Show #176: The End of an Era

March 25, 2012

A whole lot on Chipper, a little on JJ, a little less on Vizcaino, and no Steve. Again.

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116 Responses to “Show #176: The End of an Era”

1
Bubdylan Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 1:40 am
Matt, thanks for your work on the blog. Many a quiet midnight I read your stuff & always enjoyed it.

I think the Vizcaino loss is fairly huge. I expect one of the Big Three will go down in the bullpen. But it’s a good year to get him fixed cuz we ain’t goin’ anywhere anyway.

Don’t worry about Chipper getting on a streak at the end and coming back next year. He’ll probably have the urge, but his option won’t vest, and he’ll know Wren is going to be glad to be out of it. So even if he’s tempted, he won’t.

I can’t think of any big Chipper memories, either. My enduring (positive) memory of him is watching him outsmart pitchers, waiting for his pitch, knowing when it’s coming, and then confirming that later in interviews about particular at-bats.

Good show.
2
George Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 10:27 am
I believe Chipper’s retirement will be better for ATL at end of this year (b/c of finances), but I must disagree with y’all that he was a detriment to ATL last year. His numbers, ave~.275, OBP, and even his general defense still made him among one of the better third basemen in Nat’l league, albeit his skills are rapidly eroding. He Might be a detriment this year, but I don’t feel his was last year, IMO.
3
Shaun Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 11:12 am
FanGraphs had Chipper at 9th in Wins Above Replacement among NL thirdbasemen.

Granted, the two most talented thirdbasemen (Wright and Zimmerman) had down years. Sure Chipper’s not the player he once was, of course, and he’s no star but he’s still noticeably more valuable than a fringe-level thirdbaseman.
4
Bubdylan Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 11:57 am
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hw2HtRQ2U8Y&feature=player_embedded

That’s the worst thing I ever heard of.

Unfortunately I was pretty into it after a minute or so. Can see it being a big hit at their stadium.
5
DAP Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 12:00 pm
good show guys. ill really miss chipper. i remember alot of things about him, but they are more personal chipper moments. the night he hit 3 homers in Washington, the year he won the batting title was amazing, and last year when he reached 500 doubles ( iwas there for that one). also, he has been overlooked alot in his career for various awards. he did alot of things for the team that hurt him personally. moving to LF for vinny, renegotiating his contract, ect.

one of these days, youll have to learn how to pronounce tehran, because hopefully he will be an ace for us. its not te-HAY-ron. try Tay-RON.
6
DAP Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 12:01 pm
one other thing, as far as teams with a bunch of hall of famers and few championships, how about the late 80s, early 90s cubs? they had dawson, sandberg, maddux and mark grace, who is not in the HOF but known as the best 1st baseman in cubs history. zero championships.

how about the early to mid 90s Mariners? Griffey, Edgar Martinez, Randy Johnson, Alex rodreguez, ect. no championships.

how about the 90s clevenad indians? eddie murray, sandy alomar, jim thome, manny ramierez, omar vizquel….no championships.

chipper, maddux, smoltz, and glavine played together for 8 seasons, basically. they only won 1 championship, but the above teams didnt win any! they may have not all been together 8 years, but they had plenty of chances.

these are just three teams in recent memory, off the top of my head. my point is, there are plenty of good teams that dont win multiple championships. it has happend before.
7
Curt Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Underachievers, all.
8
DAP Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Curt “Underachievers, all.”

I think thats fair. Just saying, its not unprecedented…and the Braves did get one.
9
Shaun Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
The Braves have the second-best record in the majors since 1991. Those 3,335 games tell us more than however many October games the Braves have played.

I know MLB likes to discount it’s regular season with expanded playoffs and all, but it doesn’t mean everyone else should when trying to judge the goodness or greatness of a team.
10
Bubdylan Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Spring Break delayed.

Braves should have grabbed another championship, especially since their HOF gang was 3/4 starting pitching.
11
Bubdylan Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
We paid more money for Derek Lowe during EACH of his years in Atlanta than Boston paid him for all 8 years of service for them. He gave Boston 18 WAR. He gave us 1.3 WAR. Heck, even the Dodgers got 12 WAR out of him for 36 million total.

btw, he has a 3.00 ERA for the Indians through 15 innings pitched this Spring. fml.
12
Nate Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Great show. Do we really need to revisit all of the playoff failure?

Regular season success is great, but it is not nearly as important as winning it all. Just ask the 2007 Patriots.
13
Walker Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 4:22 pm
That Yankee bias is extremely strong. If Jeter retired there would be non stop coverage. It crazy when in fact Chipper is a way better player than Jeter in the course of their careers. Imagine if Chipper played for the Yankees. Chipper is a surefire hall of famer. It’s not even a question to ask. ESPN should be ashamed of themselves. They talk NFL non stop. Baseball doesn’t exist on ESPN except for baseball tonight. Thank god for MLB Network.
14
Walker Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 4:29 pm
Chipper was way better than Dale murphy. If there was a top 100 all time players list, Chipper would definitely be between 80 and 100.
15
Shaun Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 4:41 pm
One month out of seven is not a good way to measure whether a team underachieved, especially if that one month is a series of 5- and 7-game series in which if you lose a series, you don’t advance to the next one.

Of course I understand why there needs to be playoffs and a World Series. Baseball would certainly be very boring if, at the end of 162, the AP took a poll to decide the world champ. And I wouldn’t even go so far as to say the playoffs don’t matter at all when sizing up a team.

But it’s still a small sample relative to the regular season.

As a fan, of course I wanted and want more championships from the Braves. But purely from an objective perspective, if we are analyzing whether the Braves underachieved, we need to look at the big picture.
16
Bubdylan Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 5:39 pm
The truth is, a playoff system that truly crowned the best team in baseball would take the winningest NL team and put them against the winningest AL in about a 21-game series. Probably wouldn’t be good for the sport in any other way, but it would give you a champ that, way more times than not, was the best team in the sport that year.

It has always been a joke to decide a champion of a sport where the best teams lose regularly to the worst teams (no other sport can claim this) in a handful of games.
17
Walker Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 5:53 pm
But you have to admit that the Braves did choke in the playoffs. 15 straight years should not equal 1 championship.
18
Bubdylan Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 6:13 pm
They should have won at least 2 more. Cox was pretty awful in the post.
19
David Says:
March 26th, 2012 at 9:41 pm
#14 – Baseball-Reference ranks Chipper as the 26th best all-time hitter, right after Cal Ripken and right before Carl Yastrzemski and Ken Griffey, Jr.

#16 – “It has always been a joke to decide a champion of a sport where the best teams lose regularly to the worst teams (no other sport can claim this) in a handful of games.” — I don’t quite understand this statement…when do the best teams lose to, let alone *play*, the worst teams in the playoffs?
20
Bubdylan Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 12:39 am
#19 – What I mean is: in a sport where the Pirates can beat the Yankees in a three game series (in the regular season) and nobody will be terribly shocked, you’ll certainly never decide who is the best versus who is only the second best team in the sport in a 5 or 7 game series (in the post season).
21
David Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 9:09 am
#20 – Okay, I see what you mean. Thanks for clarifying.

On that point, you’re right — the current playoff system doesn’t determine who the best team in baseball is. But then, I think you have to redefine what constitutes the “best” team. Is it the team with the most wins during the regular season? Or the team that, when elimination is on the line, they succeed? Or the team that beats another team who has several injured players at that time?

Like Bobby Cox used to say, the playoffs are a crapshoot. That’s basically why I don’t like the one-game wild card playoff that MLB is implementing.
22
Walker Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 11:17 am
26 greatest hitter all time isn’t that bad.
23
Walker Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 11:42 am
Hope we get Marlon Byrd.
24
Bubdylan Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 12:45 pm
David, I don’t like it, either. It would be logical to penalize the Wild Card team in this way IF the Wild Card always went to the fourth best team in the league. But it does not. It often goes to the third or even second best team in the league. That was the whole reason the Wild Card was installed to begin with, I thought. Or if it wasn’t the reason, it should have been.

The more we dilute the playoffs, the less chance we’ll ever see great teams regularly take the crown. This is bad news for baseball purity, but actually pretty good news for Atlanta. The Braves getting a Cardinals 2011 Style championship is their best bet now, and any decent team can do that by slipping in as the last pathetic Wild Card team.

At the same time, it will benefit middling teams by often knocking off the AL East 2nd place team in an absurd one-game playoff versus some AL clunker, and any NL with WS aspirations should be happy about that.

So the good news is, the Braves benefit. The bad news is, they really shouldn’t. The sport is becoming stupider for it.
25
BRAVEinNY (Matt) Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 1:14 pm
Hey guys, Thanks a lot for the shout-out. I appreciate your support! I had a blast writing for you for the past three years and when things calm down we’ll see what the future brings (Bret Favre).

#1- Bub, It was my pleasure.
26
Bubdylan Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
Nate McLouth & Derek Lowe both having great springs. Maybe it’s the culture here?
27
CantHearYouPeach Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 1:48 pm
Loved the last show and discussion of Chipper’s HOF credentials. Just wondering, if he hadn’t been a switch hitter but had same stats would he be in HOF? Also, any way to get the show on Sticher?
28
Bubdylan Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
How many baseball teams, would you guess, have longer current championship droughts than the Braves’ 16 year drought?

How many teams would you guess have zero championships?
29
Kate Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Running through the teams in my head (while at work) I came up with 19 teams have a longer drought and 7 have never won. How close am I?
30
Bubdylan Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
Seriously? In your head? Well, that’s impressive. Both are correct. Come on, though: seriously??

Never won:

Rangers
Astros
Padres
Nationals
Brewers
Mariners
Rockies

Longer droughts (years)

Blue Jays (18)
Rockies (20)
Twins (20)
Reds (21)
Athletics (22)
Dodgers (23)
Mets (25)
Royals (26)
Tigers (27)
Orioles (28)
Pirates (32)
Mariners (35)
Brewers (43)
Nationals (43)
Padres (43)
Astros (50)
Rangers (53)
Indians (63)
Cubbies (103 – yeesh)

btw, that was taken off a trivia site and I had to correct to errors that I saw myself, so there could be any number of mistakes in it.
31
Bubdylan Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
*correct two errors
32
Kate Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 4:59 pm
Well you missed the Rays on your never won list. I missed the Mariners on mine.
And yes seriously in my head. I can’t remember some family members birthdays but I can name WS winners. I don’t know if I should be proud or sad.
33
Leah Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 5:12 pm
Is it bad that I forgot Buddy was a Brave until today? Does that make me a bad fan?
34
David Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 6:15 pm
#24 – you and I are in agreement on the playoffs. Here’s what I think they ought to do, and they could do this as soon as next season when the Astros make the switch to the AL:

- Form 2 15-team leagues; do away with divisions.
- The top 4 or 5 teams from each league receive playoff berths.
- Playoff system:
A) with 4 teams: 3 rounds of playoffs — 2 in each league, World Series
B) with 5 teams: seeds 4 and 5 play a 3-game series to determine the “number 4″ seed, and then you’ve got 3 rounds of playoffs from there.

So — essentially, you’re getting rid of the “division winner is guaranteed a playoff spot” and only taking the top 4-5 teams in each league.

The fact that a team could have a rather mediocre record and still win their division while two other wild card teams — with better records than said division winner — duke it out means that it’s a poorly-designed playoff system.

For example: in 2006, the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series with a season record of 83-78. Because they played in a weak division, they were automatically guaranteed a playoff spot — while a team with a better record (the Phillies, at 85-77) were denied a spot. Now, while I don’t exactly mind that the Phillies didn’t get in, it’s not a good system. In fact, it’s idiotic and asinine.

By the way, the Mets were the only NL team with over 90 wins in 2006. That’s astounding.
35
Bubdylan Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 6:27 pm
#34 – those plans sound much better to me than the current system.
36
Anne Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 6:35 pm
Just listened to the show. Brave in NY – I hope this alleged new baby is named “Larry Wayne.”
37
Bubdylan Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 7:42 pm
I saw “alleged new baby” and “Larry Wayne” and thought, oh no, what now? 8)
38
Walker Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 8:00 pm
@37

LOOOOOOOOOLLLLLL!!!

There isn’t reason for alarm until you see “alleged new baby” , “Larry Wayne” and “Hooters” in the same sentence. lol

I still love you Chipper.
39
Steve Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 11:07 pm
#27-canthearyoupeach, welcome to the board. Great screen name, btw. I think Chipper is still a HOF’er even if he wasn’t a switch hitter. The longevity + the career avg/obp/slg + homers would get him in. Also. Yes on Stitcher. I plan to get that done by Opening Day.
40
Steve Says:
March 27th, 2012 at 11:08 pm
Speaking of Opening Day. The whole 1st game in Japan that’s 8 days prior to the real OD is just silly.
41
Curt Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 7:42 am
As is a $2 billion price for the Dodgers. On what planet are the Dodgers, or any sports team for that matter, worth $2 billion. And if that is where the going rate of baseball teams is headed, who will ever be able to buy the Braves from Liberty? They’ll end up being run by a hedge fund.
42
Nate Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
I have a bad feeling that all of these young starting pitchers are about to ruin our bullpen. We almost need the ‘pen to finish every game after the 6th inning, and in some games they will be called on in the 6th or earlier.. I don’t feel good about Hanson, JJ, Beachy, Minor, or Delgado getting past the 6th inning on a consistent basis.
43
Walker Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
The Braves are the only major mlb team of the south (Florida doesn’t count). You would think there would be some Jerry Jones type that would love to own this team.
44
BRAVEinNY (Matt) Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 2:38 pm
#36

Anne- I don’t think I can get away with naming the kid “Larry Wayne” but maybe I can take a que from Chipper and name it “Citi Field.”
45
Leah Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
I like Freddie Freeman.
46
Bubdylan Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Sweet catch by Heyward to rob a homer.

Also sweet homer by Heyward to tie it up. Good to see.
47
Bubdylan Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 4:16 pm
Announcers in today’s game were talking about how, being in the Braves clubhouse earlier, the players were talking about how much they were ready get Spring over with and get going with the season.

Here’s Albert Pujols’s response to that same question:

“Maybe if you’d asked me that seven years ago I would have said, ’Yeah, I’m ready. Let’s go.’ But you learn in this game not to worry about tomorrow. When the time comes, then you think about it. Every day, your focus needs to be on trying to learn something, to get better.”
48
Anne Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 5:34 pm
I accept “Citifield” – awesome. Congrats, Matt!

Also love that I of all people didn’t intend the use of “alleged child” and “Chipper” in the same post as hilarious.
49
Bubdylan Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 6:34 pm
Well, add Rosenthal’s voice to the chorus. Another writer thinks it’s 4th place for the Bravos.

At least he has us as the 17th best team in baseball. Yeesh.

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/2012-mlb-postseason-world-series-prediction-detroit-tigers-to-win-it-all-032612
50
Walker Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 7:52 pm
I think people are overrating the Marlins. Im more scared of the Nationals. I guess they don’t like our rotation for some reason but at least we have 5 solid guys that give us a chance to win. Add to that a full season of Bourn and improvements by Uggla, Prado, and Heyward. 4th place just doesn’t seem right.
51
Walker Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 7:57 pm
There is no way there are 16 teams better than the Braves.
52
Bubdylan Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 8:12 pm
I think the starting pitching is a major concern.

If we can keep Chipper on the bench, though, these guys bunched up together could be dangerous:

Bourn
Prado
McCann
Uggla
Freeman

Then whatever Heyward, and whatever pathetic SS they drag out there, and our LF can do, we’ll just have to suffer through the bottom half of the order. I’ve always favored a powerhouse top of the order with a weak bottom over an even spread of only solid hitters, though I know you fellas disagree. I’ve seen convincing studies that show scoring in bunches is more effective and “black holes” in the line up don’t hurt too bad if there’s a killer section at the other end.

But anyway, the Braves could have an exciting offense. But their starting pitching and their defense are liable to land us in 3rd or 4th place; I can easily see that. Especially when the offense slumps, as they all do, even the great ones.

Call me a believer on the Marlins. They’re dangerous.
53
Curt Says:
March 28th, 2012 at 9:17 pm
I don’t think there are 16 teams better than the Braves either, but it is entirely possible that there are 3 teams in the NL East better than them.
54
Steve Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 11:45 am
#47: Bub was that a criticism of the Braves’ attitude? Feels like no win for the team. Either they’re too business like or too rarin’ to go.

I’m nervous about both the Marlins and the Nats. Not sure they’re better than us, but they’re certainly factors for the first time in years.
55
Steve Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 11:47 am
We just traded Asencio to the Indians for cash. YES!!!!! I’m very excited about this move.
56
David Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 3:12 pm
I initially hoped that the ascencio trade would add some payroll flexibility to acquire an OF (like Byrd), but I doubt the money received for a 1-inning minor league reliever will make much of a difference.

Looks like Heyward has got it coming together. Good to see that happening!
57
Curt Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
In more news, Braves are selling old equipment this weekend at a team yard sale. Details also available on Craig’s List.
58
Bubdylan Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Steve, I didn’t get the idea they were ‘rarin’ to go’ so much as they were hot and tired of ST. But that’s the interpretation given to the quotes by the announcers, so maybe he had it wrong.
59
Bubdylan Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
*he = they.
60
Bubdylan Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Ascencio for cash was a lame move. What the heck? Are we THAT tight for cash? Guy was valuable. My goodness this organization is puzzling.
61
Curt Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 4:31 pm
As Gearrin gets shelled, again.
62
Steve Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 4:40 pm
#61 – Yeah, Gearrin falling apart and yet there’s no other choice for the bullpen. He’ll get a slot by default. Damn, the Vizcaino injury is a big blow.
63
Kate Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
I was at the game today and Gearrin couldn’t find the strike zone and when he did it was hit hard. The homer by Heyward was amazing, he crushed it.
64
David Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 5:05 pm
As much as I think Medlen’s arm is needed in the bullpen (especially with Gearrin heading there), I think that they should go with Medlen in the 5th spot and move Delgado to the ‘pen.

In explaining the Ascencio move, Wren said that they did it b/c he didn’t really fit with what they want from that last spot — he said that Ascencio is a one-inning guy, and they want a guy who could go for multiple innings if needed. Medlen fits that, but now that Delgado has been stretched out, he could fit that as well.
65
Bubdylan Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
I’d rather Delgado start. Just take a deep breath every fifth game and hope for the best. Meanwhile, Medlen + O’Flaherty + Venters + Kimbrel in the pen makes every single game seem winnable, and without overtaxing them. If we have a shaky Delgado in the pen, Venters can go ahead and put Dr. Andrews on speed dial.

I personally wish they’d split up the big three and make it a BP rotation of:

Medlen in the 8th, Kimbrel in the 9th

then the next day,

O’Flaherty in the 8th, Venters in the 9th.

The other guys could take the 7th inning, and 6th when pressed.
66
Bubdylan Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 5:37 pm
Do you know who I miss? Jeff Francoeur. I swear I do. I honestly miss the guy. I’m not sure what to make of it.
67
Leah Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 5:48 pm
Are you off your mess again? Kate…so jealous! Even with a loss bet it was fun.
68
Walker Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 6:46 pm
Medlen is more valuable in the bullpen as he can affect more games that way. Lack of bullpen depth killed us last year.
69
Bubdylan Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 7:06 pm
I wish I was off my mess.
70
Leah Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 8:22 pm
Hehe…stupid auto correct.
71
Steve Says:
March 29th, 2012 at 9:15 pm
#69 – Hilarious.

Yeah, I even more strongly believe that Medlen is a greater asset in the BP. There’s going to be plenty of short starts this year – he will take a lot of pressure off the other guys.
72
Curt Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 7:38 am
Don’t we have Christian Martinez to be another long reliever? Do we need 3 long relievers on the team? I’ve never heard of such a thing. And if that’s the case, put Buddy Carlyle on the roster. I’d rather him, and send Delgado to AAA. Let Medlen have a couple of starts until Hudson gets back and then put him in the pen too.
73
Steve Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 9:59 am
I think the Delgado starts also serve the purpose of getting him more reliable for the rotation in the long term. Assuming he stays healthy, JJ will likely be gone at midyear. We need a reliable Delgado.
74
Bubdylan Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
#73, agreed 100%. The whole plan is built around trading Jurrjens for something decent, and for that we need one of the youngsters to get ready.
75
Curt Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 1:42 pm
“decent” good one. Our good friend Cash

Come on down to Crazy Frank’s Barnfire. Everything must GOOOOOOOO!

You want an over-hyped rookie sensation? We got plenty of them. How about a #3? Yours for the taking. If you’ve got cold hard cash to offer, we’ll even throw in Homer.

All offers subject to public ridicule. Sale ends July 31, 2012.

So come on down to Crazy Frank’s. Our asking price is so low, you will think we are INSAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!
76
Bubdylan Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
#75 = Awesome.

Frank’s got the perfect hair for that commercial, too.

Yunel could do a cameo promo in it: “Dees leetle shortstop weent to Canada for the price of only 1.3 Weens Above Replacings from free-sweenging guy pouty as me and plus looks like a beeg feesh! Dat Frank Wreen ees loco!”
77
Walker Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Lol

I hate being reminded of that Yunel trade.
78
Nate Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
and now we’re picking up players the Astros don’t even want..
79
Bubdylan Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Livan Hernandez? I … uh … hmm.
80
Nate Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 3:48 pm
I checked to see if it was April 1st when I saw the news. Unfortunately, it’s still March.
81
Bubdylan Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Overheard on Talking Chop: “Braves Throw Livan Hernandez Into Swimming Pool, Finally Make Big Offseason Splash.”

I’m sugar-high on my sister’s incredibly sweet tea right now, but I almost like this move.
82
Mark in Memphis Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
Makes me fear a bit that they might more readily trade Medlen… However, if they can pick up a real starting LF guy, then it might be worth it…
83
Mark in Memphis Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 4:28 pm
The phrase “there are no bad one year contracts” keeps coming to mind…
84
Walker Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 4:47 pm
They will not trade Medlen as it would be the dumbest thing they could do.
85
Frigatedoc Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
Livan Hernandez? Not sure what to think…. part of me thinks that this is a good thing…but part of me thinks that this shows just how bad our rotation may be.

BTW, Doesn’t this go against the phrase “If you can’t beat em, join em?” Maybe on the bright side this means that he will not beat us 5 times this year? OR he may cost us games pitching!
86
Frigatedoc Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 5:25 pm
Well, at least we didn’t have to trade away any good equipment like bats or balls for Hernandez.
87
Steve Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 8:35 pm
The Livan move is all just more insurance. Lots of youngsters in the rotation. This gives the team more options. It’s not exciting, it’s not sexy, but it’s not a bad move as I see it.
88
Bubdylan Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 10:47 pm
If it doesn’t work out, he can always sell cartoon balloons in town.
89
Curt Says:
March 30th, 2012 at 11:23 pm
I think it shows how little confidence they have right now in Teheran and Delgado.

Nate, do you mean April 1, 1997?
90
Nate Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 12:59 am
Well, the 750K contract for Livan does show that Livan is a competitor and loves baseball, otherwise why not hang it up? I can’t imagine he is really hurting for the money at this point in his career. Hope it works out for everyone, and leave it to Steve to have the calm, rational point of view on all this. I just wonder how great his ERA is going to look if he doesn’t get to face us.
91
Nate Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 1:01 am
and thanks to this move I’ve had “Levon” stuck in my head all day.
92
Steve Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 7:39 am
Levon wears his war wound like a crown…
93
Anne Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 8:17 am
#91-92 – me, too. I’ll pay someone double to play Levon when he comes running from the bullpen. Here’s hoping he shall be a good man.
94
Steve Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 10:06 am
Just dawned on me that the Livan move also means they’re not forced to give Gearrin a spot on the 25 man roster as it was looking after the Ascencio sale.
95
Steve Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 10:11 am
Enjoy…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mR3eK5gCChM&feature=youtu.be
96
Bubdylan Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 11:44 am
#95 UGH! I’ll never forgive you for that, Steve.
97
Kate Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 12:12 pm
If it wasn’t for Eric Gregg’s terrible strike zone I might not be a baseball fan. I became a fan during the 1997 World Series and the only reason I watched was because the Marlins were in it.
98
Bubdylan Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 12:32 pm
“His work in Game 5 in the 1997 National League playoff series was voted by Baseball America as the third-worst umpire performance of 1975 – 2000 era. His strike zone was later determined to measure five feet from top to bottom and an unbelievable six feet wide. One memorable call has him calling a strike on a pitch that was over the head of Fred McGriff.”

Sweet Lord, I’d hate to see the top two worst performances if that was #3. Did somebody call a strike on a pitch out?
99
Steve Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 12:53 pm
#98, I remember it vividly, but hadn’t seen video of it in many years. It’s so egregious as not to be believed. MLB officials should have run on to the field in the middle of the game to stop it. So crazy.
100
Nate Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Verlander is ridiculous.

Are u guys doing picks on the next show?
101
Walker Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 6:28 pm
I dont remember the game but was Gregg calling those pitches against the Marlins batters as well?

Also was he investigated for obviously being a dumbass? God bless the dead.
102
Curt Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 10:35 pm
Nate – predictions this week, and a guest.

Walker, Gregg was fired when MLB purged the umpires the year they threatened to walk out, or walked out. I really can’t remember. He was one of the few who was not rehired. It is believed that a great deal due to his calls in that game. He was also consistently voted one of the worst umpires in the league. That game was certainly his opus, but he was a crap ump before that display.
103
Curt Says:
March 31st, 2012 at 10:37 pm
Oh, we also got picked up by an online radio station out of Baltimore. Herb FM. We are going nuclear. Everyone write them to tell them how much you love the show.
104
Steve Says:
April 1st, 2012 at 12:31 am
#101: Great question. I have no idea. Anyone else remember?
105
Curt Says:
April 1st, 2012 at 9:37 am
I can’t imagine those calls were going both ways if all these years later, it is still deemed so egregious.

I can’t believe no one was thrown out. Bobby should have been tossed in the 2nd inning.
106
Bubdylan Says:
April 1st, 2012 at 9:57 am
The Wiki article only mentioned his zone against Braves’ hitters, but it didn’t really emphasize it in that way, so I dunno.
107
Leah Says:
April 1st, 2012 at 1:43 pm
The more I hear Martin Prado speak the more I love him.
108
Walker Says:
April 1st, 2012 at 3:39 pm
I guess Juan Franciso is short term insurance because even though he has power he doesn’t walk at all. The strikeouts are too high and he is injury prone.
109
Walker Says:
April 1st, 2012 at 3:44 pm
However his batting averages are pretty high meaning when he makes contact they turn into hits. Maybe Greg Walker can teach him plate discipline. I would say this is a solid trade with nothing to lose. Hoover was solid but going nowhere in our system.
110
Leah Says:
April 1st, 2012 at 3:45 pm
I hope somebody in the dugout is preaching patience to the Rev. Let’s go Ski!
111
Leah Says:
April 1st, 2012 at 3:50 pm
Wait…who just swung on junk and hit into a dp? The Rev needs to preach patience to that guy. ST games are confusing in the 9th.
112
Pure Says:
April 1st, 2012 at 5:25 pm
I wonder how many wins you guys will predict. Maybe: Steve: 90; Curt: 80. Ham always seems undecided so he’ll probably play it safe and say 85.
113
Curt Says:
April 1st, 2012 at 5:59 pm
80 is way too high. Come on. Be real.
114
Bubdylan Says:
April 1st, 2012 at 8:27 pm
I’ll say 84 wins for these Bravos.
115
Steve Says:
April 1st, 2012 at 8:51 pm
Just finished an interview with DOB. It will be part of the predictions show.
116
Walker Says:
April 1st, 2012 at 9:58 pm
Braves will be successful because a surpisingly good offense. Uggla ,prado, heyward, and Bourn all have big years. Hanson and Beachy dominate. The Braves win 92 games and the division.

Show #176: The End of an Era

116 Responses to “Show #176: The End of an Era”

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