If Braves hit with RISP, they’d be pushing Nats
We credited Fredi Gonzalez last week when the Braves manager stepped outside his comfort zone and made a few moves he’d previously indicated he might never make – using Craig Kimbrel in the ninth inning of a tied game on the road; benching Dan Uggla and his league-worst batting average for three games; and moving Martin Prado to shortstop for several games until Andrelton Simmons came off the DL.
Prado is one of the few Braves hitters who hasn't struggled during the team's 11-14 stretch. The Braves have slipped to last in the majors in hitting with runners in scoring position.
But here’s the flipside to that: If the Braves were hitting and scoring runs instead of wasting countless opportunities, it’s safe to say those moves wouldn’t have been made. Because he wouldn’t have felt something bordering on desperation. The Braves wouldn’t have found their wild-card lead shrinking and the gap on division leader growing.
When it comes to hitting with runners in scoring position, if the Braves were even a middle-of-the-pack team they could be pushing Washington for the division lead and this weekend’s series against the Nationals could be hugely important for a different reason than it is now. If the Braves had been within three or four games of the Nationals, instead of the season-high 8-1/2-game gap that exists now between the teams, then Atlanta could be looking to take this series and still have a good shot at the NL East title and a spot in the best-of-five division series round.
This weekend series is important now because the Braves need to get things turned around and avoid limping into the final two weeks of the season and going to the wild-card “play-in” game – a crap shoot if there ever was one — with no momentum or positive vibe surrounding them.
And let’s put this out there: If the Braves like they did in Milwaukee this week, it’s even possible that the surging Phillies and/or Brewers could push for one or both of the wild-card spots now occupied by the treading water-or-worse Braves and Cardinals. Not probable, but a lot more possible than it seemed a week ago, that’s for sure.
Did we mention that the Braves, in the past month or so, have gone from lackluster to terrible with runners in scoring position? Well, they have.
They have hit a staggering .157 (31-for-198) with RISP in their past 25 games, including 14 losses. This includes 3-for-34 in the four-game series that concluded the last homestand (a series the Braves still managed to win because of superb pitching) and 2-for-20 during the last four games of the six-game trip to New York and Milwaukee that ended Wednesday.
That stretch included a 10-inning win against the Mets and three consecutive losses to the Brewers.
Their recent dearth of RISP hitting has dropped the Braves’ seasonal average in those situations to .231, which is 30th – dead last – in the major leagues. That’s right, it’s worse than the Cubs (.232), Indians (.232), Padres (.234), Marlins (.234), Astros (.237) – worse than everyone.
Contending teams don’t generally rank at the bottom of the majors in categories such as hitting with runners in scoring position, and the shame of this case is that the Braves’ poor performance in those situations has been a direct reason they’ve wasted so many strong pitching performances.
Also, when pitchers get to the point where they feel like they’ve got to be perfect, where giving up a couple of runs in the early innings creates a seemingly insurmountable deficit, usually we see some of those pitchers start to crack in a game here or there, or a couple of games in a row. I’m convinced, whether they admit to it or not, that pitching with that sense that one must be perfect can be, and is, a burden for some pitchers.
Anyway, getting back to the Braves’ recent results. Before the bottom fell out of their hitting with runners in scoring position, the Braves had a .248 average in those situations through Aug. 17.
In their last 38 games through Aug. 17, the Braves went 28-10 had a 2.78 ERA and totaled 189 runs (5.0 per game) and 42 home runs. They scored six or more runs in 19 of those 38 games.
While wild-card leaders Atlanta and St. Louis have struggled lately, the Phillies (above) and Brewers have surged to put themselves back into the wild-card discussion.
In 25 games since Aug. 17, the Braves are 11-14 with a 3.48 ERA, and they’ve totaled 77 runs in 25 games, 39 of those runs coming in five games during that stretch. The Braves scored 38 runs in other 20, including two or fewer runs 14 times. Awful tough to win scoring two runs or fewer 14 times in a 25-game stretch.
And while the Braves have hit just .224 overall in that 25-game stretch, it’s the sub-.160 average with runners in scoring position that’s undermined that four-week period more than anything else. Just a big hit or two in the majority of those losses could have broken open the game for the Braves.
So what’s the problem? And don’t say hitting coach. The Braves changed hitting coaches after each of the past two seasons, and the combination of Greg Walker and assistant Scott Fletcher was lauded for much of the first half of the season, when the Braves’ OBP was back up and they were doing so much better in the “situational hitting” areas they struggled so mightily at a year ago.
Walker and Fletcher aren’t the reason the team suddenly stopped hitting with runners in scoring position and stopped getting on base as much, or moving runners over as well, or getting them in front third base with less than two outs the way they were doing earlier in the season.
That falls on the hitters themselves. Period.
I think it’s partly because the Braves are still such a relatively young lineup, with hitters who’ve had such little experience at playing full 162-game seasons before. And because they have some aging players, and again because they’re so susceptible to left-handed pitching, an area that simply has to be addressed this winter.
But specifically as it pertains to hitting with runners in scoring position, the two Braves who’ve spent most the time in No. 3 hole for Braves and have the most at-bats with RISP are Freddie Freeman, who turned 23 this week and is hitting just .230 (32-for-139) with RISP, and Jason Heyward, also 23, who has had an overall impressive, healthy bounce-back season, but is hitting just .238 (30-for-126) with RISP.
Uggla is third in number of at-bats with RISP, and he’s hitting just .226 (26-for-115) in those situations. Fourth-most ABs with RISP for the Braves? That’s Brian McCann, who has been one of the Braves’ best in those situations in the past, but this season among NL qualifiers has the league’s fifth-lowest RISP average at .167 (19-for-114). That’s difficult to fathom, isn’t it?
As Bourn goes, so goes the Braves offense. Lately, he and it have not gone well.
You’ve got to go all the way down to the Braves’ fifth-most ABs with RISP to find a productive hitter in those situations – Michael Bourn, who ranked among the NL leaders for much of the season at around .350 in that category, but is now at .324 (36-for-111) with RISP after his overall slump in recent weeks.
Now, I know that hindsight is 20-20, and I realize the Braves had Matt Diaz coming back as an extra outfielder and not much money to spend on bench players. But remember when we wrote her last winter that Cody Ross would be a great fit for the Braves, and how he expressed a desire to play here for his former Marlins manager Gonzalez?
Ross didn’t get much of an offer, if any, from the Braves – at least as far as I know — and signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Red Sox, for whom he’s hitting .277 with 31 doubles, 20 homers and an .845 OPS in 408 at-bats, including .328 with a .984 OPS in 119 at-bats with RISP.
• Widespread slumpage: Not every Braves regular is slumping. Martin Prado hit .308 (40-for-130) with 14 extra-base hits (four homers), 19 RBIs and an .826 OPS in his past 31 games, and Heyward has hit .282 (44-for-156) with 19 extra-base hits (nine homers), 19 RBIs and an .863 OPS in his past 40 games.
Also, Uggla is 13-for-46 (.283) with three homers and an .896 OPS in his past 14 games, after hitting just .145 with five homers and a .556 OPS in his previous 69 games.
But man, are there some weak recent numbers elsewhere in the lineup.
– Bourn has hit .177 (14-for-79) with one extra-base hit, five runs and a .495 OPS in his past 22 games, and all season there hasn’t been a player whose performance is more important to the Braves’ fortunes than the speedy leadoff man.
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.
And just got the lineup — Bourn’s not in it. Probably just getting a needed rest, but I’ll let you know after I get back from clubhouse (or check our Twitter feed while I’m down there).
– Freeman has hit .196 (19-for-97) with four homers and a .687 OPS in his past 28 games.
– McCann is 20-for-103 (.194) with two homers, eight RBIs and a .538 OPS in his past 29 games.
– Chipper Jones is 15-for-65 (.231) with more errors (three) than extra-base hits (two) in his past 19 games.
– Paul Janish, after going 8-for-18 in a five-game stretch Aug. 14-18, is 5-for-54 (.093) with a .331 OPS in his past 21 games.
And so it goes.
And while he’s not a lineup regular, of course, how ‘bout the strange season that Eric Hinske has had?
The veteran pinch-hitter/corner outfielder went 10-for-15 with two doubles, homer and four RBIs during three starts in a five-game stretch April 30 to May 4, and since then he’s 11-for-91 (.121) with 31 strikeouts, six extra-base hits (one homer), six RBIs, a .221 OBP and .220 slugging.
• Kimbrel’s chances have slowed: They have the best closer in baseball, but the Braves have only been able to use Kimbrel 15 times in 48 team games going back to July 24. Kimbrel has a 0.59 ERA and .115 opp average in that stretch, converting seven of eight save opportunities while piling up 34 strikeouts with four walks in 15-1/3 innings.
The Braves are 14-1 in games he entering during that period, and 15-18 in games he did not.
BRAVES Saturday Lineup
- Bourn cf
- Prado lf
- Heyward rf
- McCann c
- Freeman 1b
- Uggla 2b
- Francisco 3b
- Simmons ss
- Hanson p
The Braves won Friday for the 20th consecutive time in games started by Kris Medlen, the first time that's happened since the 2001 Yankees won 20 consecutive starts by Roger Clemens.
• Etc.
After a brief lackluster period in late summer, the Nationals have been clicking again for more than a month to open an 8-1/2-game gap on the Braves. They are 26-11 with a .284 average, 3.28 ERA and 56 homers in their past 37 games.
The Nats’ Ryan Zimmerman has hit .339 with 36 extra-base hits (17 home runs), 53 RBIs and a 1.023 OPS in his past 65 games, and is 23-for-64 (.359) with four homers and 15 RBIs in 15 games vs. the Braves this season….
Ex-Bravo Adam LaRoche has hit .279 with 10 homers, 30 RBIs and an .862 OPS in his past 40 games, including .378 with six homers and 11 RBIs in 12 games this month.
Prado is 10th in NL batting at .297, while Uggla (.214) is lowest among qualifiers, and McCann (.230) is fifth-lowest. McCann’s .300 OBP is fourth-lowest in the league….
Against righties, Heyward’s .305 average is tied for ninth in NL and his .576 slugging percentage ranks third in the league, behind Giancarlo Stanton and Jay Bruce and ahead of Carlos Gonzalez. Heyward has a a .384 OBP and robust .960 OPS vs. righties, while against lefties he’s hit .227 with a .284 OBP and .334 slugging percentage (.658 OPS)….
Braves reliever Chad Durbin had a 1.13 ERA and .171 OA in 41 appearances (32 innings) from May 11 through Aug. 8, and since then has 4.26 ERA and .283 OA in 15 appearances (12-2/3 innings).
• We’ll close this with a quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson: “You will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it.” And with the title cut from Lucero off their album, “That Much Further West,” which you can hear by clicking here.
“THAT MUCH FURTHER WEST” by Lucero
Well I tried but I can’t run no more
Tell Katie it’s her that I adore
And as long as I love her best
I’m that much further west
And since she’s been gone
I’ve done less right than I’ve done wrong
But I an’t that much worse than the rest
I’m just that much further west
And the boys they don’t need my help
They can play these songs by themselves
Well I ain’t that much worse than the rest
I’m that much further west
And the west is the only sky that’s blue
Tell Katie that I’ll see her soon
Until then the only thoughts that I have left
Are that much further west
— By David O’Brien, Braves/MIB blog
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.
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
3:51 pm
I enjoyed him on Top Cat…
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
3:51 pm
Nationals PR @NationalsPR
Fri @ ATL/G144: Werth rf, Harper cf, Zimmerman 3b, LaRoche 1b, Desmond ss, Espinosa 2b, Bernadina lf, Suzuki c, Detwiler lhp.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
3:51 pm
Way to go, Fredi. Keep Heyward at the 3 and sitting Bourn is a good idea.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
3:52 pm
This blog has become an even bigger pain in the patootie than it always has been, since the changes. no wonder so few folks are coming around. Pretty soon there will be nothing left but a few haters who are obsessive enuff to put up with the crappy connections…..
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
3:52 pm
No Bourn. Wow. I think it is the right move offensively, but defensively it leaves something to be desired. Bourn does have a ton of value as a pinch runner in a tight game though. Of course it will be against a lefty…uggh.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
3:53 pm
I wouldn’t mind Choo either… probably easier to get than Willingham. It’d only be a 1yr deal though, and he is a Boras client.
Bourn and Mac out tonight, good job Fredi. Love it. Both those guys have struggled against Detweiler careerwise. Get a win tonight boys!
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
3:53 pm
No Morse. Braves have a chance. That guy kills us. Believe he is hurt and may miss entire series.
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
3:53 pm
Braves lineup: Johnson cf, Prado lf, Heyward rf, Jones 3b, Freeman 1b, Uggla 2b, Ross c, Simmons ss, Medlen p
Luther
September 14th, 2012
3:54 pm
DOB- Have you had a chance to listen to Dylan’s Tempest yet? Wondering what you thought, really enjoyed it so far.
TennesseePaul
September 14th, 2012
3:54 pm
Last 9 Starts of the Starting 9
_________AVG__OBP__SLG___OPS_wOBA_L9S9+
Reed___ .314 .333 .400 0.733 .323 __125
Prado__ .297 .316 .297 0.613 .272 ___88
Heyward .314 .385 .514 0.899 .390 __175
Chipper .265 .324 .353 0.677 .331 __108
Freeman .133 .316 .133 0.449 .227 ___39
Uggla__ .303 .378 .485 0.863 .377 __164
Ross___ .242 .289 .424 0.714 .301 __118
Simmons .179 .250 .214 0.464 .219 ___43
Medlen_ .105 .190 .158 0.348 .156 ____7
nolie
September 14th, 2012
3:54 pm
yup theres the rub Efrim, yet another guy who caint hit lefties. We REALLY need a RHed hitter this winter
RC
September 14th, 2012
3:56 pm
Heisenberg,
I haven’t gone through and checked the schedule for your proposed plan, but assuming it doesn’t take away a Medlen start I’d be in favor for it. If it does end up in him having one less start, then it might not be such a great idea to make a change just yet, as you could need that win simply to get into the wild card game. It’s likely they will just stick with the rotation as is, and hope there is enough of a buffer with 5 days left in the season to manipulate the rotation so that it’s set up the way you want heading into the postseason. Having Delgado and Teheran in the bullpen should facilitate that type of move nicely.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
3:56 pm
DS1, that was all I was pointing out.
coastalbrave
September 14th, 2012
3:57 pm
1. Reed Johnson (R) CF
2. Martin Prado (R) LF
3. Jason Heyward (L) RF
4. Chipper Jones (S) 3B
5. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
6. Dan Uggla (R) 2B
7. David Ross (R) C
8. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
9. Kris Medlen (S) P
DAP
September 14th, 2012
3:57 pm
if we got choo and victorino we’d have two double flapped helmet pacific-type dudes in the lineup. is that allowed?
Kentavo
September 14th, 2012
3:57 pm
Really bad at-bats during this stretch – especially the popping out on the infield variety with RISP – what does that indicate? Overswinging? I think so. They need to relax.
ncbravesfan90
September 14th, 2012
3:57 pm
Ouch @ Freeman’s last 9 starts batting average….
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
3:57 pm
Gentry in CF next year would certainly help our numbers against lefties. Just saying.
MVPrado14
September 14th, 2012
3:58 pm
“No, making up 5.5 games in 15 games is more impossible than unlikely.”
Mute point since they will probably be either 9.5 or 11.5 out after this weekend. The Braves aren’t sweeping, and they probably aren’t winning the series, either.
chipontheroad
September 14th, 2012
3:58 pm
wish i could stay home from work and watch this game Medlen gives his all and this line up could break the recent bs Bourn and B mc NEED THE REST
GO BRAVOS
Peter R.
September 14th, 2012
3:58 pm
You gotta hope that Freeman and Heyward turn it around. At least Heyward is showing signs of life that he could be a dramatically better player next year. The Braves need a great three hold hitter again. Something has gone seriously wrong with Bourn and the Braves in general. If the team keeps this up for the remainder of the year, I think they should make some serious changes. Like letting McCann go and spending the money on a different offensive player. Just sign a different catcher. You gotta hope Hudson rebounds so the Braves can have a decent veteran starter next year. The Braves could be (big could) much better with their starting pitching next season. Hopefully Minor, Teheran, and Delgado are ready to fact big league pitching next year. Medlen looks like a solid major leaguer and what the f*** happened to Hanson? But he suddenly looks much better. They should be improved better in the pitching department next year by default. The offense will get a major overhaul. The Braves general management will probably be betting on Uggla rebounding because they don’t want to pay him to play for a different team. They’re just screwed because they don’t have the big money to spend. Will the Braves ever have a player that makes more than 15 million? No! They don’t have that kind of money. I hope Vizcaino doesn’t wind up a major league closer for the Cubs. I’m already waiting for next year. No more Jones, praise christ. No more Janish or Diaz too. 2013 should be much better. No Bourn strike outs too. He’s not worth more than 10 million a year. I don’t care what WAR or Boras say.
DAP
September 14th, 2012
3:59 pm
nolie We REALLY need a RHed hitter this winter
this is a myth. we need hitters, is what we need.
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
3:59 pm
Besides fact Bourn has been slumping badly and playing every day, he’s also 1-for-13 vs. Detwiler, while Reed Johnson is 5-for-9 w/ a homer.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
3:59 pm
I see that Gentry is doing better this season away from Texas. I wonder if that will continue or is just an anomaly
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:00 pm
And it’s a bummer, nolie, as I really, really like Choo and think there is a deal that could be worked out with Cleveland. But he just isn’t great against LHP, and there is more of those dudes around. Need a RHH with some thump.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
4:01 pm
we do not need a lefty hitter, 90% of them are poor against lefty pitchers. I have no inclination to take the chance
CB
September 14th, 2012
4:01 pm
There you go with that lefty stuff again. Lefties unite!
DAP
September 14th, 2012
4:02 pm
We REALLY need a RHed hitter this winter
at the least, the ideas that a hitter like choo shouldnt be pursued because he is a lefty is crazy. getting him doesnt mean a righthanded hitter cant be acquired.
Kentavo
September 14th, 2012
4:04 pm
Hate to be the harbinger of doom, but Detwiler is a soft-tossing lefty, so I think Med’s streak will end tonight, something like 2-1 or 1-0.
And Wren needs to identify some guys that have a proven track record against LH pitching in the offseason – doesn’t matter what side of the plate they hit from.
DAP
September 14th, 2012
4:04 pm
nolie we do not need a lefty hitter, 90% of them are poor against lefty pitchers. I have no inclination to take the chance
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:04 pm
this is a myth. we need hitters, is what we need.
I disagree. Not with Uggla’s struggles and Heyward and Freeman looking as bad as they did against LHP this year. We need another RH bat to place in between them two so that we don;t have poor matchups late in games as well. Not easy for those two to get around on some of those tough late inning relievers like Sean Burnett.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
4:05 pm
Gentry is doing better this season away from Texas…. or is just an anomaly
I think it’s just him learning the league and basically just getting better. I’m hoping we at least talk to Texas about him.
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
4:06 pm
DOB- Have you had a chance to listen to Dylan’s Tempest yet? Wondering what you thought, really enjoyed it so far. — Luther
Yes, and I really like it. Another in the string of late-career gems he’s made.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:07 pm
I don’t see us getting Choo and then a CF that’s RH that is going to make a ton of difference.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:07 pm
Gentry looks like a platoon player. I’m okay with that, but we need a solid LH mate for CF then.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
4:07 pm
Efrim, Gentry is RHed.
If If If
September 14th, 2012
4:08 pm
IF the Braves had not lost 9 games in row in the first part of the season they would be right with the Nats now as well.
keyLargo
September 14th, 2012
4:09 pm
I know, I know. I’m not posting this to be bludgeoned but does anybody think Jason Bay has a year or two left in him with the Mets paying $12M for 2013 and the buyout option for 2014 if we would take him off their hands?
I’ve heard he’s maintained a good attitude and is still an asset among the players despite his play. New York City just isn’t for some people.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
4:10 pm
I’d let Gentry prove he couldn’t do the job before I’d label him a platoon. I’d prefer him over Pagan or Victorino.
DAP
September 14th, 2012
4:10 pm
the braves will win more games with a lineup full of lefty hitters who crush righties than they would the other way around. passing up a player like choo if you can get him is dumb. if you dont think so, then you must think trading heyward for stanton or justin upton would better this team.
Mark in ATL
September 14th, 2012
4:11 pm
Do the Braves dare make a bold move and trade McCann and Uggla after the season…both are boat anchors on this team….
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
4:12 pm
does anybody think Jason Bay has a year or two left in him
I saw him take some hacks in one of the Nats-Mets game and his bat looked awfully slow, key.
cowdogit
September 14th, 2012
4:12 pm
The Yankees have lost more games than the braves, maybe they should increase their payroll.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
4:12 pm
look at the stats, most left handed hitters are worse against left handed hitters over their careers
AZBravoFan
September 14th, 2012
4:13 pm
There are no good measures for this, but our situational hitting has been as brutal as the RISP hitting. I’m talking about leadoff doubles that just wither on second base. Guys following with a first pitch grounder to short or popup that doesn’t advance the runner. Pitchers not getting down bunts. GIDP’s with runners on 1st and 3rd and no outs. And that’s not even factoring in the sketchy baserunning that’s prematurely ending innings.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
4:13 pm
and if you really think they would get Choo AND an impact RHed bat too, I’m afraid you are way out of touch with reality
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:15 pm
the braves will win more games with a lineup full of lefty hitters who crush righties than they would the other way around. passing up a player like choo if you can get him is dumb. if you dont think so, then you must think trading heyward for stanton or justin upton would better this team.
They would be eaten alive vs. LHP if all we had to rely on in the middle of the order was Dan Uggla, especially in the late innings and in high leverage situations. It;s not dumb at all, really. And that last part has no correlation to the argument. Not sure why you’d throw that in there. Adding another LH hitter is fine, but it can’t be one that is expected to hit in the middle of the order like Choo would be.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
4:15 pm
“we do not need a lefty hitter, 90% of them are poor against lefty pitchers.”
We need Kelly Johnson, he’s a lefty that killed lefties. Bobby used to only play him against righties because of the whole lefty lefty (and being senile) thing, but we could use old KJ.
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
4:15 pm
Take from it what you will. I mean after all the reader brings along he or she’s on biases.
Arkansas Transplant _
I’m not sure that comes across as entended. It was not directed at you, more just a reflection of my belief that we all have biases whether we acknowledge them or not.
DAP
September 14th, 2012
4:16 pm
nolie look at the stats, most left handed hitters are worse against left handed hitters over their careers
and 75% of the ABs everyday players get are vs. right handed pitchers.
if you worried about specialization, get specialized players. i dont think you should make an everyday roster with LOOGYs in mind.
N8
September 14th, 2012
4:16 pm
If the Braves won more games they’d have more wins.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:16 pm
We aren’t trading for Choo and signing BJ Upton. Not going to happen, even with 20 million available. And I’d love to see that. But it isn’;t going to happen.
Holland
September 14th, 2012
4:16 pm
Detwiler is a soft-tossing lefty, so I think Med’s streak will end tonight
Looks like Prado and Johnson have owned Detwiler, though. A couple runs from the top of the lineup might be enough with Meds going, even if everyone else continues the hitting failure.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
4:16 pm
Mark in ATL
I’d definitely trade Uggla in the right trade.
DAP
September 14th, 2012
4:16 pm
nolie and if you really think they would get Choo AND an impact RHed bat too, I’m afraid you are way out of touch with reality
why? that would be easy.
cowdogit
September 14th, 2012
4:17 pm
No clutch last september- No clutch this september- Same team – Same results.
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
4:17 pm
No RC, it does not take away a regular season start. It moves him up a day. Here is remaining schedule.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/team/schedule/_/name/atl/atlanta-braves
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
4:17 pm
Forget Choo…give me Norichika Aoki that guy is a complete baseball player.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
4:18 pm
It’s really simple….just pitch 27 innings of shutout ball….problem solved.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
4:18 pm
It was not directed at you – Bat
Understand and completely agree.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:19 pm
i dont think you should make an everyday roster with LOOGYs in mind.
I have Santana, Niese, Hamels, Lee, Gonzalez, Detwiler, Buerhle in mind.
Burnett, Gorzelanny, Edgin, Valdes, Bastardo – gotta split Choo, Heyward, Freeman, McCann up in some way and I’m not sure sticking Uggla in the middle whose wrose vs. LHP in his career is smart.
CB
September 14th, 2012
4:19 pm
AT,you would trade Uggla?
N8
September 14th, 2012
4:19 pm
“I’d definitely trade Uggla in the right trade.”
I’d say any GM willing to take on that contract constitutes “the right trade”. If Wren has an opportunity to dump him and passes? He should be spanked and made to stand in the corner for the rest of the day….. then fired.
Kat
September 14th, 2012
4:19 pm
Thanks for the new DOB and Lucero song today, David. Hopefully Meds can keep up his pitching and our offense decides to get to home-base tonight.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
4:19 pm
“just pitch 27 innings of shutout ball”
Hey, that was how we were winning games during our 5 game win streak.
It’s when we started to give up a dreaded one or two earned runs our offense panicked.
Kat
September 14th, 2012
4:20 pm
*DOB “Blog”
DAP
September 14th, 2012
4:20 pm
efrim, you seem to be making a case for jason heyyward being a platoon player. why is he in there tonight?
MVPrado14
September 14th, 2012
4:20 pm
“There are no good measures for this, but our situational hitting has been as brutal as the RISP hitting. I’m talking about leadoff doubles that just wither on second base. Guys following with a first pitch grounder to short or popup that doesn’t advance the runner. Pitchers not getting down bunts. GIDP’s with runners on 1st and 3rd and no outs. And that’s not even factoring in the sketchy baserunning that’s prematurely ending innings.”
They have a “bash brothers” mentality but don’t have the sticks to back it up. If they ever did try a little A-B-C baseball, we might be looking at a team that could do more than just lose the play-in game. But they’ve spent 144 games doing it the “bash” way so I’m guessing they won’t be changing anything now.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
4:21 pm
I know; Meds gave up a homer during that stretch…how DARE he be human!
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
4:21 pm
Dan Uggla is having a HoF season compared to Jason Bay. He is done and the Mess are stuck with him. But to his credit I liked how he handled getting benched better than Uggla. Bay apologized to his manager for putting him in the situation that made the benching necessary.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:21 pm
why? that would be easy.
Oh boy. You folks are going to be disappointed this offseason. I certainly wouldn’t call acquiring two impact outfielders, “easy”.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
4:21 pm
I still think that our best partner in any trade to move Uggla would be Detroit too. Which in any trade, I’d ask for Infante plus a couple of minors.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
4:21 pm
“I dont think you should make an everyday roster with LOOGYs in mind.”
For the playoffs you should. If I were another team in a one game playoff against the Braves I’d start a lefty even if he wasn’t my best pitcher and have a bunch of lefties in the bullpen to relieve him.
JoeFan
September 14th, 2012
4:22 pm
The Braves are a boring team. Even if they claim one of the wildcard spots there is nothing that really gets the fans pumped about this team. Also don’t believe the Braves are really going to go hard after Bourn especially with their minor league player of the year being a CF (Cunnigham). They will push him to be ready sometime in 2013 and hopefully spend the big bucks to shore up other areas of the team.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
4:23 pm
Yep…so boring I wouldn’t even comment on them….oh, wait.
Braveone
September 14th, 2012
4:25 pm
From the previous blog which had 1,781 comments, TheOnlyBravesFan led the way with 123 posts. There were 200 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 TheOnlyBravesFan 123
2 Efrim 106
3 Bat Masterson 81
4 usnavyvolfaninva 64
5 nolie 59
6 ncscoots 53
7 Venice Jim 46
8 Capt.Mudd 43
9 Lew 43
10 MFin04 39
11 ChattTownBrian 37
12 jeffrey d 36
13 Arkansas Transplant 35
14 VaBravesFan 34
15 George_George 33
16 count_schemula 31
17 raleighbravefan 31
18 Brava 30
19 the Ghost of Chipper Jones 27
20 Bay Area Steve 25
21 Hugo Z Hackenbush 23
22 TennesseePaul 22
23 keyLargo 22
24 CB 19
25 Jeff R 19
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
4:25 pm
“But they’ve spent 144 games doing it the “bash” way so I’m guessing they won’t be changing anything now.”
Disagree completely. This team has played A LOT better ABC baseball this year than last year. The real problem isn’t ABC baseball, but actually hitting with RISP. We’ve had our share of sac flies, sac bunts, 1st to 3rd. The problem is getting the key hit to drive in one or even multiple runs.
Heck as bad as it has been lately I’ve been cheering for the double play “RBI.”
CB
September 14th, 2012
4:25 pm
JoeFan, if you want to be excited see Bat and he will tell you about licking his computer.
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
4:25 pm
But they’ve spent 144 games doing it the “bash” way so I’m guessing they won’t be changing anything now.
I certainly hope not.
AT,you would trade Uggla?
AT has found a couple of kindred spirits, it seems. Although one of them is N8, so I don’t know if that helps or hurts his position on Uggla.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:26 pm
efrim, you seem to be making a case for jason heyyward being a platoon player. why is he in there tonight?
No, DAP. He’s young and you make sacrifices for development. You have two, young LHH’s in the lineup, and part of the reason you keep them in the lineup vs.LHP is because you want them to get better at it. In no way am I saying to remove the LHH’s vs. LHP, but you’ve never cared about splits and that’s just not the way to build a lineup. Going to get you in trouble over the course of the season – especially in the late innings. If I’m going after an impact hitter, I want him to be RH given the LHH presence in the lineup – Heyward, Freeman, McCann.
DAP
September 14th, 2012
4:26 pm
efrim I have Santana, Niese, Hamels, Lee, Gonzalez, Detwiler, Buerhle in mind.
most of these guys are worse against lefy hitters, or barely better against them. the other guys are specialists, that shouldnt dictate the way your starting lineup comes together. again, get specialty players (like reed johnson) for these situations if you must. otherwise, just get the best players!
DAP
September 14th, 2012
4:26 pm
efrim I certainly wouldn’t call acquiring two impact outfielders, “easy”.
who did say that? not i.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
4:27 pm
and 75% of the ABs everyday players get are vs. right handed pitchers…DAP
not when the team faces more LHed pitchers than any other. It is more like 62% and we are 21 games over against RHSP and 3 games under against LHST
We stink against them and our winning % against them is terrible. There are way more RHed hitter who hit righties than there are LHed hitter who hit lefties, although I grant that Kelly does it pretty good
Its not like we can afford Ted Williams or Barry Bonds type lefty hitters who do excel at both
optimist
September 14th, 2012
4:27 pm
Maybe Uggla should try batting left-handed.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
4:28 pm
64 posts….only b/c I had the day off.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:30 pm
Prado is a top of the lineup hitter, Simmons is an 8-hole hitter. Uggla is worse vs.LHP than RHP over the course of his career. I’m having a lot of trouble with the thought process behind getting another LH hitter in the middle of the lineup.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
4:30 pm
if that helps or hurts his position on Uggla. – ncscoots
Surely, (yes I know, don’t call you shirley) you’ve been watching this player over the past 2 years to know it would be in our best interest to move him and go another direction.
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
4:30 pm
Uggla with the walks should bat leadoff and Bourn with the best RISP average on team should bat 5th. Problem solved. That is almost as crazy as Jason Werth batting leadoff. Wait……what?
ChipperisGod
September 14th, 2012
4:31 pm
We do not look good right now. Good move by Fredi resting Bourn. Hopefully he can start getting on base more. Gotta beat the Nats this weekend. We can do it. Gotta keep pushing, working the count, and Medlen is the right guy to get us going.
Neither pitching nor offense is getting the job done. All it takes is one night. One good, solid night of offense against the Nats and I think we can find a spark. But we’ve got to get hungry, get mad, get going. We’re getting a lot of hits, it’s just one RISP situations comes up, we shut down. Fredi, Walker and Chip need to call a meeting to calm everyone down and try to make guys relax a bit and not press so much at the plate.
Maholm also is just struggling. 10+ ERA in his last three starts I think. Giving Delgado, Tehran or hell, even Ben Sheets a chance might be a decent idea.
RC
September 14th, 2012
4:31 pm
If I’m going after an impact hitter, I want him to be RH given the LHH presence in the lineup – Heyward, Freeman, McCann.
Especially since the guy you got to be your right-handed power (Uggla) has a career reverse split vs. RHP and LHP (.826 OPS vs R, .773 OPS vs. L).
N8
September 14th, 2012
4:32 pm
“AT has found a couple of kindred spirits, it seems. Although one of them is N8, so I don’t know if that helps or hurts his position on Uggla”
Yup. I’m the lone crazy nutjob not willing to give Uggla a “pass” on quite possibly the worst bang for our buck Braves player since….. well…. since nobody. Production based on contract, he quite possible is the worse contract the Braves have had since the run began in 1991.
Worse than Derek Lowe. Worse the Kenshin Kawakami. Worse than Mike Hampton.
He’s been historically bad. He is statistically the worst hitter in the national league. And he’s the 2nd highest paid guy on a team that has a midrange budget.
I’m not saying that Wren would find a better 2B out there offensively (even though it’s quite possible the right guy is ALREADY on the team and moved to LF to make room for him).
But worse things can happen for Wren and the Braves if that contract could be made to go away.
If that makes me crazy, so be it.
RC
September 14th, 2012
4:32 pm
Prado is a top of the lineup hitter, Simmons is an 8-hole hitter. Uggla is worse vs.LHP than RHP over the course of his career. I’m having a lot of trouble with the thought process behind getting another LH hitter in the middle of the lineup.
Well, if the choice is a good LHH hitter or a significantly lesser RHH for the same price, then I could see going with the LHH. But all things equal, this team needs a solid RHH badly.
Double Zero Eight
September 14th, 2012
4:33 pm
“If, a poem by Rudyard Kipling.
If has no place in sports.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
4:33 pm
“64 posts….only b/c I had the day off.”
A sad day off if you have to spend it with us.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
4:34 pm
he is a league average hitter overall since he got here, their are a lot worse
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
4:35 pm
Surely…you’ve been watching this player over the past 2 years to know it would be in our best interest to move him and go another direction.
I’ve watched him, yes. And I cannot agree with your position, sorry. I may not mention it every day, LOL, but trading Uggla would be a mistake.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:35 pm
Especially since the guy you got to be your right-handed power (Uggla) has a career reverse split vs. RHP and LHP (.826 OPS vs R, .773 OPS vs. L).
A 2-3-4-5-6-7 of Choo, Heyward, Freeman, Uggla, McCann would be awesome vs. RHP and pretty mediocre vs. LHP. Would make things a lot more balanced if you added Willingham there instead of Choo…..
Dum-Bass
September 14th, 2012
4:35 pm
Wonder if the manager is at least totally responsible for a minimum of 5 losses this year? Could that be possible, and is that a conservative number?
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
4:36 pm
“That is almost as crazy as Jason Werth batting leadoff.”
Yep, put your injury prone outfielder in the #1 spot, makes perfect sense.
Whatever, best record in baseball right? Tough to argue with it.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:37 pm
Uggla is not statistically the worst hitter in the league. Good lord.
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
4:37 pm
Twins are a last place team with a highly desired asset and many holes to fill. I would imagine the price for Willingham would be quite expensive.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
4:37 pm
meh, not so bad. wife’s out of town, so I have no supervision.
Arizona Brave
September 14th, 2012
4:37 pm
Why in the Hell is Uggla in the line up???????
N8
September 14th, 2012
4:38 pm
he’s a league average hitter nolie, based pretty much on a 33 game stretch where he was hot as hell. 1/6 of his time in a Braves uniform has skewed the numbers to make him appear to be average.
Take out those games during the hitting streak, and he’s downright pathetic.
But even so. Let’s “pretend” he’s been consistently “league average”.
Plenty of guys out there that could have cost a helluva lot less to provide us with league average numbers in LF and left Prado at 2B.
Again. Bang for the buck, the Dan Uggla contract is the worst Braves contract since I’ve been a Braves fan in the early 80’s.
Period.
Find me a worse one and I’ll shut up (about this topic).
13 million per year on a team with a 90 million dollar budget for league average production?
Not good enough. sorry.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
4:38 pm
Werth does have a .400 on base percentage. So I suppose that is ideal in a leadoff hitter, I guess his power may be a little wasted there though.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
4:38 pm
or 5 wins, B4 this slump we were actually ahead of the Pythagoras projections.
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
4:38 pm
If that makes me crazy, so be it.
I don’t know about “crazy”. Uggla is just the latest myopic viewpoint you’ve espoused, is all, and one that coincides with AT’s.
Murph
September 14th, 2012
4:38 pm
I’ve been calling for a trade for Choo for 2 years now… and I’ve learned, or been told, over and over that it’s not gonna happen. So many times, in fact, that now I believe it.
Not gonna happen. Neither is a trade for Willingham. He wants to stay in Minnesota, and they want him to stay… not a recipe for a good trade partner.
Kentavo
September 14th, 2012
4:39 pm
Yeah, even though they beat us anyway, I was shocked Boche left Zito off the playoff roster – Braves can’t hit him at all.
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
4:41 pm
“Why in the Hell is Uggla in the line up???????”
*******************
He has naked pictures of Fredi partying in Vegas & Frank topless on a beach in France?
nolie
September 14th, 2012
4:41 pm
N8 that is just plain crap. he has had 5.5 months of OPS between 784 and 1076. That is just plain revisionist bulloney
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:41 pm
I think Drew Stubbs has been the worst hitter in the league with min. PA’s.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
4:42 pm
Kawakami and Derek Lowe aren’t worse deals? I mean heck we are paying Lowe NOT to pitch for us this year.
RC
September 14th, 2012
4:42 pm
Worse than Derek Lowe. Worse the Kenshin Kawakami. Worse than Mike Hampton.
Dan Uggla has been really bad, no denying it. And that contract is an albatross.
But comeon. Not worse than those. Kenshin Kawakami may have been the worst signing in Braves history. He made $382,000 PER START. For comparison, during the years Kawakami was on the Braves, Martin Prado averaged $427,500 per SEASON.
Kawakami made almost $2 million PER WIN. During the same time period, Jair Jurrjens made $22,000 per win (AND spent half a season on the DL).
Kawakami was a freakin’ disaster. Uggla’s just an albatross (so far).
N8
September 14th, 2012
4:42 pm
“I don’t know about “crazy”. Uggla is just the latest myopic viewpoint you’ve espoused”
The latest? I’ve been on that guy since last winter. Please don’t act like I’ve recently decided he should go.
i’ve been spewing since June (when I happen to find my way to the blog), that Fredi should not compound one bad decision (Uggla’s extention) with another bad decision….. keeping him in the lineup.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
4:42 pm
AZ,
Uggla’s been hitting well lately.
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
4:43 pm
The previously discussed Jason Bay has been worse than Uggla. And he makes more $$$.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
4:43 pm
I don’t know if you can’t say that Uggla isn’t the worst “hitter” in the league. I guess it depends on your definition. I mean, sure he gets walks but I wouldn’t necessarily put a lot of stock into someone that does that when he’s paid to be your production hitter and not your obp guy.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
4:43 pm
N8,
Please help me understand…if Uggla’s getting a contract extension, why would he not put him in the lineup? Please tell me what I’m missing.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
4:44 pm
“Anything less than a sweep this weekend and we might as well prepare for1 game playoff, right?”
Oh, Twitter, gotta love it. Someone tell that poor soul that they mine as well prepare for the 1-game playoff either way. Hopefully the Braves are already starting to line up everything for that game.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:46 pm
I can tell you a contract that would be more of an albatross than Dan Uggla’s upcoming three years and 39.6 million………….
7 years, 126 million for a career 91 OPS+ hitter. That would be the worst contract in Braves history.
N8
September 14th, 2012
4:46 pm
“N8 that is just plain crap. he has had 5.5 months of OPS between 784 and 1076. That is just plain revisionist bulloney”
His OPS is high this year because of the walks. Wren didn’t trade for him and give him that money to walk. I bet both Dan and Frank would concur.
Derek Lowe gave us 2 good years out of 4 when we DESPERATELY needed innings. Did Wren over pay? Yup. But we got something out of him.
KK? Wasn’t nearly as bad the first year as people say he was. Besides only 7 million per year.
1 Year of Dan Uggla costs us what two years of KK did.
Never mind that there is 3 years left on this deal. Wren might have to eat 5-10 million per year over the next 3 years to rid himself of that horrific contract.
Oh yeah, and we had to give up Infante and Dunn to get him too.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
4:46 pm
Uggla is playing because over the last 14 games he is hitting .294 .368 .471 .839
what the hell are they supposed to do, sit him after he finally starts hitting after all this time?
sigh
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
4:47 pm
The latest?
Sorry. The latest one I’ve read. That better?
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
4:50 pm
“Hopefully the Braves are already starting to line up everything for that game” – MFin04
**************
See my 3:30 on page 1
N8
September 14th, 2012
4:50 pm
“The previously discussed Jason Bay has been worse than Uggla. And he makes more $$$”
Sure he is. But he’s not a Brave. And the Red Sox have no budget restraints.Night and day. Not even close.
clarify your question usnavy, i have no idea what it pertains to.
nolie, the walks are what is keeping his OPS high. Wren didn’t trade for him and extend him so he ccould bat 4th or 5th and draw walks. come on man. You’re smarter than that.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:50 pm
Uggla has actually hit pretty well over his last 33 games: .241/.349/.472 – 126 plate appearances.
ncscoots
September 14th, 2012
4:51 pm
Oh yeah, and we had to give up Infante and Dunn to get him too.
Yes, losing those two surely ruined the org for years.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:53 pm
Well, whatever. Get used to Uggla because he’s going to be here next year. Both McCann and Uggla will be right back where they are this year – with better results I’d bet.
N8
September 14th, 2012
4:53 pm
didn’t mean to double post nolie. thought the first one disappeared.
RT, are you really basing KK’s worth based on his wins? OK.
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
4:53 pm
N8, Bay now plays for NY Mess. And thanks to Bernie Madolf, they have budget issues.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
4:54 pm
Uggla__ .303 .378 .485 0.863 .377 __164
Nice, that looks so good.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
4:54 pm
whatever, it is high because the first 2.5 months he was leading the league in everything icluding slugging and RBI. and he is hitting well now. some of y’all just stand to give up a hate no matter what.
has he been a disappointment? of course, but I don’t feel compelled to lie about his stats to make it worse than it really has been. tat one or two good months crap is just that…crap
Tumbledown
September 14th, 2012
4:54 pm
I don’t think Uggla’s line over the past 33 games is acceptable for his high price tag as a supposed clean-up hitter.
Efrim
September 14th, 2012
4:56 pm
I don’t think Uggla’s line over the past 33 games is acceptable for his high price tag as a supposed clean-up hitter.
For a 2nd baseman? No way. That’s perfectly fine and I’ll take that year in and year out from him .
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
4:56 pm
N8,
In your 4:42, you said the following: “…that Fredi should not compound one bad decision (Uggla’s extention) with another bad decision….. keeping him in the lineup.”
My question is…why would Fredi NOT have him in the lineup if he’s giving him a contract extension?
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
4:57 pm
Their recent dearth of RISP hitting has dropped the Braves’ seasonal average in those situations to .231, which is 30th – dead last – in the major leagues. That’s right, it’s worse than the Cubs (.232), Indians (.232), Padres (.234), Marlins (.234), Astros (.237) – worse than everyone.
Pretty darn amazing.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
4:57 pm
Heisenberg – Lol, funny name. Umm yeh, I’m ok with Hudson or Medlen pitching in that game. I mean technically you need to win both of those games to have a good shot at moving on anyways, so realistically it may not matter which order you pitch those two.
RC
September 14th, 2012
4:57 pm
RT, are you really basing KK’s worth based on his wins? OK.
Not really, it was just fun to cherry pick wins because KK had so few. Fully realize that they are a flawed stat for evaluating pitcher worth.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
4:57 pm
Uggla’s a waste on this team. We’re holding him down.. it’s best to let him go so that he can fly somewhere else.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
4:58 pm
Nolie,
That’s why my theory on judging good deals vs bad is that it’s hard to evaluate without 20/20 hindsight. I don’t know for sure, but I’d be willing to bet that another team in need of a good-hitting 2B would probably pursued Uggla if the Braves hadn’t. Who could possibly have predicted that Uggla would’ve been mired in a huge slump? ( I mean, besides N8)?
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
4:59 pm
I’ll take that year in and year out from him .
Don’t hold your breath for that to happen.
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
5:00 pm
Uggla’s a waste on this team. We’re holding him down.. it’s best to let him go so that he can fly somewhere else.
Like? How many teams want to risk flushing a lot of money?
Tumbledown
September 14th, 2012
5:00 pm
How is Uggla hitting with RISP? Is it better or worse than the team average?
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
5:03 pm
Who could possibly have predicted that Uggla would’ve been mired in a huge slump?
I never liked the idea for offering such a huge contract to someone who was so extremely streaky. I wish they had allowed him to play for that contract. There was absolutely no reason for us to rush and make that offer.
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:03 pm
Lowest batting average in the league nolie. for a guy being PAID to drive in runs.
I know RBI aren’t everything. But the headline and point of this particular DOB blog is batting with RISP. Uggla (along with everybody else) has failed.
He was traded for to mash the ball and rack up RBI. For the most part he’s failed. Especially when you consider it cost Infante and Dunn to get him and 13 million for 5 years to lock him up.
Waste of trade chips and money for a team with a 90 million dollar budget, who is losing their leadoff hitter, their HOF 3B and who’s catcher (who will also cost around 13 million next year), also can’t hit out of a wet paper bag.
When you pay guys to produce and they fail. It puts strain on the GM to “luck out” into having the lesser contracts on the team carry the burden of producing. Which means two 23 year old kids are going to HAVE TO carry this team next year if Uggla and Mac fail again.
That’s not right.
Chipper, Klesko, Javy, Furcal, Andruw…… they ALL had veterans surrounding them in the lineup that carried their portion of the load. Freeman and Heyward BETTER produce next year or they are going to get run out of town like Frenchy did.
My overall point is as follows.
Could the Braves do worse than Uggla at 2B? Sure they could..
But could they get about the same production overall for the team, with Prado at 2B (where he was), and a league average LF for considerably less than Uggla’s 13 million.
You’re GD right they could.
Thus his contract is NOT worth it based on his production and the Braves budget.
Period.
Dum-Bass
September 14th, 2012
5:03 pm
No logical explanation at all for the man with the highest batting average on the team not even getting one plate appearance in the 3 game loss at Milwaukee. Reed Johnson is 21 for 67 since joining the team, and he wasn’t even used as a PH ! FG shows his ineptitude in glaring ways at times like that.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
5:03 pm
“Uggla’s a waste on this team.”
If Uggla is a waste…is Brian McCann a Port-a-Potty?
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
5:03 pm
I just want the Braves to hit with RISP tonight. The one step at a time approach.
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:04 pm
“Yes, losing those two surely ruined the org for years.”
Yeah, that’ was the point (eyes rolling).
The pont is we gave up players to get him. But spin it how you want.
old man
September 14th, 2012
5:06 pm
Wow, Uggla starting again.
Excuse me, I need to go down the hall and puke. I’ll be back in a minute or two.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
5:07 pm
If Uggla is a waste…is Brian McCann a Port-a-Potty?
Funny thing here is…. your comparing someone that’s been successful for this team year in and year out and has been dealing with a shoulder injury while playing the most demanding position on the field to someone that’s show us about a month in a half of success with the club.
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
5:08 pm
But could they get about the same production overall for the team, with Prado at 2B (where he was), and a league average LF for considerably less than Uggla’s 13 million.
Yes, but there’s no turning back. The Braves have to hope Uggla rebounds in ‘13 to his norms. Would certainly make Uggla more tradeable thereafter, if that’s what the Braves wanted to try.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
5:08 pm
Call me crazy, but if we signed a guy to a ridiculous contract, and he’s coming out of a slump, WHY exactly wouldn’t he be starting?
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:09 pm
“Who could possibly have predicted that Uggla would’ve been mired in a huge slump? ( I mean, besides N8)?”
WTF dude? You still haven’t answered the question from before? Are you too stupid to get what I was saying about compounding one bad decision with another?
I wasn’t saying they should have traded for him, extended him and then benched him in 2011.
I’m sayin in August of 2012 after 11 pretty miserable months of Dan Uggla in the middle of a pennant stretch, why compound what in hindsight appears to be a bad decision, by continuing to play him thinking he’ll eventually figure it out?
Apparently Fredi thought the same thing. Because he benched him for 3 days. Which btw, appears to have worked, because while he’s not tearing it up. He’s hitting better than he was before the benching.
If I’m way off base in what you are getting at. Sorry. If I just nailed it? Walk away.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
5:10 pm
How is Uggla hitting with RISP? Is it better or worse than the team average?
Uggla .226/.397/.426/.823
Team .231/.336/.360/.695
Uggla is 6th on the team (of guys with more than 75 ABs in this situation). He has a slightly lower average than the team does, but his OBP, SLG, and OPS are all higher.
Take a look at RISP and 2 Outs, he’s 3rd on the team of lineup regulars with a .293/.461/.603/1.064 line. Much better than the team average of .240/.368/.384/.753
Anything else, Uggla basher?
old man
September 14th, 2012
5:13 pm
That feels better.
Actually, while I was barfing, I noticed how much our second baseman’s name sort of sounds like puking. (”U-U-U-U-U-U-U-U-G-L-A.” spit. spit. patooey. “U-U-U-U-U-U-U-U-G-L-A.” spit. spit. spit. “U-U-U-U-U-U-U-U-G-L-A.” whew. spit. spit. gargle gargle, swish, swish, spit.)
You have a better chance of winning by buying a Mega Millions ticket.
Nerdville
September 14th, 2012
5:13 pm
Just watch…. during the off season the dimwitted Frank Wren will probably address the offensive problems by hiring a third hitting coach.
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:13 pm
“…..and has been dealing with a shoulder injury while playing the most demanding position on the field…”
yeah, but everybody knows that 60 percent of a superstar is always better than the backup. So hurt or not, Mac HAS TO be in the lineup. It’s the rule.
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:13 pm
“…..and has been dealing with a shoulder injury while playing the most demanding position on the field…”
yeah, but everybody knows that 60 percent of a superstar is always better than the backup. So hurt or not, Mac HAS TO be in the lineup. It’s the rule.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
5:13 pm
N8,
Actually, I DID state my question quite clearly (twice now); Anyway, having someone with that contract riding the pine seems like a big waste of $$, and if you’re trying to unload it, who’s going to trade for it. Since you didn’t include 2011 in the post in question, THAT’S why I was confused… thanks for clearing that up. Really, dude, please chill out.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
5:14 pm
Uggla is hitting .294/.368/.471/.839 since September 1. .264/.339/.491/.830 since August 25. Why should we sit him when he’s coming out of his slump?
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
5:14 pm
N8,
I really wasn’t trying to pick a fight, I just didn’t understand where you were coming from. Stop trying to turn everything into WWIII.
Dum-Bass
September 14th, 2012
5:14 pm
Many on here are overly-obsessed with Uggla, in both directions. Give it a rest for crying outloud. He’s only one of 9 in the lineup! Besides if I were managing the Braves right now, with the situation as it is, the next time a batter came up with the bases loaded, and less than 2 outs, I would give him the squeeze sign. No matter who it is, period! Manufacture some runs, play some small ball! Try something different, nothing else is working!
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
5:15 pm
Dum-Bass, true. Uggla isn’t the only Brave hitter not delivering.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
5:16 pm
“yeah, but everybody knows that 60 percent of a superstar is always better than the backup. So hurt or not, Mac HAS TO be in the lineup. It’s the rule.”
Yep, Mac’s line of .230 .300 .409 .710 is quite heroic. I don’t think David Ross could manage to put that up while Brian healed, that’s for sure.
Perhaps we should put Chipper and McCann on ice until the 1-game playoff.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
5:16 pm
I guarentee you that Detroit would be willing to work a trade for Uggla in which I’d bet we wouldn’t only not have to pay some of his remaining salary but also get back a pretty nice package in return.
Could you image the damage they could do with Uggla sandwiched between Fielder and Cabrera? Yeah, me neither.. and I’d beat that’s something they’d want to find out.
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
5:17 pm
“You have a better chance of winning by buying a Mega Millions ticket.”
**************
I am gonna win the Tuesday drawing. I had fortune cookie at lunch today with 2 fortunes in it. The first said ‘Be prepared to receive something special within the next week’ and the second said ‘Opportunity awaits you next Tuesday’. Hope the pot is big enough to buy the Braves.
DAP
September 14th, 2012
5:17 pm
RC Well, if the choice is a good LHH hitter or a significantly lesser RHH for the same price, then I could see going with the LHH. But all things equal, this team needs a solid RHH badly.
i wouldnt argue with this approach. willingham would be a good get, but he aint gonna be gotten. upton would be really good, and i could conceive of that. choo is good, and i wouldnt let his left handedness sour me on him. get a couple of lefty killers like cody ross or reed johnson to play matchup when you need to.
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:18 pm
I’m chilled out. But you were spouting of sarcasm, yet didn’t grasp the question.
Wren traded for Reed Johnson, who has hit (average and OBP wise) just fiine since the trade.
Prado can play 2B.
The day that trade was made, my first thought was that if Uggla continued to struggle, Wren just covered the lineup to the point where he could play Reed Johnson in LF and Prado at 2B.
Depth.
Uggla DID in fact continue to struggle, and Fredi did just that. If only for 3 days. If nothing else it cleared Dan’s head a bit.
play the best guys on the 25 man roster. That’s all I ask. As long as Reed Johnson and Prado are healthy, the combination of those two are more likely to be consistently productive, than swapping Uggla for Johnson.
going into next year? Yeah. Probably have to give uggla another shot to “find it”.
I don’t have much confidence that he will. We likely will have a worse leadoff hitter and chipper will be gone.
It’s ALL on Uggla and Mac with their matching 13 million dollar contracts to carry the load. Anybody feel good about that?
NO MORE FREDI
September 14th, 2012
5:19 pm
Uggla on the bench for only 3 games was a joke.
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:19 pm
“Perhaps we should put Chipper and McCann on ice until the 1-game playoff.”
Maybe not a bad idea. Especially with Mac. Chipper? I think he’s done a pretty good job of policing himself and sitting when he needs to.
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
5:20 pm
I wasn’t really being sarcastic. But, whatever, I’m beating my head against the wall trying to convince you otherwise.
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
5:20 pm
I would like to see more of Reed Johnson too. Until Simmons came back I was getting comfortable with the Prado at SS lineup. But with Bourn slumping Johnson needs to be in there against lefties.
old man
September 14th, 2012
5:20 pm
OK, for those who want to keep playing Uggla, assume he continues to hit .214 longer. A lot longer. At what point over the remainder of his 5 year contract (it’s five years, right?) do YOU agree he should be benched? July, 2013? September, 2014? June, 2015? Or, do you simply take the position that because we are paying him a sh!tload of money, we have no choice but to simply continue trotting him out there?
Honestly, give us a month and a year, just so we know precisely when you will come to your senses.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
5:22 pm
“Chipper? I think he’s done a pretty good job of policing himself and sitting when he needs to.”
Yeh but every time they DL him for 2 weeks he comes back and goes all MVP Chipper on everyone.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
5:22 pm
Uggla has to play or there’s absolutely no way we’d ever be able to move him this winter. Specially since he’s no been the total anchor he’s been most of the season.
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:22 pm
“But, whatever, I’m beating my head against the wall trying to convince you otherwise”
You type that as though I continue to argue with you. Thought we had moved on. Oh well. Sorry dude. Thought I was being somewhat civil.
Dum-Bass
September 14th, 2012
5:23 pm
OK, I’m outta here. Maybe when I come back about game time, you guys will be all Uggla-ed out! Talk about running something in the ground!
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
5:24 pm
Mark Bowman @mlbbowman
Bourn’s problem has not been southpaws. He’s hit .313 (15-for-48) w/ a .424 OBP vs. LHP since Aug. 1
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
Yes, RT @DustinKRobinson: @ajcbraves Fair to say the RISP hitting would be better if team wasn’t so dependent on 3-run HR? No short swings.
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:24 pm
“Who could possibly have predicted that Uggla would’ve been mired in a huge slump? ( I mean, besides N8)?”
That wasn’t sarcasm? You really thought I was claiming to predict the future at one point?
OK.
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
5:24 pm
I don’t have much confidence that he will. We likely will have a worse leadoff hitter and chipper will be gone.
It’s ALL on Uggla and Mac with their matching 13 million dollar contracts to carry the load. Anybody feel good about that?
Sorry, I believe your thinking is static. Wren has made some fine additions to this team in ‘12 (Maholm, Johnson, Janish, Francisco).
I think Wren will be aggressive this winter in trying to improve the offense.
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:25 pm
Good point MFin04. Good point.
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:28 pm
“I think Wren will be aggressive this winter in trying to improve the offense.”
He better.
Hell, if Wren could rid himself of the Uggla contract and find a way to trade for a HUGE bat in LF (assuming Prado goes to 3B), I’d consider playing Janish at 2B and batting him 8th.
Be pretty hard to get balls into CF up the middle on the ground with that duo out there with the leather. But if Janish is to be an everyday player, and his defense be his weapon….. the rest of the lineup needs to be stellar.
The brave got to the WS in 91 with Belliard at SS. The won the WS in 95 with belliard playing ss for the injured jeff blauser. But those lineups were clutch.
This lineup is the anti-clutch.
old man
September 14th, 2012
5:29 pm
I think some of us on this board want to show the same level of perseverance in bashing Uggla that Fredi and the FO have had in putting the worst player in the majors in the lineup night after night.
It’s sort of a competition. A staring contest. And I’m not going to blink first, dammit.
MFin04
September 14th, 2012
5:29 pm
“assume he continues to hit .214 longer”
The .214 is fine, it is the other stats that are important. As long as the guy walks and hit homers he are is having an impact.
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:30 pm
BTW Jeff R, Reed Johnson is a free agent after this year. I’d like to see him back. But a lot of teams will pursue if available.
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
5:34 pm
Hell, if Wren could rid himself of the Uggla contract and find a way to trade for a HUGE bat in LF (assuming Prado goes to 3B), I’d consider playing Janish at 2B and batting him 8th.
Seriously, given the season that Uggla is having, the likelihood that Wren moves him this winter is remote, unless the Braves are prepared to eat a substantial portion of Uggla’s contract. Do you see that happening?
I think Wren looks to add offensive heft in LF and CF. That doesn’t mean replacing Bourn with a lead-off hitter, since a good lead off hitter is hard to replace. I think Prado likely leads off next season, in that case.
monty
September 14th, 2012
5:35 pm
Too many upper-cutters who are all or nothing kind of hitters. They may not lead the league(I don’t know) but I would tend to believe that they are among the highest in K’s per 9 as a team. Pitchers can pitch around the RISP because of our guys are just way to easy to strikeout or pop up. We don’t make pitchers pay enough.
old man
September 14th, 2012
5:37 pm
I think the FO has the idea that unless Uggla is in the lineup during the playoffs, hitting at a .285 pace, crushing a homer every 12th at bat, etc., we have zero chance of advancing anyway. So, the thinking goes, we have to just keep him in the lineup and hope lightening strikes sometime between now and the playoffs. And lightening can’t strike unless he’s out there with a bat in his hand. Or, it could strike, and we would never know it because he’s not in the batter’s box to show it.
I have a somewhat more optimistic view of our team when it is clicking, even with Uggla on the bench. As each day passes, the chance of Uggla “finding it” grows progressively more microscopic.
I want to make a smart remark about lightening striking, but that would cross the line.
flange1
September 14th, 2012
5:38 pm
Folks keep talking about a huge LF bat.
The Braves have been looking for that bat since Chipper left LF.
It was the reason they got UGGS because they could not find that bat.
Remember that bat must be RH or hit LHP Better than RHP. And for power too!
Let’s here some names folks!
flange1
September 14th, 2012
5:38 pm
Folks keep talking about a huge LF bat.
The Braves have been looking for that bat since Chipper left LF.
It was the reason they got UGGS because they could not find that bat.
Remember that bat must be RH or hit LHP Better than RHP. And for power too!
Let’s here some names folks!
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
5:38 pm
I doubt the Braves will eat any of Dan’s contract, especially if he continues to hit like he has the last dozen games.
I think they will get one good position player and fill the other spots inhouse or with marginal players, perhaps more MILB free agents and non-tenders
Heisenberg
September 14th, 2012
5:39 pm
Gotta go. Gonna watch Lassiter put a beat down on Kell. Will catch end of Braves game after.
flange1
September 14th, 2012
5:39 pm
Yes thanks Bat, MEEBO is gone!
old man
September 14th, 2012
5:39 pm
Certainly Uggla is going to play winter ball, instructional league, something this off season. Right?
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:39 pm
I agree Jeff. But at the same time, the Red Sox were able to move Beckett and Crawford’s contract, by including Adrian Gonzalez.
perhaps if Wren gives up a young pitcher, he’d do it on the condition of that team taking Uggla too?
A stretch? Perhaps. But lets not forget that the Rockies/Braves/Marlins worked out a deal to help the Rockies rid themselves of Hampton. sh!t happens.
If Wren WANTS to move Uggla, he’ll do it. I’m just not sure he wants to…… yet.
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
5:40 pm
You’re welcome, Cletus. Just paying it forward.
flange1
September 14th, 2012
5:41 pm
If FW could talk the Tigers into taking Uggs and Hanson for Castelanos and Infante, I could live with that trade.
Heck, I love Delgado, but even if it was Uggs and Delgado.
Don’t think either will happen though
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
5:41 pm
As each day passes, the chance of Uggla “finding it” grows progressively more microscopic. @old man
he had been about the best hitter on the team the last two weeks, he already found it, the question is can he keep what he found.
I find it hard to believe that anybody would want to sit him now that he is hitting, after waiting all that time for it to happen
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
5:42 pm
unless the Braves are prepared to eat a substantial portion of Uggla’s contract.
I don’t think they would.
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
5:43 pm
And you, too, flange.
I was very happy to get rid of “meebo”
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
5:44 pm
How do you get rid of meebo?
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
5:45 pm
Infante is not getting traded back here, they do not see him as a starter and sure are not going to trade a starter for him.
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
5:45 pm
Just a day off for Bourn, with good matchup of Johnson vs. Detwiler.
Fredi plans to use the remaining days off to rest a couple of guys like he’s doing with Bourn (and McCann) today.
Simmons was fine when he tested his foot during BP and infield drills.
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:47 pm
Kinda what i’m thinking Flange. I just have the feeling it might take Teheran to sucker somebody into dan’s contract.
Still not gonna happen. But I bet Wren “feels it out” at the Winter Meetings.
SNEAKY PETE
September 14th, 2012
5:47 pm
facts don’t really count for much here, do they?
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
5:47 pm
flange1, I’d be okay with packaging Uggla with Gilmartin for Infante, McCann and Garcia. I’d be willing to bet that Detroit would love the prospect of placing Uggla in a line that already has Jackson, Fielder and Cabrera.
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
5:48 pm
Too many upper-cutters who are all or nothing kind of hitters.
Amen. Nothing wrong with singles and doubles – and plenty of them.
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
5:48 pm
not so much Pete
N8
September 14th, 2012
5:49 pm
“they do not see him as a starter and sure are not going to trade a starter for him.”
Funny thing is at one point they didn’t see Prado as a starter either. Perhaps we just don’t have really good talent evaluators in position of power in the organization.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
5:49 pm
Half Empty, they wouldn’t necessarily need Infante to be a starter and play everyday. We’ve got a few guys that could rotate in and out if we didn’t get someone to fill that position on a daily basis.
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
5:49 pm
We hate him to death, but Detroit would just love to get him???
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
5:51 pm
Arkansas Transplant, agree. The Braves won’t eat what it would take in Uggla’s contract to move him this winter. Gotta hope he works on his game this winter and rebounds.
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
5:51 pm
Arkansas Transplant _
Do not tack plus ………. It says their website is having heavy traffic right now.
http://www.abine.com
ncgary
September 14th, 2012
5:52 pm
go braves
time to kick some gnats butts
flange1
September 14th, 2012
5:53 pm
AT,
The site Bat links too works on MAcs and PC’s It is great!
Gilmartin and Uggs isn’t enough.
As Nate said maybe Teheran and Uggs and I still think Detroit says no.
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
5:53 pm
We hate him to death
Don’t be so dramatic.
Bat, thanks.
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
5:54 pm
http://www.abine.com/dntdetail.php
Works now
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
5:55 pm
dramatic? You can read all the posts about him the last hour by N8 and old man and others, and you think I’m being dramatic? Really?
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
5:55 pm
Sure thing, AT
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
5:56 pm
what does it cost?
ncgary
September 14th, 2012
5:56 pm
ah uggla will be fine
time for contracts in a couple years
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
5:57 pm
What does what cost?
Arkansas Transplant
September 14th, 2012
5:57 pm
Teheran and Uggs and I still think Detroit says no.
I’m not so sure that we’d have to include that much. I think they would look at Uggla as a serious complimentary player… which he is when he has the right people around him. I just don’t think you can depend on him to be your biggest run producer.
flange1
September 14th, 2012
5:57 pm
AT,
Braves need power, if they trade Uggs they need Castelanos back from Detroit.
The kid is blocked there.
But if you do that deal, you need to find some veteran presence in the line up.
Who can also hit.
I don’t see much out there in the FA market.
flange1
September 14th, 2012
5:58 pm
The website Bat is linking you to id free and takes all of 1 minute to install.
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
5:58 pm
he’s not being counted on here as the biggest run producer, not really for awhile now.
ncgary
September 14th, 2012
5:59 pm
i like the slump bourns been in brings his value to affordable
Lew
September 14th, 2012
6:00 pm
Arkansas Transplant – “I’d definitely trade Uggla in the right trade.”
You’re kidding, right? When did you change your mind?
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 14th, 2012
6:01 pm
MFin04 Perhaps we should put Chipper and McCann on ice until the 1-game playoff.
Then they’ll go stale…
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
6:01 pm
Maybe I’ll eat my words, but there’s really serious chatter this afternoon about the Braves being capable of trading Uggla this winter without a substantial price being paid by the Braves? Namely, burning a good chunk of budget over three years to jettison Uggla?
Really?
ncgary
September 14th, 2012
6:01 pm
if prado and bourn could both be kept under 20 million we’d be lucky to have that tandem
Jeff R
September 14th, 2012
6:03 pm
The “Uggla is going” talk reminds me of the endless Greinke talk. Uggla isn’t likely to go, and Greinke isn’t likely to be a Brave. But prattle on.
ncgary
September 14th, 2012
6:04 pm
that sets up a lot of scoring opportunitys for heyward and freeman
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
6:05 pm
I agree Jeff, both are pretty unlikely.
flange1
September 14th, 2012
6:06 pm
Hey N8,
I picked a cool guitar from Mark Kendall of Great White.
It’s a Mary Kay 57 Strat relic hardtail from the Cunetto era.
Kendall played it for a couple years with the band. It sounds great and weighs 5.5 lbs!!!!
Total feather weight!
ncgary
September 14th, 2012
6:07 pm
if the pastor has a good postseason he’d be the one traded
then again he may not make the 25 man roster
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
6:07 pm
since Bourn is likely to get at least 16 million, Prado would probably not be all that happy with that situation
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
6:07 pm
Perhaps we should put Chipper and McCann on ice until the 1-game playoff.
Crystal meth will not help them hit…
ncgary
September 14th, 2012
6:10 pm
bourn may get it but he’s liable to be around 275 by the end of the season
Lew
September 14th, 2012
6:10 pm
Never can tell – they’d definitely be up for the game. Super Greenies.
ncgary
September 14th, 2012
6:13 pm
the flying hawaiian may be the way to go if he comes with a 2 year deal
ncgary
September 14th, 2012
6:15 pm
heres hoping we win it all this year so the money flows a little more freely
N8
September 14th, 2012
6:17 pm
“You can read all the posts about him the last hour by N8 and old man and others, and you think I’m being dramatic? Really?”
Never once have i said I hate dan uggla. In fact if you’ve paid any attention, I’ve ALWAYS commened his hustle and dedication to trying to improve his game, and until he got a tiny bit whiny over his benching I thought he was a real “team guy”.
i’ve stated repeatedly, that he seems like a good dude and I root for him to turn it around. Either in Atlanta or elsewhere.
But that contract? With our budget? And his production?
Yup. I hate THAT . But I don’t hate Dan Uggla. Nice try though.
JimBob
September 14th, 2012
6:17 pm
Leadoff hitters that strikeout between 150-175 times a year lose their cuteness real quick. Isn’t that right Mr Bourn?
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
6:18 pm
even at 275 I think he will get around that from a rich team.
N8
September 14th, 2012
6:20 pm
That’s cool Flange. I used to be a huge fan of Mark Kendall’s. Not that I’m not anymore. But I can’t remember the last time i purposely listened to Great White. LOL. Saw them a few times back in the day. They were always good live. Haven’t paid much attention to them other than when they burned down that club a while back and were in the news for that.
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
6:23 pm
Great White Greatest Hits isn’t bad
Carlito Brigante
September 14th, 2012
6:24 pm
The Braves can’t hit, period. This is what will keep them from reaching or will bounce them very early out of the post season. If they can’t hit against shi!@y pitching then they damn sure ain’t gonna hit good pitching. I hate to be one of the nay-sayer’s (I love the Braves) but the truth is the truth……
Fuhgettaboutit!
Ekim
September 14th, 2012
6:25 pm
“Slumpage” is one of the greatest new words ever! Thanks DOB!
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
6:25 pm
Amounts to the same thing N8. Hopefully nobody hates a player personally. Why would they?
N8
September 14th, 2012
6:26 pm
Flange, in May i finally sold my 1994 PRS CE-24. I paid $1400 bucks for it in Chicago in 94 and got $1200 for it in 2012, and the frets pretty much need to be replaced. Pretty worn down.
But the 94 and 95 CE models had a thinner hub where the neck met the body, so they were considered more rare, i guess. Sold it on Ebay and bought another 2008 Mira. Those are soooo light. Not sure of the actual weight. But they are PRS’s version of a Gibson SG. Loved the first one i bought, I had to have another. Just simply wasn’t playing the CE-24 anymore. So figured it deserved to go somewhere and get used. No guitar should sit unused in a case for too long. LOL.
Carlito Brigante
September 14th, 2012
6:26 pm
Enter your comments here
flange1
September 14th, 2012
6:27 pm
N8,
Never really liked the band after they butchered the Ian Hunter song they were known for. But Kendall can play!
Love the guitar but have never really listed=ned to the band.
His “agent” said that Mark would sign the guitar for me, I asked him not to, but he did anyway…..
Not a big fan of signatures on guitars. I have one With Chet’s signature and with Les Pauls’ signature, that is enough for me!!!!
N8
September 14th, 2012
6:28 pm
“Amounts to the same thing N8″
No. It doesn’t amount to the same thing. Some people spew some pretty nasty stuff on here about players and their families and what not. I just want him on the bench when he’s stinking and there is possibly a better option on the bench.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
In fact, a better solution would be for him to be worth his contract. Then everybody wins.
Including the Braves.
PTC
September 14th, 2012
6:29 pm
But they can’t so…..next..
Lalin Miasso
September 14th, 2012
6:30 pm
I saw “The Great White Snake Tour” roll thru the old Omni auditorium back in the early nineties…..worst concert I ever saw.
N8
September 14th, 2012
6:32 pm
I’m not much for autographs either. I have an electronics plate (that ironically only fit on my CE-24) that is signed by Paul Reed Smith. But that is really nothing special. Because he actualy signs all of the headstocks of each guitar. LOL. So big whoop!
But the two you have are probably pretty cool. Especially Les Paul’s.
And yeah, Kendall can really play.
flange1
September 14th, 2012
6:36 pm
N8,
I can’t believe you only got 1200 for her! Those are really cool if you are a PRS fan.
Totally agree on guitars sitting in cases.
That is why I keep all of mine out on stands, so I have to play it when I walk by!
I remember you saying you like the MIRA, they are light and airy, I just struggle with the PRS neck profile (yeah, both of them!)
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
6:41 pm
Nawww..
Jon Morosi @jonmorosi
#Dodgers record since the Boston blockbuster: 6-12, second-worst in NL over that span. @MLBONFOX
Jon Morosi @jonmorosi
#Dodgers have only two hits with men in scoring position over their last four games. Two!
Jon Morosi @jonmorosi
Worst record in NL since the #Dodgers – #RedSox blockbuster? That’s easy. The #Pirates are 5-13.
N8
September 14th, 2012
6:42 pm
I didn’t have original case anymore and it was pretty dinged up. And I believe last time I checked, PRS was charging about $375 to replace the frets and they needed it. Not to mention there is about a a 4-6 month delay in waiting for it to come back. They have ONE GUY that does it. LOL.
So you have to pre-pay, then wait up to a half of a year to get it back. I passed.
But yeah, it sold via the “buy it now” within an hour of going up for auction. So I too second guessed myself for not asking for more or at least making that buy it now a bit higher.
Oh well. After ebay and paypal charges, it only cost me about 75 bucks to make the swap. so it was worth it.
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
6:43 pm
I thought that the Pirates would free fall eventually. Kind of glad we are ending the season with them
Murph
September 14th, 2012
6:44 pm
Amounts to the same thing N8. Hopefully nobody hates a player personally. Why would they?
Because Nate McLouth and Scott Proctor are total doodie heads and they ruined Christmas and I hate them, that’s why!
VON TRAPP
September 14th, 2012
6:46 pm
FG has ordered das troops to run for das lives when The Washington Field Marshal gives das orders to take no prisoners. Run for das baseball lives is no vey to vin Capt FG
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
6:49 pm
well, if they ruined Christmas
flange1
September 14th, 2012
6:50 pm
Hang on the PRS control pale that is signed.
Someone will pay for that one day!
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
6:50 pm
Kris needs to man up and pitch a perfect game in order to give us a chance to win
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
September 14th, 2012
6:50 pm
Title sums it up- IF Brave hit with RISP. Worst hot & cold team i’ve ever seen. Doing great, then lose to sub .500 teams.
flange1
September 14th, 2012
6:52 pm
Murph,
What about Bob Wickman?
dawg4u
September 14th, 2012
6:53 pm
Great article DOB. Best beat writer out there – bar none. Lots of very good info and you captured this whole Braves scenario perfectly regarding the stats and rest of the season possibilties. Fine analysis of our strengths and woes as well. Thanks much!
George T
September 14th, 2012
6:57 pm
How much credit do you give Charlie Manuel for the surge by the Phils.? Leadership matters.
George T
September 14th, 2012
6:57 pm
How much credit do you give Charlie Manuel for the surge by the Phils.? Leadership matters.
jim
September 14th, 2012
7:01 pm
Dr Ken
Those sub 500 teams the Braves have lost to lately were the Padres, the Phillies, and the Brewers –the 3 hotest teams since late August. The Brewers and Phils are no longer sub 500.
Trey
September 14th, 2012
7:03 pm
Bat, thanks for posting that ad blocker, last night. I just downloaded it, It works great.
flange1
September 14th, 2012
7:03 pm
I am off to the game.
Go Meds!
Bo Graves!
Kat
September 14th, 2012
7:05 pm
Hoping I get the Braves game tonight on MLBN..
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:05 pm
The DOBBERS are out in force today.
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:06 pm
Where’s George
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:07 pm
bring back Larry Parrish and Pendleton.
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:11 pm
What type of crowd will be at the game tonight?
Dr. Kenneth Noisewater
September 14th, 2012
7:11 pm
jim- what i was referring to specifically was the way the Nats play sub .500 teams….they crushed the cubs and others. they know how to put the gas pedal down and go full throttle.
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
7:13 pm
Notes: Braves closer to moving Lynchburg team to Wilmington, N.C.; another tavern renamed “Chipper’s”
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/09/14/braves-closer-to-moving-class-a-affiliate-to-n-c/
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
7:13 pm
Notes: Braves closer to moving Lynchburg team to Wilmington, N.C.; another tavern renamed “Chipper’s”
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/09/14/braves-closer-to-moving-class-a-affiliate-to-n-c/
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:14 pm
Get used to not seeing Bourns name in the lineup.
trbaves
September 14th, 2012
7:14 pm
Yes!
Just got ticks for Monday/Tuesday to watch Chippers last visit to MIA
trbaves
September 14th, 2012
7:14 pm
Yes!
Just got ticks for Monday/Tuesday to watch Chippers last visit to MIA
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:15 pm
Thanks for the double dave.
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:16 pm
Chipper is not playing Monday or Tuesday.
trbaves
September 14th, 2012
7:17 pm
ACE
Dont be hating – DOB and Me will send you a pic….
That stadium is always empty….so i’ll prob get u a very good one
N8
September 14th, 2012
7:18 pm
“they know how to put the gas pedal down and go full throttle.”
So do the Braves. But every now and then the car is actually in reverse and you just smash into whatever is behind you.
Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:19 pm
Carroll is working that series
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:21 pm
Will the Marlins give Chipper the same going away gift they got Bobby?
bostonbravo
September 14th, 2012
7:21 pm
Dave, did McCarver help with that headline? Sounds like one of his famous “Deep Thoughts”
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:26 pm
Let’s hope Medlen can be the stopper again
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:27 pm
What great foresight by Frank and Fredi and to limit his innings early in the year.
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:28 pm
where is the Vitrol Spewer?
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:29 pm
Cue Tom Petty for the Pirates. Free Falling
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:31 pm
Free Mixxo
ACE
September 14th, 2012
7:34 pm
Don says crowd is in the upper 30000
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
7:35 pm
I see ACE watching the game with all his friends…
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
7:37 pm
You’re welcome, Trey.
George_George
September 14th, 2012
7:39 pm
David O’Brien
September 14th, 2012
5:45 pm
Just a day off for Bourn, with good matchup of Johnson vs. Detwiler.
Fredi plans to use the remaining days off to rest a couple of guys like he’s doing with Bourn (and McCann) today.
Simmons was fine when he tested his foot during BP and infield drills
**********************************************************************
What is the sence of resting players when you are playing the division leaders you are trying to catch? Resting them for WHAT? The WINTER? FREDI MUST GO if he does not win tthe best of five series.
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
7:41 pm
Okay the hopes of Braves Country rest on your low to the ground shoulders, Meldeen. Don’t screw it up
Whoa Meds!
September 14th, 2012
7:42 pm
What a day for Medlen to be less than sharp. Hanging pitches, not finding the strike zone, behind in counts. That aint Medlen. Pair that with no offense and this could get ugly.
Hope he can settle down before any damage is done.
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
7:43 pm
Very nice pitch to get Zimmerman…
George_George
September 14th, 2012
7:45 pm
BELIEVE IN THE MEDS. but don’t believe in BRAVES batters or FREDI.
George_George
September 14th, 2012
7:47 pm
RRR
George_George
September 14th, 2012
7:39 pm
David O’Brien
September 14th, 2012
5:45 pm
Just a day off for Bourn, with good matchup of Johnson vs. Detwiler.
Fredi plans to use the remaining days off to rest a couple of guys like he’s doing with Bourn (and McCann) today.
Simmons was fine when he tested his foot during BP and infield drills
**********************************************************************
What is the sence of resting players when you are playing the division leaders you are trying to catch? Resting them for WHAT? The WINTER? FREDI MUST GO if he does not win tthe best of five series.
M.V.P.Heyward
September 14th, 2012
7:47 pm
Med Dog!
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
7:47 pm
Okay, go of start. Is it too much to ask for some first inning runs.
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
7:49 pm
Good start*
keyLargo
September 14th, 2012
7:49 pm
Wouldn’t it be fun if a team owned itself, decided the 25 man roster and negotiated contracts? I believe there would be a case of voluntary homicide within a year.
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
7:51 pm
Marteeennn!!!
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
7:53 pm
Way to go with the pitch…
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
7:55 pm
VJ-
Do you ever read your text messages?
njbraves
September 14th, 2012
7:55 pm
Same ole, same ole.
M.V.P.Heyward
September 14th, 2012
7:56 pm
Freeman has been the key. And he’s not hitting.
Fredo
September 14th, 2012
7:56 pm
of course they managed to go 0-2 with RISP in the first inning ……
George_George
September 14th, 2012
7:56 pm
Outta here to watch game. DO IT BRAVES,
What is the sence of resting players when you are playing the division leaders you are trying to catch? Resting them for WHAT? The WINTER? FREDI MUST GO if he does not win tthe best of five series.
Braint
September 14th, 2012
7:56 pm
1st & 2nd, only one out — lets swing at the first pitch twice.
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
7:56 pm
Jesus Christ.
WTF r u swinging at the first pitch for?
Dummies.
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
7:56 pm
We need a RH platoon at 1st base when facing LHP like Detwiler. Freeman is pis*ing me off.
trbaves
September 14th, 2012
7:56 pm
4-5 batters = 2 pitches / 2 outs…sigh
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
7:57 pm
I guess it was.
:sigh:
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
7:57 pm
Slumping Braves CF Bourn gets a rest
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/09/14/slumping-bourn-gets-a-rest/
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
7:58 pm
“Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
7:47 pm
Okay, go of start. Is it too much to ask for some first inning.”
You meant that as a joke, right?
trbaves
September 14th, 2012
8:00 pm
Who starts the 1 game playoff? Medlen or Huddy?
I actually wish Medlen right now
Bat Masterson
September 14th, 2012
8:00 pm
Sure Mitchell, you and me, jokers
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
8:01 pm
I’d go Medlen, trbraves.
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
8:02 pm
Five strikeouts in two innings for Medlen. That’ll work.
Heath
September 14th, 2012
8:02 pm
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
7:55 pm
VJ-
Do you ever read your text messages?
California, Ohio…. guess it doesn’t matter where you live, cause I’ve heard the same question from my wife.
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
8:03 pm
I’m not going to “dis” Chipper, he’s a first round (better be) HOFer, but he has to know that the pitcher is the one in trouble. Grounding out weakly to 2nd on the first pitch means he wasn’t looking for a pitch he was just swinging. Freddie is a perennial first pitch swinger and the best thing he can do is hit it foul. Look for a pitch, know the pitcher is in trouble, if you get what you are looking for then drive it somewhere. Not a weak ground and a weak pop out.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
8:03 pm
You drunk or something George?
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
8:04 pm
Freeman trying to ambush all the time is kind of silly. He’s so young and wil get better, but still. Just because CJ swings at the fist pitch a lot doesn’t mean you have to. He’s Chipper. He’s done things few have ever or will ever do.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
8:05 pm
Friedrich Nietzsche
John Galt
Kris Medlen
Heath
September 14th, 2012
8:05 pm
If the Pirates don’t finish above .500 this year… will they ever? Sheesh.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:06 pm
Heath-
Well, maybe y’all should check your text messages every now and then
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
8:06 pm
All they are doing right now is swinging the bat wildy now. They are
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
8:06 pm
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
8:01 pm
I’d go Medlen, trbraves.
2 baseball analysis said go with experience, go hudson. i say medlen too.
T-Dawg
September 14th, 2012
8:07 pm
Were all watching a slightly better than average team but we all hoped this would be a great team. It’s very disappointing.
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
8:07 pm
Posted by mistake, never mind about my thought.
T-Dawg
September 14th, 2012
8:08 pm
We’re all watching a slightly better than average team but we all hoped this would be a great team. Therein lies the disappointment.
Heath
September 14th, 2012
8:08 pm
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:06 pm
Heath-
Well, maybe y’all should check your text messages every now and then
Nah… it’s not like we don’t know who’s texting us.
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
8:08 pm
When I watch the Braves offense I feel like I’m watching that Wendy’s commercial. Just a headache of a rerun.
George_George
September 14th, 2012
8:09 pm
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
8:03 pm
Nope just saying you don’t rest players when you are playing division leaders.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:09 pm
Heath-
VJ is actually very good at reading and responding to texts…usually
Murph
September 14th, 2012
8:09 pm
Medlen should start the WC game, no question about it. He’s the closest thing the Braves have to a shut-down pitcher right now.
Huddy is a big-game guy, but he’s been hit and miss, hurt and kinda hurt. Maholm, nah. Hanson, no way! Minor? Meh, no.
Gotta go with Medlen. Screw Hudson’s ego, if they don’t win that game, that’s the season.
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
8:11 pm
David Ross shows a lot why he’s a happy camper being a backup catcher. He knows he is not a good hitter.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
8:11 pm
analyst –
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
8:13 pm
Mo matter how Medlen is pitching, if the Braves do make the WC playoff game I bet you a dollar to a donut Hudson starts it.
Train Wreck Bystander
September 14th, 2012
8:15 pm
That boy, ah say, that boy is lights out tonight.
TBbravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:16 pm
just hope we can get med some runs.
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:17 pm
Chris getting it done–but [duh??] we need a bit of offense here/now/at once/yesterday!!!
Veteran Leadership
September 14th, 2012
8:18 pm
Johnson leads off and takes some pitches. Prado takes some pitches then singles. Heyward takes some pitches then singles. Chipper comes up and rips at the first pitch hits a weak grounder to second. Then Freeman comes up and swings at the first pitch.
Good veteran leadership there Chippy! Oh btw…. RISP hitting gets worse.
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:19 pm
Good crowd—get that noise level up Atlanta!
Heath
September 14th, 2012
8:19 pm
Nice dig there Chipper…
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
8:19 pm
Nice.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
8:20 pm
So much angst over a decision that hasn’t occurred yet, and may never…
Kris
September 14th, 2012
8:20 pm
The Braves should fine Freddie Freeman every time he swings at the first pitch. Dude, show some damn patience
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:21 pm
ZZ Top in da house
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
8:21 pm
Damn the grill on that old dudes face. YIKES
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
8:21 pm
George, you’ve posted the same misspelled rant twenty-seven times on this blog. That’s why I thought you were imbibing.
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
8:22 pm
McCann and Ross both have 1 HR for every 20.4 AB, Ross is batting 266 vs Mc”s 230, Ross is 3rd on the team in SLG behind Chipper and Heyward. My point is why the love affair with McCann, why isn’t Ross our starting catcher, he is much better on defense, and has a much better arm. Dont pick up McCann’s option, let him go and put that $13mil toward some real offense next year.
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:23 pm
Reed my lips….more hits possible
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
8:23 pm
Cletus Van Damme – I agree with you completely and think Medlen should start that game. But, knowing Fredi and the Braves, I still say they go with Hudson. They’ll think of some excuse why they chose him over Meds.
Heath
September 14th, 2012
8:23 pm
DOB -
Please put that woman out of her misery… In all seriousness, can we petition to get her to be quiet?
Sopheee
September 14th, 2012
8:23 pm
Marteeeeeen
Driver8
September 14th, 2012
8:23 pm
Thank You HUG Z… let’s try to win some games here in the next couple of weeks before worry about who is going to throw vs. who in what stadium and the splits… etc… good grief …
Win ballgames Braves that’s the order of the day!!!!!
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:24 pm
George-
this is why you rest Bourn:
The speedy center fielder hit .177 (14-for-79) with one extra-base hit, five runs and a .495 on-base-plus-slugging percentage in his past 22 games before Friday…Reed Johnson in the lineup against Nationals starter Ross Detwiler. Johnson was 5-for-9 with a homer against the left-hander before Friday, while Bourn was 1-for-13.
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:24 pm
OK….that is supposed to inspire and get the ebb and flow going our way–hit the f’ing ball now
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
8:24 pm
I wonder if Jason was looking for a low inside pitch on the first pitch.
M.V.P.Heyward
September 14th, 2012
8:25 pm
FREDI!!!! good job!~
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:25 pm
Stinkingt Ump he was safe–jack@ss
Sopheee
September 14th, 2012
8:27 pm
So if Hey’s going to get fined for slamming his helmet, is the ump going to get fined for missing that call?
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
8:27 pm
So is there some statement that someone associated with the Braves has made that would indicate that Hudson would start over Medlen, even if Medlen has a microscopic ERA at the time? If not, why do you keep rambling on about it? Are you also worried about asteroids crashing into the earth?
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
8:27 pm
I wonder how much $$$$ that lst base ump has bet on this game, or one of his kin?
Fredo
September 14th, 2012
8:28 pm
that RISP just keeps getting worse and worse
Veteran Leadership
September 14th, 2012
8:28 pm
WTG again Chippy. Runner on second and you k then run to your position at 3rd.
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
8:28 pm
Braves are lucky they didn’t get Heyward and/or Fredi tossed on that play. Similar to Bryce Harper play in Miami couple weeks ago, when he slammed helmet and it went in general direction of first-base ump, who overreacted and tossed Harper in game when he already had two homers.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:28 pm
David Ross career numbers: .239/.326/.445 82 HR, 244 RBI, 210 BB, 507 K in 1937 PA (1668 AB, 647 G)
Brian McCann: .280/.351/.477 156 HR, 601 RBI, 372 BB, 555 K in 3918 PA (3476 AB, 993 G)
T-Dawg
September 14th, 2012
8:29 pm
Fail…again
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
8:29 pm
Homeplate ump is terrible, too.
TBbravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:30 pm
now lst’s see how the nats score here.
Veteran Leadership
September 14th, 2012
8:31 pm
Actually I wish Fredi would get tossed a little more! Couldn’t hurt. This team doesn’t seem to respond to anything. Maybe Fredi getting tossed might fire some of them up. Or maybe it wouldn’t. These guys act like Zombies.
smallmouth6
September 14th, 2012
8:31 pm
Play Constanza. He led the International League in hitting. Seriously, this team has become tedious trying to watch get a two out hit. Play someone that hits the baseball.
smallmouth6
September 14th, 2012
8:31 pm
Play Constanza. He led the International League in hitting. Seriously, this team has become tedious trying to watch get a two out hit. Play someone that hits the baseball.
Jim
September 14th, 2012
8:31 pm
Dose anybody think we will score a run tonight?
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
8:31 pm
If the Braves don’t start hitting with RISP they aren’t going to have to worry if it’s Hudson or Medlen.
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
8:33 pm
@cabravesfan
That was then, this is now!
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
8:33 pm
What past decision making? Who toes the company line?
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
8:33 pm
@cabravesfan
That was then, this is now!
Veteran Leadership
September 14th, 2012
8:34 pm
I don’t buy that Ross could produce every day, but posting career numbers isn’t a very good argument. Henry Aaron had great career numbers but I doubt he would hit .100 today.
Mac has stunk since mid season last year. To heck with his career numbers. His career numbers didn’t help the Braves win in September last year and aren’t helping much this year.
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:35 pm
Look at that clowns face as he walking back—like he was done wrong—no sir you wiffed
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:36 pm
Ralph-
Those numbers include now. That is why they are called career numbers
ncgary
September 14th, 2012
8:36 pm
time ,its on my side
lol
Dum-Bass
September 14th, 2012
8:36 pm
About time to do something drastic, out of the box, out of the ordinary, like bunt two or three batters in a row to see what happens. Nothing else is working. In fact, I would have bunted both CJ and FF in that first inning the way it’s been going. Would not have been any worse than it was. Just doing the same ol’ tired thing ain’t workin no mo. Small ball, manufacture a run or two, anyway, anyhow. Swinging for the fences is not a way of life.
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:37 pm
Smoke ‘em as they stand and watch–love it, Chris!
TBbravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:37 pm
this would be so much better with some runs
flange1
September 14th, 2012
8:37 pm
I can even detect a PL post from Turner field.
ncgary
September 14th, 2012
8:37 pm
9 k’s thru 4 wtg meds
Help Meds Win
September 14th, 2012
8:38 pm
Shame Fredi doesn’t have 8 triple A guys to put in the lineup behind Meds. They might actually score a run for Meds. He deserves some support instead of the insulting offense of this pathetic team.
BTW, Meds got a break on that last pitch.
Sopheee
September 14th, 2012
8:38 pm
Alright, I order the bats to wake up this inning! ORDER!
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
8:38 pm
After LaRoche leadoff single in #Nats 4th, #Braves Medlen struck out next 3 batters looking (Desmond, Espinosa, Bernandina). 9 K’s so far.
Veer
September 14th, 2012
8:38 pm
It might been an insult to compare Medlen to Maddux now because Medlen just might be better. This guy gives me hope that we can win on Oct 5th.
Kat
September 14th, 2012
8:39 pm
Just got home – what’d I miss? Other than Meds being a K machine.
JoshTown
September 14th, 2012
8:39 pm
Veteran – You think Aaron would only hit .100?
SOS Braves
September 14th, 2012
8:39 pm
OK Chipper. That is twice you left a runner in scoring position. Sit down.
T-Dawg
September 14th, 2012
8:40 pm
Yeah. But Mac struggles have spanned two seasons now. I hope he can become the same stud again but right now….he’s just not.
ncgary
September 14th, 2012
8:40 pm
its time for the long ball
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
8:41 pm
Can’t wait to score ZERO runs this inning to reward Medlen’s strong effort so far.
Veer
September 14th, 2012
8:42 pm
Have to get a run in this winning with a lead off double. I fear that David Ross will put up a pathetic at bat
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
8:42 pm
cabravesfan
I am well aware of what career numbers are, but they do nothing to help you this year.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
8:42 pm
And you think Medlen doesn’t toe “the company line” but Hudson somehow does? Dude, you’re a knucklehead.
TBbravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:42 pm
oh no another risp
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
8:42 pm
Uggla looks like he smells something stinky.
JC Brave
September 14th, 2012
8:42 pm
Great at bat by Freeman!
T-Dawg
September 14th, 2012
8:43 pm
Woooohoooo! It is the dreaded lead off double though.
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:43 pm
Freeman…..Can we free our bats man…c’mon
Veteran Leadership
September 14th, 2012
8:43 pm
JoshTown
September 14th, 2012
8:39 pm
Veteran – You think Aaron would only hit .100?
Dude! Aaron is 100 years old! But wait! You may be on to something. Aaron at his current age would probably out perform this bunch with RISP.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:43 pm
Ralph-
And they do nothing to support your argument that Ross should be an everyday catcher. His numbers and his own words say otherwise.
MIdtown
September 14th, 2012
8:43 pm
“Freeman’s foul ball went past ’statuesque’ Terry Pendleton,” Nats announcer says … “He barely ever moved.”
Veer
September 14th, 2012
8:43 pm
Uggla should be trying to get the runner over to 3rd but he is taking homerun swings. bet will strike out with this approach
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
8:44 pm
It’s Dan “I’m Not Back” Uggla.
TBbravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:44 pm
bunt bunt bunt
Veer
September 14th, 2012
8:45 pm
ross will do nothing as usual. WHERE IS MAC???
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:45 pm
A rotten potato but we throw it and look for a hit somewhere!!!
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
8:45 pm
With a walk.
TBbravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:45 pm
no bunt no bunt no bunt
Veer
September 14th, 2012
8:46 pm
ROSS shud been bunting
MIdtown
September 14th, 2012
8:47 pm
Avoid double-play!!!!!!!!!!
How about park one in the upper deck, Rossy!
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:47 pm
Too close Freddy
Veer
September 14th, 2012
8:48 pm
Dont know why Nats didnt throw to first base there for DP with Ross Running.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
8:49 pm
Simmons. Leadership for a new America.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:50 pm
I have no idea if that was a conceding of the run by Werth or if it was just a lazy throw, but it was a lazy throw…
T-Dawg
September 14th, 2012
8:50 pm
We are the greatest team in baseball! No really but it’s the small things you have to appreciate with this team.
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:50 pm
@Veer….8:46…post
I agree–in that particular situation–u get ‘em both over on a bunt.
Fredo
September 14th, 2012
8:50 pm
andelton with good situational hitting there, runner at 3rd less than 2 outs you just need a fly ball .. he gets the fly ball
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:52 pm
@cabravesfan—that was a funny throw there by Werth? How are you tonight….weather delightful?
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
8:53 pm
Andrelton…as we all know…is a player
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
8:54 pm
Simmons always looks nervous.
Veteran Leadership
September 14th, 2012
8:54 pm
Simmons shows veteran leadership. Wait! There is something wrong with this picture!
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:55 pm
Capt.Mudd-
I’m good. Weather is decidedly NOT delightful- it’s too hot! It’s currently 90 degrees, and tomorrow it’s supposed to be 99…this is NOT GOOD
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
8:55 pm
As good as Medlen is, I doubt 1 run is going to win this game.
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
8:55 pm
Medlen has 2nd double-digit strikeout game of career and this season, with 2 out in 5th inning
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
8:56 pm
Also, there is a conspiracy to keep me from watching the Braves this weekend- tomorrow’s game is on Big Fox (We get “regional coverage” of Tampa and the Yankees – actually, that is the same regional coverage we are getting tonight on MLBN…) and Sunday’s game on ESPN is on the same time as my 49ers play Sunday Night Football…
Jay DUbu
September 14th, 2012
8:56 pm
Braves have to add on here, and hope that Meds can last through 7 innings. Pitch count is kinda of high tonight with all the Ks.
Oh, and Meds starts the Oct. 5 Wildcard game…hands down. Fredi will have time to arrange the pitching rotation as he wants it.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
8:57 pm
Too bad Medlen won’t qualify for the ERA championship. No one is even close to him right now.
Veteran Leadership
September 14th, 2012
8:57 pm
Even though we scored…..we were 0 for 1 with runners in scoring position”
Actually, they are 0-3 with RISP. Chipper twice and Ross with Freenman at second.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
8:58 pm
Some like it hot.
Kat
September 14th, 2012
8:59 pm
cab – you can watch it here http://www.vipboxsports.eu/watch/73116/1/atlanta-braves-vs-washington-nationals-live-stream-online.html
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
8:59 pm
Chipper’s throws hve gotten a little wilder as the season has gone on it seems. Probably getting tired.
Chop Chop
September 14th, 2012
9:00 pm
Anybody else thinking that the game Medlen loses will be the one-game playoff?
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
9:00 pm
I unexpectedly lost track of time….wow, Autumn….ok, typically this is when you all get the real hit stuff? Anyway, it will soon pass and you’ll again enjoy the bright sun and 70 degree days.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
9:00 pm
Kat-
tomorrow? Or will it be blacked out? (we may be able to watch on MLB.tv, actually. Can’t remember if VJ bought the rest of the season…)
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
9:01 pm
cabravesfan
I know Ross says he is content being a back up catcher, I hope you don’t believe that. I’m pretty sure he is afree agent after this season, you can bet your sweet ass he will not be a back up next year.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
9:01 pm
Oh, and Melky is currently the NL batting av. leader, by a fair margin.
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
9:01 pm
actually 0-5 with risp. chipper and freeman in the first, heyward and chipper in the 3rd, and ross in the 4th
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
9:01 pm
My last one to cabravesfan—-oops.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
9:02 pm
Capt.Mudd-
Yeah, August/September/October are usually the hottest months here, which is rough for football downtown (it’s usually about 10-15 degrees warmer there than where we live) but we do play a lot of late afternoon or night games, and it’s pleasant then
Sopheee
September 14th, 2012
9:02 pm
Um, hasn’t Ross himself said he doesn’t need to be starting?
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
9:02 pm
Where do you get this real hit stuff?
Veer
September 14th, 2012
9:04 pm
prado shud been bunting. got to play small ball
Kat
September 14th, 2012
9:05 pm
cab – that’s the link to tonight’s game if you go to http://www.vipboxsports.eu/sports/baseball.html tomorrow the game will also be listed .. no matter where you live you can stream it..
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
9:05 pm
At least we’re in our comfort zone…..accustomed to the 1-0 score, and, RISP lapses.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
9:05 pm
Ralph-
He is a free agent, as he has been before when he has opted to resign with the Braves as a back up. The last year he played over 100 games was 2007, when he played 112 and hit .203/.271/.309 (that was actually the only time in his career he as played more than 100 games)
Sopheee
September 14th, 2012
9:06 pm
That was a damn good catch.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:06 pm
Umm, so I fall sick and miss the beginning of the game, come on now to see us leading.Guess that’s good. Want more runs though
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
9:06 pm
Can’t watch Fox games…
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
9:07 pm
Sopheee-
Yes he has. many times.
Kat-
I have tonight’s game
(We have Extra Innings) Thanks though. We may need it tomorrow
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
9:07 pm
I saw it right away Hugo–and it was not a ‘hit’ with me cause every typo I render…costs me $1.00. Thanks for “policing!’
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
9:07 pm
VJ-
Save that link that Kat sent us
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
9:08 pm
chipper has 3 ab’s, 2 with risp and 1 without…..guess which one he got his hit…..story of our offense in a nutshell
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:09 pm
vipbox is awesome… allows me to watch when I’m not home.
TBbravesfan
September 14th, 2012
9:10 pm
so much for all that.
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
9:10 pm
0-6
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
9:11 pm
Well, I could use a real hit. Am deeply disappointed to learn it’s a typo.Since it was a Californian you were addressing, I thought we might be on to something…
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:11 pm
Dang….
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
9:11 pm
freeman had 3 ab’s, 2 with risp and 1 without….guess which one he got his hit….story of our offense in a nutshell
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
9:11 pm
Never seen a hitter swing so wildy as Freddie with runners on.
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
9:11 pm
0-for-6 with RISP tonight through 5 innings.
ACE
September 14th, 2012
9:12 pm
VJ out of conTEXT.
Veer
September 14th, 2012
9:12 pm
One of the biggest mistakes we made is trading Laroche to the Pirates and then not resigning the guy. He has had an awesome career and Freeman might never equal Laorches career or season. We are stuck with a guy who swings at first pitches and puts some of most pathetic at bats in Freeman
ACE
September 14th, 2012
9:12 pm
Bryce Harperrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:13 pm
Ouch
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
9:13 pm
1 run ain’t beating this team, but we all knew that anyways.
JC Brave
September 14th, 2012
9:13 pm
ESPN freakout tonight.
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
9:13 pm
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
8:55 pm
As good as Medlen is, I doubt 1 run is going to win this game.
In case you missed it!
Veer
September 14th, 2012
9:13 pm
It would be demoralizing for us to lose with our ace aganist their 5th starter.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:14 pm
1 run ain’t beating this team, but we all knew that anyways.
1 run ain’t beating many teams. Need some offense.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
9:14 pm
Uh oh…his ERA has skyrocketed to 1.64. The Hall of Fame might have to wait.
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
9:15 pm
chipper response after the game….”we gave the pitching staff the lead and they blew it….got get better pitching”
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:15 pm
And this is the problem with this team in a playoff run.
When you think of the Nats, you think of Strasburg, Gio, Jordan Zimmermann and Edwin Jackson.
We counter their #5, now #4 pitcher (with Stras on the shelf) and our #1 guy give up one mistake, and we are tied in the 6th.
They need to hit better, or I’m going to the Flaming Cave Lounge!
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
9:15 pm
@Hugo Z Hackenbush…………..Re: 9:11….Post/not the real one in NY
Now that you have dutifully mentioned it….yes, indeed, something like that would be a pleasantly inspiring endeavor….I like the thought!
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
9:15 pm
You literally have to be near perfect if you’re a pitcher on the Braves right now. Freeman is one of the worst on the team at killing a rally of any kind, maybe the worst.
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
9:16 pm
I knew it.
Missed it, but I knew it. You can’t score one gd run when your pitcher is in double digits in strike outs and utterly dealing otherwise.
It should be 5-1.
Powderfinger
September 14th, 2012
9:16 pm
C’mon, Veer – Are you serious? You would rather go forward with LaRoche instead of Freeman? I love Adam, but are you blind to Freddie’s potential?
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
9:16 pm
That’s four homers for Harper in 16 games vs. Braves
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:17 pm
Medlen is waay more efficient than Tommy…. watch and learn, Mr. Hanson!
JAFO
September 14th, 2012
9:18 pm
Padding the stats and keeping a firm grasp on dead last RIsP.
MIdtown
September 14th, 2012
9:18 pm
It is a fact that this team has been dreadful in scoring runs. What would be wrong with a bunt or hit-and-run every now and then? I just don’t get it.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:19 pm
I was really rooting for a walk from Uggla right there… got the line foul / lazy can of corn combo instead.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:20 pm
Ross is hurting. These swings are hackish.
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
9:20 pm
Veer
Agree, Freeman needs to change his approach and take those bad 1st pitches, they know he is going to swing so they always give him something he can’t hit therefore he is always in the hole 0-1. Same goes for Prado, he never swings at the 1st pitch so they always throw one right down the pipe so he too is always in the hole 0-1 but he is good enough hitter to make up for it but he could be better if he would swing now and then at the 1st pitch.
N8
September 14th, 2012
9:20 pm
“It would be demoralizing for us to lose with our ace aganist their 5th starter”
You mean like in 1998 when the braves 5th starter, Kevin Millwood won 17 games? Or in 1997 when their 4th starter Denny Neagle won 20 games?
The Nats are deep. We are not.
Detwiler had a 3.42 ERA in his 23 starts coming into tonight. Kris Medlen wasn’t even in the rotation for 2 months.
In mid-september, doesn’t the “Ace/5th starter” crap kinda go out the window.
the Nats are closing in on having a 10 game lead on the Braves. Demoralizing is getting swept by the Brewers and watching your manager leave a starting pitcher on the mound to give up 8 runs in an inning.
Losing to the best team in the NL is not demoralizing imo.
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
9:21 pm
“Veer
September 14th, 2012
9:13 pm
It would be demoralizing for us to lose with our ace aganist their 5th starter.”
No, I’m pretty sure you meant it would be “predictable.”
Predictable.
Yeah.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:22 pm
Ross is hurting. These swings are hackish.
Yeah, if I remember correctly, he said recently that his oblique is a little tight. The only healthy catcher we have is Boscan, who can’t hit.
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
9:22 pm
Ross is hurting. Why is he playing? LHP or not, he can’t swing right now. McCann is a way better choice. Big series ya know, Fredi.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:23 pm
“Losing to the best team in the NL is not demoralizing imo.”
We save that for getting swept by the Brewers. At least here we have an excuse. I mean, they are the best team in the NL.
Ryan
September 14th, 2012
9:23 pm
Why cant Bourn or tonight Johnson and Prado ever hit in the same inning.Harper going to be a Braves killer for years .It nice to see young guys able to hit yet are 13mil player sucks.Are bench has to be hands down the worst in baseball. They say Ross could be a starter on some team hell he would be a 200 hitter.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
9:23 pm
Veer, Mitchell, & N8…
The Trio
(Please, someone tell me you get the reference)
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
9:23 pm
Medlen has the awe inspiring ‘Location’ factor going for him…..but W/C is there if we just get some real hits…..and I don’t care if they inhale or not.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:23 pm
Medlen remains off tha chain tho
JAFO
September 14th, 2012
9:24 pm
Count- the whirlie bird combo is up next.
T-Dawg
September 14th, 2012
9:25 pm
Three straight years watching this team not hit to end the season. You just have to make some changes in the offseason. Lots of potential in Heyward and Freeman but I beginning to think we might be better off trading one of them. It would take some serious talent though.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:25 pm
Medlen is a K machine!
Capt.Mudd
September 14th, 2012
9:27 pm
Bernadina……F7 vertabrae confusion
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:29 pm
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
Braves P Kris Medlen is still dealing… his 8 called strikeouts thru 6 IP are the most in a GAME by a player this season.
He is a beast.
Ryan
September 14th, 2012
9:29 pm
Davey Johnson looks like he crawled out of a casket.
Veer
September 14th, 2012
9:29 pm
There is Chipper again with another pathetic display of defense. Will this lead the Nats to blow the game wide open? like the Brewers did to us last game?
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:29 pm
“Lots of potential in Heyward and Freeman but I beginning to think we might be better off trading one of them.”
I don’t know if you trade kids that young.
I’d find a team like LA, LAA or Detroit and just see if they would take Uggla for free.
Learn from the Hawks and Red Sox.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
9:30 pm
Sorry, but I need a clue cab.
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
9:30 pm
Medlen had two strikes on that $@&!.
Gd it.
Make the play Chipper.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:31 pm
“Sorry, but I need a clue cab.”
The Seven Chinese Brothers.
brian
September 14th, 2012
9:31 pm
Love KMed. Yes I will tip my cap to Kris
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:32 pm
New career high in Ks. 13 Ks. He’s better than Tommy.
Teach me how to Meddy, teach me teach me how to Meddy. Well, at least the changeup.
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
9:32 pm
One step to his left and that ball bounces right into Chippers belly
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
9:32 pm
whine boys, whine!!
ACE
September 14th, 2012
9:32 pm
It’s getting late early
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
9:32 pm
He reminds me of Maddux more and more.
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
9:32 pm
med-dawg.
brian
September 14th, 2012
9:32 pm
extend Medlen
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
9:32 pm
Hugo-
It’s from a TV show in the 1990s
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
9:33 pm
That he does Ryan.
Decrepit is a word that definitely comes to mind.
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
9:33 pm
madduxx was not a strikeout pitcher.
Jay DUbu
September 14th, 2012
9:34 pm
Trade Heyward or Freeman?
And get what in return? The Braves are a low budget team, and both Heyward and Freeman are very good investments…they are young, inexpensive, and good talents.
T-Dawg
September 14th, 2012
9:34 pm
Yeah, I think it’s just that they are both lefties. Both seem to struggle with the same types of pitchers. It’s a gamble but I just think the Braves problems have stemmed from the fact that we have too many of the same type of hitters.
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
9:34 pm
In Medlen’s past 3 starts, he’s twice broken his career high for K’s, with 12 vs. COL in complete game Sept. 3, and 13 tonight. Bourn to pinch-hit for him to start 7th.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
9:34 pm
Ryan
September 14th, 2012
9:29 pm
Davey Johnson looks like he crawled out of a casket.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:34 pm
Just wait until Venters comes in a lets two runners score that go to Meds line and the Nats take the lead.
It will be like a bottle of Zinfandel too far!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:34 pm
Bourn to pinch-hit (and lead off) Don’t K please, Mike. We need to get a run here, Medlen so deserves this win.
ACE
September 14th, 2012
9:34 pm
Bournnnnnnnnn get it started.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:35 pm
Dang… Bernadina.
Jay DUbu
September 14th, 2012
9:35 pm
Well now we have to hope that the bullpen doesn’ i,plode like it did against the Brew Crew, and that the Braves will score some runs!!!!
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:35 pm
It’s not that I don’t want cheese with my whine, the proper questions is… what kind of cheese!!!!!
ACE
September 14th, 2012
9:35 pm
Georgie in to save the day
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
9:36 pm
I’m drawing a blank here.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:36 pm
He reminds me of Maddux more and more.
Except Medlen has more Ks.
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
9:36 pm
Medlen: 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 13 K. Threw 66 strikes in 96 pitches
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:36 pm
Trader Joe’s Sea Salt Brownie Petities on Vanilla ice cream is… good.
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
9:36 pm
Get a run for your pitcher, Braves!
ACE
September 14th, 2012
9:37 pm
Phils up 5-3
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
9:37 pm
Medlen will get a no decision. With is job tonight and he gets a no decision and going against the other teams #5. A real eye opener at how bad our offense is.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
9:37 pm
Hugo-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trio_(Buffy_the_Vampire_Slayer)
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:37 pm
Can Georgie and his .286 SLG percentage get the ball out of the infield?
Veer
September 14th, 2012
9:37 pm
Why would you pinch hit for Reed Johnson and waste a player? I mean you used Bourn and now Constanza? basically 2 hitters burned. Not even sure Contstanza is a better option than Reed here
Jay DUbu
September 14th, 2012
9:37 pm
Fredi trying to break out of his rut, and continues to try and do things dfferently.
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
9:37 pm
come on Georgia, hit a homer
ACE
September 14th, 2012
9:38 pm
Georgieeeeeeeeeeee
Jay DUbu
September 14th, 2012
9:39 pm
That walk should be like a double for Georgie.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
9:39 pm
And to think I watched that show. I have more vivid memories of those three dudes on X-Files.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:40 pm
Georgie almost got picked off there….
ACE
September 14th, 2012
9:40 pm
work the count
Jay Dubu
September 14th, 2012
9:41 pm
Heyward is 1 for 3, has been robbed of hits the other two time, so if Teen can get on, I look for Heyward to do something big.
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
9:41 pm
well maybe 4 straight walks
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
9:41 pm
Jay DUbu
Did you mean double play?
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
9:41 pm
Hugo-
The Finger of Shame is waving in your direction
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:41 pm
“work the count”
oh hells no!
ACE
September 14th, 2012
9:42 pm
ouchhhhhhhhh
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:42 pm
WOW!!! Speedy Georgie gets thrown out. Thought he was a superstar
He went back to 1st before he started to 2nd.
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
9:42 pm
man that was not even close to a steal;
flange1
September 14th, 2012
9:42 pm
Yeah, Biff is our savior
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:42 pm
And that bad step by Georgie has cost us…
brian
September 14th, 2012
9:42 pm
would have been nice to have 1st and 2nd now with 1 out, but those are the breaks
Jay Dubu
September 14th, 2012
9:43 pm
Did Teen forget to swing with Georgie on the move?
Veer
September 14th, 2012
9:43 pm
CONTZTANA IS AN IDIOT JUST BECAUSE U GET ON BASE DOESNT MEAN YOU HAVE TO RUN. especially with a 3-1 count on Prado. Contstanza needs some baseball IQ. running out of an inning.
the truth...
September 14th, 2012
9:43 pm
Fredi I cannot stand your stupid moves like taking Medlen out for Bourn pinch hitting……………you get nothing from Bourn but an out….Medlen can do that on his own…
And now Constanza thrown out stealing…..great move Fredi…..
…..and right on cue Prado singles…..
Dum-Bass
September 14th, 2012
9:43 pm
Perfect spot for a bunt to get Constanza to 2nd, rather than a steal, but then again FG has never seen a bunt he liked.
Jay Dubu
September 14th, 2012
9:43 pm
Davie not iving Heyward a chance against the righty pitcher.
brian
September 14th, 2012
9:43 pm
big moment for JHey versus a division rival and the division leader Nats
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
9:43 pm
so is Fredi going to waste another player ph-ing for Jason now?
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
9:43 pm
Constanza’s bad jump is just one of the many little things the team does wrong on the other side of the pitching.
Kat
September 14th, 2012
9:44 pm
Hugo.. The lone gunmen..
xfiles was my fav. Vince Gilligan one of their writers created Breaking Bad.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:44 pm
Georgie might actually cost this game, not win it… to all his supporters.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
9:44 pm
I love that it’s Fredi’s fault Constanza got caught stealing (after leaning back to first and then running…)
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
9:45 pm
you have to be kidding dumbass, Fredi bunts too damn often
Ryan
September 14th, 2012
9:45 pm
Constanza dosnt belong in the majors
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:45 pm
Constanza didn’t get the text.
Men!!!!!!!
Astral
September 14th, 2012
9:46 pm
K coming up
ACE
September 14th, 2012
9:46 pm
looks like a No D for Meds
Jay Dubu
September 14th, 2012
9:46 pm
The 1st pitch was in the batter’s box.
TBbravesfan
September 14th, 2012
9:47 pm
8 hits 1 run why is that not surprising
the truth...
September 14th, 2012
9:47 pm
Fredi is like his daddy Bobby Cox….good guy, players love him but is a terrible game time manager….
Taking Meds out now is crazy….
I am screaming inside and out “taking Medlen out and we lose”…………
I hope I am wrong…….
Fredo
September 14th, 2012
9:47 pm
dang, offense costs Meds a win
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:47 pm
Sorry Meds.
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
9:47 pm
Jason.
Come the f on.
Pretend you’re still in Milwaukee.
Jay Dubu
September 14th, 2012
9:47 pm
The Braves should have the book on the Cobra, and be able to hit him.
Astral
September 14th, 2012
9:47 pm
toldya
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
9:47 pm
Poor Medlen.
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
9:47 pm
guys that was a hit& run. here comes the lefty parade.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:47 pm
Got ‘em right where we want ‘em.
M.V.P.Heyward
September 14th, 2012
9:48 pm
oops! Here we go again!
No hitting bravos!
Ralph
September 14th, 2012
9:48 pm
And we are supposed to have the best bullpen in baseball, we will find out now, oh I forgot the Nats have bats, we don’t.
Ryan
September 14th, 2012
9:48 pm
This Nats team is way better than the Braves. Poor Minor he gets Gio. that means we get shutout.
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
9:49 pm
I’m quickly accepting this offense is what it is for the rest of their season. Hard to see a breakout. Almost everybody looks like they’re pressing.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:49 pm
I love that it’s Fredi’s fault Constanza got caught stealing (after leaning back to first and then running…)
I know… Fredi gave the denizens what they wanted… a speedy Constanza on the bases. Georgie blew it, not Fredi.
Astral
September 14th, 2012
9:49 pm
Second straight September that the offence has totally folded isn’t it? Not looking good IMO
Jay Dubu
September 14th, 2012
9:49 pm
No decision for Meds, and the game in the hands of the bullpen.
Let’s keep the winning streak in Med’s starts going!!!!
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:49 pm
Cliff Lee is like 5-7 with 180+ IP.
Kershaw is 12-9 with 206 IP.
Futility abounds.
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
9:49 pm
eof needs to be careful with werth here.
JAFO
September 14th, 2012
9:50 pm
DJ would out manage fg from a casket.
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
9:50 pm
jason needs to be more aggressive because he absolutely cannot hit with 2 strikes….first thing near the plate…jason needs to pound it….if he gets two strikes on him…its over
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
9:50 pm
Pumpkin ball is slow pitch softball with a 16″ ball, I think I’ve seen more pitches taken in that game than in this one. Come on boys, you don’t have to swing at everything, a walk is a good thing, a hanging pitch is a good thing, a head high fastball is not a good thing.
Astral
September 14th, 2012
9:50 pm
if it was a hit and run why did Constanza lean back toward first. that makes no sense
TBbravesfan
September 14th, 2012
9:51 pm
poor meds
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
9:51 pm
Kat, I’d forgotten Gilligan had worked on X-Files.Also didn’t know he was born in Richmond.
Dum-Bass
September 14th, 2012
9:51 pm
Braves couldn’t beat the Brewers in 3 games, but the Mets sure can. Philly winning again though. They are red hot! Not good!
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
9:53 pm
i dont think they are pressing.
it might have something to do with the 3&5 hitters are barely drinking age and the cleanup guy is 40.
Bay Area Steve
September 14th, 2012
9:53 pm
You folks blaming Constanza are flat wrong. 3-1 is a hit-and-run. It’s on Prado to make contact on any strike there. I want Constanza gone as much as anybody, but let’s be real. 3-1 is on the hitter. Baseball 101.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:53 pm
if it was a hit and run why did Constanza lean back toward first. that makes no sense
Might have read the pitcher wrong… he leaned that way before. He needs to be benched! He’s cost us.
Astral
September 14th, 2012
9:53 pm
this game is all on Meds if we lose. No way he should have hung that curve
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:54 pm
Nice job Freddie.
Jay Dubu
September 14th, 2012
9:54 pm
Braves announcers are fixated on the Nats # of strikeouts tonight. Tell us about the Braves not getting ANY clutch hits.
Or, better yet, why the O’Flat not make it to 1st?
Kevin Spacey
September 14th, 2012
9:55 pm
Another 8 hit 1 run game for these bums. What an embarrassment. Absolutely disgusting.
Medlen should try to hide in one of the Nat player’s suitcases when they fly out of here so he can be with a team that has a shot of doing anything in the playoffs.
Astral
September 14th, 2012
9:55 pm
not sure that you can assume that Fredi actually knows Baseball 101
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
9:55 pm
Damn straight. Meds blew the lead.
Bay Area Steve
September 14th, 2012
9:55 pm
“if it was a hit and run why did Constanza lean back toward first. that makes no sense”
Uhh, because that’s the way it’s taught at every level. First rule hit-and-run: don’t get picked.
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
9:56 pm
I think the hitting coach debate that’s been going on around here should finally be put to rest. Pendelton’s offense did the best, but he constantly got pounded around here. Hitting coaches mean almost nothing IMO. Mangers can get some blame of course since they do make decisions.
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
9:56 pm
DOB
did AJC make a change to their website recently? it seems to be running really slow lately? i thought it might be my computer but it only happens when im on this site….just curious. thanks
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
9:57 pm
Damn….
Or, better yet, why the O’Flat not make it to 1st?
Because he falls off on the 3B side of the mound… he didn’t have time to get there.
Kevin Spacey
September 14th, 2012
9:57 pm
Hey, Uggla. How about hitting a HR that means something here?
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
9:58 pm
yes they did kelevra.
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
9:58 pm
FF at bats are night and day when runners are on or not.
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
9:58 pm
Crowd of 41,797 here at Turner Field
FIRE FREDI GONZALEZ
September 14th, 2012
9:58 pm
Will these left handed hitters ever be capable of hitting left handed pitching? It’s too much to overcome when your star players are hitting .210, .202, .215 against lefties.
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
9:59 pm
even the doubles were oppo cue shots down the line tonight. no gappers.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
9:59 pm
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
9:56 pm
I think the hitting coach debate that’s been going on around here should finally be put to rest. Pendelton’s offense did the best, but he constantly got pounded around here. Hitting coaches mean almost nothing IMO. Mangers can get some blame of course since they do make decisions.
amen….
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
9:59 pm
this ump loves to punch out hitters
T-Dawg
September 14th, 2012
10:00 pm
Seriously…..god-awful hitting.
Dum-Bass
September 14th, 2012
10:00 pm
In a 1-1 game in late innings, the bunt is your friend, not your enemy! “Love the bunt, and it will love you back”.
ACE
September 14th, 2012
10:00 pm
Some free baseball upcoming?
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
10:00 pm
Well, nevermind. Out is an out.
Kevin Spacey
September 14th, 2012
10:00 pm
You could revivify Lou Gehrig and make him hitting coach. Wouldn’t matter. It’s just the crap hitting culture here.
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
10:00 pm
Come on Fredi, pinch hit!
Jay Dubu
September 14th, 2012
10:00 pm
Davie trying to set the tone to let the Braves know that even if they win the Oct. 5 wildcard game, they are going to be in for a tought series.
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
10:01 pm
I doubt that any of them will ever be all that great against lefties, but hopefully better than this year
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:01 pm
“did AJC make a change to their website recently?”
Most of the main site has been, redesigned is what I think they had the nerve to call it, but this page is still a WordPress on blogs.ajc.com and yes, it’s been running very poorly of late.
It’s free though, so, I’m not _really complaining.
Dum-Bass
September 14th, 2012
10:02 pm
“Hitting coaches” are about as useless (as my dad use to say) as “teats on a boar hog”. I always thought he was saying “boy hog” until I got much older.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:02 pm
Uhh, because that’s the way it’s taught at every level. First rule hit-and-run: don’t get picked.
Yes, that is the 1st rule, not just for hit-and-runs though… however, if you are running, you can’t lean back to 1st and then run. Need to have your momentum moving to 2nd. You can have a smaller lead, but don’t lean back to first. I have never ever leaned back to first on hit-and-runs or steals. Never been told to do so either.
Jay Dubu
September 14th, 2012
10:02 pm
It’s time for Uggs to go B-O-O-M!!!
Kat
September 14th, 2012
10:02 pm
kelevra…. Carroll mentioned a few days ago that they changed their servers I think. A lot of people are posting that they are having issues with the speed – or lack there of.
JAFO
September 14th, 2012
10:03 pm
Right on BAS. 101 indeed.
FIRE FREDI GONZALEZ
September 14th, 2012
10:03 pm
I’m not calling for them to be .300 hitters against lefties but Freeman, Heyward, and Mccann aren’t better than Joe Mather when there’s a lefty on the mound.
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
10:03 pm
we have moved past inept. either way the last three weeks should be very entertaining.
Kevin Spacey
September 14th, 2012
10:03 pm
Crowd of 41,797.
In other news, 82,594 eyes rolled tonight.
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
10:04 pm
To paraphrase Thomas Andrews, the builder of RMS Titanic, as portrayed by character actor Victor Garber in James Cameron’s 1997 Oscar winning epic Titanic:
“The Braves will lose. It is a mathematical certainty. In one hour all of this will be at the bottom of the Atlantic.”
Okay, the last part was actually a direct quote from the movie.
Just having a little fun there.
Great flick, I tell ya what.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:04 pm
Dangit. Keep it tied, boys.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:04 pm
flip, flip, flip-a-delphia!
T-Dawg
September 14th, 2012
10:04 pm
Booooo.
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
10:04 pm
Wow, the infielders had to back up to catch that pop up, Uggla’s coming around.
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
10:05 pm
hard to square up a ball when your right shoulder drop 3 inches right before impact.
JAFO
September 14th, 2012
10:05 pm
There’s your whirlie bird count.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:05 pm
“It’s time for Uggs to go B-O-O-M!!!”
What is that? A fart than can be heard over the “roar” of 41,000 strong?
Kevin Spacey
September 14th, 2012
10:05 pm
Uggla is only a slightly better hitter than a glad bag full of cow dung.
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
10:05 pm
In other news, 82,594 eyes rolled tonight @Spacey
1000 eyes couldn’t roll? what is wrong with them
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
10:06 pm
and a pop up…..these guys know that weak fly balls are just as useless as strikeouts right? middle school players can catch pop ups…..puts no pressure on the defense….atleast with a ground ball the defense has to make a clean pick and a good throw
Kevin Spacey
September 14th, 2012
10:06 pm
those 1,000 eyes were in the bathroom vomiting.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:06 pm
“There’s your whirlie bird count.”
I hope next year he adds a little grunt squeal, like Monica Seles used to do…
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
10:07 pm
eyes can vomit, huh? Learn something new every day. what a wonderful educational blog this is.
Kevin Spacey
September 14th, 2012
10:08 pm
Chip just said the Braves aren’t conceding the division.
They aren’t? Maybe they should try to score 2 runs in a game before they start thinking about a division title. They better just hope they make the wild card.
No Celebrations
September 14th, 2012
10:08 pm
Even if the Braves pull this out, there should be no big celebrations. This offense is pathetic and it’s obvious no one connected with this team has any answers on how to fix it!
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
10:08 pm
so will the pinch hitter in the ninth be hinske fransisco or overbay…my guess is fransisco (most power)
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
10:09 pm
He is using Kimbrel without a lead again? Whoa, Fredi is becoming a daring kind of guy
JAFO
September 14th, 2012
10:09 pm
What’s past inept?
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
10:09 pm
I hate to see where the Braves would be without Kimbrel.
Kevin Spacey
September 14th, 2012
10:10 pm
With this offense on display, eyes can vomit, yes.
And, without the comma, it would be “wonderfully educational blog.”
That’s a free grammar lesson for you.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
10:10 pm
It’s the 9th inning. There will no longer be any save opportunity for the Braves. Why NOT use Kimmie?
ACE
September 14th, 2012
10:10 pm
41000 at the game
bostonbravo
September 14th, 2012
10:10 pm
Uggla Apologists…GIVE UP!
I’m over tired of this “his avg. vs. lefties with blue eyes”…he’s a powerhouse when it’s 3-1 with 2 outs & we’re down by 23 runs,,,
He’s a TURD he’s been one, is one & will be one HE SUCKS…give it up! The man is a one person losing streak…if he didn’t have Fredi by the soft globes he would be GONE FOREVER!!!
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:10 pm
Kimmeh! Oh, if he was a starter… damn that’d be sweet.
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
10:10 pm
half empty
at home we arnt going to have a save chance so might as well
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
10:10 pm
can Craig pitch 5 or 6 innings?
Dum-Bass
September 14th, 2012
10:11 pm
Too bad some more of the Braves (especially the “old farts” ) don’t have some fire in their belly like Kimbrel. That can make a difference!
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
10:11 pm
yeah I was just kidding around Kel
ACE
September 14th, 2012
10:11 pm
uhhh because they need Kimmie to hold the lead in bottom of the inning. IF THEY GET ONE.
Kevin Spacey
September 14th, 2012
10:11 pm
Kimbrel is simply astonishing.
bostonbravo
September 14th, 2012
10:11 pm
Thank you JAFO
Ryan
September 14th, 2012
10:11 pm
Better win it here in the 9th or dont know who Fredi will go to next
Kat
September 14th, 2012
10:12 pm
WOW — that’s about all I can say after seeing Craig that inning.
No Celebrations
September 14th, 2012
10:12 pm
The only real celebration tonight should be that Fredi got Medlen out of there so he couldn’t lose the game.
Another great performance by the guy on the team who has more heart and guts in his little finger than the rest of the starters in this lineup combined!
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
10:13 pm
Walk off win coming…
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:13 pm
Overbay is coming out since the Nats are bringing in a lefty…. Pastornicky maybe? I think he’s the last righty left…
Kevin Spacey
September 14th, 2012
10:13 pm
boston bravo,
Indeed. Uggla is an expensive bag of trash.
Jay Dubu
September 14th, 2012
10:13 pm
Fredi is fighting to keep his job.
Fredi has to get into the playoffs, or get gone.
T-Dawg
September 14th, 2012
10:13 pm
Lyle Overbay
FIRE FREDI GONZALEZ
September 14th, 2012
10:13 pm
It’s Cristian Martinez time.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:14 pm
Damn, Overbay would have been scha-weeet !!!!!!!
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:14 pm
uhhh because they need Kimmie to hold the lead in bottom of the inning. IF THEY GET ONE.
WHat? If we get the lead, the game is over.
Ah, Jeff Baker… that’s okay. Where’s the REV?
Bay Area Steve
September 14th, 2012
10:14 pm
“Never been told to do so either.”
Then you need better coaching. You’ve never been told to lean back? Never heard of one-way lead? How ’bout against LHers?
You’re a good kid, but the fact that at 17, or whatever, you dominate the conversation is quite irritating. Ever heard of knowing what you don’t know? That you can’t learn if your mouth is running?
Anyways… If you really think you have all the answers, I’ll stop trying.
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
10:15 pm
I’d like to think we’re not going to lose.
We do have home field advantage after all.
But if this goes to extra innings after the pitching we’ve seen tonight from Medlen, O’Flaherty and Kimbrel they unquestionably deserve to lose.
You might as well call it a day on 2012 if you can’t win this game.
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
10:15 pm
how many innings have to pass before venters is used….20….30…..11
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:15 pm
That pulled pork burger looks max nasty.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:15 pm
Dang! Nice play Desmond….
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
10:15 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:10 pm
Kimmeh! Oh, if he was a starter… damn that’d be sweet
not out of the question in the near future.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:16 pm
Baker !!!!!!!
Sit down.
No Celebrations
September 14th, 2012
10:16 pm
So now we know that Baker has average speed at best after that trot to first.
Veer
September 14th, 2012
10:16 pm
why pinch hit for Ross?
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
10:17 pm
DO NOT get picked off
Jay Dubu
September 14th, 2012
10:17 pm
Braves have pitched well tonight. 17 Ks, and 1 BB.
FIRE FREDI GONZALEZ
September 14th, 2012
10:17 pm
Should have saved Constanza for the ninth. He’s like the offensive closer.
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:17 pm
Again, Simmons with the leadership values.
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
10:17 pm
a little suprised that they did not double switch after uggla made the out.
Jay Dubu
September 14th, 2012
10:18 pm
Bourn is pretty good with runners on base, so the Braves could get this game right here.
Mark Duncan
September 14th, 2012
10:18 pm
Just got back from a wedding in Galway, New York am feeling good why am I on here. Because I love the Braves! Someone hit the f ‘n ball! Go Braves!
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:18 pm
“So now we know that Baker has average speed at best after that trot to first.”
We’ll never know until he races Hinske in the 40.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:18 pm
Yes!
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
10:18 pm
“cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
10:13 pm
Walk off win coming…”
Somebody’s been spending too much time in La-La Land.
Ha!
Fredo
September 14th, 2012
10:19 pm
situational baseball time ……
Brava
September 14th, 2012
10:19 pm
Mikey!!!!
JAFO
September 14th, 2012
10:19 pm
Thank you BAS. How refreshing.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:19 pm
Pastornicky!!!! Let’s go!
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:19 pm
omg
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
10:19 pm
Bourn for Vice President!!
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
10:19 pm
is cab prophetic? we shall see.
Dum-Bass
September 14th, 2012
10:19 pm
If FG blows it here, he should be fired on the spot. All sorts of possibilities here, INCLUDING A SQUEEZE!
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:19 pm
Tyler is a lil’ cutie!!!!!!!!!!!
brian
September 14th, 2012
10:20 pm
suicide squeeze for the win???
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:20 pm
WINNERS!!!!
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
10:20 pm
Called it
Fredo
September 14th, 2012
10:20 pm
lolz and they do make an error to give the Braves the game
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
10:20 pm
Knew it all the time
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 14th, 2012
10:20 pm
Ha haa.
Kat
September 14th, 2012
10:20 pm
Hell Yeah!
MIdtown
September 14th, 2012
10:20 pm
Ballgame!!!!!
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:21 pm
A gift for sure, but we have to take it.
Nice, or rather, needed win.
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
10:21 pm
finally with a risp we get an…………ERROR!! ha ill take though
Brava
September 14th, 2012
10:21 pm
BRAVES WIN! BRAVESP WIN!
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:21 pm
Thanks Rev… good things happen when you put the ball in play
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
10:21 pm
simmons off on the crack.
brian
September 14th, 2012
10:21 pm
big, big win. Works just as good as a squeeze there. Running on contact
JC Brave
September 14th, 2012
10:21 pm
Preach, Pastor. Preach!!
Jay Dubu
September 14th, 2012
10:21 pm
Make the defence make the play. Put pressure on them.
Med’s streak remains alive.
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
10:21 pm
YAAAAAAAY!
Dum-Bass
September 14th, 2012
10:22 pm
As several hundred previous MLB players have said, “I would rather be LUCKY than good!
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
10:22 pm
Hey, at least we got one RBI
brian
September 14th, 2012
10:22 pm
speed forced the issue there
Kevin Spacey
September 14th, 2012
10:22 pm
Well…ok. They win tonight on an error.
They’ve become really good at winning with unearned runs and errors.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
10:22 pm
Well, since I live in LA, I guess I do spend too much time here. But that’s fine by me. Apology accepted.
(Yes, i am prophetic
)
MIdtown
September 14th, 2012
10:23 pm
A double-play ball, and a bad throw … got lucky. But at least Rev PUT IT IN PLAY.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
10:23 pm
so the people say the braves are not lucky ?????
Bryce Harper
September 14th, 2012
10:23 pm
Ended the three game losing streak . . . . still 7 1/2 back
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
10:23 pm
I’ve always said put the ball in play you never know what can happen. The strike out may just be another out, but if you put the ball in play stuff like that can happen. Won’t happen if you are walking back to the dugout with the bat in your hand.
toast
September 14th, 2012
10:23 pm
If FG blows it here, he should be fired on the spot. All sorts of possibilities here, INCLUDING A SQUEEZE!
good one, does fredi bat from the left side or right side or is he a switch hitter?
brian
September 14th, 2012
10:24 pm
finally the Braves get a break. They were robbed by Bernadinha twice earlier.
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
10:24 pm
braves win another game without the benefit of a hit with RISP.
this will even out right?
baseball gods are taking note right
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
10:24 pm
any bets that davey johnson is going to say something sinister ???
any takers ????
ChattTownBrian
September 14th, 2012
10:24 pm
I’m glad Pastronicky had a moment. Seems like a good guy.
M.V.P.Heyward
September 14th, 2012
10:24 pm
Lucky break for sure, But I’ll take it!
Good night.
MVPrado14
September 14th, 2012
10:24 pm
Braves “win”, Braves “win”
No Celebrations
September 14th, 2012
10:25 pm
Another pitiful offensive outburst. A sac fly and an error results in the Braves run.
The Rev hits a weak ,bone in his throat, dribbler that Desmond absolutely butchered and The Rev is standing in the post game interview with the phones on his head talking to Chip.
Man they are searching for a hero where none exists! lmao
count_schemula
September 14th, 2012
10:25 pm
Hopefully that’s the end of Simmons batting 8th. Time to get him in the mixxo.
Chop Chop
September 14th, 2012
10:26 pm
All the Nats have to do is win one of these. We’ll see if they can, but if they do, we’re down 7.5 with fifteen to play. That means we’re looking at that one-game playoff thing. Yippee.
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
10:26 pm
didnt the nationals win one like that on an uggla error earlier this year?
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
10:27 pm
If only there was some mystery in all of this it might be exciting.
8.5 freakin’ back in the division.
Okay, 7.5.
13 strike outs and a no-decision for Meds. Hard to comprehend.
Good win in the end though.
I suppose I’ll stop complaining for now.
tony austin
September 14th, 2012
10:27 pm
Yes the offense stunk, yes they scored the winning run on a bad throw. Bottom line is they won, who cares how, and they are another game closer to clinching a playoff spot.
The A Bomb
September 14th, 2012
10:28 pm
If ANYONE but Medlen starts the one-game playoff, heads must roll.
FIRE FREDI GONZALEZ
September 14th, 2012
10:28 pm
SWEEP SWEEP SWEEP
Chop Chop
September 14th, 2012
10:28 pm
Oh, and 13 Ks with only 96 pitches thrown? Yikes. It’s hard to pitch any better than that.
JAFO
September 14th, 2012
10:28 pm
Desmond spiked that right in the ground. Palm ball grip. That was awesom.
DOB- last time Bravo 13ks no decision?
duh
September 14th, 2012
10:29 pm
good point, kelevra! And, instead of an error, it could’ve easily been a double-play (home to first)…inning over…
better lucky than good, I guess…
many thanks to our pitching staff once again!
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
10:29 pm
we have been looking at a one game play in for quite a while now Chop
MVPrado14
September 14th, 2012
10:29 pm
And another game closer to a one and done
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
10:29 pm
Amazing record for Kris Medlen.
Can he pitch tomorrow?
JAFO
September 14th, 2012
10:30 pm
Count- gotta move him up. No question.
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
10:30 pm
well maybe they’re saving all the runs for hanson tomorrow…..problem is so are the nationals
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
10:30 pm
say something original at least once in your life Mitchell, please??
Couch Tater
September 14th, 2012
10:30 pm
Fun ending guys. Prado got 3 of the 10 hits.(.300) and he’s batting .300.
toast
September 14th, 2012
10:31 pm
Hopefully that’s the end of Simmons batting 8th. Time to get him in the mixxo.
agreed. not sure this current lineup with break out if it ever does. clinch a spot and then maybe last 10 games tool with some changes. maybe simmons jumps up to second hole. move everybody down one starting with prado and chipper back down to 5th. simmons makes contact at least, this offense as is hasn’t clicked at all
duh
September 14th, 2012
10:31 pm
I was wondering about that, Chop Chop…it didn’t seem like his pitch count was that high, yet he is pulled…could’ve been big trouble if it went into extra innings and we’re forced to play Martinez, for instance.
Again, better lucky than good (in FG’s case)
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
10:32 pm
braves pitchers punched out 17. pretty awesome stuff.
there is your post season formula. medlen 7, top of the eighth to you mr. O’flarety and nintendo.
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
10:33 pm
Top Ten Things We Love About Tim Tebow on NFL Network.
Vomit.
toast
September 14th, 2012
10:33 pm
medlen starts wc game no questions ask. nuff of the braves way of doing things, huddy doesn’t get the ball that game. aint happening and rise or fall with young kris
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
10:34 pm
also encouraging was bourn….one hit and one lineout in 2 ab’s…….i know it’s not much but it was encouraging to see some at bats that didn’t end with strikeouts or popouts from him
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
10:35 pm
“I would rather people take us lightly,” catcher David Ross said before Friday’s series opener against Washington. “Philadelphia came in here last year and played us really good because they knew we were dangerous, and we didn’t play well and they swept us. Then the Cardinals beat them. They underestimated the Cardinals, in my opinion. I would love if a team underestimated us. So let’s just let this thing play out.” – david ross – oh really??? he fixed his mouth to say that !!
ncgary
September 14th, 2012
10:35 pm
yeah we could go with reed simmons 1 and 2 next year and save 23 to 27 million probably wont cost more than 15v or so losses
Veer
September 14th, 2012
10:35 pm
Simmons pumped up as if he just scored the winning run of the World Series
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
10:35 pm
oh and just so i know, who am i suppose to be rooting for in the cardinals, dodgers game
The A Bomb
September 14th, 2012
10:36 pm
ST LOUIS 2 FORT KNOX 0 BOT 2
The A Bomb
September 14th, 2012
10:37 pm
There is NO WAY you’d ever want to see Kershaw with the season on the line. I’ll take the Cards.
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
10:37 pm
Met 7, Brewers 2.
Vomit.
Fredo
September 14th, 2012
10:38 pm
“who am i suppose to be rooting for in the cardinals, dodgers game”
probably the Cards, them winning keeps the Phillies/Brewers at bay (you don’t want to face hot teams in a one game playoff)
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
10:38 pm
kelevra-
Probably doesn’t matter- either way, we gain a game on someone
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
10:39 pm
whoa whoa whoa whoa…..you mean teams ARE allowed to score against chris capuano…i really had know idea
SoWeGa Fanatic
September 14th, 2012
10:40 pm
Mitchell
September 14th, 2012
10:33 pm
Top Ten Things We Love About Tim Tebow on NFL Network.
Vomit.
*********************************
Jealous.
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
10:42 pm
great “seinfeld” episode follows the game tonight. “the kramer.”
the one at yankee stadium when kramer falls on the fiield.
duh
September 14th, 2012
10:43 pm
Word, “SoWeGa Fanatic” – he’s probably a Vick fan.
Veer
September 14th, 2012
10:43 pm
I think we should be rooting for the Dodgers because it is unlikely that they would have the time to have the rotation lined up for them to be starting Kershaw in the wildcard playoff. Kershaw probably pitches last reg season game or tie breaker game.
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
10:46 pm
josh hamilton is hitting .285 and has 41 HR 122 RBI’s for a first place team and the AL MVP is between miguel cabrera and mike trout when neither of their teams has a playoff spot right now? what am i missing?…………………………………..disclaimer Josh hamilton is my favorite player but the argument is still sound
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:46 pm
Dan Kolko @masnKolko
That’s a MUCH bigger win for the Braves than it is a loss for the #Nats. Atlanta needed it.
Nats beat writer…
Brave New World
September 14th, 2012
10:46 pm
Meds: 13 K’s; Kimbrel: strikes out side in ninth. AWESOME! GO BRAVES!
monty
September 14th, 2012
10:46 pm
Offensive break out,2 runs!!!!
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
10:47 pm
The Braves have won 20 consecutive games started by Medlen, the longest streak in the majors since the 2001 Yankees won 20 in a row by Roger Clemens.
Nerdville
September 14th, 2012
10:48 pm
Well, well, well. Uggla did nothing tonight, no surprise there. Offense again didn’t support the pitchers. Again no surprise. But now Prado, Simmons, Medlen and Kimbrel; those guys are baseball players.
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
10:49 pm
kelevra-
the best player is not always the one on a play off team. You can’t control how good your team mates are. Also, Trout (who, disclaimer, I love) is hitting .331/.397/.569 with 27 HR, 77 RBI, 41 SB, and 115 R – leads the league in average, stolen bases, and runs scored. Hard to question the MVP talk with him (clearly, the ROY is all but etched with his name already)
Ric Flair to Right
September 14th, 2012
10:49 pm
There is not a better pitcher in baseball right know than Medlen!
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
10:51 pm
The 8 strikeouts looking by Medlen were most in the majors this season and most for a Braves pitcher since Maddux had 8 in a game in 2000.
Frank Wren
September 14th, 2012
10:52 pm
After thinking as much as my pea sized brain is capable of, it is now time to shut down Medlen for the rest of the year. We are going to send him to Arizona to stretch some more.
MiaBchBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:52 pm
God bless Kris Medlen! If it’s any other Braves’ starter tonight, the Braves lose.
Sorry, nolie, I respect you and all, but you’re gonna be waiting a L-O-O-O-O-O-NG time if your think that young Mr. Medlen is gonna fall apart. The man is the real deal!
Fredo
September 14th, 2012
10:53 pm
“I think we should be rooting for the Dodgers because it is unlikely that they would have the time to have the rotation lined up for them to be starting Kershaw in the wildcard playoff”
he last pitched Tuesday, next scheduled to pitch on Sunday. If they don’t have any PPD games, injury forcing pitching changes, etc. he’ll then pitch: the 23rd and then again on the 30th. He likely won’t pitch in their final 3 games of the season against the Giants unless they manage to get closer to them in the standings but they doesn’t seem likely since that series is a little less than 3 weeks away and the Giants Magic Number is only 12.
So it would set up perfectly for them if they wanted to pitch him in the Playoff game since that game would be that Friday after the reg. season ends
Disgusted
September 14th, 2012
10:54 pm
The Braves are great — they are not BUMBS anymore.
One for the good guys.
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
10:55 pm
cabravesfan
oh yeah trout and cabrera are both monsters, especially trout as a teenager and missing the first month,wow and no disrespect to either of them….but every debate is between those two and im just wondering what i missing
usnavyvolfaninva
September 14th, 2012
10:55 pm
Yeah, F.P. Santangelo basically just called BALLGAME for the Nats the next two days; he said after the braves won that they’d be in trouble if they hadn’t won with K-Med on the mound.
MiaBchBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:56 pm
Sorry, Frank Wren, but even the GM is not THAT moronically stupid.
He’s just selectively retarded when it comes to hitting, hitting evaluation, and hitting procurement.
Disgusted
September 14th, 2012
10:56 pm
Medlen and Minor is the future of this rotation & don’t be surprised if they keep Hudson after next yrs option yr.
I won’t be surprised if Hudson can pitch till he is 42 and still be not far from the level he is at now.
His first chioce would be here & if the Braves do not disrespect him I can see keeing him around for a decent deal.
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
10:57 pm
oh and hamilton has 42 HR not 41 and 123 RBI’s not 122
Lee in S GA
September 14th, 2012
10:57 pm
It it had been the other so call young pitchers of the future for the Braves pitching like Kris many would not shut up on here…but it is Medlen and many look like I always knew…they know no more than the average person about baseball…
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
10:58 pm
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
10:46 pm
Dan Kolko @masnKolko
That’s a MUCH bigger win for the Braves than it is a loss for the #Nats. Atlanta needed it.
Nats beat writer…
told ya ! sinister !
Disgusted
September 14th, 2012
11:00 pm
“There is NO WAY you’d ever want to see Kershaw with the season on the line. I’ll take the Cards”
A-Bomb — You might be right but I hate rooting for the Cards to win a game after last yr. I want the Cards to lose every game possible – I hate em more than any team in MLB now.
the Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 14th, 2012
11:00 pm
Nice win for the BRAVES tonight. This really was a game they could not afford to let slip away……and they didn’t. They pretty much have DETWILER’s #, and E.JACKSON’s too. Let’s double up guys because GIO GONZALEZ is tough to beat.
Disgusted
September 14th, 2012
11:01 pm
Uggla > Josh Hamilton
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:01 pm
but we did make a error to give them a game earlier, so we are even and its on from saturday to sunday..
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
11:03 pm
kelevra-
Trout actually just turned 21, but yeah, he’s putting up those numbers while missing the first month…but you know how “experts” get
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:03 pm
not sure where I seriously said he was gonna fall apart MBBF, though I made what I thought were a couple of very obvious jokes about it.
I thought he was more valuable in the pen, I was mistaken and have admitted it several times. I never said he would not be a decent starter.
MVPrado14
September 14th, 2012
11:03 pm
Cards or Dodgers, doesn’t really matter which one until the Braves start playing like a playoff team. And it’s been a while now …
Fredo
September 14th, 2012
11:03 pm
…. well i did quick math and I think I shorted him a start; if I looked at it right this time around he could get 4 more starts (the 16th, 22nd, the 28th, and then the 3rd). So with the division a long shot still, they might do something different with his last start. Of course this also implies that they’re set in the Wild Card, they could easily be trailing/barely leading and him starting could be the difference between them getting in or staying home. So who knows, if the Braves get in they might not know anything about their opponent/pitcher until the regular season is done
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
11:06 pm
Braves pitchers had a season-high 17 strikeouts, also a season-high for Nationals batters
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:08 pm
i do think whatever happens the rest of the way, wren will blow this team up after the season. poor terry got blamed for the hitters. then the guy last year got fired. and now the new guys. folks its not the coaches. most of these guys cant hit and you cant argue with that. i dont thing mccann, prado, bourn, ross and maybe freeman are back. i would say uggla but who wants him ??? maybe the diamondbacks.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:08 pm
season high for the gNats huh? Wow, we really dominated them suckers tonight….
MiaBchBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
11:09 pm
If by some miracle the Braves win the next two, they don’t need a cleanup hitter…
They need lithium and klonopin.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:09 pm
think….
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
11:09 pm
wow the angels have 9 right handed or switch hitting every day starters (including the DH)…..maybe we can trade them a few of our lefties for a few of their righties
brian
September 14th, 2012
11:09 pm
+1 to Mr. Flair at 10:49
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:09 pm
i do think whatever happens the rest of the way, wren will blow this team up after the season…Boo
how can you blow up one of the two or three youngest teams in baseball that has a winning record?
Veer
September 14th, 2012
11:11 pm
Either just hit homerun to save the Dodgers season
brian
September 14th, 2012
11:11 pm
kelevra – I think the Angel most likely to be a Brave is Bourjos. Haren would also be an interesting addition
MVPrado14
September 14th, 2012
11:15 pm
“how can you blow up one of the two or three youngest teams in baseball that has a winning record?”
There’s the rub – they are good enough to have a winning record but nowhere near good enough to be a real threat in the postseason
And it’s why we’ll be stuck with Fredi for another season because Wren won’t fire him after he “guides” his team to that one-game playoff.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:15 pm
If all we get is Bourjos we are in a world of hurt
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:18 pm
i read an article that said the braves were looking a justin upton before spring training started. well his brother b.j is a FA at the end of the year and if we could get his brother justin from the diamondbacks, we would have a outfield of the upton brothers and heyward. you talk about fast and powerful. scary !!!!!! heyward could hit 30+, justin 30+ and little brother 20+. now tell me that aint scary !
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
11:18 pm
brian mccann, juan fransisco and a pitching prospect for trumbo….anyone….anyone
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:18 pm
no way to say how good they will become as young as they are. those three stalwarts should improve a bit again next season.
we need a real proven dependable RHed hitter with some pop and a decent OBP. Get that and get any improvement at all from H/F/S and some health in the pitching and they could easily be noticeably better.
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
11:19 pm
what is the love affair around here for lh janish type outfielder (bourjos) ?
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
11:20 pm
My theory on who (or, more properly, what) to root for now is (in the unlikely event the Nats do not fold and the Braves dance on their bloody corpses as we march into first) is a multi-way tie for the 2nd wild card so all the best pitchers have to be used over and over in a never ending cycle of play-in games…
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:21 pm
BJ Upton sukks, he is a bumb who has never come close to living up to his potential.
Having said that,from years of experience watching him in Tampa, it would not surprise me too much if he ends up a Brave.
If he does, you will prolly not end up as a happy camper.
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
11:21 pm
kelevra, in a heartbeat, but trumbo is almost untouchable.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:22 pm
i didnt include freeman and heyward in the blow up. when your hitters dont improve between 3 hitting coaches, you have to get better talent here to not gamble next year wthout any changes. you see how dangerous they are to not making it.
the Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 14th, 2012
11:22 pm
I always measure BRAVES pitching against the club’s gold standard…….MADDUX’s 1997 trilogy of starts between June 26 and July 22……..90, 84, and 76 pitch complete games. I mean……
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:23 pm
there is NOT gonna be a blow-up. One major addition, one decent one maybe and a few pen/bench changes.most of the team will be back again I betcha
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:25 pm
ah, b.j has 21 homeruns and bourn has 10….
Half Empty
September 14th, 2012
11:26 pm
Yes. All the starting position players will be back except probably Bourn, and most of the starters and the big pen guys too
brian
September 14th, 2012
11:26 pm
Trumbo would be great but the Angels knew his potential and thus referred to trade him this past offseason
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:27 pm
so what? who cares about how many homers the guy has? most everybody in Tampa hates him
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:28 pm
if b.j plays on a team with his brother, i betcha he would be a better player. you have got to know thoseto brothers have dreamed about playing together their whole life….
the Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 14th, 2012
11:28 pm
98.6………”cool, and deliberate”……..PHAROAH’S ARMY
brian
September 14th, 2012
11:28 pm
nolie – the only hope would be that BJ would be happy and reach his potential. If he does not cost too much he is an option. Just not a leadoff hitter. Now if BJ could convince his brother to force a trade to the Braves as well…….., I could definitely go for an OF of Upton, Upton, Heyward!!
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
11:29 pm
bas, somewhere Efrrim (by the way i do not think he watches the games) is walking around mumbling,
high floor low ceiling.
he does not miss bats.
brian
September 14th, 2012
11:29 pm
Bourjos would be great for the Braves if he came with Dan Haren
Veer
September 14th, 2012
11:29 pm
If Kershaw were to go on regular schedule without Dodgers skipping any start then his last game of the season would be game 162 vs the Giants so should the Dodgers advance we wouldn’t be facing Kershaw.
If the Dodgers opt to use dayoffs and keep Kershaw on a regular 4 off day b/w start schedule then his last game of the season would be game 160 vs Giants on Monday. This would mean he can start aganist the Braves on a 3 day rest on Oct 5th. This is what we absoutely have to avoid.
Now the Dodgers can choose to have Kershaw pitch with only 3 days rest. Assuming he pitches 1 start with 3 days rest then it would give him a 4 day break and most likely pitch Oct 5th.
If Dodgers choose to go with Kershaw on 3 days rest for 2 starts this season then his last regular season game would be Saturday vs Rockies. This would mean 6 rest days until Oct 5th. Can he be used in a tie breaker game on Thursday vs Cardinals? For this he would have 5 days rest so YES Kershaw vs Cardinals Game 163
If the Dodgers make it to the wildcard without their being a game 163 then we are finished on Oct 5th. I am not sure if we should be rooting for the Dodgers or not. Cardinals can beat you in so many ways but Kershaw is GOD. You can’t beat God. As long as we don’t face Kershaw Dodgers are an easier oponenent but from the above scenario it looks as if Kershaw is lined up perfectly to make a start vs us barring a game 163
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:30 pm
Trumbo would be great if he could ever get some plate discipline and up that OBP
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:32 pm
ok im going to save post about the blow up and see who will be right doing the winter meetings. i will paste it and we will see…
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:32 pm
BJ has all the tools, but is a fairly crappy defender anymore too. Guy has been a big disappointment ever since ‘08 or so
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
11:33 pm
Jon Morosi @jonmorosi
I’m staying up late on a September Friday to watch the Orioles and A’s. Never expected to say that – which is why this sport is so great.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:33 pm
define what you mean by blow-up. i defined what I meant
the truth...
September 14th, 2012
11:34 pm
Let’s talk about Simmons…..since he has been back what’s he up to?
9-10 first night back…grounded into a double play and the only run we scored came across the plate
9-11 second night back …two hits of the four Braves hits…… no runs Braves shutout
9-14 Tonight ….two for three….one rbi on sac fly scored the other run…
Does anyone doubt that this guy is lightening…..? He makes things happen offensively while being incredible in the field…
I ‘m for moving him up in the lineup where he’ll have a better chance to drive in runs….
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:34 pm
brian
September 14th, 2012
11:28 pm
nolie – the only hope would be that BJ would be happy and reach his potential. If he does not cost too much he is an option. Just not a leadoff hitter. Now if BJ could convince his brother to force a trade to the Braves as well…….., I could definitely go for an OF of Upton, Upton, Heyward!!
hello ???? thank you !!!
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
11:35 pm
I wouldn’t touch BJ Upton with a 10 foot pole….
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:37 pm
yes or no on return:
Mac
Freeman
Uggla
Simmons
Prado
Heyward
Meds
Huddy
Minor
Hanson
Maholm
Kimbrel
EOF
Venters
Delgado
Teheran
Moylan
old man
September 14th, 2012
11:44 pm
Mac NO
Freeman YES
Uggla NO
Simmons YES
Prado YES
Heyward YES
Meds YES
Huddy MAYBE
Minor YES
Hanson NO
Maholm YES
Kimbrel YES
EOF YES
Venters NO
Delgado YES
Teheran YES
Moylan YES
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
11:44 pm
In no particular order: yes, no, yes, yes, yes, yes, no, yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, no, and however many more yeses get me there…
uga-brave
September 14th, 2012
11:44 pm
DOB, here is a nice headline for the ole blog tmmrw.
”kris medlen and mike minor now have the two lowest WHIP’s in the starting rotation.
time to look at minor’s peripheral’s
161 ip’s and 141 hits. 132 k’s.
in a three game series he is the third starter.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:45 pm
i defined what i wanted to say too…
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:46 pm
hey jeffery d, where are you man ?????
David O'Brien
September 14th, 2012
11:47 pm
Bravos quotage from the clubhouse
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/09/14/braves-quotes-after-fridays-win-against-nationals/
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 14th, 2012
11:49 pm
Chipper Jones @RealCJ10
13 punchies by Med? Unbelievable! Huge win for us tonite. Played good in all 3 facets. Playoff type feel at the Ted. Lets go Braves Country!
Good night folks. Peace.
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
11:50 pm
Honey Goober Person – So, your definition is Heyward, maybe Freeman remain – you did not mention pitchers, so can we assume they are all back or all gone?…
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
11:50 pm
theonlybravesfan
and im sure he would appreciate it if you wouldn’t……would be tough to explain
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:51 pm
old man
September 14th, 2012
11:44 pm
Mac NO
Freeman YES
Uggla NO
Simmons YES
Prado YES
Heyward YES
Meds YES
Huddy MAYBE
Minor YES
Hanson NO
Maholm YES
Kimbrel YES
EOF YES
Venters NO
Delgado YES
Teheran YES
Moylan YES
i agree except, maholm
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:53 pm
Mac will be prolly back as will Huddy. Very unlikely that they do not pick up those options, old man.
Venters might go since he becomes arb eligible, and EOF might go in the right deal since he becomes pretty pricey for a non-closer.
One of the kid pitchers likely goes in a trade for an Ofer or third baseman..
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:53 pm
if i didnt mention them, then i think they should stay, VD catchable person…
John Leonard
September 14th, 2012
11:54 pm
Old Man: Huddy yes,Moylan,see in Spring.
nolie
September 14th, 2012
11:55 pm
you defined nothing, you just said blow up.
and if you think that Uggs is gone next season you are dreaming. he Mac and Huddy will all be back
Venice Jim
September 14th, 2012
11:56 pm
This was posted 2 batters into the game – maybe this guy needs to learn about extremely small sample size…
Whoa Meds!
September 14th, 2012
7:42 pm
What a day for Medlen to be less than sharp. Hanging pitches, not finding the strike zone, behind in counts. That aint Medlen. Pair that with no offense and this could get ugly.
Hope he can settle down before any damage is done.
Veer
September 14th, 2012
11:56 pm
If it were up to DOB his headline for tomorrow would be ” How I ate 2500 carlorie Butter burger”
He is forced to come up with Braves headlines but his real passion lies in eating high carlorie junk foods.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:57 pm
didnt i say know one would want uggla ???! i know for a fact i did….
kelevra
September 14th, 2012
11:57 pm
nolie
hudson and uggs i agree with you….but for some reason i see them trading mccann while his value isnt to far removed from it’s peek for a right handed catcher….
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:58 pm
no one….
cabravesfan
September 14th, 2012
11:58 pm
didnt i say know one would want uggla ???! i know for a fact i did….
Sooo…3 or 4 people is everyone?
John Leonard
September 14th, 2012
11:58 pm
Other than the young players,Huddy is the best deal money wise we have.Not an ace anymore,but would have 15 wins this year with any offense.
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
12:00 am
anybody else just catch that segment on the MLB network? just called medlen the best pitcher in baseball.
hard to argue lately. real hard to argue against it at all.
they ran the entire sequence of all the K’s.
it was charlie ‘oBrien like.
pretty only a handful remember him, but it was the same
he and ross were in a rocking chair. everything ross called and where the target was nailed.
hung one pitch.
nolie
September 15th, 2012
12:00 am
so you still have not said what you mean by blowup. how many starters are going?
If you just mean pen and bench, that is not a blow up. they change a fair amount most seasons
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:00 am
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 14th, 2012
11:08 pm
i do think whatever happens the rest of the way, wren will blow this team up after the season. poor terry got blamed for the hitters. then the guy last year got fired. and now the new guys. folks its not the coaches. most of these guys cant hit and you cant argue with that. i dont thing mccann, prado, bourn, ross and maybe freeman are back. i would say uggla but who wants him ??? maybe the diamondbacks.
and there it is…………………….
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:01 am
VD catchable person…
Well, Honey Boo Boo might need to join Mixxo in Bozoland, if you find responding to a respectable question (which does make fun of the horrifyingly disturbing TV show you watch day and night) bad enough to wish horrible diseases on fellow bloggers – I will assume you are just drunk and stupid, and not turn you in for your boorishness and ghoulishness…
nolie
September 15th, 2012
12:01 am
they might sign the option and trade Mac, but I’m just not seeing it, we have nobody even close to replacing him
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:02 am
Too BooBooish to understand what blow up means, obviously…
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:03 am
i think i was talking about hitters and not pitchers. i should have said blow up hitters, is that better ??!!
nolie
September 15th, 2012
12:05 am
i dont thing mccann, prado, bourn, ross and maybe freeman are back.
ok that is a definition. a crazy one, but a definition. dumping Ross is not anything like a blowup and we all know they are not gonna pay for Bourn most likely. no way in hell is Prado or Freeman going anywhere, and McCann is possible but highly unlikely.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:06 am
i like that show ! that little girl is adorable! dont accuse me of making fun of people. you dont know whats in my heart !!
cabravesfan
September 15th, 2012
12:06 am
So, Here Comes Honey Boo Boo wants to dump both our catchers (leaving us with JC Boscan as the starter), our most consistent player (that can play 5 positions), and our 23 year old gold glove caliber starting 1st baseman. Sounds like a good idea…
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:06 am
Coming attraction on Baseball Tonight:
Pitching Duel in D.C.
Nationals vs. Braves goes down to the wire…
John Leonard
September 15th, 2012
12:08 am
Uga: Yes,on MLB tonight,but that was Wild Thing Mitch(Can’t find home plate)Williams,but I agree.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:08 am
VJ -some bloggers on here havent gotton along with you at times on here. stop fronting.
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:08 am
I cannot imagine how thoughtless it was of me to misjudge your heart after wishing VD upon me – you are a paragon of all that we wish our fellow humans could be…
David O'Brien
September 15th, 2012
12:09 am
Updated game story
Braves pitchers total 17 strikeouts in 2-1 walk-off win against Nats
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/09/14/walk-off-error-gives-braves-2-1-win-over-nationals/
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:10 am
cabravesfan – back at you, hon-ey !!
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
12:11 am
who or what the fudge is homey boo boo?
west coast thing.
hyponic
September 15th, 2012
12:12 am
I still think it is hitting coach or the fact that the MLB players think they are too good for a hitting coach to help.. They should hire Tommy Gregg, hitting coach for AAA KC, to bring then out next year. He is a guy that really understands the swing and as a player was successful… Bring in Tommy.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:12 am
i recall you insulted me first. if you gonna come, come correct !
cabravesfan
September 15th, 2012
12:12 am
uga-brave-
Actually, it’s a Southern thing. The family is from rural Georgia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Here_Comes_Honey_Boo_Boo
cabravesfan
September 15th, 2012
12:13 am
Why exactly did I get an eye roll??
cabravesfan
September 15th, 2012
12:13 am
Meds getting some love on Baseball Tonight
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:13 am
how in the hell i wished VD on you ! you insulted me and i guess i didnt have a right to up you one !
abeeeewright
September 15th, 2012
12:14 am
I don’t know what to think about the 20 consecutive win (by team) in starts streak. At some level, it seems a little made up. Then again, when the only guys ahead of you have names like Lefty Grove, you might be doing something kind of special.
cabravesfan
September 15th, 2012
12:15 am
Is “goober” an offensive term?
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:16 am
i read these blogs everyday and i have seen you have a run in with quite a few on here….
David O'Brien
September 15th, 2012
12:18 am
DOB
did AJC make a change to their website recently? it seems to be running really slow lately? — kelevra
Yes, and I’m having same issues.
kenhotlanta
September 15th, 2012
12:19 am
We had a great win tonight in a playoff atmosphere and I come on here and y’all are talking about blowing up the team??? WTF? Shouldn’t we be celebrating, at least a little….we deserve it, after all. And praise the gods for Kris Medlen.
cabravesfan
September 15th, 2012
12:19 am
kenhotlanta-
You would think…
cabravesfan
September 15th, 2012
12:23 am
I’m off to bed. Y’all have a nice late night and weekend
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
12:23 am
BAS, if you ever travel south, please tell me. i may not transcend well late at night.
but we have the same warped sense of humor. plus i have really good hooks at almost every decent golf course in atlanta except Peachtree.
two hundred and fifty members there and not one under 60.
they played the walker 1989 walker cup there.
franklin langham a georgia friend was on that team with Lefty.
NorCal Brave
September 15th, 2012
12:23 am
A game closer to the wild card, but no sign of breaking out of the RISP slump. And some of that terrible average includes runners thrown at home and held at third.
kenhotlanta
September 15th, 2012
12:24 am
cab: For real. And props to you for calling it.
abeeeewright
September 15th, 2012
12:25 am
“y’all are talking about blowing up the team”
One dude and his alter egos doesn’t qualify as a “y’all.”
kelevra
September 15th, 2012
12:26 am
an absolutely realistic trade that (shocker) improves all three teams
RAYS get – mccann (need help at catcher and offense)
BLUE JAYS get – young pitchers from rays (blue jays need young pitching and the rays have it in droves)
BRAVES get – jp arencibia (jays top prospect is a catcher and are said to be looking to move him for pitching)
John Leonard
September 15th, 2012
12:26 am
Kenhotatanta:And the scout who spotted him.
DS1
September 15th, 2012
12:28 am
Did anyone call it yet?
SWEEP!
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
12:28 am
eyeroll,
love it.
kelevra
September 15th, 2012
12:29 am
DOB
appreciate it
Half Empty
September 15th, 2012
12:29 am
The thing is, that if Bourn does not come back it won’t be because they want to blow him up, it will be because he wants more than they are willing to pay. At the right price I am sure they would gladly bring him back.
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:29 am
Poor little Boo Boo, very sensitive – I only have run-ins with morons and/or malcontents – if that is the company you wish to keep, that is up to you – but I did not put you there, you asked to be placed with those fine people…
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:29 am
“dollar bill makes me holler”
DS1
September 15th, 2012
12:30 am
Did anyone notice that all 3 of our pitchers tonight have ERA’s under 2……..
How many nights does that happen?
Oh offense, where art thou?
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
12:30 am
cab,
straight up good luck trojans.
i love people that have passion for college football.
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:31 am
Washington Post, Adam Kilgore –
The Washington Nationals and Atlanta Braves may well meet again next month, with the stakes higher, the pressure thicker and the air colder. For those who have not watched a team from Washington in a playoff baseball game in 79 years, Friday night offered a preview. The starting pitchers dueled, the managers played chess and 41,797 tomahawk-chopping souls jammed into Turner Field. The calendar said September. The field screamed October.
The Nationals will remain in firm control of the National League East no matter what transpires this weekend. But the Braves’ walk-off, 2-1 victory Friday night still gave the Nationals something to think about, even before Andrelton Simmons slid home and shortstop Ian Desmond’s wayward, desperate throw home bounded to the backstop.
DS1
September 15th, 2012
12:31 am
VJ
Must be something about your personality???
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
12:32 am
so bunny hoo hoo is from utah?.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:32 am
that not true, you have went off on some nicer bloggers, but whatever ! im taking up for myself and i will continue to do so.
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:33 am
The Braves may not have gotten back into the race, but they sent a message. The Nationals feel prepared to respond.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:33 am
from ellenwood, ga…
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:35 am
you have went off on some nicer bloggers
True, I have gone off on people you would like like Lentz and Chris from up north…
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:36 am
The things I will do to build up my stats…
nolie
September 15th, 2012
12:37 am
you think they are gonna trade McCann for a 26 year old prospect who has hit
221 .274 .437 .711 88 OPS+ in a year and a half of big league games?
I just do not see that happening at all.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:37 am
whatever man. what the hell ever……
nolie
September 15th, 2012
12:40 am
I have no idea what a Honey Boo Boo is. whenever I see Boo as a name I think of that old song Me and You and a Dog Named Boo
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:41 am
I guess it’s time to disblog – much more challenging debating Yogi than Boo Boo…
nolie
September 15th, 2012
12:41 am
not calling you a dog, Boo. Just reminiscing
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:42 am
even Huckleberry…or Quick Draw…
Lee in S GA
September 15th, 2012
12:43 am
straight up good luck trojans.
———————————
I got passion too…screw USC …you really want that team to replace an SEC team as a national champion…go Cardinals
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:43 am
Hard to pick between Pixie & Dixie and Mr. Jinx…
kenhotlanta
September 15th, 2012
12:44 am
nolie, that was a terrible song, but it’s a hundred times better than Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, the TV show or the and idiot posting on here.
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:44 am
screw USC
Pleasant little fellow there…glad I am leaving and do not have to read further rantings of more malcontents…
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
12:45 am
kinda somewhat lucky davey brought them all in.
usually in that situation (nolie tell me i am wrong) bring in the corners and ss and 2nd play normal depth, for the twin killing.
it was a routine double play.
nolie
September 15th, 2012
12:46 am
shucks ken, I kinda liked it…
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:46 am
i could have chosen my words better about the blow up. i agree.
kelevra
September 15th, 2012
12:46 am
nolie
obviously the chance it doesn’t happen is always greater than the chance it does but a cheaper right handed catcher with good power and above average potential is definetly something i can see the braves doing ….also saltalamachia is a guy i can see us going after
Lee in S GA
September 15th, 2012
12:47 am
Pleasant little fellow there…glad I am leaving and do not have to read further rantings of more malcontents…
————————-
yea ur one of my favorites too
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
12:48 am
kenhotlanta – then your family must be full of them !
nolie
September 15th, 2012
12:50 am
Salty is still an 89OPS+ hitter too. Tailed off a lot this season after a strong start. I just don’t think either of those guys are what they would try to replace Mac with, and I have no desire to watch another career 230 hitter please….
cabravesfan
September 15th, 2012
12:51 am
I guess Lee is a Louisville fan?
Capt.Mudd
September 15th, 2012
12:51 am
Travelling and living off the land…..yeah, that’s how we do it
DS1
September 15th, 2012
12:52 am
nolie
I think of “Boo Radley” (sp)
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
12:53 am
the boys on baseball tonight are comparing medlen to strasburg.
scoots just moved, tennpaul just shivered, and efrim just quivered.
funny part is the guy getting the credit is our GM whose sweet hair and brain is under the influence of CONSORT.
nolie
September 15th, 2012
12:54 am
I agree that they might try to trade Mac, though I think a deal is unlikely, but I think they would want a lot more than that. I think he’ll be back next year, after that he might be gone unless he has a good season and agrees to a home discount…which he might do. never can tell fur shur of course
Capt.Mudd
September 15th, 2012
12:54 am
@Here Comes Honey Bobo……….Can I be your friend?
DS1
September 15th, 2012
12:55 am
nolie
Not sure where all the trade McCann talk has come from, but short of a major surgery (and probably then anyway), his option will be picked up. He and Heyward are the new faces of the Braves with Chipper leaving.
I’d be totally shocked if the Braves dealt Mac or refuse to pick up his option.
Just idgits suggesting, I’d think.
nolie
September 15th, 2012
12:55 am
your Boo is much classier than mine is Wayne
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
12:55 am
vj, mr. jinx was a cat in meet the fockers.
nolie
September 15th, 2012
12:57 am
hey, who you callin’ a Focker, focker???
Capt.Mudd
September 15th, 2012
12:58 am
@Honey Honey…[forget the boo, boo]……..are you a love machine? Oh you make me dizzy, Honey, Honey………boo, boo,boo, boo, boo….ya, ya,ya…….boo…..ABBA 1975.
nolie
September 15th, 2012
1:00 am
ABBA? Really?
DS1
September 15th, 2012
1:01 am
Over half the WS winners in the past dozen or so years have NOT been the best team in the majors or even in their respective leagues. Sometimes the best teams (or top 3-4) wins.
But over half the times in recent history it is the team that gets hot down the stretch and continues thru the playoffs. Kinda like our 19-5 run from July 18th on past mid August when we were pitching well and hitting a ton.
So what he’s sayin is “there IS a chance” for the Braves…….
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
1:02 am
nolie
September 15th, 2012
12:55 am
your Boo is much classier than mine is Wayne
kelevra
September 15th, 2012
1:02 am
DS1
most “faces of the franchise” dont bat 7th or 8th in your lineup in their 8th year in the league…….he’s a DH in waiting
DS1
September 15th, 2012
1:03 am
nolie
Hey, I’m just a classy guy! (don’t believe me, ask VJ and cab)
I’m so cool, when you stand near me your iced tea that your holding in your hand frosts over!
nolie
September 15th, 2012
1:04 am
once you get there, there is always a chance. see Pirates/Yanks series in ‘60 too
DS1
September 15th, 2012
1:04 am
kelevra
Now, I didn’t say anything about 2014 with Mac. He’s gotta get back his hitting stroke or get healthy for things not to change drastically then. (or see his potential salary decrease in his later years)
I’m just saying that for 2013, he is not going anywhere.
kenhotlanta
September 15th, 2012
1:07 am
There was an afternoon TV show for the kids in the ATL in the 50’s called and hosted by “Miss Boo”. It came on right before Howdy Doody, and then it was the Officer Don Clubhouse live in ATL.
The only other person that might remember that would be Journalist Jimmy Smith, and I don’t think he reads the blog anymore.
Useless trivia, kinda like Honey Boo Boo.
JulioHChristo formerly JesusHChristo
September 15th, 2012
1:08 am
I was at the game tonight – right next to Gnats dugout and good ole Jason Werth sure cracked tonight, on the crowd. He walked off the field baby stepping; he was Literally the last person off the field (including staff, security etc) and when he reached the dugout I watched him “get into it” with some fans in the stands. Coaches had to pull him away…hahaha – Douche.
kelevra
September 15th, 2012
1:09 am
DS1
could be right…..this offseason will fun to follow either way
nolie
September 15th, 2012
1:09 am
that’s a bit harsh Kel. It’s not like that has been a usual thing. Anybody can have a terrible season, Chipper hit 249 FCS, but Mac’s problem could mostly be injury related.
We’ll hafta see what he does next season.
Capt.Mudd
September 15th, 2012
1:10 am
Stand Back….stand back; give me Steam——Peter Gabriel. Good Nite!
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
1:11 am
nolie, efrim wants no part of #24.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
1:12 am
you just cant help yourself, can you ???? hide behind your screen, but i bet you if we meet face to face, the out come wouldnt be pretty….. for you !!
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
1:14 am
those day guys have their opinions.
medlen, hudson, minor.
polished. for the super genius efrrim.
nolie
September 15th, 2012
1:16 am
I’m outta here b4 it becomes physical.
I’m too old to rock and roll (anymore)….
but too young to die…(I hope anyway)
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
1:18 am
im not buying it nolie !, i bet you can still throw down !
nolie
September 15th, 2012
1:19 am
I don’t want #24 for what he is likely to want either Uga. at a decent price I’ll be glad to take him.
kenhotlanta
September 15th, 2012
1:21 am
If the 1:12 was meant for me, get over yourself. I was talking about the TV show; I don’t know you and haven’t had any conversations with you.
For the rest of you, I have another relative funeral tomorrow, the fourth one this year. That’s almost more than a family can take.
Good night, good folks.
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
1:21 am
Efrim i watched your countdown last season.
this to win this. this % not to make the playoffs.
dude you were at least historic. but it was annoying.
everyday you bitch about polished.
the dude is probably the second best starter on the staff now.
aint gonna happen here for BMFT.
Lane Kiffin
September 15th, 2012
1:25 am
VJ is the most pompous person on this blog. He is always trying to belittle someone. He is a sad old man trying to impress his young girlfriend.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
1:25 am
then i applogize. i feel bad.
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
1:26 am
nolie, at some point the braves will have to draw the line.
who they want and who not.
DS1
September 15th, 2012
1:28 am
uga
“who they want and who not”
Don’t they sort of do that every winter anyway?
David O'Brien
September 15th, 2012
1:29 am
uga-brave: I agree with you on Minor. If you have chance to line up the rotation for a playoff series, I’d have Minor in my first three, after Medlen and Hudson.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo
September 15th, 2012
1:29 am
apologize – darn !
DS1
September 15th, 2012
1:33 am
Saw Minor pitch in SF 3 weeks back. He seems to be going after hitters and trusting his stuff.
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
1:48 am
pull for the cards.
would much rather face wainwright then the lh’s .
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
1:49 am
no way we want to see kershaw or hammels.
DS1
September 15th, 2012
1:49 am
In Minor’s last 10 starts, he has a 3-4 record with a 2.43 ERA. He should have been at a minimum 6-3 in that period of time.
DS1
September 15th, 2012
1:51 am
Plus, I definitely WANT to see us mop up the Cardinals in the one game play in after last year’s collapse.
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
1:51 am
dob, it would be medlen in a one game thing right?
even huddy would get that right?
DS1
September 15th, 2012
1:56 am
And in their last 10 starts, Huddy is 6-2 with a 3.61 ERA and Hanson is 3-3 with a 5.57 ERA.
Just goes to show who’s getting the run support.
And of course Medlen is 7-0 with an 0.82 ERA………
Maholm is 3-4 with a 4.28 since joining the Braves.
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
1:57 am
medlen, hudson, minor.
if we get lucky enough.
DS1
September 15th, 2012
1:59 am
Any word on how Sheets felt after his simulated innings earlier this week?
DOB
Any thoughts of giving him another start or two?
If we end up getting into the playoffs, I could foresee the Braves using Hanson in the playoffs as a right handed specialist out of the pen. Come in and get out some tough right handers maybe?
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
1:59 am
no way any saw this medlen thing. no way.
he is almost in that pedro category.
DS1
September 15th, 2012
2:00 am
uga
Obviously, that’d be the first 3 guys if you could set it up that way.
But who’d go 4th for you? Maholm? Sheets? Hanson? Or have all 3 of them ready?
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
2:02 am
three man roatation wayne, with maholm as the fourth guy.
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
2:05 am
wayne we will find about hanson tmmrw.
my immediate take is he struggles against left handed hitters.
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
2:09 am
pitch count or not, just dont see a pitch that hanson gets out left handers.
he does not have anything that works away from left handed hitters.
his best pitch now is a 9 to 6 curve ball.
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
2:11 am
should say 12 to 6 curveball.
uga-brave
September 15th, 2012
2:16 am
ben sheets, medlen, and mike minor.
cant hit a damn but those three have pitched better then anyone would of expected.
DS1
September 15th, 2012
2:22 am
I’ve just about got this playoff rotation figgered out. I’m backing folks up to see how it should fall for the rest of September. I’ll post when I’m done.
uga
I agree on the 3 man rotation with 4 days rest between starts. Use Maholm w/ Hanson or Sheets in the wings ready to go. If all playoffs go the distance, you’d only need a 4th starter 4 times in the 3 series. If you got lucky and could close off 1-2 series early, then that reduces the number of times Maholm/Hanson/Sheets has to pitch.
DS1
September 15th, 2012
2:27 am
We’re either going to have to throw in a sixth starter between now and the end of the season, or just go with some guys in a short start type tune up in the last week of the season to get them on schedule for the playoffs.
I really think if the team can play 500 plus ball between now and the last week, we’ll have the flexibility to set up the rotation to maximize the Medlen/Hudson/Minor rotation.
Now, all we need are for the bats to cooperate and for our pitchers arms to NOT fall off their shoulders.
DS1
September 15th, 2012
2:35 am
As the rotation is now, if we stay with the 5 man through the end of the season, we’d go with Minor for the 1 game play in and then start off with Hudson and Medlen in the following NLDS.
However they work it, we are going to have to pitch someone other than Medlen/Hudson/Minor in the NLDS 5 game series in the 4th game. (unless someone goes on short rest)
Don’t know why I am getting so worked up on this stuff right now. A lot can change in 2.5 weeks. (insomnia, maybe?)
DS1
September 15th, 2012
2:35 am
G-nite folks.
Bo Graves!!
nolie
September 15th, 2012
4:24 am
Hanson’s best pitch always was his curveball
Veer
September 15th, 2012
5:02 am
Thinking ahead about our playoff rotation.
Friday Oct 5th would be Medlen start
Sunday Game 1 Oct 7th would be a Hudson start
Monday Game 2 Oct 8th would be Minor start
Wednesday Game 3 Oct 9th Medlen ( 4 day rest)
Thursday Game 4 Oct 10th Hudson ( 3day rest) or Malholm
Friday Game 5 Oct 11th Hudson ( normal rest) or Minor
Mike MINOR might be pitching elimination game but I would think Malholm starts game 4 and Hudson goes game 5 on regular rest.
Unfourtante that Medlen will get to pitch only 1 game in the series.
John Leonard
September 15th, 2012
5:08 am
Veer: You pray for rain.
John Leonard
September 15th, 2012
5:12 am
They don’t seem to interested in Sheets,maybe they don’t like what they see?
John Leonard
September 15th, 2012
5:14 am
If they pull of a sweep,that gives them time to reset there rotation.
Couch Tater
September 15th, 2012
7:23 am
it would be medlen in a one game thing right?
uga – The brain sez Medlen, put your dough on Hudson. And, as far as that Georgia reality show, produced in Burbank, CA. Sell Discovery Holdings short.
Couch Tater
September 15th, 2012
7:37 am
uga – East Lake, next week. My goal used to be to hit it like Ernie or Freddie. Now, the goal is to hit it like a 15 y/o Korean girl.
MVPrado14
September 15th, 2012
8:04 am
Braves need to get their offense figured out before anyone needs to worry about setting up a postseason rotation. Cause if things don’t turn around in the next couple of weeks, they won’t need a postseason rotation.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 15th, 2012
8:15 am
uga-brave: I agree with you on Minor. If you have chance to line up the rotation for a playoff series, I’d have Minor in my first three, after Medlen and Hudson.
Agree. Look at the guys peripheral stats. Mike Minor has the 2nd best WHIP and H/9 of our rotation starters (Meds is #1). He also has the 3rd best K/9 (behind Tommy and Medlen).
Since July 1, Minor has the best ERA of our rotation, save Medlen (who of course wasn’t in the rotation on July 1). (2.39 for Minor, 0.75 for Meds). He also has the 2nd best oppo. batting average, behind Medlen.
Basically, if this guy isn’t starting in a playoff series (assuming we make it to the NLDS) and Maholm or Tommy do, that’s just wrong.
Jeff R
September 15th, 2012
8:42 am
Small ball and a throwing error put the Braves over the top last night in dramatic fashion. Another dominating game for Medlen and the bullpen.
So, who was posting late in the week that the Nats would sweep the Braves? Two games left in the Nats series, so no champagne yet.
Jeff R
September 15th, 2012
8:52 am
The Phillies are only three games off the Cards’ pace for the second wild card. Watch ‘em. I think the Phils a bigger threat to overtaking the Cards than are the Dodgers. And Braves’ fans don’t want to face any of the Phils big three pitchers in a one-game elimination.
CB
September 15th, 2012
8:56 am
Jeff R, but,but- we got Medlen!
Jeff R
September 15th, 2012
8:57 am
Thinking ahead about our playoff rotation.
Let’s let the Braves get there first. Very likely, but the one-game-at-a-time approach keeps the Braves’ eye on the prize.
Jeff R
September 15th, 2012
8:59 am
CB – We do have Medlen! Right now, I’ll stack him against any of the Phils’ big three. But it’s the Braves offense I worry about. Hamels versus anemic Braves’ hitters (if they’re still anemic by then) is sorta a stacked deck. We’ll see. Again, one game at a time.
phoenix
September 15th, 2012
9:00 am
So what’s up with the Braves organist? Word on Twitter is he got “shut down” last night. He’s one of the best things about a Braves game.
CB
September 15th, 2012
9:03 am
Jeff, no use worrying about Phillies or anybody else. You are correct,offense needs to get rolling.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 15th, 2012
9:03 am
phoenix: I dunno… he told me that he can’t say why, and that it had nothing to do with the Oblivion Cam thing they did yesterday. (They had something called an Oblivion Cam where they showed a LM exec and he played “Puttin on the Ritz”)
Jeff R
September 15th, 2012
9:05 am
CB, yes, indeed.
freebird56
September 15th, 2012
9:10 am
Its called fear!Some are playing for stats to get big free agent money.
Have they forgot how to play?No.Its just a game we play as kids!Some have talent to keep living a dream!So pull that dime out of your butts
& start batting like the dreams that got you here!
Jeff R
September 15th, 2012
9:14 am
Its called fear!Some are playing for stats to get big free agent money. Have they forgot how to play?No.Its just a game we play as kids!Some have talent to keep living a dream!So pull that dime out of your butts& start batting like the dreams that got you here!
You the Braves’ organist? Maybe that’s why you got shut down last night. Don’t be biting the hand that feeds you.
Lew
September 15th, 2012
9:24 am
Someone mentioned Hanson pitching out of the pen – not sure if that’s all that great an idea.
Hanson vs. 1st Batter faced – .231, .257, .500, .759 – 1 2B, 2 HR, 1BB, 7K (27 PA)
Vs. Hitter leading off an Inning – .261, .307, .510, .817 – 8 2B, 10HR, 10 BB, 43K (163PA)
Now Hanson has a fair average against him in these situations and a pretty low OBP, but the power numbers against him are not good. Not sure if you really want a reliever coming in and having such a high OPS against first hitters. The last thing you need is XBH off your relievers.
freebird56
September 15th, 2012
9:24 am
Fear is how they swing bats.Some on team are playing for big free agent
money,me laughing.Its just a game we all played as kids.Some had the talent to keep living the dream in the show.I”m jealous.Pull that dime from your butts & play the dream that got you to big show!Do I have to tell you the other choice?Braves are on your chest.Just play,no fear!
Lew
September 15th, 2012
9:26 am
Especially if you bring him in with runners on base as someone suggested (to get out tough RH hitters situationally).
abeeeewright
September 15th, 2012
9:30 am
Hope the Cards, Dodgers, and Phillies finish in a three way tie for the 2nd WC spot.
Jeff R
September 15th, 2012
9:31 am
I think if the Braves make and advance in the playoffs, Hanson will be out of the rotation and back-ended in the bullpen. Only way he pitches, I think, is if a Braves’ starter is blown out early.
A guess.
Jeff R
September 15th, 2012
9:33 am
Hope the Cards, Dodgers, and Phillies finish in a three way tie for the 2nd WC spot.
That would be very nice. But the Phillies are making an impressive run here. I think they could emerge from a tie situation as the second wild card. They’re getting pitching and hitting. Scary.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 15th, 2012
9:40 am
98.7
Shut the Front Door
September 15th, 2012
9:41 am
And if a frog had wings, he wdnt bump his arrrsse a hoppin—–love ur logic DoB….
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 15th, 2012
9:41 am
Jeff: You don’t think Hanson will be left off the roster? They likely will add another hitter, so would need to drop 1 pitcher. Thinking it’s between him and CMart.
Couch Tater
September 15th, 2012
9:42 am
Out of curiosity, I asked Sandy Alderson what AAA team would cost. He estimated $20 million-plus. – Adam Rubin, ESPN
Ted bought the Braves for $10 milion. Damn gas prices.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 15th, 2012
9:42 am
Oh no, not HANSON again. Seems like a week between MEDLEN starts, and 24-hours between TH’s!
Lew
September 15th, 2012
9:45 am
Ghost – Is life improving at all? How’s your Wife?
count_schemula
September 15th, 2012
9:49 am
I would start Hudson in the one game playoff. Then you keep Meds for the next round.
Just tell the offense, look, you need to think about scoring ~4+.
If the team can’t score that, then the train ends there.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 15th, 2012
9:50 am
Jeff R
September 15th, 2012
9:33 am
Hope the Cards, Dodgers, and Phillies finish in a three way tie for the 2nd WC spot.
That would be very nice. But the Phillies are making an impressive run here. I think they could emerge from a tie situation as the second wild card. They’re getting pitching and hitting. Scary.
Not where the BRAVES are concerned. Only three left against……whereas, nine more against the METS and FISH.
That’s where we make or break this season. And with yesterday’s win, we don’t need to run the table against……..only 8 of 9 to reach 90 wins and a playoff.
Of course, if we manage to survive HANSON and beat JACKSON AND GONZALEZ, we may just take the pennant. Anything short of that could spell disaster if we want the flag instead of the consolation prize.
Couch Tater
September 15th, 2012
9:50 am
On purchasing the Braves…
“I don’t want to shoot my mouth off a lot,” he says. “I’m going to keep a low profile.” – February 2, 1976, People Magazine
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 15th, 2012
9:56 am
Lew:
Stable at the moment due to the prednisone she started AGAIN three days back. But that of course is a panacea and not the solution. She can only be on that temporarily. Docs are taking their sweet time making a definative diagnosis before placing her on some type of drug therapy. Pretty apparant this is gene related. Not going to go away. Just hoping some quality of life returns long-term. Thanx for asking, but this looks more and more like something we’re just going to have to deal with permanently.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 15th, 2012
10:00 am
LEW:
Yard-work becons. I’m going to try and entice her out into her garden for a little of God’s therapy. Been a gorgous week here like VERMONT this time of year high 70’s, fair, dry air, lows nearing 40’s.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 15th, 2012
10:01 am
Later.
flange1
September 15th, 2012
10:09 am
We are all thinking of you and your lady Ghost!
Jeff R
September 15th, 2012
10:14 am
Jeff: You don’t think Hanson will be left off the roster? They likely will add another hitter, so would need to drop 1 pitcher. Thinking it’s between him and CMart.
Tough call, TheOnlyBravesFan. Doing so, management would have quite an unhappy starting pitcher on its hands. Would likely signal that Hanson is a short-termer as a Brave, unless management claims Hanson is having a physical problem.
Jeff R
September 15th, 2012
10:18 am
Ghost of Chipper Jones (aka, richbrave)…
I’m pretty confident the Braves secure the top spot in the wild card race. But, boy, the Phils are playing like a team-possessed right now. They’re looking like they can beat all comers. I hope they cool off.
If that addresses your point…
DiamondbackMac
September 15th, 2012
10:31 am
Here’s a nice quote from Medlen on FOXSports that I haven’t seen anywhere else.
“I sit there sometimes and kind of wonder, ‘How am I supposed to keep this up?’ ” Medlen said. “I just stop thinking like that and I simplify and I just take it that one pitch at one time. … I go out there and battle for that at-bat at that time and I think I can get you out. That’s kind of the thing that’s taken off for me this year. It’s kind of snowballed.”
cowdogit
September 15th, 2012
10:45 am
The braves starters are playing like each player is carrying around about ten pounds of intestinal fecal waste. To cure this each player should be required to have an enema applied before each game. I think this would be a good part time job for Nolie.
Disgusted
September 15th, 2012
10:45 am
I still like Number 24 but he has cost himself some real $$$$$$$$$ this off season.
Borass probably does not get him signed until February holding out that some dumb team will pay him Carl Crawford $$$$$$. Hopefully that is not going to happen.
If they cannot get a deal done in the peak of FA, then go after Angel Pagan for a reasonable 2 or 3 yr deal. $6 or 7 mil a yr should get it done for him. And there is some $$$$$$$ left over to spend elsewhere.
Disgusted
September 15th, 2012
10:51 am
“I sit there sometimes and kind of wonder, ‘How am I supposed to keep this up?’ ” Medlen said. “I just stop thinking like that and I simplify and I just take it that one pitch at one time. … I go out there and battle for that at-bat at that time and I think I can get you out. That’s kind of the thing that’s taken off for me this year. It’s kind of snowballed.”
That is interesting — the best part of Kris’ game is his mental makeup & that is taking him beyond his physical abilities. Not that his overall talent is not good, but his approach in flexibility to any role he is asked & the way he applied himself after comming back from the surgery, all he does is take the ball & pitch and believe in himself and his teammates.
And that is why we have a good young winner on our hands.
So much the antihtisis of a Jo Jo, Charlie Morton or some of the other so called “Baby Braves: who preceeded this group of players and let us down.
Jo Jo Reybumb was the biggest bust of a prospect pitcher we ever had. He really had that “it” according to his scouting reports and reports of his “stuff”. But had the pitching mindset of a wet noodle.
Same thing fo Kenshin Kawacomic — a collossal joke.
Hanson is develoing into another mental midget out there. I hope that BUMB is outta here this off season.
Capt.Mudd
September 15th, 2012
10:51 am
Thoughts going out to @kenhotlanta…..as he attends yet another family member’s funeral, God’s speed to him as this is his fourth such funeral this year.
Winning 8 of 9, the Phils….with Jimmy Rollins on a tear—this, IMO is the line-up with the best chance of figuring out Medlen’s change. As our season winds down, I see we have a series at PHI and, for me this will be a critical stretch…yes, probably the most telling, as these dates in Sept. let us see the truth in all the ‘collapse of 2012′ talk. It says here, there will not be collapse in 2012.
Moreover, regarding last (late) night’s posts….really, after a great win that was…(pun intended: WAS): the blog was jumping with some antagonist attacking some regular posters….folks just get too excited I mean; getting off on picking apart middle-aged men who are just supporting a baseball team? Very sad indeed….and sadder that middle age is the stop before old age or older person: whoa there, now I am attacking, no way I want to keep my license ‘to chill.’
In closing, man could they find a better reporter of regional college football coverage; I know it’s the content that I’m there for-but, Jenn Brown…..well, very hot indeed. ESPN does get it right there! Go Bravos and think RISP…..improvement.
Disgusted
September 15th, 2012
10:54 am
“The braves starters are playing like each player is carrying around about ten pounds of intestinal fecal waste. To cure this each player should be required to have an enema applied before each game.”
That is pretty funny — I left out the last sentence cause I stay away from personal words from here on end on other bloggers — just not worth it. But the Braves hitting with RISP is intestinal wase and the slump is going on too long.
Disgusted
September 15th, 2012
10:58 am
@Captain Mudd – I agree about the 10:51 post — & some of that antagonisim is not good manners.
The personal attackers do have a right to go after other posters if they choose that (to a point) but those who do so are just not representing themselves very well as I see it.
Go after performance — that is how I do it. Why go after people whom I do not know. Its not nice.
Disgusted
September 15th, 2012
11:09 am
I am not so sure that I want Malholm back in 13 the way he has pitched as of late.
He was going well for a while but has fallen off the cliff as of late & he deserves to be Booed.
Jeff R
September 15th, 2012
11:10 am
Hmm… perhaps small points here, Disgusted. But the Braves did win last night. They are still atop the wild card standings. They’re – never mind.
David O'Brien
September 15th, 2012
11:16 am
Cooks prepping at Atlanta BBQ Fest. If you’re going to the game, you should leave early and stop by BBQ Fest at Atlantic Station. Amazing lineup of BBQ vendors.
http://twitter.yfrog.com/obcwzkxj
I was a guest judge this morning. Had about 15 servings of BBQ chicken, ribs and pork before 10:30 a.m. Yikes. I think I’ll stick to salads for next few days.
Jeff R
September 15th, 2012
11:26 am
Cooks prepping at Atlanta BBQ Fest. If you’re going to the game, you should leave early and stop by BBQ Fest at Atlantic Station. Amazing lineup of BBQ vendors.
Man, O, man. Sounds great!
David O'Brien
September 15th, 2012
11:47 am
Forgot to post the photo from Atlanta BBQ Fest earlier.
http://twitter.yfrog.com/obcwzkxj
And if you’ve not done enough damage eating the ‘que, you can stop by this stand on the way out.
http://twitter.yfrog.com/j273jfwj
count_schemula
September 15th, 2012
12:10 pm
game was on Peachtree TV at 7pm, but they said last night their next telecast was Monday? Is this a FOX game now?
Lew
September 15th, 2012
12:14 pm
Good weekend for BBQ all over – Had some great Baby Back ribs cooked over Vermont beech and maple wood. Also just heard of a BBQ Master from Macon who has been garnering some great reviews – have to go over the Green Mountains to get to him, but sounds like it might be worth the drive -especially since we’ve got a lot of leaf changing going on up here.
ChattTownBrian
September 15th, 2012
12:15 pm
One game playoff and if Hudson gets the start and blows it …. that would make for a looong winter because of how awesome Medlen has been. Unfortunately, Fredi probably does go with the vetran and Hudson has shown he can lay a rotten egg in a big game before.
Think positive though.
ChattTownBrian
September 15th, 2012
12:15 pm
One game playoff and if Hudson gets the start and blows it …. that would make for a looong winter because of how awesome Medlen has been. Unfortunately, Fredi probably does go with the vetran and Hudson has shown he can lay a rotten egg in a big game before.
Think positive though.
cabravesfan
September 15th, 2012
12:16 pm
Count-
Today on Fox & tomorrow on ESPN
ChattTownBrian
September 15th, 2012
12:21 pm
I wonder how Hanson feels taking the mound after he’s watched his friend control the Nats like nothing. Does he care?
Hanson was the hyped one and Medlen was the “other guy you might want to watch” when they were coming up. That is how I remember it anyways. Hanson is not even close to the pitcher Medlen is. Probably won’t ever be either.
count_schemula
September 15th, 2012
12:24 pm
“One game playoff and if Hudson gets the start and blows it …. that would make for a looong winter because of how awesome Medlen has been.”
Going into the actual postseason without Meds is even worse to me. If the team can’t win 1 game with Hudson, then fuggetaboutit. They don’t deserve to be there.
====
Cab-
thanks
ChattTownBrian
September 15th, 2012
12:30 pm
Wow the Nats are one arrogant team just reading qoutes from them. No props given to Medlen at all. Werth is one of those guys that will be remembered for his bad contract and injuries more than his play. Shave you nasty ass.
ACE
September 15th, 2012
12:33 pm
Did you expect the Nats to do some cap tipping?
DiamondbackMac
September 15th, 2012
12:35 pm
Lew – “especially since we’ve got a lot of leaf changing going on up here.”
I envy you, that’s something I really miss seeing.
ACE
September 15th, 2012
12:38 pm
Some great places to see the color changes in North Georgia
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:41 pm
Harper on Meds:
“I was just trying go up there, have some good at-bats against him,” Harper said. “He’s a great pitcher. He was pretty effective out there mixing things up. I’m just tying to put something in play.”
ChattTownBrian
September 15th, 2012
12:41 pm
Mountains here and around Chattanooga have some pretty sights in the Fall.
ACE
September 15th, 2012
12:41 pm
Is George taking today off?
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:43 pm
The palm trees looking the same here – of course, today may be the hottest day if the year…
DiamondbackMac
September 15th, 2012
12:45 pm
ChattTownBrian
Which quotes are you talking about. All of the ones I’ve seen seem to be pretty much normal baseball quotes. I saw one in the Washington Post where Harper said “I was just trying go up there, have some good at-bats against him,” Harper said. “He’s a great pitcher. He was pretty effective out there mixing things up. I’m just tying to put something in play.” That seems to be giving Medlen “props”.
DiamondbackMac
September 15th, 2012
12:47 pm
VJ
Remember the last time we were posting the same things?
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 15th, 2012
12:51 pm
V. Jim of course, today may be the hottest day if the year…
Ah, tough noogies!…
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:51 pm
… think alike…
Venice Jim
September 15th, 2012
12:53 pm
McFann – looking at 94 – we rarely get past the low 80s…
George_George
September 15th, 2012
1:06 pm
Good day all
BELIEVE IN THE MEDS, do NOT believe in BRAVES hitters. Win the game with a ground ball to SS, what a JOKE, then they mob PASTOR like he did something wonderful GREAT PITCHING, AWFUL HITTING. Good to see a nice crowd at game.
Sopheee
September 15th, 2012
1:08 pm
Party pooper
George_George
September 15th, 2012
1:08 pm
ACE
September 15th, 2012
12:41 pm
I am here, just over slept a bit, getting to be like DOB. LOL
George_George
September 15th, 2012
1:12 pm
Wish game was not on BIG FOX today. I am starting to wonder if all USC games are going to be on BIG FOX.
McFann :Ô: :Ô: :ô:
September 15th, 2012
1:13 pm
V. Jim looking at 94 – we rarely get past the low 80s…
You don’t have to get nasty about it!…
It’s been awesome here this week, though…but of course it would be the same week as The Big Screenprint Job…
George_George
September 15th, 2012
1:19 pm
Next season starting rotation, MEDS, HUDDY, BEACHY, MINOR and a fifth. Not bad at all.
cabravesfan
September 15th, 2012
1:20 pm
Nope, not all USC games will be on Big Fox. In fact, we rarely are on nationally. Most of the games are on Fox Sports, ESPN, or ABC and a few will be on the new Pac-12 Network. Although I am not sure why it matters…
cabravesfan
September 15th, 2012
1:21 pm
We will need someone other than Beachy for the first part of the season
George_George
September 15th, 2012
1:25 pm
cabravesfan
September 15th, 2012
1:21 pm
True.
MVPrado14
September 15th, 2012
1:28 pm
Hope the Bravos bring their “big boy bats” to the Ted today. Have a feeling 2 runs ain’t gonna cut it – not with Tommy on the mound.
David O'Brien
September 15th, 2012
1:30 pm
Braves lineup: Bourn cf, Prado lf, Heyward rf, McCann c, Freeman 1b, Uggla 2b, Francisco 3b, Simmons ss, Hanson p
Efrim
September 15th, 2012
1:34 pm
At the same time, Upton’s performance could earn him some traction in a crowded free-agent center field market that includes Josh Hamilton, Michael Bourn, Shane Victorino, Torii Hunter and the recently disgraced Melky Cabrera.
ESPN.com surveyed four MLB executives about Upton’s free-agent outlook, and their estimates ran the gamut. A National League general manager predicted that Upton will sign a three-year, $27 million deal. Other executives were more generous, with estimates ranging from four years and $50 million to five years and $70 million. The Rangers, Nationals, Phillies, Braves, Red Sox, Yankees, Reds, Giants and Cubs are among the teams that could be searching for outfield help this offseason, and there’s no telling how spirited the bidding might get.
The consensus: Upton is a good-but-not-great player with the ability to have a monster, breakthrough season. Could a change of scenery help? Ask us again next year at this time.
“I like Upton, but I think he is very inconsistent as a player,” a National League executive wrote in an email. “He has as many tools as any player in the league, but our scouts question whether he plays hard every day and his general mindset. He’s kind of like a modern-day Mike Cameron as far as profile goes in that he hits for a low average, but provides defense, power and speed. He’s not an elite center fielder, but he’s a good player who could help a lot of clubs” – Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com
George_George
September 15th, 2012
1:34 pm
David O’Brien
September 15th, 2012
1:30 pm
Braves lineup: Bourn cf, Prado lf, Heyward rf, McCann c, Freeman 1b, Uggla 2b, Francisco 3b, Simmons ss, Hanson p
******************************************
Good BRIAN not at 3RD BASE and FRANCISCO not at C.
Kat
September 15th, 2012
1:35 pm
Just had some great BBQ at Capital Q – it’s in upstate, NY so I assume no one here has ever had it or will be in the vicinity to try it, but it was great.
Efrim
September 15th, 2012
1:36 pm
I could see four years, 48 million for Upton if Bourn is going to get six years, and like 100 million.
I’d much rather have Upton at that price.
David O'Brien
September 15th, 2012
1:37 pm
Braves activated Sheets from DL
Efrim
September 15th, 2012
1:38 pm
Braves have a 6 game lead for home field advantage in the one game Wild Card matchup. Braves have a 7 game lead for the 2nd Wild Card spot. 17 games to play.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 15th, 2012
1:40 pm
but our scouts question whether he plays hard every day and his general mindset.
Frank Wren, maybe? Stay away! Far far away!
DOB: Sheets will be pitching out of the ‘pen?
Efrim
September 15th, 2012
1:44 pm
Kris Medlen’s last 10 appearances: 65.2 IP, 45 hits, 6 ER, 9 BB’s, 71 K’s, 3 HR allowed, 0.82 ERA, .194/.224/.250 oppo. slash line.
George_George
September 15th, 2012
1:45 pm
Outta here for a while. Guess it dosn’t matter if we win ugly as long as we win the games.
brian
September 15th, 2012
1:47 pm
I guess FSU is not going to get tripped up by Wake Forest again this year. 38-0 in the 2nd quarter. Ouch
brian
September 15th, 2012
1:49 pm
I wonder if Sheets is on backup if Tommy has a bad start today. Can’t imagine Fredi will have much patience with Tommy since he has Sheets, Delgado, and Teheran all waiting in the wings.
Hopefully Tommy will build off his last outing
nolie
September 15th, 2012
1:50 pm
but our scouts question whether he plays hard every day and his general mindset;re BJ Upton
been saying what is in that article for years
nolie
September 15th, 2012
1:52 pm
FSU is not going to get tripped up by Wake Forest again this year. 38-0 in the 2nd quarter. Ouch
I warned scoots….
N8
September 15th, 2012
1:52 pm
Just noticed that Hanson’s ERA is 4.35.
Kenshin Kawakami’s ERA as a Brave over two years was 4.32. He was 8-22.
Wonder how many people think of Hanson in the same manner as KK?
Clearly Hanson is “cheaper” and has some upside if he can ever be healthy.
But just thought that put it in perspective a little bit.
monty
September 15th, 2012
1:52 pm
“And of course Medlen is 7-0 with an 0.82 ERA………”
And to think, none of this was in the forefront of FW’s or FG’s minds. They so wanted everyone else to be a starter other than Meds. Injuries and poor performances by the FO darlings made it where he could get his chance. FG and FW having anything to do with seeing Medlen as a bonafide starter is the equivalent of you or I walking down the street and a C-note sticking to our shoe and we try to shake it off as if it’s trash but the darn thing just keeps hanging tough till we have to reach down and pull it off to throw it away, that’s when we realize what we have in our possession.
nolie
September 15th, 2012
1:55 pm
give me a break, nobody on God’s green earth figgered Meds would pitch like this.
monty
September 15th, 2012
1:58 pm
Nobody in the BRaves FO or FG even figured MEds would make a decent starter, muuch less a great one, don’t hand me your straw man argument. You knew the point I was making.
ChattTownBrian
September 15th, 2012
1:59 pm
monty, it does make you question their intelligence. How often does this happen where a player is “kept down” and when forced to be given a real chance takes off?
count_schemula
September 15th, 2012
1:59 pm
McCutchen making a late MVP bid with another HR today. Pirates are fading and he cooled after the AS break, but he’s finishing strong.
MVP is Braun’s to lose.
nolie
September 15th, 2012
2:00 pm
the point you were making is nothing but your opinion and nothing else. you weren’t there so don’t talk like you were.
ChattTownBrian
September 15th, 2012
2:02 pm
nolie, yeah you’re right too. I just didn’t understand the whole thing when they brought him back from the minors to stretch him out that they sent him back to the pen. Hudson was saying though that when Medlen first came up to the bigs that a bunch of them already knew then he had some of the best stuff of any of their pitchers. They knew he could be real good, maybe not like this though.
ChattTownBrian
September 15th, 2012
2:05 pm
I think Sheets is just about finished, unfortunately. No way does his arm hold up, though I ain’t no psychic, but his history and now probably proves my opinion right. Betting he walks away for good after this season.
monty
September 15th, 2012
2:06 pm
CTB
Everyone knew he could start because he had before his injury and was very decent, but no one in the org figured him to be ahead of Delgado,Minor, Teheran, or anyone else probably in AAA , he was just an after thought, someone to have in case someone went down or someone who could start in a pinch. He’s always had pretty good numbers coming out of AAA even better than Tehran’s or Degado’s numbers, he just didn’t throw 94 and wasn’t 6 ft. tall.
nolie
September 15th, 2012
2:07 pm
not saying they did not misjudge him some, but he is not gonna continue in this vein the rest of his career almost certainly, and yes it happens a lot. much of his success is mental and that is much harder to judge than the physical anyway. but all one has to do is look back through every team’s draft choices to see how many early round picks fail, to see that it is a long way from perfect.The guy we missed for Chipper was supposed to be all world. Bruce Chen was listed as the # 4 best prospect in baseball in AAA. happens all the damn time. always will happen
John Leonard
September 15th, 2012
2:08 pm
I was probably one of Meds biggest supporters and I never thought he would hit this bad.
monty
September 15th, 2012
2:09 pm
Nolie
So it’s your opinion that the FO was high on Medlen, even higher than RD,JT, and MM? You don’t believe that for a second. You just want to argue about something. GO find another sucker.
abeeeewright
September 15th, 2012
2:10 pm
Need some examples of “kept down” players to bolster the “FO are idjits ” argument.
Meds, of course, had a position on the team from the start of ST. Hard to describe as “kept down.”
ChattTownBrian
September 15th, 2012
2:11 pm
nolie, I think a lot of his success comes from his stuff. If he can keep commanding that 2 seamer and offspeed stuff consistantly I see no reason he can’t be a top rotation guy for a long time. No I don’t think he keeps pitching like he is now or anything, but they can’t take away all that filth he throws.
count_schemula
September 15th, 2012
2:11 pm
From an old scouting report: “Medlen has a quality three-pitch mix — a better than average fastball, a plus curveball, and a solid-average change-up. The development of his change-up has been key to his success as a starter.”
I did not think he had the mix to go through lineups nor the stamina to go 7. I was wrong about that. And it’s not really his “stuff” and it rarely is. His mindset is that of a starter, and we all know that know.
ChattTownBrian
September 15th, 2012
2:13 pm
He is a mental giant though and you can tell that just from watching on tv. That has to help him a lot. But being that way and nit picking to death like Hanson does wouldn’t bring much success.
ChattTownBrian
September 15th, 2012
2:17 pm
One more thing on Medlen before I have to get ready for work – he knows how to pitch. He isn’t just throwing and hoping. Last night you watched him carve up the best lineup in baseball right now because he was pitching up, down, left, right and changing speeds. Pretty sure he went in with a plan and stuck with it. He’s no chicken shi* and that helps, I know.
count_schemula
September 15th, 2012
2:18 pm
I thought if he attacked the play this much, he would get hit harder.
Same rules for everyone and not everyone can do it – up down in out slow fast hit your spots and you will have success.
count_schemula
September 15th, 2012
2:18 pm
lol
Typical Idiot Blogger
September 15th, 2012
2:22 pm
But I knew it! I knew in 2010 that Medlen was the new Pedro! Seriously!
abeeeewright
September 15th, 2012
2:22 pm
Saying “all you have to do is hit your spots” is alot like saying “all you have to do is throw 99 mph with movement.”
Easier said than done.
cowdogit
September 15th, 2012
2:24 pm
When I talk about another bloger it’s all in fun, I never get personal, no one takes me serious. Go Braves”
nolie
September 15th, 2012
2:25 pm
So it’s your opinion that the FO was high on Medlen…monty
where did I say that? I don’t think he was considered as a starter early because of coming back from injury, and whether they say anything or not it is common practice to limit a returning player’s IPs. so why would they not do so whether they checked it out with the blog or not.
What I am mostly saying is that none of us know what they thought or how much they misjudged him, they prolly did to some extent, but it is no big surprise if they did. It happens a lot and it’s not like he was all that great B4 with an EA of over 4 as a starter. on top of which it is very common to pay more attention to your high profile prospects above others
Kat
September 15th, 2012
2:26 pm
Wonder if we’ll ever find out why the Braves have stopped their organist from playing…. curious as to why just now .. someone must have an issue with something he played.
count_schemula
September 15th, 2012
2:31 pm
“Easier said than done.”
I readily admitted that.
N8
September 15th, 2012
2:33 pm
“give me a break, nobody on God’s green earth figgered Meds would pitch like this”
Yeah, I agree. Even in 1994 when Maddux had his incredible year, I don’t think anybody actually expected HIM to do it again and he had won 3 consecutive Cy Young awards.
That being said, even before Meds’ injury, I liked how poised he was and how efficient he was on the mound, and felt long term he’d likely be more steady than Hanson.
Hanson had all the tools and the arm to get all the attention, but ultimately, Hanson has NEVER had the command that Medlen has (or had before).
I’m not silly enough to think Medlen will win the Cy Young next year and have an ERA under 2.00.
But I don’t think it’s out of line to think if healthy, he’ll win 15-20 games and be the Ace of the staff. Mentally, despite his age, he appears to be a born leader that young guys will follow as far as work ethic and preparation.
Way too early to compare his overall body of work to Maddux. But right now, he very much reminds me of Maddux. And that’s a GREAT thing for the Braves.
Even when “on his game” Jair Jurrjens never gave me that feeling. He was always one pitch away from giving up a big inning. He never made you feel like he was in complete control, even though the results were often very very good.
Medlen gives you the impression that the game is going EXACTLY how he planned it and his executtion of his pitches and gameplan seem flawless right now.
Just a joy to watch.
Hugo Z Hackenbush
September 15th, 2012
2:35 pm
Maybe he was tipping off the opposing team by playing “Born to Run” everytime Bourn was about to attempt a steal…
David O'Brien
September 15th, 2012
2:35 pm
Sheets available out of bullpen, no set role though.
David O'Brien
September 15th, 2012
2:37 pm
September 15th, 2012
12:41 pm
I am here, just over slept a bit, getting to be like DOB. LOL georgie
Hey, old obsessive fella, I got home from game at 1 a.m., was on the bike at 7:45 a.m. headed to BBQ festival judges meeting. We’d probably already finished judging the contest before you woke up. Got back to ballpark at 12:30 p.m., will be here till about 9 if a normal game.
Enjoy your weekend off, you and ace. Some of us work weekends. (And by the way, do you guys do anything besides play on the Internet all day?)
Later.
nolie
September 15th, 2012
2:38 pm
good thoughts N8
nolie
September 15th, 2012
2:39 pm
Kat
September 15th, 2012
2:41 pm
DOB @ 2:37 pm
Truth is refreshing, love it David!
George_George
September 15th, 2012
2:47 pm
David O’Brien
September 15th, 2012
2:37 pm
September 15th, 2012
12:41 pm
I am here, just over slept a bit, getting to be like DOB. LOL georgie
****************************************************************
The above was just funning with you. kinda keeping the thing going.
Couch Tater
September 15th, 2012
2:50 pm
Braves have stopped their organist from playing…. curious as to why just now .. someone must have an issue with something he played.
I’m wondering, too.
Kat
September 15th, 2012
2:52 pm
Couch Tater .. people have asked him on Twitter about it but he says he can’t say why.
ChattTownBrian
September 15th, 2012
2:54 pm
Hanson – 5 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K. Braves win 6-5.
Enjoy the win everybody.
George_George
September 15th, 2012
2:56 pm
What do you folks mean? They stopped him playing before the game this afternoon?
George_George
September 15th, 2012
2:58 pm
Wonder if anyone thinks ACE and George are the same person?
Couch Tater
September 15th, 2012
3:00 pm
Kat –
Let’s raise hell. That’s worse than keeping Medlen in the bullpen or Jeff Francouer in rightfield for a whole year. We have our excuse to be haters.
Braves Marketing – WTF???
DiamondbackMac
September 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
Expensive meal.
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/crime-law/man-killed-by-truck-after-allegedly-running-from-w/nSB9m/?src=cb_article
brian
September 15th, 2012
3:05 pm
nolie – the only way I would sign BJ Upton is if I traded for Justin Upton as well
Couch Tater
September 15th, 2012
3:07 pm
Last night, George.
Couch Tater
September 15th, 2012
3:08 pm
Diamondback – you watching the plains?
DiamondbackMac
September 15th, 2012
3:11 pm
Couch Tater
I’m a Bama fan. But, yep I’m watching it.
Couch Tater
September 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
I remember. Bama ‘79. RTR.
DiamondbackMac
September 15th, 2012
3:20 pm
79 is about when I would have graduated if I had finished high school and gone on to college.
We must be about the same age.
cabravesfan
September 15th, 2012
3:22 pm
79 was the year I was born