Show #152: The Braves Stumble At Home

June 19, 2011

Show #152: The Braves Stumble At Home

Can the team be better? Heyward’s star. The starting rotation. And batting the pitcher 8th.

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165 Responses to “Show #152: The Braves Stumble At Home”

1
Jo-Bu Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 12:16 am
Here are my thoughts:

1) This is who we are: 60 games is a reasonable sample and we’ve already played something on the order of like 73 games.

2) For me to my opinion to change would have to see 3.5 to 4 weeks of winning baseball — not so much in win streaks but winning series.

3) The Braves just cannot seem to get over the hump of one of those teams that make you feel confident. They really do play like a .500 team though you look at the back of these guy’s baseball cards and say wow, we really are under performing as a team.

FAIR/FOUL
1) The shine is coming off of Heyward: FAIR! And guys, I’m glad you all mentioned that interview as the point that your views might have started downward because that interview was exactly when I thought, OMG, is this guy another jerk like Barry Bonds is/was? It doesn’t cost him a damn thing to be nice to anyone and he seems a bit entitled if you ask me. I’m also tired of the media treating him with kid gloves except for Brian Jordan.

2) Worried about starting pitching. FAIR, I guess. It’s really kind of a grey area for me right now. Hanson makes “still” makes me nervous then he goes out and puts up 14 Ks (which is my point exactly) you just don’t know which Tommy, Huddy, or Lowe will show up each time. But we pretty much know which Lowe will show up. I don’t care what anyone says, I really think Huddy is hiding something that is nagging him whicih is why I think he’s now a box of chocolates.

4) Batting Pitcher in 8th Spot: FAIR. What the hell, we’ve shuffled the top of the order so what difference does it make if Nate or Hanson bats 8th or 9th. I mean, what have we got to lose here?

UGGLA METER – Ok, I confess, I was dazzled by his brightness and baffled by his b.s. in Houston but at least he’s appears to be more patient.

Has anyone paid any attention to Freddi Freeman’s little mini slumps after he jacks one out of the park? He’s learning and actually I think for a rookie he seems to be learning quicker each time though I don’t have his stats in front of me. Gonzo has all of a sudden become a free-swinger in his slump. And Stevie, I agree, he’s a veteran and should know better and have a heck of a lot more discipline up there.
2
Jo-Bu Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 12:31 am
In comparing 2011 Braves to the 2010 Braves, I don’t seem to be hearing/reading, as we did last season, the stories of love for each other. Could this be a reason for the longer slumps this season? Maybe that’s a FOUL but I just haven’t heard any of those kinds of stories this season.
3
Walker Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 12:54 am
Boy oh Boy We are a spoiled bunch. We have been riddled with injuries, haven’t had our starting lineup since early May, we have Matt Young, Diory Hernandez, Conrad starting games yet we are tied with the NL Wild Card Lead. But we complain and complain. Lets complain if we suck when Chipper and Prado come back.
4
Jo-Bu Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 1:01 am
#3. We have stunk with the opening day lineup out there and that’s why we are complaining.
5
Walker Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 1:11 am
Also, Heyward’s shine is dimming in my eyes only because he is injury prone. If Jason Heyward plays 162 games healthy I have no doubt he CAN hit 25-35 HRs with a .300+ average. Dude can hit. He’s done it at every level. He just wasn’t completely prepared for the rigors of a MLB season. And lets all be honest here. There are numerous times when Chipper, Uggla and Gonzalez don’t run out ground balls but no one calls them out. And thats a fact.
6
Walker Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 1:15 am
@4 Early in the season not everybody hit their stride. Freeman was getting used to MLB pitching, Heyward shoulder was not 100%, McLouth was batting second for no apparent reason, and we weren’t aware that Uggla sucked that much.
7
Jo-Bu Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 1:25 am
Yeah but you know the old saying: No one is 100% healthy after the first week in the Bigs.
8
Bubdylan Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 5:52 am
For the “is this just who we are” question, I have to say: absolutely not. Three of the main four cogs of our offense – Prado, Heyward, and Uggla – are contributing at a fraction of their ability. That’s the Braves hitters with the three largest Wins Above Replacement numbers from 2010 currently injured, half injured, and brain injured, respectively.

I guess it’s “who we are” for an indefinite period of time, but at some point, surely … SURELY … that will change. Or else, we’re just cursed. Which, when I look at Yunel’s new contract and current offensive numbers, doesn’t seem out of the question.

The team is still boiling with potential. Freddie Freeman is showing a ton of upside I hadn’t expected at ALL. Delgado looked really promising to me. Teheran less so, but he went right back to blowing doors off in the minors, and since he’s clearly no Jo Jo Reyes mentally, I fully expect him to get through the MLB wall sooner than later upon next call up.

As Mike Minor’s biggest supporter in these parts, I’m ready for him to go bye bye.
9
Bubdylan Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 6:02 am
Heyward’s shine was dimmed for me by his ridiculous comment to Stevie and his half baked twitter feed. He puts off a very obnoxious “too cool for school” vibe. It’s so mild and tolerable compared to the Bryce Harpers of the world, and I try to keep that in mind. But I’ll probably always root for Jason in a fairly mercenary capacity. I have no desire to see him become the face of the franchise. Would rather see McCann, Jurrjens, Freeman, Teheran, Delgado, or (a fully recovered) Dan Uggla holding that torch.

And I’d trade Heyward for Stanton in three seconds.
10
Nate Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 7:31 am
Awful week.

Heyward’s shine has definitely worn off.

How is the worst sign not Tommy’s shoulder injury?

Yunel getting out of Atlanta was the best thing for both parties. Kind of funny that we see him and Elvis in back to back series. I think most people, like myself, we’re upset about the Yunel trade because we gave him away for virtually nothing. He was our MVP in 2009, and in 2010 we gave him away to the Blue Jays… Goes to show kids, you can hit .180 and start everyday (see Uggla/McLouth), but a bad year coupled with a bad attitude will get you traded.
11
Nate Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 8:30 am
Gonzo’s defense keeps us in a lot of games, but he will swing at pretty much anything.

McLouth had a swing yesterday with Heyward on 2nd and Freddie on 3rd that was pitcher-worthy. Why not hit him 8th?
12
Nate Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 10:22 am
“Why not hit him 8th?” or 9th
13
Nate Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 10:25 am
It would be awesome if we could acquire Hunter Pence with a package of Minor/Pastornicky/Oberholtzer(or some other pitcher of that quality).
14
Nate Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 10:36 am
1. Prado
2. Pence
3. Mac
4. Chipper
5. Freeman
6. Uggla
7. Heyward
8. Gonzo
9. P
15
Walker Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 10:43 am
Stanton for Heyward? I don’t think so. LOL
16
Steve Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 11:43 am
“Goes to show kids, you can hit .180 and start everyday (see Uggla/McLouth), but a bad year coupled with a bad attitude will get you traded.”

So true, but I’d add hitting .180 and making more than 7mil per year.

Walker – I get the spoiled comment comment. In response I’d say that this team should be sooooo much better and that’s what’s frustrating.
17
Nate Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 11:52 am
Fortunately for us the Cards and Brewers seem to be following us step for step, so I still feel really good about the Wild Card. I’m getting closer and closer to feeling that we have no shot at catching the Phillies, though.
18
Nate Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 11:55 am
We’re hitting like the Padres, and we have so much more money invested in our lineup. That needs to change. Fans should be frustrated. Anyone who watched the Braves play last week should feel frustrated. Especially if you paid money to see it in person.
19
Curt Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 12:16 pm
Walker/Steve – I don’t get the spoiled comment. How are we spoiled? By having a .500 baseball team playing well below its potential? And by what are we getting spoiled with?

Here’s a plate of food. Half of it is delicious, the other half is the worst food you could imagine. Eat it all and only point out how great the one half is, but don’t mention the bad. Oh, and regarding the bad half, we have all the ingredients and skill to make it good, we just don’t want to figure out how. We are relying on the fact that the good half will compensate.

If this team can not get their offensive house in order, they will only make the playoffs by backing into them. July starts next week. This is more than a blip on the radar.
20
Steve Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
Curt – my acknowedgement of spoiled is that we are 7 games over .500, in second place in the East and tied for 1st in the WC. That said, and to our doom and gloom last night, it all goes away if we keep playing like this.
21
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 2:42 pm
Has the shine worn off on Heyward?

Foul-ish.

“Worn off”, no. Wearing, yes.

BTW – Guys, you have got to let the interview go. You know Steve, Heyward doesn’t. He had probably answered 50 reporters on the thumb injury and telling them it wasn’t an excuse. We know Steve wasn’t trying to do so, but if you took the question out of the context of Steve asking it, it could have come off (at least when I heard it) as someone trying to get a “sound bite” to be able to headline “Heyward admits injury caused slump” (or something like that). And the rest of the interview was a guarded Heyward being careful of what he said.

Guess I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.
22
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Am I worried about the pitching?

FAIR

I think Hudson was over-acheiving all year. He just doesn’t miss a lot of bats. If he isn’t throwing “ground balls” all the time, he gets hit hard.

I don’t know how Hanson is going to react to his shoulder problem. It may give Beachy a chance to see what he can do, but I don’t want him to pitch too many innings in his first season “in the biggs”.

It is feast or famine with Lowe and he doesn’t seem to “taper off” any more. It is like at a point in the game, he just falls off a cliff.

JJ has been really good. He seems to have learned to be a pitcher instead of trying to “blow everyone away” (wish he could teach that to Kimbrel – i.e. back off just a hair so you can put the ball where you want it and let the natural movement on your pitches do the rest). However, with JJ, you end up with a couple of hits sandwiched around a four-pitch walk in the middle of an otherwise stellar performance… inexplicable.
23
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
Bat pitcher 8th.

Fair.

It wasn’t hard for La Russa to try and get people on in front of Pujols. If Chipper is in the batting order, maybe it is good.
24
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 3:24 pm
Slump is over.

FOUL

I was still foul from Houston. Almost all his hits are still on mistakes on the inner half. He is still trying to pull EVERYTHING.
25
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
Best sign of the week:
Rallying to win the final game of a series to prevent being swept at home twice in one week.

Worst sign of the week:
Having to rally to win a final game of a series to prevent being swept at home twice in one week.

Honorable mention:
Hanson going in the DL.
26
DAP Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
jo-bu “Gonzo has all of a sudden become a free-swinger in his slump.”

if by “all of a sudden” you mean “from the dawn of time” then, yeah.

one of y’all (probably curt) referred to the braves as a sub-par team. its almost as if you watch this braves team while completely ignoring the 14 other games going on around baseball. with 40 wins, there are only 3 teams in MLB that have won more games. just 3. 2 of those are in the AL east. by the way, curt, the braves are not a .500 team. check the standings.
27
Curt Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
DAP, so by that accord, there are only 3 teams in MLB better than the Braves?

its almost as if you watch this braves team while completely ignoring the 14 other games going on around baseball.
28
Walker Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
I just think we are slightly spoiled at times because I put myself in the shoes of Royals, Pirates, Orioles fans. They would love to be in our position. The Braves have basically been competitive for a playoff spot the last 20 years. That’s even longer than the Yankees. Remember they sucked in the early 90′s. I want us to do better but I’m just grateful we are still relevant.
29
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 8:47 pm
22
But when it IS working, it WORKS!

Maybe he will stay in this groove for a while…
30
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
29
Huddy, that is…
31
Curt Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
Maybe I’m rethinking pitchers hitting 8th. Do I get fantasy points for his homer?
32
Curt Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
Walker, I know where you are coming from, but we aren’t those teams. We shouldn’t even think on the level of those teams. Trust me, no one remembers how bad the Braves were more than me. But we have to think above that. I do. The Yankees fans aren’t thinking about how the Royals fans feel, or how the Orioles fans feel. They are thinking about how they can win a championship. That’s what I want our mentality to be. Think like a champion, be a champion. Think like the Pirates, except mediocrity.

On a side note, it’s a tragedy that MLB cares so little for once proud franchises, and their fanbases, like the Royals, Pirates and Orioles that they let those teams languish. Ownership in KC and Baltimore is particularly disgusting, but put in a cap and make those teams relevant again. It will only help baseball.
33
ham Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
I totally knew that we were going to win this game all along. Right after Kimbrel’s last pitch to Lind, I knew we had it in the bag.
34
Steve Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 10:32 pm
It was an amazing night at the ballpark tonight. There was confidence in the air even when it was still 0 – 0 in the 7th. It just felt like the Bravos had it in them tonight. And then the Huddy homer was ridiculous. It was obviously out the moment he hit it. And the cheers and excitement from the crowd had a distinctly different feel then the typical go ahead homer. The fact that it was Huddy added a lot to the whole scene. Fantastic.

And Yunel’s return was an absolute non-event. Barely any fan reaction one way or another. It was very strange. Braves fans love to boo ex-players, regardless of how they left town. I was sure Esco was really going to hear it. And yet it was like he was just another Blue Jay. When Uggla hit in to the DP late in the game he was booed 10x more than Esco was at any point.
35
Curt Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 11:12 pm
As he should have been
36
Leah Says:
June 20th, 2011 at 11:24 pm
#21 A voice of sanity.
37
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 12:05 am
Wonder if Huddy could play left on the days he doesn’t pitch?
38
Curt Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 12:32 am
#32 – that would be “accept” not except.
39
Nate Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 8:44 am
Teheran’s AAA stats are just ridiculous.
40
DAP Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 10:39 am
curt “by that accord, there are only 3 teams in MLB better than the Braves?”

well, thats not what i said, but its not going out on a limb that the braves are among the very best teams in the NL, at the least. easily top 5.
41
Curt Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 11:34 am
It was a question. You used their record as an indicator of how good you thought they were. I’ll give you top-5 in the NL. I’ll give you top-10 in baseball. But, in MY opinion, this team has a ways to go to win postseason series against upper echelon opponents. As we said on the show – 3 good weeks in a row and my feelings will change. Would I be surprised if they won the World Series? No. Saw the Giants last year with great pitching and little hitting do it. The pitching, if on, could easily carry us a long way. But you can’t have an off week in the playoffs. You do and you go home. And us scoring 2 runs last night off of a homer by our pitcher does not help soothe my anxiety.
42
Eric Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 12:11 pm
I don’t think you can feel overly confident about a team that’s considering batting the pitcher 8th to get the offense going – even if the team has a nice record.
43
DAP Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 12:13 pm
curt “You used their record as an indicator of how good you thought they were. ”

no, i used the record to show you they arent a .500 team, like you for some reason said they were.
44
Walker Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 12:33 pm
All I can say is that I am happy with where the braves are with all their misfortune.
45
Nate Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 5:01 pm
Curt, DAP, I think you’re both splitting hairs over a mediocre baseball team. MLB has very few good to very good teams. The Red sox and Phillies seem to be on another level. Then you have a whole bunch of teams like the Yanks, Braves, Brewers, Cards, Tigers, Rangers, and maybe one of the teams in the NL West. I think this is another year, like the Giants last year, where one of the teams in the second group I listed could very easily win, but if the Sox and Phils are hot in October no one has any chance. Just my thoughts.
46
Nate Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 5:02 pm
The Cards might be out of the 2nd group now that El Hombre is out for a while. Who knows, though?
47
john j Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 5:18 pm
Anyone hearing anything about new ownership? It is said in Colorado, Liberty Media would like to unload them. New ownership could be good news if they let Braves management take some payroll chances to win. Of course, Wren will have to prove to new owners that Uggla was his only mistake.
48
Anonymous Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 5:19 pm
Good news for Uggla, 1-5 and 1-4 days raise his average. Not many can say that!!
49
john j Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Didn’t mean to make 48 anonymous. I’ll take the blame.
50
Anne Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 6:59 pm
I can’t believe Jo-Jo didn’t get a mention…we see him tomorrow, is it?
51
QC Bravo Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 7:27 pm
Totally agree with Nate (#45) – Braves are in the second group of teams that look very average or very good depending on the week. It is a long season, with ebbs and flows – this is not college football where every week is do or die. That said, I can not figure out the lack of runs – or, more accurately, I can figure out the lack of runs, given the low OBP and SLG, but I can’t figure out why it seems so many Braves are not performing even to their historical numbers. Are the Braves using a humidor?
52
Kate Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 7:35 pm
Jo Jo Reyes is going to have a great game tomorrow. Crappy lefties are the Braves kryptonite.
53
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 9:14 pm
46 Well, unlike in years past where Puj was 7 – 10 wins above replacement, this year he is under 2.5… so, it may not be quite so hard for them to do without him for 4 to 6 (of course, that could translate to 6 – 8 before he is on the field).

But, then again, his presence can cause extra stress dealing with him so others may benefit, but I guess that remains to be seen…

Their usual pitching probably won’t be able to “carry” them…
54
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 9:15 pm
51 Hopefully we will make the playoffs and the “O” will peak late
55
Steve Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 10:35 pm
#52 – I don’t know Kate. Turner Field is a house of horrors for Jo Jo (career 5.81 ERA there) and he’s a worse pitcher in day games (career 7.01 during the day vs. 5.09 at night). AND I believe that Beachy going to look great tomorrow. AND Jo-Jo is bad.
56
Steve Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 10:36 pm
john j (#47) – do you have a link to an article? I’d love to see it.
57
Steve Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 10:42 pm
DAP (#43): Curt’s .500 record comment aside, what do you really think about the team right now? I get that you’re arguing a point, but do you think they’re a top tier team? Do you think, with the past 75 games as your data, that this team will make it and go far in the playoffs?

I just look at the combination of the amazing pitching and the almost league worst average (13th), OBP (13th) and runs scored (11th) and it feels like it will soon collapse on itself.
58
Steve Says:
June 21st, 2011 at 10:49 pm
Despite my #57, pretty great game tonight. Everyone got at least one hit (except Uggla, of course) and double digit hits didn’t result in 1 or 2 runs as they have in the past.

My one complaint is Fredi bringing in Venters in the 9th with a 4 run lead. Rest the kid as much as you can given his ungodly number of appearances already. Linebrink has only giving up runs in one of his last 16 appearances. He seemed like an obvious choice. And only one of the first three batters was a lefty. Not smart bullpen management.
59
Nate Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 4:03 am
Losing to Jo-Jo would be worse than last year when we lost to Acosta and the Mets, and Frenchy had the game winning hit. That memory makes me throw up in my mouth.
60
Anonymous Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 9:03 am
#58 re Venters – I commented a while ago about “hidden” injuries and how much the trainers may or may not be culpable. In the same vein, I wonder how much argument/pushback Fredi gets from Eddie Lopez (he’s still the bullpen coach, right?) or Roger MacDowell when he calls to say, “send in so & so.”
61
Steve Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Re #60: Or does Fredi discuss all those decisions with Roger and Tosca in the dugout? Regardless, I would doubt that Eddie Perez pushes back much.
62
Anonymous Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 2:11 pm
Looks like Jo-Jo is pitching BP for the Braves today. Hell, even Lugo has a hit already.
63
Anne Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 2:18 pm
Anonymous #60 was me!! Thanks, Steve.

I forgot the bench coach is now Tosca…who, in opera houses anyway, likes to jump out of windows.
64
Anne Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 2:24 pm
I’m watching on Gameday and like how they have a graphic for the pitchers for what % of their game is which pitch. 32% cutters, 22% sliders, whatever. Jo-Jo has like, three pitches, and forgets to use two of them most of the time.
65
DAP Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Steve @ #57, my response to Curt is how I usually respond to irrational negativity.

To answer your questions, I think the team right now is very good, because of the great (not good) pitching staff, and good defense. The Braves’ players’ track record suggests they can be a good offensive team as well, though they certainly aren’t right now.

I don’t think they are a top tier team, but all they would need is for some of those offensive rankings to move to middle of the pack, and they would be, because of the pitching.

I do think this team will make the playoffs, and will make it far, barring injuries. I think we would have advanced last season if we hadn’t been missing Jones and Prado.

I can’t think of a single team the Braves wouldn’t match up well against. The pitching is that good.
66
Eric Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 3:56 pm
Glad to see Everyday Johnny got the call from the ‘pen again with a 4 run lead.
67
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 5:01 pm
I saw where the following was suggested on a web site:
Braves Get: LF Josh Willingham and 2B Scott Sizemore
Athletics Get: CF Nate McLouth and SP Arodys Vizcaino

Justification (from the article):

Braves built to win now.

Future rotation (two to three years): Tommy Hanson, Jair Jurrjens, Julio Teheran, Randall Delgado, Arodys Vizcaino, Mike Minor, and Brandon Beachy. At least two are left over as trade bait. JJ & Hanson are not going anywhere. Would have to be BIG deal to pry away Teheran, Minor or Delgado. Beachy contributing at ML level, but Vizcaino has more upside and value in trade.

Braves need help in OF. McLouth under performing, Prado out for a while. Willingham 10 HR, 42 RBI and .333 with runners in scoring position. Sizemore (.265 (.343 in June), 1 HR, 10 RBI), relagated to bench, could spell Uggla.

Willingham is DTD with an Achillies problem at the moment…

Any interest?
68
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 5:13 pm
Another site was speculating on “chatter” about the Braves aquiring Michael Bourn from Houston.

Didn’t speculate on what the deal would be…

Interest there?
69
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 5:59 pm
Do you think the Dodger’s issues have made Cuban more attractive to MLB as an owner?

Any chance we can interest Cuban in buying the Braves from Liberty when the 4 1/2 year committment is up in a few months?
70
Walker Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Charlie Morton

-W-L 7-4 ERA 3.77 K 50 Walks 35 WHIP 1.52

- Machanics like Roy Halladay

Looks like We lost the McLouth trade. Sigh
71
john j Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 6:53 pm
Steve (#56), sorry, wouldn’t know how to do a link if I had one (a generational thing). Here in Colorado, the talk of Braves being sold started with the story you can google and probably already read: “Forbes: Malone’s Liberty Media may want to sell Atlanta Braves.” As you know, the Braves were used to balance out a bigger business deal. Liberty Media employees live in my area (Douglas county, Colorado) and they do feel that the company wants out. Also, the subject occassionally hits the talk shows here so I was wondering what is being said elsewhere. You probalby also know that the CEO made $87.1 million last year (Similar to the total Braves payroll). Must be nice milking your acquisitions!
72
Curt Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 9:28 pm
DAP, I would have gone with predictably cynical or numbingly pragmatic. Irrationally negative just doesn’t work. Particularly when you then spout out all the things I have been saying for weeks. And if this is still about me saying the Braves were a .500 team when they were actually 5 games over…seriously?

Moving on. Article I read today said Cuban was interested in the Dodgers, but with all the lingering problems out there, he might not go for it. Liberty went into the Braves deal with the agreement (with Selig) that they would own the Braves for at least 4.5 years. That timeframe is apparently up at the end of the season, and as john j points out, the team isn’t a core asset for Liberty, and we can all hope. Cuban would be at the top of the list for potential owners for me, and with the bright future of the franchise, they would certainly be attractive. No way his involvement wouldn’t be met with huge fan support.
73
Steve Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 10:35 pm
#67: Vizcaino is a very prized prospect. That said:

Here are Sizemore’s career numbers: .241 .324 .332 – No thanks. Plus, we’ve got a 2nd basemen signed for 5 years, like it or not.
And Willingham’s: .262 .362 .469 He’s a decent piece, but not Vizcaino worthy.

And Michael Bourn: .266 .335 .355 Again, a decent player, but I’d not give up a prized pitching prospect for him either.
74
Curt Says:
June 22nd, 2011 at 11:42 pm
That and Willingham can only play a corner outfield spot and he is a pretty terrible defensive player. Not sure what you do with him when Prado comes back.
75
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 12:34 am
Our manager is now officially on my nerves bringing in Venters or Kimbrel when they don’t need the work and it isn’t a save situation.

I realize he didn’t pitch yesterday and there is an off day tomorrow, but really…

I think Kimbrel and Venters are 1 & 2 innings pitched by relievers (not sure which is which)…
76
Bubdylan Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 3:39 am
Just because I like to stare at it:

August, 2011 depth chart

Lowe
Hudson
Hanson
Jurrjens
Beachy
Minor
Teheran
Delgado
Medlen

It’s just so silly.
77
Steve Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:19 am
#75 – Agreed.

#76 – Bub. It really is great. And the more I think about it, I don’t believe the Braves make a big move in July with one of those names.
78
Nate Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:19 am
#76, so true.
79
DAP Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:29 am
Curt, predictably cynical or numbingly pragmatic also work, and its your glass-half empty view on a team thats actually doing well, along with your trouble with simple math that is motivating me here. You described the Braves in the pod cast as a “sub-par team”. Please correct me if that wasn’t you…and if it was, correct yourself!
80
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 10:23 am
Another trade possiblity I read:

Ryan ludwick to Braves

Justification (from article):
.256/.325/.393/.717 9HR 45 RBI
But away from PETCO
.280/.329/.417/.745

Avg to above avg fielder, can play all three

Would be owed 2.2M for remainder of season

Currently Type B free agent – estimated trade cost – two of Brett Oberholtzer, J.J. Hoover, Cory Gearrin, Mycal Jones (doesn’t cost A or B level prospects, i.e. Terhan, Minor, Delgado, etc.)

Probable line-up:
LF Martin Prado
CF Jason Heyward
3B Chipper Jones
C Brian McCann
RF Ryan Ludwick
2B Dan Uggla
1B Freddie Freeman
SS Alex Gonzalez

Mix in Schafer to allow Prado lots of rest for legs down stretch that he will need (assuming full recovery from staph). Would allow Prado to play 2B & 3B to rest Chipper and Uggla

Comments?
81
DAP Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 10:51 am
Hey Mark, I think any player we trade for is going to have to be a full time CF or SS, or they will be a part time player. I wouldn’t be against having Ludwick to fill in at the corners, but I wouldn’t play him everyday over anyone we have, and I wouldn’t put Heyward in CF full time. Luckwick would have to be cheap enough in terms of prospects to justify him being used as a part time player. Same with Willingham, who you mentioned earlier.
82
Walker Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 10:51 am
Lol a DAP.
83
DAP Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 11:07 am
Oh, Walker…I saw your post on the last page about Morton. The trade didn’t exactly work out the way we hoped, but I wouldn’t get worked up about Morton yet. his stats are that of a 4th starter, and just because he has Halladay’s mechanics, doesn’t mean he’s going to pitch like Halladay. He does have good stuff though.
84
john j Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Curt , good points on Cuban (#72). Could we be that lucky? Call him and plant the seed; he could have a winner right away. His money and Braves pitching could start a dynasty!
85
Walker Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 1:45 pm
@DAP

I would rather have Morton right now than mcLouth. That I know for sure.
86
Royce brown Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 4:18 pm
I think you guys are being too tough on the Bravos. Know how many teams in the MAJORS have more wins than we do? TWO. The Phillies and Red Sox. This with all our injuries and Ugglas painfully slow start. Ease up.
87
ham Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 5:24 pm
Royce and others – you are probably right, But can you honestly tell me that it feels like the Braves are that good. If you had watched all the games this season, but were not able to look at the standings or the records of any other teams, would you truly believe that only two other teams had more wins than them? And, when told that, wouldn’t you sort of feel that the rest of the league must not be so good?

I am not going to get into the DAP assault on Curtis, but just to be clear, our sentiments were that the Braves feel like a sub-par team. Maybe “par” is unrealistically high. Maybe they are not that “sub”.

Again, you are most likely right – we have been tough on our boys and their record should speak for itself.
88
Bubdylan Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:20 pm
Hamilton, being myself the world’s worst offender in this area, I have to say that in baseball, except at rare intervals, teams never seem like they’re doing that well. It’s an extremely frustrating sport to watch day by day.

I hang out on the Philly blog sometimes, and you never saw fans of a first place team with a maybe-historic rotation and clear leg up come playoff time so down in the dumps. Some of that is because the internet is filled with neurotic worry-warts. But some of it is because that’s baseball. A big long grind of ballplayers seeming to not quite do what they could do if only they __________.
89
Bubdylan Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:25 pm
re: the perception of this podcast’s pessimism, I’m surprised to just now see it talked aobut this heavily in the comments. It’s the first thing I ever heard about ABT. But that’s its personality: Wonder Stevie vs. the Downcast Duo. I thought we all knew this? 8)
90
Bubdylan Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:55 pm
Well, I just clicked, with trepidation, on Rotten Tomatoes’ first big gathering of Cars 2 reviews. Just as I feared. Et tu, Pixar?

I’ll be in my darkened room with covers pulled over my head, listening to “American Pie” on repeat.
91
Nate Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Bub makes a good point on the shows balance in personalities. It’s called an opinion folks.
92
Anonymous Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:24 pm
Good Point Bubdylan. Baseball is a Fail sport and is extremely frustrating.. That’s why it takes the good teams 81 games to get 10-15 games over 500. If I only succeed at anything in life 3 out of 10 times I’m a considered a loser. Not in baseball. I don’t care what yall say. We are some crazy spoiled fans to complain that we only have the third best record in MLB and leading the wild card even though we have an ancient 3rd basemen, weird manager, injuries galore, rookie first basemen and closer. I feel lucky. Complainers are like a man that drives his wife away because he concentrates only on the few things she doesn’t do and not on all the great things she does do. Relax folks the Braves will get into the playoffs this year.
93
Anne Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:30 pm
You boys just need a podcast visit from Ballpark Frank & Scott to iron everything out.
94
Walker Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 7:58 pm
92 was me. Sorry
95
Curt Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 8:44 pm
My hope is that at some point we get back to talking about the Braves. Particularly during a week where we all can find something to be happy about. I find it ironic that to point out that the show is negative, people have heaped negativity on us, and in some cases resorted to personal attacks.

First off, this show is done on a weekly basis. During the show, we cover what went on during that past week. This past show was done after the Braves had gone 2-4 at home against some decent, but not high caliber opponents. Two wins coming on a walk off balk, and when two infielders collided on a pop up and allowed the Braves to score 2 runs. The pitching looked bad. The offense continued to be bad, etc., etc. Not a lot to get excited about. It was reflected in the show. Imagining that this week’s show will be a little different, based on what we have seen so far.

We try and take on topics that will generate conversation. If we spent every show talking about how perfect the team was, agreeing on everything, and buying our championship t-shirts, how interesting would that be? How much conversation would we generate? The whole purpose of this exercise and this forum is so we can talk with other fanatical Braves’ fans about our favorite team. We don’t get paid. We do it because we love the team as much as anyone else on here. Speaking for myself, I am not a hopeless optimist. Just my nature. Are the Braves good this year? Yes. Are they great? No. Can they win the WS? Yes. Can they miss the playoffs? Yes. There it is. I’ve watched the Braves for a long time and they have never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity. Just the way I feel.

We appreciate so much that we are able to do this podcast, and that 1 person (Ham’s mom) listens, let alone hundreds. We appreciate that all of you take the time to be part of this community. We sought out topic suggestions on Twitter. We want you all to be part of the show. We each have our own opinions about stuff. That’s what makes it great and rich. No issue in people disagreeing. Let’s just make sure we keep it to the team and civil.

Thanks for listening. Go Braves.
96
ham Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 8:48 pm
Bub – am I really a member of the Downcast Duo? Can’t I carve out my own spot in some way? Surely, I am no Stevie, but c’mon . . . meet me half way.
97
Bubdylan Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Ham, you suffer from a little aural confusion. You and Curt sometimes sound alike. One of you is just gonna have to start suckin’ helium before each answer. I vote it should be Curt.

(In seriousness, I like all you cats. I hope there isn’t a nastier vibe here than what I thought I was commenting on, or I’d have stayed out of it. I only scanned some of it…)
98
Curt Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Bub, I’m the one whose always right
99
Bubdylan Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:22 pm
Also, in case my high-falutin’ post #88 seemed to belong to the “take the high road” optimism gang, I’m sure everybody here remembers how negative I can be in bad moods toward the Braves. I may be the worst here for personal attacks.

Wrapping up an incomplete in Shakespeare, I’ve barely been able to watch any games. It’s easy to keep your chin up when five minutes of box scores and after-game quotes are all you have to suffer each day, and you only hit the highlight films after wins.

Far, far less agonizing from a distance.
100
Bubdylan Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:24 pm
Curt, so you go by “Steve” on the show? No wonder I stay confused.
101
Bubdylan Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:26 pm
re #99, I mean I may be the worst for personal attacks on Braves players & coaches. Not commenters. I hope.
102
Curt Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 9:35 pm
Bub, your contributions to this whole thing are invaluable and enlightening.
103
Bubdylan Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 10:03 pm
Thanks, Curt.

Re: #95, paragraph 3, from “Are the Braves good…” to “… miss an opportunity,” I’m with you all the way.
104
ham Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 10:26 pm
Bub – just for the record – Steve really liked Waterworld. It’s one of his favorite movies.

None of us are without faults.
105
Bubdylan Says:
June 23rd, 2011 at 10:37 pm
****ing WATERWORLD?

Good LORD. That’s some world record positivity right there.

All I can say is, Steve’s kids should have some great self esteem. “I’ll admit the rock probably shouldn’t have been thrown at the officer in the first place, but he did nail him perfectly, didn’t he? Madduxesque.”

Waterworld. I just, I don’t even…
106
Bubdylan Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 12:59 am
Eh… I hope that post wasn’t too “icky.”

I just cooked the largest hamburger steak I’ve ever seen and ate almost all of it. If I’m never heard from again, somebody give Kelly Johnson my love.
107
Steve Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 10:25 am
Ham – had to play the Waterworld card? You should feel dirty right now. I know that being thrown in as part of the negative duo was extremely painful, I understand you acting out.
108
Leah Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 10:31 am
At the beach this week soaking up some sun. I think the “negativity” is simply a reaction to what we all want the Braves to be, which is exceptional. I like the blunt honesty of the podcast rather than rose colored glasses wearing Pollyanna type perspectives.
109
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 10:46 am
Well, how about a reverse of some of my posts…

Who WOULD you feel comfortable trading for to add to the team this year?

Realistic trades only please – no “if we could get _________ (insert your untouchable type A player here) for McLouth & Rafael Briceno, I’d pull the trigger…”
110
Steve Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 10:49 am
To add some more to the negativity conversation …

The intent of this show is and has always been to provide our perspective of the Braves, as fans of the team. To talk about the stuff real fans (us, at least) want to talk about, to be shamelessly optimistic or madeningly negative, or whatever. We never play “radio” or “podcast” on the show to drive interest or generate conversation, etc. We focus on what are burning topics for us that week and talk about them.

That said, please disagree with us if that’s your opinion or agree with us if that’s your opinion. But keep coming back. Doing the show for Ham’s mom and they guy that sits next to me at work is much less fun than for the community we’ve created here on the message boards and beyond.
111
Curt Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 11:04 am
Has this really come down to SS? It seems like every other position, outside of maybe some less shaky right handed middle relief, is filled. Jose Reyes is not coming out of NY for less than a goldmine, and with that, it’s probably a rental. I’ll bet the Mets would want four prospects – big prospects – for him, at least. Is it worth it to part with 3 high to moderate pitchers and Salcedo or someone like that to get him? Do the financial woes of the Wilpon’s make him tradeable?

Who else it out there? I haven’t scoured teams thinking about who we should get. If Alex Gonzalez struck out just a little less, I could totally live with him. Same with Schafer. Are we looking for a CFer?
112
DAP Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Walker “I would rather have Morton right now than mcLouth. That I know for sure.”

i would too, but only so that we could trade him for something else! :- )

Ham @ 87 Im sad my posts to Curt are seen as an “assault”! It’s intended to be honest discussion, in good spirit, I promise. Which is, I know, exactly what you want. As frank as Y’all can be in your negativity, I tend to be just as frank in my admonition to “Get Real.” :- )

Anyways, I always love the show, and look forward to it every week.
113
DAP Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
Curt @ 111, JJ Hardy has always been a favorite of mine, and hes playing well in Baltimore. In fact, if I had my way, we would sign him this offseason anyways.

The thing is, as bad as Gonzo is offensively, there arent a ton of SS out there who are way better. One good thing about Gonzo at the plate is that he has pop, so he can really impact the game.

So, Hardy, and I personally like Jamey Carroll. He’s a veteran that can spell our infielders and he gets on base at a good clip. I dont think he’s n every day guy, but he’d be an upgrade from Lugo.
114
Eric Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
Anybody know anything about Starlin Castro with the Cubs? He’s young and he’s putting up good numbers. Would they be willing to part with him?
115
DAP Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 12:14 pm
Hey Y’all, I swiped this from a poster on a another blog to show how good the Braves have been playing since April:

“The Braves started the season going 8-12 in their first 20 games. The Phillies went 14-6. So basically, in the past two months of the season, the Braves record is 35-21 while the Phillies is 33-23″

If that keeps up, we might could catch those guys. Especially with Oswalt’s career in question.
116
DAP Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
Eric, everything I’ve heard about Castro and the Cubs is that they are building around him.
117
Curt Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
What about Alexei Ramirez with the White Sox? We’ve traded with them several times now.

DAP, you’re right on Castro. He’s going no where.

Eric and I were also talking Stephen Drew. Could we deal with another Drew brother?
118
DAP Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
Will the White Sox be sellers? I guess we will find out a little closer to the deadline…Alexi is a real solid player.
119
Eric Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
What about Danny Espinosa with the Nats? Apparently he played short in the minors. And this random article says Dee Gordon with the Dodgers is good, even though he’s not exactly tearing it up.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/12/22/1881088/fantasy-baseball-top-fantasy-shortstop-prospects-for-2011
120
DAP Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 12:46 pm
Curt, you know what that Alexi idea made me think of? Brent Lillibridge. He is having a heck of a season, and it might just be a hot streak, but he is really hitting in part time duty, and can play SS and 3rd along with all three outfield spots.
121
Eric Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Drew is signed through 2012 with a team option for 2013. He is, of course, a Boras client. Not sure if the Braves would want to deal with that.
122
Steve Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 1:28 pm
DAP, re #115 – I had come to the site right now to post that same exact bit from DOB’s comments board. Pretty damn funny.

I don’t see the Bravos giving up anything of substance for a SS. I don’t believe that position is really in there sights for improvement. It’s cliche, but Gonzo really does save a bunch of runs with his glove.

I think the only position they’re looking at is CF. Jordan’s been fine, but not special enough to block a good opportunity that comes up. Hell, he could be traded to get that CF piece.
123
Nate Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 1:38 pm
What about Marlon Byrd? He’s 33, i think, so I don’t see him as a piece the Cubs are building around. Possible utility players could be Jamey Carroll or Jason Bartlett. If we could get another solid reliever from the Friars and Bartlett it would be huge.
124
Eric Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
It would be great to have another good right handed reliever in the bullpen. I kinda hope it will be Medlen, but I don’t know if you can count on him coming back sharp this season. Huddy didn’t look great in those couple months when he first got back from TJ.

Linebrink and Proctor just don’t cut it.
125
ham Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
DAP – don’t be sad. I was overstating a bit. (Plus Curt deserves it – since he is the leader of the Downcast Duo. I would put in a winky emoticon right here, but then again I won’t.)
126
Curt Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 3:08 pm
127
Curt Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
I just stuck my hand in a wood chipper for posting that. Apologies to all civilized people everywhere
128
Walker Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
Gonzalez is our SS for the rest of the year. Why in the world would the white sox trade Ramirez? Let’s talk about SS in the off season. We need to concentrate on getting Pence or Kemp(dreaming).
129
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
How about Minor or Beachy, McLouth, Schafer and Delgado to Houston for Pence(LF – 4 or 5) and Bourn(CF – leadoff)?

Pence/Bourn (.321/.361/9HR/51RBI/4SB/0CS, .284/.353/1HR/25RBI/32SB/3CS – P 100%, B 91.4%, total SB 36) is definitely an upgrade vs McLouth/Schafer (.233/.328/3HR/11RBI/2SB/2CS, .231/.310/1HR/4RBI/8SB/4CS – SB%: M 50%, S 67%, total SB 10).

Swap Bourn for Schafer in leadoff (better BA, still has speed and proven base stealing experience at ML level). Slide Pence into 4/5 depending on RH/LH pitcher so he and McCann can protect each other (and have someone to clean-up when McCann sits) – leaves Heywood at 2, Chipper at 3, moves Freddie back to 6, Uggla 7 and Gonzo 8.

So far, we have no information that Prado will be back wiith the team this season. We all assume he will, but after this long, how much damage has the infection done to his calf and how much “damage” to his stamina has been done by the layoff? It isn’t like he has been able to work out during this time…

I think I read some where he was laid up in bed, leg elevated, for days while he was getting initial antibotics/treatment for the infection.

Still need Prado to spell Chipper/Uggla and to “take over” at 3rd eventually.
130
Walker Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
@ mark I like that trade
So what happens when we have Pence, Bourne,Prado,and Heyward for only 3 outfield spots?
131
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
130
Well, I definitely don’t see that being a problem before the All Star break. I think it will be much longer than that.

When Prado is cleared to begin working out, I figure it will be at least two weeks (minimum) before he is ready for “anything baseball”. It isn’t like he has been rehabing an injury (i.e. working out), he has had to be “off it” completely – basically, just short of “bed ridden”.

When he is ready to get back, the questions will be:
- How long will it be to get himself back to hitting, etc. in the minors before rejoining the team?
- How long after joining the team will he be in starting shape? (i.e. would the Braves keep him in the minors till he was ready to start or would they want him to come off the bench and spot starting till he is ready to play everyday?)
- Will he be ready to start everyday again this season?

So, to answer your question: So what happens when we have Pence, Bourne,Prado,and Heyward for only 3 outfield spots?

I think they put Prado at third (next season).
132
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Or, perhaps, through the “dog days of summer” in Atlanta, Prado subs for Chipper, then Gonzo, then Uggla , then Freddie, then Pence, then Bourn, then Heyward, mix in a few days where he comes off the bench and everyone gets regular play with regular rest down the strech.

Still, the entire question is predicated upon Prado being able to recover enough to rejoin the team this season as an “everyday player”. If he is only able to rejoin as a bench player, the point is moot.
133
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
Early in the year, I heard from several “analysts” that they thought that the Braves should have kept Minor instead of Beachy on the club out of spring training. They usually referred to Minor as having more “upside”.

Is this opinion a “draft” thing, since Minor was a first round draft pick and Beachy was undrafted (all speculation – I know this happens in the NFL… drafted vs undrafted impacts contracts their whole career most of the time)? Or was it something in their delivery, command, “stuff”, “make-up”, etc.?

Do you (whom ever would like to comment) think Minor has more ‘upside’ than Beachy?

If you HAD to include one of them in a trade, which one?
134
Leah Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
I will not HEAR of Prado not coming back this season. Don’t forget he’s the hardest working player in the game. I belieeeeeeeve!
135
Walker Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:06 pm
@Mark

That is such a hard question, I’m just glad I’m not deciding and Wren and company is. To me even though Beachy is pitching better now, I’m afraid Minor will have a better future. I really don’t know. They are equal to me right now.
136
Bubdylan Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Minor wears his hat stupidly. Keep Beachy if you must choose.
137
Anonymous Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
I lean toward keeping Beachy as well. As goofy as this sounds, aside from the results this season, I just like something about the look in his eye vs. Minor. He just looks like a winner to me.

And sure, I want Hunter Pence. And I think he’s the kind of piece you give up a prized pitching prospect for. He’s making 7M this year, is Arb eligible in 2012 and a free agent in 2014.
138
Steve Says:
June 24th, 2011 at 11:09 pm
137 was me
139
Leah Says:
June 25th, 2011 at 12:20 am
First game of the road trip played out differently in my head.
140
Nate Says:
June 25th, 2011 at 12:22 am
Ruh-oh
141
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 25th, 2011 at 12:31 am
If Fredi wants to do something to help the team I wish he would figure out something to keep us from always losing the first game of a westward road trip…
142
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 25th, 2011 at 12:32 am
Didn’t anyone bother to tell the Braves our “bad week” wasn’t supposed to start until after Sunday?
143
Anne Says:
June 25th, 2011 at 8:03 am
Any teachers out there…is it possible to have a student who gets either all A’s or all F’s and nothing inbetween? I’m thinking of any analogy I can to explain this confounding team.
144
Nate Says:
June 25th, 2011 at 8:48 am
Science is just not the Braves subject.
145
ham Says:
June 25th, 2011 at 9:24 am
The Boys ALWAYS lose the first game of a west trip. Always.
146
Curt Says:
June 25th, 2011 at 10:04 am
True. Fredi learned from the master
147
Nate Says:
June 25th, 2011 at 10:38 am
That rule shouldn’t apply when we had an off day before game 1, but it does.
148
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 25th, 2011 at 8:17 pm
Didn’t they fly out the day before and spend the off day in SD?
149
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 25th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Sheffield and Klesko is the answer to the trivia…
150
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:09 am
Did Fredi get ejected? Linebrink pitched the ninth…
151
Walker Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:12 am
Great game. That heckler was hilarious.
152
Nate Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:29 am
JJ= All Star
153
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 11:38 am
151

Onnnnnnnnnnne seventyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy threeeeeeeeeeeeee!
154
Bubdylan Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
I know, right?

wuuuuuuuuuuuunnnnnn
seventeeeeeeeeeeeeee
threeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Hilarious. I’ll have that in my head the rest of my life. Let’s hope it marked the turning point in Uggla’s Atlanta career.
155
Steve Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Alright folks. The Bravos stand at 4 – 1 this afternoon. Will you feel remarkably different tonight if the Braves win and show some offense (like yesterday) or lose looking helpless at the plate (like Friday)?

I know I will.
156
john j Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Now that Bublla has hit .180, we will look back at this as the turning point with nothing but success ahead.
157
Steve Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
By the way, have you all seen that latest on Prado and that he’s hitting off a tee? Things seemingly went from grim to possible that last couple of days.
158
Nate Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
All I had heard on him is August at the earliest. That’s definitely awesome news, Steve
159
Nate Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
Can’t watch the game where I am, but how does any reliever get left in a game long enough to give up4 hits and 2 BB w/o getting through an inning?
160
Bubdylan Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
Steve, Curt, Ham, if this thing settles into more of a Wild Card race than a division race for the Bravos, do you think you guys will do a show that discusses teams like the Diamondbacks, Giants, Brewers, Cards, etc? I know it’s a long ways off, but just curious. We all know the Phillies up and down, but I barely know the potential WC teams. Do you all follow them much?
161
Steve Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
That’s a tough one today. Finally breaking through like that in the top of the 8th only to lose it in the bottom of the inning. Sigh.
162
Steve Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
Hey Bub – In a word, sure. If and when that starts to materialize later in the year, we’d certainly look at the competition.
163
Steve Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 9:24 pm
#159 – I hear what you’re saying Nate. But, one of the walks was intentional. The single that drove in the first run was knocked down by Venters and should have been an easy play to Gonzo to end the inning with no runs and he’s the best reliever in baseball. I’m not too wound up about it, fwiw.
164
Nate Says:
June 26th, 2011 at 10:49 pm
Thanks Steve. I couldn’t watch or listen today. Sounds like a bizarre this is baseball inning. And yes, Venters is the best reliever in baseball.
165
Mark in Memphis Says:
June 27th, 2011 at 11:46 am
BUT, Venters still created his own demise by WALKING the first batter… I am not disturbed so much when the releiver makes a good pitch and the batter has a good swing and manages to drop one in off a good pitch… that’s baseball.

I AM disturbed when a reliever comes in and WALKS the first batter he faces. Baseball statistics would show that you have less than a 50/50 chance of the batter reaching base on a good fastball “down-the-middle”. However, the batter reaches 100% of the time on a walk and the walked runner tends to score in a one run game more often than not (in my opinion, there is a psychological “let down” by the defense and pitcher after a lead-off walk… that feeling of “we gave them a gift and it is uphill from here” i.e. pressing to overcome, a little drop in confidence, etc.)

Show #152: The Braves Stumble At Home

165 Responses to “Show #152: The Braves Stumble At Home”

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