A Medlen start, a Braves’ win and finally a positive sign
Kris Medlen pitched another gem for the Braves, allowing just one run in seven innings, but he left without a decision. (AP photo)
(UPDATED 11:20 p.m.)
The problem with trying to project the Braves’ future is the struggle to assess the present. What are they?
Five months and 145 games after breaking spring training, they lack definition. They’re like a compass with a broken arrow that refuses to point north more than consecutive days. Or innings. Are they the team that went 18-8 in July, or the one that has been only Milwaukee-like since — well, except for the fact they just got swept by Milwaukee.
If we dare to look ahead to the postseason – and yes, that foolishly assumes no quicksand – what can the Braves hang their hat on right now? Other than pitcher Kris Medlen, who hasn’t lost a start since he was, like, 12, and closer Craig Kimbrel and maybe Martin Prado, can we be certain of anything? The lineup is full of slumps. The rotation is a row of question marks.
That may not mean anything. Sports isn’t a debate decided by logic and percentages. It’s theater without a script. The problem in Atlanta is there haven’t been a lot positives to draw from in Septembers and Octobers for several years now. So it’s understandable if the storyline of making it to a one-game wild card playoff isn’t stirring the masses.
“I would rather people take us lightly,” catcher David Ross said. “Philadelphia came in here last year and played us really good because they knew we were dangerous, and they swept us. Then the Cardinals beat them. They underestimated the Cardinals, in my opinion. I would love it if a team underestimated us. Let’s just let this thing play out.”
So are we assuming postseason disaster too quickly?
The Braves beat the Washington Nationals 2-1 Friday night. It’s only one game. But doom-and-gloom was shelved for at least 24 hours.
Since everybody is thinking about the postseason anyway, it followed that Michael Bourn was asked about the playoff-like atmosphere at Turner Field.
“It can’t be too much more than that,” he said. “September is like playoff baseball, especially when you have two contenders playing each other. It was a good win. We’ll just take this, hope it carries into [Saturday] and see where it goes.”
Let’s not start playing the what-if-the-Braves-sweep game yet.
Not long ago, some thought this series might decide the National League East. But seemingly the most significant thing Friday was that it was another Chipper Jones commemorative poster night.
The Braves trailed the Nationals by only two games on Aug. 3. Even with this result, the spread is now 7½. The Braves’ wild card lead over Los Angeles is 7½ games (pending the Dodgers’ late game against St. Louis). So the standings suggest the Braves’ playoff future is pretty much decided.
But manager Fredi Gonzalez isn’t assuming anything. When asked when he might consider starting to rest players or set up his rotation for the postseason, Gonzalez laughed. “Oh geez. Until they put one of those weird letters — a y or an x or whatever they’re using [that indicates] you clinch, it’s hard to do that. I’m not quite there yet.”
Some scars don’t heal.
We’ll know soon enough whether this win was the start of a run or an aberration. But then, we’re still trying to figure out July (18-8) compared to the record since (23-19).
If this season morphs into something special, the thanks should start with Medlen. He has gone from long reliever to fill-in starter to sixth starter to what-the-hell-were-we-thinking-keeping-this-guy-in-the-bullpen savior.
He didn’t get the decision Friday. But he allowed one earned run and five hits in seven innings and had a career-high 13 strikeouts. (His sign of mortality: a home run by Bryce Harper in the sixth.) This also makes a franchise straight 20 straight games the Braves have won when Medlen has started. In nine starts this season, he is 7-0 with a 0.86 ERA. He is 13-0 over his last 25 starts, dating back to 2009. For the season, he is 8-1 with a 1.62 ERA.
Again.
It’s mid-September.
The one player the Braves can count on is Kris Medlen.
Yep. Just how they drew it up in the spring.
The run-scoring drought continued, but it didn’t matter. Pinch hitter Tyer Pastornicky’s fielder’s choice in the ninth won it. With Andrelton Simmons on third, Pastornicky hit a grounder to deep short that was fielded by Ian Desmond, whose throw home was wild, allowing Simmons to score the winning run.
What the finish lacked in artistic value it made up for in drama.
“The goal is just to be playing good baseball in the home stretch,” Ross said, and the Braves did do that.
Until getting swept in Milwaukee, the Braves had the fourth best record in the majors (81-60). Going into the Washington series, they stood ninth overall but among five teams within 1½ games of each other. Conclusion: Even if the Braves aren’t doing much to distinguish themselves from the field, neither is almost every other team.
The question is whether this was a start.
By Jeff Schultz
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156 comments Add your comment
Jon
September 14th, 2012
7:07 pm
Let’s go Braves. Finish the drill. Or don’t collapse. Either is fine.
Birdhair
September 14th, 2012
7:11 pm
Keep winning so we can hand pick our play-in WC game starting pitcher. We could potentially have a significant advantage over second wild card if they are required to throw their ace to just to get to the play-in game
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
7:20 pm
Birdhair — So if Braves have time to set the rotation, do you think they’ll go with Medlen (their best pitcher now) or Hudson (their perceived veteran ace)?
BraveFan
September 14th, 2012
7:34 pm
I go with Medlen. He has been dominant. Right now he matches up well with any pitcher.
Sonny Clusters
September 14th, 2012
7:36 pm
‘Sports isn’t a debate decided by logic and percentages. It’s theater without a script.” – Ol’ Jeff
We cried when we read that. That is some nice sportswriting for a Braves blog. Also, Jeff spells better than most of us on hear.
Sonny Clusters
September 14th, 2012
7:45 pm
Jeff, we read that Chipper is one of the best switch hitters in baseball but he is not ambidextrous. How much does ambidextrosity come into play for the great switch hitters?
Steve
September 14th, 2012
7:48 pm
Gotta go with Medlen in the Wild Card game. Jeff, where the heck is Jurrjens? I know he is no longer in the rotation but is he in the bullpen still? Sent down to the minors? Released? He just vanished.
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
7:50 pm
Sonny Clusters — Please, let’s keep this PG. No discussion about ambidextory or any of the other weird things we read about people in Hollywood.
Birdhair
September 14th, 2012
7:51 pm
Medlen should throw, but FG will go with Huddy
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
7:52 pm
Steve — Jurrjens is in Gwinnett.
Steve
September 14th, 2012
8:01 pm
Ah. Thank you. My guess is that he is done as an Atlanta Brave?
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
8:02 pm
Kris Medlen: 5 strikeouts in 2 innings. Also, he overthrew Libya.
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
8:03 pm
Steve — Correct. Jurrjens will be released after season.
Birdhair
September 14th, 2012
8:06 pm
FG, Chino (flying in from KC…he has to buy 2 seats on plane), TP, and Hinske are headed to golden corral after the game. FG thinks a double switch is when he steals Chino’s sandwich when he’s not looking.
Steve
September 14th, 2012
8:07 pm
What a story. From an All-Star to nothing in 12 months. Medlen is ridiculous. He probably even picked Rutgers last night over South Florida. Thanks again, South Florida for a bad start to the weekly football contest.
JSS
September 14th, 2012
8:09 pm
They throw away pitchers like no other franchise in baseball… Oh well…
Can October 3rd hurry up
and get here?
Dum-Bass
September 14th, 2012
8:09 pm
Call me crazy but with the way things are going, would have bunted both CJ and Freeman in that first inning. Got to think outside the box now and do something out of the ordinary just to get it jump started! Couldn’t have been any worse now could it?
Steve
September 14th, 2012
8:11 pm
Medlen is simply amazing. I bet he even picked Rutgers last night over South Florida. Thanks again Bulls for the bad start to this weeks games in the contest.
Steve
September 14th, 2012
8:14 pm
“Are you kidding? This is the weakest roster we’ve ever had in September in the history of baseball,” he said. “It could use help everywhere.”
-Bobby Valentine
Wow what a winner. I miss those days when he was with the Mets and the Braves owned them.
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
8:15 pm
JSS — Jurrjens still has 1 more year of arbitration (I think) and no way will Braves want to pay him. But I think he’s still going to be a good starter for somebody.
Sonny Clusters
September 14th, 2012
8:16 pm
Cat-like reflexes at the hot corner.
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
8:24 pm
Sonny Clusters — Seeing as how every team is giving Chipper a going-away present, what are your plans for a gift? He wanted me to ask you.
Bill
September 14th, 2012
8:25 pm
Thanks Jeff for info..JJ’s contract is up..no option per cots contracts.Braves have already reported he will not come back up. But I agree he will pitch somewhere next year.
Go Braves kick some A@@….
The Nature Boy
September 14th, 2012
8:25 pm
ambidexterity is word…..I had to google it…but ambidextory..?? The Braves need to win this series…to show they can…
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
8:25 pm
Bad call. Heyward was safe.
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
8:29 pm
Bill — No option but, like I said, I think Jurrjens is still arbitration-eligible and Braves can retain his rights, unless they don’t make a qualifying offer, which they won’t.
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
8:30 pm
The Nature Boy — It was a joke.
Birdhair
September 14th, 2012
8:30 pm
Surprised FG doesnt like to get himself thrown out. He can go eat the clubhouse meal leftovers?
Bill
September 14th, 2012
8:32 pm
How many years of arbitration do you get? He has been here since 2007 and has had two years arbitration already. Just wondering but you probably right.
The Nature Boy
September 14th, 2012
8:33 pm
a joke targeted at clusters….and it went over head….WHOOOAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the nature boy is immune from embarassment……
Wang Dawg Doodle
September 14th, 2012
8:35 pm
Fredi, Chino, TP and Hinske at the same table? Gas masks optional, surely.
Bill
September 14th, 2012
8:35 pm
Nature boy.Woooooooooooooooo
Bill
September 14th, 2012
8:37 pm
Kris is looking good…now get the bats going.
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
8:37 pm
Three strikeouts, all looking. Medlen’s getting benefit of doubt on some of these strikes (IMO).
Steve
September 14th, 2012
8:38 pm
So is Mr. Medlen going to get a nice raise when its time or what?
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
8:39 pm
Medlen’s high for Ks this is season is 12 vs. Colorado. Already has 9 through 4 innings.
Sonny Clusters
September 14th, 2012
8:39 pm
Excuse us, we was at the DQ. Jeff, we would probably send Chipper some Dilly-Bars if we was going to give him a going away gift. Somebody already bronzed his glove.
Birdhair
September 14th, 2012
8:42 pm
Wish FW had read my non-stop demands on the blogs before the deadline to offer teheran + for headley.
The Nature Boy
September 14th, 2012
8:42 pm
I know where to get a gift card for a reputable taxidermist……
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
8:43 pm
Braves are getting Medlen at a bargain this season: $490,000. And he still has 3 years of arbitration to go (first after this season).
TN Jeff
September 14th, 2012
8:43 pm
Here’s what I don’t understand about the Braves and so many AJC writers that keep talking about winning the play-in game leading up to playing the Nationals in the playoffs. First, they Braves are NOT all that great at home so I don’t see them having a home field advantage. More importantly, why would we trust them to win a winner take all game? Last year they needed to win one game in their last 6 (I believe) and they could NOT do it. IF (and this is a BIG IF) they secure one of the wild card teams, they’ll be one & done. Kind of hard to get excited about that.
Steve
September 14th, 2012
8:43 pm
Jeff do you think the Braves will stick with Uggla or possibly try to trade or release him over the offseason?
Bill
September 14th, 2012
8:44 pm
Warming up boys lets go Uggla get him in. Maybe Kris can pitch the one game wild card game.
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
8:44 pm
TN Jeff — “Here’s what I don’t understand about the Braves and so many AJC writers that keep talking about winning the play-in game leading up to playing the Nationals in the playoffs.”
Do people just make this stuff up? I’ve never assumed anything.
The Nature Boy
September 14th, 2012
8:46 pm
@ sonny
I know where to get a gift card from a reputable taxidermist…..he’s honest….and when you leave with your trophy..there aint no $$$ left on the table…he’s fair……
TN Jeff
September 14th, 2012
8:48 pm
I’m just telling you what I keep reading & hearing from the announcers. Even though we are gonna get burned by this new wild card deal, I still like it. It puts a premium on winning your division as it should be.
Birdhair
September 14th, 2012
8:48 pm
Uggla? Bad contract. KK? Bad contract. Drunk Lowe? Bad Contract. Nate McOut? Failure. Bourn? His second half OBP has reverted to career mean (not a good obp). His OBP with us second half last season was garbage What gives? Wren needs to go. Doesn’t spend wisely, doesn’t value obp, and 0 playoff series wins.
Bill
September 14th, 2012
8:48 pm
That ball hit lady in head?
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
8:50 pm
Double, walk, FC and sac fly — Braves milk all that for a run. Medlen has a 1-0 lead.
Steve
September 14th, 2012
8:52 pm
TN Jeff we really love your positive attitude. Thanks! Oh and enjoy the loss to UGA in Athens in a few weeks.
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
8:54 pm
Steve — You mean Tennesse over UGA? It actually wouldn’t shock me.
Sonny Clusters
September 14th, 2012
8:57 pm
FANS: If you ever get the Lexus seats that are on television all the time it is important not to pick your nose or lift off your seat. People at home can see what you are doing and the big guy wearing the blue shirt behind the plate is just asking for it with all the nose action.
kerryb
September 14th, 2012
8:57 pm
I think we are watching the next Greg Maddux and Frank Wren wanted to put him the bullpen.
Steve
September 14th, 2012
8:57 pm
No, no, no Jeff. That would hurt. All suspended players will be back which will be a boost. At SC scares me.
TN Jeff
September 14th, 2012
8:58 pm
Steve,
Ummm – Moron Steve. Just because I live in TN doesn’t mean I’m a Vol. In fact, I’m a 1985 graduate of UGA.
ER Steve
September 14th, 2012
8:59 pm
If Medlen pitches the play in game, I like our chances. Is anyone in baseball pitching better than this kid right now?
Steve
September 14th, 2012
9:00 pm
Good! Just don’t be so negative on the Braves! Who last year would have thought the Cardinals would do what they did?
kerryb
September 14th, 2012
9:00 pm
Steve
September 14th, 2012
8:57 pm
No, no, no Jeff. That would hurt. All suspended players will be back which will be a boost. At SC scares me.
_____________________________________________________________________
SC doesn’t scare me at all. We will spank that A in Columbia. They were totally unimpressive against Vandy and they were playing their A game. Past the D-line their defense is weak.
TN Jeff
September 14th, 2012
9:01 pm
ER Steve,
I agree. But doesn’t set us up well for the series though.
TN Jeff
September 14th, 2012
9:03 pm
OK – Steve. Knee Jerk reaction – so sorry about the insult. Got to stick together. I just get VERY frustrated with the Braves and their seeming lack of any clutch hitters. How many different batting coaches can we run out of town? I still wish they would have those guys see Smoltz shrink
ER Steve
September 14th, 2012
9:04 pm
Well you have to pitch Medlen though, It’s like a game 7 you want your best. Then see what happens in the next series. If things go well Medlen pitches game 4 when we are trying to clench, or extends us to game 5 do or die.
Bill
September 14th, 2012
9:07 pm
TN Jeff, did you ever consider that it just may be the hitters and not the hitting coaches.
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
9:07 pm
Phenomenal catch by Roger Bernadina. Can’t believe he held onto that ball — and isn’t injured.
Steve
September 14th, 2012
9:07 pm
KerryB, I wish I had your confidence. Spank them? If UGA wins, I’d guess 31-27.
ER Steve
September 14th, 2012
9:07 pm
Man that was a nice catch on the Heyward ball, saved a run
kerryb
September 14th, 2012
9:09 pm
Steve, watching SC what do they have on offense that would lead you to believe that they could score 27 points on our defense with no one missing?
Steve
September 14th, 2012
9:11 pm
Buffalo and Missouri had no issues with Georgia’s defense. Yes, I know they were missing a few starters. Should be a great game regardless.
kerryb
September 14th, 2012
9:11 pm
SC struggled to score 17 points on Vandy’s defense.
Bill
September 14th, 2012
9:13 pm
19 year old Superman..unloads..1-1
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
9:13 pm
Not a clown at-bat, bro. … Harper first-pitch HR ties it
ER Steve
September 14th, 2012
9:14 pm
Hey Jeff what’s the greatest pitched game you have seen in person? My favorite was the game 1 world series performance by Maddux in 1995. 9 innings, 2 hits, no walks, no earned runs.
SOS Braves
September 14th, 2012
9:15 pm
Omg. Now these no hitting fools will ha
SOS Braves
September 14th, 2012
9:15 pm
Have to get another run to win
kerryb
September 14th, 2012
9:16 pm
Steve, Georgia was experimenting during the game against Buffalo on defense. They were trying some things they were going to do against Missouri. The QB for Buffalo ran the ball a lot which he had not done in the past. They adjusted at halftime and shut them down. Grantham said they did not even prepare for Buffalo. They put all of their efforts into Missouri. His thinking was that if they couldn’t beat Buffalo with what they had they didn’t deserve to win.
Lakewood
September 14th, 2012
9:17 pm
Braves offense inspires less confidence than a shart. I am so glad football season is here.
kerryb
September 14th, 2012
9:18 pm
Looking at the Braves offense does anyone feel confident in a one game playoff?
kerryb
September 14th, 2012
9:18 pm
Dan Uggla can really pull those balls foul hard.
SOS Braves
September 14th, 2012
9:18 pm
Freeman uggla McCann Ross or chipper cannot drive in a run with less than 2 outs. Only Simmons
Steve
September 14th, 2012
9:19 pm
I feel confident if Medlen is pitching.
SOS Braves
September 14th, 2012
9:19 pm
Don’t like our chances to get another run
kerryb
September 14th, 2012
9:20 pm
This new rule should be if you win the wild card by 5 games there is no 1 game playoff.
SOS Braves
September 14th, 2012
9:20 pm
Ok now Ross. Swing and miss one in the dirt like usual
kerryb
September 14th, 2012
9:21 pm
What is it about this team that it’s offense dies in September?
Sonny Clusters
September 14th, 2012
9:22 pm
Well, Medlen has his run. Sadly, the Nats have one as well. Which team is capable of scoring another? Hmmm . . . .
kerryb
September 14th, 2012
9:24 pm
I hate that Peyton Manning came back this year. Now I have to see him in every other commercial on TV.
TN Jeff
September 14th, 2012
9:25 pm
ER Steve,
Boy I can’t recall best pitched game. For most of my life growing up in Atlanta the pitching and the team stunk. Then I moved to Nebraska and they got good. I’ve been gone from GA since 1990. So I’ve only been to a few games and they were all rather non-descript.
thomas smith
September 14th, 2012
9:31 pm
jeff why don’t the braves call up ernesto meja from gwinnett to be a rh bat off bench and give freddy freeman a break sometimes.i do not understand our manager .when uggla was on first and freeman was on second why oh why didn’t ross bunt them to second and third.ross is ailing in his side ,they almost got a dp for this mis-management.also in a close game why did prada notbunt reed johnson to second,so what if he has two hits,we need runs.later we had a hit that would have scored that run.
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
9:33 pm
Kris Medlen with new career high 13 Ks through 6.5 innings.
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
9:34 pm
ER Steve — John Smoltz vs. Jack Morris.
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
9:34 pm
That’s it for Medlen. Bourn pinch-hitting.
Wang Dawg Doodle
September 14th, 2012
9:36 pm
Don’t take him out. Don’t take him out. Don’t take him out…..
Oh, Frediot. We knew you would
thomas smith
September 14th, 2012
9:37 pm
ernesto meja .296 ave 24 hr 92 rbi .give the man a chance to help the braves
kerryb
September 14th, 2012
9:43 pm
At least Prado is doing his part.
thomas smith
September 14th, 2012
9:45 pm
we will lose now that medlin is out of the game.fredi you repeat your stupidity. again.
SOS Braves
September 14th, 2012
9:45 pm
Medlen out. Game over. Who is our genius manager going to put in? Martinez, gas can durban?
bulldogbubba
September 14th, 2012
9:46 pm
This just in: Clusters Parkview Panthers about to knock off the #1 Grayson Rams. Maybe Braves could watch the replay and see what it takes to score.Medlen is our #1 starter anyone else is questionable. Use Medlen He is determined to win it needs to rub off on the others. GO BRAVES
SOS Braves
September 14th, 2012
9:48 pm
can these f- ing idiots ever score again? Pitiful offense!!
Hillbilly D
September 14th, 2012
9:49 pm
Sports isn’t a debate decided by logic and percentages.
That’s especially true of October baseball. October boils down to whose starting pitching gets hot, nine times out of ten. If you can get there, anything can happen, especially with Uncle Bud adding teams to the mix. The odds of the best team actually winning are getting slimmer all the time. Thanks Bud.
Can't Score
September 14th, 2012
9:49 pm
Hey, catch the fever! The Braves promise you a run a game! If it takes a GIDP or lame SF we get it done! Now go out their Pitcher and throw a shutout because we did our job!
Lakewood
September 14th, 2012
9:52 pm
If this team is lucky enough to stumble into that play in game Medlen is going to have to throw a perfect game for them to win. He has been absolutely unbelievable.
SOS Braves
September 14th, 2012
9:59 pm
God freeman sux
Jeff Schultz
September 14th, 2012
10:04 pm
Kimbrel coming into a tie game in top of ninth.
Sonny Clusters
September 14th, 2012
10:04 pm
That was one of the nicest popups you’ll see. Or not see. Did Fredi see that one?
kerryb
September 14th, 2012
10:04 pm
I like to see the stat on how many pop ups Dan Uggla has been out on this year. I bet it’s more than his strike outs.
Sonny Clusters
September 14th, 2012
10:06 pm
Enter your comments here
Sonny Clusters
September 14th, 2012
10:11 pm
This makes it tough on Jeff to write a game story but we know he can talk about Medlen striking out so many batters. Then, it gets tougher. We was thinking we’d write about something positive so the pajama crowd doesn’t get mad. How many pop words can you come up with? Popup, Popeye, popcorn, pop gun, pop top, Uggla.
ER Steve
September 14th, 2012
10:13 pm
Time for a walk off!!!
ER Steve
September 14th, 2012
10:15 pm
Soda pop, lollipop, Kimbrel’s fastball
Bronkelliott
September 14th, 2012
10:17 pm
Medlen, Oflarety, Kimbrel are a mighty trio. The Braves hitters are a dime a dozen these days.
ButterMilk Tuesdays
September 14th, 2012
10:20 pm
Hey, Jeff, what’s your take on the Braves and their inability to hit the ball? O’Brien seems to be convinced that this has nothing to do with management and the coaching, and that the blame lies entirely on the players’ shoulders. Personally, I don’t believe that is the case at all, but my opinion and others that share it means little, apparently. I would like to hear what you have to say about it.
ER Steve
September 14th, 2012
10:20 pm
BRAVES WIN BABY!!!
ER Steve
September 14th, 2012
10:21 pm
What an awful throw, but we will take it!
Sonny Clusters
September 14th, 2012
10:22 pm
They win on an error! Whoa!
thomas smith
September 14th, 2012
10:22 pm
i am glad we won but if they had decided to turn two we still would be playing.
Disgusted
September 14th, 2012
10:24 pm
Funny thing is that the Nats defense was holding us back all game and it was on an E that we got it done.
But we will take it.
Another great one by Medlen, too bad he cannot get the W but its a win in my book.
And a shut the door night by Kimbrell again.
We needed this one.
Big Crimson 75
September 14th, 2012
10:25 pm
Great pitching tonight.
Kris Medlin has saved the Braves this season.
Great story.
Kimbrell is unstoppable.
ButterMilk Tuesdays
September 14th, 2012
10:25 pm
@thomas smith: You don’t go for two there with a speedy runner at the plate, you come home with it. Desmond would have had Simmons if he had made a good throw.
Phils fan
September 14th, 2012
10:25 pm
Braves win!!!! hellava ball game
Disgusted
September 14th, 2012
10:26 pm
The Braves did struggle with RISP again but the Nats defense did have something to do with it.
In this RISP slump the Braves have hit into some good defenseive plays.
Not that its an excuse but they are not that bad with RISP.
Hey, we got one, that is the bottom line.
Big Crimson 75
September 14th, 2012
10:27 pm
Kerryb — it’s unfortunately too close to call!!
Uggla is pure garbage.
September Baseball
September 14th, 2012
10:29 pm
“Are we assuming postseason disaster too quickly?”
not at all. This not scoring runs things hasn’t just happened, it’s been happening for a few weeks … that implies trend. And with no end to it in sight, if they make the playoffs (that’s still up in the air), taking this low/no scoring offense into the playoffs will provide the Braves will an early exit and that’s guaranteed
Disgusted
September 14th, 2012
10:30 pm
I am looking forward to seeing what kind of total numbers Meds will put up next yr.
He is around the age that Maddux was when Maddux was pretty much unbeatable. Mad Dog was nearly unhittable in those 1994 and 95 yrs, the strike robbed him of two 20 plus W yrs.
Maddux from 1992 to 95 was as good as it could get. He was still great after, but was extra special those 4 yrs.
thomas smith
September 14th, 2012
10:36 pm
@ buttermilk tuesdays pastornicky is not a fast runner .they would have got 2
ButterMilk Tuesdays
September 14th, 2012
10:38 pm
@September Baseball: Agreed, this isn’t just a simple case of “tough hitter’s luck” with runners in scoring position.
Skeezix
September 14th, 2012
10:38 pm
Medlen has simply been awesome! My wife rarely will sit and watch a game all the way through. Yet, even she was amazed at that pitching performance. Keep in mind that the Nats are a tough line up to hold to one run. Still can’t believe that Wren and Fredi kept Meds on ice all that time “stretching out” in Gwinnett and cooling his heels in the pen. How many more wins would we have if either of them had a better ability to recognize real talent?
thomas smith
September 14th, 2012
10:39 pm
i believe we might be ahead of the nats if medlen had been starting all year and he might have won the cy young. who made that bonehead decision to put him in the bullpen?
Skeezix
September 14th, 2012
10:40 pm
And Kimbrel is simply great! Always fun to watch.
Phils fan
September 14th, 2012
10:41 pm
as a neutral fan with wild hopes, i don’t see any reason why the braves couldn’t beat the nationals in the post season. bps are even and the nats have no post season exp.
ButterMilk Tuesdays
September 14th, 2012
10:43 pm
@thomas smith: They were playing in, so by the time Espinosa gets to 2B, the play would have been over. Desmond did the right thing, he just botched it up.
Big Crimson 75
September 14th, 2012
10:53 pm
Medlin & Beachy(when he returns) can match any duo in the NL.
No one can touch the back end of our pen.
In J.S.'s Office
September 14th, 2012
11:01 pm
J.S.: Frankly Frank, our offense sucks. What do you plan to do about it? Our hitters just can’t perform with RISP.
Frank: Uncle John, is that the same as RSVP?
J.S.: Geeezzzzzzzzzzz
ButterMilk Tuesdays
September 14th, 2012
11:18 pm
@In J.S.’s Office: Based on a true story.
Ol'JacketFan
September 15th, 2012
12:21 am
@Thomas Smith, Medlen and Strasberg had their TJ surgery roughly the same time. Strasberg is sitting and Medlen is dealing. Still think the Braves don’t know what their doing?
Bravesfan54
September 15th, 2012
12:31 am
On the “play-in” I would go with Huddy – if, this is the final year on his contract (I hate the “walk year” phrase as much as I hate “lights out”). We want to sign Huddy to a good contract and “dissing” him in favor of a new phenominal (note: did not abbreviate) pitcher is not what this team needs to do. The psychological setting (i.e. – ego) is important. The players won’t tell you they feel “unbeatable” with Med (truth be told, they are), but Huddy is old-school and has earned his stripes – and you can’t humiliate him in for a one-game outcome when you will need him in the future (note: avoided saying “…going forward”). Braves have always kept a decent perspective, so I predict Huddy will pitch the play-in. Could be wrong, though.
(Sorry for my lubricated rant about “Atlanta doesn’t deserve the Braves” rant from a few days ago…it was sincere, and, best I remember it, I wouldn’t change anything…other than I know I sounded so arrogant…so “Eric Severied”, so “Huntley/Brinkley”, so… anyhow, Braves’ fandom, I care about this team, and it doesn’t matter who I saw playing the game so many years ago…and, FWIW, there are many more knowledgeable participants on this blog. I know this – indulgence is sought – as Marvin would say – “can I get a witness?”
Ryder
September 15th, 2012
12:47 am
Can Medlen be placed in the 4 spot and Simmons in the 3 when Kris pitches? It may be the only way for Atlanta to score runs in September. Never have I seen a team get so tight when the stakes get higher.
Great job of pitching by the Braves, which I think is stronger than people give it credit for, but seriously, do you see other contenders get tight with their hitting when the calendar turns to September? Must be something in the South.
Elvis in Memphis
September 15th, 2012
3:59 am
I think I enjoy reading these blawgs so I can read what Sonny Clusters is saying.
Stinger2
September 15th, 2012
6:42 am
Clusters: Your comments about Chipper`s glove being bronzed and about Uggla and the popups were very negative and ugly. At least you did not say anything bad about Fredi last night (unless I missed it). Thank you for that oversight. Go Chipper! Go Danny! Go Fredi! GO BRAVES
puff
September 15th, 2012
7:37 am
If anyone starts the play-in game other than Medlin it would make me think of 1919.
BTW, last night’s game winning run scored on an E6 with a drawn in infield, not a single to deep short.
Speaking of McClouth, he’s helping the Orioles a lot. Anybody can get hot for a spell, it would appear.
Benny
September 15th, 2012
7:53 am
Perhaps Frank Wren should take a cue from Billy Beane, the A’s GM. The Moneyball sabermetrics(?) method of evaluating players. Drafting college players, getting real value for the money. Wren’s way of paying guys, overspending, wasting dollars on busts…ain’t working.
Tami
September 15th, 2012
8:25 am
I agree with Kerryb….it’s possible, though, that we’re looking at a combo of Glavine/Maddux in one Kris Medlen. I don’t want to put a lot of pressure on this guy at this point in his young career by throwing up too many comparisons between him and two legendary pitchers, mind you. But he has the finesse of Maddux with the power and the tricky pitches of Glavine. I don’t think Meds will ever go back to the bullpen now! I’m thinking if the Braves could find a way to clone Meds, then the team may never lose again!
And as far as the team goes: I HOPE that this win is the start of something! If they can sweep and/or take this series against the Nats, then that hangs in the back of that team’s mind for if/when the Braves would face them again in the playoffs. The Braves need anything and everything to help them build some kind of momentum and consistency.
Jesse
September 15th, 2012
9:01 am
Why not start Medlen every day and let him just pitch the 1st inning? If they win when he starts…. maybe they’ll never lose
archie
September 15th, 2012
9:02 am
What’s up with the Braves organist? Didn’t hear much from him last night. Have the boring no-nonsense Braves pulled the plug?
Sonny Clusters
September 15th, 2012
9:08 am
That little Stalker2 fella is blogging about us again – and at 6:42 am. He must have woke up early because of scratchy pajamas. He was wanting us to say something about Fredi but we haven’t had time yet to read his post-game comments to see if he saw the winning run score.
Wilbo
September 15th, 2012
10:10 am
Medlen to the Yankees! Dodgers?
Phils Fan in ATL
September 15th, 2012
10:13 am
Braves fans,
Weep now for your future lies not far in front of you. Add this to the seasons of disappointments.
And if that small percentage chance we have of getting in happens, we will beat you.
1 for how many? and counting.
Btw, how many people here have been to a game this year? You’re almost as bad as the Rays fans, ATL.
BobbyDawg
September 15th, 2012
10:22 am
Look back over the scores of the last ten games and you’ll see that we’re not scoring runs. Same as this time last year ! GO BRAVES
Austin McGonigle
September 15th, 2012
10:56 am
Pastornicky hit a ground ball to a drawn-in infield not to “deep short”
Never ask tough questions at the AJC
September 15th, 2012
11:41 am
Why not ask Frank wren quit honorin chipper jones and start puttin fire under team…explain to me Freddi why Mets who are not as good as Brewers can swept them they will win today n sunday …If we had a Manager with Balls n sat Uggla4 down n replace we could had knock brew crew out and Phillies …But cap Tippin mamager can’t he not deserve be here if he lose wildcard game vs St.louis are Phillies are dodgers….play in divison series if he Puts in Martinez to pitch in that he Fired and Frank (smokin it) Wren……Out we should remind folks of chipper makin errors in 2000 …help them too and vs cubs….We better win today game on fox n espn saturday…..The end!
Never ask tough questions at the AJC
September 15th, 2012
11:49 am
What crowd where were they at cheetah 3 club….sheesh and i feel for Tampa bay the team is paid less and givin 100% the braves just barely get a 60% putout…another ERO(empty room only only)crowd great support….what crowd be For Game playoff here vs Phillies are St.Louis are dodgers are SF…..Going look good see on MLB network of just 30,000 barely there….game in st.louis be sold out etc..sorta like Tampa fans morons they goin find team in Montreal any year now!
Same Ole, negative dumbazz comments
September 15th, 2012
12:18 pm
My name is Same Ole, and I approve all of these negative comments on this blog.
The Braves are my favorite team, but I hate everyone of them.
reckingball
September 15th, 2012
12:23 pm
Phils Fan @ 10:13am………”seasons of disappointments.”
You should know about seasons of disappointments, how about 2012?
Dopn’t worry, your Phils won’t be in the playoffs this year.
Don’t will not have to lose in the 1st round to the WC team, like they did last year. haha
go braves!
reckingball
September 15th, 2012
12:25 pm
Or lose in the NLCS, like they lost it in 2010.
Also, it looks like attendance is falling off in the Phils crackerjack box of a stadium, the last time I checked.
Charles
September 15th, 2012
1:44 pm
Frankly, just making the play-in game in meaningless. You were just in the top third of the class, nothing to get too excited about. The crowd really made a difference in last night’s game, so if we’re much better off playing at home in the wild card game. If at home, a tough call about working Medlen in to pitch the wild card game because then you only have him for 1 game of the Division Series instead of 2. I don’t think the Braves have a chance against the Nationals in a 5 game set without Medlin pitching 2 of those games. If you want to see the Braves make a real run, I would gamble with Hudson in the wild card game, especially at home. If the Braves fold down the stretch but squeak in at the end to play an away game, you have to go with Medlen, but if you win wild card game with Kris the overwhelming oddes favor the Nats in the NLDS 3-0 or 3-1. Their pitching is too strong and even with last night’s triumph, we only scored 2 runs with the last out being an arguable error by Desmond’s errant throw. The Nats will mop up on Hanson and Maholm so we need 2 wins from Kris and another from Huddy to advance.
Busch Leaguer
September 15th, 2012
1:59 pm
If anyone but Medlin pitches the play in game it should be Minor ,he has pitched more effectively than Hudson 1er in his last two starts.But Medlin should get the start ,you have to win the play in game to get to the Divisional Series.
Hanson Pitching??? We Will LOSE!!!!
September 15th, 2012
4:46 pm
If Mr. Know It All Whiner Hanson is pitching – we are sure to lose….hope he is demoted, traded, or out right released…..He is a waste of a starting pitcher roster spot….he and Jurrjens are about the same – an ABSOLUTE WASTE – kinda like KAWASUCKI!!!!!
Phil's Fan in ATL
September 15th, 2012
5:26 pm
” Fan @ 10:13am………”seasons of disappointments.”
You should know about seasons of disappointments, how about 2012?
Dopn’t worry, your Phils won’t be in the playoffs this year.
Don’t will not have to lose in the 1st round to the WC team, like they did last year. haha
go braves!”
Did you make it out of high school? Love that cogent writing style of yours.
Look, when you won the division as many times as the Braves did & have one World Series title to show, it doesn’t matter what the Phil’s did in one season. The Braves are arguably the biggest choke team, in any sport, over the last 20 years. Sure, you can argue it’s great to win the division, and yep I know you had the misfortune to be good during the Yankees “Torre” years, but in the end you have nothing to show for all those relatively meaningless division titles. NO ONE remembers who won the division, and no one cares. Hell, you only have three pennants out of those years, a paltry total. One great way to measure sports teams is to factor achievement. Sports teams that overachieve, even if they do not win the championship, speak volumes over the teams that underachieve. Chipper may be a first ballot HoFamer, but he’s also guilty of significant underachievement where the playoffs are concerned. As are all of the Braves players from that time period. You cannot be expected to win all of the time, but 1 out of what, is it 15, isn’t cutting it.