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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
1,958 comments Add your comment
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 19th, 2012
10:52 pm
So Medlen is due to have a bad game right? Well what if its during wildcard one game playoff?? Nooooooooo!!!!!
Shhhhh…. I had that same thought myself, that’d be horrible for sure. Can’t expect it to happen though, he’s been consistently good.
M.V.P.Heyward
September 19th, 2012
10:53 pm
Magic # is down to 5 to clinch wild card.
MIBravesFan
September 19th, 2012
10:54 pm
I don’t think the Braves can win the division, but I haven’t given up hope on it. And given the current circumstances, the Dodgers look like the “better” opponent for a play-in game. So the Dodgers beating the Nats is a very good thing, no matter how you look at it.
MikeInFl
September 19th, 2012
10:56 pm
Hey guys honestly does anyone here think we can catch Washington?
Heck, we could catch them by middle of next week. Not saying it’s likely, but the Nats are pretty beat up physically, and minus one top starter. It wouldn’t be so shocking to see them go in the tank for a few games, allowing us to make up some ground quick.
Not predicting it, of course. But no way would I throw in the towel at this point.
Failing that, I don’t see how choosing a pitcher to start the play-in game is even a discussion. A must-win game, and a pitcher who never loses. Not rocket science, is it?
Fredo
September 19th, 2012
10:58 pm
“I am planning for him to pitch deep into October”
The way I’m guessing at it: he’d pitch the playoff game, probably pitch Game 3 of the NLDS on regular rest and then he’d be done for that series since Games 4*/5* are on Thur/Friday. And then possibly for the NLCS, he’d pitch Games 2 and 6* on regular rest. And if they don’t plan on bringing him back early for any one of the games it would then fall to (another guess of mine) Hudson/Minor and they would be the ones getting the multiple starts per series coming back on early rest
nolie
September 19th, 2012
10:58 pm
a pitcher’s waist size has not got a damn thing to do with his elbow, shoulder or velocity
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 19th, 2012
11:02 pm
Chipper Jones @RealCJ10
Med is a beast ladies and gentlemen! Even got a knock tonite. Big series win after letting one slip away last nite. Off to Philly. Nite yall
Brave New World
September 19th, 2012
11:03 pm
Braves will have to go 10-2 to have a shot at the division, but the Nats would have to collapse to make it a reality.
The A Bomb
September 19th, 2012
11:05 pm
All you people who regurgitate Chipper’s tweets…
Just remember a year from now all the tweets will be about the size of the antlers on some moose or how he splattered deer urine all over himself.
Or how he went MAMMO with his AMMO.
Can’t wait to read those.
Fredo
September 19th, 2012
11:06 pm
“does anyone here think we can catch Washington?”
mathematically, of course they still have a shot otherwise they’re 5 back and the Nats Magic Number is 9 … so there’s not much room for error … so realistically the Nats would need to have another bad series and soon and the Braves would have to take advantage of that by beating the Phillies.
You would love for the Braves to be within probably 3 games before the Nats have to face a team they’re 5 and 7 against on the year in 6 of their last 9 (and the Cardinals in the middle of that)
MIBravesFan
September 19th, 2012
11:09 pm
nolie – C.C. Sabathia sort of proves that, doesn’t he?
ChattTownBrian
September 19th, 2012
11:15 pm
Even Chipper made me actually able to stand Jose Reyes because it sure looks like he respects CJ a lot. Looked pretty genuine when he hugged CJ.
ChattTownBrian
September 19th, 2012
11:18 pm
I’ll be quickly ignoring any tweets from Chipper on killing animals. That disgust me, but I still love the guy.
MIBravesFan
September 19th, 2012
11:18 pm
It did, CTB. That surprised me, too.
ChattTownBrian
September 19th, 2012
11:21 pm
MIBravesFan, I was expecting Carlos Lee or even Guillen to honor him on the field, not Reyes. I guess those guys volunteer to do that. I now dislike Reyes less now.
David O'Brien
September 19th, 2012
11:21 pm
Bravos quotage after another Medlen win
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/09/19/braves-quotes-after-wednesdays-medlen-win-vs-miami/
MIBravesFan
September 19th, 2012
11:24 pm
Thanks for the quotes, David!
MIBravesFan
September 19th, 2012
11:26 pm
“Groundhog Day” is a great thing when it’s a good day every 5th day!!
chipontheroad
September 19th, 2012
11:29 pm
The Braves have won 21 straight games started by Kris Medlen. The last time a team won more consecutive starts by one pitcher was 1950-53, when the Yankees won 22 straight Whitey Ford starts. Medlen’s streak is currently tied for the third-longest in the Live Ball Era with Lefty Grove (1931 Athletics).
Venice Jim
September 19th, 2012
11:31 pm
Since 7/3/12, Meds has 87 IP, 57 hits, 85 Ks, 13 BBs, ERA 0.72…
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 19th, 2012
11:35 pm
BillShanks @BillShanks
RT @NekYeffud: @BillShanks Medlen kind of reminds me of Greg Maddux. Who would you compare him to? – Cy Young.
Can’t be serious…. but then, maybe he is?
ESPN Stats & Info @ESPNStatsInfo
Kris Medlen held Marlins hitters to 0-for-8 in at-bats ending with his changeup. He went to 2 strikes to 12 hitters and retired them all.
Kick ‘em down, send ‘em home.
Venice Jim
September 19th, 2012
11:37 pm
Adam Kilgore @AdamKilgoreWP
Tyler Clippard says the pitch to Kemp was right where he wanted it. Very tough one for him to swallow.
David O'Brien
September 19th, 2012
11:41 pm
Final version of game story from your sweaty correspondent here at humid Marlins park, where the roof is open and downtown Miami is twinkling in the distance, samba music filling the air…. (OK, I made up the part about the samba music)
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2012/09/19/braves-beat-miami-3-0-as-medlen-wins-again/
Powder Blue
September 19th, 2012
11:41 pm
Kris. Freaking. Medlen.
David O'Brien
September 19th, 2012
11:44 pm
One more nugget, this via ESPN Stats & Info gurus: Kris Medlen held Marlins hitters to 0-for-8 in at-bats ending with his changeup. He went to 2 strikes to 12 hitters and retired them all.
ACE
September 19th, 2012
11:58 pm
One final participation. Hope everyone enjoys the city of brotherly love.
Venice Jim
September 20th, 2012
12:05 am
I’m sure we will…
Venice Jim
September 20th, 2012
12:19 am
Adam Kilgore @AdamKilgoreWP
Reds win in 11. Nats the best team in baseball by only half a game.
nolie
September 20th, 2012
12:21 am
Mammo with the Ammo…I love it.
I also love all the hypocrites who eat meat but deplore hunting
nolie
September 20th, 2012
12:22 am
Gotta admit that the Reds have been a surprise to me this season as good as they have been
Brava
September 20th, 2012
12:26 am
Kimbrel imitating the big 3 and being critiqued by Batista. Funny.
http://mlbfancave.mlb.com/fancave/video.jsp?content_id=24764019&topic_id=19224580#fbid=YGZXDmuzZVI
Venice Jim
September 20th, 2012
12:26 am
George should have stuck with his original plan to become a Reds’ fan…so much heartache would have been saved…
keyLargo
September 20th, 2012
12:26 am
Chipper Jones tied some old player from the ancient era with 2721 hits tonight. Guys name was Gehrig or something like that.
nolie
September 20th, 2012
12:29 am
never heard of the guy……
Venice Jim
September 20th, 2012
12:35 am
Time to take my leave for the evening…
CaptainMudd
September 20th, 2012
12:42 am
@VJ…..Do you have someone filling in for you tonight?
CaptainMudd
September 20th, 2012
12:46 am
Might it be Dr. Carl Stouffer, renowed authority in the field of Adult General Psychiatry?
CaptainMudd
September 20th, 2012
12:51 am
Also…a reminder. “Wham” featuring George Michael will play a 30 minute set featuring ‘Careless Whisper,’ in exchange for a Chipper Bobble-Head and Fredi’s Autograph.
Brave4life-1995 All over again
September 20th, 2012
1:23 am
Medlen better be the guy for if there is a 1-gmae playofff
Ward
September 20th, 2012
1:27 am
Hello everyone! Great job by the Master Medlen…..Since, Prado can play SS. Was wondering if Prado can catch? Just crossed my mind.
Ward
September 20th, 2012
1:28 am
Maybe we can put Prado, as catcher until Mac figures it out? Little humor.
MIBravesFan
September 20th, 2012
1:41 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=L_XilxdwTgc&NR=1
SNEAKY PETE
September 20th, 2012
1:44 am
Ward, I think I remember comments that Prado would likely have been the emergency backup catcher during the season, especially after Diaz was sidelined.
I am sure that he would be willing to give it a try and do his best.
They need to lock him up for four or five years in my opinion
SNEAKY PETE
September 20th, 2012
1:46 am
Prado made a great play tonight, one that I never would have thought he would be able to complete.
He just continues to amaze, even Fredi can’t ruin him
SNEAKY PETE
September 20th, 2012
1:48 am
Great link MIBF, thank you.
I love The Boss and that is a great song.
Ward
September 20th, 2012
1:51 am
Sneaky Pete – I would sign a 7 year deal, and really lock Prado up.
SNEAKY PETE
September 20th, 2012
1:59 am
Prado will be 29 next season I think, 7 years would be a little longer than I would probably go for.
Perhaps 5 years with a club option, Ward?
Ward
September 20th, 2012
2:32 am
Sneaky Pete – Will agree with you on that. Just would like the Braves next year to focus on Offense instead of pitching. Why do you wan’t to pay for some one like Greinke. Too streaky, and would like the Braves to change course. I like Swisher, and think we should sign him. He’s a winner, and I also think Braves should sign Bourn.
Ward
September 20th, 2012
2:34 am
Imagine!!!!! Swisher LF, Bourn Center, and Heyward. Sign Reed Johnson for the 4th outfielder. Braves have enough pitching. Need some much needed offense.
Ward
September 20th, 2012
2:35 am
All, I’ll talk tomorrw some time……Braves are just 4 wins from 90 wins, and might be able to add 2 more. Keep believing…….Peace my friends, and”Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
NO MORE FREDI
September 20th, 2012
3:15 am
“That’s a good question. I don’t know yet. For me, it’s between (Tim) Hudson and (Kris) Medlen.” – Manager Fredi Gonzalez on which Atlanta starter would be given the nod to start a potential NL wild card game.
I called it. Told you he would want Hudson out there when every time Medlen gets on the mound Braves already feel like they are going to win. Hey fat boy! Throw Medlen WC game and Hudson game one if they move on. How fat and stupid are you?
NO MORE FREDI
September 20th, 2012
3:16 am
Ward – Bourn is leaving Braves for $$ and Swisher would never be a Brave.
Ward
September 20th, 2012
3:39 am
NO More Fredi – Take a valium, and calm yourself. Your too messed up now for words, and only look more like a fool when you talk…….A valium would help your big head, or big empty head……Have fun shooting off your big mouth……Peace Out! “Go!!!!!Braves!!!!!”
John Leonard
September 20th, 2012
4:11 am
Now Ward play nice.
David O'Brien
September 20th, 2012
5:56 am
Josh Willingham hit his 35th homer for Twins. Still say he’d make a great fit for Braves if the Twins are willing to trade. Move Prado to 3B and play Willingham in left. Making $7 mill in 2013, then eligible for free agency.
SNEAKY PETE
September 20th, 2012
6:26 am
Been whining here for Willingham for years. Most always around an 850ish hitter. Willingham in left and Prado at third gets it done for me too
SNEAKY PETE
September 20th, 2012
6:31 am
The Twins say they do not want to trade him the last I heard, but I guess that might be a ruse to raise the price I suppose.
David O'Brien
September 20th, 2012
6:33 am
Bourn’s double Wednesday was his 2nd extra-base hit in his past 29 games. Has .168 avg and .480 OPS in past 28 games.
SNEAKY PETE
September 20th, 2012
6:38 am
If he comes down to where we can afford him because of a bad second half, do we still want him long term?
David O'Brien
September 20th, 2012
6:52 am
Braves are 10-4 with 2.38 ERA in past 14 games, including 6 wins when scoring 3 or fewer runs.
David O'Brien
September 20th, 2012
6:57 am
If he comes down to where we can afford him because of a bad second half, do we still want him long term? — Sneaky Pete
Just depends on the price, in my opinion. But I’d expect Boras to keep him out on the market about as long as it takes to get something he considers a reasonable contract, with his idea of reasonable probably being a lot more than most anyone else views as reasonable.
Couch Tater
September 20th, 2012
7:05 am
Will the scout will ever admit he thought Medlen could be Chipper’s heir?
2006 : “Take a chance. He’s a switch hitter. Puts the bat on the ball. The arm to chunk it from 3rd.”
Now: ” There wuz jus something that reminded me of Maddog. Call it.. scout’s intuition.”
CB
September 20th, 2012
7:09 am
I am telling you, the man has sold his soul to the devil.
Jeff R
September 20th, 2012
7:24 am
Personally, I’d rather get rid of Maholm over Hanson.
I think Hanson needs to overhaul his mechanics or he’s going to continue to have shoulder fatigue as a season progresses.
Maholm’s not flashy but a dependable back end pitcher. And I do also think Hanson will be trade bait this winter.
Jeff R
September 20th, 2012
7:26 am
Boras will leverage the heck out of Bourn, regardless the second half slump. I’m guessing Philly bites and makes a serious play for Bourn.
Jeff R
September 20th, 2012
7:29 am
Josh Willingham hit his 35th homer for Twins. Still say he’d make a great fit for Braves if the Twins are willing to trade. Move Prado to 3B and play Willingham in left. Making $7 mill in 2013, then eligible for free agency.
If the price is right, I’d hope Wren seriously considers pulling the trigger. Plus, I’d like to see Prado back in the infield on a regular basis. Think Prado being in the infield improves the defense.
Paul Wall
September 20th, 2012
7:41 am
Forget signing Bourn, Braves need to sign Denard Span. His career OBP is much better than Bourn’s!
Brian from SC
September 20th, 2012
7:46 am
New magic numbers for each race:
NL East – Washington – 9
NL Central – Cincinnati – 3
NL West – San Francisco – 5
NL Playoffs (relative to Los Angeles, first team out):
Washington – 1
Cincinnati – 1
San Francisco – 5
Atlanta – 5
St. Louis – 12
AL East – New York – 14
AL Central – Chicago – 13
AL West – Texas – 11
AL Playoff spot (relative to Los Angeles, first team out):
Texas – 7
New York – 10
Baltimore – 10
Oakland – 11
Chicago – 13 (relative to Detroit, for division)
Lew
September 20th, 2012
7:49 am
Medlen went down to the crossroads?
Sylvester Bill
September 20th, 2012
7:50 am
Sure is a lot of love on here for Willingham, but he’s not much more than a statue in left field.
Brian from SC
September 20th, 2012
7:50 am
Yesterday the Marlins and Blue Jays were mathematically eliminated from the postseason, joining the Astros, Cubs, Rockies, Twins, Indians, Mariners, and Red Sox.
The Pirates and Padres were eliminated from their division races last night.
Here are the eliminations numbers for trailing teams (the # of losses plus wins by the team ahead of them to be eliminated from the playoffs; when the number reaches zero, you’re out):
NL Playoffs (relative to St. Louis, last team in):
New York – 2
San Diego – 6
Arizona – 10
Philadelphia – 10
Pittsburgh – 10
Milwaukee – 12
Los Angeles – 12
AL Playoffs (relative to Oakland, last team in, unless otherwise noted):
Kansas City – 1 (relative to Chicago for division)
Tampa Bay – 9
Los Angeles – 11
Detroit – 13 (relative to Chicago for division)
CB
September 20th, 2012
8:04 am
Gone, Lew.
Brian from SC
September 20th, 2012
8:08 am
Washington can clinch a playoff spot today with a win.
Cincinnati can clinch a playoff spot if they win, or if the Brewers and Dodgers both lose.
They’ll be the first ones in.
Brian from SC
September 20th, 2012
8:12 am
Kansas City would be eliminated from the playoffs with a loss to the White Sox today.
The Mets would be eliminated with a loss and a win by St. Louis.
The Brewers would be eliminated from the NL Central race with a loss or a win by Cincinnati.
ncscoots
September 20th, 2012
8:13 am
Sure is a lot of love on here for Willingham, but he’s not much more than a statue in left field.
I don’t think I’d let his ability at the least valuable defensive position on the field deter me from drooling over his offense. Two years of control at below-market price, even expecting a drop from this year’s numbers, in this particular lineup…he’s as good a fit for a need as they are likely to find. Probably worth some overpay in trade, especially if Wren decides not to pursue a front-line pitcher and has a little extra currency.
ncscoots
September 20th, 2012
8:15 am
Personally, I’d like to see Shields acquired, just so we could call Medlen “Little Game”.
ncscoots
September 20th, 2012
8:20 am
Making $7 mill in 2013, then eligible for free agency.
David, he’s signed through 2014, I’m pretty sure.
Jeff R
September 20th, 2012
8:22 am
I don’t think I’d let his ability at the least valuable defensive position on the field deter me from drooling over his offense.
I’ll accept a little less defense in left for more pop. And I’d be glad to see Prado at third.
Frankie
September 20th, 2012
8:28 am
ACE
September 19th, 2012
10:36 pm
Good thing Frank and Fredi keep Medlen in the pen to save him for this run. mmmmmm yeah right.
Yeah had him penciled in at #2 in April right? I mean he threw 2 innings last season, he can go over 200 the following season.
Livan would have held some of those leads early on too while Meds comes out of the gate as SP, right?
ncscoots
September 20th, 2012
8:34 am
Livan would have held some of those leads early on too while Meds comes out of the gate as SP, right?
You can’t explain the Medlen usage to some folks, man. Waste of keystrokes.
Jeff R
September 20th, 2012
8:39 am
“ACE is the place of the unhelpful blogger man.”
Kinda snappy.
ncscoots
September 20th, 2012
8:39 am
Braves have made up three and a half games in the standings in a week.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 20th, 2012
8:44 am
So if we keep it up, we just might catch the Nats? Dang, that sweep in Milwaukee hurts more and more.
Brian from SC
September 20th, 2012
8:46 am
Poor Pittsburgh…they are back down to .500, and look like they may have their 20th straight losing season. They are 16-32 since July 28th.
ncscoots
September 20th, 2012
8:50 am
Brewers are 13-4 this month, Braun is just unconscious, and they’ve even gotten a little pitching. Four at the Nats, starting Friday. Need those Beer People to stay hot.
Brian from SC
September 20th, 2012
8:51 am
The Braves would still need a LOT of help to win the division. If the Braves finish out 10-2 over their last 12 games, they would still need Washington to go just 6-8 to tie them.
ncscoots
September 20th, 2012
8:58 am
The Braves would still need a LOT of help to win the division.
One series at a time. If anything, the Braves getting swept at Milwaukee, in the midst of a good run, should show that a single series can make a lot of difference. Can’t think about making up five games, gotta think about making up one today, then try to do it again tomorrow.
Brian from SC
September 20th, 2012
9:06 am
I told ya the Braves needed to take 2 of 3 in Milwaukee. Then they’d only be 3 out.
phil
September 20th, 2012
9:07 am
Poor Pittsburgh, my backside….
Let’s worry about Atlanta and our continued success. Well, at least until October 5th…
phil
September 20th, 2012
9:10 am
A tie does us no good since the Nats have us head to head, unless I’m forgetting something.
Besides, we’re not gonna catch em. We play Philly this weekend, and they’re likely to take 2 of 3 from us, all things being equal. If we scratch out more than 5 hits in 2 of the games, it’ll be worthy of a parade.
Efrim
September 20th, 2012
9:11 am
Since that Sunday night game in San Fran vs. Bumgarner during whioch he hit a 3 run homer and boosted his OPS to a .862(high for the 2nd half), Heyward has hit .239/.269/.398 in 22 games, 93 PA’s with 4 BB’s,15 K’s, .254 babip.
Brian from SC
September 20th, 2012
9:11 am
If the Braves and Nats tie, they would play a 163rd game in Washington the day after the season ends. The winner of that game would be the division winner and in the NLDS. The loser of that game would be the first wild card and host the 2nd wild card team in the one-game playoff the following day.
phil
September 20th, 2012
9:14 am
Thanks for the clarification. Basically what you’re saying is that game 164 might be our last game, if a miracle happens down the stretch and we catch the Nats…..sigh
Efrim
September 20th, 2012
9:15 am
Josh Willingham hit his 35th homer for Twins. Still say he’d make a great fit for Braves if the Twins are willing to trade. Move Prado to 3B and play Willingham in left. Making $7 mill in 2013, then eligible for free agency.
Minnesota is in an entirely different position than San Diego, imo. The Padres have one of the better farm systems in the sport with both arms and bats – great balance.
The Twins have four position player prospects that a lot of people like in OF’s Aaron Hicks, Oswaldo Arcia, Miguel Sano and 2B/OF Eddie Rosario.
There isn’t an arm in that entire system worth anything.
But, all that said, trading Morneau and Span for pitching probably makes a lot more sense if they want to try and fool the fans into thinking they have a shot in the AL Central. Me? I’d trade every asset possible. Even Mauer.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 20th, 2012
9:15 am
Why DAVID, i think you might be in love. Certainly you are at least enamored of DOGGIE II. Heading your latest article “……MEDLIN win vs. MARLINS…..”
And not misplaced either. I feel an affinity for MEDS akin to love.
HUDSON has that same type of chutzpah as DOGGIE II, and it appears MINOR is growing into the mind-set. BEACHY has it as well, as does KIMBREL.
Hopefully, this ‘tude is infectous and permeates the entire pitching staff going forward.
Anyway DAVID, thanks for headlining MEDLEN, as most every BRAVES-follower knows where the catalyst to victory lies.
ncscoots
September 20th, 2012
9:16 am
If the Braves and Nats tie, they would play a 163rd game in Washington the day after the season ends.
And I’d say the Nats would have little chance of winning that game, after blowing a 8.5 game lead in three-plus weeks. So, it’s all good.
TheOnlyBravesFan
September 20th, 2012
9:17 am
Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN
For sure, WAR is an imperfect measure of a player’s performance. So is batting average;HR;RBI; fielding percentage; UZR-150; SBs; etc., etc.
Ghost of Chipper Jones
September 20th, 2012
9:18 am
phil:
What’s up old buddy?
Efrim
September 20th, 2012
9:19 am
Since August 12th vs. the Mets in which he hit a home run and his 2nd half OPS hit it’s high mark of .829, Freddie Freeman has hit .212/.329/.398 in 34 games, 143 PA’s – 21 BB’s, 30 K’s. .233 babip.
ncscoots
September 20th, 2012
9:21 am
There isn’t an arm in that entire system worth anything.
Give ‘em everybody, LOL, except the guys in the low minors and Graham, maybe. Hanson, Delgado, Spruill, a couple from Column B, whatever. Prospect-whip ‘em.