ve been here done that… curious position Wren is in.
PDOG
July 17th, 2012
5:41 pm
I think the ace the Braves should target is Cole Hammels, he would only be a rental for the last half a year and Braves should only have to give up a Delgado or Minor plus another low level prospect. Go for it all this year without giving away the future.
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:41 pm
ACE – How about I ask a tough question – just like you expect from DOB?
Why are you a total ass?
kenhotlanta
July 17th, 2012
5:41 pm
“Kevin Richardson to rejoin The Backstreet Boys on ‘GMA’ “:
Top headline on the AJC today. If the status of boy bands is the most important news story of the day, we are in big trouble.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
5:42 pm
Garza just isn’t that good. Don’t really think he’d provide much more than what we have and Wren certainly would NOT give both of those pitchers for him (shouldn’t either).
Garza is replacing Mike Minor, Lew. You have to get that he’d be an upgrade over Polished, right?
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
5:42 pm
Jair may emerge, we don’t know. I think demptster or Liriano would be worth a shot. It’s a gamble, but both are effective pitchers on lousy teams. I just think going into the September with this staff is a greater risk.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:43 pm
but easier to do since he already has documented troubles with stress and anxiety Nick.
may be unfair, but it is still worrisome IMO, and as I have kiddingly said, he has pitched poorly since he knows that the scouts are swarming. I’d like to see him throw a good game b4 we traded 4 him
ACE
July 17th, 2012
5:43 pm
Thanks for your support Nolie but who else besides you thinks he is a good player handler? How many players have you seen him rush out of the dugout to protect.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
5:44 pm
But does it make sense to trade players you might need to fill all the needs we’ll have this winter just for an incremental improvement? Cause that’s about what Garza would be – an incremental improvement. He’s not a top of rotation (he’s another 3-4 guy) starter and really doesn’t improve us all that much over either MInor or Delgado
Well, as I’ve stated before, I hope for more than Garza, and the rumors seem to imply that Wren is looking for more than Garza.
But what must also be noted is that Garza is also under team control for next year. So it isn’t merely a rental, or two months. Also, an incremental increase could very well be the difference in making the playoffs or missing them. Similarly, if the front office deems whomever they are acquiring as a “long term” piece, the front office is simultaneously defining whomever they trade as “not-long-term.” And likewise, if the front office acquires a player they are deeming said player as more valuable or more useful to the Braves than the player(s) they trade.
In conclusion, if it is true that the Braves are looking at Garza, then it must be true that the Braves believe Garza will help the team enough to even be worth reviewing.
And, I would concur. Garza is better than Polished. But I am hoping for better than Garza. Time will tell.
ACE
July 17th, 2012
5:45 pm
Thanks for your tough question Lew. Not a complete one yet just partial, I have yet to reach your lofty standards.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:45 pm
Garza is replacing Mike Minor, Lew….Efrim
are we sure? Wren might send Hanson down and keep his buddy Mike
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
5:46 pm
He’s not a top of rotation (he’s another 3-4 guy) starter and really doesn’t improve us all that much over either MInor or Delgado – and I think MInor is the one who should have been shipper across county and NOT Delgado.
I don’t think he helps all that much now or next year.
Matt Garza is not a #4 starter. Get that number out of there. You want to call him a #3 starter? Fine. #4 he is not. And yes, big enough different between the two, imo.
As far as his worth to the team over Mike Minor for the next year and a half, I’ll absolutely take him over Minor and I’ll pack Mike’s bags for him if he is included in the deal. If Garza is going to cost Mike Minor and say, Christian Bethancourt and Nick Ahmed – I’m all for it.
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:46 pm
Yeah Efrim – I get it. I just don’t thinkldoing a deal just to do a deal with damned little improvement is the best way to spend our capital. Yeah, he’d be an improvement but not that big of one.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:47 pm
not sure I would support you if you started to fall off a cliff Ace, but if you knew baseball at all you would know that is his reputation.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
5:47 pm
Thanks for your support Nolie but who else besides you thinks he is a good player handler?
The team?
NickB
July 17th, 2012
5:47 pm
PDOG
you should never trade young pitching to a division rival if you an help it, hate to have them beating you for the next 5 years
Pace
July 17th, 2012
5:47 pm
Mike Minor is a good pitcher with head issues. He said in an interview over the weekend that he gets down on himself when he gives up runs and feels like he’s already lost the game. Then he starts thinking too much and loses concentration – see it happen at least once a start with him.
He needs to understand that EVERY pitcher gives up runs. It’s how you work out of jams and how well you minimize damage to keep your team in the game.
Right now the Braves are averaging about 6 runs a game – so….if he keeps the runs to 4 or less, the Braves are still in it. And, if he can figure that out, maybe he’ll get the confidence he needs.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
5:48 pm
James Shields is my #1. I’d probably say Ryan Dempster is my #2 followed by Matt Garza…..Liriano a distant 4th.
ACE
July 17th, 2012
5:48 pm
The Parrish deal shows how little Fredi knows about what is going on and throwing the Rev under the bus shows just how inept he is at handling players.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:49 pm
Again. The relative calm of the winter Hot Stove League – after a full season of minor league evaluations – will allow for a much better trade to be made than ANY trade that could be made now. In hindsight, think what those five players traded for Teixeira would’ve brought if JS would not have made the trade and waited until that winter to package multiple deals.
Trades made now will ultimately haunt us, to say nothing of the fact that we may have nothing to show for it as early as 2013.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
5:49 pm
Mike Minor is a good pitcher with head issues.
I’m sort of thinking he is a good pitcher with 50’s across the board on all four of his pitches. He’s average. A #3 starter ceiling.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
5:50 pm
Oh, did something happen with Fredi and Parrish? Why don’t you ever bring that up?
When did he throw Pastornicky under the bus?
ACE
July 17th, 2012
5:50 pm
What team jeffery d the Cardinals? They should have given Fredi at least a share of their WS winnings.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
5:50 pm
James Shields is my #1. I’d probably say Ryan Dempster is my #2 followed by Matt Garza
I’m aiming for Walter Johnson… wait, what day is this?
NickB
July 17th, 2012
5:51 pm
not a Garza fan, don’t lik his home/away splits, don’t like his tendency to have big innings, I don’t like how much $$$ he’s making and WILL make in arbitration next year….
I honestly don’t think he’s worth what he will cost in prospects and money, I reckon Liriano provides similar value this year and will cost less than Garza in prospects. Plus as he’s a free agent, it means Frank has more freedom in the offseason to make decisions on Bourn/CF and LF.
Garza in Atlanta means no Bourn, Greinke and Shields mean this too, but at least you are gonna get good production for your $$$
Pace
July 17th, 2012
5:51 pm
Efrim – and that’s fine – I’ll take a solid #3 guy right now. He’s going to be fine, remember Smoltz had all these same type of problems when he first came into the league – and figured out how to work around them. I don’t see Minor as a #1 either, but solid #3 or maybe #2.5
UNCBrave
July 17th, 2012
5:51 pm
After looking at all the teams that are “Sellers”, only TWO true ACES or “top-of-the-line-rotation” guys stick out…..Zack Greinke of the Brewers and Felix Hernandez of the Mariners
ACE
July 17th, 2012
5:51 pm
On his comments about the Revs first at bat when he was recalled.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
5:51 pm
If you’re going to trade assets, remember that the Braves will have some holes to fill this offseason…..
of course, one of those needs is a starting pitcher. So, makes sense that Wren would be after a pitcher controlled beyond 2012 – eliminating Dempster, Liriano, Greinke, Hamels….
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
5:51 pm
A #3 starter ceiling.
That’s very nice of you. I don’t see that. I see quadA material.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
5:52 pm
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:52 pm
“Mike Minor is a good pitcher with head issues. He said in an interview over the weekend that he gets down on himself when he gives up runs and feels like he’s already lost the game. Then he starts thinking too much and loses concentration – see it happen at least once a start with him.”
That is why Minor has to pitch in order to obtain the necessary experience.
By the way, PDOG, if your trade Minor or Delgado, you are in essence trading away your future.
ACE
July 17th, 2012
5:53 pm
Why don’t you ever bring up last Septermber. The other manager who watched his team implode is no longer managing.
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
5:53 pm
Jeffrey–fredi said Pastornicky third strike bunted on his own the other day. Reporter asked if the bunt sign was off. That may or may not be throwing a guy under the. Bus, but he sure didn’t cut him any slack. IMO, it indicates a weakness in the rev’s game.
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
5:53 pm
I honestly don’t think he’s worth what he will cost in prospects and money
That value is TBD. So, are you saying you simply don’t like him no matter what? Because not even the Cubs know what is ultimate value will be in prospects. They can aim and hope for a certain level, but they aren’t guaranteed to get it.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:54 pm
I do not see Greinke as a legit #1 starter… unless he is pitching in the relative obscurity of a small-market cellar dwellar.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
5:54 pm
You mean this?
On Pastornicky’s two-strike bunt attempt, did you second-guess yourself at all after that?
“[The bunt sign] was taken off. He went on his own there.”
whoa….Fredi really grilled him there
Pace
July 17th, 2012
5:54 pm
MiaBch – I’ve been saying that for awhile and so has Fredi – gotta keep running him out there – or words to that effect. Can’t learn unless you’re there and AAA isn’t where these guys learn that. Some just learn slower than others.
DS1
July 17th, 2012
5:54 pm
Only true Ace available is Hamels. And to sign him, we’d have no $$ for Bourn.
Murph
July 17th, 2012
5:55 pm
4) Next 6 games tells me what this team does the rest of the way. Need to go 4-2, at least. Otherwise we are a pretender, not a contender
6 games dictate the following 70+???
Holy crap! I did not know that!
Well, then, I sure hope they do well in these 6 games, otherwise I guess it’s time to start the NFL countdown, where the first game dictates the next 13-14.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:55 pm
well, costing Minor would be a big incentive all right
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
5:56 pm
Why don’t you ever bring up last Septermber.
Why would you???? We’re in the middle of a 7-game winning streak, and all you want to do is find reasons to bitch. I swear some people aren’t happy unless they’re miserable.
“Hey Steve, happy birthday!”
“Yeah but my dog died a couple years ago.”
Venice Jim
July 17th, 2012
5:56 pm
rectify? (non sequitur – sorry)…
ACE
July 17th, 2012
5:57 pm
Yes that from the great player handler. Do you think Bobby Cox would have said that?
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
5:57 pm
My “Jeanne Dixon” – the same type of moment that called the Derek Lee trade a couple of seasons ago when all the naysayers on this blog said I was wrong – tells me that the Braves stand pat, save for a bullpen arm.
The real action will be this winter, folks.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
5:57 pm
Hamels want’s $24mill per over 6 years…. he’s so gone to the Dodgers it isn’t funny
Pace
July 17th, 2012
5:58 pm
Winning this year is very important. Braves have and excellent chance – probably need one good arm (and we may already have it) – and a good bat off the bench who can cover a couple of fielding spots. But, winning next year is important also, and 2014 and so on. If we throw a ton of $ at a starting pitcher, we’re going to lose a fantastic center fielder – combined offense and defense he’s go to be worth at least a run a game on average. That’ll help any SP. There’s only so much $ to go around, even with all the salary coming off the boards this year.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
5:58 pm
“Chipper! Great game!!”
“Too bad we lost the World Series in 1996″
TennesseePaul
July 17th, 2012
5:59 pm
Interesting, it looks like B-R is retro-finishing the save statistic. It wasn’t official until 1960/1970 and wasn’t even mention until the 1950’s, but Walter Johnson is credited with 34 career saves… Me thinks the B-R guys scripted the rule into their Retrosheet ETLs.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
5:59 pm
jeffrey d
some people would complain if you hung em with a new rope….
Venice Jim
July 17th, 2012
5:59 pm
Sorry to hear about Steve’s dog…
nolie
July 17th, 2012
5:59 pm
The other manager who watched his team implode is no longer managing…ace
and we are doing much better than they are regardless of their huge payroll advantage. How in the hell do you think that makes your point?
ACE
July 17th, 2012
6:00 pm
What do you remember about last year other than missing the playoffs?
ACE
July 17th, 2012
6:00 pm
You made the point for me NOLIE he lost his JOB.
Playoffs?????
July 17th, 2012
6:00 pm
Yes, Murph, if we lose 3 —-start counting!
ACE
July 17th, 2012
6:01 pm
Just like Fredi should have. Larry Parrish shouldn’t have been the only one to take the fall.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:01 pm
he shoulda lied about it all Jeffrey…
Murph
July 17th, 2012
6:02 pm
What do you remember about last year other than missing the playoffs?
The team acquired Bourn… Kimbrel won ROY… Freeman came in 2nd… Heyward sucked… nolie said mean things to me…
That’s about it.
ChattTownBrian
July 17th, 2012
6:02 pm
Have to look at Wren’s perspective on the organiations pitching. The system is nowhere near loaded, how much does Hudson have left, Jurrjens is a FA and been bitten many times already by the injury bug, Minor is really just a bottom rotation guy and probably always will be. Hanson is his true dependable young starter he knows he has around cheap for some years. That ain’t good. So trading a Delgado and Teheran has to be for good, controllable starter and those are tough to find.
Venice Jim
July 17th, 2012
6:02 pm
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal
Dempster’s preferences: 1. #Dodgers. 2. #Braves. Explanation in this story:
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/chicago-cubs-Ryan-Dempster-trade-deadline-los-angeles-Dodgers-atlanta-braves-071712
UNCBrave
July 17th, 2012
6:02 pm
WOW…Dodgers’ Billingsley going on DL… The Dodgers will be DESPARATE for SP now..
Article where Cubs’ SP Ryan Dempster lists Dodgers #1, Braves #2 as his places for landing…
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/chicago-cubs-Ryan-Dempster-trade-deadline-los-angeles-Dodgers-atlanta-braves-071712
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:03 pm
wow. your idea of logic is about as illogical as anybody on this board. are you 13 or 14?
ACE
July 17th, 2012
6:04 pm
This year Fredi won’t have a lead to lose.
ChattTownBrian
July 17th, 2012
6:04 pm
I would love Lester or Shields.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:05 pm
what is it that you think Bobby would have said? Lied about taking the sign off? sigh
ACE
July 17th, 2012
6:05 pm
Thanks again for your support Nolie. I couldn’t expect a semi-nolie to understand.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:05 pm
Chatt
I think Jurrjens isn’t a FA until after next season (though I expect him to be traded this offseason)
Stinger 2
July 17th, 2012
6:07 pm
ACE seems so bitter towards Fredi. I believe he has some problems that none of us know about. Let us pity him and hope he gets help.
ACE
July 17th, 2012
6:08 pm
You have to realize that Fredi has never led a team to the playoffs and never will.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
6:08 pm
Pace: actually, he’s pitching better at this stage of his career than Tom Glavine did, so I’d say cut the kid some slack. The fact that he’s doing his OJT in the heat of a pennant race is all the more impressive. I think that as much as I disliked him for his play me or trade me remark during ST, I want him in my Braves rotation for the next four seasons.
To trade him would be a big mistake. We have one’s and two’s coming up; he’s gonna be an excellent three.
ACE
July 17th, 2012
6:09 pm
Not bitter Stinger, some people on here can’t see the forest because of the trees.
1991 braves
July 17th, 2012
6:09 pm
Improved rotation my ASS!! Don’t think you are looking at the same pitching staff i’ve been watching.Not only do the braves have the second worst number of quality starts in the N.L., but their 2 veteran starters both blew big leads their last starts, and both of them have E.R.A.’s of 4.00. By the way that is the E.R.A. of the braves total staff. When Hudson blows a 5 run lead,and Hanson blows 2 run leads on 2 different occasions, the brave’s pitching staff is in serious trouble. Add to that the fact that Minor, J.J. and Sheets should all be pitching in AAA, and you have a total disaster staring you in the face the second half of the season. The braves have proven they can’t hit a quality starter, and they usually make an average pitcher look like a Cy Young winner, so don’t get your hopes up for this team, because they still can’t beat their N.L. east rivals, and that’s all they will be playing the last 2 months of the season. So another total collapse looks more likely than a run for the playoffs. Hudson, head case Hanson, and now Sheets, if you think these 3 will win a series against quality competition you are DREAMING!!
ACE
July 17th, 2012
6:10 pm
I do appreciate the pity and all the name calling that you ADULTS engage in.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:10 pm
Something I’ve been pondering is will Hudson want to have ANOTHER surgery this offseason, then rehab….etc at age 37? or will he retire ? I’d love to have him back, as he’s a bargain for his production (and a great clubhouse guy ) but that extra $9 mill would be nice.
of course that means either retaining JJ or having Minor and Delgado again next year, but if they added a Greinke or Shields and Sheets pitches well enough to be re-signed, they could manage it without JJ, freeing up even more money to re-sign Bourn.
something to ponder
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
6:10 pm
I see Dempster in Dodger blue sooner than later. Case closed.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:11 pm
oh look the eternal optimist 1991 is here………
bloody killjoy
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:12 pm
Forest for the trees????
you are a riot. funniest guy on the blog
Bat Masterson
July 17th, 2012
6:12 pm
When did he throw Pastornicky under the bus? _ jeffrey
He did throw him under the bus on the flip dp attempt if you ask me. Uggla had the kids back, his manager did not.
ACE
July 17th, 2012
6:13 pm
1991 braves watch out, the truth scares people on here causing them to resort to name calling.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
6:13 pm
1991 Braves: the sky is not falling. Hudson and Hanson will be just fine. JJ is doing just fine. Ben Sheets will make you happy this year. Minor will acquit himself quite well the rest of the way. Don’t despair.
Pace
July 17th, 2012
6:14 pm
MiaBch – we agree completely – I don’t see the need for another starter. If we go and overspend for a rental or try to sign an SP, we’ll lose position players we’ll need for the next several years.
ACE
July 17th, 2012
6:14 pm
Thanks Nolie, I didn’t know you had any sense……………….of humor.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:14 pm
you wouldn’t know a baseball “truth” if it crawled up your drawers and bit you on the arse
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
6:15 pm
Fredi’s response to Pastors dumb ass choice seemed curt. And I don’t disagree with how he put it. It is a great contrast, though, with his past explanations of the revs errors. I recall a play at second earlier in the year that had Uggla rushing to his defense, fredi, too. If we’re reading the tea leaves here, and I think we all do that here on the blog, it looks like fredi might not be willing to tolerate that kind of shyt from pastor. And if that’s so, what does it say about his future in a braves uni? Goodness knows we’ve all been speculating on that question of late.
GT Alum
July 17th, 2012
6:15 pm
Good for Blanco. He was a better player for the Braves than either of the guys we traded him for.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
6:15 pm
1991 braves watch out, the truth scares people on here causing them to resort to name calling.
Sorry, but when you arrogantly talk like you have the answers and relentlessly and repetitiously do nothing but complain, you’re kind of setting yourself up for that.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
6:15 pm
<—– would be happy with one reliable veteran bullpen arm… who's funny and can crack up the kids in the 'pen.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:16 pm
It always amazes me how the team can be on a winning streak and somebody still has to run flailing across the blog yelling Chicken Little epithets
ncbravesfan90
July 17th, 2012
6:16 pm
“Hudson and Hanson will be just fine. JJ is doing just fine. Ben Sheets will make you happy this year. Minor will acquit himself quite well the rest of the way. Don’t despair.”
I applaud your optimism, but its time for some realism..
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:16 pm
if you read my stuff anf think I have no sense of humor it is only because it all goes over your head sweety
ACE
July 17th, 2012
6:16 pm
Here’s one truth Fredi has never led a team to the playoffs.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
6:17 pm
<—– wants a reliable veteran bullpen arm… who's funny and can crack up the kids in the 'pen.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:18 pm
why is pessimism always supposed to be realistic? anybody who is always optimistic or always pessimistic is NOT being realistic.
BRAVESSSSS
July 17th, 2012
6:18 pm
@Pace: you are right! Maybe the braves dont need to expend too much for a pitcher who’s gonna be a free agent after the season.. i guess it’s better option trade for Liriano than Greinke..
why
well: 1- Liriano is cheap and right now is pitching very well and he is under control for the next two years i heard.
2.- we can save money for re-sign Bourn and keep the leadoff hitter with us
use the chipper’s 14 mdd for pay Bourn’s contract per year and use the Lowe’s 10mdd contract for a LF
AND USE THE NEXT ROTATION THIS YEAR: HUDSON HANSON SHEETS JURRJENS AND LIRIANO
AND THE NEXT YEAR WITH BEACHY BACK IN MAY OR JUNE WE CAN TRADE JURRJENS AND ACQUIRE PROSPECTS
kenhotlanta
July 17th, 2012
6:18 pm
As bad as it pains me, I have to agree with Ace. Fredi threw Rev under the bus and was saying the missed bunt sign could have cost us the game. It was his first at bat after being called back up to help the team. Bobby would never have done that “in pullic” as Dusty Rhodes used to say.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
6:18 pm
Here’s one truth – the Braves have won 7 straight.
Another one – the Braves are in position to make the playoffs and at this rate take the division soon.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:19 pm
name one positive contribution you have made ACE…. one
all you have done is whine and complain and scream that the sky is falling
GT Alum
July 17th, 2012
6:19 pm
Not sure if I’d be using the Red Sox example as evidence we should’ve fired Fredi. As far as I’m concerned, they got worse in the managing department as a result of that exchange.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
6:20 pm
I think we look way too much into the postgame comments. It’s not like the manager carefully organizes his thoughts into a word processing document. They’re made in passing.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
6:21 pm
name one positive contribution you have made ACE…. one
He brings the rest of us closer together.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:21 pm
BRAVESSS’
Liriano is a free agent after this season
kreedham
July 17th, 2012
6:21 pm
Don’t worry about Melky…he has proven that he can’t hit at Turner Field!
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
6:22 pm
If the Braves fall short in September, it will not be b/c of pitching. That potential problem will not be solved prior to July 31st.
ACE
July 17th, 2012
6:22 pm
I am positive with this manager the braves won’t make the playoffs..
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:22 pm
I fail to see how saying that the bunt sign had been cancelled is throwing him under the bus. he was specifically asked about his call which he did not make. again was he supposed to lie about it ?
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:23 pm
jeff
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!
well done sir well done ,that cracked me up!!
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
6:24 pm
“As bad as it pains me, I have to agree with Ace. Fredi threw Rev under the bus and was saying the missed bunt sign could have cost us the game. It was his first at bat after being called back up to help the team. Bobby would never have done that “in pullic” as Dusty Rhodes used to say.”
I agree. That is what a clubhouse kangaroo court is for. I do not think Fredi is long for this club.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
6:24 pm
I am positive with this manager the braves won’t make the playoffs..
So why are you watching games? If you’re “positive” then there’s no point because it’s only going to make you miserable.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:25 pm
AGAIN what was Fredi supposed to answer to a direct question about a call that he did not make?
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:25 pm
I’m no Fredi fan as I think he is a terrible pitching manager, but even the worst mgr versus the best isn’t going to make that much difference in wins over a season. No matter their decisions the players still have to perform
Bat Masterson
July 17th, 2012
6:27 pm
I recall a play at second earlier in the year that had Uggla rushing to his defense, fredi, too.
Woody_
If you mean the flip Uggla dropped Fredi definitely threw the kid under the bus there. If he been the manager of another team I would have said what a pr*ck, I’m glad he’s not managing the Braves.
kenhotlanta
July 17th, 2012
6:28 pm
jeffrey d: In his postgame comments, Fredi has spent 2 seasons tipping his cap, making excuses and soft pedaling when players eff-up. Why would he suddenly become a tough guy when we are playing well? I just think for someone in The Rev’s position of “this is probably your last chance to show you belong here”, Fredi shouldn’t have called him out.
Trader Jack
July 17th, 2012
6:28 pm
NickB
Just curious what make you think Hamels ends up with the Dodgers?
MikeInFl
July 17th, 2012
6:28 pm
Can we throw the expression “threw him under the bus” under a bus?
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
6:29 pm
Jason Heyward has hit .333 in his past 33 games (oh, the symmetry) with 18 extra-base hits (eight homers), 19 RBIs, a .380 OBP and .611 slugging percentage (.991 OPS).
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:30 pm
I agree on that one Bat, that was a poor comment to make.
Regardless he is no Bobby V or Ozzie or a few others and his reputation is of being a player’s manager. not many can take it to the degree that Bobby did. He was totally selfless in that regard
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
6:30 pm
On Pastornicky’s two-strike bunt attempt, did you second-guess yourself at all after that?
“[The bunt sign] was taken off. He went on his own there.”
Gosh, I really don’t see this comment as that big of a deal.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:31 pm
Trader
He said that playing for the Dodgers would be like “coming home” (as he’s from the San Diego area, but isn’t gonna play for the lowly Padres) the Dodgers have new owner money, and have expressed interest.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
6:31 pm
Nolie, I’m sure players missed signs during the Cox Era.
You just didn’t hear about it.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:32 pm
DOB
wow, I knew he had been good, but almost a 1.000 OPS good? I didn’t know that!!!!
He keeps this up and he will be an MVP candidate this year
Venice Jim
July 17th, 2012
6:32 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
The Braves are going to try to sign Martin Prado to a multi-year deal, given his current standing as heir to Chipper Jones’s spot at third.
Murph
July 17th, 2012
6:32 pm
name one positive contribution you have made ACE…. one
He was awesome in Stand By Me… well, until Gordy pointed a gun at him and he almost cried like a girl.
Kat
July 17th, 2012
6:32 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
The Braves are going to try to sign Martin Prado to a multi-year deal, given his current standing as heir to Chipper Jones’s spot at third.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:32 pm
a guy I know on another forum had a blog last year called “Life After Cox” (not a lesbian blog)
Kat
July 17th, 2012
6:32 pm
Ah VJ beat me to it
UNCBrave
July 17th, 2012
6:33 pm
Buster Olney@Buster_ESPN
The Braves are going to try to sign Martin Prado to a multi-year deal, given his current standing as heir to Chipper Jones’s spot at third.
Michael Bourne next please..
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:33 pm
POC blog is acting up again
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:33 pm
KAT
BEST NEWS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
6:33 pm
Thanks VJ….great news
cricket
July 17th, 2012
6:33 pm
giants blog -
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2012/7/17/3165548/melky-jonathan-the-braves-and-the-2010-nlds#comments
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
6:34 pm
Ah VJ beat me to it
Nick still credited you, though
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
6:34 pm
That is excellent news!
Trader Jack
July 17th, 2012
6:34 pm
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:31 pm
Trader
He said that playing for the Dodgers would be like “coming home” (as he’s from the San Diego area, but isn’t gonna play for the lowly Padres) the Dodgers have new owner money, and have expressed interest.
He had a very interesting conversation with Kershaw at the All Star game, who was lobbying him on behalf of the Dodgers. Let’s just say Kershaw was not very enthusiastic after the conversation
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
6:35 pm
:devil:
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:35 pm
it was a direct question to him MBBF, I can’t imagine what it is that y’all think he should have answered.
I’m sure we still don’t hear about almost all of them
cricket
July 17th, 2012
6:35 pm
Prado – sign and trade for Upton?
seriously tho, would love if Prado is signed to extension
Kat
July 17th, 2012
6:36 pm
David very pretty DOB Blog song today by Alvin.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
6:37 pm
Well, nolie, I’d rather have Fredi be more Cox than Ozzie.
Kat
July 17th, 2012
6:37 pm
jeffery I’ll take it lol.. even if it’s undeserved haha.
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
6:40 pm
It’s not what fredi said, it’s what he didn’t say. He might have said, “yeah, the kid did that on his own, but he’s a young guy trying to help his team win. Young guys make mistakes sometimes.” now I’m not arguing he SHOULD have said that, but he chose not to. It was a bad mistake in a crucial situation.
I just wonder how many more mistakes like that the rev can afford to make. Fredi’s refusal to throw him a lifeline may indicate that pastor is falling rapidly out of favor. Maybe I’m making more out of this than I should. Lord knows I’m no big fan of either guy.
BravesFanSince80's
July 17th, 2012
6:41 pm
it amazes me how many self-proclaimed geniuses on this blog who obviously think they have all the answers where baseball or, pretty much anything else is concerned, will immediately call another person out for the exact same thing if said person’s viewpoint is in the opposition to their own…hypocrisy much? geez..(cough, Nolie, cough)…
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:41 pm
ah well enuff about that. think the streak continues tonight?
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:42 pm
Kat’s name popped up first with the link when I refreshed my screen!
GT Alum
July 17th, 2012
6:42 pm
Venice Jim -
Figured that would be coming. Don’t know how long he has to be eligible for free agency, but he’s definitely worth a reasonable contract, and I’m sure they’ll get something worked out.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:43 pm
he is way more Cox than Ozzie….not even close.
and I can remember Bobby finally allowing his irritation show a few times, Yunel being one
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
6:43 pm
Jair pitches a gem, nolie.
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
6:44 pm
And we know,what happened to yunel.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:44 pm
gee look who is back
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:45 pm
nolie
IF the Braves are patient and let Zito walk the world (as he often does) they should be able to put up 4 or 5 on him. If they hack away it could be a long night
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:45 pm
yet another avatar appears
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:47 pm
cough cough
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:48 pm
why do folks have multiple names? so they can create the illusion that their POV is more supported and popular?
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
6:50 pm
The headline reads well….and the variables of this resurgence are aptly credited. From my point of view; the manner in which we extended innings was the key. The back to back to back….hits and run support created a higher confidence level in the dugout; our hurlers got the support and the reclamation of our offense has been a bright, inspiring experience.
cricket
July 17th, 2012
6:50 pm
the main line-up, organist line-up -https://twitter.com/bravesorganist
Matthew Kaminski @bravesorganist
#Braves vs. #Giants – Stairway to Heaven or Wichcraft for Pagan
11m Matthew Kaminski @bravesorganist
#Braves vs. #Giants – King Fu Fighting for Sandoval
12m Matthew Kaminski @bravesorganist
#Braves vs. #Giants – Ring around the Rosie for Posey
johnny e
July 17th, 2012
6:51 pm
why do folks have multiple names? so they can create the illusion that their POV is more supported and popular?
I don’t know, but that jeffrey sure has some hilarious and accurate things to say.
Sopheee
July 17th, 2012
6:51 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
The Braves are going to try to sign Martin Prado to a multi-year deal, given his current standing as heir to Chipper Jones’s spot at third.
Celebratory icees for everyone!
cricket
July 17th, 2012
6:51 pm
i credit the winning streak to the strategy of scoring more runs than opponent in every game
Sopheee
July 17th, 2012
6:52 pm
Who’s jeffrey?
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:52 pm
that and because they are too cowardly to attack with their usual screen name. and then there are deviants like Lou who get a kick out of stirring things up over and over again.
BC
July 17th, 2012
6:52 pm
jeffrey and johnny are dummies.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
6:53 pm
i credit the winning streak to the strategy of scoring more runs than opponent in every game
That’s fair, but I think it’s because pitching has given up fewer runs than the opponent in every game.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:53 pm
me too cricket. that is always a great strategy
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
6:54 pm
You guys stink
7-0
July 17th, 2012
6:54 pm
Hi, I’m new here, just moved to ATL Sunday. Going to the game tonight with my new girlfriend. Her name is 8-0 and as you can see she is kind of “curvy”. Looks like we may hit it off big if the rain stays away. Here’s hoping we will. She does have a sister, named 9-0, and I’m thinking about taking her to the game tomorrow night. As you can see, she’s somewhat top heavy. Just depends on how it goes tonight.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
6:54 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
The Braves are going to try to sign Martin Prado to a multi-year deal, given his current standing as heir to Chipper Jones’s spot at third.
Awesome news. And yes, he is absolutely the heir to Chipper’s spot at third base.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:54 pm
so what do you think they will offer Prado? 5 years $50 Mill? less? more?
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:55 pm
it is obviouslt because the hitters have scored more runs than the pitchers allowed. anybody who thinks otherwise is a big dumb sweety….
Bat Masterson
July 17th, 2012
6:55 pm
Bat’s a pretty sharp guy
ACE
July 17th, 2012
6:56 pm
Frank will have to get rid of Fredi after this season.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:56 pm
7-0
was always a fan of her cousin 5-0 (but I was always a booty man)
Bat Masterson
July 17th, 2012
6:56 pm
No he’s not
cricket
July 17th, 2012
6:56 pm
pitchers can pitch a shutout, doesn’t matter if hitters don’t score a run either ..hitters rule !!
DERANGED ANGRY HILLBILLY
July 17th, 2012
6:57 pm
EVERYTHING THAT NICKB SAYS IS DADBURN PERFECT AND THE REST OF YOU CITY FOLK OUGHTA SHUT YER LIQUOR HOLE AND LISTEN TO HIM!!!!
TRADE FREDI,PRADO,HUDSON,HEYWARD, UGGLA AND FREEMAN FOR GREINKE!!! AND LET CONSTANZA PLAY THE OTHER SPOTS
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:57 pm
hard to tell on that since they would be buying out 2 arb years, which skews it some compared to if it was a straight FA contract.
Sopheee
July 17th, 2012
6:58 pm
Melky, Melky, Melky, Melky, Melky, Melky.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
6:58 pm
You’re doing it wrong, Bat
NickB
July 17th, 2012
6:58 pm
lol, I don’t pull out the hillbilly nearly enough anymore
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
6:58 pm
Hey, what happened to TheOnlyBravesFan?
nolie
July 17th, 2012
6:58 pm
sure he is Bat
7-0
July 17th, 2012
6:58 pm
“NickB’ Booty men are a dime a dozen. I like 8-0 because she’s well-proportioned with a tiny waist.
cricket
July 17th, 2012
6:59 pm
some funny sh!t on the giants blog
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
6:59 pm
The Braves are going to try to sign Martin Prado to a multi-year deal, given his current standing as heir to Chipper Jones’s spot at third.
This is some good news. As soon as I saw the guy play short in a pinch I said pay the guy. He’s earned it.
nolie2
July 17th, 2012
7:00 pm
everybody knows that nolie is the smartest, funniest, best looking peep on the blog
NickB
July 17th, 2012
7:00 pm
nolie
good point, maybe some thing like this?
2013- $8 mill
2014- $8 mill
2015-$10 mill
2016-$11 mil
2017-$12 mill
2018- team option for $12 mill and $1 mill buyout)
5 year $50 mill backloaded and a team option?
hell I’m so just guessing here
nolie
July 17th, 2012
7:00 pm
thank you thank you
Bat Masterson
July 17th, 2012
7:00 pm
jeffrey_
Told ya Bat was a dummy
cricket
July 17th, 2012
7:00 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan has either gone back to one of his previous avatars or adopted a new one.
wait a minute, has anyone seen TheOnlyBravesFan and NickB in a room together at the same time?
Math Geek
July 17th, 2012
7:01 pm
For all those who are calling to pay Grienke $17-20M per year, I sat here and figured out some money things for next year. These are just rough numbers, not sure if they are exact, but it gives an idea of how tough Wren’s job is.
In 2013 we already have $34M committed to 3 players (McCann, Uggla, Hanson). That leaves about $50M or so for the other 22 players on the active roster. $21M of that is club option, but….it’s spent.
So where to spend that $50M?
We have six Arbitration eligible players, currently making approximately $14.2M – Jurrjens (5.5M), Prado (4.7M), O’F (2.5M), Martinez, Medlen, and Venters, each around 500,000. Who do the Braves keep and how much will they make? Assuming we keep them all, I’m thinking that each of them will get a raise, even Jurrjens.
Then we have 12 players who the Braves control but are due raises next year: Kimbrel, Heyward, Hanson, Freeman, Minor, Varvaro, Delgado, Beachy, Fish, Pastornicky, and Vizcaino. They are currently making about $6.1M this year, how much more will these players cost?
So from the $50M or so we have ‘uncommitted’ for next year, AT LEAST $20.3M is spoken for (that figure DOES NOT account for any raises).
We have seven Unrestricted Free Agents: Bourn, Diaz, Ross, Hinske, Wilson, Durbin and Sheets. How much of the $30M do we spend here? How much will be left over after signing Prado to a multi-year deal?
I realize that’s 28 players, but those are the players the Braves are paying that consitute the $82M payroll right now. I couldn’t find what we’re paying Sheets, but…you get the idea.
Pace
July 17th, 2012
7:01 pm
Enter your comments here
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
7:01 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
As of this evening, Diamondbacks are not close to a Justin Upton trade. Some of the teams that have expressed interest are non-contenders.
That was the tweet right before the Prado one. Guessing Buster is talking to one source that might of talked to him about the Upton for Prado deal….
Bat Masterson
July 17th, 2012
7:01 pm
Thanks, nolie
csg
July 17th, 2012
7:01 pm
Thought of a name no one has brought up. Could the Angels part with Haren? Ive heard they may not want to pick up his $15.5 mil club option for next year. I dont know what they would want in return, but could be a good gamble. He comes back from the DL this weekend.
cricket
July 17th, 2012
7:01 pm
ha ha nolie is a peep
Kat
July 17th, 2012
7:01 pm
Today’s game is on MLB Network for those not in the Atlanta area.
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:02 pm
Coach (2012 Fredi’s Beisbol Fandango)
July 17th, 2012
5:10 pm
Here you go Dr. Phil…..something even you can understand.
Our 2012 Braves are 26-11 (.702) when receiving a quality start. 23-28 (.450) when they DON’T GET THE REQUISITE QUALITY START. God how I love it when I already know the answer before I even have to look it up!
***********
thanks for the useless enlightenment, you bonehead….
Go lick a sidewalk.
TuffShhhtuff
July 17th, 2012
7:03 pm
I’m in “Hog Heaven” tonight. Got MLB.TV free for a week on DTV, with all the games, but only interested in the Mets-Gnats game, besides of course, THE MAIN ONE. Watched the lowly Marlins take care of the Gnats last night. Went to bed feeling good about the situation for a change.
cricket
July 17th, 2012
7:03 pm
Angels themselves are looking for more pitching as Haren went to DL. Don’t think they will trade him.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
7:04 pm
hard to tell on that since they would be buying out 2 arb years, which skews it some compared to if it was a straight FA contract.
We’d be buying out one arb year. He is a free agent after 2013.
I think a fair offer is four year contract through 2016. Something around 34-36 million in total. Prado will turn 29 this October. 2016 will be his age 32 year old season, turning 33 that October.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
7:05 pm
I bet that the early parts of any Prado deal are designed t allow freedom to sign Bourn, or at least try….(I don’t see the Braves giving him $15 mill)
Hell who knows, it’s exciting stuff though
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
7:05 pm
Okay, let’s hope DOB didn’t jinx the shyt outta this team like has happened in the past. I’d like to see the Braves tear Zito up tonight. He has been pitching with mirrors this season and has a great record at Turner Field. And will this be the night that Uggla takes his thumb outta his butt and actually does something constructive? We’ll see.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
7:05 pm
Well, nolie, with all due respect, if I had to manage Escobrat, I would have been the first manager in the history of the MLB charged with a clubhouse felony.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
7:05 pm
well boys, off to watch the game back when it’s over
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
7:06 pm
nolie? NO LIE ! (just fabricates things in a purty way sometimes)
cricket
July 17th, 2012
7:06 pm
did buster olney mention that marlins are fire selling including Stanton? can someone with ESPN Insider check please?
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:06 pm
Seriously, the game on Thursday is at 9:00??
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
7:07 pm
Oh, Braves beat Gi’nts tonight – lead pipe cinch!
Kat
July 17th, 2012
7:08 pm
cab their schedule says 12:10pm for Thursday
BRAVESSSSSS
July 17th, 2012
7:08 pm
@NickB: yes Liriano is FA after this season but is cheap than greinke for the next months and more flexible for re-sign with the braves:
chipper 14 mdd
lowe 10 mdd
hinske and diaz together 3.725 mdd
wilson 1 mdd
hudson 9 mdd
bourn 6.845 mdd
TOTAL: 44.570 MDD
POSSIBLE CONTRACTS
bourn 5 years@ 14 mdd
hudson 2 years@ 7 mdd
mccaan option 12 mdd
and 11.5 mdd for arbitration salary ( MEDLEN prado j-hey oflaherty kimbrel francisco JJ beachy)
basically the same payroll with 5 mdd Liriano extra and maybe a good LF who earns 6-9mdd per year
is a good option ,,or other is trade JJ in the winter and forget his 5.5 mdd or let hudson hit the Free agency and save
his 9 mdd so is like 4 or 5 mdd free for expend in bench help
ATLANTA BRAVES PAYROLL IS 82.4 MDD THE NEXT YEAR GUESSING THE BRAVES DONT RE SIGN HUDSON WE HAVE 8 OF 9 MDD FREE BECAUSE IS
1MDD BUYOUT : 5 MDD FOR LIRIANO , 3 MDD + 4-5 MDD EXTRA FOR LF
SHEETS DEPEND HIS PERFORMANCE I THINK 2 YEARS @ 2 MDD PER YEAR
SO IS LIKE MAYBE 9 MDD EXTRA
NEXT YEAR POSSIBLE PAYROLL 90-91 MDD
WITH LIRIANO,NEW LF AND BOURN BACK
NEW ROTATION: BEACHY HANSON SHEETS LIRIANO JURRJENS
NEW LINEUP: BOURN PRADO JHEY NEW LF FREEMAN MCCAAN UGGLA SIMMONS
NEW BENCH: ROSS JANISH + 3 NEW PLAYERS ( 2 OF AND UTILITY)
BULLPEN: MARTINEZ VIZCAINO MEDLEN OFLAH VENTERS KIMBREL + MAYBE NEW RELIEVER OR BRING BACK DURBIN AND MOYLAN
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:08 pm
Grrr…that’s early
cricket
July 17th, 2012
7:09 pm
Seriously, the game on Thursday is at 9:00??
ha ha west coast
BrandonLee49
July 17th, 2012
7:10 pm
is Everybody seated securely on the Bandwagon, because there’s a steep uphill climb ahead,and we wouldn’t want anyone to fall-off. Congrats to Ben Casey for an impressive First call to duty after his extended down-time. Of course we all hope him Well, but those HotLanta Summer winds can make an uphill Battle real quick from a Bandwagon Party real Quick.. Course Ben Casey is From the Midwest, and pitcheed in Milwaukee, so this should be no different… now for Jair and Tommy and Huddie, we hope they’re up for the task…. September Swoon still Looms ahead.
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:10 pm
Lew
July 17th, 2012
5:41 pm
ACE – How about I ask a tough question – just like you expect from DOB?
Why are you a total ass?
*********
lol!
Brava
July 17th, 2012
7:10 pm
Go Braves!!!
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:10 pm
ha ha west coast
Well, I’ll still be watching at home, but I’ll be working too…and still waking up
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
7:12 pm
I wouldn’t give Prado five years, 42-45 million. Bit much for my taste. An AAV of 9 million a year is a fair offer through 4 years, imo.
Brava
July 17th, 2012
7:12 pm
Some real dumbasses visit this blog. Just saying.
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
7:12 pm
Haren is an interesting name to throw out there. Probably a better plan than Liriano Vargas and Garza
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
7:12 pm
Gametime!
Lets Go Double J
Kat
July 17th, 2012
7:13 pm
OH west coast.. gotcha.
TuffShhhtuff
July 17th, 2012
7:13 pm
I know now why they call it the “Left Coast”. Everybody should have “LEFT” there already!
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
7:13 pm
I threw out 9/$36 or 5/$45 a couple of weeks ago.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
7:14 pm
That walk looked pretty bad.
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:14 pm
I know now why they call it the “Left Coast”. Everybody should have “LEFT” there already!
Yet more people move here every year…
Kat-
Yup. West Coast. You knew that, I thought?
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:16 pm
Bad call
Kat
July 17th, 2012
7:16 pm
That is so sad that with a pitch out we can even get a guy out on second….
Pace
July 17th, 2012
7:16 pm
Prado’s making $4.7 million this year, you think he’ll sign for double his current salary for the next 4-6 years? I don’t see it. His market value has gone up this year.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
7:16 pm
And he was safe on what planet???? LORDY!!…
cricket
July 17th, 2012
7:16 pm
he was out
Rick
July 17th, 2012
7:16 pm
Bad call on a stolen base. What else is new?
TNScott
July 17th, 2012
7:16 pm
Michael Bourn never gets those calls.
Kat
July 17th, 2012
7:16 pm
Okay tag looks like it was right but still too close for comfort even with a pitch out.
Brava
July 17th, 2012
7:17 pm
He was out. Damnit, I’m sick of these incompetent umps.
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
7:17 pm
The umps in this league are a joke.
Pace
July 17th, 2012
7:17 pm
Great call – now where’s that sarcasm font?
Rick
July 17th, 2012
7:17 pm
Kat, it’s so sad that umps keep missing easy calls.
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
7:17 pm
Yeah, the runner should have been called out, but McCann should have made a better throw too on a pitch out.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
7:17 pm
Missed caught stealing calls against the Giants are never good.
One-Eyed Mac
July 17th, 2012
7:18 pm
What is it with 2nd base umpires on steal attempts. They seem to miss more of those than any other calls.
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:18 pm
And Uggla should have made a better tag…had plenty of time…
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:19 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Mark Trumbo: 415 feet into the left field stands. And the Angels lead Detroit 4-0 after four batters.
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
7:19 pm
Why is it the worst umps are always on second base? Even when they rotate? The lighting must be bad there!
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
7:20 pm
Venters confident as he nears return from DL
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/07/17/venters-confident-as-he-nears-return-from-dl/
TheOnlyBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
7:20 pm
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
6:58 pm
Hey, what happened to TheOnlyBravesFan?
Summer Weather Camp in D.C., so I’ve been (very) busy lately…. I just happened to see this post, not going to be around.
Take care all, Go Braves!!!
Peace
cricket
July 17th, 2012
7:20 pm
yes McCann should’ve made better throw on a pitch out but the runner was still out. this is not gymnastics, no points awarded for degree of difficulty. if you get someone out, he’s out, doesn’t matter if it doesn’t look smooth.
TNScott
July 17th, 2012
7:20 pm
Umps 1 Braves 0
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
7:20 pm
Shoulda figured that missed out call at second would come back to bite ‘em. Ugh!
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
7:20 pm
Bad call and a hanging breaking ball….fun.
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
7:20 pm
1-0 umps
Kat
July 17th, 2012
7:21 pm
Seriously… these umps better have something great in store while we’re in scoring position tonight to make up for that crap.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
7:21 pm
Im already Tard of Buster Poser
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
7:21 pm
The walk of the first batter in a game always seems to bite the Braves in the buttocks!
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
7:21 pm
Jurrjens stuff looks pretty pedestrian tonight and that missed called at second comes back to hurt the Braves.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
7:23 pm
G. Blanco seems to be destined to play the role of Former Braves who become pests when they us as if they are extra motivated to prove the team wrong for dumping them….
Rick Stankiel is a case in point he hits against no one but us…
Pace
July 17th, 2012
7:24 pm
Missed call hurt, but he shouldn’t have walked either. JJ needs to suck it up and hold them at 1 run. We’ll be fine – score one or two here.
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:24 pm
The umps really have been bad this year. What a piss call at 2B.
And it helps if JJ doesn’t walk the lead off guy and If Mac can make a good throw on a pitch out.
Oh well…..ballgame!!
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
7:25 pm
definitely not gonna argue cabravesfan. Ump should’ve made a better call, but a cleaner all round relay would have helped the ump to not screwup.
tony austin
July 17th, 2012
7:26 pm
JJ had him 0-2, that base hit shoul not have happened. Big league pitchers are paid alot of money to put people away and if JJ and Tommy can’t do that consistently they need to pick a different profession.
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:26 pm
Release Boras…
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
7:26 pm
Barry Zito is a case in Point to NOT go after Z. Grienke and sign him longterm….
Big Free agent BUST Signing by SF
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
7:26 pm
JJ deserved the leadoff walk turning into a run – even after a bad call. Not the way any good pitcher starts a game.
Rick
July 17th, 2012
7:26 pm
Tomahawkin, I don’t know where people have gotten the idea that Rick Ankiel hits the Braves well. He has a 215/260/398 line against them.
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
7:27 pm
The thing about Zito’s curve is that the Hitters should be able to sit back on it better because his fastball isn’t gonna knock the bat outta anyone’s hand. But, he’s getting people out someway, so what do I know?
TNScott
July 17th, 2012
7:27 pm
That last inning was brought to you by the Don Denkinger School of Umpiring and the Ray Charles School for the Blind. We will accept most applicants. Cardinals fans need not apply.
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:27 pm
Jerry-
Yup. Wasn’t a perfect throw, wasn’t a perfect tag, was a bad call…oh well.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
7:28 pm
Did I just see 94 mph from Barry Zito?
Pace
July 17th, 2012
7:28 pm
Oh wow – that was a low strike call
Rick
July 17th, 2012
7:28 pm
lol “strike two” was at his ankles.
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
7:28 pm
JJ hit 92 MPH on his fastball twice in the last 2 AB’s (when I started watching). He definitely wasn’t hitting 92 MPH last year during the 1st half of the year when he was dominant.
Edit: It’s still gotta be tough when you know you’re going to get nothing out of the 7th and 8th hitters in your lineup. Obviously you don’t expect anything out of the 9 hole so you know with the Braves you’re getting nothing from 7,8,9 (Uggla, Janish, Pitcher). Uggla has to step it up soon I mean Fredi G already can’t justify playing him every single day… Uggla is pathetic…
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:28 pm
I suspect even Maddux and glavine gave up a hit or 2 after being ahead 0-2…..
Kat
July 17th, 2012
7:28 pm
I never liked Blanco.. he was an ass to fans when Gwinnett was up in Syracuse a few yrs ago.
tony austin
July 17th, 2012
7:29 pm
I wonder how many innings are going to pass before the Braves actually get a hit, if they even do at all.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
7:29 pm
Rick
I believe Ankiel hit 4 homeruns against them last year. That is probably where people get the perception that he is a Braves killer.
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
7:29 pm
Yay! So the offense is still snoozing in the clubhouse….boring inning!!
TheOnlyBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
7:30 pm
did cab just admit that Mac had a bad throw?
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:30 pm
We’re in big trouble tonight….
You can just feel it.
Like an ant biting you on the ankle.
Pace
July 17th, 2012
7:30 pm
If the ump is consistent, JJ will get that low call. Didn’t in the first inning against Buster, and it ended up costing a run.
TheOnlyBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
7:31 pm
Still early in the game, don’t freak out guys. Geez.
Peace folks.
7-0
July 17th, 2012
7:31 pm
My girlfriend, 8-0, is getting nervous already. I know that because she already hit the ladies room after that half inning.
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:31 pm
No. Didn’t say it was bad (it wasn’t)- said it wasn’t perfect (it wasn’t)
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
7:32 pm
Mac made a bad throw, but Blanco was still out
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
7:32 pm
For some reason I am gaining the feeling that this game is going to be a big letdown for the Braves after winning 7 straight. I hope I am wrong, but I have that feeling.
TheOnlyBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
7:32 pm
cab: there was supposed to be a wink ( i don’t see it there) and it was sarcasm…
Okay, i’m really gone now.
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
7:32 pm
Gotta funny feeling Zito is going to absolutely shut down the Braves for about 6 innings. He made quick work of Bourn and Prado.
Thought J-Hey had a good AB against him even though he got out with a weak pop up. That called 2nd strike was a complete joke it was 3 inches above the dirt even the crowd knew it and boo’d like crazy. Then J-Hey smoked a ball that ended up being just foul down the right field line that would’ve easily been a double if it was a foot or 2 to the left.
I can already tell this Ump is terrible – at least 3 called strikes in the bottom half of the 1st we’re CLEARLY out of the strike zone….
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:33 pm
Screw peace!
Let harshness rule…
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
7:33 pm
@ Slick Rick
See T-Mafoa’s 729 post
Stankiel Killed us last year, it added to the Collapse
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
7:33 pm
JJ is due for a bad start – wouldn’t be surprised to see him struggle tonight.
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:33 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan-
No worries! Wasn’t offended by it
(and the wink was there)
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:34 pm
Mac can do no wrong.
Ever.
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
7:34 pm
Apparently there are a lot of people who forget that this Giants lineup is pretty punchless and Barry Zito is pitching.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
7:35 pm
Bad Walk!
AKA Unforced Error!
Pace
July 17th, 2012
7:35 pm
Wow – did very well the first two batters and WALKS the #8 batter! SMH
TBbravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:35 pm
yes bad walk
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
7:35 pm
I guess it’s been kinda rough on the BMac Anonymous Club lately since he’s been doing really good at throwing guys out, so the second some guy is called safe—UNHAPPY NEW YEAR!!…
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:35 pm
JJ is no Sheets…
Pace
July 17th, 2012
7:36 pm
Ball 2 to Zito was a strike to Heyward – consistency?
TNScott
July 17th, 2012
7:36 pm
That was a strike last inning.
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:37 pm
Mac caused that walk…
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
7:38 pm
McFann — If its any consolation, I totally blame the ump and not Mac’s throw!
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
7:38 pm
@unbelievable
not me
I know this Giants Lineup is Puncless, therefore Im baffled that they are where they are with with their good pitching! They Get The Rockies and Padres 36 times combined this year, they are lucky
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
7:38 pm
BravesQueen—
Good! So do I!…
How’s it going?…
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
7:40 pm
I can see by the tone of some of the comments that “McFann” has some of you brainwashed already. Be careful, it is very subtle sometimes! Those ladies are good at that!
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
7:41 pm
The biggest difference outside on offense as far as not have Simmons will be his ability to change over the lineup by getting a hit and getting the Braves pitcher up at the plate which allowed Michael Bourn to bat to lead off the next inning. Janish isn’t going to be able to do that at the same rate Simmons did and that’s going to hurt us having to start the next inning off with JJ or Hanson or Sheets or Hudson or Minor coming up to bat and basically being an automatic out.
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
7:41 pm
Braves 4 up 4 down
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
7:42 pm
McFann — Its going…and I’m surviving. Thanks for asking. How are you?
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
7:42 pm
Someone please get a hit to get the ball rolling!!!!
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
7:43 pm
iTiSi — No brainwashing needed here! I just realize the truth and make it known.
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
7:43 pm
Y’know, I’m as happy as anyone that Sheets came in and dominated against the Mets, but for crying out loud, how many times do the announcers have to keep bringing it up. Find something new to show or talk about.
TBbravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:44 pm
hope we don’t let zito be cyto tonight.
Pace
July 17th, 2012
7:44 pm
That’s right Mac – make sure your pitcher gets that high pitch called too.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
7:44 pm
I do not believe pitchers are going after Heyward any differently. They are consistently going right after him within the strike zone. It’s a sight to see. I noticed it vs. the Mets too.
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
7:45 pm
Wow that was DEFINITELY high. How was that called strike 1 vs BMac?? Are you kidding me UMP??
TBbravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:45 pm
why not call him safe.
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:45 pm
Sheets will get bombed next time out if all this praise doesn’t stop…
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
7:46 pm
I’d love for B-Mac to hustle down to 1st JUST ONCE!!!
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
7:46 pm
Uggla is the last person in the Braves lineup that you wanna see with the first runner in scoring position.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
7:46 pm
BravesQueen—
Always good to hear from you! Doing good here, too, thanks—can’t complain…
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
7:47 pm
Sheets will get bombed next time out if all this praise doesn’t stop…phil
Agreed!
Brava
July 17th, 2012
7:47 pm
His name is almost Dan Uggla.
Bravefaninok
July 17th, 2012
7:48 pm
Hi Bravesqueen….
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
7:48 pm
“BravesQueen” I should have been more clear. I think it’s the male posters she is so “swave and deboner” with, not the lady posters. I understand you ladies have to stick together. LOL Nothing beats a “Lady Braves poster”! LovyaAll
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
7:48 pm
My Gut Tells Me that it will be a low scoring game tonight where we beat the Giants Bullpen, Watch!
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
7:49 pm
Bravefaninok — Hi there! How’s it going?
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
7:49 pm
I bet soda was 9 Bucks???
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:49 pm
Truth….
An oft misused word if ever there was one…
TBbravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:49 pm
jerry-
well said sir.
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
7:50 pm
Bleacher report couple days ago had Uggla going to Tigers for a pitcher. Prado going to 2b and Braves making trade for Upton.
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:50 pm
Bill Plunkett @billplunkettocr
Coming into game, Mike Trout led AL in BA (.348), Mark Trumbo in slugging (.625). Trout is 2 for 2. Trumbo has HR and 2B.
The Angels are going to be very good for a while with these two…
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
7:50 pm
iTiSi — We’re cool….hence, the wink at the end. Its simple, us ladies have to stick together.
Pace
July 17th, 2012
7:50 pm
Ya know, Uggla get paid about $82,000 a game, I kinda expect a little more ‘bang for the buck’. Like him, know he’s gonna have a hot streak eventually, but…not a lot of confidence when he’s in the box right now.
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
7:50 pm
Chip sucks so friggin bad when he’s trying to impressions of Harry and Skip.
George
July 17th, 2012
7:50 pm
This is not a good page, it say 666 comments at the top
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
7:51 pm
cabravesfan — Hey there, girlie! Good to see you. How are you doing?
Kat
July 17th, 2012
7:52 pm
MLB Network is claiming Chipper’s RBI numbers are fudged because some people stats for players who only played 3rd base vs. those who mostly played 3rd base. Idiots the numbers aren’t fake or fudged it depends on how you present them and if people don’t listen to how you present them it doesn’t make them fake or wrong people just need to read/listen.
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:52 pm
Bravesqueen – always good to “see” you…
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:52 pm
BravesQueen-
Hi! Good to see you
I’m not bad…hope you’re doing OK
bravesgrl4life
July 17th, 2012
7:52 pm
Guess the umps are paying us back for getting all the Bucknor love on Sunday. Several really bad calls already tonight.
Kat
July 17th, 2012
7:52 pm
(pardon my typos)
Bravefaninok
July 17th, 2012
7:52 pm
Queen-Doing good,Hope you are as well.
TuffShhhtuff
July 17th, 2012
7:53 pm
“phil” was thinking after that first game we should all hold the jury out on Sheets until at least after the second game. “One game doth not a pitcher make” (Now who said that, can’t remember)
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
7:54 pm
Bleacher report couple days ago had Uggla going to Tigers for a pitcher. Prado going to 2b and Braves making trade for Upton.
Don’t kid me Yogi. I would love to get someone to take Uggla’s contract and put Prado back at 2nd. Don’t believe it will happen, but you have given me something pleasant to think about.
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
7:54 pm
phil — Likewise.
Pace
July 17th, 2012
7:54 pm
The stats aren’t fudged. Schmidt, Brett and others on the list all played other positions and the RBI they accrued at those positions are included. The stat is for players who were PRIMARILY 3rd basemen.
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
7:54 pm
I remember everyone saying how bad it would be to pick up Trumbo in the offseason. Looks like alot of us were wrong LOL
George
July 17th, 2012
7:54 pm
On comments on page one amd two. FRANK WREN should stay, FREDI Should go, but not if they keep winning and at least get past the one game to the WC.
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
7:55 pm
F U Milk-DUD
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
7:55 pm
Can we not make a throw that doesn’t short hop the man at second base?
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:55 pm
I was hearing more talk again today about how Chipper is no HOFer….
I obviously think he is, but I bring this up often.
He IS going to face opposition to getting in and a lot of it.
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
7:55 pm
Another call at 2nd doesn’t go Braves way. Surprise!
Bourn shouldn’t have been so nonchalant there.
TuffShhhtuff
July 17th, 2012
7:55 pm
MB just pulled a “Heyward”!
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
7:55 pm
@Jerry
LOL at that 750 post
Its The Melk-Dud’s Turn now to get Payback
Bourn Pulling a Loaf Role there, UGGHHH
TBbravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:55 pm
oh well
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
7:56 pm
NEVER saw that hustle from Milky in the ATL. Flaky pig.
brian
July 17th, 2012
7:56 pm
no excuses there for Bourn
Rick
July 17th, 2012
7:56 pm
Call looked right to me BravesQueen. That’s on Bourn right there.
TNScott
July 17th, 2012
7:56 pm
BravesQueen- Feel free to change the title and the lyrics to suit you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFrGuyw1V8s
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
7:57 pm
Dan Uggla has a .125 average, 1 HR, 1 double, and 5 RBI’s over his last 29 games… Yet Fredi G starts him everyday….
Pace
July 17th, 2012
7:57 pm
Is the outfield wet? Bourn afraid he was going to slip? Not making excuses, but he usually gets to balls a lot quicker than on that play.
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:57 pm
I guess our OFers are taking the night off?
Come on, guys! Play!
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
7:58 pm
Damn
The Braves wouldve won the Division in 2010 had they had this verson of The Melk Dud!
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
7:58 pm
agree Jerry..I would love tigers taking Uggla.
Pace
July 17th, 2012
7:58 pm
Wow – just wow.
Kat
July 17th, 2012
7:58 pm
Wow.. defense is not doing well tonight.
Trey
July 17th, 2012
7:58 pm
Gah, definitely time to get another pitcher.
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
7:58 pm
Yes, I think the grass is wet- it rained during BP…
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
7:58 pm
Why throw a strike there? Makes no sense.
phil
July 17th, 2012
7:58 pm
As Prado drops another one….
Lol!
Bad Braves have shown up so far.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
7:58 pm
Man, Im Tard of Buster Poser!
Come on Double J!
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
7:58 pm
Posey RBI single to LF scores Cabrera from 2nd, Giants up 2-0. Bourn’s previous play hurt ‘em.
TNScott
July 17th, 2012
7:59 pm
And we pitched twice to Posey with RISP for what reason
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
7:59 pm
Not looking to good so far.
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
7:59 pm
whats going on with players getting the damn ball out of glove and being flat footed.
TuffShhhtuff
July 17th, 2012
7:59 pm
Braves must think it’s Monday today. They are playing like it so far.
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
7:59 pm
Why T F we still pitching to Posey? Stupid tards
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
7:59 pm
Telling you JJ will NOT have a good game tonight, he’s pitched great his last few his due for a bad game. You don’t pitch terrible in AAA for that long and come in the MLB and post quality start after quality start he’s eventually going to level out and have an ERA in the 4.30 range.
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
7:59 pm
My Gut Tells Me that it will be a low scoring game tonight where we beat the Giants Bullpen, Watch! Tomahawkin
I hate it when you make these kinds of predictions because you are almost always wrong. I might as well go to bed right now.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
7:59 pm
Oh brother! They just LOVE Posey so freaking much!…
(ITS)
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
7:59 pm
Jurrjens has got to make better pitches. His location is terrible tonight. The Braves are playing so flat tonight.
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
7:59 pm
For all who kindly asked, I’m doing fair at the moment health-wise. Just getting through the days, doing chemo and dealing with side effects. I still have a few weeks left to go yet. Its exhausting!
I am however enjoying the ’suspense’ of what the Braves do between now and the trade deadline. I look for them to do something, just not sure what that will be. But I agree that something has to be done as we cannot keep going on like we are now.
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
8:00 pm
so did Prado’s… DOB
cabravesfan
July 17th, 2012
8:00 pm
Sorry, that 2nd run is not on JJ- if Bourn fields cleanly, it’s a single and Melky doesn’t score on Posey’s hit…
George
July 17th, 2012
8:00 pm
Outta here to watch game, it never goes well when I post during game.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:00 pm
@TNScott
Co-Sign on that 759 post!
One Big Dummy
July 17th, 2012
8:00 pm
Pitching to Posey again?!
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
8:00 pm
Should be 0-0 Mid 3rd.
Idiots
Pace
July 17th, 2012
8:01 pm
The outfield must be really wet – Prado dropped the ball twice – Bourn slowing down on a ball (afraid of slipping?). But these guys are MLers – should be doing better. Bats need to pick it up. Time for Janice’s first hit
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
8:01 pm
Jurrjens is pitching just good enough to not get beat bad tonight, but he is pitching bad enough to get beat. His location really blows.
Rick
July 17th, 2012
8:01 pm
Prado’s slip didn’t matter Yogi. He had no chance of getting Melky at the plate there.
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
8:02 pm
Rick — Oh definitely the call was right. Bourn was to blame! I just was using 2nd base as a point of reference.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:02 pm
@Jerry
LOL at 759…trying to be optomistic here, this team is rolling!
TBbravesfan
July 17th, 2012
8:02 pm
ump’s 1 bourn 1 braves 0
brian
July 17th, 2012
8:03 pm
another example of Melky getting in shape – no way he got that ball as a brave
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
8:03 pm
JJ’s defense and a bad ump call has cost him those 2 runs
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
8:03 pm
For those wondering, this is Posey’s 15th start at first base this season for Giants.
brian
July 17th, 2012
8:03 pm
I think that Jurrjens is struggling tonight. Not sharp at all so far
Kat
July 17th, 2012
8:04 pm
Anyone see Melky make that motion with his hands in a X over his groin to the crowd? MLBN had it.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
8:04 pm
It’s not like JJ’s pitching lights out here. He’s given up 3 hits and 2 walks in just 2 innings.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:04 pm
I will Guess Jason Schmidt?
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
8:04 pm
TNScott
July 17th, 2012
7:56 pm
BravesQueen- Feel free to change the title and the lyrics to suit you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFrGuyw1V8s
_____________________________________________
Awesome! Thanks!
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
8:05 pm
Dan Uggla last 29 games – .120 average, 1 HR, 2 doubles, 5 RBI’s, 34 SO’s, .259 OBP
Yet, Fredi G starts him everyday……
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:05 pm
Nevermind he said lefthander
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
8:05 pm
Seems like all the homegrown “GA Boys” come back to hurt the Braves. Maybe the adrenalin is flowing heavier when their friends and families are in the stands.
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
8:06 pm
Ok, Milkey has really got fast and Prado’s arm has gone bad. so it is!
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
8:06 pm
DOB nobody is wondering that. I’m wondering why Posey keeps getting meatball pitches with runners in scoring position. Now that would make more sense to us.
TBbravesfan
July 17th, 2012
8:06 pm
no hitter for cy zit
Hmmmm
July 17th, 2012
8:06 pm
Zito making Bourn look bad, that doesn’t happen often
tony austin
July 17th, 2012
8:07 pm
3 innings, 0 hits. Shocker.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
8:07 pm
This game sucks.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
8:07 pm
Jurrjens has been 86-88 with less movement it seems.
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
8:08 pm
Zito has absolutely dominated us through 3 innings. We’ve managed to get a guy to 1st base one time and he didn’t go any further. Hopefully since Zito is older he’ll get fatigued a little earlier and will be able to tack on a few runs around the 5th/6th, but it won’t matter unless JJ limits the Giants to 3 runs through 5-6 innings which doesn’t look likely, but it’s possible if he can find his location tonight. He hasn’t been able to locate anything consistently so far.
phil
July 17th, 2012
8:08 pm
Dishes are in the washer…
Mail is collected…
Lamps are on…
Cereal is poured…
Minor’s are cleaned out of the litter boxes…
Losing 2-0…
Not bad, all things considered.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
8:08 pm
Kat
I saw Melkey make a strange gesture. It looked like he flipped some fans off from my vantage point.
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
8:08 pm
Wish we could get the Ga.boy Dexter Flower..he could takes Bourns place next year.
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
8:08 pm
I heard earlier today that when Zito fills the count on a batter, he almost always throws the changeup on the next pitch and has been successful with it. He just struck out Bourn with a change. How can you know it’s coming and swing right through it. That baffles me.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
8:10 pm
“Anyone see Melky make that motion with his hands in a X over his groin to the crowd? MLBN had it.”
Right back to yo’ momma pig, Milky!
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
8:10 pm
That play sums JJ’s night up so far………
Kat
July 17th, 2012
8:10 pm
There’s an obscene name for what he did… starts with an S it has four letter and you say IT after.
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
8:10 pm
Defensively, we are laughable at best tonight.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
8:10 pm
The Prado news is awesome and I sure hope Wren can get him locked up this season….
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:10 pm
Give Ol Bud Black Some Props!
The Braves would be in th if their offense was as bad as The G—MENNNN!!!
phil
July 17th, 2012
8:10 pm
Ooops!
No D tonight!
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
8:10 pm
Pathetic JJ absolutely no excuse for that. It’s called fundamentals LEARN THEM JJ or go back to Gwinnett….
tony austin
July 17th, 2012
8:11 pm
Oy. I guess it’s more than apparent that th 7 in a row team didn’t show up tonight.
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
8:11 pm
Well, at least the Mets-Gnats are 0-0 in the 5th.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
8:11 pm
Jurrjens is looking pretty pathetic.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:11 pm
My Bad…I meant Bruce Bochy
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
8:12 pm
I agree. With the exception of Sheets, all the starters have been stinking it up after the AS break. Too much time off.
Pace
July 17th, 2012
8:12 pm
Braves must think it’s Monday
Hmmmm
July 17th, 2012
8:12 pm
“Anyone see Melky make that motion with his hands in a X over his groin to the crowd? MLBN had it.”
27 year old guy acting like a 16 year old? That’s not surprising
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
8:13 pm
#Braves Jurrjens missed the bag with his foot when he covered 1st on infield hit. Looked like he was favoring right knee afterward a bit…
Ugh! Not what we need right now at all.
1957 Braves Fan
July 17th, 2012
8:13 pm
Offense decided to take another day to rest.
Trey
July 17th, 2012
8:13 pm
Jerry, we have a few patient hitters.
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
8:14 pm
Kat, if MLB got it on film he will be fined.
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
8:14 pm
We need a SO or a double play BADLY
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
8:14 pm
Kat,
It’s the sign for DeGeneration-X
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
8:14 pm
I will be surprised if Jurrjens makes it out of this inning without a run scoring.
tony austin
July 17th, 2012
8:14 pm
JJ must be feeling the pressure tonight. It’s not every game you have to face a perennial all star, multi Cy Young award winning ace.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
8:15 pm
Jurrjens is looking pretty pathetic.
People will be fine if he only allows 2 ER. I still have concerns every time he hits the mound.
7-0
July 17th, 2012
8:15 pm
Just told my girlfriend, 8-0 that if the Braves lose I’m not bringing her back anymore. DANG, now she’s crying. Can’t handle it when a woman cries.
phil
July 17th, 2012
8:16 pm
I say it often…..
Baseball players are more fragile than china.
It takes nothing to hurt one.
T-Dawg
July 17th, 2012
8:17 pm
wow…just wow.
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
8:17 pm
This game is OVER
ijonathan
July 17th, 2012
8:17 pm
DOB, didn’t you write a post recently about how JJ had regained some of his velocity and was on the right track? Not tonight. 86-88 poorly located slop for the most part.
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
8:17 pm
Hahahha and there goes the double play chance. Brandon Belt has no speed either – BMac is just terrible as far as throwing runners out….One of the worst if not the worst arms by a catcher in the MLB = Brian Mccann’s arm….
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
8:18 pm
AHHH!! I am sick of this.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
8:18 pm
those early boos seem to have gotten Melkey’s juices flowing. Being flat outplayed so far
Brava
July 17th, 2012
8:18 pm
This game really sucks.
Trey
July 17th, 2012
8:18 pm
Way to go, Jurrjens.
Pace
July 17th, 2012
8:18 pm
Wow…just wow
bravesgrl4life
July 17th, 2012
8:18 pm
Get JJ out of there. My last comment is awaiting moderation. Justs saying how bad this game sucks
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
8:18 pm
That’s just ridiculous.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:18 pm
Or DX!
Best Rasslin faction of the old WWF
I Just Turned It off!
Another Pitcher who gets a hit against us, the story of the season
phil
July 17th, 2012
8:18 pm
Lol at Zito!
And Chipper…..booooooo!
Pace
July 17th, 2012
8:18 pm
And Chipper? WTF – you gotta get that slow roller.
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
8:19 pm
Listening on the radi cause we folks in Hawaii are in the giants “market.”
Radio guys absolutely savaged melky last inning for mailing it in while he as with the braves. Bordering on bitter.
bravesgrl4life
July 17th, 2012
8:19 pm
Is the reverse blog curse working again?
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
8:19 pm
Yep, just keeps getting better and better. I’m about to go spend some time with my beautiful wife.
Hmmmm
July 17th, 2012
8:19 pm
.071 average …. hit and an RBI
T-Dawg
July 17th, 2012
8:19 pm
Man….right down the middle with a blazing 87mph fastball. huh, who would have thought?
keylargo
July 17th, 2012
8:19 pm
Just noticed and it does not effect the score. Almost every Giant has a dirty uni and not a single Brave does.
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
8:19 pm
Ball game folks. hahahahah THE PITCHER gets an RBI single off of you when you need to lock down an get an out. This is the JJ people should expect to see not the lucky one from the first few starts. The Braves better pray that Minor gets better and that Ben Sheets stays healthy and is forreal because JJ will struggle this year just like he did in AAA…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
8:19 pm
Joe: “That means Buster Posey’s gonna have to go back behind the plate, and the Giants only carry two catchers…”
Ohmagosh!! WHAT?? Oh, this is terrible! Are they gonna be OK? I mean, NO team only carries two catchers!!…
Oh wait!…Yeah, nevermind…
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
8:19 pm
bravesgrl4life — Hey there girlie! Good to see you. How’s it going (besides the game obviously)?
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
8:19 pm
SF is about to blow this ball game up!!!!!
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
8:19 pm
JJ needs to be removed from this game. He’s got nothing tonight.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
8:20 pm
Chipper should have turned that bouncer into an out, but Jurrjens made yet another poor pitch.
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
8:20 pm
Its not all JJ fault..the players have no “D” tonight.
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
8:20 pm
Avilan warming in Braves bullpen
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
8:20 pm
Another walk… Well done JJ.
Arkansas Transplant
July 17th, 2012
8:20 pm
Yeah, this is aweful.
Pace
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
Mediocre pitching tonite, extremely poor D – and no offense yet – not a good day to be a Braves Fan.
Trey
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
I hate Jurrjens. What a sack of garbage.
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
Probably chalk this one up, winning streak likely over. We can’t even get a hit against Barry flippin Zito, HAHA
TNScott
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
The “Blog Curse” claims yet another victim.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
Well this is fun.
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
Yes bravesgrl4life, I already said it was DOB’s fault.
stizz
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
I can’t wait until we finally get rid of JJ. It just ain’t working out for him here anymore.
Kat
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
Yogi Berra… I’m sure it will make it online…
Brava
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
Crap.
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
LOL…eff this. Get this idiot out of the game.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
Just turned it back!
Get Double J out NOW!
T-Dawg
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
You guys just don’t understand!!! Jurjens is much better! His velocity is way up and he’s dominating again. oh wait, none of that is true.
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
Now that was just merriot……..pooooo
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
7-0 call Go Daddy Go.
Hope Braves are still looking for SP.
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
I know giving up is a blog staple, but it’s the 4th inning, guys.
phil
July 17th, 2012
8:22 pm
JJ can take one for the team if I’m FG…..
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
8:22 pm
JJ’s career is over. He will never recover. Yep. I strongly believe and stand by that. Career!
TNScott
July 17th, 2012
8:22 pm
Better hope the Nats lose to the Madoffs.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
8:22 pm
Giants playing with more urgency tonight…
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
8:22 pm
Great game Braves, great game JJ, games over and it’s not even the 5th inning, way to show up ready to pitch today JJ. Gotta feeling this is gonna be the JJ will see a lot more of the last half of the season. His advanced stats show he was VERY lucky his first few starts and he still throws quite a few 87 mph fastballs right down the middle of the plate and unless your RA Dickey that won’t cut it in the majors.
space monkey
July 17th, 2012
8:22 pm
Jurjjens is throwing BP. I think we lead the league in starting pitchers who can’t reach 90. And JJ’s command is awful.
UNCBrave
July 17th, 2012
8:22 pm
Giants win 7-1…..people still don’t think we need another starter?
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
8:22 pm
Get off your @ss Fredi!!!!!
IlliniBrave
July 17th, 2012
8:22 pm
Guess we need more pitching after all. So much for the positive vibes there DOB…
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
Gutless performance by JJ. Simply gutless.
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
BYE BYE JJ!!
M.V.P.Heyward
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
Fredi’s an idiot.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
I can see a groundball dp here. That aligns with what Jurrjens has received.
Brava
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
I miss Simmons. Everything seems to be getting through tonight.
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
Great job JJ…85mph right down the middle.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
Jurrjens with yet another mistake.
VaBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
BALLGAME.
phil
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
Joe – he stunk.
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
wow no offense no defense and no pitching and no help from the umpires….not goign to win many of those
UNCBrave
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
Get JJ OUT NOW!
B_F 54
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
JJ will abide
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
Don’t worry….Minor is pitching tomorrow.
bravesgrl4life
July 17th, 2012
8:23 pm
Hi, BravesQueen. This is ridiculous. Other than the game, I’ve got issues with the mouse pointer and touchpad on this laptop, and work is driving me crazy.
How are you doing, my friend?
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
Now the bullpen gets taxed AGAIN.
That’s why a trade is a waste of time.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
oh well ya gotta expect a streak this long to end at any time. tomorrow is another day, though I imagine thee are folks here who expect a win streak to continue forever.
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
Hey, look at the bright side. If wren had started to think we were okay after the Sheets performance, tonight oughta tell him that he’s got some more work to do. With that, you guys have a nice night. As Cartman would say, “eff you guys, I’m goin home.”
tony austin
July 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
JJ is so gone at the end of the season if not before.
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
Processing commences to find JJ an exit ramp
Bravefaninok
July 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
Gotta stop the bleeding ….
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
space monkey
July 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
I guess the asking price for Dempster just went up. Hard to negotiate from desperation.
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
11-07-12:
JJ non tendered and will look for a minor league deal with a team.
Pace
July 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
Really missing good D tonight – coulda helped slow this inning down two runs – and they wouldn’t have any runs this inning either.
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
Avilan in for Braves with 1 out in 4th inning, trailing 5-0. Have been out-hit 8-0.
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
Avilan in for Braves with 1 out in 4th inning, trailing 5-0 with bases still loaded. Have been out-hit 8-0.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:24 pm
@Trey
Damn That was harsh!
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
8:25 pm
I look forward to the day JJ is no longer a Brave.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
8:25 pm
Jurrjens really has no business being in the rotation after tonight’s effort. His location was off in a couple of his previous starts but he was able to weasel out of trouble. Tonight was just bad.
Jimbo
July 17th, 2012
8:25 pm
It”s about time Fredi got him out!
phil
July 17th, 2012
8:25 pm
jeffrey d
July 17th, 2012
8:21 pm
I know giving up is a blog staple, but it’s the 4th inning, guys.
**********
no one here is giving up….
Fire FG!!
stizz
July 17th, 2012
8:25 pm
If we unloaded JJ at the all star break last year, no telling the ransom we would have gotten in return. Now teams hang up if Wren even starts the convo with Jair’s name.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
8:25 pm
Have some fun, Luis.
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
8:25 pm
Only the Braves can get blown out by the Giants.
ijonathan
July 17th, 2012
8:26 pm
It wasn’t those arrow straight 86 mph fastballs down the middle, or hanging breaking balls…it was the defensive problems and missed calls. Yeah, that’s it.
Someone get out to the player’s lot and program Coolray stadium into JJ’s navigation system.
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
8:26 pm
@Nolieee…..you are prolly right; in blogomania the part of the brain that deals with losing is not working properly.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
8:26 pm
Nice spot to stick the kid…
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
8:26 pm
I was hearing more talk again today about how Chipper is no HOFer….
I obviously think he is, but I bring this up often.
He IS going to face opposition to getting in and a lot of it. — phil
Wanna bet? I haven’t spoken to a single writer of the opinion you just expressed. Not one.
Trey
July 17th, 2012
8:26 pm
I don’t mean it Tomahawkin
monty
July 17th, 2012
8:26 pm
Who couldn’t see that coming? That was atrocious, JJ had nothing going for him, lack of command was appalling.
bravesgrl4life
July 17th, 2012
8:27 pm
Freakin’ Posey up again? Wasn’t he up like 2 batters ago?
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
8:27 pm
http://telly.com/Q3WHC
Here’s where Melky did the obscene crotch-chop earlier.
Hmmmm
July 17th, 2012
8:27 pm
so we can add JJ to the list of Braves starters Sheets has pitched better than since the AS Break
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
8:27 pm
Let him get smacked around for 7 innings and leave him out there so the fans can let them know what they think about him. He had no location and no velocity on his stuff today it’s obvious he didn’t come ready to do his job tonight at all. Great way to start off a tough series JJ…
I’d let him eat innings and take one for the team so we don’t have to waste our BP’s arms. Don’t mind if JJ’s arm is tired after tonight since this games already a loss because of him. No sense in having a few of the bullpen guys tire themselves out because JJ didn’t come ready to do his job….
a fan
July 17th, 2012
8:27 pm
looks like a Monday on Tuesday
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
8:27 pm
Most hated MLB player: Melky Cabrera. I hated him when that trade happened, and i hate him more now. Fat slob.
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
8:27 pm
So much for a jurrgens “gem,” nolie. Gotta resist the predictions.
Radio guys say melky playing “like his hair’s on fire.” We’re playing like we’ll muss our do.
Tom
July 17th, 2012
8:27 pm
Jair has such a poor attitude on the mound
LAG
July 17th, 2012
8:27 pm
Yeah, Jurrjens didn’t help at all tonight.
On the radio, Don Sutton was commenting on the bad shape that Melky Cabrera was in two years ago. Wondering “you’re getting paid good money; why waste a year of your career like that?”
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:28 pm
Tonight was a nice night to go to a game because it wasnt so hot…
Glad I didnt go….
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
8:28 pm
Yeah, he didn’t really have much tonight.
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
8:28 pm
8 runs for the Giants in 3 turns at bat. The Giants!!!
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
8:28 pm
Right down the pike….this gift was driven to Mars
WTF
July 17th, 2012
8:28 pm
Joe Simpson get off the first run shouldn’t have scored, what about the other SEVEN (so far), and way to Oh-Lay that ball Chipper, rocket shot from the PITCHER….Is it Monday?
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
8:28 pm
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!!
This is cruel and inhuman punishment!!! Dear LORD…
1991 braves
July 17th, 2012
8:28 pm
J.J. is a joke. The guy should be sent back to Gwinnett. Yet another non quality start by a braves pitcher, what a SHOCK!! Too bad this clown couldn’t pitch better, so the braves could trade him. Now, no one will want this loser. Add to that the fact that Larry Jones has about as much range as my grandmother at 3rd base, and you have a sinking ship. Said it before many times, this is a .500 team at best, and with no pitching and no defense, it will only get worse during the dog days of summer. Wren was so desperate to cover his ass that he brought back J.J, who had shown he had nothing in AAA, but yet it is what it is. The braves have no pitching, no manager, and certainly no G.M. And they have a 40 yr old that moves like he is in quicksand playing 3rd. base. What a joke this team is. OOPS, Zito who is over 40 just got a hit off of the wonderful J.J., let’s see, 8 hits, 5 runs, in 3 1/3 innings, what a great job J.J and WREN
phil
July 17th, 2012
8:28 pm
Zero offense.
Little defense.
Losing 5-0.
Make that 8-0…..ugly stuff tonight and it it isn’t even dark yet.
We can thank DOB for the overly cheery blog, I guess. Gotta be that.
EE
July 17th, 2012
8:28 pm
Not trying to completely stick up for JJ, but has anyone noticed how badly Simmons is being missed? I’ve seen like 3 line drives right at shortstop that Simmons wouldve gotten to whether it be his glove or just placement on the field… Thoughts?
JC Brave
July 17th, 2012
8:28 pm
BOOM!
Go Braves!
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
8:28 pm
JJ will be a Boras free agent
Jerry
July 17th, 2012
8:29 pm
I know giving up is a blog staple, but it’s the 4th inning, guys….jeffrey d
It’s now 8-0 jeffrey. Can we please give up now? Pretty please?
M.V.P.Heyward
July 17th, 2012
8:29 pm
against one of the weakest hitting team in MLB.
This is terrible.
& as always, Fredi’s little tardy.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
8:29 pm
I had a feeling this game would be ugly tonight. Jurrjens was due for a terrible outing because he no longer has the stuff to get major league hitters out.
Juan
July 17th, 2012
8:29 pm
Why a lefty to face Posey?….
bostonbravo
July 17th, 2012
8:29 pm
JJ NOT en fuego tonite…
where is Derek Lowe when we need him??
Pace
July 17th, 2012
8:30 pm
EE – yeah, Simmons probably gets two of those, maybe all 3, but we’ll never know. It seems like the Braves just aren’t into it tonite.
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
8:30 pm
is there anyone in our system that throws harder than 90 mph besides ben sheets and kimbrel
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
8:30 pm
@LAG….by all accounts Melk was not motivated; nor invested significantly…..and, well, he got away with it.
TNScott
July 17th, 2012
8:30 pm
space monkey
July 17th, 2012
8:22 pm
Jurjjens is throwing BP. I think we lead the league in starting pitchers who can’t reach 90. And JJ’s command is awful.
Yes, although there is at least one who pitches ever few days with a 90+ fastball regularly but can’t crack the rotation because of the manager.
Bravefaninok
July 17th, 2012
8:30 pm
Just a Touchdown and a Field goal and we are right back in this!
Charlie
July 17th, 2012
8:30 pm
JJ has pitched with his head up his nut cup. Fredi hasn’t seemed to notice. (No surprise there.) Prado, Bourn, and Chipper have mailed this game in, defensively…and then there is Worthless Dan Uggla, who continues to be his typical Worhless Dan self. I feel badly for anyone who paid money to watch a most unprofessional effort from the Atlanta Braves.
What a joke. Pitiful, pathetic, and disgusting.
Time to trun to another game….an professional baseball game, played with a measure of actual effort.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
8:30 pm
every year it seems to be one part of the team that fails to do as well as expected. one year the starters, another the hitting, a third the pen. be nice to have one season where everything works the way it should, but that is pretty much baseball….
Brava
July 17th, 2012
8:30 pm
This is a blowout. I’m turning this piss-poor all around performance off. Sure hope they play better tomorrow as I’ll be going to the game with a large group and it will be the last game I get to see at the Ted with my son before he goes off to law school.
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
8:30 pm
bravesgrl4life — I’m surviving, one day at a time, you know. Keeping my eye on the ‘prize’…the end of chemo hopefully by September. We should talk sometime soon.
Juan
July 17th, 2012
8:30 pm
Ok….We will see Prado pitching tonight
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
8:31 pm
If they mention Zito’s great run support or Buster Friggin’ Posey ONE MORE TIME, I’m going to ’splode!…
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
8:31 pm
JJ HAS TO GO. PERIOD.
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
8:31 pm
‘91 Braves….just shut up.
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
8:32 pm
Cruel and unusual punishment. How can they look so good for 7 games just to look so TERRIBLE (and like they’ve never played a game) in this one. Drives me batty!!
nolie
July 17th, 2012
8:32 pm
we are burning their O out tonight so they will go meekly the rest of the series. always a silver lining if you look hard enuff
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
8:32 pm
Through 4 innings – BUSTER POSEY has 3 more hits and 5 more RBI’s than the ENTIRE BRAVES TEAM. Hahahah PATHETIC!!!!!!!
Bat Masterson
July 17th, 2012
8:32 pm
McFann @ 8:19
Chop
July 17th, 2012
8:32 pm
At this point, I’m just hoping the Braves can avoid getting no-hit.
Mister Frisky
July 17th, 2012
8:32 pm
Time to package JJ,Uggla,and every other weak link to anybody for anything just to free up $ for 2013.
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
8:32 pm
Where’s JJ going? Nowhere. Even if they get another starter, Minor will be the guy who goes.
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
8:32 pm
Whatever faith anyone had left in JJ should be gone after tonight’s game.
gcs
July 17th, 2012
8:33 pm
It looks like the real Jair is back.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:33 pm
This Bores Me, Time for Repo Games
I’m Glad It was over early because it seemed as if all the games over the weekend were near 3.5 hours long…
nolie
July 17th, 2012
8:33 pm
no-hit is ok, get it all out of their system….
David O'Brien
July 17th, 2012
8:33 pm
Leesburg, GA’s Buster Posey opened a can on Bravos tonight.. Giants up 8-0 after six-run 4th inning.
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
8:33 pm
bad defense by mccann bourn prado(twice) chipper jurrjens and according to the errors stat we are playing a flawless game….its why that is a useless stat
Backdoor Slider
July 17th, 2012
8:33 pm
FREDI LOGIC
Why doesn’t Fredi use one of his better relievers in a “trouble situation” where the game is one the line?
Fredi always seems to go by a “plug in” formula.
No creative thinking with Fredi.
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
8:33 pm
Sorry, Don S., but the Braves are not going to be doing any catching up tonight… just don’t feel it.
BravesfaninAugusta
July 17th, 2012
8:34 pm
Jair really doesn’t like all-star breaks, does he?
Woody Woodward
July 17th, 2012
8:34 pm
Are we still standing pat on the starters? Sheesh.
Harry Wright
July 17th, 2012
8:34 pm
What the heck is going on here
Pace
July 17th, 2012
8:34 pm
I want to see the Braves actually score some here. Zito will be coming right after the hitters – gotta make him work still. I hate to see all three facets of the game fail to show up on the same day. At least show some O now!
njbraves
July 17th, 2012
8:34 pm
JJ was awful tonight, but he’s been much better since he was called back up. I don’t trust him at all, but they’re stuck with him.
TNScott
July 17th, 2012
8:35 pm
Brava-With your son heading off to law school, you made to ditch the game and stay home and watch “Extreme Couponing.”
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
8:35 pm
A merciful end to the inning. What is the deal with Braves relievers failing to strand inherited runners. It is almost like they refuse to prevent the previous pitcher runners from scoring.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
8:35 pm
Bat M—
T-Dawg
July 17th, 2012
8:35 pm
The good news is we might actually see the need to pick up a starting pitcher. The bad news, that new pitcher is…drum roll………Randal Delgado. wooooohoooo.
Hmmmm
July 17th, 2012
8:35 pm
“so they will go meekly the rest of the series”
Mike Minor: I like the sound of that!
TBbravesfan
July 17th, 2012
8:35 pm
well we had a pretty good run there for 7 games time to come back down to earth.
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
8:35 pm
This is why talking about Jurrjens’ “resurgence” was a little premature. He still wasn’t striking out hitters. When your stuff isn’t good enough to strikeout out even 4 per 9, eventually, this is what’s going to happen. With worse luck, this could have happened in just about any of his starts since Boston. Jurrjens is just not a very good pitcher right now. Maybe he’s hurt, maybe he’s just lost it. But something has to happen to fix this, or it’s over for him.
phil
July 17th, 2012
8:36 pm
It’s not my opinion, Dave. It’s just crap I hear. Probably a minority of folks for all I know, none of which are the writers you mention. There will be objections voiced to his election, whether any of us like it or not.
It comes up often on talk radio. I’m not making this stuff up.
Andrelton Simmons
July 17th, 2012
8:36 pm
Fredi G and Frank Wren are perfectly fine sending out BUMS like JJ and Minor every 5th day and stealing the fans hard earned money who come to see the Braves,
BUT they REFUSE to give Kris Medlen who proved he’s a SUB 3.70 ERA starting pitcher in the MLB a SINGLE CHANCE to start this year. PATHETIC and EMBARRASSING!!!!!!
Fire Fredi G and Fire Frank Wren this is a joke…
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
July 17th, 2012
8:36 pm
wow, turned the channel while it was 3-0 & turn back 5 minutes later…8-0. all with 2 outs right?? had JJ gotten the runner out at first, none of this, well maybe, would’ve happened. Pathetic!!
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
8:36 pm
hitters have to be slapping themselves when they see jurrjens on the mound….86 right down the middle and no secondary pitches worth even worrying about? thats like high school pitching
Bravefaninok
July 17th, 2012
8:36 pm
Lets see some of that Never quit attitude all the guys were giving in the post-game quotes last week!!!
Score some frickin runs and make a game of this win or lose,don’t just mail it in!!!!!!!!!
Hot err
July 17th, 2012
8:36 pm
How fast can we get Jair to Ben Sheets doctor?
Choppinmama
July 17th, 2012
8:36 pm
Who knew we’d have to put a shift on when JJ pitches?? How many went thru the hole for the Giants? Wonder what our win stats are being 8 runs behind in the 4th? Not good.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:36 pm
Damn lol…A lot of new cats on here blogging tonight…Looks like last September….
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
8:37 pm
Why would Braves be stuck with that piece of junk? I rather have Delgado hit the rubber. Watch, he will pitch better against NATS soon.
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
8:37 pm
A bright star….Prado breaks up the no-hitter!
MiaBchBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
8:37 pm
Got payroll to do. G’night, denizens. Just irritated listening to this garbage in the background.
Truth be told, for a pitcher of JJ’s ilk, too much rest is a bad thing. He’ll look better next start. Power pitchers like Ben Sheets always benefit from a lot of rest. Hanson, Hudson, JJ, and Minor have the kind of mechanics that demand constant reps; too much rest makes ‘em look lost.
LAG
July 17th, 2012
8:38 pm
1991 braves – Barry Zito is 34, which, last I checked, is still younger than 40. If you’re gonna rant, be accurate.
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
8:38 pm
DELGADO 4.52 ERA
JUNK-JUNK 6.20 ERA
Why the hell are we “stuck with him” someone needs to explain!!!!
IlliniBrave
July 17th, 2012
8:39 pm
While Posey’s 5 RBIs is discouraging, having the opposing pitcher Zito drive in two himself is flat-out embarrassing.
Choppinmama
July 17th, 2012
8:39 pm
bravesgrl4life -
didn’t I see your post a few days ago about going to the “We love U Chipper” game on 9/28? Sec 111? Gonna be there too, Sec 113. Gotta have a meet and greet up on the concourse!
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
8:39 pm
Jason hits so much better on the road. Hasn’t had the power numbers at Turner Field.
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
8:40 pm
This is why talking about Jurrjens’ “resurgence” was a little premature.
No starter since the break not named Sheets has done well. He had a bad night but overall he has been better than what he was before his demotion. He is not the JJ of old, don’t know if he ever will be again but when he’s been able to locate he has kept the runs down. Didn’t do that tonight and got lit up like most of our starters post all-star break.
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
8:41 pm
The Braves might want to just pack it in now. They look lifeless and bored. I guess they got tired of winning games.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
8:41 pm
Jair had a few outings like this in Gwinnett. Two, I believe, where he allowed 8 ER’s or more.
phil
July 17th, 2012
8:41 pm
Have never seen McFann so upset….lol!
This too shall pass!
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
8:42 pm
This game is indeed over. At least you don’t have to worry about a no-hitter. Get ‘em tomorrow.
Busch Leaguer
July 17th, 2012
8:42 pm
Ring ,ring .Hello Theo Epstein ? Yes. Frank Wren here. Who do you want? Take your pick any one you would like. We’ll take Dempster and Garza off your hands.Minor ,Delgado ,Terdo and a player to be named later ,you got it. Nice doing business with you.
Murph
July 17th, 2012
8:42 pm
MFiiiiiin… oh MFIIIIIN…
What do you think of your boy now?
Hmmmm
July 17th, 2012
8:42 pm
Mets get a runner to 3rd with 0 outs but can’t bring him the rest of the way
IlliniBrave
July 17th, 2012
8:43 pm
So here is where Fredi ahould resist the temptation to blow through his entire bullpen in one nite, and instead let one of the middle relievers take one for the team.
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
8:43 pm
MFin04 just sticks up for his boy. I disagree with him, but there’s no reason to gloat. Jurrjens giving up 8 runs doesn’t help anyone.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
8:44 pm
Dude, I think somebody at the factory took a bite out of my Drumstick cone…
Not cool.
Choppinmama
July 17th, 2012
8:44 pm
IlliniBrave – someone told Zito the guys on tv said his batting stance looked like a guy with a metal detector before he got his first hit. Couple of “I’ll show ‘em” hits.
phil
July 17th, 2012
8:44 pm
Junk Junk….
I like it! And he sure looked it tonight…sigh.
bitman
July 17th, 2012
8:44 pm
I see the JJ we sent down has returned….
nolie
July 17th, 2012
8:44 pm
what does talk radio have to do with the writers who will elect him? The whole idea of talk radio is to get folks all agitated to pump up the calls. there is very little ever said on most of them that makes any logical sense. its a place for overemotional idiots to rant and rave. its about as real as reality TV shows. Chipper is a HOFer who will go in either first or second year depending on who is on the ballot
smallmouth6
July 17th, 2012
8:45 pm
A mail in game tonight. Be back tomorrow!
7-0
July 17th, 2012
8:46 pm
Girlfriend, 8-0 finally stopped crying, looked up at the scoreboard and said “see I brought you good luck tonight, it’s 8-0″. (Yep, she’s blonde) All I could say was “yeah, right”! She’s taking a taxi home tonight!
ijonathan
July 17th, 2012
8:46 pm
I think our starting pitcher tonight was actually Jair-Jair-Stinks. He was also very annoying as a digital image in a really bad sci fi flick.
IlliniBrave
July 17th, 2012
8:47 pm
This San Fran team is a tough one to like – can’t stand Belt, Panda, Melky, Pagan, Lincecum or Wilson.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:47 pm
The Curley W’s are Winning Tonight! Not Good and their Bandwagon is in full effect mode
1991 braves
July 17th, 2012
8:47 pm
Lag, you are such an idiot. Is that all you can come back with. Typical non-intelligent braves fan.Try coming back with an intelligent remark. Or better yet, just stay quiet, like your favorite manager and G.M.
Kat
July 17th, 2012
8:48 pm
WHAT?! Is going on?
UNCBrave
July 17th, 2012
8:48 pm
The only “Good” thing about this game is it may force Frank Seems hand to make a deal…
Brian from SC
July 17th, 2012
8:48 pm
Jurrjens got four swinging strikes from 21 batters faced. 2 of those were by Zito.
Besides Zito, the Giants took 26 swings and connected on 24 of them.
IlliniBrave
July 17th, 2012
8:48 pm
Zito seems to be better at bunting that just about everybody not named Prado or Hudson on the Braves roster.
JC Brave
July 17th, 2012
8:48 pm
DELGADO 4.52 ERA
JUNK-JUNK 6.20 ERA
Why the hell are we “stuck with him” someone needs to explain!!!!
JJ is trade deadline bait… His performance was great until tonight, sadly. But if he gets better in his next couple of starts, he might get the Braves something acceptable in return via a trade…
Just saying…
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
8:48 pm
Starters need to pick it up. Everybody expected some struggles from Sheets but its been everybody else sucking it up. Maybe some post break rustiness but we’re not going to score 7 or 8 runs every night. These guys have to do better.
This reminds me of a Monday, might as well let the Giants score all they want in game 1 and hope they suck the rest of the series.
UNCBrave
July 17th, 2012
8:49 pm
Wrens..my stupid new phone
TheOnlyBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
8:49 pm
what a laugher….
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
8:49 pm
Nothing is going well in this game.
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
8:50 pm
Greeting…@BravesQueen….and many prayers of help to you!
bitman
July 17th, 2012
8:50 pm
I don’t know what JJ does on All Star breaks, but he really needs to stop. It’s becoming career threatening…
bravesgrl4life
July 17th, 2012
8:50 pm
I turned it off. Just can’t watch. Later, peoples.
brian
July 17th, 2012
8:51 pm
wonder if we could get any prospect for Jurrjens. Maybe KC sends us a low A or below prospect with a good arm for Jurrjens
brian
July 17th, 2012
8:51 pm
great catch by Prado
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
8:51 pm
CaptMudd — Good to see you friend. Thank you so much!
TuffShhhtuff
July 17th, 2012
8:51 pm
Think I will turn over and watch the Mets-Gnats, at least it’s a good game at 1-0 Wash. Cyaaaaaaaaaa
nolie
July 17th, 2012
8:51 pm
just concentrate on how well they are gonna bounce back tomorrow.
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
8:52 pm
Besides Zito, the Giants took 26 swings and connected on 24 of them
He pitches to contact, right? None of that stuff matters Brian……
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
8:52 pm
imagined if you piad 50 bucks to see this crap……and thats just on concessions
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:52 pm
If there is a positive note, we havent been Blown The F out In a Few weeks
Someone Call 911!!!
IlliniBrave
July 17th, 2012
8:52 pm
How in the hell did Blanco score from 2nd on an infield sngle?
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
8:52 pm
Only thing Prado doesn’t do is pitch
Busch Leaguer
July 17th, 2012
8:52 pm
Ring ,ring. Theo? Yes. Frank Wren Again. How much do you and WGN want to take that idiot Chip Carey back?
IlliniBrave
July 17th, 2012
8:52 pm
Er, Crawford on Blanco’s single.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
8:52 pm
urgency, Illini
Barves
July 17th, 2012
8:53 pm
lol….
Enter your comments here
JC Brave
July 17th, 2012
8:53 pm
You all knew the Braves HAD to reach 40 loses before 50 wins. I expected a loss today regardless of the visiting team or the opposing pitcher. It’s a Braves’ law.
phil
July 17th, 2012
8:53 pm
Well, Nolie….
Nothing. But it does keep coming up, which pisses me off.
I guess i’m just sensitive to declaring sure things after what happened with Dale Murphy. He was called an HOFer prematurely, then bam, wheels fell off.
Same with Chipper. Bam, starts getting hurt all the time. Chipper rallied, obviously, and kept producing, but i ain’t putting the cart before the cow this time, no matter what everyone keeps saying.
So there. When i hear that crap all the time, it concerns me. When i hear what dave said about his fellow writers, i feel much better. But still.
LAG
July 17th, 2012
8:53 pm
1991 braves – Lag, you are such an idiot. Is that all you can come back with. Typical non-intelligent braves fan.Try coming back with an intelligent remark. Or better yet, just stay quiet, like your favorite manager and G.M.
Translation: “I was wrong about Barry Zito’s age and got called out on it, but instead of admitting my mistake, I’ll attack whoever called me out with insults and name-calling and tell him what to do so I can feel like a big man behind this computer screen. And then I’ll set up a straw man argument that FG and FW are his favorite manager and GM and attack him for that. Yeah, I’m the man behind this computer screen!”
Have a nice day, Sir Troll.
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
8:54 pm
Good thing we signed that Sheets guy, only quality start post break. What were the odds of that happening
TNScott
July 17th, 2012
8:54 pm
The question is will we get swept by the Giants since we typically play .500 at home? Borrowing a phrase from the Sonic commercial I just watched, this game isn’t “funky fresh.”
Dawg '88
July 17th, 2012
8:55 pm
So much for a better rotation.
Jair back to normal.
Barves
July 17th, 2012
8:55 pm
@Busch Leaguer
Len & Bob are too damn good to take Caray back.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
8:56 pm
Yay, BMac!…
You OK?…
FSUBrave
July 17th, 2012
8:56 pm
deeper rotation? hold on tonto..jurrjens, delgado, and minor are far from making it deep..and sheets has only had 1 start…we are hardly deep…still need a trade…
phil
July 17th, 2012
8:57 pm
Chip and Don are HOF announcers, clearly…
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
8:57 pm
U didnt Think Cy-Zit would own us tonight…but we were due for one of these Laughers
IlliniBrave
July 17th, 2012
8:58 pm
Being dominated by a crappy pitcher just sux
Pace
July 17th, 2012
8:58 pm
Hey – good to see Uggla hustle – not a bright spot, but gotta keep positive
nolie
July 17th, 2012
8:58 pm
Murph had nowhere near the career that Chipper has had.
and although Chipper has been hurt he has continued to produce. Dale just fell apart without any injuries at all. and thats what those radio guys want, to get you all upset. why give them the satisfaction?
ACE
July 17th, 2012
9:00 pm
DOB are you saying that Chipper will go in with a higher percentage than Seaver? Since you said you haven’t heard any opposition. Chipper certainly should be in the HOF. He will probably get in with 79-85%.
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
9:00 pm
another stinger off the bat
Efrim
July 17th, 2012
9:01 pm
Like I was saying earlier today, it’s how they bounce back from a loss. They haven’t done that well this year – so it’d be nice if the team hits Vogelsong hard tomorrow and gives Polished some early breathing room.
TBbravesfan
July 17th, 2012
9:01 pm
McFann-
hey has chip mentioned Buster posey’s name tonight
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
9:01 pm
Chuck and Chernoff Should Be Interesting tomorrow…
Matt Chernoff is gonna rip Double J and Persuade Frank Wren To Go out and Get F. Liriano
ACE
July 17th, 2012
9:01 pm
Good job by Fredi to leave JJ in long enough to let the game get out of hand.
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:01 pm
Don just said Sandoval was in better shape this year.
Don is losing his mind. Quickly.
Busch Leaguer
July 17th, 2012
9:02 pm
@Barves
Maybe WGN will take Chip back to host the Bozo the Clown show.Or maybe they need a new weather man or traffic reporter. Maybe the Iowa Cubs could use him ,all I know is I can’t take his schtick any more it sucks out loud.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
9:02 pm
TBbravesfan—
He has? Gosh, I hadn’t even noticed…
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
9:02 pm
reports are cubs r going to trade dempster by the end of the week and jurrjens shouldnt be on the team by the end of the week…..get it done wren
IlliniBrave
July 17th, 2012
9:02 pm
Names may change but the results are the same – the 7-8-9 part of the lineup is still a black hole.
ray k.
July 17th, 2012
9:02 pm
Pace: Hey – good to see Uggla hustle –
Oh, he hustled us all right. Right out of 60 million.
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:03 pm
Figured Jurjrens was due to have a bad night tonight, but man the ump, the defense, the missing the bag and this game is a shutout. I guess that is how baseball goes sometimes. Tough to see this though…
stizz
July 17th, 2012
9:04 pm
HAHAHA at Joe stopping himself from insulting Melky.
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
9:05 pm
Really do hope Sheets works out. This whole rotation since Beachy has been injured has just been a roller coaster. Sheets and a possible trade for a starter (not named Garza or Grienke I hope) could go a long way with the addition of a bullpen arm.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
9:05 pm
Dammit!
Still 30 minutes til Worlds Worst Tenants come on….
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:05 pm
I have never and will never call in to one of those radio deals, but it does bug me to hear that question….
Is chipper jones an HOFer?
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 17th, 2012
9:06 pm
The ghost of Melky Cabrera has returned…….
TheOnlyBravesFan
July 17th, 2012
9:06 pm
I still remember bloggers saying that JJ was “fixed” and ready to rescue our rotation. They started piling on the praise after 1 start. Not blaming tonight entirely on JJ (though he wasn’t great), but he hasn’t been dominant since returning… His stuff is still average.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
9:06 pm
Game sucks… but that’s baseball, I have always said that Jurrjens was due to come back to earth, been saying that for years, if your k/BB ratio is almost 1 it’s hard to succed in mLB unless you get a ton of ground balls (like Hudson) if you look, the two years JJ has been excellent he did that (over 50% GB%) otherswise, he’s very hittable
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:07 pm
haters gotta hate, its their raison d’être
Choppinmama
July 17th, 2012
9:07 pm
Whaaaat? Posey made an out????
IlliniBrave
July 17th, 2012
9:07 pm
I’m definitely one of those wanting a trade for a starter, but why are so many wanting Dumpster, who is having a rennaissance year which is likely a one-off, rather than a younger guy with great stuff like Garza or Geinke? Sure both of them have had some problems this year, but unless you’re wanting a two-month rental, I don’t see why we’d want Dumpster over a younger arm.
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
9:07 pm
yea, Ugglas ba is down to around 2oo
NickB
July 17th, 2012
9:07 pm
Chipper still great with that down the line roller play
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
9:07 pm
Did he say God didn’t make little green apples…and it don’t rain in Minneapolis in the summertime?
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
9:07 pm
@Phil
lol, Dont Call in on The Chuck and Chernoff Show on 680AM
If you p’s off Chuck Oliver, He will hang up on you…
Nerdville
July 17th, 2012
9:08 pm
You can’t trust this team. They didn’t even show up to play tonight. They got the big head because they swept the Mets, who aren’t a very good team. Tonight you are seeing how bad they can be when they have to play a good team. They’ll probably lose the next 7 or 8. Just watch.
Ralph
July 17th, 2012
9:08 pm
Did I read the head line right for this story “IMPROVED ROTATION – deeper line up”, is this a hoax or another DOB jinx?
IlliniBrave
July 17th, 2012
9:08 pm
nolie: love the French accentuation. How do you do that on this blog?
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:08 pm
Missing the bag covering first is not just how the game goes sometimes.
You NEVER see that.
It’s just symptomatic of everything that’s off with the guy.
Whiff covering first?
TBbravesfan
July 17th, 2012
9:08 pm
McFann-
I think he invented the ” HOTDOG”
Murph
July 17th, 2012
9:09 pm
Figured Jurjrens was due to have a bad night tonight
If my math is correct, and I might not have carried a 1 or something, this makes 5 bad nights out of 9.
Let’s see… if 5 out of 10 is 50%… then 5 out of 9 is… ummmmm… well, I dunno. Not major league material.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:09 pm
tonight we’re the bug….
NickB
July 17th, 2012
9:10 pm
Illini
well, Dempster is hot right now and is gone next year freeing up $$$
Garza sucks
Greinke will probably cost a minimum of $18 mill a year (and that’s only if he MUST be a Brave or he will just die)
it’s money really
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
9:10 pm
braves starters since the break:
4 G 18.2 IP 27 H 18 ER
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:11 pm
Gutless cowards hang up on people….
Chipper is 0-2 tonight….writers take note!
Choppinmama
July 17th, 2012
9:11 pm
With a game like this, one of the “positives” I take from it is thinking “man, I’m sure glad I didn’t go to this one!”
NickB
July 17th, 2012
9:11 pm
nolie
can’t always be the windshield, even the ‘27 Yankees lost 7 double digit games that year
I may have made that last part up
Mitchell
July 17th, 2012
9:11 pm
Why is it not the least bit surprising that the low scoring San Francisco Giants have nine runs through six innings against the Braves in Turner Field?
It’s one thing for a starter to have a bad outing but why does that also mean the Braves never score any runs when that happens?
At least score one run.
I said you’d rather have to face Matt Cain than get beat by Barry Zito for the millionth time.
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
9:11 pm
I wouldn’t be mad if Braves signed Liriano a south paw that could be resigned .
TuffShhhtuff
July 17th, 2012
9:11 pm
There’s a good new song for Luke Bryan since he’s from Leesburg too. “Ring Around the Posey” They could play it each time the Giants come to Atlanta, when he comes to bat. Chip might even like it.
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:12 pm
Nah he had four good starts and 1 decent start tonight. He wasn’t sharp, but very well could have had a shutout if the defense was good behind him tonight and he didn’t miss first base. It’s baseball, sometimes crap happens.
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
9:12 pm
Enter your comments here
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:12 pm
Illini
http://www.theworldofstuff.com/characters/
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:12 pm
That’s less than a run per inning since the break….
All is well in starter land.
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
9:14 pm
I think Liriano would be nice. Dempster I like but a lot of people are in on him so i’m not crazy about our chances. Never really impressed with Garza, and I don’t think Greinke is a good fit.
Predictable
July 17th, 2012
9:15 pm
Big surprise. The Braves lay a big turd on National TV. This should answer any questions about whether Jurrjens is “back” or not. Go get another arm Wren.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:15 pm
Hello, Tonya?
his name is Jair and he’s a Braves pitcher
yeah,b4 his next start please….
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:15 pm
I suppose with Hudson, Hanson, and Jurrjens not at their best form, Mike Minor has to be due for a great start right?
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
9:15 pm
With a game like this, one of the “positives” I take from it is thinking “man, I’m sure glad I didn’t go to this one!”
My thoughts exactly.
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:15 pm
This was no decent start….
But there’s always tomorrow. You know, that’s when the sun will come out.
ChattTownBrian
July 17th, 2012
9:16 pm
JJ isn’t perfectly pin point, he is very hittable. Lost velocity and lack of balls = trade his butt for a bench bat.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:16 pm
another positive is that they just gotta be better tomorrow
Tomahawk Mafia
July 17th, 2012
9:16 pm
I wish the Braves could start this game over with a different approach and attitude.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
9:16 pm
when I looked at the matchups i thought “knowing the Braves they will lose to Zito, destroy Voglesong and the Bumgarner game will come down to a bullpen matchup late”
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:17 pm
One arm won’t come close.
All 5 are suspect…insert whomever as the 5.
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
9:17 pm
This should answer any questions about whether Jurrjens is “back” or not.
Is anyone on our rotation “back”? Seriously, have you guys watched our starters since the break? If not for Sheets, the pen and some great offense this could have been a brutal start after the break.
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:17 pm
Where does this offense go some nights? Guy has a terrible ERA on the road at night and somehow…just dominates us. Strange game tonight.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:18 pm
whah
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
9:18 pm
braves starters since the break:
4 G 18.2 IP 27 H 18 ER
and most shocking of all: 3-1 in that stretch after tonight
NickB
July 17th, 2012
9:18 pm
lefty’s with slow stuff just seem to own the Braves
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
9:18 pm
Sometimes “nolie” goes off in leftfield(or the cornfield) all by himself, and I just don’t follow him. Anybody else?
Ralph
July 17th, 2012
9:19 pm
What the hell has happened to our pitching, One day they are great and the next time out they are terriable, Delgado goes down to AAA and gets bombed, Teheran gets worse everytime out, Minor can’t get past the 5th inning, you never know what to expect from Huddy or Hanson, the offense has carried this team lately but that could come to a halt any day, it has today already. I can’t see protecting those young arms any longer, better trade them while they still have a little bit of trade value, that is if they still do.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:19 pm
what didn’t you follow?
Murph
July 17th, 2012
9:19 pm
Nah he had four good starts and 1 decent start tonight.
Please, explain to us all how 3.1 IP, 8 ER, 8 H, 3 BB, and one lonely K equate to a decent start? I’ve got to hear this.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
9:19 pm
wins are wins, be it 3 straight shutouts or 3 straight 10-9 wins in 12 innings, i’ll take em anyway I can get em
Tomahawkin
July 17th, 2012
9:20 pm
I warned you about the Curley W’s
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
9:20 pm
JJ may get another start if we don’t get a starter..otherwise he’s dead meat.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
July 17th, 2012
9:21 pm
TBbravesfan—
Ah, that could be. Guess I won’t be eating hotdogs ever agian…
NickB
July 17th, 2012
9:21 pm
Ralph
they are 21 and 22 years old, you don’t just haphazardly panick trade young piching when it struggles, struggling is good for young pitchers, it teaches them that they need to learn how to pitch and that their stuff alone won’t carry them to the promised land.
Trade one of em sure, but you trade all of em, well what do the Braves have in 2015? They don’t have the $$$ to just go buy pitching
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
9:22 pm
“TM” I think FG needs to put some “spies” out to see what the Braves players do on their Sunday nights before a Monday game, and on Mondays when they are off at home. Beginning to get kinda strange? In other words, today would be their Monday this week since they were off yesterday. I’m gonna count this as another MONDAY loss.
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:22 pm
He got 10 outs, murph….
Decent.
mpimentel
July 17th, 2012
9:23 pm
And suddendly we are back yo earth…yeah we need another arm
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:23 pm
Murph do you watch the games, honestly? Or do you just have to hate on Jurrjens for everything. He didn’t pitch great tonight, but he really wasn’t the cause of all the runs. The defense was really bad behind him tonight, the ump screwed him early on and made him throw more pitches, and he made a bad play missing the bag in the big inning. This game was a few plays away from stilling being tied. It isn’t and they are down 9-0, I get that. But to act like this was some terrible meltdown and that he isn’t a good pitcher who has had 4 great starts besides tonight, is ridiculous.
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
9:23 pm
The “Hello, Tonya” one. What the heck was that all about?
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
9:23 pm
Well, this game isn’t worth staying awake for. I’m off to bed. Goodnight friends. See ya next go-round.
McFann — Can you please be sure to let cab know I said goodnight. Thx! <3
cowdogit
July 17th, 2012
9:23 pm
Since Chipper replaced Canstanza the braves are playing under five hundred.
Bravefaninok
July 17th, 2012
9:24 pm
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:15 pm
Hello, Tonya?
his name is Buster and he’s a Giants catcher
yeah,b4 his next start please….
Mcfann……… LOL
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:24 pm
he got some bad calls early and IMP Jair doesn’t handle that kinda stuff very well
can you understand that Itisi ?
Mitchell
July 17th, 2012
9:25 pm
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:05 pm
I have never and will never call in to one of those radio deals, but it does bug me to hear that question….
Is chipper jones an HOFer?
No way is Chipper an Hall of Famer.
He is on the other hand a Hall of Famer.
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:25 pm
Other than the moonshot 3 run double, avilan was decent….
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
9:25 pm
If the Giants are like the braves of recent pasts, they’re going to max out their runs scored for the series tonight and struggle the rest of the way.
Mitchell
July 17th, 2012
9:25 pm
Or will be.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:25 pm
Tonya Harding had her opponent crippled so she couldn’t play against her. I was asking for her help getting rid of Jair
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:25 pm
From the looks of it, the Braves weren’t going to win this one against Cy Young Zito anyway, yowza.
Kat
July 17th, 2012
9:26 pm
For those who didn’t see it (as it may be the most entertaining part of the game tonight) Melky showed the crowd how happy he was to be back in Atlanta by giving them a crotch chop — http://www.twitvid.com/Q3WHC
cowdogit
July 17th, 2012
9:26 pm
I don’t know why Constanza won’t return my calls……
Yogi Berra
July 17th, 2012
9:26 pm
Goodnight BravesQueen..God bless.
Bravefaninok
July 17th, 2012
9:26 pm
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
9:23 pm
The “Hello, Tonya” one. What the heck was that all about?
Google Tonja Harding
Ice Skater……
cowdogit
July 17th, 2012
9:26 pm
Sometimes ,when I’m in a happy mood, I bake him muffins and fed-ex them to his house
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:26 pm
that is the strategy Jake W. let them get it out of their systems
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:26 pm
Thank you, Mitchell, for noting the spelling liberty I took in conveying my point.
1991 braves
July 17th, 2012
9:27 pm
Carey should be a D.J. at the Pink Pony. He thinks he is that pretty, And Sutton and Simpson should rewrite the book baseball 101, both of them think they know everything about baseball. Newsflash, they don’t know anymore than the average blogger on this blog. But, maybe sutton with his long curly hair, and carey with his pretty boy face could start a T.V. show in atlanta called Dumb&Dumber!!
B_F 54
July 17th, 2012
9:27 pm
I think you nailed it and the pitcher’s”hit”didn’t do much good either JJ could get mad and come back strong next time
ACE
July 17th, 2012
9:28 pm
Post game quottage, Fredi, Just have to keep running JJ out there. Tip your cap to the giants players tonight.
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
9:28 pm
Oh, OK, but you guys need to keep up. That was like yesterday! I can only concentrate on the “present”, not the past, nor the future!
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:28 pm
Wow did Melky really do that? Man, Braves fans have every right to boo him, guy was a joke in LF for us. Heck even Loaf might have been better.
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
9:28 pm
Goodnight, Yogi Berra. God bless you too.
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
9:29 pm
Mets just got a 3 run HR to take the lead 3-2 . Thank the Lord for small miracles!
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:29 pm
I’ll try to “keep up” better, I promise…..
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:30 pm
Nats are gonna fade, just watch
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
9:30 pm
Top of the 9th BTW, and Davey J wants a review. I think it was out! A fan did touch it though.
BravesQueen
July 17th, 2012
9:30 pm
Ha, the Mets HR is ‘under review’.
brian
July 17th, 2012
9:30 pm
Avilan seems to have settled down
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
9:30 pm
Hey, nolie, if you can’t “ketchup” at least try to “mustard” OK?
Sopheee
July 17th, 2012
9:31 pm
Holy fudge, what happened? Guess I picked a good one to miss.
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
9:31 pm
I think its time to reach in the minors and call up some better announcers. Joe Simpson is lower on my depth chart than Chip at this point and that takes work.
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
9:32 pm
The Mets-Gnats game is the difference, with the Braves losing, of a two and a half, or three and a half game lead. That was off Clippard too, wow!
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:32 pm
I’ll try to “cut the mustard”
Mitchell
July 17th, 2012
9:32 pm
The Giants won the World Series two years ago and have thrown two no hitters in the past three years.
They are most certainly not like the Braves.
Murph
July 17th, 2012
9:33 pm
MFin, I did watch… right up until they were down 8-0. Then I put on America’s Got Talent.
I won’t deny that JJ has had 4 good starts… problem is, that’s 4 out of 9 starts this season. That doesn’t count all the eggs he laid in AAA.
A good pitcher recovers from defensive miscues, even if they are his own, and gets the outs. JJ did not. 8 hits and 3 walks is 8 hits and 3 walks, whether he should have been out of an inning or not.
I’m not hating. JJ’s 2012 campaign speaks for itself. It’s been more bad than good. That’s not up for debate, the results speak for themselves.
We’ll see how he does his next time out. Another start like this and he isn’t likely to be in the rotation for long.
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
9:33 pm
“Sopheeeeeee”, don’t even ask. You do know it’s the Braves “Monday” today don’t you?
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:33 pm
Bad luck there…
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
9:33 pm
Nats are gonna fade, just watch
Don’t know if you’re being serious or not but I agree. If the braves can make some moves the division is within their reach.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:33 pm
hey me hero Bitchell is here, planting daisies and spreading sunshine….
ACE
July 17th, 2012
9:34 pm
Melkdud in rare form.
Mitchell
July 17th, 2012
9:34 pm
I will just sit here and hold my breath until I turn blue so neener
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
9:35 pm
More like “planting pot” and “spreading moonshine”!
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:35 pm
half serious anyway. going all the way the first time is tough. not making any guarantees though
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:35 pm
Even when we hit the ball hard…it bounces off the top of the wall. Nice. Just not happening offensively…
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:35 pm
My cell phone gets down the line faster than Mac…sigh.
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
9:36 pm
The Giants won the World Series two years ago and have thrown two no hitters in the past three years.
They are most certainly not like the Braves.
1 world series win since they’ve moved to their new city and done on the back of pitching. More like them than not.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:36 pm
with the glowing DOB lead in you knew we were gonna tank it, that is his forte
TuffShhhtuff
July 17th, 2012
9:36 pm
This Braves “roller coaster” is now heading down into one the many valleys on the track, and it looks like the next hill is quite a distance away.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:37 pm
next hill is tomorrow
eddie willers
July 17th, 2012
9:38 pm
[best Ernie Johnson voice]
“Gotta go get ‘em Braves!”
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
9:39 pm
HERE IS A FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION THAT I WOULD LIKE SOME OPINIONS ON:
if you r not good enough to win the world series….and we r not….i would rather lose games, trade vets, get prospects and try again to build a winner…..the ABSOLUTE worst thing to do is to always be an average team that can win some games and can make the playoffs but never go much further. it seems the braves are FOREVER stuck in this state where we always make trades for this year, trade prospects, maybe squeeze in the playoffs but thats it. just commit to a rebuild purge the payroll trade for some prospects and try to build a team that can win the WORLD SERIES. that is the goal remember, NOT to win 90 games.
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
9:39 pm
Climbing Jacobs Ladder
Bravefaninok
July 17th, 2012
9:39 pm
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:30 pm
Nats are gonna fade, just watch
Them philthies will be in the race before it is over.
phil
July 17th, 2012
9:40 pm
Time to mail it in…
Good night, friendly folk….
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:41 pm
we could win the WS just as easily as ST Louis did last season and in 2006. its a freakin’ crap shoot once you get there
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:41 pm
It was an odd start for Jair, Didn’t really get hit hard, didn’t really get any calls, didn’t really get a good defensive effort behind him tonight, and to add insult to injury missed 1st base which started the whole thing. He wasn’t great, but I don’t think he was as bad as his line indicates.
Hope to see him bounce back next start. Crap games happen, not gonna judge him based on that or the beginning of the year. Guy is 3-1 in 5 starts for us since coming back and he has been a good pitcher for us.
TuffShhhtuff
July 17th, 2012
9:41 pm
Best Skip Carey voice: “Braves stink, Braves stink, Braves stink” (well, tonight anyway)
TBbravesfan
July 17th, 2012
9:42 pm
Everybody hold your breath POSEY is up.
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:43 pm
way past mattering
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
9:43 pm
braves starters since the break:
4 G 18.2 IP 27 H 18 ER
DOB hit it on the head with the title.today.
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:44 pm
“we could win the WS just as easily as ST Louis did last season and in 2006. ”
Or similarly to the Giants or the Cardinals last year. Well except for that one game playoff thing. I’d like the Braves to win the division personally. Think they have a pretty good shot. This offense still is pretty darn good.
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
9:44 pm
lots of blow outs around the league tonight
ACE
July 17th, 2012
9:44 pm
Kelevra, That is why Danny Ferry has blew up the Hawks. He knew standing pat he had a playoff team that could reach the second round and go no further.
Billy Walsh
July 17th, 2012
9:45 pm
The Nats starting pitching will not allow them to fade.
Busch Leaguer
July 17th, 2012
9:45 pm
Holy Crap!!! Mutts bullpen is in Gas Can form again tonight.
Mitchell
July 17th, 2012
9:45 pm
kelevra
the goal is to win the world series sure, but the first goal is just to make the playoffs, with the addition of the first wildcard making that a crap shoot and ,diminishing the value of having the best record, it’s really what’s important, now with 2 wildcard teams, it’s gonna be an even bigger crap shoot.
If every team who wasnt guaranteed to have the best record followed your philosophy the game would just be a merry go round of new players every single year. The Braves are doing it right, building from within and due to their successful record thus far, looking to improve externally.
If they traded all their vets they would suck for 3 more years and no matter who they picked up, have no guarantee of a world series (ask the Yankees, they spent over $2 billion dollars over the past 10 years and have 1 world series to show for it)
Hoopty
July 17th, 2012
9:45 pm
Watch. These losers are going to reel off 7 losses in a row, starting with SF.
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
9:45 pm
NATS about to score
TuffShhhtuff
July 17th, 2012
9:46 pm
POSEY’s name spelled backwards is YESOP. Too bad it’s not KUSEY, then it would be YESUK!
nolie
July 17th, 2012
9:46 pm
Baseball is not any other sport. the unlikely happens way more often in baseball
Mitchell
July 17th, 2012
9:46 pm
Mitchell
July 17th, 2012
9:34 pm
I will just sit here and hold my breath until I turn blue so neener
Wow, that sounds so much like me.
ACE
July 17th, 2012
9:46 pm
The braves only won one WS with Maddux, Glavine and Smoltz. What makes you think they could easlly win one now and add to the fact that Fredi is the mananger.
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
9:47 pm
Parnell got 2nd out with man 1st and 3rd.
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
9:47 pm
ACE
EXACTLY!! and i love him for it….he understands this concept…i wish the braves did
Mitchell
July 17th, 2012
9:47 pm
tryin to compare basketball and it’s small rosters , half the games and extended playoffs , to baseball isn’t even apples and oranges, it’s apples and chevrolets
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
9:48 pm
Kelevra, That is why Danny Ferry has blew up the Hawks
MLB and NBA playoffs are completely different. Something like 8 different teams have won an NBA championship in 30 years. That league just doesn’t spread the wealth and their playoffs are a marathon where the strong usually survive while the MLB playoffs are more like a sprint. One good hot streak can win you the whole thing.
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:48 pm
“add to the fact that Fredi is the mananger.”
That automatically makes them better than any Bobby Cox managed team, that is for sure. Not even up for debate.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
9:48 pm
Enter your comments here
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
9:48 pm
Speaking of Posey, and him being from GA, there’s another player just drafted out of HS who just has to make it to the bigs. He has the perfect name. It’s Skye Bolt. Honest, no joke!
NickB
July 17th, 2012
9:48 pm
oops, I posted as my making fun of Mitchell identity
keylargo
July 17th, 2012
9:49 pm
Tonya Harding had her opponent crippled so she couldn’t play against her. I was asking for her help getting rid of Jair
MY main memory about that was Nancy Kerrigan (the victim) wailing “why me!!!, why me?”
Jair won’t be layng on the ground moaning meaningless questions when Tonya gets through with him.
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:49 pm
Lol, Uggla dropping an F bomb on MLB mics.
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
9:51 pm
Is Janish a Dane{read:Danish}…….cause dat was sweet
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
9:51 pm
braves starters since the break:
4 G 18.2 IP 27 H 18 ER
But, but, we dont need another starter.
Trader Jack
July 17th, 2012
9:51 pm
Bobby Parnell blowing it for the Mets – tied 3-3
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
9:51 pm
Down to the LAST STRIKE a .237 hitter (before hit) tied game. Our crappy luck.,. FML
NickB
July 17th, 2012
9:52 pm
well crap…. daburn undependable Mets
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
9:52 pm
I hate our luck.
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
9:52 pm
Hey at least that was against good offenses…no wait, it wasnt
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:52 pm
New guy got a double.
Mets throw 8 unhittable curves, than throw a fastball right down the middle. Brilliant.
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
9:53 pm
Purely swinging for the fence–no style, no grace, a harlequin with muzzels
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
9:53 pm
braves starters since the break:
4 G 18.2 IP 27 H 18 ER
But, but, we dont need another starter.
Hahaha, you work for Liberty Media.
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
9:54 pm
Please get Fransisco off this roster.
TuffShhhtuff
July 17th, 2012
9:55 pm
Think I would bunt Bourn right here just for the hellofit! Would be a surprise!
NickB
July 17th, 2012
9:56 pm
Francisco has more value than you think, and he’s young and learning, quit acting like we are the Yankees and can just go spend $5 mill on bench spots
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
9:57 pm
A charcoal burger with Bourn’ cheese……15 mil
Disgusted
July 17th, 2012
9:57 pm
I don’t think the Nats are going to fade, think they are for real.
As for the Braves, do not be surprised if they get swept out this series, they were on a 7 game W streak, but as hot and cold of a team they have been, I am expecting a fall back for a few games. Its been the story of the season.
The Giants are better than the Braves, and as bad as Lincecum has been, Zito is not having a bad yr at all. He will never be worth the $$$$$$$$ SF paid but give him credit for having a better yr than he has had as of late.
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
9:58 pm
I’ve been thinking all day it was Monday, and the Braves are just verifying it for me.
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
9:59 pm
We were due for a loss. Nothing went our way tonight, pitching, hitting, umpiring, fielding, posey-ing. That about sums it up. Better luck tomorrow.
cowdogit
July 17th, 2012
9:59 pm
Any good manager will tell you, defence, pitching and speed will win you a title. The braves have none of these talents. Wren can’t make a trade because no one wants these heavy weights. Mazzone would solve the pitching problems, Canstanza and Durango would bring speed and defence. If no changes are made,Philadelphia will pass the braves in September.
N Nine
July 17th, 2012
9:59 pm
No Nats will not fade, still burns Mets couldn’t get that last out with a BA close to Greg Norton’s career numbers. Could just forget tonight if Mets win.
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
10:00 pm
the giants had the best pitching staff in baseball and the cardinals had the offense in baseball along with the best player and a cy young caliber pitcher….. the braves have none of that so the “we can get hot” argument holds little water
Disgusted
July 17th, 2012
10:00 pm
Fredi might have left JJ in there a little long but there was no way you can hang this loss on him cause they were not going to win scoring zero runs anyway.
One of those “Tip Ur Cap” games.
JJ was ineffective but he was getting pinged to death out there. Its not like he was killed out there until Posey’s base clearing hit. No excuses, a poor JJ outing and as for leaving him out there, its a tough decision for a manager. You just hope that the pitcher can get that one of two more outs, and JJ did not get the job done.
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
10:00 pm
The Rev gets work…..bench is deep
Bat Masterson
July 17th, 2012
10:01 pm
oops, I posted as my making fun of Mitchell identity _ NickB
Hijacking someone else’s name is a good way to get banned, Nick.
BFChris27
July 17th, 2012
10:02 pm
Mets take the lead
cowdogit
July 17th, 2012
10:02 pm
any good mgr will tell you that I’m a complete retard and writing this from the rest home rec room computer
Disgusted
July 17th, 2012
10:02 pm
If Lincecum can be his old self in the second half, the Giants will run away with a playoff berth.
I am not sold on the Dodgers.
And the Muts are not going away. PIA team, you wish they would go into a long slump but they won’t.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
10:02 pm
I have Tor…. my iSP is never the same thing twice, but it was just in jest for goodness sake
Capt.Mudd
July 17th, 2012
10:03 pm
I am going to the store…..need coke….better 2morrow.
Disgusted
July 17th, 2012
10:04 pm
Cowdogit — Have you looked at the standings lately???????
Philly is not surpassing the Braves. Its not that bad. This is Philly;s off yr.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
10:04 pm
Disgusted
don’t even waste your breath on that guy, he is obviously insane
BravesfaninAugusta
July 17th, 2012
10:05 pm
Can someone explain why Durbin just pitched in a 9-0 blowout?
Mitchell
July 17th, 2012
10:05 pm
Let’s go Mets!
OTP
July 17th, 2012
10:06 pm
not tonight
NickB
July 17th, 2012
10:06 pm
They are up in the tenth, but can their awful pen hold the lead?
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 17th, 2012
10:07 pm
And the band played on…….
Mitchell
July 17th, 2012
10:07 pm
MFin04
July 17th, 2012
9:49 pm
Lol, Uggla dropping an F bomb on MLB micas.
Somebody needs to drop an F bomb on his house.
Disgusted
July 17th, 2012
10:07 pm
The Braves do need another SP or two, but remember that we are stewarded by Liberty Cheapedia.
I do NOT believe we are going all in for this playoff run. I do not believe that Frank has the $$$$$ to spend to lock someone up.
Only if you do not have to give up much would a rental make sense.
We got lucky in the Mets series cause the offense was superb, you cannot have that every game.
Only Sheets (only one game) has been effective since the break. Lets see what Ben does after a few games.
Busch Leaguer
July 17th, 2012
10:08 pm
Could the Braves take a chance and send the Cisco Kid through waivers and get him some AB’s at Gwinnett.
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
10:09 pm
Can someone explain why Durbin just pitched in a 9-0 blowout?
No starter has gone real deep in a game since the break, even the long men /mediocre relievers need rest.
Disgusted
July 17th, 2012
10:10 pm
Yea, I guess I get it Nick B.
Still our SP’s have to settle down, gotta get more consistent. Sure we were due for a loss and if they lose two of three to this good Giant team, I will not kick and scream. Want two of 3, but come on, we got 7 straight so you have to lose some, that is MLB.
NickB
July 17th, 2012
10:10 pm
good to see the Rev get a single
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
10:10 pm
rally time
B_F 54
July 17th, 2012
10:10 pm
The reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeev!!
kelevra
July 17th, 2012
10:11 pm
leadoff single for the nats
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
July 17th, 2012
10:11 pm
I believe the Giants got one of those “quality starts” from Zito tonight
Disgusted
July 17th, 2012
10:12 pm
Hay Y’all, the NATS are NOT GOING AWAY.
Now, I am staying up late I guess, dumb baseaball addict I am.
My Name is Disgusted and I am a Baseball Fanaddict.
Disgusted
July 17th, 2012
10:13 pm
I am glad to see TYler get a hit but I am into the Nats/Muts game and Brice comes up big big big. Tie game, Harper on THIRD.
BFChris27
July 17th, 2012
10:13 pm
Welp, Nats gonna win
space monkey
July 17th, 2012
10:13 pm
Hopefully, this was JJ’s last start in an Atlanta uniform.
LAG
July 17th, 2012
10:14 pm
Mercifully, it’s over. Hopefully the squad got that out of the way so that they can put in work tomorrow.
Later, kids.
Disgusted
July 17th, 2012
10:14 pm
Nats gonna win but with the Muts losing that is GOOD.
Busch Leaguer
July 17th, 2012
10:15 pm
Harper triples in the tying run 1 out in bottom of the 10th.
iTiSi
July 17th, 2012
10:15 pm
Harper just went into third real hard head first like AS did, so why couldn’t he break a bone? That is one lucky dude! Gnats tied it up again with one out and Harper on third now. Geezzz, bad night all the way around for the Braves!
bustersonly
July 17th, 2012
10:15 pm
Doesn’t look like the two days off helped Uggla any!
TBbravesfan
July 17th, 2012
10:16 pm
nite yall may God bless.
Jake W.
July 17th, 2012
10:16 pm
Hay Y’all, the NATS are NOT GOING AWAY.
The Nats remind me a lot of last years braves before the collapse, lucky for them the phillies fell apart this year and they have no real top dog to contend with. Great pitching and clutch hitting keeping them atop. Hard to keep that up for a full year but we’ll see.
bustersonly
July 17th, 2012
10:18 pm
space monkey
July 17th, 2012
10:13 pm
Hopefully, this was JJ’s last start in an Atlanta uniform
Dream on
Disgusted
July 17th, 2012
10:19 pm
That is not cool iTiSi.
That was classless implying that you would like to see injury to one of the potential keepers in the game.
Harper is going to be one of the real promoters and marketing tools for the future of this game if he keeps this up,
unbelievable
July 17th, 2012
10:22 pm
Brian Jordan “87mph fastballs dont help set up your other pitches. The hitters will sit back and wait for you to leave an offspeed pitch up.”
Cant say I disagree.
Busch Leaguer
July 17th, 2012
10:23