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883 comments Add your comment
phil
August 13th, 2012
12:09 pm
Brian – believe all you hear? Of course not.
Brian from SC
August 13th, 2012
12:10 pm
Brian – believe all you hear? Of course not.
So what makes you think Hudson is injured?
MFin04
August 13th, 2012
12:13 pm
“So what makes you think Hudson is injured?”
Probably Orel Hershiser.
phil
August 13th, 2012
12:14 pm
His ankle, convenient way to rest him, avoid 6 man rotation. It’s just a thought…and a guess at what might be coming.
Thaddeus
August 13th, 2012
12:14 pm
Efrim…
I’m bringing this back from a couple of pages ago. I saw you commented something about liking the Braves’ Sept. schedule. I agree, but the Nats’ schedule looks at least as equally favorable to me. Have you looked at that? your thoughts?…
MFin04
August 13th, 2012
12:20 pm
“convenient way to rest him”
Yep, same thing they did with Hanson.
Thaddeus
August 13th, 2012
12:22 pm
I like Medlen in the rotation. Where did I see the stat about the Braves winning 16 of his last 17 starts or something like that? Think it may have been in a DOB article. I don’t see how you keep him out of the rotation. I like the Sheets addition, but I think Med could be a more solid spot than him. I think he’s a more solid spot than Minor. I’d much rather see him headed out to pitch an important game than Hanson. I can only see 2 reasons why he’s not starting already:
1) They’re worried he’ll hurt his arm making the transition to more innings, or
2) They think they need him more in the pen
I’m not sure I can agree with #2, and I guess there are people on pay roll who have a better idea of whether or not #1 is an issue…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 13th, 2012
12:25 pm
From Schultz blog…
Bravothusiast
August 13th, 2012
11:00 am
Jurrjens’ average FB velocity decline:
2007 – 92.6
2008 – 91.9
2009 – 91.2
2010 – 91.1
2011 – 89.1
2012 – 88.6
Hanson’s average FB velocity decline:
2010 – 92.7
2011 – 91.2
2012 – 89.8
Just sayin…
DAP
August 13th, 2012
12:26 pm
efrim I love him, but I’m not paying Martin Prado 11-12 million dollars a year.
relax, you arent paying him anything. ;- )
i dont really think gordon was the best comparison, but MLBTR often compares players that i dont really think are comparable.
George
August 13th, 2012
12:26 pm
Good day all
We almost had a comeback last night but fell short. There is someing about ESPN. Good thing NATS lost, but still a game was taken off schedule, one less game left to catch them. Do not trust FREDI to win a play-in game. One game, he will find a way to lose it.
DAP
August 13th, 2012
12:31 pm
I could totally see 4 years $35mil for prado, with a an option year. maybe even a signing bonus. gotta lock him up, and i dont think it will take what MLBTR is suggesting.
George
August 13th, 2012
12:34 pm
How about Simmons for Rookie of the Year?
***********************************
TODD FRAZIER for ROY
MFin04
August 13th, 2012
12:34 pm
Martin Prado is a stud. Better yet…he is a “baseball player” in every sense of the phrase. Classy guy. Hard worker. Glad he is a Brave.
Brian from SC
August 13th, 2012
12:38 pm
It’s one thing to “rest” Hanson as he’s been struggling. Hudson had one rough start, in a game the Braves won…otherwise he has been a rock for over a month. The Braves can’t afford to “rest” possibly their best starter unless he’s actually injured.
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2012
12:40 pm
5 years 40 Mill for Martini, Bank on It
tony austin
August 13th, 2012
12:41 pm
I do agree that ESPN are more of a Red Sox and Yankees station and it get’s aggravating (If Boston and NY are playing it’s all but guaranteed ESPN will have that/those game(s), but on the other hand they can charge more for their sponsors knowing a lot of baseball fans are going to tune in. No offense to the Cubs (2nd fav team) or the Astros, but who would want to tune in to that game?
DAP
August 13th, 2012
12:42 pm
brian from sc The Braves can’t afford to “rest” possibly their best starter unless he’s actually injured.
the same reason they dont need a 6 man rotation.
MFin04
August 13th, 2012
12:43 pm
Who would want to watch the Braves and Mets? Ben Sheets is the only reason that game was on tv to be honest.
Red Sox have about as much a chance as the Phillies of making the playoffs, but whatever.
Brian from SC
August 13th, 2012
12:43 pm
DAP, I would be surprised if they decided to go with a six-man rotation.
David O'Brien
August 13th, 2012
12:43 pm
I like Medlen in the rotation. Where did I see the stat about the Braves winning 16 of his last 17 starts or something like that? Think it may have been in a DOB article. — Thaddeus
Yes, it was in my game story. They are 16-1 in his starts in 2010 and this season (didn’t make any in 2011 when missed most of season recovering from TJ surgery).
Brian from SC
August 13th, 2012
12:45 pm
You have to consider that it’s not just a question of whether Medlen is a better starter than Hanson. Is a team with Hanson in the rotation and Medlen in the pen better than a team with Medlen in the rotation, and however the bullpen works out?
MFin04
August 13th, 2012
12:47 pm
A six-man rotation for 18 or so games, really isn’t that big of a deal. Ever guy gets 3 starts, most would only get 3 starts (maybe 4) in a 5 man rotation anyways. Helps keep guys a little fresher late in the season. Unless of course they don’t want to mess with their schedule/rhythm/etc.
Bullpen hasn’t really been used heavily as of late.
Philly Brave
August 13th, 2012
12:47 pm
What a beast… Being the biggest Bravos fan on the planet (29 years old & located in Philly), can’t wait for all the fraud fans in the ATL that blantantly decides to NOT support their squad to be all over Freddie when/if he hits his next cold spell. Anytime the Bravos don’t please those in the ATL, fans flock to jump on anyone they can. Makes me sick. Look at what they do w/ the financial constraints along w/ the kids they bring up to contribute with the big boys…! BTW Dave I read your columns all the time, you do a decent job keep it up. Good stats consistently. Chipper will go out a champion! Lets go!
MFin04
August 13th, 2012
12:48 pm
Brian from SC – That and they aren’t sending Hanson to the bullpen so they are screwed either way.
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2012
12:48 pm
Honestly
With the way teams run at will on Big Red, I do not want to see him as a starter in the Playoffs, if we make it… Teams are gonna continue to exploit the fact that he is as slow as old Hideo Nomo when he comes to the plate…
He is gonna need a total makeover to start keeping runners honest….
Arkansas Transplant
August 13th, 2012
12:48 pm
A 6 man rotation is the best way to go right now. Seeing how we’re loaded with mid rotation pitchers and not one really out playing another, there’s nothing wrong with keeping them all fresh for the stretch run. This would increase our chances of staying successful.
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2012
12:49 pm
MFin04
“Brian from SC – That and they aren’t sending Hanson to the bullpen so they are screwed either way.”
I saw that too, We are up ####’s creek either way
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2012
12:52 pm
All 3 teams scare me in a one game playoff
The Reds, because they have a Sick Bullpen, they have great team speed and can outslug ya
The Giants, Their Rotation is Sick and The Melk-dud will pull a 2004-05? Carlos Blowtran on us
The Pirates…They want payback for the last 20 years and their pitchers scare me….
In Any scenario we don’t look too good to face a 1 game elimination because bad luck and the Umpires will be against us….
Capt.Mudd
August 13th, 2012
12:52 pm
…..Well, I know we still have surging personnel issues this morning, it seems the “mammos” have taken on an Olympic-like quality recently…..those long ones lighten up our world, if you will. Should Dan Uggla take his mini-surge to full-surge…..look out everyone; especially you Pole Vaulters. Mr. Prado and Mr. Heyward alike are recognizing the ’surgency’ of a play off spot with their focus as impressive as the new 2013 Ford Focus. There is much that is right on Mr. Wren’s legal pad….a dot here….check mark there….even a happy face at the top. Moveover, perhaps these final 20 odd dates at home we will see chipper weather and maybe Chipper weather the ’surge’ to a very special end result. Bourn will start it off….and, lastly, I can see Mac and Rossy over in the corner flipping a coin in hopes of receiving the ball first….in the distance, a fan yells….”Go Fredi, go!!!
Arkansas Transplant
August 13th, 2012
12:52 pm
Hanson’s problem isn’t the fact that he’s slow to the plate.. it’s the fact that he walks way too many hitters and allows extremely too many homeruns.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 13th, 2012
12:52 pm
Something is needed in the ‘pen… Kimbrel, O’Flaherty, and Venters (if he’s back) isn’t enough. C-Mart, Gearrin, and Avilan aren’t all that inspiring to me… Either Meds or Hanson needs to go there.
Meds has proven that he can pitch effectively out of the pen, Hanson hasn’t. However, Medlen is doing great in the rotation, and Hanson hasn’t for a while now… Gonna be a tough decision.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 13th, 2012
12:54 pm
If the Braves send Hanson to the ‘pen, I’d be very very surprised.
MFin04
August 13th, 2012
12:55 pm
“In Any scenario we don’t look too good to face a 1 game elimination because bad luck and the Umpires will be against us….”
Of course I’ve cringed at every series we’ve played against the Phillies this year… at we’ve gone 8-1 in the last 9 games, so who knows.
This Braves team is good. Has everything. Speed, power, starting pitching, bullpen, Chipper Jones
Arkansas Transplant
August 13th, 2012
12:59 pm
I’m alright with the make up of our bull pen right now as long as they are used correctly and our starters can continue to go deep into games. These 3 guys (Kimbrel, O’Flaherty, and Venters) used in close situations and these 3 guys (C-Mart, Gearrin, and Avilan) for 3 to 4 plus run leads.
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2012
1:00 pm
@TOBF
Isn’t Petey Pablo (Moylan) Due back in 2 weeks along with Lil Andy Simmons…?
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2012
1:01 pm
Getting Moylan back in a few weeks will be like trading for a Good RH Specialist for a Bag of Cheetos…Oy how we have missed Petey
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2012
1:02 pm
@mfin
We got speed, problem is that we don’t know how to use it as we saw in the 1st inning of last night….
I was hoping that J-Hey would steal 30+ this year after it seemed as if he stole 10 bases in April alone
Venice Jim
August 13th, 2012
1:02 pm
Matthew Diaz @diazfoundation
IN Macon at mcalisters a lady told me I look familiar, after awkward sec she tells me I look like a thin version of Matt Diaz the braves guy
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 13th, 2012
1:03 pm
phil Would be nice though if he could find a consistent place and stay there thru oct…
Yes. It would be. Consistently good with lots of hits with RISP/2 outs like he used to…
CB
August 13th, 2012
1:05 pm
Let me get this straight – we are complaining because we have 6 options for our 5 man rotation? A few months ago we were wondering how we were going to have a chance with the injury to Beachy. Just wonder about the thought process of some of you guys.
DAP
August 13th, 2012
1:06 pm
MFin04 A six-man rotation for 18 or so games, really isn’t that big of a deal. Ever guy gets 3 starts, most would only get 3 starts (maybe 4) in a 5 man rotation anyways.
is this supposed to be an argument FOR a 6 man rotation?
Tomahawkin
August 13th, 2012
1:08 pm
CB
“Let me get this straight – we are complaining because we have 6 options for our 5 man rotation?”
Its a Good Luxury to have, and trust me, You can take it to the Bank that there will be more complaining on here if we lose tonight or split the series
Hopefully the team won’t overlook the Friars in looking ahead to the Playoff Preview this weekend
ncscoots
August 13th, 2012
1:08 pm
Let me get this straight – we are complaining because we have 6 options for our 5 man rotation?
I think folks are pre-complaining about any decision to send a starter out of the rotation. Doesn’t matter which guy, really, any of them will do.
MFin04
August 13th, 2012
1:10 pm
Chad Durbin as well…right?
MFin04
August 13th, 2012
1:11 pm
“Is this supposed to be an argument FOR a 6 man rotation?”
I dunno? What do you think?
DAP
August 13th, 2012
1:12 pm
MFin04, it sounded like you were saying, “5 man or 6 man, whats the difference?” i dont know if your fer it or agin’ it.
MFin04
August 13th, 2012
1:12 pm
If everyone is healthy the rotation is:
Hudson
Sheets
Maholm
Medlen
Minor
Hanson
I’m ok if they leave Hanson out of the 5 man rotation. If they want to add him to a 6 man rotation, I’m fine with that. Just don’t replace Medlen in the rotation with Hanson. Medlen is the better pitcher in soo many ways.
ncscoots
August 13th, 2012
1:13 pm
Chad Durbin as well…right?
that would call for 13 pitchers, according to AT’s usage post, but I really doubt they are going to go with a 4-man bench.
SNEAKY PETE
August 13th, 2012
1:14 pm
5 years 40 Mill for Martini, Bank on It. @Tomahawkin
He is due for 7 to 8 million this season and you think he will sign a 5 year contract that will give him nothing more than that per year? Doesn’t make much sense to me, but then you never do
MFin04
August 13th, 2012
1:17 pm
“(Kimbrel, O’Flaherty, and Venters) used in close situations and these 3 guys (C-Mart, Gearrin, and Avilan) for 3 to 4 plus run leads.”
I’m assuming Durbin will be in for one of the last 2 guys.
CB
August 13th, 2012
1:19 pm
Uggla signed a 4yr=52million contract. Why can some not justify giving Prado numbers close to that? Right now I sure wouldn’t trade Prado for Uggla.
SNEAKY PETE
August 13th, 2012
1:19 pm
6 man rotation a couple of times through to see how everybody pitches and then the od man out, which will likely be Medlen if every body does well.
veer
August 13th, 2012
1:22 pm
6 men rotaton is possible with September coming and rosters expanding however that being said Ben Sheets was a great story but he is finished. He gave us 4 wins and we should be thankful to him but yesterday he couldn’t finish off the Met hitters. He is the weakest link and Hanson should replace him. To be fair I would give Sheets one more start but seeing him yesterday he looked like a guy who was finished. He has more heart then talent and i respect him for that but Hanson is a much better pitcher
SNEAKY PETE
August 13th, 2012
1:22 pm
I don’t think they will give him as much as Uggla because of the power difference, though I’m not saying I agree with that.
Plus remember, yesterday Key Largo told us once again how crappy Prado really is because he slumps at times
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 13th, 2012
1:23 pm
Getting Moylan back in a few weeks will be like trading for a Good RH Specialist for a Bag of Cheetos…Oy how we have missed Petey
Gearrin is effectively Moylan… not a big upgrade. Still a roogy
MFin04
August 13th, 2012
1:23 pm
“To be fair I would give Sheets one more start but seeing him yesterday he looked like a guy who was finished. He has more heart then talent and i respect him for that but Hanson is a much better pitcher”
ncscoots
August 13th, 2012
1:24 pm
6 man rotation a couple of times through to see how everybody pitches and then the od man out,
I do think that one caution would be going two weeks with a short pen. If those six starters leak innings, and I mean any at all, there’s a risk that the bullpen guys get overused at a very inopportune time. The FO may think that’s an acceptable risk, though.
SNEAKY PETE
August 13th, 2012
1:24 pm
Sheets has been having some location problems for several starts now, he got a bit lucky a time or two IMO. He needs to sharpen back up to where he was the first few games and he will likely be OK
DAM
August 13th, 2012
1:25 pm
Medlen needs to stay in the rotation. With a bullpen of Kimbrel, O’Flaherty, Venters, Durbin, Martinez, and 2 of Moylan/Gearrin/Avilan, the ‘pen will be fine. Medlen gives us a chance to win almost every time he pitches. Leave him there.
SNEAKY PETE
August 13th, 2012
1:25 pm
I am not really advocating that approach, I just think that is what will happen.
CB
August 13th, 2012
1:26 pm
Sneaky Pete, agreed on the power but in every other way Prado is a better player than Uggla.
MFin04
August 13th, 2012
1:26 pm
ncscoots – But for the last week or more the bullpen has been underused. So it could very well balance out. Pitchers going deep the last few weeks, lots of huge leads, etc.
nolie
August 13th, 2012
1:30 pm
Scoots as a wood worker I thought you might be interested in my latest favorite knife.
AG Russell took a sowbelly handle, fattened up one end of it and hung a wharncliffe blade off the other end.
I love the cocabola version, an unusual and IMO attractive slip joint that can “walk and talk” its way around any piece if wood.
http://www.agrussell.com/search.asp?ss=A.G.+Russell%99+Wharncliffe+Blade+Sowbelly+with+Cocobolo&x=21&y=7
Random
August 13th, 2012
1:31 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan (August 13th, 2012 11:14 am): “That’s true, since Simmons won’t be back until September… but who is the true “bench” guys on the team? Who will make the playoff roster? I think Janish and Rev stay, Hinske goes.”
Unlikely — Braves will want another LH PH off the bench (besides Francisco). Plus, I don’t think any team would carry three one-position SSs.
CrαZy (August 13th, 2012 11:18 am): ” (’I think Janish and Rev stay, Hinske goes.’)
“I understand this thinking, but I wonder how much Fredi values having a balanced bench. Without Hinske your only LH bat is Francisco. I think there’s a very good chance the “Rev” is the odd man out. W/ Ross, Johnson, Francisco, Hinske and Janish as the playoff bench.”
Agreed — Janish over Pastornicky, Hinske over either.
But . . .
Wren may make an August trade for a good LH bat that slips thru waivers.
ncscoots
August 13th, 2012
1:31 pm
So it could very well balance out.
Most of the time, I would agree. But this is the last 50. If the bully gets overused now, there is less time for them to recover equilibrium. It’s the lingering effect of overuse that could be the problem.
I’m certainly not saying that this will occur, especially if the offense continues to turn ‘n’ burn. Just saying that the possibility exists, and that possibility should probably be part of the decision-making process of how deep to take the rotation..
veer
August 13th, 2012
1:34 pm
Sheets was extremly lucky aganist the Phillies. He had no strikeouts vs them. Sheets isn’t used to the innings and I dont think his arm has another 50 innings in him.
Murph
August 13th, 2012
1:35 pm
How is in line for a September call-up?
Sure would be nice if they brought Meija and Gattis along with players like Constanza and Carlyle.
ncscoots
August 13th, 2012
1:36 pm
nolie, sweet! That’s a very nice-looking piece of work. I’ve read up before on doing that kind of thing, in the course of upping my woodturning quotient. Have you gotten one, or considering it, etc.?
phil
August 13th, 2012
1:39 pm
Last yr, we blamed an overworked pen. This yr, the final blame remains uncertain.
Early blame should be Hinske….just for giggles and grins.
ncscoots
August 13th, 2012
1:40 pm
Early blame should be Hinske….just for giggles and grins
Pre-blame.
Arkansas Transplant
August 13th, 2012
1:41 pm
I’d replace Avilan with Durbin.. wouldn’t go with a 4 man bench.
nolie
August 13th, 2012
1:42 pm
I got one about 6 months ago. of course it is not meant for heavy everyday woodworking, but both a wharncliffe blade and a sheepfoot blade are good as light wood cutters. I whittle as relaxation-chains, ball in cage, animals, and usually use a Case Congress pattern for its selection of blades but this Russell is bigger and more attractive IMO. I really like the knife for the money especially.
Richie
August 13th, 2012
1:46 pm
How is Sheets finished? The guy has been dealing since the Braves got him.
ncscoots
August 13th, 2012
1:48 pm
nolie, you got me one-upped on the carving, LOL. I’m pretty feeble on that kind of thing, just never have had the inclination to pursue the skill. Lathe work is about the extent of my work as an artiste, LOL. I had looked at some ways to turn handles and produce the components for making folding knives, but I never got around to actually doing any.
If you like carving artists, though, google Mooney Warther. Probably the carving finest artist of his generation and fine knife-maker, to boot.
Arkansas Transplant
August 13th, 2012
1:48 pm
Murph, are all 4 of them on the 40 man?
veer
August 13th, 2012
1:52 pm
The new post season format will probably kill us this year. If we don’t win the divsion we will end up facing one of the following
1) Cain and the Giants
2) Kershaw and the Dodgers
3) Wainwright and offensive Cardinals
In a one game playoff. All of the above pitchers are better than our best. We have very little shot of winning that one game. Division is our only hope to the NLDS.
Carroll Rogers
August 13th, 2012
1:55 pm
new blog is up!
Thaddeus
August 13th, 2012
1:55 pm
veer…
True. True and scary.
nolie
August 13th, 2012
1:55 pm
sure cause we have never beaten any of those guys, or any other top-line pitchers either
DAP
August 13th, 2012
1:59 pm
veer If we don’t win the divsion we will end up facing one of the following
1) Cain and the Giants
2) Kershaw and the Dodgers
3) Wainwright and offensive Cardinals
In a one game playoff.
you never know how the rotation comes up, we may end up facing jake westbrook.
Brian from SC
August 13th, 2012
2:07 pm
you never know how the rotation comes up, we may end up facing jake westbrook.
True. Way too early to start worrying about what starting pitcher the Braves face on a day in October. What if the Cardinals need Wainwright to go the last game of the season to even make the playoffs?
Braveone
August 13th, 2012
5:44 pm
From the previous blog which had 1,155 comments, Mark led the way with 97 posts. There were 129 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 Mark 97
2 nolie 69
3 Venice Jim 61
4 phil 40
5 David O’Brien 36
6 Disgusted 36
7 Ward 33
8 DS1 32
9 TheOnlyBravesFan 32
10 VaBravesFan 30
11 Birdhair 28
12 ACE 26
13 Efrim 26
14 brian 26
15 richbrave 23
16 Capt.Mudd 22
17 Bravefaninok 21
18 Lew 20
19 keylargo 20
20 Coach (2012 Fredi’s Beisbol Fandango) 17
21 George 17
22 JNick 17
23 MikeInFl 17
24 ChattTownBrian 16
25 SNEAKY PETE 15
Dumbfounded again......
August 13th, 2012
6:14 pm
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