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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,342 comments Add your comment
raleighbravefan
August 6th, 2012
3:15 pm
MiaBch @3:02 – Man, that’s pretty harsh….and a bit premature as well. Give the guy a chance to get over his injuries and make adjustments, before you bury him. Some pitchers never do…but many are able to make adjustments, and be effective.
MikeInFl
August 6th, 2012
3:16 pm
If Hanson’s problem is a partial rotator cuff tear, it’s not likely to get much better after 2 or 3 weeks on the dl. He probably needs to be shut down for 6-8 months or something like that.
Braves’ best bet might be to determine that Hudson, Sheets, Medlen, Maholm, Minor and Delgado can handle the starting duties from here on out (I think they can), and shut Hanson down now. Best way to protect whatever value, for us or in trade, he might have.
The next year he’d hopefully be strong enough to get us through the first half, when either Teheran is ready, or Beachy’s ready to return, or whatever, and we could deal him at the deadline.
Tomahawkin
August 6th, 2012
3:16 pm
@Ark Transplant
I love how people complain abt how Bad Traffic is in NW Arkansas…Oh they Have not seen Top End Perimeter on any given rush hour
brian
August 6th, 2012
3:16 pm
aloha Carroll – thanks for the new blog.
Aloha is a much better greeting than Hey youz guys
jim
August 6th, 2012
3:16 pm
If Hanson “gives us 6 solid weeks to end the year,” who does he replace in the rotation? Medlen? Majolm? Minor? 6-man rotation?
There is no apparent spot for Hanson right now (and I’d rather see one go to Delgado if one were to open up.)
nolie
August 6th, 2012
3:17 pm
we will be lucky to win one. as for tonights game : BALLGAME!!!!!!!!!!!
nolie
August 6th, 2012
3:18 pm
he will replace Medlen
PDOG
August 6th, 2012
3:19 pm
I would do everything I could to resign Bourne and Sheets if they can’t resign Bourne how about a Hanson and Terd for Lorenzo Cain of KC.
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
3:21 pm
Ruiz, Wigginton, Galvis, Rollins, Polanco, Pierre, Victorino, Pence
Those are the leaders at each position for the Phillies in plate appearances this season.
Jimmy Rollins is the only one of those who is likely to be in the lineup tonight. (Pierre could be, but he has not started in August so far.)
nolie
August 6th, 2012
3:21 pm
Cain is interesting, I wish he took a few more walks though
old man
August 6th, 2012
3:21 pm
Just posted this on the old blog by accident. Here it is:
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.
raleighbravefan
August 6th, 2012
3:22 pm
MiaBch – Hanson may well be traded…although I believe it’s unlikely. Past Huddy and probably Maholm, anything is possible, as we have a lot of pitcher…and a lot of questions. Somebody likely will be traded…though I doubt it will be Hanson.
chc4
August 6th, 2012
3:23 pm
Ben Sheets has had 4 nice starts but with his injury history I’ll be thrilled (and somewhat surprised) if he’s still effective and healthy come October 1. If that happens I can definitely see us bringing him back in ‘13. But just don’t see how we can assume he’ll stay healthy… he never has before.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 6th, 2012
3:23 pm
PDOG: a pronounced injury history that makes Sheets a HUGE risk, even at three years, which I am sure he’ll ask for. No, we should just be grateful that he is pitching for us this year, and that he stays healthy for wherever this run takes us.
I would follow the wisdom of P.T. Barnum and package a trade of Hanson/JJ/lesser young arm for that second tier LF power bat and a bench player.
There are suckers out there.
bravo bravos
August 6th, 2012
3:24 pm
Though I am glad we do not have to deal with Ruiz this series, I really feel for the guy. Speaking from experience, plantar fasciitis can be very painful and is a chronic problem with a nagging kind of hurt and soreness that is disruptive of normal exercise and activity much less a professional sport. For any athlete, but especially a catcher, that is not good news.
brian in roswell
August 6th, 2012
3:25 pm
They dont need Ben after this year. It worked out for the stretch run. They hav to aigbt bourn at all costs. Chippers money is off the bookss. Package a deal next year Hanson McCann ( as sad as that is) w minor leaguer who won’t make there rotation. And keys go get a top number one pitcher. King felix ..throw in Francisco. Move prado to third. And let’s start bringing hat nice lookin catcher up and state giving him some expuernce. They have to keep bourn even tho his agent is boras. He’s what we have been missin since furcal . Hate to see Brian go . But go.na cost to much and much better suited to be a dh in the next few years
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
3:26 pm
The past several weeks has seen drastic separation in the National League. Let’s face it…the bad teams in the NL are really bad.
In the NL East, 9.5 games separate the 2nd and 3rd place teams.
In the Central, 10.5 games separate 3rd and 4th.
In the West, 10 games separate 3rd and 4th.
brian in roswell
August 6th, 2012
3:27 pm
They have to keep bourn at all costs** sorry android
chc4
August 6th, 2012
3:28 pm
Neither Minor nor Medlen are #2 starters. Both are #3s at best but solid 4s. Only taking Minors last 8 or so starts is silly. Small sample size. I could then take his May results and say he belongs in AAA. Fact is his ERA this season is 5.00 this season. You can’t label him as a 2. And I love Medlen but if he were a #2 he’d be in the rotation full time no questions asked.
phoenix
August 6th, 2012
3:28 pm
Uggla batting 6th again today. UGH. If the Braves had almost any other 2nd baseman in MLB they would be leading the Nats by 5 games, at least.
BF54
August 6th, 2012
3:29 pm
WE need to go all “wang” on the Phillie’s
brian in roswell
August 6th, 2012
3:30 pm
The sf giants r gonna get hot. Tim lincecum is turnin it out. No hotter mcain is still doin his thing. Melky is playing like nothin he ever showed here. Hmm jua uncomfortable leaving ny and bein in atl. And the acquisition of hunter pence to go along w Posey and Pablo. Scary team. Giants braves or dodgers will be representing he nl in the ws
coastalbrave
August 6th, 2012
3:30 pm
Brian
To honor their longtime third baseman, Chipper Jones, the Atlanta Braves will host a special night on Friday, September 28 during his final regular season homestand.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
3:31 pm
and shut Hanson down now. Best way to protect whatever value, for us or in trade, he might have.
You’ll destroy his trade value that way. Pitch through the “wear and tear”. This DL stint should help him, I think.
Cain is interesting, I wish he took a few more walks though
Was another guy I was thinking about in terms of a CF option we could go get with Hanson. I’d want another couple lower level prospects with upside thrown in.
Brian from SC
August 6th, 2012
3:31 pm
Uggla batting 6th again today. UGH. If the Braves had almost any other 2nd baseman in MLB they would be leading the Nats by 5 games, at least.
Interesting thought, considering the fact that Uggla has the 6th-highest OPS among qualifying 2nd basemen in the NL. One of the second basemen he’s ahead of is Danny Espinosa, who plays for…you guessed it…the Nats.
old man
August 6th, 2012
3:31 pm
chc4, thanks for the feedback. If Minor is still hot at season’s end, I will ask you if you think he is a #2 then, OK?
PDOG
August 6th, 2012
3:31 pm
Miabchbravesfan
While agree that Sheets is a gamble of he stays healthy for the rest of this year and pitches well I think he is worth the gamble. Also think he will give the Braves a discount to be close to home. Hanson is the best trade bait the Braves have and with the Terd blocked at first by FF he needs to be traded, As for left field still believe that Gattis and Cunhingham desrve a shot this spring. Another piece the Braves can trade is Juan F, he is a perfect AL player.
nolie
August 6th, 2012
3:32 pm
Bourn is falling apart right in front of our faces, day after day, and some insist we need to pay him 15 million dollars for 6 years. hmmmm……………….
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
3:32 pm
Why are people penciling in Ben Sheets into the 2013 rotation after 4 starts when he has a long history of injury concerns? How about wait until the end of the season to determine if he is worth it? Even so, you’ll always have to be concerned about how he’ll hold up over the long season.
BF54
August 6th, 2012
3:33 pm
The Hanson trade talk is good alot of possibilities
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
3:33 pm
Atlanta Braves @Braves
Tonight’s lineup at PHI (7:05, SPSO/680AM/BRN): Bourn 8 Prado 7 Heyward 9 Freeman 3 McCann 2 Uggla 4 Francisco 5 Janish 6 Sheets 1
Good for Fredi to play Heyward vs. the RHP. I’d definitely rest him tomorrow vs. Hamels. He could use a day off, I think.
Ward
August 6th, 2012
3:34 pm
Hello everyone! Hanson will be traded, and Sheets kept. It’s that simple. Braves are deep in pitching, and expect J.J. to b e traded too in the off season.
cricket
August 6th, 2012
3:35 pm
giants L10 4-6, 3 game winning streak against 38-68 COL. let’s see how they fare against 59-49 STL
Rufus
August 6th, 2012
3:35 pm
Would never want to wish anyone be hurt. That being said I’m glad Ruiz is out of the lineup. That guy seems like he has a career game against the Braves every game.
PDOG
August 6th, 2012
3:35 pm
Efrim,
I am not saying sign sheets today but they way he has pitched so far you have to at least wait to the end of the year before you say no.
old man
August 6th, 2012
3:35 pm
nolie–
I agree on Bourn. He seems to be fizzling a bit down the stretch. I would absolutely not get overly focused on him as someone we MUST sign to an extension.
Ward
August 6th, 2012
3:35 pm
I would expect a Hanson and J.J package, for a bat next year.
nolie
August 6th, 2012
3:35 pm
Mark, I think it was, suggested we should we move Uggs to the 2 slot with that 347 OBP?
He does have more at bats there than anywhere else but 5, and its very close
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
3:36 pm
Since June 11th, Michael Bourn has hit .242/.308/.348 in 222 plate appearances across 48 games. In that time he’s struck out 60 times in 198 at bats – 203 pace over 162 games.
PDOG
August 6th, 2012
3:37 pm
Wasn’t Simmons suppose to get his cast off today?
nolie
August 6th, 2012
3:38 pm
they are saying Sept comeback for Simmons last I read
Ward
August 6th, 2012
3:38 pm
My question is this? I like Bourn, but if you can get some one better with power on the Free Agent Market. Would you do it, and put Simmons in lead off spot.
Brave New World
August 6th, 2012
3:38 pm
Hanson is 12-5 this year, so it makes perfect sense that many experts on this blog want to get rid of him. His age (25) undoubtedly is also a factor.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
3:39 pm
Bourn could continue to decline and I’ll still offer that 13.3 million dollar qualifying offer.
No lose situation for this team. Short term contracts are great investments.
PDOG
August 6th, 2012
3:39 pm
JJ is a free agent at the end of the year, the braves have an option but there is no way they are going to exerice it. He will not be part of any trade package.
chc4
August 6th, 2012
3:39 pm
old man — Minor’s stuff dictates he’ll never be a #2. 90-91 fastball, changeup and a marginal curve. And before you point to Glavine, Minor is no Glav. Would love to be wrong but I don’t see it. Right now he is a 4. Some very good starts, some bad ones, pretty inconsistent. Walks too many batters. Now he very well may improve on these issues but its shows he’s a nibbler. If he’s slightly off he walks 4+.
cricket
August 6th, 2012
3:40 pm
would expect a Hanson and J.J package, for a bat next year.
lots of folks getting nbat for Hanson. can someone name actual bat braves can get for Hanson?
brian
August 6th, 2012
3:40 pm
hopefully Uggla will get a day off on Wednesday when Chipper and Johnson both play with Prado at 2B
MiaBchBravesFan
August 6th, 2012
3:40 pm
From here on out, they’re all “statement series”. For this team to do anything serious in the playoffs, they will have to play .667 ball the rest of the way; the pitching is capable of doing this. The only way that .667 will happen is if this team hits consistently and Uggla pulls his head out of his arse. A healthy Simmons will be a huge plus, as well as any and all opp’s to allow Chipper and McCann rest days to keep legs and bats fresh.
Fredi must allow starters to hit seven innings; yesterday’s use of the bullpen was retarded, but the early hitting struggles predicated such drastic measures.
If this team does not start hitting with more consistency, it’ll be 10-11 all over again.
nolie
August 6th, 2012
3:40 pm
I’ll believe it when I see it Efrim
unbelievable
August 6th, 2012
3:40 pm
Hello everyone! Hanson will be traded, and Sheets kept. It’s that simple. Braves are deep in pitching, and expect J.J. to b e traded too in the off season.
Your last sentence kills all credibility. Well, the first one did also.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
3:40 pm
Would you do it, and put Simmons in lead off spot.
Absolutely not. Keep that kid at 8 and watch him play elite defense. He’s an above average major league SS just because of that D.
unbelievable
August 6th, 2012
3:42 pm
My question is this? I like Bourn, but if you can get some one better with power on the Free Agent Market. Would you do it, and put Simmons in lead off spot.
No, you put Prado in the leadoff spot.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
3:42 pm
I’ll believe it when I see it Efrim
A fireable offense and an explanation would be needed, nolie.
Brave New World
August 6th, 2012
3:42 pm
Efrim August 6th, 2012 3:36 pm Since June 11th, Michael Bourn has hit .242/.308/.348 in 222 plate appearances across 48 games. In that time he’s struck out 60 times in 198 at bats – 203 pace over 162 games.
Great stats, Efrim! Bourn’s tendency to strike out as well as his “ordinary” OBP are the two biggest reasons not to bust the bank for this guy. He is above average defensively and one of the best base stealers. I would like to see him resigned, but only if we can get him for no more than $10 million per year.
nolie
August 6th, 2012
3:42 pm
c’mon, we all know that the only blogger with real cred is Mitchell
PDOG
August 6th, 2012
3:42 pm
Braves rotation 2013, Sheets, Hudson, Minor, Delgado and Tehran. Hanson and Mahom traded and JJ gone. I can live with it.
chc4
August 6th, 2012
3:42 pm
JJ is untradeable. Are people serious? Maybe we can pick Lowe up off waivers and trade him for a bat by August 31! Sheesh.
kral
August 6th, 2012
3:43 pm
kind of reminds me of WIZARD OF OZ..on a blog docs, pitching coaches,gm’s, managers,batting coaches..OH MY
Ward
August 6th, 2012
3:43 pm
unbelievable – Don’t care what you think anyways.
unbelievable
August 6th, 2012
3:44 pm
Ward, yes you do.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
3:45 pm
lots of folks getting nbat for Hanson. can someone name actual bat braves can get for Hanson?
I don’t want a pitcher for bat exchange. More hoping for prospects or a couple prospects and a young centerfielder like Lorenzo Cain. No idea though.
MikeInFl
August 6th, 2012
3:45 pm
I don’t know how we can pencil Teheran into the rotation next year when he’s giving up 1 1/2 HR and 5 earned runs a game in AAA.
I’m not giving up on him… hope there’s some reasonable explanation for his troubles… but a stretch to put him in Atlanta next April based on what’s happening this year.
nolie
August 6th, 2012
3:45 pm
Maholm is not gonna be traded
PDOG
August 6th, 2012
3:45 pm
Agree with Efrim would pay Bourne 13 million a year. He is one of the two or three best lead off hitters in the game.
monty
August 6th, 2012
3:46 pm
“and expect J.J. to b e traded too in the off season.”
hey, it could happen…..bag of balls.
Ward
August 6th, 2012
3:46 pm
J.J. can be traded, and Hanson is not all that great, and for the right package you could get a good right handed bat.
unbelievable
August 6th, 2012
3:46 pm
hope there’s some reasonable explanation for his troubles…
Story has been that he’s just focusing on that third pitch. Im not sure, but I dont think a 3rd season at Gwinnett is in his best interest.
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
3:46 pm
JJ is untradeable. Are people serious?
No one is paying him 7 million dollars next year. He’ll sign a deal with tons of incentives.
nolie
August 6th, 2012
3:46 pm
thats not exactly what Efrim was talking about PDOG
MikeInFl
August 6th, 2012
3:47 pm
He is one of the two or three best lead off hitters in the game.
Well, top ten, anyway…
Ward
August 6th, 2012
3:47 pm
unbelieveable – No I don’t…..
Efrim
August 6th, 2012
3:47 pm
Agree with Efrim would pay Bourne 13 million a year. He is one of the two or three best lead off hitters in the game.
I don’t want him resigned to a long term deal. No way in heck I want that.
nolie
August 6th, 2012
3:47 pm
I heard he lost his change, which would be devastating. We need to organize a search party pronto
unbelievable
August 6th, 2012
3:47 pm
J.J. can be traded
Not a single team would trade for JJ and pay him $7mil after arbitration. He will get nontendered and possibly offered a major league contract with someone if he can show he’s healthy. Zero trade value.
monty
August 6th, 2012
3:48 pm
I said before Meds 1st start that if he had 3 good starts in a row, to not expect him to come out when TH gets well. I’ll stick by that, 2 down 1 to go. Got to go with the hot-hand.
Ward
August 6th, 2012
3:48 pm
J.J. , and Hanson could get us that bat we need?
PDOG
August 6th, 2012
3:48 pm
At some point you have to either trade or bring up Tehran, can’t keep him in AAA for 3 or 4 years. I will take my chances on him and Delgado next year.
MikeInFl
August 6th, 2012
3:49 pm
Yeah, I think that was me that ‘reported’ that a couple of weeks ago, based on some reading, nolie. But, I assume if he had it, it can be re-created. I hope, anyway.
phoenix
August 6th, 2012
3:49 pm
Uggla’s OPS is crap. Yes, he walks a lot with 2 out and nobody on. When it comes to driving in, or advancing baserunners, he is a total, complete, overpaid failure.
unbelievable
August 6th, 2012
3:49 pm
Ward, people arent lining up to overpay for injured starters.
brian in roswell
August 6th, 2012
3:50 pm
Nolie u can thank Freddy g for his decline
Ward
August 6th, 2012
3:50 pm
Huddy, Maholm, Meds, Minor, Sheets, why would we need J.J., and Hanson?
chc4
August 6th, 2012
3:50 pm
Efrim — only way he does that is if the Braves non-tender him and he becomes a free agent. If the Braves miraculously did trade JJ, the acquiring team would be forced to offer him arbitration. When they didn’t he’d become a FA. So there is absolutely no way to trade him.
And btw I am the CC (Atlanta) that asked Jerry Crasnick those 3 Hanson questions on today’s espn chat. Can’t believe he responded to all.
Ward
August 6th, 2012
3:51 pm
I think a hear a the wind out there. Must be gas…..
unbelievable
August 6th, 2012
3:51 pm
Sheets is a FA and JJ will be nontendered.
brian in roswell
August 6th, 2012
3:53 pm
Bad pitching changes. Like when we played the yanks and u got the heart of he lineup in he btm of the 8h here on atl. And he doeant put in kimbrel to get 4 outs and costs us the game amony many other bone headed moves. Hell an average Joe could coah hoa braves team w he talent they have. He needs to sit Dan for a week. Give bourn a break and figure out a strategy for the stretch run and starting pitching.
Murph
August 6th, 2012
3:54 pm
Looking forward to being able to actually watch the game tonight. Hopefully the MLB.TV investigators haven’t uncovered the fact that my wife is from Philadelphia… I’m sure there’s something in the terms of service that blocks out the game if you’re from the city that your favorite team is visiting.
I’ve already said too much. You didn’t read that. She’s from, ummmm, Boise! That’s right, Boise!
BF54
August 6th, 2012
3:55 pm
Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for the USA soccer girls
Ward
August 6th, 2012
3:55 pm
Gas smells out there, and some one is trying to talk to me, and wait to I hear some thing? No…… just air……
nolie
August 6th, 2012
3:55 pm
When it comes to driving in..phoenix
second on the team in 2 out ribbies
brian in roswell
August 6th, 2012
3:57 pm
Cricket..the cards bullpen has some serious issues. Giants tim l has been off for a while and jus turning it around. Pence was a huge pickup and Pablo and key players r injured. Pence is the bat they needed and kicked out w. Cards won’t even make the playoffss. And I like the cards to some degree. Hate larussa. Go braves
phoenix
August 6th, 2012
3:57 pm
As I said, ALMOST any other MLB 2nd baseman in the lineup would have given the Braves an additional 5-10 wins this year, just by making contact, or with smart at-bats with RISP. Espinosa makes $400,000, compared to Uggla’s $13 million. He has almost as many RBI, a higher batting average, fewer errors and a better fielding percentage.
“Ground ball, right side…JUST out of the range of Uggla…”
Ward
August 6th, 2012
3:57 pm
Wren, just didn’t sign Sheets for nothng . I expect Sheets to be a Brave for 2 to 3 years.
Murph
August 6th, 2012
3:57 pm
Gas smells out there, and some one is trying to talk to me, and wait to I hear some thing? No…… just air……
Was that a haiku?
DAP
August 6th, 2012
3:58 pm
who the heck are we going to be able to get for LF? i am perplexed by this offseason.
PDOG
August 6th, 2012
3:58 pm
I would offer Bourne 13 million for 5 years. I would much rather have Bourne and either Gatties or cuningham then Willigham and one of the kids. Then again if you could trade Hanson, and either the Terd or Juan F for Cain I would let Bourne go. If I were the Braves I would even trade Hanson, Mahom and the Terd for Cain and a prospect.
phoenix
August 6th, 2012
3:58 pm
Nolie…check to see where Uggla ranks in runners left on base. That would be an interesting stat.
SNEAKY PETE
August 6th, 2012
3:59 pm
s I said, ALMOST any other MLB 2nd baseman in the lineup would have given the Braves an additional 5-10 wins this year, just by making contact, or with smart at-bats with RISP…phoenix
5-10 wins in 2/3 of a season? Stupidity running rampant, from the phoenix corner today I see
cricket
August 6th, 2012
3:59 pm
Sheets, Hudson, Minor, Delgado and Tehran.
not seeing my MLB EI renewed with that rotation