On Chipper’s bobblehead, injuries, 3,000 hits and HOF
The official Chipper Jones tribute night is Sept. 28 against the Mets, the Friday opener of his final home series. But tonight’s game at Turner Field could have the feel of a sendoff preview of sorts, since it’s Chipper bobblehead night – the last of those – and there’s a pretty good chance that the retiring third baseman could also reach another milestone of sorts.
Young Chipper missed an entire season at the outset of his career for the first of his six knee surgeries, which was the first of two ACL reconstructions and rehabs he'd endure.
He needs two hits to reach 2,700, and Jones is 6-for-14 with three homers against tonight’s San Diego starter, ex-Braves righty Jason Marquis. Chipper would be the 65th player in major league history with 2,700 hits, and the sixth switch-hitter.
Someone asked me this morning on Twitter if I thought Chipper would have 3,000 hits were it not for his two ACL knee surgeries. And I said yes, since the first of those surgeries cost him an entire season at the start of his career, and the other cost him nearly two months at the end of the 2010 season, that injury coming when he was playing his best ball since winning the batting title in ’08.
Of course, there are many other great players who likewise would have reached certain standards, and some likely would have made the Hall of Fame, if not for major injuries that disrupted or prematurely ended their careers.
Just to cite a couple of obvious examples: Ken Griffey Jr. finished with 2,781 hits, 630 homers and 1,836 RBIs, and I’d say if he only had half the injuries he endured in the second half of his career he’d have retired with well over 3,000 hits, 700 homers and 2,000 RBIs.
Mickey Mantle hit .298 with 346 doubles, 536 homers and 1,509 RBIs in 18 seasons, despite major knee problems that contributed to his drastically reduced production after age 30. Joe DiMaggio had many foot and heel problems during his career.
Mantle and others didn’t benefit from the advances in knee surgery that has helped Chipper to continue producing through six – SIX! – knee surgeries, including four arthroscopic procedures that usually have only slowed him for a matter of weeks, and might have greatly prolonged the careers of great players from decades ago.
Not to mention the fact that DiMaggio and the great Ted Williams each missed three seasons in the prime of their careers for military service.
My point is, yes, Chipper’s numbers could be far better if not for the knee surgeries, as well as all the other nagging injuries he’s had in the last part of his career, after he’d played in 157 or more games in six out of seven seasons through 2002 (plus 156 games in 2000 and 153 in 2003). But so could many other baseball luminaries have produced even greater numbers had they not missed multiple seasons due to injuries or military service, many times while they were still in their 20’s.
Besides, the body of work that Chipper has produced stands on its own. Unlike fellow Braves icon Dale Murphy, whose overall numbers suffered because he played through so many injuries in the latter part of his career, Chipper have been able to maintain a .300/.400/.500 slash line (.304 average, .402 OBP and .532 slugging percentage, to be exact) and keep adding to his doubles, homers and RBIs and climbing the ladder on various lists for overall hitting and switch-hitting. He’s got 464 homers and 1,611 RBIs.
He’s a future Hall of Famer, obviously. And I really believe he’ll be selected on the first ballot, though some others think that might depend on who else is lingering on the ballot five years from now and perhaps siphoning off some potential Chipper votes. I don’t think it’ll matter and believe he’ll get in on the first ballot.
Compare Chipper’s overall numbers with those of switch-hitter Eddie Murray (.287/.359/.476, 504 homers, 1,917 RBIs), who got in easily on the first ballot with 85.3 percent of the votes (75 percent is required for election to the HOF).
40-year-old Chipper has been able to maintain his .300/.400/.500 slash line while adding homers and RBIs to his resume.
Maybe some voters will put more emphasis on Murray’s homers and RBIs and not on the overall numbers, or maybe others on the respective ballots when Murray was elected and when Chipper goes on the ballot will affect the outcome. But personally, I think Jones goes in on the first ballot. And if he doesn’t, he won’t have to wait long after that.
But for tonight, it’s Chipper bobblehead night at the ‘yard. Enjoy the game, and good luck getting a bobblhead if you’re going.
By the way, in his past 36 games (since June 26), Chipper has hit .352 (45-for-128) with 14 doubles, five homers, 18 walks, 24 RBIs, a .432 OBP and .578 slugging percentage.
• McCann’s shoulder: He will never make excuses, and Brian McCann tried to downplay his shoulder injury last week when we talked to him about it in New York before conceding that “it’s there” when he swings and that it causes quite a bit of discomfort.
Anyone who’s had a subluxation of the shoulder can attest to how difficult it must be to play major league baseball with such an injury, which is technically a partial, temporary dislocation of the shoulder. When he pulls back loading his swing, McCann feels it frequently.
He got a cortisone shot during the recent road trip and he and the Braves hoped that would take care of the discomfort for a while. But McCann’s numbers at the plate seem to indicate that hasn’t happen.
McCann was 20-for-65 (.308) with two doubles, nine homers, a .754 slugging percentage and 21 RBIs in 18 games from July 5 to July 31. Since then, he’s 4-for-34 (.118) with no extra-base hits, one RBI and a .118 slugging percentage in 11 games.
Fortunately for the Braves, others have been picking up the slack offensively, and the pitching staff has been making three to five runs more than enough most nights lately. But the situation with McCann’s shoulder has got to be a concern, for the stretch drive and beyond. David Ross is the best backup catcher in baseball, but 35-year-old Ross is the first to tell you that he excels in a part-time role.
• Tonight’s matchup: It’s Kris Medlen, making his fourth start since moving from the ‘pen, against ex-Braves righty Jason Marquis of the Padres.
Marquis is 5-2 with a 4.03 ERA in his past eight starts, including a two-hit shutout at Pittsburgh on Saturday. He’s 3-4 with a 7.27 ERA in eight career starts vs. Braves, but 3-2 with a 3.49 ERA in his past five. The only time he faced them since 2009 was last season on May 10, when he allowed three runs and seven hits in 7-1/3 innings and got the win.
The Braves are 16-1 in Medlen’s 17 starts going back to the 2010 season, when he moved from the bullpen to the rotation and excelled before season-ending Tommy John surgery. They’ve won 14 consecutive games that he’s started.
Medlen since July 1: 1.09 ERA and .193 opponents’ average in 13 games (three starts), with one homer, eight walks and 29 strikeouts in 33 innings. Against the Padres, he’s 0-2 with an 8.10 ERA in four relief appearances, all during the 2009-2010 seasons.
• Uggla’s back-to-back HRs: When Dan Uggla hit his line-drive three-run homer to the left-field seats Wednesday night, it gave him homers in back-to-back games for the first time since Sept. 2-3 against the Dodgers.
The second baseman has hit .250 with a .364 OBP, .500 slugging percentage, eight extra-base hits and 16 RBIs in 16 games since July 29, and he’s 9-for-27 (.333) with three homers and nine RBIs in his past eight games.
Now, some rather staggering numbers. Between those back-to-back homer games against the Dodgers in September and his current eight-game hot streak, here’s what Uggla did at the plate: 129 games, .208 average, 16 homers, .335 OBP and .360 slugging percentage (.695 OPS) with 153 strikeouts in 456 at-bats.
• Etc.
Juan Francisco’s past 15 games: .433 (13-for-30) with four doubles, two homers, nine RBIs, .500 OBP, .767 slugging. That includes 12-for-24 with four doubles, two homers, seven RBIs in the seven games in which he’s batted more than once in that span….
Jason Heyward’s past 50 games: .292 with 22 extra-base hits (11 homers), 29 RBIs, 40 runs, .364 OBP, .526 slugging (.890 OPS).
• OK, let’s close this with a tune from The Raveonettes, which you can hear by clicking here.
“DEAD SOUND” by The Raveonettes
Hear the sound of falling love
As I wonder where you are
Hits the ground with a dead sound
Know you ain’t got far
Too stupid and sissy like
To say that you want out
You make the eyes of a million girls
And think you’ll make them shout
Dead sound
Dead sound
Dead sound
Dead sound
I used to take you on every time
That sparkle turned to black
I used to drag you through my streets
When you came crawling back
Your cheap words that you bought on sale
Won’t help you through tonight
You make the eyes of a million girls
And think that’s what they like
Dead sound
Dead sound
Dead sound
Dead sound
And now you go through a million girls
And try to pick what’s right
When nigtfall comes and you’re still alone
Do you feel it deep inside
It’s oh so cold on the other side
Where thoughts can turn you down
You make the eyes of a million girls
But I see no girl around
Dead sound
Dead sound
Dead sound
Dead sound
– by David O’Brien, Braves/MIB blog
1,334 comments Add your comment
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
2:55 pm
Thanks, DOB!!!
TennesseePaul
August 16th, 2012
2:59 pm
Thanks for the work DOB.
GO BRAVES!!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
3:00 pm
Thanks for the new Blog, Chief.
But the situation with McCann’s shoulder has got to be a concern, for the stretch drive and beyond.
Crap. Always makes me nervous when somebody with credibility writes something like this…
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
3:01 pm
Chipper will hit 2 or 3 bombs tonight!
cricket
August 16th, 2012
3:04 pm
Take this season away, and Milky is a fat slob that can’t play OF and barely hits .260 to save his life.
so, 2011 never happened? i knew it was a bad bad dream..
addy
August 16th, 2012
3:05 pm
First !!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
3:06 pm
Nah, I’m just tragically negative. 14 postseasons of failures left me with too many traumas….JCBrave
that’s a you problem, most fans of any other team would consider 14 years like that as baseball bliss
flange1
August 16th, 2012
3:07 pm
Thanks for the new blog DOB.
Let’s kick some rear tonite Bravos!
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
3:08 pm
MacCan Is Not Done…….He Is Washed Up!……..Just Saying
JC Boscan III
August 16th, 2012
3:08 pm
It would seem wise to split the C position 50-50 or 60-40 until McCann’s healthier. His swing has looked pathetic the last couple of games. Playing hurt (and ineffectively) just hurts the team…….
DAP
August 16th, 2012
3:10 pm
i had a thought last week, that i think uggla will end up with the most home runs on the team. i didnt say it out loud, but ill say it now.
uggla currently has 15 homers, 4 behind team leader jason heyward. i dont think uggla will hit 30, but i do think he will end up with the most homers on the team.
cricket
August 16th, 2012
3:11 pm
finally, a sane voice coming to defense -
Melky’s BABIP this year was over 40 points higher than the career bests from Bonds, Palmeiro, or McGwire. I doubt the PEDs explain his year.—
(@keithlaw) August 15, 2012
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
3:13 pm
Saying he hit .300, Chipper would have gotten 3,000 hits with about 800-850 additional at-bats. That’s a season and a half for a healthy player.
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
3:13 pm
Yeah, a bliss. Remarkable. It was amazing. 14 straight Division Titles and then another appareance in 2010 was all great. But all of that also brought heartbreaks, as every year except for 1995, ended in defeat.
And I clearly said “me”. Making it obvious that it is indeed a ME problem.
Jimmy
August 16th, 2012
3:14 pm
“Playing hurt (and ineffectively) just hurts the team…….”
Amen to that. I’ve moved from “concerned” to ” worried” with Mac. Worried about 2012 Mac and who our catcher in the future is going to be.
Honestly, at this point, an extention is not even a thought.
I rather have him play less, and be more productive than what we are getting right now..
Supes
August 16th, 2012
3:14 pm
Hopefully McCann can get going…if he’s not hitting I don’t think we can go far in the playoffs (if we get there)
I realize Uggla has hit back to back HR’s but this may turn out to be his lowest RBI and HR year (statistically speaking)…how is that big time $ looking now?
Chipper Jones is a 1st ballot HOF (yes I’m biased)
If Kris Medlen continues his good work, Braves pick up another W tonight.
One last thought…if Christian Betancourt can shore up his offensive game next season in the minor leagues…and if Brian McCann continues to “have these nagging injuries”…one has to wonder what happens in 2013…just saying folks.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
3:14 pm
Two observations.
Is anyone REALLY surprised at what Milky did!? It speaks to character, or a lack thereof, that this fat blithering idiot literally stole both an All Star MVP award, as well as a season of baseball where his illegal stupidity (as if HE was not going to get CAUGHT!) directly affected division races and team fortunes with what amounts to a bogus season.
What does it REALLY say to those of you who are quick to say that Barry Bonds would’ve still been an HOF’er had he not been on the clear and cream, I offer this PRIME example, as well as recent seasons of HR drop-off’s, as a definitive Exhibit A on what PED’s have done to skew records and player legacies. Bond’s career trajectory took off vertically the minute he signed with San Fran and became the physical mutant that would steal the most hallowed of baseball records under severely and vulgar false pretenses.
Take this season away, and Milky is a fat slob that can’t play OF and barely hits .260 to save his life. Take away the steroids, and Barry Bonds doesn’t even hit HALF the home runs he did, thus making him the most marginal of HOF candidates.
How does Ken Griffey Jr. REALLY look now in retrospect!
If this PRIME example of what PED’s has done to destroy baseball records in the past 20 years does not resonate with reasonable, thinking people who love baseball…
Then there’s nothing I can say to that without being vulgar myself.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
3:16 pm
Standard lineup tonight…McCann 7th.
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
3:16 pm
Atlanta Braves @Braves
Tonight’s lineup vs. SD (7:10, SPSO/680AM/BRN): Bourn 8 Prado 7 Heyward 9 Jones 5 Freeman 3 Uggla 4 McCann 2 Janish 6 Medlen 1
cricket
August 16th, 2012
3:17 pm
Take this season away, and Milky is a fat slob that can’t play OF and barely hits .260 to save his life.
so, 2011 never happened? i knew it was a bad bad dream…
nolie
August 16th, 2012
3:18 pm
sorry but anybody who does not realize at this point that PEDS make you a better hitter, is smoking the wrong stuff Keith
Heisenberg
August 16th, 2012
3:18 pm
Chipper 1st ballot HoF. Milk dud…..not so much.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
3:19 pm
cricket: maybe he started last year – who really knows. That said, baseball is a game of norms. Go exceedingly above the norm – like 2011 & this season – and…
You get the picture.
PDOG
August 16th, 2012
3:20 pm
I would like to see the Rev get a start or two. I think with Hanson pitching Friday it would be a good day for him to get a start.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
3:20 pm
Amen, nolie!
MiaBchBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
3:20 pm
The minute they shut down Strassburg, the gNats will fall apart. September will loom and destroy them. They will wilt under the pressure of true playoff drive baseball.
That is my “Jeanne Dixon” on them.
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
3:22 pm
BRAVES LINEUP
Bourn cf
Prado lf
Heyward rf
Jones 3B
Freeman 1b
Uggla 2b
McCann c
Janish ss
Medlen p
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
3:23 pm
OK, so…maybe Ross will start against the lefty tomorrow…??
Murph
August 16th, 2012
3:23 pm
Why not send McCann to the DL if he’s hurting like he obviously is?? Makes zero sense to me. A shoulder injury isn’t going to magically get better overnight. He’s going to feel it every time he swings a bat until he’s taken out of the lineup for more than just a couple days.
I’d rather have him getting his shoulder healed up on the DL while Ross is in, raking like only Ross can do. Bring him back, healthy and rested, just in time for the big push in September.
I just don’t get playing hurt when it’s obvious that the player is not going to do anything to help the team win.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
3:23 pm
This year, in all games NOT started by Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals are 56-38, a 96-win pace for 162 games.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
3:24 pm
Still no Pastornicky…
Janish has got to be exhausted.
BMac’s in there today… he badly needs a good night at the plate
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
3:25 pm
How many problems can possibly go wrong with McCann? His ankle, his eyes, his shoulder. Guy seems to always be getting hurt. Not sure you can rely on him much longer as your 1st or 2nd best bat. The guy really was supposed to be the face of the franchise and best bat in the lineup after Chipper. Now he is hitting 7th and it looks like we’d be better off with David Ross at the plate and behind the plate. Kinda sad.
cricket
August 16th, 2012
3:25 pm
why would anyone want Rev get a start? what if he makes an error or can’t reach few balls that Janish picks up and cost braves a game? let him pinch hit, keep him away from defense.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
3:25 pm
Nice lineup tonight…. Love it.
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
3:26 pm
Let Bourn go at season’s end and send Salcedo and Zeke to the Giants for Gary Brown.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
3:26 pm
Not sure you can rely on him much longer as your 1st or 2nd best bat.
They don’t…they haven’t all year…and they won’t next year, either.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
3:26 pm
i still have a hard time believing that they will shut him down completely
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
3:26 pm
Then sign Geinke.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
3:28 pm
Brian from SC – But they pay him like they do. That’s the problem. You can’t pay a guy for production that just isn’t there.
Steve From Dalton
August 16th, 2012
3:28 pm
would not be bad idea to DL B Mac and have him heathly for the chance at the playoffs.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
3:29 pm
McCann’s on base is getting dangerously close to Alex Gonzalez territory in the sub .300’s.
Jimmy
August 16th, 2012
3:30 pm
“he badly needs a good night at the plate”
He’s never had a bad night at the plate. Oh, you mean home plate. Gottcha now.
McFann – I expect you are right about tomorrow’s game.
I really hope Heap can get a hit or two tonight. And Uggs keeps it up.
Most of all, I hope to see a Braves victory.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
3:30 pm
Since the end of June Greinke’s ERA has gone up an entire run. I’m glad we are not paying him what he gets for that kinda production
DS1
August 16th, 2012
3:31 pm
Gary Brown to the Giants is like Heyward was to the Braves a few years back. Their rising star; and untouchable.
And I DO remember you clamoring for A Jackson last winter.
McCann’s shoulder woes worry me. Shoulder pain is extremely difficult to deal with as we learned from Heyward last year.
Ross is a GREAT backup, but he gets exposed when he plays too regularly. He’d be OK for a DL stint.
DOB
With this shoulder issue for Mac, does it get cured by rest? Will it be ongoing? Is there a procedure to alleviate the problem?
Thanks.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
3:32 pm
Brian from SC – But they pay him like they do. That’s the problem. You can’t pay a guy for production that just isn’t there.
He signed that contract years ago…every year up til this one, he was worth well over what he was being paid. Meanwhile, they’re paying their best hitters about $500,000 this year…it’s just the way things work in baseball.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
3:32 pm
A DL stint right now and a few weeks of Ross with Boscan backing up may just be what BMac needs.
Catcher. It’s a rat bastard of all positions.
SteveinFXBG
August 16th, 2012
3:33 pm
Melky’s BABIP this year is .379, which is very high. Derek Jeter’s career BABIP is .355. That’s just ridiculous.
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
3:35 pm
McCann’s numbers behind his numbers aren’t bad…except his BABIP is .228. He’s not striking out more, he’s hitting homers at the same frequency…the line drives and ground balls just aren’t finding as many holes right now.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
3:36 pm
MFin: That’s not a good thing…
McCann’s shoulder woes worry me. Shoulder pain is extremely difficult to deal with as we learned from Heyward last year.
Ross is a GREAT backup, but he gets exposed when he plays too regularly. He’d be OK for a DL stint.
His shoulder worries me too… he’s having the JHey syndrome. You’re forgetting about Gattis too, he can play catcher if BMac is DL’d
PDOG
August 16th, 2012
3:36 pm
Hanson is a fly ball pitcher, I would not start the Rev with Hudson on the mound. You can’t live each day saying what if.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
3:36 pm
“Ross is a GREAT backup, but he gets exposed when he plays too regularly”
Yeh, well at this point McCann is exposed and can’t get on base to save his life, so we mine as well test the theory of Ross “getting exposed”. At least we will have better defense behind the plate. And I’m sure Ross can put up a .300 on base percentage “getting exposed”.
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
3:37 pm
While we’re on Chipper and the Hall of Fame, check this out. This is the very definition of cherry-picking stats to make a point:
http://barrybloom.mlblogs.com/2012/04/26/chipper-on-bubble-for-hall-of-fame/
I wouldn’t be all that shocked if there are enough voters out there who think like this to keep Chipper off on the first ballot. Hopefully that’s not the case.
cricket
August 16th, 2012
3:37 pm
Meanwhile, they’re paying their best hitters about $500,000 this year…it’s just the way things work in baseball.
people here basically want to pay players they dislike on per AB / per pitch basis and want to overpay their favorite players, never mind the budget constraints.
DS1
August 16th, 2012
3:38 pm
TOBF
Excuse me! I forgot about “The Great Gattis-by” being in the wings.
But seriously, his hitting in AA has dropped off a bit.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
3:39 pm
“the line drives and ground balls just aren’t finding as many holes right now.”
I was hoping someone would bring up his BABIP. Which is really a myth with McCann. This year in MLB there has been a record amount of shifts (ESPN the Mag article, check it out). Some guys are adjusting and going the other way, some aren’t. I would suspect that McCann’s BABIP has more to do with him hitting into the shift than being unlucky. Gotta adapt.
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
3:40 pm
Tom Boswell noted yesterday that the Nats’ bullpen was beginning to show some signs of wear. At a quick glance, it appears that their 4 main relievers have pitched (on average) at least 25% more than those of the Braves…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
3:41 pm
I don’t know if rest can cure his shoulder…. subluxation, it’s partly out of the joint. I’m sure the Braves docs know what they’re doing, but it doesn’t look too good.
What is the treatment?
The pain from a shoulder subluxation is treated with ice packs for 20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. You may take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen. You may need to avoid painful activities until the pain improves. The most important treatment for the looseness in the shoulder that causes a subluxation is shoulder strengthening exercises. Shoulders that continue to sublux and cause painful sublux and cause painful symptoms may require surgery to correct the joint looseness.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
3:41 pm
The good news for the Braves is that we have been forced to pitch EOF and Kimbrel and Venters in games that the Braves were leading by more than 3 runs. That is ALWAYS a good sign.
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
3:42 pm
DS1, There was talks of Brown being moved in the Pence deal.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
3:43 pm
Sounds good VJ…. I’d love a good Nats collapse…
Lew
August 16th, 2012
3:43 pm
The Mac Hating Olympics are hereby convenened. Some people jut can’t see past the blackness that covers their vision when contemplating him.
Actually I don’t recall anyone putting that radical shift on Mac recently.
timthebrave
August 16th, 2012
3:43 pm
DOB, Drive by Truckers playing at Georgia Theatre in Athens next week….Go Braves!
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
3:44 pm
McCann’s BABIP may very well be a combination of shoulder issues and the shift.
It’s not always as simple as going the other way to beat the shift. Pitchers are also pitching him in such a way so that it’s hard to go the other way. I’m pretty sure teams don’t just shift without having a pitching strategy to the shift.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
3:44 pm
there are a lot of folks who think Chipper is marginal HOF., not just marginal first rounder, including several voters. Hope I’m still around to see what will happen
timthebrave
August 16th, 2012
3:45 pm
If Uggla can continue to hit I will feel a lot better about our chances for making the playoffs/world series
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
3:45 pm
TOBF @ 3:41—
Sweet mother of Abraham Lincoln!…
DS1
August 16th, 2012
3:46 pm
MFin04
We are in agreement on the McCann/Ross situation. The Braves know what’s best, or at least know better than you or I.
All I was saying is that when Ross plays regularly, his performance suffers. And I’d guess his defensive skills might also be affected somewhat. If you went back and checked his numbers when Mac was on the DL last year, he probably hit similarly to the way Mac is hitting injured.
So, my guess is the Braves will play it by ear until he either gets better, or worse.
TOBF
That don’t sound too good.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
3:46 pm
that’s true Shaun, they do have such a strategy
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
3:47 pm
Oops – that did not include Drew Storen because he’s way down at the bottom of the list…but, still works for the other guys…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
3:47 pm
Lew Some people jut can’t see past the blackness that covers their vision when contemplating him.
True that. Dude could save 100 babies from drowning, but they’d be angry because he didn’t save 101…
Actually I don’t recall anyone putting that radical shift on Mac recently.
There always seem to be people on base…
cricket
August 16th, 2012
3:47 pm
chipper gets in 1st round, Bank On It
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
3:48 pm
Shaun @ 3:44—
I think I gotta agree with you on that one…
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
3:49 pm
If Ross is going to produce better numbers than McCann is right now, and McCann could possibly get health in 2-4 weeks or being DLed. Then this is a no brainer. But of course McCann will look like a wuss if he doesn’t play through it. Heck maybe even Chipper will call him out like Heyward.
But Braves would be better off getting McCann healthy than having him get on base at a sub .300 rate. Ross can easily put up those numbers. And I have yet to see Ross get exposed as a Brave.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
3:49 pm
Ben (CT)
Do you buy Sean Gilmartin being anything more than a #5 starter?
Klaw (3:05 PM)
I guess he could be a four. I don’t see more than that – not a league-average starter.
League average starters are #3’s?
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
3:50 pm
When a player as good as McCann struggles unexpectedly the first place to look is injury, especially when there is a smoking gun.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
3:50 pm
CC (Atlanta)
Is Tommy Hanson’s shoulder shot?
Klaw (3:04 PM)
I’m not his doctor, but from here I would say yes, it probably is.
DS1
August 16th, 2012
3:50 pm
AT
Not from the Giants camp. Only the pundants were saying he could have been included. He is their super prospect.
Kinda like Wil Myers of KC.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
3:51 pm
3 is in the middle therefore it must be average Efrim…
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
3:51 pm
“Actually I don’t recall anyone putting that radical shift on Mac recently.”
Yeh, well when a guy can’t put the ball in play or hit anything with any authority you don’t really need a shift. But yes, they haven’t really showed any shifts with him up lately on TV.
He is look pretty bad at the plate, almost like Dan Uggla, Alex Gonzalez automatic out territory when they are going bad.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
3:53 pm
While BMac was DL’d—Ross’ numbers from July 27th–August 13th, 2011 (16 games, 14 starts)
.241 AVG/.293 OBP/.333 SLG; 2 doubles, 1 homer, 5 RBI, 4 BB, 18 K’s, 2 SH, 1 ROE, and 2 GDP
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
3:53 pm
League average starters are #3’s?
Efrim, I would say so, generally. All though it’s a little more nuanced and complicated than that. Durability and innings matter a great deal so a guy could be a little below average but if he’s consistently pitching into the 7th in most of his outing, I would say he’s a #3, ahead of possibly ahead of a pitcher who is a little better than average but only goes 5 or 6 innings in most starts.
DS1
August 16th, 2012
3:53 pm
nolie
And we hope you will be here for the festivities too!
cricket
August 16th, 2012
3:54 pm
League average starters are #3’s?
KLaw is never wrong. 5 starters rotation, avg. = 3 ….
Morris Code
August 16th, 2012
3:55 pm
42nd
Morris Code
August 16th, 2012
3:55 pm
42nd
TommyP
August 16th, 2012
3:55 pm
I believe DOB is not only on the money in that Chipper is a 1st ballot HOF but I believe he’ll get over 90% of the votes.
1) His numbers are Hall-worthy.
2) His place in history as a switch-hitter is Hall-worthy.
3) His place as the premier everyday-hitter on the Braves historic run is Hall-worthy.
4) His nickname is legendary. (don’t underestimate the power of this one)
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
3:56 pm
McCann’s numbers the last 2 weeks…..129 .250 .129 .379
Guess we should put Ross in there.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
3:56 pm
now that strikes me as strange, I never thought of it as any other way than that a #3 starter is pretty much league average. kinda like an Excellent, good, average, mediocre, poor kinda thingy
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
3:57 pm
MFin04 Guess we should put Ross in there.
Not the worst idea I ever heard…
nolie
August 16th, 2012
3:57 pm
Chipper is my favorite all-time player, but I would bet quite a bit that he does not get over 90% of the votes
timthebrave
August 16th, 2012
3:58 pm
No player has ever gotten 100% of vote for Hall of Fame….If Babe Ruth can only get 95% of the votes what does that say about the voters. Some of those fools should lose their voting privileges. Chipper will get in but it will be close the first year
DS1
August 16th, 2012
4:01 pm
MFin04
During the time Mac was on the DL last year, Ross hit .241 w/ 1 homer and 5 RBI in 58 AB’s and a .343 OBP. His average and power dropped off, but he still was taking a walk from time to time. But a drop off none the less. Maybe not as bad as I had remembered.
WOW!! I can say I misremembered, huh!!
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
4:01 pm
If we don’t need McCann’s production to win, which clearly we don’t at this point if he is batting 7th. Mine as well let Ross bat in his familiar 7th spot and let McCann hopefully get well and work on his shoulder.
I hate this belief that playing through injuries is a good idea. Maybe if you have bumps and bruises, aches and pains, but not an injury.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
4:02 pm
Sadly, it’s not even a function of whether the Braves will sign BMac long-term beyond 2013, but whether they will even exercise the 2013 option. That will be A LOT of millions being shelled out for a guy who’s showing the signs of wear for a position that destroys bodies.
If BMac gets healthy, the only way he has a longer career is to play in the AL.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
4:02 pm
TOBF @ 3:41—
Sweet mother of Abraham Lincoln!…
Yea, it’s not good at all
And to think that they weren’t overly concerned about it before…
TennesseePaul
August 16th, 2012
4:02 pm
Last 9 Starts of the Starting 9
_________AVG__OBP__SLG___OPS_wOBA_L9S9+
Bourn__ .351 .442 .541 0.982 .428 __168
Prado__ .324 .390 .514 0.904 .392 __145
Heyward .257 .333 .514 0.848 .385 __128
Chipper .281 .378 .375 0.753 .305 __108
Freeman .206 .289 .441 0.731 .316 ___96
Uggla__ .290 .405 .645 1.051 .439 __182
McCann_ .129 .250 .129 0.379 .181 ____9
Janish_ .194 .265 .226 0.491 .233 ___37
Medlen_ .200 .333 .200 0.533 .231 ___52
TuffShhhtuff
August 16th, 2012
4:03 pm
“McFann”..your 3PM……….the primary word there would be “credibility”. He is NOT a doctor, not even close! The only one who has been diagnosing all season, even though not a doctor either, is FG.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
4:03 pm
It isn’t like Ross is a joke of catcher. Guy has what, a career .835 OPS for the Braves, while playing great defense. And that is getting on and off playing time. That seems pretty incredible.
timthebrave
August 16th, 2012
4:04 pm
They should have the Maddux 100% litmus test for 2014. It will eliminate the fools
UKUGA
August 16th, 2012
4:04 pm
Two of tonight’s starting nine have identical AVG and SLG over the last nine.
How’d they do that?
Patrick
August 16th, 2012
4:05 pm
Ben (CT)
Do you buy Sean Gilmartin being anything more than a #5 starter?
Klaw (3:05 PM)
I guess he could be a four. I don’t see more than that – not a league-average starter.
League average starters are #3’s?
Efrim, I think that’s true. When I think of the word average, I equate that to “good”.
So, when I think of a good solid starter, I think of a #3. A very good pitcher #2 and elite #1.
Gilmartin was another safe and CHEAP draft pick by the Braves.
TennesseePaul
August 16th, 2012
4:05 pm
League average starters are #3’s?
At the deadline Vargas was classified as an ace, top of the rotation starter, so… yes?
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
4:06 pm
One thing is for certain.. throwing McCann out there day after day isn’t going to allow his shoulder to improve. I’d say, DL him now.. allow his shoulder to improve and get him back for the final couple of weeks of the season for the stretch run.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
4:06 pm
10Paul: Uggla looking good! highest SLG of the team!
MFin04 Guess we should put Ross in there.
McFann: Not the worst idea I ever heard…
McFann seems depressed
Sadly, it’s not even a function of whether the Braves will sign BMac long-term beyond 2013, but whether they will even exercise the 2013 option.
I think the option will get exercised unless he blows out a knee or shoulder or something and can’t play at all in 2013…. I just think the Braves are not as willing to shell out a long-term deal for him.
TennesseePaul
August 16th, 2012
4:06 pm
Saying he hit .300, Chipper would have gotten 3,000 hits with about 800-850 additional at-bats. That’s a season and a half for a healthy player.
And at his rate of HR hitting, he’d be at 500 for a career.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
4:07 pm
Guy has what, a career .835 OPS for the Braves, while playing great defense. And that is getting on and off playing time.
Ever think that he has a good OPS exactly because his playing time is infrequent?
cricket
August 16th, 2012
4:07 pm
feels like in-game blog, gotta get out
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
4:08 pm
“League average starters are #3’s”
Yeh, well I’m sick of classify guys anyways. I’m sure Greinke and Dempster are ranked high. I’m sure Sheets is ranked somewhere between a 8 or 9 pitcher, Medlen an 8 or 9 starter, Minor probably a 5 or 6 pitcher. Hudson probably a 2 or a 3. Maholm a 4 or 5. Just win games. Don’t care what rank of a pitcher they are. Maholm and Sheets have been great. Minor and Medlen have been great lately. And Hudson is an Ace for us and has outpitched every player we could have gotten at the deadline.
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
4:08 pm
I would say a #4 is still pretty good. If a pitcher can be a little below average but is good enough to hold down a rotation spot in a typical rotation, that’s pretty good.
I think we forget how few #1’s-#3’s there are. The pitchers starting on Opening Day are in that range. So I would say there are quite of few pitchers in the second spots in starting rotations that are actually in the #4 range, in scouting terms.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
4:08 pm
I agree, MFin04. With Uggla, he was just shot to hell mentally, and the only way he would get out of his sub-funk was to play through it.
With BMac, playing through his injuries will only make a bad situation worse. There will be nothing worthwhile left of him if the Braves make the playoffs. He could use a 15 day DL stint, followed by an every-other-day-catch routine until 162.
Honestly, BMac right now is not any better than a relatively healthy Ross, who runs into a dinger or a double every other day.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
4:08 pm
Abraham Lincoln – Bring on the Vampires!!!
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
4:10 pm
“Ever think that he has a good OPS exactly because his playing time is infrequent?”
Yes, to some extent he is fresher, but you still have to perform when your number is called and he has done that consistently with an almost .850 OPS for 4 years.
It is hard enough to hit a baseball, no less do it every 5th, 7th, 10th day.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
4:10 pm
I think we forget how few #1’s-#3’s there are
According to Law, there’s a whole crappin’ boatload of 3’s. That’s kinda the definition of “average”, Shaun. The big hump in the middle of the Bell curve, ya know?
RC
August 16th, 2012
4:11 pm
League average starters are #3’s?
League average is probably a #3. League median is likely a #4.
And to complicate things even farther, I’d say that at least 60% of pitchers currently in MLB are below league average (since the few #1s at the end of the bell curve are skewing the results upward).
Btw, of all the nerdy things I’ve ever posted, this one might be the all time nerdiest.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
4:11 pm
now that strikes me as strange, I never thought of it as any other way than that a #3 starter is pretty much league average. kinda like an Excellent, good, average, mediocre, poor kinda thingy
I guess that’s a good way of looking at it. For some reason, I often times associate #3 starter as slightly more than league average – I have no clue why. Maybe I think of mid-rotation guys as durable for some reason. Noit that it makes any sense.
keylargo
August 16th, 2012
4:11 pm
The shift has been modified for McCann making it even harder for him to get a hit. The second baseman is playing about a hundred feet into the right field grass knowing that he still has 5+ seconds to get the ball to first base. It’s very sad but hopefully it will make McCann prepare for next season with people who train professional athletes for a living.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
4:12 pm
you have roughly 5 degrees of pitchers holding down rotation spots, I fail to see how a#3 is not average. This being the theoretical #3 and not a specific #3 on a particular team, there is a difference. of course within those 5 divisions there are better and worse too, some that might be borderline, but in general when a baseball person says a #3 they mean an average MLB starter
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
4:12 pm
TOBF And to think that they weren’t overly concerned about it before…
Soon as Fredi said he wasn’t concerned, I knew it wasn’t going to be good…
McFann seems depressed
Well, I’ve got my Eeyore shirt on today— “Thanks for noticin’…”
But really—only about BMac…I’m fine in the rest of my life!…:)
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
4:12 pm
One thing is for certain.. throwing McCann out there day after day isn’t going to allow his shoulder to improve
This…. and with that, I’m headed home, I’ll be back later.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
4:13 pm
According to Law, there’s a whole crappin’ boatload of 3’s.
They’re all on the Braves.
tdawgmoney
August 16th, 2012
4:14 pm
Is it possible the Braves retire number “10″ even before the season is over? I think that would be a nice tribute. Also, has there EVER been a 19-20 year guy with a career avg above .300 that ACTUALLY hit higher than that his last year? I doubt it.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
4:14 pm
Oh dear lord…I think it’s time to go make more cookies…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
4:14 pm
TOBF—
Safe ride!…
nolie
August 16th, 2012
4:15 pm
geeze, now Mac’s arm is so fat it is falling outta his shoulder. Get that boy a spa membership B4 his career is completely ruint……
Braveone
August 16th, 2012
4:15 pm
From the previous blog which had 1,316 comments, Efrim led the way with 76 posts. There were 205 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 Efrim 76
2 TheOnlyBravesFan 75
3 Jerry 74
4 phil 48
5 SNEAKY PETE 40
6 abeeewright 35
7 Brian from SC 34
8 nolie 32
9 ncscoots 31
10 David O’Brien 30
11 cabravesfan 26
12 RC 24
13 McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô: 23
14 Venice Jim 23
15 Heisenberg 22
16 anti-negative guy 22
17 Jay Dubu 21
18 brian 20
19 Arkansas Transplant 19
20 Shaun 19
21 JC Brave 17
22 Tomahawk Mafia 17
23 Capt.Mudd 16
24 TuffShhhtuff 16
25 kelevra 16
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
4:16 pm
At the deadline Vargas was classified as an ace, top of the rotation starter, so… yes?
He’s he best starter on one of the 30 major league teams, so he must be a #1 or #2, right? Nope. This is not the way it works, at least not in scouting terms.
Yeh, well I’m sick of classify guys anyways.
MFin04, that’s the whole point of scouting, and talent evaluation in general, to classify players so that you have a somewhat simplified picture of a guy that others can understand.
And you don’t classify starters as 8’s or 9’s. You would classify them based on where you think they best fit in to one of five spots in a rotation.
Most of the Braves starters are #3’s or #4’s, which is very nice. Hudson is probably a #2. Sheets, when healthy, is probably a #2. The Braves have one of the better rotations as things stand now, and they don’t have a #1…and they are loaded with #3’s and #4’s.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
4:16 pm
yeah there have been tdawg, we went over that a week or so ago
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
4:16 pm
AT One thing is for certain.. throwing McCann out there day after day isn’t going to allow his shoulder to improve.
True that. Last time Ross caught was Friday, for crying out loud…Is there something seriously wrong with him that we don’t know about? Sheesh…
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
4:16 pm
but in general when a baseball person says a #3 they mean an average MLB starter
Unless they throw “durable, innings eater” in front of it. That might have some more value…….
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
4:17 pm
McCann just needs to start bunting down the 3rd baseline.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
4:18 pm
He’s he best starter on one of the 30 major league teams, so he must be a #1 or #2, right? Nope. This is not the way it works, at least not in scouting terms.
You really need to read here more to get what sarcasm is from certain posters and such, Shaun.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
4:18 pm
if Mac is gonna bunt he needs to bolt on a supercharger first
PDOG
August 16th, 2012
4:19 pm
Don’t know how people can rate pitchers in the minors as 1,2,3,4 or 5. To all you genius I am sure because he only threw 88 mph that you would have rated Glavine and Maddox as 4 or 5, pitching is more then throwing the ball 95mph.
Trey
August 16th, 2012
4:20 pm
Gosh, nolie! You are losing it, man. You dropped from number 1 to number 8.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
4:20 pm
Shaun is a pretty literal guy, they often miss facetious and sarcastic statements
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
4:20 pm
Yeh, well I’m sick of classify guys anyways.
It’s a really important part of things in this sport, I think. Classification of a guys projection – like in Football when they say a pass rusher can be a double digit sack guy. Not exactly the same thing, but I hope you get why such classifications exist.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
4:21 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEyes40uG6w
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
4:21 pm
he needs to bolt on a supercharger first
Not with some of the extreme shifts I’ve seen.. I’d be okay if he bunted every time up if they are going to play the 3rd baseman as the SS.
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
4:21 pm
only that, but it would save his shoulder as well.
AZBravoFan
August 16th, 2012
4:22 pm
Isn’t there a Molina out there somewhere that we could pick up off waivers and plug in until Mac is healthy?
DawgDad
August 16th, 2012
4:22 pm
The only thing “marginal” in relation to Chipper going in first-ballot is the judgment displayed by many of the Hall of Fame voters.
Francisco has been a beast lately. He took a lot of heat early, but he’s been a nice piece and ought to get a fair shot to win the third base job next Spring.
Medlen’s performance only highlights how ridiculous it is to go to a six-man rotation.
Arkansas Transplant
August 16th, 2012
4:23 pm
or maybe McCann could learn to hit as a right hander.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
4:23 pm
actually Trey, I have missed the cut entirely several times lately.
its a matter of projecting what you see at the time PDOG, which is why even the best are often wrong.
Glav is a poor example IMO though since so much of his success was helped by an extra 8 inches of home plate…….
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
4:23 pm
Don’t know how people can rate pitchers in the minors as 1,2,3,4 or 5. To all you genius I am sure because he only threw 88 mph that you would have rated Glavine and Maddox as 4 or 5, pitching is more then throwing the ball 95mph.
Firs off, didn’t Maddux sit in the low 90’s in his early years? Second, naming the rare exception of pitchers that can’t break 90 and are successful doesn’t mean the Sean Gilmartin’s of the world have ace potential. That’s ridiculous.
Look at the best pitchers around the league, folks. They don’t sit 86-88mph unless they are throwing a hard knuckler at 82 like Dickey is.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
4:25 pm
I mean, you have to have some serious command and plus breaking pitches to sit in the high-80’s, I think.
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
4:26 pm
McCann is so slow, that even the RFer can come in running from the outfield, field Mac’s bunt and throw him out.
/exageratedsarcasm.
timthebrave
August 16th, 2012
4:29 pm
JC Braves….I laughed and then got mad for you making fun of B Mac…Good one
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
4:30 pm
Unless they throw “durable, innings eater” in front of it.
yeah, exactly. We gotta come up with all the characteristics that provide extra points on the term paper. Like “crafty”. That’s gotta be worth a few points on the curve. Let’s get ‘em in print, people! We’ll figure out the point values later.
PDOG
August 16th, 2012
4:30 pm
I am not ranking Gilmartin as an ace I am not ranking him at all, maybe Maddox was at 90 for a couple of years but the majority of his years he couldn’t break 90 and I pretty sure Glavine never broke 90. What makes Kimbrell so good the fact that he throw 97 or the fact that he throws 97 and then breaks off a nasty slider at 87.
Does Kyle Farnsworth bring back memories for anybody if you throw 100 at its straight major league hitters will catch up to it.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
4:31 pm
I’ll stick with my 3’s and 4’s who pitch complete game shutouts and 8 inning 1 run games.
I’ll let other teams have the 1’s and 2’s of Greinke and Dempster. How about that. 
And no Sheets and Medlen really are considered 8’s or 9’s. Guys no one in their right might would be starting for a MLB team, but we are the Braves and we find a way to make things work. Kinda fun.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
4:34 pm
Does Kyle Farnsworth bring back memories for anybody if you throw 100 at its straight major league hitters will catch up to it.
Not unless you throw three or four or five of ‘em. People forget that the second part of “Big-league hitters can time a jet plane” is “…if they see it enough.”
ncgary
August 16th, 2012
4:34 pm
go braves
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
4:35 pm
JC – even if it’s right down the third base line? I mean, I can see if it’s toward first…
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
4:37 pm
Here’s the way I understand the classifications, from a scouting perspective:
#1 – A legit ace. These are very rare. These are the pitchers that consistently finish near the top of the Cy Young voting and aren’t just there because they happen to rack up a lot of wins. They legitimately belong there, year-in and year-out. They are the types that dominate games.
#2 – These are the guys that contend for the Cy Young in their best seasons. They are very good starters but they are clearly mismatched against the #1’s. However, they aren’t far off. They can dominate games fairly regularly but they are missing something or other that the #1’s have.
#3 – These are the solid-average major league starters. Maybe they lack the durability or the consistency of a #1 or a #2 but they are very good starters. They don’t dominate often but they’ll keep you in most games, if your offense can step up.
#4 – These are the below-average starters that will still give you some quality innings as starters. They are clearly good enough to hold down rotation spots in the big leagues but have pretty notable deficiencies that keep them from mid-rotation or higher, whether it be durability or stuff. A lot has to go right for them to dominate a game.
#5 – These are guys that you could throw out there to start and they aren’t going to absolutely embarrass themselves. However, they are very fringy. They might bounce around from bullpen to rotation or from Triple-A to the majors. They can hold their own in the big leagues, as starters but can’t do much more than that.
All of this is sort of fuzzy language because I think it’s kind of complicated and there are a lot of subjective elements to classifying starting pitchers in to their scouting definitions. But from what I understand, this is how it more or less works.
timthebrave
August 16th, 2012
4:37 pm
Most hitters would rather see 97 MPH “Straight” fastball than 90 with late movement
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
4:38 pm
I wrote third base line, but deleted it because it would be too much of a stretch, as the RFer might get tired of running so much…
ncgary
August 16th, 2012
4:39 pm
hunter harvey
who should be braves scouting
ncgary
August 16th, 2012
4:41 pm
his dad was one of the walking wounded here back in the day
brian used to close for the angels
DAP
August 16th, 2012
4:41 pm
MFin04 How many problems can possibly go wrong with McCann?
when a problem goes wrong…does something good happen?
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
4:41 pm
I’ll let other teams have the 1’s and 2’s of Greinke and Dempster. How about that.
I would guess most scouts would say Greinke is a #2. Some may say he’s a #1. And I think most would say Dempster is a #3 right now, maybe even a #4. I would think most would say that if he’s a #3, at his age and with his skills, he’s probably not going to be a #3 for much longer.
brian
August 16th, 2012
4:42 pm
thanks for the blog Chief!!
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
4:42 pm
Tex with a steal (well, technically, defensive indifference, but still)…
Not enough to save the Yankees, however…
OTP
August 16th, 2012
4:42 pm
I’d be fine with Francisco taking over 3rd base next year, (after losing a few pounds), and Prado at 2nd. The guy just needs playing time.
PDOG
August 16th, 2012
4:42 pm
Pitching is about location and changing speeds so that you keep the hitter off balance and the truth is some pitchers never can get it some get it sooner then later and others get it later. Tell me Efrim and Shaun what was Beachy projected at 4 years ago?
ncgary
August 16th, 2012
4:43 pm
they were related to tony cloninger
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
4:45 pm
Yankees-Rangers finish in a crisp time of 3:34…
brian
August 16th, 2012
4:45 pm
McCann’s lingering injuries I know are frustrating to him (and McFann). It does make me wonder if the wear and tear of catching is catching up with him. As much I don’t want to say it, I do wonder if he would do better in the AL where he could DH 3 games and catch 2 of a 5 man rotation.
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
4:46 pm
Kevin McAlpin @KevinMcAlpin
Chipper: “I want to play every home game cause through texting and through Twitter people tell me all the time ‘were coming to the game’”
brian
August 16th, 2012
4:46 pm
McCann is too good a bat to let stubborness stand in the way of a long and productive career
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
4:48 pm
Can 4’s and 5’s pitch like 1’s and 2’s for an extended period of time is the real question.
This whole number game really is silly. Arbitrary and meaningless at best.
It makes sense for prospects I suppose, but really until guys get some starts at the big league level and you see how they react, it is only a number.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
4:48 pm
Just my opinion on how I look at things, but I think there is a difference between ace and #1. Just me though. Most people think #1 starter and then “ace”.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
4:48 pm
Unfortunately, starters don’t have a classification like WAR, where we could assign tenths of a point (”He’s a solid 3.2, but I don’t believe he’ll ever be a 3.8″).
Once you get past the top guy (who, if the team is lucky, is an order of magnitude better than the other four starters), it gets pretty murky. 2 or 3? Murky. Muddled. Shades of grey. 4 or 5? The most you can say is “not a 2 or 3, something less.”, but otherwise? Not very clear distinctions.
There’s the front of the rotation and the back of the rotation. Trying to refine classification further than that is just going to result in a headache.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
4:50 pm
Braves starters as of late:
Sheets 2
Hudson 1.5 (new I know, I invented it to give more clarity)
Maholm 1
Medlen 1
Minor 2
Heck of a rotation.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
4:50 pm
This whole number game really is silly. Arbitrary and meaningless at best.
It makes sense for prospects I suppose, but really until guys get some starts at the big league level and you see how they react, it is only a number.
I’ve been on this blog since late 2006/early 2007 – you may be the guy that I disagree with the most.
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
4:50 pm
Efrim, I realize TennesseePaul was joking. I was trying to play along, but it’s hard to get the sarcasm to come across on a computer screen.
Don’t know how people can rate pitchers in the minors as 1,2,3,4 or 5. To all you genius I am sure because he only threw 88 mph that you would have rated Glavine and Maddox as 4 or 5, pitching is more then throwing the ball 95mph.
Garry Maddox? I always thought he was a hitter.
Oh, maybe you mean Maddux.
Who said anything about velocity alone being the basis for classifying pitchers?
As far as how people can rate pitchers in the minors as 1,2,3,4 or 5, it’s the same way we can rate pitchers or players in general as superstar, star, average, below average, fringe or whatever, pick your terminology. Rating pitchers this way is just part of the language of scouting, a way to make things simple and categorize. It would be pretty hard to communicate without language and categorizing and simplifying in this way. It has its drawbacks but what’s the alternative?
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
4:53 pm
There’s the front of the rotation and the back of the rotation. Trying to refine classification further than that is just going to result in a headache.
How about short pitchers, scoots? I mean, what do you really think of the sub-6 footers?
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
4:55 pm
Kris Medlen’s average fastball velocity is tops among Braves starting pitchers.
Kris. Medlen. All 5′10” of him, too.
Playoffs!!!
August 16th, 2012
4:55 pm
Hudson is a #2 starter at this stage of his career. And we have a lot of 3s, 4s and 5s
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
4:56 pm
So Greinke is a #2 and going to get 20-25 million a year. What good is a ranking system if he is a #2 and going to get paid like an Ace?
And why is it that we got the Cubs 3rd best pitcher, which makes him a #3 on the Cubs, which is probably a #4 anywhere else, and he is absolutely dominating the rest of the league?
I’m just not seeing the value of numbering guys who are established major leaguers.
Give me Hudson and Maholm all day long compared to Greinke and Dempster. Cheaper and apparently better pitchers.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
4:58 pm
How about short pitchers, scoots? I mean, what do you really think of the sub-6 footers?
Depends. Truth is, Hudson is a short pitcher (there is zero chance that he’s actually six-one; I’ve stood next to him) but he throws about eleventy-two different pitches and I happen to think Hudson is an excellent starting pitcher.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 16th, 2012
4:59 pm
DOB wrote:
Someone asked me this morning on Twitter if I thought Chipper would have 3,000 hits were it not for his two ACL knee surgeries. And I said yes, since the first of those surgeries cost him an entire season at the start of his career.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Not to nitpick but that very same 1994 season was one where nobody played due to the strike. So if anything Chipper picked a good year to blow his knee out. Still, if not for all the nagging leg injuries Chipper has suffered over the years, there is no doubt he would have made it to 3000.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
5:00 pm
Kris Medlen’s average fastball velocity is tops among Braves starting pitchers.
this is not a cause for celebration.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
5:00 pm
Depends. Truth is, Hudson is a short pitcher (there is zero chance that he’s actually six-one; I’ve stood next to him)
Is he at least 6′0”?
Johnny Cueto is a rare one. He’s no more than 5′11”.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
5:01 pm
ncscoots – I like Hudson too.
And Maholm….and Sheets…and Minor….and Medlen….and Beachy…(and Jurrjens 
) and Kimbrel and Venters and EOF and C-Mart (still pissed at Durbin) and Gearrin …
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 16th, 2012
5:01 pm
Tim Hudson’s still an ace in my book until I say otherwise
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
5:01 pm
Kris Medlen @KrisMedlen54
TEAM PHOTO DAY! For some reason Chipper turned down my request for a buddy pic with us each holding a bat on our shoulder… no idea why.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
5:02 pm
this is not a cause for celebration.
“Celebration” or half a bottle of Johnny Walker black by myself. Incredibly depressing fact of the Atlanta Braves rotation.
Whatever works, though, right?
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
5:02 pm
Is he at least 6′0”?
I don’t think so, but I didn’t haul out a yardstick. I can only say that I’m a legit six-one and I could see the top of his cap.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
5:04 pm
Speaking of short starting pitchers – J.R. Graham starting tonight for Double-A Mississippi.
ncscoots
August 16th, 2012
5:05 pm
Speaking of short starting pitchers – J.R. Graham
Throws gas. Redeeming feature.
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
5:06 pm
There’s the front of the rotation and the back of the rotation. Trying to refine classification further than that is just going to result in a headache.
Sometimes headaches are necessary for a better understanding of things. And you really think there is not a different classification for, say, Justin Verlander and Tim Hudson, both front-end starters.
it makes sense for prospects I suppose, but really until guys get some starts at the big league level and you see how they react, it is only a number.
You can say the same thing about any way to evaluate prospects. But that’s the whole point, making an educated guess about what a prospect might do in the majors. Why bother discussing anything? Also, tell me how that’s going to work from a team’s perspective if they just throw their hands up and say, “well, we really don’t know what we have until guys get up and make some starts in the majors”? How is a team going to know which guys deserve the chance first and which guys do not, etc.?
This whole number game really is silly. Arbitrary and meaningless at best.
I don’t see where it’s arbitrary. There is very much a rhyme and reason to it all.
JNick
August 16th, 2012
5:06 pm
Had the same injury to my right shoulder – mine was from years of wrestling, and the fix was lots of rehab (about 6 weeks worth of strengthening the rotator cuff muscles to “tighten up” the joint). Depending on the grade, he may need surgery though, especially if he has any separation at his AC joint.
VaBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
5:07 pm
I’d like to see the Braves have a rotation with 5 guys who have the ability to all produce under a 4 ERA.
BravePack(FreeFan)
August 16th, 2012
5:07 pm
Lots of Maholm fans on the blog…and I am one of them. Gets the most out of what he has and has been really good to great as of late. Good to great middle of the rotation guy who now has 11 wins after playing most of the season of a bad Cubs team. Could easily have 15 wins by now if on the Braves earlier in the season. I hope the Braves pick up his option after the season. Thank you Ryan Dumpster for refusing to come to Atlanta, now the Braves got the better pitcher.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 16th, 2012
5:08 pm
Ted Lyons 5-11 Hall of Fame.
Stan Covelesk 5-11 Hall of Fame
Eddie Plank 5-11 Hall of Fame
Mordecai Brown 5-10 Hall of Fame
Whitey Ford 5-10 Hall of Fame
Pedro Martinez 5-11 Will be in the Hall of Fame
Greg Maddux 6-0 and bound for Cooperstown
My work here is done…….later dudes.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
5:10 pm
Throws gas. Redeeming feature.
Gets a ton of groundballs. K rate might not be there, but again, the ball doesn’t get hit in the air very much vs. this kid. He’s starting to become one of my favorite prospects in the system. Consider him hugged.
VaBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
5:11 pm
In 2011 Beachy, Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Delgado (7 starts) all posted under a 4 ERA. Mike Minor in 15 starts was at 4.14
So far this season only Beachy, Hudson, Maholm, Sheets (6 GS), Medlen (3 GS) have done it.
CB
August 16th, 2012
5:14 pm
So, a pitcher’s speed on his fastball is more important than his ERA or whether he performs well and keeps his team in the game? Also, when he stands on the mound if they call him an ace, a no. 1,2,3,4 or 5 this will undoubtedly make a difference? Just trying to get the rules straight here, don’t want to be uninformed. Really,guys, sometimes we over analyze just a tad here.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
5:14 pm
“I’d like to see the Braves have a rotation with 5 guys who have the ability to all produce under a 4 ERA.”
So basically the current rotation!?
Last 30 days:
Medlen 1.09 3 starts, 8 games
Maholm 1.57 3 starts
Minor 2.39 6 starts
Sheets 2.53 5 starts
Hudson 3.08 6 starts (5-0)
CB
August 16th, 2012
5:16 pm
Also, the most enjoyable game I saw pitched recently was Maholm’s shut out last week. What was the top speed on his FB?
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
5:17 pm
Really,guys, sometimes we over analyze just a tad here.
Yeah, I know, CB. But let’s be honest, do you think Wren and the folks upstairs just say “he’s a pitcher that keeps us in the game” as a description of his skillset? I think it’s pretty important to classify pitchers ceilings, present stuff, projectability, etc. I mean, what else are we to talk about?
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
5:17 pm
So Greinke is a #2 and going to get 20-25 million a year. What good is a ranking system if he is a #2 and going to get paid like an Ace?
Well, I don’t think anyone who thinks Greinke is an ace or a #1 is crazy. And a #2 starter is pretty darn good.
And why is it that we got the Cubs 3rd best pitcher, which makes him a #3 on the Cubs, which is probably a #4 anywhere else, and he is absolutely dominating the rest of the league?
Yes, I’d say Maholm is a #4. That seems about right. He has a 108 ERA+. That’s very good. I wouldn’t say that’s “dominating.” The Braves got him simply because he improves their chances. It’s as simple as that.
I’m just not seeing the value of numbering guys who are established major leaguers.
It’s just a way to break things down. Again, basically it’s the language of scouting. If someone says, “this guy’s a #2,” a scout can easily understand what that means.
Give me Hudson and Maholm all day long compared to Greinke and Dempster. Cheaper and apparently better pitchers.
Yes, contracts matter. So I can understand preferring Hudson and Maholm to Greinke and Dempster from that perspective. But if we are just classifying them in terms of quality, contract doesn’t matter. Also, I’m not sure why your preferences among these pitchers negates the way scouts classify starting pitchers.
Brave New World
August 16th, 2012
5:19 pm
So the losers have discovered Brian McCann is hurting. Start circling now vultures.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
5:19 pm
What was the top speed on his FB?
He averages 87.8mph on his heater. Yeah, I mean, not every guy succeeds at 92mph. But look around the league – most all the greats are averaging 91mph+. I prefer my guy to miss bats, which doesn’t always have to mean they sit in the low 90’s. But it sure helps.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
5:19 pm
Last 30 days:
Medlen 1.09 3 starts, 8 games
Maholm 1.57 3 starts
Minor 2.39 6 starts
Sheets 2.53 5 starts
Hudson 3.08 6 starts (5-0)
AMAZING!
CB
August 16th, 2012
5:20 pm
Efrim,nothing wrong with a pitcher that keeps us in the game. Kind of the anti-Lowe.
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
5:21 pm
Is J.R Graham A Righty Or Lefty?
VaBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
5:21 pm
With all the pitcher rating talk earlier, what’s Brandon Beachy going forward then? He hasn’t played enough to really put a tag on him but potential wise what can he maintain? He only has 41 MLB starts under his belt but has produced a nice 3.07 ERA
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
5:24 pm
Bama, RHP.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
5:24 pm
“He only has 41 MLB starts under his belt but has produced a nice 3.07 ERA”
ERA is meaningless don’t you know. Only your number matters. Now 1’s and 2’s over there and 3’s-5’s over here. There you go. Now we know how you’ll pitch.
Someone cue/queue? Greinke and Dempster’s ERAs with their new teams.
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
5:25 pm
Thank You Efrim……
DAP
August 16th, 2012
5:27 pm
coach Not to nitpick but that very same 1994 season was one where nobody played due to the strike
they played more than half a season in 1994.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
5:28 pm
“that very same 1994 season was one where nobody played due to the strike”
Apparently that was the season that Michael Jordan would have made the big leagues in baseball if it wasn’t for the strike. (Documentary from ESPN is now up on Netflix )
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
5:29 pm
So, a pitcher’s speed on his fastball is more important than his ERA or whether he performs well and keeps his team in the game? Also, when he stands on the mound if they call him an ace, a no. 1,2,3,4 or 5 this will undoubtedly make a difference? Just trying to get the rules straight here, don’t want to be uninformed. Really,guys, sometimes we over analyze just a tad here.
CB, lots of things matter in terms of classifying pitchers into #1, #2, #3, etc. Speed on his fastball, command, control, how good his secondary offerings are, his durability, knowing when to throw certain pitches…all sorts of stuff goes in to this, which is a big reason why we need to break it down. Instead of having to explain all those aspects of a pitcher’s game, we can just say he’s a #1 or a #2 or a #3 or whatever.
As far as ERA, that’s probably not something to focus on when breaking down pitchers from a scouts perspective. Sure, maybe you glance at it but ERA isn’t even all that close to the full story because so much influences a pitcher’s ERA that have nothing to do with whether he can pitch.
As far as things mattering when a player is standing on the mound, since when does anything that people discuss and categories matter when a player is on the field? Is the point of classifying players and categorizing and profiling players so that it makes a difference when the player is out on the field?
The whole point of blog comments is to analyze and opine, pretty much. What would you like this to be if it’s not about analyzing and offering up points of views? You want people to just come here and comment with something like, “Yo, everybody! Go Braves! Braves are awesome! That’s all.”?
CB
August 16th, 2012
5:29 pm
I bet Maholm is enjoying pitching some meaningful games, he sure didn’t get too many of those with the Cubs. It has to mean a lot to him and Reed Johnson.
Blue ridge Brave
August 16th, 2012
5:32 pm
Id could see graham getting a sep call up and put in the pin much like vizzy last year. I also would love to get a look a Gattis to see if his bat is for real i know he has hit a rough patch of late but his numbers still look great and we need a third catcher anyway. The only problem i could see would be the 40 man which he is not on.
DAP
August 16th, 2012
5:32 pm
shaun a pitcher’s ERA that have nothing to do with whether he can pitch.
ive noticed that a pitcher being sucky has a high correlation to a low ERA.
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
5:33 pm
My grandson is # 74 today in pin-stripes if the prospects game tonight [7:00 p.m.] is telecast anywhere. Starts in RF tonight.
CB
August 16th, 2012
5:33 pm
Shaun, I bet you are the last one to catch sarcasm in your family.
CB
August 16th, 2012
5:35 pm
Also, what DAP said about ERA.
VaBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
5:35 pm
Wonder is the Braves exercising Moholm’s option will help get Reed Johnson to resign. With the team having huge question marks in LF and CF going into next season we need a good 4th outfielder who can play all spots and hold his own with the bat. Reed fits the bill.
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
5:36 pm
So, I see the criticisms for a scouting concept is similar to the criticisms of sabermetric concepts. Good to know that for some there is just a hatred for both facets and it’s not just a hatred of sabermetrics or “stat heads.” Seems like for a few there is just a general hatred of information, analyzing and assessing baseball.
In order to be a baseball fan, you aren’t allowed to get in to how players are evaluated, whether it be through scouting or through more objective and data-driven means. Baseball fans should just mindlessly enjoy the game. I get it.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
5:42 pm
“Seems like for a few there is just a general hatred of information, analyzing and assessing baseball. ”
No, just the labeling of pitchers with numbers 1-5, like this is 1984 or Brave New World.
Waffle House or Bust
August 16th, 2012
5:43 pm
No Elvis today? That is shocking from a big fan like you DOB.
AGTFan
August 16th, 2012
5:43 pm
Yo, everybody! Go Braves! Braves are awesome! That’s all.
Just for Shaun.
VaBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
5:44 pm
I like to use ERA as an overall quick reference. Shaun is right that ERA doesn’t tell the whole story. Kinda get’s back to debating why Grienke may or may not be an ACE, while his Career ERA is only 3.84 in 222 starts, his secondary stats suggest he’s better than that. Plus all the saber stats that factor in fielding and such. (Which I still need to learn about)
brian
August 16th, 2012
5:45 pm
you don’t have to throw heat to be a successful starting pitcher to be succesful in the big leagues as Maddux and Glavine taught everybody. It is nice having the flamethrower to balance out the rotation like Smoltz did. Pitching after someone like Maholm will make the fastball look even faster and pitching after the heat thrower will make Minor/Maholm etc. more effective keeping hitters off balance.
Balance rotations with lefties and righties but also with heat and finesse
1eyedJack
August 16th, 2012
5:48 pm
Chipper is gonna tear it up in the Old Timer’s games. He could draw a walk to Cooperstown with his eyes closed.
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
5:50 pm
Pirates led 3-0, then Dodgers 4-3, now Pirates again 8-4…
VaBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
5:51 pm
The Braves record when leading after 8 innings is 60-0, The Red’s are 56-2, Mets are 50-1
VaBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
5:52 pm
Mitch (NC)
Hey David. How big of a deal is it to switch to a 6 man rotation for 2 weeks? Tom Glavine does commentary on some of the Braves’ games, he’s not a fan and I haven’t heard a lot of people lifting Freddy up on their shoulders for the decision.
David Schoenfield (2:16 PM)
David Cone, who does Yankees games, also said he wasn’t a fan (they were talking about A.J. Burnett and the Pirates). I think it makes sense for some pitchers (Tommy Hanson, Mike Minor), but I would certainly try to keep a Burnett or Tim Hudson going every fifth day.
CB
August 16th, 2012
5:52 pm
Va, just about everybody would agree with your 5:44. Still, the game is still about keeping the other team off the scoreboard and scoring more than them. You can stat them to death but that still is the name of that tune.
Memphis
August 16th, 2012
5:53 pm
Traveling from Memphis to see the Braves play in San Fran next week! Cant wait! Too bad melk man wont be there haha
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
5:56 pm
“I think it makes sense for some pitchers (Tommy Hanson, Mike Minor), but I would certainly try to keep a Burnett or Tim Hudson going every fifth day.”
It makes sense for almost everyone one of our starters. Medlen isn’t really used to throwing 100 pitches yet, Minor is young, Hudson and Sheets are battling with minor aches and pains, Hanson is coming back after an injury. Maybe the only guy who wouldn’t need it is Maholm, but he has thrown quite a bit as of late and gone deep into games.
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
5:59 pm
“Seems like for a few there is just a general hatred of information, analyzing and assessing baseball. ”
No, just the labeling of pitchers with numbers 1-5, like this is 1984 or Brave New World.
So the whole scouting community treats pitchers like this is 1984 or Brave New World, whatever that means? Good to know.
BravePack(FreeFan)
August 16th, 2012
6:00 pm
VaBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
5:51 pm
The Braves record when leading after 8 innings is 60-0, The Red’s are 56-2, Mets are 50-1
Kimbrel aka Nintendo is responsible for this. When watching the games and the Braves get the final out in the 8th against the opposing team I know the game is over…I just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show in the 9th being put on by the best closer in baseball.
Bobby H
August 16th, 2012
6:01 pm
VaBravesFan (re 5 to 6-man rotation)
I don’t see any discernable difference with a 6-man rotation, with no off days, and a 5-man rotation, with off days, for only 2 1/2 weeks.
Semper Fi Braves fan
August 16th, 2012
6:01 pm
Mc”Cann” him…. Would rather see Ross mentoring Christian Bethancourt as the catcher of the future.
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
6:02 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Joe Blanton gets relieved, gets ejected and then gets crazy, in that order. Blanton had stared down Angel Campos, before saying something.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
6:03 pm
Shaun – Apparently not much of a reader of fiction books, eh?
DawgDad
August 16th, 2012
6:03 pm
All the analysis I need is right here: Barring injury, Hudson, Maholm, and Medlen appear to be solid reliable starters. There are still question marks attached to Hanson, Sheets, and Minor. If the playoffs started TODAY I want Hudson pitching the make-or-break game, with Medlen-Maholm hopefully starting the first series and Sheets going next. Hanson could do a lot to change my mind, as could Sheets if he holds up over time. Minor still needs more seasoning before I’d rely on him.
Aside from getting injured, I don’t recall ever being disappointed in a Kris Medlen start. Just love his demeanor on the mound and his approach. Hanson just needs to get healthy and get his command back.
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
6:04 pm
Va, just about everybody would agree with your 5:44. Still, the game is still about keeping the other team off the scoreboard and scoring more than them. You can stat them to death but that still is the name of that tune.
Right, the idea is evaluating players based on the skills that influence keeping runs off or putting runs on the scoreboard. If you are looking at stats the measure those skills or scouting players and paying attention to those types of skills, that matters. You can’t just say because a player’s team scores or gives up a lot of runs, that player alone has the necessary skills to put runs on or keep runs off the scoreboard. Just because a stat has the word “run” in the title, doesn’t mean it’s telling us a great deal about an individual players’ skills that influence scoring and preventing runs.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
6:05 pm
So now with the 6-man rotation, aren’t we going to need to extend the pitching numbering system from 1-5 to 1-6. That should drive some of us on here crazy.
Are the 1’s really 2’s now?
2’s really 3’s now?
3’s really 4’s now?
4’s really 5’s now?
5’s really 6’s now?
Shaun
August 16th, 2012
6:07 pm
Wow. Not only do some want to ignore stats that measure things that individual players do that influence scoring and preventing runs, but some want to ignore scouting a player’s skills and tools that influence scoring and preventing runs. To some if there is a statistic whose title has the word “run” in it, that’s all they think they need to pay attention to to understand a baseball player. Amazing.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
6:07 pm
“Just because a stat has the word “run” in the title, doesn’t mean it’s telling us a great deal about an individual players’ skills”
Yep, ERA, RBI, HR all meaningless. Heck the scoreboard should no longer be Runs/Hits/Errors.
Maybe added Walks to keep the triplet?
We should just get rid of runs and just list the Hits and Errors.
keylargo
August 16th, 2012
6:09 pm
Strike Years stats counted but not the standings. Braves were firmly in second behind the Expos. Regardless, Chipper did not have an AB in 1994 because of a combination of the two.
CB
August 16th, 2012
6:11 pm
Shaun, what is really amazing is that you keep coming back even when most of us make fun of you. Must be the teacher in you, educating all of us unwashed and ignorant.
keylargo
August 16th, 2012
6:14 pm
Hanson just needs to get healthy and get his command back.
And if he has any spare time he could develop a new delivery that got the ball released in under 2 seconds after he starts his motion and does not seem to destroy elbow and should tissue with every pitch.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
6:16 pm
keylargo – And according to Efrim, added 2 or 3 MPH to his fastball.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
6:18 pm
Most lanes of eastbound I-285 near the Chattahoochee River in the Sandy Springs area were blocked Thursday as the afternoon rush hour got under way after a multi-vehicle crash left multiple fatalities, authorities said.
From AJC…. might be blocked until 9pm tonight… glad I missed that, I drove past there. Keep safe folks.
MikeInFl
August 16th, 2012
6:19 pm
Don’t know if this has been posted already… here’s one man’s (John Sickel’s) definition of #1, 2, etc. pitchers.
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/8/7/3226335/defining-1-2-3-4-5-starters
keylargo
August 16th, 2012
6:22 pm
MFin04 – How delinquent of me to omit wisdom from Efrim! :mrgreen”:
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
6:24 pm
Current examples: for me, Zack Greinke is a guy who exists right on the borderline between a very strong Number Two and a Number One
So close to a #1… still a top pitcher
Trey
August 16th, 2012
6:24 pm
Oh, wow. Sucks for whomever is driving on I285.
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
6:24 pm
No Elvis today? That is shocking from a big fan like you DOB. — Waffle House or Bust
I don’t celebrate The King’s death. Only his life.
Besides, he’s not dead. (smile)
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
6:26 pm
Issue with Greinke, keeping him from #1 is his makeup.
there’s nothing #2 about Cain or Greinke.
but otoh, it’s fairly comforting to hear this since I keep hearing Harvey and Wheeler referred to as future #2s.
Speaking specifically about
Cain and Greinke and using the BA definitions of a number one Greinke lacks the plus makeup. There can be some debate as to whether Cain has two plus pitches.
I’m about as Pro-Greinke as you can be. I love the guy. But most scouts wouldn’t consider him a Pure One due to the makeup issues
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
6:26 pm
The #1-5 definition is good, but it still doesn’t really have anything to do with statistical results, just makeup of the pitcher. I’m not sure everyone would agree that Maddux was a #1. Only after he performed at a high level for a while did they probably give him that status.
Either way, it seems very possible to have a guy that is a #2 or #3 pitch better than a #2 or #1 for his career, right?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
6:27 pm
Greinke’s WAR is consistently better than his actual performance, mainly do to his FIP being much higher than his ERA. Weaver is the opposite – his WAR is lower than his actual performance because his FIP is higher.
I like advanced metrics, but when you see players like Greinke and Weaver who are consistently better or worse than they “should” be based upon abstract advanced metrics, you’ve got to look for what is wrong with the formula.
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
6:28 pm
Not to nitpick but that very same 1994 season was one where nobody played due to the strike. — Coach
Not sure what you mean by nobody played. The Braves played 114 games in 1994. By the way, Fred McGriff had 135 hits, 34 homers and 94 RBIs in that abbreviated season. And Maddux won 16 games.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
6:29 pm
“Greinke’s WAR is consistently better than his actual performance”
ERA and W’s my friend, ERA and W’s.
Oh and if your pitcher can hit homers and drive in runs that helps too. 
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
6:30 pm
DOB
With this shoulder issue for Mac, does it get cured by rest? Will it be ongoing? Is there a procedure to alleviate the problem? — DS1
No pat answers for that. It can often be cured with rest, rehab and shoulder strengthening exercises. But sometimes surgery is required.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
6:31 pm
According to that article Blanton is clearly a #3. Umm maybe after today he is a #4.
Guy isn’t a good pitcher. Really isn’t.
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
6:32 pm
Someone on Twitter had a good idea: Remake Tom Petty’s tune as “Last Dance With Larry Wayne”….
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
6:32 pm
Elvis lives in Europe, or he did in the late 80’s when somebody did an interview with him. Probably still there.
Keith
August 16th, 2012
6:37 pm
Docs don’t think the shoulder is a problem, but obviously it IS.
Give him 3 days rest and let Ross play.
Go BRAVES!
Keith
August 16th, 2012
6:38 pm
I meant as far as production is concerned – it’s a problem…
cabravesfan
August 16th, 2012
6:39 pm
And now I have Last Dance with Mary Jane stuck in my head…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
6:39 pm
ERA and W’s my friend, ERA and W’s
I don’t mind some of that WAR and sabermetric stuff… everything in moderation, I say
nolie
August 16th, 2012
6:39 pm
yup, Huddy had on his “high heeled sneakers” the day they measured him at 6′1;. if he actually hits 6 foot I doubt it
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
6:40 pm
That was a very good article by Sickels about rating starting pitchers. Couldn’t agree more with the part about Greinke, why he’s not a true No. 1 right now because of the makeup. Which is why it makes no sense to me that anyone believes Greinke should be one of the two or three highest-paid pitchers in the game. You pay a pitcher $20 million a year in a long-term deal, you better be getting a bonafide No. 1 guy, a bada$$ who goes out and produces year after year, and certainly a pitcher you don’t have to worry about each week, whether he’s going to be in the right frame of mind and whether everything’s OK with him. The guy making those bucks should be the least of your worries, like a Verlander or Halladay, or going back a bit, a Clemens or Maddux, etc.
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
6:41 pm
The Dodgers-Pirates game is almost as offense-heavy as the Yankees-Ranger one was…
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
6:42 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
A.J. Burnett strikes out Hanley, then screams at him, “Sit the —- down.” Hanley gets fined by the umpire after throwing his bat.
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
For those who didn’t see it: Earlier in the game, Hanley had gestured toward Burnett after hitting a HR off him. So Burnett responded…
AZBravoFan
August 16th, 2012
6:43 pm
Kimbrel’s 97 is effective because he’s putting it at the knees on the black, inside and outside corner. And as soon as people start trying to gear up for that, he can either elevate 99 or drop that filthy slider to get a swing and miss.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
6:43 pm
“I don’t mind some of that WAR and sabermetric stuff”
Yep, I don’t mind it either, actually I think it is smart to try and calculate value. At the same time though, you have to be open to the possibility that your team could be made up of a lot of #3’s who are pitching better than #2’s and fringe #1’s. A guys number doesn’t pitch in the game, the pitcher does. I’m fine with a bunch of #3’s who put up numbers like this:
Medlen 1.09 3 starts
Maholm 1.57 3 starts
Minor 2.39 6 starts
Sheets 2.53 5 starts
Hudson 3.08 6 starts
keylargo
August 16th, 2012
6:45 pm
It can often be cured with rest, rehab and shoulder strengthening exercises.
So you’re telling me that there are exercises that can be done during the off season that can actually stop these type of injuries from occurring? Why doesn’t Brian McCann know this? Or more importantly doesn’t McFann know this so she can pester him into coming to spring training prepared?
I would have never guessed these things could be prevented.
tony austin
August 16th, 2012
6:45 pm
AJ Burnett is my new hero. Hanley hit a HR on him and flashed him that sign thing he does (LA??) while he was round second. Later AJ struck him out and gave him some friendly “SIT DOWN!” advice.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
6:47 pm
that is several times now that coach has claimed that the 1994 season did not exist at all, at least once while denigrating another poster for talking about stats from it.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
6:47 pm
“So you’re telling me that there are exercises that can be done during the off season that can actually stop these type of injuries from occurring?”
He can’t do the exercises because that would reduce his weight, and as well all know you have to carry extra weight to deal with the Atlanta heat and be able to catch in the Majors like some on here believe.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
6:48 pm
He didn’t say “prevented”, he said “cured”…Sweet lord…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
6:49 pm
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
6:52 pm
has he had that condition b4? if not why would he even be aware of such exercises?
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
6:52 pm
Matt Kemp telling Victorino to get the F off of him while trying to reach the umpire after getting ejecting.
Such a great teammate.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
6:52 pm
Strong #2 starter/borderline #1 – makes sense for Greinke. Matt Cain is probably around that too.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
6:52 pm
McFann – I know his numbers are bad enough, no less to be dogging him. Just wish the guy would come into the season in better shape and would be better able to deal with the rigors of catching, the added weight doesn’t help, not in the heat, not for catching.
truth5
August 16th, 2012
6:54 pm
chipper is 1st ballot, easily…….. especially once he ends with a world series mvp ..
nolie
August 16th, 2012
6:54 pm
I think Cain is a #1
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
6:56 pm
MFin04—
Yeah, OK. Whatever. I really don’t feel like going through all this again…
Every year in ST everybody (DOB included) talk about what good shape BMac’s in. That’s all I have to say—thank you, and good night.
Trey
August 16th, 2012
6:57 pm
Wow, Coach. Nobody played in 94? The strike didn’t occur until August.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
6:58 pm
The only makeup issues that Greinke has is that he wears mascara instead of eye liner… And that he wears Olay instead of L’Oreal…
Besides, I can’t see him getting 20mil a year, not with his perceived “issues” and the fact that he doesn’t want to play for a big-market team. If we win the WS, he might give us a discount…. he wants to play with winners
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
6:59 pm
nolie has he had that condition b4? if not why would he even be aware of such exercises?
Word.
One of his shoulders got dislocated in a 2004 play-at-the-plate—don’t recall which one, though…Anyway, if that had anything to do with it, it wouldn’t have waited 8 years, I’m sure…
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
6:59 pm
“Every year in ST everybody (DOB included) talk about what good shape BMac’s in”
Yep, and every year he has some sort of health issue and he is only going to get older. I really hope he gets healthy quick…we need him to. His bat makes this lineup even deeper. Maybe he’ll crush some stuff tonight. Here is to hoping.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
6:59 pm
Greinke is a sissy-man wuss
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
7:00 pm
BMac isn’t hitting and we still win games…. gonna be fuel to the fire for the ones who want/think Bethancourt to start.
BoatDoc
August 16th, 2012
7:01 pm
DOB: Excellent Chipper piece. One addition: you mention the two years that Joe D and Teddy Ballgame missed during WWII. The Splendid Splinter missed the greater part of two MORE years during the Korean Conflict. Take a look: He was in his prime, but he had 101 total ABs in 1952 and ‘53. He was aged 33-34 and the year before his line was .318/30/126 with OPS of 1.019. His next full year his OPS was 1.148. So – the Original Kid lost almost five full prime years in the service of our country. My understanding is he was plenty proud of his time as a Marine Pilot. We can only wonder how many more than his 521 HR and other stats he might have had with 5 prime years added. Years later – age 41 – he hit .316, went yickety 29 times and had 72 RBIs. Awesome.
Trey
August 16th, 2012
7:01 pm
I wish the best for McCann.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:03 pm
Greinke obviously doesn’t eat at Chic-Fila
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
7:03 pm
There are so few of those guys out there….maybe 10 guys? Since there are 30 teams, that’s going to push the price on the fakers up.
Just gotta be a smart organization and recognize it. Sorta like paying a 30 year old speedster with a career 92 OPS+ 16-18 million dollars. Not smart.
Trey
August 16th, 2012
7:06 pm
Hopefully, I won’t fall asleep during this game, heh. I’ve been dozing off all day, due to the general anesthesia and hydrocodone.
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
7:06 pm
Just gotta be a smart organization and recognize it. Sorta like paying a 30 year old speedster with a career 92 OPS+ 16-18 million dollars. Not smart.
I agree with this.
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
7:07 pm
BoatDoc: In my opinion, Ted Williams was the greatest hitter that ever played.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
7:07 pm
Greinke is a sissy-man wuss
I hope you don’t really think that, noles. Anxiety disorders are no joke.
A shame how mental illness is viewed in our society.
TuffShhhtuff
August 16th, 2012
7:08 pm
Dang, be glad when the Pads are out of town. Seems like they have been playing them all week. Hate these 4 games series, especially against boring teams. Almost as bad as NFL exhibition games. Usually wind up in a 2-2 split anyway and what have you accomplished? Complete wash out.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:08 pm
mine too DOB
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
7:09 pm
My 7:03 was in response to DOB’s comment earlier. His bad— comment is awaiting moderation.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 16th, 2012
7:09 pm
1994. no WS, no post season and no season at all as far as I’m concerned.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 16th, 2012
7:10 pm
Yea, I’m still .p.o.ed about 1994…….
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:10 pm
Meds is due to get pounded……….
Trey
August 16th, 2012
7:11 pm
Maddux once had a psychiatrist help him out, when his mechanics were screwed up. Maybe Greinke can use one of those.
Trader Jack
August 16th, 2012
7:11 pm
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
6:52 pm
Matt Kemp telling Victorino to get the F off of him while trying to reach the umpire after getting ejecting.
Such a great teammate.
It was amusing watching little Victorino trying to hold back Kemp
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
7:12 pm
Meds is due to get pounded……….
Maybe by the Nationals next week…
ACE
August 16th, 2012
7:12 pm
Another so called hitters ump behind the plate tonight.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:12 pm
I hope you don’t really think that, noles. Anxiety disorders are no joke….Efrim
ya just gotta slap them guys around till they toughen up…..
I have a MS psych degree and counseled for years, what do you think?…..
ACE
August 16th, 2012
7:13 pm
off to a good start
keylargo
August 16th, 2012
7:13 pm
My understanding is he was plenty proud of his time as a Marine Pilot.
In flight school was when they discovered Ted W had 20/10 vision which Willliams supposedly could have gone to the next level had there been one. Vision is a very good thing for the two things Ted W did for a living.
TuffShhhtuff
August 16th, 2012
7:13 pm
What famous baseball player’s name is on most batteries? Well, the majority of them these days anyway? I will bet some people know the answer but some may not either.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:14 pm
that was Smoltz with the shrink Trey
brian
August 16th, 2012
7:14 pm
Medlen is not exactly fooling them but great defense by Medlen and Janish
brian
August 16th, 2012
7:14 pm
the way Medlen likes to throw strikes and get ahead in the count reminds me of Maddux
Jerry
August 16th, 2012
7:15 pm
Once Simmons gets back, I hope Janish is retained on the major league roster. He has earned a spot on this team.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:15 pm
the Energizer Bunny???
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
7:15 pm
Trader Jack
Only now after you quoted my comment did I note my “getting ejecting” typo…
I really need to do a better job of proof-reading…
“after getting ejected…”
Trey
August 16th, 2012
7:15 pm
nolie, I was watching an interview and Maddux had one, too.
TuffShhhtuff
August 16th, 2012
7:16 pm
‘”nolie” can you be serious for even one minute?
Trey
August 16th, 2012
7:17 pm
Sorry, he had a psychologist, not psychiatrist.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:17 pm
I’m sure Janish will stay since rosters will be expanded by then Jer. not sure if he makes the post season . I hope the sign him to an extension, poor bat or not
ACE
August 16th, 2012
7:17 pm
Let’s get some early runs
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:18 pm
Marquis OWNS us.
ACE
August 16th, 2012
7:18 pm
bournnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
7:19 pm
Bourn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ACE
August 16th, 2012
7:19 pm
h didn’t own Bourn
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:19 pm
get me in the right discussion and I’ll be serious, otherwise what fun is that??
Trey
August 16th, 2012
7:19 pm
Just give ‘em all Xanax and throw ‘em out there. They’ll figure it out.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
7:20 pm
Of course if you have no one you can replace Bourn with, and you need a CF, a leadoff hitter, a great defensive player, and a guy that can steal bases, because you have none of these on your team or in the minors, you might want to pay him.
BFChris27
August 16th, 2012
7:20 pm
Cubs sign our old friend Horacio Ramirez.
brian
August 16th, 2012
7:20 pm
I just love Michael Bourn on top of our order. Keep our rotation as is (don’t spend for someone like Greinke) and sign Bourn to an extension please. Either trade for a LF or trade for a SP while keeping a platoon LF with prado at 3B. We have Teheran, Delgado, Gilmartin, Spruill, etc. as trade bait to really upgrade our team in the offseason
brian
August 16th, 2012
7:21 pm
anybody think the BRaves may go cheap at catcher by trading McCann to free up money to sign Bourn?
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:22 pm
I was standing in for Fish Bisch who has been letting us down for quite a while now concerning the “owns us” pre-game ceremony
kevkat
August 16th, 2012
7:22 pm
What is it with Prado..lately he always seems to fail in these situations..whether DP or failing to advance runner…yet you can’t get him out when no one is on base
brian
August 16th, 2012
7:22 pm
for a 5 year deal would you rather pay Bourn $15-20million per year or pay Greinke $20-25 million per year?
Easy decision for me there
brian
August 16th, 2012
7:23 pm
kevkat – Prado hit the ball hard – just right at the 2B. Even doing his job going to the right side with the ball. No faulting Prado there.
Heyward’s strikeout does hurt though
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
7:24 pm
Greinke obviously doesn’t eat at Chic-Fila…..Greinke is a sissy-man wuss
ACE
August 16th, 2012
7:24 pm
What happened to Clusters? Saw him on JS’s blog.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:25 pm
What is it with Prado..lately he always seems to fail in these situations..whether DP or failing to advance runner
he is 9 for his last 17 with 6 ribbies, how much can he have failed ??
Trey
August 16th, 2012
7:25 pm
He posts only on Jeff Schultz and I think Mark Bradley’s blog, ACE.
He also has facebook.
ACE
August 16th, 2012
7:25 pm
Chpppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppp
Trey
August 16th, 2012
7:26 pm
Home run, Jones!
brian
August 16th, 2012
7:26 pm
Chipper Jones !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On his big night
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
7:26 pm
OLDMANNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BFChris27
August 16th, 2012
7:26 pm
OLD MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
njbraves
August 16th, 2012
7:26 pm
That was awesome…
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
7:26 pm
There goes Chipper’s first HR of the night…
cabravesfan
August 16th, 2012
7:27 pm
BOBBLE HEAD!
BF54
August 16th, 2012
7:27 pm
CHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPER
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:27 pm
I wouldn’t pay either one of them near 20 mil.
WTG Chipper!!! Old F@rts Rule!!!
SA
August 16th, 2012
7:27 pm
I hope Juan Francisco pans out, he could be a real power asset and anchor our 3B for awhile. I like what I see so far, keep it up!
keylargo
August 16th, 2012
7:28 pm
anybody think the BRaves may go cheap at catcher by trading McCann
I’d trade him straight up for James Shields. Shields is signed for 2 years at $21(total) and McCann 1 for $12
Jerry
August 16th, 2012
7:29 pm
I was just checking the schedule for the 4-game set against the Giants and it’s not good. We face Zito, who we can’t beat. Then we go against Voglesong and Bumgarner, and finish up against Lincecum. Now at the risk of being negative, what are the odds that Lincecum will look like the old Lincecum when he faces us?
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
7:29 pm
The man does have a flair for the dramatic.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:29 pm
SHANE (Chipper). Come back Shane (Chipper)
ACE
August 16th, 2012
7:30 pm
So far this has been a great Chipper farewell tour.
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
7:30 pm
And so Dan Uggla’s night begins..
LAG
August 16th, 2012
7:30 pm
No one here said that Chipper Jones went yickitty.
I’m disappointed in y’all. I really am.
Jerry
August 16th, 2012
7:31 pm
And there’s the “on fire” Uggla. Funny, he strikes out like the old slumping Uggla.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:31 pm
yup, guys usually rises to the occasion
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
7:31 pm
Does Jason Marquis glove…say Reese Witherspoon on it?
John Lenin
August 16th, 2012
7:31 pm
Hey McFann, so we’re supposed to believe what other people say about the catcher’s shape, but not our own eyes?
Sorry, my vision ain’t that bad…I’ll just keep believing what I see and what the injury reports say.
Ken Stallings
August 16th, 2012
7:31 pm
Who’s writing this script!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:31 pm
waiting on you to say it LAG
Hot err
August 16th, 2012
7:32 pm
Chipper is boss.
Kat
August 16th, 2012
7:32 pm
Thanks for the new DOB blog David, great read as always.
brian
August 16th, 2012
7:33 pm
come on Medlen – need a quick inning here and not a 1st pitch hit
Jerry
August 16th, 2012
7:33 pm
Chipper should be tarred and feathered for coming up with something as stupid as “yickity”.
kevkat
August 16th, 2012
7:33 pm
brian
August 16th, 2012
7:23 pm
kevkat – Prado hit the ball hard – just right at the 2B. Even doing his job going to the right side with the ball. No faulting Prado there.
Heyward’s strikeout does hurt though
Maybe so..but I said lately..more than not he hasn’t come through
Hot err
August 16th, 2012
7:34 pm
His glove says Reese Madison.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:34 pm
Don’t leave me CHIPPA!!!
LAG
August 16th, 2012
7:34 pm
That’s interesting, nolie, considering I almost never say it.
Also, Uggla dropped that ball. Thanks, Blue.
Ken Stallings
August 16th, 2012
7:34 pm
And then the old grey mare up and pulls a peach with his glove!
Medlen’s control is not as crisp so far tonight. So, far, he’s getting away with it.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
August 16th, 2012
7:34 pm
The ump was rewarding a nice attempt, but he was safe.
brian
August 16th, 2012
7:34 pm
didn’t Uggla drop that ball??
MIBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
7:35 pm
Is it too early to say – have yourself a night, Chipper!!!! ?
SNEAKY PETE
August 16th, 2012
7:36 pm
but I said lately..more than not he hasn’t come through @Kevkat.
9-17 with 6 RBI is not coming through most of the time? are you nuts?
brian
August 16th, 2012
7:36 pm
kevkat – and all I said was that I do not fault Prado for that one
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
7:36 pm
Ladys And Gents Next Year Wont Be The Same Without Chipper!!!!!!
Hot err
August 16th, 2012
7:36 pm
Even the ump got caught up in the CJ lovefest.
brian
August 16th, 2012
7:36 pm
or meant to say
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
7:36 pm
Bobblehead.
Lol, he dropped the ball. How in the world.
TuffShhhtuff
August 16th, 2012
7:37 pm
Just because it’s “CJ Night” don’t give him anything. Another 2nd base ump showing how bad they are this year. Right is right, and he dropped the ball. Easy to see too!
George
August 16th, 2012
7:38 pm
nolie
August 16th, 2012
3:06 pm
Nah, I’m just tragically negative. 14 postseasons of failures left me with too many traumas….JCBrave
that’s a you problem, most fans of any other team would consider 14 years like that as baseball bliss
**********************************
Yup, I am more than happy with that run in the 90s and early 00s.
Hot err
August 16th, 2012
7:38 pm
Sorry but Gonzalez was pretty dumb for having Medlen in the bullpen.
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
7:38 pm
Thomas Boswell @ThomasBoswellWP
Since May 15 (3 mos), Strasburg has worst ERA in Nats rotation (3.96). Z’mann 2.42, Detwiler 3.40, Jackson 3.76, Gonzalez 3.82.
keylargo
August 16th, 2012
7:39 pm
I think Chipper handed out signed bobble heads to the umpires.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
7:39 pm
Sure is fun watching Kris Medlen (and Paul Maholm) pitch.
MFin04
August 16th, 2012
7:40 pm
“I think Chipper handed out signed bobble heads to the umpires.”
Probably worth about $500 on eBay.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:40 pm
guess he had it long enuff….
George
August 16th, 2012
7:42 pm
I do not post during game, but have been the last couple cause it seems to have changed thier luck. I will get off after a couple of inns.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:43 pm
well at least we cleared the pitcher….
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
7:44 pm
People bitching about the Braves getting a wrong call go their way…
Wow…
Hugo Z Hackenbush
August 16th, 2012
7:44 pm
Nobody cares about your sex life, George.
ACE
August 16th, 2012
7:45 pm
Braves are 52-19 when they have a HR in a game.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
August 16th, 2012
7:45 pm
Nobod’s bitching about it, pinhead.
Trey
August 16th, 2012
7:49 pm
“Chipper should be tarred and feathered for coming up with something as stupid as “yickity”.”
What about the people who choose to follow the trend and repeat it?
George
August 16th, 2012
7:50 pm
Darn JASON should play a position. lol Why did we ever let him get away? He is a darn good pitcher.
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
7:50 pm
And here comes Hugo to the rescue!!
.I.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:51 pm
he is NOT a particularly good pitcher George. Career ERA over 4.5 is nothing special at all
MIBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
7:52 pm
Nice play, Kris!
Ken Stallings
August 16th, 2012
7:53 pm
Wow! Medlen make a heck of a play with his glove! That will make ESPN Top 10 tonight!
brian
August 16th, 2012
7:53 pm
great play by Medlen on getting Marquis at home. Medlen trying to go for a gold glove like the Mad Dog as well
Ken Stallings
August 16th, 2012
7:54 pm
ERRRR! Makes or made!
Kat
August 16th, 2012
7:54 pm
Nice out at home!
George
August 16th, 2012
7:56 pm
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:51 pm
he is NOT a particularly good pitcher George. Career ERA over 4.5 is nothing special at all
*************************
True, I did not know it was that high.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
7:56 pm
Kris does not need to go to the bullpen over Tommy Hanson….
nolie
August 16th, 2012
7:58 pm
I heard on the grapevine that Tommy spent some time talking to Tonya today…..
Jerry
August 16th, 2012
8:01 pm
What about the people who choose to follow the trend and repeat it Trey
Followers of the latest fads and trends.
George
August 16th, 2012
8:01 pm
BOURN wears WILLE MAYS uni number.
cabravesfan
August 16th, 2012
8:01 pm
Mark Bowman @mlbbowman
Asked Wren about Medlen in ‘08, he essentially said, “confident athlete who thinks he could also be the best SS in our system.”
ACE
August 16th, 2012
8:02 pm
Jasonnnnnnnnnnnnnn
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:02 pm
Hustle!!
brian
August 16th, 2012
8:02 pm
great hustle by Heyward
Jerry
August 16th, 2012
8:02 pm
That Heyward is a hustling fool.
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
8:02 pm
JHEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MIBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:02 pm
Good baserunning, JHey!
ACE
August 16th, 2012
8:02 pm
take two
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
8:03 pm
Jason Heyward is playing some serious baseball lately.
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
8:04 pm
The last Braves who’s primary position was the OF to hit. 300 or better was Frenchy.
One-Eyed Mac
August 16th, 2012
8:04 pm
Could Chipper be the answer to the trivia question?
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
8:04 pm
Gotta Love those Camera Phones…….lol
brian
August 16th, 2012
8:05 pm
unfortunately that was justice right there
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:06 pm
Frenchy did not do it in a full season Brian
George
August 16th, 2012
8:07 pm
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
8:04 pm
The last Braves who’s primary position was the OF to hit. 300 or better was Frenchy.
*********
Still don’t think he was as bad as most BRAVES fans think he is.
Bye Bye
August 16th, 2012
8:08 pm
Meds hanging on the edge all night. Looks like he could give up a 5 spot at any time
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:10 pm
absolutely Bye Bye……
CB
August 16th, 2012
8:10 pm
Might be watching your “ace” pitcher.
Animus
August 16th, 2012
8:11 pm
Trivia – JD Drew 2004
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:11 pm
ok now that the old f@rt screwed up, lets get some runs this inning
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:13 pm
not even close Freddie ya dummy
George
August 16th, 2012
8:14 pm
FRENCHY was kind of like JASON to much hype to live up to.
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
8:14 pm
What a speedster that Freeman kid is…
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:16 pm
eat your spinach Popeye
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:18 pm
damn, where did everybody go??
Trey
August 16th, 2012
8:18 pm
Kinda like lemmings, Jerry
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
8:18 pm
I have a MS psych degree and counseled for years, what do you think?…..
Well, that’s good to know.
I’ll be sure to never reveal too much to you….
Animus
August 16th, 2012
8:19 pm
damn, where did everybody go??
Braves winning – nothing to bitch about – blog goes silent
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:19 pm
too late Ef
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
8:20 pm
3-0!!
Oh no, wait. Freeman’s speed was to much for him to handle…
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:20 pm
nice play by Marquis
George
August 16th, 2012
8:21 pm
Is this the real nolie?
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:25 pm
yup, wht George?
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
8:26 pm
Nice going, Meds!!!
brian
August 16th, 2012
8:27 pm
if Medlen keeps pitching like this there is absolutely no reason for Medlen not to be in the rotation next year
Trey
August 16th, 2012
8:27 pm
Gah, Medlen is amazing.
Trey
August 16th, 2012
8:28 pm
Medlen has no business in the pen. He is far too good.
George
August 16th, 2012
8:28 pm
nolie
You just seem more critical than normal.
DiamondbackMac
August 16th, 2012
8:28 pm
5 innings 56 pitches, great job by Meds.
George
August 16th, 2012
8:29 pm
MEDLEN is are best starter now, just ahead of HUDDY.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:30 pm
just playing around , making fun of the in game neggies George. Don’t take it too seriously.
brian
August 16th, 2012
8:31 pm
Headley has a gun at 3B. Great play
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:31 pm
Marteen wus robbed!!!
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
WOW!!!
MIBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
JHEY!!!!!
BFChris27
August 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
JHey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
brian
August 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
I love that stroke by Heyward. Absolutely crushed it
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
JASON, my man!!!
Animus
August 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
Ooooof – that was BELTED!!!
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
8:33 pm
JHEYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
George
August 16th, 2012
8:33 pm
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:30 pm
just playing around , making fun of the in game neggies George. Don’t take it too seriously
**********************
Ok and I am trying to be nicer than normal.
George
August 16th, 2012
8:33 pm
JASON
Trey
August 16th, 2012
8:33 pm
Way to go, Jones!
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
HOLY CHIPPERAMA!!!
George
August 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
CHIPPER
brian
August 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
CHipper Jones!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trey
August 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
and Jason!
MIBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
Definitely not too early now – Have Yourself A Night, CHIPPER!!!!!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
Old F@rts Rule!!!
cabravesfan
August 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
BOBBLE HEAD II !!!!!!!
BFChris27
August 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
OLD MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
Heyward with his 20th bomb!
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
OLDDDDDMANNNNNNNNNNN! #2
Animus
August 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
Oh my – Back to Back and two for Chipper tonight – no kidding give away Bobbleheads every night
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
And there goes Chipper’s second HR of the night…
abeeeewright
August 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
That Chipper Jones is pretty good.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:35 pm
makes 2700 with a pair of jacks
Capt.Mudd
August 16th, 2012
8:35 pm
Jason congrats…..wait, Chipper’s show tonight and boy is he treating the fans…2x homer….wow and hello everyone on this sure-to-be memorable evening.
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
8:36 pm
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
3:01 pm
Chipper will hit 2 or 3 bombs tonight!
Jerry
August 16th, 2012
8:36 pm
He is just….special. Gonna be tough without him.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:36 pm
Shane, Come Back Shane!!
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
8:36 pm
Unreal.
2,700 hits, last 2 are homers for Hoss.
Chipper’s 40th multi-homer game, first since June 7, 2009
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
8:37 pm
At least for one night he’s not hurting the Braves by not playing…
abeeeewright
August 16th, 2012
8:37 pm
The wheels on the Marquis-mobile are starting to come off.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:37 pm
Chipper sure Rises up!
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
8:37 pm
JC – BRAVO!!!
MIBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:37 pm
Nice double, Danny!!
brian
August 16th, 2012
8:37 pm
Uggla staying hot. Keep it up Bravos
BFChris27
August 16th, 2012
8:37 pm
UGGLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:37 pm
His name is Dan, Dan Uggla!
ACE
August 16th, 2012
8:38 pm
Great picture of Chipper and Jason side by side in the dugout after Chipper’s HR. The Past, Present and Future of the braves.
Jerry
August 16th, 2012
8:38 pm
Jason Heyward is not a superstar yet, but I see it happening in the not too distant future.
Capt.Mudd
August 16th, 2012
8:38 pm
Yes…finally, he is officially off the snide–his name is Uggla, Dan Uggla.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 16th, 2012
8:38 pm
Braves should have Chipper Jones bobble head night in every home game for the rest of the season
Animus
August 16th, 2012
8:38 pm
Hmm, respect for Mac here, not sure I’d walk a guy hitting about .125 for the month, but I’m not a major league manager.
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
8:39 pm
Now we’ll see if his 5th grade nickname of Grand Slam Paul will hold up…
Hugo Z Hackenbush
August 16th, 2012
8:39 pm
Do you think Chipper would be up for getting his legs chopped off and replaced with those carbon-fiber jobs?
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
8:39 pm
Intentional walks bug me.
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
8:39 pm
Schneid?
Kat
August 16th, 2012
8:39 pm
What more can Chipper do..such an amazing season for him. So excited to be able go to his last reg season game in Pittsburgh! Better be jam pack full of Bravos fans!
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 16th, 2012
8:40 pm
Braves should have Chipper Jones bobble head night in every home game for the rest of the season…..
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
8:40 pm
Loves The Crowd Tonight!!!
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
8:40 pm
W/ 2 out in 5th,#Braves have gone HR, HR, BB, D, IBB. Now Marquis is out of the game.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
8:40 pm
This team absolutely unloads on RHP’s.
ACE
August 16th, 2012
8:40 pm
You are right Jerry, Maybe we will be seeing Jason end his career in a braves uniform many many years down the road.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:40 pm
He’s good enough to come back for 1 more year… esp. with the DH
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
8:41 pm
get off the schneid
To break a scoreless, hitless, or winless streak (i.e., a schneid). According to the Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term “schneid” comes to baseball via gin rummy, and in turn comes from German / Yiddish “schneider,” one who cuts cloth, i.e., a tailor.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:41 pm
bases are drunk in the bottom of another 5th
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:42 pm
11 walks in 13 innings? We’ll take a walk
ACE
August 16th, 2012
8:44 pm
Janishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
brian
August 16th, 2012
8:44 pm
there we are Janish
MIBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:44 pm
Way to go, Paul!!!!
SoWeGa Fanatic
August 16th, 2012
8:44 pm
Jason Marquis is the only player I remember bad mouthing Bobby Cox and the Braves after he left. Glad to see him get beat around a little.
Bravefaninok
August 16th, 2012
8:44 pm
WTG Paul!!!!!!
BFChris27
August 16th, 2012
8:45 pm
Janish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Animus
August 16th, 2012
8:45 pm
Janish just increased his season RBI total by 50%!!!!!!!!!!
Love to see ’strategy’ backfire like that. Walk a big hitter to get to guy that WAS hitting below .200 for the season.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 16th, 2012
8:46 pm
BALLGAME!!!!!!
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
8:46 pm
Freeman and McCann are out in full force on the bases tonight…
LAG
August 16th, 2012
8:46 pm
Too bad Mac had to go and get thrown out at 3rd. We didn’t clear Meds for the next inning.
This team is worthless, I tell you. They can’t do a thing right.
….
OK, now with a negative post, does this feel like the blog we all know yet?
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
8:46 pm
nolie, the question just asked who the last ATL primary OF hit .300, Frenchy did it. Didn’t say the player had to play so many games.
Mr. Enigma
August 16th, 2012
8:46 pm
Christ, McCann is a fat idiot. Nice job getting thrown out when they could have cleared the pitcher for the 6th.
Animus
August 16th, 2012
8:47 pm
Called it. JD Drew, SHOULD have been a Chipper answer tonight though.
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
8:47 pm
6-0. Yikes.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:47 pm
man those two guys are a buncha dummies with the Braves trivia most nights
DawgNole
August 16th, 2012
8:48 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:40 pm
He’s good enough to come back for 1 more year… esp. with the DH
____________________
Just hoping he can continue finishing this year–and his career–on a high note and injury-free. Don’t think we should ask fo–or expect–any more than that.
Animus
August 16th, 2012
8:49 pm
man those two guys are a buncha dummies with the Braves trivia most nights
Yup, it’s not like it’s a JOB REQUIREMENT to know baseball trivia/history or anything right?
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
8:49 pm
Kevin McAlpin @KevinMcAlpin
Spoke to Jason Marquis yesterday. He told me he’d miss facing Chipper Jones when he retired. Wonder if he’ll reconsider that sentiment now?
DawgNole
August 16th, 2012
8:49 pm
ask FOR–or expect
Capt.Mudd
August 16th, 2012
8:49 pm
Posche Boxberger a mid-engine roadster with a high pitched engine note.
htownbravesfan
August 16th, 2012
8:50 pm
Watching the game on my phone at work. I thought I would never enjoy watching anyone play as much as I enjoyed watching Dale Murphy. This season, Chipper has proved me a wrong. What a gamer! Anyone who hates on Chipper or even claims he isn’t a first ballot hall of famer should not be allowed to watch baseball ever again. That goes for fans, players, and sports writers alike.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:50 pm
Enter your comments here
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:51 pm
Watching BMac run is painful for a speedster like me….
So How Come?
August 16th, 2012
8:51 pm
Why is baseball so backward about some things? Mac has a bad shoulder. He needs some rest to let that shoulder mend. Without rest, he’s a shadow of what he was a few weeks back. We have Ross who is AT LEAST as good or better than Mac when Mac is hurt. So instead of sitting Mac, playing Ross, and allowing Mac’s shoulder to heal, Fredi will keep running Mac out there while his shoulder continues NOT to heal. Of course we are all supposed to sit here and say, “wow that Mac is such a gamer! He’s hanging in there and playing hurt!” That’s BS . He’s better off healing up so that a healthy Mac is available down the stretch instead of the Mac who continues to struggle because his shoulder is toast.
Baseball, more than any other sport, seems to embrace that 50 percent of a star player is better than his backup, even if it isn’t true.
htownbravesfan
August 16th, 2012
8:51 pm
The same holds true for anyone who thinks Medlen should be sent back to the pen. If I had to pick one pitcher for Atlanta to pitch one big game right now, it would be a toss up between he and Hudson.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
8:53 pm
If Hanson trumps Medlen for the last SP spot when we go back to 5-man (assuming he continues pitching well), I might have to join the Fire-Fredi bandwagon
Okay, maybe not.
Capt.Mudd
August 16th, 2012
8:55 pm
Belated notation….Mac and Freddy have got to slow it down some…. getting ‘greedy’ with zero speed results in a bruised hinny, an inning kill (frequently) and unnecessary base path potholes……
Animus
August 16th, 2012
8:55 pm
Chipper passed Dave Winfield for #32 all time on the HR list.
And there’s still talk about 1st time HOFer?????
nolie
August 16th, 2012
8:56 pm
c’mon we all know that Meds is just lucky every start
jed
August 16th, 2012
8:57 pm
i dont see how you take meds outta the rotation either.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
August 16th, 2012
8:57 pm
What’s a hinny?
phil
August 16th, 2012
8:57 pm
Apparently Chipper has two homeruns….and i missed em., dadgummit!
Play on, Chipper Jones!!
Retire? Why?
Animus
August 16th, 2012
8:57 pm
*Should read: And there’s still talk that he’s NOT a HOFer?????
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
8:58 pm
That at bat by Bourn gave me allergies…
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
8:58 pm
Retire? Why?
He wants to get fat…
Capt.Mudd
August 16th, 2012
8:59 pm
21? Carry on my Heyward son….
SMOLTZ29
August 16th, 2012
9:00 pm
The past 23 games, including tonite’s game, have been vs sub .500 teams! The next 10 games are against playoff contenders.Let’s keep playing superb baseball vs Dodgers, Nats, and Giants. MERCY
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
9:01 pm
Some of those trivia questions are tough and tricky. To most, not nolie though.
Animus
August 16th, 2012
9:01 pm
JHey just a triple away from the cycle
MIBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
9:01 pm
Nicely done, JHey!
BFChris27
August 16th, 2012
9:01 pm
JHey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just need a triple for the cycle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
9:02 pm
I’d never put a RH pitcher in the game vs. this team. Honestly.
Capt.Mudd
August 16th, 2012
9:02 pm
Adele 21 had a lots of ‘hits.’ However Jason 21 has the ‘hits’.and, a Chipper Bobblehead!!!
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
9:03 pm
Have my phone camera pointed at the TV just in case…
Animus
August 16th, 2012
9:03 pm
Nice stroke – Can’t be upset about that swing. Still a shot at his second career 3 homer game.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:03 pm
what a bumb, DFA Chipper’s sorry butt!!!!
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
9:04 pm
Fudge!
Almost had a third one there…
Come on Chipper, one more…. make me look good!
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:05 pm
Cut Chipper…
Or make him retire….
Pathetic.
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
9:05 pm
I SO do not want to go back to work for 4 hours – I will rejoin you good people within a half hour…
Good start, Kris!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:06 pm
Kris coiuld be our BU SS
Animus
August 16th, 2012
9:06 pm
Lost in all the Chipper hoopla, Medlen is pitching a helluva game. 73 pitches through 6 1/3 – bullpen gonna get some more rest.
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:06 pm
This guy Medlen….
He’s no starter for sure.
cabravesfan
August 16th, 2012
9:07 pm
Somewhere under the stadium, Kimmie is preparing his collection of voodoo dolls for the hitters…
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
9:08 pm
Trivia question coming up after these commercials …
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 16th, 2012
9:08 pm
Kris Medlen’s mentality on the mound…….ravenous Bulldog.
LAG
August 16th, 2012
9:09 pm
Keep this up, and Medlen might go the distance.
When’s the last time we had 4 CG in one season?
reckingball
August 16th, 2012
9:09 pm
What’s the score?
Animus
August 16th, 2012
9:09 pm
Kimbrell has to be a little disappointed, not needed for a save in over a week?
Hope Medlen comes out for one more inning, only 79 pitches, looking strong and has a chance to throw a CG shutout. Be huge for a ’spot starter’.
phoenix
August 16th, 2012
9:09 pm
Credit to the many Braves fans here who have been yelling for Medlen to be a starter all season long.
So How Come?
August 16th, 2012
9:11 pm
Have to agree with phil Medlin is no starter! It must be true, Half of the blog has been saying that all year!
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
9:11 pm
Padres 0 – 6 Braves
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:11 pm
6-0
LAG
August 16th, 2012
9:11 pm
reckingball – 6-0.
brian
August 16th, 2012
9:11 pm
very impressive list that Chipper is joining if he can keep his average up.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:11 pm
Baines is very underrated
brian
August 16th, 2012
9:13 pm
if he keeps up his average pitch per inning count in the 8th inning, no reason that Medlen cannot go for a complete gain shutout in the 9th.
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:13 pm
Fire whomever pressured Chipper to retire!!
ACE
August 16th, 2012
9:15 pm
Set fire to the rain
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:17 pm
Medlen isn’t stretched out…
ACE
August 16th, 2012
9:17 pm
Got to keep Meds in the rotation.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
9:18 pm
Don’t say it!…
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:18 pm
nice story on Layne’s fam. I don’t mind the Ks there at all
brian
August 16th, 2012
9:19 pm
even though he is not a Brave, it is awesome to see a kid just up in the majors have a good outing in front of his family. I cannot imagine their thrill. Love it
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:19 pm
Baines is very old too….
No wonder He strikes out so much.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
9:19 pm
nolie I don’t mind the Ks there at all
I mind that last one. I mind it very much!…
Mark
August 16th, 2012
9:20 pm
Medlin and Mahomie right now are possibly our most reliable startesr. Don’t have to worry about their foot, their age, or their command.
No way Medlin should go back to the pen!!! It was debated on here and some said he couldn’t get it done. Medlin has proven he belongs on the bump every 5th start!
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
9:20 pm
If that pitcher got hit by a liner on the foot that mom would have to be restrained from running on the field.
Capt.Mudd
August 16th, 2012
9:20 pm
Where’s your dictionary Hugo? Ok, ‘hinny’ the hybrid offspring of a Stallion and an @ss. But I’ll admit to the typo…should have been ‘hiney.’ Extra “n” was a mistake. Anything else Hugo? Hope this response is satisfactory and, your curiosity put to rest……at least when reading and grading my blog post/opinion.
DAM
August 16th, 2012
9:21 pm
Once again, do not send Medlen back into the bullpen.
brian
August 16th, 2012
9:22 pm
extend Medlen???
brian
August 16th, 2012
9:23 pm
agree DAM – Medlen contiues he belongs in the rotation and that he has continued to be undrrated
Frank Wren
August 16th, 2012
9:23 pm
Fredi: Medlen’s too tight. We need to send him back to Gwinnett, put him on the rack and stretch him out.
Then maybe he will be ready to start.
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
9:23 pm
They already show the answer to the trivia question?
Animus
August 16th, 2012
9:23 pm
CTB – is was JD Drew
Veer
August 16th, 2012
9:25 pm
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
3:01 pm
Chipper will hit 2 or 3 bombs tonight!
JC BRAVE U THE MAN!!!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:25 pm
I don’t like the indifference calls. They guy doesn’t know in advance that they are gonna ignore him
Animus
August 16th, 2012
9:25 pm
Really? A stolen base? Nobody covered and Mac didn’t even make a motion to throw. That’s indifference if there ever was. Bad scorekeeper.
BF54
August 16th, 2012
9:25 pm
awesome game bravos
reckingball
August 16th, 2012
9:25 pm
Medlen can do it all, in the pitching department.
He can get a hit once in a while, also.
smallmouth6
August 16th, 2012
9:26 pm
Chipper is a first time ballot—not marginal–Hall of Famer. Especially during the cheating era of baseball where a 40 year old man hit 70 plus homeruns and tarnished baseball history.
Animus
August 16th, 2012
9:26 pm
93 pitches, he should still get the ball in the 9th.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:27 pm
Freeman was staying close to first, wasn’t he?
Mark
August 16th, 2012
9:27 pm
Meds command is almost scary. Guy hardly ever misses in the middle of the plate. Stays on the corners with FB and change. Curve is good. Hardly ever throws the ball the same speed to the same batter in an AB.
If he stays healthy and his teams can score he can be a 15 game winner.
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
9:27 pm
Animus, okay thanks. I thought of Drew, but Frenchy hit .300 in ‘05.
Guess nolie was, GULP, right. Frenchy didn’t qualify in that he played just 70 games.
DAM
August 16th, 2012
9:27 pm
Now let him go back out in the 9th to try to finish off the shutout, Fredi, and don’t pull him if he gives up one hit, either.
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:27 pm
If some bum doesn’t reach in the next 5, Chipper doesn’t get a final shot at number 3…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
9:28 pm
Our scorekeeper is mean. No friggin’ way is that a friggin’ stolen base. Nobody even cared that he was over there.
But Joe thought it should be a SB, so at least he’s happy.
(ITS)
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:28 pm
I’m all for letting him try, he has lotsa rest coming up
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
9:28 pm
JC BRAVE U THE MAN!!!
Nah, Chipper is THE MAN!!!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
9:28 pm
nolie Freeman was staying close to first, wasn’t he?
They coulda claimed it was a shift for the batter…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
9:29 pm
I like that we’re scoring lots of runs, but it would be fun if BMac could be a part of it sometimes…
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:30 pm
like I said I hate “indifference” so I’m ok with the call
MIBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
9:30 pm
Very well-deserved hand for Kris at the plate.
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:34 pm
Chipper helping out poor Fredi again….
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:35 pm
Prado robbed twice tonight
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:35 pm
Great catch….
Animus
August 16th, 2012
9:35 pm
Great diving catch, so no cycle for JHey.
Now on to the shutout bid
BFChris27
August 16th, 2012
9:35 pm
No chance for the cycle
Trey
August 16th, 2012
9:37 pm
Medlen is a beast on the mound, once he gets back into the pitching groove. Hanson does not deserve to be a starter as much as Medlen.
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:38 pm
Time for Chipper to break those promises to the kids and reup!!
Selfish brats…
keylargo
August 16th, 2012
9:38 pm
Chipper could technically be the last outfielder to hit .300. He just happened to be played 3rd after being in LF previously.
Animus
August 16th, 2012
9:39 pm
Well, as I understood what Fredi said the other day, he’s going to go with the 5 pitchers who are the healthiest and pitching best.
With those criteria, I think Medlen is probably in. Hanson??? Have to see his next two starts.
Animus
August 16th, 2012
9:40 pm
Holy cow! 73 strikes and only 27 balls? Great performance.
brian
August 16th, 2012
9:40 pm
73% strikes and still throwing a shut out??? Are you kidding me?
cabravesfan
August 16th, 2012
9:40 pm
Nice throw
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
9:40 pm
Great job, JANISH!
brian
August 16th, 2012
9:40 pm
webgem right there by Janish
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:40 pm
Meh, Tyler coulda dun dat….
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
9:40 pm
One more out, Meds!!
MIBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
9:40 pm
What a pickup Paul has been!!
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:40 pm
Janish…..
If we don’t keep him as utility, we’re nuts!
Great play!
BFChris27
August 16th, 2012
9:40 pm
Janish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Animus
August 16th, 2012
9:41 pm
Web Gem – w/out a doubt !!!
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
9:41 pm
MEDSTER!!!!
Hugo Z Hackenbush
August 16th, 2012
9:41 pm
Thank god the team didn’t need a good middle reliever for this game, because Medlen wouldn’t have been available!
MIBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
9:41 pm
Excellent job, KRIS!!!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:41 pm
BooRah!!!
LAG
August 16th, 2012
9:41 pm
CJ10 Bobblehead night every night? I’m down.
Trey
August 16th, 2012
9:41 pm
Good bye, Hanson! Hello, Medlen!
brian
August 16th, 2012
9:41 pm
great job Meds – love the emphatic flip of the ball by Freddie back to Meds – said great job right there
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
9:41 pm
Phenomenal freaking game…
BFChris27
August 16th, 2012
9:41 pm
Medlen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MIdtown
August 16th, 2012
9:42 pm
Wow, this is a guy who got shuffled around in the bullpen and all over the place, saw several youngsters and veterans getting chance over him, and almost got sent right back to bullpen, had Tommy not got hurt.
Great job, Kris Medlen!
JC Brave
August 16th, 2012
9:42 pm
CG Shutout by Medlen!
Get that loser back in the bullpen!
How dare he do better than Hanson?!!
cabravesfan
August 16th, 2012
9:42 pm
Southern California’s finest! Well done, Kris!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:42 pm
didn’t you notice Hugo? Meds replaced Medlen to start the 8th
brian
August 16th, 2012
9:42 pm
that was a Maddux like game by Meds with all star defense along with a Hall of Fame celebration for Chipper who answered with 2 HRs.
Great job Bravos
Bravefaninok
August 16th, 2012
9:42 pm
No way Meds can come out of the rotation now…….
Spider29
August 16th, 2012
9:43 pm
Medlen, Chipper, Heyward and Janish! Wow! Great game! Bring on the Dodgers. Go Braves!
monty
August 16th, 2012
9:43 pm
What an awesome game!!!!!!!!
The A Bomb
August 16th, 2012
9:43 pm
He looks like he can pitch tomorrow. Well done.
jed
August 16th, 2012
9:44 pm
medlen!
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
9:44 pm
Janish Is A Keeper!!!
Gil In Mechanicsville
August 16th, 2012
9:45 pm
Definitely should award Kris with a Maddux tonight even if it was more than 100 pitches
Hugo Z Hackenbush
August 16th, 2012
9:45 pm
He was a great bridge to the closer, Nolie.
reagan
August 16th, 2012
9:45 pm
Think Hanson is determined to throw a gem tomorrow night?
monty
August 16th, 2012
9:46 pm
Ho-hum, another Kris Medlen start, another win, What’s that about 20 in a row when he starts? Yeh, put him back in the pen.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 16th, 2012
9:46 pm
Great job, Medlen, Chipper, and Braves!
Nerdville
August 16th, 2012
9:46 pm
Big deal! They are still stuck in second place. The Braves should always win a series against a team as crummy as San Diego.
What they should have done is swept them.
ragnar danneskjold
August 16th, 2012
9:46 pm
Medlen will lose a game someday. The Braves will lose a game started by Medlen someday. But is there any real question that he is the ace of the staff right now?
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
9:47 pm
What a special night in Atlanta.
toast
August 16th, 2012
9:47 pm
nerdville= DOUCHEBAG
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
9:47 pm
Great Game Great Fan Support!
SNEAKY PETE
August 16th, 2012
9:47 pm
and he nerd terd shows up
monty
August 16th, 2012
9:47 pm
If only Medlen was taller, he’d make a dang fine starting pitcher.
ACE
August 16th, 2012
9:48 pm
Another series win.
abeeeewright
August 16th, 2012
9:48 pm
Would have been funny if the TV guys had done the AT&T Call to the Bullpen schtick after the sixth inning and shown Medlen relieving Medlen.
ACE
August 16th, 2012
9:49 pm
Keep holding onto that WC lead
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
9:49 pm
Medlen’s got this thing going on where he doesn’t really throw balls.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:49 pm
Some great fielding plays around the mound. Meds can be the back up shortstop on the nights he doesn’t pitch
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:51 pm
Thank you, Nerdville, for that splash of water in the face….
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
9:51 pm
Medlen is a tremendous athlete and competitor.
ACE
August 16th, 2012
9:51 pm
What can Chipper do on his night in September to top this?
Disgusted
August 16th, 2012
9:53 pm
Have to be happy for the comeback that Medlen has had & as for Chipper he would have been a 500 HR, 1800 RBI and 3.000 hit man with a bit better health.
Chipper has been good even through his late 30’s and as a 40 yr old ballplayer. Its too bad he had that ACL in 10, that year he was bouncing back from a slow start and he would have been on his way to a 20 HR season. He was starting to hit before that ACL injury, and unfortunately, it cost him another chance in post season. Could he have made a defference vs SF that yr, we never know but why not think that it could have been?
Hope Chipper gets another chance this time around he deserves it.
keylargo
August 16th, 2012
9:53 pm
Meh, Tyler coulda dun dat…(Make the play in the hole Janish made in the ninth).
If he had the range, arm and accuracy he might have. But he don’t have any of the three.
monty
August 16th, 2012
9:53 pm
Chipper can’t wipe that smile off his face. Priceless!
Brian from SC
August 16th, 2012
9:53 pm
What can Chipper do on his night in September to top this?
I dunno, but I hope it has something to do with an NL East title.
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:53 pm
Make Chipper an offer he can’t refuse! Forget Bourn….
Threaten.
Cajole.
Bribe.
Beg.
Plead.
Hug.
Something….
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:53 pm
hit 4 homers, a triple, a double and a single and knock in 14
ACE
August 16th, 2012
9:54 pm
Don Sutton called the song for tonight. Oh what a night.
Disgusted
August 16th, 2012
9:55 pm
Ya know, its been 15-5 in the last 20 games, playing great ball like a remiscent of the 1990’s when we were going to the WS regularly.
Winning is getting contageous. And its good.
No way I would have thought 20 games over .500 on August 16.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
August 16th, 2012
9:55 pm
So is he stretched out now?
ACE
August 16th, 2012
9:55 pm
8 straight series wins.
Bama Braves
August 16th, 2012
9:55 pm
MacCan Needs A Few Bobble Head Nights
N8
August 16th, 2012
9:55 pm
Yup. Sorry folks. Medlen deserves to be in this rotation… PERMANENTLY. If they need another arm in the pen? Put Hanson out there for the rest of the year. Then weigh the options over the winter.
Medlen is the Tim Tebow of pitchers. All he does is win. Give him the damn ball every 5 days until his time in Atlanta is done. With Maholm on board. Hanson is expendable.
They aren’t going to get what they could have gotten for JJ two winters ago. But they’ll get something for him. Clearly somebody out there has to have a LF they will trade us for Hanson (who I believe is now arbitration eligible after this year), and we move Prado to 3B. With Fransisco being the backup and bat off the bench.
But putting Medlen back in the bullpen after what he’s done (WITHOUT complaininig once or caling Roger and Fredi an expletive)….. would be a shame. He’s earned it.
And if they DO put him back in the pen and Hanson goes out there and gets shelled? Or any of the starters for that matter, on a regular basis? Wren and Fredo deserve to be fired.
Medlen and Maholm start game 1 and game 2 for me if the playoffs started right now. THAT is how good those two are throwing.
People talk about “needing” Medlen in he pen. HOGWASH.
If the guys in the rotation pitched like Medlen and Maholm do, we wouldn’t need 4 excellent arms in the pen.
Medlen is only needed in the pen when guys like Hanson (and Minor earlier in the year), couldn’t get through 6 innings on a regular basis.
The math really isn’t that difficult to calculate.
ACE
August 16th, 2012
9:56 pm
Four games back of the Nats
phil
August 16th, 2012
9:56 pm
Who knows Chipper’s kids at that daycare place?
Someone here said they do.
Get to work! That’s the key…
N8
August 16th, 2012
9:57 pm
“Medlen will lose a game someday. The Braves will lose a game started by Medlen someday. But is there any real question that he is the ace of the staff right now?”
Exactly.
Disgusted
August 16th, 2012
9:57 pm
I wish for Janish’s sake that he could be a .250 hitter with a .310 OBP. He could be an everyday SS for a full season if he could put up offense like that.
I did not know that Janish would be so good, steady and rangy in the field.
What has fallen under the radar is that this Braves team is one of the BEST defensive teams in MLB and that is a big part of the season;s success.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:57 pm
hey aren’t going to get what they could have gotten for JJ two winters ago. But they’ll get something for him…N8
something worthwhile? not on your life. non-tender coming up
ACE
August 16th, 2012
9:57 pm
Get ready for the Dodgers.
monty
August 16th, 2012
9:57 pm
Wasn’t that the song from the Natural when Chipper hit his 2nd HR? The one where the transformers blow up?
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
9:58 pm
Teddy Cahill @tedcahill
Fredi re : Chipper: “I know he’s real because I’ve touched him.”
nolie
August 16th, 2012
9:59 pm
“I know he’s real because I’ve touched him.”…Fredi
is that what broke up Chipper’s marriage??
ACE
August 16th, 2012
9:59 pm
Chipper is going out like a great player should. Not hanging on too long. Spending his whole career with the braves. We hope a playoff appearance.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:00 pm
pish on that, I want Chipper back next year ACE
MikeInFl
August 16th, 2012
10:00 pm
I did not know that Janish would be so good, steady and rangy in the field.
It’s nice that we’re getting such great pitching, and plenty of hitting, that we can just appreciate his defense rather than whine about his bat. It wouldn’t be so easy if we were playing a bunch of one-run games like last year. But yeah, he’s been outstanding.
monty
August 16th, 2012
10:01 pm
Go out like a legend.
Mark
August 16th, 2012
10:01 pm
If I’m Medlin and I got put back in the pen after having pitched the way he has, I’d be outta here first chance I got. Probably a California team to play where he’s from. Simple as that. Hope that doesn’t happen.
N8
August 16th, 2012
10:01 pm
Nolie, I meant they won’t get for HANSON what they could have gotten for Jurrjens a couple of winters ago. I think had the Braves traded JJ two winters ago (like I pleaded and begged for them to do on a weekly basis)… they could have gotten a haul for him.
But clearly somebody would give us an above average LF (or 3B if they want to leave Prado in LF) who is under control for 2-3 years for Hanson. That I believe.
Just not sure the Braves will do it. Not saying they absolutely should. But somebody has to go. Because Medlen deserves to be in the Braves rotation moving forward.
Disgusted
August 16th, 2012
10:01 pm
“Medlen is the Tim Tebow of pitchers. All he does is win. Give him the damn ball every 5 days until his time in Atlanta is done. With Maholm on board. Hanson is expendable.”
I agree with everything on that statement, but the Tebow comparisons, Medlen is the real deal, better at his position than Tebow is.
I am sold on Medlen as a MLB pitcher, not sold on Tebow as an NFL QB.
The best part of Medlen;s game is his mental mindset approach. Good talent, great mind for the game of baseball at the MLB level.
A long career if he stays healthy.
Nerdville
August 16th, 2012
10:02 pm
Don’t get too excited and wet your pants rah,rahs. When the best player on the team is a 40 year old with wobbly, arthritic knees; you aren’t going to last long come October.
ACE
August 16th, 2012
10:02 pm
I watched Glavine pitch his last game in Rome. Don’t ever want to see a Hall of fame player go out like that again.
monty
August 16th, 2012
10:03 pm
maybe I’ll be blessed one day to tell my future grandkids about Chipper Jones, I saw him play.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:04 pm
sorry N8, I misread that I guess
ESAD Nerdy
TennesseePaul
August 16th, 2012
10:04 pm
Nice! Medlen well on his way to the Hall of Fame! ( :
Well done Braves. Well done. Chipper with 2. Heyward with 3 hits and some pop as well. Freeman on base 3 times. Well done.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:05 pm
no reason at this point to think that Chipper would do so
phil
August 16th, 2012
10:05 pm
I want him back too…
I’d take him just for home games and on the road every 3 weeks or so.
Seriously.
Disgusted
August 16th, 2012
10:06 pm
I do not object to trading Hanson if it means they can sign Bourn.
Even if they do not get alot for Tommy (and he is going into ARB 3), can live with that.
Rest assured that other GM;s will lowball Wren. And I do think that other GM;s lowballed FW last winter, had FW taken what was offered for JJ last winter my guess is that we would not have been happy with the return.
No, have no inside info just a fan;s hunch. No way do I blame FW for hold on to JJ and hoping he regains his 2011 first half magic.
MikeInFl
August 16th, 2012
10:06 pm
Braves’ team ERA in their last 21 games is 1.83. I wonder when we’ve had a better run of pitching, even in the good ol’ days.
It will get tougher as we start playing some real competition, but this has been a great run.
phil
August 16th, 2012
10:06 pm
The hitting is becoming more consistent…
The pitching is too….
What does it all mean?
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
10:07 pm
nolie’s 9:59 – CLASSiC! Maybe my favorite all time on the blog and there have been many chuckles and LOL’s.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
August 16th, 2012
10:08 pm
Less whining from the peanut gallery?
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:08 pm
What does it all mean?…phil
Heartbreak ahead, according to many here
Bravesfaninnc
August 16th, 2012
10:09 pm
high series. Medlen was great ones again It’s was also really nice to see Chipper having a great game ones again. Now let’s hope that the Cards will lose tonight. Now as far the Nats and the east go I think a sweep over LA would be huge as the Nats play the Mets in New York so who knows maybe the Mets will not get swept. I think that as long as we go into the Nats series 4 games out will should be fine.
phil
August 16th, 2012
10:09 pm
Then again, let’s win this thing and send Jones out in style!
Mark
August 16th, 2012
10:10 pm
No way Chipper comes back. He has resigned himself to the fact that he is going to be relaxed and enjoy this last year of ball. No way he could do better and go out any better than what he has done so far this year. He is really at piece with the whole thing and it shows in his demeanor.
Great season so far! Not many players get to experience this type of year in their last one!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:11 pm
lets win this thing, bring him back and win it again next season. Come Back Shane!!!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:11 pm
you are SUCH a buzz kill Mark…..
Efrim
August 16th, 2012
10:12 pm
Braves are 27-10 in their last 37 games. Medlen, man. Wow.
Quack Quack
August 16th, 2012
10:14 pm
I think I heard Chipper say “Bobble this!!”
“SpecialK” Medlen is, well Great. I hope Tommy can work from the bull pen. Numbers speak for themselves.
GO BRAVES!!!
phil
August 16th, 2012
10:14 pm
Well, Nolie…..
I guess the odds favor heartbreak, of course, but at least we show signs of maybe doing something great.
I now believe we have the pieces. It’s possible, not just theoretical, not just unrealistic hope.
We have a chance and we’ll see.
Disgusted
August 16th, 2012
10:14 pm
It’s nice that we’re getting such great pitching, and plenty of hitting, that we can just appreciate his defense rather than whine about his bat. It wouldn’t be so easy if we were playing a bunch of one-run games like last year. But yeah, he’s been outstanding.
@Mike in FL — Was he this good before he came to the Braves???? He was playing in the minors most of the yr before the Braves traded for him.
As for me, I did not want it to be taken that I was whining about the hitting but with a guy who has that kind of defensive talent, I just wish that he could hit enough to hold a regular SS position cause that kind of fielding is an assett to the game.
I LOVE watching this team in the field, they find a way to not make mistakes, sometimes make the great play & the overall defense has been instruental in this stretch of winning.
I hope Janish is around for another four, five yrs, cause he can play for my team anyday. At least we will have shortstop depth for the future. Simmons is the man, but who could be a better back up.
Mark
August 16th, 2012
10:15 pm
Yeah somebody had to. Kinda like when you just have to accept the fact that there is no Santa Claus.
There isn’t a Santa Claus, is there?
phil
August 16th, 2012
10:16 pm
I’m not at peace with it because he helps us win….
But I have no vote and no input.
DiamondbackMac
August 16th, 2012
10:16 pm
nolie
is that what broke up Chipper’s marriage??
I think this is your best ever. ROFL
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:16 pm
yeah Janish has always been known as a wizard with the glove, just could not hit enuff to stay up. Under 590 OPS is pretty brutal in 1000 PAs
monty
August 16th, 2012
10:16 pm
Medlen asked if he wants to start, he skillfully avoided giving an yes/no answer. Gotta like his personality.
phil
August 16th, 2012
10:17 pm
Janish is the man….
You keep that guy. Period. Great backup.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:18 pm
thanx guys. always glad to make a funny that works
monty
August 16th, 2012
10:18 pm
I will say this in response to Janish’s hitting, he’s hit a ton of balls on the button and either been robbed or hit them right at someone. Not like he’s up there flayling away.
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
10:18 pm
Braves’ Medlen tied Smoltz’s record of 15 consecutive team wins in his starts
phil
August 16th, 2012
10:18 pm
And on this winning night….
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
10:19 pm
First write-thru version of game story with quotes
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/16/chipper-2-hrs-on-his-bobblehead-night-braves-medlen-wins-again/
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:19 pm
I know better Mark, I mean he would hafta give all them presents back, right??
phil
August 16th, 2012
10:20 pm
Simply amazing number tying Smoltz…..who would believe it? Medlen?
Well done.
Mark
August 16th, 2012
10:20 pm
I know I’m throwing a wet blanket again but its gonna be hard to justify keeping Yawnish on the big clubs roster. Times have changed from having defensive specialist to come in in the middle infield like a Belliard. Guys on the bench have to be able to pinch hit and produce offensively.
When would Yawnish play? Defensive replacement for Simmons? Uggla isn’t so bad he needs that?
And I like Yawnish alot but I don’t see him taking a roster spot just for defense.
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
10:20 pm
Medlen nodded toward Chipper’s locker stall across the way: “That old man over there is really good.”
MikeInFl
August 16th, 2012
10:20 pm
disgusted, didn’t mean to suggest that you were whining about his bat. Just that, if the team was struggling, folks in general would be more concerned about that part of his game.
I knew nothing about him when we acquired him. I do remember the days of speculation on the blog, and an awful lot of folks convicting Wren of failing to adequately replace Simmons before he’d even made a move yet.
Wren’s midseason moves have been pure magic… Sheets, Maholm, Janish. Plus bringing up Simmons to replace Pastornicky, and finally getting Medlen into the rotation. Some of that was of necessity more than genius, maybe. But regardless, this team is soooo much better now than it was 2 months ago.
Can’t wait for Simmons to get back. Janish has almost made me forget how dynamic his defensive play was!
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:21 pm
yeah monty, but he still has 1000 pretty terrible PAs. not much is likely to change now.
But I do really like him as a backup;I’m the guy who kept saying that just because your starter (Simmons) is a great glove does not mean that you don’t want another great glove as a backup
MIBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:22 pm
“monty
August 16th, 2012
10:16 pm
Medlen asked if he wants to start, he skillfully avoided giving an yes/no answer. Gotta like his personality.”
And his intelligence. His performance speaks for itself.
Animus
August 16th, 2012
10:22 pm
Chipper is actually on the front page of ESPN MLB website!!!
Didn’t think ESPN would EVER put a Brave on their front page.
Brave New World
August 16th, 2012
10:23 pm
Medlen was awesome. The J-Hey Kid continues to roll, Janish was great pick up. Maholm and Sheets brilliant moves by Wren. And Chipper going out like the great ones wish they could. GO BRAVES!
Quack Quack
August 16th, 2012
10:23 pm
Everybody knows Kris wants to start. He doesn’t have to answer yes/no, his arm has spoken.
Yeah he is “Special K”
DAM
August 16th, 2012
10:24 pm
I don’t see any way the Braves can possibly pull Medlen from the rotation. I’ve been asking for him to be in it since March/April, and now we’re finally seeing what we’ve been missing with him down there. Right now we have 5 starters who give us a chance to win every time they take the ball.
Mark
August 16th, 2012
10:25 pm
I don’t have a problem admitting I was wrong. Never questioned whether he could get it done but I never thought he;d stay healthy enough to get it done like this. Really remarkable when all is considered. 40 and six knee surgeries – Awesome
A-Ville Ranger
August 16th, 2012
10:25 pm
So We’re 18-1 in Medlen’s last 19 srarts and he hasn’t given up over 1 run in any start this year. That is just remarkable for a guy who was an after thought before the injuries.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:26 pm
ESPN Insider…Scouting Teheran’
From now until the end of the season, we’ll be giving you an updated report on prospects who appeared on Keith Law’s preseason top 100 or midseason top 50 prospect rankings. Today we’re taking a second look at a trio of pitching prospects: Julio Teheran from the Atlanta Braves, Zach Lee from the Los Angeles Dodgers and Ty Hensley of the New York Yankees.
Julio Teheran
Position: RHP
Level: Triple-A (Gwinnett)
Age: 21
Law’s preseason ranking: 18 | Law’s midseason ranking: 19
Teheran has been a notable prospect since July 2, 2007, when he signed for $850,000 as a 16-year-old from Colombia, earning one of the biggest bonuses in his class. He shot through the minors, was considered one of the top prospects in the game and was knocking on the door of the big leagues with frontline starter upside. Teheran was forced to Triple-A due to the Braves’ early season pitching depth and has struggled enough there (5.05 ERA) that when there was a rash of pitching injuries, Atlanta was forced to trade for Paul Maholm at the deadline.
Teheran got to Triple-A so quickly that he’s repeating the level at 21, an age when many top pitching prospects are still in A-ball or college, so you can forgive his subpar stats in Triple-A this season, given that context. He also checks all the boxes with a long 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame, clean arm action, efficient delivery and excellent deception, and he flashes three above-average pitches with good command. When I saw Teheran recently, he worked 91-94 mph — touching 95 — with a fastball that showed occasional life, and he displayed solid-average command but would lose feel for it at times, usually up in the zone. He backed it up with a 79-82 mph changeup that flashed plus with late tumble, but he also left it up in the zone early, although he spotted it better later in his outing.
The question mark with Teheran is the breaking ball, and the only one he threw for me was a 72-75 mph curveball with 11-to-5 tilt, late bite and depth, but it was often below-average and hung in the zone. He had trouble staying on top of the pitch — it looked a little awkward coming out of his hand, and his arm slot was slightly lower. Norfolk hitters hit Teheran around (4 innings, 8 hits, 6 runs) as his command issues snowballed, and he had trouble getting over his front leg to keep his pitches down.
I saw some similarities with Teheran and Orioles 2012 first-rounder Kevin Gausman, whom I scouted before the draft when he was at LSU. While Gausman has a knockout fastball-changeup combination superior to Teheran’s, he struggled with a curveball that showed promise at times, ultimately opting for a slider that was getting rave reviews pre-draft. From my look, I thought Teheran should use the curve just a handful of times per game to change hitters’ eye levels and try a slider that he may have better feel for.
Teheran faced the same Norfolk lineup again Aug. 14 and shut it down (8 innings, 9 K’s, 1 run), with word from a scout that Teheran started using a slider in that start. I saw one of Teheran’s worst outings, but he still showed No. 2 or No. 3 starter upside, with a chance to be a rotation option next season with continued progress.
monty
August 16th, 2012
10:26 pm
Nolie- “but he still has 1000 pretty terrible PAs. not much is likely to change now.”
Right, like to keep him on the bench when Simmons comes back too.
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
10:27 pm
DiamondbackMac, my dog started barking because I was laughing so hard reading that nolie post. He thinks I’m ready to play with him when I get loud.
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 16th, 2012
10:28 pm
If Medlen had been in the rotation right from day one, this team would be in first place with the best record in baseball.
keylargo
August 16th, 2012
10:29 pm
It’s just not possible to script a year like this for CJ. Can you see him coming back with .220/.270/.350? in 2013? The man is gone from the Braves 40 man roster as sure Henry AAron.
Not to say he couldn’t DH in the AL for 2 years and be one of the best.
monty
August 16th, 2012
10:31 pm
I’ve been very vocal about Medlen starting ever since he came up. Love that it’s coming true for him.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:32 pm
Can you see him coming back with .220/.270/.350? in 2013?…KL
no I doubt that would happen, but yeah, obviously he is gone. I will miss him a lot though. My man-crush is leaving me.
I have been high on him since I saw him play some high school ball and watched him every summer climbing up the ladder. That’s a lotta years…
Coach (2012 Fredi's Beisbol Fandango)
August 16th, 2012
10:33 pm
The 2012 Atlanta Braves……..best second place team in ML baseball.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:34 pm
I have not doubted that Meds could start successfully but thought he was more valuable in the swing role considering our other pitchers. I agree that it is kinda hard not to keep him starting now though, at least as long as he is pitching so well
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:35 pm
So CHIPPER has 2700 hits now and 466 HR’s.
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
10:35 pm
In the past 17 wins, the Braves have scored 103 runs and allowed 25 – take out the 12-6 game and that’s 91-19 in 16 of the wins…definitely not helping our saves total…
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:36 pm
poor kimmy….
brian
August 16th, 2012
10:38 pm
thanks for the Teheran post – I would love to see him learn a good slider
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:39 pm
1B ERNESTO MEJIA [.309 BA] 2-4, 1 R, 1 SF, 1 RBI [88], 1 SO.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:42 pm
he needs to learn something, and up his command a bit too
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:42 pm
yer welcome brian, glad you read it
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:46 pm
Three more years in the AL as a DH and CHIPPER might tally 3000 hits, 1800 RBI, and 500 HR’s. But this is the way to go out – on top.
Mark
August 16th, 2012
10:48 pm
Without those ACL injuries he’d already be at 3000 and 500. But…
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
10:49 pm
Back to the clubs with a winning record L.A. and WASHINGTON. How many against winners anyway?
PITTSBURGH 3, L.A. 3 WASHINGTON 6 any more?
Bravefaninok
August 16th, 2012
10:52 pm
Peter Moylan @PeterMoylan
One might say @KrisMedlen54 is officially stretched out.
sorry if someone posted this already….
nolie
August 16th, 2012
10:55 pm
ESPN Insider Olney
Players must take stance against PEDs
August, 15, 2012
AUG 15
5:40
PM ET
RECOMMEND18COMMENTS272EMAILPRINT
Melky Cabrera was like a bank robber who did everything right in his plan to steal tens of millions — right up until the moment his getaway car ran out of gas.
Denny Medley/USA TODAY Sports/US Presswire
Had Melky Cabrera inked a new deal, then got busted, the signing team would still be on the hook.
With a little luck, it would’ve all worked out as planned, and Cabrera could’ve made $60 million, or $70 million or $80 million or more. It’s unclear exactly what day Cabrera was asked for the urine sample that tested positive, but if the timing had been different, he might’ve slipped through the cracks before becoming a free agent this fall. And it’s just the latest example that should scare the players’ union into seeking tougher penalties for drug offenders.
Cabrera was in a great position to capitalize on another strong season that was out of the ordinary for him. (And yes, it’s now fair game to wonder if Cabrera’s breakthrough season of 2011 was also accomplished with the aid of performance-enhancing drugs. He was a fourth outfielder with the Yankees before having a terrible year with the Braves in 2010, and then being non-tendered. Then suddenly, like someone rising out of a wheelchair and shouting that he was cured, Cabrera hit .305 with 67 extra-base hits for the Royals in 2011, before hitting .346 for the Giants this year while also winning All-Star Game MVP).
Think about what would have come next, if he hadn’t have been nabbed: At age 28, he was probably the No. 2 or No. 3 free-agent outfielder, behind Josh Hamilton. Armed with strong back-to-back years on his résumé, Cabrera probably would’ve gotten offers in the range of the deal that Andre Ethier signed — five years, $85 million.
Imagine, for a moment, that he had signed that deal with the Giants, for $17 million a year. Then, if he had tested positive at any time during the course of the contract — if he had been caught — the Giants would have had the same recourse that the Dodgers had with Manny Ramirez: Nada.
You remember that, right? Ramirez signed a two-year, $45 million deal with the Dodgers and was immediately suspended after being linked to a female fertility drug. He served his suspension, which cost him roughly $8 million, and then he came back and was a shadow of himself — getting paid, even after getting caught.
If the Giants had locked up Cabrera, they would’ve been on the hook for the rest of Cabrera’s contract even if he was caught, and even if it became clear that they signed him under false pretenses.
It’s apparent that as players weigh the possible risks and rewards of using performance-enhancing drugs, in baseball, crime can still pay. Handsomely.
“There’s more work to be done with the [drug] policy,” a veteran player conceded on Wednesday evening. “I think almost all players want a level playing field — that’s what important to them. If the policy isn’t deterring players, then that’s a problem.”
To Cabrera’s credit, he didn’t read from the my-dog-ate-my-homework script after news of his positive test broke. He was honest, in the statement released in his name: “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.”
But if Cabrera had been truly regretful, then he wouldn’t have gone through the appeals process, which, for him, began sometime in the last 10 days of July. He was fully prepared to beat the system, to add tens of millions of dollars to his new contract, and when he was caught, well, that’s when he’d put his hands in the air and surrendered.
Cabrera not only would have essentially been deceiving his next employer, of course, but he could have directly hurt other players in the market. If Cabrera had gone into free agency without a suspension, wielding those huge numbers, then players like Shane Victorino would have been naturally pushed lower down the pecking order, as the older (and less desirable) player.
There is a parallel violation that could provide some guideline in how the union can (and should) ask for a strengthening of the drug-testing policy. If a player or staff member is caught betting on a baseball game in which he is not involved, a first offense would cost him a one-year ban. A second offense could mean a lifetime ban. This is how the union could put some teeth into the drug-testing: A one-year ban for the first offense, and a lifetime ban for the second offense.
Additionally, any player suspended for performance-enhancing drugs should have his contract voided, with the player remaining under the control of the team that signed him. And any player who tests positive in a given season should automatically be ineligible to play in the postseason that year, so they are not rewarded with a playoff share. As it stands, Cabrera could still profit if the Giants play deep into October.
These would be an important means in assuring that cheating players would be face career-threatening risks, rather than a penalty that is light enough that the Melky Cabreras of the world would seek ways to beat the system — to rob the marketplace.
Cabrera not only would have essentially been deceiving his next employer, of course, but he could have directly hurt other players in the market. If Cabrera had gone into free agency without a suspension, wielding those huge numbers, then players like Shane Victorino would have been naturally pushed lower down the pecking order, as the older (and less desirable) player. If Cabrera had gotten an $85 million deal from the Giants, that may well have impacted their decision whether to re-sign Hunter Pence at some point.
Melky Cabrera is a cheater — not only in how he competed, but in how he tried to beat the system. Until the players more severely punish those who are caught, the temptation to try will only grow, as the compensation does.
Bravefaninok
August 16th, 2012
10:57 pm
Coach (2012 Fredi’s Beisbol Fandango)
August 16th, 2012
10:28 pm
If Medlen had been in the rotation right from day one, this team would be in first place with the best record in baseball.
And we would be complaining about him being shutdown…Medlen has never pitched over 123 innings as a pro.
He had TJ surgery he was not gonna pitch 200+ innings this year.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:57 pm
I saw one of Teheran’s worst outings, but he still showed No. 2 or No. 3 starter upside,
So not a #1/Ace anymore???
We won again, another series won…. such a trap series, we were gonna go 2-2 and won’t be catching the Curley W’s
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
10:58 pm
Francisco plans to play winter ball in his native Dominican Republic. He wants to shed 10-15 more pounds and come into spring training ready to compete for a bigger role.
Good for you, Juan. Taking initiative to lose some weight… can only help you.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
11:00 pm
Melky Cabrera is a cheater
Say this over and over again…. he’s a liar too.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
11:01 pm
looks more like he could lose 20 at least….right phil?
Mark
August 16th, 2012
11:02 pm
If they keep it at 50 games, which is rediculously soft for a punishment, and do nothing else they get waht they deserve.
Two things:
Wish they’d make them forfeit games that the cheating players played in. That would put more responsibility on teams to police themselves.
Two – No pay if you can’t play for drug suspensions
nolie
August 16th, 2012
11:04 pm
what? make a team forfeit every game a guy was in? That ain’t gonna ever happen
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
11:06 pm
Wish they’d make them forfeit games that the cheating players played in.
Not to disagree with you (because I would like this) but one could argue that isn’t fair to the teams to do this. They may not have known. IMO, the penalty should be stiffer, like a year out of baseball, and a HEFTY fine… 2nd offense results in expulsion.
Don’t know if it’d work the best, but something needs to be done. Too many people doing that s***.
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
11:08 pm
Postgame QUOTAGE from Battleaxe and others
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/16/braves-postgame-quotes-after-thursdays-win-over-padres/
Mark
August 16th, 2012
11:09 pm
They don’t have the guts to do anyhting like that but it would come a lot closer to stopping it than what they are doing now.
Why should the team benefit from cheating. They may not know, or may turn a deaf ear, but the team benefitted from his cheating and other teams got shafted. For that matter, the American league got cheated in the all-star game.
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
11:10 pm
wow what a night at the ballyard
Disgusted
August 16th, 2012
11:11 pm
Melky should spend the ret of his life rooming as a cell mate with Charles Manson.
Life in prision is a fair sentence for Melk Dud. No parole. Deserves to be Booed.
Mark
August 16th, 2012
11:13 pm
TOBF
Just imagine if they did have to forfiet games. Teams would be more involved in the testing and policing. Right now the league is the only displinarian – Team gets a free pass and hope they don’t get caught because they know if its going on.
Teams get more proactive, team mates get more proactive…It would stop it
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
11:14 pm
I needed the laughs today for sure. Rough day. Hope tomorrow is better.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
11:16 pm
Mark: So true…
If for Melky alone, I hope that the MLB does expel steroid users
Oh, and give Hank back the HR Crown…. Balco Bonds cheated and is a fraud.
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
11:16 pm
But forfeits would horrifically skew the standings in favor of the division the team plays in, because they would have most of their wins there – not fair for wild card standings…
ChattTownBrian
August 16th, 2012
11:16 pm
Disgusted, oh hush. Melky is immature and not all that bright apparently. He doesn’t deserve a prison sentence though. My God!
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
11:16 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
ROME
FABIAN, IAN THOMAS, and rookie NAT HYATT combine on a three-hit shutout as they become LEGENDS in LEXINGTON 5-0.
DH ‘BillyBECK’ BECKWITH [.300 BA] 2-3, 1 2B [23], 2 RBI [67], 1 BB, 1 SO.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
11:17 pm
Thank you David
DAM
August 16th, 2012
11:17 pm
DOB — gut feeling, do you see any chance that Medlen gets sent back to the bullpen?
nolie
August 16th, 2012
11:19 pm
no way they should ever fool with forfeiting games, it would totally screw up the standing, possibly late in the year, for all the other teams. that would not be fair at all. But a much bigger first time penalty would br great
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
11:20 pm
Cheater punishment should be a year for the first offense and life-time second time. Dang this three strikes BS.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
11:21 pm
not as long as he keeps pitching complete game shutouts….
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
11:22 pm
Chipper’s 2 homers gave him 466 and moved him ahead of Dave Winfield into 32nd place on the career list
Mark
August 16th, 2012
11:23 pm
The consequences of forfiets would be huge and cast wideramifications for sure. Just another reason why it would stop it. Pressure makes people do right more often.
In Melkys instance the Giants would have caught it before the league did if they had to experience more impact.
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
11:24 pm
chipper sure doesn’t see meds back in the pen…
nolie
August 16th, 2012
11:25 pm
a year would be great.and they should have a guaranteed contract voided too. they would not only miss the check for the year, but they would know that missing a full year might set them back enough that they might not ever come back from it
Mark
August 16th, 2012
11:25 pm
A year suspension for the first one and 2nd one you done would be good
nolie
August 16th, 2012
11:27 pm
that’s totally unrealistic Mark. will not and should not ever happen
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
11:27 pm
yeah void the contract is huge and great idea
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
11:27 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
LYNCHBURG
HILLCATS lose 1-2 as BLUE ROCKS prevail.
ED SALCEDO [.253 BA] rebounds with a 2-3, 1 SO game with no errors at the hot corner.
TOMMY LaSTELLA hasn’t appeared in a game since July 11th. Injury??
Mark
August 16th, 2012
11:27 pm
Agreed nolie
Right now is just a joke though much better than before when it was nothing
nolie
August 16th, 2012
11:29 pm
I like the contract nullification. A team should not be forced to take a cheater with a years layoff back unless he does well enough to deserve it
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
11:32 pm
“It started with Medlen. Complete-game shutout. I think he’s more than stated his case to be in the rotation from here on out. Guy just wins ballgames. We know he’s going to keep us in the ballgame
“First complete game and he makes it a shutout, which is outstanding.”
Medlen does not need to go to the ‘pen in favor of Tommy Hanson.
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
11:33 pm
how about contract nullification and for 6 months 8 hours a day they have to listen to roseann sing the national anthem
nolie
August 16th, 2012
11:34 pm
“when its sleepy time down South…”
notice the quote marks El Tigre, for both you and hag, who BTW showed up last night for a post.
it would be nice to see a BAS byline once again too
Mark
August 16th, 2012
11:35 pm
I’m a little harder because I hate the cheating for all those guys that didn’t and don’t.
Hate the panzy waste punishments worse. Just our society now unfortunately. Look at college coaches – the Kentucky basketball coach for example – cheat at every school you coach at and then leave for bigger schools and more money before they get caught and leave the schools they cheated for on their own.
Deal with it hard and stop it.
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
11:35 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
MISSISSIPPI
Bandits out GENERAL[ed] by the JACKSON club 5-2.
LF EVAN GATTIS [.250 BA] 1-4, 2 SO.
1B JOE TERDO [.313 BA] 2-4, 1 2B [22], 1 RBI [42].
C MATT KENNELLY [.250 BA] 1-3, 1 R, 1 BB.
RHSP JR GRAHAM [L 1-1, 4.13 ERA] 4.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 SO.
JR takes it on the chin as the offense find the goat’s-horns too heavy to remove from his shoulders.
nolie
August 16th, 2012
11:35 pm
no matter the crime, that might be construed as ‘cruel and unusual’ punishment under international laws tiger
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
11:38 pm
Mixxo has been absent since his anti-social behavior last week…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
11:38 pm
Cheater punishment should be a year for the first offense and life-time second time. Dang this three strikes BS.
A year suspension for the first one and 2nd one you done would be good
Indeed. It would be excellent!
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
11:40 pm
Final updated game story with MORE QUOTES
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/16/chipper-2-hrs-on-his-bobblehead-night-braves-medlen-wins-again/
N Nine
August 16th, 2012
11:42 pm
MEDS!! CHIPPER!!! HEYWARD!!!!
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
11:42 pm
Oh really VJ? I wonder what he did wrong
uga-brave
August 16th, 2012
11:43 pm
well i got my bobblehead version of hoss with the goatee.
saw him go ycketty twice.
saw meds dominate another team.
good luck hanson. because this rotation is jamming.
good luck hanson, you cursed out fredo and roger. good luck.
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
11:45 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
DANVILLE
Yesterday the D-BRAVES took the measure of the MARINERS behind the starting pitching of rook LUCAS SIMS and ‘Wild-Thang’ PEREZ.
RHSP LUCAS SIMS [W 2-3, 2.95 ERA] 5.0 IP, 4 H, zeros, 1 BB, 6 SO.
‘LOS PEREZ [H 4,1.75 ERA] 2.0 IP, 1 H, zeros, 2 BB, 4 SO.
2B RON LUNA [.317 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 2B [4], 2 RBI [16].
Mark
August 16th, 2012
11:45 pm
Night all
Say your prayers
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
11:46 pm
yeah I saw haggards post about haggard…hmmm
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
11:46 pm
What’s this about cursing out FG and ROGER?
uga-brave
August 16th, 2012
11:47 pm
you think macc catches heck around here. if big red goes less then six fear for his life.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 16th, 2012
11:47 pm
Off to bed (hopefully)
G’Night, blog.
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
11:48 pm
and I saw the quotes didn’t think about it that way
regarding cruel and unusual – making kids dream about being like a player and watching him fall like that could turn them off from the game…I can’t imagine anything too cruel to do to someone who would risk that
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
11:49 pm
98
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
11:49 pm
bull pen is good and rested…EOF tossed the ball about 10 times tonight other than that and the 6th inning stretching nobody did a whole lot but cheer
richbrave
August 16th, 2012
11:50 pm
El Tigre:
What’s up with HANSON and cursing out the coaches? First I’ve heard of it.
mixxo
August 16th, 2012
11:51 pm
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
11:38 pm
Mixxo has been absent since his anti-social behavior last week…
because i’m a a-hole !!!!
Mark
August 16th, 2012
11:54 pm
If Hanson throws fastballs at 88 to 89 Martinez better start stretching early
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
11:56 pm
I was so mad-I was ready to leave the house at 4:30 to make sure we got the bobbleheads – 5:50 the wife finally finished getting ready.
got lucky and got a couple of them so can’t complain too much
tiger297
August 16th, 2012
11:57 pm
my guess is Avilan goes in first…neither of them would go more than 3 and we will save cristhian for the l8r innings
Venice Jim
August 16th, 2012
11:58 pm
richbrave – when they told Hanson he was going down he responded with a bad word – he later said it was for the best that he pitched that game…
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
11:58 pm
Braves are 69-49, one game behind Yankees for 3rd-best record in majors. Gained a half-game on idle Nats, still 4 games back.
David O'Brien
August 16th, 2012
11:59 pm
DOB — gut feeling, do you see any chance that Medlen gets sent back to the bullpen? — DAM
After tonight, I’m feeling pretty confident (for first time) that he stays in rotation rest of season and playoffs. Too good and steady in the role.
Trey
August 17th, 2012
12:00 am
“After tonight, I’m feeling pretty confident (for first time) that he stays in rotation rest of season and playoffs. Too good and steady in the role.”
Glad to hear, DOB. Medlen has definitely proved to be a reliable starter.
David O'Brien
August 17th, 2012
12:01 am
Braves are 27-10 since July 5 and a season-high 20 games over .500 at 69-49
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:06 am
so do we want the pirates/cardinals to stay in a race all year or do we just want the cardinals blown the hell out of the water?
I pick #2
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:09 am
if hanson is the one who doesnt make the rotation how about the irony – hanson doesn’t get called up in 2009 in favor of medlen then he gets sent to pen (or down) for medlen
uga-brave
August 17th, 2012
12:10 am
tiger, i am happy for little tiger. his favorite brave.
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:14 am
uga – yeah good times tonight for sure-plus with him dealing and up by 6 bullpen was very lose (they enjoyed the cookies he brought them)
did you hear about last night?
Venice Jim
August 17th, 2012
12:14 am
Tom Boswell’s newest column includes this paragraph:
At the trade deadline, the Phillies and Marlins quit on 2012, dealt away stars for prospects and, in doing so, made themselves less appealing destinations for future free agents. They acted like teams that, in their closed-door heart of hearts, know the next couple of years in the NL East belong to the Nats and Braves. The Madoff-ed Mets, buried under bad contracts, are worse off.
uga-brave
August 17th, 2012
12:14 am
pretty special night at the ted for those that do not get the the chance to see it live.
medlen was outstanding.
barely in trouble all night.
chipper got his due twice.
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:16 am
uga – HR’s hit all around us but nothing to us- them high $ seats you seat in don’t get that action
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:17 am
on a side note craig sager was sitting in center field with his family
uga-brave
August 17th, 2012
12:20 am
tiger, heard he got to stand on first base.
saw he was welcomed by the dugout.
saw the bullpen gave him a huge salute.
had to be a special night for you.
i have pictures of me on ralph garr’s knee. and another picture of me and my father with dusty baker.
DiamondbackMac
August 17th, 2012
12:23 am
Here’s a pretty good article from the San Diego newspaper. Lots of praise for Chipper.
http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/aug/16/braves-blank-padres-again/
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:23 am
yeah man it was an incredible night…followed up by tonight which was also awesome
weeks like this remind me why I spend the time/money to do this
uga-brave
August 17th, 2012
12:23 am
tiger, if a memory is worth anything i still remember it. pretty sure little tiger will too.
those are the best memories you can give your child.
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:24 am
I take lots of photos cause he won’t likely remember much of this (at 4)
uga-brave
August 17th, 2012
12:28 am
pretty cool they they love little tiger out there in the pen. pretty even cooler little tiger loves baseball.
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:31 am
I hope so – but if not it gives me lots of stories to tell which aint bad either
N8
August 17th, 2012
12:33 am
Whe asked if he likes starting or relieving, Medlen said:
“It’s been asked my entire career. I love baseball, I love the game, love everything about it. So I love being able to do all of it at a decent level that we’re at, and I’m just excited for the opportunity.”
Folks, that’s why this guy is slowly becoming my favorite player on this Braves team. Dude just does what he’s asked AND says all the right things. And I believe him when he says it.
Oh….. and he’s kinda good too.
DAM
August 17th, 2012
12:33 am
I’m feeling the same way, DOB. He’d definitely be one of my top 3 starters going in a playoff series as of right now, that’s for sure. I’ve been wanting him to start since Spring Training. The guy just throws strikes, knows how to get outs, and gives us a chance to win almost every outing.
And as always, thanks for all the great work covering our Braves!
uga-brave
August 17th, 2012
12:33 am
the fact he is pretty much the bullpen mascot says enough. well done.
Waffle House or Bust
August 17th, 2012
12:33 am
Nice to see the Braves take care of a team they should beat. I talk about how soft Chipper is (and he is) but dude still knows how to swing the bat. Gotta give him credit.
I’m sure Ebay will be flooded with Chipper bobbleheads tomorrow.
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:34 am
the interaction is funny-they will walk up call him over and talk to him…im not even part of the equation most of the time (except I gotta get out of his way for him to get to the wall)
gotta go register him for fall ball on saturday…and that is really fun
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:36 am
N8 – welcome to the club man…its so much fun to watch this kid work-watch his face its been a long time since I’ve seen someone love the game this much while playing at this level
Waffle House or Bust
August 17th, 2012
12:37 am
2013
1. Trade Hanson for a big bat to play LF or 3B.
2. Resign Bourn and let Mac walk. He is on the other end of a good career but without offense he is just a fat catcher with no defense.
3. Get something for JJ. We had the chance last season but Wren passed on offers.
DAM
August 17th, 2012
12:39 am
Braves have a +70 run differential in their last 22 games. Arbitrary endpoint, I know, but only 6 teams in MLB have a greater run differential for the entire season, and three of those are +74, +75, and +76.
DAM
August 17th, 2012
12:39 am
In those 22 games, they’ve gone 17-5 and outscored opponents 115-45.
N8
August 17th, 2012
12:40 am
At the same time I don’t want to get lumped into the Tommy Hanson hater club. I actually really like Hanson.
But the Braves have 3 positions to fill going into next year and Prado can only fill one of them. So trading a guy like Hanson might help fill the void in one of them.
The other option would be to just not pick up the option on Hudson. But I seriously doubt that is the path the Braves wll take. Freeing up that cash would allow more money to be available to sign Bourn.
If I had to guess, I believe one of Minor or Hanson will be traded to fill one of those positions. Hanson makes the most sense. Arbitration eligible and the tiny rift over going on a rehab start probably didn’t win him any brownie points.
I suppose they could look to trade Maholm too. But that just doesn’t seem to make any sense to me.
My rotation on opening day next year?
Hudson, Maholm, Medlen, Minor, Delgado. With Teheran and Gilmartin providing some depth if needed until Beachy returns.
I’d trade Hanson. Worst case scenario, the money he’d make in arbitration would be “replaced” with Delgado’s league minimum salary, which also leaves more for Bourn (or another free agent everyday player).
DAM
August 17th, 2012
12:40 am
Obviously, this has been a highly enjoyable 3+ weeks.
Waffle House or Bust
August 17th, 2012
12:41 am
I leave you on the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death with this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThzC3GUd_mQ
One question...
August 17th, 2012
12:44 am
Have to say that the season he missed, along with the stints of ‘2-3 weeks’ with other knee problems and the months missed during the ‘10 campaign, no way Chip would not be over 3000.
Also have to wonder, if Murph had played on the Braves teams of the 90’s, and teams couldn’t pitch around him the way they did for most of his career, how might his numbers look? Same could be said for Niekro. Dude won 300+ games playing most of his career on absolutely putrid, horrible Braves teams.
DOB?
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:46 am
not sure what I would do but I don’t like trading pitching until I can see what it brings me…going to be an interesting hot stove league this year
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:48 am
next 10 games are going to be really interesting – not likely that important for our playoff drive but just to see how we perform against the potential playoff opponents
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:52 am
when its sleepy time down south…
uga-brave
August 17th, 2012
12:53 am
night, tiger.
i am going to miss that chipper hop left handed.
uga-brave
August 17th, 2012
12:54 am
getting old blows.
Chip
August 17th, 2012
12:55 am
Waffle House or Bust
August 17th, 2012
12:41 am
I leave you on the 35th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death with this.
watching Viva Las Vegas. That Ann-Margret is one little hott 22 year old !
uga-brave
August 17th, 2012
1:12 am
well we had 23 straight with teams under .500.
we went 17-6.
well done.
uga-brave
August 17th, 2012
1:14 am
got five guys rotating with all good starts and we are bringing in a variable. good luck.
Venice Jim
August 17th, 2012
1:26 am
And another working day has ended – get off early tomorrow (just have to work 10 1/2 straight hours)…
DS1
August 17th, 2012
1:56 am
Ward
You’re going to have to turn off the lights in this place tonight. Been traveling and my battery is about gone.
Great win by the Braves tonight.
tiger, lots of great story’s for the little one.
Bo Graves!
Ward
August 17th, 2012
2:01 am
Hello everyone! Been busy lately, and taking some time outs from the blog. Glad the Braves won tonight. Really like Medlen, and Maholm in the rotation, and think they should not go any where.
Ward
August 17th, 2012
2:06 am
Where do you rank Beachy in rotation, and some one will have to go when Beachy comes back? I say Hanson will be the one going, because I’m a believer in Huddy now. I see Sheets still in the rotation next year. Also think Minor will have a huge year next season.
Spider29
August 17th, 2012
2:06 am
Janish had the Number 1 Web Gem on ESPN just awhile ago. That surprised me. I didn’t figure they were paying attention to him. Chipper and Meds got love, too.
Ward
August 17th, 2012
2:07 am
Rotation next Year when Beachy comes back
1. Huddy
2. Sheets
3. Maholm
4. Beachy
5. Minor. Thats my rotation when Beachy comes back.
Ward
August 17th, 2012
2:08 am
I would keep Janish behind Simmons, when Simmons comes back.
Ward
August 17th, 2012
2:15 am
Also, “If” Francisco keeps making improvements we might not need a 3rd baseman.?
Ward
August 17th, 2012
2:17 am
I’m still thinking he needs to play a full season at 3rd before we make any judgements on him, and he might turn into the power hitter the Braves need?
Ward
August 17th, 2012
2:34 am
Maybe all Wren needs next year is to tweak the bullpen, and bench, but who knows. I would let Francsico be the 3rd baseman next year.
Ward
August 17th, 2012
2:34 am
Francisco is showing he can hit now.
Ward
August 17th, 2012
2:41 am
All, have a good one! Good talking, and talk tomorrow after game. Good to see the Braves winning, and the pitching doing much, much, better. Offense don’t know yet? I’am glad to see the offense doing better though……. Peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
Ward
August 17th, 2012
3:18 am
Here to correct some thing. Hope the Braves sign Sheets, where would you fit Medlen, because I like the way he pitches to? We all know Beachy will be back in rotation, and most likely Braves will keep Minor in rotation for next year. Interesting all this. If you put Medlen in rotation, Huddy, or Sheets would have to go? Tough call on that one. 1. Huddy, Beachy, Maholm, Sheets, Medlen would be the rotation for me next year, but I like Minor too Tough call……All have a good one! will be a good rotation no matter what. I do think Medlen should stay in rotation. Peace Out.
Couch Tater
August 17th, 2012
5:57 am
those are the best memories you can give your child
Maybe. I talked my Mom into buying me a Goldfish on the way to Fulton County Stadium.
The Pirates. Never forget.
Goldfish was doing the backstroke after the game. My life changed. Do you realize how traumatic it is to have to flush a little goldfish in a downtown Shell Station? I can’t look at a Goldfish bowl without thinking of the damn Pirates! And, Koi Ponds just give me heebee jeebees.
phil
August 17th, 2012
6:10 am
nolie
August 16th, 2012
11:01 pm
looks more like he could lose 20 at least….right phil?
***********
Yes.
Meds keeps me off meds
August 17th, 2012
6:14 am
Lets see.
16K to see games the previous nights but over 32K to get a bobblehead of a legend that played this week as well. Top it off, deal with Falcon traffic the same night?
Yes Braves fans are a bit quirky when it comes to seeing their guys play.
CB
August 17th, 2012
6:38 am
We don’t need to trade for an “ace” pitcher. we already have one.
Pitching lately has been super,offense looks great. Heyward finally looking like the player we were hoping for and what can we say about Chipper? Gonna really miss that old goat.
phil
August 17th, 2012
7:10 am
Why aren’t we 40 pver?
richbrave
August 17th, 2012
8:03 am
89
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
8:15 am
I just renewed my baseball-reference Play Index subscription…more good stats comin’ for the next year.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
8:32 am
Would love to see what scoots, nolie have to say about the below. I’d love to see Teheran develop a cutter….
Second Look: Teheran, Lee
By Kiley McDaniel ESPN Insider
Teheran has been a notable prospect since July 2, 2007, when he signed for $850,000 as a 16-year-old from Colombia, earning one of the biggest bonuses in his class. He shot through the minors, was considered one of the top prospects in the game and was knocking on the door of the big leagues with frontline starter upside. Teheran was forced to Triple-A due to the Braves’ early season pitching depth and has struggled enough there (5.05 ERA) that when there was a rash of pitching injuries, Atlanta was forced to trade for Paul Maholm at the deadline.
Teheran got to Triple-A so quickly that he’s repeating the level at 21, an age when many top pitching prospects are still in A-ball or college, so you can forgive his subpar stats in Triple-A this season, given that context. He also checks all the boxes with a long 6-foot-2, 180-pound frame, clean arm action, efficient delivery and excellent deception, and he flashes three above-average pitches with good command. When I saw Teheran recently, he worked 91-94 mph — touching 95 — with a fastball that showed occasional life, and he displayed solid-average command but would lose feel for it at times, usually up in the zone. He backed it up with a 79-82 mph changeup that flashed plus with late tumble, but he also left it up in the zone early, although he spotted it better later in his outing.
The question mark with Teheran is the breaking ball, and the only one he threw for me was a 72-75 mph curveball with 11-to-5 tilt, late bite and depth, but it was often below-average and hung in the zone. He had trouble staying on top of the pitch — it looked a little awkward coming out of his hand, and his arm slot was slightly lower. Norfolk hitters hit Teheran around (4 innings, 8 hits, 6 runs) as his command issues snowballed, and he had trouble getting over his front leg to keep his pitches down.
I saw some similarities with Teheran and Orioles 2012 first-rounder Kevin Gausman, whom I scouted before the draft when he was at LSU. While Gausman has a knockout fastball-changeup combination superior to Teheran’s, he struggled with a curveball that showed promise at times, ultimately opting for a slider that was getting rave reviews pre-draft. From my look, I thought Teheran should use the curve just a handful of times per game to change hitters’ eye levels and try a slider that he may have better feel for.
Teheran faced the same Norfolk lineup again Aug. 14 and shut it down (8 innings, 9 K’s, 1 run), with word from a scout that Teheran started using a slider in that start. I saw one of Teheran’s worst outings, but he still showed No. 2 or No. 3 starter upside, with a chance to be a rotation option next season with continued progress.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
8:32 am
Another day, another shutout. The Braves now have a 1.90 ERA over their last 23 games. Almost unfathomable.
richbrave
August 17th, 2012
8:34 am
DOWN ON THE FARM
GCL – ORLANDO
Mousekateers take the measure of YANKEES rookies and farm-hands but not with their bats. Only four are earned as the STANKEES lived up to their nickname yesterday by commiting seven……yes, seven errors allowing five unearned runs to defeat them 9-4.
1B ANTHONY NUNEZ [.263 BA] 2-4, 2 R, 2 RBI [4], 1 SO.
A fifth year pro, it’s pretty much now or never for NUNEZ.
Rookie DH TY TEWELL [.306 BA] 0-2, 2 RBI [22], 2 SF.
Rookie SS ERIC GARCIA [.237 BA] 2-4.
RHRP ROBERTO ESTRELLA [W 2-4, 6.75 ERA] 5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R/ER, 0 BB, 9 SO.
Bobby Star has an excellent start with nine SO’s.
LHRP ELVIN GARCIA [SV 1, 4.74 ERA] 4.0 IP, 4 H, 1 HR, 2 R/ER, 0 BB, 4 SO.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
8:35 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.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
8:38 am
I meant to say slider….
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
8:40 am
Jason Heyward is hitting .308/.390/.583 in 283 PA’s vs. RHP.
Really hope Wren can get him to ink an extension this winter. Get him and Prado locked up.
richbrave
August 17th, 2012
8:40 am
Efrim:
My thoughts though you didn’t desire it, 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.
Random
August 17th, 2012
8:43 am
ChipperisGod (August 15th, 2012 11:45 pm): “Fredi should be worrying about individual statistics of individual players versus individual pitchers, not lefty righty match ups. That should not dictate everything. Some righties hit well off other righties for example. Sure the lefty righty thing is right sometimes, but not always.
“Individual statistics matter a hell of a lot more than just saying who is lefty and who is righty.”
Maybe so, but you rarely have a large enough sample size of individual match-ups to allow you to draw any valid conclusions.
richbrave
August 17th, 2012
8:48 am
NATS have a four-game cushion in the loss column due to direct head-to-head play against the BRAVES.
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.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
10:47 am
Maybe the Red Sox will sign Michael Bourn and alternate him and Crawford from LF and DH.
abeeewright
August 17th, 2012
10:47 am
As I understand the “six man rotation” this is basically two turns through the rotation to assure management that the potential injury risks (Hanson, Hudson, Sheets) are good to go and give them a little rest before the final stretch drive and (hopefully) post-season.
I’m not sure why the hoopla. This is little more than when the rotation gets pushed back a day due to an off-day.
I’m also wondering on folks expecting Hanson to perform poorly when he gets back. Presumably, he had a back problem that was severe enough to send him to the DL. That would certainly explain his poor control in the starts leading up to the DL. Also, Hanson did not go the full season last year, so he might not be ready for a full 220 innings this year.
Let’s see if he comes back with control and maybe a little more velocity tonight before putting a spike in his coffin.
Lew
August 17th, 2012
10:49 am
Of course, I could quite easily see why so much jealousy would be coming from someone who couldn’t even do a good job setting out veggies for a grocery store.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
10:50 am
Of course, I could quite easily see why so much jealousy would be coming from someone who couldn’t even do a good job setting out veggies for a grocery store.
ZINGER!
David O'Brien
August 17th, 2012
10:58 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. — Waffle House or Bust
I think a Publix person when I ask then where something is and they tell me, or when the guy behind the meat counter says why this particular fish is good this week, etc. And I thank the person at the checkout counter and the person who bags my groceries. And I thank the woman at Waffle House after taking my order and after bringing me my food. You do none of these things? If not, do people smile at you much throughout the course of a day, or seem cordial?
Do you have a job where you never get thanked? Just curious why anyone, anyone in the world, would care that others thank someone for something. Really odd that you would go out of your way to point that out.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
10:59 am
“Let’s see if he comes back with control and maybe a little more velocity tonight before putting a spike in his coffin.”
Nope. Always put the spike in the coffin first and ask questions later. I’ve seen the movies!
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
11:00 am
Our Waffle House guy must be a real peach to be around, I tell ya.
Trey
August 17th, 2012
11:03 am
I guess Waffle House or Bust is angry, because no one thanks him when he flips their burgers for them.
Murph
August 17th, 2012
11:06 am
I really wish Hanson were going back to the bullpen and not the rotation. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and right now the Braves are not broke. They are playing some amazing ball… last night’s game was one of the funnest games I’ve seen in the last 5 years. Chipper, Heyward, Medlen… was just fun to watch.
I’d really hate to see the addition of another pitcher to the rotation screw up the rhythm that has this team playing lights-out baseball right now.
Last year everyone blamed the hurricane for screwing up the team’s rhythm and the Braves’ misfortune that followed… I hope that we don’t look back at the switch to a 6-man rotation with the same distaste this October.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
11:06 am
WHOB sounds like one of those angry workers at a fast food joint….not my fault! The few times I go to those places, I tell ‘em thank you!
Oh, and Thank You WHOB for stirring up the pot today. Really enjoyed it….
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
11:07 am
Murph, it shouldn’t change the rhythm any more than an off-day would, since that would do the same thing to the other starters as adding a 6th rotation member.
Juan
August 17th, 2012
11:08 am
Braves after 118 Games has the same Record of 2011 69-49….Only different is we play the 118 Game on 8/11/11. Sept will be huge for us
Homer the Brave
August 17th, 2012
11:10 am
Is Elizabeth Moreau the poor man’s Erin Andrews? She even butchers players names like Erin does. And what happened to the brunette chick that was on earlier this, Beth Keener?
DAP
August 17th, 2012
11:12 am
murph I’d really hate to see the addition of another pitcher to the rotation screw up the rhythm that has this team playing lights-out baseball right now.
the good thing is that there are no off days, so it shouldnt be to weird for the pitchers. they are probably used to getting and extra day here and there because of off days, so they will prepare and treat this as if thats whats happening. i think it will work out fine for a short period. i wouldnt want to do it all season, or even for a long stretch.
cricket
August 17th, 2012
11:15 am
just yesterday i thanked publix cashier after a nice little banter, thanked the guy who bagged my grocery and later thanked my liver that i still had good sense after two beers not to check the in-game blog..
Trey
August 17th, 2012
11:15 am
I guess we shouldn’t think our surgeons and doctors, either, as they are just doing their jobs.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
11:17 am
It’s nice to be thanked. Sure it’s your “job”, but it’s nice to know people appreciate what you’re doing—makes it all the more worthwhile…
cricket
August 17th, 2012
11:18 am
As I understand the “six man rotation” this is basically two turns through the rotation
that’s the plan right now but why not keep it even after 2 weeks if the plan succeeds..
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
11:19 am
Do you walk through Publix thanking each department for doing their job?
If they helped me in some way, yes. They don’t HAVE to be friendly, ya know…
CB
August 17th, 2012
11:22 am
Thing about politeness and kindness if you try to do it on a regular basis you will find at the end of the day it is not an effort anymore, it becomes natural. I can honestly say the greatest pleasure in my life comes when I am doing something kind for another human being. The look of surprise on their face is priceless, maybe WHOB should try it.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
11:22 am
Versus tonight’s starter, Chris Capuano (LHP)
BMac is 3-9 with a double and 1 K… .333/.333/.444/.778
DRoss is 4-12 with 2 doubles, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 3 K .333/.385/1.000/1.385
I think you know who to start, Fredi…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
11:24 am
TOBF I think you know who to start, Fredi…
He will if he knows what’s good for him…
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
11:24 am
I feel pretty sure Ross will get the start tonight.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
11:25 am
And heck, maybe Pastornicky too.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
11:26 am
“I’d really hate to see the addition of another pitcher to the rotation screw up the rhythm that has this team playing lights-out baseball right now.”
To be honest, pretty much anything the Braves would do to the rotation right now would screw it up. They have been so amazing in the last month they are all due to have some rough starts.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
11:26 am
Oh, and as a former Publix employee (for all of 3 months), I’ll let you know that those thank you’s are appreciated.
Besides, if there’s no reason to thank anyone for doing their job, then what’s the purpose of the phrase?
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
11:26 am
Brian from SC I feel pretty sure Ross will get the start tonight.
Praise be to the Lord!…
tony austin
August 17th, 2012
11:27 am
Some people simply have real crappy jobs and sometimes a ‘thank you’ really helps make their days not suck so much.
I for one (and I’m sure many others) am very thankful for the hard work DOB does. I know he has late nights and what seems to be an endless schedule. He could, like they say about players sometimes, ‘just phone it in’, but he doesn’t. He takes time out of an already busy schedule to answer our questions or to respond to a comment. Not to mention all of the tweets he responds to. He will even show up on a blog that Carroll wrote. He goes above and beyond in my opinion.
.
Thanks DOB!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
11:28 am
TOBF Besides, if there’s no reason to thank anyone for doing their job, then what’s the purpose of the phrase?
Ha! That’s a VERY good point…
You think about it—any time you thank anybody for anything it’s because they “did their job”…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
11:29 am
I feel pretty sure Ross will get the start tonight……And heck, maybe Pastornicky too.
Yeah C’Mon! It’s been a while since I’ve seen my Rev out in the field to start… hope you’re right, Brian. Might he get to bat leadoff, or am I stretching it now
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
11:30 am
If the Braves want a chance to give Bourn a rest and get Johnson in there, tonight may be a night to do that, too. Might think it a little much to sit McCann and Bourn, though.
cricket
August 17th, 2012
11:31 am
No Rev in field. also no signing of Greinke in off season ..
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
11:31 am
McCann does have a .500 OBP in his last 1 starts.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
11:32 am
If the Braves wanted to give the Rev a start, they should do it with Hanson or Sheets on the mound.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
11:32 am
Brian from SC Might think it a little much to sit McCann and Bourn, though.
Then Bourn cann wait another day…at least he’s been getting hits and stuff…
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
11:32 am
They have been so amazing in the last month they are all due to have some rough starts.
Best thing you’ve said all season. For folks to think this is going to continue for another 44 games is a little overly optimistic.
And when this offseason comes and needs are discussed, I sure hope everyone looks at the big picture and not a small sample. Still need a frontline starter, imo. That’s pretty close to getting another banger for the lineup.
CB
August 17th, 2012
11:33 am
cricket,you just depressed TOBF for rest of day. Suicidally depressed. LOL
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
11:33 am
“I feel pretty sure Ross will get the start tonight……And heck, maybe Pastornicky too.”
Ok so now that Janish is finally hitting (and fielding like an all-star), you still want Pastornicky? Come on already.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
11:34 am
As long as everyone is playing in next weeks tilt with Washington. All hands on deck as we try to win that series.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
11:34 am
McFann, I would not mind sitting both, with the lefty going tonight. I’m just not sure Fredi would want to do it, and I don’t think it would be popular here, either.
Again, I’m 99% Ross will start tonight. Bourn…maybe a slight chance he sits.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
11:35 am
If the Braves wanted to give the Rev a start, they should do it with Hanson or Sheets on the mound.
Make it Hanson and Sheets…. IIRC, Sheets starts tomorrow. Janish has got to be exhausted, give Rev 2 straight starts to get him some ABs.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
11:35 am
Janish has started every game since he was acquired, and has had one day off in the last three weeks.
Trey
August 17th, 2012
11:36 am
Maybe I shouldn’t have thanked my Surgeon, the other day, after all, he was just doing his job.
Lew
August 17th, 2012
11:36 am
Not popular here, either? What is?
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
11:37 am
Brian—
Yeah, Fredi prolly wouldn’t go for that…
I really think he’ll start Ross tonight, too—kinda odd he’s gone a whole week between starts, anyway. And BMac’s gotta get rested and ready for Harang tomorrow!…
Trey
August 17th, 2012
11:37 am
or the lady who wheeled me out in a wheelchair.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
11:38 am
“Still need a frontline starter, imo.”
No, they really don’t. Got plenty of great arms that can win a lot of games. Need more bats than arms at this point. Losing Chipper, and essentially McCann, possibly Bourn. A lot of offense to make up.
Hudson/Sheets/Maholm/Minor/Medlen/Hanson/Beachy/Delgado/Teheran gotta have 5 good starters out of those 9. Not to mention pretty cheap. Spend money on the offense.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
11:40 am
“Janish has started every game since he was acquired, and has had one day off in the last three weeks.”
And last night was the best he has looked both offensively and defensively in 3 weeks.
George
August 17th, 2012
11:41 am
Good morning all
Best game of the year, the reasons it was.
1] CHIPPER CHIPPER CHIPPER
2] MEDS MEDS MEDS
3] JASON JASON JASON. I have been totally honest about my thought about JASON’s ablility to play baseball. Still think he is a lifetime .240 BA hitter with great power. But JASON, if you continue to prove me wrong, HEY MAN KEEP DOING IT, it will make me very happy.
4] FREDI’s best qoute of the year, ” I touched him and he is real”
5] Credit to FREDI for letting MEDS finish game and get credit for SO.
6] The BRAVES games scores the past three nights look like a tennis match score 6-1 6-0 6-0.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
11:42 am
Chipper Jones article on ESPN:
http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/28118/be-selfish-about-chipper-jones
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
11:43 am
gotta have 5 good starters out of those 9
Yeah, five good #3s…. With Heyward, Freeman getting better, Prado keeps hitting .300, Simmons improves, Uggla and BMac don’t slump next year, we have a good offense. You can’t put .270/.350 hitters in every lineup spot…
haggard
August 17th, 2012
11:43 am
Waffle House Or Bust
About those thank-you’s; We’ve been privileged to have some wonderful sportswriters grace the pages of both the Constitution as well as the Journal here in Atlanta through the years. And not only has David O’Brien continued that lineage, he has done so in an era during which his duties have been multiplied and his time compressed by all he must do for these very electronic pages. Add to that the extras–such as the post game quotes, culinary education, advanced music dissertations, and general interaction at all hours–and you’ll begin to see why so many of our posts begin with the simple, genuine, “Thanks DOB”. Just check and compare the efforts of some of the other beat writers around the league.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
11:44 am
Still need a frontline starter, imo.
Agree with this… even if we disagree on who this starter is.
Trey
August 17th, 2012
11:45 am
haggard, it’s wonderful to see you posting, once again! Welcome back, haggard!
George
August 17th, 2012
11:46 am
Trey
August 17th, 2012
11:15 am
Trey
I missed what your medical problem was, but good you are better.
haggard
August 17th, 2012
11:47 am
McFin04
Thanks for the Chipper story link
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
11:47 am
Wow. Blast from the Dominican Summer league past – now 20 year old, LHP Andy Otero starting for the GCL Braves today. 5′9” 160 lbs Panaminian who struck out 93 in like 60 innings back in 2009.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
11:47 am
If chipper isn’t a first ballot hall of famer, especially in the era of juice heads, I don’t know who is. This guy has been all class and guts, not to mention the numbers he’s put up. I’m not even a braves fan but I know a hall of famer when I see one.
If Bonds/Sosa/A-Rod etc. can even be considered for the HOF, Chipper needs to be a first-ballot HOF’er… Hell, if Melky can still “win” the batting title, Chipper needs to get in.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
11:48 am
Since July 3rd, the Braves are 7-8 in games where the opposing starter was left-handed.
They are 21-3 against right-handed starters.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
11:49 am
The best part of Chipper’s season is the fact that he still makes his teammates smile and laugh in disbelief.
Trey
August 17th, 2012
11:50 am
George, it was an epididymal cyst, which caused pain and discomfort. Sometimes the pain got to the point where I could barely stand up, but it didn’t always hurt. Anyway, thank you
haggard
August 17th, 2012
11:50 am
Hi Trey
Thanks. The lack of post time is due to quite a bit of long distance dating–she’s two hours away– and just generally being busy with travel out of town. Believe me, I miss the interaction with all the good folks.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
11:52 am
No, they really don’t. Got plenty of great arms that can win a lot of games. Need more bats than arms at this point. Losing Chipper, and essentially McCann, possibly Bourn. A lot of offense to make up.
What are you talking about? McCann? Why are we losing him? And your definition of “great arms” is different than mine.
Hudson/Sheets/Maholm/Minor/Medlen/Hanson/Beachy/Delgado/Teheran gotta have 5 good starters out of those 9. Not to mention pretty cheap. Spend money on the offense.
Beachy shouldn’t be counted on for 2013. Not sure about Sheets yet. I don’t see both Delgado and Teheran as part of the organization in 2013. One of them is getting traded for offense, it should be Delgado.
Trey
August 17th, 2012
11:53 am
Well, congratulations, haggard. I hope all works out between y’all.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
11:53 am
Another way of putting it…since June 29th, 10 of the Braves 14 losses are in games started by lefties.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
11:54 am
Since July 3rd, the Braves are 7-8 in games where the opposing starter was left-handed.
They are 21-3 against right-handed starters.
The team just owns RHP’s. LHP’s definitely give them trouble. And I don’t think it’s a big difference between a crafty, soft tossing lefty or a big velocity LHP. All give our Braves trouble.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
11:56 am
Aww, gee thanks for that stat Brian. Guess today is time to throw in our lefty mashers. Reed, Rev, Ross…
ACE
August 17th, 2012
11:56 am
I bet you can get a good deal on those GOT MELK? Shirts.
Hillbilly
August 17th, 2012
11:57 am
In the past couple of years of vacationing in the southeast, I’ve noticed something about the politeness of people in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia: For the most part, they go out of their way to speak to you, welcome you, thank you, or whatever the situation calls for. What especially caught my attention was fast-food workers and gas-station employees. Around here, those individuals aren’t exactly barrels of sunshine. Not that they are all just rude… but they’re not going out of their way to brighten your day.
In those other 3 states I mentioned, when I walk into a fast food joint or a gas station, I’m immediately greeted with a welcome and a genuine smile. My wife and I have discussed this several times over the past few years. Maybe it’s not that big of a deal, but it’s definitely noticeable. Props to southeasterners.
haggard
August 17th, 2012
11:58 am
Trey
It’s a good, solid, trusting relationship borne of a lengthy friendship.
What are the doctors doing for you?
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
11:58 am
Efrim What are you talking about? McCann? Why are we losing him?
‘Cause he’s fat.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
11:58 am
The Braves are 1-6 against the Nationals when they start a lefty…3-2 when they start a righty.
vs. Strasburg: 2-2
vs. Jackson: 1-0
vs. Detwiler: 0-3
vs. Gonzalez: 1-2
vs. Lannan: 0-1
Interesting, the Braves have not faced Jordan Zimmerman yet.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
12:00 pm
Hi, haggard!
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
12:00 pm
‘Cause he’s fat.
MFin’s stupidity never ceases to amaze me.
Trey
August 17th, 2012
12:00 pm
haggard, they operated on me, now have some medication for the pain, and giving me a week or so off from work. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to run for six weeks, but have post-op in two weeks, I believe.
Hillbilly
August 17th, 2012
12:00 pm
LHP Andy Otero starting for the GCL Braves today.
Ef, where has he been? Forgot all about that guy.
richbrave
August 17th, 2012
12:01 pm
The MELK-DUD should have his All-Star MVP taken away, and he should be serving a one-year suspension right now, not 50 games.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
12:02 pm
Efrim—
Some folks just like to cause trouble, I guess…
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
12:03 pm
I’ve noticed something about the politeness of people in Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia: For the most part, they go out of their way to speak to you, welcome you, thank you, or whatever the situation calls for.
Wish it was a quarter of that politeness in the Tri-State area(CT, New York, Jersey). Everyone is way too busy to be polite here. Incredibly stressed out area of the country. Everyone is on edge.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
12:03 pm
The MELK-DUD should have his All-Star MVP taken away, and he should be serving a one-year suspension right now, not 50 games.
Indeed.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
12:04 pm
“What are you talking about? McCann? Why are we losing him”
I’m not going to bank on his production for next year. If you aren’t counting Beachy/Sheets/Delgado/Teheran. I’m not sure why you’d think McCann is just going to bounce back and be all well and good and OPSing .850 again. He could and I hope he does, but it is possible he doesn’t.
Hudson/Sheets/Maholm/Minor/Medlen/Hanson/Beachy/Delgado/Teheran
Some combo of those guys could very well be an elite rotation. It is currently, and it is missing Beachy who should be back for at least a month or two.
Losing Bourn and Chipper, and McCann not bouncing back…this lineup could get really shallow.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
12:04 pm
Ef, where has he been? Forgot all about that guy.
I think shoulder and elbow injuries. He’s one of the more famous DSL stars that flamed out. But again. more about injury than anything. I wonder if he is still 5′9” or if he grew a bit from age 17.
George
August 17th, 2012
12:05 pm
Good story by the ESPN writer, she did her research. Thanks haggert.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
12:06 pm
If you aren’t counting Beachy/Sheets/Delgado/Teheran. I’m not sure why you’d think McCann is just going to bounce back and be all well and good and OPSing .850 again. He could and I hope he does, but it is possible he doesn’t.
Are you serious? You’re just going to throw out his track record because of one injury plagued season? Again, you have to be the one blogger here who has been so absurdly wrong on so many fronts within the last six years of me being here. Your logic is out of the world, dude.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
12:08 pm
Some lady got burned from sitting on a bench in the hot Texas sun….. suing the Cowboys now. SMH
http://espn.go.com/dallas/conversations/_/id/8276263/dallas-cowboys-hot-water-burned-fan-files-lawsuit-team
CB
August 17th, 2012
12:08 pm
Efrim, I noticed that about you.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
12:10 pm
Too bad they didn’t have Blogs when Bench hit .230-something when he was 28…would be int’resting to read…
George
August 17th, 2012
12:11 pm
richbrave
August 17th, 2012
12:01 pm
The MELK-DUD should have his All-Star MVP taken away, and he should be serving a one-year suspension right now, not 50 games.
*******************************************************
YUP, and I don’t think he will be “comeback player of the year” either. lol
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
12:11 pm
Efrim – I think you just like to insult and argue. Give it a rest.
You do realize that McCann does have to decline at some point right? And that it is possible that his shoulder injury, if not fixed, could continue to nag at him right? I didn’t say it would happen, but it is a possibility. And if it does…the Braves lineup is really shallow. I’d rather upgrade the lineup than the rotation. Quite a lot of holes to fill by losing Chipper and Bourn. And possibly McCann if he doesn’t bounce back.
LF Prado
RF Heyward
2B Uggla
1B Freeman
C McCann
SS Simmons
3B
CF
haggard
August 17th, 2012
12:11 pm
Hey, McFann!
I was thinking of you just last week as I accompanied a 75 year old grandfather and his 17 year-old niece on a trip to Nashville, which included a stop at the Grand Ol Opry. Theirs is a special relationship and I told them I would be the chauffeur and official photographer for the journey. So they simply relaxed, had a great time, and provided some wonderful moments for an unobtrusive, fly-on-the-wall shutterbug.
Have you been giving that Nikon a workout?
haggard
August 17th, 2012
12:12 pm
ooops- “17 year old granddaughter”.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
12:12 pm
Players are allowed to have off years. Especially ones with great track records. Think Met fans are happy they held onto Wright after less than great years? Look at him now, at age 29. McCann is still one of the best catchers in the sport. Crazy to think he’s done because of this year.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
12:14 pm
“Think Met fans are happy they held onto Wright after less than great years?”
They also shrunk their ballpark for him.
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:14 pm
brian – how many of those 8 loses were delgado/jj/minor pitching?
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
12:15 pm
haggard – when you said 17 year old niece I was thinking…hmmm is that niece in the non-familial sense
haggard
August 17th, 2012
12:15 pm
Trey
Is everything progressing as expected? (Of course, I realize the healing can never arrive quickly enough).
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
12:16 pm
Efrim – So what you are saying, if I am following, is that the Braves should make right field super shallow like Yankee Stadium or Fenway so McCann can crush homers, boost his on base and slugging, and dominate the NL East.
You, me and McFann are all happy, and Jason Heyward stays even healthier.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
12:19 pm
brian – how many of those 8 loses were delgado/jj/minor pitching?
2 started by Minor, 2 by Jurrjens, 2 by Delgado, 2 by Sheets
Trey
August 17th, 2012
12:19 pm
haggard, it has been. I have been sleeping off and on for the past couple of days. The general anesthesia has increased my appetite, though.
haggard
August 17th, 2012
12:22 pm
tiger297
I’m glad you’re here….I can’t think of the last time I enjoyed–and smiled more while reading–any posts more than yours from the last two nights. When Chipper hit the first, I tried so hard to “will” it to your section so you and little tiger could at least be the possible beneficiaries of the bounce-off from a fumble, fingered fan.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
12:24 pm
Ah, so then we are technically 7-6 vs. lefties… those 2 JJ starts weren’t fair… we were doomed to lose those anyway
haggard
August 17th, 2012
12:25 pm
tiger297
And, yes; the grandfather does have a twinkle in his eye. But it’s mainly for the silver haired waitress who brought him more sugar free syrup at the Cracker Barrel in South Pittsburgh, Tennessee.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
12:27 pm
Mike Minor has been pitching great as of late, just isn’t winning games.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
12:27 pm
haggard—
Aw, that’s sweet!…:)
Yeah, I’ve been giving it a pretty good workout—but lately there hasn’t been much to photograph in this nasty weather. I need to read some more of my “Nikon 3100 for Dummies”, but I keep getting distracted by knitting and whatnot…
Loved having that camera for my Wrennie nest this past summer, though. Sadly, my babies have all left now—just Mama and Daddy Wrennie left now, and they’ve started their late-summer molt. We saw our first Tailless Wrennie of the season yesterday!…
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
12:30 pm
So if a Brave-killer gets traded to a new team, does that mean he still is a Brave-killer? I really don’t want to see Victorino for another 3-game series. Guy always does something against us on offense and defense.
haggard
August 17th, 2012
12:31 pm
McFann
Still working on that sweater for your McCann nephew, eh?
What lenses did you purchase with the 3100? You must have a decent size telephoto for those Wrennies.
David O'Brien
August 17th, 2012
12:33 pm
Thanks haggard, tony austin, etc.
I’m betting that Waffle House or Bust, if he goes to his mailbox and the mailman happens to be pulling up at that moment, and hands him his mail directly, ol’ Waffel House or Bust would just take it, turn around and walk back to his house without saying a word….
David O'Brien
August 17th, 2012
12:35 pm
Tonight’s Dodgers starter Capuano is 4-1 with a 1.53 ERA in his past seven starts vs. Braves
DAM
August 17th, 2012
12:35 pm
George, what on earth would lead you to think that Heyward will be a .240 lifetime average hitter? You might be the only person in all of baseball to have that opinion.
haggard
August 17th, 2012
12:36 pm
McFann
And about that “Nikon 3100 For Dummies”;you did a very wise thing in buying/investing in a camera you can “grow into”. There are plenty of people twice your age who would love to own that camera and would gladly give up their disposable Kodaks to do so.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
12:36 pm
We gonna clobber him tonight…
haggard
August 17th, 2012
12:37 pm
“disposable Kodaks”
Lew
August 17th, 2012
12:38 pm
haggard – Just recently realized that Cory Gearrin is a Mercer boy. I think that’s two or three Mercer students that made it to the bigs – there was someone from when I was there (72-75) that ended up playing for the Giants a few seasons.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
12:39 pm
They also shrunk their ballpark for him
Wright is hitting .341/.430/.568 on the road. What are you talking about?
Lew
August 17th, 2012
12:40 pm
Wish we could put Wright at third for a few years.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
12:41 pm
haggard – Just recently realized that Cory Gearrin is a Mercer boy. I think that’s two or three Mercer students that made it to the bigs – there was someone from when I was there (72-75) that ended up playing for the Giants a few seasons.
That would be Joe Pettini. 11 total players have made the big leagues out of Mercer.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/schools/index.cgi?key_school=d3d8a4e7
(the formatting is messed up for me on that page…just a warning)
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
12:43 pm
“Dodgers starter Capuano is 4-1 with a 1.53 ERA in his past seven starts”
Is he a lefty!?
haggard
August 17th, 2012
12:44 pm
Lew
That someone was Joe Pettini, who was originally drafted by Montreal and once shared the breakfast table with our friend Steve Page in his folks’ kitchen in Lilburn, Georgia.
Trey
August 17th, 2012
12:44 pm
DOB, it makes you wonder what Waffle House or Bust would do, if his house caught on fire and a fireman pulled him out of that burning house. He probably would just say, “Oh, it’s just your job.”, with no appreciation.
jeffrey d
August 17th, 2012
12:44 pm
The other teams shrunk their ballparks too
haggard
August 17th, 2012
12:47 pm
Brian from SC
Good call there! I could have sworn I would be the only person on the blog this afternoon–other than perhaps “phil”–who would have supplied him with that name. Did you ever eat breakfast with Pettini?
ChattTownBrian
August 17th, 2012
12:47 pm
Capuano is licking his chops right about now. He loves a Braves sandwich.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
12:47 pm
haggard, I’ve never heard of him. I looked it up on baseball-reference.com
Robert
August 17th, 2012
12:48 pm
“Chipper is my favorite all-time player, but I would bet quite a bit that he does not get over 90% of the votes”
There’s two schools of thought on the HOF voting.
The first, and, in some ways, more logical one is that a player either is or he isnt. In other words, nothing about the player changes between the 1st and the 2nd or 3rd or umpteenth time he is voted on for the HOF. In rare cases, a better player at the position might go on or off the ballot, but in the black and white world that shouldnt matter. There’s no “grades” of HOFers in this system – no ranking within the club once you pass the bar to make the grade
The second school of thought is that there is an elite of the elite. By this thinking, first ballot is reserved for guys who would be the perennial All-Stars in a league made up of only HOFers. Logic would say that in this world, the “you either are or arent” decision would be in year two, with first year balloting being held back as a special honor for a VERY FEW players
The reality is neither of these. Precedent has been set tht first ballot election is a special honor. However, the way that honor has been bestowed doesnt always make sense. Eddie Murray was a first ballot HOFer and Joe DiMaggio wasnt? Come on. Even in Baltimore they know thats ridiculous. Heck, even grandma Murray knows thats ridiculous. And then there’s the issue of being on the ballot for fifteen years – fifteen years for self promotion (often by way of self pity) – fifteen chances to have to live forever with the consequences of one bad sentiment laden decision (Mazeroski and Santo just to start)
Basically a first ballot HOFer should be a guy who is strongly in the arguement to be considered the best ever at their position or specialty.
Where does that leave Chipper?
He is in the second tier all-time both as a third baseman and as a switch hitter. Yes, he is the second or third best switch hitter all time, but the top tier is Mickey Mantle and only Mickey Mantle.
Now Mantle’s raw stats and Chipper’s raw stats are comparable – highly so, in fact. But CONTEXT shows that while they might be similar, they were nowhere near equal. (Mantle’s adjusted OPS is 172, Chipper’s is 141)
In other words, Chipper Jones is Mickey Mantle light.
And anyone who is “_____ LIGHT” is NOT a first ballot HOF if first ballot selection is a special honor for the elite of the elite
Chipper Jones should be a second ballot HOF selection.
Lew
August 17th, 2012
12:49 pm
haggard – Six degrees of separation?
Thanks brian – appreciate the look up.
Lew
August 17th, 2012
12:50 pm
haggard – If you talk to Steve anytime soon, tell him I spoke with Paul Oppy not long ago – he’s retired and living in Milledgeville – likely, we drove him there with our antics.
brian
August 17th, 2012
12:51 pm
Capuano has just owned the Braves – the stat above is telling but I don’t think does it enough justice.
Lew
August 17th, 2012
12:52 pm
Apparently Robert’s stay away from the blog has not granted him wisdon.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
12:53 pm
haggard Still working on that sweater for your McCann nephew, eh?
Ha! I wish…
I’m getting a head-start on my Christmas knitting—last year I cut it pretty close, starting it at Thanksgiving. And I’m doing more this year…
As for the lens…eh, I think it’s the very basic lens. I bought the “kit”, which came with the camera body and a lens. I’d love to get a super-zoom lens, though—that would really come in handy for nature photography. The Wrennies’ nest was in a pretty easily accessible spot, so I didn’t need too much zoom for taking pictures of it…
Yeah, me and this bad-boy camera are gonna grow old together!…
I think about those disposable cameras we used to get for our trips to Disney World…hard to believe how far we’ve come!…
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
12:54 pm
“Capuano has just owned the Braves – the stat above is telling but I don’t think does it enough justice.”
But to be fair, the Braves are actually A LOT better offensively against lefties this year than any other of the recent years.
haggard
August 17th, 2012
12:54 pm
Lew
I’d love to see Paul myself,(though I never took part in a play, I helped the Players out frequently with voice-overs for radio spots promoting upcoming productions on WNEX) and I will make it a point to call Steve and tell him.
Lew
August 17th, 2012
12:55 pm
haggard – Paul was one of the Groomsmen in our wedding.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
12:57 pm
Wish we could put Wright at third for a few years.
We have a better version of him… Juan
haggard
August 17th, 2012
12:57 pm
Okay–time to go out and put a flourish on the end of the week I’ve enjoyed it, folks. Go Braves!
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
12:58 pm
Braves as a Team Versus Lefties:
2012 OPS – .711
2011 OPS – .642
DS1
August 17th, 2012
12:59 pm
Slugging Joe Pettini of the SF Giants back in the days when I lived in the Bay Area? A Mercer boy huh?
Never knew.
Lew
August 17th, 2012
12:59 pm
OnlyBRaves – Well, Juan might be as good a fielder and have as much if not more power than Wright, but I’d still rather have David hitting third for the Braves (move Heyward to fourth or fifth). Always liked Wright – even if he did play for the Mutts.
Lew
August 17th, 2012
1:00 pm
Yeah – I’m out of here, too. Need to at least attempt some productivity today.
haggard
August 17th, 2012
1:00 pm
McFann
” I think about those disposable cameras we used to get for our trips to Disney World…hard to believe how far we’ve come!…”
It’s hard to beat those Nikon optics. Super sharp!
DS1
August 17th, 2012
1:01 pm
Just in case anybody is wondering, our man Juan has hit a lofty .184 against lefties. No walks and no HR’s.
I’d say so far that he is a one dimensional kinda guy. But here’s to hoping that he continues to improve.
Robert
August 17th, 2012
1:01 pm
Lew – You think Chipper Jones is equivalent to Mickey Mantle?
DS1
August 17th, 2012
1:03 pm
To get a player like Wright (or Stanton) would take probably Prado AND Simmons. Not to mention Teheran and Bethancourt.
But they’d sure look good splitting up our young lefties in the lineup.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
1:03 pm
Gotta find a way to get Reed Johnson into the game tonight vs lefties, but who are you going to sit? He doesn’t play catcher does he?
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
1:04 pm
If Fredi wants to start Johnson, he can sit any one of Bourn, Prado, Heyward, Uggla, or Chipper. I would say Bourn is most likely.
jeffrey d
August 17th, 2012
1:05 pm
My groomsmen were Evan Gattis, Mickey Mantle (the only person ever deserving of being a first ballot HOF) , and the guy from the Dos Equis commercials.
Trey
August 17th, 2012
1:06 pm
At least Robert isn’t trying to find a way to blame Bobby Cox for anything.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
1:06 pm
Just in case anybody is wondering, our man Juan has hit a lofty .184 against lefties. No walks and no HR’s.
I’d say so far that he is a one dimensional kinda guy. But here’s to hoping that he continues to improve.
Which is why he’s a bench player, at most…. hopefully not for the Braves next year, though.
jeffrey d
August 17th, 2012
1:07 pm
He’s getting there
DS1
August 17th, 2012
1:07 pm
I really don’t think anybody on the old blog has any illusion that Chipper is a better hitter than The Mick. Mantle was special. And if he had good wheels that would have added to his longevity, he’d probably be considered one of the 2-3 best of all time.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 17th, 2012
1:08 pm
haggard—
True that!…
abeeewright
August 17th, 2012
1:08 pm
Efrim, August 17th, 2012, 12:06 pm … “Are you serious? You’re just going to throw out his [McCann's] track record because of one injury plagued season?”
Yeah! Braves gave up on Melky Cabrera and look how that turned out.
Oh. Right.
David O'Brien
August 17th, 2012
1:17 pm
It’s Aug. 17 and Chipper still leads the Braves in average (.315), OBP (.391) and slugging percentage (.519).
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
1:19 pm
Johan Santana goes tonight against the Nats. He’s given up at least 6 runs in four straight starts, with a DL stint sandwiched in there. Hope he figures it out tonight.
DAP
August 17th, 2012
1:19 pm
robert You think Chipper Jones is equivalent to Mickey Mantle?
despite your assertion, thats irrelevant to the question of chipper’s first ballot worthiness.
jeffrey d
August 17th, 2012
1:22 pm
Thanks, DOB
George
August 17th, 2012
1:25 pm
DAM
August 17th, 2012
12:35 pm
George, what on earth would lead you to think that Heyward will be a .240 lifetime average hitter? You might be the only person in all of baseball to have that opinion.
***************************
Just look at BA last year AND all the long slumps he is subject to. He is a KINGMAN type player, good enough to have a long career, but not a great one. Very possable he will hit over 400 Hrs [not bad at all] but can not see him hitting .250 lifetime. As I said hope he continues to prove me wrong.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
1:26 pm
He is a KINGMAN type player, good enough to have a long career, but not a great one.
Hahaha…so far off base, it’s hilarious. Way, way, way off base.
Venice Jim
August 17th, 2012
1:27 pm
I had a successful first mini-break in my workday, as I managed to get Springsteen tickets for Anaheim in December. This will give cab her first opportunity to see him (I am assuming the World Series should end by then)…
Robert
August 17th, 2012
1:27 pm
“I really don’t think anybody on the old blog has any illusion that Chipper is a better hitter than The Mick. Mantle was special”
And that’s what first ballot HOF selectrion is – a special honor for the guys who are truly special even in the context of the HOF
cabravesfan
August 17th, 2012
1:31 pm
I will officially be attending my very first Bruce Springsteen concert in December D
Random
August 17th, 2012
1:32 pm
DawgDad (August 17th, 2012 10:09 am): ” ['Capuano is the fifth left-handed starter the Braves have faced in their past seven games.'] Thank you, Frank Wren.”
Yeah, Frank — nice scheduling, doofus.
cabravesfan
August 17th, 2012
1:32 pm
That was supposed to be a
DAP
August 17th, 2012
1:34 pm
robert And that’s what first ballot HOF selectrion is – a special honor for the guys who are truly special even in the context of the HOF
so you claim. besides, is it possible there are other things that make chipper truly special in the context of the HOF? i think there are. switch hitter is one of those things.
DAP
August 17th, 2012
1:35 pm
robert, are you a HOF voter?
Venice Jim
August 17th, 2012
1:35 pm
Rob Neyer wasted no time spreading DOB’s last comment:
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/8/17/3249823/p-s-also-he-is-quitting
George
August 17th, 2012
1:36 pm
Robert 1:27
And that’s what first ballot HOF selectrion is – a special honor for the guys who are truly special even in the context of the HOF
*******************************************************
I tend to agree. The HOF is to large, to many players in it. It should be a very special place for very special players, but CHIPPER is one of the very special ones.
George
August 17th, 2012
1:39 pm
abravesfan
August 17th, 2012
1:31 pm
WOW, You waited a long time.
David O'Brien
August 17th, 2012
1:40 pm
Got my Baseball America with annual midseason Best Tools ratings in survey by managers. Kimbrel voted NL’s best reliever w/ best slider and 2nd-best FB (Chapman)
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
1:44 pm
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2012/08/17/numbers-give-braves-edge-over-the-nats-in-baserunning/
Great read on the Braves baserunning this year. Best in the league.
tiger297
August 17th, 2012
1:46 pm
brian – so my point about those 8 losses is 4 of them are from pitchers not on the current roster and another 1-2 from a pitcher who likely doesn’t look anything like he did then
just trying a little positivity here
abeeewright
August 17th, 2012
1:46 pm
2nd best FB. Wow.
2nd best.
Sucks that Chapman didn’t wait another generation to appear.
George
August 17th, 2012
1:50 pm
abeeewright
August 17th, 2012
1:46 pm
I have watched a few REDS games CHAPMAN is FAST.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
1:50 pm
I haven’t watched many Nats games, except when they play Atlanta, but it is quite obvious that the speed and baserunning at the top of the Braves’ lineup is an enormous positive factor.
ACE
August 17th, 2012
2:00 pm
Dimaggio and Rogers Hornsby didn’t make it in the HOF on the first ballot
Venice Jim
August 17th, 2012
2:02 pm
Old time voters had many ideas that should have been obsolete 55 years ago…
cricket
August 17th, 2012
2:03 pm
http://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/First_Ballot_Hall_of_Famer
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
2:07 pm
Brian (Greensboro, NC): How huge will it be for Teheran to develop an effective slider?
Matthew Eddy(Baseball America): I like the idea of expanding Teheran’s repertoire to give batters something else to think about. He has uncanny fastball control, but despite regular velo readings in the mid-90s he just doesn’t get many swings and misses with the pitch. His changeup is a legit plus offering, which he sells with plus arm speed and generates swings and misses, so pairing that with a slider and perhaps an occasional early-count curve will give the weaponry needed to take the next step. I’m anxious to see how he fares in 2013.
brian
August 17th, 2012
2:07 pm
from baseballamerica.com chat today
Matthew Eddy: Welcome one and all to another installment of the Prospect Hot Sheet chat.
Brian (Greensboro, NC): How huge will it be for Teheran to develop an effective slider?
Matthew Eddy: I like the idea of expanding Teheran’s repertoire to give batters something else to think about. He has uncanny fastball control, but despite regular velo readings in the mid-90s he just doesn’t get many swings and misses with the pitch. His changeup is a legit plus offering, which he sells with plus arm speed and generates swings and misses, so pairing that with a slider and perhaps an occasional early-count curve will give the weaponry needed to take the next step. I’m anxious to see how he fares in 2013.
Brian (Greensboro, NC): If you were to re-rank or redraft the pitchers from the 2011 draft, what would your top 5 pitcher list look like based on their performance to date?
Matthew Eddy: Gerrit Cole’s numbers haven’t been eye-popping, but I’d still give him the benefit of the doubt in the top spot just based on his physicality and the grades his raw stuff merits. Beyond Cole, I’d go Bundy 2, Bauer 3 and maybe round out the top 5 with Archie Bradley and Jose Fernandez. No 2011 draftee has made a louder debut than Reds lefty Tony Cingrani, a Rice senior drafted in the third round.
For Chipper Jones, a Salute and Two Home Runs - NYTimes.com
August 17th, 2012
2:09 pm
[...] .304 career batting average and 466 homers.“He’s a future Hall of Famer, obviously,” O’Brien wrote. “And I really believe he’ll be selected on the first ballot, though some others think that [...]
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
2:09 pm
but despite regular velo readings in the mid-90s he just doesn’t get many swings and misses with the pitch.
Speed isn’t everything. Missing bats is… However, it does help to have speed to aid in missing those bats.
ACE
August 17th, 2012
2:15 pm
Tom seaver has the highest percentage followed closely by Nolan Ryan. Five voters didn’t think Seaver worthy and Six didn’t think Ryan was either.
"phil"
August 17th, 2012
2:16 pm
Never heard of Mercer’s Pettini….surprised.
ACE
August 17th, 2012
2:16 pm
Reggie Jackson’s comment about Seaver, blind people come to the ball park to hear him pitch.
cricket
August 17th, 2012
2:17 pm
if he has good FB and + change, why doesn’t he miss bats? isn’t that what santana mostly used his whole career?
ACE
August 17th, 2012
2:18 pm
Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz and Chipper should be in the HOF. I would only bet money on Maddux being a first ballot.
cricket
August 17th, 2012
2:21 pm
MLB will analyze a radar-based system and a camera-based system, both similar to the one used in tennis for down-the-line fair-or-foul calls. Yankee Stadium and Citi Field will be the guinea-pig parks for the systems, which have been installed recently.
The use of the systems will be strictly in the background and for analysis.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/exclusive–mlb-to-test-two-different-advanced-replay-systems-during-games-next-week.html
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
2:21 pm
if he has good FB and + change, why doesn’t he miss bats? isn’t that what santana mostly used his whole career?
The lack of a decent breaking ball would make life difficult for Teheran against right-handed hitters. Santana has (had) a good enough slider to get lefties out.
cricket
August 17th, 2012
2:25 pm
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/17/sports/baseball/batting-practice-cherished-tradition-or-colossal-waste-of-time.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
2:28 pm
Teheran also doesn’t have the best command. That’s an issue too.
He’s 21. He’s going to get better if the stuff hasn’t gotten worse because of an injury – he’s never had arm trouble. The addition of a slider can only help, imo. Some guys can spin a curveball and some can’t. We’ll see. I still think he should be left alone this winter in trade talks. I mean, would you really want to sell low on a prospect that was rated so highly like Teheran. It’s not like he is old either – still 21. He was rated in the Top 10 for most last year, and Top 20 for all. I don’t think he’s fallen out of the Top 30, even still.
what of it?
August 17th, 2012
2:28 pm
McCann’s not doing anybody any favors by playing hurt. Ross’ numbers are significantly better and so is his defense. Why McCann wouldn’t be put on the DL to rest his shoulder is completely beyond me.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
2:29 pm
Ben (Leland Grove): Would you still consider Teheran to be the top overall arm in ATL’s system?
Matthew Eddy: With the graduation of Randall Delgado and the trade of Arodys Vizcaino, I’d be inclined to give Teheran the nod as the Braves’ top arm. The org’s most recent first-rounders — Sean Gilmartin and Luke Sims — could give him a run, but Teheran still has a floor of quality set-up reliever and absolute ceiling of No. 2 starter. (However far away that seems now.)
"phil"
August 17th, 2012
2:29 pm
If Chipper can just reach the finish line on this same roll, I will no longer have even a bit of doubt that he’s a first ballot HOFer….
haffull
August 17th, 2012
2:30 pm
What happens if two or more teams tie for a wc slot. ie Pirates, Giants, Cards. ???
"phil"
August 17th, 2012
2:30 pm
what of it?
August 17th, 2012
2:28 pm
McCann’s not doing anybody any favors by playing hurt. Ross’ numbers are significantly better and so is his defense. Why McCann wouldn’t be put on the DL to rest his shoulder is completely beyond me.
***********
If he has a loose shoulder, which is what it now sounds like, rest won’t fix it…
BravePack(FreeFan)
August 17th, 2012
2:31 pm
David O’Brien
August 17th, 2012
1:40 pm
Got my Baseball America with annual midseason Best Tools ratings in survey by managers. Kimbrel voted NL’s best reliever w/ best slider and 2nd-best FB (Chapman)
As well he should be. There is no one in the game I would rather have on my team closing out games, and the best part is he is still young. He could be one of the best ever when it’s all said and done barring you know what…I’m not even gonna say it to jinx it. I’ve watched a lot of baseball in my life and I can truely say he is probably one of my favorite pitchers to watch of all time.
cricket
August 17th, 2012
2:31 pm
KLaw is the only that should be allowed to vote for MVP –
“One of the most popular questions I’ve gotten recently is whether Miguel Cabrera will win the AL MVP award. I don’t presume to know what the voters will do, but I know that as it stands right now, he shouldn’t appear in the top three spots on any ballot.
“Cabrera’s offensive performance has been solid, but he’s a major negative on defense at third base, so a player like Cano, a good defender at a position (second base) where offensive levels are lower, is more valuable overall even though Cabrera has slightly higher raw rate stats.
“Cabrera is the third-most valuable player on his own team, behind Verlander and Jackson, the latter of whom has completely transformed himself at the plate this year and is a plus defender in center.”
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
2:33 pm
It seems like first rounders are now propelled to teams Top 5 prospects. Didn’t used to be like that before but it’s almost a guarantee now, even with the deepest of systems.
cricket
August 17th, 2012
2:34 pm
Teheran also doesn’t have the best command. That’s an issue too.
how does this statement relate to following from Matthew Eddy from posts above?
He has uncanny fastball control
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
2:38 pm
Teheran still has a floor of quality set-up reliever and absolute ceiling of No. 2 starter. (However far away that seems now.)
good setup reliever is fine, though it’d be really disappointing if that’s “all” he becomes… an absolute ceiling of #2 is pretty good, imo… That means we still need a #1, who can be around for 4/5 years.
DAM
August 17th, 2012
2:39 pm
I think there is approximately 0% chance that you will be right about Heyward hitting .240, George. The question with him coming up was never whether or not he would hit for average; it was his power stroke. His average fell last year because he got hurt, fell into some bad habits with his swing. Now he seems to be almost finished working his way out of those.
The slumps he has been prone to so far all go back to the bad habits he developed as a result of his injury. He has been remarkably consistent for the last 2 months now that he seems to be fully healthy and has overcome those bad habits (or most of them).
DAP
August 17th, 2012
2:42 pm
theonlybravesfan good setup reliever is fine, though it’d be really disappointing if that’s “all” he becomes…
disappointing is an understatement. this is a guy deemed untouchable in trades the last few years, because his ceiling was ace. if now his ceiling is #2, thats not good either.
cricket
August 17th, 2012
2:42 pm
That means we still need a #1, who can be around for 4/5 years.
it still won’t be greinke
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
2:42 pm
He has uncanny fastball control
I don’t think he has the best command. And I’ve read enough people who feel that way as well. Isn’t control a bit different though. Command of the pitch so it doesn’t get hammered. Control of the pitch so you’re not walking the bases loaded each time. I don’t know….
cricket
August 17th, 2012
2:47 pm
ok, found it Efrim, now we can sleep in peace
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/230151-control-vs-command-whats-the-difference
Control
To have control over one’s pitches means that a pitcher is able to throw strikes. Not just out of the zone swings and misses either, but actual called strikes. A pitcher needs to exhibit the ability to throw a fastball for a strike at any time during an at-bat. They need to make sure that their breaking balls will cross the plate in the strike zone.
If a pitcher is routinely recording quick outs and getting ahead of hitters (0-2 and 1-2 counts) than he has good control because he is routinely throwing strikes.
Without control, basically all hell breaks loose for the guy on the mound. If you don’t have a good feel for your pitches, then it’s going to be a night of free base runners and a lot of runs due to unintentional walks and undoubtedly a multitude of pitches up in the zone.
Some pitchers that have mastered the art of control are Roy Halladay, Mariano Rivera, Tim Lincemcum, and the recently retired Mike Mussina.
Command
Now command can really be a sub-set category under control. Once a pitcher gains control over their pitches they must then move on to learning command. Pitchers with good command have the talent to place their pitches any where they want within the strike zone; they are able to throw not just strikes, but good strikes.
A normal strike can just be a fastball up in the zone that the hitter just misses. A good strike can be a pitch that just gets the outside corner and sends a batter back to the dugout or a ball tailing inside that jams a hitter.
Older pitchers who can’t throw as hard as they used but are still finding at least moderate success (Trevor Hoffman, Jamie Moyer, and Randy Johnson) have all mastered command. Sure they can’t burn you with a 95 plus fastball, but they could ring you up with an 88 MPH cutter that paints the corners or a 76 MPH curve that crosses the plate just at the knees.
Command and control…similar, but not quite the same. These two skills are necessary for any pitcher who wants to elevate their game to the next level. Without the ability to control and command, you will be riding that minor league bus for a long long time.
Shaun
August 17th, 2012
2:51 pm
disappointing is an understatement. this is a guy deemed untouchable in trades the last few years, because his ceiling was ace. if now his ceiling is #2, thats not good either.
If Teheran is a #2, that will be great. That’s a pitcher the quality of a Tim Hudson.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
2:51 pm
it still won’t be greinke
We’ll see
if now his ceiling is #2, thats not good either.
#2 isn’t all that bad, despite all the hype he’s had… we haven’t had a homegrown #2 that I can think of in recent memory. Last guy I can think of who was #1/2 type was Javier Vasquez, and we traded for him.
Brian from SC
August 17th, 2012
2:52 pm
Simply put, control is throwing the ball in the strike zone. Command is throwing pitches where you want them to be, in the strike zone, and sometimes out of it.
cricket
August 17th, 2012
2:54 pm
if now his ceiling is #2, thats not good either.
i’ll be extremely happy with that ceiling
cricket
August 17th, 2012
2:55 pm
Simply put, control is throwing the ball in the strike zone. Command is throwing pitches where you want them to be, in the strike zone, and sometimes out of it.
why simplify things when one can write 12 para blog post about them?
Shaun
August 17th, 2012
2:56 pm
That was a very good article by Sickels about rating starting pitchers. Couldn’t agree more with the part about Greinke, why he’s not a true No. 1 right now because of the makeup. Which is why it makes no sense to me that anyone believes Greinke should be one of the two or three highest-paid pitchers in the game. You pay a pitcher $20 million a year in a long-term deal, you better be getting a bonafide No. 1 guy, a bada– who goes out and produces year after year, and certainly a pitcher you don’t have to worry about each week, whether he’s going to be in the right frame of mind and whether everything’s OK with him. The guy making those bucks should be the least of your worries, like a Verlander or Halladay, or going back a bit, a Clemens or Maddux, etc.
Just saw this from yesterday. I certainly agree that Greinke may be a #2, whatever the reason. It could very well be make-up issues. I’m not going to get in to dime store psychology. I’ll stick to things that are plain for all to see.
As far as what is reasonable for a team to pay him, I think $20M a year is reasonable. I don’t think it’s wise for every team to pay him that but I wouldn’t think a team is absolutely crazy for doing it.
It doesn’t matter all that much what Verlander signed for in 2010, at least not directly. The best estimates have Verlander’s performance over the last 3-4 years at over $25M a year. In a couple of seasons since the start of 2009, he’s been worth over $30M, in terms of free agent dollars per wins.
So if Verlander were a free agent at the end of this season, he could probably command and get comfortably over $20M a year, assuming he wouldn’t be giving the Tigers a hometown discount, etc. Which means $20M a year for Greinke at this moment is not unreasonable for at least a few teams.
Basically even if a pitcher has some deficiencies and is not a #1, but may be a #2, a #2 starter in the free agent market that is still relatively young is probably worth $20M to quite a few teams.
The price of a player is based on what his market value is now. It’s not directly based on what certain pitchers may have been paid or even what they may have been worth in past free agent signing seasons.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 17th, 2012
2:56 pm
If Teheran is a #2, that will be great. That’s a pitcher the quality of a Tim Hudson.
And that’s pretty dang good.
Shaun
August 17th, 2012
2:58 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan, Javier Vazquez had some huge seasons. Overall, during the bulk of his career, I would say he was probably a #2 or a #3. I don’t think he was a #1. I just don’t think he was consistently great enough year-in and year-out to be considered a #1.
kenhotlanta
August 17th, 2012
2:59 pm
Just a note, FWIW: I am having vision issues that can be corrected (I hope), but will take some time. Also my eBay business is requiring most of my time because I can’t do it as fast as I need to, so I don’t have the time to post right now, but I do scan the blog. I miss the daily repartee, but I have to TCOB and I look forward to the day things get back to normal. Good to see haggard today and his post @ 11:43 was spot-on. Selah.
Efrim
August 17th, 2012
3:01 pm
The Dodgers can probably afford to pay Zack Greinke 20 million a year. ….
Another interesting pitcher that I’ve thought may get a qualifying offer this winter is Jake Peavy. Guy has been awesome for the White Sox this year, but has a 22 million dollar option for 2013 that’s just not going to get picked up. 4 million dollar buyout. Might make sense for the White Sox to make the qualifying offer to him after declining the 22 million dollar option.
kenhotlanta
August 17th, 2012
3:02 pm
McFann: I have a Nikon Cool-pix 5700…any tips on taking extreme close ups of jewelry, small objects, and very small writing? Thanks in advance.
MFin04
August 17th, 2012
3:04 pm
So if we need a #1 and Greinke clearly isn’t a number one (according to most opinions on here including DOB), who do you get!?
Robert
August 17th, 2012
3:05 pm
“so you claim. besides, is it possible there are other things that make