Braves quotes after Friday’s loss to Giants
**FREDI GONZALEZ
On Sheets’ performance
“I think he left some balls over the plate. There were some balls hit pretty good. I don’t think we made any missed plays behind him or anything. I think he did a hell of a job getting out of that [second] inning with the bases loaded. But I think later on he left some balls over the plate and they capitalized on them.”
On struggling offense
“We got three solo home runs. Our guys battled back. We go up 2-nothing, they come back and tie, go ahead. You could easily have rolled over, and we didn’t. We battled and battled and got into some situations, just could’t get the elusive single with people on base.”
Only three hits other than the homers
“We’re just not keeping the line moving right now.”
On Sheets’ three-start losing skid, is he tiring?
“I’ll sit down and talk to Roger about it. I think he’s one of those guys, he’s going to charge. And maybe some of the balls are catching too much of the plate. You can see the breaking ball is still there. You can see the velocity is kind of still there. So maybe he needs to make a little bit better pitches, or maybe the pitches he’s getting hit on are just catching too much of the plate.”
Still hoping that one good game could get the offense out of this funk?
“Yeah, that’s what you’re hoping for. You’re hoping that broken-bat single, keep the line going, two-out single, and just keep it going. It’s contagious. Hitting is contagious. Hopefully we can catch a little bit of that.”
**BEN SHEETS
On whether he threw too many pitches over the plate
“I think some of them might have caught a little bit more of the plate. The scary thing was, a lot of them were located pretty good.”
“At the time you think you leave them up, like the one Sandoval hit off the wall to left field. But I looked and it was down and away, man. I can’t get it any better down and away. Maybe wrong pitch, wrong selection.
“I hate the way I pitched. I feel like I made some good pitches, just didn’t put anybody away.”
On the surging Giants
“They’re playing good. We just need to get back on the winning foot tomorrow.”
You ‘hate’ the way you pitched?
“I hate the results. That’s all it is, results-based. I can give up line drives, make good outs and throw everything down the middle and love it.”
They didn’t get any runs in the second, but you had to throw a lot of pitches in that three-infield-singles inning
“When you have to throw extra pitches in that inning, that just keeps that pressure on you. I mean, sometimes it don’t show right away, but they find a way to make you work.”
Past three starts pretty similar to…
“To each other.” [smiles]
… no, to the first five?
“It’s pretty similar. Probably the last four. Philly, I didn’t strike anybody out. You can have good results or bad results. A break or two, I could have had a great game today. So you just don’t know. The more good pitches you throw, the more bats you miss with two strikes, the better off you are.”
“We’ve got a good team and they play hard each and every day and battle the [opposing] pitcher. Our guys don’t give away at-bats. We like our chances each and every day.”
Some observers are going to say, you’ve lost three in a row….
“You can win four in a row, you can win three in a row. It’s what it is. Yeah, the last three were bad, the first five were good. Just keep plugging. Just keep plugging, man, do what you can do to help this team reach the goals we set.”
**FREDDIE FREEMAN
On hitting two homers to center in a spacious ballpark
“Yeah, I got a couple of mistake [pitches] and I was able to get them. I don’t think that second one is going out at Turner Field.”
On mounting losses
“It’s getting frustrating. Obviously, we’re a winning team and we’re just not winning now. We’ve run into some good pitching. We battled out there today and they just came out on top.”
On Giants playing well
“Their top of the lineup got on base today and made some stuff happen. Pagan caused a wreck out there today. We couldn’t get him off the bases and he really changed the game for them. He was always on base. It put Sheets in the stretch all the time. He left some balls up, but we had our chances. He kept us in the game. We only lost by two. The offense has got to take that one.”
Giants playing like you guys were until recently
“Yeah, they’re playing great. They’re not making mistakes, defensively or offensively. They’re getting guys in. They’re hitting and running on us. They get a hit to right field every single time they need to. They’re playing great baseball right now and we just ran into them at the wrong time. We need to get out there and get Bumgarner tomorrow.”
Some fans and others are going to start saying this feels like the beginning of last year’s collapse….
“You can’t put it like that. That was last year, this is this year. It’s a whole different season. We’re still in first place in the wild card. We didn’t lose any ground to the Nationals. We’ve just got to get back out there and get on the winning track tomorrow.”
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206 comments Add your comment
Zac in Tempe
August 25th, 2012
2:28 am
Tough stuff, get em tomorrow. Tall order for Minor, but we need that one.
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
2:29 am
Well I think the Obviously question should be “Was it a mistake to play Hinske tonight”
You know with the missed plays and terrible AB and also How much longer can you go with Uggla when he is hitting .207…..We have pitchers hitting better than Uggla and now Uggla is making Errors. But hey I guess its tough to ask the tough questions.
Animus
August 25th, 2012
2:29 am
Fredi: I don’t think we made any missed plays behind him or anything.
Seriously? He actually said that after the two misplayed balls to LF and the fly ball Heyward missed in RF?
And nobody called him on it when he said it? Say it ain’t so DOB.
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
2:35 am
The Atlanta media is soft. They cant even ask tough questions when another collapse is happening again. This is why fans dont sell out games because the teams and media dont care so why should the fans.
D Morales
August 25th, 2012
2:40 am
This fool is in denile, or what? he thinks we are not watching the same game? 2 in left field in 1 in rightfield, really… we did not have missed plays behind sheets?? what the heck is he smoking…he is the worst even chuck tanner is better than him, remember him???
Grandma Giffin
August 25th, 2012
2:43 am
“I don’t think we made any missed plays behind him or anything”
Ha Ha Ha.
RaleighDawg
August 25th, 2012
2:43 am
Gotta admire the way Chipper called the team out after Thursday’s loss and follows that up with his own 0-4…
Bronke
August 25th, 2012
2:43 am
Fredi sounds defeated and the team is going through the motions right now. It seems every night only one or 2 players contribute and the rest rely on the pitching. You can’t honestly tell me that Uggla and McCann aren’t dragging the whole team down. Does anyone have a viable solution that Fredi will listen to?
Animus
August 25th, 2012
2:44 am
Chipper Jones @RealCJ10
Man,lots of suggestions for a cure to our ills. Relax tweeps. Dont start jumpin off the ship yet. When we pitch,we win! Matter of time! Nite
Uhm – dude, pitching has been just fine – the offense hasn’t shown up lately dude.
Bronke
August 25th, 2012
2:45 am
Raliegh. I was thinking the same thing. Old Chip Had some terrible at bats as well.
keep running him out there
August 25th, 2012
2:47 am
the swoon is here.
peachstealth
August 25th, 2012
2:47 am
Diesels have their place, but are not appropriate for the outfield. Out there you need a quick responding sports car
Semper Fi Braves fan
August 25th, 2012
2:48 am
Fredi Gonzalez is an idiot. Should have been a 3 to 1 win if the defense held up its end of the game.
Minor has been one of the best pitchers since the All Star Break. Hopefully he K’s 27 tomorrow, be about the only way he has a chance to get a win.
I do, I do
August 25th, 2012
2:49 am
Does anyone have a viable solution that Fredi will listen to?
Yes, Fredi should resign because he’s lost these players and is ineffective. This is a talented team, but they aren’t playing for Fredi because he’s been killing them with dumb decisions all season. Put TP in charge for the rest of the season and drive on.
Tdawg
August 25th, 2012
2:53 am
I told you fan’s to not get your hope’s up too high with this braves team. At least they ain’t waiting to September this year to choke.
keep running him out there
August 25th, 2012
2:56 am
Looking to spark his club’s offense, which had batted .199 in the previous six games, Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez opted to give Eric Hinske his seventh start of the season as an outfielder and first since July 14. By the time the third inning concluded, it was a decision that he had reason to regret.
Along with striking out and grounding into a double play in his only two at-bats, Hinske was unable to secure two catchable fly balls that resulted in a pair of doubles in San Francisco’s game-tying two-run third inning. This chain of events marked the start of the misfortunes experienced by Sheets, who allowed four earned runs and nine hits in 4 1/3 innings.
Bobby's Cox
August 25th, 2012
3:08 am
He might have to pitch into the 11th and fan 33 before we send one across
thomas smith
August 25th, 2012
3:22 am
we are playing some of the most important games now and our genius manager sit our most productive hitter in the first game and puts cecil the turtle in left firld for the 2nd game,which he missed two fly balls any other outfielder would have caught.that cost the two runs we lost by,and he also hit into a double play and struck out.fg also put mccan and ugla back in lineup again.what a bad manager.fire that looney toon now.
Bronke
August 25th, 2012
3:27 am
At least the blog humor has been great. Can’t say the same for the Braves
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
3:28 am
There needs to be some urgency and some pride from the players. We need to get back to drawing out ABs collecting Walks stealing bases and driving people in. Also we gotta get back to making productive outs and not strike out as much.
LakeDawg
August 25th, 2012
3:29 am
Lawd, them Braves shore do suck.
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
3:36 am
There was no excuse for playing Hinske tonight……EVERYBODY on the blog even said that, Seriously look it up( http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/24/rare-start-for-hinske-as-braves-try-to-revive-his-bat/)
Everybody knew more than Fredi tonight, and most of the others said to Bench Uggla as well, So if we would have the people running this team instead of Fredi we would have won tonight. I think a lot of people here could do a better job than Fredi Gonzalez
Semper Fi Braves fan
August 25th, 2012
3:43 am
Going to bed to dream of having Simmons back in Atlanta soon.
rc35
August 25th, 2012
4:05 am
Manager’s dilemma: “I’ve got two guys who can play left field. One can catch a fly ball and is batting .300. The other one can’t find a fly ball and is batting .200. Hey! I’ll start guy #2!”
Don’t you WISH he’d get thrown out of a ball game once in a while? Like before turning in the lineup card?
ButterMilk Tuesdays
August 25th, 2012
5:38 am
“Yeah, that’s what you’re hoping for. You’re hoping that broken-bat single, keep the line going, two-out single, and just keep it going. It’s contagious. Hitting is contagious. Hopefully we can catch a little bit of that.”
“Hope” is Fredi’s masterful plan?
shorty
August 25th, 2012
5:57 am
Fire Fredi the Fail….He has no clue how to manage when the pressure is on.
john
August 25th, 2012
6:02 am
MR WREN WILL TAKE CARE OF EVERY THING . GIVE HIM TIME .
gotigers72
August 25th, 2012
6:05 am
One good thing; if they miss the playoffs this year, Fredi and Frank will both be gone. Thank goodness.
cb795
August 25th, 2012
6:14 am
Fredi you have the best seat in the house and you said, I don’t think we missed any plays behind him or anything! What do u call the two Hinski plays in left and the McCann failed block of a pitch at the plate? Are you blind or just plain stupid!!!!!!!
Larry
August 25th, 2012
6:26 am
What’s wrong with you guys? Acording to LoboDumbDumb and his merry band of idiots the team is fine and the bloggers are just whiners.
LoboDumbDumb usually has finished his nightly Porta-Pottie delivery and pickup by now so we should be hearing from this twit shortly.
chas
August 25th, 2012
6:31 am
choke !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the season is gone could be saved if someone had the guts yo bench uggls and mccann
4 man rotation
August 25th, 2012
6:31 am
2012 is gone. Looks like the Braves 6 man rotation is down to 4. Sheets and Hanson will be long gone next year. At least Beachy will be back. Hmmm, nice rotation in 2013 with Hudson, Maholm, Medlen,Minor, Beachy. Just need a 3rd baseman and LF (Prado to 2nd). Re-sign Bourne, a healthy Andrelton at SS, and the Braves are set to go. GO 2013 Braves!!!
longtimefan
August 25th, 2012
6:52 am
Hinski is done. He is a statue in LF. Now is the time to put your best 8 position players on the field every night for the stretch drive. This is not time to rest players or plan a lineup around the righty/lefty thing. The Braves still lead the WC and have a 3 game lead. Call me a homer but I still think we can win this thing. It just depends on if OUR team can get hot for the stretch drive. The stretch drive and the playoffs, when our team is in the hunt- isn’t this why we watch the Game?
jt
August 25th, 2012
6:52 am
Can someone tell me WTF Fredie is doing as a manager? Hinske in left field, OMG did he look like a big fat ass out there. Any good fielder should have had at one of those fly balls, and probably both.
And Heyward could not play right field if his life depended on it. Sheets was not at his best, but he deserved to have someone in the field to catch those balls.
My son and I laughed so hard we cried when we re-ran the fly balls Hinske tried (use that term loosely) He really looked like one of our beer drinking fans, who we ran out to left field to catch balls.
Fredi, playing him when the game meant so much, what with the Nats droping their game, and we knew early in our game that they lost.
Lousy manager and even worse fat left fielder.
jt
August 25th, 2012
6:56 am
If McCann gets a big contract next year, I give up. He is too fat to get to balls thrown in the dirt. Just watch the catcher for Giants and the Nats. Very few balls get by in dirt. Hate to count how many Fat Ass McCann let get not only by him, but bounce almost to 1st base.
Uggla, don’t need to comment, just watch him at plate, Pitiful!!!!
steve
August 25th, 2012
7:03 am
F.G. would have been fired after starting Hinske in left field as all these games are crucial, why bother picking up R.Johnson if you are going to sit him in favor of a poor outfielder and a below 2oo hitter, said it like a lot of others that we need a real manager , this is looking like last years total collapse and F.W. needs to do something now before it is too late to salvage this season, tired of watching a team lose that has talent.
Jasons Shrinking Waist
August 25th, 2012
7:07 am
The party is over. Turn out the lights.
Bill M.
August 25th, 2012
7:15 am
The new has worn off, time to release Sheets. We can forget benching Uggla. They are not going to pay him 12M to sit. I have supported the Braves since they came to Atlanta and I have a bad feeling about this team. Something is not right. This off season will be fun. Probably won’t know the team next season, including Fredi G.
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
7:23 am
There aint no Lamosolo when his favorite manager just inexplicably ruined a game by playing Hinske, so he could “Warm his bat up”. Then after missing 2 fly balls and hitting into a doubleplay and doing nothing else he takes him out in the 5th inning. Too late.
But Hes gonna call all of us “Armchairs and Crybabies” because he just will defend Fredi no matter what. Lobosolo did you see how Fredi managed last nights game thats exactly how he managed the last month and a half and allowed the Braves to choke up a 10 1/2 game wildcard lead to the World Champion Cardnials. We are playing the same vanilla hoe-hum tip your cap baseball as we did in September 2011. But you see the posters NONE of them are saying everything will be ok because we know somehing drastic needs to be done or we will be sitting home again while the Dodgers, Cardnials, Giants, Reds and Nationals are in the playoffs.
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
7:28 am
Fredi what in the Blue Hell were you thinking everybody on the Blog knew it was a bad idea to start Hinske. And that might be the 1st time I can remember before a game where everyone is flat out dumbfounded at the line up before the game is even played. Well I take that back everybody pretty much agreed that Lowe starting the last game of the season was stupid as well.
Chas
August 25th, 2012
7:30 am
SO why doesn’t anyone ask Fredi about the wisdom of his starting lineup? A struggling offensive with a career bench player that’s hitting .200, and is a lumber jack, with no mobility? Fredi G. is a baseball idiot. Worthlass Dan Uggla has done nothing for 3 months, yet Fredi the Bozo keeps sending him out there.
We are seeing Collapse #2. This IS the same as last September, with Fredi G. leading the way. I hope that at the end of this season, Fredi G. has managed his last team anywhere.
Freddie Freeman doesn’t want this years (collapse) compared to last years. “We’re still in first place in the wild card…” says Freddie. As I recall, we heard that garabage, for the whole month of September last year. And how did that turn out? In fact Freddie Freeman made the final out of the Braves season in 2011.
The Ben Sheets experiment has come full circle. He’s done. He’ll be retired again by October. Eric the Terrible is in his final weeks as a major league player. Hopefully Fredi G.’s tenure in Atlanta has about 6 weeks left. Chipper will finish without a final playoff run. JJ is toast, and Hanson isn’t far behind. If you look at McCann’s batting numbers, since August, 2011, he’s a bit of a question mark in the future.
The one for sure thing is that WORTHLESS DAN UGGLA will be arong Atlanta, contributing nothing, except a constant drain on the Braves annual salary, just another reminder of the tiny brain of Franki Wren.
Syd
August 25th, 2012
7:37 am
Why can’t Freddie realize that we need to start Pastornicky at 2nd and prado at short with reed in left field! Reed is batting 300.
PaulG
August 25th, 2012
7:46 am
Everybody is wetting their panties over the recent slump, get a life folks, it’s called regression to the mean. Given the talent on the team we should be happy with about a 550 team & competing for a wild card
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
7:49 am
We need to place Uggla on Waivers and see if any team would be desperate enough to take him. Maybe the Dodgers will take him since theyre adding payroll
PaulG
August 25th, 2012
7:53 am
Enter your comments here
Anybody notice that Harrison is on his way to ~ 20 wins &, oh yes, Elvis is on his way to HOF stats for a SS when he finally winds it up
WTF
August 25th, 2012
7:53 am
Look, ATL ‘journalists’, Fredi ain’t Obama, you can ask him tough questions without being expelled from the media cabal. And the IRS wont audit you. When he says something just not true, follow up with some probing.
Team average,but don’t get soft – hold him to some kind of standards.
74bravesjersey
August 25th, 2012
7:56 am
TERRY FRANCONA!!! TERRY FRANCONA!!!!; BIg solution! Would love to have ‘em right now. Heck; Terry pendleton would & should have been considered way long before fredi.
DaveinNEPA
August 25th, 2012
7:56 am
It’s painfully obvious to anyone who watches this team on a daily basis that Uggla, McCann, Hinske, Hanson and Jurrjens are more liability than asset. No matter the outcome of the last 35 games, these 5 guys need to be shipped off someplace else.
I’m not going to blame Sheets for what happened last night, not with catchable fly balls not being caught and balls bouncing off the catchers chest protector that should have been stopped. Sheets wasn’t entirely at fault for what happened last night. Better defense might have resulted in a different outcome.
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
8:00 am
Whats funny is that Fredi thought Hanson pitched well but Sheets didnt pitch too well. But Hanson was giving up hits and getting lit up while Sheets had a LF with the mobility of a snail botch 2 pop ups and Uggla muff an easy grounder.
TarHeel 1We have a playoff team but no manage
August 25th, 2012
8:01 am
We have a playoff team but no manage. I think fw knows .
74bravesjersey
August 25th, 2012
8:10 am
Love to be happy ’bout a team that is competing, but dang, we seen this too many times the last 3 years, of a big let down. What gives, try to expect a big push & not lett’n you’re gaurd down, I’m a die-hard fan, & very passionate to see the Braves go all the way, just like most fans of mlb desir’n there team to go all the way, but dog-gone-it, when they suppose to step up & don’t it’s frustratin’.Guess been use to this. We are fortunate to be compet’n, count our blessings in comparison to other cities who would love to have a chance but, I just feel they could do alot better than they’ve shown. When it’s clutch time, there not executing when really need to. Dang me for feel’n this way! AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
8:10 am
I hope next year this team has a youth movement. We need to dump Hanson, Jurrjens, and Uggla.
We dont need to pick up that 12 million option on McCann. Keep Maholm, and I’m on the Fence on Bourn because a team will give him 6 years and 100 mil. We have young talent thats just wanting a chance. I wanna see if Ernesto Meja can play some LF and Luis Durango looks like a potential leadoff type of hitter, Bethancourte has perhaps the best defensive skills in all of baseball and he is gonna be a decent offensive player, Our Bullpen is young and deep and will be near the best in baseball. Also I think Francisco can be a 25 HR 85 RBI player. Freeman could be a 30 100 RBI player, Heywad can become a 30/30 player and a future MVP type player, Simmons will win several gold gloves and will be a good offensive player. Prado will get near 200 hits a year. There is a lot of good things but we just gotta “Cut the Fat” with players and management.
NORRIS CHUCK
August 25th, 2012
8:14 am
DaveinNEPA,
I agree! McCann is the worse defensive catcher ive seen in while. Dude is not hitting, and barely catching. He cant throw runners out either.
And what was up with Hinske in LF????? The Braves win this game if not for him and McCanns blunders!
Preston Thompson
August 25th, 2012
8:17 am
Bronke……..you got it right. That much extra, useless weight would drag down any team.
But Eric trying for that ball last night and slamming into the wall backwards as though he did all he could, reminded of football players that screw up on a play, it’s obvious they screwed up and then they are hurt on the play. The play went bad cuz they were hurt. BS.
And Freddie was going through the motion at the end of last year. Everybody knew what Atlanta had and nothing has changed. Way to much dead weight on the team and management group that as lethargic as it comes. Such a dead group. No fire and no life, save 2 or 3 players. They need speed, not lard ass catchers that have a hard time making it to second on a home run.
Busch Leaguer
August 25th, 2012
8:17 am
I think Bobby Valentine will be available next year.
alanfalcon
August 25th, 2012
8:21 am
Hate to say it, but we are done, but two things are constant, Freddies excuses and he is still playing Uggla against all odds, Uggla keeps swinging the same way over and over, I think he is beyond help !!!!!!!
Truthsayer Extremus
August 25th, 2012
8:23 am
Is Fredi retarded? Hinske made 2 errors. No misplays behind sheets my azz…
eddie57
August 25th, 2012
8:25 am
What game was Fredi-the-freeloader watching? No misplays behind him! Had to quit watching the game after the 3rd run because I was getting too upset. What drugs is Fredi taking that he can stomach this crap and then have the gall to say no misplays? Of course the home scorers are going to call that crap hits so he can argue that there were no errors. As for the TP suggestion, that’s the worst suggestion I’ve heard.
Busch Leaguer
August 25th, 2012
8:25 am
Wren should be on the phone with Dodgers GM ,Dump Uggla ,and Mc Cann on the Dodgers before the Dodgers come back to Reality.Really, they are going to take Beckett and Crawford ’s contracts just to get Adrian Gonzalez.
Joey
August 25th, 2012
8:27 am
6 out of 7.
Please tell me “it” isn’t happening again.
Just like last year, the hitters aren’t hitting – except solo HRs.
Please don’t play Henske other than pinch hitting. He looked old, fat, and slow in LF. Bet Prado would have caught those 2 liners that went over Henske’s head.
Full of Sheets
August 25th, 2012
8:30 am
I think this experiment with Ben Sheets is just about over………..he has proven he is no better than Tommy Hanson is now or Mike Minor was eariler this season so I believe Sheets should be relegated to the Bullpen at best………..or send him to the farm and recall Delgado!
Gonzalez to Blame!
August 25th, 2012
8:35 am
If Fredi Gonzalez makes any more BONE-HEADED moves like putting Hinske in left he should be fired on the spot………He should be fired after his team chokes again this season anyway……..Lookout Baby Cause here the Cards Come Again with the Dodgers close behind………….I hear some coughing coming out of the Brave’s Dugout again!
Joey
August 25th, 2012
8:35 am
I agree Truthsayer. I thought the same thing.
Well, a little silver lining – how about our two young guys?
I don’t think any team in MLB has two better 23 yr old stars-in-the-making like Freeman and Heyward.
They make even the losses worth watching.
Brave New World
August 25th, 2012
8:35 am
We should have stuck to the original plan and shut Sheets down after 20-30 innings in 2012.
Joey
August 25th, 2012
8:39 am
Speaking of boneheaded – what’s the quickest way to cool off a hot hitter?
Put him fielding a position he hasn’t played for several years.
Observation
August 25th, 2012
8:40 am
Word is getting around the league about Ben Sheets and Tommy Hanson, and their lack of “stuff”.
However, the inability of the Braves to score runs is really the killer here. Mike Miner usually doesn’t get much offensive support. Today will be no different.
Put Uggla on waivers for mercy’s sake !
Uggla to Dodgers
August 25th, 2012
8:40 am
Maybe the Dodgers need a 2nd baseman too and also a catcher(McCann)…………the only problem is that they would want Freddie Freeman in the deal and he and Heyward and A.Simmons are gonna be the only good hitters left in the Atl……..oh I left out Prado but he will be traded this offseason too!
74bravesjersey
August 25th, 2012
8:42 am
The errors occured when fredi had the cracker jack box turned upward try’n to get the last morsle of crumb of crackerjack popcorn. Still an’t got it yet, he’s still work’n on it.
Bourn Losers
August 25th, 2012
8:42 am
It looks like the Brave’s will be Bourn Losers this offseason……..he will wind up in Washington D.C.,Philly or Boston!
Jack off Team
August 25th, 2012
8:45 am
It looks like Jack Wilson shouldn’t be the only one designated for assignment soon………throw in Uggla,Sheets,Hinske and Fredi Gonzalez too!
74bravesjersey
August 25th, 2012
8:45 am
@Gonzales to blame!; 100% Agree. Tired of the vanilla coach’n, excuses xcetra.
BravesfaninWis
August 25th, 2012
8:52 am
USELESS IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD.
Despite being well above .500 in each of the past 2 seasons, the Braves will only be remembered for mismanagement, monumental collapses, and being the Kings of Choking. This team is nothing more than a pushover for the good teams heading to the playoffs. I hope they save their fan base, their city, and themselves the embarrassment and miss the playoffs. If they play head to head as a wild card team, they will get beat. If they somehow pulled a horseshoe out of their ass and got to the playoffs, they would be eliminated in the first round.
This team is so predictable, its a joke. Just go home after the season boys, you aren’t good enough to contend.
Ralph
August 25th, 2012
8:54 am
BATTLE, BATTLE, BATTLE
Tomr
August 25th, 2012
9:00 am
The Braves do not have a # 1 type pitcher. the Nats have 3 #1’s .Braves will make playoffs, but is will not last long….
Designated for Assignment
August 25th, 2012
9:00 am
Hinske…………enough said!
Tired of excuses!
August 25th, 2012
9:02 am
If Fredi Gonzalez were asked to describe Hitler, he would say something like this…..”Maybe a few of his ideas where a little out there but overall he was confident, driven and constant in his approach.
Why can’t he just call it like it is. His pitchers just can’t keep the ball down and his hitters are blind at the plate right now.
Joe
August 25th, 2012
9:03 am
Time to light a fire under this team by firing Fredi. I wouldn’t give him the chance to let this team flop again.
Janish the Light Hitter
August 25th, 2012
9:06 am
If Janish is a light hitter than what is Uggla???Why not put Janish at 2nd when Simmons comes back??……………….WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO SIMMONS ANYWAY??……4-6 weeks have come and gone……..another Brave’s Coverup??
Simmons still Hurt?
August 25th, 2012
9:10 am
The Brave’s haven’t activated Simmons because they need the injury excuse after they BLOW IT AGAIN!……………..Well we had a lot of Key Injuries(Beachy and Simmons) and that hurt us(Frank Wren statement after the Brave’s blow it again!).
Hanson is Full of Sheets!
August 25th, 2012
9:14 am
Hanson and Sheets should be sent to the Farm!……….I am sure Hanson will ask to be traded after Sheets gets his spot!
nyy2000
August 25th, 2012
9:18 am
you guys keep talking about this guy Beachy…he is just a flash in the pan…he entered the draft out of HS. NO ONE Drafted him….so he went to College,went back in the Draft, and guess what? NO ONE DRAFTED him. are you saying every scout for 2 straight drafts missed this guy, if he was any good….if he didnt get hurt, his ERA would be well North of 4 and a .500 pitcher at best..forget about Beachy…..
Huddy's Brave M&M's
August 25th, 2012
9:19 am
The only current starting pitchers (besides Huddy) the Brave’s need next year are Medlen,Maholm and Minor………the others should be dumped!
nyy2000
August 25th, 2012
9:20 am
if your season hedged on Beachy, you never had one to begin with….
Ted M
August 25th, 2012
9:21 am
You guys are crazy…Sheets was fine. The defense sucked bad last night. Hinske misplayed 2 balls in the outfield, Heyward misplayed another. Prado didn’t make a play at SS he should have.
This was defense 1st, offense 2nd and pitching a distant 3rd.
yellowfever
August 25th, 2012
9:23 am
Yeah, I think I left some balls over the plate last night too.This team is toast. Put a fork in them.
Beachy Keen
August 25th, 2012
9:26 am
All Major league teams passed on Albert Puljos at least 9 times each before the Cards drafted him….what a major F@#K Up so why can’t Beachy be any good??………..you R full of Sheet nyy2000!
Chip's mousse
August 25th, 2012
9:28 am
Collapse coming like last year. Team needs a manager with some fire in the belly. Hinski needs to retire. Still need a RH hitter. That is all.
Bobby's Cox
August 25th, 2012
9:29 am
I told the Brave’s to hire Jenna Jameson to be the Brave’s next manager!……….SHE MIGHT BLOW A FEW BUT WON’T CHOKE ON THE BIG ONES!
nyy2000
August 25th, 2012
9:32 am
Puljos was drafted the first time he entered draft, just late round and the DR IS A CRAP shoot…Scouts DONT miss good Pitchers…thats thier main job….
Matty "Choke" Ice
August 25th, 2012
9:32 am
At least if I stink up the field my first few games everybody will still be talking about the Brave’s choking again!
double
August 25th, 2012
9:35 am
Errors & Excuses,worse denied errors.Sheets made for a good come back story that has ended.Send back to where he’s from.
Elvis a real steal
August 25th, 2012
9:35 am
Hey nyy2000……..Elvis Andrus was undrafted by the Brave’s but he sucks like Beachy does too doesn’t he?
NORRIS CHUCK
August 25th, 2012
9:39 am
The Dodgers are setting themselves up for total disaster in the long run:
Red Sox, Dodgers Complete Nine-Player Blockbuster
By Mike Axisa [August 25 at 8:19am CST]
If there was any doubt remaining that the Dodgers’ new ownership group would drastically alter the franchise, it has now been officially eliminated. The Dodgers and Red Sox have completed a massive nine-player blockbuster trade that will send Josh Beckett, Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, and Nick Punto to Los Angeles for James Loney and four prospects, reports Michael Silverman of The Boston Herald. Dan Roche of WBZ appears to have first reported completion of the trade (on Twitter).
The four prospects are expected to be Allen Webster, Ivan De Jesus, Jerry Sands, and Rubby De La Rosa. The Red Sox will pay just $12MM of the over $270MM owed to Beckett, Crawford, Gonzalez, and Punto according to Silverman. Adding the four new players represents a substantial financial commitment by the Dodgers:
•Gonzalez will earn $21MM per season through 2016 and obtain a raise to $21.5MM for 2017-18. The total exceeds $130MM when accounting for the remainder his 2012 salary.
•Beckett will earn $15.75MM per season through 2014.
•Crawford will earn $20MM in 2013, $20.25MM in 2014, $20.5MM in 2015, $20.75MM in 2016 and $21MM in 2017.
•Punto earns $1.5MM per season through 2013.
With this trade as well as the previous acquisitions of Hanley Ramirez, Randy Choate, Brandon League, Shane Victorino, and Joe Blanton, the Dodgers have absorbed more than $300MM in future payroll obligations in the last month or so. As Jeff Euston of Cot’s Baseball Contract notes (on Twitter), the club now has a $193.75MM in contracts for next season, $133.6MM for 2014, $90MM for 2015, $88.65MM for 2015, and another $90MM for 2016. The Red Sox, on the other hand, are now on the hook for just $45.6MM in 2013, $34.4MM in 2014, $12.75MM in 2015, and $2.45MM in 2016 (Twitter link).
Both Beckett (10-and-5 rights) and Crawford (limited no-trade clause) had to approve the deal, and Buster Olney of ESPN reports (on Twitter) that neither player asked for any kind of compensation to do so. The Dodgers were not included in Gonzalez’s limited no-trade clause. Los Angeles claimed both Gonzalez and Beckett off trade waivers yesterday, plus Punto and Crawford both cleared earlier this month. Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times reports (on Twitter) that the Blue Jays are believe to have claimed De La Rosa off waivers, but he was pulled back and is likely to be included in the deal as a player to be named later.
nyy2000
August 25th, 2012
9:40 am
again. your talking about someone outside USA. South America the scouting is thinner…and Elvis is NOT a star player .. in fact ,Texas has A SS to replace him soon….
LaBrenda Chenile Watson
August 25th, 2012
9:49 am
Well, Fredi did it again. Just when I think he can’t be that stupid, he proves me wrong. And Freddie Freeman could be as dumb as Chipper, did he not see the horrible fielding behind Sheets? And Chipper tells everybody to bear down and he goes 0-4 and I haven’t forgot his brutal game in the field with that kick save a few days ago. This team can’t win when they need to win. Seen that before. Seeing it again.
nyy2000
August 25th, 2012
9:52 am
They are a Playoff team, but if the LA/Boston deal goes through, not sure…
PMC
August 25th, 2012
9:57 am
So was it ever explained why Prado was at short and Eric friggin Hinske was in left? That made about as much sense as polar bears in Rio.
PMC
August 25th, 2012
9:59 am
Other than injury. There is zero justification for Eric Hinske playing in the outfield.
Journalism ?
August 25th, 2012
10:00 am
I’m sorry sir but you can’t call yourself a reporter and not ask a single question about Hinske’s dubious performance.
I see Fredi and DOB walk hand in hand.
PMC
August 25th, 2012
10:01 am
If Fredi is going to pull that garbage he might as well let someone else manage.
BravesfaninAugusta
August 25th, 2012
10:11 am
The comment that surprised me was FF saying “We lost by only two runs” I don’t think I’ve ever heard a baseball player say anything like that…. A loss is a loss and Uggla and McCann need to sit every other game since they are dragging down the line-up. Agree that playing Hinske was asinine but that’s what we get from an asinine manager like Fredi
Mark (another one)
August 25th, 2012
10:15 am
Maybe Hinske pulled a groin playing defense and needs a rehab assignment. It’s hard to stay sharp on the bench.
It’s crunch time. Put Reed in left, Prado and second, and give Francisco some time backing up Chipper. Play the hottest lineup we can, which also means playing Ross more often.
I love McCann but a bad shoulder is effecting his play. I admire that he wants to tough it out. Maybe playing 25% of the time will let the shoulder calm down. I expect that off season shoulder surgery will get him back as good as new but in the mean time, use Ross more.
Hanson also needs to move to middle relief right now. Sheets has also struggled but Hanson is not eating the innings like we need a starter to do. Sheets is more efficient and only one has gotten less than six innings. That protects the bullpen.
Btw, nothing here is an indictment against a player. I suspect all of these guys know better than the fans how they’re performing. They’ve had 3/4ths of the season to show it. This is crunch time and production is what counts, not potential or past seasons.
BravesfaninAugusta
August 25th, 2012
10:24 am
So after complaining about Hinske I decided to watch the Condensed Game….there were a few defensive miscues by Prado, Uggla, McCann and Heyward as well, Prado should not have been at SS, The Pastor should have been there if Fredi wanted to Janish a well-deserved day off
BravesfaninAugusta
August 25th, 2012
10:27 am
Agree Mark with all your comments.
tinman
August 25th, 2012
10:29 am
i cannot understand some of the manager’s decisions. for example, the braves are tied in the 8th inning, one out, mccann singles, why not pinch run because you know it will take at least a triple to score him and you can let ross catch next inning, but freddie doesn’t do that. also, when it’s crunch time and you need just one hit to score in late innings these guys can’t do it. i’ve never seen such a weaker club as this in all my life.
B Rickey
August 25th, 2012
10:33 am
“Kimbrel is starting in left today. He needs some swings and might start something.” ~ FG.
?
August 25th, 2012
10:33 am
MORON MINER PITCHES TODAY THE BRAVES LOSE.ANYBODY WANT TO BET ON IT. FIRE THE CUBAN CRAP ALSO KNOW AS THE ILLEGAL CUBAN. FIRE FRANK THE FAGOT WREN ALSO.
BravesFanSince80s
August 25th, 2012
10:35 am
finding it harder and harder to pull for this specific Braves team and especially front office and management, I’ll always be a Braves fan, but unless certain individuals are gone soon, I may be about to take a “Braves vacation”, sad to say…
Charlie L
August 25th, 2012
10:36 am
Go Falcons!
Playoffs!!!
August 25th, 2012
10:45 am
Last night was really hard to understand on several different levels –
1,) Of course, that crazy lineup with Hinske in left, and Prado at SS (mostly Hinske) We are not second-guessing Fredi because a lot of us said before the game started that this was a huge mistake.
2) Did Fredi really say (after the game) that he didn’t see any missed plays out there? Or did I missunderstand that quote
3) I understand the Fredi, while joking with someone before the game, said he might replace Hinske for defense as early as the first inning if the Braves got the lead. Now, if you’re a ballplayer, and you hear your manager talk about you like that, it can’t make you feel good.
I don’t see how the Braves players can respect Fredi anymore after these bad decisions the last two years, and how he talks about his players.
Debaser
August 25th, 2012
10:48 am
Hinske will probably play CF tonight…
Tony Piccirilli
August 25th, 2012
10:52 am
“We got three solo home runs. Our guys battled back. We go up 2-nothing, they come back and tie, go ahead. You could easily have rolled over, and we didn’t. We battled and battled and got into some situations, just could’t get the elusive single with people on base.”
You could easily have rolled over? So, if you fall behind, you just give up – is that the make-up of this team? Last night the Cards went to Cincy who has been steamrolling everyone lately. They fall 5-2 after 5 innings and win 8-5. Do you think their manager would have been ok with them “battling back” or not just “rolling over”? I doubt it; winners find ways to win and losers find excuses. By the way, what elusive single was Fredi Cox referring to with people on base? They had two ABs with RISP. Sounds more like elusive base-runners than elusive singles with people on base.
Joey
August 25th, 2012
10:52 am
Has MLB seen the kind of spending in one season, that the Dodgers are doing?
Even the Yankees don’t do those deals anymore.
Phil Lunney
August 25th, 2012
10:52 am
I would leave Chris Medlin in the rotation and take Sheets out of the normal rotation. In this way they could use a “fresh” Ben Sheets when they need to and still save his arm for the stretch run.
D from Charleston, SC
August 25th, 2012
10:54 am
ATTN BRAVES Fans: Will Dan Uggla and Brian McCann cost Atlanta a shot at postseason glory? Newest blog at http://bravesbanter.com/. Update on the Starting Pitcher rotation battle… Who is the odd man out as of today, and would Kris Medlen be the Game 1 starter of a playoff series?? All at http://bravesbanter.com/…. Don’t Stop the Chop!!!
Joey
August 25th, 2012
10:57 am
Playoffs!!!,
Fredi said it.
Fredi put the loss on Sheets leaving pitches over the plate.
No mention of the glaring, hitters that went 0-for-4. Neither the poor fielding – which Fredi knew was his own fault.
I know lots of folks on here say we only call Fredi and idiot when we lose, but I think he does a poor job in many Braves wins.
Steve
August 25th, 2012
10:58 am
I wish the Braves weren’t such a conservative organization. Fredi needs to be gone now for this team to have a shot at the post-season. Won’t happen. Post-season won’t happen and the excuses will begin.
Let's Go
August 25th, 2012
11:12 am
I guess right now it’s between Sheets, Hanson, and Minor as to who goes to the bullpen and honestly Sheets has got to be the odd man out at this point.
Jaded
August 25th, 2012
11:13 am
This team is in real trouble. The Cardinals and Dodgers are coming fast and seemingly playing with a lot more confidence than the Braves. It really does look like last September again, although going into last September we had a much bigger cushion than we do now.
I don’t care if the schedule eases up after we leave San Francisco. This is the same Braves team that lost consecutive series to non-contending Mets, Marlins and Nationals teams at the end of last year.
This team fails to rise to the occasion, for whatever reason. The test for the Braves in 2012 was always going to be the final five or six weeks. We knew this team would contend, but we don’t know if it can handle pressure. That’s what the Braves have to prove. I wish I could say I were optimistic.
David O'Brien
August 25th, 2012
11:13 am
I’m sorry sir but you can’t call yourself a reporter and not ask a single question about Hinske’s dubious performance.
I see Fredi and DOB walk hand in hand. — Journalism?
One of the first sentences out of Gonzalez’s mouth postgame to reporters is that he didn’t think the Braves misplayed ANY balls behind Sheets — something he obviously was intending to say because that wasn’t even the question — and you really believe that asking him about Hinske at that point was going to get him to say “except Hinske. He misplayed a ball or two”?
Reading between lines (or in this case, not so much even between the lines as out front and clear) is also part of being a person asking questions in tense situations. Unlike someone sitting at home suggesting they know which questions should be asked and which are going to be answered better than do the 10-12 media members interviewing the subject in a particular situation.
Playoffs!!!
August 25th, 2012
11:16 am
DOB—You are wrong. You sHOULD have questioned Fredi after he didn’t think
Playoffs!!!
August 25th, 2012
11:21 am
DOB —-You are WRONG . You or some media member should have questioned Fredi when he said he didn’t think there were any missplayed balls. C’mon are you serious!
You should have followed up on that even if Fredi gets tense or angry. And it wasn’t just Hinske’s dubious defense. Heyward missplayed one too.
Fredi makes a lot of quesionable decisions. And he should be questioned on them.
Cliff
August 25th, 2012
11:26 am
Fredi wants to call out Heyward for losing balls in the sun the other day,but does everything to avoid answering questions about Hinkse’s misplayed balls??????? What a manager…call out your star!
chris helguera
August 25th, 2012
11:27 am
Can’t blame Gonsalez for a struggling offense. Regardles of who is in the lineup the Braves are choking every game. Need to get back to singles and doubles, everyone is hacking for homers! Are you telling me Fredie is encouraging flyballs!! Stick with your team and management if you are a true fan.
Nerdville
August 25th, 2012
11:30 am
Is anyone surprised? Have you forgotten that this is nearly the same team as 2011? I told you rah rahs a long time ago they would blow it. Every time they had opportunities to gain on the Nats, they choked. Now the Cards are turning up the heat in the wild card race…………..gag, gag. Too many of the current Braves players can’t handle pressure (for example, Uggla). Some teams rise to the occasion, too many on this team tighten up and wither.
rpig
August 25th, 2012
11:32 am
wheres jim rigglemen?
David O'Brien
August 25th, 2012
11:33 am
I’m sorry sir but you can’t call yourself a reporter and not ask a single question about Hinske’s dubious performance.
I see Fredi and DOB walk hand in hand. — Journalism?
By the way, do you read what I actually write about the game? You know, the product of covering the game and interviews, etc.? The “game story”? Or do you just read the process, the blog we provide that has the questions and answers verbatim? Because if you read our actual coverage of the game, you’d see this is what I wrote about Hinske, and how I used the Fredi quote. In consecutive paragraphs from game story:
“I think he left some balls over the plate,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “There were some balls hit pretty good. I don’t think we made any missed plays behind him or anything. I think he did a hell of a job getting out of that [second] inning with the bases loaded. But I think later on he left some balls over the plate and they capitalized on them.”
Yes, but Sheets didn’t get much help from his defense in the third inning when Eric Hinske, making his second start of the season in left field, couldn’t come up with either of two deep flyballs that went for doubles by Angel Pagan and Pablo Sandoval. After Sandoval’s hit off the wall drove in Pagan with the first run, Sheets’ wild pitch let in the tying run with two out.
And that’s walking” hand in hand” with Fredi Gonzalez, in your view? Please explain.
BravesFanInNashville
August 25th, 2012
11:36 am
I said it two weeks ago , two days ago and now I’ll say it again. The Braves will be home watching the Cardinals and Dodgers playing the Wild Card game. Now if the Dodgers pull off the Boston trade they might even catch the Giants and it will be Giants-Cards in the WC. I’m not jumping off the bandwagon here I’m just looking at reality of how Fredi manages what he’s got. His history is late season collapses of every team he’s managed. Remember his Marlins teams that won 13 games in a row early in seasons and were in first place at the all-star game only to finish 4th? While two other managers with the same payroll restrictions he had won World Series for Florida. I have said many times this season after Braves wins that they won the game in spite of Fredi’s poor management that night. Tony LaRussa won a world series last year after losing Adam Wainright in spring training for the year and having Pujol’s out 1/3 of the season with an injury. He got his players to play inspired baseball and he made a lot of great moves. Fredi does neither. He has to go…the sooner the better. At least if they fire him now the team might have a chance to wake up and play better for a new leader.
DetroitBraves
August 25th, 2012
11:41 am
There may be a reporting role whereby you risk alienating the manager by asking the “tough” questions but I’m pretty sure beat writer isn’t it. If you do that, your days as a beat writer are probably short-lived so I don’t think it’s fair to come down on DOB in this way.
As for the defense, I guess Hinske is going to play occasionally so where is that going to be? Has to be first and left, I guess. And when he plays you’re probably risking taking some lumps. I more question Prado playing short. That was really bizarre.
Finally, as far as Uggla goes I’m not sure the alternative. Pastornikcy can neither hit nor field, and when he hits he certainly doesn’t do it with any power. I guess an alternative is Prado at second, where his bat plays better anyway, and Reed Johnson everyday in the outfield but there’s a reason he’s been a 4th outfielder for so long. It’s frustrating but if Uggla doesn’t hit I don’t know where they go from there and expect to get any more production. For me, the issue with Uggla is much more about the contract given to him by Wren than how Fredi is utilizing him now that he’s irrevocably rostered.
steve brown
August 25th, 2012
11:41 am
Omar Infante is no Dan Uggla – lucky for Omar! Wren is always right.
Tomeishaka
August 25th, 2012
11:44 am
Any time now, probably within the next couple of weeks if the Bravos stay on their current trajectory, we’ll start to hear the familiar refrain “just wait until next year”. As others have already commented this is basically last year’s mediocre team so why did we expect any different outcome.
BravesFanInNashville
August 25th, 2012
11:49 am
When well managed teams go into hitting slumps they manufacture runs and play small ball until the bats come around. Why don’t we see this from Braves line-ups. Even Bourn who is in a prolonged slump is swinging with a runner on first and nobody out. Why not lay down a bunt and make the defense make a great play to get you out while you advance the runner to second? So Bourn grounds to SS last night runner on first no outs and beats the double play at 1B. He steals second with his head down and misses that the pitched ball went to the backstop, he could have made it to third easily if he know where the ball was. The next play is a fly to center deep enough to let him tag and go to third. He would have scored if he had been on third, yet he’s stranded there. He looked really frustrated out there on second when he figured out that the pitch went to the backstop. He then looked really frustrated standing on third one play later because he knew he should have scored. It just seems like other teams are putting those kinds of pressures on the Braves defense and it’s working and we are just playing station to station baseball waiting for someone like Uggla or McCann to break out of slump to turn it around. This team doesn’t look like it believes in itself and that points back to leadership..
BravesFanInBama
August 25th, 2012
11:54 am
Isn’t it a bit strange that the one Braves win in the past few games was when Uggla and Mac were benched and you had Prado at 2nd, Johnson in left, and Ross behind the plate? But why would you go with that line up? You may hurt someones feelings..
Brave New World
August 25th, 2012
11:59 am
Dodgers, after Adrian Gonzalez, are picking through the trash bin: both Beckett and Crawford are extremely high-priced has beens who will never be what they once were. Red Sox are getting young talent. ADVANTAGE: Red Sox
BillEGoat
August 25th, 2012
12:01 pm
Folks talk about getting rid of Uggla, but HOW can that be done? NO team will take on his huge contract for that many years. The Braves owe him the money, no matter how badly he plays, They gave him the contract, and they are stuck with it. The Braves have five hitters in their lineup, and it is hard to win that way. Uggla and McCann are not contributing. The team can carry Janish for defense and an occasional hit IF the other seven batters come through. That is not happening.
74bravesjersey
August 25th, 2012
12:13 pm
There’s a couple of Terry’s out there as decent candidates, one stands at 1stbase coachin’ box, who should’ve had the opportunity, yet was criticized for not turning it up as a hitt’n coach, but the other who might have to come at a price, & Boston players are wish’n to have him back, the dude’s won 2 WS in what 5 years time, course here’s to wish’n. People are frustrated here. On sports talk, they keep say’n there facing good pitch’n(duh!), the pitcher’s make adjustments to whomever’s in our lineup, yet, our lineup isn’t preparing for the curveball, not adjust’n to corners, change of speed. They not prep ‘n up for off speed stuff, not work’n the count as they did earlier this year. What’s happened to walk & fletch. I know Heyward’s hav’n awesome production, & freemans pickin’ it up, but no consistency anywhere else? What gives? What’s the approach? Should be look for you’rs in the zone, hit it to where’s pitched, be ready to gaurd the plate & battle w/ 2 strikes, quit giving in to there pitches, don’t be a sucker(easy out) all the time, look, or make them throw you’re pitch, in you’re zone, don’t go fish’n for there’s. There was a time earlier this year, the approach was for all the hitters to have quality at bats. Now, w/o that approach, the hitt’n is vanquished, quality at-bats approach is diminished, & the team is going to it’s demise like the titanic. AAAUUUUGGGHHH!!!!!
The Cap Tipper
August 25th, 2012
12:18 pm
I watched the last half of the game when I got home from work and let me say I agree that the Braves are finally showing their true selves this season, just like September of 2011. However, I went back to watch the Hinske “misplays” that everybody was talking about costing us two runs and the game. Both doubles were hard hit line drives to the wall, that I doubt Martin would have even gotten a glove on either. Especially Sandoval’s….are y’all serious with that? You seriously must have nothing to complain about I guess, because a smoked line drive that hits the top of the wall as the left fielder leaps and slams into to it is NOT A MISPLAY, that is about as clean as a double as it gets in this game. I understand Hinske is slower than most left fielders, but those were not even close to misplays, so I must assume we have some guys who were high as a kite watching the game tonight. The Braves got beat in every facet of the game, fair and square. The Giants got 14 hits to the Braves 6, the Braves got outhit, outpitched, out managed. And have now lost 6 of 7, right on pace with last year’s collapse.
Amber Girl
August 25th, 2012
12:18 pm
Good morning Mr74bravesjersey DUMB Amber is here. Why everyone so upset with my Braves. They just struggling right now. Yea! No school today. I HATE SCHOOL
74bravesjersey
August 25th, 2012
12:19 pm
Oh crap, guess who thows batting practice everyday? fredi g. He probably throws ‘em straight & medium, but not given them any approach. geez, no wonder the hitt’n’s messed up, fredi g’s been the culprit of pitch’n to ‘em before the games. That’l probably mess up anybody’s timing & approach. Lord help ‘em.
74bravesjersey
August 25th, 2012
12:22 pm
Good morn’n Miss Amber, just got the Braves slump’n blues, it’s good you got a break, hang in there, you’ll get through it.
nyy2000
August 25th, 2012
12:23 pm
Brave New World – SO Wrong. this will send LA to post season..
AGon has played great in Boston, and Beckett back in NL, Will be solid,
Crawford? next year healthy at 31… Solid… Braves miss playoffs if this trade goes through…..
Playoffs!!!
August 25th, 2012
12:24 pm
Detroit Braves— I have to disagree with you. The beat writer DOES have to ask the tough questions are risk the ire of the manager of other team officials.
What media members knows the teams better than the beat writer?. And DOB does generally ask the tough questions, but not this time.
So you risk angering the manager orGM, and they don’t speak to you for while. If your newspaper stands behind you, you will be alright. The team manager or other team official will look bad if you ask him or her a tough, but fair questions, and they “no comment” you or refuse to answer or even answer angrily. They are the ones who look bad.
Playoffs!!!
August 25th, 2012
12:30 pm
As a matter of fact, the lineup put out on the field last night, and the subsequent bad defense (from a normally good defensive club) merits a separate story DOB.
COOPER
August 25th, 2012
12:33 pm
Let’s talk with no BS.
I hate it when players don’t work out but that’s life. First Gonzalez is not good enough to be a manager. Hinske, Wilson and Diaz all need to get released. They are not major league material any more. Sheets and Hanson need to go to the bullpen. Uggla, Delgado, Hanson, Jurrjens, Teheran and Sheets should all be trade bait to replace Uggla and Chipper. We have enough pitchers, in fact we have 3 or 4 more who will be pitching in Gwinnett or Atlanta next year if there is room.
McCain needs to go on the DL and have surgery to fix his shoulder. I had that problem, Labrum tear and he will not get better by doing nothing. He will not hit any better either.
Hunter Pence has been available twice in the last few years and we have missed both opportunities to get him to Atlanta. Hard choices need to be made. Where is the leadership in Atlanta. Doing nothing want fix the problem.
Amber Girl
August 25th, 2012
12:34 pm
DUMB Amber would like to know why is everyone cutting down my braves. I love my Braves. I hate SCHOOL. I will trade you. You go to school and I will love my Braves
Biff Pocoroba
August 25th, 2012
12:48 pm
Wren is working on a deal right now to bring in Sammy Sosa and Mark McGuire for September. He thinks their power hitting should lead to team the playoffs. Fredi said that they just need to get a few at bats to get them used to live pitching again so he plans to start them immediately instead of sending them to Gwinnett.
Amber Girl
August 25th, 2012
12:53 pm
I have no idea what you are talking about.
Ralph
August 25th, 2012
12:59 pm
Put McCann on the DL, 60 day DL that is!
Shannon40
August 25th, 2012
1:02 pm
This is my theory. The defensive lineup last night was a setup to make Sheets look bad so Fredi can keep Hanson in the rotation when we go back to a 5 man. It’s not so farfetched. This kind of thing happens at all levels of sports.
darrell starks
August 25th, 2012
1:06 pm
I believe if Uggla go 0 – 4 this game Fredi is done with him, Mccann must starte batting 8th just let him do what ever batting 8th.
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ralph
August 25th, 2012
1:09 pm
Unlike the Dodgers the Braves don’t need to obtain any new players, they just need to get rid of a couple of old ones, do I need to name them?
darrell starks
August 25th, 2012
1:10 pm
Simmons is needed ASAP, Chipper deserve better this is the year the Braves can win it all with this pitching staff, Fredi must wake up before it’s to late and give up on Uggla, and just bring him off the bench.
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
74bravesjersey
August 25th, 2012
1:10 pm
@Ralph; w/ya fella, call up Gattis, He’s a catcher & thumper to boot, what’s his current stats now?
Supes
August 25th, 2012
1:13 pm
The game was LOST yesterday when PRADO was put at SS (folks he’s NOT A SS, never was and never will be)…and big a&& Hinske was penciled in at LF (for whatever reason…get his bad going…sure FREDO).
Braves should have WON that game, they pitched and HIT well enough to win…HINSKE at LF and Prado at SS….
case closed.
darrell starks
August 25th, 2012
1:14 pm
Simmons when come back.
1. BOURN CF
2. SIMMONS SS
3. PRADO 2B
4. HEYWARD RF
5. CHIPPER 3B
6. FREEMAN 1B
7. REED LF
8. MCCANN CATCHER
This line up and batting order will score atleast 4runs game.
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Double Zero Eight
August 25th, 2012
1:14 pm
They say “history has a way of repeating itself”.
I hope not.
The Braves should still win one of the wild card spots.
If not, Fredi should be fired.
Wise Sage
August 25th, 2012
1:15 pm
So was it ever explained why Prado was at short and Eric friggin Hinske was in left?
There are things in life that defy explanation or logic, my son. If you live long enough, you may be fortunate enough to see some of these mysteries…..
…or you could watch Fredi Gonzalez manage the Braves and save yourself some time.
74bravesjersey
August 25th, 2012
1:16 pm
Somebody said earlier that the Braves don’t need to call up Mejia, because he’s leading the league in k’s, is this true? But he’s got more hr’s, & rbi’s than what uggla’s show’n right now, & I’ve seen enough from the king of K’s right now. Mejia’s at least has a .304 avg. Stick him in LF. Or Ralph, correct me on Mejia’s stats.(currently). Thanks!
Supes
August 25th, 2012
1:16 pm
I see that FREDO is refusing to bench strUGGLA again….
He finally made a smart move and put in Reed Johnson in LF…and Janish (back at SS) but now PRADO is out…instead of starting at 2B for Dan strUGGLA.
darrell starks
August 25th, 2012
1:18 pm
Supes,the Game was lost because Fredi continue to starte Uggla.
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Supes
August 25th, 2012
1:18 pm
Simmons when come back.
1. BOURN CF
2. SIMMONS SS
3. PRADO 2B
4. HEYWARD RF
5. CHIPPER 3B
6. FREEMAN 1B
7. REED LF
8. MCCANN CATCHER
This line up and batting order will score atleast 4runs game.
GO BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*********************************************************************
I nominate Darrell Starks for new Braves Manager…his lineup actually makes sense unlike FREDO’s….
74bravesjersey
August 25th, 2012
1:22 pm
Hinske, son, was thrilled when you first came, you became one of my fav’s off the bench, but I think you’re days of clutch have passed you by, fredi g’s batt’n practice pitch’n have gott’n you & everyone else off kiltered(off you’re game) hate to say it but the day’s are done. The thrill is gone, -B.B. King
Ralph
August 25th, 2012
1:24 pm
74bravesjersey I have been waiting for Gattis for a long time but he has been slumping since his injury.
Mister Frisky
August 25th, 2012
1:25 pm
This is one of the few sequels that will be better than the original.Braves fans treated to an extra two weeks of a collaspe this year for our loyalty.DOB,You got that obituary penned yet?
Bro
August 25th, 2012
1:28 pm
Looks like the September swan song has started early for braves fans. You have got to be really die hard to continue to root for and spend money on the braves. The braves are the only ones benefiting in this mess. No effort to field a quality team and no effort to manage a team. Why is Ugly still playing? Time for him to take an extended seat–pretend he is injured, at least it would be true on a mental basis. Freddie G is a complete uncompetent idiot. As a leader he exhibits no ability to take charge and make the necessary changes. THE BRAVES WILL NOT EVEN MAKE THE PLAYOFFS. And that is with an extra slot this year. God help us, because wren and freddi won’t.
74bravesjersey
August 25th, 2012
1:28 pm
Every time I saw an interview or pregame show, & noticed in the backgeround, someone throw’n batt’n practice, said Gonzales on back of the pitcher’s jersey, follow’n thru w/ a tub of lard around the waiste, could this be what’s throw’n the guys off hitt’n wise? Somebody help me here, but he probably can’t throw’em for them to get prepped up with. Anybody else notice this?
74bravesjersey
August 25th, 2012
1:33 pm
@Ralph; Awe geez, but mabey he couldn’t do any worse than what we got goin’ now. Gett’n the call just may do wonders. He may not K as much as these other doodleheads we got goin’. I’vwe heard it before that there were some guys who’ve struggled some in the minors but became daylight in the bigs. Just hope’n I guess.
Ralph
August 25th, 2012
1:36 pm
74bravesjersey
August 25th, 2012
1:16 pm
Your right on his stats, he does strike out a lot but maybe he doesn’t pop up as much as Uggly. One thing you didn’t mention is that he is right handed but hits RHP better than lefties, 316 – 285.
Ralph
August 25th, 2012
1:40 pm
74bravesjersey – I think both Gattis and Mejia should get the call up just to see what they can co against ML pitchers. I have no problem in the meantime in switching roles for Mc and Ross.
Amber Girl
August 25th, 2012
1:42 pm
@MrRalph and 74bravesjersey I guess that is why I am DUMB Amber. I have no idea what you are talking about.
Ralph
August 25th, 2012
1:47 pm
Amber Girl – You are learning though, hang in there, do your research and soon you will be a lot smarter than all the rest of us “Monday Morning Quarterbacks”.
Sundrop Kid
August 25th, 2012
1:47 pm
DOB is becoming the “laughing stock” member of the press group among Braves fans. Seriously, just reading these comments in game and after game it’s so obvious what the questions should be, yet they are evaded like the plaque. What’s up with that? Nobody said “badger FG”, just ask the damn questions. Honestly, it has become a joke. Not just in the comments sections here, but among Braves fans in the sports clubs, bars, etc. I know, I have heard them, and it’s getting even worse now. It’s about as perplexing as what FG does with his lineups.
Ralph
August 25th, 2012
1:51 pm
I would hate to see DOB ast Fruti tough questions, he can’t even answer the simple ones.
Amber Girl
August 25th, 2012
1:56 pm
Thank you Mr Ralph. I am trying to learn from watching you guys (Vent). Maybe soon I wont be DUMB Amber. School sucks so maybe be Brave announcer.
We Will Get Fooled Again
August 25th, 2012
2:01 pm
As long as Dan Suckla and Brian McDonald’s continue to pop out and hit into double plays every time they have a chance to do damage, the Braves will not be able to beat the good teams. Too much of the success of our lineup is dependant on those two. Thank God Bourn, Prado, Heyward and Chipper have stepped up their games this year, but Uggla and McCann are this team’s ostensible thumpers. If they would just hit at their the career norms, we’d have quite a lineup. Instead, they’re about 500 pounds of dead weight.
PMC
August 25th, 2012
2:04 pm
DOB has to be in the locker room everyday. You have to infer things from comments. He’s doing a very good job. Its counterproductive to be antagonistic as a beat writer because you’ll stop getting access.
PMC
August 25th, 2012
2:11 pm
Managers tend to protect players but Freddy has to know that was a doomed move from the jump. Guess he wanted to give ski some PT. Pastornicky is a better option than Ski or Uggla at this point.
nyy2000
August 25th, 2012
2:16 pm
Bourn will be gone after this year…Prado is just a super utility guy, and Heyward has not lived up to the hype….(although, i question wheather he has been healthy the last 2 years…)
David O'Brien
August 25th, 2012
2:37 pm
DOB is becoming the “laughing stock” member of the press group among Braves fans…. Honestly, it has become a joke. Not just in the comments sections here, but among Braves fans in the sports clubs, bars, etc. — Sundrop Kid
Oh, that hurts, Sundrop. Even in the “sports clubs”?
Bowman’s seated next to me. Can I tell him that he’s not a joke in the “sports clubs,” just me?
Amber Girl
August 25th, 2012
2:50 pm
MR OBrien I am trying to learn and you are teaching me a lot about the Braves. So don’t let anyone tell you that you are a joke. You are not dumb. That is reserved for me DUMB Amber.
WTH????
August 25th, 2012
2:53 pm
lol … what the hell it’s wrong with the fans????
Dave Obrien dont have the fault for the braves results….only the players and the manager are the real fail ……
so please stop to act like jerks and dont blame the blogger guy for didnt ask questions because that`s not the solution …..
Amber Girl
August 25th, 2012
3:01 pm
MR WTH???? Nothing wrong with DUMB Amber. She loves the Braves
nyy2000
August 25th, 2012
3:28 pm
so, i guess that means you Love Looser’s …. lol..
Sugar Bear
August 25th, 2012
3:30 pm
Fredi mentioned that he left his balls over the plate and some balls were hit hard.
Think all of us Braves fans know the feeling
JHarber
August 25th, 2012
3:41 pm
Guys DOB does a good job keeping us informed on all he can, He is not preevy to all but I understand that. A little info is better than none.
JHarber
August 25th, 2012
3:42 pm
Hello Amber hope you and mom are doing well.
Amber Girl
August 25th, 2012
3:44 pm
Hello MR. JHarber How are you? I am OK. School sucks.DUMB Amber is here
JHarber
August 25th, 2012
3:47 pm
I am well you still Need to drop the DUMB. I agree school sucks but very necessary.
Amber Girl
August 25th, 2012
3:48 pm
I really don’t know about Mom. I am really concerned. She is withdrawn like she is in deep thought.
Amber Girl
August 25th, 2012
3:49 pm
I know I have to go to school but it is really not necessary. Flunked math test. so that makes me DUMB Amber
northbeach Scott
August 25th, 2012
3:49 pm
If you speak in third person, does that make you an egomaniac or just retarded?
JHarber
August 25th, 2012
3:51 pm
Talk to her, ask what the trouble his and asure her Whiskey would want her to stay happy and alive.
Amber Girl
August 25th, 2012
3:59 pm
OK maybe that might be trouble. Whiskey was the one that we could always go to for advice whether it be work, relationships, school finances. Whatever it was he was there for us. Now that he is gone we are trying to pick up the pieces and go on. It is really hard on mom. I am just a kid so I will adjust, but I am really worried about MOM . She won’t quit crying herself to sleep.
64 year Braves fan
August 25th, 2012
4:00 pm
The bloggers are ALL smarter than Fredi G.
DetroitBraves
August 25th, 2012
4:05 pm
PMC
August 25th, 2012
2:04 pm
“DOB has to be in the locker room everyday. You have to infer things from comments. He’s doing a very good job. Its counterproductive to be antagonistic as a beat writer because you’ll stop getting access.”
You articulated this much better than did I. Yes, access is the key. Someone like Jeff Schultz or Mark Bradley can editorialize, or ask the “tough” questions when opportunity arises but a beat-writer like DOB needs access to do his job. Even if he were to disagree with Fredi or Wren it wouldn’t be wise to do so too vehemently. I don’t think we should infer that his silence always means agreement. He reports. We decide. I’ve decided Fredi’s a bit out of his league. You may have decided something different.
BayAreaBravesFan
August 25th, 2012
4:07 pm
I’m a rah rah type guy when it comes to the Braves but last night was tough – I went to the game and once I saw the lineup it felt like we thought we were playing a depressed Astros team and not a seriously surging and dangerous Giants club. Moving guys and changing positions (e.g. Prado, Hinske, etc.) jacks up the consistency that we need to be successful. No bueno!
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
4:15 pm
Not 1 positive comment so far DOB we’re going for the record dude lol
I dont blame you for not asking the tough question I meanyour right there were 10 to 5 media members an none of them could pipe out the obvious question. But you should take notice when practically 100% of your Bloggers are calling out Fredi, I’ve never seen this high of a percentage of people be on the critical side. Even last year when we had the choke we had some here that still defended Fredi right now nobody can be found seriously nearly 200 comments and not 1 positive comment. The people are angry and last year is still fresh in our minds and we demand different results.
the don of the real
August 25th, 2012
4:15 pm
tim mccarver, oh no, he’s doing the game, my lawnmower makes more intelligent comments than this guy.
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
4:18 pm
I like how Fredi threw Sheets under the Bus but defended his defense and the way his hitters couldn’t get on base. And also defended Hanson the way he did 2 days ago.
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
4:20 pm
Its stupid that Tim McCarver won the Ford Frick award yet the TBS crew has no members in the HOF
Ernie, Pete, and Skip deserve to be in
JJBantam
August 25th, 2012
4:29 pm
DOB is Edward R. Murrow compared to Joe “Homer” Simpson and that cheerleader who does the pre and post game shows.
Ralph
August 25th, 2012
4:30 pm
I see that Dan Norton is still in the lineup on 2B so I won’t be watching again today.
the don of the real
August 25th, 2012
4:30 pm
He won an award? ha ha.
Tim McCarver just said ‘how about what’s going on across the bay with the Yankees and Bartolo Colon?’
They are really across the bay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a putz. ha ha.
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
4:33 pm
Uggla makes anotherout and yet another 123 inning
extremus
August 25th, 2012
4:40 pm
The Boston Red Sox, after a late-season collapse that mirrored the Braves’ at the end of last season and enduring another disappointing year, found a way to unload a few players with a combined contractual value approaching $250 million, and in doing so locked up a couple of nice pitching prospects and first baseman James Loney. Not bad; give them maybe even a year or two and perhaps both they and the Dodgers will have good things to say about the deal. Red Sox Nation may hate it for now, but it may turn their team’s fortunes around far sooner than otherwise would have occurred.
The reason this is relevant to the Braves is that A) one of their likely playoff-bound rivals just got a LOT better (at least on paper, for whatever it’s worth) and B) it should plant the idea in their heads that certain players with grossly oversized contracts or whom are coming up for renewal (Uggla and McCann, respectively) might do more for them as part of a trade package or simply to allow to walk at the end of this season. McCann has been disappointing (hitting down around .230 with a noticable drop in power) and it’s well known that at least one other big catching prospect (Bethancourt) is coming up behind him. I love McCann to death and hate to see him in decline, but catcher just isn’t a healthy position to play long-term.
As for Uggla, I love his continued hustle and attitude, but unfortunately he’s paid to get results far better than a .210 batting average while singlehandedly killing countless potential rallies. The only question is whether the Braves could ever manage to get another team to take on a decent portion of his remaining salary in a trade, perhaps a large-scale multiplayer affair similar to the Red Sox/Dodgers this week. If not, his could easily go down as one of the worst long-term contracts ever given to an athlete (and sadly, there’ve been way too many bad ones already; Mike Hampton, anyone?).
J-MAN
August 25th, 2012
5:29 pm
Uggla so far has a strike out and a double play. ans right now is hitting .207