Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,107 comments Add your comment
cabravesfan
September 18th, 2012
12:04 am
This game should not be as close as it is right now.
It wouldn’t be if Denver’s Quarterback was not named Manning
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
12:04 am
Those drops early hurt. Defense has done okay, but we still needed to score more in the 2nd half.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
12:05 am
I guess we could use Snelling more, but he’s kinda our FB now. And Quizz is too small, not physical enough.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
12:08 am
Wow, Turner got a nice run! Game over! Denver’s out of timeouts.
Ball came out, but Turner was down. =)
Sopheee
September 18th, 2012
12:10 am
Nice win.
Still wish they’d let Ryan go all out since the running game isn’t what it used to be. They’ll improve each week though. Defense was highly impressive for most of the game, very exciting to watch.
Perfect sports night in Atlanta! Yay.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
12:12 am
Still wish they’d let Ryan go all out since the running game isn’t what it used to be.
This!!! Worked for Manning in Indy and Brady in NE… I trust Ryan to throw the ball. Trying to run with Turner isn’t helping much, hasn’t since late last year.
Venice Jim
September 18th, 2012
12:34 am
Skimming the blog when I returned in the 7th inning, it was amusing to see the folks who jumped on when Huddy started struggling (e.g., dot dot dot dash dash dash dot dot dot Braves) in hopes of witnessing a debacle did not last too long after the Braves held on…not that I am trying to make fun of anyone in particular, unless you know Morse Code…
Venice Jim
September 18th, 2012
12:37 am
Good night rooting for the ATL sports…glad everyone enjoyed the eveing…
Venice Jim
September 18th, 2012
12:46 am
Good segment on ESPN on Roberto Clemente…I was shooting baskets at home when I heard the awful news nearly 40 years ago…
Capt.Mudd
September 18th, 2012
12:49 am
Hey @VJ….I was out town today and just got bits and pieces of our game @Fish….Did we look like we meant business tonight?
Rusty
September 18th, 2012
12:52 am
PRADO IS A BIG LEADER OF NL;
AVG= 303 (9 th)
2B= 38 (4 th)
HITS= 174 (2 nd)
MULTI-HITS GAMES= 54 (1 st)
Venice Jim
September 18th, 2012
12:53 am
Capt – by the time I watched (other than Gameday on my phone) I only saw our last run – the early Uggla HR was quite welcome, certainly…
Venice Jim
September 18th, 2012
12:54 am
Speaking of which, Dan’s HR led the Baseball Tonight cavalcade…
Venice Jim
September 18th, 2012
12:55 am
And, I am outta here…
Capt.Mudd
September 18th, 2012
12:56 am
Yes….certainly a plus for Dan and the team–in addition; it most likely spurred Ole Huddy on to a truly inspiring outing.
Capt.Mudd
September 18th, 2012
12:59 am
No ACE….No Ward…..No kenhotlanta….no Noliee….The OnlyBravesFan? Where are you all?
nolie
September 18th, 2012
1:02 am
after years of a great record for Huddy when he has a 4 run lead, this season it seems like the worst thing you can do is give him a big lead
ACE
September 18th, 2012
1:17 am
Back in Black
Veer
September 18th, 2012
1:25 am
Not liking what i am seeing from Hudson. It is either he has shutout stuff or he has nothing. I just hope he brings his shutout stuff in October.
Prado should get some 7th or 8th place MVP votes
Capt.Mudd
September 18th, 2012
1:31 am
ACE…….Someone savedmy life tonight—shoulda been……
Capt.Mudd
September 18th, 2012
1:33 am
@Veer….Regarding Huddy, did the ground outs come in bunches or was he smacked around a bit?
the truth...
September 18th, 2012
1:49 am
Braves lead early and don’t add on………..squeak by
Falcons lead earlyand don’t add on………..squeak by
This is too familiar…..
the truth...
September 18th, 2012
1:53 am
Fredi should have sat Uggla for a few games back in June and July…..
Anyone wonder what the standings might look like if Medlen had been a starter out of the gate like Strasberg ??? Since we’re like one game apart after the break, we could be even with them with a few extra wins early on this year….
And if so, would we be shutting hime down now?
nolie
September 18th, 2012
1:58 am
they say they would shut Meds down at about the same point
Ward
September 18th, 2012
2:44 am
Hello everyone! Gald to see another win, and Uggs hitting in the clutch. I’m baffled at why Mejia hasn’t been called up too. I think Bobby cox would’ve picked up on Mejia, and he would be on the bench. How did Baker do?
Ward
September 18th, 2012
2:46 am
Should the Nats have done the same as the Braves did with Medlen, but start Strasburg late? I still think it will hurt the Nats in the Playoffs.
Ward
September 18th, 2012
2:54 am
Congratulations to Atlanta Fans…….Can’t stand the Broncs!!!!!
Ward
September 18th, 2012
2:56 am
Would rather have Huddy, than Lowe at this time, and glad Lowe isn’t around.
Ward
September 18th, 2012
2:58 am
Even Peyton Manning shows he’s human tonight……..Little humor.
Veer
September 18th, 2012
3:36 am
Huddy was getting ground outs earlier in the game. His fastball was sitting around 88mph. 2 starts ago when he had a good game his fastball was hitting 91-92. Dont know if it is varying radar guns but 4 MPH more on the sinking fastball can make a world of difference.
Veer
September 18th, 2012
3:38 am
Payton Manning isn’t the same Manning of 3-4 yrs ago. This guy is close to being finished.
Veer
September 18th, 2012
3:40 am
Hudson probably is between an average #2 starter and a good number 3 starter.
Medlen the way he is pitching is an elite number 1 starter
Minor is between a below average number 3 starter and a great number 4 starter
Malholm is a number 4 starter
Hanson is between a below average number 4 starter and a good number 5 starter
Ward
September 18th, 2012
3:56 am
Veer – I think Huddy is an Ace, Minor will become an Ace, Medlen is already an Ace, and Maholm is a number 2 starter. Hanson is not even a 5th starter……Peace my friends, and talk tomorrow, and “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
Veer
September 18th, 2012
3:59 am
Gio Gonzalez is an average number 2 starter- dont be fooled by his wins
Zimmerman is an avg number 2 starter and a very good number 3
Detwiller is a very good number 4 guy and a below averege 3
Jackson is an average 4 starter and above averge 5th starter
Lannan is a 5 starter
Lee in S GA
September 18th, 2012
5:41 am
Braves keep winning, Falcons put Broncos in their place and the SEC is starting to rule again in the top college polls….life is good in the world of sports.
David O'Brien
September 18th, 2012
6:42 am
DOB – Going to the game tomorrow again – that place is so empty it kinda gets boring after a while
How about a Tour of the Press area? I’ll buy u a beer — trbaves
Speaking of half-empty, they only passed 2 million for the season on Monday, a lot later than projected. The Marlins thought they’d draw about 2.7 million in their first season at the new ballpark.
Oh, and no, sorry, but a credential-less tour of the press area would be frowned upon by security.
David O'Brien
September 18th, 2012
6:45 am
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
This situation only fuels Yunel Escobar’s rep as a teammate who just doesn’t get it.
Yunel? Come on, not Yunel.
By the way, we’re not talking about a still-maturing kid. The guy is 29 and has been in the U.S. for eight years.
And about that .295 OBP and .642 OPS….
ncgary
September 18th, 2012
6:46 am
looked like huddy may have had a blister late in the game
ncgary
September 18th, 2012
6:51 am
29? i didnt start growing up til i hit 35
lol
Couch Tater
September 18th, 2012
6:53 am
Oh, and no, sorry, but a credential-less tour of the press area would be frowned upon by security
Yunel – I guess that answers your question.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
7:06 am
.642 OPS… Yeesh. That’s just embarrassing. He’s losing potential suitors with his attitude and bone-headedness by the day.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 18th, 2012
7:08 am
Looks like my take on YUNEL after our brief convo was pretty much spot on.
CB
September 18th, 2012
7:25 am
I figure on growing up just before I die, need to laugh your way through this world.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
7:28 am
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
If Yunel Escobar says he’s the victim of a prank, http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/baseball/major-league-baseball-looking-into-reported-homophobic-slur-on-yunel-escobars-eye-black/article4550313/ he could be the first to apply eye-black patches without a mirror.
It is unclear if Mr. Escobar wrote the words himself, or if the shortstop is the victim of a tasteless prank.
Puh-lease.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
7:28 am
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
If Yunel Escobar says he’s the victim of a prank, http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/baseball/major-league-baseball-looking-into-reported-homophobic-slur-on-yunel-escobars-eye-black/article4550313/ he could be the first to apply eye-black patches without a mirror.
It is unclear if Mr. Escobar wrote the words himself, or if the shortstop is the victim of a tasteless prank.
Puh-lease.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
7:42 am
Falcons RB Michael Turner Arrested on susp of DUI/Speeding. Booked at Gwinnett Cty Detention at 5:08am.
Sigh
Jimmy
September 18th, 2012
7:51 am
Yunel = Non-story.
Couch Tater
September 18th, 2012
7:55 am
RHR –
I knew it. Those mean ice Canadian Curlers done rurnt Yunel! He shoulda stayed away from that broom wielding bunch. He tried to prove he had the stones to hang.
cowdogit
September 18th, 2012
7:57 am
No trades until next year ! Need to concentrate on a speedy playoff roster, Don’t think the big swingers are going to hit the playoff pitchers. Need to manufacture cheap runs in these close games where one run will be the difference.
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
8:02 am
The Braves have reached 22 games over .500 for the first time this season, on their third attempt.
Jimmy
September 18th, 2012
8:05 am
Cincinnati, Washington and Texas.
Those are the only teams with a better record than the Braves.
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
8:07 am
And the Angels, at least by winning percentage. They are same # of games over .500 as Atlanta.
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
8:08 am
The Yankees, Rangers, and Nationals are the only teams with a better run differential than the Braves.
Jimmy
September 18th, 2012
8:19 am
Angels? Oh, the A’s. Yeah, I see that now Brian.
Missed it at first glance.
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
8:20 am
Yeah, sorry Jimmy. Get those two mixed up all the time.
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
8:29 am
Tim didn’t have his stuff last night. He threw strikes, but he only got one swing and miss. But he gritted it out for a win. No strikeouts, no walks.
Jeff R
September 18th, 2012
8:30 am
Speaking of half-empty, they only passed 2 million for the season on Monday, a lot later than projected. The Marlins thought they’d draw about 2.7 million in their first season at the new ballpark.
A poor product on the field in Miami can’t help keep attendance down. Also, seems to me that south Florida has never really been strong for the Marlins. Just not fertile MLB territory. Just an impression.
Jimmy
September 18th, 2012
8:31 am
“Eovaldi was once again hit hard Tuesday night, which was been a recurring theme for the 22-year-old since joining the Marlins. He is now 3-6 with a 5.44 ERA in nine starts since joining Miami and has only pitched past the sixth inning twice over that stretch. He is scheduled to take the mound again next Tuesday against the Braves. Eovaldi allowed six runs over two innings in his last start against the Braves back on Aug. 2.”
Sounds good. I’ll have some of that.
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
8:32 am
Player A: .346 OBP, .388 SLG, 155 K
Player B: .346 OBP, .391 SLG, 145 K
Player A is Dan Uggla. Player B is Michael Bourn.
Jeff R
September 18th, 2012
8:34 am
Brian from SC, interesting comparison, Uggla versus Bourn.
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
8:37 am
which was been a recurring theme for the 22-year-old since joining the Marlins.
Big-league life is seldom kind to 22-year-olds, pitchers especially. But scar tissue makes for a tough hide later, if one manages to survive the beatings.
Ask Mike Minor.
Jimmy
September 18th, 2012
8:38 am
Brian – very good stat there. Is that the CF Bourn that we “must” resign to multiple millions, and the Uggla that is a “total bust”?
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
8:38 am
Obviously, Bourn adds value that Dan doesn’t on the bases and on defense. But it goes to show you how far Bourn has fallen. His OPS+ is now 99, which means his OPS is below league average. He’s hitting .174 over his last 26 games and .215 over his last 59 games.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
8:42 am
Player A is Dan Uggla. Player B is Michael Bourn.
Uggla is such a bust and failure, and Bourn is so good that we should be willing to pay him 18+mil/yr. And look at his batting average when we lose games… he’s so important.
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
8:44 am
NL leaders in strikeouts since the All-Star break:
1. Ryan Howard, 83
2. Danny Espinosa, 79
3. Pedro Alvarez, 73
3. Alfonso Soriano, 73
5. Michael Bourn, 71
6. Chase Headley, 70
7. Jason Heyward, 69
7. Drew Stubbs, 69
Lew
September 18th, 2012
8:50 am
Not to support Bourn, but I would imagine that most players have lower batting averages (and all numbers) when their teams lose. It’s likely why they lost. Bet all pitchers have lower numbers in losses for the most part, too.
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
8:50 am
He’s hitting .174 over his last 26 games and .215 over his last 59 games.
Probably the worst slump of his career, though. It’s hardly indicative of the player, any more than his career-year numbers in the earlier part of the season.
Jeff R
September 18th, 2012
8:53 am
I think the Braves make a qualifying offer to Bourn for a draft pick. Given Bourn’s tail-off, the braves would be goofy to throw the sort of money at him that Boras will still want.
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
8:54 am
Worst OPS in the NL since All-Star break, minimum 180 PAs:
1. Paul Janish, .502
2. Drew Stubbs, .591
3. Ruben Tejada, .609
4. Shane Victorino, .614
5. Everth Cabrera, .615
6. Michael Bourn, .621
UKUGA
September 18th, 2012
8:55 am
But Jimmy, I was told vehemently on Saturday that the Braves were not one of the best teams in baseball.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
8:56 am
Lew @ 8:50 Spot on, right there. Which is why I was amazed that DOB used that to support his reasoning on why we need to keep Bourn. I was doing some pretty snarky mocking.
I mean, even Uggla hits well when we win, around .260. The only Brave who has hit well in losses is Prado, by the way.
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
8:57 am
I think the Braves make a qualifying offer to Bourn for a draft pick.
In today’s market, Bourn is probably a good value at the qualifying offer of $13MM. Personally, I consider that insane, LOL, but the market is the market. The worst that could happen is that he takes it, and there wouldn’t be a single thing wrong with that.
Jeff R
September 18th, 2012
9:02 am
n today’s market, Bourn is probably a good value at the qualifying offer of $13MM. Personally, I consider that insane, LOL, but the market is the market. The worst that could happen is that he takes it, and there wouldn’t be a single thing wrong with that.
Possible, but Boras does a remarkable job leveraging his clients. I still think Bourn does better than $13MM. And, if I’m correct, the Braves wouldn’t be required to offer a multi-year deal to qualify? That would have to be a poison pill for Bourn and Boras, I’d think.
Lemke's Knuckler
September 18th, 2012
9:03 am
Freeman leads the team in RBI right now with 87. Barring a torrid hot streak the last few weeks, the Braves should finish their 5th consecutive season without a single 100-RBI player. Last time was 2007, when Francoeur had 105 and Chipper had 102.
Another odd stat, other than Uggla’s 36-homer season last year, the Braves have had zero 30-homer seasons since Andruw Jones had 41 in 2006.
I wonder how many other teams in baseball have had fewer 30 homer, 100 RBI seasons over the past half decade.
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
9:03 am
4. Shane Victorino, .614
I guarantee there will be tons of folks here who would vehemently deny Bourn his money, but would be more than willing to give #4 there in excess of eight figures.
Lew
September 18th, 2012
9:05 am
OnlyBraves – I think what DOB was saying is that when Bourn DOES hit, the Braves win an amazingly high percentage of the time. When Bourn hits, the Braves win – just like when Furcal was in Atlanta, the Braves won a huge percentage of games where he scored a run.
The opne thing about Bourn’s game that bothers me is how often he strikes out. It’s one thing to K that often if you’re a power hitter, but yet another when you’re supposed to be an OBP Dude.
Lew
September 18th, 2012
9:09 am
As to not hitting 30 HR’s (except Uggla last year) since Andruw left – that’s why they got Uggla – AND whyso many advocated for someone who could hit 30.
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
9:10 am
And, if I’m correct, the Braves wouldn’t be required to offer a multi-year deal to qualify?
The only requirement is that, in any multi-year offer, the AAV must equal or exceed the qualifying amount. In other words, a 5/50MM would not garner a draft pick.
However, I assume that, if Bourn turns down the one-year qualifying offer within the specified time-period, the Braves could then make a multi-year offer at whatever AAV they desire, the conditions for a draft pick having been met. Then, it’s win-win: Bourn signs at a Braves’ number, or they get the extra pick.
Lemke's Knuckler
September 18th, 2012
9:11 am
Bourn has 145 K’s so far this season. He’s a good player, but I think everyone jumped the gun by labeling him as an elite center fielder after his good first half. Who knows, maybe the crappy second half will bring his value down to something the Braves can afford. I think he’s a great piece to have. Not at $13m a year though.
Jeff R
September 18th, 2012
9:13 am
scoots, thanks for the clarification.
Lemke's Knuckler
September 18th, 2012
9:20 am
Be curious to see if Fredi flip flops Medlen and Maholm after the off day next Monday. Otherwise, Medlen lines up to have his last start on a Monday and he would be on 3 days rest to pitch in the one-game wild card.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
9:23 am
It’s easy to sit at home or in the stands and judge players for not performing up to the expectations that we the fans have for them. But we have to remember that after more than 145 games this season there’s not a player on the field who isn’t hurting in some way. The Atlanta Braves 40-year old third baseman Chipper Jones lays out the pain he plays through:
“I’ve had seven knee surgeries, so it feels like somebody is jabbing me with a knife in the knee joint with every step,” says the future Hall of Famer trying to coax his 40-year-old body through the final month of a 20-year career.
“And sometimes the back just says, ‘Nope, not gonna do it today.’”
http://www.talkingchop.com/2012/9/18/3351524/braves-quote-for-the-day-the-pain-that-chipper-plays-through
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/mlb/braves/story/2012/09/17/atlanta-braves-star-chipper-jones-reflects-on-retirement-after-20-seasons-with-same-team/57797760/1
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
9:24 am
The Braves have plenty of time to get their rotation in order. At this point, unless something drastic changes, Medlen will make that start, on full rest. The Braves will also have the luxury to take it easy on the bullpen and hitters over the last couple of weeks. The only thing that would cause the Braves to stay on the gas is if Washington collapses and the Braves have a shot at the division.
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
9:28 am
Washington’s remaining games are all against the Dodgers, Brewers, Phillies, and Cardinals. All of those teams are desperate.
the truth...
September 18th, 2012
9:32 am
To add to the Bourn conversation…………..he IS AN ELITE CF………..with the glove and with speed…
….however with the bat he is missing the ability to make consistant contact to turn K’s into BB’s hence the high strikeout ratio….
I’d think his focus with hiting instructors in the cage should be making contact, not driving the ball…
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
9:35 am
Not at $13m a year though.
I dunno. That’s the average of the top 125 salaries, and Bourn is certainly in top 20-25% of players, considering positional scarcity and his skillset. Can’t expect the Braves to always get Hudson-lucky on players, so they’re gonna have to pay somebody more than fans would like.
Unfortunately for this particular case, CF should be the third priority (in my opinion) and it’s unlikely they can fill other needs and still have funds left to pay Bourn remotely enough to retain him.
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
9:40 am
Bourn actually has a career high in walks this year. One of the results of taking a lot of pitches is that you also take a lot of strikes. Just the nature of the approach.
phil
September 18th, 2012
9:45 am
Are we giving up on this year?
Boras is not coming back. Why keep talking $$ about him? He’ll want too much money, and besides, we’ll likely blow it all on Buffet Brian anyway, regardless of the bad shoulder, bad knee, bad eyes and spare tire of a body he sports. i love the guy, but…..
Jeff R
September 18th, 2012
9:47 am
Washington’s remaining games are all against the Dodgers, Brewers, Phillies, and Cardinals. All of those teams are desperate.
Yes, in fact. And I still say watch the Phils. They could well sneak into the last wild card slot with a strong run to end the season.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 18th, 2012
9:47 am
Everyone must be reading those articles…
Lemke's Knuckler
September 18th, 2012
9:49 am
Braves need to put a knife in the Phillies this weekend. That is the last team I want to see in the one-game wild card.
If all pitching orders stay on pace for the contenders, here is who would be available to pitch on normal rest in the wild card playoff…
Cardinals – Lohse or Lynn (one off day, but little chance they can rearrange to have Wainwright or Carpenter lined up)
Dodgers – Harang or Beckett (assuming Kershaw doesn’t come back, one off day, so Capuano could get lined up)
Phillies – Lee or Cloyd (one off day, so if they skip a Cloyd start, Hamels could be ready for playoff game as well)
Pirates – McPherson or Rodriguez (no off days)
Brewers – Estrada or Fiers (no off days)
This will change between now and Oct 5 as some teams send guys out on 3 days rest, but I think it’s pretty clear the Braves would have a more favorable pitching matchup against any team other than the Phillies, or maybe the Dodgers if Kershaw comes back and gets lined up for that start. But worst case scenario would be a one-game playoff against one the two best lefty postseason pitchers of the recent past, Hamels or Lee.
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
9:49 am
He’ll want too much money
Reading stuff here, you’d think everybody wants too much money.
Players should be willing to play for the thrill of wearing the uni, plus maybe a few hot dogs when the family shows up at the park.
Jeff R
September 18th, 2012
9:50 am
Braves need to put a knife in the Phillies this weekend. That is the last team I want to see in the one-game wild card.
Absolutely.
raleighbravefan
September 18th, 2012
9:52 am
phil @9:45 – “i love the guy, but…” Yeah, I can tell…
ncscoots
September 18th, 2012
9:53 am
Braves need to put a knife in the Phillies this weekend.
I’m torn on this. Braves really need to win just about every game left, but I’d kinda like the Phillies to be just close enough to the WC to tango with the Nats in their six left. Probably can’t have both, though, so I’m going with “Sweep the Phightens!”.
Jeff R
September 18th, 2012
9:54 am
But worst case scenario would be a one-game playoff [involving the Braves] against one the two best lefty postseason pitchers of the recent past, Hamels or Lee.
Either should strike fear in the hearts of Braves’ stalwarts.
Jimmy
September 18th, 2012
9:55 am
I agree with lowercase phil. There is no way the Braves should extend McCann beyond his current contract – next years option. There is nothing to indicate he will return to his form of the last several years. In fact, the trend is just the opposite.
Now, he is having trouble with his knees?
The problem is, who can we put back there when he is gone?
Brian from SC
September 18th, 2012
9:55 am
scoots, we should always want the Braves to win every game remaining. Losing a game to the Phillies wouldn’t have nearly as much positive effect (from them having momentum against Washingt) as it would negative effect on the Braves, from actually losing the game.
raleighbravefan
September 18th, 2012
9:55 am
Anyone still whining about the Yunel trade? ANYONE???
David O'Brien
September 18th, 2012
9:56 am
After losing their first game against the Marlins this season, the Braves have won 10 of the past 12.