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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,321 comments Add your comment
Swing For The Fences
September 14th, 2012
2:35 pm
“Braves have slipped to 30th in majors in avg. w/RISP at .231, below Cubs (.232), Indians (.232), Padres (.234), Marlins (.234), Astros (.237) — everyone.”
I don’t have the answer of how this happens or how to cure it. But it HAS to represent a fundamental flaw in the team and organization that must be addressed if they expect to be serious contenders instead of serious pretenders going forward. Players? Manager and coaches? Front office? Something is wrong with one or all of the above entities. Any way you slice it, no “rah rah” reporting by the radio and TV folks can smooth this over. It’s a fact. They stink. They will continue to stink until they change something within the organization.
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
2:35 pm
Thanks, DOB!!!
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
2:36 pm
Who cares about…you know
nolie
September 14th, 2012
2:36 pm
Show me the money!!!….Sneaky
THIS!!!
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
2:37 pm
Thanks DOB!
I thought someone on the blog posted an article saying that the Braves offered Cody a 2-yr deal at 3mil each, but he wanted the 1yr deal so he could cash in on a longer deal this offseason.
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
2:38 pm
Just kidding DOB–Great Job and thanks!
jeffrey d
September 14th, 2012
2:39 pm
Thanks DOB
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
2:39 pm
We need to start hitting with RISP…. even if we aren’t catching the Nats, we need to get our offensive mojo back for the playoffs.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
2:40 pm
There’s a sweet spot there for security/monetary return for the player and club control/outlay for the club, and both parties could find it if so inclined.
I would always advise a young player to take that kind of deal. Always.
Exactly. Again, look around the league at all of the position players who aren’t Boras clients. Things have changed. Agents are advising their clients to sign deals. Confidence about ability is one thing, your setting yourself up for life with 45-50 million. Could end up with 8-9 million if things go south.
Show me the money!!!….Sneaky
THIS!!!
I wouldn’t want you to be my kids agent, noles.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
2:42 pm
an ironic request, considering the discussion! – DAP
Caught that did ya?
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
2:42 pm
Here we go… on MLBTR http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/cody_ross/
Cody Ross told Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (via Twitter) that he rejected a multi-year offer from the Braves to sign a one-year deal with the Red Sox this winter. Ross has a .275/.352/.560 slash line in 220 plate appearances this year
Ken Rosenthal @Ken_Rosenthal
Cody Ross told me yesterday that he rejected multi-year offer from #Braves to sign one-year deal with #RedSox. Like opportunity in Boston.
Train Wreck Bystander
September 14th, 2012
2:43 pm
30th in the majors in avg. w/RISP and 8th best won-loss record in the majors.
I am looking for correlation and finding little.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
2:43 pm
By the way, in the Braves’ 81 wins, Bourn has hit .320 (109-for-341) and scored 70 runs. In their 63 losses — Bourn has played in 62 — he has hit .217 (53-for-244) and scored 18 runs.
Every Braves hitter has looked terrible in losses. The splits are nearly the same. When you don’t hit, you don;t win. No difference with Bourn as oppose to our other hitters.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
2:44 pm
That link doesn’t give any proof of $$ offered though…
jeffrey d
September 14th, 2012
2:45 pm
I am looking for correlation and finding little.
This.
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
2:45 pm
Cody Ross told me yesterday that he rejected multi-year offer from #Braves to sign one-year deal with #RedSox. Like opportunity in Boston.
Proving the Braves lucky, once again, since Cody Ross is obviously as dumb as a box of rocks.
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
2:45 pm
Arkansas Transplant _
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2012/08/romney-power-team-dissects-2012-together-in-tampa/
Take from it what you will. I mean after all the reader brings along he or she’s on biases.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
2:45 pm
Ross didn’t get an offer from the Braves – at least as far as I know… DOB
Ross said he turned down a two year offer from the Braves David
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
2:46 pm
Didier Morais @DidierMorais
Uggla tried to recruit him – http://bit.ly/Leim5M MT @Ken_Rosenthal Cody Ross told me he rejected multiyear deal from #Braves 2 sign w/ #Sox
Apparently he failed (this guy is Red Sox beat writer)
Every Braves hitter has looked terrible in losses.
Not every one… Prado has decent (though not near his numbers when we win)
Of course, your point still holds and DOBs doesn’t. I wouldn’t expect our hitters to look awesome when we lose.
Rick C
September 14th, 2012
2:47 pm
DOB, Cody Ross said himself that the Braves offered him a multi-year deal, but he liked the opportunity in Boston more.
Austin
September 14th, 2012
2:47 pm
Cody Ross was offered a contract from the Braves but turned it down even though it was for more money. Ken Rosenthal reported it.
raleighbravefan
September 14th, 2012
2:48 pm
AT – I’m not going to do a George (repost). If you want additional info on the subject in question, see my comment at the end of the last blog. That will be all I will have to say on the subject.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
2:49 pm
Cody Ross wanted to win…….er….I guess that didn’t quite work out.
I do see the Red Sox resigning him though.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
2:49 pm
Ross dumb? not on your life, he knew he would hit better in Boston most likely and is on track for a pretty decent FA contract this winter with only the one year dip
If he had come here and struggled like a lot of average hitters do, he would be way behind where he is now
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
2:49 pm
DS1, I fell asleep after that post last night, so just wanted to say thanks for your words. Yes, we’re doing okay, little by little it seems to get better for us.
DAP
September 14th, 2012
2:49 pm
CB I sent you a couple of emails. Did you receive them or did you just ignore me?
id never do that! where did you send them? the daalper addy? i never saw anything from you.
raleighbravefan
September 14th, 2012
2:49 pm
I wonder how Cody feels about the way things have turned out.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
2:50 pm
Prado, Jones, Heyward, Reed, and Ross all have good numbers against Detweiler. Hope most of them start tonight.
Bourn, Freddie, Mac, and Uggla all struggle against this guy (Uggla is hitless). Maybe some of these guys sit.
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
2:51 pm
If he had come here and struggled like a lot of average hitters do, he would be way behind where he is now
I guess you’re right. I was thinking of “opportunity” in a different way, not the me-first, selfish Cody Ross way.
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
2:51 pm
own*
Nice work, DOB.
I have to split for a while. Play nice
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
2:53 pm
Cody wouldn’t have put up the numbers that he has if he played in Atlanta… especially considering that he’d have been locked in here for 2 years. Now, he’s on track to get a nice payday (some have speculated that he might get a deal like Willingham’s)
Braves hitters have a combined .290/.361/.427/.788 line against Detweiler over 150 ABs. Hope we continue that.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
2:54 pm
Take from it what you will. I mean after all the reader brings along he or she’s on biases.
Context does wonders.
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
2:54 pm
Last in MLB hitting with RISP. Damn. After all the obsession with FIRE Parrish and FIRE Pendelton, we’re seeing a coach/manager doesn’t have as big of an effect as some like to believe.
McCann hurting, Uggla having a career worst season, and you have young hitters who pile up the strikeouts anyways all play roles in that awful stat.
raleighbravefan
September 14th, 2012
2:54 pm
All voters should go to a truly INDEPENDENT UNBIASED fact-checking web site. More than one is even better. There are plenty of them around. You may be surprised what you find, especially if you get all of your news from one infamous source. I’m not being political, as I believe everyone benefits from the facts, when making any decision…especially one this important.
CB
September 14th, 2012
2:56 pm
DAP, yes on that address. That is strange.
raleighbravefan
September 14th, 2012
2:57 pm
Gotta go…Let’s win tonight…Better still, let’s sweep this weekend.
Swing For The Fences
September 14th, 2012
2:57 pm
BTW…. the latest post by DOB pretty well sums it up about the Braves.
I have been seeing and hearing some grief thrown toward the rotation recently. It’s misdirected. Ask any pitcher how easy it is to pitch feeling like you have to throw a shutout every time out.
It’s frustrating to know the Medlen is throwing tonight and having a REAL feeling that the Braves may waste a good outing by not even scoring for him. Thats not a sarcastic statement. That’s a real concern.
It’s frustrating that the young guys like Freeman, Heyward and Simmons are having to depend on the so called veteran leaders of this team to produce when it’s obvious that those “leaders” are folding like cheap suits.
I wouldn’t mind seeing an opening day 2013 lineup that included only Heyward, Freeman, Simmons and Prado as the only holdovers in the regular lineup. We’ve been waiting all season and actually more than a full season for some of those veterans to come around. Perhaps its just a fact that they just aren’t going to come around. They cost too much money not to “come around.”
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
2:58 pm
We have too many of the same kind of hitters. Chipper and Prado are the furthest from the bunch, and Chipper isn’t an everyday guy anymore. Even Heyward, as good as a all around player as he is, seems to strikeout at least once a game. Bourn is 2nd in the team in K’s. Leadoff guy. That’s terrible.
CB
September 14th, 2012
2:59 pm
The only thing I get from political commercials is the other guy is going to raise taxes,is a liar and probably eats with his fingers. Does that about sum it up?
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
2:59 pm
I think Ross is going to get a 3 year deal this winter. Maybe around what Josh Willingham got. Not sure he’s worth that, but I think that’s reasonable.
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
3:00 pm
Last in MLB hitting with RISP. Damn.
Fifth in runs. How do you explain it?
If they had been this feeble all year, does anyone really think they would be over 600 runs scored? The current malaise is troubling, but too many here will latch onto that and yammer about it as if it’s been a constant all season. Worse, they’ll continue to blow about it all winter, too, LOL, even if the Braves hit .300 with RISP from now to the end of the season.
DAP
September 14th, 2012
3:02 pm
braes might offer ross another 2 year deal this winter.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
3:02 pm
you would if you have confidence in your kid, more money my way, unless the player in a namby-pamby sissy….
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
3:02 pm
Why does everybody want to hit a homerun on this team? That or split a gap. They really seem to get like that when they see guys in scoring position. Bunch of pull happy’s. Prado and Chipper never seem to be that way.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
3:04 pm
We have a solid core for 2013 – Heyward, Freeman, Simmons as the three 23 year olds in the lineup, McCann, Prado and Uggla as the vets. Hudson, Medlen, Maholm, Minor, Kimbrel, O’Flaherty, Venters on the pitching side of things. Lots to work with there.
By the way, anyone see that Dave Cameron of Fangraphs thought we should decline the Hudson option and work on an incentive laden deal? Surprising that he would say that. I thinhk Hudson for 9 million on a one year deal is a perfect bargain for us.
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
3:05 pm
I’m thinking against those usually really tough pitchers you see in the playoffs that we might actually do well. These pitchers don’t usually have guys all over the bases, and we don’t hit well in that department anyways. Just might give up a long one or two. Our pitching has been good enough to shut teams down. Maybe that’s what will happen if we get there.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
3:07 pm
given the circumstances, Huddy might consider such a deal but would likely not be happy about it
nolie
September 14th, 2012
3:07 pm
sounds like a fansgraph suggestion, ignoring the mental/emotional aspect of the game
AZBravoFan
September 14th, 2012
3:08 pm
You know things have gotten bad when our old friend Nate McLouth is far outhitting Michael Bourn over the past month…
VABravesFan
September 14th, 2012
3:10 pm
The Braves front office needs to channel their inner Billy Beane and find some players this offseason with high OBPs and high pitch count averages. If their only glaring problem is failing to hit with RISP, that is the obvious answer to their problems.
IF, IF, IF......
September 14th, 2012
3:13 pm
and IF my aunt had a ___, she’d be my uncle.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
3:13 pm
9 million is reasonably within the budget and Hudson is worth that even with the previous back surgery and ankle issue.
DS1
September 14th, 2012
3:13 pm
CTB
Glad to hear you folks are doing better.
Hey, you guys inferring about politiks and didn’t invite me???
nolie
September 14th, 2012
3:13 pm
Fallen to 7th in NL in OBP too
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
3:14 pm
given the circumstances, Huddy might consider such a deal but would likely not be happy about it
“Huddy, we’re pretty sure you won’t sign elsewhere, so we’re going to take advantage of that. Instead of exercising a good-faith option that we both once thought was pretty fair, we want to make you sweat for your money. How’s that sound to you?”
Lumbergh
September 14th, 2012
3:14 pm
Yeah, umm Efrim I’m going to need those TPS reports before you leave you cubicle today, okay?
nolie
September 14th, 2012
3:15 pm
maybe “historic” really does mean “every year” now……
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
3:15 pm
I think Wren will just work on getting productive hitters. When he identifies the need/problem, he usually goes after it hard.
Maybe a LF with power for once?
TennesseePaul
September 14th, 2012
3:16 pm
Thanks for the work DOB.
GO BRAVES!!!
DS1
September 14th, 2012
3:16 pm
Bat/AT
I do find it interesting that the folks that are quoting the “We’re not going let our campaign be dictated by fact-checkers.” do not include the sentence before that statement……
Just sayin……. It’s all in the context.
Lumbergh
September 14th, 2012
3:17 pm
Howse it going Efrim…. yeah I’m also going to need you to come in this weekend to catch up on work that hasn’t been done this week. Those TPS reports need to be completed and you know, just too much time wasted on the blog so I’ll see early tomorrow morning. Okay? right, good talk.
TennesseePaul
September 14th, 2012
3:18 pm
By the way, anyone see that Dave Cameron of Fangraphs thought we should decline the Hudson option and work on an incentive laden deal? …
Shocking, coming from a source who only seeks truth and wisdom.
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
3:20 pm
Just sayin……. It’s all in the context.
Wayne, I got to be honest: your guy (and his attendant minions) scare the bleep out of me.
Juan
September 14th, 2012
3:20 pm
I remember chipper say one time to Freeman….”batting third all yours”,,,he was hot at that spot, then Gonzalez change it….
DS1
September 14th, 2012
3:20 pm
If Huddy is not worth the 9 mil next year, the Braves will decline the option. IMHO, this is a non-starter. We have a lot of other things to discuss that are much more critical to our team in the future. Donchathink?
nolie
September 14th, 2012
3:21 pm
hell they both scare the hell outta me
nolie
September 14th, 2012
3:23 pm
maybe so, but B4 some of those expensive problems can be addressed successfully (hopefully) they need to tidy up things like Huiddy so they know what they need and what is available financially
DS1
September 14th, 2012
3:23 pm
scoots
I hear ya. But there’s a helluva lot of us that have been scared to death of what’s been happening for the last 4 years……….. If we get 4 more………… well, that scares the shyt out of me.
And with that I am going to be done and not risk any friendships……
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
3:23 pm
hell they both scare the hell outta me
Yeah, I’m afraid I’m not getting that warm, cozy feeling on either side of the bed, my own self..
DS1
September 14th, 2012
3:25 pm
nolie
Huddy and Mac’s extension should be pretty much BOTH a lock. Plug those guys in as a definite at this point; barring any unforeseen injury.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
3:25 pm
McCann, Hudsona nd Maholm’s options will be picked up around the end of the season OR World series. Whichever comes first.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
3:25 pm
I’m scared of that UN treaty they keep working at getting signed
CB
September 14th, 2012
3:25 pm
DAP,reply sent.
jim
September 14th, 2012
3:26 pm
My preference for a lineup tonight vs LHP:
Simmons SS
Johnson CF
Prado LF
Jones 3b
Heyward RF
Ross C
Freeman 1B
Uggla 2B
Medlen P
DS1
September 14th, 2012
3:30 pm
jim
I’d be OK with that lineup, but you can bet Fredi will have Bourn in CF and hitting leadoff.
Bob the Blogger
September 14th, 2012
3:30 pm
Usually there are a few guys who are hot, and a few who are not, but the Braves seem to go through more than their fair share of times when most of the team is slumping. Apparently, slumping can be contagious just like good hitting can be contagious.
CB
September 14th, 2012
3:30 pm
I always check none of the above on my ballot. They never win.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
3:30 pm
braes might offer ross another 2 year deal this winter.
Possibly, but I bet he’ll be wanting at least 6mil year. At that price, he better be starting.
Don’t see why Huddy would re-do his deal… 9mil is a bargain, esp. if he can put up at least an ERA of 3.75. I would love it if he would re-do it, but there is no reason for him to do so. Unless, of course, he’s being selfless and freeing up money for Greinke.
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
3:30 pm
Just sayin……. It’s all in the context.
Wayne_
Of course the context matters and one would be wise to factcheck the fact checkers, too. I mean you can’t just read the true/ false whatever headline, the reasoning behind it matters, too.
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
3:30 pm
Braves need to face up to the fact they cannot win division. Even a sweep puts them 5.5 out with 15 to play. So they need to focus on getting Medlen setup for the WC game. The best shot at this is to flip Medlen and Maholm in rotation for the first 2 games with Miami on 25th & 26th. Off day on the 24th makes this possible.
This puts Medlen pitching tonight, 09/19, 09/25, and 09/30 for rest of regular season, then ready for WC game on 10/05. Without the flip his last regular season start would be game 1 versus Pitt on 10/01 which would make Hudson the WC starter. Nothing against Hudson, but right now he is #2 and Medlen is #1 and you need your #1 for that game. Then you can go with Hudson & Minor for games 1-2 of NLDS.
DS1
September 14th, 2012
3:31 pm
Gotta catch an airplane.
Later folks…
Bo Graves!!
varoadrunner
September 14th, 2012
3:32 pm
Ya know, the Braves might just make the playoffs…..but with this trend how far could they go? Otherwise, it’s September 2011 all over again. It’s only fortunate that the Cards, Pirates and Dodgers aren’t on a good streak either. Watch out for Philly!
Jake Lamotta's gut
September 14th, 2012
3:33 pm
I think its time to part with Mac and Huddy. They will probably both still be assets next year to whomever signs them (I think), but its time to change the culture here in Atlanta. As the immortal Chipper steps aside, they should escort the rest of the tread worn players in favor of new personalities.They should focus on the younger guys and GET A DAMN LF WHO CAN HIT LEFTIES!
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
3:34 pm
Laugh about it, shout about it, when you’ve got to choose,
Any way you look at it, you lose…
Kevin Spacey
September 14th, 2012
3:36 pm
If the Braves lose 2 of 3 here this weekend, I say there’s a 25% chance they fail to even make the playoffs.
If they get swept, I’d go so far as to say it’s over.
Lest we forget, if they’re the second WC team, they have to travel to another city for the one game playoff. And we all know how the Braves like to lay eggs after a nice, long, flight.
Holland
September 14th, 2012
3:39 pm
Even a sweep puts them 5.5 out with 15 to play.
Making up 5.5 in 15 games is unlikely, but not impossible.
DAP
September 14th, 2012
3:40 pm
id love to see wren try and go get justin upton or choo. one of those guys, plus whoever can be gotten for the best deal between, pagan and victorino, and the revamped OF looks pretty good.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
3:40 pm
We’re not dropping the #1 WC spot…. even if we are, to say that we’re done when we’d still be at least 2 games up on the Cards for that #1 spot… Geez
Tumbledown
September 14th, 2012
3:44 pm
Gotta reach into the bag of cliches. Just play em one at a time. No need to speculate on how many the Braves need to win to secure a playoff spot. Tonight is the game to win.
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
3:44 pm
Mark Bowman @mlbbowman
Simmons took grounders and ran the bases a short time ago. Seemed to be OK. Lineup should be posted soon.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
3:46 pm
“Making up 5.5 in 15 games is unlikely, but not impossible.”
No, making up 5.5 games in 15 games is more impossible than unlikely.
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
3:46 pm
“Making up 5.5 in 15 games is unlikely, but not impossible.”
****************
Agreed, but the Nats are not the NY Mess of a few years back. But even with the miracle of winning NL East, my plan to flip Medlen/Maholm would then leave Braves setup for Medlen in game 1. So it works either way.
CB
September 14th, 2012
3:46 pm
My wife’s favorite player is Shin-Soo Choo. I could probably talk her into moving to Atlanta and get season tickets if Braves signed him. Ha!
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
3:49 pm
Try saying Shin-Soo Choo 5 times. It is hard.
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
3:49 pm
Pirates already down 4-0 to the Cubs…
nolie
September 14th, 2012
3:49 pm
I like ChooChoo too
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
3:49 pm
No, making up 5.5 games in 15 games is more impossible than unlikely.
Hateraid-drinker.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
3:50 pm
I wouldn’t mind Choo – but he’s not been great vs. LHP.
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
3:50 pm
Atlanta Braves @Braves
Tonight’s lineup vs. WSH (7:35, PTV/680AM/BRN): Johnson 8 Prado 7 Heyward 9 Jones 5 Freeman 3 Uggla 4 Ross 2 Simmons 6 Medlen 1
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
3:50 pm
“I’d be OK with that lineup, but you can bet Fredi will have Bourn in CF and hitting leadoff.”
Yep, no doubt. Guy is too good defensively and base-running-ly not to have in the lineup and hitting leadoff. You could move him down in the order, but that probably does more harm to him than good.