Can Braves afford to keep Bourn? Can they afford not to?
He’s their best center fielder since Andruw Jones and most dynamic leadoff man since Rafael Furcal, and Braves players and fans have seen enough of Michael Bourn in 12 months to know he’s someone the team needs to make every effort to keep from leaving Atlanta as a free agent this winter.
The question isn’t just whether the Braves, with their middle-of-the-pack payroll, can afford to keep him. It’s can they afford not to keep him? That is, without taking a step back from the progress their offense has made with Bourn at the top of the lineup.
Chipper Jones is retiring after this season, and the iconic Braves third baseman sounds as if he has an idea where his own $14 million salary that’s coming off the books should be allocated. Toward a contract for the speedy center fielder, who could possibly command more than that per season in a long-term deal of six or seven years.
Re-signing Bourn (above) should be a "No. 1 priority," says Chipper Jones.
“It should be a No. 1 priority,” Jones said when asked about the importance of re-signing Bourn. “It’s not a stretch to say he’s been our most valuable player this year. I’ve said all along, you show me a dynamic offense, and I’m going to show you an offense with a dynamic leadoff hitter. We’ve had the same cast of characters here for a couple of years now, and you’ve seen what this offense is able to do with a dynamic leadoff hitter.”
After finishing 10th in the National League in runs in 2011, the Braves are tied for second this season. Bourn came from Houston in a trade on July 31, 2011, and this season he was hitting .292 with nine triples, a career-high nine home runs, 50 RBIs, 81 runs and 31 stolen bases in 116 games. His .353 on-base percentage was third on the team, and his .428 slugging percentage would also be a career high.
Now cue the Darth Vader theme….
“I think Michael is having an extraordinary season,” said Scott Boras, Bourn’s high-powered agent. “If there’s ever a player that fulfilled a need, that makes a good team a really good team, certainly that acquisition has just made the Braves a very different team than they were without him. And I think he enjoys playing there. But it’s something that, as far as any business discussion, that’s just something we’ll do in the offseason.”
Boras. You just felt a cold breeze? No chance for the Braves to re-sign Bourn when Boras said he believes “a lot of teams” will be in the market for the center fielder and that he hasn’t even begun negotations with Braves general manager Frank Wren?
Well, hold on. Don’t write off Bourn’s return just yet.
“Frank and I have talked a number of times this season about a number of things, but certainly it’s understood there will be discussions [about Bourn],” Boras said, “because it’s a place where Michael’s played well and a place where they’ve made it clear they want him. So when you have those kind of fits, you look at it and have to consider it.”
Wren has said several times that Bourn has been just what the Braves hoped he’d be and they’d like to re-sign him. But he hasn’t elaborated on the situation, and lately Wren hasn’t commented on it at all.
For the first time in recent years, the Braves will have plenty of money to spend this winter after they shed the contracts of Jones and Derek Lowe, among others. They traded Lowe to Cleveland in November, but the Braves still had to pay $10 million of his $15 million salary in 2012 as part of that trade. They might also non-tender struggling pitcher Jair Jurrjens, which would drop another significant salary ($5.5 million) from this year’s payroll.
Those three contracts, plus the expiring contracts of bench players Matt Diaz and Eric Hinske and a few other Braves, could free up more $35 million from this year’s payroll. But factor in the addition of pitcher Paul Maholm’s $6.5 million salary, plus arbitration raises for the likes of Martin Prado, Eric O’Flaherty and Tommy Hanson, and first first-time arb-eligible Jason Heyward, and the amount available could drop below $20 million, unless they decide it’s time to add $10 million or more to the approximate $90 million payroll and move back into the top half of major league spenders.
If not, if the Braves maintain their self-imposed payroll limit, do they give the bulk of their available funds this winter to Bourn? With no center fielder in their minor league system who looks ready for next season, and few proven leadoff guys expected to be available this winter, can the Braves afford not to pay the going rate for Bourn? Or does it depend whether that rate is closer to, say, $20 million per year than $12 million?
Boras doesn’t say what he expects to get for his client, but makes it clear that Bourn is a unique player on this winter’s market, and also points out that he got more than most believed he could for clients such as Jayson Werth, Carl Crawford and Alex Rodriguez.
Bourn has said since spring training that he would be focused solely on playing his best this season and would let Boras handle any contract talks and keep him informed if and when there was anything he should know. Otherwise, Bourn said he’s not thinking about free agency yet and has steadfastly declined to comment about the likelihood of re-signing. He’s only said he enjoys playing in Atlanta and the team camaraderie.
“Yeah, it’s cool here,” he said in May, in his most extensive comments about the situation. “Yes, I could [see himself staying]. I’ve got no problem with Atlanta at all. No doubt.”
He added: “You owe it to your team to be focused on the task at hand. You don’t want to have any kind of questions in your head, having to worry about that all the time or what this person’s saying about you, what you’re going to be looking at. The single day has enough problems of its own without you having to worry about the next day and what else could be going on. Just worry about that day.”
Bourn, 29, has done a fine job compartmentalizing. With free agency looming, he’s having his best overall season. He made his second NL All-Star team and provided a steady spark atop the lineup, particularly in the first half of the season when other key hitters were struggling at various times.
After hitting hit .125 with one extra-base hit one run in the first six games of the season – the Braves went 2-4 – Bourn heated up quickly and stayed hot, batting .324 with a .378 OBP, 31 extra-base hits, 35 RBIs, 61 runs and 24 stolen bases in his next 82 games. The Braves went 47-35 in that stretch, and Bourn played every inning of every game.
That durability is one of the many strengths that Boras will point to when he talks about Bourn with the Braves and other teams. And expect him to convince some big-market teams – i.e. the Dodgers, who current have slugger Matt Kemp playing center – that they would be best suited with Bourn in center and, in the case of the Dodgers, Kemp at a corner-outfield spot.
“You’ve got to remember, center field is a unique place ,” Boras said. “You can’t put those sluggers in center field because you’re taking them out of the batter’s box. Those are 3-4-5 [in the batting order] guys, big guys.”
Boras contends that another of his clients, ex-Braves perennial Gold Glover Andruw Jones, was a modern exception in terms of big-time power hitters who could play elite center-field defense for many years without breaking down.
“You’ve got to have guys whose weight allows it,” Boras said. “There’s nobody I know that’s hitting 400 homers and winning Gold Gloves [in center] again. Got to go back to Willie Mays [before Andruw Jones and Ken Griffey Jr., who had multiple injuries late in his career]. The type of performance that’s needed, you’re got to have somebody that can track the baseball and then take the pounding on the bases.
Bourn has played terrific defense for the Braves.
“The value of a guy like Michael Bourn is they can score so easily from second base, and frankly from first. And when got a team like the Braves, who have that ability to put together the synergy that allows that to happen, that’s what allows teams to do what the Braves have done lately — put together a long winning surge.”
Bourn is a pest on the basepaths, always forcing pitchers to be aware of him. Hitters behind him tend to see more fastballs when Bourn is on first or second base as pitchers try to be quicker to the plate to keep him him from running.
“He makes people better because he does what he does,” Jones said. “I don’t like hitting with two outs and nobody on. I can’t think of any guys in the middle of the order that do. And he maximizes our opportunities to hit with guys on base and hit with guys in scoring position, which is what we want.”
Jones has seen firsthand the difference that a premier leadoff hitter can make. In Furcal’s final season with Atanta in 2005, Braves leadoff hitters hit .295 (tied for third in the NL) with a .356 OBP (fourth in the NL).
Here’s what they did in subsequent seasons: .268 (12th in NL) with a .336 OBP (ninth) in 2006; .272 (tied for ninth) with a .355 OBP (fourth) in 2007; .273 (11th) with a .356 OBP (tied for third) in 2008; .265 (10th) with a .348 OBP (ninth) in 2009; .284 (fourth) with a .336 OPB (tied for fourth) in 2010; and 264 (ninth) with a .313 OBP (10th) in 2011.
Currently, Braves leadoff hitters – Bourn has 485 of the team’s 495 leadoff at-bats – are hitting .293 (second in NL) with a .351 OBP (third) , 31 steals (second), 50 RBIs (first), 82 runs (first) and a .426 slugging percentage (second).
And after having Furcal collect at least 550 at-bats in the leadoff spot in each of his last four seasons with the Braves, including more than 600 at-bats in three seasons, the Braves had a leadoff hitter make as many as 350 at-bats in only one of the next six seasons through 2011. That was Marcus Giles in 2006, when he hit .251 with a .334 OBP and 10 steals in 463 at-bats from the leadoff position.
“He takes care of himself,” manager Fredi Gonzalez said of Bourn. “You see him in the training room, you see him in the weight room, he eats well – he’s a straight pro. He’s one of the most professional guys I’ve ever been around You could almost set your watch to where he’s at according to the time of the game. He’s got a routine and he keeps it.”
Jones and Boras are right: Bourn gives the Braves something they need, something they’ve missed. They’ll have to decide if it’s something they can afford. Or something they can afford not to have.
BRAVES LINEUP
- Bourn cf
- Prado lf
- Heyward rf
- Freeman 1b
- Uggla 2b
- Francisco 3b
- McCann c
- Janish ss
- Maholm p
• Tonight’s matchup: It’s Paul Maholm vs. the Padres’ Edinson Volquez. Maholm is 6-1 with a 1.20 ERA and .195 opponents’ average in his past eight starts, after going 0-4 with a 6.43 ERA with a .325 opponents’ average in his eight previous starts. He’s 0-4 with a 4.86 ERA in five career starts vs. Padres, receiving 1.35 support runs per nine innings.
Volquez is not in Cincy amymore – he has 3.24 ERA and three homers allowed in 13 starts at spacious Petco, but a 5.04 ERA and nine homers allowed in 11 starts on the road. Volquez had had a 3.52 ERA in 18 starts before break, and has a 5.81 ERA in six starts since break, despite pa one-hit shutout in 117 pitches against Houston on July 19.
He’s 1-1 with a 13.50 ERA in his past three start, allowing 15 earned runs, 15 hits and five homers in just 10 innings during that stretch, with and as many walks (11) as strikeouts (11). He gave up 10 runs, 10 hits and eight walks in total of five innings over his past two starts Mets and Pirates, throwing 93 pitches to get 10 outs (3-1/3 innings) against the Pirates on Friday in his last start.
Against the Braves, the former Cincinnati pitcher is 1-2 despite a strong 2.86 ERA and stingy .169 opponents’ average, with 17 walks and 29 strikeouts in 22 innings. His team scored two or fewer runs while he was in those four games, the most recent in 2010.
Against Volquez, Brian McCann is 3-for-7 with a homer and Bourn is 4-for-14.
• OK, running out of time, so I’ll keep the rest of this stuff brief because I’ve got to get to the ballpark.
Martin Prado is 6-for-12 with four extra-base hits (triple, homer), six RBIs in three consecutive two-hit games, after going 12-for-59 (.203) with three extra-base hits and three RBis in his previous 14 games….
Jason Heyward has 14 game-winning RBIs, tied with Curtis Granderson of the Yankees for second-most in the majors, behind Hanley Ramirez’s 18 with the Marlins and Dodgers. Heyward went 1-for-8 with five strikeouts Sunday at New York and Monday vs. Padres before getting a rest out of the lineup Tuesday….
The Braves are 21-10 with a league-leading 3.04 ERA since the All-Star break, second in the majors to Tampa Bay’s 2.25 ERA since the break and second-fewest losses in the majors since the break, after Cincinnati’s 23-8…
Craig Kimbrel’s stunning stats since allowing runs in back-to-back games in first week of May: 33 games, 0.55 ERA, .083 opp average, two runs (both on homers), three walks, 58 strikeouts, 22 saves in 23 chances.
And his past 30 appearances: 30 innings, eight hits, two runs, one walk, 54 strikeouts, including 12 strikeouts in past 5 innings.
• Let’s close with a tune from Cold War Kids off their great debut album Robbers and Cowards. You can hear it by clicking here.
“TELL ME IN THE MORNING” by Cold War Kids
Now that she’s gone
Take my time when I go to bed
And I sleep, Lord
I’m getting over
Rolling over
I said can you just wait
To tell me in the morning?
Slow it down
Slow it down
Lay it low
Save it for the morning
I know that you would like
Like to change me
Make me softer
Tune your voice like a baby
I’m using caution
Bet you wanted
I wish you could wait
To tell me in the morning
Slow it down
Slow it down
Lay it low
Save it for the morning
I shouted questions
Like a fierce fire
You tried to take me by the arm
Into the light
I’m almost over
Rolling over
I said could you just wait
To tell me in the morning?
Slow it down
Slow it down
Lay it low
Save it for the morning
And I’ll tell you one more thing
I confess to self deception
Pull the lock and pry it open
They’re pretending to be stolen
I am my own thief in the night
Struck up for mnay years
Just to get here
Between the humility
And be my own teacher
I guess it backfired
’cause my motive
Was just to take and
Never kept that way I guess
Slow it down
Slow it down
Lay it low
Save it for the morning
I shouted questions
Like a fierce fire
You tried to take me into your arms and lead me to the light
I’m almost over
Rolling over
I said could you just wait
To tell me in the morning?
Slow it down
Slow it down
Lay it low
Save it for the morning
And I’ll tell you one more thing
I confess to self deception
Pull the lock and pry it open
They’re pretending to be stolen
And I am my own thief in the night
1,322 comments Add your comment
Joey M
August 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
First
Joey M
August 15th, 2012
2:55 pm
And yes, we MUST keep Bourn. He the catalyst to our lineup. With him, we have speed up top, power in the middle, and contact hitters at the back end of our lineup. His glove prevents runs. He’s great in the clubhouse and is a leader.
**Melky Cabrera tested positive for steroids. Couldn’t happen to a bigger loser**
Impressed Not
August 15th, 2012
2:55 pm
And what a big boy you are Joey M…
RC
August 15th, 2012
2:57 pm
http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/8271981/melky-cabrera-san-francisco-giants-suspended-50-games
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
2:58 pm
Francisco in, and batting ahead of McCann…that’s interesting.
DAP
August 15th, 2012
2:59 pm
Cabrera: “My positive test was result of use of substance I should not have used. I accept my suspension … deeply sorry for my mistake.”
wow. good for him for owning up and accepting the suspension.
Mikeyc588
August 15th, 2012
3:00 pm
Wow. 50 games. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
3:00 pm
Chop yourself, Melky you big dummy.
He’s added himself to my “love to root against” list along with Dempster
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief…
TOBF What??? McFann not wanting her mann to play?
Not the first time that’s happened……Anyway, I was thinking Fredi might like to stick with the Ross-Mohulm battery since it worked so well last week…
Guess we’ll know in about half an hour…
jzdc
August 15th, 2012
3:01 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA MELKY! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
DOB – the 10M from Lowe’s contract isn’t included in this years payroll of 94M. The Braves/Liberty paid that in the last quarter of 2011.
There is some money left to sign Bourn, but if the payroll stays at the same level, it’s going to be a real stretch.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
Brian from SC Francisco in, and batting ahead of McCann…that’s interesting.
Heeey…What? You’ve got the lineup already?…
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
3:02 pm
So, Melky begins to pay for his antics during his last visit to Turner Field…
Ha!
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
Atlanta Braves @Braves
4m
Tonight’s lineup vs. SD (7:10, SPSO/680AM/BRN): Bourn 8 Prado 7 Heyward 9 Freeman 3 Uggla 4 Francisco 5 McCann 2 Janish 6 Maholm 1
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
has Melky qualified for batting title?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
Headed home from “school” now… I’ll get to laugh all the way home about Melky.
Bwahahahahahaha!
Hope he never gets an MLB job again.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
The question of Bourn is not up to the Braves, it is up to the agent who will not be named. Better get a plan B & C in place.
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
has Melky qualified for batting title?
Is it 3.1 PAs per game? If so, he needed 502. He has 501.
Chris from the Rock
August 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
Bye, bye Melk Dud! It doesn’t surprise me has had a little, ahem, help this season.
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
Yep, that’s official. Melky finished one plate appearance short of qualifying for the batting title.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
keithlaw @keithlaw
Of course what the Giants should do to replace Melky is sign Barry Bonds.
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:06 pm
Brian from SC
has Melky qualified for batting title?
Is it 3.1 PAs per game? If so, he needed 502. He has 501
Now THAT IS KARMA
Mikeyc588
August 15th, 2012
3:06 pm
Presumably steroid suspensions carry over into subsequent seasons?
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:06 pm
Yes…Melky will miss the first 5 games of next season as well.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
3:06 pm
cricket, August 15th, 2012, 12:12 pm … “since not many people are able to or are willing to cook from scratch”
I blame the feminists.
(Really … used to be, cooking was taught in the public schools. Now, why did that get dropped? ‘Cause Home Ec is sexist!)
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
David Price, James Shields, Matt Moore, Jeremy Hellickson, Alex Cobb and Jeff Niemann – will Rays go to 6-man rotation?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
Yep, that’s official. Melky finished one plate appearance short of qualifying for the batting title.
Awesome… Take it, Jerk.
Be back later.
RC
August 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
Cabrera: “My positive test was result of use of substance I should not have used. I accept my suspension … deeply sorry for my mistake.”
wow. good for him for owning up and accepting the suspension.
Bull. It’s not like he admitted it before getting caught. While it’s better than trying to lie his way out of it, if he hadn’t been caught he’d be doing the same thing he was doing already. Hard to credit someone who didn’t really have another option but to admit.
Chris from the Rock
August 15th, 2012
3:08 pm
Seriously, it’s time for Janish to have a day off. He’s started 29 consecutive games since the trade.
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:08 pm
Actually, I think the suspension applies to the postseason if the Giants make it.
Yes Way José
August 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
Bourn will end up in Philly or DC, but it won’t be Atlanta. Sorry.
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
He lost his appeal:
He tried blaming it on a “Contact Positive” due to his being assigned Barry Bonds’ old locker!
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:09 pm
Yep, that’s official. Melky finished one plate appearance short of qualifying for the batting title.
wow, karma is extra b**chy today..
Chris from the Rock
August 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
And I understand he’s been fine defensively, but Janish’s .529 OPS is just pathetic.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
Melky? Juicing? No way!
There is seriously no way he got more power, more bat speed, and a dramatically more svelte body by using PEDs.
Utterly shocked.
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:10 pm
With injuries and trades decimating Miami’s lineup, manager Ozzie Guillen admitted he has considered some drastic changes to his club.
“I almost activated myself a couple days ago,” Guillen joked. “I can catch it and throw it; I don’t know if I can hit it.”
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
Sooo……Did Ross get kidnapped…?
Luman Harris
August 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
Amazing blog, DOB
You are the best in the majors!
BravesFanInMaine
August 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
Resign bourn…. no one in our farm system is even close to bourn so he is priority number 1
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:12 pm
when do we start seeing infomercials?
“Wanna lose weight without diet, exercise or surgery? Get our PEDs “
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
3:12 pm
Now we know why the milk dud was having such a good season.
On another note, was Volquez the guy Cincy aquired from Texas in the Josh Hamilton trade? Braves fans can take comfort knowing we are not the only ones fleeced by the Rangers.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
3:12 pm
I’m revising my moderated comment …
Pence imitating a vacuum cleaner. Cabrera busted.
Giants just haven’t been living right this year.
#31
August 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
Melky? Juicing? No way!
There is seriously no way he got more power, more bat speed, and a dramatically more svelte body by using PEDs.
Utterly shocked
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Just Asking
August 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
Dave, can we get him for 15 -17 million or is it going to cost a new record contract? I can see paying 16 on average but when you get higher than that, you have to ask if you can get two or even three everyday players that will help the team more? We need two outfielders and perhaps an infielder or two (Depending upon who you ask.).
tony austin
August 15th, 2012
3:13 pm
Yeah, it’s cool here,” he said in May, in his most extensive comments about the situation. “Yes, I could [see himself staying]. I’ve got no problem with at Atlanta at all. No doubt.”
Not exactly a ringing endorsement in my opinion.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
3:14 pm
Braves lineup: Bourn cf, Prado lf, Heyward rf, Freeman 1b, Uggla 2b, Francisco3b, McCann c, Janish ss, Maholm p
Arkansas Transplant
August 15th, 2012
3:14 pm
The Braves actually have somewhere like closer to 40 coming off the books.. Bourn is presently making 6.8 a year, so if we don’t sign him that leaves us with quite a bit of room on payroll. Plenty to add Greinke and still fill our needs.
DAP
August 15th, 2012
3:15 pm
someone tell Hoss to quit giving Boras bulletin board material.
Arkansas Transplant
August 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
And it may not be a bad idea to move EOF, his salary is presently at 2.5 already.
George Stein
August 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
Anyone want to tell us again performance enhancing drugs don’t enhance performance?
As to Bourn, the biggest issue has to be the years. I wouldn’t give a 29 year old so dependent upon speed six or seven years. Four should be the outer bounds of a contract for him.
Yunel Asscobar
August 15th, 2012
3:17 pm
Melky – now we know how you did it!! A 50-game timeout will provide some think-time, eh?
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
3:17 pm
I take offense to the fact Melky is being pasted all over national TV this afternoon in an Atlanta Braves uniform. Git it right, you dummies. As far as Braves fans are concerned he was NEVER a Brave.
GEEEEEZZZZZZZ! (Good to be back after a two day mini-vac) Anybody miss me? Nah!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Arkansas Transplant
August 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
Bourn will be 30 by the start of next season. So you’d be giving a 30 year old speed guy a 7 year deal.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
Hanson is also arb elgible. Trading him along with non-tendor JJJ will free up more $$$. But doing that to 2 clients who have same agent as Bourn probably would not help Braves cause.
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
The Braves actually have somewhere like closer to 40 coming off the books..
from this very blog –
For the first time in recent years, the Braves will have plenty of money to spend this winter after they shed the contracts of Jones and Derek Lowe, among others. They traded Lowe to Cleveland November, but the Braves still had to pay $10 million of his $15 million salary in 2012 as part of that trade. They might also non-tender struggling pitcher Jair Jurrjens, which would drop another significant salary ($5.5 million) from this year’s payroll.
Those three contracts, plus the expiring contracts of bench players Matt Diaz and Eric Hinske and a few other Braves, could free up more $35 million from this year’s payroll. But factor in the addition of pitcher Paul Maholm’s $6.5 million salary, plus arbitration raises for the likes of Martin Prado, Eric O’Flaherty and Tommy Hanson, and first first-time arb-eligible Jason Heyward, and the amount available could drop below $20 million, unless they decide it’s time to add $10 million or more to the approximate $90 million payroll and move back into the top half of major league spenders.
bgvt
August 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
I believe that a player can win the batting title with fewer than the required PAs — if adding PAs as outs will still leave him with the best average. Thus, the Melk Dud could still win a (tainted) batting title.
Scott from Fairburn
August 15th, 2012
3:20 pm
Now we know your secret Melky Cabrera, hahahahahahahaha
a-blank
Spud
August 15th, 2012
3:20 pm
I would like to see the Braves keep Bourn, but with Boras as his agent, he’s almost certainly gone. Another team will offer more money and years than the Braves.
Melky suspended for 50 games according to MLB.com! It’s crazy how MLB looked the other way for years while Bonds, Sosa, etc., were obviously using dope! Legit record holders like Aaron are screwed by the nonsense that was allowed to linger way too long.
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
Braves Payroll Commitments 2013:
Uggla 13.2M
Maholm 6.5M/.5Mbuyout
Hanson 9M/1Mbuyout
McCann 12M/.5Mbuyout
So, 40.7M committed if they pick up the options, 15.2M if they only retain Uggla and buyout the other three.
Out of a payroll of 94M (this years stated amount), the Braves will have 53M to sign 21 other players to fill out the Major League roster.
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
bgvt, do they do that officially? In that case, it would be a drop in the bucket adding 1 hitless PA. Too bad.
BRVFAN_N_JESUP
August 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
to follow on a tweet earlier… Since i believe the Braves won’t sign Bourne this year and Prado next year, given the choice between the 2 which do you sign? Me personally i would take Prado because i believe you can get him for less and then have more cash for other players given their limited payroll and all of the young guys that will be getting big money down the line….Heyward, Freeman, Kimbrel.
Arkansas Transplant
August 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
cricket, I was pointing out it should be closer to 40 than 35, that’s an extra player and possibly 2.
admiral
August 15th, 2012
3:23 pm
Literally can’t stop chuckling about this Melky thing.
JC Boscan III
August 15th, 2012
3:24 pm
As Bobby Cox would’ve said, “Just say no, Milkey.”
bgvt
August 15th, 2012
3:24 pm
Brian — According to Wikipedia they add the hypothetical PAs. Tony Gwynn (1996) and Bill Medlock (1981) won batting titles this way. Of course, Melky isn’t leading the league right now so it might be a moot point.
Bama Braves
August 15th, 2012
3:25 pm
Is Chipper Hurt?
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
3:25 pm
“I believe that a player can win the batting title with fewer than the required PAs — if adding PAs as outs will still leave him with the best average. Thus, the Melk Dud could still win a (tainted) batting title.”
***************************************************
3.1 plate appearances over 162 games is 502 for the season. Milk dud is currently 159 hits in 459 at bats for a .346. Adding the necessary at bats to get to 502 would drop his average to .3167 which would put him 7th based on current standings.
OTP
August 15th, 2012
3:25 pm
They should go ahead and try to sign Bourn, now. (They should have, already.)
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
Is Chipper Hurt?
Hurting the team? Absolutely! (You had to be here this morning)
No…I think it’s just a normal day of rest for our middle-aged leader.
Fols
August 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
Wow, I was just looking at Melky’s stats at lunch today thinking about what a huge season is he having (minus the Homerun trot total is a little weak).
Funny. Really funny. I mean I didn’t read very far into this, assuming the substance was taken prior to the season and all along he’s been an improved player across the board?
I can’t imagine a guy in the middle of a great season would risk ANY substance in question knowing that all eyes are on you. You are OBVIOUSLY a target for a test.
What a lame story that will all but erase what looked like a solid year for a guy that wasn’t well known for solid performance. Now it kinda makes more sense!
I’m on HGH myself and i’m working at my desk quicker, faster, more efficient than ever! Proof is in the drugs!
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
From the Liberty Media 2011 Annual Report:
ANLBC’s adjusted OIBDA was impacted primarily by player salaries. The most significant increase came during the fourth quarter as the Braves traded one of their pitchers to another baseball club and agreed to pay a portion of that player’s 2012 guaranteed salary in the trade. This will free up additional salary in 2012 to be utilized in the acquisition of additional player talent. This one transaction had the impact of swinging adjusted OIBDA from earnings to a loss in the current year.
So – they paid 10M LAST YEAR in order to free up money for 2012 – can’t count that 10M for Lowe in ‘extra’ salary coming off the payroll.
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
Heisenberg, it’s based on PAs, not ABs, I think.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
3:27 pm
I’d rather resign Bourn for some ridiculous amount than to pay a ridiculous amount to Greinke. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, our securing Bourn with all that he can do is infinitely more important than signing someone like a Greinke. No, we don’t have a bonafide ACE, but we have enough to make us viable as contenders. Without Bourn in center, that leaves a huge gaping hole in our lineup and defensively as well.
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
3:28 pm
Here is the official rule, for those interested:
10.22 Minimum Standards For Individual Championships
To assure uniformity in establishing the batting, pitching and fielding championships of professional leagues, such champions shall meet the following minimum performance standards:
(a) The individual batting, slugging or on-base percentage champion shall be the player with the highest batting average, slugging percentage or on-base percentage, as the case may be, provided the player is credited with as many or more total appearances at the plate in league championship games as the number of games scheduled for each club in his clubs league that season, multiplied by 3.1 in the case of a Major League player and by 2.7 in the case of a National Association player. Total appearances at the plate shall include official times at bat, plus bases on balls, times hit by pitcher, sacrifice hits, sacrifice flies and times awarded first base because of interference or obstruction. Notwithstanding the foregoing requirement of minimum appearances at the plate, any player with fewer than the required number of plate appearances whose average would be the highest, if he were charged with the required number of plate appearances shall be awarded the batting, slugging or on-base percentage championship, as the case may be.
Rule 10.22(a) Comment: For example, if a Major League schedules 162 games for each club, 502 plate appearances qualify (162 times 3.1 equals 502) a player for a batting, slugging or on-base percentage championship. If a National Association league schedules 140 games for each club, 378 plate appearances qualify (140 times 2.7 equals 378) a player for a batting, slugging or on-base percentage championship. Fractions of a plate appearance are to be rounded up or down to the closest whole number. For example, 162 times 3.1 equals 502.2, which is rounded down to a requirement of 502.
If, for example, Abel has the highest batting average among those with 502 plate appearance in a Major League with a .362 batting average (181 hits in 500 at-bats), and Baker has 490 plate appearances, 440 at-bats and 165 hits for a .375 batting average, Baker shall be the batting champion, because adding 12 more at-bats to Baker’s record would still give Baker a higher batting average than Abel: .365 (165 hits in 452 at-bats) to Abel’s .362.
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
3:29 pm
Thanks for the work DOB.
GO BRAVES!!
Last 9 Starts of the Starting 9
_________AVG__OBP__SLG___OPS_wOBA_L9S9+
Bourn__ .351 .442 .541 0.982 .428 __172
Prado__ .278 .350 .472 0.822 .357 __126
Heyward .216 .256 .432 0.689 .316 ___87
Freeman .265 .342 .500 0.842 .363 __131
Uggla__ .281 .378 .531 0.910 .392 __150
Francis .400 .471 .800 1.271 .483 __245
McCann_ .133 .278 .133 0.411 .200 ___20
Janish_ .219 .265 .250 0.515 .238 ___45
Maholm_ .100 .143 .250 0.393 .149 ____6
Dawglasville
August 15th, 2012
3:29 pm
ESPN is reporting that Melky Cabrera just got popped 50 games for testosterone. Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
bgvt
August 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
IT is definitely PAs not ABs for the minimum in the batting stats — so as not to penalize players for walks, SFs, etc. The Dud is at 501 PAs so the adjustment would be miniscule.
bfred
August 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
True leadoff men / center fielders are hard to find. I think this is one time where you pay up. Agree on the age issue, but I don’t see anyone else giving him seven guaranteed either. Fortunately he’s not a reckless player and does seem to take good care of himself so maybe it’s not as big a risk as we think. I’d be satisfied with five years plus multiple options and a buyout at $16MM or less per. Teams draft and draft trying to get a guy who produces like Bourn – hold you nose and do the deal.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
You are correct Brian. Just some quick calculations to see what the affect would be. It would take 6 or 7 guys to all slump over the final weeks of season so it is safe to say a batting title is not gonna happen.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
3:31 pm
TennPaul McCann_ .133 .278 .133 0.411 .200 ___20
Maybe you shoulda just left that one out…
DCBrave33
August 15th, 2012
3:31 pm
Well, if the Giants play all of their remaining games, yes, Melky will be one short. Here is to hoping that the Giants DO NOT have a rain out in a city that they dont make up at the end of the season because it is irrelavent to the postseason picture! (If they only played 161 games his plate appearances per game would go up, thereby qualifying him).
Dawglasville
August 15th, 2012
3:32 pm
Whoops. Should read before posting. At least I can join the chorus of laughter. Go Braves.
JoshTown
August 15th, 2012
3:32 pm
DOB, with ya on every point today. Bourn is too valuable not to make a serious go of it in the off season. If we can make it deep into the playoffs, it may help sway his mind a little. Also, Audience by Cold War Kids rocks my face.
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:32 pm
Melky would still win the batting title if no one hit over .345652. McCutchen is well on his way to making it a moot point.
Braint
August 15th, 2012
3:33 pm
Hey Melky! (grabbing my lower belt a la Melky and Blanco when they were in ATL last month) Suck it!
Murph
August 15th, 2012
3:34 pm
Yep, that’s official. Melky finished one plate appearance short of qualifying for the batting title.
Is this true?? If so, this story just gets better and better. Love it!
ragnar danneskjold
August 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
Bourn has been a great player for the Braves, but if Wren has a brain he is looking to replace him. Andrelton Simmons looks like the lead-off for 2013, and we could do a lot worse than Heyward in centerfield and Johnson in right. But with Prado moving to third, we will need another outfielder. I’d like to see Hunter Pence in a Brave uniform.
Braves Fan
August 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
Melky got suspended for 50 games. I KNEW something was up.
Sign Bourne to a multiyear deal. The guy is worth it.
ragnar danneskjold
August 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
If we would like a doper with a bad attitude, Melky Cabrera is likely to be available.
BRVFAN_N_JESUP
August 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
I’m betting someone gives Bourn $20mil per year. The Dodgers, Phils, Nats, Yanks, or Sox are gonna break the bank and the Braves can’t go there. that is why I say let him go, sign Prado to a reasonable deal now and then we will have the funds to keep Freeman, Heyward and Kimbrell. I’d rather have those 4 than Bourn and only 2 of those and i think that is the choice the Bravos have.
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
So a guy who had a career line of .275/.331/.398/.729 suddenly hit .346/.390/.516/.906 and we all find out he’s jucing? I just find that hard to believe.
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
amazing story –
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2188226/Bionic-hands-Chinese-man-spends-years-building-new-arms-DIY-accident.html
Brian from SC
August 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
Murphy, like Melky’s season, it is too good to be true. MLB adds hypothetical ABs for those who finish short of the qualification mark, so it’s still possible for him to win a batting title.
He has 501 PAs…assuming the Giants play 162, he would need 502 to qualify. They’ll just add one hitless AB to his total, which has a miniscule effect. For batting title purposees, he is 159 for 460 (as opposed to his real line of 159 for 459).
Braves Fan
August 15th, 2012
3:36 pm
I feel a lot better about Frank Wren now. I was shaking my head when Melky was doing well.
DAP
August 15th, 2012
3:37 pm
pace So – they paid 10M LAST YEAR in order to free up money for 2012 – can’t count that 10M for Lowe in ‘extra’ salary coming off the payroll.
actually, how the braves are accounting that is a mystery. they dont give specific details like that. so, your assertion is just as likely to be false as DOB’s. actually, scratch that. since DOB actually speaks with team officials, its more likely thats hes right.
Juan
August 15th, 2012
3:38 pm
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:26 pm
From the Liberty Media 2011 Annual Report:
Two different thing one is the Closing end of the year Book for Liberty end in 12/31
Baseball season end for the Braves in Oct 2011,,,,,The Lowes Mney was for the 2012 Season that was pay to the Indian In Nov 2011 when we did the Trade
Metro Coach
August 15th, 2012
3:38 pm
The only other viable leadoff option is Simmons, and he doesn’t have enough of a major league track record to really know exactly how he’d perform in that role. Heyward has the speed, but if his power continues to improve then he’ll be wasted at the top even if his OBP improves. Should be a fun offseason, if your idea of fun is hanging on every rumor put out by the baseball scribes in hopes that one of them turns out in the Braves’ favor.
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:38 pm
If we can make it deep into the playoffs, it may help sway his mind a little.
not if someone else is offering 25/30 mil more and i won’t blame him at all
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
3:38 pm
Melky would still win the batting title if no one hit over .345652. McCutchen is well on his way to making it a moot point.
He’d have to be given ofers the rest of the year to win that…..
just looked. Damn that guy already has the qualifying number of PA’s. Well, 1 shy. That’s crazy.
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:39 pm
DAP – nope – that info is straight from the Liberty Media 2011 Annual Report – which is probably more reliable. I quoted the paragraph it came from.
cricket
August 15th, 2012
3:40 pm
I feel a lot better about Frank Wren now. I was shaking my head when Melky was doing well.
why feel bad for Wren at all? no GM in MLB would’ve kept him after his “performance” in ATL.
Pace
August 15th, 2012
3:41 pm
Juan – exactly. The money was paid in 2011. It was not included as part of the overall payroll for this year.
rhaiz r blaide
August 15th, 2012
3:41 pm
We need to sign Bourn – He’s too valuable – How long before decisions will have to be made about Heyward, Freeman, and Kimbrel????
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
3:41 pm
Well if Braves cannot sign Bourn, the milk dud is a free agent who can play all 3 OF positions and his price just dropped. LoL
Aziz
August 15th, 2012
3:42 pm
I say bourne will not sign because Scott boras is his Agent. Boras likes to demand file mignon price for pork. He will be looking in excess of 20 million / year for Bourne and he will defintely suck some team like dodgers into it by making some ridiculous comparsions. I hate boras.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
3:42 pm
I’d be willing to give Bourn 6 years with a club option. And obviously, you’d pay him more the first 4 or 5 years than the 6 or option year. Course that’s just me.
DAP
August 15th, 2012
3:42 pm
metro coach The only other viable leadoff option is Simmons, and he doesn’t have enough of a major league track record to really know exactly how he’d perform in that role.
prado is a viable leadoff option.
ATLevitt
August 15th, 2012
3:44 pm
He can still technically qualify for the batting title. Hope he doesn’t win it tho. All you would do is give him 0fers for all of the ABs he is short of qualifying. In this case, you add an 0-1 to his total and thats the average that would be counted for the batting title. Although the MLB needs to make a rule that you can win any awards in a season you tested positive for PEDs.
Tumbledown
August 15th, 2012
3:44 pm
I hope that the Braves can sign Bourn to a long-term deal. But, if the Braves fail to make the playoffs or lose early on this year, Boras cannot reasonable argue that Bourn made a difference in actual results. The Braves reached the playoffs in 2010 without Bourn. They acquired Bourn last year and proceeded to suffer though an epic collapse. It will take a deep run in the playoffs to know that Bourn’s difference-making skills contributed to better results.
Alaska Braves Fan
August 15th, 2012
3:44 pm
Bourn is a fantastic baseball player, and the Braves need him. Unfortunately, Boras will auction him off for a huge amount, much more than the Braves will be able to afford. What Michael earns for the duration of his next contract will be greater than the gross domestic product of several of the planet’s smaller nations.
When I observed Melky’s behavior in Atlanta, the first thought I had was that he was juicing. I just KNEW it. This is condign punishment, for sure.
By the way, behaving like an ass and displaying unprovoked anger are signs of steroid (testosterone) abuse. When he gets off the juice, he will be a more tolerable human being, I’m guessing. Still, he won’t come off my nasty list for quite some time.
ABF
ATLevitt
August 15th, 2012
3:44 pm
can’t win***
Shaun
August 15th, 2012
3:45 pm
Don’t get me wrong, I think Bourn is a fine player and the Braves should re-sign him. I just don’t know that they should give him something in the $15M-$20M range for more than 3 years (and there is a good chance something less than that money or those years doesn’t get it done).
Can the Braves afford NOT to re-sign Bourn? Sure they can.
From 2006-2010, the seasons in between Bourn and Furcal, when they have Marcus Giles, Kelly Johnson, Gregor Blanco, Nate McLouth and Martin Prado leading the team in games played at leadoff the Braves were third in the National League in Runs Scored. If we include last season, with Prado leading the team in games at leadoff and a struggling Bourn, they drop to 4th in the NL.
They would probably need to look outside the organization for a centerfielder, if they don’t sign Bourn, but it is certainly not doom and gloom if they fail to re-sign him.
To keep pace with what the Braves have done so far, they would have to replace what Baseball Reference estimates has been 7.4 wins above replacement so far this season from Chipper and Bourn. It won’t be easy to do that without bringing back Bourn but it’s possible.
If Minor continues his improvement next season plus with Maholm here for a whole season, that eats in to some of the wins deficit that the Braves lose in Bourn and Chipper. So you add a solid leftfielder and a solid centerfielder, and that also helps to close the gap.
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
3:46 pm
actually, how the braves are accounting that is a mystery.
There’s no mystery to it. If it serves their purpose they will “claim” it next year as a reason for not spending money. They used to use the average annual value… remember all the Mike Hampton contract cost talk? Well they weren’t really paying him $15M a year back then. No, they said the money which came with the trade made him an $8M pitcher and that’s how they calculated it. But, now when they talk of contracts and lack of money it comes in the form of, say Brian McCann. His Hampton-accounting value is $5.5M. But when there is no money and no additional player is signed, you’ll hear about how is value is actually $8.5M with a raise to $12M next year. See that? You lose $3M this year and nearly $7M from the budget next year with that slight of hand.
monty
August 15th, 2012
3:46 pm
Michael Bourn will continue to be himself the next few years, barring injury. Greinke is never going to be Greg Maddux or John Smoltz. Can’t see giving him 20K+.
lee maye
August 15th, 2012
3:47 pm
Can’t afford Bourn with Uggla’s13.3 mil for the next 3 years. Braves have plenty of guys who can play CF in the minors: Constanza at .320; Durango at .288 and 44 steals; and Cunningham at .320. Or, get rid of Uggla. Cannot afford both of them and Prado to make about 8 mil.
We need to keep Prado. We cannot afford to pay over 25 mil for a couple of guys (Uggla and Bourn) out of a payroll of about 85 mil. Almost 30 percent on 2 guys and neither is a pitcher. Can’t do it.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
3:49 pm
Frank Wren should not give Bourn and Boras what they want, which will be AT LEAST five years, and 75 million.
That’d be one of the bigger mistakes of the Frank Wren tenure.
Lew
August 15th, 2012
3:49 pm
Thanks everyone – we appreciate the well wishes. It will be a couiple of days before we know what’s up.
They need to work out a couple year deal with O’Flaherty. He has been absolutely integral to the pen’s success the last several years. Dude is money on the bank and I’m not sure you can replace him. His worst year had him posting a 3.04 ERA – four years ago. He won’t hit last years’ numbers again (nor will anyone for some time), but he’s a mid two ERA and a shut down inning in the seventh or eighth.
Liberty Media Accounting Office (L.M.A.O.)
August 15th, 2012
3:49 pm
You stiffs in Atlanta REALLY think were gonna spend that on Bourn?? We’re gonna give ourselves big fat bonuses and laugh about it in our Coors Field suite. Expect to see a AAA lineup in a couple of years.
bucket
August 15th, 2012
3:50 pm
I can understand why a player like Melky Cabrera would take something that would revive a career going nowhere. However, when he returned to Atlanta to a fan base that he had disappointed greatly with un-inspired play, I don’t understand why he felt the need to make an a** of himself when he knew that the only reason he was doing well was because he was using PED’s.
RC
August 15th, 2012
3:50 pm
Greinke is never going to be Greg Maddux or John Smoltz. Can’t see giving him 20K+.
20K….that’s like 1/20th of the MLB minimum!
You probably meant 20M…..that is a pretty steep price, but if the Braves don’t give it to him I’m certain someone else will. My bet is that he should start looking to buy instead of rent in the LA area, since there looks to be a solid bidding war between the Angels and the Dodgers for his services.
SteveinFXBG
August 15th, 2012
3:50 pm
Of course now the Nats don’t have to face juiced-up Melky today.
Train Wreck Bystander
August 15th, 2012
3:50 pm
In light of the Melky Cabrera news, the song today should have been “I Want a New Drug” by Huey Lewis & The News.
I am in the Sign Bourn camp… unless we have someone looming on the farm who can fill his shoes.
Shaun
August 15th, 2012
3:50 pm
metro coach: The only other viable leadoff option is Simmons, and he doesn’t have enough of a major league track record to really know exactly how he’d perform in that role.
DAP: prado is a viable leadoff option.
First of all, Simmons should not hit leadoff.
Second, DAP is absolutely right that Prado is a viable leadoff option, as is Heyward.
I really hope the Braves, if they can’t or don’t re-sign Bourn, aren’t approaching their search for leftfielders and centerfielders in terms of whether players are “viable leadoff options.” Hopefully they are trying to get the best available players that fit in to their budget and their plans. Hopefully they are considering quality of player over whether players fit some lineup-spot prototype, and I think the Braves’ front office is smart enough to realize quality of players is more important than trying to make sure their team has some sort of prototypical batting order.
DAP
August 15th, 2012
3:50 pm
pace nope – that info is straight from the Liberty Media 2011 Annual Report – which is probably more reliable. I quoted the paragraph it came from.
that report doesnt mean anything as far as how the braves calculate payroll costs.
GTI in Brooklyn
August 15th, 2012
3:51 pm
Wow. Now that’s a whole different kind of bomb from the MELK-Man. Makes his little turn-around look a lot different now. Even puts a new sort of spin on his aggressive/angry behavior on the field.
Ralph Garr
August 15th, 2012
3:52 pm
A little off topic, but just heard our old buddy Melky Cabrera tested positive for PEDs and has to sit for 50…….the karma train has found another victim walking across the tracks.
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
3:52 pm
That’d be one of the bigger mistakes of the Frank Wren tenure.
Worst move ever.
Disbott3000
August 15th, 2012
3:52 pm
Maybe those motions Melky was doing during the series with the Braves were supposed to represent him shooting up steroids. Maybe they should check his teammates who were doing that with him for ‘roids as well. What a jackass.
DAP
August 15th, 2012
3:53 pm
shaun, hopefully, the braves can field a lineup next year where simmons bats 8th about 550 times.
monty
August 15th, 2012
3:53 pm
If the rich teams want Bourn they’re going to get him, we can’t compete in a bidding war and we shouldn’t try. So unless he is going to give us a discount then I say get Roger Bernadina from the Nats, he’s a poor man’s(Braves) Michael Bourn. Still have money for a good pitcher and a good LF. Still have great defense and some speed up top.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
3:54 pm
A good scenario would be Hanson have a strong finish to season, then trade him in a package for either Denard Span or Dexter Fowler. Still have a leadoff CF plus $$ for keeping other core guys around.
monty
August 15th, 2012
3:55 pm
Thanks RC, you’re right. Little off on the math.
Fats
August 15th, 2012
3:55 pm
He aint so good to lose your mind over him………………….If he stays he stays If he goes he goes
bfred
August 15th, 2012
3:56 pm
It ultimately comes down to what Bourn values more. Does he like the team and its stock of young players that could keep him in the postseason for years? The front office? The city? If so is that worth the difference in cash? The lifestyle difference between $90 and $110 million earned over six or seven years is not that great. Any decent money manager could make sure he lives like a king without ever touching the principal. At the end of the day Boras works for Bourn, and he hasn’t given much of any clue about what’s important to him. Maybe it’s that last dollar, maybe not.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
3:57 pm
The Braves may not win the Bourn sweepstakes this winter, but they will be involved. They owe it to the team to at least try to resign him. As for how much it’ll take to do it, we’ll see down the road. But at this point, we know the Braves are gonna have money to spend, and I’d rather not see it spent on any top flight starting pitcher, unless they decide in that process to trade other young starters for established stars of the offensive variety. And even then, I wouldn’t touch Greinke.
RC
August 15th, 2012
3:59 pm
From DJ Gallo’s twitter: “What we can learn from Melky Cabrera: never trust a man who wears a garden gnome beard.”
Carl Farvman
August 15th, 2012
4:00 pm
Let’s bring Bob Horner back and put him in the leadoff spot. I recall that he was very fast. Classic leadoff hitter.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
4:00 pm
Braves will at least make the qualifying offer and take the draft pick compensation.
bruce
August 15th, 2012
4:00 pm
Vey cool that Michael Bourn paraphrases Jesus regarding worry about tomorrow.
Michael Bourn: “The single day has enough problems of its own without you having to worry about the next day and what else could be going on. Just worry about that day.”
Jesus in Matthew 6 verse 34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ”
In the preceding verses Jesus tells us why we should not worry.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A25-34&version=NIV
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
4:01 pm
Lew,
Just logged in and saw the posts about your son and cancer. As a father who has had a son who has beaten cancer, I can only say that I’ve been there and I hurt for you and your family. I’ll keep him and you in my thoughts and prayers because it’s something a father should not have to endure.
And on a brighter note, some of you know that my doctor had a strong fear that I had colon cancer. Well, I just had my colonoscopy and am happy to announce that my doctor WRONG! I am good to go for a while longer. And if NickB is anywhere around lurking, all I can say is, sorry to disappoint you dude.
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
4:01 pm
Surprise surprise….2-0 Washington in the 1st inning.
monty
August 15th, 2012
4:01 pm
Hard to turn down an extra 10-12 mil over 6 years or so. Money just ain’t what it used to be, gas keeps going up. Less you just want to play for BC like Chipper did. Say what you want about Chipper but he turned down the big money and alot more adulation to play for Atlanta.
BRVFAN_N_JESUP
August 15th, 2012
4:02 pm
He is 29 and it will take at least 6 years to sign him and maybe 7 so i don’t give that much to a player that is that age we have too many players in low to mid 20’s that we will have to sign. we already have Uggs with his big deal over 30 and they have to make a decision on Mac also and he is closer to 30 than 20 also and seems to be showing some wear already. we cannot afford older players with big salaries, that is the reality. That awful TV deal the Braves have is gonna kill us over the next 10+ years.
MIdtown
August 15th, 2012
4:02 pm
Ballgame!
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
4:02 pm
If Bourn is going to paraphrase Jesus, will we next see him in the shirtless Tebow pose?
Jasons Shrinking Waist
August 15th, 2012
4:03 pm
HA HA HA!
MELKY CABRERA OUT FOR THE YEAR FOR DOING ROIDS!!
HA HA HA!!!!
Lew
August 15th, 2012
4:03 pm
Jerry – Thanks – Hope you and your son stay well.
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
4:05 pm
Sad to hear that about Melky…one of my favorite players. One of the classiest guys in sports. Up there with A-Rod, Bonds, LeBron.
He should get Ryan Braun’s lawyer.
Hmmmm
August 15th, 2012
4:06 pm
bad Lincecum today or can he settle down … though with Strasburg pitching Lince might have already given him enough runs to work with
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
4:07 pm
Braves will at least make the qualifying offer and take the draft pick compensation.
That much is guaranteed.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
4:08 pm
Go ahead Davey Johnson, leave Strasburg in for all 9 today.
Phar
August 15th, 2012
4:09 pm
Pace, that statement means that it freed up 5 million for 2012.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
4:09 pm
Lincecum has not have a good year at all. Was hoping for a little of the old magic today. He’s probably saving that for us when we come visiting.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
4:10 pm
Seriously, it’s time for Janish to have a day off. He’s started 29 consecutive games since the trade.
I know… he’s got to be tired… and with another month to go before Simmons is back… Go ahead and let Pastornicky start at least 1 game.
Uggla__ .281 .378 .531 0.910 .392 __150
He’s on the way up!
njbraves
August 15th, 2012
4:11 pm
The Braves have finally found the dynamic lead off man they’ve been searching for for years…Bourn is a must sign. If a dumb team offers him $20 million annually, then fine, let him go. I don’t think he’ll get that much though. Teams have learned from Carl Crawford’s deal. I hope he stays.
Veer
August 15th, 2012
4:13 pm
Melky would win the battle title if a Giants game were to get rained out and Giant’s opted not to play that game due to insignifiance thus subtracting 3.1 plate apperances.
raleighbravefan
August 15th, 2012
4:13 pm
The 50 games does carry over to post season, if SF is there. He could play beginning the 5th game.
2 Regrets…#1 – they should have waited another day, and #2 – We never gotr a chance to plunk him.
SMOLTZ 29
August 15th, 2012
4:13 pm
Here’s where we are Braves fans: Nats go 22-23 over the last 45 games, Braves have to run off a 28-18 pace to win the division. That’s a .609 win pct, currently we are at .578 for the season. Nats are currently at .615 pct. Playing at a .489 pace rest of year is highly doubtful with that staff, even with Strasburg sitting out. Have to sweep them in DC next week to have a fighters chance! MERCY
j-brave
August 15th, 2012
4:14 pm
Pretty obvious Melky was juicing. What I’m surprised about is that it actually made him into a good player. I would have bet the juice would have taken him from a below average player to an average one. Remember how bad he was on the Braves?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
4:14 pm
I feel a lot better about Frank Wren now. I was shaking my head when Melky was doing well.
Wow… so now because the guy has juiced, FW was right to let him walk
Melky didn’t play as if he wanted to be here…. FW did the right thing in not bringing him back.
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:15 pm
I just realized that Melky can still win the batting title under the rule that you can add an 0-for-however many plate appearances you need to get to 502 and if your average is still the highest, you win the batting title.
So finishing at 501 plate appearances actually helps his chances, not hurts them.
John Leonard
August 15th, 2012
4:15 pm
Bourn is a very good CF but not a superstar.The blackhole we had when Andruw went south, is clouding your thinking.Bourn is a 280 to 290 hitter with great speed,with a stronger arm and more power than Juan Pierre(sp).
Pace
August 15th, 2012
4:16 pm
Phar – actually that single transaction was responsible for taking a 4M profit to a 6M loss for the year for the Atlanta National League Baseball Club, Inc.
That would make it a $10M transaction, or just about what the Braves had to send to the Indians for Lowe. I don’t see how that reads as a 5M transaction?
da[01
August 15th, 2012
4:16 pm
Could you platoon Durango and Costanza in CF?
Veer
August 15th, 2012
4:16 pm
Melky doesn’t have amazing Homerun numbers so the PED didn’t make him hit the ball out of the park
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
4:16 pm
TOBF,
No way I let Pastornicky start a game at short. If they wanna give Janish a day off, that’s fine. But put Prado at short and Johnson in left.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
4:17 pm
Worst move ever.
He’s a better player than Chone Figgins was, so I don’t think it would be as monumental of a disaster that that deal was….
However, Michael Bourn isn’t signing for anything less than 15 million a year over five years. I just can’t see anything less than that with the current free agent crop. Bourn would be the 3rd best and maybe 2nd best free agent on the market this winter with a few teams that have cash available – Giants, Phillies, Nationals, Braves, potentially the Rangers, having a need in CF. That’s a huge bidding war and whereas Wren would be in shock on a deal of 16 million a season or more over five or six years, I don’t think aby of those other teams would blick at bringing in Bourn for five years at 80 million. I really don’t.
It’s if Boras starts to get silly and looks for Carl Crawford money…that’s when teams might shy away. Nevertheless, this deal will not be done early. No way. No how. Winter Meetings at best, and I’d expect Bourn to remain unsigned till Christmas.
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
4:18 pm
Go ahead and let Pastornicky start at least 1 game.
Pastornicky’s perspective: Statement Start.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
4:18 pm
Thought he wasn’t eligible?
MLB @MLB
Despite his 50-game suspension, Melky Cabrera could win NL batting title: http://atmlb.com/RWMWsD
Reid in EAV
August 15th, 2012
4:19 pm
It’s not the money that worries me about Bourn, it’s the contract length. Do I think Bourn is worth $14-17 million next year or the year after that? Absolutely. In year 7 of a seven-year guaranteed contract, not so much. And that’s the kind of thing that hamstrings an organization that doesn’t have the resources of, say, the Yankees.
Sad Sack
August 15th, 2012
4:19 pm
If you think that the Braves will sign Bourne/Boras for next year, you are seriously delusional.
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:20 pm
Lincecum seems to have settled down, but with 50 pitches through 2 innings it may end up relying more on the SF bullpen today than the starter.
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
4:20 pm
if Boras starts to get silly and looks for Carl Crawford money…that’s when teams might shy away
He’ll ask for it. He’ll drag it out until February. And then Bourn will sign for about $112M over 7 years.
unbelievable
August 15th, 2012
4:20 pm
I really dont want to see Bourn end up in Washington, looks highly likely though.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
4:20 pm
Bryce Harper down to .247/.324/.399 on the year and has just been an automatic out since early June.
“Once in a generation” type talent for sure.
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
4:21 pm
Someone wanna compare Janish’s and Pastornicky’s numbers as starting SS. Not pinch hitting, but numbers as starters.
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
4:21 pm
“Once in a generation” type talent for sure.
See Ef, that’s where you are wrong. Talent like that is once-in-a-four-generation type…
I figured the league would catch up to him. He’s no Mike Trout.
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:21 pm
If you think that the Braves will sign Bourne/Boras for next year, you are seriously delusional.
He’s right….mainly because Bourne is a fictional character that was last seen jumping off a building into a river while being shot at by trained CIA agents. Didn’t realize he was represented by Scott Boras also though….that guy is everywhere.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
4:22 pm
No way I let Pastornicky start a game at short. If they wanna give Janish a day off, that’s fine. But put Prado at short and Johnson in left.
It’s just 1-3 games at most… I don’t see how it’s that big of a problem. He’s going to have to play SS/2B at times next year as a super-sub… Also don’t know if Prado is that much of an upgrade at SS over Pastornicky to warrant doing that move.
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:22 pm
Bryce Harper down to .247/.324/.399 on the year and has just been an automatic out since early June.
“Once in a generation” type talent for sure.
I’m just glad they are still batting him 2nd. It’s not much, but every little bit helps.
Kentavo
August 15th, 2012
4:23 pm
Unload Uggla move Prado back to 2B, and there’s your money to re-sign Bourn.
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:24 pm
No way I let Pastornicky start a game at short. If they wanna give Janish a day off, that’s fine. But put Prado at short and Johnson in left.
I’m fine with Pastornicky starting at short, but hopefully Fredi make sure to do it with one of his fly-ball pitchers on the mound, and not when Hudson or Maholm are pitching.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
4:24 pm
It’s not the money that worries me about Bourn, it’s the contract length.
How is money not an issue? I’d still run away from three years, and 20 million per year. The guy is a good player who is turning 30 in December and has a career OPS+ of like 90. I think he deserves a deal in the 12-13 million a year range over four years. After that, it gets to be not worth it.
And again with this “Braves don’t have a CF in the system”. Smells like Braves don’t have a 1B for the 2009 season talk and Casey Kotchman….
Go trade for a CF. Or sign Upton for a third of the cash.
unbelievable
August 15th, 2012
4:25 pm
Someone wanna compare Janish’s and Pastornicky’s numbers as starting SS. Not pinch hitting, but numbers as starters.
Sure, both suck at hitting. Neither steal a base. Janish has saved 2 runs over 258 innings. Pastor cost the braves 15 runs over 329 innings.
Brownie
August 15th, 2012
4:25 pm
Only way Bourn stays in Atlanta is if he gave us a “hometown discount”…..and that won’t happen because: it’s not his hometown; Boros won’t allow it; and most importantly, why would Bourn agree to that? There are other playoff caliber teams that will pay much more.
Face it: his next contract will be at least 6 yrs/$100+ million.
Love to see him stay, but better start planning for disappointment
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:25 pm
Looks like Strasburg caught whatever virus Lincecum left out on the mound….two straight walks to start the 2nd.
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
4:25 pm
I think the Braves have to go ahead and bite the bullet for Bourn. Solves too many problems. Speed, Defense, CF, Leadoff guy. We have none of those without him.
Phar
August 15th, 2012
4:25 pm
Pace – Its a 5 mllion dollar transaction because the Braves were on the hook to pay Derek Lowe 15 million. The indians agreed to give him a place to stay and 5 million dollars if we would give them 10, that saved us 5 million dollars and about 12 losses. “This will free up additional salary in 2012″ The annual report is explaining the finances of 2011 by giving the reason which is to free up salary space in 2012 for the addition of more players. The salary freed up is the 5 million that the Indians paid to Deek Lowe that we would have had to pay had we kept him around. As far as how Liberty Media reports there finances yes the Braves paid the 10 million to the Indians last year. As far as how the Braves do their finances they considered that 10 million part of this years salary and if you want to call it last years that is fine too. Regardless it isn’t there next year.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
4:25 pm
I have no idea why so many people keep bringing up Melky’s chances to win the batting title this year. It can’t happen people. By adding the necessary at bats to reach 502, his average winds up at .317. He’ll barely be in the top 10 in batting with that most likely. So please let that go.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
4:25 pm
Someone wanna compare Janish’s and Pastornicky’s numbers as starting SS. Not pinch hitting, but numbers as starters.
Janish: .204/.284/.245/.529 (no slugging, it’s worse than his OBP)
Pastornicky: .248/.282/.326/.608
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
4:25 pm
Someone wanna compare Janish’s and Pastornicky’s numbers as starting SS. Not pinch hitting, but numbers as starters.
Here they are at SS. The starters numbers can be found at the same place…
_____________PA__AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS
Janish..... 109 .204 .284 .245 .529
Pastornicky 153 .248 .282 .326 .608
For Janish
For Pastornicky
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:27 pm
I think the Braves have to go ahead and bite the bullet for Bourn. Solves too many problems. Speed, Defense, CF, Leadoff guy. We have none of those without him.
I agree, depending of course on the size of that bullet
. I do think that because of his particular fit to the team they should be willing to pay him $2-3 million more than he’s “worth” in a vacuum, but the problem is if another team is willing to pay him even more than that.
raleighbravefan
August 15th, 2012
4:27 pm
Deep post season money could make a big difference. I believe there may be some additional flexibility with LM, if FW can make a strong enough case for resulting increased revenues. Some here will scoff, but….I really believe that.
Brownie
August 15th, 2012
4:27 pm
Those here complaining about Janish’s offense…..what, are you nuts????
He was brought in for one reason – to shore up the defense until AS is back. And he’s more than exceeded expectations. Next year, it will be Simmons at SS, with Pastornicky as our utility guy (Prado’s old role).
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
4:27 pm
I figured the league would catch up to him. He’s no Mike Trout.
He’s also not a CF. No way. His routes aren’t great, although he is just 19 going on 20. I think they’ll talk him up in November just to make it seem like they don’t need a CF, but Bourn makes as much sense for them as any team. And if Rizzo wants to hand out another seven year disaster, I wouldn’t mind.
unbelievable
August 15th, 2012
4:28 pm
Michael Bourn has been a 5WAR player over the past 4 seasons, pretty consistent every year. That pretty much makes him worth about $20M per. Someone will offer him at least 5/$85 and will more than likely get that level of production for him. Boras will get top dollar no doubt.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
4:28 pm
Unload Uggla move Prado back to 2B, and there’s your money to re-sign Bourn.
What money? If we unload Uggla, we’ll likely have to pay 2/3 of his salary AND find a LFer.
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:29 pm
Michael Bourn has been a 5WAR player over the past 4 seasons, pretty consistent every year. That pretty much makes him worth about $20M per.
That depends on how much faith you have in WAR. It’s a very useful stat, but the defense adjustments it uses are pretty questionable, especially for “premium” positions (CF, SS, C).
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
4:29 pm
Janish does not need a day off. He will get plenty of those beginning around 09/01. Hopefully Simmons can come back strong enough and with enough time to sway the ROY voters. Funny, when I first mentioned it after Simmons first week, most on this blog mocked the thought as though that award was already in the bag for Harper.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
4:29 pm
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
4:25 pm
I think the Braves have to go ahead and bite the bullet for Bourn. Solves too many problems. Speed, Defense, CF, Leadoff guy. We have none of those without him.
I totally agree. Losing him with what all he is responsible for just makes it very difficult to replace all parts, especially in one player. Maybe that is the reason why Carl Crawford cost so much, even though he didn’t work out. If he had, I think he would have paid dividends for them.
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
4:29 pm
I think he deserves a deal in the 12-13 million a year range over four years.
I’d put him more at the $9M-$11M range for four years. I like his defense, but I just don’t see paying this guy that much money. I don’t see him aging well at all.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
4:30 pm
The Giants are still starting Brandon Crawford at SS?
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:31 pm
Tie game in San Fran!
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
4:32 pm
I’d put him more at the $9M-$11M range for four years. I like his defense, but I just don’t see paying this guy that much money. I don’t see him aging well at all.
Damon’s contract is the max for him, if I am Wren. Four years, 52 million. If that doesn’t get me a seat at the table, then whatever. Go with Prado at leadoff and either bat Heyward 2nd or whoever you get for the outfield.
Again, who cares if we don’t have a CF in the system. It’s called making trades and other free agency options.
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:32 pm
The Giants are still starting Brandon Crawford at SS?
They don’t have an Andrelton Simmons to call up. Unless you think Joe Panick is that, but he’s still a ways away.
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
4:33 pm
Michael Bourn has been a 5WAR player over the past 4 seasons, pretty consistent every year.
Depends on which calculation of WAR you go with. Sean Smith pegs him as a 4 WAR player over the last 4 years…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
4:33 pm
Janish does not need a day off. He will get plenty of those beginning around 09/01.
Who will be here to play SS them? Wilson is still hurt, and isn’t all that great in the field, Simmons won’t be ready yet, and Josh Wilson is a minor-leaguer… we have Pastornicky, it won’t hurt to use him for 1 game.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
4:33 pm
I love that this guys changeup is 90-92. That’s hilarious. Be tops for our starters.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
4:34 pm
jason tate @theredtater
Melky also tested positve for elevated douchebag levels. @RealMattlanta @kingcfb @sportsandra
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
4:34 pm
Just a rest day for Chipper, who’ll be in the lineup on his bobblehead night Thurs., barring any unexpected developments.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
4:34 pm
They don’t have an Andrelton Simmons to call up. Unless you think Joe Panick is that, but he’s still a ways away.
I like Panik, although the difference between him and Nick Ahmed isn’t that great, imo. Panik was 50 picks ahead of him, IIRC.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
4:36 pm
DOB – the 10M from Lowe’s contract isn’t included in this years payroll of 94M. The Braves/Liberty paid that in the last quarter of 2011. — Pace
Wrong. It was counted against Liberty’s bottom line for last quarter of 2011 fiscal year, but that’s different matter than how Braves figure their payroll.
urban redneck
August 15th, 2012
4:36 pm
bourn or b-mac? i don’t think we can afford both. tough call. go bravos.
bruce
August 15th, 2012
4:36 pm
Lew -
I have looked at my follow-up CT scans and other tests as ongoing demonstrations that the cancer is long gone, still. It does get abit easier as years progress, finally checking every other year. I did feel bad for my Dad; he took the news and proces worse than I did, I saw it like the various athletic injuries/surgeries, an inconvenience, a downtime when I could not do everything I wanted to do. For me it was easier than achilles tendon repair recovery time, used that to help stay positive. Dad said it should have been him not me, only second time I saw him cry, first was when his mother died. I appeciated the expression of love and support. Also realized I needed to encourage him more than others that I was going to be ok, that I was ok and that it would be ok in the future. May God bless and protect you and your son through this process and time, IJN. I pray. Bruce
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
4:36 pm
MLBTR Writer
Comment From Guest
Does Bobby V open 2013 as Boston’s manager?
3:18
I do not believe so.
TennesseePaul
August 15th, 2012
4:36 pm
Damon’s contract is the max for him, if I am Wren. Four years, 52 million.
Not feeling that either. But, I doubt Bourn is staying in Atlanta. He’ll get $100M+ offer from some team willing to give the years.
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:37 pm
Efrim,
My guess is that Wren will go to at least 4-years, $60 million for Bourn. I’m not sure if that’ll get it done, but he’s such a perfect fit for this team I think FW will be willing to pay a little extra. The real question will be if that’s enough to get Bourn to sign quickly, because I don’t see the Braves waiting out the market for him…they like to get things taken care of quickly, and if he’s waiting on additional offers the Braves are likely to move on to Plan B. I think there is a risk in not getting a guy for a good price with that strategy, but the flip side is that you are less likely to be the last team without a chair when the music stops.
Sowega Fanatic
August 15th, 2012
4:38 pm
Wish the Gents had finished with the Nats before Melk Dud was fired.
bfred
August 15th, 2012
4:38 pm
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
4:25 pm
I have no idea why so many people keep bringing up Melky’s chances to win the batting title this year. It can’t happen people. By adding the necessary at bats to reach 502, his average winds up at .317. He’ll barely be in the top 10 in batting with that most likely. So please let that go.
————————————-
Jerry -
He has 501 plate apperances, which is what the title is based on – not at bats. The required threshold is 3.1 per game, or 502 for the season. So the dilution of his batting average would only be for that one additional PA. He can very much still win it.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
4:39 pm
MLBTR Writer
Comment From Guest
Does Bobby V open 2013 as Boston’s manager?
3:18
I do not believe so.
Comment From Craig Kimbrel
What are my Cy Young chances this year?
3:29
I think both Chapman and Kimbrel will get serious Cy Young love, but I have a real hard time giving it to a 70 IP reliever. I don’t have a clear cut NL Cy fave right now, maybe Zimmermann as an under-the-radar candidate?
Comment From John
Do the Atlanta Braves sign Bourne next year or go after a bigger bat?
3:36
I think Bourn will price himself out of town. I expect them to target a bigger bat, maybe a trade for Willingham.
Comment From Frank Wren
Was it a good thing that the Dempster-Delgado trade fell through?
3:54
Yeah I think so. That was quite pricey for a rental, but he certainly would have helped.
Shaun
August 15th, 2012
4:39 pm
Bryce Harper down to .247/.324/.399 on the year and has just been an automatic out since early June.
“Once in a generation” type talent for sure.
So his performance in his first season, at age 19, is enough to conclude that he’s not a once-in-a-generation-type talent?
Hey, as a Braves fan I’m glad that he hasn’t been great this season, on the whole. But it’s hardly an indication of whether he’s one of the most talented players of the last 30 years or so. His tools and the skills he’s displayed at his age at this level are more of an indication of his talent than the stats or results of his first season in the majors, his age 19 season.
Ironic that a “stathead” has to point out this scouting concept. Guess what folks? It all matters. All information matters: stats, scouting reports, age, skill set, skill level, all of it matters and none of it should be overlooked.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
4:39 pm
Rays lost Crawford, Cards lost phat Albert, & Brewers lost Prince. Rays & Cards are doing just fine without these guys and Brewers are worse off but they also lost other vital pieces that account for the decline. Losing Bourn would have some sting but will not turn Braves into his former team overnight. They have enough assets to get an adequate replacement. I have mentioned Span & Fowler as guys I like. Someone else mentioned Bernadina who looks like he could be a player if given the chance. I would rather let him go than overpay.
Phar
August 15th, 2012
4:41 pm
Why not Shane Victorino for Centerfield. You get him for less money, you commit to less years. His numbers really aren’t down this year. 27 stolen bases, a double digit home run guy. Good defensively. If he slows down in a year or two you move him to left but he certainly must be capable of giving you a couple more years of leading off. Would you sign hi 3 years 27 million with a team option/buyout for a 4th year. You might even get him for 8 million per year.
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:41 pm
So his performance in his first season, at age 19, is enough to conclude that he’s not a once-in-a-generation-type talent?
Shaun, that comment came from Efrim, the self-proclaimed “prospect-lover”. Not to speak for him, but I’m fairly sure he was joking….
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:41 pm
Why not Shane Victorino for Centerfield. You get him for less money, you commit to less years.
He’d be a good option, but I’m betting he resigns with LA.
JoeFan
August 15th, 2012
4:42 pm
Bourn strikes out way to much for a contact hitter and appears to not hit lefthanders well. So, no the Braves shouldn’t break the bank to resign him. If the Braves believe Cunningham will be ready in 2013/14 then go with a rental for one or two years. Use the money for a proven power hitter and / or a top shelf starting pitcher. Might even consider moving Heyward to CF and filling his spot with someone like Swisher.
Hoosier Aaron
August 15th, 2012
4:43 pm
Adam Jones just signed 6 yrs/$85.5million..
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
4:43 pm
The real question will be if that’s enough to get Bourn to sign quickly, because I don’t see the Braves waiting out the market for him…they like to get things taken care of quickly, and if he’s waiting on additional offers the Braves are likely to move on to Plan B.
I agree with this. I do not see Wren waiting until Christmas and this is unlike the Lowe signing in that it was the last option out there and he had already struck out on a few deals. That’s not going to happen here.
And I don’t see the rest of the market – BJ Upton, Shane Victorino, Nick Swisher, Angel Pagan, etc. waiting for Bourn. Different level, like Hamilton and Greinke.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
4:46 pm
Lincecum stinks to high heaven. 4-2 now.
Veer
August 15th, 2012
4:46 pm
I wouldnt mind facing that pathetic Lincecum in a 1 game wildcard playoff
DawgDad
August 15th, 2012
4:48 pm
Assuming the Braves payroll maxes out at $100 million annually, for simplicity, can the Braves realistically afford to commit 15% of their payroll for several years to a player with his current productivity and potentially declining skills? No, not without creating serious constraints in other areas. And, the likelihood they could sign Bourn for $15 million per over 3-4 years would appear to be – ZERO. So, no Bourn.
If I were the GM this coming off-season would be a whole lot different than last year. The Braves have a solid core of young players and I’d lean very strongly to youth and athleticism. They need to avoid entangling big contracts with aging players and focus on eventually locking up players like Heyward, Freeman, and Kimbrel.
Melky – well OK, my eyes weren’t deceiving me. I never faulted the Braves for letting him go – I was disgusted they acquired him in the first place. Bad trade before he even donned a Braves uniform. Shouldn’t all the games he participated in be forfeited? Otherwise, what keeps teams from encouraging replacement level players to cheat? The Giants benefitted GREATLY from Melky’s enhanced production this season.
Rick
August 15th, 2012
4:48 pm
I really wish McCann and Uggla can get hot the rest of the year. Both averages below .240. I know they get their share of walks and RBIs but if those averages were above .265 we would be in better shape.
JeanE
August 15th, 2012
4:49 pm
What a shocker (sarcasm)? Chin-Strap aka Melk Dud was juiced up on testosterone?? What, he couldn’t get off using Ryan Braun’s lame excuse??? Kharma works it’s magic once again!!!!!! What a complete boulderhead. And I’m using mild words for blog reasons, Dud, you make me sick you, my friend, have wreaped what you sowed. Also, Matty D I’ll miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
4:49 pm
Shaun, that comment came from Efrim, the self-proclaimed “prospect-lover”. Not to speak for him, but I’m fairly sure he was joking….
Yes, I was joking. Thank you, RC. It’s been a running joke since he’s said it. Sort of like “reasonable expectations”. Which is about as funny to me now as Dave Chappelle’s skits with Wayne Brady were back about 8 years ago. That could just be me, though. But the thought of Wren sitting at a table with the rest of the front office folk saying “Gentlemen, I think we have a 97 OPS+ hitter in 2010 and 2011 breaking in for us – we’re all set!” – just makes me laugh till I cry.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
4:49 pm
Adam Jones does not have same agent as Bourn. Jones gave up some arb years for his deal and is younger so he can go back to the bank for another withdrawal at the end of his deal. The agent for Bourn is looking at Carl Crawford/Jose Reyes for his comps as this will be the BIG one for Bourn and he will not have another chance like this.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
4:49 pm
bfred,
Plate appearances don’t account for batting average, at bats do.
Phar
August 15th, 2012
4:49 pm
I also think Victorino might stay on the west coast but everyone seems to be down on him I feel and not really sure why. I don’t know if the Dodgers will go big money for Victorino. This is probably going to be his last chance at 31 years old to get a fairly long term contract. In his shoes if I could get 3 or 4 years I would take it because 1 or 2 years from the Giants or Dodgers doesn’t give a big guarantee to your family the rest of your life.
Shaun
August 15th, 2012
4:50 pm
Shaun, that comment came from Efrim, the self-proclaimed “prospect-lover”. Not to speak for him, but I’m fairly sure he was joking….
Okay, cool. Still probably worth me typing all that for at least a few folks out there.
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:51 pm
Assuming the Braves payroll maxes out at $100 million annually, for simplicity, can the Braves realistically afford to commit 15% of their payroll for several years to a player with his current productivity and potentially declining skills?
You mean like that have already done with Dan Uggla?
lee maye
August 15th, 2012
4:51 pm
OnlyBravesfan is correct. Unload Uggla and there won’t be much if any more money available, since Braves would have to pick up about half of it, ala Lowe. Bad, bad decision to sign Uggla to an extension before he was to be a free agent. No one that I know, now feels he deserved a 5 year contract at 13 mil a year. Prado was probably worth that but Uggla, no way.
The announcers feel Uggla is a hot hitter. 1-14 in his last 14 at bats and he is hot. What would Joe and Chip consider cold? McCann. Braves have 3 hitters in the lineup, 7, 8, and 9 hitting below .220. Hard to win consistently with that. And, the only .300 hitter is 40 years old and plays only 2 out of every 3 days.
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
4:51 pm
Braves don’t do $100 million contracts. If he gets that he is gone. Maybe could keep him for $75, but the Nationals gave Werth a huge contract, don’t see why they wouldn’t give Bourn something similar.
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
4:51 pm
DOB-
Has there been any word on MattE’s surgery?
unbelievable
August 15th, 2012
4:52 pm
Why not Shane Victorino for Centerfield.
Because, just like Melky, he’s a complete douche
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:53 pm
I don’t know if the Dodgers will go big money for Victorino.
I don’t think they will have to. I think he likes it there, and he knows he’s not likely to get “big” money from anyone. LA will likely offer him a medium sized deal that’s enough for him to sign quickly, so they can then turn their primary attention to signing Zack Greinke.
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
4:53 pm
@Pace
Where did you get the salary info on Hanson? He’s in an arb year next year, so there is no 500k buy out. He’s making 535K this year, and you expect him to go to 9 mill next season?
What are you basing this on?
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
4:54 pm
You mean like that have already done with Dan Uggla?
Good call. 14.6% in Dan Uggla if we’re talking 90 – although yes, it’s 15% in Daniel.
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:54 pm
Because, just like Melky, he’s a complete douche
I’ve always thought of Victorino as one of those guys you hate on the other team, but love on your own team. Like Utley, Wright, or Chipper. I think Melky is just one of those guys you hate, regardless of team.
unbelievable
August 15th, 2012
4:54 pm
I wouldnt mind facing that pathetic Lincecum in a 1 game wildcard playoff
I dont want to face anyone in a ridiculous 1 game playoff.
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:55 pm
I dont want to face anyone in a ridiculous 1 game playoff.
Me either, but if the option is that or go home for the winter, I’ll take the playoff.
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
4:55 pm
“I dont want to face anyone in a ridiculous 1 game playoff.”
I agree, too risky with this streaky offense.
Half Empty
August 15th, 2012
4:56 pm
Melky could win if McCutchen falters below 345
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
4:56 pm
Is it just me, but I think a 1-8 of Prado, Upton, Heyward, Freeman, Willingham, McCann, Uggla, Simmons does just as well, if not better than this years offense and those two additions will cost the same as Bourn’s AAV(Willingham – $7 million, Upton – $9 million).
BRVFAN_N_JESUP
August 15th, 2012
4:57 pm
The Braves should lock up Heyward, Freemand and Kimibrel now to long term deals that go through at least the 1st year of free agency, much like the Indians did back in the day with their young players. they could get 5 or 6 year deals with each of them at a reasonable price and the planning going forward with payroll would allow them to make decisions about free agents like Bourn and Prado or any they want to bring in. I would think you could get Freeman, Heyward, Kimbrel, and Prado for something around $40 mil/yr for the next 5/6 years, if you could i would take my chances with that lineup and what you could fill in around them with the other $50 -60 mil you had available.
Half Empty
August 15th, 2012
4:58 pm
I’ll believe a Bourn signing by the Braves when I see it and not before
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
4:58 pm
Hunter Pence is now batting .260/.321/.428 on the season – he’ll make between $13-14 million in 2013.
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
4:58 pm
So can Melky play in the playoffs or not?
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:59 pm
It’s going to be really interesting to see how teams approach the 1-game playoff. If you are out of the division race, but comfortably in the wild-card, will teams try to set up their pitching to have their ace ready for that one game? Or will trying to ensure home-field for the wild-card game outweigh having your ace ready? I’m not sure which decision I’d make….as a manager, I probably try to set up the rotation to have my ace going. As a GM, I probably try to compete down to the wire to ensure home-field advantage (and the ticket sales) of the one-game playoff.
RC
August 15th, 2012
4:59 pm
Hunter Pence is now batting .260/.321/.428 on the season – he’ll make between $13-14 million in 2013.
Assuming he’s offered arbitration.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
5:00 pm
Maybe MLB should just seed all the teams in a NCAA hoops style October madness bracket instead of playoff series. Imagine that – the Astros could get hot and win 5 in a row to be champs!
RC
August 15th, 2012
5:01 pm
Is it just me, but I think a 1-8 of Prado, Upton, Heyward, Freeman, Willingham, McCann, Uggla, Simmons does just as well, if not better than this years offense and those two additions will cost the same as Bourn’s AAV(Willingham – $7 million, Upton – $9 million).
I think that’s a fine plan B, but I don’t think that the bats of Willingham + Upton = Chipper + Bourn. And the defense of Willingham, Upton, Heyward is certainly worse than Prado, Bourn, Heyward.
Pace
August 15th, 2012
5:02 pm
Jay D – my bad – thinking Hudson, typed – well you get it.
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
5:02 pm
“Maybe MLB should just seed all the teams in a NCAA hoops style October”
Screw that, lets just go all BCS on the playoffs. That way we can have a Yankees vs Red Sox World Series! YES!!!
Veer
August 15th, 2012
5:03 pm
Lincecum looks done to me and not for the game but his career. How many years does he have left in the contract. This guy is worse than Jurrjens
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
5:03 pm
RC, if I had a true ace pitcher I would rather setup rotation and play on road for that game. But in Braves case it may be better on the road no matter who pitches, Braves are 12 games over 500 on road and only 6 over at home.
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
5:04 pm
“This guy is worse than Jurrjens”
I’ll take that as a compliment!
htownbravesfan
August 15th, 2012
5:04 pm
Normally I don’t feel this way about this sort of news, but the news about Melky Cabrera is the best baseball news outside of Braves’ wins in awhile. After the half-assed effort he gave here in Atlanta, and the way he strutted around like a peacock when the Giants last visited, it could not have happened to a nicer guy. Melky, see you next year when you’re fat and useless again.
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:04 pm
yup, Melky could easily win it so hopefully McCutchen keeps on keeping on.
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
5:05 pm
It’s probably going to take a minimum of 5 years 85 mil to sign Bourn, and I just don’t see the Braves doing that. Of course, Boras will open talks @ 100+ million.
They tend to be ultra conservative, and blame it on the TV deal that they’ll have for the next 20+ years.
There should be escalators in their TV contract, so you would think that their budget would escalate accordingly.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
5:05 pm
bfred,
Apologies. Just looked up the actual rule and you are right. Can’t say that I fully agree with it, but I suppose I can see the point. However, I wonder how Major League Baseball would rule in this instance?
ATLcracker
August 15th, 2012
5:06 pm
“I accept my suspension … deeply sorry for my mistake” Melky Cabrera
I looked up the word MISTAKE in the dictionary. It does not say “a deliberate attempt to cheat and by my improved performance defraud my next employer and if I hadn’t gotten caught I would still be using it”
DHD
August 15th, 2012
5:06 pm
If they sign him. What’s to discuss?
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
5:06 pm
So Melky could play in the playoffs I’m assuming? Especially if there were a few play-in games and such?
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
5:06 pm
How about one of the Braves catch fire for the last month and a half of the season, and win the batting title?…Bourn, Prado, or even Freeman.
It can happen!!!!
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:06 pm
I imagine they would rule that he won it, but who knows. If the Pirate dude keeps hitting it will be a moot point
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
5:07 pm
Assuming he’s offered arbitration.
Imagine if they non-tendered the guy and used the money elsewhere. It’d be a huge risk, but Pence isn’t looking like a worthy 14 million dollar AAV guy, imo. They’ll probably offer him a contract though.
mpimentel
August 15th, 2012
5:07 pm
what about now melky…I knew it, such an all around bad player like you can’t play as well as you have done recently…the very good thing is, that you are a FA this winter, nobody will trust you anymore, and because you will own 5 games of suspention to the next season , you can’t play winter ball in REP DOM either…but don’t feel bad, we THE BRAVES FANS support you , take this salute from us , take this chop cross…come mierda…jajajajajajajajaja
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:09 pm
and because you will own 5 games of suspention to the next season , you can’t play winter ball in REP DOM either…mpi
where did you see that?
Shaun
August 15th, 2012
5:09 pm
Yes, I was joking. Thank you, RC. It’s been a running joke since he’s said it. Sort of like “reasonable expectations”. Which is about as funny to me now as Dave Chappelle’s skits with Wayne Brady were back about 8 years ago. That could just be me, though. But the thought of Wren sitting at a table with the rest of the front office folk saying “Gentlemen, I think we have a 97 OPS+ hitter in 2010 and 2011 breaking in for us – we’re all set!” – just makes me laugh till I cry.
Efrim, that’s not exactly what I meant with the “reasonable expectations” comment. I think Heyward was brought up because he had nothing left to prove in the minors and they felt he could hold his own in the majors. And they expected the Braves to again have a solid offense in in 2010, so they figured they could get by if he just holds his own out there for a few years. They knew there was the possibility that he could exceed expectations, with his talent, but anything above “holding his own” was gravy.
I don’t know that they are “thrilled” with a 97 OPS+ in 2010 and 2011 but I doubt they are as concerned as some of the fan base, especially considering they also realize his strengths and aren’t just looking at batting average and RBI or not even just the more advance offensive metrics and just his offensive performance but they are looking at the whole package of offense, defense and baserunning.
Putting it on those terms–”reasonable expectations”–is more from a fan’s perspective. Make fun of me all you want, but I think we would have been okay if someone would have told us in the winter of 2009-2010 that Heyward would put up a 116 OPS+ in his first three seasons, even if someone would have told us 131, 93, 117 in those seasons; especially if that person also had said he would be one of the better fielders at his position and one of the best baserunners in the league as well.
Sure, we wouldn’t have said, “oh my god!” or anything. But it would have been something like, “Okay, we’ll take that. That’s solid.”
Now, if in 2014-2015 he’s puttering along as something like he was in 2011 and he hasn’t gained much in the way of defensive or baserunning skills, then we should get concerned.
tony
August 15th, 2012
5:09 pm
Bourn should be the braves top priority this offseason.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
5:09 pm
RC, good call on the loss of Chipper. I keep forgetting that he’s gotta be replaced! Sad, really. Wish he gave it one more go.
mpimentel
August 15th, 2012
5:10 pm
the mexican profetional baseball summer league are expecting you to the next summer mulky…this season have become one of my fav’s…but this on’t make the giants less good, they have gregor white ahem blanco…hahahahahahahahaha
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
5:11 pm
Chipper only needs roughly another 200 plate appearances to be eligible for batting title. That is just over 4 a game for all remaining games …………………… nevermind.
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
5:13 pm
So if the Giants make the playoffs, I’m assuming those would count against his suspension, that or he could play in the playoffs? And with the play-in game he’d be able to play in their 2nd series, theoretically.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
5:13 pm
Asfar as I’m concerned, it don’t matter with the one-game wildcard showdown. The Braves haven’t shown in years that they are capable of advancing past the NLDS, so what would it matter in a 1-game playoff? To see them lose in the NLDS? If they are going to win, they will win regardless if it’s a 1-game or best of five.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
5:13 pm
Make fun of me all you want, but I think we would have been okay if someone would have told us in the winter of 2009-2010 that Heyward would put up a 116 OPS+ in his first three seasons, even if someone would have told us 131, 93, 117 in those seasons;
I’m really not sure if that was the framework of the conversation, as oppose to 97 OPS+ through 2011 = “reasonable expectations”.
Now, if in 2014-2015 he’s puttering along as something like he was in 2011 and he hasn’t gained much in the way of defensive or baserunning skills, then we should get concerned.
If he finishes with a like 102 or something this year, Shaun, I think it’s enough to be concerned about. No way in hell did they expect him to be a league average hitter through his first three years here – soaking up his 0-3 years with great baserunning and defense, yet hitting like #6 or #7 hitter.
1991 braves
August 15th, 2012
5:14 pm
Wren signed Ugly to $13 million long term contract and what have the braves got in return?? Nothing. I wouldn’t make the same mistake with Bourn. The guy can’t hit left handed pitching, so i hope Wren learns from his previous mistakes and only offers him 3 year deal. Unfortunately, his agent want accept a 3 year deal, so hopefully braves look elsewhere. It’s these long tern deals that Wren has done in the past, A.E. Lowe and UGly, that have killed the braves. On another note, please don’t resign McCant to a fat, long tern contract. This guy’s defensive skills are terrible, and now he can hardly hit his weight. If Wren signs this guy to big contract, he should be fired on the spot. Why McCant gets a free pass and Ugly gets all the blame is wrong. Both of these guys are terrible, and they are killing the braves now.
ATLcracker
August 15th, 2012
5:14 pm
Also where did the 50 game suspension come from ? If you used performance enhancing drugs for two years that helped you lose 40 lbs. and increased your muscularity and strength I would think the benefits would last a lot longer than 50-60 days. Shouldn’t it be a much longer suspension? I also agree the team that benefitted from this cheating should pay some type of penalty.
mpimentel
August 15th, 2012
5:14 pm
@nolie: the back season manny ramirez was suspended (you remember), well he came to REP DOM asking for play in winter league with “aguilas cibaenas” and beacuse he was suspended at that time he wasn’t allowed…the same with timo perez (detroit tiguers AAA player), he wasn’t allowed to play the last season for the same reason….
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
5:15 pm
And again, I wish you could just look back to see the types of things you were saying during April/May of 2010 – I mean, my gosh, we were all here. I didn’t appear on this blog yesterday, man.
Shaun
August 15th, 2012
5:15 pm
Efrim, I also don’t see what’s so funny about claiming that Bryce Harper is a once-in-a-generation-type talent. Actually I believe that’s pretty much the consensus among all sorts of talent evaluators, from what I’ve read and heard.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
5:16 pm
Felix Hernandez has a perfect game through 6 innings. 69 pitches. 7 K’s.
phil
August 15th, 2012
5:17 pm
If Chipper would play, that is….sigh.
Funny about Melky. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.
Bourn? Only way we keep him is if the decision is made that McCann isn’t in the long term picture at 10 million plus for too many years.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
5:17 pm
“I also agree the team that benefitted from this cheating should pay some type of penalty.”
****************************************
A bowl ban, loss of scholarships, and/or no TV appearances?
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:18 pm
thanx for the info mpi.
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
5:18 pm
“I also don’t see what’s so funny about claiming that Bryce Harper is a once-in-a-generation-type talent”
He has one of the most horrendous swings in all of baseball. That is a solid fact.
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:19 pm
the “Death Penalty”
bfred
August 15th, 2012
5:19 pm
Jerry -
No prob. I understand the rationale, since a hitter can’t control much more than the times he gets to the place and what he does with hittable pitches that are thrown to him.
On Melky, given that MLB hasn’t vacated a single at bat over the entire steroid scandal I doubt they would hold the batting title back from him; otherwise they have to eliminate the effect of those hits from actual games, which is obviously impossible. But it would be an interesting test of Selig’s character. If the Giants make the playoffs after having (a now-disqualified) Melky for 3/4 of the season it’s going to get REALLY interesting. They’re half a game behind the Pirates for the second wild card spot – what if they beat the Bucs (or Braves for that matter) by one game with a juicing high-WAR player having contributed quite a bit to that success over nearly 120 games? What a mess.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
5:20 pm
I also don’t see what’s so funny about claiming that Bryce Harper is a once-in-a-generation-type talent
You said the exact same stuff about Heyward. Exact same line, Shaun. Yet, now, we have 97 OPS+ hitter through his first two big league seasons and I fail to understand how a once-in-a-generation type talent produces such and is reasonable expectations. I’m sorry, I just can’t get there man. And I get that it’s early in his career and it was his age 20 and 21 year old seasons.
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:20 pm
really? THAT bad Mf? Gee why didn’t all the scouts tell us that b4 allowing us to believe he will be good
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 15th, 2012
5:21 pm
Melky’s busted, why am I not surprised. As for all the spin concerning Bourn…..
It ain’t happening foks. Boras negotiations will probably start around six years and 150 million, Again, that’s just the starting point. The numbers will go higher. Which unfortunately puts Bourn’s individual salary beyond the Braves 90 million structure.
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
5:21 pm
“Frank Wren should not give Bourn and Boras what they want, which will be AT LEAST five years, and 75 million. ”
If the Braves can get Bourn at that price, they’ll sign him…but he’ll get more than that.
mpimentel
August 15th, 2012
5:21 pm
the only bad news from mulki suspention is that the braves won’t have the pleassure to send him to the ground after a hit by pitch…..it’s funny when a good moment can switch against you in a cliq…oh , sorry thats for you mulki…jajajajajajajaja
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
5:22 pm
The reality is Ryan Braun kept his MVP award so the SF baseball Giants will not have to forfeit wins.
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:23 pm
Boras negotiations will probably start around six years and 150 million, ,,coach
are you nuts? no way in hell he gets 25 mil per year for 6 seasons
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
5:24 pm
Uh oh. King Felix has a perfect game after 7 innings.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
5:24 pm
But there is a mystery team see. There is always a mystery team.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 15th, 2012
5:24 pm
I would trade Tomy Hanson for Billy Hamilton straight up…….in a heartbeat and never even give it a second thought.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
5:26 pm
I would trade Tomy Hanson for Billy Hamilton straight up…….in a heartbeat and never even give it a second thought.
Reds would never do it. He’s their CF of the future. He’s not a SS.
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
5:26 pm
Yep 5/$75 for Bourn is the max the Braves will go.
And yes Harper’s swing is about as bad as Hanson’s delivery. Both unwatchable.
Brave New World
August 15th, 2012
5:27 pm
Melky would like all Braves fans to know his obnoxious behavior at Turner Field was just the testerone talking.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 15th, 2012
5:27 pm
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:23 pm
Boras negotiations will probably start around six years and 150 million, ,,coach
are you nuts? no way in hell he gets 25 mil per year for 6 seasons
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
You’re right, Bourn will get even more. Closer to eight eight years and 150-160 million.
phil
August 15th, 2012
5:28 pm
I would trade Paul Yanish for David Wright straight up……in a heartbeat and never even give it a second thought.
Now why we don’t pull the trigger on it, you’ll have to ask Wren.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
5:28 pm
I don’t think Hanson is going to net us elite prospects, but we’ll get decent value for the guy if they decide to trade him. Way too many teams out there with terrible starting rotations and a few of them actually want to compete in the near future – Kansas City, Baltimore, Toronto, etc.
bfred
August 15th, 2012
5:29 pm
Make the team pay the suspended player’s foregone compensation to the league. You’ll see teams get serious about self-policing real fast if they still have to pay the salary but don’t have the player.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 15th, 2012
5:29 pm
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
5:26 pm
I would trade Tomy Hanson for Billy Hamilton straight up…….in a heartbeat and never even give it a second thought.
Reds would never do it. He’s their CF of the future. He’s not a SS.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
You’re probably correct, but it won’t stop me from trying.
old man
August 15th, 2012
5:29 pm
Melky, Melky, Melky. You’re living proof that you can’t polish a turd.
Well, you can actually, for a little while. But eventually you get caught.
It must be the smell.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
5:29 pm
You’re right, Bourn will get even more. Closer to eight eight years and 150-160 million.
?!??!?!?!?!?!
Can’t. Be. Serious.
Brave New World
August 15th, 2012
5:29 pm
5 years for Bourn at $75 million is $15 million per year. If some other team wants to pay more, let him go. He’s a very good player but not worth breaking the bank.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
5:29 pm
Well, to his credit, at least Melky didn’t make a bunch of B.S. excuses or say his sample was mishandled, etc:
His statement: “My positive test was the result of my use of a substance I should not have used. I accept my suspension under the Joint Drug Program and I will try to move on with my life. I am deeply sorry for my mistake and I apologize to my teammates, to the San Francisco Giants organization and to the fans for letting them down
mpimentel
August 15th, 2012
5:30 pm
if the braves can get bourn to 8-10 mill’s per season for 4 years could be good…if the price is higher forget it!…we can live with: C mccann 1b freeman 2d uggla 3b francisco SS simmons Rf heyward Cf johnson Lf prado…ouch!!!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
5:30 pm
1991 Braves Why McCant gets a free pass
A “FREE PASS”?? Are you saying everybody around here gives BMac a “free pass”? Landnegotions…What Blog are you reading? BMac gets more crap than anyone save for a few former managers and presidents…Even when he’s doing good, somebody’s got some kind of nonsense to spew about him and how he’s declining and obese and what have you.
Do not even TRY to tell me that BMac gets a free pass. Don’t even try it. It’s just not true.
peanut
August 15th, 2012
5:31 pm
He will be 30 before the year is out. Signing him to a 6- or 7-year contract as the blogger mentions/suggests the team would like to do is complete lunacy. Even 4 years is too long.
At 34 he won’t be stealing bases like the last few years, which is what you are paying top dollar for.
Shaun
August 15th, 2012
5:31 pm
Efrim, could you give me some examples from April/May of 2010?
Also, are you seriously all that concerned right now and do you think we should be or do you think we are moving to the area of concern with regard to Heyward, at this point?
Heyward’s career wRC+ is 120. Since 1900 only 15 rightfielders have put up better offensive production through age 22.
(I used wRC+ from Fangraphs instead of OPS+ because it’s easier to do sorting on their site. I doubt you would get drastically different results if you used OPS+.)
I honestly don’t think the Braves’ front office is near a state of concern at this point in his career, knowing how smart front offices seem these days and how smart the Braves front office seems to be. I think they understand evaluation better than the fan base and have a better understanding that the fan base as to what batting average and RBI do and don’t tell us.
Brave New World
August 15th, 2012
5:31 pm
Phil: Janish for Wright? I like the way you’re thinking.
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
5:31 pm
Wouldn’t be surprised to see Bourn get $100 million.
Crawford 7/$142
Werth 7/$126
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:31 pm
You’re right, Bourn will get even more. Closer to eight eight years and 150-160 million.
still an idiot, I say he will not get 25+mil so you say he will get more than that, and cite 20 mil. That is not more than 25 you know?
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 15th, 2012
5:32 pm
phil
August 15th, 2012
5:28 pm
I would trade Paul Yanish for David Wright straight up……in a heartbeat and never even give it a second thought.
Now why we don’t pull the trigger on it, you’ll have to ask Wren.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Or we could trade Heyward for a box of rocks………your turn
MFin04
August 15th, 2012
5:32 pm
McCann gets more of free pass than most. Certainly more than Uggla and probably Heyward.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
5:32 pm
DOB-
Has there been any word on MattE’s surgery? — cabravesfan
Asked Fredi, he hadn’t even heard anything. So much other stuff going on, and Diaz is going to be out rest of the season anyway — 8-week recovery, so really no way he’d be a factor in postseason. Tough way for it to end, if this is it for Diaz with the Braves.
Shaun
August 15th, 2012
5:33 pm
Reds would never do it. He’s their CF of the future. He’s not a SS.
Efrim, I agree here. Everything about Hamilton and his profile screams centerfield, from what I hear and read.
He’s not a good enough fielder for shortstop, he probably doesn’t hit enough for secondbase. Centerfield is where he belongs.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
5:35 pm
MFin04—
He does not. People trash BMac all the time. That’s not to say Uggla and Heyward don’t get more than their share of hate, too…
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:35 pm
Enter your comments here
phil
August 15th, 2012
5:36 pm
Postseason?
We might wanna qualify for it this year before we sell those tickets….
mpimentel
August 15th, 2012
5:37 pm
FA Third basemen’s list 2013
Geoff Blum (39)
Miguel Cairo (39)
Eric Chavez (35)
Mark DeRosa (38)
Brandon Inge (36)
Maicer Izturis (32)
Jose Lopez (29)
Placido Polanco (37) – $5.5MM mutual option with a $1MM buyout
Mark Reynolds (29) – $11MM club option with a $500K buyout
Scott Rolen (38)
Mark Teahen (31)
Miguel Tejada (39)
Ty Wigginton (35) – $4MM club option with a $500K buyout
David Wright (30) – $16MM club option with a $1MM buyout
Kevin Youkilis (34) – $13MM club option with a $1MM buyout
I don’t see any 3B sign for this winter season
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
5:37 pm
King Felix perfect through 7 for Mariners.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 15th, 2012
5:38 pm
That’s right, Carl Crawford got seven years and 142 million. So if anybody thinks Boras isn’t going to up the ante…….you are only fooling yourself.
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:39 pm
if they get a third baseman it would likely be a trade, but I think they will move Prado there and try for outfielders in a trade
phil
August 15th, 2012
5:39 pm
Buffet Brian is getting much worse bashing this year than Heyward….not even close since the end of May.
Uggly leads the way at present.
If Brian doesn’t get with it soon, I feel sorry for him.
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:40 pm
ok coach let’s have a little bet on whether Bourn gets the 25+ mil you say he will. Name your terms.
phil
August 15th, 2012
5:40 pm
Boras can up the ante all he wants….
Doesn’t mean any team has to be dumb enough to agree to something stupid.
mpimentel
August 15th, 2012
5:41 pm
I guess fransisco will be at 3rd…unless a prado move to the infield and a sign of an outfielder FA
there’s the list of LF
Left fielders
Jay Gibbons (36)
Jonny Gomes (32)
Scott Hairston (33)
Josh Hamilton (32)
Willie Harris (35)
Brad Hawpe (34)
Eric Hinske (35)
Conor Jackson (31)
Reed Johnson (36)
Andruw Jones (36)
Austin Kearns (33)
Mark Kotsay (37)
Carlos Lee (37)
Fred Lewis (32)
Ryan Ludwick (34) – mutual option for 2013
Juan Pierre (35)
Juan Rivera (34) – $4MM club option for 2013 with a $500K buyout
Delmon Young (27)
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
5:41 pm
phil If Brian doesn’t get with it soon, I feel sorry for him.
I already do…he looks so sad after every out…
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
5:42 pm
Unfortunately, there was no Melky apology for the crotch chop or for generally being a horse’s rear during the series vs. Braves.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
5:43 pm
Anyway, I’ve already stuck around too long—gotta get ready for Church, Holy Day and all…
See y’all……tomorrow! Go Braves! GO BMAC!!…
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
5:43 pm
DOB-
Thanks. I know he’s done for the year and probably as a Brave- too bad, I really like him.
mpimentel
August 15th, 2012
5:43 pm
but forget about the roster moves let’s live this season…GO BRAVES….
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:44 pm
No Prado at third
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
5:44 pm
7 1/3 in the books
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
5:44 pm
Braves should by some powerball tickets for tonight’s drawing…if they win, they could sign Bourn, no problems.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
5:44 pm
7 2/3 in the books.
Shaun
August 15th, 2012
5:44 pm
[Harper] has one of the most horrendous swings in all of baseball. That is a solid fact.
Define “horrendous swings.” Because his swing is ugly and not appealing to you that means it doesn’t and will never do the job?
You said the exact same stuff about Heyward. Exact same line, Shaun. Yet, now, we have 97
OPS+ hitter through his first two big league seasons and I fail to understand how a once-in-a-generation type talent produces such and is reasonable expectations. I’m sorry, I just can’t get there man. And I get that it’s early in his career and it was his age 20 and 21 year old seasons.
Let’s go back a generation, by the dictionary definition, 30 years. Only four players accumulated more value in the majors through age 22 than Heyward: A-Rod, Griffey, Andruw, Ripken and Pujols. Heyward is just ahead of Alomar, Stanton, Ryan Zimmerman, Elvis Andrus and Miguel Cabrera.
Now, obviously that doesn’t mean he’s destined for the Hall of Fame or anything. But there is absolutely nothing in his performance so far that indicates he’s not a once-in-a-generation-type talent.
Also, let’s be clear on the difference between talent and getting the results. Josh Hamilton was that once-in-a-generation-type talent. He didn’t start getting any sort of results, much less something approaching his talent level, until age 26.
space monkey
August 15th, 2012
5:45 pm
The interesting thing about the Melky situation is that hardly anyone suspected him of using PEDs. Instead, we—fans, players, journalists—all bought the cover story that he was a lazy POS who decided to actually get in shape for once. That totally proves what a lazy POS he really is.
phil
August 15th, 2012
5:45 pm
Diaz has long been a favorite of mine. He plays like he gives a hoot…
As for Melky, what a bonehead. A mistake? Hardly.
mpimentel
August 15th, 2012
5:45 pm
no DOB…unfortunately any braves pitch will send him to DL after a hit by picth to HER head!!!….yes her head…
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
5:46 pm
Crawford & Bourn are lifelong friends. Michael knows what Carl got and he may not quite get 142M, but we all know how friends like to compete with each other.
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
5:46 pm
no DOB…unfortunately any braves pitch will send him to DL after a hit by picth to HER head!!!….yes her head…
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
5:47 pm
Through 8 innings, King Felix rocking the perfecto.
BFChris27
August 15th, 2012
5:47 pm
Perfect through 8!!!!!!!!!!
mpimentel
August 15th, 2012
5:48 pm
this is the season…I have a felling for this season, don’t know why!!…let’s go bravos
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
5:50 pm
Pefecto through 8 for King Felix
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
5:52 pm
Rays seem to be involved in no-hitters all the time, either being no-hit or one of theirs throwing a no-no.
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
5:52 pm
The Braves have a couple of players @ Gwinnett that will get a look on the Braves, or some other team next season…
Durango .290 avg 41 SB – 26 years old
Mejia .304 avg 24 HR – 27 (on Dec 2) year old righty
It’s time to let them play, or let them go.
Brave New World
August 15th, 2012
5:53 pm
Melky says there was a big misunderstanding the last time he visited Turner Field. That was not a crotch chop, it was the testosterone necessitating him to adjust the jingle in his bells.
Heisenberg
August 15th, 2012
5:54 pm
King Felix does not impress McCayla Maroney.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
5:54 pm
I guess fransisco will be at 3rd…unless a prado move to the infield and a sign of an outfielder FA
there’s the list of LF –mpimentel
Or Wren will fill 3B or LF the way he often fills a need — via a trade that no one saw coming.
Shaun
August 15th, 2012
5:54 pm
Efrim, I associated talent with tools and skills. And not just being a toolsy player but also displaying some baseball skills as well.
Bryce Harper, Jason Heyward, Mike Trout, Stephen Strasburg…they are all once-in-a-generation-type talents. Will they all get the results that send them to the Hall of Fame? Well, if it was just about talent, we would say yes. But it takes more than talent. It takes health, it takes not getting in to trouble off the field, it takes all sorts of things.
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:54 pm
Durango will prolly be elsewhere next season. I’d like to see them give Mejia a shot in ST see what he can do
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
5:55 pm
FOX Sports: MLB @MLBONFOX
24 UP, 24 DOWN. #Mariners @RealKingFelix is just 3 outs away from making perfect history.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
5:55 pm
Boras can up the ante all he wants….
Doesn’t mean any team has to be dumb enough to agree to something stupid. — phil
We saw that every winter. And every winter, almost every single big-name client of his gets as much or more than we thought possible. All it takes is one team, and Boras always finds at least one team and one other (named or otherwise) to play off of. It’s why he’s the best at what he does.
nolie
August 15th, 2012
5:57 pm
do you think he can beat Crawford’s contract , and if so by how much?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
5:59 pm
BMac gets more crap than anyone
I think Uggla gets a little more…. but I get your point.
Thanks. I know he’s done for the year and probably as a Brave- too bad
Not really too bad, at a business level. He didn’t perform too well this year. I will miss him though, he seemed to have a good personality. We can do better than him for next year though (hopefully Reed)
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
5:59 pm
8 1/3 down
BFChris27
August 15th, 2012
6:00 pm
1 Down
nolie
August 15th, 2012
6:00 pm
shoulda traded Delgado for Felix Rex
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
6:01 pm
one more out to go!!!!!!!
BFChris27
August 15th, 2012
6:01 pm
2 Down
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:01 pm
2 down, 1 to go
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
6:01 pm
TOBF-
You left out the part where I said I liked him
Guess it wasn’t clear that I meant it is too bad because I like him…from a team sense, yes, it does make sense
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:03 pm
YES!
BFChris27
August 15th, 2012
6:03 pm
Perfect Game
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
6:03 pm
The king did it!!!!!!! What a game!!!!!
Doubter
August 15th, 2012
6:03 pm
Boras knows the Braves can’t compete with some teams who are capable of paying rediculous salaries so he will work with the bigger spenders to sell Bourn’s services.
I think the Braves should not offer a multi year high cost contract to any one player but use that money to sign several other players and that will be more of an advantage to the team.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
6:03 pm
Perfection!
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
6:03 pm
Good for Felix Hernandez. He’s been so good for such a bad team, it is nice to see him get some love
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
6:04 pm
it seems like evey perfect game/no hitter involves the rays or the mariners
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:04 pm
Ah, yes, my mistake cab… I’ll miss him too, but it doesn’t make sense to keep him around. I appreciate what he did for us while he was here though.
Greinke can do that multiple times in a year for us when he’s a Brave
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:05 pm
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
1st season in MLB history in which there were 3 perfect games (Humber, Cain, Felix Hernandez)
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
6:05 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Note to 29 teams: No, the Mariners are still not interested in trading Felix Hernandez.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:06 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Note to 29 teams: No, the Mariners are still not interested in trading Felix Hernandez.
So let’s get Zack, the next greatest thing. No prospects required!
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
6:06 pm
Wow- Felix has thrown 3 complete game shut outs since June 28th
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:08 pm
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
Baggarly is strong. RT @TylerPenley: @ajcbraves Giants beat writer @CSNBaggs reported it a few weeks ago, Melky denied in an interview then
Melk Jerk.
nolie
August 15th, 2012
6:08 pm
Uggla = 13
Bourn = 25
Greinke = 22
good thing Hinske and Diaz are coming off the payroll…..
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
6:08 pm
King Felix telling the crowd that he did it for them. Special moment.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:08 pm
MLB @MLB
King Felix’s line: 9 IP, 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 12 K’s – SIMPLY PERFECT! http://atmlb.com/TFE5Ki
12 Ks…. Sweet
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:09 pm
Andrew Baggarly
@CSNBaggs
There’s a rumor on Twitter that Melky Cabrera will be suspended for positive PED test. I asked Melky and he said it’s totally untrue. …
brian
August 15th, 2012
6:09 pm
see you Melk dud!!
Couch Tater
August 15th, 2012
6:10 pm
King Felix steals Melky’s lead story. Bud is jumping up and down.
nolie
August 15th, 2012
6:10 pm
well it wasn’t technically true back then, the appeal was likely pending and he mighta gotten out of it
Shaun
August 15th, 2012
6:10 pm
It may very well come down to whether Bourn wants to take less to stay with the Braves. I think it’s pretty clear the Braves will make him a solid offer. It’s not unheard of for a Boras client to just sign where he wants, without regard to getting the absolute best deal. See Jered Weaver. But you can bet Boras will get this best deal that he can from that team.
Sundrop Kid
August 15th, 2012
6:11 pm
In his vast and much ballyhooed wisdom, the ‘SUNDROP KID’ is inclined to believe that one Mr. Melky Cabrera is most unfortunately(fortunately also) guilty of said charges. Fits in perfectly with his modus operandi.
Lakewood
August 15th, 2012
6:12 pm
King Felix is awesome. Mariners won’t be competitive for years – they need to just ask another team for their 5 top prospects in the offseason & trade him to a contender. He & Verlander are 1a & 1b as far as best pitchers in baseball go in my opinion.
nolie
August 15th, 2012
6:12 pm
Why would Bourn elect to take less to stay in Atlanta when he finally reached free agency, its not like he has ties to the system
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:13 pm
Jayson Stark @jaysonst
It sure is! RT @Evan_P_Grant I believe that’s four no-hitters against Tampa Bay since 2009 and, amazingly, 3 perfect games. Is that right?
JNick
August 15th, 2012
6:13 pm
Maybe this was covered, but Pace, for the last time, Lowe’s $10mil is being considered as part of the team payroll for THIS (2012) year – regardless of WHEN they actually paid it, it’s counted against this year. The money they’re talking about “saving” for this year is the $5mil that Cleveland paid…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:13 pm
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
1st time in MLB history that there have been 2 perfect games in the same stadium in the same year (Humber, Hernandez)
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
6:13 pm
Where in tarnation did that 6:11PM come from? We got a GA Tech grad on here now?
nolie
August 15th, 2012
6:14 pm
well aint that just perfect….
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
6:14 pm
“Good for Felix Hernandez. He’s been so good for such a bad team, it is nice to see him get some love ”
Dude got love last season when he won the Cy Young award!
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:14 pm
nolie: Even so, he had already failed his test. He used something. Admit it. Much like Bonds, he couldn’t keep off of the juice, and then originally didn’t admit it. At least he has admitted it (unlike Bonds), but he was caught, so he had to admit. Bonds didn’t.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 15th, 2012
6:15 pm
I only got to watch the last three outs but holy mother of God, was king Felix dealing……..ending the game with an emphatic called strike three looking on a wicked hook. Felix raised his hands in joy on the mound, and his teammates mobbed him. Pretty cool for the Mariners fans today.
nolie
August 15th, 2012
6:15 pm
I don’t know, Felix looked a bit chubby last time I saw him on TV. We prolly don’t want him
JNick
August 15th, 2012
6:16 pm
Pretty sure Verlander won the Cy Young in the AL last year, Jay Dubu…
JNick
August 15th, 2012
6:17 pm
nolie, remember, the camera adds 10 pounds…
nolie
August 15th, 2012
6:18 pm
admit what? I did not say that he did or did not use something. I said that he was being technically true when he denied weeks ago that he was gonna be suspended. Braun got out of it, he might have too. and anywat it was just a facetious comment since that was such a big topic
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:18 pm
keithlaw @keithlaw
I’m confused. Everyone talked about Felix’ perfect game while it was in progress … and it didn’t affect what happened on the field?
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
6:19 pm
Anybody miss me the two days I was gone? Go ahead and say it y’all. “Were you gone?” I noticed the Braves “eeked” out another win, while those “Nasty Gnats” lost. It will take about 10 more of those
nolie
August 15th, 2012
6:19 pm
were you gone? Gee I thought things were a bit better…..
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 15th, 2012
6:20 pm
Bourn, six to eight years, at least 150-160 million. No way can the Braves fit 20 plus million per season for one player into their 90 million dollar payroll.
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
6:22 pm
JNick…that’s correct. 2010 that Felix won it. Years passing by quicker than I realized.
tmc
August 15th, 2012
6:22 pm
Paragraph 2: “with their middle-of-the-pack payroll”
Why does a top 6 or 7 TV market have a middle of the pack payroll?
answer that, and you might be finding the answer to Bourn or Prado or why our bench has been so poor over the last several years.
Small market teams with a higher payroll: (and it’s not close)
Milwaukee, Minnesota, St. Louis, Miami (pre-fire sale).
= ridiculous.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:22 pm
Dude (Felix) got love last season when he won the Cy Young award!
He actually won in 2010…. Verlander won it last year
nolie: You can look at it that way, but in my opinion, he used steroids and tested positive… he knew it was coming…. No reason to expect to get out of it.
Sundrop Kid
August 15th, 2012
6:24 pm
Perfection can only be achieved by those striving to attain a 100% success rate, each and every day of their life. For 99.9% of the human race perfection is unattainable, and is decided more by luck than skill. As any baseball player will inform you, “I had rather be lucky than good.”
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:25 pm
cabravesfan: Matthew Diaz @diazfoundation
Hey guys thanks for all your thoughts and prayers. The surgery went well and pictures are up to follow
ChattTownBrian
August 15th, 2012
6:25 pm
That’s great about MelkDud. What goes around comes around. Life has a way of doing that and still some people don’t think it will.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:26 pm
Matthew Diaz @diazfoundation
To some of y’alls relief I don’t have the pictures yet
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
6:26 pm
tmc,
supposedly, the Braves have a very bad TV contract for the next 20+ years. (of course, that’s when you compare it to the ones recently signed by the Rangers, Angels, etc.)
JNick
August 15th, 2012
6:30 pm
Believe the TV contract is with “Peachtree TV” or something like that – and as many places as I’ve lived, I’ve never had that channel as an option. Probably have to live within 10 miles of Atlanta to get it…lol
ChattTownBrian
August 15th, 2012
6:30 pm
Bourn will go, but that doesn’t mean I’ll forget about him. Chipper is right that #1 priority should be signing this guy in the offseason, but it isn’t HIS money. He is right though. Very valuable player.
tmc
August 15th, 2012
6:32 pm
Jay Dubu- i understand that to be true, unfortunately.
Instead of treating it like an anchor and have it directly affect the product on the field… why not treat it like a player and negotiate a buyout. Resign a new TV deal for proper big money. And compete like a real top 10 team.
And wheres the story about the person who signed that horrible TV contract?
If it has affected the team as much as it has, why not call this person out?
I’d like to know who the moron is.
extremus
August 15th, 2012
6:32 pm
After the way Melkweed seemed to rub it in on the Braves standing and watching home runs and “hot dogging” in the outfield on certain plays when the Giants were in Atlanta, I can’t feel one ounce of sympathy for him.
Let us repeat: How did Melky Cabrera “revitalize” his career and raise his average by 100 points along with his power numbers since leaving the Braves? He juiced (also known as “cheated”). Meaning he was never the player that he wanted to depict by his strutting. 50 games should rightfully become retirement for him if the Giants and any other MLB teams have any brains about them when he becomes eligible to return; without his “edge” I suspect his numbers will return to those woeful levels that Braves fans were so joyous to see him leave town over.
extremus
August 15th, 2012
6:36 pm
We can resign Bourn easily; all Liberty Media has to do to make it happen is just cut $15 million or so off of CEO Malone’s annual $90-plus million salary.
And yes, that’s sarcasm, ’cause we all know that isn’t going to happen.
Braveone
August 15th, 2012
6:37 pm
From the previous blog which had 1,122 comments, phil led the way with 70 posts. There were 113 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 phil 70
2 Venice Jim 63
3 Pace 56
4 Sundrop Kid 56
5 Efrim 48
6 Brian from SC 47
7 TheOnlyBravesFan 42
8 ACE 40
9 McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô: 40
10 nolie 36
11 kelevra 31
12 MFin04 29
13 raleighbravefan 29
14 Tomahawk Mafia 28
15 cricket 28
16 cabravesfan 25
17 SNEAKY PETE 24
18 TennesseePaul 21
19 Lew 20
20 Veer 17
21 Jimmy 16
22 Tomahawkin 16
23 richbrave 16
24 JC Brave 15
25 George 14
Trader Jack
August 15th, 2012
6:37 pm
tmc
August 15th, 2012
6:32 pm
Jay Dubu- i understand that to be true, unfortunately.
Instead of treating it like an anchor and have it directly affect the product on the field… why not treat it like a player and negotiate a buyout. Resign a new TV deal for proper big money. And compete like a real top 10 team.
And wheres the story about the person who signed that horrible TV contract?
If it has affected the team as much as it has, why not call this person out?
I’d like to know who the moron is.
There is no re-do on the TV deal. The deal was structured by Time Warner, who just happens to own Peachtree. The Braves are stuck with this deal for another 19 years
hmmmmm............
August 15th, 2012
6:39 pm
If they do resign Bourn, what do they do about McCann the next offseason? If McCann struggles do they let him walk after next year?
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
6:39 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan-
Thanks
chilidawg
August 15th, 2012
6:41 pm
Hey Liberty Media: Give the Braves more money or sell them. The only reason you bought the team was for tax savings, and Braves fans have had to put up with a bargain basement approach ever since. Sports teams should be owned be people who love the sport and have pride in their product. Liberty Media does not love the Braves or baseball, and they could care less about the fans. I am not upset with the Braves, or team management. I am upset with Liberty Media, and all Braves Fans should be mad too.
Hey Melk Man....Got Karma
August 15th, 2012
6:41 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA. Made my day when I saw that Melky was suspended for PEDs. Serves that SOB right for the crap that he pulled when SF came to town.
Felix
August 15th, 2012
6:41 pm
Oh, Melky the jerk. When the Giants came to Atlanta I told you Melky was doping. No way else one could explain such a huge turnaround. From a lazy, bumbler who struggled to hit into one of the premier hitters overnight??
Yeah, sure Melky. I wasn’t buying it.
hmmmmm............
August 15th, 2012
6:42 pm
I think that tax break they got for the Braves ends this year or maybe it already did
extremus
August 15th, 2012
6:43 pm
I think the Braves are hoping Bethancourt will be ready soon enough to help solve the McCann question. Hard to say though.
NorCal
August 15th, 2012
6:44 pm
Just hoping the Giants don’t go after Bourn now that Melky’s gone.
Sundrop Kid
August 15th, 2012
6:44 pm
What? What? Only #4? The ‘SUNDROP KID’ always matriculated to the front of the class previously. In Nashville I was never, ever lower than numero uno. ‘SK’ demands a recount immediately! This is an atrocity!
Felix
August 15th, 2012
6:45 pm
The Braves have been rebourn. They are the Bourn Again Braves.
We want Bourn! We want Bourn! If Liberty doesn’t fork up the cash, then we should call it the Bourn Conspiracy.
tmc
August 15th, 2012
6:45 pm
Trader Jack-
So as Braves fans we are just supposed to accept that we will spend money like a below average small market team because some executive singed a bad deal… for the next 19 years?
I don’t buy it.
That’s a helpless mentality like the Hawks before Danny Ferry.
We need someone like DF to come in a correct the problem hamstringing this team.
Felix
August 15th, 2012
6:46 pm
Hate those pop up political ads! Hate them!!!!!!!!!!!!
JNick
August 15th, 2012
6:46 pm
Tax break ended in 2011…
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
6:48 pm
Chilidawg, was reading an article in the Macon Telegraph 2-3 days ago by Bill Shanks and he said the Chairman of the Board of Liberty Media, John Malone, had only been to one Braves’ game in 5 yrs., and that was in Colorado. Don’t know if that’s true or not, but sounds logical to me. That was one of the best articles I have read lowering the boom on Liberty. Wish everyone could have read it. For some reason or another it disappeared after one day. Think maybe he was forced to take it down.
Trader Jack
August 15th, 2012
6:48 pm
tmc
There’s not a damn thing you can do about it.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
6:50 pm
Jason Heyward is being interviewed on the pre-game show. That usually means he is gonna have a crap game. Stay tuned.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
6:50 pm
If Melky gets another job in the MLB, I’ll be disappointed… that POC shouldn’t play in the MLB again.
Heck, I don’t even want him to get to play in Japan… go find a “real” job.
(in case you couldn’t tell, I have an intense dislike, okay hatred, for “juicers”)
phil
August 15th, 2012
6:50 pm
Another perfect game. 3 this year. Unheard of.
Clearly cheating….
nolie
August 15th, 2012
6:50 pm
with the absolute steal that they have, why would they agree to a buy out?
JWOOD
August 15th, 2012
6:51 pm
You sign a 29 year old to a 7 year contract and give it 3-4 years before everyone is crying about how much payroll he is taking up. If they sign him and the Braves don’t get a World Series in the next few years, 35 years old is going to start looking mighty daunting for Bourn. He is a prize now, but so were a lot of the Phillies big signings…
Felix
August 15th, 2012
6:51 pm
Don’t you love the way the Giants just stuck their heads in the sand when they had to know,or at least suspect, that Melky “the idiot” was full of human performance enhancers and brahma bull testosterone?
Birrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrd Man
August 15th, 2012
6:53 pm
Pay him. Pay himmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. (In the voice of a mad German scientist.)
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
6:53 pm
Thanks Brian Jordan for pronouncing “parents” as “purents”. You are this damn close to being Tyler Perry.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
6:53 pm
The ‘SUNDROP KID’ always matriculated to the front of the class previously….Sundrop
are we sure that the Sundrop Kid really knows what matriculated means any more than he did with fortnight???
smallmouth6
August 15th, 2012
6:55 pm
None of them are worth the silly money they are being paid. Respect the honest players, not the cheaters. If Barry Bonds gets into the Hall of Fame, I’m going to spend even more days fishing. Baseball got out of hand under this current commissioner who LOVES LOVES money and represents it well.
JNick
August 15th, 2012
6:56 pm
lol @ Jerry…
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
6:58 pm
extremus,
You telling me that the CEO of Liberty Media earns more than the Braves’ 2012 payroll?
There is something wrong with that.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
6:58 pm
Way to go Jerome. You say that Maholm has been “lights out” for the Braves. Never mind the fact that he is 1-1 in his two games. Doesn’t scream lights out from here.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
6:59 pm
There are a lot of CEOs around the country who make more than he does
JNick
August 15th, 2012
7:00 pm
Pitchers don’t win and lose games on their own, Jerry. 3 ER in 16 innings is pretty darn good, if you ask me…
Quack Quack
August 15th, 2012
7:00 pm
See Chipper, you were right. what goes around comes around. It wasn’t Melky being ugly in Atlanta, it was the DRUGS!! JUST SAY NO!!
BFChris27
August 15th, 2012
7:01 pm
LaRoache
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:01 pm
not good enough for the Jerr-ster obviously
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
7:01 pm
“Way to go Jerome. You say that Maholm has been “lights out” for the Braves. Never mind the fact that he is 1-1 in his two games. Doesn’t scream lights out from here.”
1.69 ERA sure does though….
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
7:01 pm
Rochie drops an in-field pop-up.
Run scores, tying run to the plate with 2 out in the bottom of the ninth.
Let that be Washington’s Kelly Johnson moment.
extremus
August 15th, 2012
7:02 pm
@Jay Dabu,
Yep, according to an article posted (I’m not certain by which writer; it may have been DOB) awhile back, the entire Braves payroll is less than Liberty Media’s CEO makes in a given year.
Hmmmm
August 15th, 2012
7:02 pm
Posey batting representing the tying run
smallmouth6
August 15th, 2012
7:03 pm
Even more on Melky, he tainted the All Start game, an exhibition game that determines home field advantage during the World Series.
LAG
August 15th, 2012
7:04 pm
Jerry – Thanks Brian Jordan for pronouncing “parents” as “purents”. You are this damn close to being Tyler Perry.
That’s that Baltimore accent. I know it very well.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
7:04 pm
Posey strikes out to end the game.
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
7:04 pm
Breaking News: Nationals win, again.
Hmmmm
August 15th, 2012
7:05 pm
Nats pass their Giants test, after their series with the Mets they get a Braves test
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:05 pm
yup, Bal-mer has iggles and zinks too
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:06 pm
1.69 ERA sure does though….
Sorry. Giving up 2 homers and 3 runs to a shytty Astros team is not “lights out”. Don’t get me wrong, I like Maholm. Just taking exception to Jerome’s description.
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
7:07 pm
SK, ……Are you the same “Sundance Kid” that was posting last year on the Tennessean sports blogs a lot? You mentioned Nashville and your wording seems similar. Was that you, and are you still there?
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:07 pm
so, lights out is like an ERA of 0.00?
George
August 15th, 2012
7:07 pm
Good day all
Good blog by DOB. Great that CHIPPER spoke out about keeping BOURN. CHIPPER is very imtelligent about baseball. It would be very good if next year he had some input as to howthe team is run.
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
7:08 pm
“so, lights out is like an ERA of 0.00?”
Sadly, that’s what some on here think.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:08 pm
Sundrop is from a different place with each avatar he uses
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
7:09 pm
I honestly don’t think the Braves’ front office is near a state of concern at this point in his career, knowing how smart front offices seem these days and how smart the Braves front office seems to be. I think they understand evaluation better than the fan base and have a better understanding that the fan base as to what batting average and RBI do and don’t tell us.
Shaun, I get it. And you don;t have to thump the BA and RBI sucks book with me. I’m on your side with statistical evidence and player evaluation, but I think you’re a bit off on expectations with Heyward – at least from what we read earlier this year.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:09 pm
That’s that Baltimore accent. I know it very well. LAG
Really? Didn’t know they had one of their own. It almost sounds worst than some of the bumpkins down here. And before anyone gives me grief about that, I was born and raised in Atlanta. Thank God I don’t sound entirely like it.
Busch Leaguer
August 15th, 2012
7:10 pm
Liberty will low ball Bourn ,something like 4 years 44 million.
Sundrop Kid
August 15th, 2012
7:12 pm
That would be “yours truly” kind sir, one and the same, but one small correction if I may. It’s “SUNDROP KID” not SUNDANCE. My self-esteem would suffer greatly if it were “SUNDANCE!”
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
7:12 pm
I’d actually like Felix Hernandez to stay a Mariner. I’d like Verlander to stay a Tiger. I enjoy seeing prospects come up through the system and stay with their teams. Just my opinion.
Disgusted
August 15th, 2012
7:12 pm
No wonder why Melky got so much better after he left here.
Oh well. I sort of do not care one way or the other how he does.
Joe Simpson
August 15th, 2012
7:12 pm
Joe with a live microphone in the broadcasters booth: Dan Uggla is great! Dan is super! Man, is Uggs having a terrific year! Soon, any day now, some team is going to pay when he really breaks out and goes on a tear.
Off mike, to Chip: Hey, do you think those idiot fans are buying my spiel about Uggla?
Chip: Oh sure, you bet they are.
I love Dan.
keylargo
August 15th, 2012
7:12 pm
Just turned on the broadcast and it was the Padres announcers that came up first. Well, I think I will watch the Padres tonight as Dick Enberg is the play by play guy.
George
August 15th, 2012
7:12 pm
Hope Lew had good news this afternoon.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:13 pm
so, lights out is like an ERA of 0.00? SP
Or 2-0 with a 1.69 ERA. Point is he won 1 and lost 1 against a team he should have owned. He gave up 2 homers and he almost never gives up homers. That, in and of itself, says he wasn’t lights out in that game.
Jfreak13713
August 15th, 2012
7:14 pm
No way you pay him 12 – 15 million a year! I like the guy and understand he is a key figure in the Braves offense but he isn’t worth that kind of money. The Braves will need a true Number 1 starter if they are to contend for a World Series. If you can sign a true number 1 starter and Bourne then I don’t care what you pay him but pitching is more important. Bourne has certainly been good but maybe too good for Atlanta to keep. If a guy can’t hit .300 with 30 home runs and 115 rbi or win 18 – 20 games per year then he isn’t worth 15 millon a year.
Go Braves!
brian
August 15th, 2012
7:14 pm
that is great top of the 1st!!
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
7:14 pm
Six strikes in seven pitches for Maholm in 1st inning
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
7:14 pm
Okay, Jerry
The Rev Al
August 15th, 2012
7:15 pm
No way the braves sign Bourn. Buster Olney, ESPN sportswriter, wrote an article about this subject and said the two major suitors will be Washnington and the Phillies. He did not even reference the potential that the braves would perhaps sign him. This franchise opts for lower budget players. Count Bourn gone this fall.
Disgusted
August 15th, 2012
7:16 pm
Ditto Efrim on your 7:12 post.
I can see Verlander staying with Det as long as Illitch is around.
And the stuff about trading Felix for a package is a joke, you do not move out your impact players, you build around them.
Most of the time when the superstar is traded, other GM’s will lowball. That goes in all sports.
Like Dwight Howard to the Lakers for the bad of junk Orlado got. Or, how bout the bags of junk our onc beloved Thrashers got for Marian Hossa and Illya Kovanchuck.
Other GM’s lowball cause they know they do not have to pay fair value to the trading team trading out of despareation.
keylargo
August 15th, 2012
7:18 pm
I think Bourn (Boras) starts paying attention at the 5 year $75M mark and tries to negotiate up to the 6 year $102M mark (6yr/$17M)
LAG
August 15th, 2012
7:18 pm
Jerry – Really? Didn’t know they had one of their own. It almost sounds worst than some of the bumpkins down here. And before anyone gives me grief about that, I was born and raised in Atlanta. Thank God I don’t sound entirely like it.
Yep, they do some weird things with vowels up that way. We lived there for four years, and the accent never ceased to amuse me and hurt my ears at the same time.
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
7:19 pm
Another double play for Prado
Disgusted
August 15th, 2012
7:19 pm
The Braves can choose not to keep Bourn and that is their perogative. And we will be weaker in CF in 2013.
Trading for a low cost CF like Lorenzo Cain or Peter Bourjos is a drop in quality plain and simple.
Either pay him or get worse in CF. I do not care about Liberty Media’s $$$$$$$$$, they have it but its their choice whether to spend it or not.
Ownership will do what they want.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:19 pm
Prado sure has been hitting into a lot of DPs lately
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
7:20 pm
Saw it coming.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
7:20 pm
Tough luck, double play even with the runner going.
phoenix
August 15th, 2012
7:20 pm
Just you wait: Chip Caray is going to be one fine announcer after he goes through puberty.
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
7:21 pm
DPs have haunted the Braves at all the wrong times. Would have been nice to get off to an early lead tonight, and put some pressure on the Padres.
kevkat
August 15th, 2012
7:21 pm
Lately?..He’s a double play machine..even with the runner going he hits into one..
LAG
August 15th, 2012
7:21 pm
Prado sure seems to GIDP quite a bit. He leads the team with 15 this year, after that one he just hit into.
Second and third on the team are Mac (12) and Chipper (10).
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
7:22 pm
Prado’s 15th GIDP — only 3 NL players had more than 15 before today
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
7:22 pm
Good job, J-Hey.
Sundrop Kid
August 15th, 2012
7:22 pm
This Irishman thinks the somewhat faltering Braves have to insure a victory tonight, after a Giants win, or re-name the stadium, ‘THE TITANIC”. Let’s all pray that does not happen.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:22 pm
yeah like that was Prado’s fault. Runner ain’t going, its a hit
Mountain Braves Fan
August 15th, 2012
7:22 pm
Josh Willingham is having a great season but not sure I would be eager to trade for him. He only got three years and $21 million from the Twins for a reason: teams were scared about his health problems and ability to stay on the field. In 2008, 57 days on the DL with back spasms. In 2010, 48 days on the DL for left knee surgery. In 2011, 19 days on the DL with a strained achilles tendon. He hasn’t had as many as 500 at bats in a season since 2007. But he has hit a ton of home runs this season.
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
7:23 pm
That was Prado’s 15th GIDP this season. C
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
7:23 pm
Then again, Ryan Zimmerman had 17 GIDP before today….
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
7:24 pm
DOB stole my thunder with the GIDP stat. Didn’t see his comment until after I had submitted mine.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:25 pm
not surprising seeing that he Ks so seldom and puts the ball in play a lot like a #2 hitter is supposed to do
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
7:26 pm
guy was very fortunate to get out of that inning…im pretty sure prado swung at ball 4 when he GIDP…could of had bases loaded, 0 out
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:27 pm
Quentin is even worse than Willingham in regards to staying on the field
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
7:27 pm
Quentin crushed that ball.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:27 pm
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:22 pm
yeah like that was Prado’s fault. Runner ain’t going, its a hit
Really? That had so many bounces to it that the SS still would’ve reached it and turned it.
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
7:29 pm
Lucas Sims going for Danville tonight. 2 K’s in the 1st.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:29 pm
I doubt that Jerry, just more negativity
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:31 pm
yeah like that was Prado’s fault. Runner ain’t going, its a hit
And on the other hand, if Prado had hit the ball right where the shortstop was and it got through, it would have been a hit because the runner was moving. So yeah, it’s still Prado’s fault. Hit em where they ain’t.
phoenix
August 15th, 2012
7:32 pm
I know I’m naive…but if Michael Bourn truly likes playing in ATL, likes his teammates, and so on….wouldn’t he take a bit of a hometown discount to play with the Braves? I mean seriously: over the term of a long contract, what will he miss making $16 million a year, as opposed to $17 million? And I’d be excited about the prospect of a 30, 31, 32 yr. old Michael Bourn playing for the Braves. Age 35 and beyond? Not so much (see Jimmy Rollins, etc.)
ChattTownBrian
August 15th, 2012
7:33 pm
Maholm not as sharp this start
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:34 pm
How is that being negative? I haven’t said the first thing tonight that the Braves are gonna lose this game. In fact, I rarely do say that. There are enough people here that say it for me. All I ever really beat a dead horse with is Uggla’s troubles. Stop me when I’m lying.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:36 pm
I just think that you mostly think that the bad thing will happen most of the time. Your first assumption that he would have been out anyway and that is not necessarily true.
BTW, glad to read that you are not at death’s door
BFChris27
August 15th, 2012
7:39 pm
Juan Francisco!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
7:39 pm
That ball was absolutely scorched!!!!
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
7:39 pm
Good situation here for the Braves, yes.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
7:40 pm
frozen-rope double for Francisco, Braves w/ 2 in scor. position and none out
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
7:40 pm
Jerry, August 15th, 2012, 7:34 pm … “…the Braves are gonna lose this game.”
Jerry, you are just soooo negative.
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
7:40 pm
Great situation for Mac to get some ribbies!
2K91
August 15th, 2012
7:41 pm
That ball was scalded!
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
7:41 pm
Third base. Icky.
CSP
August 15th, 2012
7:41 pm
Great & Comprehensive, DOB!!
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:42 pm
that sux
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:42 pm
And you are entitled to believe what you want, but the first thing I thought when Prado hit the ball was that it wouldn’t have gotten through anyway. It was kinda slow. Of course, maybe if no one was on base and he hit it, it would have been a bang bang play at first. Who knows, but it did look like he had a good chance to turn it.
And thanks for the well wishes.
T-Dawg
August 15th, 2012
7:42 pm
Dang…….
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
7:42 pm
Oh boy disappointingly weak grounder
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
7:43 pm
Mac has cooled considerably.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
7:43 pm
Danny needs to take his no-doze.
Or get a better secondary lead.
Should have scored with room to spare on that grounder.
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
7:43 pm
Let’s extend McCann’s contract after the game!!!
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:44 pm
Wow. That was a nice hit by Francisco and McCann didn’t help out. How bad is McCann going when Francisco is hitting in front of him?
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
7:44 pm
Come on now, only way Uggla scores there is if he is running on the pitch. McCann has to get that ball to the outfield.
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
7:44 pm
phoenix
“…And I’d be excited about the prospect of a 30, 31, 32 yr. old Michael Bourn playing for the Braves. Age 35 and beyond? Not so much (see Jimmy Rollins, etc.)”
Therein is the answer to your question. Careers are short, so players have to get the long term, big money deal whenever it becomes available. May not get another chance.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
7:44 pm
Queuing the WLBB meltdown in …
strike one!
strike two!
strike three!
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
7:44 pm
Looks like they are going to squander a situation with runners on second and third with no outs. They just had the wrong portion of the lineup at the plate.
BusterBrave
August 15th, 2012
7:45 pm
RaJia Davis will probably available if can’t sign Bourne….just sayin’……:-)
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:45 pm
another crappy at bat with guys in scoring position.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
7:46 pm
Keep in mind, Francisco playing almost exclusively vs. RHPs. Vs lefties, he’s 7-for-35 (.200) with no walks, 11 K’s.
kevkat
August 15th, 2012
7:46 pm
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
7:44 pm
Looks like they are going to squander a situation with runners on second and third with no outs. They just had the wrong portion of the lineup at the plate.
Yes..but they’re all supposed to be professional hitters..except pitcher
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:47 pm
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
7:40 pm
Jerry, August 15th, 2012, 7:34 pm … “…the Braves are gonna lose this game.”
You went to a lot of trouble to find that. Now the big question. Did the Braves lose that game? Bet they did.
nobody
August 15th, 2012
7:47 pm
Malholm has had a better at bat here than mac and janish. Jeez guys
njbraves
August 15th, 2012
7:47 pm
Ridiculous not to score here. This team wastes so many chances.
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
7:47 pm
mccann needs to disabled or benched or something because he has gone from one of our best hitters to a black hole the last year
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
7:48 pm
Maholm working Volquez pretty good here.
Hmmmm
August 15th, 2012
7:48 pm
disappointing inning
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
7:48 pm
Did we have our ‘Activia’ for pre-game?
Felix
August 15th, 2012
7:48 pm
Pathetic! Second and third, no outs and nothing; no runs. That’s the old weak Braves offense for you.
Uggla should have scored if he hadn’t been napping. Bench his butt Fredi!
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:48 pm
abeeewright,
I didn’t even look at that time stamp. I didn’t say that tonight.
kevkat
August 15th, 2012
7:48 pm
Mac and Uggla should be ashamed of themselves..wasted chance
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
7:48 pm
That is frustrating. That was a wonderful opportunity to score some runs. McCann and Janish need to get the ball to the outfield.
T-Dawg
August 15th, 2012
7:49 pm
Sad….just so very sad
ChattTownBrian
August 15th, 2012
7:49 pm
McCann mcneeds some glasses!
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
7:49 pm
Although it’s the Padres, the Braves can not afford to squander opportunities like that. They’re just not that strong of a team all around.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:50 pm
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:45 pm
another crappy at bat with guys in scoring position.
C’mon Pete. I didn’t say anything about that inning only because I didn’t want you to call me negative and then you post that. That’s sad.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
7:50 pm
Jerry … just a little creative editing. I was pulling your leg.
Tina
August 15th, 2012
7:51 pm
McCann better talk to dad your not hitting .
ChattTownBrian
August 15th, 2012
7:51 pm
“Sad…..just so very sad”
Yeah, like a funeral.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:51 pm
I don’t like this Denorfia guy. Big ass nose.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
7:52 pm
It appears that Maholm fields his position quite well. That is refreshing.
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
7:52 pm
Here’s the one major difference in Washington and ATL. Was looking at the standings and it jumped out at me. The Gnats are playing at a .640 winning percentage ON THE ROAD. Nobody else in MLB is even close to that, not even the dang Yankees! They have 41 wins on the “friggin’ road. Aint gonna be no division title for sure this year with Washington playing like that! Shoot for the wildcard and that’s about all that’s left. Had their chances and kept blowing it all year. Liberty Media has produced mediocrity once again. Sorry to disappoint all you “dreamers” and “eternal optimists”.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
7:52 pm
Out by a spike.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:52 pm
Nice throw there Uggs!
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
7:53 pm
the sad thing is…3 or 4 runs early and the padres usually fold
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:54 pm
abeeewright,
Kinda gathered that. It’s all good.
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
7:54 pm
Although it’s the Padres
You should know by now that it doesn’t matter what team the Braves are facing… in their minds, they’re always facing the 1927 Yankees.
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
7:55 pm
That’s what happens when you don’t score when your suppose to the inning before…
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
7:55 pm
So that’s three home runs Maholm has allowed at Turner Field as a Brave.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
7:56 pm
Good thing Freddie bailed Danny out, saving that poor throw. Otherwise, it’s 2-0.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:56 pm
abeeewright,
Err, you might wanna hold onto that creative editing. Might have a use for it later.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
7:57 pm
It’s almost as hard to call that wall-scraper, pole-scraper a home run. Almost as hard as the HR that bounced off Canseco’s head.
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
7:57 pm
The Braves have to respond to the Padres run. They had great opportunity to score in last inning, and didn’t, and the Pads come up and get on the board.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
7:58 pm
Difference between claiming negative things will happen, and making a true comment about something that did happen. I doubt anybody here did not think that was a sorry bunch of at bats Jerry
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:58 pm
Yeah, 3 homers at a stadium that isn’t that easy to hit homers in. Not a good sign. Tells me that he’s just like Hudson in that if he gets to much of the plate, he is toast. He doesn’t get away with mistakes.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
7:58 pm
Padres have the fourth best record since the All Star Break in the NL. I wouldn’t put them in the same category as the disAstros.
IlliniBrave
August 15th, 2012
7:58 pm
@Tuff: good point about the Nats road success. But if and when Strasburg is either shut down or breaks down from overuse, they will be a different team. Desmond coming back from the DL will possibly help, but it will take a while for his swing to some back from the strained oblique, if it even does. The division title is not such a foregone conclusion.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
7:59 pm
It was definitely a terrible exhibition of clutchlessness Pete.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
7:59 pm
Yay, Bourny. Earn that $15M, 5 year contract.
Busch Leaguer
August 15th, 2012
8:00 pm
If the Braves lose Bourn ,how about going after Jacoby Ellsbury from the Red Sox? He is another Boras client and he will be in his walk year. Made around 9M this year ,more than likely a rental for one year .Worth taking a risk on a trade (Hanson maybe?) Red Sox looking for starting pitching and will likely shop Ellsbury this off season.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
8:00 pm
gee that one bounced a lot too
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
8:00 pm
Volquez has a nasty sinker.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
8:01 pm
Third base. Icky.
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
8:01 pm
Heyward needs to punish one right here.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
8:01 pm
Oh nooooo, here’s come Uggla with runners at 2nd and 3rd.
LAG
August 15th, 2012
8:01 pm
Liners to the opposite field on outer-half pitches = good baseball.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
8:01 pm
My bad, forgot about Freddie.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
8:02 pm
Nice piece of hitting for Heyward. How about pushing some runs across.
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
8:02 pm
Fredi with a chance to add to his team high RBI.
Jay Dubu
August 15th, 2012
8:02 pm
Freddy
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
8:02 pm
yes it was, and I have no trouble with any one saying that, at least as long as they don’t go on and on with it
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
8:03 pm
a fly ball woulda been nice there too
kevkat
August 15th, 2012
8:03 pm
what the hell is going on
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
8:03 pm
No no no Pete. Even Joe Simpson said it. It didn’t bounce, it skimmed. Don’t look now though, the Braves are about to blow another inning.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
8:04 pm
Ridiculous approaches by the Braves with men on base.
T-Dawg
August 15th, 2012
8:04 pm
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
8:04 pm
Looks like it may be yet another frustrating inning.
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
8:04 pm
An out was going to be made there- at least the guys were all wise enough to move up so we still have runners in scoring position
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
8:05 pm
And the stupid, incompetent Braves get thrown out at home plate again.
Shocking.
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
8:06 pm
another batting practice report of dan uggla…joe simpson gives about one a week
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
8:06 pm
Actually, Martin got thrown out going back to third base.
kevkat
August 15th, 2012
8:07 pm
Uggs with the pick up….
LAG
August 15th, 2012
8:07 pm
Now THAT’S how you hit the ball out to left.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
8:07 pm
His name is Dan, Dan Uggla!!!
BFChris27
August 15th, 2012
8:07 pm
UGGLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
8:07 pm
well, that worked
Bama Braves
August 15th, 2012
8:07 pm
UGGLAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
8:07 pm
Well, so much for what I was gonna say.
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
8:07 pm
“another batting practice report of dan uggla…joe simpson gives about one a week”
That was batting practice like right there….
Hmmmm
August 15th, 2012
8:07 pm
inning saved by Uggla!
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
8:07 pm
Ok, now THAT is truly SHOCKING.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
8:07 pm
You call that a home run (the Padres wall-scraper)? Now that is a home run (Uggla’s)!
Thanks to Crocodile Dundee for the line.
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
8:08 pm
their are no words to how big that was….Uggla!!!!!!
kevkat
August 15th, 2012
8:08 pm
I would still chew on the arse’s of Freddie and Mac..can’t even hit the ball to the outfield…
T-Dawg
August 15th, 2012
8:08 pm
Maybe Uggla is back to May 2011 form. Still prefer August 2011.
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
8:08 pm
Actually, Martin got thrown out going back to third base.
Such a liar, that Gameday…
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
8:09 pm
I love it when I am wrong. Nice shot by Uggla.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
8:09 pm
Just CRUSHED that 95 mph, letters-high heater. Turned on it and hammered it.
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
8:09 pm
My, my I always thought Dan could chop one soon
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
8:09 pm
what was shocking about it? He has had a good August with some homers and ribbies
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
8:10 pm
His name is Dan. Dan Uggla. $20,000 per plate appearance for a part time hitter. Great investment!
1957 Braves Fan
August 15th, 2012
8:11 pm
Please hold this lead.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
8:11 pm
always has to be some idiot Tuff, we understand
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
8:13 pm
Maholm is not as sharp so far this game, so I guess not lights out
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
8:13 pm
Great. Hit Quentin on an 0-2 pitch.
Common Sense
August 15th, 2012
8:14 pm
Andy Elliott @delli022
@ajcbraves @mlbbowman Jiar just walked off mound in Norfolk with trainer.
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
8:14 pm
one hopper to janish right here…
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
8:16 pm
Maybin is pretty good at hitting that small dribbler in front of the plate against the Braves. I remember him doing that last year too.
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:18 pm
Uggla really crunched that ball, didn’t he? Badly needed…
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
8:18 pm
Facts are facts, SP, can’t deny the truth. Sorry if you take it personally!
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:19 pm
Jiar does that a lot….
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
8:19 pm
Ok now let’s handle the success….have a quiet 4th….except for Joe promoting Bud Black’s Bio.
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:19 pm
Paul as sharp as a butter knife here….sigh.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
8:19 pm
Doesn’t look like Maholm wants to win this game.
Hmmmm
August 15th, 2012
8:19 pm
Padres > Mets
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
8:20 pm
I don’t know really who to blame but it seems like almost every Braves pitcher gets ahead of a batter and then starts to pick around the corners instead of attacking…
T-Dawg
August 15th, 2012
8:20 pm
It’s a good thing walks never come back to hurt a team.
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
8:20 pm
Woohoo!
Maholm is gonna tie it!
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:20 pm
Not a quiet 4th…..grrrr
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
8:20 pm
Maholm just being “lights out”.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
8:21 pm
Steeerike three.
1-2 to Hundley after that non-called strike.
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:21 pm
Fox tracks my foot…..the pitch was low.
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
8:22 pm
“Fox tracks my foot…..the pitch was low.”
Oh it was definitely a strike on there, but the Padres didn’t get that call a bit ago so its even now.
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:22 pm
Yeah….Maholm wants to lose.
brian
August 15th, 2012
8:23 pm
still trying to figure out why pitchers try to sneak a fastball by Uggla. He can tomahawk the high pitches as well. SHould be nothing but breaking balls, especially with 2 strikes
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:23 pm
That was some terrific pitching right there…..well done.
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
8:23 pm
Big big k’s
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
8:24 pm
Volquez strikes out, Padres leave ‘em loaded vs. Maholm, who’s thrown 62 pitches in 4 innings, has 3-1 lead
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
8:24 pm
Geebus. Volquez must have swung about 2 feet above that curve ball.
Trainer is going to have to untie the knots that Volquez twisted himself in.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
8:24 pm
Maholm was definitely “lights out” on those last two batters. Maybe he settles down now.
brian
August 15th, 2012
8:24 pm
not the quick top half of the inning I was hoping for but kept them scoreless anyway. Time to jump back on Volquez
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
8:25 pm
got the big bats coming up….
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
8:27 pm
Woohoo!
Maholm didn’t do what I said he would!
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:27 pm
Poor Mac….
Really scuffling. Sad.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
8:27 pm
Uggla has 8 extra-base hits (3 HRs) and 16 RBIs in past 16 games, after hitting .110 w/ 4 extra-base hits and 9 RBIs in previous 42 games.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
8:27 pm
So, the Braves have 2nd and 3rd with no outs and don’t score. The Braves are bumbs.
The Padres strand the bases loaded with one and and the Braves pitching is outstanding. Got to the weak part of the Padres order and shut them down.
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
8:27 pm
thanks for that gift
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
8:29 pm
How bizarre!
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
8:29 pm
thanks for the gift
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:30 pm
Janish gets really lucky….
Trey
August 15th, 2012
8:30 pm
McFann, I just read your comment on the previous blog, since I have been sleeping pretty much the whole day. Yeah, I know all about that wisdom teeth thing. They pulled mine out, in boot camp, on my 20th birthday. All they did was give me Novacaine, in my gums. I was conscious through the whole thing. At least, they put you to sleep for that
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
8:30 pm
Thought I would try to “cheer” you up even more “SP”. These numbers should do it.
Uggla -earned approx. 72% of salary so far this year so that’s 15 HRs @ $624,000 per HR AND
with 62RBI @ $151,000 per RBI
Taint pretty when you get it down to the penny is it? As I said, a part time hitter making $13M per yr.
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:32 pm
That works…..stole a run
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
8:32 pm
this is a weird inning
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
8:33 pm
You guy see Maholm loafing down to second? Would’ve been easy to throw him out if they’d known.
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
8:33 pm
Well done! (fortunately, posting that about a run has made me forget to laugh in TuffShtuff’s general direction for becoming the new blog obsessive)…
brian
August 15th, 2012
8:33 pm
I will take that run. Volquez would have got Janish at home but no way any other IF would have. Too bad volzquez didn’t hit that ball a little higher and further in the air
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:33 pm
Trey!
Glad you’re doing well and are past the surgery.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
8:33 pm
your version of “the truth” is everybody’s joke Tuff. nobody even needs to try to handle it
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:34 pm
Another dink job…..payback for mon nite.
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
8:34 pm
That was a nice try by the SS, albeit unsuccessful…
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
8:35 pm
C’mon Maholm. At least make it look like you’ve play baseball before. Did you just learn to use your legs or what?
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
8:36 pm
payback for mon nite
For half a second, I thought you were speaking French…
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
8:37 pm
who the devil wants the starting pitcher running hard in the middle of a game?
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
8:37 pm
“Trey, August 15th, 2012, 8:30 pm …They pulled mine out, in boot camp, on my 20th birthday.”
Did they need to come out? Or was this just a birthday/hazing thing?
Here’s a present, tough guy. We’re yanking your wisdom teeth out.
brian
August 15th, 2012
8:38 pm
Heyward is looking good tonight!!!
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
8:38 pm
That elicited an “ooh” from me as it was smacked…
Animus
August 15th, 2012
8:38 pm
Superlative effort by Heyward
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
8:38 pm
Jason , Mon ami
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:38 pm
Attaboy, way, er, Heyward!!
BFChris27
August 15th, 2012
8:38 pm
JHey!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
8:39 pm
Runs, too many runs!
I refuse to believe this is happening!
Nice work Heyward!
brian
August 15th, 2012
8:40 pm
pitching change here gives Maholm a little extra rest before he goes back out there. Now just throw strikes and go after the hitters
T-Dawg
August 15th, 2012
8:40 pm
Nice. Very Nice!
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
8:40 pm
3 really good AB’s by jason tonight….rest looks like it helped
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
8:40 pm
Good job Jason. I really like the direction he is headed. I know our offense looks helpless at times, but with Heyward, Freeman, Prado, and Simmons we do have a good core of talent. Can’t wait to see what Wren decides to do this winter. No way does he stand pat like last year. We got pieces to fill.
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
8:41 pm
just.missed.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
8:42 pm
Volquez out after 3-2/3 inn., in past 3 starts he’s now gone 1-2/3, 3-1/3 and 3-2/3, and given up 16 earned runs in total of 8-2/3 innings in that span.
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
8:42 pm
Almost hit miles for Mikulaus (sp)…..ok jay get him later
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
8:43 pm
Whats wrong Tuff your 12 year old girlfriend busy tonight?
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
8:43 pm
3rd in OBP, second in runs scored I believe
George Stein
August 15th, 2012
8:44 pm
Make ‘em burn through their ‘pen tonight, boys. Then make ‘em pay for it tomorrow.
Veer
August 15th, 2012
8:45 pm
Its frustrating to win all these games and not gain a ground and at the end it will suck when we will be 6 games better than the 2nd wildcard and in the 1 game playoff they will throw an ace and beat us.
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
8:45 pm
Adam Kilgore @AdamKilgoreWP
The Nats’ 41-23 record on the road is not only the best road record in the majors. It is better than any team’s HOME record.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
8:47 pm
anybody see that ufo dip below the screen?
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
8:47 pm
well Stanley(Jerry) I hope you’re satisfied, you ruined Maholm’s confidence and he is pitching much worse than before
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
8:49 pm
Look at the bright side Pete. At least his teammates showed up tonight and next time out he can pitch another 9 inning gem.
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:51 pm
Release Maholm…
ChattTownBrian
August 15th, 2012
8:52 pm
JHey is our future. Could be easily a 30/30 guy by this time next year. They don’t make a loct of these JHey’s, so be thankful he’s a Brave.
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:53 pm
Keep Maholm….nice pitch!
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
8:54 pm
Nice comeback, Maholm!
ChattTownBrian
August 15th, 2012
8:54 pm
Release phil. You’re starting to sound like nolie. Negative as you can get.
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
8:54 pm
he’s got 84 pitches…if he get through 2 more innings, it will be a good nights work
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:55 pm
Heyward is an incredible talent….
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
8:56 pm
Fire Bobby!!!
BFChris27
August 15th, 2012
8:56 pm
Bobby in attendance.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
8:56 pm
Bobby can still win ‘em, even from the stands
brian
August 15th, 2012
8:57 pm
love the Bobby chants – bet those were for a certain former blogger here
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
8:57 pm
Jurrjens in injury rehab start tonight in Triple-A, left in 3rd inning due to dizziness
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:57 pm
Chatt, kiss it….
I’m usually kidding. Too stupid to realize it after all this time?
brian
August 15th, 2012
8:58 pm
to think, Volquez was one of the better looking pitchers on the trade market
Felix
August 15th, 2012
8:58 pm
The Nats will come back to Earth sooner or later. They aren’t gonna keep playing .800/.900 ball. The Braves have to keep winning or sweeping series.
What’s with McCann? He looks bad at the plate tonight. Like he’s lost in that same dark place I’ve been to many times as a golfer.
Veer
August 15th, 2012
8:59 pm
Jurrjens probably got fed up of pitching so he made excuse that he is dizzy. i mean he knows there is no point in him pitching. Just a fake excuse
phil
August 15th, 2012
8:59 pm
Bobby was secretly managing….
tim
August 15th, 2012
8:59 pm
2 chances of keeping Bourn slim and none and slim just left town
brian
August 15th, 2012
8:59 pm
hope Jurrjens is OK and it just the heat. Jurrjens has had a rough year plus
Efrim
August 15th, 2012
8:59 pm
Danville RHP Lucas Sims – 5 IP, 4 hits, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K’s in his start tonight.
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
9:00 pm
OUCH!!!
phoenix
August 15th, 2012
9:00 pm
Fans chanting “Bobby! Bobby!” nostalgic for the days of Greg Norton, Kelly Johnson and Jeff Francoeur.
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
9:00 pm
DON’T HIT MAC!
brian
August 15th, 2012
9:00 pm
that hurts – speaking of a major charlie horse to the thigh
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:00 pm
JJ has become Nick Esasky…
ChattTownBrian
August 15th, 2012
9:00 pm
That’s the only way he can get on base. Sorry that was mean.
Mark
August 15th, 2012
9:00 pm
Question because I’m too tired to go back and read so I’m starting here
Does Melkys 50 games go for just regular season games or do the count the playoff teams for teams that make the playoffs?
TBbravesfan
August 15th, 2012
9:01 pm
Do nott hit mac again.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:01 pm
You have to admit that Janish hits a lot of balls sharply right at people.
brian
August 15th, 2012
9:01 pm
mac needs to get off his leg and ice it down. If he gets a big hematoma on the thigh it will be brutal trying to catch
Trey
August 15th, 2012
9:01 pm
phil, thanks. It felt like someone took a hammer and just smashed me down there, once I woke up, until I got my hydrocodone.
abewright, I believe they were impacted. I am glad I got those taken out, though.
brian
August 15th, 2012
9:02 pm
I like Janish. Good defense and should get better with the bat. Should at least get better luck as he continues to hit the ball hard at times right at people
Free Pastornicky
August 15th, 2012
9:02 pm
What do Carl Crawford, Jayson Werth and ARod have in common? They’ve all under performed their monster contracts. While I like Bourn a lot, I don’t like giving players long term deals.
SMOLTZ 29
August 15th, 2012
9:02 pm
McCann needs to sit and watch for a while. His batting average this year is a whopping 50 points below his career average! MERCY
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:02 pm
If it is the heat, then JJ is beyond out of shape….ridiculous in a professional pitcher.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
9:03 pm
A little lower and McCann’s out for the year with knee replacement surgery.
A little higher and MiniMac is an only child.
brian
August 15th, 2012
9:03 pm
you are kidding me with Gerald Perry.
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
9:03 pm
Thomas Boswell @ThomasBoswellWP
Nats bullpen shows wear. Burnett 91 mph sinker now 87. Guts it out
brian
August 15th, 2012
9:04 pm
I just remember Perry being dubbed as lazy
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:04 pm
Mark,
I don’t think anybody has covered that yet. I mean, it’s not like he’s injured and can be added to the playoff roster. In my mind, I would think that he can’t play if he is currently under suspension. And his suspension carries into next year. But I’ve been wrong before.
Veer
August 15th, 2012
9:04 pm
It not the heat. Jurrjens was getting roughed up and he knows atlanta is out of sight for him. what is the point of him pitching there? he knows it so he is like i have had it. He is wasting his time anyways.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
9:04 pm
in almost 1000 at bats Janish is less than a 590 hitter, not likely to get an awful lot better at this point
Mark
August 15th, 2012
9:05 pm
Yeah
Feel for JJ. Guy was on top of the world last season at All-Star break. Really nice guy. I’ve mentioned before he took up a lot of time with my son after church one day.
Life throws everyone curves. Hope he turns his career around but more importantly is ok!
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
9:05 pm
OOPS! Chip just remind me, forgot about BB’s since Uggs leads the league(he said). That would be, so far, 70 BBs @ $133,715 per walk and may as well include SO’s. That’s $72,000 per K.
If this had been any outside private company trying to make money, and cut costs, he would be out the door already. What’s that saying? “You are only as strong as your weakest link!” Maybe that’s the problem.
LAG
August 15th, 2012
9:05 pm
brian – hope Jurrjens is OK and it just the heat. Jurrjens has had a rough year plus
Somehow I doubt it’s the heat for two reasons:
1 – JJ is a native Curaçaoan and grew up in worse heat than we get here in the Southeast.
2 – It wasn’t hot in Norfolk today. Not at gametime anyway.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:05 pm
I’ve never heard Gerald Perry being labeled as lazy. He was a decent hitter on a not so decent team. That’s all I remember.
ChattTownBrian
August 15th, 2012
9:05 pm
And phil is just too stupid to realize my sarcasm after all this time. Stupid little sh**. I’ll smack the yellow off your teeth!
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
9:06 pm
Perry was an AllStar who stole 42 bases one year and around 3o the next
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
9:06 pm
Trey … was just making a little joke. Argh! Impacted wisdom teeth. One of the great nightmare’s. It hurts me just thinking about it.
phoenix
August 15th, 2012
9:06 pm
Players who are hopefully done…finished…as in, not in a Braves uniform again: Jack Wilson, Matt Diaz, Jair Jurrjens. The Braves have replaced each due to injuries, and have upgraded over every one of them.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
9:07 pm
you sure you are thinking of Perry brian? I remember him as always on the run
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
9:07 pm
You are an obsession, you’re my obsession
Who do you want me to be to make you share $stats with me
john
August 15th, 2012
9:08 pm
I would definitely make him a fair offer but not to put all the eggs in one basket. Scott Boras is an a–hole to deal with–so if he wants to walk after the Braves Fair offer–let him. Plenty of fish out there–Don’t spend too much on light hitting players. I like Mike–but don’t overpay.
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
9:08 pm
if this is one of maholm’s “bad” outings…i’ll take it
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
9:09 pm
“VJ” waxing poetic!
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:10 pm
What sarcasm, Chatt? Saw none up there.
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:11 pm
Perry looked lazy but wasn’t….
Rick
August 15th, 2012
9:12 pm
Mark, the suspension would include the playoffs if the Giants make it. Melky would have to sit out the first four games. But it’s questionable if the Giants would waste a roster spot when they don’t even know what kind of production he’ll bring.
Mark
August 15th, 2012
9:14 pm
Jerry
Yeah I’m sure he can’t play in the playoffs. I would hope that during the playoffs he couldn’t play but I’d also hope that playoff games would not count toward his 50. Wish it were even more games. Guys get cut that don’t cheat so they’re home working a real job with their ball careers over possibly because of a cheater.
Then he says he’s really sorry – Yeah sorry he got caught.
Big fat tail could’nt cut it without cheating. I try not to celebrate others misfortune but he knew he was cheating and after the way his tail acted in Atlanta that last series – Glad he got busted.
Something about San Fran that encourages cheating? He friends of Barry?
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
9:14 pm
FELIX……….you exaggerate! The Gnats are not playing .800-.900 ball. They are playing .620 right now, but .640 ON THE ROAD, of all things. That, while the Braves plod merely along at .575 You just don’t catch somebody doing that. That’s why the wildcard is the only thing left to shoot for now. AND it will be more difficult this year, due to the added emphasis and competition.
Trey
August 15th, 2012
9:14 pm
abewright, the teeth actually came out quite easily.
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
9:15 pm
You know what TUFF calls his older sister??…………….MAMA!!!!
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
9:15 pm
If things hold up, it’s worth mentioning that the Braves are behind Washington in the loss column by four games. If they win the remaining two series against Washington (a tall order but could be done), then they just have to make up two losses over all the remaining games.
Strength of schedule might account for one of those losses.
Strasburg blowing out his arm in September might be the other.
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
9:15 pm
Melky’s suspension covers the next 50 Giants games, regardless of if they are regular season or playoffs (they actually have 45 regular season games left, so it would include 5 play off games, if played). I, like Rick, seriously doubt the Giants would keep a roster spot open for him and play with 24 players in any playoff round…consider his career as a San Francisco Giant over
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
9:16 pm
TUFF…”plod along at .575″….you ignorant bastard
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
9:16 pm
Trey … was Mr. T operating the pry-bar?
I had non-impacted wisdom teeth and it seemed to take the guy forever to get them dug out.
ByeByeBourn
August 15th, 2012
9:16 pm
Braves fans shouldn’t be happy about Melky Cabrera’s situation and here’s why. For the first half of the year, San Francisco was seen as the front runner to sign Bourn- a guy who hits for average and can play in that expansive outfield. They figured they could sign both Melky and Bourn to long term deals, since they have 36 million in expiring contracts after this season. By trading for Pence, 13M next season, Bourn was going to be a luxury they couldn’t afford after signing Melky. Now that Melky has probably played his last game as a Giant, they can throw far more money at him than the Braves. So laugh it up fans…and say bye to Bourn. Melky strikes again…
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
9:17 pm
Correction- they had 45 games left before today, but it would still be 5 playoff games
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
9:18 pm
cab … Gigantes would likely have the one-game play-in, plus at least four games in the NLDS.
They might have a roided up Melk-dud for the NLCS and WS if they go that far.
kelevra
August 15th, 2012
9:19 pm
The thing with bourn is he strikes out a lot, he doesn’t have a good OBP, those legs are getting older and slower, and you’re going to pay like none of those things exist….im not sure about that
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:20 pm
Damn Melky will probably make it back just in time to kill us in the NLCS…..sigh.
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
9:20 pm
abeeewright-
Except that Melky would not be in any sort of baseball shape after not having played a game in 50 days…
Animus
August 15th, 2012
9:20 pm
Curious – does anyone know/remember if the braves have hit back to back homers this year? I can’t remember if they have.
ACE
August 15th, 2012
9:20 pm
VJ, I thought this was the major league not the human league.
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
9:21 pm
Is there a team in baseball that pops up more than the Braves?
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
9:21 pm
ByeBye Melky is not a centerfielder….we fornd dthat at firsthand. Bourne.s value is as an elite centerfirlder, so Melky has nothing to do with Bourne….dumass
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
9:21 pm
VJ has wondered off to work again…he may stop by the blog at some point later
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
9:22 pm
Bourn is third in OBP for qualified NL centerfielders
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
9:23 pm
*wandered… I can spell
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
9:24 pm
Forgetting the per-year salary, Boras is likely to get some team to ante up “just one more year” past when Bourn should not be highly paid.
I would rather not see a “too old” Bourn playing for the Indians while the Braves continue to pay that last year of his contract. And, finishing that season in LF for the Yankees, getting the one last key hit of his career … to beat the Braves in the WS.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
9:24 pm
However, the dearth of walks, the relatively high rate of strikeouts, and an OF arm that is NL-middle-of-the-pack are things that Scott Boras will choose to ignore. The Dodgers have Victorino. The only teams that would invest in Bourn to the tune of what he wants are the usual suspects – the Yankees or Phillies. Esptein like HIGH OBP (walks) & contact; other teams (Texas!) have players they want to keep in the fold and will be reluctant to spend the $18-$20 mil Boras thinks his client will command.
Love what he had done for the Braves, but Bourn is not worth a penny over $14 mil – and smart GM’s would say that he would still be overpaid by $2 mil. The only teams that will pay $14-plus are the tiny “Yankee” clique.
reagan
August 15th, 2012
9:25 pm
MARK…..your 9:05 post is right on the nose!
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
9:25 pm
Yet another god outing from Maholm.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
9:25 pm
Paul gives us more innings than many of our other pitchers have this year so far
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
9:26 pm
cab – “Except that Melky would not be in any sort of baseball shape after not having played a game in 50 days”
Don’t they have a pill or cream to ameliorate that?
Mark
August 15th, 2012
9:26 pm
Another thing
Cheatin Melky should have to give back that All Star MVP.
See this cheatin crap has far reaching ramifications. NL gets World Series with all-star win when cheater busted the game open with a PED Homer. Giants are right in the playoff hunt with a PED cheater hitting 350 something…
HR record of a honorable person gets broken by a cheater.
What does baseball do to these cheaters – 50 games for first time getting caught.
I wish they would hang a cheater sign for PEDs in the clubhouses right next to the gambling one and that way he’d be done!!!!
ByeByeBourn
August 15th, 2012
9:26 pm
@negative guy- They’ll move Pagan to left, he’s played 109 games of his career there. If he doesn’t want to play there, Blanco will take the spot.
Sundrop Kid
August 15th, 2012
9:26 pm
Well, the ‘SUNDROP KID’ hath returned after a 2 hr. trip transporting the “Italian Princess” to the airport. Now I can have my LazyBoy back. Based on the scoreboard, seems I left things in good hands and a victory is about to ensue.
“A DAY WITHOUT SUNSHINE IS ….WELL, NIGHT!
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
9:26 pm
as a few others have said, I really don’t care much about how often a lead off hitter Ks
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
9:27 pm
Don’t they have a pill or cream to ameliorate that?
Not one that works that fast
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
9:28 pm
@cabravesfan….Hi, how are you tonight? Hope VJ will conclude his rendition of that song content posted earlier……the chap appears to be lively this evening cab!
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:28 pm
Mark,
I won’t even say anything bad about Barry Bonds and I’ll tell you why. Of all the guys that took PEDs, no one struck fear in a pitcher like Bonds did. They pitched to McGuire, they pitched to Sosa. But when it came to Bonds, they walked his ass 200 times in a year. And look how many balls he put in McCovey Cove. Even with PEDs that isn’t easy to do. I know I’m in the minority, but I liked him a lot.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:29 pm
I’ll smack the yellow off your teeth! CTB
Props. That was a good one!
keylargo
August 15th, 2012
9:29 pm
Francisco can’t play defense and only pulls the ball. No power
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
9:30 pm
Barry Bonds was to baseball what Jaws was to James Bond.
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
9:31 pm
Very impressive between the gaits of Padre outfielders–no bridge to cross by that Juan bear.
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
9:31 pm
“ANG” thanks for the compliment, you have a word with ways. When you’re driving along at 65 MPH trying to catch a car doing 80 MPH, trust me, you are “PLODDING” !
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:31 pm
I’ll say it again. I was down on Francisco earlier in the year, but he does look a lot trimmer than earlier this season. And he is doing much better when given the chance. I hope he keeps it up and dedicates himself to being a good player.
ACE
August 15th, 2012
9:31 pm
@Sundrop, Just a song before I go traveling twice the speed of sound it is easy to get burned.
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
9:31 pm
If Juan Francisco is getting it, that could be a great pickup tor the Braves
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:31 pm
That last Uggla at bat just confirms why he’ll never last in the majors…
Rick C
August 15th, 2012
9:31 pm
keylargo, Francisco has been hitting more balls to the opposite field since July.
Bama Braves
August 15th, 2012
9:31 pm
DFA MacCan!
LAG
August 15th, 2012
9:32 pm
Interesting stat I just found:
Rickey Henderson, the most prolific basestealer in MLB history and a very dangerous leadoff hitter. Only 66 triples in 25 years of baseball.
For comparison, I submit that Bourn has 44 in only 7 years.
Mark
August 15th, 2012
9:32 pm
Announcers talking about Sandibol, or however you spell his name, losing weight and having a good year.
Sounds a lot like Melky, same team as Melky, both were fat and sorry, both lose weight and get better ??????????????????? Both may be friends with Barry!
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:32 pm
Maybe McCann should get some fitness tips from Francisco. Might help him a little.
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
9:32 pm
Gnats, mosquittos, Yanish breathing…..what is it MAC, can we talk son?
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:33 pm
BTW, only half joking about Mac.
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
9:33 pm
Evening, Capt’n. No complaints tonight. You?
ACE
August 15th, 2012
9:33 pm
Cab was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar that much is true.
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:34 pm
A lot trimmer?
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
9:34 pm
McCann is as blind as a bat.
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
9:34 pm
“That last Uggla at bat just confirms why he’ll never last in the majors…”
I hope this was sarcasm but nonetheless, at least 30 homeruns the past 5 years and a career high 36 homeruns last year. Trust me, he will last in the majors.
Larry30
August 15th, 2012
9:34 pm
They’ve been willing to shell out 15 mil per season for guys like Lowe and uggla. If they don’t pay Bourne then I’m through with waiting on wren to put together a team. Wren threw away $18 mil a year for 2 years on mclouth and kawakami. Make a smart move and pay Bourne. He’s the real deal.
ACE
August 15th, 2012
9:35 pm
Five years later on you have the world at your feet success has been so easy for you.
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
9:35 pm
Cab has never worked as a waitress, in a cocktail bar or anywhere else
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:36 pm
25 yrs. That stat alone is something…
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:36 pm
Rickey Henderson, the most prolific basestealer in MLB history and a very dangerous leadoff hitter. Only 66 triples in 25 years of baseball. LAG
I don’t think I’ll get much of an argument here, but Henderson was a real “me” player. He was all about stealing bases. Not much of a chance to steal home, but he stole third religiously. Just sayin…
Trey
August 15th, 2012
9:36 pm
abewright, he was. He said, “I pity the fool, who get his teeth yanked out by me.”
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
9:37 pm
“When you’re driving along at 65 MPH trying to catch a car doing 80 MPH, trust me, you are “PLODDING” !”
‘Til the Statie pulls over the reckless driver.
It’s a classic. First done by Aesop. Glad you’re updating it for a modern audience.
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
9:37 pm
Yeah Phil and the one before that confirms why he will. I think you are Tuff’s brother with the same mother….ignorant bastard.
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:38 pm
Of course it was sarcasm….lol
ACE
August 15th, 2012
9:38 pm
If Uggla makes it to 30hrs this season he will have to get on a real hot streak.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
9:39 pm
Just what we need, a walk
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
9:39 pm
trey … good one!
Mark
August 15th, 2012
9:39 pm
Jerry
You are killin me with that Barry comment man!
He was a great player with great hand to eye skills.
The cheating allowed him to expand his talent and do something he would have never been able to do otherwise.
Was he good? Sure
Was it right? No
Being a really, really good cheater shouln’t justify it and make it ok because other cheaters wern’t as good at it.
We are on different sides of the fence on this one but thats ok too!
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:40 pm
I guess we have us another one that needs to be banned…
ACE
August 15th, 2012
9:40 pm
Nice turn.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
9:42 pm
Attendance at Turner Field: 16,302. Two of three smallest Braves home crowds this season have come in past 2 nights vs. Padres.
Trey
August 15th, 2012
9:42 pm
Surprisingly, the oral surgery didn’t hurt afterward, abeeeewright, even though they gave hydrocodone for that one, but this one is actually somewhat painful.
Trey
August 15th, 2012
9:43 pm
even though they gave hydrocodone, which I didn’t take.
Mark
August 15th, 2012
9:43 pm
Henderson was a great leadoff guy but wasn’t my favorite player for sure.
Best thing about the night he broke the SB record was that Nolan Ryan threw a no-no so Henderson didn’t get much highlight time – Ryan Express got it all!
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:43 pm
Reflexes could’ve been a little better, but all in all, a decent try by Francisco on that hot smash.
Sundrop Kid
August 15th, 2012
9:43 pm
‘JCBrave’ Bats are very much maligned, so back off them please. They have very low visual acuity,but are not blind. Their senses of smell and hearing compensate for their visual deficiencies. They are great night hunters.
Bravefaninok
August 15th, 2012
9:43 pm
LAG
August 15th, 2012
9:32 pm
Interesting stat I just found:
Rickey Henderson, the most prolific basestealer in MLB history and a very dangerous leadoff hitter. Only 66 triples in 25 years of baseball.
For comparison, I submit that Bourn has 44 in only 7 years.
Ricky hit many more homeruns than most leadoff hitters…..
297 hr in his career.
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
9:43 pm
No phil unfortunately I thik They’re going to keep you
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:43 pm
School’s back in session…
LAG
August 15th, 2012
9:44 pm
Jerry – I don’t think I’ll get much of an argument here, but Henderson was a real “me” player. He was all about stealing bases. Not much of a chance to steal home, but he stole third religiously. Just sayin…
Nope, I can’t argue. Especially since I remember the “speech” he made after setting the all-time SB record.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:45 pm
Best thing about the night he broke the SB record was that Nolan Ryan threw a no-no so Henderson didn’t get much highlight time – Ryan Express got it all!
And the worst thing about that night was how he snubbed Lou Brock when he tried to congratulate him. A real asswipe.
LAG
August 15th, 2012
9:45 pm
Bravefaninok – True indeed. I was just saying that for as much speed as he had, one would expect more triples than he hit.
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:45 pm
I thik….
Say no more, smart guy.
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
9:45 pm
Ricky just stopped at second base so that Ricky could steal third.
A walk to Ricky was a triple.
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
9:45 pm
@Cab….Fine tonight with a/c cranked to meet these ‘blog days’ of summer with a cool head.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:46 pm
Nope, I can’t argue. Especially since I remember the “speech” he made after setting the all-time SB record.
Made you sick, didn’t it?
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
9:46 pm
I thought the new MLB rule was that if the visiting team had to travel the next day that the game before that unless there was an off day had to start before 4:05PM? Padres play in Atlanta tomorrow night and then travel back to SD to play a home game Friday…
John Leonard
August 15th, 2012
9:46 pm
What are we going to do about catching?
keylargo
August 15th, 2012
9:46 pm
Rick C – I was making fun of all of Francisco’s detractors. Jaun is from the Dominican Republic and you never know what you are getting, you can only hope they want to learn and will listen to the instructors. The Dominican is a third world country and the important things to us may not be to a young man from there. Jaun is doing his best to learn that – well.
He will get a chance to play 3B for the Braves in 2013.
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:47 pm
Uggla sprouting some gray hair….
Dump him now.
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
9:47 pm
“ANG” apparently has one page in his dictionary of profanities with only one word on the page. It starts with a “B”.
ACE
August 15th, 2012
9:47 pm
Another good outing by Paul
Mark
August 15th, 2012
9:48 pm
Lag
He tried to quote Ali with the greates of all times but he butchered it.
Think he was on the juice???
Played with some guys that did it??
I’m just sayin
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
9:48 pm
Struck Hinske out on the same 3 pitches
Bama Braves
August 15th, 2012
9:48 pm
School Is not A Problem Every Where Else In The Majors! Just A Excuse Thats All.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:48 pm
abeeewright,
It was a big rumor when Henderson was playing with the Athletics that they gave him every opportunity to steal 2nd and 3rd before anyone would even take a decent cut at the plate. BillyBall at it’s best.
Mark
August 15th, 2012
9:49 pm
Poor old Himski making a lot of sharp right turns this year!
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:49 pm
Haters…
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
9:49 pm
Phil you need to say no more…I’ll make this simple for you……U A DUMAZ…any questions ask your sister, ummm your mother….whatever
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
9:50 pm
Their senses of smell and hearing compensate for their visual deficiencies
Still blind, as blind as DareDevil.
McCann may be able to smell, hear and sense the ball when it’s coming, but he can’t see it, hence why he whiffs.
/joke:sarcasmfilledremarks.
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
9:50 pm
A/C? We don’t have that here. I often wish we did
Bravefaninok
August 15th, 2012
9:50 pm
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
9:45 pm
Ricky just stopped at second base so that Ricky could steal third.
A walk to Ricky was a triple.
Well played,Very well played sir.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
9:51 pm
for a guy who had 26 walks in 45 IP coming in, he sure pounded the zone that inning.
ACE
August 15th, 2012
9:51 pm
DOB, at least some are participating at the Ted.
ncbravesfan90
August 15th, 2012
9:52 pm
“School Is not A Problem Every Where Else In The Majors! Just A Excuse Thats All.”
Actually it kinda is. The Atlanta Braves are as much of a regional team as I can think of in baseball. A lot of their fans are in other parts of Georgia besides the Metro area as well as NC, TN, AL, SC and Mississipppi. So when school’s out many folks make long weekends or mini weekday trips to catch a ballgame. I just don’t see a big fan base in the immediate Metro area of Atlanta like there is in other Metro areas of cities with MLB teams in it. So therefore, its harder for folks to make it out to the park during the week when school goes back into session.
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
9:53 pm
He will get a chance to play 3B for the Braves in 2013. @KeyLago
I really doubt that, Prado will play third or they will trade for a guy
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
9:53 pm
keylargo,
I have been pleased with what I’ve been seeing from Francisco lately, and I think they will give him a chance to at least platoon with Prado at 3rd next year, but he steals scares the crap outta me. When he is going bad, he looks miserable. Still, I like the idea of a platoon there. When a righthander is pitching, Prado goes to left field and Francisco to 3rd.
keylargo
August 15th, 2012
9:53 pm
NEW MILLER PUNCH TOP CANS
Getting the beer out of the can may have been the very least of my problems when I was 20 years old. Something I NEVER even once worried about.
ACE
August 15th, 2012
9:54 pm
another good game for Cisco.
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:54 pm
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
9:49 pm
Phil you need to say no more…I’ll make this simple for you……U A DUMAZ…any questions ask your sister, ummm your mother….whatever
**********
Good luck with that ongoing job search…..
Bravefaninok
August 15th, 2012
9:55 pm
Bama Braves
August 15th, 2012
9:48 pm
School Is not A Problem Every Where Else In The Majors! Just A Excuse Thats All.
\
Just a big coincidence that the day after school starts(in metro atlanta) attendance drops off on weekdays.
ACE
August 15th, 2012
9:55 pm
The braves need to hold on to that top WC position. At least the play in game would be at home.
Bama Braves
August 15th, 2012
9:55 pm
Im Sure That They Are More than 16,302 People In Atlanta!
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
9:56 pm
As I said earlier I think Francisco deserves a shot next year. But if Braves can pick up a very good 3rd baseman or left fielder, I think they will. I do think Francisco will be a valuable piece, as a player or in a trade
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
9:57 pm
they are not going to platoon Prado
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
9:57 pm
Bama Braves-
What is your reason for not being at the game tonight?
Tomahawk Mafia
August 15th, 2012
9:57 pm
Nice win.
TNScott
August 15th, 2012
9:57 pm
Nice inning, Cory.
ACE
August 15th, 2012
9:57 pm
Braves win braves win
abeeewright
August 15th, 2012
9:58 pm
BARVES WIN! BARVES WIN!
Get the series win tomorrow and pick up a 1/2 game on Washington.
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
9:58 pm
Phil…ongoing search…you mean hunting for your Mother? I’ll do my best.
Bama Braves
August 15th, 2012
9:58 pm
Um Im in Alabama Whats Yours?
phil
August 15th, 2012
9:58 pm
Gearrin has a goofy, constant grin but he’s looked decent the last few outings.
TuffShhhtuff
August 15th, 2012
9:59 pm
phil…………thanks for taking the heat off. Was about to have to get out of the kitchen!
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
10:00 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Only the Nationals, Reds and Yankees have more wins than the Braves, who have been getting better and better as this season has progressed.
keylargo
August 15th, 2012
10:00 pm
Sneaky Pete – we have been annually promised a new LFer since 2009. Every year. I’m counting on Prado in LF and Francisco at 3B
Francisco has more power than any one on the team. Listen to Joe talk about it before games in BP. Yeah, I know BP is not games, but you don’t teach it.
phil
August 15th, 2012
10:00 pm
If you like 70 year old women, i’ll let her know….
How old are you? 15, maybe 16?
Brave New World
August 15th, 2012
10:00 pm
So much better to have Maholm than Dempster!
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
10:00 pm
I love these Braves. Been a fan since 66 and this is one of the most excting teams I’ve seen. Have mad e some dgreat moves and I’m jacked. Maholm didn’t have his best stuff but still wnt 7. Love it!!!!!!
Mark
August 15th, 2012
10:01 pm
I think Francisco has done well enough to snooker somebody into trading someone decent for him. If we take him to spring training and give hima shot by the all-star break he’ll be benched and we’ll have 2 guys hitting 210 with 100 plus Ks.
Sorry but thats the way I see it playing out if he gets everyday playing time.
JC Brave
August 15th, 2012
10:01 pm
Braves WIN!!!
cabravesfan
August 15th, 2012
10:01 pm
Um Im in Alabama Whats Yours?
Bama Braves-
Which points to the regional appeal of the Braves.
Also, my reason is that I am in California. I win
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
10:02 pm
TUFF…get out of the kitchen a-hole!!!!!!!
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
10:04 pm
Francisco makes too many outs and hits poorly against lefties and does not play good D at all. If he starts regularly at third it will be a huge step back.
I think they are more likely to get a left fielder and go cheap on a good defensive center guy if (when) Bourn leaves
LAG
August 15th, 2012
10:04 pm
Before I leave:
Yep, Rickey’s speech definitely raised my eyebrows.
Was he juicing? Dunno. Since he was on the As with Canseco and McGwire, there’s always that possibility.
I’m not surprised at all that he would stop at 2nd in order to steal 3rd.
That’s it from me… gotta get ready for tomorrow.
Go Braves.
Mark
August 15th, 2012
10:04 pm
“Oh I get it, A Mamma joke”
What movie that quote come off of? Since we have mamma joke stuff going on here!
Bama Braves
August 15th, 2012
10:04 pm
I Will Let ya win this time Cab. lol
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
10:05 pm
Tuff is just another attention seeking jerk, don’t waste your time . It is what he wants you to do
phil
August 15th, 2012
10:05 pm
Fire FG!!
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
10:06 pm
Mark, REMEMBER THE TITANS
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
10:06 pm
Well, “lights out” Maholm wasn’t so “lights out” tonight, but he was good enough and that’s all that really matters.
brian
August 15th, 2012
10:06 pm
Jerry – Bonds was a likely Hall of Famer without PEDS. No HR records but still HOF caliber. McGuire would have been the classic power hitter with a .240-.250 average and 30-50 HRs per year. Sosa was the one that underperformed early in his career and then all of a sudden took off. Those guys still would have been all stars but Bonds was special. That is why his decision to take PEDs baffles me. Only explaination is huge ego that did not want others taking the limelight
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
10:06 pm
Great movie, seen it about 10 times
Mark
August 15th, 2012
10:08 pm
Yeah it was a classic flick!
keylargo
August 15th, 2012
10:08 pm
I look at it like this – The Braves are not a great team. But neither is any other team in either league.
brian
August 15th, 2012
10:08 pm
Maholm was great tonight. 7IP 1ER and 7K. Pitched out of some jams. He will be a great 3-5 pitcher next year
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
10:09 pm
Jordan postgame views He continues to impress….on Uggs……Simpson, he’s getting on top of a lot of balls lately…..Dan said when you’re hot, it feels good.l
brian
August 15th, 2012
10:10 pm
Sneaky Pete – If Francisco gets regular playing time next year it will be in LF as a platoon with someone like Reed Johnson. Prado will take over at 3rd full time.
If we could somehow sign Bourn and/or a top pitcher then we will likely have that platoon in LF
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
10:10 pm
Love these Braves!!!
SNEAKY PETE
August 15th, 2012
10:10 pm
Bonds is a narcissist like Sheff, deeply insecure, they have to be the center
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
10:11 pm
What impresses me most is how young they are.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
10:11 pm
brian,
I don’t know why Barry did it an he’s the one that’s has to live with it. If I had to guess, there would be two reasons. One, he was the son of Bobby Bonds and he pushed Barry to be Barry. Second, maybe he wanted to get to the world series really badly. He came up just short twice in 1991 and 1992 and maybe that was enough to try something that would make him just a little bit better. Don’t know how close I am to the truth, but you are right. He had the HOF locked up without the juice. It’s a shame that he may never get there now.
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
10:12 pm
Bingo Pete
phil
August 15th, 2012
10:12 pm
Agree, PETE…
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
10:14 pm
Bonds is a narcissist like Sheff, deeply insecure, they have to be the center
Sorry Pete, I’m not buying that one. Barry was someone who brooded and wanted to be left alone. That doesn’t strike me as someone who wanted to be the center of attention.
Mark
August 15th, 2012
10:14 pm
When was it mentioned for Francisco to play LF?
Now that would be ugggggggggly!
As good as Chipper is at 3B , he wasn’t very good in left.
And to steal a quote. “Franciso, you’re no Chipper”
phil
August 15th, 2012
10:14 pm
No, it isn’t a shame.
Self-induced. A damn fool.
MikeInFl
August 15th, 2012
10:14 pm
Maholm was great tonight. 7IP 1ER and 7K. Pitched out of some jams. He will be a great 3-5 pitcher next year
In his last 10 games (9 starts) counting tonight: 68 IP, with a 1.19 ERA. Starting to become a pretty serious streak of excellence. Mostly against 2nd division teams, but includes great outings against AZ and Pit.
I don’t really expect him to be that good, but at some point you gotta acknowledge what he’s doing. Amazing.
Trey
August 15th, 2012
10:15 pm
phil, I’ll put money on it, that anti-negative guy is still a virgin.
phil
August 15th, 2012
10:16 pm
Maholm has great movement on his offspeed stuff….keep that up, tough guy to hit if he can spot the fball…
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
10:18 pm
“Obsession” is a 1983 song covered in 1984 by the synthpop/New Wave group Animotion. Contrary to popular belief, the song was never covered by The Human League and has often been falsely attributed to them.
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
10:18 pm
Anyone up for another sequel? JHey….got some coaching vis-a-vis Walker and it is paying dividends….and this is what a bunch of us have been waiting for…..great job Jason!
phil
August 15th, 2012
10:18 pm
Trey, he’s certainly not very bright…
Mark
August 15th, 2012
10:19 pm
Jerry
I really think Barry saw all the attention and fame the two Steroid Gurus were getting chasing Maris and he probably thought ” I’m a better hitter than those 2 will ever be and if they can hit 60 plus homers takng that stuff I’ll hit more than them”
And he would have been and turned out to be right. Sosa or McGwire couldn’t compare to Barry as a player or hitter.
Problem is though any way you cut it they all cheated and stole from others. Stole is a harsh but accurate word!
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
10:20 pm
Maholm is going to five up some homers. You throw 87 and miss you’re going to. But he locates so well. Think this might be a great pickup for now and down the road.
phil
August 15th, 2012
10:20 pm
Good night all….
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
10:20 pm
Trey—
Glad you got some good rest…
At least, they put you to sleep for that
Yes. As I said, they would not have been able to get within 50 yards of my mouth, otherwise!…
The way you had yours done…that sounds rough…
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
10:21 pm
Trey that’s not what your girlfriend said.
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
10:22 pm
Trey I’m a big Braves fan. Don’t mess with me
Keith
August 15th, 2012
10:22 pm
Wren has said they’re making preparation to sign him.
Whether they will or not, that is another issue. I hope so. He’s been as good or better than advertised. Amazing trade last year, Wren!
GO BRAVES
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
10:23 pm
Well, last year on this date we came home and I logged on to find BMac had homered. Was thinking we’d be as lucky tonight, but I guess it’s good that I didn’t place any bets…
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
10:24 pm
Trey UI really like reading your stuff, but Phils is a prick and I’m going to respond to him
Trey
August 15th, 2012
10:27 pm
McFann, yeah, I keep falling asleep, though, so definitely good rest. Post OP could have been much worse. My dad had surgery about four month back, when they had to go into his lung and cut out some junk building up, since he had pneumonia.
Back in boot, the worst part was just getting the Novacaine shot, it wasn’t too rough.
Trey
August 15th, 2012
10:29 pm
anti-negative guy, I am going to ignore the comment regarding the girlfriend, but we all can be pricks on here.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
10:29 pm
Mark, you could be right. Who’s knows, it could be one of those multiple choice test questions where the answer is D: All of the Above. Still, I’m probably one of the few non-Giant fans that really liked him and enjoyed watching him light up the sky. When everyone was saying, “hey Griffey Jr is the best player in baseball”, I was saying, “Barry is coming up fast in the rear view mirror.”
With that being said, everyone have a great night. I’ve had a great day. I don’t have cancer and the Braves won. Can’t get much better than that. Nite all!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
10:29 pm
Trey—
Yikes! Sorry to hear that about your Dad…
Back in boot, the worst part was just getting the Novacaine shot, it wasn’t too rough.
I just could NOT be awake with them cutting up my gums. No way…hard enough for me to sit still during a cleaning. And what I put my parents through when Dad tried to pull my loose baby teeth…not proud of it…:)
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
10:29 pm
@VJ….Calvin Klein was all over that title and put it in a bottle. ‘Every breath you take…and every move you make……Every bond you break/every step you take….I’ll be wathing you.” And if you got sticky fingers and stole some, Sting and The Police will be watching you.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
10:31 pm
Oh, and everyone say a prayer for Lew’s son.
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
10:31 pm
Watching you….dang sticky keys…need a new lappy.
anti-negative guy
August 15th, 2012
10:32 pm
You right Trey but when you are you have to expect response
Mark
August 15th, 2012
10:36 pm
Jerry
I’m probably more anti-juice than most others because I grew up watching every Aaron AB I could watch or listening to Ernie and Milo giving play by play. Remeber the HR off Downing when he broke Ruths record and was jumping up and down as a kid so happy my hero at the time accomplished a great thing.
Then comes Barry and all the PED stuff. Just a bummer for me but it is what it is…
Take care
Trey
August 15th, 2012
10:39 pm
Jerry, I am glad you are well.
McFann, thanks, he is doing well, now. The sad thing is, he had pneumonia for a while, but did no realize it, until he went to the hospital, because he thought he was having a heart attack.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 15th, 2012
10:42 pm
Trey—
Goodness—that’s scary! Glad he’s doing well now…
Oh well, shut down time now—just wanted to check in. Glad the Braves won, but also pretty OK that I missed the game…Anyway, Night, all!…
DiamondbackMac
August 15th, 2012
10:45 pm
McFann
G’night and sweet dreams.
N8
August 15th, 2012
10:47 pm
“Attendance at Turner Field: 16,302. Two of three smallest #Braves home crowds this season have come in past 2 nights vs. Padres.”
Oh don’t worry about it. When school gets out and this team is in position to make a playoff run…. you’ll have to beat the fans away with a stick.
brian
August 15th, 2012
10:49 pm
it is the Padres and a school night
richbrave
August 15th, 2012
10:49 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
GWINNETT
TIDES roll in, and wash over the G-Men 5-2.
1B ERNESTO MEJIA [.307 BA] 3-5, 1 R.
RF FELIX PIE [.292 BA] 2-4, 1 BB, 1 SO.
3B TERRY TIFFEE [.322 BA] 2-5, 1 RBI [15], 2 SO.
1B JOSH KROEGER [.261 BA] 1-5, 1 2B [21], 1 RBI [32], 1 E [2, throwing].
C JOSE YEPEZ [.259 BA] 1-2, 2 BB.
SS JOSH WILSON [.246 BA] 1-4, 1 SO.
RHSP JAIR JURRJENS [L 3-5, 5.10 ERA] 2.0 IP, 2 H, 3 R/ER, 1 BB, 2 SO.
RHRP BUDDY CARLYSLE [3.34 ERA] 3.0 IP, 5 H, 1 HR, 2 R/ER, 1 BB, 1 SO.
RHRP PETER MOYLAN had a three-hit, unscathed, one-strikeout inning of work.
LHRP RYAN BUCHTER [9.82 ERA] 2.0 IP, pristine, 1 SO.
Trey
August 15th, 2012
10:51 pm
Have a good night, McFann
N8
August 15th, 2012
10:52 pm
“Sorry Pete, I’m not buying that one. Barry was someone who brooded and wanted to be left alone. That doesn’t strike me as someone who wanted to be the center of attention.”
If I remember correctly there were stories about Bonds being upset that teammate Jeff Kent won the NL MVP in 2000.
Yup. Nothing like a guy that wants to keep to himself and root against a teammate doing well and coming out from his shadow.
N8
August 15th, 2012
10:53 pm
It was a joke Brian.
N8
August 15th, 2012
10:55 pm
I bet in 1991 there were packed houses at FCS on school nights.
Face it. The city of Atlanta isn’t going to care until the Braves win the first round of the playoffs and advance.
Thankfully for ticket sales, it’s Chipper’s last year. Otherwise my guess is that most of the August and September games would be half full.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 15th, 2012
10:58 pm
Yep, Rickey’s speech definitely raised my eyebrows.
Was he juicing? Dunno. Since he was on the As with Canseco and McGwire, there’s always that possibility.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
If anybody thinks that Canseco and McGwire were the only two Oakland A’s who were juicing back in the day…….think again. Think Cooperstown, because it is more than likely baseball’s Hall of Fame is already juiced.
N8
August 15th, 2012
11:01 pm
Capt.Mudd, I had to look this up because I had remembered reading it a while back about Sting and “Every Breath You Take”. The following line was taken from Sting’s Wikipedia page…..
“And also as of 2003, Sting was still taking in an average of $2000 per day in royalties for the then 20-year-old song.”
Nothing like making 3/4 of a million dollars per year over 20 years from one song.
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
11:02 pm
Postgame QUOTAGE from the Bravos
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/15/braves-quotes-after-wednesdays-win-against-padres/
N8
August 15th, 2012
11:03 pm
Actually, that wasn’t Sting’s Wiki page. It was the page specifically for the song. Yikes.
richbrave
August 15th, 2012
11:04 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
MISSISSIPPI
Bandits win 2-1
Lead-off CF TODD CUNNINGHAM [.317 BA] 0-4, 1 SO.
CF KEENAN WILEY [.253 BA] 1-4, 1 SO.
1B JOEY T. [.309 BA] 1-4, 1 R.
LF EVAN GATTIS [.250 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 SO.
3B JOE LEONARD [.264 BA] 2-4, 1 RBI [62]
2B PHIL GOSSELIN [.248 BA] 2-4, 1 2B [22], 1 RBI [44], 1 SO.
C MATT KENNELLY [.279 BA] 1-4.
Great pitching tonight by the starter and middle relief. Eight innings of 5-hit shutout ball.
RHSP DAVID HALE [W 7-4, 4.08 ERA] 5.0 IP, 2 H, zeros, 4 SO.
LHRP CHRIS JONES [H 3, 3.74 ERA] 3.0 IP, 3 H, zeros, 4 SO.
RHRP CORY RASMUS [SV 3, 3.91 ERA] 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 HR, 1 R/ER, 3 SO.
Strikes out the side while making one mistake pitch and loses the shut-out.
richbrave
August 15th, 2012
11:07 pm
Boy, if the MELK-DUD isn’t the poster child for the difference between juicing and not, I don’t know who is. What a difference an illegal substance makes.
Jerry
August 15th, 2012
11:07 pm
If I remember correctly there were stories about Bonds being upset that teammate Jeff Kent won the NL MVP in 2000. N8
I didn’t hear it quite like that N8, but the two of them certainly did not like each other one little iota. They were polar opposites.
richbrave
August 15th, 2012
11:13 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
LYNCHBURG
ED SALCEDO had a lost night at the plate and in the field. In spite of his play however, the HILLCATS win 2-1.
ED SALCEDO [.250 BA] 0-4, HAT TRICK! 1 E [35. throwing].
WOW! What a game.
Capt.Mudd
August 15th, 2012
11:21 pm
@N8…..Interesting…..and Bill Gates is changing the octave on future toilets…..furthermore, in comparison—-Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Achy Breaky Heart,” makes Billy 49 cents per fisal hiccup.
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
11:26 pm
What insidious sort of person would even mention the ABH song, trying to force it into my unsuspecting skull?…
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
11:26 pm
Chipper Jones @RealCJ10
Man I kno when to take a nite off. Roadrunner and Jhey w/ 2 dubs. DU crushed a 3run #yicketty and Ma-homie went 7 strong! Bobbleheads tmrw!!
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
11:27 pm
I hope Chipper doesn’t think MFin04 will forgive him for taking a night off and hurting the team…
David O'Brien
August 15th, 2012
11:31 pm
UPDATED GAME STORY w/ quotes
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/15/ugglas-early-homer-sends-braves-maholm-past-padres/
tiger297
August 15th, 2012
11:40 pm
wow – what an awesome time at the ballyard tonight
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 15th, 2012
11:44 pm
lol VJ
Uggla seems to have found it… only 15 more to go… it’ll help if he has a 2 or 3 HR game
He’s heading in the right direction.
BMac, unfortunately is going the wrong way. Turn around BMAC!!!!
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
11:52 pm
MFIKY trying to close out the Rangers in a 1 run game…Ks Hamilton…
Venice Jim
August 15th, 2012
11:53 pm
And Beltre out quickly (no reason to care other than boredom)…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
12:04 am
Chipper F’n Jones @FakeChipper
Melky gets suspended 50 games. King Felix throws a perfect game. Sportscenter’s lead story is Tebow on the punt team.
Retweeted by Luke Sims ⚾
LOL
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
12:06 am
Now the Braves officially have 4th best record after the Texas loss – at least for the time being…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
12:07 am
I’m off to bed. Night VJ!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
12:08 am
I can’t see them putting Francisco in the outfield next season.
Capt.Mudd
August 16th, 2012
12:09 am
Well, I did consider my actions immodest and querulous @VJ……..no biggie!
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
12:10 am
1 last tweet! Love me some Matty D
Matthew Diaz @diazfoundation
Now that braves win u can have the pics… Ps told u uggla was gonna hit 3 homers soon
Matthew Diaz @diazfoundation
The masses of skin holding the foreign bodies, one of the foreign bodies “glistened” they r off 2 lab 4 testing #gross pic.twitter.com/1E9QCT3q
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
12:11 am
Shut had a word problem involving batting average which totally threw the Korean boy who knows nothing about baseball…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
12:12 am
SQUEAMISH ALERT!!! His finger is cut open
Matthew Diaz @diazfoundation
Goin in to get the stuff out pic.twitter.com/LAV7HCRs
http://twitter.com/diazfoundation/status/235918791115165700/photo/1/large
Good night, now!
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
12:12 am
Good grief – not sure how “just” came out as “shut”…
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
12:13 am
nolie – wish you were on Facebook or twitter..some awesome photos of the little one on 1B – and then that bumb freeman came and took his place
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
12:13 am
I can’t see them putting Francisco in the outfield next season.
Not that he could…
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
12:14 am
Capt – the sad thing is, I had totally forgotten what I had said to you, and, in going back to look, have reinserted the song into my cranium…
nolie
August 16th, 2012
12:20 am
I pretty much agree Pete. Both seem to be narcissists. Insecure and need to feel respected and thought of as the very best, and act out when that does not occur. Their behavior patterns certainly began in anger and insecurity anyway. Barry has as much as admitted that he started using because he wanted to be thoughof as the best and resented the attention Sosa and Mac were getting when he considered them lesser players.
Like they say in the psych circles, negative attention is better than no attention.Variations of which explains much of the blog comments all over the net too
nolie
August 16th, 2012
12:25 am
You have my Email Tiger, send me a couple . I would love to see them
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
12:31 am
on the way
nolie
August 16th, 2012
12:39 am
That is so cool, especially the one with both of them. What a great photo for him to have as he grows up and appreciates it more. might wanna crop it a bit for him bottom and right, bring it up closer a bit but still keep the sense of size from the stands at left.
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
12:41 am
yeah can’t do too much with them just camera phone photos…the wife took a bunch of them as well-she does the editing stuff I just get her the hard copies
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
12:41 am
between venters/martinez/avilan standing and waiting for him to come in from RF so they could give him fist bumps
uggla patting his head as he ran out to 2B
freeman hanging out with him and signing the ball
ross/ski/someone else I couldnt tell gave him 5 as they ran past the dugout on the way out
medlen jumped out to give him 5 at the end of the dugout
then gearin gave him a fist bump when he headed out to the mound
cant forget the standard eddie perez/alan butts/other pitchers discussions throughout the game
and everybody left in the bullpen gave him fist bumps as they left
all in all not a bad day at the ball yard
oh yeah in between there was a baseball game and the braves won
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
12:50 am
tiger – that sounds great!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
12:52 am
“when its sleepy time down South…”
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
12:54 am
VJ – yeah it was pretty awesome…the 2nd 1/2 is a pretty standard night but the first part was unique (it is all very special)
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
12:55 am
guess I cant call nolie a copycat since it wasn’t mine to start with
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
12:56 am
but I only stole it when haggard was MIA
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
12:56 am
gotta get there early tomorrow its bobblehead night
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
12:56 am
Braves (68-49) moved ahead of Texas (67-49) for 4th-best record in the majors.
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
12:56 am
when its sleepy time down south…
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
1:03 am
If only someone had pointed that out at 9:06 PDT…
TuffShhhtuff
August 16th, 2012
1:22 am
I’m confused. What would be the important significance of the Braves moving ahead of TX for the 4th best record in baseball?
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
1:25 am
It means we are no longer 5th…
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
1:25 am
Time to go home (and straight to bed when I get there)…
Ward
August 16th, 2012
1:56 am
Hello everyone! Nice win today, took a couple days off the blog, and found out about Melky. I told you……….
Ward
August 16th, 2012
2:06 am
I woulld give Bourn 6 years 100 million, and a 8 million dollar bonus extension for the following.
Snowball's Chance
August 16th, 2012
2:08 am
Goodbye Michael, It’s been fun. There is no replacement at lead off , but can’t Heyward play center. Is there a new rule that center fielders must be fast but can’t throw? We have seen how fast Jason is lately. I remember a guy named Mantle.
Ward
August 16th, 2012
2:12 am
Bourn will be a Brave. I’m confident he will get a Uggla type contract, and a comfortable one.
Ward
August 16th, 2012
2:24 am
Good thing the Braves didn’t get Garza, and Dempster after all. Really glad the Braves got Maholm. Turned out to be the better deal.
Ward
August 16th, 2012
2:32 am
Also, will miss Chipper next year, but hope the Braves will go after Headley, or move Prado to third, and get a LF? Anyway will be happy.
haggard
August 16th, 2012
2:57 am
David O’Brien
Just getting in late and catching up….Thanks for the new goods.
And I was just wondering: In your opinion, is Bourn’s makeup that of one who would rather play in a city–hopefully Atlanta–with a little less pressure than, say, Philadelphia, New York, or Boston? Or does he have the temperament to succeed in any environment?
Also, one probably wouldn’t expect Merle Haggard and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to be mentioned in the same sentence very often. But, somehow, blankets, catered diners and chilled wine buckets found a comfortable coexistence with a smattering of cowboy hats and common folk this past Friday night as the venue overflowed. And not only did the crowd get a lift from “Silver Wings”, they got fairly raucous, knowing all the words and singing along with the likes of “The Bottle Let Me Down” and “Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink”. The voice–though a bit quieter now–is still intact with all of its nuances and phrasing and,(especially following the February scare, when Macon doctors thought cancer had returned), one gets the distinct feeling Merle is wringing everything he can out of this phase of his career. And as outstanding as his show was at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, I hear he and Jamey Johnson were a force to behold the following evening at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
4:05 am
or we can view Bonds as a modern Greek Tragedy and assign to him the sin of Hubris, which sin always affronted and angered the gods who in turn destroyed the offending mortal in one way or the other.
This ties into the superstition that us old f@rts have that one should not get cocky about what will occur in a game or boast excessively after a win, since that too is hubris and tempts the baseball god to destroy us too through our team.
Ward
August 16th, 2012
4:13 am
Well, I’m pleased about the win, but I’m, taking things game by game. Don’t feel sorry for Melky, and he gets what is coming to him. Anyways, still conerned about the high, and low offense, but will just enjoy the ride. I love baseball, and will enjoy it to the end of the season win or lose out. I just have to keep that in focus, and remember it is a game. All, have a good one! Peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
nolie
August 16th, 2012
4:21 am
Piece, ward
DS1
August 16th, 2012
4:25 am
What the heck are you guys doing still up?
Great game tonight, though I missed it due to work.
tiger: sounds like a GREAT day at the ball yard.
And who’d a thunk the Melk Dude was on PED’s. Couldn’t happen (the suspension) to a nicer guy!
seattle oudraws atlanta
August 16th, 2012
6:30 am
I have better idea where are the crowds at 16,402 we 68-49 oooh i know school if this was like chicago are fla had record there staduims be packed full ..in Miami it be hot tickets crowds be near 30,303 durin weekends n soldout 43,294 for friday thru sunday…Here we have empty room only seats still….Oh wait dodgers be here all the idiots LA dead will awake near full crowds at The Ted….wake up you clowns here in atlanta!
atlanta fans asleep
August 16th, 2012
6:36 am
That right second best and what we get in return Tampa rays crowds at home games……be simple why atlanta been turn off by losin playoffs all time so stay away more..do show up see fairys from La when dodgers come here…..I say if this was in chicago be packed say the Ted was in wrigley field spot SRO’s crowds here we get ERO crowds ( that Empty room only) so there!
Tomahawkin
August 16th, 2012
7:47 am
I think a lot of fans are not coming to the games as a result of what happened last year…Not to mention the Atlanta Economy still sucks and Gas is flirting with the 3.70 mark to fill everyone’s gas guzzling SUV
If they win in October then the fans will come out
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
8:14 am
last year in september these midweek games were selling 18-22K tickets a night so its not like this is a 50% drop off-I’d bet the braves end up right around the 2.2-2.4M mark again this year
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
8:21 am
See what one night’s worth of plate appearances can do?
August totals:
Heyward – .255/.333/.451 in 57 PA’s
Freeman – .255/.345/.451 in 58 PA’s
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
8:23 am
In 279 plate appearances vs. RHP, Jason Heyward has hit .300/.385/.564 with 32 XBH, 32 BB’s, 61 K’s.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:25 am
John Kincade @JohnKincade
The 2012 Braves methodically winning each series makes me believe a September collapse like the last 2 seasons is not coming.
John Kincade @JohnKincade
@bravesfanjulien Braves were a .500 team in division play last year, this year they are 10 games over.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
8:26 am
Jason Heyward’s .949 OPS vs. RHP ranks him 4th in the entire National League. He’s behind Joey Votto(1.131), Carlos Gonzalez(1.002) and Andrew McCutchen(.955).
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:27 am
As long as we stay healthy, 2010 isn’t happening. 2011 is not going to happen for long long time.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:27 am
John Kincade @JohnKincade
Braves were 4-3-2 in series AFTER the All Star Break to this point in 2011, They are 7-1 in series since All Star Break in 2012
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
8:28 am
Today the Braves will finish their stretch of 23 consecutive games against teams with a losing record, their easiest stretch of the season. They have done what they needed to do, going 16-6.
At 48-23, the Braves have the best winning percentage in all of baseball against teams currently with a losing record:
1. Braves, 48-23, .676
2. Yankees, 31-15, .674
3. Reds, 45-22, .672
4. Nationals, 49-24, .671
5. Rangers, 37-19, .661
6. Pirates, 43-23, .652
The problem is, the Braves have a losing record against .500-or-better teams. At 20-26, they are trailing the Nats, Reds, Yankees, Rangers, and several others.
If the Braves win the division, it will be because they start consistently winning the games remaining against good teams, particularly the Nationals.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
8:29 am
Dan Uggla in August – .267/.377/.533 – 13 games, 53 PA’s.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
8:32 am
In their last 20 games, the Braves have lost 5 games by a combined 10 runs.
They have won 2 games by 3 runs or less (Kimbrel has been chillin’)
They have won 13 games by either 4, 5, or 6 runs.
Just a weird consistency going on there.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:36 am
Dare I say some guys are getting out of their slumps…
Martin for August .306/.382/.490/.872, 6 BB, 4 K, 4 GDP .318 BABIP
Bourn for August .283/.397/.415/.812, 10 BB, 11 K, 3-3 SB .341 BABIP (Guess he’s “lucky”
Uggla for August .267/.377/.533/.911 7 BB, 14 K, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 1 GDP .321 BABIP
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
8:38 am
The race for 4th in the NL in ERA:
4. San Francisco: 3.6555
5. Atlanta: 3.6575
If the Braves allow three runs or less today, they’ll move up into 4th place. (The Giants are idle.)
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
8:39 am
Dare I say some guys are getting out of their slumps…
Going to be really tough to beat if this continues. Big 10 games coming up vs. LAD, WAS, SFG. Just close it out tonight with Meds on the mound vs. the Padres and get to 4 back.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
8:42 am
The Braves are 16-5 over their last 21, outscoring their opponents 109 to 45, a +64 run differential.
Combined, the Dodgers and Giants have a +60 run differential for the entire season.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
8:44 am
If the Nationals play just .500 ball the rest of the season, they will finish with 95 wins.
Looks like the Braves are just going to have to do this themselves. They have six games remaining against Washington, which is greater than the 4.5 games they are back. Win ‘em all.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
8:50 am
Efrim Dan Uggla in August – .267/.377/.533 – 13 games, 53 PA’s.
Nice…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:55 am
I’ll spare you McFann…. it hurts me too
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:58 am
The Nats are gonna collapse….they’ve been supposed to do so all year long!
We’ve got to take 4, maybe 5 of the remaining games from the Nats to have a really great shot. 4 games is the “minimum” we can win as we’ll then game 2 games on them… After that, we hope that we win 2 or 3 more games than they do.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
9:00 am
I don’t think we have to sweep the Nats. But I’d say we probably have to win both series to gain a couple games.
And Ross Detwiler has been moved ahead of Edwin Jackson for next weeks start, so it’ll be Zimmermann, Strasburg, Detwiler vs. Hudson, Maholm, Medlen.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
9:01 am
I found a good ‘un!
The Braves have allowed just 42 runs over their last 20 games. It’s just the second time SINCE 1948 that the Braves have allowed 42 or fewer runs over any 20-game span. The other was July 15-August 6, 2002, when they allowed 40 runs over a 20-game stretch.
Think about all the great pitching staffs the Braves have had over the last 20+ years. No Braves pitching staff in the 90s had a run this good for 20 games.
GaryinBham
August 16th, 2012
9:03 am
Nothing to do now except keep playing like they are. If we play .900 ball to the end and finish second, we’ll just take it. I love this team right now, and we have a real shot. Turn up the pressure. We’ll SEE what the Nats are made of when their arms are tired and the heat is on.
Man, I loved the trade for Maholm and Reed and we may have gotten more than we realized. Love to see this guy stick around for a while. He knows how to pitch. He does remind me of Glavine and that’s all good.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
9:04 am
Heyward since the All Star Break – .267/.360/.442 – 18 BB’s in 139 plate appearances.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
9:05 am
The +63 run differential over the last 20 games is the Braves’ best over a 20-game stretch since June/July of 2004, when J.D. Drew was playing right field for Atlanta.
The +63 run differential over 20 games is the best twenty-game stretch by any team in baseball this year.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
9:07 am
Maholm is just a different pitcher this year. That cutter is a true out pitch that I don’t think he possessed previously in his career. Or at least, couldn’t command it as well.
In his last 10 games, Paul Maholm’s line: 68 IP, 47 hits, 9 ER, 14 BB’s, 52 K’s, 4 HR allowed, .199/.255/.305 oppo. slash line, 1.19 ERA. He’s averaging a little over 7.1 IP per start.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
9:08 am
The Braves and Nats are having a staring contest, is all. First one to blink, loses.
Neither team is likely to keep up these current winning paces (although both the Braves and Giants did, in the last great pennant race, so it’s a possibility), so it depends on which team has the lesser falloff. It could go either way.
Which is the great thing about watching it happen.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
9:09 am
Wouldn’t it be something if this turned out like the Last Great Pennant Race of 1993 between the Braves and Giants?
It’s interesting that this year, winning the division means more than it ever has since that 1993 season.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
9:11 am
LOL…I just thought about how different this blog would look if the playoff format was the same as last year. There wouldn’t be a whole lot of talk about catching Washington, because it wouldn’t matter that much. There’d be a whole lot more talk about making sure the Cardinals didn’t come from behind us again. The Braves are 4 games up on the 2nd wild card team right now.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
9:11 am
so it’ll be Zimmermann, Strasburg, Detwiler vs. Hudson, Maholm, Medlen.
Love it. Losing that series, with those three going, is bound to plant a little seed of doubt in the Nats’ heads.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
9:13 am
It’s interesting that this year, winning the division means more than it ever has since that 1993 season.
Good observation, Brian. Props!
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
9:14 am
So, would it be wrong to go T’Hawkin and proclaim that series vs. the Nats a Statement Series?
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
9:14 am
7 series in a row against losing teams, and the Braves have a chance tonight to go a perfect 7-0. That’s taking care of business, my friends.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
9:14 am
Edwin Jackson going in that last game would of been awesome. This team is just simply different when a RHP is on the mound.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
9:16 am
TOBF I’ll spare you McFann…. it hurts me too
I appreciate that…
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
9:18 am
DOWN ON THE FARM
ROME
Legion hammers the DRIVE 6-1
DH CF TONY MUELLER [.264 BA] 2-3, 2 R, 1 2B [7], 1 BB, 1 SB [26], 1 SAC.
2B ROSS HEFFLEY [.290 BA] 2-4, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SB [9]. 1 SO.
The rookie’s having the best position player season from this draft class.
1B BRANDON DRURY [.226 BA] 2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI [41].
CF WIL SKINNER [.252 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B [24], 1 RBI [44], HAT TRICK!
3-1 SO to BB ratio is causing WIL to be inconsistant at the plate. He needs to sharpen up his batting-eye. He’s got some power.
RF CHASE ANSELMENT [.212 BA] 2-4, 1 R, 1 2B [4], 1 HR [7], 2 RBI [16], 2 SO.
The other regular position rookie has struggled at the plate so far.
SS FERNANDO De Los SANTOS [.233 BA] 1-4.
RHSP ADAM HOLLAND [W 3-8, 4.33 ERA] 5.0 IP, 7 H, 1 R/ER, 1 BB, 6 SO.
Solid outing AJ. The MARGATE flash is plugging some of the holes in his game.
Three reliefers combine for four innings of one-hit shutout work with eight SO’s.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
9:18 am
This team is just simply different when a RHP is on the mound.
Yeah, but Detwiler is no crafty, soft-tossin’ lefty, either. Might be able to do a little hurt dance on that guy.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
9:21 am
Interesting take on the cutter from the O’s perspective: http://www.masnsports.com/steve_melewski/2012/08/dan-duquette-on-the-os-pitching-philosophy-we-dont-like-the-cutter.html
BenBadler Talk to scouts and pitching coaches and you get a range of opinions on cutters. Savior for some, mechanical/velo killer for others.
GregB
August 16th, 2012
9:23 am
They have to sign this guy. He’s too good to let him go elsewhere and the Braves are stupid to think they are playoff contenders this year or next without him.
Don’t forget DOB, you have Lowe’s contract expiring this year too. So more like $25 million to spend. And who’s to say Tommy Hanson will not be traded if Kris M. doesn’t move into the starting rotation full time, thus freeing up more money for Prado to play 3rd, Borne to stay and find a good LF.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
9:26 am
Rangers Double-A SS Jurickson Profar has a 148/180 BB/K ratio in his minor leaguie career. He is 19 years old in Double-A after skipping High-A entirely.
I mean, think of the Rangers if they re-sign Hamilton and Napoli….
LF Hamilton, CF Kinsler, RF Cruz, 3B Beltre, SS Andrus, 2B Profar, 1B Olt, C Napoli, DH Moreland/Murphy
That is downright insane.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
9:28 am
Prado, Bourn, and Heyward are all on pace for over 5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to baseball-reference. (This combines offense and defense, compared to league average)
If they maintain that pace, they would become just the sixth outfield ever with three players over 5 WAR.
1980 A’s: Rickey Henderson*, Tony Armas, Dwayne Murphy
1925 Tigers: Ty Cobb*, Harry Heilmann*, Al Wingo
1921 Tigers: Ty Cobb*, Harry Heilmann*, Bobby Veach
1895 Phillies: Ed Delahanty*, Billy Hamilton*, Sam Thompson*
1894 Phillies: Ed Delahanty*, Billy Hamilton*, Sam Thompson*
*Marks Hall-of-Famers. Those Tigers and Phillies outfields are true all-time greats.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
9:29 am
Tom Hart @tom_hart
Any #Braves fans see Chipper with Brenda Wood this morning on 11 Alive? What did you think?
Did anyone here see it? I didn’t and (dammit) forgot to DVR it.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
9:30 am
They have to sign this guy.
No, they don’t. The Braves will most likely have less room for error next year, but if Heyward and Freeman continue to improve and McCann and Uggla bounce back – we should be fine from an offesnive standpoint.
Obviously we can’t have scrubs in LF and CF, but I really don’t think that’s what will end up happening.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
9:33 am
Danville RHP Lucas Sims last 3 starts combined: 14 IP, 12 hits, 3 ER, 2 BB’s, 17 K’s
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
9:33 am
I’d love to have some of the pitching prospects and hitting prospects of some of the other teams… I mean, where is our Matt Harvey? Zack Wheeler? Wil Myers? Manny Machado? Why don’t we have 1, esp. on the pitching side?
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
9:35 am
Obviously we can’t have scrubs in LF and CF, but I really don’t think that’s what will end up happening.
I’d certainly miss having Bourn, but I don’t see how they can shoehorn eight-figure salaries for a CF plus a SP into their budget, and a stud SP is more of a need than Bourn.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
9:36 am
Lucas Sims is ready for Rome…. let him get a few starts in up there to get ready for next year
They have to sign this guy.
Greinke.
We’ll have enough offense as Freeman and Heyward improve, Mac and Uggla can’t struggle like this again, Simmons and Prado will keep hitting. LF and CF will get filled with capable players.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
9:39 am
but if Heyward and Freeman continue to improve and McCann and Uggla bounce back – we should be fine from an offesnive standpoint.
You forgot Willingham.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
9:41 am
BMac’s AVG was up to .244 after game one of the July 21st doubleheader. Since then, he’s batted .167 (10-60) with 1 Double, 2 homers, 6 RBI, 8 BB, 11 K’s, 5 R, 1 HBP, and 4 GDP in 19 games (17 starts).
On June 6th (the first day we noticed him messing with his shoulder), he went 3-4 with a Double to raise his AVG to .255. Since then, he’s batted .209 (38-182) with 7 Doubles, 11 RBI, 29 RBI, 18 BB, 38 K’s, 20 R, 1 SF, 1 HBP, and 7 GDP in 50 games (48 starts).
That includes that stretch from July 5th through the 27th during which he hit .321 (17-53) with 1 Double, 8 homers, 19 RBI, 5 BB, 10 K, 11 R, 1 SF, and 2 GDP in 15 games (14 starts).
Strange year for sure…But it seems to me it’s time for another hot streak…
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
9:43 am
I’m not that worried about Mac. He’s got a track record, I believe he will be a big contributor the last month and a half. The good news is that even if he doesn’t, the Braves are OK. It’s good to not have to rely on a catcher to be your big run producer…that rarely works well in the big leagues.
unbelievable
August 16th, 2012
9:45 am
Texas wont be moving Profar to 2B. Kid is the real deal and Andrus will have a new position or a new team to play for.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
9:47 am
I’d certainly miss having Bourn, but I don’t see how they can shoehorn eight-figure salaries for a CF plus a SP into their budget, and a stud SP is more of a need than Bourn.
Absolutely.
Honestly, I’ve gotten to the point where any scenario of Bourn on the Braves in 2013 probably means we grossly overpaid and therefore made a bad decision. So, I’d just rather not have the guy on the team next year. He isn’t signing here for anything less than five years, 75 million and that probably isn’t going to happen anyway.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
9:49 am
Brian from SC I’m not that worried about Mac.
I wasn’t in May…fairly concerned about him now, though…
But I don’t think he can’t bounce back. I especially don’t expect him to continue this next year (yeah, yeah, I know I said that last September, but this is part of being a fann…).
He’s gotta kill it in the final month—gotta be frustrating for a guy like him who’s always been so good to be doing so poorly while the team is in the playoff race…
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
9:51 am
Texas wont be moving Profar to 2B. Kid is the real deal and Andrus will have a new position or a new team to play for.
They could trade Elvis, but why is that necessary for 2013? The smart move is moving Kinsler to CF and easing Profar in at 2B. Hamilton re-signs, he shouldn’t play CF. In fact, they should keep the DH spot open and flexible.
Speaking of DH, in my thinking of who will receive a qualifying offer, obviously the two candidates are Hamilton and Bourn, but it seems like a certainty that David Ortiz will also get an offer. And this time, I think he is going to bolt regardless.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
9:55 am
We don’t really need Mac down the stretch, but if he does get on a tear, look out! Him and Uggla along with Hey, Freeman, and Chipper is one heck of a dangerous lineup… Might be enough to push us past the Nats.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
9:56 am
And Nick Swisher is at .263/.344/.468 for the season.
I think the two hardest decisions for teams this November will be Nick Swisher of the Yankees and Edwin Jackson of the Nationals. Tough calls for both teams – 13.4 million is a lot of scratch for both teams, but you can make a case to keep both players on one year deals.
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
9:58 am
Enter your comments here
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
9:58 am
And it’ll hurt their value on the free agent market big time. Ortiz, Swisher, and Jackson. No effects for Hamilton and Bourn, but teams will shy away from giving up their first round pick for the other three. Teams in the Top 10 may be more open to it, as they would only lose a 2nd rounder.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
10:00 am
TOBF We don’t really need Mac down the stretch
Hey! Yes we do!…
P Rose
August 16th, 2012
10:01 am
The future of the Braves:
Bourn (sign him): leadoff extraordinaire, impeccable defense in center
Heyward: should be a Brave for life, a 5-tool player with an Aaron-like swing
Prado: scrappy gamer gives his all on every play
Simmons: still early but looks very promising indeed
Freeman: no-nonsense ball-crusher, outstanding defense at first
Huggla: well, we’re stuck with him
Francisco: solid replacement at third has some major pop, looks good when he starts
McCann/Ross: Georgia boys call a good game behind the plate
Maholm: just wow
Medlen: fan favorite is smart and knows how to win
Minor: be patient, don’t let him go, he’ll be a good one
Beachy: reminds one of a young Smoltz
Kimbrel: might turn out to be one of the greatest closers ever for a team whose Achilles heel has always been their closer
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:05 am
TOBF We don’t really need Mac down the stretch
Hey! Yes we do!…
I don’t mean it that way! We’ve done fine without him, so anything we get from him is extra… his bat might be what pushes us past the Nats, but we look fine for the playoffs without him.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
10:07 am
TOBF—
Yeah, I know…
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
10:08 am
Maholm knows how to pitch with what he has. Reminds me of Glavine towards the end of his career. Doesn’t have great stuff anymore, but knew how to use what he had left.
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
10:13 am
If Francisco keeps this up when he starts the rest of the year, I could see them having him be their starter at 3rd to begin ‘13. Why not? Something clicked in his head I think at some point this year. Maybe Fredi got in his ear or somebody did.
Juan
August 16th, 2012
10:13 am
http://www.11alive.com/news/article/252436/40/Thanks-Chipper–Jones-interview-with-Brenda-Wood
Here Chipper Interview This Morning
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:13 am
DOWN ON THE FARM
DANVILLE
3B CARLOS FRANCO [.279 BA]
has an o’fer game, but continues having his best season as a BRAVE. The 20 year-old is in his fourth season in the BRAVES system One and a half in the DOMINICAN League and the same in the GULF COAST. His nadir is hitting LH’d pitching evidently as he’s batting .182 in 33 AB’s against whilst hitting .307 against right-handers in 114 AB’s this season. He had an excellent July [.303 BA] but has tailed off with .256 BA in August to date. He won’t be 21 until Christmas so he has plenty of time to continue developing.
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:13 am
?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:15 am
Bmac’s song: about baseball
I don’t know what’s going on, I am so up close to you (baseball)
I don’t know what’s going on
I don’t know what’s going on – I am so confused by you (baseball)
I don’t know what’s going on
No don’t say anymore to me at all to me at all
No don’t say more! To me at all, To me at all
I am so in love with you… with you… with you…
I am so in love with you… with you… with you…
I don’t know what’s going on
I am so in deep with you
I don’t know what’s going on
I don’t know what’s going on
I am so disturbed by you
No don’t say anymore to me at all, to me at all
No don’t say more to me at all to me at all
I am so in love with you
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:16 am
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
10:13 am
“…..If Francisco keeps this up when he starts the rest of the year, I could see them having him be their starter at 3rd to begin ‘13. Why not? Something clicked in his head I think at some point this year. Maybe Fredi got in his ear or somebody did…..”
My understanding from the articles I’ve read here is that WALKER and his assistant has been working with him, and corrected an inadequacy or two in his approach at the plate.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:17 am
McFann: It’s gonna be okay. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVy51mp6-rc
Trey
August 16th, 2012
10:18 am
I’m glad to hear that cocky sum’bitch, Cabrera was suspended.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
10:18 am
If Francisco keeps this up when he starts the rest of the year, I could see them having him be their starter at 3rd to begin ‘13.
I don’t want to see that. He’s a good part time bench player. Provides some good power from the left side – but he isn’t an everyday player from what I’ve seen.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
10:19 am
My understanding from the articles I’ve read here is that WALKER and his assistant has been working with him, and corrected an inadequacy or two in his approach at the plate.
I wouldn’t care if the baseball gods came down to Earth to personally touch him on the shoulder; the thought of replacing Chipper Jones with Juan Francisco makes me glad I had a light breakfast.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:19 am
Something clicked in his head I think at some point this year. Maybe Fredi got in his ear or somebody did.
My criticisms of him finally got through? Sweet…
corrected an inadequacy or two in his (Francisco’s) approach at the plate.
They did indeed…. he eats less now, he’s thinner
CB
August 16th, 2012
10:20 am
Efrim, you think Kinsler can play CF? Dang, maybe Prado can play SS.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
10:23 am
I still don’t see Francisco as a full-time player for a contending team. I’ll pass.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:23 am
the thought of replacing Chipper Jones with Juan Francisco makes me glad I had a light breakfast.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
10:24 am
but he isn’t an everyday player from what I’ve seen.
he isn’t even a good bench player, for next year’s team. Plays only one position, and that one not all that well. He should hope that the Braves can re-sign Reed Johnson, because having that versatility already on the bench is Francisco’s only hope of a roster spot.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:25 am
Thanks Juan for the link to the Chipper interview.
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:25 am
98
monty
August 16th, 2012
10:26 am
Bernadina
Prado
Heyward
FF
Willingham
BMAC
Uggla
Simmons
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
10:27 am
Efrim, you think Kinsler can play CF? Dang, maybe Prado can play SS.
They’ve been toying with the idea for a while. I think it makes a lot of sense. I suppose they could get a ton for Andrus in a trade as he is controlled for two more seasons and SS is so weak around the league. I just don’t see them making that sort of a move though.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:27 am
send Juan in a trade somewhere…. like Zeke and Juan for Willingham
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:28 am
Trey
August 16th, 2012
10:18 am
I’m glad to hear that cocky sum’bitch, Cabrera was suspended……”
It was the testosterone talking. The MELK-DUD was the sorriest excuse for a BRAVES player here since LOAF
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
10:28 am
he isn’t even a good bench player, for next year’s team
True. Could be trade bait to a team willing to play him at 3rd base everyday or partially.
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:29 am
We buy WILLINGHAM on the free agent market.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
10:29 am
To save nolie and scoots health, I’m hoping Wren doesn’t have any interest in BJ Upton and Nick Swisher…..
Paul
August 16th, 2012
10:29 am
Something that everyone is missing in the math of what money is available to re-sign Bourn, is the 6.8 mil we are already paying him this year. This money would also enter into the equation of available funds.
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:30 am
JUAN FRANCISCO takes CHIPPER’s spot no question.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
10:30 am
We buy WILLINGHAM on the free agent market.
Not any time in the next couple of years, we won’t. He’s under contract.
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:31 am
Hmmm. 6.8 million plus LOWE’s ten equals 16.8 million per. That might do it.
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:32 am
I wondered which naysayer ould be first. But thanks for playing….heh!
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
10:33 am
One of the spots is going to be a free agent – can’t trade for all of the needs. And I think LF or CF as oppose to SP will be filled via free agency.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
10:34 am
To save nolie and scoots health, I’m hoping Wren doesn’t have any interest in BJ Upton and Nick Swisher
nolie and I are split on Upton, as I’m not totally against the idea. Risky, certainly, and I don’t know that the Braves want to take on that much risk, what with the other areas of need.
I’m not worried about an interest in the other guy. As long as they aren’t passing out strait-jackets for the entire FO, that is.
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:34 am
I’m gettin’ a little testy. Time to leave you folks to yourselves for awhile.
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
10:34 am
“Braves (68-49) moved ahead of Texas (67-49) for 4th-best record in the majors.”
Yet, there one of the teams that will forced to play a one-game playoff, even if they keep this pace.
Oh, but they should just win their division and they wouldn’t have to worry. And if they don’t win the division, they deserve to play a one-game playoff for their survival
…Or they could try to get Atlanta uprooted to the west coast so that they get the fortune of playing in a weak division. Clearly the further west a team plays, the more they deserve to avoid a one-game playoff. Geography is clearly what should matter more than team quality when it comes to playoff seeding and whether you are at an advantage or disadvantage in the playoffs.
Juan
August 16th, 2012
10:35 am
I Like Francisco….Keep him in Atlanta in the off Season in a strait Diet and exercise and ready ti take thirdbase next year…..if he going back to the Republic Dominican he start eating all the good stuff (Rice & bean Pork roast) and gains those pound again
He’s a good third Basement also if he play everyday he can hit….also as a slugger he can SO a lot also….. I vote for him to stay
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:35 am
JUAN FRANCISCO takes CHIPPER’s spot no question.
Yes question… if Juan starts at 3B next year, it’s gonna be a problem.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
10:38 am
This money would also enter into the equation of available funds.
Not exactly how it works….
They have 65 million in Uggla, McCann, Hudson, Maholm, Prado, EOF, Hanson, Heyward, Venters, Medlen, Janish and Martinez for 2013. That’s if they choose to tender contracts and pick up options to all of those players aside from Uggla who is guaranteed that money. I think it’s pretty likely that they do so. Trades could happen, and are likely, but it’s really more around 20 million that they have to work with for this offseason.
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
10:40 am
ncscoots, I don’t know that BJ Upton is the best option if the Braves don’t re-sign Bourn, but he may be a pretty good option, depending on his price tag. Over the next 4 seasons, I’ll bet Upton is pretty close in value to Bourn. When you consider contract, unless Bourn takes a pretty big discount to stay with the Braves, I think a team will get more bang for the buck in Upton.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
10:41 am
They could clear around $7-8 million if they trade Hanson and EOF though, which are both possibilities, imo.
Maholm’s $6.5 million dollar option will take some cash away from the pot this offseason. He is worth that though.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:42 am
20 million that they have to work with for this offseason.
Give it to Zack. Prado plays 3rd. “Dump” Hanson. Get EOF to 2mil a yr if possible. Extra 6 mil there to get a LF and go with a minimum pay, defensive minded CF
raleighbravefan
August 16th, 2012
10:43 am
The GOOD = King Felix
The BAD = Melky
The UGLY = Red Sox clubhouse (and MELKY)
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
10:43 am
Don’t forget DOB, you have Lowe’s contract expiring this year too. So more like $25 million to spend. — GregB
Did you read the blog? I ask because you say that about Lowe’s contract despite the fact that I wrote this in the blog:
For the first time in recent years, the Braves will have plenty of money to spend this winter after they shed the contracts of Jones and Derek Lowe, among others. They traded Lowe to Cleveland in November, but the Braves still had to pay $10 million of his $15 million salary in 2012 as part of that trade. They might also non-tender struggling pitcher Jair Jurrjens, which would drop another significant salary ($5.5 million) from this year’s payroll.
Those three contracts, plus the expiring contracts of bench players Matt Diaz and Eric Hinske and a few other Braves, could free up more $35 million from this year’s payroll. But factor in the addition of pitcher Paul Maholm’s $6.5 million salary, plus arbitration raises for the likes of Martin Prado, Eric O’Flaherty and Tommy Hanson, and first first-time arb-eligible Jason Heyward, and the amount available could drop below $20 million, unless they decide it’s time to add $10 million or more to the approximate $90 million payroll and move back into the top half of major league spenders.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
10:43 am
Give [$20MM] to Zack.
That’s not as foolish as playing Francisco every day, but it’s close.
Murph
August 16th, 2012
10:44 am
Juan seems to play much better when he’s starting than when he comes in off the bench. The radio guys mentioned something about him hitting around .280 as a starter…. and we all know he can drive the ball.
I’m not against the idea of Juan starting next season. He’s only 24 years old and should continue to get better as he gets more playing time. He won’t be the next Chipper, but who could be? He’s cheap, he hits the ball far, and is serviceable with the glove.
Spend the available funds on Bourn and a starter. Sadly, with all the money coming off the books, that’s about all the team will be able to afford, plus maybe a bench bat and a bullpen arm. Not much else.
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
10:44 am
Hey, think of all of the records we could smash next year if Juan took 3rd full time.. with him and Uggla we could set team strikeout records.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
10:44 am
Players under contract in 2013:
Dan Uggla, $13 million
Players with options that will be exercised:
Brian McCann, $12 million
Tim Hudson, $9 million
Paul Maholm, $6.5 million
Players under arbitration that are sure to be here (salary estimates):
Martin Prado, $8 million
Jason Heyward, $4 million
Kris Medlen, $2 million
Pre-arb players who will be here, unless packaged in a trade:
Craig Kimbrel, $600K
Freddie Freeman, $600K
Brandon Beachy, $500K *DL
Mike Minor, $500K
Randall Delgado, $500K
Andrelton Simmons, $500K
Arbitration-eligible players who probably return, but might be trade candidates:
Eric O’Flaherty, $3.5 million
Tommy Hanson, $4 million
Johnny Venters, $2 million
Cristhian Martinez, $1.5 million
That’s $68.7 million, with about 9 players left to add.
Pre-arb players who may be bench/bullpen options:
Juan Francisco, $500K
Jose Constanza, $500K
Anthony Varvaro, $500K
Luis Avilan, $500K
Tyler Pastornicky, $500K
Free agents:
Michael Bourn
David Ross
Matt Diaz
Eric Hinske
Jack Wilson
Chad Durbin
Livan Hernandez
CB
August 16th, 2012
10:45 am
Why keep Janish next season with Simmons likely playing 155 games barring injury? He is 1st year arb.eligible and Pastornicky can cover that role, save the money for Willingham trade or Bourn signing.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
10:45 am
CF Bourn
LF Prado
RF Heyward
1B Freeman
2B Uggla
C McCann
3B Francisco
SS Simmons
Bench – Ross, Johnson, Janish, 2 additional bench bats
SP – Hudson, Hanson, Maholm, Minor, Delgado/Teheran
RP – Kimbrel, Venters, EOF, Medlen, Gearrin, Varvaro, Martinez
They could do that and it’d be a 90 million dollar payroll.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
10:45 am
Add Reed Johnson to that free agent list.
Juan
August 16th, 2012
10:46 am
Yes question… if Juan starts at 3B next year, it’s gonna be a problem.
So what is the solution for third Base Next year…..Langoria,Wright, Arod……wait how about we bring Eddie Mathew……
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
10:46 am
And Ben Sheets, of course.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
10:46 am
Didn’t someone mention that they had read Liberty’s annual report? Surely, there was a line in there on the Braves’ last operating profit? I’m too lazy to look it up, so somebody help me here.
raleighbravefan
August 16th, 2012
10:48 am
Shaun – Of course, you are ignoring the negative intangables on BJ Upton…can’t be easily quantified, but should not be ignored. I would not be in favor of BJ. Not at all.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
10:49 am
Players under arbitration that are sure to be here (salary estimates):
Martin Prado, $8 million
Jason Heyward, $4 million
Kris Medlen, $2 million
I think that’ about 1.5 million total high, but I could be wrong.
Fact of the matter is that they have around 65 million in 12 players and with the average minimum salary being $520K next year(floor at 500K), we are only going to have around $20 million to spend unless they trade some of their arb. eligible players – which will probably happen.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
10:51 am
Surely, there was a line in there on the Braves’ last operating profit?
An extra $8-10 million that gets the payroll up to $100 million would be so helpful for 2013.
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
10:52 am
I think Maholm could be an excellent candidate for trading.. if he can continue pitching like he has recently.. very good sell high candidate.
CB
August 16th, 2012
10:52 am
I don’t believe Sheets is an option for us next season, probably pitching himself out of our price range unless we are trading Hanson.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
10:52 am
I tried to go a little high, Efrim, to make a more conservative estimate of what the Braves may have to work with.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:55 am
That’s not as foolish as playing Francisco every day, but it’s close.
Give him 16mil then… it’s not as bad as Juan starting though…
Why keep Janish next season with Simmons likely playing 155 games barring injury? He is 1st year arb.eligible and Pastornicky can cover that role,
Janish could be backup 3B/SS and Pastornicky is backup 2B… Juan learns to play 1B and backs up there… Janish is needed for defense. Y’all are afraid of Rev’s…
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
10:55 am
OK, the Liberty annual report shows the Braves with an OIBDA of under $10MM each year, for the last three years. So, it might be hard to justify a $10MM increase in budget. ‘Course, their budget is listed at $94MM, too.
CB
August 16th, 2012
10:55 am
Put a 1B glove on Francisco and he could be our new Hinske. Overall, I think better to keep him than Hinske.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:57 am
I think Maholm could be an excellent candidate for trading.. if he can continue pitching like he has recently.. very good sell high candidate.
True, he would be, but with the issues our rotation esp. the young guys had this year, I can’t see Frank Wren trading away a guy who is producing. Esp. considering we gave up the Viz for him…
CrαZy
August 16th, 2012
10:59 am
If you’re trying to find cheap options so we can afford certain players at other positions then I see nothing wrong with going with Francisco at 3B. I think he could be a 25-30 HR guy and hit .260-.280 with around a .315 OBP.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
10:59 am
I think Maholm could be an excellent candidate for trading.. if he can continue pitching like he has recently.. very good sell high candidate.
I thought this was a possibility too, and maybe they decide to out him out there and see what they can get for him in comparison to Hanson….
But Maholm has been so solid this season with that increase in throwing the cutter, they will probably keep the guy and pencil him into the #3 spot. I’m okay with that, so long as Hudson is #2 and James Shields is #1….
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
11:01 am
Shaun – Of course, you are ignoring the negative intangables on BJ Upton…can’t be easily quantified, but should not be ignored. I would not be in favor of BJ. Not at all.
Actually, I’m not. That’s certainly one of the reasons I stated that I don’t know if he is the best option but he would be a good option. But I’m just of the opinion that the positives outweigh the negatives.
Certainly there seems to be little evidence or reason to believe he’s hindered the Rays’ playoff hopes the last several seasons. And there’s is plenty of evidence that he’s a solid player that could possibly be had for a fairly team-favorable contract.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
11:01 am
If you’re trying to find cheap options so we can afford certain players at other positions then I see nothing wrong with going with Francisco at 3B.
If they give Bourn $16-18 million a year, they may have to go with him at 3B vs. RHP. But I don’t see that happening, so Juan is back to the bench or traded.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
11:01 am
I think he could be a 25-30 HR guy and hit .260-.280 with around a .315 OBP.
Hah! Juan hitting .260… gotta be joking. That’s crazy!
UKUGA
August 16th, 2012
11:01 am
Is Hanson one of the Braves 5 best starting pitchers right now?
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
11:01 am
I can’t see Maholm being here past next season anyways, so I wouldn’t be against him being moved. It would be awefully hard not to move him when his value would be at it’s highest.
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
11:04 am
I agree, I’d be alright with keeping Maholm so long we’re not expecting him to be our #1 or #2 starter. We definitely need someone at the top.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
11:05 am
Is Hanson one of the Braves 5 best starting pitchers right now?
In my opinion, no. But we need him to be if we’re hoping to trade him this offseason…
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
11:05 am
If you’re trying to find cheap options so we can afford certain players at other positions then I see nothing wrong with going with Francisco at 3B. I think he could be a 25-30 HR guy and hit .260-.280 with around a .315 OBP.
I don’t think Francisco would absolutely kill a team at thirdbase everyday. But I think the better option is Prado at third and acquiring a decent leftfielder. We all know Francisco has plenty of power to play everyday. The problem is he isn’t going to get on base at a very good rate and he isn’t going to play good defense. It depends on the available leftfielders but I think the odds are that the Braves can find a good enough leftfielder to make it worth their while to go with Prado at third over Francisco. However, you never know.
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
11:07 am
Statement game tonight.. we have to let the Nats know we aren’t going away.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
11:12 am
Juan is “only” worth .6 WAR this year… a 1.32 WAR over 162 games… not all that special
Juan
August 16th, 2012
11:13 am
Next year (2013) (If we still here), Team with deep pocket has the same problem we have….Phillis need a Third Base, Outfield…..Yankee the same….so i think Atl going with the cheap option at third.
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
11:14 am
Is Hanson one of the Braves 5 best starting pitchers right now?
Outside of Hudson and Sheets, I think the rest of the Braves’ starters are more or less interchangeable. I think their starting pitching options are a lot like their offense, lots of solid guys.
I think Hanson is underrated, in some ways, because he’s had those awful outings and he’s inconsistent but overall, he’s a pitcher that has provided the Braves some solid innings. He has a 94 ERA+ and is third on the team in innings pitches as things stand right now. People focus on what he isn’t more than what he is. We all wish he was more but he’s at least decent. He’s going to go out and give you the innings are starter should give you and, while he’ll have the bad outings, most of the time, if the offense does its part, he’s going to give you a chance.
Tomas
August 16th, 2012
11:20 am
I love Bourn, great team guy, great defense, speed, and some pop for a leadoff hitter. Michael has progressed so much as a hitter since he first came up, he no longer solely depends on his speed to get hits and be valuable. He works counts, and hits the ball hard to every part of the field.
Now, that is significant, because he is gonna be 30 next year, he won’t be stealing 60 anymore. He surely will command at least 4-5 years, until he is 33-34 years old. What will Michael perform in those next 5 years? That’s what they need to consider, before paying him 16 mill/per yr.
Michael is having a career year, mainly because his slugging percentage is at a career high of 426. 9 triples, and 9 homers are the reason for that. His OPS of 777 is not as high as Jose Reyes career highs, but he is the most comparable player to Bourn and he is making 17.67 mill/ per yr for the next 6 years.
Having said all that, Reyes did sign after his age 28 season, and after winnig a batting title and hitting for an 877 OPS, though Reyes had an injury history, while Bourn doesn’t. And the fact that the Giants, Phillies, and Nats are gonna be involved will only drive his price up. It doesn’t help that he has the best agent to take advantage of that in Scott Boras.
Considering all that, I think an offer of 5 years 75 million is fair, if Bourn perfoms at an average of a 770 OPS and 30 steals per year. If somebody want’s to offer more than that, let them overpay.
They have the money, I’m sure of that
CrαZy
August 16th, 2012
11:20 am
Hah! Juan hitting .260… gotta be joking. That’s crazy!
He’s hitting .258 as a part time player right now and is .272 for his short career what’s crazy about .260?
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
11:23 am
He’s hitting .258 as a part time player right now and is .272 for his short career what’s crazy about .260?
600 PAs. Facing lefties. Stuff like that.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
11:24 am
It’s crazy because he’s hitting .260 as a part-time player who has been “hot” recently. Put him as a starter, which means that he’ll endure slumps, and his numbers will drop… Something like .230/.270 OBA/OBP.
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
11:32 am
I think Juan provides more value to this club then he would in a trade.
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
11:32 am
I actually think Francisco has enough of an offensive game to play third, especially with the state of thirdbase these days. But his offense is not so good that he can get by with what he does not offer on defense.
tony austin
August 16th, 2012
11:33 am
Maholm is a good pitcher with a team friendly contract, why on earth would you want to trade him? Not to mention the Braves gave up a good prospect in Arodys to get him and Johnson.
CrαZy
August 16th, 2012
11:34 am
TOBF…. Not getting consistent playing time can have just as much negatively affect on his numbers. Like I said before I hope we find a better solution, but It’s not like the Braves have the funds to have “special” players at every position!! Sometimes you gotta play players like Juan to afford to fill other positions.
ACE
August 16th, 2012
11:35 am
Sheets
mnor
hudson
maholm
medlen
hanson
our six man rotation with Sheets the first to get the extra day of rest.
Tomas
August 16th, 2012
11:39 am
Another item that’s worth discussing, is an extension for Jason Heyward.
Andrew McCutchen is the most comparable player, and he just signed for 6 years 51.5 million. Andrew has been the better player, and he plays CF. I think 5 years 46.5 million + 13.5 million club option(with a 1 million buyout) is a fair offer. He’d make 3.5 million next year.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
11:40 am
Sometimes you gotta play players like Juan to afford to fill other positions.
Well, if that happens, I guess I could forgo baseball for the few weeks it would take for the FO to realize the mistake.
CB
August 16th, 2012
11:40 am
I believe the real problem with Francisco is we have been spoiled with the greatness of Chipper Jones, not really fair to him. I don’t really believe Braves will go that direction unless we bring Bourn back. We can’t afford a high price free agent, best bet is trade for Willingham or someone similar and use Prado at 3rd.
Murph
August 16th, 2012
11:41 am
Efrim, your hypothetical roster for next season is basically the exact same as this season, only no Chipper. Do you really think the team is going to just sign Bourn and call it a day?
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
11:42 am
CrαZy, I’m with you on the side of Juan Francisco having a chance to hit around his career averages(.272/.320/.466, 109 OPS+), if he were to get a chance to play everyday. The problem is that his only skill is providing offense that’s a little better than league average. He’s going to be a negative on the bases and in the field.
Now, I’m not quite as against Juan Francisco as an everyday player as some of these folks. But I’m also not for it when the Braves already have Prado and they could probably find a leftfielder that can provide at least a little more value than Francisco could provide as an everyday player.
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
11:43 am
why on earth would you want to trade him?
Well, to name a few besides the 6.8 attached to him already.. We have a plethora of number 3 and 4 starters, he’d be a good sell high guy, he’s not going to factor into this club in the future, we have other needs that the payroll flexibility would help.. etc, etc.
CrαZy
August 16th, 2012
11:45 am
Good seats last night…
http://tinypic.com/r/ngt1f5/6
CrαZy
August 16th, 2012
11:48 am
Shaun, like I said hopefully they can do better than Juan, but I’m only judging from the players that we have right now… b/c none of us have a clue what/who Franky will target this off season.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
11:49 am
he’s not going to factor into this club in the future
Yeah, but you still have to play 2013, before the future arrives, no? Maholm is exactly the kind of guy the Braves need to fill out the rotation, if they can secure a front-line guy. Priced-right experience for one of the 3-4-5 slots.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
11:53 am
Do you really think the team is going to just sign Bourn and call it a day?
If they want to sign Bourn and fill out the bench, than that is more or less what they are looking at, Murph.
Trades will change the roster and payroll structure, and I expect the Braves to be more active in the trade and free agent market than they have ever been. Tons of rumors this offseason. But I actually think there will be more player movement than in recent years. I don’t think they’ll sign Bourn and call it a day because I don tthink they’ll ante up to sign Bourn. Therefore, lots of player movement and shuffling the roster.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
11:54 am
Yeah, but you still have to play 2013, before the future arrives, no? Maholm is exactly the kind of guy the Braves need to fill out the rotation, if they can secure a front-line guy. Priced-right experience for one of the 3-4-5 slots.
Yup, I see them keeping him and dealing away Hanson – as long as the return is reasonable.
Tomas
August 16th, 2012
11:56 am
The only issue with Juan Francisco as an everyday 3B, is he hasn’t proved he can hit lefties. He would be a great platoon player until he prooves otherwise.
With Martin Prado that could easily happen, but Martin is an everyday player, so he would play at 3B vs lefties, and at LF vs righties, which brings up the question, who plays LF vs lefties?
Evan Gattis is a good candidate. He kills lefties according to his stats at AA, 1469 OPS, and a combined a 1023 OPS combined on all levels this year vs both righties and lefties.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
11:56 am
Hanson might not get moved…. FW might want a Greinke like return for him just as he did for Jurrjens
No one’s giving up that for “damaged goods”
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
11:56 am
Chipper, who is 2 hits from 2,700, is 6-for-14 w/ 3 HRs against tonight’s Padres starter, ex-Brave Jason Marquis
TennesseePaul
August 16th, 2012
11:59 am
They have 65 million in Uggla, McCann, Hudson, Maholm, Prado, EOF, Hanson, Heyward, Venters, Medlen, Janish and Martinez for 2013.
Just wish this team could re-hire the accountant they had during the Hampton years. As it was reported the deal was structure as follows:
“[The Braves] got Mike Hampton. They will pay him $2 million in 2003, $2 million in 2004, $1.5 million in ‘05, $13.5 million in ‘06, $14.5 million in ‘07 and $15 million in ‘08.”
–Tim Kurkjian
Now, when that Braves accountant worked it, the Braves paid Hampton ~$8M a year. Unfortunately now he is gone, so while McCann’s contract is valued at $41.8M/7 years (including bonuses), back with that old accountant he’d be “counted” as $6M next season…. which would mean the team would have even more money to spend… But times have changed, and that accountant has moved on…
timthebrave
August 16th, 2012
11:59 am
Nice win….I’m starting to feel a lot better about our rotation…Go Braves!
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
12:01 pm
Ol Jason Marquis…he’s won five of his last six starts, believe it or not.
The guy’s approaching 300 starts in the major leagues.
tony austin
August 16th, 2012
12:02 pm
I would love to see Bourn in a Braves uniform next year, but I just don’t think they are going to be able to outbid the deeper pockets of the Phillies, Yankees, Dodgers and so on. I’m not trying to be pessimistic but unless the Braves have a dramatic increase in their payroll they won’t be able to afford to have a third of their payroll tied up in two players and still have the funds required to field a competitive team.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
12:03 pm
I feel good about the matchup with Marquis…he’s due for a pounding, and the Braves have been doing a lot of that to righties lately.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
12:03 pm
Ol Jason Marquis…he’s won five of his last six starts, believe it or not.
He’ll still be a bumb to the blog, LOL.
‘Course, if Justin Verlander were the opposition, he’d be a bumb, too, and posters would shellack the Braves for not hospitalizing the guy by the third inning.
DAP
August 16th, 2012
12:05 pm
so, duquette is forbidding the cutter for his young pitchers, saying its not a good pitch in the majors. any thoughts on this form our blog scouts? in the article posted, duquette kinda comes off as a jerk, but feels strongly that the cutter isnt a good pitch.
Tomas
August 16th, 2012
12:09 pm
If Tommy Hanson can have some good starts from here ’till the end of the season(and playoffs hopefully) then they should trade him.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
12:09 pm
I wonder what Duquette’s definition “cutter” if Mariano Rivera doesn’t throw it. I’ve always heard it called a cutter. What about Halladay? Hamels?
ACE
August 16th, 2012
12:10 pm
Melky can still win the batting title
Trey
August 16th, 2012
12:17 pm
“It was the testosterone talking. The MELK-DUD was the sorriest excuse for a BRAVES player here since LOAF”
The only loaf I like is meatloaf.
Lew
August 16th, 2012
12:18 pm
So what if we have to play a one game playoff? If we can’t win one game, then we really don’t deserve to be in the playoffs. And as for it burning our best pitcher in that playoff? Why should it matter when all we have are number three starters anyway?
Trey
August 16th, 2012
12:19 pm
Considering the crackdown on PEDS, I am surprised Cabrera thought he could get away with it.
DS1
August 16th, 2012
12:20 pm
Some interesting banter on the blog this morning. I have enjoyed catching up the past couple of pages.
It’s going to be an interesting off season four shore, but even BETTER is it’s going to be a FUN, FUN fall!
Can’t worry about the Nats, until we are playing them. All the team can do is go back to the old saying of taking them one game at a time.
That’s why this is such a great game. Anything can (and oft times will) happen.
Evan Gattis and Juan Francisco platooning with Marteen? We’re not even sure Gattis can play in AAA yet? If he’s healthy, I’d love to see the kid get added to the roster in September though.
DS1
August 16th, 2012
12:21 pm
Lew
Excellent point. I’d be OK with going with Huddy, Sheets or Maholm in a 1 game playoff. Even Medlen.
Brave4life-1995 All over again
August 16th, 2012
12:21 pm
I think we need a bat to replace Chipper Jones after this season. The Braves offensive production wont be the same without him
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
12:22 pm
Yeah, but you still have to play 2013
So you don’t think we could field a rotation out of Hudson, Hanson, Minor, Delgado, Teheran, Gilmartin and Medlen? That’s a lot of 3’s and 4’s already, not to mention I say it wouldn’t be a bad move specially if moving him meant we had for funds to acquire a number 1 guy.
McKee
August 16th, 2012
12:22 pm
Braves have same exact record as they did this time last year through 117 games.
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
12:25 pm
Why should it matter when all we have are number three starters anyway?
It’s not going to matter. Even if we did have an ace, you still throw him in the single game even if that means it changes your rotation for the first series… got to get there.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
12:27 pm
Excellent point. I’d be OK with going with Huddy, Sheets or Maholm in a 1 game playoff. Even Medlen.
Medlen’s my pick… he’s got IT!
Get Greinke for 2013 though…. got our ace for the future.
Even if we did have an ace, you still throw him in the single game even if that means it changes your rotation for the first series… got to get there.
This.
DS1
August 16th, 2012
12:28 pm
Braves will not deal Maholm. And Hanson needs to finish strong to have any significant trade value, but yet he will still be looked upon with questions. And if he does finish strong, maybe we should just ride that horse into the sunset.
I am not as convinced as some that we need to or will go out and try to get a big arm this fall.
James Shields is not a top of the rotation starter. He is not as good as Huddy.
DS1
August 16th, 2012
12:30 pm
Greinke has a LOT of question marks for the money he is supposedly worth. Does a true ace just disappear like he has with the Halos?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
12:30 pm
James Shields is not a top of the rotation starter.
This… 3 of his last 4 years have been pretty bad… Not worth trading Teheran/Delgado, Spruill/Graham, + 1 or 2 more .
brian
August 16th, 2012
12:30 pm
Duquette is very sure of himself. Though none of us have the credentials to legitimately debate him, I would have to disagree big time that a good cutter is not a good pitch.
I think it is fine to make the young pitchers hold off on their cutter so that they can develop their other pitches such as the Orioles have done with Dylan Bundy, but to forbid it completely makes no sense. Anytime you get movement on a pitch it is