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Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,334 comments Add your comment
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
8:50 am
TEHERAN continues being a work in progress. His curve hasn’t changed or improved with work, and another option for a breaking ball is in order.
Yeah, rich. I think it makes sense to continue to work on the slider more and feature it like he did last week. I’ll be interested to see what comes of it in future starts.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
8:52 am
The Braves have allowed just 42 runs over their last 21 games.
That’s the fewest runs they have allowed over any 21-game stretch since 1948. The 1914 and 1916 Braves were the only other teams in franchise history to achieve such a great pitching stretch of that length.
richbrave
August 17th, 2012
8:53 am
Let’s kick some azz when we meet them again.
With six more innings under his belt STRASBURG is now at 139.1 IP. If he continues burning six at a time, he’s got maybe four more starts.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
8:54 am
RHP J.R. Graham with 4.1 IP, 6 hits, 2 ER, 1 BB, and 6 K’s last night for Double-A Mississippi. Threw 78 pitches and was relieved by Chasen Shreve in the 5th. He’s never thrown this many innings before so he’s gotta be tiring somewhat.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
8:54 am
The Braves have outscored their opponents 111-42 over their last 21 games, a +69 run differential.
That’s the highest run differential by any team over any 21-game stretch this season.
It’s the highest run differential over 21 games the Braves have achieved since 2004.
braves4ever
August 17th, 2012
8:54 am
today’s AJC page on the Braves needs to be saved as a history link on Chipper. How fitting to see the Blog headline on Chipper, Bobblehead game explosion on Chipper and game Quotes on Chipper,
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
8:56 am
Good Morning Braves fans. So if we exclude Monday’s game, we just swept the Padres.
As for last night’s game, tough to pick a player of the game. Maybe co-players of the game. Absolute brilliant performances from Chipper and Medlen.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
8:57 am
The Cardinals, Yankees, Nationals, Rangers, White Sox, and Reds are the only teams in baseball who have a run differential for the entire season greater than the +69 the Braves have done in the last 21 games.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
8:59 am
Braves are on track to miss Matt Cain next weekend vs. the Giants.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
9:00 am
Zito, Vogelsong, Bumgarner, Lincecum in that order.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
9:01 am
The last 40-year old Brave to hit two homers in a game was none other than Julio Franco in 2005 (he was getting close to 47 years old by then). The only others in Braves history were Darrell Evans (twice in 1989), Henry Aaron (1974) and Babe Ruth, who famously hit homers 712, 713, and 714 in the same game for the 1935 Braves.
richbrave
August 17th, 2012
9:03 am
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
8:59 am
“……..Braves are on track to miss Matt Cain next weekend vs. the Giants………”
TIM LINCECUM, MADISON BUMGARNER should be enough I would think.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
9:07 am
Buster_ESPN Buster Olney
Three of the top 8 outfielders in UZR/150 defensive rankings are on the same team. http://t.co/KWmbTQJR
about 2 hours ago
http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=of&stats=fld&lg=all&qual=y&type=1&season=2012&month=0&season1=2012&ind=0&team=0&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
9:09 am
Of course, UZR/150 has Alphonso Soriano ranked high – so take that for what it is…..
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
9:09 am
I wonder how stupid Frank Wren feels for basically refusing to let Medlen start since the end of Spring Training.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
9:11 am
Efrim – UZR/150 is it based on position, range, arm?
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
9:11 am
Yeah, Medlen needs to be considered as a starting option for 2013. Just has too. Not sure if he will hold up for 30+ starts and close to 200 innings, but the dleievery is effortless and the results are hard to ignore.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
9:12 am
I wonder how stupid Frank Wren feels for basically refusing to let Medlen start since the end of Spring Training.
Yeah, he should of taken Jurrjens spot.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
9:13 am
Last night was the first time our newest and favorite Tweeter went yicketty himself since joining.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
9:13 am
I just enjoy the sub-10-pitch innings. Stark contrast to Hanson and his 25 pitch innings. Medlen throws 100 pitches in 9 innings, Hanson throws 100 in 5 innings.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
9:14 am
Last night was the first time our newest and favorite Tweeter went yicketty himself since joining.
Argggh…no it’s not. Second time. Disregard.
monty
August 17th, 2012
9:15 am
“Last night was the third complete game shutout by a Braves pitcher this year, with zero walks allowed. The Braves had only had one such game in the previous ten years.”
John Tudor had 4 complete game shutouts in one month for the Cards back in 1983 I believe. Pretty awesome.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
9:15 am
“Yeah, he should of taken Jurrjens spot.”
Yes, at some point that was probably true, and they still didn’t do it. That or Minor’s spot, Hanson’s spot, Delgado’s spot.
Oh well, I guess all of us calling for Medlen to be a starter now are proven right and should just enjoy the show.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
9:15 am
I didn’t remember him tweeting about hitting a homer before, and it’s because he didn’t mention himself hitting one in late July. Figures…he just talks about everyone else’s homers.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
9:17 am
Kris Medlen’s 4 starts have been against the Marlins(no Stanton), Astros, Mets and Padres.
Nevertheless, still very impressive.
monty
August 17th, 2012
9:18 am
Yeh. I hope TH does well tonite but even if he does it will be a stark contrast to Medlen’s get the ball and throw strikes. Kinda like waiting for your turn at the doctors office.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
9:18 am
Yes, at some point that was probably true, and they still didn’t do it. That or Minor’s spot, Hanson’s spot, Delgado’s spot.
No, it should of always been Jurrjens spot who is just terrible and not near the same pitcher he was in 2008 and 2009.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
9:24 am
Yeh, I can’t watch Hanson pitch. It really is like waiting for your turn at the doctor’s office. You know eventually it will be over, and it is very possible that he will do a good job, but it just takes forever.
Not sure how you can equate stealing bases in the doctor’s office, or not going 9 innings, but….
monty
August 17th, 2012
9:29 am
TH should be highly motivated to pitch well tonight so it should be interesting. Trying to keep his spot in the 5 man rotation, and in many respects to prove to everyone that he’s OK and not damaged goods. JJ actually had that gem against Boston, showing that determination-contentration can temporarily cause a peak performance. Like that one AB Kirk Gibson had in the post season. He may pitch well tonite on adrenaline and grit but it’s the next couple of starts after tonite that will tell the tale.
monty
August 17th, 2012
9:31 am
Whats the over and under on stolen bases and clean innings tonite?
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
9:32 am
The past 23 games were exactly what the doctor ordered, but now starts a stretch that begins to define where the Braves will finish the season. Upwards of 97 wins and chance for a division title, or “settling” for 92 with a comfortable wild card spot?
DAM
August 17th, 2012
9:35 am
Brian from SC — I posted about the exact same thing last night, except I used the last 22 games because it gave a nice, even +70 differential. We outscored opponents 115-45 in that stretch.
DAM
August 17th, 2012
9:35 am
It’s been nice to watch really good baseball the last few weeks.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
9:36 am
but now starts a stretch that begins to define where the Braves will finish the season.
After this 10 game stretch, there will be 34 games left to play and mostly winnable series. Hopefully they don’t look past the Dodgers to the Nats series.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
9:37 am
The Braves are 16-6 with Tommy Hanson on the mound this season. They are 10-1 in his last 11 starts, dating back to the beginning of June.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
9:37 am
It’s been nice to watch really good baseball the last few weeks.
Yeah, 27-10 is not just “very good” It’s remarkable for damn near a 1/4 of the season.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
9:39 am
“It’s been nice to watch really good baseball the last few weeks.”
Well to be honest nothing beats your pitchers going 8 or 9 innings of 0-1 run baseball and your offense scoring early and often. Makes it fun and drama free.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
9:42 am
Since June 17th, the Braves are 27-5 in games started by Hudson, Hanson, Sheets, Medlen, or Maholm. In games started by Minor, Delgado, and Jurrjens, they are 7-14, including 0-5 in Delgado’s starts.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
9:43 am
I posted about the exact same thing last night, except I used the last 22 games because it gave a nice, even +70 differential. We outscored opponents 115-45 in that stretch.
Yes…but a +70 RD over 22 games is not as historically impressive as +69 over 21 games…I cherry-picked.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
9:44 am
It will be interesting to see how long the Braves go with McCann at catcher. Seems to be really hurting right now. Throws last night looked alright, but no where close to getting the runners, which seems odd off of Medlen.
Had a couple of walks, but mostly of the pitching around him variety.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
9:44 am
Brian from SC The Braves are 16-6 with Tommy Hanson on the mound this season. They are 10-1 in his last 11 starts, dating back to the beginning of June.
And his ERA is 3.00 when Ross starts…
Hey! I have an idea!!…
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
9:47 am
Mike Minor has been on the wrong side of a few decisions lately… 7 straight quality starts. Just getting no run support. (Technically 6 quality starts, but I gave him credit for a start that got messed up by rain in which he was dealing.)
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
9:48 am
ERA leaders in MLB among pitchers with at least 80 IP:
1. Brandy Beachy, 2.00
2. Kris Medlen, 2.02
3. Jered Weaver, 2.22
4. Jordan Zimmerman, 2.38
How’s that for cherry-picking? (Medlen has 80 IP, Beachy has 81)
CrαZy
August 17th, 2012
9:48 am
I love watching Kimbrel pitch, but I like this winning by 4+ thing better!
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
9:48 am
“Brandy Beachy”???? Sorry…
CB
August 17th, 2012
9:48 am
Efrim, my joking yesterday about FB speed and rankings of pitching was not directed at you. I appreciate everything people like you ans Brian from SC bring to the blog. It wouldn’t be the same without you guys.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
9:50 am
Good to see everyone putting their Chipper Jones bobbleheads on eBay for ridiculous amounts of money. Gotta love capitalism.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
9:50 am
ERA leaders in MLB among pitchers with 4 or more starts:
1. Felipe Pauline, 1.67
2. Brandon Beachy, 2.00
3. Kris Medlen, 2.02
4. Ben Sheets, 2.13
DAM
August 17th, 2012
9:52 am
I wasn’t criticizing the choice of 21 games for historical significance at all. Bottom line is it’s been some amazing baseball to watch lately.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
9:53 am
I know, DAM…I was just taking the opportunity to make fun of myself a little bit.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
9:53 am
Winning is fun. Losing isn’t as fun. I suggest we keep on winning.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
9:55 am
CB, of course I knew you were joking. It’s cool. Even if you weren’t, it’s fine to say that FB velocity isn’t everything. Just everything for me.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
9:57 am
If the Red Sox were winning, I’d bet a lot of this nonsense wouldn’t be a problem. They area poor pitching team, therefore – issues.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
9:58 am
“Just everything for me.”
Lol, as long as we all admit we have problems then it is fine.
If only we could convince Shaun…
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
10:00 am
And with some offseason cleaning, it wouldn’t surprise me to see the Red Sox right back in it next year. Smart decisions just need to be made for the roster – not just firing the manager.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
10:03 am
7 years/142 million for 152 games in two seasons for .261 .294 .421 .715
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
10:03 am
Medlen is the fourth Braves pitcher since 2000 to pitch a shutout before turning 27 years old. Beachy earlier this year, Jurrjens last year, and Horacio Ramirez in 2005 were the others.
richbrave
August 17th, 2012
10:03 am
2013 GM requirements. Ol’ FW’s gonna’ be working over-time this off-season.
SHEETS – FA
JURRJENS – Arb 3
MEDLEN – Arb 1
HANSON – Arb 1
HUDSON – Club Option/ $1 million
MAHOLM – Club Option/$500 thou
MINOR
DELGADO
BEACHY
Bullpen
DURBIN – FA
O’FLAHERTY – Arb 3
VENTERS – Arb 1
MARTINEZ – Arb 1
KIMBREL
VARVARO
FISH
AVILAN
Position regulars
BOURN – FA
PRADO – Arb 3
HEYWARD – Arb 1
JONES – Club option/Retiring
McCANN – Club Option/$ 500 thou
FREEMAN
UGGLA
SIMMONS
Bench
ROSS – FA
JOHNSON – FA
JANISH – Arb 2
FRANCISCO
PASTORNICKY
CONSTANZA
Even though it appears the following bench-players will be let go, that decision must be dealt with by WREN’s office while contending with all the other issues.
WILSON – FA
HINSKI – FA
DIAZ – FA
Yes, FRANK and his staff are going to be busy this off-season.
bravesgrl4life
August 17th, 2012
10:04 am
Have missed blogging with you guys and girls this past week. Between my vacation and meetings, and other work stuff, I’ve been quite busy. And I had the extreme fortune of being at the game last night. The atmosphere was like Opening Day, or a playoff game! I’m so glad I took a day off today to be able to go last night!
But I should be back on for tonight’s game. GO BRAVES!!!!!!
richbrave
August 17th, 2012
10:06 am
CB:
I’m hoping all remains calm at home.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
10:06 am
Kris Medlen has thrown 68% of his pitches for strikes this season. If he had enough innings to qualify, he would tie with Jordan Zimmerman for 3rd in the NL in that category, behind Cliff Lee (70%) and R.A. Dickey (69%).
DAP
August 17th, 2012
10:07 am
brian from sc Last night was the first time our newest and favorite Tweeter went yicketty himself since joining.
no, he went mammo himself shortly after joining twitter on july 24th.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
10:08 am
“Kris Medlen has thrown 68% of his pitches for strikes this season.”
And it is a joy to watch.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
10:09 am
Yeah, DAP, I corrected myself 30 seconds after I posted it.
DAP
August 17th, 2012
10:10 am
brian from sc Argggh…no it’s not. Second time. Disregard.
oops, i didnt disregard in time. sorry.
Lew
August 17th, 2012
10:12 am
MFin04 – Wren feels stupid for not starting Medlen after ST?
Why in hell would he feel stupid when their plan was to go easy on Medlen early on since he was just back from a year missed with surgery? Seems that their plan might just have worked, too – Meds was not nearly as efective in relief early on and now he’s lights out after having been totally stretched out.
Him starting the season as part of the starting rotation was never going to happen and going back now after their “plan” has worked extrmeley well, going back and claiming it would have been that good all along is only an exercise in hindsight and merely another subject to complain about.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
10:13 am
LF Crawford, CF Ellsbury, RF, 3B Middlebrooks, SS, 2B Pedroia, 1B Gonzalez, C Saltalmacchia, DH
SP Lester, Buchholz, Doubront
RP Bailey, Aceves, Morales, Bard
They have talent – just missing kep players at SS, RF, Ortiz likely leaving via free agency. Need to trade Beckett and need to go get a starter.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
10:13 am
From the funniest baseball follow in Twitter:
Old Hoss Radbourn @OldHossRadbourn 1m
I can think of but one six-man rotation that worked quite well: me, me, me, me, me, me.
richbrave
August 17th, 2012
10:13 am
23 skidoo
richbrave
August 17th, 2012
10:14 am
And Tyler too!
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
10:16 am
Since 2000 (which is the earliest baseball-reference has it tracked), the Braves have only had 3 starters with at least 80 IP throw 68% or more of their pitches for strikes in a season.
Paul Byrd, 71% (2004)
John Smoltz, 68% (2007)
Greg Maddux, 68% (2001)
Greg Maddux, 68% (2000)
abeeewright
August 17th, 2012
10:19 am
I would LMAO if Chipper were to tweet while rounding the bases after a home run.
“Chipper on an iPhone rounding second base” … that was some yickety.
unbelievable
August 17th, 2012
10:20 am
Some people will always find something to complain about. Lew, I agree. Medlen wouldve been on an inning limit coming of arm surgery and would probably be close to being shut down right now if he had been in the rotation all season. Braves have the 4th best record in all of baseball. Plus, they arent like Cincy who gets to play Houston and Chicago all the time.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
10:23 am
“LF Crawford”
7 years/142 million for a speedy left fielder, who apparently doesn’t have speed anymore, (that or just doesn’t steal bases).
Ton of money for a guy with speed to play in Fenway. When does he use his speed if not on the base paths or in the outfield?
CB
August 17th, 2012
10:25 am
rich,everything is going reasonably well. Thanks for asking and hoping your family is well.
unbelievable
August 17th, 2012
10:27 am
The majority of Crawford’s value came from defense and baserunning. Having him play LF at Fenway immediately makes that an awful contract.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
10:28 am
If Meds had been in the rotation to start the season, he’d be getting shutdown around now, kinda like Strasburg…. and we all know who here agrees with that thinking. Y’all would have been pizzed with Frank for that. He did it right.
Now, it’s on Fredi to not “screw up” and put Tommy back in the rotation in place of Kris….
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
10:28 am
Over the past 22 games, the Braves won 7 games by exactly 6 runs, including 4 of their last 6 wins.
jimmy piersall
August 17th, 2012
10:28 am
LF Crawford, CF Ellsbury, RF, 3B Middlebrooks, SS, 2B Pedroia, 1B Gonzalez, C Saltalmacchia, DH
SP Lester, Buchholz, Doubront
RP Bailey, Aceves, Morales, Bard
They have talent – just missing kep players at SS, RF, Ortiz likely leaving via free agency. Need to trade Beckett and need to go get a starter.
who gives a ratz fart about the freaking Red Sox!
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
10:30 am
The Braves have allowed 42 runs over their past 21 games. That is incredible.
What’s even more incredible is that it’s not even the best active 21-game streak! Tampa has allowed just 40 runs over their last 21 games.
Lew
August 17th, 2012
10:30 am
Some here have wondered why Medlen isn’t going ballistic about the possibility of moving back to the pen when Hanson returns. Got to remember that Meds and Hanson are best friends and (at least were) roommates.
Not much wonder that Meds would apt the move since otherwise it would mean a much diminished role for his friend.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
10:31 am
jimmy piersall
who gives a ratz fart about the freaking Red Sox!
There’s an ironic post!
Lew
August 17th, 2012
10:31 am
would accept the move.
jimmy piersall
August 17th, 2012
10:33 am
braves this season and last season can’t even compare. winning games by 6 runs, when did that happen last season???? no september swoon, on the contrary, this team plays it’s best ball.
Kimbrel was used everygame last season with Braves winning 3-2, 4-3.
believe in Karma??????? if not, start.
c the boys winning the East. if not, WC who cares. i actually hope it is the Cardinals, payback beeeatch.
start believing in Karma and chipper
unbelievable
August 17th, 2012
10:33 am
Who knows, Fredi may ride this 6 man all the way through September if we keep getting good starts. They can add plenty of arms to the pen Sept 1st.
keylargo
August 17th, 2012
10:34 am
Did a quick search on EBay for CJ Bobbleheads. 149 already for sale. Here’s the first one with 3h 39m left.
149 results found for chipper jones bobblehead
CHIPPER JONES Farewell Season Bobble Head Bobblehead 8/16/12 Turner Field 18 Bids $63.00 3H 39
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
10:34 am
“The majority of Crawford’s value came from defense and baserunning. Having him play LF at Fenway immediately makes that an awful contract.”
Exactly, just a bad deal that clearly wasn’t thought through on any level whatsoever. Makes no sense to have a speedy guy in LF at Fenway. Manny Ramirez was actually perfect for the Red Sox in LF.
CB
August 17th, 2012
10:35 am
Every time I see the name Jimmy Piersall I think of Anthony Perkins playing him in Fear Strikes Out. Could they have chosen a worse athlete to play that role?
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
10:37 am
The Dodgers are really not a very good offensive team…the Braves may be able to extend their run of good pitching this weekend.
DAP
August 17th, 2012
10:37 am
MFin04 Makes no sense to have a speedy guy in LF at Fenway.
maybe they thought they might want to play him in away games too.
jimmy piersall
August 17th, 2012
10:38 am
Every time I see the name Jimmy Piersall I think of Anthony Perkins playing him in Fear Strikes Out. Could they have chosen a worse athlete to play that role?
CB, didn’t do me justice did it. have somebody who can throw a baseball better than a 6 yr girl
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
10:39 am
The Dodgers have the fewest home runs and worst slugging percentage of any team in the National League. I would not have guessed that. And that includes Matt Kemp’s 282 PAs with a .633 SLG!
CB
August 17th, 2012
10:40 am
jimmy, I think that was an insult to 6 yr old girls.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
10:40 am
The Dodgers have 9 players with 150 or more PAs who are slugging less than .360. No one else in baseball has more than 6.
The Braves have one (Tyler Pastornicky).
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
10:42 am
“maybe they thought they might want to play him in away games too.”
In LF? Still half his defensive value is gone by playing LF in Fenway and he also loses defensive value playing LF in general as well. Not to mention all the ridiculously small parks they play in in their division.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
10:43 am
The Dodgers are a better offensive team now with Victorino and Hanley. But they’re not a lineup that scares you, overall. If you keep Victorino off base and don’t let Kemp go off on you, they’re not going to score a whole lot.
Waffle House or Bust
August 17th, 2012
10:45 am
Why do people thank DOB on here? He is DOING HIS JOB. Do you walk through Publix thanking each department for doing their job? You guys kiss major butt on here just for a shout out.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
10:46 am
Also, not good when Crawford stole about 50 bases a year…and now in 2 seasons has only stolen 22 in 152 games.
Just a lot of risk for a guy who is 29/30 and you give him a 7 year/$142 million contract. But to pay him that and put him in LF at Fenway? What in the world are you thinking?!
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
10:47 am
Do you walk through Publix thanking each department for doing their job?
I try to thank everyone who does something for me, whether it’s their job or not. Where I come from, that’s called being polite. What do you do at a drive-thru…grab the food and scowl? Geez.
Lew
August 17th, 2012
10:47 am
And why do you even care that we thank him? Feelings of inadequacy? Hardly surpising.