That’s a pretty good stable of talent that may not be another 96-98 win team, but certainly in the 90-92 range. And I expect them to add Bourn or Upton in CF and perhaps trade Morse, resign LaRoche. They are going to increase payroll – I’m almost certaon of that after the outcome of this season.
The myopic look at a dot so closely that they perceive it as something gargantuan. I just look at it with a longer view and see it for what it is. That’s all.
What have the Braves hit the last four Septembers? I’d love to know their OPS and Runs rank within the NL. They ranked 15th in OPS, 12th in Runs scored for this year. I really think it’s been almost as bad in 2011 and 2010 – partially in 2010 because of the injuries to Jones and Prado.
But these 2nd half fades in offense are getting tiresome.
I am hopeful about Friday, but I fully expect to lose.
Then why bother to worry about it? You’re already deep into pitiful, and they haven’t set the bleepin’ rosters yet. Just roll over and curl up, fercrissake. That crap gets old, man.
I’m serious, Scoots. I do expect to lose, BASED ON OUR FREAKIN TRACK RECORD!
Damn right it gets old. The losing part.
But I’m not going to pretend like I’m optimistic when I’m not. I’m glad you and others are. It’s not my nature to be optimistic after year after year of choking it away.
Braves haven’t played a Friday night playoff game at Turner in over a decade. Regardless what happens the crowd is going to be terrific. Bringing my 6 yr old so regardless hard to leave the park totally disappointed as can’t wait for him to experience the atmosphere.
Let’s hope the Yankees clinch today so we get a official time for the game and get that placed sold out and rocking baby.
Medlen is fully capable of holding the Cardinals to 1 or 2 runs. Is the offense capable of scoring the 2 or 3 runs necessary to win? Definitely capable. No question about it. Will they, though? We’ll know on Friday.
Win or lose, I’ll take the Braves’ season over the Red Sox season, or the Pirates’ season, or a dozen other teams who would kill to get one more game.
Jeff Locke got his first win. He played at Myrtle Beach and was a part of the McLouth trade. Like a number of good young players, I doubt he would have ever gotten a chance in Atlanta. I hope he wins many games for Pittsburgh. He is a good young man.
I think that, even with relatively marginal replacements for Bourn and Chipper, they’ll be solid on offense. And how can the pitching not be great with your boy Medlen getting 34 starts?
You mean, this offense, the one which scored less than the Nats… sans the OPS leader, replaced by marginal players? That offense is good enough to carry the team to over 90 wins? Medlen will only be pitching in 30 to 35 of those games. The team still needs 60 wins more. The other scrubs need to be able to win as well.
As it stands now, this team needs a starter and some pop for next year to maintain… and hopes that the Phillies don’t effectively rebuild/rebound, and the Marlins don’t aptly use this season as a learning experience and re-invest.
I’d like to say “just replace the lost offense with defense.” as that is the meme of the day. But that will cripple this team. It’d lead to a lot of 1 run games and extra innings with a thinned out bull-pen down the stretch.
I’d rather not rest everyone tonight. McCann and Chipper, sure. Heyward had some good plate appearances last night – might be able to build on that. Hope he’s in there tonight and perhaps even tomorrow.
I am a firm believer in the ol’ “using up your runs” theory… I’d prefer the Braves only score one or two runs today and tomorrow, then explode for 10 on Friday.
Time to get some guys some rest, throw Delgado and Teheran out there, and get ready for Friday.
Winning the division was not going to happen. Best to stop crying about it and move on.
You mean, this offense, the one which scored less than the Nats… sans the OPS leader, replaced by marginal players?
“Relatively” marginal, and by that, I mean something less than a couple of .900 bangers, not scrubs.
Is it your expectation that Uggla and McCann will repeat their seasons, or is it reasonable to expect them to contribute more next year? How about Heyward and Freeman, better or worse?
We’re in agreement that they need another RH bat with some sock. We disagree that they’re doomed if that bat isn’t Willingham or the like.
2012: Braves ranked 12th in runs scored and 15th in OPS in September
2011: Braves ranked 14th in runs scored and 14th in OPS in September
2010: Braves ranked 13th in runs scored and 13th in OPS in September
2009: Braves ranked 6th in runs scored and 8th in OPS in September”
If memory serves, 2009 was the year the Braves had an amazing run in September, only to fall short of a Colorado team that got hot at the right time.
I suspect that 2009 is the aberration, not 2010-2012. The Atlanta heat through the summer has to take it out of a team. I suspect, if you look at all the hot-weather teams, you’ll see a drop off in September and October, whereas the cold-weather teams have a more even performance.
I will say, I don’t think it’s going to be an easy task to revamp the team this offseason. I do expect Heyward and Freeman to get better and McCann and Uggla to get better as well.
However, it does seem like every year we are saying “I expect player x to bounce back or be healthy” or “I expect player y to continue to grow as a player”. Sometimes these things do not happen, and we end up short offensively.
Then there are injuries, and all teams have injuries, but the depth of the lineup will be comprimised if one of the middle order bats is out for a long stretch.
I think the frustrations on the offense are legit. 3 straight years of terrible September hitting and 2 straight years of bad 2nd half run production. Gotta have a strong full year next year – and it can’t just fall on the two 23 year olds.
Jeff, I’m good, but I am pissed that in a game of magnitude, we managed two stinkin hits….
It does not bode well for Friday. We all know it. I don’t blame you and the lolly pop brigade for not wanting to acknowledge it, but it’s there….like it or not.
We fall flat on our faces when it matters most. We will again on Friday in my book until we actually go out and WIN!
Maybe i am pissed off. It’s my birthday after all….
After the epic collapse, when this season started, the doom-and-gloomers were predicting things like 4th place in the division, and 75 wins. Now we have the 3rd best record in the league, 93 wins, and 95 wins possible. Great year by any REALISTIC measure.
So let the whiners continue, because that’s their nature. It’s guaranteed that we will lose Friday, and next year is a downward spiraling black hole. (Serious roll of eyes inserted here).
Uggla will take his usual 2 months off during the season and finish somewhere between last year and this year’s numbers.
He better not…. I want to see better numbers, esp. average wise. After seeing his hot streak last year, I expected more than a .220 finish. Yes, he did hit well for the first 2 months, and again now in September, but that slump in between was horrible. Worse than last years’.
It does not bode well for Friday. We all know it. I don’t blame you and the lolly pop brigade for not wanting to acknowledge it, but it’s there….like it or not.
What if they score 8 tonight, phil? Or a dozen tomorrow? How will that bode?
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
By the way, haven’t been asked in 45 seconds, so I’ll just let folks know: Friday’s game time, specific or general, hasn’t been announced.
phil – As you mature, you will probably learn that there is a lot more in life than a ballgame. Sure, we are all disappointed, but in the overall scheme of things, last night’s game…and even Friday’s game, should not define your happiness in life. It just shouldn’t.
We disagree that they’re doomed if that bat isn’t Willingham or the like.
Doomed? Now scoots, don’t type words in my post. ( :
I only stated that “at this stage”… meaning, this team as is isn’t a contender next season. Wasn’t that your stance on the Nats in 2013… Depends on what they do …?
As for Uggla and McCann next year, wasn’t the knock on the salad dressing that it wouldn’t last long? Two years in a row of 75+ game mega slumps. I’d say it isn’t that far out of reason going forward.
I know folks are really big on Bourn at the top of the order, but he hasn’t been all that stellar offensively. Not trivial to replace, but not the gaping hole (in the offense) that so many seem to think.
Replacing Chipper’s 2012 will be difficult … but it’s really replacing a fusion of Chipper/Francisco.
Chipper’s .829 OPS in 111 games and Francisco’s .723 OPS in the remainder could be replaced by Willingham’s .890 with someone more marginal than Bourn in CF, and the offense would be about the same as it is now, maybe a little better.
Braves should get some consistency at SS, which was a big question mark coming into 2012.
I’m not pessimistic that the Braves in 2013 are going to be much worse than the 2012 version.
Get bounce-back years from McCann, Uggla, and progress on Heyward, Freeman, and Simmons, and the 2013 team could be better than in 2012.
Now … put scrubs in CF and LF … .600 OPS guys … and we might be competing for the bottom of the division.
When folks were deconstructing the 1982 Braves (years after the fact) they noted that almost everyone on the team had a career year.
It’s possible that Washington had similar situation. Lots of guys clicking at the same time. The offensive additions that they made in the off-season (relative to 2011) shouldn’t have generated the increased run differential that it did.
Or, maybe 2011 was the down year. We’ll see what happens in 2013.
phil – You are probably right, at least sometimes. I think of it more as being a part-time curmudgeon. I definitely find the negativism tiresome, but that’s just me. As I said, vent on…especially if it makes you feel better. The blog is wide open (except to the abusive). And happy birthday (sorry for the “12″ snark)
I wasn’t able to watch the game last night, but I did listen to it… from the sound of the radio announcers, the crowd wasn’t all that big.
How much revenue do the Pirates think they’ll bring in on a makeup game to end the season? With all the staff they have to pay just to open the gates, sounds like a losing proposition to me.
As for Uggla and McCann next year, wasn’t the knock on the salad dressing that it wouldn’t last long? Two years in a row of 75+ game mega slumps. I’d say it isn’t that far out of reason going forward.
Sort of the way I feel. Shouldn’t be a jaw dropper if they both have less than great seasons in 2013. That RH thump in LF is going to need to be a darn good player.
abeeee – I hope you are right…However, I tend to think of it as similar to our 1991 season, with similar future for the Nats. Good young talent, smart baseball people in charge, and plenty of money to spend. Doesn’t mean that I don’t think we can compete.
Heyward, Freeman, Prado, Uggla, McCann, Simmons, Hudson, Medlen, Minor, Maholm, Kimbrel, O’Flaherty, Venters is a pretty good team for 2013. Not sure if it’s going to be better than the Nats and Phils, but that’s what the offseason is for.
For a game that meant so much, it was a pathetic, embarassing performance.
2 hits, fielding flubs all over the place, none of which were ever quite bad enough to result in errors, but we simply played like we didn’t give one crap about that game. It was odd and personally sad to me to see such wretched baseball with a chance to get within 2 just begging to be grabbed….
I just don’t get it. Losing is one thing but that was just plain bad.
The pitching was superb, I’ll say that, but that’s where it ends, other than the one excellent Heyward AB.
I expect the Braves to bring Maholm back…pretty cheap mid to bottom of rotation guy. Of course, the entire dynamic of the rotation will depend on who we do or do not add. (cue TOBF )
I sincerely hope that the Braves get someone this offseason who can hit clean-up…. given Dan’s struggles, I’m not too sure I want him hitting there. I like the guy, but I need my clean-up hitter to be more consistent. He needs to hit 5th or 6th next year.
Any decent seats left for the game Friday? Anyone know? Maybe I’ll take the kids and show up in a desperate attempt to change our elimination game luck.
It will be me that you hear loudly boooooing…..lol
raleighbravefan, no. Pittsburgh is a couple of hours south of the lakes. Cleveland and Erie PA get the lake-effect.
A friend of mine in Cleveland tells me it depends where you are in Cleveland about the lake-effect snowfall amounts. The east side is typically hit hardest.
phil – I just don’t think you can judge intent and desire by the results. Bad game? Maybe. Didn’t give a crap? I doubt that. I find the “the other team just wanted it more” assessments tiresome.
I’m adding the not having Hanson effect to the rotation. Meds for a full year, an improved Minor, a full year of Maholm, and a top SP whether it be my guy, “Big Game”, or Haren should be better than this year. Shouldn’t struggle as much as they did in April/May this year.
1,250 comments Add your comment
phil
October 2nd, 2012
9:10 am
LOL @ Scoots….
Able to ignore the black hole we call an offense!
ncscoots
October 2nd, 2012
9:14 am
Heyward is 7 for his last 41 and hitting .171/.222/.268 over his last 11 games.
eight RBI, though.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 2nd, 2012
9:14 am
What we need next year is for the hitters to not fall off in the 2nd half.
Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
9:15 am
Depends on what they do in CF and whether they go with LaRoche or Morse or just maintain the status quo.
Strasburg, Zimmermann, Gonzalez, Detwiler, Burnett, Clippard, Storen, Harper, Werth, Zimmerman, Desmond, Espinosa, Ramos/Suzuki
That’s a pretty good stable of talent that may not be another 96-98 win team, but certainly in the 90-92 range. And I expect them to add Bourn or Upton in CF and perhaps trade Morse, resign LaRoche. They are going to increase payroll – I’m almost certaon of that after the outcome of this season.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 2nd, 2012
9:16 am
Maybe they need a new hitting coach?
TennesseePaul
October 2nd, 2012
9:17 am
What we need next year is for the hitters to not fall off in the 2nd half.
The resulting combination of youthful inexperience and league scouting.
ncscoots
October 2nd, 2012
9:19 am
Able to ignore the black hole we call an offense
The myopic look at a dot so closely that they perceive it as something gargantuan. I just look at it with a longer view and see it for what it is. That’s all.
Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
9:21 am
What have the Braves hit the last four Septembers? I’d love to know their OPS and Runs rank within the NL. They ranked 15th in OPS, 12th in Runs scored for this year. I really think it’s been almost as bad in 2011 and 2010 – partially in 2010 because of the injuries to Jones and Prado.
But these 2nd half fades in offense are getting tiresome.
phil
October 2nd, 2012
9:21 am
excuses, excuses, excuses….
Until we man up, expect the same results.
2 hits in an elimination game last night. It’s the same old thing, every time we’re really faced with it. Totally roll over and die….
I am hopeful about Friday, but I fully expect to lose.
phil
October 2nd, 2012
9:24 am
What is it they say about sports? Most of it is mental?
Well there you go….
Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
9:24 am
2012: Braves ranked 12th in runs scored and 15th in OPS in September
2011: Braves ranked 14th in runs scored and 14th in OPS in September
2010: Braves ranked 13th in runs scored and 13th in OPS in September
2009: Braves ranked 6th in runs scored and 8th in OPS in September
ncscoots
October 2nd, 2012
9:25 am
I am hopeful about Friday, but I fully expect to lose.
Then why bother to worry about it? You’re already deep into pitiful, and they haven’t set the bleepin’ rosters yet. Just roll over and curl up, fercrissake. That crap gets old, man.
phil
October 2nd, 2012
9:27 am
I’m serious, Scoots. I do expect to lose, BASED ON OUR FREAKIN TRACK RECORD!
Damn right it gets old. The losing part.
But I’m not going to pretend like I’m optimistic when I’m not. I’m glad you and others are. It’s not my nature to be optimistic after year after year of choking it away.
Frankie
October 2nd, 2012
9:28 am
Braves haven’t played a Friday night playoff game at Turner in over a decade. Regardless what happens the crowd is going to be terrific. Bringing my 6 yr old so regardless hard to leave the park totally disappointed as can’t wait for him to experience the atmosphere.
Let’s hope the Yankees clinch today so we get a official time for the game and get that placed sold out and rocking baby.
Murph
October 2nd, 2012
9:28 am
Medlen is fully capable of holding the Cardinals to 1 or 2 runs. Is the offense capable of scoring the 2 or 3 runs necessary to win? Definitely capable. No question about it. Will they, though? We’ll know on Friday.
Win or lose, I’ll take the Braves’ season over the Red Sox season, or the Pirates’ season, or a dozen other teams who would kill to get one more game.
Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
9:29 am
Post All Star Break:
2012: 10th in Runs Scored, 12th in OPS
2011: 11th in Runs Scored, 12th in OPS
2010: 6th in Runs Scored, 5th in OPS
Damn shame about that 2010 season. Could of been special if Chipper and Prado didn’t get hurt.
Jeff R
October 2nd, 2012
9:30 am
2 hits in an elimination game last night. It’s the same old thing, every time we’re really faced with it. Totally roll over and die….
You’re sounding like the night crew, phil. Come back into the light.
The Braves collapsed last season, and have secured a post season berth this year. The Braves have “faced” it in fine fashion.
ncscoots
October 2nd, 2012
9:30 am
Fine, phil. You have plenty of company here, after all.
don
October 2nd, 2012
9:31 am
Jeff Locke got his first win. He played at Myrtle Beach and was a part of the McLouth trade. Like a number of good young players, I doubt he would have ever gotten a chance in Atlanta. I hope he wins many games for Pittsburgh. He is a good young man.
TennesseePaul
October 2nd, 2012
9:31 am
I think that, even with relatively marginal replacements for Bourn and Chipper, they’ll be solid on offense. And how can the pitching not be great with your boy Medlen getting 34 starts?
You mean, this offense, the one which scored less than the Nats… sans the OPS leader, replaced by marginal players? That offense is good enough to carry the team to over 90 wins? Medlen will only be pitching in 30 to 35 of those games. The team still needs 60 wins more. The other scrubs need to be able to win as well.
As it stands now, this team needs a starter and some pop for next year to maintain… and hopes that the Phillies don’t effectively rebuild/rebound, and the Marlins don’t aptly use this season as a learning experience and re-invest.
I’d like to say “just replace the lost offense with defense.” as that is the meme of the day. But that will cripple this team. It’d lead to a lot of 1 run games and extra innings with a thinned out bull-pen down the stretch.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 2nd, 2012
9:31 am
Sept 2009- .254/.339/.385/.724
Sept 2010- .244/.319/.359/.678
Sept 2011- .235/.300/.357/.657
Sept 2012- .230/.305/.342/.646
That’s a trend in the wrong direction.
Jeff R
October 2nd, 2012
9:33 am
Damn right it gets old. The losing part.
Huh? Really, phil, what Braves’ team are you following? Quick – what season is this?
abeeeewright
October 2nd, 2012
9:33 am
DOB … “Oh, and if anyone is curious, Braves finish regular season … 19-6 on Fridays”
Can I hear a 20-6?!?
Amen.
phil
October 2nd, 2012
9:33 am
2 hits is not fine.
There is no spin for that garbage in a game that important.
It was pathetic.
phil
October 2nd, 2012
9:35 am
Jeff R, go on back to la la land or wherever it is that you stay most days….
In the past, you doof.
Jeff R
October 2nd, 2012
9:35 am
Spin? The Braves are 93-67 and heading to the post season. Spin?
Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
9:35 am
I’d rather not rest everyone tonight. McCann and Chipper, sure. Heyward had some good plate appearances last night – might be able to build on that. Hope he’s in there tonight and perhaps even tomorrow.
Jeff R
October 2nd, 2012
9:36 am
phil, I think you’re having a bad day and need to vent and have a hissy fit. Keep hissing… get it out of your system. You’ll feel so much better.
Murph
October 2nd, 2012
9:36 am
I am a firm believer in the ol’ “using up your runs” theory… I’d prefer the Braves only score one or two runs today and tomorrow, then explode for 10 on Friday.
Time to get some guys some rest, throw Delgado and Teheran out there, and get ready for Friday.
Winning the division was not going to happen. Best to stop crying about it and move on.
UKUGA
October 2nd, 2012
9:39 am
They haven’t even set the rosters yet?
What? Are Mickey and the Babe gonna play on Friday?
ncscoots
October 2nd, 2012
9:39 am
You mean, this offense, the one which scored less than the Nats… sans the OPS leader, replaced by marginal players?
“Relatively” marginal, and by that, I mean something less than a couple of .900 bangers, not scrubs.
Is it your expectation that Uggla and McCann will repeat their seasons, or is it reasonable to expect them to contribute more next year? How about Heyward and Freeman, better or worse?
We’re in agreement that they need another RH bat with some sock. We disagree that they’re doomed if that bat isn’t Willingham or the like.
abeeeewright
October 2nd, 2012
9:40 am
“Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
9:24 am
2012: Braves ranked 12th in runs scored and 15th in OPS in September
2011: Braves ranked 14th in runs scored and 14th in OPS in September
2010: Braves ranked 13th in runs scored and 13th in OPS in September
2009: Braves ranked 6th in runs scored and 8th in OPS in September”
If memory serves, 2009 was the year the Braves had an amazing run in September, only to fall short of a Colorado team that got hot at the right time.
I suspect that 2009 is the aberration, not 2010-2012. The Atlanta heat through the summer has to take it out of a team. I suspect, if you look at all the hot-weather teams, you’ll see a drop off in September and October, whereas the cold-weather teams have a more even performance.
Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
9:40 am
I will say, I don’t think it’s going to be an easy task to revamp the team this offseason. I do expect Heyward and Freeman to get better and McCann and Uggla to get better as well.
However, it does seem like every year we are saying “I expect player x to bounce back or be healthy” or “I expect player y to continue to grow as a player”. Sometimes these things do not happen, and we end up short offensively.
Then there are injuries, and all teams have injuries, but the depth of the lineup will be comprimised if one of the middle order bats is out for a long stretch.
I think the frustrations on the offense are legit. 3 straight years of terrible September hitting and 2 straight years of bad 2nd half run production. Gotta have a strong full year next year – and it can’t just fall on the two 23 year olds.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 2nd, 2012
9:41 am
2009: 1st half- .261/.332/.396/.728 2nd half- .266/.347/.416/.763
2010: 1st half- .260/.343/.394/.737 2nd half- .256/.334/.409/.743
2011: 1st half- .237/.305/.385/.690 2nd half- .251/.313/.389/.702
2012: 1st half- .259/.324/.408/.732 2nd half- .232/.315/.369/.684
Murph
October 2nd, 2012
9:41 am
Is it your expectation that Uggla and McCann will repeat their seasons, or is it reasonable to expect them to contribute more next year?
BMac will have a season for the ages in 2013… I mean, it is his contract year and all.
Uggla will take his usual 2 months off during the season and finish somewhere between last year and this year’s numbers.
phil
October 2nd, 2012
9:42 am
Jeff, I’m good, but I am pissed that in a game of magnitude, we managed two stinkin hits….
It does not bode well for Friday. We all know it. I don’t blame you and the lolly pop brigade for not wanting to acknowledge it, but it’s there….like it or not.
We fall flat on our faces when it matters most. We will again on Friday in my book until we actually go out and WIN!
Maybe i am pissed off. It’s my birthday after all….
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
9:43 am
After the epic collapse, when this season started, the doom-and-gloomers were predicting things like 4th place in the division, and 75 wins. Now we have the 3rd best record in the league, 93 wins, and 95 wins possible. Great year by any REALISTIC measure.
So let the whiners continue, because that’s their nature. It’s guaranteed that we will lose Friday, and next year is a downward spiraling black hole. (Serious roll of eyes inserted here).
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
9:43 am
phil – 12?
Jeff R
October 2nd, 2012
9:44 am
Well, happy birthday, phil. Don’t get too upset. Enjoy the day.
abeeeewright
October 2nd, 2012
9:45 am
“What is it they say about sports? Most of it is mental?”
90% is physical and the other 90% is mental.
ncscoots
October 2nd, 2012
9:46 am
It’s my birthday after all….
You probably expect the damn cake to collapse and the candles to burn down the house, LOL.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 2nd, 2012
9:47 am
Uggla will take his usual 2 months off during the season and finish somewhere between last year and this year’s numbers.
He better not…. I want to see better numbers, esp. average wise. After seeing his hot streak last year, I expected more than a .220 finish. Yes, he did hit well for the first 2 months, and again now in September, but that slump in between was horrible. Worse than last years’.
phil
October 2nd, 2012
9:47 am
raleigh – bug off…
ncscoots
October 2nd, 2012
9:49 am
It does not bode well for Friday. We all know it. I don’t blame you and the lolly pop brigade for not wanting to acknowledge it, but it’s there….like it or not.
What if they score 8 tonight, phil? Or a dozen tomorrow? How will that bode?
Meaningless, right?
Murph
October 2nd, 2012
9:50 am
Phil on his birthday:
http://www.worldofstock.com/slides/PCH12990.jpg
Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
9:50 am
Well, at least we’ll know what time the games are at on Friday in about 30 hours…..
Murph
October 2nd, 2012
9:52 am
What if they score 8 tonight, phil? Or a dozen tomorrow? How will that bode?
That would be bad. They’ll use up all of their runs and have nothing left on Friday.
phil
October 2nd, 2012
9:52 am
Yep. The last 2 games ARE meaningless…..if Overbay knocks in 5 runs tonight, so what.
Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
9:53 am
What if they score 8 tonight, phil? Or a dozen tomorrow? How will that bode?
Will the 8 runs be scored in part by the contributions of Jason Heyward, Chipper Jones and Brian McCann?
Or are we talking Juan Francisco, Eric Hinske and Reed Johnson?
Would feel great if it were the first three…..
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
9:53 am
Yep, we all know that a great team is NEVER held to 2 runs in a meaningful game.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 2nd, 2012
9:55 am
David O’Brien @ajcbraves
By the way, haven’t been asked in 45 seconds, so I’ll just let folks know: Friday’s game time, specific or general, hasn’t been announced.
People keep asking all week… sigh
Jeff R
October 2nd, 2012
9:55 am
Think the game is played tonight in Pittsburgh? Forecast shows rain.
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
9:58 am
phil – As you mature, you will probably learn that there is a lot more in life than a ballgame. Sure, we are all disappointed, but in the overall scheme of things, last night’s game…and even Friday’s game, should not define your happiness in life. It just shouldn’t.
TennesseePaul
October 2nd, 2012
9:58 am
We disagree that they’re doomed if that bat isn’t Willingham or the like.
Doomed? Now scoots, don’t type words in my post. ( :
I only stated that “at this stage”… meaning, this team as is isn’t a contender next season. Wasn’t that your stance on the Nats in 2013… Depends on what they do …?
As for Uggla and McCann next year, wasn’t the knock on the salad dressing that it wouldn’t last long? Two years in a row of 75+ game mega slumps. I’d say it isn’t that far out of reason going forward.
phil
October 2nd, 2012
9:58 am
Cute, Murph…..lol
phil
October 2nd, 2012
9:59 am
raleigh – mind your own freakin business….you know zero about me. when I mature?
ncscoots
October 2nd, 2012
10:00 am
Yep. The last 2 games ARE meaningless
Well, that’s good to know. If they score 2 or 3, at least I won’t have to listen to people b!tch and moan about it. I mean, being meaningless and all.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 2nd, 2012
10:00 am
ESPN @espn
Miguel Cabrera has the Triple Crown right now. The regular season ends tomorrow. #KindOfABigDeal
MVP! MVP!
Bat Masterson
October 2nd, 2012
10:00 am
Ha, Happy Birthday, phil
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
10:00 am
Jeff R – Yep, and a DH makeup game tomorrow would truly succkk. I would start Delgado or Teheran, and clear the bottom of the bench for that game.
abeeeewright
October 2nd, 2012
10:00 am
I know folks are really big on Bourn at the top of the order, but he hasn’t been all that stellar offensively. Not trivial to replace, but not the gaping hole (in the offense) that so many seem to think.
Replacing Chipper’s 2012 will be difficult … but it’s really replacing a fusion of Chipper/Francisco.
Chipper’s .829 OPS in 111 games and Francisco’s .723 OPS in the remainder could be replaced by Willingham’s .890 with someone more marginal than Bourn in CF, and the offense would be about the same as it is now, maybe a little better.
Braves should get some consistency at SS, which was a big question mark coming into 2012.
I’m not pessimistic that the Braves in 2013 are going to be much worse than the 2012 version.
Get bounce-back years from McCann, Uggla, and progress on Heyward, Freeman, and Simmons, and the 2013 team could be better than in 2012.
Now … put scrubs in CF and LF … .600 OPS guys … and we might be competing for the bottom of the division.
phil
October 2nd, 2012
10:01 am
Thank you, Bat.
But I’m too unhappy to enjoy my life….
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
10:01 am
phil – When you post here, you open it up to everyone. Vent on if you must. I stand by my statement.
Jeff R
October 2nd, 2012
10:02 am
raleighbravefan, does the league require the makeup? What would be the purpose?
phil
October 2nd, 2012
10:05 am
True, raleigh, much as you show that you too are an ass….
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
10:05 am
Jeff – Someone said it would be up to the Pirates, and they want the revenue. I don’t know.
abeeeewright
October 2nd, 2012
10:08 am
When folks were deconstructing the 1982 Braves (years after the fact) they noted that almost everyone on the team had a career year.
It’s possible that Washington had similar situation. Lots of guys clicking at the same time. The offensive additions that they made in the off-season (relative to 2011) shouldn’t have generated the increased run differential that it did.
Or, maybe 2011 was the down year. We’ll see what happens in 2013.
Bat Masterson
October 2nd, 2012
10:08 am
Well the Braves will play a game on Friday and I’ll be watching.
Might be dramatic
Might be anti-climatic
Might win a blowout
Or lose one
I’ll try to keep my expectations
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
10:09 am
phil – You are probably right, at least sometimes. I think of it more as being a part-time curmudgeon. I definitely find the negativism tiresome, but that’s just me. As I said, vent on…especially if it makes you feel better. The blog is wide open (except to the abusive). And happy birthday (sorry for the “12″ snark)
Jeff R
October 2nd, 2012
10:09 am
raleighbravefan, weekday day game. Not sure about the draw. I bet the Pirates scrub it.
Bat Masterson
October 2nd, 2012
10:09 am
In check*
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
10:10 am
Jeff R – I hoep you are right. Besides, maybe they play tonight (hopefully without delays involved).
Murph
October 2nd, 2012
10:11 am
I wasn’t able to watch the game last night, but I did listen to it… from the sound of the radio announcers, the crowd wasn’t all that big.
How much revenue do the Pirates think they’ll bring in on a makeup game to end the season? With all the staff they have to pay just to open the gates, sounds like a losing proposition to me.
phil
October 2nd, 2012
10:11 am
that’s better and thx…
Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
10:12 am
As for Uggla and McCann next year, wasn’t the knock on the salad dressing that it wouldn’t last long? Two years in a row of 75+ game mega slumps. I’d say it isn’t that far out of reason going forward.
Sort of the way I feel. Shouldn’t be a jaw dropper if they both have less than great seasons in 2013. That RH thump in LF is going to need to be a darn good player.
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
10:13 am
abeeee – I hope you are right…However, I tend to think of it as similar to our 1991 season, with similar future for the Nats. Good young talent, smart baseball people in charge, and plenty of money to spend. Doesn’t mean that I don’t think we can compete.
Jeff R
October 2nd, 2012
10:13 am
raleighbravefan, I think they’ll do everything in their power to get the game in tonight versus a doubleheader tomorrow.
Little known fact about Pittsburgh: It’s about as rainy as Seattle. (I don’t know why I know that.)
DAP
October 2nd, 2012
10:13 am
next year, dan needs to have this years OBP and last years slg%.
DAP
October 2nd, 2012
10:14 am
i fully expect to win the game on friday. the braves do, too.
Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
10:15 am
Here’s a nice takeaway from 2012 – Heyward has played in 157 games this season.
Tomahawkin
October 2nd, 2012
10:15 am
Murph
“I wasn’t able to watch the game last night, but I did listen to it… from the sound of the radio announcers, the crowd wasn’t all that big.”
Probably the most Boring Last Series/September Game I have ever watched, I turned it off in the 5th and started watching Monday Night Football….
Annouced crowd was around 15K but I have seen games at AAA games in Memphis that have drawn better
Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
10:16 am
next year, dan needs to have this years OBP and last years slg%.
.250/.350/.460ish – That’s what I’ll be hoping for from Uggla.
Tomahawkin
October 2nd, 2012
10:17 am
@phil
Wipe away your sorrow abt last night and show up for the WC elimination Game!
Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
10:17 am
Paul Maholm with 140 K’s this year. Most in his career. Highest K rate – 6.67 per 9 innings.
DAP
October 2nd, 2012
10:18 am
so the nats lose 2-0 against the phils, and go in the clubhouse and party? they have earned it, but its got to be a weird way to celebrate clinching.
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
10:18 am
Jeff R – I didn’t know that. Are they close enough to get the “lake effect” like Cleveland and Buffaloe? Just wondering.
Efrim
October 2nd, 2012
10:19 am
Heyward, Freeman, Prado, Uggla, McCann, Simmons, Hudson, Medlen, Minor, Maholm, Kimbrel, O’Flaherty, Venters is a pretty good team for 2013. Not sure if it’s going to be better than the Nats and Phils, but that’s what the offseason is for.
phil
October 2nd, 2012
10:20 am
For a game that meant so much, it was a pathetic, embarassing performance.
2 hits, fielding flubs all over the place, none of which were ever quite bad enough to result in errors, but we simply played like we didn’t give one crap about that game. It was odd and personally sad to me to see such wretched baseball with a chance to get within 2 just begging to be grabbed….
I just don’t get it. Losing is one thing but that was just plain bad.
The pitching was superb, I’ll say that, but that’s where it ends, other than the one excellent Heyward AB.
Venice Jim
October 2nd, 2012
10:20 am
Have a great birthday, phil!
phil
October 2nd, 2012
10:21 am
Thank you, VJ…
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
10:22 am
I expect the Braves to bring Maholm back…pretty cheap mid to bottom of rotation guy. Of course, the entire dynamic of the rotation will depend on who we do or do not add. (cue TOBF
)
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 2nd, 2012
10:22 am
I sincerely hope that the Braves get someone this offseason who can hit clean-up…. given Dan’s struggles, I’m not too sure I want him hitting there. I like the guy, but I need my clean-up hitter to be more consistent. He needs to hit 5th or 6th next year.
phil
October 2nd, 2012
10:23 am
Any decent seats left for the game Friday? Anyone know? Maybe I’ll take the kids and show up in a desperate attempt to change our elimination game luck.
It will be me that you hear loudly boooooing…..lol
Jeff R
October 2nd, 2012
10:23 am
raleighbravefan, no. Pittsburgh is a couple of hours south of the lakes. Cleveland and Erie PA get the lake-effect.
A friend of mine in Cleveland tells me it depends where you are in Cleveland about the lake-effect snowfall amounts. The east side is typically hit hardest.
Jeff R
October 2nd, 2012
10:24 am
It will be me that you hear loudly boooooing…..lol
Boo loudly and hold up a sign. I’ll be watching.
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
10:25 am
phil – I just don’t think you can judge intent and desire by the results. Bad game? Maybe. Didn’t give a crap? I doubt that. I find the “the other team just wanted it more” assessments tiresome.
Mixxo
October 2nd, 2012
10:26 am
I like our chances in the elimination game if our awfense shows up.
Deal with it.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 2nd, 2012
10:26 am
I’m adding the not having Hanson effect to the rotation.
Meds for a full year, an improved Minor, a full year of Maholm, and a top SP whether it be my guy, “Big Game”, or Haren should be better than this year. Shouldn’t struggle as much as they did in April/May this year.
Tomahawkin
October 2nd, 2012
10:26 am
phil
“Any decent seats left for the game Friday? Anyone know? ”
I dunno, It depends on the start time if any will be left at the gate, Forget seats, I will be at the Chop House
I’m assuming its gonna be either a 4pm or 7pm start time, Hopefully 4pm
raleighbravefan
October 2nd, 2012
10:28 am
Jeff R – Maybe it’s something about the northern jet stream.