Show #154: Our Mid-season Report Card
The Best. The Worst. A Grade for Fredi. Predictions for the Second Half.
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July 6th, 2011 at 1:52 am
I’m listening to atLANTA BASEball talk!!! And commenting as I go. Because I’m that lame.
Happy Birthday, Ham’s dad. Curt’s dad, sorry about Curt.
Pixar, you Fredi’d up bad when Wonder Stevie slams you. Knock it off!
I’m not buying the Schafer causing recent success. We’re 19-8 since Prado left us, so I’m no more prepared to credit Schafer’s presence than Prado’s absence. The offense is improving, but pitching is what’s doing this mainly.
I wouldn’t make much of Chipper being elected to the ASG in a year when he’s lesser than years he didn’t make it. It has everything to do with the poor year at 3B in the NL. Yeah, his history probably has something to do with them choosing Chipper over somebody doing about the same as him, but his year is plenty good to deserve it in a down year for the position. In other words, I don’t think this is a “he’s clearly retiring” movement.
Fair on Chipper’s surgery now. If nothing else, the rest for his whole body would be nice. But he’s not doing it.
I’m all in for Kimbrel as full time closer. I take back all I said to the contrary.
A BEE MINUS for Fredi Gonzalez? AAAAGGGHHHH!! Are you trying to hurt my computer? D+
Look, it’s not the choices he makes themselves, but his quotes about them that absolutely confirm how stupid headed they are. Heyward’s an RBI guy, so bat him 6th. Nate’s a human being, so bat him second. Proctor was in there, I thought we had ‘em right where we wanted. He makes NO SENSE. He’s not just baseball stupid, he’s actually stupid. He’s got regular stupid, and lots of it.
These line ups with two of the worst OBP’s in BASEBALL at the top are just outrageous.
And his lack of support for the guys during bad umpire calls … and his comment on JJ was just offensively spineless. Fredi’s bad parts are so bad that the only way he can possibly escape a score of F from me is his general gambling spirit with the line up, which I like, and the fact that, late as it came, at least he finally, in some ridiculously frigged up measure, admitted the Venters thing and took steps to correct it.
Very funny riff on Uggla as the forerunner to the comeback player of the year as an asset.
I’d take Bobby back in a split second with the one worry that he might put Venters in the hospital.
Favorite series was probably the second Phillies series win, the Civil Rights one. I know it was at home, but it capped a 4-2 week against the Phillies. However, the Seattle series is so much fresher on my mind and it’s hard not to love it the best.
Worst series: tie between the two Mets series. Yuck. I don’t hate the Phils, but I hate, hate, hate the Mets. Rather be swept by the Astros than lose two to the Mets. (David Wright and R.A. Dickey always excepted…)
Have to play Uggla the rest of the season. The investment is too big. Have no idea if he’ll improve, a complete coin toss for me.
19 wins for Jurrjens and 18 for Hanson.
I like the Phils to win the East. Nothing against the very good Bravos. Wouldn’t be surprised if the Braves won it, though. As always: Heyward and Uggla have the keys to that possibility.
Yes, the season ends against the Phils. I think it’s at home.
I’ll call a 4-3 week as well. 2 losses in Philly.
Great show, fellas. Kudos for recording again quickly.
July 6th, 2011 at 1:52 am
Holy Crap.
That’s the last time I post through a show. Sorry.
July 6th, 2011 at 2:03 am
Someone calling himself “squinch” just posted that D. Lowe had more RBI’s in today’s game than Alex Gonzalez has had in his last 73 AB’s. If that’s true, wow.
July 6th, 2011 at 4:11 am
Nice show guys.
Kimbrel brought it tonight against Colorado. Now tied for the record…
It’s the first game I have watched him this year.
(Yes, I have been out of it)
What is it with that weird set up he has?
He was hitting the low corners at 99mph…freaking made Giambi look really old.
I guess he seems young..a few overthrown pitches in the dirt.. but…yeeesh. Ain’t broke, don’t fix.
July 6th, 2011 at 8:13 am
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-passan_10_degrees_fixing_all_star_game_070411
July 6th, 2011 at 10:11 am
Bub- I am all for you posting while you listen.
July 6th, 2011 at 11:06 am
Loved the Tuesday Podcast, changing it up a little bit. But with Dan Strugla this year, how would you feel if they brought up Brandon Hicks from Gwinnett and moved him to 2nd. I have seen him play a couple of times and he not to bad. Right now he is batting .271, 13 HRs, and 29 RBIs. Other then that, who else in the minors do you give a chance in the majors. Maybe give him a jump start or something just to get him going and turn it around for the 2nd half.
July 6th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/tom_verducci/07/05/all-star-game-troubles/index.html?xid=siextra_070611
July 6th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
curt, you wouldnt bat bourn leadoff in this lineup? i say foul on that one. :- )
you have to play uggla, because this team needs him to hit. if uggla isnt playing and hitting, this team wont make it all the way. hes not hitting much now, but hes more likely to hit if he is in the lineup. know what i mean?
besides, uggla is still making it happen in the power department. we do need that pop in the lineup.
July 6th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Re Bourne. Yeah, I meant to bring that up in the show last night but got sidetracked. He’s hitting .280, his obp is over .350 and he has 30+ steals. I would absolutely lead him off.
July 6th, 2011 at 1:06 pm
Notice that Verducci did not call for the ASG to be meaningless (i.e. not for WS home field advantage) – just to change how it is played/managed. I am for that. In some ways, it has the potential to be the best game of the year.
July 6th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Congrats to Sluggla. Yes, Uggla may have turned it around or maybe he will continue to be a slugger one day and a slug the next.
July 6th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
#12 was mine (don’t like “anonymous”)
July 6th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Michael Bourn to the Braves.
If you agree that in comparing McLouth and Shafer, McLouth is the better hitter and Schafer is the better defender…
Bourn is a better hitter than McLouth, at least as good a defender as Schafer and a better base stealer than either (best in league right now? best in MLB?).
He is relatively cheap to own and I think could be had for McLouth and prospect or two) not including Delgado, Terhan, etc.
He wouldn’t cause a log-jam in the OF when Prado comes back and would be the leadoff man (w/ Prado hitting second) that we have needed…
July 6th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Fair
Surprised that Hanson didn’t make it. A little surprised that Kimbrel didn’t make it.
Not really surprised that Chipper and Venters made it.
Would have been aghast is McCann and JJ didin’t make it…
July 6th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Foul
Let Prado get back before fixing Chipper’s knee.
July 6th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Thanks, Hammy.
Something I haven’t heard mentioned: bad as Uggla is, you know he still makes pitchers very nervous. Just the combination of his past power and really his current power, too, as far as power goes. Yesterday’s two walks speak to that.
Speaking of which, I liked the two walks almost as much as the XBH’s.
July 6th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
Foul
Keep Kimbrel as closer.
(I still wish I knew what McCann said to him in the TX series. He has been a different pitcher since then…)
July 6th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Mark in Memphis, Bourn would cost way more than that. A premium prospect, a second tier prospect, and Schafer at minimum. They’d have no use for McLouth in a walk year.
July 6th, 2011 at 2:12 pm
I can live with the B- on Fredi
I understand he is trying to load up on right handers against a lefty pitcher, but to that end, the only right handers we have are low-average/high strikeout guys…
July 6th, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Bubdylan “Bourn would cost way more than that. A premium prospect, a second tier prospect, and Schafer at minimum.”
hmm…no, less than that, but were are getting closer!
July 6th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
BUT Uggla’s homer was another of the same he has hit almost all his this season… A mistake on the inner half that he could hit even though he was pulling off the ball.
I wish Fredi/Parrish would walk up to him and say something like:
“We are going to change your approach at the plate.”
“From now on, you take everything you swing at the other way. I don’t care where the pitch is, if you decide to swing at it, it better be aimed at right or right-center. EVERYTHING. You don’t, you sit.”
“What you have been doing up till now hasn’t worked. A definition of insanity is doing the same thing, over and over, expecting different results. A new season starts now.
”
If that doesn’t stop him from pulling off the ball, I am not sure anything will. If you see him miss that outside pitch and go to (or towards) a knee, his head led toward left field…
July 6th, 2011 at 2:25 pm
19
I don’t necessarily agree, but even so.
I would be willing to consider that as long as the premium isn’t Terhan or Minor (I don’t include Beachy as a prospect anymore). But if you include Schafer in the deal, I don’t see it taking more than adding Delgado.
July 6th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
DAP, you think we can get a guy who’s put up 3.3 WAR in half a year, in a CF starved market, who doesn’t cost much, for less than Delgado, Schafer, and Hoover? He’s been worth as much as McCann this year. Would we give up McCann for less than three unknowns?
July 6th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Good signs:
Freddie Freeman
There were MANY around baseball that wondered if he would hit enough for the Braves to be able to play him at first in a pennant race. The though was that with the expected offensive production from Heyward, Uggla, Prado, McCann and Chipper, that the Braves could overcome any shortfall in offense from that “corner infield” spot.
Brian McCann
NO EYE TROUBLE!
Tommy Hanson
More consitantcy, going deeper in games.
JJ
Pitching instead of throwing.
A Gone
Defensive prowise we didn’t see last year (but heard about)
Uggla
SO MUCH better defensively than we were led to believe. Expectations were a “sub-Brooks-2010-playoff” capability. What kind of record would we have if he were that bad defensively AND not hitting?
Bullpen
With all the press about players, coaches and the like trying to talk (I actually had to pause for a moment typing this to remember his name) Billy Wagner into one more season. Even with Proctor and early season Linebrink, we have one of if not the best ERA in the league.
July 6th, 2011 at 2:44 pm
Okay Mark and DAP, I just took a tour of Astros message boards concerning Bourn. It seems he’s nowhere near as precious/ valuable to them as McCann et al to us. So it’s possible I don’t know what I’m talking about…
I reckon that’s the trouble with weighing WAR too much, etc.
July 6th, 2011 at 2:53 pm
24
If our farm system and team were in as bad a shape at Houston, we might – but probably not because 3.3 at catcher is SO MUCH MORE valuable than 3.3 at CF.
And while I won’t dispute your “CF starved market” claim, just because there is a lack of CF’s, doesn’t mean teams are beating a path to their door… Atlanta is one of a very FEW teams that would have an interest in Bourn because he is not the “big bat” that MOST teams are looking for.
I would anticipate that most teams would be “knocking” to inquire about Hunter Pence. Most playoff teams are trying to fill corner (either infield or outfield) spots with “big bats”. If Atlanta could get a “big bat” for center, they would, but equally valuable to the Braves would be a true leadoff man (high OBP w/ speed).
The only other real upgradable spot (not counting 2B) is shortstop – I anticipate an EVEN MORE starved market there…
In Atlanta, Houston has a trading partner from which they can aquire a CF that needs seasoning (time they have to give him since they are going NOWHERE) and an almost ML ready pitching prospect – not exactly an “unknown” – in Delgado.
Not a bad return (Delgado) for swaping centerfielders, as well as saving some money on Schafer’s contract.
July 6th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
26
I was typing mine while you were posting yours
July 6th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
mark in memphis
“From now on, you take everything you swing at the other way. I don’t care where the pitch is, if you decide to swing at it, it better be aimed at right or right-center.”
man, how terrible would it be if uggla actually did this. this is a bad idea. its not how you coach a player to stay on the ball, if thats what youre getting at.
July 6th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
bubdylan, what the braves would take for brian mccann is irrelevant when we are talking about the astros and michael bourn. teams are in different situations, players have very different track records and skill sets.
delgado and schafer alone could probably do it.
July 6th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
My least favorite series was @ Mil.
We had just won two of three to start the season from the Nationals (who seem to have “had our number” since they were the Expos) and IN their park. In the final game of the series, we scored eleven runs and gave up two.
Then they enter Mil and win the first game, 2-1. Then procede to get shut out the next game, losing by a run. Then lose the next game by a run. Then lose the next game by two runs. They scored two runs or less in three of the four games.
So we “limp” home off the first road trip, with w/ losing record after seven games and the Phillies coming to town.
UGGLA, I mean Ugly….
July 6th, 2011 at 3:35 pm
bubdylan…and i just saw your post at the top of the page as i posted this. im not a big WAR fan myself, though i am surprised that bourn’s is equal to mccann’s.
the thing to remember about the ‘stros is that they are the worst team in baseball with a horrible system. they are a team that may even take quantity over quality when it comes to players. all bourn is to them is a trading chip, and they will want the best package they can get…even if its not all that good.
obviously, thats speculation…but i dont think bourn is going to fetch a haul.
July 6th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
Matt Chernoff interviewed Dan Uggla on 680 today. On being booed at Turner:
“I would boo me right now, too.”
Also, I was surprised this was only Chipper’s 7th All-Star team. In 1999 when he won the MVP and posted a 1.074 OPS, he was not an All-Star. Matt Williams, Ed Sprague, and Phil Nevin made the team instead.
July 6th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
“Also, I was surprised this was only Chipper’s 7th All-Star team.”
eric, he only has 1 more all star appearance than mccann. that is surprising, as good of a player as he was/is. but, i think playing left field for several years really hurt him, as far as All-Star consideration. he probably would have made it a couple of times during those years as a 3rd baseman.
July 6th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
29
I have to disagree with you on this one.
He is trying to pull everything. He is pulling off the ball, starting early, head “going to left” when he swings.
Go back and look at how many of his homeruns have been on mistakes up and on the inner half of the plate… the balls he can still hit when he is “pulling off” the plate… by my count, all but two. One he hit to center and one he hit to right center, both a long way and both when he was NOT pulling off the plate.
He rarely seems to pull doubles. When he hits a double, it is in a gap, when he hasn’t pulled off the ball. It is along the same lines of getting Freddie not to dive into the plate so much…
I agree that it might be a little extreme…
How about “take everything back up the middle, from gap to gap – don’t go up there looking to ‘pull’ anything”… He looks like he goes up there with a plan to pull EVERYTHING!
July 6th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
Mark @ 35, yeah man, no doubt he is pulling off the ball. just saying that “aiming towards right field” is also a bad approach.
but i know what you mean is that he need to just stay on the ball, keep his head still, front shoulder in.
by the way, almost all homeruns hit are on mistake pitches. nothing wrong with that, either.
i agree with the folks who think he needs to move up on the plate. his bat speed is good, and he is really quick inside. he can move up on the plate, react to that inside pitch and cover the outer half a little bit better, i think.
but yeah, keeping that front shoulder pointed towards the middle of the field will help him stay on the ball, without trying to aim the thing.
July 6th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
There is a difference between “reacting to an inside pitch” and “being a ‘pull hitter’”
He was so effective against us when he was hitting everything from gap to gap, including homeruns.
I think he heard too much press in the off-season about him being “the big bopper in the middle of the line-up then Braves had needed for years”… That, combined with the extension, has brainwashed him into thinking he needs to hit more homers and he has to pull the ball for more power.
Somebody needs to get it into his head, we just want him to perform like he did for Florida and that will be enough. We paid for the .265 average, five years of 25+ homeruns and 85+ RBI per year guy we saw in Florida.
He doesn’t have to be the teams savior… Just the guy that used to kill us while he played for Florida.
July 6th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
36
I am pretty sure the ” just stay on the ball, keep his head still, front shoulder in” is something that he has been told, he has thought about, he tries to do, etc.
I don’t think that technique is his problem. As I said in 37, I think it is approach. Until he changes that, he will continue to be a “pull hitter”. When he goes back to being a “gap hitter”, all those other things will fall into line…
Maybe we could get Freddie to talk with him…
July 6th, 2011 at 4:10 pm
My favorite series:
Four game series vs Mil in Atlanta
We scored at least six runs in three of four games, held them to six runs TOTAL for the series, shut them out once and swept the four games when they had a record of 10-7 in the games they played since beating us 3 of 4 in Mil.
July 6th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
DAP, I’m less a WAR fan than I was 24 hours ago. I expect over reliance on that stat is a phase most saber-dabblers such as myself go through early on. I shall now proceed to use my new anti-WAR knowledge to make new wild and unfounded claims. Look out, world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01-2pNCZiNk&feature=related
July 6th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
The problem with WAR in comparing players is it doesn’t take position into consideration. You can compare “apples to apples” i.e. catcher to catcher with WAR, but not position to position (however, I think there is a stat for that, too)…
July 6th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
Uggla prediction:
107 hits and 28 homeruns, if he stays a “pull hitter” (he got 12 inside mistakes in the first half and I figure he will get that in the second plus a little)
145 hits and 35 homeruns, if he returns to being a “gap hitter”
July 6th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
JJ prediction:
21 wins, due to him being on the DL and not pitching as many starts early will pay dividends toward the end of the season.
July 6th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
“The problem with WAR in comparing players is it doesn’t take position into consideration.”
my problem with WAR is that the stat is a completely moving target. it is based on a “replacement level” player. this is a person who doesnt exist. its just a profile of an imaginary baseball player, made up by the stats of EVERY SINGLE PLAYER in baseball.
A single player can put up the exact same stat .300/.400/.500 with 30 homers and 100 RBI every year for 5 years, and have a different WAR every year. suggesting somehow, that he was better in some years than he was in others. that would be false. he is exactly the same player.
anyways, i dont hate WAR, but i dont put alot of stock in it.
July 6th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
Well, though I did blindly compare a catcher to a CF using WAR only, I was shooting for a severe approximation. Any player heading for 6 WAR on the year (if you go for WAR, which of course I don’t, not me!) for affordable money is extremely valuable. Braves didn’t have even one of those last year. Heyward came closest at 5.1
I would still be surprised if Delgado & Schafer alone brought Bourn to the Braves, but if it would, pull that trigger yesterday.
But remember your original claim was that he wouldn’t cost a premium prospect. That’s crazy talk. And McLouth truly makes no sense for the Astros. Why would they downgrade at CF for half a season at the cost of long term value in Bourn?
July 6th, 2011 at 4:37 pm
bubdylan “But remember your original claim was that he wouldn’t cost a premium prospect.”
i dont remember that. i know I didnt say that, and i dont think mark did either…
July 6th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
“He is relatively cheap to own and I think could be had for McLouth and prospect or two) not including Delgado, Terhan, etc.” – Mark in Memphis, first page somewhere.
July 6th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Gonzalez batting 2nd again. Shaking my head.
July 6th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
For those of you scoring at home, Mark in Mem agreed with THREE things I said on the show. A new record!
July 6th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
I’m saving my Hammy Kudos for the rest of Uggla’s potential turn around. If he pulls it off on the heels of Atlanta putting up two and a half great weeks just as you called it, I’m anointing you ABTGOY, ABT Guru of the Year.
July 6th, 2011 at 5:11 pm
(And how funny it would be if the week the Bravos finally became dominant, the ABT’er who called it wasn’t Stevie…)
July 6th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
http://www.detnews.com/article/20110706/SPORTS0104/107060416/1361/Tigers%E2%80%99-Jim-Leyland–Umpires%E2%80%99-hostility-%E2%80%98getting-out-of-hand%E2%80%99
I would cry with joy if Fredi Gonzalez ever stated anything that clearly and effectively to the press.
Also, just glad to hear Leyland join the chorus against bad umping. It’s getting to be a real detriment to the game.
July 6th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Why are we sold on Bourn? I’m not big on giving up Teheran or Delgado for him. Hell those guys took Happ for Oswalt. I think we can get Bourn for much cheaper than what is being mentioned on the last couple of pages. If not, then don’t go it. I don’t care what his WAR is, he’s still Michael Bourn. I don’t think we should let our desperation for outfield production make us spend too much on an average player having a career year. That said, I would give them Minor, but the younger guys seem like a waste on a player like Bourn. I know you guys hate prospects, but these guys could end up being really good. Yeah it’s not a sure thing, but Michael Bourn coming to Atlanta and not doing what McLouth and Uggla did isn’t a sure thing either.
July 6th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
What are the chances we get a look at Pastornicky before the year is up? I’d say we could use his help at 2B or SS…
July 6th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
*then don’t go it, meant to say then don’t do it
July 6th, 2011 at 5:50 pm
Would love to see Pastornicky.
July 6th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
Bourn’s career OPS against left handed pitching is .619, by the way. Youch.
July 6th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
He would be a huge improvement over McLouth or Schafer. He steals a lot of bags, too.
Bourn
Prado
Mac
Chip
Freddie
Heyward
Uggla
Gonzo
P
That would be a sick lineup. Hell, I’d give up Delgado or Minor, but not both. But what if he just bombs in Atlanta like everyone does?
July 6th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
“But what if he just bombs in Atlanta like everyone does?”
We kidnap Larry Parish and Don Baylor and surgically swap their brains.
July 6th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Deal.
July 6th, 2011 at 6:56 pm
Pastornicky hit for the cycle yesterday. Of course, for the longest time, the last Brave to hit for the cycle was the great Albert Hall.
July 6th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
“Who wins the NL East” prediction:
Phillies
They can’t score (either), but they don’t seem to “waste” good pitching performances
The Braves have shut teams out 11 times, once against the Phillies.
The Phillies have shut teams out 12 times, twice against the Braves.
The Braves have scored three runs or less in a game 38 times with a record of 13-25.
The Phillies have scored three runs or less in a game 36 times with a record of 18-18.
July 6th, 2011 at 7:05 pm
#61: I believe Mark Kotsay did it 2008.
July 6th, 2011 at 7:14 pm
45, 47
I will stand by what I said (and expand it), I think Bourn could be had w/o giving up a premium prospect.
Houston has a lousy farm system that needs prospects. The further down you go, the more guys you can get back. They don’t see Bourn as someone that will have teams knocking down their door to get. They Braves might be the only ones asking.
You are the GM of Houston:
You have the choice of keeping Bourn vs getting someone that will play a decent CF and hit a little to finish the season (no promised money down the line – ATL might have to kick in the $1M to cover the buyout for 2012) along with a couple of mid-level prospects w/ “upside” (you don’t want them too close to the majors if it is going to take you a few years to assemble the rest of a team around them…you get someone who is ready now, you waste a couple of years building before you are ready to contend…)
Do you do that deal?
July 6th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
Jo-Bu, correct. Note that I said “for the longest time” trying to infer that hitting for the cycle means nothing. Mark Kotsay might serve to further emphasize that.
No one is taking McLouth. No one. Not Houston. Not Gwinnett. Not anyone. Unless Kansas City serves up something and we pay his contract for the rest of the season. If Houston can get Schafer in the deal too, why would they ever consider McLouth. A non-starter to me. Schafer is cheap, can play great defense, can steal bases, and could be a decent player. I can’t imagine they would not want him in any deal for Bourn.
Apologies about saying Bourn couldn’t lead off. I had Bourn on the lips but Pence on the mind. That could be my favorite country song.
July 6th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Wowzers. I can’t keep up with the board! Great show. I’m not ready to give up on Uggla…I know, I know. I’m a sucker. I can NOT believe Curt said he’d take BC back in place of Fredi G. I don’t think I understand enough about baseball to see all his mistakes but I like how he shakes up the lineup. I too would like to see more passion from him but come on, he’s replacing a legend! It’s gotta mess with your head. Just sayin.
July 6th, 2011 at 8:39 pm
I think the Astros take Schafer and Minor and some marginal pitcher for Bourne. And I’d do it in a second.
Hammy, if I’m on the hook if anything happens to Chipper given my surgery stance, do I get any credit for his home run tonight?
July 6th, 2011 at 9:12 pm
They should find a bigger undershirt for Rex Brothers.
July 6th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
Nate, that made me laugh. He likes to show off his guns.
July 6th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
I’m shocked when Freeman doesn’t get an out no matter how difficult the play.
July 6th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Goooo Marlins!
July 6th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
Sorry, Steve. I already gave Curt credit for it.
July 6th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Dan, Please keep it going, PLEASE!
July 6th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
Wow, Dan!
Mark in Memphis, I don’t have anything else to add, but didn’t want to leave you hanging. I would certainly love to have Bourn in CF. Saw a mlbtr chat today where the head chatter in charge predicted he would end up in ATL.
Just got back from the lake to find my Bravos kicking Rocky ass!!! Love it!!! 3 hits for Schafer?? Is this real life?
July 6th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
I BELIEVE!!! I tried to post that a moment ago after his name is Dan Uggla homered and got a message that I was posting too fast…slow down. I guess I was super excited.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
Were Uggla and Schafer reading the board today?
Michael who?
July 6th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
This is pretty much the only time Proctor should be used. Ever.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Fredi wants to give Kimbrel the night off… why isn’t Venters pitching?
July 6th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
Proctor’s in. I feel very confident in a 9-6 victory.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:06 pm
What are the pitching matchups for this weekend?
July 6th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
How dare Venters not even be warming up
July 6th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
77
Nate, I disagree. I think he should also be used when we are so far down in a game it doesn’t matter.
If he stays between the knees and belt, he can be effective… problem is, he get above the waist too easily and walks WAY too many people for a reliever…
July 6th, 2011 at 10:08 pm
Fantastic victory. Wish I’d seen more of it. I’m officially amazed at these Atlanta Braves.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
What a dominant performance. Amazing game. So excited about our team right now. From Fredi to Wilken and everyone in between. Woohoo!
July 6th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
Five games up on Arizona & the WC field. Sure be nice if the Fish would oblige and put us 3 GB of the Lady Horses. If you don’t gain on Kendrick day, it’s hard to gain.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:17 pm
Go Braves! Bobby gave Fredi one piece of advice…listen to Atlanta Baseball Talk. Those chaps know what their talking about.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:25 pm
Leah, please slow down.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:32 pm
Stanton walk off homer over the Phils. 3 back, baby.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
#79 – Hilarious.
Damn, these Braves are an absolute pleasure to watch right now. It’s really heavenly. And it’s really been in high gear of fabulousness since the SEA series.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:37 pm
And the Phillies LOSE. 3 games.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
I know…watch me crash the system while using only my thumbs.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:56 pm
Now THESE are the Braves everyone outside (and inside) of the ATL has been talking about!! I’m not getting too drunk on this recent high but it’s really not out of the realm of possibility that the THESE Braves could take 2 of 3 or even sweep the Phillies this weekend. Our bullpen is better but if I think back to games this season, we’ve not capitalized on their ‘pen like we thought we should have.
July 6th, 2011 at 10:56 pm
#80: Nate the pitching matchups are:
Beachy/Halladay Hanson/Lee, Lowe/Hamels (although espn.com lists Worley in the Sunday game).
July 6th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
I’m sticking to my prediction — first place by the All-Star break.
July 6th, 2011 at 11:25 pm
Who else likes Ron Gant as an announcer? His voice channels Barry White and he explains situations without being too obvious.
Sports center just showed Jurgens has a pre all star record and era only behind the best of Maddux, Clemens, and Randy Johnson. Pretty sick.
July 6th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
I wish we had a JJ/Halladay and Hudson/Hamels.
July 6th, 2011 at 11:42 pm
Do you think we could trade for Infante?
July 6th, 2011 at 11:51 pm
B:)R:)A:)V:)E:)S
July 6th, 2011 at 11:51 pm
That didn’t work.
July 6th, 2011 at 11:52 pm
B
R
A
V
E
S
July 7th, 2011 at 7:56 am
Nate, I would love to get Infante back on this team.
Leah, to answer your bewilderment about me supporting the return of Bobby, we really didn’t frame it with any context on the show. Originally, we had compared it to Jack McKeon returning to manage the Marlins after their manager quit. Would I want them to re-hire Bobby? No. Would I want him to come in, should Fredi be fired, and handle the remainder of the season? I wouldn’t mind it. There would certainly be some excitement from the players that would only help the team, in my opinion.
July 7th, 2011 at 9:05 am
It can not be healthy to be as happy as I am right now because of the Atlanta Braves. Went to bed thinking about Uggla’s homer. Woke up and the first thing that flashed through my head … Uggla’s homer.
I really do love home runs. I didn’t always. I was all about some small ball (hush, Leah), and said many a condescending word about homer-lovers. But I’m over that. Hit the little white ball out of the park. Way out, like Dan Uggla does it, is even better.
Same for strike outs, which as a Maddux fan I used to be pretty indifferent to*. But Javier Vazquez woke me up to how sexy K’s are. Now with Kimbrel I’m in Heaven again.
*Have no idea why Smoltz’s K’s didn’t excite me that much.
July 7th, 2011 at 9:13 am
I want to Uggla smash the Sillies this weekend, but first I want the 4 game sweep.
July 7th, 2011 at 9:24 am
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y99/PaJay06/Braves%20Photoshops/ugglasmash.jpg
July 7th, 2011 at 9:24 am
It’s really fun to go on ESPN’s stats page and try to find a picture of a Philly on top of the ERA and Wins leader board…
Congrats on your 1st walk-off Mike Stanton. I’m happy it wasn’t us and even happier it was the Phils.
July 7th, 2011 at 9:24 am
#104, awesome.
July 7th, 2011 at 11:55 am
#101 When you guys complain about his decisions, I get it. You make good points that make sense. I just remember last year during the 9 game losing streak or after tough losses, even I could see the mistakes Bobby made. I could list off how I would have done things differently. We’re winning like crazy! So if we lose a lot it’s the manager’s fault. If we win the manager gets no credit? I’m not trying to be sarcastic (shocking I know).
#102 “I was all about some small ball (hush, Leah)” stealing all my fun.
July 7th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
#94 – Pure, I’ll say this. I believe it way more today than I did a few days ago. And it really set itself up numbers wise.
July 7th, 2011 at 12:04 pm
#107: It’s a valid point. And one could certainly say, “they’re winning, how can you complain about anything?”
That said, there are just some bad baseball decisions being made (Gonzalez in the 2 hole for the 5th straight game) that the team is winning despite of and some other bad decisions (overuse of Venters) that may hurt the team long term.
July 7th, 2011 at 12:36 pm
Interesting read about the upcoming series in the Philadelphia Inquirer:
http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20110707_Paul_Hagen__Braves_look_to_join_Phillies_in_fast_lane.html
July 7th, 2011 at 12:42 pm
#109 I’m not saying you shouldn’t complain about anything, I’m just saying for one I don’t want Bobby back. His rose colored glasses filtered perspective was too much for me. I shouldn’t even try to have an opinion since the only info I read is from this very board. I don’t have time to venture far and wide like I used to so I usually just hop on the general consensus or at least agree with Bub but…I want to give Fredi G. some time. Wanting Bobby back in the case of overusing Venters doesn’t play…lest we forget.
July 7th, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Amazing.
July 7th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
After years of torture with the braves going through 1st basemen like governor Chris Christie goes through donuts. I am proud to say we finally our 1st basemen for the next 15 years. I’m excited.
July 7th, 2011 at 2:20 pm
Freddie Freeman is too good to not have a nickname. How about Freddie “I’m really good at baseball” Freeman. That seems to do him justice.
July 7th, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Frank Wren should set Jason Heyward up with Mark Sanchez for sliding lessons.
July 7th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Maybe Sanchez should learn how to hit homers like Heyward.
July 7th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
A lot is going right these days. I’m so stoked about the weekend although I really wish the Phillies had to play today also. I say foul on their day off.
July 7th, 2011 at 3:29 pm
Freeman cannot not get a hit!
July 7th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
One of the best things about Freeman’s power surge is that it’s STILL coming off this compact swing of his. Amazing. He’ll always be in position, with that swing, to do something with whatever pitch is offered. Starting to wonder if his ceiling isn’t way higher than – dangit, I forgot his name; you all interviewed him a couple times – than he figured.
July 7th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
Looks like Heyward has a chance at the cycle.
July 7th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
I’m not watching but I’m listening and it sounds like Fredi is showing some passion we’ve been missing. Is Jim Powell over exaggerating?
July 7th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Is O’Flar not getting the calls or does he just not have it today? It happens. Get ‘em next time big boy!
July 7th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Man, do I want insurance runs? Or do I want Kimbrel to rap up the rookie pre-ASB saves record? Tough choices. So hard to be a Braves fan right now.
July 7th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
#123 made me laugh. Bless your heart.
July 7th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
http://www.flockaball.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/jonathan_papelbon.jpg
Eat it, Jonathan.
Congratulations Craig Kimbrel!!!!!
SWEEEEEEP!!!!
July 7th, 2011 at 4:32 pm
SWEEEEEET SWEEEEEEEEP!!!!!!!!!!! Holy Cow. We are the best team in baseball. To quote my co-host, Steve: “Winning baseball sure is great.”
July 7th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
Gotta have one downer moment and then I’m back to ecstasy. What a crying shame it is that the crowd was so small and unresponsive to Kimbrel’s big save. It really makes me sad sometimes, this attendance business. Tempted to say the city doesn’t deserve this team.
Okay, back to your regularly scheduled happiness freak out.
July 7th, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Ham, if we take 2 of 3 in Philly, we’re the best team in baseball, but I don’t think so before then. We’re cleaning up against some pretty mediocre clubs. Not that I don’t love it, and not that it isn’t plenty refreshing to not just beat, but dominate, the clubs you should succeed against.
July 7th, 2011 at 4:38 pm
I’m calling it…we do take 2 of 3 from the Phillies and I cannot wait to watch!
July 7th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Leah, I am with you. I called it and am re-calling it. 2 of 3.
As advanced retribution, I am currently stuck in the Philly airport for the next 6 hours – just because they are advanced sore losers. If I didn’t have a job, a wife, some kids, and a finite income, I would stay through the weekend and rub it in their soon to be second place faces.
I am drunk on optimism.
July 7th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Leah, the Braves are hot enough (and good enough) to pull it off. The pressure is off in a way with it being a road trip against their three aces, using less than our best starters. Lining up their rotation like that could really backfire on Philly by putting weird pressure on their hitters.
But all that said, I’d slightly favor the Phillies to win the series. Those starters are just outrageous and their team is rested.
Francoeur to the Phillies is a rumor I don’t like at all.
July 7th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
I ain’t settling for 2 of 3 in Philly. I’m all-in baby. We’re going to crush them and be in first place. Go Braves!
July 7th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
Bub, is that because you’re a chicken? Pure…I LOVE THAT! I have yet to drink THAT kool-aid.
July 7th, 2011 at 8:00 pm
Guess who?
July 7th, 2011 at 8:02 pm
Soooooo…what do I do now? No baseball. Remember last year when I changed my name and the Braves rallied so Hammy wouldn’t let me change it back?
July 7th, 2011 at 8:12 pm
Bub – Kevin Goldstein. Was just talking about his takes on Freeman and Hanson today
July 7th, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Leah – would you be jealous if I said I was going to see Martin @ the Gwinnett Braves this weekend??
July 7th, 2011 at 9:53 pm
Anne…can’t even express my envy. They were just in Durham too…Meadow…
July 7th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
Good-ness these last two weeks! Runs upon runs upon runs. It’s like an embarrassment of riches after the first 60 games we endured.
I’m equally drunk on optimism (Ham, your airport post really cracked me up) and feel 2 out of 3 coming as well. CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS SERIES.
Anne – have an awesome time watching Prado. Send updates if you can.
July 8th, 2011 at 5:19 am
I’ll be away for a bit on a personal matter. Everybody be good. Go Braves!!
July 8th, 2011 at 6:56 am
Just awful.
“Thoughts and prayers go out to the son and other family members of Shannon Stone, the man who died after falling at the Rangers’ game.”
July 8th, 2011 at 7:13 am
That was a Buster Olney tweet. Can Josh Hamilton have something more tragic occur?
July 8th, 2011 at 7:59 am
http://bit.ly/nxGE9C
July 8th, 2011 at 10:05 am
Wow. Just an awful story. Made all the more awful by Josh Hamilton’s involvement.
July 8th, 2011 at 10:35 am
Funny, yet sad, line from a podcast (not this one) I was listening to (shows we aren’t the only ones that think so):
“Craig Kimbrel is having a good year, he won’t be able to comb his hair in September, but he is having a good year”
(also in this podcast, also from the same know-for-his-snide-remarks-guy “The Braves have a great bullpen that Fredi Gonzalez is blowing out as fast as he can…”
July 8th, 2011 at 7:12 pm
Hope we see some baseball tonight. Heavy hearted day. Could use a W I N!
July 8th, 2011 at 7:35 pm
What a freaking drag that the game is delayed. Unbelievable.
July 8th, 2011 at 7:47 pm
Great show guys…finally got to listen to it on the way to the VA hospital this morning….
Ready to cringe? Do you think that Francoeur would ever come back or may be a possible bat before the trade deadline? He is looking pretty good over in KC.
Think Kemp is possible?
July 8th, 2011 at 8:24 pm
8:35. We have to strike early in case the rain doesn’t hold off. Come on Braves…ya hear me? I predict Gonzalez hits a homer just to make Stevie quit griping.
July 8th, 2011 at 9:12 pm
Shut it down Beachy. Do not let the merry go round start.
July 8th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Freddie is a freakin fanatic! Get it?
July 8th, 2011 at 10:33 pm
Is Joe Simpson the only guy with a scouting report on Ruiz? That guy? Again? Can’t stand getting beat with the dregs of their lineup.
July 8th, 2011 at 10:41 pm
oh boy here we go. C’mon Brandon dig deep.
July 8th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
I hate the Phillies so much. Just thought I’d throw that out there.
July 8th, 2011 at 11:01 pm
Me too.
July 8th, 2011 at 11:04 pm
Great job by Beachy holding his own out there. I just turned it on, but I’m assuming he did pretty well leaving with a tie against Halladay.
July 8th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
What a game! C’mon top of the order!
July 8th, 2011 at 11:19 pm
Nervous.
July 8th, 2011 at 11:21 pm
Gonzo wanted no part of Howard on that one.
July 8th, 2011 at 11:29 pm
Venters, All-Star.
July 8th, 2011 at 11:29 pm
whew. Shaky inning. Let’s get a run!
July 8th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
grrrrr. Bastardo has no o.
This is tense.
July 8th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
Bastardo is nasty. I gotta bad feeling. We’ve been depending on the homer lately and nothing is carrying tonight.
July 8th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
i don’t like this at all
July 8th, 2011 at 11:43 pm
Brian McCann, All Star.
July 8th, 2011 at 11:44 pm
I don’t wanna see Utley vs. Linebrink
July 8th, 2011 at 11:44 pm
Luckily neither does Fredi.
July 8th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
Have our batters forgotten that you don’t have to swing at every pitch?
July 8th, 2011 at 11:55 pm
Seriously, take a pitch.
July 8th, 2011 at 11:56 pm
oh dear . . .
July 8th, 2011 at 11:56 pm
Oh no
July 8th, 2011 at 11:58 pm
Andruw Schafer?
July 9th, 2011 at 12:00 am
sigh – seemed inevitable.
July 9th, 2011 at 12:01 am
We’ll get ‘em tomorrow.
July 9th, 2011 at 12:02 am
Sure did. Have we seen enough yet, Braves? Prince Fielder should be recruiting Scott Proctor for the Home Run Derby.
July 9th, 2011 at 12:02 am
Why does the board keep telling me to slow down? I’m starting to take it personally.
July 9th, 2011 at 12:04 am
Hey look Proctor lost us another game
July 9th, 2011 at 12:05 am
Well despite his best efforts he actually recorded an out before blowing it. Who’s at fault tonight the Proctor or the O? I mean it was fricking Ibanez
July 9th, 2011 at 12:06 am
I told the wife between innings that if Proctor took the hill, somebody’s going yard. sure enough.
We’ll get ‘em tomorrow but I’m really tired of the Fredi G. era — the same guy that bats AGon 2nd in the order who’s never seen a bad pitch he doesn’t like to swing at.
July 9th, 2011 at 12:11 am
That’s a tough one to swallow. You simply cannot pitch Proctor in that kind of situation. Or any MLB situation, for that matter. DFA NOW!
July 9th, 2011 at 12:12 am
Ibanez, who’s batting .239 and having a terrible season.
July 9th, 2011 at 12:14 am
I’m so upset right now. I have to vent.
1. Why is there so much talk that this series doesn’t mean much and that is not a series we have to win. This is not a must must win but I want to hear language like ” we know how important this series is”. These games count just as much as the ones in September. I don’t like defeatist attitudes.
2. Fredi’ managing of the bullpen an extra inning away games is horrible and doesn’t make sense. To me Priority is to stop the home team from scoring. So to do that you should bring in your best relievers first. Kimbrel should have been pitching in the 9th or 10th. Especially he should have been in when the batting lineup gets past the pitchers spot.
3. Its time to release Scott Proctor. I saw that Ibanez HR before it happened. If you go back and look at the tape Proctor’s delivery and attitude was very “I dont give a _____” I’ve never seen seen such a cookie of a pitch on that 2-0 count. That was a weak 88 mph fastball. RELEASE HIM!!!
4. This team is in first place without Fredi Gonzalez. I literally had no idea how unintelligent he was when it came to baseball strategy. I was bamboozled and hoodwinked. Jeffrey Loria had it right.
July 9th, 2011 at 12:22 am
I guess Fredi is telling the media right now that: ‘You just gotta tip your hat — that was a helluva swing by Ibanez right there. Proctor pitched good and made a good pitch [no he didn't Jordan Schafer saved his @$$ on that first fly ball, idiot]. That’s the way baseball goes sometimes.’
July 9th, 2011 at 12:28 am
It’s so stupid to be losing a game, letting your worst bullpen pitcher pitch, while your closer remains unused.
July 9th, 2011 at 12:30 am
Alex Gonzalez batting 2nd? Really?
July 9th, 2011 at 12:39 am
#185: Well, more acurrately, he’s having at-bats in the second hole
July 9th, 2011 at 12:53 am
Pam, where are my cleats? I can’t find them.
July 9th, 2011 at 1:33 am
Tough loss. Had to let a few hours go by and let my blood pressure go down before I could post. You guys have said it all.
Since we’re at the halfway point, I thought it would be a good time to review the 2011 Predictions in Show #140:
2011 Predictions (Show #140)|Steve|Ham|Curt|Scott
Braves wins: 91|over|over|over|over
Chipper HR: 18|under (14)|under|over (20)|under
Nate’s BA: .265|over (0.266)|over (0.272)|under (0.257)|under (.250)
Freeman HR: 13|under|under (10)|over (15)|under
More saves: Venters or Kimbrel|Venters|Kimbrel|Kimbrel|Kimbrel
Staff leader in wins|Hudson (17)|Hanson (17)|Hudson (17)|Hudson (17)
NL East|Philllies|Braves|Philllies|Braves
NL Central|Brewers|Brewers|Brewers|Reds
NL West|Rockies|Giants|Giants|Rockies
Wild Card|Braves|Philllies|Braves|Philllies
AL East|Boston|Boston|Boston|Boston
AL Central|White Sox|Twins|White Sox|Tigers
AL West|Oakland|Texas|Rangers|Oakland
Wild Card|Texas|White Sox|Yankees|Texas
World Series|Boston (W)-Colorado|Braves-Boston (W)|Braves-Boston (W)|Braves (W)-Tigers
July 9th, 2011 at 8:03 am
Sure, we missed some opportunities last night, but our #5 starter just matched up with the Phil’s #1! I still feel pretty good.
July 9th, 2011 at 9:49 am
Kevin Gregg is crazy. I’ve never seen Big Papilloma r un so fast. Dude can hustle when provoked.
July 9th, 2011 at 9:49 am
Me.
July 9th, 2011 at 10:20 am
Guys, look at the bright side – Kimbrel was available for the 11th! Great move to bring in a terrible pitcher when one run means a loss, but save a good pitcher for when one run means a tie! It is always better to manage to arbitrary silly statistics, than actual game situations.
July 9th, 2011 at 10:26 am
One more time: if Proctor isn’t released, then he should only be used in games where Braves are 5 or more runs ahead or behind. Fredi G is from the wizard of OZ; someone, please find him a brain.
July 9th, 2011 at 11:14 am
So why wouldn’t Chipper just wait until this series was over to get the surgery? 2 more days? But huge games in the balance. Curious. It muse really be bothering him.
July 9th, 2011 at 11:40 am
I agree Curt…
Now that Chipper is on the DL I don’t want him on it.
I agreed with you guys about him getting it over with. (Well 2 out of 3 of you!) Being in the medical field, i just don’t see him coming back soon after surgery.
July 9th, 2011 at 11:58 am
I just heard about Chip to the DL. I wanted him to have the surgery, but our lineup just got a lot worse. Hopefully Martin can come back in full stride after the break.
Do we know what the timeline is on his return? On ESPN, when they weretalking about A-Rod of course, they mentioned it takes about a month for a torn meniscus.
July 9th, 2011 at 12:02 pm
I don’t even want to see what the lineup looks like for this afternoon.
July 9th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
#195 – Frigatedoc, bite your tongue!
Curt, your tweet about it being worse this morning than last night is so true. So painful and true.
I just don’t get the trust they have in Proctor. I mean, just looking at his freaking numbers this year. It is maddening.
July 9th, 2011 at 12:44 pm
#197 – Great point. I would think they’ll start Conrad at 3rd. But, now that I said that, it will probably be Lugo to ensure no production from that spot in the order. Wow, one bad loss has made me really pessimistic.
July 9th, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Curt – Good point about Chipper. It must be really terrible as he’s had a good week in the field and at the plate.
July 9th, 2011 at 1:22 pm
You guys crack me up. You wanted Chipper to go ahead with the surgery, now you don’t, this team can’t lose, we lose a tough fought battle against Cy Young winner, woe is me. I’m not complaining…just laughing. It’s over used no doubt but “you win some and you absolutely lose some.”. I’m not trying to undermine the importance of last nights game or the pain the loss continues to bring this morning. Im just saying it’s baseball. I think we can beat Hamels and Lee without Chipper. Of course I’m usually wrong so…sorry.
July 9th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
DOB noted that it really hurts him to bat right handed and with Lee and Hamels going the next 2 days, he might not have been able to play anyway. Makes a lot of sense when you think in those terms. Do we not think Hicks gets into one of these games? An equally as large a hole as Lugo.
Leah, I am all for the surgery. It just seemed like curious timing given we have these 2 huge games before the break. But reading DOB, it clarified a lot. He’s in a lot of pain. We’ve said it a lot, but the guy is a gamer. He’s fought through it for the team while Prado was out.
As far as win some, lose some – sure. It just seemed like you had an opportunity to steal one last night when Halladay was not at his best. And he was facing our #5 to boot. Victorino is on the DL right before the game. Lots of things falling into place. But you don’t take advantage of some chances – 3 guys on 3rd, 1 scores on an infield hit – and you end up where Proctor has to come in. I think everyone out there knew we were losing when he came in. So it’s the disappointment of it all. Let’s just see if we can somehow pull out 2 wins without Chipper.
July 9th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
#199 – “Wow, one bad loss has made me really pessimistic.”
Nothing new there, Steve. We all know that’s how you roll.
Jeter got his 300th hit, finally. It was like watching grass grow.
July 9th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Gonzo batting 2nd, Lugo 7th.
July 9th, 2011 at 3:51 pm
The reason all of this negative reaction to this one loss is becaue it hurts too much to lose a game by poor management. It’s been said before by others and now I’m buying in to the notion that the Braves are where they are in the standings despite Fredi Gonzales.
I mean, if Fredi’s rationale to bat A-Gon in the two-hole is so that he’ll see better pitches, he’s completley lost becuse Alex is swinging at pitches that are way out of the zone and taking pitches down the heart of the plate. You don’t reward poor OBP with a marquee spot in the order like the 2-hole. But make no mistake about my opinon of Alex’s defensive contrinution to this team. He’s saved us at least 10 runs and probably as many or more errors with his glove.
July 9th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
Well that was quick. Come on Tommy! Show ‘em whatcha got!
July 9th, 2011 at 4:21 pm
I will say that their lineup is as bad or worse than ours. Might be a war of attrition like last night.
On the Jetwr front, good for him. I always have likes the way he carries himself. But is there a more offensive announcer than John Sterling? He is so awful.
July 9th, 2011 at 4:27 pm
Curt, r u posting frm ur iPhone?
July 9th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Lee looks sharp. Better than last two times we faced him.
July 9th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
This lineup reminds me of a quote from the show, probably Curt or Ham, where one of you said our lineup has like 5 8-hole hitters in it. As I finished that Lee hit the homer. Good grief.
July 9th, 2011 at 4:55 pm
That’s a new level of sucktitude.
July 9th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Oh my god.
July 9th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Cliff Lee would bat 6th in our lineup.
July 9th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
I really don’t like flyball pitchers. Tommy has been living high in the zone all day long, it was just a matter of time.
July 9th, 2011 at 4:57 pm
#210, I think it was from the trade possibilities show.
July 9th, 2011 at 5:12 pm
There’s the Uggla smash. Let’s get some mo’.
July 9th, 2011 at 5:13 pm
Woohoo!
July 9th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
Just in case nobody knew Lee has a .225 batting average to Uggla’s .185
GREAT that Uggla tied it up though!
July 9th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
Yes, that was from the old phone, Leah.
July 9th, 2011 at 5:30 pm
I knew it. You’re such a stellar speller usually.
July 9th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
Can we go back in time and have that pitch sequence to Cliff Lee the 1st time?
July 9th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
Thanks. It’s me stupid thumbs and the absurd spell correcter on that phone.
July 9th, 2011 at 5:39 pm
Olde English?
July 9th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
not a great walk. How does Karros think that we are in a better situation pitching to Howard instead of Utley?
July 9th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
How does Karros have a job?
July 9th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
I feel a Heyward bomb coming
July 9th, 2011 at 5:56 pm
I do not feel a Lugo bomb coming
July 9th, 2011 at 5:57 pm
FINALLY Uggla has changed his approach at the plate from “pull everything” to “gap to gap” (like he was in Florida).
July 9th, 2011 at 6:01 pm
Nervous…
July 9th, 2011 at 6:10 pm
Ok…no more messin arround. I want some runs. Come on crooked number!
July 9th, 2011 at 6:13 pm
You guys heard that? Jones was playing with a cracked knee???
July 9th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
thank goodness – here’s Gonzalez
July 9th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Reports are that Chipper had a cracked knee cap too. Recovery time is still 3 weeks. Wow…. He must have a high pain tolerance.
July 9th, 2011 at 6:16 pm
Gonzo’s bat has a better chance of getting out of the infield.
July 9th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
Haha…shockingly we didn’t score there.
July 9th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
Anyone else not see that coming?
July 9th, 2011 at 6:18 pm
#231 – What?! Who are you and what are you saying?
July 9th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
I think that Gonzalez was the only one who saw that coming – Fredi and Alex.
July 9th, 2011 at 6:22 pm
#231 and #234 was me.
They said that Chipper’s meniscus “was a mess”. And that they were surprised how he could have played through it. Tough guy.
July 9th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
no doubt.
Let’s try and take at least one pitch this inning.
July 9th, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Freeman time
July 9th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Bastardo ruined Freddie.
July 9th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Uggla time.
July 9th, 2011 at 6:31 pm
Uggla time
July 9th, 2011 at 6:32 pm
Uggla, here’s your chance. Make me a believer.
July 9th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
I hope that was Proctor getting loose
July 9th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
My God. How is that a strike???
July 9th, 2011 at 6:33 pm
Umps gotta plane to catch!
July 9th, 2011 at 6:34 pm
Oh wait! He lost count, there is one more game in the series…
July 9th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Wow, our leftys out of the pen seemingly have NO fear of Howard…
July 9th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Good job EOF. 3 up 3 down and you didn’t gag yourself wetting your fingers. Both amazing feats.
July 9th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
Does Lugo have a hit as a Brave? I missed his stats and am quite serious. Maybe 1?
July 9th, 2011 at 6:49 pm
I got that bad feeling again.
July 9th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
Lugo – 2 hits as a Brave
July 9th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
Thank God we have the advantage when it comes to the bullpen…
July 9th, 2011 at 6:50 pm
Thanks. Ruiz due up
July 9th, 2011 at 6:53 pm
Lugo just tagged out the Phillies 3rd base coach…he may need more time in AAA.
July 9th, 2011 at 6:59 pm
Is it just me or does it feel like last season we swept the Rockies?
July 9th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
OK, breathe.
July 9th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
Recovering from gum surgery-did not make it to Gwinnett.
C’mon, Bravos!
July 9th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
I think I’ve aged 5 years in the last 2 innings.
July 9th, 2011 at 7:06 pm
Sad Anne.
July 9th, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Gonzo, prove us wrong. Please.
July 9th, 2011 at 7:13 pm
After the game, Fredi will probably say something about the eventual power of a bunt.
July 9th, 2011 at 7:16 pm
MAC IS A STUD!!!
July 9th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Woohoo!!! Ok Phillies, time to go to the pharking lot.
July 9th, 2011 at 7:17 pm
I repeat (this time without the sarcastic tone to my typing):
Thank God we have the advantage when it comes to the bullpen…
July 9th, 2011 at 7:18 pm
I actually expected that HR by McCann. It’s just like Joe Simpson always says: THe more pitches that Brian sees, the better McCann’s advantage. Now Kimbrel needs to pitch a clean inning.
July 9th, 2011 at 7:20 pm
Come on kid. Show ‘em you’re an all star!
July 9th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Is that a yoga pose?
July 9th, 2011 at 7:25 pm
Tie him up inside!
July 9th, 2011 at 7:29 pm
Good job Vent0′Flarel! My heart feels better. Did y’all hear Hamilton hit a fan with a foul ball today?
July 9th, 2011 at 7:41 pm
I like winning.
July 9th, 2011 at 8:03 pm
That seems to be the best way to use Proctor
July 9th, 2011 at 8:05 pm
“Cliff Lee would bat 6th in our lineup.” – Awesome.
From Sherrill getting out of that terrible jam to Gonzo’s RBI to Mac’s insurance HR – WOW. Great, great game.
I cannot believe Chipper had a cracked knee cap, too. Can the vocal minority stop complaining about anything that Chipper does now?
July 9th, 2011 at 8:21 pm
Kimbrel and Hanson should replace Lincecum and Cain on the All Star team.
July 9th, 2011 at 8:22 pm
#251 – Nice, Leah. Both my wife and oldest son cannot believe the “how can he not retch every time he does that?” maneuver. They loved your post.
July 9th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Where did people hear about the cracked knee cap? I can’t find it.
BTW, here’s the official press release about it from the Bravos:
Chipper Jones Undergoes Right Knee Surgery
Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones underwent successful arthroscopic surgery today to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee. The procedure was performed by Dr. Marvin Royster in Atlanta, Ga.
Jones is expected to return to the playing field in approximately two to three weeks.
July 9th, 2011 at 8:34 pm
Steve, there was a tweet by someone, can’t remember who, but they recanted it. I think it was just the tear, no break.
July 9th, 2011 at 8:37 pm
Clarification to what I said about Chipper on air: He did not have a crack in his kneecap, just the meniscus tear. #Braves #MLB
Ken Rosenthal
July 9th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
I was worried about Chipper for a minute there. Can’t wait for the game tomorrow. This series is ours.
July 9th, 2011 at 10:31 pm
Yikes. Regarding Chipper, I feel a huge sense of relief over something that never really happened.
Adam, I’m with you. I know they say there’s no momentum in baseball and yet I feel like we’ve got a bunch of momentum right now.
July 9th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
My favorite is how quiet the crowd gets when they start to feel the heartbreak. Hee Hee!
July 9th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
#280
Thanks for posting that. I just repeated what he said while watching the game on Fox.
Another subject….Congrats to Jeter for 3,000th hit today. Pretty neat it was a HR. Question for all…. if you had caught the ball, would you had done what the fan did? Rumor is the ball would have gotten him 250,000 cash.
July 9th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
The Rev and I just had that discussion. I’d like to say that I would but I don’t know…classy move for sure. The Rev said he’d throw it back. I believe him. He’s classier than I in most instances.
July 9th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
Maybe the guys can discuss it on the show tomorrow….. (even if it is not Braves related)
July 9th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
Yeah congrats to Derek Jeter. I was reading an article about him and it makes one really interesting point. Derek Jeter is probably the most watched baseball player or athlete in history. And the writer is probably right. He’s played for the most popular sports franchise in history. He plays every night in front of huge crowds. He’s played in the playoffs every year in front of national audiences. He’s played in an era with MLB satellite tv packages and mlb.tv. He also was hilarious on the Other Guys. “Biracial Jesus” LOL.Everyone knows who Derek Jeter is, even people who don’t watch baseball at all. Interesting.
July 10th, 2011 at 12:23 am
#276 @ Nate.
I agree…. I heard Jim Rome say on the radio that “the 3 pitchers from the Giants who were not picked for the All-Star game were going to be pissed.”
July 10th, 2011 at 10:45 am
Doc, you beat us to the punch. That question is in the lineup for tonight’s show.
July 10th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
If I had caught Jeter’s HR, I would have yelled “mine, Mine, MINE!!!!” And then I can finally get over ’96 and ’99.
July 10th, 2011 at 12:15 pm
I know the fan was trying to be nice but cmon. Derek Jeter has made over 200 million dollars in his career. Yet this guy who said he works at a cell phone store probably making 35,000 dollars a year won’t even hold out for half a million dollars which Jeter or someone else would have for sure paid him. Very stupid.
July 10th, 2011 at 12:19 pm
What? There’s a new show tonight? Awesome surprise!
July 10th, 2011 at 12:27 pm
Same lineup as yesterday, swap Hanson for Lowe. I am kind of surprised to see Conrad not get a start in Chipper’s absence. I guess Fredi is all about some Lugo.
July 10th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Comment on Saturday’s TV: Best thing for fans would be for the network to turn up the fan noise at the park so we can turn down the commentators. They never shut up with their worthless comments!! Better yet, fire them and save some money. Do they really believe that the more the announcers talk, the more people watch?
July 10th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Re #291 – I saw a quote from the guy that caught it saying something like, “I’m young, I have plenty of time to make money.”
July 10th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
And so it begins…….
July 10th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Was it the goal of TBS to find the most annoying noise to accompany the score board and highlights icons? So annoying!
July 10th, 2011 at 1:56 pm
How did Lowe get out of that one….
July 10th, 2011 at 1:58 pm
@ Leah…..
They have the Braves “blacked out” here in Memphis. Wierd I watched them on TBS my entire life growing up on TBS and now I can’t. Thank goodness for Fox South!
July 10th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Appropriate description:
“Lowe escapes the inning.”
Going 3-0 to Howard with two runners on was criminally stupid…
July 10th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Uggla has a 6 game hitting streak…. Wow
July 10th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Mark, Dan is definitely setting up closer to the plate.
July 10th, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Doc, be glad. I might have to mute it.
July 10th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
302
It comes from changing his approach from “pull” to “gap” hitting…
July 10th, 2011 at 2:17 pm
I sure wish he had read this message board earlier in the season…
July 10th, 2011 at 2:24 pm
Well, it is about time for Lowe to have one of those epiphanies he has had every so often and change something… his location has been inconsistant for several starts now…
July 10th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
I get teary everytime they talk about Freeman’s Mama. I wonder if she knew how great he’d be. Sad.
July 10th, 2011 at 2:38 pm
We should have traded Lowe yesterday.
July 10th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Stink.
July 10th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Almost time to get Proctor in the game, huh John J?
July 10th, 2011 at 2:49 pm
Does D Lowe not know JJ is being interviewed? Does he not see the bit ole head phones?
July 10th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
Loooooooowedemort.
July 10th, 2011 at 3:00 pm
There are 15 million reasons why Derek should be performing better than this.
July 10th, 2011 at 3:31 pm
Rally coming up. We own innings 7-9.
July 10th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
I think most of Julo’s good times against Hamels came “pre-cutter”…
July 10th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Put a fork in this one.
July 10th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Hello 4 1/2 back. I hate this game.
July 10th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
I sure wish we could off-load the drunk. I can’t even believe he’s been the opening day pitcher since he got here.
July 10th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
Just like clock-work, here comes Proctor. I mean, if you’re going to just give the game away, who better to call upon.
July 10th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
So obnoxious.
July 10th, 2011 at 3:56 pm
LOL these comments about Lowe are funny. If he goes and throws a complete game shutout next start we will be raving. Wasn’t he our savior down the stretch last year? Having said that, I always said that we should unload Lowe’s contract no matter how well he pitches. 4 years was way too long.
July 10th, 2011 at 3:57 pm
I’ll say this about Bobby Cox, he never folded his tent up no matter how many runs we were down.
July 10th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
#321: Speak for yourself Walker, I’ve never championed that guy even when he was doing great for what, maybe his first five starts of the season?
July 10th, 2011 at 3:58 pm
The Phillies fans doing the chop I mean.
July 10th, 2011 at 3:59 pm
I miss Prado.
July 10th, 2011 at 4:03 pm
So do the Braves
July 10th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
It’s all Phillies today folks.
July 10th, 2011 at 4:19 pm
After the game, I think Proctor should just quietly pack his bags, leave, and not show up for the second half of the season. This is embarrassing. He’s toast.
July 10th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
We are killing our team ERA we worked hard for all year. This sucks.
July 10th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Regardless of today’s game, nobody can convince me that signing Lowe has ever or ever will be worth the salary he gets. And Proctor needs to be scoped.
July 10th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Gonna be a long break.
July 10th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
Oh, and can someone please remind me as to why Lugo is on the roster?
Was it the .231 in AAA? Was it that he works for dinner? Was it that no other team wanted him? There is always a chance, but what are the odds that he will contribute anything?
Playoff contenders cannot afford giving charity opportunities.
July 10th, 2011 at 10:42 pm
New show!!!!!!
July 10th, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Ya know…if it doesn’t get lost.
July 10th, 2011 at 10:53 pm
From the Future’s Game:
Teheran struck out Nationals outfield prospect Bryce Harper on four pitches, including 95-mph fastball on the outside corner that froze him for strike 3 to finish his one inning of work.
July 10th, 2011 at 11:48 pm
Take that Harper
July 11th, 2011 at 7:05 am
Could have used him in Philly.