Braves need Bourn to heat up; Chipper in SI

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McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:

September 14th, 2012
9:42 am

Bay Area Steve Done been concerned. Worried. Scared. WT[Heck], even. The only jersey I’ve ever worn in my life. I’m worse than McFann; I just hide it better. I need my boy to get it back. I know it ain’t bat-speed. I see that. But, them eyes got me worried…

Nah, that pretty much sounds exactly like me, actually…although I’ve also worn Bobby, JJ, and Chipper shirseys in my time…

Efrim

September 14th, 2012
9:43 am

4 games out is a lot, folks. Really think about that. If teams ahead of the Phils go .500, they would still have to go 15-3 just to get a tiebreaker.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
9:45 am

OK, I’m not saying it would be easy, but it’s certainly not impossible. Again, I would think anyone posting on this site would understand that in light of what happened last year.

MFin04

September 14th, 2012
9:45 am

“I think we all learned last year how quickly a lead in the WC can evaporate.”

When you are only chasing one team, yes, when you have a whole host of teams, it is completely different. Especially since none of those 5 WC2 teams would be epically collapsing.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
9:46 am

Ooooh, McFann, you’ve been two-timing BMac with other players’ jerseys??? tisk, tisk…. :-) )

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
9:48 am

Efrim…
So, on that note, how would a tiebreaker work? If two teams tied for the second WC spot, I assume the playoff would be in the city of the team with the better head-to-head record?

flange1

September 14th, 2012
9:48 am

Thanks Couch!

Interesting conversation last night between ugh-braves and BAS about Mac.

’scoots has said for awhile that the Braves will exercise the option on Mac because the FO would struggle to fill the losses of Chipper, Bourn and Mac.

I agree with that reasoning.

But Mac’s performance has been a concern. I get that he is injured, but I hate shoulder injuries and the eye thing is a bother as well.

Would love to see him “return to the mean” in production, but the caution flags are up.

Go Barves!

TheOnlyBravesFan

September 14th, 2012
9:48 am

I think we all learned last year how quickly a lead in the WC can evaporate.

The Cards were chasing just 1 team… the Brewers/Phils are chasing 3, while trying to hold off the 4th (each other)

MFin04

September 14th, 2012
9:49 am

Cards 10-8 86-76
Dodgers 12-6 86-76
Pirates 14-6 86-76
Brewers 14-5 86-76
Phillies 14-4 86-76

McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:

September 14th, 2012
9:49 am

usnavyfaninva

Just t-shirts!! :P BMac’s is the only jersey jersey I’ll ever wear! (Unless someday I have a son who goes professional…)

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
9:49 am

CB

September 14th, 2012
9:51 am

McFann is not who we thought she was. Traitor.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
9:51 am

I like BMac, but I think Chipper is my favorite… even with all the off-the-field stuff that’s happened over the years.

TheOnlyBravesFan

September 14th, 2012
9:51 am

Well, at the rate that BMac is going, your son could wear the #16…

keyLargo

September 14th, 2012
9:51 am

so I guess keylargo has a point on Prado’s 2nd halves…Career numbers…

1st half- .309/.363/.458/.821

2nd half- .280/.323/.408/.731

SneakyPete gave me the “you don’t love Prado speech” lastnight about me cherry picking over Prados numbers. Well, I took every game after the All Star Break until the season ended and Prado hit .244/.283/.339/.622. Some cherry picking, huh?

Most of you guys just don’t get it. You have to put in extra work or you run out of gas at the end of the year. There is NOTHING, not a single thing, that you don’t do better and longer if you do cardio and strength work to prep you for that event.

MFin04

September 14th, 2012
9:53 am

“I like BMac, but I think Chipper is my favorite…”

Andruw in CF for all those years was pretty darn fun.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
9:53 am

CB…
…she IS who we THOUGHT she was!!

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
9:53 am

Yeah, Andruw racked up the gold in CF…. he ticked me off with his attitude at times, but I still liked him.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
9:55 am

You just don’t see guys sticking with the same team their whole career much anymore. And I know Chipper wasn’t perfect; but when DOB posted that part of his interview with SI the other day, it really resonated with me.

CB

September 14th, 2012
9:57 am

Isn’t Prado the one DOB has said you have to make him leave and works the hardest of all the Braves? keylargo, you are proving sometimes players can wear themselves out with doing too much during the season.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
9:57 am

CB…
Sorry, but my “Dennis Green Voice” didn’t make it in to that post….kinda ruined it.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
9:58 am

Is BMac due for a contract extension this year?

CB

September 14th, 2012
9:58 am

us,I know. Just having fun with my friend.

Jeff R

September 14th, 2012
10:00 am

4 games out is a lot, folks. Really think about that. If teams ahead of the Phils go .500, they would still have to go 15-3 just to get a tiebreaker.

“If” is the operative word.

I don’t expect the Braves to play less than .500 ball for the balance. In fact, I think they’ll play over .500. But the Phils playing so well right now (throw in the Brewers, too) does give me the willies.

DS1

September 14th, 2012
10:00 am

CB

I think keylargo is talking about the work in the offseason to get into “season” shape. You’d think these highly paid professionals would have someone telling them this……..

MFin04

September 14th, 2012
10:01 am

You think Medlen knows he has to pitch a shut-out tonight to win? Or do you think he just knows he is the second coming of Greg Maddux and IS going to pitch a shut-out tonight?

TheOnlyBravesFan

September 14th, 2012
10:02 am

He has an option for next year…. don’t think he will get an extension, nor should he. Let him play next year,see how he does.

McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:

September 14th, 2012
10:03 am

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:03 am

TOBF…
Yeah, I agree… but if he doesn’t work out, you think that Ross could step in as a full-timer, or do the Braves go out and find another? Ross has done pretty well filling in for BMac this year.

ncscoots

September 14th, 2012
10:04 am

Tentative agreement reached on Wilmington baseball plan

I admit, I’m hot for this. I’ve been thinking of getting a place down on the NC coast (prices are more than reasonable down there) and some minor league ball up/down the road makes the idea even more attractive. Wilmington will be a good place for some ball.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:05 am

Yeah, ncscoots, but that place is a magnet for hurricanes.

monty

September 14th, 2012
10:05 am

FF hitting about .190 in the last 40 games . Ouch!

TennesseePaul

September 14th, 2012
10:06 am

I think Meds knows he’ll have huge run support. IN all but one of his starts, the team has scored 5 or more runs.

MFin04

September 14th, 2012
10:06 am

“but if he doesn’t work out, you think that Ross could step in as a full-timer”

No, of course Ross can’t step in. He’d get “exposed”. :roll:

Just like McCann has gotten exposed for a whole freakin’ season hitting the ball into the dang shift over and over and over and over and over again.

CB

September 14th, 2012
10:08 am

DS1,I understand that. Does anyone believe Prado does anything but workout during off season? No way with his obsessive personality.

TennesseePaul

September 14th, 2012
10:08 am

FF hitting about .190 in the last 40 games . Ouch!

Off by about 50 points. .236/.365/.414/.779 in his last 40 games with 6 home runs and 28 walks

TennesseePaul

September 14th, 2012
10:09 am

Wilmington will be a good place for some ball.

I’m pumped. I hope it works out. I’ll be down there all the time.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:10 am

monty,
where did you get your info about FF over the last 40 games?

MFin04

September 14th, 2012
10:10 am

Brian McCann is like the dog in the movie Up.

SQUIRREL!

Except McCann yells SHIFT and proceeds to try to hit the ball as hard as he can into said shift.

brian

September 14th, 2012
10:10 am

what is the over/under for runs scored tonight for the Braves?

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:12 am

Wow…gotta admit, never seen anything compared to “Up” loved that movie; even about made me cry.

TennesseePaul

September 14th, 2012
10:12 am

Does anyone believe Prado does anything but workout during off season?

The guy just sits around drinking pepsi and stuffing his face with cheezy puffs. I’ve got his BMI numbers right here. He’s over weight and out of shape…. and seems to be showing adverse effects from huffing pine tar fumes.

ncscoots

September 14th, 2012
10:13 am

but that place is a magnet for hurricanes.

Believe me, I know the way west, young man, LOL. Been through one, don’t plan to repeat the experience.

Arkansas Transplant

September 14th, 2012
10:14 am

brian, it would be more interesting if it was over/under for hits.

Efrim

September 14th, 2012
10:14 am

Cards 10-8 86-76
Dodgers 12-6 86-76
Pirates 14-6 86-76
Brewers 14-5 86-76
Phillies 14-4 86-76

Cards could do worse than 10-8, but one of those teams has to do the same if you’re to think that.

TheOnlyBravesFan

September 14th, 2012
10:15 am

TOBF…
Yeah, I agree… but if he doesn’t work out, you think that Ross could step in as a full-timer, or do the Braves go out and find another? Ross has done pretty well filling in for BMac this year

Not for a full year,no. He’d get exposed. He could split time with someone else…like Saltalamacchia, maybe Shoppach. Still wouldn’t be as good offensively as Mac when he’s right. We need to get a good hitting catcher prospect in our org. Maybe flip Hanson for one that may be available.

ncscoots

September 14th, 2012
10:15 am

I’m pumped. I hope it works out. I’ll be down there all the time.

If I get something down there, you got a place to flop. I’ll send you a spare key. :-)

Efrim

September 14th, 2012
10:17 am

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-rangers/headlines/20120912-grant-why-i-don-t-think-the-rangers-will-bid-enough-to-keep-josh-hamilton.ece

Just really interesting. Who would sign Hamilton for 5-6 years and 23-25 million per season? Don’t see the Yankees or Red Sox making the move and the Dodgers don’t have an everyday spot for him. Maybe Baltimore opens up the vault for him, as Grant said.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:17 am

LMAO at Tennessee Paul!

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:18 am

Actually, Tenn Paul, I asked Sheriff Joe, and he said that the copy of Martin’s BMI you have is a fake.

TheOnlyBravesFan

September 14th, 2012
10:18 am

FF hitting about .190 in the last 40 games . Ouch!

Last 46 PAs actually… Freeman– .194/.370/.194/.564 46 PAs

The “problem” with Prado isn’t his off-season workouts… he’s in shape and ready to go from Day 1. I think that he’s likely wearing his body down quickly with how hard he worked during the season. For lack of a better phrase, he works too much.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:19 am

That’s good to know. My fam’s evac’d twice for hurricanes…Floyd in ‘99, and Irene last year.

toast

September 14th, 2012
10:19 am

Truthfully, I would not have thought that so many of these guys would get slumpy at the same time. It’s not just the top of the order, but the middle, too. Just have to hope that the reverse holds true: when they start to break out, they all break out.

we really need heyward and or freeman to become jay bruce like the next 6 weeks. in a zone, feared and capable of damage every plate appearance. like to see some earl weaver ball from these two and some 3 run bombs

Arkansas Transplant

September 14th, 2012
10:20 am

I don’t see Hamilton leaving the Rangers but I guess anything is possible.. well at least for other clubs.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:23 am

HOw’s Hamilton been hitting since he quit tobacco?

MFin04

September 14th, 2012
10:23 am

“For lack of a better phrase, he works too much.”

That or his body just can’t handle 162 games. It wouldn’t surprise me if lots of guys consistently have bad 2nd half numbers because they tend to get hurt throughout the year. Especially guys like Heyward and Prado who go all out flying around the base paths, outfield, etc.

ncscoots

September 14th, 2012
10:25 am

we really need heyward and or freeman to become jay bruce like the next 6 weeks.

Somebody has to step up, certainly. Hopefully, several somebodies. They can be a scary lineup when they’re clicking. Just not so frightening when one-through-everybody is swinging cardboard.

Efrim

September 14th, 2012
10:26 am

Last 46 PAs actually… Freeman– .194/.370/.194/.564 46 PAs

It’s really been the last 24 games – .205/.350/.386, which isn’t terrible, but the top of the order is struggling and the middle hasn’t been great.

CB

September 14th, 2012
10:27 am

TP, that BMI number you are looking at is probably yours. lol

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:27 am

Somebody has to step up, certainly. Hopefully, several somebodies. They can be a scary lineup when they’re clicking. Just not so frightening when one-through-everybody is swinging cardboard. – ncscoots

Hell, if Uggla can snap out of it, you’d think ANYONE can!

keyLargo

September 14th, 2012
10:28 am

Scoots – come down here to the Keys and buy a house. You’d double the sales figures for Monroe County. I’m pretty sure they’d give you a free smoothie maker too.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:28 am

….which, BTW, I admire the fact Dan never quit, and was able to get it going again.

Jeff R

September 14th, 2012
10:28 am

Cards could do worse than 10-8, but one of those teams has to do the same if you’re to think that.

I just hope the Braves don’t back into the playoffs, staggering. Granted, I’d rather the Braves make the playoffs even if that means dragging themselves across the finish line to do it. But I’d hope the Bravos will finish the season convincingly, on an upswing.

Efrim

September 14th, 2012
10:28 am

Heyward has hit .300/.358/.573 since August 15th, 120 PA’s, 28 games.

Efrim

September 14th, 2012
10:29 am

we really need heyward and or freeman to become jay bruce like the next 6 weeks.

Why do you keep saying this?

ncscoots

September 14th, 2012
10:30 am

if Uggla can snap out of it, you’d think ANYONE can!

Exactly, LOL. Not a matter of “if”, but more “time permitting”.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:30 am

Key,
My wife ( a HUGE Humphrey Bogart fan) is going to the keys next month. First time ever.

ncscoots

September 14th, 2012
10:31 am

come down here to the Keys and buy a house.

That’s not exactly within my day-trip driving range, man. :-)

Efrim

September 14th, 2012
10:32 am

Jay Bruce career away from the Great American Silo – .234/.309/.420. And a bad defensive RF.

Jeff R

September 14th, 2012
10:32 am

Somebody has to step up, certainly. Hopefully, several somebodies. They can be a scary lineup when they’re clicking. Just not so frightening when one-through-everybody is swinging cardboard.

Well, the constant thread through the Braves recent ups and downs has been a flat offense. Really, I don get how the offense ran out of gas last season and is petering out in the stretch this season.

On paper, the team has too many talented hitters in the line up. But that’s on paper, huh?

MFin04

September 14th, 2012
10:32 am

Pepsi and cheezy poofs? I gave those up a long time ago.

Switched to Coke and Cheetos. Hear those are better for me. Less Gluten or something.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:34 am

nc, LOL.
Yeah, my day-trip driving range gets shorter and shorter every year.

toast

September 14th, 2012
10:34 am

jay bruce is a force and game changer imo. heyward will be and evolve into this and hopefully freeman. bruce is 2 years older and more experienced no doubt. i don’t get the sense right now heyward or freeman will change the outcome of a game as when a guy like bruce walks up to the plate. just my opinion, but our guys don’t have that swagger yet, like to see it down the stretch

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:35 am

MFin04.
LOL….no “trans-fat”

MFin04

September 14th, 2012
10:35 am

“Jay Bruce career away from the Great American Silo – .234/.309/.420.”

But at least he won’t ever know if the fans are REALLY booing him.

Efrim

September 14th, 2012
10:35 am

The Cardinals have a lot of starting pitching. Wainwright, Garcia, Westbrook, Lohse, Lynn, Kelly, Rosenthal, Miller, and the rehabbing Carpenter. Carlos Martinez and Michael Wacha not too far away either. And they have some great position player prospects as well. Probably the most talented organization in the sport when looking at both the majors and minors.

keyLargo

September 14th, 2012
10:37 am

usnavy – my Mom married a career Navy man and they were stationed down here. During one of my visits down here at Christmas it dawned on me this might be a decent place to live. January and I’m in flip flops and a bathing suit.

Now my dream is for Castro to get out of the Cuban gov (die) and I’ll be able to hop in a small plane for a 30 minute drive to one of the most beautiful Islands in the world. I’m starting to worry Castro is going to outlive me though.

kenhotlanta

September 14th, 2012
10:37 am

MFin04: No drama this year? I guess you didn’t watch the Orioles-Rays game yesterday. 14 innings full of playoff type drama, totally interesting and exciting baseball game.
The 2nd WC has added a whole new level to the baseball season and it’s fun.

David O'Brien

September 14th, 2012
10:37 am

Isn’t Prado the one DOB has said you have to make him leave and works the hardest of all the Braves? — CB

Indeed, that’s Prado.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:39 am

key,
I know, right? Man’s NEVER going to die! you smoke any Cuban cigars?

Jeff R

September 14th, 2012
10:40 am

The Cardinals have a lot of starting pitching. Wainwright, Garcia, Westbrook, Lohse, Lynn, Kelly, Rosenthal, Miller, and the rehabbing Carpenter. Carlos Martinez and Michael Wacha not too far away either. And they have some great position player prospects as well. Probably the most talented organization in the sport when looking at both the majors and minors.

How is the Cards minor league organization ranked?

ncscoots

September 14th, 2012
10:40 am

Really, I don get how the offense ran out of gas last season and is petering out in the stretch this season.

I kinda get last season, with the Heyward suckage and Prado/McCann problems. You start from a lower bar and very little room for the rest of the lineup to hit even a little skid.

This year, though, I would have said that these guys would have been able to overcome one or even two bangers going bad at a time. But nobody can overcome a lineup-wide slump, and that’s what they have right now.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:40 am

I’ll admit, the keys is a place I’d LOVE to be stationed at…did my initial school in Orlando, and loved it.

toast

September 14th, 2012
10:41 am

looks like jay bruce will play more games at great american solo in october and more of a force

MFin04

September 14th, 2012
10:41 am

kenhotlanta – I watch no AL games, can’t stand it. Only games of AL I watch are the All-Star game and the World Series.

“The 2nd WC has added a whole new level to the baseball season and it’s fun.”

I don’t really think it has added anything. Personally, I think it has just diluted the original Wild Card and now a team with a really crappy record has a shot at the playoffs. At least before a team had to win 90 games to make the playoffs. Now you can win 85 or 86 games and make a one game playoff? Just ridiculous to me. Especially when the first Wild Card blows you out of the water by 5 games or so.

keyLargo

September 14th, 2012
10:42 am

That’s not exactly within my day-trip driving range, man. Scoots

Yeah, but once you’re here you can claim to be a Cuban Baseball Scout and write all your expenses off.

Jeff R

September 14th, 2012
10:42 am

This year, though, I would have said that these guys would have been able to overcome one or even two bangers going bad at a time. But nobody can overcome a lineup-wide slump, and that’s what they have right now.

That’s true. An odd coincidence, since I sincerely doubt that Braves’ hitters agreed to slump at the same time!

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:42 am

MF,
yeah, but we have only ourselves to blame… it all started in ‘93.

Efrim

September 14th, 2012
10:43 am

How is the Cards minor league organization ranked?

One of the best. They lost Tyrell Jenkins and Jordan Swagertty to arm injuries, but they have a lot of talent in pitching and position players. Very balanced system.

MFin04

September 14th, 2012
10:44 am

Baseball is not a 1 game sport. It is a 3-game series sport AT MINIMUM. Stop trying to artificially create drama. If you want the wild card play-in game fine, but at least let a team’s rotation decide the series, not the teams Ace or whoever the heck comes up next in the rotation. 1-game playoff is a joke. Hopefully we have a ton of tie-breakers and it jacks up the schedule so bad that they never do this crap again.

Efrim

September 14th, 2012
10:45 am

looks like jay bruce will play more games at great american solo in october and more of a force

He’s going to need to, because he isn’t that great when he has to leave his great hitters home park.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:46 am

LOL…so, I’m listening to a well-known radio talk show host asking people basic questions like “Where is Jerusalem.” and “Who made the ‘Volt?” — AND THEIR GETTING IT WRONG!!

Powderfinger

September 14th, 2012
10:47 am

I really need a shot of confidence this weekend. Hope the boys can deliver one. Pretty much got whiplash from one streak after the other…

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:47 am

key,
how many hurricanes have you been through since you moved down there?

keyLargo

September 14th, 2012
10:50 am

USNavyVol – I’m not a smoker at all but those things can be had down here.

Efrim

September 14th, 2012
10:50 am

Would hate to see Heyward finish with a OBP under .350 and would also hate to see Freeman finish with a OPS of under .820ish. Hoping for both of them to finish the season’s 18 games strong.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:51 am

key,
me neither, but last time I was in Dubai, just for fun, I tried one…loved it (Don’t think it was Cuban), but when I told my wife I smoked a cigar, she went ballistic.

keyLargo

September 14th, 2012
10:52 am

Probably 12 hurricanes at this house I’ve been in for 7 years. 3 or 4 did significant damage. Some like this last one (Isaac) are just heavy rain storms.

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:53 am

I’m calling it—2012 will be the “Beltway Series…”

usnavyvolfaninva

September 14th, 2012
10:54 am

Yeah, they really built up Isaac (partially because of the convention in Tampa);

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