LIVE: Braves close homestand (and about Brian McCann)
Brian McCann is back in lineup today after being sat for consecutive games. (AP photo)
According to CoolStandings.com, the Braves have a 29.5 percent chance to overtake Washington and win the National League East, a 63.5 percent chance to win a wild card spot and a 93 percent chance to make the playoffs.
I would go into more detail, but we all learned last season what these percentages really mean: bupkis.
The Braves, who start the day four games behind Washington, close a homestand today against Los Angeles. Then they’re off for D.C. for a three-game series against the Nationals. Even with the Stephen Strasburg saga hanging in the air, it seems more likely than not that the Nats are not going to collapse, and that the Braves’ best chance to catch them will hinge on the six remaining games between the two teams (three this week, three more at Turner Field Sept. 14-15-16.
I predict nothing. It’s safer that way.
The most intriguing thing may be how the Braves’ starting rotation plays out. They’ll go from a six-man rotation back to five starters at the end of the month. Tommy Hanson is coming off a strong start. With Ben Sheets giving up four homers in Saturday’s 6-2 loss to the Dodgers and significantly tailing off of late — 3-0, 0.50 in his first three starts; 1-3, 4.85 in his next four — he suddenly may be the odd man out.
One more thing before we get to today’s game. Catcher Brian McCann had some strong comments in today’s blog by David O’Brien. He was frustrated about being sat for the second straight game because of shoulder issues and a slump. McCann revealed he has a cyst near a joint in the shoulder and a frayed labrum, which might require offseason surgery, and he seemed upset that manager Fredi Gonzalez told the media it was a shoulder subluxation. (Fact is, the labrum injury can be related to the subluxation.) McCann is determined to play through the pain.
“So I mean, yeah, I’ve got things going on in there,” McCann said. “But it’s something that I’m managing, I’m going to play through, and at the end of the year see what I’m going to do [to fix it, if necessary].”
McCann rarely vents publicly about anything. For those who don’t know him, it would be easy to take the comments the wrong way. In truth, this is a guy who’s just frustrated because he wants to play — and, suffice to say, he’s not accustomed to carrying .229 batting average (his career average coming into the season was .286).
As I wrote back in May, this also is an important season for McCann, who will be entering the final year of his contract next season (assuming the Braves pick up his $12 million club option).
McCann is back in the lineup today. Chipper Jones gets a day off.
Now, if you want to ready to chat about the game, or something else, I’m here.
By Jeff Schultz
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175 comments Add your comment
Sundrop Kid
August 19th, 2012
2:04 pm
JS, that’s hilarious, and also funny. Had to pull out the Yiddish dictionary huh? Noticed a notation on there that said, “we searched for hours and found bupkis”. Also found it highly humorous that the word is associated with “fecal pellets” and “goat droppings” . You sir have sunk to an all time semi-intellectual low.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
2:04 pm
I would be commenting on game but not much to comment on. 12 batters, 1 base runner (Bourn walked, doubled off).
Bravesfan54
August 19th, 2012
2:06 pm
Wad – I agree with you. BMac is simply not a $12M ballplayer and I suspect that he also is looking at his production and physical issues and sees his option not being picked up by the Braves. Every day he sits on the bench or has an o’fer must increase his stress level a bit.
Lakewood
August 19th, 2012
2:07 pm
This Dodgers pitcher looks like he is throwing beach balls right down the middle. Hit the dang ball Bravos.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
2:10 pm
Sure is a tough road trip coming up. At the San Francisco Steroids will be tough after Washington. A 6-4 trip would be great!
Steve
August 19th, 2012
2:11 pm
What was McCann thinking there? He had no chance.
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
2:11 pm
The middle of the Braves lineup is loaded with all hit or miss guys. They go up looking to hit it out of the park every swing and its costing the Braves production. Freeman, Uggla, MCcain, They are all swinging at the first pitch and they are missing or fouling it off getting behind in the count. They need to go back to the formula that works and thats being patient and looking at afew pitches. Prado, Bourn and Heyward and doing exactly that. Its looks even worse when they are behind in the game. This offense better wake up if they have any chance at a division title. The Nationals are not going on any long losing streaks any time soon.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
2:11 pm
That decision backfired on McCann. … Billingley safe on sacrifice/fielder’s choice, if you care.
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
2:16 pm
The Braves better resign Bourn and offer McCain a modest contract. They better not over pay McCain and not sign Bourn! Liberty Media has a lot of money and they are saying they can only put 98 million into the baseball team…… really…… They should go after Hamilton this off season, move Prado to third, try to trade Uggla to a sucker team willing to take him, sign their core players like Heyward, Prado, Freeman, Beachy, Being cheap gets you no where.
Jeff
August 19th, 2012
2:17 pm
I knew our percentage of winning the division went down back in May after reading this…
“The Braves logically view Philadelphia as the team to beat in the East. Washington’s in first place? Yeah. That’s cute.”
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2012/05/03/braves-progress-wont-matter-until-they-can-beat-phillies/?cxntfid=blogs_jeff_schultz_blog
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
2:17 pm
Great bit of pitching by Minor. … Bases loaded and gets out of it.
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
2:17 pm
Great job Mike Minor!
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
2:20 pm
The Braves are not winning the division this year! The Nationals are playing GREAT baseball! The Braves are playing very well. The Nationals stregths are the Braves weaknesses. Get ready for the one game playoff with Pittsburgh! Burnette versus Hudson!
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
2:20 pm
Jeff (not me) — Yep, I clearly over-estimated Philly’s ability to come back (as I think did players in clubhouse). Force of habit, probably.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
2:22 pm
Braves hitless through 3.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
2:27 pm
Walkless too.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
2:33 pm
Steve — Actually Bourn walked to open bottom of 1st.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
2:36 pm
Ah, my bad. Must have been flipping channels.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
2:40 pm
Heyward gets first Braves hit . . . and he’s only 90 feet from game’s first run with 2 out. Nice bit of hitting. He’s really playing well. Different guy from last year.
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
2:42 pm
See what I mean Heyward fouls off several pitches hits a triple and Freeman swings at the first pitch witch is a ball and falls behind in the count.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
2:44 pm
One pitch. One popup. So much for clutch.
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
2:44 pm
See what I mean Uggla swings at the first pitch and pops out! WTF!
Steve
August 19th, 2012
2:47 pm
I wonder if the Braves will eventually say to heck with Uggla and release him? Starting to seem like a Hampton/Lowe/Kawakami bust! Take out his hitting streak last year and what has he done?
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
2:47 pm
I really hope Wren pulls a Ferry and get rid of Dan Uggla at the end of the season like Ferry did with Joe johnson! This guy is robbing the Braves. He has not been worth they are paying him and the media and everyone else lets him get off by saying he is going to get HOT…… REALLY???? WHEN?????? You rip Joe Johnson for being paid a l ot of money for sub par play, and Uggla gets a way with it. Why are they talking about the Nationals and Braves being tied, its not going to come down to that!
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
2:50 pm
Ouch. Cruz just crushed that 2-2 pitch.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
2:51 pm
Sleep poorly last night FALKONS? A little hungover maybe? So much anger. So you can see the future and know it is not going to come down to the Braves and Nationals possibly being tied? That is very possible, especially if the Braves take care of business this week.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
2:53 pm
Not sure if they mentioned on TV (for those watching) but Minor has allowed most HRs on staff (now 24). Second is Hanson (20). … 9 of Minor’s HRs allowed came in first 4 starts.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
2:56 pm
Playing with fire today! This game could easily be 6-0.
Sonny Clusters
August 19th, 2012
2:57 pm
We was not offended by the criticism. Clusters are not one to brag but we was Honor Roll and we was almost always being quoted in the school paper and nobody said our grammar wasn’t right. Then, we blog on here with Jeff and suddenly our grammar is bad? What are you thinking? And, look how Uggla is taking his at-bats! A $60 million man gives a little league at-bat again and again and again and some of these “true” fans give him a pass and go after a humble little Clusters just because we think Chipper ought to be playing on Sunday afternoon when some of the little fans can come watch? They can’t come on school nights.
Biff Pocoroba
August 19th, 2012
2:57 pm
This team will never make the playoffs with Uggla playing everyday. If he spent as much time working on his hitting as he does his biceps, he might be a decent player. He just cost the team the game by swinging at the first pitch and now the game is over since they can’t score one run. Wren will never be considered a good GM thanks to Uggla. Sheets was a good story for a month but now his career is over and looks like he will be back on the DL by the end of the month. Maybe next year.
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
2:58 pm
I just do not like the Braves lineup without Chipper being in it because you have to move Uggla up! The Braves pitchers have to be dam near perfect!
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
3:01 pm
Well Steve I am a little hungover but do you really think the Braves will enter a big series and perform? the Nationals will take 2/3 no doubt in my mind, I am simply going off what I have seen so far this year..
Steve
August 19th, 2012
3:02 pm
Biff, the Braves have one of the best records in baseball and Uggla has played almost every day. Uggla has cost the team the game? Last I looked it’s only 1-0 in the 5th.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
3:02 pm
Two weak at-bats for McCann so far today, strike out and soft fly ball. Now hitting .227, close to Dan Uggla territory (.211).
Sonny Clusters
August 19th, 2012
3:04 pm
Oh, golly, gee. Heyward has a 12-pitch at-bat. Freddie walks on 4 pitches. Then, Uggla swings at the first pitch and pops up. Anybody else see something wrong, here? We love the Braves but we can see the issues that exist. There is a big hole at the bottom of the order but credit Janish for improving and getting the hits he has. Uggla shows nothing. He is not a smart ballplayer.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
3:05 pm
Washington will take 2 of 3 no doubt? We have Hudson going tomorrow, our best pitcher. Zimmerman is good but has not faced the Braves this year yet. Maholm goes Tuesday against Strasburg, who the Braves have done well against last year and this year. Medlen Wednesday who has been amazing. I see the Braves taking 2 of 3.
Sonny Clusters
August 19th, 2012
3:11 pm
Well, Uggla could be batting 7th but somebody’s not playing today. That moves him up and impairs this lineup even more. Francisco is always a threat. No complaints, there. McCann is hurting and struggling like a sports writer with carpal tunnel and a deadline. We are being controversial today but these Braves are struggling against the Dodgers. Time is running out. Losses are piling up. If the Nats dust the Braves like they have all year the season may be lost. Oh, yeah . . . 2nd wild card. We forgot.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
3:17 pm
Damn, great pitch. Heyward ticked (at himself).
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
3:26 pm
So Minor is pitching his azz off and the Braves cant get a dang run!
Caseyatthebat
August 19th, 2012
3:27 pm
I like Brian McCann, who doesn’t? But, for whatever reason, he’s not producing. I like Dan Uggla and while he has redeemed himself somewhat lately, he’s not producing. I think Ross catching and Johnson in left while Prado at second (particularly when Uggla can’t hit Billingsley) presents a more formidable offense. I’ve always questioned Fredi’s resolve in placing the hottest guys on the field. Don’t think much of him as a manager. Think Minor is maturing well (though I wish he could avoid the home run dish).
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
3:28 pm
Steve I think Hudson will win tomorrows game and I think all three games will be low scoring, but look at what the Braves are doing today, they cant get a clutch hit!
Steve
August 19th, 2012
3:30 pm
Falkons, they are also facing a pitcher who has like a 1.50 ERA in his last 5 starts.
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
3:31 pm
I can live without watching McCain and Uggla putting on a Braves uniform! They are both over paid players that cant produce what they get paid to do. If you guys like their prodeuction because they are good guys who stay out of trouble then fine, but they need to produce on the field if they are getting paid tghe big bucks!
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
3:32 pm
Thats true Steve, but I am merely looking at the type of at bats they have. First pitch pop ups! 3 swing strikouts. No patience at all.
Biff Pocoroba
August 19th, 2012
3:35 pm
Steve must be Frank Wren. Uggla has been dragging this team down all year and they have been able to over come it but they won’t in September just like last year They need to send him back to Florida. He had one good week and people began praising him saying that he had finally turned it around and then he went right back to being a worthless bum again. Our only hope is that he was using steroids to get those biceps and he gets a 50 game suspension. If not, he will continue be trotted out there everyday with Blind Brian McCann and this team can take October off once again. Maybe that is better than playing in a half full stadium for a playoff game though since everyone knows what Atlanta teams do in the post season. Flop.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
3:38 pm
That’s it for Minor. Durbin coming in. Not sure why they had Minor go to mound, unless it was to give Durbin extra time.
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
3:38 pm
I guess I am just ready to talk about the Falcons crappy offensive line and the below average play calling by Mike Bobo which will produce 3 loses for the bulldawgs this year with a JV schedule. When Florida won the 2 National titles under Myer they played an easy schedule but they always beat the teams they were supposed to beat by 30 points and Tebow played outstanding in the tough games. Murray wont do that for Georgia and the Ricth/Bobo combo will not produce a National Championship. Sorry guys I had to get that off my chest. Now back to the Braves.
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
3:40 pm
yea Uggla SUCKS!
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
3:41 pm
And Braves happy that Billingsley also is done. Uribe hitting for him.
Times up
August 19th, 2012
3:41 pm
Why is Dan Uggla’s .210 batting average is stil in the lineup? Also, you would think that a Professional Baseball player would be discipline enough to attempt to hit the ball to the left side of the field if the other team is willing to give it to you, B McCann. It’s time to think about it.