Braves’ trade for Maholm and Johnson was strong

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flange1

August 1st, 2012
8:36 am

Nice game last night from Medlen. Look forward to watching him on Sunday.

It is nice when a guy throws strikes and does not mess around.

Anyone watch a Josh Beckett game this year, it takes him a half hour to pitch to every batter!

NOW is the time for the guys in the pen and at AAA to start bearing down and throwing strikes. Hopefully the Braves will not need an addition to the pen, but you never know.

Let’s keep the winning going!

Ray

August 1st, 2012
8:36 am

The fish are a train wreck. Many on here thought they would be the team to beat with their signings. A lot saw that with the players they signed, they would be a train wreck. If you watch them on the Showtime program, you see a bit of the internal train wreck. Nothing surprising there.

Brian from SC

August 1st, 2012
8:41 am

I posted yesterday that it could happen, and Kris Medlen came through.

Tonight made the first time since 1995 that the Braves have won seven games in a row, with each win credited to the starting pitcher.

If Ben Sheets gets the win tonight, it would be the first time in Atlanta Braves history that they had an eight-game streak, with every game won by the starter. The last time in franchise history that it happened was with the World Champion 1957 Milwaukee Braves, who managed to win 10 in a row, with every game won by the starter. That legendary rotation was Spahn, Burdette, Buhl, and Conley.

CrαZy

August 1st, 2012
8:42 am

Brian…

Next time we face Nolasco I’ll go in with you on a Vegas over/under bet!!

Brian from SC

August 1st, 2012
8:44 am

In the seven-game win streak is now a six-game win streak while allowing 2 or fewer runs. This is only the third time in Atlanta history that the Braves have won six games in a row while allowing two or fewer runs in every game. The others were in 2002 and 1968.

If the Braves win tonight and allow two or fewer runs, they’ll have done something no Braves team since 1958 has done.

Efrim

August 1st, 2012
8:47 am

Anyone know Heyward’s stats vs. LHP since June 1st?

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
8:48 am

If the Braves win tonight and allow two or fewer runs, they’ll have done something no Braves team since 1958 has done.

Very cool. Go Braves!

Brian from SC

August 1st, 2012
8:49 am

Brian McCann has gotten his OPS up to .768, which is decent. But it is the 9th best on the team among players with 100 or more PAs.

The Braves are the only team in baseball with 9 players with 100 or more PAs and an OPS that high.

1. Chipper, .901
2. Heyward, .833
3. Ross, .824
4. Freeman, .812
5. Simmons, .788
6. Francisco, .785
7. Prado, .783
8. Bourn, .772
9. McCann, .768

The Yankees are second with 8 such players, while the Red Sox, Rangers, Cardinals, and Brewers have seven each.

Good offensive depth.

Efrim

August 1st, 2012
8:50 am

And Jason finished up July with an ,800 month – .275/.359/.441.

Since June 1st, Jason Heyward has hit .309/.368/.550 in 50 games – 212 plate appearances.

Lew

August 1st, 2012
8:53 am

How bout Juan Francisco. 9 for his past 16. Dude’s a hittin fool.

phil

August 1st, 2012
8:55 am

We’re within 2.5 of first….

Time to lose a few.

Brian from SC

August 1st, 2012
8:56 am

In June and July, Heyward’s line against LHP:

.262/.315/429
3 HR, 7 BB, 26 K

phil

August 1st, 2012
8:56 am

Flabsisco is raking it….good to see!

Efrim

August 1st, 2012
8:58 am

Francisco is up to .261/.299/.486 for the year. Options for the bench in 2013 are starting to emerge – Francisco, Pastornicky, Janish, Ross, and maybe Reed Johnson. I’d be happy with that bench.

McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:

August 1st, 2012
8:59 am

The PotM should be announced today, correct? Anybody know…?

Efrim

August 1st, 2012
9:00 am

In June and July, Heyward’s line against LHP:

.262/.315/429
3 HR, 7 BB, 26 K

Thanks Brian. That’s not terrible. What’s the stats vs. RHP in that time?

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
9:01 am

Francisco is hot right now… that’s good to see. Whoever lit him up and made him start to work deserves kudos.

Maybe a bench guy next year or a trade? While he might be able to hit, I do prefer higher OBP guys.

Brian from SC

August 1st, 2012
9:02 am

Against RHP in June and July, Heyward is hitting:

.346/.408/.645
8 HR, 12 BB, 22 K

In June, he was really destroying RHP:
.400/.436/.840
5 HR, 4 BB, 6 K

phil

August 1st, 2012
9:02 am

Heyward appears to be coming into his own….a must with chipper’s impending retirement.

Lew

August 1st, 2012
9:03 am

Efrim – Options for the bench? I coud see a scenario where this winter, FW os out and signs a CFer and a good ster9or trades for one) and leaves Prado in LF and starts Francisco at third.

I would be willing to be that the brass is pretty pleased with FRancisco right about now – even if the OBP afficiandoes would ave heart attacks.

Lew

August 1st, 2012
9:04 am

goes out and gets a good starter – I really need a new keyboard – and maybe some more typing lessons and an editor.

Brian from SC

August 1st, 2012
9:04 am

Those are actually pretty good numbers for a young lefty hitter against LHP. You want him to just be able to hold his own against the southpaws, and rake the RHPs.

Efrim

August 1st, 2012
9:05 am

I coud see a scenario where this winter, FW os out and signs a CFer and a good ster9or trades for one) and leaves Prado in LF and starts Francisco at third.

I hope not. He doesn’t look to be a good defender at 3B. I wouldn’t want him to get everyday plate appearances, but that’s just me. Maybe he does though – depends on where the money is allocated.

Efrim

August 1st, 2012
9:06 am

Against RHP in June and July, Heyward is hitting:

.346/.408/.645
8 HR, 12 BB, 22 K

In June, he was really destroying RHP:
.400/.436/.840
5 HR, 4 BB, 6 K

Wow.

phil

August 1st, 2012
9:08 am

Janish is a keeper backing up SS….
Juan is too if he intends to put forth the effort to succeed…
I’m afraid hinske has to go…
Goodbye, Mr. Wilson…

Efrim

August 1st, 2012
9:08 am

Freddie Freeman in his last 36 games dating back to June 19th – .326/.421/.519 – 152 plate appearances. Awesome.

Efrim

August 1st, 2012
9:09 am

Heyward in that same 36 game stretch – .305/.375/.553 – 160 plate appearances.

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
9:10 am

I hope not. He doesn’t look to be a good defender at 3B.

Co-sign!

I wouldn’t want him to get everyday plate appearances, but that’s just me.

Not just you. The guy doesn’t take walks, and still strikes out a ton. Doesn’t have the speed/hustle of Uggla either… yesterday on Twitter, it was said that he stretched a double into a single :lol:

However, if letting Juan start at 3rd allows us to afford Greinke, then maybe, just maybe I’d have to be on board.

Bat Masterson

August 1st, 2012
9:10 am

Since June 1st, Jason Heyward has hit .309/.368/.550 in 50 games – 212 plate appearances. _ Efrim

Finally reaching reasonable expectations. About time, though he needs to get that OBP up to .400

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
9:11 am

Janish is a keeper backing up SS….

Rev, you mean…. PH homer last night!

Lew

August 1st, 2012
9:12 am

Efrim – I was really yanking OnlyBravesFan’s chain a bit there. But, if they have a hard time finding boith LFer AND CFer while moving Martin to third, I could see them working with that scenario.

Might not be a terrible option if they got a good CFer and starter, though.

phil

August 1st, 2012
9:13 am

As Efrim indirectly points out, there are some really good youthful reasons why we’re FINALLY looking much more consistent offensively…

Add chipper, mac and one and two in the order, with a weekly hit from Uggla, and maybe we’ve got something? Never mind the improving pitching.

phil

August 1st, 2012
9:15 am

Showing my ignorance but if Rev can back up 1B and 2B, glad to keep him around….can’t be worse than Hinske has been…

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
9:16 am

Gattis in LF, Cunningham in CF, and Prado at 3rd. ;)

Still cheap, no Juan starting, and maybe we can still land Greinke!

Lew

August 1st, 2012
9:18 am

phil – I can’t find where Pastornicky has ever played first.

Lew

August 1st, 2012
9:19 am

But Hinske needs to go. I was surprised they even re-signed him last winter,

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
9:20 am

Can Juan play 1B? He could take Hinske’s spot, Janish is backup 3B/SS, Rev is backup 2B/SS

Lew

August 1st, 2012
9:20 am

I’d rather have Francsisco at third and Prado in left than have rookies in left and center.

Jeff R

August 1st, 2012
9:20 am

Shouldn’t there be significant options available, via trade and free agency, to fill the Braves needs in CF and LF this winter? I would think so.

I’d rather have Prado’s bat and glove at third in the lineup daily than Francisco’s. Glad that Francisco is hitting some, but I’m not convinced that he’ll ever hit consistently.

phil

August 1st, 2012
9:21 am

Was just wondering if rev could play a bit of 1B….probably not.
Hinske has to go, yes? Unless he commits to getting into shape? He looks awful physically.

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
9:21 am

But Hinske needs to go. I was surprised they even re-signed him last winter,

As was I… also surprised Diaz came back, but I guess Ross didn’t want to come here, so Matty D got to stay.

Jeff R

August 1st, 2012
9:21 am

But Hinske needs to go. I was surprised they even re-signed him last winter,

Hinske and Diaz – gone-ski.

Lew

August 1st, 2012
9:23 am

Through the minors and his small amount of time in the bigs, JF has pretty much only played 3B – 3 games at first and 3 games in the outfield.

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
9:25 am

Cut ‘Ski now and bring up Mejia or get some 1B off of waiver trade…. who’d be available out there?

abeeewright

August 1st, 2012
9:26 am

If Uggla has a monster September and October, I won’t complain about the epic (bad) June, July, and August.

Teddy B

August 1st, 2012
9:29 am

Heyward is a monster! Nobody seems to give him credit for all he does, he’s won us quite a few games as of late. The sky is the limit, so nice to see after his 2011 season. In all honesty, they were playing Pittsburgh in a 2011 spring training game and Jason went to catch a ball and slid into the wall very hard, and the first thing I thought was he may have hurt his shoulder. I think his trouble started there.

I can’t remember the exact date but it was late spring training when I saw this, and I was very worried because he’s got the most potential of any Brave I’ve seen since Chipper was a kid.

abeeewright

August 1st, 2012
9:30 am

Bravesvsigned Hinske to a two year contract two years ago (or one year plus option).

Pirates signed Diaz to a two year contract two years ago, then traded to the Braves.

Not surprising that both Hinske and Diaz were not non-tendered.

Jeff R

August 1st, 2012
9:30 am

If Uggla has a monster September and October, I won’t complain about the epic (bad) June, July, and August.

Don’t Uggla’s sterling defensive skills more than compensate for his hitting drought? ;)

Kidding aside, I expect the guy to start ripping the ball. What better time to do it then in the stretch run? Fingers crossed.

Efrim

August 1st, 2012
9:30 am

James Shields has 31 K’s in his last three starts. I will pay dearly for him this winter.

DiamondbackMac

August 1st, 2012
9:30 am

Lew

How bout Juan Francisco. 9 for his past 16. Dude’s a hittin fool.

I’m beginning to think he has a lot of potential. I just hope they can convince him to stop watching his HRs. :)

Efrim

August 1st, 2012
9:31 am

But, if they have a hard time finding boith LFer AND CFer while moving Martin to third, I could see them working with that scenario.

Which is a possibility given the uncertainty in the starting rotation…..

abeeewright

August 1st, 2012
9:33 am

Diaz, Hinske, and Wilson will certainly not get a contract offer from the Braves this off season. I suspect that Hinskeand Wilson will retire. Diaz still looks decent as a platoon guy, so I bet he catches on somewhere but at a reduced salary.

phil

August 1st, 2012
9:34 am

I just like Diaz…something about him.

Lew

August 1st, 2012
9:35 am

Braves have been playing .750 baseball over their past 24 games – doubtful that even were Hinske hitting like Francsico, that they’d be playing much better. Let’s just hope he gets hot when we really need him hot – after we’re finished with the weak part of our schedule and are playing teams that actually win every now and then.

Jeff R

August 1st, 2012
9:35 am

Gents, a modest hitting streak by Francisco does not a regular third baseman make. You’ll have to pry my cold, dead fingers from my hope that Martin Prado is the Braves’ third sacker next season. (Okay, well, maybe nothing that dramatic, but Martin’s my man.)

Lew

August 1st, 2012
9:37 am

Efrim – Exactly. I don;’t see FW NOT addressing the roation this winter – even if they do re-sign a resurgent Sheets and with Maholm – I could see them wanting a top of rotation guy, too.

Efrim

August 1st, 2012
9:38 am

Much rather have Reed Johnson than Diaz, however Johnson might be able to catch on with a team as a platoon OF and while that opportunity may be here for him, just not sure that’s the route they will go in CF or LF.

Lew

August 1st, 2012
9:38 am

Jeff R -he’s my choice at third, too – just that I can see the other scenario as an option, especially if they decide to go for a good starter as well as having to fill the outfield with more than hot dog wrappers.

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
9:39 am

I just hope they can convince him to stop watching his HRs.

THIS!

Which is a possibility given the uncertainty in the starting rotation…..

Which is why I’d have to be okay with Juan if we get Greinke…. then and only then is it okay. :)

Kidding aside, I expect the guy to start ripping the ball. What better time to do it then in the stretch run?

Career line of .283/.371/.504/.875 in August, the best line Dan has for any month. It’s gonna happen soon. I hope.

Lew

August 1st, 2012
9:39 am

Efrim could Johnson conceivably start in LF? Might be yet another way to go if he can.

Mike Berry

August 1st, 2012
9:40 am

Gonzales is not getting Hinske enough at bats IMO. That’s one thing I liked about Bobby Cox over Gonzales…Cox always made sure his bench got enough at bats so that when they were called upon…more often than not…they delivered. I just don’t see Gonzales doing this.

TennesseePaul

August 1st, 2012
9:41 am

I posted yesterday that it could happen, and Kris Medlen came through.

I was thinking about that while watching the game. Pretty cool stuff.

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
9:42 am

You’ll have to pry my cold, dead fingers from my hope that Martin Prado is the Braves’ third sacker next season. (Okay, well, maybe nothing that dramatic, but Martin’s my man.)

Agree. IMO, Martin’s been waiting his turn, and is a good defender at 3B (better than Juan) Let him play there.

I could see them wanting a top of rotation guy, too.

Greinke!

Much rather have Reed Johnson than Diaz

Me too, if only for the reason that Reed can hit RHP and Diaz can’t.

TennesseePaul

August 1st, 2012
9:42 am

Freeman since returning from his thumb injury: 36 games, .326/.421/.519/.940

Efrim

August 1st, 2012
9:43 am

I could see them wanting a top of rotation guy, too.

He has no choice but to bring in a #1 or #2 starter. Shields fits the profile, imo. He has options beyond whoever he brings in, Hudson and Hanson in Minor, Maholm, Medlen, Teheran and Delgado.

That’s why I’m looking for a final six solid weeks from Tommy Hanson – get some trade value back and ship him off for a prospect package that could include a CF option for 2013. On a different path, get a top of the rotation starter like James Shields.

That’s the ideal scenario, imo.

Efrim

August 1st, 2012
9:44 am

Freeman since returning from his thumb injury: 36 games, .326/.421/.519/.940

Beat you to it with my 9:08…..

and check Heyward’s stats in that time as well. They are looking like the 3/4 hitters for 2013 and beyond. Love it.

abeeewright

August 1st, 2012
9:44 am

2013 Braves starting rotation is definitely looking more hinky than I thought possible.

Hudson, Maholm, Minor very likely.

Hanson doesn’t look to be a durable 200 inning guy after last season and this season.

Beachy out for most of 2013 and who knows what he will return as.

Jurrjens likely gone.

Delgado,Teheran need some work.

Sheets re-signs?

Medlen saves the day?

I think the Braves need to make a run at a top of the rotation guy in the off season. Otherwise, they’re waiting for Teheran to break out.

Coach

August 1st, 2012
9:45 am

“I’m beginning to think he has a lot of potential. I just hope they can convince him to stop watching his HRs. ”

95mph of heat taken in the ribs would cure that

Jeff R

August 1st, 2012
9:48 am

I think as well Wren will need to address the rotation this winter.

Sheets is giving the Braves a phenomenal go, but look at his injury history.

Second year in a row that Hanson is having problems in the second half.

Hudson turns 39 next season. Yes, a solid competitor who works hard at conditioning, but he’ll be 39 and has an injury history.

I’m wondering if Wren would consider trading Hanson and signing an top tier starter this winter? I know Hanson’s under control through ‘14, but it might be time to move him.

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
9:49 am

95mph of heat taken in the ribs would cure that

Nah, he has too much “cushion” there…

abeeewright

August 1st, 2012
9:50 am

So Wren’s off season to do list is …
top of the rotation starter
center field
left field/third base

and he has some sheckles to spend.

Jeff R

August 1st, 2012
9:50 am

Jeff R -he’s my choice at third, too – just that I can see the other scenario as an option, especially if they decide to go for a good starter as well as having to fill the outfield with more than hot dog wrappers.

Lew, yes, got to stay flexible.

DAP

August 1st, 2012
9:50 am

lew signs a CFer and a good ster9or trades for one) and leaves Prado in LF and starts Francisco at third.

cant say id be too pleased with that arrangement. i just dont know about fransisco as a starter.

Lew

August 1st, 2012
9:51 am

Hinske has hit around .220 since the second half of 2010 – before Fredi was even in Atlanta. HInske just isn’t hitting and playing time doesn’t seem to have much to do with it.

CrαZy

August 1st, 2012
9:54 am

So Wren’s off season to do list is …
top of the rotation starter
center field
left field/third base

and he has some sheckles to spend.… abeeewright

And some valuable pieces he can trade to fill those needs.

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
9:58 am

Gonna be a fun offseason for sure…. unfortunately, people are going to be complaining about the pitchers we trade…

Lew

August 1st, 2012
10:00 am

People will complain about every move that is made and every move that isn’t made.

Jeff R

August 1st, 2012
10:02 am

I’m with you on the fun off-season, but I’m looking forward to the post-season first!

Actually, I really, really want the Braves to take the division. First things first, huh?

CrαZy

August 1st, 2012
10:02 am

Francisco wouldn’t be my top choice, but if it allows you to acquire a really good CF or keep Bourn along with adding a top of the rotation SP it would be ok… As long as Simmons was beside him to compensate for his D.

Jeff R

August 1st, 2012
10:03 am

I’m betting Wren puts his money into a top-of-the-rotation guy before he’d consider signing Bourn.

Lew

August 1st, 2012
10:04 am

I dot think Francisco is terrible defensively. He lacks a bit of range, but seems to handle most of the balls that he should get to and has a good arm. I’d say he was average and not poor.

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
10:05 am

I know we got to get through the season, but I’m so ready for this offseason as well. Can’t wait to see what FW does…

Actually, I really, really want the Braves to take the division.

Me too. Would like to avoid that 1 game playoff. Horrible idea of a “playoff”

Nevada Roy

August 1st, 2012
10:05 am

A good trade is one the benefits both teams and ensures a good longterm relationship between the GMs. Cubs are rebuilding and wanted potential … Braves are close to ensuring post-season and wanted to fill-in some holes.

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
10:08 am

I dot think Francisco is terrible defensively.

Take out the “t” and you’ll have fixed that statement, sir. ;)

abeeewright

August 1st, 2012
10:09 am

I would prefer to see Martin at third and get a LF.

The Gattis in LF thought is intriguing. But can he truly be ready that quick?

Jeff R

August 1st, 2012
10:09 am

ctually, I really, really want the Braves to take the division.

Me too. Would like to avoid that 1 game playoff. Horrible idea of a “playoff”

Sort of “sudden death.”

DAP

August 1st, 2012
10:10 am

jeff r I’m betting Wren puts his money into a top-of-the-rotation guy before he’d consider signing Bourn.

not me. bourn would probably cost half as much, and would play everyday. id take bourn over grienke, personally. a shrewd move for a guy like shields is something i would prefer. i dont want to sign FA ace pitchers, i want to make them.

Lew

August 1st, 2012
10:11 am

Only BRaves – Nah, he’s not as bad as you make him out to be and – like I’ve claimed all along – he’s a hittin fool. Probably won’t ever be an All Star, but could be a solid player.

Seems thae’s going to the opposite field now, too – I wonder if he’s been working with Greg Walker and actually proved to be a decent student.

CrαZy

August 1st, 2012
10:12 am

Answer this…. If the Nats had plans on Strasburg only pitching 160 innings this season, then why wouldn’t they plan on him starting the season later than everyone else so he could pitch at the most important time of the season and into the playoffs… If he was a Brave I’d be pretty upset as a fan at the lack of foresight by the organization. Whatever… a bad move for them is a good move for us!!

CB

August 1st, 2012
10:13 am

Personally,if Francisco is our 3B next year he can stand and admire about 35 HR and it won’t bother me. It is hard to predict what he could offer if given a chance.

Lew

August 1st, 2012
10:13 am

abeeegwright – What is all this love for Gattis? He really hasn’t done much of anything to make me believe he’ll ever play in the bigs much less be a raging success. I certainly would not want him as the starting LFer until he shows much more than he has to this point. I’d rather leave Martin in LF and tick off Only BravesFan by playing Francisco at third.

CrαZy

August 1st, 2012
10:15 am

Johnson is also a possibility as a LF or CF depending on which position can be filled in the off season. I’d like to resign him as a backup, but if we had to use him as a starter it wouldn’t be the end of the world as long as you got a all star caliber player in either CF of LF.

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
10:15 am

I wonder if he’s been working with Greg Walker and actually proved to be a decent student.

I heard that he was… he was told to start working hard, esp. with Walker…

Lew

August 1st, 2012
10:17 am

OnlyBraves – Apparently it’s working out pretty well. I don;t know why, but I just have a feeling that Juan’s going to be a pretty productive MLB player.

MikeInFl

August 1st, 2012
10:21 am

Well, since Gattis came off the dl, he’s played 7 games (4 were at GCL rookie league). In six of those games, he’s had 2 hits.

In 3 games back with Mississippi, he’s 6 for 13 with 1 hr, 1 3b, 1 2b.

With a 1+ OPS at AA, seems it’s close to time to move him up a level and see how he handles AAA pitching.

Murph

August 1st, 2012
10:21 am

The Gattis in LF thought is intriguing. But can he truly be ready that quick?

They should at least let him compete for the job in ST. If he wins it, he wins it. If he’s not ready, then they’ve got Reed or whoever to play LF until he is.

This offseason I’d like to see Wren resign Bourn, get a #1 or #2 SP, and tweak the bench/bullpen. Tall orders, yes, but he’ll have the funds to do at least a few of those things.

Jeff R

August 1st, 2012
10:23 am

not me. bourn would probably cost half as much, and would play everyday. id take bourn over grienke, personally. a shrewd move for a guy like shields is something i would prefer. i dont want to sign FA ace pitchers, i want to make them.

That’s a good point. I just think that Wren places such a premium on pitching that he’ll want to see if he can acquire (perhaps via trade versus FA) a top shelf starting pitcher.

If Minor’s on track, Delgado could take another slot (let’s say Sheets’). I just don’t think Wren wants the rotation top-heavy with kids. Just a guess, though. Hence, Wren attempts to acquire a first class, experienced arm.

Bourn has slumped a bit (most guys do at some point in a season), but I expect his bat to rev up through the stretch. I still think his price tag will be high come the winter. Just might be to rich for the Braves’ blood.

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
10:24 am

TheOnlyBravesFan

August 1st, 2012
10:26 am

With a 1+ OPS at AA, seems it’s close to time to move him up a level and see how he handles AAA pitching.

Yeah! Then we Atlantans can see him as well. Get him out of Mississippi. :)

Chiricahua Brave

August 1st, 2012
10:27 am

of Eric Hinske .256 .338 .456 .793 2010
of Eric Hinske .233 .311 .403 .713 2011
of Eric Hinske .209 .290 .300 .590 2012

He is done

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