LIVE: Will it be a sweep night for Braves over Nationals?
Braves closerCraig Kimbrel has a win and a save in the first two games of the Washington series. (AP photo)
Welcome to the Braves-Washington Nationals series finale that few of us believed would mean anything, and actually we’re still not sure if it means anything, but then again there is this thought: What if it means something?
After consecutive narrow victories Friday (2-1) and Saturday (5-4), the Braves go into tonight’s nationally televised game with a chance for their first series sweep over Washington in three years (Sept. 25-27, 2009). More significant than that historical moment (work with me here) is that the Braves have an opportunity to pull within 5½ games of first place in the National League East after going into this series 8½ back — and, depending on your perspective, seemingly comatose after being swept in Milwaukee.
Now, we learned last season what odds and percentages really mean. (Nothing.) The website Cool Standings calculates the Braves’ chances of winning the East at 1.8 percent going into Sunday (and that has skyrocketed from 0.5 percent before Friday’s game).
But here’s another way to look at it. If the Braves win tonight, they would be 84-63 with 15 games remaining. The National would be 89-57 with 16 left. Even if Washington went only 8-8 in those games, the Braves would need to go 13-2 just to tie them.
Cue Clint Eastwood: “You’ve got to ask yourself one question: Do I feeling lucky?”
Realistically, the rest of the season is mostly about securing a wild card spot, home field for that game and preparing for the postseason. But publicly, nobody in the clubhouse is conceding anything. Actually, nobody seems consumed with first place. It’s an amazingly low-stress clubhouse now, which is the polar opposite from a year ago at this time. I know everybody is burned out on discussing last season’s flameout but the difference in attitude this year is noteworthy.
If the Braves sweep, it would be significant just from the standpoint that the Braves haven’t folded and seem ready for the stretch run. But we’ll see where things go from here.
Tonight’s pitching match-up: Washington will go with its best starter — at least its best pitcher that hasn’t been shut down for the season — Gio Gonzalez (19-7, 2.93). The Braves go with Mike Minor (8-10, 4.42). Only one lineup change tonight: Reed Johnson is in left field tonight for Martin Prado, who is being rested. Brian McCann (knee) is out but he’s available for pinch-hitting duties.
That’s it for now. What are your thoughts on the Braves moving forward?
The cyber-venting lines are open.
By Jeff Schultz
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220 comments Add your comment
Nova Scotia Steve
September 16th, 2012
6:32 pm
Here are my thoughts:
This team would be completely destroying teams if they even slightly improved their average with RISP.
We would be BLOWING teams away.
Nova Scotia Steve
September 16th, 2012
6:35 pm
I can’t believe how bad it’s been. This dog and pony show way of winning ballgames isn’t going to hold up in October.
You need SOME breaks but you need clutch hitting more so in the post-season to advance. I don’t even have words to explain this teams performance with men on base.
Aaron Isolda
September 16th, 2012
6:38 pm
You never know what could happen with it being a pretty close race at this point in the season. I think that there is a chance the Nats could fall due to Strasburg being shut down
Steve
September 16th, 2012
6:41 pm
Jeff do you ever sleep? Three live blogs in a row? Well done!
Puma
September 16th, 2012
6:46 pm
Nova – you take wins anyway you can, especially against a very good Nats team. And actually, I would say a lot of post season games are won and lost on errors, walks and even hit batsman. And although the winning run did come on a grazing of Simmons jersey last night, we did come back from 4 down, and shut their offense down for the last 7 innings. With that said, we obviously need to improve our hitting with RISP.
You would think it would kind of work itself out because generally, we are getting a lot of hits and base runners. Just not getting the big knock.
Puma
September 16th, 2012
6:52 pm
Actually, I guess I have to take that back, just looking at team hitting stats for September, we are in bottom third of NL in most categories…so yeah we need to start hitting.
Nats – 32 HR and 75 runs in Sept, Braves – 10 HR and 44 runs. That explains a lot.
Jo
September 16th, 2012
6:57 pm
I dont think they will win tonight but if its a competitive games the feel good feelings continue. What is most concerning is the RISP hitting…..its horrible. If they improve that they will stand a chance against the Nats in the playoffs, if not, they will not pass 4 games and be done…I am assuming the Braves will not collapse and they are a little better than last year…but they need a little better hitting to be a contender.
Steve
September 16th, 2012
6:59 pm
Jo, have a little faith. It’s not like Gonzalez has amazing numbers against Atlanta. Regarding the playoffs, it’s not like Medlen and Hudson give up a lot of runs. I have confidence in them vs. anyone.
rambunz
September 16th, 2012
7:01 pm
No chance to win the division. Jeff, you must be living a dream. In fact, just being in a one-game playoff is scary. I think the one-game playoff is a screwy idea. Tell the Commish.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
7:02 pm
Steve — Yeah, well, just how the schedule broke. Who needs sleep. Hah. Thanks.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
7:04 pm
For the record: The Braves and Nationals have the same record in September right now: 9-5. Difference was August: Nationals were 19-10, Braves 15-14.
Steve
September 16th, 2012
7:06 pm
How’s this for a interesting stat I noticed today….. Atlanta vs. the NL Central = 18-17. Washington = 26-9.
man and dog
September 16th, 2012
7:13 pm
I hope the Braves bring their hitting bats tonight
JSS
September 16th, 2012
7:15 pm
@ Jeff Schultz…
Did the blind ump bring his seeing eye dog to the Ted tonight? Or is he still drunk from all those free drinks the good people of Atlanta provided him after that gift?
Dawgdad (The Original)
September 16th, 2012
7:19 pm
Can’t believe Martin is sitting against a tough southpaw. Seems there might be someone that we could more easily not miss in the lineup, i.e. Uggla. Rest Martin against a tough right hander.
Yesterday was a real positive. Any time you can pick up a win on a hbp in a game started by Tommy Hanson, you are beating some large odds.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
7:24 pm
JSS — You sound bitter. That’s not like you.
man and dog
September 16th, 2012
7:28 pm
Phillies and Pirates lose. Brewers win. Cards & Dodgers tied in top of tenth. Winning the top wild card position shouldn’t be an issue now.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
7:40 pm
@ Jeff Schultz…
That ump is blind!
Heyward won me 3 free BBQ sandwiches… The minute that ump blew that call, I bet my lawyer and good friend that he’s (Heyward) going deep… I’m not bitter
man and dog
September 16th, 2012
7:41 pm
Douers pull a Braves trick in bottom of tenth. now going to the 11th.
Stinger2
September 16th, 2012
7:42 pm
Jeff: Regardless of the many negative comments made against Chipper, Fredi and Uggla, these men are professionals and deserve to be respected
for the efforts they give to win every game they can. I for one, and I do believe there are many others, believe this team will leave it all on the field whatever the outcome of this season. Yes, the naysayers have a right to their opinions and can complain all they like, but it won`t make any difference in what happens on the field.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
7:43 pm
Is Lilly up to leading him out to his position every inning?
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
7:44 pm
Jeff you think Minor has to earn a postseason start still? Or has he done enough to warrant one. Assuming we get past the play in game.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
7:47 pm
@7:42P
“Regardless of the many negative comments made against Chipper, Fredi and Uggla”
Where the heck has that trio been mentioned tonight?
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
7:53 pm
Actually, nobody seems consumed with first place.
That’s what happens when a sport decides to go the wildcard route.
sid's bream
September 16th, 2012
7:57 pm
Unless this offense gets figured out, we are going nowhere. I wouldn’t trust the braves in a one game wild card shootout against anyone right now. they can’t keep up this lucky streak for getting runs they didn’t really earn. they have to see more pitches and learn to hit with RISP.
With that said, our pitching staff looks bright in the future.
If Beachy looks anything close to what he was in the beginning of the year when he comes back, Medlen looks anything close to what he has been since being called up, and Minor keeps improving as well as he has, we’ll have three young cheep top tier starters. Let Huddy keep doing what he does one more year, Trade Hanson for some offense (hopefully a left fielder) and sign Greinke this offseason and we’ll have one of the best rotations in the league.
If we can put together any sort of offense behind that rotation, we take the division back.
T-Dawg
September 16th, 2012
7:59 pm
Steve
September 16th, 2012
7:06 pm
How’s this for a interesting stat I noticed today….. Atlanta vs. the NL Central = 18-17. Washington = 26-9.
Try this one: 35-40. Braves record against above .500 teams. This is the most telling record for me.
man and dog
September 16th, 2012
8:00 pm
On to the 12th and our game
JSS
September 16th, 2012
8:01 pm
Cluster’s lives…
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3110/2511608068_deee1225e5.jpg
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:02 pm
Stinger2 — You are definitely correct that nothing that anybody says, writes or Tweets is going to make a difference in what they do.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:03 pm
ER Steve — I don’t think anything about postseason pertaining to pitching has been decided — or will be for a while.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:04 pm
JSS — That looks good. … BTW, Lilly bids 2 biscuits for one your BBQ sandwiches.
Stinger2
September 16th, 2012
8:06 pm
JSS: You know very well what I mean. Just because the Regulars who constantly blast Fredi, Chipper and Uggla have not shown up yet, they will.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
8:08 pm
Too late Lilly, they’ve gone to tummy heaven!
Steve
September 16th, 2012
8:11 pm
Dang, there goes the no hitter!
Sonny Clusters
September 16th, 2012
8:13 pm
Au contraire, mon ami. You know what? You, yourself are the reason for the six-man rotation. Fredi admitted he had given it no thought.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
8:14 pm
I know they haven’t been mentioned before you brought them up… That’s an hour and a half of blogging… Dude, that is what McCarthy did, calling out invisible enemies… Good luck with that…
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:15 pm
Sonny Clusters — You are correct sir. And I’m sure that I will be handsomely compensated for my contributions to this team. But first, I must tend to my unicorn. She is thirsty.
Steve
September 16th, 2012
8:17 pm
Jeff, please also make the Braves pitch Medlen in the Wild Card game. Thanks!
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:17 pm
JSS — Charlie McCarthy had enemies? That poor wooden doll?
T-Dawg
September 16th, 2012
8:23 pm
Same pitch 5 times in a row.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
8:23 pm
Charlie McCarthy had an FBI file… That wooden doll had a a habit of dressing in little girl gear in his chest in the dark…
sid's bream
September 16th, 2012
8:24 pm
nice to see johnson making Gonzalez work
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:24 pm
Standing ovation for Chipper Jones. I guess people like him.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:27 pm
Sid’s bream — Correct. And about that, Braves no runs but Gonzalez threw 21 pitches that inning.
Sonny Clusters
September 16th, 2012
8:27 pm
Coach used to dress up like that on Thursday nights.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
8:28 pm
“I guess people like him.”
They like imitation Fried Pork rinds too!
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
JSS — I’m just a transplant myself but I believe you have just made a blanket statement about rednecks. Please explain yourself, sir.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
My god daughter Mollie bought me this one today…
http://chowtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/02/_MG_2664.jpg
JSS
September 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
The imitation fried pork rind has no one demographic selling point… Ask any corner market owner…
Dawg On A Leash
September 16th, 2012
8:35 pm
They just showed Michael Morse in dugout. His hair looks like he put a quart of quaker state oil in it. Looks like he woke up and threw on a cap…
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:37 pm
JSS — “The imitation fried pork rind has no one demographic selling point… Ask any corner market owner…”
Right. Next time I swing through Rodeo Drive, I’ll ask around.
T-Dawg
September 16th, 2012
8:38 pm
Our lefties have zero chance tonight….zero
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:39 pm
Close enough.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:39 pm
Tdawg — Michael Bourn (L) singled to open the game.
T-Dawg
September 16th, 2012
8:42 pm
Schultz….so the lefties brought him around?
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:44 pm
Hah, I’ll let you know after his 2nd at-bat.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
8:45 pm
“Right. Next time I swing through Rodeo Drive, I’ll ask around.”
They call them “chicharron” to throw off that “I’m from Bakersfield” connotation!
Burgess
September 16th, 2012
8:46 pm
All you Chipper lovers….did you see that JOG to 1st on his grounder up the middle. I guess that’s where Freeman gets his hustle from. Disgusting
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:46 pm
Braves doing a good job working counts tonight. Gonzalez up to 44 pitches in 2nd inning.
T-Dawg
September 16th, 2012
8:46 pm
Fair enough. My comment was not as much an indictment on our lefties as Gio being so dominant. Again….why not sit a lefty instead of Prado? Just back seat managing here.
Burgess
September 16th, 2012
8:47 pm
I know it’s a long season, but with all the money these guys make…can’t they play hard ?
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
8:47 pm
Ah geez, now I’m dying for an ice cream cone dipped in chocolate, which I haven’t had in years.
Fat Bastid
September 16th, 2012
8:48 pm
Fredi’s a dumassss he benches hottest hitter Prado. I bet when he told Prado he replied to Fredi “Tu eres caca ombre. Tu es muy retardo padre”.
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
8:49 pm
I love pork rinds, which we call “meat skins” in my world.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:52 pm
T-Dawg — Well, lefties in lineup tonight are Bourn-Heyward-Freeman. Nobody else is going to play first so Freeman stays. Heyward has been one of best players so you leave him in, despite struggles vs. lefties IMO. .. Only other choice is Bourn, and I guess thinking is you have to get him going. Plus, he was rested the other day.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
8:54 pm
Hillbilly D — “I love pork rinds, which we call “meat skins” in my world.”
<<< That made me laugh.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
9:01 pm
Hillbilly, you need to go to a Mexican carniceria (they are everywhere now) and try their take on them… And get the real salsa (not the stuff at Moe’s)… Crazy stuff…
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
9:02 pm
That’s 3 walks for Gonzalez and two times reaching base for Bourn (single, walk).
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
9:03 pm
Love our patient approach tonight. Want to see Bourn run here
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
9:03 pm
Jeff @ 8:54
I was dead serious. That’s all I ever heard them called until I got to be a teenager.
Fat Bastid
September 16th, 2012
9:04 pm
Then Hinske should be more rested than a man buried in a grave for 2 years…
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
9:06 pm
uh oh.
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
9:07 pm
Can’t lose Heyward looks like his is ok though
Burgess
September 16th, 2012
9:07 pm
I hope little leaguers don’t imitate Chipper and Freeman “running” out ground balls.
Sidslid
September 16th, 2012
9:07 pm
Enter your comments here
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
9:08 pm
The joke now spreading like wildfire: The Nats shut down the wrong starter.
Fat Bastid
September 16th, 2012
9:09 pm
Hillbilly, also drop by CVS and get some Rolaids,Tums,Prilosec, & Preparation H.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
9:10 pm
Hillbilly… NW GA?
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
9:12 pm
Let’s make Gonzalez lose the Cy Young award tonight
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
9:13 pm
JSS
A little more like North Central.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
9:13 pm
Hillbilly has a mature stomach… He can handle it…
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
9:13 pm
Yeah Chipper!!!! Man am I going to miss watching him play. So clutch
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
9:14 pm
Old Guy comes through with RBI single. Gonzalez definitely struggling tonight with control. Can’t imagine he’s long for game.
Fat Bastid
September 16th, 2012
9:15 pm
Chipper strikes again ! I’m gonna eat another scoop of chocolate ice cream to celebrate that triple.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
9:17 pm
2-0 … Heyward got great jump on sac fly by Freeman.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
9:17 pm
I used to hear “meat skins” in parts of Rome and those environs when I was kid back in the mid 60s from some of older folks when we’d visit and they be roasting pigs on the pits…
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
9:17 pm
Finally some situational hitting
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
9:17 pm
That’s the nicest way of being called old I’ve ever experienced.
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
9:18 pm
Oops. That was in response to the mature stomach comment.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
9:21 pm
Braves get 2 runs in 3rd, lead Nats 2-0 going for sweep. Pitch counts: Gio Gonzalez 83, Mike Minor 38.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
9:23 pm
Careful Hillbilly, they’ll be trying to sneak you milk toast next!
JSS
September 16th, 2012
9:26 pm
Jeff Schultz just put the Mark Bradley “pitch count” kiss of death on Minor! Hisssssssssssssssss!
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
9:32 pm
First 1-2-3 inning for Gonzalez: 9 pitches.
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
9:43 pm
Interesting fact:
Striking out the side on 9 pitches has only been done by 44 pitchers. Nolan Ryan is the only one to do it in both leagues. Now back to you Ol’ Padner.
TrishaDishaWarEagle
September 16th, 2012
9:53 pm
Baseball season is still going? I didn’t notice, football started so all other sports are moot until NCAA womens softball starts.
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
9:59 pm
bloop hit, tough break there
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
10:00 pm
And the Nationals are on the board. 2-1. For what it’s worth the 3 Washington fans behind their dugout went crazy.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
10:03 pm
Nice move by Minor. Desmond was dead.
Mldtown
September 16th, 2012
10:04 pm
That’s what you do with a leadoff double. Move the runner to third.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
10:05 pm
Blind ump would have called him safe
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
10:05 pm
Rain coming down harder now. Fans scattering. Mahem!
gy6
September 16th, 2012
10:05 pm
Good to hear Joe tonite. Always liked his understated to the point delivery.
Mldtown
September 16th, 2012
10:08 pm
The rain kept that one in, I think.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
10:08 pm
And as drops fall, Braves got something going. … Bye-bye Gio?
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
10:08 pm
Now we are in business!
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
10:08 pm
Yep, he’s out.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
10:13 pm
That was a really bad at-bat with 2nd and 3rd and nobody out.
RBI
September 16th, 2012
10:13 pm
Uggla-geez. We need more runs. I am not comfortable, yet.
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
10:15 pm
New game same theme, can’t get clutch at bats. . .
Growler
September 16th, 2012
10:15 pm
Really really really bad, Jeff. I’d say a selfish swing by Uggla. Sadly, it is not going to change (this year, at least)
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
10:16 pm
Braves blow 2nd and 3rd with nobody out.
RBI
September 16th, 2012
10:17 pm
RISP-RIP
terrell
September 16th, 2012
10:18 pm
Dan Uggly sux azz. O my freakin God!
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
10:18 pm
Minor is out, Cory Gearrin is in.
Kentavo
September 16th, 2012
10:18 pm
And now the Nats come back and take the lead after Braves blow golden opportunity. I know this script.
Bronkelliott
September 16th, 2012
10:18 pm
Enter your comments herHow long will Uggla be allowed to disgrace this team? Dammit!
isaac
September 16th, 2012
10:19 pm
i might actually cry. cant get the ball out of the infield….
Bulldawg
September 16th, 2012
10:19 pm
I used to think that Andruw Jones was the most selfish hitter in baseball. Without question, it is now Dan Uggla. There is absolutely no excuse to not get on top of the ball and hit a grounder to the right side. A team player would do that knowing that it would drive in a run. Uggla is no team player. His at-bat blew the inning for the Braves
terrell
September 16th, 2012
10:20 pm
3-0 and Uggly swings?? Wow!
It's over now
September 16th, 2012
10:20 pm
I just cannot believe that Uggla continue to play everyday with his poor batting average. It’s just not working out…………
terrell
September 16th, 2012
10:21 pm
How much are we paying Uggly? The new Mike Hampton.
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
10:22 pm
If Kimbrel is unavailable, insurance runs are a premium
Offense not Pitching is Braves Nemesis
September 16th, 2012
10:23 pm
Why oh why did Uggla swing at 3-0?
Do Braves hitters just simply spin a wheel before the game to see who wants to baffoon their way at the plate?
Turner Field and the Braves… where hitters come to flail.
Egads. I agree with Post #1 tonight…. if the Braves could hit with RSIP, they would be in first place and would be #1 or #2 in MLB.
I expect nothing during the playoffs for the Braves. I will not be surprised if we take the wild card and lose the 1 game playoff. Sad but we would lose 1-0 or 3-1.
terrell
September 16th, 2012
10:23 pm
If we lose this game, Uggly should be benched for the season. Dumbazz!
Smitty
September 16th, 2012
10:24 pm
No wonder Uggla has struggled last year and this. He just showed himself to be perhaps Stubborn, I already had concluded that, but also stupid. Bottom of the 6th, 2-1 game, raining on a new Nats pitcher, runners 2nd and 3rd, no outs, 3-0 count, he swings and pops out. Gonzalez says he learned last year to play more for the wins in Sept. Yeah? Then give Uggla the take sign, huh?
It's over now
September 16th, 2012
10:24 pm
Uggla will probably continue to play because:
1) Management does not want to look stupid for paying him so much for so little performance.
2) He is Freddi’s buddy.
3) Uggla will throw tantrums if benched too long – he did it before when he was benched a couple of weeks ago. Not good in a clubhouse that wants to make the playoffs.
JAFO
September 16th, 2012
10:25 pm
Let uggla swing on 3-0 count. Fat drunk and stupid is no way to manage.
Sonny Clusters
September 16th, 2012
10:25 pm
“You know what?” 3-0 count and he pops the ball up? We was thinking the Braves would be in the division lead right now of Uggla had given them anything this year. They are getting some great pitching, though. Shame to waste a rally with an Uggla at-bat.
Benny
September 16th, 2012
10:27 pm
No one out, runners on 3rd and 2nd. All that is needed is a freaking fly ball to the outfield. Ugggggh-la, Ross, Simmons…well, who didn’t see that coming?
JSS
September 16th, 2012
10:27 pm
Anti Cluster’s post in 3… 2… 1…
Sonny Clusters
September 16th, 2012
10:28 pm
Yes, JSS, it’s probably on the way.
Mikey
September 16th, 2012
10:29 pm
That last ab by Uggla is a microcosm of how disappointing he has been all year. The worst home ba. Of ALL players in the NL.
Bulldawg
September 16th, 2012
10:29 pm
I do not understand why Uggla cannot correct his swing. Simple fix – stop trying to pull everything and let the ball get deeper to the plate.That’s why he pops everything up – he’s out front on every pitch. He gets lucky every now and then and connects for a long ball, but has no consistency as a hitter. His best at bats are when he lets the ball travel and hits the ball up the middle or to right field.I know he’s been told, he just refuses to do it.
SO AL FAN
September 16th, 2012
10:31 pm
HOW STUPID CAN FREDDIE GET/? LETTING HIS PET HIT A 3 O PITCH WITH RUNNERS ON 2ND AND 3RD AND NO OUTS1111REPEAT HOW STUPID ARE YOU/
JSS
September 16th, 2012
10:32 pm
Hey Jeff Schultz…
Are you going back to the Bay Area when they finally set the dynamite at Candlestick?
RBI
September 16th, 2012
10:33 pm
Oh, Hinske. I thought he had fallen off the face of the earth.
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
10:33 pm
Whatever happened to you only swing at a 3-0 pitch, if it is a particular pitch in a particular place and a pitch that you can drive?
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
10:34 pm
Bourn doing good things tonight. Should have sat Uggla and played Prado
JSS
September 16th, 2012
10:34 pm
Anti So AL post in Tres… Dos… Uno…
Sonny Clusters
September 16th, 2012
10:34 pm
There are smart people, and there are people that are not smart. There is smart baseball, and there is not-so-smart baseball. Some teams play smart baseball . . . an embodiment of the manager calling the shots in the dugout. Game management is critical to the success of a team playing the division leader on national television at the tail-end of the season. Uggla is not a smart player and may never be but he should have had some direction from the dugout during that at-bat. We was thinking Coach would have had a message at 3-0 and it wouldn’t be “popup”.
Bronkelliott
September 16th, 2012
10:34 pm
How many agree, Prado at second for the rest of the year. Uggla is a bumb!
JSS
September 16th, 2012
10:37 pm
Hillbilly… They are panicking trying to get him started before they hit the post-season… They are scared to death that the pitching is going to abandon them in October…
Sonny Clusters
September 16th, 2012
10:37 pm
“You know what? If Danny had put the barrel on the ball there you wouldn’t be asking me why he was swinging at 3-0.”
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
10:37 pm
JSS — Haha. No, I’ll miss that. But I was in Candlestick during the World Series earthquake and that old lady held together, rocked on stilts just like it was supposed to. Change my attitude about that dump that night.
Bronkelliott
September 16th, 2012
10:39 pm
Please pinch hit for Uggla if he comes up!
crm300
September 16th, 2012
10:39 pm
This team has taken years off of my life! This is the kind of game that spikes my blood pressure! Can we please have a blow out win once in awhile!!!
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
10:40 pm
Reed Johson on bad hop … scored an error. Braves with 1st and 3rd one out
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
10:40 pm
Agressive base running there by Bourn. Wow
Kentavo
September 16th, 2012
10:40 pm
Uggla is very Andruw-esque – I’m betting they try real hard to dump him this offseason – I know he’s a good dude and plays hard, but you gotta play smart and play team ball, not trying to be the hero.
bulldogbubba
September 16th, 2012
10:41 pm
What Nats team are we playing.Did they send imposters this time? Something is up . Are they getting us ready for a beat down in the playoffs? Mr. Stinger2 are you out there?
crm300
September 16th, 2012
10:41 pm
Suppose someone can get a hit with RISP?
Mikey
September 16th, 2012
10:41 pm
Let’s get Minor a well deserved win tonight.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
10:42 pm
That’s where speed helps — Bourn scores on heyward ground out. 3-1. Huge run there.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
10:43 pm
crm300…
If last year didn’t send you to the great hunting ground in the sky (as they say on bad 60s westerns), the Braves won’t do you in anytime soon…
bulldogbubba
September 16th, 2012
10:43 pm
Do people still think we should not sign Bourn next year? He seems to be making plays again.
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
10:43 pm
That’s why Bourn get’s paid this summer. Speed makes up for mistakes.
Sonny Clusters
September 16th, 2012
10:43 pm
If this pitching goes away, there will be no answer/remedy for selfish baseball and swinging at 3-0 pitches that get popped up, and for not running all-out to first base and for not being a smart baseball player. We remember a left handed pitcher (a young one) that said one day he never thought about the game he was just pitching. Second time through the lineup he always got hammered. Thinking is important in baseball and if the player isn’t smart enough to think for himself you’ve gotta hope there is some help for him in the dugout. You know what? There doesn’t seem to be very deep thoughts taking place over there.
crm300
September 16th, 2012
10:45 pm
Last year did nearly kill me, JSS!
Bill
September 16th, 2012
10:45 pm
Bourn is getting hot..on base 4 0ut of last 5 ab’s and great base running tonight.
Thanks Jeff for another great night..You earned your pay this week.(3 live games)
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
10:45 pm
JSS @ 10:37
That’s a good point but just because he has the green light doesn’t mean he has to swing. Even, we know you pick a pitch and none of us has ever played in MLB……or at least as far as we know.
RBI
September 16th, 2012
10:46 pm
I wish Freeman would make them pay here, and jack one out.
JSS
September 16th, 2012
10:46 pm
Ha ha, Zane Smith!!!
Bronkelliott
September 16th, 2012
10:46 pm
Oh no look who’s up, it should be Prado
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
10:46 pm
Another error, another hit batter — I think the Washington Nationals are turning back into the Washington Nationals.
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
10:46 pm
Last year did nearly kill me, JSS!
How did you ever survive the Braves of the 70’s?
Growler
September 16th, 2012
10:46 pm
crm300, the Braves have had 38 wins by 4 or more runs… plenty of blowouts this year. That’s why Kimbrel and company have far fewer appearances this year.
RBI
September 16th, 2012
10:47 pm
Yes, I would have put Prado in there to PH for Uggla.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
10:48 pm
Uggla. Clutch. Honest.
crm300
September 16th, 2012
10:48 pm
How about that Uggla!!!!!
Uggs to make amends?
September 16th, 2012
10:48 pm
let’s see
Uggs to make amends?
September 16th, 2012
10:49 pm
Yes!!!!!!
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
10:49 pm
We remember a left handed pitcher (a young one) that said one day he never thought about the game he was just pitching. Second time through the lineup he always got hammered.
Saw an interview with Tom Seaver a while back. He said in the first and second ABs, he was thinking about how he was going to pitch that guy’s fourth AB. They don’t make many like that anymore.
Bill
September 16th, 2012
10:49 pm
Finally, Uggla gets lucky.
Growler
September 16th, 2012
10:49 pm
Uggla taketh away, Uggla giveth.
Mikey
September 16th, 2012
10:49 pm
Uggla owns this guy, bout time
Uggs to make amends?
September 16th, 2012
10:49 pm
Thank You, Uggs.
Remley
September 16th, 2012
10:49 pm
Way to go Danny boy!
JSS
September 16th, 2012
10:50 pm
” just because he has the green light doesn’t mean he has to swing. ”
I know that… You know… But Dan U doesn’t get that! I remember that light went off in Dale Murphy’s head… Chipper’s made a career of walking, you’d think he’d tell Uggla…
RBI
September 16th, 2012
10:51 pm
I’ll take that; but, Mr. Freeman, never be the last out at 3rd.
crm300
September 16th, 2012
10:51 pm
Sure would be nice not to have to use OFlaherty and Kimbrel tonite.
Remley
September 16th, 2012
10:51 pm
Jeff, think the’ll give Kimbral the night off with a 4 run lead?
SO AL FAN
September 16th, 2012
10:52 pm
UGGLY GOT LUCKY
JSS
September 16th, 2012
10:52 pm
@ Hillbilly, that freak in Detroit is like that, Verlander is scary in that way
bulldogbubba
September 16th, 2012
10:52 pm
Fredi told us all along Uggla was going to break out.Once every 10-12 games.
crm300
September 16th, 2012
10:52 pm
Pouring one more scotch for the evening. Come on, bullpen.
Mikey
September 16th, 2012
10:53 pm
Thank you Adam for thinking you had time to for a DP against the fastest guy in baseball with a 1 run lead. Kimbrel go sit down!
Bill
September 16th, 2012
10:54 pm
Sometimes it better to be lucky than good!
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
10:55 pm
JSS
I don’t watch the AL much but I have seen Verlander pitch a couple times. The good ones realize you pitch as much with your head as your arm.
crm300
September 16th, 2012
10:55 pm
Nice play, Simmons!
Remley
September 16th, 2012
10:55 pm
What was tonight’s attendence? Has most of the crowd hung around?Nice play Simmons!
RBI
September 16th, 2012
10:56 pm
I like Avilan.
Growler
September 16th, 2012
10:57 pm
If the Braves hold on here, magic number to clinch a Wild Card spot will fall to 8 over the Dodgers, 7 over Milwaukee and Pittsburgh, 5 over Arizona and Philadelphia… with 15 games for them to go.
crm300
September 16th, 2012
10:57 pm
I like that Avilan!
Bill
September 16th, 2012
10:57 pm
Avilan!!!!!!
Rimfire
September 16th, 2012
10:58 pm
Baseball! Gotta Love it!
Mikey
September 16th, 2012
11:00 pm
Every time speed trumps luck!
JSS
September 16th, 2012
11:01 pm
Growler…
Sssssssssssssssssshhhhhhh!!! After last year magic number should be outlawed in this town…
Bronkelliott
September 16th, 2012
11:01 pm
The Braves really need a healthy McCann!
reality
September 16th, 2012
11:03 pm
Great game by the Braves, but now the announcers are telling us how genius Fredi and Frank have been about Medlin’s innings. I wish they would just stop. Taking credit for this good luck is just sickening. Those two had Medlin as the long reliever from day one and tried everything they could to keep him there. Sheets, Malholm, and brought Jair back twice just so they didn’t have to put Meds in the rotation. I just wish they could be honest about it.
Bill
September 16th, 2012
11:03 pm
JEFF..You going to do Falcons Alive tomorrow Night?
Hope so…..
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
11:04 pm
I think the Braves magic number to clinch the wild card will be 9 if they win. Which is lower than the Nats number to clinch the division (11). So it will be easier to win the division than miss out on the playoffs. At least mathematically
Growler
September 16th, 2012
11:04 pm
But JSS, this year is totally different. Last year the big three of the bullpen’s arms were collectively about to fall off from overwork. That is what did them in. Whatever you say about Fredi (and there are a LOT of negatives about him), he has managed the bullpen well this year… and they are not going to collapse again… definitely not with this year’s guaranteed one-game playoff.
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
11:05 pm
Chad Durbin coming in to try to close out win.
kerryb
September 16th, 2012
11:06 pm
Why did the Braves pick up Lyle Overbay? I haven’t seen him take the bat off his shoulder yet. Seems like he strikes out every at bat looking.
Growler
September 16th, 2012
11:06 pm
ER Steve it’s 8. Do the math. Dodgers can finish with (max) 91 wins. This will be win 84 tonight for Braves with 3 more outs.
bulldogbubba
September 16th, 2012
11:07 pm
Alright time to rub your lucky rabbits foot.GO BRAVES
Hillbilly D
September 16th, 2012
11:09 pm
The rabbit’s foot wasn’t lucky for the rabbit.
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
11:09 pm
Yes you are right Growler, was looking at ESPN hunt for october and it was showing the number to clinch the first wild card over St. Louis I think.
kerryb
September 16th, 2012
11:09 pm
Well, the Braves will be 5 1/2 games out after this and the Nats play the Dodgers and the Brewers who are playing well. The Braves play the Marlins and the Phillies. The Braves can make up some ground this week.
Bill
September 16th, 2012
11:09 pm
Jeff you didn’t answer..are you doing the Falcons live tomorrow night?
Growler
September 16th, 2012
11:11 pm
btw, I don’t want to call LaRoche another Melky, but 30 home runs??
JSS
September 16th, 2012
11:11 pm
Growler, you ain’t going to get blind umps every night… I’m not negative about the pitching, but that run problem generally gets exposed by teams like the Pirates in the run-up to the playoffs
Roller Coaster Braves
September 16th, 2012
11:11 pm
Man winning the Brewers series would have made tonight even better.
Bronkelliott
September 16th, 2012
11:13 pm
Great win for the Braves! Let’s keep it going. No Monday blues please!
reality
September 16th, 2012
11:15 pm
nice game! good job Minor! We are going to miss CJ next year big time!
Growler
September 16th, 2012
11:15 pm
JSS the Braves offense is at this point maddeningly inconsistent at best… and downright awful far too often. But their pitching from top to bottom can carry them at least to the NLCS. I mean, who’s really hitting that much year? It’s the year of the pitcher.
ER Steve
September 16th, 2012
11:15 pm
Great win. Wasn’t always pretty but have to really credit the Braves approach tonight. Took a lot of pitches, got a lot of base runners and ultimately made Washington pay for their big mistake, Zimmerman’s error. That’s what good teams do. Go Braves!!
Jeff Schultz
September 16th, 2012
11:16 pm
Early game column posted:
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2012/09/16/braves-sweep-nats-and-this-september-not-like-last-one/
Thomas Brown
September 16th, 2012
11:47 pm
Georgie tek, recipients of 3 consecutive blogs by Jeff Schultz, remains an unranked team while The Georgia Bulldogs passed Oklahoma in the rankings and Southern California when Matt Barkley threw 2 interceptions losing to Stanford to put UGA # 5 in the nation.
Our next 2 opponents are both unranked, like Georgie tek, with Vandie then the vols coming up. Vandie had not won a game all season then beat Presbyterian college last weekend, whom Georgie tek beat earlier this season by a similar score.
8th best baseball team 2012, Atlanta Braves, still do not have a marquee player and have no since Ted Turner quit the team and moved to Montana. We don’t have any money; just play with what you got, our owners told us ever since.
SUSPENDED PLAYERS, we only have 3 for the Vandie game, and then will be down for the vols game only Kolton Houston, whom the NCAA suspended.
We started slowing for the South Atlantic Florida game Saturday, amid all the sell-out disguised by empty seats and witnessed for the 2nd time in as many games our own fans booing our own team, again.
That must really burn those who actually think Oklahoma did something wrong, or we so much better this 2012 season to-date to move us up ahead of Oklahoma in the AP Poll as they have only played 2 games to our 3 now.
Coaches’ Poll finds UGA still worse-ranked than Oklahoma.
Southern California dropped 11 places to # 13 in the AP Poll and 9 spots in the Coaches’ Poll to # 12.
Vandie cannot pass the football, nor stop the run – thus unranked while the vols cannot run the football nor stop the run as I pointed-out all week last week to you.
There are 6 SEC teams ranked.
ACC has 2 ranked football teams. Nice. No wonder you sold-out to Notre Dame to not allow them to join the ACC in Football – the sport they’re most relevant in.
With the win Atlanta Braves are still the # 8 baseball team.
Jeff Schultz
September 17th, 2012
12:06 am
Add some good stuff from Chipper after the game. Here’s link to updated column. Closing commenting here.
http://blogs.ajc.com/jeff-schultz-blog/2012/09/16/braves-sweep-nats-and-this-september-not-like-last-one/