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Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,389 comments Add your comment
Brian from SC
September 3rd, 2012
1:47 pm
That huge mass of rain is starting to break up a little bit. Looks better than it did.
FEAR
September 3rd, 2012
1:47 pm
Man the rockies are bad.
Birdhair
September 3rd, 2012
1:48 pm
DOB, you’re awesome and i love your blog, but those folks are ignorant. The move by maholm was a neutral move. The opportunity cost was removing delgado. Not the best of moves and that wasn’t our most pressing needed. Hell, Reed Johnson might be one of the best moves ever by Wren.
Uggla failure. Nate McOut failure, KK failure, Lowe failure, Alex Gonzalez one of the worst OBP’s in baseball.
The braves could be much stronger and in better shape for a run had Wren made the right moves. Had he spent money wisely, and valued obp….we are winning in spite of Wren aside from a decent season from bourn. Don’t forget that bourn was atrocious last season!
rich brave
September 3rd, 2012
1:48 pm
BRAVA:
Thanx. Just askin’.
Did you see my comment on the VIETNAM [my] WAR. i caught yours. I knew if i wen,t I’d never come back, certainly not sane. But i volunteered. Ready to nuke HANOI and HAIPONG run everybody underground and throw in nerve gas canisters. Gung Ho! Heh! Young and stupid like most folks I knew. Lost some good friends from high school and college in that damned war.
Jerry
September 3rd, 2012
1:48 pm
It’s a tough sell to put someone, or anyone, on a pedestal as being the next Maddux. But damn, Medlen sure does look the part.
get2dchopper
September 3rd, 2012
1:50 pm
Chatwood has a no-hitter going against us.
ChattTownBrian
September 3rd, 2012
1:50 pm
Maddux was a scrawny thing, too. He was a little taller than Medlen is all.
Supes
September 3rd, 2012
1:50 pm
Regarding Uggla being reduced to a part time player – About Daym Time!
Thankfully Fredi displayed having some courage to do the right thing, the thing best for the team…start sitting your “stars” that aren’t producing or haven’t produced…good to see Struggla and McOut on the bench…being good years ago doesn’t “guarantee you” at bats down the stretch in September…this isn’t “show-friends” it’s “show-business” as someone once said
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 3rd, 2012
1:51 pm
AGon was a great defender, and the move to get him was more of a dump of Escobar since he was hated. We got Pastornicky (a good bat), AGon (who was hitting with power, and played great D for us), and Collins, who we traded for Farnsworth (didn’t like that trade, but whatever).
3:1 for a guy we were dumping, and got 3 good pieces out of it. Good trade. Unfortunately, AGon didn’t keep up his stats offensively, but still brought the D
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 3rd, 2012
1:51 pm
Uh, I don’t know about that call…
rich brave
September 3rd, 2012
1:52 pm
But Birdhair, FW’s shake-down cruise is over now. He’s a grizzled GM vet and baseball-wise. How can you point out realities like that? Don’t you consider JANISH, PASTORNICKY, FRANCISCO to be good moves?
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 3rd, 2012
1:52 pm
No, he didn’t get it right Joe. But that’s okay.
Jerry
September 3rd, 2012
1:53 pm
On Aug. 1 plenty of people were saying he should be considered for executive of the year. DOB
It definitely wasn’t me saying that. Still, I really don’t have an issue with his low budget trades or signings, but those big money escapades have been really bad.
Grandpa gave away his Season Tickets
September 3rd, 2012
1:53 pm
Just an observation……, all these old pitchers have become busts. They started good, everybody was so relieved by the maturity we finally had for pitchers to show the young guns the way. But then they ran out of gas and looked like old men in need of Viagra! But I’m wondering, is not the problem with the younger pitcher’s not caused by poor, or over coaching by McDowell. I mean look at JJ and Tommy…., they used to be good, solid pitchers, at least for a while, and now they have become useless. Are our young guns hot because he has not had a chance to screw them up yet. I hate to see him mess up Medlin. I love watching that boy pitch.
I know I lost all respect for McDowell when he threw that tantrum at that family in SF last year… By his actions, he looks and acts like a control freak instead of coach to me…. Just an observation….
rich brave
September 3rd, 2012
1:53 pm
CHATWOOD can hurl a no-hitter at us, and it’s fine if MEDS rules like he did last outing. We’re already up 2 zip.
David O'Brien
September 3rd, 2012
1:54 pm
Medlen has thrown 28 strikes in 33 pitches through 3 innings, his scoreless streak is at 31-1/3
Brian from SC
September 3rd, 2012
1:55 pm
28 strikes, 5 balls? This is getting ridiculous.
Trey
September 3rd, 2012
1:55 pm
Maddux also wore a Mizuno glove out on the field.
Dum-Bass
September 3rd, 2012
1:56 pm
nolie: ….”I’m calling BALLGAME just on that lineup” You do realize a ballgame can go two different directions don’t you? Don’t leave us hanging, be specific. Or should we just try to read your mind?
Brava
September 3rd, 2012
1:56 pm
rich, I did see your comment, sorry it slipped my mind amidst all the Constanza ripping. I agree it was the end of innocence for this country. I’m proud that you volunteered, not many did, but sorry you had to be a part of such a poorly orchestrated military campaign by the idiots in DC. I didn’t lose any friends, was too young, but I served with many who were forever scarred by their experiences over there. God bless all of you Vietnam vets.
Birdhair
September 3rd, 2012
1:57 pm
RichBrave ” Don’t u consider JANISH, PASTORNICKY, FRANCISCO to be good moves?”
Heck no. Those are horrendous moves. we desperately need simmons back so that Janish can ride the pine or make consistent outs at AAA. Juan Francisco is a joke of a player. Terrible OBP. Pastornicky can be a utility guy at AAA. Who cares.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 3rd, 2012
1:57 pm
Nolie was satirizing the gloom-n-doomers, dum-bass.
Trey
September 3rd, 2012
1:57 pm
well, that and a Wilson.
David O'Brien
September 3rd, 2012
1:58 pm
Hope everyone’s enjoying a day off. Hopefully we can avoid rain the rest of the day here, though forecast was terrible earlier. So far, not a drop.
Ken Stallings
September 3rd, 2012
1:58 pm
It had to be done and it is right decision. Uggla needs to dedicate himself to revamping his approach at the plate. He has talent, but his swing is totally screwed up and only Uggla can fix it. The homer hit last hit was hit so hard that the bat literally curled around his head. It looks nice on the highlight reels, but who’s swing was better: Uggla’s or the one Chipper put on the ball last night?
Here is the other fact: Chipper’s homer to win yesterday’s game traveled about 430 feet — more than long enough to be a homer anywhere. It was within a few feet of the one Uggla’s “all or nothing” swing produced.
I am firmly convinced that Uggla needs to tone down his swing and think up the middle and opposite field. If he does this, he will get enough mistake pitches to drill. Further, he will center up good pitches and find they will drive out of the ballpark also. Along the way, he will see a batting average over .250 and that will be plenty to see his on base average soar to the healthy .380 level. Uggla might even notice that his slugging percentage gets over the .500 level.
The question becomes whether Uggla is willing to do it, and in my view the answer comes from Greg Walker. As long as the answer remains negative, Uggla sits. When the answer becomes consistently positive, then he starts. He can hit off the bench to provide the answer.
Tumbledown
September 3rd, 2012
1:58 pm
I agree. The Braves would be so much better if all the moves Wren made had worked out perfectly. I really cannot understand why Wren was not so prescient about the ultimate performances as Braves by Lowe, Uggla, KK, Gonzalez., etc. In contrast, I am sure that other general managers throughout baseball have not made such gaffes. Theo Epstein was always on the mark while in Boston. Cashman never made dud moves in New York.
Tomahawk Mafia
September 3rd, 2012
1:59 pm
Another good at bat by Bourn.
Trey
September 3rd, 2012
1:59 pm
Sorry, that was Glavine with Mizuno,
Brian from SC
September 3rd, 2012
1:59 pm
The huge rain mass that has been approaching all morning has now split, with a gap right over I-20. That’s good news.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 3rd, 2012
1:59 pm
Meds is a beast… it’s like a video game out there.
Ken Stallings
September 3rd, 2012
2:01 pm
The Colorado Rockies TV announcers are raving over Medlen, openly saying he has Greg Maddux type control. I agree. Medlen will find it likely impossible to match Maddux for career results (I mean who can really call that a realistic objective), but his control is on the same level at this time.
Medlen is hitting the catcher’s target nearly every time and with pitches that feature good movement and change of speeds. It is a formula for long term success. It is the same formula that Maddux worked to the Hall of Fame.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 3rd, 2012
2:01 pm
Birdbrains is really living up to his moniker today.
David O'Brien
September 3rd, 2012
2:01 pm
Kat, if you haven’t heard Jamey Johnson, you really should get either of his last two albums, The Guitar Song (a double album) or That Lonesome Song. Two of the best I’ve bought in the past five years, no doubt. He’s a great singer and songwriter.
Brian from SC
September 3rd, 2012
2:02 pm
It’s not easy to walk Constanza, but Chatwood did just that.
Three Strikes They Are Out
September 3rd, 2012
2:03 pm
Fredi may be no rocket scientist, but at least he’s making some moves. He’s having to deal with something Bobby never had to deal with: The possibility that he will be in the unemployment line if the Braves fold again.
I would love it if Uggla wasn’t so pitiful, but the fact is he is and needs to be sitting. I like the move.
It really doesn’t matter if it’s because of his shoulder, his eyes or his brain, Mac is stinking it up pretty bad. Has Mac been told he’s a platoon player with Ross?
I’m going turd in the punchbowl here because it isn’t the way most of the people who post here feel but……….
For me…. Fredi just got my endorsement to come back next year as long as he will reward players who are producing and sit players who aren’t, no matter what their star status is. I realize he’s alienated some fans and some players, but he’s got my vote. The main reason is because he has learned a few things and it shows. Look at the way he has managed the pen. Not a repeat of last year. He has fresh arms out there that if they fail, it’s not because of overwork.
Chipper said himself that in effect some players have forced Fredi to make some moves they may not be happy with. They are getting paid to hit but ain’t doing their job. Seems Fredi has Chipper’s support.
Come on back Fredi. You got my vote when Mac and Uggla started crying about being on the bench. That shows me the most important thing to you is trying to win games no matter who you tick off in the process.
Tumbledown
September 3rd, 2012
2:03 pm
Could it be that Uggla is just naturally declining? He was never a consistent hitter in Florida. Big, burly, power hitters seem to naturally decline as they get into their thirties.
Tomahawk Mafia
September 3rd, 2012
2:03 pm
A Constanza walk is like a gift from the heavens.
Tumbledown
September 3rd, 2012
2:03 pm
Could it be that Uggla is just naturally declining? He was never a consistent hitter in Florida. Big, burly, power hitters seem to naturally decline as they get into their thirties.
Kat
September 3rd, 2012
2:03 pm
I think I’m a whole half inning behind. I need to get a roku… this blu ray player doesn’t stream mlb.tv too well no matter how I fool around with the settings, reboot, etc.
Couch Tater
September 3rd, 2012
2:03 pm
Great photo of Chipper from last night, DOB.
..and nice picture of the Uggla situation.
Brian from SC
September 3rd, 2012
2:03 pm
That 1-0 pitch should have been in the seats. Don’t know how Hey missed it.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 3rd, 2012
2:03 pm
Constanza not swinging… that means that the pitches were really bad.
Astro Joe
September 3rd, 2012
2:04 pm
How much will Bourne make next season for another team? And how much will Uggla be making with the Braves? Surely a gold glove center-fielder and very good lead-off hitter is more challenging to find than a sub .225 infielder.
rich brave
September 3rd, 2012
2:05 pm
Dang, Birdhair IS a birdbrain…..he’d rather have ‘Jumpin’ JACK the flash’ back at SS now that he’s recovered from his injury because JANISH is and has been worthless as a BRAVE. WOW! And FRANCISCO is not worthy of being ATLANTA bench-material. It’s WILLINGHAM and HEADLEY huh birdbrain?
Birdhair
September 3rd, 2012
2:06 pm
Gotta get a point across to folks somehow:
List of Wren failures a whole hell of a lot longer than his successes. And Wren’s failures have been significant spending failures which have tied our hands and prevented future spending flexibility.
Casey Kotchman failure. Stephen Marek failure. Melky Cabrera failure. Jack Wilson joke. Julio Lugo joke. Ruben Gotay joke. Juan Francisco joke. Alex Gonzalez Joke. Rick Ankiel failure. Loaf Anderson professional failure. Joe Mather joke. greg norton! Jesse Chavez, Scott Linebrink, Chris Resop, Kyle Farnsworth, Scott Proctor.
The list of failures far, far exceed Wren successes.
Brian from SC
September 3rd, 2012
2:06 pm
Prado more likely to hit into a DP than Freeman. Let’s see if Martin can elevate one.
Brian from SC
September 3rd, 2012
2:07 pm
Beautiful baseball play there.
Brava
September 3rd, 2012
2:07 pm
Mikey!!!
MIBravesFan
September 3rd, 2012
2:07 pm
Yeah, Michael!!!
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 3rd, 2012
2:07 pm
Speed never slumps!
Ken Stallings
September 3rd, 2012
2:07 pm
Unfortunately, the same Rockies TV announcers brought up another accurate fact. Despite a vastly different record for this season (and over decades) the Rockies attendance leads the Braves attendance by over 400,000! I’m also seeing a number of empty seats on a holiday. My excuse is living in New Mexico. The question I have is where is everyone living in the Atlanta area?
the truth...
September 3rd, 2012
2:07 pm
Sorry but at least half the bloggers here are no better than AA level bloggers themselves……..
Constanza moved Bourn over in the 1st with a decent bunt……..then worked a walk in the in htis inning, so he has already done more in 2 ABs than Uggla…..
I would have played Reed in LF….but Contanza brings something unique to the game as well…
BFChris27
September 3rd, 2012
2:07 pm
Bourn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
David O'Brien
September 3rd, 2012
2:08 pm
Can think of about four guys in majors fast enough to have scored on that Prado fly to shallow CF. Bourn is one, obviously. And did.
Grandpa gave away his Season Tickets
September 3rd, 2012
2:08 pm
On Uggly on the bench……, good move by Freddi……., He is the manager and he has to deal with what the GM gives him. Good move Freddi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BFChris27
September 3rd, 2012
2:09 pm
Francisco!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MIBravesFan
September 3rd, 2012
2:09 pm
Well done, Juan!
Brian from SC
September 3rd, 2012
2:09 pm
Wow…first hit of the day.
rich brave
September 3rd, 2012
2:09 pm
UGGS should play against pitchers against whom he has had success, and at no other time the balance of this season. Maybe UGGLA thinks if he’s run out there for the next 28 games, he’ll hit another 13 HR’s and keep his streak alive rather than thinking about getting ready for the play-offs with players who have the possibility of making the club better.
Dum-Bass
September 3rd, 2012
2:09 pm
That’s the kind of slide CJ should have attempted the other night. What he did could have finished him for the season. It’s not football, it’s baseball. The object of the game is TO SCORE, not run over people.
Ken Stallings
September 3rd, 2012
2:10 pm
Nice to see Hwyward’s opposite field drive (for an out) payoff! I’m really liking Heyward’s approach at the plate. I think Greg Walker’s arrival has paid huge dividends for Jason Heyward this year. Bourn’s speed was needed and also an excellent slide! Juan Francisco tallies another RBI on a “duck snort” (kudo’s Ken Harrellson) to left field.
the truth...
September 3rd, 2012
2:10 pm
Small ball…..4-0 with only one hit……………
Better than a stick in the eye…..I’ll take it….
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 3rd, 2012
2:10 pm
Juan is looking like a good bench player… wtg
Brava
September 3rd, 2012
2:11 pm
JJuan! I’m having problems with the blog loading. Very slow.
BFChris27
September 3rd, 2012
2:13 pm
Rossy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MIBravesFan
September 3rd, 2012
2:13 pm
Way to go, Ross!!
Brava
September 3rd, 2012
2:13 pm
Rossy!!!!!
Brian from SC
September 3rd, 2012
2:13 pm
Some kind of cosmic forces…
rich brave
September 3rd, 2012
2:13 pm
Dum-Bass:
Yeah, that’s SHANE VICTORINO’s philosophy all right.
MIBravesFan
September 3rd, 2012
2:14 pm
I’ve seen golf balls do that, but never before seen a baseball do that!
Reality
September 3rd, 2012
2:14 pm
Funny the “true Braves Fans” still defending Uggla. Even Fredi has given up on him but hey, you guys are the smart fans. Only 4 more years of Uggla!!
the truth...
September 3rd, 2012
2:14 pm
@Dum-Bass
Are you kidding? You want a 40 year old with bad legs to slide at the plate? He did the smartest thing…hit him with his shoulders and tried to knock the ball loose.
Bettng that Chipper slides there and it’s 50-50 whether he’s there last night in the 9th…………
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 3rd, 2012
2:14 pm
Yeah, I don’t know about this lineup today. Bunch of underachieving bozos…
Ken Stallings
September 3rd, 2012
2:14 pm
Holy Moly! I have seen a baseball hook like that! The Rockies centerfield, Dexter Fowler, made the right initial move on the hit, but the ball flat out steered 80 feet left from its initial flight path! I don’t know what David Ross did to hit the ball that way, but whatever it was if he could patent it, he’d be able to retire today!
David O'Brien
September 3rd, 2012
2:15 pm
How ’bout the hook that Ross double had on it? Fowler was totally turned around.
Tomahawk Mafia
September 3rd, 2012
2:15 pm
Maybe Medlen can hold a 6-0 lead.
Three Strikes They Are Out
September 3rd, 2012
2:15 pm
This Birdhair guy isn’t the brightest bulb in the pack is he?
The Braves lost games early this year due to sub-par play at short and a weak glove. Simmons righted that ship and added some offense. Since his injury Janish has been nothing short of STELLER at SS. Any offense you get from him is gravy. The fact is, he has had some big hits since he’s been a Brave. Give me a guy who gets one big hit every three days over a guy who gets a meaningless hit every day. (and yes, there is such a thing as someone who starts gagging when the pressure is on but hits when you’re way ahead or way behind.)
Every move Wren makes isn’t good, but every move he makes isn’t bad either. Heck I didn’t even know who the heck Janish was when the Braves grabbed him! I’m glad now that they did grab him!
A team’s success can many times be determined by the pieces that make up the whole. Janish is a GREAT piece to have!
Brian from SC
September 3rd, 2012
2:15 pm
Finally, all the weird things are happening in the Braves’ favor.
rich brave
September 3rd, 2012
2:16 pm
He shouldn’t be on this team…it should be HEADLEY playing and CHIPPER on the bench. Heh!
Brian from SC
September 3rd, 2012
2:16 pm
Right now I’m just hoping to not get a rain delay. Medlen can wrap this one up in an hour if the Braves’ hitters let him.
The A Bomb
September 3rd, 2012
2:16 pm
DOB — Was that a trivia quiz?
I would say Trout and Bourn for sure. That ball was shallow. Not sure about Reyes — depends what day he wants to play.
TNScott
September 3rd, 2012
2:17 pm
D-Ro with a duck hook fly ball that would have made Bubba Watson proud. It was Mastersesque.
nolie
September 3rd, 2012
2:17 pm
they needed a game like this I think
abeeeewright
September 3rd, 2012
2:17 pm
nolie’s caution that the Braves may come back flat after yesterday’s high adrenalin finish appears to be unwarranted.
Kat
September 3rd, 2012
2:17 pm
DOB @ 2:01 pm….David thanks for the suggestion, I’ll definitely have to grab one of them. I’ve heard a few of his songs in passing as my brother likes him, but I’ve never listened to a whole album.
Grandma Giffin
September 3rd, 2012
2:18 pm
CMR appears to have lost a bit of the bird hair, Birdhair.
Dum-Bass
September 3rd, 2012
2:18 pm
Somebody substituted a wiffle ball for the baseball before Ross hit it.
abeeeewright
September 3rd, 2012
2:19 pm
Medlen’s/Braves’ win streak comes face to face with the Monday funk.
Advantage … Medlen.
nolie
September 3rd, 2012
2:19 pm
List of Wren failures a whole hell of a lot longer than his successes..Bird
bull crap
derek k
September 3rd, 2012
2:19 pm
Said it yesterday with constanza and prado and ross in almost a garunteed win compared to ugg and mccant. still early but we are doin great! playin small ball, walks helped but its nice to see him change and play with the best team on the field!
Jerry
September 3rd, 2012
2:20 pm
Raining pretty good east of Atlanta where I live. Can’t believe the stadium didn’t get this before me because it usually travel east down I-20.
Ekim
September 3rd, 2012
2:21 pm
@Ken Stallings: I agree with your point on attendance. I don’t know why the crowd isn’t standing room only on a holiday. It’s really embarrassing. (My excuse is that I was there last night.)
Brava
September 3rd, 2012
2:22 pm
Nice DP!
MIBravesFan
September 3rd, 2012
2:22 pm
Another scoreless inning! Way to go, Kris!
Brian from SC
September 3rd, 2012
2:22 pm
What a perfect pitch…right in on his hands…if he takes it, it’s a K, if he swings, it’s guaranteed to be a ground ball.
Ken Stallings
September 3rd, 2012
2:23 pm
Sharp single on Medlen on a beautiful piece of hitting by the Rockies batter. Took a well located pitch on the low outside corner and drove it opposite field. Medlen showed what he thought of it by getting another ball hit on the ground to short for an inning-ending double play.
Brian from SC
September 3rd, 2012
2:24 pm
Big rain storm has been approaching from the west all morning. Now afternoon showers popping up and travelling north, but right now only east of Atlanta. The metro area is surrounded, but still dry. We’ll see how long it will stay that way.
abeeeewright
September 3rd, 2012
2:24 pm
I didn’t comment last night on Chipper’s homer, at the time, since the pissing contest started before I could compose my thoughts.
There was something almost inevitable about the swing. Like the Baseball Gods had scripted the ending as a punishment for past transgressions by the Phillies.
Chipper = Nemesis.
Dum-Bass
September 3rd, 2012
2:25 pm
When the Braves show some consistency, and not just a big win here and there, the crowds will increase. They are taking a wait and see attitude, to see if the same crap continues. Personally I don’t blame them. Money is hard to come by these days for most folks, and a Braves’ game is not cheap, especially for a family!
Ric Flair to Right
September 3rd, 2012
2:25 pm
Here’s the deal,
Uggla earned leeway from his manager, he was an elite 2 bagger in thus league up to 3 months ago. With that being said all the good will he earned has been cashed in by hitting 150 over a 3 month period. This was the right call, one of the few FG has made this yes.
Secondly, the real question is, if Uggla has used up all his good will, why the hell should B-Mac just come back and be in the linup. He’s fall has been far longer and steeper, im talking a year and a half!!!! At some point the choice has to be made with this guy too!