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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,786 comments Add your comment
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:54 am
Does Prado still play winter ball? About time for him to give that up if he still does.
monty
September 14th, 2012
10:58 am
Efrim- “Last 46 PAs actually… Freeman– .194/.370/.194/.564 46 PAs
Yeh I thought I heard Joe Simpson say 37 games the other night. Either he mispoke or I misunderstood. But that said, I thought at times this year FF was ready to move to that next level but his numbers this year are almost identical to last year as far as OPS is concerned. And he’s hit just .230 with RISP this year. But every time he gets up with 2 outs and RISP Joe Simpson touts how he’s so good in that situaton. Just shows you how small sample size can give a distorted picture.
George_George
September 14th, 2012
10:59 am
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.
*******************************************
Good morning all
AGREE TOTALLY with MF in 04
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
10:59 am
I don’t think Prado plays winter ball any longer.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
11:01 am
I think Freeman has progressed wonderfully this year. Just hope he can finish the last 18 games strong so we don’t leave with a sour taste in our mouths, because he really has had a very good year.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
11:02 am
I thought FF would be more like Sean Casey. He’s not, yet. He’s a little streakier, and strikes out more.
He is only 22 though.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
11:03 am
I would hope Prado isn’t…. Venezuela is a dangerous country. Wilson Ramos learned that.
Lew
September 14th, 2012
11:03 am
A Baltimore-Washington World Series? Likely the most under attended WS in history, but MASN would go into shock.
And wouldn’t we be glad Dibble got fired?
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
11:06 am
I’m pretty sure he did year before this to learn LF. Was not sure if he did this past off-season since last season was the “staph” year and maybe he feel like he needed to play more.
He works hard though, no doubt. Probably my favorite of the new Braves.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
11:06 am
Lew,
LOL…yeah, I like F.P. Santangelo about 100 times more than Dibble, even before he told Strasburg to “man up”
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
11:06 am
I don’t think Prado would have a reason to play winter ball any longer. He’s making good money and better is on the way. He simply needs to stay conditioned. Besides, winter ball runs a risk of injury, unlike the bungee-jumping and skydiving that Prado does in the off-season.
Okay, so I made up the bungee-jumping and skydiving.
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
11:06 am
don’t think Prado plays winter ball any longer.
I believe the team asked him not to play, after he became a starter.
Interestingly, he played winters for the money, according to a story I read somewhere, because he was basically taking care of his entire extended family, financially.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
11:07 am
Of course, I want the Braves to go to the WS, but in the “unlikely event” it doesn’t happen, I’d love a Beltway Series, just because the Nationals/Expos have never been, and the O’s hadn’t been in nearly 30 years.
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
11:07 am
A Baltimore-Washington World Series? Likely the most under attended WS in history, but MASN would go into shock.
Particularly among the Beltway denizens.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
11:08 am
I’m rooting against Baltimore because I don’t want to see incredibly lucky baseball teams make it into the playoffs. Some absurd record in one run games. So lucky to even be in it.
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
11:09 am
Bal’imore: Better lucky than good?
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
11:09 am
One of my favorite plays this year was when Prado stepped out against Armando Galarraga and things got hot. That was the first time I was like, damn, would probably not want to fight this guy.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
11:10 am
Interestingly, he played winters for the money, according to a story I read somewhere, because he was basically taking care of his entire extended family, financially.
I really hope Wren can lock him up this offseason. I still think a deal in the four year, 34 million range would work well.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
11:10 am
WE NEED NATE MCLOUTH!
Ok ,but seriously he was hitting 3rd for them and now is hitting leadoff? A playoff team with Nate hitting leadoff, unbelievable.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
11:12 am
Yeah, but, seriously, doesn’t the fact that someone OTHER than the Yankees or Red Sox has a legitimate chance to get into the WS? I rooted for Tampa when they went to the WS, too.
Lew
September 14th, 2012
11:12 am
navyvolfan – I get the MLB Extra Innings package up here in Vermont so I can watch all the Braves’ games – unfortunately, in most of the away games I get the home team feeds, so I get to hear all the other guys.
Not all of them are that great, but I suppose the worst that could be said of the Nats’ Dudes are that they are complete homers – every foul ball missed by a quarter of an inch and every catch against them took a highight reel play to get them out.
They aren’t Vin Scully or Mike Krukow/ Duane Kiper, but they certainly aren’t the worst.
Lew
September 14th, 2012
11:14 am
Didn’t Prado spend last winter in the U.S. working out and rehabbing?
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
11:14 am
WE NEED NATE MCLOUTH!
Ok ,but seriously he was hitting 3rd for them and now is hitting leadoff? A playoff team with Nate hitting leadoff, unbelievable.
He’s good when he’s healthy… he was never healthy with the Braves. Still can’t believe they let the guy play with a torn abdomen.
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
11:15 am
Not all of them are that great, but I suppose the worst that could be said of the Nats’ Dudes are that they are complete homers – every foul ball missed by a quarter of an inch and every catch against them took a highight reel play to get them out.
Figures. Between the Nats’ and the Skins’ broadcast teams, the DC market stinks.
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
11:17 am
Nate didn’t do much in Pittsburgh this season before they gave him the heave-ho.
Jersey Gil
September 14th, 2012
11:20 am
Lew
September 14th, 2012
11:14 am
Didn’t Prado spend last winter in the U.S. working out and rehabbing?
Yes…Lew….He Rent a House in Orlando, that he allow to bring his mother withhim.
Venezuela is been a very danger place to live….special those to have a ton of Money
cricket
September 14th, 2012
11:20 am
i want baltimore to win if braves don’t, just to see stat heads frothing at mouths explaining how baltimore shouldn’t have won and how they were lucky etc. well, i don’t actually want to see that but knowing about it will brighten my days just a bit
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
11:20 am
From the LA Times:
Tom House spent eight years in the majors as a relief pitcher, but he is best remembered for catching Hank Aaron’s record-breaking 715th home run. The ball sailed over the fence and into the bullpen, and House ran under it.
Now, almost four decades later from his modest digs at USC, House is helping future Hall of Famers go deep.
Guys like New England’s Tom Brady and New Orleans’ Drew Brees.
An expert in motion analysis, House doesn’t try to instruct a quarterback what to do with his hands or feet, but focuses on the turning of the hips and shoulders, and how to transfer that energy to the football. Imagine the body as a whip; House shows athletes how best to crack it.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
11:22 am
I didn’t say the Nat’s broadcast crew was all-that…nothing in my mind will EVER top Skip, Pete, and Ernie. But, yeah, they could do worse.
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
11:22 am
Figures.
I don’t think the team has the same attitude, but Carpenter and Santangelo always sound as if they’re trying to convince themselves that, yes, the Nats are good, really. Honest.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
11:24 am
Mornin’, VJ.
brian
September 14th, 2012
11:24 am
ok AT -
over/under for hits????
5?
Lew
September 14th, 2012
11:25 am
Jersey Gil – I know he was concerned – I spoke to Martin at ST in 2010 and he said he had worked it out so his Mom could stay with him. He seemed much more relaxed about the situation.
I really hope they lock him up long term this winter. They’ll never find a more versatile player capable of excellence wherever he plays and he certainly sets an fine example as to work ethic. I bet if they asked him to be the interim catcher should the need arise, he’d make himself into a credible defender pretty quickly.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
11:27 am
Prado would probably have a better caught stealing % than McCann.
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
11:29 am
over/under for hits????
Bustin’ out tonight. Unless Fredo decides to drop Heyward to 6, move Prado down, and that kind of thing.
Just leave the lineup alone and let these guys work through it, I say.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
11:33 am
MFin: I bet he would! He’d also block more balls…
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
11:33 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!! _ usnavyvolfaninva
Kind of funny, and sad at the same time, what people don’t know. I was really surprised by this study when I first came across it. Now I wonder why something like that would surprise me. Fun test, I aced it and I’m no expert. Maybe it’s because I like to read and will read most anything I come across.
http://www.americancivicliteracy.org/2008/major_findings_finding1.html
VaBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
11:35 am
Prado and Heyward should be locked up ASAP, Freeman should be locked up after next season if he continues to progress.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
11:35 am
“Just leave the lineup alone and let these guys work through it, I say.”
If no one hits in the lineup, it certainly doesn’t matter what order they are in.
Lew
September 14th, 2012
11:36 am
And why would people know stuff like where foreign cities are or who made a car they’ll never buy? They’re too busy watching cute cat videos to care about reality, which is now viewed as overweight or sub ground level IQ teens having sex in NJ.
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
11:37 am
Good morning, usnavywolf – exciting morning for me tomorrow as the W&M game will actually be on TV out here…
Murph
September 14th, 2012
11:38 am
Took me two hours to get to work this morning. Normally it takes about 20 minutes.
Accident, right? Construction? Landslide?
Nope… it’s sprinkling rain here, and, typical of most California transplants, the drivers here panic when it’s below 70 and the roads are kinda wet.
I’m not sure if they think the roads are icy, or if they think they are going to hydroplane if they go over 10mph on a wet road, but cripes, what a bunch of idiots.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
11:39 am
W&M…wow!…What’s their team name now? Used to be the tribe, but they were forced to change it a couple years back…. you a W&M alum?
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
11:40 am
but cripes, what a bunch of idiots.
Did each drive a Prius?
kenhotlanta
September 14th, 2012
11:40 am
MFin04:
Michael Bourn 2nd half 2012: .224 .318 .311 .629 (58 Games)
Nate McLouth 36 Games Balt:.273 .347 .414 .761
SMH. Sometimes you need to look at the facts instead of shooting from the hip. But you “don’t watch AL games”, so how would you know?
The dude was hurt when he played for us. However, I’d still rather have Bourn on my team, I just think you are being unfair to McLouth.
George_George
September 14th, 2012
11:42 am
cricket
September 14th, 2012
11:20 am
If the BRAVES don’t go all the way,I will support NATS because of ex BRAVES on team.
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
11:43 am
Still the Tribe – we quietly segued from Indians to that quite a few years ago without drawing attention to it. And I am an alum, which led to my spending many years in Richmond thereafter…
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
11:44 am
Cool, VJ.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
11:45 am
“I just think you are being unfair to McLouth.”
Nate McLouth was an absolute disaster for the Braves. It would be impossible to be unfair to Nate. .229/.335/.364/.699 in 3 years and the guy couldn’t steal a base for us (69% success rate).
Murph
September 14th, 2012
11:47 am
Did each drive a Prius?
There were several, yes… and Smart Cars. I passed lots and lots of Smart Cars on the road this morning.
I don’t think they have the torque to power through the puddles. I’d be more and happy to help them in my new truck, though.
Must must must get a grill guard put on. Or, as they call them here, a “people mover”.
DS1
September 14th, 2012
11:48 am
I think it is pretty clear how important the top of the lineup hitters are to our team. And it is equally clear to me that the performances of Bourn and Prado in the second half are probably the number 1 factor in our offensive inconsistencies in the second half.
So looking at Prado’s history and Bourn’s performance this year, I’d think we need to try to get 1 hitter in the off season that can hit at the top of the order.
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
11:48 am
If no one hits in the lineup, it certainly doesn’t matter what order they are in.
Hey, I have no problem with massaging the lineup when a couple of guys aren’t hitting. But I think Fredo has a tendency to overthink it, especially against LHP.
George_George
September 14th, 2012
11:48 am
Lew
September 14th, 2012
11:36 am
And why would people know stuff like where foreign cities are or who made a car they’ll never buy? They’re too busy watching cute cat videos to care about reality, which is now viewed as overweight or sub ground level IQ teens having sex in NJ
********************************
But Lew is it not kind of importent to be well informed?
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
11:51 am
“But I think Fredo has a tendency to overthink it, especially against LHP.”
Well when everyone sucks against lefties and we can’t win games against them, you gotta try something. Reed Johnson should be a lock every time against lefties. If that means you have to put Prado at SS then do it, gotta have righties in the lineup that can mash.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
11:53 am
The big question is WHEN is Prado going to pitch?
VaBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
11:53 am
Yeah Bourn is having a bad 2nd half but his overall numbers are way above his career numbers still. It’s about production over a full season… Take a little of his good production in the 1st half away so he’ll be a little better than he has been in the 2nd half and he’s still gonna end up with the same overall production over the full season.
Lew
September 14th, 2012
11:53 am
George-George – Dude, that comment was pure, unadulterated sarcasm and nothing else.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
11:53 am
Lew,
Yeah, I don’t know how he didn’t get it.
flange1
September 14th, 2012
11:54 am
Did I just read that George thinks it’s important to be well informed?
Pretty!
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
11:54 am
Fortunately, my wife and I both practice sarcasm a lot, so I can easily detect it.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
11:54 am
McLouth was a disaster due to injuries…. the Braves let him play through them. Part of his performance has to be “blamed” on them. No reason to disparage the guy.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
11:55 am
Great—the Navy’s paying $20,000,000 for firewood. Who’ve thunk?
kenhotlanta
September 14th, 2012
11:56 am
MFin04: How many times have people told you that he was hurt when he played for the Braves? What part of that fact do you not understand? Yes, he sucked for us, but he was not near 100%.
it’s similar to this year with BMac…he is not at 100% and he is not having a good year. It happens.
I have errands to run, have a nice day.
cowdogit
September 14th, 2012
11:56 am
THEONLYBRAVESFAN
How did you get Chippers won lost record, when ao one can get Canstanza’s record ? You trying to trick the ignorant fans again ?
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
11:56 am
Nationals’ past 37 games: 26-11 with a .284 average, 3.28 ERA and 56 homers in past 37 games.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
11:58 am
DOB,
Nice stat… that’s sick! Marlins knocked them around pretty good, so anything can happen. Hopefully it will for us.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
11:59 am
Wha???
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
12:00 pm
“the big question is WHEN is Prado going to pitch?”
I’m assuming the 1-game play-in game?
“he was hurt when he played for the Braves”
He was hurt for 3 years? Was he still hurt when he went back to the Pirates too? (.140 .210 .175 .385 in 34 games)
More than likely his stretch with the Orioles is an anomaly. And I’m sure hitting in the joke parks of the AL East probably helps him out a little bit.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
12:02 pm
How about holding those Nats to a .184 average and causing them have an ERA of 8.23 this series?
cowdog**it: I was just correcting your incorrect claim that the Braves have a losing record when Chipper starts. I don’t try to trick ignorant fans, I haven’t even tricked you yet dude. Can’t help stupid.
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
12:02 pm
Sure, try to act innocent when your tricks are revealed…
VaBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
12:02 pm
Lock Prado up. 4 year deal 34 million
2013 8.5 mil
2014 8.5 mil
2015 8.5 mil
2016 8.5 mil
Lock Heyward up 7 years 66 million Team Option for 8th year 17 mil 2.5 mil buyout
2013 3 mil
2014 6 mil
2015 9 mil
2016 10 mil
2017 11 mil
2018 12 mil
2019 15 mil
2020 17 mil (option)
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
12:03 pm
VJ,
)
Juan
September 14th, 2012
12:04 pm
It’s time to cool down the Nats….This weekend is the time….I been watch a lot of game in my MLB EI Pkg…and i never understand why pitcher want to threw a fast ball to those Nats hitter (Morse,Desmond,Roche,Harper)…yes there hot, but is time to cool them down….GO BRAVES
Murph
September 14th, 2012
12:04 pm
McLouth was a disaster due to injuries
McNate was McCrap before he ever got injured. Everyone points to the collision in the OF as the start of his issues, but he was hitting .176/.295/.282/.577 before he got demolished by Heyward that fateful June day.
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
12:05 pm
Lock Heyward up 7 years 66 million Team Option for 8th year 17 mil 2.5 mil buyout
Maybe I’m crazy, but if I’m Heyward no way do I take that deal.
VaBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
12:06 pm
I thought Nate was hiding a injury the whole time here?
VaBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
12:07 pm
Bat Masterson
Go look at Andrew McCutchen’s and Justin Upton’s deals they’ve signed. Its a very fair deal for Heyward at his age. Of course it’s a bit longer than those to guys tho.
Lew
September 14th, 2012
12:08 pm
I agree with Bat – Why would he do a deal like that when he could likely get over daned near a half to a third of that figure in arb if he continues like he is now.
VaBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
12:09 pm
McCutchen is 25 years old and signed for 6 years 51.5 million with a 7th year option (14.75 mil)
Upton at 22 years signed for 6 years 50 million
VaBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
12:12 pm
The yearly salaries of course could be different, but the overall deal is realistic when compared to his peers.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
12:12 pm
If we SWEEP the Nationals we’ll be 5.5 games back! First place in the division, here we come!
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
12:14 pm
VaBravesFan _
Yeah, I hear you. Like I said “if I’m Heyward I say no thanks”. Heyward is three years from free agency. As long as he does not get hurt he will make $20+mm over those years and be free at 26 years old.
If I’m him I might go five and be free at 28. Look at Heap, he gained some security for signing but if he had not he would have made more money over the past couple of years and would be in the first year of a new long term deal this year.
Lew
September 14th, 2012
12:14 pm
I think he’ll make more than what you have him making in the first three years in arb, anyway. He would certainly make much more in his FA years – likely over $15 mil a year in the first of the FA years – if not much, much more than that.
George_George
September 14th, 2012
12:14 pm
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
11:33 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!! _ usnavyvolfaninva
Kind of funny, and sad at the same time, what people don’t know. I was really surprised by this study when I first came across it. Now I wonder why something like that would surprise me. Fun test, I aced it and I’m no expert. Maybe it’s because I like to read and will read most anything I come across.
**********************
On the test I had 23 of 33 corect 69% and I never went to colage. The BRAVES should win 23 out of every 33 games.
VaBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
12:17 pm
Wow, I still can’t believe that Ryan Braun signed a 8 year deal for only 45 million. I guess that’s why they rewarded him with another 5 year 105 mil extension after the 1st deal expires.
Lew
September 14th, 2012
12:21 pm
In High School, 69% on a test would get you a D at best.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
12:21 pm
Bustin’ out tonight. Unless Fredo decides to drop Heyward to 6, move Prado down, and that kind of thing. Just leave the lineup alone and let these guys work through it, I say.
Freeman vs. LHP hasn’t been that great and has been in a steady decline. Heyward has recently got some big hits vs. LHP starting with that home run vs. Bumgarner, the 2 2B’s off of Hamels and that home run off of Niese. I’d keep Heyward at the #3 spot tonight.
VaBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
12:22 pm
Well regardless Wren needs to get Jason locked up. Gonna be hard seeing the Braves keep him for another contract. The guy could easily be one of the best players in baseball in no time. Depending on how the Braves payroll is looking in 5-6 years will decide if we can afford to keep him. Unless we wanna be the Twins and just throw everything at him like they did Mauer.
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
12:23 pm
Nice, George. That puts you well above the mean. You’re a reader, right?
George_George
September 14th, 2012
12:24 pm
Lew
September 14th, 2012
12:21 pm
In High School, 69% on a test would get you a D at best.
***************************************************
This was a colage level test and the ave correct score was 49%.
VaBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
12:24 pm
I think it’s important to have Continuity in the first 4 spots in the order.
VaBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
12:25 pm
Efrim
What’s your take on my suggested contracts above?
Lew
September 14th, 2012
12:25 pm
In college, a 69% on a test wouldn’t even get you that D. In graduate school they’d flunk you out.
George_George
September 14th, 2012
12:26 pm
Thank you so much Bat.
VaBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
12:28 pm
Our grading scale was
94-100 A
84-93 B
74-83 C
68-73 D
67 and below F
LJ
September 14th, 2012
12:28 pm
Lew, I get MLB package on direct tv. usually 4 chanels 2 SD 2HD first 2 are visitors feed, last 2 are home feed. If you get other guys on away games, try moving up a chanel or 2
Lew
September 14th, 2012
12:28 pm
Of course, that was when I was in college. But that was back when the only grade inflation was on the football team.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
12:28 pm
Maybe I’m crazy, but if I’m Heyward no way do I take that deal.
I would absolutely take a deal that covered the first two years of free agency. Five years, around 45-50 million. McCutchen did it. Upton did it. There are a lot of position player youngsters going for that first contract through age 28-29 and then hitting free agency. If I were Heyward’s agent, I would not go year to year. No way if they are offering around 12-14 million for those first two free agent years. Why not take a deal that broke out as:
2013: 4M, 2014: 7M, 2015: 11M, 2016: 13M, 2017: 13M.
He’d be a free agent at age 28 and already have 50 million+ in the bank.
And this is a kid who has had injuries and one bad season. Yes, big year this year, but I’m telling him to take that five year deal. Maybe even five year deal with a club option + buyout. Still be a FA at 29 years old. Still be possible to get a 100 million+ contract.
LJ
September 14th, 2012
12:29 pm
Lew, I get MLB package on direct tv. usually 4 chanels 2 SD 2HD first 2 are visitors feed, last 2 are home feed. If you get other guys on away games, try moving back a chanel or two. don’t go by 720, they use the home feed.
LJ
September 14th, 2012
12:30 pm
second post is right BACK to the visitor chanel.