Braves manager will ‘pick his spots’ to rest slumping Uggla
SAN FRANCISCO – When Fredi Gonzalez was asked by Fox broadcaster Tim McCarver what the manager had learned from his Braves’ September collapse last year, Gonzalez said he’d learned to be less patient.
Fredi Gonzalez is going to "pick his spots" to rest Dan Uggla until the slumping second baseman gets his bat going. He's hit under .150 for nearly three months. (AP photo)
“Sometimes you feel like you’ve got to go with a guy, and you go with him for a lot of good reasons,” he told McCarver. “But you have to understand, April and May is not September…. At the end of the season, you say, ‘You could have done this, you could have done that, maybe I stuck with this guy at this position too long, maybe I stuck with that pitcher too long.’”
And so I asked Fredi today about the specific player that came to mind when I read what he’d said to McCarver. I asked him how his statement applied to Dan Uggla, who entered Sunday with a .206 batting average and .364 slugging percentage, and who had hit just .143 in his past 66 games with five homers, 44 walks and 82 strikeouts in 224 at-bats.
Uggla was 2-for-28 with one extra-base hit and no RBIs in his last nine games, yet had started more games (122) than any Brave except All-Star center fielder Michael Bourn (124) before Sunday. Uggla started 16 of the last 17 games before Sunday, when he was out of the lineup and Martin Prado was at second base. Uggla was 0-for-10 with six strikeouts against Tim Lincecum, the Giants’ starter for he series finale.
“It applies, but it doesn’t apply,” Gonzalez said of his comments about being less patient and not sticking with some players too long. “With me with Danny … you know he’s struggling. We all know he’s struggling. He knows he’s struggling. The whole world knows he’s struggling. It gets tweeted and blogged every single day. And I’m going to pick my spots with him.
“We need to get him straight. That’s a big bat. We need to get him straight, and Walk [hitting coach Greg Walker] thinks that we can get him straight and get him going in the right direction. That being said, why run him into 0-for-10 with six punchouts against Lincecum today?”
And so Uggla was on the bench for the second time in five games, which equaled the number of times he didn’t start in the team’s first 97 games.
“We’ve got to be smart and diligent,” Gonzalez said. “Or I’ve got to be smart and diligent, because I’m the one who makes the lineup. And pick our spots with him until we get him straightened out. We’ve seen it where he can carry us. So you see 0-for-10 with six punchouts, why keep running him out there? That’s not doing him any good, it’s not doing us any good. So we’re going to pick our spots a little bit.”
Prado was an All-Star second baseman in 2010, before the Braves traded for Uggla that November and moved Prado to left field. With the July 30 trade that brought Reed Johnson from the Cubs, the Braves now have what they consider a viable option if Uggla’s out of the lineup, although Gonzalez said he prefers to play Johnson against lefties.
Johnson has hit .321 with an .854 OPS in 109 at-bats against lefties this season with the Cubs and Braves, and .293 with a .736 OPS in 99 at-bats against righties. In the previous three seasons, the veteran bench player hit .308 with an .822 OPS in 276 at-bats against lefties and .255 with a .681 OPS in 337 at-bats against righties.
“We do [have an option at second base] against a left-handed pitcher,” Gonzalez said. “But against a right-handed pitcher it’s tougher. With a lefty you can put Prado at second and Reed Johnson in left field. Against a righty you can do the same thing, but you’re doing an injustice to Reed. And he hasn’t played every day. He has a history of some back issues, almost like [a Mark] Kotsay type of deal.”
It’s clear that Gonzalez isn’t ready to give up on Uggla or make second base a platoon position, but it’s also clear that with the wild-card race tightening up behind them and the Braves down to only 35 games left to try to catch the Nationals, Gonzalez isn’t going to continue his former practice of “keep running him out there” every day until Uggla gets out of his epic slump, if a three-month slide can even be called a slump.
• Chipper rests sore oblique: With Chipper Jones out of the lineup for the second consecutive game, the third baseman and Gonzalez divulged today that it was a sore left oblique and back that was the reason. Not the “just old” explanation that Chipper gave Saturday morning.
Chipper Jones has a sore oblique and back, and wasn't in the lineup for his last two scheduled games at San Francisco (AP photo)
Jones, who got hurt in his final at-bat Friday, doesn’t think it’s anything serious — as long as he doesn’t aggravate it by trying to play before it’s ready. He’s taking some easy swings in the batting cage as I type this Sunday, during BP, but I haven’t seen him swing hard yet. He said he’d see how it felt in BP before deciding if he’d be available to pinch-hit.
“The oblique’s bothering me more than the back,” he said. “Or else I would have pinch-hit yesterday with the bases loaded and one out. Kind of a good time to use me…. . That situation comes up and I know he wanted to use me right there, but you’ve just got to be smart.”
When Jones showed up Saturday morning, he told Gonzalez he didn’t think he could help the team Saturday. They didn’t want to say anything before Saturday’s game because they didn’t want the Giants to know he wasn’t available to pinch-hit.
Jones felt a twinge in his left side when he swung on a foul ball in his final at-bat Friday, and ended up popping out on the at-bat to go 0-for-4 to snap an eight-game hitting streak. He was 10-for-32 (.313) with two doubles and three home runs during the streak.
• Tonight’s matchup: It’s Tim squared. Tim Hudson vs. the Giants’ Tim Lincecum (7-13, 5.30 ERA), who is having a most un-Lincecum season.
But look a little closer and you will see that, while Lincecum has a hard-to-believe 6.99 ERA and .877 opponents’ OPS in 13 road starts, he’s got a decent 3.92 ERA and .684 OPS in 13 starts here at AT&T Park. He’s 3-2 with a 3.03 ERA in his past five starts, the losses coming in his past two home starts against Colorado and Washington
Lincecum is 6-4 with a 3.12 ERA in 10 regular-season starts against the Braves, but 0-3 with a 4.12 ERA in his past three including two losses in 2011 (he hasn’t faced them this season)
Meanwhile, Hudson is 6-0 with a 3.44 ERA in his past nine starts, and the Braves won eight of his starts in a row before losing his last one at Washington in Monday’s road-trip opener, when he gave up four runs in the first inning (and no more in the next five innings)
Hudson is 5-0 with a 2.61 ERA in his past eight starts against the Giants, including a July 19 win when he gave up eight hits and two runs in 7-1/3 innings.
• Etc.
Craig Kimbrel’s ninth-inning appearance in Sunday’s 7-3 win was just the fifth time he’s pitched in the past 21 games, none of those in save opportunities. His last save opportunity was Aug. 3, when he struck out the side against Houston to give him 22 saves in 23 chances during 31 appearances over a stretch of 76 Braves games.
Since then Kimbrel has pitched just five innings and allowed one hit, one walk while collecting 10 strikeouts in five scoreless innings. When the Braves scored a run in the ninth to make it a non-save situation Saturday, Gonzalez thought about not using him, but pitching coach Roger McDowell reminded the manager that Kimbrel had pitched only twice in the past 10 days….
Jason Heyward’s crucial three-run homer Saturday was just the first by a left-handed batter off Giants lefty Madison Bumgarner at AT&T Park in exactly two years, since Joey Votto hit on Aug. 25, 2010. In nine games at AT&T Park before Sunday, Heyward was 13-for-33 (.394) with five homers, 11 RBIs, a .487 OBP and a .879 slugging percentage. That’s even better than at Wrigley Field, where Heyward also has 33 and has hit .333 four homers, 10 RBIs, a .425 OBP and .758 slugging percentage.
Heyward has hit .262 with a .777 OPS and eight homers in 62 home games this season, compared to .294 with 15 homers and a .933 OPS in 62 road games before Sunday. For his career, he’s hit .254 with 22 homers and a .771 OPS in 203 home games, and had a .272 average with 33 homers and .852 OPS in 191 road games before Sunday.
• OK, let’s get this posted. First pitch in a half-hour. Here’s a classic cut by the mighty Clash, which you can hear by clicking here. It was a solid night of tuneage last night at the Joe Strummer Tribute at Bottom of the Hill here in San Francisco.
“RUDIE CAN’T FAIL” by The Clash
Hear them sayin’
How you get a rude and a reckless?
Don’t you be so crude and a feckless
You been drinking brew for breakfast
Rudie can’t fail
So we reply
I know that my life make you nervous
But I tell you that I can’t live in service
Like the doctor who was born for a purpose
Rudie can’t fail
I went to the market to realize my soul
‘Cause what I need I just don’t have
First they curse, then they press me till I hurt
We say Rudie can’t fail
We hear them sayin’
Now first you must cure your temper
Then you find a job in the paper
You need someone for a savior
Oh, Rudie can’t fail
We reply
Now we get a rude and a reckless
We been seen lookin’ cool an’ a speckless
We been drinking brew for breakfast
So Rudie can’t fail
Okay!
So where you want to go today?
Hey boss man!
You’re looking pretty smart
In your chicken skin suit
You think you’re pretty hot
In your pork pie hat
But…Rudie can’t fail
Look out, look out…
Sky juice!…ten cents a bottle!
1,478 comments Add your comment
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
7:55 pm
Thanks, DOB!!!
George
August 26th, 2012
7:57 pm
George repost from bottom of page 29, thank for new blog DOB.
August 26th, 2012
7:49 pm
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
7:42 pm
WOW, All is not well in DC land, thanks for the INFO VJ.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
7:57 pm
Glad to hear the Question re: Uggla, and an honest answer from Fredi.
Thanks DOB – worth the wait!
Trader Jack
August 26th, 2012
7:58 pm
Trader Jack
August 26th, 2012
7:56 pm
The Nats went into Philly running their mouths. and what they got was a real b*tch slap upside the head. Hence the after game “discussions”
phil
August 26th, 2012
7:59 pm
Good read, david. Thanks.
Poor fredi, but at least he’s showing williness to sit uggla’s butt down!
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:00 pm
Nice to hear the gNats are feeling some pressure. Nicer still was the sweep which extended their losing streak to four. The Braves need to step up and take advantage in these last 35 games.
Still being optimistic!
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:00 pm
6th!!
nolie
August 26th, 2012
8:01 pm
They are just models phil, much like the various WAR models. Nobody really knows what is right
Heck that storm earlier that stalled for awhile, they weren’t even sure which way it would turn,East or West, when it neared the cost up there
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:01 pm
Lincecum…..
I guess we all know he’s likely to smoke us, go the distance, hold us to 2 or 3 hits….
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:02 pm
MIAMI 6 FORT KNOX 2 FINAL
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
8:03 pm
Dodgers fall to a .500 record during the Adrian Gonzalez era…
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:03 pm
Of course, nolie….i just wish they would once and awhile make a call w/o being slaves to models…..look at the weather for a change, analyze something, think ahead.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:04 pm
Fredi should just keep running Uggla out there at this point lol.. Put up with Uggla’s failures for 3 months might as well keep it going.
Game Changer
August 26th, 2012
8:05 pm
Uggla slumping????
when has he not been in a slump – be honest when writing an article
Uggla had a good four week period early this year, I posted I may have to re-evaluate the scouting report on Uggla, then he went back to the known weaknesses of his game, alot of strike outs, not much power, big lob numbers each year, poor base running mentally, shotty defense at second.
nolie
August 26th, 2012
8:05 pm
with weather, I’m not sure that eyeballin’ it, is realistic…
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
8:05 pm
Good stuff, David.
uggla ……. :sigh:
Go Braves!!!
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
8:06 pm
Oh Yeah, thanks, DOB
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
8:06 pm
The game is on ESPN tonight, so that means the Braves will likely embarrass themselves like they normally do on ESPN.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
8:06 pm
Timely new one….thank you D.O.B.
Sundrop Kid
August 26th, 2012
8:07 pm
The deal with Uggla reminds me of one of Yogi Berra’s classic sayings. He said, ” I ain’t in no slump, I just ain’t hitting.” The two do seem to go together.
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:07 pm
Game changer = moron
Be honest?
Kat
August 26th, 2012
8:08 pm
Southern California is nice
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
8:09 pm
@GameChanger……Overall I think Mr. Uggla has played ‘a good’ second base for Atl.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
8:09 pm
I love it when Bourn gets on base with a walk. Obviously something he should do with more regularity.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:10 pm
2-0 good pitch to run on Mr. Bourn.
Sundrop Kid
August 26th, 2012
8:10 pm
Six “Thanks” to DOB in the first few minutes. Anybody else want to go ahead and do it to get it out of your system. Looks like one is not sufficient. Everybody has to have their name attached to it. That’s about as immature and silly as the “first” YOU all complain about! That’s his dang job, he gets paid well for it, and it is EXPECTED of him!
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
8:10 pm
Kat-
And folks wonder why I would not want to leave
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
8:10 pm
Kat_
Counting on a win today. You’re the lucky charm.
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:11 pm
2-0 and he swings, after he walked bourn…..sigh.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:11 pm
Uggla is turning into Chone Figgins in terms of falling off a cliff. If he continues to struggle like he’s doing now into 2013 the organization really has to considering cutting there losses.
Uggla is a average defender at best and hitting 206 or whatever. He’s not even slugging 400 or anywhere near his normal homerun numbers. He’s walking way more than normal and striking out more than anyone in the game. It’s very alarming to me going forward and thinking about the next 3 seasons.
Cause right now the only thing that is for sure with him that he’ll stay healthy and play just about every game. But that’s it. Can’t even use the ole “he’ll mash 30+ homers a seasons” line anymore either.
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
8:11 pm
Oh wait, southern Calfornia
Never mind, Kat
George
August 26th, 2012
8:12 pm
Well outta here for the game. Hey VJ I really try to toe the line and be a good guy, but I really want to make win win the first round of playoffs[ I don't mean the 1 of oneI mean the 3 of 5 ] and to do that FREDI is not the answer, he is a loser.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
8:12 pm
36….nice sb
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:12 pm
Hit and run! Wow!
UGA football fans
August 26th, 2012
8:12 pm
facebook.com/ugafootballfans
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
8:13 pm
That weak pop on a 2-0 count is really irritating especially after Bourn had walked and worked a good at bat.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:13 pm
Gonzalez must’ve visited Barnes and Noble last night looking for baseball books. Well done!
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
8:14 pm
Thanks again, David!
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:14 pm
Yeah Johnson shouldn’t have been swinging 2-0…
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:14 pm
HEYWARD SUCKS! NO FUTURE!
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
8:14 pm
Nice hitting J-Heyyyyyyyy!
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:14 pm
Heyward with a fine, fine at bat….
No DP, please.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
8:14 pm
@Sundrop Kid……Thank you also for our contribution–and, you do NOT get paid well!
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:15 pm
Send him.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
8:15 pm
I would like to see Heyward run in this situation.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:16 pm
Heyward needs to go – don’t understand not sending him.
haggard
August 26th, 2012
8:16 pm
David O’Brien
Thanks for the new goods. Guess I’m number seven, Sundrop. Call me immature.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:16 pm
Guys are being aggressive on the bases tonight
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:16 pm
Sweet….
eddie57
August 26th, 2012
8:16 pm
Until Fredi sits Ugglier for more than 1 game in a row everything he says is just his normal BS. I’m sure he’ll pinch hit his baby boy Danny so that he can keep his strikeout streak going.
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:17 pm
Enter your comments here
Hmmmm
August 26th, 2012
8:17 pm
if they can’t score here they missed a huge opportunity
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:17 pm
CONFIRMED. Robotzalez did buy some books on baseball. Well done.
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
8:17 pm
Let’s go, Marteennn…
njbraves
August 26th, 2012
8:17 pm
Have to score here.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:17 pm
Now I understand why Fredi is batting Prado 5th tonight – wanted to give him a shot at 4 quick RBI’s
Trader Jack
August 26th, 2012
8:17 pm
His first inning troubles continue, go for the kill boys
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:17 pm
Of course he’ll probably consider pinch hitting Uggla here.
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:18 pm
DP prado up…..sigh.
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
8:18 pm
Sundrop is more lemon drop
Bitter bitter
BFChris27
August 26th, 2012
8:18 pm
Marteeeeeeeeeeeeeen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
8:18 pm
Quasi-acceptable…
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:18 pm
Hey – no DP this time! Got a run.
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:18 pm
I swear he tried to hit into one……
And now mac….sigh.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:19 pm
Prado scares the hell outta me everytime there is a runner on 1st and less than 2 outs.
Brava
August 26th, 2012
8:19 pm
Thank you, DOB.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:20 pm
Hate to hear about cortisone shots. Not a good path for treatment.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:20 pm
Prado can steal too if he wants to!
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
8:20 pm
Thanks DOB and Sundrop
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
8:20 pm
Prime Time……Eye In the Sky….Big MAC!!!
BFChris27
August 26th, 2012
8:21 pm
McCann!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
8:21 pm
MAC!!!
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:21 pm
Gonna look like a line drive to the wall in the scorebook
Hmmmm
August 26th, 2012
8:21 pm
Mac needs things like that to drop in, good for him
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:21 pm
A miracle…..
2-0. We’ll take it.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:21 pm
Little Flair! Lol
J-MAN
August 26th, 2012
8:21 pm
Well McCann got lucky but we will take it reguardless.
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
8:21 pm
Atta boy, Heap. Crushed
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:21 pm
Maybe Francisco can deliver an early killshot here.
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:22 pm
And now the Flabster….
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
8:22 pm
- Uggla on a bus to Gwinnet as we speak.
- Linsecum faltering.
- 2 early runs.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
8:22 pm
Another run would be awesome.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:23 pm
Hudson has struggled in the 1st inning lately as well.
Larry
August 26th, 2012
8:23 pm
Rest a “slumping” Uggla?
I think it is now safe to refer to him as a “slumped” Uggla.
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:23 pm
That was a pathetic AB there….
Great inning overall though.
Maybe Hudson won’t get shelled tonight.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
8:23 pm
Francisco seems to be struggling at the plate again. He is pretty much an automatic K.
Hmmmm
August 26th, 2012
8:23 pm
Ok Huddy, 1-2-3 first inning. None of that nonsense you did in the first against the Nats after you were spotted a 1-0 lead
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:24 pm
You really want more of THAT next season?
Probably the know-it-all TRADE HEYWARD CROWD. In fact, I’m sure of it. Geniuses.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
8:24 pm
The 2-0 score should be a nice cushion for the inevitable first inning struggles by Tim Hudson.
T-Dawg
August 26th, 2012
8:26 pm
Love McCann but there is no reason for him to be playing with that bum shoulder. He couldn’t even keep both hands on the bat with that swing. DL him now so he can get some rest.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:26 pm
Just bat Uggla 8th the rest of the season.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:26 pm
32 pitches for the Freak – like to see Huddy get out of here w/12 or less. Looks good so far.
J-MAN
August 26th, 2012
8:26 pm
Gonzalez’s best managerial job this season…….keeping Uggla out of the game.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:28 pm
Jhey and the sun – not a good combo for the next hour or two. Good play though
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
8:28 pm
2 flies against a sinker ball pitcher…. hmmm
M.V.P.Heyward
August 26th, 2012
8:28 pm
Good Job, Huddy!
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:28 pm
Personally I welcome the break and am enjoying our All-Star 2B back at home where he belongs.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
8:28 pm
Hey look. No problems for Hudson in the first inning. An easy inning gets Lincecum right back out on the mound.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:28 pm
I’m more worried about McCann making it worse and needing surgery in the offseason and possibly missing time in 2013. Oh well kinda seems like 13′ will be his last season here. No way I’d give him a long term deal anymore unless its like 4 years 40 million…
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
8:28 pm
7 pitch first inning….Nice work Huddy!!!!!!
Kat
August 26th, 2012
8:31 pm
My hotel roomhas three windows (corner room) two face PETCO. Awesome…
J-MAN
August 26th, 2012
8:31 pm
This is one of them Games where Huddy can throw a complete game his stuff is looking that good
J-MAN
August 26th, 2012
8:31 pm
This is one of them Games where Huddy can throw a complete game his stuff is looking that good
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
8:31 pm
way to go Huddy
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:32 pm
Hudson swinging the lumber!!
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:32 pm
And Huddy with a hit – might just be his night
cricket
August 26th, 2012
8:32 pm
giants blog
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2012/8/26/3269446/open-gamethread-8-26
Hugo Z Hackenbush
August 26th, 2012
8:32 pm
So how come nobody here is complaining about Lincecum’s 18.25 mil salary?
T-Dawg
August 26th, 2012
8:32 pm
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:28 pm
I’m more worried about McCann making it worse and needing surgery in the offseason and possibly missing time in 2013. Oh well kinda seems like 13′ will be his last season here. No way I’d give him a long term deal anymore unless its like 4 years 40 million…
Yeah. Agree. We need Mac’s power though so I would DL him.
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:32 pm
Why the first pitch swinging?
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:33 pm
I’m cool with Janish posting a 565 OPS or whatever. Hell he’s making less than a million and plays great defense.
I’m not cool with Uggla getting 39 million over the next 3 years when he plays barely average defense while floating around the mendoza line and not even slugging 400…
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
8:33 pm
This ump has an awfully tall strike zone…
Kat
August 26th, 2012
8:33 pm
Bat …. Yeah I’m in SD, hopefully ill be good luck Monday and Tuesday.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
8:34 pm
nice flip scoot but ya cant get the speedy bourn!
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:34 pm
Bourn should run again
Larry
August 26th, 2012
8:34 pm
“When Jones showed up Saturday morning, he told Gonzalez he didn’t think he could help the team Saturday.”
WIth playoffs hopes fading, an entire teams fortunes in the balance, memories of off last September’s historic collapse weighing on their minds, now is the time for great leaders to suck it up and lead.
Chipper’s natural talents have never been in question; his leadership by example, for me, will always be what has kept him from being more than a special talent, but a special player.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:34 pm
Needs #37 right now.
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:35 pm
Hudson lazily refuses to slide….sigh.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:35 pm
So we’ve basically gone from a manager who picks his nose to a manager who picks his spots.
Progress.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
8:36 pm
#37!
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:36 pm
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:35 pm
Hudson lazily refuses to slide….sigh.
SIGH – he was out by 20 feet – he’s pitching – rather see him exert ON THE MOUND – SIGH
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:36 pm
REAL! STRATEGY!
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
8:36 pm
With ease.
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
8:36 pm
Come on Reed.
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:36 pm
Lincecum with his best Hanson immitation….
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:36 pm
Gonna be a way different Braves team without Bourn next season, but we can easily find a better contact hitter and someone with just as good OBP ability to fill his shoes.
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
8:36 pm
Hope so, Kat. Have fun
If you meet Wayne be careful. I think he’s an anarchist.
Trey
August 26th, 2012
8:37 pm
Thanks, cricket. Wow, their blog is crappy looking.
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
8:38 pm
Hugo Z Hackenbush
August 26th, 2012
8:32 pm
So how come nobody here is complaining about Lincecum’s 18.25 mil salary?
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If they was paying him 20mil I might complain.
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
8:38 pm
Come on, Reed.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
8:38 pm
I agree with Animus, Phil, I would ream my pitcher if he slid into second trying to break up a double play!!!
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:38 pm
Hudson better stay sharp…
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
8:38 pm
Bat-
No worries- I will protect Kat from Wayne
ChattTownBrian
August 26th, 2012
8:39 pm
Johnson exactly litten my fire yet.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:39 pm
Stolen bases don’t really impact the game much, but they sure are fun to watch.
ChattTownBrian
August 26th, 2012
8:39 pm
Johnson hasn’t exactly litten my fire yet.
phil
August 26th, 2012
8:40 pm
Lol….
Not serious about Hudson sliding.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:40 pm
Lincecum at 47 pitches already – gonna see an early bullpen it seems – since they all pitched last night – I’d like to see ‘em again.
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
8:40 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Three steals against Lincecum tonight matches a season high in any start for him.
And we’ve played 2 innings
David from Athens, AL
August 26th, 2012
8:41 pm
Is McFann ill? Have not seen her post recently!!
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
8:41 pm
What VaBravesFan?! You get a guy to steal from first to second then a routine single now becomes a potential rbi single… how does that not change the game…?
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
8:41 pm
cab_
Good to know. Who’s gonna protect you abd VJ?
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:41 pm
Sorry phil – didn’t see the sarcasm font
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:41 pm
Posey is a beast to be honest, 326 AVG with a 900+ OPS
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
8:42 pm
Is the an iPhone App for this blog? Anyone?
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
8:42 pm
Bat-
I can protect Kat & VJ. I don’t need anyone’s help. I can kick Wayne’s butt (if he needs it) all on my own
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:43 pm
CHOP SHOP
Over the course of a full season they don’t make a huge impact.
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
8:43 pm
Chipper would’ve made that play
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
8:44 pm
nice try, Francisco
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
8:44 pm
Got to put that on the dough Francisco!
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:44 pm
Nice try Juan – think Chipper might have thrown it a bit better. Pence really got down the line though!
David O'Brien
August 26th, 2012
8:44 pm
Chipper out lineup with sore oblique
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/26/chipper-out-of-lineup-with-sore-oblique/
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
8:44 pm
Pence records so many cheap infield hits against the Braves. The most infamous being his weak pop behind Freddie Freeman in game 162 last season.
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
8:45 pm
Come on BMac.
sid
August 26th, 2012
8:45 pm
David Ross please.
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
8:45 pm
cab_
M&M power?
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:45 pm
Of the top 10 teams leading in stolen bases only 2 of them look to be true contenders.
M.V.P.Heyward
August 26th, 2012
8:46 pm
Move your fat ass, Brian!
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
8:47 pm
Mmm hmm.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:47 pm
VaBravesFan – but don’t you agree that Bourn should make every effort to get to second? Prado does have 16 GIDP – I’m sure Bourn was the first out on most of those.
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
8:47 pm
David Ross- 15 WP in 300 innings (.05 per inning)
Brian McCann- 26 WP in 816 (.032 per inning)
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
8:48 pm
Bat-
I don’t know what that means
ChattTownBrian
August 26th, 2012
8:48 pm
Those shots of SF they’ve shown the last few days are beautiful. We want to visit the west coast next year and that looks like a nice place.
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
8:48 pm
Cab,VJ,DS1 and Kat hope you all have a great time in SD,Have fun and be safe!
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
8:48 pm
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:39 pm
Stolen bases don’t really impact the game much, but they sure are fun to watch.
******
They sure do when you’re down a run in the 9th and after the stolen bag you are now in scoring position. Wow what a dope!!
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:49 pm
CHOP SLOP
Actually of the top 10 teams in stolen bases none of them lead a division. Only the Rays are in line for a wild card spot. With Oakland being the 2nd best team of the top ten stealing teams.
The Marlins lead all of baseball in Steals but have a record of 59-67
richbrave
August 26th, 2012
8:49 pm
Well looky, looky, here. My preferred line-up. Thank you FREDDI
ChattTownBrian
August 26th, 2012
8:49 pm
“Move your fat ass, Brian”
You forgot to put bald in there, too.
Kat
August 26th, 2012
8:49 pm
Bravefaninok thanks!
richbrave
August 26th, 2012
8:50 pm
Oh wait. Not quite. ROSS as catcher.
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
8:50 pm
M.V.P.Heyward
August 26th, 2012
8:46 pm
Move your fat ass, Brian!
And people wonder where McFann is
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:50 pm
TO ANYONE IN OR GOING TO SAN DIEGO….
Suggest you avoid the tourist traps in the Gaslamp area.
If you want a GREAT breakfast hit up the GOLDEN YOLK in Pacific Beach…
If you want a GREAT BBQ hit up PHIL’S by the San Diego Sports Arena — closed Monday but BY FAR THE BEST BBQ in SoCal and maybe in the west. Unbelievable. BTW not run by the sarcastic sighing blogger of the same name.
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
8:50 pm
Bravefaninok-
Thanks! There seems to have been a series of earthquakes down that way today, but the largest was a 5.3 (which is a good jolt, but not enough to cause damage)
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
8:50 pm
VaBravesFan… how does getting runners in scoring position not affect the game? Michael Bourn is on track to have a career high for runs scored with 84.. you know why.. because he LEADS THE NATIONAL LEAGUE IN STOLEN BASES… getting in scoring position affects the game…
ChattTownBrian
August 26th, 2012
8:51 pm
Pitchers are being more and more careful with JHey as he pushed himself towards that superstar.
T-Dawg
August 26th, 2012
8:51 pm
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
8:47 pm
David Ross- 15 WP in 300 innings (.05 per inning)
Brian McCann- 26 WP in 816 (.032 per inning)
Wild Pitches or “WP” are charged to the pitcher, not the catcher. PB or past balls are charged to the catchers.
richbrave
August 26th, 2012
8:51 pm
BRIAN’s footwork has never been the best. One of the reasoons he’s a fraction slow to 2B with the throw. But his bat makes up for it. Heh!
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:51 pm
Yeah I’m a dope, your clueless if you think Stolen bases make that much a difference in team success over a full season. Plenty will agree with me.
ACE
August 26th, 2012
8:51 pm
Thanks Sundrop
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
8:52 pm
What in the heck was Heyward swinging at in that at bat? The ball was two feet out of the zone and missed the glove by four feet.
ACE
August 26th, 2012
8:52 pm
Some great quotes by Fredi. It applies but it doesn’t apply.
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
8:53 pm
cab_
I seem to remember from a long time ago you love M&M’s
rc35
August 26th, 2012
8:53 pm
I’d just rest Uggla twice more this season…maybe three times…August, September, and, if we should get there, October. That ought to hold us until Spring Training when he can show up fit and ready to hit or show up slow and let him go.
I used to marvel at how the “U” guys would always beat the Braves. We had a hard time hitting Ugueth Urbina, and seemed to always have problems getting Chase Utley and Dan Uggla out. Once we traded for Uggla, I thought, “He could never beat us again.”
How wrong I was!
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
8:53 pm
T-Dawg-
I know that. That last one was a wild pitch (they do keep stats for catchers on wild pitches too, by the way)
Just for comparison, David Ross has 2 passed balls in 300 innings and Mac has 5 in 816+
richbrave
August 26th, 2012
8:53 pm
Stayed at Pacific Beach once for a week. Right on the beach. Nice!
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
8:54 pm
Bat-
I do
Been a while since I’ve had them…
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
8:54 pm
hahaha CHOP SLOP… did you think of that one all by yourself or did your sister/wife help ya with that one? And of course you would bring up the rays.. Who do they have on their team beside Longoria that can bring any runners in to score…? of course if you dont have batters to bring runners in then stealing does nothing for your team… haha the rays.. cmon vabravesfan stop looking up stats in between post.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:55 pm
I never said it doesn’t impact the game, I’m saying it doesn’t make as much of a impact as you’d think.
The batter still has to get a hit, also factor in all the times players are caught stealing, then factor in the times a players steals a base but is still stranded. When all is factored the impact is very low.
ACE
August 26th, 2012
8:55 pm
After an entire season of got to keep running him out there and believe the back of the bubble gum card he now suddenly says why keep running him out there who is that going to help.
sounds like Frank had a long talk with Fredi. Mayve one that included his job security if he presides over another epic fail.
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
8:55 pm
Those were not good at-bats.
ncgary
August 26th, 2012
8:56 pm
still kicking here in carolina them mayans didnt miss my time by much though
lol
go braves
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:56 pm
CHOP..
That was an accident to be honest on the Slop part..
T-Dawg
August 26th, 2012
8:56 pm
Cabravesfan
It’s not a reflection on the catcher so it didn’t make sense to me why you would share that. Oh well, just saying.
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
8:57 pm
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:51 pm
Yeah I’m a dope, your clueless if you think Stolen bases make that much a difference in team success over a full season. Plenty will agree with me.
**********
Lol, yeah you’re a dope for suggesting that getting in scoring position doesn’t affect the game.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
8:57 pm
richbrave — Pacific Beach is strange place sometimes…
Older folk mixing with drunk/stoned college kids.
Good food. Good alcohol. Strange mix.
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
8:57 pm
T-Dawg-
Because a lot of folks here will blame Mac for every wild pitch and demand Ross catch. It was merely to point out that Ross, in fact, is not better than Mac and preventing wild pitches (which, yes, are not the fault of the catcher)
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
8:57 pm
Citi
I feel bad for you, cause you obviously can’t read what I’m typing.
keyLargo
August 26th, 2012
8:58 pm
Did that big glove they just showed have 4 fingers?
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
8:59 pm
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
8:50 pm
Bravefaninok-
Thanks! There seems to have been a series of earthquakes down that way today, but the largest was a 5.3 (which is a good jolt, but not enough to cause damage)
Yea,I loved Southern Cal when I lived there,but I do not miss the quakes.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
8:59 pm
keyLargo – storm mostly past you now?
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
9:00 pm
Bravefaninok-
Eh, anything less than about a 4.5 does not even get me to move anymore
(I still hate them…)
ACE
August 26th, 2012
9:00 pm
KeyLargo, one of those old 3 finger gloves.
M.V.P.Heyward
August 26th, 2012
9:01 pm
What a Play!
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
9:01 pm
Nicely done
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:01 pm
Janish — what a great pickup.
BFChris27
August 26th, 2012
9:01 pm
Janish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:01 pm
Great, great play by Yanish!
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:01 pm
Don’t know how I feel about that base mic ESPN’s got going on.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:01 pm
Nice job Janish
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:01 pm
Citi F. Jones –
VA is a dope…
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
9:01 pm
Keep hanging in there, ncgary
T-Dawg
August 26th, 2012
9:01 pm
Nice. More please
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
9:02 pm
Janish is good…..
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:02 pm
Janish was a great fill-in pickup by Wren. Not producing many runs, but definitely saving some!
ncgary
August 26th, 2012
9:03 pm
thanks bat
als
wasnt what i was expecting to here
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:03 pm
Agreed, Chop.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
9:03 pm
You and Chop are viewing a Stolen Base the same way as a homer. Like every steal is a meaningful play…
Factor in all the times a player caught stealing, factor in all the times the guy who stole the base is stranded, then factor all the times the batter gets a hit or walks after a runner is thrown out. Overall at the end of the day it doesn’t make that much impact over the course of the season.
ncgary
August 26th, 2012
9:03 pm
or hear for that matter too
lol
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:03 pm
Ncgary….i guess you’ve been told less than a yr with your form? I sure am sorry.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:04 pm
BTW I had said Golden Yolk for some absurd reason — it’s the BROKEN YOLK — best breakfast in SD.
Braveone
August 26th, 2012
9:04 pm
From the previous blog which had 2,911 comments, Brava led the way with 130 posts. There were 265 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 Brava 130
2 Animus 117
3 brian 113
4 TheOnlyBravesFan 91
5 nolie 84
6 George 83
7 Venice Jim 81
8 VaBravesFan 77
9 uga-brave 77
10 Disgusted 66
11 ACE 63
12 The A Bomb 60
13 phil 56
14 Capt.Mudd 51
15 MIBravesFan 50
16 Pale Rider 50
17 Tomahawk Mafia 47
18 Jeff R 46
19 ChattTownBrian 45
20 Bat Masterson 43
21 David O’Brien 41
22 JC Brave 38
23 Trey 38
24 Ward 38
25 BFChris27 37
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
9:04 pm
That’s a Got Heeeem! at third base.
Four “e”s in Heeeem, people.
Make a note.
Bat offense to start the inning. Good defense to close it.
T-Dawg
August 26th, 2012
9:04 pm
Name calling on a blog. That’s what a real man (or woman) does.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
9:05 pm
Lincecum seems to be settling down quite a bit here.
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:05 pm
Fat Panda is Fat
M.V.P.Heyward
August 26th, 2012
9:06 pm
WTG! Juan Fran!
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
9:06 pm
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
9:00 pm
Bravefaninok-
Eh, anything less than about a 4.5 does not even get me to move anymore (I still hate them…)
Funny thing about quakes.We had a 5.5 here this spring,Everybody was freaking out…I knew what it was .
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
9:06 pm
JUAAAAAANNNNN!!!
BFChris27
August 26th, 2012
9:06 pm
Juan Francisco!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:06 pm
Juan – a little better AB that time
WOW
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:06 pm
That a boy FRANCISCO!!!
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
9:06 pm
BOOM, Francisco with his monster power.
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:06 pm
atta boy Juan Francisdough
keyLargo
August 26th, 2012
9:07 pm
All y’all boo Francisco.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:07 pm
Lincecum did a great job of hitting Francisco’s bat.
That’s his hot zone.
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:07 pm
A moonshot homer! Yes sir!
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
9:07 pm
Roadrunnerrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!!
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
9:07 pm
GOT HEEEEM!!!
There you go, Roadrunner.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
9:07 pm
Francisco continued his struggles in that at bat. Haha.
ChattTownBrian
August 26th, 2012
9:08 pm
CRUSHED
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
9:08 pm
Ha! Huddy 2-2!
M.V.P.Heyward
August 26th, 2012
9:08 pm
SS for Huddy!
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:08 pm
wooo boy Huddy way to chop that wood
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:08 pm
Huddy 2-2. What’s up with him today?
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
9:09 pm
Can’t believe some still want that guy off the team, yeah he strikes out alot and is a below average defender but he’s only gonna be making 500k next season and is slugging over 460.. Very easily a good bench piece or half of a platoon.
David O'Brien
August 26th, 2012
9:09 pm
Francisco’s homer went where Bonds used to hit them, but not a lot of others have. Ball was CRUSHED.
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
9:09 pm
Huddyyyyyyy
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:09 pm
Bench depth!
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
9:09 pm
That was hit so far I thought it was an out, if that makes any sense.
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
9:09 pm
Ncgary_
Yeah I guess not. Really sorry my friend
brian
August 26th, 2012
9:09 pm
Impressive by francisco
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
9:10 pm
T-Dawg
August 26th, 2012
9:10 pm
Can Huddy play 2B? Or left field?
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:10 pm
VaBravesFan — I just don’t look at him as a starter with his defense and also, he’s lefthanded — too many of those guys.
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:10 pm
Bourn – Boooooooooo!!
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
9:10 pm
That is twice Bourn has swung at that pitch that bounced three feet in front of the plate.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:11 pm
VaBravesFan – If Francisco follows through on what he said about losing another 15 pounds or so in the offseason, his defense will improve (range) and hitting is something he’s improving on.
I’m all for giving him the shot at 3rd – sure Wren is too.
ChattTownBrian
August 26th, 2012
9:11 pm
Wow is Clinton one arrogant old fool.
T-Dawg
August 26th, 2012
9:13 pm
It sure seems like Bourn either goes 4-5 or 0-5, doesn’t it?
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
9:13 pm
Francisco as a everyday player would probably produce around what Dan Uggla did in 2011.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:14 pm
Huddy has a higher BA than MAC? That was funny – explains why the bench was messing with him. Of course, Uggla isn’t in the line-up tonight or it could have been really embarrassing.
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:15 pm
Nice effort, Janish
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:15 pm
Juan will most likely be the 3rd basemen next year unless we pick up a left fielder in the offseason, then of course Prado would be the third basemen (if he stays)
Veer
August 26th, 2012
9:17 pm
Hudson throwing 92 mph. wow!!!
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:17 pm
T-dawg… Huddy was an outfielder in college and high school
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:17 pm
CHOP SHOP – if who stays, Prado? I can’t foresee ANY scenario that would include Prado not being a Brave. He’s due his last year of ARB next year.
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:18 pm
Nice D, Freddy
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
9:19 pm
Keith Law was definitely right about the Dan Uggla extension. A mistake, said Uggla wouldn’t age well and said the last 2 years of the contract would hurt alot. But so far it looks like 4 of the 5 years will look pretty bad.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:19 pm
Only 43 pitches through 4 for Huddy – looking like a long outing for him. Plus he has to stay there if he wants that 4-4
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
9:19 pm
Game progressing well; can’t help but analyze the ‘what if’s,’ per the immediate Psychographic of Mr. Uggla.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:20 pm
Animus – Touche’.. a fact I did not know.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 26th, 2012
9:20 pm
David from Athens, AL Is McFann ill? Have not seen her post recently!!
Nope! But thank you for asking…:)
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:21 pm
Hudson broke most of Frank Thomas’s records at Auburn.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:21 pm
A win and not having to see Uggla’s front knee buckle would make this evening quite pleasurable.
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:21 pm
Always some loon in the cove hoping for a dinger ball….
T-Dawg
August 26th, 2012
9:22 pm
Prado will be at 3rd next year. It will be much easier to get a power bat in an outfielder than it will be at 3B.
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:22 pm
There she is! Where ya been, McFann?
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:22 pm
Because they FORGOT TO INCLUDE BULLPENS in the building plans
CRM300
August 26th, 2012
9:23 pm
All you guys with a man crush on Michael Bourn should check his batting average and OBP since the All Star game. Less than impressive! He also strikes out way too much for a lead off man. Do you really want to sign this guy to a long term contract at $15 million plus for six or seven years? Check his career stats. Not a supestar! Braves don’t need another Uggla/Lowe type of contract on the books which steals needed money from the bench and the bullpen. There are cheaper alternatives out there. Let Bourn go to the money. McCann will follow him the year after.
Hmmmm
August 26th, 2012
9:23 pm
“It sure seems like Bourn either goes 4-5 or 0-5, doesn’t it?”
I wish it seemed like he was going 4-5 a lot ….. I just looked up Bourn’s stats; since Jul 4 he’s had 10 games where he got more than 1 hit (Braves are 9-1 in those games). Only 10 games in almost 2 months where he’s had a multi-hit game
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:23 pm
All this hate towards Uggla… I mean yea he’s struggling but his occasional bat sure is NICE to have…
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:23 pm
Is reed really that slow? Sigh…
Bravesfan54
August 26th, 2012
9:23 pm
In my opinion the most recent labor-management agreement has resulted in huge shifts in player-salary strategies. If you have a lot of money (i.e., are a big market team, you throw “insane money” at a dwindling supply of so-called superior talent. But the union put the brakes on the money you can pay to amatuers and international players. The end result is in finding value with the ‘journeyman’ player who have good resumes. BMAC will attract the high-rollers, and, the Braves would be foolish (relatively speaking) to take the same risk that a Boston, LAD, LAA, NYY, NYM, or either Chicago team. Brian will have surgery during the off-season and may return to his historic levels, but can the Braves afford to pay the inflated “market” value that even an injured McCann would command? The answer is maybe. Declining the option will be fatal. Why? Because in that eventuality, he is, hate the term, publicly “dissed”. The big spenders will not hesitate to tell him and his agent that his off-year is a non-factor. For our Bravos, it will be about money and statistics, but others will readily over-pay him. (Think Boston, who has some $260 million more than they had 6 months ago. Want me to say it again, that is $260 million – off their books – money that they can’t throw at the latest HS or college phenoms, and money that they can’t pay to Dominicans, Arubans, Mexicans, etc.
I understand that I am willing to let one of the last so-called (hate the term) ‘baby Braves’ go. But we survived FanCoer’s leaving’, and nothing in Andrew Jones’ post-Braves career ever came close to justifying a 2-year $36M contract. With due respect (absolutely – hey, I am a 66 year old guy, whose has followed this team daily sincc 1954))to Ms McFann- good business demands that the Braves decline a $12M option on an injured player.
David O'Brien
August 26th, 2012
9:24 pm
Juan Francisco’s HR in the 4th went 454ft according to ESPN Homerun Tracker…
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:24 pm
Juan Francisco’s HR in the 4th went 454ft via our ESPN Homerun Tracker…
Not too shabby.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:24 pm
McCann will a Brave for A LONG time CRM300
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:25 pm
All this hate toward Uggla…..LOL.
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:25 pm
We’re bailing this guy out swinging at crap….
Monica Lewinsky
August 26th, 2012
9:25 pm
I like baseball players and politicians. I’ll be working the Republican convention this week. Then I’ll go pay a visit to the boys at the Democratic Party Convention next week.
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
9:25 pm
Hey McFann, good to see you
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
9:26 pm
Hello. McFann!!!
cricket
August 26th, 2012
9:26 pm
damn – freeman tear coming out of left eye, hope eyes are ok
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
9:27 pm
Hi Mcfann….
CRM300
August 26th, 2012
9:28 pm
Braves will pick up McCann’s option for next year, but he is a Yankee after that.
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:28 pm
Uggla is the worst hitting regular in the NL….the season is nearly over.
He did this last year too, minus the 33 game hitting phenomenon.
When is enough enough? Never? Play the guy, no worries, come what may?
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:29 pm
Cabrera should be disqualified from winning the batting title this season.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 26th, 2012
9:29 pm
Hey, Bat! Thanks. Good to see you, too…
Hey, phil! Just been away from the Blog…
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
9:29 pm
Lincecum is three outs from a quality start.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:29 pm
A Yankee… I doubt that. He would get tore up in the american league.
Bronke
August 26th, 2012
9:30 pm
Folks, the Braves aren’t the only only ones with the monkey on the back contract with Uggla. Look at the Giants with Lincecum. How much does he make each year? Put Uggla on waivers and hope the Dodgers will pick him up!
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
9:30 pm
Tough spot for Wren and the Braves. Look how consistent Uggla was and then he came here and has been well below norms.
McCann has been very consistent but has battled injuries the past 2 seasons and the numbers are trending down. But I think it’s all about health with him. Gotta do the option and hope for a healthy McCann who will hit 280/360/460 25 HR and help this team win and go from there. 1 year deals are always better than long term commitments. So we shouldn’t worry about McCann and money quite yet.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:30 pm
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:29 pm
Cabrera should be disqualified from winning the batting title this season.
I agree, but there is no rule in place for that -yet. I’d like to see Bud Light come out with a ruling on it before they give him the award.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:31 pm
Nice range Janish
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:31 pm
LOL @Orel Hershiser complaining about PEDs – they were all popping amphetamines back in his day.
CRM300
August 26th, 2012
9:31 pm
BravesFan54, also 66, fan since 1957 world series. We have seen a lot, haven’t we! These new Braves fans who criticize this team have no idea what it was like to be a Braves fan in the 70’s and 80’s! Being competitive every year was something we could only dream about!
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
9:31 pm
Jefferson Lockerman @Jefferson_Lock
@Buster_ESPN you can at least pretend not to be a Braves fan #biasedjournalism
Funny stuff…
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:31 pm
Difference is… Lincecum earned his big deal through performance.
Uggla was….oh forget it.
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:32 pm
Quality start…..
Hate that “stat”
Veer
August 26th, 2012
9:32 pm
i havent seen Hudson throw as hard as he is throwing today.
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
9:32 pm
There should be a rule that George’s reposts don’t count in the official blog counting – how could he have posted more than me?
MikeInFl
August 26th, 2012
9:32 pm
LOL, announcers have forgotten there’s a game going on.
M.V.P.Heyward
August 26th, 2012
9:32 pm
What an inning by Hudson!
David O'Brien
August 26th, 2012
9:32 pm
Lincecum: 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 4 K. 90 pitches
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
9:33 pm
Got Heeeem.
More runs.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:33 pm
Hudson pitching like a 1 1/2.
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:34 pm
CRM300
August 26th, 2012
9:31 pm
BravesFan54, also 66, fan since 1957 world series. We have seen a lot, haven’t we! These new Braves fans who criticize this team have no idea what it was like to be a Braves fan in the 70’s and 80’s! Being competitive every year was something we could only dream about!
**********
not this sometime critic….
I grew up on that 70s and 80s crap. Not easy to forget Rowland Office, Willie M and others.
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
9:35 pm
Yeah, yeah. I’ve been a Braves fan since before they were the Braves. Way back in the 1800’s
ACE
August 26th, 2012
9:35 pm
Jim and Don were whinning earlier about the Sunday night games. They said no team likes them. Breaks your heart doesn’t it?
keyLargo
August 26th, 2012
9:36 pm
I guarantee you Jaun Francisco will get a shot at 3rd base before the Braves pay Prado 3rd year arb money to play 3rd. Is Francisco a sure thing? No, but I think he works hard to improve and will play better as a regular.
As hard nosed as it would be, I would love to see the Braves trade a healthy McCann to the Rays for Paul Shields. 1 year guarantee vs. 2 years at the same price. McCann has been going downhill since 2008 and is not going to be out working with Jaun Francisco this winter.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:36 pm
phil — WIllie Montanez was good! If you want to dig — Luis Gomez, Rpd Gilbreath! YEAH!
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:36 pm
haha Clemens the snake needs to hang it up
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
9:36 pm
Nice eye, Marteenn!
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:36 pm
Lincecum looks different….fatter even.
Veer
August 26th, 2012
9:37 pm
Hersisher saying it out straight out without fear that he thinks Clemens will come back to delay hall of fame voting. Can Hersisher take such risk on national tv and also risk ruining his relationship with Clemens saying outright that he thinks Clemens has other motives
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:37 pm
Let us assume the postseason starts tomorrow, and lets assume the Braves win the division. Who’s in the 3-man rotation?
1. Hudson
2. Medlen/Maholm?
3. Minor/Maholm?
Chris from the Rock
August 26th, 2012
9:37 pm
Why is Cordier still on the 40-man? He have up 4 runs in 1/3 inning for Miss. today, bringing his ERA to 24.00. I know that they don’t want to have just given TONY freakin’ PENA away for nothing, but it’s time to let him go.
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:38 pm
I see vin scully has reupped for another go next yr….
Good for him.
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
9:38 pm
Nice job, Mac!
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:38 pm
1. Hudson
2. Maholm
3. Minor
David from Athens, AL
August 26th, 2012
9:38 pm
McFann glad to see you are OK. Miss you on the blog. I understand … as a strong Jason fan .. I understand you need a break. Hoping Mac will be OK. Bottom line … we are Braves Proud!!!!!!! I have learn to glance at the blog and just read insightful comments and certain bloggers ( you are one)!!! Just love to root for the Braves no matter what!!
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:39 pm
Why is Hinske even close to that conversation?
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
9:39 pm
phil – be careful – you’ll get cab to start waxing rhapsodic about Vin…
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:39 pm
That’s a nice AB for Mac…..glad they can all have fun with this slump….it will help get him out of it perhaps.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
9:39 pm
Prado will be a Brave and they will pay his 3rd year ARB (Estimated 7 mil). He could easily be an everyday player at 3 different positions while also having the ability to play 1st base on occasion, hell even SS in a pinch.
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
9:39 pm
Throwing Clemmons under the bus. Good stuff
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
9:39 pm
Mac talking to Huddy…love that <3
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
9:40 pm
Nice stroke Mac….I could live with Mac hitting like that,If the shoulder hurts,cut back and just hit them liners.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:40 pm
Braves will not win the division though
Bronke
August 26th, 2012
9:41 pm
Hey McFann welcome back! Isn’t it funny you come back and McCann starts heating up again! Hmmm. Don’t go away again
The Braves need the old McCann back again. Away with you imposter McCann!
ACE
August 26th, 2012
9:41 pm
A split here and 2 out of 3 vs the Padres would be nice.
CRM300
August 26th, 2012
9:41 pm
It’s James Shields, KeyLargo, and the Rays will never be able to afford to keep McCann. They would not make that trade. I live in Tampa Bay area.
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:42 pm
Clemens does have other motives….who is he kidding at 50 yrs of age?
And maybe he can pitch. 88 on the gun? Not bad.
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:43 pm
Joe West is a physical wreck….are you kidding me? It’s time, joe. Quit…..please.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
9:43 pm
Juan with a bit more patience and discipline exhibited
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:43 pm
Juans GF must be in right field with the direction he was looking on that swing…
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:43 pm
Takes are just spewing out of phil like San Francisco’s own PL.
ACE
August 26th, 2012
9:44 pm
Vin wants to see another WS in LA.
Veer
August 26th, 2012
9:44 pm
Clemens at 50 throws harder than Hanson who is half his age.
I will take Clemens right now over Hanson. Clemens atleast has a sinker to go along with his 88 fastball.
Hanson and Clemens probably have same stamina level right now so I would look into getting Clemens
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:44 pm
Juan needs to work on that “don’t coil so much” thing. He really winds up before he swings – but…when he connects it’s fun.
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:45 pm
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:40 pm
Braves will not win the division though
********
It’s a shame.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
9:45 pm
@50….???…please–quintessentially tantalizing?
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
9:45 pm
Clemmens is probably still juicing
keyLargo
August 26th, 2012
9:46 pm
I prefer Dick Enberg over Vin Scully but that’s like saying you thought Aaron was better than Mays. ALL were at the top of the giant heap.
CRM300
August 26th, 2012
9:46 pm
90% of you would never stay fans of the Braves if they were losing 90+ games every season like they were in the 70’s and 80’s. Admit it! One post season appearance in all that time and they were swept in that series. You don’t know how good you have it now!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 26th, 2012
9:46 pm
Hey, all! Thanks! Yeah, I dunno—Blog was making me too cranky, and I didn’t like it. Took time off, the Braves stunk, but I didn’t get as mad…
cabravesfan Mac talking to Huddy…love that <3
Yes!
I told Mom it would be funnier if their AVGs were in the .300’s, but it’s good stuff nonetheless…
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
9:47 pm
The only way Vin Scully is not the Dodger announcer is when Vin Scully decides it’s time to call it a career.
IlliniBrave
August 26th, 2012
9:47 pm
Fatcisco just gave us a glimpse of what to expect if he’s a regular in the lineup next year. Occasional massive HR, albeit with no one on base, surrounded by plenty of Ks and grounders.
VaBravesFan said “Next year Francisco’s production will be about the same as Uggla in 2011″. Try more like Uggla in 2012. Check the stats, and you see that they have almost the same strikeout rate, HR rate, RBI rate, etc. Uggs as a higher OBP and OPS – due to more walks, and Fatcisco has a higher BA. And Uggs has a way better glove.
ACE
August 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
Clemens wouldn’t mind a couple more wins to pass Maddux on the all time win list.
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
YANISH!!!
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
OXYGEN! OXYGEN! OXYGEN!
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
Janish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
Yepper Yanish!!
Hmmmm
August 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
Jan the Mon!
M.V.P.Heyward
August 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
Janish!!!!WTG!
Veer
August 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
i have said this before Janish is the best 200 hitter i seen in m life
ACE
August 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
There goes that light hitting SS.
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Brian McCann does not want to use shoulder issue–a cyst–as an excuse. He says others have to be effective playing hurt, and he does, too.
BFChris27
August 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
JANISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:48 pm
That was funny – and Janish w/a bonus – a little offense and 2 more RBI!
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:49 pm
Lol at the Hinske impression by the giants!!
Yanish!!
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:49 pm
What is this? girls softball? Never seen someone run into the wall and fall chasing a rolling ball.. haha
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
9:49 pm
Great! The Braves got this in the bag just in time to watch Breaking Bad!
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:49 pm
CRM300
August 26th, 2012
9:46 pm
90% of you would never stay fans of the Braves if they were losing 90+ games every season like they were in the 70’s and 80’s. Admit it! One post season appearance in all that time and they were swept in that series. You don’t know how good you have it now!
*********
Dude, I’m in Northern California and am a Raiders and Kings fan. I stick with my teams through thick and thin.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:49 pm
Wonder if Janish could play 2B? Probably.
That would be a super middle infield IMO.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
9:49 pm
That was a key hit by Janish. I trust that Hudson can hold a 5-0 lead.
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
9:49 pm
Are we just going to test Huddy’s three run lead statistic or can we…
Janish, well done.
That’s kind of a Got Heeeem! on me right there.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:50 pm
Horrible bunt Huddy
ACE
August 26th, 2012
9:50 pm
It was bad luck that simmons got hurt but the pickup of Janish has been a great move. Great defense and a little offense.
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:50 pm
Bunted it too hard but good call…
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
9:50 pm
Fire Hudson!!!
T-Dawg
August 26th, 2012
9:50 pm
Dumb decision. Really bad coaching call there.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
9:50 pm
I don’t like that call at all. Just let Hudson swing if he fails you still have a runner on 3rd with Bourn up..
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:50 pm
Not a good bunt for the suicide. And there goes Huddy’s avg. Think Mac is ahead again
IlliniBrave
August 26th, 2012
9:50 pm
Little Janish showing “big boy” Juan how to hit with RISP.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:51 pm
BUMB! He should be Booed.
David O'Brien
August 26th, 2012
9:51 pm
I’m amazed they gave Janish a triple on that, instead of the double and error that it was.
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
9:51 pm
Coulda got more, but okay.
ACE
August 26th, 2012
9:52 pm
Citi, those of us who have been around awhile saw the braves get swept in 1969 and 1982 with not much else until 1991 but we are still fans.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
9:52 pm
If one has been a ‘fan’ since 1969…perhaps a switch now would make them even ‘grayer.’
J-MAN
August 26th, 2012
9:52 pm
If you can play SS the most athletic infield position then you can play 3B or 2B. 1B is an athethic position as well but you need to be at least 6 ft 2 to play it. But Janish could play 2nd Base or 3rd Base.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
9:52 pm
A BOMB – Who should be booed?
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:52 pm
Well, Fredi is ‘managing’ more tonight. Hit & Run earlier, getting some SB’s, and the suicide. Keeps the offense moving at least.
Like the idea, execution was poor. Still, it’s 5-0 and Huddy is what, about 455 – 1 w/a five run lead?????
Veer
August 26th, 2012
9:52 pm
5 runs is enough today.
4.5 games out now in the East. A win tomorrow and we are out by 4.0 games with Nationals have way tougher schedule. They play 7 vs Cardinals and 3 vs Dodgers and 6 vs Phillies.
Phillies I consider tough.
We have a shot
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:53 pm
CRM300….you’ve made your point, now.
You win the award tonight for bestest and most loyalistist fan….
Congrats.
Now, since you don’t know what you’re talking about concerning loyal fans, why not just shut it while you’re still ahead.
David O'Brien
August 26th, 2012
9:53 pm
Like Braves odds here? Hudson is 151-6 when he receives 4 or more offensive runs while in game.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
9:53 pm
Hi Ace….I like that mindset brother
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
9:54 pm
I hate it when the brilliant strategy of giving away an out with a hitter who has been perfect at the plate goes awry…
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:54 pm
HUDSON! Booed!
IlliniBrave
August 26th, 2012
9:54 pm
DOB: probably not statistics kept to check on this, but it seems to me that while Bobby called for a lot fewer squeeze plays, they were mostly safety squeezes, whereas Fredi has called for what seems like too many suicides. Just my recollection – which could be very very flawed.
keyLargo
August 26th, 2012
9:54 pm
Sorry CRM300, I have a friend named Paul Shields and he overroad James. James could be the #1 we need THIS year and next. And I would never trade a less than healthy McCannn unless he was demanded by some other team.
ChattTownBrian
August 26th, 2012
9:55 pm
Huddy is ON tonight
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
9:55 pm
Huddy is dealing.
VaBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
9:55 pm
Time for Breaking Bad, cya folks, go Braves!!!
Dan Uggla
August 26th, 2012
9:55 pm
Juan: That’s the best you can do? 454 feet? What a wimp! Pathetic!
MikeInFl
August 26th, 2012
9:55 pm
Also, the Braves are 51-2 when scoring at least 5 runs. Which is amazing.
Even more amazing, the Braves are 46-0 when scoring at least 6 runs. No other team in baseball comes close to that.
oh, and, unjinx.
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
9:55 pm
Take a seat, Angel.
JC Brave
August 26th, 2012
9:56 pm
3 hits allowed?
2 of them infield singles?
Hudson looks great tonight!
Looking like an ace…
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
9:56 pm
“57″ Huddy’s count tonight is amazing
ACE
August 26th, 2012
9:56 pm
Hello Capt. We still remember those lean years at Fulton County with 3000 to 4000 in attendance. Where the attendance went up on the days Knucksie pitched.
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:56 pm
Why is Hudson still out there after that bunt? Boooooooo!
Veer
August 26th, 2012
9:57 pm
Hudson observation
First 55 pitches fastball 91-92
55-60 pitches 88-89 mph
tired
toast
August 26th, 2012
9:57 pm
5 runs is enough today.
4.5 games out now in the East. A win tomorrow and we are out by 4.0 games with Nationals have way tougher schedule. They play 7 vs Cardinals and 3 vs Dodgers and 6 vs Phillies.
Phillies I consider tough.
We have a shot
moronic post from a moronic poster
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
9:57 pm
Clemens probably wants to make a comeback so he can pass Greg Maddux on the all-time wins list. Clemens has 354 and Maddux has 355.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
9:57 pm
UGGLA! wait…..
Bronke
August 26th, 2012
9:58 pm
Hey guys how about about a shout out for Tim Hudson this game so far? Way to go Tim!
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
9:58 pm
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
Question for @mlbbowman and @ajcbraves — when was the last time Hudson threw this well? Really nasty stuff..
Animus
August 26th, 2012
9:58 pm
Prado – has GOT to be the 2012 Braves MVP! Sentimental pick is Chipper, but…the guy has just been great all year.
brian
August 26th, 2012
9:59 pm
Haven’t heard that enought……..all coming together tonight for the braves. Love it
phil
August 26th, 2012
9:59 pm
Prado is something else….the ultimate team guy who does it all….
4.5 back if we hold on and still kicking.
gcs
August 26th, 2012
9:59 pm
Trade Uggla. Prado can play second.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
9:59 pm
@Ace….what? 4.00 a seat in left center with a small bag o nuts.
brian
August 26th, 2012
10:00 pm
Clemens wants to come back so his hall balloting goes another five years in the future.
ACE
August 26th, 2012
10:01 pm
VJ, I knew you would hate that bunt call.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
August 26th, 2012
10:01 pm
James Shields isn’t a #1 pitcher by any normal standard.
brian
August 26th, 2012
10:01 pm
Braves would trade Uggla if they could. Who would take him?
phil
August 26th, 2012
10:01 pm
Seahawks release Terrell Owens…
Braves release Dan Uggla…
I can dream a wee bit.
brian
August 26th, 2012
10:02 pm
Braves would have to take on another bad contract like soriano
Tina
August 26th, 2012
10:02 pm
Prado nice one Uggla couldn’t make that play just keep him on the bench.
CRM300
August 26th, 2012
10:02 pm
I feel your pain, Citi F Jones. Raiders fan also, since the old AFL days. Not much fun right now! What do you mean by that loyalty crack, Phil? Real fans don’t have to prove anything.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:02 pm
Who would take Uggla?
How ’bout dem Sugar Land Skeeters!!!
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
10:02 pm
CRM – Ive been a braves fan since I can remember… Last year when the braves only had to win 1 out of 5 games was enough to make someone turn their backs on em… but were all still here.. now aren’t we…
ACE
August 26th, 2012
10:03 pm
Capt. Those were some great times. Despite the out come of most of the games.
bostonbravo
August 26th, 2012
10:03 pm
the SECOND Uggla comes to Fredi & sticks a fist near his face??? Oh yeah..Uggla is playing.
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
10:03 pm
Orel’s losing it…
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:04 pm
Orel has never been a good announcer in my opinion. But, given a choice between him and Joe Morgan? Orel every time!
MikeInFl
August 26th, 2012
10:05 pm
that’s what she said.
phil
August 26th, 2012
10:05 pm
Heyward and Freeman have been awful tonight….
Why do we keep runnin em out there?
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
10:07 pm
No true, full-time fan could ever turn their backs on a team. I don’t think it’s possible.
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
10:07 pm
Hudson, coming into tonight, with ATL – Before TJ surgery: 54-38, 3.78 ERA in 120 starts – After TJ surgery: 47-24, 3.43 ERA in 95 starts
Veer
August 26th, 2012
10:07 pm
Going into the 7th It will be interesting to keep an eye on Hudson’s fastball velocity. It was 91-92 for the first 5 innings. 6th inning it was 88-89. Sign of fatigue maybe
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
10:07 pm
The Nats have lost way too much this past week for the Braves to still be 5.5 back.
But it’s not a matter of them losing as the Braves not being choke artists.
Cannot have another douchey Monday letdown against the sorry @$$ Padres.
Time to step it up.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
10:07 pm
PHIL – Im pretty sure Heyward has scored 2 of our 5 runs tonight…?
IlliniBrave
August 26th, 2012
10:08 pm
@Animus: given a choice between ANYONE and Joe Morgan I would take the other! Morgan is THE most self-aggrandizing, annoying, “know-it-all” announcer of them all.
JC Brave
August 26th, 2012
10:08 pm
Somewhere, Buster Olney is having an orgasm…
phil
August 26th, 2012
10:08 pm
CRM300 – you started in with the greater fan than thou bs that we’ve all heard 10,000 times here at least. Give it a rest. Not only are you are number one fan, you type well too….
And my dad can beat up your dad…..stupid.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
10:09 pm
Wow. Pence with another cheap hit against the Braves. I really dislike him and his luck against the Braves.
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
10:09 pm
Sawed him off,but trouble is brewing.
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
10:09 pm
Lame and weak.
Come on Tim.
MikeInFl
August 26th, 2012
10:10 pm
firejoemorgan.com is still up, even though it hasn’t been updated in years. Still fun to dig through for golden morganisms.
phil
August 26th, 2012
10:10 pm
Chop shop – just joshing on heyward and fat freddie
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:10 pm
Just checked – BMac is batting .234……Huddy .233 – it’s going to be tight going down the wire between those two
BP starting even though that was a bloop? I guess Fredi wasn’t kidding about patience.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
10:10 pm
Why warm the bullpen… roll it here and let Huddy work!
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
10:10 pm
Nice offense tonight and great work by Huddy…. he must be trying to get back that “Ace” tag from Meds!
Has McFann been around? It’s been a while…. hope she’s okay. But with all the crap and hatred being spewn at BMac lately, I don’t blame her for not posting.
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
10:11 pm
Would that be the sorry Padres who have a 7 game winning streak against teams .500 or better?
phil
August 26th, 2012
10:11 pm
A 4-6-3 would be nice…
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:12 pm
Just a long strike – WHEW
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:12 pm
Def-Con 4
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
10:12 pm
Jesus.
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
10:12 pm
Is Huddy getting tired? Only 70 pitches….
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
10:12 pm
just a long strike
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
10:12 pm
Goodness. That foul ball was crushed. No way the Braves call allow this guy to beat them.
phil
August 26th, 2012
10:12 pm
Yikes…
cricket
August 26th, 2012
10:13 pm
let huddy go on
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:13 pm
Might be time for Mister Roboto to pick one of his now-famous “spots.”
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
10:14 pm
Need a DP timmy!!!!
MikeInFl
August 26th, 2012
10:14 pm
Remember a 5 run lead over the Phils evaporated pretty quick for Timmy a couple of weeks ago. Hopefully he can get through the 7th but I wouldn’t leave him out there too long if it starts unraveling.
phil
August 26th, 2012
10:15 pm
Good nite all….
Pull us through.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
10:15 pm
Double play right here
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:15 pm
Looks like his location is rising – 6 days rest too much I guess. Hoping he can get out of it here. But…gotta dig deep Huddy.
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
10:16 pm
He is starting to miss high in the zone.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
10:17 pm
here comes venters
T-Dawg
August 26th, 2012
10:17 pm
Wow.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:17 pm
Minor would be pulled here.
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
10:17 pm
Double-play time
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
10:18 pm
There is really no reason for Hudson to be tiring. He has only thrown 80 pitches. That bloop turned the tied a bit.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:19 pm
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:17 pm
Minor would be pulled here.
Last couple of times Minor’s been in trouble Fredi let him get out of it on his own.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:19 pm
Why.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
10:19 pm
No throw home?
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:19 pm
Okay…..no shutout but win, win, win……
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
10:19 pm
Let’s get two.
Veer
August 26th, 2012
10:19 pm
Hersischer keeps mentioning Braves bullpen again and again in each of his sentences
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:20 pm
No need to come home – 5 run lead, keep the runner at 2nd. Bourne doesn’t have a great arm anyway.
cricket
August 26th, 2012
10:20 pm
let huddy go one more
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:20 pm
Venters!
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
10:20 pm
Oh, I thought there was only one out.
Let’s get one.
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
10:20 pm
Good job Timmy…..
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:20 pm
Lucky.
Hmmmm
August 26th, 2012
10:20 pm
oh man, that had “I’m going to hit the second base bag and take a funny turn!” written all over it (maybe their luck has turned?)
T-Dawg
August 26th, 2012
10:20 pm
Wheeeeeeew. Nice Timmy.
Veer
August 26th, 2012
10:21 pm
If Bourn threw that to home or cut off man Posey wouldn’t have tagged to score.
Don’t get this move by Bourn. He ruined Huddys shutout
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
10:21 pm
That turned out alright.
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
10:21 pm
Heyward woulda gunned him
MikeInFl
August 26th, 2012
10:22 pm
Geez, Huddie with 60 strikes out of 82 pitches. Talk about pounding the zone.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 26th, 2012
10:22 pm
Thanks, TOBF. You hit the nail on the head—just not worth it most nights these days, unfortunately…
J-MAN
August 26th, 2012
10:22 pm
Huddy did a great job of limiting the damaging……Let him pitch until he gives up another run
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
10:22 pm
It looks like some pretty rough weather in nolie’s area.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:22 pm
Huddy hung a breaker….had a few lapses….he adjusts….fine, not tired–IMO….temps in low 60’s?
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
10:23 pm
Excellent work by Hudson tonight, now we need a clean inning by Venters and hope that we do not have to use Kimbrell tonight, save him for a tighter game.
This is a must win game & the lead is comfortable — for now.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:23 pm
Mike — Look at Halladay and Lee the past 2 days. You think this was good? Check out Halladay yesterday.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:23 pm
God’s speed to Nolieee!
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
10:24 pm
MAC!!!!
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:24 pm
Mac really wants that batting title back from Huddy – and a great idea MAC!!!!!!!!!!!!!
cricket
August 26th, 2012
10:24 pm
holy crap
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:24 pm
Mac…..good strategy
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
10:24 pm
If Bourn threw that to home or cut off man Posey wouldn’t have tagged to score.
Don’t get this move by Bourn. He ruined Huddys shutout
Veer — Bourn made the right play– limited the potential damage.
Kept runners on first and second with a 5-1 lead. Smart safe play.
JC Brave
August 26th, 2012
10:24 pm
Finally!
Great seeing McCann taking advantage of that shift..
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:25 pm
Total waste of an at-bat.
ACE
August 26th, 2012
10:25 pm
VJ, that bunt was just for you.
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
10:25 pm
Brian with the Bunt……Good to see that against the shift.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 26th, 2012
10:25 pm
Speed. Demon.
Just kidding. BMac’s not a demon…
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
10:25 pm
That’s a Got Heeeem! bunt right there.
Maybe Uggla should try to employ that strategy occasionally.
Or like, every at-bat.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
10:25 pm
Bunts by sluggers are such a bad idea….
cough cough
BMac is having him a night
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
10:26 pm
Affelt should be banned from baseball for being a left-handed pitcher who walks Juan Francisco.
J-MAN
August 26th, 2012
10:26 pm
McCann needs to bunt more on that shift his average would be back normal because it would force the defense to play him honest.
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
10:26 pm
Ace – that was not designed to give away free outs…
IlliniBrave
August 26th, 2012
10:27 pm
B-Mac learning somehing maybe?
Veer
August 26th, 2012
10:27 pm
janish the best 209 hitter i have ever seen in my life
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
10:27 pm
Thanks, TOBF. You hit the nail on the head—just not worth it most nights these days, unfortunately…
She lives!!! It’s such a shame that people can’t be nicer in their criticisms….The guy is a total beast when he’s right. Hope he gets it back soon.
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
10:27 pm
A couple of extra insurance runs will help in case we do not get a clean inning from Johnny V.
You never have too many runs in baseball — you play to the end and why is baseball the best game of em all.
One reason is that there is no such thing as running up the score.
I like football but no way does football season replace that every day friend like baseball.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:27 pm
Chipper w/his helmet on? Don’t hurt that oblique man.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:27 pm
Real baseball tonight. Refreshing after that AIRBALLFEST the other night.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
10:28 pm
@mlbbowman They won’t see the blooper or the bunt in the box score. McCann wast starting to feel better Friday. 3 hit game will help his psyche
Kevin McAlpin @KevinMcAlpin
Yeah…next year haha RT @ninja2loco: @KevinMcAlpin the braves need to start Francisco more often, don’t ya think?
Try never, Kevin….
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:28 pm
ESPN camera views great tonight….especially highlighting Chipper…. [@Fredi's expense???]
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
10:29 pm
Big Mac with the wheels!!!
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:29 pm
Look at Mac showing off his speed – first an bunt base hit, now tagging and moving over to third? Wow – impressive.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:29 pm
IlliniBrave
August 26th, 2012
10:29 pm
Is it just my TV, or does B-Mac look like he’s lost a little weight?
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
10:29 pm
CHIPPA CHIPPA CHIPPA
ChattTownBrian
August 26th, 2012
10:30 pm
That is cool
David O'Brien
August 26th, 2012
10:30 pm
Chipper gets a standing ovation when he comes to pinch-hit for Hudson. Classy move by Giants fans. Tips his helmet.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:30 pm
Classy fans.
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
10:30 pm
The more see, the more I believe that Francisco is our third baseman of the future.
Get over it haters. Young man has worked his tail off to improve and deserves to be considered for the future.
I am sure that Chipper has helped him some. Look how he has gotten better since he first got here.
And speaking of the devil — here comes Chipper to a nice ovation.
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
10:30 pm
Classy move by many of the Giants fans- standing ovation for what will probably be Chipper’s last at bat in The City by the Bay
2K91
August 26th, 2012
10:30 pm
BMac showing off the wheels tonight!
Speed never slumps!
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:30 pm
Not worth it here.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
10:30 pm
Nice job, Giants fans… last time we meet until October, maybe
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
10:30 pm
Chipper.
Get a hit.
MikeInFl
August 26th, 2012
10:31 pm
Disgusted, if he shows he can hit LHP, you’ve got something there.
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
10:31 pm
Chipper, shoulda gone deep.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:32 pm
Pretty good swing – guess it wasn’t hurting much. Okay bullpen, shut them down.
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
10:32 pm
A younger Chipper beats that out. He roped it though.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:32 pm
A cognitive highlight for Fredi…[sending Chipper to PH] good cognition skipper
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
10:33 pm
Disgusted, if he (Francisco) shows he can hit LHP, you’ve got something there.
This…. and from what I can see, that swing isn’t helping him… 1-dimensional player right now. Defense ain’t all that great either, just barely adequate.
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
10:34 pm
A younger Chipper beats that out. He roped it though.
So true. And this is why he is calling it a career. Not because he doesn’t have the desire anymore. His body just won’t do what it needs to. No doubt the Old Man can still play this game
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 26th, 2012
10:34 pm
Bat M It looks like some pretty rough weather in nolie’s area.
Yikes! Hope he’s gonna be OK!…
TOBF—
Yeah—some folks just go so overboard. But perhaps tonight will get BMac back to being BMac and they’ll all shut it!…:)
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
10:34 pm
Giants fans can still suck a lime for all I care.
Or bust a rhyme.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:35 pm
Durbin in bottom 8?
IlliniBrave
August 26th, 2012
10:35 pm
@Disgusted: not hater, but see my earlier post. Juan is just a slightly taller and heavier – and poorer fielding – version of Uggla. They have nearly the same stats. Uggs walks more and thus has a higher OBP, and Juan has a higher BA and slightly higher HR rate. Otherwise they are amazingly similar in their production.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
10:36 pm
Kevin McAlpin @KevinMcAlpin
Tim Hudson’s line: 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 82 pitches (60 strikes). Jonny Venters takes over in the 8th for the #Braves.
Nice! just 60 strikes to 22 balls. That’s Medlen territory there! Great ratio.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:37 pm
Here go the nerves again.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:38 pm
@McFann….I think I speak for most….in saying that the well-wishers for Mac’s increased performance on field–and, improved health thereof–outnumber vastly those opposed.
M.V.P.Heyward
August 26th, 2012
10:38 pm
Everyday Jonny !
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:38 pm
Slick.
Nice play by Uggla.
LOL.
Veer
August 26th, 2012
10:38 pm
Would love to see Poet Miguel Batista pitch for us in the 9th with the game already out of hand now
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
10:39 pm
@TOBF — Juan’s defense has been improving and he has made some real good plays as the season has gone.
He is not the same Francisco of early season & he deserves credit for getting better. As long as he keeps it up, why overanalyze the game so long as he is doing the job.
No, he will never be the combo power hitter and OBP guy that Chipper is, but if he plays adequate D and gives good power, I can live with that. And his OPB has gotten better.
I can accept a .310-320 OBP if he give me 25 HR and 90 RBI.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
10:39 pm
JV is looking better… that’s good news.
Veer
August 26th, 2012
10:40 pm
Hanson would have thrown 82 pitches by the 3rd inning.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 26th, 2012
10:40 pm
Capt.Mudd—
Oh yeah—I don’t doubt that at all! It’s just that negative folks everywhere tend to be so much louder…
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:41 pm
Venters is pitching much better down the stretch – just a little hiccup earlier I hope. He’s going to be important the next 6 weeks.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:41 pm
Disgusted — Remember you need to replace a .900 OPS.
And look at all the tough lefties. We already have Rob Deer/Mark Reynolds in Uggla.
Now you want 2 of them?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
10:41 pm
I can accept a .310-320 OBP
Juan ain’t ever approaching that kind of OBP in a season if he’s starting…. esp. since he struggles against lefties. Walks add to OBP, and Juan doesn’t walk.
Veer
August 26th, 2012
10:42 pm
Rooting for the Dodgers to win the Division because Dodgers in the 1 game wildcard playoff will be a tougher opponent for us than the Giants
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
10:42 pm
Yeah—some folks just go so overboard. But perhaps tonight will get BMac back to being BMac and they’ll all shut it!…:)
McFann_
People have been ripping McCann the whole time I have been on this blog. Surprised me when I first started reading the blog. I’m not sure that they were not ripping him even more then. Heap’ll be fine, guys a player.
Gift Check
August 26th, 2012
10:42 pm
Did the Giants not give Chipper a retirement gift of any kind? Are they the only team who hasn’t?
nolie
August 26th, 2012
10:42 pm
looks to me like Francisco has gained a few pounds back
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:44 pm
@Veer…re: 10:40, I don’t know about that number [82]; but most likely he would have ‘veered’ from course.
Veer
August 26th, 2012
10:45 pm
Just because Johnson has the Huddy goatie it doesn’t mean he can be as good a hitter as Huddy.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:45 pm
Kimbrel should be up.
This is a huge fame and 4-5-6 coming up.
Not like Kimbrel has thrown a ton lately.
TBbravesfan
August 26th, 2012
10:46 pm
when was the last time the nats lost 4 straight?
nolie
August 26th, 2012
10:46 pm
they had a celebration for Chipper but I don’t think they gave him anything
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
10:46 pm
I’m getting a little tired of hearing about Giants fans.
I’m pretty sure they weren’t selling out every night when they were losing 80 and 90 games for four years in a row.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:46 pm
Did he say…..’thick in the cap tippin?’
nolie
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
Jason Beastman!!!
M.V.P.Heyward
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
J-Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
HEY JASON!!!
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
Fredi with a WTF look there after JHey’s bunt attempt.
And now we know why!!!
JHEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BFChris27
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
JHey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
BOB ROBERTSON!
MikeInFl
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
Kimbrel should be up.
That’s just a bad idea. You get a good starting performance, score some runs… why get him up if you don’t need to?
JC Brave
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
Heyward is an ANIMAL…
That ball was CRUSHED!
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
Heyward is a player, too.
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
J-Heyyyyyyyyyyy,deeked em with the bunt attempt…..then killed one
M.V.P.Heyward
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
FF!
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
GAWWWD DOES HE SUCK!
Peachstealth
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
J-Ha goes MAMO
BFChris27
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
Freeman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
nolie
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
BtB
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
BACK TO BACK JACKS!!!!!!!!!!!!
FREDDIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bat Masterson
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
Freddie says, me too
MikeInFl
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
Youth is being served.
Brava
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
Holy Cow!!!
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
10:48 pm
FF!!!
JC Brave
August 26th, 2012
10:49 pm
FREEMAN!!!!
Holy guacamolee!!
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:49 pm
Siddown Kimbrel!
cricket
August 26th, 2012
10:49 pm
that’s why sluggers shouldn’t bunt
ChattTownBrian
August 26th, 2012
10:49 pm
See ya! Back to back! Future looking good
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
10:49 pm
That was fun.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:49 pm
A big….Carry On my Heyward Son…………freddy, freddy!!! Yes…those guys are showing out!
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
10:49 pm
Freddieeeeeeeeeeeee
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
10:49 pm
I thought that was a replay..
JASON!
FREDDIEEEEE!!!
CHOP SHOP
August 26th, 2012
10:49 pm
Here we go!
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
10:49 pm
Good thing Kimmie wasn’t expecting a save situation…
njbraves
August 26th, 2012
10:49 pm
These guys are going to be hitting 3 and 4 for a long time.
TNScott
August 26th, 2012
10:49 pm
SAY J-HEY AND FAB 5 BACK-TO-BACK!!!!!!!
IlliniBrave
August 26th, 2012
10:49 pm
@TOBF: Exactly – Francisco is never going to have a .300+ OBP. And I’m not convince that he will have 25 HRs nd 90 RBIs when he has to face all those righties.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
10:50 pm
Something for everyone tonight….bunts, steals and of course for the addicts…homers.
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
10:50 pm
Wow- Freddie was totally pulled in with his arms. Pure muscle on that one
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:50 pm
Huey Lewis & The Bravos
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
10:50 pm
GOT HEEEEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If only it was the playoffs.
Or course it is not.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
10:50 pm
Poor Kimmeh… no save again!
Go Braves…. love the offense, but do save some for tomorrow
Trader Jack
August 26th, 2012
10:51 pm
It’ll be a nice ride down to San Diego tonight
GRAPHITE
August 26th, 2012
10:51 pm
looks like slow pitch softball.hr’s everywhere.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
10:52 pm
@Cabravesfan….hello! How ’bout the boys arriving in SD….Hot?
Veer
August 26th, 2012
10:52 pm
4.5 games out. we actually gained a game by not winning any series in the last 3.
4-6 aganist good teams isn’t that bad
The biggest turning point was vs the Nationals in game 1. If we win that game we would be 2.5 games out now.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
10:52 pm
Kevin McAlpin @KevinMcAlpin
It’s the 3rd time this season the #Braves have gone back-to-back…no surprise here that Jason Heyward’s been a part of all 3!
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
Did you see the Jason Heyward HR? He’s been hitting HR on pitches to that spot all season. Here’s a look–
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
10:52 pm
Disgusted — Remember you need to replace a .900 OPS.
A-Bomb — We are not going to replace a .900 OPS cause guys like Chipper come seldom.
All I am looking for is production & Juan is giving it when he is in there.
I don;t know if he can do it for a full season but for the $$$$$$$$ you pay Juan its worth a try.
And who is out there in FA who could do better than Francisco as of late. You can trade, but the Headley chasers, realisticly, that new ownership is building around Headley so he prolly is not available.
We are going to have to develop and find another Chipper — and you can find players in the late first round — Mike Trout for example.
Good luck to the scouting dept.
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
10:52 pm
It’ll be a nice ride down to San Diego tonight
A nice happy SHORT flight to San Diego
nolie
August 26th, 2012
10:52 pm
well we dodged a bullet with Isaac, good luck to folks wherever it touches down
Peachstealth
August 26th, 2012
10:52 pm
How many HR’s have the Braves hit in this series and how many have the Giants hit all year?
BF54
August 26th, 2012
10:53 pm
Great game we are on the warpath now!!!
Brava
August 26th, 2012
10:53 pm
Fredi sure does use CMart a lot.
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
10:53 pm
CaptainMudd-
I hope so. Would be nice to see 2 wins
ChattTownBrian
August 26th, 2012
10:54 pm
What is it with this team anyways? They can look like zombies on offense for stretches and then look like they can give any pitcher the runs for another stretch. I know they’re guys like Heyward and Freeman who are young and learning still, which explains the inconsistancies, but it it seems like the whole lineup goes up or down together at the same time.
Just stay more level with this good stuff and we’re a serious threat to any team.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
10:54 pm
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
Did you see the Jason Heyward HR? He’s been hitting HR on pitches to that spot all season. Here’s a look– https://yfrog.com/0h61rjp:iphone
Kevin McAlpin @KevinMcAlpin
Jason Heyward is now hitting .395 (15-for-38) with 6 HR and 12 RBI in 10 career games at AT&T Park. Insane! #Braves
Heyward ain’t a franchise player….
Animus
August 26th, 2012
10:54 pm
Woulda rather seen Bautista in the game here. He got called up for a reason, and CMart has been in a bunch of games lately.
cricket
August 26th, 2012
10:54 pm
Francisco is never going to have a .300+ OBP
really? he has .297 OBP in sporadic ABs. his career OBP in majors is .315
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
10:55 pm
How many HR’s have the Braves hit in this series and how many have the Giants hit all year?
The Giants have 20 at home this year. The Braves have hit…6? I think…in this series
JC Brave
August 26th, 2012
10:55 pm
Wow- Freddie was totally pulled in with his arms. Pure muscle on that one
I honestly don’t know how he manages to do that without even pulling the ball…
He looks so goofy you wouldn’t think he has that kinda strength.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
10:55 pm
Fredi sure does use CMart a lot.
Too much…
nolie
August 26th, 2012
10:57 pm
if he plays regularly against lefties, he will be pretty unlikely to have a 300 OBP, if he platoons then he might do that
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
10:57 pm
The only prospective third baseman available in FA that I woud want is David Wright and our coprorate boys are not likely going to choose to afford him.
It would be nice, but …..
Most likely we are going to make do with what we have.
If you do not agree that is fine, I welcome alternatives. I can take disagreement, believe me.
Anyway, a great night and a nice bounce back in this series.
ChattTownBrian
August 26th, 2012
10:57 pm
Orel obviously doesn’t realize that Martinez has been used a ton by his manager, so he’s probably getting tired.
nolie
August 26th, 2012
10:58 pm
Orel my homeboy, fellow alum. youngun though…
MikeInFl
August 26th, 2012
10:59 pm
really? he has .297 OBP in sporadic ABs. his career OBP in majors is .315
And that’s facing almost exclusively RH pitching (292 to 64 PA’s). Check his line against lefties.
Now, I’ll grant you that 64 plate appearances is not enough to pass final judgment. But the early returns aren’t promising.
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
10:59 pm
Nolie — we will know only if he plays.
You all might be right but I choose to give Juan the benefit of the doubt for now.
The young man seems to have a work ethic so he can get better at taking a W and working on his weaknesses.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
11:00 pm
I’m personally tipping my sombrero now
Brava
August 26th, 2012
11:00 pm
CMart has to be tited. It’s seems like he pitches every other night.
cricket
August 26th, 2012
11:01 pm
are we really complaining about CMart’s workload? must be a good day at park.
Brava
August 26th, 2012
11:01 pm
Tired.
nolie
August 26th, 2012
11:01 pm
Kimbrel?
Perfect Chop
August 26th, 2012
11:01 pm
kimbrel looks annoyed does nt he?
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
11:02 pm
Juan sees a few more dollar signs in the horizon….he is trying to ‘get there!’
nolie
August 26th, 2012
11:02 pm
he looks fatter tonight than he has recently Disgusted. If so he deserves to be booed…..
T-Dawg
August 26th, 2012
11:02 pm
No reason for Kimbrel yet.
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
11:02 pm
Christian, lock it down.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
11:02 pm
Fredi – I’ve liked all your decision tonite except the final one. NO WAY Kimbrel needs to be throwing tonight. At least not yet – six run lead???
BFChris27
August 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
Braves win and is now 4.5 back
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
Francisco is never going to have a .300+ OBP
really? he has .297 OBP in sporadic ABs. his career OBP in majors is .315
Facing a lot of righties…. put him in against lefties, and starting daily, it’ll drop. A .235/.265 line wouldn’t be too far out of the realm of possibility
IlliniBrave
August 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
@nolie: that’s what I was trying to say, but I said “righties” when I meant “lefties”. Francisco’s stats are a very inflated because he has been used primarily against righties.
TBbravesfan
August 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
yes
nolie
August 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
showed our sorry asses on ESPN just like so many asserted. too bad…
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
Nice W on the big stage tonight!!!!!!!!
Tomahawk Mafia
August 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
It is good to have a win on ESPN. First time in quite a while that they have won on there and they were able to avoid looking like crap.
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
Mike in FL — All I want to do isgive this guy a chance and its not like our ownership is going to pony up the cash to get a David Wright type.
This Free Agent class is not that great so if you can try to fill in needs from within that is the first option.
There are alot of mediocre players that will be available. Trades are another thing but why trade if you might not have to.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
Great finish, and we need more in SD guys!!!
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
Atta boy.
Brava
August 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
Whew. Bless your heart, CMart.
Braves win!
Long time Braves fan in San Francsico
August 26th, 2012
11:03 pm
I have to give the Braves props for bouncing back the past two games. After looking lethargic the first two games of the series…we stepped up and stopped the bleeding. Winning these past two games was basically a 4 game swing (instead of the Giants gaining two more games on us…we negated the two games they gained on us during the first 2 games of the series by winning the last 2 games of this 4 game series).
With Washington getting swept by Philly, we need to put some pressure on them by continuing to win. We have an upcoming 3 game series against the Padres that is a must win against a bad Padres team.
Citi F. Jones
August 26th, 2012
11:04 pm
Great Job, Bravos
nolie
August 26th, 2012
11:04 pm
I figgered Illini
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
11:05 pm
@Disgusted…I agree/regarding Juan plight
Animus
August 26th, 2012
11:05 pm
Short flight – high socks and we gotta stop the Padres winning streak against +.500 teams! Looked good tonight.
Maybe Uggla will have a better outlook on his at bats, going to need him to start helping with the offense.
M.V.P.Heyward
August 26th, 2012
11:05 pm
Great work by Huddy & get some timely hit.
Good for the Bravos!!!
IlliniBrave
August 26th, 2012
11:05 pm
@TOBF: I think he’ll have similar production as Uggs – as earlier posters had said. And bloggers will then NOT be happy
richbrave
August 26th, 2012
11:05 pm
Enter your comments here
cricket
August 26th, 2012
11:06 pm
Now, I’ll grant you that 64 plate appearances is not enough to pass final judgment.
i actually agree but to be fair he hasn’t gotten enough chance to prove / improve against lefties at this level. also, he would face mostly righties if he was a regular as most of the pitchers (and people) are righties. i was just pointing out that betting the house that he will never hit .300 OBP is a bet i personally would not make. anyway, let us see what role he ends up with next year.
MikeInFl
August 26th, 2012
11:06 pm
Well, Disgusted. I’ve got to think there are at least one or two options between “David Wright” and “Juan Francisco,” lol. Hey, sign Scott Rolen for a year, and keep Juan in the same role, filling in for the old guy… then we can revisit this next year at this time.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
11:06 pm
Kevin McAlpin @KevinMcAlpin
Tim Hudson has won his last 7 decisions, and the #Braves are 9-1 in his last 10 starts. Huddy’s ERA over that span is 3.19 (22 ER / 62 IP)
Kevin McAlpin @KevinMcAlpin
The #Braves have now won 17 of Tim Hudson’s 22 starts this season. Huddy has now won 6 straight against the Giants (dating to 2006)
BillShanks @BillShanks
Hudson with ATL – Before TJ surgery: 54-38, 3.78 ERA in 120 starts – After TJ surgery: 48-24, 3.40 ERA in 96 starts. Now 194 career wins
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
11:07 pm
Matt Chernoff @RealMattlanta
Braves win…#Braves win…Braves win. Huddy huge & the offense has a pulse again. Atl won’t see another .500 team til Sept.14th vs the Nats
Let’s get on a tear boys!
cricket
August 26th, 2012
11:07 pm
giants blog – fun place
http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/2012/8/26/3270656/new-thread
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
11:08 pm
Uggla does not have a bad OBP in spite of his lack of productivity since June.
CaptainMudd
August 26th, 2012
11:09 pm
@Noliee….really weird how those Quasi-Prophets elope when the tide turns!
IlliniBrave
August 26th, 2012
11:09 pm
Boy, what a letdown on ESPN. Going from the Braves to LLWS. Who really cares about this crap?! Only bowling might be less interesting.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 26th, 2012
11:09 pm
Wow, that was a good game!! Can’t wait to read quotes tomorrow—I bet Timmy will have some good ones!…
Bat M. People have been ripping McCann the whole time I have been on this blog. Surprised me when I first started reading the blog. I’m not sure that they were not ripping him even more then. Heap’ll be fine, guys a player.
Yep. Folks ripping BMac is what got me started on this thing back in Nov. 2007. It’s really odd—but yeah, he’s gonna get outta this and be the Comeback Player of the Year in 2013!!
Ah well—time for bed. Was nice chattin’ with some of y’all again—maybe I won’t be such a stranger this week…:)
Night, all!!! Great night for the Braves, VERY good night for BMac/Timmy!!
addy
August 26th, 2012
11:13 pm
Hi
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
11:13 pm
Uggla does not have a bad OBP in spite of his lack of productivity since June.
Because he walks…. something Juan doesn’t do…. who knows, looking at him, he might not run either
(sorry, I couldn’t resist!)
he’s (McCann) gonna get outta this and be the Comeback Player of the Year in 2013!!
And get a Gold Glove, and a Silver Slugger, and All-Star, All-Star MVP, MVP of the Year, Batting Title Champ…
Night, McFann
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
11:14 pm
Mike in FL — Scott Rolen is probably done, he has not done much this yr now Youklis has something left but he will look for more than a yr.
Youk may want to be a CWS anyway, its worked for him there.
Would have liked Scott Rolen — a few yrs ago. LF is not so attractive either.
addy
August 26th, 2012
11:14 pm
ooo la la !!!
cricket
August 26th, 2012
11:15 pm
4.5
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
11:15 pm
I absolutely am on board with the “spot picking.”
How about tomorrow vs. Casey Kelly. This is the closest I’ve had to a vacation this year.
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
11:15 pm
OBP is a nice stat but its not the end all and be all.
I will take extra base hits and production anyday. And I would rather go one for 4 with 2 RBI’s than 3 for 4 and get left on base three times.
MikeInFl
August 26th, 2012
11:15 pm
Rolen’s been pretty strong since he came off the dl in June. But, I’m really not pushing for him (at all). I still want Headley.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
11:17 pm
Wouldn’t mind Pagan either — switch hitter, cheaper. Good alternative.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
11:20 pm
BillShanks @BillShanks
RT @stupup74: @BillShanks @wdeeker Huddy will be an interesting Case for HOF if he keeps win % up there and gets to 225-230 wins – I agree
Thoughts?
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
11:21 pm
I want Headley too, but with the new SD ownership, there has to be energy there & if you can get him fine, but if I am SD I want a ton.
You want to sell high. And why would I really want to move him unless someone blows me away with a stupendous offer.
As for Pagan, I can take him for CF for 2 yrs. Heyward, Pagan and Marteen — I can live with that
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
11:23 pm
BillShanks @BillShanks
J.R. Graham w/ another solid start in AA for ATL. Now has a 2.90 ERA in AA and a 2.71 ERA overall in 143 IP this season. Very good potential
Yeah! I’m hugging this prospect, don’t let him get away.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
11:23 pm
Hudson? HOF?
When local yokels bring it up, forget it. It’s biased.
Would you hear that guy Shanks (never heard him) promoting say, Cliff Lee?
Animus
August 26th, 2012
11:24 pm
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
11:17 pm
Wouldn’t mind Pagan either — switch hitter, cheaper. Good alternative.
He’s a free agent next year and I think he’ll get some looks. He’s a good player with some pretty fair numbers. If the Braves get priced out of Bourn, he’d definitely be a viable alternative. Probably around Prado price. Not a bad idea.
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
11:25 pm
Thoughts
If I wanted to follow Bill Shanks I would…
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
11:25 pm
Graham. Santa Clara. Stud. 2014.
Mitchell
August 26th, 2012
11:25 pm
17. Doesn’t sound like a lot but if any team can make it seem hopelessly unreachable it’s our Atlanta Braves.
90 wins almost without fail guaranteed a wild card pre-2012. Now it’s probably like 87 or 88.
I’d like to think we can do better than that but I’d hate to win 96 games only to lose to another 90 win Cardinal team.
That said you’d rather play them than anybody given automatic home field advantage and the fact that Barry Zito doesn’t pitch for them.
Then again it’s a playoff like game at Turner Field.
This is what they get for blowing it last year. There’s no backing in to the post-season this time.
A Huffin' and A Puffin'
August 26th, 2012
11:25 pm
Francisco is half again as fat as Mac
Semper Fi Braves fan
August 26th, 2012
11:26 pm
Best thing BMac did today was the bunt single to beat the shift. His RBI single in the 1st was a broken bat weak flare. (Obviously jammed)
Uggla sitting, JHey hitting, Bourn running, and Huddy Dealing… sounds like a winning formula to me!
It’s easy to manage a great ball club when you’re leading by 6.
cricket
August 26th, 2012
11:27 pm
11. The player leading the National League in steals also is the UZR champion.
UZR is Ultimate Zone Rating, one of the two most well-known defensive metrics, along with Defensive Runs Saved (DRS). Neither is particularly renowned for its accuracy, though both tend to agree that Michael Bourn is mighty good in center field for the Atlanta Braves.
In fact, UZR has a Bieber-level crush on the entire Braves outfield. Bourn ranks first in baseball with 17.2 runs saved this season, Jason Heyward is second with 16.8 runs and Martin Prado is 12th with 10.3 runs.
.
.
25. The worst player in baseball is …
We always save the worst for last because sabermetrics isn’t always about celebrating achievements and accomplishments. Numbers give us something tangible with which we can judge a player against his peers, against his predecessors, against Babe Ruth if we truly want. The preferred tool today is Wins Above Replacement. FanGraphs and Baseball-Reference both have proprietary versions; each is marred by its inclusion of defensive metrics but good enough to give a decent idea of what’s what.
And they agree: The worst player in baseball this year is Kansas City outfielder Jeff Francoeur.
FanGraphs says he has been worth -1.7 WAR, which means by using a replacement-level player – some bum from Triple-A – the Royals actually would have won two more games. B-R is even harsher: The site has Francoeur at -3.0 WAR, which ranks as the 11th-worst season for an offensive player since 1901.
With a dreadful August and September, Francoeur could threaten the season both sites agree is the worst ever: Jerry Royster’s 1977 with Atlanta, a -3.7 FanGraphs and -4.1 B-R debacle. The utilityman hit .216/.278/.288 and, the metrics say, played brutal defense. Francoeur isn’t that bad, at .240/.287/.372, with a major league-leading 14 outfield assists, but as Wil Myers sits at Triple-A with a .311/.389/.603 line, 35 home runs and the title of best hitting prospect in the minors, it cannot be anything short of maddening for Royals fans to swallow where part of the cost of their ticket will go.
Kansas City owes Francoeur $6.75 million in 2013.
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/25-things-you-didn-t-know-about-baseball.html
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
11:28 pm
BillShanks @BillShanks
RT @LeeKillian: @BillShanks Chance Francisco takes over at 3rd next year? Or Prado? – I’d go w/ Francisco & I think it’s very possible
No!!!!!
It Would be on the Scoreboard
August 26th, 2012
11:29 pm
WTG Frenchy, I knew you could excel
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
11:29 pm
It is so not worth the brain cells I would have to expend to try to figure out what Mitchell is complaining about this time…
richbrave
August 26th, 2012
11:30 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
DSL and GCL
Season complete
DANVILLE
D-Rookies are mashed 15-7 by the CARDINALS in a 34 hit slug-fest
Lead-off SS JOSE PERAZA [.284 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 SB [14], 1 SO
Soph C NICK DeSANTIAGO [.263 BA] 3-5, 2 R, 2 2B [10], 4 RBI [14], 2 E [4, throwing, missed catch].
Rookie RF BLAKE BROWN [.206 BA] 2-5, 3 RBI [20], 1 CS [4], 1 SO.
Rookie 2B LEVI HYAMS [.253 BA] 3-5, 2 R.
3B SETH MORANDA [.267 BA] 2-5, 1 SO, 1 E [2, fielding, throwing]..
DH CARLOS FRANCO [.274 BA] 1-4, 2 SO.
1B CASEY KALENKOSKY [.231 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 SO.
LF ED SANCHEZ [.251 BA] 1-3, 1 BB.
The starting pitching was bad, really bad 2.0 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 2 ER by RHSP WILLIAMS PEREZ [L 4-3, 4.15 ERA]
However, the relief was great. Three innings of four hit shut-out ball by RHRP ZACH JADOFSKY [1.95 ERA].
Three more reliefers all allowed earned runs in their brief stints
Even Crazier
August 26th, 2012
11:31 pm
Shanks is a moron anyway, but if he thinks they are going to cut back on Prado’s at bats to plat Francouer regularly, he is even crazier than I thought
derek k
August 26th, 2012
11:32 pm
Wow McCann actually bunted the ball down the 3b line!! bout time you start doin that!!! great win braves keep mo mo going full steam ahead!!! Jhey and Fre carry us guys, carry us!
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
11:35 pm
School’s starting in San Diego. I can get Uggla to a couple of frat parties over the next few days at San Diego State.
David O'Brien
August 26th, 2012
11:35 pm
Very upbeat clubhouse afterward. Highlight: D.Ross came over while we were interviewing McCann, blew his nose on back of Mac’s shirt.
David O'Brien
August 26th, 2012
11:37 pm
McCann shouted, “Nice game, Huddy,” to which Hudson (2 hits) replied, “I pitched pretty good, too.”
tiger297
August 26th, 2012
11:37 pm
just running some models…how about this scenario…LA & Cardinals tied at end of regular season – cardinals after playing a night game fly from st louis to LA for a play in game (no day off)…winner flys to atlanta for the wild card game again with no day off-they would finish playing a baseball game at what 1:30 eastern then fly across the country to start another baseball game 17 hours later (just hope we dont end up as the traveling team in that scenario)
richbrave
August 26th, 2012
11:37 pm
A BOMB:
Spent Christmas week at Pacific Beach in 1986. Seems the mix of folks was about the same then. Boy, I was in my prime then. The beach was smooth, flat, and firm. Only place where I jogged two miles in reverse and two mile regularly. Great to strengthen the feet, ankles, and calves. I’d give a lot now to get that feeling of strength and exhilaration back for a day.
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
11:38 pm
Hudson? HOF?
A-Bomb — If he pitches into his mid 40’s and has another 20 W season you have to think about it.
A big impactful post season run won’t hurt either.
Part of the allure of Smoltz was his post season record (not all of it but a signifigant part of it).
nolie
August 26th, 2012
11:38 pm
DOB comes through with yet another win again!!!
Animus
August 26th, 2012
11:38 pm
I like to hear the clubhouse is so loose – sounds like the guys are having fun, which usually results in better team play!!! Bring to to SD – a sweep would be sweet.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
11:39 pm
richbrave — My oldest son lived right on the beach before graduating from State in May. Talk about a college experience.
Some of it was nice, but holy crap kids today…
But there are a lot of nice sights, if you know what I mean….
David O'Brien
August 26th, 2012
11:40 pm
Hudson had 2 hits and is 10-for-32 (.313) with five RBIs in his past 16 games.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
11:40 pm
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
#Braves pitcher Hudson also had 2 hits and is 10-for-32 (.313) with five RBIs in his past 16 games.
Put Huddy in LF and let Prado start at 2nd? LOL
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
11:40 pm
Disgusted — Not saying impossible.
But how many pitchers make it WITHOUT winning a Cy Young Award?
cricket
August 26th, 2012
11:40 pm
DOB comes through with yet another win again!!!
when will he be made to answer for those 55 losses dammit?
Animus
August 26th, 2012
11:41 pm
Kevin McAlpin @KevinMcAlpin
44s
Giants fans were just starting the “Whats the matter with Heyward…he’s a bum” chant as he homered. #Braves players having a field day w/it
That’s how you shut up opposing fans
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
11:41 pm
This is about the time of yr when school should start — not the first week of August.
Should be from the day after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day. GIve kids their summers back.
If kids want to study in the Summer it should be voluntary. Keep the politicians and state regulators out of eductaion. To Hell with CRCT tests. Hell, I dn;t remember a single question on any of those tests I took anyway.
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
11:41 pm
Wins: 77 – Nats, Reds 75 – Rangers 74 – Yanquis 73 – Braves
Damn, the Braves are pathetic…
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
11:42 pm
Just went and checked out the Giants blog….I think some of our bloggers are pulling double duty.
You could cut and paste some post and just replace giants with braves.
tiger297
August 26th, 2012
11:42 pm
rich – yeah the 2 years of work it takes to get that feeling for a day just make it difficult to get there
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
11:42 pm
BTW Disgusted — Here comes the Heyward power…..Now since we’ve been in San Francisco, does that remind you of anyone?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
11:42 pm
Kevin McAlpin @KevinMcAlpin
Giants fans were just starting the “Whats the matter with Heyward…he’s a bum” chant as he homered. #Braves players having a field day w/it
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
11:43 pm
But how many pitchers make it WITHOUT winning a Cy Young Award?
Nolan Ryan, Bert Blyleven. That is two off the topof my head I can think of.
Juan Marichal. Don Sutton and Phil Niekro. Early Wynn.
Disgusted
August 26th, 2012
11:45 pm
A-Bomb — I get the Mc Covey comparisons and hey, who knows.
He has taken a big step this yr. Could wind up with 30 bombs.
Venice Jim
August 26th, 2012
11:45 pm
Anything to do with McCovey Cove?
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
11:46 pm
OK — but it puts them closer to OUT than IN.
If you don’t win one you better have some other major milestones to sway the stuffy sportswriters.
Animus
August 26th, 2012
11:46 pm
Weren’t the Padres on a long winning streak when they came into Atlanta earlier this month? And after losing the first game the Braves took the next 3?
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
11:47 pm
Yeah — Heyward before 25. He’s now ahead of McCovey.
I don’t get the Winfield stuff, but everyones entitled.
He’s getting his power. And that’s great news for the Braves.
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
11:50 pm
And I hope Gonzalez picks his “spots” like Cox picked his nose.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 26th, 2012
11:50 pm
Off to bed, good night all.
Go Braves, Peace.
Kat
August 26th, 2012
11:53 pm
Safe travels to San Diego DOB. Hopefully the gorgeous weather of today is maintained while the Braves are in town — but it’s SD so I’m guessing this weather is the norm.
Bravefaninok
August 26th, 2012
11:53 pm
Chipper Jones @RealCJ10
Way to go Bravos! Huddy was filthy, Jhey and Free went #yaya and the Roadrunner went #eldiablo!! Good split, now off to Diego 2 end it rite
The A Bomb
August 26th, 2012
11:53 pm
Weather: Warm this week.
cabravesfan
August 26th, 2012
11:54 pm
Kat-
I can promise you, this weather is the norm
tiger297
August 26th, 2012
11:55 pm
when its sleepy time down south…
The A Bomb
August 27th, 2012
12:09 am
Again – suggestion to all the San Diego travelers —
PHIL’S BBQ. Closed Monday. Best BBQ in SoCal by far. BBQ sauce is crazy good. Get the El Torro or the Broham sandwich. Onion rings have their own gravitational pull.
Take note DOB.
Don’t get caught up in the overpriced GasLamp stuff.
Located right by the San Diego Sports Arena. CLOSED TOMORROW
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55JQzeuohtI
David O'Brien
August 27th, 2012
12:09 am
Hudson was hilarious in his postgame interview. Asked about his two hits: “The second hit was obviously sun-aided. But that’s smart hitting. You’ve got to it where the sun is, ya know? I’ve done that before.”
CaptainMudd
August 27th, 2012
12:11 am
……and to all a goodnight.
Bat Masterson
August 27th, 2012
12:23 am
Good stuff, David. Thanks
Bat Masterson
August 27th, 2012
12:25 am
The Giants blog is a trip. It’s true many, many of the comments are the same. It would take some getting used to trying to read it though.
The A Bomb
August 27th, 2012
12:25 am
I figured if DOB wasn’t out there taking pictures of McCovey Cove things have loosened up a bit for everyone involved.
Ward
August 27th, 2012
12:28 am
Hello everyone! Nice win, and great job by Huddy, and good job by Mac tonight. That’s how you get out of the shift. Great homers by Francisco, Heyward, and Freeman.
Ward
August 27th, 2012
12:30 am
All in all, nice come back to even the series at 2 games apiece. Now Padres, and just take it one game at a time.
Bat Masterson
August 27th, 2012
12:31 am
Glad to see you did not drown at the lake, Ward.
You know McCann has bunted like that before, right.
Ward
August 27th, 2012
12:36 am
Bat – Always good to take time out, and enjoy the air, and have fun in the water. Cool off, and have a good day.
Ward
August 27th, 2012
12:39 am
You can get too caught up in everything, and it’s good to stay calm in all this.
Bat Masterson
August 27th, 2012
12:40 am
True, Ward.
Been playing any golf?
Trey
August 27th, 2012
12:41 am
I hope the kind folks from this blog, in CA, are all okay, from that earthquake.
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:43 am
Fare thee well, blogsters! Nice to win a couple of games after losing 16 out of the last 17 (not sure of the stat – based on interpolating certain commenters)…
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:43 am
Earthquake?
Ward
August 27th, 2012
12:44 am
Next month will play a some golf.
Bat Masterson
August 27th, 2012
12:45 am
So long, VJ. Have a good trip.
David O'Brien
August 27th, 2012
12:45 am
Hudson sharp, Heyward and Freeman homer again as Braves split with Nats (UPDATED game story)
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/26/hudson-sharp-as-braves-win-split-series-in-s-f/
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:46 am
Dozens of small to moderate earthquakes struck southeastern California on Sunday, knocking trailer homes off their foundations, shattering windows and rattling nerves in a small farming town east of San Diego.
The largest quake, at 1:57 p.m., registered at a magnitude 5.5 and was centered about three miles northwest of the town of Brawley, said Robert Graves, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey. Another quake about an hour and a half earlier registered at magnitude 5.3.
Did not notice here – I assume my daughter’s house is still intact down thataways, or she would have mentioned it on Facebook…
Bat Masterson
August 27th, 2012
12:46 am
Next month? Isn’t that winter in Montana?
David O'Brien
August 27th, 2012
12:46 am
Bravos quotage after the split
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/08/27/braves-quotes-after-sundays-win-against-giants/
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:47 am
I’ll be around for 36 more hours before the 2 hour trip, but thanks!
The A Bomb
August 27th, 2012
12:48 am
5.5 quake. Child’s play
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:48 am
Thanks, DOB! cabravesfan and I will be looking for you Tuesday and Wednesday…
Ward
August 27th, 2012
12:49 am
VJ – Braves did well to bounce back, but we need to take it game by game, and just be calm. No, way I’m going to get too excited, but I am well pleased, and happy with 4.5 games back at the moment. We have Pradres, Philly, and Nats coming up, so we will see what happens after this stretch of games? Plus, we have the last 3 games with the Pirates. Game by game.
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:49 am
A Bomb – exactly…
The A Bomb
August 27th, 2012
12:49 am
My son felt nothing Venice Jim.
Hmmmm
August 27th, 2012
12:50 am
If things are finally starting to go the Braves way, maybe this could be a good week for them in the NL East (assuming they don’t pull out a huge letdown in the Pads series):
Monday: take advantage of the Nats off day, gain a half game.
Tues-Wed: Nats are playing the Fish, another NL East team they’re not playing as good as they’re playing the Braves (and only slightly better than the Phils)
Thurs: Braves are off while the Nats have to play the Cardinals, another possible half game in the standings to gain (Cardinals will probably be pitching Jaime Garcia, who hasn’t been great this year; but their offense will be facing Average Edwin Jackson)
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:50 am
Ward – I could not have phrased it any …better?…similarly?….cogito ergo sum?…
Ward
August 27th, 2012
12:50 am
Good to have The Wild Card, but would be happy to see the Braves play well down the stretch.
Trey
August 27th, 2012
12:50 am
Sorry, earthquakes.
http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/series-of-earthquakes-rattle-1506858.html
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:52 am
There’s a rattle and hum…
The A Bomb
August 27th, 2012
12:52 am
Trey — If it’s not 6.0 or above, it’s probably not really a big deal. Each point on the Richter Scale is exponential.
Trey
August 27th, 2012
12:53 am
While they may be moderate, they are huge to me, since I’m not used to earthquakes.
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:54 am
Relatively long day tomorrow – 9 – 2:30, followed by 6:30 – 10:30 – time in the middle to pack for San Diego and nap…
The A Bomb
August 27th, 2012
12:55 am
Now I’ve been through a tropical storm, and I’ll take the moderate earthquake. Those things are insanely scary.
Although the ‘94 Northridge quake soiled my diapers as well. As did San Fernando in 1971.
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:55 am
Trey – first one I experienced was in ‘92, long before moving here – I have yet to be overly impressed the past 3 years…
ChattTownBrian
August 27th, 2012
12:56 am
Why does McCann have to say things like Huddy is great in big games. No he isn’t.
Ward
August 27th, 2012
12:56 am
It’s not a big deal, until you see the whole California fall into the ocean on the news.
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:56 am
Been through many hurricanes and tropical storms – always fortunate enough not to be in the worst part…
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:58 am
CTB – seriously, do you have to grumble after a nice win like that? We know you hate Hudson, but should Mac say that he feels as similarly hateful as you do?
Trey
August 27th, 2012
12:58 am
The A Bomb and VJ,
Yeah, but I’ve never dealt with an earthquake, so I’d probably freak out.
The A Bomb
August 27th, 2012
12:58 am
‘94 destroyed I-5 up here. Awful.
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:58 am
Of course, you are much more knowledgeable about baseball than he is…
The A Bomb
August 27th, 2012
12:59 am
Trey — You probably would. No offense,
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
12:59 am
After all, look at all of your MLB catching experience…
Trey
August 27th, 2012
12:59 am
Ward, no piece of land is going to fall into the ocean.
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
1:00 am
I mean, Hudson’s MLB record is pathetic compared to 98% of all other pitchers…
Trey
August 27th, 2012
1:00 am
Why would I be offended, The A Bomb? I openly admitted that I’d freak out.
Ward
August 27th, 2012
1:00 am
Could history repeat itself in New Orleans?
Ward
August 27th, 2012
1:01 am
Trey – Watch the history channel on that. It’s been predicted, but slow to coming, as of yet……
nolie
August 27th, 2012
1:02 am
scary stuff, cause all of a sudden they are there, no time for preparation or safety.
I hate hurricanes and tornadoes but I really hate earthquakes
ChattTownBrian
August 27th, 2012
1:02 am
Venice, you just put a smile on my face. I needed that. Haven’t had many of those in the last few days.
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
1:03 am
CTB – I feel horrible about what you have gone through…
D from Charleston, SC
August 27th, 2012
1:04 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?? Old favs like how to score Hank Aaron seats for UNDER $50 and eat&drink for FREE at Turner! All at http://bravesbanter.com/…. Don’t Stop the Chop!!!
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
1:04 am
The Braves need to be a place of enjoyment right now…
nolie
August 27th, 2012
1:05 am
CTB, I picked up that something bad seems to have happened to you recently, but I did not see what it was. My condolences and best wishes though
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
1:05 am
Worst thing I have ever experienced, I played softball that night, because, there was nothing else i could do to help the horrible situation, so I did what others expected of me (they did not know)…
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
1:06 am
Later, guys!
Ward
August 27th, 2012
1:08 am
VJ – Have have good one! Be cool…..
ChattTownBrian
August 27th, 2012
1:10 am
nolie, we lost our baby at just 16 weeks. God wanted him more. We’re just now starting to process all this, but we will get though it. Thank you by the way.
haggard
August 27th, 2012
1:11 am
That’s some “pretty work”DOB,(as the old timers would say after a solo made ‘em weep); a clubhouse which makes me believe this team is not doubting its’ talent and looking for reasons to invite another September swoon. Something tells me there are fish tacos and an adult beverage or two just down the interstate.
nolie
August 27th, 2012
1:14 am
I’m real sorry to hear that Brian, I suffered the same loss at a little earlier age and I know it is devastating. Our marriage collapsed under the pain
I wish you the very best and will pray for y’all.
The A Bomb
August 27th, 2012
1:15 am
Venice Jim — 2 hours to San Diego? I’m calling the CHP.
Ward
August 27th, 2012
1:15 am
Well, guy’s it’s been good, and all have a good, and talk tomorrow. Believe In The Impossilbe……..Peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
haggard
August 27th, 2012
1:16 am
ChatTownBrian
I thought of you and your wife after journeying down Monteagle following a visit at the University Of The South just yesterday.
haggard
August 27th, 2012
1:17 am
Good Nite good folks
MiaBchBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
1:18 am
Classy SF fans gave Chipper Jones a wonderful standing O before his pinch hit attempt. Sore-knee’d and cranky oblique notwithstanding, Jones offers a valiant attempt with two on, two out, but to no avail.
In the ninth, Jason Heyward and Freddie Freeman both went back-to-back-jack’s, providing the Braves with an even better cushion that allowed for a night off for Kimbrel.
One can only hope that tonight represented a true passing of the torch. If the Braves are to avoid the pratfalls of Septembers past, these two men must carry this team. It is not going to come from Chipper, Brian, Michael, Dan, Martin, or even Juan next month.
The gNats are right on cue. Their collapse is ahead of schedule, but that train will not be late. It may be a tad bit early, but it is time for Heyward and Freeman to carry the flag that Chipper so valiantly carried this season, to its successful end result.
ChattTownBrian
August 27th, 2012
1:18 am
Wow nolie. That’s horrible. Sorry to read that and thanks again.
My eyes are starting to swell up after all this so I will talk to y’all tomorrow.
nolie
August 27th, 2012
1:20 am
Take care bro
ChattTownBrian
August 27th, 2012
1:21 am
haggard, that’s cool. Thanks
nolie
August 27th, 2012
1:22 am
Good post, now tell me : who are you really, and what did you do with MBBF’s body?
nolie
August 27th, 2012
1:22 am
nite hag
MiaBchBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
1:26 am
Brian, all of my best thoughts for you and yours. May may time and caring bring you peace.
Nolie, you are a first class act all the way around.
nolie
August 27th, 2012
1:28 am
I know I am
. It was a joke, based on the fact that it was much more upbeat than many of your usual posts
MiaBchBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
1:28 am
LOL – nolie, you calling me a schitzo!?
nolie
August 27th, 2012
1:29 am
nope, just admired the post
MiaBchBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
1:30 am
No sarcasm in my 1:26, nolie. I read your page 8 entry. You are one of the good ones.
The A Bomb
August 27th, 2012
1:30 am
Gonzalez may have been told he’s managing for his job — thus the “picking spots” proclamation.
If that’s the case he can pick as many spots as he’d like the rest of the year. What a pleasure watching Martin play 2nd base tonight.
MiaBchBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
1:32 am
By the way, just to let you know it’s me…
I’d still spit bakky-juice on Franky’s loafers.
nolie
August 27th, 2012
1:34 am
ok it’s you alright
y’all take care, I’m off to bed.
Go get them Padres, Bravos!
Kat
August 27th, 2012
2:08 am
A Bomb– someone else mentioned Phil’s BBQ to me however I’m not renting a car while I’m here and it’s not very close to where I am. Does look good though.
tony austin
August 27th, 2012
2:18 am
Oh great :sarcasm: I just saw on Twitter that the top Padres prospect is making he debut against the Braves. If there is a good thing for the Braves it is he’s not left handed.
btw – I saw the enigma that is the 2012 Braves, great game tonight! Glad to see Huddy not give up anything in the 1st, glad to see Uggla getting another day off, glad to see the back-to-back jacks!
Have a good night everyone!
The A Bomb
August 27th, 2012
2:21 am
Never fear — Uggla will be back in the lineup tomorrow night whiffing and delivering his airballs into the ocean air.
I think the word “bust” can start coming into play. What a refreshing game tonight not having to see that guy do ANYTHING.
3.2 more seasons. Brutal.
Couch Tater
August 27th, 2012
5:38 am
I got kinda misty when Chipper pinch hit. I don’t see how he could concentrate to swing the bat.
Nice tribute from the full house.
Couch Tater
August 27th, 2012
6:20 am
Moments like Tim Hudson’s banter with the dugout from 1B and his post-game quotes about his bat will be gone, if the DH is pushed on the NL.
toast
August 27th, 2012
6:50 am
g-men can’t be happy with pence. ops of .582 and in july was .531.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
6:51 am
Hudson delivers in fine fashion and the Braves bomb the Giants. Nats drop four in a row. And – surprise – the Braves only trail the Nats by 4.5 games.
Now onto San Diego. 2 out of 3 there gives the Braves a 5-5 road trip.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
6:53 am
Moments like Tim Hudson’s banter with the dugout from 1B and his post-game quotes about his bat will be gone, if the DH is pushed on the NL.
Let’s hope the DH never comes to the NL. It’s the players’ union that wants it and keeps it alive in the AL.
BRAVELESS
August 27th, 2012
7:05 am
FG should have benched Uggla several months ago. This is an example of his poor leadership. Allowing a starter to hit .206 over the first five months of the season and remain in the starting lineup should be grounds for firing alone. The Braves need to go with Sunday Night’s lineup except for the guest appearance of CJ 3 or 4 times a week and put Simmons back at shortstop.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
7:19 am
Solid defense by the Braves last night, too. Janish make a really super play early.
74bravesjersey
August 27th, 2012
7:22 am
@DOB: Awesome read, Dave, we & I mainly do appreciate the work, time you do put in. We do take alot of these blogs, the workings that you do for granted, the behind the scenes when going unnoticed isn’t always easy. Journalism can be a unforgiving task sometimes. I thank you Dave for allowing us a forum that we can use,& share.
wes covington
August 27th, 2012
8:01 am
Clash, now that’s my kind of music Davie-O.
BartBuzz
August 27th, 2012
8:05 am
I hate to break it to Fredi….but Uggla has slumped. Maybe Fredi hasn’t been paying attention.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
8:14 am
Freddie and Jason, back to back. That’s gotta be a nightmare for opposing pitchers.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
8:15 am
HUDSON
MEDLEN
MAHOLM
MINOR
Are we going with a four-man rotation at the moment? Is HANSON still on the DL?
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
8:18 am
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
8:14 am
“……Freddie and Jason, back to back. That’s gotta be a nightmare for opposing pitchers……”
The public perception hasn’t quite caught up to rhat understanding yet 10P. But they soon will.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
8:19 am
I hate to break it to Fredi….but Uggla has slumped. Maybe Fredi hasn’t been paying attention.
I hate to break it to you, but Uggla didn’t play last night. Er, check the box score.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
8:20 am
Freddie and Jason, back to back. That’s gotta be a nightmare for opposing pitchers.
And they’re 22. Twenty. Two. Plus still in the ML learning curve. Given health, what are these two guys gonna be like when they’re 25, with 2500 ABs under their belts? Mercy.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
8:22 am
Francisco blasted that homer last night, huh?
Let’s hand to Wren. Adding Francisco, Janish, Johnson, and Maholm have all been important upgrades.
Jaded
August 27th, 2012
8:23 am
The Padres have had a rather amazing turnaround that has gone mostly unnoticed because they fell so far out of contention early. They’re 31-20 since June 29, which is better than all but a handful of teams in MLB, and have currently won seven straight.
The Braves usually play pretty well up at Petco, but this won’t be as easy a series as it appears.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
8:24 am
The DL eirher needs to be implemented in the NL, or done away with in the AL. There’s an unfair advantage to the AL in having it.
I want it right now in the NL. This winter. Maybe it would induce CHIPPER to stay for two more years and get to 500 HR.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
8:26 am
Yeah, I like UGGLA on the pine while McCANN plays, or vice-versa, but not both in the game at the same time any more than can be helped from here on in.
JRW
August 27th, 2012
8:27 am
Nats are starting to feel the heat. Phils have won 6 of past 7 against them and they close the season with 6 of last 9 against the Phils. Obviously the Phils are better than their record and could be big spoilers this September.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nationals-vs-phillies-gaffe-leads-to-4-1-defeat-and-sweep-in-philadelphia/2012/08/26/84bdaeaa-efbe-11e1-adc6-87dfa8eff430_story.html
toast
August 27th, 2012
8:27 am
wow, chipper two more years really? i don’t think he would hit 30 hrs in two year even not playing the field. let it go man, great career, hanging it up at the right time.
CB
August 27th, 2012
8:28 am
Heyward has a decent chance at 30 HRs, got to admit I didn’t see that coming. When he learns to hit lefties they need to call him elite and a franchise player.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
8:29 am
Jeff R:
SHEETS too until the sore arm. Too much too soon. But he could be a starter next year on a regularr basis if his arm comes areound, and he uses the proper training this off-season to build it up.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
8:29 am
FU toast. You suc
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
8:30 am
[Padres] have currently won seven straight.
Still, that was against a slumping Pirates team and then Arizona. You would think a 70-win team ought to be able to cool them out a little. Braves certainly need a good showing to finish the road trip, with the Nats showing some offensive weakness and heading to a park where they are 2-5 this year.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
8:31 am
JRW:
How many more times do WE play the PHILLIES? Better concentrate on our games and leave the NATS to fend for themselves until we meet them again.
toast
August 27th, 2012
8:31 am
now, now, now. no call for that, your’re just talking jibberish and you know it.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
8:31 am
richbrave,
Yes, Sheets, too.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
8:33 am
Heyward has a decent chance at 30 HRs
I think so. 34 games left.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
8:35 am
The Padres have had a rather amazing turnaround that has gone mostly unnoticed because they fell so far out of contention early. They’re 31-20 since June 29, which is better than all but a handful of teams in MLB, and have currently won seven straight.
The Braves usually play pretty well up at Petco, but this won’t be as easy a series as it appears.
Well put. Good points.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
8:35 am
Let’s take two of three, or sweep in PADS-land.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
8:36 am
oast
August 27th, 2012
8:31 am
“…now, now, now. no call for that, your’re just talking jibberish and you know it….”
Bite me. CHIPPER is my hero, and can do ANYTHING! GO BRAVES!
Bat Masterson
August 27th, 2012
8:39 am
I got kinda misty when Chipper pinch hit. I don’t see how he could concentrate to swing the bat.
Nice tribute from the full house. _ Couch Tater
I thought it was like an a film clip or picture from an older era. Maybe a baseball movie…….. Really cool
Chas
August 27th, 2012
8:40 am
DOB…Great blog article! Your Fredi quotes (McCarver), and Uggla stats were spot on! Your questions to Fredi were ones that Fredi needed to / had to address. Well done. Even Fredi (who obviously isn’t the sharpest knife in the drawer, especially here Uggla is concerned) has come to the realization that Dan Uggla has contribued next to nothing for over 3 solid months, and Fredi’s blind and brain dead rational of “kep running him out there” has yielded next to nothing.
A “slump” of this duratio is NOT a slump. It’s a complete loss of mechanics and muscle memory. Obviously Dan Uggla does not have the mental or phyical ability to “fix” his problem, even with all the help and advice he surely has been given. Dan Uggla may never get it back. Time will tell. He’s made no workable adjustments in 3 months. Maybe Dan’s just stubborn. His confidence has to be near zero (inspite of what he says, and his “whistling in the dark”.) He isn’t going to figure it out in 2012. I think that’s a given. It appears that that Dan deal is a bust, and will go down in Braves history as a GM “worst move”.
Fredi needs to suck it up, realize what is, is, and put the best lineup avilable on the field every day. He needs to forget about his loyalty to Uggla, and forget that the decision to sign Uggla was a long term and costly mistake. It doesn’t matter how much you pay someone. Either they prduce, or they don’t. Dan Uggla has not produced…for over half of 2011, and for over 3 month (so far) in 2012.
Someone had to grab Fredi by the ears, and force him to say “what is, is”. You nailed it DOB. Well done.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
8:41 am
Was moving into my new house this weekend and wasn’t able to catch up on here……guess I missed lots of stuff, eh?
On the Red Sox/Dodgers trade….I thought it was a bit much from the Dodgers standpoint. I would of paid more on prospects so that I didn’t have to take on Crawford’s contract. But maybe that wasn’t even on the table. LF Crawford, CF Kemp, RF Ethier, 1B Gonzalez, 2B Ellis, SS Gordon, 3B Ramirez, C Ellis is a damn good lineup and SP Kershaw, Billingsley, Capuano, Harang, Beckett is pretty good on the starters side of things. Rubby de la Rosa and Allen Webster are two power arms, so the Red Sox did well to add them both to their system. Red Sox now have 45 million in guarantees for 2013 in John Lackey, Dustin Pedroia, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and Jose Iglesias. Right now, they have CF Ellsbury, 3B Middlebrooks, SS Iglesias, 2B Pedroia, C Saltalamacchia/Lavarnway with holes at the corner outfield spots, DH, and 1B. SP Lester, Buchholz, Lackey, Doubront and probably de la Rosa in the rotation. I could see them re-signing David Ortiz and Cody Ross as they are in desperate need for power and that really isn’t out there in free agency(Hamilton isn’t going there). Could definitely see them putting Jon Lester out there this winter, and I would have a lot of interest in him if I were the Braves.
Bat Masterson
August 27th, 2012
8:42 am
Joe Kernan, from CNBC, is back from where ever he has been. Damn shame
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
8:43 am
Heyward has a decent chance at 30 HRs
At the end of play on May 30, Heyward was hitting .233/.739 (his low point of the season). Since then, .308/.936, with 18 dingers. At that rate, he has more than a decent chance, he’s right on pace for 30.
Somebody give Walker and Fletcher a cigar. And Heyward a multi-year.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
8:44 am
Made sense that Sheets was going to hit the DL – these things really do work themselves out. He looked exhausted. I really hope Tommy takes this opportunity and runs with it. Need him to hold that trade value steady and perform reasonably well. I saw that Bowman still thought that Sheets should keep his job, and I thought that was a little crazy. Ben has had very little the last 4 starts.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
8:48 am
Jason Heyward is now at .279/.353/.509, 130 OPS+. His rookie season, he finished with a 131 OPS+. Insane turnaround from last season, and since June 5th, Heyward has hit .308/.371/.573 in 73 games and 310 PA’s. A 40 home run, 65 walk pace over 162 games. He’s hitting .317/.398/.609 vs. RHP – 1st in the NL among qualifiers.
Getting Heyward to agree to a multi year deal needs to be very high on the priority list for Frank Wren this winter.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
8:53 am
The Red Sox cleared budget, principally, and the Dodgers have the budget – evidently – to shoulder those contracts.
It’s scary the money the Dodgers are throwing around now, but it doesn’t guarantee post season success. If money were the be-all, the Yanks would be winning championships annually.
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
8:54 am
Braves pitching continues to fly under the radar.
The Braves have the NL’s best ERA in the second half. You can actually go back much further than that, and the Braves have the senior circuit’s best team ERA.
Since May 8th, a span of 98 games for the Braves, they have the best ERA in the NL, and second best in MLB:
1. Rays, 3.10
2. Braves, 3.36
3. Dodgers, 3.38
4. Nationals, 3.44
5. Athletics, 3.49
Bat Masterson
August 27th, 2012
8:54 am
A 40 home run, 65 walk pace over 162 games.
22 walks in the second half. 20 more to go to hit my target
toast
August 27th, 2012
8:55 am
da chipper talk of coming back is amusing. first of all, he’s not so not really worth bringing up. second of all, if he did have a change of mind over the winter, do you really think he would post numbers close to what he is putting up this year? guy has been playing on adrenaline all season. i don’t want to see this guy becoming a .240 hitter and bowing out. that could easily be the case next season. he’s going into different cities and mustering up all his focus and mental capacity to perform at a high level right now. that’s been is MO since offseason. factor in if this team isn’t nearly as good as this seasons and struggling somewhat next year. i could see him becoming willie mays next year. perfect scenario, good out playing your best with a team that should be in the playoffs and roll the dice.
give the reigns to heyward and freeman next march. it’s their turn to carry the torch.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
8:59 am
22 walks in the second half. 20 more to go to hit my target
70+ walks would be awesome. 19 to go with 34 games left. It’ll be difficult, but it would be something else if he got there considering where he was on July 1st.
George Washington
August 27th, 2012
9:00 am
My guess is fredi g. learned nothing from sitting uggla last night. We’ll see. That is one hard-headed mgr. (or dumb as hell).
Russell Bell
August 27th, 2012
9:00 am
Somebody give Walker and Fletcher a cigar. And Heyward a multi-year
Yes! I hope Wren can get Heyward locked in to a long term contract. He is a turning into a franchise-type player. He is probably the face of this team, post-Chipper (notable mention for McCann).
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:00 am
Getting Heyward to agree to a multi year deal needs to be very high on the priority list for Frank Wren this winter.
If I’m Wren I’m putting this as the top priority after shoring up the rotation, getting two outfielders, solidifying the bench and solidifying the bullpen. Then, just before I got to the task of taking care of Heyward, I’d have discussions with my team on the best way forward regarding McCann, Prado and Hudson as all of those guys are in the last year of team control. Once all of that is squared away, then I’d look at how to handle the arbitration eligible players, balance the payroll and finalize the roster as much as possible. And, if there’s time after that, I’d worry about locking up a player who’s already under team control for 4 more years. By then it should be pretty clear what kind of money is available to work with.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:02 am
Would still really like the Braves to target a SP this winter. James Shields, Jon Lester and maybe even Dan Haren as possibilities.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
9:03 am
My guess is fredi g. learned nothing from sitting uggla last night. We’ll see. That is one hard-headed mgr. (or dumb as hell).
My guess is the Braves won last night and split the series with a tough SF team. My guess is that the Braves have a chance at a 5-5 road trip, which is pretty good under any circumstances, but darn good considering the Braves recent stumble.
My guess is that the Nats have lost 4-in-a-row and the Braves are only 4.5 games out of first.
So my guess is that the NL East isn’t decided yet, and there’s a lot of baseball left to play.
Couch Tater
August 27th, 2012
9:04 am
It’s the players’ union that wants it and keeps it alive in the AL.
Yeah, but I’ll bet Fox Sports, Bud and the owners probably would prefer the DH, too. Thinking more action will lead to the younger viewers who think baseball is boring*. Afterall, what’s good for the Yankees must be good for the Dodgers, right?
There are some fluctuations in favorites over time. Since this question was first asked [Harris Poll] in 1985, professional football has gone up 12 points from 24% of sports fans saying it was their favorite sport then to 36% saying so now. Baseball, on the other hand, has gone down 10 points from 23% in 1985 to 13% today
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1bFSN)
*I turned my cap backwards, when I typed. Schafer ears. Need to grow my hair out. Rickie Fowler, like.
Bat Masterson
August 27th, 2012
9:04 am
3 more years of control, 10Paul.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:06 am
By then it should be pretty clear what kind of money is available to work with.
I still think it’s a high priority. This winter/next spring is the time to lock him up. Whether it’s in November or March, I don’t care. I just want to know it’s something Frank wants to get done before he fires Casey Close and hires Scott Boras.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:07 am
Three more years of control and first year arbitration eligible, for Heyward. Like I said, it should be this winter.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:07 am
Been a roller coaster month for Freeman:
___________G_PA_W_K__AVG__OBP__SLG___OPS
Aug 01-12 11 46 6 4 .308 .413 .564 0.977
Aug 12-19 07 29 3 6 .077 .172 .077 0.249
Aug 19-26 07 32 4 5 .296 .375 .741 1.116
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:09 am
3 more years of control, 10Paul.
Holy Crap! Only 3 years? Better make that the number one thing to do or you might lose him!
Bat Masterson
August 27th, 2012
9:11 am
Holy Crap! Only 3 years? Better make that the number one thing to do or you might lose him!
Yeah, I know. Funny
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
9:12 am
Been a roller coaster month for Freeman:
Girlfriend was mad at him the week of 08/12.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:13 am
Holy Crap! Only 3 years? Better make that the number one thing to do or you might lose him!
Oh yeah? Still worried about him I see………satisfaction for you will hopefully be there on October 3rd.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:13 am
Since June 19th… the healthy days.
_________PA_BB_SO_XH__AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS
Freeman 259 31 35 27 .290 .386 .502 .888
Heyward 265 27 70 29 .305 .374 .572 .946
That’s what I want to see. Though with Heyward striking out less. But that type of punch in the heart of the line up is good stuff.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:15 am
I’d have discussions with my team on the best way forward regarding McCann, Prado and Hudson as all of those guys are in the last year of team control
Oh yes, and this….I see no reason to worry about McCann and Hudson, at all really. Exercise the options and see how 2013 goes. Prado? Yes, need to lock him up. Probably higher on the list than Heyward. Don’t really see Hudson or McCann as anything we have to worry about this winter.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
9:15 am
Great job Brian McCann! Finally got a little luck of a hit and RBI and then finally bunted for a hit, which was a beautiful bunt. Gotta keep doing that and his average will start climbing and defenses will start changing. Proud of him.
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
9:16 am
Let’s see…we split with the Giants, while Nats get swept by Philly…losing 4 straight. They have lost 5 of 6 to Philly in last 2 series.
I predicted all along Nats would cool off, but had recently decided we wouldn’t catch them. Now anything is possible, but would still bet on Nats. That said, I am now more sure than ever that there will be no September swoon for the Braves.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
9:18 am
That’s what I want to see. Though with Heyward striking out less. But that type of punch in the heart of the line up is good stuff.
Sweet, ain’t it?
By the way, Heyward now has more PAs in the 3-hole than any other lineup position, going .280/.864; I mention that only because of the hue and cry from some folks here that he should have been moved out of the 3 when he had some early underperformance there.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:19 am
Oh yeah? Still worried about him I see…
Let’s just say, this call to “sign him now” is the “worry de jour.” He’s under team control for a while. If a deal doesn’t get done this off-season, he’s still under team control for a while. Signing Heyward or Freeman long term isn’t something that is top of my off-season priority list if I’m a GM. An extension would be nice, but not necessary at this time. I’ll be ecstatic if the GM can shore up the rotation and get the two thirds of the needed outfield locked up without that involving handing Bourn a $100M contract. In fact, let me state it this way, my number one priority for this off-season is avoiding over-paying Michael Bourn.
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
9:19 am
MFin @9:15 – Now there’s something that we can agree on. Good to see positive thoughts from you.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:19 am
I mention that only because of the hue and cry from some folks here that he should have been moved out of the 3 when he had some early underperformance there.
And I believe there was early talk from some on how he was much better statistically batting 6th and that it may be better if he were to hit lower in the order…..
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
9:20 am
Greatest trade in baseball history for the Red Sox and they didn’t get anything in return. Seriously that contract for Carl Crawford was horrendous. Maybe one of the worst, if not, worst ever. I wonder if the Red Sox would get in on the Michael Bourn sweepstakes.
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
9:20 am
Not much out of the “Heyward’s a bum and a bust” crowd lately.
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
9:22 am
MFin – Much better Bourn to the Sox, than to the Nats or Phillies.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
9:22 am
which was a beautiful bunt. Gotta keep doing that and his average will start climbing and defenses will start changing.
Defenses won’t change because McCann bunts. A bunt from McCann actually validates the shift, which is designed to take the bat out of his hands and reduce or eliminate damage. A bunt from the guy does exactly that.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:23 am
Don’t really see Hudson or McCann as anything we have to worry about this winter.
The “worry” would surface when looking at moves. If the plan is, 90% likely they walk, then there needs to be a serious look at who replaces them. I get that Bethancourt has a mean glove, but his bat appears well below desirable. This off-season is a great time to focus on that as those positions are only under control for 1 year. Where as Heyward is under control for 3. Hence they have higher priority.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:25 am
Let’s just say, this call to “sign him now” is the “worry de jour.” He’s under team control for a while. If a deal doesn’t get done this off-season, he’s still under team control for a while.
Hmm. I wonder why stars like Justin Upton, Andrew McCutchen, etc. sign before their last year of control then. If they didn’t sign, I’d get teams would of traded them as they were getting closer to free agency and might as well test the market at that point. Or, like Adam Jones, they sign him to a less than spectacular extension, imo. There is definitely a huge benefit for the Braves to lock him now as oppose to 2014.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:26 am
Signing Heyward or Freeman long term isn’t something that is top of my off-season priority list if I’m a GM.
Yeah, Freeman wouldn’t be on the list for me.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
9:26 am
It’s the players’ union that wants it and keeps it alive in the AL.
Yeah, but I’ll bet Fox Sports, Bud and the owners probably would prefer the DH, too. Thinking more action will lead to the younger viewers who think baseball is boring*
Can’t argue against that point. I could see the commish and the networks willing to dumb-down the game further for ratings. The DH is dumbed-down baseball.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
9:26 am
richbrave – During the Jackie Robinson Game earlier this month, Bud Selig was interviewed by Chip and Joe and they brought up the DH issue.
Bud claimed it ain’t changing anytime soon.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:27 am
There is definitely a huge benefit for the Braves to lock him now as oppose to 2014.
Never said there wasn’t. Only stated that it isn’t a top priority. There is a hole in the rotation and 66% of the outfield is empty. That is needed in order to field a competitive team.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
9:28 am
New Orleans seems to be under the gun for Isaac now…. looks like it’s gonna hit on the 29th… 7 years to the day of the tragedy known as Katrina… Stay safe everyone.
If I’m Wren I’m putting this (locking up Hey) as the top priority after shoring up the rotation, getting two outfielders, solidifying the bench and solidifying the bullpen
I can agree with that. We have other holes to fill, and they need to be filled externally. Get that done first, then come back and do Jason and Prado. By January or so, we should be getting news of this, I hope.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:28 am
Freeman wouldn’t be on the list for me.
Hater.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
9:28 am
I think given Hudson’s age and injury history, and McCann’s three seasons in a row of injuries, of one degree or another, the conservative thing to do is pick up their options. I wouldn’t be talking contract with either one this year.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
9:28 am
“A bunt from McCann actually validates the shift, which is designed to take the bat out of his hands and reduce or eliminate damage. A bunt from the guy does exactly that.”
Maybe, but when he isn’t doing damage swinging away the only thing the bunt can do for him is boost his confidence, his average, his on base, and his OPS. Personally I think it will help get him going. He was pretty excited to see his average going up on the scoreboard last night. Little things help, even bunts. And if they continue to shift, take the bunt every once in a while, the name of the game is not making outs right?!?
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:29 am
This off-season is a great time to focus on that as those positions are only under control for 1 year.
Starting pitching should be the #1 priority, as I’ve said many times. That takes care of Hudson, or at least should.
It’s a bad situation with McCann. Poor performance and they need to see how he bounces back at age 29 and his walk year. Not a good situation at all.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
9:30 am
Not much out of the “Heyward’s a bum and a bust” crowd lately.
Just let him go 0-fer-8.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:31 am
Just let him go 0-fer-8.
With Freeman going 8-8 with 8 HR…
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:31 am
Hater.
Don’t think he’s as much of a priority because he’s under control for 4 more years and isn’t arb. eligible(when the long term contract talk really gets started) until winter of 2013-2014.
But maybe he’s #1 for you.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
9:32 am
Not much out of the “Heyward’s a bum and a bust” crowd lately.
He is a bum…. he isn’t hitting .300 and doesn’t have a .300/.400/.500/.900 line!
Doesn’t have 100 RBIs either…
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:34 am
Never said there wasn’t. Only stated that it isn’t a top priority. There is a hole in the rotation and 66% of the outfield is empty. That is needed in order to field a competitive team.
Never said that wasn’t a priority. Guess what? Wren has a lot of stuff to do this winter. A lot. It’s not going to be bogus trade rumors of Jair Jurrjens and Martin Prado.
With Freeman going 8-8 with 8 HR…
I think that would only apply for you.
CrαZy
August 27th, 2012
9:34 am
I could see them re-signing David Ortiz Efrim
After seeing him voice his frustration openly in interviews like he has this year I doubt he’ll resign with Boston!!
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:35 am
But maybe he’s #1 for you.
Nope. ( : As I stated, number one priority is avoiding Bourn, then shoring up the rotation, then filling out the outfield, then squaring away bench, bullpen, then planning Prado, McCann and Hudson if that plan wasn’t already handled in previous moves, then signing all arb players…
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
9:36 am
I wouldn’t be talking contract with either one this year.
Me either… really bad spot with BMac, as we have to make a decision on him in his walk year. He just might want to taste that free agent water…. Maybe he’ll put up a career year next year, so we can enjoy that. Even if he has a good year, the injury history has to make one cautious of handing him multiple years esp. for anything more than 13 or so mil a year.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:36 am
After seeing him voice his frustration openly in interviews like he has this year I doubt he’ll resign with Boston!!
Who is giving up a 1st round pick to sign a 37 year old DH? I think it makes a lot of sense for him to re-sign Ortiz, especially if Valentine leaves.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:37 am
It’s not going to be bogus trade rumors of Jair Jurrjens and Martin Prado.
Hey now, copy/paste rumors needs something to drive clicks. Besides, I’m not sure they were “bogus.” I’d venture teams were really interested and Wren was listening, but never found a deal that seemed worth while.
CrαZy
August 27th, 2012
9:37 am
Efrim… everything changes if Valentine leaves! I’m pretty sure that’s the main problem David has.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:38 am
really bad spot with BMac, as we have to make a decision on him in his walk year.
Terrible spot for the Braves. But, given his history with the franchise, if he has a good first half – maybe they talk contract. I can’t imagine McCann coming out and saying “I will not talk contract extension during the season”. Not off of his awful 2012. But maybe I’m wrong there.
Trader Jack
August 27th, 2012
9:39 am
Nats Clubhouse Troubles?
After being swept in Philly, Davey Johnson had a closed door meeting with Mike Rizzo, and could be heard shouting “You come down and manage this team” Afterward Johnson down played the vent saying he had a discussion with his boss. Interesting to note that Rizzo was there for all 3 games, and yesterday sat with Bob Boone, Asst. GM and VP Player Dev.
After the game Jayson Werth was quoted “When you’re in a pennant chase, and you’re getting to September, there definitely should be a sense of urgency”
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:39 am
Who is giving up a 1st round pick to sign a 37 year old DH?
That’s assuming he’ll get a qual-offer. I won’t be surprised to see him return to Boston. But, then, it isn’t so clear. That team shed over a quarter of a billion in contracts, if they are going in a totally new direction they could simply let Ortiz walk with no offer.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:40 am
Besides, I’m not sure they were “bogus.” I’d venture teams were really interested and Wren was listening, but never found a deal that seemed worth while.
I sure hope Wren was never considering trading Prado for Seth Smith and Tim Wheeler…..
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
9:40 am
Me either… really bad spot with BMac, as we have to make a decision on him in his walk year. He just might want to taste that free agent water…. Maybe he’ll put up a career year next year, so we can enjoy that. Even if he has a good year, the injury history has to make one cautious of handing him multiple years esp. for anything more than 13 or so mil a year.
If I’m McCann and my agent (and family), I’d be thinking how best to minimize my injury potential and extend my career. If I’m McCann, I’m looking at the AL and the advantages – to him – of having a DH rule.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:41 am
That’s assuming he’ll get a qual-offer.
It’d be a one year paycut. 13.3 million down from 14.5 million. I think they’ll make the offer.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:42 am
Then again, perhaps there are a few teams willing to trade a draft pick for a guy hitting .318/.415/.611/1.026
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:43 am
Plus, do they even want to win next year? They have no power in that lineup with no David and Adrian. And it’s not out there via free agency except for Hamilton. Plus, are they in a position to trade lots of prospects? Re-signing Ortiz and Ross makes sense, imo.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:44 am
I sure hope Wren was never considering trading Prado for Seth Smith and Tim Wheeler
Obviously he wasn’t. I think, if anything, Wren was considering trading Prado for more than that…
Of course, there was Delgado for 2 months of Dempster…
BravesFanInMaine
August 27th, 2012
9:45 am
ChattTownBrian- Sorry to hear about your loss, even though you dont know me I am praying for you and your wife and family… GOD Bless you!
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:45 am
Plus, are they in a position to trade lots of prospects?
Who knows. I think this weekend provided plenty of proof that no on in baseball knows what position they see themselves in.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
9:46 am
I don’t think that Boston can go into a long term rebuilding mode. The fans and media there would eat management alive. I think Red Sox execs will try to make the club as competitive as it can this winter.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
9:46 am
A deal ain’t a deal if a deal doesn’t happen.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
9:47 am
Nats Clubhouse Troubles?
Sure wouldn’t mind it! The pressure of leading the division getting to them is a good thing. Let the collapse start.
If I’m McCann, I’m looking at the AL and the advantages – to him – of having a DH rule.
True, but someone here said yesterday that BMac hates the DH, and would likely re-sign with an NL team… DH would help him a lot, if he shows at he can hit again.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:47 am
It’d be a one year paycut. 13.3 million down from 14.5 million
This is interesting. Does the CBA still state that a returning player can only take a paycut of what-ever-it-is? This level doesn’t seem to surpass it, but it got me thinking. If the qual is offered, and it is less than the allowable pay cut, what then?
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
9:47 am
I don’t want to hear anyone tell me that Uggla is untradeable after what took place over the weekend.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:48 am
Wow. Didn’t notice J.R.Graham put up another big outing for Double-A Mississippi – 6 IP, 3 hits, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K’s.
Yes, he’s definitely on the ‘please do not trade this winter’ list.
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
9:48 am
Run differential, in all of MLB, since May 29th (a span of 78 games for the Braves):
1. Yankees, +81
2. Braves, +76
3. Nationals, +72
4. Athletics, +70
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:48 am
I don’t think that Boston can go into a long term rebuilding mode.
Say it, no. But they were in an 80+ year rebuilding mode once before… so maybe it’s just a matter of how they phrase it.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:50 am
I don’t want to hear anyone tell me that Uggla is untradeable after what took place over the weekend.
So, what went down this weekend that made Uggla’s trade value increase in your opinion?
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:50 am
I don’t think that Boston can go into a long term rebuilding mode. The fans and media there would eat management alive. I think Red Sox execs will try to make the club as competitive as it can this winter.
Well, they were at 175 million this year. They have 45 million in guarantees with 11 players that are arbitration eligible. I think they really have to spend some money out on the free agent market.
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
9:51 am
Maybe Boston would trade for Uggla and stick him in left field?
/sarcasm
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
9:51 am
If I’m McCann, I’m looking at the AL and the advantages – to him – of having a DH rule.
True, but someone here said yesterday that BMac hates the DH, and would likely re-sign with an NL team… DH would help him a lot, if he shows at he can hit again.
Not sure which league McCann prefers, if either. I do think his value goes up in the AL.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
9:52 am
Of course, there was Delgado for 2 months of Dempster…
Which does scare me with FW…. he’s a
goodgreat GM, but that trade made no sense… makes we wonder if he would trade Teheran, Delgado, Graham, Spruill, + 1 for Shields… or Teheran for Headley, trades like that. Heck, he might even go with Juan at 3B! All of those would be bad decisions, imo.Hope Frank does well this offseason, lots of decisions to make.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
9:52 am
I’m not indicating his trade value increased.. just that there are ways to move him.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
9:52 am
And it was really good to see Julio Teheran put up another great 8 inning start.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
9:52 am
Funny that in the local paper, the Red Sox /Dodger deal concentrated primarily on the benefits to the Dodgers. The fan line up here is that the Sox will not see that lost payroll again anytime soon.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
9:53 am
Well, they were at 175 million this year. They have 45 million in guarantees with 11 players that are arbitration eligible. I think they really have to spend some money out on the free agent market.
I agree.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
9:54 am
Yes, he’s definitely on the ‘please do not trade this winter’ list.
not only this winter, but ever. Need to see this kid in 2014. Clear the rotation spot for him. Hope to see this kid in Gwinnett by May next year.
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
9:54 am
What got Boston in trouble in the first place was giving out huge contracts on the free agent market. You expect them to rinse and repeat?
Lew
August 27th, 2012
9:54 am
And of course, Uggla’s sitting out one game certainly indicates they’ll eat inordinate amounts of the $30 something mil he’s still owed just to put Janish at second and make Transplant happy.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
9:54 am
TOBF, I’m hoping that we don’t do some type of trade to acquire Shields, mainly because of the price it would take to acquire him. I’d much rather sign someone of the FA list than give up any of our resources before ST.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
9:55 am
And it was really good to see Julio Teheran put up another great 8 inning start.
I’d have been a lot happier if he had had two of them in a row. Kinda hard to know if he has his mechanics ironed out or not, if one isn’t seeing him every day.
Maybe The Baseball Fairy left his old changeup under his pillow, LOL.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
9:56 am
Lew, I don’t want Janish at second.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
9:56 am
And it was really good to see Julio Teheran put up another great 8 inning start.
He he follows it up with a good outing. Last time he put up a great 8 inning start, I believe he went 2.1 IP with 6 runs allowed in his next start.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
9:56 am
I didn’t see Teheran’s numbers.. how did he do?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
9:57 am
Hope he follows it up….
74bravesjersey
August 27th, 2012
9:59 am
Man; Guys, just keep this up, keep the high level approach going, this is high calibre play, this is post season play, offense, defense, well played, clutch through & through, the thing is now maintain it. Maintain the good quality at bats, the sharp on you’re toes defense. One game at a time. Maintain it! Let last september remain fresh in you’re minds, nothin’ taken for granted. Win each at bat, each inning if possible, then at the end, get ready for the next game. Never be satisfied until the deal is done. That should be the mindset of each & every player on that roster from here on out. Keep on being a clutch performer.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
9:59 am
just that there are ways to move him….
Like eating some of his contract?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
10:00 am
TOBF, I’m hoping that we don’t do some type of trade to acquire Shields, mainly because of the price it would take to acquire him. I’d much rather sign someone of the FA list than give up any of our resources before ST.
I wouldn’t say I’m not hoping for a trade for him, but the price will just be too high. Especially since we don’t have what they want (catching, Infield, and OF help) we will have to overpay. Not a good idea.
Just take an extra 4-7 mil on what Shields would make and get Greinke. We have prospects to get a LF or CF still.
No way do we have the prospects to get a 2 of CF/LF/3B and a top SP. Well, we do, but we shouldn’t/can’t give them all up.
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
10:01 am
sign someone of the FA list than give up any of our resources before ST.
How do you figure to get a free agent without giving up any resources?
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
10:02 am
The Red Sox have financial flexibility and a couple of really good arms added to their system. But the free agent market isn’t strong and they have holes in LF, RF, 1B, DH, maybe SS and probably need another starter.
I’d probably be concerned if I were a Red Sox or Dodgers fan.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
10:03 am
Just take an extra 4-7 mil on what Shields would make and get Greinke. We have prospects to get a LF or CF still.
I’m with you there.
Lemke's Knuckler
August 27th, 2012
10:04 am
Teheran went 8 innings, 2 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, 9 strikeouts.
My guess is his last start when he got shelled he was working on one particular pitch and the other team knew which one. I wouldn’t sweat it too much. The kid is still learning a few things. Scouts always said he was raw.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
10:04 am
And while I love the spending of money, ya have to be a little concerned over having an aging roster all of a sudden. Plus, they weakened their system a bit. And it wasn’t strong to begin with.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
10:04 am
Brian from SC, I consider our prospects resources.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
10:05 am
The Sox can’t really sign players like Hamilton and Greinke, right? With their “history”. And would they really give Bourn a big contract right after seeing what happened to Crawford? Those are the big three free agents this winter.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
10:05 am
DOWN ON THE FARM
GWINNETT
YOHAN FLANDE [L 6-10, 4.33 ERA] and RYAN BUCHTER [13.50 RTA] succed while COLE McCURRY [4.80 ERA] and ANTHONY VARVARO [2.21 ERA] excelled, but it hardly mattered as the offense was skunked by the CHIEFS 7- zip.
Seven hits including a double come to nothing in the RBI department
1B LYLE OVERBAY [.231 BA] 1-3/
Lead-off CF JOSE CONSTANZA [.315 BA] 2-3, 1 CS [6].
C JOSE YEPEZ [.267 BA] 1-3, 1 2B [16].
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
10:06 am
Brian from SC, I consider our prospects resources.
Obviously they are. So are dollars.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
10:06 am
AT: Last start out, Teheran went 8.0 IP, 2 Hits, 1 Run (it was earned), 2 BB, 9 K
Speaking of his inconsistency, Teheran has a 6.26 ERA in his last 10 starts, and has had 5 quality starts.
TOBFHope he follows it up with a good outing. Last time he put up a great 8 inning start, I believe he went 2.1 IP with 6 runs allowed in his next start.
I was pretty close. 3 starts ago, he had that great 8IP start, went out next start and went 2.2 IP, 9 Hits, 7 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 2 K.
He’s like Jurrjens from early this year in AAA…. shows you some great signs in 1 game, then goes back to sukkiness for the next 1-2 (or more) starts.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
10:06 am
Like eating some of his contract?
I don’t think we would have too.
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
August 27th, 2012
10:06 am
Huge Win Last Night for once in the Last 2 years The Braves Didn’t get Clowned on National TV…
Needed a Split in that series in Frisco and we got It….
And Hot Damn That Ball The Roadrunner (Juan Francisco) Hit last night just landed here near Stone Mountain…
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
10:07 am
Obviously they are. So are dollars.
Dollars are easier to replace.. not so much on good prospects.
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
August 27th, 2012
10:08 am
@Ark Transplant
3 more days and I will be in NE Arkansas!
Can’t wait to hit up The World Famous Boom Boom Room
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
10:08 am
That’s a pretty good outing.. hopefully he uses what he learned in that outing and it carrries over to the next.
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
August 27th, 2012
10:09 am
Trap Series against the AAA Padres…Gotta Take 2 out of 3…
Lew
August 27th, 2012
10:09 am
Landed near Stone Mountain? It took a 360 degree turn over McCovey cove?
Lew
August 27th, 2012
10:10 am
180 degree turn – must be lack of sleep.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
10:10 am
Tomahawkin, well you picked a pretty good time to visit, the weather sure is nice here now.
Lemke's Knuckler
August 27th, 2012
10:10 am
I still think Uggla is going to catch fire before the season is over.
Remember last year, he was hitting .170 on June 11, then had a little 5-11 spurt, followed by a few weeks of sputtering before he caught fire going into that 33-game hitting streak.
He had a good 7-13 spurt a few weeks ago and has been sputtering for a few weeks since that, so by my calculations he should start a 30 game hitting streak any minute now.
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
10:10 am
The Padres have won 13 of their last 16 games against teams other than the Braves.
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
10:11 am
The Padres are 14-5 in their last 19 home games.
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
10:15 am
TOBF – Yeah, I saw the ugly follow-up game Teheran had against the Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay). It was REALLY ugly. Hope that game was an abberation. He still has work to do.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 27th, 2012
10:15 am
TOBF And get a Gold Glove, and a Silver Slugger, and All-Star, All-Star MVP, MVP of the Year, Batting Title Champ…
Maybe he could pitch a little and get the Cy Young, too!…
Jeff R McCann’s three seasons in a row of injuries
3 season’s in a row? What significant injury did he have in 2010? He had a little more eye trouble in May/June, but other than that…don’t recall anything major…
And yeah, BMac’s not a fan of the DH…
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
10:17 am
Lemke’s @10:04 – Like I said, I watched that game. Didn’t look like anything was working for Teheran that night,
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
10:17 am
My guess is his last start when he got shelled he was working on one particular pitch and the other team knew which one.
When he went down this year, I said he would be pitching to work, not pitching to impress. However, at some point, you want to the work to pay off in results. That just didn’t happen for him this year. But I don’t think the work on his breaking ball and on his fastball command was what led to his off-year. From what I’ve read, anyway, it was more mechanics going awry than his specific work on pitches.
In any event, the two good outings in his last three starts are encouraging, in the context that he is at least flashing the stuff that delivered a 2.53 last year. Maybe it’s just a matter of getting the kinks out, and he’ll come out of the cauldron with three good pitches, instead of just two.
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
August 27th, 2012
10:18 am
I Got 3 concerns….
1) Chipper has a Strained Oblique, Not Good…That means the Streaky Roadrunner will start more. He is good off the bench but his bat will get exposed the more he plays
2) B-Macc is Hurt…Which means Rossy will get more starts from here on out
3) And Struggla is well Still Struggla
Thank Gawd That J-Hey and Fab 5 Freddie Showed up on the Roadtrip…
Matt Chernoff was On Point when he said Friday that This Offense loves to have 3-4 guys go into deep slumps all at the same time….
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
10:20 am
It’s really weird, but it always seems like the Braves’ bats go in a slump when facing one of the top pitching staffs in the league. Why this is, I haven’t the foggiest idea.
Can anyone explain this phenomenon?
Tomahawkin'
August 27th, 2012
10:20 am
Gilmartin will be called up in September book on it.
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
August 27th, 2012
10:22 am
Arkansas Transplant
Tomahawkin, well you picked a pretty good time to visit, the weather sure is nice here now.
It is Forcasted to rain its all there due to the Storm…I will take that though, because Summer weather in Arkansas can be Brutal this teime of year
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
August 27th, 2012
10:22 am
Arkansas Transplant
Tomahawkin, well you picked a pretty good time to visit, the weather sure is nice here now.
It is Forcasted to rain its all there due to the Storm…I will take that though, because Summer weather in Arkansas can be Brutal this teime of year
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
10:23 am
Gilmartin will be called up in September book on it.
What?! Why?
I am quite sure you are wrong.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
10:25 am
more mechanics going awry
That’s better news, but it sukks that he got so messed up… he’ll be back in AAA next year, I guess, hope he gets it worked out. No need to quit on him.
Gilmartin will be called up in September book on it.
Hope so. ‘Nole Pride!
Lemke's Knuckler
August 27th, 2012
10:25 am
I never thought these words would be uttered out of my mouth, but I’m pulling for a Pirates sweep of the Cardinals this week. My mother-in-law is a Pirates fan.
The Cardinals scare the crap out of me. I want them nowhere near a post-season spot.
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
August 27th, 2012
10:26 am
Whats The Word on Lil Andy Simmons…?
Shouldn’t he be slated to come back at the end of next week?
we need his bat bad, we got 3-4 automatic outs down there on most nights….
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
10:26 am
“And yeah, BMac’s not a fan of the DH…”
Well with his body type and age he better get used to it, that or be ok with playing 100 games a season. What the Giants did with Buster Posey was brilliant, guy could win the MVP this year and isn’t playing catcher everyday. Not saying the Braves should dethrone Freeman, but it would be ideal if McCann could play another position, i.e. DH. But alas we are in the NL.
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
August 27th, 2012
10:27 am
TheOnlyBravesFan
Someone is stealing my moniker name
That 10:20 post was not from me
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
August 27th, 2012
10:28 am
The Cardinals scare the crap out of me. I want them nowhere near a post-season spot.—Lemke’s Knuckler
Co-Sign! They have been the Luckiest team since 2000
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
10:29 am
The Cardinals scare the crap out of me.
Well, they do have the best run differential in MLB.
1. Cardinals, +126
2. Rangers, +113
3. Nationals, +101
4. Yankees, +99
5. Braves, +90
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 27th, 2012
10:31 am
Yeah, well next year with more stinkin’ AL games, I guess we’ll get stuck with using the DH more often, so BMac will prolly do that more often…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 27th, 2012
10:32 am
Perhaps I should use the phrase “more often” more often…
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
10:32 am
I heard the Astros are already mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
They are 10 games worse than the second-worst team in baseball (Cubs).
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
10:32 am
Will there be more interleague games next year? They’re having it year-round, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there will be more games.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
10:34 am
We are having more AL games next year? Uggh. Why can’t we just get rid of interleague play and the DH!?!
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
10:34 am
Couple of more, to answer my own question. Next year, every team will play 20 interleague games. This year, the Braves played 18. I don’t think anyone played any more than that.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
10:34 am
Francisco’s bat will be more exposed as a starter? If only we researched first and pos afterwards…..
Francisco has hits in 25 of the 35 games he’s started and his line as a starter is -
.281, .316, .547, .863
and as a Sub/PH is -
.158, .6, .237, .493
MikeInFl
August 27th, 2012
10:35 am
Braves are now 47-0 when scoring 6 runs or more, and 52-2 when scoring 5 runs or more.
One thing’s for sure: we haven’t wasted a lot of good offensive performances. When we score, we win.
Kinda’ weird that we’ve only scored exactly 5 runs 7 times all year. Have scored 4 25 times, and 6 15 times.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
10:36 am
.158, .256, .237, ..493 as a Sub/PH
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 27th, 2012
10:37 am
Why can’t we get rid of interleague play AND the DH?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
10:38 am
Francisco’s bat will be more exposed as a starter? If only we researched first and pos afterwards…..
Sample size… can’t expect him to keep up those numbers as a starter, and he has started against mainly right-handers. Lefties kill him.
Murph
August 27th, 2012
10:39 am
Chipper has a Strained Oblique, Not Good…That means the Streaky Roadrunner will start more. He is good off the bench but his bat will get exposed the more he plays
Who the hell is The Streaky Roadrunner? Are you referring to Francisco or Reed? Or someone else?
Francisco is hitting .281/.316/.547/.863 as a starter with 8 HR and 24 RBI (36 games).
Lemke's Knuckler
August 27th, 2012
10:40 am
I think tonight is a very important game for the Braves. Right now, the Nats have a lot of pressure on them after getting swept. They have Strasburg going tomorrow night against the Fish and if they lose that game, they have Detwiler (who has struggled) going the next night and then face the Cardinals who have Garcia, Wainwright, Lohse and Westbrook.
If the Braves win tonight and get the lead down to 4, it only adds more pressure to that game for the Nats tomorrow night.
I still think our Bravos will catch and pass the Nats. The way the pitching lines up, the Braves have Medlen on schedule to pitch that first game against the Nats.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
10:41 am
“Francisco’s bat will be more exposed as a starter?”
Doubt it. He’ll clobber homers when he connects, strike out when he doesn’t. Not seeing how that is exposed. He ain’t Chipper, that is for sure.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
10:42 am
D. Ross has a .271/.351/.466/.817 line this year. It’s better than BMac’s. Doesn’t mean he should start. His bat will get exposed with more ABs. He wouldn’t keep that rate up.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
10:43 am
The original statement that he was better as a sub/PH was completely wrong. And small sample size or no, he has done much better as a starter – just no two ways about it or any way around that fact.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
10:43 am
I really don’t think the Nats are feeling a whole lot of pressure. We were within just a game not too long ago when they turn the dial up and ran away from us.
George Washington
August 27th, 2012
10:44 am
Jeff R – You must be in the “dumb ass class” I hope fredi g is not a member of. You are stating facts while my guess is, well, a guess.
Murph
August 27th, 2012
10:48 am
I’m trying hard not to bring up my earlier statements from July/August about the Phillies and how they were still dangerous, how they’d still have something to say about the division race, and how the wise ol’ blog regulars guffawed at the mere notion that the Phillies wouldn’t get swept out of Washington and Atlanta for the rest of the season…. trying real hard.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
10:48 am
And as for small sample sizes – all his numbers are in small sample sizes, inclng only 66 PA against LHP.
However, his career splits as a starter are almost identical to his 2012 splits as a starter, whole his Sub/PH splits are lower.
Bat Masterson
August 27th, 2012
10:49 am
Matt Chernoff was On Point when he said Friday that This Offense loves to have 3-4 guys go into deep slumps all at the same time….
I had never heard of this guy until Tomahawkin started bringing him up here. He’s either an honest to god idiot or Tomahawkin makes him appear one with his representation of what he says.
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
10:49 am
AT – Pressure doesn’t matter…there is no such thing as “clutch…Or is it that all major leaguers are clutch? I never can remember which it is. Guess I’ll have to go ask Shaun.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
10:50 am
Doubt it. He’ll clobber homers when he connects, strike out when he doesn’t. Not seeing how that is exposed. He ain’t Chipper, that is for sure.
He’ll connect 25 times a year, and strike out near 250 times. Put up a .225/.245 line since he doesn’t walk. And he’ll make 20+ errors in the field since he’s a below avg. defender. No need for him to start for us. Put Prado there, and get us a LF.
If you think Pastornicky’s defense was bad, Juan is even worse. Don’t let him start!
Lew
August 27th, 2012
10:51 am
Only Braves – We realize you revile Fransisco while bowing in homage to Greinke, but I’d be willing to bet that we’ll see Juan starting for the Braves next year before we see Greinke even putting on a Braves’ uni.
Get used to it. At the very least, Wren will consider platooning Juan at third next year while they won’t even make an attempt to sign the way overrated Greinke.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
10:54 am
He’s either an honest to god idiot or Tomahawkin makes him appear one with his representation of what he says.
I don’t believe the two are exclusive.
I really don’t think the Nats are feeling a whole lot of pressure.
I think the Braves would like to be no more than 4 back in the loss column by Labor Day. Any more than that, probably gonna take some luck to make up the ground.
As for the Nats feeling it, their offensive slump probably has to go a little deeper and the lead a little shorter for that to kick in.
Jimmy
August 27th, 2012
10:55 am
Please, please..no one bring up the Braves record on Mondays.
If it is brought up, it seals a loss for tonight.
For all intensive purposes.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
10:56 am
Jimmy – Who exactly, brought it up?
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
10:56 am
For all intensive purposes.
Mute point.
Good teams gotta beat jinxes in September, LOL.
Even if it’s August.
Don
August 27th, 2012
10:56 am
Why would anyone be concerned about Fredi and Uggla. After all – in his last 66 games, Uggla has hit .143 and only struck out over 1/3 of the time – But perhaps he can get hot and return to hitting his great season average of .208. To take advantage of this great production, he has played more games than any other Brave except Bourn. But I guess he is in there because of his great defense and speed. What are the odds on Uggla being named Player Of The Year and Fredi Manager Of The Year.
CrαZy
August 27th, 2012
10:59 am
What are the odds on Uggla being named Player Of The Year and Fredi Manager Of The Year.
About as good as you not being a miserable SOB!!
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
11:00 am
We realize you revile Fransisco while bowing in homage to Greinke
Not true! I don’t hate Juan, just stating the facts. He just doesn’t show MLB starting material for a contender to me… sorry.
we’ll see Juan starting for the Braves next year …. Get used to it. At the very least, Wren will consider platooning Juan at third next year
Geez that gave me a headache.. I can see it now, he starts 80-90 games, he’ll make 15-20 errors, hit .230/.250 with 14 HR and almost 200 Ks. That’s gonna be horrible.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
11:03 am
Still rather have him than Greinke putting up his usual 3.87 ERA for $22 mil a year.
jeffrey d
August 27th, 2012
11:03 am
Oh good, Don dropped in to give us his rays of sunshine.
clt brave
August 27th, 2012
11:05 am
question for DOB: did it ever occur to you to ask FG if he and Walker (hitting coach) thought it might be helpful to let Dan work on his swing every day in GWINNETT? I guess in the future when fans want to ask what could be a sensitive question of FG, we should get the world-reknowned investigative journalist Tim McCarver to show our Atlanta-based press corps the way.
Bat Masterson
August 27th, 2012
11:07 am
Ha, good point, scoots.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
11:12 am
I don;’t think that they can send Uggla down to the minors without his permission.
jeffrey d
August 27th, 2012
11:13 am
Reknowned?
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
11:13 am
“I don’t think that they can send Uggla down to the minors without his permission.”
Well tell him we can send McCann with him if it makes him feel better. Heck maybe even Pastornicky and Hanson. A whole car full of them.
cricket
August 27th, 2012
11:15 am
he starts 80-90 games, he’ll make 15-20 errors, hit .230/.250 with 14 HR and almost 200 Ks. That’s gonna be horrible.
so now he’s gonna suck against RH pitchers too (guessing that’s how the platoon will work)? what is his OPS against righties so far in short career?
Lew
August 27th, 2012
11:16 am
That likely would not be an inducement for him to accept the demotion.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
11:16 am
cricket – .806
steve
August 27th, 2012
11:17 am
There once was a man named Dan;
Who had the talent to fan;
His swing is a joke;
Fans know he will choke;
We wait for the day he’ll be canned.
CrαZy
August 27th, 2012
11:17 am
Reknowned…. He was once known, but then forgotten now he’s reknown the world over!!
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
11:20 am
Guess I’ll have to go ask Shaun.
Looking for punishment are ya?
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
11:21 am
I agree with Lew 100% that Greinke isn’t worth the money. I think he is way overrated.
I would have NO problem with Francisco at 3rd (assuming Prado in LF), if it means doning something good in CF, and perhaps strengthening the front end of the SP. Not sure there is a viable option with SP, which isn’t all bad, considering the in-house options. If we could also find a real good full time LF, I would be very happy with Prado at 3rd.
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
August 27th, 2012
11:21 am
Murph
August 27th, 2012
10:39 am
Chipper has a Strained Oblique, Not Good…That means the Streaky Roadrunner will start more. He is good off the bench but his bat will get exposed the more he plays—T’hawkin
“Who the hell is The Streaky Roadrunner? Are you referring to Francisco or Reed? Or someone else?”
Francisco is known as the Roadrunner on The Chuck And Chernoff Show…I have no Idea where the hell that nickname came from….
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
August 27th, 2012
11:22 am
CrαZy
[What are the odds on Uggla being named Player Of The Year and Fredi Manager Of The Year.]
“About as good as you not being a miserable SOB!!”
Ouch!
JoeFan
August 27th, 2012
11:23 am
The Braves will at least give Francisco the chance to start at 3B in 2013. There is however a possible replacement coming along at AA who may be ready come late 2013 /14. So don’t see Braves going after a 3B. Much rather see what the Braves can do in trading Uggla, moving Prado to 2B and finding a new LF with some pop. Bourn likely want be back in 2013, so there is another spot to get a 1 or 2 year rental until Cunningham is ready.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
11:23 am
The vitriol for Uggla is so sadly misplaced. Might want to replace the anger with some lighted candles, since the team needs him to contribute to any postseason run worth speaking of. If he and McCann are still struggling on October 1, better hope Heyward and Freeman are absolutely in a coma.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
11:24 am
cricket – Sorry, I was abit off there.
As a starter in his career his numbers are -
.284, ..316, .490, .806 (256PA)
And vs. RHP in his career -
.286, ,337, .516, .853 ( 294 PA)
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
11:25 am
I don;’t think that they can send Uggla down to the minors without his permission.
Is this really the case? I can’t believe a team can’t do what they feel is best without a players permission. To me that’s craziness.
Tomahawkin (Suffering Fan)
August 27th, 2012
11:25 am
Bat Masterson
Matt Chernoff was On Point when he said Friday that This Offense loves to have 3-4 guys go into deep slumps all at the same time…. —T’Hawkin
“I had never heard of this guy until Tomahawkin started bringing him up here. He’s either an honest to god idiot or Tomahawkin makes him appear one with his representation of what he says.”
Matt Chernoff does Sports Radio on 680TheFan and he does the Braves Pregame show on radio, Most times I think its a lot better than The Braves Pregame on FSN…
MDBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
11:27 am
Nats are feeling it. And all the talk abt Strasburg can’t be helping them. If we can win tonight, would definitely tighten the screws. So pull up your socks again (it’s Mon) and keep the wins coming – Go Braves!
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
11:27 am
RE: Monday curse, good streaks, bad streaks, etc. As Skip Cary used to say, I don’t think any announcers, fans, DOB, or anyone else has the power to “jinx” a player or team. I do think some things can get into heads of players and teams, affecting them both negatively and positively. That would be the “clutch” or “choke” effect.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
11:28 am
raleighbraves – Or to expand on Wren’s options, they could find a RH hitting LFer to platoon with Prado in LF and when RH pitchers start against us, they could go with Francisco at third and Prado in LF and when LHP start against us, put Prado at third and the RH Hitting LFer in LF.
With this scenario, Wren gets a top line CFer and boosts the pitchig strength and only has to get a LFer who rakes against LHP, which should costy less.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
11:29 am
Future Shock
Monday Morning Ten Pack
by Kevin Goldstein
J.R. Graham, RHP, Braves (Double-A Mississippi)
A fourth-round pick in 2011 who impressed enough to land at the No. 11 spot in the pre-season Braves prospect rankings, Graham will have no problem landing higher on that list this off-season. After putting up a 2.63 ERA in 17 Carolina League starts with 68 strikeouts and just 17 walks in 102 2/3 innings, Graham has been even more impressive in the Southern League: with six shutout innings on Sunday—while allowing three hits and striking out eight—his M-Brave ERA sits at 2.90 with 38 whiffs in 40 1/3 innings. Strikeouts are not the main part of Graham’s game, as the undersized but athletic righty has one of the top sinkers in the game, sitting at 95 mph with movement to generate one of the best groundball rates in the minors. He’s flashed an above-average slider and a decent changeup, and he’s gone from nice sleeper to one of the better pitching prospects in the system.
snowball's chance
August 27th, 2012
11:29 am
The Red Sox proved it is possible to move unproductive players with huge contracts. I admire Uggla’s attitude but it is time to move on.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
11:30 am
They USED to be able to do whatever they wanted, but The Reserve Cause has been gone for quite some time.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
11:32 am
The vitriol for Uggla is so sadly misplaced. Might want to replace the anger with some lighted candles, since the team needs him to contribute to any postseason run worth speaking of. If he and McCann are still struggling on October 1, better hope Heyward and Freeman are absolutely in a coma.
We need them both next year as well. Regardless of any offseason acquisitions, they will be needed greatly to make up for the loss of Bourn(potentially…..probably) and Jones.
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
11:32 am
AT – Any player has limited number of “options” to be sent down. I don’t know what Uggla’s status is, but it’s all part of the CBA., and rules of baseball, just like arbitration and free agency. Sorry that bothers you.
74bravesjersey
August 27th, 2012
11:33 am
@richbrave;@Ralph; You guys are the best sources on keepin’ up w/ the updates that’s from the farm, cause’ valuable info. on what’s the prospects look like, I appreciate hav’n you guys as resources. DOB needs to recognize you’re clutch performances!(Kidd’n ya DOB).
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
11:34 am
better hope Heyward and Freeman are absolutely in a coma.
Me? I’m hoping those two are wide awake and mashing everything they see. Would be bummed if come October they were vegetables.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
11:34 am
“If he and McCann are still struggling on October 1, better hope Heyward and Freeman are absolutely in a coma.”
Unconscious, I get it. Funny.
Well Heyward and Freeman in the Giants series were…umm…I’d like to see their OPSs.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
11:34 am
I think it’s a shame when they can’t do what they feel is best.
74bravesjersey
August 27th, 2012
11:35 am
Efrim; You & Tennessee Paul made very valid points, good reads son, good reads.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
11:35 am
http://espn.go.com/new-york/mlb/story/_/id/8306606/new-york-mets-manager-terry-collins-job-safe-report-says
Right…..because those Mets are really underperforming with that roster. They should sign that man to an extension asap. He’s a very good manager, having tracked that team this year.
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
11:36 am
Lew – Wren has to be, and will be creative, when putting together a team that works, and fits the payroll. Many fans will grumble, because we don’t have unlimited resouces, and must make compromises.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
11:36 am
We need them both next year as well. Regardless of any offseason acquisitions, they will be needed greatly to make up for the loss of Bourn(potentially…..probably) and Jones.
Exactly. Heyward, Freeman, Uggla, McCann, producing at their norms, is still a formidable middle of the order. But they’ll still need one more bat, preferably a righty with sock, to maintain the lineup depth they’ve had this year. Get that guy, and maybe you can suffer in CF a little.
74bravesjersey
August 27th, 2012
11:37 am
What’s ya’lls take on Jim Riggleman?, I’ll hang up & listen.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
11:37 am
34 games to go – hoping for both Heyward and Freeman to finish strong and for us to at least secure that one games on Friday night, 10/5.
Heck, hoping for Polished and Medlen to finish strong as well. Make me feel a lot better about the rotation for 2013.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
11:37 am
they will be needed greatly to make up for the loss of Bourn(potentially…..probably) and Jones.
Done a great job this year making up for the loss of Bourn since June 19th…
_________PA_BB_SO__AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS
Bourn.. 284 32 67 .253 .340 .371 .712
Heyward 265 27 70 .305 .374 .572 .946
Freeman 259 31 35 .290 .386 .502 .888
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
11:37 am
As a starter in his career his numbers are -
.284, ..316, .490, .806 (256PA)
And vs. RHP in his career -
.286, ,337, .516, .853 ( 294 PA)
Not even a full season of ABs…. that BA will go down, down, down if he starts more often. Just my opinion.
Andy Frank
August 27th, 2012
11:38 am
Last night’s lineup looked fantastic. Prado looked great at 2nd and he looks fantastic at every AB. Such a smart hitter. We just need Mike Minor to look as good as he did on Saturday and our rotation for the playoffs will be tough to beat.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
11:39 am
But they’ll still need one more bat, preferably a righty with sock, to maintain the lineup depth they’ve had this year. Get that guy, and maybe you can suffer in CF a little.
I bet Ryan would want Delgado + Graham for Willingham…….
I wouldn’t do it. Just sayin…..
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
11:39 am
Heck, hoping for Polished and Medlen to finish strong as well. Make me feel a lot better about the rotation for 2013.
There are few certainties in life, just know that they are: death, taxes, Evan Gattis and Kris Medlen.
Polished, we really need to keep an eye one. He could get all tarnished.
CrαZy
August 27th, 2012
11:40 am
Many fans will grumble, because we don’t have unlimited resouces, and must make compromises.
Then they’ll complain about the owners….
without considering a new owner could just as easily be cheaper than Liberty Media!
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
11:40 am
_________PA_BB_SO__AVG__OBP__SLG__OPS
Bourn.. 284 32 67 .253 .340 .371 .712
I can’t think of a worse idea then to hand that man $16-18 million a year over the next six seasons, which would take up like 20% of the payroll.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
11:42 am
Done a great job this year making up for the loss of Bourn since June 19th…
.387 OBP in August, though, so he’s been doing his job for that month, at least.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
11:42 am
I can’t think of a worse idea then to hand that man $16-18 million a year over the next six seasons, which would take up like 20% of the payroll.
… adding a 7th year to beat out Boston.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
11:43 am
Teheran, Graham, Bethancourt, Sims, Gilmartin.
Gonna go out on a limb and guess that’s BA’s/BP/Law’s Top 5 – with the last 4 being in no particular order. Just that those five prospects encompass the first half of our Top 10 prospects.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
11:43 am
.387 OBP in August, though, so he’s been doing his job for that month, at least.
Not for $18M…
I love the guys defense. I appreciate that he can get on a steal. I refuse to acknowledge that it is a good plan to offer him $16M+ over 6 or 7 years. That would be a disaster.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
11:44 am
Done a great job this year making up for the loss of Bourn since June 19th…
.387 OBP in August, though, so he’s been doing his job for that month, at least.
Polished, we really need to keep an eye one. He could get all tarnished
That’s why Signable is in the wings.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
11:44 am
Well Heyward and Freeman in the Giants series were…umm…I’d like to see their OPSs.
Freeman: .294/.333/.882/1.216 3 HR, 1 double and a single
Heyward: .286/.333/.929/1.262 3 HR and a single
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
11:44 am
… adding a 7th year to beat out Boston.
Wouldn’t it be something if Boston signed him? I know him and Crawford are different players, with Bourn adding lots of value with his glove and having less power than Carl.
But they have to spend the money somewhere. Can’t go into 2013 with a 90 million dollar payroll.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
11:45 am
Transplant – No. What YOU think is best.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
11:47 am
LF Ellsbury, CF Bourn, RF Ross
3B Middlebrooks, SS Iglesias, 2B Pedroia, 1B, C Salty/Lavarnway, DH Ortiz
Meh…..
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
11:48 am
But they have to spend the money somewhere.
I think they’ll have to resist that notion, strongly. Whether the fan base and Lucchino will allow them to do so, is another question entirely.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
11:49 am
What do I think is best? are you asking or telling? Cause I didn’t recommend anything about sending anyone down. I was simply asking a question.
But as far as what teams can or can’t do.. I think it’s ridiculous when teams aren’t able to do things because they have to get permission from certain ballplayers before they can do it.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
11:50 am
“I can’t think of a worse idea then to hand that man $16-18 million a year over the next six seasons”
I think Boston does go after Bourn. Hopefully they don’t put him in LF.
But I can think of a lot of worse ideas than paying Bourn that kinda money. The Braves NEED Bourn. They do. He fills SOOO many voids that they have and can’t fill without him.
George
August 27th, 2012
11:50 am
Good morning all
BRAVES finished the week well,but earlly week not so good. Good JASON continues to prove me wrong, FREDDY is for real, HUDDY is HUDDY.
Got a question. with a 5-1 lead, What the heck was FREDI PHing CHIPPER for? Did he want CHIPPER to get hurt swinging the bat again?
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
11:52 am
There’s no way I’d give Bourn between 16 to 18 mil a year.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
11:53 am
The Braves NEED Bourn. They do. He fills SOOO many voids that they have and can’t fill without him.
“Can’t”? I think I’ll have to take issue with that. I’m perfectly happy with Prado leading off next year, and there ought to be at least one other guy available who can pick it in CF.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
11:53 am
OnlyBraves – That’s the thing about small sample sizes – that;s what you get until the player actually gets to play and thos decisions are made by success in small sample sizes.
Francisco is going to get more playing time next year – though likely as a platoon player. All you have to go on is that to this point he’s been successful as a starter and against RHP. All else is speculation with nothing to back it up.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
11:54 am
Last 7 days OPS:
Heyward 1.255 4hrs/8rbis
Freeman 1.116 3hrs/6rbis
Nice 3/4 in the lineup.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
11:55 am
I think they’ll have to resist that notion, strongly. Whether the fan base and Lucchino will allow them to do so, is another question entirely.
I think short term signings makes the most sense in the outfield and re-signing Ortiz. Let Iglesias play SS and see if he can OPS .650 and provide some value with the glove. I’m sure they ink Ross and find someone to man LF and 1B.
They have two legit position player prospects in CF Jackie Bradley Jr. and SS Xander Boegarts. de la Rosa, Webster, Barnes are three promising starting pitching prospects. None other than de la Rosa will be ready until 2014. As much as they don’t want to say it’s a bridge year – it really should be.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
11:57 am
The Braves NEED Bourn. They do. He fills SOOO many voids that they have and can’t fill without him.
We can fill those holes….
leadoff hitter = Prado or Simmons
Great defensive CF= Bourjos/others
Stolen base threat: Heyward, Prado, possibly Simmons
left-handed batter: screw that, we don’t need any more
There are ways to get around not having Bourn. At the right price, sure go get him. But at 12+ mil for 5-6 years, no way.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
11:57 am
Transplant – Why would I ask when you’ve worn your feelings on your sleeve for quite some time now. I dare say we all know what you think of Uggla and what the Braves should do with him as you’ve ranted about it numerous times for days on end.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
11:58 am
ncscoots – Can’t replace him. You can try to fill some of the voids, but not all of them.
One of the best defensive CF in the game. Best stolen base guy in the league. One of the best leadoff hitters in the league. Tough to get that all in one package. Especially for a team that has no other options in CF or for speed.
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
11:59 am
CraZy – Yeah, I’ll bet the Marlin fans are glad they have an individual owner like Loria, instead of an evil, uncaring corporate owner like LM.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
11:59 am
DOWN ON THE FARM
MISSISSIPPI
Starter RH DAVID HALE [3.91 ERA] and reliefer LH CHASEN SHREVE [3.93 ERA] twirl five innings of two-hit, one run ball, then 40-man protected RH ERIK CORDIER [24.00 ERA] takes over, blows the save and takes the loss [0-2] in 0.2 IP. Why is this man still on the 40-man? LHRP CHRIS JONES [3.45 ERA] closes the barn-door, but all the horses were already loose.
1B JOEY T. [.309 BA] gets his 23rd double to no avail [1-2. 1 R 1 BB, 1 SO] although by getting on, he scores a run. Oh, and he commits his 14th error [throwing] since coming down.
CF/RF BOBBY STEVENS [.216 BA] has a timely single [1-3] that drives in two [6].
3B JOE LEONARD [.262 BA] 0-1, 1 R, 2 BB.
RF/LF AL CARRITHERS goes 2-2 with a BB, and that’s it from the offense.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
11:59 am
“Stolen base threat: Heyward, Prado, possibly Simmons”
I don’t think you want either of those two guys stealing bases over the long haul. Way too much risk of them getting hurt. All of them now have had hand injuries and base running injuries.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
12:00 pm
I’m not certain what makes people think that Simmons would work out as lead off hitter.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
12:00 pm
Mike Minor since June 7th, 14 games, 85.1 IP, 67 hits, 30 ER, 25 BB’s, 63 K’s, 11 HR allowed, 3.16 ERA, .218/.280/.384 oppo. slash line. Numbers are even better since July(2.50 ERA, 8 BB’s, 42 K’s in 57.2 IP – 9 games).
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
12:00 pm
As much as they don’t want to say it’s a bridge year – it really should be.
I think you’ll be able to tell a lot about their overall strategy (and the time-frame) by whether they offer up guys such as Lester. I certainly can see them trying to move Ellsbury, but other possible tradees are probably more telling.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
12:02 pm
TOBF:
How can you say that about BOURN? UGGLA’s contract is lonely and needs company.
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
12:03 pm
AT – Like it or not, MLB players have a REAL union…This isn’t the NFL.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
12:03 pm
I think you’ll be able to tell a lot about their overall strategy (and the time-frame) by whether they offer up guys such as Lester. I certainly can see them trying to move Ellsbury, but other possible tradees are probably more telling.
Good point. I think I’d be surprised if they didn’t listen on Lester. But that’s different than trading him. I’d love for the Braves to go after him. Shields too. Haren…..heck, he may end up being a free agent.
JRW
August 27th, 2012
12:06 pm
I know Victorino is a four letter word to most on the blog, but I would try to get him to replace Bourn if he moves on. I fully expect the Dodgers will not resign him now that they have Crawford.
tony austin
August 27th, 2012
12:07 pm
I would mind seeing Bourn, sans his Ks, in a Braves uniform next season and possibly the one after that. But not for the next 7 seasons like Boras is no doubt to get. Too much financial risk at the back end of the contract for a mid-marker payroll team like the Braves.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
12:09 pm
“I fully expect the Dodgers will not resign him now that they have Crawford.”
They’d rather have Crawford over Victorino? No thanks. I wouldn’t mind the Braves getting Victorino. At best he can hit 1 or 2 in the lineup, at worst he plays great defense in CF and hits 7th.
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
12:10 pm
MFin – Everything you say about Bourn is true. But for how long. And what’s the cost. And how does that cost effect the construction of the rest of the team. These are the things Wren will have to consider.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
12:10 pm
as you’ve ranted about it numerous times for days on end.
I’m sorry that I don’t embrace him as much as you do. I do feel we’d be better served if we moved his 13 or so million off payroll and spent it elsewhere. We had unlimited resources to sign other stars to mask Uggla’s deficiencies for the 2/3’s of the season that he’s not producing I’d be perfectly okay with him at 2nd. I just think with our limited resources we should use them more wisely.
George
August 27th, 2012
12:12 pm
I think FREDI should keep his job if the BRAVES sre able to make the playoffs and win the first series [ the 3 of 5 one ]. That would be a successful season for me.
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
12:14 pm
AT – Reguardless of how much or how little anyh of us value Uggla, I think it would be a lot harder to move him and his contract than you do. Other GMs are trying to improve their teams, and have no interest in improving the Braves.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
12:15 pm
Before I gave out 16 to 18 on Bourn, I’d just assume us to try to acquire Coco from the A’s during the offseason.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
12:15 pm
Was that the real George? Fredi keep his job?
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
12:15 pm
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
12:00 pm
“……Mike Minor since June 7th, 14 games, 85.1 IP, 67 hits, 30 ER, 25 BB’s, 63 K’s, 11 HR allowed, 3.16 ERA, .218/.280/.384 oppo. slash line. Numbers are even better since July(2.50 ERA, 8 BB’s, 42 K’s in 57.2 IP – 9 games)……”
Now that’s what I’m talkin’ about. IMPROVEMENT from the youngsters.
Like MINOR and BEACHY.
Even DELGADO to some extent.
MEDS has always been good, well, almost always.
Throw in HUDSON and MAHOLM and you’ve got next year’s SP’s I believe.
SHEETS, iffy based on conditioning. I think he has enough game for the back-end of the rotation if he stays healthy in 2013.
HANSON will be traded if he pulls out the stretch run this year. Otherwise, I see him rejecting the BRAVES arb 1 offer this January and the two headed to an arbitor. He may lose his starting slot though, especially later in the season when BEACHY has returned and gained strength…..prolly in GWINNETT.
JURRJENS is history in a BRAVES uni.
TEHERAN will labor another year in AAA searching for the consistancy that REDMOND never acquired.
If all goes well, GILMARTIN will get a full year in AAA with a call-up maybe once to see how he’s doing.
GRAHAM may get up to GWINNETT in the second half of the season.
BOBBY FISH is the great unknown due to his being on the DL all season.
FLANDE and LUGO…..those experiments are over.
George
August 27th, 2012
12:16 pm
Repost from bottom of last page
George
August 27th, 2012
12:12 pm
I think FREDI should keep his job if the BRAVES sre able to make the playoffs and win the first series [ the 3 of 5 one ]. That would be a successful season for me.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
12:19 pm
raleighbravefan, as far as moving Uggla. I don’t think it would be as hard as some think or as easy as some think I think it is, but I do think we could be creative and get something done. Some teams would like to have a 30 homer type player in their lineup and would welcome the fact that he’s locked in over the next 3 years.
I’d like to see something like Uggla packaged with Gilmartin to Detroit for some type of return like Infante and McCann. That would give us a replacement player at 2nd plus another good catching prospect for the minors.
tony austin
August 27th, 2012
12:22 pm
…Infante and McCann – Arkansas Transplant
Two McCann’s on the same team? I don’t think McFann’s heart could take it
BravesFanInMaine
August 27th, 2012
12:22 pm
richbrave- I agree…. minor,maholm, hudson, medlen, beachy…. i like that rotation alot…. i think minor is going to learn off of maholm and go from there…… id like to see the braves spend some money on hitting imo!
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
12:22 pm
CraZy:
You still out there?
If so, I see some encouraging signs from our main man.
He appears to be morphing into a real hitter. Appears much more selective at the plate. Hasn’t let being demoted twice get in the way evidently. He could end up out GATTIS-ing GATTIS with that power-potential he has once pitchers start having to come in to him instead of he getting himself out all the time with an undisciplined approach at the plate.
CrαZy
August 27th, 2012
12:22 pm
Yeah, I’ll bet the Marlin fans are glad they have an individual owner like Loria, instead of an evil, uncaring corporate owner like LM.
raleighbravefan, Funny because Loria is exactly who I think of when I hear someone wishing we had a new owner.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
12:22 pm
Some teams would like to have a 30 homer type player in their lineup and would welcome the fact that he’s locked in over the next 3 years.
Which is why we should keep him… we need a power bat.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
12:22 pm
Some teams would like to have a 30 homer type player in their lineup and would welcome the fact that he’s locked in over the next 3 years.
But the Braves aren’t one of them?
Lew
August 27th, 2012
12:26 pm
Transplant – Yes. Again – we know what your thoughts are. We know despite the fact that you just told us yet again. However, it’s not looking like the Braves share your disdain or desire to dump Uggla. They barely seem willing to sit him more than occasionally.
But you need to face basic facts – a. They won’t sit him more than once and a while b. They aren’t sending him to AAA c. They will not eat tens of millions of dollars to see him gone to another team with another 3 or so years on his contract d. He’s a streaky player and the Braves are and have been aware of this fact and take the good with the bad as art of the deal they made to bring him here long term. e. He’s not Derek Lowe at close to age 40 with a single year left on his contract and finally f. They don’t need to scrape pennines together to field a team next year as was the case this year when they let Lowe Gowe.
CrαZy
August 27th, 2012
12:27 pm
Rich… His K’s have always been the problem.. I know he asked the Braves to move to pitcher and they told him they didn’t want him to pitch. He was clocked in mid 90’s in high school so I’m sure he’ll give that a go somewhere if he can’t get it going by the end of next season.
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
12:28 pm
Exactly what I was thinking, scoots. If he’s a 30 HR a year guy, why would the Braves trade him?
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
12:29 pm
id like to see the braves spend some money on hitting imo!
24th in the league in quality starts, while we are 7th in the league in runs scored, 3rd in the NL. Yep, we need more offense.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
BFIM:
With all the other issues that FW has to deal with this off-season, I just can’t see him dealing with anythingin the starting pitching department other than HUDSON’s option and return on a two-year deal. Like I said yesterday, 7 million guaranteed with realistic incentives totaling 2.5 million more. He makes more if he’s excellent, and we get some relief if he starts to fade.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
12:30 pm
But the Braves aren’t one of them?
Only for the reason’s I mentioned above.
Veer
August 27th, 2012
12:32 pm
Sheets will not be back as a Brave next year we have enough number 5 starters in the Minors who can fill that role. Hanson is our weak link. The guy throws slower than Clemens and Clemens is 50.
It is a shame when a 50 year old retiree has a better fastball and can go longer in the games then Hanson
Lew
August 27th, 2012
12:34 pm
g. Wren has more than enough to do this winter in picking up two thirds of an outfield, streghtneing the rotation, strengthening the bench and stregthening the relief corps to worry about giving Uggla away and replacing him, too.
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
12:34 pm
It is a shame when a 50 year old retiree has a better fastball and can go longer in the games then Hanson
And you know this…how?
Lew
August 27th, 2012
12:36 pm
Yeah – I’m doubting a return by Sheets, too.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
12:38 pm
CraZy:
Man his power numbers are going off the charts as his BB-SO ratio has improved.
5 SO -1 BB ratio in June
2.8 SO – 1 BB in July
4 SO – 1 BB in August to date.
.581 OPS in June
.809 OPS in July
1.025 OPS in August to date.
Numbers don’t lie. The better eye he develops, the better power he’s going to generate.
HEYWOOD appears to have gone through a reverse type situation. Too patient at the plate, and lots of walks to a power hitter with balance.
If you see and talk to him, you tell him to hang in. It’s all mental at this point. He’s got the physical ability sewed up.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
12:40 pm
“while we are 7th in the league in runs scored, 3rd in the NL. Yep, we need more offense.”
How about a more balanced, consistent offense that can hit both lefties and righties!?
Veer
August 27th, 2012
12:40 pm
Minor is a good pitcher and down the stretch I think the Braves should go with the 4 men rotation. I don’t think Hanson should be pitching key games down the wire. We have almost every Thursday off from now till the end of the season and this dayoff should allow the Braves to deploy a 4 men rotation
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
12:41 pm
two thirds of an outfield – actually we’ll still have 2/3rds on the team
streghtneing the rotation – I’ve been told we’ve got plenty of options, that pitching is the last thing that FW will be looking at.
strengthening the bench – We may only have 1 possibly 2 spots open.
stregthening the relief corps – Can’t see where this would be much of a priority, there is already a very good core of relief options in the pen. Can’t really see us looking for more than 1 extra arm for out there, if any.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
12:41 pm
“I’m doubting a return by Sheets, too.”
Nah, I’m doubting a return by Hanson more than Sheets.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
12:41 pm
VEER:
“……It is a shame when a 50 year old retiree has a better fastball and can go longer in the games then Hanson…….”
See my previous statements today regarding HANSON. Agreed, he’s the weak-link and will be traded if possible.
Veer
August 27th, 2012
12:42 pm
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
12:34 pm
It is a shame when a 50 year old retiree has a better fastball and can go longer in the games then Hanson
And you know this…how?
Clemens fastball was clocked around 88 MPH when he was pitching for the Skeeters and he lasted 4 innings and 4 innings of effectiveness.
Hanson has been clocking 87-88 and can’t go past 4 innings.
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
12:42 pm
Nah, I’m doubting a return by Hanson more than Sheets.
Considering Sheets is a free agent and Hanson is first-year arbitration-eligible, you’re going way against the odds there.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
12:43 pm
Don’t count PETE MOYLAN out. He’s one tough cookie, and will undoubtedly get a Sept. call-up along with LYLE OVERBAY.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
12:44 pm
You would think we couldn’t live without Uggla… to me it seems like we could do just fine without him over a full season.
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
12:45 pm
Clemens fastball was clocked around 88 MPH when he was pitching for the Skeeters and he lasted 4 innings and 4 innings of effectiveness.
Hanson has been clocking 87-88 and can’t go past 4 innings.
Hanson’s average fastball velocity this year is 89.8 mph.
Hanson has gone more than four innings in 12 of his last 13 starts.
Also, Tommy Hanson is pitching against major league baseball players.
Try again.
Veer
August 27th, 2012
12:47 pm
When we lost the last game of the year on route to the biggest collapse in proffesional sports I said to myself that things would have been different if Jurrjens and Hanson were pitching now looking back I don’t think things would have been any different. If you plugged in Jurrjens and Hanson of now to last years rotation down the stretch then perhaps we would been out by last week of September.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
12:47 pm
How about 16 platoon L-R position players, five SP [3 RH - 2 LH] and four reliefers [two each] HEH!
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
12:49 pm
richbrave, if you really want to do some extreme platooning. Let’s get players that can pitch and play the field.. think of the options.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
12:50 pm
Let me clarify.. not just play the field but be able to hit too.
Veer
August 27th, 2012
12:50 pm
Good to see Tommy Hanson supporters ou here.
Brian you must be really excited about his next start vs the Padres
What is your prediction on his stat line?
xx IP xx ER xx Pitches xx BB xx K’s xx Hits
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
12:51 pm
HANSON should be traded for a starting LF if BOURN stays or LF/CF if he doesn’t. We’ll never get two solid OF starters in trade for HANSON even if he pulls his weight in the starting rotation from here on out.
PRADO playing 2B-3B next year
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
12:52 pm
richbrave, I’d like to see Prado at 2nd.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
12:53 pm
Veer
August 27th, 2012
12:47 pm
“…..When we lost the last game of the year on route to the biggest collapse in proffesional sports…..”
Wait, I thought the REDSOX spotted up one collapse and went a half-game better? Didn’t they win the auction?
Brian from SC
August 27th, 2012
12:55 pm
Good to see Tommy Hanson supporters ou here.
Brian you must be really excited about his next start vs the Padres
What is your prediction on his stat line?
xx IP xx ER xx Pitches xx BB xx K’s xx Hits
As long as Tommy Hanson is a member of the Braves, I’m a Tommy Hanson supporter.
I’m excited about every game the Braves play, including those started by Tommy Hanson
I don’t know what his stat line will be…just hoping for a Braves win.
MikeInFl
August 27th, 2012
12:55 pm
Best stolen base guy in the league.
Just a technicality, really, but I’d have to give that award to Bonifacio, 30 out of 33 > 37 out of 45. And he’s done that in less than half the plate appearances.
George
August 27th, 2012
12:56 pm
Lew
August 27th, 2012
12:26 pm
Lew
Considering DAN’s contract and who we gave up to get him, would you consider overall, has he been a disappointment?
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
12:56 pm
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
12:49 pm
“……richbrave, if you really want to do some extreme platooning. Let’s get players that can pitch and play the field.. think of the options…..”
Chuckle! ROBBY HEFFLINGER OF/SP and AL SIMMONS SS/SP. dang my grandson is going to be asked to relieve on his H.S. team this year as well as play CF/SS.
Right we’re on our way. Great suggestion AT. You da’ man!
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
12:58 pm
It would be entertaining if nothing else.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
12:58 pm
“…..just hoping for a Braves win…..”
Combine a prayer with that hope. You never know when the ‘good’ TOMMY will show up.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
12:59 pm
“Considering Sheets is a free agent and Hanson is first-year arbitration-eligible, you’re going way against the odds there.”
I was going with this year and for the playoffs. I wouldn’t be surprised to see both back next year.
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
12:59 pm
Prado at second would be a very good thing, but the Braves are moving him to third or keeping him in LF, I’d wager.
Murph
August 27th, 2012
12:59 pm
If you plugged in Jurrjens and Hanson of now to last years rotation down the stretch then perhaps we would been out by last week of September.
And if your dad had been a little more adept with a coat hanger we wouldn’t have to suffer through your posts day-in and day-out.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:01 pm
Unfortunately Jeff R, your probably correct.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
1:02 pm
TOMMY HANSON 2012 edition:
His wing and a prayer.
Veer
August 27th, 2012
1:03 pm
murph you are a tough guy. i am so intimidated by your post
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
1:03 pm
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
12:59 pm
“…..Prado at second would be a very good thing, but the Braves are moving him to third or keeping him in LF, I’d wager….”
So UGGLA stays in the way?
Veer
August 27th, 2012
1:06 pm
Hanson is a 12 game winner but his WAR is -0.2
Murph
August 27th, 2012
1:07 pm
murph you are a tough guy. i am so intimidated by your post
Ummm… what? I didn’t threaten you or try to intimidate you. Not sure where you’re getting that from.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
1:07 pm
Murph
August 27th, 2012
12:59 pm
If you plugged in Jurrjens and Hanson of now to last years rotation down the stretch then perhaps we would been out by last week of September.
“……And if your dad had been a little more adept with a coat hanger we wouldn’t have to suffer through your posts day-in and day-out……”
Wow, inside joke.
Better not let the REPUBLICANS hear of it. It’s agin’ their principles, and is one of their planks this year.
George
August 27th, 2012
1:08 pm
Murph
August 27th, 2012
12:59 pm
JUST WOW ,What a put down. I don’t attact bloggers, but considering Veer WTG Murph.
George
August 27th, 2012
1:08 pm
attack* of course I ment
Shaun
August 27th, 2012
1:09 pm
Prado at second would be a very good thing, but the Braves are moving him to third or keeping him in LF, I’d wager.
Prado could do fine at second. But thirdbase is his best position. Unless something forces their hand, I think the Braves are penciling him in at thirdbase next season.
Considering DAN’s contract and who we gave up to get him, would you consider overall, has he been a disappointment?
OPS+ is 92. The Braves should have seen this as a very real possibility from Uggla at any time while he was under contract with them. His lack of power is absolutely shocking and disappointing but his overall production, the level at which he’s produced on the season as a whole, isn’t all that surprising. It’s more the specifics of how he’s getting there that are surprising.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
1:13 pm
and is one of their planks this year.
rich, are you familiar with the Renegade Raging Grannies, at all? They had a little opinion and tuneage on Mr. Akin’s comments. Absolutely hilarious.
Veer
August 27th, 2012
1:13 pm
Well Murph that was sarcasm on my part. I wanted to give you the satisfaction that you are the BIG OLD MAN IN TOWN and that I fear you.
After all you are viewed as one of the legends on this blogs so I don’t wanna bad mouth you even though you might be to man kind what Melky is to baseball.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
1:14 pm
Hanson is a 12 game winner but his WAR is -0.2
Which is horrible… Sheets has been worth more WAR is his 5-6 starts than Hanson has all year. No need for him to stick around in our rotation next year. Nice guy, but we can do better. He has gotten worse every year, unfortunately.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
1:15 pm
After all you [Murph] are viewed as one of the legends on this blogs
We’re not worthy.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
1:16 pm
Most of the gang’s here. Where’s NICK and PAUL?
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
1:17 pm
scoots:
yeh, I must avert my eyes….
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
1:18 pm
Some teams would like to have a 30 homer type player in their lineup and would welcome the fact that he’s locked in over the next 3 years.
Except the Braves. The Braves don’t have any desire for a player of that type. Hard to imagine why they traded Infante for him in the first place …
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:20 pm
But then again, he’s not really a 30 homer type.
George
August 27th, 2012
1:23 pm
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
1:18 pm
Some teams would like to have a 30 homer type player in their lineup and would welcome the fact that he’s locked in over the next 3 years.
Except the Braves. The Braves don’t have any desire for a player of that type. Hard to imagine why they traded Infante for him in the first place …
********************
But does he have to hit .208?
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:23 pm
a possibility he’s not even a 20 homer guy this year.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
1:23 pm
The Braves should have seen this as a very real possibility from Uggla at any time while he was under contract with them.
Perhaps they did. He’s OPS+ 101 as a Brave with a 26HR a year pace. Perhaps they thought he was totally worth Infante and $13M.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
1:24 pm
But then again, he’s not really a 30 homer type.
So then, most teams wouldn’t really be interested in him.
Which is it AT, a 30 HR type or not a 30 HR type.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:25 pm
But does he have to hit .208?
Better yet.. at a cost of 13mil plus a year.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:25 pm
TP, you tell me.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
1:26 pm
Perhaps they thought he was totally worth Infante and $13M.
A total bargain, regardless of this year.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:26 pm
I’ll tell you he’s not worth the amount we’re paying him for a team that has a budget of about 90 million.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
1:26 pm
Better yet.. at a cost of 13mil plus a year.
So is his contract the main problem?
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
1:27 pm
Tony (Richmond, CA)
Do you lke the Dodgers trade with Red Sox? Or feel that it was too costly and big of a risk? Will this move allow them to get over the hump and overtake SF in the divison?
Jerry Crasnick (1:07 PM)
Tony, Here’s my thought: I understand why they wanted Adrian Gonzalez, and I wouldn’t have objected to taking Josh Beckett and his entire salary as part of the deal. But I thought the Crawford acquisition was too much. He can still come back and be a pretty good player. But I’m just not a fan of larding up your payroll with huge salaries for players who are going to be in their mid-to-late 30s. I think it’s a bad longterm strategy.
I think I may have included Zack Lee just to get them to keep Crawford. That was the overkill part of it. I understand the Red Sox wanted them to take on Crawford and Beckett to give up Adrian – but I would of parted with more prospects to keep Crawford out of it.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
1:27 pm
We can trade Uggla because he’s a 30 HR type of player so some team will want him, but he’s not really a 30 HR type player so he isn’t of any use to us…. I’m confused.
Shaun
August 27th, 2012
1:27 pm
Hard to imagine why they traded Infante for him in the first place
The trade was fine. I think the contract extension is where they got a little too excited. But I can sort of understand. You assume that even if and when Uggla starts to decline, he’s still going to be a secondbaseman with plenty of power. And even this year, without power, he’s still no worse than an average offensive secondbaseman. But I still think the Braves gave him a little too rich a contract.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
1:28 pm
I’ll tell you he’s not worth the amount we’re paying him for a team that has a budget of about 90 million.
So the Braves, a large market, average payroll team can trade a non-30 HR type player to whom? Or are you saying he becomes a 30HR type only when you start talking trades with others?
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:28 pm
1/7th of payroll for a guy that’s SLG and OPS is only ahead of Janish out of our current starters…. to me that seems a little high.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
1:30 pm
Hard to imagine why they traded Infante for him in the first place
I don’t even have to check Infante’s numbers since the trade to know that Uggla, bad season and everything else, has been the better offensive player.
Wow
August 27th, 2012
1:30 pm
I bet Wren’s going to at least try and trade Uggla. Whether he’s succeeds is a different story.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:30 pm
TP, isn’t it all based on potential? It seems to me that that’s what everyone is dealing for or putting their hope in anyways.. right?
tyger
August 27th, 2012
1:31 pm
Braves treat Black players differently…
Any Black Braves fan/admirer…it’s complicated…
Won’t openly say, but I will, they never would tolerate…
This type performance from a black player…
Never have, Never will…
see Justice, Sanders, Gant, Lofton, Jones, Sheffield, Furcal, etc…
Yet, why so patient with Uggla and not Heyward?
Heyward??? Yes…last season there were rumblings…
They were moving Heyward after just 2 seasons…
Why so impatient with the best prospect in Braves history?
What about Jair?…He’s been cast off like a leper…
I’ve never seen an Allstar treated as such, never…
They treat Ben Sheets like he’s Maddux or Smoltz…
He has 4 Braves wins to his credit…what gives?
Yet, one guy has us in 2nd place…yes, one guy…
Uggla has cost us at least 5 games by himself…
If he’s not booting it, he’s fumbling it, if he’s not 0-4, he’s 1-5…
It’s painful…it’s hopeless…why? why? why?
Yet, if Jair has a couple bad innings, he’s persona non grata…
Why the double standard???? Nevermind, Uggla’s contributions to…
Jair’s bad innings…w his routine boots/kicks/drops/strike-outs…
The guy has become a $13M side-show…
He needs to perform in between innings…
He’s made folly of the sport…ATL Crackers minstrel show…
Mgt. is complicit…either too big or too small…
To swallow another $13M mistake…
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
1:31 pm
1/7th of payroll for a guy that’s SLG and OPS is only ahead of Janish out of our current starters…. to me that seems a little high.
So should the team look to structure deals where the players salary is determined by a given factor multiplied to their OPS? How’s this work?
Memphis
August 27th, 2012
1:31 pm
Just got back from San Francisco. My wife and I had an awesome time there. The San Francisco fans were class acts. We attended Thursday an Saturday’ game. On the JHey homer off Bumgarner, I was literally 3 people from the guy who caught the ball. I got to meet Chipper & got one of the New Saturday Authentic Jerseys signed, and an All Star ball as well. I also got to meet JHey, Freddie, Bourn, Huddy, Uggla etc. Absolutely awesome stadium, and city. Can’t wait to go back.
MFin04
August 27th, 2012
1:32 pm
“But I still think the Braves gave him a little too rich a contract.”
Nah, that contract for Uggla was brilliant. Compare that to what other guys were getting that offseason. Werth, Crawford, etc. Uggla was a steal.
bravesgrl4life
August 27th, 2012
1:32 pm
The nickname Roadrunner for Francisco: Source was Chipper on Twitter.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
1:32 pm
isn’t it all based on potential? It seems to me that that’s what everyone is dealing for or putting their hope in anyways.. right?
So what do you peg as Uggla’s potential?
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
1:32 pm
But I still think the Braves gave him a little too rich a contract.
Agreed. But, it’s not the worst contract I’ve seen given out. My guess is they forecasted and saw that there was no dollars on the books after 2013, and therefore thought it was a solid risk to take. I can’t blame them for that. Guy hit 36 bombs last year.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:33 pm
TP, I’ve always thought the contract was an issue. I can’t see good usage of 13 million on a guy that’s season is so severe.. at least not on a team that can’t also spend big at other positions to help mask that severity.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
1:33 pm
For a minute, I thought that was a page full of haiku at 1:31. Then, I realized it was a page full of horsebleep, instead.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
1:33 pm
Luke (Newcastle, Australia)
Given Liberty Media’s stingyness, do you see it possible that the Braves can resign both Brian Mccann and Michael Bourn? I feel that Bourn would be much more valuable than Mccann, given that the Braves are very high on Christian Bethancourt, and David Ross is a more than servicable stop gap guy, where as the Braves would have to rely on either Reed Johnson or Jose Constanza if Bourn where to depart. Would you agree that Bourn is the one that the Braves should be targeting the most?
Jerry Crasnick (1:21 PM)
Luke, Wow — a note from Australia. Are you a Peter Moylan guy? I basically agree with you. Brian McCann has been a huge part of that team, and in spring training Chipper Jones anointed him as the face of that franchise moving forward. But with Bethancourt on the way, the Braves could replace him rather seamlessly. It’s just a tough call emotionally, because he’s a local kid and a great person. As for Bourn, I’m not sure they have the $$ to sign him even if they focus on him. He’s going to have a very active market this offseason.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
1:33 pm
That tyger post was probably the most asinine post of the last month. I here I didn’t think anything could be “Jurrjens is back!”
Memphis
August 27th, 2012
1:33 pm
Oh yeah, even met Jon Schambi………Even though he was only with the Braves for a few years, he is one of my favorite broadcasters.
Marilyn folkerth
August 27th, 2012
1:34 pm
If Walker thinks he can pull Uggla out of his slump, what the hell is taking him so long? It’s almost September!
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
1:35 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
LYNCHBURG
Dang! ANDY WILSON allows ONE run in relief, and is tagged with the loss in a game of dueling pitchers. ‘CATS havesix hits but one ROX falls on home plate, and they lose 0-1.
RHSP RYAN WEBER [3.57 ERA] 5.0 Ip, 5 H, zeros, 1 BB, 6 SO.
Excellent start.
RHRP ANDY WILSON [L 3-3, 1.70 ERA] 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R/ER, 2 BB, 1 SO.
Walks will kill ya’ every time.
RHRP RYNE HARPER [1.96 ERA] 1.0 IP, 1 H, zeros, 1 BB, 1 SO.
SS NICK AHMED [.261 BA] 1-3, 1 BB, 1 SB [38], 1 SO.
RF ADAM MILLIGAN [.256 BA] 1-3, 1 Outfield Assist, 1 SO.
ADAM batted .208 in June – .318 this month.
PH TOMMY LASTELLA [.276 BA] 1-1.
TennesseePaul
August 27th, 2012
1:36 pm
I can’t see good usage of 13 million on a guy that’s season is so severe
One season?
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
1:36 pm
But with Bethancourt on the way, the Braves could replace him rather seamlessly.
As in, Bethancourt plays catcher and so does Brian McCann. The ’seamless’ part ends there.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:36 pm
TP-So what do you peg as Uggla’s potential?
I think it would be fair to look at career numbers. Which is why I think we could move him if we decided too. I didn’t say we would or that we necessarily will, In my opinion it would be in the best interest of this team to do so however. I think that payroll could be more wisely spent elsewhere.. signing a FA top flight pitcher, another outfielder, extending some of our other young guys… etc, etc.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
1:38 pm
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal
#Yankees announce acquisition of OF/1B Steve Pearce from #Astros for cash considerations. RH bat off bench. B. Laird, brother of Gerald, DFA
Nice trade.
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
1:39 pm
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/08/adam-laroches-2013-option.html
It is looking like this may be the best option for the Nationals. But I see them as still going after Bourn and potentially dealing Michael Morse.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:39 pm
It’s been more than a season.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
1:41 pm
AT, let me ask this: do you think Uggla is cooked? That is, he’s entered a decline phase, never again to approach his previous performances?
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
1:41 pm
richbrave,
Your 1:03 pm post.
How do the Braves get out from under Uggla’s contract even if inclined to do so?
beachcomber
August 27th, 2012
1:42 pm
Lew – Good to see your comments. Been on the DL – some rather serious surgery. You may have posted on this before but do you think the Bravos will go damn the torpedoes (and Boras) after Bourn? He seems like just the kind of spark the Braves need to hold on to.
Venice Jim
August 27th, 2012
1:42 pm
The Nationals’ trouble started, really, in the ninth inning Wednesday against the Braves
Adam Kilgore’s analysis of the Nats’ travails:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/nationals-journal/post/for-the-nationals-mistakes-have-added-up/2012/08/27/8df318b2-f035-11e1-892d-bc92fee603a7_blog.html
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
1:42 pm
Bethancourt isn’t playing for Atlanta anytime soon, not after this season. We’ll see what he does next year. I’d say he needs to start at Mississippi again.
Shaun
August 27th, 2012
1:43 pm
Efrim, yes, it looks like it was a risk they took to get an extra infield bat with Chipper’s exit on the horizon. They knew they were short on infielders.
Nah, that contract for Uggla was brilliant. Compare that to what other guys were getting that offseason. Werth, Crawford, etc. Uggla was a steal.
In a vacuum, yes. But considering the Braves’ payroll compared to other teams, like the Nationals and Red Sox, I don’t think Uggla’s contract was a steal. I don’t think we can look at those other contracts, compare them to the Uggla deal and therefore conclude Uggla’s deal was a steal. I think it’s more nuanced than that.
David O'Brien
August 27th, 2012
1:46 pm
I need to report a casualty on the flight from San Francisco to San Diego:
http://yfrog.com/o0uc7vpj
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:46 pm
ncscoots, I don’t know that I would say he’s in decline, not to say that he isn’t either though. But personally, I don’t think he’s in decline, no. But I do think that possibly his body has been beat up with so many games played.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
1:47 pm
Kevin McAlpin @KevinMcAlpin
Padres have won 7 straight. Playing well, will be a tough series RT @DoubleC77: @KevinMcAlpin what do u think about a Braves sweep this week
Winning 1-3 wouldn’t be too embarassing. Hopefully we can get at least 2.
phil (the we're doomed now fan)
August 27th, 2012
1:48 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
9:32 am
Not much out of the “Heyward’s a bum and a bust” crowd lately.
He is a bum…. he isn’t hitting .300 and doesn’t have a .300/.400/.500/.900 line! Doesn’t have 100 RBIs either…
***************
Exactly….
Wayward….a bumb belonging in Gwinnett.
Shaun
August 27th, 2012
1:49 pm
I think it would be fair to look at career numbers. Which is why I think we could move him if we decided too. I didn’t say we would or that we necessarily will, In my opinion it would be in the best interest of this team to do so however.
Arkansas Transplant, I’m with you that it may be in the team’s best interest to deal Uggla. But I don’t think it’s clear that it is. It depends on what kind of salary relief/players they would get back. It’s very possible that it could be worth it. But it’s also quite possible that it wouldn’t be. I could see it going either way. The Braves should explore it.
phil (the we're doomed now fan)
August 27th, 2012
1:49 pm
Any Nolie sightings today? He’s still above water, yes?
phil (the we're back again, baby! fan)
August 27th, 2012
1:50 pm
Padres have won 7 straight and are starting a fresh face tonight….
Who knows what happens.
BF54
August 27th, 2012
1:51 pm
D O’B nice you should that bobble bauble to Millar
BF54
August 27th, 2012
1:52 pm
send that bobble
Shaun
August 27th, 2012
1:53 pm
AT, let me ask this: do you think Uggla is cooked? That is, he’s entered a decline phase, never again to approach his previous performances?
Sorry to jump in, but I don’t think he’s “cooked.” I do think it’s very likely we’ve already seen the best of Uggla.
David O'Brien
August 27th, 2012
1:54 pm
question for DOB: did it ever occur to you to ask FG if he and Walker (hitting coach) thought it might be helpful to let Dan work on his swing every day in GWINNETT? I guess in the future when fans want to ask what could be a sensitive question of FG, we should get the world-reknowned investigative journalist Tim McCarver to show our Atlanta-based press corps the way. — clt brave
Did I miss something? McCarver simply asked Fredi what he learned from last year’s collapse. That was Saturday.
I followed that up by asking Fredi on Sunday if and how that — his being “less patient” with players — applied to Uggla, who has continued to play nearly every day, at least until this trip.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:54 pm
Shaun, I would welcome it if only meant we could lock Heyward, Freeman, Prado and possibly add Bourn by freeing his contract off the books. But like you said, it would depend on why they decided to do with the savings.
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
1:54 pm
Shouldn’t read, “why they decided” but “what they decided”.
phil (the we're back again, baby! fan)
August 27th, 2012
1:55 pm
David O’Brien
August 27th, 2012
1:46 pm
I need to report a casualty on the flight from San Francisco to San Diego:
http://yfrog.com/o0uc7vpj
***************
Lol…that thing isn’t nearly fat enough to be him!
David O'Brien
August 27th, 2012
1:56 pm
chas, 74bravesjersey: Thanks.
phil (the we're back again, baby! fan)
August 27th, 2012
1:56 pm
Please report now that Uggla will be a lineup casualty again tonight….we’re so much easier to watch with him in a jacket sitting on his rear.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
1:58 pm
DOWN ON THE FARM
ROME
The Legion holds on against a swarm of SAND-GNATS top prevail 4-3.
Rookie LHSP ALEX WOOD [W 4-3, 2.03 ERA] 5.0 IP, 2 H, zeros, 0 BB, 5 SO.
It would have been a shame to let this one slip away, but two reliefers do almost that.
Culprit one is RHRP NAVARY MOORE [H 4, 3.96 ERA] who gets the hold despite surrendering 3 H, 2 R/ER, 1 BB with 1 SO.
Culprit two is LHRP IAN THOMAS [SV 5, 2.95 ERA] 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R/ER, 1 BB, 2 SO.
Eight hits including a double, triple, and HR are just enough offense to win.
1B ‘BillyBECK’ BECKWITH [.296 BA] 2-3, 1 R, 1 HR [14], 2 RBI [74], 1 BB.
BILL’s been sold all year and is deserving of promotion.
C CORY BROWNSTEN [.201 BA] 1-4, 1 3B [1].
LF ROBBY HEFFLINGER [.286 BA] 1-4, 1 2B [20], 2 SO.
Lead-off CF TONY MUELLER [.269 BA] 1-4, 1 R, 1 SB [29].
Rookie 2B ROSS HEFFLEY [.289 BA] 2-4, 2 R, 1 SO.
RF WIL SKINNER [.250 BA] 1-4, 1 RBI [46], 1 SO.
The Legion has three regular home games left and one make-up tilt to finish the season.
Animus
August 27th, 2012
2:00 pm
I enjoy waking up and reading the “overnights” on the blog. Some interesting chit chat going on.
A question, lots of complaints about how Liberty Media is cheap, won’t spend the $,etc. People do realize that LM spends nearly 100% of the revenue the Braves earn right?
People expect a corporation that has to answer to shareholders to operate a business at a loss? Really?
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 27th, 2012
2:01 pm
AT some type of return like Infante and McCann.
Wait—when did Detroit get a McCann??…
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
2:02 pm
Jeff R
August 27th, 2012
1:41 pm
richbrave,
Your 1:03 pm post.
“…..How do the Braves get out from under Uggla’s contract even if inclined to do so?…..”
A lifetime in prtison in a non-death penalty state? Heh!
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 27th, 2012
2:03 pm
Efrim As in, Bethancourt plays catcher and so does Brian McCann. The ’seamless’ part ends there.
BMac is SOOOOO under-appreciated…
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
2:03 pm
McFann, don’t worry.. different McCann. Possibly a very good backup for him. Just think, we could possibly have nights without a McCann in the lineup.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
2:04 pm
Wait—when did Detroit get a McCann??…
James McCann, light hitting defensive wizard of a catcher for Tigers AA affiliate. Would be cool to have him, we could always have a Mac behind the plate! He’s not fat, too…
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 27th, 2012
2:05 pm
There’s ANOTHER McCann that catches?? Hmm. Not so sure how I feel about that…
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
2:06 pm
Animus:
well if they had t.v. revenue approaching that of L.A. they wouldn’t have that problem. Let’s find a way to sell to one shadow corporation that can vitiate that lousy t.v. deal and go from there. Come on JOHN M, TED T’s your best-est buddy. Work somethin’ out.
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 27th, 2012
2:07 pm
Ya know, we need to get James McCann…. one year with BMac will get him hitting, and we’ll still have a slugging McCann when Brian goes to the Yanks! He’ll be cheaper too.
ncscoots
August 27th, 2012
2:07 pm
As in, Bethancourt plays catcher and so does Brian McCann. The ’seamless’ part ends there.
Yes, they could lose Chipper, possibly Bourn, let McCann walk, and trade Uggla. Heyward and Freeman could then both be elite walkers, since neither would ever get a pitch to hit.
That would make for a pretty fun season, huh?
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 27th, 2012
2:08 pm
TOBF He’s not fat, too…
Ha! So these people could always worm out of their little rant-parties:
keylargo “McCann is SOOO fat! And he needs to go to running school…”
Me “Put a cork in it, man! Gosh, you’re so annoying…
”
keylargo “Ease up, McFanny—I was talking about James…”
Arkansas Transplant
August 27th, 2012
2:09 pm
I really would like to see us get McCann.. he’s a very good player.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
2:09 pm
McFANN:
You know we love and respect you, but BRIAN’s struggles with his shoulder are losing him supporters fast here. It’s obviously a real issue.
I do think if the BRAVES had any catcher worth his salt, they’d bring him up, and let BRIAN get that problem worked on now.
Lew
August 27th, 2012
2:11 pm
George – We really didn’t give up much to get him (I don’t value Infante nearly as much as some here do), so that isn’t disapponting. Uggla’s performance? Yeah, for some months it has been disappointing, but it’s not as if he’s had two entirely futile years. His power numbers were fine last year (and some players just aren’t going to provide all some want – some have lower OBP than is desired these days and provide worth i other areas).
The past three months, Uggla has been disappointing ad I’m not going to try and spin the “well, he’s walking a lot” theory of value when it’s his power and run producing abilities that he should be providing. However, I wouldn’t even cnsider trading him benching him long term, sending him to AAA or dumping his salary for the n4ext several years because of a three month slump – at least not when we’e seen he IS a bi-polar player and we’ve seen what he can do when he hits manic mode.
Animus
August 27th, 2012
2:12 pm
richbrave:
agree on the tv deal, but when that was made, it wasn’t considered out of the norm – the really big contracts came after Time Warner signed that one, correct?
Can’t dwell on what happened – the only way to increase revenue at this time is through attendance. Hopefully someone will come along who wants to buy the Braves and has the ability to buy out and renegotiate the TV contract, until then, Wren/Schuerholz/McGuirk have to work with what the revenue dictates.
I think they have done a very good job, and put a great product on the field with ‘limited’ resources.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 27th, 2012
2:14 pm
richbrave BRIAN’s struggles with his shoulder are losing him supporters fast here.
Ah, he lost supporters the first time he made an out in the big leagues…
(ITS) Buncha fair-weather sissy “fans”…
Efrim
August 27th, 2012
2:14 pm
Yes, they could lose Chipper, possibly Bourn, let McCann walk, and trade Uggla. Heyward and Freeman could then both be elite walkers, since neither would ever get a pitch to hit.
That would make for a pretty fun season, huh?
Here it is:
2B Prado
SS Simmons
RF Heyward
1B Freeman
LF Gattis
3B Terdoslavich
CF Cunningham
C Bethancourt
Yuck.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
August 27th, 2012
2:15 pm
Efrim—
Yikes.
Murph
August 27th, 2012
2:15 pm
After all you are viewed as one of the legends on this blogs so I don’t wanna bad mouth you even though you might be to man kind what Melky is to baseball.
It’s like we were play-fighting and then you went and punched me in the nose…
Me wishing you had been aborted is going about this far: [-----------------------------]
You comparing me to Melky is going this far: [---------------------------------------------------------------------]
Too far, veer… too far.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
2:15 pm
“……People expect a corporation that has to answer to shareholders to operate a business at a loss? Really?……” Animus
State the obvious, you get a fantastic response. There’s no way out of this quandry as we write unless you’ve got the green to get it done.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
2:16 pm
Kinda’ like a DEREK LOWE contract, or a DAN UGGLA contract. They looked good going in…..
raleighbravefan
August 27th, 2012
2:19 pm
Animus – Yeah, LM is “cheap” because they aren’t willing to lose money.
74bravesjersey
August 27th, 2012
2:19 pm
More than one McCann? Dang, now I’m full of chagrin.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
2:19 pm
Here it is:
2B Prado
SS Simmons
RF Heyward
1B Freeman
LF Gattis
3B Terdoslavich
CF Cunningham
C Bethancourt
Wow, Efrim do you think they could DO that! What a line-up, man.
Shaun
August 27th, 2012
2:20 pm
Uggla has been disappointing ad I’m not going to try and spin the “well, he’s walking a lot” theory of value when it’s his power and run producing abilities that he should be providing.
Well, on the season his walks are mostly what’s making him a not-awful player. We all hoped and hope he can hit for a lot more power. But walks also produce runs to a certain degree. A hitter’s job is not necessarily to hit for power, hit for average, walk, etc. A hitter’s job is to create runs. And while it’s true that Uggla would likely create more runs by hitting for more power, it’s also true that the walks are what have kept him afloat this season and kept him from being one of the absolute worst offensive secondbaseman.
Ward
August 27th, 2012
2:21 pm
Hello everyone! A Mac debate……..I’ll just sit back all day, and when I get home, read the post when I get home, it should be great entertainment. As long as Mac hits, he should get credit for his hits, and the same for Uggla. It happens to all the teams. Not just Braves hitters too. Uggla will snapp out of it. Patience……..Peace my friends, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!” Believe In The Impossible…….talk tonight!
Animus
August 27th, 2012
2:22 pm
Lowe’s contract – turned out to be pretty ugly, but it looked like a pretty good deal going in. Thought it was a bit much considering his age, but his track record certainly was good.
Uggla’s contract – I couldn’t believe they paid as much as that for a 2nd baseman, but…with the promise of 160 HR’s or so over the next five years, thought it would be worth it – all those HR’s would certainly mean lots of wins, yes? Unfortunately….he’s crashed….needs to be fixed and that’s hard to do midseason. But…he’s a ‘grinder’, maybe next year he can earn his paycheck, he certainly hasn’t this year.
I still think Wren has done well, but that last contract is really hamstringing his ability to spend – and will impact the team for another 3 years. But it’s done, move on.
74bravesjersey
August 27th, 2012
2:25 pm
@Efrim; That would be Wrens bargain line up from the dollar store, where he’ll save so much, putting toward the Budget. Pinch’n penny’s would be his dream.
CrαZy
August 27th, 2012
2:26 pm
2B Prado
SS Simmons
RF Heyward
1B Freeman
LF Gattis
3B Terdoslavich
CF Cunningham
C Bethancourt
Might as well let Huddy, Maholm, Hanson and JJ walk as well…
Starting rotation
Minor
Medlen
Delgado
Teheran
Gilmartin
With that rotation and that lineup I think we’d be locks in the east.
richbrave
August 27th, 2012
2:26 p