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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3,117 comments Add your comment
raleighbravefan
October 3rd, 2012
3:37 pm
mitchell – OR….any other random 4 loses during the season. What’s your point?
SNEAKY PETE
October 3rd, 2012
3:39 pm
Texas the only team in MLB to score 800 runs.
Brave New World
October 3rd, 2012
3:39 pm
94 wins. A .580 winning pecentage. Playoff on Friday. Let’s make a great season even greater. GO BRAVES!
Efrim
October 3rd, 2012
3:39 pm
Nationals 3 outs away from a 98 win season and home field throughout the playoffs.
The Washington Nationals, folks.
They used to be the Montreal Expos.
Yup….
ncscoots
October 3rd, 2012
3:41 pm
The Washington Nationals, folks.
Fluke.
SNEAKY PETE
October 3rd, 2012
3:41 pm
Braves finished 7th in scoring and 7th in OBP
Shaun
October 3rd, 2012
3:41 pm
MikeInFl, I think that’s part of the problem, the assumption that a large percentage of the BBWAA understand best the ins and outs of the game and know best how to evaluate players. There job is mostly to cover the games and write about the games, not to evaluate and valuate players.
Perhaps GM’s should vote. I seriously doubt there are very many GM’s, if they could go back to March and have first pick of any player for the 2012 season only, knowing what every player is going to do, who would take Cabrera over Trout. GM’s obviously know what they are doing and know how to valuate players.
raleighbravefan
October 3rd, 2012
3:41 pm
Efrim – All it takes is some really talented young players (mostly due to high draft choices), smart baseball people running the team, ample resources, …and a little luck. Kinda like 1991, for a team we all know and love.
phil
October 3rd, 2012
3:42 pm
We’re only 12 wins away from a World Championship….
Starting the count right now.
P-Town Brave ©
October 3rd, 2012
3:42 pm
Will they be the powerful team they were throughout the regular season….
OR will they be the next Seattle Mariners
Efrim
October 3rd, 2012
3:42 pm
AL West title on the line in Oakland. Sellout. Pretty cool.
usnavyvolfaninva
October 3rd, 2012
3:43 pm
94-68…I’ll take it. Great job, Bravos! Don’t stop now!
raleighbravefan
October 3rd, 2012
3:43 pm
Did Shaun say something?….No, I guess not.
SNEAKY PETE
October 3rd, 2012
3:44 pm
except for Jason, most of our guys were not really high draft choices
phil
October 3rd, 2012
3:44 pm
Much like the energizer bunny, shaun’s idiocy rolls onward…
raleighbravefan
October 3rd, 2012
3:45 pm
Now, if only the O’s win, and NYY loses, it will be a great day.
phil
October 3rd, 2012
3:45 pm
I don’t recall my exact prediction back in early April based on our wretched spring, but it certainly wasn’t 94-68!
Fine season, boys, in spite of the hitting woes…
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 3rd, 2012
3:45 pm
I hope the Nats win today. I want to face them in the NLDS.
Efrim
October 3rd, 2012
3:45 pm
I guess the only reason to be in anyway concerned about the future of the franchise is that their current farm system stinks. One of the worst in the sport. So, they are going to need to win with this group and some additions via free agency.
That, and to hope Anthony Rendon stays healthy.
SNEAKY PETE
October 3rd, 2012
3:45 pm
obsession knows no bounds
Jimmy
October 3rd, 2012
3:46 pm
P-Town – I bring this up every October. It is rare, for the team with the best record, to actually win the World Series. It hasn’t happened very often in the last 20 years.
Bat Masterson
October 3rd, 2012
3:47 pm
Yep, pretty good season, usnavy.
Interesting ride, I’ve certainly enjoyed it.
Win One For The Chipper
October 3rd, 2012
3:47 pm
“Nationals 3 outs away from a 98 win season and home field throughout the playoffs.
The Washington Nationals, folks.”
They are also 3 outs away from being 0-0 like the rest of the playoff field.
They’ve had a great year, but the NL is wide open and ripe for the taking. So lets take it, Bravos!
Efrim
October 3rd, 2012
3:48 pm
Hard not to root for Oakland here. But I really feel terrible for Texas Ranger fans. What they’ve gone through the last couple playoffs and to lose out here and have to put your life on the line on Friday night. Just awful.
DS1
October 3rd, 2012
3:49 pm
94 wins surpassed my predictions by 2 games. I’m happy. Of course it woulda been nice to win the division, but when has the team with the best record in baseball won the WS?
“So you’re saying there’s a chance?” as he smiles………….
Efrim
October 3rd, 2012
3:49 pm
Michael Morse homers, Nationals up 5-1 in the bottom of the 8th.
SNEAKY PETE
October 3rd, 2012
3:49 pm
phil says that deep down we most all expect the Braves to lose Friday. True?
raleighbravefan
October 3rd, 2012
3:50 pm
Efrim – Deep pockets will help, no matter the condition of the farm.
Jimmy
October 3rd, 2012
3:50 pm
Yeah, I’d like to se the A’s win, the Orioles win and the Yankees lose.
Then, the Orioles beat the Yankees tomorrow.
Then, the Rangers and Yankees one gamer Friday.
If that is the case, we play at 4pm.
ncbravesfan90
October 3rd, 2012
3:52 pm
Sounds like in postgame interview that Sheets wanted to pitch out of the pen the past few weeks, almost like he wanted to show Fredi and organization he still had something left.
N Nine
October 3rd, 2012
3:52 pm
A true o’ventrel sighting today. We re ready and in good hands with meds-huddy-minor
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 3rd, 2012
3:52 pm
I want the night time on Friday…. so, the Yanks need to win.
DS1
October 3rd, 2012
3:52 pm
SNEAKY
I’m predicting a 4-2 victory for the Bravos. Medlen goes 7 strong and O’Flaherty and Kimbrel finish it off. Freddie Freeman hits a 2 run homer and the top of the order manufactures 2 other runs.
Book it!
ncscoots
October 3rd, 2012
3:54 pm
GM’s obviously know what they are doing and know how to valuate players.
And yet, GMs are fired every year, for failing to do exactly that.
That dog won’t even get off the front porch, let alone hunt.
DS1
October 3rd, 2012
3:54 pm
Fredi should put Sheets on the roster for Friday. Heck put him on the NLDS roster ahead of Hanson. As far as I’m concerned, if we don’t see Tommy again this year, it will be too soon.
Tumbledown
October 3rd, 2012
3:55 pm
Shaun – While I disagree to some extent with your ultimate conclusion, I appreciate your analysis and will think upon it further.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 3rd, 2012
3:55 pm
Medlen will pitch a perfect game on Friday…
I think we win, 5-1, something like that. Meds goes 6.2IP, then Freddie mixes and matches. Chipper and Uggla have big hits.
RC
October 3rd, 2012
3:56 pm
Teddy Roosevelt: 1 and 645
phil
October 3rd, 2012
3:56 pm
PETE – haven’t used those exact words in several days but surely plenty do.
8 straight deciding home games and all losses? An anemic offense replete with the injured, the elderly, the slump-ridden young? Hard to be optimistic, but I am trying very hard to be in spite of it all because of the pitching and the chance that our bats show up in 48 hours.
DS1
October 3rd, 2012
3:56 pm
TOBF
I’d frickin LOVE for us to blow out the Cards on Friday. Go into the Nats series high as a kite on offense. Now THAT would be sweet!
(as he anticipates a “that” from TOBF!!)
Tumbledown
October 3rd, 2012
3:57 pm
Sneaky Pete – phil says that deep down we most all expect the Braves to lose Friday. True?
I go into the game with an open and cautiously optimistic mind-set. However, ghosts of past playoff failures will no doubt dance in my head.
DS1
October 3rd, 2012
3:58 pm
phil
All we need is for the mid August offense to return for the next 3 weeks! Or even a striking resemblance to it!
ncscoots
October 3rd, 2012
3:59 pm
Teddy Roosevelt: 1 and 645
Broke out today, though. Streak to follow.
Efrim
October 3rd, 2012
4:00 pm
What’s everyone feel about a Seth Smith/Reed Johnson platoon in LF next year?………….
………………
What? Did someone say something? I blacked out for a bit….
RC
October 3rd, 2012
4:01 pm
Teddy Roosevelt: 1 and 645
Broke out today, though. Streak to follow.
Be interesting to see how they handle that next year. Gotta say I admire the restraint to keep him winless for 8 years though. Stupid Home Depot Drill gets a win every season.
Efrim
October 3rd, 2012
4:01 pm
Brandon Moss with a double – 1-0 A’s. Place is going nuts.
Tumbledown
October 3rd, 2012
4:03 pm
I think moreso than with any other playoff team, the Braves got to score the first run or runs on Friday. Otherwise, the team and all of Bravesnation will become tighter than a drum.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 3rd, 2012
4:03 pm
Spence Butler ⚾ † ™ @dabutlerdidit13
Lohse 0-4 with a 5.54 ERA in 9 playoff appearances with 4 starts and a 14.54 ERA. Basically sucks in October. #CantArgueWithStats
THAT is what I like to see
Jimmy
October 3rd, 2012
4:04 pm
Let’s face it, the Friday game is like a blind date.
She’ll either be beautiful or a butter-face (or worse).
We don’t know which Braves team will turn up until we get there. Should know by the 4th inning.
MFin04
October 3rd, 2012
4:04 pm
Oh Shaun…sad that you can’t see the error of your ways. So pretty much unless we agree with you on the categories and weights of Most Valuable Player, we aren’t being objective. Because there is only ONE TRUE WAY to Value a player. Surely you see the non-sense in that statement.
Shaun
October 3rd, 2012
4:06 pm
ncscoots, most of the GM’s, even GM’s that are fired, better understand how to valuate players than most members of the BBWAA (or pretty much anyone else, for that matter).
phil
October 3rd, 2012
4:06 pm
Well, were down to it….
Either that mid august offense returns right now or it’s over.
12 wins to a title….
Powder Blue
October 3rd, 2012
4:07 pm
Good season. Wonder what might’ve been had Beachy not gone down.
Braveone
October 3rd, 2012
4:08 pm
From the previous blog which had 1,250 comments, TheOnlyBravesFan led the way with 88 posts. There were 135 different poster names. Here are the Top 25:
Rank Poster Frequency
1 TheOnlyBravesFan 88
2 phil 85
3 nolie 61
4 Efrim 59
5 Mixxo 48
6 ncscoots 44
7 abeeeewright 40
8 MFin04 39
9 Murph 37
10 Jeff R 35
11 Bat Masterson 31
12 Shaun 28
13 Mitchell 26
14 RC 24
15 UKUGA 23
16 Brian from SC 22
17 David O’Brien 22
18 raleighbravefan 22
19 George_George 21
20 Venice Jim 19
21 ncbravesfan90 19
22 MiaBchBravesFan 17
23 Veer 17
24 T-Dawg 16
25 Tomahawkin 16
Jimmy
October 3rd, 2012
4:08 pm
Efrim – Thanks for the update. I’m a “stuck-at-work-loser” today.
Can’t wait to get home and catch the end of the game!
Bat – Yeah I agree totally with you. Where did the season go? Wow.
ncscoots
October 3rd, 2012
4:09 pm
Otherwise, the team and all of Bravesnation will become tighter than a drum.
I don’t know about the team, but I figure we’ll get a minimum of three posts of “BALLGAME!” if trailing 1-0, LOL.
Efrim
October 3rd, 2012
4:09 pm
Washington wins. We’ll face them on Sunday if we beat the Cards this Friday.
Monday – Gio Gonzalez vs. Tim Hudson
Tuesday – Jordan Zimmermann vs. Mike Minor or Paul Maholm
Powder Blue
October 3rd, 2012
4:09 pm
Has Friday’s game time been announced?
Efrim
October 3rd, 2012
4:10 pm
Scratch that…
Sunday – Gio Gonzalez vs. Tim Hudson
Monday – Jordan Zimmermann vs. Mike Minor or Paul Maholm
Jimmy
October 3rd, 2012
4:11 pm
Powder – No.
MFin04
October 3rd, 2012
4:11 pm
“What’s everyone feel about a Seth Smith/Reed Johnson platoon in LF next year?”
Yep. Should’ve dealt Prado for Smith like Frank Wren wanted to.
ncscoots
October 3rd, 2012
4:12 pm
most of the GM’s, even GM’s that are fired, better understand how to valuate players than most members of the BBWAA
Then, it follows that most of us who played the game better understand how to evaluate players than you, doesn’t it?
(I don’t agree with either premise, but that’s the logical continuation of your logic.)
Powder Blue
October 3rd, 2012
4:12 pm
Jimmy, thanks for the update. Hoping it’s Friday night.
Efrim
October 3rd, 2012
4:13 pm
Reds host the Giants. Tough series to call, but I’m going with the Giants.
O.M.G.
October 3rd, 2012
4:13 pm
ncscoots–Not just “BALLGAME”,but “SEASON” and “CAREER”.
raleighbravefan
October 3rd, 2012
4:13 pm
MFin04 – Sadly, he DOESN’T see the non-sense in that statement.
Efrim
October 3rd, 2012
4:14 pm
Or I should say – Giants host the Reds. So weird.
Jimmy
October 3rd, 2012
4:14 pm
So we aren’t wearing our “Friday Reds” on Friday?
Do the Braves realize what their record is wearing those is this year?
Besides, they make McCann look faster.
Honestly, if I were FG (and I’m not), Ross starts Friday. It’s about giving your team the best chance to win.
ncscoots
October 3rd, 2012
4:14 pm
ncscoots–Not just “BALLGAME”,but “SEASON” and “CAREER”.
“LIFE!” “UNIVERSE!”
phil
October 3rd, 2012
4:15 pm
If at any point we do trail, it WILL be ballgame, etc…..
The noose will become unbearably tight around our collective necks.
At that point, cries of “Fire FG!” will ring from the mountainsides….
Shaun
October 3rd, 2012
4:16 pm
MFin04, it’s not a matter of agreeing with me. It’s a matter of agreeing with the overwhelming evidence. I could care less if you agree with me, except that most of the positions I take here are reliant upon the evidence. But even then, if you want to go against evidence, I’m not all that concerned about whether you are a flat-earther or truther. It’s just fun to debate such folks.
They aren’t my categories and weights of valuable. They simply are the categories and weights for most valuable.
Do you think a few folks woke up one day 10-15 or however many years ago and said they were going to make up considerations and weights so that one day they can convince folks that an Angels centerfielder is more valuable than a Tigers’ third baseman? Of course not. Folks came up with measures of value based on the things that players do that have led to scoring and preventing runs throughout the history of baseball. So disagreeing with these measures is disagreeing with overwhelmingly accurate loads of historical data. But you go right ahead with that.
O.M.G.
October 3rd, 2012
4:16 pm
ncscoots–and it won’t take a run scored, just a man on. LOL
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 3rd, 2012
4:17 pm
Honestly, if I were FG (and I’m not), Ross starts Friday. It’s about giving your team the best chance to win.
I agree with you… someone let Fredi see this!
PDOG
October 3rd, 2012
4:18 pm
Really hope that Sheets gets put on the post season roster. I think he could be of great value in the pen. I trust him more then Hanson, Gearin or Martinez in fact in a close game in the 6th or 7th inning a tough righty hitter up he would be perfect person to go to.
unbelievable
October 3rd, 2012
4:19 pm
Someone asked earlier about meaningless ball games. Check out the Astros (55-106) against the Cubs (60-101)
Jimmy
October 3rd, 2012
4:19 pm
Powder – All depends on how the Yankees shake out. I am expecting a afternoon game.
If the AL WC is Rangers or A’s – Yanks, they get primetime.
raleighbravefan
October 3rd, 2012
4:19 pm
OMG, Shaun, get over your arrogant self.
Shaun
October 3rd, 2012
4:20 pm
most of the GM’s, even GM’s that are fired, better understand how to valuate players than most members of the BBWAA
Then, it follows that most of us who played the game better understand how to evaluate players than you, doesn’t it?
No. GM’s are uniquely qualified to valuate players. Guys that are even considered for MLB GM jobs are the best of the best in the world at player valuation or at least surrounding themselves and listening to the best player evaluators.
Playing the game at any level doesn’t mean you are any more or less qualified than someone else who may or may not have played the game at some level.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 3rd, 2012
4:20 pm
Erskine Thompson @Quizmaster
@Jim_Powell This is the 3rd time the @Braves have finished with 94 wins. They’ve gone to the #World Series both other times. (1914, 1991)
Have no fear!!! We will win Friday and get to the World Series.
Powder Blue
October 3rd, 2012
4:20 pm
Jimmy,
Thanks again. Dang. I’ll be at work on Friday. Might have to look into MLB.TV.
ncscoots
October 3rd, 2012
4:21 pm
The noose will become unbearably tight around our collective necks.
What I’ve never understood is why someone would impute the losses by players a decade or more ago to the players on the current team. Even if you buy into the notion that the Braves have choked it away in the past, why would you consider players who had nothing to do with those losses to be bound by the same culture, and thus doomed to react to adversity in the same way?
Explain it to me, phil.
phil
October 3rd, 2012
4:22 pm
Shaun = total and complete hopeless lost cause….
a narcissist I’m fairly sure….or perhaps a dangerous psychopath.
the 4:16 speaks volumes.
Jimmy
October 3rd, 2012
4:23 pm
Murph – if you are on here, where did we finish up on the “No Hanna Rule-Medlen” sign?
Anyone going to do it Friday?
O.M.G.
October 3rd, 2012
4:24 pm
Hey, don’t throw me in with Shaun, I was just joking around with ncscoots.
phil
October 3rd, 2012
4:24 pm
I can’t, scoots….
You explain to me why I shouldn’t think about it. It’s right there. And aside from that, ALL of our dang teams have been doing it for years now. I don’t know why. I just know we keep doing it, regardless of the player in the uniform. Chipper is a constant, however, but I don’t blame him. Should I?
ncscoots
October 3rd, 2012
4:25 pm
O.M.G, two different posts at 4:16, brother. You’re safe, LOL.
TP
October 3rd, 2012
4:27 pm
I have always liked Chipper as a baseball player, who is also an athlete. Let’s see who else on the current roster is also an athlete….JHey, Hudson, Prado annnnnnnnnnnnnnnnd…………..
Anyway, I’m glad the national networks are now broadcasting the playoff because the Braves’ crew will be saying, this is Chipper’s last first at bat, his last first put out, his last first grounder to short, his last first run to first, his last first………………………………geesh give it break!
Jimmy
October 3rd, 2012
4:27 pm
ncscoots – The Braves have got to “want it more” than the Cards.
That, and little “clutch”, and we are there.
Jimmy
October 3rd, 2012
4:28 pm
Shaun, you owe me a new mouse. On account of you, it’s blown out it’s scroll wheel.
P-Town Brave ©
October 3rd, 2012
4:29 pm
Not a great start for AJ Griffin against a good Ranger offense….
Question is, how long does the A’s manager stick with him knowing they could go from #1 in the AL to #5 in a heartbeat w/ a loss here….
MFin04
October 3rd, 2012
4:29 pm
“So disagreeing with these measures is disagreeing with overwhelmingly accurate loads of historical data. But you go right ahead with that.”
But there are more variables then JUST those variables which you seem to turn a blind eye to. Mike Trout is not as valuable as Miguel Cabrera in terms of September and October. In terms of leading his teams to the playoffs. How can you be the Most Valuable Player in the league, yet not have a shot at winning the World Series!?!
Isn’t the goal to win games, make the playoffs, and to win the World Series? Mike Trout’s team didn’t do that, Cabrera’s did. That is a HUGE factor and if you want to disagree with that you can. You’ll be going against the 1000’s of knowledgeable baseball fans/writers/managers that know that making the playoffs is important in determining a players value.
ncscoots
October 3rd, 2012
4:31 pm
You explain to me why I shouldn’t think about it.
Because baseball is game of redemption? A game of wide-eyed optimism? That all things are possible the first day of ST and the first day of the playoffs? That fear and loathing are out of place for a game where even heartbreak can provide moments of joy? Am I making a dent, LOL?
P-Town Brave ©
October 3rd, 2012
4:33 pm
A quick 4 spot there from the Rangers….
Proof why they as well as the Cardinals are real dangerous when it comes down to a single game that means something….
Thus why I said the Braves need to wake the bats up come Friday….expecting to shut out the best offense in the NL is a poor gameplan, just like the A’s are quickly finding out today…
MFin04
October 3rd, 2012
4:33 pm
“That all things are possible the first day of ST and the first day of the playoffs?”
Not for Mike Trout they aren’t. He didn’t make it to the playoffs.
Trader Jack
October 3rd, 2012
4:34 pm
A’s falling apart now Rangers 5-1
ncscoots
October 3rd, 2012
4:35 pm
The Braves have got to “want it more” than the Cards. That, and little “clutch”, and we are there.
Ahh, I’m sure we’ll get some “want it more” posts from Mitchell or Mixxo, but I’ll just step lively and try not to get that bleep on my shoes.
As to the other, these guys look pretty gritty and scrappy and clutchy to me, already. A 19-win September, after last year, ought to tell one all one needs to know about whether this team has “heart”.
TheOnlyBravesFan
October 3rd, 2012
4:36 pm
That was quick…
MVP can also stand for Most Victories (in the) Playoffs. Trout can’t get any, Cabrera may get a few. The choice is simple.
ncscoots
October 3rd, 2012
4:37 pm
A’s falling apart now Rangers 5-1
Couldn’t stand prosperity.
Trader Jack
October 3rd, 2012
4:40 pm
ncscoots
October 3rd, 2012
4:37 pm
A’s falling apart now Rangers 5-1
Couldn’t stand prosperity.
That plus just not clutch enough – LOL
Liz
October 3rd, 2012
4:40 pm
Sorry to multi post, but I need advice: I’ll be in Charleston on Friday for a conference that I cannot miss (however I *can* disappear for a few short hours on Friday). I’m looking for a place to watch the game (wish they’d announce the time). I’ll be off of Meeting Street. I’ve called The Brick, game on, no volume if it’s a night game; The Kickin’ Chicken, game on, maybe volume on the patio; The Griffon, game on, probably volume if I ask early and loud enough _I’m up to the task. Any other recommendations? These places were recommended by locals, but I don’t care if I’m in tourist helI, as long as I can get volume for the game. Thanks!