Chipper says he won’t reconsider retirement
He leads the Braves in batting average (.317), on-base percentage (.394) and slugging percentage (.513), and in his past 30 games he’s hit .368 with 13 doubles, five homers and 22 RBIs.
So, Chipper Jones, are you having any second thoughts, any reservations whatsoever, about your plan to retire after the season?
“No,” the 40-year-old third baseman replied Sunday morning.
So there you have it.
Every other week or so, Jones passes one great player or another on some career statistical list – George Brett and Mike Schmidt on the RBI list for third basemen, Pete Rose on the extra-base-hits list for switch-hitters, etc. – and he’s already surpassed the overall expectations that most of us had for his final season, hasn’t he?
I mean, seriously, even considering the fact that he’s getting a couple of days off every week, did anyone believe Jones could do what he’s doing at age 40? Batting .317 with a team-best .907 OPS, 10 homers and 47 RBIs in 68 games?
And how many would blame him if he started to think, hey, why not at least crack open the door on the possibility of returning for one more season with the Braves, make it an even 20?
Not happening, Jones said. Oh, and he said at least one person thought he could play at this level in 2012.
“I thought I was fully capable of doing what I’m doing,” he said. “In fact, I told my agent [B.B. Abbott] in spring training. He told me, ‘You can’t back-track on this [retirement decision]. If you’ve got 20 homers and you’re hitting .300 and you’ve got 80 or 90 RBIs, you can’t second-guess yourself.’ And I said, well, I’m going to have those numbers, and I’m ready to leave.
“I’m ready to move on.”
Jones started the season on the DL recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery he had in the last week of spring training. He hurt that knee literally an hour before the previously scheduled press conference to announce his retirement after the season.
He returned without a rehab assignment and homered in his second at-bat of his first game back, leading the Braves to a win at Houston to snap their four-game skid that had begun their season in his absence.
He also had a later stint on the DL for a grotesque bruise and hematoma on his lower left leg after being hit by a smoked one-hopper off the bat of Tampa Bay’s B.J. Upton, an injury that eventually required another surgical procedure to drain the blood and pus from the wound.
And yet he’s remained productive when he’s in the lineup, and since getting strength back in his legs he’s been on a roll. Since May 1, Jones has hit .335 with 23 extra-base hits, 35 RBIs and a .945 OPS in 53 games.
He ranks third on the team with a .296 average with runners in scoring position – first with a .422 OBP – and Jones has hit .446 (25-for-56) when leading off innings, with a .500 OBP that ranks second in the majors in those situations.
He has 274 plate appearances, which before Sunday was 57 shy of the 3.1 per team game required for rankings in many major statistical categories. If Jones had enough PAs, he would rank ninth in the National League in batting average and eighth in OBP.
For some perspective, his .907 OPS is two points lower than Prince Fielder’s and nine lower than Josh Hamilton’s.
Some around baseball have even suggested he could play at least another year or two in the NL and possibly more in the AL, where the designated hitter would save some wear and tear on those surgically scarred and chronically sore knees.
Not going to happen, Jones said. But he does allow that it’s good to know people believe he could keep playing.
“Yeah, it’s nice to have people saying that,” he said. “It’s nice that people aren’t saying, ‘You should have done it two or three years ago.’ The fact that people are saying I should stay, that I could still be effective, that’s kind of what I was shooting for.”
There are, of course, some critics who insist Jones should have retired two or three years ago, despite the memorable moments he’s produced and games he’s helped the Braves win this season.
Hank and Chipper.
“Well, no matter what you do you’re not going to make everybody happy,” he said. “I’ve got two wives that will attest to that, you know? But it doesn’t matter what game you play or how you play it, you’re not going to please everybody. So you take the good with the bad and just try to go about your business and not worry about the naysayers.
“You play for the people who support you, and for your family and your teammates. And everybody else…” [dismissive wave of his hand].
Even if Jones wanted to reconsider retirement plans – and to be clear, he doesn’t – it would be a potentially awkward situation, given that the Braves are now selling ticket plans for the remainder of the season built around it being his final months with the team, packages that include special Chipper Jones prints. Another company is selling commemorative Chipper Jones bats on TV for $99.95 (“limited to 5,000 pieces,” the ad says, which would be about a half-million bucks if I’m not mistaken).
I mentioned to Chipper something about the Braves’ marketing of those tickets and prints.
“You take that with a grain of salt,” he said. “It’s a nice gesture, I think, that they have that commemorative stuff. Like I said, my mind’s made up.”
But all that stuff would make it difficult to reconsider even if he wanted to, right? Can’t go back now?
“No, I can’t,” he said, with no regret whatsoever in his voice.
No Brett Favre retirement second acts are coming?
“No,” Jones said, as he signed a few baseballs and jerseys for opponents and others who’d sent them over to have signed.
BRAVES LINEUP
- Bourn CF
- Prado LF
- Heyward RF
- Jones 3B
- Freeman 1B
- Uggla 2B
- Ross C
- Janish SS
- Medlen P
• OK, let’s close this and get it up before first pitch. Braves’ Kris Medlen making his second start today against Houston’s Bud Norris, who is 0-7 with a 7.10 ERA in his past 10 starts. The Astros scored three or fewer runs while he was in all 10 games, including two or fewer in eight and one or none in five.
We’ll close with an early career tune from the legendary Waylon Jennings, which you can hear by clicking here.
“THIS TIME” by Waylon Jennings
This time if you want me to come back, it’s up to you
But remember I won’t allow the things you used to do
You’re gonna have to toe the mark and walk the line
This time will be the last time
This time if I should feel unwanted, I won’t stay
Each tomorrow will depend on the love you give today
It’s all up to you to keep in mind
This time will be the last time
This time should be anything like the other times
This time will be the last time
If this time should be anything like the other times
This time will be the last time
– by David O’Brien, Braves/MIB blog
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680 comments Add your comment
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
1:35 pm
I don’t blame Chipper. He’s probably burned out. Plus it’s ruined two of his marriages.
BFChris27
August 5th, 2012
1:36 pm
Thanks for new blog!!!!!!!
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
1:40 pm
Nice way to begin the game for Medlen.
DAM
August 5th, 2012
1:42 pm
I have always REALLY liked Medlen and wanted him in the rotation to begin the season. I wish we could figure out a way to keep him in the rotation permanently.
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
1:45 pm
Bourn sure strikes out a lot for a leadoff guy. Need him to pick it up some.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
1:46 pm
The strike outs have to stop for Bourn.
Nerdbucket Moylan
August 5th, 2012
1:46 pm
Random thought: Why don’t we let Ross catch Hanson? 2 days a week of Ross isn’t so bad. He’s a high obp producers and mac has shown a propensity to slow down or even get injured late in seasons.
Kat
August 5th, 2012
1:47 pm
This is not good…
MiaBchBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
1:48 pm
Chipper’s ability to adjust this season shows what an amazing hitter he’s always been. The injuries have been frustrating for him moreso than any single person on this blog. That said, his hitting knowledge is nothing short of Williams-esque. He has been stroking big hits all season long – when health has allowed – using his upper body almost exclusively. His strength is especially apparent on his dingers and doubles, where he hits ‘em using all arms and upper body, as his ravaged legs do not allow him to drive like he used. His performance has been nothing short of courageous, and his lineup presence has been the most critical cog this year for the Braves. Without Chipper, the Braves are a sub-.500 team.
Regardless of what happens this season team-wise, his performance this season codifies Chipper as the greatest ATLANTA Brave hitter since 1966.
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
1:49 pm
Put some antiseptic on that…
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
1:49 pm
Get the cut taken care of ASAP with his history.
Larry
August 5th, 2012
1:49 pm
As he shouldn’t…
Last night he couldn’t prevent a double by a ball that bounced THREE times before passing 3rd base and he looked absolutely pale, winded and was grimacing after running only about 80 feet from first to second on a hit and run.
Good, natural hitter but has done nothing for years to condition his body…inexcusable for a professional athlete annually cashing $14,000,000.00 in paychecks.
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
1:50 pm
Just got spiked. Thought he really got injured. We can breath now.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2012
1:50 pm
Getting spiked and open cut like that gotta be bit more scary for a guy who had staph infection last year.
Kat
August 5th, 2012
1:51 pm
Phew.. looked worse.
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
1:51 pm
Thanks DOB…Hoss is having a great season ….watch him drive in a couple right here!!!
Larry
August 5th, 2012
1:53 pm
“He’s probably burned out. Plus it’s ruined two of his marriages.”
I’d say an unzipped zipper, not baseball, ruined at least one!
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
1:54 pm
Let’s Go Braves!
Let’s choke again today against the worst team in baseball!
mpimentel
August 5th, 2012
1:54 pm
if chipper leave, who will be at 3b. next season…in minors leagues we haven’t it, in the bencho well not so much…maybe go to the FA list…but just for now we’re really enjoy the last act of larry…
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
1:55 pm
Atta boy Chipper!
That’s how it’s done!
Your turn, Freeman.
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
1:56 pm
Atta boy Freeman!
Good job!!
Let’s Go Braves!!!
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
1:57 pm
This team needs to take advantage of their opportunities. They have squandered many opportunities to score in this series.
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
1:58 pm
Call me crazy…but…I think the umps should just call “strikes” strikes…and “balls” balls…and forget about trying to speed the game up…by expanding the strike zone….no matter what our silly-azz announcers say.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
1:58 pm
Whatever happened to taking a bad team and just beating the friggin snot out of them? Braves are missing that boat with the Astros.
TuffShhhtuff
August 5th, 2012
1:59 pm
Contrary to popular belief there are ways to score runs other than HRs, triples, and doubles.
Scottbravesfan
August 5th, 2012
2:01 pm
Larry you are an idiot. How in the hell do you know what Chipper’s conditioning program is? You go out when you are 40, with two ACL surgeries and do sprints and see how you hold up.
TuffShhhtuff
August 5th, 2012
2:02 pm
The game could easily be speeded up by allowing no more than 20secs between pitches, or call a ball, and stopping batters from stepping out between pitches to adjust everything from A to Z. Tell the pitcher to go ahead and pitch if the batter is out of the box, and call whatever the pitch actually is. Bet a lot of batters would stop that asinine slowdown crap!
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:02 pm
Whatever happened to taking a bad team and just beating the friggin snot out of them? Braves are missing that boat with the Astros.
Have these losers ever done such thing?
Last night was a f cking embarrassment and a testament to what awaits these losers if they even make it to the playoffs.
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
2:03 pm
Bourn is headed back to his “norm”…which is 275/280…335/340 OBP…and 140 Ks. Hopefully…we won’t go long term with him & pay him waaaay too much $$. He is…what he is…..
Venice Jim
August 5th, 2012
2:04 pm
Better get Medlen up in the bullpen…oh, wait…
fan
August 5th, 2012
2:05 pm
JC Brave (Douche)
why don’t you go away, you are not a fan, you are a whiney little maroon who adds nothing to this blog..
BF54
August 5th, 2012
2:06 pm
Good work D O’B
Go Bravos
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:06 pm
Ok, I got that one out of my system.
Now I feel better… sort of…
I’ll be rational now.
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:07 pm
“fan” <– retard.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2012
2:07 pm
Gilmartin makes his second start for Gwinnett Braves today at 5 p.m.
BF54
August 5th, 2012
2:08 pm
Quality Humour abides
TuffShhhtuff
August 5th, 2012
2:08 pm
“TM” mentioned Bourn has to stop the strikeouts, so I looked it up. I was amazed to see how close Bourn is to Uggla. Uggs has 121 and Bourn 106. I would have thought Uggla had way more than MB.
OK, all you guys(me included) who have been jumping on Uggs has to do the same with MB. Bourn just has to start bunting more to get on base. With his speed he could do it at least twice a game. Lots of things can happen on a bunt.
fan
August 5th, 2012
2:08 pm
JC Brave (Douche)
your village called, they want you back..
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:09 pm
And so Dan Uggla’s afternoon begins…
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2012
2:09 pm
Ross goes OPPO!
Venice Jim
August 5th, 2012
2:09 pm
DAVID!!!
Bama Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:09 pm
ROSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BFChris27
August 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
Rossy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
These announcers can “gush” all they wish…Dan Uggla is COMPLETELY LOST…at the plate !!
BravesBobblehead42
August 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
Chipper Da Man!!! Go Braves!!!
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
Rossyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!! Damn first pitch hacking!!!!!
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
“fan” <— retard + moronic.
VaBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
2:10 pm
Rossy!
BF54
August 5th, 2012
2:11 pm
Roosssyyyy!!!
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
2:11 pm
That’s awesome. The Braves need to build on the Ross homer.
Kat
August 5th, 2012
2:12 pm
I saw someone post this on twitter yesterday…
“The Real Home Run King T-Shirt” .. love it!
http://www.strangecargo.com/the-real-homerun-king-shirt
BFChris27
August 5th, 2012
2:13 pm
Tigers Acquire Jeff Baker from Cubs
ijudgenot
August 5th, 2012
2:13 pm
If Uggla developed that stroke to right the Braves would be in great shape.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2012
2:15 pm
McCann and David Ross have combined 12 homers and 27 RBIs in 28 games since July 4.
fan
August 5th, 2012
2:15 pm
JC Brave (Douche)
You’re the type of person who lights up the room by leaving it.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
2:16 pm
The real homerun king is Barry Bonds until proven otherwise and stricken from the record books.
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:17 pm
retard + moronic,
Yeah, I like changing broken light bulbs.
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:18 pm
Did someone say steroids?
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
2:22 pm
I am ready for Michael Bourn to start getting on base again.
Braveone
August 5th, 2012
2:22 pm
From the previous blog which had 942 comments, nolie led the way with 72 posts. There were 106 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 nolie 72
2 Venice Jim 48
3 JC Brave 45
4 phil 36
5 Pace 31
6 David O’Brien 26
7 Lance 26
8 Bravefaninok 25
9 Veer 25
10 richbrave 24
11 Capt.Mudd 23
12 Hmmmm 23
13 SNEAKY PETE 23
14 Tomahawk Mafia 23
15 The A Bomb 22
16 ChattTownBrian 21
17 Bama Brave 20
18 MiaBchBravesFan 20
19 ACE 19
20 Disgusted 19
21 TheOnlyBravesFan 19
22 MikeInFl 17
23 Ward 17
24 Mixxo 15
25 Powderfinger 15
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
2:25 pm
Bout time someone walked and showed a little patience. Norris’s slider has not been thrown for a strike yet, or even been close, but we are swinging at it.
Lance
August 5th, 2012
2:27 pm
Hello all. They really need to improve on their hitting with runners on base. Especially runners in scoring position.
John in Wichita
August 5th, 2012
2:27 pm
I wonder whether Henry sometimes regrets playing an extra year. Certainly he didn’t play much that last year in Milwaukee. Have enjoyed some of the great moments Chipper has given us over the years and am glad he’s ready to go out on his terms.
Lance
August 5th, 2012
2:28 pm
I agree – I like that he’s going out on his terms and in a with a great season thus far….but how weird is it gonna be to NEVER see him at 3rd again?
John in Wichita
August 5th, 2012
2:30 pm
Oh… and Meds is off to another good start today. Can’t see Jair pitching much the rest of the way, but would there be an argument to go to a 6 man rotation with Delgado in September to save some guys?
Bama Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:30 pm
Bad Call On Heyward!!!!
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:30 pm
I can’t believe that piece of crap umpire called that a strike…
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
2:31 pm
Why did they keep sending Prado? He was exhausted after starting and stopping about 5 times. Plus that slider was off the plate to Heyward, the Braves really should have had two on with one out.
TuffShhhtuff
August 5th, 2012
2:31 pm
After that game Friday night, someone sneaked into the clubhouse and told the Astros, “you know you are playing the Braves, don’t you?”
Venice Jim
August 5th, 2012
2:31 pm
Adam LaRoche 2 more RBIs for a 4-0 lead…
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2012
2:32 pm
Didn’t look like a strike to Heyward, who was lucky that the ump had his head turned when Heyward rifled his helmet and bat afterward. That helmet bounced nearly to end of Braves dugout.
Lance
August 5th, 2012
2:32 pm
I realize that ball could have been a little bit more outside but I’m not sure how
Rob From SC
August 5th, 2012
2:33 pm
What a crap call on Heyward.. Would have needed a boat oar to hit that
TNScott
August 5th, 2012
2:33 pm
The Spirit of Eric Gregg lives on. A third strike call just like the one to Fred McGriff to end Game 5 of the ‘97 NLCS.
Lance
August 5th, 2012
2:36 pm
Got Janish, to Uggla, to Freeman going good for us
DAM
August 5th, 2012
2:36 pm
Seriously. Leave Medlen in the rotation.
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:36 pm
Enter your comments here
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
2:38 pm
With today’s technology…seems like it would easy enough to set up some kind of system (laser or whatever) JUST for calling balls & strikes. Take some of the guess-work out of it…for these plate umpires…and players.
Gone Viral
August 5th, 2012
2:38 pm
Whenever people say that they want umpires calling balls and strikes instead of computers, stuff like that pitch is why I think they’re crazy.
Watching tennis and baseball on the same day is particularly aggravating in this regard. Going from the working tech implemented flawlessly to Heyward getting called out on a pitch that hits a right-handed hitter is infuriating.
archie
August 5th, 2012
2:41 pm
One thing’s for sure: Kris Medlen is no Tommy Hanson. He gets people out.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
2:42 pm
archie
That seems like a fair comparison. Medlen is at least much more efficient.
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
2:42 pm
Bless their pea-pickin’ hearts….these announcers are doin’ all they can…to “prop up” Dan Uggla
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:42 pm
DAN UGGLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Right down the middle.
Lance
August 5th, 2012
2:43 pm
Is it just me, or does Uggla seem to be more and more “active” at the plate the longer he struggles?
archie
August 5th, 2012
2:43 pm
Can’t wait until next Saturday when Uggla gets another hit and “breaks out of it!” again.
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:44 pm
David Ross thinking he’ll get lucky twice…
Lance
August 5th, 2012
2:44 pm
Clarification — Uggla move so many things so much while in the batter’s box and each at time he seems to add some more movement
ACE
August 5th, 2012
2:45 pm
Fredi keeps running Uggla out there because he believes the back of the bubble gum card.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
2:45 pm
Dan Uggla with two more strike outs today. It looks like he never makes any adjustments. I am assume he is working on things, but the results are pretty bad.
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
2:47 pm
Joe Simpson in 607 career games – 9 HR, .242 Avg, .289 OBP and SLG’d. 317
I guess when Uggla is this bad it triggers some bad personal memories.
BF54
August 5th, 2012
2:48 pm
I take it some of you don’t believe Dan when he say’s he’s readyy to start “clicking”
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
2:49 pm
Medlen is feeling the fatigue it looks. Get the pen crankin’.
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
2:52 pm
Don’t forget Uggal has two of our three RBI’s in the last two games so far.
Lance
August 5th, 2012
2:52 pm
I think (or maybe hope) that Dan will figure it out and get hot again. I just don’t see how anyone can have that much movement in the batter’s box and see the ball coming out of the pitchers hand, much less settle down to get a good swing going. I’m not a coach, never played professional ball, so it’s part observation and part question.
Lance
August 5th, 2012
2:53 pm
Enter your comments here
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:54 pm
Norris has a losing record, 5-8, and an awful ERA, 5.00.
That’s the perfect recipe to shut down the Braves’ offense.
This is one of the only teams in the majors that is capable of struggling in such ways against bad pitchers, with the excuse of “not having faced them before”.
Other teams see a bad pitcher for the first time and smoke them like it’s child’s play…
Rob From SC
August 5th, 2012
2:55 pm
I don’t see how Medlen doesn’t stay in rotation.
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
2:56 pm
Bud Norris is having a fit about that called third strike, meanwhile he’s been getting calls like that all day. Is he stupid or just plain slow?
TNScott
August 5th, 2012
2:56 pm
Dan will figure it out as soon as he finds the key to the batter’s box.
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
2:56 pm
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:06 pm
Ok, I got that one out of my system.
Now I feel better… sort of…
I’ll be rational now.
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
2:56 pm
Do ML hitters EVER… just get flat-out embarrassed at their performance? I remember a few yrs back…thinkin’…that if Andruw Jones wasn’t embarrassed (and he didn’t seem to be)…he just wasn’t capable… of being “embarrassed”
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
2:59 pm
Bravefaninok,
It comes back out. It’s like a virus.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
2:59 pm
The Astros pitching staff the past couple of days has been pretty solid.
Rob From SC
August 5th, 2012
3:00 pm
Attention Bud Norris : Throw it in the RH batters box to lefties if you want a called strike.
TNScott
August 5th, 2012
3:01 pm
The blog commentary today has resembled, at times, an episode of Monday Night RAW.
Disgusted
August 5th, 2012
3:02 pm
Good for Chipper now lets get some runs of this Bud Norris scrub.
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
3:03 pm
Bourn is a HARD man…to walk
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2012
3:04 pm
Bourn is 1-for-23 vs. his former Astros team this season
TNScott
August 5th, 2012
3:05 pm
Looks like Kris is going to have to try to make that run stand up.
tony austin
August 5th, 2012
3:06 pm
When your 7-8-9-1-2 hitters are pretty much automatic outs it makes it tough to score.
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
3:06 pm
The Astros pitching staff the past couple of days has been pretty solid.
Of course. They’ve been facing the Braves.
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
3:06 pm
David O’Brien
August 5th, 2012
3:04 pm
Bourn is 1-for-23 vs. his former Astros team this season
Hope they don’t sell that scouting report!!!!!!
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
3:07 pm
Swingin’ at a borderline 3-1 pitch, while in a slump…in a 1-0 game, tells me all I need to know… about Bourn.
Disgusted
August 5th, 2012
3:07 pm
Anyone starting to lose their patience with Bourn?????
I am. He deserves to be Booed.
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
3:08 pm
tony austin
August 5th, 2012
3:06 pm
When your 7-8-9-1-2 hitters are pretty much automatic outs it makes it tough to score.
David Ross and Prado are not automatic outs……
nolie
August 5th, 2012
3:10 pm
I see that Simmons will prolly not play til early September. That is about what I expected all along, and by then rosters will be expanded so decisions will be less constrained
Lance
August 5th, 2012
3:10 pm
Bourn is swiftly becoming a concern. I’m real concerned the Braves might over-pay for him
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
3:11 pm
@Disgusted…..Re: Bourn……mini-slump
Not yet there Disgusted, however….I will agree with you to this end: [I think you posted yesterday]: A lead-off guy has to readily take the walk and—just has to make a bit more contact.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
3:12 pm
Never figgered Bourn would keep it up, but he has been an asset so far, and hopefully he will bounce back some. I’d give him another day off if I were Fredo
DAM
August 5th, 2012
3:12 pm
Sure would have liked to see Medlen get a chance to finish up the 6th.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2012
3:13 pm
Medlen out after 79 pitches, gave up five hits, has a 1-0 lead with Gearrin entering and 2 on base, 1 out in 6th
nolie
August 5th, 2012
3:13 pm
the lead off guy is probably the one player that you don’t care much about contact with, but you do need good BPP
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
3:13 pm
Yeah, Bourn is a concern. This game is also becoming a concern. A better defensive second baseman fields Wallace’s grounder and turns it into an out.
Lance
August 5th, 2012
3:13 pm
I hope they can hold it for Kris
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
3:13 pm
This is gonna be a bad move from Fredi. Those two hits weren’t impressive and I feel more confident leaving Medlen out there than bringing either Gearrin or Venters in. Wouldn’t surprise me now to see Medlen get a loss from this.
TNScott
August 5th, 2012
3:14 pm
My favorite State Farm commercial. Andre Dawson coming out of the ivy.
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
3:15 pm
Remember a couple of months ago when the Braves swept the Cardinals, and then went to chicago and lost 2 out of 3 to the Cubs?
This reminds me of that.
Swept the Phillies, took 3 out of 4 from the Marlins, and now they’re playing down to the level of the AAA Houston Astros.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
3:15 pm
Gearrin looked fatigued last night, I am unsure how well this will turn out in this situation.
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
3:15 pm
Lance…after a full season in Atl…I think the Braves will have figured out exactly WHAT Bourn is…and ISN’T. Doubt they’ll go overboard.
VaBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
3:16 pm
Astro’s LOL
TNScott
August 5th, 2012
3:16 pm
We cannot get this guy out.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
3:16 pm
Yep. I figured it was a poor decision to bring in the fatigued Gearrin. The ball really jumps off of Maxwell’s bat.
Jaded
August 5th, 2012
3:16 pm
Way too quick of a hook on Medlen, IMO.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
3:17 pm
two on and only one out and Gearrin coming in? OMG we are doomed. No question in my mind but that we are gonna loose this game to the awful, pathetic, worst team in baseball ’stros. Many here will be sooo happy that their predictions of doom come to fruition
Hmmmm
August 5th, 2012
3:17 pm
and now the offence struggling against the Astros will come back into play
archie
August 5th, 2012
3:17 pm
Can we go ahead and admit that Gearrin is a damn fine AAA pitcher, and stop trying to pretend otherwise?
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
3:17 pm
And Justin Maxwell does it again.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
3:17 pm
See what I mean? Now Fredi is gonna over manage a little more by bringing Venters in. This game is going straight to the toilet. But to put blame where it should go, Medlen would still be in there if our offense treated the Astros the way they should be treated.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2012
3:17 pm
I don’t want to say I told you so, but when that move was made (Medlen replaced by Gearrin), I predicted that result to guy seated behind me in pressbox….
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
3:18 pm
Wow! The freakin Astros!
nolie
August 5th, 2012
3:18 pm
BALLGAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TNScott
August 5th, 2012
3:18 pm
Well, Archie seven other major league teams are interested in Cory.
UNCBrave
August 5th, 2012
3:19 pm
Why is Gearrin
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
3:19 pm
My kingdom… for a BIGTIME…RHH…for the Braves lineup.
TNScott
August 5th, 2012
3:19 pm
That being said, I would have stuck with Medlin.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
3:19 pm
Maybe the old Venters will show up here.
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
3:20 pm
Huge out. Huge
nolie
August 5th, 2012
3:20 pm
I am going to have cosmetic surgery if we loose two to the ’stros, I will be too embarrassed to appear in public
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
3:20 pm
I stayed off to analyze the ebb and flow a bit more intensely–I want this series. In conclusion—after the fourth frame; I would not be under the impression that these Bravos possess any higher degree of urgency today than the had yesterday. A bit too relaxed and jovial as far as I am concerned—to hell with smiling and socializing at first base with brother astro….get serious, we need this win and, before I hear it….I say, yeah it’s one of 162, the boys have done better than average, but they are replete with the overall look of a non-championship team.
UNCBrave
August 5th, 2012
3:20 pm
Why is Gearrin in major league baseball?
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
3:20 pm
$25,000 Pyramid…..
CORY GEARRIN POURING CHAMPAGNE IN A LOCKER ROOM…..JUAN FRANCISCO ON WEIGHT WATCHERS………FREDI GONZALEZ MANAGING THE NL ALL-STAR TEAM….
THINGS YOU WILL NEVER SEE!
jharber
August 5th, 2012
3:20 pm
A manager would be nice
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
3:21 pm
I wonder what the odds of a wild pitch bringing in the go-ahead run are for Venters, followed by a two-single.
TNScott
August 5th, 2012
3:21 pm
I wonder if intentionally walking someone with Venters pitching is a good idea.
1957 Braves Fan
August 5th, 2012
3:21 pm
At least the Astros are going to the American League next year.
DAM
August 5th, 2012
3:21 pm
Couple of odd managerial decisions this inning, to me, but we got out of it tied.
TNScott
August 5th, 2012
3:22 pm
Well, it turned out to be a good idea after all.
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
3:22 pm
“BALLGAME” nolie
Don’t listen to him, fans. He’s in a bad mood and it’s only tied. He is trying to get in young people’s head.
BF54
August 5th, 2012
3:23 pm
the Venternator
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
3:23 pm
That inning progressed better than I though it would. Venters looked impressive, but now the offense needs to show up and start doing something right.
Derrick
August 5th, 2012
3:23 pm
If the Astros win, “It’s Bush’s fault.”
Lance
August 5th, 2012
3:23 pm
Capt. Mudd — I agree with the seeming lack of intensity. Despite what players say, I think when they get in a series with a struggling team they let go of their intensity, focus slips, and this happens.
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
3:23 pm
Nice job by Venters…
Jaded
August 5th, 2012
3:23 pm
Even with a win today, this will be a disappointing series. Losing two of three to these guys would be an unmitigated disaster.
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
3:24 pm
Now let’s amp this damn thing up guys….offense go go go!
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
3:24 pm
this isn’t football! A football mentality here. “Embarrassed”??? Please.
UNCBrave
August 5th, 2012
3:24 pm
Offense has scored 4,2, And 1 against the Astros pitching staff??
King of Carrot Flowers
August 5th, 2012
3:24 pm
Nolie, condolences on another strong start by Medlen. Too bad Fredi made sure he can’t win it. You can take solace in that, at least.
glw
August 5th, 2012
3:24 pm
Gonzalez overmanages as usual. I would have kept Medlen in rather than bring in Gearrin.
When Chipper retires as a player, can Wren just make him the manager and fire Freddi?
jharber
August 5th, 2012
3:25 pm
Can Freddi make one of those
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
3:25 pm
Just to say something nice for a change….These Braves’ uniforms look REALLY good !!!
Derrick
August 5th, 2012
3:26 pm
The idea, Jaded, for the Braves was to “at the least” go 8-2 on the home-stand. With a win today, they would have matched such expectations. Can’t complain about an 8-2 spark, considering they had previously been rather lackluster at home this year, this far (before this 10-game home-stand).
Ward
August 5th, 2012
3:26 pm
Hello everyne! Usually I don’t say any thing , but the Braves are hitting like crap, and we could see two wasted starts go down the drain. I’m just on to get the bats fired up. Come on let’s get it going!!!!!!! It’s the Astros!!!!!!!!!!Peace…….
phil
August 5th, 2012
3:26 pm
I for one, wish he would stay another year or two. How about moving the Braves to the AL instead of the Astros? lol..
Lance
August 5th, 2012
3:26 pm
In agreement on the uniforms…I think they are my favorites
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
3:27 pm
How come all of us KNOW Gearrin is nothing more than an AAAA player, but the esteemed field commander can’t see that?
And who in the hell is that Roseanne Barr-sounding moron screaming during these games?
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
3:27 pm
@Lance….yes, I do understand the loss of focus part—we all have gone thru this—life is expensive emotionally/physically—that is why we must cherish the time we invest in someone like Kate Upton–or her likeness….it always gets better.
Derrick
August 5th, 2012
3:27 pm
Dan Uggla = The Braves’ version of Rob Deer. (Look at the statistics!)
He’s been a deer-in-the-headlights lately, but let’s see what he does here…
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
3:28 pm
Yeah, here’s comes Uggla. Wonder what will happen?
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
3:28 pm
Cue the commercial.
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
3:28 pm
Come on Dan!
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
3:28 pm
Use those forearms, Dan!
Jaded
August 5th, 2012
3:28 pm
Derrick, I agree it’s been a good homestand. I’m just talking about this series. Given that they had only won 10 road games all year and we came in red hot, I expected a sweep. You almost never expect a sweep in baseball, but this was a rare opportunity.
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
3:28 pm
Uggla with RISP…
What a F cking surprise.
Derrick
August 5th, 2012
3:29 pm
The A Bomb said: And who in the hell is that Roseanne Barr-sounding moron screaming during these games?
I was wondering if I was the only one who was wondering the same thing.
I believe that those ‘kids’(?) have Season Tickets, because they are at EVERY game.
They probably do not live too far from the game…
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
3:29 pm
Is it 0-2 on Uggla yet ??
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
3:30 pm
Why does Uggla have to always come to the plate in key situations?
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
3:30 pm
Uggla will never be able t get outta any slump until he understands that he HAS to hit the ball up the middle or to right field in order to keep pitchers from pitching him exclusively outside.
Lance
August 5th, 2012
3:30 pm
Remember when we liked it when Uggla came up in a key situation?
archie
August 5th, 2012
3:30 pm
Why in the living hell is Uggla batting 6th? Truly, a no-tool player.
Derrick
August 5th, 2012
3:31 pm
Why does Uggla have to always come to the plate in key situations?
Answer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy%27s_law
archie
August 5th, 2012
3:31 pm
Hearing some boo-birds on Uggla. Finally. A few fans are actually paying attention at Tooner Field.
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
3:31 pm
well he didn’t hit into a DP
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
3:31 pm
If you look in the dictionary under “suck” you see a picture of Uggla.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
3:31 pm
Braves are paying $13 million for a 5-year rehab assignment. Pathetic.
TNScott
August 5th, 2012
3:31 pm
Dan is still looking for the key to the batter’s box.
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
3:31 pm
0-2ggla pops up, what a f cking surprise.
Chiricahua Brave
August 5th, 2012
3:31 pm
In fairness to Gearrin the guy that hit the double off him hit 2 homeruns last night off the guy deemed good enough to trade best arm in the Braves system for. Very hot hitter.
Derrick
August 5th, 2012
3:32 pm
Uggla will never be able t get outta any slump until he understands that he HAS to hit the ball up the middle or to right field in order to keep pitchers from pitching him exclusively outside.
Well, he came out of a slump last year and went on a tear, so I suppose he “knows” what he needs to do, but is trying too hard? Is that a good excuse? Ha!
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
3:32 pm
I am really sick of Uggla’s struggles and terrible at bats.
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
3:33 pm
It’s all about Janish now!
Lance
August 5th, 2012
3:33 pm
I’ll take it!!! Now…bases loaded…can the Braves score?
Derrick
August 5th, 2012
3:33 pm
Joe Simpson: “It’s August–Dan Uggla will come out of this slump.”
A month ago, Joe Simpson: “It’s July–Dan Uggla will come out of this eventually…”
DAM
August 5th, 2012
3:33 pm
Need to pinch-hit for Janish here.
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
3:34 pm
Lets do this Paul….
1991 braves
August 5th, 2012
3:34 pm
Some things never change. Braves can’t beat the worst team in baseball at home. Fredi trying to manage, and UGGLA failing to produce with runners in scoring position with 1 out. Has this dumbass ever heard of hitting the ball to the right side of second base?? Don’t think so, and he could care less about playing team baseball.
BF54
August 5th, 2012
3:34 pm
Freddie ‘wheels”Freeman
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
3:34 pm
Take a strike Janish….tia
Lance
August 5th, 2012
3:34 pm
I’ll take that and love it
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
3:34 pm
Janish needs to come through with a solid at bat here.
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
3:34 pm
That will work!
Chiricahua Brave
August 5th, 2012
3:35 pm
three hit and no runs?
BF54
August 5th, 2012
3:35 pm
Hoss!!!
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
3:35 pm
ANY way… we can give Uggla another RBI…on that wild pitch ??
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
3:35 pm
That’s probably the only way these morons can score against the Mighty Astros.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
3:35 pm
Braves are getting breaks no other MLB team would dish out. Very fortunate.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
3:35 pm
That works, but no need in settling for just the one run.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
3:36 pm
1600 runs scored for Chipper to go along with 1600+ ribbies
TexanBrave
August 5th, 2012
3:36 pm
Teams that win/lose and hit/don’t hit need turning points to get going….may have just got that one with the WP and pack the bags after a great home stand and hang 2-3 back from the Nats on the road trip
archie
August 5th, 2012
3:36 pm
In Atlanta, they’ll probably score that a hit and an RBI for Uggla.
Lance
August 5th, 2012
3:37 pm
Way to go Janish!!!!
TNScott
August 5th, 2012
3:37 pm
PAUL!!!!
DAM
August 5th, 2012
3:37 pm
Well, I’m glad it worked out, anyway. Good for Janish.
archie
August 5th, 2012
3:37 pm
Jack Wilson…uh, about that rehab…don’t bother.
MEB
August 5th, 2012
3:37 pm
Pinch hit for Yanish? Nah!!!
GO BRAVES!!!
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
3:37 pm
No debate. Wilson stays with Tom Hanks.
BF54
August 5th, 2012
3:38 pm
Jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaany!!!
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
3:38 pm
WTG Paul….
BFChris27
August 5th, 2012
3:38 pm
Janish!!!!!!!!!!!!
nolie
August 5th, 2012
3:38 pm
the Yawner comes through. whoopee!!! once that bad pitch happened Norris was under a lot of emotional pressure
Derrick
August 5th, 2012
3:38 pm
I wish Paul Janish was Amish.
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
3:39 pm
1600 runs scored for Chipper to go along with 1600+ ribbies
I can’t imagine the amount of acomplishments on Chipper’s career had he been a little healthier.
Chiricahua Brave
August 5th, 2012
3:40 pm
1600 runs scored for Chipper to go along with 1600+ ribbies
Great all around hitter. I will sure miss him next year
Fresh Meat
August 5th, 2012
3:40 pm
Good news about this rally….Braves get some insurance runs. Bad news about this rally…Uggla gets another at-bat.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
3:40 pm
Uggla should not be hitting in front of either Ross or Janish. And it’s a shame that we couldn’t seem to find a way to score these runs when Medlen was in there.
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
3:40 pm
Well no birthday cake for you Hinske. And that’s a good thing. Too fattening.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
3:41 pm
CHIP: They’ve just chased Bud Norris….
Huh?
keylargo
August 5th, 2012
3:41 pm
I wonder what the odds of a wild pitch bringing in the go-ahead run are for Venters, followed by a two-single. “Ballgame Blogger”
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
3:41 pm
That was a profitable inning. Good for Janish to get the big hit.
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
3:42 pm
I think Fredi would make a great Amish elder.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
3:42 pm
PREDICTION: HInske will be surrounded by Geisha Girls next year as he pounds out 35 homers in Japan.
Nerdbucket Moylan
August 5th, 2012
3:42 pm
Yay we are beating the AAA Astros!
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
3:42 pm
And it’s a shame that we couldn’t seem to find a way to score these runs when Medlen was in there.
Or last night…
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
3:43 pm
I can’t imagine the amount of acomplishments on Chipper’s career had he been a little healthier.
I know two years where he had major knee surgeries that would have put him over 300 hits easily. No telling how many hits he would have totaled without all the many injuries.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
3:43 pm
don’t get cocky about it yet nerd
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
3:43 pm
Miami is mounting a comeback in Washington…4-1 man on 2nd no outs.
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
3:45 pm
I think Norris went in and is working on the Total Gym.
Nerdbucket Moylan
August 5th, 2012
3:46 pm
Never should have moved Chipper from 3B for Vinny Castilla. Huge mistake. Just like moving Prado from 2B to LF when we should have signed Willingham or a proven high obp producer for left field. Stupid Wren and his awful judgement signed struggla for too much money and too many years.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
3:47 pm
OFCS Durbin, throw it over the plate
Lance
August 5th, 2012
3:48 pm
No wonder our bullpen is always tired!!!!
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
3:48 pm
Wren is responsible for Global Warming too, don’t forget that.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
3:49 pm
nothing is ever easy against the bad teams
archie
August 5th, 2012
3:49 pm
Well, the Astros may not have much, but they have a 2nd baseman who can make contact, steal bases and field his position. That’s a nice luxury to have.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
3:49 pm
It’s never good when Fredi chooses to get off his fat ass this many times in a game.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
3:49 pm
This inning needs to stop here.
DAM
August 5th, 2012
3:49 pm
For all we did to save the bullpen arms early in the year, we’re doing everything we can to make them fall off now.
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
3:50 pm
Fredi off his tuchus in a timely manner….Astros are leading the Pacific Coast league in comeback wins. He knows stuff like this…
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
3:50 pm
There’s still a group of guys on this team that find it necessary to put the field commander in position to push buttons — a dangerous cocktail.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
3:50 pm
Well, the Astros may not have much, but they have a 2nd baseman who can make contact, steal bases and field his position. That’s a nice luxury to have.
So do we. Of course, he is currently playing left field.
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
3:51 pm
This does not feel good. Come on Avilan
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
3:52 pm
WTG Luis
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
3:52 pm
Nice job.
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
3:53 pm
Luis has been a pleasant surprise lately.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
3:55 pm
Really? A girl in the crowd wearing an Uggla jersey. Must have picked it up at a local Goodwill outlet.
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
3:58 pm
No contact
Lance
August 5th, 2012
3:58 pm
Bourn and Uggla are starting to a little alike
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
3:58 pm
Bourn fading back to his normal offense it seems
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
3:58 pm
Oh shut up!
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
3:59 pm
RESIGN BOURN!!
Lance
August 5th, 2012
4:00 pm
I’m just saying that both are slumping…not saying it’s gonna stay that way
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
4:00 pm
So there you have it. That loud b!tch we keep hearing every game is actually an usher. Oh joy, we get to hear that nauseating voice every home game. Can’t wait to go on the road.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
4:01 pm
Unbelievable.
NorCal Brave
August 5th, 2012
4:04 pm
2 automatic outs in this lineup, our leadoff man and supposed RH power hitter. Is this any way to run an offense? Fredi better start thinking about some lineup juggling when Simmons returns; plus you’ve got a perfectly good ballplayer sitting on the bench named Johnson.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
4:04 pm
Between the usual Chipisms, Twitter girls and crowd mikes attached to screaming ushers the Fox production crew has hit a grand slam this year to make it one of the most enjoyable broadcast years in Braves history. What a joke.
Lance
August 5th, 2012
4:05 pm
Don’t they know not to make Chipper mad?
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
4:05 pm
NIce.
No doubt Frank will replace THAT next season.
Bravefaninok
August 5th, 2012
4:06 pm
Old Man!!!!!!
nolie
August 5th, 2012
4:06 pm
mean motor scooter from first to home
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
4:07 pm
I think it’s hilarious that Joe and Chip complain about a strike being called on Chipper that at first glance looked to be outside, but Glavine doesn’t say a word. Glavine knew his entire career was living off the plate.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
4:07 pm
One more run and Gonzalez gets to sit down and stop pushing buttons. We hope.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
4:07 pm
Heyward must score from first base more than anyone in baseball.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
4:08 pm
Maybe to save money the Fox people can just make the world’s most irritating usher the next Twitter Girl and she can SCREAM the Tweets at us during the games.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
4:09 pm
Thank God that Uggla won’t be coming to the plate with RISP next inning.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
4:09 pm
actually Jerry Uggla was leading the team in that b4 this series I believe
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
4:09 pm
Glavine with the analogy of the lack of landscape waste by Heyward
nolie
August 5th, 2012
4:10 pm
Uggla is also second on the team in two out ribbies
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
4:11 pm
Maybe to save money the Fox people can just make the world’s most irritating usher the next Twitter Girl and she can SCREAM the Tweets at us during the games.
That could actually work. Good idea.
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
4:12 pm
This must be a record series for Justin Maxwell…
cabravesfan
August 5th, 2012
4:12 pm
Justin Maxwell’s strategy- play well enough that the Astros trade you for a worse player..
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
4:13 pm
nolie,
You are saying that Uggla was leading the team in scoring from first base? If he was, it wasn’t as noticeable as Heyward. IMO
nolie
August 5th, 2012
4:13 pm
gonna miss them Chipper ribbie doubles
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
4:14 pm
Obviously trying toe save Kimbrel.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
4:15 pm
1-0……2-0 again and again. Struggling to the finish line.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
4:17 pm
Between the usual Chipisms, Twitter girls and crowd mikes attached to screaming ushers the Fox production crew has hit a grand slam this year to make it one of the most enjoyable broadcast years in Braves history. What a joke.
The person who came up with these little jewels should not have a job by the end of the season, at the very least.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
4:17 pm
Avilan has been pretty solid of late. The bullpen has been turning in its best work of the year over the past few weeks.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
4:17 pm
You are saying that Uggla was leading the team in scoring from first base? If he was, it wasn’t as noticeable as Heyward. IMO
Hogwash… It was way more noticeable…. I see Heyward go “only” first to third on doubles quite often.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
4:18 pm
Love those “Royal Flush” girls!
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
4:18 pm
Jerry — just broadcast the damn game and leave us alone with the Hollywood crap. Baseball fans watch baseball — don’t need to be entertained.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
4:18 pm
yeah Jerry I believe he was, someone posted it last week IIRC. But it was close and Jason has done it several times the last coupla series. Uggs is not fast but he is a very efficient baserunnre
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
4:19 pm
Uggla’s the first guy in MLB history to be on a major league rehab assignment.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
4:21 pm
Uggla’s the first guy in MLB history to be on a major league rehab assignment.
Not cool man!
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2012
4:22 pm
Uggla’s 0-for-4 today drops his home average to .185, tied for second-lowest in the majors
Bat Masterson
August 5th, 2012
4:23 pm
Heyward has scored from first on a double 4 times in the last three or four games if memory serves.
gotigers72
August 5th, 2012
4:24 pm
Don’t know what “The Bourne Ultimatum” will be as far as his contract goes after this season, but I say we let him slide and get another CF from elsewhere. He strikes out way too much, especially for a leadoff man, and has lost 40-50 points off of his BA lately. Sure he’s a great base stealer, but you can’t steal first.
Jeff R
August 5th, 2012
4:24 pm
Uggla’s 0-for-4 today drops his home average to .185, tied for second-lowest in the majors
Pretty incredibly… bad.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
4:25 pm
Heyward has scored from first on a double 4 times in the last three or four games if memory serves.
Yes, he’s done it recently. IIRC, however, there were times at the beginning of the season where Heyward did not score from first on a double, esp. with 2 outs.
Jeff R
August 5th, 2012
4:26 pm
Looks like the Nats are going to take another one from the Fish. Braves aren’t catching a break here lately. The Bravos need to keep winning, stay close to the Nats. A lot of games still to play.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
4:26 pm
Stop the Presses!!!!!!!! Does it look like Francisco has lost weight?
nolie
August 5th, 2012
4:27 pm
yeah Jerry it has for a while now
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
4:28 pm
Since when are ushers supposed to watch the ballgames?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
4:28 pm
Does it look like Francisco has lost weight?
Yes, at least to me… Not that it really matters. Wonder if the Braves told him to lose weight in addition to actually working in the cage.
MikeInFl
August 5th, 2012
4:28 pm
Coming into today, Uggla had scored from 1st on a double 8 times; Bourn 6 times; Heyward 5; Prado 4. No one else over 1.
Uggla’s 8 is the most in the NL.
JC Brave
August 5th, 2012
4:29 pm
Francisco WALKED!
I’ve seen it all now. I can die in peace…
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
4:29 pm
WASHINGTON 4 MIAMI 1 FINAL
Tina
August 5th, 2012
4:30 pm
D.O.B do you think Todd Cunningham has a chance to be an everyday player?
BF54
August 5th, 2012
4:30 pm
Mikeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!!!
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
4:31 pm
Francisco and Bourn both reached base in the same inning. That is something special.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
4:32 pm
whew. guess I won’t be needing that facial reconstruction afterall if they just hold on for one more half inning……
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
4:32 pm
Does it look like Francisco has lost weight?
Unfortunately, this means I can’t call him Fatsucko anymore…. he’s thinner, and not so sukky lately.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
4:34 pm
Heyward has done it 4 times the last week or so, not sure that is up to date
Disgusted
August 5th, 2012
4:34 pm
“And who in the hell is that Roseanne Barr-sounding moron screaming during these games?”
A-Bomb –Now, that was funny, real funny. She sure has an irritating voice. Sort of a loud version of Edith Bunker.
You know, your projections that Heyward is going to be a Willie Mc Covey type might not be all that far off though I still say that is alot to ask, but not impossible.
ACE
August 5th, 2012
4:35 pm
Here is the 8-2 homestand that Chipper said we needed.
MikeInFl
August 5th, 2012
4:37 pm
baseball-reference, nolie. Never known them not to be up to date, but I have no idea…
Disgusted
August 5th, 2012
4:38 pm
If Francisco ever got a chance to be a regular maybe he could hit 20 to 25 bombs and knock in 90 something ribbies.
He might hit .240 and the OBP would be in the .290 to .305 range but if he plays adequate defensively, hey, could do worse for the money.
I’d might rather give him a chance than trade a ton to get a guy like Headley whom some here just are infatuated with.
We can still keep Marteen in left.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
4:38 pm
Yes, at least to me… Not that it really matters.
Considering he’s 10 for his last 19, it might matter a bunch. Would love to see a Melky type work out for us instead of after they move on.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
4:38 pm
much more athletic and better baserunner than McCovey was. closer to Winfield tools wise
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
4:38 pm
Disgusted — 2-3 years from prime and look what he is doing.
Even some of the so-called “know-it-alls” around here bashed him and it was ridiculous because all THEY look at is paper. You don’t dismiss an athletic specimen like this without making sure potential has not been reached. Guy grew up competing against the best teenage athletes in the nation. He was rushed up and only now is he locking in.
Glad to see all the morons have shut their traps. But he is the next McCovey — plus. Watch.
billh
August 5th, 2012
4:38 pm
Chipper is doing this right and I can prove it, believe it or not, with a story from ballet. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hang out at the ballet. But my wife took me – here in Atlanta – to a performance during Mikhail Nikolaevich Baryshnikov’s farewell tour when he was retiring from ballet. If ballet had a hall of fame he’d be in it. But – and I’d only been to one other ballet performance – during that last year he was performing he looked clumsy. Even to me, a person who doesn’t understand ballet. You could tell he knew what he was doing but his physical skills had diminished. So it was sad to watch, knowing that he had been one of the world’s greatest. That last year will be the only memory a lot of people have of him.
Chipper on the other hand is going out like a champion – as good or better than anyone around him. That’s the way to go out – the way to leave memories. Not as a guy who was on the decline, but as a baseball legend who is playing with the best. I’m glad he’s retiring that way.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
4:39 pm
Game over, Braves take 2-3 just like I expected. Good series, Great homestand.
Later folks.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
4:39 pm
Bye bye ’stros. will kinda miss y’all
Disgusted
August 5th, 2012
4:39 pm
And, another one for the good guys. They are not BUMBS anymore.
ACE
August 5th, 2012
4:40 pm
JS reporting that Uggla heard some boos today.
Disgusted
August 5th, 2012
4:40 pm
Yea, this is it for the stros, not in our league anymore after this.
An end to a history and once a former division rival. Been playing them a long time.
Disgusted
August 5th, 2012
4:41 pm
Well, its about time Uggla gets booed. He deserves it.
Bama Brave
August 5th, 2012
4:41 pm
Good Game Won the series.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
4:42 pm
don’t know Mike, but I was thinking Jason already had several b4 this run the last few days. I could easily be wrong on that
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
4:42 pm
Let ‘em go.
Get them out of the NL Central where teams can pad their records against them. Good for us, good for baseball.
Lance
August 5th, 2012
4:42 pm
Until next time….Go Braves
nolie
August 5th, 2012
4:43 pm
whatever AB
Disgusted
August 5th, 2012
4:45 pm
Nolie — the comparision to Winfield is about right.
Mc Covey was a super hitter, but he was not a very healthy player, played with arthritis much of the time. But what a stretch he had from 1963 to 70. He never had a 30 HR season again but that was more cause of wear and tear. He still came back to SF after being with SD and had a good 77 season before finishing out with 3 sub par past his prime yrs.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
4:45 pm
I would love to see Brian Jordan off the Fox payroll next year.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 5th, 2012
4:47 pm
Nice 8-2 homestand. Too bad they were unable to gain more ground on the Nationals than they did.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
4:48 pm
Early innings of futility against a plus-4.00 ERA starter reminds me of last night – and what may be another September harbinger. When playing better teams in the next few weeks, the Braves’ hitters will not have the soft underbelly of the Astros’ bullpen to kick around. Hell, they couldn’t do anything with the soft underbelly last night.
Aside from Chipper being Chipper, the only other Brave out there with a proper plate approach is Paul Janish – and that’s not a good sign at all.
Jerry
August 5th, 2012
4:49 pm
Sheets vs Worley, Minor vs Hamels, and Hudson vs Kendricks.
Venice Jim
August 5th, 2012
4:56 pm
The 100 meter dash is a great sporting event in terms of the time it takes out of the day to watch it…
Couch Tater
August 5th, 2012
4:59 pm
15 years ago 306/376/510/886
10 years ago 320/423/500/923
5 years ago.. 334/429/582/1.011
This morning. 317/394/513/907
August 5th by the numbers. Chipper.
Disgusted
August 5th, 2012
5:05 pm
Very strong homestand by a Braves team that had not been that great at home during much of the first half.
They really are playing like the Braves of the 90’s and early ’00’s. Its as if the old Braves have been back like the 15 yr run.
Can’t control what the Nats do. It will be tougher to make the playoffs cause the competing teams like Pittsburgh, and the West comtenders are tougher. And you cannot eliminate St Louis either.
Cincy is no slouch either, its a tougher league as far as the top 8 teams go. At least we R one of em.
archie
August 5th, 2012
5:05 pm
Does Don Sutton have any pop culture references more recent than 1982?
Disgusted
August 5th, 2012
5:06 pm
At least track and field are watchable and have some excitement.
Not boring like golf. I am the number one Golf hater in the world. Proud to boast of that.
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
5:08 pm
Watching the Chipper interview just now – that’s another reason why he’s my favorite player always. Always answers their questions and you can tell he wants to win and loves the game. He’s what you call confident, not arrogant.
JASon
August 5th, 2012
5:10 pm
“So, Chipper Jones, are you having any second thoughts, any reservations whatsoever, about your plan to retire after the season?”
Please, no. This is the one thing I have liked about all of the tributes to chipper from the different teams. He has to retire now. Which is good because he has been nothing but a mental deadweight to this team. His lack of motivational and people skillls is the primary reason this team chokes every september and october in some cases. He sucks. Take a hike you piece of crap.
ACE
August 5th, 2012
5:12 pm
How do you feel about the other players JASon?
nolie
August 5th, 2012
5:14 pm
Which is good because he has been nothing but a mental deadweight to this team. His lack of motivational and people skillls is the primary reason this team chokes every september and october in some cases. He sucks. Take a hike you piece of crap….JAson
has there ever been a bigger pack of lying crap posted on the ol’ blog??
nolie
August 5th, 2012
5:15 pm
GIMPAH?????
Snoop Dawg
August 5th, 2012
5:16 pm
Crazy talk about the Braves being a sub .500 team without Chipper this season somebody mentioned earlier. He’s having a great year but after the difficult start with him not in the lineup, they can win games when he’s not there. Better team without him no doubt, but still would be a decent team without. Not close to a sub .500 team
Snoop Dawg
August 5th, 2012
5:17 pm
better with him in the lineup should have read
Snoop Dawg
August 5th, 2012
5:19 pm
8-2 pretty solid homestand don’t ya think? Couple of losses that stung but this is not a great team. a good team, not a great one. .800 homestand about as good as it gets for this team
ACE
August 5th, 2012
5:21 pm
good homestand no doubt. team could have playerd down to their opponents level.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
5:21 pm
800 homestands are about as good as it gets for any team
ACE
August 5th, 2012
5:23 pm
JASon must have been a hit and run poster.
Yogi Berra
August 5th, 2012
5:23 pm
Great game…
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
5:25 pm
JASon has special needs after that bird shyt in his ear which went in to his brain. Poor fella.
nolie
August 5th, 2012
5:29 pm
Drive by Dentzian post perhaps
Snoop Dawg
August 5th, 2012
5:31 pm
Philly just what Brian McFats needs right now. Big mound of rebound swinging a sorry stick again. Saying if he and Muscle beach Party playing 2B dcn’t get it going, Fredi G ooming into second guessing not sitting these boys a little more.
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
5:33 pm
he’s not gonna be second guessed by anybody with any baseball intelligence
Bozo ( The Clown )
August 5th, 2012
5:35 pm
im not a violent person by any means, but god do i wanna shoot that annoying ” lets go michael/uggla/david/…lets go chant from that stupid lady she is so freakin annoying and its every single game , anyone else know what im talking about…its the same lame azz lady every time
Bozo ( The Clown )
August 5th, 2012
5:38 pm
do they have to mic this person every game .. i mean we need a break sometimes.. can you mute her? just some thoughts… besides that annoying God awful dip sHT douche biotch it is exciting that myfavorite two teams r doing so well! Although the braves have a way to go to be mentioned in the same breath as my Red Legs . 22/26 wins now in the past 30 days… just amazing to watch chapman, latos and cueto.. and we have the number one hitter in baseball hurt and the deservent all star phillips team is scary good
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
5:41 pm
whatcha smokin’ Bozo?
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
5:45 pm
I think Ross and Chipper won this for us today
Hmmmm
August 5th, 2012
5:46 pm
“2 homes for Jones”
Your story is misleading Associated Press, I read nothing in that article about Chipper’s 2 homes …….
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
5:48 pm
Hey Bozo……You appear to be On the path to Lovetron…..congrats
VaBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
5:49 pm
Hard to believe we needed to use 6 pitchers today.
ACE
August 5th, 2012
5:50 pm
Don’t break any backboards on your way there.
Jeff R
August 5th, 2012
5:53 pm
Please, no. This is the one thing I have liked about all of the tributes to chipper from the different teams. He has to retire now. Which is good because he has been nothing but a mental deadweight to this team. His lack of motivational and people skillls is the primary reason this team chokes every september and october in some cases. He sucks. Take a hike you piece of crap.
Brilliant mind, incisive reasoning… but those SAT scores might be a tad low – provided you made it to high school.
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
5:55 pm
Yes, there was an Astronomical number of pitchers in the game today
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
5:58 pm
Chocolate “thunder” pudding is served afterwards
Jeff R
August 5th, 2012
5:59 pm
Chipper’s going out the way a talent of his caliber should go out: hitting and helping his club to the post-season. Must be a great feeling to be an old pro like Chipper and clicking on all cylinders.
Capt.Mudd
August 5th, 2012
6:07 pm
……When the cock crows/when the winds blow…….when I look on down the street; I see Fredi in a Chevy…..makin’ love to something sweet……in the last day’s of the century, leaning from my balcony, changes come so rapidly—can’t you feel it in the air.
keylargo
August 5th, 2012
6:09 pm
Anyone who remembers Willie Mays in a Mets uni in 1973 knows CJ is doing it the right way.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2012
6:14 pm
Postgame Bravos quotage
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/05/braves-quotes-after-sundays-win-against-astros/
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
6:18 pm
As far as Chipper going no sense pushing it. But where it is going to hurt the most is that he still scares the crap out of opposing managers and it helps the way the entire lineup is pitched to. Look what happens when he takes an AARP day off or two. We suck.
B
August 5th, 2012
6:22 pm
Thank you Todd Van Poppel.
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2012
6:32 pm
Braves notes: Venters big in return; Chipper to stay overnight in Atlanta, likely out of lineup Monday
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/05/venters-big-in-return-chipper-likely-out-of-lineup-monday/
Rocko
August 5th, 2012
6:45 pm
How about Uggla for Austin Jackson?
the truth...
August 5th, 2012
6:51 pm
Agree on the Twitter Girls…………..but what would you expect…..they are Twits
kenhotlanta
August 5th, 2012
6:56 pm
Fredi, I have supported most of your actions for 2 years and defended you time and time again, but PLEASE sit Uggly tomorrow and let Marteeen play 2nd. This has been going on for too long and I don’t know how much longer we can afford to play this black hole every day, I don’t care hard he plays. I can play hard too, but I couldn’t hit Murph’s 4 year old, and at this point, neither can Uggly.
ChipperisGod
August 5th, 2012
6:59 pm
Incredible year so far for Chipper. Bats finally came alive a bit. Good to see Bourn get a nice knock. Let’s get those Phillies!
BraveDan
August 5th, 2012
7:00 pm
Sure hope the Nats or Phillies don’t get Bourn next year. We sure need him ourselves someway or another, too hard to find the combination of great leadoff hitter/centerfield defense he provides.
Hmmmm
August 5th, 2012
7:02 pm
“2 homes for Jones”
“Your story is misleading Associated Press, I read nothing in that article about Chipper’s 2 homes …….”
“2 home runs for Jones”
that’s strike 2, you get 1 more strike to get it right AP then you’re out
BraveDan
August 5th, 2012
7:03 pm
Yeah, would like to see Uggla get a couple days off to hopefully get his head straightened out. Prado and Pastornicky can handle second.
BraveDan
August 5th, 2012
7:05 pm
DOB, i guess no waiver deals for us?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
7:09 pm
From Braves.com…
ATLANTA — Right-hander Jair Jurrjens, his future with the Braves in doubt, will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett, which returns home on Monday for an eight-game homestand.
“All I know is that I’m going out,” Jurrjens said Sunday. “I don’t know when I’ll pitch.”
Jurrjens was put on the disabled list Thursday to clear a roster spot for starter Paul Maholm, who was acquired in a trade with the Cubs before the Trade Deadline.
Jurrjens hurt his right groin on Tuesday against Miami as he made his first relief appearance after being demoted from the rotation.
“I slipped and it was tight the next day,” Jurrjens said. “Now it feels OK.”
ATLANTA — Tyler Pastornicky has played only occasionally since his recall from Triple-A Gwinnett on July 14, but he has done well in his rare appearances.
Pastornicky, who started the season as the Braves’ regular shortstop, was 3-for-6 with two walks and delivered a pinch-hit home run against the Marlins on Tuesday to pad a 7-1 victory.
“Pinch-hitting is definitely not easy,” the rookie said. “But I’ve been trying to learn from [Eric Hinske] and follow his routine. He’s the best. I just try to be ready for any situation.”
Pastornicky had played only four innings defensively since his return, but had taken advantage of the time before games to work at second base and in the outfield. But the Braves envision him as a potential super sub.
“It’s definitely an adjustment,” Pastornicky said of his limited playing time. “But when I got called back up, I felt a lot more comfortable. There wasn’t as much pressure. I felt more relaxed.”
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
7:13 pm
Heck I want to see Uggla get a couple of days off so WE get a couple of days off.
I doubt even his popups could reach that short porch at Citizens Bank.
English Speaking White Guy
August 5th, 2012
7:19 pm
Why is McCann taking so many days off. He used to catch 4 out of 5, now its down to 3 out of 4. He needs to be traded to the AL so he can be a DH.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 5th, 2012
7:22 pm
Uggla’s contract combined with his near total lack of production, will make for a very gun shy front office come time to sign free agents in the off season.
Radio GaGa
August 5th, 2012
7:24 pm
Your front page says Chipper hit two home runs today. How could somebody screw up that bad?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
7:32 pm
Never really gave thought to a 6-man rotation, but Schultz does bring up some good points.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2012/08/05/medlen-should-give-braves-reason-to-consider-6-man-staff/?cxntfid=blogs_jeff_schultz_blog
No. 1 starter Tim Hudson has bone spurs in his ankle. He already has received two cortisone injections. The rest would help.
• Perceived No. 2 starter Ben Sheets has started four games after not pitching in two years. Wear and fatigue could be issues.
• No. 3 Paul Maholm would be taken out of his every-fifth-day rhythm. If you consider that potentially catastrophic, raise your hand. (Anybody?)
• No. 4 Mike Minor has long surpassed his career single-season high with 116 2/3 innings (he threw 82.2 last year). Another off day should be welcomed.
• No. 5a Medlen isn’t going to complain.
• No. 5b Hanson is in no position to complain.
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
7:34 pm
I suggested that a couple of weeks ago.
Carl Farvman
August 5th, 2012
7:37 pm
“Does Don Sutton have any pop culture references more recent than 1982? ”
Agree. I’min my 50s and they bore me to tears. Any wonder why younger generations can’t relate? These crews are old and stale. Constant simple humor and chuckling. Very bad.
Jeff R
August 5th, 2012
7:38 pm
Bourn needs more breaks, too.
LostCause
August 5th, 2012
7:38 pm
Leave him alone and let the next crop come in! Let him go out on top!
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
7:47 pm
chipper is still the best hitter on the team and we have nothing in the system who will ever even come close to him, but there are still people who can’t wait to see him gone. how weird is that
The A Bomb
August 5th, 2012
7:51 pm
If you think about it the six-man rotation could potentially give the Braves an advantage into late September, the one-game playoff and beyond (if Gonzalez doesn’t screw it up with his keen decision-making skills)….
David O'Brien
August 5th, 2012
7:51 pm
Game story with QUOTES
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/05/braves-cap-rousing-homestand-with-6-1-win-over-astros/
cricket
August 5th, 2012
8:03 pm
nobody would listen when i brought up the idea of 6-man rotation. what does Schultz have that i don’t, other than being paid to write a column about it?
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
8:05 pm
nobody is going to pay any attention to him either on the team, no regular 6 man rotation is going to happen
cricket
August 5th, 2012
8:07 pm
no one here raked chipper on coals yet for staying back and missing a game to attend to family matter? i’ll give it max hour before onf or the usual suspects, probably using a newly minted moniker, criticizes him for that.
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
8:11 pm
oh i think some did crickert
Brave New World
August 5th, 2012
8:11 pm
Chipper is going out as a baseball great should. Our loss next year, will be the Baseball Hall of Fame’s gain in 5 years.
cricket
August 5th, 2012
8:12 pm
if Maddon came up with 6-man rotation, it would be hailed as another stroke of genius and moms’ basements would burn midnight oil coming up with statistical support for the move
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
8:13 pm
I will miss him a lot, but I am not really saying that he should stay, just that like many things it amazes me the crazy way some people think
cricket
August 5th, 2012
8:15 pm
SNEAKY PETE – they did already? glad i missed it. based on the way “fans” here react to a team with 5/6th best record in majors, they definitely have what it takes to be like passionate phillies’ fans..
Bat Masterson
August 5th, 2012
8:16 pm
• No. 4 Mike Minor has long surpassed his career single-season high with 116 2/3 innings (he threw 82.2 last year). Another off day should be welcomed.
Minor threw 100+ innings in AAA last year, what those don’t count.
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
8:16 pm
6 man has been tossed around for years, even tried for a short time, just does not provide any real advantage, some guys do not pitch as ell with too much rest
George
August 5th, 2012
8:31 pm
Very good game to win, nice homestand, some excellent games from CHIPPER. I read post-game qoutes. FREDI finnally talking about catching WAS Aand winning division, not being satisfied with play-in game. It took him long enough. I hope he was kidding when he said CHIPPER would have to take a paycut if he should change his mind. That would not even be up to FREDI about CHIPPERS sslery.
George
August 5th, 2012
8:33 pm
Very good story on CHIPPER. Thank you DOB.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 5th, 2012
9:02 pm
English Speaking White Guy Why is McCann taking so many days off. He used to catch 4 out of 5, now its down to 3 out of 4.
Fredi could just be trying to keep him fresh for September…Or there is something wrong with his shoulder that they won’t tell us…
Veer
August 5th, 2012
9:06 pm
With the way Medlen pitched today it shows that he should stay in the rotation. Question is who is the odd man out?
Hanson? but he is a 12 game winner. Do you put a 12 game winner in the bullpen?
Maholm? Braves just acquired the guy Noway will he be demoted to the bullpen
Hudson? He is our ace with 11 wins. Noway do you demote our ace to the bullpen
Minor? He has pitched great lately maybe if he doesn’t keep his performance up then he goes to pen
Sheets? The guy has been a surprise but is this just adredlin or can he keep this pace up?
It is a tough decision but from what We have seen there is noway do you put Medlen back in the bullpen. Make him start get his arm strength back. This guy is very efficent and reminds me of Maddux the way he goes about pitching.
We have a rotation that has no 1 starter but we have 6 guys who are very capable of being number 2 starters. It means whoever is pitching we have a shot to win on any given day
DiamondbackMac
August 5th, 2012
9:17 pm
McFann
Fredi could just be trying to keep him fresh for September…Or there is something wrong with his shoulder that they won’t tell us…
I’m sure that if he has some type of minor shoulder problem, they wouldn’t advertise it if it is his throwing arm. More people would try to steal.
Mark
August 5th, 2012
9:25 pm
I think they all should start until one of them drops the ball. When Hanson comes back, if he is still injured or he keeps pitching the way he had recently, he’ll be the odd guy out. He has won some games but he has been the beneficiary of good run support.
Mark
August 5th, 2012
9:28 pm
Macs shoulder has obviously been bothering him by the way he rubs and rotates it. Hasn’t bothered his hitting and hope it doesn’t because Mac going well is huge when we are playing good teams
Ward
August 5th, 2012
9:33 pm
Hello eeryone! Nice win!!!!! Medlen should stay a starter after his last two starts. I would say Hanson is the odd man out, and think he would be traded next year. Also I think Peter Moylan will be here soon for long relief.
Ward
August 5th, 2012
9:36 pm
We need a RH Bat, because the offense is still struggling. Don’t know what you would do, but I would let Diaz go, and Jack Wilson, and trade for a bat, now that Medlen, and Minor are pitching well, and C- Mart.
keylargo
August 5th, 2012
9:37 pm
This is no denial or conformation, just something I picked up, but I noticed McCann went back to a maple bat yesterday instead of Ash. That would indicate to me he was unhappy with the Ash Bat and not a shoulder issue.
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
9:38 pm
I don’t care who starts, but I think Medlen is a better fit for the pen than any of the others and thus more valuable.
I better shut up though or that Carrot Flower jack arse will come on and attack me with lies like he did Scoots and Noles.
Ward
August 5th, 2012
9:39 pm
Wren should go get Johnny Damon now that he was released, still would be a better hitter down the stretch, than what we have.
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
9:39 pm
Yes I saw that too, but I thought he was using Ash when he started going better
Ward
August 5th, 2012
9:40 pm
Next year Wren should have money to get some one from the Free Agent Market, but still he should study the players health issues.
Bat Masterson
August 5th, 2012
9:41 pm
Ward_
Your boy Eli’s commercial, with Deion, kind of blows.
keylargo
August 5th, 2012
9:42 pm
Ward – Diaz ($2M) + Wilson ($1M) x 35% of the season left = $1.05M
Next you want to hire some one else for another, let’s say $1M of salary.
Are you ready to pony up $2M to pay for the roster revision for spots #22, #23, #24?
Mark
August 5th, 2012
9:42 pm
We need a right handed hitter to hit between Mac and Freeman. Too many lefties hitting back to back and that’ll hurt us against good teams(Good lefty starters and pens)
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
9:44 pm
if we do not re-sign Bourn, I hope they sign a righty for center
Ward
August 5th, 2012
9:45 pm
Bat – Be prepared for the G – Men……….I love football, and to see poeple cry.
Ward
August 5th, 2012
9:47 pm
People will know the G – Men this year. Don’t know how far they will make it, but should give it a good ride….
Mark
August 5th, 2012
9:47 pm
I think Meds is our 4th or 5th best starter right now. IMO, he needs to stay there for the time being but hopefully when the playoffs start and we are in them , he’ll be a huge plus for us coming out of the pen.
Bat Masterson
August 5th, 2012
9:48 pm
Its a new year, Fear the Falcons, Ward!
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
9:49 pm
If Meds is marginally better as a starter (debatable but possible) but the other pitcher does poorly in the pen is that really a better situation? I am not so sure it is.
Ward
August 5th, 2012
9:50 pm
Bat – I fear nothing The G – Men already won the Super Bowl 2 in 4 years. Just thought I would rub that in. little humor.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 5th, 2012
9:54 pm
DBackMac—
Hmm…you could be onto something…it is his throwing arm…
Mark—
From what I’ve been able to see, it’s seemed to bother him more on certain swings, like when he really has to reach for the ball. When he hit that opposite-field Double the other night, it was on a pitch down and away if I remember correctly, and he was really grabbing at his shoulder after that.
Yes, I hope it doesn’t turn into anything major, because he was really having a great run for a while there. His AVG has dipped again a bit of late (he is 0-August, though that’s only been 8 ABs and he’s walked 5 times…), but I think it’ll go up again against the Fillies.
Mark
August 5th, 2012
9:56 pm
I think Meds is just a good pitcher regardless of whether he starts or relieves and his flexibility makes him very valuable to this team. Great to have a guy that based on other guys performances or health you have Meds to plug in where you need him.
That said, for the long-haul or rest of the season I like him starting to give us at least a good 5 guy rotastion so Huddy isn’t pushed too much with the heel, Sheets isn’t pushed because he is still building up in my mind in his comeback, Miinor has been solid of late and I think Maholm is going to give good innings.
Short series though I definately think Meds ability to come out of the pen will help us the most there.
tiger297
August 5th, 2012
9:57 pm
fear what…
Bat Masterson
August 5th, 2012
9:57 pm
Ward_
That’s okay man……… I’ll have the last laugh on this one.
Ward
August 5th, 2012
10:01 pm
Bat – I can coast this year, and just have fun with Football. Also would like to see the Braves make it deep into the Post season would like to sse the sail boat woud last time.
Ward
August 5th, 2012
10:02 pm
Seeing the sail boat would be a great way for chipper to end his career.
Mark
August 5th, 2012
10:03 pm
Mac steps up big in big games and against good pitchers. He’ll be fine as long as he isn’t hurting. Yeah the swings on away pitches, check swings stuff like that hurts him more but really thats the case with anyone when injured.
Sad thing is, catchers take such a beating its really tough on them to get through a year without injury. Even when they do, the little nagging things just seem to add up…
Disgusted
August 5th, 2012
10:03 pm
Johnny Damon is done, Braves would be better off to pass on the 39 yr old version of him.
Derek Lowe looks done too. Both will be looking for jobs in the real world next yr. Good careers for both.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
10:04 pm
English Speaking White Guy Why is McCann taking so many days off. He used to catch 4 out of 5, now its down to 3 out of 4.
Fredi could just be trying to keep him fresh for September…Or there is something wrong with his shoulder that they won’t tell us…
BMac is getting more days off because Ross is such a better catcher. Look at what he did today! Opposite field homer. Mac can’t do that
(sarcasm)
Seriously, I think it’s an attempt to keep Brian fresh for September/Playoffs. Doesn’t hurt to get Rossy some ABs as well… As for his arm, I’m worried about it, but if it is bothering him, they wouldn’t say anyway. Just imagine how many more steals would be attempted then.
ACE
August 5th, 2012
10:05 pm
Not much participating going on tonight.
Bama Brave
August 5th, 2012
10:05 pm
this coming off season is going to be wild!
keylargo
August 5th, 2012
10:05 pm
Washington does not need Bourn. They start Mordecai, Harper, Werth and have Lombardozzi.
Phillie is another story. We’ll just have to wait on that one. But FW with make the qualifying offer to protect the draft pick.
Ward
August 5th, 2012
10:06 pm
All, I’ll talk later, and Ellsbury is on the trading block……..Would you want Ellsbury on your team next season? Peace my friends, and talk later, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
Bat Masterson
August 5th, 2012
10:07 pm
Why not, Ward. World Series, or bust.
Mark
August 5th, 2012
10:07 pm
I missed the game today but saw Uggla went 0 for 4. How did he swing the bat today though?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
10:10 pm
I missed the game today but saw Uggla went 0 for 4. How did he swing the bat today though?
He got robbed of 2 HR, a double, and a short bloop single to right.
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
10:10 pm
Huddy and Sheets are still going to pitch no matter who is in the pen, so I don’t see how Meds starting has any effect on them Mark
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
10:11 pm
Seriously, it was ugly… bad swings. He looks to be coming out of it one day, then looks horrible the next. Sigh….
ChattTownBrian
August 5th, 2012
10:11 pm
Disgusted, HA! Damon and Lowe are pretty well set. Highly doubt they’ll be receiving trucks for a discount store any time soon.
keylargo
August 5th, 2012
10:12 pm
This speaks for itself. We know who the better defensive catcher is and who throws out people of the bases. McCann better start hitting or he will be second team.
Ross… .273 .357 .455 .812
McCann ..236 .311 .447 .759
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
10:15 pm
Sample sizes, largo…. I like Ross, but it’s not completely fair to compare Ross and McCann’s batting stats.
Bat Masterson
August 5th, 2012
10:18 pm
What was it they said about Heap, before Hanson let the Marlins run like wild men the other day, 6th, or so, in the league in caught stealing percentage?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
10:18 pm
Mike Fontenot was released by Phillies…. worth it for the Braves to pick him up? Or is there no room.
keylargo
August 5th, 2012
10:19 pm
I’ve got a feeling Ross is going to start catching up if McCann doesn’t hit and no matter whose fault it is McCann is going to have to throw out a few people on the bases – and block the plate.
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
10:20 pm
Heap is always ranked in the top 3 or 4 defensive NL catchers by Baseball America and other tools sites, no matter what the haters here say
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 5th, 2012
10:22 pm
Mark—
Yeah, that’s very true…And I’m sure the Braves’ staff knows all about it and are doing whatever they need to do…
TOBF Seriously, I think it’s an attempt to keep Brian fresh for September/Playoffs.
I think that’s a big part of it, as well…
Bat Masterson
August 5th, 2012
10:24 pm
Yep, I seem to recall a few plays at the plate Heap has made lately, too. I still haven’t forgotten the one Ross whiffed earlier from Heyward. Perfect throw
Mark
August 5th, 2012
10:26 pm
Sneaky not sure what you mean there. Yeah those guys are there 1 and 2 for sure.
I promised my fellow bloggers I’d stop bashing Uggs after I said what I feel about his abilities the last time I bashed him so I’m not starting back now. I think hitting him 7th when Mac is in there is a recipe to contribute to his continued difficulties. He gets more junk and backwards pitching. I wish they’d move him up in the order so he’ll see more pitches to hit and fastballs early in the count. Currently he gets balls away or so far in he can’t hit them fair. Even the single yesterday when he drove in 2 was a jam job that I think broke his bat. By moving him up we could take advantage of the walks he gets and he does run the bases pretty well and the other guys can drive him in. Currently, we walks in froint of Yawnish and the pitcher and usually thats going to just leave him stranded.
Don’t throw stones and call me completely stupid but if they are insistent on him continuing to play I wish they would put him in the 2 spot for a while because the 200 average out of the 7 and 8 spot is going to kill us in front of the pitcher.
Bat Masterson
August 5th, 2012
10:27 pm
I would say if Heap was around 6th in the league in CS% he was throwing out some guys, eh. Are maybe all those other guys really do suck.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 5th, 2012
10:29 pm
Bat M.—
And they didn’t even give Ross an error on that play. But when BMac missed a slightly worse throw that was a bit harder to handle—E2…
Maybe one of our Bloggers is the score-keeper at Turner Field…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
10:30 pm
Mark I agree with ya…. it’s tough seeing him hit out of the 7-8 spot. He’s not getting anything to hit, and he’s trying to hit the slop. It’s bad… move him to 5 or 3. It might hurt a for a little bit, but he’s definitely not getting better hitting where he is now.
Bat Masterson
August 5th, 2012
10:31 pm
Could be, Mcfann.
Mark
August 5th, 2012
10:31 pm
How does one get the scorekeeping job anyway?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
10:32 pm
Maybe one of our Bloggers is the score-keeper at Turner Field…
Yeah, I help score from time to time. Anytime I can screw BMac over, I do.
Mark
August 5th, 2012
10:37 pm
TOBF
I said 2 spot only because to me he isn’t a good rbi guy at all right now but his OBP isn’t as bad as his avg. because of the walks. Although, IMO, if you define a 2 hitter you can just put Prados picture there – he is good there but Uggs needs some help and hitting in front of Prado, Chipper, Jhey…is bound to help him. But yeah, you’re right, anywhere he can get some pitches.
Regardless of the spot he is going to have to get it going for the Braves to go anywhere.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 5th, 2012
10:37 pm
Bat M, TOBF—
BMac’s gotten screwed a number of times, so it wouldn’t shock me…
Mark—
Don’t know…but they sure as [heck] would never give it to me!…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 5th, 2012
10:38 pm
Anyway, that’s all for me, thanks! Sign-off time…
Night, all!
Bat Masterson
August 5th, 2012
10:45 pm
Nite, McFann
Venice Jim
August 5th, 2012
10:47 pm
I apologize for not posting, although I have been reading for quite a while – nothing has brought out my obnoxious need to be jerkily annoying – plus, listening to my Long Island homies Billy Joel and Alec Baldwin on a great podcast interview…
brian
August 5th, 2012
10:48 pm
a 6 man rotation in September is not unreasonable especially since rosters can expand and we can call up an extra bullpen piece or two
brian
August 5th, 2012
10:49 pm
once Chipper start back on Tuesday Uggla needs some days off
brian
August 5th, 2012
10:51 pm
watching Oscar Pistorius run in the semifinal and coming in last is what the Olympics is all about. a bilateral amputee making the semis, busting it, being gracious in an interview and having the winner of the heat and a favorite in the race want to exchange name plates/tags with him.
Incredible feat to make the Olympics
Venice Jim
August 5th, 2012
10:54 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
He’s still really good.
Chipper tells David O’Brien he won’t reconsider his plans for retirement. He’s crazy
MiaBchBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
10:59 pm
On a POSITIVE note (from me, that’s something):
Johnson should give Bourn days off whenever possible.
Johnson should give Prado days off wherever possible.
Johnson should give Heyward days off whenever possible.
Francisco should give Chipper days off whenever possible.
Freeman needs to rake more; a couple of Hinske days off should help.
Ross needs to give McCann days off whenever possible.
Pastornicky needs to give Uggla many days off at 2B.
Simmons will be a welcome comeback… when he is ready. Janish has been a wonderful surprise!
The starters are on lock and doing very well.
The bullpen is on lock and doing very well.
The key is Chipper’s health. As Chipper goes, so goes this team, hitting-wise.
The rest of this lineup – with the September jury still out on Bourn & Prado – is NOT ready for September prime-time.
The next four weeks will be VERY telling about this 1-8 lineup. Uggla was a veritable mistake. Add that to Wren’s Ledger of Stupidity!
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 5th, 2012
11:00 pm
VJ: Does cab hate me? She doesn’t post here much anymore, esp. when I’m around.
Good night, all! Peace.
Mark
August 5th, 2012
11:00 pm
It appears to me that Chipper is enjoying himself more this year than ever before. He probably reached a point during the injury last year and promised himself that he was going to try and go out on his terms, healthy and enjoying it – Looks like he’s having a blast.
One confession from me as well = He has done much better than I ever imagined he would. Never thought at 40 he would have the year he has had or stay as healthy as he has – I’m happy for him and for the Braves its worked out so well!
DAM
August 5th, 2012
11:12 pm
I don’t know if this has been brought up on here or not, but I wonder if Hanson would find some extra MPH by shifting to the bullpen … essentially just swapping Medlen’s and Hanson’s roles.
I wouldn’t like that long-term, but it’s hard to pull Medlen out of the rotation right now.
Mark
August 5th, 2012
11:19 pm
Dam
Hanson doesn’t appear to me that he can recover well enough to be in the pen. Buy hey, if he could find some more velo in there it couldn’t do anyhting but help him.
Venice Jim
August 5th, 2012
11:24 pm
Between the Olympics and my stealing her computer when I’m home while I await a fan for my computer, she is relatively quiet…
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
11:25 pm
I wish they would put him in the 2 spot for a while because the 200 average out of the 7 and 8 spot is going to kill us in front of the pitcher.
no way, tter in the back of the line up than up front where he gets even more at bats to screw up
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
11:26 pm
only because to me he isn’t a good rbi guy at all right now but his OBP isn’t as bad as his avg. because of the walks.
he is second on the team with two out RBI and most of his last hits have driven in runs
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
11:28 pm
I bet there will be no regular 6 man rotation, perhaps a fill in here and there
Mark
August 5th, 2012
11:36 pm
Sneaky
Again, I think with his walks and baserunning ability he can help mus more getting driven in rather than having to drive them in.
The 2 out rbi thing is a stupid stat in my opinion. Just means that many times by the time he gets up there 2 outs have already been made. His approach doesn’t change with 2 outs nor does many others.
I think a much more important stat is who leaves the most runners the most number of times regardless of the outs.
Chiricahua Brave
August 5th, 2012
11:42 pm
From the quotes.
“Yeah, we’ve got to keep winning. We’ve got six more games against them, a series there and a series back here. We’ve got to keep winning, keep it there within two games, because it seems like they’re going to keep winning, and they’re pulling out games.
Someone needs to tell Freddi they are 3 games back.
MikeInFl
August 5th, 2012
11:48 pm
Evan Gattis left in the 6th tonight for Mississippi. I see he got hit by a pitch in the 5th, but did stay in to run the bases, then was pulled.
SNEAKY PETE
August 5th, 2012
11:54 pm
You could be right, Dan has almost as many at bats hitting second as he has hitting fifth
Venice Jim
August 6th, 2012
12:18 am
No offense, but I hope Fredi (and absolutely no attempt to indicate that someone complaining about the manager should have learned to spell his name by now – that would be very obnoxious) does not manage differently based on whether it’s a 2 or 3 game lead with almost 2 months left…
Venice Jim
August 6th, 2012
12:24 am
Another inmate on the loose from the asylum…
Venice Jim
August 6th, 2012
12:27 am
Chris Mortensen reporting that the NFL has proposed to halve Vilma’s suspension if he drops the lawsuit against the league…
Venice Jim
August 6th, 2012
12:29 am
Probably too tired to go on a posting binge like I did the other night – on the other hand, my activity here will be extremely limited until my computer gets off the DL since I’ll be working 8 days a week for the next 3 weeks…
Venice Jim
August 6th, 2012
12:30 am
I will say hi to uga and/or Ward if they show upon the foreseeable future..
Venice Jim
August 6th, 2012
12:31 am
and down goes Fraz… I mean, down goes Safari…
Venice Jim
August 6th, 2012
12:34 am
Of course, it would be morally wrong to quit on the 501st post on the blog. Which makes you think about how the Braves playing so well is destroying blog hits for DOB without the countless posts by those who revel in the Braves’ miseries when those occur…we’d probably be at 250 tonight if it wasn’t for Uggla-related posts…(not saying those are unwarranted, btw)…
Venice Jim
August 6th, 2012
12:36 am
By 503, moral ambiguity creeps in…
DiamondbackMac
August 6th, 2012
12:40 am
! hour until Curosity lands on Mars.
DiamondbackMac
August 6th, 2012
12:42 am
That should have been “1″.
Columbus
August 6th, 2012
12:44 am
to all of you naysayers…..screw you and the horse your ode in on! Amen!
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2012
12:45 am
Video: Medlen shines as Braves complete 8-2 homestand
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/06/ajc-video-medlen-shines-as-braves-cap-8-2-homestand/
Bonannie
August 6th, 2012
12:55 am
Loves me some Chipper! He truly has an amazing eye and patience! His positive attitude and actions greatly uplift his team mates, and opponents seem pretty impressed by him too. Glad I got to see this future Hall-of-Famer play – especially since he still does give it his all! Kudos Chipper!
Brave Luke
August 6th, 2012
1:22 am
If Chipper does indeed retire after this season, no one should worry, He should be a definite first ballot Hall of Famer in 2018, and as a Atlanta Brave his entire career!!! I know myself and the rest of you would love to see him come back next season and go for some more records & milestones… such as (500 HR’s & 3,000 Hits), 1,700 RBI’s, another Silver Slugger, and a 1st Gold Glove in which he has deserved for at least 3 of his seasons, he was robbed and it ticks me off… but that’s another story! Have fun with your retirement and all of the hunting CJ10…!
DiamondbackMac
August 6th, 2012
1:34 am
Curosity is on the surface of Mars.
Ward
August 6th, 2012
2:14 am
Hello everyone! Do I have a curosity on Mars? No, just the science quacks……Braves will still have to hit better against the Phillies, and the Phillies wont lay down, so it should be an interesting series. Braves can’t go hit like they did playing the Astros against the Phillies, or they will get spanked. I hope for a good series? and Peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
Hmmmm
August 6th, 2012
2:53 am
“If Chipper does indeed retire after this season”
I don’t think there’s any need for that “if”
Couch Tater
August 6th, 2012
5:30 am
Strasburg at 127.1 innings. Speculation, they’ll shut him down at 160. Look for a tweaked toe, finger, hamstring, etc., on his 8/28 @Miami start. Possibly, another away game. Mets 9/12? He’s been averaging 6 innings a start…That’d get through all the ATL. series.
The Couch Prognostatercator.
Jeff R
August 6th, 2012
7:49 am
Bourn needs a couple days off, I think.
Tomahawkin
August 6th, 2012
7:50 am
Huge Huge Homestand…Braves Did what they needed to do…And The rotation has finally been consistant over the last 5 weeks….
Braves Should Take out the Trash easily in Philly and take 2 out of 3….This would be a Statement series If Philly wasn’t in last place
I still love the fact we Put a Fatality on their season with that sweep at home….
Jeff R
August 6th, 2012
7:53 am
Strasburg at 127.1 innings. Speculation, they’ll shut him down at 160.
In a tight race with the Braves, do the Nats shut down their ace, knowing that they could compromise their lead? Or do the Nats let Strasburg pitch, knowing that they could put too much strain on his arm? Maybe the Nats just strictly limit Strasburg’s pitch count?
CB
August 6th, 2012
7:57 am
Couch, should that have not been prognostradamuscater?
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
8:09 am
The Braves pitching staff is doing work. They have now allowed 3 or fewer earned runs in 13 consecutive games. That’s tied for the franchise’s fifth-longest streak of allowing 3 ER or less in the live ball era:
16 games: 8/28/93 – 9/14/93
15 games: 9/19/92 – 10/3/92
15 games: 4/27/54 – 5/14/54
14 games: 5/9/43 – 5/28/43
13 games: 7/23/12 – 8/5/12
13 games: 9/19/45 – 4/21/46
13 games: 8/6/40 – 8/16/40
Who would have thought this pitching staff would have done that?
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
8:15 am
Since May 8th, the Braves have a 3.47 ERA. Over the same span, the Nationals’ ERA is 3.53. Over 80 games and almost 3 months, the Braves have pitched better than Washington.
Jeff R
August 6th, 2012
8:15 am
The Braves pitching staff is doing work. They have now allowed 3 or fewer earned runs in 13 consecutive games. That’s tied for the franchise’s fifth-longest streak of allowing 3 ER or less in the live ball era
Sheets is slated to go in Philly tonight. Let’s see if he and the pen can keep the run going.
CrαZy
August 6th, 2012
8:23 am
just the science quacks
What does that mean??
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
8:24 am
Who would have thought this pitching staff would have done that?
My enthusiasm is tempered by the quality of the competition against which they have done it.
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2012
8:28 am
Didn’t Sheets give up 4 runs in his last start?
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2012
8:28 am
No….4 R, 3 ER. My bad
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
8:30 am
Strasburg at 127.1 innings. Speculation, they’ll shut him down at 160.
And I think folks forget that Detwiler threw only 150 IP last year. It would be unsurprising to see him start to fade a little. I also expect Gio to start walking the park, any day now. It’s in the man’s nature.
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2012
8:32 am
The Braves are 2nd in the league in ERA since the All Star Break at 3.12
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2012
8:33 am
The bullpen’s 3rd in ERA and have 340 K’s in 338 innings.
Of course, like 200 of those are from Kimbrel
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
8:35 am
Since July 1st (31 games), the Braves bullpen has a 1.81 ERA.
How about this trio: Since May 8th, which was a long time ago, Kimbrel has a 0.58 ERA, O’Flaherty has a 0.96, and Durbin has a 1.16.
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2012
8:36 am
Since August 1st, the Braves are 2nd in the NL in ERA at 1.
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2012
8:37 am
That should say August 5th…..
Jeff R
August 6th, 2012
8:44 am
The Nats get the Astros in Houston for four. The Braves have the tougher opponent in the Phils at Philly for three. I would expect the Nats to gain a game, game and a half here.
archie
August 6th, 2012
8:44 am
What the heck happened to Jordan Schafer? Remember when the “experts” touted him as the next great Braves CF? Now he’s lost his starting role on one of the worst teams in the history of baseball. He’s hitting .218. He was said to be at least a four-tool player. Now..he’s lost his tools. What happened?
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2012
8:46 am
What happened?
Peanut butter cups
DiamondbackMac
August 6th, 2012
8:47 am
CraZy
just the science quacks
What does that mean??
It’s just Ward trying to be funny. He’s not very good at it.
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
8:51 am
Since May 12th, Kimbrel, Durbin, Medlen, and O’Flaherty have lost one lead each, while Venters has lost two leads in that span. But in those six games, the Braves have won four of them.
mcdaviddawg
August 6th, 2012
8:56 am
Chipper can’t play a position physically or mentally, so he either retires or goes to the American league. His poor third base play contributes to almost as many scores as his bat.
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
8:56 am
Michael Bourn is hitting .179 with 30 strikeouts in 84 at-bats in his last 20 games.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
8:57 am
What happened?
The wrist, and too many folks in his ear telling him to be a slap-hitting, bunting, leadoff hitter.
Hillbilly
August 6th, 2012
8:58 am
Attended my first minor league baseball game Thursday in Montgomery.
Zeke Spruill was not too sharp and he got shelled. 86-87 on the fastball. A couple of untimely walks and a couple of bombs…one was a Grand Slam off the bat of Mikie Mahtook. Everything Montgomery hit was hit hard. It was not pretty.
Got to see Joey T hit a moon shot, though, and Evan Gattis looked comfortable in left field…not like I would have imagined a converted catcher would.
Jeff R
August 6th, 2012
9:04 am
Michael Bourn is hitting .179 with 30 strikeouts in 84 at-bats in his last 20 games.
Bourn needs a break.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
9:05 am
Michael Bourn is hitting .179 with 30 strikeouts in 84 at-bats in his last 20 games.
Yet, the Braves are averaging about five runs a game in those outings. I would have thought that Bourn and Prado cooling off would have had a more deleterious effect on the scoring, but that appears to not be the case.
doug
August 6th, 2012
9:05 am
We got a nice park in Montgomery, don’t we Hillbilly?
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
9:06 am
That’s where lineup depth comes in…Bourn and Prado go cold…and up steps Chipper, Freddie, and McCann.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
9:08 am
That’s where lineup depth comes in
Been saying it since February.
Don’t think many folks believed me, back then.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
9:22 am
Braves are 20-7 in their last 27 games.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
9:24 am
Heyward is on pace for 66 walks. If he gets to 70 coming off of a terrible year, we may still have to consider that “elite walker” status could still be present as he is “trying to figure things out”.
I know TenneseePaul won’t believe that though….
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
9:25 am
He’s also on pace for 159 strikeouts in 158 games. Doesn’t bother me too much, but I would like it if it was a bit less than that. Maybe in the 130’s.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2012
9:30 am
Chipper can’t play a position physically or mentally, so he either retires or goes to the American league. His poor third base play contributes to almost as many scores as his bat. — mcdaviddawg
Oh, really? In 69 games, he’s driven in 48 runs and scored 39. But his defense has let in almost as many? OK, mcdaviddawg. I’ll take your word on that.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
9:31 am
Heyward has hit .261/.353/.417 since July 2nd with 40 strikeouts and 17 walks in 133 plate appearances since July 2nd – a pace of 216 strikeouts and 92 walks over 162 games.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2012
9:36 am
Since May 12th, Kimbrel, Durbin, Medlen, and O’Flaherty have lost one lead each, while Venters has lost two leads in that span. But in those six games, the Braves have won four of them. — Brian from SC
What about the lead Gearrin lost yesterday? Or are you giving that blown lead to Medlen because it was his run? If so, a bit of a misleading stat.
Anyway, they won.
Lew
August 6th, 2012
9:36 am
Chipper’s defense gives up as many runs as his offense creates? Where do people come up with this crap?
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
9:36 am
On track to miss R.A. Dickey this weekend in Queens. Very nice.
Arkansas Transplant
August 6th, 2012
9:38 am
Back from vacation and batteries recharged.
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
9:38 am
DOB, I was only highlighting those five relievers. Wasn’t looking at anyone else or making a comment about the entire bullpen in that post.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2012
9:38 am
Didn’t Sheets give up 4 runs in his last start? — jeffrey d
Four runs (three earned) in 6-2/3 innings.
Arkansas Transplant
August 6th, 2012
9:40 am
Took in the Braves/Marlins game on the rainy Tuesday night last week. Besides the hour plus delay, it was a great day at the park. It’s always nice when the home team wins! And not too shabby of an offensive output either.
Hillbilly
August 6th, 2012
9:41 am
We got a nice park in Montgomery, don’t we Hillbilly?
Absolutely do, Doug. I hate that we had to leave early because my daughter wasn’t feeling well, but I was definitely impressed with the venue. We were on the front row next to the Biscuits dugout…being that close to the action is something I’m not used to.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
9:42 am
We were on the front row next to the Biscuits dugout…being that close to the action is something I’m not used to.
Pick up any good chatter? Minor leaguers normally are still working on their chatter, but sometimes you can pick up a reusable nugget or two.
David O'Brien
August 6th, 2012
9:43 am
DOB, I was only highlighting those five relievers. Wasn’t looking at anyone else or making a comment about the entire bullpen in that post. — Brian from SC
Understood. Thanks for clarifying.
Arkansas Transplant
August 6th, 2012
9:47 am
Here’s to hoping the Nationals continues to cool on the pitching front and the offense begins to stumble. I’m ready to read the headlines, “Braves take first down the stretch run”.
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
9:47 am
Jason Heyward has scored four runs in the last four games. On every single one of them, he scored from first base on a double. 3 doubles by Chipper, one by Freeman.
Love watching that kid go on the basepaths.
Hillbilly
August 6th, 2012
9:48 am
Pick up any good chatter? Minor leaguers normally are still working on their chatter, but sometimes you can pick up a reusable nugget or two -ncscoots
Couldn’t hear a sound over the crying baby in my lap, but my oldest two got to meet and take a picture with Mahtook, and my son got a ball from one of the Biscuits coaches as he walked by from the bullpen to the dugout. That made it all worth it.
Hillbilly
August 6th, 2012
9:52 am
Love watching that kid go on the basepaths.
Me, too. Maybe not the fastest, but as good of a base-runner as you’ll ever see.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
9:53 am
Love watching that kid go on the basepaths.
As do I. Lots of value in that kids baserunning and defense in RF.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
9:55 am
Hillbilly – Awesome to hear you had a fun trip. Zeke was 86-87? Hmm. I always thought he was 89-91, but maybe he was just tired that day?
Murph
August 6th, 2012
10:01 am
The games were blacked out for me this weekend. Which makes sense… because I live in Austin, which is 3 hours away from Houston… and they were on the road… so, yeah, didn’t get to watch any of it.
MLB really needs to rethink their blackout policies.
DAP
August 6th, 2012
10:01 am
scoots I also expect Gio to start walking the park, any day now. It’s in the man’s nature.
i expected that to start happening already…im wondering if it will happen.
scoots I would have thought that Bourn and Prado cooling off would have had a more deleterious effect on the scoring, but that appears to not be the case.
thanks to chipper, heyward, freeman and mccann being hot.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
10:02 am
MLB really needs to rethink their blackout policies.
I think it’s just a conspiracy against you, personally, Murph. Pretty sure everybody else in Austin got to watch.
CrαZy
August 6th, 2012
10:06 am
his poor third base play contributes to almost as many scores as his bat— mcdaviddawg
Typical over exaggerating UGA Dawg fan!!
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
10:09 am
Y’all see the end of that Indians/Tigers game yesterday? Brutal.
The Indians got a 3-run lead going to the bottom of the 10th. Chris Perez got the first two hitters out, then walk, walk, double, single home run. Game over.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
10:10 am
So, this is basically our starting rotation for 2013, right? Just replace Ben Sheets with James Shields and we’re all set, no?
Murph
August 6th, 2012
10:12 am
I think it’s just a conspiracy against you, personally, Murph. Pretty sure everybody else in Austin got to watch.
I thought the same, so I switched to the neighbor’s wifi, but still no joy.
PS – Don’t use your dog’s name as your password for anything.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
10:13 am
Harper, since June 15: .223/.289/.321.
Five weeks of newness, followed by The Book. So, I guess even multi-generational talents can be figured out. Not that you’d know it from Nats announcers. I think they still believe he’s hitting .330 and wowing everybody.
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
10:15 am
And Davey’s still got Harper hitting that #2 spot. Their offense has still been pretty good of late, though. LaRoche has been carrying them.
Venice Jim
August 6th, 2012
10:16 am
Washington’s Gio Gonzalez is 1-3 with a 4.75 ERA since the All-Star break. (Jon Morosi)
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
10:18 am
Y’all see the end of that Indians/Tigers game yesterday? Brutal.
I’m going with semi-brutal. I’m holding up the bar for “brutal” to Mike Dunn’s puking up the game (in big, industrial-sized chunks) against the Nats.
All others must be judged by that one, LOL.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 6th, 2012
10:19 am
So, this is basically our starting rotation for 2013, right? Just replace Ben Sheets with James Shields and we’re all set, no?
I think you meant Zack Greinke.
Lew
August 6th, 2012
10:20 am
Greinke will never be a Brave. Just won’t happen.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
10:21 am
LaRoche has been carrying them.
And for the life of me, I can’t be mad about that. Laroche is one of the good guys, and I am really happy to see him do well. I can pull for Ryan Zimmerman to fall off a cliff, but I can’t find it in my heart to root against Adam.
Lew
August 6th, 2012
10:25 am
Kind of ironic that the player carrying the Nats right now is the one they tried so hard to replace last winter.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
10:25 am
Harper, since June 15: .223/.289/.321.
Almost two months of not playable ugly.
CrαZy
August 6th, 2012
10:25 am
So, this is basically our starting rotation for 2013, right? Just replace Ben Sheets with James Shields and we’re all set, no? — EFRIM
I think you meant Zack Greinke. TOBF
Destined to be disappointed ↑↑
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
10:29 am
Almost two months of not playable ugly.
Posters here would have already had him in AAA.
An avalance of “not ready/overrated” posts, for sure.
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2012
10:30 am
but I can’t find it in my heart to root against Adam.
Just focus on that lollygag he had once at first
Murph
August 6th, 2012
10:33 am
Destined to be disappointed
Just wait until the Braves end up adding Pavano as their big offseason acquisition… we’re going to skip disappointment and go straight to complete despair.
MFin04
August 6th, 2012
10:33 am
Funny how everyone in the media said the Braves were losers at the trade deadline, and that Johnson and Maholm wasn’t a good deal and the Braves failed to get Dempster. How’d Dempster (and Greinkes) first starts go?
CrαZy
August 6th, 2012
10:35 am
According the all the Heyward haters this Harper kid is a colossal bust!! They should DFA him!!
cricket
August 6th, 2012
10:35 am
difference between the tones of 1st 4 pages and current page of the blog is like between a very dark night and a sunshiny day
CrαZy
August 6th, 2012
10:38 am
How u been Murph??? You still hiding from the Five-O? Get a truck yet?
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
10:38 am
Funny how everyone in the media said the Braves were losers at the trade deadline,
I didn’t see anyone say that.
kenhotlanta
August 6th, 2012
10:38 am
Hillbilly, Wish you could have talked to Gattis and told him everybody in the ATL looks at him as our savior and can’t wait to see him here in LF. I wonder if he is aware of all the hoopla that his homies have for him?
Venice Jim
August 6th, 2012
10:39 am
Speaking of pitchers we opted out on, we have not heard too much from the pro-Oswalt contingent recently…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 6th, 2012
10:39 am
How’d Dempster (and Greinkes) first starts go?
Greinke’s first start was great… better than Maholm’s. He just didn’t get any run support.
Destined to be disappointed ……Greinke will never be a Brave. Just won’t happen.
Remember me in December. I’ll be waiting. LOL
cricket
August 6th, 2012
10:41 am
Washington’s Gio Gonzalez is 1-3 with a 4.75 ERA since the All-Star break. (Jon Morosi)
he is described as wildly effective. looks like finally “wildly” is kicking “effective” ’s patootie
Hillbilly
August 6th, 2012
10:44 am
Zeke was 86-87? Hmm. I always thought he was 89-91, but maybe he was just tired that day?
Yeah, Ef, that caught my eye. Could have been the radar gun,…who knows? Some pitches weren’t even reading. All I know is that he wasn’t fooling anybody.
Murph
August 6th, 2012
10:46 am
CraZy!!! Doing well… no policia, but no new truck yet either. Playing the game, my friend… playing the game.
Spent the weekend putting together 1500 pounds of IKEA furniture. Went to get the 6 year old a desk and ended up leaving with 2 desks, 2 chairs, and some giant storage system for the girl’s playroom. The minivan was lookin’ like a low rider with all that crap in the back.
It wasn’t until I got all the furniture boxes up 2 flights of stairs that I noticed the little IKEA drawing of a sad, sweaty guy carrying the box alone with a big X through it next to a picture of 2 happy, smiling guys carrying the box.
kenhotlanta
August 6th, 2012
10:52 am
(nolie will love this): George Will wrote what could be an historic article a few days ago, not on baseball, but on the future of Football in the United States. Football is currently at the highest point in popularity that it will ever be and will soon start to slowly erode as a watchable and playable sport. The reason is the expanding knowledge that repeated hits to the head causes permanent brain damage and many other bad things that are killing and ruining the lives of more and more people that played the sport. I won’t go into all the detail, but this is something we will be hearing more and more about as the NFL’s retired veterans will sue the league for many wrongs, and as parents learn of the dangers of the constant hitting each other that the players endure, they will not let their kids even play in kiddie leagues and that feeling will slowly spread. It won’t happen overnight or maybe in the foreseeable future, but football as we know is going away unless major changes are instituted including ones that will change the very fabric of the game. It’s a very sad story due to the way former players are treated or not treated for their many problems.
Hillbilly
August 6th, 2012
10:53 am
Wish you could have talked to Gattis and told him everybody in the ATL looks at him as our savior and can’t wait to see him here in LF. I wonder if he is aware of all the hoopla that his homies have for him?
Yeah, I was by the wrong dugout so I didn’t get to talk to any Braves players.
I noticed Gattis doesn’t use batting gloves though. Raw-Dogging it. I bet the bat handle gets blisters on it.
George
August 6th, 2012
10:56 am
Good morning all
Repost from last night for you late morning folks.
*************************************************
George
August 5th, 2012
8:31 pm
Very good game to win, nice homestand, some excellent games from CHIPPER. I read post-game qoutes. FREDI finnally talking about catching WAS Aand winning division, not being satisfied with play-in game. It took him long enough. I hope he was kidding when he said CHIPPER would have to take a paycut if he should change his mind. That would not even be up to FREDI about CHIPPERS salery.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
10:57 am
I noticed Gattis doesn’t use batting gloves though.
Doesn’t want to disappoint all batting glove manufacturers, save one. Compassionate man, Evan Gattis.
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2012
10:58 am
Evan Gattis once framed a pitch so perfectly that it counted as 2 strikes
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
10:59 am
James Shields would be a perfect fit for this team and I’d rather pay through trade for two years of Shields than to hand Zack Greinke a six year, 120 million dollar deal. And yes, there is no reason to think that he won’t command that sort of an offer from either of the LA baseball teams.
Gattis doesn't drink beer all the time
August 6th, 2012
10:59 am
Gattis doesn’t run with the Bulls when in Spain, towards them.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 6th, 2012
10:59 am
Evan Gattis once framed a pitch so perfectly that it counted as 2 strikes
Why not 3?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 6th, 2012
11:01 am
I, don’t always like handing out Free Agent contracts. But when I do, I prefer Zack Greinke. Get ready, my friends.
Jimmy
August 6th, 2012
11:03 am
TOBF – I read about it. The count was already 0-1.
Lew
August 6th, 2012
11:06 am
Waiting. And waiting. And waiting. Don’t hold your breath and turn purple, cause Greinke won’t be a Brave.
George
August 6th, 2012
11:06 am
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
10:21 am
LaRoche has been carrying them.
And for the life of me, I can’t be mad about that. Laroche is one of the good guys, and I am really happy to see him do well. I can pull for Ryan Zimmerman to fall off a cliff, but I can’t find it in my heart to root against Adam.
**************
2nd above, AGREED I always liked ADAM
CrαZy
August 6th, 2012
11:06 am
Murph….. The word IKEA alone makes me sad and sore! Don’t you just hate having to put together allen wrench furniture!!
raleighbravefan
August 6th, 2012
11:07 am
Some posters during the games…well, I think they just enjoy “stirring the pot”, getting the max reaction possible. No one could really be that ignorant or negative. The best solution would be to ignor it, but damn…it’s hard not to react.
CrαZy
August 6th, 2012
11:10 am
The only time you’ll ever see Grienke wearing a Braves Uniform will be in a video game!! Just don’t see Wren signing a FA for that much money…
Much more likely we trade for a player still a few years out from being eligible fro free agency.
toby
August 6th, 2012
11:10 am
The only thing i regret is he has missed so much time due to injuries,for instance his entire rookie year was supposed to have been 2004,but an ACL tear ended that whole season.If you factor in all the other time missed be it on the DL and 2 years ago when he tore his acl again,he would have certainly reached 500 HR’S and 3000 Hits and a career avg. of .300,would have most certainly put him among the elite that have ever played the game,but hey it’s been a first ballot hall of fame carreer if he doesnt get another hit this year!!!!! And i wish him happiness and the best in retirement,cause for 19 years he’s given me as a fan some one i have really enjoyed watching,and he did it the right way!!!!!!
raleighbravefan
August 6th, 2012
11:11 am
Mostly the same roster, but not the same team as last year. I say no way they have a September swoon this year. I do predict that the Nats fade some…hard to maintain the level they have been at all year, especially the pitching staff, ehich mostly has never pitched this many innings before.
Random
August 6th, 2012
11:12 am
MFin04 (August 6th, 2012 10:33 am): “Funny how everyone in the media said the Braves were losers at the trade deadline, and that Johnson and Maholm wasn’t a good deal and the Braves failed to get Dempster. How’d Dempster (and Greinkes) first starts go?”
I’m with Brian from SC (10:38 am) on this one — yours is a false premise.
I myself at the time heard plenty of praise for the Braves’ shrewd trade.
On the radio — ESPN.
CrαZy
August 6th, 2012
11:14 am
raleighbravefan….. I think they just enjoy “stirring the pot”, getting the max reaction possible. No one could really be that ignorant or negative.
I’d argue you have to be pretty ignorant to get off on stirring the pot!!
Jimmy
August 6th, 2012
11:15 am
Murph – If you want the best possible deal on a new truck, go down to Gattis Ford in Forney. There is no way you can beat a Gattis deal.
raleighbravefan
August 6th, 2012
11:16 am
Just think what Chipper’s numbers would be without the major injurys…just like Mantle, Junior, Kofax, and countless others…along with time lost to the millitary by Ted Williams, Willie Mays, and many other greats and near greats. In a perfect world….
Some (very talented) player’s careers have been enhanced by their durability and longevity…Rose, Bench, Aaron, etc.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
11:17 am
Don’t you just hate having to put together allen wrench furniture!!
A gross expansion of the definition of the word “furniture”.
What saddens me is that Murph could have let me know and I could have built him the same stuff, for only about four times the cost.
raleighbravefan
August 6th, 2012
11:19 am
CraZy @11:14 – I agree completely, but as I said, sometimes it’s damn hard not to react. Wrong thing to do, of course. Just eggs them on.
Murph
August 6th, 2012
11:21 am
Murph….. The word IKEA alone makes me sad and sore! Don’t you just hate having to put together allen wrench furniture!!
Yeah, my hands are hamburger today.
The allen wrench part was ok because they now include a vinyl sleeve thing that you put around the end of the wrench… improves comfort and torque.
My thumbs are basically goo loosely wrapped in skin, though. They give you those little metal nubs to put in on both sides of an opening where a shelf will sit, only they make the holes for the nubs about 1/2 as wide as the nub.
A smart man would have used a hammer. But I am not smart, and instead used my thumbs. And now they are numb and bruised and swollen. Curse you, IKEA. Curse you.
CrαZy
August 6th, 2012
11:22 am
A gross expansion of the definition of the word “furniture”.
I agree! I prefer to buy my furniture at yard sales and used stores and then re-finish it myself…
Murph
August 6th, 2012
11:25 am
Thinking about the starting rotation over the weekend… here’s what I think happens:
JJ completes rehab stint, go to the bullpen.
Hanson comes off the DL, Hudson goes on.
Medlen continues to pitch well.
Hudson comes off the DL, Hanson goes back on.
Medlen continues to pitch well.
Braves make the playoffs. Playoff rotation will be Hudson, Maholm, Minor, Medlen.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
11:25 am
I prefer to buy my furniture at yard sales and used stores and then re-finish it myself…
If you haven’t tried it yet, look into a product called Soy-Gel. Really does a great job of removing old paint and finishes. Made from soybeans, no toxic order, and so forth.
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
11:27 am
no toxic order
Well, if I did typo correction posts (which I don’t), that one would certainly qualify, LOL.
Murph
August 6th, 2012
11:27 am
What saddens me is that Murph could have let me know and I could have built him the same stuff, for only about four times the cost.
All of that furniture was under $500 total. I know, it’s particle board, but I’d rather have the 4 year old kicking holes in a $100 desk than a $1000 desk.
One thing I gotta say about IKEA… it may be crap, but it’s solid crap.
CrαZy
August 6th, 2012
11:32 am
ncscoots– I’ll try it…. but getting high from fumes is half the fun
CrαZy
August 6th, 2012
11:34 am
Yeah…. When I buy IKEA it’s either a gift for someone going to college or for my kids… that way I don’t get mad WHEN they break it…. because they WILL break it eventually!!
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
11:36 am
but I’d rather have the 4 year old kicking holes in a $100 desk than a $1000 desk
You can’t kick holes in a $1000 desk, not when I make ‘em.
She could have passed it down to her own children.
I always tell commission clients that they have a 99-year guarantee on my stuff. If it breaks next century, they can call me, LOL.
Lew
August 6th, 2012
11:36 am
crazy – I have a somewhat different approach on the yard sale theme – picked up a table that had a very faded hunting scene that had been printed on it decades ago on and repainted it – looks great and better than new.
cricket
August 6th, 2012
11:39 am
Sources said that Dempster was so hung up on the Dodgers that the Cubs told him to directly call Ned Colletti. Dempster spoke with the Los Angeles general manager just before the deadline – eliminating that possibility – and then accepted a trade to the Texas Rangers.
.
.
“It was an unusual situation,” Epstein said then. “But I think it was helpful to have him there. He could hear firsthand that it probably wasn’t going to happen. If someone really wants to go to a place, you can tell them over and over again it’s probably not going to happen. But unless they’re convinced of that, they may not want to move on to their second choice … There were certain things he needed to hear.”
Bayou Brave
August 6th, 2012
11:39 am
Chipper has more walks (31) than srikeouts (30)
raleighbravefan
August 6th, 2012
11:42 am
Murph – You should have let the 4 year old install the nubs. They wouldn’t have stood a chance.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 6th, 2012
11:45 am
The only time you’ll ever see Grienke wearing a Braves Uniform will be in a video game!! Just don’t see Wren signing a FA for that much money…
Much more likely we trade for a player still a few years out from being eligible fro free agency.
Have to ruin my fun, eh? Just as long as we don’t get Shields…
Murph
August 6th, 2012
11:46 am
She could have passed it down to her own children.
I’m fully expecting to come home tonight to the word “FART” or “DOODIE” carved in to the top of the desk.
cricket
August 6th, 2012
11:46 am
Lyle Overbay is available..too bad he’s lefty
MikeInFl
August 6th, 2012
11:46 am
Chipper has more walks (31) than srikeouts (30)
Let’s carry that out a little further….
Chipper has more walks (1486) than strikeouts (1388)
CrαZy
August 6th, 2012
11:46 am
Lew… My wife finds furniture and I either paint it or strip it down and refinish it for her so she can sale it in a consignment store… Actually make some decent $$$ to go play with off it!!
ncscoots
August 6th, 2012
11:49 am
I’m fully expecting to come home tonight to the word “FART” or “DOODIE” carved in to the top of the desk.
We call that giving the piece “character”.
Chipper Jones stays firm on retirement plan. | Players View
August 6th, 2012
11:54 am
[...] told the Atlanta Journal Constitution “I’m ready to move on,” in a series of comments that feel very, very [...]
Lew
August 6th, 2012
12:09 pm
crazy – Yeah – I bought the table for $15 and it would be worth a couple hundred now – IF I was going to sell it.
I paint all sorts of unfinished wood products for sale – small boxes, chests and plaques. Helps with the expenses. I’ve painted everything from houses to parking lots, signs, murals, – anything that could be painted, I’ve probably done it at one time or another.
raleighbravefan
August 6th, 2012
12:15 pm
Lew – I’m no artist…can’t draw a stick figure. It mystifies me that a person can see something, and reproduce it with their own hands. That said, I can be a painter…have painted houses, cabinets, furniture, etc. Don’t enjoy it much. Like a lot of things in my life, I do it out of necessity.
Bayou Brave
August 6th, 2012
12:17 pm
Chipper has more walks (31) than srikeouts (30)
Let’s carry that out a little further….
Chipper at 40 years of age in his 19th and final seasonhas more walks (31) than strikeouts (30). No other current Brave (minimum of 10 ABs) can claim that.
jeffrey d
August 6th, 2012
12:18 pm
Some posters during the games…well, I think they just enjoy “stirring the pot”, getting the max reaction possible
I think it’s mostly people getting caught up in the moment and letting their emotions speak
George
August 6th, 2012
12:19 pm
Murph
August 6th, 2012
11:25 am
Thinking about the starting rotation over the weekend… here’s what I think happens:
JJ completes rehab stint, go to the bullpen.
Hanson comes off the DL, Hudson goes on.
Medlen continues to pitch well.
Hudson comes off the DL, Hanson goes back on.
Medlen continues to pitch well.
Braves make the playoffs. Playoff rotation will be Hudson, Maholm, Minor, Medlen.
**************
That retation would be HUDDY and the 3 M CORPERATION.
brian
August 6th, 2012
12:31 pm
I still like sheets
Veer
August 6th, 2012
12:33 pm
We trail the Nationals by 3 games right now. Jurrjens loss in the Nationals series was huge otherwise it would been just a 1 game lead for the Nationals. The decision to keep Jurrjens in the rotation is the reason why we are in 2nd place. When Beachy went out that right there was the time to start Medlen but Braves instead went with Jurrjens.
This was a common knowledge that Medlen was too good to be in the pen and Jurrjens was finished. So look the difference between being first and second is the decision to stay with Medlen in the pen for so long and deciding to start Jurrjens and even Delgado in place of him.
Arkansas Transplant
August 6th, 2012
12:42 pm
that’s still not a difference of 3 games.
Veer
August 6th, 2012
12:45 pm
Our rotation for 2013 is pretty much set with
1) Hudson 2) Medlen 3) Minor 4) Hanson 5) Malhom.
Braves will probably not resign Sheets or 1) no space for him 2) he is old 3) other teams will pay more.
This would leave offseason needs for either getting 2 OF or 1 3B and 1 OF. I expect Braves to trade one of Delgado/Teheran to fill the one of those voids and to fill second void promote Gattis or sign an aging veteran OF like a Tori Hunter
CrαZy
August 6th, 2012
12:48 pm
Our rotation for 2013 is pretty much set with
1) Hudson 2) Medlen 3) Minor 4) Hanson 5) Malhom
I doubt it!!
Jeff R
August 6th, 2012
12:48 pm
James Shields would be a perfect fit for this team and I’d rather pay through trade for two years of Shields than to hand Zack Greinke a six year, 120 million dollar deal. And yes, there is no reason to think that he won’t command that sort of an offer from either of the LA baseball teams.
Chances are, Greinke stays with the Angels – if he likes Anaheim. The Angels can easily meet Greinke’s demands.
I know Wren has been interested in Greinke for a long while, but I can’t see the Braves playing with the Angels or Dodgers, for instance, for Greinke’s services.
DAP
August 6th, 2012
12:51 pm
our rotation for 2013 is not close to being set. too many variables. we have options on huddy and maholm, sheets is a free agent, and medlen, hanson, delgado, minor could be trade bait for all we know.
kenhotlanta
August 6th, 2012
12:52 pm
If Sheets continues to pitch at his current level, I would surely hope we keep him for next year.
Veer
August 6th, 2012
12:56 pm
Hudsons and Malholms option will be picked up. It would be foolish to not. Braves cant afford a free agent pitcher this offseason like a Grienke so the rotation pretty much stays the same. Hanson is young and cheap to just give up on. Fact is he has won 12 games this year and probably finishes the year with atleast 15-16 wins.
unbelievable
August 6th, 2012
1:04 pm
Sheets is an interesting offseason decision. There are a lot of FA starters which could help with our bid of resigning him. I dont see the Braves matching what other teams would be willing to pay however. Maybe Sheets likes it enough to take a little less with a chance of extra incentives.
Arkansas Transplant
August 6th, 2012
1:11 pm
I wouldn’t be against using Juan at 3rd and keeping Prado in LF. This means all we’ll be looking to replace is CF if Bourn isn’t resigned. I’m hoping we’ve learned from Boston’s mistake at giving such a huge contract to someone that relies so heavily on his speed. I’m not against resigning Bourn but no way do I give him more than 9 or 10 a year. This means we could be FA spenders for a top shelf SP to anchor our rotation going forward.
Random
August 6th, 2012
1:12 pm
Veer (August 6th, 2012 12:33 pm): “We trail the Nationals by 3 games right now. Jurrjens loss in the Nationals series was huge otherwise it would been just a 1 game lead for the Nationals. When Beachy went out that right there was the time to start Medlen but Braves instead went with Jurrjens.
This was a common knowledge that Medlen was too good to be in the pen and Jurrjens was finished. So look the difference between being first and second is the decision to stay with Medlen in the pen for so long and deciding to start Jurrjens and even Delgado in place of him.”
No, it was not “common knowledge” that Jurrjens was finished at that time. (Nor is it now — if Coach says he’s injured, I for one believe it.)
After the Braves decided to start Jurrjens instead of Medlen when Beachy went down, he went 3-0 in his first 4 starts, with 25.1 IP (6.1 IP/S), 6 ERs (2.13 ERA), 24 Hs and 5 BBs (1.14 WHIP).
In Medlen’s 2 starts, he is 1-0, with 10.1 IP (5 IP/s), 2 ERs (1.74 ERA), 9 Hs and 3 BBs (1.16 HIP).
You should probably stop exaggerating or making things up.
Arkansas Transplant
August 6th, 2012
1:13 pm
Who says that Greinke would want to sign at either of those locations and wouldn’t prefer to come to Atlanta at a little lesser rate?
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
1:17 pm
Atlanta poised to win NL East
By Paul Swydan | FanGraphs
The Atlanta Braves have been a top-15 team in the ESPN Power Rankings for most of the season, but lately they have cemented themselves in the top 10. This week marks their fourth straight in the top 10, and they have climbed back into the top five for the first time since June 11. The Braves continue to overcome injuries to their pitching staff and are poised to leapfrog the Washington Nationals in the final two months of the season.
The Braves have had to scramble a bit in regard to their starting rotation. Brandon Beachy blowing out his arm wasn’t part of the plan, nor was Jair Jurrjens’ continued regression into oblivion. Tommy Hanson’s injury problems could have be foreseen, but certainly the Braves were hopeful that he would be healthy this season. But each time someone falls, someone steps up.
Ben Sheets has a 1.46 ERA and 1.95 FIP in four starts for Atlanta. Sure, it’s just four starts, but then again who thought that Sheets had even one more major league start left in him? Newly acquired Paul Maholm should fit in nicely as well as a league-average innings muncher who the team can count on every five days.
And then there’s Kris Medlen. After compiling a 2.72 FIP in 54 1/3 innings out of the bullpen, the righty stepped back into the rotation this week for the first time in nearly two years and pitched effectively. He allowed just two runs in 10 1/3 innings and struck out nine batters. Time will tell if the 26-year-old Medlen needs to be a permanent part of the rotation mix — much of that will depend on Hanson’s health — but he provides the Braves with a high-upside play in case Hanson misses extended time (as do Randall Delago and Julio Teheran).
The Nationals, on the other hand, have no such depth. Once Stephen Strasburg is shut down for the season, they will need to turn to John Lannan, which is an enormous downgrade by any metric. In addition, even with Drew Storen’s return, the Nationals’ bullpen has not been as invincible as it was early in the season.
After posting above-average numbers for the season’s first three months, the bullpen posted a 4.66 ERA and 4.77 FIP in July, the latter of which was the third-worst in the game. The rotation has remained solid, but with Strasburg potentially being removed from the picture by the end of September’s first week and the bullpen reeling just a little bit, Washington may not finish the season with the same dominant pitching with which it started.
Aside from Chipper Jones and Jason Heyward, the Atlana offense has gone in spurts. Early in the season, Michael Bourn, Martin Prado and Dan Uggla were hot while Freddie Freeman and Brian McCann started slowly. Recently, Freeman and McCann have come on as Bourn, Prado and Uggla have struggled. Pile up the whole season, though, and the Braves have a deep unit capable of supporting its pitching staff — Atlanta is tied for 10th in wRC+ this season, and it should be even better once Andrelton Simmons returns from his broken right pinkie finger. At the time of his injury, the rookie shortstop was pairing above-average contact skills and a decent batting eye with superb defense.
The Nationals should improve offensively once they get shortstop Ian Desmond back. This week welcomed Jayson Werth back to the Nats’ outfield, and he shook off the rust quickly, notching at least one hit in each of his first three games back. But even with Werth, Washington’s outfield play leaves something to be desired. For the season, the Nationals’ outfield has a minus-5.8 UZR. That should tick up slightly with Werth back roaming the green pastures, but he is not the elite defender that he used to be — in the past four seasons, his cumulative defensive value is in the red. Contrast that with Atlanta, whose outfield trio of Bourn, Heyward and Prado is by far the best defensive unit in the game. In fact, Atlanta’s only below-replacement defensive starter has been Freddie Freeman, and at minus-0.8, he is barely so.
Catcher is another consideration that points heavily in Atlanta’s favor. While the Braves have a great backup in David Ross (136 wRC+ in 116 PA) to pair with the increasingly hot McCann, the Nationals have struggled to find a catching solution in the wake of Wilson Ramos’ injury. Jesus Flores has been awful, and Sandy Leon hasn’t been much better. This week, the Nats brought in Kurt Suzuki in a trade with the Oakland Athletics. While he still plays good defense, it’s hard to see him as an upgrade offensively. Only five players have a worse BB/K than Suzuki this season (minimum 200 plate appearances), and his 44 wRC+ is even worse than Flores’ 48 mark.
The Braves have heated up in the second half, and they have won 10 of their past 12 games. When the first half ended, the Nationals seemed like clear front-runners in the National League East, and though they have maintained a slim lead, it may not last.
There are cracks in Washington’s facade, and those cracks will only widen once Strasburg is shut down. The Braves, meanwhile, have solidified their starting rotation, found hitters to help carry the team for stretches at a time and played great defense the entire season. Should the Nationals take their foot off the gas pedal, the Braves will be ready to speed past them.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
1:23 pm
our rotation for 2013 is not close to being set. too many variables. we have options on huddy and maholm, sheets is a free agent, and medlen, hanson, delgado, minor could be trade bait for all we know.
Hudson is the only guy that is a guarantee, imo. Even Maholm might not be back – could be that his option is exercised and he is traded. Who knows? I don’t see that for Hudson, at all really. He’ll be back.
Lew
August 6th, 2012
1:24 pm
They are not going to sign Greinke.
JoeFan
August 6th, 2012
1:27 pm
The Braves can conceivably go into the offseason needing only to resign Bourn or find a replacement for CF. Keeping Prado in LF and Francisco at 3B is very possible. At the minimum platoon Francisco against RHP. The Braves have a couple of possibilities coming through the pipeline that may ultimately be replacements in 2014 at 3B (Leonard) and CF(Cumningham). So, as top off season priorities, would not be surprised if the Braves let Bourn walk and go with a 1 year rental in CF and opt to try and sign a top shelf starting pitcher, along with trying to ensure they have a strong bench.
Lew
August 6th, 2012
1:28 pm
Wren isa not going to revamp the entire rotation over the winter AND find two outfielders, a bench and a bullpen.
He will exercise the options on Hudson and Mahom, NOT trade all the KIds and MAYBE find one other veteran starter (eithr Sheets or someone simiar) and go out and fill the other postiions where he doesn’t have all those options.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
1:37 pm
Wren isa not going to revamp the entire rotation over the winter AND find two outfielders, a bench and a bullpen.
He will exercise the options on Hudson and Mahom, NOT trade all the KIds and MAYBE find one other veteran starter (eithr Sheets or someone simiar) and go out and fill the other postiions where he doesn’t have all those options.
He really shouldn’t go status quo on the rotation and return with Hudson, Hanson, Maholm, Minor and either Teheran, Delgado, Medlen or Gilmartin for that #5 spot. That wouldn’t be doing his job, imo. A frontline starter is just as big of a need as CF and LF in my opinion. Yes, I get that as of right now, we don’t really have anyone to play those positions – but Hudson is going to turn 38 years old next year and as of right now, he’s the only one I feel comfortable with as a #2 or higher. That’s a real problem.
sri
August 6th, 2012
1:41 pm
Lots of Hanson/Braves questions on Crasnick’s chat on ESPN. The blog keeps eating my comments when I am posting the questions..
DAP
August 6th, 2012
1:42 pm
veer Hudsons and Malholms option will be picked up. It would be foolish to not
actually, there is no way of knowing if it would be foolish or not. thats kind of my point. there are too many variables in place.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
1:42 pm
I think one of Delgado or Teheran is getting traded this winter, and seeing as we just offered Delgado for 2 months of Dempster and refused to part with Teheran for an upgrade – I think it could end up being Delgado. But who knows really. TB may demand Teheran as part of the package for Shields and Wren might bite. Way too early to say.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 6th, 2012
1:43 pm
The problem with the Braves for the past five seasons has been the absence of a lead-pipe HR-hitting, RBI-producing, near/above .300-hitting caliber bat. Players like Bourn, Prado, and McCann will never fit that bill; Freeman and Heyward may still yet evolve into such bats (they are VERY young!), but they are not there yet by any stretch of the imagination. Chipper’s performance and grit this season will resonate into an easy HOF selection, first round. He is the closest thing this team has to an MVP lineup presence that alters pitching strategies on the other side. He won’t even reach 20 dingers, but the HR’s and doubles he still swats should make opposing pitching staffs respect and regard him – when his achy knees allow him to play. The judicious use of Chipper in the next two months will allow for a reasonably healthy Chipper to be an impact player in the playoffs – should the Braves make it.
If Bourn and Prado continue to regress. If Uggla continues his own spiral into oblivion. If McCann is forced to carry the load again. If Heyward and Freeman are forced and pressured to be the carrying forces on this team. If Chipper is forced to play more games than his legs will allow for.
The Braves will collapse again in September, as they have done the past two seasons. The pitching is, as it has been the past two seasons, playoff-worthy. With the exception of Chipper, this team does not hit consistently for 162 and beyond. The self-imposed pressures the other seven bats place upon themselves to play beyond their own individual skill sets starkly shows that, aside from Chipper, this team does not know who to depend on when it matters most. That choking pressure they adopt has crippled hitting for several seasons now. Saturday’s loss against Houston shows this to be true.
When the vise of September baseball comes out, what will this lineup do? Here’s a hint: this is the same core that made up the teams of the past two seasons. We know how those campaigns ended – feebly.
Random
August 6th, 2012
1:43 pm
@Efrim (1:17 pm) –
Thanks!
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
1:44 pm
there are too many variables in place.
Hudson’s absolutely should. If you’re saying he could get hurt between now and then, obviously that’s the risk about dealing with it now. But if he’s sound – no reason to think that won’t be announced immediately after the season along with Brian McCann’s option being picked up. That stuff should be announded during the first few days after the end of the World Series – or sooner.
Bayou Brave
August 6th, 2012
1:47 pm
Veer @ 12:45 pm
Our rotation for 2013 is pretty much set
Um… no.
phil
August 6th, 2012
1:48 pm
We’re heading into a buzz saw this time…
Philly is bound to be pissed, has gotten reasonably healthy, their fans are loons, it’s Monday, Chipper’s sitting it out, Uggla will be sitting it out while actually playing, Sheets is due to be bombed….
Not liking the ol chances this evening….but it’s baseball so who knows.
Veer
August 6th, 2012
1:50 pm
Random you forgot to mention Jurrjens’ other starts where he got killed. Vs Giants and Vs Nationals. That Nationals loss was a 2 game swing. I am not making stuff. Bottom line is if Medlen was starting we would be at worst tied or be in first. Jurrjens was finished when the spring training started. In his starts he showed nothing and didn’t even have velocity. Shouldn’t take till end of July to realize Jurrjens is finished.
Carroll Rogers
August 6th, 2012
1:51 pm
New blog is up….was about to say Aloha from Philly. Guess the departing Flyin Hawaiian was on my mind.
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/06/braves-hope-for-more-of-same-against-new-look-phils/
phil
August 6th, 2012
1:51 pm
When the vise of September baseball comes out, what will this lineup do? Here’s a hint: this is the same core that made up the teams of the past two seasons. We know how those campaigns ended – feebly. MIABCHBRAVESFAN
Maybe our guys have grown up a little, maybe not. Only one way to find out and we’ll know soon enough. If forced to guess, I agree that we’re more likely to collapse again and maybe still get in as a wildcard where we are certainly more likely than not to lose given our now very long history of blowing decisive games.
Arkansas Transplant
August 6th, 2012
1:56 pm
I wouldn’t trade one of our top pitching prospects, ie.. Teheran, Delgado, Minor or Gilmartin, to only add another starter. I’d stick with those guys though the offseason, why move one next season? You’ve got Hudson more than likely returning, Hanson will be back, Minor has shown he’s got quite a bit of value, Malholm with an affordable option. That basically leaves just the 5th spot in the rotation to fill with Beachy returning at some point, Delgado one year more experience and Teheran and Gilmartin in the wings. I’d prefer to add a top flight guy though FA without having to weaken our prospect depth.
nolie
August 6th, 2012
1:58 pm
Even Maholm might not be back – could be that his option is exercised and he is traded…Efrim
I’ll take that bet
nolie
August 6th, 2012
1:59 pm
I wouldn’t be against using Juan at 3rd and keeping Prado in LF…Ark
I sure as heck would be against it
DAP
August 6th, 2012
2:03 pm
joefan Keeping Prado in LF and Francisco at 3B is very possible.
replacing chipper with fransisco has got to be plan C at best, right?
Chipper Jones Stays Firm on Impending Retirement
August 6th, 2012
2:17 pm
[...] When asked, Jones had a very simple answer. “No,” Jones told ajc.com. [...]
old man
August 6th, 2012
3:17 pm
Can’t read all of these fine posts, so I know I am repeating what some other genius has already said.
Here, in my opinion, is what we have right now, in terms of “one through five” starters:
Hudson-2 (a lot of this is based on experience and savvy)
Medlen-2 (what is the team W-L record in his starts last 3 years? Unbelievable.)
Minor-2 (super sharp last two months)
Sheets- 3 (a 2 so far, but that may not last, so I’ll say a 3)
Maholm- 3 (a 1 for last two months, but needs to prove himself with ATL)
Delgado-4
Hanson-5
So, it’s a strong rotation, taking your top 5 or 6 out of this group, even without someone consistently throwing a fastball 94+ mph. But how does this translate into playoffs? We don’t have a Koufax or Gibson type we can plan on being automatic for 2 of 5 games or 3 of 7.
Does a six man rotation make our starters significantly more rested and more effective when playoff time comes?
Someone posed this or a similar question earlier, which I thought was good: If the playoffs started tomorrow and we were facing Kershaw or some other stud #1 guy in game one, who would you start for the Braves? I think we would have a lot of different picks–Hudson, Medlen, Minor, Maholm, (even Sheets if he comes back and throws another 6 innings of shutout ball). I doubt there would be a clear consensus. Would love to hear opinions on who it would be. I would go with the hot hand–either Minor or Medlen.
Chipper Jones tweets foul at NY’s Grand Hyatt | AJC Sports Talk
August 9th, 2012
5:42 pm
[...] This is the celebrated 40-year-old third baseman’s last season with the Braves. [...]