Show #163: A Middling Week for the Braves
The good and bad with the offense. Hanson and JJ in the post season. Faith in Fredi. And the NLCS Hope Meter.
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Admin
September 6th, 2011 at 3:41 am
interesting you guys are nice to Lowe…I still prepared these for you:
Frontal Lowebotomy
Lowe grade fever
So Lowenly
Lowest common denominator
Lowe hanging fruit
September 6th, 2011 at 10:21 am
Good show, guys. The Spy Kids franchise really took one on the chin.
I would love to see this lineup:
Bourn, Chip, Mac, Uggla, Freddie, Prado, J-Hey/Diaz, Gonzo, P
I am hoping all of our guys just find some consistency so Fredi has to do very little tweaking in the postseason. I completely understand resting O’Ventbrel if the plan is to just use them + Moylan in the postseason.
The Hanson news has me feeling much much better. JJ is kind of a huge question mark in terms of what pitcher you’re going to get. Kind of like Lowe. IMO, that makes JJ a lot cheaper when it’s time for a new contract.
September 6th, 2011 at 12:59 pm
Just for you, Steve:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/835397-mlb-predictions-one-bold-pick-for-all-30-mlb-teams-down-the-stretch#/articles/835397-mlb-predictions-one-bold-pick-for-all-30-mlb-teams-down-the-stretch/page/3
September 6th, 2011 at 1:59 pm
Good thing there are no cliffs in Memphis because after that depressing show I wanted to frive my car off one!
I STILL don’t think Hanson is coming back….. (Hate to say it)
September 6th, 2011 at 6:05 pm
@4 Thanks for the positivity
I think he will be back
September 6th, 2011 at 7:26 pm
100% chance of rain in Philly until 10 a.m.
What are the chances of back to back Double Headers? Is there a precedent for that?
September 6th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
@5 I know…..sorry….but when I hear “tear” that means he is worse than we all think. It all depends on which doctor he sees.
How about that…..right hand starter and no Heyward in sight!
September 6th, 2011 at 9:15 pm
This show hasn’t been uploaded on iTunes yet I believe…
September 6th, 2011 at 9:20 pm
#7 – Not sure if you’re mocking me on the Heyward thing, but it is insane.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
#9, It’s just ridiculous at this point.
I hate this whole series so much. Our guys look beat down right now. They need to find a way to get their confidence back against these guys.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
I know this team is on cruise control but we haven’t clinched the wild card yet. The Giants pose no threat but with the way we are playing the Phillies the cardinals could gain a couple games and make the lead 6.5. Then we play St. Louis for a three game series and if they sweep its 3.5 with 2 weeks to go. It’s unlikely but we need to get it going.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:32 pm
Is Fredi expecting these guys to be able flip a switch in October and be able to compete with a hot Brewers team with home field advantage? Are our players expecting it to play out that way?
September 6th, 2011 at 9:44 pm
Maybe 2 weeks ago Steve…..not now…. this is crazy. From now on I don’t think that anyone can believe what comes out of Freddie Gonzalez’s mouth.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
We should have our best team on the field against the Phillies, not because we may catch them but to prove something. So is Georgy starting in the playoffs?
September 6th, 2011 at 9:47 pm
#8 – I just went out to iTunes, hit update podcast and it came up.
September 6th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
I totally agree that 12 innings into this series and it just gets more depressing. They do look beaten down and they certainly look overmatched. Pain.
I am getting the feeling that Fredi is going to start Constanza in the playoffs. It’s just ridiculous. Constanza is a one infield hit starter. That’s it. And a crappy outfielder. Heyward’s upside game to game is so much higher.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:01 pm
Well, the Uggla homer followed by the Chipper single is a better start.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
And the Freeman single. Much, much better.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:03 pm
#16, And to me, the Ankiel homer last year proves that no matter how bad a guy is struggling, he can always run into a big one. Constanza won’t give you that ever.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
The Phillies could pitch around Chipper and Freddie all night long.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:07 pm
I know J- Hey isn’t having a ideal year, but October is a new year and by starting Constanza throughout the playoffs we potentially lose out on at least one HR and maybe a couple doubles which could be HUGE.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:10 pm
Constanza is proving his lack of worth every time he flails at a outside breaking ball for strike three. It seriously is a crime that Heyward isn’t starting against a righty that we will hopefully see in the playoffs.
Suggestion for a new segment on the podcast: who do you want managing the Braves in 2012?
September 6th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
@22
I would love if the Braves could somehow get Joe Madden from the Rays. Next to Scioscia, I think he’s the best in the game. But of course that’s just fantasy.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
Buck Showalter. Joe Madden would be a nice choice, but he can make some really bizarre bullpen moves.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:22 pm
Showalter is cool but his teams always start off well but never obtain next level success with him as manager. Maybe he isn’t given more time but right after the Yankees and D-backs fired him they won World Series championships.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:25 pm
Question: does Bourn steal on his own, or does Fredi decide when to send him? Perhaps this is just a good dose of Fredi-hating, but I’m seriously wondering if Fredi’s not at least partly to blame for Prado’s two GIDPs when Bourn is on first.
And how many times have we seen Fredi hit-and-run when slower runners are on base? And it seemingly never happens when Bourn’s on? Is that just me?
September 6th, 2011 at 10:28 pm
The hit and run with slow runners on base thing has been maddening all season.
I think Bourn is free to steal whenever he wants, btw.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:41 pm
Wow — a bases loaded situation for Alex Gonzalez and he doesn’t pop out?
September 6th, 2011 at 10:43 pm
He walked Freddie to get to our pitchers.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:45 pm
#29 — hilarious!
I really don’t want to complain after we just tied it up, but that inning was maddening.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:49 pm
Yeah, and that inning sucks even worse now.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:51 pm
Hell. Is it all really falling apart now after we tied it up? Again, we look overmatched.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:57 pm
There is a huge difference in the demeanor of the players when they show the 2 dugouts. I don’t think this team fears the Braves at all.
September 6th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
It’s like when they show the 2 sidelines of a blowout in football, and we’re only down by 2.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:12 pm
So, do you use 3 PHers next inning? At least 2, right?
September 6th, 2011 at 11:14 pm
I don’t get Christian coming in here. Why not O’Ventbrel tonight? Let’s freaking win this game.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:15 pm
I guess we’re already resting Moylan, too…
September 6th, 2011 at 11:15 pm
#35 – Obviously he’ll pinch hit for the pitcher. If they don’t pinch hit for Georgie, I’ll be so pissed.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:17 pm
It looks like no one is warming up, either.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:29 pm
I haven’t been this mad about a game in a long, long time. I feel like Curt right now.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:31 pm
Is it just me, or is not making the pitching change making the inning go on longer? I am confused Joe and Chip.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:32 pm
I’m going out on a limb here, but if a reliever is facing is 8th batter of the inning he’s been in too long.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:36 pm
Constanza is up. Someone call Steve and make sure he is alright.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:37 pm
I wish I felt like me right now. Why the hell do you pitch Martinez there? And leave him in to give up 2 runs? Insane. Martinez is the long inning guy, or the blowout game guy. Not the “hold them right there” guy.
And the Constanza experiment really needs to end. If he is going to flip flop guys, at least let it be Diaz and not Constanza.
And Raul Ibanez? Again? Is it a good sign when there 5 beats our 1? And there 5 has been getting slapped around recently?
This game sucks. I hate the Phillies.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
‘their’
September 6th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Heyward can strike out looking bad
September 6th, 2011 at 11:45 pm
Will the games at Turner in September cost the same as the games during Spring Training? Talk about running a team terribly…
September 6th, 2011 at 11:46 pm
#42 – Funny and sad.
September 6th, 2011 at 11:51 pm
#48, Get Ham to give me the address of the guy who owns “The Book” and maybe I can write him a letter to add that for Fredi in 2012.
September 7th, 2011 at 12:01 am
Hey, they’re mocking us with the chat. How clever and original. Next, say Larry when Chipper bats.
September 7th, 2011 at 12:01 am
chant, that would be.
I need to go to bed
September 7th, 2011 at 12:02 am
And now I can.
Great stuff
September 7th, 2011 at 12:06 am
I don’t like Mark Bradley but he was on to something.
http://blogs.ajc.com/mark-bradley-blog/2010/10/13/fredi-gonzalez-the-best-choice-as-manager-or-the-easiest/
September 7th, 2011 at 12:23 am
Going to bed upset about the loss and wondering if we should be worried about the Cardinals……
September 7th, 2011 at 7:16 am
Apparently we won’t see O’Ventbrel unless we have a lead or the game is tied. We don’t even use them down 1 to our division rival, whom we trail in the division. We’re playing not to lose the Wild Card from here on out. Lame. He called out the offense and seems to be confident that they will make up for the extra runs given up while he rests his bullpen. Because there is so much data this year to support that happening. Maybe if we cut down on the unnecessary appearances by O’Ventbrel during the season we could use them more in September.
Is Fredi really going to rest all of those guys in St. Louis in the same situation?
September 7th, 2011 at 7:18 am
To use a girlfriend analogy: This is like when you’re dating a girl, and then 6 months later you realize she is bat____ crazy.
September 7th, 2011 at 8:14 am
A lot to put on Beachy, who has been shelled by the Phils, to avoid the sweep.
September 7th, 2011 at 8:34 am
I know I’m behind but I just have to say, I listened to the “Blair Witch dialogue” 3 times. You guys owned me…hilarious.
Sad state of affairs. If the only time we get swept in a three game series this year is to the Phillies…color me depressed. I’m afraid of them. And I hate them.
September 7th, 2011 at 10:13 am
@10 (and others)
Is it that the team has no confidence against the Phils or is it a case of “pressing” when we play them?
September 7th, 2011 at 11:20 am
great show guys, and a rough week or so for the braves. this is just a little slump though. no worries, with 3 weeks until postseason play.
September 7th, 2011 at 11:40 am
Not to add to pessimism, but Hudson pitches poorly against St Louis (cannot pitch to Albert). I think I feel more confident in Teheran & Delgado (concerned about their workload at this point) than those of the show; but y’all do show more confidence in Lowe than I do. Lowe won’t get hurt or become tired if Braves make playoffs, but he’s not enough help if the offense doesn’t pick things up, b/c he doesn’t shut teams down.
September 7th, 2011 at 12:32 pm
@27
Wow.
Steve, this “Georgie/Heyward” thing must really be throwing you off your game.
“hit and run with slow runners”… OF COURSE you hit and run with slow runners… That is the point, to try and stay out of a double play! The fact that the batter can’t make contact isn’t Fredi’s fault.
I think mostly you can atribute not “hitting and running” to Bourn having a green light to steal most of the time…
My wonder is if perhaps Prado can’t deal with “taking pitches” to give Bourn a chance to run… He may not be the #2 hitter we need…
I am not sure that Jason would be well served there either. He did well hitting 2nd behind Prado, but then again, Prado was not really a threat to steal… But it is hard to tell in that, last year Jason took a lot of walks so he was seeing a lot of pitches and hit pretty well in deep counts, which would bode well for him as the #2 hitter behind Bourn…
Jason just isn’t doing that this year…
September 7th, 2011 at 2:21 pm
Just for you, Steve:
$18 OUTFIELD SEATS WITH A LIFE-SIZE JASON HEYWARD POSTER
http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/ticketing/steal_of_the_week.jsp?partnerId=ed-5246642-221044014
September 7th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
Wonder if the poster might have a better OBP?
September 7th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
Heyward is in the lineup tonight. This is good. I really might have had some blood pressure issues had I seen Georgie in there.
September 7th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
I see putting Heyward in the regular lineup the rest of the year as investing in the postseason. If he can work out any kinks now it can only help.
September 7th, 2011 at 4:40 pm
I see the Constanza bubble being burst. At this point, he is a really good pinch runner. If they are putting a righty in there, it better be Diaz.
September 7th, 2011 at 5:47 pm
#67 – Curt, I knew you’d come around. GO BRAVES!!
September 7th, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Having dinner with a huge Phillies fan. Ugh.
September 7th, 2011 at 7:41 pm
Boy the game sure does have a way of finding Alex Gonzales this season. The horrible hacks that guy is taking.
September 7th, 2011 at 8:14 pm
Alex G has a serious problem when it comes to using his head while at bat. Pitcher shows some wildness in the inning so instead of making the pitcher pitch to him, he swings at 3 balls and strikes out. This guy may have some skills but he must be about as dumb as they come.
September 7th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Braves are defintely sending a message to the Phils. The message is “we can’t play at your level.” I believe Fedi’s strategy is to make the Phils feel over-confident.
September 7th, 2011 at 8:32 pm
Ibanez. Can we call every other scout in the league and find out how to get him out?
September 7th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
Well 1 out of 3 wouldn’t be too bad.
September 7th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
Been out at baseball practice and just getting caught up.
Very glad to see Heyward’s 2 walks, single and run scored. At least he matched the line that Georgie put up last night. Oh wait …
September 7th, 2011 at 9:41 pm
Don’t worry, Constanza will be playing the next 3 games. We all know Fredi hates Heyward.
September 7th, 2011 at 9:45 pm
F
September 7th, 2011 at 9:52 pm
76, with any luck Constanza will replace Prado and NOT Heyward. Prado is NOT a number 2 hitter and right now, is not a hitter at all. .219 August. .139 last 10 games. Take away his walk off and he has been nothing short of worthless for 2 months but still plays and bats second.
September 7th, 2011 at 10:00 pm
Here we go again with this “not using you best reliever in a do or die situation just because we are in someone else’s ballpark” theory.
September 7th, 2011 at 10:11 pm
sigh
September 7th, 2011 at 10:12 pm
Everybody, what would you do if you had someone in your bullpen with a MLB-best 36 2/3 inning scoreless streak?
September 7th, 2011 at 10:14 pm
Baseball is bad.
September 7th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
I think that the Wayward Heyward should give way to a bit about Fredi. Taking recommendations for names starting now.
September 7th, 2011 at 10:18 pm
Stupidity is using the same outdated strategy over and over again.
September 7th, 2011 at 10:24 pm
Fredi considered this a game/series that means nothing so maybe fans shouldn’t take it so seriously. NO manager puts a guy coming off of rehab in the game when the game is on the line if it is an important game.
Beachy looks like the veteran stud big-game pitcher that Lowe and Hudson should be with their experience (and are paid to be). After Beachy, the most exciting thing was Heyward and the most reliable continues to be Chipper.
Can McCann see? .146 August. .182 last 10. .206 post all star. No one else squints like him. Prado and McCann are currently 2 likely outs at the top of the line up.
September 7th, 2011 at 10:29 pm
I tuned in just long enough to size up the situation and figure out that Fredi Gonzalez is still dumb as a rock.
September 7th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
Fredi’s Cred: does he have any? Does benching Hanley Ramirez outweigh years of horrendous decisions with bullpens? Is this team better because of Fredi, or the fact that EOF has really improved, we have arguably the 1,2,and 3 in the ROY voting, we acquired Bourn, and we acquired Uggla?
September 7th, 2011 at 10:57 pm
Fredi is an idiot! I can understand not pitching Kimbrel due to the doubleheader tomorrow in NY, but hey, the baseball book says, you worry about tomorrow, tomorrow! So with that, Fredi chose to gamble. As Tony Soprano might say: Fredi, he’s a degenerate gambler!
I guess we’re stuck with Fredi G for like about 5 years because that’s the
“Braves-way”!
September 7th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
#87 – Benching Hanley and the fact that he’s part of the Braves family are clearly the only things on his resume.
#88 – Totally agree with the 5 years thing. This franchise has no stomach for firing people. We’ve got Fredi for a long time, people.
September 7th, 2011 at 11:26 pm
#89 – And to think that (according to Mark B.) Wren didn’t even entertain the thought of interviewing the 2, 3 and 4 candidates for the job. That’s worse than the Braves not even getting to see KK before they signed him.
September 7th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
Let’s all just, “tip our cap” to the Phillies, ey? :/
September 8th, 2011 at 12:05 am
Horrible night……
I bet we get swept tomorrow.
Great game pitched by Beachy.
Beachy LOOKS like Kent Merker….
Worst umpires ever. I have never seen a call changed! Has anyone else? Don’t get me wrong, they got the right call but it is against the rules right?
One good thing came from tonight’s game. We figured out that Gonzalez can bunt
September 8th, 2011 at 6:34 am
Let’s have a “What The Fredi” section to chronicle all the dumb moves he made during the week.
September 8th, 2011 at 8:10 am
Dangit. That is the worst way to lose a ballgame. Good news, Tommy Hanson is on the rebound (via Hardball Talk): “Braves reliever Tommy Hanson … is making steady progress and could be ready for the final week or two of the regular season.”
September 8th, 2011 at 8:18 am
Reliever?
September 8th, 2011 at 8:22 am
@95: Whoops! “Right-hander”. Nice catch.
September 8th, 2011 at 8:37 am
Uhhh…how’s our magic number looking?
I LOVE Pure’s #93 idea for a show segment.
September 8th, 2011 at 8:48 am
Just for the record, Pure’s #93 is what I was getting at in #83. “Fredi’s Cred”? Any other suggestions for names? The only things that I can come up with rhyme with “dead”.
September 8th, 2011 at 8:53 am
#98, same hear, and I have had the bass line to “Freddie’s Dead” stuck in my head since you asked that question, lol. Maybe you guys can use it as background music for that segment of the show.
September 8th, 2011 at 8:55 am
I’m really dreading what our lineups might look like tonight. Poor Teheran’s has to go up against Gee. I hope the kids got a shutout in him.
September 8th, 2011 at 9:03 am
St. Louis is now 6 1/2 back in WC. The Cards are probably playing their best baseball of the year, and are 7-3 in their last 10. The Braves are 3-7 in their last 10 games. I’m really nervous about this WC race being a lot closer on Monday morning with most of our starting pitching either struggling or on the DL.
September 8th, 2011 at 9:47 am
Is it possible that the only game we win this week is the comeback against LA on Sunday?
Nate, hopefully it’s the Fishbone version.
September 8th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
More ideas: Fredi the 13th: Manager from Hell.
If you want a short segment: Fredi’s Facial Expressions.
September 8th, 2011 at 12:40 pm
If Fredi says “tip your cap” one more time this year I think I will drown myself.
September 8th, 2011 at 1:13 pm
#104 – now there’s an idea for a segment name: the Tip-your-cap” segment starring Fredi G.
I’m tired of hearing it, too!
September 8th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
Ok. Last night I heard an explaination about why Kimbrel didn’t pitch.
Joe was talking about how someone was getting on Fredi as to why he didn’t bring the guys into a tie game and brought in Martinez instead..
Fredi said they were trying to use them in situations where we had the lead so as not to use them too much.
I heard a LOT of griping on here that “the-3″ were being over used…. now I hear a LOT of griping on here that “the-3″ are being under used…
I think I liked what Joe said (paraphrasing, of course) “You have to find someone else in the bullpen to go to. You have to find someone else who will ‘step up’ to the challenge.”
The ONLY way to do that is to put them out there and see how they do…
September 8th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
Re #98: How about “The Unsteady Fredi”?
September 8th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
I love all the suggestions. Just to give Fredi his due, he mixed up the lineup today for Game 1 and has Chipper batting second. At least he is willing to get creative.
September 8th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@108
I was thinking that yesterday… especially how Chipper is batting w/ runners in scoring position… However, I wonder if this will negate Bourn’s speed… Is Chipper going to take pitches to give Bourn a chance to steal? He certainly WON’T be called on to bunt him over… something you wouldn’t hesitate to do w/ Prado (until you watched him try to do it – sorry, that was ugly…)
September 8th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
Even better about today’s team, it really is the starting lineup going forward. These are the guys.
Given that, not one of them batting over .300.
September 8th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
@ #2, I can’t believe it’s actually going to happen.
Curt, one of the nastiest drum beats I have ever heard. I still kind of like Curtis Mayfield’s version a little better, though.
I can’t believe the Peyton news today. Been watching him since ’94. I hope he can recover from this thing.
September 8th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
I guess it took an infield single from Heyward to earn back to back starts. Play him in game 2, Fredi, he’s plenty rested.
September 8th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
“Truth and Soul” still holds up to this day. I just listened to it last week and enjoyed every song.
September 8th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
Ham, did you go to that Roxy show with me? When 24-7 Spyz opened for them? ’91ish.
How about this start.
September 8th, 2011 at 4:31 pm
#114 Yes. Awesome show. Was that where Angelo basically body surfed all the way to the back of the audience and then back up? GOod times. I loved 24-7 Spyz.
Also, how awesome is it that we are leading a game!!! Early! Way to go Fredi!
September 8th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
Unbelievable.
September 8th, 2011 at 4:41 pm
and then that happened. wow
September 8th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
This has the potential to be a nightmare.
September 8th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
with 2 outs
September 8th, 2011 at 4:42 pm
on a 1-2 count
September 8th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
*sigh* Just when you thought we were off to a good start…
September 8th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
@112
I think it was more the hard hit ball back through the box combined with two walks…
September 8th, 2011 at 4:44 pm
afhdirakrjiajfdad%#&$#*$#(*U$!!!!!!
What has happened to this team?! Uggh.
September 8th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
Now that is more like the Braves against a pitcher making his major league debut…
The first inning must have been an anomoly…
September 8th, 2011 at 4:58 pm
And really, could there be a worse case than scoring three and having them hit a grand f-ing slam in the bottom of the inning? Just insane.
September 8th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
Holy crap. Come on Braves!
September 8th, 2011 at 4:59 pm
@125 – No. Pretty much worse case scenario.
September 8th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
@125
Could have been three – just ask Oakland…
September 8th, 2011 at 5:02 pm
Think we ought to leave Chipper in the two hole?
September 8th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
Maybe it is an even/odd inning thing…
September 8th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
Boys better hold this lead…
September 8th, 2011 at 5:24 pm
Nice catch, Bourn. Let’s extend this lead!
September 8th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Or we could go 3 up 3 down.
September 8th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
My suggestion for a Fredi segment is “how badly did you want to punch Fredi in the face this week.” It can be a scale of 0 to 10, zero being your child and ten being a drunk Phillies fan that just puked on a 9 year old girl.
September 8th, 2011 at 5:36 pm
#134, Awesome.
September 8th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
Does Fredi change his facial expression when he gets punched in the face?
September 8th, 2011 at 6:17 pm
Well, I said a couple or maybe even a few weeks ago that I hoped we weren’t peaking too early. I think the boys have a chance to catch fire again but they need to catch fire at the right moment. Otherwise, I don’t see us getting past the first round just like last year.
September 8th, 2011 at 6:57 pm
#136, also awesome. Ok, let’s win this freaking game.
September 8th, 2011 at 7:31 pm
Well, not the best game, but we didn’t quit. Minor showed something… he could have “folded his tent” after that first inning, but he didn’t. Vizcaino had a good outing, hopefully gave him some confidence and let him know he has to hit his spots to pitch here, can’t just get by on talent at this level, but also let him know he IS capable of pitching at this level… Hopefully Prado got a little confidence… he hit bullets and got nothing in Philly… he hits three “softies” and gets three base hits…
September 8th, 2011 at 7:32 pm
Did anyone else notice that Prado was a little more aggressive? Something I think he lost hitting behind Bourn trying to wait for him to steal…
September 8th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
Looks MUCH better seeing us 7 up instead of 6.5 up in the WC race. I guess it is like buying something for $19.99 instead of $20.00.
September 8th, 2011 at 7:53 pm
If we pull off a little sweep here, I feel like I’ll have some confidence in our postseason again.
September 8th, 2011 at 8:16 pm
Hmmh, that young man better get that ball down, this ain’t the Triple-A.
September 8th, 2011 at 8:27 pm
Nice strikeout to get oh of a jam. The real issue I’d creating two jams of the same type in the same inning…
September 8th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
Didn’t realize Prado’s inconsistent hitting was because he was waiting for Bourn to steal; looked like a lot of lousy at bats to me over the course of the whole year. He is not a number 2 hitter.
September 8th, 2011 at 9:00 pm
The guys are swinging at too many first pitches!
September 8th, 2011 at 9:17 pm
Even with a few misguided pitching moves by Fredi and the injuries, it doesn’t look like pitching is the main issue with this rough patch. In the last 8 losses by the Braves, they scored 2,0,2,6,1,0,3,2 runs; that’s an average of 2 runs a game. Take out the 6 run loss, the average in the other 7 goes to 1.4 runs per game that they lost. Not hard to figure why they lost these games. Since a lot of the young bats haven’t developed like we expected, maybe it is time to start looking at Fredi’s buddy, Parrish.
September 8th, 2011 at 9:33 pm
Gonzo has just enough time left this season to flirt with the Mendoza line; he gets closer every week.
September 8th, 2011 at 9:40 pm
What a lucky break! Bases loaded. Nice job, guys. Behests needs to start every night
September 8th, 2011 at 9:42 pm
Doesn’t matter where you bat Alex Gonzales, the game will always find him :/
September 8th, 2011 at 9:43 pm
And then Gonzo submits an incredibly useless at-bat. Ugh. C’mon Ross!
September 8th, 2011 at 9:46 pm
Is it my imagination or did the Braves have pretty good stats at the begnning of the year with two outs or at least RISP? Might have been last year.
September 8th, 2011 at 9:48 pm
I was watching hilights on a small phone screen during my morning meeting… But did grampa go upper deck on the mets?! Stud.
September 8th, 2011 at 9:49 pm
Its the little things
September 8th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Oooh double-switch, gonzo gone. Score one point for Fredie G. on that one. You’ve got to have your head in the game no matter what you did your last AB/PA.
September 8th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
wow…BC would have NEVER! I like it.
September 8th, 2011 at 10:02 pm
How is Wilson’s defense?
September 8th, 2011 at 10:27 pm
#157 – Used to be above average. Now it’s serviceable.
September 8th, 2011 at 10:30 pm
Let me amend that. His defense is awesome!
September 8th, 2011 at 10:39 pm
No kidding Steve! Is he using Walt Weiss “the creature glove?” Remember that?
September 8th, 2011 at 10:50 pm
I think we need to play more double headers…
(Joe just said this will be the third double header sweep of the year)
September 8th, 2011 at 10:52 pm
Couldn’t have done without the Chip Caray “how sweep it is” call. Great day and great job Braves!
September 8th, 2011 at 10:54 pm
#162, Always nice when Chip flexes his creative muscles…
September 8th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
#160. Yes. Great reference.
Good day. It was a good, good day. Most happy about: Prado looking more comfortable. Teheran looking good. Chipper continuing to kill it. Heyward getting some walks. Good day.
September 8th, 2011 at 10:55 pm
#163 – Indeed.
September 8th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
164, yes, and a great day for the young guys out in the ‘pen.
September 8th, 2011 at 11:16 pm
The Packers might make this an even better day for Atlanta sports.
September 8th, 2011 at 11:35 pm
We needed that. Now a big series ahead.
September 9th, 2011 at 12:39 am
Watching game 2 that I recorded. what was going on out at ss in the 6th? Good grief, fellas.
Alex is great when he can get to a ball, but is it just me, or is he getting closer and closer to having Edgar Renteria’s range at short.
September 9th, 2011 at 1:36 am
Chipper @2nd after hit 2600: It looked like Chipper wrote some initials and then rubbed them out.
September 9th, 2011 at 1:40 am
On second look he’s just rubbing dirt. Weird. I feel really dumb for watching that twice.
September 9th, 2011 at 1:45 am
Time to bury the birds.
September 9th, 2011 at 7:03 am
Nate, I’m dying to know what he was doing in the dirt.
September 9th, 2011 at 7:33 am
Well that was a good way to sweep. Nice job, boys, let’s keep this kind of play going!
September 9th, 2011 at 9:50 am
So, while we’ve been focusing on the Brewers as our opponent in the NLDS, perhaps we should also look at Arizona, who is only 1.5 games behind Milwaukee for the 2nd-best NL record.
Chase Field has not been a very friendly place for the Braves it seems. We lost both games this season, one a 2-1 game where JJ pitched well but got no run support; and the other one in which Kimbrel blew 1-run a save opportunity in the 11th inning. We were 2-2 against them at Chase last season, and in one of those games Heyward took out McLouth in the outfield.
Still, I like our chances against Arizona a lot better than I do Milwaukee, who’s playing Philly this weekend while Arizona plays SD. I think Milwaukee is a much better team and will wind up with the better record, but I would think it’d be in our favor to play Arizona instead.
September 9th, 2011 at 10:36 am
David – I completely agree. I would much rather face the D’Bags. Then again, at this point, let’s just face someone.
September 9th, 2011 at 11:20 am
I second the preference of the DBacks.
September 9th, 2011 at 11:37 am
Definitely snakes over beer makers when it comes to baseball.
Is Blaine Boyer still on the D’Backs?
September 9th, 2011 at 3:28 pm
Atlanta Braves
Position: Second in NL East; wild card leader by 6 ½ games
X-Factor: Martin Prado
Maybe the most consistent hitter in baseball the past three seasons, Prado is having his worst year, down to .260 with a terrible .307 OBP. Unlike with Jason Heyward, whom manager Fredi Gonzalez has benched for not hitting, Prado continues to bat second for the Braves. This is a problem if he doesn’t hit — not only is his low OBP crippling the offense in the most important spot in the order, but as a right-handed groundball hitter, he’s a huge double-play threat. Prado is fourth in MLB (min. 200 PA) in double-play rate, grounding into one every four chances he has. The Braves need the line-drive Prado back, or their already shaky offense could fall off the cliff.
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/joe_sheehan/09/08/playoff.x.factors/index.html#ixzz1XU920HyV
September 9th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
#179 – Yes. Fredi better keep him at 6 or 7 for the time being. I mean, seriously, how good did the lineup look with Chipper at 2 yesterday. It seemed to make a huge difference.
September 9th, 2011 at 4:29 pm
I agree with facing the D-Backs as well. I guess it’s time to officially resign from the NL east race and root for the Phillies…..Did I just type that?
September 9th, 2011 at 5:03 pm
Jack Wilson playing in place of Seabass.
I missed what Seabass did last night that lead to his “benching.” Was it really egrigious?
September 9th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
#182 – Joe Simpson made a comment (though unconnected with his benching) that, him being out of position at second base to catch the throwdown by David Ross might have been attributed to Gonzales’ mind being on his previous AB, where I believe he popup up in a bases loaded situation.
September 9th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
DOB said Gonzo was getting a scheduled day off.
September 9th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
…and I agree with Fredie on that move. If a guy wants to take his defensive play down with his offense, let him think about it on the bench. Besides, we all know the game has been finding Alex in those situations all year long. I say, give Wilson a shot.
September 9th, 2011 at 5:22 pm
Some hope for you, Steve!
From the article linked:
Gonzalez said ultimately his goal is to get Jason Heyward more at-bats and move him back to the No. 2 spot in the batting order.
http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-braves-blog/2011/09/08/chipper-hits-seconds-as-braves-juggle-lineup/
September 9th, 2011 at 5:23 pm
#184 – It’s probably a good thing for him as well as for the team. Maybe Wilson can get a hit or two in that spot.
September 9th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
@140
@145
And just to answer a bit of the grief I took over a post earlier (from the same article – see the last line):
Neither Gonzalez nor Jones want the veteran to change his approach at the plate. In other words, don’t expect any bunts. It will also be important that Jones not take hittable pitches should Bourn get on base, in an effort to allow him to steal. That became an issue in the first few games after the Braves acquired Bourn as Martin Prado passed on strikes.
September 9th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Martin’s problem was he didn’t understand that you don’t have to completely change your approach just because of Bourn. Maybe now he can realize that in baseball, it all about driving the ball. All that cutsey stuff about a #2 hitter poking the ball through the right side of the field and taking 2 pitches is overrated. Instead of a runner on second and 1 out, how about runners at 2nd and 3rd with no outs.
September 9th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
If it ain’t finding Gonzo, it’s finding Wilson. Much to the same effect, at least tonight.
September 9th, 2011 at 10:42 pm
Come on Kid! You can do it! You want nothing to do with Albert.
September 9th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Venters seems tired…I guess that’s why EOF is resting.
Who said Uggla can’t play D?
September 9th, 2011 at 11:17 pm
#192 – His throw to complete that DP was just amazing.
September 9th, 2011 at 11:31 pm
I know it makes me a weenie but I’d say walk Pujols.
September 9th, 2011 at 11:32 pm
Alright…back to work.
September 9th, 2011 at 11:33 pm
Um, that just sucked. What a strange game. Free baseball.
September 9th, 2011 at 11:34 pm
My way we still coulda wrapped it up in the 9th. I hope they watch Kimbrel and don’t let him go hit stuff. Not with his hands anyway.
September 9th, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Seriously?
September 9th, 2011 at 11:44 pm
Lead blown, now Linebrink in?
Roll Tide.
September 9th, 2011 at 11:53 pm
If my heart was a balloon, it would be making this sound:
pffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
ffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff
fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff…
…
…ffffff….ffff…ff…..ffffffft.
September 9th, 2011 at 11:56 pm
So tired of this crap
September 10th, 2011 at 12:29 am
Can we put Freddie and Linebrink on the waiver wire. I believe Freddie is on the take after that debacle. No rational thinking individual with his team in the playoff hunt puts their worse pitcher on the mound in a tie game situation except Freddie.
September 10th, 2011 at 1:20 am
Is anyone else extremely worried about Jonny Venters? Fredi pretty much blew off a question about Jonny the other night. Given the Heyward injury debacles, the McCann issues, the Schafer issues, I would not put it past this staff to have no clue if something is up with Jonny. He’s a gamer, so he’d probably keep going out there without asking for rest or extended periods of time off. I really hope we haven’t already used him up. I 100% do not believe Fredi when he says that Jonny is fine. I can’t remember him ever giving up runs in 4 or 5 consecutive appearances. Ever.
September 10th, 2011 at 1:56 am
They need to settle Kimbrel after every batter…
He just seems to get into a rush the longer the inning lasts. When it is three up/three down, he doesn’t get too bad, but if it goes longer…
He looks like he balks by not pausing when he gets a runner…
September 10th, 2011 at 2:34 am
Walking a .213 hitter and a player who only has 1 HR to get to one of the greatest players of all time did us in tonight.
September 10th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
Did I mention my sister is a Cardinals fan? Need a win tonight boys! She’s soooo obnoxious!
September 10th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
I think I’ve seen this movie before.
September 10th, 2011 at 7:58 pm
Lets recap:
1. We can’t hit. Especially with runners at 3rd &less than 2 outs.
2. None of our starters can go more than 5 innings.
3. Our bullpen is dead tired.
4. Our top 2 pitchers are injured.
5. Our manager is stupid.
September 10th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
6. We lose in the first round of the playoffs
September 10th, 2011 at 9:50 pm
Well, Heyward and Bourn put together some really nice at-bats there in the 9th. That’s about all I’ve got.
September 10th, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Must win tomorrow. We got our best pitcher against an average pitcher. Gotta win tomorrow. I swear it’s never easy with his team. It sure would be nice to set up our rotation and rest some position players & bullpen arms before playoffs.(If we get there.)
September 10th, 2011 at 9:58 pm
We are 5.5 up but it feels like we are 2 games back.
September 10th, 2011 at 10:04 pm
Nice to see folks having preferences of who the Braves play in the playoffs. If the way they are playing now develops into a trend over next two weeks, they will be playing nowhere in October.
September 10th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
Geez, I can’t wait for the start of the hockey season. We’re done in the first round just like last year.
September 10th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
Most of you don’t care for Frenchie but, I, for one am happy to see this nice guy doing well with his new contract. Did you catch him throwing out a runner at first? Rare.
September 10th, 2011 at 11:54 pm
John j………I am a big Frenchie fan……glad he is doing well.
September 10th, 2011 at 11:55 pm
#214, u are hilarious…
September 10th, 2011 at 11:57 pm
Seems like only last week the Braves were middling. I really miss the middle…
September 10th, 2011 at 11:58 pm
Can this “sports weekend” get any worse? 2 losses by the Braves. Bulldogs THROW the game away…… could the Falcons be next??? Surely not!!!!
September 11th, 2011 at 12:04 am
If the braves are really trying, as DOB suggests, then then the NLCS hope meter should be taking a hit. Will Steve go below a 5?
September 11th, 2011 at 1:35 am
#217 – Yeah, but at least I’m not stoned.
September 11th, 2011 at 6:27 am
#221, Okay?
September 11th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Hudson needs to make a statement today! Hopefully, he has some offense behind him other than the one that in the last two weeks only showed up for the Mets!
September 11th, 2011 at 3:01 pm
Uggghhhh. Any chance that the Hawks could play today just so that every single Atlanta team could make me puke in my mouth?
September 11th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
I think it time to panic. Remember we end the season against the Phillies and they end against he Astros. The only thing that keeps me optimistic is that they have to play the Phillies in a 4 game series soon.
September 11th, 2011 at 3:22 pm
It’s almost like we forgot how to win a baseball game.
September 11th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
I’m afraid the end of this season will end in an epic fail.
September 11th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
Will you guys be offended if I don’t listen to the show this week? Oh my heart…
September 11th, 2011 at 5:19 pm
JJ and Tommy were secretly the key to this team. If only Martin and Heyward played like last year.
September 11th, 2011 at 5:42 pm
Leah, you really don’t want to listen to our Falcons podcast. What an awful week to watch sports in this town.
September 11th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
230, It was kind of like watching a football version of the Braves, only worse.
September 11th, 2011 at 6:26 pm
We do get the Marlins at home this week, and we’ve owned them this year.
September 11th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
As usual, the only guy who shows up is Chipper. Can’t wait for the next time we hear that he should retire or take a pay cut. He IS the team and he better stick around until his hall of famer replacement, McCann, learns how to hit after the all star break.
Got to love the Braves web site talking about the “Road weary Braves”. If that isn’t BS, I don’t know what is. Young guys making more in one year than most folks make in 10 or a lifetime and they can’t get up to play hard for 3 hours at the game they love? Anybody willing or able to step up in serious games? This team is hitting bottom at the wrong time.
Right now the trend is the Braves will either lose the WC in the next two weeks or will slide in for a first round elimination. Which is worse? Time for football.
September 11th, 2011 at 7:00 pm
I have to give credit to Chipper for one thing. He doesn’t care about being PC in his quotes. He tells it like it is. We need more guys like that. I hate when people are overly PC.
September 11th, 2011 at 7:04 pm
Look at this difference. One guy is BSing and the other is telling it like it is:
Fredi Gonzalez
On his statement before the game that the Braves weren’t playing bad baseball
“We’re not. We’re not playing bad baseball. One inning here and one inning there throughout the course of these last six games — not counting the doubleheader in New York — and we got swept. You don’t want to lose. You don’t want to get swept. But let’s just go home and starting winning series.”
Chipper Jones
Tough to get home, regroup and forget this trip?
“Man, we better forget it, because it was brutal. We did nothing right. We didn’t pitch, we didn’t hit … I guess we played OK defense. But when this team’s playing well, we throw strikes, we get outs, we get runners in from third with less than two outs. And when we don’t, it’s pretty ugly.”
“And we’ve gotten WILD all of a sudden. We’re walking guys, we’re hitting guys – that’s a recipe for disaster when the offense is struggling to score three or four runs a game.”
September 11th, 2011 at 8:18 pm
Walker you are dead on – Freddie is just not very bright. Probably a nice guy but does not get his players excited and he has trouble during the game understanding the numbers and what move to make. Chipper is the heart and soul. Glad he is coming back next year. Wish Constanza could get back into the game as he always managed to score.