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
TheOnlyBravesFan
August 19th, 2012
12:43 pm
First… Go Braves and BMac
Steve
August 19th, 2012
12:50 pm
I think anyone who gets excited about and always says “First” should be banned for life. In baseball news, how funny is it that Melky made-up a website to try and prove his innocence? Wow.
Sucks that Chipper is out of the line-up today as hot as he has been. Guess it would be best to have him in there though against Washington.
jake
August 19th, 2012
12:54 pm
I can’t stand the new wild card format. 162 games boiled down to 1. If the two best teams in their league are in the same division, then the second one has a good chance of getting gypped for a good season.
BUGGSY
August 19th, 2012
12:56 pm
I see a Braves win today…Well maybe?Homeruns from B-MAC and Uggly..Well maybe on UGGLY HR…I see dead people too…
JC Boscan III
August 19th, 2012
12:58 pm
I understand professional pride and all, but when a guy’s been hitting .111 over a 2-week period, with only 1 RBI and a lot of key outs, he really has no solid ground to stand on to file his complaint.
Backdoor Slider
August 19th, 2012
1:00 pm
FREDI’S INEPTITUDE
When someone like Fredi gets Brian riled up, who’s been the consummate team player, there’s a sure sign that there’s trouble in River City.
Is Fredi’s middle name Valentine?
Sonny Clusters
August 19th, 2012
1:02 pm
If we was a fan that drove in from out of town to see ol’ Chipper play one more time . . . we’d be a little upset that he’s taking the day off today. Now, some people are going to disagree with us but there’s just a few home games left and it seems like Chipper ought to be playing in all of them. What? You say he needs to be rested for the Nats? That would remind us of last year when he decided they could coast for awhile because they had a big wild card lead and save it up for the Phillies. How did that work out? Chipper is having his best run in a long time and we think he is needed in the lineup right now with all the men left on base and the Ugglafication going on.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
1:03 pm
Backdoor Slider so you are saying Fredi is a moron for giving someone who has not hit in weeks two days off? Plus it’s not like Ross is a bad second option.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
1:04 pm
Sonny Clusters, why it is when you post on here you don’t use proper grammar?
JSS
August 19th, 2012
1:06 pm
Chipper got any big talk like he had for the Phillies and Cardinals last August? It’s about that time of the year for him to arthritic foot in his mouth!
Sundrop Kid
August 19th, 2012
1:09 pm
Sorry Mr. Schultz, but the word “BUPKIS” does not appear in the dictionary. I enlisted the help of dictionary.com and it inquired did I mean any of the following: yupiks, buppies, bunkos, or buzukis? The SUNDROP KID has never had the pleasure of those words entering my ear canals either. Could you, in your infinite wisdom, enlighten those of us who are intellectually challenged as to what a ‘bupkis” is?
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
1:09 pm
Steve — Melky story hysterical, especially since he got caught.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
1:10 pm
Sonny — I agree on Chipper. I say flogging is too good for him. Who’s with me!!!
stevie zero
August 19th, 2012
1:11 pm
jeff, who are your starting 5 in braves ro…? i like huddy, maholm, meds, sheets, minor
Sundrop Kid
August 19th, 2012
1:11 pm
Oh, by the way, the SUNDROP KID is the anti-Sonny Clusters!
Sundrop Kid
August 19th, 2012
1:14 pm
Actually Fredi G’s middle moniker is “JESUS” I kid you not. That’s a fact per WickedPedia.
JSS
August 19th, 2012
1:15 pm
It is a darn shame that kids like Steve never had the chance to read ‘Huck Finn!”
Kevin Chop
August 19th, 2012
1:15 pm
I wouldn’t pick up BMac’s 12 million. The Braves are nothing more than an illusion that have some people fooled. The collapse is coming …no way this is a world series team. Fredi needs to be fired after we fail to make any noise.
Backdoor Slider
August 19th, 2012
1:16 pm
STEVE’S QUESTION ANSWERED
I’m saying that the way one goes about giving someone two days off makes all the difference in the world.
Fredi, based on Brian’s reaction, clearly went about it in the wrong way.
And yes, I don’t believe Fredi is the best choice to manage the Braves; I’d like to see a more competent manager.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
1:20 pm
Backdoor, so if Fredi were fired today, who would you choose to manager Atlanta? I love McCann but Fredi is his boss and the boss makes the decisions. I have no problem seeing Ross in there.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
1:21 pm
*manage
Steve
August 19th, 2012
1:26 pm
Where did Paul Byrd come from suddenly doing the Braves pregame???
flagger
August 19th, 2012
1:28 pm
Brian may not know it ,but he needs the time off. His batteries need charging, he is clearly pressing and
although i don’t agree with Freddie all the time i believe he should give him more rest than he does..
Stinger2
August 19th, 2012
1:34 pm
Clusters: You have a right to think that Chipper should play today. We have been through all this before I am not and have never told you how to think.
There will be many fans (including me) who are disappointed he is not playing.However, one point is that he and Fredi know a lot more than any of us fans about what is best for the team ( to or not to play him) in a particular game.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
1:36 pm
Stevie — Right now, Sheets or Hudson are out. Depends on next couple of starts for both.
The Wad
August 19th, 2012
1:37 pm
Let`s look at this like big boys and girls.
* McCann had a stellar first 6 years of his career. However, the past 2 1/2 have been AA-AAA worthy and we can`t pay superstar money for that level of production. His body will not allow him to have a 15 year career in the field OR at the plate. Eyes, oblique, and now shoulder. For a below 30 year old catcher these do not add up to a future franchise player contract and Wren knows it. I love this guy as a player but the Braves would be foolish to keep him past this year. His body is telling us that to gamble on him returning to a semblence of his first 6 years would be stupid. The Braves have too many young guys who are all maturing at relatively the same rate that will require big money to keep. McCann can`t be given 12 million for a re-hab year when that money will be the difference between losing or keeping Medlin, Minor, Delgado, Bourne, Heyward, Freeman, Simmons, Prado,….you know, the guys who are producing right now.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
1:39 pm
First pitch . . .
stevie zero
August 19th, 2012
1:42 pm
wow jeff, youd possibly sit hudson? i was thinking hes our big game guy. kinky stuff, man
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 19th, 2012
1:42 pm
The Braves are a really good defensive team, led by McCann in defensiveness.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
1:43 pm
I think Jeff meant Hanson.
Sundrop Kid
August 19th, 2012
1:43 pm
AND I still don’t know what a “bupkis” is.
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 19th, 2012
1:46 pm
The Janish pick up maybe the best yard sale item Wren ever got.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
1:47 pm
CHECK THAT!!!! Hanson, not Hudson …
So once again, in my rotation, HANSON or Sheets are out.
Stinger2
August 19th, 2012
1:47 pm
Clusters: FYI. On DOB`s current blog (just posted a few minutes ago) he is saying that Chipper is out today to rest his aching knees. He should be ready for the Nats tomorrow night.
batter walked on 4 pitches next batter swings on first pitch or on 3-0 count and flies out. How Dumb?
August 19th, 2012
1:47 pm
Some of our hitters need educating on when to swing at a pitch. How many times do they swing at a pitch at their feet or ankles or take strike three on a pitch down the middle. Education- Do not swing at a pitch below the knee and don’t take strike three down the middle. Announcer will alibi that the hitter was looking for an off speed pitch and not the fastball. Baloney. Always look for the fastball and you still have time to hit the off-speed pitch. Pro baseball player should swing at anything across the plate but not at those below the knees (feet and ankles or in the dirt)
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
1:48 pm
Sundrop Kid — Here you go: http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/bupkis
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 19th, 2012
1:49 pm
Wonder if any telecast producer ever thought that Glav mumbles too much?
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
1:50 pm
Stinger2 — As a general rule, when Chipper sits out, it’s to rest of his aching knees. He has at least one day off built into the week.
Peter R.
August 19th, 2012
1:52 pm
Fred should make use of a take sign.
Birdhair
August 19th, 2012
1:53 pm
Jeff,
I think atlanta sports writers and fans forget that Wren gave away Scott Diamond in a rule 5 trade. Obviously, I guess our scouts didn’t see what Minnesota saw in him? His stats so far have been very impressive with the Twins.
I think Wren gets way too much credit. He created a hole and then gets credit for filling the hole with someone that isn’t as good as the one that he gave away.
We are winning in spite of Wren. The players that were brought in under JS’ watch are the ones that are carrying us.
"Chef" Tim Dix
August 19th, 2012
1:54 pm
I’m more concerned with our free swingin first baseman right now than McCann.
Stinger2
August 19th, 2012
1:55 pm
Jeff: Understand and he needs at least one day off a week especially now when they are playing 20 games without an off day and will be traveling from coast to coast next. week. By the way, your collegue (DOB) commented that he thinks Chipper may try to play all three games against the Nats.
The Wad
August 19th, 2012
1:56 pm
How about a little honesty here guys! Show me another MLB mgr who lost 2 of his starters in the first month. Then played the merry-go-round all comers tryout looking for an effective replacement in rookie pitchers. Then had to go on the scrapheap for a miracle 6 game .500 record from a retired pitcher in the middle of a pennant race. Has his starting SS reveal he is really a year away from being MLB ready and then his replacement throw All-Satr stats out for a month until he goes Heyward on us and breaks his hand! Then we get a 29 yr old SS at the deadline who has just now after a month started putting the bat on the ball once a game. Had his former All-Star catcher play at AA-AAA level all year. Had his 65 mil star pickup barely hit his weight all year. Has a broken down 40 yr old 3rd baseman(who is stroking the ball like a demon) who can`t play more than 5 games without 2 days off. All the while his bench proves it can hardly be counted on for anything while they trot off one by one for surgery or retirement(Hinski). I believe Fredi makes a strong case for mgr of the year.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
1:57 pm
Uggla is on pace for 185 strikeouts, which would obliterate the franchise record of 156 that he set last season. No other Brave has ever struck out 150 times.
Yuck.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
1:58 pm
Birdhair — I don’t know if you can go as far to say that JS players are “carrying” the team, but there has been both good/bad moves under Wren. Bottom line is they need to reach postseason and have some success.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
1:58 pm
Stinger2 — I’d be surprised if Chipper DIDN’T start all 3 vs. Nats.
a
August 19th, 2012
1:58 pm
Go Braves.
bowman
August 19th, 2012
2:00 pm
Hate to say this, B-Mac being a local boy and all, but long-term prospects in Atlanta don’t look good. The Braves will pick-up the costly $12 million option but it likely will be his last year with the team. His lack of fitness and breaking down physically at an early age means the Braves will not make a big-dollar long-term offer. As of today, Christian Bethancourt will be No. 1 catcher when the Braves open the 2014 season.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
2:01 pm
Bowman, that’s not a bad thing at all.
Birdhair
August 19th, 2012
2:04 pm
Jeff,
Thank you. I am glad an atlanta sports writer can acknowledge as much. Folks really do not realize the impact that his poor spending has had. KK, Lowe, Uggla. He’s tied his own hands. He doesnt value OBP enough. Buster Olney has even stated as much.
I want to be competing for division championships and not wild cards. And we should be with the talent base that Wren was given.
Overall, I think it’s blatantly obvious that Wren is not the guy to get us to that level. I know that’s a very derisive statement, but someone has to say it. Thanks again for your “level headedness” and comical contributions at the same time!
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.
fansince66
August 19th, 2012
3:42 pm
how come, they cannot score any runs for minor?
Steve
August 19th, 2012
3:43 pm
Biff, never said I don’t think Uggla is doing a terrible job. However it is silly to say they will not make the playoffs if he continues to start.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
3:45 pm
Oh boy … Heyward loses ball in sun. Play ruled a single. RBI 2-0.
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
3:46 pm
So now they will lose 4-0 and it will look like Monor pitched horribly! Durbin also SUCKS! i am not sure why he is the first choice off the bench, but hey the Braves are what they are! they are a decent team that can win a few games in a row and they will implode like now. I think know Heyward will get beat up for that last play but the kid has been playing well this year. Uggla’s disappearing act is more hurtful than Heyward’s error!
Biff Pocoroba
August 19th, 2012
3:47 pm
Need to trade Heyward while he still has value.. He is turning into another Dave Justice. A decent player with power but strikes out way too much and swings at pithches a foot outside. He doesn’t have the work ethic to become the great player that he could be and his defense is a liability ad he just showed.
Steve
August 19th, 2012
3:49 pm
Trade Heyward!? Now you really are making yourself look stupid Biff. Do you not follow the Braves? He has had a much better season. He is only 23 also!
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
3:50 pm
Trade Heyward! Your an IDIOT!
Biff Pocoroba
August 19th, 2012
3:50 pm
Durbin is the first choice because Wren brought him off the scrap heap and is trying to look like a genuis. He looked good for a month like Sheets but now is showing why the Phillies dumped him even though they need pitching.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
3:54 pm
Reed Johnson comes in, bats ninth, plays left .. Prado moves to third, Francisco out … Martinez in to pitch.
SOS Braves
August 19th, 2012
3:55 pm
Fredi is over managing again. What an idiot.
Times up
August 19th, 2012
3:56 pm
Why not put Prado on second? Ugglas is either a strike out or a walk waiting to happen.
Biff Pocoroba
August 19th, 2012
3:57 pm
Trade Heyward and Uggla for a good third baseman and middle infielder. He will always be a good .260 hitter but strikeout way too much to be a great player. Last night he struck out on a pich that bounced 3 feet in front of the plate to end the game.
Birdhair
August 19th, 2012
4:00 pm
Did we really expect to score runs today with out-makers like Janish, Francisco, Mac, and Uggla all in the same lineup?
Joey
August 19th, 2012
4:01 pm
Biff, the Braves wouldn’t even be playing for the wild card if not for Heyward.
Hey, since you are such an expert, maybe you should go scout some little leaguers and find one that can hit .700, never strike out, and never swing at a bad pitch.
Doofus . . .
Bobbys' Booger
August 19th, 2012
4:03 pm
Totally agree with Trade Heyward
Joey
August 19th, 2012
4:03 pm
Um Birdbrain, didn’t Francisco and Janish win the game Friday night?
Damn at the WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY crowd . . .
Sell the Team back to Ted believe
August 19th, 2012
4:06 pm
I think the Braves have too many ppl that tell liesso often that they begin to believe them themselves. If this lack of pitching team makes the playoffs, they will lose in first round to Cin, LA, SF, or Washington. Booby Cox UNDERACIEVED and he had more talent. This boob of a coach they have now will see to it that they fail as well. Florida runs this t u r d off and we hire him……..typical.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
4:12 pm
I think Jason Heyward needs new sunglasses.
Biff Pocoroba
August 19th, 2012
4:15 pm
Joey, you are correct. If the Braves had traded Hewyard for a good middle infielder or pitcher last fall, they might be playing ford first instead of the wild card. With Fredi “managing” this team though, it doesn’t really matter. The late season collapse is upon us once again since this team can’t hit a lick and the only change Fredi can ever think of is batting the pitcher in the eight hole.
Jay Dubu
August 19th, 2012
4:18 pm
Why does TBS have the ESPN Softball Analyst in the booth?
nobobfan
August 19th, 2012
4:18 pm
soon our next Hall of Famer (Uggla) will lead us to victory!!
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
4:18 pm
Out go the lights … Bullpen has allowed this game to get blown open. Martinez allows bases-clearing double to make it 5-0. … A lot of fans walking up the aisles.
RussianCircles
August 19th, 2012
4:19 pm
This team is truly a confused bunch, and the manager and coaching staff are not helping matters.
A
August 19th, 2012
4:19 pm
Last two games are looking eeriely like last season. Now we gotta go play the nats like this? Rut roh.
Jeff Schultz
August 19th, 2012
4:20 pm
Another reason today to second-guess the manager on pulling starter just because of pitch count. Minor was at 97. But team already using a 6-man rotation, allowing extra rest.
RussianCircles
August 19th, 2012
4:21 pm
Exactly, Jeff, there’s no reason to limit starters to 100 pitches.
Tom from omaha
August 19th, 2012
4:21 pm
Somebody tell Heyward he needs new sunglasses…and tell McCann he should be a stay at home dad!
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
4:22 pm
I am resined to the fact that the Braves will be one of the wild cards. They are not goimng to catch the Nationals! Once again, the Braves are what they are! they really are not an elite team. they are classic over achievers this year! Be happy that they will at least get into the playoffs, but to expect a championship of any kind from this team is foolish! It aint happening!
Tuff Lover
August 19th, 2012
4:23 pm
The “collapse” will be replayed. Act 1 you just witnessed.
Earl Hickey
August 19th, 2012
4:24 pm
A mock cheer after Heyward’s catch just now…of course the Sunshine boys in the booth ignored it. If they can’t put a positive spin on something, they pretty much clam up.
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
4:24 pm
If it wasnt for Heyward the would have lost Friday! How soon we forget! Leave the guy alone! He lost the balls in the sun!
Fredo
August 19th, 2012
4:25 pm
“Minor was at 97. But team already using a 6-man rotation, allowing extra rest”
well we’ve seen a couple of times this season where Fredi G thinks one thing when it’s something completely opposite. So in this case, Minor was obviously getting tired …. oh and “you trust your bullpen to come in and get outs. Didn’t happen though. Weird game”
FALKONS
August 19th, 2012
4:27 pm
Think about it, a one game playoff for this team is a good season with all the question marks we have on this team and Dan Uggla’s horrible season. We lost our best short stop, second best pitcher and a guy who is suppose to be adding pop to our lineup is having ah orrible year. that equals a losing season for some teams but the Braves have found a way to stay competitive, maily because of the to three guys in the lineup.
RussianCircles
August 19th, 2012
4:28 pm
I really don’t understand how one could blame Heyward for this loss, he wasn’t the guy that brought in Durbin and Martinez.
john
August 19th, 2012
4:28 pm
look bad today. not the way to get to the play offs .
Buzz2011
August 19th, 2012
4:29 pm
The Braves are tough against the Mets, Marlins and Padres.. What happens when they play the ” good” teams? They lose!
Buzz2011
August 19th, 2012
4:31 pm
What could the Braves get for the announcer, Chip Carey? What a joke Carey is..
Listen to him babble……..
Brad
August 19th, 2012
4:31 pm
Interesting how those dodger players don’t have any problems with fly balls.
RussianCircles
August 19th, 2012
4:32 pm
This team has a lot of talent, FALKONS, it’s not foolish to believe that they have the ability to take this division. It is foolish, however, to believe they can contend at their absolute best while playing behind a manager that clearly doesn’t understand how to manage a pitching staff (specifically the bullpen). I typically don’t give Gonzalez much grief, I’m sure he’s a nice fella and all, but the Braves are never going to be at their absolute best with this man running the team.
RaleighDawg
August 19th, 2012
4:33 pm
Nice of the Braves to get their annual season ending collapse started early this year…and thanks guys for giving us the gift of time by not having to watch them play in the post season…
RaleighDawg
August 19th, 2012
4:36 pm
I wonder if Skip Caray would have a job with today’s Braves ?
Jlew
August 19th, 2012
4:38 pm
Are we blaming the bullpen? If we catch the 3 popups that we lose in the sun, it is still 1-0.
RBigFish
August 19th, 2012
4:40 pm
Why was the sun in Heyward’s eyes and nobody else’s ?
tmc
August 19th, 2012
4:40 pm
Mannnn… very frustrating.
Since the all-star break the Braves are 24-12 and playing well.
But a closer look shows they are feasting on the weak, which is better than years past.
The Braves have played 3 teams with a winning record since the break and are 4-6 against them with 3 games against Washington on deck.
I do like the way the Braves are playing, but against the good teams their weakness shows.
RussianCircles
August 19th, 2012
4:41 pm
It was a one run game, Jlew, you don’t use Durbin and Martinez in a run one game. Simple as that.
RussianCircles
August 19th, 2012
4:43 pm
Not only do you not use Durbin and Martinez in that situation, but there’s really no reason why Minor should have been sat in the first place.
Jlew
August 19th, 2012
4:44 pm
It is a concern that good starting pitching seems to shut our offense down, because in the wildcard or playoffs that is what we will see.
HouseDivided
August 19th, 2012
4:46 pm
McCann should go on the disabled list for a couple of weeks to rest that shoulder. Maybe another cortisone shot also. And if no improvement after go ahead and have the surgery. We need his offense in games like today’s.
tmc
August 19th, 2012
4:46 pm
Props to Mike Minor today. He pitched great.
The lumber took yet another day off.
Jlew
August 19th, 2012
4:47 pm
Russian, seems to me that the same misplays would have happened for Minor if he was still in the game. Or maybe they would have seen the ball in the sun better for him?
RussianCircles
August 19th, 2012
4:49 pm
No doubt, Jlew, and that’s why it baffles me why Gonzalez seems to refuse to hit and run, lay down bunts, and steal more often. If the offense is having a hard time of it, you’ve got to shake things up, get the ball on the ground and find a way to get on.
Where are the hits.
August 19th, 2012
4:49 pm
If you only get 3 hits against a pitcher with a 3.44 ERA, you are definitely in trouble. The Braves strand runners game after game. Pitchers are good but too many home run balls are served up. Their owners and front office management simply don’t care. Team hasn’t been the same since Turner sold them.
Brad
August 19th, 2012
4:50 pm
Doesn’t matter jeff when u can’t score any runs
RussianCircles
August 19th, 2012
4:51 pm
“Russian, seems to me that the same misplays would have happened for Minor if he was still in the game. Or maybe they would have seen the ball in the sun better for him?”
Heh, you’re missing the point. Martinez and Durbin aren’t going to go out there and induce strikeouts and groundballs, but O’flaherty, Venters, and Kimbrel do.
Semper Fi Braves fan
August 19th, 2012
4:52 pm
Frediot is the worst manager in the NL
Brian McCann is the worst catcher in the Braves organization above double A
Uggla needs to understand you can hit the ball to the right side of the 3rd baseman.
RBigFish
August 19th, 2012
4:53 pm
It’s funny how the sun was only in the Braves rightfielder’s eyes and not the Dodgers. And where the hell was Bourne on that over the shoulder catch Yannish tried to make in DEEP center field ?
Not only could the Brave not hit, but not catch a freaking fly ball. This is the major leagues, right ?
RussianCircles
August 19th, 2012
4:54 pm
Again, bringing in Kimbrel in the 8th would eliminate those flyballs completely.
Burgess
August 19th, 2012
4:55 pm
Isn’t Paul Byrd the guy that took all the money from the Braves and pitched about 2 games ?
RussianCircles
August 19th, 2012
4:55 pm
Obviously, Gonzalez is certain that Kimbrel can only pitch one inning of ball without his arm falling off.
RBigFish
August 19th, 2012
4:57 pm
Yep, Byrd took all the money from the Braves…..got healthy and hauled ass.
Why is on the Braves TV network ?????????
Jlew
August 19th, 2012
4:57 pm
Russian, my bad. I didn’t realize that the object of pitching was to prevent people from hitting fly balls. Outs are outs. And those should have been outs and we would have been out of both innings. Don’t blame the bullpen, blame the offense.
And you can’t pitch the same guys every game. We should have learned that lesson last season when those 3 guys ran out of gas down the stretch.
tmc
August 19th, 2012
5:01 pm
Braves record vs. teams OVER .500:
1st half: 20-23
2nd half: 4-6
overall: 24-29
That pretty much sums up how good this team is.
Jlew
August 19th, 2012
5:06 pm
Washington up 4-0 on the Mets. Looks like we’re shooting for the wildcard. We will know more after the next three games.
Nerdville
August 19th, 2012
5:09 pm
Bow wow. That is all one can say about such futility at the plate.
And while we are witnessing a complete total lack of offense, we have to listen to rah rahs Chip the Dip, Joe the Schmoe, and Tommy Traitor.
RussianCircles
August 19th, 2012
5:09 pm
You’re continuing to overlook the fact that this was only a one run game. When it’s late and you’re only down by one, you HAVE to keep the game at that score. To do so, the manager needs to use his best hand. That’s the big three in the bullpen, as they have the best chances of getting out of those innings without any damage. Gonzalez gambled with Durbin and he lost. I’m not saying there wouldn’t have been any fly balls, but there’s a good chance there wouldn’t have been. That’s all.
RussianCircles
August 19th, 2012
5:10 pm
I’m not blaming anyone in the bullpen, I’m blaming the man who is managing it.
tmc
August 19th, 2012
5:10 pm
update………..
Braves record vs. teams OVER .500:
1st half: 20-23
2nd half: 4-6
overall: 24-29
That pretty much sums up how good this team is.
And we have 13 more games against teams over .500
Semper Fi Braves fan
August 19th, 2012
5:12 pm
I agree, should have been O’Venbrel for the 7th 8th and 9th.
Nerdville
August 19th, 2012
5:13 pm
Any time the Braves offense has to face above average pitching, they start whiffing, dribbling and popping out. Washington is next. Whiff, whiff, whiff.
RussianCircles
August 19th, 2012
5:26 pm
I really don’t believe it’s the quality of pitching that fully factors into the Braves offense to go cold. The hitters are just taking the wrong approach each and every time they’re at the plate. Uggla is continuing to swing for the fences, McCann is pull-crazy, Martin is trying to move runners over regardless if anyone is even on base, etc, etc. With Prado’s ability to hit the ball into the gaps, there’s no reason he should be slapping at the ball like he does. He’s better than that.
Tim
August 19th, 2012
5:55 pm
The guy with the FALKONS Username. Dude you really need to the heck up with all the stupid comments your saying about the team,because you really dont seem to have a lot sense at all when it comes to talking about baseball so shut up nobody wants to hear the nonsense you birdbrain.I guess you cant tell idiots anything you loser.
Lon Time Brave Fan
August 19th, 2012
5:59 pm
I really get sick to my stomach watching a group of professional high paid players standing at the plate letting good balls pass them by or when they swing they half-heartly slap at the ball or they swing up at it to get a pop up. I turned the game off today when the Braves had 8 runners in scoring position with two or less outs and did not score a run. What a shame. No excuse!! And the Braves Brass wants to sell more tickets. Put some fire in the players bellies and let it show. They are doing a great job defensively, but their offensive efforts sticks!!
jharber
August 19th, 2012
6:18 pm
Check the Braves record after this road trip and tell me what you think. Probably 8-9 out by that time.
BrandonLee49
August 19th, 2012
6:25 pm
Peter R. , in all respect to You, your assumption that FG Might better benefit his hitters if he exercised the “Take” sign…. Yes indeed, but that would be Assuming he even knows what it is…. FG NEVER utilizes a “Hit an Run”, Hitting Behind the Runner to Advance the Runner one or More Bases…. FG Acts as if he is Totally Inept making any such Routinely Managerial Strategy.
BrandonLee49
August 19th, 2012
7:55 pm
One KEY Element regarding Defense is that THE CATCHER is a Complicated Piece of the Defensive Framework… The Best Teams Do Not Run out a Differnet Catcher everyother Game, just because they may have 3… Because The BEST Teams Know that CHEMISTRY is of the MOST IMPORTANCE… Anyone submitting that Mc Cann is Not Worth XXX Money, Needs to Realize What type VALUE a Veteran Catcher Brings to it’s Pitchiing Staff… Starter Confidence is Measured by the Play Calling Ability of such Position…. Whether he hits .226 or .266, or .326…. Offense is Not What Increases the Value of a Catcher…. Braves will find out,,….. Quickly Just promoting a Jr League standout is Not going to do anything but demean what Confidence Ratio a Veteran Catcher and his Pitchers Culminate….. Therefore Brian McCann is Far more Valuable to the Starting Rotation than any sum amount of money.